Subject,Illustration,Application,Scripture,Source,Talk Title,Talk Number,Code,Date,Date Edited
"Bold, relationships, peaceful,","A NEWLY paved road appears solid, impervious to damage. Over time, however, cracks and potholes may develop. Restoration is necessary to ensure safety and to preserve the road.","In a similar way, our relationships with others may occasionally become strained and may even crack. The apostle Paul acknowledged that there were differences in viewpoint among Christians in Rome. He counseled fellow Christians: “Let us pursue the things making for peace and the things that are upbuilding to one another.”  Why is it necessary to “pursue the things making for peace”? How can we courageously and effectively pursue peace?","Rom. 14:13, 19","November 15, 2008 WT page 17",TRUE FRIENDSHIP WITH GOD AND NEIGHBOR,160,1,2/28/2009,12/18/2024
"Life, Everlasting, value, boredom, bored, gold, ","Some feel that the shortness of life is what makes it so precious. They may compare life to gold, which exists only in limited amounts. If gold could be found everywhere, they point out, its value would be diminished. Nevertheless, gold would still be beautiful.",Surely the same is true of life.,Romans 6:23;,Society's Web Site,HOW PURPOSEFUL IS YOUR LIFE?,60,,5/30/2006,5/17/2025
"weapon, mighty, truth, sword, strong, weak,",The pen is mightier than the sword.,"However the Bible, our sword is mightier.  We must be trained to use it.",Ephesians 6:17;,Jim Kinkade,PAYING ATTENTION TO THE PROPHETIC WORD,102,1,7/9/2013,
"Paregoric, doctor, cure, soothes, comforts, messages, good news,","Are You a ""Paregoric"" Person?  Is there a doctor in the house? The ""house"" being the Kingdom Hall.  But what kind of doctor do we need, and how can all of us be doctors? The word ""Paregoric"" had the meaning of a mild pain reliever developed in the 16th century. It is a mild sedative that soothes and comforts. In Bible times, the word ""Paregoric"" was a person that delivered statements or comforting messages of good news to the people in the market places. In Colossians 4:10,11 the Apostle Paul wrote of such men when he said while in prison, ""my fellow captive sends you his greetings, and so does Mark. Only these are my fellow workers for the kingdom of God and these very ones have become a strengthening aid' to me."" These ones were humans able to comfort other humans. There was a need for Paregoric people at that time to give comforting aid to others.  There are all kinds of medicines out there to 'cure' whatever ailments we have. All of them do the job, but some are bitter, some are distasteful, some burn. ","But there are certain paregoric medicines that give us comfort when we are hurting. We are a collection of imperfect humans. How are we dealing with our imperfect brothers and sisters who are striving to serve Jehovah?  Are we harsh on them even when they are in the wrong, or are we like those messengers of comfort to others in the congregation?  ""By their fruits, you will recognize them;"" so says Matthew 7. We are recognized as true witnesses by how we treat our brothers and sisters--not by simply going to the kingdom hall. So there is a true need for paregoric people today. We deliver messages of good news to people in the market place or wherever we may go. But we also are strengthening aids to our brothers and sisters when we give words of comfort. Are you a paregoric person?","Colossians 4:10, 11;",Bobby Laymon,Service Talk,200,1,8/25/2009,5/1/2025
"Witnessing, return visit, qualified, death, dead,","Brother Bowling was preparing to go in service for the first time in Kansas.  He said, Brother, I just don't think I can say that.  The brother said, If you can just tell them 'the dead are dead,' it is more than they know.",Often times we know more than we think.  Especially if it is based on God's Word.,"Ecclesiastes 9:5, 10;",Joe Bowling,STAND STILL AND SEE THE SALVATION OF JEHOVAH,41,1,5/15/2007,
"love, faith, obedience, printery, equipment,","The aspect of love was illustrated. A girl bakes a cake for her parents. Likely, the parents will be touched. Yes, however the cake turns out, what touches the parents is their child’s love, as shown by her generous act.","Similarly, when Jehovah looks at this new printery, he sees beyond the building and the machinery. Primarily, he sees it as an expression of love for his name.",Hebrews 6:10,"w05 12/1 p. 12 A Testimony to Love, Faith, and Obedience",,0,,1/27/2006,
"Peace, distress, circumstances, pressure, tired, abuse,","An employee may work under an abusive manager.  However, the employee has an opportunity to express his feeling to the owner of the company, who is a kind, reasonable man.  The owner assures the employee that he understands the situation and reveals that the manager will soon be removed from his position.  How does that assurance strengthen his resolve to continue on.  To even face more difficulties?","In like manner, Jehovah assures us that this wicked system will soon be removed and even Satan will be no more.  Does this not give us strength to continue on, even facing more difficulties?","Philippians 4:6, 7","WT March 15, 2008 page 14.",GAINING COMFORT IN ALL OUR TRIBULATIONS,105,1,5/11/2008,
"Pornography, internet, videos, television,","A mother has washed and dressed her small boy in preparation for an important occasion. He asks if he can play outdoors before the family departs, and she agrees—on one condition. She says: “Don’t go anywhere near that puddle outside. If you get muddy, you will be punished.” Within minutes, though, she sees the boy teetering on his toes at the very edge of the puddle. He is not muddy—yet. Still, he is ignoring her warning not to go near the puddle, and trouble is almost sure to ensue. (Proverbs 22:15) Many youths and adults who should know better make a similar mistake. How so?","In these times when so many have given in “to disgraceful sexual appetites,” an entire industry has arisen around the promotion of illicit sexual relations. (Romans 1:26, 27) The pornography plague has proliferated in magazines, books, videos, and on the Internet. Those who choose to take such images into their mind are hardly fleeing from fornication. They are toying with it, teetering on the verge, disregarding the Bible’s warning. Instead of safeguarding the heart, they are poisoning it with vivid images that may take years to fade from memory. (Proverbs 6:27) Let us learn from faithful Job, who made a covenant—a formal agreement—with his own eyes, not to expose them to what would only tempt him to do wrong. (Job 31:1) Now, that is an example to follow!","Romans 1:26, 27",w04 2/15 p. 12 pars. 10-11 Maintain Chastity by Safeguarding Your Heart ,,0,,1/27/2006,7/13/2025
"Memory, forget, reminders, remember,","Did you ever see a runner improve his stride by merely watching others run, or a skier develop speed by only watching others ski?  No, something more than observing is necessary -- exercise.",Memory training parallels physical training and requires regular mental exercise.  Without it there can be no improvement.,Deuteronomy 32:18;Lamentations 3:17;,G60 10/22 9,PAYING ATTENTION TO THE PROPHETIC WORD,102,,5/31/2006,
"Satan, Devil, birth, resurrection, failure, doom, blank sheet, sins, funeral, death, God's memory,","At birth, a human starts out like a blank sheet of paper, as it were. At death, he has filled that blank sheet with the decisions, actions, and experiences of a lifetime that shaped his individuality and personality.","That information can be filed away in Jehovah’s memory. In due time, Jehovah can restore the individual to life again, complete with his unique life pattern. (John 5:28, 29) Thus, although not God’s original purpose for humans, death has given Jehovah the opportunity to show that his power reaches even beyond the grave. Indeed, Jehovah is “God, the Almighty.”","John 5:28, 29;",w10 1/15 pp. 26-27 par. 12,The Resurrection-Victory Over Death!,132,1,1/8/2011,
"Reading the Bible, Speak to God, Pray, mirror, adjustments, correction, counsel,","HOW often do you look at yourself in a mirror? For most of us, this is a daily practice—perhaps something we do several times every day. Why? Because we are concerned about our appearance.","Reading the Bible can be likened to peering into a mirror.  The message recorded in God’s Word has the power to allow us to see ourselves as we really are. It “pierces even to the dividing of soul and spirit.”  In other words, it divides what we appear to be on the outside from what we really are on the inside. It shows us where adjustments are needed, just as a mirror does.",James 1:23-25; Hebrews 4:12;,w09 8/1 p. 13,PAYING ATTENTION TO THE PROPHETIC WORD,102,1,1/7/2011,
"Jesus Christ, Creation, Master worker,",Did you ever see a waterfall plunging hundreds of feet to the floor.  You can feel the vibration under your feet.  It is like a thousand hammers.  Rock badger; locust swarm; gecko lizard.,Good points on creation and Jesus as the Master Worker.,"Romans 1:20; Proverbs 6:6; 30:27, 28; 8:31;","Michael Castriba; Follow The Christ District Convention; Tulsa, OK Jun 1-3 2007",APPRECIATING MARVELS OF GOD'S CREATION,114,1,6/4/2007,
"Beware of Spiritism, Satan, Devil, lures, temptation, desires,","In reality, spiritism does for the demons what lures do for fishermen. A fisherman uses a variety of lures to catch different kinds of fish.","Similarly, wicked spirits use different forms of spiritism to bring all sorts of people under their influence. The leader of the demons is referred to as “the god of this [wicked] system of things.” He is successful at blinding the minds of unbelievers to the truth of God’s Word and purpose.",2 Corinthians 4:4;,g 7/08 p. 10,THE BIBLE'S VIEW OF SPIRITISTIC PRACTICES,95,1,1/8/2011,
"Jesus Christ, Focus, Devil, oppose, dress, tatoos, piercings,",The proverbial 'deer in the headlights.'  What is he thinking about just before the truck hits him?  Nothing!  He has lost focus.,Satan wants us to lose our focus.  He quotes and misapplies Scripture.  Following Jesus example we can keep our focus and live.,Matthew 4:5-7;,"Joseph Goodwin; Follow The Christ District Convention; Tulsa, OK Jun 1-3 2007",,0,1,6/4/2007,
"Born again, anointed, 144,000,","Picture a city that has several schools. One of them is set aside as a school for students belonging to a native, or indigenous, population living in an area far from that city. One day, a young man who does not belong to that native group tells the principal of that school, “I want to enroll in your school.” The principal tells him, “To enroll, you must be a native.” Of course, the principal’s words are not a command. He is not ordering the student, “Be a native!” The principal simply states the fact—the requirement for attending that school.","Similarly, when Jesus said: “You people must be born again,” he was simply stating a fact—the requirement for one to “enter into the kingdom of God.”",John 3:7,w09 4/1 p. 6,,0,1,2/16/2010,
"Faithful and discreet slave, spiritual food, proper time,","Like a mother who makes sure that her child is well-fed and cared for,","The ""faithful and discreet slave"" provides an abundance of timely spiritual food for our spiritual advancement.",Matthew 24:45-47;,w06 04/01  Page 24,,0,,6/15/2006,
"Curiosity, questions, explorer, venture, teach,","What inspires a chef to create a new recipe?  What impels an explorer to venture to faraway places?  What makes a child ask so many questions?  More often that not, it is curiosity.","""Man is a being who asks questions.  From time we are born we begin to ask questions.  It might even be said that mankind's history is the history of questions and answers that we men have formulated.""  Quote: Octavio Paz.  Mexican poet.",Psalm 199:37;,"June 1, 2008 WT page 18, 19;",PARENTS--ARE YOU BUILDING WITH FIRE-RESISTANT MATERIALS?,104,1,6/27/2008,
"Marriage, families, weddings, communication, listening, speaking,"," Some couples get into a rut of hearing without listening and speaking without communicating. Warm and affectionate interaction is replaced by curt, cold routine.","What communication errors can be avoided in order to forge a stronger marital relationship?Purposeful, open dialogue tends to be overwhelmed by incessant arguments about anything, everything, and nothing. Misinterpretation generates misunderstandings; verbal attacks are countered with icy silence.",1 Corinthians 7:28;,g 7/08 p. 5,GETTING MARRIAGE OFF TO A GOOD START,27,1,1/8/2011,
"Righteousness, eternity,","If you stand on a beach and watch the waves roll in one after the other, you no doubt feel a sense of permanence. You know that the waves will keep coming, breaking on that beach for countless ages to come. Jehovah says that your righteousness—your course of doing right—can be like that.","As long as you endeavor to be faithful to him, he will never let you fail! (Psalm 55:22) Do not such heartwarming promises build up your faith in Jehovah and in his righteous requirements?",Psalm 55:22,lv chap. 17 p. 199 par. 8 “Building Up Yourselves on Your Most Holy Faith”,HOW WELL DO YOU KNOW GOD?,1,1,2/28/2009,
"Jealousy, fire, zeal, thoughts, attitude,","Jealousy is from the Greek word ze'o--meaning to burn. Is this good or bad? It depends: If it's a cold winter's day, and you come home and there is a roaring fire in the fireplace, then that is very good; but if you come home, winter or summer, and find your house burning to the ground, that is not good news at all.","It is the same with jealousy which can be good or bad depending on the circumstances. We must display a real burning jealousy for Jehovah and his service, which can fire us up to greater activity, and avoid the destructive jealousy that will eventually leave us out in the cold without the shelter of our Christian brotherhood.",Exodus 34:14;,Bobby Laymon,JEALOUSY--PROPER AND IMPROPER,76,1,8/31/2009,
"fate, predestination, luck, principles, order,","Farmers know that for every crop, there is a right time for planting it. What if a farmer ignores that simple fact and plants a crop at the wrong time or season? Should he blame it on fate if he does not get a good harvest, even though he has worked hard on it? Of course not! He simply did not plant the crop at the right time.","The farmer could have done well had he followed the natural order of things established by the Creator.   Thus, what God has set down is, not the fate of individuals or the outcome of all events, but certain principles that govern the operation of human affairs in line with his purpose. For humans to enjoy the result of their endeavors, they must discern and work in harmony with God's purpose and time.",Ecclesiastes 3:2.,"Mar 15, 2009 WT page 6",,0,1,6/18/2009,
"Speech, Refreshing,","AT THE southern end of the Anti-Lebanon Mountain range stands Mount Hermon, with its majestic summit rising 9,232 feet [2,814 m] above sea level. For most of the year, Hermon’s peak is snowcapped, and this causes the warm night vapors passing over it to condense and produce dew. The dew descends on the fir and fruit trees on the lower slopes and on the vineyards down below. During ancient Israel’s long dry season, such refreshing dew was the principal source of moisture for vegetation.","In a divinely inspired song, the refreshing unity among Jehovah’s worshippers is likened to “the dew of Hermon that is descending upon the mountains of Zion.” (Psalm 133:1, 3) Just as Mount Hermon supplies refreshing dew to the vegetation, we can spread refreshment to those whom we meet. How can we do so?","Psalm 133:1, 3","Nov 15, 2007 wt page 15",,0,1,1/4/2008,
"Thoughts, weighty,",Do a little test.  Hold your hand about six inches from your mouth.  Exhale on it. (don't blow)  You barely feel it.  That's how are thoughts and importance are.,"However, Jehovah's thoughts are weighty.",Psalm 92:5; 40:5;,"Charlie Allyn, C.O.",,0,1,5/15/2007,
"Kindness, nice, gifts, presents, givings, comments, commendation,",It is said that a bit of fragrance clings to the hand that gives flowers.,"This holds true for verbal or written bouquets too. Say something nice and a bit of niceness will cling to you. If it's true that you can't get something for nothing, then it must also hold that you can't give something for nothing. Something good will come back to you.  Fragrance Clings to the Giver",Acts,Bobby Laymon,,0,1,8/31/2009,
"wisdom, wise, foolish,",Before God we are all equally wise - and equally foolish. --Albert Einstein,We need Godly wisdom.  It combines sound judgment with knowledge,Ecclesiastes 7:7,Bobby Laymon,ACQUIRING A HEART OF WISDOM,73,1,10/30/2006,
"Inactive, lost sheep, return, prodigal,","""You sound like a battery that has lost its charge.""  An elder making a call on an inactive one.",Sometimes all they need is recharging.  Does not mean they are no longer part of the flock.  Assure them Jehovah cares for them.,Luke 15:4; 1 Peter 5:2-4; John chapter 21;,"Follow The Christ District Convention; Tulsa, OK Jun 1-3 2007",FINDING HONOR AND JOY IN GOD'S MINISTRY,65,1,6/4/2007,
"Angels, children that die, death, compassion, needs angels,",A compassionate father would not snatch a child away from its parents just so that he could enlarge his own family.,"Yet, no human parent has more compassion than Jehovah, whose dominant quality is love. His great love would never permit him to act in such a harsh way.",Job 34:10;1 John 4:8,w09 3/1 p. 29,The Resurrection-Victory Over Death!,132,1,1/12/2010,
"Jesus Christ, follow, focus,","Have you ever asked someone to follow your car?  There are 3 types of followers.  The first follows you too close, and eventually passes you up and tries on his own.  The second drives too slow, and you have to keep waiting on him.  He gets lost.  The third follows at a distance, but focuses on your moves and signals.  He is the good follower who gets there with you.",We want to focus on the good follower.  Jesus Christ helps us to be good followers of him.,Luke 9:1-6;,"Follow The Christ District Convention; Tulsa, OK Jun 1-3 2007",FOLLOW THE WAY TO LIFE,45,1,6/4/2007,
"Apology, forgive, humility, apologize,","A man in line at an airport check-in counter apologized when his luggage nudged the woman waiting next in line. A few minutes later, when the line moved, the suitcase again touched the woman. Once more, the man courteously apologized. When the same thing happened yet another time, the woman's traveling companion told him that if he really meant what he had said, he should make sure that the baggage did not touch the woman again.","Yes, a sincere apology should be accompanied by the determination not to repeat the mistake.","Matthew 18:21, 22; Mark 11:25",Society's Website,TRUE FRIENDSHIP WITH GOD AND NEIGHBOR,100,1,10/31/2006,
"Baptism, choice, Infant,","""Let [children] become Christians when they have become able to know Christ.""  Quote: Tertullian.",He was protesting infant baptism.,"Matthew 28:19, 20",w06 7/1 26,SERVING WITH JEHOVAH'S UNIFIED ORGANIZATION,3,,6/7/2006,2/5/2016
"Unity, intertwine, associate, friends, trust, firm, strong, protect,","The giant sequoia grows hundreds of feet into the air.  Yet, the roots only go into the ground 10-12 feet deep.  They grow upward, and intertwine with all the other trees.  It is impossible to knock them over.","We must intertwine with Jehovah and Jesus, and also with our Christian brothers and sisters.  It will help us to remain firm and strong.",2 Peter 1:12,Your Word is Truth District Convention,LOVE IDENTIFIES THE TRUE CHRISTIAN CONGREGATION,72,1,7/9/2013,
"resentment, forgive, unforgiving, harbor,",You are going to Hawaii.  A man shakes his fist at you as the plane takes off.  During the whole flight you think about that.  Afterward the warm sunshine and clear waters do not take away that image.  It ruins your vacation.,If we let it resentment can ruin our lives.  It is like drinking poison and waiting for the other person to die.,Ezekiel 33:14-16; Psalm 25:18;,"Charlie Allyn, c. o.",Do You Share God's View of Life?,148,1,5/11/2008,
"temptation, trials, peer pressure, desires,","As one Christian put it, “temptation is like a continuous knock at your door that ignores the Do Not Disturb sign.” Do you hear that knock more often than you’d like? For example, do any of the following tempt you?□ Smoking□ Drinking alcohol□ Taking drugs□ Looking at pornography□ Engaging in immoral sex□ Other …………………………","If you checked off any of the above, don’t conclude that you’re just not cut out to be a Christian. You can learn to control wrong desires and to resist temptation. How? It helps to recognize what’s behind temptation. Consider three factors.",2 Timothy 2:2;,g 8/08 pp. 26-27,HOW CAN YOUTHS COPE WITH TODAY'S CRISIS?,113,1,4/11/2010,8/14/2014
"Demons, Spiritistic, Satan,","Suppose you take a medication for the first time, and within hours you break out in hives.  In such a situation, it is easy to conclude that the medication caused your allergic reaction.  Sometimes, though, an allergy develops gradually.  When that is the case, linking the allergic reaction to a specific medication may prove much more difficult, since allergies have many causes.","Likewise, objects obtains over time may not appear to be connected with demons at first, but may happen months, or years later.  It may be difficult to tell what is causing the problem.",Deuteronomy 18:10-12;,Bobby Laymon,THE BIBLE'S VIEW OF SPIRITISTIC PRACTICES,95,1,10/20/2006,
"Holy spirit, tent, protection, prayers,","Of course, a tent does not stop the rains from falling or the winds from blowing, but it does provide some protection from those elements.","Likewise, the shelter provided by ""the power of the Christ"" does not stop trials from befalling us or hardships from being brought against us.  Yet, it does give spiritual protection against the harmful elements of this world and the attacks of its ruler, Satan.","2 Corinthians 12:9; Psalm 147:5; Revelation 7:9, 15, 16;","Dec 15, 2006 WT page 24;",BEARING UP UNDER PERSECUTION,57,1,12/11/2006,
"Religion, Babylon the Great, worship,","SUPPOSE you found out that your whole neighborhood has been contaminated. Someone has secretly been dumping poisonous waste in the area, and now the situation is life threatening. What would you do? No doubt, you would move away if you could. But after doing that, you would still face this serious question, ‘Have I been poisoned?’","A similar situation arises with regard to false religion. The Bible teaches that such worship is contaminated with unclean teachings and practices.  That is why it is important for you to get out of “Babylon the Great,” the world empire of false religion.","2 Corinthians 6:17;Revelation 18:2, 4",bh chap. 16 p. 154 pars. 1-2 Take Your Stand for True Worship,,0,,1/27/2006,
"Adam, Eve, Creation, Domino effect, undermine, satan, mystery, unanswered questions,",Rejecting or trivializing the Genesis account about Adam and Eve creates a domino effect that undermines nearly every major teaching in the Bible!,"Such a way of thinking leads to a host of unanswered questions and a faith with nothing to stand on.  These include teachings about God’s sovereignty, human integrity, good and evil, free will, the condition of the dead, marriage, the promised Messiah, a paradise earth, God’s Kingdom, and many others.",Hebrews 11:1,w09 9/1 p. 15,The Origin of Humans-Does It Matter What You Believe?,133,1,1/1/2011,
"Obey, obedience, tested, integrity,","A soldier has an iron sword. Although it has never been tested in battle, it is perfectly formed and well crafted. However, he trades that sword for one made of a stronger metal, hardened steel. This new sword has already served well in battle. Is that not a wise trade?","Similarly, the obedience Jesus demonstrated before he came to the earth was flawless. But after his sojourn here, his obedience was of an altogether different quality. It was now tested, hardened, as it were, and proved by trials that Jesus could never have encountered in heaven.",Isaiah 50:5;,cf chap. 6 p. 57 par. 4,Jesus Christ-Earth's New Ruler,140,1,6/30/2010,
"Corn, growth, communication, talks,","What is more, as the plant grows, it ‘talks’ to you. It tells you if it’s thirsty or malnourished. A human baby cries when it needs something. A growing corn plant, like many other plants, gives visual signals, such as leaf color and shape, to convey its needs. The secret is to understand those signs.",It is the same way with children.,Galatians 6:7;,g 8/08 p. 10,YOU WILL REAP WHAT YOU SOW,59,1,4/11/2010,
"Understand, know, wisdom,","Sometimes we hear the expression, ""no brainer.""","Here is a ""no brainer.""  Choose life.",Deutronomy 30:19;,Mark Shepherd,ACQUIRING A HEART OF WISDOM,73,1,9/14/2008,
"Israel, branches, olive tree, prophecy, Jews, mass conversion,","Paul explained how the unbelieving natural Jews were like branches of a symbolic olive tree that were lopped off so that “wild” Gentile “branches” could be grafted in.  Was Paul foretelling an eleventh hour mass conversion of the Jews to Christianity? Clearly, no such conversion has taken place.","By the expression “all Israel,” Paul meant all of spiritual Israel—Christians who have been selected by holy spirit. He was saying that the failure of the natural Jews to accept the Messiah would not thwart God’s purpose to have a spiritual ‘olive tree’ full of productive branches.","Romans 11:17-21;Romans 11:25, 26",w10 11/1 p. 29,PAYING ATTENTION TO THE PROPHETIC WORD,102,1,12/27/2010,
"Evolution, creation, Bible,","By way of illustration, why build a huge truck if all you will ever carry is a mere shovelful of sand?  The theory of evolution offers no reasonable answer. Relying heavily on the notion of survival of the fittest, evolution leaves thinking people baffled as to what drove the human brain to develop its enormous capacity.","The Bible, however, offers a refreshingly simple yet logical explanation. First, it tells us that our original parents—Adam and Eve—were formed in God’s image, able to reflect God’s wonderful qualities. Second, it explains that they were designed to live—and therefore to learn—forever. (Genesis 1:27; 2:16, 17) The human brain reflects that divine purpose.","Genesisesis 1:27; 2:16, 17",*** g04 8/8 p. 12 Designed to Learn Forever ***,,0,,1/27/2006,
"Marriage, Weddings,","A cruise ship may seem majestic as it sits idle, moored at a pier. Its true seaworthiness, however, is proved at sea—perhaps even amid the crashing waves of a storm.","Similarly, the strength of a marriage bond is not solely defined during peaceful moments of romantic calm. At times, it is proved under trialsome circumstances in which a couple weathers storms of adversity.",1 Corinthians 7:28;,Society's website,GETTING MARRIAGE OFF TO A GOOD START,27,1,10/31/2006,
"Leadership, reaching out, service talk, local needs,","I. It's been said that the true leadership of a man is measured, not by the number of servants he has, but by the number of people he serves.  Christ Jesus served more people than anyone in human history.  He has helped more people.  He did it in a self-sacrificing way.  Why?  1 Pet 2:21 I. In making progress in the congregation there is no better example to follow. 		A.	In each situation, ask, ""What would Christ Jesus do?""  			1.	What was his attitude?			2.	Was he a quitter?  Did he give up easily?		B.	Remember, Jesus was at his best when the chips were down.			1.	He did not view coming to the earth as a vacation from heaven.  			2.	A sight-seeing trips.  			3.	It was a work assignment.  			4.	He became intensely occupied, as Paul and other did on hearing the good news.			5.	Acts 18:5  			6.	How can we show true leadership?II.	The greatest way to take the lead is the preaching work.	A.	Sometimes this may be difficult.  You may be tired.  		1.	There are other important things.   		2.	However, our attitude is most important.		3.	When doing something, it helps to know it been done before!  		4.	Then you know, ""It's been done!""  Maybe I can do it.  Even the hard things.  					5.	    Christ set the perfect example.  He left a model for us to follow his steps closely.  				6.	This is not a 'hit or miss' thing.  			7.	Some things he did might be 'right down our alley,' so to speak.  			8.	We must take each one as they come.  			9.	Follow ""closely.""  Regardless of whether to our liking or not.	C.	Can you imagine Jesus or Paul getting in minimal time?			1.	Can you picture them going home because no one else came out.			2.	They were ""sparkplugs"" so to speak.			3.	They served others.  			4.	They met the true measure of a man.			3.	What does this tell us about those reaching out?			4.	We too, should be taking the lead in the ministry.","So place your self in the largest body of service possible, and watch joy grow as Jehovah blesses you!  For unlimited joy and happiness, remember the more people we serve the more joy we have.",1 Peter 2:21;,Joe Laymon,Service Talk,200,1,4/9/2008,7/13/2025
"Evil, return, revenge, retaliate, bad things,",Ashes fly back into the face of him who throws them.   Quote: (African),Bad things have a way of coming back to us.,"Ecclesiastes 10:8, 9;",Bobby Laymon,GETTING MARRIAGE OFF TO A GOOD START,27,,6/17/2006,11/24/2013
"temptation, trials, peer pressure,","Remember, when you give in to temptation, you become a slave to your desires.",Why allow yourself to be controlled by your cravings? Have the maturity to control your urges rather than allow your urges to control you.,Titus 3:3; Colossians 3:5;,g 8/08 p. 28,HOW CAN YOUTHS COPE WITH TODAY'S CRISIS?,113,1,4/11/2010,
"Home, House, divided, impact of divorce, children,","Get off the battlefield—the war is over. Some parents remain entangled in conflict long after the divorce. They become, as one expert puts it, “legally divorced but still emotionally betrothed combatants who have not been able to negotiate a truce with peace.”","Not only does this deprive adolescents of their parents—since Dad and Mom always seem caught up in one skirmish or another—but it also encourages them to pit one parent against the other in order to get their way. For instance, a boy might tell his mother: “Dad lets me stay out as late as I want. Why won’t you?” Not wanting her son to defect to the “enemy camp,” Mom relents.",Genesis 2:24;,g 10/09 p. 21,GETTING MARRIAGE OFF TO A GOOD START,27,1,1/3/2011,
"Morality, morals, cleanliness, holy,","Morality, like art, means drawing a line someplace.  Quote: Oscar Wilde Irish dramatist, novelist, & poet (1854 - 1900)",There are certain things Christians do not take part in.,John 6:15;,David Stamps,CHRISTIAN SEPARATENESS FROM THE WORLD -- WHY BENEFICIAL,119,1,10/15/2006,1/7/2015
"Simple, pioneering, load, burden,",Imagine carrying a backpack.  You have a blow-up bed; Coleman heater; tape player; guitar.  You collapse under the weight you have put upon yourself.,Pioneers can do the same.  We need to keep life simple.,"Ephesians 5:15, 16; Matthew 8:20; Hebrews 13:5;",Greg Cazzell,Service Talk,200,1,1/7/2010,
"Ransom, Cure, disease, death, pandemic, Salvation, Memorial,"," According to a recent estimate, one of the worst pandemics in human history was the Spanish influenza of 1918, which killed tens of millions of people. Other diseases are more lethal in a sense. While they may infect fewer people, they kill a higher percentage of the people they do infect.","However, what if we were to compare sin to such a pandemic? Recall the words of Romans 5:12: ""Through one man sin entered into the world and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men because they had all sinned."" The infection rate of sin is 100 per-cent, since all imperfect humans sin.  And what is the mortality rate? Paul wrote that sin brings death ""to all men.""",Romans 5:12;Romans 3:23,"Sep 15, 2009 WT page 26 para 3",THE ONLY CURE FOR SICK MANKIND,62,1,8/28/2009,2/22/2021
"Israel, Wine, grapes, Memorial, apostate, Christendom, wild grapes,",Wild grapes are worthless for making wine and for eating - an apt symbol of the apostate nation whose fruitage was lawbreaking rather than righteousness.,This worthless fruitage was not the fault of the vine's Cultivator.  Jehovah had done everything he could to make the nation fruitful.,Isaiah 5:4;,w06 6/15 18,MAINTAIN YOUR CONFIDENCE FIRM TO THE END,46,,6/12/2006,
"Mind, brain, forget, refresh, reminders, study,",The mind is a leaky vessel.,We constantly need reminders.,2 Peter 3:1;,Chuck Bland,BASIS FOR CONFIDENCE IN THE BIBLE'S DIVINE AUTHORSHIP,124,1,6/11/2008,
"Unrealities, oasis, mirage, illusion, wind, materialism, romance, daydream, politics, Education,",Your in the desert; your car breaks down; you start to walk and it is hot and dry.  You see a pool of water ahead.   What is it most likely to be?  An oasis or a mirage?,"Jehovah warns about unrealities, such as materialism, visions of romance, daydreams, human political schemes.",1 Samuel 12:21; Psalm 146:3;,"Follow The Christ District Convention; Tulsa, OK Jun 1-3 2007",NO PART OF THE WORLD--IN IMITATION OF CHRIST,11,1,6/4/2007,
"Children, approval,","Commendation and approval are to a child what sunshine and water are to a plant. Parents, look for opportunities to commend your children for their praiseworthy qualities and efforts. Such commendation can build courage and confidence in your children and motivate them to try even harder to do what is right.","In the family, husbands and wives need to hear words of warm commendation and appreciation from each other. Especially do children thrive on feeling noticed and appreciated.","Proverbs 31:10, 28",lv chap. 12 p. 141 par. 17 Speak What “Is Good for Building Up”,FAMILY LIFE THAT WARMS THE HEART,5,1,2/28/2009,7/15/2025
"Helmet of Salvation, protection, propaganda, lies, falsehoods, deception, devious,", A soldier’s helmet protects his head. Our “hope of salvation”—our confidence in the fulfillment of God’s promises about his glorious new world—will protect our minds from Satan’s lies.," With regard to satanic propaganda, we should make sure that we accept that helmet and keep it on.   We need to keep that hope bright and strong by diligent personal study of the Scriptures.","Eph. 6:10, 11, 17;1 Thess. 5:8",w10 2/15 p. 21,STAND STILL AND SEE THE SALVATION OF JEHOVAH,41,1,1/1/2011,
"Memory, forget, reminders, remember, concentrate,","History tell us that Cyrus was able to call every soldier in his army by name, and Lucius Scipio knew the name of every citizen of Rome.",The apostle Paul listed by name 26 of those in a congregation to which he wrote. His interest in them is indicated by the fact that he not only knew their names but mentioned specific details concerning many of them.,Rom. 16:3-16,G60 10/22 10; be page 17;,PAYING ATTENTION TO THE PROPHETIC WORD,102,,5/31/2006,
"Materialism, world, urgency,",Look at this bag.  (Plastic bag)  It is kind of shiny.  It even feels nice to the skin.  However it has a price tag with it.,"Satan tempts us with shiny, good feeling objects.  They have a high price tag attached to them.","1 John 2:16, 17;",Mike Parker - District convention,,168,1,9/2/2009,
"Love, walk, support,","Here Israel is compared to a small child. Jehovah lovingly taught the Israelites to walk, taking them upon his arms. And he kept drawing them with “the cords of love.” What a touching picture! Imagine that you are a parent helping your child to take his first steps. Your arms are outstretched. You may be using cords for your little one to hold on to so that he does not fall.","Well, Jehovah’s love for you is just as tender. He is delighted to lead you with “the cords of love.”","Hosea 11:3, 4",w05 11/15 p. 28 par. 10 “The Ways of Jehovah Are Upright”,,0,,1/27/2006,
"Protection, safeguard, unity,","IN 490 B.C.E. at the historic battle of Marathon, from 10 thousand to 20 thousand Athenians faced a Persian army of 100 thousand men. A key factor in the Greek tactics was the phalanx—a block of soldiers marching in tight formation. Their shields presented an almost unbroken wall of armor, one bristling with spears. The phalanx gave the Athenians a famous victory over the vastly superior forces of the Persians.","Because the Greek soldiers at Marathon closed ranks and held on to their shields with all their might, they won despite overwhelming odds. Likewise, Jehovah’s loyal Witnesses are assured of complete victory in their spiritual warfare, for that is their ‘hereditary possession.” (Isaiah 54:17) Hence, let each of us continue to take refuge in Jehovah by maintaining “a tight grip on the word of life.”—Philippians 2:16.",Philippians 216; Isaiah 54:17,"Sep 1, 2005 WT page 31",,0,,8/10/2005,
"Kingdom, treasure, hidden, field, Materialism, regret,","There is a technology that existed in ancient time, that farmers still use today.  Have you ever noticed the straight rows that stretch from horizon to horizon.  The farmer sees a point in the distance and keeps his eyes fixed on it.  If he takes his eyes off his rows will be crooked.","We must keep our eyes fixed on Jehovah's Kingdom.  We should not look back and say, ""Oh, if only I had bought that house, or that property.""",Matthew 6:33; Luke 9:62;,"District Convention - Tulsa, OK  June 23, 24, 2006",KEEP SEEKING GOD'S KINGDOM,44,1,7/2/2006,
"Marriage, divorce, separation, vow, sacredness,","IMAGINE that you are about to embark on a long journey by automobile.  Will you face challenges along the way?  It would be naïve to assume otherwise.  For instance, you might encounter severe weather, making it necessary for you to slow down and proceed with caution.  At some point, you may confront a mechanical problem that is beyond you ability to solve, requiring that you pull to the side of the road and seek help.  Should such situations cause you to conclude that it was a mistake to start on the journey and that you should abandon the automobile?  No.  When traveling a long distance, you expect problems and wisely look for ways to deal with them.","The same is true of marriage.  Problems are inevitable, and it would be naïve for a couple who are contemplating wedlock to expect a life of bliss.",1 Corinthians 7:28; 2 Timothy 3:1; Romans 3:23;,"May 1, 2007 WT page 19",GETTING MARRIAGE OFF TO A GOOD START,27,1,6/16/2007,2/12/2020
"Peter, doubt, fear,","“Give way to doubt”—what an apt phrase! Doubt can be a powerful, destructive force. If we yield to it, it can eat away at our faith and cause us to sink spiritually. We need to fight back vigorously! How? By keeping the right focus.","If we dwell on what scares us, what discourages us, what distracts us from Jehovah and his Son, we will find our doubts growing. If we focus on Jehovah and his Son, on what they have done, are doing, and will do for those who love them, we will keep corrosive doubts at bay.As Peter followed Jesus back aboard the boat, he saw the storm die down.  Peter joined his fellow disciples in declaring, “You are really God’s Son.”  As dawn broke over the lake, Peter’s heart surely soared.",Matthew 14:33, w09 10/1 p. 25,HOW THE KINGDOM OF GOD AFFECTS YOU,42,1,1/3/2011,
"Single Parent, Marriage, divorce, sin,","IT HAS been said that if the two-parent home were an animal, it would likely be on the endangered species list.","Consider: There are more than 13 million single parents in the United States alone, the vast majority being single mothers. Research indicates that about half of all children in that country will spend at least some of their youth in a single-parent home.  If you are a single parent, be assured that your family life can succeed.",Proverbs 15:15,Oct 2009 Aw page 26;,SHOW RESPECT AND LOVE IN YOUR MARRIAGE,28,1,9/2/2009,1/7/2021
"Truth, correct, honesty, language, foreign, caution, beware, words, thoughts,","No one means all he says, and yet very few say all they mean, for words are slippery and thought is viscous.  -Henry Brooks Adams, The Education of Henry Adams, 1907","We need to be honest in our speech, yet on guard about the speech of others.",Colossians 2:8;,Bobby Laymon,,0,1,7/8/2008,
"Envy, rich, poor, jealousy,","I know that a man who shows me his wealth is like a beggar who shows me his poverty; they are both looking for alms from me, the rich man for the alms of my envy, the poor man for the alms of my guilt. — Ben Hecht",We must guard our hearts.,Proverbs 28:22;,Kim Laymon,JEALOUSY--PROPER AND IMPROPER,76,1,6/26/2007,
"Noah, ark, flood, size of ark, Wyoming, facts, information, obedience,","The ark that Noah built was gigantic—longer than a football field and as high as a three-story building. It was more than 100 feet [30 m] longer than the schooner Wyoming, which was reportedly the largest wooden-hulled ship ever built. Of course, the ark was not a ship; it needed only to float. Nevertheless, it required advanced construction techniques. And it had to be covered inside and outside with tar. It may have taken more than 50 years to build.","There was more. Noah had to stockpile one year’s food supply for his family and for the animals. Before the Flood came, the animals had to be gathered and brought inside. “Noah proceeded to do according to all that Jehovah had commanded him.” What a relief it must have been when everything was ready and Jehovah closed the door of the ark!","Genesis 6:14-16;Genesis 6:19-21; 7:5, 16.","Jun 1, 2008 WT page 7",THE FLOOD OF NOAH'S DAY HAS MEANING FOR US,6,1,6/27/2008,
"Marriage, speech, respect, dignity,","In a game of catch, you toss the ball so that it can be caught easily. You do not fling it with such force that you injure your partner.","Apply the same principle when speaking with your spouse. Hurling bitter remarks will only cause harm. Instead, speak gently—with graciousness—so that your mate can catch your point.",Colossians 4:6,Society's Website,SHOW RESPECT AND LOVE IN YOUR MARRIAGE,28,1,10/31/2006,
"Bad habits, gossip, greed, immorality,","On the Western slopes of the Rocky Mountains, a giant Sequoia lies rotting. It was a growing sapling when Christ walked the shores of Galilee. When Columbus discovered America, it was reaching maturity and it looked down from lofty heights during centuries. Then, a few years ago, a tiny beetle started to burrow into its bark and lay eggs that would produce other beetles. It seemed like an unequal battle at first, but the few beetles multiplied into hundreds, then into thousands, and finally into millions. First they attacked the bark, then they worked deeper into the trunk, and finally, they were eating the very heart and strength of that magnificent forest giant. Then one day, after withstanding the elements for centuries, the rain came, the winds blew, the lightning flashed, and the giant tree fell. Not because of the elements, but because of the weakening effects of those tiny beetles.",Bad habits do the same thing to people. They slowly take a toll until the day comes when the man or woman falls like that giant tree.,1 Cor. 15:33;,Bobby Laymon,WHY DID JESUS SUFFER AND DIE?,161,1,8/29/2009,2/2/2015
"Self, Me, My, Mine, 3-m, attitude, selfish,","Many today have the ""3-M"" attitude.","Me, My, Mine.",2 Timothy 3:1-5;,Chris Upchurch,HOW TO EXPRESS LOVE IN A LAWLESS WORLD,112,s,11/7/2009,
"visualize, growth, David, goals, maturity","History depicts Michelangelo salvaging a piece of marble that had been discarded by other sculptors because it was too long and narrow. The story continues as people ask, ""what value is that strange piece of marble?"" ""What will you ever be able to produce from it?"" ""I see David"" he responds. It became one of his greatest sculptures.",What do you see yourself learning? See yourself as you want to be and you will pave the way for learning and becoming all you can be.  Trust in Jehovah and move ahead.,Proverbs 3:5;,Bobby Laymon,Trust in Jehovah's Saving Power,147,1,6/19/2009,
"Friendship, companion, Ruth, Naomi, Love of God,","“Your people will be my people, and your God my God. . . . May Jehovah do so to me and add to it if anything but death should make a separation between me and you.”  Without a doubt, the most satisfying friendships we can enjoy are with those who love Jehovah.","Consider the example of Ruth and Naomi. These women formed a friendship that is among the most admirable recorded in the Bible. Why was their friendship so enduring?   Obviously, Ruth and Naomi shared a deep love for God, and they allowed this love to influence the way they treated each other. As a result, both women were blessed by Jehovah.","Ruth 1:16, 17",w09 10/15 p. 18 par. 5,TRUE FRIENDSHIP WITH GOD AND NEIGHBOR,100,1,1/3/2011,
"Vengeance, retaliation, get even,",“He who seeks vengeance must dig two graves: one for his enemy and one for himself” Chinese Proverbs quotes,Vengeance is deadly.,Deut 32:35;,Bobby Laymon,DO YOU HARBOR RESENTMENT OR DO YOU FORGIVE?,68,1,8/10/2009,7/16/2023
"Hope, Courageous, strong, faith, reflect, meditate,","Regular reflection of hope might be likened to cleaning a window that affords a magnificent view.  If we neglect to clean the glass, soon dirt and grime will rob us of the scene's clarity and appeal.  Other things may then capture our attention.",We must keep our hope fresh in our mind.  Do you regularly reflect on your God-given hope?,Psalm 37:34; Romans 12:12;,"October 1, 2006 page 28",TAKING TIME TO MEDITATE ON SPIRITUAL THINGS,67,1,10/20/2006,
"Teaching, teacher,",Are you a teacher?  We all are.  When you give direction or teach someone to tie his shoes.,We can all teach about Jehovah.,"Matthew 28:19, 20;","Thomas McQuire; District Convention - Tulsa, OK  June 23, 24, 2006",HOW THE KINGDOM OF GOD AFFECTS YOU,42,1,7/2/2006,
"Faith, Courage, future,","We’re invited to look up and check.  •	Have you ever looked into sky and say, “Oh, a star is missing?   Where did it go?  It was there last night!”  •	Has the Big Dipper ever stopped dipping?    •	Has the North star ever gone south?",When we look up we learn from what we see.  The Creator designed and controls the universe and has standards and we can figure out his purpose for the earth.,"Isaiah 40:25, 26",JK,FACING THE FUTURE WITH FAITH AND COURAGE,166,1,10/23/2006,
Sticky notes; reminders; tested;,People put sticky notes on their refrigerators and other places to remind them of something.  Some tie a string to their finger or around their wrist.,Our generation was not the one to come up with sticky notes.  The Israelites were given a command regarding their doorposts. Jehovah came up with that idea.,"Deuteronomy 6:4-6, 8, 9;",Mike Harris;,PARENTS--ARE YOU BUILDING WITH FIRE-RESISTANT MATERIALS?,104,1,5/17/2010,1/1/2018
"Order, DNA, creation, universe, Designer, Builder,","When we see a painting, we accept it as evidence that a painter exists. When we read a book, we accept that an author exists. When we see a house, we accept that a builder exists. When we see a traffic light, we know that a law-making body exists. All those things were made with a purpose by those who made them. And while we may not understand everything about the people who designed them, we do not doubt that the people exist.The complexity and design of living things can be seen in the DNA molecule","Similarly, the evidence of the existence of a Supreme Designer can be seen in the design, order, and complexity of living things on earth. They all bear the marks of a Supreme Intelligence. This is also true of the design, order, and complexity of the universe with its billions of galaxies, each containing billions of stars. And all the heavenly bodies are controlled by precise laws, such as those for motion, heat, light, sound, electromagnetism, and gravity. Can there be laws without a lawmaker?",Hebrews 3:4;,Society's Website,How Real Is God to You?,150,1,10/31/2006,
"Joy, value, share, truth,","""Grief can take care of itself, but to get the full value of joy you must have somebody to share it with.""Mark Twain 1835-1910,",Sharing the truth increases our joy.,Hebrews 10:34;,Bobby Laymon,,0,,4/29/2006,
"Value, light,",“Only the man who crosses the river at night knows the value of the light of day” Chinese Proverbs quotes,Often we do not recognize the true value of things.,Matthew 14:36;,Bobby Laymon,,0,,4/29/2006,
"teaching, questions,","If I were given a problem and one hour to solve it, I should spend the first fifty-five minutes asking questions and the last five minutes using those questions to solve it.--Albert Einstein",Great teachers use questions.,Matthew 17:24;,Bobby Laymon,,0,1,6/27/2009,
"Time, clock, timing, perfect time,",Did you ever want to sleep in and you woke up at the same time as always.  Its frustrating.  You have a built-in clock.,Jehovah has a built-in clock that is always perfectly in time.,Isaiah 40:26; Daniel 2:21; Luke 21:24; 2 Peter 3:9;,Robert Hermonos,,0,1,8/10/2009,
"Clean, mirror, sword, light, solid food, seed,","Describe a multi-purpose tool.  Perhaps a knife with screwdriver, saw, etc.","The truth is like that.  It can clean, mirror, slash, light, or serve as food, or grow.",Ephesians 5:25-27;,Mark Cash,,0,1,7/9/2013,
"Testing, attitude, loophole, Bible,",Some look for loopholes in tax laws.,Some look for loopholes in Jehovah's word.  There are no loopholes.,2 Timothy 3:16;,Joe Mazacek,,0,1,6/3/2009,
"Marriage,  Weddings, commitment,","To illustrate: In a game of catch, you toss the ball so that it can be caught easily. You do not fling it with such force that you injure your partner.","Apply the same principle when speaking with your spouse. Hurling bitter remarks will only cause harm. Instead, speak gently—with graciousness—so that your mate can catch your point.",Colossians 4:6;,Society's Web Site,GETTING MARRIAGE OFF TO A GOOD START,27,,5/30/2006,
"haughtiness, pride, humble, Beware of Developing a Haughty Heart, ","The case of Hagar illustrates that when someone’s situation changes for the better, haughtiness may result. The lesson is that even a Christian who has shown a good heart in serving God can become haughty upon gaining wealth or authority. That attitude can also develop if others praise him for his success, wisdom, or ability.","Yes, a Christian should be alert to keep haughtiness out of his heart. That is especially true if he achieves success or receives more responsibility.","Genesis 16:4, 9",w05 10/15 p. 25 par. 17 ,,0,,1/27/2006,6/15/2025
"Adolescence, milestone, growth, maturity, accomplishment, understanding,","From birth onward, a child's life is a list of firsts-the first steps taken, the first word spoken, the first day of school, to name just a few. Parents rejoice when their child reaches a milestone. The accomplishment provides evidence of something that they yearn to see-growth.  Adolescence too is a milestone-although some parents may not greet its arrival with applause. Their apprehension is understandable. After all, what dad or mom is happy to see a compliant child turn into a moody teen? Still, adolescence is a vital phase of growth. In what way?","A major function of adolescence is to help prepare your son or daughter for that bittersweet day. At that time, your child should be able to say, as did the apostle Paul: ""When I was a babe, I used to speak as a babe, to think as a babe, to reason as a babe; but now that I have become a man, I have done away with the traits of a babe."" -",1 Corinthians 13:11;Genesis 2: 24,"May 1, 2009 WT page 10",HOW CAN YOUTHS COPE WITH TODAY'S CRISIS?,113,1,5/26/2009,
"Heart, treacherous heart, figurative heart, sinful inclinations, habits, desires,","SUPPOSE that early one morning while still in bed, you felt an acute pain in the middle of your chest and had shortness of breath. You might wonder, ‘Could it be a heart attack?’ Just denying the problem would not help. Immediate action would be in order. So you might call for an ambulance in order to get expert medical care. A physician might carefully examine you, perhaps employing an electrocardiogram.",Prompt diagnosis and treatment could mean the difference between life and death.  How about our figurative heart? It may not be easy to know its real condition. Why? We read in the Bible: “The heart is more treacherous than anything else and is desperate. Who can know it?”,Jeremiah 17:9;,jr chap. 4 p. 43 pars. 1-2,FAMILY LIFE THAT WARMS THE HEART,5,1,1/2/2011,
"Value, increase","""Anything you lose automatically doubles in value.""Quote: Mignon McLaughlin, The Second Neurotic's Notebook, 1966",Values sometimes depends on your appreciation for them.,John 17:3,Bobby Laymon,,0,,4/29/2006,12/16/2015
"Secret, confidential, trust,","Three may keep a secret, if two of them are dead. --Benjamin Franklin",We must be trustworthy.,Luke 16:10;,Bobby Laymon,WHAT GOD'S RULERSHIP CAN DO FOR US,24,1,10/30/2006,
"Knowing Jehovah, Trust, Judge, judging,","Never forget that Jehovah is not a tenacious prosecutor who looks for a reason to punish, but rather, he is a compassionate Judge who wants to help.","If you have unsettled feelings over your past course or an issue involving some other person, ask Jehovah to take up “the contests,” or emotional struggles, so that you can put the matter behind you. With his help, you can see the high value God places on your continued share in sacred service.","Read Lamentations 3:58, 59;", jr chap. 12 p. 149 par. 18,JUDGMENT DAY-A TIME OF FEAR OR HOPE?,156,1,1/2/2011,
"Envy, jealousy, poem,","ENVY Don't Envy Other Folks Don't think when you have troubles     That your neighbor goes scot-freeBecause he shows a smiling front     And battles cheerfully.No, Man! He, too, has troubles,     But herein the difference lies,While you go idly moping round,     The other fellow tries. Don't envy other people     Maybe, if the truth you knew,You'd find their burdens heavier far     Than is the case with you.Because a fellow, rain or shine,     Can show a smiling face,Don't think you'd have an easier time     If you could take his place. 'Tis hope and cheery courage     That incite one to retrieveOne's past mistakes, to start afresh,     To dare and to achieve.So smile, and if perchance you light     The spark of hope anew In some poor, sad, and burdened heart,     all honor be to you.","Moral: Don't envy,","James 4:4, 5;",Kim Laymon,JEALOUSY--PROPER AND IMPROPER,76,1,6/26/2007,
"Life, journey,","Life is often compared to a journey. Just as you may begin a trip with no final destination in mind, you could live your life without identifying its real purpose. If you do so, you risk getting caught up in what well-known writer Stephen R. Covey calls “the busy-ness of life.” He wrote about those who “find themselves achieving victories that are empty, successes that have come at the expense of things they suddenly realize were far more valuable to them.”","Would you not agree that increasing our speed on a trip is pointless if we are not heading in the right direction? Likewise, looking for meaning in life by simply increasing our “busy-ness” will bring only emptiness, not true fulfillment. The quest to understand why we are here transcends cultural and age differences. It stems from a profound need that we all have, a spiritual one that can remain unsatisfied even after our material needs have been met. Consider how some have tried to fill this need in their search for the purpose of life.","Psalm 90:9, 10;",g 12/08 p. 4 Why Are We Here?,REACH OUT FOR THE REAL LIFE!,90,1,2/28/2009,4/1/2014
"Friendship, Judas, Jesus, ended friendship, Memorial, ransom, evening meal,","Jesus ended his friendship with Judas Iscariot. Even though Judas maintained the outward appearance of friendship, Jesus detected that this former close companion had allowed his heart to be corrupted. Because Judas had become a friend of the world, he had made himself an enemy of God.","Therefore, Jesus had already dismissed Judas when He declared His friendship with the remaining 11 faithful apostles.—John 13:21-35.  How can we make good friends? When might we need to end a friendship? And how can we maintain upbuilding friendships?",Jas. 4:4,w09 10/15 p. 14 par. 6,TRUE FRIENDSHIP WITH GOD AND NEIGHBOR,100,1,1/3/2011,
"Anxious, things of the Lord; world, soundness of mind,","Your are on a beautiful cruise ship.  What a romantic get-away.  However, outside are the letters TITANIC.",We are all on a sinking ship.,1 Corinthians 7:32-35;,Mike Mijo,,168,1,9/26/2009,5/13/2018
"Issue, challenge, why, accusations, Satan,","How would a loving and capable parent feel if he was publicly accused to lying to his children, abusing his authority over them, and withholding good things from them?  Would he disprove those slanderous accusations by physically assaulting his accuser?  Of course not!  In fact, by reacting in such a manner, he might give credibility to the accusations.",This helps to explain Jehovah God's way of handling a challenge raised against him at the dawn of human history in a place called Eden.,"Genesis 1:28; Job 38:4, 7; Daniel 7:10;",November 2006 Awake! Page 6,WHAT GOD'S RULERSHIP CAN DO FOR US,24,1,10/20/2006,
"Protection, security, danger, peaceful, morals, defilements, obey","As a high wall protected ancient cities from attack, God’s law protects those who study it and constantly apply it. Will you stay inside the protective wall of God’s moral regulations? You can be sure that it will go well with you if you do. (Jer. 7:23) Many experiences testify to that fact.","God’s protective care of his people should not be viewed as limited to the past. Even now, Jehovah protects obedient ones from spiritual danger.",Jeremiah 7:23;, jr chap. 6 pp. 77-78 par. 19,KEEP CLEAN FROM WORLDLY DEFILEMENTS,98,1,1/2/2011,5/15/2025
"values, stock, time,","  A stockbroker urged me to buy a stock that would triple its value every year. I told him, ''At my age, I don't even buy green bananas.Claude D. Pepper 1900-1989, U.S. senator, politician and attorney. ",Sometimes age and time is a factor regarding true value.,Eccles 9:11,Bobby Laymon,,0,,4/29/2006,2/2/2015
"Values, glitter, gold,", All that glitters is not Gold. Often have you heard that told.  Quote: William Shakespeare,Sometimes what appears to be of value ends in disappointment.,Genesisesis 13:10;,Bobby Laymon,,0,,4/29/2006,
"Families, endurance, marriage, homes, firm foundation,"," A solid structure needs a firm foundation, and the same is true of a strong family. Successful families are built on a source of guidance that works.","Strong families do not endure automatically, any more than a house just keeps standing for many decades.",2 Timothy 3:1-5;, g 10/09 p. 9,WILL YOU BE A SURVIVOR OF THE LAST DAYS?,2,1,1/3/2011,6/2/2025
"Religions, directions, right, clergy, babylon","Imagine that you were lost, and you asked four different people how you could get home. What would you think, if one told you to travel north, another said to travel south, the third said you had to go eastward, and the fourth, westward, in order to arrive back home?","Could they all be right? Of course not. And similarly, all the religions of this world cannot be right, either, when they give contradictory instructions as to what we should do to submit to God.",Ephesians 4:4-6,sm p. 14 par. 2,,0,1,3/26/2008,
"Prize, Everlasting Life, forever,",Suppose you won a contest.  You got a really BIG prize.,Jehovah offers us an even BIGGER prize.  Everlasting life.,1 Corinthians 9:24;,Steven Stocksdale;Keep on the Watch District Convention,CAN YOU LIVE FOREVER?--WILL YOU?,35,1,8/16/2009,
"Organization, meetings, elders, instruction, Faithful slave,","If we are on a plane and the weather gets rough, we don't try to fly the plane ourselves, do we?  Neither do we want to bail out.","It's like that in Jehovah's organization.  When things get a little rough, do we use the instruments provided to direct us? That includes the meetings, prayer, publications, the organization and the brothers. When that fails, do we rely on the pilot, Jehovah, to know how to direct the situation? Or do we bail out?","Psalm 115:9, 10, 11;",Bobby Laymon,SERVING WITH JEHOVAH'S UNIFIED ORGANIZATION,3,1,8/29/2009,2/2/2015
"Jesus, Messiah, credentials, qualifications, ambassador, identity, requirements,","Henry H. Halley observed: ""Suppose a number of men of Different Countries, who had never seen, nor in any way communicated with, one another, would walk into a room, and each lay down a piece of Carved Marble, which pieces, when Fitted Together, would make a Perfect statue--how account for it in any other way than that Some One Person had drawn the Specifications, and had sent to each man his part?""","""How can this Amazing Composite of Jesus' Life and Work, put together by Different Writers of Different Centuries, Ages Before Jesus Came, be explained on any other basis than that ONE SUPERHUMAN MIND supervised the Writing?""  Halley concluded that it was ""The Miracle of the Ages!""",2 Timothy 3:16,"Feb 15, 2006 wt page 5",,0,,4/1/2006,
"Manners, kindness, conduct, respectful,","CONCERNING respectful conduct, author Sue Fox writes: “There’s no such thing as a vacation from good manners. Politeness works everywhere, all the time.”","When people make a habit of being courteous, problems with others are minimized and often disappear. But the opposite is also true. Treating others in an ill-mannered fashion leads to conflict, resentment, and sadness.",Ephesians 5:1;,w09 11/15 p. 24,FOLLOW THE COURSE OF HOSPITALITY,77,1,1/24/2010,
"Worship, Study, enjoyable,",Is studying the Bible just like another homework assignment to you?,"Not only is the Bible inspired of God but it’s also “useful for teaching and helping people and for correcting them and showing them how to live.” (2 Timothy 3:16, Contemporary English Version) Studying the Bible and meditating on what you read can open up a whole new world for you. Let’s face it, nothing worthwhile comes to you without some hard work.",2 Timothy 3:16;,g 7/08 p. 19,Use Education to Praise Jehovah,146,1,1/8/2011,
"Can You Widen Out in Love, anchor chain, love in congregation,","THE chain holding a ship’s anchor has to withstand immense strain to keep the vessel from drifting. This is possible, however, only if the links in the chain are secure and strong. Otherwise the chain will snap.","Much the same can be said of the Christian congregation. For a congregation to be vigorous and healthy, the individual members need to be bound together in unity. What is it that binds them? Love, which is the strongest force for unity.","John 13:34, 35;",w07 1/1 p. 9,LOVE IDENTIFIES THE TRUE CHRISTIAN CONGREGATION,72,1,6/4/2013,
"Testing, adversity, persecution, discipline, disfellowshipped, trials,","Portable camcorders have a battery pack for power. Instructions for such camcorders typically recommend that users allow the battery pack to completely discharge before recharging, especially the first few times. This actually increases the endurance of thebattery.","In like manner, our trials ""discharge"" us, emptying us of our dependence on human strength and increasing our capacity to receive Jehovah's limitless power.",Proverbs 3:5;,Bobby Laymon,BEARING UP UNDER PERSECUTION,57,1,8/31/2009,2/2/2015
"Prayers, Unanswered, wars, conflicting, contempt, vain, listen,","Imagine, for example, that both sides in a soccer game pray to win. God can hardly be expected to respond to such conflicting prayers. The same can be said about modern-day warfare when opposing sides pray for victory.","Those who show contempt for God’s law pray in vain. Jehovah once felt compelled to say to hypocritical worshippers: “Even though you make many prayers, I am not listening; with bloodshed your very hands have become filled.” (Isaiah 1:15)",James 4:3.,w09 1/1 p. 30,PRAYERS THAT ARE HEARD BY GOD,86,1,1/12/2010,
"obedience, understanding, obey, learn,","""Understanding can wait, but obedience cannot wait.""","We must obey Jehovah, even if we do not fully understand.",2 Peter 1:12;,District Convention 2013,,0,1,7/9/2013,
"Money, materialism, things, Knowledge, wisdom,",Money will buy a bed but not sleep; books but not brains; food but not appetite; finery but not beauty; a house but not a home; medicine but not health; luxuries but not culture; amusements but not happiness; religion but not salvation; a passport to everywhere but paradise.,Knowledge and wisdom are worth far more.,Ecclesiastes 7:12;,Bobby Laymon,HOW TO EXPRESS LOVE IN A LAWLESS WORLD,112,1,8/31/2009,
"Quarrels, anger, resentment, gossip,","""Quarrels end, but words once spoken never die.""  Quote: African Proverb.","Eventually all stumble, especially regarding the tongue.  We must work hard to make sure there is no resentment.",James 3:2;,Bobby Laymon,DO YOU HARBOR RESENTMENT OR DO YOU FORGIVE?,68,,6/18/2006,
"Ministry, regular, service, constant,",When you exercise just once a month it is no fun.  It can be a real chore.,Likewise in our ministry.  We need to be regular and it becomes fun.,Revelation 7:15; Acts 5:42;,Travis Brooks,RENEWING THE SPIRIT OF SELF-SACRIFICE,69,1,9/14/2008,
"False teachers, apostates, websites, internet, television,","Imagine walking for miles and you are tired and thirsty.  You see a well far ahead and walk toward it.  When you arrive, it is dried up.",False teachers are like that.  Do not let them in your house.,"2 Peter 2:1, 2; Acts 20:29, 30; 2 John 9-11;","Follow The Christ District Convention; Tulsa, OK Jun 1-3 2007",HOW TO PROTECT OURSELVES FROM SATAN'S SNARES,115,1,6/4/2007,
"Disciplining Children, rules, obey, obedience, divide and conquer,",Children who are trained to respect bedtime rules realize that they are a vital spoke in the family wheel but are not the hub of it—they must conform to the family’s routine rather than expect the family’s routine to conform to their whims.,"By establishing a regular bedtime routine for their children, a couple not only buy out some time for themselves but also help a child not to “think more of himself [or herself] than it is necessary to think.”  I don’t want her to think that she can ‘divide and conquer’ by playing on our different points of view.",Romans 12:3,w09 2/1 p. 11,RESPONSIBILITIES AND REWARDS OF PARENTHOOD,29,1,1/7/2011,
"Health, careful, danger, self help books,",Be careful about reading health books. You may die of a misprint.   -- Mark Twain,Many books are misleading.,Ecclesiastes 12:12,Bobby Laymon,WHAT THE NEAR FUTURE HOLDS!,40,1,10/24/2006,
"Marriage, Respect, Love, knowledge, little things,","What kind of clothing is more comfortable?  A dress made from burlap or a silk one.  The burlap has big, course fibers.  The silk has small but smooth fibers.  The silk feels better.","Suppose you decide to take your wife on a long trip, to Hawaii.  It is not really her idea, but you feel it would be good for you.  Instead of going on a big trip every 2 years, why not enjoy smaller things with your wife constantly?",Ephesians 5:33;,Ron Funderburg,SHOW RESPECT AND LOVE IN YOUR MARRIAGE,28,1,5/26/2013,
"Money, things, materialism,",Less debts; less threats.,Jehovah will bless us if we put the Kingdom first.,Micah 3:10;,Shirley Stroschein.,HOW THE KINGDOM OF GOD AFFECTS YOU,42,1,5/10/2010,
"Love, skill, master worker, accomplishment, work, achievement","""When love and skill work together you can expect a masterpiece.""",We need to put love in all our work.,Colossians 3:23;,Bobby Laymon,LOVE IDENTIFIES THE TRUE CHRISTIAN CONGREGATION,72,1,9/26/2009,
"Entertainment, recreation, fun,","IMAGINE that you are about to eat a tasty piece of fruit but then notice that a part of it is rotten. What will you do? Well, you could eat the entire fruit, even the bad part; you could throw away the entire fruit, including the bad part; or you could cut the bad part out of the fruit and enjoy the good part. What choice will you make?","In a way, entertainment is like that fruit. Most of us would select the third option. We appreciate the need for some recreation but want to limit our entertainment to what is morally sound. Therefore, we need to consider how we can determine what is wholesome and what is not.",1 Corinthians 10:31;,lv chap. 6 p. 62 pars. 1-3 How to Choose Wholesome Entertainment,REMAINING BLAMELESS AMID A CROOKED GENERATION,97,1,2/28/2009,
"Committees used by Jehovah's Witnesses, information,",1. Teaching Committee  2.  Writing Committee   3.  Coordinating Committee  4. Personnel Committee   5.  Publishing Committee   6.  Service Committee.,,1 Corinthians 14:40;,ElderElder's school,SERVING WITH JEHOVAH'S UNIFIED ORGANIZATION,3,1,5/1/2011,
"Traits, personality, improvement, new personality, homosexuals,","After a self-examination, we may be inclined to say, ‘That is just the way I am.’","This is faulty reasoning. Referring to those in the congregation in Corinth who had been fornicators, homosexuals, drunkards, and the like, Paul said: “That is what some of you were. But you have been washed clean . . . with the spirit of our God.”  With the help of Jehovah’s holy spirit, we too can succeed in making necessary changes.",1 Cor. 6:9-11,w08 11/15 p. 4,HOW THE KINGDOM OF GOD AFFECTS YOU,42,1,2/28/2009,
"Marriage mates, unevenly yoked, dangers,","His illustration was based on a fact of agricultural life. If two animals that differ greatly in size or strength are yoked together, both will suffer.Paul was inspired to write down a vital principle that should be applied when choosing a marriage mate: “Do not become unevenly yoked with unbelievers.”","Similarly, yoked together by marriage, a believer and an unbeliever will undoubtedly face friction and strains. If one mate wants to remain in Jehovah’s love and the other cares little or nothing about that, their priorities in life will not match, and much discomfort is likely to result. Paul thus urged Christians to marry “only in the Lord.”—1 Corinthians 7:39.",2 Corinthians 6:14,lv chap. 10 p. 113 par. 9 Marriage—A Gift From a Loving God,SHOW RESPECT AND LOVE IN YOUR MARRIAGE,28,1,2/28/2009,
"Criticism, discipline, counsel, look for good, children, parents,","Craig, said, “My mother seemed like a police detective—always looking for areas where I failed.”","Correction or discipline often comes in the form of criticism. The Bible acknowledges that discipline, even when completely justified, is hard to bear.",(Heb. 12:11,w10 11/15 p. 4 pars. 7-8,PARENTS--ARE YOU BUILDING WITH FIRE-RESISTANT MATERIALS?,104,1,1/2/2011,7/15/2025
"Reap, good, satisfying life, everlasting, Walk With God, and Reap What Is Good","If a farmer wants to harvest wheat, would he plant barley? Of course not! He must plant what he wants to reap.","Similarly, if we want to reap what is good, we must sow what is good. Do you want to continue reaping what is good—a satisfying life now with the prospect of everlasting life in God’s new world? If so, you must continue to sow what is good by walking with God and living in harmony with his righteous standards.",Galatians 6:7,w05 11/15 p. 26 par. 21 ,,0,,1/27/2006,11/18/2013
"Marriage, successful marriage,","Marriage can be likened to a joruney, an odyssey that presents many surprises -- some exquisite, others painful.  Unforeseen ""terrain"" can present unexpected obstacles, some of which may seem insurmountable.","Nevertheless, many people make this journey successfully and happily, with only minor mishaps.  Indeed, success in marriage is not measured so much by the highs and lows of the journey as it is by how couples deal with those ups and downs.",Psalm 119:105;,Awake! July 2008 page 6,GETTING MARRIAGE OFF TO A GOOD START,27,1,6/26/2008,
"Work, employment, world,",Have you watched a young child paint with crayola?  They get way outside the lines.,Work sometimes puts us way outside the lines of serving Jehovah.,Mark 4:19;,Marc Cash,HOLD A GOOD CONSCIENCE IN A SINFUL WORLD,107,1,9/14/2008,
"Marriage, problems, endurance,","For a building to stand the test of time, a good maintenance program is necessary.","When husband and wife regularly support each other in their goals, and when they show honor and respect for each other, their marriage is kept strong.  Selfishness does not take root, and anger is kept under control.",Ephesians 4:32;,g06 July Page 8,SHOW RESPECT AND LOVE IN YOUR MARRIAGE,28,,6/12/2006,
"Noah, flood, misconceptions,","Noah lived early in human history. He was born about a thousand years after the first man was created. People then were not the cavemen that many envision—hairy, dim-witted creatures who slouched about with clubs in their hands.","There were forged tools of iron and copper, and Noah may have used these in constructing the ark. There were also musical instruments. People married, raised families, cultivated crops, and had livestock. They bought and sold things. In these ways, life then was much as it is today.",Genesis 4:20-22; Luke 17:26-28,"Jun 1, 2008 Wt page 4, 5;",THE FLOOD OF NOAH'S DAY HAS MEANING FOR US,6,1,6/27/2008,
"Compassion, warmth, distress, pain","Like the warm rays of the bright sun, compassion can soothe a distressed soul, lessen pain, and lift the spirits of an afflicted person.","NEVER before have so many of our fellow humans been in such dire need of compassionate help as they face famine, sickness, poverty, crime, civil strife, and natural disasters. Compassion denotes a sympathetic awareness of another’s suffering or adversity combined with a desire to alleviate it.","Matthew 5:46, 47; 7:12.","Dec 15, 2007 WT page 4",,0,1,1/5/2008,
"Jehovah, trinity, bi-polar- torture, ransom, memorial, hell, wickedness,",Many feel they have a bi-polar God.,"One who tortures people in hell-fire, yet gave his son as a ransom.",John 3:16;,Don Palmer,Is Hell Really a Place of Fiery Torment?,128,1,1/7/2010,4/1/2014
"Faith, trust, confidence, breastplate of faith,","""If Jehovah brings you to it, Jehovah will bring you through it.""","If a course Jehovah directs results in adversity or opposition, a Christian can be certain of Jehovah’s help.",Ps 34:19,Bobby Laymon,,,1,5/8/2013,9/18/2019
"Truth, Bible, God's Word, false, lie,","If you play a musical instrument, and you learn a song by heart.  When you hear someone else play it, can you tell if they make a mistake?  Yes!","Likewise with God's Word.  When we learn the truth and have it in our hearts, we automatically know if someone says something wrong.",John 8:32;,Steven Cazzell,"COME, YOU WHO THIRST FOR THE TRUTH!",89,1,7/9/2013,
"Bible reading, Word, Daily,","Suppose a friend picks you up to go on a 30-mile [50 km] trip. Riding in the passenger seat, you notice that the fuel gauge is on empty. You tell your friend he is just about out of fuel. He says not to worry; there is still a gallon [some four liters] in the tank. Soon, though, you run out of fuel.","Is it worth it to ‘run on empty’ and take a chance on being stranded? How much better to keep a full tank! Figuratively, we need to keep a full tank, the fuel being our knowledge of Jehovah.  To that end, we need to fuel up and to do so regularly. There are four ways we do this. First, personal study, becoming familiar with the Bible by reading it daily.",Joshua 1:8;,w10 6/15 p. 4  Samuel Herd,,0,1,5/16/2013,
"Bible, miracles, guidance,","Through experience, Marshallese navigators learned that the presence of land creates certain wave patterns that reveal the location of an island up to 20 miles [30 km] away. There were dozens of wave patterns to learn, and the stick charts served as memory aids. What were stick charts like?  For many years, navigation by stick chart was kept a secret, revealed only to certain chosen ones. How would a young navigator learn to use a stick chart? Only through training and practice. An experienced navigator privately tutored the young sailor, perhaps taking him on trips to nearby islands. As the apprentice learned to recognize wave patterns, he gained confidence in his stick chart. Eventually, he could set out on the ocean by himself.","In a similar way, God’s Word, the Bible, can serve as our guide on life’s journey. At first, someone may help us to gain a basic understanding of the Scriptures. Then, as we continue to study God’s Word and put its principles into practice, we gain confidence in what it says.  Yes, the Bible can map out for us a sure and successful course in life.",Joshua 1:8;,w06 10/1 p. 32,Did the Miracles of the Bible Really Happen?,137,1,6/5/2008,11/29/2017
"Misguide, false, information, two roads, destruction, life, Satan, deceive, evil,","WHEN you are traveling  on a road, a  sign that points in the  wrong direction can make  you go the wrong way.  This may be dangerous.  Imagine that a friend  warns you that an evil  man changed a sign on the road because he wants people to get lost. You would  certainly pay attention to your friend’s  warning.",The Bible talks about two roads. One  leads to destruction and one leads to  everlasting life. It says that many are on  the road to destruction. Satan has deceived  them like that evil man. He is  determined to deceive us too.,Revelation  12:9,"July 15, 2011 WT Page 10;",HOW TO PROTECT OURSELVES FROM SATAN'S SNARES,115,1,4/19/2011,3/9/2021
"Forgiveness, friendship, offended, rancor, sin, negative thoughts,","Imagine that you received an heirloom bowl or vase as a gift. If it became soiled or stained, would your immediate response be to throw it away? Not likely. You would probably put forth effort to clean it carefully, removing any spots or dirt and perhaps eliminating the stain. You want to behold its beauty, the way it gleams in the sunlight.","In like fashion, you can work hard to get rid of any lingering rancor or feelings of annoyance toward a brother or a sister who offended you. Fight the tendency to dwell on the painful words or acts. As you succeed in putting them behind you, you purify the image and memories you have in your heart of the one whom you have forgiven. With your heart cleansed of negative thoughts toward that one, you are more open to enjoy again the close friendship that had seemed lost for good.",Jeremiah 33:8;,jr chap. 12 pp. 152-153 par. 23,TRUE FRIENDSHIP WITH GOD AND NEIGHBOR,100,1,5/16/2013,
"Message, Witnessing, mailman, attitude, Local needs, publisher, pioneers,","The mailman doesn't get bent out-of-shape because he brings you bills.  People don't like bills, but they are not his fault.",We are the mailman.  We just go on to the next house.,"Acts 20:26, 27;",Frank Barr C. O.,DO YOU HAVE THE EVENGELIZING SPIRIT?,63,1,5/17/2010,
"Living together, marriage, fault,","Suppose a man and woman own a car, but they do not maintain it according to the manufacturer’s instructions. If the car breaks down as a result, who is to blame? The manufacturer or the owners who failed to perform routine maintenance?","The same principle applies to marriage. When a husband and wife maintain their relationship and are determined to work out their problems by applying Bible principles, divorce is far less likely. There is a feeling of security in the marriage because a personal commitment has been made by each spouse. Marriage then becomes the basis for a loving relationship.",Matthew 19:6;,g 10/09 p. 28,GETTING MARRIAGE OFF TO A GOOD START,27,1,1/3/2011,
"Family worship night, fortress, Satan,","Jehovah has helped us by giving us a gift.  A night for family worship.  When Satan comes, what does he find.  Are we making use of it.  Have we set aside an evening for it.",We must not let Satan take away Jehovah's gift.,"Ephesians 5:15, 16;",Mark Cash; Keep on the Watch District Convention,PARENTS--ARE YOU BUILDING WITH FIRE-RESISTANT MATERIALS?,104,1,8/16/2009,
"Future, great tribulation, armageddon, courage, faith,","Disease, global warming, terrorism, war, these are things that threaten life on earth. BUT,  there is something else that threatens life on earth, at least human life, and it is much bigger that any of those other things we mentioned. But it is a good thing.  A destruction that is good!!  Jehovah has promised to bring something to this earth that the earth has never seen.  Its described in Matthew 24:20-22  READ……..21 for then there will be great tribulation such as has not occurred since the world’s beginning until now, no, nor will occur again. 22 In fact, unless those days were cut short, no flesh would be saved; but on account of the chosen ones those days will be cut short.",But that destruction is a good thing because it rids the earth of all those who do not want to live in peace here on the earth and the Bible assures us there will be survivors.  God will preserve his people.  We have a solid hope for the future.,Matthew 24:20-22,JK,FACING THE FUTURE WITH FAITH AND COURAGE,166,1,10/23/2006,12/30/2018
"Kindness, goodness, spirit, refreshing, pleasant, atmosphere, interest, helpful, acts,","Picture a woman preparing fruit for her family, examining each piece as she slices it to make sure that it is sweet and ripe all the way through, without defect inside or out.","Similarly, the goodness produced by holy spirit permeates a Christian’s entire way of life.  Goodness is moral excellence. It involves not just what we do but, more important, what we are.","Acts 9:36, 39; 16:14, 15,",w11 4/15 p. 25 pars. 8-9,,0,1,5/17/2013,
"Family worship, training, practice sessions,","Many times when police come under attack, they will say, ""The training took over.""","Likewise, in our family worship we need practice sessions.  These will take over when we are under attack.","Ephesians 5:15, 16;",Mark Cash; Keep on the Watch District Convention,PARENTS--ARE YOU BUILDING WITH FIRE-RESISTANT MATERIALS?,104,1,8/16/2009,
"Life, abundance, ransom, memorial, evening meal, Christ Jesus, wickedness, ","We might compare enjoying eternal life to having an abundance of air. Sailors in a malfunctioning submarine would consider air to be especially valuable. After they were rescued, do you think they would unappreciatively complain about again enjoying air in abundance? Surely not!","Like such sailors, we can be rescued but with the even greater prospect of everlasting life.  Through Jesus’ ransom sacrifice, God will remove human imperfection and death and will bestow upon obedient mankind the gift of everlasting life. How grateful we should be for such a loving arrangement!",Romans 6:23;,w04 11/15 pp. 5-6,,0,1,5/15/2013,4/1/2014
"Holy spirit, cultivate,","A farmer cultivates the land. Of course, sunshine and water are necessary; without such he cannot expect any harvest.","We might compare holy spirit to sunshine.  Holy spirit is needed for us to manifest the fruitage of the spirit. Yet, what would be  Being under the influence of the holy spirit involves refraining from what works?",Isaiah 55:1;,"March 15, 2010 WT",RENEWING THE SPIRIT OF SELF-SACRIFICE,69,1,1/5/2010,4/25/2025
"Death row, everlasting life, sentence, punishment, repentance, salvation,",Two brothers visited a brother who has been inactive for sometime.  One of the visitors asked the inactive brother what standing did he think he had with Jehovah God. He said that probably he was on death row.,"The visitor told him that at that time, over a hundred individuals were in prison on death row and all of them were doing everything they could to have their sentence stayed, just so they could live just a few more years.  What are you doing to get back in Jehovah's standing?  Everlasting life is worth the effort.","Job 33:24, 28;",Bobby Laymon,Service Talk,200,1,8/31/2009,
"Pattern, imperfection, inherit, sin, death,",What if a company who made blouses had a pattern with one long sleeve and one short sleeve.  All the blouses would be defective.,This is what happened when Adam sinned.  We are all defective.,Romans 5:12;,Carolyn Ivey,HOLD A GOOD CONSCIENCE IN A SINFUL WORLD,107,1,6/26/2009,
"Choose, distance,","“CHOOSE” is a powerful word. A person with a choice has options and a degree of control over the direction his or her life will take. To illustrate: Imagine that a man who is walking on a road suddenly finds that it becomes two diverging paths. Which will he choose to follow? If the man has a destination in mind, then one path will likely bring him closer to his goal while the other will take him farther away from it.","The Bible contains numerous examples of people who faced a similar situation. For example, Cain had to decide whether to act on his anger or to control it. (Gen. 4:6, 7) Joshua had to choose between serving the true God or worshipping false gods. (Josh. 24:15) Joshua’s goal was to stay close to Jehovah; hence, he chose a path that took him in that direction. Cain had no such goal, and he chose the path that took him farther away from Jehovah.","Genesis 4:6, 7; 24:15;",Jan 15 WT page 12,,0,1,5/14/2013,9/24/2014
"Endure, tribulation, endurance, rejoice,","You have a dental appointment.  You are not thrilled about the day, but you have a tooth ache.  When your tooth aches you will go to the needle.  You are glad you endured the pain because now you feel better.",We can rejoice under tribulation.  The outcome will be worth it.,"John 17:15, 16; John 15:19",Robert Hendrix D. O.,Service Talk,200,1,1/7/2010,
"Meetings, time, life, buy out,",We are on Jehovah timetable.  We are not on our own timetable.,We need to buy out time from worldly pursuits.,Ephesians 6:4; John 9:4;,Charlie Allyn C. O.,TAKING TIME TO MEDITATE ON SPIRITUAL THINGS,67,1,9/14/2008,
"Rebellious, ruling, justice,","Imagine that a teacher is telling his students how to solve a difficult problem. A clever but rebellious student claims that the teacher’s way of solving the problem is wrong. Implying that the teacher is not capable, this rebel insists that he knows a much better way to solve the problem. Some students think that he is right, and they also become rebellious. What should the teacher do?","If he throws the rebels out of the class, what will be the effect on the other students? Will they not believe that their fellow student and those who joined him are right? All the other students in the class might lose respect for the teacher, thinking that he is afraid of being proved wrong. But suppose that the teacher allows the rebel to show the class how he would solve the problem.",Job 38:7;,bh chap. 11 p. 110 par. 12 Why Does God Allow Suffering?,,018,,1/26/2006,5/27/2025
"Searching, deep things of God, understanding, discernment, knowledge, name, truths,","MOST of us in the Christian congregation can recall the joy we felt when we first learned the truth. We discovered why Jehovah’s name is important, why he permits suffering, why some people go to heaven, and what the future holds for faithful mankind in general. We may have looked into the Bible before that, but these things were hidden from us, as they are from most of mankind. We were like a man peering through the water at a coral reef. Unaided, he sees little of the beautiful things below the surface. But with the aid of diving goggles or a glass-bottomed boat, he is thrilled to see for the first time brilliantly colored corals, fish, sea anemones, and other fascinating creatures.","Similarly, when someone began to help us to understand the Scriptures, we had our first glimpse of “the deep things of God.”",1 Corinthians 2:8-10,w07 11/1 p. 27 par. 1,,0,1,5/16/2013,
"Spiritual diet, health, FDA, FDS, Faithful and discreet slave,","So that people will stay healthy, they have established the FDA.","For a good spiritual diet, we have the FDS.",Matthew 24:45-47; Hebrews 5:12;,Josehp Masachek D. O.,SERVING WITH JEHOVAH'S UNIFIED ORGANIZATION,3,1,5/17/2010,
"Marriage, Wedding,","JESUS said: ""Who of you that wants to build a tower does not first sit down and calculate the expense, to see if he has enough to complete it?""",What is true of building a tower is also true of building a marriage. Those who want to get married should carefully count the cost of marriage to make sure they can meet the demands.,Luke 14:28,Society's Website,SHOW RESPECT AND LOVE IN YOUR MARRIAGE,28,1,10/31/2006,
Building Up Yourselves on Your Most Holy Faith,"Construction of a house may be completed, yet work goes on. Maintenance and repairs are essential, and additions may be necessary as circumstances change. What do we need in order to mature and to maintain our spirituality?","Above all, love. We need to keep growing in love for Jehovah and for our fellow believers. If we do not have love, all our knowledge and works would amount to nothing—like a lot of empty noise.  With love, we can attain Christian maturity and continue growing spiritually.",1 Corinthians 13:1-3,lv chap. 17 p. 202 par. 15 “Building Up Yourselves on Your Most Holy Faith”,KEEP GROWING IN YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD,16,1,2/28/2009,
"Signs posts, markers, guide, maps,","IF YOU were traveling on an unfamiliar road or pathway, would you view signposts as a hindrance? Not likely! Surely you would view them as an aid to help you from straying off the route leading to your destination.","What, though, of traveling life's road? Can it be successfully negotiated without signposts? An ancient prophet of God acknowledged mankind's limitations in this regard. He said: ""I know, OLORD, that man's ways are not of his own choosing; nor is it for a man to determine his course in life.""—Jeremiah 10:23, The New English Bible.Where, then, can the needed direction be found? The reliable source of such guidance is man's Creator, and the figurative signposts are to be found in the Bible. Jehovah, by means of his Word, says: ""Your own ears will hear a word behind you saying: 'This is the way. Walk in it, you people,' in case you people should go to the right or in case you should go to the left.""",Isaiah 30:21,*** w98 10/1 p. 32 Signposts on Life's Road ***,Service Talk,200,1,10/24/2006,
"Samples, food court, taste, Honor, Respect, Love,","No one will know of our love and affection unless we give out samples, so to speak.  Of course, having brotherly love involves more than merely having warm feelings toward others. Such feelings need to be demonstrated by actions.","Hence, Paul adds the admonition: “In showing honor to one another take the lead.”",Rom. 12:10b,"Oct 15, 2010 WT Page 16",FINDING HONOR AND JOY IN GOD'S MINISTRY,65,1,12/27/2010,
"Revenge, grudge, hatred, competition, Peace, joyful,","One commentator observed: ""If you think 'revenge is sweet,' look into the faces of those who have lived on it for years.""","Indeed, how can a person be joyful if hatred and destructive feelings are bottled up inside of him?",Hebrews 13:20; 1 Peter 3: 11,"Sep 1, 2009 WT page 23;",,171,1,9/2/2009,
Where Is Jehovah?,"They were like patients looking for a physician who would say soothing things but ignore serious symptoms. If you were seriously ill, would you not want an accurate diagnosis so that you could be treated in time?","However, the people of Judah, who loved to hear the ‘all-is-well’ chorus of their religious leaders, were not genuinely interested in what Jehovah thought of their conduct. (Jer. 5:31; 6:14)  Spiritually speaking, the Jews in Jeremiah’s day should have sought an honest appraisal of their spiritual condition. They ought to have asked: “Where is Jehovah?”","Jer. 2:6, 8;",jr chap. 10 p. 114 par. 2,WHAT KIND OF NAME ARE YOU MAKING WITH GOD?,55,1,1/2/2011,
" Does God Have a Name, Jehovah, He causes to become,","A person may be called Sir, Boss, Dad, or Grandpa, depending on the circumstances. These titles reveal something about him. But the name of the person reminds us of everything we know about him.","Likewise, titles such as Lord, Almighty, Father, and Creator call attention to different facets of God’s activities. But only his personal name, Jehovah, reminds us of everything we know about him. How can you really know God without knowing his name?",Psalm 83:18;,w09 2/1 p. 6,Who Is Like Jehovah Our God?,145,1,1/7/2011,
"Real life, new earth, wickedness, ","We are just practicing now.  This is not the ""real life.""","The ""real life"" still lies ahead of us.",1 Timothy 6:19;,"District Convention - Tulsa, OK  June 23, 24, 2006",REACH OUT FOR THE REAL LIFE!,90,1,7/2/2006,4/1/2014
"giving, wealth, selfish, unselfish, gift, Andrew Carnagie,","While Andrew Carnegie paid his employees the low wages typical of the time, he later gave away most of his money to fund the establishment of many libraries, schools, and universities in America, United Kingdom and other countries, as well as a pension fund for former employees. He is often regarded as the second richest man in history.",However the greatest giver is Jehovah God and his son Christ Jesus.  We should appreciate and give back what we can.,Matthew 5:45;,Adrian Herrera,Is There Really a Devil?,131,1,9/14/2008,
"Modesty, effort, exert, possible, impossibility, not give up,","Somebody said that it couldn't be done, But he with a grin replied, He'd never be one to say it couldn't be done, Leastways not till he tried.  So he buckled right in with a trace of a grin.  By George, he went right to it!  He tackled the thing that couldn't be done--AND HE COULDN'T DO IT!","We may not be able to do something, but with Jehovah all things are possible.  Many of Jehovah's servants have accomplished impossible tasks by relying on Him.  They have conquered the world.",Matthew 19:26; 24:13;,Bobby Laymon,NO PART OF THE WORLD--IN IMITATION OF CHRIST,11,1,8/31/2009,
"Marriage, problems, endurance,","""For better or worse, marriage has been displaced from its pivotal position in personal and social life.""  Quote: Historian Stephanie Coontz.","Can you see the effects of such a trend?  Do you feel that marriage is losing its honored place in society?  If so, why is this happening?  What hope is there for a secure marriage?",Matthew 24:13;,g06 July Page 3,SHOW RESPECT AND LOVE IN YOUR MARRIAGE,28,,6/12/2006,
"Marriage, wedding, cost,",Would you choose to dive into a river without first learning to swim? Such a foolish act could be harmful—even deadly.,"Think, though, of how many people jump into marriage with little awareness of how to take on the responsibilities involved.",Luke 14:28;,Society's Website,SHOW RESPECT AND LOVE IN YOUR MARRIAGE,28,1,10/31/2006,
"Values, Spiritual",Just as sunglasses protect your eyes from harmful rays…,So spiritual values protect us from materialism and other onslaughts by Satan.,"1 Timothy 6:9, 10.",Todd Bell,,0,,4/29/2006,
"Dedication, baptism, commitment, devotion, not forget,",Many people devote their life to the pursuit of material wealth without attaining true happiness and genuine satisfaction.,"However, those who dedicate themselves to Jehovah find long-lasting happiness. (Matt. 6:24) The honor of being “God’s fellow workers” makes them happy, yet their dedication is not to a work but to our appreciative God. (1 Cor. 3:9) No one could be more appreciative of their self-sacrifice than he is. He will even restore his loyal ones to their youth so that they can benefit from his care forever.",Job 33:25; Hebrews 6:10.,w10 1/15 p. 7 par. 18,REACH OUT FOR THE REAL LIFE!,90,1,1/8/2011,
"Anger, Self-control,",Anger is like a fire. It can easily get out of control and cause disaster.,One who is justified in expressing his displeasure must carefully control his anger to avoid damaging valuable relationships.,Prov. 29:22,"Sep 15, 2010 WT page 20",,0,1,10/31/2010,
"Deliverance, world, safety, destruction, Armageddon, last days,",Imagine clinging onto the handrails of the Titanic.,That is what it is like trying to keep hold of this system of things.,2 Timothy 3:1-5; Luke 21:25-28;,"District Convention - Tulsa, OK  June 23, 24, 2006",WILL YOU BE A SURVIVOR OF THE LAST DAYS?,2,1,7/2/2006,6/2/2025
"Friends, whole-souled, companions, confide,","""Friends are like stars... you don't always see them, but you know they're always there.""---Hulali Luta",It is nice to know we have someone to confide in.,Proverbs 17:17;,Bobby Laymon,,0,1,12/17/2009,
"Jesus Christ, impartial, all sorts, convention invitations,","If a building was on fire, would you only warn those you knew, or would you warn all alike?","As Jesus was impartial, we want to distribute warnings and invitations to all alike.",Revelation 22:17;,"Follow The Christ District Convention; Tulsa, OK Jun 1-3 2007",KEEP CLEAN FROM WORLDLY DEFILEMENTS,98,1,6/4/2007,
"Television, TV, Boredom, addiction, reality,","The more you are ‘plugged in’ to the TV set, the more you can get disconnected from reality.  TV, in itself, doesn’t cause boredom, but excessive television will not banish boredom either.","In the case of children, this happens all too often. In one study in which children ages four and five were asked whether they would prefer to give up TV or their father, 1 out of 3 decided that life would be more bearable without daddy!",Proverbs 18:1,g95 1/22 p. 5,RESISTING THE SPIRIT OF THE WORLD,25,1,1/1/2011,
"Evolution, Creation,",Evolution presents modern man as an improving animal.,The Bible presents modern man as the degenerating descendant of a perfect man.,"Deuteronomy 32:4, 5","January 1, 2008 Page 15",The Origin of Humans-Does It Matter What You Believe?,133,1,1/4/2008,
"Drifting,","Drifting takes place gradually, just as a boat that is adrift slowly floats farther from land. Others become so weighed down with anxieties that they lose sight of spiritual things. Still others allow themselves to be stumbled by someone associated with the congregation, or they leave because they do not agree with a certain Scriptural teaching. A few become involved in unscriptural conduct.","However, the points presented in connection with each of these matters may help you to assist those who have left the fold for these or other reasons to return before it is too late.",Hebrews 2:1;Hebrews 2:1,w08 11/15 p. 15 par. 15 Help Them Return Without Delay!,SAFEGUARD YOUR CHRISTIAN IDENTITY!,160,1,2/28/2009,
"Purpose, intent, determination, design, plan,","The great wall of China.  Took many years to build with the cost of many lives.  It has been called, ""The world's longest graveyard.""  However, with all the effort put into it, it's purpose failed.  It did not keep out the enemies.",We must be careful that we keep our commission and purpose constantly before us.,Mark 13:10; Zeph 1:14;,Tim Manion,HOW PURPOSEFUL IS YOUR LIFE?,60,1,9/26/2009,
"Armageddon, The War to End All Wars",Armageddon will accomplish something that no other war has ever accomplished—the end of all wars. Who does not yearn for the day when warfare will be a thing of the past?,"Armageddon will be A happy beginning.  The Bible promises: “He is making wars to cease to the extremity of the earth. The bow he breaks apart and does cut the spear in pieces; the wagons he burns in the fire.”—Psalm 46:8, 9.","Revelation 16:14, 16; Jeremiah 10:23; Psalm 46:8,9;",w05 12/1 p. 7,REAL PEACE AND SECURITY - WHEN?,176,1,3/19/2010,
"Positive, Negative, attitude, seek, past, present, future, death, dead, life, everlasting,","Both the hummingbird and the vulture fly over the nation's deserts. All vultures see is rotting meat, because that is what they look for. They thrive on that diet. But hummingbirds ignore the smelly flesh of dead animals. Instead, they look for the colorful blossoms of desert plants.",The vultures live on what was. They live on the past. They fill themselves with what is dead and gone. But hummingbirds live on what is. They seek new life. They fill themselves with freshness and life. Each bird finds what it is looking for. We all do.,Job 33:25;,Bobby Laymon,GAINING COMFORT IN ALL OUR TRIBULATIONS,105,1,8/31/2009,
"Memory, forget, reminders, remember, concentrate,","Did you ever ask someone for the time during a conversation, and then shortly afterward ask: ""What time did you say it was?""",This is more a case of not getting than forgetting.  You really cannot forget something until you first get it.  In order to get it you must concentrate on it.,Deuteronomy 32:18;Lamentations 3:17;,G60 10/22 10,PAYING ATTENTION TO THE PROPHETIC WORD,102,,5/31/2006,
"Work, happiness, purpose, activity,","It has been said that, If a pencil could talk, it would say, 'It is happy when its writing.'",Likewise we enjoy happy work that accomplishes its purpose.,Micah 1:7;,Mike Reading,ARE YOU DOING WHAT GOD REQUIRES OF YOU?,43,1,5/23/2010,
"Peter, fear, doubt, Cephas, stone, rock, prophetic,","Jesus looked at him and said: “‘You are Simon the son of John; you will be called Cephas’ (which is translated Peter).” (John 1:42) “Cephas” is a common noun meaning “stone,” or “rock.” Evidently, Jesus’ words were prophetic.","He foresaw that Peter would become like a rock—a stable, sturdy, and reliable influence among Christ’s followers. Did Peter see himself that way? It seems doubtful.  Peter did have his faults. Jesus was not blind to those. But Jesus, like his Father, Jehovah, was always looking for the good in people. Jesus saw much potential in Peter, and He sought to help him build on those good qualities.",John 1:42;,w09 10/1 p. 22,SERVING WITH JEHOVAH'S UNIFIED ORGANIZATION,3,1,1/3/2011,
"Future,",“I NEVER think of the future. It comes soon enough.” Those oft-quoted words are attributed to the noted scientist Albert Einstein. Many people express similar sentiments. “Why worry about the future?” they may say. Or you may have heard people say such things as: “Just get on with life.” “Live for today.” “Forget tomorrow.”,"That overall approach, of course, is not new. “Eat, drink, enjoy yourself. The rest is nothing.” This was the motto of the ancient Epicureans. Some contemporaries of the apostle Paul held a similar view. “Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we are to die” was their view.  They believed that this short life is all we will ever have, so they promoted the idea that we should make the most of that life.",1 Corinthians 15:32,"Oct 15, 2007 WT page 3",OVERCOMING FEAR OF THE FUTURE,108,1,1/4/2008,
"Endurance, trials, persecution,","Regarding the kind of endurance referred to by Bible writers, one scholar explains: “It is the spirit which can bear things, not simply with resignation, but with blazing hope . . . It is the quality which keeps a man on his feet with his face to the wind. It is the virtue which can transmute the hardest trial into glory because beyond the pain it sees the goal.”",The Greek noun for “endurance” means “the capacity to hold out or bear up in the face of difficulty.”,1 Peter 1:6;,cf chap. 7 p. 67 par. 4,BEARING UP UNDER PERSECUTION,57,1,7/8/2010,
"Prejudice and Discrimination, rights, nationalism, racism, religion,",“All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood.”—Article 1 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.,"DESPITE that lofty ideal, prejudice and discrimination continue to plague mankind. This sad fact reflects not only our times but also the imperfection of humans. Nevertheless, the situation is far from hopeless. Granted, we may be unable to eliminate the discrimination we see around us, but we can work to root out prejudices that may lodge within ourselves.",Psalm 51:5,g 8/09 p. 4,Trust in the God of All Comfort,143,1,1/7/2011,
"grateful, appreciation, work,","""He who is being carried does not realize how far the town is.""  Quote: (African)",We often don't appreciate what we don't work for.,Proverbs 19:19;,Bobby Laymon,HOW TO PROTECT OURSELVES FROM SATAN'S SNARES,115,,6/17/2006,
"alarm, warning, salvation, action, exert,",Many have smoke alarms in their homes.  Did you know that people have slept through the loud piercing alarm.  Especially elderly ones and younger ones.  What would you do if you hear an alarm in the middle of the night?  You would see that all are awake and get them out.,"In like manner when we learn the truth, we spring to action.  We cannot afford to sleep on.",1 Thess 5:6;,Howard Erwin; Keep on the Watch District Convention,WILL YOU BE A SURVIVOR OF THE LAST DAYS?,2,1,8/16/2009,6/2/2025
"Love, Oil, saw,","I had a favorite saw.  It had one thing I hated about it.  It would go SCHREEEEE as it stopped.  Cutting rafters each one took 7 cuts, and a house might have 200 rafters in it.  Imagine how many SCHREEEEE that would be.  I sprayed WD-40 on the blade and it would stop for a few times.  Then I tried a heavy oil and it would last a long time.","Love is like oil, that helps us put up with things and people that annoy us.",1 Peter 4:8;,Todd Bell,LOVE IDENTIFIES THE TRUE CHRISTIAN CONGREGATION,72,1,12/16/2010,
"Children, Handicapped, special needs, mentally retarded, disabled, encouragement,","""We view our son as a hardwood tree in a forest,"" says his mother.  ""Though a hardwood does not grow as fast as other trees, it produces timber of great worth.""","""Similarly, children with disabilities also develop slowly.  But to their parents they become like little oaks and teaks of lasting value.""",Romans 15:4,April 2006 Awake!,,0,,5/22/2006,
"Teamwork, Marriage, husbands, wives, wife, spouse,","When you and your spouse are a team, you become like pilot and copilot with the same flight plan rather than two pilots on a collision course. When you disagree, you work out practical solutions instead of wasting time and emotional energy blaming and accusing.","If you and your spouse are not a team, minor events may quickly become major issues with each of you attacking the other rather than the problem at hand. In contrast,",Micah 3:12;, g 10/09 p. 5,SHOW RESPECT AND LOVE IN YOUR MARRIAGE,28,1,1/3/2011,
"Trouble tree, problems, provoked state, employment, work, job, anxiety, anxieties, prayer,","A farmer had a ""trouble tree,"" which at night he would hang his troubles on.  Then he would pick them up the next day.","""Funny thing is, when I come out in the morning to pick them up, there isn't nearly as many as I remember hanging up the night before.""  Nice lesson about bringing our jobs home with us.",Matthew 6:34;,Bobby Laymon,A CLEANSED EARTH--WILL YOU LIVE TO SEE IT?,49,1,8/31/2009,2/2/2015
"entertainment, margin of safety,","It is also wise to allow a margin of safety when choosing entertainment. What does that mean? Consider once more the example of the fruit. To avoid inadvertently eating what is rotten, you cut out not just the exact area that is bad but also a margin around it.","Similarly, it is wise to apply a safety margin in choosing entertainment. A wise Christian avoids not only entertainment that is clearly in violation of Bible principles but also types that are dubious or that seem to include elements that are spiritually unhealthy.  Sticking close to God’s Word will help you to do just that.",Proverbs 4:25-27,lv chap. 6 pp. 69-70 par. 15 How to Choose Wholesome Entertainment,REMAINING BLAMELESS AMID A CROOKED GENERATION,97,1,2/28/2009,
"Marriage, happiness, wedding, families, family,","Just as rust can corrode metal under a coat of paint, a number of factors can eat away at a marriage. To understand what can be done to improve a marriage, let us first examine some of the things that can go wrong.","IT IS unrealistic to expect a marriage to be problem-free. After all, even well-matched marriage mates are not perfectly compatible. Hence, difficulties of some sort are inevitable.",2 Timothy 3:2-4;,g 7/08 p. 4,GETTING MARRIAGE OFF TO A GOOD START,27,1,1/8/2011,
"Jehovah, Name, become, promises, fulfiller, prophecy,","His very name means:  “He Causes to Become.”  In other words, he can cause himself to become, whatever is needed in order to fulfill his promises.  Think of how the Israelites saw that.  They watched in awe as he caused himself to become an: •	unbeatable Military Commander, •	a Master who could control all of the natural elements, •	a peerless Lawgiver, •	Judge, •	Architect, •	Provider of food and water for three million people in a barren desert,  •	He could preserve clothing and footwear so it didn’t wear out in 40 years!   Just to mention a few things!","Through Bible study, Jehovah’s Witnesses know that same thing that what God has promised will always come true, nothing can thwart the fulfillment of God’s word.",Exodus 3:14,JK,Why Take Refuge in Jehovah,142,1,10/23/2006,4/8/2014
"Satan, children, clubs, organizations,",Satan would like to reel in your children as a man reels in fish.,Various clubs and other organizations are designed to make young people fit in with Satan's world.,1 Corinthians 15:58;,"December 15, 2007 Wt. Page 14",,0,1,11/19/2007,
"Teenage pregnancy, emotions,",A farmer who becomes immobilized by worries about the weather will fail to take necessary action.,"Avoid becoming immobilized yourself. Sooner or later you must move forward and shoulder your load of responsibilities.—Galatians 6:5.  Little is accomplished, however, by allowing yourself to be paralyzed by negative emotions. “He that is watching the wind will not sow seed,” says the Bible, “and he that is looking at the clouds will not reap.” (Ecclesiastes 7:8; 11:4)",Galatians 6:5; Ecclesiastes 7:8; 11:4,Society's Web Site,RESPONSIBILITIES AND REWARDS OF PARENTHOOD,29,,5/30/2006,
"judge, resurrection, son of man,","We are especially interested in our family.  We would do everything we could to see they enjoy life, and get everlasting life.","This is what qualifies Jesus as Judge.  ""For Son of Man he is.""  He is our relative.  He is one of our family members because he was born as a son of man. John 5:27",John 5:27-30,Phil Kirkton,DOES GOD COUNT YOU PERSONALLY IMPORTANT?,26,,5/18/2006,
"Death, dying, sleep, Funeral,",We might illustrate matters this way.  The life that we enjoy is like the flame of a candle.,"When the flame is extinguished, it does not go anywhere.  It is simply gone.","Ecclesiastes 9:5, 6, 10;","Jan 15, 2007 WT page 24",,0,1,5/15/2007,
"Service talk, local needs, Go, Preach,","What is one of the shortest sentences in the English language?  GO!  Not only is it short but is packed with power.  Like TNT or dynamite.  Jesus Christ added other powerful words to this action-packed word at Matthew 28:19, 20.  Read…Matthew 28:19-20) . . .Go therefore and make disciples of people of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the holy spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all the things I have commanded YOU. And, look! I am with YOU all the days until the conclusion of the system of things.""1.	The disciples knew that they were to preach the good news and ""make disciples of people of all the nations."" 	A.	They did not know how thorough a witness would be given.              1.	They did not know when the end would come. 		2.	Neither do we. 		3.	Who is it that determines this?  Matthew 24:36		4.	He will bring an end to this wicked system of things. II.	Let's talk about some of the power in Jesus' words.	A.	Preach, Preacher, Preaching 		1.	What does it mean?	(A Greek-English Lexicon, by H. Liddell and R. Scott, revised by H. Jones, Oxford, 1968, p. 949) Ke·rys´so thus does not convey the thought of the delivery of a sermon to a closed group of disciples but, rather, of an open, public proclamation. This is illustrated by its use to describe the ""strong angel proclaiming [ke·rys´son·ta] with a loud voice: 'Who is worthy to open the scroll and loose its seals?'""—Re 5:2; compare also Mt 10:27.(Luke 9:60) . . .But he said to him: ""Let the dead bury their dead, but you go away and declare abroad the kingdom of God."". . .(Matthew 24:14) . . .And this good news of the kingdom will be preached in all the inhabited earth for a witness to all the nations; and then the end will come.	B.	What Does Our Ministry Accomplishes1. How does Jehovah view our ministry, and what is the response of humans?	(2 Cor. 2:14-16) As we make known the knowledge of God, our offerings of service are like pleasing incense to 			Jehovah.2. What does our ministry enable us to demonstrate?  Prov. 27:11. 3. Why is it so important for us to continue making known God's name and purpose? Ezek. 39:7 4. How does the preaching work serve as a basis for judgment? People will be judged by their response to 		the good news. 5. How is God's mercy reflected in our ministry? 2 Pet. 3:9. 6. How does keeping busy in Jehovah's service benefit us? 1 Cor. 15:58",Think of the power in Jesus' words:  GO! And make disciples.,"Matthew 28:19, 20;",Bobby Laymon,Service Talk,200,1,4/9/2008,10/9/2023
"Meddle, murmer, complain,","He that blows the coals in quarrels that he has nothing to do with, has no right to complain if the sparks fly in his face. -- Benjamin Franklin",Don't get involved in others fights.,Proverbs 26:17;,Bobby Laymon,MAINTAIN YOUR CONFIDENCE FIRM TO THE END,46,1,10/24/2006,
"Dress, Attitude, grooming, world, spot, testing,",Do we 'dress up' or 'dress down?',"We might dress down while at the beach or relaxation, but when serving Jehovah, we need to dress up.",2 Cor 13:5,Anthony Ibarra,,0,,5/21/2006,7/16/2023
"Marriage, wedding, problems,","Imagine that you have embarked on a long journey by car. It is inevitable that you will encounter problems along the way, including severe weather, traffic jams, and roadblocks. On occasion, you may even get lost What will you do? Turn around and go back or find a way to overcome the obstacle and move forward?","On the day of your wedding, you embarked on a journey that was sure to bring its share of problems, for the Bible says that ""those who marry will have pain and grief."" (1 Corinthians 7:28, The New English Bible) The. Question is not whether problems will arise but how you will face them when they do. Can you find a way to overcome the obstacle and move forward? Even if you feel that your marriage is hopelessly lost, will you try to get help?  James 5:14.",1 Cor 7:28;,Oct 2009 Aw page 20,SHOW RESPECT AND LOVE IN YOUR MARRIAGE,28,Evan,9/2/2009,12/21/2024
"Videos, resurrection, education,","In Zambia, one filmed showed people streaming from the exit of a subway in New York City.  Many thought that this depicted the resurrection.",The videos have helped in the education of Jehovah's people to help them see how life is carried on in other parts of the earth.,Isaiah 54:13,2006 Yearbook page 227,,0,,1/26/2006,
"Live, everlasting, boredom, bored, paradise, wickedness, ","We might compare enjoying eternal life to having an abundance of air. Sailors in a malfunctioning submarine would consider air to be especially valuable. After they were rescued, do you think they would unappreciatively complain about again enjoying air in abundance? Surely not!","Like such sailors, we can be rescued but with the even greater prospect of everlasting life. “The wages sin pays is death,” wrote the apostle Paul, “but the gift God gives is everlasting life by Christ Jesus our Lord.” Through Jesus’ ransom sacrifice, God will remove human imperfection and death and will bestow upon obedient mankind the gift of everlasting life. How grateful we should be for such a loving arrangement!",Romans 6:23;,Society's Web Site,REACH OUT FOR THE REAL LIFE!,90,,5/30/2006,4/1/2014
"Marriage,","""Two imperfect people cannot have a perfect marriage.""",We must have Jehovah in our marriage to make it work.  It will then be a three-fold cord.,Ecclesiastes 4:4-12;,"District Convention - Tulsa, OK  June 23, 24, 2006",SHOW RESPECT AND LOVE IN YOUR MARRIAGE,28,1,7/2/2006,
"Lies, Satan, Devil, false teaching, apostates, Clergy, Babylon, preachers, truth, ","A sign on the road that someone has turned to point the wrong way can fool us. Sometimes it is easy to see that the sign is pointing the wrong way, but at other times it is not easy.","The same is true with the lies that come from Satan. If we are not careful, some of his lies can easily fool us. The apostle Paul warns us about these lies. He calls them “false stories.”  What are these false stories, and how can we avoid paying attention to them? We need the answers to these questions so that we can stay on the road to everlasting life.","1 Timothy 1:3, 4;","July 15 2011 WT page 12, 13;",Is There Really a Devil?,131,1,4/19/2011,4/5/2025
"Deliverance, resurrection, survival, Armageddon, tribulation, tired, worn,","Whether we take the route overland, or underground, it doesn't matter.","We may be tired, but we must not 'tire out.'  We may be worn out, but must not give up.",Matthew 24:13;,"District Convention - Tulsa, OK  June 23, 24, 2006",YOU WILL REAP WHAT YOU SOW,59,1,7/2/2006,
"Sin, flesh, desires, disobey, listen, attention, map,","The second danger we will talk  about comes from inside of us. Imagine  this: You are on a journey to a certain  place, and you have a map to help you  get there. What will happen if you decide not to use the map but just choose every road that you think has a beautiful  view? You will never get where you  want to go.",This example helps us to  understand another principle that Jehovah  wanted to teach the Israelites. It is  in another law that he gave them. We  can read about it at Numbers 15:37-39.“You must not go about following your hearts and your eyes.”,Numbers 15:37-39; Jeremiah 17:9;,"July 15, 2011 WT Page 6",HOLD A GOOD CONSCIENCE IN A SINFUL WORLD,107,1,4/19/2011,12/27/2018
"Cooperate, fellow worker, Elders, pioneers, ministerial servants,","A construction worker tried to do exactly what his employer wanted.  He arrived for work on time, and never took 'extended' breaks. One day after his morning break he got up and started work, picking up a large piece of timber to take to the worksite.  Some said: ""Take it easy, come back here and sit with us. You don't need to do that now.""","Our Pioneers, Ministerial Servants and Elders and others are trying to do what our employer, Jehovah God, wants. We can ignore, discourage, criticize, or impute wrong motives. Or, we can get up, reach out, and help them carry the load.  Quote: ""A good thing to remember, and a better thing to do, is to work with the construction gang, and not with the wrecking crew.""",Hebrews 13:7;,Bobby Laymon,WHAT KIND OF NAME ARE YOU MAKING WITH GOD?,55,EVAN,8/31/2009,12/21/2024
"Life, abundance, everlasting, cheap to many, forever,","Some feel that the shortness of life is what makes it so precious. They may compare life to gold, which exists only in limited amounts. If gold could be found everywhere, they point out, its value would be diminished."," Nevertheless, gold would still be beautiful. Surely the same is true of life.",Romans 6:33;,w04 11/15 p. 5,REACH OUT FOR THE REAL LIFE!,90,1,5/15/2013,
"Bible, straight, Holy spirit,",Did you ever try to draw a straight line?  It is almost impossible without a straight edge.,The Bible is like that straight edge.  It helps us to walk in a way that pleases Jehovah.,"2 Timothy 3:16, 17;",David Ayres,WHY LIVE BY BIBLE STANDARDS?,88,1,9/14/2008,
"Missionary, pioneer, successful, service, Informal witnessing,","Mark Noumair, also a Gilead instructor, explained that God’s Word is like “a bagful of wisdom.” (Job 28:18) We need to open this bag and use its contents.","If missionary service does not turn out to be what the students expected, they might think of the apostle Paul. Jesus’ disciples sent him to his hometown for nine years. Instead of reasoning that as “a chosen vessel” he should be serving elsewhere, Paul worked hard wherever he was.","Acts 9:15, 28-30",w09 9/1 p. 30,ARE YOU CONTENT WITH JEHOVAH'S PROVISIONS?,22,1,1/1/2011,10/15/2023
"Everlasting life, paradise, knowledge, religion, truth,","Some people say all religions lead to the same goal, just as all paths on a mountain lead to the summit. How mistaken they are! In order to find the right path, mountaineers use maps, and they hire guides."," Likewise, there is only the one religion of truth that will lead to everlasting life, and guidance is needed to find it.",Acts 8:26-31;,Society's Web Site,HOW WELL DO YOU KNOW GOD?,1,,5/30/2006,
"Decide, indecision, doubts, Materialism,","""If you run after two hares you will catch neither.""  Quote: African Proverb.","Disciples not to get sidetracked by MATERIALISM while participating in the harvest.  Likewise fleshly desires, and other selfish pursuits.",Matthew 10:9-11;,Bobby Laymon,SLAVE FOR THE MASTER OF THE HARVEST,66,,6/18/2006,
"personality, thinking, mind, clothe,  conform, change, adapt,","We are told to “strip off the old personality with its practices,” just as a crab sheds its old shell so that it can grow. (Colossians 3:9)","However, unlike a crab whose body soon hardens again after the old shell is discarded, we are commanded to clothe ourselves permanently with “the tender affections of compassion, kindness, . . . and long-suffering.” (Colossians 3:12) Gentleness, then, should characterize us.","Colossians 3:9, 12",g05 1/8 p. 19 Is It Weak to Be Gentle? ,,0,,1/27/2006,1/12/2020
"Independence, growth, maturity, experience,","As a parent, you probably wish that adolescence were like a runway down which your child could swiftly and efficiently pick up speed and take off into adulthood. Rare though, is the takeoff that smooth.","Still, your child's adolescence provides you with a wonderful opportunity to ""train up a boy according to the way for him."" (Proverbs 22:6) Bible principles are a solid foundation upon which you can build family happiness.",Proverbs 22:6;,"May 1, 2009 WT page 12",HOW CAN YOUTHS COPE WITH TODAY'S CRISIS?,113,1,5/26/2009,
"Conductor, Watchtower study, book study,","The conductor on a train doesn't do the other person's jobs.  He doesn't shovel the coal, or hook up the cars.  He is the conductor.","Likewise, the conductor at the Watchtower study or book study does not comment.  That is for the others.  He conducts.",1 Corinthians 14:40,Deryl Strohl and Bob Laymon,,0,1,6/11/2008,
"Plan, purpose, procrastinate,",If you fail to plan …,…You plan to fail.,Matthew 13:22; Hebrews 13:5;,Bobby Laymon,HOW PURPOSEFUL IS YOUR LIFE?,60,1,9/2/2009,
"blind, see, understand, belief, creator, creation, Helen Keller,","I can see, and that is why I can be happy, in what you call the dark, but which to me is golden. I can see a God-made world, not a manmade world. Quote: Helen Keller",Those we called handicapped can still see God.,Romans 1:18;,Bobby Laymon,HOW WELL DO YOU KNOW GOD?,1,1,8/9/2010,
"The Vatican Codex, treasure, Bible manuscripts,","Early copyists often included in their manuscripts the note: “The hand that wrote [this] moulders in a tomb, but what is written abides across the years.”","Today we appreciate the tireless efforts of those anonymous copyists. But the credit for preserving the Bible ultimately goes to its Author, who long ago inspired his prophet to write: “The green grass has dried up, the blossom has withered; but as for the word of our God, it will last to time indefinite.”",Psalm 40:8,w09 10/1 p. 20,PAYING ATTENTION TO THE PROPHETIC WORD,102,1,1/3/2011,2/25/2015
"Holy spirit, borne along, Bible,",People have learned the importance of charts and maps.  Without them a ship would just be borne along by the wind to whereever or anywhere.,Likewise without the Bible we would be 'borne along' in any direction.  The writers were 'borne along' with Holy spirit.,"2 Peter 1:20, 21;",Brother Stone at district convention,WHY YOU CAN TRUST THE BIBLE,99,1,9/14/2008,
"Reading, Bible, studying, education, schooling,","Some individuals’ fondest childhood memories are of their parents reading to them. Reading can in itself be pleasurable, as can be its results. This is especially true for servants of God, since spiritual growth is greatly enhanced by Bible study.","FEW endeavors have greater potential for shaping your children’s future than teaching them to read and study. And what joy these activities can bring!  One Christian parent observed, “The things we value most are associated with reading and study.” Good study habits can help your children to develop a closer relationship with God.","Ps. 1:1-3, 6; Rev 1:3;",w10 7/15 p. 25,Did the Miracles of the Bible Really Happen?,137,1,1/1/2011,
"genocidal, genocide, murder, killing, life, death,",Adam was genocidal.  He offered up his offspring.,Adam gave death; Jesus gave life.,1 Corinthians 10:31;,Joe Masachek,The Resurrection-Victory Over Death!,132,1,9/14/2008,
"children, parents,",Are you having problems with your children?  Look in the mirror.,You may see yourself.,Deuteronomy 6:7;,Mike Harris,PARENTS--ARE YOU BUILDING WITH FIRE-RESISTANT MATERIALS?,104,1,5/17/2010,
"Wisdom, wise, knowledge, discernment, understanding,",Imagine there is a train track going across the stage.  I am standing on it and that means I have knowledge of it.  I can discern that trains run on it.  I also understand that there is not room for myself and the train.,When I see and hear a train coming I jump off the track.  That is wisdom.,Proverbs 13:20,Larry Simmons,CHOOSE YOUR ASSOCIATES WISELY!,116,1,7/13/2008,
"Memory, lies, truth,",He who is not very strong in memory should not meddle with lying.   Quote: Michel de Montaigne (1533 - 1592),Lying causes problems for the future.,Proverbs 6:17;,Bobby Laymon,,0,,5/31/2006,
"Marriage, decisions,","One writer noted, ""The more we want to do something -- whether it is to marry or scale a particular mountain -- the more likely we are to make unchecked assumptions and pay attention only to the data that tells us what we want to hear.""",An irrational decision for a mountain climber may cost him his life; and unwise choice of a marriage mate can likewise be disastrous.,"Romans 7:2, 3;","February 15, 2007 wt page 19;",SHOW RESPECT AND LOVE IN YOUR MARRIAGE,28,1,5/15/2007,
"Read Bible daily, visualize, imagination,",Did you ever read a book and then see the movie.  The movie is nothing like the book.  You can visualize and use your imagination in the book.,The same is true of God's word.  Nothing can replace reading the Bible daily.,Psalm 1:2,Todd Bell,,0,1,1/21/2008,
"selfish, me-first, personal preferences, rights, attitude, forgive,","Two young children are playing together.  One child grabs his favorite toy away from the other child and screams, ""Mine!""","From an early age, imperfect humans display a measure of selfishness.  Moreover, the world in general promotes a me-first attitude.",Genesis 8:21; Romans 3:23; 7:21-23;,Feb 15 2009 Wt page 19,,0,1,6/18/2009,7/16/2023
"death, martyrdom, sacrifice, forever, earth,","Although prepared for martyrdom, I preferred that it be postponed. -- Sir Winston Churchill",All would prefer to live forever.,Ecclesiastes. 3:11,Bobby Laymon,,0,,4/3/2006,
"Power, authority, corruption,","a British statesman wrote: “Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely.”","With such a record in mind, let us consider the question: Why should we respect authority?",2 Samuel 11:1-17;,lv chap. 4 p. 38 par. 5 Why Respect Authority?,RESPECT FOR AUTHORITY IS A SAFEGUARD FOR YOU,12,1,2/28/2009,
"Future, knowledge, store up, materialism, money, plans, purpose, harmonize,","THE bird known as Clark’s nutcracker is a gray-white songbird that can be seen flitting through the forests of western North America. It collects and buries as many as 33,000 seeds annually, storing them in some 2,500 different locations in preparation for the frigid winter months. Indeed, this bird is “instinctively wise” in the way it makes provision for the future.","Humans possess an even more remarkable ability. Of all Jehovah’s earthly creations, humans have an unsurpassed capacity to learn from past experiences and to allow these lessons to influence their plans for the future.  Even so, humans generally have little choice but to base their plans on assumptions about the future.  Jehovah God does not have such limitations. He knows “from the beginning the finale.”",Proverbs 30:24; 19:21;,w08 7/1 p. 11,LIFE DOES HAVE A PURPOSE,23,1,1/7/2011,
"Ransom, Cure, disease, death, pandemic, Salvation, Memorial,","Suppose the doctor who finds the cure to the disease were to approach the patients in your ward with this offer: Any patient who accepts treatment and follows the prescribed regimen will without fail be cured. What if most of your fellow patients refused to follow the doctor's direction, arguing that it would be too much trouble to take the medicine or adhere to the prescribed regimen?","Would you go along with them, even though you had convincing evidence that the cure really worked? Of course not! No doubt you would express thanks for the cure and then follow the doctor's instructions carefully, perhaps even telling others of your choice. In a far greater sense, each of us should be eager to show Jehovah just how much we appreciate the deliverance that he has made possible through the ransom sacrifice of his Son.","Romans 6: 17, 18.","Sep 15, 2009 WT page 29 Para 16;",THE ONLY CURE FOR SICK MANKIND,62,1,8/28/2009,
"Bible, God's Word, Wisdom,","Mark Noumair, also a Gilead instructor, explained that God's Word is like ""a bagful of wisdom.""",We need to open this bag and use its contents.,Job 28:18,"Sep 1, 2009 WT page 30;",,169,1,9/2/2009,
"Bridge, Memory, forget, reminders, remember, concentrate, visualize, association, imagination,",Parents are frightened when they see their child poking an electric plug into a wall outlet.  The child does not understand what he is doing;  he only remembers seeing the plug fit into the outlet because of previous associations.  At first children learn only by visualizing things that can be seen and are real.,"In forming a bridge of association in memory, you can visualize things that cannot be seen, such as names and thoughts.  For this you must call upon your imagination.",Rom. 16:3-16,G60 10/22 10,PAYING ATTENTION TO THE PROPHETIC WORD,102,,5/31/2006,
"House Divided, Divorce, Adolescents,", “It’s better to get rid of the problem and keep your spouse than to get rid of your spouse and keep the problem.”  Quote: M. Gary Neuman’s conclusion? Author of Emotional Infidelity.,"Studies reveal that second marriages have a higher failure rate than first ones, and third marriages fare even worse.  “If you have difficulties in your first marriage,” he writes, “it’s not all about your poor choice of a spouse. It’s about you. You fell in love with this person. You worked with this person to create whatever you have or don’t have.”",1 Corinthians 7:39;,g 10/09 p. 19,SHOW RESPECT AND LOVE IN YOUR MARRIAGE,28,1,1/3/2011,
"Marriage, head, role, wife, husband,","We have heard it said, ""The husband is the head, and the wife is the neck that turns the head.""  False!",The wife should not try to influence her husband just to get her own way.,"1 Peter 3: 1, 5, 6;",Jacob Landis,SHOW RESPECT AND LOVE IN YOUR MARRIAGE,28,1,1/25/2011,
"Research, science, Bible,","“Somewhere, something incredible is waiting to be known.”   Dr. Carl Sagan quotes",This is especially true regarding the Bible.,2 Timothy 3:16;,Bobby Laymon,DOES YOUR HOPE REST ON SCIENCE OR THE BIBLE?,80,1,10/17/2006,
Can You Be Helped with a Little Help; pioneers assist others; local needs; service talk,"Did you ever notice how just a little assistance can go a long way. When I was young, I used to climb. I would climb anything, trees, buildings, lumber piles, ladders, tables, etc. Sometimes I just couldn't climb something on my own, and I would ask my brother to give me a boost. He was younger, but with just a little push, I was on top, and a new world opened up to me. Serving Jehovah is like that. Sometimes we want to advance, to progress, but we need a little boost; a little assistance, just a little assistance and we are off and running.  Jehovah doesn't take over our lives, nor do our brothers.  We are free moral agents, and we like it that way, each one carrying his own load.I.	Jehovah knew his people would need assistance.    A.	Daniel 11:34a Many realized we were no threat and gave legal recognition.			        1.	Help came, too, from the swelling numbers of the great crowd. 	2.	These younger ones assisted the anointed ones, and Jehovah helped them. 	3.	An amazing prophecy has been undergoing a major fulfillment today. B.	As Jehovah's people we have been blessed with growth.  Isaiah 60:22	1. Who among us could have imagined the remarkable growth and the progressive 				development of the organization up to this day? 	2.	There have been more than one million new ones baptized in the last 3 years. 	3.	More than two million in the last 6 years. 	4.	How grateful we should be. How we should thank Jehovah! 	5.	Our gratitude should be as David's.  Psalm 40:5. 	6.	How can these and others be assisted? (theme) II. 	Pioneers Assist Others Program 	A.	In 1998 Jehovah authorized one of the greatest assistance programs ever on earth. 		1.	A program wherein each regular pioneer could assist 2 others each year. 				a.	These pioneers have been trained by two weeks schooling. 		2.	A program based on the first century pattern started by Jesus Christ. 		3.	Jesus ""sent them forth by twos."" (Luke 10:1,2) Why by twos? 		4. 	Those disciples were new and inexperienced, or they needed a little help. 		5. 	In the first century, the Christian congregation was constantly moving forward, 					opening up new territories, making disciples, and acquiring greater 							understanding of God's purposes. 		6.	By working together, they could learn from and encourage one another. 		7.	Like the early Christians, Jehovah's present-day Witnesses are moving forward. 	B.	Has it worked? 		III. What does it takes to qualify?	A. Must recognize a need to advance ... Improve. Many of the pioneers are quite young. They started pioneering right out of high school, or while still in school. We may be older in years, and older in the truth. We may want to say, ""I have socks older than that person."" Those being assisted have no reason to be apprehensive; emphasis is on giving loving, kindly encouragement. It he has more experience in an area you need help in order to progress.1.	Like when we were low on food, our stomach made us conscious of it. 2.	Matthew 5:3 ""Happy are those conscious of their spiritual need."" 3.	Takes humility. 4.	Sometimes, it is hard to accept assistance. Why? 5.	As Solomon put it, ""two are better than one."" (Eccl. 4:9, 10, 12)6. 	Those being assisted have no reason to be apprehensive; emphasis is on giving loving, kind encouragement. 7.	You are not alone. 8. 	This new program provides a potential for hundreds of thousands to become more effective ministers. B.	Body of elders are prayerfully considering who might be assisted. 	1.	You may be asked if you are desirous of receiving help. 	2.	Or feel free to go to any of the elders if you are desiring of help.","A brother that had run in a Marathon one noted:  Everyone was there on the sidelines, cheering me on.  No one ever said, 'You bum, what are you doing in this race.  Go home!'  Everyone was cheering me on.  'Keep running!  You can win!!'  So it is in the race for life.  Cheer everyone on.  We want to be an encouragement to everyone.   Ask for help.  Perhaps you too can be helped with a ""little help.""",Daniel 11:34a,Bobby Laymon,Service Talk,200,1,4/9/2008,5/4/2025
"Values, income,","""A firm’s income statement may be likened to a bikini – what it reveals is interesting, but what it conceals is vital.""Quote: Burton G. Milkier in A Random Walk Down Wall Street",Sometimes our values are like that.  We must be discreet about what we say and do.,Matthew 10:16,Bobby Laymon,,0,,4/29/2006,
"Strength, spiritual qualities, strong,","Storms reveal weaknesses.  Take an oak tree.  It may grow up straight and tall, but have weaknesses within.  A storm will show up that weakness.","Likewise, we may have weaknesses within us.  The storms of this system may show them up.  We must work to strenghten them thru spiritual qualities being built up.",Deuteronomy 28:2,Chuck Bland,ARE YOU REALLY MAKING JEHOVAH YOUR STRONGHOLD?,18,1,4/12/2011,
"Inner Peace, contentment, satisfaction,","""When there is no enemy within, the enemies outside cannot hurt you.""  Quote: African Proverb.",Those on Jehovah's side have true peace.,Proverbs 14:30;,Bobby Laymon,JEALOUSY--PROPER AND IMPROPER,76,,6/18/2006,
"marriage, family, personality,",We discard many things and they end up in the dumpster.  Enumerate.,"Without the new personality, many of our marriages would be in the dumpster.",Hebrews 13:4,Randy Avery,,0,,5/21/2006,
"survivor, last days, earth, end,",Your house get on fire.  You cannot put it out.  That is the end of the house.,"Likewise, this system is 'on fire' so to speak.  That will be the end of the system.",Matthew 24:3;,Kenneth Bacher,WILL YOU BE A SURVIVOR OF THE LAST DAYS?,2,1,8/16/2009,6/2/2025
"Help, aid, assistance, benefit,","A man saw a little sparrow on its back with its legs up.  ""What are you doing?"" he asked.  ""I heard the sky is going to fall today,"" the sparrow said.  ""And you are going to catch it with your skinny legs?""  ""Well, one does what they can.""","We may not be able to save the world, but we can make things better in our small corner of it. How have we contributed to the field work in our territory and reaching others? Are we overwhelmed by things, or are we like the sparrow, focusing on the small effort we can make to help?",2 Corinthians 11:2;,Bobby Laymon,JEALOUSY--PROPER AND IMPROPER,76,1,8/31/2009,
"Devil, Satan, rule, fail,","A sensible person generally refrains from embarking on an endeavor that is doomed to fail. If he insists on going ahead with his endeavor, he will be forced to recognize his error.",History has proved many times over that it is useless to stand in opposition to Jehovah.,Proverbs 21:30;,"Jan 15, 2010 WT Page 24, 25;",Is There Really a Devil?,131,1,1/8/2010,
"Build faith, Alertness, awake, drowsy,","In the military they trick you to stay alert. Change hot and cold water, so you burn yourself.Change speed limit signs then give you a ticket.",Jehovah doesn’t work that way.  Trains us in loving ways that make us closer to Him.,Psalm 86:3,Bobby Laymon,,0,1,5/8/2013,
"Patience, wait,",He that can have patience can have what he will. -- Benjamin Franklin,Patience will win out.,2 Peter 3:9;,Bobby Laymon,ACQUIRING A HEART OF WISDOM,73,1,10/24/2006,
"Cultivate a Balanced View of Work, employment,","“We should work to live, not live to work,” says Andrew, a married man with three children.","Balancing work with rest and leisure will also help you care for the needs of your family. But this is not easy, especially when you have bills to pay.",Eccles 4:6;,g 1/10 p. 5,RENEWING THE SPIRIT OF SELF-SACRIFICE,69,1,1/7/2011,
"Future, look back, Things behind, better times, Satan, snares, traps,",While driving a car you cannot continue to look into the rear-view mirror and drive straight.  You must keep your eyes straight ahead.,We must not keep longing for what might have been.  Look to the future.,"Ezekiel 1:20; Proverbs 4:25, 27;",Will Shepherd - District Convention,HOW TO PROTECT OURSELVES FROM SATAN'S SNARES,115,Evan,9/2/2009,12/21/2024
"Humor, humility, serious,","Humor is the great thing, the saving thing. The minute it crops up, all our irritations and resentments slip away and a sunny spirit takes their place. --Mark Twain",It is good to have a sense of humor.,ECCLESIASTES 3:4Ecclesiastes 3:4,Bobby Laymon,GETTING MARRIAGE OFF TO A GOOD START,27,1,10/24/2006,
"Creation, make,","Have you been to the 'Gateway Arch' in St. Louis, Missouri?  It might be called quite a creation.",However the universe was created from no preexisting material.,Genesis 1:1; Psalm 33:6;,Keith Plyth,APPRECIATING MARVELS OF GOD'S CREATION,114,1,9/14/2008,
"Gilead, kindness, witness, conduct, traffic, pioneer,","The Wrights let a car go ahead into traffic, then saw the driver inside Starbucks a few moments later. He recognized that they let him in, so they must not be from around there.","They took the opportunity to explain they were attending a school for missionaries. When they got to the cashier, they found the man had already paid for their coffee.",Micah 6:8,Mark Noumair; Gilead Graduation,,0,,5/28/2006,
"Strangers, independent spirit, authority, Satan, get rich quick, business, work,","""Before this snake bites, he smiles at you!""","No matter how friendly someone may be, we must not listen to the voice of strangers.  Get rich quick schemes, etc.","John 10:4, 5;","District Convention - Tulsa, OK  June 23, 24, 2006",CHOOSE YOUR ASSOCIATES WISELY!,116,1,7/2/2006,
"Sponges, Creation,",Would you fancy taking a bath with the remains of an animal?,"The idea may sound less than appealing.  However, the natural bath sponge is actually the fibrous skeleton of one such creature.","Psalm 104:24, 25",May Awake! Page 22,,0,,5/22/2006,
"Breastplate, faith, courage, confidence, alert, awake,","A breastplate, like a bullet-proof vest, was made of scales, chains, or solid metal.  It protected the warrior’s chest area.","Likewise, the breastplate of faith protects us spiritually. A soldier who entered battle without proper equipment or protective covering could hardly hope to survive.",Hebrews 11:6;,Bobby Laymon,,0,1,5/8/2013,
"Youth, associations,","A strong tide or current can drive a ship off course. To counteract this force, the ship has to be steered in another direction. In a similar way, the persuasive influence of other youths can push you off course spiritually unless you take countermeasures.","As the experience of Dinah illustrates, “if you make friends with stupid people, you will be ruined.” (Proverbs 13:20, Today’s English Version) Remember that in Biblical usage, the “stupid” one is somebody who does not know Jehovah or who chooses not to walk in his ways.",Proverbs 13:20,Watchtower.org,,0,,2/4/2006,
"Hell, torture, love,","How would you feel about a man who punished a disobedient child by holding his hands in a fire? Would you respect such a man? In fact, would you even want to get to know him? Definitely not! You would likely think that he was very cruel.","Yet, Satan wants us to believe that Jehovah tortures people in fire forever—for countless billions of years!",1 John 4:8,bh chap. 6 p. 64 par. 17 Where Are the Dead?,,0,,1/26/2006,
"Improvement, progress, negative, positive, wise, unwise, conscience, wicked, bad, good,",Perhaps you have had a doctor use a reflex hammer to tap the tendon just below your kneecap.  Your leg reflexively straightens with a kick.  It is automatic.  You do not have to think about it.,It should be similar when we are tempted to do evil.  Our chasteness and Bible trained conscience should reflexively move us to reject what is bad.,Romans 12:9;,w08 3/15 24,HOW TO CONQUER EVIL WITH GOOD,117,1,5/11/2008,
"Future, positive, negative, FAITH, COURAGE, ","You know the problem with looking through rose-colored glasses or dark  glasses is that they don’t necessarily make your vision better.  If a person is nearsighted he can’t see in the distance clearly, if he is farsighted he can’t see up close clearly.  When it comes to life and the future most people are both severely nearsighted and farsighted.   But rose colored glasses or dark glasses do not correct vision about the future.  So what does a person need to have a real basis for hope for the future?","He needs bifocals!!   Prescription glasses.  	To be able to face the future and see it with clarity, to be able to see in the distant future and to be able to see and cope with things in the near future, things up close,  we need spiritual bifocals with the right prescription.  The prescription is faith and courage.",Hebrews 11:1,"JK Joshua Laymon, ",Facing the Future With Faith and Courage,166,1,10/23/2006,5/4/2025
"Problems, punishment, Devil, Satan, blame, inherited sin,","For example, imagine a man who by choice neither eats properly nor gets sufficient rest. If this eventually leads to serious health problems, should he blame the Devil? No, the man has merely reaped the bitter consequences of his own poor judgment. (Galatians 6:7) In such an instance, it is just as a Bible proverb puts it: “A man’s own folly wrecks his life.”—Proverbs 19:3, The New English Bible.","We should not, however, be quick to blame the Devil for every adversity we experience. As a result of inherited sin and imperfection, we are prone to make unwise decisions that can cause us problems.",Psalm 51:5; Romans 5:12,g 1/09 p. 29,Is There Really a Devil?,131,1,1/10/2010,
"Judgment, question God, criticize, modest,",Imagine that a judge with an outstanding record of making fair-minded decisions has handed down a sentence in a court case. What would you think about someone who without knowing all the facts or really understanding the laws involved criticized the judge’s decision?, It would be foolish for someone to pass judgment on a matter without being fully informed about it. (Proverbs 18:13) How much more foolish it would be for mere humans to criticize “the Judge of all the earth”!—Genesis 18:25.,Genesisesis 18:25,*** w05 2/1 p. 23 par. 4 Jehovah Always Does What Is Right ***,,0,,1/27/2006,
"Unity, fights, peace, conflicts, debates,","“Then I shall give to peoples the change to a pure language, in order for them all to call upon the name of Jehovah, in order to serve him with one shoulder,” (see footnote) or in unity. Imagine having a Siamese twin and being attached at the shoulder.","You would need to stay on good terms with your twin, or you would always be fighting.   We need to have unity with our brothers like that. ",Zeph. 3:9;,"July 1, 1961 WT page 405",YOU CAN ENJOY LIFE IN PEACE NOW - AND FOREVER,171,1,5/2/2011,6/11/2025
"Eyes, looking, gaze, temptation, desire,","My father said, ""Stay out of the big stores.""  When I asked why, he said, ""A looker makes a buyer.""",One of Satan's earliest tricks was to get people to look.,Genesis 3:6;,"Frank Barr, C.O.",Keep Your Eyes From Seeing Worthless Things.,0,1,12/27/2010,
"Internet, chat rooms, association, danger,","To illustrate, if you visited a big city, you would logically endeavor to minimize any threat to your safety by identifying and then avoiding hazardous areas.",The same logic applies if you must visit a chat room.,1 Cor 15:33,*** g05 10/22 p. 17 Chat Rooms—How Can I Avoid the Dangers? ***,,0,,1/27/2006,
"Purposeful Design or Mindless Process, evolution, creation, reason, Darwin,","In 1802, English clergyman and theologian William Paley expounded his reasons for belief in a Creator. He stated that if while crossing a heath, he were to find a stone lying on the ground, he might reasonably conclude that natural processes had put it there. But if instead he were to find a watch, he would scarcely come to the same conclusion. Why? For the simple reason that a watch has all the hallmarks of design and purpose.","PALEY’S ideas had a profound influence on the English naturalist Charles Darwin. Yet, contrary to Paley’s logic, Darwin later proposed that the apparent design in living organisms could be explained by a process that he termed “natural selection.” Darwinian evolution was seen by many as the definitive answer to arguments for design.",Psalm 83:18; 92:5;,g 12/09 p. 4,JEHOVAH--THE GRAND CREATOR,101,1,1/8/2011,
"Satan, Devil,","Imagine that in a large factory, the proud, unprincipled manager overhears the owner say that he will not be promoted but, rather, that he will be dismissed in a few months. Embittered and spiteful, he uses lies, bribes, and all sorts of underhanded tricks to get a number of workers to create havoc. They cause machines to fail, production to slow, and products to be faulty—yet in such a clever way as to avoid blame. Meantime, honest employees, oblivious to what is really going on, try to make repairs; but the harder they try, the worse things get.","This world's crooked ""manager"" has schemed similarly against mankind and the earth. But in this instance we need not remain ""ignorant of his designs,"" for the Bible tears away his cover and reveals an embittered spirit creature—Satan the Devil—an angel who became a megalomaniac and craved to be worshiped. God threw him out of His heavenly family and sentenced him to destruction.",2 Corinthians 2:11; 4:4;Genesis 3:15; Romans 16:20.,Society's Web Site,HOW TO PROTECT OURSELVES FROM SATAN'S SNARES,115,,5/30/2006,
"Associates, associations, wisely,","When I was young I wanted to play basketball, but wasn't very good.  They would choose up the team and there would only be me and this girl left.  The coach would say OK, this team gets the girl and the other one is stuck with me.  My Dad noticed and began to teach me to catch the ball, gently at first.  Then we would watch professional ball players.  I gradually got better.",That is how it is with association.  We need to train our minds and hearts so we know how to be better associates.,Proverbs 17:17;,Larry Simmons,CHOOSE YOUR ASSOCIATES WISELY!,116,1,7/13/2008,
"value, money, materialism,","""The chief value of money lies in the fact that one lives in a world in which it is overestimated.""Quote:  Henry Louis Mencken 1880-1956, American journalist and critic",Jesus called it a deceptive desire for riches.,Matthew 13:22,,,0,,4/29/2006,
"Forgiveness, Memory, future,","“Forgiving does not erase the bitter past. A healed memory is not a deleted memory. Instead, forgiving what we cannot forget creates a new way to remember.",We change the memory of our past into a hope for our future.”  Lewis B. Smedes quotes,Numbers 14:20;,Bobby Laymon,DO YOU HARBOR RESENTMENT OR DO YOU FORGIVE?,68,,5/31/2006,
"Integrity, wrongdoing, discipline,","After all, would a wise person let the passing pain of an injection or even an operation keep him from addressing a life-threatening health problem?.","When a Christian gets involved in serious wrongdoing, the right course is clear. It is time to seek the help of Christian elders. Jehovah has an arrangement in place for dealing with cases of serious spiritual sickness. Do not let fear of possible discipline or correction keep you from pursuing your spiritual health.",Heb. 12:11; James 5:14.,w08 12/15 p. 11 par. 17,Service Talk,200,1,2/28/2009,
"Single parent, succeed, divorce, marriage, children,","IT HAS been said that if the two-parent home were an animal, it would likely be on the endangered species list. Consider: There are more than 13 million single parents in the United States alone, the vast majority being single mothers. Research indicates that about half of all children in that country will spend at least some of their youth in a single-parent home.","If you are a single parent, be assured that your family life can succeed. Try to implement the following suggestions.  ▪ Avoid negative labels. The Bible says: “All the days of the afflicted one are bad; but the one that is good at heart has a feast constantly.” (Proverbs 15:15) True, your life may not seem to be a banquet. But as this verse indicates, cheerfulness is more a matter of the heart than of one’s circumstances. (Proverbs 17:22) Little good is accomplished by thinking of your children as doomed or of your home as hopelessly broken. Such labels will only dispirit you and make it more difficult for you to fulfill your parental duties.",Proverbs 24:10.,g 10/09 p. 26,GETTING MARRIAGE OFF TO A GOOD START,27,1,1/3/2011,
"Support, aid, help, rescue, elderly, handicapped, sick, disabled, inactive, disfellowshipped,","In the Army, there is a saying, ""We don't leave our wounded behind.""  Sometimes troups risk their lives to rescue a wounded soldier.",Jehovah's Army are especially concerned about helping all we can to be rescued from this system of things.,2 Peter 3:9;,Bobby Laymon,THE KINGDOM OF GOD IS NEAR,109,1,5/15/2007,
"Masturbation, Stumbling, relapse, slip, setback, endurance, determination, sin, bad habits, guilt, conscience,","If you were walking up a flight of stairs and slipped back one or two steps because of stumbling, would you reason, ""I'll just have to walk back to the foot of the stairs and start over?""  Of course not!","Why, then, should you apply this false reasoning to the fight against bad habits?",Proverbs 24:16;,November 2006 Awake! Page 19,Use Education to Praise Jehovah,146,1,10/20/2006,
"Needs, wants,","I always keep around two lists, and seldom have they agreed.","One list contains the things I want, the other the things I need.",Philippians 1:10;,Bobby Laymon,TRUE RELIGION MEETS THE NEEDS OF HUMAN SOCIETY.,94,1,8/31/2009,
"discern, watch, last days, perceive,","How do you choose a melon in the grocery store.  You may thump on it.  Smell it, look at the color.  In other words, you observe it.","In the same manner, we can observe the signs of the end.  That is why we need to keep on the watch.",Matthew 24:37;,Keynote address; District convention -- Keep on The Watch,WILL YOU BE A SURVIVOR OF THE LAST DAYS?,2,1,8/16/2009,6/2/2025
"Stress, Work, Worry, anxiety, anxious,","""It is not work that kills, but worry.""  Quote: African proverb","Mankind is faced with monumental problems.  On one hand, many suffer and worry because of shortages of food, goods, and energy.  Cost of living has soared, making it more and more difficult to provide for home and family.",Matthew 24:7; Revelation 6:6;,Bobby Laymon,COPING WITH LIFE'S ANXIETIES,32,,6/18/2006,
"Depression, thoughts, negative, positive, feelings,","When testing the wheel on a grinding machine, you tap the wheel and it's supposed to make a loud ringing sound. If it doesn't and it's dull, then you know it's no good and you need to replace, or it could be dangerous. It's called the ring test.",So when we face negative feelings and thoughts - do the ring test.  Remember that Jehovah loves us.,1 John 4:1,Tom Batty,Trust in the God of All Comfort,143,1,6/9/2009,
"Goals, achievements, work, service,","""When you live next to the cemetery, you cannot weep for everyone.""  Quote: African Proverb.",You cannot possible do all you would like to do.,Ecclesiastes 2:4-11.,Bobby Laymon,IS THIS LIFE ALL THERE IS?,36,,6/18/2006,10/9/2023
"growth, improve, advancement, maturity,",You see two children that appear to be about the same age.  One is 3 months old and the other is 27 years old.  Something is wrong!,We need to keep growing in a spiritual sense.,Eph 6:10-13;,George Cook DO,,0,1,5/28/2013,
"Communication, adolescents, timid, barriers,",A farmer can neither rush nor postpone harvest time.  He simply must take advantage of the season when it arrives.,Your adolescent may have a particular time during which he or she is more prone to talk.  Seize that opportunity.,Proverbs 25:11;,"Aug 1, 2008 WT page 11",COMMUNICATION--WITHIN THE FAMILY AND WITH GOD,30,1,7/4/2008,
"Hind sight, hindsight, looking back, reporting, commendation, knowledge, seeing, future,",Hindsight is 20/20.  It is easy for one to be knowledgable about an event after it has happened.,"It’s true, hindsight is 20/20. It's good for seeing where you've been. We also need to know where we are going.",Proverbs 4:25;,Bobby Laymon,OVERCOMING FEAR OF THE FUTURE,108,1,6/13/2013,
Building Up Yourselves on Your Most Holy Faith,"When we were born, our body was untrained. For example, a baby is barely able to perceive the orientation of its little limbs. Hence, a baby waves its arms randomly, even striking itself on the face, much to the baby’s own dismay and surprise. Gradually, through use, the body is trained. The baby crawls, the toddler walks, the child runs.","Ah, but what about a gymnast? When you see such an athlete vaulting and twisting through the air with exquisite grace and precision, there is no question in your mind that the body is like a finely tuned machine. The gymnast’s expertise did not come about by accident —countless hours of training were required. Such bodily training, the Bible acknowledges, is “beneficial for a little.” How much more valuable is the training of our spiritual perceptive powers!",1 Timothy 4:8.,lv chap. 17 pp. 200-201 par. 12 “Building Up Yourselves on Your Most Holy Faith”,WHO ARE QUALIFIED AS MINISTERS OF GOD?,81,1,2/28/2009,
"wait on Jehovah, patience, long-suffering, endurance,","Have you ever eaten unripe fruit?  No doubt, you were disappointed with the taste.  Fruit takes time to ripen, and waiting for that to happen is certainly worthwhile.",There are other circumstances under which it is rewarding to wait.  In what ways must Christians wait for Jehovah?  How can we benefit from waiting for him?,Lamentations 3:26; Titus 2:13;,"March 1, 2007 page 17",WHAT THE NEAR FUTURE HOLDS!,40,1,5/15/2007,
"Earth, hope, paradise, testing ground,",WHAT a relief! She passed. The student who had gone through a grueling two weeks of exams finally received a gratifying report. She could now move on to the job she had always wanted.,"Many people view life on earth in a similar way. They think of it as a preliminary test that all must take. Those who ""pass"" move on to something better in some form of Hereafter. It would be sad, indeed, if the present life—a mere existence for many—were the best humans could expect.",Job 14:1;,Society's Web Page,A CLEANSED EARTH--WILL YOU LIVE TO SEE IT?,49,,5/30/2006,
"Baptism, odor, truth, sweet smelling,",Have you ever used an air freshener?  They usually have a pleasant smell.,"Did you know the truth has an odor?  However, not everyone likes the smell.",2 Corinthians 4:14-16;,Kenneth Welch,WHO ARE QUALIFIED AS MINISTERS OF GOD?,81,1,5/10/2010,
"Jesus Christ, keep on, seeking, asking, prayer, prayers,","Imagine you hammer the rock 100 times and nothing happens.  Then on the 101st blow, it splits apart.  Were all the other blows for nothing?  No!  All the blows had an affect on the rock's splitting open.",Jesus showed we need to be persistent in prayer as well.  Keep on asking.  We have many things we can pray for.,Matthew 7:7;,"Follow The Christ District Convention; Tulsa, OK Jun 1-3 2007",PRAYERS THAT ARE HEARD BY GOD,86,1,6/4/2007,
"wasn't my time, predestination, fate, God's will,","When a person narrowly escapes a disaster, people say, ‘It wasn’t his time,’ but when someone dies in a freak accident, they conclude, ‘His time has come’ or ‘It’s the will of God.’","Whether they attribute the outcome to fate, luck, destiny, or God, the rationale is basically the same. Many people believe that events in their life and the outcome are predetermined and that there is nothing they can do about it. And this type of reaction is by no means limited only to when death or accidents are involved; neither is it limited to this day and age.",Ecclesiastes 3:1-9; 9:11,w09 3/1 p. 3,,0,1,1/12/2010,
"Economic Hardship, hard times; critical,",Like the ice storm in January 2007.  Trees were under expreme stress.  Many of them snapped.,"Many are like that today, due to extreme pressure by this system of things.",Psalms 37:25;,Greg Kline,,0,1,5/15/2007,
Interfere,He that blows the coals in quarrels that he has nothing to do with have no right to complain if the sparks fly in his face. Benjamin Franklin,Avoid fights.,Matthew 10:16;,Bobby Laymon,WHAT DOES THE HEALING OF THE NATIONS ACCOMPLISH?,111,1,8/31/2009,
"Peace, future, promises, courage,","Are these promises dependant upon man?  Let’s liken it to a household.  Whether or not there is peace among children in a household, is that dependant on the children?","What would you do in your house if two of your children were fighting over a toy?  Would you let them settle it on their own, let them duke it out?  You would finally step in.     We’re going to have peace.",1 Timothy 3:12,JK,FACING THE FUTURE WITH FAITH AND COURAGE,166,1,10/23/2006,
"life, free will, self, religion, Responsibility","IT IS not sufficient simply to identify the right religion. If we are lovers of what is right and true, once we have found it, we will build our lives around it.",The true religion is not merely a mental philosophy; it is a way of life.,Psalm 119:105; Isaiah 2:3; Acts 9:2.,w94 6/1 p. 13 par. 1,"LIVING, NOT FOR SELF, BUT TO DO GOD'S WILL",8,s,6/7/2010,
"new personality, field service, retaliate, revenge, mildness, pity, self control, discipline,","If a vicious dog bites you, do you get down on your hands and knees and bite the dog back?  That would not only be foolish, but dangerous.","Likewise, in the field ministry we need to manifest the new personality and not 'bite back' when people strike out at us.  We need the new personality.",Proverbs 15:1,Travis Brooks,,0,,5/21/2006,
"Growth, Meetings, love, cultivate,",Think of a farmer who works hard to prepare the soil and plant the seeds. He expects the seeds to grow.,"Similarly, our love for God should grow. What is required for this to occur? We must work the good soil of our heart, where the seed of Kingdom truth was sown. We can do this through diligent study of God’s Word so as to increase our knowledge of him. (Col. 1:10) Regularly attending and participating in congregation meetings will also help us increase in knowledge. Are we individually putting forth constant effort to gain a deeper knowledge?",Heb. 6:7; Prov. 2:1-7;,w09 12/15 p. 25 par. 4,TRUE FRIENDSHIP WITH GOD AND NEIGHBOR,100,1,1/7/2011,
"value, price,","""Nowadays people know the price of everything and the value of nothing.""Oscar Wilde 1854-1900, Anglo-Irish dramatist and poet",We must determine what is truly valuable.,Matthew 6:33,Bobby Laymon,,0,,4/29/2006,
"Reflect, glory, adjust,","In a house of mirrors you can find mirrors that make you tall, short, wide or fat.",Jehovah's glory is not distorted image.  Jesus reflected Jehovah perfectly.  Sometimes we need to make adjustments in our reflections.,2 Corinthians 3:18;,Charlie Allyn C. O.,IS THE TRUTH TRANSFORMING YOUR LIFE?,51,1,9/14/2008,
"Foreknowledge, Sin, did God know? Adam and Eve,",The ability to refrain from using foreknowledge can be illustrated with a feature of modern technology. Someone watching a prerecorded sports match has the option to watch the final minutes first in order to know the outcome. But he does not have to start that way. Who could criticize him if he chose to watch the entire match from the beginning?,"Similarly, the Creator evidently chose not to see how things would turn out. Rather, he chose to wait and, as events unfolded, see how his earthly children would conduct themselves.",Proverbs 27:11; Isaiah 48:18,WT 2011 Public,HOLD A GOOD CONSCIENCE IN A SINFUL WORLD,107,1,12/24/2010,
"Light, Darkness, danger, pitfalls, warnings,","Just as shining a spotlight on a pothole on a dark roadway does not remove the hole, light from God's Word does not remove pitfalls.","Yet, divine light surely helps us to avoid them, so we can continue walking in the path of increasing light.",2 Peter 1:19; Proverbs 4:18,"Feb 15, 2006 WT page 30",,0,,4/1/2006,
"Jehovah, comfort, help, aid, distress,",A young boy gets the flu and his mother takes him to the doctor.  The doctor decides he needs to spend a night in the hospital just in case.  Where will the mother spend the night?  Will she leave him alone?  Or will she be right there with him?,"In like manner, Jehovah will never leave us in times of distress.",Psalm 34:18;,Charlie Allyn c.o.,Trust in the God of All Comfort,143,1,5/11/2008,
"Memory, forget, reminders, remember,","""The memory, in many ways, is like a muscle.  A muscle must be exercised and developed in order to give proper serve and use; so must the memory.""    Quote: The Book -- How to Develop a Super-Power Memory by Harry Loraine.","At first it requires hard work, but in time it will become automatic.  So train yourself to use your memory.",Deuteronomy 32:18;Lamentations 3:17;,G60 10/22 9,PAYING ATTENTION TO THE PROPHETIC WORD,102,,5/31/2006,
"self defeating, faith, courage, future,",You know what self defeating means?  •	Like saying: I’d give my right arm to be ambidextrous!  •	It’s Like a woman taking off her glasses to put on her makeup! That’s dangerous!  •	It’s like a man working 70 hrs. a week to provide for his family.  At the end of the week he comes home to an empty house.  He was working so hard to provide for them physically he neglected them emotionally and spiritually.,That’s self defeating.,Matthew 6:33,JK,FACING THE FUTURE WITH FAITH AND COURAGE,166,1,10/23/2006,
"Children, hypocrite, discerning,",Children are natural hypocrite detectors.,And there are no batteries you can remove.,3 John 4;,Brother Hudson,HOW CAN YOUTHS COPE WITH TODAY'S CRISIS?,113,1,7/9/2013,
"Marriage, commitment, loyalty, weddings,","Have you noted a man who owns an expensive new car?   He keeps his precious car shining and in good repair. To him even a minor scratch is a major catastrophe! Other people take similar care of their health. Why? Because they value their well-being, and so they want to safeguard it.","Show the same protective care for your marriage. Instead of giving in to defeatist thinking—perhaps writing off the potential for improvement by saying, ""We were never really in love,"" ""We married too young,"" or ""We didn't know what we were doing""—why not hope for better things and work toward improvement, waiting patiently for results?",1 Corinthians 13:7,Society's Web Site,SHOW RESPECT AND LOVE IN YOUR MARRIAGE,28,,5/30/2006,
"Prayer, delegate, importance, multi-task.","We hear about people multi-tasking today.  Most think they can, but really can't do it well.","Jehovah is a super-multi-tasker.  He can listen to all the millions of prayers that accend to him daily.  He does not delegate that task, but handles it himself, and does it very well.","Matthew 6:9, 10;",Bobby Laymon,PRAYERS THAT ARE HEARD BY GOD,86,1,1/9/2011,
"Marking, service talk, judicial","From time to time among true Christians, it is necessary to provide warnings to the Congregation concerning various matters.  SUCH IS THE CASE THIS EVENING: I.	Avoiding Satan's snares. A. Sometimes a Christian Brother or Sister may pursue a course that is unscriptural and also disturbing to the Congregation; 1. This course, or these activities, may not merit action of a Judicial Nature which could lead to disfellowshipping. 2.	However the situation is such that NOTICE MUST BE GIVEN TO THE INDIVIDUAL, or INDIVIDUALS, AND ALSO TO THE CONGREGATION. 	B. It is like Paul wrote to the Congregation in Thessalonica.  (2 Thessalonians 3:11) For we hear certain ones are walking disorderly among YOU, not working at all but meddling with what does not concern them.		1.	What were those Brothers to do?  		2.	Also in 2nd Thessalonians we find the answer. (2 Thessalonians 3:6,13-15) Now we are giving YOU orders, brothers, in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, to withdraw from every brother walking disorderly and not according to the tradition YOU received from us. 13 For YOUR part, brothers, do not give up in doing right. 14 But if anyone is not obedient to our word through this letter, keep this one marked, stop associating with him, that he may become ashamed. 15 And yet do not be considering him as an enemy, but continue admonishing him as a brother.C.	What does it mean: keep this one marked, stop associating with him.  	Read OM page 152 paragraph 1-3.		D.	Saying:  Associate as usual at the Kingdom Hall, Meetings and service, but have no 				sociable companionship with them.  		1.	Persons like this would not be invited to social gathering, but if they should come 				uninvited, we would not associate with them.		2.	They are in ""good standing"" but they are not ""exemplary.""			a.	May give assigned parts on the Theocratic Ministry School, but are not approved 						for special privileges.		E.	So we see that the purpose of Paul's admonition also includes an effort to move a 					Christian who is disorderly to feel ashamed.		1.	And to stop any unscriptural course that is being pursued.  		2.	We also note that the person is not considered to be an enemy, but rather, is to be 				admonished, or warned, as a brother.		3.	Not just apply to not working.  Could apply to association: it-1 200  Association Those who desire God's approval choose as their companions persons who are devoted to righteousness and truth. (2Ti 2:22) They also stop ""associating [literally, mixing themselves up]"" socially with members of the congregation whose way of life has led to official censure of their disorderly conduct. While continuing to manifest love toward such ones, they make it clear that they do not approve of their disorderly conduct. (2Th 3:6-15) Whereas good associates can be a real aid in one's continuing to walk in harmony with divine wisdom, there is no denying the damaging consequences of bad association. The inspired proverb states: ""He that is walking with wise persons will become wise, but he that is having dealings with the stupid ones will fare badly.""II.	SCRIPTURAL POINT.	A.	In a ""QUESTIONS FROM READERS"" several years ago, (w80 8/1 30-1) it was 			asked about whether a Christian who was divorced, but not Scripturally free to remarry 			could date.""AS LONG AS HE IS NOT SCRIPTURALLY FREE TO REMARRY, HIS DATING IS WRONG AND DANGEROUS.""		1.	Part of the answer was as follows: 		2.	The response to the question continues.""THIS KNOWLEDGE HELPS CHRISTIANS TO APPRECIATE HOW A PERSON WHO IS NOT SCRIPTURALLY FREE TO REMARRY SHOULD CONDUCT HIMSELF OR HERSELF.  IT SHOULD BE JUST AS HE OR SHE WOULD ACT IF STILL LEGALLY MARRIED AND LIVING WITH A MATE."" 		3.	The answer also refers to the fact that  Read Proverbs 5:15-21) Drink water out of your own cistern, and tricklings out of the midst of your own well. 16 Should your springs be scattered out of doors, [your] streams of water in the public squares themselves? 17 Let them prove to be for you alone, and not for strangers with you. 18 Let your water source prove to be blessed, and rejoice with the wife of your youth, 19 a lovable hind and a charming mountain goat. Let her own breasts intoxicate you at all times. With her love may you be in an ecstasy constantly. 20 So why should you, my son, be in an ecstasy with a strange woman or embrace the bosom of a foreign woman? 21 For the ways of man are in front of the eyes of Jehovah, and he is contemplating all his tracks.	(While particularly referring to marital relations) makes it clear that a married man should not 		pursue 	romantic interests in other women.		4.	The article continues by saying this: 	""YES, A PERSON WHO IN GOD'S EYES IS MARRIED SHOULD AVOID OTHER ROMANTIC INVOLVEMENT.""	B.	What can happen.		1.	(1 Corinthians 7:1) Now concerning the things about which YOU wrote, it is 					well for a man not to touch a woman;		2.	g96 5/22 7 Paul's caution at 1 Corinthians 7:1 ""not to touch a woman"" evidently refers to 				sexual contact, not casual touching. (Compare Proverbs 6:29.) In the context, Paul is 					encouraging singleness and warning against indulging in sexual immorality.		3.	There is nothing wrong with a touch, shaking hands, perhaps holding hands while 						giving comfort, support or relief.			B.	It may have very good motives, even lofty ones.		4.	Here is the caution.  A 'touch' is also the first link in a chain in which the last link is 					sexual relationship.		5.	As we start to make the chain, that it becomes very dangerous.		6.	Can lead to inappropriate touching, kissing, fondling and other things.			A.	Each progressive link is harder and harder to break.			B. 	Somewhere up that chain is a link called 'uncleanness.'			c.	Another link is 'loose conduct.'			d.	Then there is 'pornea'			e.	'Adultery.'		5.	Things which Jehovah hates.G85 6/22 20-1  A youth named Rachelle recalls what developed between her and a boy at school: ""It started out as just a friendship. Then it developed into more of a boyfriend and girlfriend relationship. Eventually we started holding hands, putting our arms around each other, walking to class together. Finally, we kissed.""A Chain Reaction'But what's so wrong about that?' you might ask. Well, when two people of the opposite sex touch each other, often powerful sexual desires are aroused. And when that happens, a series of events—a chain reaction—is set off that can eventually result in sexual relations. Only married couples are entitled to such intimacies. That is why the Bible says to ""flee from fornication.""—1 Corinthians 6:18.Nevertheless, many feel like the youth who said: ""It will never happen to me! Yes, once the chain reaction is started, perhaps merely by holding hands, it is very hard to stop it. One young woman admits that she used to think it was ""a little ridiculous"" to say that holding hands and kissing could really lead to sexual immorality. But now she's changed her mind. Why? She confesses: ""It happened just that way to me.""(Proverbs 6:28,29) Or can a man walk upon the coals and his feet themselves not be scorched? 29 Likewise with anyone having relations with the wife of his fellowman, no one touching her will remain unpunishable.	C.	So, when situations arise where two Christians, not married to one another, would:		1.	CALL one another on the telephone, would see one another.		2.	WHERE there would be an actual ""seeking out"" of one by the  other.		3.	WHERE time would be spent together with or without others present.		4.	AND where even there would be expressions of affection expressed 	verbally; 		IS THAT NOT DATING?	D.	Then questions would be raised, and many would not feel that these activities would 			reflect Jehovah's view of the marriage arrangement.  		1.	We find counsel from the Bible about loyalty, for example. (Ps 18:21-25) For I 				have kept the ways of Jehovah, And I have not wickedly departed from my 				God. 22 For all his judicial decisions are in front of me, And his statutes I 				shall not remove from myself. 23 And I will prove myself faultless with him, 				And I shall keep myself from error on my part. 24 And let Jehovah repay me 				according to my righteousness, According to the cleanness of my hands in 				front of his eyes. 25 With someone loyal you will act in loyalty; With the 					faultless, able-bodied man you will deal faultlessly; 		2.	So, as Christians we give loyal support to all of Jehovah's arrangements:		3.	Would we want to be one who dangles that chain in front of our friends by casting 				them together in some way as a 'match-maker?			A.	How would Jehovah feel about that.III.		ANOTHER ASPECT OF CONCERN CAN BE THE ATTITUDE OF A 				CHRISTIANit-2 264  Loose ConductActs that reflect a brazen attitude, an attitude betraying disrespect, even contempt for law and authority. The Hebrew word zim·mah' is rendered ""loose conduct"" and ""loose morals."" (Le 18:17; 19:29) The Greek term a·sel'gei·a (loose conduct) may also be rendered ""licentiousness; wantonness; shameless conduct; lewdness of conduct."" (Ga 5:19, ftn; 2Pe 2:7, ftn) Neither term is restricted to sexual immorality. The Scriptures classify as loose conduct such things as gang rape (Jg 19:25; 20:6), prostitution (Jer 13:27; Eze 23:44), and bloodshed (Ps 26:9, 10; Eze 22:9; Hos 6:9). ""The unprincipled man"" is the one who is said to scheme loose conduct, and those to whom such conduct is ""like sport"" are classed as stupid, or morally worthless.—Isa 32:7; Pr 10:23.	A.	If one demonstrates a manner of proceeding with their own personal agenda, or agendas, 				they may be in danger of getting involved in demonstrating loose conduct. 		1.	This is conduct, not in a sexual context, but rather is conduct which lays emphasis 					on 	the mental attitude of the person.		2.	These actions sometimes shock public decency; There does not seem to be any caring 					of what others may think, so long as the objective of the person can be carried out.W97 3/15 13  Incline Your Heart to Discernment Bible proverbs help us to use discernment and avoid improper conduct. For example, Proverbs 10:23 says: ""To the stupid one the carrying on of loose conduct is like sport, but wisdom is for the man of discernment."" Those to whom loose conduct is ""like sport"" are blind to the wrongness of their course and discount God as the one to whom all must render an account. (Romans 14:12) Such 'stupid ones' become perverted in their reasoning to the point of assuming that God does not see their wrongdoing. By their actions, they in effect say: ""There is no Jehovah."" (Psalm 14:1-3; Isaiah 29:15, 16) Not being guided by godly principles, they lack discernment and cannot judge matters correctly.—Proverbs 28:5.6 ""The man of discernment"" realizes that loose conduct is not ""sport,"" a game. He knows that it displeases God and can destroy our relationship with him. Such conduct is stupid because it robs people of self-respect, ruins marriages, harms both mind and body, and leads to loss of spirituality. Let us therefore incline our heart to discernment and avoid loose conduct or immorality of any kind.—Proverbs 5:1-23.		1.	Under the heading, ""DISCERNMENT AND OUR CONDUCT,"" this is stated:		2.	So we as members of the Christian Congregation would want to be wary of anything 				that would as Jude 4 says: 			(JUDE 4) My reason is that certain men have slipped in who have long ago been 				appointed by the Scriptures to this judgment, ungodly men, turning the undeserved			kindness of our God into an excuse for loose conduct and proving false to our only 				Owner and Lord, Jesus Christ.		3.	In one of our Christian publications,  ""CHOOSING THE BEST WAY OF LIFE"" in 					Chapter 10, entitled ""SAFEGUARD YOUR CHRISTIAN HOPE"" these 						statements 	are made.""Sadly, these persons, because they claim to be Christians while conducting themselves in an unbridled way, put a blot on the fine record of God's faithful servants.""		4.	The expression 'these persons', has reference to ones described by the apostle Peter at 				(2 Peter 2:1-3) However, there also came to be false prophets among the people, as 				there will also be false teachers among YOU. These very ones will quietly bring in 				destructive sects and will disown even the owner that bought them, bringing speedy 				destruction upon themselves. 2 Furthermore, many will follow their acts of loose 				conduct, and on account of these the way of the truth will be spoken of abusively. 3 				Also, with covetousness they will exploit YOU with counterfeit words. But as for 				them, the judgment from of old is not moving slowly, and the destruction of them is 				not slumbering.		IV.	Remember the Scriptures we read at the outset from 2nd Thessalonians, the 3rd 				chapter, were addressed to the whole congregation.			A.	The direction given was not to one elder, but was to all in the congregation.		1.	All of us here in this Kingdom Hall long for the end of Satan's snares.	B.	What if Satan were to come here and concentrate his efforts on one of us, as he did Eve?		1.	Would we be able to resist?		2.	He seduced her!  Think of this!  It was all mapped out.			A.	He chose the perfect person:  Eve -- The least experienced.			B.	The perfect prop: a serpent, the most cautious one of all the animals.			C.	The perfect question: ""Is it really so….?  Planting doubt in her mind.			D.	The perfect timing -- when Adam was away.			E.	The perfect circumstance:  Eve was hungry.			F.	The perfect slogan, ""You can be like God!""		3.	It all looked and seemed so perfect.  And it was for Satan.	C.	The apostle Paul commented on this:  Read 2 Corinthians 11:3) But I am afraid that somehow, as the serpent seduced Eve by its cunning, YOUR minds might be corrupted away from the sincerity and the chastity that are due the Christ.		1. 	Satan was alive and well in Paul's day.		2.	Is that still true today?  Remember where he is:*** w95 1/1 5  Triumphing Over Satan and His Works ***2 The great adversary, Satan the Devil, is making a concentrated attack on mankind and on true worshipers of God in particular. His goal is to turn all potential integrity keepers against God and bring them down to ruin along with him and his demon angels.y",C.	It takes real effort to resist Satan's snares.  Let us do all we can to do so personally.		1.	And help our brothers and sisters do the same.,"2 Thessalonians 3:6,13-15",Bobby Laymon,Service Talk,200,1,4/9/2008,7/21/2025
"Living together before marriage, , fornication, morals,","WOULD you buy a suit or a dress without first trying it on? Likely not. After all, if you later found that the garment did not fit, you would have wasted your time and money.","Many people apply a similar logic to marriage. They feel that it is better for a man and woman to live together before making a commitment to become husband and wife. ‘If things do not work out,’ they reason, ‘a man and woman can walk away without having to deal with the complex and costly process of divorce.’ The Bible promotes a lofty view of marriage.",Genesis 2:21-24Genesis 2:21-24;,g 10/09 p. 28,GETTING MARRIAGE OFF TO A GOOD START,27,1,1/3/2011,
"Balance, extremes, imperfect personalities",Have you ever ridden in a car or on a bicycle that had a tire with a large bulge?  The deformity no doubt made the ride rather bumpy as well as unsafe.  Such a tire needs to be repaired before it gets worse or goes flat.,"Similarly, our imperfect personalities are prone to irregularities.  If we allow those ""bulges"" to grow, our journey through life can be very bumpy, even dangerous.",Matthew 23:5; Numbers 15:38-40;,"February 15, 2007 page 28;",ACT WISELY AS THE END DRAWS NEAR,38,1,5/15/2007,
"Dedication, baptism, friendship, commitment, adoption, Family,","Making a vow of dedication to God is an expression of our heartfelt love for Jehovah. In some ways it is similar to a wedding vow. A Christian bridegroom expresses his love by vowing to be loyal to his bride, come what may. It is a pledge to a person rather than merely a promise to do something. A Christian bridegroom understands that he could not have the privilege of living with his bride if he would not make a marriage vow.","In a similar way, we cannot fully enjoy the benefits of being a member of Jehovah's family without making a vow of dedication. So we dedicate ourselves to God because, in spite of our imperfection, we desire to belong to him and are resolved to be loyal to him, come what may.",Matt. 22:37;,"Jan 15, 2010 WT Page 6","LIVING, NOT FOR SELF, BUT TO DO GOD'S WILL",8,1,1/8/2010,
"Slave, free will, self, freedom, Repurchaser,","DID you know that you were born a slave? The fact of the matter is that all humankind born to earthly, human fathers have been born slaves, the children of slaves. If you look honestly into the facts of the case and see how it is true, it will help you to understand many things about yourself. It will lead to your understanding how to be freed from such slavery.","The doors of liberation from this house of worldwide slavery were opened up nineteen centuries ago. Away back there in the first century of our Common Era, among those who got free from this slavery was a man who has now become known around the globe. But he always had to keep watching and putting forth efforts in order to avoid being enslaved again.",1 Cor. 7:23;,w65 12/1 p. 712,"LIVING, NOT FOR SELF, BUT TO DO GOD'S WILL",8,s,6/7/2010,
"spirit of the world, protection, warning, canary, canaries,","IN THE year 1911, British authorities passed a law designed to save the lives of coal miners. Each mine was required to keep two canaries. For what purpose? If a fire erupted in a mine, rescuers would carry the canaries underground with them. The tiny birds are sensitive to poisonous gases, such as carbon monoxide. If the air became contaminated, the birds would show signs of distress, even falling off their perch. This early warning was vital. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that kills by stopping red blood cells from delivering oxygen in the body. Unless alerted to the danger, the rescuers could faint and then die without ever realizing that they were being poisoned.","In a spiritual sense, Christians face a situation similar to the mine workers. How? When Jesus gave his disciples the assignment to preach the good news worldwide, he knew that he was sending them into a hazardous environment, one dominated by Satan and the spirit of the world.  So concerned was Jesus about his disciples that on the night before he died, he prayed to his Father: “I request you, not to take them out of the world, but to watch over them because of the wicked one.”",John 17:15;Matt. 10:16; 1 John 5:19,w08 9/15 p. 20 pars. 1-2 Resist “the Spirit of the World”,RESISTING THE SPIRIT OF THE WORLD,25,Evan,2/28/2009,12/21/2024
"Flood, Noah, accuracy,","The Noachian Flood occurred more than 4,000 years ago. So there are no eyewitness survivors on earth to tell us about it. However, there is a written record of that catastrophe, which states that the floodwaters covered the tallest mountain of that time.","Indeed, to some extent the earth is still flooded. Seawater covers about 71 percent of the earth’s surface. So in reality the floodwaters are still here. And if the glaciers and polar ice caps were to melt, the sea level would rise to cover cities like New York and Tokyo.Geologists studying the landscape of the northwestern United States believe that as many as 100 ancient catastrophic floods once washed over the area. One such flood is said to have roared through the region with a wall of water 2,000 feet high, traveling at 65 miles an hour -- a flood of 500 cubic miles of water, weighing more than two trillion tons. Similar findings have led other scientists to believe that a global flood is a distinct possibility.For those who believe that the Bible is God’s Word, though, a global flood is more than a possibility. It is a fact. Jesus said to God: “Your word is truth.” (John 17:17) The apostle Paul wrote that God’s will is that “all sorts of men should be saved and come to an accurate knowledge of truth.” (1 Timothy 2:3, 4) How could Paul teach followers of Jesus the doctrinal truth if God’s Word contains myths?",Genesis 7:17-20,"Jun 1, 2008 WT page 8",THE FLOOD OF NOAH'S DAY HAS MEANING FOR US,6,1,6/27/2008,
"Persecution, faith, courage, Satan,","Well, you know, when you get glasses, if you get the expensive ones, they are fully guaranteed against, loss, accidents, siting on them, if someone punches you in the nose and breaks them!!   You get them replaced, no questions asked right away!","That’s what we have with faith and courage from Jehovah. He continues to bolster us, strengthen us, replacing that faith and courage continually.  That’s how our brothers and sisters could endure that persecution in Malawi for so long! Now, its all over and they worship freely.  Experiencing Jehovah’s help during trials fortifies us to face the future with faith and courage.",John 15:20;,JK,FACING THE FUTURE WITH FAITH AND COURAGE,166,1,10/23/2006,
"Traits, personality, improvement, new personality,","When we repair an old house, it may not be enough to replace the damaged materials. Knowing the cause of the defects helps us to take measures that will prevent the recurrence of problems.","Likewise, not only identifying our negative traits but also isolating what has caused or contributed to them can help us keep our weaknesses under control. Numerous factors go into shaping our personality. Among them are our social status and our economic situation, our environment, our culture, our parents, our associates, and our religious background. Even the television programs and movies we watch, as well as other forms of entertainment, leave their mark. Recognizing things that exercise negative influences on our personality places us in a better position to minimize their effect.",2 Cor. 13:5,w08 11/15 p. 4 What Kind of Person Do You Want to Be?,Service Talk,200,1,2/28/2009,
"Peace, happiness,","""Peace is costly but it is worth the expense.""  Quote: African Proverb.",Record of man's quests for PEACE and his subsequent failures  remind one of what the prophet Jeremiah wrote concerning the  disappointment of unfaithful Judah.,Jeremiah 8:15;,Bobby Laymon,GLOBAL PEACE--FROM WHAT SOURCE?,122,,6/18/2006,
"True, false, daydreams, illusions, romance, dating, emotions,","The difference between false memories and true ones is the same as for jewels: it is always the false ones that look the most real, the most brilliant.",We must look beyond emotions and see the real truth.,Jeremiah 23:32;,Bobby Laymon,FALSE RELIGION'S END IS NEAR,96,1,6/13/2013,
"Distress, help, aid, prayer, pray,",A ship is in distress.  It gives a signal.  An S.O.S.,Prayers are like that.  Jehovah will respond to our calls for help.,1 Samuel 1:10;,Charlie Allyn C.O.,Trust in the God of All Comfort,143,1,5/11/2008,
"Sin, cure,",Sin is like a stain on a pure white garment.,"Jehovah, through Christ Jesus will remove that stain.",1 John 1:7; Revelation 7:14;,"Harold Cheek; District Convention - Tulsa, OK  June 23, 24, 2006",THE ONLY CURE FOR SICK MANKIND,62,1,7/2/2006,
"Original Sin, Adam, Eve, die, death, Independence, relationship,","True, they lived for hundreds of years, but they began to die “in the day” of their sin, as a branch severed from a tree would. (Genesis 5:5) Moreover, for the first time, they sensed an internal disharmony. They felt naked and tried to hide from God.","By asserting their independence, Adam and Eve irreparably damaged their relationship with Jehovah and inflicted sin’s imprint upon their organism, right to its genetic foundations.  They also felt guilt, insecurity, and shame. Their sin produced an upheaval within them, their consciences accusing them of wrongdoing.","Genesis 5:5; 3:7, 8;",g 6/06 p. 29,The Resurrection-Victory Over Death!,132,1,6/5/2008,
"Everlasting life, endurance, goal,",It is one thing to exert ourselves toward a short-term goal but quite another matter when the goal is difficult to reach or further away than we expected.,"Clearly, pursuing the goal of everlasting life requires endurance.  Jesus taught about the need for endurance—a quality that helps us not to give up when facing trials and temptations. The brothers in the first-century congregation in Philadelphia must have shown exemplary endurance through many tests of faith. Thus, Jesus assured them of further help during a greater test to come.",Rev. 3:10; Luke 16:10;,w08 6/15 p. 14 par. 14 Qualities We Must Pursue,FOLLOW THE WAY TO LIFE,45,1,2/28/2009,
"Jesus Christ, videos, movies, entertainment, protection,",A pig runs in your front door and instantly out your back door.  You see him only for an 'instant of time' but how long will you remember it?  For many years!!,Satan works that way.  He showed Jesus all the kingdoms of the world in an 'instant of time' but Jesus did not allow himself to retain that thought.  We must never think we can watch pornography or other indecent things and come off unharmed.,"Luke 4:5; James 4:7, 8;","Joseph Goodwin; Follow The Christ District Convention; Tulsa, OK Jun 1-3 2007",,0,1,6/4/2007,
"Association, companions, company,",Remember your first camping trip.  You made a special stick to roast marshmallows on.  You have a nice hot fire of charcoal bricks.  You accidently brush one with your stick and it rolls away from the others.  After a while you can pick it up.  It has grown cold.  If you put it back it will get toasty warm again.,This is what Satan tries to do.   He wants us to isolate ourselves from the congregation and become cold.,Proverbs 18:1;,Larry Simmons,CHOOSE YOUR ASSOCIATES WISELY!,116,1,7/13/2008,
"Satan, body, wonderful, creation, repair, aging, old, young, life,","If you see a fine car with an ugly dent, do you conclude that it is part of the design?  Of course not!  You no doubt reason, 'This is not how the car was meant to be.  It must have been well made, but afterward someone damaged it.'","Similarly, when we contemplate our awesome heritage of human life, we can only conclude that it is not now as it was meant to be.  Our short life span and tendency to act badly are like tragic dents.  Evidently someone wrecked mankind's heritage.",Romans 5:12;,May 2006 Awake! Page 7,,0,Evan,5/22/2006,12/21/2024
"Grief, cope, death, sickness, tragedy, fear, child, children,","IN A busy bookstore, an exasperated mother cried out to a salesperson: “You have a store full of books but nothing to help my child!” The mother was seeking guidance to help her young son cope with the sudden death of a close family member.","This mother’s concern was valid. How distressing it is for a young child to face the reality of death! Children thrive under the care of their family, yet death can take away a loved one with whom a child has formed a close bond. As a parent, how can you help your child when such a loss is imminent or has already occurred?","Eccles 9:5, 10;",w08 7/1 p. 18,HOW CAN YOUTHS COPE WITH TODAY'S CRISIS?,113,1,1/7/2011,
"Children, parents, orchid, Bible, Fire resistant,","THE orchid is a very attractive flower, but it is difficult to raise. To do so successfully, you need to control the temperature, the light, and the size of the flowerpot. The orchid is sensitive to soil and fertilizer and is easily damaged by disease and insects. Thus, it is very common to fail at one's first attempt at raising an orchid.","Rearing children is far more difficult and complicated, and it also requires careful attention. So it is common for parents to feel at a loss when it comes to child rearing. Many feel the need for help, like an orchid grower who needs advice from an expert. Obviously, every parent wants to get the best guidance. Where can such guidance be found?",Ephesians 4:22-24;,Society's Web Site,PARENTS--ARE YOU BUILDING WITH FIRE-RESISTANT MATERIALS?,104,,5/30/2006,
"Problems, put off, procrastinate, grudge, relationship,","An old farmer  finally decided to remove a rock he plowed around for years, and broken many plows with it.  When he put the crowbar under the rock, he was surprised to discover that it was only about six inches thick and that he could break it up easily with a sledgehammer. He wished he had acted sooner.","How many times in our growth as Christians have we avoided correcting a personal flaw, or ignored dealing with a long-standing grudge or grievance. How much better to follow the direction given by Christ to settle matters quickly concerning our relationships with others and in the putting on the ""new personality"".",Matthew 5:25;,Bobby Laymon,BE CONFIDENT OF DIVINE VICTORY!,39,1,8/31/2009,
"Destruction that is good, future, courage, faith, disaster, improvement, Volunteers,",People tell me jokes about Arkansas.  One person said that a tornado hit Arkansas and did 1 million dollars worth of improvement.  Could a disaster or destruction be an improvement?,Jehovah has promised to bring something to this earth that the earth has never seen.  Its described in Matthew 24:20-22.,Matthew 24:20-22;,Bobby Laymon,FACING THE FUTURE WITH FAITH AND COURAGE,166,1,12/19/2009,2/25/2015
"Contributions, Donations, Experience, ",“Please Accept My Humble Gift”  THESE words were written in a letter received by the branch office of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Russia. A large box full of woolen socks accompanied the letter.,"The gift was sent by 67-year-old Alla, one of Jehovah’s Witnesses serving in a congregation in the Far East of Russia. Alla has been serving Jehovah for over ten years, zealously preaching the good news of the Kingdom. However, a stroke suddenly left her partially paralyzed. Motivated by love, though, Alla has followed a course similar to that of the first-century Christian woman Dorcas, who made garments for fellow believers.  In her letter, Alla wrote: “I cannot move my legs, but I can still move my hands. So I preach by writing letters.” She added: “I decided that while I am still able to move my hands, I will knit a few pairs of warm socks. I would like these socks to be given to brothers and sisters who are going to build Kingdom Halls in cold places, such as the Far East and Siberia.”","Acts 9:36, 39.",Nov 15 2007 wt page 32,,0,1,1/4/2008,7/11/2025
"Holy spirit, active force, motivation, power, baptism, dedication,","I am a bricklayer.  When I have a job to do over there, I have to actually go over there.",Jehovah's Holy spirit is not like that.  He can send it anywhere he wants to get something done.,Matthew 28:19; Romans 15:13;,Dale Crownhart,DO YOU HAVE THE EVENGELIZING SPIRIT?,63,1,9/26/2009,
"Resentment, past, harbor, historical, forgive, forget,","Two women are talking.  ""My husband  is the most historical person in the world!""  The other responds, ""You mean 'hysterical,' don't you?""  ""No!  Historical.  He is always bringing us the past.""","This is like telling Jehovah that it is alright for him to remember and bring up our mistakes, instead of blotting them out.",Matthew 18:27; Acts 3:19;,Charlie Allyn c. o.,DO YOU HARBOR RESENTMENT OR DO YOU FORGIVE?,68,1,5/11/2008,
"Depression, medication,","You can give a person all the driving lessons in the world, but if you give that person a car with no steering wheel or brakes, then those lessons won’t do much good.","In the same way, giving only cognitive counseling to a depressed person may not attain the desired results. Balancing the brain’s chemistry is a valuable first step.”",Psalm 119:105,*** g04 1/8 p. 11 Hope for Sufferers ***,,0,,1/27/2006,
"Hope, faith, trust,","To illustrate: When you ask a dear friend for a favor, you may hope that he will help you out. Your hope is not without basis because you have faith in your friend—you know him well, and you have seen him act with kindness and generosity in the past. Your faith and your hope are closely related, even interdependent, but they are distinct. How can you have such hope in God?","In this regard, hope is akin to faith, which must be based on evidence—not gullibility. (Hebrews 11:1) Still, the Bible distinguishes between faith and hope.—1 Corinthians 13:13.",1 Corinthians 13:13,Watchtower.org,,0,,2/4/2006,
"Calamity, warning, conceal, foresee, future,","A business man boarded a plane at the airport headed for Massachusetts on September 11, 2001.  It was high jacked and 81 people were killed, including the business man.  If he had been warned about the high jacking, would he have flew?  NO!","We face the greatest calamity ever!  We, as Jehovah's people can see the calamity that is ahead.  We have been forewarned.",Proverbs 22:3;,"James Barnes; District Convention - Tulsa, OK  June 23, 24, 2006",WILL YOU BE A SURVIVOR OF THE LAST DAYS?,2,1,7/2/2006,6/2/2025
"Memory, thinking, remember, Everlasting life,",JEHOVAH GOD created the human brain with the marvelous ability to remember. He designed it to be a reservoir that could be tapped without losing the precious things that had been put into it.,The brain's design is consistent with God's purpose that humans should live forever.,Ps. 139:14; John 17:3.,be page 17,,0,,5/31/2006,
"Happiness, Happy, joy, fulfillment, friends, work, food,","""The pursuit of Happiness"" is the right of all men.  That was the view of the framers of the Declaration of Independence of the United States of America.","But pursuing a goal is not the same as reaching it.  While many young people pursue careers in entertainment and sports, how many do you know who have actually attained the success they so desired?",1 Timothy 1:11;,w06 6/15 4,ACT WISELY AS THE END DRAWS NEAR,38,,6/12/2006,
"Good living, Golden rule,","If you open it, close it.If you turn it on, turn it off.If you unlock it, lock it up.If you break it, admit it.If you can't fix it, call in someone who can.If you borrow it, return it.If you value it, take care of it.If you make a mess, clean it up.If you move it, put it back.If it belongs to someone else and you want to use it, get permission.If you don't know how to operate it, leave it alone.If it's none of your business, don't ask questions.If it isn't broken, don't fix it.If it will brighten someone's day, say it.If it will tarnish someone's reputation, keep it to yourself.",Just rules for good living.,Matthew 7:12;,Bobby Laymon,KEEP SEEKING GOD'S KINGDOM,44,1,8/31/2009,7/3/2025
"Bible, God's Word, Library of Congress,",Imagine a row of books 530 miles long.  That's how many the largest library is.  The Library of Congress.,No book or row of books is equal to the Bible.,Hebrews 4:12;,"Follow The Christ District Convention; Tulsa, OK Jun 1-3 2007",WHY LIVE BY BIBLE STANDARDS?,88,1,6/4/2007,
"value, dearness, cheap,"," What we obtain too cheap, we esteem too lightly; it is dearness only that gives everything its value.Thomas Paine 1737–1809, Anglo-American political theorist and writer in 'Common Sense' (1791)",We must highly value life.,1 Chronicles 11:19,Bobby Laymon,,0,,4/29/2006,
"Jesus, perfection, carpenter","There is a worldly saying, ""measure twice and cut once.""",Jesus probably never had to worry about that.,Hebrews 2:10;,Art Stroschein,,0,1,5/15/2007,
"Walking, support, drawing, faith, trust,","A BABY, standing on wobbly legs, reaches toward a parent’s outstretched arms and takes its first few steps. It may seem a small thing, but to the mother and father, it is a milestone, a moment full of promise for the future. The parents eagerly look forward to walking with their child, hand in hand, in the months and years to come. In many ways, they hope to provide the child with guidance and support far into the future.","Jehovah God has similar feelings toward his earthly children. He once said regarding his people Israel, or Ephraim: “I taught Ephraim to walk, taking them upon my arms . . . With the ropes of earthling man I kept drawing them, with the cords of love.” (Hosea 11:3, 4)","Hosea 11:3, 4",w05 11/1 p. 21 pars. 1-2 Will You Walk With God?,REAL PEACE AND SECURITY - WHEN?,176,,1/27/2006,
"guide, help, last days, problems, challenges, stronghold,","IMAGINE that you are hiking along a mountain trail. You are not alone, though, for a guide has offered to accompany you, and he is the best guide there is. He has far more experience and stamina than you do, but he patiently walks near you. He notices that you stumble occasionally. Out of concern for your safety, he extends his hand to help you over a particularly dangerous spot. Would you refuse his help? Of course not! Your safety is at stake.","As Christians, we have a challenging path to follow. Must we walk that cramped road alone? (Matthew 7:14) No, the Bible shows that the best Guide we could ever find, Jehovah God, allows humans to walk with him. (Genesis 5:24; 6:9)",Matthew 7:14; Genesis 5:24; 6:9,*** w04 12/15 p. 17 pars. 1-2 Do You Accept Jehovah’s Help? ***,,18,,1/27/2006,6/25/2015
"ambition, mistakes, ability, criticism, faults, retarded,",Albert einstein was criticized for not wearing socks or cutting his hair. One observer even said that he could be mentally retarded.,We must not be overly concerned with critics.,"1 Tim. 6:4, 5",Bobby Laymon,,0,1,6/27/2009,
"Goals, success, confidence, direction, purpose, Informal witnessing,","Charlie Brown was in his backyard having target practice with his bow and arrows. He would shoot then draw a target around it.  Lucy said to Charlie Brown, “You don’t have target practice that way! You draw the target and then shoot the arrow.” Charlie responded by saying, “I know that, but if you do it my way - you never miss!”","Are you living your life like Charlie Brown - without definite direction and purpose, or have you taken aim at some definite and clearly defined targets?  Some don't set goals because of fear they will miss.With Informal witnessing we can shoot and then decide if it is a good target. ",Philippians 3:14;,Bobby Laymon,,0,1,6/19/2009,8/5/2014
"Watch, see, discern, preception, last days,",How do you know there is a grizzly bear around.  You see the signs.   The bees are upset.  There are markings on the ground and on the trees.,"Likewise, if we keep on the watch, we can discern the sign Jesus spoke of.","Matthew 7:15, 18;",District Convention keynote address,,0,1,8/16/2009,
"Depression, discouragement, challenges, cope, coping, decisions,","What you have to contend with may at times leave you feeling lost, as if you were in a long tunnel of problems. That is especially a time for you to turn to Jehovah, asking for his holy spirit.","Even with helpful friends around you in the congregation, you may still find it difficult to cope with daily challenges.   “When I am weak,” wrote the apostle Paul, “then I am powerful.”  Paul knew that God’s spirit can make up for human weaknesses.  Thus, God’s active force can strengthen you whenever you feel weak and in need of help.  It was when he was weak that he (Paul) felt holy spirit operating on him. You can experience the same feeling!",2 Corinthians 4:7-10; 12:10; Rom. 15:13,w10 3/15 p. 18 par. 16,HOW CAN YOUTHS COPE WITH TODAY'S CRISIS?,113,1,1/1/2011,
"Authority, respect, obedience,","HAVE you ever watched a small child react when he is asked to do something he really does not want to do? You may see quite a conflict written plainly on that little boy’s face. He hears his parent’s voice, and he knows that he is supposed to respect his parent’s authority. But in this case, he just does not want to obey. His struggle illustrates a truth we all face.","Respect for authority does not always come easily to us. Do you sometimes find it difficult to respect those who have a measure of authority over you? If so, you are not alone in this struggle. We live at a time when respect for authority seems to be at an all-time low. Yet, the Bible says that we need to show respect for those who hold positions of authority over us.",Proverbs 24:21,lv chap. 4 p. 36 pars. 1-2 Why Respect Authority?,RESPECT FOR AUTHORITY IS A SAFEGUARD FOR YOU,12,1,2/28/2009,
"Water, cleanse,","Because of their regular bathing and washing with water, the Israelites were remarkable for their physical cleanliness.","Like water, which cleanses physically, Bible truth has power to carry out moral and spiritual cleansing.",Luke 7:44;,"Jun 1, 2008 WT page 13, 14;",WHY LIVE BY BIBLE STANDARDS?,88,1,6/27/2008,
"Gossip, talk, speech, local needs, service talk,","I had a nice puppy dog, and one day I looked out and he had dragged up a dead cat into our yard.  Have you ever smelled a dead cat?  I buried it nice and deep.  Two days later, I looked out, the cat was back, riper than ever and he was chewing on it, along with another dog.  (Shake head)  I buried it even deeper.  A few days later, and there was its remains and other dogs were chewing on it also.  That’s how gossip is:  Elders bury it, smell something, been dug up, smells even worse.  Personally we didn't help dig it up but we are chewing on it.  How does Jehovah’s feel about listening to gossip?  I.	James 3:5, 8. A.	But just what is gossip? How may it differ from slander? Why guard against harmful gossip?  And how can this be done?1.	Gossip is idle personal talk; groundless rumor. 2.	Slander is defamation, generally malicious, whether oral or written.3.	The original Greek word used in the Bible for “gossipers” came from a verb that meant to “overflow with words.” 4.	We are reminded of the words at Proverbs 10:19: “In the abundance of words there does not fail to be transgression, but the one keeping his lips in check is acting discreetly.” 5.	The golden rule in conversation means thinking before you speak!B.	The line between harmless and harmful gossip can be dangerously thin. 1.	Announcing that ‘John no longer works at the mall’ can be just a short hop away from adding that ‘John just can’t seem to hold on to a job’—a flirtation with slander! 2.	Even attempts to say something nice about someone often go wrong.3.	The statement, ‘Judy is the brightest student in class,’ can easily be followed with, ‘But have you noticed the way she dresses?’ 4.	And all too often, gossip can become downright ugly, the vehicle for transmitting slanderous lies and rumors about someone.5.	We are all imperfect and if you look hard enough you can always find something to complain about.6.	Gossip can be used as a convenient means of venting anger, hurt, and jealousy, or hurt pride.7.	An old proverb says, “A person who wants to beat a dog will always find a stick.”II.	Listening—The Other Side of GossipA.	It takes at least two people to engage in gossip—a speaker and a listener. 1.	While the listener may seem less guilty than the speaker, the Bible presents a different slant on the matter. 2.	Proverbs 17:4, we read: “The evildoer is paying attention to the lip of hurtfulness. A falsifier is giving ear to the tongue causing adversities.” 3.	So the listener of gossip bears a heavy responsibility. B.	What should you do, then, when hurtful gossip reaches your ears? 1.	Without taking on an air of self-righteousness, you could simply say: ‘Let’s change the subject’ 2.	Or, ‘I don’t really feel comfortable talking about this. After all, she is not here to defend herself.’3.	If they persist more definite measure might be taken.4.	A Bible proverb states: “A gossip goes around and tells secrets; don’t have anything to do with a person whose mouth is always open.” (Proverbs 20:19, Beck)5.	This means refusing to listen to harmful gossip! 6.	If you listen to malicious or damaging talk, you condone it.C.	But what if people draw away from you because you refuse to share in their conversations? 1.	In one sense this could work out for your protection. D.	“The World’s Greatest Gossip Engine”1.	 Have you heard the latest? With the advent of electronic mail, E-mail, gossip has now gone high tech. 2.	Wisely, then, when sending E-mail, be sure to make the intent of your message clear. 3.	And by all means, do not pass on unconfirmed information to friends.III.	Reasons for not listening to harmful gossip.A.	The principal reason that we want to please Jehovah, who condemns slander. 1.	Another reason not to engage in harmful gossip is that such could lead to imitating Satan, the foremost slanderer of Jehovah. 2.	We should not listen to malicious gossipers, since they separate friends.  Proverbs 6:16-19.3.	Another reason to be on guard is that damaging gossip may make a liar out of you.4.	Still another reason not to spread harmful gossip is that it can be murderous.5.	Slander can lead to expulsion from God’s organization; a slanderer may be disfellowshipped, perhaps as an unrepentant liar. 6.	The Apostle Paul’s admonition: “Make it your aim to live quietly and to mind your own business.” 1 Thessalonians 4:11IV.	Don’t be like the puppy dog, by digging up stinky things about people.	A.	Don’t be guilty about chewing on it or listening to it.1.	Like the apostle Paul we can say, “I am clean from the blood of all men.”","IV.	Don’t be like the puppy dog, by digging up stinky things about people.	A.	Don’t be guilty about chewing on it or listening to it.1.	Like the apostle Paul we can say, “I am clean from the blood of all men.”",Proverbs 17:4,Bobby Laymon,Service Talk,200,1,4/9/2008,
"Cultivate a Balanced View of Work, joy,","“No one on his or her deathbed says, ‘I wish I had spent more time at work.’”  Glenn, a family man from Australia.  Living a satisfying, meaningful life obviously involves making time for secular work. But for what else? For family, for recreation, and for spiritual needs. How can you care for these important areas of life in a balanced way?","Time for Work, Time for Self; The Bible tells us to work hard to provide for our family. (Ephesians 4:28) However, it also encourages us to ‘eat, drink, and see good for all our hard work.’ Indeed, working long hours without proper rest or recreation can rob you of many joys in life",Ecclesiastes 3:13,g 1/10 p. 4,RENEWING THE SPIRIT OF SELF-SACRIFICE,69,1,1/7/2011,
"Materialism, Money, wealth, treasures, store, savings,","There was a man who invested every dollar he could save on blocks of ice.  After a while he had to store his blocks of ice in his backyard.  From time to time, he would look out in his backyard and see his blocks of ice growing more and more. He was so proud!  One day the sun come out and started to melt his life's collection. There was nothing he could do.","What's the difference between this man and the way people spend their lives storing up worldly treasures? How little it takes to deplete their life's collection, and soon there will be nothing left.",Luke 12:15;,Bobby Laymon,RESISTING THE SPIRIT OF THE WORLD,25,1,8/31/2009,3/7/2018
"Acts of God, Miracles, Disasters, Volunteers, ","“Insurance companies call natural disasters acts of God,” noted one relief-committee member. “However,” he added, “the volunteers who worked here for all those months are the real act of God. Our brotherhood is a miracle!”","During this relief effort, 2,500 or more volunteers showed up on weekends to work. Said the committee chairman: “Those unpaid volunteers canceled planned vacations, rearranged their family schedules, and put other personal affairs on hold to assist in one of the largest relief efforts Jehovah’s Witnesses have ever tackled.”",John 13:35;,g02 11/22 p. 24,ACTS OF GOD - HOW DO YOU VIEW THEM?,93,1,12/11/2009,2/25/2015
"Recipe for True Happiness, love, material things, money, credit cards, plastic,","The situation might be compared to the itch produced by a mosquito bite—the more you scratch it, the more it itches, until it becomes an open sore.","According to Richard Ryan, a professor of psychology in the United States, the more people seek satisfaction in material things, the less they find it there. The Bible writer Solomon put it this way: “The man who loves money can never have enough, and the man who is in love with great wealth enjoys no return from it.” , The New English Bible",Ecclesiastes 5:10,g 4/06 p. 5,,0,1,6/4/2013,
"demons, spiritism,",A fisherman uses a variety of lures to catch different kinds of fish.,"Similarly, wicked spirits use different forms of spiritism to bring all sorts of people under their influence.",2 Corinthians 4:4;,Awake! July 2008 page 10,HOW TO PROTECT OURSELVES FROM SATAN'S SNARES,115,1,6/26/2008,
" Purposeful Design or Mindless Process, creation, evolution, reason,","“The more I examine the universe and study the details of its architecture, the more evidence I find that the universe in some sense must have known that we were coming.”  Quote: Physicist Freeman Dyson.","In view of the evidence—complexity in nature, fine-tuning, apparent design, and human consciousness—would it not be logical at least to consider the possibility of the existence of a Creator? A very good reason for doing so is that a Creator should be able to tell us how life appeared and whether life has a purpose—questions that science is incapable of answering.",Genesis 1:28;,g 12/09 p. 8,The Origin of Humans-Does It Matter What You Believe?,133,1,1/8/2011,
"Commitment, Marriage, wedding, vow,","When you and your spouse are a team, you become like pilot and copilot with the same flight plan rather than two pilots on a collision course. When you disagree, you work out practical solutions instead of wasting time and emotional energy blaming and accusing.","If you and your spouse are not a team, minor events may quickly become major issues with each of you attacking the other rather than the problem at hand. In contrast,","Ecclesiastes 4:9, 10;",Oct 2009 Aw page 5;,SHOW RESPECT AND LOVE IN YOUR MARRIAGE,28,1,9/2/2009,
"Appreciation, glory, creation, mankind, humans, gift, rodents, rats,",Do rodents give glory to Jehovah?,Some are rats by creation; others are self-made.,Isaiah 42:8;,Joseph Mazacek D. O.,APPRECIATING MARVELS OF GOD'S CREATION,114,1,9/14/2008,
"wait on Jehovah, patience, long-suffering, endurance,","Waiting for Jehovah is not exasperating like waiting for a delayed bus.  It is more like the joyful waiting of parents as their child develops into a grown-up they can be proud of.  The years are filled with activity, training, instruction, and discipline, all aimed at achieving the desired result.","Similarly, we who wait for Jehovah find happiness in helping others draw close to God.",Psalm 130:5-7;,"March 1, 2007 wt page 18",WHAT THE NEAR FUTURE HOLDS!,40,1,5/15/2007,
"Peace, contentment,","Back in 1854, American author Henry Thoreau wrote: ""The mass of men lead lives of quiet desperation.""","Evidently, in his day most people did not enjoy inner peace. That, however, was almost 150 years ago. Are things different today? Or do Thoreau's words still apply? What about you personally? Are you content, at peace? Or are you insecure, uncertain about the future, 'quietly desperate,' to paraphrase Thoreau's words?",Philippians 4:7,Society's Website,GLOBAL PEACE--FROM WHAT SOURCE?,122,1,10/31/2006,
"Friends, friendship, marriage, mate, spouse, loyality,","“A person can be happy without a marriage mate, but it’s difficult to be happy without a friend,” observes Birgit. Perhaps you agree.","Whether you are married or single, the loyalty of a good friend will warm your heart and enrich your life. Of course, if you are married, your closest friend should be your marriage mate.",Proverbs 17:17;,w05 9/1 p. 6,TRUE FRIENDSHIP WITH GOD AND NEIGHBOR,100,1,1/3/2011,
"Self discipline, self-control, joy, opposition, targets, Satan, pioneer,",Suppose you sign the line to become a pioneer.  Is the world suddenly going to get rosy?  Are the birds going to start singing?  NO!,It may be quite the opposite.  Jehovah's servants are at the front of the attack.  The spearhead.  We are the target.,Matthew 20:28;,Greg Cazell,BEARING UP UNDER PERSECUTION,57,1,4/12/2011,
"The Devil's Apprentices, relax, exert, take it easy, end, Armageddon, fooled, token,","Satan the Devil had three apprentice demons. He said to the first one, ""what method are you going to use in order to mislead mankind?"" He replied, ""I'm going to make everyone believe that there is no God, so they won't feel accountable for their actions.""  ""That's a good idea--you are sure to mislead a few using that method,"" Satan replied.  He turned to his next apprentice and asked the same question. The second responded, ""I'm going to make people think that there is no Devil. That way, they'll blame God for all the wickedness in the world!"" ""That, too is a good idea,"" said Satan. ""You are sure to mislead some, but not all.""  Finally, he asked the third demon, ""And what are you going to do in order to mislead mankind?"" The third replied, ""I'm simply going to tell people to relax and to take things easy, and that there is no need to hurry.""","""Excellent!"" replied the Devil. ""That will mislead millions!""  Are we being misled into taking things easy? Are we perhaps thinking that Armageddon is years away? Are we relaxing into a routine of just going to meetings and spending token service in the ministry?",2 Peter 3:3;,Bobby Laymon,Service Talk,200,1,8/31/2009,
"Ruler, Qualified, Jesus,","“There were two families. Both were very poor. It was raining hard, and the roofs of both houses were leaking. One family was very sad, and they did a lot of complaining about the leaks. But the other family was happy and pleasant while patching their roof. Why so much difference between these two families?” Intrigued, the young woman replied that she did not know. “Well,” the boy said, “the second family was happy because they had just received a notice from the city government that they would be given a new house. So they had hope. That was the difference!”","THE boy’s riddle illustrates a simple truth: Hope changes the way we feel about life, often in spite of our circumstances. Like the two families he described, most of us have to weather storms in life—health problems, financial worries, family tensions, crime, and countless other trials and abuses. Often, we can no more make such problems go away than we can order a thunderstorm out of our vicinity. So we may feel frustrated, alone—in short, helpless. To make matters worse, we may have been taught in church that the future is bleak for most sinners, that it may include being punished forever.",Ecclesiastes 8:9,"Apr 15, 1993 WT page 10",WHO IS QUALIFIED TO RULE MANKIND?,170,1,2/17/2008,
"guide, wicked world, safety, danger, wisdom, Walk With God, and Reap What Is Good","A TRIP through a dangerous region would be safer if an experienced guide led the way. It would be wise to walk with such a guide rather than heading off on our own. In some respects, this illustrates the situation that we are in.","Jehovah has, in effect, offered to guide us through the vast desert of the present wicked world. We are wise to walk with him rather than trying to direct our own steps. How can we walk with God? By following the guidance he provides in his Word.",HOSEA 8:7,w05 11/15 p. 22 par. 1 ,,0,,1/27/2006,11/18/2013
"Marriage, problems, endurance,","Homes that looked sturdy were swept off their foundations, their structures ripped to shreds.  As monster storms hit large areas around the globe recently, the quality and durability of countless building were put to the ultimate test.  (Katrina hit at the end of August 2005)",A storm of another nature is wreaking havoc on the foundation and structure of the age-old institution of marriage.,Matthew 24:13;,G06 July page 3,SHOW RESPECT AND LOVE IN YOUR MARRIAGE,28,,6/12/2006,
"Trojan horse, technology, desires,","Story of the Trojan War, in which the Greeks give a giant wooden horse to their foes, the Trojans, ostensibly as a peace offering. But after the Trojans drag the horse inside their city walls, Greek soldiers sneak out of the horse's hollow belly and open the city gates, allowing their compatriots to pour in and capture Troy.","Field of technology can become a snare.  Beware of Satan's snares.  Like the Trojan war horse, Satan is going to try to hijack us for his own purpose.",2 Corinthians 4:4;,Jason Arndt,HOW TO PROTECT OURSELVES FROM SATAN'S SNARES,115,1,6/3/2009,
"Values, dangers,"," Although gold dust is precious, when it gets in your eyes it obstructs your vision.Quote: His-Tang Chi Tsang 735 – 814, renowned Zen master",Valuable things my be kept in their proper place.,Proverbs 3:9,Bobby Laymon,,0,,4/29/2006,
"Associates, associations, wisely,","A diabetic knows he has to take his medicine.  Would he want to watch cooking shows?  Would he chose music like ""sugar, sugar,"" and dwell on that type thing.","Likewise, we must not dwell on associations that are morally wrong.  We can have 'moral diabetes.'","2 CORINTHIANS -- NWT2 Corinthians 11:3, 4",Larry Simmons,CHOOSE YOUR ASSOCIATES WISELY!,116,1,7/13/2008,
"Elderly, older ones, age, wisdom, honor, cypress,","ALONG the coast of California, U.S.A., is one of the world’s most photographed trees. It is known as the Lone Cypress. Reportedly, this tree is over 250 years old. Noted for its endurance, this beautiful tree has received attention in several ways. For instance, it has been fortified with supportive cables and with stonework around its base.","The Lone Cypress may remind us of the older Christians in our midst, who show remarkable endurance. One outstanding way that they do this is by proclaiming the good news. The prophet Joel foretold that “old men” would declare the Bible’s message.  Just think of the countless hours such ones spend earnestly helping others to learn about the “good news of the kingdom”! (Matt. 24:14) Some of these elderly Kingdom proclaimers have endured years of persecution or other difficulties. If a mere cypress tree is noted for endurance and is fortified with stonework and cables, how much more do the older ones among us deserve to be recognized and treated with dignity and honor!",Joel 2:28-32; Acts 2:16-21;,w10 5/15 p. 6,,0,1,5/16/2013,
"Jesus, treasure, Bible, effort, exert, search, concealed,","To say that all the treasures of wisdom and of knowledge are"" concealed in"" Christ does not mean that they are locked away, out of the reach of anyone.","Rather, it simply means that to find the treasures, we must put forth strenuous effort, and our attention must be directed to Jesus Christ. This is in harmony with what Jesus said about himself: ""I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.""",John 14:6,"Jul 15, 2009 WT page 4",Jesus Christ-Earth's New Ruler,140,1,6/15/2009,
"Future, positive, negative","Sort of like the story of the man in a train depot. He noticed a large crowd around a goat. He inquired about what was wrong.  They said the  goat ate his 'destination' tag.  We don't know how he got here, why he is here and what is worse, we don't know where he is going.","And that is the way men have felt about life for thousands of years.  In general people in the world have no real idea of what the future holds or what the meaning of life is, like one  ancient Greek who said: "" I live, I don't know why, I die I don't know when, I go, I don't know where!""  In effect, most people when  it comes to the future, can’t see clearly up close and they can’t see clearly into the distant future.  As a result they develop the same attitude that many had 1,900 years ago:  “let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we are to die”.",1 Corinthians 15:32,JK,Facing the Future With Faith and Courage,166,1,10/23/2006,4/8/2014
"Contributions, donations,","  The Mexico branch of Jehovah’s Witnesses received the following letter from Manuel, an appreciative six-year-old who lives in Chiapas State. As he does not yet know how to write, a friend wrote for him. Manuel says: “My grandmother gave me a mother pig. When it had baby pigs, I picked out the nicest one and raised it with the help of the brothers.","With much love, I am sending as a donation what I received from selling the pig. It weighed 220 pounds [100 kg], and I got 1,250 pesos [$110, U.S.] for it. Please use the money for Jehovah.”",Haggai 2:7-9,"November 1, 2007 WT page 18",,0,1,1/4/2008,
"Joy, backwards, first, fear of man, others think,","We have talked about J. O. Y. meaning Jehovah, Others, You,;  However sometime we forget and turn it backwards and it becomes YOJ.  You, Others, Jehovah.",What is even worse we sometimes forget the J and it becomes YO.  You are concerned about what others think.,Romans 15:3-6;,Greg Cazell,SERVE JEHOVAH WITH A JOYFUL HEART,78,1,4/12/2011,
"Contributions, donations, funds, money,","RECENTLY, on her own initiative, a nine-year-old girl in Brazil separated the money she had saved into two parts—18 dollars and 25 dollars. She put the smaller amount into the contribution box at the local Kingdom Hall to help cover congregation expenses. Then she forwarded the larger portion to the branch office of Jehovah’s Witnesses, along with a short letter. Her letter stated: “I want to make this donation to the worldwide work. My desire is to help many brothers and sisters around the world to preach the good news. I am giving it with great affection and love for Jehovah.”","The little girl’s parents have taught her the importance of having a personal share in the Kingdom-preaching work. They have also impressed upon her the need to ‘honor Jehovah with her valuable things.’ (Prov. 3:9) Like that little girl, may all of us have a zealous share in promoting Kingdom interests, both locally and globally!",Proverbs 3:9;,w09 11/15 p. 29,,0,1,1/24/2010,
"value, life,","""Things only have the value that we give them.""Quote: Moliere 1622-1673, French actor and playwright","This is especially true with life, and truth.",Deuteronomy 30:19,Bobby Laymon,,0,,4/29/2006,
"Music, songs, gift,","From the time we were born, we likely heard some form of music. Perhaps our mother sang lullabies to help us fall asleep. During our teenage years, we may have developed a fondness for music that stirred our heart. Even as adults, many of us enjoy relaxing music while driving or at home at the end of a busy day.  Did you know that about a tenth of the Bible is written in the form of songs?","In fact, David organized 4,000 men who belonged to the tribe of Levi to serve as musicians and singers in Jerusalem. Of these, 288 were “trained in song to Jehovah, all experts.”  No doubt these singers practiced assiduously. Indeed, music was so important to the worship of God that singers were relieved of other temple duties in order to concentrate on their profession.","Genesis 4:21;1 Chronicles 23:4, 5; 25:7;1 Chronicles 9:33.",g 5/08 p. 22,Use Education to Praise Jehovah,146,1,1/1/2011,
"Child, growing, maturity, Adolescence","When your son was younger, he was like a boat tied to a dock-you. Now as a teenager, he is tugging at the rope, eager to set sail, and you get the impression that you are not invited on board.  When your daughter was a child, she told you everything. Now as a teenager, she has formed a 'social club' with her friends, and you feel as if you were not granted membership.","If something similar is happening in your home, do not hastily conclude that your child is becoming an irreformable rebel. What is happening then? To answer that question, let us consider the pivotal role that adolescence plays in your child's development.",Hebrews 5:14; Philippians 4:5;,"May 1, 2009 WT page 10",HOW CAN YOUTHS COPE WITH TODAY'S CRISIS?,113,1,5/26/2009,
"Strength, tiredness, weak, cope, discouragement, boredom, limitations,",An eagle cannot soar to such heights in its own strength.  It uses air currents. ,We cannot do all we need to do in our own power.  We must rely on Jehovah.,Acts 15:8; Matthew 11:28-30; Luke 13:24; Isaiah 40:29-31;,Ron Bouse,ARE YOU REALLY MAKING JEHOVAH YOUR STRONGHOLD?,18,1,9/14/2008,5/22/2014
"Jesus Christ, Unique, different, Titles;",One thing we all have in common.  We are all different.  All unique.  Our finger prints are all different.,"However Jesus Christ was unique in special way.  Firstborn; special name 'Word.' 1.  Seed of Woman. Gen 3:15; 2. Son of Man.  Matt 16:13, 16;  3.  High Priest.  4.  Wonderful Counselor Isa 9:6; 5. Mighty God; 6. Eternal Father; 7. Prince of Peace.",Isaiah 9:6;,"Follow The Christ District Convention; Tulsa, OK Jun 1-3 2007",Jesus Christ-Earth's New Ruler,140,1,6/4/2007,
"Holy spirit, Dedication, Baptism, walking, living, live, life,",Think of yourself as the skipper of a sailboat. Your goal is to serve Jehovah forever. Holy spirit is like the wind that you want to catch so as to arrive at your destination safe and sound.,"You do not want to be carried hither and thither by the spirit of Satan’s world.  You have to identify, as it were, the right wind and catch it. That is the holy spirit. Through God’s Word and his spirit-directed organization, holy spirit will move you in the right direction.",1 Cor. 2:12,w10 3/15 p. 18 par. 17,REACH OUT FOR THE REAL LIFE!,90,1,1/1/2011,
"A Drawer That Only Jehovah Can Open, Death, resurrection, hope, promise, Tomb,","“It’s like a drawer that opens and closes,” explained Erika. “But once this drawer is closed, you can’t open it. Only Jehovah can open it when the new world comes.”   Explaining what a tomb is.","Erika likes to share her Bible-based hope with others, especially at her school in Sicily. For example, when her friend Beatrice said that Erika’s father was now in heaven, Erika kindly replied that the Bible indicates otherwise. “So where is he then?” asked Beatrice.“In the tomb,” replied Erika. At that point, Beatrice wanted to know what a tomb is.",Acts 24:15; Matthew 5:28;,g 8/09 p. 32,The Resurrection-Victory Over Death!,132,bl,1/7/2011,11/29/2013
"Danger, trust, unrealities, mirage, ","Imagine now that on your journey,  you travel through a big desert. At one  point, you think you see water. But  it is not really water. Nothing  is there! What can happen  if you leave the road to  get what you think is water?  You can get lost and die in  the desert.","In the same way,  Jehovah knows how dangerous  it is to trust in something  that is not real. At one time,  he had to warn the Israelites  about this danger. All the nations  around them had a human  king, so the Israelites  also wanted one. That desire  was a serious sin because  it showed that they did not  want Jehovah to be their  King. In the end, Jehovah allowed them  to have a human king, but he sent his  prophet Samuel to give them a warning.  Samuel warned the Israelites about the  danger of following “unrealities,” that  is, the danger of trusting something  that could not really help them.",1 Samuel 12:21.,July 15 WT Page 9,Trust in Jehovah's Saving Power,147,1,4/19/2011,7/22/2025
"Kingdom, truth, fiction, Lies, untruth,","There are a terrible lot of lies going around the world, and the worst of it is half of them are true.  Quote: Sir Winston Churchill","It is hard to separate some truths from fiction.  However, the truths regarding Jehovah's kingdom are easily proved.",John 8:44;,Bobby Laymon,The Earth Will Remain Forever,130,1,10/24/2006,
"Armageddon, dress, grooming, appearance, modesty,",If you make it with only the clothes on your back…,Make sure it is modest.,1 Timothy 2:9;,Joseph Mazacek D. O.,NO PART OF THE WORLD--IN IMITATION OF CHRIST,11,1,9/14/2008,
"Place, serve, cherish, congregation, appointment, choose, issue, selected,","When you were young and getting ready to play a game, they would make two team captains and choose up sides.  There you would be, waiting, listening, hoping to be chosen.  When you heard your name it felt so good.",It still feels good to be chosen.  We have been chosen to serve regarding the greatest issue ever.  We are selected.,Joshua 8:35; Psalm 133:1-3;,"Allen J. Hewett; District Convention - Tulsa, OK  June 23, 24, 2006",SERVING WITH JEHOVAH'S UNIFIED ORGANIZATION,3,1,7/2/2006,
"Mary, Joseph, Life, changes, plans, purpose, Jehovah’s Slave Girl,","MARY looked up, wide-eyed, as the visitor entered her home. He did not ask for her father or her mother. He was there to see her! He could not be from Nazareth; of that she was sure. In a small town like hers, strangers stood out. This one would stand out anywhere. He addressed Mary in a way that was altogether new to her, saying: “Good day, highly favored one, Jehovah is with you.”","Thus the Bible introduces us to Mary, daughter of Heli, of the town of Nazareth in Galilee. We meet her at a crossroads, in a sense. She was engaged to marry the carpenter Joseph—not a wealthy man but a faithful one. So her course may have seemed to lie neatly mapped out before her. ",Luke 1:28;,w08 7/1 p. 14,Jesus Christ-Earth's New Ruler,140,1,1/7/2011,6/4/2025
"Living together, marriage, trial marriage, paperless,","W	OULD you buy a suit or a dress without first trying it on? Likely not. After all, if you later found that the garment did not fit, you would have wasted your time and money.","Many people apply a similar logic to marriage. They feel that it is better for a man and woman to live together before making a commitment to become husband and wife. 'If things do not work out,' they reason, 'a man and woman can walk away without having to deal with the complex and costly process of divorce.'",Genesis 2:24; 1 Thessalonians 4:3,Oct 2009 Aw page 28;,SHOW RESPECT AND LOVE IN YOUR MARRIAGE,28,1,9/2/2009,
"Growth, spiritual growth, progress, Uganda,","It has been said that if you drive a stick into the fertile soil of Uganda in the evening, it will have roots in the morning.",The spiritual growth taking place in the land suggests that the spiritual soil is also very fertile.,"Matthew 13:45, 46;",w06 6/15 11,KEEP GROWING IN YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD,16,,6/12/2006,
"Commitment, Marriage, wedding, vow,",Commitment is like a guardrail that prevents your marriage from going off course.,"In many ways, commitment is the backbone of a marriage relationship. Yet, after repeated conflicts, commitment can seem more like a trap than a trust. In effect, ""till death do us part"" becomes?"" little more than a cold contract-one that the mates wish had loopholes. They might not abandon the marriage literally, but they could ""walk out"" in other ways -for example, by retreating into stony silence when serious issues need to be discussed.",Matthew 19:6;,Oct 2009 Awake page 4,SHOW RESPECT AND LOVE IN YOUR MARRIAGE,28,1,9/2/2009,4/27/2020
"Memory, forget, reminders, remember,","Without it you would be unable to write your name, read a book, or speak your thoughts.  In fact, you would not be able to think.  Without it there would be no doctors, lawyers, butchers, bakers; no, not even unskilled laborers.  Without it you would be inferior to the animals, for even they have it.",You should be thankful that your Creator gave it to you.  He gave you a memory.  You should learn to use it.,Proverbs 31:4-7;,G60 10/22 9,PAYING ATTENTION TO THE PROPHETIC WORD,102,,5/31/2006,
"Hope, Courageous, strong, faith,","Hope is likened, not to a candle in the darkness, but to the brilliant rays of the morning sun, filling one's life with peace, happiness, purpose, and courage.","Note that we ""abound in hope"" when we believe God's written Word and receive his holy spirit.",Romans 15:4;,"Oct 1, 2006 WT page 27",DOES YOUR HOPE REST ON SCIENCE OR THE BIBLE?,80,1,10/20/2006,
"Gilead, pioneers, growth, response, responsibility, obligation,","In the South Pacific you can tell a married man from a single man, because a married man always carries a stick. He always remembers he has a family to feed, and the stick is there for him to collect coconuts.","You have a ""stick,"" God's Word, and you have a feeling of responsibility.You need to understanding what it is for which Jehovah holds you personally responsible. To illustrate, 1 Cor 3:6-8, says that ""God makes it grow."" You have responsible for planting and watering, working as hard as you can. Ultimately, Jehovah is the one who draws people to him. Some will be in an assignment where spiritual growth doesn't come as quickly. Others will see a response immediately.",1 Cor 3:6-8,Geoffrey Jackson; Gilead graduation,,0,,5/28/2006,10/16/2023
"generosity, stingy, giving, gift, happiness,","THERE was a time when generosity was shown even in business relations. That was the time when, for example, a baker gave thirteen rolls when a customer asked for twelve, giving rise to the expression, “a baker’s dozen.” The baker knew that his solvency did not depend upon that extra roll, that it made his customer happy and giving it also made him happy. More likely than not he did not give any thought as to its being good business, even though it was. His generosity was proof of wisdom. How so?","Because life without happiness is burdensome. By showing generosity even in little things we can give both others and ourselves a measure of happiness, making life more enjoyable. We need each other. Did not the Creator say regarding our first parent, “It is not good for the man to continue by himself”?",Gen. 2:18,"Aug 1, 1959 wt page 451",DECIDE NOW FOR DIVINE RULERSHIP,37,1,5/15/2007,
"DWD, Driving while Distracted, brace up you minds, activity, health care, nearness Jehovah's Day,","DWD means Driving while distracted.  Driving with knees, cell phone, texting, multitasking, putting on makeup, How many have never missed an off-ramp.  OPPS! None.","We can become distracted in the ministry by various things.  It is also dangerous. Over concerned with health care,  TRWWD = Tight-rope walking while distracted.",1 Peter 1:13; Phil 1:9;,"Bill Dries, CO",,0,1,5/28/2013,
"Stumble,","(Gen. 18:25; Col. 3:23-25) If a person literally stumbled and fell, he would not deliberately remain in that position without even trying to get up.","In an effort to be of spiritual help, an elder might mention that with the passing of time, some find that what stumbled them no longer seems very important. In fact, the stumbling block may not exist any longer. If a person is stumbled because he has received discipline, prayerful meditation may cause him to conclude that he himself was at least partially in the wrong and should not have allowed the discipline to stumble him.",Ps. 119:165; Heb. 12:5-13.,w08 11/15 p. 14 pars. 8-9 Help Them Return Without Delay!,DO YOU HARBOR RESENTMENT OR DO YOU FORGIVE?,68,1,2/28/2009,
"Baloney, Lies, falsehoods, stories,"," ""Lying is like baloney!"" No matter how thin you slice it--it's still baloney.","Nowhere in the Bible is there a differentiation between a so called ""big scarlet lie"" and a ""little white lie."" Jehovah is called the God of Truth. Satan the Devil is the father of the lie.",Numbers 23:19;,Bobby Laymon,TRUE RELIGION MEETS THE NEEDS OF HUMAN SOCIETY.,94,1,8/29/2009,
"Young, youth, life, lost, finding, road,","IF YOU were going to travel on an unfamiliar trail, you might want to take along a map and a compass. The map would help you to identify your current position and aid in plotting out a course. The compass would allow you to orient yourself. However, both the map and the compass would be of little use if you did not know where you were headed. To avoid wandering aimlessly, you would need a clearly defined destination.",You face a similar situation as you grow toward adulthood. You have available both a reliable map and a compass. The Bible is a map that can help you to know which path to choose.,"Prov. 3:5, 6",w10 11/15 p. 12 pars. 1-2,HOW CAN YOUTHS COPE WITH TODAY'S CRISIS?,113,1,1/9/2011,
"Friend, companion,","Be slow in choosing a friend, slower in changing. -- Benjamin Franklin",Jehovah does not change.,Malachi 3:6;,Bobby Laymon,"FRIENDSHIP WITH GOD, FRIENDSHIP WITH THE WORLD--WHICH WILL YOU CHOOSE?",79,1,10/24/2006,
"Gifts in Men, elders, ministerial servants, pioneers, shepherds,","Paul used a common practice among soldiers of ancient times to illustrate how Jesus  has provided “gifts in men” to help unify  the congregation. A victorious soldier might  bring a foreign captive home as a slave  to provide his wife help with chores. (Ps.  68:1, 12, 18)","Similarly, Jesus’ victory over  the world provided him with many willing  slaves.  How did he  use those captives, so to speak? “He gave some as apostles, some as prophets, some as  evangelizers, some as shepherds and teachers,  with a view to the readjustment of  the holy ones, for ministerial work, for the  building up of the body of the Christ, until  we all attain to the oneness in the faith.”","Ephesians 4:7, 8.","Sep 15, 2010 Wt Page 18",,0,1,10/30/2010,7/10/2018
"skill, Bible, sword,","Did you ever notice how you can cut yourself with a dull razor, easier than a new sharp razor?",The Bible is a two-edged sword.  If we don't use the Bible regularly it become dull.  We can get cut.,Hebrews 4:12,Bobby Laymon,,0,,9/8/2005,
"Cure, Ransom, Memorial, Christ's death, disease, Sacrifice, Watchtower, publications,","IMAGINE that you are lying in a hospital bed. You are in a ward where everyone suffers from the same illness, a deadly disease with no known cure. When you learn that a doctor is spearheading an effort to find a cure, you are hopeful. You eagerly await news of any developments. One day, you learn that a cure has been found! The doctor behind the breakthrough made enormous sacrifices to make the cure possible.","How would you respond? Surely your heart would swell with respect and appreciation for the man who opened a way for you and many others to be delivered from death.That scenario may seem dramatic, but it corresponds to a reality we all face. Each of us is in a condition far more serious than the one described. We are in dire need of a rescuer. To deliver us, Jehovah has gone to great lengths. His Son too has made significant sacrifices.",Romans 7:24;,"Sep 15, 2009 WT page 25;",THE ONLY CURE FOR SICK MANKIND,62,1,8/28/2009,4/23/2015
"Great day of Jehovah, Armageddon, tribulation,",A radiant young woman eagerly awaits the arrival of her wedding day.  An expectant mother lovingly looks forward to the birth of her baby.  An exhausted worker deeply desires the start of his long-awaited vacation.  What do they all have in common?  They all wait for a special day--a day that will have an impact on their lives.  Their emotions run deep and yet are very different.  The day they await will eventually arrive.,"True Christians today likewise eagerly await the arrival of a special day.  It is the great ""day of Jehovah.""  How will its arrival affect mankind?  Moreover, how can we make sure that we are ready for its arrival?",Isaiah 13:9; Joel 2:1; 2 Peter 3:12;Zephaniah 1:14;,Dec 15 2006 WT page 15,WILL YOU ESCAPE THIS WORLD'S DESTINY?,84,1,5/15/2007,
"Atheist, spirit world, demons, angels,","An American general once said, ""There are no atheist in the fox holes.""",There are no atheist in the spirit world.  Even the demons believe.,James 2:19;,Mike Reading,ARE YOU DOING WHAT GOD REQUIRES OF YOU?,43,1,5/23/2010,
"gifts, generous, selfish, contributions,","We make a living by what we get, we make a life by what we give.-- Sir Winston Churchill",We should give generously.,Proverbs 11:25;,Bobby Laymon,FOLLOW THE COURSE OF HOSPITALITY,77,1,10/24/2006,12/23/2015
"Relationship, understand, wisdom, trapped, safeguard,","A few miles from here there is a corn maze.  The rows are planted in such a way it is very difficult to find your way through it.  Most lead to a dead end.  However if you were above it, as in a helicopter you could see your way out pretty easily.  When you get high above you can see.",The Bible helps us to get high above the dead ends and maze of this system of things.  It safeguards us from being trapped.,Proverbs 4:5;,Mark Shepherd,RESPECT FOR AUTHORITY IS A SAFEGUARD FOR YOU,12,1,9/14/2008,
"life, value, quality, Methuselah","""The value of life is not in the length of days, but in the use we make of them; a man may live long yet very little.""Quote: Michel de Montaigne 1533-1592, French writer and philosopher",Some in the past and today put little value on life.,Genesis 5:27;,Bobby Laymon,,0,,4/29/2006,9/2/2020
"Reading material, mind, food, books","Our taking of information into the mind through reading may be compared to our taking of food into the stomach. In both instances we must be selective. The eater, even when just satisfying his appetite, is foolish to take into his stomach that which is indigestible or that which offers no real benefit to the body, or worse, may even poison him. For best results, for long-lasting benefits, food should be easily digested and assimilated by our bodies.","So, too, with our reading. Whether it is casual or serious reading, what we take in should be mentally digestible and it should be something that will lastingly benefit our minds. Obviously it is unwise to feed the mind on that which is untrue, godless or immoral, and which may therefore cause spiritual indigestion. (Phil. 4:8) And why waste time reading material of little value? Just as we are selective in what we eat, so we should be in what we read.",Phil. 4:8;,sg study 4 p. 20 pars. 3-4,,0,1,5/16/2013,
"Trap that crushes, Satan, Devil,",Imagine a heavy log or a stone suspended above you.  It has a trip wire.  When triggered it comes down and crushes whatever is in its path.,Satan uses traps like this to distort our thinking.  To make us doubt.  To still have doubt after Jehovah has forgiven us.  Still part of the trap.,James 5:14-16; Hebrews 12:5; 1 Cor 6:9-11; Proverbs 24:16;,David Herr - District Convention,HOW TO PROTECT OURSELVES FROM SATAN'S SNARES,115,1,9/2/2009,
"Marriage, families, weddings, communication, listening, speaking,","It's been said, ""You only get out of something, what you are willing to put into it.""",Many expect to get more out of marriage than they put into it,Ephesians 4:31;,g 7/08 p. 5,GETTING MARRIAGE OFF TO A GOOD START,27,1,1/8/2011,
"Jesus, Perfect, imperfection, putting up,","A musician told me he had known only 3 people in his life that had perfect 'pitch tone'.  Two of these said it was the greatest handicap one could have because everyone played or sang just a little off key.  One, a musician, had to tune the piano when playing a new city, because it would be off key.","Jesus Christ, no doubt, had perfect tone, and was perfect in every way.  Imagine putting up with imperfect people all the time.  He had to have perfect patience and compassion, as well as perfect love.",Eph. 4:2;,Kyle Wiles and Bobby Laymon,IS THE TRUTH TRANSFORMING YOUR LIFE?,51,1,11/7/2009,
"Acceptance, adoption, willing, dedication, baptism, commitment,","Imagine a respectable father who shows kind interest in an orphaned youth and wishes to adopt him as a member of his own family. The father is known to be a good man. Still, before accepting the youth as his son, the man wants the boy to make a promise.","Similarly, Jehovah accepts into his family only those who are willing to make a vow of dedication to him. The Bible says: “Offer your very selves to him: a living sacrifice, dedicated and fit for his acceptance.”  Before someone who is alienated from God can become a member of God’s family of approved servants, he first needs to make a solemn promise to Jehovah.",Rom. 12:1;,w10 1/15 pp. 5-6 par. 13,REACH OUT FOR THE REAL LIFE!,90,1,1/8/2011,4/27/2020
"Materialism, technology, science,","British statesman William Gladstone (1809-1898) issued a warning against the “increasing domination of the things seen over the things unseen,” and against the “power of a silent, unavowed, unconscious materialism.”","As the technological revolution got under way, a few farsighted men foresaw its dangers.",Matthew 4:4;,g81 12/8 pp. 10-11,,0,1,7/8/2009,
"Prepare, scene, changing, ready, preparation, The scene of this world Is changing.","The end is likened to ""pangs of distress on a pregnant woman.""  Parents must prepare long in advance for a coming child.  They need a room, a crib, clothing, diapers, food, and many other necessary things.","Likewise with this system.  We cannot afford to wait for the future, but must prepare in advance.",Matthew 24:8;,Joe Laymon,,168,1,9/26/2009,2/18/2019
"anger, rage, self-control, happiness,","For every minute you're angry, you lose 60 seconds of happiness.",A calm spirit is always in order.,Psalm 37:8;,Bobby Laymon,MAKE JEHOVAH YOUR CONFIDENCE,70,1,8/31/2009,
"Why Don’t Boys Like Me, love, respect, dating, marriage, courtship,",Love and respect are like the two wheels of a bicycle—both are essential.,"Just as you have a need to be loved, the boys you know have a deep desire to be respected. It’s no coincidence that the Bible says to the husband that he should love his wife but that the wife should have “deep respect” for her husband.",Ephesians 5:33,g 1/10 p. 27,SHOW RESPECT AND LOVE IN YOUR MARRIAGE,28,1,1/7/2011,
"Example, Footsteps, Jesus, Christ, Goals, Wisdom,","John Henry Fabre, the great French naturalist, conducted a most unusual experiment with some processionary caterpillars. These caterpillars blindly follow the one in front of them--hence, the name. Fabre carefully arranged them in a circle around the rim of a flower pot so that the lead caterpillar actually touched the last one making a complete circle. In the center of the flower pot he put pine seeds which serve as food for the processionary caterpillar. The caterpillars started around this circular flower pot.","Around and around they went, hour after hour, day after day, night after night. For seven full days and seven full nights they went around the flower pot. Finally, they dropped dead of starvation and exhaustion. With an abundance of food less than six inches away, they literally starved to death because they confused activity with accomplishment. Many Christians make that same mistake. We must ask the question: Whose example do we follow, and to what end?  A person without a goal is like a ship without a rudder. He will drift and not drive. He will end up on the beaches of despair, defeat, and despondency.",1 Peter 2:21;,Bobby Laymon,FOLLOW THE WAY TO LIFE,45,1,8/25/2009,
"Resentment, past, harbor, historical, forgive, forget, blot out,","In times past when typewriters were used instead of word processors people would often hit the wrong key.  They had a little invention called, 'white out.'  Basically it was white paint that you would paint over the mistake and when it dried you could type the correct letter over it.  It would 'blot out' the mistake.",Jehovah can do this with out mistakes.  He can blot them out forever.  Shouldn't we be imitating this fine quality?,Matthew 18:27; Acts 3:19;,"Charlie Allyn, c. o.",DO YOU HARBOR RESENTMENT OR DO YOU FORGIVE?,68,1,5/11/2008,
"whole-souled, love, aid, help, extra mile, sacrifice,",“It's never crowded along the extra mile.”  Wayne Dyer,Christ Jesus was willing to go the extra mile.  Most parents would gladly go 'the extra mile' for their children.  Our Bible students are like our children.,John 15:13;,Bobby Laymon,,0,1,12/17/2009,
"Earth, Fill, overflow, population explosion, overpopulation","When someone tells you to fill a cup with tea, you do not keep pouring until the tea overflows the cup and runs all over the table. You fill the cup and then stop.","In the same way, Jehovah's command to man, ""Fill the earth,"" indicated his purpose to have man comfortably fill the earth, and then reproduction of humankind here on earth would stop.",Genesis 1:28;,Society's Web Site,A CLEANSED EARTH--WILL YOU LIVE TO SEE IT?,49,,5/30/2006,
"Source, holidays, new year, pagan, customs, trinity, hellfire, immortal soul,","A popular Chinese proverb says: “When you drink water, remember the source.”","This reflects the deep respect that many Asians traditionally have for their parents and forebears. Because parents gave them life, it is natural for children to show such respect, which plays an important role in the New Year’s observance.  However, we need to always check the source of religious teachings.","Deuteronomy 18:10, 11;",w09 12/1 p. 20,JEHOVAH AND CHRIST--ARE THEY PART OF A TRINITY?,82,1,1/8/2011,
"Reading, mind, quard, apostates, corrupt,","Our taking of information into the mind through reading may be compared to our taking of food into the stomach. In both instances we must be selective. The eater, even when just satisfying his appetite, is foolish to take into his stomach that which is indigestible or that which offers no real benefit to the body, or worse, may even poison him. For best results, for long-lasting benefits, food should be easily digested and assimilated by our bodies.","So, too, with our reading. Whether it is casual or serious reading, what we take in should be mentally digestible and it should be something that will lastingly benefit our minds. Obviously it is unwise to feed the mind on that which is untrue, godless or immoral, and which may therefore cause spiritual indigestion.",Phil. 4:8,*** sg study 4 p. 20 How to Read and Remember ***,HOW TO PROTECT OURSELVES FROM SATAN'S SNARES,115,1,10/24/2006,
"Agate, pressure, stress, persecution, fire,","A woman came in and for a couple of hours was going through the many slices of agate, holding them up to the light to admire their beauty. Eventually the sales woman went over to her and asked if there was anything in particular she was looking for.  ""No,"" said the woman, ""I am just enjoying looking at these pieces of agate because I realize that it was by means of pressure and fire that these things of such incredible beauty were created.","You see, I have been going through some very severe trials in my life, and by looking at these pieces of agate I realize that it is by means of the pressures of life and the fires of tribulation that God will create something beautiful in me and for me.""",James 1:2;,Bobby Laymon,BEARING UP UNDER PERSECUTION,57,1,8/25/2009,
"Music, songs, medicine,","Beautiful melodies may sugarcoat ugly lyrics that make light of or even promote hatred, immorality, or violence—themes that no person of principle would find entertaining.","Because music can have a powerful influence on the heart, we should be selective.  Yes, your choice of music is no minor matter.   Good Music Can Be Good Medicine","Ephesians 4:17-19; 5:3, 4",g 5/08 p. 22,Use Education to Praise Jehovah,146,1,1/1/2011,
"Planted by Streams of Water, Bible, prosperous, happy,","The trees spoken of are described as planted ""by streams of water!! Or ""by the waters,!! Not by just one river or stream. A similar word picture is found at Isaiah 44:3, 4, where Jehovah God spoke of he way he would care for repentant Jews who-returned from captivity in Babylon.","Even today in agricultural areas, you can see water ditches and streams flowing from a large source of water, such as a deep well, a river, a lake, or a dam. Generally, they are part of an irrigation system for fields or plantations.","Isaiah 44:3, 4;","March 1, 2009 WT page 16;",SERVE JEHOVAH WITH A JOYFUL HEART,78,1,6/18/2009,
"Baptism, dedication,",Your are embarking on an important journey for life.,We need to let Jehovah hold our right hand.,Isaiah 41:13;,"Gary Holmes; District Convention - Tulsa, OK  June 23, 24, 2006",,0,1,7/2/2006,
"Permissiveness, deny, blind, denial, Christendom, Babylon, attitude, world,","""What's wrong with this world is that nothing is wrong with this world.""",That is the attitude today.,Galatians 6:7; 1 Kings 11:4;,Aaron Newboder,,0,1,5/10/2010,
"Growth, success, patience, patient, farmer, improvement, advancement, illustrations","A FARMER needs to be patient. (Jas. 5:7) After sowing the seed, he needs to wait for it to sprout and grow. Gradually, when conditions are favorable, shoots begin to appear, breaking through the surface of the ground. Then they develop into plants that sprout heads of grain. Eventually, the farmer has a field ready to be harvested.","How amazing it is to witness the miracle of growth! How humbling, too, to realize who is the Source of this growth. We can nurture the seed. We can assist with the watering process. But only God can make it grow.—Compare 1 Corinthians 3:6.See article on Bible illustrations of growth.",ECCL. 11:6;,w08 7/15 p. 17 You Do Not Know Where It Will Have Success!,Service Talk,200,1,2/28/2009,
"Cultivate, growth, improve, progress, love,",Think of a farmer who works hard to prepare the soil and plant the seeds. He expects the seeds to grow. (Heb. 6:7),"Similarly, our love for God should grow. What is required for this to occur? We must work the good soil of our heart, where the seed of Kingdom truth was sown. We can do this through diligent study of God’s Word so as to increase our knowledge of him. (Col. 1:10) Regularly attending and participating in congregation meetings will also help us increase in knowledge. Are we individually putting forth constant effort to gain a deeper knowledge?",Hebrews 6:7; Colossians 1:10;Prov. 2:1-7;,w09 12/15 p. 25 par. 4,,0,1,2/28/2010,
"youths, dangers, curiosity, world, companions, associations,","Pilots advise ship captains to give sandbanks that stretch beneath the waters a wide berth. Sandbanks are soft but also treacherous, since they constantly shift position. Your parents will likewise want you to keep your distance from situations that might ensnare you emotionally. Parents know, for example, that feelings toward the opposite sex go deep and can be difficult to define. But once aroused, these feelings can cause you to run aground.","The example of Dinah illustrates a risk of steering too close to danger. Perhaps curiosity and a desire to have a good time moved Dinah to seek companionship with Canaanite girls, whose morals were undoubtedly lax. What at first seemed to be innocent fun soon led to a tragic experience—she was raped by “the most honorable” young man in town.—Genesis 34:1, 2, 19.","Genesis 34:1, 2, 19",Watchtower.org,,0,,2/4/2006,4/8/2015
"Love, Dandelions, annoyances, hate, problem, flexible, adapt, People, territory,","A man had a lawn full of dandelions. He was very annoyed by them and had tried for a long time to rid his lawn of them. Finally he sent a soil sample to a laboratory for analysis to see what he could do about this problem.  At last the answer came back from the lab, ""Learn to love dandelions.""","Many times we have to adapt.  To people, territory, personalities.  We must ""Learn to love dandelions.""",1 Corinthians 9:22;,Bobby Laymon,"AS CHRISTIANS, WE CARE ABOUT OTHER PEOPLE",15,1,8/31/2009,
"Holy Spirit, cultivate, fruitage, dedication, baptism, work,","A farmer cultivates the land. Of course, sunshine and water are necessary; without such he cannot expect any harvest. We might compare holy spirit to sunshine. Holy spirit is needed for us to manifest the fruitage of the spirit. Yet, what would be produced without the farmer’s hard work? (Prov. 10:4)","Yes, how you cultivate the soil of your heart makes a difference in the quality and quantity of the fruitage of the holy spirit in you. So ask yourself, ‘Am I permitting holy spirit to produce its fruitage by working along with it?’",Proverbs 10:4;,w10 3/15 pp. 15-16 par. 6,,0,1,5/16/2013,
"Wisdom, judgment, understanding,","At 20 years of age the will reigns, at 30 the wit, at 40 the judgment.  --Benjamin Franklin",Age can bring wisdom.,Psalm 90:12;,Bobby Laymon,ACQUIRING A HEART OF WISDOM,73,1,10/24/2006,
"abundance, limits, moderation, limitations,  too much, greed, mercy, underserved kindness,","""Too much water will eventually drown even the frogs.""  Saying from Benin, Africa.","Jehovah knows better than we ourselves when we are about to reach our limits.  He lovingly provides ""mercy and … underserved kindness for help at the right time.",Hebrews 4:16;,w06 6/1 Page 13;,"MERCY, A DOMINANT QUALITY OF TRUE CHRISTIANS",7,,6/14/2006,
"Purpose, paradise, earth, kingdom, Home,","Although the earth is not a paradise today, it can be compared to the fine home of a happy family.  Our God-given global home has what we need -- light, heat, water, and food.","How we appreciate the sun's light and heat and the moon's soft glow at night!  In earth's cellar there are fuels, such as coal and oil, that we can use for heating.  Because of the water cycle and earth's system of rivers, lakes, and seas, we have water.  And as a carpet, the earth has green grass.   Just as food is stored in a home, there is plenty in earth's pantry.  By means of crops in the fields and fruit in the orchards, Jehovah 'gives us fruitful seasons.'","Genesis 1:14-18; Acts 14:16, 17",w06 5/15 3,LIFE DOES HAVE A PURPOSE,23,,5/30/2006,
"Apostle John, gospel, Beneficial, personality, association, names,","TO THE Christian familiar with his Bible, the names of the various apostles immediately bring associations with them. Matthew, the tax collector; Thomas, the doubter; Peter, the apostle with the keys; Paul, the apostle to the Gentiles; Judas Iscariot, the betrayer. And the apostle John? The beloved apostle.",Our names are often associated with our personality and actions.,John 21:7;,w51 9/1 p. 521,WHAT KIND OF NAME ARE YOU MAKING WITH GOD?,55,1,6/4/2008,
"Truth, evangelizing, persecution, persistence, boldness, courage,","""Whoever tells the truth is chased out of nine villages.""  African Proverb.","This has often been literally true with Jehovah's people, but they keep on preaching.",Matthew 10:16;,Bobby Laymon,DO YOU HAVE THE EVENGELIZING SPIRIT?,63,,6/18/2006,
"Inherit, earth, promise,","“IF YOU receive a notification in the mail from an ‘estate locator’ saying that there is an unclaimed inheritance waiting for you, beware. You could be the target of a slick con artist.” That is a warning that the United States Postal Inspection Service posted on its Web site. Why? Because thousands of people received a notice in the mail saying, ‘A relative of yours has died and left you an inheritance.’","Such schemes prey on people’s natural desire to receive an inheritance. Yet, the Bible speaks approvingly of those who provide an inheritance when it says: “One who is good will leave an inheritance to sons of sons.” (Proverbs 13:22) As a matter of fact, none other than Jesus Christ himself made this well-known and much-loved statement in his Sermon on the Mount: “Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.”",Matthew 5:5;,Society's Web Site,A CLEANSED EARTH--WILL YOU LIVE TO SEE IT?,49,,5/30/2006,
"Forgiveness, cancel, debt, Marriage,","When you forgive, the debt is canceled. You do not try to reclaim it.","God is ""ready to forgive,"" but that is not always so with humans. (Psalm 86:5) Old wrongs left unresolved can pro¬duce layers of resentment that accumu¬late to the point where forgiveness seems impossible.",Psalm 86:5;,Oct 2009 Awake page 8,SHOW RESPECT AND LOVE IN YOUR MARRIAGE,28,1,9/2/2009,
"Materialism, Eye, simple, darkness, watchful, Satan, Devil, protection, warning,","A small child is in the playground.  He begins to chase a pidgeon.  Then another one.  Pretty soon, he is far away from the watchful eye of his parents.","We can do the same with materialism and the desires of the world.  We need to stay under the watchful eye of our parents, Jehovah and the faithful slave.","Matthew 6:22, 23; Luke 12:15;",Michael Croy; Keep on the Watch District Convention,HOW TO PROTECT OURSELVES FROM SATAN'S SNARES,115,1,8/16/2009,
"Simplify, stop, go,",Contrast 2 words.  Stop and Go.  If a police officer told you one of those would you do it?  Notice what Matthew 28:18 shows that Jesus has.Simplify on a trial basis.,"Matthew 6:19) “Stop storing up for yourselves treasures upon the earth, where moth and rust consume, and where thieves break in and steal.(Matthew 28:19) Go therefore and make disciples of people of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the holy spirit,","Matthew 6:19; 28: 18,19;",Charlie Allyn; C.O.,,0,1,5/15/2007,
"Suicide, journal, information,","When someone commits suicide, family members and close friends suffer severe mental turmoil. Many blame themselves for the tragedy.","They say such things as: 'If only I had spent a little more time with him that day,' 'If only I had held my tongue that time,' 'If only I had done a little more to help him.' The implication is, 'If only I had done this or that, my loved one would still be here.' Is it fair, though, to assume the blame for the suicide of another?  See helpful journal in source material.",Proverbs 14:10,June 2008 Awake! Page 18-20,WHY LIVE BY BIBLE STANDARDS?,88,1,6/27/2008,
"Punctual, on time, schedules, reliable, diligent,","BEING punctual, or on time, is not always easy. Among the challenges that we may have to overcome are long travel distances, heavy traffic, and busy schedules. Yet, being on time is important. In the workplace, for example, a punctual person is generally considered reliable and diligent. On the other hand, an individual who arrives late can affect the work of others and the quality of products and services. Tardiness can cause a student to miss certain classes and hinder his scholastic progress. Being late for a medical or dental appointment may affect the treatment one receives.",The foremost reason we want to be punctual is that we want to imitate the God we worship. (Eph. 5:1) Jehovah provides an excellent example of punctuality. He is never late. He adheres strictly to his schedule in the fulfillment of his purposes.,Eph 5:1;,w10 8/15 p. 25,JUDGMENT DAY-A TIME OF FEAR OR HOPE?,156,1,1/1/2011,
"Dangers, Bible, Alert, Warnings,","Mariners carried a list of the lighthouses they would encounter en route. The list set out the characteristics of each lighthouse, including its unique signal. The World Book Encyclopedia notes: “Mariners determine which lighthouse they are seeing—and therefore their location—by observing the characteristic of a lighthouse and consulting a light list.”","Similarly, God’s Word helps honesthearted people to discern true worship and those pursuing it, especially during these last days when Jehovah has elevated it high above false religion.  Drawing a sharp contrast between true and false worship, Isaiah 60:2, 3 says: “Darkness itself will cover the earth, and thick gloom the national groups; but upon you Jehovah will shine forth, and upon you his own glory will be seen. And nations will certainly go to your light, and kings to the brightness of your shining forth.”","Isaiah 2:2, 3; Malachi 3:18","October 15, 2007 WT page 15",HOW TO PROTECT OURSELVES FROM SATAN'S SNARES,115,1,1/4/2008,4/13/2025
"Successful Marriage, weddings, divorce, road map,","MARRIAGE can be likened to a journey, an odyssey that presents many surprises—some exquisite, others painful. Unforeseen “terrain” can present unexpected obstacles, some of which may seem insurmountable. Nevertheless, many people make this journey successfully and happily, with only minor mishaps.","Indeed, success in marriage is not measured so much by the highs and lows of the journey as it is by how couples deal with those ups and downs.  Many couples feel the need for a ‘marital road map’ to direct them along the way. The most dependable and authoritative “map” for marriage is provided by the Originator of marriage—Jehovah God. His inspired Word, the Holy Bible, though, is not a magic charm. Rather, it contains practical direction that married couples need to follow to enjoy a successful marriage.",Psalm 119:105; Ephesians 5:21-33; 2 Timothy 3:16.,g 7/08 p. 6,GETTING MARRIAGE OFF TO A GOOD START,27,1,1/8/2011,
"apology, sorry, sin, excuse, resentment,",Never ruin an apology with an excuse.,A common practice.,Matthew 7:12;,Joseph Mesachek D. O.,DO YOU HARBOR RESENTMENT OR DO YOU FORGIVE?,68,1,5/10/2010,
"candor, history,",History will be kind to me for I intend to write it.  -- Sir Winston Churchill,Bible writers did not alter history to benefit themselves.,John 17:17,Bobby Laymon,,0,,4/3/2006,
"Ransom, sacrifice, memorial, salvation, Evening meal, atonement, passover,","Imagine you were a 12-year-old boy traveling on the Titanic, the ship that struck an iceberg and sank in 1912. You try to jump into a lifeboat, but it is full. Then a man on the lifeboat kisses his wife, jumps back onto the deck, and puts you into the lifeboat. How do you feel? Certainly you are grateful to him!","You can understand how one boy who really had that experience felt. Yet, Jesus did much more for you. He died so that you can gain endless life.  How did you feel upon learning what the Son of God did for you?  Likely you felt deep gratitude. To that end, Jesus endured injustice, reviling, torture, and finally death. How much do you appreciate his sacrifice?","2 Corinthians 5:14, 15.", w10 3/15 p. 12 pars. 10-11,Memorial of Christ's Death,0,1,1/1/2011,
"Fear, trust, confidence,",Imagine crossing the Red Sea when you are afraid of water.,We likewise must trust in Jehovah.,Matthew 11:27;,Joe Masachek,Trust in Jehovah's Saving Power,147,1,9/14/2008,
"Grope, search, seek, find, not far off,","In a dark but familiar room, you might grope for the light switch or the door, yet you know that your search will be successful.","So, too, if we sincerely seek God and grope for him, we can be sure that our efforts will be rewarded. We will “really find him,” Paul assures us.",Acts 17:24-27;,w08 7/1 p. 10,KEEP SEEKING GOD'S KINGDOM,44,1,1/7/2011,
"habits, customs,","Habit is habit and not to be flung out of the window by any man, but coaxed downstairs a step at a time. --Mark Twain",Bad habits take time to break.,Judges 18:7;,Bobby Laymon,A GODLY VIEW OF SEX AND MARRIAGE,13,1,10/24/2006,
"Join, religion, organized religion, church,","A French proverb says, “He who is near the church is often far from God.”  Are you cautious about joining a religious group because you are appalled by the hypocrisy and disunity of churchgoers and even the clergy?","But you may wonder, ‘Does God really say that those who want to worship him acceptably must belong to an organized religion?’  The short answer is yes. Why can we be so sure? And will just any religious organization do?  See article.",John 13:35;,w10 11/1 p. 31,FALSE RELIGION'S END IS NEAR,96,1,12/27/2010,
"Angels, urgent, urgency,","I.	Angel are very involved in preaching work.  Matthew 13:39	A.	We so often hear the expression ' the voice of an angel' 		1.	I got to wondering what an angel would sound like. 		2.	Research - an angel's voice sounds remarkably like a person saying, 'Hurry Up!'  		3.	Might think - voice of an angel would always be beautiful. 	B.	Look at some examples:		1.	Genesis 19:15, 17  		2.	Acts 12:7, 8.		3.	Matthew 28:5-7		4.	1 Kings 19:7, 8		5.	Matthew 2:13, 14	C.	Do we get the drift?  What are some things they are saying?		1.	The angels always say the same thing! ........... 'Arise, Hurry!' 		2.	It could get monotonous, like a child blowing a whistle or a fire bell.	D.	What tendency do many humans have regarding important matters?  Procrastinate.			a.	What is meant by ""comfort zone?""		1.	The words 'Get up' are rarely beautiful, especially at 6 AM.		2.	Why would someone say that?		3.	How does this tie in with recent literature offers?		4.	How does it fit with disaster relief program?		5.	What about the need for a Durable Power of Attorney?II.	What is the lesson we can learn from this?  	A.	Did you know if we do not go out in service the angels cannot go?  		1.	Can they take note of the reactions of the householders we contact.  		2.	Why are we needed?  to knock on the door - message Jesus gave us to deliver. 		3.	The householder is observed by the angels flying in mid heaven with the good news. 	Revelation 14:6	B. 	What lesson is in it for our ministry?		1.	Does this mean we should run to the doors?  Whose door should we be anxious to get to?		2.	A voice that ought to get us out of our comfortable chairs and away from our TV sets 			                3.	.......'Arise, go quickly!!!!!'		4.	How might we do this more fully?  (Return visits; Bible studies; pioneer)		5.	Does this mean we should never relax?","C.	The next time you read about the voice of an angel, think about this:  Get up, Hurry up!  Rise up, 				Go quickly!  Get moving!  Don't look back!  Escape!  		1.	Yes, we can learn much from the voice of an angel!			2.	As the angel says, ""GET GOING!""","Genesis 19:15, 17",Bobby Laymon,Service Talk,200,1,4/9/2008,5/31/2014
"Integrity, whole, complete","Or picture a woman walking on a beach, collecting some of the shells cast ashore by the waves. Fascinated by the variety and beauty of these creations, she now and again stoops to examine one.","Which ones does she keep? The ones that are whole, intact. Similarly, God is seeking people who have this quality of wholeness, or completeness.",2 Chron. 16:9,w08 12/15 pp. 3-4 par. 5 Why Keep Your Integrity?,Does God Approve of the Use of Images in Worship?,136,1,6/18/2009,
"Materialism, money, wealth,","I am opposed to millionaires, but it would be dangerous to offer me the position. --Mark Twain","Money has deceptive power,",Matthew 13:22; Proverbs 18:11;,Bobby Laymon,ARE YOU REALLY MAKING JEHOVAH YOUR STRONGHOLD?,18,1,10/24/2006,5/23/2014
"Bible, God's Word, Treasure, Jesus, search, concealed, hidden,","Unlike archaeologists and other explorers who often have to search far and wide for their treasures, we know exactly where spiritual treasures can be found.","God's Word, like a treasure map, points us to the'precise place where we will be able to find the treasures that God promised. Referring to the Christ, the apostle Paul wrote: ""Carefully concealed in him are all the treasures of wisdom and of knowledge."" (Col. 2:3)",Col. 2:3,"Jul 15, 2009 WT page 3",Jesus Christ-Earth's New Ruler,140,1,6/15/2009,
"Hope, trust,","When you ask a dear friend for a favor, you may hope that he will help you out. Your hope is not without basis because you have faith in your friend—you know him well, and you have seen him act with kindness and generosity in the past. Your faith and your hope are closely related, even interdependent, but they are distinct. How can you have such hope in God?","God is the source of true hope. In Bible times Jehovah was called “the hope of Israel.” (Jeremiah 14:8) Any reliable hope that his people had came from him; thus, he was their hope. Such hope did not amount to mere wishing. God gave them a solid basis for hope.",Jeremiah 14:8,*** g04 4/22 pp. 9-11 Where Can You Find Real Hope? ***,,0,,1/27/2006,
"Introduction, Gospel of John,","At what point in time does John introduce Jesus to us? At his birth, as do the Gospel writers Matthew and Luke? No. He precedes that by countless ages. He takes us back to the beginning of all creation with the simple but profound introduction: “In the beginning the Word was, and the Word was with God, and the Word was a god.",A Controversial Introduction?  Yes!  This introduction might be hard to understand without prior knowledge of Jesus.,John 1:1-3,w82 5/1 p. 20,,0,1,6/4/2008,
"Name, reputation, integrity,","Glass, china and reputation are easily cracked, and never well mended. -- Benjamin Franklin",Must keep our integrity intact.,Proverbs 22:1,Bobby Laymon,WHAT KIND OF NAME ARE YOU MAKING WITH GOD?,55,1,10/24/2006,
"Spirituality, Protection, dangers, world,",The ozone layer is about 20-30 miles above the earth.  It is there for a protection from deadly objects and rays from outer space.,"In like manner, our spirituality is a protection for us from the deadly dangers of this world.",1 Timothy 5:8; Hebrews 13:5;,Charlie Allyn; C.O.,,0,1,5/15/2007,
"Orderly, order, chaos,",“Order is Heaven's first law”   quote: Alexander Pope,"From starry skies, and galaxies to the smallest object, it is order that rules.",1 Corinthians 14:40;,Bob Laymon,JEHOVAH--THE GRAND CREATOR,101,1,5/15/2007,
"Associates, associations, wisely, Bible,",An aircraft pilot was flying well.  He had the Big Dipper guiding him on one side and the little dipper on the other.  Then he heard a warning bell that he knew he was losing altitude.  He pulled the stick back and crashed into the mountain.  He had been flying upside down.  The Big Dipper and Little Dipper were two different cities below.  He had not learned to use instruments.,This is how it is when we 'fly by the seat of our pants' so to speak.  We must learn to use and rely on God's word.,Proverbs 2:1-9;,Larry Simmons,CHOOSE YOUR ASSOCIATES WISELY!,116,1,7/13/2008,
"Jehovah's Day, close in mind, alert, awake, utmost,",A little boy gets a new pair of skis in August.  He keeps looking at them.  He keeps waiting for the time he will be able to try them out.,"In like manner, we keep waiting for Jehovah's Day.  We keep it close in mind, like the little boy with the skis.  Most is like the best you can do. Used to form the superlative.  Utmost is even better.  Of the greatest possible degree, extent or intensity.","2 Peter 3:12, 14;",George Cook DO,,0,1,5/28/2013,
"Prayer, request, petitions,","A store owner may offer a gift to some of his customers.  However, to receive this gift, the customers must come to the owner and claim it.  Those unwilling to make the effort to do so would show that they do not really appreciate the offer.","Similarly, neglecting to make our petitions known in prayer would show a lack of appreciation for what Jehovah provides.",John 16:24,"Sep 1, 2006 WT page 27, 28",PRAYERS THAT ARE HEARD BY GOD,86,1,10/15/2006,
"Integrity, moral completeness, soundness, whole, faultless,","The idea of seeking and valuing that which is whole, or complete, is not strange. Imagine, for instance, a book collector who finds a precious volume after a long search, only to discover that it is missing several vital pages.","Disappointed, he may put it back on the shelf. Or picture a woman walking on a beach, collecting some of the shells cast ashore by the waves. Fascinated by the variety and beauty of these creations, she now and again stoops to examine one. Which ones does she keep? The ones that are whole, intact. Similarly, God is seeking people who have this quality of wholeness, or completeness.",2 Chron. 16:9;,w08 12/15 p. 3  Why Keep Your Integrity?,Service Talk,200,1,2/28/2009,
"Treasures, store up, right place, heavens,","Some store up money in mattress.  (first place thieves look) Some sock it away in a sock.  Others may use a bank, or just bury it in the ground.  Jews swallowed their gold to avoid it being stolen, and were cut open to get it.",We must store up treasures in heaven.,"Matthew 6:19, 20; Proverbs 23:4, 5;","Donald Amy, D.O.",Service Talk,200,1,5/15/2007,
"Materialism, things, possessions, wealth, money, surplus,","A personal question: Do you think your closets are too small?  People store things everywhere.  In the deserts, different houses, storage units.  Every so often they have to pay them a visit.","If your things can't live with you, it is clear that you can live without them.",Matthew 6:22;,Joseph Mesachek D. O.,,0,1,5/10/2010,
"Friendships, companions, communication,","Good communication breathes life into a friendship. As you read the Bible accounts involving Ruth and Naomi, David and Jonathan, and Paul and Timothy, you will notice that good friends speak freely but respectfully to each other. Regarding the way we should communicate with others,","Paul wrote: “Let your utterance be always with graciousness, seasoned with salt.” Paul was specifically referring to the way we should talk to those “on the outside,” that is, those who are not our Christian brothers.","Col. 4:5, 6",w09 10/15 p. 21 par. 17,TRUE FRIENDSHIP WITH GOD AND NEIGHBOR,100,1,1/3/2011,6/25/2025
"Growth, adulthood, maturity, issues with parents, trust, conflicting, opinions,","However, the transition to adulthood isn’t like a door that you simply walk through when you reach a certain age.","It’s more like a stairway that you climb, step by step, throughout your adolescence. Granted, you and your parents may have conflicting opinions as to just how far you’ve progressed up that stairway.",Genesis 2:24;,g 4/08 p. 27,HOW CAN YOUTHS COPE WITH TODAY'S CRISIS?,113,1,5/16/2013,
"cure, disease, sin,",If you had a bad disease such as 'bird flu' you would seek medical advise from an expert.,There is a greater epidemic going around.  It is sin.,Romans 5:12; 3:23;,"Harold Cheek; District Convention - Tulsa, OK  June 23, 24, 2006",THE ONLY CURE FOR SICK MANKIND,62,1,7/2/2006,
"Dashboard Warning Lights, problems, lack of zeal or joy, self-control, impatient,  Loss of enthusiasm","Most of us have seen a red light come on our automobile's dashboard. Maybe for oil pressure, engine temperature, brake system, low fuel, etc. We can avoid much trouble by giving the needed attention to these warning light signals as soon as possible!",There is a Spiritual Dash Board Warning Lights System that each of us need to check on regularly. What are these Warning Indicators?1. Increasing problems in family--due to lack of applying Bible principles.2. Lack of zeal and joy in the ministry.3. Lack of self-control.4. Loss of enthusiasm for the truth.5. Neglecting of associating at meetings.6. Overly critical of elders and organization.7. Harboring serious and continued doubts.Have you checked your dashboard lately?,2 Corinthians 13:5;,Bobby Laymon,Service Talk,200,1,8/31/2009,
"Fruitage of the spirit, stability, joy,",Joy is like a hardy plant that can thrive even in a hostile environment.,"Throughout the earth, many of God’s servants have “accepted the word under much tribulation with joy of holy spirit.” (1 Thess. 1:6) Others face hardships and deprivations. Yet, Jehovah empowers them by means of his spirit “to endure fully and be longsuffering with joy.” (Col. 1:11)  A notable characteristic of the fruitage of the spirit is its stability. Joy, the second aspect we will consider, exemplifies this resilience.",1 Thess. 1:6; Col 1:11;,"April 15, 2011 WT page 20",SERVE JEHOVAH WITH A JOYFUL HEART,78,1,4/30/2011,
"Persecution, faith, courage, Satan,","If you have ever worn glasses, you know that its not easy sometimes to keep track of them, sometimes you might forget and sit on them, or step on them.  It wouldn’t  bother you much if they were rose-colored glasses or dark glasses that you bought at the dollar store.   But with prescription glasses its different.  You normally would take better care of prescription glasses. And especially if you were in some activity that could be hard on glasses.  Had to wear glasses playing basketball or chopping wood or working on your car.",So it is spiritually.  Satan the Devil would like nothing better than for us to lose our prescription of faith and courage and at times he tries to do that with violent activity.  At times Christians face outright persecution!!!  But that doesn’t mean we have to lose our faith and courage!,John 15:20;,JK,FACING THE FUTURE WITH FAITH AND COURAGE,166,1,10/23/2006,5/29/2014
"Regrets, sorrow, repentance,","A POET wrote: “Of all sad words of tongue or pen, the saddest are these: ‘It might have been!’” The poet was J. G. Whittier, and he was referring to things that we regret, that we wish we could do over and do differently. “Regret” is mental sorrow, pain of mind, at something done or perhaps left undone, and it can mean “to weep again.”",We all have done things we wish we could go back and do differently. What regrets do you have?,Phil 3:13;,"Jan 15, 2013 WT Page 22",,0,1,5/14/2013,
"Marriage, kindness, words, deeds,","Think of the kind words, thoughtful deeds, and other expressions of honor that marriage partners extend to each other as the decorative items that add beauty to a house. If you feel close to each other, your marriage resembles a house adorned with decorations that give it color and warmth.","If your affection diminishes, those decorations gradually disappear, leaving your marriage as bleak as a house without any decorations. Since you desire to obey God’s command to “let marriage be honorable,” you would be moved to improve the situation. After all, something precious and honorable is worth repairing, or restoring.","Proverbs 24:3, 4",lv chap. 11 p. 130 par. 20 “Let Marriage Be Honorable”,SHOW RESPECT AND LOVE IN YOUR MARRIAGE,28,1,2/28/2009,
"Holy spirit, guidance, direct steps,","Today people are guided by GPS or ""global positioning systems.""",Holy spirit is the true GPS.,Jeremiah 10:23; Luke 11:13;,Robert Burdge C. O.,STAND STILL AND SEE THE SALVATION OF JEHOVAH,41,1,9/14/2008,
"eternal purpose, wisdom, adjustments, goal, plan,","A person may desire to travel to a specific destination. Getting to that destination then becomes his goal, or purpose. He may have different options with regard to the means of transportation and the routes he can take. As he travels along his chosen route, he may be confronted with unexpected weather conditions, traffic congestion, and road closures, requiring him to take an alternate route. Yet, no matter what adjustments he needs to make, he will still have accomplished his goal when he arrives at his destination.","Jehovah has likewise shown considerable flexibility in working out his eternal purpose. Taking into consideration the free will of his intelligent creation, he readily adjusts the way he achieves his purpose.","Eph 3:10,11;",w11 5/15 pp. 21-22 pars. 5-6,LIFE DOES HAVE A PURPOSE,23,1,5/16/2013,
"Peer pressure, youth, exit plan, ","When you look around this building, you will notice there are doors that say exit.  It is wise to take note of them in an emergency.  They can save your life.","Likewise, If you are going to a gathering, have an exit plan in case things are not as you expected them to be. Some youths have an agreement with their parents that a simple phone call is all that will be needed to get an early ride home. (Ps. 26:4, 5) Such ‘plans make for advantage.’",Prov. 21:5;,w10 11/15 p. 11 par. 17,HOW CAN YOUTHS COPE WITH TODAY'S CRISIS?,113,1,1/9/2011,2/9/2015
"Lasting Marriage,","In some cultures, people speak of marrying as “tying the knot.” They may not realize how aptly that illustration describes the common view of marriage. How so? While a good knot should hold fast as long as it is needed, another key requirement is that it can be tied and untied with ease.","Sadly, that is not the common view in today’s world.  Many today see marriage as temporary. Remember, though, the illustration that the Bible uses for a bond such as marriage—the cord. Cords or ropes made for sailing ships are designed to last, never to fray or unravel, even in the harshest storm.",Genesis 2:24; Matthew 19:6;,lv chap. 10 p. 118 pars. 19-20 Marriage—A Gift From a Loving God,SHOW RESPECT AND LOVE IN YOUR MARRIAGE,28,1,2/28/2009,
"Senses, body, creation,","PICTURE yourself cycling along a quiet country road. As you pedal, sensors in your legs enable you to apply just the right pressure to maintain your speed. Your organs of balance keep you upright; your nostrils smell the aromas; your eyes absorb the panorama; your ears are attuned to the chirping of birds. Thirsty, you grasp your drink bottle, aided by touch receptors in your fingers. Your taste buds and hot-and-cold sensors reveal the flavor of the liquid and its temperature. Sensors in your skin and those attached to your body hair tell how strong the breeze is and, in cooperation with your eyes, how fast you are going. Your skin also informs you of the ambient temperature and humidity, while your awareness of time tells you approximately how long you have been on the road. Eventually, internal senses will compel you to rest and to eat. Yes, life truly is a superb symphony of the senses!","However, according to Britannica, studies in skin sensitivity alone ""yield evidence that the human senses number more than five."" How can that be? Certain functions once lumped together under touch are now regarded as senses in their own right. For instance, pain receptors respond to and distinguish between mechanical, thermal, and chemical forces or agents.",Genesisesis 1:26,http://www.watchtower.org/library/g/2003/3/8/article_01.htm,,0,,2/4/2006,
"Future, faith, courage, confidence, promises, SMART BOMBS, WEAPONS, ","Its true, a lot of smart bombs are being shot by lot of dumb people, but  what did Jehovah promise to do?",•	But what about nuclear weapons: •	Or what about biological weapons? •	And what about global warming?  What did the scripture say?  	Formed it to be inhabited….,PSALMS 46:9,JK,FACING THE FUTURE WITH FAITH AND COURAGE,166,1,10/23/2006,4/8/2014
"Money, materialism, work, employment,",Imagine a sharp knife.  It is a valuable tool and many brothers carry them.  However if used in a wrong way they can harm.,Money is like that.  Some have a distorted view of it.,Ecclesiastes 7:12;,Marc Cash,HOLD A GOOD CONSCIENCE IN A SINFUL WORLD,107,1,9/14/2008,
"Permanent World Peace, Armageddon, wars, Security, hope,","Never will anyone debate whether Armageddon was a worthwhile war, as people do with wars fought by men! It will be a righteous war. Thus of the “King of kings,” Christ Jesus, it is written: “He judges and carries on war in righteousness. . . . Out of his mouth there protrudes a sharp long sword, that he may smite the nations with it.”","Armageddon will be the final war, for it will end all wars. No need will there be for this war to be fought again: “He [Jehovah] is about to execute complete destruction; he will not take vengeance twice upon his enemies.”","Nah. 1:9, AT; Rev. 17:14; 19:11, 15,",w54 8/15 p. 487,REAL PEACE AND SECURITY - WHEN?,176,1,3/19/2010,
"Pray, Prayer, persistency, confidence, boldness, holy spirit, ask,","Imagine that one of your family members become sick in the middle of the night.  Would you awaken a doctor to ask him for help?  Not if the patient has a minor complaint.  However, if he is having a heart attack, you would not be ashamed to call a doctor.  Why?  Because you face an emergency.  You realize that skilled help is absolutely necessary.  Not asking for help could prove fatal.","Similary, true Christians face an ongoing emergency, so to speak.  After all, Satan goes about like ""a roaring lion"" trying to devour us.  For us to stay alive spiritually, the help of God's spirit is absolutely necessary.  Not asking for God's help could be fatal.  Hence, with bold persistence we ask God for his holy spirit.",Ephesians 3:14-16; Matthew 10:22; 24:13,"Dec 15, 2006 WT page 22","FRIENDSHIP WITH GOD, FRIENDSHIP WITH THE WORLD--WHICH WILL YOU CHOOSE?",79,1,12/11/2006,
"Science, experience,","Each of them described the knowledge that the project could provide. One said that it could answer questions on the origin of the universe. The other said that it could shed light on the beginning of life on our planet.  The chairman of the committee turned to me.  “Do you think six billion dollars is too much to pay for answers to these questions?” he asked.  “I agree that these are important questions,” I answered. “However, Jehovah’s Witnesses come to my door on Saturday mornings and offer a magazine on a 25-cent donation that will answer the same questions. And I’m not sure that their 25-cent answer isn’t better than the six-billion-dollar answers we might get from this project.”","Everyone in the room roared with laughter, including the Nobel laureates. Even though the legislature granted funding to pursue the project, no one refuted my point.",Genesis 1:1;,w08 12/1 pp. 26-27,DOES YOUR HOPE REST ON SCIENCE OR THE BIBLE?,80,1,2/28/2009,
"Religion, worship, denominations, information,",A survey found that about 86 percent of the world's population profess some form or religious affiliation.,"the survey found that the believers belong to 19 major religions and that those who claim to be Christians belong to an astonishing 37,000 different denominations.",John 17:17;,"Jun 1, 2008 WT page 9",FALSE RELIGION'S END IS NEAR,96,1,6/27/2008,
"Associations, love those God loves, wise persons,","IN A way, people are like sponges; they tend to absorb whatever surrounds them. It is all too easy to adopt—even unwittingly—the attitudes, standards, and personality traits of those with whom we have close association.","The Bible expresses an inescapable truth when it says: “He that is walking with wise persons will become wise, but he that is having dealings with the stupid ones will fare badly.” (Proverbs 13:20)",Proverbs 13:20;,lv chap. 3 p. 25 pars. 1-2,LOOKING AT YOUTHS FROM JEHOVAH'S STANDPOINT,118,1,2/28/2009,
"Witnessing, talk about,","Consider an illustration. If you had a close friend with an amazing skill—perhaps in sports, art, or music—would you talk about him to your family and other friends?","No doubt. Well, learning about all that Jehovah has done can have a similar effect on us. For example, Psalm 19:1, 2 says that the starry heavens cause “speech to bubble forth.”","Psalm 19:1, 2;",w05 5/16 page 24,,0,,1/27/2006,
"World, last days, end,",The world is on its last leg.,Soon it won't have a leg to stand on.,Daniel 2:44;,Frank Barr C. O.,WILL YOU BE A SURVIVOR OF THE LAST DAYS?,2,1,5/17/2010,6/2/2025
"Protection, safety,",Suppose you were called to testify in court against a ruthless criminal. You know that the criminal has a powerful organization and will use every means to prevent you from exposing him. For you to bear witness against such a criminal would require courage as well as confidence that the authorities would protect you from him.,"To take your stand for Jehovah and against the Devil requires both faith and courage.We are in a similar situation. In bearing witness to Jehovah and his purposes, we testify against Satan the Devil, exposing him as a manslayer and a liar who is misleading the entire inhabited earth.  Jehovah is, of course, the Supreme One. His power is infinitely superior to that of Satan.",John 8:44; Revelation 12:9,w05 8/15 p. 15 pars. 6-7,,0,1,5/15/2007,
"Glory, Reflect, witness, expense, time,","Suppose someone asked you to distribute a certain type of bread from door to door, free of charge. You are instructed to do this at your own expense and on your own time. Further, you soon learn that only a very few people actually want your bread; some will even oppose your efforts to distribute it. Do you think you would continue working at that task month after month, year after year?","Probably not. Yet, you may have exerted yourself in declaring the good news on your own time and at your own expense for years, even decades. Why? Is it not because you love Jehovah and through his spirit he has blessed your efforts by helping you to endure? By all means!",1 Corinthians 10:13,*** w05 8/15 p. 18 par. 15 Will You Reflect God’s Glory? ***,,0,,1/27/2006,
"Bible, Creation, Know Jehovah,","Observing evidence of God in creation is like hearing the footsteps of someone approaching behind a closed door. You know that someone is there, but who is it? To find out, you need to open the door. We need to do something similar in order to identify the Someone behind creation.","The Bible is a door to knowledge about God. When you open that door and consider some of its detailed prophecies and their fulfillment, you will find evidence that God exists. But more than that, the record of God’s dealings with people shows the very personality of the Hearer of prayer.",Hebrews 3:4;,w12 7/1 p. 5,JEHOVAH--THE GRAND CREATOR,101,1,5/16/2013,
"Youth, children, parents, dangers","A ship has no brakes, so it takes a long time to stop.","Parents know that passion behaves similarly. The book of Proverbs likens a man moved by unrestrained passion to a bull being led to the slaughter. (Proverbs 7:21-23) You do not want to allow such a thing to happen to you, leading you to emotional and spiritual shipwreck. Your parents may recognize when your heart has begun to mislead you in this area, and they may give you counsel accordingly. Will you have the wisdom to listen to them and thus avert calamity?—Proverbs 1:8; 27:12.",Proverbs 7:21-23,Watchtower.org,,0,,2/4/2006,
"Israel's laws, Christian laws, constitution, change, law of Christ, Israel of God, 144,000","A nation may change its constitution. Once the new constitution is legally in place, people are no longer required to obey the former one. Even though some of the laws in the new constitution may be the same as those in the former constitution, others may be different. So a person would need to study the new constitution carefully to see what laws now apply. Additionally, a loyal citizen would want to know when the new constitution went into effect.","In like manner, Jehovah God provided over 600 laws, including 10 main ones, for the nation of Israel. These included laws about morals, sacrifices, health matters, and Sabbath-keeping. However, Jesus said that his anointed followers would constitute a new “nation.” (Matthew 21:43) From 33 C.E. onward, this nation has had a new “constitution,” founded on two basic laws—love of God and love of neighbor. (Matthew 22:36-40) Although “the law of the Christ” includes instructions that are similar to those in the Law given to Israel, we should not be surprised that some laws are very different and that others are no longer required.",Matthew 21:43; 22:36-40;,w10 2/1 p. 14,,0,1,5/16/2013,
"Harvest, focus, joy, sowing, fear of failure, success, responsibility, Informal witnessing,",Making a disciple is not like making a meal in which success or failure depends primarily on one person -- the cook.,"Rather, making a disciple involves at least a three-way partnership.  Jehovah does the most important part, drawing the individual to him.  We and others in the congregation do our best to use the art of teaching to help the student.  But each individual must ""render an account for himself to God.""",2 Timothy 2:15; Matthew 7:24-27; Romans 14:12;,"Jan 15, 2009 WT page 11",SERVE JEHOVAH WITH A JOYFUL HEART,78,1,5/22/2009,8/5/2014
" Young Ones, youth, goals, life, future,","Take a plastic bucket and place several large rocks inside it. Then fill the bucket with sand. You have a bucket full of rocks and sand. Empty the bucket but keep the same sand and rocks. This time, fill the bucket with the sand first, and then try to place the rocks inside the bucket. No room? That is because you put the sand in the bucket first.","You face a similar challenge when managing your time. If you put things like recreation in first place, you will never seem to have enough room in your life for the big things—spiritual pursuits. But if you follow the Bible’s admonition to “make sure of the more important things,” you will find that you have room for both Kingdom interests and a measure of recreation..",Phil. 1:10;,w10 11/15 p. 16 pars. 18-19,OVERCOMING FEAR OF THE FUTURE,108,1,1/9/2011,
"Dedication, baptism, commitment, love, wedding vow,","In some ways it is similar to a wedding vow.   Making a vow of dedication to God is an expression of our heartfelt love for Jehovah.  A Christian bridegroom expresses his love by vowing to be loyal to his bride, come what may. It is a pledge to a person rather than merely a promise to do something.","In a similar way, we cannot fully enjoy the benefits of being a member of Jehovah’s family without making a vow of dedication. So we dedicate ourselves to God because, in spite of our imperfection, we desire to belong to him and are resolved to be loyal to him, come what may.",Matt. 22:37.,w10 1/15 p. 6 par. 14,REACH OUT FOR THE REAL LIFE!,90,1,1/8/2011,5/17/2025
"Adjustments, examine, pay attention, change, flexible, cool off,","A person can use a mirror to make sure that he is presentable. For example, if a man sees that his tie is crooked, he can straighten it. If a woman sees that her hair is not neat, she can adjust it. Similarly, the Scriptures help us to examine what we are.","When we compare ourselves with what the Bible says we should be, then we are using it as a mirror. But what would be the point of looking into a mirror if we did nothing to correct a defect we saw? We are wise if we act on the basis of what we see in God’s “perfect law,” becoming “doers” of it. Hence, any who perceive that their first love for Jehovah and the truth has waned would do well to ponder these questions: ‘What pressures am I facing in life, and how am I reacting to them? How did I react in the past? Has something changed?’ If such self-examination reveals any deficiencies, do not ignore them. If adjustments are needed, by all means make them without delay.","Heb. 12:12, 13;",w08 6/15 p. 25 par. 14 Keep “the Love You Had at First”,Service Talk,200,1,2/28/2009,
"DNA, body, wonderful, creation, repair, aging, old, young,","Our body might be compared to a company that has been doing business successfully for decades.  Suddenly the managers stop hiring and training new staff, stop repairing and replacing machines, and stop maintaining and rebuilding the premises.  Soon the business will start to deteriorate.","But why did all those managers change their successful policies?  That question is similar to the one facing biologists who study aging.  The book, 'The clock of the ages' says: ""in aging research, one of the great mysteries is trying to understand why cells stop replicating and start dying.",Psalm 139:14; Matthew 6:27,May 2006 Awake! Page 6,,0,,5/22/2006,
"Refreshing, Positive, Speech, upbuilding,","AT THE southern end of the Anti-Lebanon Mountain range stands Mount Hermon, with its majestic summit rising 9,232 feet [2,814 m] above sea level. For most of the year, Hermon’s peak is snowcapped, and this causes the warm night vapors passing over it to condense and produce dew. The dew descends on the fir and fruit trees on the lower slopes and on the vineyards down below. During ancient Israel’s long dry season, such refreshing dew was the principal source of moisture for vegetation.","In a divinely inspired song, the refreshing unity among Jehovah’s worshippers is likened to “the dew of Hermon that is descending upon the mountains of Zion.” Just as Mount Hermon supplies refreshing dew to the vegetation, we can spread refreshment to those whom we meet. How can we do so?","Psalm 133:1, 3","Nov 15, 2007 WT Page 15",A Loyal Congregation Under Christ's Leadership,144,1,1/13/2008,
"Mary, Jehovah's slave Girl, willing, introduction,","Mary looked up, wide-eyed as the visitor entered here home.  He did not ask for her father or her mother.  He was there to see her!  He could not be from Nazareth; of that she was sure.  In a small town like hers, strangers stood out.  This one would stand out anywhere.",Thus the Bible introduces us to Mary.,Luke 1:28;,"July 1, 2008 wt page 14",,0,1,6/26/2008,
"double heart, compromise, children, youth,","A ship that lists is hard to maneuver, and if it lists too much, it can easily capsize. Because of our imperfect nature, all of us lean toward the selfish and the forbidden. Despite these tendencies, young ones can still reach port, as it were, if they carefully follow their parents’ guidance.","For example, your parents can help you reject the idea that there is a middle road between the narrow one to life and the broad one to destruction. (Matthew 7:13, 14) It is unrealistic to think that you can enjoy a little of what is wrong but not go all the way, that you can “taste” without swallowing. Those who try to follow such a course are “limping upon two different opinions”—serving Jehovah to a certain extent but also loving the world and the things in the world—and can easily capsize spiritually. (1 Kings 18:21; 1 John 2:15)",1 Kings 18:21; 1 John 2:15,Watchtower.org,,0,,2/4/2006,
"adoption, anointed, 144,000,","Similarly, in explaining the new relationship between God and his spirit-anointed “sons,” Paul used a legal concept quite familiar to his readers in the Roman Empire. (Romans 8:14-17) “","Adoption was essentially a Roman usage, and was closely connected with the Roman ideas of family,” says the book St. Paul at Rome.",Romans 8:14-17,*** w05 12/1 p. 29 Becoming Progressive and Adaptable Ministers ***,,0,,1/27/2006,
"adversity, hard times, last days, trials, endurance, trouble, persecution,","I thought the rain was good for the crops.  The farmer replied: ""No, if the weather is too easy on the crops now, the plants may only grow roots on the surface. However, if things are not so easy in the beginning, then the plants will have to grow the strong and deep roots they need to get at the water and nourishment down below.  If a storm or drought comes, they are more likely to survive.""",Now I look at rough times as an opportunity to put down some roots to help me weather future storms that may come my way.,James 1:1-7;,Bobby Laymon,MAKE JEHOVAH YOUR CONFIDENCE,70,1,8/31/2009,
"Pleasures, relaxation, entertainment, happiness, rest, futile, striving after wind,","Relaxation should be like the dessert at the end of a meal, not the main course. You will agree that no matter how much you enjoy sweet desserts, you would soon tire of them if you ate nothing else and they would not provide much sustenance."," Similarly, Solomon discovered that a life centered on pleasures was ""a striving after wind.""","Ecclesiastes 2:10, 11;",Apr 15 2008 WT page 22,LOVERS OF PLEASURE OR LOVERS OF GOD?,64,1,6/29/2008,
"Nephilim, Fellers, demons, offspring, myths, legends,","The word “Nephilim” means “Fellers,” those who cause others to fall down.",They were killers whose violent exploits are likely echoed in ancient myths and legends.,Genesis 6:4;,"Jun 1, 2008 WT page 5",THE FLOOD OF NOAH'S DAY HAS MEANING FOR US,6,1,6/27/2008,
"Dedication, oath, faithful, volunteer,",A doctor takes an oath to be on call 24 hours a day.,When we dedicate our lives to Jehovah we are taking an oath to be faithful 24 hours a day.  We are volunteering for a lot of things.,Luke 16:10;,Bobby Laymon,Service Talk,200,1,1/7/2010,
"Giver, cheerful, contribution, selfish, unselfish,","A man went to his farmer friend and asked him: ""If you had ten cows would you give me 5?""The farmer replied, ""Certainly! If I had 10 cows I would give you five!""The man then asked: ""If you had 6 pigs would you give me 3?""  The farmer replied, ""Without a doubt if I had 6 pigs I would give you 3!""The man then asked: ""If you had 2 chickens would you give me one?""","The farmer then replied: ""Now that's unfair! Because you know I have 2 chickens!""  Does our generosity depend on what we have or what we do not have?",2 Corinthians 9:7;,Bobby Laymon,HOW TO KEEP SPIRITUALLY AWAKE!,71,1,8/31/2009,12/23/2015
"Earth, Paradise, promise, fulfilled,",“The whole earth under the Messiah must then ultimately become . . . What it . . . Would have been if Adam had never sinned.” Quote:  Theologian Joseph A. Seiss," In the commentary The New Testament for English Readers, Henry Alford wrote: “That kingdom of God . . . Shall work onwards till it shall become actually a kingdom over this earth, and its subjects shall inherit the earth . . . , finally in its renewed and blessed state for ever.”",Matthew 5:5;,g 5/08 p. 11,Jesus Christ-Earth's New Ruler,140,1,1/1/2011,
"Satan, Devil, influence, control, organization,",Just as a boss of an organized crime ring can run a large illegal empire without revealing himself to all those involved.,"Likewise, Satan uses his insidious organization of wicked angels to control masses of people who remain largely unaware of his role or influence.",2 Corinthians 4:4; Matthew 12:24; James 4:7;,"Oct 1, 2009 WT page 15",HOW TO PROTECT OURSELVES FROM SATAN'S SNARES,115,1,9/2/2009,
"Why, suffering, death, pain,","AFTER a terrible battle in one war-torn land, the thousands of civilian women and children who had been killed were buried in a mass grave surrounded by markers. Each marker bore this inscription: “Why?”","Sometimes that is the most painful question of all. People ask it sadly when war, disaster, disease, or crime takes their innocent loved ones, destroys their home, or brings them untold suffering in other ways. They want to know why such tragedies befall them.",Habakkuk 1:3,bh chap. 11 p. 106 par. 1 Why Does God Allow Suffering?,,187,,1/26/2006,2/24/2014
"Honesty, sin, attitude","Serious sins are signs of real spiritual illness; concealing them is like hiding serious symptoms from a qualified doctor. (James 5:14, 15)","The sinner may fear the possibility of discipline; but discipline is an expression of Jehovah’s love, and it may well save the sinner’s life. (Proverbs 3:12; 4:13) Furthermore, the persistent sinner likely presents a real danger to others in the congregation. Would you want to assist in the spread of his wrong attitudes that led him into sin?",Leviticus 5:1; 1 Timothy 5:22,lv chap. 14 pp. 164-165 Be Honest in All Things,CONDUCTING OURSELVES HONESTLY AT ALL TIMES,10,1,2/28/2009,
"Pure language, persistance, brain,","Learning a new language is like cutting a path through the jungle.  The more often the path is traversed, the easier the journey becomes.  If the path is unused for any length of time, the jungle will soon encroach upon it.",So persistence and constancy are vital!,"Daniel 6:16, 20; Ephesians 6:18;","August 15, 2008 WT page 25",,0,1,11/18/2008,
"truth, religion, source,","How can we learn the truth about religion? Take the example of a new employee starting work in a firm. Who tells him what work he should do and what rules he has to obey? Why, the employer, of course. The employer will either speak to him personally, send him a memorandum, or perhaps let him read a book of instructions giving him the needed information.","Now, since God created us and put us on the earth, he is the one who should tell us what he wants us to do. How does he do this? Since he does not speak to each of us individually, it follows that he must tell us his will in writing.",John 8:44,sm p. 18 par. 1,,0,1,3/26/2008,
"Disfellowship, wicked, association,","""Remove the wicked man from amoung yourselves.""",Are these words man's or God's.  Do you have a problem?  Take it up with the author.  Work with the arrangement and not against it.  Keep testing yourselves.,1 Corinthians 5:9;,Joe Mazacek,,0,1,6/3/2009,
"Friends, friendship, companions,",It has been said that friendship doubles our joys and halves our sorrows.,"However, to be realistic, we cannot expect our friends to fill all our needs or solve all our problems. That is a selfish view of friendship.",1 Peter 4:8.,Watchtower.org,TRUE FRIENDSHIP WITH GOD AND NEIGHBOR,100,1,1/3/2011,
"Peer Pressure, Association,","Imagine that you are swimming in the ocean.  While you are busy swimming and riding the waves, other powerful forces may be silently at work.  The waves push you toward shore, but there may be an undercurrent as well.  Slowly it is moving you sideways.  When you finally scan the shore, you can no longer see your family or friends.  You never noticed how far sideways the current had pushed you!","Likewise, as we go through our daily activities, our thoughts and feelings are under constant influence.  Before we realize it, these influences can push us far from the standards to which we always thought we would hold fast.","Acts 10:10-15, 28, 29; Gal 2:11, 12;","Nov 22, 2002 Aw Page 13",Why Christians Must Be Different.,123,,"Oct 30, 2002",
"Fear, Compromise,","1st atomic bomb (50 years ago) 'We will eat fear, sleep in fear, die in fear.'  All prophets said that too.  Luke 21:11 - fearful sights.  Many have lived through terrorism, genocide (Rwanda) etc.  Can we really understand fear?  September 11, despite religion or race.  Financial anything = delusion.  There is political strife, murder, theft, poverty, etc.  2 Timothy 3:12 - all will be persecuted.  Gets scarier still - revelation 12:17  - dragon (Satan)  grew wrathful (mad) at the woman, went to wage war with remaining ones - that's us!","Assault induces fear.  Will we compromise our faith?  As the end draws near, love of God, personal study, fearlessness.  Psalms 68:20 - true God for us is a God of saving acts.",Psalms 68:20,Mark Storhaug - Zealous Kingdom Proclaimers District Convention 2002,Overcoming Fear Of The Future,108,,"Oct 30, 2002",
"Love, Jehovah,",God is love.   Not that God HAS love.,But God IS love.  Love prompted him to share joys of existence with others.,1 John 4:18;,Samuel Herd - Worship The Only True God   Zealous Kingdom Proclaimers District Convention 2002,A Godly View Of Sex And Marriage,13,,"Oct 30, 2002",
"Abilities, Advancement, Growth, Mature, Progress,","From an egg so small it can only be seen under a microscope, a whale may grow into a creature more than a hundred feet long and weighing over 80 tons.","There is however, another kind of growth that is just as amazing. It is the one foretold by the prophet Isaiah:  It has to do with the growth of God's people, undergoing a major fulfillment today.",Isaiah 60:22; 1 Co 3:7;,"Aug 1, 1992 Wt Page 8",SERVING WITH JEHOVAH'S UNIFIED ORGANIZATION,3,,,
"Abilities, Advancement, Growth, Mature, Progress, Improvement,",Childhood is the time of life when almost everything is just fun and games.  Children are neither aware or concerned with responsibilities.  They take it for granted that others will take care of them.,"When a new one gives his first Bible talk, goes in service, the spiritual parent is delighted.  What happens if the new one continues to rely on such help and accept responsibility.","1 Co 13:11; 14:20; Gal 6:2, 5; Jas 1:22; 1 Co 16:13;","Aug 1, 1992 Wt Page 11,",How Can Youths Cope With Today's Crisis?,113,,,
"Abilities, Advancement, Growth, Mature, Progress, Improvement,","Each individual begins life as a single cell.  The cell takes in materials and converts them into the building blocks that it needs to grow.  Thus, the single cell grows 'FROM WITHIN.'  A newborn baby's first year is never matched in any other year in its life.","In spiritual growth, first of all a steady feeding program is needed.  Think of your first year in the truth.  You must admit that was phenomenal growth, all as a result of feeding on God's Word.","1 Ti  4:15; Mt 5:14; 12:34; Ps 1:1, 2;","Aug 1, 1992 Wt Page 11, 12",Happy Though Hungry--how Can It Be?,31,,,
"Abilities, Advancement, Growth, Mature, Progress, Improvement,","From one of the smallest seeds, the giant sequoia may grow to be over 300 feet tall.","There is however, another kind of growth that is just as amazing. It is the one foretold by the prophet Isaiah:  It has to do with the growth of God's people, undergoing a major fulfillment today.",Is 60:22; 1co 3:7;,"Aug 1, 1992 Wt Page 8",Serving With Jehovah's Unified Organization,3,,,
"Abilities, Advancement, Growth, Progress,","Whether a Christian is a doctor, lawyer, engineer, farmer, artist or mechanic, he will find ways of using his talents for the advancement of God's work. That is a part of Christian dedication.",Never be stingy in giving of your natural abilities for the advancement of theocratic interests.,Exodus 35:30-35;,W63 5/1 274,Glorifying God With All We Have,17,,1995/01/24,
"Abilities, Buildings, Pyramid, Creation, Halls,","The Cheops pyramid originally towered to a height of 481 feet. It comprises over three million cubic yards of stone.  Its base cover 13 acres; its limestone blocks weigh 2 1/2 tons.  It has enough materials to build a town of 120,000 people.  (See article for other great feats by man)","The Great Architect of the universe implanted in men so great a variety of capabilities.  It is not a case of piling stone on stone.  No, there is beauty, symmetry, that perfection of balance that must appear in the completed structure.","Ge 4:17-24; Ge 10:10-12; 11:3, 4, 7-9; Daniel 4:30;","May 22, 1970 Aw Page 21",Jehovah--the Grand Creator,101,,,
"Abilities, Jehovah's Witnesses, Preaching, Blind, Light,","It has been said, 'In a country of the blind, one-eyed men are kings.'  Quote: Erasmus.","This pretty well describes Jehovah's Witnesses as a whole.  None of us are perfect; none are spiritual giants, yet in the world blinded by Satan, Jehovah is using us as the light of the world.  We stand out!",2 Cor 4:4;,Bobby Laymon,Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,063,,,7/12/2025
"Abilities, Reliability, Elders, Contentment,","Mule and the Lapdog. A man had an Ass, and a Maltese lapdog, a very great beauty.  The Ass was left in a stable and had plenty of oats and hay to eat,  just as any other Ass would.  The lapdog knew many tricks and was a great favorite with his master, who often fondled him and seldom went out to dine without bringing him home some tidbit to eat.  The Ass, on the contrary, had much work to do in grinding the corn-mill and in carrying wood from the forest or burdens from the farm.  He often lamented his own hard fate and  contrasted it with the luxury and idleness of the lapdog, till at last one day he broke his cords and halter, and galloped into his master's house, kicking up his heels without measure, and frisking and fawning as well as he could.  He next tried to jump about his master as he had seen the lapdog do, but he broke the table and smashed all the dishes upon it to atoms.  He then  attempted to lick his master, and jumped upon his back.  The servants, hearing the strange hubbub and perceiving the danger of their master, quickly relieved him, and drove out the Ass to his stable with kicks and clubs and cuffs.","We should keep in mind that not all have the same abilities.  We should be content with what we can do, rather than envying what others are capable of doing.",1 Cor 12:4-7;,"Kingdom Ministry School Dec 22, 23, 1994",Are You Content With Jehovah's Provisions?,22,,1994/12/25,
"Abilities, Training,","Steel; scrap metal, ball bearing, watch spring. (give approximate value of 1 pound of each of the above)",Our abilities can be almost worthless or highly prized.,2 Tim. 2:15,Bobby Laymon,Responsibilities And Rewards Of Parenthood,29,,,
"Ability, Anger, Wrath, Upset, Resentment,","'To be upset over what you don't have is to waste what you do have.'  Quote: Ken S. Keyes, Jr.",We should use what Jehovah has given us to the best of our ability.  Not envious over what others are able to do that we can't.,Gal 6:4;,Bobby Laymon - Reader's Digest,Do You Harbor Resentment Or Do You Forgive?,68,,1996/03/21,
"Ability, Boasting, Bragging, Humility,","Jesus, no doubt, had the reputation 'best carpenter' around.  However, can you imagine him putting in a bid on a contract and bragging, 'I can save you money, because I do it perfect, and faster than anyone around.  I am more honest than those other guys!'","Jesus works spoke for themselves.  Others no doubt talked about his abilities, but we cannot imagine Jesus doing so.  What about us? Do we boast about our own accomplishments and abilities?",Mt 13:55; Mt 11:19;,Bobby Laymon,Into The New Order Under Christ's Leadership,56,,,
"Ability, Initiative, Zeal, Delegate, Appoint, Advance, Improve, Resourceful,",'Never tell people how to do things. Tell them what to do and they will surprise you with their ingenuity.' Quote: George S. Patton.,Jehovah can help those in charge by means of his spirit to achieve much more than we can teach them.,Exodus. 28:3; 31:3;,Bobby Laymon,,,,1995/08/16,
"Ability, Modesty, Wisdom",'Do not let what you cannot do interfere with what you can do.'  Quote: John Wooten.,"Modesty means recognizing our limitations.  When we recognize what we are not capable of doing, we can concentrate on doing what we are able to do.  All of us have limitations.",Pr 11:2; Mic 6:8; Jas 4:6;,Bobby Laymon,Love Identifies The True Christian Congregation,72,,,
"Ability, People, Personality, Complain, Stereo-type, Progress, Love","I had a fruit tree in my back yard.  One year it produced a bumper crop.  The next year, it hardly produced at all.  Yet, I was happy for what I got!",People are like fruit trees.  People will be people.  Accept them for what they are.  Be happy for what they produce.  Don't expect people to be what they cannot.  Some may never be able to do any more than place magazines in this system.,Mr 4:20;,William Osbeck C.O.,Serving With Jehovah's Unified Organization,3,,,
"Ability, Work, Exert, Pioneer, Growth, Maturity,","'The reward of work well done is the opportunity to do more.'  Quote: Jonas Salk, M.D.",Jehovah rewards us in that way.  He helps us to advance to further service.,Matt 25:21;,Bobby Laymon - Reader's Digest,,,,1996/03/21,
"Ability, Work, Faithful, Resourceful,",'Ability will never catch up with the demand for it.'  Quote: Malcolm S. Forbes.,A person with skill and the ability to work are always in demand.,Prov 22:29;,Bobby Laymon - Reader's Digest,Are You Doing What God Requires Of You?,43,,1996/03/18,
"Ability, Zeal, Waiting, Attitude, Pioneer,  Resourceful,","'Let us, then, be up and doing, With a heart for any fate; Still achieving, still pursuing, Learn to labor and to wait. Quote: Henry Wadsworth Longfellow.","There may be extreme economic hardship for God's servants.  We must learn to wait on Jehovah, while still working zealously for His interests.","Hab. 3:17, 18;",Bobby Laymon,What The Near Future Holds!,40,,1995/08/25,
"Ability; Achieve; Spirit, Power,",'How can I achieve something so far beyond my ability?'  Quote:  Seutonius.,Christians have a power beyond what is normal.  That of Jehovah God.,2 Cor 4:7;,Jk Quotes;,Have Faith In The Good News,47,,,
Ability; Confidence; Positive Attitude;,'They are able because they think they are able.'  Quote:  Virgil.,With Jehovah's help we can be confident.  Must hold firm to end either of this system or of our own lives.,Mt 24:13;,Jk Quotes;,Maintain Your Confidence Firm To The End,46,,,
Ability; Dependability;,'Ability is a wonderful thing but it is enhanced by dependability.'  Quote:  Salada.,Jehovah has both.  Dependability of God's promises serves as reason for us to have faith.  We need to imitate him in this respect.,"Jos 21:43, 45; 23:14;",Jk Quotes;,Build Your Faith In Man's Maker,54,,,
Ability; Discernment;,"'There is something that is much more scarce, something finer far, something rarer than ability. It is the ability to recognize ability.'  Quote:  Elbert Hubbard.",Elders should be alert to those having ability.  As they progress train them to be servants under Christ's leadership.,Mr 23:10; 1co 11:1; Heb 13:7,Jk Quotes;,Into The New Order Under Christ's Leadership,56,,,
"Ability; Flexible, Marriage,","'When the only tool you have is a hammer, it is tempting to treat everything as if it were a nail.'  Quote: Anonymous.",Marriage mates need to be flexible.  It is good to be flexible and ready to make adjustments in the ministry.,1 Cor 9:23;,Jk Quotes;,Getting Marriage Off To A Good Start,27,,,
"Ability; Gifts; Limitations; Talents, Resourceful,",' Everyone must row with the oars he has.'  Quote:  English.',"Whatever ability we have, use it to Jehovah's honor.",2 Tim. 1:6;,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Ability; Gifts; Talents; Resourceful,",'Use your talents. The woods would be silent if only the birds sang that sing best.'  Quote: Anonymous.,"It is not beyond our ability to serve God acceptably; what he requires is not some grand, showy sacrifice, but sacred service and right conduct reflecting a good condition of heart.",Mic 6:8;,Jk Quotes;,Are You Doing What God Requires Of You?,43,,,
Ability; Limitations; Capabilities; Skill;,'We are not all capable of everything.' Quote:  Virgil.,To get the most from life we need to serve Jehovah and keep his commandments.,"Mic 6:8; Ecclesiastes 12:13, 14;",Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Ability; Mistakes; Contributions; Discourage;  Resourceful,",'It is the greatest of all mistakes to do nothing because you can only do a little.  Do what you can.'  Quote:  Sidney Smith.,Remember the widow's two small coins and Jesus commendation.,"Mark 12:42, 43;",Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Ability; Opportunity;,'Ability is of little account without opportunity.'  Quote:  Napoleon Bonaparte.,"It takes time to prove one's faithfulness. It means practicing the truth day after day, making  obedience to Scriptural laws and principles your way of life. In turn, Jehovah blesses you, as it is written: 'A man of faithful acts will get many blessings.'",Prov. 28:20;,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Ability; Oversight, Elders, Improvement,",'Behind an able man there are always other able men.'  Quote:  Chinese Proverb.,Jehovah's organization is constantly training new ones for oversight.  There is constant improvement.,Isa 60:17;,Jk Quotes;,Serving With Jehovah's Unified Organization,3,,,
"Ability; Potential; Gift; Talent; Resourceful,",'Often the best way of giving oneself what one lacks is to take from oneself what one has.'  Quote:  Persian.,Developing ability to think is not easy. It is real mental work.  Yet we can develop ability that Jehovah has given to us.,2 Ti 1:6;,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Ability; Potential; Resourceful,","'Men often are capable of greater things than they perform. They are sent into the world with bills of credit, and seldom draw to their full extent.'  Quote:  Horace Wapole.","We may be born with the ability to play music or excel in athletics. Yet, what if we never trained such abilities? We might as well never have had them. The same is true with thinking abilities.","Prov. 2:10, 11; 3:5, 6;",Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Ability;  Resourceful,",'Ability will never catch up with the demand for it.'  Quote:  Malcolm Forbes.,A skilled person is always in demand.  In the congregations ability along with dependability will bring Jehovah praise.,Prov 22:29;,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Ability; Simplicity; Accomplishment; Bite Off More;,'He who begins too much accomplishes little.'  Quote:  German.,Do what you can in Jehovah's service.  Work at it whole-souled.,Col 3:23;,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Ability; Skill; Gift; Stewardship, Responsibility, Resourceful,",'The wind and waves are always on the side of the ablest navigators.'  Quote:  Edward Gibbon.,"If one has an ability and does not use it to benefit the congregation, he is failing in a stewardship.",1 Peter 4:10;,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Ability; Skill; Needs, Materialism,","'The question 'Who ought to be boss?' is like asking 'Who ought to be tenor in the quartet'  Obviously, the man who can sing tenor.'  Quote:  HF.","A member of the congregation who has the material means to help a brother or a needy neighbor, can promote the quality of love among his brothers. If he has such ability, he must render the help with the recognition that the opportunity and the means were supplied to him by God.",Pr 11:25;,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Ability; Study; Meditate;,'Natural abilities are like natural plants; they need pruning by study.'  Quote:  Francis Bacon.,The secret of tree pruning.  The gardener tries to find the happy medium between foliage and branches growing in meaningless wild disorder.  The same is true of study and application.,Ps 77:12;,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Ability; Talent; Gift; Wholesaled; Potential; Zeal, Pioneer, Resourceful,",'Do what you can with what you have where you are.' Quote:  Theodore Roosevelt.,"All have different abilities, circumstances, and knowledge.  Do what you can with zeal.",Co 3:23;,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Ability; Talents; Gifts; Capabilities; Resourceful,",'One must carve one's life out of the wood one has.'  Quote: Anonymous.,Use what abilities you have.  Jehovah will supply the rest.,"1 Sam 17:36, 37;",Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Ability; Whole; Potential; Preaching,'Men do less than they ought unless they do all that they can.'  Quote:  Horace Walpole.,"In the world, most feel that making a living, or even recreation, is more important than religious practices.  However, the preaching work is of the utmost importance.",Mt 6:33; Proverbs 3:27,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Abortion,It would be like sweeping the entire population of the Hawaiian Islands off the map every week!,"Likened to the 50 million to 60 million babies that perish each year by abortion.  In the U.S. abortion is second only to our most common surgery, tonsillectomy.",Exodus 20:13;,"May 22, 1993 Aw Page 6",Life Does Have A Purpose,23,,,
"Abortion, Life,","Many persons would never think of using a gun or dropping a  bomb on innocent people.  Yet, could such a person be blood guilty before God?  Perhaps without even being aware of it?  Yes.  How so?",There is the example of just when a fetus might be considered  a living human.  The law God gave to Israel made it clear that any fetus was considered a human soul.  Other examples: How one drives an automobile.,"Exodus 21:22, 23, 28, 29; Deuteronomy 22:8;","Oct 22, 1970 Aw Page 27",Life Does Have A Purpose,23,,1993/10/30,
"Abortion, Murder, Life,",'Millions Now Living Will Never Be Born.'  Quote: Title of article in Awake!,"Millions of 'legal' and 'illegal' abortions take place in the world every year.  In Czechoslovakia, Hungary, Poland and Yugoslavia, there are more abortions than live births.",Exodus 21:22-25,"Mar 22, 1973 Aw Page 8",A Godly View Of Sex And Marriage,13,,1994/01/09,
"Abortion, Sex, Marriage, Life, Death, Diary of an unborn child, ","Diary of an Unborn Child  OCTOBER 5:  Today my life began. My parents do not know it yet, but it is I already. And I am to be a girl. I shall have blond hair and blue eyes. Just about everything is settled though, even the fact that I shall love flowers.  OCTOBER 19:  Some say that I am not a real person yet, that only my mother exists. But I am a real person, just as a small crumb of bread is yet truly bread. My mother is. And I am.  ","OCTOBER 23:  My mouth is just beginning to open now. Just think, in a year or so I shall be laughing and later talking. I know what my first word will be: MAMA.  OCTOBER 25:  My heart began to beat today all by itself. From now on it shall gently beat for the rest of my life without ever stopping to rest!  And after many years it will tire. It will stop, and then I shall die.  NOVEMBER 2:  I am growing a bit every day. My arms and legs are beginning to take shape. But I have to wait a long time yet before those little legs will raise me to my mother's arms, before these little arms will be able to gather flowers and embrace my father.  NOVEMBER 12:  Tiny fingers are beginning to form on my hands. Funny how small they are! I'll be able to stroke my mother's hair with them.  NOVEMBER 20:  It wasn't until today that the doctor told mom that I am living here under her heart. Oh, how happy she must be! Are you happy, mom?  NOVEMBER 25:  My mom and dad are probably thinking about a name for me. But they don't even know that I am a little girl. I want to be called Kathy. I am getting so big already.  DECEMBER 10:  My hair is growing. It is smooth and bright and shiny. I wonder what kind of hair mom has?  DECEMBER 13:  I am just about able to see. It is dark around me. When mom brings me into the world it will be full of sunshine and flowers.  But what I want more than anything is to see my mom. How do you look, mom?  DECEMBER 24:  I wonder if mom hears the whispering of my heart? Some children come into the world a little sick. But my heart is strong and healthy. It beats so evenly: tup-tup, tup-tup. You'll have a healthy little daughter, mom!  DECEMBER 28:  Today my mother killed me.  Anonymous: Unborn child mattered to Jehovah.","Exodus. 21:22, 23","Bethel Notes  Phil Kirkton May 22, 1980 Awake! Page 16.",A Godly View Of Sex And Marriage,13,,,7/27/2025
"Abraham, Walking,","Suppose someone asked you to go for a walk and they said:  'Oh, and by the way, be sure and bring your family and everything you own, because you won't be coming back this way again.' That would be a little harder walk to go on wouldn't it.    That is what it involved for Abraham to walk with God!","Walking with someone when you don't know what the destination is would involve really trusting the person you were walking with.  And so, that is what the Scriptures say about Abraham.",Heb 11:8;,Jk,Are You Walking With God?,149,,"Apr 25, 2002",
Absence; Admiration; Distance; Meetings;,'Distance is a great promoter of admiration.'  Quote:  Dennis Diderot.,"Negative!  We must never 'draw away' from Jehovah, but draw close to Him.",Heb 3:12;,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Absence; Complain; Mummer; Meetings;,'The absent are never without fault.  Nor the present without excuse.'  Quote:  Ben Franklin.,"We must be present for Christian activities, but without the complaining.",Jude 1:16;,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Absence; Death; Meetings; Conscience;,"'Absence and death are the same, only that in death there is no suffering.' Quote:  Walter Lander.","Just as death can end Christian activities, so can absence.  With absence there is the troubled conscience.",Ps 115:17;,Jk Quotes;,What Happens When We Die?,127,,,
Absence; Justice; Judgment; Meetings;,"'I was court-martial led in my absence, and sentenced to death in my absence, so I said they can shoot me in my absence.'  Quote:  Brendan Behan - Irish Playwright 1923-1964.",The penalty for being absent is not that easily avoided.  There is a day of judgment.,2 Thessalonians 1:8;,Jk Quotes;,Are You Content With Jehovah's Provisions?,22,,,
"Absence; Kingdom, Earth, Paradise,",'The absent shall not be made heir.'  Quote:  Latin.,"An inheritance is seldom left to one who is absent but to those who are present.  Likewise, the kingdom would be inherited by faithful ones.",Mt 25:34;,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Absence; Love;,'Absence makes the heart grow fonder.'  Quote:  T.H. Bailey.,"As with humans, we must return to Jehovah, for that love to really grow.","Mal 3:7, 8;",Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Absence; Meetings;,'Greater things are believed of those who are absent.'  Quote:  Tacitus.,"When circumstances permit, Jehovah expects more of us than being absent.","Heb: 10:23, 24;",Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Absence; Meetings;,"'If the dog is not at home, he barks not.'  Quote:  African proverb.",Those who miss meetings and Christian activities don't know what is going on either.,"Heb 10:24, 25",Jk Quotes;,Are You Content With Jehovah's Provisions?,22,,,
Absence; Meetings; Defense;,'The absent are always wrong.'  Quote:  English.,Those absent have no way to defend themselves.,"John 20:24, 25;",Jk Quotes;,Are You Content With Jehovah's Provisions?,22,,,
Absence; Meetings; World; Love;,'Absence diminishes little passions and increases great ones as wind extinguishes candles and fans a fire.'  Quote:  Rochefoucauld.,"Absence from Christian activities can cause our hearts to gradually cool off toward Jehovah, and our love for the world to increase.",1 Jo 2:15-17;John 17:16,Jk Quotes;,Are You Content With Jehovah's Provisions?,22,,,
Absence; Memory; Meetings;,"'When a man is out of sight, it is not too long before he is out of mind.' Quote:  Thomas Kempis.","We could apply the above to missing meetings.  We don't want Jehovah to forget us, nor our friends.","Heb 10:24, 25;",Jk Quotes;,Are You Content With Jehovah's Provisions?,22,,,
"Absence; Regularity, Meetings, Return Visit,",'He is guilty who is not home.'  Quote:  Ukrainian proverb.,The same could be said of us when we are not engaged in Christian activities.,"Jo 20:24, 25;",Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Absence;  Regularity, Meetings, Return Visit,",'Is not absence death to those who love?'  Quote:  Alex Pope.,How could it be any different with those dedicated to Jehovah?,"Heb 10:24, 25;",Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Absence; Regularity, Meetings, Return Visit,",'Judicious absence is a weapon.'  Quote:  Charles Reade - English Poet 1814-1884.,It is certainly a weapon that Satan the Devil can use.,"He 10:23,24;",Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Absence;  Regularity, Meetings, Return Visit,",'Men are the best loved furthest off.'  Quote: Anonymous.,"That may be true with men, but Jehovah loves those close to him.",Jas 4:8;,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Absence;  Regularity, Meetings, Return Visit, Repentance,","'Far from the eye, far from the heart.'  Quote: Anonymous.","We are never far from the watchful eye of Jehovah, nor from his heart, if we search for him.",Ps 34:15; Pr 5:21;,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Absence; love; World;,"'The same wind snuffs out candles yet kindles fires; so, where absence kills a little love, it fans a great one.'  Quote:  La Rochefoucauld.","We must not allow love for the world to grow, and love for Jehovah to diminish.","Pr 18:1, 2:",Jk Quotes;,'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
"Absent;  Regularity, Meetings,","'The absent are like children, unable to defend themselves.'  Quote:  Charles Reade.","We must always be ready to offer a defense before everyone, for our hope.  We learn to do this is at meetings, and engaging in other Christian activities.",1 Peter 3:15;,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Abstinence, Drinking, Alcohol, Moderation,","Jesus Christ and the 144,000 would have been alcoholics. Drinking in moderation is not condemned in the Scriptures.","If, as some claim, 'that drinking a drop is as bad as a gallon.'",Mt. 26:27-29; 1ti 5:23;,"Don Conley, C.O.",Act Wisely As The End Draws Near,38,,,
Abstinence; Appetite; Eating; Food; Moderation;,"'Always rise from the table with an appetite, and you will never sit down without one.'  Quote:  William Penn.","Be moderate in all things.  Do not allow gatherings to become occasions of unrestrained merrymaking, heavy drinking, and sensuality.","Isa 5:11, 12; 1pe 4:3;",Jk Quotes;,Lovers Of Pleasure Or Lovers Of God?,64,,,
Abstinence; Eating; Moderation;,"'All philosophy lies in two words, sustain and abstain.'  Quote:  Epiclesis.","The big thing in our lives should be the practice of true worship.  Wedding receptions, anniversaries, and the like should not be turned into occasions for worldliness.",1 Cor. 10:31;,Jk Quotes;,Lovers Of Pleasure Or Lovers Of God?,64,,,
"Abstinence; Moderation; Alcohol, Drugs, Tobacco,",'Complete abstinence is easier than perfect moderation.'  Quote:  Augustine.,"Put confidence in Godly wisdom.  It holds the promise of life, riches, and glory.  It's wisdom can save us untold trouble, including premature death.   For example, apply principles regarding alcohol, drugs, rage and other habits.",Prov. 3:13; 2 Cor 7:1;,Jk Quotes;,Make Jehovah Your Confidence,70,,,
Abstinence; Money; Habits;,'Abstaining is favorable both to the head and the pocket.'  Quote:  Horace Greeley.,"Obedient ones are generally protected from the harmful effects of bad  association, loose living, use of tobacco, drug abuse, and drunkenness, as well as the climbing cost.",Prov. 10:22;,Jk Quotes;,Resisting The Spirit Of The World,25,,,
Absurdity; Human Nature; Common Sense;,'The privilege of absurdity; to which no living creature is subject but man only.'  Quote:  Thomas Hobbs.,Those who have the world's spirit have certain basic attitudes that are  common to the present system of things of which Satan is god.,Ga 5:19-21; 2ti 3:1-5;,Jk Quotes;,Resisting The Spirit Of The World,25,,,
"Abuse, Console, Depressed, Comfort, Groaning,","The molestation of children is an ugly reality in the sick world.  'It affects more of us than cancer, more of us than heart disease, more of us than AIDS.'  Quote: Lear's Magazine   'Genuine sex abuse of children is widespread and the vast majority of sex abuse allegations of children ... are likely to be justified (perhaps 95% or more).' Quote: Book, 'Sex Abuse Hysteria - Salem Witch Trials Revisited'","Child molestation is real, and parents and others have an obligation to protect our youth.","Luke 11:11, 12;","Oct 8, 1993 Aw Page 3, 6",Gaining Comfort In All Our Tribulations,105,,,
"Abuse, Console, Depressed, Comfort, Groaning,","When a child skins his knee, his first impulse is to run to Mommy or Daddy for comfort.  But an abused child may never have that option.","So as an adult, he still has that same need.  To tell, to talk it out, to be comforted by a sympathetic listener.",Job 10:1; 32:20; Ro 12:15;,"Oct 8, 1993 Aw Page 14",Gaining Comfort In All Our Tribulations,105,,,
"Abuse, Depression,","Many survived the holocaust, but it is worse today. Notes: When abused, their system shuts down.  Must have trust built back up.  Pictures must be used.","Those abused have been abandoned, crushed.  We must show a willingness to listen and help heal the problems.  1. Understand  2. Release emotions - re-program  3. Just have to listen. Some need to go to perpetrator.  All are healers! Not just elders.","1th 5:14; Is 61:1, 2; Pr 3:27;",William Osbeck C.O.,Gaining Comfort In All Our Tribulations,105,,,
"Abuse, Depression, Molestation,","'The cruelest 'stone' of all.' Jesus said, 'Who is the man among you whom his son asks for bread -- he will not hand him a stone, will he?'","When a child asks for love and affection and receives child abuse, it is 'the ultimate betrayal.' Children normally have 12 years to prepare for emotions of puberty",Matt. 7:9,"Oct 8, 1991 Aw Page 5",Gaining Comfort In All Our Tribulations,105,,,
"Abuse, Depression, Molestation,",'Time changes everything!'  Why does not the passage of time alone always heal its wound with child abuse?,"There are deep emotional scars -- secret wounds that fester inside. The magnitude of this distressing problem demands that we address it, to recover.","Joel 3:3; 2 Tim. 3:1-3, 13; Prov. 14:13;","Oct 8, 1991 Aw Page 3",Gaining Comfort In All Our Tribulations,105,,,
"Abuse, Depression, Molestation, Repression,",'Tug of War in the mind.' Facing the past and putting it together again can be one step toward healing. You have a right to hate wicked acts. Rom. 12:9,"Is it best for 'thoughts' to stay buried?  Some can, and other simply cannot. The repression is an exhausting mental effort, a ferocious game of tug-of-war, with serious health consequences.","Job 9:27, 28; Jer. 5:21; Ecclesiastes. 3:3; Ecclesiastes. 3:4; 7:1-3; Ps. 143:3,4","Oct 8, 1991 Aw Page 8",Gaining Comfort In All Our Tribulations,105,,,
"Abuse, Depression, Molestation, Repression, Groaning,","A Storm is hard to ride out.  Help is needed. (Blizzard - hold to others.) Remember: you lived through the abuse as a helpless child -- and survived. As an adult, you have resources and strengths you didn't.",Do not try to ride out the storm of returning memories of child hood sexual abuse by yourself. Even trust is a risky business. reveal gradually.,Job 10:1; 32:20; Prov. 17:17; 1 Cor. 13:11; Ps. 94:19;,"Oct 8, 1991 Aw Page 9",Gaining Comfort In All Our Tribulations,105,,,
"Abuse, Drugs, Alcohol, Spiritism, Morals, Dangerous, Sports,","Suppose you gave someone a new car, and they took a sledge hammer to it.  Would you give them another one?","Jehovah has given us this body and a measure of health.  How does he feel when we are careless, and abuse it by taking dangerous drugs into it.","Rom. 12:1, 2;",Wain Ward,Is The Truth Transforming Your Life?,51,,1998/01/28,
"Abuse, Molestation, Depression,",Blackmail and trickery used by worst of criminals. Threats: 'I'll kill you if you tell.' 'Daddy will go to jail.' Misrepresent: as a 'game' or 'parental affection.' Authority: 'I'm your father!',Yet parents and others who abuse their child use emotional blackmail and trickery.,Eph. 4:14; 1 Cor. 14:20; Phil. 2:15;,"Oct 8, 1991 Aw Page 9",Gaining Comfort In All Our Tribulations,105,,,
"Abuse, Molestation, Depression, Sex, Decisions, Groaning,","A sister tells how, in Florida, she was walking on the beach, in the grassy area, where it is safe for bare feet.  But the sun heats the open sandy beach itself above a temperature tolerable to the touch.  She forgot and ran toward the water, heedless of her unprotected soles.  When she realized she was being burned, she stopped, hopping on alternate feet to look back and decide whether she would endure less pain dashing back to the grass or racing ahead to the ocean.  She was an equal distance from both, and since she wanted in the water, she rushed on in and in moments immersed her burned feet in the soothing water.","The problem with life is sometimes the same.  To go ahead is painful, to go back is painful and to stand still is intolerable. We have to remember that we came to the beach to get in the water, we came to life to live it, in order to plunge on ahead.",Php 2:25-27; 1th 5:14; Pr 15:13; 17:22; 18:14; Pr 24:10;,Article - 'moving Forward' By A Sister,Gaining Comfort In All Our Tribulations,105,,,
"Abuse, Molestation, Depression, Sex, Flashbacks, Groaning,","It is like being locked away inside a defensive barrier.  The barrier was almost like a curtain or wall.  I always felt disconnected and unreal, as though I did not exist in the 'real world.'","I envisioned myself tearing the wall apart, or knocking it down and stepping through to the other side.  Sometimes I reached out my hands to do so, but there was nothing there that I could grab hold of.",Pr 24:10;,Article - 'moving Forward' By A Sister,Gaining Comfort In All Our Tribulations,105,,,
"Abuse, Molestation, Depression, Sex, Flashbacks, Therapy,",An abuse victim's entire personality may be a 'snow job.',"They may appear very controlled and organized to cover up internal chaos.  One elder said he can spot the victims who are always smiling and pretending to be fine, because 'they have a hunted look in their eyes.'",Pr 24:10;,Article - 'moving Forward' By A Sister,Gaining Comfort In All Our Tribulations,105,,,
"Abuse, Molestation, Depression, Sex, Flashbacks, Therapy,",I tend to fade in and out like an out-of-focus picture. My boundaries are fuzzy.  I can't tell exactly where I leave off and someone else begins.,"In therapy, as layers of defense come down, I feel fragile.  Some- times I'm so thin and brittle I feel I might break apart, or disappear back inside.  I fight to get into focus, to feel my edges, to feel solid and whole.",Pr 24:10;,Article - 'moving Forward' By A Sister,Gaining Comfort In All Our Tribulations,105,,,
"Abuse, Molestation, Depression, Sex, Flashbacks, Therapy,","Negative messages abuse victims receive are transmitted with the volume all the way up.  Often they were accompanied by a hail of blows.  They were loud, consistent and compelling.  They erect strong defenses against these messages.  They still got through.","Later, when people give them positive messages about themselves, their work or anything, the positive messages can't get through those defenses.  They never believe or hear any good about themselves.",Pr 24:10;,Article - 'moving Forward' By A Sister,Gaining Comfort In All Our Tribulations,105,,,
"Abuse, Molestation, Depression, Sex, Satan,",'Satan was the first child molester!' Quote: An elder,"Satan picked the youngest and most vulnerable of Jehovah's family to seduce.  The resulting corruption of Eve's character, including the guilt reaction, set the pattern for all future child abusers and molesters.",Php 2:25-27; 1th 5:14; Pr 15:13; 17:22; 18:14; Pr 24:10;,Article - 'moving Forward' By A Sister,Gaining Comfort In All Our Tribulations,105,,,
"Abuse, Molestation, Depression, Sex, Satan,","When a person is mentally/emotionally healthy, the person they are on the outside, which they present to others, their personality (including their practices) is a reflection of what they are on the inside.  'The secret person of the heart.'","When someone is mentally/emotionally sick, the person they are on the outside, which they present to others, their personality (including their practices) hides or conceals what they are on the inside.","1pe 3:3, 4;",Article - 'moving Forward' By A Sister,A Godly View Of Sex And Marriage,13,,,
"Abuse, Molestation, Depression, Sex, Satan,","Young men and women find their awakening of sexuality confusing and hard to handle.  Yet they have 13-14 years to develop coping mechanisms such as self-control, communication skills, delayed gratification, etc.","What skills does an infant or young child possess to cope with the intensity of sexual feelings?  Little or none.  At the same time, the abuse itself retards the development of other emotions and qualities of character and personality.",Php 2:25-27; 1th 5:14; Pr 15:13; 17:22; 18:14; Pr 24:10;,Article - 'moving Forward' By A Sister,Gaining Comfort In All Our Tribulations,105,,,
"Abuse, Molestation, Depression, Sex, Therapy,","'Cruel and unusual punishment.'  That is what victims of sexual abuse have chosen for themselves at times.  They are their own worse enemy.  If they had done the same to someone else, they would have been sued, imprisoned and scorned by society.","Many have figured out ways to pay for their 'crimes.'  They enjoy the services of authority figures in this, and elders fall into this category.  Thus, they may do detestable things in order to get the punishment they feel they deserve.",Ecclesiastes 12:13;,Article - 'moving Forward' By A Sister,Gaining Comfort In All Our Tribulations,105,,,
"Abuse, Molestation, Depression, Sex, Therapy,",It is like an alcoholic.,"An abuse victim's recovery is ongoing, it is one day at a time. They can never stop recovering.",1th 5:14;,Article - 'moving Forward' By A Sister,Gaining Comfort In All Our Tribulations,105,,,
"Abuse, Molestation, Depression, Sex, Therapy,",The mental health profession calls them 'survivors.',"Those living with abuse problems are like those who have walked, dignity and humanity intact, out of a concentration camp.  They deserve our respect.",Ps 7:1; 18:48; 31:15;,Article - 'moving Forward' By A Sister,Gaining Comfort In All Our Tribulations,105,,,
"Abuse, Molestation, Depression, Sex, Therapy, Groaning,",'My head is a mine field and I never know when something is going to blow up!'   Quote: Abuse victim,This is why recovery is a major priority in their life.,1th 5:14;,Article - 'moving Forward' By A Sister,Gaining Comfort In All Our Tribulations,105,,,
"Abuse, Molestation, Depression, Sex, Therapy, Self-control,","'If you are trying to control something, that thing is controlling you.' (Important clue if you are questioning your degree of control.)   All the different compulsions (work, sex, food, etc.) are referred to by professionals as: 'The Drug of Choice.'",An abused person may constantly switch from one 'drug of choice' to another.  The only cure for any of these is spiritual recovery.,Ecclesiastes 12:13;,Article - 'moving Forward' By A Sister,Gaining Comfort In All Our Tribulations,105,,,
"Abuse, Trust, Relax, Confidence,","As children, we usually learn to swim and one of the first lessons  is in floating. In order to float, we must completely relax. We must allow the water to carry us. If we begin to tense up, then we start to sink.","To trust fully in Jehovah, to throw our burden on him, we must release our anxiety. We must in essence float as if He were carrying us in His arms. If we tense up, then we are anxious again and lose the peace of knowing He will care for us.",Ps. 55:22,Goldman Collection,Coping With Life's Anxieties,32,,"Jan 21, 2001",
Accident; Funny; Unforeseen;,"'Accident: A condition in which presence of mind is good, but absence of body is better.'  Quote: Anonymous.","Due to 'time and unforeseen occurrence' however, accidents do happen.",Ecclesiastes 9:11;,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Accidents, Humor, Gossip","What a sneeze can do. Can spread serious diseases. (disaster) A man in Hamburg, Germany sneezed so loudly that his cat jumped out the third-story window, landing on the head of a woman driving a convertible.  The frightened woman almost ran over another cat, then collided with a truck, and the traffic jam lasted for three hours. (Produce 100,000 droplets of mucus & microorganisms, germs)",Chain reaction; gossip can be like that. (Spread germs),1 Tim. 5:13,"Nov 8, 1962 Aw Page 23 (see Also Jun 8, 1991 Aw Page 22)",A Cleansed Earth--will You Live To See It?,49,,,
Accidents; Unlucky; Funny; Unforeseen;,'He's so unlucky that he runs into accidents which started out to happen to somebody else.',"In Satan's wicked system, sometimes we have more than our share of mishaps.",Ecclesiastes 9:11;,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Accomplishments; Activities; Service; Pioneer; Joy; Happiness;,'Accomplishments have no color.'  Quote: Anonymous.,"That could be said of only those accomplishments outside of Jehovah's purpose.  Only accomplishments in Jehovah's work vibrate with happiness and joy, and will endure.",Ecclesiastes 12:13;,Jk Quotes;,Finding Honor And Joy In God's Ministry,65,,,
"Accountability, Sin,","If a car runs off the road and hits a tree, we usually do not blame the manufacturer, or the car.  We usually blame the driver.","Jehovah holds us accountable for errors. We are like the driver, not the car.  The great crowd are accountable also.","1 Pet. 2:9; Rev. 7:9, 10; Matt. 22:21; Gal. 6:5;","Lovers Of Freedom District Assembly. Mobile July 12-14, 1991",The Only Cure For Sick Mankind,62,,,
"Accuracy; Right; Bible,",'Even a stopped clock is right twice a day.'  Quote:  Anonymous.,The Word of God is always right!,Heb 4:12,Jk Quotes;,Decisions You Face--how Will You Make Them?,50,,,
Accuracy; Truth; Bible;,"'Accuracy is to a newspaper what virtue is to a lady, but a newspaper can always print a retraction.'  Quote:  Adlai Stevenson.",God's Word never needs to print a retraction!,Heb 4:12;,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Accurate, Knowledge,","In fitting a glass into a window frame, it may be 25 1/8 inches wide and 36 5/16 high.  The cut must be accurate in order to fit properly.",Likewise our knowledge must be accurate.,Rom. 10:2,Ron Whitlatch C. O.,,,,"Feb 28, 2001",
"Accurate, Knowledge, Worship, Belief, Religion, Bible,",In the way a jeweler examines a precious gem in order to appraise its qualities and value.  [ACCURATE KNOWLEDGE],"In this way a Christian must examine God's Word.  The Greek word means: becoming 'better acquainted with a thing I knew before; a more exact viewing of an object that I saw afar off.'  Quote: Nathaniel Culverwel, a Greek scholar, regarding 'accurate knowledge.'",2 Tim 1:13;,"Jul 8, 1995 Aw Page 26",Glorifying God With All We Have,17,,1995/06/04,
Accusation; Right; Persecution;,'It is honorable to be accused by those who deserved to be accused.'  Quote:  Latin.,Those persecuting Jehovah's people deserve to be accused.  We honor Jehovah when we bear up under such mistreatment.,1 Co 4:12;,Jk Quotes;,Bearing Up Under Persecution,57,,,
Accusations; Gossip; Slander;,'Even doubtful accusations leave a stain behind them.' Quote:  Thomas Fuller.,Gossip and slander are like that.  We can cause damage that will be seen for a long time.,"2 Thess. 3:11, 12;",Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Achiest; Belief; Worship; Myth; Faith; Trust;,'I don't believe in God because I don't believe in Mother Goose.'  Quote:  Clarence Darrow.,"Some feel that God's Word is a myth, or a fairy tale.  We must be convinced in its reliability to have faith.",2 Peter 1:16-19;,Jk Quotes;,Does Your Hope Rest On Science Or The Bible?,80,,,
Achievement; Death; Memory; Name; Reputation;,'Death comes to all but great achievements build a monument which shall endure until the sun grows cold.'  Quote:  George Fabricius.,The greatest achievement we can make is to have our name indelible written in the book of life.,Rev 3:5;,Jk Quotes;,What Kind Of Name Are You Making With God?,55,,,
Achievement; Success; Wife; Support; Family; Unity;,'Back of every achievement is a proud wife and a surprised mother-in-law.'  Quote:  Brook Hays.,"This humorous response, nevertheless, shows that family support is important for a job well done.  We must work together as a family.",Eph 3:15;,Jk Quotes;,God Comes First In Successful Family Life,110,,,
Achievements; Activity; Creation; Pioneer; Name;,'Every animal leaves traces of what he was; man alone leaves traces of what he created.'  Quote: Jacob Bronowski.,"Actually, man has not created a single thing in the true sense of the word.  The only true accomplishments are in connection with Jehovah's service.",Ecclesiastes 12:13;,Bobby Laymon,Jehovah--the Grand Creator,101,,1996/03/09,
"Acquaintance; Know; Know, Knowledge;","'Acquaintance: A person whom you know well enough to borrow from but not well enough to lend to.'  Quote: Ambrose Pierce, American author.","We must know Jehovah not as an acquaintance, but as a friend we can trust.",Jo 17:3;,Jk Quotes;,How Well Do You Know God?,1,,,
"Action, Achievement, Accomplishment,","THE TEN MOST POWERFUL  TWO LETTER WORDS:  'IF IT IS TO BE, IT IS UP TO ME.'",We must exert ourselves if we want to accomplish anything.,Luke 13:24,Bobby Laymon - Bits And Pieces,,,,1998/01/04,
"Action, Will, Wisdom, Knowledge, Decisions,",'Heaven never helps the men who will not act.' Sophocles (B.C. 495-406),We must put forth effort to be pleasing to Jehovah.,Mt 7:21; Ps 90:12;,Wisdom Of The Ages,How To Protect Ourselves From Satan's Snares,115,,,
"Action, Will, Wisdom, Knowledge, Decisions, Faith, Works,","Just as a flower which seems beautiful and has color but no perfume, so are the fruitless words of the man who speaks them but does them not.  The Dhammapada (c. B.C. 300)",We must put forth effort to be pleasing to Jehovah.,Mt 7:21; Ps 90:12;,Wisdom Of The Ages,Decide Now For Divine Ruler ship,37,,,
"Action, Work, Hearts, Kindness, Disasters, Volunteers",'How far that little candle throws his beams! So shines a good deed in a naughty world.' Quote: Shakespeare (1564-1616),Human kindness may reach farther than our preaching. Example: Help during disasters.,"Acts 28:2; John 1:14, 16, 17,","Wisdom Of The Ages (see Dec 22, 1992 Aw Page 16 Para 2)",The Messiah's Presence And His Rule,91,,,2/25/2015
"Action, Work, Hearts, Thoughts, Desires,",'The actions of men are the best interpreters of their thoughts.' Quote: John Locke (1632-1704),People do what they want to do.  Our desires are determined by what is in our hearts.,"Mt 15:18, 19;",Wisdom Of The Ages,How To Protect Ourselves From Satan's Snares,115,,,
"Action, Work, Hearts, Thoughts, Desires,","'Words may show a man's wit, but actions his meaning.' Quote: Franklin (1706-1790)",People do what they want to do.  Our desires are determined by what is in our hearts.,"Mt 15:18, 19;",Wisdom Of The Ages,How To Protect Ourselves From Satan's Snares,115,,,
"Action, Work, Hearts, Thoughts, Desires, Elders,",'To talk goodness is not good...Only to do it is.' Quote: Chinese Proverb.,Elders must follow through on decisions if they are to affect the congregation for good.,2ch 19:7;,Wisdom Of The Ages,How To Protect Ourselves From Satan's Snares,115,,,
Action; Caution; Thought; Thinking; Wisdom; Anger;,"'Act quickly, think slowly.'  Quote:  Greek.","We must be quick to think, but slow about wrath, or anger.",Jas 1:19;,Jk Quotes;,Do You Harbor Resentment Or Do You Forgive?,68,,,
Action; Consequences; Habits; Forever;,'Every action of our lives touches on some chord that will vibrate in eternity.'  Quote:  Edwin Chapin.,Work on good habits that will help us endure forever.,Ps 37:29;,Jk Quotes;,Can You Live Forever?--will You?,35,,,
Action; Count The Cost; Caution; Study; Faith;,'Action without study is fatal. Study without action is futile.'  Quote: Anonymous.,"Study about Jehovah leads to faith, for 'faith follows the thing heard.'  We, however, must follow through on our faith with action.",Rom 10:17;,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Action; Courage; Elders; Mistakes; Experience; Dedication;,"'A ship in the harbor is safe, but that is not what ships are for.'  Quote:  John A Shedd.","Those who do not try may not ever make a mistake, but neither do they accomplish what Jehovah purposes.",Mt 6:33;,Jk Quotes;,Decisions You Face--how Will You Make Them?,50,,,
Action; Decision; Inaction; Zeal; Enthusiasm;,'Only he who does nothing makes a mistake.'  Quote:  French.,Jehovah uses those who make themselves available for his service.  It is a mistake to not try.,"Exodus 4:10, 11;",Jk Quotes;,Decisions You Face--how Will You Make Them?,50,,,
Action; Decisive; Caution; Count The Cost; Elders; Partiality;,"'Deliberate with caution, but act with decision.'  Quote: Anonymous.","Elder should be careful, but act, without partiality.",2 Ch 19:7;,Jk Quotes;,Decisions You Face--how Will You Make Them?,50,,,
Action; Deeds; Experience; Anger; Peace;,"'The superior man acts before he speaks, and afterwards speaks according to his action.'  Quote: Anonymous.",God's spirit moves Jehovah's people to carry out the Kingdom preaching commission.  We carry that out without counting the cost.,Mt. 24:14;,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Action; Deeds; Faith; Conviction;,'A man's actions is only a picture book of his creed.'  Quote: Anonymous.,"'Faith, if it does not have works, is dead in itself.'",Heb. 11:1; Jas. 2:17.,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Action; Deeds; Talk Is Cheap;,"'Do noble things, do not dream them all day long.'  Quote:  Charles Kingsly.","We need to apply all the counsel of God, and this calls for works, activity, a willingness to respond to the spiritual, emotional and physical needs of others.",Jas 1:22;,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Action; Deeds; Talk Is Cheap;,'Well done is better than well said.'  Quote: Anonymous.,"Half truths and outright falsehood have become the world's stock in trade.  Words mean little, but actions count.","Jas 4:13, 14;",Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Action; Deeds; Talk Is Cheap; Intentions; Preaching;,'Mean to - don't pick no cotton.'  Quote: Anonymous.,Are we making a determined effort not to let a month slip by without our having a share in telling others about our faith?,Romans 12:17-21;,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Action; Desire;,"'If you want to do something, do it.'  Quote:  Plautus.","The saying, 'Tomorrow is often the busiest day of the year,' reflects the human tendency to procrastinate. How appropriate, is the Bible's counsel.",Gal. 6:10;,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Action; Determination; Service; Pioneer;,"'Let us not be content to wait and see what will happen, but give us the determination to make the right things happen.'  Quote:  Peter Marshall.","It has been said that the lazier a man is the more he says he is going to do 'tomorrow.' If something needs to be done, why delay doing it? Now is the time to be busy in the service of God.","Prov. 6:10, 11;",Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Action; Effort; Lazy;,'Heaven never helps the men who will not act.'  Quote: Anonymous.,Jehovah is a God of progressive acts.  We should be like Him in this respect.,"2 Thess. 1:7-10; 2 Pet. 3:3, 4, 9; 1 Tim. 4:10;",Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Action; Effort; Progress; Attitude; Zeal; Will;,"'All mankind is divided up into three classes; Those that are immovable, those that are movable, and those that move.'  Quote:  Arabian.","In today's world, riddled as it is with tensions and hatreds, Jehovah's people are movers.  We show a balanced but intense zeal, such as Jesus had, for doing God's will,",1 Peter 3:13;,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Action; Experience; Progress; Improvement; Envy;,'It if far better to get nowhere fast than to get nowhere slowly.'  Quote:  A. Vanderby.,No place for rivalry with other brothers.  No need to feel discouraged at seeming progress of others.,Gal 6:4;,Jk Quotes;,Serve Jehovah With A Joyful Heart,78,,,
"Action; Happiness; Activity,",'Action may not always bring happiness; but there is not happiness without action.',Now is the time for action for all of us.,Luke 11:28,Jk Quotes;,Act Wisely As The End Draws Near,38,,,6/15/2015
Action; Happiness; Joy; Goal;,'Action may not always bring happiness; but there is no happiness without action.'  Quote: Anonymous.,"People who's heart and mind unite in a worthwhile goal are to be counted among the world's happiest; those who live life aimlessly, among its most disappointed.",Titus 2:14;,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Action; Inaction; Indecision; Destiny, Free Will, Foreordain,",'I do not believe in a fate that falls on men however they act; but I do believe in a fate that falls on them unless they act.'  Quote:  Gilbert Chesterton.,"Some people believe that we cannot make choices or exercise free will. They feel God has foreordained everything, and a person can only follow his destiny.","Genesis 2:9, 17;",Jk Quotes;,Decide Now For Divine Ruler ship,37,,,
Action; Intentions; Sincerity; Decisions;,"'Be great in act, as you have been in thought.'  Quote: Anonymous.","Either we continue to go in the name of some popular god, or we choose to go in another direction, walking in the name of a God better than all the popular gods of the peoples of the nations.","Matthew 7:22, 23;",Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Action; Knowledge;,'The great end of life is not knowledge but action.'  Quote:  T.H. Huxley.,"At the end of this system of things, Jehovah will take action.  However, those with accurate knowledge will survive.",Rev. 16:14; 12:12;,Jk Quotes;,WILL YOU BE A SURVIVOR OF THE LAST DAYS?,2,,,6/2/2025
Action; Knowledge; Wisdom;,'Action is the proper fruit of knowledge.'  Quote:  Thomas Fuller.,The course of wisdom is to follow through on knowledge we gain.,"Prov 4:10, 11;",Jk Quotes;,Follow The Way To Life,45,,,
"Action; Opportunity; Animals; Destiny, Foreordain,","'The fox that waited for the chickens to fall off their perch, died of hunger.'  Quote:  Greek.","We must not idly wait for things to happen, but act with Jehovah's blessing.",Ecclesiastes 9:11;,Jk Quotes;,Act Wisely As The End Draws Near,38,,,
Action; Progress;,'Begin where you are but don't stay where you are.'  Quote: Anonymous.,"As water become stagnant when inactive, so can we.  Continue to progress in the truth.",2 Pet. 1:5-8;,Jk Quotes;,Keep Growing In Your Relationship With God,16,,,
Action; Progress; Attitude; Future; Confusion; Mystery.,'People can be divided up into three groups: those who make things happen; those who watch things happen; and those who wonder what happened.'  Quote: Anonymous.,"Jehovah makes things happen.  His servants watch them happen, and the rest wonder, 'What happened!'",Dan 2:21;,Jk Quotes;,Your Future--how Can It Be Known?,19,,,7/16/2023
Action; Progress; Wisdom; Discipline;,"'Even if you are on the right track, you'll get run over if you just sit there.'  Quote: Anonymous.","Calamity is in store for the one who acts the part of a fool, thinking that he is above law and correction.  We must take action when we have knowledge of a certain course.",Ecclesiastes 7:16-18;,Jk Quotes;,Act Wisely As The End Draws Near,38,,,
"Action; Ransom, Patience,",'That action is best which procures the greatest for the greatest number.'  Quote:  F. Hutcheson.,"By his life offered in sacrifice to God, Jesus ransomed all mankind; he purchased them; Jehovah did the greatest good for mankind.",Matthew 20:28;,Jk Quotes;,Why Mankind Needs A Ransom,125,,,
Action; Teaching;,'Do not do what is already done.'  Quote: Anonymous.,"In teaching, do not linger too long on one subject, but teach new truths.  Build on the old, but give the new.",Mt 13:52;,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Action; Work; Employment; Lazy; Zeal;,"'Above all, try something.'  Quote:  Franklin Roosevelt.","'Nothing ventured, nothing gained!' is another way of saying that we must not become complacent or lazy in Jehovah's work.","Col 3:23, 24;",Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Action; Zeal; Procrastinate;,'We cannot do everything at once but we can do something at once.'  Quote:  Calvin Coolidge.,Do what you can.  Do not hold back good from people what you can do.,Ac 3:6; Pr 3:27;,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Action; Zeal; Work; Gift;,'To do nothing is in every man's power.'  Quote: Anonymous.,To do something is a gift.  We must stir up our abilities to serve Jehovah.,"2 Tim 1:6, 7;",Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Actions, Thinking, Motive, Example,",'I have always thought the actions of men the best interpreters of their thoughts.' Quote: John Locke.,"When studying or attending meetings, pay attention to how you listen.  Listen attentively; get the sense of Jehovah's instruction.  Your actions will prove whether you are listening when Jehovah speaks.","Rom 10:10, 17;",Bobby Laymon,Never Become Dull In Your Hearing,9,,1995/06/27,
"Actions, Work, Employment, Lazy, Diligent, Exert,",'The used key is always bright.'  Quote: Benjamin Franklin.,We can be bright by being busy.   We will exert ourselves by preaching that God's kingdom by Christ is now established in the heavens.,Re 11:15;,Bobby Laymon,Decide Now For Divine Ruler ship,37,,1995/07/17,
"Actions, Work, Example,",'What you do speaks so loud that I cannot hear what you say.' Quote: Ralph Waldo Emerson.,A good example is better than many speeches.,Phil 3:17;,Bobby Laymon,Glorifying God With All We Have,17,,1995/08/25,
Actions; Deeds; Talk Is Cheap; Boast;,'Actions speak louder than words but not so often.'  Quote: Anonymous.,"When it comes to a proper estimate of oneself, Jehovah gives this fine counsel: 'Wisdom is with the modest ones.'",Prov. 11:2;,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Actions; Intention; Motive; Talk Is Cheap;,"'Talk may show a man's wit, but actions his meaning.'  Quote: Anonymous.",Actions are what count.,1 Pet. 4:10;,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Active Force, Holy Spirit, Power, Creation,","Holy spirit might be likened to the electric current of a car's battery.  That current can ignite the fuel to make the engine produce power, cause the headlights to shine, sound the horn, or cause the car's radio to produce voices and music.","But, without the engine, headlights, horn or radio, could that battery current do any of these things by itself?  No, for it is merely the force that enables the equipment to perform and do such things.",Joel 2:28; Ps 119:105;,W68 11/1 661,Appreciating Marvels Of God's Creation,114,,1994/10/24,
"Active Force, Holy Spirit, Power, Creation,",We cannot look at copper power lines and tell whether they are 'alive' or not. By merely looking at a battery one cannot tell whether it is charged or not.,We cannot tell whether a person is filled with holy spirit by merely looking at him.,Joel 2:28; Ps 119:105;,W61 7/15 433,Appreciating Marvels Of God's Creation,114,,1994/10/24,
"Active Force, Holy Spirit, Trinity,",Even as electricity is used by certain governments to execute criminals....,"...so Jehovah has at times used his holy spirit to execute the wicked, as in the case of Ananias and his wife Sapphire.",Acts 5:1-11;,W57 7/15 435,Jehovah And Christ--are They Part Of A Trinity?,82,,1994/10/24,
"Active Force, Holy Spirit, Trinity,","Today policemen and soldiers keep in touch with their superiors by means of radio. Their officers send messages that instruct, command, forbid, as the case may be, by which the men in the field or on duty are maneuvered. It might be said that the radio did all this in that it was the agency used.","So likewise Jehovah God, by means of his holy spirit, both through his Word and in addition thereto, speaks to, instructs and directs his servants.",1 Cor 2:13;,W57 7/15 435,Jehovah And Christ--are They Part Of A Trinity?,82,,1994/10/24,
"Active Force, Holy Spirit, Trinity,",We cannot tell whether a battery or a 'third rail' is charged with electricity merely by looking at it.,We cannot tell whether a person is filled with the holy spirit merely by looking at him.,Acts 5:1-11;,W57 7/15 435,Jehovah And Christ--are They Part Of A Trinity?,82,,1994/10/24,
"Active, Zealous, Activity, Ministry,","The great violinist, Nicolo Paganini, willed his marvelous violin to Genoa, the city of his birth, but only on condition that the instrument  never be played. It was an unfortunate condition, for it is a peculiarity of wood that as long as it is used and handled, it shows little wear. As soon as it is discarded, it begins to decay.  The exquisite, mellow-toned violin has become worm-eaten in its beautiful case, valueless except as a relic.","The moldering instrument is a reminder that a life withdrawn from all service to others loses its meaning.  Good reasons then, to carefully consider the necessary actions listed in 2 Peter 1:5-8 that when applied, will 'prevent (us) from being either inactive or unfruitful regarding he accurate knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.'",2 Pet. 1:5-8;,Bobby Laymon,Finding Honor And Joy In God's Ministry,65,,1999/02/18,10/10/2023
"Activity, Exert, Lazy, Satan, Devil, Leisure,","'Satan finds some mischief still, For idle hands to do.'  Quote: Isaac Watts. (1715).","Vandals deface private and public property; Lazy disregard for others is manifested in the littering of parks, streets, and public transportation.  This is blatant disrespect for others, a lack of caring about others.",Mt 7:12;,Bobby Laymon,"As Christians, We Care About Other People",15,,1995/06/30,
"Activity, Lazy, Pamper, Easygoing, Zeal,",What progress could an athlete make if he never exerted himself to do more than what was easy for him?  It is only by continually striving for greater heights that a jumper can develop his body so that heights that were once difficult become easy.,"A man is benefited by activity, not inactivity.",Luke 13:24;,W59 6/15 355,"Living, Not For Self, But To Do God's Will",8,,1996/01/18,
"Adam, Eve, Earth, Paradise, Subdue, Purpose, Work, Employment,","Imagine someone told you to subdue New York City, today.  That would be quite a challenge, wouldn't it?  Might seem impossible.","Adam was told to 'subdue' the earth.  He was given challenging and meaningful work.  Yet, it was well within his possibilities, since Jehovah was helping him.","Genesis. 1:27, 28; Rom 20, 21;","Special One-day Assembly. Dave Mcmann - Bethel (sep 22, 1991)",How Purposeful Is Your Life?,60,,,
"Adam, Eve, Perfect, Complete, Whole, Improve, Perfection,","We might compare this with a builder who contracts to build a fine house for a family but then to turn it over to them to do the painting, decorating and furnishing. When he turns the house over to the family, the builder's work is complete, finished, of excellent quality. Is it 'imperfect' because other things remain to be done? No, for this was the arrangement decided upon beforehand.","So too with Adam and Eve.  When Jehovah created them, they were perfect in every respect.  Then, too, God gave command to the Israelites to construct a tabernacle or tent of worship in the wilderness, giving them the specifications for making it. The work was of superb quality and done 'just as Jehovah had commanded.'  Could we say it was perfect?  Definitely, for, when completed, God approved of it.","Genesis. 1:28; 2:8;ex. 36:1, 2; 39:32, 42, 43; Exodus. 40:16, 33-38",W71 8/15 498,A Godly View Of Sex And Marriage,13,,1994/07/07,
"Adam, Eve, Rebellion, Sin, Domination, Sovereignty",Adam and Eve had a collision course with God.  It knocked them out of Paradise.  He drove them away from the paradise.  His personal property.  'To Jehovah belongs the earth and that which fills it.',God did not make Adam the owner of the earth.  Man is only a dweller and worker upon the earth.  A caretaker.  That is something that all nations choose to ignore and brush aside.  How like their first parents.,"Ps 24:1, 2;","Oct 15, 1971 Wt Page 616",What Is Behind The Spirit Of Rebellion?,33,,1993/11/21,
"Adam, Eve, Satan, Devil, Sin, Deceived,",It is not unusual for a ventriloquist to make it appear that his voice comes from another source.,"Satan used the serpent as his mouthpiece to make it appear that it, the serpent, was doing the speaking.",Genesis. 3:1-4; Numbers. 22:26-31; John 8:44;,"Reasoning From The Scriptures, Page 28",How To Protect Ourselves From Satan's Snares,115,,,
"Adam, Satan, Earth, Paradise, Sin, Madness, Anger, Resentment, Mental,",'We do not have to visit a madhouse to find disordered minds; our planet is the mental institution of the universe.'  Quote: Johan Wolfgang von Goethe.,"Adam's sin, added to Satan's rebellion has turned Jehovah's garden into a mental institution.  Jehovah will change that.",Rev. 11:18;,Bobby Laymon,A Cleansed Earth--will You Live To See It?,49,,1995/06/13,
"Adam, Sin, Independence, Selfish,","Sometimes you hear of persons selling their children.  Adam sold his future offspring, without their consent, into slavery to sin and death.","The price he received for the 'sale' was the selfish doing of what he wanted to do, stepping out in independence, in rebellion against God.",Ro 7:14; Ps 79:9,"Feb 1, 1978 Wt Page 17",Hold A Good Conscience In A Sinful World,107,s,,
"Adam, Sin, Name,","'Honor is like an island, rugged and without shores; we can never reenter it once we are on the outside.' Quote: Nicholas Boolean (1636-1711)","By Adam's sin he lost all honor.  He dishonored the human race, and could not regain that honor (once having been perfect) even in a resurrection.",Ro 5:12,Wisdom Of The Ages,Hold A Good Conscience In A Sinful World,107,,,
Adapt To Circumstances,"Chameleon. Changes colors.  Can be brown, green, yellow, gray, One of few reptiles have a selection of vivid colors. Eyes record surroundings, stimulates pigment-bearing cells to change.  Uses long tongue to catch food.","We must be flexible, fit in, to use our tongue for good.",1 Cor 9:19-23,Awake Under Animals;,Why Christians Must Be Different.,123,,,
"Addiction, Alcohol, Drugs, Hooked, Food,","'You make out of your body your very own kingdom where you are the tyrant, the absolute dictator.'  Quote: A woman",Eating disorders can serve as a distraction from unpleasant feelings.  Some use excess weight as a 'scapegoat' for personal feelings.  Food may be the only arena in which an individual feels any authority.,1co 15:33; Ecclesiastes 7:7;,"Apr 22, 1994 Aw Page 4, 5;",Coping With Life's Anxieties,32,,1994/03/21,
"Addiction, Alcohol, Drugs, Hooked, Food,","Giving up an addiction is like moving from the house you were raised in.  Even if the house is old and dilapidated, leaving it is difficult.  It was your home.","If you are an addict, addiction has likely been your emotional home.  Although it has undoubtedly been chaotic, it is familiar.  Moving away from addiction will be difficult, but it is worth the effort.  Start by setting a goal that is within reach; abstinence for a month, a week, or even a day.  At the end of each period, without returning to use, renew your resolve.",Ro 7:23; 2 Co 7:1;,"Apr 22, 1994 Aw Page 6",Coping With Life's Anxieties,32,,1994/03/21,
"Addiction, Alcohol, Drugs, Hooked, Food,",Have you ever stepped out of a dark building and into direct sunlight?  You wince at the sudden assault of brightness.  Anxiety may tell you to retreat to the familiar darkness.,"Similarly, when beginning to cope with addictions, you may find that you are suddenly and painfully bombarded with a full range of feelings.  Love, anger, pride, jealousy, fear, resentment, and other emotions that have long been masked now blaze with full intensity.  Like the sudden glare of sunlight, feelings may at first be painful.  But in time they will also become, like sunlight, a source of guidance and warmth.","Ge 1:26; Ps 78:21, 40, 41; 1jo 4:8; Job 7:11; Pr 12:25;","Apr 22, 1994 Aw Page 7",Coping With Life's Anxieties,32,,1994/03/21,
"Addiction, Alcohol, Drugs, Hooked, Food,",Walking a tightrope is petrifying to a person who is afraid of heights.,"To the addict beginning recovery, life can seem like a terrifying tightrope walk.  The elevated responsibilities of sobriety may bring on a fear of heights, as it were.  'I'm going to fall anyway.  Why not get it over with?' one may reason.",1co 10:13;,"Apr 22, 1994 Aw Page 7",Coping With Life's Anxieties,32,,1994/03/21,11/15/2014
"Addiction, Alcohol, Drugs, Hooked, Food,","While driving your car down a highway, you hear a peculiar rattle coming from the engine.  How will you respond?  Will you look under the hood to examine the problem?  Or will you simply turn up the volume of the radio to drown out the noise?","The answer seems obvious, yet people who are addicts consistently make the wrong choice -- not with their cars, but with their lives.  By means of addiction to such substances as drugs, alcohol, and even food, many attempt to drown out their personal problems rather than successfully cope with them.  When this is the case, often there is a much more serious problem under the hood, so to speak, that needs to be examined before the addict can be changed.",1co 15:33; Ecclesiastes 7:7;,"Apr 22, 1994 Aw Page 3",Does Your Thinking Agree With God's?,53,,1994/03/21,
"Addiction, Alcohol, Drugs, Hooked, Food, Workaholic,",Addiction to substances and addiction to activities are like two trains going the same direction on a common track.,Each has the same destination or purpose: to alter moods and obscure painful feelings.,"Pr 6:6-8; 2th 3:10, 12; Ps 104:24; John 5:17; Ecclesiastes 5:8;","Apr 22, 1994 Aw Page 9",How To Protect Ourselves From Satan's Snares,115,,1994/03/21,
"Addiction, Alcohol, Drugs, Hooked, Food, Workaholic, Depression, Mental,",Ice protects the skater from drowning in water;  'The term addictions can be applied to all kinds of compulsive behavior.'  Quote: Dr. J. Patrick Cannon.,"Activity protects the workaholic from drowning in feelings.  Like the skater, the workaholic can put on a dazzling show.  But it is all on the surface.  What often lurks below?  Depression, anxiety, rage, despair and emptiness.","Pr 6:6-8; 2th 3:10, 12; Ps 104:24; John 5:17; Ecclesiastes 5:8;","Apr 22, 1994 Aw Page 9",How To Protect Ourselves From Satan's Snares,115,,1994/03/21,
"Addiction, Alcohol, Drugs, Recovery, Marriage, Communication,","Imagine a severe hurricane wreaking havoc upon a small town. Houses are collapsing, trees uprooted, telephone lines are falling to the ground.  There is great joy when the storm is over.  But now extensive repair work is needed. (Note intense stress in 1 Sa 25:18-31, 36 caused by addict)",The same is true when a mate begins recovery.  Collapsed relationships must be reconstructed.  Trust and integrity must be reestablished.  Line of communication need to be rebuilt.  Must include new personality.,Eph 4:22-24,"Aug 1, 1993 Wt Page 7",Never Become Dull In Your Hearing,9,,,
"Addiction, Alcohol, Drugs, TV, Television,","'Not unlike drugs or alcohol, the television experience allows the participant to blot out the real world and enter into a pleasurable and passive mental state.' Quote: Marie Finn in 'The Plug-In Drug.'",There is nothing wrong with being distracted temporarily.  But some viewers never come back to reality.  It is an addiction.  Even at its best television is just a substitute for real life.,"Joshua 1:8; Ps 1:2, 3;","Apr 22, 1994 Aw Page 11",Choose Your Associates Wisely!,116,,1994/03/21,
"Addiction, Smoking, Drugs,","'The only way to stop smoking is to just stop - no ifs, ands or butts.' Quote: Edith Zittler.","Smoking has a detrimental effect on the body and mind and is, therefore, not in harmony with Scriptural principles.",Rom 12:1;,Bobby Laymon,Is The Truth Transforming Your Life?,51,,1995/07/03,
"Adhd, Learning, Disability, Handicap, Brain,","Learning disability might be compared with tone-deaf people, who cannot distinguish differences in musical pitch.  Nobody would suggest that tone deafness is due to laziness, poor teaching, or poor motivation, nor are they brain-damaged.","It is the same, they say, with those who are learning disabled.  Often the difficulty focuses on one particular aspect of learning.",Prov. 22:6;,"Feb 22, 1997 Aw Page 4",,,,1997/02/18,
"Adhd, Learning, Disability, Handicap, Brain, Coping,",'Their minds are like TV sets with faulty channel selectors.'  Quote: Learning specialist Priscilla L. Vail.,"One thought leads to another, with no structure or discipline.",Prov. 22:6;,"Feb 22, 1997 Aw Page 5",,,,1997/02/18,
"Adhd, Learning, Disability, Handicap, Brain, Coping,","Imagine going to your favorite restaurant and ordering veal scaloppini.  When the waiter puts the plate in front of you, you discover rack of lamb.  They're both delicious dishes, but you were prepared for the veal.","Many parents need to make a mental shift in their thinking.  You might not have been prepared for the lamb, but you find it's wonderful.  So it is when you raise children with special needs.",Prov. 22:6;,"Feb 22, 1997 Aw Page 5",,,,1997/02/18,
"Adjust, Adjusted, Survival, Clergy, Idols, Images,","Like a clock that is not adjusted right, there is no way you can get an accurate measurement of time.","The people of today, like those in Ezekiel's day, do not have their thoughts adjusted right. (See Jan 15, 1993 WT pages 27-29 for application of Ezekiel to modern clergy.)","Ezekiel 18:25; Ezekiel 8:5, 6, 10-12, 13, 14;",Joe Laymon,Are You 'marked' For Survival?,34,,,
"Adjust, Counsel, Discipline, Flexible, Justice,",Trees ability to bend in the wind saves trees.  Abraham yielded to Lot's choice.,Rigid trees snap. Humble able to bend to injustice.,"Ecclesiastes. 7:16; Rom. 12:2, 3, 16;","Phil Kirkton, Bethel Notes. Bro. W.L. Barry",How To Express Love In A Lawless World,112,,,
"Adjustment, Adapt, Life, Conform, Transforming, Flexible, Personality,","'Life is the garment we continually alter, but which never seems to fit.' Quote: David McCord.",We must continue altering our lives to fit the requirements of true Christians.,Eph 4:20-24;,Bobby Laymon,Never Become Dull In Your Hearing,9,,1995/08/16,
"Adjustment, Balance,","Like a washing machine. Bang, Bang, Bang!  Stop it and make adjustments.",Do we stop and make adjustments in our life from time to time.,Philippians 2:12;,J.K.,Be Confident Of Divine Victory!,39,,1997/04/11,
"Adjustment, Balance, Progress, Improvement,",Like pedaling a bicycle. Stop pedaling and you will fall.,If we stop progressing we can fall.,1 Cor 10:13;,J.K.,Are You Doing What God Requires Of You?,43,,1997/04/11,
"Adjustment, Change, Convenient, Organization,",'Death and taxes and childbirth!  There's never a convenient time for any of them.'  Quote: Margaret Mitchell in Gone With the Wind.,"In changes in Jehovah's organizational structure, Jehovah's people have adjusted and continued the work.",Ezekiel 1:16;,Bobby Laymon - Reader's Digest.,Serving With Jehovah's Unified Organization,3,,1996/03/13,
"Adjustment, Change, Flexible,",'It is good to adjust to things you can not change.' - Brother Sydlik,3/12/98 - Morning Worship comment.,Rom. 15:4,Tim Moore,Christian Separateness From The World--why Beneficial.,119,,1998/04/19,
"Adjustment, Growth, Organization, Progress, Earth, Kingdom, Improvement,","The early settlers of North America, as they traveled westward saw what appeared to be clouds on the horizon, but later became the sharp outline of mountains; as they came closer, trees, rocks and details of the beautiful land became clear.",It is so with God's people. As we get closer to the new world the outlines of the Beautiful New World becomes clearer. This requires 'happy adjustments' to widen fields of knowledge.,"Rev. 21:3, 4; Isa. 9:6, 7.","Jun 1, 1967 Wt Page 335",The Kingdom Of God Is Near,109,,,
Adjustment; Compromise; Roll With Punches; Contentment;,'One learns to itch where one can scratch.'  Quote:  Earnest Brahma.,"We must be content, and learn to live with the unchangeable.  Just as we cannot change our height, there are many other things we must learn to live with.",Matt. 6:27;,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Adjustment; Compromise; Roll With Punches; Contentment; Despair;,'Since the house is on fire let us warm ourselves.'  Quote:  Italian.,Find contentment in whatever situation you find yourself in.,2 Cor 4:18;,Jk Quotes;,Bearing Up Under Persecution,57,,,
Adjustment; Compromise; Roll With Punches; Contentment; Pioneer;,'I dance to the tune that is played.' Quote:  Spanish proverb.,Adjust to the situation and keep on serving Jehovah.,Heb 10:32-34;,Jk Quotes;,You Can Find Joy In Serving God,103,,,
Adjustment; Effort; Flexible;,"'I can't change the direction of the wind, but I can adjust my sails to always reach my destination.'  Quote: Anonymous.","Whatever state or condition you might find yourself, look for its compensations or mercies.  Learn to live with the unchangeable.",Acts 7:30-39;,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Adjustment; Endurance; Perseverance; Prayer;,'We must make the best of those ills which cannot be avoided.'  Quote:  Alexander Hamilton.,"Helping one to do so is the precious privilege of prayer, as well as the hope that God's Word holds out of a 'new heavens and a new earth' in which there will be no evil, no frustrations.",2 Pet 3:13;,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Adjustments, Last Days, Armageddon,","A carpenter putting on siding, doesn't wait until the last piece to start making adjustments.  Otherwise the gap would be too large.  Must adjust all along, or he finds himself at the end of the wall, and adjustment is too large.","In life, we need to make adjustments in these last days, and not wait until Armageddon.",Gal 6:1; 1th 5:5;,Joe Laymon,Overcoming Fear Of The Future,108,,,
"Adjustments, Meetings, Assemblies, New Personality","Can't just set a jet on autopilot and expect to reach destination. Many factors affect the flight of a jet in reaching its destination.  Speed, wind, jet stream etc. Requires constant attention by navigator and pilot.",Need to make constant adjustments. Our spiritual course must be constantly checked and adjusted too.,2 Cor. 6:3,Light Bearers Dist. Convention.-d. Mendenhall,Getting Marriage Off To A Good Start,27,,,
"Adjustments, Meetings, Assemblies, New Personality","For a kerosene lamp to shine brightly, need to trim wick.  With our wicks trimmed we should be able to shine more brightly.",Need to attend assemblies and meetings to see where adjustments are needed.  Like trimming our wicks.,"Heb. 10:24,25; Matt. 13:43",Light Bearers Dist. Convention.-d. Mendenhall,Lovers Of Pleasure Or Lovers Of God?,64,,,
"Adjustments, Meetings, Assemblies, New Personality, Transform","Before coming into the truth many of us needed a major overhaul. We blew smoke, made a lot of strange noises, and didn't even know if we would reach our destination.  New Personality was like a major overhaul.",The truth has a powerful affect on peoples lives.  Still need periodic maintenance in order not to end up in the junkyard.,Eph. 4:22-24,Light Bearers Dist. Convention. - Frank Barr,Is The Truth Transforming Your Life?,51,,,2/22/2023
Admiration; Approval; Obedience; Honesty; Blessing;,'Fools admire but men of sense approve.'  Quote:  Alexander Pope.,Many admire persons of honesty and obedience.  Jehovah promises his approval and reward of such ones.,Matt 25:34;,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Admiration; Familiarity; Relationship;,'Admiration is a very short-lived passion that immediately decays upon growing familiar with its object.'  Quote:  Joseph Addison.,"We must not let that happen with Jehovah.  We want to increase our relationship with Him, and enhance our admiration.  Unlike men, Jehovah is perfect.",Matt 5:3;,Jk Quotes;,What Is Your Relationship With God?,87,,,
"Adolescence, Emotions, Teenager, Youth,",'One day the highest of the high mountains does not soar high enough to express one's jubilance; the next day the lowest of the low valleys is insufficient in its depth to depict one's depression.',"The changes that crowd the teenage years. Youth are designed according to the master blueprint of the Great Draftsman, Jehovah God.",Ps. 139:13-16,"Oct 22, 1964 Aw Page 23",How Can Youths Cope With Today's Crisis?,113,,,
Adolescence; Youth;,'That period when a boy refuses to believe that someday he'll be as dumb as his father.'  Quote:  Hawley Everhart.,He is a casualty of adolescence.  'Adolescence is a period . . . in which every teenager has to remake his personality. He has to . . . find his own identity.'  Quote: Dr. Haim Ginott.,Heb 5:14;,Jk Quotes;,How Can Youths Cope With Today's Crisis?,113,,,
"Adoption, Orphan, Cure, Sin,","According to Missouri Department of Social Services as of June 1992 there were 8,171 Foster children in Missouri.  During the same period of time there were 2,275 adoption petitions and of these 2,099 were actually adopted.  There are now 3,640 adoption subsidies being paid by the state to persons too poor to afford an adopted child on their own.  Average adoption age: 9.1 years!  This means that in 50 states, possible well over 100,000 children are involved in adoption at any given time.  Many more are living as foster children, probably at  least 400,000 at any given time.  Add to this the run-a-ways, homeless children, castaways, many thrown out, or dumped by parents. All of these cry for adoption!   58,600 Homeless in Missouri in 1995.  How does this make you feel?  Would you like to help?  Are you filled with compassion and pity for these ones?  Seen pictures of families huddling together, during times of storms. Hugo or Andrew.  The true beauty of a united family - provides protection from storms of life.","We are actually all orphans of the happiest family that ever existed.  Due to Adam's sinful state, we have become castaways in weathering life's storms alone.",1 Tim 1:11;,Joe Laymon,Serving With Jehovah's Unified Organization,3,,1995/06/13,
"Adorn, Ministers, Dress, Grooming, Teaching,","If you were getting a picture taken, you would adorn yourself first.  A sister might get her favorite dress, have her hair done, A brother would wear a suit, shave, etc.",The truth is a beautiful picture.  We need to do all we can to adorn the teachings of Jehovah.,Titus 2:10; Acts 4:12;,"Divine Teaching District Assembly.  Memphis July 1-4, 1993",Who Are Qualified As Ministers Of God?,81,,,
Adultery,"Bakers oven or furnace mingling with nations adopting their ways round cake, baked on one side.",Evil desires burning within.,Hosea 7:4-8,"March 1, 1989 Wt Page 14",What Does The Healing Of The Nations Accomplish?,111,,,
Adultery,Machine Gun; put all you know to death that have committed adultery? 7th of ten commandments.  Two highest persons in universe had same mind on marriage.   Should tell us something.,What is our view of what Jehovah condemns Jehovah is final judge Heb 13:4  Hate what he hates.,"Leviticus 20:10  Mal 2:15, 16  Matt 19:3-7",Divine Love Dist. Assembly  1980,Getting Marriage Off To A Good Start,27,,,
"Adultery, fornication, ","The Eagle and the Arrow.  The eagle liked living dangerously.  Would often get too close to hunter.  Wounded and dying, he noticed the feather in arrow was his own.  How sad, 'My own feathers guided the arrow that put me to death.'",Fornication is sinning against one's own body.  Moral:  Misfortunes we bring upon ourselves are doubly bitter.,1 Cor 6:18   Prov 7:23,Aesop's Fables,A Godly View Of Sex And Marriage,13,,,4/30/2025
"Adultery, Corruption, Marriage,","Suppose you want to paint your house with white paint.  White is a nice color.  However, you add a gallon of black paint to the white paint.  It is no longer pure, with a fresh clean appearance.  It is corrupted.  It is adulterated.","The same is true in a marriage.  Sex outside the marriage adulterates the clean, fresh standing one had in marriage.  It corrupts.  It may take years, if ever, to get the trust back this causes.",Prov. 6:27-29;,Wayne Freeman,A Godly View Of Sex And Marriage,13,,1997/12/20,
"Adultery, Fornication,","Did you ever burn yourself?  Everything you touch, you seem to hit the burn, until you learn to avoid it.  Did you ever burn the bottom of your feet?  There is almost no way you can avoid that kind of burn.  It continues to hurt and hurt.","Likewise with anyone committing adultery.  You can break Jehovah's laws in other ways, and it is not as far-reaching as this sin 'against one's own body.'  See Scripture","Pr 6:28, 29; 1 Co 6:18, 19;",Bobby Laymon,A Godly View Of Sex And Marriage,13,,,
"Adultery, Fornication, Greed, Selfish, Granted, Marriage, Dating,",Why buy a cow when you can get the milk free.,World's view of marriage.,"Eph. 5:3-5; 1 Tim. 4:12; 5:1, 2; 2 Cor. 9:11; John 13:35",Bobby Laymon,God Comes First In Successful Family Life,110,,,
"Adultery, Fornication, Marriage, Divorce, Morals, Disease,","'Like the bee its sting, the promiscuous leave behind them in each encounter something of themselves by which they are made to suffer.'  Quote:  Cyril Connolly (1903-1974)  British critic.",Fornication works against one's own interests.,1 Cor 6:18;,Familiar Quotations,A Godly View Of Sex And Marriage,13,,1995/06/25,
"Adultery, Fornication, Sex, Morals, Uncleanness,","AN EAGLE sat on a lofty rock, watching the movements of a Hare  whom he sought to make his prey.  An archer, who saw the Eagle from a place of concealment, took an accurate aim and wounded him  mortally.  The Eagle gave one look at the arrow that had entered his heart and saw in that single glance that its feathers had been furnished by himself.  'It is a double grief to me,' he  exclaimed, 'that I should perish by an arrow feathered from my own wings.'",Moral: 'Misfortunes we bring upon ourselves are doubly bitter.',1 Cor 6:18;,Aesop's Fables - Bobby Laymon,A Clean People Honors Jehovah,14,,1994/05/17,
"Adultery, Marriage, Divorce","False religion winks at adultery, fornication, stealing.","They do not disfellowship them from their Churches they continue to be in good standing.  They often have divorced 3, 4 times.",Ps 50:16-18,"Jan 1, 1969 Wt. Pg.12",God Comes First In Successful Family Life,110,,,
"Adultery, Morals, Sex, Venereal, Law,",'I have had a venereal disease three times. The last time it cost me my right to bear children because I had to have a hysterectomy Quote: 19 year-old-girl.,The difference in obeying God's law and not.,2 Sam. 13:1-19;,You Can Live Forever In Paradise On Earth. Page 218,A Godly View Of Sex And Marriage,13,,,
"Adultery, Morals, Sex, Venereal, Law, Everlasting Life, Relation,",'My hope for everlasting life was too valuable to lose for a few moments of immorality.'  Quote from 20 year-old youth.,"Our relationship with Jehovah, and hope can keep us strong.","2 Sam. 13:1-19; Heb. 11:26, 27;",You Can Live Forever In Paradise On Earth. Page 220,A Godly View Of Sex And Marriage,13,,,
"Advancement, Growth, Pace, Keep Up, Progress, Maturity,","Try to imagine that all of us are in Jehovah's organization, sticking to it and doing what we are supposed to be doing, and giving our best to Jehovah, whatever that may be. It's like we are all riding along on a train together into the new system.","The organization is like a train without a floor (Flintstone-train). moving steadily in the direction of the new system. However, we all have to keep pace with the train. Keep up with  new developments. Don't stand still ! Never tire out or get off the train!",Heb 6:1;,Peter Morgan,Keep Growing In Your Relationship With God,16,,1997/08/11,
"Advancement, Improvement, Maturity, Growth,",'There's always room for improvement.  It's the biggest room in the house.' Quote: Louise Heath Leber.,Continue to make improvement in producing the fruitage of God's spirit. Make improvement in discharging responsibilities as a family member. Strive to progress in manifestations of Christian conscience and maturity.  Constantly add to your knowledge of God and your appreciation of his ways.,"Ps 25:4, 5",Bobby Laymon,Keep Growing In Your Relationship With God,16,,1995/06/27,
"Advancement, Maturity, Progress, Growth,","PICTURE in your mind your favorite fruit -a peach, a pear, a mango, or something else. Can you tell when it is ripe and ready to eat? Most certainly. Its aroma, color, and feel all tell you that a mouth-watering experience awaits you. The moment you get a piece of it into your mouth, you may let out a sigh. What succulence! What sweetness! It gives you a great deal of enjoyment and pleasure.","This simple but delightful experience has its parallels in other areas of life. For one thing, as is true with ripeness in fruit spiritual maturity in a person is also manifest in various ways. We recognize maturity in a person when we see discernment, insight, wisdom, and so on.",Job 32:7-9; Prov. 13:20;,"Aug 1, 2001 Wt Page 12",,,,"Jul 15, 2001",
"Advancement, Progress, Improvement, Career, Pioneer, Calvin Coolidge, ","When asked by a reporter why he didn't want to be President for another term, Calvin Coolidge remarked in his New England drawl:  'It's not too good a job.  There's no chance for advancement.'","This is not true in Jehovah's organization.  There is always room for advancement, improvement.",Isa 60:17;,Bobby Laymon; American Essays By Dan Valentine,Are You Content With Jehovah's Provisions?,22,,1997/05/13,7/15/2025
"Advancement, Progress, School, Improvement,","A child may think it takes forever to grow up, but when relatives come they say, 'My, how you've grown!'","We may feel we have progressed very little but look back to first talk, first door in ministry, first comment.","1 Tim. 4:13,15",Johnse Laymon  School Guidebook Pg.188,Keep Growing In Your Relationship With God,16,,1994/01/11,
"Advancement, Progress, School, Improvement,","Have you ever climbed long stairway like fire tower or large building.  It is a lot hard work.  With a fire tower there is no elevator or escalator.  After so many steps on fire tower, they have a level place where you stop and see how far you have climbed, and view things around you.",There is no elevator or escalator for advancement in Jehovah's organization.  There is just a lot of hard work.   Like climbing fire tower every so often we need to stop and look back at progress we have made.,"1 Tim. 4:13,15",Johnse Laymon,Does Your Thinking Agree With God's?,53,,1994/01/11,
Adventure; Attitude; Meditation; Bible; Adjustment; Mind;,'There is no end to the adventures that we can have if only we seek them with our eyes open.'  Quote:  Jawaharlal Nehru.,"When reading Jehovah's thoughts, we need to have an open mind.  Be willing to adjust.",1 Timothy 4:15;,Jk Quotes;,Does Your Thinking Agree With God's?,53,,,
Adventure; Civilization; Bored;,'Without adventure civilization is in full decay.'  Quote:  Alfred Whitehead.,"In Jehovah's righteous new world, there will be no end to what we can learn.  We will never come to know all of Jehovah's ways, but we will never be bored.",Ec 8:17;,Jk Quotes;,Jehovah--the Grand Creator,101,,,
"Adventure; Thinking; Bible, Meditation,","'Adventure is not outside a man, it is within.'  Quote:  David Grayson.","We can find much adventure in God's Word, by reading and meditating on it.  This is useful adventure, with no dangers.","Genesis 24:62-67; 22:17, 18;",Jk Quotes;,Taking Time To Meditate On Spiritual Things,67,,,
"Adversities, Problems, Coping, Reversal,","The farmer heard the mule 'braying' - or - whatever mules do when they fall into wells. After carefully assessing the situation, the farmer sympathized with the mule, but decided that neither the mule nor the well was worth the trouble of saving. Instead, he called his neighbors together and told them what had happened...and enlisted them to help haul dirt to bury the old mule in the well and put him out of his misery.  Initially, the old mule was hysterical!  But as the farmer and his neighbors continued shoveling and the dirt hit his back...a thought struck him (as if mules could think). It suddenly dawned on him that every time a shovel load  of dirt landed on his back...HE SHOULD SHAKE IT OFF AND STEP UP!  This he did, blow after blow.  'Shake it off and step up...shake it off and step up...shake it off and step up!' he repeated to encourage himself. No matter how painful the blows, or distressing the situation seemed the old mule fought 'panic' and just kept right on SHAKING IT OFF AND STEPPING UP!  You're right! It wasn't long before the old mule, battered and exhausted, STEPPED TRIUMPHANTLY OVER THE WALL OF THAT WELL! What seemed like it would bury him, actually blessed him...all because of the manner in which he handled his adversity.","THAT'S LIFE! If we face our problems and respond to them positively, and refuse to give in to panic, bitterness, or self-pity...THE ADVERSITIES THAT COME ALONG TO BURY US USUALLY HAVE WITHIN THEM THE POTENTIAL TO BENEFIT AND BLESS US!  Remember that FORGIVENESS--FAITH--PRAYER--PRAISE and HOPE...all are excellent ways to 'SHAKE IT OFF AND STEP UP' out of the wells in which we find ourselves!",Rom. 12:21;,Patti Gillison,Service Talk,200,,1999/02/15,
"Adversity, Discipline, Endurance, Depression, Stress,","In the springtime a young man may pledge constant love, but as the popular song has it, 'Will he love her in December as he did in May,' When the winds of adversity blow? Applies: economy, emotional, health,","Meeting the challenge of adversity helps us to become better acquainted with ourselves, our strong points and our weaknesses. Must adjust to what we have no control over.",Heb. 12:11; Prov. 24:10;,"Apr 8, 1967 Aw Page 3, 4",Gaining Comfort In All Our Tribulations,105,,,
"Adversity, Discipline, Groaning, Endurance, Depression, Stress,","A popular saying, 'This too will pass.' Aids to endurance: Hope; Love; Humility; Faith; Prayer; Example of others, will help us meet the challenge of adversity.","In the midst of adversity, we may feel that it will always be this way. We will never get well; we will never find employment, we will never be restored to favor, etc.","Rev. 2:10; 1 Cor. 13:7; 2 Sam. 12:13; 16:11, 12; Ps. 46:1 Jas 5:11","Apr 8, 1967 Aw Page 4",Gaining Comfort In All Our Tribulations,105,,,
"Adversity, Hard Experiences, Endurance, Retarded Children,","In olden times, heat was used to refine gold and silver and today is used to temper steel. Can be applied to not taking the easy way out of matters. Example: keeping 'retarded children' at home.",Sometimes Jehovah allows the refining power of adversity to strengthen his people.,"Zech. 13:9; Matt. 24:13; Heb. 12:1; 2 Pet. 1:5, 6; Job 14:1;","Jul 15, 1967 Wt Page 419",Meeting The Test Of Christian Loyalty,48,,,
"Adversity, Persecution,","'The way I see it, if you want the rainbow, you gotta put up with the rain.'  Quote: Dolly Parton.  Country-Western singer.",Jesus said that Christians would be persecuted.,2 Tim 3:12;,Bobby Laymon - Bits And Pieces,Bearing Up Under Persecution,57,,1998/01/08,
"Adversity, Persecution, Hardship,",'You'll never find a better sparring partner than adversity.'  Quote: Walt Schmidt.,Adversity gives us practice to endure and withstand in the heat of persecution.,Phil 4:13;,Bobby Laymon - Reader's Digest,Bearing Up Under Persecution,57,,1996/03/19,
"Adversity, Persecution, Hope, Resurrection, Survival, Mercy, Life, Appreciation,",'In adversity a man is saved by hope.' Quote: Meander.,God's mercy to us may involve resurrection or preservation into new    world without having to die.  We have reason to thank him for the mercy of holding out that hope.  The mercy of actually granting us eternal life is even more reason for gratitude and for us to let mercy be a dominant influence in our lives.,Matt. 5:7;,Bobby Laymon,"Mercy, A Dominant Quality Of True Christians",7,,1995/06/29,
"Adversity, Struggle, Persecution, Trials, Endurance,","In Angola bridges have collapsed and the roads are full of potholes. An official visitor was being driven through this impoverished, war torn country, when he noticed his driver seemed to be avoiding those places where some repair work had been carried out, and hitting the potholes.  Curious, he asked his driver why. 'Because,' came his reply, 'that's where the land mines are.'","Similarly, a Christian's life is one of struggle and the rocky places of life are not to be avoided.  Sometimes we must meet trials head-on.",James 1:12;,Bobby Laymon,Bearing Up Under Persecution,57,,"Feb 2, 2001",
"Adversity, Trials, Hardships, Persecution, Loyalty, Integrity, Tests,",'Anyone can hold the helm when the sea is calm.'  Quote: Publilius Syrus.,It is when things get rough that it tests our loyalty and integrity.,Acts 14:22;,Bobby Laymon - Reader's Digest,Bearing Up Under Persecution,57,,1996/03/20,
"Adversity, Women, Wife,",A woman is like a teabag; you never know how strong she is until she gets in hot water.  -- Nancy Reagan,In many cases a good wife gets her husband out of hot water.,Prov. 18:22;,Bobby Laymon,Getting Marriage Off To A Good Start,27,,"Nov 19, 2001",
Adversity; Experience; Persecution;,'It is often hard to distinguish between the hard knocks in life and those of opportunity.'  Quote: Fredrick Phillips.,We can learn from hard experiences.  We may learn how to do it right the next time and be successful.,Prov 22:3;,Bobby Laymon - Reader's Digest,Bearing Up Under Persecution,57,,1996/03/15,
Adversity; Persecution; Faith; Endurance; Discipline;,'There will come a time when you believe everything is finished.  That will be the beginning.'  Quote: Louis Lamoure.,"The great tribulation could be like that.  We must never give up.  Also discipline may tend to make us feel like giving up, but when corrected we continue better than before.",Matt 24:21;,Bobby Laymon - Reader's Digest.,Bearing Up Under Persecution,57,,1996/03/12,
Adversity; Prosperity; Materialism; Honesty;,"'Adversity makes men, prosperity makes monsters.'  Quote:  Victor Hugo.",Many look with envy at the prosperity of lawless men. But is the success of dishonest persons to be envied?  They will fade like green grass.,"Ps 37:1,2;",Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Adversity; Prosperity; Trials; Persecution;,'The good things of prosperity are to be wished; but the good things that belong to adversity are to be admired.'  Quote:  Seneca.,Adversity can teach us patience and love.  It can help us to be more sympathetic to others.  All admirable qualities.,"Matthew 24:3, 7-9; Mark 13:9;",Jk Quotes;,Bearing Up Under Persecution,57,,,
Adversity; Success; Persecution;,'Constant success shows us but one side of the world; adversity brings out the reverse of the picture.'  Quote:  Ccc.,"We can rejoice in having opportunity to demonstrate our integrity to Jehovah and to share in the vindication of his name, as Jesus did.  We can share in God's side of the universal issue.",Matt 5:11;,Jk Quotes;,Bearing Up Under Persecution,57,,,
Adversity; Trials; Difficulties; Troubles; Obstacles; Problems;,"'Never invite trouble, it always accepts.'  Quote: Anonymous.",Christians often avoid calamities because of maintaining strict neutrality and keeping away from places where violence is most likely to occur.,John 17:16;,Jk Quotes;,How To Protect Ourselves From Satan's Snares,115,,,
Adversity; Trials; Difficulties; Troubles; Obstacles; Problems; Groaning;,'The injuries we do and those we suffer are seldom weighed in the same scales.'  Quote: Anonymous.,"Disasters have become almost as common as the air we breathe.  Not all suffer the same, but the human race is in pain together.",Rom 8:22;,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Adversity; Trials; Difficulties; Troubles; Obstacles; Problems; Persecution,",'Only at trees bearing fruit do people throw stones.'  Quote: Anonymous.,"Jehovah's people are persecuted, because of the fruitage we bear to Jehovah's praise.  We have nothing to be ashamed of.",John 15:21;,Jk Quotes;,Bearing Up Under Persecution,57,,,
"Advertisement, Television, Tv, Youth, Influence, Satan, Devil, Violence, Cartoons,","Regarding the 'Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles,' they are eager to sell an estimated 400 Turtle products, such as comics and T-shirts, to enthralled youngsters.","Now, if cartoon viewing so entices children to want these goods, the scenes they watch in those same cartoons must surely have some effect!",Eph 6:4;,"Dec 8, 1993 Aw Page 13",How Can Youths Cope With Today's Crisis?,113,,1993/11/30,
"Advice, Conscience,",Even the most sincere person's advice is based on that person's likes and dislikes as basis for decisions and giving advice. Look around the earth at the exciting colorful display and the endless variety. Isn't it interesting and refreshing.,"As a result, persons go all the way through life being 'one- sided' because of their likes and dislikes. Many things are a person's 'own business.'","Tit. 2:2; 1 Tim. 3:2, 11; Rom. 14:17-23;","Apr 1, 1968 Wt Page 210",Hold A Good Conscience In A Sinful World,107,,,
"Advice, Counsel,","'Advice is like castor oil, easy enough to give but dreadful uneasy to take.' Quote: --Josh Billings.","That is why the Bible counsel is so good.  It is easier to take, coming from Jehovah.  Biblical counsel is linked to our physical and emotional well-being.",Pr 6:19; Re 21:8;,Bobby Laymon,Evidence Of God In The World Around Us,4,,1995/08/25,
"Advice, Counsel,","'We give advice by the bucket, but take it by the grain.' Quote: --William Rounseville Alger.","It is like practical jokes.  Most can give it out, but seldom are able to take it.",Ps 16:17;,Bobby Laymon,A Godly View Of Sex And Marriage,13,,1995/08/25,
"Advice, Counsel, Discipline, Listen, Discernment,",'Advice is not disliked because it is advice; but because so few people know how to give it.' Quote: Leigh Hunt.,We should learn to listen.  Mirror responses so that we know what we are giving advice to.,Prov. 1:5;,Bobby Laymon,Never Become Dull In Your Hearing,9,,1995/06/27,
"Advice, Counsel, Discipline, Stubborn,",'Advice is like castor oil.','Easy to give and hard to take.',Ps. 16:7; 32:8; 62:4; Acts 27:21;,Scott Rudolph,You Will Reap What You Sow,59,,,
"Advice, Timing,",'Don't close the barn door after the horse is stolen.'  Quote: Anonymous.,Don't give advice after the worse has happened.,Prov 25:11;,Bobby Laymon,,,,1996/02/17,
Advice;,'A good man giving bad advice is more dangerous than a nasty man giving bad advice.'  Quote:  Connor O'Brien.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Advice;,"'A word of advice, do not give it.'  Quote: Anonymous.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Advice;,"'Advice: Noun, The smallest current coin.'  Quote:  Ambrose Pierce - Devils Dictionary.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Advice;,'Bad advice harms him most who gives it.'  Quote:  Hesiod.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Advice;,"'No one wants advice, only corroboration.'  Quote:  John Steinbeck.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Advice;,'Teeth placed before the tongue gives good advice.'  Quote:  Italian proverb.,Sometimes the best advice is to say nothing at all.,Isa 53:7;,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Advice;,'The people sensible enough to give good advice are sensible enough to give none.'  Quote:  Eden Philpot's.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Advice;,"'The worst waste of breath, next to playing a saxophone is advising a son.'  Quote:  Kin Hubbard.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Advice;,"'We give advice by the bucket, but take it by the grain.'  Quote:  William Alger.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Advice;,'We may give advice but we cannot inspire conduct.'  Quote: Anonymous.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Advice;,"'Wise men don't need advice, fools don't take it.'  Quote:  Benjamin Franklin.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Advice;,"'Write down the advice of him who loves you, though you like it not at present.'  Quote: Anonymous.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Advice;,'You can cut off Samson's hair but you must not advise him to wear a wig.'  Quote:  French.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Advice; Affliction;,'It is easy when we are in prosperity to give advice to the afflicted.'  Quote:  Aeschylus.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Advice; Children; Parents;,'He that has no children brings them up well.'  Quote: Anonymous.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Advice; Churchill; Funny; Counsel;,'In those days he was wiser than he is now - he used to frequently take my advice.'  Quote:  Winston Churchill.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Advice; Conceit;,'There is no human problem which could not be solved if people would simply do as I advise.'  Quote:  Gore Vidal.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Advice; Conduct;,'Counsel is no command.'  Quote: Anonymous.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Advice; Conduct;,'We may give advice but we can not give conduct.'  Quote: Anonymous.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Advice; Counsel;,"'Advice is a stranger, if welcome he stays for the night; if not welcome he returns home the same day.'  Quote:  Malagasy.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Advice; Counsel;,'Advice is least heeded when most needed.'  Quote: Anonymous.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Advice; Counsel;,"'Advice is like castor oil, easy enough to give but dreadful uneasy to take.'  Quote:  Josh Billings.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Advice; Counsel;,"'Advice is like medicine, you have to take it to find out if it does any good.'  Quote: Anonymous.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Advice; Counsel;,"'Advice is seldom welcome and those who need it the most, like it the least.'  Quote:  Lord Chesterfield.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Advice; Counsel;,'Advice is what we ask for when we already know the answer but wish we didn't.'  Quote:  E. Jong.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Advice; Counsel;,'Counsel breaks not the head.'  Quote: Anonymous.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Advice; Counsel;,'Giving advice is like kissing.  It costs nothing and is a pleasant thing to do.'  Quote:  H.  W. Shaw.,"Also, like kissing, it may not always be in order, or may offend.  Use discretion.",Ps 16:7;,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Advice; Counsel;,'Good counsel never comes to late.'  Quote: Anonymous.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Advice; Counsel;,'He that won't be advised won't be helped.'  Quote: Anonymous.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Advice; Counsel;,'He who can take advice is sometimes superior to him who can give it.'  Quote: Anonymous.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Advice; Counsel;,"'In giving advice, seek to help, not to please your friend.' Quote: Solon.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Advice; Counsel;,'No gift is more precious than good advice.'  Quote:  Erasmus.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Advice; Counsel;,'The worst men oft give the best advice.'  Quote:  J. Bailey.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Advice; Counsel;,"'We ask advice, but we mean approbation.'  Quote:  Ccc.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Advice; Counsel;,"'When Whales was asked what was difficult, he said 'To know oneself' and what was easy, 'to advise another'.'  Quote:  Diogenes.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Advice; Counsel;,'You'll always find some Eskimos ready to instruct the Africans on how to cope with heat waves.'  Quote:  Stanislaw Lec.,"In offering counsel, we should know what we are talking about.  We must listen first.","Phil 1:9, 10;",Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Advice; Counsel; Bible;,'I realize that advice is worth what it costs and that is nothing.'  Quote:  D. Macarthur.,"The best advice is free, and is found in God's Word.","2 Tim 3:16, 17;",Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Advice; Counsel; Commendation;,"'If at first you don't succeed, you'll get a lot of advice.'  Quote: Anonymous.","Advice unrequested tends to come across as criticism, and no one likes to be criticized.  Commendation is almost, always in order.",2 Tim. 4:2;,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Advice; Counsel; Experience;,"'Good counsel failing men can give, why? Because he that's aground knows where the shoal both lie.'  Quote:  Benjamin Franklin.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Advice; Counsel; Experience; Wisdom;,"'If you wish good advice, consult an old man.'  Quote: Anonymous.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Advice; Counsel; Faults;,"'If you want people to notice your faults, start giving advice.'  Quote:  Kelly Stephens.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Advice; Counsel; Fools;,'Everybody knows good counsel except him that has need of it.'  Quote:  German.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Advice; Counsel; Friend;,"'God send me a friend that may tell some of my faults, if not, an enemy, and he will.'  Quote: Anonymous.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Advice; Counsel; Trends; Discernment; Warnings;,'Advice after injury is like medicine after death.'  Quote:  Danish proverb.,Sometimes warnings are in order.  These can prevent a disaster if offered in an appropriate time and manner.  It is too late after the disaster has happened.,Prov 25:11;,Jk Quotes;,Follow The Way To Life,45,,,
Advice; Counsel; Wisdom;,"'I use not only all the brains I have, but all I can borrow.'  Quote:  Woodrow Wilson.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Advice; Counsel; Wisdom;,"'Many receive advice, only the wise profit from it.' Quote:  Syrus",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Advice; Effort; Talk Is Cheap;,'Less advice and more hands.'  Quote:  German Proverb.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Advice; Encourage, Listen, Depression,","'Some people don't want advice, they just want you as a wastebasket for their worries.'  Quote: Anonymous.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Advice; Experience;,'Its easy for a man in good health to offer advice to the sick.'  Quote:  Terence.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Advice; Experience;,'One can give advice comfortably from a safe port.'  Quote:  F. Von Schiller.,"Man's advice without experience is seldom useful.  The Bible, however, can make the inexperienced one wise.",Ps 19:7;,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Advice; Experience; Mistakes;,'I am glad that I paid so little attention to good advice; had I abided by it I might have been saved from some of my most valuable mistakes.'  Quote:  Gene Fowler.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Advice; Flattery; Christendom; Clergy;,"'When a man comes to me for advice, I find out the kind of advice he wants and I give it to him.'  Quote:  Josh Billings.","God's Word does not always give us the advice we want, as Christendom's clergy often do.  However, it is the advice we need.",2 Tim 4:3;,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Advice; Fool;,'Giving advice to a fool is like giving medicine to a dead man.'  Quote:  American Proverb.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Advice; Funny;,'Be yourself' is about the worst advice you can give some people.'   Quote:  Tom Masson.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Advice; Funny;,'Don't teach your grandmother to suck eggs.'  Quote: Anonymous.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Advice; Funny;,'Take my advice......I don't use it anyway.'  Quote: Anonymous.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Advice; Funny; Memory; Forgetfulness;,"'My grandfather is a little forgetful, but he like to give me advice. One day he took me aside and left me there.'  Quote:  Ron Richards.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Advice; Help; Talk Is Cheap;,'Giving advice doesn't qualify as charity.'  Quote: Anonymous.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Advice; Late; Timing;,"'When the rabbit has escaped, comes advice.'  Quote:  Spanish proverb.","No matter how good, some advice comes too late.",Prov 25:11;,Jk Quotes;,Decide Now For Divine Ruler ship,37,,,
Advice; Opinionated;,'Accept good advice gracefully as long as it doesn't interfere with what thou intended to do in the first place.'  Quote:  Gene Brown.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Advice; Pioneer;,'He who builds to every man's advice will have a crooked house.'  Quote:  Danish.,Don't listen to everyone.  Do Jehovah's will.  It takes that to remain in faithful service to Jehovah.,Ps 55:22;,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Advice; Tact; Counsel;,"'Advice is like snow. The softer it falls, the longer it is dwelled upon and the deeper it gets.'  Quote: Anonymous.",Advice show be given with care and consideration.  It will usually be accepted in the same manner it is given in.,Ps 16:7;,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Advice; Talk Is Cheap; Action; Deeds;,'Less advice more hands.'  Quote: Anonymous.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Advice; Talk Is Cheap; Help;,'What a big gap there is between advice and help.'  Quote:  Anonymous.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Advice; Teaching; Practice; Doer; Hypocrite;,'I always pass on good advice. It is the only thing to do with it. It is never any use to oneself.'  Quote: Oscar Wilde.,"We must practice the truth, and pass it on to others.",Rom 2:21-23;,Jk Quotes;,Lovers Of Pleasure Or Lovers Of God?,64,,,
Advice; Wisdom; Ability;,'By accepting good advice you are increasing your own ability.'  Quote: Anonymous.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Advice; Wisdom; Counsel;,'Steer not after every mariner's direction.'  Quote: Anonymous.,Advice must be carefully weighed and examined.   We could end up nowhere.,"2 Sam 16:23; 17;7, 14;",Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Advice; Woman;,"'A woman's advice is no great thing, but he who won't take it is a fool.'  Quote: Anonymous.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"AN ASS, carrying a load of wood, passed through a pond.  As he was crossing through the water he lost his footing, stumbled and fell, and not being able to rise on account of his load, groaned heavily.  Some Frogs frequenting the pool heard his lamentation, and said, 'What would you do if you had to live here always as we do, when you make such a fuss about a mere fall into the water?'",Men often bear little grievances with less courage than they do large misfortunes.,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,2/23/2015
Aesop's Fables;,"AN OX drinking at a pool trod on a brood of young frogs and crushed one of them to death.  The Mother coming up, and missing one of her sons, inquired of his brothers what had become of him.  'He is dead, dear Mother; for just now a very huge beast with four great feet came to the pool and crushed him to death with his cloven heel.'  The Frog, puffing herself out, inquired, 'if the beast was as big as that in size.'  'Cease, Mother, to puff yourself out,' said her son, 'and do not be angry; for you would, I assure you, sooner burst than successfully imitate the hugeness of that monster.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"Hercules and the Wagoner     A CARTER was driving a wagon along a country lane, when the  wheels sank down deep into a rut.  The rustic driver, stupefied  and aghast, stood looking at the wagon, and did nothing but utter  loud cries to Hercules to come and help him.  Hercules, it is  said, appeared and thus addressed him:  'Put your shoulders to the  wheels, my man.  Goad on your bullocks, and never more pray to me  for help, until you have done your best to help yourself, or  depend upon it you will henceforth pray in vain.'       Self-help is the best help.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"Jupiter and the Monkey    JUPITER ISSUED a proclamation to all the beasts of the forest and  promised a royal reward to the one whose offspring should be  deemed the handsomest.  The Monkey came with the rest and  presented, with all a mother's tenderness, a flat-nosed,  hairless, ill-featured young Monkey as a candidate for the  promised reward.  A general laugh saluted her on the presentation  of her son.  She resolutely said, 'I know not whether Jupiter  will allot the prize to my son, but this I do know, that he is at  least in the eyes of me his mother, the dearest, handsomest, and  most beautiful of all.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"Mercury and the Sculptor     MERCURY ONCE DETERMINED to learn in what esteem he was held among mortals.  For this purpose he assumed the character of a man and visited in this disguise a Sculptor's studio having looked at  various statues, he demanded the price of two figures of Jupiter  and Juno.  When the sum at which they were valued was named, he  pointed to a figure of himself, saying to the Sculptor, 'You will  certainly want much more for this, as it is the statue of the  Messenger of the Gods, and author of all your gain.'  The Sculptor replied, 'Well, if you will buy these, I'll fling you that into the bargain.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"Mercury and the Workmen     A WORKMAN, felling wood by the side of a river, let his axe drop  - by accident into a deep pool.  Being thus deprived of the means  of his livelihood, he sat down on the bank and lamented his hard  fate.  Mercury appeared and demanded the cause of his tears.   After he told him his misfortune, Mercury plunged into the  stream, and, bringing up a golden axe, inquired if that were the  one he had lost.  On his saying that it was not his, Mercury  disappeared beneath the water a second time, returned with a  silver axe in his hand, and again asked the Workman if it were  his.  When the Workman said it was not, he dived into the pool  for the third time and brought up the axe that had been lost.   The Workman claimed it and expressed his joy at its recovery.   Mercury, pleased with his honesty, gave him the golden and silver  axes in addition to his own.    The Workman, on his return to his  house, related to his companions all that had happened.  One of  them at once resolved to try and secure the same good fortune for  himself.  He ran to the river and threw his axe on purpose into  the pool at the same place, and sat down on the bank to weep.   Mercury appeared to him just as he hoped he would; and having  learned the cause of his grief, plunged into the stream and  brought up a golden axe, inquiring if he had lost it.  The  Workman seized it greedily, and declared that truly it was the  very same axe that he had lost.  Mercury, displeased at his  knavery, not only took away the golden axe, but refused to  recover for him the axe he had thrown into the pool.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"SOME BOYS, playing near a pond, saw a number of Frogs in the water and began to pelt them with stones.  They killed several of them, when one of the Frogs, lifting his head out of the water, cried out:  'Pray stop, my boys:  what is sport to you, is death to us.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Anthrop     THE PURCHASER of a black servant was persuaded that the color of  his skin arose from dirt contracted through the neglect of his  former masters.  On bringing him home he resorted to every means  of cleaning, and subjected the man to incessant scrubbings.  The  servant caught a severe cold, but he never changed his color or  complexion.       What's bred in the bone will stick to the flesh.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Ant and the Dove     AN ANT went to the bank of a river to quench its thirst, and  being carried away by the rush of the stream, was on the point of  drowning.  A Dove sitting on a tree overhanging the water plucked  a leaf and let it fall into the stream close to her.  The Ant  climbed onto it and floated in safety to the bank.  Shortly  afterwards a bird catcher came and stood under the tree, and laid  his lime-twigs for the Dove, which sat in the branches.  The Ant,  perceiving his design, stung him in the foot.  In pain the  bird catcher threw down the twigs, and the noise made the Dove  take wing.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Ants and the Grasshopper     THE ANTS were spending a fine winter's day drying grain collected  in the summertime.  A Grasshopper, perishing with famine, passed  by and earnestly begged for a little food.  The Ants inquired of  him, 'Why did you not treasure up food during the summer?'  He  replied, 'I had not leisure enough.  I passed the days in  singing.'  They then said in derision:  'If you were foolish enough  to sing all the summer, you must dance supper less to bed in the  winter.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Apes and the Two Travelers     TWO MEN, one who always spoke the truth and the other who told  nothing but lies, were traveling together and by chance came to  the land of Apes.  One of the Apes, who had raised himself to be  king, commanded them to be seized and brought before him, that he  might know what was said of him among men.  He ordered at the  same time that all the Apes be arranged in a long row on his  right hand and on his left, and that a throne be placed for him,  as was the custom among men.  After these preparations he  signified that the two men should be brought before him, and  greeted them with this salutation:  'What sort of a king do I seem  to you to be, O strangers?'  The Lying Traveler replied, 'You seem  to me a most mighty king.'  'And what is your estimate of those  you see around me?'  'These,' he made answer, 'are worthy  companions of yourself, fit at least to be ambassadors and  leaders of armies.'  The Ape and all his court, gratified with the  lie, commanded that a handsome present be given to the flatterer.   On this the truthful Traveler thought to himself, 'If so great a  reward be given for a lie, with what gift may not I be rewarded,  if, according to my custom, I tell the truth?'  The Ape quickly  turned to him.  'And pray how do I and these my friends around me  seem to you?'  'Thou art,' he said, 'a most excellent Ape, and all  these thy companions after thy example are excellent Apes too.'  The King of the Apes, enraged at hearing these truths, gave him  over to the teeth and claws of his companions.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Ass and His Driver     AN ASS, being driven along a high road, suddenly started off and  bolted to the brink of a deep precipice.  While he was in the act  of throwing himself over, his owner seized him by the tail,  endeavoring to pull him back.  When the Ass persisted in his  effort, the man let him go and said, 'Conquer, but conquer to  your cost.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Ass and His Masters     AN ASS, belonging to an herb-seller who gave him too little food  and too much work made a petition to Jupiter to be released from  his present service and provided with another master.  Jupiter,  after warning him that he would repent his request, caused him to  be sold to a tile-maker.  Shortly afterwards, finding that he had  heavier loads to carry and harder work in the brick-field, he  petitioned for another change of master.  Jupiter, telling him  that it would be the last time that he could grant his request,  ordained that he be sold to a tanner.  The Ass found that he had  fallen into worse hands, and noting his master's occupation,  said, groaning:  'It would have been better for me to have been  either starved by the one, or to have been overworked by the  other of my former masters, than to have been bought by my  present owner, who will even after I am dead tan my hide, and  make me useful to him.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Ass and His Purchaser     A MAN wished to purchase an Ass, and agreed with its owner that  he should try out the animal before he bought him.  He took the  Ass home and put him in the straw-yard with his other Asses, upon  which the new animal left all the others and at once joined the  one that was most idle and the greatest eater of them all.   Seeing this, the man put a halter on him and led him back to his  owner.  On being asked how, in so short a time, he could have  made a trial of him, he answered, 'I do not need a trial; I know  that he will be just the same as the one he chose for his  companion.'       A man is known by the company he keeps.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Ass and His Shadow     A TRAVELER hired an Ass to convey him to a distant place.  The  day being intensely hot, and the sun shining in its strength, the  Traveler stopped to rest, and sought shelter from the heat under  the Shadow of the Ass.  As this afforded only protection for one,  and as the Traveler and the owner of the Ass both claimed it, a  violent dispute arose between them as to which of them had the  right to the Shadow.  The owner maintained that he had let the  Ass only, and not his Shadow.  The Traveler asserted that he had,  with the hire of the Ass, hired his Shadow also.  The quarrel  proceeded from words to blows, and while the men fought, the Ass  galloped off.       In quarreling about the shadow we often lose the substance.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Ass and the Charger     AN ASS congratulated a Horse on being so ungrudgingly and  carefully provided for, while he himself had scarcely enough to  eat and not even that without hard work.  But when war broke out,  a heavily armed soldier mounted the Horse, and riding him to the  charge, rushed into the very midst of the enemy.  The Horse was  wounded and fell dead on the battlefield.  Then the Ass, seeing  all these things, changed his mind, and commiserated the Horse.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Ass and the Grasshopper     AN ASS having heard some Grasshoppers chirping, was highly  enchanted; and, desiring to possess the same charms of melody,  demanded what sort of food they lived on to give them such  beautiful voices.  They replied, 'The dew.'  The Ass resolved that  he would live only upon dew, and in a short time died of hunger.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Ass and the Horse     AN ASS besought a Horse to spare him a small portion of his feed.   'Yes,' said the Horse; 'if any remains out of what I am now  eating I will give it you for the sake of my own superior  dignity, and if you will come when I reach my own stall in the  evening, I will give you a little sack full of barley.'  The Ass  replied, 'Thank you.  But I can't think that you, who refuse me a  little matter now.  will by and by confer on me a greater  benefit.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Ass and the Lapdog     A MAN had an Ass, and a Maltese Lapdog, a very great beauty.  The  Ass was left in a stable and had plenty of oats and hay to eat,  just as any other Ass would.  The Lapdog knew many tricks and was  a great favorite with his master, who often fondled him and  seldom went out to dine without bringing him home some tidbit to  eat.  The Ass, on the contrary, had much work to do in grinding  the corn-mill and in carrying wood from the forest or burdens  from the farm.  He often lamented his own hard fate and  contrasted it with the luxury and idleness of the Lapdog, till at  last one day he broke his cords and halter, and galloped into his  master's house, kicking up his heels without measure, and  frisking and fawning as well as he could.  He next tried to jump  about his master as he had seen the Lapdog do, but he broke the  table and smashed all the dishes upon it to atoms.  He then  attempted to lick his master, and jumped upon his back.  The  servants, hearing the strange hubbub and perceiving the danger of  their master, quickly relieved him, and drove out the Ass to his  stable with kicks and clubs and cuffs.  The Ass, as he returned  to his stall beaten nearly to death, thus lamented:  'I have  brought it all on myself! Why could I not have been contented to  labor with my companions, and not wish to be idle all the day  like that useless little Lapdog!'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Ass and the Mule     A MULETEER set forth on a journey, driving before him an Ass and  a Mule, both well laden.  The Ass, as long as he traveled along  the plain, carried his load with ease, but when he began to  ascend the steep path of the mountain, felt his load to be more  than he could bear.  He entreated his companion to relieve him of  a small portion, that he might carry home the rest; but the Mule  paid no attention to the request.  The Ass shortly afterwards  fell down dead under his burden.  Not knowing what else to do in  so wild a region, the Muleteer placed upon the Mule the load  carried by the Ass in addition to his own, and at the top of all  placed the hide of the Ass, after he had skinned him.  The Mule,  groaning beneath his heavy burden, said to himself:  'I am treated  according to my deserts.  If I had only been willing to assist  the Ass a little in his need, I should not now be bearing,  together with his burden, himself as well.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Ass and the Old Shepherd     A SHEPHERD, watching his Ass feeding in a meadow, was alarmed all  of a sudden by the cries of the enemy.  He appealed to the Ass to  fly with him, lest they should both be captured, but the animal  lazily replied, 'Why should I, pray? Do you think it likely the  conqueror will place on me two sets of panniers?'  'No,' rejoined  the Shepherd.  'Then,' said the Ass, 'as long as I carry the  panniers, what matters it to me whom I serve?'       In a change of government the poor change nothing beyond the name  of their master.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Ass Carrying the Image     AN ASS once carried through the streets of a city a famous wooden  Image, to be placed in one of its Temples.  As he passed along,  the crowd made lowly prostration before the Image.  The Ass,  thinking that they bowed their heads in token of respect for  himself, bristled up with pride, gave himself airs, and refused  to move another step.  The driver, seeing him thus stop, laid his  whip lustily about his shoulders and said, 'O you perverse  dull-head! it is not yet come to this, that men pay worship to an  Ass.'       They are not wise who give to themselves the credit due to  others.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Ass in the Lion's Skin     AN ASS, having put on the Lion's skin, roamed about in the forest  and amused himself by frightening all the foolish animals he met  in his wanderings.  At last coming upon a Fox, he tried to  frighten him also, but the Fox no sooner heard the sound of his  voice than he exclaimed, 'I might possibly have been frightened  myself, if I had not heard your bray.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Ass, the Cock, and the Lion     AN ASS and a Cock were in a straw-yard together when a Lion,  desperate from hunger, approached the spot.  He was about to  spring upon the Ass, when the Cock (to the sound of whose voice  the Lion, it is said, has a singular aversion) crowed loudly, and  the Lion fled away as fast as he could.  The Ass, observing his  trepidation at the mere crowing of a Cock summoned courage to  attack him, and galloped after him for that purpose.  He had run  no long distance, when the Lion, turning about, seized him and  tore him to pieces.       False confidence often leads into danger.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Ass, the Fox, and the Lion     THE ASS and the Fox, having entered into partnership together for  their mutual protection, went out into the forest to hunt.  They  had not proceeded far when they met a Lion.  The Fox, seeing  imminent danger, approached the Lion and promised to contrive for  him the capture of the Ass if the Lion would pledge his word not  to harm the Fox.  Then, upon assuring the Ass that he would not  be injured, the Fox led him to a deep pit and arranged that he  should fall into it.  The Lion, seeing that the Ass was secured,  immediately clutched the Fox, and attacked the Ass at his  leisure.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Astronomer     AN ASTRONOMER used to go out at night to observe the stars.  One  evening, as he wandered through the suburbs with his whole  attention fixed on the sky, he fell accidentally into a deep  well.  While he lamented and bewailed his sores and bruises, and  cried loudly for help, a neighbor ran to the well, and learning  what had happened said:  'Hark ye, old fellow, why, in striving to  pry into what is in heaven, do you not manage to see what is on  earth?'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Bald Knight     A BALD KNIGHT, who wore a wig, went out to hunt.  A sudden puff  of wind blew off his hat and wig, at which a loud laugh rang  forth from his companions.  He pulled up his horse, and with  great glee joined in the joke by saying, 'What a marvel it is  that hairs which are not mine should fly from me, when they have  forsaken even the man on whose head they grew.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Bald Man and the Fly     A FLY bit the bare head of a Bald Man who, endeavoring to destroy  it, gave himself a heavy slap.  Escaping, the Fly said mockingly,  'You who have wished to revenge, even with death, the Prick of a  tiny insect, see what you have done to yourself to add insult to  injury?'  The Bald Man replied, 'I can easily make peace with  myself, because I know there was no intention to hurt.  But you,  an ill-favored and contemptible insect who delights in sucking  human blood, I wish that I could have killed you even if I had  incurred a heavier penalty.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Bat and the Weasels     A BAT who fell upon the ground and was caught by a Weasel pleaded  to be spared his life.  The Weasel refused, saying that he was by  nature the enemy of all birds.  The Bat assured him that he was  not a bird, but a mouse, and thus was set free.  Shortly  afterwards the Bat again fell to the ground and was caught by  another Weasel, whom he likewise entreated not to eat him.  The  Weasel said that he had a special hostility to mice.  The Bat  assured him that he was not a mouse, but a bat, and thus a second  time escaped.       It is wise to turn circumstances to good account.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Bear and the Fox     AA BEAR boasted very much of his philanthropy, saying that of all  animals he was the most tender in his regard for man, for he had  such respect for him that he would not even touch his dead body.  A Fox hearing these words said with a smile to the Bear, 'Oh!  that you would eat the dead and not the living.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Bear and the Two Travelers     TWO MEN were traveling together, when a Bear suddenly met them on their path.  One of them climbed up quickly into a tree and  concealed himself in the branches.  The other, seeing that he  must be attacked, fell flat on the ground, and when the Bear came  up and felt him with his snout, and smelt him all over, he held  his breath, and feigned the appearance of death as much as he  could.  The Bear soon left him, for it is said he will not touch  a dead body.  When he was quite gone, the other Traveler  descended from the tree, and jocularly inquired of his friend  what it was the Bear had whispered in his ear.  'He gave me this  advice,' his companion replied.  'Never travel with a friend who  deserts you at the approach of danger.'       Misfortune tests the sincerity of friends.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Bee and Jupiter   A BEE from Mount Hymettus, the queen of the hive, ascended to  Olympus to present Jupiter some honey fresh from her combs.   Jupiter, delighted with the offering of honey, promised to give  whatever she should ask.  She therefore besought him, saying,  'Give me, I pray thee, a sting, that if any mortal shall approach  to take my honey, I may kill him.'  Jupiter was much displeased,  for he loved the race of man, but could not refuse the request  because of his promise.  He thus answered the Bee:  'You shall  have your request, but it will be at the peril of your own life.   For if you use your sting, it shall remain in the wound you make,  and then you will die from the loss of it.'       Evil wishes, like chickens, come home to roost.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Belly and the Members     THE MEMBERS of the Body rebelled against the Belly, and said,  'Why should we be perpetually engaged in administering to your  wants, while you do nothing but take your rest, and enjoy  yourself in luxury and self-indulgence?'  The Members carried out  their resolve and refused their assistance to the Belly.  The  whole Body quickly became debilitated, and the hands, feet,  mouth, and eyes, when too late, repented of their folly.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Bird catcher, the Partridge, and the Cock     A BIRDCATCHER was about to sit down to a dinner of herbs when a  friend unexpectedly came in.  The bird-trap was quite empty, as  he had caught nothing, and he had to kill a pied Partridge, which  he had tamed for a decoy.  The bird entreated earnestly for his  life:  'What would you do without me when next you spread your  nets? Who would chirp you to sleep, or call for you the covey of  answering birds?'  The Bird catcher spared his life, and determined  to pick out a fine young Cock just attaining to his comb.  But  the Cock expostulated in piteous tones from his perch:  'If you  kill me, who will announce to you the appearance of the dawn?   Who will wake you to your daily tasks or tell you when it is time  to visit the bird-trap in the morning?'  He replied, 'What you say  is true.  You are a capital bird at telling the time of day.  But  my friend and I must have our dinners.'       Necessity knows no law.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Birds, the Beasts, and the Bat     THE BIRDS waged war with the Beasts, and each were by turns the  conquerors.  A Bat, fearing the uncertain issues of the fight,  always fought on the side which he felt was the strongest.  When  peace was proclaimed, his deceitful conduct was apparent to both  combatants.  Therefore being condemned by each for his treachery,  he was driven forth from the light of day, and henceforth  concealed himself in dark hiding-places, flying always alone and  at night.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Bitch and Her Whelps     A BITCH, ready to whelp, earnestly begged a shepherd for a place  where she might litter.  When her request was granted, she  besought permission to rear her puppies in the same spot.  The  shepherd again consented.  But at last the Bitch, protected by  the bodyguard of her Whelps, who had now grown up and were able  to defend themselves, asserted her exclusive right to the place  and would not permit the shepherd to approach.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Bowman and Lion     A VERY SKILLFUL BOWMAN went to the mountains in search of game,  but all the beasts of the forest fled at his approach.  The Lion  alone challenged him to combat.  The Bowman immediately shot out  an arrow and said to the Lion:  'I send thee my messenger, that  from him thou mayest learn what I myself shall be when I assail  thee.'  The wounded Lion rushed away in great fear, and when a Fox  who had seen it all happen told him to be of good courage and not  to back off at the first attack he replied:  'You counsel me in  vain; for if he sends so fearful a messenger, how shall I abide  the attack of the man himself?'       Be on guard against men who can strike from a distance.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Boy and the Filberts     A BOY put his hand into a pitcher full of filberts.  He grasped  as many as he could possibly hold, but when he tried to pull out  his hand, he was prevented from doing so by the neck of the  pitcher.  Unwilling to lose his filberts, and yet unable to  withdraw his hand, he burst into tears and bitterly lamented his  disappointment.  A bystander said to him, 'Be satisfied with half  the quantity, and you will readily draw out your hand.'       Do not attempt too much at once.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Boy and the Nettles     A BOY was stung by a Nettle.  He ran home and told his Mother,  saying, 'Although it hurts me very much, I only touched it  gently.'  'That was just why it stung you,' said his Mother.  'The  next time you touch a Nettle, grasp it boldly, and it will be  soft as silk to your hand, and not in the least hurt you.'       Whatever you do, do with all your might.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Boy Hunting Locusts     A BOY was hunting for locusts.  He had caught a goodly number,  when he saw a Scorpion, and mistaking him for a locust, reached  out his hand to take him.  The Scorpion, showing his sting, said:  If you had but touched me, my friend, you would have lost me, and  all your locusts too!'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Brazier and His Dog   A BRAZIER had a little Dog, which was a great favorite with his  master, and his constant companion.  While he hammered away at  his metals the Dog slept; but when, on the other hand, he went to  dinner and began to eat, the Dog woke up and wagged his tail, as  if he would ask for a share of his meal.  His master one day,  pretending to be angry and shaking his stick at him, said, 'You  wretched little sluggard! what shall I do to you? While I am  hammering on the anvil, you sleep on the mat; and when I begin to  eat after my toil, you wake up and wag your tail for food.  Do  you not know that labor is the source of every blessing, and that  none but those who work are entitled to eat?'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Brother and the Sister     A FATHER had one son and one daughter, the former remarkable for  his good looks, the latter for her extraordinary ugliness.  While  they were playing one day as children, they happened by chance to  look together into a mirror that was placed on their mother's chair.  The boy congratulated himself on his good looks; the girl grew angry, and could not bear the self-praises of her Brother, interpreting all he said (and how could she do otherwise?) into reflection on herself.  She ran off to her father to be avenged on her Brother, and spitefully accused him of having, as a boy, made use of that which belonged only to girls.  The father embraced them both, and bestowing his kisses and affection impartially on each, said, 'I wish you both would look into the mirror every day:  you, my son, that you may not spoil your beauty by evil conduct; and you, my daughter, that you may make up for your lack of beauty by your virtues.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Buffoon and the Countryman     A RICH NOBLEMAN once opened the theaters without charge to the  people, and gave a public notice that he would handsomely reward  any person who invented a new amusement for the occasion.   Various public performers contended for the prize.  Among them  came a Buffoon well known among the populace for his jokes, and  said that he had a kind of entertainment which had never been  brought out on any stage before.  This report being spread about  made a great stir, and the theater was crowded in every part.   The Buffoon appeared alone upon the platform, without any  apparatus or confederates, and the very sense of expectation  caused an intense silence.  He suddenly bent his head towards his  bosom and imitated the squeaking of a little pig so admirably  with his voice that the audience declared he had a porker under  his cloak, and demanded that it should be shaken out.  When that  was done and nothing was found, they cheered the actor, and  loaded him with the loudest applause.  A Countryman in the crowd,  observing all that has passed, said, 'So help me, Hercules, he  shall not beat me at that trick!'  and at once proclaimed that he  would do the same thing on the next day, though in a much more  natural way.  On the morrow a still larger crowd assembled in the  theater, but now partiality for their favorite actor very  generally prevailed, and the audience came rather to ridicule the  Countryman than to see the spectacle.  Both of the performers  appeared on the stage.  The Buffoon grunted and squeaked away  first, and obtained, as on the preceding day, the applause and  cheers of the spectators.  Next the Countryman commenced, and  pretending that he concealed a little pig beneath his clothes  (which in truth he did, but not suspected by the audience )  contrived to take hold of and to pull his ear causing the pig to  squeak.  The Crowd, however, cried out with one consent that the  Buffoon had given a far more exact imitation, and clamored for  the Countryman to be kicked out of the theater.  On this the  rustic produced the little pig from his cloak and showed by the  most positive proof the greatness of their mistake.  'Look here,'  he said, 'this shows what sort of judges you are.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Bull and the Calf     A BULL was striving with all his might to squeeze himself through  a narrow passage which led to his stall.  A young Calf came up,  and offered to go before and show him the way by which he could  manage to pass.  'Save yourself the trouble,' said the Bull; 'I  knew that way long before you were born.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Bull and the Goat     A BULL, escaping from a Lion, hid in a cave which some shepherds  had recently occupied.  As soon as he entered, a He-Goat left in  the cave sharply attacked him with his horns.  The Bull quietly  addressed him:  'Butt away as much as you will.  I have no fear of  you, but of the Lion.  Let that monster go away and I will soon  let you know what is the respective strength of a Goat and a  Bull.'       It shows an evil disposition to take advantage of a friend in  distress.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Bull, the Lioness, and the Wild-Boar Hunter     A BULL finding a lion's cub asleep gored him to death with his  horns.  The Lioness came up, and bitterly lamented the death of  her whelp.  A wild-boar Hunter, seeing her distress, stood at a  distance and said to her, 'Think how many men there are who have  reason to lament the loss of their children, whose deaths have  been caused by you.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Camel and the Arab     AN ARAB CAMEL-DRIVER, after completing the loading of his Camel,  asked him which he would like best, to go up hill or down.  The  poor beast replied, not without a touch of reason:  'Why do you  ask me? Is it that the level way through the desert is closed?'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Camel     WHEN MAN first saw the Camel, he was so frightened at his vast  size that he ran away.  After a time, perceiving the meekness and  gentleness of the beast's temper, he summoned courage enough to  approach him.  Soon afterwards, observing that he was an animal  altogether deficient in spirit, he assumed such boldness as to  put a bridle in his mouth, and to let a child drive him.       Use serves to overcome dread.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Cat and the Birds     A CAT, hearing that the Birds in a certain aviary were ailing  dressed himself up as a physician, and, taking his cane and a bag  of instruments becoming his profession, went to call on them.  He  knocked at the door and inquired of the inmates how they all did,  saying that if they were ill, he would be happy to prescribe for  them and cure them.  They replied, 'We are all very well, and  shall continue so, if you will only be good enough to go away,  and leave us as we are.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Cat and the Cock     A CAT caught a Cock, and pondered how he might find a reasonable  excuse for eating him.  He accused him of being a nuisance to men  by crowing in the nighttime and not permitting them to sleep.   The Cock defended himself by saying that he did this for the  benefit of men, that they might rise in time for their labors.   The Cat replied, 'Although you abound in specious apologies, I  shall not remain supper less'; and he made a meal of him.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Cat and the Mice     A CERTAIN HOUSE was overrun with Mice.  A Cat, discovering this,  made her way into it and began to catch and eat them one by one.   Fearing for their lives, the Mice kept themselves close in their  holes.  The Cat was no longer able to get at them and perceived  that she must tempt them forth by some device.  For this purpose  she jumped upon a peg, and suspending herself from it, pretended  to be dead.  One of the Mice, peeping stealthily out, saw her and  said, 'Ah, my good madam, even though you should turn into a  meal-bag, we will not come near you.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Cat and Venus     A CAT fell in love with a handsome young man, and entreated Venus  to change her into the form of a woman.  Venus consented to her  request and transformed her into a beautiful damsel, so that the  youth saw her and loved her, and took her home as his bride.   While the two were reclining in their chamber, Venus wishing to  discover if the Cat in her change of shape had also altered her  habits of life, let down a mouse in the middle of the room.  The  Cat, quite forgetting her present condition, started up from the  couch and pursued the mouse, wishing to eat it.  Venus was much  disappointed and again caused her to return to her former shape.      Nature exceeds nurture.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Charcoal-Burner and the Fuller     A CHARCOAL-BURNER carried on his trade in his own house.  One day he met a friend, a Fuller, and entreated him to come and live  with him, saying that they should be far better neighbors and  that their housekeeping expenses would be lessened.  The Fuller  replied, 'The arrangement is impossible as far as I am concerned,  for whatever I should whiten, you would immediately blacken again  with your charcoal.'       Like will draw like.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Charger and the Miller     A CHARGER, feeling the infirmities of age, was sent to work in a  mill instead of going out to battle.  But when he was compelled  to grind instead of serving in the wars, he bewailed his change  of fortune and called to mind his former state, saying, 'Ah!  Miller, I had indeed to go campaigning before, but I was barbed  from counter to tail, and a man went along to groom me; and now I  cannot understand what ailed me to prefer the mill before the  battle.'  'Forbear,' said the Miller to him, 'harping on what was  of yore, for it is the common lot of mortals to sustain the ups  and downs of fortune.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Cobbler Turned Doctor     A COBBLER unable to make a living by his trade and made desperate  by poverty, began to practice medicine in a town in which he was  not known.  He sold a drug, pretending that it was an antidote to  all poisons, and obtained a great name for himself by long-winded  puffs and advertisements.  When the Cobbler happened to fall sick  himself of a serious illness, the Governor of the town determined  to test his skill.  For this purpose he called for a cup, and  while filling it with water, pretended to mix poison with the  Cobbler's antidote, commanding him to drink it on the promise of  a reward.  The Cobbler, under the fear of death, confessed that  he had no knowledge of medicine, and was only made famous by the  stupid clamors of the crowd.  The Governor then called a public  assembly and addressed the citizens:  'Of what folly have you been  guilty? You have not hesitated to entrust your heads to a man,  whom no one could employ to make even the shoes for their feet.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Cock and the Jewel     A COCK, scratching for food for himself and his hens, found a  precious stone and exclaimed:  'If your owner had found thee, and  not I, he would have taken thee up, and have set thee in thy  first estate; but I have found thee for no purpose.  I would  rather have one barleycorn than all the jewels in the world.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Crab and Its Mother     A CRAB said to her son, 'Why do you walk so one-sided, my child?  It is far more becoming to go straight forward.'  The young Crab  replied:  'Quite true, dear Mother; and if you will show me the  straight way, I will promise to walk in it.'  The Mother tried in  vain, and submitted without remonstrance to the reproof of her  child.       Example is more powerful than precept.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Crab and the Fox     A CRAB, forsaking the seashore, chose a neighboring green meadow  as its feeding ground.  A Fox came across him, and being very  hungry ate him up.  Just as he was on the point of being eaten,  the Crab said, 'I well deserve my fate, for what business had I  on the land, when by my nature and habits I am only adapted for  the sea?'       Contentment with our lot is an element of happiness.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Crow and Mercury     A CROW caught in a snare prayed to Apollo to release him, making  a vow to offer some frankincense at his shrine.  But when rescued  from his danger, he forgot his promise.  Shortly afterwards,  again caught in a snare, he passed by Apollo and made the same  promise to offer frankincense to Mercury.  Mercury soon appeared  and said to him, 'O thou most base fellow? how can I believe  thee, who hast disowned and wronged thy former patron?'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Crow and the Pitcher     A CROW perishing with thirst saw a pitcher, and hoping to find  water, flew to it with delight.  When he reached it, he  discovered to his grief that it contained so little water that he  could not possibly get at it.  He tried everything he could think  of to reach the water, but all his efforts were in vain.  At last  he collected as many stones as he could carry and dropped them  one by one with his beak into the pitcher, until he brought the  water within his reach and thus saved his life.       Necessity is the mother of invention.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Crow and the Raven     A CROW was jealous of the Raven, because he was considered a bird  of good omen and always attracted the attention of men, who noted  by his flight the good or evil course of future events.  Seeing  some travelers approaching, the Crow flew up into a tree, and  perching herself on one of the branches, cawed as loudly as she  could.  The travelers turned towards the sound and wondered what  it foreboded, when one of them said to his companion, 'Let us  proceed on our journey, my friend, for it is only the caw of a  crow, and her cry, you know, is no omen.'       Those who assume a character which does not belong to them, only  make themselves ridiculous.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Crow and the Serpent     A CROW in great want of food saw a Serpent asleep in a sunny  nook, and flying down, greedily seized him.  The Serpent, turning  about, bit the Crow with a mortal wound.  In the agony of death,  the bird exclaimed:  'O unhappy me! who have found in that which I  deemed a happy windfall the source of my destruction.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Crow and the Sheep     A TROUBLESOME CROW seated herself on the back of a Sheep.  The  Sheep, much against his will, carried her backward and forward  for a long time, and at last said, 'If you had treated a dog in  this way, you would have had your deserts from his sharp teeth.'  To this the Crow replied, 'I despise the weak and yield to the  strong.  I know whom I may bully and whom I must flatter; and I  thus prolong my life to a good old age.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Dancing Monkeys     A PRINCE had some Monkeys trained to dance.  Being naturally  great mimics of men's actions, they showed themselves most apt  pupils, and when arrayed in their rich clothes and masks, they  danced as well as any of the courtiers.  The spectacle was often  repeated with great applause, till on one occasion a courtier,  bent on mischief, took from his pocket a handful of nuts and  threw them upon the stage.  The Monkeys at the sight of the nuts  forgot their dancing and became (as indeed they were) Monkeys  instead of actors.  Pulling off their masks and tearing their  robes, they fought with one another for the nuts.  The dancing  spectacle thus came to an end amidst the laughter and ridicule of  the audience.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Doe and the Lion     A DOE hard pressed by hunters sought refuge in a cave belonging  to a Lion.  The Lion concealed himself on seeing her approach,  but when she was safe within the cave, sprang upon her and tore  her to pieces.  'Woe is me,' exclaimed the Doe, 'who have escaped  from man, only to throw myself into the mouth of a wild beast?'       In avoiding one evil, care must be taken not to fall into  another.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Dog and the Cook     A RICH MAN gave a great feast, to which he invited many friends  and acquaintances.  His Dog availed himself of the occasion to invite a stranger Dog, a friend of his, saying, 'My master gives  a feast, and there is always much food remaining; come and sup  with me tonight.'  The Dog thus invited went at the hour  appointed, and seeing the preparations for so grand an  entertainment, said in the joy of his heart, 'How glad I am that  I came! I do not often get such a chance as this.  I will take  care and eat enough to last me both today and tomorrow.'  ","While he  was congratulating himself and wagging his tail to convey his pleasure to his friend, the Cook saw him moving about among his  dishes and, seizing him by his fore and hind paws, bundled him  without ceremony out of the window.  He fell with force upon the  ground and limped away, howling dreadfully.  His yelling soon  attracted other street dogs, who came up to him and inquired how he had enjoyed his supper.  He replied, 'Why, to tell you the  truth, I drank so much wine that I remember nothing.  I do not  know how I got out of the house.'",,Jk Quotes;,,,,,4/12/2025
Aesop's Fables;,"The Dog and the Hare     A HOUND having started a Hare on the hillside pursued her for  some distance, at one time biting her with his teeth as if he  would take her life, and at another fawning upon her, as if in  play with another dog.  The Hare said to him, 'I wish you would  act sincerely by me, and show yourself in your true colors.  If  you are a friend, why do you bite me so hard? If an enemy, why do  you fawn on me?'       No one can be a friend if you know not whether to trust or  distrust him.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Dog and the Oyster     A DOG, used to eating eggs, saw an Oyster and, opening his mouth  to its widest extent, swallowed it down with the utmost relish,  supposing it to be an egg.  Soon afterwards suffering great pain  in his stomach, he said, 'I deserve all this torment, for my  folly in thinking that everything round must be an egg.'       They who act without sufficient thought, will often fall into  unsuspected danger.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Dog and the Shadow     A DOG, crossing a bridge over a stream with a piece of flesh in  his mouth, saw his own shadow in the water and took it for that  of another Dog, with a piece of meat double his own in size.  He  immediately let go of his own, and fiercely attacked the other  Dog to get his larger piece from him.  He thus lost both:  that  which he grasped at in the water, because it was a shadow; and  his own, because the stream swept it away.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Dog in the Manger     A DOG lay in a manger, and by his growling and snapping prevented  the oxen from eating the hay which had been placed for them.   'What a selfish Dog!'  said one of them to his companions; 'he  cannot eat the hay himself, and yet refuses to allow those to eat  who can.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Dog's House     IN THE WINTERTIME, a Dog curled up in as small a space as  possible on account of the cold, determined to make himself a  house.  However when the summer returned again, he lay asleep  stretched at his full length and appeared to himself to be of a  great size.  Now he considered that it would be neither an easy  nor a necessary work to make himself such a house as would  accommodate him.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Dog, the Cock, and the Fox     A DOG and a Cock being great friends, agreed to travel together.   At nightfall they took shelter in a thick wood.  The Cock flying  up, perched himself on the branches of a tree, while the Dog  found a bed beneath in the hollow trunk.  When the morning  dawned, the Cock, as usual, crowed very loudly several times.  A  Fox heard the sound, and wishing to make a breakfast on him, came  and stood under the branches, saying how earnestly he desired to  make the acquaintance of the owner of so magnificent a voice.   The Cock, suspecting his civilities, said:  'Sir, I wish you would  do me the favor of going around to the hollow trunk below me, and  waking my porter, so that he may open the door and let you in.'  When the Fox approached the tree, the Dog sprang out and caught  him, and tore him to pieces.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Dogs and the Fox     SOME DOGS, finding the skin of a lion, began to tear it in pieces  with their teeth.  A Fox, seeing them, said, 'If this lion were  alive, you would soon find out that his claws were stronger than  your teeth.'       It is easy to kick a man that is down.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Dogs and the Hides     SOME DOGS famished with hunger saw a number of cowhides steeping in a river.  Not being able to reach them, they agreed to drink  up the river, but it happened that they burst themselves with drinking long before they reached the hides.       Attempt not impossibilities.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Dolphins, the Whales, and the Sprat     THE DOLPHINS and Whales waged a fierce war with each other.  When the battle was at its height, a Sprat lifted its head out of the  waves and said that he would reconcile their differences if they  would accept him as an umpire.  One of the Dolphins replied, 'We  would far rather be destroyed in our battle with each other than  admit any interference from you in our affairs.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Dove and the Crow     A DOVE shut up in a cage was boasting of the large number of  young ones which she had hatched.  A Crow hearing her, said:  'My  good friend, cease from this unseasonable boasting.  The larger  the number of your family, the greater your cause of sorrow, in  seeing them shut up in this prison-house.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Eagle and His Captor     AN EAGLE was once captured by a man, who immediately clipped his  wings and put him into his poultry-yard with the other birds, at  which treatment the Eagle was weighed down with grief.  Later,  another neighbor purchased him and allowed his feathers to grow  again.  The Eagle took flight, and pouncing upon a hare, brought  it at once as an offering to his benefactor.  A Fox, seeing this,  exclaimed, 'Do not cultivate the favor of this man, but of your  former owner, lest he should again hunt for you and deprive you a  second time of your wings.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The eagle and the Arrow    AN EAGLE sat on a lofty rock, watching the movements of a Hare  whom he sought to make his prey.  An archer, who saw the Eagle  from a place of concealment, took an accurate aim and wounded him  mortally.  The Eagle gave one look at the arrow that had entered  his heart and saw in that single glance that its feathers had  been furnished by himself.  'It is a double grief to me,' he  exclaimed, 'that I should perish by an arrow feathered from my  own wings.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Eagle and the Fox     AN EAGLE and a Fox formed an intimate friendship and decided to  live near each other.  The Eagle built her nest in the branches  of a tall tree, while the Fox crept into the under wood and there  produced her young.  Not long after they had agreed upon this  plan, the Eagle, being in want of provision for her young ones,  swooped down while the Fox was out, seized upon one of the little  cubs, and feasted herself and her brood.  The Fox on her return,  discovered what had happened, but was less grieved for the death  of her young than for her inability to avenge them.  A just  retribution, however, quickly fell upon the Eagle.  While  hovering near an altar, on which some villagers were sacrificing  a goat, she suddenly seized a piece of the flesh, and carried it,  along with a burning cinder, to her nest.  A strong breeze soon  fanned the spark into a flame, and the eaglets, as yet unfledged  and helpless, were roasted in their nest and dropped down dead at  the bottom of the tree.  There, in the sight of the Eagle, the  Fox gobbled them up.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Eagle and the Jackdaw     AN EAGLE, flying down from his perch on a lofty rock, seized upon  a lamb and carried him aloft in his talons.  A Jackdaw, who  witnessed the capture of the lamb, was stirred with envy and  determined to emulate the strength and flight of the Eagle.  He  flew around with a great whir of his wings and settled upon a  large ram, with the intention of carrying him off, but his claws  became entangled in the ram's fleece and he was not able to  release himself, although he fluttered with his feathers as much  as he could.  The shepherd, seeing what had happened, ran up and  caught him.  He at once clipped the Jackdaw's wings, and taking  him home at night, gave him to his children.  On their saying,  'Father, what kind of bird is it?'  he replied, 'To my certain  knowledge he is a Daw; but he would like you to think an Eagle.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Eagle and the Kite     AN EAGLE, overwhelmed with sorrow, sat upon the branches of a  tree in company with a Kite.  'Why,' said the Kite, 'do I see you  with such a rueful look?'  'I seek,' she replied, 'a mate suitable  for me, and am not able to find one.'  'Take me,' returned the  Kite, 'I am much stronger than you are.'  'Why, are you able to  secure the means of living by your plunder?'  'Well, I have often  caught and carried away an ostrich in my talons.'  The Eagle,  persuaded by these words, accepted him as her mate.  Shortly  after the nuptials, the Eagle said, 'Fly off and bring me back  the ostrich you promised me.'  The Kite, soaring aloft into the  air, brought back the shabbiest possible mouse, stinking from the  length of time it had lain about the fields.  'Is this,' said the  Eagle, 'the faithful fulfillment of your promise to me?'  The Kite  replied, 'That I might attain your royal hand, there is nothing  that I would not have promised, however much I knew that I must  fail in the performance.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Eagle, the Cat, and the Wild Sow     AN EAGLE made her nest at the top of a lofty oak; a Cat, having  found a convenient hole, moved into the middle of the trunk; and  a Wild Sow, with her young, took shelter in a hollow at its foot.   The Cat cunningly resolved to destroy this chance-made colony.   To carry out her design, she climbed to the nest of the Eagle,  and said, 'Destruction is preparing for you, and for me too,  unfortunately.  The Wild Sow, whom you see daily digging up the  earth, wishes to uproot the oak, so she may on its fall seize our  families as food for her young.'  Having thus frightened the Eagle  out of her senses, she crept down to the cave of the Sow, and  said, 'Your children are in great danger; for as soon as you go  out with your litter to find food, the Eagle is prepared to  pounce upon one of your little pigs.'  Having instilled these  fears into the Sow, she went and pretended to hide herself in the  hollow of the tree.  When night came she went forth with silent  foot and obtained food for herself and her kittens, but feigning  to be afraid, she kept a lookout all through the day.  Meanwhile,  the Eagle, full of fear of the Sow, sat still on the branches,  and the Sow, terrified by the Eagle, did not dare to go out from  her cave.  And thus they both, along with their families,  perished from hunger, and afforded ample provision for the Cat  and her kittens.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Farmer and His Sons     A FATHER, being on the point of death, wished to be sure that his  sons would give the same attention to his farm as he himself had  given it.  He called them to his bedside and said, 'My sons,  there is a great treasure hid in one of my vineyards.'  The sons,  after his death, took their spades and mattocks and carefully dug  over every portion of their land.  They found no treasure, but  the vines repaid their labor by an extraordinary and  superabundant crop.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Farmer and the Cranes     SOME CRANES made their feeding grounds on some plow lands newly  sown with wheat.  For a long time the Farmer, brandishing an  empty sling, chased them away by the terror he inspired; but when  the birds found that the sling was only swung in the air, they  ceased to take any notice of it and would not move.  The Farmer,  on seeing this, charged his sling with stones, and killed a great  number.  The remaining birds at once forsook his fields, crying  to each other, 'It is time for us to be off to Lilliputian:  for this  man is no longer content to scare us, but begins to show us in  earnest what he can do.'       If words suffice not, blows must follow.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Farmer and the Fox     A FARMER, who bore a grudge against a Fox for robbing his poultry  yard, caught him at last, and being determined to take an ample  revenge, tied some rope well soaked in oil to his tail, and set  it on fire.  The Fox by a strange fatality rushed to the fields  of the Farmer who had captured him.  It was the time of the wheat  harvest; but the Farmer reaped nothing that year and returned  home grieving sorely.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Farmer and the Snake     ONE WINTER a Farmer found a Snake stiff and frozen with cold.  He  had compassion on it, and taking it up, placed it in his bosom.   The Snake was quickly revived by the warmth, and resuming its  natural instincts, bit its benefactor, inflicting on him a mortal  wound.  'Oh,' cried the Farmer with his last breath, 'I am  rightly served for pitying a scoundrel.'       The greatest kindness will not bind the ungrateful.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Farmer and the Stork     A FARMER placed nets on his newly-sown plow lands and caught a  number of Cranes, which came to pick up his seed.  With them he  trapped a Stork that had fractured his leg in the net and was  earnestly beseeching the Farmer to spare his life.  'Pray save  me, Master,' he said, 'and let me go free this once.  My broken  limb should excite your pity.  Besides, I am no Crane, I am a  Stork, a bird of excellent character; and see how I love and  slave for my father and mother.  Look too, at my feathers--  they are not the least like those of a Crane.'   The Farmer   laughed aloud and said, 'It may be all as you say, I only know   this:  I have taken you with these robbers, the Cranes, and you   must die in their company.'       Birds of a feather flock together.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Father and His Sons     A FATHER had a family of sons who were perpetually quarreling  among themselves.  When he failed to heal their disputes by his  exhortations, he determined to give them a practical illustration  of the evils of disunion; and for this purpose he one day told  them to bring him a bundle of sticks.  When they had done so, he  placed the faggot into the hands of each of them in succession,  and ordered them to break it in pieces.  They tried with all  their strength, and were not able to do it.  He next opened the  faggot, took the sticks separately, one by one, and again put  them into his sons' hands, upon which they broke them easily.  He  then addressed them in these words:  'My sons, if you are of one  mind, and unite to assist each other, you will be as this faggot,  uninjured by all the attempts of your enemies; but if you are  divided among yourselves, you will be broken as easily as these  sticks.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Father and His Two Daughters     A MAN had two daughters, the one married to a gardener, and the  other to a tile-maker.  After a time he went to the daughter who  had married the gardener, and inquired how she was and how all  things went with her.  She said, 'All things are prospering with  me, and I have only one wish, that there may be a heavy fall of  rain, in order that the plants may be well watered.'  Not long  after, he went to the daughter who had married the tile maker, and  likewise inquired of her how she fared; she replied, 'I want for  nothing, and have only one wish, that the dry weather may  continue, and the sun shine hot and bright, so that the bricks  might be dried.'  He said to her, 'If your sister wishes for rain,  and you for dry weather, with which of the two am I to join my  wishes?'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Fawn and His Mother     A YOUNG FAWN once said to his Mother, 'You are larger than a dog,  and swifter, and more used to running, and you have your horns as  a defense; why, then, O Mother! do the hounds frighten you so?'  She smiled, and said:  'I know full well, my son, that all you say  is true.  I have the advantages you mention, but when I hear even  the bark of a single dog I feel ready to faint, and fly away as  fast as I can.'       No arguments will give courage to the coward.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Fighting Cocks and the Eagle     TWO GAME COCKS were fiercely fighting for the mastery of the  farmyard.  One at last put the other to flight.  The vanquished  Cock skulked away and hid himself in a quiet corner, while the  conqueror, flying up to a high wall, flapped his wings and crowed  exultingly with all his might.  An Eagle sailing through the air  pounced upon him and carried him off in his talons.  The  vanquished Cock immediately came out of his corner, and ruled  henceforth with undisputed mastery.       Pride goes before destruction.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Fir-Tree and the Bramble     A FIR-TREE said boastingly to the Bramble, 'You are useful for  nothing at all; while I am everywhere used for roofs and houses.'  The Bramble answered:  'You poor creature, if you would only call  to mind the axes and saws which are about to hew you down, you  would have reason to wish that you had grown up a Bramble, not a  Fir-Tree.'       Better poverty without care, than riches with.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Fisherman and His Nets     A FISHERMAN, engaged in his calling, made a very successful cast  and captured a great haul of fish.  He managed by a skillful  handling of his net to retain all the large fish and to draw them  to the shore; but he could not prevent the smaller fish from  falling back through the meshes of the net into the sea.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Fisherman and the Little Fish     A FISHERMAN who lived on the produce of his nets, one day caught  a single small Fish as the result of his day's labor.  The Fish,  panting convulsively, thus entreated for his life:  'O Sir, what  good can I be to you, and how little am I worth? I am not yet  come to my full size.  Pray spare my life, and put me back into  the sea.  I shall soon become a large fish fit for the tables of  the rich, and then you can catch me again, and make a handsome  profit of me.'  The Fisherman replied, 'I should indeed be a very  simple fellow if, for the chance of a greater uncertain profit, I  were to forego my present certain gain.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Fisherman Piping     A FISHERMAN skilled in music took his flute and his nets to the  seashore.  Standing on a projecting rock, he played several tunes  in the hope that the fish, attracted by his melody, would of  their own accord dance into his net, which he had placed below.   At last, having long waited in vain, he laid aside his flute, and  casting his net into the sea, made an excellent haul of fish.   When he saw them leaping about in the net upon the rock he said:  'O you most perverse creatures, when I piped you would not dance,  but now that I have ceased you do so merrily.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Fishermen     SOME FISHERMEN were out trawling their nets.  Perceiving them to  be very heavy, they danced about for joy and supposed that they  had taken a large catch.  When they had dragged the nets to the  shore they found but few fish:  the nets were full of sand and  stones, and the men were beyond measure cast down so much at the  disappointment which had befallen them, but because they had  formed such very different expectations.  One of their company,  an old man, said, 'Let us cease lamenting, my mates, for, as it  seems to me, sorrow is always the twin sister of joy; and it was  only to be looked for that we, who just now were over-rejoiced,  should next have something to make us sad.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Flea and the Man     A MAN, very much annoyed with a Flea, caught him at last, and  said, 'Who are you who dare to feed on my limbs, and to cost me  so much trouble in catching you?'  The Flea replied, 'O my dear  sir, pray spare my life, and destroy me not, for I cannot  possibly do you much harm.'  The Man, laughing, replied, 'Now you  shall certainly die by mine own hands, for no evil, whether it be  small or large, ought to be tolerated.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Flea and the Ox     A FLEA thus questioned an Ox:  'What ails you, that being so huge  and strong, you submit to the wrongs you receive from men and  slave for them day by day, while I, being so small a creature,  mercilessly feed on their flesh and drink their blood without  stint?'  The Ox replied:  'I do not wish to be ungrateful, for I am  loved and well cared for by men, and they often pat my head and  shoulders.'  'Woe's me!'  said the flea; 'this very patting which  you like, whenever it happens to me, brings with it my inevitable  destruction.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Flea and the Wrestler     A FLEA settled upon the bare foot of a Wrestler and bit him,  causing the man to call loudly upon Hercules for help.  When the  Flea a second time hopped upon his foot, he groaned and said, 'O  Hercules! if you will not help me against a Flea, how can I hope  for your assistance against greater antagonists?'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Flies and the Honey-Pot     A NUMBER of Flies were attracted to a jar of honey which had been  overturned in a housekeeper's room, and placing their feet in it,  ate greedily.  Their feet, however, became so smeared with the  honey that they could not use their wings, nor release  themselves, and were suffocated.  Just as they were expiring,  they exclaimed, 'O foolish creatures that we are, for the sake of  a little pleasure we have destroyed ourselves.'     Pleasure bought with pains, hurts.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Fly and the Draught-Mule     A FLY sat on the axle-tree of a chariot, and addressing the  Draught-Mule said, 'How slow you are! Why do you not go faster?  See if I do not prick your neck with my sting.'  The Draught-Mule  replied, 'I do not heed your threats; I only care for him who  sits above you, and who quickens my pace with his whip, or holds  me back with the reins.  Away, therefore, with your insolence,  for I know well when to go fast, and when to go slow.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Fowler and the Viper     A FOWLER, taking his bird-lime and his twigs, went out to catch  birds.  Seeing a thrush sitting upon a tree, he wished to take  it, and fitting his twigs to a proper length, watched intently,  having his whole thoughts directed towards the sky.  While thus  looking upwards, he unknowingly trod upon a Viper asleep just  before his feet.  The Viper, turning about, stung him, and  falling into a swoon, the man said to himself, 'Woe is me! that  while I purposed to hunt another, I am myself fallen unawares  into the snares of death.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Fox and the Bramble     A FOX was mounting a hedge when he lost his footing and caught  hold of a Bramble to save himself.  Having pricked and grievously  tom the soles of his feet, he accused the Bramble because, when  he had fled to her for assistance, she had used him worse than  the hedge itself.  The Bramble, interrupting him, said, 'But you  really must have been out of your senses to fasten yourself on  me, who am myself always accustomed to fasten upon others.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Aesop's Fables; Hospitality, ","The Fox and the Crane     A FOX invited a Crane to supper and provided nothing for his  entertainment but some soup made of pulse, which was poured out  into a broad flat stone dish.  The soup fell out of the long bill  of the Crane at every mouthful, and his vexation at not being  able to eat afforded the Fox much amusement.  The Crane, in his  turn, asked the Fox to sup with him, and set before her a flagon  with a long narrow mouth, so that he could easily insert his neck  and enjoy its contents at his leisure.  The Fox, unable even to  taste it, met with a fitting requital, after the fashion of her  own hospitality.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,4/10/2014
Aesop's Fables;,"The Fox and the Crow     A CROW having stolen a bit of meat, perched in a tree and held it  in her beak.  A Fox, seeing this, longed to possess the meat  himself, and by a wily stratagem succeeded.  'How handsome is the  Crow,' he exclaimed, in the beauty of her shape and in the  fairness of her complexion! Oh, if her voice were only equal to  her beauty, she would deservedly be considered the Queen of  Birds!'  This he said deceitfully; but the Crow, anxious to refute  the reflection cast upon her voice, set up a loud caw and dropped  the flesh.  The Fox quickly picked it up, and thus addressed the  Crow:  'My good Crow, your voice is right enough, but your wit is  wanting.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Fox and the Goat     A FOX one day fell into a deep well and could find no means of  escape.  A Goat, overcome with thirst, came to the same well, and  seeing the Fox, inquired if the water was good.  Concealing his  sad plight under a merry guise, the Fox indulged in a lavish  praise of the water, saying it was excellent beyond measure, and  encouraging him to descend.  The Goat, mindful only of his  thirst, thoughtlessly jumped down, but just as he drank, the Fox  informed him of the difficulty they were both in and suggested a  scheme for their common escape.  'If,' said he, 'you will place  your forefeet upon the wall and bend your head, I will run up  your back and escape, and will help you out afterwards.'  The Goat  readily assented and the Fox leaped upon his back.  Steadying  himself with the Goat's horns, he safely reached the mouth of the  well and made off as fast as he could.  When the Goat upbraided  him for breaking his promise, he turned around and cried out,  'You foolish old fellow! If you had as many brains in your head  as you have hairs in your beard, you would never have gone down  before you had inspected the way up, nor have exposed yourself to  dangers from which you had no means of escape.'       Look before you leap.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Fox and the Grapes     A FAMISHED FOX saw some clusters of ripe black grapes hanging  from a trellised vine.  She resorted to all her tricks to get at  them, but wearied herself in vain, for she could not reach them.   At last she turned away, hiding her disappointment and saying:  'The Grapes are sour, and not ripe as I thought.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Fox and the Hedgehog     A FOX swimming across a rapid river was carried by the force of  the current into a very deep ravine, where he lay for a long time  very much bruised, sick, and unable to move.  A swarm of hungry  blood-sucking flies settled upon him.  A Hedgehog, passing by,  saw his anguish and inquired if he should drive away the flies  that were tormenting him.  'By no means,' replied the Fox; 'pray  do not molest them.'  'How is this?'  said the Hedgehog; 'do you  not want to be rid of them?'  'No,' returned the Fox, 'for these  flies which you see are full of blood, and sting me but little,  and if you rid me of these which are already satiated, others  more hungry will come in their place, and will drink up all the  blood I have left.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Fox and the Leopard     THE FOX and the Leopard disputed which was the more beautiful of  the two.  The Leopard exhibited one by one the various spots  which decorated his skin.  But the Fox, interrupting him, said,  'And how much more beautiful than you am I, who am decorated, not  in body, but in mind.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Fox and the Lion     A FOX saw a Lion confined in a cage, and standing near him,  bitterly reviled him.  The Lion said to the Fox, 'It is not thou  who revilest me; but this mischance which has befallen me.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Fox and the Lion     WHEN A FOX who had never yet seen a Lion, fell in with him by  chance for the first time in the forest, he was so frightened  that he nearly died with fear.  On meeting him for the second  time, he was still much alarmed, but not to the same extent as at  first.  On seeing him the third time, he so increased in boldness  that he went up to him and commenced a familiar conversation with  him.       Acquaintance softens prejudices.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Fox and the Mask     A FOX entered the house of an actor and, rummaging through all  his properties, came upon a Mask, an admirable imitation of a  human head.  He placed his paws on it and said, 'What a beautiful  head! Yet it is of no value, as it entirely lacks brains.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Fox and the Monkey     A FOX and a Monkey were traveling together on the same road.  As  they journeyed, they passed through a cemetery full of monuments.   'All these monuments which you see,' said the Monkey, 'are  erected in honor of my ancestors, who were in their day freedmen  and citizens of great renown.'  The Fox replied, 'You have chosen  a most appropriate subject for your falsehoods, as I am sure none  of your ancestors will be able to contradict you.'       A false tale often betrays itself.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Fox and the Monkey     A MONKEY once danced in an assembly of the Beasts, and so pleased  them all by his performance that they elected him their King.  A  Fox, envying him the honor, discovered a piece of meat lying in a  trap, and leading the Monkey to the place where it was, said that  she had found a store, but had not used it  e had kept it for him  as treasure trove of his kingdom, and counseled him to lay hold  of it.  The Monkey approached carelessly and was caught in the  trap; and on his accusing the Fox of purposely leading him into  the snare, she replied, 'O Monkey, and are you, with such a mind  as yours, going to be King over the Beasts?'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Fox and the Woodcutter     A FOX, running before the hounds, came across a Woodcutter  felling an oak and begged him to show him a safe hiding-place.   The Woodcutter advised him to take shelter in his own hut, so the  Fox crept in and hid himself in a corner.  The huntsman soon came  up with his hounds and inquired of the Woodcutter if he had seen  the Fox.  He declared that he had not seen him, and yet pointed,  all the time he was speaking, to the hut where the Fox lay  hidden.  The huntsman took no notice of the signs, but believing  his word, hastened forward in the chase.  As soon as they were  well away, the Fox departed without taking any notice of the  Woodcutter:  whereon he called to him and reproached him, saying,  'You ungrateful fellow, you owe your life to me, and yet you  leave me without a word of thanks.'  The Fox replied, 'Indeed, I  should have thanked you fervently if your deeds had been as good  as your words, and if your hands had not been traitors to your  speech.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Fox Who Had Lost His Tail     A FOX caught in a trap escaped, but in so doing lost his tail.   Thereafter, feeling his life a burden from the shame and ridicule  to which he was exposed, he schemed to convince all the other  Foxes that being tailless was much more attractive, thus making  up for his own deprivation.  He assembled a good many Foxes and  publicly advised them to cut off their tails, saying that they  would not only look much better without them, but that they would  get rid of the weight of the brush, which was a very great  inconvenience.  One of them interrupting him said, 'If you had  not yourself lost your tail, my friend, you would not thus  counsel us.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"THE FROGS, grieved at having no established Ruler, sent ambassadors to Jupiter entreating for a King.  Perceiving their  simplicity, he cast down a huge log into the lake.  The Frogs were terrified at the splash occasioned by its fall and hid themselves in the depths of the pool.  But as soon as they realized that the huge log was motionless, they swam again to the top of the water, dismissed their fears, climbed up, and began squatting on it in contempt.  After some time they began to think themselves ill-treated in the appointment of so inert a Ruler, and sent a second deputation to Jupiter to pray that he would set over them another sovereign.  He then gave them an Eel to govern them.  When the Frogs discovered his easy good nature, they sent yet a third time to Jupiter to beg him to choose for them still  another King.","Jupiter, displeased with all their complaints, sent a Heron, who preyed upon the Frogs day by day till there were none left to croak upon the lake.",,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Gamecocks and the Partridge     A MAN had two Gamecocks in his poultry-yard.  One day by chance  he found a tame Partridge for sale.  He purchased it and brought  it home to be reared with his Gamecocks.  When the Partridge was  put into the poultry-yard, they struck at it and followed it  about, so that the Partridge became grievously troubled and  supposed that he was thus evilly treated because he was a  stranger.  Not long afterwards he saw the Cocks fighting together  and not separating before one had well beaten the other.  He then  said to himself, 'I shall no longer distress myself at being  struck at by these Gamecocks, when I see that they cannot even  refrain from quarreling with each other.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Geese and the Cranes     THE GEESE and the Cranes were feeding in the same meadow, when a bird catcher came to ensnare them in his nets.  The Cranes, being  light of wing, fled away at his approach; while the Geese, being  slower of flight and heavier in their bodies, were captured.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Gnat and the Bull     A GNAT settled on the horn of a Bull, and sat there a long time.   Just as he was about to fly off, he made a buzzing noise, and  inquired of the Bull if he would like him to go.  The Bull  replied, 'I did not know you had come, and I shall not miss you  when you go away.'       Some men are of more consequence in their own eyes than in the  eyes of their neighbors.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Gnat and the Lion     A GNAT came and said to a Lion, 'I do not in the least fear you,  nor are you stronger than I am.  For in what does your strength  consist? You can scratch with your claws and bite with your teeth  an a woman in her quarrels.  I repeat that I am altogether more  powerful than you; and if you doubt it, let us fight and see who  will conquer.'  The Gnat, having sounded his horn, fastened  himself upon the Lion and stung him on the nostrils and the parts  of the face devoid of hair.  While trying to crush him, the Lion  tore himself with his claws, until he punished himself severely.   The Gnat thus prevailed over the Lion, and, buzzing about in a  song of triumph, flew away.  But shortly afterwards he became  entangled in the meshes of a cobweb and was eaten by a spider.   He greatly lamented his fate, saying, 'Woe is me! that I, who can  wage war successfully with the hugest beasts, should perish  myself from this spider, the most inconsiderable of insects!'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Goat and the Ass     A MAN once kept a Goat and an Ass.  The Goat, envying the Ass on  account of his greater abundance of food, said, 'How shamefully  you are treated:  at one time grinding in the mill, and at another  carrying heavy burdens'; and he further advised him to pretend to  be epileptic and fall into a ditch and so obtain rest.  The Ass  listened to his words, and falling into a ditch, was very much  bruised.  His master, sending for a leech, asked his advice.  He  bade him pour upon the wounds the lungs of a Goat.  They at once  killed the Goat, and so healed the Ass.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Goat and the Goatherd    A GOATHERD had sought to bring back a stray goat to his flock.   He whistled and sounded his horn in vain; the straggler paid no  attention to the summons.  At last the Goatherd threw a stone,  and breaking its horn, begged the Goat not to tell his master.   The Goat replied, 'Why, you silly fellow, the horn will speak  though I be silent.'       Do not attempt to hide things which cannot be hid.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Goatherd and the Wild Goats     A GOATHERD, driving his flock from their pasture at eventide,  found some Wild Goats mingled among them, and shut them up  together with his own for the night.  The next day it snowed very  hard, so that he could not take the herd to their usual feeding  places, but was obliged to keep them in the fold.  He gave his  own goats just sufficient food to keep them alive, but fed the  strangers more abundantly in the hope of enticing them to stay  with him and of making them his own.  When the thaw set in, he  led them all out to feed, and the Wild Goats scampered away as  fast as they could to the mountains.  The Goatherd scolded them  for their ingratitude in leaving him, when during the storm he  had taken more care of them than of his own herd.  One of them,  turning about, said to him:  'That is the very reason why we are  so cautious; for if you yesterday treated us better than the  Goats you have had so long, it is plain also that if others came  after us, you would in the same manner prefer them to ourselves.'     Old friends cannot with impunity be sacrificed for new ones.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Goods and the Ills     ALL the Goods were once driven out by the Ills from that common  share which they each had in the affairs of mankind; for the Ills  by reason of their numbers had prevailed to possess the earth.   The Goods wafted themselves to heaven and asked for a righteous  vengeance on their persecutors.  They entreated Jupiter that they  might no longer be associated with the Ills, as they had nothing  in common and could not live together, but were engaged in  unceasing warfare; and that an indissoluble law might be laid  down for their future protection.  Jupiter granted their request  and decreed that henceforth the Ills should visit the earth in  company with each other, but that the Goods should one by one  enter the habitations of men.  Hence it arises that Ills abound,  for they come not one by one, but in troops, and by no means  singly:  while the Goods proceed from Jupiter, and are given, not  alike to all, but singly, and separately; and one by one to those  who are able to discern them.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Grasshopper and the Owl     AN OWL, accustomed to feed at night and to sleep during the day,  was greatly disturbed by the noise of a Grasshopper and earnestly  besought her to stop chirping.  The Grasshopper refused to  desist, and chirped louder and louder the more the Owl entreated.   When she saw that she could get no redress and that her words  were despised, the Owl attacked the chatterer by a stratagem.   'Since I cannot sleep,' she said, 'on account of your song which,  believe me, is sweet as the lyre of Apollo, I shall indulge  myself in drinking some nectar which Pallas lately gave me.  If  you do not dislike it, come to me and we will drink it together.'  The Grasshopper, who was thirsty, and pleased with the praise of  her voice, eagerly flew up.  The Owl came forth from her hollow,  seized her, and put her to death.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Hare and the Hound     A HOUND started a Hare from his lair, but after a long run, gave  up the chase.  A goat-herd seeing him stop, mocked him, saying  'The little one is the best runner of the two.'  The Hound  replied, 'You do not see the difference between us:  I was only  running for a dinner, but he for his life.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Hare and the Tortoise     A HARE one day ridiculed the short feet and slow pace of the  Tortoise, who replied, laughing:  'Though you be swift as the  wind, I will beat you in a race.'  The Hare, believing her  assertion to be simply impossible, assented to the proposal; and  they agreed that the Fox should choose the course and fix the  goal.  On the day appointed for the race the two started  together.  The Tortoise never for a moment stopped, but went on  with a slow but steady pace straight to the end of the course.   The Hare, lying down by the wayside, fell fast asleep.  At last  waking up, and moving as fast as he could, he saw the Tortoise  had reached the goal, and was comfortably dozing after her  fatigue.       Slow but steady wins the race.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Hares and the Foxes     THE HARES waged war with the Eagles, and called upon the Foxes to  help them.  They replied, 'We would willingly have helped you, if  we had not known who you were, and with whom you were fighting.'  Count the cost before you commit yourselves.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Hares and the Lions     THE HARES harangued the assembly, and argued that all should be  equal.  The Lions made this reply:  'Your words, O Hares! are  good; but they lack both claws and teeth such as we have.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"THE HARES, oppressed by their own exceeding timidity and weary of  the perpetual alarm to which they were exposed, with one accord  determined to put an end to themselves and their troubles by jumping from a lofty precipice into a deep lake below.  As they scampered off in large numbers to carry out their resolve, the Frogs lying on the banks of the lake heard the noise of their feet and rushed helter-skelter to the deep water for safety.","On seeing the rapid disappearance of the Frogs, one of the Hares cried out to his companions:  'Stay, my friends, do not do as you intended; for you now see that there are creatures who are still more timid than ourselves.'",,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Hart and the Vine     A HART, hard pressed in the chase, hid himself beneath the large  leaves of a Vine.  The huntsmen, in their haste, overshot the  place of his concealment.  Supposing all danger to have passed,  the Hart began to nibble the tendrils of the Vine.  One of the  huntsmen, attracted by the rustling of the leaves, looked back,  and seeing the Hart, shot an arrow from his bow and struck it.   The Hart, at the point of death, groaned:  'I am rightly served,  for I should not have maltreated the Vine that saved me.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Hawk and the Nightingale     A NIGHTINGALE, sitting aloft upon an oak and singing according to  his wont, was seen by a Hawk who, being in need of food, swooped  down and seized him.  The Nightingale, about to lose his life,  earnestly begged the Hawk to let him go, saying that he was not  big enough to satisfy the hunger of a Hawk who, if he wanted  food, ought to pursue the larger birds.  The Hawk, interrupting  him, said:  'I should indeed have lost my senses if I should let  go food ready in my hand, for the sake of pursuing birds which  are not yet even within sight.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Hawk, the Kite, and the Pigeons     THE PIGEONS, terrified by the appearance of a Kite, called upon  the Hawk to defend them.  He at once consented.  When they had  admitted him into the cote, they found that he made more havoc  and slew a larger number of them in one day than the Kite could  pounce upon in a whole year.       Avoid a remedy that is worse than the disease.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Heifer and the Ox     A HEIFER saw an Ox hard at work harnessed to a plow, and  tormented him with reflections on his unhappy fate in being  compelled to labor.  Shortly afterwards, at the harvest festival,  the owner released the Ox from his yoke, but bound the Heifer  with cords and led him away to the altar to be slain in honor of  the occasion.  The Ox saw what was being done, and said with a  smile to the Heifer:  'For this you were allowed to live in  idleness, because you were presently to be sacrificed.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Hen and the Golden Eggs     A COTTAGER and his wife had a Hen that laid a golden egg every  day.  They supposed that the Hen must contain a great lump of  gold in its inside, and in order to get the gold they killed it.   Having done so, they found to their surprise that the Hen  differed in no respect from their other hens.  The foolish pair,  thus hoping to become rich all at once, deprived themselves of  the gain of which they were assured day by day.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Hen and the Swallow     A HEN finding the eggs of a viper and carefully keeping them  warm, nourished them into life.  A Swallow, observing what she  had done, said, 'You silly creature! why have you hatched these  vipers which, when they shall have grown, will inflict injury on  all, beginning with yourself?'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Herdsman and the Lost Bull     A HERDSMAN tending his flock in a forest lost a Bull-calf from  the fold.  After a long and fruitless search, he made a vow that,  if he could only discover the thief who had stolen the Calf, he  would offer a lamb in sacrifice to Hermes, Pan, and the Guardian  Deities of the forest.  Not long afterwards, as he ascended a  small hillock, he saw at its foot a Lion feeding on the Calf.   Terrified at the sight, he lifted his eyes and his hands to  heaven, and said:  'Just now I vowed to offer a lamb to the  Guardian Deities of the forest if I could only find out who had  robbed me; but now that I have discovered the thief, I would  willingly add a full-grown Bull to the Calf I have lost, if I may  only secure my own escape from him in safety.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Horse and Groom     A GROOM used to spend whole days in currycombing and rubbing down his Horse, but at the same time stole his oats and sold them for  his own profit.  'Alas!'  said the Horse, 'if you really wish me  to be in good condition, you should groom me less, and feed me  more.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Horse and His Rider     A HORSE SOLDIER took the utmost pains with his charger.  As long  as the war lasted, he looked upon him as his fellow-helper in all  emergencies and fed him carefully with hay and corn.  But when  the war was over, he only allowed him chaff to eat and made him  carry heavy loads of wood, subjecting him to much slavish  drudgery and ill-treatment.  War was again proclaimed, however,  and when the trumpet summoned him to his standard, the Soldier  put on his charger its military trappings, and mounted, being  clad in his heavy coat of mail.  The Horse fell down straightway  under the weight, no longer equal to the burden, and said to his  master, 'You must now go to the war on foot, for you have  transformed me from a Horse into an Ass; and how can you expect  that I can again turn in a moment from an Ass to a Horse?'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Horse and the Ass     A HORSE, proud of his fine trappings, met an Ass on the highway.   The Ass, being heavily laden, moved slowly out of the way.   'Hardly,' said the Horse, 'can I resist kicking you with my  heels.'  The Ass held his peace, and made only a silent appeal to  the justice of the gods.  Not long afterwards the Horse, having  become broken-winded, was sent by his owner to the farm.  The  Ass, seeing him drawing a dung cart, thus derided him:  'Where, O  boaster, are now all thy gay trappings, thou who are thyself  reduced to the condition you so lately treated with contempt?'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Horse and the Stag     AT ONE TIME the Horse had the plain entirely to himself.  Then a  Stag intruded into his domain and shared his pasture.  The Horse,  desiring to revenge himself on the stranger, asked a man if he  were willing to help him in punishing the Stag.  The man replied  that if the Horse would receive a bit in his mouth and agree to  carry him, he would contrive effective weapons against the Stag.   The Horse consented and allowed the man to mount him.  From that  hour he found that instead of obtaining revenge on the Stag, he  had enslaved himself to the service of man.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Hunter and the Horseman     A CERTAIN HUNTER, having snared a hare, placed it upon his  shoulders and set out homewards.  On his way he met a man on  horseback who begged the hare of him, under the pretense of  purchasing it.  However, when the Horseman got the hare, he rode  off as fast as he could.  The Hunter ran after him, as if he was  sure of overtaking him, but the Horseman increased more and more  the distance between them.  The Hunter, sorely against his will,  called out to him and said, 'Get along with you! for I will now  make you a present of the hare.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Hunter and the Woodman     A HUNTER, not very bold, was searching for the tracks of a Lion.   He asked a man felling oaks in the forest if he had seen any  marks of his footsteps or knew where his lair was.  'I will,'  said the man, 'at once show you the Lion himself.'  The Hunter,  turning very pale and chattering with his teeth from fear,  replied, 'No, thank you.  I did not ask that; it is his track  only I am in search of, not the Lion himself.'       The hero is brave in deeds as well as words.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Huntsman and the Fisherman     A HUNTSMAN, returning with his dogs from the field, fell in by  chance with a Fisherman who was bringing home a basket well laden  with fish.  The Huntsman wished to have the fish, and their owner  experienced an equal longing for the contents of the game-bag.  They quickly agreed to exchange the produce of their day's sport.   Each was so well pleased with his bargain that they made for some  time the same exchange day after day.  Finally a neighbor said to  them, 'If you go on in this way, you will soon destroy by  frequent use the pleasure of your exchange, and each will again  wish to retain the fruits of his own sport.'       Abstain and enjoy.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Image of Mercury and the Carpenter     A VERY POOR MAN, a Carpenter by trade, had a wooden image of  Mercury, before which he made offerings day by day, and begged  the idol to make him rich, but in spite of his entreaties he  became poorer and poorer.  At last, being very angry, he took his  image down from its pedestal and dashed it against the wall.   When its head was knocked off, out came a stream of gold, which  the Carpenter quickly picked up and said, 'Well, I think thou art  altogether contradictory and unreasonable; for when I paid you  honor, I reaped no benefits:  but now that I maltreat you I am  loaded with an abundance of riches.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Jackdaw and the Doves     A JACKDAW, seeing some Doves in a cote abundantly provided with  food, painted himself white and joined them in order to share  their plentiful maintenance.  The Doves, as long as he was  silent, supposed him to be one of themselves and admitted him to  their cote.  But when one day he forgot himself and began to  chatter, they discovered his true character and drove him forth,  pecking him with their beaks.  Failing to obtain food among the  Doves, he returned to the Jackdaws.  They too, not recognizing  him on account of his color.  expelled him from living with them.   So desiring two ends, he obtained neither.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Jackdaw and the Fox     A HALF-FAMISHED JACKDAW seated himself on a fig-tree, which had  produced some fruit entirely out of season, and waited in the  hope that the figs would ripen.  A Fox seeing him sitting so long  and learning the reason of his doing so, said to him, 'You are  indeed, sir, sadly deceiving yourself; you are indulging a hope  strong enough to cheat you, but which will never reward you with  enjoyment.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Kid and the Wolf     A KID, returning without protection from the pasture, was pursued  by a Wolf.  Seeing he could not escape, he turned round, and  said:  'I know, friend Wolf, that I must be your prey, but before  I die I would ask of you one favor you will play me a tune to  which I may dance.'  The Wolf complied, and while he was piping  and the Kid was dancing, some hounds hearing the sound ran up and  began chasing the Wolf.  Turning to the Kid, he said, 'It is just  what I deserve; for I, who am only a butcher, should not have  turned piper to please you.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The King's Son and the Painted Lion     A KING, whose only son was fond of martial exercises, had a dream  in which he was warned that his son would be killed by a lion.   Afraid the dream should prove true, he built for his son a  pleasant palace and adorned its walls for his amusement with all  kinds of life-sized animals, among which was the picture of a  lion.  When the young Prince saw this, his grief at being thus  confined burst out afresh, and, standing near the lion, he said:  'O you most detestable of animals! through a lying dream of my  father's, which he saw in his sleep, I am shut up on your account  in this palace as if I had been a girl:  what shall I now do to  you?'  With these words he stretched out his hands toward a  thorn-tree, meaning to cut a stick from its branches so that he  might beat the lion.  But one of the tree's prickles pierced his  finger and caused great pain and inflammation, so that the young  Prince fell down in a fainting fit.  A violent fever suddenly set  in, from which he died not many days later.       We had better bear our troubles bravely than try to escape them.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Kingdom of the Lion     THE BEASTS of the field and forest had a Lion as their king.  He  was neither wrathful, cruel, nor tyrannical, but just and gentle  as a king could be.  During his reign he made a royal  proclamation for a general assembly of all the birds and beasts,  and drew up conditions for a universal league, in which the Wolf  and the Lamb, the Panther and the Kid, the Tiger and the Stag,  the Dog and the Hare, should live together in perfect peace and  amity.  The Hare said, 'Oh, how I have longed to see this day, in  which the weak shall take their place with impunity by the side  of the strong.'","And after the Hare said this, he ran for his life.",,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Kites and the Swans     THE KITES of olden times, as well as the Swans, had the privilege  of song.  But having heard the neigh of the horse, they were so  enchanted with the sound, that they tried to imitate it; and, in  trying to neigh, they forgot how to sing.       The desire for imaginary benefits often involves the loss of  present blessings.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables; The Laborer and the Snake,"A SNAKE, having made his hole close to the porch of a cottage,  inflicted a mortal bite on the Cottager's infant son.  Grieving  over his loss, the Father resolved to kill the Snake.  The next  day, when it came out of its hole for food, he took up his axe,  but by swinging too hastily, missed its head and cut off only the  end of its tail.  After some time the Cottager, afraid that the  Snake would bite him also, endeavored to make peace, and placed  some bread and salt in the hole.  ","The Snake, slightly hissing,  said:  'There can henceforth be no peace between us; for whenever  I see you I shall remember the loss of my tail, and whenever you  see me you will be thinking of the death of your son.'  No one truly forgets injuries in the presence of him who caused  the injury.",,Jk Quotes;,,,,,7/8/2025
Aesop's Fables;,"The Lamb and the Wolf     A WOLF pursued a Lamb, which fled for refuge to a certain Temple.   The Wolf called out to him and said, 'The Priest will slay you in  sacrifice, if he should catch you.'  On which the Lamb replied,  'It would be better for me to be sacrificed in the Temple than to  be eaten by you.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Lamp     A LAMP, soaked with too much oil and flaring brightly, boasted  that it gave more light than the sun.  Then a sudden puff of wind  arose, and the Lamp was immediately extinguished.  Its owner lit  it again, and said:  'Boast no more, but henceforth be content to  give thy light in silence.  Know that not even the stars need to  be relit'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Lark and Her Young Ones     A LARK had made her nest in the early spring on the young green  wheat.  The brood had almost grown to their full strength and  attained the use of their wings and the full plumage of their  feathers, when the owner of the field, looking over his ripe  crop, said, 'The time has come when I must ask all my neighbors  to help me with my harvest.'  One of the young Larks heard his  speech and related it to his mother, inquiring of her to what  place they should move for safety.  'There is no occasion to move  yet, my son,' she replied; 'the man who only sends to his friends  to help him with his harvest is not really in earnest.'  The owner  of the field came again a few days later and saw the wheat  shedding the grain from excess of ripeness.  He said, 'I will  come myself tomorrow with my laborers, and with as many reapers  as I can hire, and will get in the harvest.'  The Lark on hearing  these words said to her brood, 'It is time now to be off, my  little ones, for the man is in earnest this time; he no longer  trusts his friends, but will reap the field himself.'       Self-help is the best help.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Lark Burying Her Father     THE LARK (according to an ancient legend) was created before the  earth itself, and when her father died, as there was no earth,  she could find no place of burial for him.  She let him lie  un interred for five days, and on the sixth day, not knowing what  else to do, she buried him in her own head.  Hence she obtained  her crest, which is popularly said to be her father's  grave-hillock.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Lion and the Boar    ON A SUMMER DAY, when the great heat induced a general thirst  among the beasts, a Lion and a Boar came at the same moment to a  small well to drink.  They fiercely disputed which of them should  drink first, and were soon engaged in the agonies of a mortal  combat.  When they stopped suddenly to catch their breath for a  fiercer renewal of the fight, they saw some Vultures waiting in  the distance to feast on the one that should fall first.  They at  once made up their quarrel, saying, 'It is better for us to make  friends, than to become the food of Crows or Vultures.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Lion and the Bull     A LION, greatly desiring to capture a Bull, and yet afraid to  attack him on account of his great size, resorted to a trick to  ensure his destruction.  He approached the Bull and said, 'I have  slain a fine sheep, my friend; and if you will come home and  partake of him with me, I shall be delighted to have your  company.'  The Lion said this in the hope that, as the Bull was in  the act of reclining to eat, he might attack him to advantage,  and make his meal on him.  The Bull, on approaching the Lion's  den, saw the huge spits and giant caldrons, and no sign whatever  of the sheep, and, without saying a word, quietly took his  departure.  The Lion inquired why he went off so abruptly without  a word of salutation to his host, who had not given him any cause  for offense.  'I have reasons enough,' said the Bull.  'I see no  indication whatever of your having slaughtered a sheep, while I  do see very plainly every preparation for your dining on a bull.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Lion and the Dolphin     A LION roaming by the seashore saw a Dolphin lift up its head out  of the waves, and suggested that they contract an alliance,  saying that of all the animals they ought to be the best friends,  since the one was the king of beasts on the earth, and the other  was the sovereign ruler of all the inhabitants of the ocean.  The  Dolphin gladly consented to this request.  Not long afterwards  the Lion had a combat with a wild bull, and called on the Dolphin  to help him.  The Dolphin, though quite willing to give him  assistance, was unable to do so, as he could not by any means  reach the land.  The Lion abused him as a traitor.  The Dolphin  replied, 'Nay, my friend, blame not me, but Nature, which, while  giving me the sovereignty of the sea, has quite denied me the  power of living upon the land.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Lion and the Eagle     AN EAGLE stayed his flight and entreated a Lion to make an  alliance with him to their mutual advantage.  The Lion replied,  'I have no objection, but you must excuse me for requiring you to  find surety for your good faith, for how can I trust anyone as a  friend who is able to fly away from his bargain whenever he  pleases?'",Try before you trust.,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Lion and the Fox     A FOX entered into partnership with a Lion on the pretense of  becoming his servant.  Each undertook his proper duty in  accordance with his own nature and powers.  The Fox discovered  and pointed out the prey; the Lion sprang on it and seized it.   The Fox soon became jealous of the Lion carrying off the Lion's  share, and said that he would no longer find out the prey, but  would capture it on his own account.  The next day he attempted  to snatch a lamb from the fold, but he himself fell prey to the  huntsmen and hounds.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Lion and the Hare     A LION came across a Hare, who was fast asleep.  He was just in  the act of seizing her, when a fine young Hart trotted by, and he  left the Hare to follow him.  The Hare, scared by the noise,  awoke and scudded away.  The Lion was unable after a long chase  to catch the Hart, and returned to feed upon the Hare.  On  finding that the Hare also had run off, he said, 'I am rightly  served, for having let go of the food that I had in my hand for  the chance of obtaining more.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Lion and the Mouse     A LION was awakened from sleep by a Mouse running over his face.   Rising up angrily, he caught him and was about to kill him, when  the Mouse piteously entreated, saying:  'If you would only spare  my life, I would be sure to repay your kindness.'  The Lion  laughed and let him go.  It happened shortly after this that the  Lion was caught by some hunters, who bound him by ropes to the  ground.  The Mouse, recognizing his roar, came gnawed the rope  with his teeth, and set him free, exclaim      'You ridiculed the idea of my ever being able to help you,  expecting to receive from me any repayment of your favor; I now  you know that it is possible for even a Mouse to con benefits on  a Lion.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Lion and the Shepherd     A LION, roaming through a forest, trod upon a thorn.  Soon  afterward he came up to a Shepherd and fawned upon him, wagging  his tail as if to say, 'I am a suppliant, and seek your aid.'  The  Shepherd boldly examined the beast, discovered the thorn, and  placing his paw upon his lap, pulled it out; thus relieved of his  pain, the Lion returned into the forest.  Some time after, the  Shepherd, being imprisoned on a false accusation, was condemned  'to be cast to the Lions' as the punishment for his imputed  crime.  But when the Lion was released from his cage, he  recognized the Shepherd as the man who healed him, and instead of  attacking him, approached and placed his foot upon his lap.  The  King, as soon as he heard the tale, ordered the Lion to be set  free again in the forest, and the Shepherd to be pardoned and  restored to his friends.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Lion and the Three Bulls     THREE BULLS for a long time pastured together.  A Lion lay in  ambush in the hope of making them his prey, but was afraid to  attack them while they kept together.  Having at last by guileful  speeches succeeded in separating them, he attacked them without  fear as they fed alone, and feasted on them one by one at his own  leisure.       Union is strength.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Lion in a Farmyard     A LION entered a farmyard.  The Farmer, wishing to catch him,  shut the gate.  When the Lion found that he could not escape, he  flew upon the sheep and killed them, and then attacked the oxen.   The Farmer, beginning to be alarmed for his own safety, opened  the gate and released the Lion.  On his departure the Farmer  grievously lamented the destruction of his sheep and oxen, but  his wife, who had been a spectator to all that took place, said,  'On my word, you are rightly served, for how could you for a  moment think of shutting up a Lion along with you in your  farmyard when you know that you shake in your shoes if you only  hear his roar at a distance?'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Lion in Love     A LION demanded the daughter of a woodcutter in marriage.  The  Father, unwilling to grant, and yet afraid to refuse his request,  hit upon this expedient to rid himself of his importunities.  He  expressed his willingness to accept the Lion as the suitor of his  daughter on one condition:  that he should allow him to extract  his teeth, and cut off his claws, as his daughter was fearfully  afraid of both.  The Lion cheerfully assented to the proposal.   But when the toothless, clawless Lion returned to repeat his  request, the Woodman, no longer afraid, set upon him with his  club, and drove him away into the forest.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Lion, the Bear, and the Fox     A LION and a Bear seized a Kid at the same moment, and fought  fiercely for its possession.  When they had fearfully lacerated  each other and were faint from the long combat, they lay down  exhausted with fatigue.  A Fox, who had gone round them at a  distance several times, saw them both stretched on the ground  with the Kid lying untouched in the middle.  He ran in between  them, and seizing the Kid scampered off as fast as he could.  The  Lion and the Bear saw him, but not being able to get up, said,  'Woe be to us, that we should have fought and belabored ourselves  only to serve the turn of a Fox.'       It sometimes happens that one man has all the toil, and another  all the profit.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Lion, the Fox, and the Ass     THE LION, the Fox and the Ass entered into an agreement to assist  each other in the chase.  Having secured a large booty, the Lion  on their return from the forest asked the Ass to allot his due  portion to each of the three partners in the treaty.  The Ass  carefully divided the spoil into three equal shares and modestly  requested the two others to make the first choice.  The Lion,  bursting out into a great rage, devoured the Ass.  Then he  requested the Fox to do him the favor to make a division.  The  Fox accumulated all that they had killed into one large heap and  left to himself the smallest possible morsel.  The Lion said,  'Who has taught you, my very excellent fellow, the art of  division? You are perfect to a fraction.'  He replied, 'I learned  it from the Ass, by witnessing his fate.'       Happy is the man who learns from the misfortunes of others.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Lion, the Mouse, and the Fox     A LION, fatigued by the heat of a summer's day, fell fast asleep  in his den.  A Mouse ran over his mane and ears and woke him from  his slumbers.  He rose up and shook himself in great wrath, and  searched every corner of his den to find the Mouse.  A Fox seeing  him said:  'A fine Lion you are, to be frightened of a Mouse.'  ''Tis not the Mouse I fear,' said the Lion; 'I resent his  familiarity and ill-breeding.'      Little liberties are great offenses.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Lion, the Wolf, and the Fox     A LION, growing old, lay sick in his cave.  All the beasts came  to visit their king, except the Fox.  The Wolf therefore,  thinking that he had a capital opportunity, accused the Fox to  the Lion of not paying any respect to him who had the rule over  them all and of not coming to visit him.  At that very moment the  Fox came in and heard these last words of the Wolf.  The Lion  roaring out in a rage against him, the Fox sought an opportunity  to defend himself and said, 'And who of all those who have come  to you have benefited you so much as I, who have traveled from  place to place in every direction, and have sought and learnt  from the physicians the means of healing you?'  The Lion commanded  him immediately to tell him the cure, when he replied, 'You must  flay a wolf alive and wrap his skin yet warm around you.'  The  Wolf was at once taken and flayed; whereon the Fox, turning to  him, said with a smile, 'You should have moved your master not to  ill, but to good, will.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Lioness     A CONTROVERSY prevailed among the beasts of the field as to which  of the animals deserved the most credit for producing the  greatest number of whelps at a birth.  They rushed clamorously  into the presence of the Lioness and demanded of her the  settlement of the dispute.  'And you,' they said, 'how many sons  have you at a birth?'  The Lioness laughed at them, and said:  'Why! I have only one; but that one is altogether a thoroughbred  Lion.'       The value is in the worth, not in the number.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Man and His Two Sweethearts     A MIDDLE-AGED MAN, whose hair had begun to turn gray, courted two  women at the same time.  One of them was young, and the other  well advanced in years.  The elder woman, ashamed to be courted  by a man younger than herself, made a point, whenever her admirer  visited her, to pull out some portion of his black hairs.  The  younger, on the contrary, not wishing to become the wife of an  old man, was equally zealous in removing every gray hair she  could find.  Thus it came to pass that between them both he very  soon found that he had not a hair left on his head.       Those who seek to please everybody please nobody.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Man and His Wife     A MAN had a Wife who made herself hated by all the members of his  household.  Wishing to find out if she had the same effect on the  persons in her father's house, he made some excuse to send her  home on a visit to her father.  After a short time she returned,  and when he inquired how she had got on and how the servants had  treated her, she replied, 'The herdsmen and shepherds cast on me  looks of aversion.'  He said, 'O Wife, if you were disliked by  those who go out early in the morning with their flocks and  return late in the evening, what must have been felt towards you  by those with whom you passed the whole day!'       Straws show how the wind blows.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Man and the Lion     A MAN and a Lion traveled together through the forest.  They soon  began to boast of their respective superiority to each other in  strength and prowess.  As they were disputing, they passed a  statue carved in stone, which represented 'a Lion strangled by a  Man.'  The traveler pointed to it and said:  'See there! How strong  we are, and how we prevail over even the king of beasts.'  The  Lion replied:  'This statue was made by one of you men.  If we  Lions knew how to erect statues, you would see the Man placed  under the paw of the Lion.'       One story is good, till another is told.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Man and the Satyr     A MAN and a Satyr once drank together in token of a bond of  alliance being formed between them.  One very cold wintry day, as  they talked, the Man put his fingers to his mouth and blew on  them.  When the Satyr asked the reason for this, he told him that  he did it to warm his hands because they were so cold.  Later on  in the day they sat down to eat, and the food prepared was quite  scalding.  The Man raised one of the dishes a little towards his  mouth and blew in it.  When the Satyr again inquired the reason,  he said that he did it to cool the meat, which was too hot.  'I  can no longer consider you as a friend,' said the Satyr, 'a  fellow who with the same breath blows hot and cold.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Man Bitten by a Dog     A MAN who had been bitten by a Dog went about in quest of someone  who might heal him.  A friend, meeting him and learning what he  wanted, said, 'If you would be cured, take a piece of bread, and  dip it in the blood from your wound, and go and give it to the  Dog that bit you.'  The Man who had been bitten laughed at this  advice and said, 'Why? If I should do so, it would be as if I  should beg every Dog in the town to bite me.'       Benefits bestowed upon the evil-disposed increase their means of  injuring you.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Man, the Horse, the Ox, and the Dog     A HORSE, Ox, and Dog, driven to great straits by the cold, sought  shelter and protection from Man.  He received them kindly,  lighted a fire, and warmed them.  He let the Horse make free with  his oats, gave the Ox an abundance of hay, and fed the Dog with  meat from his own table.  Grateful for these favors, the animals  determined to repay him to the best of their ability.  For this  purpose, they divided the term of his life between them, and each  endowed one portion of it with the qualities which chiefly  characterized himself.  The Horse chose his earliest years and  gave them his own attributes:  hence every man is in his youth  impetuous, headstrong, and obstinate in maintaining his own  opinion.  The Ox took under his patronage the next term of life,  and therefore man in his middle age is fond of work, devoted to  labor, and resolute to amass wealth and to husband his resources.   The end of life was reserved for the Dog, wherefore the old man  is often snappish, irritable, hard to please, and selfish,  tolerant only of his own household, but averse to strangers and  to all who do not administer to his comfort or to his  necessities.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Manslayer     A MAN committed a murder, and was pursued by the relations of the  man whom he murdered.  On his reaching the river Nile he saw a  Lion on its bank and being fearfully afraid, climbed up a tree.   He found a serpent in the upper branches of the tree, and again  being greatly alarmed, he threw himself into the river, where a  crocodile caught him and ate him.  Thus the earth, the air, and  the water alike refused shelter to a murderer.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Master and His Dogs     A CERTAIN MAN, detained by a storm in his country house, first of  all killed his sheep, and then his goats, for the maintenance of  his household.  The storm still continuing, he was obliged to  slaughter his yoke oxen for food.  On seeing this, his Dogs took  counsel together, and said, 'It is time for us to be off, for if  the master spare not his oxen, who work for his gain, how can we  expect him to spare us?'       He is not to be trusted as a friend who mistreats his own family.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Mice and the Weasels     THE WEASELS and the Mice waged a perpetual war with each other,  in which much blood was shed.  The Weasels were always the  victors.  The Mice thought that the cause of their frequent  defeats was that they had no leaders set apart from the general  army to command them, and that they were exposed to dangers from  lack of discipline.  They therefore chose as leaders Mice that  were most renowned for their family descent, strength, and  counsel, as well as those most noted for their courage in the  fight, so that they might be better marshaled in battle array and  formed into troops, regiments, and battalions.  When all this was  done, and the army disciplined, and the herald Mouse had duly  proclaimed war by challenging the Weasels, the newly chosen  generals bound their heads with straws, that they might be more  conspicuous to all their troops.  Scarcely had the battle begun,  when a great rout overwhelmed the Mice, who scampered off as fast  as they could to their holes.  The generals, not being able to  get in on account of the ornaments on their heads, were all  captured and eaten by the Weasels.       The more honor the more danger.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Mice in Council     THE MICE summoned a council to decide how they might best devise means of warning themselves of the approach of their great enemy  the Cat.  Among the many plans suggested, the one that found most  favor was the proposal to tie a bell to the neck of the Cat, so  that the Mice, being warned by the sound of the tinkling, might  run away and hide themselves in their holes at his approach.","But  when the Mice further debated who among them should thus 'bell  the Cat,' there was no one found to do it.",,Jk Quotes;,REAL PEACE AND SECURITY - WHEN?,176,,,5/31/2025
Aesop's Fables;,"The Milk-Woman and Her Pail     A FARMER'S daughter was carrying her Pail of milk from the field  to the farmhouse, when she fell a-musing.  'The money for which  this milk will be sold, will buy at least three hundred eggs.   The eggs, allowing for all mishaps, will produce two hundred and  fifty chickens.  The chickens will become ready for the market  when poultry will fetch the highest price, so that by the end of  the year I shall have money enough from my share to buy a new  gown.  In this dress I will go to the Christmas parties, where  all the young fellows will propose to me, but I will toss my head  and refuse them every one.'  At this moment she tossed her head in  unison with her thoughts, when down fell the milk pail to the  ground, and all her imaginary schemes perished in a moment.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Miller, His Son, and Their Ass     A MILLER and his son were driving their Ass to a neighboring fair  to sell him.  They had not gone far when they met with a troop of  women collected round a well, talking and laughing.  'Look  there,' cried one of them, 'did you ever see such fellows, to be  trudging along the road on foot when they might ride?'  The old  man hearing this, quickly made his son mount the Ass, and  continued to walk along merrily by his side.  Presently they came  up to a group of old men in earnest debate.  'There,' said one of  them, 'it proves what I was a-saying.  What respect is shown to  old age in these days? Do you see that idle lad riding while his  old father has to walk? Get down, you young scapegrace, and let  the old man rest his weary limbs.'  Upon this the old man made his  son dismount, and got up himself.  In this manner they had not  proceeded far when they met a company of women and children:  'Why, you lazy old fellow,' cried several tongues at once, 'how  can you ride upon the beast, while that poor little lad there can  hardly keep pace by the side of you?'  The good-natured Miller  immediately took up his son behind him.  They had now almost  reached the town.    'Pray, honest friend,' said a citizen, 'is  that Ass your own?'  'Yes,' replied the old man.  'O, one would  not have thought so,' said the other, 'by the way you load him.   Why, you two fellows are better able to carry the poor beast than  he you.'  'Anything to please you,' said the old man; 'we can but  try.'  So, alighting with his son, they tied the legs of the Ass  together and with the help of a pole endeavored to carry him on  their shoulders over a bridge near the entrance to the town.   This entertaining sight brought the people in crowds to laugh at  it, till the Ass, not liking the noise nor the strange handling  that he was subject to, broke the cords that bound him and,  tumbling off the pole, fell into the river.  Upon this, the old  man, vexed and ashamed, made the best of his way home again,  convinced that by endeavoring to please everybody he had pleased  nobody, and lost his Ass in the bargain.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Mischievous Dog     A DOG used to run up quietly to the heels of everyone he met, and  to bite them without notice.  His master suspended a bell about  his neck so that the Dog might give notice of his presence  wherever he went.  Thinking it a mark of distinction, the Dog  grew proud of his bell and went tinkling it all over the  marketplace.  One day an old hound said to him:  Why do you make  such an exhibition of yourself? That bell that you carry is not,  believe me, any order of merit, but on the contrary a mark of  disgrace, a public notice to all men to avoid you as an ill  mannered dog.'       Notoriety is often mistaken for fame.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Miser     A MISER sold all that he had and bought a lump of gold, which he  buried in a hole in the ground by the side of an old wall and  went to look at daily.  One of his workmen observed his frequent  visits to the spot and decided to watch his movements.  He soon  discovered the secret of the hidden treasure, and digging down,  came to the lump of gold, and stole it.  The Miser, on his next  visit, found the hole empty and began to tear his hair and to  make loud lamentations.  A neighbor, seeing him overcome with  grief and learning the cause, said, 'Pray do not grieve so; but  go and take a stone, and place it in the hole, and fancy that the  gold is still lying there.  It will do you quite the same  service; for when the gold was there, you had it not, as you did  not make the slightest use of it.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Mole and His Mother     A MOLE, a creature blind from birth, once said to his Mother:  'I  am sure than I can see, Mother!'  In the desire to prove to him  his mistake, his Mother placed before him a few grains of  frankincense, and asked, 'What is it?'  The young Mole said, 'It  is a pebble.'  His Mother exclaimed:  'My son, I am afraid that you  are not only blind, but that you have lost your sense of smell.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Monkey and the Camel     THE BEASTS of the forest gave a splendid entertainment at which  the Monkey stood up and danced.  Having vastly delighted the  assembly, he sat down amidst universal applause.  The Camel,  envious of the praises bestowed on the Monkey and desiring to  divert to himself the favor of the guests, proposed to stand up  in his turn and dance for their amusement.  He moved about in so  utterly ridiculous a manner that the Beasts, in a fit of  indignation, set upon him with clubs and drove him out of the  assembly.       It is absurd to ape our betters.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Monkey and the Dolphin     A SAILOR, bound on a long voyage, took with him a Monkey to amuse  him while on shipboard.  As he sailed off the coast of Greece, a  violent tempest arose in which the ship was wrecked and he, his  Monkey, and all the crew were obliged to swim for their lives.  A  Dolphin saw the Monkey contending with the waves, and supposing  him to be a man (whom he is always said to befriend), came and  placed himself under him, to convey him on his back in safety to  the shore.  When the Dolphin arrived with his burden in sight of  land not far from Athens, he asked the Monkey if he were an  Athenian.  The latter replied that he was, and that he was  descended from one of the most noble families in that city.  The  Dolphin then inquired if he knew the Piraeus (the famous harbor  of Athens).  Supposing that a man was meant, the Monkey answered  that he knew him very well and that he was an intimate friend.   The Dolphin, indignant at these falsehoods, dipped the Monkey  under the water and drowned him.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Monkey and the Fishermen     A MONKEY perched upon a lofty tree saw some Fishermen casting  their nets into a river, and narrowly watched their proceedings.   The Fishermen after a while gave up fishing, and on going home to  dinner left their nets upon the bank.  The Monkey, who is the  most imitative of animals, descended from the treetop and  endeavored to do as they had done.  Having handled the net, he  threw it into the river, but became tangled in the meshes and  drowned.  With his last breath he said to himself, 'I am rightly  served; for what business had I who had never handled a net to  try and catch fish?'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Monkeys and Their Mother     THE MONKEY, it is said, has two young ones at each birth.  The  Mother fondles one and nurtures it with the greatest affection  and care, but hates and neglects the other.  It happened once  that the young one which was caressed and loved was smothered by  the too great affection of the Mother, while the despised one was  nurtured and reared in spite of the neglect to which it was  exposed.       The best intentions will not always ensure success.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Mountain in Labor     A MOUNTAIN was once greatly agitated.  Loud groans and noises  were heard, and crowds of people came from all parts to see what  was the matter.  While they were assembled in anxious expectation  of some terrible calamity, out came a Mouse.     Don't make much ado about nothing.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Mouse and the Bull     A BULL was bitten by a Mouse and, angered by the wound, tried to  capture him.  But the Mouse reached his hole in safety.  Though  the Bull dug into the walls with his horns, he tired before he  could rout out the Mouse, and crouching down, went to sleep  outside the hole.  The Mouse peeped out, crept furtively up his  flank, and again biting him, retreated to his hole.  The Bull  rising up, and not knowing what to do, was sadly perplexed.  At  which the Mouse said, 'The great do not always prevail.  There  are times when the small and lowly are the strongest to do  mischief.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Mouse, the Frog, and the Hawk    A MOUSE who always lived on the land, by an unlucky chance formed  an intimate acquaintance with a Frog, who lived for the most part  in the water.  The Frog, one day intent on mischief, bound the  foot of the Mouse tightly to his own.  Thus joined together, the  Frog first of all led his friend the Mouse to the meadow where  they were accustomed to find their food.  After this, he  gradually led him towards the pool in which he lived, until  reaching the very brink, he suddenly jumped in, dragging the  Mouse with him.  The Frog enjoyed the water amazingly, and swam  croaking about, as if he had done a good deed.  The unhappy Mouse  was soon suffocated by the water, and his dead body floated about  on the surface, tied to the foot of the Frog.  A Hawk observed  it, and, pouncing upon it with his talons, carried it aloft.  The  Frog, being still fastened to the leg of the Mouse, was also  carried off a prisoner, and was eaten by the Hawk.       Harm hatch, harm catch.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Mules and the Robbers     TWO MULES well-laden with packs were trudging along.  One carried  panniers filled with money, the other sacks weighted with grain.   The Mule carrying the treasure walked with head erect, as if  conscious of the value of his burden, and tossed up and down the  clear-toned bells fastened to his neck.  His companion followed  with quiet and easy step.  All of a sudden Robbers rushed upon  them from their hiding-places, and in the scuffle with their  owners, wounded with a sword the Mule carrying the treasure,  which they greedily seized while taking no notice of the grain.   The Mule which had been robbed and wounded bewailed his  misfortunes.  The other replied, 'I am indeed glad that I was  thought so little of, for I have lost nothing, nor am I hurt with  any wound.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Mule     A MULE, frolicsome from lack of work and from too much corn,  galloped about in a very extravagant manner, and said to himself:  'My father surely was a high-medaled racer, and I am his own  child in speed and spirit.'  On the next day, being driven a long  journey, and feeling very wearied, he exclaimed in a disconsolate  tone:  'I must have made a mistake; my father, after all, could  have been only an ass.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The North Wind and the Sun     THE NORTH WIND and the Sun disputed as to which was the most  powerful, and agreed that he should be declared the victor who  could first strip a wayfaring man of his clothes.  The North Wind  first tried his power and blew with all his might, but the keener  his blasts, the closer the Traveler wrapped his cloak around him,  until at last, resigning all hope of victory, the Wind called  upon the Sun to see what he could do.  The Sun suddenly shone out  with all his warmth.  The Traveler no sooner felt his genial rays  than he took off one garment after another, and at last, fairly  overcome with heat, undressed and bathed in a stream that lay in  his path.       Persuasion is better than Force.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Oak and the Reeds     A VERY LARGE OAK was uprooted by the wind and thrown across a  stream.  It fell among some Reeds, which it thus addressed:  'I  wonder how you, who are so light and weak, are not entirely  crushed by these strong winds.'  They replied, 'You fight and  contend with the wind, and consequently you are destroyed; while  we on the contrary bend before the least breath of air, and  therefore remain unbroken, and escape.'       Stoop to conquer.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Oak and the Woodcutters     THE WOODCUTTER cut down a Mountain Oak and split it in pieces,  making wedges of its own branches for dividing the trunk.  The  Oak said with a sigh, 'I do not care about the blows of the axe  aimed at my roots, but I do grieve at being torn in pieces by  these wedges made from my own branches.'       Misfortunes springing from ourselves are the hardest to bear.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Oaks and Jupiter     THE OAKS presented a complaint to Jupiter, saying, 'We bear for  no purpose the burden of life, as of all the trees that grow we  are the most continually in peril of the axe.'  Jupiter made  answer:  'You have only to thank yourselves for the misfortunes to  which you are exposed:  for if you did not make such excellent  pillars and posts, and prove yourselves so serviceable to the  carpenters and the farmers, the axe would not so frequently be  laid to your roots.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Old Hound    A HOUND, who in the days of his youth and strength had never  yielded to any beast of the forest, encountered in his old age a  boar in the chase.  He seized him boldly by the ear, but could  not retain his hold because of the decay of his teeth, so that  the boar escaped.  His master, quickly coming up, was very much  disappointed, and fiercely abused the dog.  The Hound looked up  and said, 'It was not my fault.  master:  my spirit was as good as  ever, but I could not help my infirmities.  I rather deserve to  be praised for what I have been, than to be blamed for what I  am.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Old Lion     A LION, worn out with years and powerless from disease, lay on  the ground at the point of death.  A Boar rushed upon him, and  avenged with a stroke of his tusks a long-remembered injury.   Shortly afterwards the Bull with his horns gored him as if he  were an enemy.  When the Ass saw that the huge beast could be  assailed with impunity, he let drive at his forehead with his  heels.  The expiring Lion said, 'I have reluctantly brooked the  insults of the brave, but to be compelled to endure such  treatment from thee, a disgrace to Nature, is indeed to die a  double death.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Old Man and Death     AN OLD MAN was employed in cutting wood in the forest, and, in  carrying the faggots to the city for sale one day, became very  wearied with his long journey.  He sat down by the wayside, and  throwing down his load, besought 'Death' to come.  'Death'  immediately appeared in answer to his summons and asked for what  reason he had called him.  The Old Man hurriedly replied, 'That,  lifting up the load, you may place it again upon my shoulders.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Old Woman and the Physician     AN OLD WOMAN having lost the use of her eyes, called in a  Physician to heal them, and made this bargain with him in the  presence of witnesses:  that if he should cure her blindness, he  should receive from her a sum of money; but if her infirmity  remained, she should give him nothing.  This agreement being  made, the Physician, time after time, applied his salve to her  eyes, and on every visit took something away, stealing all her  property little by little.  And when he had got all she had, he  healed her and demanded the promised payment.  The Old Woman,  when she recovered her sight and saw none of her goods in her  house, would give him nothing.  The Physician insisted on his  claim, and.  as she still refused, summoned her before the Judge.   The Old Woman, standing up in the Court, argued:  'This man here  speaks the truth in what he says; for I did promise to give him a  sum of money if I should recover my sight:  but if I continued  blind, I was to give him nothing.  Now he declares that I am  healed.  I on the contrary affirm that I am still blind; for when  I lost the use of my eyes, I saw in my house various chattels and  valuable goods:  but now, though he swears I am cured of my  blindness, I am not able to see a single thing in it.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Old Woman and the Wine-Jar     AN OLD WOMAN found an empty jar which had lately been full of  prime old wine and which still retained the fragrant smell of its former contents.  She greedily placed it several times to her nose, and drawing it backwards and forwards said, 'O most  delicious! How nice must the Wine itself have been, when it  leaves behind in the very vessel which contained it so sweet a  perfume!'       The memory of a good deed lives.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,4/12/2025
Aesop's Fables;,"The Olive-Tree and the Fig-Tree     THE OLIVE-TREE ridiculed the Fig-Tree because, while she was  green all the year round, the Fig-Tree changed its leaves with  the seasons.  A shower of snow fell upon them, and, finding the  Olive full of foliage, it settled upon its branches and broke  them down with its weight, at once despoiling it of its beauty  and killing the tree.  But finding the Fig-Tree denuded of  leaves, the snow fell through to the ground, and did not injure  it at all.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The One-Eyed Doe     A DOE blind in one eye was accustomed to graze as near to the  edge of the cliff as she possibly could, in the hope of securing  her greater safety.  She turned her sound eye towards the land  that she might get the earliest tidings of the approach of hunter  or hound, and her injured eye towards the sea, from whence she  entertained no anticipation of danger.  Some boatmen sailing by  saw her, and taking a successful aim, mortally wounded her.   Yielding up her last breath, she gasped forth this lament:  'O  wretched creature that I am! to take such precaution against the  land, and after all to find this seashore, to which I had come  for safety, so much more perilous.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Owl and the Birds     AN OWL, in her wisdom, counseled the Birds that when the acorn  first began to sprout, to pull it all up out of the ground and  not allow it to grow.  She said acorns would produce mistletoe,  from which an irremediable poison, the bird-   lime, would be extracted and by which they would be captured.   The Owl next advised them to pluck up the seed of the flax, which  men had sown, as it was a plant which boded no good to them.   And, lastly, the Owl, seeing an archer approach, predicted that  this man, being on foot, would contrive darts armed with feathers  which would fly faster than the wings of the Birds themselves.   The Birds gave no credence to these warning words, but considered  the Owl to be beside herself and said that she was mad.  But  afterwards, finding her words were true, they wondered at her  knowledge and deemed her to be the wisest of birds.  Hence it is  that when she appears they look to her as knowing all things,  while she no longer gives them advice, but in solitude laments  their past folly.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Oxen and the Axle-Trees     A HEAVY WAGON was being dragged along a country lane by a team of Oxen.  The Axle-trees groaned and creaked terribly; whereupon the  Oxen, turning round, thus addressed the wheels:  'Hullo there! why  do you make so much noise? We bear all the labor, and we, not  you, ought to cry out.'       Those who suffer most cry out the least.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Oxen and the Butchers     THE OXEN once upon a time sought to destroy the Butchers, who  practiced a trade destructive to their race.  They assembled on a  certain day to carry out their purpose, and sharpened their horns  for the contest.  But one of them who was exceedingly old (for  many a field had he plowed) thus spoke:  'These Butchers, it is  true, slaughter us, but they do so with skillful hands, and with  no unnecessary pain.  If we get rid of them, we shall fall into  the hands of unskillful operators, and thus suffer a double  death:  for you may be assured, that though all the Butchers  should perish, yet will men never want beef.'       Do not be in a hurry to change one evil for another.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Panther and the Shepherds     A PANTHER, by some mischance, fell into a pit.  The Shepherds  discovered him, and some threw sticks at him and pelted him with  stones, while others, moved with compassion towards one about to  die even though no one should hurt him, threw in some food to  prolong his life.  At night they returned home, not dreaming of  any danger, but supposing that on the morrow they would find him  dead.  The Panther, however, when he had recruited his feeble  strength, freed himself with a sudden bound from the pit, and  hastened to his den with rapid steps.  After a few days he came  forth and slaughtered the cattle, and, killing the Shepherds who  had attacked him, raged with angry fury.  Then they who had  spared his life, fearing for their safety, surrendered to him  their flocks and begged only for their lives.  To them the  Panther made this reply:  'I remember alike those who sought my  life with stones, and those who gave me food      aside, therefore, your fears.  I return as an enemy only to those  who injured me.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Partridge and the Fowler     A FOWLER caught a Partridge and was about to kill it.  The  Partridge earnestly begged him to spare his life, saying, 'Pray,  master, permit me to live and I will entice many Partridges to  you in recompense for your mercy to me.'  The Fowler replied, 'I  shall now with less scruple take your life, because you are  willing to save it at the cost of betraying your friends and  relations.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Peacock and Juno     THE PEACOCK made complaint to Juno that, while the nightingale  pleased every ear with his song, he himself no sooner opened his  mouth than he became a laughingstock to all who heard him.  The  Goddess, to console him, said, 'But you far excel in beauty and  in size.  The splendor of the emerald shines in your neck and you  unfold a tail gorgeous with painted plumage.'  'But for what  purpose have I,' said the bird, 'this dumb beauty so long as I am  surpassed in song?'   'The lot of each,' replied Juno, 'has been  assigned by the will of the Fates--to thee, beauty; to the eagle,   strength; to the nightingale, song; to the raven, favorable,   and to the crow, unfavorable auguries.  These are all contented   with the endowments allotted to them.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Peacock and the Crane     A PEACOCK spreading its gorgeous tail mocked a Crane that passed  by, ridiculing the ashen hue of its plumage and saying, 'I am  robed, like a king, in gold and purple and all the colors of the  rainbow; while you have not a bit of color on your wings.'  'True,' replied the Crane; 'but I soar to the heights of heaven  and lift up my voice to the stars, while you walk below, like a  cock, among the birds of the dunghill.'       Fine feathers don't make fine birds.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Peasant and the Apple-Tree     A PEASANT had in his garden an Apple-Tree which bore no fruit but  only served as a harbor for the sparrows and grasshoppers.  He  resolved to cut it down, and taking his axe in his hand, made a  bold stroke at its roots.  The grasshoppers and sparrows  entreated him not to cut down the tree that sheltered them, but  to spare it, and they would sing to him and lighten his labors.   He paid no attention to their request, but gave the tree a second  and a third blow with his axe.  When he reached the hollow of the  tree, he found a hive full of honey.  Having tasted the  honeycomb, he threw down his axe, and looking on the tree as  sacred, took great care of it.",Self-interest alone moves some men.,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Peasant and the Eagle     A PEASANT found an Eagle captured in a trap, and much admiring  the bird, set him free.  The Eagle did not prove ungrateful to  his deliverer, for seeing the Peasant sitting under a wall which  was not safe, he flew toward him and with his talons snatched a  bundle from his head.  When the Peasant rose in pursuit, the  Eagle let the bundle fall again.  Taking it up, the man returned  to the same place, to find that the wall under which he had been  sitting had fallen to pieces; and he marveled at the service  rendered him by the Eagle.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Philosopher, the Ants, and Mercury     A PHILOSOPHER witnessed from the shore the shipwreck of a vessel,  of which the crew and passengers were all drowned.  He inveighed  against the injustice of Providence, which would for the sake of  one criminal perchance sailing in the ship allow so many innocent  persons to perish.  As he was indulging in these reflections, he  found himself surrounded by a whole army of Ants, near whose nest  he was standing.  One of them climbed up and stung him, and he  immediately trampled them all to death with his foot.  Mercury  presented himself, and striking the Philosopher with his wand,  said, 'And are you indeed to make yourself a judge of the  dealings of Providence, who hast thyself in a similar manner  treated these poor Ants?'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Piglet, the Sheep, and the Goat     A YOUNG PIG was shut up in a fold-yard with a Goat and a Sheep.   On one occasion when the shepherd laid hold of him, he grunted  and squeaked and resisted violently.  The Sheep and the Goat  complained of his distressing cries, saying, 'He often handles  us, and we do not cry out.'  To this the Pig replied, 'Your  handling and mine are very different things.  He catches you only  for your wool, or your milk, but he lays hold on me for my very  life.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Playful Ass     AN ASS climbed up to the roof of a building, and frisking about  there, broke in the tiling.  The owner went up after him and  quickly drove him down, beating him severely with a thick wooden  cudgel.  The Ass said, 'Why, I saw the Monkey do this very thing  yesterday, and you all laughed heartily, as if it afforded you  very great amusement.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Pomegranate, Apple-Tree, and Bramble     THE POMEGRANATE and Apple-Tree disputed as to which was the most beautiful.  When their strife was at its height, a Bramble from  the neighboring hedge lifted up its voice, and said in a boastful  tone:  'Pray, my dear friends, in my presence at least cease from  such vain disputing.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Prophet     A WIZARD, sitting in the marketplace, was telling the fortunes of  the passers-by when a person ran up in great haste, and  announced to him that the doors of his house had been broken open  and that all his goods were being stolen.  He sighed heavily and  hastened away as fast as he could run.  A neighbor saw him  running and said, 'Oh! you fellow there! you say you can foretell  the fortunes of others; how is it you did not foresee your own?'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Quack Frog     A FROG once upon a time came forth from his home in the marsh and  proclaimed to all the beasts that he was a learned physician,  skilled in the use of drugs and able to heal all diseases.  A Fox  asked him, 'How can you pretend to prescribe for others, when you  are unable to heal your own lame gait and wrinkled skin?'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Raven and the Swan     A RAVEN saw a Swan and desired to secure for himself the same  beautiful plumage.  Supposing that the Swan's splendid white  color arose from his washing in the water in which he swam, the  Raven left the altars in the neighborhood where he picked up his  living, and took up residence in the lakes and pools.  But  cleansing his feathers as often as he would, he could not change  their color, while through want of food he perished.       Change of habit cannot alter Nature.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Rich Man and the Tanner     A RICH MAN lived near a Tanner, and not being able to bear the  unpleasant smell of the tan-yard, he pressed his neighbor to go  away.  The Tanner put off his departure from time to time, saying  that he would leave soon.  But as he still continued to stay, as  time went on, the rich man became accustomed to the smell, and  feeling no manner of inconvenience, made no further complaints.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Rivers and the Sea     THE RIVERS joined together to complain to the Sea, saying, 'Why  is it that when we flow into your tides so potable and sweet, you  work in us such a change, and make us salty and unfit to drink?'  The Sea, perceiving that they intended to throw the blame on him,  said, 'Pray cease to flow into me, and then you will not be made  briny.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Rose and the Amaranth     AN AMARANTH planted in a garden near a Rose-Tree, thus addressed  it:  'What a lovely flower is the Rose, a favorite alike with Gods  and with men.  I envy you your beauty and your perfume.'  The Rose  replied, 'I indeed, dear Amaranth, flourish but for a brief  season! If no cruel hand pluck me from my stem, yet I must perish  by an early doom.  But thou art immortal and dost never fade, but  bloomest for ever in renewed youth.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Salt Merchant and His Ass     A PEDDLER drove his Ass to the seashore to buy salt.  His road  home lay across a stream into which his Ass, making a false step,  fell by accident and rose up again with his load considerably  lighter, as the water melted the sack.  The Peddler retraced his  steps and refilled his panniers with a larger quantity of salt  than before.  When he came again to the stream, the Ass fell down  on purpose in the same spot, and, regaining his feet with the  weight of his load much diminished, brayed triumphantly as if he  had obtained what he desired.  The Peddler saw through his trick  and drove him for the third time to the coast, where he bought a  cargo of sponges instead of salt.  The Ass, again playing the  fool, fell down on purpose when he reached the stream, but the  sponges became swollen with water, greatly increasing his load.   And thus his trick recoiled on him, for he now carried on his  back a double burden.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Seagull and the Kite     A SEAGULL having bolted down too large a fish, burst its deep  gullet-bag and lay down on the shore to die.  A Kite saw him and  exclaimed:  'You richly deserve your fate; for a bird of the air  has no business to seek its food from the sea.'       Every man should be content to mind his own business.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Seaside Travelers     SOME TRAVELERS, journeying along the seashore, climbed to the  summit of a tall cliff, and looking over the sea, saw in the  distance what they thought was a large ship.  They waited in the  hope of seeing it enter the harbor, but as the object on which  they looked was driven nearer to shore by the wind, they found  that it could at the most be a small boat, and not a ship.  When  however it reached the beach, they discovered that it was only a  large faggot of sticks, and one of them said to his companions,  'We have waited for no purpose, for after all there is nothing to  see but a load of wood.'       Our mere anticipations of life outrun its realities.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Seller of Images     A CERTAIN MAN made a wooden image of Mercury and offered it for  sale.  When no one appeared willing to buy it, in order to  attract purchasers, he cried out that he had the statue to sell  of a benefactor who bestowed wealth and helped to heap up riches.   One of the bystanders said to him, 'My good fellow, why do you  sell him, being such a one as you describe, when you may yourself  enjoy the good things he has to give?'  'Why,' he replied, 'I am  in need of immediate help, and he is wont to give his good gifts  very slowly.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Serpent and the Eagle     A SERPENT and an Eagle were struggling with each other in deadly  conflict.  The Serpent had the advantage, and was about to  strangle the bird.  A countryman saw them, and running up, loosed  the coil of the Serpent and let the Eagle go free.  The Serpent,  irritated at the escape of his prey, injected his poison into the  drinking horn of the countryman.  The rustic, ignorant of his  danger, was about to drink, when the Eagle struck his hand with  his wing, and, seizing the drinking horn in his talons, carried  it aloft.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The She-Goats and Their Beards     THE SHE-GOATS having obtained a beard by request to Jupiter, the  He-Goats were sorely displeased and made complaint that the  females equaled them in dignity.  'Allow them,' said Jupiter, 'to  enjoy an empty honor and to assume the badge of your nobler sex,  so long as they are not your equals in strength or courage.'       It matters little if those who are inferior to us in merit should  be like us in outside appearances.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Shepherd and the Dog     A SHEPHERD penning his sheep in the fold for the night was about  to shut up a wolf with them, when his Dog perceiving the wolf  said, 'Master, how can you expect the sheep to be safe if you  admit a wolf into the fold?'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Shepherd and the Sea     A SHEPHERD, keeping watch over his sheep near the shore, saw the  Sea very calm and smooth, and longed to make a voyage with a view  to commerce.  He sold all his flock, invested it in a cargo of  dates, and set sail.  But a very great tempest came on, and the  ship being in danger of sinking, he threw all his merchandise  overboard, and barely escaped with his life in the empty ship.   Not long afterwards when someone passed by and observed the  unruffled calm of the Sea, he interrupted him and said, 'It is  again in want of dates, and therefore looks quiet.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Shepherd and the Sheep     A SHEPHERD driving his Sheep to a wood, saw an oak of unusual  size full of acorns, and spreading his cloak under the branches,  he climbed up into the tree and shook them down.  The Sheep  eating the acorns inadvertently frayed and tore the cloak.  When  the Shepherd came down and saw what was done, he said, 'O you  most ungrateful creatures! You provide wool to make garments for  all other men, but you destroy the clothes of him who feeds you.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Shepherd and the Wolf      A SHEPHERD once found the whelp of a Wolf and brought it up, and  after a while taught it to steal lambs from the neighboring  flocks.  The Wolf, having shown himself an apt pupil, said to the  Shepherd, 'Since you have taught me to steal, you must keep a  sharp lookout, or you will lose some of your own flock.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Shipwrecked Man and the Sea     A SHIPWRECKED MAN, having been cast upon a certain shore, slept  after his buffetings with the deep.  After a while he awoke, and  looking upon the Sea, loaded it with reproaches.  He argued that  it enticed men with the calmness of its looks, but when it had  induced them to plow its waters, it grew rough and destroyed  them.  The Sea, assuming the form of a woman, replied to him:  'Blame not me, my good sir, but the winds, for I am by my own  nature as calm and firm even as this earth; but the winds  suddenly falling on me create these waves, and lash me into  fury.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Sick Kite     A KITE, sick unto death, said to his mother:  'O Mother! do not  mourn, but at once invoke the gods that my life may be  prolonged.'  She replied, 'Alas! my son, which of the gods do you  think will pity you? Is there one whom you have not outraged by  filching from their very altars a part of the sacrifice offered  up to them?'       We must make friends in prosperity if we would have their help in  adversity.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Sick Lion     A LION, unable from old age and infirmities to provide himself  with food by force, resolved to do so by artifice.  He returned  to his den, and lying down there, pretended to be sick, taking  care that his sickness should be publicly known.  The beasts  expressed their sorrow, and came one by one to his den, where the  Lion devoured them.  After many of the beasts had thus  disappeared, the Fox discovered the trick and presenting himself  to the Lion, stood on the outside of the cave, at a respectful  distance, and asked him how he was.  'I am very middling,'  replied the Lion, 'but why do you stand without? Pray enter  within to talk with me.'  'No, thank you,' said the Fox.  'I  notice that there are many prints of feet entering your cave, but  I see no trace of any returning.'     He is wise who is warned by the misfortunes of others.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Sick Stag     A SICK STAG lay down in a quiet corner of its pasture-ground.   His companions came in great numbers to inquire after his health,  and each one helped himself to a share of the food which had been  placed for his use; so that he died, not from his sickness, but  from the failure of the means of living.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Sparrow and the Hare     A HARE pounced upon by an eagle sobbed very much and uttered  cries like a child.  A Sparrow upbraided her and said, 'Where now  is thy remarkable swiftness of foot? Why were your feet so slow?'  While the Sparrow was thus speaking, a hawk suddenly seized him  and killed him.  The Hare was comforted in her death, and  expiring said, 'Ah! you who so lately, when you supposed yourself  safe, exulted over my calamity, have now reason to deplore a  similar misfortune.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Spendthrift and the Swallow     A YOUNG MAN, a great spendthrift, had run through all his  patrimony and had but one good cloak left.  One day he happened  to see a Swallow, which had appeared before its season, skimming  along a pool and twittering gaily.  He supposed that summer had  come, and went and sold his cloak.  Not many days later, winter  set in again with renewed frost and cold.  When he found the  unfortunate Swallow lifeless on the ground, he said, 'Unhappy  bird! what have you done? By thus appearing before the springtime  you have not only killed yourself, but you have wrought my  destruction also.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Stag at the Pool     A STAG overpowered by heat came to a spring to drink.  Seeing his  own shadow reflected in the water, he greatly admired the size  and variety of his horns, but felt angry with himself for having  such slender and weak feet.  While he was thus contemplating  himself, a Lion appeared at the pool and crouched to spring upon  him.  The Stag immediately took to flight, and exerting his  utmost speed, as long as the plain was smooth and open kept  himself easily at a safe distance from the Lion.  But entering a  wood he became entangled by his horns, and the Lion quickly came  up to him and caught him.  When too late, he thus reproached  himself:  'Woe is me! How I have deceived myself! These feet which  would have saved me I despised, and I gloried in these antlers  which have proved my destruction.'       What is most truly valuable is often underrated.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Stag in the Ox-Stall     A STAG, roundly chased by the hounds and blinded by fear to the  danger he was running into, took shelter in a farmyard and hid  himself in a shed among the oxen.  An Ox gave him this kindly  warning:  'O unhappy creature! why should you thus, of your own  accord, incur destruction and trust yourself in the house of your  enemy?'  The Stag replied:  'Only allow me, friend, to stay where I  am, and I will undertake to find some favorable opportunity of  effecting my escape.'  At the approach of the evening the herdsman  came to feed his cattle, but did not see the Stag; and even the  farm-bailiff with several laborers passed through the shed and  failed to notice him.  The Stag, congratulating himself on his  safety, began to express his sincere thanks to the Oxen who had  kindly helped him in the hour of need.  One of them again  answered him:  'We indeed wish you well, but the danger is not  over.  There is one other yet to pass through the shed, who has  as it were a hundred eyes, and until he has come and gone, your  life is still in peril.'  At that moment the master himself  entered, and having had to complain that his oxen had not been  properly fed, he went up to their racks and cried out:  'Why is  there such a scarcity of fodder? There is not half enough straw  for them to lie on.  Those lazy fellows have not even swept the  cobwebs away.'  While he thus examined everything in turn, he  spied the tips of the antlers of the Stag peeping out of the  straw.  Then summoning his laborers, he ordered that the Stag  should be seized and killed.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Stag, the Wolf, and the Sheep     A STAG asked a Sheep to lend him a measure of wheat, and said  that the Wolf would be his surety.  The Sheep, fearing some fraud  was intended, excused herself, saying, 'The Wolf is accustomed to  seize what he wants and to run off; and you, too, can quickly  outstrip me in your rapid flight.  How then shall I be able to  find you, when the day of payment comes?'",Two blacks do not make one white.,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Swallow and the Crow     THE SWALLOW and the Crow had a contention about their plumage.   The Crow put an end to the dispute by saying, 'Your feathers are  all very well in the spring, but mine protect me against the  winter.'       Fair weather friends are not worth much.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Swallow, the Serpent, and the Court of Justice     A SWALLOW, returning from abroad and especially fond of dwelling  with men, built herself a nest in the wall of a Court of Justice  and there hatched seven young birds.  A Serpent gliding past the  nest from its hole in the wall ate up the young unfledged  nestlings.  The Swallow, finding her nest empty, lamented greatly  and exclaimed:  'Woe to me a stranger! that in this place where  all others' rights are protected, I alone should suffer wrong.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Swan and the Goose     A CERTAIN rich man bought in the market a Goose and a Swan.  He  fed the one for his table and kept the other for the sake of its  song.  When the time came for killing the Goose, the cook went to  get him at night, when it was dark, and he was not able to  distinguish one bird from the other.  By mistake he caught the  Swan instead of the Goose.  The Swan, threatened with death,  burst forth into song and thus made himself known by his voice,  and preserved his life by his melody.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Swollen Fox     A VERY HUNGRY FOX, seeing some bread and meat left by shepherds in the hollow of an oak, crept into the hole and made a hearty meal.  When he finished, he was so full that he was not able to  get out, and began to groan and lament his fate.  Another Fox passing by heard his cries, and coming up, inquired the cause of his complaining.  On learning what had happened, he said to him,  'Ah, you will have to remain there, my friend, until you become  such as you were when you crept in, and then you will easily get  out.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Thief and His Mother     A BOY stole a lesson-book from one of his schoolfellows and took  it home to his Mother.  She not only abstained from beating him,  but encouraged him.  He next time stole a cloak and brought it to  her, and she again commended him.  The Youth, advanced to  adulthood, proceeded to steal things of still greater value.  At  last he was caught in the very act, and having his hands bound  behind him, was led away to the place of public execution.  His  Mother followed in the crowd and violently beat her breast in  sorrow, whereupon the young man said, 'I wish to say something to  my Mother in her ear.'  She came close to him, and he quickly  seized her ear with his teeth and bit it off.  The Mother  upbraided him as an unnatural child, whereon he replied, 'Ah! if  you had beaten me when I first stole and brought to you that  lesson-book, I should not have come to this, nor have been thus  led to a disgraceful death.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Thief and the Housedog     A THIEF came in the night to break into a house.  He brought with  him several slices of meat in order to pacify the Housedog, so  that he would not alarm his master by barking.  As the Thief  threw him the pieces of meat, the Dog said, 'If you think to stop  my mouth, you will be greatly mistaken.  This sudden kindness at  your hands will only make me more watchful, lest under these  unexpected favors to myself, you have some private ends to  accomplish for your own benefit, and for my master's injury.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Thief and the Innkeeper     A THIEF hired a room in a tavern and stayed a while in the hope  of stealing something which should enable him to pay his  reckoning.  When he had waited some days in vain, he saw the  Innkeeper dressed in a new and handsome coat and sitting before  his door.  The Thief sat down beside him and talked with him.  As  the conversation began to flag, the Thief yawned terribly and at  the same time howled like a wolf.  The Innkeeper said, 'Why do  you howl so fearfully?'  'I will tell you,' said the Thief, 'but  first let me ask you to hold my clothes, or I shall tear them to  pieces.  I know not, sir, when I got this habit of yawning, nor  whether these attacks of howling were inflicted on me as a  judgment for my crimes, or for any other cause; but this I do  know, that when I yawn for the third time, I actually turn into a  wolf and attack men.'  With this speech he commenced a second fit  of yawning and again howled like a wolf, as he had at first.  The  Innkeeper  hearing his tale and believing what he said, became  greatly alarmed and, rising from his seat, attempted to run away.   The Thief laid hold of his coat and entreated him to stop,  saying, 'Pray wait, sir, and hold my clothes, or I shall tear  them to pieces in my fury, when I turn into a wolf.'  At the same  moment he yawned the third time and set up a terrible howl.  The  Innkeeper, frightened lest he should be attacked, left his new  coat in the Thief's hand and ran as fast as he could into the inn  for safety.  The Thief made off with the coat and did not return  again to the inn.",Every tale is not to be believed.,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Thieves and the Cock     SOME THIEVES broke into a house and found nothing but a Cock,  whom they stole, and got off as fast as they could.  Upon  arriving at home they prepared to kill the Cock, who thus pleaded  for his life:  'Pray spare me; I am very serviceable to men.  I  wake them up in the night to their work.'  'That is the very  reason why we must the more kill you,' they replied; 'for when  you wake your neighbors, you entirely put an end to our  business.'       The safeguards of virtue are hateful to those with evil  intentions.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Thirsty Pigeon     A PIGEON, oppressed by excessive thirst, saw a goblet of water  painted on a signboard.  Not supposing it to be only a picture,  she flew towards it with a loud whir and unwittingly dashed  against the signboard, jarring herself terribly.  Having broken  her wings by the blow, she fell to the ground, and was caught by  one of the bystanders.       Zeal should not outrun discretion.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Three Tradesmen     A GREAT CITY was besieged, and its inhabitants were called  together to consider the best means of protecting it from the  enemy.  A Bricklayer earnestly recommended bricks as affording  the best material for an effective resistance.  A Carpenter, with  equal enthusiasm, proposed timber as a preferable method of  defense.  Upon which a Currier stood up and said, 'Sirs, I differ  from you altogether:  there is no material for resistance equal to  a covering of hides; and nothing so good as leather.'       Every man for himself.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Thrush and the Fowler     A THRUSH was feeding on a myrtle-tree and did not move from it  because its berries were so delicious.  A Fowler observed her  staying so long in one spot, and having well bird-limed his  reeds, caught her.  The Thrush, being at the point of death,  exclaimed, 'O foolish creature that I am! For the sake of a  little pleasant food I have deprived myself of my life.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Tortoise and the Eagle                                                                           A TORTOISE, lazily basking in the sun, complained to the  sea-birds of her hard fate, that no one would teach her to fly.  An Eagle, hovering near, heard her lamentation and demanded what  reward she would give him if he would take her aloft and float  her in the air.  'I will give you,' she said, 'all the riches of  the Red Sea.'  'I will teach you to fly then,' said the Eagle; and  taking her up in his talons he carried her almost to the clouds   suddenly he let her go, and she fell on a lofty mountain, dashing  her shell to pieces.  The Tortoise exclaimed in the moment of  death:  'I have deserved my present fate; for what had I to do  with wings and clouds, who can with difficulty move about on the  earth?'       If men had all they wished, they would be often ruined.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Town Mouse and the Country Mouse     A COUNTRY MOUSE invited a Town Mouse, an intimate friend, to pay  him a visit and partake of his country fare.  As they were on the  bare plow lands, eating there wheat-stocks and roots pulled up  from the hedgerow, the Town Mouse said to his friend, 'You live  here the life of the ants, while in my house is the horn of  plenty.  I am surrounded by every luxury, and if you will come  with me, as I wish you would, you shall have an ample share of my  dainties.'  The Country Mouse was easily persuaded, and returned  to town with his friend.  On his arrival, the Town Mouse placed  before him bread, barley, beans, dried figs, honey, raisins, and,  last of all, brought a dainty piece of cheese from a basket.  The  Country Mouse, being much delighted at the sight of such good  cheer, expressed his satisfaction in warm terms and lamented his  own hard fate.  Just as they were beginning to eat, someone  opened the door, and they both ran off squeaking, as fast as they  could, to a hole so narrow that two could only find room in it by  squeezing.  They had scarcely begun their repast again when  someone else entered to take something out of a cupboard,  whereupon the two Mice, more frightened than before, ran away and  hid themselves.  At last the Country Mouse, almost famished, said  to his friend:  'Although you have prepared for me so dainty a  feast, I must leave you to enjoy it by yourself.  It is  surrounded by too many dangers to please me.  I prefer my bare  plow lands and roots from the hedgerow, where I can live in  safety, and without fear.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Traveler and Fortune     A TRAVELER wearied from a long journey lay down, overcome with  fatigue, on the very brink of a deep well.  Just as he was about  to fall into the water, Dame Fortune, it is said, appeared to him  and waking him from his slumber thus addressed him:  'Good Sir,  pray wake up:  for if you fall into the well, the blame will be  thrown on me, and I shall get an ill name among mortals; for I  find that men are sure to impute their calamities to me, however  much by their own folly they have really brought them on  themselves.'       Everyone is more or less master of his own fate.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Traveler and His Dog     A TRAVELER about to set out on a journey saw his Dog stand at the  door stretching himself.  He asked him sharply:  'Why do you stand  there gaping? Everything is ready but you, so come with me  instantly.'  The Dog, wagging his tail, replied:  'O, master! I am  quite ready; it is you for whom I am waiting.'       The loiterer often blames delay on his more active friend.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Travelers and the Plane-Tree     TWO TRAVELERS, worn out by the heat of the summer's sun, laid  themselves down at noon under the wide spreading branches of a  Plane-Tree.  As they rested under its shade, one of the Travelers  said to the other, 'What a singularly useless tree is the Plane!  It bears no fruit, and is not of the least service to man.'  The  Plane-Tree, interrupting him, said, 'You ungrateful fellows! Do  you, while receiving benefits from me and resting under my shade,  dare to describe me as useless, and unprofitable?'       Some men underrate their best blessings.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Trees and the Axe     A MAN came into a forest and asked the Trees to provide him a  handle for his axe.  The Trees consented to his request and gave  him a young ash-tree.  No sooner had the man fitted a new handle  to his axe from it, than he began to use it and quickly felled  with his strokes the noblest giants of the forest.  An old oak,  lamenting when too late the destruction of his companions, said  to a neighboring cedar, 'The first step has lost us all.  If we  had not given up the rights of the ash, we might yet have  retained our own privileges and have stood for ages.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Trumpeter Taken Prisoner     A TRUMPETER, bravely leading on the soldiers, was captured by the  enemy.  He cried out to his captors, 'Pray spare me, and do not  take my life without cause or without inquiry.  I have not slain  a single man of your troop.  I have no arms, and carry nothing  but this one brass trumpet.'  'That is the very reason for which  you should be put to death,' they said; 'for, while you do not  fight yourself, your trumpet stirs all the others to battle.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Two Dogs     A MAN had two dogs:  a Hound, trained to assist him in his sports,  and a Housedog, taught to watch the house.  When he returned home  after a good day's sport, he always gave the Housedog a large  share of his spoil.  The Hound, feeling much aggrieved at this,  reproached his companion, saying, 'It is very hard to have all  this labor, while you, who do not assist in the chase, luxuriate  on the fruits of my exertions.'  The Housedog replied, 'Do not  blame me, my friend, but find fault with the master, who has not  taught me to labor, but to depend for subsistence on the labor of  others.'       Children are not to be blamed for the faults of their parents.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Two Men Who Were Enemies     TWO MEN, deadly enemies to each other, were sailing in the same  vessel.  Determined to keep as far apart as possible, the one  seated himself in the stem, and the other in the prow of the  ship.  A violent storm arose, and with the vessel in great danger  of sinking, the one in the stern inquired of the pilot which of  the two ends of the ship would go down first.  On his replying  that he supposed it would be the prow, the Man said, 'Death would  not be grievous to me, if I could only see my Enemy die before  me.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Two Pots     A RIVER carried down in its stream two Pots, one made of  earthenware and the other of brass.  The Earthen Pot said to the  Brass Pot, 'Pray keep at a distance and do not come near me, for  if you touch me ever so slightly, I shall be broken in pieces,  and besides, I by no means wish to come near you.'      Equals make the best friends.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Two Soldiers and the Robber     TWO SOLDIERS traveling together were set upon by a Robber.  The  one fled away; the other stood his ground and defended himself  with his stout right hand.  The Robber being slain, the timid  companion ran up and drew his sword, and then, throwing back his  traveling cloak said, 'I'll at him, and I'll take care he shall  learn whom he has attacked.'  On this, he who had fought with the  Robber made answer, 'I only wish that you had helped me just now,  even if it had been only with those words, for I should have been  the more encouraged, believing them to be true; but now put up  your sword in its sheath and hold your equally useless tongue,  till you can deceive others who do not know you.  I, indeed, who  have experienced with what speed you run away, know right well  that no dependence can be placed on your valor.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Two Travelers and the Axe     TWO MEN were journeying together.  One of them picked up an axe  that lay upon the path, and said, 'I have found an axe.'  'Nay, my  friend,' replied the other, 'do not say 'I,' but 'We' have found  an axe.'  They had not gone far before they saw the owner of the  axe pursuing them, and he who had picked up the axe said, 'We are  undone.'  'Nay,' replied the other, 'keep to your first mode of  speech, my friend; what you thought right then, think right now.   Say 'I,' not 'We' are undone.'       He who shares the danger ought to share the prize.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Vain Jackdaw     JUPITER DETERMINED, it is said, to create a sovereign over the  birds, and made proclamation that on a certain day they should  all present themselves before him, when he would himself choose  the most beautiful among them to be king.  The Jackdaw, knowing  his own ugliness, searched through the woods and fields, and  collected the feathers which had fallen from the wings of his  companions, and stuck them in all parts of his body, hoping  thereby to make himself the most beautiful of all.  When the  appointed day arrived, and the birds had assembled before  Jupiter, the Jackdaw also made his appearance in his many  feathered finery.  But when Jupiter proposed to make him king  because of the beauty of his plumage, the birds indignantly  protested, and each plucked from him his own feathers, leaving  the Jackdaw nothing but a Jackdaw.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Aesop's Fables; sacrifice, ","The Vine and the Goat     A VINE was luxuriant in the time of vintage with leaves and  grapes.  A Goat, passing by, nibbled its young tendrils and its leaves.  The Vine addressed him and said:  'Why do you thus injure  me without a cause, and crop my leaves? Is there no young grass left? But I shall not have to wait long for my just revenge; for  if you now should crop my leaves, and cut me down to my root, I shall provide the wine to pour over you when you are led as a victim to the sacrifice.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,4/12/2025
Aesop's Fables;,"The Viper and the File     A LION, entering the workshop of a smith, sought from the tools  the means of satisfying his hunger.  He more particularly  addressed himself to a File, and asked of him the favor of a  meal.  The File replied, 'You must indeed be a simple-minded  fellow if you expect to get anything from me, who am accustomed  to take from everyone, and never to give anything in return.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Walnut-Tree     A WALNUT TREE standing by the roadside bore an abundant crop of  fruit.  For the sake of the nuts, the passers-by broke its  branches with stones and sticks.  The Walnut-Tree piteously  exclaimed, 'O wretched me! that those whom I cheer with my fruit  should repay me with these painful requitals!'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Wasp and the Snake     A WASP seated himself upon the head of a Snake and, striking him  unceasingly with his stings, wounded him to death.  The Snake,  being in great torment and not knowing how to rid himself of his  enemy, saw a wagon heavily laden with wood, and went and  purposely placed his head under the wheels, saying, 'At least my  enemy and I shall perish together.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Wasps, the Partridges, and the Farmer     THE WASPS and the Partridges, overcome with thirst, came to a  Farmer and besought him to give them some water to drink.  They  promised amply to repay him the favor which they asked.  The  Partridges declared that they would dig around his vines and make  them produce finer grapes.  The Wasps said that they would keep  guard and drive off thieves with their stings.  But the Farmer  interrupted them, saying:  'I have already two oxen, who, without  making any promises, do all these things.  It is surely better  for me to give the water to them than to you.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Weasel and the Mice     A WEASEL, inactive from age and infirmities, was not able to  catch mice as he once did.  He therefore rolled himself in flour  and lay down in a dark corner.  A Mouse, supposing him to be  food, leaped upon him, and was instantly caught and squeezed to  death.  Another perished in a similar manner, and then a third,  and still others after them.  A very old Mouse, who had escaped  many a trap and snare, observed from a safe distance the trick of  his crafty foe and said, 'Ah! you that lie there, may you prosper  just in the same proportion as you are what you pretend to be!'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Widow and Her Little Maidens     A WIDOW who was fond of cleaning had two little maidens to wait  on her.  She was in the habit of waking them early in the  morning, at cockcrow.  The maidens, aggravated by such excessive  labor, resolved to kill the cock who roused their mistress so  early.  When they had done this, they found that they had only  prepared for themselves greater troubles, for their mistress, no  longer hearing the hour from the cock, woke them up to their work  in the middle of the night.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Widow and the Sheep     A CERTAIN poor widow had one solitary Sheep.  At shearing time,  wishing to take his fleece and to avoid expense, she sheared him  herself, but used the shears so unskillfully that with the fleece  she sheared the flesh.  The Sheep, writhing with pain, said, 'Why  do you hurt me so, Mistress? What weight can my blood add to the  wool? If you want my flesh, there is the butcher, who will kill  me in an instant; but if you want my fleece and wool, there is  the shearer, who will shear and not hurt me.'      The least outlay is not always the greatest gain.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Wild Ass and the Lion     A WILD ASS and a Lion entered into an alliance so that they might  capture the beasts of the forest with greater ease.  The Lion  agreed to assist the Wild Ass with his strength, while the Wild  Ass gave the Lion the benefit of his greater speed.  When they  had taken as many beasts as their necessities required, the Lion  undertook to distribute the prey, and for this purpose divided it  into three shares.  'I will take the first share,' he said,  'because I am King:  and the second share, as a partner with you  in the chase:  and the third share (believe me) will be a source  of great evil to you, unless you willingly resign it to me, and  set off as fast as you can.'       Might makes right.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Wild Boar and the Fox     A WILD BOAR stood under a tree and rubbed his tusks against the  trunk.  A Fox passing by asked him why he thus sharpened his  teeth when there was no danger threatening from either huntsman  or hound.  He replied, 'I do it advisedly; for it would never do  to have to sharpen my weapons just at the time I ought to be  using them.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Wolf and the Crane     A WOLF who had a bone stuck in his throat hired a Crane, for a  large sum, to put her head into his mouth and draw out the bone.  When the Crane had extracted the bone and demanded the promised  payment, the Wolf, grinning and grinding his teeth, exclaimed:  'Why, you have surely already had a sufficient recompense, in  having been permitted to draw out your head in safety from the  mouth and jaws of a wolf.'","In serving the wicked, expect no reward, and be thankful if you escape injury for your pains.",,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Wolf and the Fox     AT ONE TIME a very large and strong Wolf was born among the  wolves, who exceeded all his fellow-wolves in strength, size, and  swiftness, so that they unanimously decided to call him 'Lion.'  The Wolf, with a lack of sense proportioned to his enormous size,  thought that they gave him this name in earnest, and, leaving his  own race, consorted exclusively with the lions.  An old sly Fox,  seeing this, said, 'May I never make myself so ridiculous as you  do in your pride and self-conceit; for even though you have the  size of a lion among wolves, in a herd of lions you are definitely a wolf.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Wolf and the Goat     A WOLF saw a Goat feeding at the summit of a steep precipice,  where he had no chance of reaching her.  He called to her and  earnestly begged her to come lower down, lest she fall by some  mishap; and he added that the meadows lay where he was standing,  and that the herbage was most tender.  She replied, 'No, my  friend, it is not for the pasture that you invite me, but for  yourself, who are in want of food.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Wolf and the Horse     A WOLF coming out of a field of oats met a Horse and thus  addressed him:  'I would advise you to go into that field.  It is  full of fine oats, which I have left untouched for you, as you  are a friend whom I would love to hear enjoying good eating.'  The  Horse replied, 'If oats had been the food of wolves, you would  never have indulged your ears at the cost of your belly.'","Men of evil reputation, when they perform a good deed, fail to get credit for it.",,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Wolf and the Housedog     A WOLF, meeting a big well-fed Mastiff with a wooden collar about  his neck asked him who it was that fed him so well and yet  compelled him to drag that heavy log about wherever he went.   'The master,' he replied.  Then said the Wolf:  'May no friend of  mine ever be in such a plight; for the weight of this chain is enough to spoil the appetite.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Wolf and the Lamb     WOLF, meeting with a Lamb astray from the fold, resolved not to  lay violent hands on him, but to find some plea to justify to the  Lamb the Wolf's right to eat him.  He thus addressed him:  'Sirrah, last year you grossly insulted me.'  'Indeed,' bleated  the Lamb in a mournful tone of voice, 'I was not then born.'  Then  said the Wolf, 'You feed in my pasture.'  'No, good sir,' replied  the Lamb, 'I have not yet tasted grass.'  Again said the Wolf,  'You drink of my well.'  'No,' exclaimed the Lamb, 'I never yet  drank water, for as yet my mother's milk is both food and drink  to me.'  Upon which the Wolf seized him and ate him up, saying,  'Well! I won't remain supper less, even though you refute every  one of my imputations.'",The tyrant will always find a pretext for his tyranny.,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Wolf and the Lion     A WOLF, having stolen a lamb from a fold, was carrying him off to  his lair.  A Lion met him in the path, and seizing the lamb, took  it from him.  Standing at a safe distance, the Wolf exclaimed,  'You have unrighteous taken that which was mine from me!'  To  which the Lion jeeringly replied, 'It was righteously yours, eh?  The gift of a friend?'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Wolf and the Shepherds     A WOLF, passing by, saw some Shepherds in a hut eating a haunch  of mutton for their dinner.  Approaching them, he said, 'What a  clamor you would raise if I were to do as you are doing!'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Wolf and the Shepherd     A WOLF followed a flock of sheep for a long time and did not  attempt to injure one of them.  The Shepherd at first stood on  his guard against him, as against an enemy, and kept a strict  watch over his movements.  But when the Wolf, day after day, kept  in the company of the sheep and did not make the slightest effort  to seize them, the Shepherd began to look upon him as a guardian  of his flock rather than as a plotter of evil against it; and  when occasion called him one day into the city, he left the sheep  entirely in his charge.  The Wolf, now that he had the  opportunity, fell upon the sheep, and destroyed the greater part  of the flock.  When the Shepherd returned to find his flock  destroyed, he exclaimed:  'I have been rightly served; why did I  trust my sheep to a Wolf?'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Wolf, the Fox, and the Ape     A WOLF accused a Fox of theft, but the Fox entirely denied the  charge.  An Ape undertook to adjudge the matter between them.   When each had fully stated his case the Ape announced this  sentence:  'I do not think you, Wolf, ever lost what you claim;  and I do believe you, Fox, to have stolen what you so stoutly  deny.'","The dishonest, if they act honestly, get no credit.",,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Wolves and the Sheepdogs     THE WOLVES thus addressed the Sheepdogs:  'Why should you, who are like us in so many things, not be entirely of one mind with us,  and live with us as brothers should? We differ from you in one  point only.  We live in freedom, but you bow down to and slave  for men, who in return for your services flog you with whips and  put collars on your necks.  They make you also guard their sheep,  and while they eat the mutton throw only the bones to you.  If  you will be persuaded by us, you will give us the sheep, and we  will enjoy them in common, till we all are surfeited.'  The Dogs  listened favorably to these proposals, and, entering the den of  the Wolves, they were set upon and torn to pieces.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Wolves and the Sheep     'WHY SHOULD there always be this fear and slaughter between us?'  said the Wolves to the Sheep.  'Those evil-disposed Dogs have  much to answer for.  They always bark whenever we approach you  and attack us before we have done any harm.  If you would only  dismiss them from your heels, there might soon be treaties of  peace and reconciliation between us.'  The Sheep, poor silly  creatures, were easily beguiled and dismissed the Dogs, whereupon  the Wolves destroyed the unguarded flock at their own pleasure.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"The Woman and Her Hen     A WOMAN possessed a Hen that gave her an egg every day.  She  often pondered how she might obtain two eggs daily instead of  one, and at last, to gain her purpose, determined to give the Hen  a double allowance of barley.  From that day the Hen became fat  and sleek, and never once laid another egg.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"Truth and the Traveler   A WAYFARING MAN, traveling in the desert, met a woman standing  alone and terribly dejected.  He inquired of her, 'Who art thou?'  'My name is Truth,' she replied.  'And for what cause,' he asked,  'have you left the city to dwell alone here in the wilderness?'  She made answer, 'Because in former times, falsehood was with  few, but is now with all men.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"TWO FROGS dwelt in the same pool.  When the pool dried up under  the summer's heat, they left it and set out together for another  home.  As they went along they chanced to pass a deep well, amply  supplied with water, and when they saw it, one of the Frogs said  to the other, 'Let us descend and make our abode in this well:  it  will furnish us with shelter and food.'  The other replied with  greater caution, 'But suppose the water should fail us.  How can  we get out again from so great a depth?'",Do nothing without a regard to the consequences.,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables;,"TWO FROGS were neighbors.  One inhabited a deep pond, far removed from public view; the other lived in a gully containing little  water, and traversed by a country road.  The Frog that lived in the pond warned his friend to change his residence and entreated him to come and live with him, saying that he would enjoy greater safety from danger and more abundant food.  The other refused, saying that he felt it so very hard to leave a place to which he had become accustomed.  A few days afterwards a heavy wagon passed through the gully and crushed him to death under its wheels.",A willful man will have his way to his own hurt.,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables; Boasting;,"The Boasting Traveler     A MAN who had traveled in foreign lands boasted very much, on  returning to his own country, of the many wonderful and heroic  feats he had performed in the different places he had visited.   Among other things, he said that when he was at Rhodes he had  leaped to such a distance that no man of his day could leap  anywhere near him as to that, there were in Rhodes many persons   who saw him do it and whom he could call as witnesses.  One of   the bystanders interrupted him, saying:  'Now, my good man, if  this be all true there is no need of witnesses.  Suppose this   to be Rhodes, and leap for us.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aesop's Fables; Counsel;,"The Boy Bathing     A BOY bathing in a river was in danger of being drowned.  He  called out to a passing traveler for help, but instead of holding  out a helping hand, the man stood by unconcernedly, and scolded  the boy for his imprudence.  'Oh, sir!'  cried the youth, 'pray  help me now and scold me afterwards.'       Counsel without help is useless.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Aesop's Fables; Discipline, Punishment,","The Mother and the Wolf     A FAMISHED WOLF was prowling about in the morning in search of  food.  As he passed the door of a cottage built in the forest, he  heard a Mother say to her child, 'Be quiet, or I will throw you  out of the window, and the Wolf shall eat you.'  The Wolf sat all  day waiting at the door.  In the evening he heard the same woman  fondling her child and saying:  'You are quiet now, and if the  Wolf should come, we will kill him.'  The Wolf, hearing these  words, went home, gasping with cold and hunger.  When he reached  his den, Mistress Wolf inquired of him why he returned wearied  and supper less, so contrary to his wont.  He replied:  'Why,  forsooth! use I gave credence to the words of a woman!'","Not only was the wolf confused, but the child grew up to be a confused individual, pampered into thinking he could always get his way.  However, most confused of all was the parent who wondered how my sweet little boy, whom I tried to give everything he ever wanted, grew up to be such an unprincipled and undisciplined individual.",Prov. 29:21;,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Aesop's Fables; Faults; Sins; Forgiveness. two bags, ","The Two Bags     EVERY MAN, according to an ancient legend, is born into the world with two bags suspended from his neck.   A bag in front full of his neighbors' faults, and a large bag behind filled with his own faults.  ","Hence it is that men are quick to see the faults of others, and yet are often blind to their own failings.",,Jk Quotes.,,,,,7/10/2023
"Aesop's Fables; Motives,","The Wolf in Sheep's Clothing     ONCE UPON A TIME a Wolf resolved to disguise his appearance in  order to secure food more easily.  Encased in the skin of a  sheep, he pastured with the flock deceiving the shepherd by his  costume.  In the evening he was shut up by the shepherd in the  fold; the gate was closed, and the entrance made thoroughly  secure.  But the shepherd, returning to the fold during the night  to obtain meat for the next day, mistakenly caught up the Wolf  instead of a sheep, and killed him instantly.",Harm seek.  harm find.,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Aesop's Fables; Over Confidence,  Pride, Self-worth, Me, Humility,","The Wolf and the Lion     ROAMING BY the mountainside at sundown, a Wolf saw his own shadow become greatly extended and magnified, and he said to himself, 'Why should I, being of such an immense size and extending nearly an acre in length, be afraid of the Lion? Ought I not to be  acknowledged as King of all the collected beasts?'  While he was  indulging in these proud thoughts, a Lion fell upon him and killed him.  He exclaimed with a too late repentance, 'Wretched me! this overestimation of myself is the cause of my destruction.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Aesop's Fables; Persecution,","A KID standing on the roof of a house, out of harm's way, saw a  wolf passing by and immediately began to taunt and revile him.   The Wolf, looking up, said, 'Sirrah! I hear thee:  yet it is not  thou who mockest me, but the roof on which thou art standing.'",Time and place often give the advantage to the weak over the strong.,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,5/29/2014
"Aesop's Fables; Pretending, Hypocrite,","The Ass and the Wolf     AN ASS feeding in a meadow saw a Wolf approaching to seize him,  and immediately pretended to be lame.  The Wolf, coming up,  inquired the cause of his lameness.  The Ass replied that passing  through a hedge he had trod with his foot upon a sharp thorn.  He  requested that the Wolf pull it out, lest when he ate him it  should injure his throat.  The Wolf consented and lifted up the  foot, and was giving his whole mind to the discovery of the  thorn, when the Ass, with his heels, kicked his teeth into his  mouth and galloped away.  The Wolf, being thus fearfully mauled,  said, 'I am rightly served, for why did I attempt the art of  healing, when my father only taught me the trade of a butcher?'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Aesop's Fables; Religion, Hypocritical, Promises,","The Wolf and the Sheep   A WOLF, sorely wounded and bitten by dogs, lay sick and maimed in  his lair.  Being in want of food, he called to a Sheep who was  passing, and asked him to fetch some water from a stream flowing  close beside him.  'For,' he said, 'if you will bring me drink, I  will find means to provide myself with meat.'  'Yes,' said the  Sheep, 'if I should bring you the draught, you would doubtless  make me provide the meat also.'",Hypocritical speeches are easily seen through.,,Jk Quotes;,On Whose Promises Do You Rely?,61,,,
"Aesop's Fables; Trends, Tendencies, Early, Training,","The Blind Man and the Whelp     A BLIND MAN was accustomed to distinguishing different animals by  touching them with his hands.  The whelp of a Wolf was brought  him, with a request that he would feel it, and say what it was.  He felt it, and being in doubt, said:  'I do not quite know whether it is the cub of a Fox, or the whelp of a Wolf, but this I know full well.  It would not be safe to admit him to the sheepfold.'",Evil tendencies are shown in early life.,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Aesop's Fables; Truth, Liar, Consistent,","The Shepherd's Boy and the Wolf     A SHEPHERD-BOY, who watched a flock of sheep near a village,  brought out the villagers three or four times by crying out,  'Wolf! Wolf!'  and when his neighbors came to help him, laughed at  them for their pains.  The Wolf, however, did truly come at last.   The Shepherd-boy, now really alarmed, shouted in an agony of  terror:  'Pray, do come and help me; the Wolf is killing the  sheep'; but no one paid any heed to his cries, nor rendered any  assistance.  The Wolf, having no cause of fear, at his leisure  lacerated or destroyed the whole flock.","There is no believing a liar, even when he speaks the truth.",,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Aesop, Issues, Mountains, Anxiety, Contentment,","A MOUNTAIN was once greatly agitated.  Loud groans and noises  were heard, and crowds of people came from all parts to see what  was the matter.  While they were assembled in anxious expectation  of some terrible calamity, out came a Mouse.",Moral: 'Don't make much ado about nothing.'  WE should avoid making issues of unimportant things.  Be primarily concerned about what Jehovah is concerned about.,Php 1:10; Mt 6:33;,Aesop's Fables - Bobby Laymon,Family Life That Warms The Heart,5,,1994/05/15,
"Aesop, Wisdom, Christendom, Cautious, Commitment, Persecution,","A BAT who fell upon the ground and was caught by a Weasel pleaded to be spared his life. The Weasel refused, saying that he was by nature the enemy of all birds.  The Bat assured him that he was not a bird, but a mouse, and thus was set free.  Shortly afterwards the Bat again fell to the ground and was caught by another Weasel, whom he likewise entreated not to eat him.   The Weasel said that he had a special hostility to mice.  The Bat assured him that he was not a mouse, but a bat, and thus a second time escaped.",Moral: 'Always see which way the wind blows before making a commitment.'  At times Jehovah's servants need to be careful as to 'how' we give an answer.  There is a need to be cautious.  Jesus did this in answering the religious leaders of his day.,Mt 21:27;,Aesop's Fables - Bobby Laymon,Bearing Up Under Persecution,57,,1994/05/15,5/29/2014
Affection; Love;,'Talk not of wasted affection; affection never was wasted.'  Quote:  Henry Wadsworth Longfellow.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Affliction, Tests, Trials, Endurance, Faith,","A blacksmith had been experiencing unusual problems.  A close friend was sympathizing with him in some of his trials said: 'It seems strange to me that so much affliction should pass your way, I can't help wondering why that is.'  The blacksmith answered, 'You see here the raw iron which I have to make into horse's shoes. You know what I do with it? I take a piece and heat it in the fire until it is red, almost white with the heat. Then I hammer it unmercifully to shape it as I know it should be shaped. Then I plunge it into a pail of cold water to temper it. Then I heat it again and hammer it some more. And this I do until it is finished.  'But sometimes I find a piece of iron that won't stand up under this treatment. The heat and the hammering and the cold water are too much for it. I don't know why it fails in the process, but I  know it will never make a good horse's shoe.'  He pointed to a heap of scrap iron that was near the door of his shop. 'When I get a piece that cannot take the shape and temper, I throw it out on the scrap heap. It will never be good for anything.","He went on, 'I know that God has been permitting the fires of affliction and I have felt His hammer upon me. But I don't mind, if only He can bring me to what I should be. And so, in all these hard things my prayer is simply this: Try me in any way you wish, Lord, only don't throw me on the scrap heap.'",Psalm 51:11;,Bobby Laymon,Bearing Up Under Persecution,57,,"Feb 2, 2001",
Affliction; Trials;,"'Affliction comes to us, not to make us sad but sober, not to make us sorry but wise.'  Quote:  Hwb.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Affliction; Trials;,"'Affliction, like the iron-smith, shapes as it smites.'  Quote:  Christian Nestlé.",,,Jk Quotes;,Bearing Up Under Persecution,57,,,
Afflictions; Human Nature;,"'Humanity either makes, or breeds, or tolerates all its afflictions.'  Quote:  H.G. Wells.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Afflictions; Trials; Handicaps;,"'I thank God for my handicaps, for through them, I have found myself, my work and my God.'  Quote:  Helen Keller.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Age, Death, Grief,","'The mind of age is like a lamp, Whose oil is running thin; One moment it is shining bright, Then darkness closes in.'  Quote: Kalidasa (fl. c. 450 A.D.)","Death gradually, and effectively takes over the human body.",Ecclesiastes 12:1-7;,Wisdom Of The Ages,What Happens When We Die?,127,,,
"Age, Death, Scourge, Centenarians, Guinness Book Of World Records, Life,","'The facts are that centenarians surviving beyond their 113th year are of the extremes rarity and the present absolute limit of proven human longevity does not admit of anyone living to celebrate any birthday after their 120th,' states the Guinness Book of World Records.","Therefore, no one is alive today who witnessed the birth of Winston Churchill (1874) or that of Mohandas Gandhi (1869), the sale of Alaska to the United States by Russia in 1867, or the assassination of  Abraham Lincoln in 1865-not to mention all the events of history that preceded these of the 19th century.",Ecclesiastes 1:4;,G92 7/22 3,What Happens When We Die?,127,,1994/05/09,
"Age, Elderly, Death, Sickness,",'Old age is an island surrounded by death.' Quote: Juan Montalvo.,"Elderly ones may feel all alone, as if on an island.  Invite them over.  Share experiences and meals with them.",Rom. 12:13;,Bobby Laymon,Follow The Course Of Hospitality,77,,1995/08/09,
"Age, Maturity, Growth, Improvement,","'Age does not depend upon years, but upon temperament and health some men are born old, and some never grow so.' (Tyron Edwards)","How sad to see an old man with the opportunity to gain real wisdom who says, 'I am too old to learn.'","Mt 7:28, 29","Dec 1, 1968 Wt Page 718",Acquiring A Heart Of Wisdom,73,,,
"Age, Maturity, Growth, Older, Improvements,","'I am too old to learn.'  Out of a group of the 400 most famous statesmen, painters, warriors, poets and writers, 35% of their greatest achievements were accomplished between the ages of 60 and 70; 23% between 70 and 80 and 8% over 80.",You never get too old to learn God's truth.  The Bible abounds with reports of faithful men and women who continued learning as long as  they lived. You have even more reason to progress day by day; you have the prospect of everlasting life.,"Mt 7:28, 29","Dec 1, 1968 Wt Page 718","Come, You Who Thirst For The Truth!",89,,,
"Age, Older, Elderly, Books, Publications,",How beautifully leaves grow old. How full of light and color are their last days.  John Burroughs (1837-19),Old age is beautiful when a person is righteous.,Pr 16:31;,Wisdom Of The Ages,Getting Marriage Off To A Good Start,27,,,
"Age, Older, Elderly, Sick, Deaf, Blind, Handicap, Death, Life, Caring,",'The ultimate evil is to leave the company of the living before you die.'  Quote: Seneca.,We must not do that to our older ones.  We need to listen to their vast years of experience.  There is value in listening to the counsel of older persons.,"Job 12:12; Pr 3:5, 6;",Bobby Laymon,What Happens When We Die?,127,,1995/06/30,
"Age, Older, Elderly, Sick, Physically, Disabled,","A man has a job that enables him to buy his father expensive gifts. In time, he loses his very good paying job. Now he is unable to give his father the expensive gifts because he now has a limited income. But he still gives his father gifts, the best that he can.  Will his father be ungrateful?  Of course not. His father still appreciates the gifts just as much.  He doesn't look at the monetary value.","Jehovah views things the same way. As our situations in life change, we may not be able to do as much as we once did in Jah's service. Still, Jehovah never forgets what we did, and appreciates what we can do now.",Mark 12:42-44,Bobby Laymon,Follow The Course Of Hospitality,77,,"Jan 22, 2001",
"Age, Older, Loneliness, Meetings, Deaf, Blind, Handicap, Love, Family,","'What is the worst of woes that wait on age? What stamps the wrinkle deeper on the brow? To view each loved one blotted from life's page, And be alone on earth, as I am now.' Quote: George Noel Gordon.",Associate with God's people regularly; do not isolate yourself.  It is a good cure for loneliness.,Heb 10:25;,Bobby Laymon,Will You Escape This World's Destiny?,84,,1995/07/18,
"Age, Older, Youth,","'Age ... is a matter of feeling, not of years.' Quote: George William Curtis.",A youthful and joyful heart does good  to one's health.,Prov. 17:22;,Bobby Laymon,,,,1995/08/25,
"Age, Sickness, Death, Cure,","'Nature abhors the old, and old age seems the only disease; all others run into this one.'  Quote: Emerson (1803-1882)",A sure cure for all mankind will restore youth and vigor.,Job 33:25;,Wisdom Of The Ages,The Only Cure For Sick Mankind,62,,,
"Age, Sin, Death, Life, Sequoia,","Among the beech trees ages of 250-300 years are common.  English oaks may reach 500 years.  At 1,000 years the giant sequoia of California is still a youngster.  By actual ring count they are known to live 3,000 to 4,000 years.  Yet bristle-cone pines surpass the sequoia.","Trees often live far longer than man.  Men living just one century are rare.  Why?  Appropriately, the one who exercises dominion should not die off before the things that are inferior.  Sin is the result.",Ge 1:26-30,"Oct 8, 1970 Aw Page 3, 4",What Happens When We Die?,127,,,
"Age, Wishes, Hope,","'Like our shadows, Our wishes lengthen as our sun declines.' Quote: Edward Young. -1742-1745.","Sometimes, as we grow older, we wish we had served Jehovah more in our youth.  People in the world wish they could live their lives over, because of wasted pursuits.",Ecclesiastes 12:1;,Bobby Laymon,Is This Life All There Is?,36,,1995/07/14,
"Age, Youth, Death, Cure,","'Old people have fewer diseases than the young, but their diseases never leave them.' Quote: Hippocrates (B.C. 460-370)","King Sin has had a tight grip on all humankind, until we are finally taken in death.",Ro 5:14;,Wisdom Of The Ages,The Only Cure For Sick Mankind,62,,,
"Age, Youth, Experience,",'Forty is the old age of youth; fifty the youth of old age.'  Quote: Victor Hugo (1802-1885),Sometimes age is how you view it.,Ecclesiastes 1:4,Wisdom Of The Ages,How Can Youths Cope With Today's Crisis?,113,,,
"Age, Youth, Experience, Death, Kingdom,",'The young feel tired at the end of an action;  The old at the beginning.' Quote: T.S. Eliot (1888-1965),We must remember our 'Creator' in the days of youth and energy.,Ecclesiastes 12:1,Wisdom Of The Ages,The Kingdom Of God Is Near,109,,,
"Age, Youth, Experience, Death, Kingdom, Grief,","'Youth is fair, a graceful stag, Leaping, playing in a park.  Age is gray, a toothless hag, Stumbling in the dark.   Quote: Isaac L Peretz (1852-1915)",We look forward to the time under Jehovah's kingdom that even old age and death will be no more.,"Re 21: 3, 4;",Wisdom Of The Ages,What Happens When We Die?,127,,,
"Age, Youth, Older, Attitude, Spirit,","'If wrinkles must be written upon our brows, let them not be written upon the heart.  The spirit should never grow old.'  Quote: -James A. Garfield.",Our hearts can always be filled with refreshing thought.  Our speech boiling up healthful words.,Matt 12:34;,Bobby Laymon,'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,1995/08/25,
Age; Attitude;,'It takes about ten years to get used to how old you are.'  Quote:  R. Michael.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Age; Era; Human Nature;,"'Ours is an excessively conscious age. We know so much, we feel so little.'  Quote:  D. Lawrence.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Age; Funny;,"'She was 102. She didn't have wrinkles, she had pleats.'  Quote:  Dennis Wofberg.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Age; Longevity; Time; Life;,"'You cannot buy time, it is a gift from God.'  Quote: Anonymous.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Age; Maturity;,'Age is a high price to pay for maturity.'  Quote:  T. Stoddard.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Age; Old Age;,'Accept the changes age brings and stay alive inside.'  Quote: Anonymous.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Age; Old Age;,'After 30 a body has a mind of its own.'  Quote:  Bette Midler.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Age; Old Age;,"'Age is a matter of feeling, not of years.'  Quote: Anonymous.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Age; Old Age;,'Don't look back. Something may be gaining on you.'  Quote:  Satchel Paige.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Age; Old Age;,'I tell you the past is a bucket of ashes.'  Quote:  Carl Sandburg.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Age; Old Age;,'If you would not live to be old you must be hanged when you are young.'  Quote: Anonymous.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Age; Old Age;,"'In youth we run into difficulties, in old age difficulties run into us.'  Quote:  Joshua Billings.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Age; Old Age;,'It is better to be a young June-bug than an old bird of paradise.'  Quote:  Mt.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Age; Old Age;,'The cure for old age is the grave.'  Quote: Anonymous.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Age; Old Age;,'The spirit should never grow old.'  Quote:  James Garfield.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Age; Old Age;,'There has never been an age that did not applaud the past and lament the present.'  Quote:  Lillian Watson.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Age; Old Age;,"'Time and tide wait for no man, but time always stands still for a woman of 30.'  Quote:  Robert Frost.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Age; Old Age;,"'Time cuts down all, both great and small.'  Quote: Anonymous.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Age; Old Age;,'Time is at once the most valuable and most perishable of all our possessions.'  Quote:  John Randolph.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Age; Old Age; Attitude:,"'We do not stop playing because we are old, we grow old because we stop playing.'  Quote:  Owh.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Age; Old Age; Attitude;,"'Age does not depend upon years, but upon temperament and health. Some men are born old, and some never grow so.' Quote: Tyron Edwards",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Age; Old Age; Attitude;,"'Age doesn't matter, unless your cheese.'  Quote: Anonymous.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,7/16/2023
Age; Old Age; Attitude;,"'Age is a matter of mind, if you don't mind it doesn't matter.'  Quote: Anonymous.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Age; Old Age; Attitude;,'Forty is the old age of youth; Fifty is the youth of old age.'  Quote: Anonymous.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Age; Old Age; Attitude;,'Getting old is merely a matter of feeling our corns more than our oats.'  Quote: Anonymous.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Age; Old Age; Attitude;,"'Having fun is a lot like insurance, the older you get the more it costs.'  Quote:  Gladys Case.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Age; Old Age; Attitude;,'No man is so old as to think he cannot live one more year.'  Quote:  Cicero.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Age; Old Age; Attitude;,'Old age is when you don't care what folks say about you; if only they'll say something.'  Quote:  Frank Clark.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Age; Old Age; Attitude;,'The aging process has you firmly in its grasp if you never get the urge to throw a snowball.'  Quote:  D. Larson.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Age; Old Age; Attitude;,'The key to longevity?  Keep breathing.'  Quote:  Sophie Tucker.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Age; Old Age; Attitude;,"'They can talk all they want about being over the hill, it's still better than being under it.'  Quote: Anonymous.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,7/16/2023
Age; Old Age; Attitude.,'When you're over the hill you pick up speed.'  Quote: Anonymous.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,7/16/2023
Age; Old Age; Attitude.,"'Years may wrinkle the skin, but to give up interests wrinkles the soul.'  Quote:  Douglas MacArthur.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,7/16/2023
Age; Old Age; Attitude;,'You do not stop laughing because you grow old you grow old because you stop laughing.'  Quote:  Michael Prichard.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Age; Old Age; Attitude; Funny;,"'A stockbroker urged Claude Pepper to buy stock that would triple in value in a year. Pepper replied, 'At my age I don't even buy green bananas.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Age; Old Age; Attitude; Funny;,"'To win back my youth there is nothing I wouldn't do except take exercise, get up early, or be a useful member of the community.'  Quote:  Oscar Wilde.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Age; Old Age; Cynic; Good;,'Only the young die good.'  Quote:  Cynic's Calendar.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Age; Old Age; Forgetfulness; Mind;,"'Age carries all things away, even the mind.'  Quote: Anonymous.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Age; Old Age; Maturity;,'You're never to old to grow up.'  Quote:  Shirley Conran.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Age; Old Age; Middle Age;,"'Middle age is when you can do everything you used to, but not until tomorrow.'  Quote:  Ellicottville, New York Post.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Age; Old Age; Spirit;,"'If wrinkles must be written upon our brows, let them not be written upon the heart. The spirit should never grow old.'  Quote:  James A. Garfield.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Age; Old Age; Spirit; Goals; Progress;,'A man is not old as long as he is seeking something.'  Quote:  Jean Rostrand.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Age; Old Age; Wisdom; Experience;,"'To truly appreciate the beauty and dignity in an old face, you have to read between the lines.'  Quote: Anonymous.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Age; Old Age; Youth; Attitude;,"'The secret of staying young is to live honestly, eat slowly and just not think about your age.'  Quote:  Lucy Ball.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Age; Wisdom;,'Age does the same thing to people it does to wine. It sours the bad and improves the good.'  Quote: Anonymous.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Age; Wisdom;,'By common consent gray hairs are a crown of glory; the only object of respect that can never excite envy.'  Quote:  George Bancroft.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Age; Wisdom; Experience;,'As you grow old you stand for more and fall for less.'  Quote: Anonymous.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Age; Woman;,'The woman who tells her age is either too young to have anything to lose or too old to have anything to gain.'  Quote:  Chinese.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Age; Women; Funny;,'The best ten years of a woman's life are between the ages of 29 and 30.'  Quote:  P. Weiss.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Agnostic, Doubt, Belief,","'Agnosticism is the philosophical, ethical and religious dry-rot of the modern world.' Quote: F. E. Abbot.","Many today, are simply not believers in God.  Their way of life makes it evident.  This includes the clergy.",Titus 1:16;,Bobby Laymon,Have Faith In The Good News,47,,1995/08/25,
"Agnostic, Doubt, Zeal,",'Don't be an agnostic--be something.'  Quote: Robert Frost.,"We must be believers.  Practice faith.  Each needs their own program of personal study.   In divided household, a believer can build faith of children.",2 Tim. 1:5;,Bobby Laymon,Build Your Faith In Man's Maker,54,,1995/08/25,
Agnostic;,"'Agnosticism is the philosophical, ethical and religious dry-rot of the modern world.'  Quote:  F. E. Abbot.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Agree; Agreeable;,"'Agree with me now, it will save so much time.'  Quote: Anonymous.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Agree; Agreeable;,'It takes a lot of thought and effort and downright determination to be agreeable.'  Quote:  Ray D. Everson.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Agree; Agreeable;,'My idea of an agreeable person is a person who agrees with me.'  Quote:  Ben Disraeli.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Agree; Agreeable;,'We hardly find any persons of good sense save those who agree with us.'  Quote:  Rochefoucauld.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Agree; Agreeable;,'When people agree with me I always feel I must be wrong.'  Quote: Anonymous.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Agree; Agreeable;,"'When two people agree on everything, one of them is doing all the thinking.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Agree; Agreeable; Sincerity;,"'We may not always see eye to eye, but we can try to see heart to heart.'  Quote: Anonymous.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Agree; Argument;,"'You may easily play a joke on a man who likes to argue, agree with him.'  Quote:  Ed Howe.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Agree; Opinion;,'He that complies against his will is of his own opinion still.'  Quote:  Samuel Butler.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Agreeable; Adjustment;,"'If you're wrong be willing to change, if you're right, be easy to live with.'  Quote: Anonymous.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Agreement;,'To disagree a person doesn't have to disagreeable.'  Quote: Anonymous.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Aids,Ticking Time Bomb.  Refuse to quit their trade even though infected.  No other way to make a living.,"10,000 infected prostitutes in Bombay (can infect 20000 men year.",2 Tim 3:1-4,"June 8, 1990 Awake!  Page 28","Living, Not For Self, But To Do God's Will",8,,,
"Aids, Africa, Sickness, Disease, Blood, Cure","Imagine - almost a third of the adult population under sentence of death within ten years.  Also, 'there are villages ... of children only.'","In Africa, infection has reached 20-30% in the worst-afflicted centers.  Also at least 60% of donor blood is infected. As mothers die there at least 40,000 AIDS orphans.",Isa 33:24;,"Aug 8, 1992 Aw Page 4, 6, 7,",The Only Cure For Sick Mankind,62,,,
"Aids, Disease, Cure,",'A biological bomb that has exploded to pandemic proportions.'  (Description of AIDS),"It is estimated that worldwide 5,000 people are being infected every day.  That is more than three people every minute.",Ecclesiastes 1:5;,"Jul 22, 1995 Aw Page 10",Keep Seeking God's Kingdom,44,,1995/06/16,
"Aids, Morals, Sex, Decisions,","'It makes me angry that I allowed this to happen.  Choices I made have stolen away the choices that I might have had in the future.'  Quote: Newsweek magazine regarding Kaye, who at age 18 contacted the AIDS virus.","Kate is just one of over a million in the U.S. who are infected with deadly HIV.  AIDS is always fatal, and it is spreading at epidemic rates worldwide.",1co 6:18; Pr 22:3; Acts 15:29; Gal 5:20; Re 21:8; Pr 5:9-14;,"Sep 8, 1993 Aw Page 13",A Godly View Of Sex And Marriage,13,,,
"Aids, Morals, Sex, Youth, Sports,","The announcement 'stunned the world.' Quote: Newsweek magazine On November 7, 1991, popular U.S. athlete Ervin 'Magic' Johnson informed the press that he had contracted the AIDS virus.","'Students took the 'it happened to him, it could happen to me' message to heart -- briefly... For most students, what happened to Magic Johnson doesn't translate into change in their behavior. They still think they can get away with it.'",Pr 5:3-5; 7:21-23;,"Aug 22, 1993 Aw Page 16",A Godly View Of Sex And Marriage,13,,,
"Aids, Morals, Venereal Disease,",'What would we say about an airplane that had only a 69 percent chance of not crashing in a year?',"Statistically, condoms now appear to be less than 69 percent effective in protecting women against AIDS.  (The infected partner can easily contaminate a condom's outer surface.)",Rev 12:12,"Jan 8, 1995 Aw Page 28",The Only Cure For Sick Mankind,62,,1994/12/03,
"Aids, Std, Venereal, Diseases, Sickness,",'DON'T be SAD about all the things you wanted but didn't get.  Be HAPPY about all the things you didn't want and didn't get.',"For example, AIDS, Sexually Transmitted Diseases, hepatitis and many other diseases in the world.",Rom. 1:24-26;,"Gene Thorn - Camdenton, Mo",Why Live By Bible Standards?,88,,"Mar 19, 2001",
Aids; Change; Sex; Youth,"There is a word that gained notoriety in the 1980's- the word was 'AIDS'- how different we began using that word- it used to mean something good- relief- 'First Aid'- 'Band Aid'- 'Gator Ade'- or for Kids- 'Kool Ade'  We talk about kids- and aids- over 18,000 kids have gotten 'AIDS'- and yet- in the world- expressions like 'immorality' and 'fornication' are still considered old fashioned or judgmental.",Attitudes are changing as people 'advance from bad to worse.',2ti 3:15;,Dch,A Godly View Of Sex And Marriage,13,,,
Aim; Success;,"'It is not enough to aim, you must hit.'  Quote:  Italian.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Alaska, Witnesses, Pioneer, Plane, Zeal, Aircraft, Darkness, Organization","To reach remote settlements, the 710WT aircraft has to let down through clouds and fog that may cover the land for days. Note: Since both seven and ten are used in the Bible to symbolize completeness, 710 might be taken to emphasize the support Jehovah's organization has given to lift the veil from hearts enshrouded in darkness.","Once on the ground, there is yet another fog that must be penetrated.  Like a veil, it envelops the minds and hearts of these kind and peaceful people.","2co 3:15, 16;","Apr 15, 1994 Wt Page 22",Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,063,,1994/03/23,7/12/2025
"Alcohol, Drinking,","If somebody you know started sneaking into a closet to drink milk, surely you would conclude that something was wrong.  It's not normal.","Yet, alcoholics very often sneak drinks, even hiding bottles for later consumption.  Normal drinkers don't do that.",Pr 23:1-4,Bobby Laymon,Is The Truth Transforming Your Life?,51,,,
"Alcohol, Drinking, Drugs,","An alcoholic who takes a drink, is like a person like having sex with a grizzly bear.",You are not the one who determines when to stop.,Prov. 23:29-35,Robert Schwarze,Is The Truth Transforming Your Life?,51,,,
"Alcohol, Drinking, Drugs,","Like a car with 2nd gear stripped out, that goes from 1st to 3rd.","Alcoholic who takes the first drink, has no middle or neutral position, but has already had too much to stop.",Prov. 23:29-35,Robert Schwarze,Is The Truth Transforming Your Life?,51,,,
"Alcohol, Drinking, Drugs,","Once a year the elephants (Kruger Nat. Park) get drunk. They eat the plum like fruit of the marula tree, drink water, it ferments and forms alcohol in their stomachs.  About 30 each year have to be shot, they become so mean.  The other keep returning.","Like some humans, they don't seem to know when they have had enough.",Prov. 23:29-35,"Sep 8, 1867 Aw Page 30",Is The Truth Transforming Your Life?,51,,,
"Alcohol, Driving, Drinking",Deadly mixture  (See article for accidents and comfort for victims.),"Technically, alcohol is a food, but it also must be classified as a drug because it decreases the body's central nervous system.",Prov. 23:29-35,"Feb 8, 1991 Aw Pages 2-13",Is The Truth Transforming Your Life?,51,,,
"Alcoholic, Drinking, Drunk, Morals, Self-control,","'First the man takes a drink, and then the drink takes a drink, and finally the drink takes the man.' (Oriental saying) The nature of alcoholism demands that the alcoholic place his family last.",Both the alcoholic and the codependent are unwittingly controlled by something or someone outside of themselves.  They are blinded by denial.  Emotionally unavailable for their children.,Mt 5:29; Pr 19:19;,"May 22, 1992 Aw Page 4",Gaining Comfort In All Our Tribulations,105,,,
"Alcoholic, Drinking, Drunk, Morals, Self-control,",'Sobriety is new territory' for a recovering alcoholic.  Many alcoholics sabotage their recovery when things start going well. Adjustments are necessary for entire family.,The alcoholic may feel the pull toward the familiar life-style. He may rock the family boat.,Pr 16:18; 1co 10:12; Ps 55:22;,"May 22, 1992 Aw Page 7",Is The Truth Transforming Your Life?,51,,,
"Alcoholic, Drinking, Drunk, Morals, Self-control,",'Sobriety means getting rid of the bottle and the BABY.' says one physician. 'Be transformed by making your mind over'  'Strip off the old personality with its practices.' Ro 12:2; Col 3:9,"The 'baby' being the man himself.  The inner man must change as well.  If the actions change, but personality remains, the alcoholic will simple move on to another harmful dependency.",1pe 2:11;ro 7:23-25; Heb 5:14; Ro 12:2; Col 3:9; Pr 18:1; 27:17,"May 22, 1992 Aw Page 6",Gaining Comfort In All Our Tribulations,105,,,
"Alcoholic, Drinking, Drunk, Morals, Self-control,","'We are faced with a choice: Quit drinking and recover, or continue drinking and die.' (A recovering alcoholic)",Nine steps to recovery: [1] Know enemy [2] Change Drinking [3] understanding friend. [4] patience [5] acquire healthy associates [6] avoid overconfidence [7] beware relapse [8] adjust new family.,1pe 2:11;ro 7:23-25; Heb 5:14; Ro 12:2; Col 3:9; Pr 18:1; 27:17,"May 22, 1992 Aw Page 7",Is The Truth Transforming Your Life?,51,,,
"Alcoholic, Drinking, Drunk, Morals, Self-control,","Imagine waking up one night to discover your house is on fire. Help arrives, the fire extinguished.  Could you just go back inside and pretend nothing happened.  The 'fire' is out, but major reconstruction is necessary.","A similar challenge faces the alcoholic when he begins to recover. His life has been ravaged for many years.  The 'fire' is out but major reconstruction is needed.  attitudes, life-style.",1pe 2:11;ro 7:23-25; Heb 5:14; Ro 12:2; Col 3:9; Pr 18:1; 27:17,"May 22, 1992 Aw Page 6",Is The Truth Transforming Your Life?,51,,,
"Alcoholic, Drinking, Drunk, Morals, Self-control,",Initial recovery is like being on a 'pink cloud.'  'I feel great I don't even have the desire to drink anymore.'  Beware of over-confidence.,"Strive for balance: Without it you'll be setting yourself up for a fall, and it's a long way down from a cloud.",Pr 16:18; 1co 10:12; Ps 55:22;,"May 22, 1992 Aw Page 7",Is The Truth Transforming Your Life?,51,,,
"Alcoholic, Drinking, Drunk, Morals, Self-control,",Just as a good soldier takes the time to study his enemy's tactics ... 'carry on a conflict against the soul' (1Pe 2:11) literally means 'doing military service.' Carries the thought of destructive war.,The alcoholic must educate himself regarding the nature of alcoholism and how it destroys the alcoholic and those close to him.,1pe 2:11;ro 7:23-25; Heb 5:14; Ro 12:2; Col 3:9; Pr 18:1; 27:17,"May 22, 1992 Aw Page 6",Choose Your Associates Wisely!,116,,,
"Alcoholic, Drinking, Drunk, Morals, Self-control,","You are walking along the edge of a marshland.  Suddenly, the ground gives way.  Within moments you are foundering in quicksand. The more you struggle, the deeper you sink. Difficult or impossible for family member to get out alone.","Alcoholism engulfs the entire family in much the same way. Even family members cannot pull the alcoholic out of the quicksand, until they first get themselves out.",Mt 5:29; Pr 19:19;,"May 22, 1992 Aw Page 4, 5",Is The Truth Transforming Your Life?,51,,,
"Alcoholic, Drinking, Drunk, Morals, Self-control, Divorce,",'All alcoholics quit drinking.  Some of us are fortunate to quit while we are still alive.' (recovering alcoholic),"We are faced with a choice, quit drinking and live, or keep drinking and die.",Ps 55:22; Pr 16:18,"May 22, 1992 Aw Page 7",Is The Truth Transforming Your Life?,51,,,
"Alcoholic, Drinking, Drunk, Morals, Self-control, Divorce,","'The entire script for the family performance must be discarded and a new one created in its place.' (Book, 'Recovery for the Whole Family.'","For good reason, recovery has been called a family affair. All must adjust to New Family Roles.",1co 12:26; Pr 16:18; 1co 10:12; Ps 55:22;,"May 22, 1992 Aw Page 7",Gaining Comfort In All Our Tribulations,105,,,
"Alcoholic, Drinking, Drunk, Morals, Self-control, Divorce,","'They go to school with 'smiles on their faces and knots in their stomachs''. (Book - Adult Children - The Secrets of Dysfunction- all Families) May never have experienced love,",Adult children of alcoholics are strong.  Their survival from childhood trauma testifies to that fact.  But more is needed. New concepts in family relationships must be learned.,"Eph 4:23, 24; Col 3:9, 10; Mt 23:23, 24; 1j 5:3;","May 22, 1992 Aw Page 10",Gaining Comfort In All Our Tribulations,105,,,
"Alcoholic, Drinking, Drunk, Morals, Self-control, Divorce,","A critically wounded soldier lies bleeding on the battlefield. Help quickly arrives, and the injured is rushed to a hospital. The soldier has survived, but his problems are far from over. His wounds must be treated, and the trauma may last for years.","For children of alcoholic parents, home can be like a battlefield.  Many have stress symptoms as do combat veterans. Abused sexually, abandoned emotionally, assaulted physically,",Ro 12:15; 14:12; Eph 6:4; Phil 2:12;,"May 22, 1992 Aw Page 8",Gaining Comfort In All Our Tribulations,105,,,
"Alcoholic, Drinking, Drunk, Morals, Self-control, Divorce,","Tools to stop drinking:  The most important tool of all is God's Word. Feelings are not frozen within, but need to be examined and expressed constructively or dismissed. 'Act yourself into the right way of thinking.'","It is not what happens to us, but how we view or perceive what happened.",Ps 55:22; Pr 16:18,"May 22, 1992 Aw Page 12",Act Wisely As The End Draws Near,38,,,
"Alcoholic, Drugs, Addiction, Relationship,",'Alcoholics don't have relationships.  They takes hostages.'  Quote: An old saying among Alcoholics Anonymous.,Families and friends are often victims of an alcoholic's habits.,Pr 23:1-3;,Bobby Laymon,Keep Growing In Your Relationship With God,16,,1994/03/30,
"Alcoholism, Personality,","As plaster conforms to a mold, so your personality has in part been shaped by your past course.  When wrong conduct is removed, what is left?  A personality that has been molded perhaps over a period of many years.",Therefore recovery must include changing the old personality that conforms to your former course of conduct.,Eph 4:22;,"Aug 15, 1993 Wt Page 25",Is The Truth Transforming Your Life?,51,,,
"Alcoholism, Personality, Slip, Stumble,","'Being prepared for a slip is like a fire drill.  It doesn't mean you expect a fire but that you are prepared to take responsible action should one occur.'  Quote: Book, 'Willpower's Not Enough'","Guard against despair, if you fall.  Pray to Jehovah.  Confide in an elder.  Having lost a battle, doesn't mean you have lost the war.",Ps 103:14; Is 41:10;,"Aug 15, 1993 Wt Page 26",Does God Count You Personally Important?,26,,,
"Alcoholism, Personality, Slip, Stumble,","When a marathon runner falls, he does not go back to the starting line; he gets up and continues the race.","Do the same thing with your recovery.  You are still on the road. The weeks, months, or years of abstinence behind you do not cease to exist.",Ps 103:14; Is 41:10;,"Aug 15, 1993 Wt Page 26",Is The Truth Transforming Your Life?,51,,,
"Alert, Dull, Literature, Magazines, Tracts,","Do you have a drinking problem?  Gideon's 300 men didn't, but the others did.","Do you leave weapons behind when going to work, school, or vacation?  Are you alert to opportunities to witness?","Judges 7:5, 6;",Larry Burgers,WILL YOU BE A SURVIVOR OF THE LAST DAYS?,2,,,6/2/2025
"Alertness, Prepared",Gideon,Choose only alert ones,Judges 7:,Johnse Laymon,WILL YOU BE A SURVIVOR OF THE LAST DAYS?,2,,,6/2/2025
"Almond, Awake! Prophets,","The ancient Hebrews called the almond tree the 'awakening one,' alluding to its early flowering.  It would begin blooming in late January or February, well before most of the other trees.","Jehovah God is like the almond tree, 'getting up early' to send his prophets to warn his people.","Jer 1:12; 7:25; Ecclesiastes 12:5; Ps 37:9, 10; 2p 3:10-13; Hab 2:3;","Feb 15, 1993 Wt Page 32",How To Keep Spiritually Awake!,71,,,
Aloofness;,"'If a man makes me keep my distance, the comfort is that he keeps his at the same time.'  Quote:  J. Swift.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Ambition, Activities, Happiness, Joy, Materialism, Money,",'Where ambition ends happiness begins.' Quote: Proverb.,"Display true Christian personality, fighting against bad tendencies.    Avoid selfish ambition and laziness.",1 Peter 5:6; Heb 6:11;,Bobby Laymon,Act Wisely As The End Draws Near,38,,1995/06/30,
"Ambition, Competition, Greed,",'You cannot climb a ladder by pushing others down.' Quote: Proverb.,"Imperfections were evident; even among apostles.  Jealousy, ambition, and lack of humility showed up on a number of occasions.",Matt 20:20-28;,Bobby Laymon,Love Identifies The True Christian Congregation,72,,1995/06/30,
"Ambition, Goals, Ladder, Jealousy, Envy, Pride, Humility,",'Hew not too high lest the chips fall in thine eye.' Quote: Proverb. [14th century],"As in cutting down a tree, our pride and ambitions must not be too high.",Ps 138:6;,Bobby Laymon,Prayers That Are Heard By God.,86,,1995/08/16,
"Ambition, Indecision, Doubt,",'Never change horses in mid-stream.'  Quote: Anonymous.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Ambition, Jealousy, Envy, Climbing, Ladder,",'You can't hold a man down without staying down with him.' Quote: Booker T. Washington.,"Jealous persons may suspect others without cause.  They may resent the attention others receive; feel only they are entitled to it.  They may try to hold others down, and thus injury themselves.",1 Sam. 18:7-9;,Bobby Laymon,Jealousy--proper And Improper,76,,1995/08/16,
"Ambition, Work, Money, Materialism,","The trouble with being in the rat race is that even if you win, you're still a rat.  -- Lily Tomlin",Those who have found wealth still feel lost and are still in the rat race.,Ecclesiastes. 5:10;,Bobby Laymon,Does God Approve Of The Use Of Images In Worship?,136,,"Nov 19, 2001",
Ambition;,'If you take big paces you'll leave big spaces.'  Quote:  Burmese.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Ambition; Goals; Funny;,'I want to be what I was when I wanted to be what I am now.'  Quote:  Graffiti.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Ambition; Preparation;,'He that would leap high must take a long run.'  Quote:  English.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Ambition; Success;,'Most people would succeed in small things if they were not troubled with great ambitions.'  Quote:  Longfellow.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Ancestry, Worship, Religion,","'The man who has nothing to boast of but his illustrious ancestry, is like the potato--the best part under ground.' Quote: -Thomas Overbury.","People worship everything, including prominent wordings, sports, and even ancestors.",Rev 4:11,Bobby Laymon,How Well Do You Know God?,1,,1995/08/25,
Angel,"Computer or robot gifted with power of reason and freedom to form personal moral decisions, some chose to rebel.",Angels not programmed to act in certain way (free will).,Genesis 6:1-4  Jude 6  Rev 12:7-9],"Awake Mar 8, 1990 Page 21",The Flood Of Noah's Day Has Meaning For Us,6,,,
"Angel, Territory,","Ready to go home...last house...Found interest. Problem - You started at the wrong end of the territory. The angel was pointing, but you couldn't see the angel. Accomplished something else. You also got the territory worked.","Angel was pointing all the time to your territory, This house! Thus others were given an opportunity to hear.",Acts 10:3-22,Bro. Samuel Herd ,Glorifying God With All We Have,17,,,6/29/2025
"Angels,","(1) I have been given many difficult assignments in Jehovah's service and I have faithfully carried them out.  But most of my work goes unnoticed; someone else always gets the credit.    (2) Some of my brothers don't speak to me, but I always listen to them and I try to help.    (3) I share in declaring the Good News full time, but I am not really qualified to pioneer.    (4) I have more experience in the truth than just about any elder, but they will never recommend me.    (5) This may shock you: I have no need for the Bible and yet I enjoy studying it perhaps more than any of you.    (6) I was among those who were very happy when you came into the truth.  Did you know how much I cared?    (7) In fact, I've gone with you to every door you have taken in field service, but you have never introduced me and sometimes I think you forget I'm there.    (8) I don't miss a thing you do and have to report it all.  With some, I am saddened by the report I must make, but watching many of you over the years has strengthened my faith and devotion to Jehovah.    (9) So, if you give just a little more thought and consideration and study into all the ways that my brothers and I could help you, your faith will grow stronger too.","COMMENTS ON ABOVE:                                                              (1) (I have been given many difficult assignments in Jehovah's service and I have faithfully carried them out.  But most of my work goes unnoticed; someone else always gets the credit.) Perhaps name some difficult assignments: Garden of Eden, stood there 1600 years.  Visited Sodom, and almost molested?  How would you feel?  Killed 185,000.  Angels love life!  Must hurt them deeply to take life.  Sometimes humans complain that someone else always gets the credit.  But do you know why angels don't get the credit?  One reason is that they don't want it.  They are very humble and modest. (see Judges 13:18) Name 'wonderful' because it was given by Jehovah.  Content to let Manor think he was just a man.    (2) (Some of my brothers don't speak to me, but I always listen to them and I try to help.) We need to be aware of the existence of angels!  How many angels are there?  (100,000,000 according to Dan 7:10) yet sometime we are not aware of them.  Some perhaps think that Jehovah just used a 'cookie cutter' and cut them all out the same.  That is the way it is with us humans.  We are all the product of DNA and DNA.  We are so much alike it is scary!  Oh! We think we are different, but the older we get, the more we are like our father or mother. People will say, 'You are just like your father!'  'You are just like your mother!'  The angels were all created as a direct creation of Jehovah, with great variety.  Different rank of angels: Archangel is Jesus Christ; Next is the Seraphs, (like detectives) then the Cherubs; (like police officers, enforcing Jehovah's laws) then angels in general.   Yet the angels are very aware of all we do, and take an interest in it. (Matt 18:10)    (3) (I share in declaring the Good News full time, but I am not really qualified to pioneer.) Angels are not qualified to do the preaching work but could have done it much better and flawlessly.  There would not be any disagreements among them, they could reach each one, knowing the exact time to call.  However, the preaching was assigned to humans to dignify them and allow us to show our devotion to Jehovah.  We need to recognize the place of the angels in directing this work.    (4) (I have more experience in the truth than just about any elder, but they will never recommend me.)  Angels do not qualify as elders, since they are not human.  However they are interested in all those reaching out.  It is doubtful that we can contemplate the humility of angels.  For example, angels have been here for millions, even billions of years.  Scientists estimate the earth has been here 4 billion years or more.  Now a 'baby' angel would be older than the earth, since they were here when the earth was created. (Job 38:7) Now, we cannot grasp how long 4 billion years would be, but if you started counting right now and counted non-stop day and night how long would it take you to count to 4 billion?  It would take you over 500 years!  How long would it take to count to 60? or 70?  About 60 seconds or less. Now here are angels who have served faithfully without making one mistake for say, 500 years, who will be ruled over by humans who have only been here 60 seconds by comparison. (1 Cor 6:3)  What if  this happened in the congregations?  There would be loud protests about longevity.  Faithfulness! etc.  Yet, these angels are doing their best at helping  the 'holy ones' to attain their position.  We really cannot contemplate the humility of angels!    (5) (This may shock you: I have no need for the Bible and yet I enjoy studying it perhaps more than any of you.)  There are some things that the only place Jehovah has revealed it is through His Word, the Bible.  The angels are 'desiring to peer' into these things.  (1 Pet 1:12) How much more interested should we be, and how disappointed the angels must be when we neglect reading God's Word.    (6) (I was among those who were very happy when you came into the truth.  Did you know how much I cared?)  When you were baptized, do you remember how happy you were?  Do you remember all the applause the brothers and sisters gave when you came up from the water?  However, were you aware of the others, the angels, that were applauding you? (Luke 15:7, 10)    (7) (In fact, I've gone with you to every door you have taken in field service, but you have never introduced me and sometimes I think you forget I'm there.)  It is probably good that we don't introduce them at the doors.  People already think we are strange, and if we started introducing our invisible companion they would really think so.  However we need to be aware of their presence, and ability to help.  Example: Someone gives us a quarter to get us to leave (not knowing that we would do so for less).  They just take the magazines because they think it is our livelihood.  They take them in the house and throw them down on the table.  However, later they look for something to read, pick them up and begin to read them and can't believe what they are seeing.  'Why, this is the truth!' they say.  Now, we are not going to call back on someone with that attitude, are we?  However, who is it that sees the change in their thinking?  It is the angels!  Will we follow the lead of the angel who may direct us back to that person, even against our own thinking?  He knows the perfect time to call and we need to work in harmony with him.    (8) (I don't miss a thing you do and have to report it all.  With some, I am saddened by the report I must make, but watching many of you over the years has strengthened my faith and devotion to Jehovah.) The angels are aware and interested in all we do.  They are affected by our course of conduct.  Consider the faithful sisters who are married to unbelieving husbands.  (1 Cor 11:10) The angels see their obedient submission, in spite of the harsh way they are treated.  They think: Now if she can be in submission to her head, when he acts like that, surely I can be in submission to my loving head, Jehovah, no matter what.  Also what we do can sadden the angels.  They don't like to see humans lose their lives.  Some of these humans have faithfully served Jehovah for many years.  Example:  Years ago there was a cleansing in the organization.  One member of the Governing Body was disfellowshipped; one Gilead instructor, and several circuit overseers.  Whose work do you think this was?  It was not the work of man.  It was the seraphs!  The angels.  It must have saddened them, to take such action, but they had to 'clean up' or 'be cleaned out.'  But did you thank Jehovah for the help of the angels?  We should!    (9) (So, if you give just a little more thought and consideration and study into all the ways that my brothers and I could help you, your faith will grow stronger too.) Perhaps just speaking and thinking about our heavenly brothers and co-workers, will make us more aware of their help and presence.",Rev 14:6;,Bob Moloski C. O.,Glorifying God With All We Have,17,,1994/10/26,
"Angels, Creation, Variety,","We, as humans, are all products of RNA and DNA.  We are so much alike, it is scary.  We may think we are different, but as we get older, people say, 'You are just like your Dad!'  'Or your mother!'  Some perhaps think that Jehovah just took a 'cookie cutter' and made all the angels alike.","Jehovah created all the angels individually.  They have great variety, and differences in assignments as well.  All are interested in serving their creator Jehovah, however.",Acts 17:26;,Bob Moloski C. O.,Appreciating Marvels Of God's Creation,114,,1994/10/26,
"Angels, Exert,","The most important work today is preaching the Kingdom news and the disciple making work. Jehovah has many things to do, but the principal thing for the earth is the preaching work. This is no matter of fun and games, but of life and death. Jehovah could be using materialized angels. They would do a better job than we do as they are more effective, more discerning, do not tire out as quickly, and do not get discouraged as much. But Jehovah has given us the privilege to demonstrate how we feel about His Kingdom and the lives of others.   How are we doing? Are you zealous or tired out? Are you content to just go to the Kingdom Hall and just listen? Are you apathetic, lacking interest and/or emotion? Maybe we don't care and feel apathetic because we don't seem to accomplish anything in the door-to-door service. As a result, we may conclude: 'Jehovah could use his angels to do it better!' You are accomplishing more than you think! Even if you went out and 80% were not at home and the other 20% were not interested, you have accomplished your assignment.     Doctors keep charts in order to keep track of his patient's progress. Well, angels also keep charts to keep track of heart conditions. Angels are not able to read hearts, but they discern by reaction and words how hearts are developed. Do you recall what directed Philip to the Ethiopian eunuch? Acts 8:25-27 shows it was Jehovah's angel. Angels are actively involved in the preaching work according to Rev. 14:6. Matt. 25:31,32 shows angels to be reapers. People respond to or reject the kingdom message from the heart, and Jehovah's angels can better discern people's reaction even after we are gone. They are interested in every door we go to.","Let's go back to the day you became discouraged because so many were not at home or not interested.   FIRST HOUSE: Woman sees you coming and knows you are a witness. She hides. Angel sees this and marks the chart.   SECOND HOUSE: Not at home. Both husband and wife work. When they come home, husband picks up the tract you left in the door and says, 'Those Witnesses were here again! They sure are persistent!' Angel sees heart reaction and marks chart. You were home by that time.   As you walk to the third house, across the street a woman working in her flower bed notes your passing by, working the other side and comments about Jehovah's Witnesses and what well behave children they have, noting your child beside you as you work. And on down the street, you didn't notice, but the angel did, a garbage truck went by and the driver and his companion noticed you and began talking about Jehovah's Witnesses. Seems that the co-worker has witnesses living next door and tells the driver what fine neighbors they are. Angel notices the response.   THIRD HOUSE: Woman from first house calls her up and warns of her approach. 'Here come those Witnesses, pestering us again!' So the woman in this house hides. Later, her husband comes home and asks his wife: 'What did you do today, dear?' She tells him how she got rid of the Witnesses. He says, 'Aren't they the people that don't take blood transfusions?' They continue talking about the Witnesses and the angels take note of all of this.   This gives you a glimpse of what might be happening as the angels carry out their part in connection with the preaching activity. Does that not bring you joy, to be working with such zealous angelic co-workers in the preaching work?  Do you still feel you didn't do anything? There are 20-30 'reactions of the heart' for the angels to see.  Although the greatest joy in harvesting is reaping 'fine fruit,' first the ground must be prepared, and it requires long hours of what may seem to be just monotonous PLOWING. So some days you just plow, not finding much interest or starting any Bible Studies.   It's a test of our faith and our love for Jehovah. Do we have the proper attitude and are we vigorous in Jehovah's service of 'plowing'? Or are we partially in Jehovah's service, could we be more whole-hearted? Isn't that what Jehovah requires of us? Halfway is not acceptable. Lets give the angels our full cooperation.  Did you know if we do not go out in service the angels cannot go? Because they take note of the reactions of the householders we contact. We are needed to knock on the door and try to give them the message Jesus gave us to deliver. The householder is observed by the angels flying in mid heaven with the good news. So, where do you think the angels are on Saturday morning? Do you think they could be invisibly standing at the foot of your bed wondering if you are going to get up and take them out in service? Would you get up faster if you could see them? Wouldn't it be a pity if they had to report back to Jesus that they could not enter the field service Saturday because they were assigned to work with you and you didn't get up this Saturday morning?   Remember......the door to the new system has a sign on it......PUSH HARD!",Luke 13:24,Mark Hanlon,Service Talk,200,,1998/11/26,
"Angels, Joy, Ministry,","Angels are busy today as before.  We don't always know what is going on behind the scenes, but the angels know. Think back to a day when you went out in field service and were discouraged. Maybe the person at the first house was not interested, and the second house was a not-at-home, etc. But after you went home feeling discouraged, suppose you could look in on what was happening behind the scenes....  Angel noted the apathetic response of the lady at the 1st house and commented on her heart condition. The second house you marked not-at-home, but the angel noted that the householder saw you and  recognized that you were one of Jehovah's Witnesses, so she didn't come to the door. Then the next house was not-at-home because both the husband and the wife were at work. You left a tract in the door. Later, the angel noted on his house-to-house chart that the man came home from work and picked up the tract. He made a comment to his wife about Jehovah's Witnesses having been at their door while they were at work. The angel notes the response to the tract and to your call.","So, even after you are home, the effects of your work are still going on. You may be busy with household or family activities, but the angels are still hard at work noting the responses in your territory from your work.  Now, the angel makes a further note on the 2nd house. While you were at the third house, the householder at the second house called her friend, the householder at the 4th house, and told her not to answer her door. The angel appropriately noted the present heart condition of both householders.  Meanwhile, across the street, a lady working in her flower garden notices you passing by. She comments on how well-behaved your children are. And you didn't notice, but down the street a garbage truck driver began talking to his companion about Jehovah's Witnesses. It seems that the co-worker has Witnesses living next door and he tells the driver of what fine neighbors they are. The angel notes this.  So, now, as you have a glimpse into what might be happening as the angels carry out their part in connection with the preaching work, does it not bring joy to you to know that you're working with such zealous angelic co-workers? And while it can get discouraging, remember that, while the greatest joy is in harvesting fine fruit, the groundwork requires many long hours of hard plowing.   that were going in circles, but if we are strong and persistent, we will accomplish our goals.",Acts 8: 26; Rev. 14: 6; Matt. 13: 39,Bobby Laymon,Finding Honor And Joy In God's Ministry,65,,1997/11/14,
"Angels, Preaching, Good News, Opposition,","On her way out of the front door she threw a sign at me and screamed: 'I hope they pester you to death.'  The sign was one that she had always kept in the window and that read, in large letters, 'NO JW'S.'  I put it into the trash.  Quote: Larry Ruben, in article 'No Longer a Rock or an Island.'",'The next morning two women came to my door.  They were Jehovah's Witnesses.'  The angels are at work day and night.,Rev 14:6;,"Nov 22, 1994 Aw Page 21",Have Faith In The Good News,47,,1994/10/25,
"Angels, Service, Zeal,",Did you know if we do not go out in service the angels cannot go?  Because they take note of the reactions of the householders we contact.  We are needed to knock on the door and try to give them the message Jesus gave us to deliver. The householder is observed by the angels flying in mid heaven with the good news.,"So, where do you think the angels are on Saturday morning? Do you think they could be invisibly standing at the foot of your bed wondering if you are going to get up and take them out in service? Would you get up faster if you could see them? Wouldn't it be a pity if they had to report back to Jesus that they could not enter the field service Saturday because they were assigned to work with you and you didn't get up this Saturday morning? Things to ponder over in our quest to please and serve Jehovah.",Matt. 13:39; Rev. 14:6;,Bobby Laymon,Service Talk,200,,1998/04/05,
"Angels, Urgent, Urgency, Hurry, Exert, Zeal,","We so often hear the expression ' the voice of an angel' that I got to wondering what an angel would sound like. So I did some research, and discovered that an angel's voice sounds remarkably like a person saying, 'Hurry Up!'  Until the time I took over, research had been blocked because it was based on the delusion that the voice of an angel would always be beautiful. The words 'Get up' are rarely beautiful, never less so than at 6 AM. Yet that is what the angels always say when they talk to men, as reported in the Bible. I can't think of anything an angel ever said, but 'Get up and hurry!'","An angel comes to Peter in jail and says, 'Rise quickly!'   An angel says to Gideon, 'Arise and go in this thy might!'   An angel said to Lot, 'get up and go!'   An angel says to Elijah, 'Arise and eat!'   An angel appears to Joseph in a dream, when Herod is slaughtering the infants, and says, 'Go quickly!'   An angel appears to Philip and says, 'Arise and go!'  Really, the angels are monotonous talkers!  They always say the same thing! ........... 'Arise, Hurry!' A fire bell, too, is monotonous. If we are to be saved, it will be by monotony, the reiterated command, 'Get up and get going!'  Listen carefully......you can hear the voice of angels above the contemporary din of the world....a voice that ought to get us out of our comfortable chairs and away from our TV sets .......'Arise, go quickly!!!!!'",Matt. 28:7;,Mark Hanlon,Service Talk,200,,1998/11/26,
"Angels, Witnessing, Service, Pioneer,","You find interest, call again, and another person answers the door.  What do you do?  Should talk to them!","Imagine the frustration of the angels that have perhaps turned the world half-way around to arrange for this person to be at the door, and you turn and walk away.","Ac 8:26; 10:3, 7; Re 14:6;",Gary Breaux D.O. (pioneer Meeting),How Should You Serve God?,58,,,
Angels; Funny;,'Angels can fly because they take themselves lightly.'  Quote:  G. K. Chesterton.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Anger,"'Good Old Days' (What connection between them and anger.) God's word connects the two together, showing that a Christian should strive to get it out of mind and 'be slow about wrath' Just as people think the past is better, so anger is carried over.","It is a fleshly influence, a carry-over from the old world inherit.","Ecclesiastes. 7:9, 10; Jas. 1:19","Jul 1, 1960 Wt Page 410",Family Life That Warms The Heart,5,,,
Anger,"By sleeping with anger, nurse it and keep it warm. Might have good reason for anger, but if we continue angry, can cause us to sin.",Anger can cause us to play into Satan's hands,"Eph. 4:26, 27; Matt. 5:21, 22; Jas. 1:20; Rom 12:17, 19","Mar 1, 1960 Wt Page 146",Are You Really Making Jehovah Your Stronghold?,18,,,
Anger,Explosions; poison atmosphere; endanger others. Poison may contaminate others. God's Word does not agree that it may be good to release pent-up emotions in a fit of angry temper.,Temper explosions do not cleanse the atmosphere;,"Prov. 22:24, 25  Prov. 19:11","Mar 1, 1960 Wt Page 148",Are You Really Making Jehovah Your Stronghold?,18,,,
Anger,Horse loves sound and smell of the battle.  Wait on Jehovah.,"We must not let irritations, imperfections, cause us to fight.",Jeremiah. 8:6  Prov. 21:31,Bobby Laymon,Acquiring A Heart Of Wisdom,73,,,
Anger,"Plunging avalanche, picking up momentum, sweeping everything into destruction with it. Christians don't 'fight fire with fire' Avalanche, once started, very difficult to stop.","Not turning other cheek, but returning evil for evil.",Prov. 24:29;,"Aug 1, 1960 Wt Page 451",Is The Truth Transforming Your Life?,51,,,
Anger,"Quote: Dr. Redford B. Williams (New York Times Jan 17, 1989) 'Angry, cynical people are five times as likely to die under 50 as people who are calm and trusting, a psychiatrist has found.'",'A calm heart is the life  of the fleshly organism.' (Bible),Prov. 14:30,"Sep 15, 1990 Wt Page 21",Family Life That Warms The Heart,5,,,
"Anger, Coping, Road Rage, Meism, Selfish,",'Road rage.',"The me-first attitude that now saturates our roads.  Nine out of ten motorist claim to have been victims of road rage, but only six out of ten admit to losing their own temper at the wheel.  Refuse to join them in their attitude.","Ps. 37:1, 8;","Nov 22, 1997 Page 21",Follow The Way To Life,45,,1997/11/11,
"Anger, Forgiveness,","'He who holds back rising anger like a rolling chariot, him I call a real driver; other people are but holding the reins.' Quote: The Dhammapada (c. B.C. 300)",The one holding back anger is possessed with knowledge.,"Pr 17:26, 27;",Wisdom Of The Ages,Family Life That Warms The Heart,5,,,
"Anger, Forgiveness,","'Like fragile ice, anger passes away in time.' Quote: Ovid (B.C. 43-18 A.D.)","Also, like fragile ice, anger can be dangerous to our spiritual health and happiness.","Ecclesiastes. 7:8,9;",Wisdom Of The Ages,Do You Harbor Resentment Or Do You Forgive?,68,,,
"Anger, Hatred,","'As the whirlwind in its fury tears up trees,...or as an earthquake in its convulsions overturns whole cities; so the rage of an angry man throws mischief around him.' Quote: Akhenaton? (c. B.C. 1375)",Uncontrolled anger can destroy qualities that it takes a lifetime to develop.,Pr 25:28; Pr 14:17; 15;18;,Wisdom Of The Ages,Family Life That Warms The Heart,5,,,
"Anger, Hatred, Forgiveness,",Malice drinks one half of its own poison. Seneca (B.C. 3-65 A.D.),We cannot have hatred for others and not suffer from it ourselves.,Mt 6:12-14; 18:21;,Wisdom Of The Ages,What God's Ruler ship Can Do For Us,24,,,
"Anger, Hatred, Forgiveness,",There is no medicine to cure hatred. (Publilius Syrus B.C. 42),Forgiveness is the only solution to hatred and anger.,Mt 6:12-14; 18:21;,Wisdom Of The Ages,Do You Harbor Resentment Or Do You Forgive?,68,,,
"Anger, Hatred, Forgiveness, Revenge,",'The greatest remedy for anger is delay.' Seneca (B.C. 3-65 A.D.),"The best advise is to count to ten, or even more.",Pr 6:18; Ecclesiastes 5:2; 7:9; Is 59:7;,Wisdom Of The Ages,Parents--are You Building With Fire-resistant Materials?,104,,,
"Anger, Hatred, Love, Grudges",'To be angry is to revenge the faults of others on ourselves.' Quote: Pope (1688-1744),"An angry person will do things that, rather than help will cause harm, such as poor health, worry, etc.","Pr 25:28; Pr 14:17, 29; 16:32;19:11;",Wisdom Of The Ages,"Friendship With God, Friendship With The World -- Which Will You Choose?",79,,,
"Anger, Hatred, Love, Grudges,",'An angry man opens his mouth and shuts his eyes.' Quote: Cato the Elder (B.C. 234-149),"Wisdom is often forgotten in angry words, that silence would have prevented.",Ro 12:21; Luke 6:27;,Wisdom Of The Ages,"Friendship With God, Friendship With The World -- Which Will You Choose?",79,,,
"Anger, Hatred, Love, Grudges,",'Anger is a wind which blows out the lamp of the mind.' Quote: Robert G. Ingersoll (1833-1899),"An angry person will do things that, rather than help will cause harm, such as poor health, worry, etc.","Pr 25:28; Pr 14:17, 29; 16:32;19:11;",Wisdom Of The Ages,"Friendship With God, Friendship With The World -- Which Will You Choose?",79,,,
"Anger, Hatred, Love, Grudges,",'Anger is momentary madness.' Quote: Horace (B.C. 65-8),An angry person will do things that a reasonable person would never think of doing.    Example: Moses at Meribah,Nu 20:24; Ecclesiastes 7:7;,Wisdom Of The Ages,"Friendship With God, Friendship With The World -- Which Will You Choose?",79,,,
"Anger, Hatred, Love, Grudges,",'For hatred does not cease by hatred at any time: hatred ceases by love -- this is an old rule.' Quote: The Dhammapada (c. B.C. 300),We must keep conquering the evil with the good.,Ro 12:21; Luke 6:27;,Wisdom Of The Ages,"Friendship With God, Friendship With The World -- Which Will You Choose?",79,,,
"Anger, Hatred, Love, Grudges,",'Hatred is self-punishment.'  Quote: Hosea Ballou (1771-1852),"An angry person will do things that, rather than help will cause harm, such as poor health, worry, etc.","Pr 25:28; Pr 14:17, 29; 16:32;19:11;",Wisdom Of The Ages,"Friendship With God, Friendship With The World -- Which Will You Choose?",79,,,
"Anger, Hatred, Love, Grudges,","'I was angry with my friend; I told my wrath, my wrath did end. I was angry with my foe; I told it not, my wrath did grow.'  Quote: William Blake (1757-1828)",We should quickly settle differences.,1co 13:5; Eph 4:26; Mt 5:25,Wisdom Of The Ages,"Friendship With God, Friendship With The World -- Which Will You Choose?",79,,,
"Anger, Hatred, Love, Grudges,","'Whatever is begun in anger, ends in shame.' Quote: Franklin","Wisdom is often forgotten in angry words, that silence would have prevented.",Ro 12:21; Luke 6:27;,Wisdom Of The Ages,"Friendship With God, Friendship With The World -- Which Will You Choose?",79,,,
"Anger, Hatred, Love, Grudges, Truth,","'Most men know what they hate, few know what they love.' Quote: Colton (1780-1830)","We must make the truth our own, be determined to remain in it.","Ro 4:20, 21; 8:38; 14:5",Wisdom Of The Ages,"Friendship With God, Friendship With The World -- Which Will You Choose?",79,,,
"Anger, Hatred, Sin,",'Act nothing in a furious passion.  It's putting to sea in a storm.'  Quote: Thomas Fuller (1608-1661),"It is better to wait until anger subsides, before taking action.","Pr 14:16, 17, 29;",Wisdom Of The Ages,Hold A Good Conscience In A Sinful World,107,,,
"Anger, Hatred, Sin,","'Although you may spend your life killing, you will not exhaust all your foes.  But if you quell your own anger, Your real enemy will be slain.'    Quote: Nagarjuna (c. 100-200 A.D.)","Sin, with its works of the flesh, is our enemy.",Ro 5:12;,Wisdom Of The Ages,Hold A Good Conscience In A Sinful World,107,,,
"Anger, Hatred, Sin,","'Do not indulge yourself in the passion of anger; it is whetting a sword to wound your own breast, or murder your own friend.' Quote: Akhenaton? (c. B.C. 1375)","When we get angry, we are hurting ourselves the most.","Pr. 14:16, 17, 29;",Wisdom Of The Ages,Parents--are You Building With Fire-resistant Materials?,104,,,
"Anger, Hatred, Sin,",'There is no medicine to cure hatred.' Quote: Publilius Syrus (fl. B.C. 42),"Hatred is a result of Adam's sin, thus the only cure is God's Kingdom.",Ro 5:12; Re 21:4;,Wisdom Of The Ages,The Only Cure For Sick Mankind,62,,,
"Anger, Hatred, Sin,","'When angry, count ten before you speak, if very angry, a hundred.'     Quote: Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826)","It is better to wait until anger subsides, before taking action.","Pr 14:16, 17, 29;",Wisdom Of The Ages,A Godly View Of Sex And Marriage,13,,,
"Anger, Hatred, Sin, Woman, Scorned,","'Heaven has no rage like love to hatred turned, Nor hell a fury like a woman scorned.'    Quote: William Congreve (1670-1729)","Christians, however, must learn how to conquer the evil with the good.",Ro 12:21;,Wisdom Of The Ages,Hold A Good Conscience In A Sinful World,107,,,
"Anger, Humble, Humility, Self-control, Modesty,",A small pot is quickly hot. We must be 'slow to anger' as Jehovah is.,One quick to get angry shows 'smallness' and lack of self-control.,"Ps. 37:8; 103:8, Prov. 14:29; 22:24; Zephaniah. 2:2;",Bobby Laymon,A Godly View Of Sex And Marriage,13,,,
"Anger, Mad, Self-control, Calm, Contentment,",'Anger is a wind which blows out the lamp of the mind.'  Quote: Robert G. Ingersoll.,We loose control of our senses when we become angry.,Prov 25:28;,Bobby Laymon - Reader's Digest.,Follow The Way To Life,45,,1996/03/15,
"Anger, Mad, Vengeance,","'Don't get mad, get even.' Quote: Joseph P. Kennedy.","Rather than become angry, patiently wait on Jehovah, and keep trying to 'conquer the evil with the good'.",Ro 12:17-21;,Bobby Laymon,Bearing Up Under Persecution,57,,1995/08/16,
"Anger, Madness, Mildness,",'Anger is a short madness.' Quote: Horace.,Calmness aids health.  Mildness helps prevent anger.  Do not retaliate.,"Pr 14:30; 15:4, 18; 24:29;",Bobby Laymon,Follow The Way To Life,45,,1995/07/09,
"Anger, Patient, Frustration,",'Beware the fury of a patient man.' Quote: John Dryden. (1680],"Jehovah is patient, but will show righteous anger.","Col. 3:8; Prov. 14:17; Ps. 37:8, 9; Jas. 3:17; Eph. 4:32;",Bobby Laymon,Ruining The Earth Brings Divine Retribution,106,,,
"Anger, Patient, Frustration,",A dog's bark is worse than his bite. Most angry out bursts are later regretted.,Don't become too upset over anger of others.,"Col. 3:8; Prov. 14:17; Ps. 37:8, 9; Jas. 3:17; Eph. 4:32;",Bobby Laymon,Family Life That Warms The Heart,5,,,
"Anger, Patient, Frustration,",Rome wasn't built in a day.,Patience will be rewarded.,"Col. 3:8; Prov. 14:17; Ps. 37:8, 9; Jas. 3:17; Eph. 4:32;",Bobby Laymon,Family Life That Warms The Heart,5,,,
"Anger, Patient, Frustration,","Rule of Feline Frustration: When your cat has fallen asleep on your lap and looks utterly content and adorable, you will suddenly have to go to the bathroom.",Contentment of others are not always the same for us.,"Col. 3:8; Prov. 14:17; Ps. 37:8, 9; Jas. 3:17; Eph. 4:32;",Bobby Laymon,Family Life That Warms The Heart,5,,,
"Anger, Patient, Frustration,","Slowness is beauty, read slowly, think slowly, feel slowly and deeply. What enrichment! Slow down!",Trying to accomplish too much may lead to frustration.,"Col. 3:8; Prov. 14:17; Ps. 37:8, 9; Jas. 3:17; Eph. 4:32;",Bobby Laymon,"Mercy, A Dominant Quality Of True Christians",7,,,
"Anger, Quiet, Mild, Patience, Self-control, Heart,",Still water runs deep. 'Jehovah sees the heart.' Are we boiling underneath? Are we harboring resentment?,"Calm, quiet person may not be just as he appears to be. He or she may have deep feelings or a delightful sense of humor.  Even undesirable quirks in a brother or sister melts away when we learn more about their background.",1 Sam. 16:7; Jeremiah 17:9;,"Bobby Laymon; See Apr 1, 1995 Wt Page 17",Do You Harbor Resentment Or Do You Forgive?,68,,,
"Anger, Rage,","Suppose you get angry at your boss one day, and you come home and divorce your wife?  Would that make any sense?","However, some get angry with fellow Christians, and refuse to come to the Kingdom Hall.  They divorce Jehovah, so to speak.   That makes exactly as much sense as the above.",Prov. 19:3;,Steve Truitt,How To Conquer Evil With Good.,117,,1999/06/22,
"Anger, Rage, Passion, Temper,","'Putting to Sea in a Storm' WOULD you not view such a venture as ill-timed, foolish, and potentially disastrous? Some, however, thrust themselves into such a situation in a figurative way. How so? The 17th-century English author Thomas Fuller said: 'Act nothing in a furious passion. It's putting to sea in a storm.'","Pursuing a course of action while in a state of unrestrained anger can have tragic consequences. This is borne out by an event recorded in the Bible. Simeon and Levi, sons of the ancient patriarch Jacob, reacted to the violation of their sister Dinah by storming forth in a vengeful rage. The result was wholesale murder and plunder.","Genesis sis 34:25-30;ecclesiastes 10:4; Proverbs 22:24, 25","Apr 15, 1999 Wt Page 31",How To Conquer Evil With Good.,117,,1999/03/18,
"Anger, Rage, Self-control, Gossip, Temper,","There was a little boy with a bad temper.  His father gave him a bag of nails and told him that every time he lost his temper, to hammer a nail in the back fence.  The first day the boy had driven 37 nails into the fence.  Then it gradually dwindled down.  He discovered it was easier to hold his temper than to drive those nails into the fence.  Finally the day came when the boy didn't lose his temper at all.  He told his father about it and the father suggested that the boy now pull out one nail  for each day that he was able to hold his temper.  The days passed and the young boy was finally able to tell his father that all the nails were gone.   The father took his son by the hand and led him to the fence.  'You have done well, my son, but look at the holes in the fence.  The fence will never be the same.","A verbal wound is as bad as a physical one.'  When you say things in anger, they leave a scar just like this one.  You can put a knife in a man and draw it out, it won't matter how many times you say `I'm sorry,' the wound is still there.",Ps. 37:8;,Scott Rudolph,FAMILY LIFE THAT WARMS THE HEART,5,,1998/04/15,
"Anger, Rage, Temper, Patience,",Anger is only one letter away from danger.,"Anger is very close to carrying a crude, violence, even murder.",Pr 15:1,Bobby Laymon,You Will Reap What You Sow,59,,1993/12/27,
"Anger, Self-control, Mildness,","If your have a good temper, keep it. If you have a bad temper don't lose it.",Exercise self control.,Gal. 5:22-23,Bobby Laymon,Family Life That Warms The Heart,5,,,
"Anger, Stress,","'Chronic anger is so damaging to the body that it ranks with, or even exceeds, cigarette smoking, obesity and a high-fat diet as a powerful risk factor for early death.'  Quote: New York Times in 'Health' section",'People who explode in hostile rages or who sit around fuming over every perceived slight may be doing more than making themselves unpleasant.  They may be killing themselves.',"Ps 37:8; Pr 14:29, 30; 22:24, 25; Eph 4:26; Jas 1:19, 20;","Dec 15, 1993 Wt Page 32",Family Life That Warms The Heart,5,,1993/11/10,
"Anger, Temper, Self-control",'The greatest remedy for anger is delay.' Quote: -Seneca.,"When upsetting circumstances occur, we need to slow down our anger.","Prov. 14:30; 15:4, 8;",Bobby Laymon,Follow The Way To Life,45,,1995/08/25,
"Anger, Temper, Self-control,","'Anger is a momentary madness, so control your passion or it will control you.' Quote: -Horace.","None of us are immune.  Paul and Barnabas, prominent elders, had 'a sharp burst of anger' over  a small matter and parted company.",Ac 15:36-41;,Bobby Laymon,Love Identifies The True Christian Congregation,72,,1995/08/25,
"Anger, Temper, Self-control,",'The best remedy for a short temper is a long walk.'  Quote: Jacqueline Schiff in National Inquirer.,We must not allow our temper to cause us to sin.,Prov. 25:28;,Bobby Laymon - Reader's Digest,,,,1996/03/21,
"Anger, Temper, Self-control,",'To rule one's anger is well; to prevent it is still better.' Quote: -Tyron Edwards.,Preventing anger is far better than losing control and then repenting.,"Prov 15:4, 18;",Bobby Laymon,Follow The Way To Life,45,,1995/08/25,
"Anger, Temper, Self-control, Patience,",'It is strange but true your temper is something you never get rid of by losing.',Christians must practice mildness of temper.,1 Tim. 6:11,Jim Kinkade,What Kind Of Name Are You Making With God?,55,,"Oct 30, 2001",
"Anger, Temper, Self-control, Thinking,",'An angry man opens his mouth and shuts up his eyes.' Quote: -Cato.,"The world speaks out in anger.  God disapproves of thinking, speech, and practices of world of mankind alienated from him.",Pr 2:11-15;,Bobby Laymon,Does Your Thinking Agree With God's?,53,,1995/08/25,
"Anger, Wrath,",'Not the fastest horse can catch a word spoken in anger.'  Quote: Chinese Proverb.,"After it leaves the mouth, it cannot be stopped.",Ps 37:1;,Bobby Laymon - Reader's Digest,,,,1996/03/25,
"Anger, Wrath, Resentment, Calmness, Peaceful,",'A lion does not always have to roar!',"Anger is not the best basis for settling difficulties.  Even if we feel our rights have been violated, it is better to settle problems peacefully.",Rom. 12:18;,Bobby Laymon,Do You Harbor Resentment Or Do You Forgive?,68,,1996/02/02,
"Anger, Zeal, Enthusiasm, Spirit, Solitude, Relax,",'We boil at different degrees.' Quote: Ralph Waldo Emerson. -1870.,"Zeal can be described as 'boiling.'  What is it that makes you 'boil'? Jehovah is 'a jealous God'  He is not selfish, envious; but has a zeal, ardor for his name.  Do you show that kind of zeal for Jehovah's name?",Exodus 34:14; Ezek 39:25;,Bobby Laymon,Jealousy--proper And Improper,76,,1995/08/01,
Anger;,'Anger begins with folly and ends with repentance.'  Quote:  H. G. Bonds.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Anger;,'Anger blows out the lamp of the mind.'  Quote:  Robert Ingersoll.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Anger;,'Anger has no eyes.'  Quote:  Hindi.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Anger;,'Anger is momentary madness.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Anger;,'Anger is stone cast into a wasp's nest.'  Quote:  Malabar.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Anger;,"'Anyone can become angry, that is easy, but to be angry with the right person, to the right degree, at the right time, for the right purpose, and in the right way, that is not easy.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Anger;,"'Blood is thicker than water, but boils much quicker.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Anger;,'He who becomes angry becomes cool again.'  Quote:  Greek.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Anger;,"'If a small thing has the power to make you angry, does not that indicate something about your size?'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Anger;,"'Striking while the iron is hot is alight, but don't strike while the head is hot.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Anger;,'The frog flew into a rage but the lake wasn't aware of it.'  Quote:  Greek.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Anger;,"'Two things a man should never be angry at; what he can help, and what he cannot help.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Anger;,'When a man is angry he cannot be right.'  Quote:  Chinese.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Anger;,'When a man is wrong and won't admit it he always gets angry.'  Quote:  Halliburton.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Anger;,"'When water and fire are at war, it is fire that loses.'  Quote:  Spanish.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Anger; Communication;,"'I was angry with my friend; I told my wrath, my wrath did end. I was angry with my foe, I told it not, my wrath did grow.'  Quote:  Will Blake.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Anger; Effects;,'Anger drinks in half of its own poison.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Anger; Effects;,"'Whenever you are angry, be assured that it is not only a present evil, but that you have increased a habit.'  Quote:  Epictetus.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Anger; Goodness;,'In the good man anger quickly dies.'  Quote:  Latin.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Anger; Patience;,"'Beware of him that is slow to anger, when it is long in coming, it is stronger when it comes and the longer kept.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Anger; Patience; Self-control;,'If you are patient in a be moment of anger you will escape a hundred days of sorrow.'  Quote:  Chinese.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Anger; Peace,"A tiny hole in a dam can have great consequences. Better to leave the subject, strengthen bonds of peace.","From a small beginning of anger, comes a terrible flooding.",Prov. 17:14,"Sep 15, 1961 Wt Page 567",Family Life That Warms The Heart,5,,,
Anger; Power;,'Anger without power is folly.'  Quote:  German.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Anger; Reasonable;,'An angry man is seldom reasonable and a reasonable man is seldom angry.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Anger; Reasonable;,'An angry man opens his mouth and shuts his eyes.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Anger; Reasonable;,'No man can think clearly when his fists are clenched.'  Quote:  George Nathan.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Anger; Reasonable;,'When a man grows angry his reason rides out.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Anger; Right;,'When a man is wrong and won't admit it he always gets angry.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Anger; Self-control,"'One angry count to four, when very angry, swear.'  Quote:  Mt.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Anger; Self-control,'People who fly into a rage always make a bad landing.' Quote:  Will Rogers,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Anger; Self-control;,'Anger is only one letter away from danger.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Anger; Self-control;,'He who conquers his wrath overcomes his greatest enemy.'  Quote:  Publilius Syrus.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Anger; Self-control;,"'To rule ones anger is good, but to prevent it is still better.'  Quote:  Tyron Edwards.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Anger; Self-control;,"'When angry count to ten, when very angry, a hundred.'  Quote:  Thomas Jefferson.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Anger; Self-control;,"'Wise anger is like fire from a flint; there is great ado to get it out; and when it does come, it is out again immediately.'  Quote:  Matthew Henry.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Anger; Self-control;,Anger is often more harmful than the injury that caused it.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Anger; Speech;,"'Fire is kindled by bellows, so is anger by words.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Anger; Speech;,'Never forget what a man says to you when he's angry.'  Quote:  Hwb.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Anger; Temper;,'My life is in the hands of any fool that makes me lose my temper.'  Quote:  Dr. John Hunter.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Anger; Wisdom;,'Anger restrained is wisdom gained.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Animals, Breeding, Subjection, Domestic,",Man's relationship to the lower forms of life can be likened to that of the potter and his clay. The skilled potter uses his raw materials to fashion ceramic vessels of endless variety and uses.,"Man, by selection and crossbreeding, fashions from the host of living organisms the plants and the animals that satisfy his needs. Of course, these organisms themselves have the inner potential to respond to this domestication by man.",Ge 1:24;,"May 22, 1980 Aw Page 21-22",Is The Truth Transforming Your Life?,51,,1994/05/06,
"Animals, Love, Justice, Wisdom, Power,","The dog Lanka that lived for a few days imprisoned in the Russian Sputnik #2, rocketed into outer space on November, 3, 1957, got no higher than the orbit in which this manmade satellite zoomed around the earth till it fell to destruction on Apr 14, 1958.",But in God's holy presence there are creatures that have qualities pictured by certain animals here on earth.,"Re 4:6,7; John 5:30; Acts 3:14; 7:52;","Dec 1, 1958 Wt Page 712","Friendship With God, Friendship With The World -- Which Will You Choose?",79,,,
"Animals, Paradise, Security,","Now we enjoy having cats and dogs for pets, and in some parks get an added thrill when a squirrel or pigeon eats out of our hand, and  as we walk through the zoos we may even have a desire to fondle the furry mane of the lion or stroke the striped pelt of the tiger. But we  wisely quench this natural urge, for we know that while we would be running our hands through its fur it might be running its teeth  through our hands.","However, in the new world man will exercise dominion, not through fear and dread, or by hunters or zoo keepers or circus trainers, but through such perfect mutual trust that even a little child can lead the wildest of beasts. Even the lion will turn vegetarian then.",Isa. 11:6-9; Hosea. 2:18.,W52 3/15 168,,,,1996/01/06,
"Animals, Wolf, Lion, Paradise, Earth,","You sometimes see a deer among a herd of cattle, but deer usually like to be with deer. The wolf's natural habitat is with other wolves, but neither the lamb nor wolf will have fear of the other, and will sometimes",The wolf will 'reside for a while' with the male lamb. lay beside each other.,Isa. 11:6;,Bobby Laymon,Ruining The Earth Brings Divine Retribution,106,,,
Animals;,' As sociable as a basket of kittens.'  Quote:  J. Harris.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Animals;,'A cat can look at a king.'  Quote:  French.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Animals;,'A dog can stare at a bishop.'  Quote:  French.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Animals;,'A dog's nose and maid's knees are always cold.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Animals;,'A fox should not be on the jury at the gooses trial.'  Quote:  T. Fuller.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Animals;,'A shy cat makes a proud mouse.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Animals;,'A stick is quickly found to beat a dog with.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Animals;,'A trout in the pot is better than a salmon in the sea.'  Quote:  Irish.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Animals;,'All fish are not caught with flies.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Animals;,"'Animals have these advantages over man: They have no theologians to instruct them, their funerals cost them nothing, and no one starts lawsuits over their wills.'  Quote:  Voltaire.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Animals;,'Do not count your chickens before they are hatched.'  Quote:  Aesop.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Animals;,'Do not keep a dog and bark yourself.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Animals;,"'Dogs laugh, but they laugh with their tails.'  Quote:  Max Eastman.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Animals;,'Don't call alligator long mouth until you pass him by.'  Quote:  Jamaican.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Animals;,'Don't look for the fifth foot of the cat. (the impossible)'  Quote:  Spanish.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Animals;,'Mouse: An animal that strews its path with fainting women.'  Quote:  Ab.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Animals;,'One reason a dog can  be such a comfort when you're feeling blue is he doesn't try to find out why.'  Quote:  Rd.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Animals;,'Pitch him into the Nile and he'll come up with a fish in his mouth.'  Quote:  Arabian.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Animals;,'The ape in its mother's eyes is a gazelle.'  Quote:  Arab.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Animals;,'The cat could very well be man's  best friend but would never stoop to admit it.'  Quote:  Doug Larson.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Animals;,'The dog will dance for money.'  Quote:  Spanish.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Animals;,'The fly that doesn't want to be swatted is most secure when it lights on the fly swatter.'  Quote:  George Lichtenberg.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Animals;,'The goose hisses but does not bite.'  Quote:  Dutch.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Animals;,"'The great pleasure of a dog is that you may make a fool of yourself with him and not only will he not scold you, but he will make a fool of himself too.'  Quote:  Samuel Butler.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Animals;,'The lamb....began to follow the wolf in sheep's clothing.'  Quote:  Aesop.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Animals;,'There is no psychiatrist in the world like a puppy licking your face.'  Quote:  Bern Williams.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Animals;,'They say a reasonable amount of fleas is good for a dog. It keeps him from brooding over the fact that he is a dog.'  Quote:  Edward Wescott.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Animals;,"'Though boys throw stones at frogs in sport, the frogs do not die in sport, but in earnest.'  Quote:  Bion.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Animals;,'Today's egg is tomorrow's hen.'  Quote:  Turkish.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Animals;,'What kills a skunk is the publicity it gives itself.'  Quote:  Al.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Animals;,'When a dog is drowning everyone offers him a drink.'  Quote:  George Herbert.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Animals;,"'When a man's dog turns against him, its time for a wife to pack her trunk and go home to mama.'  Quote:  Mt.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Animals;,"'When the horse is dead, get off.'  Quote:  Kirk Sorensen.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Animals;,'When the mouse laughs at the cat there is a hole nearby.'  Quote:  Nigerian.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Animals;,'When the snake is old the frog will tease him.'  Quote:  Persian.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Animals;,'Whoever beats dogs loves not man.'  Quote:  Arsene Houssaye.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Animals;,It takes a good many mice to kill a cat.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Animals;,Pigs never play well on the piccolo.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Animals;,"When the cat is in the birdcage, he isn't there to sing.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Animals; Bird;,'A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.'  Quote:  Anonymous.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Animals; Bird; Satan;,'It is too late for the bird to scream when it is caught.'  Quote:  French proverb.,"Likewise, Satan is out to get you.  Be on guard!",1 Pet 5:8;,Jk Quotes;,How To Protect Ourselves From Satan's Snares,115,,,
Animals; Cat;,'Cats are intended to teach us that not everything in nature has a function.'  Quote:  Garrison Keller.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Animals; Cat;,'Cats are smarter than dogs. You can't get eight cats to pull a sled through the snow.'  Quote:  Jeff Valdez.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Animals; Cat;,"'If a cat spoke, it would say things like 'Hey, I don't see a problem here!'   Quote:  Roy Bloat Jr..",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Animals; Cat;,'The only mystery about a cat is why it ever decided to become a domestic animal.'  Quote:  Compton McKenzie.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Animals; Character;,'A cobra will bite you whether you call it cobra or Mr. Cobra. (a snake is a snake)'  Quote:  Indian.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Animals; Character;,'What can you expect from a hog but a grunt.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Animals; Character;,'You cannot teach a crab to walk straight.'  Quote:  Aristophanes.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Animals; Dog:,'I loathe people who keep dogs. They haven't got the guts to bite people themselves.'  Quote:  A. Strindberg.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Animals; Dogs;,'Dogs gnaw bones because they cannot swallow them.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Animals; Fish;,'The net of the sleeper catches fish.'  Quote:  Greek.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Animals; Funny;,'It is nice for children to have pets until the pets start having children.' Quote:  The Wild rooter,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Animals; Funny;,'The thing that astonished him was that cats should have two holes cut in their coat exactly at the place where their eyes are.'  Quote:  George Lichtenberg.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Animals; Haste;,'Nothing must be done hastily but the killing of fleas.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Animals; Isolation;,'The lone sheep is in danger of the wolf.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Animals; Motive;,'The wolf will hire himself out very cheaply as a shepherd.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Animals; Mouse;,'The mouse that has one hole is quickly taken.'  Quote:  Latin.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Animals; Peer Pressure;,'We are discreet sheep; we wait to see how the drove is going and then go with the drove.'  Quote:  Mark Twain.,,,Jk Quotes;,Why Christians Must Be Different.,123,,,
Animals; Pride; Self-importance;,'The fly sat upon the axle of the chariot wheel and said 'What dust I do raise!',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Animals; Skill; Adaptability;,'A rooster crows in any henhouse.',Be adaptable and not be ashamed to speak to any audience.,2 Timothy 1:8;,Jk Quotes;,,,,,1/12/2020
Animals; Talk Is Cheap;,'He who killed a lion when absent feareth a mouse when present.'  Quote:  English.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Animals; Teaching;,'What should a man know before he tries to teach a dog?  More than the dog.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Animals; Teaching;,'You can't teach an old dog new tricks. ,"(Not true, You can't teach a DUMB dog new tricks!)' OR You have to smarter than the dog.",,Jk Quotes;,,,,,3/3/2025
Animals; Wolves; Sheep; Compromise; Follow The Crowd;,'He howls with the wolves and bleats with the sheep.'  Quote:  Dutch.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Annoy, Self-control, Resentment, Forgiveness, Tension,","It is easier to sit on a mountain than on a thumb tack. Mannerisms, whistling, taping fingers, fussing with papers, adjusting pictures, playing of radio. These can be disturbing but do not warrant an angry remark or a display of temper.",It is the little things that usually annoy us.,1 Cor. 13:5; Eph. 4:2,"Feb 22, 1963 Aw Page 3, 4",Family Life That Warms The Heart,5,,,
Anointed,"Musician plays near tune, but all sharps and flats.","Some pretend, but none can sing the New Song.",Rev 14:1-3,Bobby Laymon,How Do You Fit Into The Kingdom Arrangement?,21,,,
"Anointed, 144,000, Body, Spirit,",As a seed planted in the soil will send up a plant whose form is entirely different from that of the seed.,Those chosen to rule with Christ will be raised with different bodies.,"1 Cor. 15:35-38, 44;","Jan 8, 1964 Aw Page 27",Does God Count You Personally Important?,26,,,
"Anointed, 144,000, Congregation, Organization, Clean, Holy, Undefiled,","The selection of spiritual Israelites can be likened to diamond mining. When rich diamond-bearing ore is brought to the surface, it may yield only 1 carat per 3 tons of earth. A method once used to separate the diamonds involved mixing the ore with water and flowing the mixture over tables of grease. Diamonds are water-repellent, and they stuck to the grease while the unwanted material was washed away. At this stage the diamonds were rough. However, when cut and polished, they reflected light in all directions.","Like water-repellent diamonds that are no part of the matter around them, Jehovah's people have been separated from the world. When first drawn to the light, they may have lacked luster. But Jehovah's Word and spirit create within them a new personality, and they shine as illuminators in this world. It is because of Jehovah's righteousness that they are set on high and reflect the light of Kingdom truth in all directions, not because of their own righteousness. To maintain an elevated position, and in imitation of those of spiritual Israel, we too must live clean, upright lives. Spiritually, we must always be dressed in white robes. Never let down your guard, slipping into anything that would defile your standing before Jehovah.",Rev 14:1-3;,J.K.,How Do You Fit Into The Kingdom Arrangement?,21,,1997/04/11,
"Anointed, 144,000, Faithful Slave,","Samson, a devoted Nazirite from birth to death, practiced abstinence, born to long-barren mother. (See article for many examples how Samson pictured the anointed.)","Similarly, when Jehovah's long-barren 'woman' at last brought forth spiritual sons, exclusive devotion was required of this 'slave' class.",Judg. 13:2-7; Numbers. 6:1-21; Matt. 24:45-47;,"Feb 15, 1967 Wt Page 106",Jealousy--proper And Improper,76,,,
"Anointed, 144,000, Faithful Slave, Christendom, Samson,","Samson, now blinded, was offered for amusement, but was 'from a weak state was made powerful.' Clergy made 'sport' of Jehovah's downtrodden 'slave' in 1919. They may not have mimed.   Realized they had no more power over J.W.","Samson class though temporarily blinded by false religion, now blind to doing anything but Jehovah's will. Main props of false religion: Unreasoning patriotism, Nationalism.","Judg. 16:22-30; Rev. 11:10; Isa. 43:8, 10, 11; Phil. 3:13, 14;","Feb 15, 1967 Wt Page 113",Religion's Role In World Affairs.,92,,,6/21/2025
"Anointed, 144,000, Faithful Slave, Samson, Apostates,","Just as Samson slept on the treacherous Delilah's knees, so the Samson class' attitude finally brought a weakening. They came out in support of the 'day of prayer and supplication' proclaimed by the president of the U.S.",There can be no middle ground for Christians. We cannot soften down the utterances against Apostates and false religion. Samson class repented and prepared to serve Jehovah.,Judg. 16:4-21;,"Feb 15, 1967 Wt Page 111-112",Jealousy--proper And Improper,76,,,
"Anointed, 144,000, Faithful Slave, Samson, Kingdom, 1914;","'Let's lie in wait until 1914,' declared the Philistine religionist ... and when the forecast proves wrong, we will have them trapped.'","When God's Kingdom began ruling right on time, it was as if, by Jehovah's power, the 'Samson class' tore the enemy's trap-like gate from its foundations, post and all.","Rev. 12:10, 12;","Feb 15, 1967 Wt Page 110",The Kingdom Of God Is Near,109,,,
"Anointed, 144,000, Great Crowd, Hope, Earth,","We have what is like a 'pre-set clock' to live on the earth. Jehovah's spirit bears witness with our spirit anointed ones) In 2 covenants: New covenant; Covenant for heavenly kingdom. Wrong assumptions: Strong emotions, death of mate or tragedy.","Jehovah changes that clock, our mental attitude changes. close associate may profess to be of anointed. Drugs or medication may have influence. Desire for prominence.","Rom. 8:15-17; 1 John 3:2; Gal. 6:15, 16, Heb. 12:22-24","Mar 15, 1991 Wt Pages 19-22 (Larry Punko)",Ruining The Earth Brings Divine Retribution,106,,,
"Anointed, 144,000, Jesus Christ, Name,","'What's in a name?' Essential for designating persons or things. Examples: new heavens; temple; bride; Abraham's seed; royal priesthood; holy nation; new creation (applies individually, not collectively;) congregation; brothers; body; Lamb's wife; new Jerusalem",Info: List of names for Christ Jesus & anointed ones. little flock; anointed; faithful & discreet slave; Christ: Amen; Faithful & True; Lamb; King of Kings; Leader; Lion,Rev. 14:1,"Sep 1, 1963 Wt Page 537-540",What Kind Of Name Are You Making With God?,55,,,
"Anointed, 144,000, Kingdom, Born Again,","As the citizens of a country might have a few selected men who serve as their representatives, making up their government.","So God has determined to select from mankind 144,000 humans to be part of the kingdom of the heavens.  These will rule with Jesus over the paradise earth.","Re 5:9,10; 14:1-3; 20:6; He 10:19,20;","Dec 1, 1968 Wt Page 734",The Kingdom Of God Is Near,109,,,
"Anointed, 144,000, Other Sheep, Work, Reward,",'You can't take it with you!' is an old adage.  Is it correct? Rather: 'God is not unrighteous so as to forget your work and the love you showed for his name.' 'for the things they did go right with them.',"The anointed will suffer no loss of their treasures of good works.  The same principle will not allow death to rob the other sheep of heavenly treasure.  However, the works of the wicked perish with them.","Jas 1:22,25;1ti 6:17-19; 1pe 1:17; Re 2:23;14:13; Heb 6:10;","Aug 1, 1955 Wt Page 474",Parents--are You Building With Fire-resistant Materials?,104,,,
"Anointed, 144,000, Remnant,",Jacob's deathbed prophecy.,"Complete explanation of each tribe, fulfillment with remnant.",Genesis. 49:1-,"Jun 15, 1962 Wt Page 362-374 And Jul 1, 1962 Wt Page 396-408",Serving With Jehovah's Unified Organization,3,,,
"Anointed, 144,000, Resurrection, Heavenly Hope,","When we go to a department store, most of us like to take our merchandise with us.  How many really go for the 'lay away' plan where you just pay and pay until you can take it home?  We like immediate benefits.","Thus it is with the anointed.  The things they did go right with them.  From this time on, there is no waiting.  They receive immediate benefits.","Rev 14:12, 13;","Bobby Laymon  See Feb 15, 1995 Wt Page 16 Para 16.",Serving With Jehovah's Unified Organization,3,,1995/04/15,
"Anointed, 144,000, Temple,",A building under construction begins to take definite shape. Christ is foundation cornerstone.  Apostles are foundation stones. Others are 'harmoniously joined together ... growing into a holy temple for Jehovah.',"The anointed, are seen to take definite shape.",Eph. 2:20-22; Eph. 4:8-16;,"Jul 1, 1964 Wt Page 402",How Purposeful Is Your Life?,60,,,
"Anointed, 144,000, Temple, Limestone, Blocks,","The limestone blocks were cut to their right size and fully beveled at the quarry and the timbers and other lumber used were also previously cut to size and finished so that, 'as for hammers and axes or any tools of iron, they were not heard in the house while it was being built.'",So also the symbolic stones of the spiritual temple are first fitted by discipline and require no further trimming at the time of their being laid in the great spiritual temple in heaven.,1 Cor. 15:50-54  1 Ki. 6:7-35,"Sep 15, 1959 Wt Page 569",Serving With Jehovah's Unified Organization,3,,,
"Anointed, 144000, Faithful, Discreet, Slave, Government, Kingdom,","Even slaves of God can have flaws, can't they?  Yes! but not these slaves. 'without blemish' Jehovah gives them the strongest of recommendations here.","Even with members of kingdom government expanded, they will not bring in a flaw. Unlike human government, with flaws, there will be none.",Rev. 14:1-5; Rev. 22:4; 1 Pet. 2:9; Matt. 5:8;,"Nov 1, 1967 Wt Page 665",The Kingdom Of God Is Near,109,,,
"Anointed, 144000, Marriage, Lamb,","A wedding is a happy event.  Preparations are joyful, all the family attend and congratulate the newly married couple.","What wedding, though, causes real, heartfelt rejoicing on a worldwide scale?  Or even a National scale?  The one described in Revelation chapter 19.",Rev. 19:9,"Jun 1, 1967 Wt Page 341",God Comes First In Successful Family Life,110,,,
"Anointed, Bride, Satan, 144,000.",Beauty and the Beast.,"Jehovah's anointed are beautiful in His eyes, in contrast to Satan's organization.",Rev. 21:9-14;,Bobby Laymon,How To Protect Ourselves From Satan's Snares,115,,,
"Anointed, Remnant","Olive Tree -- Branches of wild olive, drafted into tame olive produces excellent fruit. With other trees, just the opposite is true. Wild branches drafted on cultivated tree, produce only wild fruit.",Jesus Christ is symbolic Olive Tree; can draft in 'wild olive',Rom. 11:17-24,"Jun 1, 1959 Wt Page 338",Overcoming Fear Of The Future,108,,,
"Anointed, Temple, Responsibility, 144,000, Great Crowd,","King decided to build palace, wanted to not only employ you but have you live in it. How would you feel? Say? Now filling with 'desirable things of all nations' Glorious palace now near completion.",Such a royal house has been under const. for over 1900 years,"Ps. 29:9; Prov. 8:22-31; 1 Pet. 2:4, 5; Hag. 2:6, 7;","Jun 1, 1962 Wt Page 335-40",Can You Live Forever?--will You?,35,,,
"Answers, Study, Manners, Hospitality, ","It is like eating chicken.  When you get a big plate of chicken, do you gobble down the whole plate.  Or do you get one piece and pass it on to someone else.",Likewise with answering at the Watchtower or book study.  One take one piece and leave some for everyone else.,2 Tim 2:15;,Bobby Laymon,Follow The Course Of Hospitality,77,,1997/08/13,4/10/2014
"Answers, Study, Underline,","Answers should be like a .22 or target.  Not a shotgun! You should only underline simple, direct answers. 1. Simple direct answer.  2. Supporting argument.  3. Scriptures 4. Field points or illustrations.",If you give a shot gun answer you blow out entire paragraph. It is like hunting small game with a shotgun.  Also expose to lead poisoning.,"Pr 15:1, 2","Kingdom Ministry School At N.Y. (bobby Laymon) School Guidebook Page 90,91","As Christians, We Care About Other People",15,,,
"Answers, Watchtower,","The young man wanted to make a good impression on the young lady and ordered a soda.  He only had enough money for one, but asked for two straws.  It arrived, and he was disappointed when she ate the cherry on top; then the whipped cream; next quickly drank the soda, and slurped up the foam.","We can do that in our answers in the congregation.  By covering the entire paragraph, we don't leave anything for anyone else.",Col 4:6,Al Larue,,,,,
"Ant, Creation, Work, Plan,","Why 'Go to the Ant'?  The ant prepares its food even in the summer and also in the harvest.  Because of instinct, it gathers its food at the right time.",The ant's natural course implies that humans should plan ahead and be hard workers.,"Pr 6:6-8; 30:24,25; Ecclesiastes 3:13,22; 5:18; Pr 6:9-11; Tit 2:9, 10;","May 15, 1993 Wt Page 32",Jehovah--the Grand Creator,101,,,
"Ant, Forever, Punctual, Time, Meetings, Schedule, Pioneer,",It would be like the ant trying to understand man's beginning and God's purpose in putting humans on earth.  Such knowledge is far beyond the comprehension of that small insect.,"We cannot understand, 'FOREVER'.  We do not know where time began and where it is going throughout eternity. Only Jehovah possesses such knowledge at present, so we should not concern ourselves about it.",John 17:3;,W68 5/1 267,Can You Live Forever?--will You?,35,,1994/05/10,
"Ant, Power, Creation, Wisdom, Bible, Study, Grasshopper,","One observer saw an ant dragging along a grasshopper sixty times its own weight. That is the equivalent of a man's dragging four and a half tons. Another ant, suspended by gripping a string with its hind feet, held in midair a pair of gloves eleven hundred times its own weight. To match this a man would have to hang by his toes and support by his teeth more than eighty tons.","In truth it could also be said: 'Go to the ant, you of feeble grip, and be wise.'  We need to hold onto God's Word like that.",Pr 6:6,W53 5/1 261,Jehovah--the Grand Creator,101,,1994/05/09,
"Ant, Punctual, Stork, Time, Tardiness, Meetings, Schedule, Pioneer,","'Even the stork . . . well knows its appointed times' to migrate, and the ant 'prepares its food even in the summer' to be ready for the winter, says the Bible.","Therein lies a secret of being punctual and getting things done.   We too must 'know our appointed times.' While not being rigid or fanatical, we should be time conscious. We need to know not only what we have to do but also when we have to do it. We need to get into the habit of thinking ahead, making allowance for possible delays.",Jeremiah 8:7; Proverbs 6:8;,W90 6/15 29,Serving With Jehovah's Unified Organization,3,,1994/05/10,
"Ant, Work, Industrious, Lazy, Employee, Honest,","As the ant benefits from its industriousness, so God wants humans to 'see good for all their hard work.' (Ecclesiastes 3:13, 22; 5:18)","Like busy ants, true Christians do a good day's work. They 'do with their might what their hands find to do,' not because a boss is watching, but out of honesty and with a desire to be industrious, profitable workers.","Ecclesiastes 3:13, 22; 5:18; Ecclesiastes 9:10; Compare Proverbs 6:9-11;",W93 5/15 32,Conducting Ourselves Honestly At All Times,10,,1994/05/10,
Anticipation;,'Nothing is so good as it seems beforehand.'  Quote:  George Elliot.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Anticipation;,"'What we anticipate seldom occurs, what we least expected generally happens.'  Quote:  Ben Disraeli.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Anticipation; Hope;,'It is better to travel hopefully than to arrive.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Antidote, Cure, Kingdom,","If you swallowed a poison, you would not want something to relieve the pain.  You would want an antidote; a remedy to counteract the poison.  To completely neutralize it. (synonyms: medicine, fix, heal, make well, rectify, repair, dose, treat, attend, doctor)","Mankind has been poisoned by Adam's sin. Jehovah's Kingdom will do more than relieve pain, but will completely swallow up all cause for pain. It will be the only antidote for human ills.","Isa 25:8; Re 21:3, 4; Isa 33:24;",Scott Rudolph & Bobby Laymon,The Only Cure For Sick Mankind,62,,,
"Ants, Life,  Endurance, Persistent, Zeal, Persecution, Determination,","Ants are persistent and determined. Have you ever put your foot in the pathway of an ant? The ant will not turn back but will try one way and then another, or will even try to climb over your foot.  The ant will not easily give up.",Neither should you!   Be determined to remain on the path of life.,Pr 6:6;,Bobby Laymon,Follow The Way To Life,45,,1994/05/10,
"Anxieties, Stress, Decisions, Prayer,","You are getting up in years and have lost your job!   You talk to the mechanic, and he says it will take $300. to repair your car. You talk to the surgeon, and he says you need an operation and your chances are only 50% for recovery.",Can you relate to any of the above problems?  All these things cause anxiety.  Where can we throw them?,Mt 6:34; 2 Co 11:28; Luke 21:34; Jas 5:11; Pr 3:5;,"Divine Teaching District Assembly. Memphis July 1-4, 1993 Schroeder",Prayers That Are Heard By God.,86,,,
"Anxiety, worry, concern,",Worry! 40% never happen; 30% happened in past; 22% petty; only 8% are considered legitimate worries.,Never be anxious,Matt 6:30-33,"Feb 8, 1960 Aw Page 12",Gaining Comfort In All Our Tribulations,105,,,
"Anxiety, Contentment, Faith, Worship, Hope,",A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.,Contentment will prevent many anxieties.,1 Cor. 1:9; Gal. 5:22; Heb. 11:1; Ps. 37:25; Josh. 23:14;,Bobby Laymon,Gaining Comfort In All Our Tribulations,105,,,
"Anxiety, Depression, Worry, Wait, Happiness,","A little boy is riding his bike, and he breaks it.  Yet, he is not overly worried, because he knows that his Dad can fix anything.","We must avoid being overly anxious, because our heavenly father is capable of 'fixing anything.'",Mt 6:30-33;,Kimberly Laymon,You Can Find Joy In Serving God,103,,,
"Anxiety, Fear, Boldness, Courage, Doubt,","Doubts are more cruel, than the worst of truth.",Doubts and anxiety are harmful.,"Rev. 21:8, Eph. 6:20,",Bobby Laymon,Overcoming Fear Of The Future,108,,,
"Anxiety, Health, Moderation,","The secret of health for both mind and body is not to mourn for the past, not to worry about the future, or not to anticipate troubles, but to live the present moment wisely and earnestly.",Anxiety can hasten death.,"Prov. 14:30; Luke 21:34, 35;",Bobby Laymon (wisdom Of The Ages.  Quotes),Coping With Life's Anxieties,32,,,
"Anxiety, Problems, Coping, Worry, Endure,","If you spilled milk, just clean it up, it is spilled, it's done. If you break a glass, just sweep it up.","Whatever cannot be cured, has to be endured  It is never good to worry about what you cannot change.  Forget about it. Don't escape life, but face and conquer problems rather than avoiding them, which leads to a lot of  worry. Action is one of the best cures for anxiety. Pack up your service bag and go in service. This gives a change of mind and heart. Don't run away from it, or lose sleep over it.",Phil. 4:7;,Daniel Sydlik Gilead Talk,Coping With Life's Anxieties,32,,1998/10/16,
"Anxiety, Stress, Problems, Pioneer,","'We have a lot of anxieties, and one cancels out another very often.' Quote: -Winston Churchill.","Many turn to drugs such as tranquilizers, or alcohol.  In overcoming one of these, others are often canceled out such as index.",Matt 6:31,Bobby Laymon,Coping With Life's Anxieties,32,,1995/08/25,
"Anxiety, Stress, Worry, Prayer, Trouble, Decisions, Burden,","It can be likened to the static that sometimes disrupts a beautiful melody heard on the radio.  If there is no interference with the radio waves, sweet strains can be enjoyed and can produce a state of calmness.  However, the raspy noise of static can distort even the loveliest tune, causing us irritation and frustration.","Anxiety, likewise, can affect our life dramatically.  It can have a similar effect on our serenity.  It can weigh us down so much that we cannot attend to vital matters.","1 Pet 5:6, 7; Prov 12:25; Luke 21:34-36; Psalm 55:22;","Nov 15, 1994 Wt Page 21",Coping With Life's Anxieties,32,,1995/01/08,
"Anxiety, Worry, Depression, Happiness, courage, faith,","Couple traveling; saw large mountain ahead; old car; How would they get over it?  When they reached it, there was a tunnel.",Many anxieties are unwarranted.,Matt. 6:33,Johnse Laymon,You Can Find Joy In Serving God,103,,,
"Anxiety, Worry, Problems, Depression, Contentment,","It has been said, 'Worry never robs tomorrow of it's sorrow.  It only saps today of it's strength.'",Concern about problems will not help.,Mt 6:34;,Joseph Wengert D.O.,Gaining Comfort In All Our Tribulations,105,,1994/04/19,
"Anxiety, Worry, Problems, Depression, Contentment,","Some people say, 'I know worry helps because everything I worry about never happens.'",That's the point:  We worry about things that may never happen anyway.,Mt 6:26-34;,Joseph Wengert D.O.,Decisions You Face--how Will You Make Them?,50,,1994/04/19,
"Anxiety, Worry, Problems, Depression, Contentment, Decisions,",Some things take their turn.  People will patiently wait in line at the grocery store check-out line until it's their turn.   We are taught to take our turn in kindergarten.,"Problems however, don't take turns.  They all come at the same time.  Especially with age:  Our health fails; We get older; Crime increases;  These are problems we can't prevent no matter what we do.",Mt 6:26-34;,Joseph Wengert D.O.,Decisions You Face--how Will You Make Them?,50,,1994/04/19,
"Anxiety, Worry, Stress, Depression, Discouragement,","Anxiety can be likened to the static that sometimes disrupts a beautiful melody heard on the radio.  If there is no interference with the radio waves, sweet strains can be enjoyed and can produce a state of calmness.  However, the raspy noise of static can distort even the loveliest tune, causing us irritation and frustration.",Anxiety can have a similar effect on our serenity.  It can weigh us down so much that we cannot attend to vital matters.  Christ Jesus spoke about the danger of being distracted by excessive anxiety. (Luke 21:34-36),Luke 21:34-36; Prov 12:25;,"Nov 15, 1994 Wt Page 21",Gaining Comfort In All Our Tribulations,105,,1994/10/16,
Anxiety;,'The natural role of twentieth-century man is anxiety.'  Quote:  Norman Mailer.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Anxiety; Curiosity;,'The thinner the ice the more anxious is everyone to see whether it will bear.'  Quote:  Josh Billings.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Anxiety; Worry;,'The natural role of twentieth-century man is anxiety.'  Quote:  Norman Mailer.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Anxiety; Worry;,"'We have a lot of anxieties, and one cancels out another very often.' Quote:  Winston Churchill",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Apathy, Doubt, Faith, Decisions,","Someone said, 'I don't know if I am for or against people who can't make up their mind.'",Jehovah lets his feeling be known about persons who are indecisive.,James 1:6-8;,Joseph Wengert D. O.,Decide Now For Divine Ruler ship,37,,1995/05/29,
"Apathy, Lazy, Zeal,",'Apathy is the glove into which evil slips its hand.'  Quote: Bodie Thoene.,A lazy one's disposition will put him to death.,Prov 21:25;,Bobby Laymon - Reader's Digest,Follow The Way To Life,45,,1996/03/24,
"Apathy, Love, Marriage, Divorce, Disappointment,",It has been said that the true opposite of love is not hate but apathy.,"Indeed, indifference can be every bit as destructive to a marriage as hostility.",Eph. 5:28,"Jan 8, 2001 Awake Page 6",Getting Marriage Off To A Good Start,27,,"Jan 20, 2001",
"Apathy, Preaching, Tire, Progress, Problems, Depression, Stress","If you can't run with footmen, how will you run with horses. He had been run out of town by footman of Anathoth.  Depressed. How would he run with horses= Rulers, Kings, princes, military leaders, priests, elders.  All these would be against him.","Jeremiah's prayer and answer recorded: Must be for our benefit. He wanted Jehovah to bring end, but Jehovah assured him he would not;  Just yet.  Apply to us, when tiring out.",Jer 12:1-8;,"Tape: Chas Sinutko C.O.   (entered Dec 17, 1991)",Gaining Comfort In All Our Tribulations,105,,,
"Apathy, Preaching, Tire, Progress, Problems, Depression, Stress, Happiness","Perhaps sometime in your life you have been able to visit the giant redwood forests in California.  The Giant Sequoia, largest tree in the world. Comes from a seed 1/3000th of an ounce, smaller than a man's fingernail.  You are looking at a football field standing on end.  Tree weighs over 2000 tons.  Cannot stand at its base without awe.  Yet, you get into your car and drive off and you can't see it.  Just splinter in giant forest.  Just a part of the terrain.","Life is like that; It gets out of perspective; we make molehills into mountains.  Let normal problems get us down.  Yet if we could back off and view them as Jehovah does, our problems might not be any larger or smaller than anyone else.   Jeremiah faced with same problem, Jehovah advised him.",Jer 12:1-8;,"Tape: Charles Sinutko Jr. C.O.   (entered Dec 17, 1991)",You Can Find Joy In Serving God,103,,,
"Apathy, Preaching, Tire, Progress, Problems, Depression, Stress, Persecution,",Have you ever cut hardened steel with a torch?  How about a sheet of copper?  Which one cuts the best?  Steel cuts like a hot knife through butter.  Copper: molecular structure allows heat to spread be distributed throughout.  Hard to cut.,"Jehovah will make us a 'fortified copper wall' if we let him. Fiery missiles, or everyday problems can't cut you down.  Satan can't cut you to pieces.",Jer 15:20;,"Tape: Chas Sinutko C.O.   (entered Dec 17, 1991)",Bearing Up Under Persecution,57,,,
"Apathy, Uncaring, Burnout,",'Nothing for preserving the body like having no heart.' Quote: -John Petit-Penn.,"Those who don't care seldom burn out, because they don't care.","1 Pet. 5:6, 7;",Bobby Laymon,,,,1995/08/25,
Apathy; Ignorance;,What is the difference between ignorance and apathy?  I don't know and I don't care!,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Apologize, Conversation, Communication,","Let us suppose that two men who need to communicate are standing on the tops of two different mountains. Conversation across the chasm that divides them proves impossible. When one of them descends to the valley below and the other follows his example, however, they can converse easily.","Similarly, if two Christians need to resolve a difference between them, let each one humbly meet the other in the valley, so to speak, and make suitable apologies.",1 Peter 5:6.,W96 9/15 23,True Friendship With God And Neighbor.,100,,1999/04/24,
Apologize;,'Apologizing--a very desperate habit--one that is rarely cured. Apology is only egotism wrong side out.'  Quote:  Owh.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Apostasy,"Can't walk Easterly and Westerly at same time.  Careful what we read, watch.","We can easily be led into unclean areas by books, apostates etc.",Col 2:8  1 Tim 6:20  Eph 5:6,Convention Talk,How To Protect Ourselves From Satan's Snares,115,,,
Apostasy,"Don't be like goat, eat about anything.  Careful what we read, watch, Jehovah's table will protect us.",Only two tables; table of Jehovah & table of Demons.,"1 Cor 10:18, 21  Matt 6:24  Col 2:8",Convention Talk,How To Protect Ourselves From Satan's Snares,115,,,
Apostasy,"Pornographic Literature, Let children look at? Aimed to destroy mind.","Read apostate literature, or listen to them.","2 Cor 11:13-15 3, 4  2 John 8-11",Paul Smith,Choose Your Associates Wisely!,116,,,
Apostasy,"Wild Goose Chase. Describe wild goose chase, This one ends in death.","Tried to mislead even chosen ones; teachings, literal application.",Mark 13:21-,Wt,How To Protect Ourselves From Satan's Snares,115,,,
Apostasy,"You are what you eat.  Careful what we read, watch, Jehovah's table will protect us.",Especially applies to spiritual feeding.,Col 2:8  1 Tim 6:20  Eph 5:6,Convention Talk,How To Protect Ourselves From Satan's Snares,115,,,
"Apostasy, Apostates,","Brakes on car, for protection.","At death of apostles, restraining brakes were removed.  Their presence, their restraining force, their powerful gifts bestowed by holy spirit, prevented apostates from becoming an epidemic.",Acts 2:1-4  1 Cor 12:28,"Feb 1, 1990 Wt Page 12",How To Protect Ourselves From Satan's Snares,115,,,
"Apostasy, Associations,","Raised on farm, If someone said 'look out' didn't plod along. Careful what we read, watch, Jehovah's table will protect us.","We can easily be led into unclean areas by books, apostates etc.",Col 2:8  1 Tim 6:20  Eph 5:6,Convention Talk,Choose Your Associates Wisely!,116,,,
"Apostasy, Name, Reputation,","Would you name a son Judas? When a baby boy was born to Mr. and Mrs. Simon Iscariot of the Judean village of Kerioth, they had great hopes for him.  Judas gradually went bad. Fell far short of their expectations.","Do not side with those leaving Jehovah.  No parents, familiar with account, would name a son Judas.  We must make no excuses for Judas.",John 17:12  Matt. 26:24,"Apr 1, 1958 Wt Page 196",What Kind Of Name Are You Making With God?,55,,,
"Apostasy, Trinity, Religion, Truth, False,","Bank teller is taught what true 'dollar bill' looks like.  He is not taught what all counterfeit looks like.  Then when a counterfeit comes along, he automatically spots it.","Likewise, we are taught the truth and the false is easily recognized.  We know truth, and automatically spot false.  There is no scarcity of spiritual food Jehovah's table.  He will protect us.  We do not have to make deep study of all false teachings.",Col 2:8  1 Tim 6:20  Eph 5:6,K.M. School; Convention Talk,True Religion Meets The Needs Of Human Society.,94,,,
Apostasy,"Smooth piece of furniture with crack, like ladder painted over. Listen to those having insight.","Apostates appear smooth, but great danger.","Dan 11:32, 33","Mar 15, 1989 Wt Page 20, 21",Serving With Jehovah's Unified Organization,3,,,
"Apostasy, Aright,","If you eat poison, you can have your stomach pumped out, and eventually all the poison is gone.","When you take in apostate ideas into the mind, it is not easily removed, but remains a part of the mind.",2pe 2:1; Heb 6:4-6; 2ti 2:16-18;,Joe Laymon,Choose Your Associates Wisely!,116,,,
"Apostasy, Christendom, Evolution, Satan, Nations, Counterfeit, Science, authentic, real,","'What one man can make, another can fake!' 70% of all drugs sold in parts of Africa are counterfeit.  110 million in counterfeit dollars in one year. Waterford crystal; Most dangerous is aircraft parts, and drugs.","The Piltdown 'fossil' was a fake that fooled scientists for years.  Other examples: Hitler 'diaries'; 10-15,000 fake Apple computers sold each month in 1987; 33 million fraud in",2co 11:14;,"May 22, 1992 Aw Page 20",Does Your Hope Rest On Science Or The Bible?,80,,,
"Apostasy, Christendom, Spiritism, Demonism,",You lose your hat and how long do you look for it?  Until you find it.  Then you stop looking.  You look for the truth and how long do you look?  Until you find it.,"After finding the truth, why keep on being curious about demonism, or the teaching of apostates.  We have the truth.  That is all we need.",John 8:44;,Johnse Laymon,How To Protect Ourselves From Satan's Snares,115,,1995/04/17,
"Apostasy, Counterfeit, Christendom, Standard, Bible, authentic,","Someone has been producing $100 bills, called 'exceptionally good'.  The difficult style of printing using a raised impression, the cloth-based paper with its telltale red and blue fibers, and magnetic ink have been masterfully replicated. Quote: Wall Street Journal","Satan is a master of deception.  He tries to counterfeit kingdom truths, and get them as close as he can in order to deceive. We need to stick closely to Jehovah's standard, the Bible.",2co 11:14;,"Feb 22, 1993 Aw Page 29",Why Live By Bible Standards?,88,,,
"Apostasy, Death, Sin, Life, World, Satan, Demons, Spiritistic,",Curiosity killed the cat.,Curiosity about Satan's world can kill us.,"Genesis. 1:27-31; Ecclesiastes. 9:5, 10; Ezek 18:4; Acts 17:31; 24:15;",Bobby Laymon,'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
"Apostasy, Doubt, Fall, Drift, Meetings,","Slide (playground; hard to stop once started) Some have fallen into apostasy, or returned to Babylonish teaching.",Can slip 'down the slithery slide of doubt & information'.,"Heb 2:1  3:12  6:11, 12","Dec 1, 1989 Wt Page 13",How To Protect Ourselves From Satan's Snares,115,,,
"Apostasy, Faith,","Poisonous tentacles of octopus, can reach out and pull you in.",John saw the poisonous tentacles of apostasy reaching out to ensnare Christians weak in faith.,"Acts 20:28-30; 2 Pet. 2:1-3; 1 John. 2:18, 19;","Sep 15, 1991 Wt Page 15",How To Protect Ourselves From Satan's Snares,115,,,
"Apostasy, False, Literature, Christendom,",Suppose you have just had a large feast with turkey and all the trimmings.  It has been a banquet!  Then someone walks in with a bag of food from McDonalds.  Would you be interested?,Why we don't take literature from apostates or from false religious organizations.,John 17:17;,"Pat Miller - Arcadia, Mo.",Religion's Role In World Affairs.,92,,1994/06/22,
"Apostasy, Morals, World, Last Days, Associations, Television,","If you allowed dirt to accumulate on your dishes and silverware germs would multiply, and a child could easily get sick. So, you are careful to wash your dishes.",Polluted information can have an equally bad effect. It can sicken a child's mind and influence him to pursue a course of crime.,Phil 4:8; 1 Cor. 15:33; 2 Tim. 3:1-5; 2 Pet. 3:13;,"Mar 15, 1968 Wt Page 166",How To Protect Ourselves From Satan's Snares,115,,,
"Apostate, Apostasy, Christendom, Babylon, False Religion, Bible,","In order to be able to speak well, one does not study bad grammar but, rather, studies the rules of good grammar. If one knows good grammar, that which is incorrect will stand out.","Likewise, if one studies the truth from God's Word, that which is false will stand out. One who has an accurate knowledge of God's Word will have no problem in refuting false religious ideas.  It would not be wise for a Christian to listen to false religion.",1 Cor 10:12; Col 2:8;,W74 3/15 181,Religion's Time Of Judgment,83,,1994/07/30,
"Apostate, Clergy",Jelly fish may look like a harmless spineless creature but it also called Portuguese man of war. has a mass of sting studded tentacles some 50 ft. long poison 75 times as poisonous as cobra.,Apostates may appear spineless or harmless.  Bite like snake.,2 Tim. 3:5;,"Johnse Laymon May 8, 1965 Aw Pg 17",How To Protect Ourselves From Satan's Snares,115,,,
"Apostates, Apostasy, Demons,",Did you ever eat something that poisoned you? Get pumped out!  Can cause you to lose spiritual appetite. May have to 'force feed' self.,Try cleansing effects of great portions of God's word.,Matt. 6:25-34,"Jul 15, 1959 Wt Page 428",How To Protect Ourselves From Satan's Snares,115,,,
"Apostates, Apostasy, Curiosity,","It's been said that, 'Curiosity killed the cat!'",Curiosity can kill us if we become curious about the teachings of those leaving Jehovah.,1 Tim 4:1; Prov 14:15;,"Comment On July 1, 1994 Wt Page 13; Al Larue",How To Protect Ourselves From Satan's Snares,115,,1994/08/23,
"Apostates, Christendom, Babylon,",Wolves in sheep's covering.,Applied to false prophets.,Matt. 7:15;,Bobby Laymon,How To Protect Ourselves From Satan's Snares,115,,,
"Apostates, Clergy, Disfellowshipped, Morals,","'The saying of the true proverb has happened to them: 'The dog has returned to its own vomit, and the sow that was bathed to rolling in the mire''","How well the apostate clergy over the years fit the apostle Peter's words.   Throughout Christendom, and indeed the whole world, there is a frightful breakdown in moral values. In some societies, marriage is now regarded as unnecessary, and those who are married think marital faithfulness is unfashionable. Fewer legalize their unions, and the divorce rate soars among those who do. In the United States, divorces have more than tripled over the past 25 years to well over one million each year.",2 Peter 2:22;,W52 4/15 9,How To Protect Ourselves From Satan's Snares,115,,1994/05/13,
"Apostates, Counterfeit, Clergy,",We do not have to put poison in the bottom of a glass and taste it to see how sick it makes us.  We know it is going to make us sick.,Likewise with listening to apostates.  We know it can only do damage.  We don't need to try it.,1 John 4:4-6; 1pe 4:7;,Jim Breden,How To Keep Spiritually Awake!,71,,,
"Apostates, Disfellowship, Confession,",'Lilies that fester smell far worse than weeds.'  Quote: William Shakespeare.,"We must not allow differences to fester.  Do not be hasty in forming conclusions, getting angry.","Pr 29:20, 22;",Bobby Laymon,Do You Harbor Resentment Or Do You Forgive?,68,,1995/07/10,
"Apostates, False Prophet,","Anyone who has had his house burglarized or who has been robbed in some other way, knows that such an experience can be unnerving and unhappily, more and more are suffering in such a way.","There is, however a form of theft that has far more serious consequences.  False prophets are thieves.  What are they stealing?  It is tied in with their prophesying.","Mt 24:11; Ezekiel 37:9,10; Mt 26:67, 68;","Feb 1, 1992 Wt Page 3",How To Protect Ourselves From Satan's Snares,115,,,
"Apostates, False, Counterfeit, Traitors, Betray,",Like spies or traitors in an enemy's camp...,"The false teachers, though arising from within the congregation, would infiltrate their corrupting views in a secret or camouflaged way.  The warnings of Jesus and Apostles were not in vain.","2pe 2:1, 3; 2th 2:7; Acts 15:24; 2ti 2:17;",Jehovah's Witnesses - Proclaimers Of God's Kingdom.  Page 34,"Mercy, A Dominant Quality Of True Christians",7,,,
"Apostates, Preaching, Sifting, Separating,",In days past they sifted sand through screen wire to remove dirt. Only the 'desirable things will come in.',The rocks below the water will be eliminated.,"Jude 12; Haggai 2:6, 7",Larry Punko; C.O.,How To Protect Ourselves From Satan's Snares,115,,,
"Apostates, Trinity, Hell, Woodworth,","'We believed that ... one plus one, plus one, equal one.'  Quote: Brother Woodworth.",Letter to those who had been associated but forsook Jehovah's service because they were not taken to heaven in 1914. [see source for additional points],Ps 83:18;,Jehovah's Witnesses - Proclaimers Of God's Kingdom.  Page 634,Jehovah And Christ--are They Part Of A Trinity?,82,,,
Apostle Paul,Great Witnesses Paul second only to Jesus as Jehovah's greatest Witness. Imitate his example.,Good example to follow.,1 Cor. 11:1,Carey Barber.,Is The Truth Transforming Your Life?,51,,,
"Appearance, Discernment, Heart,","A brilliant red bird (Cardinal) kept flying into the windows around the house.  It was mistaken about it's own reflection in the windows, thinking it was an intruder.  It was fooled by appearance.","Jehovah is one who is never fooled by appearance, because he sees the heart.",1 Sam 16:7,"Nov 8, 1996 Aw Page 31;",Jehovah's Eyes Are Upon Us,74,,1996/11/06,
"Appearance, Dress, Conduct,","Signs in restaurants once read, 'Gentlemen will wear ties' and now read, 'Come as You Are.' For thousands of years people have been trying to look their best but now come to public places in T-shirts, hair curlers, shorts.","However, clothes do express one's personality. tennis shoes, etc. People notice small things, dirty spot, run in hose etc.","1 Tim. 2:9, 10; 1 Cor. 11:15; 1 Pet. 3:3-5;","May 8, 1967 Aw Page 12-15",A Clean People Honors Jehovah,14,,,
"Appearance, Heart, Clean, Holy",Good looking tree but rotten- blown down in a wind storm.,Jehovah sees what the heart is.  How is our hearts.  Are we  deceiving ourselves and others.  We are not deceiving Jehovah.,1 samuel 16:7;,Dch,Serve Jehovah With A Joyful Heart,78,,1993/10/04,
Appearance;,'A good exterior is a silent recommendation.'  Quote:  Publius Syrus.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Appearance;,'All are not thieves that dogs bark at.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Appearance;,'Bees that have honey in their mouths have stings in their tails.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Appearance;,'Bottom is bottom even if turned upside down.'  Quote:  Stanislaw Lec.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Appearance;,'By the husk you may guess the nut.'  Quote:  T. Fuller.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Appearance;,'Castles in the air are all right until you have to move into them.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Appearance;,'Cats hide their claws.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Appearance;,"'Did you know that Panama hats originally came from Ecuador, the Irish potato came from Peru, that bananas grow pointing up, that there are more people of Irish decent in the US than in Ireland, that it would take 9,000 years to count up to one billion?'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Appearance;,'Every eye shut ain't asleep.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Appearance;,'Fine feathers don't always make fine birds.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Appearance;,"'How little do they see what is, who frame their hasty judgments upon that which seems.'  Quote:  Robert Southey.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Appearance;,'If the beard were all the goat might preach.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Appearance;,"'If you are standing upright, don't worry if your shadow is crooked.'  Quote:  Chinese.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Appearance;,'In the coldest flint there is hot fire.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Appearance;,"'Life would be more serene and sweet, no aching or abrasion, if shoes were bought to fit the feet instead of the occasion.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Appearance;,'Some folks can look so busy doing nothing that they seem indispensable.'  Quote:  K. Hubbard.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Appearance;,'Straight trees have crooked roots.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Appearance;,'The face is not index to the heart.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Appearance;,'The most beautiful fig may contain a worm.'  Quote:  African.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Appearance;,'They are no all saints that use holy water.'  Quote:  English.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Appearance;,"'When I see a bird that walks like a duck, and swims like a duck and quacks like a duck, I call that bird a duck.'  Quote:  Richard Cardinal Cushing.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Appearance;,'You can't judge a horse by its harness.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Appearance; Countenance,'Your expression is the most important thing you can wear.'  Quote:  S. Ascher.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Appearance; Detail;,"'It is the whole, not the detail that matters.'  Quote:  German.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Appearance; Heart;,'The teeth are smiling but is the heart?'  Quote:  African.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Appearance; Reality;,"'The world is governed more by appearances than by realities, so that it is fully necessary to seem to know something as to know it.'  Quote:  Daniel Webster.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Appearance; Truth;,'Truth has a good face but bad clothes.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Appearance; Wisdom;,'Long whiskers cannot take the place of brains.'  Quote:  Russian.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Appearances;,"'An ox with long horns, even if he does not butt, will be accused of butting.'  Quote:  Malay.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Appearances;,"'Examine the contents, not the bottle.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Appearances; Heart;,An accurate determination of the depth of the well cannot be made by measuring the pump handle.,One cannot tell what is in the heart  by looking at the face.,Proverbs 20:5,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Appeaser;,"'An appeaser is one who feeds a crocodile, hoping it will eat him last.'  Quote:  Winston Churchill.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Appetite; Eating;,'A well-governed appetite is a great part of liberty.'  Quote:  Seneca.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Appetite; Eating;,'Reason should direct and appetite obey.'  Quote:  Cicero.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Application, Doing, Will, Practice, Use,","A brother was conducting a Bible study who failed to put into practice what he was learning. One day, after the study, our brother mentioned to the student that he had bought a book on health and fitness with the promise 'Become as fit as a marine in sixteen weeks.' 'You know,' he lamented, 'I've had the book more than 16 weeks, I've read it more than three times already, and I'm STILL not as fit as a marine. In fact I'm just as unfit as I ever was.'","'Have you been doing the exercises from the book?' the Bible student asked. 'No,' the brother admitted. 'Then how do you expect to get anywhere with the book if you just read it, but don't do what it says ...' The brother could tell by the way the tone of the student's voice changed during the middle of his question that he had got the point!",Heb 5:14;,Peter Morgan,Decisions You Face--how Will You Make Them?,50,,1997/08/11,
"Application, Motives, Counsel, Discipline,","You have heard of roving eyes, greedy eyes, beady eyes, but have you ever heard of 'applying eyes?'","That's the worst kind of eyes yet.  Where you look around the Kingdom Hall and say, 'I know who that counsel applies to!' With those eyes we see everyone but ourselves.","Ga 6:4,5;","Scott Rudolph   (entered Jan 5, 1992)",You Will Reap What You Sow,59,,,
"Apply, Application, Doers,","Jehovah will supply, but we must apply.",We must become 'doers of the Word.',James 1:22,Bobby Laymon,Never Become Dull In Your Hearing,9,,1998/12/25,
"Appointment, Privilege, Elder, Ministerial Servant, Pioneer.","Little boy doing hard work, went chasing butterfly, but was unable to catch.  Then went back to work and it lit on his shoulder.  He was pleasantly surprised.","If we wait on Jehovah, and do our job, we won't have to wait on appointments to greater privileges of service.  It will find you.",Ps. 71:14,Mark Cook,How To Express Love In A Lawless World,112,,,
Appreciation,"What if friends show up late for meal, complain after they arrive about food.  Then they leave early.  Would you invite them back?",Jehovah continues to care for us even though we at times do not show appreciation.,1 John 4:11,Gary Diburgo,Are You Content With Jehovah's Provisions?,22,,1996/04/01,
"Appreciation,","A man had five sons, and they were helping him build a house.  But every day about 50 people would come down, eat all the food, drink the drinks, but not help build the house.  Would that get old?","This is like what happened to Jesus.  They came to eat the food, to watch the spiritual building take place, but never helped.  How would he feel about that.",John 6:25-51;,Carolyn Smith,Keep Growing In Your Relationship With God,16,,,
"Appreciation, Blessings, Personally, Care, Important,","Kenichi, a middle-aged gentleman, visited a pharmacy to obtain medicine for a slight cold.  When he took the medicine, he developed an allergic reaction causing an itchy rash and watery blisters over his entire body.  Not surprisingly, Kenichi began to doubt whether the pharmacist had paid enough attention to his needs.","Some might think of Jehovah God in the same way that Kenichi viewed the pharmacist.  They doubt that the almighty God, Jehovah, is really interested in us as individuals.  Many blame Jehovah for their problems, which is like the itchy rash and blisters that Kenichi unexpectedly developed.",Prov. 19:3;,"Jan 1, 1998 Wt Page 22",Does God Count You Personally Important?,26,,1998/02/14,
"Appreciation, Blessings, Personally, Care, Waiting, Time,","You may be fond of fruit, but what would you think of a host who served you fruit before it was ready to be eaten?  Whether an apple, an orange, or something else, you would prefer your fruit ripe, juicy, and sweet.","Similarly, Jehovah provides what you need at the right time--not too early and not too late.",Ps. 145:16; Ecclesiastes 3:1; James 1:17;,"Jan 1, 1998 Wt Page 24",Does God Count You Personally Important?,26,,1998/02/14,
"Appreciation, Children, Letter, Parents,","'Dear Mom and Dad:    'It's been over 16 years since I left home, so it may seem a little odd for you to be getting this type of letter from me now. But after much  thought I felt it necessary to write this. Years ago, when I left your house, I took a number of things from you that I never asked your  permission to take. You might not even have noticed they were gone. In fact, I was so sly in making off with them that I didn't realize I had  them until some years later. I've itemized them as follows:  'Love for what is right: Oh, how this has protected me!  'Love for people: Sizes, shapes, and colors don't count. Only what's inside matters.  'Honesty: What's mine is mine, preferably to be used to share with others. Let what someone else has alone.  'Determination: In my most difficult times, this has pulled me through.  'Patience: You were so kind and loving and patient with me. You never gave up on me.  'Discipline: You were never too harsh or too easy. But I didn't know it then. Will you forgive me?  'Freedom: Freedom from the pain that so many other children have grown up with-pain inflicted by physically, mentally, and emotionally  abusive parents. You never had anything but my best in mind, and you protected me from harm. I'll never forget what you've done for me.  'Love for simple things: Mountains, rivers, blue sky, hiking, camping. You made life so much fun. No two parents could ever have done  more. And you never seemed to mind at all.  'Caution: Don't be too quick to believe everything you hear. But when you do believe it, stick to it, no matter what.  'The Truth from God's Word: Most important of all. It's my inheritance. No money, boats, houses, or possessions can compare with it. It  will give me what's most important-eternal life.","'The above things are hard to put a value on. They are priceless. I've used them so much. And I want to continue using them if I don't  have to give them back. I was hoping, if you don't mind, to continue giving them to my young sons. I know they will serve my sons as well as they have served me. And I will always let them know where I got them-from Grandma and Grandpa.    'Your son,'",Pr 22:6; Eph 6:4;pr 23:22;,"Oct 8, 1992 Aw Page 31",Does Your Thinking Agree With God's?,53,,,
"Appreciation, Compliment, Thanks, Upbuild, Encourage,",The writer Mark Twain once said: 'I can live for two months on a good compliment.',"Most of us do feel good when someone pays us a sincere compliment. In fact, being commended or receiving words of true appreciation can stimulate us to keep doing our best and also to commend or thank others when we have opportunity to do so.",Psalm 27:4; 75:1;,W82 7/1 3,Follow The Way To Life,45,,1995/06/13,
"Appreciation, Friends, Greed, Selfish, Envy, Love, Hatred, Sin, Forgiveness,","'If you pick up a starving dog and make him prosperous, he will not bite you. This is the principal difference between a dog and a man.'  Quote: Mark Twain.","Man has taken on traits that even put animals to shame.  Jehovah will destroy all those who are greedy, hurtful, and unkind.",Matt 18:28;,Bobby Laymon,Does God Count You Personally Important?,26,,1995/06/13,
"Appreciation, Good News, Happy, Joy, Faith, Challenge,","The arrival of a firstborn is good news to the husband and wife, but by this miracle of birth they become father and mother. It calls for them to adjust their lives to the new situation and shoulder the responsibility of parenthood. The arrival of guests means work for the householder, though it is happy work, providing the needed hospitality. The  springing up of a new crop in the farmer's fields is a challenge to him. It requires his time and attention-scaring off the birds that might attack the new growth, hoeing out the weeds and watering the young plants. It spells hard work as he cares for the new crop until it grows to maturity and is successfully harvested. The good news of unemployment for the unemployed man brings with it responsibility. Now he has a contract of work to which he must be loyal in order to retain his job. The challenge to him is, Will he prove to be a good workman?",Likewise with the 'good news of the kingdom.' The hearing of this good news is a challenge-it calls upon those hearing it to do something that will demonstrate they appreciate it.,Mt 24:14;,W63 1/15 40,Have Faith In The Good News,47,,1994/07/30,
"Appreciation, Good, Friends, Neighbor, Life, Ransom,","AN ANT went to the bank of a river to quench its thirst, and being carried away by the rush of the stream, was on the point of drowning. A Dove sitting on a tree overhanging the water plucked a leaf and let it fall into the stream close to her.  The Ant climbed onto it and floated in safety to the bank.  Shortly afterwards a bird catcher came and stood under the tree, and laid his lime-twigs for the Dove, which sat in the branches.  The Ant, perceiving his design, stung him in the foot.  In pain the bird catcher threw down the twigs, and the noise made the Dove take wing.","Moral: 'One good turn deserves another.'  Likewise, we should show appreciation for Jehovah's gift of life.",John 3:16;,Aesop's Fables - Bobby Laymon,Appreciating Marvels Of God's Creation,114,,1994/05/17,
"Appreciation, Granted, Thankful,",What if you perform C.P.R. on man and he didn't even thank you?,Jehovah continues to care for us even though we at times do not show appreciation.,1 John 4:11,Gary Diburgo,Are You Content With Jehovah's Provisions?,22,,1996/04/01,
"Appreciation, Ingratitude, Unthankful,","'I hate ingratitude more in a man than lying, vainness, babbling drunkenness, Or any taint of vice whose strong corruption inhabits our frail blood.' Quote: William Shakespeare. [1598-1600].","No one likes ingratitude, or lack of appreciation.  Strive to progress in manifestations of Christian conscience and maturity.  Constantly add to your knowledge of God and your appreciation of his ways.","Ps 25:4, 5",Bobby Laymon,Keep Growing In Your Relationship With God,16,,1995/07/10,
"Appreciation, Kindness, Rude, Granted, Wicked, Mercy","As an old German proverb puts it, 'Ingratitude is the world's pay.' And an English writer once said, 'Brutes leave ingratitude to man.'","Yes, as a rule this old world is cold, ungrateful, not appreciating kindness.",Matt 24:12;,W65 1/15 35,Jehovah's Eyes Are Upon Us,74,,1994/07/10,
"Appreciation, Kingdom, Government, Worth, Value, Materialism, Experience,","'When the well's dry, we know the worth of water.'  Quote: Benjamin Franklin.","We well know how much we need God's kingdom.  Having lived in Satan's world, makes us appreciate that.","1 Cor 15:24, 28;",Bobby Laymon,How The Kingdom Of God Affects You,42,,1995/07/17,
"Appreciation, Quality Of Life, Personal,","Mole, has little quality of life.  Blind, cannot appreciate a cold watermelon on hot summer day,",God has given humans better quality of life.  He cares for us.,1 Pet 5:7;,Gary Diburgo,Does God Count You Personally Important?,26,,1996/04/01,
"Appreciation, Ransom, Memorial, Sacrifice,","A man is drowning. Someone saves him by throwing him a rope and pulling him to safety. The news media finds out about it and the headlines read: 'Rope saves man's life.' Imagine the rope not the man, saves him!","We must understand Jesus position in all this. He is the rope, and Jehovah is the one throwing it.",John 3:16;,J.K.,Why Mankind Needs A Ransom,125,,1997/04/11,
"Appreciation, Ransom, Memorial, Sacrifice, kindness, wickedness, ",You are sick and hungry.  Mother sends young child to you with a bowl of hot soup. To whom are you mostly appreciative?,"It is the same with Jehovah and Christ Jesus.  We appreciate both, but Mother is the one who initiated the kindness.",John 3:16;,J.K.,Why Mankind Needs A Ransom,125,,1997/04/11,4/1/2014
"Appreciation, Rulers, Rich,","We have so many things around us beautiful flowers, food to eat some live in beautiful homes, even mansions.",Isn't it strange that rulers and rich who can enjoy more of these things than any of us have little or no appreciation.,Genesis 1:31; Nehemiah 9:6; Ps 104,"Feb 1, 1969 Wt Pg 73 Johnse Laymon",Jehovah--the Grand Creator,101,,,
"Appreciation, Thankful, Gift,",'When I'm not thanked at all I'm thanked enough.' Quote: Henry Fielding.,Gifts should be given without an expectancy for repayment.,2 Cor 9:7;,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Appreciation, Thankfulness, Kindness, Family,",A group of teenagers assisted over 150 motorist and only asked for a 'thank you' letter for their services.  They only received two letters. Not much different from ten lepers.  Nine were ingrates.  Only,"Adults do not practice what they preach. one glorified God. Should show appreciation for wife, husband, children.",Luke 17:11-18; Prov. 16:24; Prov. 28:20;,"Aug 8, 1964 Aw Page 3",Follow The Way To Life,45,,,
"Appreciation, Thanks, Success, Granted, Ministry, Materialism,","On May 24, 1844, the inventor Samuel F. B. Morse, sent over a telegraph wire the now famous words: 'What hath God wrought!' taken from Num. 23:23. 'What has God worked out?' Jehovah makes it 'grow.' 1 Cor. 3: 6, 7;",The wise person will recognize to what extent he is indebted to his creator and others for the success of his efforts.,Jas. 4:13-15; Numbers. 23:23; 1 Cor. 4:7; Judg. 11:9; 1 Sam. 11:13;,"Dec 22, 1967 Aw Page 3, 4","Living, Not For Self, But To Do God's Will",8,,,
Appreciation;,'A frog would leap from a throne of gold into a puddle.'  Quote:  Publilus Syrus.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Appreciation;,'By appreciation we make excellence in others our own property.' Quote:  Voltaire,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Appreciation;,'Futility: Playing a harp before a buffalo.'  Quote:  Burmese.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Appreciation;,'Hay is more acceptable to an ass than gold.'  Quote:  Latin.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Appreciation;,'It is folly to sing twice to a deaf man.'  Quote:  English.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Appreciation;,'The deepest principle in human nature is the craving to be appreciated.'  Quote:  William James.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Appreciation;,"'When the well's dry, we know the worth of water.'  Quote:  Bf.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Appreciation; Eating;,'Whatever will satisfy hunger is good food.'  Quote:  Chinese.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Appreciation; Gifts;,"Day after Christmas; bicycles, toys, left out; getting wet. Gift is God's undeserved kindness or favor. Second gift is everlasting life. If we don't use first gift properly, should we expect a second?",How one treats gift show whether we appreciate or not.,"Heb. 12:16, 17; Rom. 6:23",Larry Punko; Circuit Overseer. 10-16-1990,Are You Doing What God Requires Of You?,43,,,
Appreciation; Gratitude; Prayer;,'Even the hen lifted her head toward heaven when swallowing her grain.'  Quote:  African.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Approachable, Attention, Listen, Slow, Anger, Condemnation, Priorities,","It all about priorities and not reacting too quickly.  About ten years ago, a young and very successful executive named Josh was traveling down a Chicago neighborhood street. He was going a bit too fast in his sleek, black, 12 cylinder Jaguar XKE, which was only two months old. He was watching for kids darting out from between parked cars and slowed down  when he thought he saw something. As his car passed, no child darted out, but a brick sailed out and-- WHUMP! -- it smashed into the Jag's shiny black side door! SCREECH...!!!! brakes slammed! Gears ground into reverse, and tires madly spun the Jaguar back to the spot from where the brick had been thrown. Josh jumped out of the car, grabbed the kid and pushed him up against a parked car.  He shouted at the kid, 'What was that all about and who are you? Just what the heck are you doing?!' Building up a head of steam, he went  on.  'That's my new Jag, that brick you threw is gonna cost you a lot of money. Why did you throw it?' 'Please, mister, please ... I'm  sorry! I didn't know what else to do!' pleaded the youngster.  'I threw the brick because no one else would  stop!' Tears were dripping down  the boy's chin as he pointed around the parked car.   'It's my brother, mister,' he said. 'He rolled  the curb and fell out of his wheelchair and I can't lift him up.' Sobbing, the boy asked the executive, 'Would you please help me get him back into his wheelchair? He's  hurt and he's  too heavy for me.'  Moved beyond words, the young executive tried desperately to swallow the rapidly swelling lump in his throat. Straining, he lifted the young man back into the wheelchair and took out his handkerchief and wiped  the scrapes and cuts, checking to see that everything was going to be OK. He then watched the younger brother push him down the sidewalk toward their  home.","It was a long walk back to the sleek, black, shining, 12 cylinder Jaguar XKE a long and slow walk. Josh never did fix the side door of his Jaguar. He kept the dent to remind him not to go through life so fast that someone has to throw a brick at him to get his attention...",James 1:19;,Patti Gillison,How To Conquer Evil With Good.,117,,1999/04/20,
"Approval, Responsibility, Stumbled, Disappointment, Upset, Angry,","The C.O. is visiting your congregation and he gives the talk and afterwards you accidentally trip up the c.o. and he falls down and stays there. You  apologize with all your heart and beg his forgiveness and offer to help but he refuses and says' No, leave me alone! You have stumbled me!' Finally you walk away and leave him there. That night it rains and it pours and there is thunder and lightning and you are sitting in your nice warm house with the love of your friends and family and then you remember the c.o. and you wonder:- 'He wouldn't still be sitting there in those terrible conditions would he?  So you go to bed and the next morning you get up prepare for service and drive to the hall a there sitting in the yard soaking wet and muddy  is the c.o.  'Brother c.o.!' you cry out 'Please don't stay out there in the rain and mud, but come in and join the congregation and get cleaned up and enjoy the association and spiritual food in the Kingdom Hall!'  But still he shakes his head and says: No, leave  me alone I have been stumbled and I want  to stay out here!'",The Point the Brother was Making was that many use this expression 'I was stumbled' or 'they were stumbled' like its a special label that will give them 'Carte Blanch' not to have to do the necessary things required to gain Jehovah's approval.,Luke17:10;,Peter Morgan,,,,1997/08/10,
"Archaeology, Bible,",While archaeology give us a window to the past...,It is not always a clear window.  Sometimes it is decidedly murky.,2 Ti 3:16;,The Bible--god's Word Or Man's  Page 51,Your Future--how Can It Be Known?,19,,,
Argument;,'It is impossible to defeat an ignorant man in an argument.' Quote:  William Mcadoo,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Argument;,'The only way to get the best of an argument is to avoid it.'  Quote:  D. Carnegie.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Argument;,An argument is where two people are trying to get the last word in first.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Argument; Quarrel;,"'A wise person knows how to win an argument, a genius knows how to avoid one.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Argument; Quarrel;,'All arguments have two sides but some have no ends.'  Quote:  Alston Brighton.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Argument; Quarrel;,'Anybody who thinks there are two sides to every argument isn't in it.' Quote:  Sunshine Magazine,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Argument; Quarrel;,'Behind every argument is someone's ignorance.'  Quote:  Louis Brandias.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Argument; Quarrel;,'Don't take the wrong side of an argument just because your opponent has taken the right side.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Argument; Quarrel;,'He is more apt to contribute heat than light to a discussion.' Quote:  Wood,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Argument; Quarrel;,'I learned long ago never to wrestle with a pig. You get dirty and besides the pig likes it.'  Quote:  Cyrus Ching.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Argument; Quarrel;,'In arguing one should meet serious pleading with humor and humor with serious pleading.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Argument; Quarrel;,'In most quarrels there is a fault on both sides.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Argument; Quarrel;,'It is not necessary to understand things in order to argue about them.'  Quote:  Beaumarchais.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Argument; Quarrel;,'Never answer an angry word with an angry word. It is the second that makes the quarrel.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Argument; Quarrel;,'People generally quarrel because they can not argue.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Argument; Quarrel;,'People who fight fire with fire usually end up with ashes.'  Quote:  Abby Van Buren.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Argument; Quarrel;,'The best way I know of to win an argument is to start by being in the right.'  Quote:  Lord Hailsham.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Ark, Flood, Animals, Capacity,","'John Huston had planned a week's filming.  A morning was enough; for Huston had been able to make a friend of each animal.' Quote: Paris Match, France's leading picture magazine.  Comment on the most expensive films of all times, 'The Bible.'","Huston, 'with only his calm voice,' had succeeded in maintaining order, 'in the world's largest menagerie.'  Some may well have wondered whether Noah did not succeed in doing the same.","Ge 6:19, 20;","Oct 22, 1968 Aw Page 13",The Flood Of Noah's Day Has Meaning For Us,6,,,
"Ark, Noah, Flood,",Lessons From Noah and The Ark.,"Stay fit. When you're 600 years old, someone might ask you to do something REALLY big.  Don't listen to critics- do what has to be done.  Build on high ground.  For safety's sake, travel in pairs.  Two heads are better than one.  Speed isn't always an advantage. The cheetahs were on board but... so were the snails.  If you can't fight or flee---float!!  Take care of your animals as if they were the last ones on earth.  Don't forget that we're all in the same boat.  Stay below deck during the storm.  Remember that the ark was built by amateurs and the Titanic was built by professionals.  If you have to start over, have a friend by your side.  Remember that the woodpeckers INSIDE are often a bigger threat than the storm outside.  Don't miss the boat.  No matter how bleak it looks, there's always a rainbow on the horizon.",1 Cor. 10:10;,Bobby Laymon,Meeting The Test Of Christian Loyalty,48,,1998/12/25,
"Ark, Noah, Flood, Legends,","Imagine ten freight trains with 25 American boxcars each. Although many men have tried to find the ark, there is definite proof that it existed.  Bible book of Genesis.  Flood Legends in great number.  Over 500 legends by more than 250 tribes and",That was the carrying capacity of the ark that Noah built. people.,Genesis 6 To 8,"Jan 15, 1992 Wt Page 4   (entered Dec 16, 1991)",The Flood Of Noah's Day Has Meaning For Us,6,,,
Armageddon,"A Hurricane is a frightening force of nature. It battles every thing in it's path. Governments collapse, fiery showers, tidal waves, upheavals of earth, cloudbursts, electrical storms, burning missiles.",A far greater storm approaches. Encompass the entire earth. Every man's hand against his neighbor.,"Rev. 16:14; Zech. 14:12, 13; Jer. 25:33","Jul 15, 1960 Wt Page 421-23",Will You Escape This World's Destiny?,84,,,
"Armageddon, great tribulation, ","A skilled archer does not miss his target, and kill off righteous.",Christ Jesus will cut down only those who oppose.  Speeds arrows to heart of wicked ones.,"Rev. 6:1, 2; 19:11-16","Mar 1, 1963 Wt Page 134",Ruining The Earth Brings Divine Retribution,106,,,12/30/2018
"Armageddon, Great tribulation, end,","Boring job, like assemble line, must keep active.  Not get bogged down in Satan's world.",Must stay active preaching good news.,Matt 24:14,Mike Hart,Ruining The Earth Brings Divine Retribution,106,,,12/30/2018
"Armageddon, great tribulation, last days, end,","Box with two buttons, Immediate destruction or in 1 year, which?","Jehovah's long suffering, and patience",Rev. 16:16,Bobby Laymon,Will You Escape This World's Destiny?,84,,,12/30/2018
"Armageddon, war, end, last days,","Harmful toys, warnings each year, esp. around December",All armaments of men are hurtful toy,Rev 16:14-16,Assembly Talk,Will You Escape This World's Destiny?,84,,,12/30/2018
Armageddon,"Many books about wars.  WWI, WWII, Korean War.","Jehovah also has a book on 'Wars of Jehovah.'  Not yet finished, but will add closing chapters at Armageddon",Numbers 21:14,Bobby Laymon,Decide Now For Divine Ruler ship,37,,,
"Armageddon,",Only a 'mopping up' operation from now on.  For the most part the battle is over.,The earth is only a miniature part of the universe.  The battle has been fought and won in every location except the earth.  Victory is certain.,Rev 16:14-16; Re 12:9-12;,Don Mendinghall,Maintain Your Confidence Firm To The End,46,,1994/03/20,
"Armageddon, 1914, Last Days, Warnings, 1918,","'Nineteen-eighteen did not usher in the millennium, it ushered in a half century of conflict-turbulence, war, revolution, desolation, and ruin on a scale never before seen or even imagined.' Quote: -Professor H. S. Commager.",Regarding the results of Satan's plunge to the earth and the beginning of man's problems.,Matt 24:3-14;,Hp 146  15,WILL YOU BE A SURVIVOR OF THE LAST DAYS?,2,,1994/09/14,6/2/2025
"Armageddon, 1914, Last Days, Warnings, Sickness, Disease, War,",'World War II spread death and devastation throughout most of the world to an extent never before experienced. . . . an attempt to express the value of property and livelihoods destroyed in terms of money is futile: the resulting sums reach astronomical figures.' Quote: -Encyclopedia Americana.,Problems experienced during the 'last days' did not go away with the ending of World War I.,Matt 24:3-14;,Hp 146  15,WILL YOU BE A SURVIVOR OF THE LAST DAYS?,2,,1994/09/14,6/2/2025
"Armageddon, 1914, Last Days, Warnings, War,","'As time has passed since the days of August, 1914, it has become increasingly clear that the outbreak of the First World War meant the end of an age.'-The Norton History of Modern Europe.","The end of this world is near.  Even historians can see this, by looking at the past.",Matt 24:3-14;,Hp 146  15,WILL YOU BE A SURVIVOR OF THE LAST DAYS?,2,,1994/09/14,6/2/2025
"Armageddon, 1914, Last Days, Warnings, War,",'World War I-simply The Great War to its survivors-remains the watershed of modern history in men's minds. . . . There is a kind of truth in the unconscious belief most people hold that Modern times began with World War I. It was the time when we lost our innocence.' Quote: -Montreal Gazette.,The end of this world is near.  1914 was a turning point in human history.,Matt 24:3-14;,Hp 146  15,WILL YOU BE A SURVIVOR OF THE LAST DAYS?,2,,1994/09/14,6/2/2025
"Armageddon, 1914, Last Days, Warnings, Weather,","WISE mariners know how to interpret the appearance of the sky, and they heed its indications.  As a well-known rhyme puts matters: 'Red sky at night, sailors' delight,/Red sky at morning, sailors take warning.'","The Lord Jesus Christ made a similar point even more dramatically when confronted by his enemies.  Those proud foes could forecast the weather, but they were too hypocritical and spiritually ignorant to understand matters of much greater significance.",Luke 12:54-56; John 2:23;,W85 2/1 8,The Kingdom Of God Is Near,109,,1994/09/14,
"Armageddon, Attitude, Jehovah's Day,","Knob to turn, we do not have. (Many things speeded up with a knob) If we knew we had 6 months until the end, would we change our life style?  We should not change our attitude.","Must speed up in own minds, attitude, actions.",2 Pet 3:,Mike Hart,Make Jehovah Your Confidence,70,,,
"Armageddon, Christendom, Last Days, World,",Flash Flood (Describe).,'Flash flood' of destruction on Christendom.,"Isa. 28:15, 18",Pure Language Dist. Assembly,"Friendship With God, Friendship With The World -- Which Will You Choose?",79,,,
"Armageddon, Confidence, War, Jesus Christ,",It would be much easier to go to war if one knew absolutely certain that he would win.  If he knew his side would be victorious.,At Armageddon we know for certain who will win.,Rev 17:14,Bobby Laymon,Be Confident Of Divine Victory!,39,,1994/11/13,
"Armageddon, Date,","'We know what day of the week Armageddon will come on.  It will come on Wednesday, give or take three days.'  Quote: Brother Lyman Swingle.","No matter how we calculate, we still do not know the 'day or the hour.'",Matt 24:36;,David Cohen,,,,"Jun 29, 2000",
"Armageddon, Destruction,","A HURRICANE is a frightening force of nature. It batters everything in its path. Terrifying, high-velocity winds rush violently over land and sea, smashing anything not solidly constructed. Warnings are issued days in advance to protect life and property. Even hydrogen bombs cannot duplicate the powerful forces unleashed in such a storm.","However, a far greater storm approaches, one that will encompass the entire inhabited earth.  No one will be able to elude it or be unaffected by it. Titanic, awe-inspiring forces will be loosed at that time, dwarfing any yet experienced by man. This storm is Armageddon.",Rev 16:14-16;,W60 7/15 421,Will You Escape This World's Destiny?,84,,1994/10/24,
"Armageddon, Destruction,","FEAR-INSPIRING!  As day dawned on August 6, 1945, a great city was demolished in an instant of time.  Some 80,000 dead!  Tens of thousands mortally injured!  Raging fire!  The nuclear bomb had done its work.  How did Jehovah's Witnesses fare during that catastrophe?  There was only one Witness in Hiroshima--confined within the protective walls of a prison because of his Christian integrity.  The prison collapsed into rubble, but our brother was not hurt.  As he put it, he was atom-bombed out of prison--perhaps the only good thing that the bomb accomplished.","Fearsome as that bomb blast was, it fades into insignificance when compared to 'the great and fear-inspiring day of Jehovah' that lies just ahead.  Oh, yes, there have been fear-inspiring days in the past, but this day of Jehovah will surpass all of them.",Mal 4:5; Mark 13:19;,"Apr 15, 1995 Wt Page 15",Will You Escape This World's Destiny?,84,,1995/03/13,
"Armageddon, Destruction,",The name of a battle is frequently known by the name of the place where it is fought.,"Hence, the battle fought by God in defense of his people can be called by that name: the battle of Armageddon.",Rev 16:14-16; Isa. 61:2; Ezek. 38:18;,W60 7/15 423,Ruining The Earth Brings Divine Retribution,106,,1994/10/24,
"Armageddon, Destruction, Children, Responsibility, Wicked,","What if you, in working your garden, dug up two big rattlesnakes and 10 little baby rattlesnakes.  How many snakes would you kill?  Would you reason, well the little ones never did any harm.  They may grow up to be good snakes.  Hardly!","It is like that with the off-spring of the wicked ones today.  If their parents are wicked, can one rightly expect anything else from their children?  Jehovah shows that parents are rightly responsible for their children to train them to be God fearing.","Genesis 6:5; Ezek 9:5, 6;",Al Larue,Lovers Of Pleasure Or Lovers Of God?,64,,1994/10/23,
"Armageddon, Earth,","Have you ever lived through a hurricane or typhoon.  Everything is so calm, and the air is so clear the next morning.",Those surviving Armageddon will feel like that.,Re 7:9,"Divine Teaching Dist. Assy.  Jul 1-4, 1993 (Memphis) G. Grizzle",Will You Escape This World's Destiny?,84,,,
"Armageddon, Encouragement,","Nearing steep mountain; becomes smoother; look back, wonder how you made it.",Rough times ahead; We need courage; Jehovah will help,"Isa. 41:10, 13",Bobby Laymon,The Kingdom Of God Is Near,109,,,
"Armageddon, End, Last Days, Attitude,","A woman reportedly jumped from the Empire State building.  As she passed each floor, she would call out, 'I'm OK so far.'","That is the attitude of many living in the time of the end.  Just living each day, with no concern that the end of this system is near.",Matt. 24:39;,Bobby Laymon,WILL YOU BE A SURVIVOR OF THE LAST DAYS?,2,,"Jan 31, 2001",6/2/2025
"Armageddon, Favor, Protection, System, World,","At Bethel, the world headquarters of Jehovah's Witnesses, if the electricity goes off, the doors lock automatically.","Went the power goes off on this system of things, we want to be on the right side of the door.",1 John 2:17,Al Larue,Christian Separateness From The World--why Beneficial.,119,,1996/11/03,
"Armageddon, Future, Attitude, Positive, Negative, Optimist, Pessimist,","'It was the best of times, it was the worst of times...it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair, we had everything before us, we had nothing before us.'  Quote: The opening words of Charles Dickens' literary masterpiece, 'A Tale of Two Cities.' (Referring to London and Paris during the turmoil of the French Revolution.)","Today, we live in the best of times and the worst of times.  How do you view them?  Are you an optimist or a pessimist regarding the future?",Ecclesiastes. 3:1-8;,"Feb 1, 1998 Wt Page 3",Your Future--how Can It Be Known?,19,,1998/01/08,
"Armageddon, Great Tribulation,","'The best of times, the worst of times,' is an expression we sometimes hear.","The 'great tribulation' will be the worst of times, however we can be comforted by the fact that it immediately precedes the best of times--in God's new order.","Mt 24:21, 22; Rev 7:9, 14, 17; Luke 21:28","Oct 15, 1980 Wt Page 13",The Only Cure For Sick Mankind,62,,,
"Armageddon, Great Tribulation, Last Days, Disaster, Relief,","When a storm is building up it is given a name.  You may recall 'Hugo', 'Audrey', 'Andrew', 'Iniki' or other disastrous storm. 'Andrew' hitting in August, 1992 on Florida Coast and Louisiana, and 'Iniki' on the island of Hawaii, Sep 11, 1992.",There is a storm that is now brewing on the horizon that will be the greatest storm of all.  It has been named and is gaining momentum.  Harmageddon!,"Re 16:14, 16; Re 7:1; Ho 8:7; Luke 21:28; He 12:1; Ha 3:17, 18;",Joe Bounds,How To Protect Ourselves From Satan's Snares,115,,,
"Armageddon, Harmageddon, Doomsday Clock,","Hands set 17 minutes before midnight, farther back than ever before.  It is a cold war icon that first appeared in 1947. There are still 50,000 nuclear bombs and warheads",Clock reflecting nuclear tension by marking the time until the midnight of Armageddon.,Re 16:16,"Mar 22, 1992 Aw Page 28",Will You Escape This World's Destiny?,84,,,
"Armageddon, Harmageddon, Justice,","Could there be a 'just' war?  Six basic requirements according to theologians. [1] just cause. [2] declared by a competent authority. [3] a last resort, after peaceful means have failed. [4] carries a probability of success.",Harmageddon meets all of these.  No other war does. [5] good outweigh the damage.  [6] It is discriminate. avoiding harm to non-combatants where possible.,Re 16:6;,"Mar 22, 1992 Aw Page 12",Ruining The Earth Brings Divine Retribution,106,,,7/13/2022
"Armageddon, Harmagedon, War",Quote  'The capturing of Megiddo is the capturing of a thousand towns!',"Because of strategic location every battle was decisive battle picturing most decisive battle of all, Armageddon",Re 16:14-16;,"Feb 8, 1965 Aw Page Johnse Laymon",Ruining The Earth Brings Divine Retribution,106,,,
"Armageddon, Last Days","Red sky's at night.  Sailors delight.  Red sky's in the morning_____.        Sailors take warning___Pause  What does that mean?   Pause.   Well if you were out in the ocean in a boat and the sky is red at night it means good weather to be sailing in.  If the sky is red in the morning you better take warning because it is a sign that a storm is approaching.  The Egyptians were know to sail well.  They did it through a combination of rowing and the use of sales for fast travel.  Let say you are going on a boat trip. You get up four in the morning, you get in your 22 foot sale boat.  It is cold morning, you smell the salt air, you can hear the seagulls making noise, you get in your boat and the wind is just right.  The boat is on a beam reach. It is a close reach.  That is when the wind is blowing just in the right angle for the direction you want to go.  When the wind is blowing like that you can travel at speeds even faster than the wind is blowing.  You notice this morning it's a strong cold wind. You notice the clouds have moved in, and it's kind of dark, it's a dark red sky.  Your radio rings you answer it and it's your friend telling you that there is a big thunderstorm headed your way.  All the sudden the wind dies down the sea is calm, and you began to hear thunder in the background and it begins to rain.  It is the calm before the storm and you know you're about to be in a big storm.  What will you do? Pause",The Bible often likens the sea to the turbulent masses of people alienated from God.  We live in a storming sea. Armageddon is approaching.,Isa. 57:20;,Jim Kinkade,Will You Escape This World's Destiny?,84,,"Oct 30, 2001",
"Armageddon, Last Days, Emergency","Have you ever lived through a hurricane or a typhoon?  It can be a horrifying experience.  But on the following morning, though you may see wreckage all around, the air is usually so clear and the calm so refreshing that you can thank Jehovah for an unusually lovely day.","Likewise, as the storm winds of the great tribulation abate, you may look forth upon the earth with thankfulness that you are alive and ready to share in Jehovah's further work of making a cleansed earth into a glorious paradise.",Re 16:14-16;,"Mar 1, 1994 Wt Page 23",WILL YOU BE A SURVIVOR OF THE LAST DAYS?,2,,1994/04/23,6/2/2025
"Armageddon, Last Days, Emergency","The streamline express, crowded with passengers, was speeding at one hundred miles per hour.  It must cross the river on a bridge which made an almost fifty-percent curve, so that persons on the rear platform of the train could see the engine ... Two men riding on the rear platform ... beheld that a span of the bridge at the far end was on fire and falling into the river.  They realized that they were facing great danger.  That was a real emergency.  Could the train be stopped in time to save the lives of the many passengers aboard.'","'Likewise today, all the nations and peoples of the earth are face to face with the greatest emergency.  They are being warned as God commands, that the disaster of Armageddon is just ahead ... Having been warned, each one thus warned must now choose the course he will take.'",Re 16:14-16;,"Mar 1, 1994 Wt Page 24",WILL YOU BE A SURVIVOR OF THE LAST DAYS?,2,,1994/04/23,6/2/2025
"Armageddon, Last Days, Procrastinate,",When winter starts it is too late for animals to prepare for survival.,"Like the bird or the bee or the bear that might wait for the first blizzard to be convinced of winter's coming, these tardy persons will be caught unawares and be swept into destruction.","Rev 16:14, 16;",W51 6/1 337,WILL YOU BE A SURVIVOR OF THE LAST DAYS?,2,,1996/06/11,6/2/2025
"Armageddon, Last Days, Urgent,","In sports, tension mounts as last minutes or seconds tick by on clock. You expect to see most exciting plays just before closing whistle.  Will your team be the winner?  Will you be saddened, or rejoice?  The outcome will tell!","The  'cry of peace & security' is like the last minutes or seconds on the clock.  Armageddon will be like a whistle, signifying the end of this system.  We are living in most exciting time of human history.  Whose side are you on?",1 Thessalonians 5:3,Bobby Laymon,Are You Really Making Jehovah Your Stronghold?,18,,,
"Armageddon, Late, Timing, Patience,","A young couple expecting to have a baby.   They fix up the nursery with baby things: crib, toys, clothes,  etc..    The time gets close for delivery.    One night, late, the wife says '  I think it's time. '  They get in car, rush to hospital,  and call doctor.  Several hours later the Doctor comes out to talk.   He says ' False labor.  Take wife home.   No child is to be born tonight.'   What do you do next day?  Do you sell crib?  Clothes?   Toys?  Would not be very wise, would It?",Just because the end of this system did not come when we thought it might does not mean that the end is not coming.,1 Thess. 5:1-5;,Ron Thompson,WILL YOU BE A SURVIVOR OF THE LAST DAYS?,2,,1996/12/16,6/2/2025
"Armageddon, Nations, Last Days,",Quote by playwright Tennessee Williams: 'If people acted like nations they would all be put in straitjackets....I think Armageddon is really at hand this time.',Men of note and their view of Armageddon,"Rev. 16:14, 16;","Feb 1, 1963 Wt Page 69",Overcoming Fear Of The Future,108,,,
"Armageddon, Race, Attitude,","Dog and rabbit; one running for meal; other for life. Is serving God, casual, incidental thing, or vital matter that deserves our best? Is Kingdom first, with recreation, employment, hobbies fitted in.",Does your manner of life reflect belief that Jehovah's day near?,2 Pet. 3:11-13 Luke 21:34-36,Bobby Laymon,"Living, Not For Self, But To Do God's Will",8,,,7/16/2023
"Armageddon, Salvation, Return, Repentance, Dedication, Baptism, Christendom, Kingdom,","A log snatched out of the fire has been saved from burning, but it can be rekindled.","Israel was told, 'And you came to be like a log snatched out of the burning; but you did not come back to me,' ...'get ready to meet your God, O Israel.'  A confrontation had to come in course of time.  Christendom is on a collision course with God.",Amos 4:11-13;,"Oct 15, 1971 Wt Page 618",Stand Still And See The Salvation Of Jehovah,41,,1993/11/21,
"Armageddon, Satan, Weakness, Sin, Imperfection, Devil, World,","He who laughs last, laughs loudest.","World may be laughing now, but Jehovah will hold them in derision.",Ps. 2:4; Ps. 80:6; Job. 22:19; Rom. 5:12; Prov. 16:18,Bobby Laymon,'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
"Armageddon, Survive,","Album of survivors; whose picture would you look for? Cannot join in fight, cannot flee battle zone.",We must see ourselves in new order.,Matt. 24:21  Rev. 7:13,Bobby Laymon,Be Confident Of Divine Victory!,39,,,
"Armageddon, Tribulation,","Every year the National Weather Service issues a list of names for tropical storms and hurricanes.  Every six years they recycle the names.   However when one becomes a killer or great destroyer, they retire that name.  Examples: Hugo, Andrew, Audrey.","After Armageddon, that name will be retired.  It will be a storm that will far surpass any other in human history.",Rev 16:16; Matt 24:21;,Bobby Laymon,WILL YOU BE A SURVIVOR OF THE LAST DAYS?,2,,1995/06/05,6/2/2025
"Armageddon, Tribulation, Destruction,","Thorn bushes and weeds are only in the way.  They are not desirable.  After the close of World War I, the League of Nations was set up in rejection of the Kingdom of God by Christ. We can liken this to 'thorn bushes and weeds' placed in the pathway of Jehovah God, as an obstruction or deterrent.","In 'the war of the great day of God the Almighty' at Harmagedon, he will figuratively step on all 'thorn bushes and weeds,' crushing them and finally setting them on fire, as it were, to reduce them to mere ashes",Isaiah 27:4.,W85 10/15 16-17,Into The New Order Under Christ's Leadership,56,,1994/05/07,
"Armageddon, Tribulation, Urgency, Urgent, Flight, Survival, Destiny, Safety,",A covey of quails.  Did you ever see them take to flight.  They pound the air with their wings.  You can see and hear the urgency in their flight.,"Our flight is urgent today.  The desolation will not come upon one city as in the case of Jerusalem, but upon all.","Mt 23:38; Rev 17:16, 17;","'joyful Praisers Dist. Convention'  June 9-11, 1995; Kansas City, Mo; David Richter",Will You Escape This World's Destiny?,84,,1995/06/12,
"Armageddon, United Nations, Last Days, Survival,","Perilous times, filled with anxiety and fear of the possible near end of civilization, prod men to seek alliances of strength. They do this as a 'guarantee of survival' against any eventuality of death.",This philosophy of survival is nothing new.  Secular history demonstrates that every world power has depended on military strength.  Our 'guarantee of survival' is on Jehovah.,"Ps 68:20; Heb 2:15; Isa 8:9, 10; 31:1;","Feb 1, 1953 Wt Page 81",What Does The Healing Of The Nations Accomplish?,111,,,
"Armageddon, War,","Horse, gentle as lamb, nothing needed but halter, Arab mare heard war-cry, sees quivering spear, can hardly believe it for joy. Her eyes glitter with fire, blood-red nostrils open wide, neck is nobly arched, tail and main are raised and spread to wind.","Mightiness of horse, rushing to battle, White horse,","Job 39:19-25; Rev. 19:11, 14","Aug 15, 1962 Wt Page 486",Acquiring A Heart Of Wisdom,73,,,
"Armageddon, Warning, Last Days,",Wailing police sirens paused only momentarily to permit the warning message by loudspeaker: 'This is a tornado alert! This is the real thing! Take all emergency steps!  Wise citizens hastened to shelters.,Jehovah's Witnesses have been warning for many years that we are in the path of a storm of unprecedented proportions.,"Mk. 13:9; Jer. 25:32, 33; Zephaniah. 1:18; Mt. 24:34;","Jan 15, 1968 Wt Page 41-43",WILL YOU BE A SURVIVOR OF THE LAST DAYS?,2,,,6/2/2025
"Armageddon, Warnings,",If cries of 'Fire! Fire! are made without there being a fire there is the frightful possibility that people will not respond when a true alarm is sounded. Terms used by press and others: The Armageddon Bomb; Doomsday.,"Such a hidden danger behind the misuse of word, 'Armageddon.' bomb; thermonuclear Armageddon; Prelude to Armageddon; Road to Armageddon;",1 Cor. 14: 8; Rev. 16:13-16;,"Jan 15, 1964 Wt Page 37, 38.",The Only Cure For Sick Mankind,62,,,
"Armageddon, Warnings,",The little boy who cried 'Wolf' so often that no one believed him when the wolf really came.  Terms used by press and others: The Armageddon Bomb; Doomsday,"Such a hidden danger behind the misuse of word, 'Armageddon.' bomb; thermonuclear Armageddon; Prelude to Armageddon; Road to Armageddon;",1 Cor. 14: 8; Rev. 16:13-16;,"Jan 15, 1964 Wt Page 37, 38.",Ruining The Earth Brings Divine Retribution,106,,,
"Armageddon, Weather,",Weather used in war examples: Japanese; Gen. Eisenhower,Jehovah and man have both used them.,"Job 38:22, 23","Jun 8, 1961 Aw Page 5",Ruining The Earth Brings Divine Retribution,106,,,
"Armageddon, Wicked,","Mad Dog, Biting people and giving diseases.  What would you do? No doubt, you would destroy it.",What Jehovah will do to wicked persons?  He will destroy the wicked.,"Ps 37:9, 10",Bro Punko,Ruining The Earth Brings Divine Retribution,106,,,
"Armageddon, Clean, Holy,",Bushel of apples- you take the best and bake a pie-take the rest and make applesauce.,Jehovah knows what to do with undesirable fruit also.,"Re 14:18, 19;",Dch,Ruining The Earth Brings Divine Retribution,106,,1993/10/04,
"Armor, Satan, Spiritual, Protection,","The Tyrians built machines to throw red-hot metal at the enemy. They also heated sand in shields of brass and iron and poured it down on Alexander's soldiers who approached the wall. The sand, sifting under the armor, caused such pain that the soldiers cast off their armor, exposing themselves to arrows from the walls.",Satan does all he can to get us to take off our spiritual armor and expose ourselves to his missiles.,Eph 6:13-18;,W60 9/15 572,How To Protect Ourselves From Satan's Snares,115,,1994/09/29,
"Armor, Warfare, Satan, Protection, Demons,","A soldier's skill with the sword does not come easily. Training and long, dedicated practice are required to use it deftly.","Similarly, in spiritual warfare it takes much study and regular practice in the ministry to become a skillful user of God's Word. By all means, let us put forth the effort needed to be skilled spiritual swordsmen, capable of 'handling the word of the truth aright.'",2 Tim 2:15;,W92 5/15 23,How To Protect Ourselves From Satan's Snares,115,,1994/09/29,
"Armor, Weakness, Protection, Satan, Devil,","ACCORDING TO GREEK MYTHOLOGY, ACHILLES WAS THE BRAVEST OF the Greek warriors in the Trojan War, a campaign against the city of Troy. Legend says that when Achilles was an infant, his mother dipped him in the waters of the River Styx, thus making him invulnerable except for where his mother held onto him--the proverbial Achilles' heel. That was precisely where the fatal arrow, shot by Paris, son of King Priam of Troy, struck and killed Achilles.","Even though the spiritual suit of armor from Jehovah is of the finest quality and is a source of security for us, we must not take things for granted. Bearing in mind the supposedly invincible Achilles, is it possible that we too may have a weak spot, a spiritual Achilles' heel? That could prove fatal if we are caught unawares.  Be alert, and never allow a spiritual Achilles' heel to develop. Rather, humbly and courageously let us do what is necessary now to recognize and overcome any spiritual weakness that we have.",Eph 6:13-17;,"Apr 15, 1999 Wt Page 18",How To Protect Ourselves From Satan's Snares,115,,1999/03/18,
"Armor, Weakness, Protection, Satan, Devil, Snares, Over-confident,","A two-time Olympic gold medalist ice skater, who was apparently in top physical condition, suddenly collapsed and died during a practice session. Shortly thereafter a sobering piece of news was reported in The New York Times: 'Half of the 600,000 Americans who have heart attacks each year have no symptoms beforehand.' Clearly, the state of our health cannot be determined simply by how we feel.","It is the same when it comes to our spiritual well-being. The Bible's advice is: 'Let him that thinks he is standing beware that he does not fall.' (1 Corinthians 10:12) Even though our spiritual armor is the best available, weakness can develop. This is because we are born in sin, and our sinful and imperfect nature can easily overpower our resolve to do God's will. (Psalm 51:5) Despite our good intentions, our treacherous heart can deceive us by fabricating specious reasoning or excuses, so that we easily overlook our weakness and deceive ourselves into thinking that all is well.--Jeremiah 17:9; Romans 7:21-23.",Eph 6:13-17;1 Cor 10:12;,"Apr 15, 1999 Wt Page 19",How To Protect Ourselves From Satan's Snares,115,,1999/03/18,
"Artist, Personality, Faults, Blemish, Spot, Imperfections, Flaws, Gossip,","A caricature artist can take a subject, say a beautiful woman and create something that is grotesque.  He does this by over emphasizing any imperfections.  He will take the nose, eyes, teeth, lips or chin and blow them up out of all proportion, distorting them.  Attention may be focused on the smallest of imperfections, maybe a spot, blemish, wrinkle or mole accentuating these features.  On the other hand there is the fine artist who can paint or draw the same subject and create a thing of beauty.  He looks at the eyes, cheeks, lips, and hair and, with masterful strokes can capture attractive and appealing features that emphasize elegance and pleasing qualities.","What kind of artists are we?  What pictures do we create when we look at our brothers and sisters?  Do we, like the caricaturist draw attention to and emphasize their imperfections, even the smallest of flaws and blow them out of proportion?  Maybe we distort some unintentional remark, which may cause us to dwell on this which, in turn spoils the attractiveness of that person in our eyes.  On the other hand, do we look at those we associate with in the truth and capture their fine features, the pleasing personalities and qualities that transcends their imperfections?  Seeing in them what Jehovah sees, something that is attractive as we all battle to overcome sinful tendencies and cultivate Christ-like personalities.",Mark 12:13,Steve Hashimuri,A Cleansed Earth--will You Live To See It?,49,,"Jul 22, 2001",
"Assemblies, Conventions,",Have you ever experienced the excitement of preparing for guests? Especially guests for whom you had great affection and who were traveling ever so many miles to visit with you?  You left no stone unturned to make them feel welcome and comfortable.,This is what the brothers are doing in preparing the conventions.,"John 13:34, 35;","Jun 22, 1969 Aw Page 21",Love Identifies The True Christian Congregation,72,,,
"Assignment, Pioneer, Servant, Publisher,","Keep alert, remain at 'our post of duty, unmovable, bring God's smile of approval upon our earnest efforts.' (Bro. Peter Casola)","'Even if the task assigned should appear to be menial, it often turns out that without its faithful execution many other vital services could not be performed.'","1 Cor. 15:58; Mk. 10:29, 30;","Feb 15, 1968 Wt Page 124",How Should You Serve God?,58,,,
"Assist, Aid, Help, Pioneers,","Did you ever notice how just a little assistance, can go a long ways.  When I was young I used to climb.  I would climb anything; trees, buildings, lumber piles, ladders, tables, etc.  Sometimes I just couldn't climb something on my own, and I would ask my brother to give me a boost.  He was younger, but with just a little push, I was on top and a new world opened up to me.","Serving Jehovah is like that.  Sometimes we want to advance, to progress, but we need a little boost; a little assistance.  Just a little assistance and we are off and running.   Jehovah doesn't take over our lives, nor do our brothers.  We are free moral agents and we like it that way.  Each one carrying his own load.",Daniel 11:34,Bobby Laymon,,,,"Feb 19, 2001",
"Assistance, Help, Elders, Flock, Danger,","In Scotland some young lambs were grazing in a pasture when one of them strayed to the side of a hillock and tumbled onto a ledge below.  It was uninjured, but it was frightened and unable to climb back.  So it started to bleat plaintively.  Its mother heard it, and she too began to bleat until the shepherd came and retrieved the young lamb.","Notice the sequence of events.  The lamb called for help, the ewe added her voice to its cries, and the alerted shepherd sprang into action to rescue it.  If a very young animal and its mother can sense danger and immediately call for help, should we not do the same when we stumble spiritually or face unexpected dangers from Satan's world?","James 5:14, 15; 1 Pet. 5:8;","Mar 1, 2002 Wt Page 16",Prayers That Are Heard By God.,86,,"Apr 16, 2002",
"Assistance, Help, Support, Humility, Experience, ","Many years ago, we needed assistance.  I was pioneering with two small children.  We had car expenses and a low income.  To tell the truth, we needed food.  They didn't have food stamps back then, but there was a government program that provided commodities if you could qualify. Edna and I, with our children took what papers we needed, humbled ourselves and went down and signed up.  For a couple of months we got some nice cheese, peanut butter, canned meat, honey and other surplus food.  We ate on that for maybe 6 months.  It was exactly what we needed.  It kept the wolf away from the door, and allowed us to concentrate on what we needed to.  We deeply appreciate the assistance we received down to this day.",There are other greater benefits that are longer lasting and more valuable.  Jehovah gives assistance with lasting benefits.,Ps. 40:5,Bobby Laymon,Follow The Course Of Hospitality,77,,"Feb 1, 2001",7/11/2025
Associates; Elders; Pioneers;,"During occupation of a country, there are those who go ahead of others and sweep the path of land mines.  These have a special knowledge regarding pitfalls.",Elders and pioneers are like this.  They make the way easier and safer for others to follow.  We should choose wise associates and walk with wise persons.,Prov 13:20;,Matt Roper,Choose Your Associates Wisely!,116,,1996/03/12,
Association,'He that lies with dogs will get fleas.'  Quote: George Herbert -1651.,Mix with world and acquire their bad habits and diseases.,1 Cor. 15:33,"Larry Punko, C.O. Oct 21, 1990",Choose Your Associates Wisely!,116,,,
Association,Birds of a feather flock together.,"Walk with wise, become wise; ...fare badly",1 Cor 15:33,Fable,Choose Your Associates Wisely!,116,,,
Association,Child in mud puddle; jump in to clean up or take him out first.,"Must first remove bad association, then clean up.",1 Cor 15:33,David Feller,Choose Your Associates Wisely!,116,,,
Association,"Colors effect your thinking, commercial world uses.",How much more your associates.,Prov 13:20,Paul Smith,Choose Your Associates Wisely!,116,,,
Association,Tell me who your friends are and I will tell you who you are.,Ones who make light of morality will rub off on us.,Phil. 4:8; 1 Cor. 15:33,Phil Kirkton Notes;,Choose Your Associates Wisely!,116,,,
Association,"Weeds in garden, shake out roots, deaden injurious reasoning, not be mentioned or dwelt upon Avoid books, TV, movies, songs, that encourage.",'Slay utterly' deaden.,Col 3:5,"Nov 1, 1989 Wt Page 14",Choose Your Associates Wisely!,116,,,
"Association,",How close would you get to someone with a deadly disease?,"How close would you do you get to work mates, school mates, do you have worldly friends?",Prov.13:20; 27:6; Gal. 6:1  Ps. 119:9,Scott Rudolph,,,,1996/08/10,
"Association,","One day a mother lion brought her lion cubs out of their den to play, they were running around and jumping up and down as lion cubs will do when one of the young cubs began staring across the way at another family out doing the same thing, it was a mother tiger and her cubs. The young lion kept staring at the tigers and began to think 'boy those tigers look really cool' I think I will go over and play with them, and he did, after playing for a while the young lion still felt left out, he thought to himself 'this is fun but I still don't look like them, I am not as cool as them' so he thought for a little while and then said I know why they are so cool! They have that nice orange coat and those cool black stripes, so the young lion ran off and got himself all painted orange with black stripes just like the tigers, he ran over to the lake to look at himself and when he saw his reflection he thought 'NOW I'M COOL' so he ran off with the other tiger cubs through the forest and into the village are where the tiger cubs then killed a villager and ran off, the villagers grew angry and set off to capture all the tigers and send them off to the zoo, and they did, and guess who was caught with them, yes the poor little lion cub. Upon his capture the young lion said 'There's been a mistake, I'm not a tiger I'm a lion, the villagers then said if you are not a tiger then prove it, to which the lion cub said 'just listen to me roar!' and they said go ahead, so the young cub let out a mighty ROAR!!!!!! the villagers said: 'That's pretty good, but, there is not much difference between the way a lion roars and the way a tiger roars so that proves nothing,' they then said: you look like a tiger, you act like a tiger, you talk like a tiger, YOU ARE A TIGER, and the young cub was loaded on the truck and shipped away to the zoo. As the truck was leaving the young cub could still see his other brothers and sisters running through the grass and playing free in the wild but for him it was too late, he cried out: mother, mother, but she could not hear him.",The moral of this story is bad associations spoil useful habits!,1 Cor 15:33;,Peter Morgan,Choose Your Associates Wisely!,116,,1997/08/11,
"Association,","Rich man needed to hire a driver, and interviewed two different men. Both asked to see how close they could get to the cliff, leading up to his home.  Second man refused to take a chance and get close.  Who got the job?",We want to stay as far as possible from danger in bad associations.,1 Cor. 15:33;,Bobby Laymon,Choose Your Associates Wisely!,116,,,
"Association, Adult, Morals, Television, Pornography, Internet,","What if you had a sewage pipe right into your home?  All you had to do was push a button, and it would spew sewage all over the living room.  You say, 'Oh, we will add some perfume and it won't get too bad.'","Many have that.  Through the entertainment we allow into our homes.  Oh, we can dress it up in certain ways, and say, 'It doesn't smell too bad.'  The truth is, it is sewage.",Ps. 119:37;,"Ron Whitlatch, C. O.",Are You Really Making Jehovah Your Stronghold?,18,,"Apr 25, 2002",
"Association, Attitude,","Death Row (Whole phyla changes) Paul was exceptional, did not have death philosophy.",Bad association does same thing.,"1 Cor 15:32, 33",Bro Howard   Circuit Assy.,Choose Your Associates Wisely!,116,,,
"Association, Despair, Sorrow,","You cannot prevent the birds of sorrow from flying over your head, but you can prevent them from building nests in your hair.  -- Persian Proverb","When we are depressed or get the blues, we need to ask for help.",1 Thess. 5:14;,Bobby Laymon,Trust In The God Of All Comfort,143,,"Nov 19, 2001",
"Association, Entertainment, Movies,","Rake coals into chest, not get burned? Lose spiritual beauty in God's eyes.","Horror film, songs, entertainment in general.",Proverbs 6:27  1 Pet 4:4,"Nov 1, 1989 Wt Page 11",Choose Your Associates Wisely!,116,,,
"Association, Evil, Good,","I know when I go with Deana to the grocery store, which is not often because we spending more money when I'm with her, I notice that Deana takes her time and picks up the vegetables, or fruit and looks at it and examines it to make sure it good.  That it doesn't have any bruised spots or mold.  She wants to get what will benefit our health.  Good quality food.",When it comes to our association are you just as picky.,1 Cor. 15:33,Jim Kinkade,How To Conquer Evil With Good.,117,,"Oct 30, 2001",
"Association, Gossip, Critical, Negative, Positive, Attitude,","Buzzards and Hummingbirds? Well, both fly over the desert. The buzzard searches out dead decaying carcasses lying in the open and feeds on them while the hummingbird looks for the sweet nectar of the beautiful wildflowers that are sometimes well hidden. Both find what they are looking for in the same desert.","In viewing our brothers, what do WE look for? Are we like the buzzard and see only their negative, ugly, unpleasant traits, and then thrive on such faultfinding? Or are we like the hummingbird that searches out the positive, pleasant, loving qualities of our brothers, and do we derive nourishment in their kind, self-sacrificing acts of brotherly love? What we look for in our brothers will prove if we are imitating Jehovah who looks for the good qualities in his servants and will show if we are like the buzzard or the hummingbird. Remember, people will find what they are looking for. THEY ALL DO!",1 Cor 15:33;,J.K.,Choose Your Associates Wisely!,116,,1997/04/11,7/16/2023
"Association, Gossip, Morals, Drugs, Reputation, Children,","Did you ever watch a demolition crew tear down a house? In a few days they can tear down what it took months to build.  It is easier to destroy than to build. Association should BUILD UP, not TEAR DOWN.","It takes time for parents to build up in a young person respect for honesty, integrity, truthfulness, and morality. Bad associations can destroy that respect in a short while.",1 Cor. 15:33; Exodus. 20:15; John 13:35;,"Jun 1, 1967 Wt Page 323;",Choose Your Associates Wisely!,116,,,
"Association, Habit,",Be as careful of the books you read as the company you keep.,Your character and habits will be influenced equally by them.,"1 Cor. 15:33; Heb. 10:24, 25;",Bobby Laymon,Choose Your Associates Wisely!,116,,,
"Association, Influence,",When it is cold you put on more clothing.  When it is hot you dress lightly.  Even the color of your garment affects the comfort.,Many things influence our feelings.  How much more so do the associations with other people.,Prov 13:20; Ps 64:2;,Paul Smith,Choose Your Associates Wisely!,116,,1996/08/27,
"Association, Language, Speech, Meetings,",'Anyone who mingles with wolves will learn to howl' 'Her judges were evening wolves..',Ones who make light of morality will rub off on us.,Phil. 4:8; 1 Cor. 15:33; Zephaniah 3:1-5,"Phil Kirkton Notes; See May 1, 1991 Wt Page 19",Choose Your Associates Wisely!,116,,,
"Association, Meetings,","A man brought a donkey to enter him into the Kentucky Derby.  They asked him, 'Why do you want to enter a lazy donkey into the race.  There is no possibility under the sun that he is going to win.  He will be up against all those thoroughbred race horses.'  He said, 'I know that, and I know he doesn't stand a chance to win, but I think the association will do him good.","Association with Jehovah's people will improve a person, no matter how bad he is.","Heb 10:24,25;",Bill Osbeck C.O. From Pioneer School,How Well Do You Know God?,1,,1994/08/18,
"Association, Meetings, Unity, Habit, Congregation,","'He who lies with dogs, gets fleas.' Quote: George Herbert -1651.","Bad associations.  Results in sexual transmitted disease, unwanted pregnancies, etc.","Prov. 13:20; 18:1, Ps. 133:1; John 15:15; Heb. 10:24, 25,",Bobby Laymon,You Will Reap What You Sow,59,,,
"Association, Meetings, Unity, Habit, Congregation,","'If you can't beat them, join them!'",Many have found Jehovah's way to be right and have joined in meetings and later become Witnesses themselves.,"Prov. 13:20; 18:1, Ps. 133:1; John 15:15; Heb. 10:24, 25,",Bobby Laymon,Choose Your Associates Wisely!,116,,,
"Association, Meetings, Unity, Habit, Congregation,","'The more, the merrier.'",We want all that will to serve Jehovah.,"Isa. 60:22; Isa. 65:1; John 15:15; Heb. 10:24, 25,",Bobby Laymon,Choose Your Associates Wisely!,116,,,
"Association, Meetings, Unity, Habit, Congregation,",'There's strength in numbers.',We must remain united with the whole association of Brothers.,"1 Pet. 5:9; Prov. 13:20; 18:1, Ps. 133:1; John 15:15; Heb. 10:24, 2",Bobby Laymon,Choose Your Associates Wisely!,116,,,
"Association, Meetings, Unity, Habit, Congregation,","Birds of a feather, flock together. We must walk with wise, to become wise.","Both good and bad habits can be cultivated.  Some have made it a 'custom' or 'habit' to miss meetings.  'We can fall through the cracks,' by looking at the averages of the congregation.  As individual - Do you attend all congregation meetings on a regular basis?","Prov. 13:20; 18:1, Ps. 133:1; John 15:15; Heb. 10:24, 25,",Bobby Laymon,Choose Your Associates Wisely!,116,,,
"Association, Meetings, Unity, Habit, Congregation,","If led, people work as a team, if driven, they lunge into their work, and pull against each other.",Cooperation is necessary.,"Prov. 13:20; 18:1, Ps. 133:1; John 15:15; Heb. 10:24, 25,",Bobby Laymon,Choose Your Associates Wisely!,116,,,
"Association, Meetings, Unity, Habit, Congregation,","If you play with fire, you get burned.",Association with bad persons will lead to injury.,"Prov. 13:20; 18:1, Ps. 133:1; John 15:15; Heb. 10:24, 25,",Bobby Laymon,Choose Your Associates Wisely!,116,,,
"Association, Meetings, Unity, Habit, Congregation,","It is said, 'People go to see, to be seen.'","We should go to encourage, and build-up, and learn.","Prov. 13:20; 18:1, Ps. 133:1; John 15:15; Heb. 10:24, 25,",Bobby Laymon,Choose Your Associates Wisely!,116,,,
"Association, Meetings, Unity, Habit, Congregation,",Many hands make light work.,Cooperation in the Congregation is a must.,"Prov. 13:20; 18:1, Ps. 133:1; John 15:15; Heb. 10:24, 25,",Bobby Laymon,Choose Your Associates Wisely!,116,,,
"Association, Meetings, Unity, Habit, Congregation,",Many small make a great. All important to Him.,"Jehovah's organization are made up of small, imperfect individuals","Prov. 13:20; 18:1, Ps. 133:1; John 15:15; Heb. 10:24, 25,",Bobby Laymon,Choose Your Associates Wisely!,116,,,
"Association, Meetings, Unity, Habit, Congregation,","The chains of habit are too small to be felt, until they are too strong to be broken.",Good habits should be developed while young.,"Prov. 13:20; 18:1, Ps. 133:1; John 15:15; Heb. 10:24, 25,",Bobby Laymon,Choose Your Associates Wisely!,116,,,
"Association, Meetings, Unity, Habit, Congregation,","The sweeter the flower, the sweeter the honey.","We can sweeten the meetings with preparation, association, and upbuilding comments to others.","Prov. 13:20; 18:1, Ps. 133:1; John 15:15; Heb. 10:24, 25,",Bobby Laymon,Choose Your Associates Wisely!,116,,,
"Association, Meetings, Unity, Habit, Congregation,",They also serve who only stand and wait.,We should take any assignment that Jehovah offer to us. We should not be judgmental.,"Prov. 13:20; 18:1, Ps. 133:1; John 15:15; Heb. 10:24, 25,",Bobby Laymon,Choose Your Associates Wisely!,116,,,
"Association, Meetings, Unity, Habit, Congregation,","United we stand, divided we fall.",Unity in Congregation.,"Prov. 13:20; 18:1, Ps. 133:1; John 15:15; Heb. 10:24, 25,",Bobby Laymon,Choose Your Associates Wisely!,116,,,
"Association, Meetings, Unity, Habit, Congregation,","What you eat becomes a part of your body, what you think, a part of your character.",Natural to become what you take in.,"Prov. 13:20; 18:1, Ps. 133:1; John 15:15; Heb. 10:24, 25,",Bobby Laymon,Choose Your Associates Wisely!,116,,,
"Association, Meetings, Unity, Habit, Congregation,","When in Rome, do as the Romans do. Many come from congregations that do small, unimportant things differently.",Don't disrupt unity with puny differences.,"Prov. 13:20; 18:1, Ps. 133:1; John 15:15; Heb. 10:24, 25,",Bobby Laymon,Choose Your Associates Wisely!,116,,,
"Association, Meetings, Unity, Habit, Congregation,","Whistling girls and crowing hens. Always come to some bad ends. Whistling girls get into trouble by worldly men, as flirt. Crowing hens, mistaken for roosters and killed for food.",We too must keep our place in Jehovah's arrangement.,"Prov. 13:20; 18:1, Ps. 133:1; John 15:15; Heb. 10:24, 25,",Bobby Laymon,Choose Your Associates Wisely!,116,,,
"Association, Meetings, Unity, Habit, Congregation, Marriage,",'Two heads are better than one. Even if one is a block-head.',"It is wise to discuss Bible together, and other things. Jehovah and Christ Jesus are at our meetings!  Two most intelligent persons in the universe.","Prov. 13:20; 18:1, Ps. 133:1; John 15:15; Heb. 10:24, 25,",Bobby Laymon,God Comes First In Successful Family Life,110,,,
"Association, Meetings, Unity, Habit, Congregation, Studies,","'While the grass grows, the horses may starve.'  It is true that grass can grow so rapidly that it provides little nourishment.",Must not allow ourselves to go without spiritual food. We must find nourishment at our meetings.  Give nourishments by commenting.,"Prov. 13:20; 18:1, Ps. 133:1; John 15:15; Heb. 10:24, 25,",Bobby Laymon,Choose Your Associates Wisely!,116,,,
"Association, Meetings, World,","Coals stay warm when kept together...remove one and it gets cold. Take coal that has been removed and cold, and place back with others and it becomes red again.",We stay aglow when with Jehovah's people.,"Heb. 10:24, 25;",Bobby Laymon,'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
"Association, Morals, Entertainment, Habits, World,",How close would you get to someone carrying a contagious disease?,"We must guard our associations in the same way, regarding speech, habits, morals, entertainment.",Col 4:6; Eph 4:29; Zech 3:9;,Steve Carnifix,'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
"Association, Neighbor,","'Love your neighbor, but don't pull down your hedge.'  Quote: Ben Franklin.","In like manner, we need to guard our associations with person not in the truth.  We need to have a guard up against too much association.",1 Cor 15:33;,Bobby Laymon,Choose Your Associates Wisely!,116,,1997/05/13,
"Association, Peers, Influence,","'In individuals, insanity is rare, but in groups, parties, nations and epochs it is the rule.'  (Nietzsche 1844-1900)",Bad association will influence persons to do stupid things.,1co 15:33; Exodus 23:2;,Wisdom Of The Ages,Why Christians Must Be Different.,123,,,
"Association, Satan, Weakness, Sin, Imperfection, Spirit, Flesh,",Lovers lane is one road that is not paved with good intentions.,Where we go for association is important.,Matt. 10:28; 1 Pet. 5:8; Jas. 1:13-15; Rom. 5:12; Prov. 16:18,Bobby Laymon,Hold A Good Conscience In A Sinful World,107,,,
"Association, Sin, World, Prayer, Satan, Devil,","'If you don't want to shop with the Devil, stay out of his store.' Avoid places that Christians know are immoral.","It is wrong to ask Jehovah to help us break a bad habit and then go out and buy these things, watch immoral movies, or if a gambler, go to the racetrack.","Pr. 28:9; 15:29; Isa. 1:15; 1 John 2:1, 2;",Al Larue.  See Live Forever Bk. Page 228,'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
"Association, Snare, Balance, Fear,",A hunter's snare often involves a noose that pulls tight around the neck or ropes that entangle the feet of an animal.,Trembling at men can similarly choke a person's ability to speak freely and to conduct himself in a way that pleases God.,Job 18:8-11; Prov. 29:25;,"Jan 15, 1998 Wt Page 15",You Can Find Joy In Serving God,103,,1997/12/08,
"Association, Spanish,","'Animals of the same flock, share the same fleas.' Spanish saying.","If you associate with bad people, some badness will 'rub off' on you.",1 Cor. 15:33;,"Sep 8, 1964 Aw Page 16",You Will Reap What You Sow,59,,,
"Association, Spanish, Meetings,","'He who walks in honey, something sticks to him.'  Quote:  Spanish proverb","Associate with bad people, or good, and some will stick to you.",1 Cor. 15:33;,"Sep 8, 1964 Aw Page 16",Choose Your Associates Wisely!,116,,,
"Association, Spanish, Meetings,","'They are foxes from the same pineapple patch.' (Spanish) Same as 'birds of a feather, flock together.'","People who keep the same company, do the same thing.",1 Cor. 15:33,"Sep 8, 1964 Aw Page 15",Choose Your Associates Wisely!,116,,,
"Association, Standards, Preaching,","Doctor treating superstitious, disease-ridden people in jungle. Doctor, never for moment, share thoughts of patients superstitious mind. Or fellowship with in disease-breeding habits; unsanitary conditions.","We want to help make people well, but not get sick ourselves. We preach to all kinds, but never lower our Christian standards.","Luke 5:30-32; Rev. 22:1, 2;","Feb 15, 1960 Wt Page 114",Why Live By Bible Standards?,88,,,
"Association, Stress, Depression, Anxiety, Complaint, mummer,","How long can you carry a stone, or a load of sand around? Have you ever lifted bag of sand or cement? Invariable, your close associates will have a strong influence on you.",Keeping company with those who are quick to find fault and criticize others in the congregation may sow seeds of discouragement and negative thinking in you.,Prov. 27:3; 1 Cor. 15:33;,"Oct 15, 1991 Wt Page 23",Gaining Comfort In All Our Tribulations,105,,,
"Association, Wicked, Earth, Paradise, Personalities, Transforming,","The story is told about two moles who invited a porcupine into their tunnel to stay the night.  They soon learned that every time they turned around, they would get stuck.  The porcupine turned out to be an unwelcome guest, and in time the moles themselves had to leave their home.",Jehovah does not want porcupine like persons in his new world of righteousness.  Who does he want as a guest in his tent?,Ps 15:1-5;,W79 5/15 15,Is The Truth Transforming Your Life?,51,,1994/08/08,
"Association, World,","A FARMER placed nets on his newly-sown plow lands and caught a  number of Cranes, which came to pick up his seed.  With them he  trapped a Stork that had fractured his leg in the net and was  earnestly beseeching the Farmer to spare his life.  'PRAY save  me, Master,' he said, 'and let me go free this once.  My broken  limb should excite your pity.  Besides, I am no Crane, I am a  Stork, a bird of excellent character; and see how I love and  slave for my father and mother.  Look too, at my feathers--  they are not the least like those of a crane.'   The Farmer   laughed aloud and said, 'It may be all as you say, I only know   this:  I have taken you with these robbers, the Cranes, and you must die in their company.'     Birds of a feather flock together.",Moral: 'Birds of a feather flock together.'  We are judged by the company we keep.,1 Cor 15:33,Aesop's Fables - Bobby Laymon,'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
"Association, World,","Much like a cat playing with a mouse (or some other creature). At first it can be sort of cute to watch. At first the cat would gently paw away at the mouse and then hold it down and then let it go. As the mouse tries to get elsewhere, the cat would trap it again. The cat plays around with the mouse again. What seemed to be quite innocent at first is now getting serious. The cat is no longer PLAYING. He's getting rougher by the minute and finally he lashes out and pounces for the kill. Good-bye mouse.","The world would like us to associate with it. And to do so may be fun at times.  At first the world may seem like fun while playing with us, but Satan is the cat (a lion even) and when we choose to associate with the world because we want to have some fun, remember: 'We become the mouse' And we know how that story ends.",1 Cor 15:33;,J.K.,'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,1997/04/11,
"Association, World,","When you starve with a tiger, the tiger starves last.","When we associate with the world, we are putting ourselves in a dangerous position.",1 Cor 15:33;,J.K.,Choose Your Associates Wisely!,116,,1997/04/11,
"Association, World, Desensitized, Accustomed,",With World: Like going into a dark place. At first all is dark. But soon the eyes become accustomed to the surroundings.,Not so dark now. That is how it is with the world.,1 Cor 15:33;,J.K.,Choose Your Associates Wisely!,116,,1997/04/11,
"Association, World, Disfellowshipped,",We have heard about how one BAD apple rots the whole barrel. Think about how FAST a Good apple in a barrel of rotten ones will spoil.,One leaving the truth and associating with the world will spoil just that fast.,1 Cor 15:33;,J.K.,Choose Your Associates Wisely!,116,,1997/04/11,
Association;,"'A man among children will be long a child, a child among men will soon be a man.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Association;,'Associate yourself with men of good quality if you esteem your own reputation; for tis better to be alone than in bad company.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Association;,'I likened you to those I saw with you.'  Quote:  Maltese.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Association;,'You can't walk through a barnyard without something sticking.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Association;,No man is hurt but by himself.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Association; Acquaintances; Friends;,'A man is known by the company he avoids.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Association; Acquaintances; Friends;,'A wise man may look ridiculous in the company of fools.' Quote:  Thomas Fuller,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Association; Acquaintances; Friends;,'He that lies down with dogs shall rise up with fleas.'  Quote:  Latin.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Association; Acquaintances; Friends;,'He who lives with cats will get a taste for mice.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Association; Acquaintances; Friends;,"'If you live with a cripple, you will learn to limp.'  Quote:  Plutarch.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Association; Acquaintances; Friends;,'When a dove begins to associate with crows its feathers remain white but its heart grows black.'  Quote:  German.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Association; Acquaintances; Friends;,Better to be beaten than to be in bad company.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Association; Acquaintances; Friends; Wise;,'It is better to weep with the wise men than to laugh with the fools.'  Quote:  Spanish.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Association; Satan; Environment; World,  Clean, Holy,",Now his illustration- of a bathed pig- rolling in the mud...- I don't want you to think- that pigs are being given a bad rap here- I lived on a pig farm for nine years- and I learned a bit about pigs the pig- by nature- is no dirtier than other animals- he just likes to cool off- by wallowing in the mud- the reason why pigs- seem to be dirty- is because of the environment- they live in- they live in- a lot of mud- so even if they wanted to stay clean- it would be pretty hard and so Satan- has introduced an environment- onto the earth- that is very much like a spiritual pig sty- that is- even after we are cleansed- the environment that Satan has introduced- exerts pressure on us- to become polluted again.,Hard to stay clean in Satan's world,James 1:27,Dch,Resisting The Spirit Of The World,25,,1993/10/10,
Associations,"'Tell me what company you keep, and I'll tell you who you are.' Quote: Cervantes, noted figure in Spanish literature.","This applies to romance, work, or any association.",1 Cor. 15:33,"Aug 8, 1962 Aw Page 14",Choose Your Associates Wisely!,116,,,
Associations,Bar of Gold next to bar of Silver; particles migrate across boundaries.  Choose righteous friends; Make Jehovah your friend.,Person's associates have an effect on him or her,1 Cor 15:33,"Feb 1, 1977 Wt Page 69",Choose Your Associates Wisely!,116,,,
Associations,"Book, spending several hours with writer.","Personal visit with adulterers, murders, who knows what.","Eph 5:3, 4  Prov 4:23",Paul Smith,Choose Your Associates Wisely!,116,,,
Associations,"Cat and Mice Cat came to catch house full of mice, one by one Held meeting, stay deep in our holes, can't be destroyed Cat climbed pole, hang down, pretending to be dead.","A wise man is not easily fooled Mice said, Even if you turn into a sack we won't come near you.",1 Cor 15:33,Aesop's Fables,Choose Your Associates Wisely!,116,,,
Associations,"Coal, take one away and lose it's glow.   Put back with others and begins to glow again.",Isolation from congregation is like that.,Prov. 18:1,"Johnse Laymon (December 15, 1962 Wt Page 759)",Choose Your Associates Wisely!,116,,,
Associations,"Cold, Heat, Color, Music, affects what we feel, buy, eat.",Companions certainly would.,"Prov 13:20  Ps 64:2  Ps 26:1, 4, 9, 12",Paul Smith,Choose Your Associates Wisely!,116,,,
Associations,David and Jonathan  (Describe),That kind of companions in congregation,Acts 4:13,Bobby Laymon,Choose Your Associates Wisely!,116,,,
Associations,"Hide or conceal from confidential talk of sinners Experience of Church girl at Appleton, AR Made her shoot murder victim, so wouldn't tell Later sunk into river",Makes us part of wrongdoing.,Ps 64:2,Bobby Laymon,Choose Your Associates Wisely!,116,,,
Associations,"How close would you get to someone carrying deadly, contagious disease","How close to school mates, freely use obscene speech",Prov. 13:20  27:6  Gal 6:1  Ps 119:9,"Sept 8, 1989 Awake  Page 22",Choose Your Associates Wisely!,116,,,
Associations,"Lay a bar of Gold next to bar of Silver, or rub them together for a time and the bar of gold will start to turn silver-looking.  Particles migrate across boundaries.  Choose righteous friends; Make Jehovah your friend.","Person's associates have an effect on him or her.  If we associate with those with less Christian standards than us, we can bring back inferior product.  We must choose associates that worship Jehovah.",1 Cor 15:33,"Feb 1, 1977 Wt Page 69",A Clean People Honors Jehovah,14,,,
Associations,"Man looking for chauffeur.  He lived on the top of a high mountain.  He had two prospects.  To the first he said, 'How close you can get to the  edge without running off?'  He said, 'Just a minute and I will show you.'  He got so close that rocks were knocked over the edge.  He asked the second one.  'How close can you get to the edge?'  He replied,  'I don't know, but I know one thing!  I'm going to stay just as far away  as I possibly can.  Which one would you say got the job?","Do we see how close we can get to the edge, or do we stay as far from trouble as possible?",1 Cor 15:33,Brother,Choose Your Associates Wisely!,116,,,
Associations,"Mix up Butter and Jelly, very smooth consistency, part of School Proms.",Mixing in company with unbeliever,"1 Cor 5:10, 11",Bobby Laymon,Choose Your Associates Wisely!,116,,,
Associations,"Not bad associates, but bad associations.  Some in congregation may be bad associations for us.  Constant company with those of opposite sex. Those who do not build up.",May study with drug addict; fornicator (bad associates),1 Cor 15:33,Joe (heard At Bethel),Choose Your Associates Wisely!,116,,,
Associations,Nuclear fall-out Become daily diet; avoid soap operas 30 % in San Francisco homosexual (many view as normal),"Disgraceful sexual appetite, pornography settled down on mankind","Rom 1:20  2 Pet 2:14, 15",Trust In Jehovah District Assy. July 1987,Choose Your Associates Wisely!,116,,,
Associations,One bad apple can spoil a bushel.,Bad associations can spoil useful habits.,1 Cor. 15:33,Bobby Laymon,Choose Your Associates Wisely!,116,,,
Associations,Public towel,"Would we want to touch, dry our face with",1 Cor 15:33,Older Watchtower,Choose Your Associates Wisely!,116,,,
Associations,Scorpion and the Turtle Scorpion wanted turtle to give him a ride across the river. Turtle said that scorpion would bite him and they both drown. Took him anyway.  Scorpion bit him.,Some people you just can't trust Why? Scorpion-It's my nature,1 Cor. 15:33,John Ballard,Choose Your Associates Wisely!,116,,,
Associations,Trap and net experience adverse judgments,Following bad example of leaders....Christendom...Apostates,Hosea 5:1,"Mar 1, 1989 Wt Page 14",Choose Your Associates Wisely!,116,,,
"Associations,",We have heard about how one bad apple rots the whole barrel.  Think about how fast a good apple in a barrel of rotten ones will  spoil. One leaving the truth and associating with the world will  spoil just that fast.,"Associating with the world is like going into a dark place. At first  all is dark, but soon your eyes become accustomed to the  surroundings. It then is not so dark now.",1 Cor. 15:33,Goldman Collection,How To Conquer Evil With Good.,117,,"Jan 17, 2001",
"Associations, Attitude, Behavior, Improvement,",'The most transferable disease in the world is human behavior.',"We must guard our habits, associations.  Become progressive.","Ps 72:18, 19;",Frank Barr C.O.,Choose Your Associates Wisely!,116,,1994/03/07,
"Associations, Attitude, Behavior, Improvement, Literature, Dead Stumps,",We must not become like a stagnant pool.  A stagnant pool has the same information in it that it had years ago.  Sometimes it even become foul-smelling.,Some use the same presentation for years.  Call on the same unproductive calls.  Put one magazine inside others etc.,"Ps 72:18, 19;",Frank Barr C.O.,"As Christians, We Care About Other People",15,,1994/03/07,
"Associations, Attitude, Behavior, Improvement, Literature, Dead Stumps, Light,",Do you like a house that is dark all the time.  What if you could not get it light enough to even read.,"Jehovah is not happy or satisfied with a 'dimly lit house.'  We must continue to advance, progress, make improvement.",1ti 4:16; Isa Chapter 60:,Frank Barr C.O.,Choose Your Associates Wisely!,116,,1994/03/07,
"Associations, Children, World, Atmosphere,",You cannot put a sponge into vinegar and expect it to fill with water.  It can absorb only what surrounds it.  The sponge will absorb water only if it is submerged in it.,"Children, too, absorb their surroundings.  They sense the attitudes and observe the things practiced around them, and these they absorb like sponges.  Even babies do this.","1 John 4:17-19; Heb 4:15, 16",Family Life Book   Page 112,'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
"Associations, Complaint,","'Live with wolves, howl like a wolf.' Quote: Russian Proverb.",We imitate those we spend time with.,1 Cor 15:33;,Bobby Laymon,Never Become Dull In Your Hearing,9,,1995/08/16,
"Associations, Habits,","Germs can be unseen, however deadly. Good habits must be developed.","Association can be like germs in food, or what we touch.  We can become contaminated without realizing it.","1co 15:33; J2:12; Luke 8:20, 21; 2ti 2:20,22;",Light-bearers District Assembly (June 1992) Harold Althen,Choose Your Associates Wisely!,116,,,
"Associations, Habits,","In one hospital, a number of babies were accidentally given a tablespoon of table salt in their formula.  Six of these died and others became sick because of this. Jesus did not associate a lot with worldly relatives.",Bad associations can be as common as table salt and still kill. We must develop good habits and associations.,"1co 15:33; J2:12; Luke 8:20, 21;",Light-bearers District Assembly (June 1992) Harold Althen,Choose Your Associates Wisely!,116,,,
"Associations, Honor, Personalities, Name, Love,","'Action, looks, words, steps, form the alphabet by which you may spell character.' Quote: Lavater (1741-1801)","David was concerned where he stood, walked, and sat.","Ps. 1:1, 2;",Wisdom Of The Ages,How To Express Love In A Lawless World,112,,,
"Associations, Meetings,","Piece of soft clay pressed against pattern will carry impression. Thinking, speech, actions can be influenced for good or bad.",People are like clay.,Prov. 13:20; Rom. 12:2,"Jul 1, 1961 Wt Page 393",Choose Your Associates Wisely!,116,,,
"Associations, Meetings,","Plains Indian with Rattlesnake:  In order to prove to himself and others he was a man special feat, climb mountain, encounter frozen rattlesnake.  Snake begs him to take it down the mountain. Snake promises not to bite.  When safely down, it bites him.","'Why did you bite me?'  The snake answered, 'You knew who I was when you picked me up.'  We know who are bad associations.  Do we pick them up.  Then we can expect trouble.","1 Cor 15:33  Prov 22:24, 25","Bro Punko, Larry",Choose Your Associates Wisely!,116,,,
"Associations, Meetings, World, Children,","Take one apple out of a paper bag:  Explain that if you put this good apple in with a bushel of bad apples, what is going to happen.  It will rot!  However, if you take it out and wash it every day, it will stay good.","It is the same way with us, and our children.  We have to associate with the world, however, the meetings wash us off and prevent us from becoming like the world.  Rotten!",1cor 15:33,Joe Bounds,'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
"Associations, Misled, Habits, Movies, R-rated, X-rated,","If you went to a restaurant and they brought you out a nice meal, but there was a huge brown cockroach in the middle of it... would you eat around it?","Many feel that they can go to worldly parties or R-rated movies without partaking of the things that would offend Jehovah. I will just go to the party, but I won't take part in any drug use, or heavy drinking, or sexual immorality. I can go to the R-rated movie and close my eyes in the sexual or violent parts.",1 Cor. 15:33,Bobby Laymon,Choose Your Associates Wisely!,116,,"Jan 19, 2001",
"Associations, Movies, Literature, Books, Videos, Morals, Violence, Sex,","A father listened to all the reasons his children gave for wanting to see a particular movie. It had their favorite actors. Everyone else was seeing it. Even some congregation members said it was great.  It was only rated because of the suggestion of sex. They never really showed it. The language was pretty good. The video effects were fabulous and the plot was action packed.  Even with all these explanations for the rating, the father wouldn't give in.  He just said, 'No.' A little later that evening, that this same father asked his teens if they would like some brownies he had prepared. He explained that he had taken the families favorite recipe and added something new. They asked what it was. He calmly replied that he had added dog poop. He stated that it was only a little bit. All the ingredients were gourmet quality. He had taken great care to bake it at the precise temperature for the exact time. He was sure the brownies would be superb. Even with all the explanations of the perfect attributes of the brownies, the teens would not take one.  The father acted surprised. There was only one little element that would have caused them to act so stubbornly. He assured them that they would hardly notice it at all. They all held firm and would  not try the brownies.  He then explained that the movie they wanted to see was just like the brownies.","Satan tries to enter our minds and our homes by deceiving us into believing that just a little bit of evil won't matter.  Now when this father's youths want to do something or see something they should not, the father merely asks them if they would like some of his special dog poop brownies and they never ask about that item again.",1 Cor. 15:33,Bobby Laymon,Keep Clean From Worldly Defilements,98,,"Jan 19, 2001",
"Associations, Protection, Freedom, Youth, Restrictions,","Did you ever notice a litter of kittens, when one of them strays, the mother gets it in her mouth and carries it back to the group.  Is she trying to harm it?  No!  She is protecting it.","When parents restrict youth to certain associations, they are not trying to destroy their freedom, or do harm, but to protect them.",Mt. 13:15;,Bro Yagey  'godly Fear' District Assy.,How Can Youths Cope With Today's Crisis?,113,,1994/06/22,
"Associations, Religions, Christendom, World,","A CHARCOAL-BURNER carried on his trade in his own house.  One day he met a friend, a Fuller, [CLEANS THINGS] and entreated him to come and live with him, saying that they should be far better neighbors and that their housekeeping expenses would be lessened.  The Fuller replied, 'The arrangement is impossible as far as I am concerned, for whatever I should whiten, you would immediately blacken again with your charcoal.'","Moral: 'Like will draw like!'  We must guard our associations.   We cannot mix with false religion, or else we will become as dark as they.",Rev 18:4,Aesop's Fables - Bobby Laymon,'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,1994/05/15,
"Associations, Vacuum",'A vacant mind is open to all suggestions.'  Quote: Chinese proverb.,"Need to fill mind with wholesome , clean thoughts.",1 Cor. 15:33,"Nov 1, 1989 Wt Page 15",Choose Your Associates Wisely!,116,,,
"Associations; Organization, Meetings,","Brother Roper was asked, how he had managed to spend 50 years regularly knocking on doors.  His reply, 'I always try to stay in the middle of the flock.'",Safest place to be.  Satan preys on those on the edge.,"Ps. 133:1-5  Ps. 23:   Prov. 18:1; Heb. 10:24, 25",Experience: Lester Roper,Serving With Jehovah's Unified Organization,3,,,
"Astrology, Space, Science,","'Astrology is a disease, not a science ... It is a tree under the shadow of which all sorts of superstitions thrive.' Quote: Moses Maimonides, Jewish scholar of the Middle Ages. (1135-1204)","The Bible has much to say about the stars.  It does not encourage us to seek guidance from the stars, however.","Deuteronomy. 18:10-12; Isa. 47:13, 14;","Jul 8, 1994 Aw Page 7",Does Your Hope Rest On Science Or The Bible?,80,,1994/06/25,
Atheism,A great tide is sweeping across the face of the earth.  'Those without faith' will perish with rest of Satan's crowd.,Atheism has already engulfed 1/3 of earth's population.,Rev. 21:8,"Nov 8, 1960 Aw Page 5-7",Have Faith In The Good News,47,,,
"Atheism, Faith, Trust, Worship, Science, Evolution, Christendom,","A towering tree is an impressive sight.  Yet, the eye merely perceives the leaves, branches, and trunk.  The roots - the life source of the tree - lie hidden deep in the ground.","It is much the same with atheism.  Like a lofty tree, the denial of God's existence grew to an impressive stature by the 19th century.  Leading philosophers of the day were loud and clear.  'We no longer need ... religion.'  Multitudes were impressed.  What they perceived, however, were simply the leaves, branches, and trunk of atheism.  The roots were in place and sprouting long before the 19th century began.  The modern growth was fostered by Christendom.",Titus 1:16; Ps 14:1;,"Dec 1, 1994 Wt Page 3",Evidence Of God In The World Around Us,4,,1994/10/25,
"Atheism, Faith, Trust, Worship, Science, Evolution, Christendom,","Though it is at first impressive, a towering tree is eventually regarded as commonplace.  Its presence is familiar; its height is no longer awe-inspiring.","It is similar with atheism.  Though it provoked much debate during the 19th century, the denial of God's existence is neither shocking nor disturbing today.  An era of tolerance has allowed atheism to settle into peaceful coexistence with belief in God.",Psalms 14:1,Bobby Laymon,Evidence Of God In The World Around Us,4,,1994/10/25,
"Atheism, Faith, Trust, Worship, Science, Evolution, Christendom, Creation,","'If you take the top-notch scientists, you find very few atheists among them.'  Quote: Physics professor Henry Margenau.",Neither the advances of science nor the failure of religion need force us to abandon belief in a Creator.,"Col 1:9, 10;","Dec 1, 1994 Wt Page 7",Does Your Hope Rest On Science Or The Bible?,80,,1994/10/25,
"Atheism, Faith, Trust, Worship, Science, Evolution, Christendom, Creation,","If a knife is used to threaten, injure, or even murder an innocent person, does this prove that the knife had no designer?  Does it not rather show that the object was put to a wrong use?","Likewise, much of human grief gives evidence that humans are misusing their God-given abilities as well as the earth itself.",Ps 104:24;,"Dec 1, 1994 Wt Page 6",Jehovah--the Grand Creator,101,,1994/10/25,
Atheism; God; Heart; Faith;,'Atheism is rather in the life than in the heart of man.'  Quote:  Francis Bacon.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Atheist, Belief, Religion,",'An atheist is a man who has no invisible means of support.' Quote: Fulton J. Sheen.,He has nothing he can rely on.,Ps 14:1;,Bobby Laymon,Evidence Of God In The World Around Us,4,,1995/08/25,
"Atheist, Belief, Religion,",'The atheist has no hope.' Quote: -J. F. Clarke.,An atheist cannot be happy.  He believes that this life is all there is.,"Ps 14:1, 2; 1 Ch 29:15;",Bobby Laymon,Evidence Of God In The World Around Us,4,,1995/08/25,
"Atheist, Belief, Religion,",'There are no atheists in the foxholes of Bataan.' Quote: -Douglas MacArthur.,"When things get rough, it is natural to turn to God in prayer.",Heb 10:39;,Bobby Laymon,Glorifying God With All We Have,17,,1995/08/25,
"Atheist, Belief, Religion, Faith,",'To be an atheist requires an infinitely greater measure of faith than to receive all the great truths which atheism would deny.' Quote: Joseph Addison.,"Many who ridicule Christian faith manifest faith in other ways.  The scientists show faith in past discoveries as to 'laws of nature'.  From farmer to physicist, all exercise faith in stability of natural laws.",Ecclesiastes 1:5-7;,Bobby Laymon,Build Your Faith In Man's Maker,54,,1995/08/25,
"Atheist, Hope, Faith,",'The atheist has no hope.'  Quote: Anonymous.,That statement is quite literal.  Only those who believe and exercise faith have true hope.,Ps 14:1;,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Atheist, Worship,",Quote: 'A curious wild pain--a searching for something beyond what the world contains.' Atheist Bertrand Russell. Men thrive on hope. Men have an inquiring mind.,"Most want to know where we came from, why they are living.",Matt. 4:4,"Feb 1, 1991 Wt Page 4",Does Your Hope Rest On Science Or The Bible?,80,,,
"Atheist, Worship, Faith,",'An atheist is a man who believes himself an accident.'  Quote: Francis Thompson.,"Many are outright atheist, who say that God does not exist.  Others are agnostics, who claim they are not sure whether God exists.  Perhaps most people profess belief in God but belie the claim by godless conduct.",Ps 14:1;,Bobby Laymon,Evidence Of God In The World Around Us,4,,1995/06/30,
"Atheist, Worship, Faith, Witness","'I am the witness of no god!' Major Gherman S. Titov, the Soviet astronaut.  He said that he saw 'no God or angels' during his 17 orbits of earth. 'Up to  our first orbital flight by Yuri Gagarin no God helped build our rocket. The rocket was made by our people.","The atheist's view toward God.  I don't believe in God. I believe in man, his strength, his possibilities and his reason.'","Isa. 43:12; Jer. 2:11, 28; 1 Cor. 8:5; Ps. 14:1;","Feb 15, 1964 Wt Page 105",A Cleansed Earth--will You Live To See It?,49,,,
Atheist; God;,Atheist: One who has no invisible means of support.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Atheists, Belief, Religion, Worship, Prayer,",'There are no atheists in the foxholes.' Quote: William Thomas Cummings.,We were created with the capacity and desire to worship.  Those in danger instinctively look for God's help.,Psalm 9:9;,Bobby Laymon,Prayers That Are Heard By God.,86,,1995/08/16,
Atheist;,'An atheist is one who hopes the Lord will do nothing to disturb his disbelief.'  Quote:  Frank Jones.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Atheist;,'The worst moment for an atheist is when he feels grateful and has no one to thank.'  Quote:  Samuel Calvert.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Atheist;,'To be an atheist requires an infinitely greater measure of faith than to receive all the great truths which atheism would deny.'  Quote:  Joseph Addison.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Atom, Creation, Energy, Power, Perpetual,","If the core of an atomic reactor is made of plutonium-239 and wrapped in a blanket of uranium-238, which is not fissionable with slow neutrons, these neutrons would leak out, making U-239.   In a week or so it become plutonium-239, the fuel used to","It seems possible for reactors to produce more fuel that it begin with.  This is not a creation, but converting of one species.","Is 40:22, 26; Ge 1:1;","Jan 22, 1968 Aw Page 12",Jehovah--the Grand Creator,101,,,
"Atom, Nuclear, Protons, Neutrons, Electrons, Creation,","Like a baseball catcher's being more likely to catch a wild slow ball than he can a fast one, because of the ball's spending a greater period of time in the vicinity of the catcher.","Neutrons born in a reactor are very energetic, and must be slowed down by water, or another moderating material to be caught.","Is 40:22, 26; Ge 1:1;","Jan 22, 1968 Aw Page 9-11",Jehovah--the Grand Creator,101,,,
"Atom, Nuclear, Protons, Neutrons, Electrons, Creation,","Nuclear fission is somewhat like a cell in a plant or animal that splits to form two more cells, then four, and so forth, so that a vast number of cells can be obtained from a single cell.","In a nuclear reactor, the same is true, so that a large number of fissions can occur from the fission of a single nucleus. Fuel must be present so the 'fire doesn't go out.'","Is 40:22, 26; Ge 1:1;","Jan 22, 1968 Aw Page 9-11",Jehovah--the Grand Creator,101,,,
"Atom, Nuclear, Protons, Neutrons, Electrons, Creation,","We might liken the atom to a fig hanging by a string, with flies buzzing all around it.  The flies correspond to the electrons and the fig to the nucleus.  Just as the fig is composed of seeds distributed throughout, neutrons and protons distribute uniformly.",The three building blocks of creation. The 'match' that splits the uranium in part is the neutron.,"Is 40:22, 26; Ge 1:1;","Jan 22, 1968 Aw Page 9, 10",Jehovah--the Grand Creator,101,,,
"Atom, Nuclear, Reactor, Electrons, Creation, Energy, Power,","One pound of matter in a reactor, if completely converted into energy: (see application)","Would yield the same amount of energy as that from burning 1,500,000 tons of coal.  1 gram (0.0022 lb. produces 1,000,000 watts of power.","Is 40:22, 26; Ge 1:1;","Jan 22, 1968 Aw Page 9-12",Jehovah--the Grand Creator,101,,,
"Attention, Elders, Encouragement, Growth,","Plants grow best when we pay attention to them. That means watering,  touching them, putting them in places where they will receive good  light. They need people around them to notice if they are drooping  at the edges or looking particularly happy in the sunlight. The more  attention a plant receives, the better it will grow.","We need to be noticed in the same way. If we notice a family member  or friend is drooping, perhaps we can pay some special attention to  him or her. All of us need someone to care about how we are and to  truly listen to us. We can share and double someone's happiness by  noticing and talking about it also. We help the people around us to  grow by listening to their droopy edges as well as their bright days.  People need this as much as plants need light and water.",Acts. 20:28;,Patti Gillison,"As Christians, We Care About Other People",15,,1999/06/20,
Attitude,"Space craft not positioned in right way; said to have wrong Attitude.  They had a way to correct it. Complaining; generosity, respect, forgiveness, modesty. 12 spies Num. 14:2, 3 Bad attitude resulted in most dying.","We can have a good or bad overall attitude.  (can correct) Luke 17:1, 2 Jesus felt great concern for those stumbled by actions and attitudes.","1 Tim. 1:1, 2 Phil. 2:19-23",Phil Kirkton; Bethel Notes,Does Your Thinking Agree With God's?,53,,,
"Attitude, Associations, World, Attractions","There was a king ruler that was looking for a new chariot driver. He interviewed three drivers, and asked them each ?How close can you come to the edge of the cliff at a full gallop and not fall over the edge?' (the cliff had a 500 ft drop-off' The first driver said 'Sire, I can get within 3 cubits of the edge without going over.' The second said 'Sire, I can come as close as 1 cubit and still not fall over the edge.' The third said 'Sire, are your crazy? I am going to stay as far away from the edge of the cliff as I can'. The ruler used the third man as a driver.","The point of the illustration was to show that we should not see how close to the world as we can and not 'fall over the edge' into the world, but to stay as far away from the world as we can.",Jas. 4:4;,J.K.,Choose Your Associates Wisely!,116,,1997/04/11,
"Attitude, Depression, Truth,","If brightest part of a person is dark, how dark that darkness is. If our eye is wicked, whole body is wicked.",We must keep our eye simple and focused on God's Kingdom.,Matt. 6:22;,Bobby Laymon,Gaining Comfort In All Our Tribulations,105,,,
"Attitude, Father, Parents, Worth, Obedience,","'At ten years of age a boy thinks his father knows a great deal, at fifteen he knows as much as his father, at twenty he knows twice as much, at thirty he is willing to take his advise, at forty he begins to think his father knows something after all, at fifty he begins to seek his advise and at sixty, after his father is dead, he thinks his father was the smartest man that ever lived.'  Quote: Newspaper clipping found in a Bible over 100 years old.",It takes so many years to gain appreciation for the one that had so much to do with your getting into the world and having life. How important to listen and obey them.  How much more so our father Jehovah?,Pr 23:22,"Jul 15, 1970 Wt Page 441",Does Your Thinking Agree With God's?,53,,,11/23/2013
"Attitude, Health, Moderation,","Health consists with temperance alone.  Health is not a condition of matter, but of mind.",Calm heart helps avoid harmful stress.,"Prov. 14:30; Luke 21:34, 35;",Bobby Laymon (wisdom Of The Ages..Quotes),Are You Doing What God Requires Of You?,43,,,
"Attitude, Humility, Humble, Pride, Gilead, Pioneer, Bitter,",'Your attitude will make you or break you!  Ten percent of your attitude is because of what happens to you.  Ninety percent is how you view what happened to you.'  Quote: Jack Redford to Gilead class.,"We must watch our attitude, and not become bitter over trials.",James 1:12.,Lori Herr; Heard At Gilead Graduation.,Does Your Thinking Agree With God's?,53,,1995/04/07,10/17/2023
"Attitude, Love, Joy, Peace, Long-suffering, Kind, Good, Faith, Mild,","Happiness is like a check-book, we must know what is there.","We must count, enjoy, appreciate our blessings.  No man is happy who does not think himself so.","Gal. 5:22, 23; John 13:35; Phil. 3:1, 4:4; Mic. 6:8; Tit. 3:2;",Bobby Laymon,Serve Jehovah With A Joyful Heart,78,,,
"Attitude, Negative, Positive, Limburger, cheese, stinks, ","A grandson decided to have a little fun by putting Limburger cheese on Grandfather's mustache. Soon, grandpa awoke with a snort and charged out of the bedroom saying, 'This room stinks.' Through the house he went, finding every room smelling the same. Desperately he made his way outside only to find that 'the whole world stinks!'","So, it is when we fill our minds with negativism. Everything we experience and everybody we encounter will carry the scent we hold  in our mind.",Titus 1:15;,Bobby Laymon,Service Talk,200,,"Feb 2, 2001",7/3/2025
"Attitude, Persecution, Positive, Negative,","'We are all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars.' Quote: Oscar Fingal O'Flaherty Wills Wilde.","During persecution, as with all times, we should try to maintain a positive attitude.",2 Cor 12:10.,Bobby Laymon,Bearing Up Under Persecution,57,,1995/08/16,7/16/2023
"Attitude, Persecution, Positive, Negative,","Two men looked out of prison bars, one saw the mud hole, the other saw stars.  Quote: Fredrick Langbridge.",Keep positive outlook. Our attitude is very important when under persecution.,Luke 21:28,Awake!,Bearing Up Under Persecution,57,,,
"Attitude, Positive,","We are all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars.  -- Oscar Wilde",Adversity is easier to take where there is hope.,Ps. 4:5;,Bobby Laymon,Trust In The God Of All Comfort,143,,"Nov 19, 2001",
"Attitude, Positive, Negative,",'It is sure to be dark if you shut your eyes.' Quote: Tupper (1810-1889),We must not be overly concerned about things we cannot prevent.,Mt 6:27;,Wisdom Of The Ages,How To Keep Spiritually Awake!,71,,,
"Attitude, Positive, Negative,",'Turn your face to the sun and the shadows fall behind you.' -Maori proverb.,,,Bobby Laymon,,,,1998/10/13,
"Attitude, Positive, Negative, Calamities, Worry,","'He who foresees calamities, suffers them twice over.' Quote: Porteus (1731-1808)",We must not be overly concerned about things we cannot prevent.,Mt 6:27;,Wisdom Of The Ages,How To Keep Spiritually Awake!,71,,,
"Attitude, Positive, Negative, Congregation,","People moving, looking for town. Asked about to wise old man: Asked first family: What kind of town did you move from? answer. people cheating, stealing, lying, ugly Wise man: This town is about like that.","Our attitude is greatest asset Same quest to 2nd family. Ans. loving, kind, beautiful Wise man: This town is about like that.",Phil 4:23  1 Tim 5:17,"Kingdom Unity Dist Assembly  Uniondale, N.Y. June 23-26, 1983",How To Keep Spiritually Awake!,71,,,
"Attitude, Positive, Negative, Courage, Doubt, Faith,",'Pessimism never won any battle.'  Quote: Dwight D. Eisenhower (former president of the U.S.),Think and act with courage and faith.,Php 3:12-16;,Bobby Laymon,Have Faith In The Good News,47,,,
"Attitude, Positive, Negative, Discouragement,","As I was driving home from work one day, I stopped to watch a local Little League baseball game that was being played in a park near my home.  As I sat down behind the bench on the first baseline, I asked one of the boys what the score was.  'We're behind 14 to nothing,' he answered with a smile.  'Really,' I said.  'I have to say you don't look very discouraged.'  'Discouraged?'  the boy asked with a puzzled look on his face.  'Why should we be discouraged?  We haven't been up to bat yet.'",Often discouragement comes from how we look at a matter.,Prov. 24:10;,Bobby Laymon,Bearing Up Under Persecution,57,,1998/01/16,7/16/2023
"Attitude, Positive, Negative, Optimist, Pessimist,","'Twixt the optimist and pessimist, the difference is droll: The optimist sees the doughnut, but the pessimist sees the hole.' Quote: McLandburgh Wilson.  [Note: droll =Amusingly odd, whimsical, or comical.]",Our entire appearance and attitude should display genuine awe and respect for Jehovah's arrangement.,Mal 1:8;,Bobby Laymon,A Clean People Honors Jehovah,14,,1995/08/16,
"Attitude, Positive, Negative, Spirit, Love, Generous,","A stranger approached an old man and asked, 'What kind of people live in this town?'  'What kind of people are you used to?' the old man asked. 'Well the people where I came from are cranky, selfish, and don't care about anyone else,' the stranger replied.  'That's about what you can expect here,' the old man said.  A second stranger came up to the old man and asked the same question, with the same question back.  The second stranger replied, 'The town I came from had nice friendly people, they were neighborly and cared about one another.'  The wise old man said, 'That's about what you can expect here.'","The spirit we show in the congregation will be reflected back by the congregation in general.  Are we positive, upbuilding?  Do we show zeal in the ministry?  Are we loving, kind, and helpful?  Are we generous?",Php 4:23,"12/94 Km Jun 15, 1977 Wt Page 369","Friendship With God, Friendship With The World -- Which Will You Choose?",79,,1994/11/16,
"Attitude, Security, Heights, Not Leave,","Men, not being a secure height, may be forced to abandon us. For example, some years ago there were six Scottish miners that were forced to make a heart-rending decision.  While they were working some 1,500 feet below the surface, a shaft collapsed.  Debris trapped one of their companions.  Then mud and water began to rush in.     The miners realized that soon all avenues of escape would be closed to them, and they all would perish unless they fled without delay.  With great agony the six men decided to let their co-worker die rather than be entombed in that shaft while attempting to save him.  They were forced to abandon him.","In contrast, Jehovah God is never forced to forsake any of his people.  No matter how desperate the situation may be or how great the problems we face, he stays by our side.   We may at times feel abandoned, but we will never be abandoned.","Ps. 94:16, 17;",Jk,Jehovah Is 'a Secure Height' For His People,151,,"Apr 26, 2002",
"Attitude, Security, Heights, Not Leave,","There are some nations that use an eagle to symbolize their strength and power.  But the Bible likens Jehovah God to an eagle.  An eagle will build his nest at great heights.  And yet, when baby eagles are hatched, even though they can't fly, they are secure.  In fact, when it is time for them to fly, the parent eagle will literally kick them out of the nest!!   And they start to free-fall!  That doesn't sound so secure, does it?  But then that eagle will swoop down and catch the eaglet on its back, and fly up to the nest again, and then drop the eaglet again, and then swoop down again and catch the it before it hits the ground.  Each time, the eaglet learns more about flying.  And despite how it might seem to us, that little eagle is secure.   Why? Because its parents are a secure height for it.","So it is with our relationship with Jehovah God.  Over and over again in this system, Jehovah's people have been in dangerous situations, just like that baby eagle.  And Jehovah God has rescued them, he's caught them, just  before they hit bottom, so to speak!  The Bible assures us that Jehovah WILL BE a secure height for his people, before time runs out in this system.","Ps. 94:22, 23;",Jk,Jehovah Is 'a Secure Height' For His People,151,,"Apr 26, 2002",
"Attitude, Seek, Personality, Love, Positive, Negative, Bible,","'You find what you seek.' Love ... believes all things, hopes all things.' 1 Cor. 13:4, 7; Same with attitude toward Bible. Some approach with critical attitude.",If it is our nature to find admirable qualities in persons that is most likely what we will find. Many blessings and joys are denied those looking for wrong thing.,"Matt. 7:7; Titus 1:15; Ps. 130:3, 4; 2 Chron. 19:2, 3; Prov. 14:15","Dec 15, 1967 Wt Page 739","Friendship With God, Friendship With The World -- Which Will You Choose?",79,,,
"Attitude, Smile, Frown, Happy, Sad, Joy,","Can you guess how many muscles it takes for you to smile or to frown.  It takes only 17 muscles to smile, but it takes 43 muscles to wear a frown.","Keep smiling!  It takes less effort, and in doing so you reflect the attitude of Jehovah, 'the happy God.'",1ti 1:11;,Joe Laymon,Serve Jehovah With A Joyful Heart,78,,,
"Attitude, View, Positive, Negative, Service, Evangelizing,","It seems that there were these two men working side by side, each  digging a trench. The sun was murderously hot, the ground hard. A  third man approached, watched the men for a moment, and asked the  first, 'What are you doing?' The worker stared up at the bystander,  leaned on his shovel, wiped the sweat from his eyes and snarled, 'I'm  digging a ditch, what's it look like I'm doing?' Undaunted, the  inquisitive stranger repeated the question to the second worker. Without pausing in his labors, the second man smiled and said, 'I'm helping to build a hospital.'","How about you? Are you digging a ditch or helping to build a hospital?  Are you shuffling papers or helping the Society to function properly?  Are you stirring the porridge or feeding a hungry family? Are you out  knocking on doors or are you out saving lives?  So much depends on our attitude. Our text this morning talks about zeal. Without the right attitude, a sense of commitment, and a wider perspective, we can never be zealous in our undertakings. This helped God's people after 1919. For example, in 1922 J. F. Rutherford, then president of the Watch Tower Society, addressed conventioneers at Cedar Point, Ohio. Listen to the pitch of his comments: 'The kingdom of heaven is at hand; the King reigns; Satan's empire is falling; millions now living will never die. Do you believe it? . . .Then back to the field, O ye sons of the most high God! Gird on your armor! Be sober, be vigilant, be active, be brave. Be faithful and true witnesses for the Lord. Go forward in the fight until every vestige of Babylon lies desolate. Herald the message far and wide. The world must know that Jehovah is God and that Jesus Christ is King of kings and Lord of lords.  This is the day of all days. Behold, the King reigns! You are his publicity agents. Therefore advertise, advertise, advertise, the King and his kingdom.''  Brother Rutherford did not just say: 'Brothers, we have been slack over the past few years. Our hours are down, our placements are low.  We need to start knocking on some doors and distributing some publications.' If he had said that, the brothers might have thought, 'Oh, no, more ditch  digging!' No, he fired up their enthusiasm. He told them the mighty cause they were championing and the privileged part they had in that mighty cause. How did the brothers see it?  The November 1, 1922, issue of The Watch Tower states: 'The friends  . . . took it as the keynote of the convention that the real privilege and duty of the consecrated now on earth is to advertise the presence of the Lord, the great King of kings, and that his kingdom is here, and that this is the most important thing for them to do.'",Matt 24:14,Tim Moore,Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,063,,1997/08/23,7/12/2025
"Family,",Finely tuned product:  It is highly valued.  Example of engine finely tuned.  Or any devise you are familiar with.,The family is a highly valued product.,Ephesians 3:15,Ron Whitlatch C.O.,,,,"Nov 8, 2002",
"Attitude, Views, Opinions, Positive, Negative,",Look at that thorn bush! Oh! it has a flower. or Look at the beautiful rose! Careful there may be some thorns.,Different ways to look at things.,Luke 21:28;,Johnse Laymon,How To Keep Spiritually Awake!,71,,,
"Attitude, Views, Opinions, Positive, Negative, Speech, School,","Shoe salesman does not say, 'Lady you have one foot LARGER than the other.' But, 'You have one foot SMALLER than the other.'",Often the way we say something makes a difference.,Luke 21:28;,Johnse Laymon,How To Keep Spiritually Awake!,71,,,
"Attitude, Views, Opinions, Positive, Negative, Speech, School,",You have a face that would stop a clock! or When I look at you time stands still.,Often the way we say something makes a difference.,Luke 21:28;,Johnse Laymon,How To Keep Spiritually Awake!,71,,,
Attitude;,'Men can alter their lives by altering their attitudes.'  Quote:  William Jones.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Attitude; Anger; Temper;,The most flammable type of wood is the chip on the shoulder.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Attitude; Blessings,"Housewife saw only gray sky; until window cleaner came. Keep the windows of your mind clear; enjoy other beauties your life holds. Those who look for beauty, find it.",We all need mental window washing from time to time.,Acts 20:35; Prov. 10:22; Heb. 13:5; 1 Tim. 6:6,"Sep 1, 1961 Wt Page 515",Hold A Good Conscience In A Sinful World,107,,,
Attitude; Counsel; Faith;,"'Be available, be cheerful, accept wise counsel, maintain interest in others, remain faithful.'  Quote:  Nelson Price.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Attitude; Negative; Ability; Potential; Resourceful,",'To be upset over what you don't have is to waste what you do have.'  Quote:  Ken Keyes.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Attitude; Potential;,'Do not let what you cannot do interfere with what you can do.'  Quote:  John Wooden.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Attitude; Potential; Effort; Goal;,'He started to sing as he tackled the thing that couldn't be done and he did it.'  Quote:  Edgar Guest.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Attitude; heart, Transform, Personality,",How you would react- if you were told- you were  going to die- unless- you had a heart transplant?  then- imagine you found out instead- that there is a new therapy- an alternative to having your heart replaced- it requires some work on your part- some diligence- but you could keep your own heart- and it would work like new- what choice would you make?,For some among the nation of Israel- they weren't given a choice- they back in those days- they needed a heart transplant- this is what Jehovah- told some of them- in Ezekiel 11:19 and I will give them one heart- and a new spirit I shall put inside them; and I shall certainly remove the heart of stone from their flesh and give them a heart of flesh- [now why did they need this? Jehovah says-] 11:20 in order that they may walk in my own statutes and keep my own judicial decisions and actually carry them out; and they may really become my people and I myself may become their God-'',Ezekiel 11:19;,Dch,Is The Truth Transforming Your Life?,51,,1993/10/03,
"Attitudes, Desires, Sin, Personality,",'I count him braver who overcomes his desires than him who conquers his enemies; for the hardest victory is over self.' Quote: Aristotle (B.C. 384-322),"We, like the apostle Paul, must put up a hard fight against the sinful tendencies of the fallen flesh.",1c 7:21-25; 9:27;,Wisdom Of The Ages,Hold A Good Conscience In A Sinful World,107,,,
"Attitudes, Helping, Caring,","Some people never seem motivated to participate, but are just content to watch while others do the work.  They are called 'Speck Taters'.    Some people never do anything to help, but are gifted at finding fault with the way others do the work.  They are called 'Comment Taters'.   Some people are very bossy and like to tell others what to do, but don't want to soil their own hands.  They are called 'Dick Taters'.   Some people are always looking to cause problems by asking others to agree with them. It is too hot or too cold, too sour or too sweet.  They  are called 'agitators Taters'.  There are those who say they will help, but somehow just never get around to actually doing the promised help.   They are called 'hesitator Taters'.  Some people can put up a front and pretend  to be someone they are not.   They are called 'Emma Taters'.  ","Then  there are those who love others and do what they say they will. They are always prepared to stop whatever they are doing and lend a helping hand. They bring real sunshine into the lives of others. They are called 'Sweet  Taters'. If you know any 'Sweet Taters', send them this!!",Psalm 38:22,Bobby Laymon,,,,"May 30, 2002",6/24/2025
"Attitudes, Prejudice, Racial, Nationalism,","Someone says, 'Wow, they nearly blew me off the highway!  They must be from __________!'",Bad drivers can cause us to have a mild form of prejudice.  We must work to adjust our attitudes to be impartial.,"Acts 10:34, 35;",Mark Deeser,Is The Truth Transforming Your Life?,51,,1994/10/23,
"Attitudes, Rebellion, Authorities, Thinking,",'You don't need a weatherman to know which way the wind blows.' Quote: Bob Dylan.  In a song.,We know well the attitudes that exist among people today.  We need to avoid the thinking of the world.,2 Tim. 3:1-7;,Bobby Laymon,WILL YOU BE A SURVIVOR OF THE LAST DAYS?,2,,1995/08/16,6/2/2025
"Attraction, Marriage, Values,","Imagine buying a house primarily because you like the way it looks. Only after moving in, however, do you learn that the foundation is unstable. With, shaky foundation, all the attractive features of the house become meaningless.",Similarly. one may be attracted to a person of a different faith who seems compatible--but after marriage the relationship may turn out to be seriously flawed.,Isa. 52:11;,"Aug 8, 1999 Aw Page 19",Getting Marriage Off To A Good Start,27,,1999/07/07,
Authority,"'King is a mere boy' Child throws tantrum in grocery line. If he throws a fit and gets his way, next will be something bigger.  Clothes, worldly friends, worldly entertainment, family car. They bury a lot of those.",If we give in there will be a 'day of reckoning.',Eccles 10:16,Steve Carnifix & Bobby Laymon,Respect For Authority Is A Safeguard For You,12,,,
Authority,"Child on lease, certain freedom, but within radius. We must work within radius Jehovah sets.","We are on a lease, If Jehovah turned us loose, where would we be?","2 Pet 2:18, 19",Steve Carnifix,Respect For Authority Is A Safeguard For You,12,,,
Authority,"Long traffic jam, policeman ahead, afraid to pass make sure we are within bounds.","Slow up, recognize Jehovah's authority.",Ps. 119:10,Johnse Laymon,Respect For Authority Is A Safeguard For You,12,,,
Authority,"Seat belts, padded dash, etc much money spent, effort to safe guard in literal way Jehovah safe guards us spiritually.",Authority is a safe guard for you.,Rom 13:1-6,Johnse Laymon,Respect For Authority Is A Safeguard For You,12,,,
"Authority, Delegate, Elders,","Suppose you owned a business in Springfield and then you opened a branch in Lebanon, then one in St. Louis, and another in Dallas.  You wouldn't be able to exercise proper authority in all these places.  You would have to delegate it.  Suppose the ones under the delegated one would not accept that authority?  How would you feel?  Wouldn't they really be rejecting your authority, and right to delegate it?","Jehovah has delegated authority to civil governments and family heads, as well as congregations.  How would he feel if we rebelled against that authority.","Rom 13:1, 2; 1 Cor 11:3; Heb 13:17;",Johnse Laymon,Respect For Authority Is A Safeguard For You,12,,1994/11/06,
"Authority, Disrespect, World,",'There's a chain reaction.  Disrespect for parents results in disrespect for policemen and the law generally.' Quote:  Asst Chief Inspector H. Taylor of the N.Y. City police.,Throughout the world there is a marked increase of respect for authorities.,Eph 6:1; 2t 3:1-4;,"Oct 22, 1968 Aw Page 4",Respect For Authority Is A Safeguard For You,12,,,
"Authority, Free Will, Protection,","To illustrate, a man might wish to build his home in a certain beautiful spot, but would his choice infringe on the freedom of others? The spot may have already been selected by someone else, or perhaps it would be a fine location to set aside as a community park for the benefit of everyone in the locality.","God's arrangement of authority to guide intelligent creatures is necessary because he gave them something that only the omnipotent Creator could give, the ability to choose their own direction, a 'free will.'  Therefore, a form of guidance would be necessary so that intelligent creatures might live peacefully and equitably.",Ps 139:14-16;,W72 5/1 265-6,Respect For Authority Is A Safeguard For You,12,,1994/11/24,
"Authority, Laws, Speeding, Obedience,","Some may speed or break other laws such as: seat belts, traffic lights.  They reason, 'If I get caught I will just pay the fine and sacrifice the money.'","However, what did Samuel tell Saul about obedience and sacrifice?",1 Sam 15:22;,Johnse Laymon,Respect For Authority Is A Safeguard For You,12,,1994/11/06,
"Authority, Laws, Taxes, Obedience, Money, concrete,","Have you ever worked in concrete?  As long as it is soft you can do almost anything with it.  You can shape it in any way you want.  Once it become set you have to use a jack-hammer, sledge, or force to do anything with it.",Longtime Christians need to be careful in practicing even small things that are wrong or illegal.  Their hearts can become 'set' in that direction.,Ecclesiastes 8:11;,Johnse Laymon,Respect For Authority Is A Safeguard For You,12,,1994/11/06,11/22/2013
"Authority, Laws, Taxes, Obedience, Money,","Suppose you hired someone to work for you, and after a week, you found out that person was going to use the money to get drunk.  Also to pay prostitutes.  Because you did not approve of this would this free you of your debt?  Or would you still owe him?","Because governments use your tax money in ways you may not approve, such as: bombs, implements of war, etc. , does this free you of your obligation to pay taxes?","Rom 13:6,7;",Johnse Laymon,Respect For Authority Is A Safeguard For You,12,,1994/11/06,
"Authority, Modesty, Humility, Proud, Attitude, Condescending,","The ocean liner was making its way through the fog when the  navigator called the Admiral and reported he could see a light ahead.  The Admiral sent the message, 'You are on a collision course!  Change directions.'  A message came back, 'This is Lieutenant Jackson.  Change you course immediately.'  The admiral responded, 'This is Admiral Byrd.  You change your course.'  The answer, 'This is Lieutenant Jackson in the light house.  Change your course.'","No matter what rank, or station in life, we have someone who  is superior to us.  Perhaps someone we don't want to obey, but it is to our advantage to do so.  It is for our protection to show humility.  The main meaning of 'condescend' has as its main meaning, and its meaning in the New World Translation - 'UNBEND.'  'Waive the privileges of rank.'  See Watchtower Article Dec 1, 1993 page 15 footnote.",Ecclesiastes 5:8,"Joe Bounds  See Dec 1, 1993 Wt Page 15 Footnote.",Respect For Authority Is A Safeguard For You,12,,1993/10/27,
"Authority, Obedience,","Before the 'Godly Fear' District assembly in St. Louis, Missouri, [June 1994] the officials were worried about an elevator that had a problem in the electrical system.  How would they notify everyone.  They were advised, 'Just put up a sign.'","The official replied, 'Yes!  With Jehovah's Witnesses, a sign is all you need.'  The sign was posted and there were no problems.  At that convention of over 7,000 there were no police officers on duty.  None were needed.",Rom 13:1;,Albert Schroeder,Respect For Authority Is A Safeguard For You,12,,1994/06/25,
"Authority, Obedience, Obey, Taxes, Superior, Governments,","Imagine that you had undergone surgery and stitches were securing the wound.  Though the stitches are foreign to the body, they serve a purpose for a limited time.  Removing them prematurely could be harmful.","Similarly, human governmental authorities were not part of God's original purpose.  Until his Kingdom is ruling the earth completely, however, human governments hold society together, performing a function that fits in with God's will for the present time.  We should remain in subjection.","Rom 13:1, 2;",Knowledge Book Page 133,Respect For Authority Is A Safeguard For You,12,,1995/06/16,
"Authority, Obedience, Power, Control,","'In any human group, two categories of people are to be found: those who give orders and those who comply, leaders and members, the governors and the governed... The existence of authority can be observed in any human society.' Quote: French textbook on constitutional law.","Today authority is challenged at all levels.  Family, public schools, university, business, local and national government.  As early as 1980 a poll revealed that 9% of the population in the United States, 10% in Australia, 24% in Britain, 26% in France, and 41% in India considered their government to be illegitimate.",Ro 13:1;,"Jul 1, 1994 Wt Page 14;",Respect For Authority Is A Safeguard For You,12,,1994/06/27,
"Authority, Obedience, Power, Control, Nationalism, Religion,",'The spirit of Nationality is a sour ferment of the new wine of Democracy in the old bottles of Tribalism.' Quote: British historian Arnold Toynbee.,"He continued, 'The wars of Religion have been followed, after the briefest respite, by the Wars of Nationality ... and the spirit of religious fanaticism and the spirit of national fanaticism are manifestly one and the same evil passion.'",Ge 3:1-6; Ecclesiastes 8:9;,"Jul 1, 1994 Wt Page 17",Respect For Authority Is A Safeguard For You,12,,1994/06/27,
"Authority, Obedience, Power, Control, Satan, Devil,",'Might is Right.',From early times many rulers tried to legitimize their right to rule by saying either that they were gods or that they had received power from the gods.,Ge 3:1-6;,"Jul 1, 1994 Wt Page 14;",Respect For Authority Is A Safeguard For You,12,,1994/06/27,
"Authority, Safety, Obedience, Complain,","Do you remember when they first passed a law you had to wear seat belts?  Remember how we all complained, about how every time we had to buckle up.  However, if you got on an airplane, and the stewardess asked you to fasten you seat belts, chances are, you already had them buckled.  You were concerned about your life.  More lives are lost in automobiles than in air crashes.","Jehovah's laws are there for our protection.  Sometimes we mummer and complain about them, but they are all important.  Obedience in small things are just as importance as the large ones, and it is usually the small things that trip us up.",Luke 16:10;,Faye Rudolph,Respect For Authority Is A Safeguard For You,12,,1997/11/19,
"Authority, Satan, Devil,","Have you ever seen a classmate challenge a teacher's authority?  If the teacher lets him get away with it, other students start acting up too.","In a similar way, universal chaos could have erupted had Jehovah not met Satan's challenge head-on.",Ps 37:10;,"Oct 22, 1996 Aw Page 19;",How To Protect Ourselves From Satan's Snares,115,,1996/11/07,
"Authority, Uniformity, Creation, Standards, Body,","Imagine the chaos in the practice of medicine, and especially surgery, if a person's appendix could not be counted upon to be in the same place as that of others!  What if one's legs were customarily of differing lengths? However, this is not the case.  Authority provides real benefit to us.","However, this is not the case. A designer with the authority to do so has already standardized our bodies for us. The Bible psalmist David said in admiration: 'And in your book all its parts were down in writing.'",Ps 139:14-16;,W72 5/1 265,Respect For Authority Is A Safeguard For You,12,,1994/11/24,
Authority;,'All authority is quite degrading.'  Quote:  Oscar Wilde.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Authority; Chiefs;,'Too many captains may steer a boat up a mountainside.'  Quote:  Korean.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Authority; Democracy;,'All authority belongs to the people.'  Quote:  Thomas Jefferson.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Authority; Power;,'Authority is no stronger than the man who wields it.'  Quote:  Dolores McGuire.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Authority; Power;,"'Power is not revealed by striking hard or often, but by striking true.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Authority; Power;,'Power tends to corrupt; absolute power corrupts absolutely.'  Quote:  Lord Acton.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Authority; Rebellion;,'When you strike at a king you must kill him.'  Quote:  Ralph Waldo Emerson.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Authority; Self-control;,He is not fit to command others that cannot command himself.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Authority; Throw Weight Around;,"'If you wish to know what a man is, place him in authority.'  Quote:  Yugoslav.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Authority; Throw Weight Around;,'It is better to be the hammer than the anvil.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Authority; Throw Weight Around;,"'There are very few men that can bear authority. If you gave a man a nose who never had one, he would be blowing it all day.'  Quote:  John Hobbs.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Authority; Wisdom;,"'Authority without wisdom is like a heavy ax without an edge, fitter to bruise than to polish.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Authority; Wisdom;,'The wisest have the most authority.'  Quote:  Plato.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Average;,"'I consider myself an average man, except in the fact that I consider myself an average man.'  Quote:  Michael De Montaigne.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Average; Potential;,"'I am only an average man, but by George, I work harder at it than the average man.'  Quote:  Teddy Roosevelt.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Average; Potential;,'Not doing more than the average is what keeps the average down.' Quote:  William Winans,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Awake,"Caught sleeping on job; strip you naked and throw you outside. Not all types of work require such drastic measures, but dismissal and destruction of clothing is penalty for going asleep at one's post in Jehovah's service.","It is the work that comes under Jesus' supervision & control Temple watchman made round of all 24 stations during night, it was necessary to remain awake and at post constantly.",Rev. 16:15  Mark 13:32-37,"Dec 15, 1990 Wt Page 745-759",How To Keep Spiritually Awake!,71,,,
Awake,"Sleep walkers; Sound asleep, yet walking about (dangerous) This fastest-moving generation of all time slumbers will perish forever at Armageddon. Satan is singing lullaby",Mankind in general is sound asleep.  While world slumbers on let us stay awake to Kingdom ministry.,Rom. 13:11  1 Cor. 16:13  1 Thessalonians 5:6,"Oct 1, 1958 Wt Page 603",How To Keep Spiritually Awake!,71,,,
Awake,Trusted with large sum of money.  Would you go asleep? Disciples went to sleep.  After Passover Ex 12:5- Did not fully understand... Pray often Col 4:2,"We have valuable trust Holy spirit - energizes us. Aids to staying awake; coffee, medication, etc.","2 Cor 4:5-7  Rev 16:15, 16  Apply To Priest Beating Watchman",Assembly,How To Keep Spiritually Awake!,71,,,
"Awake, Alert, Survival, Tire, Discourage,","A study in the United States by the National Transportation Safety Board revealed an alarming statistic.  Of 107 single-truck accidents, 62 were fatigue related.",There is a far greater danger of spiritual fatigue.  We must not tire out.,Jer 12:5; Gal 6:9;,"Aug 8, 1997 Aw Page 23",How To Keep Spiritually Awake!,71,,1997/07/14,
"Awake, Alert, Vigilant, Watchful, Conscious, Spiritual,",A beggar is very conscious about the need for food.  He is alert to look into all sources.,We must likewise be 'conscious of their spiritual need.'  They we will be alert to be 'filled.',Mt 5:3,Jim Breden,How To Keep Spiritually Awake!,71,,,
"Awake, Alert, Vigilant, Watchful, Satan,","'Familiarity breeds contempt,' is a familiar saying.  Did you ever swim in a large river like the Arkansas or Mississippi?  At first you are very cautious, but after a while you can lose your watchfulness, and perhaps get caught up in the current.","We can also lose our watchfulness regarding the truth.  We should remain alert, and 'beware' that we do not fall.",1co 10:12;,Jim Breden,How To Keep Spiritually Awake!,71,,,
"Awake, Alert, Vigilant, Watchman, Faithful, Discreet, Slave,","The owner of a warehouse containing many valuables is looking to employ a security guard. So he arranges to try out two applicants, and then watch them on a hidden security monitor.  As the night goes on, one guard thinks he hears a noise, so he goes out to check - but it was nothing.  Later he sees some shadows and goes to investigate, but there was no body there.  Then he sees a moving light, but it turns out to be a long way in the distance.  Meanwhile, through all of this night the other guard is asleep.  Which guard do you think would be employed to care for all of the master's belongings?  The one that is asleep, or the one that is in constant expectancy and investigates all the possibilities?   Would you criticize this guard for being 'wrong' in his expectations, or commend him for his diligence?","Only Jehovah's Witnesses have been AWAKE regarding the presence of the Messiah, and the end of this system, pursuing all the possibilities. Only they are preaching the Kingdom in these last days.   Jesus Christ has appointed the faithful and discreet slave over all his belongings.",Jer 4:19-31,Peter Morgan,How To Keep Spiritually Awake!,71,,1997/08/10,
"Awake, Faith, Worship, Hope,",Hope is brightest when it dawns from fears.,Dangers often make people look for hope.,1 Cor. 1:9; Gal. 5:22; Heb. 11:1; Ps. 37:25; Josh. 23:14;,Bobby Laymon (wisdom Of The Ages..Quotes),How To Keep Spiritually Awake!,71,,,
"Awake, Sign, Composite, Last Days, Armageddon, Cure,","Suppose you went to a doctor with a pain in the arm.  He asks you questions, and learns you also have shortness of breath and chest pains.  He may not treat you for a sore arm, but for a more serious illness.  Heart trouble.",The ailments of this old system are far more serious than what they may appear.  These are 'critical times'!,Ro 13:11-14; 2t 3:1-5; Luke 21:34-36;,Jim Breden,How To Keep Spiritually Awake!,71,,,
"Awake, Vigilant, Prayer, Sleep,","Apostles slept over the matter, instead of praying over matter. Vigilant (Root = alert, watchful) It was after midnight and it was customary to be asleep. That's what they did.",We cannot rely in our own strength.,1 Pet. 4:7; Matt. 26:47;,Phil Kirkton; Bethel Notes.,Prayers That Are Heard By God.,86,,,
"Awake, Vigilant, Alert,","Generally, a guard would not be stripped naked if he fell asleep on the job.  But that did happen at the temple in Jerusalem when Jesus was on earth and divisions of priests and Levites served at the temple.  Extra help was needed during Passover festivals.  The officer of the Temple Mount used to go round to every watch with lighted torches before him, and if any watch did not stand up and say to him, 'O officer of the Temple Mount, peace be to thee!' and it was manifest that he was asleep, he would beat him with his staff, and he had the right to burn his raiment.' --The Mishnah.",Anointed Christians and their fellow servants need to stay spiritually awake and keep on their figurative outer garments.,Rev 16:15;,"Mar 1, 1997 Wt Page 16",How To Keep Spiritually Awake!,71,,1997/03/10,
"Babies, Children, Youth,","'Babies are always more trouble that you thought--and more wonderful.'  Quote: Charles Osgood, 'CBS Morning News.'",Parents should appreciate that they are a blessing from Jehovah.,Ps 127:3;,Bobby Laymon - Reader's Digest,Family Life That Warms The Heart,5,,1996/03/24,
Babies;,"'Babies are unreasonable. They expect far too much of existence. Each new generation that comes takes one look at the world, thinks wildly, 'Is this all they've done to it?' and bursts into tears.'  Quote:  Clarence Day.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Babies;,'The worst feature of a new baby is its mother's singing.'  Quote:  Kin Hubbard.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Baby, Youth, Infant, Responsibility, Parents, Children,",'A baby is an inestimable blessing and bother.' Quote: Mark Twain. - 1876.,The progressive development of the embryo and the fetus is a marvel of Jehovah's creation.  However if not properly trained they can become an inestimable 'bother.',"Ps 139:13, 15;",Bobby Laymon,Responsibilities And Rewards Of Parenthood,29,,1995/08/09,
Baby;,'Baby: An alimentary canal with a loud voice at one end and no responsibility on the other.'  Quote:  Elizabeth Adamson.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Baby;,'People who sleep like a baby probably do not have one.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Babylon The Great,","It is not uncommon to read or hear in the news about a falling out between lovers, and the woman is murdered by her paramour. Sometimes we read of where a harlot is murdered by her lovers, stripped naked, tortured and thrown along side the road in disgust.","The harlot here is no ordinary one.  She has had kings and rulers as her paramours. Executed not because of jealousy, but because she has deceived them.",Rev. 17:15-18;,"Apr 1, 1967 Wt Page 219",Religion's Role In World Affairs.,92,,,
"Babylon The Great, Association, Youth, Fornication, World,","He that rides the tiger, cannot dismount. Example: Babylon the great. Rev. 17:16;",It is very difficult to get out of a bad situation.,Prov. 9:10; 15:33; 2 Tim. 3:15; Jas. 1:5; Col. 2:3; Prov. 1:5,Bobby Laymon,'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
"Babylon The Great, Christendom,","As if steel-strong fingers of an invisible hand had fastened around her, rocked her completely off her once-strong foundation and, with a mighty heave, hurled her into the depths of the sea. Where do you stand?",Babylon's complete disappearance will come swiftly.,"Rev. 18:20, 21; 17:15-18;","Apr 22, 1964 Aw Page 23",Religion's Role In World Affairs.,92,,,
"Babylon The Great, Christendom,","No matter how well you like what you are doing, no matter how satisfied you are with your situation and no matter what your plans are, you will immediately leave all these and run to a place of safety if in danger of sudden death.","The most urgent warning ever given is now being sounded. 'Get out of her, my people.. .receive part of her plagues.' Reliable source; not confined to one locality; takes time to get",Rev. 18:1-4;,"Apr 15, 1967 Wt Page 243",Religion's Role In World Affairs.,92,,,
"Babylon The Great, Christendom,","Worn-out harlot, tries to renew her charms and give herself a new face. Be striped naked and exposed.",Babylon will soon be discarded by her former lovers.,"Rev. 18:20, 21; 17:15-18;","Apr 22, 1964 Aw Page 23",Religion's Role In World Affairs.,92,,,
"Babylon, Christendom,","'Here atop the mystic ship of the Church, we can feel the storm that is surrounding and assailing us.' Quote: Pope Paul VI","Article showed that some high-ranking officers, not to speak of many subordinates and passengers, have already jumped overboard. Cracks in hull should worry ship's captain.  Open rebellion against the man at the wheel on the bridge.",Re 18:4,"Mar 8, 1969 Aw Page 8",Religion's Role In World Affairs.,92,,,
"Babylon, Christendom,","A great city is an organization, with many other organizations functioning within it.","Thus, Babylon is described as a Great City, and within its walls are many other organizations functioning.",Re 17:18;,See Reasoning Book Page 49,Religion's Role In World Affairs.,92,,,
"Babylon, Christendom,","Babylon herself is an old drunkard, but her drink is a more disgusting one than alcoholic drinks. She is 'drunk with the blood of the holy ones. She has made a fanatical effort to deaden the voices of these Witnesses.","She loves to get drunk on human blood, especially  blood that has been shed in religious persecutions.","Rev. 17:6; 6:9-11; Acts 3:14, 15; 4:27, 30; Mark 1:24; Luke 4:34;","Feb 1, 1967 Wt Page 91",Religion's Role In World Affairs.,92,,,
"Babylon, Christendom, Clergy, Listen, Hear,",'Pewmonia' The disease of listening to sermons and doing nothing about them.,'Disease of modern-day church' according to minister J.R. Horde.,Jas. 1:23;,"Apr 22, 1964 Aw Page 31",Never Become Dull In Your Hearing,9,,,
"Babylon, Christendom, Decisions,","Definition of an emetic (i met'ik): to vomit, causing vomiting or a medicine or other substance causing vomiting.   'Well, have you gotten rid of the old doctrines and superstitions of the Dark Ages? If you haven't, then take an emetic and get rid of them!' (Words of Pastor C.T. Russell to an audience in Wilmington, Delaware in 1915]",He then proceeded to administer the emetic!  How to escape from false doctrines.,Re 18:4;,"Sep 15, 1968 Wt Page 566 C.T. Russell",Religion's Role In World Affairs.,92,,,
"Babylon, Christendom, Destruction, Tribulation, Armageddon,","'It's going down!' is a phrase you sometimes hear on police shows.  It means, 'We are closing it down.'  'That's all for it.'",Babylon the Great is going down in destruction.  Jehovah will close it down forever in the great tribulation.,Rev 18:21; Matt 24:21;,Bobby Laymon,False Religion's End Is Near,96,,1995/04/17,
"Babylon, Christendom, Film,","A city, now in ruins for over 1500 years, can affect your life! Babylon the great will soon be in ruins.",Film: ' 'Everlasting Good News' Around the World.',Rev. 18:1-4;,"Jun 8, 1964 Aw Page 8",Religion's Role In World Affairs.,92,,,
"Babylon, Christendom, Hell,",'Bliss or blisters!',"The false religions teach that you will either have 'bliss' in heaven, or 'blisters' in hell-fire.",Rev 18:4;,Bobby Laymon,Is Hell Really A Place Of Fiery Torment?,128,,,
"Babylon, Christendom, Hell,",'You will fly or fry!',False religion teaches that you will 'fly' off to heaven or else you will 'fry' in hell-fire.,Rev 18:4;,Bobby Laymon,Is Hell Really A Place Of Fiery Torment?,128,,,
"Babylon, Christendom, Hell, Trinity, Soul, Holidays,","'Same pond, just different frogs!'","The doctrines of Babylonish religion is the same doctrines that has been taught for centuries in pagan religions, from Babylon, Egypt, Greece and others.  There are just different people teaching it.",Rev 18:4;,Wisdom Of The Ages,Jehovah And Christ--are They Part Of A Trinity?,82,,,
"Babylon, Christendom, Holy, Organization,","Titanic: April 12, 1912: Maiden voyage, struck iceberg and sank. 3000 on board.  1200 survivors.  Great trust in ship, didn't believe the alarm. Band played, danced, etc. Stewards kept knocking door, warning. ('Even God couldn't sink' they thought)","Babylon one of wealthy and most luxurious; millions trust as unsinkable.  Seven years later, Babylon struck an iceberg and is slowly sinking.  Warning cry has been going out by Stewards.",Re 18:4; Mt 24:45-47;,Scott Rudolph ,Religion's Role In World Affairs.,92,,,12/22/2015
"Babylon, Christendom, Personality, Wicked,","If all the former Babylonish thoughts, sayings and deeds of these individuals were written in an open book for all to read, it would certainly tell a shocking story.","It would reveal that formerly some had been slanderers, envious, quarrelers, greedy persons and hateful gossipers. More shocking, it would disclose that formerly some had had the personalities of liars, thieves, killers, sodomites, fornicators, prostitutes, dope addicts and drunkards.",Rev 17:5; 18:4;,W64 9/1 525,Religion's Role In World Affairs.,92,,1994/07/30,
"Babylon, Christendom, Will, Force, Persecution, Conversion,",'He that complies against his will Is of his own opinion still.' Quote: Samuel Butler. [1678].,"Babylonish religion have made many forced conversions.  However, on close examination, they still worship the same pagan gods as before.","Re 18:3, 4;",Bobby Laymon,Religion's Time Of Judgment,83,,1995/07/14,
"Babylon, Cleanliness, Christendom,","A small child spilled Cool Aid on the floor, and his mother made him clean it up.  It cleaned up without a spot, but when she felt of it,  was still sticky, so he had to do more cleaning.","How would Jehovah feel, if we are still sticky from Babylon the Great?  We must remove all trace.  One Lutheran church has 700 on roll, but only 400 come.  Others have name on list.",Re 18:4; 2co 6:14-18;,"Student Talk (Robertsdale, Al)",A Clean People Honors Jehovah,14,,,
"Babylon, Deliverance, Survival,",Imagine the headlines: 'Vatican City Has Been Destroyed!  The Tremendous Crater Left in the Earth Has Left No Trace of the Reputed Tomb and Bones of ST. Peter.',"The greatest world trouble of all human experience is on its way toward us, but deliverance is also on its way.",Luke 21:28;,"Dec 15, 1968 Wt Page 741",Decide Now For Divine Ruler ship,37,,,
"Babylon, Flee, Urgency, Freedom, Satan, World,","During the first 6 months of 1958, 124 university professors, 83 chemists, 483 physicians and 1,385 schoolteachers came out of East Germany.  They lost all property, except what they could carry on their backs, and they risk imprisonment.  Why?  Because they want justice, freedom, and truth.","However, today there is a far more numerous class of refugees that are much wiser and noble than those who have fled from totalitarian- oppression.  They have made a break for spiritual freedom from this old world.","1 John 5:19; 2 Cor 4:4; Jer 51:6,9,","Dec 1, 1958 Wt Page 707",'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
"Babylon, Government, Kingdom,","Babylon was in a festive mood, 1000 top government officials were feasting, with King Belshazzar. Though menaced by forces of Medes and Persians, there was no cause for fear.  The water and gates protected them.","Introduction to events of Oct 5, 539 BCE","Dan. 5:5, 6, 25;","Dec 8, 1990 Aw Page 20",The Kingdom Of God Is Near,109,,,
"Babylon, Harlot, Christendom","Mother of bastard children, who take after mother's ways.",She has produced daughter organizations; religious systems either united with local government in union of Church and State or tied in with politics.,"Rev. 17:1, 2","Nov 15, 1963 Wt Page 699",Religion's Role In World Affairs.,92,,,
"Babylon, Harlot, Christendom, Fall,",Angel hurled a stone the size of a millstone into the deep sea.,Babylon's the Great's fall,Rev. 18:21-24,"Dec 1, 1963 Wt Page 726",Religion's Role In World Affairs.,92,,,
"Babylon, Mystery, Revelation,","Mystery, unfolds, step by step, with small threads and clues in some places.",You can follow the thread of God's mystery through the Bible.,Rev. 17:5,"May 1, 1964 Wt Page 265-268",Does Your Hope Rest On Science Or The Bible?,80,,,
"Babylon, Pride,","Read this book, tie it to a stone and pitch into Euphrates. Bible-burning governments, and those who seek to destroy God's Word will stumble seriously.",'This is how Babylon will sink down and never rise up.',Jer. 51:59-64;,"Oct 15, 1964 Wt Page 638",Ruining The Earth Brings Divine Retribution,106,,,
"Babylon, Proud, Humble, Pride, Haughty, Sheol,","It was such a terrific reversal that, so to speak, the kings of the other nations, each lying in state in his niche in the great pit of Sheol, are pictured as waking up and craning their necks in astonishment at the arrival of the 'king of Babylon,' saying: 'Have you yourself also been made weak like us? . . . Down to Sheol your pride has been brought . . . Beneath you, maggots are spread out as a couch; and worms are your covering.'","Furthermore, this one does not join the other kings in a niche of his own, but is 'thrown away without a burial place . . . , like a carcass  trodden down.'","Isa. 14:4, 10, 11, 19",W67 3/15 181,,,,1996/01/18,
"Babylon, Religion, Christendom,","Can you visualize a woman who has reigned as a queen over the nations, influencing the lives of billions of people all through history--a wealthy woman who is gorgeously arrayed in purple and scarlet, richly adorned with gold, precious stones, and pearls?  On her forehead is written a long name, a mystery: 'Babylon the Great, the mother of the harlots and of the disgusting things of the earth.'","If you can visualize this woman, you have an idea of the principal character in the prophetic drama that Jesus' apostle John saw in a vision given him through an angel.",Rev 17:1-6; 18:5;,"Nov 8, 1996 Aw Page 4, 5;",Religion's Role In World Affairs.,92,,1996/11/06,
"Babylon, Religion, End, Christendom, intercom, ","If you suddenly learned that a large building had an explosive set to go off any minute, would you waste any time?  Inside that building are your friends, relatives, and many others.  Without risking your own life you would phone, throw rocks through the windows, or anything you could to warn them.","Babylon the Great is due for a sudden end.  Inside are some of our acquaintances, relatives, and many other.  We must warn all to abandon her.",Rev 18:4;,Johnse Laymon,False Religion's End Is Near,96,,1995/04/17,2/9/2015
"Babylon, Religion, Future, Past,","'The key to a nation's future is in her past.'  Quote: Arthur Bryant, 20th century English historian.","BABYLON THE GREAT is what the Bible calls the world empire of false religion, likening it to the ancient nation of Babylon.  What happened to that empire of old bodes no good for its modern-day namesake.",Rev 18:2;,G89 11/22 19,,,,1996/01/06,
"Babylon, Religion, Worship,",Roots of tree; more below ground than above.   Now become earth wide system.  Ancient Babylon could be called Babylon the 'little'.   Dealing with Babylon the Great now,Roots of false religion go back to ancient Babylon,Rev 17:5 Rev 18:24,"Feb 1, 1990 Wt Page 17",HAS BABYLON'S JUDGMENT HOUR ARRIVED?,155,,,
"Babylon, Religion, Worship,",Waits on death row.  Few people in Europe go to church anymore.  Modern Babylon is disgraced in eyes of lovers of truth.,Appointed time is near,Rev 18:1-5,"Apr 1, 1989 Wt Page 21",HAS BABYLON'S JUDGMENT HOUR ARRIVED?,155,,,
"Babylon, World, Armageddon,","Even rats leave a sinking ship.  Destruction at hand.  Kingdom is solution time to advertise Jehovah, King and Kingdom.",Want nothing to do with.,2 Cor 6:17,"Mar 15, 1989 Wt Page 15",'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
Bachelor - Marriage - Single,'It's hard to say which is worse: A bachelor wears a frayed shirt - a married man wears frayed nerves'.,Married man anxious over pleasing wife.  Single person devote all time Jehovah's service.,1 Cor. 7:29-34,Johnse Laymon,God Comes First In Successful Family Life,110,,,
Bachelor;,'A guy who is footloose and fiancée free.'  Quote:  Louisville Journal.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Bachelor; Marriage; Singleness; Conscience;,"'Bachelors have consciences, married men have wives.'  Quote:  H. L. Mencken.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Bad Association, Friends","When enter flue season I, go down get flue shot. It helps you immunity to many strands of the virus. But some viruses they have not yet been able to prevent or cure (herpes, Aids)",We cannot build immunity to bad association. Do not be mislead into thinking we can do it and not be effected.,1 Cor 15:33,"Feb 15, 1969 Wt Pg 110  Johnse Laymon",Choose Your Associates Wisely!,116,,,
"Bad Association, Friends","When we enter flu season I, go down to get a flue shot. It helps you gain immunity to many strands of the virus. But some viruses they have not yet been able to prevent or cure (herpes, Aids)",We cannot build immunity to bad association. Do not be mislead into thinking we can do it and not be effected.,1 Cor 15:33,"Feb 15, 1969 Wt Pg 110  Johnse Laymon",Choose Your Associates Wisely!,116,,,
Bad Associations,I made observation that there are no porcupines at children's petting Zoo.  Some would try to pet soft underbelly or pet little nose but eventually would go to pet back and get stuck.,"Ones may try to mingle with world and not get involved, but eventually they will get stuck, no matter how careful they try to be.",Jas 4:4;,Jim Breden-Scott Rudolph At Licking,Resisting The Spirit Of The World,25,,1996/02/13,
"Badness, Understanding, Wickedness, Wisdom, Pride, Maturity, Growth, Improve,","Who wants to be as a 'babe'?  Is not being full-grown, mature, a most desirable state?  Is there a time when we should want to 'be as a babe'?","Clearly, mental, physical and emotional maturity are important and desirable.  However, spiritual maturity requires us to 'turn around' and become like young children in these aspects: by being 'babes' as to badness;  by having a childlike faith and trust and by being free from ambitious pride.",1co 14:20; Luke 10:17-21; Eph 4:11-14; 1co 13:11,"Oct 1, 1971 Wt Page 605",Keep Growing In Your Relationship With God,16,,1993/11/21,
Balance,"Person walking a high wire must involve ourselves only with thing to maintain livelihood avoid accumulating a lot of things can complicate our life, lead us astray  Luke 12:16-21",Does not burden himself with many things,"Heb 12:1, 2","July 15, 1989 Wt P. 11",How To Express Love In A Lawless World,112,,,
Balance,Person walking thru a mine field with explosives. One misstep can mean disaster. Israelites were ready to enter Promised Land,World belongs to Satan & is dangerous territory,1 John 5:19  1 Pet 5:8  1 Cor 10:12,"July 15, 1989 Wt P. 11",How To Express Love In A Lawless World,112,,,
Balance,Riding a bicycle.  Appreciate the importance of forward momentum trying to balance a bicycle that has slowed down.,"Move ahead at steady pace in Bible study, meeting attendance Field ministry protected from losing balance & falling.",Phil 3:16,"July 15, 1989 Wt P. 12",How To Express Love In A Lawless World,112,,,
Balance,Tight rope walker does not burden self with many things.,Must not get distracted.,"Heb 12:1, 2","July 15, 1989 Wt Page 11",How To Express Love In A Lawless World,112,,,
"Balance, Throwing the ball, wasting time, ","To become popular in the world of sports, entertainment today takes much practice.  Imagine an athlete wanting to become a ball player.  All he does eight hours a day is throw the ball.  Throw the ball!    Throwing the ball!","How would it look to Jehovah, With all the Good News to be preached and all he was doing was Throwing the ball!  Throwing the ball! Throwing the ball!",1 Cor. 15:58,Carl Monks; Bobby Laymon,Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,063,,5/13/2025,7/12/2025
Balance,"Walking down RR track, difficult to balance.  With someone, it is easy.",We have Christ Jesus to walk with.   Slave for brothers & sisters.,"John 13:5, 6  12-17  Rom 12:9, 10   1 Pet 4:8  Rom 12:16-21",Pioneer Meeting,How To Express Love In A Lawless World,112,,,
"Balance,","A man loses his balance and falls when slipping on the ice, or riding a motorcycle or bicycle.  It can mean a painful or even fatal injury. Adam & Eve lost spiritual balance for themselves and offspring.",Balance suggests a steadiness or well-being that is usually not outwardly evident until a disturbance occurs.  Proper spiritual balance is of even more importance.,1pe 2:21; Ps 51:5; Ro 5:12;,"Oct 1, 1968 Wt Page 585",How To Express Love In A Lawless World,112,,,
"Balance,","Live dog though despised by some, is still living to care for things. Good judgment helps us find reasonable balance.",If we exercise balance take proper care will live to continue.,Ecc.9:4,"Mar 15, 1991 Wt Page ?  Johnse Laymon",How To Express Love In A Lawless World,112,,,
"Balance, Caution, Health, Moderation,","People who are always taking care of their health are like misers, who are hoarding a treasure which they have never spirit enough to enjoy.",Even caution can be taken to an extreme.,"Prov. 14:30; Luke 21:34, 35;",Bobby Laymon (wisdom Of The Ages.. Quotes),How To Express Love In A Lawless World,112,,,
"Balance, Employment, Service, Pioneer, Time, Flesh,","If you burn the candle from both ends, you'll burn yourself either way. Must be all the way.",We cannot balance works of flesh and fruits of spirit.,Matt. 10:28; 1 Pet. 5:8; Jas. 1:13-15; Rom. 5:12; Prov. 16:18,Bobby Laymon,How Should You Serve God?,58,,,
"Balance, Excess, Health, Moderation,","There is a mean in all things; and, moreover, certain limits on either side of which right cannot be found.",Excess in either direction can be unbalancing.,"Prov. 14:30; Luke 21:34, 35;",Bobby Laymon (wisdom Of The Ages.. Quotes),How To Express Love In A Lawless World,112,,,
"Balance, Fear, Neighbors, Extreme",There are people who spend good part lives worrying about what their neighbors think.  To the other extreme others care nothing for their neighbors. Some driven into keeping up with Jones. Others not listen Kingdom Good news.,"To break free fear of man, we need proper love for God and desire to do His will.",John 8:32,"March 22, 1967, Awake Pg. 4",Overcoming Fear Of The Future,108,,,
"Balance, Haughty, Humble, Superior Attitude,","'You are a mist appearing for a little while and then disappearing'! So not think too highly of yourself, nor too lowly.","All will eventually tumble into the yawning, hungry grave. All his wisdom and seeming superiority will come to a sudden halt.","Jas. 4:14; Ecclesiastes. 9:4; Rom. 12:3; Matt. 22:39; Phil. 2:3,4; Rom.3:9","Dec 8, 1964 Aw Page 3, 4",Into The New Order Under Christ's Leadership,56,,,
"Balance, Haughty, Humble, Superior Attitude,","The automobile wheel that is out of balance will not get good results and may even be a danger to safety. Note how unpleasant, even repugnant it is when someone displays a superior attitude toward his fellowman.",When humans are out of balance they are not functioning properly and create difficulty for themselves and others.,"Genesis 1:27, 31; Acts 17:26; Isa. 40:22, 23; Eccl. 9:4;","Dec 8, 1964 Aw Page 3",Into The New Order Under Christ's Leadership,56,,,
"Balance, Pioneer, Perfection,","Look at balance like a pendulum -- It is right at the bottom. Perfect balance comes only: at end of the 1000 years, or in a coffin.","We are so busy, we come thru balance sometimes.","1 Thessalonians 5:12, 13;","Special One-day Assembly.  Mike Hart   (sep 22, 1991)",How To Express Love In A Lawless World,112,,,
"Balance, Pioneer, Simple,","Circus: Balance plates on poles.  Have to spin plates, get 2 or 3 started, run back and spin number 1.  Finally he gets 10 going at the same time, and you're tired of watching him run back and forth.","Are we keeping balance like that?  Tiring ourselves out, trying to keep in balance?  Meetings? Pioneering? Service? Maintenance on house & KH?  Perhaps we need to simplify. Check priorities.","Mt 11:29, 30; Ps 37:5; Mt 6:33; 13:22;",Steve Koinivech D. O.,Reach Out For The Real Life!,90,,,
"Balance, Pioneer, Sleep, Rest, Junk Food,","When you hear the word 'balance' what do you think of?  Some think of a tight rope.  Others a seal balancing a ball on his nose, and enjoying it.","How long can you enjoy being balanced and not drop the ball?  Apply to proper rest, not eating junk food, being reasonable in all things.","Matt. 6:25, 33;",John Krause - Annual Meeting With Pioneers.,,,,"May 21, 2001",
"Balance, Priorities, Kingdom,",Two jars with light bulbs and beans.  One put the beans in first and bulbs won't fit.  Put the bulbs in first and beans (little things) fit right in around.,"We must put Jehovah God, Jesus Christ and the kingdom first to maintain balance in our lives.","Mt 11:29, 30;",Steve Koinivech,The Kingdom Of God Is Near,109,,,
"Balance, Progress, Elders, Concentration, Pioneer,","In ancient times, shoulder yokes were used to carry heavy loads. A danger existed: if one side was overloaded the load would be too hard to bear.  There was a need to carefully balance the load.  Key: Concentration!","Jehovah's servants today must be very careful to balance between family responsibilities, congregation duties, KH bldg. programs. We can carry it; take care to not overload one side or the other.",Eph 4:8; 1 Cor. 9:11-14;,"Bro. Bentley At Ks School   (entered Dec 22, 1991)",How To Express Love In A Lawless World,112,,,
"Balance, Progress, Elders, Concentration, Pioneer,","My father told about how he learned to ride a bicycle.  They kept telling him, 'If you fall off, get right back on.'  He kept doing that --- then his grandmother said, 'You have to pedal to keep balance.'  That was the answer!","The same way with balance.  It's just like riding a bicycle.  If we are going to keep our balance, we have to keep 'pedaling' or making progress.",Eph 4:8; 1 Cor. 9:11-14;,"Bro. Bentley At Ks School   (entered Dec 22, 1991)",Maintain Your Confidence Firm To The End,46,,,
"Balance, Satan, Discouragement, Busy, Elders",Imagine walking a tightrope. Wind blowing. People on ground trying to distract you with mirrors. Some with sticks trying to push you off. Also juggle 10 balls at same time. Some have even more responsibility.,Elders need to keep balance even though much to do. Very difficult to strike the right balance.,1 Cor. 15:58,Don Mendenhall-District Overseer.,How To Protect Ourselves From Satan's Snares,115,,,
"Balance, Spiritual Man, Fleshly, Physical,","See-saw.  The heaviest person controls, the one in the air is out of control.","Even if the spiritual is heavier, we sometimes go out of control. We must get our spiritual feet back on the ground.  Which rules your life, the spiritual or fleshly man.",Rom. 7:14-17;,Bill Thomas,What Is Behind The Spirit Of Rebellion?,33,,,
"Balance, Spiritual, Recovery, Adultery,","Imagine life as a game in which you are juggling some five balls in the air. You name them--work, family, health, friends and spirit and you're keeping all these in the air. You will soon understand that work is a rubber ball. If you drop it, it will bounce back.","But the other four balls--family, health, friends, and spirit--are made of glass. If you drop one of these, they will be irrevocably scuffed, marked, nicked, damaged or even shattered. They will never be the same.",1 Cor. 6:18;,Bobby Laymon,A Godly View Of Sex And Marriage,13,,"Jan 22, 2001",
"Balance, Sports, Recreation,","Balance scale- start with godly devotion- balance with recreation, etc until scale starts to move upward.",We must balance our activities but never neglect to put Kingdom interest first.,1ti 4:8;,Dch,Jehovah--the Grand Creator,101,,1993/10/04,
"Balance, Whole-souled, Pioneer, Self-righteous, Contributions,","The widow gave 'two small coins.' Together 1/64th of a day's wage.  Mary gave a very expensive gift worth 300 denarii, the equivalent of about a year's wages.","Both were whole-souled.  Today, whole-souled service may more closely resemble the widow's small coins than Mary's costly oil.  Let us assume that our brothers and sisters all doing as much--not as little--as they can.","Luke 10:38-42; Mark 12:41, 42;","Oct 15, 1997 Wt Page 16-18;",Renewing The Spirit Of Self-sacrifice,69,,1997/11/11,
"Balance, Work, Responsibilities, Stress, Endurance,","Tight rope walker, must be balanced in order to survive. Jehovah God never intended that our handling responsibilities should be an oppressive burden. Maintain a modest view.","A frantic pace may set records, but it can barely be maintained for long.","Ecclesiastes. 3:12, 13; 1 Cor. 15:58; Luke 11:13; Gal. 5:22, 23;","May 15, 1991 Wt Page 28",Gaining Comfort In All Our Tribulations,105,,,
Balance;,'Blame all and praise all are two blockheads.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Balance;,'Mix work and leisure and you'll never go mad.'  Quote:  Russian.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Balance;,"'Never speak well nor ill of yourself. If well, men will not believe you, if ill, they will believe a great deal more than you say.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Ban, Persecution, Service, Evangelizing,","Letter from an Asian sister: We are doing quite well spiritually. Ps 44:8  I am having much progress in the fishing trade, especially informal fishing.  I have caught 3 big fish recently, also many small fish.  We like very much Ps 27:1 and Is 51:12-14; We cooked the food you sent in local manner.  All can digest well.","This is from a 17 year-old sister, under ban, two years after the missionaries had to leave.",Ps 44:8;,"Jan 1, 1978 Wt Page 28",Bearing Up Under Persecution,57,,,
"Bankruptcy, Business, Honesty, Debt, Money, Materialism,","The term 'bankruptcy' comes from Italian words meaning 'broken bench,' referring to the practice during the Middle Ages of breaking up the benches or counters of a merchant who failed to pay his debts.  More severe, under the Roman law of Twelve Tables, as a last resort, creditors could cut the debtor's body into pieces, each taking a proportionate share.",These laws are intended to be protective to both parties in business or financial dealings.  Not as effective as Jehovah's laws.  Very inferior to the 'Jubilee' year.,Le 25:35-38,Questions From Readers 1968,Conducting Ourselves Honestly At All Times,10,,,
"Bans, Persecution, Protection, Sisters,","Faithful sisters were running the book bindery in Sydney, Australia when it was so hot, they had to work in their underclothes.  A government labor officer knocked on the door.  They explained they were undressed.  He replied, 'He would come back the next day.' That night, the brothers moved equipment to another location.","Jehovah protected and supplied all our needs.  Note: paper for comic books used for literature, and brown paper substituted for the comics.  Jehovah's hand is never short!",Is 59:1,"Jul 1, 1993 Wt Page 28, 29",Bearing Up Under Persecution,57,,,
Baptism,Auto owner: insists on breaking all traffic rules; free country. Bible contains traffic laws for living.,Those who go through life without dedicating selves to God.,Jer. 8:9,"June 1, 1958 Wt Page 330",Why Live By Bible Standards?,88,,,
Baptism,Picture of Sunset; or is it Sunrise?,Baptism is not an end but only a beginning of way of life.   Be determined to stay in Jehovah's service forever.,"Ecclesiastes. 12:1, 13 Ps. 40:8, 9","Aug 1, 1990 Page 14",Life Does Have A Purpose,23,,,
Baptism,"Shopping for car; Want: 30 mpg, comfort, power, little maintenance. What if purchased car: performance poor; 10 mpg; lacks comfort, expensive maintenances required.",Jehovah purchased us after careful search.  Live up to expectation.,Matt. 11:28-30,"Pure Language Dist. Assy. Mobile July 5-8, 1990","Living, Not For Self, But To Do God's Will",8,,,
Baptism,"Spiritual Bank Account.   Time is money; so are literature placements, R.V. Bible studies.  Studies are even bonuses.","Baptism, like opening up new account.",Matt. 6:19-21,Bobby Laymon,Keep Seeking God's Kingdom,44,,,
"Baptism, Dedication","Only three things necessary in life? Food, Clothing, and Shelter!",Jesus put the emphasis on spiritual rather than physical.  Baptism is necessary for Christians.,Matt. 6:25; Luke 14:27; Isa. 52:11; 1 Pet. 2:22;,"Jun 1, 1963 Wt Page 328",Glorifying God With All We Have,17,,,
"Baptism, Dedication",Today is the first day of the rest of your life.,Baptism begins new life as a dedicated servant of Jehovah,"Mt 28:19,20",J. Laymon,Glorifying God With All We Have,17,,,
"Baptism, Dedication,","Baby step? Giant step? No one can say that Jesus ordination was one of show, with many priest and clergymen around.  No procession.",Dedication to Jehovah's service and symbolizing that dedication by water baptism is not a joining of some earthly religious organization. It is not such a minor step as that. It is the biggest thing that one has ever done in his life.,1 Thessalonians 2:13; Luke 3:23,"Jan 1, 1960 Wt Page 7",Stand Still And See The Salvation Of Jehovah,41,,,
"Baptism, Dedication,","BECOMING A dedicated, baptized disciple of Jesus Christ is somewhat similar to getting married. In many lands, the wedding day is preceded several steps. A man and a woman meet, get to know each other, and fall in love. Next comes the engagement. The wedding makes public what has been decided upon in private--to enter wedlock and then live together as husband and wife.  It is the wedding that publicly marks the beginning of that special relationship.  That date marks the beginning of the marriage.","Comparably, baptism marks the start of a life devoted to walking in a dedicated relationship with Jehovah.",James 4:8;,"Nov. 15, 1998 Wt Page 12",What God's Ruler ship Can Do For Us,24,,1998/12/26,
"Baptism, Dedication,","Casting their lot with: Noah, Moses, Greater Noah. Some hesitate to throw their lot in with the Greater Noah. Such is a great mistake!","Had to become inseparable attached to Noah, So we today.","1 Pet. 3:20, 21","Oct 1, 1959 Wt Page 582",Glorifying God With All We Have,17,,,
"Baptism, Dedication,","Consider another parallel. After their wedding day, the love between husband and wife should deepen and mature. To draw ever closer to one another, both marriage mates must unselfishly strive to maintain and strengthen their marital relationship.","Although we do not enter into a marriage with God, after our baptism we must work to maintain a close relationship with Jehovah. He observes and appreciates our efforts to do his will and draws close to us. 'Draw close to God,' wrote the disciple James, 'and he will draw close to you.'",James 4:8;,"Nov. 15, 1998 Wt Page 12",What God's Ruler ship Can Do For Us,24,,1998/12/26,
"Baptism, Dedication,","Could be born into nation of Israel, automatically dedicated.",Different process today.,Matt. 10:11,"Dec 1, 1959 Wt Page 713-715",How Purposeful Is Your Life?,60,,,
"Baptism, Dedication,","Crossing Rubicon (small river, Caesar crossed, march on Rome Apply to dedication & baptism)",Start on a course of action from which there is no turning back,"Matt 28:19, 20  Amos 3:3 Acts 3:19  Matt 16:24",Dale Mitchell  Circuit Assembly,Getting Marriage Off To A Good Start,27,,,
"Baptism, Dedication,","Date written down; Child, took first step; Fine step, Something stands in the way; holds them back Know the truth, but hesitating to do something about it. Everlasting Life is worth whatever effort it may take","Some have never taken fine step 3,000 did at Pentecost 33 CE",Acts 2:41; 8:36; 22:16  1 Pet 3:21,"Aug 1, 1990 Page 17",How Purposeful Is Your Life?,60,,,
"Baptism, Dedication,","In the Ukrainian city of Kiev, on August 5-8, there occurred the largest Christian baptism in history.  There was a total of 7,402 new brothers and sisters baptized.  It took 2 1/2 hours.  Total attendance was 64,714.  [11.4% of attendance.]","This was 266 more than the previous all-time baptism peak of 7,136 recorded when 253,922 conventioneers assembled in New York City in 1958.  [2.8% of attendance]","Acts 1:8; Re 7:4, 9, 10; Mt 28:19, 20;","Jan 1, 1994 Wt Page 9, 10",How Purposeful Is Your Life?,60,,1993/11/26,
"Baptism, Dedication,","Largest Baptism Figures. New York in 1953...4640 baptized. Nuremberg and Berlin, Germany (held simultaneously) In August 1955...5203 baptized. (See later figures)","Info: For Comparison New York in July, 1958...7136 baptized. Pentecost 33 C.E. ...'about 3000' baptized.",Acts 2:41,"Dec 1, 1959 Wt Page 720",How Purposeful Is Your Life?,60,,,
"Baptism, Dedication, Courtship, ","Like marriage, courtship, engagement, wedding, then settle down to everyday life.","Courtship is like learning the truth.  Engagement like dedication, marriage is like baptism.  It is like in marriage many times the real problems come when you settle down to everyday life.","Heb 12:28,29",Johnse Laymon,Glorifying God With All We Have,17,,1994/07/28,7/2/2025
"Baptism, Dedication,","Little girl: 'Mom, can I get baptized?'  Later: 'Mom, I'm going to get baptized.'",Must be a firm determination.  Make truth your own.,"Matt. 28:19, 20",Comment At Kingdom Hall,"Living, Not For Self, But To Do God's Will",8,,,
"Baptism, Dedication,","Secret passage; Would you like to find one into adulthood? Not show you are growing up, nor do because friends are doing it. Because: you have firmly decided that no matter what happens in the rest of your life, you will serve God.",Baptism is not some rite of passage into adulthood.,"Ecclesiastes. 12:1, 13 Ps. 40:8, 9","Aug 1, 1990 Page 14",Glorifying God With All We Have,17,,,
"Baptism, Dedication,",Showdown of Elijah & Baal. Diplomas not needed.,You have made your decision.,"1 Pet 3:21  2 Cor 5:14, 15",Baptism --Assembly Talk,Who Are Qualified As Ministers Of God?,81,,,
"Baptism, Dedication,","Signed a blank check.  Other things put off Bethel, Missionary service.",Do Jehovah's will.,"1 Cor 7:37, 38  Ps 40:8",Bobby Laymon,Who Are Qualified As Ministers Of God?,81,,,
"Baptism, Dedication,",Slavery is repugnant to the reasoning mind. Baptism gives freedom from being slaves of world.,Yet we willingly wish to be slave of Jehovah God.,John 8:36; Gal. 5:1; 2 Pet. 2:19-21;,"Jun 1, 1962 Wt Page 329","Living, Not For Self, But To Do God's Will",8,,,
"Baptism, Dedication,","Sometime before World War I, a German immigrant in Paraguay found one of the Society's tracts in his mailbox.  He ordered more literature and soon broke his ties with Christendom's churches. There was no one else in the country to do it, so he and his brother-in-law decided to baptize each other.","The hearts of Jehovah's servants impelled them to serve him, and they did what they could to further the Good News.",Mt. 24:14;,Jehovah's Witnesses - Proclaimers Of God's Kingdom.  Page 413,Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,063,,,7/12/2025
"Baptism, Dedication,","Somewhat like a wedding, baptism is a ceremony that solemnizes a relationship.  The wedding ceremony merely makes public what has been agreed upon in private.  It also opens up privileges and responsibilities the couple must live up to.","It is quite similar with baptism.  Through study we develop a close relationship with Jehovah.  We make a private dedication to Jehovah, and symbolize it with water baptism.","Mt 16:24; 28:19, 20; Acts 3:19; 1pe 3:21; Ps 148: 12, 13;","Oct 1, 1992 Aw Page 20",Glorifying God With All We Have,17,,,
"Baptism, Dedication,","The scene could be almost any really ancient church. Florence, Italy it is 82 feet across. Pisa, 50 miles away; 115 feet across. Why so large an area, when they only sprinkle.",People do not stop and ask why such large baptistery. Don't think: why such a change?,Mark 1:4; Heb. 9:22; Matt. 3:16; Mark 1:10,"May 1, 1960 Wt Page 261",Keep Growing In Your Relationship With God,16,,,
"Baptism, Dedication,",To get paid a worker needs a contract Worker could not work all day and expect to get paid for work if had not made an arrangement with boss.  Worker needs contract in order to receive his wages,Baptism is a contract with Jehovah Baptism validates your contract with Jehovah Then can receive reward of everlasting life,1 Pet. 3:21,"Standing Firm, Circuit Assembly","Living, Not For Self, But To Do God's Will",8,,,
"Baptism, Dedication,","Trust  (explain what a trust is, holds future confidence)","Folly to trust in man, Baptism reflects trust in Jehovah",Ps 146:3  Ps 36:9  Titus 1:2  Ps 37:25  Rom 10:13 Matt 16:24,Trust In Jehovah District Assy. July 1987,What God's Ruler ship Can Do For Us,24,,,
"Baptism, Dedication,","Wedding, marks end of period of preparation, planning, courtship Is the beginning of a life of dedicated service. Must not be initial spasm followed by chronic inertia. How can you cultivate it more fully in your life",Baptism is culmination of period of preparation,John 17:3  Acts 4:12   1 Thessalonians 2:13  Heb 11:6,"Mar 1, 1990 Wt Page 10, 11",Build Your Faith In Man's Maker,54,,,
"Baptism, Dedication,","Would you trust a friend who wanted to keep your friendship secret?? Baptism not a mere bath, but symbolic burial.  Died to former course of life, raised to do God's will Part of marking that identifies you for salvation.","Dedication private matter, but cannot remain private matter.   If wash sins away, have to get re-baptized each time one sinned.","John 19:38  Rom 10:10  Matt 28:19,20","Mar 22, 1990 Awake! Page 26",Glorifying God With All We Have,17,,,
"Baptism, Dedication, Bible,",Owners manual on Automobile.  Same mental attitude as Christ 1 Pet 4:1-4 Must be holy  1 Pet 1:14-16 Kingdom first place.,Bible is our instruction manual.,"Deuteronomy 30:19, 20  Matt 6:33","Bro Mitchell, Dale  Apr 29, 1990 1 Day Assy.",Glorifying God With All We Have,17,,,
"Baptism, Dedication, Christendom, Rebaptism,","'Baptism imprints an indelible mark on the soul, which means that it cannot, because it need not, be repeated.'  Quote: The Pocket Catholic Dictionary.",The Bible gives Scriptural accounts where persons were re-baptized.,Acts 19:1-7;,"Jan 8, 1994 Awake   Page 26",Religion's Role In World Affairs.,92,,1993/12/30,
"Baptism, Dedication, Decisions, Satan, Fence","There was a large group of people.  On one side of the group stood a man, Jesus.  On the other side of the group stood another man, Satan.  Separating them, running through the group, was a fence. The scene set, both Jesus and Satan began calling to the people in  the group and, one by one  -  each having made up his or her own mind - each went to either Jesus or Satan.  This kept going.  Soon enough, Jesus had gathered around him a group  of people from the larger crowd, as did Satan. But one man joined neither group. He climbed the fence that was there and sat on it. Then Jesus and his people left and disappeared.  So too did Satan and his people.  And the man on the fence sat alone.","As this man sat, Satan came back, looking for something which he  appeared to have lost.  The man said, 'Have  you lost something?'  Satan looked straight at him and replied, 'No, there you are. Come with me.'  'But', said the man, 'I sat on the fence.  I chose neither you nor him.' 'That's okay,' said Satan.  'I own the fence.'",James 1:6-8;,Patti Gillison,Decisions You Face--how Will You Make Them?,50,,1999/06/20,
"Baptism, Dedication, Father, Son, Holy Spirit,",What if you were entering into a life-long contract with a person.  Would you not try to get to know him very well?,"At our dedication and baptism, we are entering into a life-long contract with Jehovah.  We should understand what it means to be baptized in the name of the Father, the Son, and the holy spirit.",John 4:1-3; Matt 28:19;,Paul Smith  (see United In Worship Page 98),Serve Jehovah With A Joyful Heart,78,,1994/12/15,
"Baptism, Dedication, Forget, Remember, Endurance,","What are the odds of forgetting?  You come to the convention, sit out in full view of the hundreds or perhaps thousands of people.  You hear a discourse on baptism; you answer 'Yes' to the questions in full view of everyone; then you march out in full view, go to the bathroom and change into a bathing suit; walk out again in front of everyone; stand in line; then get baptized and are applauded by all.  What are your chances you could ever forget that!","And yet some have forgotten!  Some have forgotten Jehovah!  Some have forgotten their dedication and baptism, and the questions they have answered 'Yes!' to at the time of their baptism.  We need to remember, not only the date but the purpose and goals behind our dedication and baptism.","Ps 44:20, 21;",Milton Mallette - Godly Fear District Convention.,Glorifying God With All We Have,17,,1994/06/24,
"Baptism, Dedication, Growth, Progress,",Cross-country race with bicycle.  (cannot coast for long) Takes earnest effort on our part.,"After baptism, cannot coast, contented with mere token service.",2 Pet 1:4-6,"Mar 1, 1990 Wt Page 12",How Purposeful Is Your Life?,60,,,
"Baptism, Dedication, Life,",There are many crossroads in life.  Some are of little importance.  Some are major.  You have come to a major crossroad in your life.  The decision to become a disciple of Jesus Christ.,You are about to enter a race.  This road will take you in a different direction from which you have been traveling.  It will lead you to everlasting life.,"Mt. 28:19, 20;",Bobby Laymon,Glorifying God With All We Have,17,,1994/06/24,
"Baptism, Dedication, Life,","You are about to enter the race.  There has been much preparation.  Much training on the surface; but it has all been in preparing.  You are not yet in the race.  You have been doing many of the things you will do, once you are actually in the race.","Once you come up out of the water, you are in the race!  You will want to continue to attend all Christian meetings, share in disciple-making and all the other things you did in preparation.  Now that you are in the race you must be determined to win.","Mt. 28:19, 20;",Milton Mallette - Godly Fear District Convention.,Glorifying God With All We Have,17,,1994/06/24,
"Baptism, Dedication, Life, Study, Youth, Growth,","It is like making a cake.  You take out the right ingredients.  You carefully prepare them.  You add just the right amount and stir it together.  Then comes the time for the test.  The oven.  If you do everything just right, hopefully you will have a cake.","It is like that in making a disciple.  You try to get all the ingredients just right.  When that happens, hopefully a new praisers of Jehovah results, and they become dedicated, baptized disciples.","Mt. 28:19, 20;",Milton Mallette - Godly Fear District Convention.,How Can Youths Cope With Today's Crisis?,113,,1994/06/24,
"Baptism, Dedication, Meetings, Prayer,","Baptism is like a marriage.  It is a give and take situation. You have never heard a marriage talk that says each must give 50%, but both parties give 100%.  Must eat together, talk, spend time together.","Our relationship depends on how many times we eat with Jehovah, talk with him, and spend time with.  Baptism should be happiest day of our life.","Heb 10:23,24, 32; Luke 14:16-24; Mk 3:31-35; 10: 29, 30;",Larry Punko,Prayers That Are Heard By God.,86,,,
"Baptism, Dedication, Own,","'When you fall in a river, you're no longer a fisherman; you're a swimmer.'  Quote: Gene Hill in Field & Stream.","At baptism, you are no longer fishing for the truth.  You have made the truth your own and dedicated your life to it.  Enjoy it!",Is 61:10;,Bobby Laymon - Reader's Digest,Keep Growing In Your Relationship With God,16,,1996/03/22,
"Baptism, Dedication, Personally,","We have all sorted things out; set things apart.  For example, the housewife when going grocery shopping sorts through the fruits and vegetables, selecting the best ones.",Jehovah is selecting out those desirable to serving him.  To dedicate means to 'set apart.'  The Nazarites were a good example of this.,"2co 6:16, 17; Ro 12:1, 2;",Bro Harding - Memphis Circuit Assy.,How The Kingdom Of God Affects You,42,,1994/03/07,
"Baptism, Dedication, Race, Life, Beginning,","July 20, 1969, Apollo 11 made the first manned lunar landing on the Moon in the mother ship Columbia, with the historic report:  'The Eagle has landed.'   Neil Armstrong was the first out: Dropping the last meter from the ladder, he said:  'That's one small step for {a} man, one giant leap for mankind' (NASA later reported that the word a had been lost in transmission).","Baptism is like that!  It may seem, at the time to be a rather small step for a Christian, but it will be a turning point in one's life.  It will prove to be a 'giant leap' into the future and the race for everlasting life.  Let us not forget this historic date or it's importance.","Matt. 28:19, 20;",Bobby Laymon,What God's Ruler ship Can Do For Us,24,,1994/08/09,
"Baptism, Dedication, Responsibility,","Youths: quick to insist: drive car, after-school jobs, own money Youth is no excuse to 'limp upon two different opinions. Discuss: Knowledge, 'doers of Word', Jehovah, my closest friend.",Excuse themselves as too young when it comes to baptism.,1 Ki 18:21  Ecclesiastes 12:1,"Apr 8, 1990 Awake  Page 15-17",Glorifying God With All We Have,17,,,
"Baptism, Dedication, Service, Organization,",One must be running when merging onto the freeway.  Then you can gradually blend into the traffic.,"At baptism, one must be going in service, attending meetings, and fitting in with Jehovah's organization.",Heb. 11:6; Ps 145:10-13; Mt 24:14;,"Bradley Wagner (comment Mar 15, 1992 Wt Page 16 Para 15)",How Should You Serve God?,58,,,
"Baptism, Dedication, Water,","Pure, refreshing water - one of the many blessings of life given to man by the great Creator.","Most religions view sins as somehow being 'water-soluble.' Example: Ganges River.  In the case of other religions, for the act of sprinkling, pouring, or immersing, the latter being baptism or dipping.  Called 'Holy Water' by some.","Mt 28:19, 20;","May 15, 1970 Wt Page 297",How Well Do You Know God?,1,,,
"Baptism, Dress, Modesty,","When child takes first step opens new world to him, even though may  not remember. It brought much joy to parents. What if first step put ugly scar across face.",You will remember this step.  Do not let it be remembered with embarrassment or pain.  Things we need remember as to dress. Bathing suit should not be skimpy or stick to you.,"1 Tim 2:9, Phil. 1:10, Mt 28:19,20",Johnse Laymon  June 1993 Km Question Box,"Living, Not For Self, But To Do God's Will",8,,,
"Baptism, Faults, Sins, Imperfection, Spot, Positive, Negative,","Take a clean sheet of paper; this represents a new baptized member of the congregation.  Take a marker and put a small black spot near the middle.  Now what do you see?  Do you see the large clean, white area, or do you notice the spot?","Must not look at brothers faults, but their good points.","Rom. 3:10, 23;",Bill Thomas,Hold A Good Conscience In A Sinful World,107,,,
"Baptism, Living Up To, Dedication,",What if you bought a vacation and never used it.  You bought the airline tickets; luggage; plan the trip and never left.  It would be of no value to you.,"Likewise with your baptism.  You must live up to your dedication to serve Jehovah, and symbolizing it by water baptism.","Prov. 27:11; Rom. 14:7,8;",Mike Garton,Who Can Be Saved?,126,,"Apr 23, 2002",
"Baptism, Sincerity, Worship, Religion, Obey, Disfellowship,","You've heard the expression, 'Going thru the motions' Must be whole-souled. Comes down to 'obedience' and 'disobedience.'","One must be pleasing God with sincerity and truth. Jo. 4:3, 4","Deuteronomy. 7:9-11; Exodus. 20:3; Ps. 37:27, 38; Ps. 145:16; Matt. 7:21-23;","Jan 1, 1964 Wt Page 5, 6",HAS BABYLON'S JUDGMENT HOUR ARRIVED?,155,,,
"Baptism, Truth, Promise, Lie, Worship, Hope,",Promise is most given when the least is said.,"Slowness in promise is good, but not to be excuse.",1 Cor. 1:9; Gal. 5:22; Heb. 11:1; Ps. 37:25; Josh. 23:14;,Bobby Laymon,On Whose Promises Do You Rely?,61,,,
"Baptism, Wash, Sins,","Did you ever get ink on your hands from an inkjet printer?  Did you wash it off?  It was in your pores, wasn't it.",That is how sin is.  It resides in us.  One cannot be baptized and wash their sins away.,"Romans 7:17, 18;",Bobby Laymon,Why Submit To God's Ruler ship Now.,120,,"Mar 19, 2001",
Bargain;,'Sometimes one pays most for the things one gets for nothing.'  Quote:  Ae.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Barriers, Obstacles, Telephone, Business, Informal, Witnessing, Changes, Para dyne,","A farmer has two fields separated by a gate. In one field he has a flock of sheep, the other has none. The grass grows well in the vacant field and so in time it becomes necessary to transfer the sheep to the other field. So he opens the gate.  Sheep have been known to stand next to open gate and not go in because they have become so used to the gate being there, that they believe the gate still to be closed. In frustration a farmer may put a dog behind the sheep to force them to enter the new field. What happens? Some sheep will jump over the gate that is not there and enter the field. Once a few sheep go in the rest will follow.","At times we see barriers that are simply not there, they exist in our mind only, or we fail to realize that circumstances have changed.  Even if we think the gate is still closed, why not jump anyway? On looking back we will realize that the way was open all the time. Many other 'sheep' have already entered new fields, why not join them?  When offering advice or encouragement, make sure the 'sheep' believes he can enter or jump the gate, or you will sound like a barking dog behind the sheep, not a shepherd out in front.",Acts 1:8;,Peter Morgan,Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,063,,1997/08/11,7/12/2025
"Battle, Brick, Barrel, Humor, Problems, Trouble, Endurance, Grief,","Do you have days when everything seems to go wrong?  Well,  when you read what happened some years ago to a man in Barbados perhaps your problems will not seem so bad after all.  His letter to his employers explained what happened when he went to repair a building damaged by a hurricane:    'I rigged up a beam with a pulley at the top of the building and hoisted up a couple of barrels full of bricks.  When I had fixed the building, there was a lot of bricks left over.  I hoisted the barrel back up again and secured the line at the bottom and cast off the line.  Unfortunately, the barrel of bricks was heavier than I was and before I knew what was happening the barrel started down, jerking me off the ground.  I decided to hang on and halfway up I met the barrel coming down and received a severe blow on the shoulder.  I then continued to the top, banging my head against the beam and getting my finger jammed in the pulley.  When the barrel hit the ground it burst its bottom, allowing all the bricks to spill out.  I was now heavier than the barrel and so started down again at high speed.  Halfway down, I met the barrel coming up and received severe injuries to my shins.  When I hit the ground I landed on the bricks, getting several painful cuts from the sharp edges.  At this point I must have lost my presence of mind, because I let go the line.  The barrel then came down giving me another heavy blow on the head and putting me in the hospital. I respectfully request sick leave.'","When we have problems that seem to overwhelm us, sometimes we  merely need to step back and look at the problems of others.  Often it makes our predicament not look so much of a challenge.  Perhaps they are only the things 'common' to humankind.",1co 10:13;,"Nov 22, 1970 Aw Page 10",Getting Marriage Off To A Good Start,27,,1993/10/31,
"Beautiful, Comely, Pleasing, Forgiveness,","Back in the 1960's you heard a lot about the 'beautiful people.' Some of these were rock stars, or people with money.  People who could pay to be beautiful.","What is more important, is what does it take to be beautiful in Jehovah's eyes?  What does He expect?  Jesus was beautiful, yet we don't know his outer appearance.  Forgiveness makes beautiful.  Slowing down anger also.  Only 2 options to problems: Confrontation & large forgiveness.","Jer 13:11; Mat 6:12; 1 Jo 3:13, 14; Prov 19:11 Prov 17:9; 1 Cor 12:14;",Ray Hayes C. O.,What Is Behind The Spirit Of Rebellion?,33,,1995/08/13,
"Beauty, Age, Older, Youth,",'Beauty is the first present nature gives to women and the first it takes away.' Quote: -George Brossin.,Beauty is quick to fade away.,Ecclesiastes 11:10;,Bobby Laymon,Is This Life All There Is?,36,,1995/08/25,
"Beauty, Age, Older, Youth, Happiness, Joy,",'There is no cosmetic for beauty like happiness.' Quote: Countess of Blessington.,A beauty of true religious knowledge is that it is free.  It gives us joy to be able to depend on Jehovah and look to him for comfort.,Isa 55:1-4;,Bobby Laymon,"Come, You Who Thirst For The Truth!",89,,1995/08/25,
"Beauty, Diamonds, Creation,",SOMETIMES beauty can be discovered.  Other times it must be created.,"A diamond, however, must be both discovered and created.",Ecclesiastes 3:11;,"Jul 8, 1997 Aw Page 12",Appreciating Marvels Of God's Creation,114,,1997/06/16,
"Beauty, Joy,",A thing of beauty is a joy forever. -- John Keats,Jehovah made everything beautiful in its time.,Ecclesiastes. 3:11;,Bobby Laymon,Appreciating Marvels Of God's Creation,114,,"Nov 19, 2001",
"Beauty, Looks, Attractive,","'Beauty is a bubble.' [Many are astonished, when they see stars without their makeup]","Few people will ever look like super models.  People who are paid for their looks are at their peak for but a brief moment before they are discarded for a fresh, new face.",Pr 31:30 (Byington Translation),Questions Young People Ask  Page 87,Life Does Have A Purpose,23,,,
"Beauty, Love, Affection, Kindness, Mercy,",'Love is a great beautifier.'  Quote: Louisa May Alcott.,People who treat us with kindness and mercy become beautiful to us.,Ps 116:5;,Bobby Laymon - Reader's Digest,"Mercy, A Dominant Quality Of True Christians",7,,1996/03/24,
"Beauty, Love, Attitude, Positive,","'Though we travel the world over to find the beautiful, we must carry it with us or we find it not.'   Quote: Emerson (1803-1882)","We must take the first step in showing love, which is true beauty.",1 John 4:19;,Wisdom Of The Ages,"Friendship With God, Friendship With The World -- Which Will You Choose?",79,,,
"Beauty, Marriage, Mate,",'Beauty - a deceitful bait with a deadly hook. Quote: John Lyly (1554-1606),"Look for a person who fears Jehovah, rather than looking wholly at appearance.",Pr 31:30,Wisdom Of The Ages,God Comes First In Successful Family Life,110,,,
"Beauty, Marriage, Mate, Death, Grief,","Gather your rose-buds while you may,  Old time is still a-flying: And this same flower that smiles today, Tomorrow will be dying.' Quote: Robert Herrick (1591-1674)",Do not marry for beauty.,Pr 31:30,Wisdom Of The Ages,God Comes First In Successful Family Life,110,,,
"Beauty, Marriage, Mate, Folly,",'Beauty and folly are old companions.' Quote: Franklin (1706-1790),"Look for a person who fears Jehovah, rather than looking wholly at appearance.",Pr 31:30,Wisdom Of The Ages,God Comes First In Successful Family Life,110,,,
"Beauty, Popular,",'It is the beautiful bird which gets caged.' Quote:  Proverb.,Beauty also quickly fades.,Prov. 31:30;,Bobby Laymon,Is This Life All There Is?,36,,1995/06/30,
"Beauty, Sin,",'Beauty is the power by which a woman charms a lover and terrifies a husband.'   Quote: Ambrose Bierce (1842-1914),"Misuse or abuse of beauty, as well as other qualities can damage one's relationship with Jehovah.","Ecclesiastes 7:16; Pr 25:16, 27;",Wisdom Of The Ages,Hold A Good Conscience In A Sinful World,107,,,
"Beauty, Subjection, Wives, Women,",Anything takes on added beauty when seen in proper setting. Diamond for example. Outside that setting it loses much of its beauty and may indeed become just plain or even ugly arrangement.,"Jehovah has prepared proper setting for women in the theocratic activity.  A woman may be pretty in a physical way and yet to a man of mature discernment, be most unattractive.",1 Cor. 11:3; 14:33; Prov. 11:16; 31:30;,"Mar 15, 1964 Wt Page 172",A Godly View Of Sex And Marriage,13,,,
"Beauty, Temporary, Pretty,","Beauty is only skin deep,  Ugliness is to the bones,  Beauty fades away,  But ugliness holds it's own.",That really is true.  Beauty quickly fades away.,"Ps. 103:15, 16; Prov. 31:30;",Jim Kinkade,Is This Life All There Is?,36,,"Oct 30, 2001",
"Beauty, Wisdom,",'Beauty is the wisdom of women. Wisdom is the beauty of men.       Quote: Chinese Proverb,True wisdom is beautiful.,Pr 16:31;,Wisdom Of The Ages,Acquiring A Heart Of Wisdom,73,,,
"Beauty, Wisdom, Appearance, Grooming, Spiritual,","THE FOX and the Leopard disputed which was the more beautiful of  the two.  The Leopard exhibited one by one the various spots  which decorated his skin.  But the Fox, interrupting him, said,  'And how much more beautiful than you am I, who am decorated, not  in body, but in mind.'",Beauty is only skin deep.   Jehovah values spiritual qualities much more than a beautiful body.   So should we.,Pr 31:30;,Bobby Laymon,Acquiring A Heart Of Wisdom,73,,1994/05/16,
"Beauty, Wisdom, Subjection, Wives,",'That which is striking and beautiful is not always good; but that which is good is always beautiful.' Quote: Ninon de Lenclos (1620-1705),Jehovah's truths are always beautiful!,1pe 3:1-5; Jas 1:17;,Wisdom Of The Ages,Acquiring A Heart Of Wisdom,73,,,
"Beauty, Wisdom, Subjection, Wives,",'The best part of beauty is that which no picture can express.'    Quote: Bacon  (1561-1626),A quiet and mild spirit is beautiful to Jehovah and men.,1pe 3:1-5;,Wisdom Of The Ages,Acquiring A Heart Of Wisdom,73,,,
"Beauty, Wisdom, Subjection, Wives,","'What is beautiful is good, and who is good will soon be beautiful.    Quote: Sappho (fl. B.C. 600)",Jehovah makes those who obey him 'something beautiful' and holy to him.,Isaiah 4:2; 52:1; Jer 13.11;,Wisdom Of The Ages,Acquiring A Heart Of Wisdom,73,,,
"Beauty, Wisdom, Trust, Youths, Elderly,","Youths do not have a monopoly on beauty, nor have the elderly cornered the market on wisdom.","Rather, those who possess lasting beauty and genuine wisdom are the ones who trust in Jehovah and wholeheartedly say about him: 'You are my God.'",Pr 11:22; Ecclesiastes 10:1; Ps 31:14; Pr 9:10; 16:31;,"Jan 1, 1994 Wt Page 26",On Whose Promises Do You Rely?,61,,1993/11/26,
"Beauty, Youth, Children,","Young blossom, blade of grass, Look at picture of self at 18; avoid looking into mirrors now. Don't even like to see video of self or listen to recording.",Wind blows over and it is no more.,"Ps. 103:15, 16","Brandt Jones (October 28, 1990)",How Can Youths Cope With Today's Crisis?,113,,,
Beauty;,'A homely girl hates mirrors.'  Quote:  Proverb.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Beauty;,'All cats are gray in the dark.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Beauty;,"'Beauty if only skin deep, but its a valuable asset if you're poor or haven't any sense.'  Quote:  Kin Hubbard.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Beauty;,'Beauty is but a flower which wrinkles will devour.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Beauty;,'Beauty is but skin deep.'  Quote:  John Davies Of Hereford.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Beauty;,"'Beauty is not caused, it is.'  Quote:  Emily Dickenson.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Beauty;,'Beauty is only one layer.'  Quote:  Japanese.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Beauty;,'Beauty is only skin-deep. But it is a valuable asset if you're poor or haven't got any sense.'  Quote:  Kin Hubbard.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Beauty;,"'Beauty is power, a smile is its sword.'  Quote:  Charles Reade.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Beauty;,'Beauty is the first present nature gives to women and the first it takes away.'  Quote:  George Brossin.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Beauty;,'Beauty without grace is the hook without the bait.'  Quote:  Ralph Waldo Emerson.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Beauty;,'In every man's heart there is a secret nerve that answers to the vibrations of beauty.'  Quote:  Chris Morley.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Beauty;,'Remember that the most beautiful things in the world are the most useless; peacocks and lilies.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Beauty;,"'The criteria on true beauty is that it increases on examination; if false, that it lessens.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Beauty; Funny;,"'Its a good thing beauty is only skin deep, or I'd be rotten to the core.'  Quote:  Phyllis Diller.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Beauty; Goodness;,'That which is striking and beautiful is not always good; but that which is good is always beautiful.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Beauty; Goodness;,What a strange illusion it is to suppose that beauty is goodness.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Beauty; Goodness;,"What is beautiful is good, and who is good will soon be beautiful.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Beauty; Truth;,"'Beauty is truth, truth beauty.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Beauty; Viewpoint;,'Nothing's beautiful from every point of view.'  Quote:  Horace.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Beauty; Virtue;,'Beauty is the mark God sets on virtue.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Beauty; Virtue;,'Rare is the union of beauty and purity.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Beggar, Work, Employment, Lazy,",'You can't hold your head high with your hand out.'  Quote:  Yiddish  Proverb.,"Those who are greedy, like Gehazi, will not go unpunished.  God did not ignore it but punished Gehazi with Naaman's leprosy.",2 Ki.5:20-27;,Bobby Laymon,Jehovah's Eyes Are Upon Us,74,,1995/07/03,
Beginning;,'Its easier to resist at the beginning than at the end.'  Quote:  Leonardo Di Vinci.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Beginning, Action, Progress, Improvement,",A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step.  -- Chinese Proverb,To progress we must begin in some way.   Attending congregation meetings provides a person opportunity to make PROGRESS in ability to speak and teach.,"Mt 28:19, 20;",Bobby Laymon,Use Education To Praise Jehovah,146,,"Nov 19, 2001",7/16/2023
Beginning;,'A bad beginning makes a bad ending.'  Quote:  Euripides.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Beginning;,'A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.'  Quote:  Lao Tzu.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Behavior;,"'I don't say we all ought to misbehave, but we ought to look as if we could.'  Quote:  Orson Wells.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Behavior;,"'With a gentleman I am always a gentleman and a half, and with a fraud I try to be a fraud and a half.'  Quote:  Otto Von Bismarck.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Behavior; Conduct;,"'As a rule, there is no surer way to the dislike of men than to behave well where they have behaved badly.'  Quote:  Lew Wallace.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Behavior; Conduct;,'Behavior is a mirror in which every one displays his image.'  Quote:  Goethe.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Behavior; Conduct;,'Live so you can at least get the benefit of the doubt.'  Quote:  Kin Hubbard.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Belief, Believe, Truth,",Would a doctor simply agree to differ if one of his colleagues continued to believe he could go straight from handling dead bodies in a morgue to examining sick patients in a hospital ward?,"When it comes to religion, mistaken beliefs have historically caused great harm. Think of the horrors that resulted when religious leaders 'inspired Christian zealots to pitiless violence' during the so-called Holy Crusades of the Middle Ages. Or think of the modern-day 'Christian' gunmen in a recent civil war who, 'just like medieval warriors who had saints' names on their sword hilts, taped pictures of the Virgin to their rifle butts.'",Rev. 12:9;2 Cor 4:4;11:3;,"Aug 1, 2001 Wt Page 4",,,,"Jul 15, 2001",
"Belief, Conduct, Religion, Christendom, Example,","It is like a seamless garment, inseparable woven together.","Beliefs and conduct cannot be separated.  It is, therefore essential that all desiring to gain God's favor make sure their religious beliefs are genuinely true.  Soundly based on God's Word.",1 Tim 2:4;,"Jul 8, 1995 Aw Page 27",Jehovah And Christ--are They Part Of A Trinity?,82,,1995/06/04,
"Belief, Faith, Trust, Creation,","SOME people say they believe only what they can see. We reply most emphatically: Believe it! Yes, believe what you can see!",The apostle Paul said the visible creation shows God's power.,Rom 1:20;,W56 2/15 100,On Whose Promises Do You Rely?,61,,1994/10/25,
"Belief, Faith, Trust, Creation, Science, Religion, Intelligence, Instinct,","'The less a living animal seems able to think, owing to the inferiority of its organs, the more, judging by the acts of wisdom of which it is capable, does it become evident that some One has thought for it.'  Quote: English naturalist Jonathan Franklin, as quoted by Charles E. Sajous in Strength of Religion as Shown by Science, page 171.",Jehovah is the 'One' that has thought for it.,Rom 1:20;,W56 2/15 102,On Whose Promises Do You Rely?,61,,1994/10/25,
"Belief, Survival, Works, Faith,","If a fisherman or a farmer heard a warning about a hurricane or a tornado, would he get saved if he failed to do something about it, merely because he believed the warning? He would have to take whatever precautions he could, which he would if he really believed the warning.","So, as the disciple James well points out, belief alone is not enough; for if we stop with mere belief we actually do not believe. 'That faith cannot save him, can it?' No, it cannot, for 'indeed, as the body without breath is dead, so also faith without works is dead.'","Jas 2:14, 26;",W57 11/1 645,WILL YOU BE A SURVIVOR OF THE LAST DAYS?,2,,1994/07/30,6/2/2025
"Belief, Worship,","'We are born believing. A man bears beliefs, as a tree bears apples.' Quote: -Ralph Waldo Emerson.","No matter how rough a person may appear or how well educated.  In every walk of life, there is the need to believe in our Creator.",Heb 11:1;,Bobby Laymon,Build Your Faith In Man's Maker,54,,1995/08/25,
"Belief, Worship, Religion, Christendom, Confusion,","'Man prefers to believe what he prefers to be true.'  Quote: Francis Bacon, 1561-1626, English Essayist and statesman.","Men worship according to their likes and dislikes, disregarding Jehovah's view on matters.","1 Tim 6:4, 5; 2 Tim 2:14, 23;","Jul 8, 1995 Aw Page 25",Jehovah And Christ--are They Part Of A Trinity?,82,,1995/06/04,
"Belief, Worship, Religion, Christendom, Confusion,",Like different styles of clothing worn by the same man.,"That is how many view the many conflicting notions that religious groups advocate regarding God, his purpose, and how to worship him.  Like clothing, it doesn't matter what someone else wears, or believes.","1 Tim 6:4, 5; 2 Tim 2:14, 23;","Jul 8, 1995 Aw Page 25",HAS BABYLON'S JUDGMENT HOUR ARRIVED?,155,,1995/06/04,
"Belief, Worship, Religion, Christendom, Confusion, False,","We would not give up wearing clothing altogether simply because some clothes are unfit to be worn, would we?",Why give up on all religions because some are false. So why give up as unimportant the entire subject of religious beliefs just because some doctrinal questions are unworthy of consideration.,"1 Tim 6:4, 5; 2 Tim 2:14, 23;","Jul 8, 1995 Aw Page 25",Jehovah And Christ--are They Part Of A Trinity?,82,,1995/06/04,
"Belief, Worship, Religion, Christendom, Confusion, False, Conduct,",Like a jacket and slacks that can be mixed or matched according to the wearer's preference.,"Some view religion and conduct as two separate and unrelated items.  In the Bible, however, beliefs and conduct are more like a suit that comes only as a matched set.",Matt 23:1-33; Luke 18:9-14; Col 3:10;,"Jul 8, 1995 Aw Page 26",HAS BABYLON'S JUDGMENT HOUR ARRIVED?,155,,1995/06/04,
Belief;,'Faith is believing in things when common sense tells you not to. (not true)'  Quote:  George Seaton.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Belief;,'It is always easier to believe than to deny. Our minds are naturally affirmative.'  Quote:  John Boroughs.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Belief;,'Nothing is so firmly believed as that which we least know.'  Quote:  Michael De Montaigne.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Belief;,'Orthodoxy is my doxy - heterodoxy is another man's doxy.' Quote:  William Warburton,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Belief; Conviction; Faith;,'One person with a belief is equal to a force of ninety-nine who have only interests.'  Quote:  John Stuart Mill.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Belief; Faith;,'The more one knows the less one believes.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Belief; Faith;,Men have greater faith in those things which they do not understand.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Belief; Faith;,Seeing is believing.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Belief; Truth; Desire;,'Men freely believe that which they desire.'  Quote:  Julius Caesar.,,R,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Believe, Belief, Contradictions, Falsely Called Knowledge, Calculations, Statistics,","The 12-year-old student was struggling to grasp the basic principles of algebra.  His teacher presented the class with a seemingly straightforward algebraic calculation.  'Let x=y and let them both have the value of 1,' he began.  'So far so good,' thought the student.  After four lines of what looked like logical calculation, however, the teacher produced a startling result:  'Therefore, 2+1!'","Common sense told him this was wrong.  Even when someone with vastly superior knowledge presents a carefully crafted and seemingly unassailable argument, a listener need not believe a foolish conclusion simply because he cannot disprove it at the time.","Prov. 14:15, 18; 1 Jo 4:1; 2 Thess 2:2;","Dec 1, 2000 Wt Page 29",,,,"Nov 6, 2000",
"Believe, Creation, Seen, Invisible,","WHEN someone says, 1 believe only in what I can see,' he is not speaking literally. Actually, we all believe in things that we  cannot see.  For example, at school you may have performed an experiment designed to prove the existence of a magnetic field. It may go like this: Sprinkle iron filings on a sheet of paper. Then place the sheet over the magnet. When the sheet is vibrated, as if by magic the iron filings bunch up near the magnet's poles and form into the pattern of the magnetic field.  If you did that, could you actually see the magnetic field?  No, but its effect on the iron filings is plain to see, giving you the convincing proof that magnetism exists.","We accept without question other things that we cannot see.  When we look at a beautiful painting or admire a fine sculpture, we do not doubt the existence of a painter or a sculptor.  So when we contemplate a waterfall or gaze at a sunset, should we not be moved at least to consider the possibility that they are the work of a Great Artist or Sculptor?",Rom. 1:20; Genesis 1:1,"Jun 15, 2000 Wt Page 26, 27",Jehovah--the Grand Creator,101,,"Jun 6, 2000",
"Benefits, Blessings,",'Tis an ill cook that cannot lick his own fingers.'  Quote: William Shakespeare.  1594-1595.,Even now we can benefit.  We can enjoy improved family life because of applying divine principles.  Have upbuilding association with people you can trust and who will gladly help you.  Attain peace of mind and purpose in life by now sharing in doing God's will.,"Php 4:6, 7; 1 Ti 4:8;",Bobby Laymon,Be Confident Of Divine Victory!,39,,1995/07/09,
"Benefits, Value, Profit, Gain,","We are all interested in benefits.  If you are laid off the job, you immediately wonder about unemployment benefits.  If you go to the hospital, or disabled, you are interested in what benefits are available.  Retire, you check on social security benefits.",There are other greater benefits that are longer lasting and more valuable.  Jehovah gives lasting benefits.,"Prov. 4:7,8; Dan. 1:17, 18; Jer. 51:15;",Theodore Jaracz - Governing Body - Assembly Part,Decide Now For Divine Ruler ship,37,,"Oct 24, 2000",
"Best Seller, Literature, Books, Bible, Publications, Guinness,",There is only one 'Best seller' book today.  That is the Bible.  All the others are only a 'good seller' by comparison.,"For a chart of the 'Top Ten' of the time, see article.  Six of the ten are published by the Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society.",Ecclesiastes 12:12,"Apr 8, 1971 Aw Page 19",Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,1994/01/09,
"Best, Commendation, Contributions, Service, Comments, wickedness, ","When Jehovah created the heavens and earth.  He surveyed his work and noted at Genesis 1:31 that it was 'very good.'  He didn't say it was 'the best.'  He did not need to, because everything Jehovah does is the very best.  When he created His son, he was the best.  A perfect image of Jehovah.  When it became important to send someone to the earth as a ransom, Jehovah had millions of angels he could choose from.  He gave his best.  John 3:16  Jehovah has the best organization on the earth!  The best Teaching!  The best spiritual light.  The best future.","Do we give what he requires?  Do we give our best?  Leviticus 3:3,4  The Israelites gave their best.  The fatty pieces.  However, they stopped.  They gave blind, lame animals.  Mal 1:6   We do not have to cut up an animal.  Jehovah wants all of you.  Rom 12:1 We dedicated our lives to Him.  Careful we do not take it back.  If striving to give our best, we will be better than yesterday.   How do we use our time?    Do we use it wisely in giving Jehovah our best.  Suppose in the judgment Jesus said, 'Jehovah gave you the time -- what did you do with it?'  Do we study God's Word.  Read the Bible daily?  Do we prepare for the meeting with well-prepared, heartfelt comments that can build up and encourage others.  Heb. 15:13  Commend the congregation on this.  (one point might work on.  A few make long, rambling comments.  It actually shows you haven't prepared to give a short concise comment.)  	What about our time in Service?  For billions of years, Jesus gave his best in heaven as an angel.  Now, he was asked to give his best on the earth as a human.  How do we respond to alternate types of witnessing.   Phone, business.  Are we willing to take  responsibility and check out territories and get them worked.  What about our money and material assets?   Like to commend the congregation for fine support.  Work on air and heating system.  How many appreciate the quiet system we now have.   Show appreciation.  Brother and sisters worked hard on it.  Show same spirit at all times giving Jehovah our best.   Other work on our Kingdom Hall in the future.  New roof, patching cracks, need a window.  Repair on floor.  We would like to encourage all to continue to support.  One faithful sister rode a bicycle all her life, preaching the good news.  She became crippled, and her bicycle became her crutch.  She would lean on it, and go in service.  Many houses had long stairs leading up to the door.  She would pull herself up by the rail.  Then she would have to back down the stairs.  She continued to give her 'best to Jehovah.'  May we do likewise.  Let us not give our 'leftovers, but always give our very 'best.'  Remember:  We must be better than yesterday!","Leviticus. 3:3,4;","Pioneer Meeting.  C. E. Shalkoski, D.O.",Service Talk,200,,"Jul 31, 2000",4/1/2014
"Best, Creator, Benefit, Damage,","If you had a master mechanic build a special car for you and when you took delivery he insisted that you should never use Brand X oil.  Later on, after perhaps having some difficulty with your magnificent car, the 'shade tree' mechanic down the road was helping you and he insisted you had to use Brand X oil.  There's no question as to whose advice you would follow.  With all due respects to the 'shade tree' mechanics knowledge, the master mechanic knows best.","In like manner, Jehovah knows best our needs and abilities.  He knows what will damage us.",Isa. 48:17;,Bobby Laymon,Are You Content With Jehovah's Provisions?,22,,"Feb 10, 2001",
"Bethel Home, Organization",Hive of busy workers; like bee hive; describe. Together produce rich spiritual food.,"Many individual characteristics, all doing Jehovah's work.",Ps. 23:6,"Jan 15, 1963 Wt Page 62",Serving With Jehovah's Unified Organization,3,,,
"Bethel, Boredom, Drudgery, Monotonous, Complain, Gripe, Mumble,","The farmer enjoys his work even though some persons could say that his work is monotonous. He plants and harvests, and he does it all his life. Terribly monotonous? But you do like to eat, don't you?","Some people may say to you that they have been at Bethel and that the work was monotonous.  Usually anything one does can become monotonous when one does not like doing it any longer.  Look at what members of the Bethel family are doing. Some are cooks, housekeepers, office workers; others make books and others ship them out. But think of it: We are reaping the blessing of seeing a great ingathering as people read and study God's Word.",Ps 40:8;,Km 11/72 4,Can You Live Forever?--will You?,35,,1994/07/31,
"Bethel, Gilead,",Why called 'House of God?' Any assignment from G.B. is important enough to pull you from pioneer field. People expect you to be a bit better than average. Take the lead.,Info: Not because of the buildings; People make it a house of God. You will be older next year. Will you be wiser?,1 Tim. 4:8-13,Phil Kirkton Notes:,Serving With Jehovah's Unified Organization,3,,,
"Bethel, Imperfection, Mistakes, Endurance,",'Why do you want to go to Bethel?'  'Do you realize that the brothers there are not angels?  They are imperfect and make mistakes.  I am afraid that this might cause you to run away and ever give up the faith.',"We should never forget that it is Jehovah we are serving and not man.  Even if wrongly treated, we must not run away.",Mt. 24:13;,"Nov 1, 1991 Wt Page 26  (entered Dec 15, 1991)",How Should You Serve God?,58,,,
"Bethel, Organization, Joy, Happiness, Appreciation,  Gangas,","'Anything I say about Bethel falls short of what I feel for it in my heart. Year by year my appreciation for it increases, and day after day I thank Jehovah for tolerating me all these years. Bethel to me is the center of Jehovah's visible organization in operation. The thought that I am employed at the headquarters of this visible organization fills my heart with joy and gratitude.'  Quote: George D. Gangas","'Over these long years I have seen young brothers who did not know much when they first came, but after seven or eight years of faithful service they were made overseers and later were used as circuit and district servants. If it were in my power, I would cry out in a loud voice to all young brothers, Come to Bethel and taste Jehovah's loving-kindness and goodness! ... I can truthfully say that it is the best place on earth for enhancing the capabilities of ministers to Jehovah's praise.'",Ps 27:4;,W66 10/15 639,Serving With Jehovah's Unified Organization,3,,1994/10/26,
"Betray, Promise, Trust, Compromise,","'When you betray somebody else, you also betray yourself.' Quote: Isaac Bashevis Singer.",One must reflect God's spirit and genuine love for his ways.  It is necessary to guard against attitudes that betray the spirit of the world and others.,1 Cor 2:12;,Bobby Laymon,Resisting The Spirit Of The World,25,,1995/08/16,
Bible,'The Bible is worth all other books that have ever been printed' Quote: Patrick Henry who also wrote: 'Give me liberty or give me death.',High value of Bible,Ecclesiastes. 12:12,"July 1, 1958 Wt Page 413",Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,,
Bible,"66 Love Letters from Jehovah Read between the lines. Variety of expressions. Not read just once, but over and over.","Personally to You. Even after mate dies, continue to find comfort from reading Bible is just as good today as 1000 years ago.",Ps. 119:105;,Bro. Sam Herd D.O.,Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,,6/28/2018
Bible,"800 number (Get hands on help, from long distance)",Paul gives instruction to Congregations in Gal.,Gal. 1:11,Bobby Laymon,Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,,
Bible,Beacon; light-house.,No beacon lights the night like God's Word.,2 Tim. 3:16; Ps. 119:105,"Mar 8, 1961 Aw Page 32",Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,,
Bible,"Bible is straight-edge. Teaches us to be orderly.  1 Tim 3:2  Wise persons, schedule.  Eph 5:15, 16. To live by spirit. Gal 5:25",All Scripture sets things straight.,2 Tim 3:16  Rom 7:21,"1985 Dist Convention. St. Louis  June 27-30,",Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,,
Bible,"Bird, injured, you cared for & set free; someone else set trap for.","Set free, but Satan wants to entrap you again.",Rom. 9:2-5,Bobby Laymon,Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,,
Bible,"Book of Freedom, Book of Truth, Divine Library, Book of Life, Holy Scriptures, Sacred Writings, or by way of eminence, The Book.",Source of Truth. Ever-living Book.,2 Tim. 3:16,"Oct 1, 1959 Wt Page 587",Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,,
Bible,Brick layer... line up with line Jehovah's standards ; Our guide must get back in place.,"If one out of line, shows up.",Ps. 1:1-3,Willy Hudson,Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,,
Bible,"Candid Camera; Picture, not posed, showing just what person is. Bible tells good points, yet does not spare them from foolishness Noah: 'Walked with God.' 'became intoxicated.' Gen. 6:9; 9:20, 21 Judah: most honored of Jacobs sons. 'went into supposed prostitute.'","Bible writing done with Candor; means: whiteness or transparency. Moses: 'Meekest' 'did not give Jehovah credit' David: 'agreeable to Jah's heart' numbered Israel, murder, adultery","Genesisesis. 3:12, 13; 6:9; 9:20, 21; 38:12, 15, 16; Numbers. 20:7-13; Deuteronomy 3:","Sep 22, 1959 Aw Page 27, 28",Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,,
Bible,Carbon copy; more valuable than original; esp. when comparing. Hard to alter a copy; can alter original; insurance companies keep photo static copies; micro film.  Accurate.,Copies of Bible prove accuracy of translating.,"1 Pet. 1:24, 25","Bobby Laymon (see Jul 15, 1990 Wt Pages 27-29)",Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,,
Bible,Chemically accurate: The chemical product of glass over 3500 yrs ago.  Also vinegar upon alkali.,Give Bible chance to be heard on many more basic matters.,Isa. 40:22  Job 28:17  Prov. 25:20,"Oct 1, 1959 Wt Page 589",Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,,
Bible,"Did you know? Hear your forefather, the first man, speak to you in your own language? Gives simple, eye-witness accounts. Some written by Adam himself.",What other book can take us back to early beginnings?,Genesisesis. 2:23,"Oct 1, 1959 Wt Page 588",Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,,
Bible,"Family Peacemaker.  Small things are often most pleasing. Flowers, small present, change boots before coming into house if dirty.",Makes peace among family members.,Eph. 5:22-33,"Mar 22, 1963 Aw Page 5-7",Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,,
Bible,Fence around home?  Why? They are for our good. Put them into our heart.,"Jehovah's laws; not fenced in, not a restriction, but a safeguard.",Ps. 40:8  1 John 2:17,Bethel Notes  Phil Kirkton,Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,,
Bible,"Food Inspectors; Food-Testing Methods; Safe for Consumption? 'Food-testing principle' stated by Paul at Phil. 4:8 T.V. comics, paperbound books, girlie magazines, flooding nation. Must read and meditate upon proper things.",Bible gives food-testing methods.,Phil. 4:8;,"Sep 8, 1959 Aw Page 7",Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,,
Bible,"Gold never tarnishes, jewelry fashioned in gold is prized.  Goldsmiths rework precious metal to fashion new work of art.  Retains its value.","Golden rule given 2000 yrs ago, value not diminished.",Matt 7:12  Luke 6:31,"Nov 1, 1989 Wt Page 4",Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,,
Bible,"Gold, Silver, other hidden treasures Pure truth, like gold, has been found unfit for circulation. Men, find far more convenient to adulterate truth than refine self Quote: above from 19th century writer.",Often prospector meets with disappointment; not so; treasures Bible.,"Prov. 2:4, 5","Sep 15, 1990 Wt Page 3, 4",Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,,
Bible,"How to read with pleasure and profit. 1. Physically comfortable, mind alert. 2. Approach w/desire/learn. 3. Put what you read above per. views. 4. Acknowledge/God's Word. 5. Think as you read. 6. Spend 1/2 time meditating deeply; thinking","Information: Ten Points (very good) 7. Ponder principles uncovered. 8. Accept new insight, though painful 9. Ready to revise attitude. 10. Apply everything to daily living",2 Tim. 3:16;,"Jun 8, 1964 Aw Page 32",Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,,
Bible,"How to: Garden, Build, Yard work, Build Computer: many how to books Only Bible provides high standard of morality.  Jesus: greatest example.",Even many on how to serve God. Some deadly.,Prov. 14:12  1 John 4:1,Billy Robinson,Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,,
Bible,If a contractor hired 40 men to work on large building and ask you who built the building which of the 40 men would you name?  You would probably name the contractor.,40 men were used to write the Bible so if ask who wrote it would have to say Jehovah who inspired it.,2 Tim 3:16,K. Dutile,Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,,
Bible,"If you wrote a letter and forgot to sign your name, would friends know who wrote it?  Would your style, personality, message come through? He wasn't trying to fool anyone, because his style, message came","Apostle John did not have his name on 1 John, but we know. through.",1 John 1:1,Bobby Laymon,Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,,
Bible,"Instruction Book: like comes in package, tells what makes tick problem shooter etc.",Perfect instruction for families.,Exodus. Chap 21  Eph. 6:4,"Pure Lang D.A. July 5-8, 1990 Bro Bagee",Does Your Hope Rest On Science Or The Bible?,80,,,
Bible,"Letter from friend or relative.  Regularity, Persistence All kinds of medicine for irregularity develop long-term study habits.","Apply all the words, especially if it means your life.","Deuteronomy 32:46, 47  1 Tim 4:15, 16",Trust In Jehovah District Assy. July 1987,Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,,
Bible,Lights up History of Babylon: History of Tyre: Study of history without light from God's Word has many pitfalls.,"History may state what happened, but fail to state why. Not Bible",Ps. 119:105,"Sep 1, 1960 Wt Page 543",Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,,
Bible,"Likened to timetable, God's timetable for carrying out his purpose 'Business as usual' is device many use to ignore God' way. This policy will cost them their lives.",We cannot change God's time schedule,Matt. 24:36,"Dec 15, 1959 Wt Page 740",Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,,
Bible,Long before the 20th century a vision of it was given. We today are the favored generation of mankind. We have the honor of making this come true.,Universal Disarmament by the Kingdom of the Heavens.,Isa. 2:4;,"Apr 15, 1960 Wt Page 232",Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,,
Bible,"Millions of People doubt the existence of God. Why? Million of hours spent devouring information about men, authors, scientist, movie idols. Read Bible regularly and banish doubt.",They have never met him; never had opportunity to know him.,Rom. 10:10-13,"Jan 8, 1960 Aw Page 32",Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,,
Bible,Open; spiritual gems... shine and sparkle.,Affect of God's Word on people and life.,2 Tim 3:16,Bro Gangas  June 1 Wt 1989 Page 22,Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,,
Bible,"Peer Pressure?  The Bible is without Peer. Reasons: fulfillment of its many prophecies Many attacks made upon Bible: atheist, agnostics, humanists Unitarians, Science, supposed friends, modernists,","Bible is outstandingly a Book of Books. Willingness of lover to devote: time, means, and even life to it.","1 Pet. 1:24, 25","Nov 1, 1959 Wt Page 643-644",Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,,
Bible,"Playing a game, rules must be followed. Rules often on inside of games.  To win properly, must follow.",Our maker has provided laws necessary for happiness.,Ps. 40:8,Bethel Notes ... Phil Kirkton,Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,,
Bible,Polycarp - Living link to the apostles Word of God is alive.,We have a living link to the apostles.  Do you know him?,Heb 4:12,"July 15, 1990 Watchtower Page 21",Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,,
Bible,Quote: 'The book of proverbs is more up to date than this morning's newspaper.  (American educator William Lyon Phelps),Jehovah's word endures forever.,"Ps. 103: 15, 16","May 1, 1958 Wt Page 268; Si Page 111",Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,,
Bible,"Quote: Most people are willing to take Sermon on the Mount as flag to sail under, but few as a rudder by which to steer. By Oliver Wendell Holmes.",Most pay lip service.,2 Tim. 3:16,"May 15, 1958 Wt Page 317",Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,,
Bible,"Quote: Sir Isaac Newton, 'There are more sure marks of authenticity in the Bible than in any profane history.'",God's word is completely trustworthy.,2 Tim. 3:16,"June 1, 1958 Wt Page 351; Feb 8, 1996 Aw Page 9;apr 22, 1964 Aw Page 24",Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,,
Bible,"Railroad (every 4'8 1/2'?) hear clicking noise. accepted standard We have pierced ears-God's Household  Ex 21:5, 6 World's view  Mal 3:13-15 We know the clicking of Bible truths",Our accepted standard is Bible,Ps 19:7-9,Circuit Assembly,Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,,
Bible,"Reporting has a taste Reporters first duty: check the facts. Australian scriptwriter, once a critic of Bible Checked facts and found not legend nor naturalistic fiction",That taste is in the Gospels First & second-hand accounts of extraordinary events,Acts 17:11,"Feb 1, 1990 Wt Page 7",Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,,
Bible,Science book: Earth hung on nothing; circle of earth.,"Earth is suspended in space, just as Bible stated.",Job. 26:7  Isa. 40: 22,"Oct 1, 1959 Wt Page 589-590",Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,,
Bible,Science book: Over 90 elements of earth found in human body.,Man is out of the earth and made of dust.,"Genesisesis. 2:7 3:19;  1 Cor 15:45, 47","Oct 1, 1959 Wt Page 589-590",Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,,
Bible,Some persons read the Bible like they eat fish.,"They keep what they like and throw the rest away.  If part of it seems a little sharp to them, or doesn't taste to suit them, out it goes.",2 Ti 3:16,Bradley Wagner,Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,,
Bible,Spider's web.  The spider does not get stuck. He knows where to walk. Some strains of web do not contain sticky substance.,The Bible tells us where to walk in this sticky system of things.,Ps 119:105,Bobby Laymon,Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,,
Bible,"String of pearls, 66 in number, bound together by thread.","Theme of God's Kingdom runs through the Bible, to hold all the  books in place.",2 Tim 3:16,Bobby Laymon (see School Guidebook Page 18),Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,,
Bible,"Tablet on island of Elephantine: For 7 successive yrs. the Nile River failed to rise. As far as we can tell, coinciding with the time of Joseph. Quote from: Modern Discovery and the Bible.",When the Nile failed to rise.,John 17:17,"Nov 1, 1959 Wt Page 671",Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,,
Bible,The Book By Jehovah's Witnesses. No man has lived that long. Written over one author's name. Outranks every other book. Will yet reach greater fame. It was started by ancient Witnesses and completed by Christian Witnesses.,"Its great age has not dimmed its value. Took 1610 years to write.  There is no room for Scriptural contradiction. Thus: it may be said, Bible is Book by Jehovah's Witnesses",Heb. 12:1  Isa. 43:10-12,"Oct 1, 1960 Wt Page 584-594",Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,,
Bible,"This is the Bible. It is quiet;  Does not suddenly dissolve into wavy lines.  Doesn't have snowstorm effects. Does not pause to deliver advertisement.  Every one is three-dimensional: have length, breadth, and thickness. Convenience in handling, live in fourth dimension of time.",Apply to Bible and Bible literature.  Which is more important? Bible or TV?,Heb 4:12,"Sep 8, 1958 Aw Page 16  (bobby Laymon)",Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,,
Bible,"Two Edged Sword Matt 19:3-8 (Divorce) cut thru tradition, back to original teach.  Difference in what we say and what we are.  Heb 4:12","Puncturing, Penetrating, Cut down false teachings, drives home the truth.","Eph 6:13, 17  Heb 4:12",Trust In Jehovah District Assy. July 1987,Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,,
Bible,Two-Edged Sword In Paul's day one weapon used for combat was a dagger-like sword that was two-edged. It was especially used for fighting in close quarters. Stabbing rather than slashing.,"God's Word lays bear thoughts and intentions of heart. God's word cuts deep and divides: distinguishes between what we appear to be, and our mental attitude.","Heb. 4:12; Jer. 17:9, 10; Matt. 6:1-8; 7:1-5;","Jun 15, 1960 Wt Page 355",Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,,
Bible,"Vast field, grains, fruits, vegetable.  Contains truths impossible to get from nature.",Bible is vast field of truths: How grand!,John 17:3,"Oct 1, 1959 Wt Page 597",Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,,
Bible,"Whisper in ear, this is the way.  Our parents did this. Heb 12:9 Tells us when going in the wrong direction. Tells us to 'pay strict watch as to HOW we walk'.",Jehovah's voice from behind instructs us.,"Isa 30:20, 21",Bobby Laymon,Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,,
Bible,World's Greatest Storehouse.,"Greatest Source, storehouse of Wisdom in existence.","Matt. 7:12; 1 John 4:8; Mark 12:30, 31; Acts 20:35","Jun 22, 1959 Aw Page 7",Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,,
Bible,Would you eat food thousands of years old? There are no nutrients! The holy spirit is the preservative.  It has also acted on men of faith to work in harmony with its preservation.,"The Bible is spiritual food, yet it has been preserved for thousands of years, and is just as fresh and delicious as ever.",2 Tim. 3:16,Joe Laymon,Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,,
Bible - Learning To Use,"VCR (explain all things can do, record when away, watch something) Many do not know even how to set the clock, yet many function depend on this simple act.","Not everyone can use, Must learn how, same with Bible.",2 Tim 3:16,Johnse Laymon,Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,,
Bible -- Practicing Things Learned,"Mirror, Looked in one lately? Brothers spend 3350 hrs just shaving in lifetime Bible reflects what we are inside. Must act, persist, practice","Do you remember what you saw? (Dog barked at self, didn't recognize) All kinds of mirrors today, look slim, fat, big head etc.",Jas 1:22-25  Ps 37:3  Rom 9:11  Prov 20:11,Trust In Jehovah District Assy. July 1987,Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,,
"Bible Reading, Meditating, Understanding, Impart,","If you could talk with a friend for the same length of time it takes you to read the Bible each week, do you think you could gain some insight about your friend?",Think of how much insight and understanding Jehovah can impart to you by reading and meditating on his Word.,"2 Tim. 3:16, 17;",Theodore Jaracz - Governing Body - Assembly Part,Happy Though Hungry--how Can It Be?,31,,"Oct 24, 2000",
Bible Studies,"Recipe for cake.  Follow Jesus teaching methods questions, illustrations keep simple",Prepare with particular individual in mind. Think ahead Prayer,Matt Chap 17,Tim O'Brien,Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,,
"Bible Studies, Pioneers,",Sometimes when you go into the Post Office you see 'Wanted' posters.  How many have seen these?  But did you know that some of these offer a reward?,Jehovah wants more Bible studies.  Is there a reward connected to this?,1 John 3: 22,Joe Laymon,,,,1998/04/24,
Bible Studies-starting,Monkey swinging across stream... why not drop first time?  Don't leave hanging may create a barrier sooner or later have to overcome.   Stop monkeying around on Bible Studies.,Try to start study on initial call.,1 Cor 3:9  Acts 16:14,Robert Schwarze,Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,,5/22/2015
Bible Study,"Anyone can carry a gun into the woods; that doesn't make him hunter Learns to recognize. every sign of game, interpret signs properly. Hunter does not sit dreamily in the shade, gun against tree. Only novice walks around until game jumps in front of him.",We must employ same techniques in search for hidden truths. Bible Can track down his prey. Many a tenderfoot has become a skilled hunter after applying himself diligently.,Jer. 16:16,"May 1, 1961 Wt Page 270",Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,,
Bible Study,Coach.,"Just as a coach will train only one person because of the better results, so it is with us.  We get better results when we teach on a one to one basis.",Acts 8:29-40,Ted Posey,Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,,
Bible Study,"Fisherman & Little Fish Fisherman caught very small fish, begged to put back and catch later when big. Foolish, How do I know I would ever catch you again.","A little now, is better than hoping for a lot later.",Luke 9:60,Aesop's Fables,Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,,
Bible Study,"Look for sheep, when you can't feed the ones you have.","Place literature, when should be making return visits.",Matt. 24:14  John 10:16,Bobby Laymon,Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,,
"Bible Study Work, Return Visit, Harvest,",A farmer caught a Baboon and tried to teach it to gather corn.  It would pull off an ear of corn and put it under one arm.  Then it would pull off another ear and put it under the other arm.  Then it would pick a third ear and put it under it's arm and the first one would fall out.  The Baboon never successfully harvested any corn.,"We can do the same thing in gathering in the kingdom harvest.  When we place literature, one piece after another, and never return to start studies or do harvesting work.",2 Pet 3:14,Lonnie Roper,Slave For The Master Of The Harvest,66,,,
"Bible Study, Association, Service, Example, Obedience, Youth,","How many like to play baseball?  How do you play?  When you get up to bat, what do you try to do?  When you hit the ball, what do you do?  Do you actually have to touch all the bases?","As youths, we also have to touch all the bases.  B=Bible Study A=Association; S=Service; E=Example.  BASE:  Are you touching all the bases?","Ecclesiastes 12:1, 2;",Joe Bounds,How Should You Serve God?,58,,,
"Bible Study, Direct Offer, Preaching, Service, intercom, ","Did you ever have a salesman call you on the phone and you wanted to ask him, 'Can you get to the point?' Or perhaps one calling a your door, who seemed to never get to the point.",If we make a direct offer to study the Bible with persons we not have people ask that about us.  Our purpose is to 'make disciples.',"John 17:3; Matt. 24:14; 28:19,20;",Al Larue (see Sep 1991 Km Page 4),How Should You Serve God?,58,,,2/9/2015
"Bible Study, Education,",Would not send child out into cold without protection. Need certain protection in order to go out into cold. Just as serious to send out your child into the world without the proper training.,Importance of Bible Study with children.  Bible Study is a protection.,Eph. 6:4,Joe Laymon,Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,,
"Bible Study, Family Study , Children","Parents wouldn't send children out in cold weather without clothes to protect them?  If parents do study with children from Bible, they send them into world unprotected.  Parents must know what kind of clothes to put on their children.","Don't make clothes restrictive, uncomfortable, something they'll dread wearing,  Make family study fun, interesting, something they'll look forward to.",Eph 6:4,Scott Rudolph,,,,1996/08/10,
"Bible Study, Joys, Happiness, Truth, Time,","From the boat or shore, one might look out and see nothing but a lot of the same old stuff on the surface.  Lots of spiritual waters of truth. We know there are good things in there. But we might reason that the  water is cold, and getting used to it is a shock to the system. Or that one might drown in the abundance of water. Or it takes a lot of effort to get in and move around in it.","But if we take the trouble, we quickly find that underneath the surface there is an endless supply of wonderful things to enjoy.  Likewise with studying the Bible with others.  If we will make the time to do it, we will have rich rewards.","Eph. 5:15, 16;",Bobby Laymon,Evidence Of God In The World Around Us,4,,"Feb 11, 2001",
"Bible Writers, Inspiration, Harmony, Variety, Personality,",Using different men through the years to write the Bible is like each man playing the same melody but all have a different rendition.,"They all played the Kingdom theme, but with their own personality.",2 Tim. 3:16;,Bobby Laymon,Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,"Feb 10, 2001",
"Bible Writers, Inspired,",Bible writers not like so many tape recorders. Jehovah may have first prepared them for what they put down in addition to inspiring them at the time. Striking example of liberty granted them is at 1 Cor. 7:25,"Made use of natural abilities and education each one had. 'Concerning virgins I have no command from the Lord, but I give my opinion as one who had mercy shown him...'",2 Pet. 1:21;,"Aug 8, 1962 Aw Page 28, 29",Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,,
"Bible,","'Do it Yourself' books; dictionaries, encyclopedias, cookbooks, How to raise children, How to select a wife, how to select a husband, How to make a will etc.",Who could possibly be better qualified than Source of life.,Ps. 119:105,"Mar 8, 1962 Aw Page 3",Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,,
"Bible,",'I have for many years made it a practice to read through the Bible once every year.' (U.S. President John Quincy Adams),The Bible is really a gift from God,2ti 3:16;,"May 15, 1992 Wt Page 3",Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,,
"Bible,","'I owe my enlightenment quite simply to the reading of a book.' Quote: Heinrich Heine, a 19th-century German poet.",Which book?  The Bible!,2 Tim 3:16;,"Jan 22, 1995 Aw Page 6",Does Your Hope Rest On Science Or The Bible?,80,,1994/12/15,
"Bible,","'In all my perplexities and distresses, the Bible has never failed to give me light and strength.'  (The American Confederate general Robert E. Lee)",The Bible is really a gift from God,2ti 3:16;,"May 15, 1992 Wt Page 3",Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,,
"Bible,","'Jack of all trades, and master of none.'  Many persons know a little bit about a lot of things.","However, they do not know enough about the one thing that count for life -- the Bible.",John 17:3;,"Sep 8, 1967 Aw Page 31",Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,,
"Bible,","'The Bible is no mere book, but a Living Creature, with a power that conquers all that oppose it.'  (Napoleon Bonaparte)",The Bible is really a gift from God,2ti 3:16;,"May 15, 1992 Wt Page 3",Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,,
"Bible,",'The Bible is worth all other books which have ever been printed.' Quote: Patrick Henry,The Bible is really a gift from God,2ti 3:16;,"May 15, 1992 Wt Page 3",Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,,
"Bible,",A father who loves his children tells them many things.  Jehovah is indeed a loving father.  How can he give information to his children living in different parts of the world?,"A fine way would be to have a book written and then see to it that it is available to all. Better than word of mouth, or recorded messages.",2 Sam. 23:2; 2 Tim. 3:16; Exodus. 31:18;,You Can Live Forever In Paradise On Earth. Page 47,Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,,
"Bible,",A seasoned soldier going to war will be fully armed and protected.  A skilled craftsman working on a building project will have proper tools to complete project.,Servant of Jehovah engaging in ministry will have sword in hand and wield it skillfully whenever he has the opportunity. He needs to skillfully reason on scriptures.,Eph 6:17,Johnse Laymon,Family Life That Warms The Heart,5,,1993/11/25,
"Bible,","Contrast the permanence of God's Word with this morning's newspaper.  What is a newspaper good for after its once read? Perhaps wrap up fish in it, and discard.","However, the 'Sayings of Jehovah, endures forever.'","1 Peter. 1:24, 25;",Bobby Laymon,Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,,
"Bible,","Has been likened to a mirror, and people are urged to peer into it Jehovah has been monitoring you since conception.  He knows you through and through. Ps. 139:1 Jesus Christ: Best role model.",The Bible will give you a view of yourself you may not have seen before.,Jas. 1:23-25; Heb. 4:12; 5:14;,"Jul 8, 1991 Aw Page 7-9",Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,,
"Bible,","Imagine a library of 66 books written by about 40 different people over a period of 1,600 years. Three languages were used by writers who lived in a number of lands. All the writers had different personalities, abilities, and backgrounds. But when the books they wrote were eventually gathered together, it turned out that, really, they made up just one great book following one basic theme from beginning to end.","That is hard to imagine, is it not? Yet, the Bible is just such a library.",2 Tim 3:16;,Gm Page 149,Does Your Hope Rest On Science Or The Bible?,80,,1998/08/19,
"Bible,","The Bible has been likened to a mirror, and people are urged to peer into it.","The Bible, properly understood and used, has deep, incisive analytical power that will not only show up what you are as a person but even reveal your motives and attitudes. Thus, Paul wrote: 'The word of God is alive and exerts power and is sharper than any two-edged sword . . .  and is able to discern thoughts and intentions of the heart.' God's Word goes even further by providing guidance as to what is truly right and what is truly wrong.-Hebrews 4:12; 5:14.",James 1:23-25,G91 7/8 7-8,Does Your Hope Rest On Science Or The Bible?,80,,1994/05/07,
"Bible,",The Bible is a precious gift from God. It is like a letter from a loving father to his children.,It tells us the truth about God-who he is and what he stands for. It explains how to cope with problems and how to find true happiness. The Bible alone tells us what we must do to please God.,"Psalm 1:1-3; Isaiah 48:17, 18;",Require Brochure Page 3,Does Your Hope Rest On Science Or The Bible?,80,,1996/06/10,
"Bible,",The Bible is like a letter from a loving father to his children.,It tells us about God's promise to bring about a better life.  It gives practical advise about how to deal successfully with our problems now.   It tells us how to find a measure of happiness now.,"2 Tim 3:16, 17;","Nov 15, 1995 Wt Page 7",Does Your Hope Rest On Science Or The Bible?,80,,1996/01/14,
"Bible,","The Bible is like the pieces of a puzzle.  When the pieces are put together, a picture is formed.","The more pieces, the bigger and clearer the picture becomes and the more appreciation a person develops.",Ps. 119:110,"Jun 15, 2000 Wt Page 24; Lawrence Bowen; Gilead Instructor",Does Your Hope Rest On Science Or The Bible?,80,,"Jun 6, 2000",
"Bible,","We know where we were an hour ago, a day ago, a week ago.  Most of us know how old we are, and can relate major events of our lifetime.  We know how we got where we are right now.  But what about the distant past before our time?  Dates? Experiences?",The Bible is a book of truthful historical dates. Gregorian calendar is a yardstick only 400 years old.  The Bible has been keeping record for many thousands of years.,Is 46:10;,"Aug 15, 1968 Wt Page 488",Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,,
"Bible,","What do you think of when you think of a 'Fort?' Something solid, unmovable, that can stand against adversity? Many today are content to set their standards or to adjust to whatever concept of right or wrong that comes along.",We have the need to fortify our mind.  The way to do this is to allow Jehovah's Word to strengthen us. Need to maintain a consistent and unwavering course.,Isa. 41:10,"Mar 22, 1967 Aw Page 32",Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,,
"Bible,",Who can move about with confidence in the dark? World has turned to false guides.,The Word of God is like a bright light shining in a dark place.,Isa. 60:2; Ps. 119:105; John 8:12; 2 Pet. 3:13;,"Oct 1, 1964 Wt Page 592",Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,,
"Bible, Absolute Dates,","English traveler, walked thru scenic woods and streams, noticed meters clearly marked on signs, but stopped at bridge.  Wondered how far he had went.  Had to measure back in feet, then convert meters (on signposts) to feet, if he trusted the signposts.","In determining where we are on pathway of time, it will not solve problem to translate ancient calendars into modern ones. Must measure back to signpost (absolute dates) adjust from there.",Is 46:10;,"Aug 15, 1968 Wt Page 490",Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,,
"Bible, Adjustment, Focus, Confusion,","There's a story about two men who could not read.  Yet, they always picked up the newspaper and commented on it.  One day one of them picked up the paper up-side-down and looked at the picture.  He commented to the other, 'They have really had a bad storm there.'",Sometimes it is not others who are out of focus.  Sometimes it is us who need to be adjusted.  Jehovah's Word brings us back into adjustment. Jehovah's ways are always adjusted right.,"2 Tim 3:16, 17;",Bobby Laymon,Why Live By Bible Standards?,88,,1994/09/06,
"Bible, Apply, Dig, Research,",Hold a glass of water at arm's length.  Can you get any nourishment from this glass at this distance?,Likewise with the Bible.  We must get close to it.  Dig into it.  Research it.  Visualize what we read.,Prov. 2:1-4;,Shan Shanifer,"Come, You Who Thirst For The Truth!",89,,1998/11/02,
"Bible, Appreciation, Reading,","In our homes we have a variety of rooms.  Some are full of sunshine, some are warm and inviting---refreshing.  Other are for relaxation and rest.  Then there is the basement which is deep, but safe during storms.","Reading the Bible is like that.  Some of it is very deep, but precious for life.  Some of it is lively, refreshing, and relaxing.  Other chapters are like warm sunshine.  We should become well acquainted with all it's parts.",2 Sam. 23:2;,Jinny Berry,Basis For Confidence In The Bible's Divine Authorship.,124,,1998/03/20,
"Bible, Archaeology,","'The spade ... has fed the tribes of mankind.  It has furnished them water, coal, iron and gold.  And now it is giving them truth -- historic truth.'  Quote: Oliver Wendell Holmes, Noted American jurist.",The spade of archaeology has and does shed light on the Bible book of Genesis. Also helped to remove the 'stumbling blocks' set up by critics.,Ge. 2:7-14; 8:4; Ac. 17:26; Ge. 11:1-9;,"Oct 8, 1967 Aw Page 4-8, 27",Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,,
"Bible, Archaeology, Geography,",'There kept hammering in my brain this one sentence: 'The Bible is right after all.'' (Werner Keller in The Bible As History)  brought back to the light of day.  They look exactly as the,"In Palestine, place and towns mentioned in the Bible are being Bible describes them and lie exactly where the Bible locates them.","De 34:4; 1ki 4:24, 25; Josh 23:14;","Sep 15, 1968 Wt Page 560",Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,,
"Bible, Armageddon,","Pilot; cruising along on auto-pilot, suddenly finds himself in a severe storm.  Loses part of equipment; and must fly manually. Will he trust his own judgment and fly by 'seat of his pants' or keep communication with the tower.","We are approaching a severe storm.  Will we trust our own judgment, or rely on Jehovah.","Ps 119:105; Re 16:14, 16; Mt 24: 21;",Al Larue,Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,,
"Bible, Association, Meetings,","A good swimmer knows that to swim alone is to invite trouble. We need God's word. We need the meetings, and association. All mean our life.",Common sense is not enough to guide thru life's troubled waters. A day of fun can be changed into folly.,Ps. 119:110; Prov. 18:1;,"Jun 8, 1963 Aw Page 32",Choose Your Associates Wisely!,116,,,
"Bible, Authentic,","Like a rope.  Each strand is strong, but when all are taken together, they are unbreakable.",The Bible is like that.,2 Ti 3:16;,The Bible--god's Word Or Man's  Page 12,Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,,
"Bible, Author,",A person can sit in his home and receive messages from a faraway place by means of radio or a television set. Voices and pictures travel long distances by use of Jehovah's physical laws.,Jehovah can easily direct men to write down information he want men to know.,2 Sam. 23:2; 2 Tim. 3:16; Genesisesis. 2:26-28;,You Can Live Forever In Paradise On Earth. Page 49,Respect For Authority Is A Safeguard For You,12,,,
"Bible, Author, Authority,","A businessman uses a secretary to write a letter. The secretary writes the letter, but the letter contains the thoughts and idea of the businessman. So it is his letter, not the secretary's.","Jehovah used about 40 men to write the Bible, but it is His book.",2 Sam. 23:2; 2 Tim. 3:16; Genesisesis. 2:26-28;,You Can Live Forever In Paradise On Earth. Page 49,Respect For Authority Is A Safeguard For You,12,,,
"Bible, Balance, World, Problems, Decisions, Coping,","We are told to keep our 'eye on the ball,' 'our ear to the ground,' and our 'nose to the grindstone.'  All this with 'our chin up,' 'a level head,' and 'both feet on the ground.'  Quote:  Joseph Wengert, D.O.","In today's world, sometimes it is hard to maintain balance.  However, the Scriptures will help us.",Gal 6:5;,Joseph Wengert D. O.,Decisions You Face--how Will You Make Them?,50,,1996/04/29,
"Bible, Book Of Proverbs",Like owners manual with new car. Must follow instructions in order to keep guarantee in effect. Would not want to turn to manual only 'when all else fails' Would not pay thousands of dollars for new car and then decide to write our own manual.,Should read God's Word the Bible daily.  Manufacturer knows best. Life most valuable possession. Jah source of life and manufacturer,"Prov. 3:5,6",Joe Laymon,Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,,
"Bible, Books, Literature, Pornography,",'Only two classes of books are of universal appeal: the very best and the very worst.' Quote: Ford Maddox Ford.,"Among the most widely distributed books the in world are those (Bible, Truth book, and so forth) advocating that Kingdom.  Their circulation exceeds all others.",Ecclesiastes 12:12;,Bobby Laymon,How The Kingdom Of God Affects You,42,,1995/08/16,
"Bible, Boredom, Boring,","'It is the best book that ever was or will be in the world, because it teaches you the best lessons by which any human creature ... can possibly be guided.'  Quote: Charles Dickens.","There is no doubt about it.  The Bible is a sure guide toward a meaningful life.  From beginning to end, it makes a point that God gave man meaningful work to do.  It does not leave room for boredom.",Ps 119:110;,"Jan 22, 1995 Aw Page 6",Can You Live Forever?--will You?,35,,1994/12/15,
"Bible, Candor, Responsibility, Zeal,","'The buck stops here.'  Quote:  Sign on the desk of Harry S. Truman, former president of the United States.","With God's Word, the 'buck' really does stop there.  Bible writers did not sidestep the issues or blame others for their mistakes, but truthfully recorded them.",Nu 20:24;,Bobby Laymon,Does Your Hope Rest On Science Or The Bible?,80,,1996/01/20,
"Bible, Chapter, Verse,","Division of chapter and verses of Bible. (Dates) About 1250 A.D. divided into chapters by Cardinal Hugo de Sancto Caro. In 1545 Robert Stephens, a French printer divided into verses.",For information First complete English Bible to have both was the Geneva Bible published in 1560. Most use the same divisions today.,2ti 3:16,"Feb 1, 1963 Wt Page 88",Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,,
"Bible, Christendom,","Old fiddle, which you can play any old tune on. Jesus in Sermon on the Mount made 21 quotations. Paul at Rom. 15:7-13 made 4 quotations. Jehovah's Witnesses use Scriptures within context, and full",Christendom's view of Bible harmony with entire Bible.,2 Tim. 3:16,"Jan 22, 1959 Aw Page 25, 26",Religion's Role In World Affairs.,92,,,
"Bible, Christendom, Honor, Traditions, Truth, Myths, Science, Legends,","The clergy and people generally give the Bible a place of honor, make it the best seller, have it in their museums, and pay prices for rare copies that are far higher than any other printed book draws. They have it in their homes, they place it in hotel rooms, swear on it in court and use it to administer oaths of office, Bible societies distribute it world-wide, Their politicians love to quote it.","Despite their shallow lip-service to the Bible and their circulation of it booming into the billions, Christendom's populations are not edified by it. Their leaders have actually killed the Bible in the minds of many by the publicized statements that it is unscientific, contradictory, mere legend and myth, and oftentimes they have made it seem ridiculous and void by their false creeds and traditions.","Mt 25:40, 45;",W51 6/1 328,Does Your Hope Rest On Science Or The Bible?,80,,1994/07/08,
"Bible, Clergy, Christendom, Religion, Knowledge, Decisions,",Like tossing a coin to decide which turn to take each time you come to an intersection. The Bible points out there is only one road leading to life.,Great danger in drawing wrong conclusions from the Bible.,Matt. 7:14; 1 Thessalonians 5:21; Ps. 119:105;,"Mar 1, 1964 Wt Page 136",Religion's Time Of Judgment,83,,,
"Bible, Clergy, Christendom, Religion, Knowledge.",Like taking a long journey in the dark of night without a road map and without a light. The Bible points out there is only one road leading to live.,Great danger in drawing wrong conclusions from the Bible.,Matt. 7:14; 1 Thessalonians 5:21; Ps. 119:105;,"Mar 1, 1964 Wt Page 136",Religion's Time Of Judgment,83,,,
"Bible, Clergy, Christendom, Truth, Contradiction,","'Both read the Bible day and night, But thou reads' black where I read white.  Quote: William Blake.","Nations of Christendom do not read the Bible as Jehovah's people do.  Hearers of word will become peace-lovers, and beat their swords into plowshares.",Isa 2:1-5;,Bobby Laymon,Never Become Dull In Your Hearing,9,,1995/07/18,
"Bible, Comfort, Peace, Contentment, Groaning,","In ancient times a shepherd tending his flock would often break the night's stillness with a musical instrument and entertain himself.  He could draw comfort; stir his emotions, produce a soothing effect, feeling of peace and contentment.","The psalmist said of Jehovah's rules, 'Melodies your regulations have become to me..'  As music can sooth a person and produce a feeling of contentment, so too does the Word of God.","Ps 119:54, 55; Ps 33:1-4; 77:6;","Jul 15 1968 Wt Page 430   (entered Jan 6, 1992)",Gaining Comfort In All Our Tribulations,105,,,
"Bible, Communication, Inspiration,","COMMUNICATION is more fascinating today than at any other time  in history. Telephones, fax machines, computers--years ago who could have imagined a time when messages would be transmitted virtually anywhere around the world instantly?","But the most intriguing kind of communication is one that man cannot master--divine inspiration. Jehovah inspired some 40 human writers to produce his written Word, the Holy Bible. Just as humans have more than one means of communication available to them, so Jehovah used several methods of communication to inspire the Scriptures.",Isaiah 37:6; Jeremiah 2:2; Ezekiel 11:5; Amos 1:3; Micah 2:3; Nahum 1:12,"Jun 15, 1997 Wt Page 4",Why Live By Bible Standards?,88,,1997/06/17,
"Bible, Communication, Prophets, Prayer,",On a telephone: The user makes a call; Then it goes thru the transmitter; into the lines; to the hearer.,Jehovah is the originator (user) of his word.  Jesus Christ is the transmitter; thru the holy spirit (lines) to Jehovah's prophets (hearer) so the message is understood by His people.,"Mt 24:3, 14, 34; Ps 90:10;",Joe Bounds,Prayers That Are Heard By God.,86,,,
"Bible, Condensed,","People are interested in condensed records today.  There are micro-films, tiny computer chips, works like Reader's Digest, etc. These give simple, direct information, 'weeding out' unnecessary details.","The Bible is one of the best examples of condensed work.  The opening statements of Genesis contains thousands of years of events.  Jesus life is a good example, however 4 witnesses aid us to find variations.  We should never question God's judgment.","John 20:30, 31; Deuteronomy 19:15; Matt 18:16; John 6:53-66","Nov 22, 1969 Aw Page 27",Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,,
"Bible, Consonant, Vowels, Jehovah,","Suppose the word 'building' began to be written 'bldg' and that in time, the word was never pronounced.  How would a person living 1000 years from now know how to pronounce 'bldg' when he saw it in writing?  He might think it was 'bulldog' (Warren Satterfield","It is similar with God's name.  It is not known exactly how it was pronounced, even though some scholars think 'Yahweh' is correct. Another example: 'ltd' for 'limited.'",Ps. 83:18;,Live Forever Book Page 43   Si Book Page 311,Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,,
"Bible, Counsel, Advise,","Advise is the stock in trade, for lawyers, doctors, ministers social workers, lovelorn columnist, witch doctors, crystal ball gazers. Ideal counsel must be convenient, understandable, available to all and inexpensive. Should be absolutely correct.","There is a demand for counsel, and many are willing to give it.","Luke 21:25, 26; 2 Tim. 3:1; Jer. 2:13;","Jan 15, 1963 Wt Page 37",Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,,
"Bible, Creation, Earth, Designer,","HACKING his way through the jungle in Cambodia, Henri Mouhot, a 19th century French explorer, reached a broad moat surrounding a temple. Half a mile from where he stood, the five towers of the temple soared more than 200 feet into the air.  It was Angkor Wat, the largest religious monument on earth.  It had already withstood the elements for seven centuries when Mouhot discovered it.  Mouhot could tell at a glance that the moss-covered structures were the work of human hands.  'Erected by some ancient Michelangelo, it is grander than anything left to us by Greece or Rome,' he wrote.  Despite their having been abandoned for centuries, he had no doubt that behind the magnificent structures, there was a designer.","Interestingly, a book of wisdom written centuries ago used similar reasoning to explain why the world around us must be the product of a Designer.  It must have been created.",Heb. 3:4;,"May 1, 1998 Wt Page 3",Appreciating Marvels Of God's Creation,114,,1998/03/24,
"Bible, Creation, Organization,","Like spider web first makes framework from one bush to another then he spins it around and around from spoke to spoke making beautiful spiral of shiny sticky thread, but both spiral and spoke make up harmonious whole.",Bible made 66 books over time period thousands of years but is  one book in harmony.,Ps. 104:24; 2 Tim. 3:16;,"Johnse Laymon Aug 22, 1965 Aw Pg 5",Jehovah--the Grand Creator,101,,,
"Bible, Decisions,","Like a high beam and a low beam on an automobile.  The low beam lets you see up close, thru fog, etc.  The high beam lets you see in the distance.",God's Word is a 'lamp' allowing us to see what is beneath our feet but is also a 'light' helping with decisions 'down the road.',Ps 119:105;,Gary Breaux (District Overseer),Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,,
"Bible, Devotion, Dedication, Study, Meditation, Reading,","If you got a new car and only put gas in it one time, what would happen.  We might even pretend we were putting gas into it, going through the motions, and fool other people.  Yet, what would eventually happen.","It is the same with Godly devotion.  We must continue to renew our spiritual fuel supply, by reading, study, meditation of God's word.",1 Tim 4:8;,Lawton Bell,Taking Time To Meditate On Spiritual Things,67,,1995/05/29,
"Bible, Earth, Paradise,","First come, first served.",Those now coming to Jehovah are beings served food for life.,"Jeremiah. 11:20; Ps. 96:13; Matt. 7:1, 2; 25:40, 45; Matt. 12:36;",Bobby Laymon,Ruining The Earth Brings Divine Retribution,106,,,
"Bible, Education, Purpose, Intelligence, School,","'The greater the intellectual progress of (a people), the more fully possible will it also become to employ the Bible both as the foundation and as the instrument of education.'  Quote: Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. (German writer)",Many secular authorities regard the Bible as the best education.  A study of it will better equip you for life tan will any others education.,Prov 2:6-17; 2 Tim 3:14-17;,"Dec 1, 1996 Wt Page 17;",Who Are Qualified As Ministers Of God?,81,,1996/11/05,
"Bible, Education, Study, Career,","If a person takes a computer course for a few months and never uses it in secular work, it has not harmed him.  He still has that knowledge for life.","In like manner, if a young person takes a Bible course, he may never use it, but he has that knowledge to apply in his personal life.  He has not been harmed in any way.  (Use to help interested persons to see the need to study the Bible.)",2 Tim 3:16;,Bill Osbeck C. O.,WILL YOU BE A SURVIVOR OF THE LAST DAYS?,2,,1994/08/22,6/2/2025
"Bible, Education, Study, Career,","If a young lady spends a thousand dollars and takes a course in cosmetology, and never uses it to fix anyone else's hair, she still has that knowledge and can apply it in her personal life.  It has not harmed, but helped her.","In like manner, if she takes the time to study God's Word for a year and never uses it to talk to anyone else, her time is not wasted.  She still has the personal knowledge to help her make decisions in life.  (Use to encourage new ones to see importance of studying the Bible)",2 Tim 3:16;,Bill Osbeck C. O.,WILL YOU BE A SURVIVOR OF THE LAST DAYS?,2,,1994/08/22,6/2/2025
"Bible, Experience, Lesson,",Old sayings have the experience of time.,Time-tested is a good method. Bible has that experience.,"Rom. 15:3; Heb. 12:2, 3; Ecclesiastes. 9:11",Bobby Laymon,Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,,
"Bible, Experience, Lesson,",Oliver's Law: Experience is something you don't get until just after you need it.,"If we wait for experience, it may be too late. Bible gives it now.","Rom. 15:3; Heb. 12:2, 3; Ecclesiastes. 9:11",Bobby Laymon,Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,,
"Bible, Faith, Believe, Doubt,",People spend millions of dollars on self-help books and professional counseling.,"While the advice thus found may sometimes be helpful, a Christian's faith leads him to a far better source of aid.  A Christian's faith is the guarantee that such divine aid will be provided.  It is provided through God's Word.","Jas 1:5, 6;",W85 10/15 25,Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,1994/07/25,
"Bible, Faith, Believe, Doubt,",THE Bible is not a book of doubt but a book of faith.,"It does not raise questions such as, Does God exist? Or, Is the Bible his Word? To the contrary, it opens with the statement: 'In the  beginning God created.' - Genesis 1:1; 2 Peter 1:21.",2 Pet. 1:21,W84 6/1 7,Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,1994/07/25,
"Bible, Faith, Doubt, Christendom, Babylon, Know, Worship,","God thus becomes an omnipotent servant, a universal bell-hop, to cater to man's every caprice; faith becomes a sure-fire device to get what we petulantly and peevishly crave.  God is made to serve, or rather to sub serve man, to sub serve his every purpose and enterprise whether it be economic prosperity, free enterprise, security, or peace of mind.","This reduction of God from master to slave has reached its height, or rather its depth of blasphemy, in the cult of the Man Upstairs-the friendly neighbor-god who dwells in the apartment just above. Call on him any time-especially if you are feeling blue. He does not get the least bit upset with your faults and failings and, as for your sins, not only does he not remember them . . . but the very word and concept of sin have been abolished.'",Heb 10:31;,W59 1/15 55,How Well Do You Know God?,1,,1994/07/25,
"Bible, Faith, Doubt, Christendom, Babylon, Know, Worship,","To many adherents of popular religion God is just a 'Good Guy' or the 'Man Upstairs.' 'All sense of awe before the divine majesty, all sense of judgment before the divine holiness,' says Herberg, 'is shut out; God is, in Jane Russell's inimitable phrase, a 'living' Doll.'",The measure of how far contemporary American religiosity falls short of the authentic tradition of the Jewish-Christian faith is to be found in the chasm that separates Jane Russell's 'living' Doll' from the living  God of Scripture.',Heb 10:31;,W59 1/15 54-5,How Well Do You Know God?,1,,1994/07/25,
"Bible, Faith, Doubt, Knowledge, Romans","'The more you 'chew' it, the more 'nutritious' it is.'","Have you personally read Romans? Or, have you repeatedly read it? The latter is a better question, for it has been said that in Romans we find Paul's most comprehensive presentation of the good news. So Romans merits repeated readings!","Ro 1:1; Ps 1:1, 2;",W82 9/15 29,Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,1994/07/25,
"Bible, Faith, Doubt, Survivors, Persecution, Promises,",'Hitler is the only one who has kept his promises.'  Quote: a surviving Jew in the concentration camps.,"Writer Philip Yancy explains: 'Some survivors lost their faith in God. Jews, especially, were susceptible: raised to believe that they had  been chosen people, they suddenly discovered as stated above.",Heb 11:1;,W81 6/15 6,Bearing Up Under Persecution,57,,1994/07/25,
"Bible, Faith, Science,","A small team of mountain climbers struggled to be the first to reach the peak of the world's largest mountain.  As they pulled themselves to the top, exhausted, they looked around and noticed there were Bible students already there, for some time.",Of all the greatest scientific discoveries; The Bible had it had it first.  Examples: Archaeology; Astronomy; Botany; Anatomy etc.,"Genesis 15:1-4; 16:1, 2; Job 26:7; Is 40:22; Jonah 4:10; Ge 2:7","See Creation Book Page 200, 201",Does Your Hope Rest On Science Or The Bible?,80,,,
"Bible, Faith, Worship, Hope,","How many things served us yesterday for articles of faith, which today are fables to us!",God's word reveals the truth to us.,Prov. 4:18; Ps. 119:105; 2 Pet:2:19; 37:25; Josh. 23:14;,Bobby Laymon,Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,,
"Bible, Freedom,",Quote: Horace Greeley; 'It is impossible to enslave mentally or socially a Bible-reading people.  The principles of the Bible are the groundwork of human freedom.',Must read and know the Bible.,Ps. 119:165,"Oct 15, 1961 Wt Page 611",Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,,
"Bible, Future, Prophecy, History,",'The historian is a prophet in reverse.'  Quote: Friedrich von Schlegel Athenaeum. [1798-1800].,"Many historians have looked at the history of Christianity, and concluded that Bible prophecies are right.  HISTORIAN Edward Gibbon wrote regarding early Christians in the Roman Empire: 'It was impossible that the Christians...could assume the character of soldiers... or of princes'.",John 15:19;,Bobby Laymon,The Messiah's Presence And His Rule,91,,1995/07/18,
"Bible, Future, Trust, Predictions,","'Are thousands of people every day baring their souls to gifted amateurs who are really just making it up as they go along?'  Quote: The Sunday Times of London, regarding columnist who offer advice in many national newspapers.","Bible writers were not just making it up as they went along.  They recorded trustworthy, God-inspired advice that has stood the test of time.","2 Tim 3:16, 17;","Feb 8, 1996 Aw Page 10;",,,,1996/01/14,
"Bible, Genius, Books, Literature,","'To say nothing of its holiness or authority, the Bible contains more specimens of genius and taste than any other volume in existence.' Quote: -Walter S. Candor.",It is professionally written and is the best of literature.,Heb 4:12;,Bobby Laymon,Does Your Hope Rest On Science Or The Bible?,80,,1995/08/25,
"Bible, Good News,",'Nothing in fine print is ever good news.'  Quote: Andy Rooney on 60 minutes.  CBS.,Jehovah's word has been published in many forms.  It is always good news.,Matt 24:14;,Bobby Laymon - Reader's Digest,Good News In A Violent World,85,,1996/03/18,
"Bible, Governments, Power, Might, Persecution,","'The pen is mightier than the sword.'  Expressed by more than one well known figure of history, Napoleon & Benjamin Franklin, being among that number.","Modern totalitarian governments have tried hard to disprove that and have almost succeeded, but not quite.  One notable exception is God's Word the Bible.",2 Tim. 2:9; Heb. 4:12; John 6:63; Heb. Chapter 11; Jer. 20:9,"May 15, 1967 Wt Page 291",Bearing Up Under Persecution,57,,,
"Bible, Greed,","Men have toiled, fought, thieved, died in pursuit of precious gems For centuries worked under ground in dark, murky mines. Used dangerous explosives. Fortunes have been made in a single day. 'green fever' from slipping emerald past guards.",There is a wealth much more precious.,2 Tim. 3:16,"Aug 22, 1962 Aw Page 21",Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,,
"Bible, Guidance, Direction,",Just as man was created with the need to eat food and drink water.,He was also created with the need for God's guidance.,Jer. 10:23;,You Can Live Forever In Paradise On Earth. Page 103,Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,,
"Bible, Guidance, Direction, Bible, Compass, Light,",'The world needs a compass better than simple appeals to democracy and markets--but there is none to hand.'  Quote: Will Hutton in Guardian Weekly.,"From the human standpoint, that statement might seem true.  The world appears to be lacking a religious compass.  However, God's Word is a reliable instrument, that we can depend on.",Jer 10:23;,"Sep 8, 1995 Aw Page 12",Why Live By Bible Standards?,88,,1995/08/04,
"Bible, Guide,","If you stop eating, what will eventually happen to you?  Of course, you will get weak and die.  It is a law of life that you must take in food to stay alive.",There is a law governing human behavior and it is just as binding as the one on food.  Man must live on 'every utterance coming forth through Jehovah's mouth.',"Mt 4:4; Jer 10:23, 24; 2ti 3:16;","Jan 8, 1968 Aw Page 15",Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,,
"Bible, Guide,","Surely the inventor of a machine knows best how it should operate.  If one ignores the specifications for operating it, the machine breaks down.","The Creator of man, Jehovah God, knows for a certainty how human society should operate.  They have been going down, like a body without food, like a rock hurtling downhill.","Jer 10:23, 24; Mt 4:4; 2ti 3:16; Jer 8:9; Pr 16:25; Ps 127:1;","Jan 8, 1968 Aw Page 16",Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,,
"Bible, Guide, World, Darkness,",You are taking a walk in the woods.  In the daylight it is fine.  In the darkness it is ominous.  We wish we had a flashlight to use to guide us out.,The world around us is the darkened forest.  Do we use the Bible as a flashlight or practical guide to light our path out of the forest?,Ps 119:105;,Charles Francis,Decisions You Face--how Will You Make Them?,50,,1994/12/25,
"Bible, Happiness, Sorrow, Joy,",'No road to happiness or sorrow.' Quote: Chinese proverb.,Negative: Bible is road map.  Highway there.,Ps 119:110  Isa 35:,Chinese Proverb,Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,,
"Bible, Harmony, Contradictions,","New York harbor described as murky green, dark gray, and deep blue. None are  incorrect because sky, light, cause be different colors at different times",Those recording events of Jesus life describe different color robe,John 19:2   Matt.27:28,"Mar 22, 1965 Aw ;Johnse Laymon",Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,,
"Bible, History, Chronicles, Kings, Prophecy,","When I was growing up everyone canned fruit and vegetables in fruit jars.  It was hard work.  Picking, peeling, cleaning, washing jars, and putting them into the canner.  But in the winter, it paid off.  We would open them up.  There were all kinds of goodies.  There were peaches, blackberry jam, grape jelly, apple butter, even watermelon preserves.  Even years later we would open them and they were perfectly preserved and nutritious.",Jehovah's word is like that.  Writers such as Ezra worked carefully to make sure events and prophecies were perfectly preserved.  We have seen many of these opened up to understanding and benefited from them.  We appreciate the hard work others did in our behalf.,Rom. 15:4;,Bobby Laymon,Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,"Feb 8, 2001",
"Bible, History, Prophecy,","Sometimes men design 'time capsules' filled with articles from the present generation, to be opened hundreds of years in the future. Some are even sent to other planets in the universe.  Objects are sometimes recordings of rock & roll, country, western music, and clothing.  How much can they learn?","We have a 'time capsule' sent down from thousands of years ago. We can learn from the prayers, and humility of Jehovah's servants. Also the good examples, and to avoid the course of the bad ones. (Talk on 1 Kings)","1 Ki 3:7-9, 12-14; 8:23, 26;13:1-3; 2ki 23:14",Bobby Laymon,Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,,
"Bible, Hope, Everlasting, Eternity,","'The Bible is a window in this prison of hope, through which we look into eternity.' Quote: -John Sullivan Dwight.",Science can only make calculated guesses about the future but the Bible foretells the future with accuracy.,"Heb 4:12; Jeremiah 49:16-18; Zephaniah 2:13,14;",Bobby Laymon,Does Your Hope Rest On Science Or The Bible?,80,,1995/08/25,
"Bible, Information, Translations, Languages, New World Translation,","The United Bible Societies announced that during 1992, parts of the Bible have been translated into 31 more languages; so the total number of languages in which at least one book of the Bible is available reached 2,009.  Soon this number will increase because the UBC is translating parts of the Bible into 419 additional languages.",Total number of Bibles produced in whole or in part by the Watchtower Bible & Tract Society numbered over 83 million.,2ti 3:16;,"Oct 22, 1993 Aw Page 28",Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,,
"Bible, Inspired,","'Borne along' is used in Greek with reference to ships that are moved along on a certain course by the wind. (Compare Acts 27:15, 17.) Thus, as a wind blows and moves a sailing ship...","... So the Bible writers thought, spoke, and wrote under God's influence, borne along by his holy spirit as he 'breathed' on them.","Acts 27:15, 17",W88 2/1 3-4,Does Your Hope Rest On Science Or The Bible?,80,,1998/11/01,
"Bible, Inspired, Writers,","As men today use secretaries to write letters, and dictate what to say, they are really the authors of the letter. inspired Word.","Jehovah used about 40 men in writing the Bible, yet it is His",2 Tim. 3:16;,Peter Book,Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,,
"Bible, Instruction,","Referring to the instruction book for her sewing machine, the house- wife was able to get her difficulty cleared up.  She asked her friend, 'Do you not think that the God who made us would give us a book of instructions that we can refer to when we have problems?'","Would it not be reasonably that God, the Maker of man, would give instruction that would benefit humans if they followed these instructions?  The Bible is that book of instructions.","2pe 1:21; Daniel 12:4, 8-10; 2ti 3:16;",Our Problems - Who Will Help Us Solve Them?  Page 24,Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,,
"Bible, Interpretation","Two people are looking at an interpretive art , the canvas is blank except for 1 black dot in the middle.  I don't  understand what the artist is trying to say one say's to the other.  Other say's it represents man's aloneness in the universe.  Sounded like a good interpretation, until the dot flew away.","Only the creator of something knows what their trying to express. Man tries to interpret the Bible to suite themselves, or try to guess at meanings.  Jehovah is the creator, the interpretation belongs to him and he make it known to those seeking him...(i.e. Bible truths)","2pet.1:20,21",Scott Rudolph,,,,1996/08/11,
"Bible, Jehovah, Children,","Proper diet; If left to own choice, many youngsters would eat only candy, ice cream and cake. Be only temporary, for in time they would die. We must not develop a know-it-all, or couldn't-care-less attitude,",With proper training develop appetite for nourishing foods. but listen to Jehovah.,Jer. 10:23; Matt. 6:9;,"Oct 8, 1963 Aw Page 22",Make Jehovah Your Confidence,70,,,
"Bible, Jesus, History,","'There is more evidence that Jesus Christ existed than there is that Julius Caesar, Emperor Charlemagne, Oliver Cromwell, or Pope Leo III lived.'",The Bible contains the most accurate history of any book in existence.,"Luke 3:1, 2;",What Is The Purpose Of Life?  Page 13,Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,,
"Bible, Jesus, Mary, New World Translation.","Jesus still tied to Mary's apron strings?? 'What wouldst thou have me do, woman?' Even though he was 30 years old at the time, misrepresents Jesus.",According to some translations.,John 2:4,"Dec 15, 1963 Wt Page 761",'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
"Bible, Knowledge, Discernment,","People dig into the ground merely to bring up rocks.  They may find a quarry of limestone, or marble.  These are valuable for building purposes, and are profitable to bring up.","When we read the Bible, we are digging into a valuable quarry of knowledge that will provide the building blocks of spiritual discernment.",1 Cor 14:20; Heb 5:14; 1 Cor 2:10;,"Sep 1, 1995 Wt Page 20",Why Live By Bible Standards?,88,,1995/07/31,
"Bible, Knowledge, Lack, Organization,","'Matthew, Mark, Luke and John.  Bought a horse and all got on.'",That is the extent of our knowledge before learning the truth.  Jehovah has taught us much through his organization.,Hab. 1:2; 2:3;,"Gary Wells, D.O.",Serving With Jehovah's Unified Organization,3,,"Apr 13, 2002",
"Bible, Knowledge, Wisdom, Discernment, Jesus Christ,",Attaining knowledge can be likened to an open mine.  We do not have to hunt around a vast area wondering where to start digging.,"We already know -- real knowledge begins with what the Bible reveals about Jesus Christ.  To fully appreciate his role in Jehovah's purpose, all we have to do is dig ever deeper, lifting out more of the gems or precious things available from this source where we have already dug.",Col 2:3; Prov 2:1-5;,"Dec 15, 1994 Wt Page 15 Par 10",How Well Do You Know God?,1,,1994/11/09,
"Bible, Knowledge, Wisdom, Understanding,","Our mind is not like a 'sack,' or a 'bucket.' He will give us knowledge, but we must search for it.",Jehovah does not miraculously open our minds and pour in an understanding of matters. He does not take possession of us as the demons do and control our mind.,"Prov. 2:1-9; Dan. 12:8,9; 1 Pet. 1:10-12;","Sep 15, 1967 Wt Page 555",Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,,
"Bible, Knowledge, Wisdom, Understanding, Free Will,",The minds of Adam and Eve were not printed circuits that could only produce predetermined thoughts or results on a given stimulus. Neither were they robots controlled from heaven. Animals act by instinct; act very little different than ancestors.,Man has a marvelous faculty of reasoning. Right and wrong were not to be learned by 'trial and error' method.,Prov. 3:1-7; 25:28; 1 Cor. 2:11;,"Sep 15, 1967 Wt Page 556",Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,,
"Bible, Language, New World Translation, William Tyndale, King James Version","Quote: 'If God spare my life, ere many years I will cause a boy who drives the plow to know more of the Scriptures than you do.' by William Tyndale speaking to religious opponents. Compare KJV vs. NWT: Gen. 31:7; Ex. 9:31; Judg. 2:14; 1 Sam. 8:12",The Bible needs to be in the language of the people. Matt. 6:6; Mark 2:3; Rom. 4:17; 1 Cor. 10:25; 2 Thess. 2:7,John 17:3;,All Scripture Is Inspired Of God.  Page 328,'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
"Bible, Languages,","Information only:  Scriptures now in 2,123 languages.",see article.,2 Tim 3:16;,"Nov 8, 1996 Aw Page 28;",Does Your Hope Rest On Science Or The Bible?,80,,1996/11/06,
"Bible, Law, Education,","'I studied law for five years at one of the best universities in Spain, but what I learned when I began studying the Bible was far superior.'  Quote: Julio, a law student.",'The university taught me how to study; the Bible taught me how to live.',Isa 30:20;,"Sep 15, 1994 Wt Page 27",Evidence Of God In The World Around Us,4,,1994/08/22,
"Bible, Laws, Literature,","'While romances, legends and false testimony are careful to place the events related in some distant place and some indefinite time, thereby violating the first rules we lawyers learn of good pleading, ...' Quote: A Lawyer examines the Bible",'... the Bible narratives give us the date and place of the things related with the utmost precision.'  (end of quote),"Luke 3:1, 2;",What Is The Purpose Of Life?  Page 13,How To Express Love In A Lawless World,112,,,
"Bible, Letter, Inspired,","When people hear a voice on the radio it is from someone far away. They cannot see him, but they can hear what he says, can't they? Men can even go all the way to the moon in their spaceships, and they can send messages back to the earth from there.","If men can do that, can God send messages from heaven?-Of course he can! And he did it long before men had radio and television.  When we get a letter from someone that we love very much, we read it again and again. It is precious to us. That is the way the Bible should be to us, because it is a letter from the One who loves us most. It is a letter from God.","2 Timothy 3:16, 17; 2 Peter 1:20, 21; Romans 15:4.",Te 11-12  2,Does Your Hope Rest On Science Or The Bible?,80,,1994/12/01,
"Bible, Life, Death, Obedience, Righteousness, Faith, Resurrection,","'Teach me to live, that I may dread.  The grave as little as my bed.' Quote: Bishop Thomas Ken.",Bible knowledge frees one from fear of eternal torment.,"Psalm 146:3, 4; Ecclesiastes 9:5, 10;",Bobby Laymon,What Happens When We Die?,127,,1995/06/27,
"Bible, Life, Future, Purpose, Creation, Evolution,","A man in a train depot noticed a large crowd around a goat. He inquired about what was wrong.  The goat ate his 'destination' tag was the reply.  We don't know how he got here, why he is here and what is worse, we don't know where he is going.",The Bible tells us where life came from; why we are here; and what the future holds. Most persons are like the goat.  Are you?,2 Sam. 23:2; 2 Tim. 3:16; Genesisesis. 2:26-28;,See: You Can Live Forever In Paradise On Earth. Page 48,Is This Life All There Is?,36,,,
"Bible, Light, Guide, Instruction, Wisdom, Language, Translation,","SUPPOSE in your home you had to depend upon just one lamp for light. Would your interest be primarily in a lamp that was made of gold or silver and studded with precious jewels, even though it gave a feeble and flickering light or no light at all; or would your chief concern be for a lamp that gave the maximum light? Of course, your chief concern would be the kind of light the lamp gave, would it not?","LIKEWISE with the Bible!  It is not the cover, the bindings, or the beauty of the poetry, but the 'light' it gives from Jehovah that is important.",Ps 119:105;,W53 2/15 112,Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,1994/05/11,
"Bible, Light, Guide, Instruction, Wisdom, Language, Translation, Standard","Suppose you were in need of a pair of spectacles. Would you go to the optician who specialized in fancy diamond-studded gold-rimmed spectacles but who ignored entirely the lens, or would you patronize the optometrist who specialized in giving the most perfectly fitted lens?","The same applies in regard to our spiritual sight. The Bible is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path.   But that is true only if it is written in language we can understand and if we comprehend what we read. The Bible's format, its typography, its binding, are not important, but its language and its contents are.",Ps 119:105;,W53 2/15 112,Why Live By Bible Standards?,88,,1994/05/11,
"Bible, Light, Understanding, Reason.",Devil knows more of Bible than you do; doesn't have the right light.  We must shed Jehovah's light on Scriptures.,Devil talks too much. We must reason.,"Jas. 2:18, 19;","Pioneer Meeting. Dec. 14, 1990 St. Louis. J.C. Howard",Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,,
"Bible, Literature, Books, Good News,","'All books are divisible into two classes: the books of the hour, and the books of all time.' Quote: John Ruskin.","The Bible is the book of all times, as well as the book of the hour, and the book of the day.",2 Tim 3:16,Bobby Laymon,Does Your Hope Rest On Science Or The Bible?,80,,1995/08/07,
"Bible, Literature, Publications, Books, Study, Enjoyable,","'Some books are to be tasted, others to be swallowed, and some few to be chewed and digested.'  Quote: Francis Bacon, an English Philosopher.",The Bible falls eminently in the last category.,"Heb. 5:11, 14;","Oct 1, 2000 Page 13",Does Your Hope Rest On Science Or The Bible?,80,,"Nov 25, 2000",
"Bible, Manuscripts, Canon, Scriptures,","A reservoir has an abundance of water that can be tapped in time of need. Greek Scriptures contain a reservoir of over 13,000 manuscripts. over 5,000 in orig. Greek & over 8,000 in other languages.","Jehovah preserved the waters of truth in a reservoir of written documents. From this fountainhead, there have flowed to us copies of the ordinals, copies of copies, families of copies.","Heb. 4:12; 2 Pet. 1:12, 13, 24, 25;",All Scripture Is Inspired Of God And Beneficial Page 316,Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,,
"Bible, Maturity, Growth, Progress, Improve, Practice,",Years don't always make a man.,Bible can give experience.,"Ps. 19:7; Heb. 6:1-3; Phil. 3:16; 1 Tim. 4:16; Acts 19:9, 10;",Bobby Laymon,Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,,
"Bible, Meetings, Study, Teaching, Skill, Self-control,","What control the shepherd lad David had! He had only 5 smooth stones, contrasted with weighty coat of mail & 15 lb. spearhead. With unerring skill, complete control, running, he hit the mark. Stones, no doubt beautiful, but useless in his bag.",The Bible would be just as useless to us if we did not learn to use it with skill. Or left on our bookshelf or in our bag. Much more than a beautiful book.,Heb. 4:12; 1 Tim. 6:12; 1 Pet. 3:15; Ps. 31:23;,"Sep 1, 1967 Page 530",Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,,
"Bible, Minds, Hearts, Faith,","Though the sight of a sequoia is awe-inspiring, its unseen root system is equally impressive.  The sequoia has a flat mat of roots that may cover an area as large as three or four acres.  This supplies solid anchorage in floods, high winds, and even earthquakes.","Just as the roots of a sequoia spread expansively in the earth's nourishing soil, so our minds and hearts need to delve expansively into God's Word and draw from its life-giving waters.  This will help develop a firmly rooted faith.  We may even tremble, like a tree, in adversity, but 'our roots ... cannot be dislodged.'",Heb 6:19; Prov 12:3; Prov 10:28; Matt 13:21;,"Sep 15, 1994 Wt Page 32;",Decisions You Face--how Will You Make Them?,50,,1994/11/04,
"Bible, Ministry, Expound, Explain, Prepare, Skills, Pioneer,","A professional musician knows that you can take a guitar in perfect tune and put it into a stand.  Then you can strum another guitar in perfect tune, and the one in the stand will vibrate along with it.","The Bible is like that.  When we read it, we strum heart strings in those whose heart is in tune with Jehovah's thinking.  To do this we must prepare; have determination; develop skills in using (strumming) the Bible.","Heb. 4:12; Acts 17:2,3; 18:26, 28;",Mike Hart  - Annual Meeting With Pioneers.,,,,"May 21, 2001",
"Bible, Ministry, Pioneer,","'Men don't ask directions;  men don't read instructions.'  Why?  Instructions are too 'time-intimidating.'  I bought something at Wal-Mart and the manual was about 1/2 inch thick.  I looked through it and there were no pictures.  I put it down.  Before I could read that I can figure it out, I thought.","The Bible is an instruction manual.  It has no pictures.  It can be time-intimidating to some.  Don't ask permission to read the Bible, just say, 'notice what it says here.'  People are intimidated by reading.  Don't let it stop you.  Pioneers are not 'sharper than a two-edged sword.'  What is?",Heb. 4:12;,Greg Cazzell,,,,"Apr 12, 2002",
"Bible, Morals,","Instruction manual. Most read instructions last, If All Else Fails.  Such a manual list details.",Jehovah gave instructions on how to live,Ps 119:105,Bobby Laymon,Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,,
"Bible, New Personality",Hold Bible out like a mirror. Do you reflect it? Do you see yourself when you look at the Bible?,Need to make adjustments according to Bible standards,Eph. 4:22-24,"Lovers Of Freedom Dist. Convention  Mobile, July 12-14",Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,,
"Bible, New Personality, Light,",God's truth penetrated our heart like a powerful laser beam. Apply to scripture in various ways.,The affect that the Bible can have on a persons life.,Heb. 4:12,Light Bearers Dist. Convention.-f. Barr,Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,,
"Bible, New World Translation,",Do you enjoy a letter from home? Would you if it was in a language 400 years old.,"New World Translation; Our Father Jehovah has written a letter for us, yet many attempt to read it in ancient languages, and without understanding.  JEHOVAH FITTINGLY CALLED 'GRAND CREATOR'. Jehovah also described as 'your Grand Creator' at Ecclesiastes 12:1.  When other TRANSLATIONS only say 'Creator,' they fail to give complete meaning of original Hebrew text.",2 Tim. 3:16,"Nov 8, 1960 Aw Page 31",Jehovah--the Grand Creator,101,,,
"Bible, New World Translation, King James Version,","Imagine that you are entering the operating theater. The surgeons are going to remove a deep tumor. You notice all around there is the latest electronic equipment and gadgets. You feel very confident that the surgeons will use these tools and their best skills to benefit you. However, just as you are going into the anesthetic you see the chief surgeon draws out a rusty old knife from his back pocket and he exclaims. ' I think I'll use this trusty weapon, after all I am more familiar with it. Now you just lie there and don't worry about a thing...'. Now how confident would you be??",Is it not true that we need the BEST BIBLE to overturn strongly entrenched things??,Rom 15:4;,Peter Morgan,Does Your Hope Rest On Science Or The Bible?,80,,1997/08/11,
"Bible, New World Translation, Language, Speech,","Man's laws are always changing.  However languages do change, thus the need for a modern translation.",Jehovah's laws are always the same.,Mal. 3:6;,Joe Larue,'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
"Bible, New World Translation, Urgency,","If you had to travel a long distance, which would you take? A horse & buggy, or an air-conditioned car?  Both will get there. Many learned the truth with King James Version, but it takes much longer.","Not sure how much time is left. Teach truth quickly as possible. Some have traveled long distance by covered wagons, but not today.",John 17:3,Johnse Laymon,'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
"Bible, Old Fashioned, Revelation,",Bible out of date? Like saying eating out of date. necessary and is even more up to date. We have been eating for thousands of years and it is still very much in style. We would not give it up as old-fashioned,"The Bible with its rich supply of spiritual food, is even more We must plan and set aside time for spiritual activity as we would for meals.",1 Chron. 28:9; Prov. 2:3-5; Prov. 1:5;,"Jun 15, 1964 Wt Page 369",Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,,
"Bible, Organization, Faithful Slave,","Wine... makes the heart of man rejoice. Pharisees didn't like new wine, saying, 'the old is nice' New wine too powerful to be contained in old wine-skin organization New message not being preached through channels of Christendom.","We need spiritual wine, the sparkling & stimulating truths of Bible New wine must be put into new wineskins",Ps. 104:15  Deuteronomy. 8:3  Luke 5:33-39,"Jan 1, 1959 Wt Page 30",Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,,
"Bible, Peace, Standard,","'The Bible is like a compass that guides one through the rough, stormy sea of life to a place of safety.'  Quote: A fisherman.",The Bible is the most important and widely distributed book in existence.  Within its pages lie the answers to the most perplexing problems that man has experienced or will yet face.,2 Pet 1:21;,"Oct 1, 1994 Wt Page 3",Does Your Hope Rest On Science Or The Bible?,80,,1994/11/13,
"Bible, Pen, Sword, Trust,","'THE pen is mightier than the sword.' In one form or another that sentiment has been expressed by more than one well-known figure of  history, Napoleon and Benjamin Franklin being among that number.","However, modern totalitarian governments have tried hard to prove that the sword of persecution as exercised by them is mightier than  the pen. By stifling freedom of speech, of press and of religion they have almost succeeded in proving their point. Almost, but not quite, for there has ever been at least one notable exception. And what is that? The inspired Pen, the Bible, the Word of God.",Heb 4:12;,W67 5/15 291,Does Your Hope Rest On Science Or The Bible?,80,,1995/06/05,
"Bible, Personality,",If Apostle Paul looked at you in the mirror of God's Word would he say to you put on the new personality,We need to look into the mirror of Gods word and make the needed changes,Eph 4:22-24; Jas 1:22-25,"Jan 1, 1969 Wt. Pg.18",Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,,
"Bible, Personality, Friend, Enemy, Love, Hate,",A tiger does not change his stripes.,"Personalities are hard to reshape, but God's word can do this.",Mic. 7:5; Prov. 18:24; Luke 16:9; John 15:13-15; Prov. 14:20;,Bobby Laymon,"Friendship With God, Friendship With The World -- Which Will You Choose?",79,,,
"Bible, Personality, Psychology,",'You can learn more about human nature by reading the Bible      than by living in New York City.'  Quote: American educator William Lyon Phelps,"'In the Bible we have profound thought beautifully expressed; we  have the nature of boys and girls, of men and women, more accurately charted  than in the works of any modern novelist or playwright.'  Quote: William L. Phelps","2ti 3:16, 17;","Apr 8, 1958 Aw Page 12",Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,1993/10/26,
"Bible, Prayer, Worship, Communication, Personal,","According to the deist, God is 'an absentee-God, who, once and for all having wound up the world-machine, has left it to run its own course and to work out its own self-evolution.'",But the Creator did not leave man without a guide.  He gave us His Word the Bible and the gift of prayer.,"2 Tim 3:16, 17;",W65 2/1 69,Does God Count You Personally Important?,26,,1994/08/09,
"Bible, Preaching, Evangelizing, Pioneer,",'He fishes well who uses a golden hook.'  Quote:  Latin.,The Bible is a 'golden hook.',Ps 119:105; 2 Tim 3:16;,Jk Quotes;,Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,063,,,7/12/2025
"Bible, President, Eisenhower, Happiness,",Dwight D. Eisenhower; sworn in as president. (American Standard B) During 2nd time in office as President; 1957. There is a people that worship Jehovah in truth. This Bible was given to him by his God-fearing mother when he,"Thought to apply Scripture to United States was about to graduate from the national Military Academy at West Point, NY in 1915.",Ps. 33:12,"Oct 15, 1961 Wt Page 615; Nov 15, 1968 Wt Page 685, 686,",You Can Find Joy In Serving God,103,,,
"Bible, Problems, Ransom, Cure, Sin, World, Health, Disease, wickedness,","Remedy found for global disease, but you must follow doctor's instructions to the letter.","Bible holds the remedy for all of man's problems. Death, Sickness",John 3:16;,Bobby Laymon,The Only Cure For Sick Mankind,62,,,4/1/2014
"Bible, Prophecy, Attention, Listen,","Imagine you are in a city.  You are lost!  It is dark!  It's an area you wouldn't be in the daytime, if you had a choice.  You are low on gas!  A car pulls up close behind you.  You are nervous.  You see the red lights.  How happy you are it is a policeman.  You don't even trust your own voice, as you ask for directions.",The policeman explains how to find a gas station that is open a few blocks away.  He tells you how to get back to the main highway.  How would you listen to him?  Would you pay attention?  We are in a similar situation today!,1 Pet 1:10-12;,Marvin Rogers,Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,1996/02/12,
"Bible, Prophecy, Faith, Doubt, Chances,",One Bible scholar computed that 'there are three hundred and thirty-two distinct prophecies in the Old Testament which have been literally fulfilled in Christ'. A mathematician figured out that the chance of one man's fulfilling all those things was one in eighty-four followed by ninety-seven zeros!,The possibility of its happening is so overwhelmingly remote that we must acknowledge Jehovah as the author of these prophecies.,Dan 4:16;,W52 11/1 658,Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,1994/07/25,
"Bible, Prophecy, Faith, Doubt, Science, Atheists, Critics, History,",'On the gallows of science that they make to hang the Bible their own theories perish.',"Scientists have used their knowledge to down the Bible, but their own further findings shatter their theories and they have to concoct more.  Atheists and higher critics use their secular history to prove the Bible false, but as more historical facts are dug up their own weapon turns on them and vindicates the Bible.","Es 7:10; Ps 57:6; 1 Cor 1:19, 20;",W52 11/1 659,Does Your Hope Rest On Science Or The Bible?,80,,1994/07/25,
"Bible, Pure,","A soap company once advertised its products were 99 & 44/100% pure.  That's hard to beat. (Note: Ivory soap) In matters of science, medicine, physics, mathematics, animals and all others it has proved completely reliable.","However, Jehovah's Word is 100% pure.  It is absolute truth.",John 17:17; 2 Ti 3:16;,"Bobby Laymon   (entered Jan 5, 1992)",Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,,
"Bible, Reading,","Reading the Bible is like picking strawberries or cucumbers.  You can pick thru the patch and think you have gotten everything, then stand back and look at it from another angle.  There is a lot you have missed.","In reading the Bible, no matter how many times you read it, there are points you have missed.  Keep reading the Bible every day.",Ps. 119:105,Stanley Ruble,Renewing The Spirit Of Self-sacrifice,69,,"Jul 9, 2002",
"Bible, Reading,","What if you needed help, and your mother wrote you a letter trying to help you, but you never read the letter.  How would she feel toward you if she learned that you never took time to read her letters.","Jehovah knows we need help.  He has written us letters to help us out.  What if we never read those letters?  Namely, the Bible.",Ps 119:105;,Al Larue,Why Live By Bible Standards?,88,,1994/12/15,
"Bible, Reading, Association, Faith,",'You are what you read.' Some reading can weaken and encroach on one's faith.,"When we are reading a book, the author of the book becomes one's teacher, and for this reason great care should be taken in selecting reading matter.",2 Tim. 3:14-16;,"Jun 15, 1967 Wt Page 371",Choose Your Associates Wisely!,116,,,
"Bible, Reading, Daily Text,",Display a rechargeable drill.  Explain the usefulness of the drill.,"God's Word is like that, but it often needs recharging.  We need to read regularly.",Ps 119:110;,David Pfister,,,,1996/04/29,
"Bible, Reading, Daily Text,","If you only read one verse of the Bible each day, it would take you over 85 years to complete it.",Read the Bible daily.  Select a method that will be encouraging and help you to benefit more fully.,Ps 119:110;,Joseph Wengert D. O.,,,,1996/04/29,
"Bible, Reading, Daily Text, Dedication, Baptism,","If you receive a lengthy letter from someone, how long would it take you to read it?  Even if it was many pages long, you would find time to complete it, since the person thought enough of you to write it.","The Bible is a lengthy letter from Jehovah.  Read it quickly, if you haven't completed it as of yet.  Then, continue to read and study it.",Ps 119:110;,Joseph Wengert D. O.,,,,1996/04/29,
"Bible, Reading, Meditation, Study,","Most popular fiction is designed for a single reading; once a person knows the story and how it ends, that is all there is to it.","In contrast, regardless of how many times we read the Bible, we benefit greatly by doing it again.",Prov 9:9; Dan 12:4; Prov 4:18;,"May 1, 1995 Wt Page 14",Does Your Hope Rest On Science Or The Bible?,80,,1995/04/07,
"Bible, Reading, Study,","'A chapter a day, keeps the Devil away!'",Bible reading will contribute to our spiritual health.,Jos 1:8; Ps 1:2; Ps 71:24;,William Osbeck C.O.,Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,,
"Bible, Reading, Translations,",'Read God's Word the Holy Bible Daily.' appear on the outside the principal factory complex at the world headquarters of Jehovah's Witnesses.,"They themselves are diligent students of God's Word, and have made scores of different translations.","2ti 3:16, 17; 1th 2:13;",Jehovah's Witnesses - Proclaimers Of God's Kingdom.  Page 603,Does Your Hope Rest On Science Or The Bible?,80,,,
"Bible, Religion,",Measuring rod. (experience),You can measure the different religions with accuracy.,Ps. 119:105,"Feb 1, 1962 Wt Page 87",Religion's Time Of Judgment,83,,,
"Bible, Religion, Standards,",Bible is a measuring rod.  That is the 'rule' beside which you can put the doctrines of your religion to see if they measure up. Then determine for yourself.,"Religion should be tested in light of God's Word to see if it squares up, or meets God's standards. Examples in article:",Gal. 1:8; Matt. 24:11; 1 John 4:1; Prov. 18:13; Acts 3:23;,"Apr 1, 1964 Wt Page 195",HAS BABYLON'S JUDGMENT HOUR ARRIVED?,155,,,
"Bible, Religion, Worship, Hazy, God, Big Foot, Doubt, Real,",It can be likened to the world's search for 'big foot.'  Is he really there?  Is it male or female?  Where does he live?  Is it really a man or an ape?  Should we fear him?  There is a hazy concept about it all.,People in general have this same 'hazy' concept about God.  Does he really exist?  Where does he live?  Is he really a person?  Is he to be feared?  Only the Bible gives us the answers.,Rev 4:11;,Junior McMahan,Who Is Your God?,52,,1994/11/28,
"Bible, Rely, Atheist, Righteous, Trust, Believer,","The self-reliant atheist may be a fine, upstanding person. However, the atheist is like a bush growing in the desert. If he has only himself to rely on, when he exhausts his internal resources he runs the risk of running dry and withering. But the man who turns to God is like a tree planted by a stream. What he shares with the world is replenished from a source beyond himself, so he never runs dry.",Let us trust and rely on Jehovah with all our hearts.,Ps. 37:3,Bobby Laymon,On Whose Promises Do You Rely?,61,,"Jan 19, 2001",
"Bible, Revelation,",Lower animals were given instincts to guide. Tell a dog about yesterday or tomorrow. You cannot. Time is a human concept. Animals do not hope. Animals don't ask: Where did I come from? Why am I here?,"Man also, is in need of divine guidance. Man alone has instinct to worship.",Jer. 10:23,"Mar 8, 1959 Aw Page 5,6",Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,,
"Bible, Revelation,","Message from outer space How do humans respond to it?  They ignore.  Misapply it Insult it's sender; Creator far from pleased. Yet, continues to communicate thru his Word.",Bible is message from outer space & superior in every way Only tiny majority listens,Isa 2:2-4  Matt 24:14,"Apr 8, 1990 Awake  Page 11",Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,,
"Bible, Scripture, Holy,","Many think the 'book' is holy, but it's the Holy SCRIPTURES, what it says, not the pages, bindings, etc. Also world thinks that monks, etc. are holy, but they have nothing to do with Jehovah, so since Holiness belongs to Jah, they can't",How the Bible is 'Holy' be. Develop Holiness: go from something not apparent to what is. Jah gave law that would make them a 'Holy' people.,"Exodus. 39:30, 31; 15:11; 19:5, 6; Leviticus. 20:26; Acts 2:38",Phil Kirkton; Bethel Notes.,Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,,
"Bible, Scripture, Training,","'As pines keep the shape of the wind even when the wind has fled and is no longer there, so words guard the shape of man even when man has fled and is no longer there.' Quote: George Aeferis.","When a child grows up, the training received will stay with them.",Prov. 22:6;,Bobby Laymon,Parents--are You Building With Fire-resistant Materials?,104,,1995/08/16,
"Bible, Scriptures,","'The Bible is meant to be bread for our daily use, not cake for special occasions.'",Use it daily!,Ps 119:110;,Peter Morgan,Are You Content With Jehovah's Provisions?,22,,1997/08/10,
"Bible, Scriptures, Endurance, Canon, Writing,","'Wat schrifft, blifft'  This rhyming Low German proverb, meaning 'what is written will endure,' points up the pitfalls of transmitting information orally. Important details may be forgotten; slight changes may add nuances not originally intended.","Thus, it is significant that of sacred books, the Bible was one of the first to be put into writing. In fact, Moses completed its first section in 1513 B.C.E.","Ps 12:6, 7;",G89 3/22 12,Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,1994/07/10,
"Bible, Scriptures, Honesty, Examine, Discipline, Humility, Humble,",Look in a mirror.  What do you see?  At times a glance in the mirror reveals in your appearance an embarrassing flaw that you are glad to correct before others notice it.,"The Bible is much like a mirror.  It can help us acquire an honest view of ourselves, which will prevent us from thinking too much or too little of our worth in God's eyes.  It can reveal flaws in our words, deeds, or attitudes that we need to correct.","Jas 1:23, 24;","Jul 15, 1995 Wt Page 32",Is The Truth Transforming Your Life?,51,,1995/06/20,
"Bible, Scriptures, Mirror, Self, Forget,","How many times have you looked into a mirror? Quite often during the day? A check is made to see that the hair is combed just right, teeth are sparkling, clothes are attractive and well arranged. But after this a person turns away from the mirror and forgets what he looks like.",That is the way it is with most people who are just hearers of the Word of God and not doers. James is trying to impress upon the minds of those reading his letter that to be a Christian the man must peer into the perfect law that belongs to freedom and persist in it.,Jas 1:25;,W69 1/1 19,,,,1995/01/19,
"Bible, Scriptures, Persecution, Life,","Recently the British Library agreed to pay almost $1,600,000 for a copy of William Tyndale's English translation of the Christian Greek Scriptures.",How much is a Bible worth?  There can be no value placed on it since it is more important than all other things in offering life to it's readers.,John 17:3;,"Mar 15, 1995 Wt Page 32",Does Your Hope Rest On Science Or The Bible?,80,,1995/02/21,
"Bible, Scriptures, Power,",Napoleon Bonaparte once admitted that the Bible is a book 'with a power that conquers all that oppose it.',"No doubt it is because others, too, have come to realize the tremendous influence the Bible can have on people's attitudes that some powerful men have hated the Bible and have persecuted those who loved it and followed it.",Heb 4:12;,G82 3/8 4,Does Your Hope Rest On Science Or The Bible?,80,,1995/06/05,
"Bible, Scriptures, Power, Science,","'The Bible is no mere book, but a Living Creature, with power that conquers all that oppose it.' Quote: Napoleon Bonaparte.","The BIBLE, however, says `trust Jehovah, not man'. But most people trust in human efforts, not in God.  A small minority put confidence in God.",Heb 4:12; Ps. 31:14; 118:8; 146:3;,Bobby Laymon,Does Your Hope Rest On Science Or The Bible?,80,,1995/06/30,
"Bible, Scriptures, Religion, Science,",'No sciences are better attested than the religion of the Bible.' Quote: Isaac Newton.,"While medical science has helped to increase average life expectancy, it cannot assure any major increase in life span.  The Bible can.",Luke 12:25;,Jk Quotes; Bobby Laymon,Can You Live Forever?--will You?,35,,1995/06/30,
"Bible, Scriptures, Sermon, Mount, Jumping, Truth,","In a court of law, the more witnesses, the better.","By quoting from here and there in the Bible's 66 books, the publications draw upon several inspired witnesses to prove' the truthfulness of a teaching. Jesus himself used this method of instruction. When he gave his Sermon on the Mount, he made 21 quotations from the Hebrew Scriptures.  That discourse contains three quotations from Exodus, two from Leviticus, one from Numbers, six from Deuteronomy, one from Second Kings, four from Psalms, three from Isaiah, and one from Jeremiah.",Matt 7:29;,"May 15, 1996 Wt Page 19, Para 15.  Comment By Sharlotte Mc Donald.",,,,1996/07/02,
"Bible, Scriptures, Trust, Faith, Tree, Atheist,","What is the difference between a person who relies only on himself and a person who has learned to turn to God for help? It's not that one will do bad things while the other one will do good things. The self-reliant atheist may be a fine, upstanding person. The difference is the atheist is like a bush growing in the desert. If he has only himself to rely on, when he exhausts his internal resources he runs the risk of running dry and withering.","But the man who turns to God is like a tree planted by a stream.  What he shares with the world is replenished from a source beyond himself, so he never runs dry.","Psalm 110:1, 2;",Peter Morgan,Does Your Hope Rest On Science Or The Bible?,80,,1997/08/10,
"Bible, Scriptures, Understanding, Study, Everlasting Life,","If you were given a legal document outlining what you had to do in order to receive a valuable inheritance, would you not take the time to study it carefully?  If you found certain parts of the document hard to understand, likely you would get the help of someone experienced in such matters.",Why not approach the Bible with a similar attitude?  More is at stake than a material inheritance.  Everlasting life is at stake.,Acts 17:11;,"Knowledge Book Page 12, 13;",Does Your Hope Rest On Science Or The Bible?,80,,1995/06/15,
"Bible, Scriptures, Understanding, Theme,",Did you know the Bible has a common thread from Genesis through Revelation?,"Yes, a harmonious theme permeates the Bible.  What is that theme?  It is the vindication of God's right to rule mankind and the realization of his loving purpose by means of his Kingdom.",2 Tim. 3:16;,Knowledge Book Page 14;,Does Your Hope Rest On Science Or The Bible?,80,,1995/06/15,
"Bible, Scriptures, Understanding, Theme, Modern",Perhaps you have noticed that many books offering advice become outdated in just a few years.,"What about the Bible.  It is very old, and almost 2000 years have passed since its last words were penned.  But if the Bible is inspired of God, its advice should always be up-to-date.  Close examination reveals that it is.","2 Tim. 3:16, 17;",Knowledge Book Page 15,Does Your Hope Rest On Science Or The Bible?,80,,1995/06/15,
"Bible, Scriptures, Writers, Author, Inspired,","You likely know that men and women who write books or articles are usually quite anxious to sign their works.  Look at almost any book in a public library and you will notice the author's name, perhaps more than once.",In this the Bible is unique.  The men who wrote the Bible were anxious to make it clear that what they wrote was not their own.  Those who wrote the Bible kept themselves in the background; in some cases it is difficult to determine who wrote certain parts of the Bible.,2 Tim 3:16;,"Apr 15, 1995 Wt Page 4",Does Your Hope Rest On Science Or The Bible?,80,,1995/03/15,
"Bible, Sermon On Mount,","'When Your country and mine shall get together on the teachings laid down by Christ in his Sermon on the Mount, we shall have solved the problems not only of our countries but those of the whole world.'  Quote: Hindu leader Mahatma Gandhi to British.","Bible principles are sound and would solve man's problems. Viceroy of India, Lord Irwin:",Matthew Chapters 5-7; 2 Tim. 3:16;,"Apr 22, 1964 Aw Page 10; Knowledge Book Page 16;",Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,,
"Bible, Sincerity, Worship, Religion, Obey, Disfellowship,",Like an man who wants a drivers license. He must acquaint himself with traffic regulations of the country in which he lives. He may drive provided he abides by those laws. If he breaks them he must pay the penalty and may lose his license.,"In God's word the Bible, he tells us what is required. When a person breaks civil laws he incurs a penalty, by obedience he enjoys the benefits.","Deuteronomy. 7:9-11; Exodus. 20:3; Ps. 37:27, 38; Ps. 145:16; Matt. 7:21-23;","Jan 1, 1964 Wt Page 5, 6",Religion's Time Of Judgment,83,,,
"Bible, Skill, Sword, Weapons, Pioneer,","A soldier's skill with the sword does not come easily.  Training and long, dedicated practice are required to use it deftly.","Similarly, in spiritual warfare it takes much study and regular practice in the ministry to become a skillful user of God's Word.",2ti 2:14;,"May 15, 1992 Wt Page 23",Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,,
"Bible, Skill, Talent, Work, Orderly, Future,","There are three types of people: The ones that make things happen The ones that watch things happen.  The ones that's wondering, what's happening.",Bible keeps us alert to what's happening.,"Dan. 2:22, 44; Col. 3:23; Prov. 18:9; 22:29; 1 Thessalonians 4:11;",Bobby Laymon,Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,,
"Bible, Speculation,","Ask a stupid question, get a stupid answer. Dangers! Questions like? Did the expensive gifts make Joseph, Mary rich? How long did Jesus' trip to heaven take? What was Jehovah doing before he created Jesus?","Avoid unprofitable questions, not answered in Bible. In what year will Armageddon begin? If children & parents die, which parent will raise resurrect. child",Col. 2:8; 1 Tim. 1:6; 6:20; 2 Tim. 4:4; Heb 13:9,"Jun 15, 1962 Wt Page 380",Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,,
"Bible, Speed Reading, Meditate,","If our mind and heart are like a garden, what sort of a garden would it be?  Rocky and barren, or full of flowers and plant life?","Bible reading without meditation is like a rain shower.  It passes quickly and dries up.  Refreshing to the mind, but just for a moment. There is no lasting benefit. Bible reading with meditation is like a steady rain that sinks into the mind and heart and stimulates spiritual growth.  What kind of Bible reading do you do?",Ps 119:110;,J.K.,Taking Time To Meditate On Spiritual Things,67,,1997/04/11,
"Bible, Speed Reading, Meditate, Counsel,",Steady rain come down slow and saturates the earth.  It falls softly and slowly.  It soaks in.  Unlike a downpour that may cause more harm than good.,"The Bible is not meant for speed reading.  It is like the slow, steady rain that does so much good.  The softer it falls, the longer it stays, and the more good it does.",Ps 119:110;,J.K.,Taking Time To Meditate On Spiritual Things,67,,1997/04/11,
"Bible, Spirit,","Just as an invisible radio beam can carry information to you, 'truthfully is, ... the word of God.'",God's invisible active force directed the writers of the Bible.,"2 Tim. 3:16; 1 Thessalonians 2:13; 2 Pet. 1:20, 21;",The Truth That Leads To Eternal Life. Page 8,Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,,
"Bible, Spirit, World, Life, Satan,","If you awoke from sleep to find that you were breathing death-dealing fumes, would you not fight your way out to fresh air. Not strange, since the 'whole world is lying in the power of the wicked one.'","There is a more deadly, yet subtle, 'air' being breathed in today than the literal air. The death-dealing spirit of the world.",1 Cor. 2:12; Rev. 16:17-21; 1 John 5:19; 2 Cor. 4:4; Eph. 2:2,"Sep 15, 1967 Wt Page 553",'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
"Bible, Spirit, World, Life, Satan,","If you learned your diet contained poisonous substances that were weakening your body so much that you would soon die, would you not change to nourishing and healthy food?","The vast majority of mankind are consuming a steady diet of food and drink that is sending them rapidly to the grave, spiritually speaking. The 'air' or 'spirit' of this world.",1 Cor. 2:12; Rev. 16:17-21; 1 John 5:19; 2 Cor. 4:4; Eph. 2:2,"Sep 15, 1967 Wt Page 553",'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
"Bible, Spiritual Needs, Worship,",'I believe the Bible is the best gift God has given to man.' Quote: Abraham Lincoln,Respect men have shown for the Bible.,"Mt. 4:4; De 8:3; 2 Ti 3:16, 17;","Jul 15 1968 Wt Page 425   (entered Jan 6, 1992)",Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,,
"Bible, Spiritual Needs, Worship,","'The Bible is stamped with a Specialty of Origin, and an immeasurable distance separates it from all competitors.' (W.E. Gladstone, English statesman)",Respect men have shown for the Bible.,"Mt. 4:4; De 8:3; 2 Ti 3:16, 17;","Jul 15 1968 Wt Page 425   (entered Jan 6, 1992)",Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,,
"Bible, Spiritual Needs, Worship,","Food, clothing and shelter -- all three are necessities of life. Food: Jehovah gave vegetation and fruit as food; later added meat Clothing: Jehovah made long garments of skin for Adam & Eve. Shelter: Earth is a suitable home, a sheltered place in the universe.",Jehovah met a greater need for mankind.  The need for spiritual food.,"Ge 1:29; 3:6,7,21; 9:3,4; Ac 17:24-27;","Jul 15 1968 Wt Page 424   (entered Jan 6, 1992)",Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,,
"Bible, Standard,","'A pint is a pound, the world around.'",Bible truths are also universal.,Gal. 6:7;,Bobby Laymon,Why Live By Bible Standards?,88,,"Mar 19, 2001",
"Bible, Standard, Axiom, Saying, Truth, Sowing, Reap,",AXIOM - In logic: a proposition that is not susceptible of proof or disproof; its truth is assumed to be self-evident.,"Example: 'Do not be misled: God is not one to be mocked. For whatever a man is sowing, this he will also reap;'",Gal. 6:7;,"Gene Thorn - Camdenton, Mo",Why Live By Bible Standards?,88,,"Mar 19, 2001",
"Bible, Standard, Canon,",Reed served as a measuring rod if a piece of wood was not at hand. If books are not straight as a plumb line our 'building' will not be accurate and true.,"Canonical books are those that are true and inspired and worthy to be used as a straightedge in determining the right faith. doctrine, and conduct.",Gal. 6:16; 2 Cor. 10:13;,All Scripture Is Inspired Of God And Beneficial Page 299,Why Live By Bible Standards?,88,,,
"Bible, Standard, Growth, Progress,","'The Bible is our only standard, and its teachings our only creed, and recognizing the progressive character of the unfolding of Scriptural truths, we are ready and prepared to add to or modify our creed (faith - belief) as we get increase of light from our Standard.'  Quote: Watchtower April 1882 page 7.","Jehovah's organization is one of growth and progress.  Clear understanding does not come all at once.  In many cases the Bible Students grasped one detail, but not the complete picture.  They were not creed-bound, but progressive.",Pr 4:18;,"Jehovah's Witnesses - Proclaimers Of God's Kingdom.  Page 132, 133",Why Live By Bible Standards?,88,,,
"Bible, Standard, Measure,","Need a guide to measure things.   For example, this room.  We have a standard, or tape measure.  (Display one)","Likewise, regarding the other objects around us.  We have a standard to go by.  God's Word the Bible.",Ps 119:105;,J.K.,Why Live By Bible Standards?,88,,1997/04/11,
"Bible, Standard, Measure, Treasure,","What if you had a treasure map that your are sure is genuine? Possible priceless treasure.  What would you do with it.  Follow it, check it out?",Bible is an immense treasure.  Follow it where it leads and find riches.,Ps 119:105;,J.K.,Why Live By Bible Standards?,88,,1997/04/11,
"Bible, Standard, Progress, Spirituality, Improvement, Straight, Oriented,","A plumb line is a length of string that has a weight tied to one end. When the string is held up with the weighted end hanging down, gravity ensures that the string is perfectly vertical.  When held next to a building structure, the plumb line provides something sure by which to check whether or not the building is 'in line' with the physical universe.  If a building is built in line with the plumb line, the structure will be sturdy and function well.","The same holds true in the spiritual realm.  God's Word is our spiritual plumb line.  Just as we can't argue with the law of gravity, we can't change the spiritual laws revealed in the Bible. What kind of instrument do we use to measure our life.  The instrument we use to measure our life will often determine the kinds of problems we uncover.  If we use a faulty guideline, we won't be able to make an accurate assessment. We may wonder why we aren't progressing in our spirituality. It may be that we need to look closely at the measuring stick we are using to uncover our problem areas.  God looks at our life with a plumb line, also, to see how we measure up to his righteous standards--the Bible, his word to us.  On our own, when we look at our life it may seem straight and strong.  But if we compared it to God's plumb line, we would see that our life is really weak and leaning to the side of sin.  Praying to God for help is the way to start the process toward a life in line with God's plan for us.  When things don't measure up, it is important that we admit there is a problem and start rebuilding accordingly.",2 Pet. 1:5-8;,Lawrence Harris,Why Live By Bible Standards?,88,,1999/02/15,
"Bible, Standards,","(Display a tape measure)  Almost everyone knows what this is.  It is a tape measure.  It's a standard in measurements.  It never changes!  The inch is always an inch.  The foot is always a foot.  If you don't lay out a house on 16 inch centers it messes everyone up.  The electrician, plumber, dry wall personal.  (Years ago we didn't have a tape measure and tried to make our own.  It also messed things up.)","Jehovah has given us a standard in the Bible.  If we try to get by without it, or try to make our own, we get into a lot of trouble.","Isa 48:17, 18; Prov 3:1,2; Ps 14:1-3;",Maurice Smith,Why Live By Bible Standards?,88,,1996/05/26,
"Bible, Standards, Books,",Books are often like trees which cannot stand the strain of transplanting from one land to another.  They often die out.,"Not so, the Bible!  It has been transplanted to every soil under the sun without serious loss of vigor and charm. See Quote: by Charles D. Eldridge.",2ti 3:16; Acts 8:29-35; 2co 4:7;,"Aug 8, 1993 Aw Page 10",Why Live By Bible Standards?,88,,,
"Bible, Standards, Honesty, Sex, Hatred, Reminder, Views,","'You must not steal - much.'  'You must not lie - unless you are in a jam.'  'You must not commit adultery - except when you are in love.' Or, 'You must not GET CAUGHT stealing, lying, committing adultery, etc.'  'I'm honest - up to a point.' 'I'm truthful - a good part of the time.' I'd never rob a bank - it's too dangerous'  'The Bible's Ten Commandments are great, for the other fellow.'","These are worldly standards!  Are your standards those of this old world, or are yours the Christian standards set forth in God's Word.  Hating the bad protects you.",Ps 45:7; Heb 1:9;,"Nov 15, 1970 Wt Page 694",A Godly View Of Sex And Marriage,13,,,
"Bible, Statistics, King James,","Number of Words, Verses, Chapters & Books in Bible (King James V) Words:      Hebrew 592,493  Greek 181,253  Total   773,746 Verses:             23,214         7,959            31,173 Chapters:              929           260             1,189","For research information, talks, etc. Books                   39            27                66",2 Tim. 3:16,"Apr 15, 1963 Wt Page 253",Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,,
"Bible, Study,","Formula, such as for a baby. Contains right nutrients. The same formula for our studies is also necessary for you.",Regular study of Bible is right formula.,1 Tim. 4:15; Prov. 4:18;,"Mar 1, 1963 Wt Page 152",Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,,
"Bible, Study,",Well full of refreshing water. It is similar with the Bible. You must draw from it the refreshing and life-sustaining waters of truth it contains. The water will not automatically leap out of the well into your glass.,"To benefit from the well you must draw out its contents. Takes effort. You must drink water regularly, day by day. 'The fear of Jehovah is a well of life.'  Prov. 14:27","Prov. 14:27; Ps. 37:34; 2 Tim. 3:16, 17; Prov. 2:1-5","Feb 1, 1964 Wt Page 70",Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,,
"Bible, Study, Daily, Text,","Heart disease is prevented by regular, not so much intensity, exercise.  10-15 minutes daily.",Same with our personal Bible study and reading.,Josh. 1:8;,Tim Moore - Morning Worship Notes.,"As Christians, We Care About Other People",15,,1998/03/28,
"Bible, Study, Educate, Instruct, Teach, Truth,","Did you ever 'connect the dots'?  At first, there is little idea what the picture is all about.  As it progresses, it becomes increasingly clear what is involved.","The same is true regarding teaching.  'Faith follows the thing heard.'  The more is heard, the clearer the picture becomes.",Rom 10:17,Bobby Laymon,Never Become Dull In Your Hearing,9,,1997/12/02,
"Bible, Study, Effort,",'Like an adventure into the mind of Jehovah.'  Quote: Brother Matthon.,That is what reading the Bible is like.  You get Jehovah's view!  You can have an intimate conversation with Jehovah!  It gives Jehovah's mind on a matter!,Psalm 19:9-11; Php 4:8; Joshua 1:8;,Brother Matthon - Godly Fear District Convention,Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,1994/06/25,
"Bible, Study, Effort,",'Read it and reap!' is a sign that is seen on bill boards around the country advertising a product.,"How much more this applies to the Bible.  Therefore, 'Read it and reap!'",Psalm 19:9-11; Php 4:8; Joshua 1:8;,Brother Williams - Former Missionary - Godly Fear District Convention,Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,1994/06/25,
"Bible, Study, Effort,","Water is free, however we must bring our own container!","The Bible is like that!  It is free, however we must use our own container - our minds and our brains, if we are going to benefit eternally from it.  We also must learn to draw it up ourselves, and help our families and other do so.",Psalm 19:9-11; Php 4:8; Joshua 1:8;,Brother Williams - Former Missionary - Godly Fear District Convention,Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,1994/06/25,
"Bible, Study, Effort,",We are like an appliance with batteries.  We need recharging.,Reading the Bible will recharge our spiritual batteries.,Psalm 19:9-11; Php 4:8; Joshua 1:8;,Bobby Laymon,Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,1994/06/25,
"Bible, Study, Inactive, Truth","When I was young we use to go pick cotton in Eastern Arkansas houses had old fashion pump in well if wasn't used for awhile pump would lose it's prime. We kept gallon water to prime it. as long as we used pump, never have to prime.","Sometimes brothers lose their prime. They just can't seem to get started on their on. They need help so we offer them a Bible study. Not need primed while still going, when stop.",Mk 13:10;,Johnse Laymon,Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,,
"Bible, Study, Knowledge, Wisdom, Understanding, Discernment,","In 1848 gold was discovered at Sutter's Mill in California.  By 1849 thousands were converging on the area hoping to strike it rich. In a year's time, San Francisco, (nearest seaport) grew from a small town to a city of 25,000.","King Solomon knew how energetically men dig for hidden treasure, and he referred to this.  You can do many things with gold, but you can do more with understanding and discernment.  How wise to open the Bible and dig for discernment, understanding, knowledge.","Pr 2:3-5, 11, 12; Ecclesiastes 7:12;","Aug 1, 1993 Wt Page 32",Parents--are You Building With Fire-resistant Materials?,104,,,
"Bible, Study, Progress,","Who sits down and waits for his 'daily bread' to appear miraculously, or chooses to be fed intravenously three times daily? One who never works for a living has no appreciation for benefits.","We must work for, diligently seek for, spiritual food.  Then it must be chewed and digested.",Prov. 2:1-5; 2 Thessalonians 3:8-10; Acts 17:11;,"Sep 1, 1967 Page 533",Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,,
"Bible, Study, Reading, Meditate,",As your hand can hold more than one marble at a time ... Extract the thought from the sentence. Read with pencil in hand.,Your eye can take in more than one word at a time. (group words),1 Tim. 4:13,"Sep 1, 1963 Wt Page 532",Taking Time To Meditate On Spiritual Things,67,,,
"Bible, Study, Reading, Meditate,",Sign at Brooklyn Bethel; 'Read God's Word the Holy Bible Daily',Info: It expresses the Society's position on Bible reading.,Heb. 2:1,"Sep 1, 1963 Wt Page 528",Taking Time To Meditate On Spiritual Things,67,,,
"Bible, Study, Reading, Meditate, Literature, Magazines","How much could you learn if you only looked at the individual parts of an automobile. Must back off and see it as a whole. Walk around it, study at different angles, come in closer, examine individual parts in detail.","Same with a book, magazine, read sub-headings, themes, pictures, Look for topic sentences (sometimes in middle of paragraph)",1 Tim. 4:13,"Sep 1, 1963 Wt Page 531",Taking Time To Meditate On Spiritual Things,67,,,
"Bible, Study, Understanding, Knowledge, Wisdom,",Reading a book about the human brain does not qualify a person to be a brain surgeon.,Reading the Bible does not in itself guarantee that a person can properly use the information gained.  We must work to understand what we read.,"2 Tim. 2:15; 3:16; 1 Tim. 4:13, 15, 16; Acts 17:11;","Oct 8, 1991 Aw Page 12",Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,,
"Bible, Study, Understanding, Knowledge, Wisdom, Faithful Slave,","Sift something, have an up and down movement, extract what is good from bad. We need to make careful and exact research as in legal processes.",Greek word for 'examined' (anakrino means to sift up and down),Acts 17:11; Prov. 3:1-6; 2:1-22; 2 Tim 2:15; Matt. 24:45-47;,"Oct 8, 1991 Aw Page 13",Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,,
"Bible, Study, Visualize,",Did you ever listen to a ball game on the radio?  The sports-caster or announcer helps you to visualize everything.  'Three balls and two strikes.  He's throwing!  It's a curve ball!  He swings - BAM!  It a hit!  It's high ... it's over center field ... it's going ... it's going ... it's gone ... it's over the wall!  Folks!  It is a grand slam home-run.  The fans are going wild!'  You don't have to be there to visualize and enjoy the game.,"Reading the Bible should be like that!  We should visualize what we read.  It should be real to us.  In reading Daniel, we should be able to feel the furry creature brush up against us, while in the lion's den.",Ps 119:9;,Brother Williams - Former Missionary - Godly Fear District Convention,Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,1994/06/25,
"Bible, Study, Wisdom, Creation,","Jehovah's Word says, 'Everything he has made pretty in its time. Even time indefinite he has put in their heart, that mankind may never find out the work that the true God has made from the start to the finish.'  Some just glance at creation, and others study it extensively, yet, the same is true.",You will find the same thing true of your study of the Bible. Most people are just mild observers and recognize it as a good book.  Participants dig into it and find it rich with wisdom.,Ecclesiastes 3:11; Pr 2:4-6;,"Jul 15, 1970 Wt Page 443",Jehovah--the Grand Creator,101,,,
"Bible, Teaching,",Doctor delivers babies; Wants to do surgery.  Do you want to be first?,Takes practice to teach effectively,"2 Tim 2:15  Matt 6:19,20  Phil 7",Bobby Laymon,Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,,
"Bible, Television, T.V. Morals,","'Window on the world' (T.V. or Bible?) Television has staggering potential as a teacher.  Whole countries could be transformed into classrooms. Today: informs of world events, nature programs (grace of hummingbird in slow motion)","Are we controlling television or is it controlling us? It may be good at showing us beauties of creation, but does it draw us to our Creator. Bible is real 'window on the world.'",Rom. 12:2; Luke 6:40;,"May 22, 1991 Aw Page 10, 11",Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,,
"Bible, Test, Trial, Pressure, Endurance, World, Science,","A soldier actively engaged in bitter fighting cannot get a comprehensive view of the battle as a whole.  It is not expected of him. He is too occupied otherwise, and his whole view is largely affected by his own experience.","If this is true of occasions where there is great pressure, what about an entire world situation that is daily becoming more threatening?  Where can we turn for enlightenment and guidance?",Heb 3:7;4:12; John 17:17; Mt 28:20; Re 19:13;,"Sep 15, 1970 Wt Page 564",Does Your Hope Rest On Science Or The Bible?,80,,,
"Bible, Thinking, World,","A person would not think of allowing his baby's scribbling on a piece of paper to be used as a guide for a long, hazardous journey. Man needs the wisdom and direction that comes from above.",Man's mentality: He is a babe in a demon-controlled world.,"2 Tim. 1:13; Mic. 4:1, 2; Eph. 6:10-18;","Oct 1, 1964 Wt Page 593",'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
"Bible, Thinking, World, Meetings,",Like person eating dirt and garbage as a steady diet instead of proper food. His body mechanism will soon break down.,The only way the mind will operate properly is to get right fuel.,"2 Tim. 1:13; Mic. 4:1, 2; Eph. 6:10-18;","Oct 1, 1964 Wt Page 593",'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
"Bible, Thinking, World, Meetings,",Like trying to run a high-powered automobile by putting rubbish instead of high-test gasoline in the fuel tank.,The only way the mind will operate properly is to get right fuel.,"2 Tim. 1:13; Mic. 4:1, 2; Eph. 6:10-18;","Oct 1, 1964 Wt Page 593",'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
"Bible, Transformed, Mind, Power, World, Change, Doubt","It is amazing that tiny seeds planted in the spring become nutritious red beets, green beans or ears of corn a short time later.","Despite the grandness of this change, there is another that is even more desirable. The change in a human whose former life was molded by the wicked environment of the world.","1 Cor. 6:9, 10; Rom. 1:26-31; 12:2; Col. 3:5-7; Eph. 4:17-19;","Aug 15, 1967 Wt Page 485",Is The Truth Transforming Your Life?,51,,,
"Bible, Transformed, Mind, Power, World, Change, Doubt,","If a person had not been told about it, could he ever believe that an offensive-looking little caterpillar would change into a breathtakingly beautiful butterfly?","Despite the grandness of this change, there is another that is even more desirable. The change in a human whose former life was molded by the wicked environment of the world.","1 Cor. 6:9, 10; Rom. 1:26-31; 12:2; Col. 3:5-7; Eph. 4:17-19;","Aug 15, 1967 Wt Page 485",Is The Truth Transforming Your Life?,51,,,
"Bible, Transformed, Mind, Power, World, Change, Doubt,","Quote: Thomas Jefferson, 'Studious perusal of the Sacred Volume will make better citizens, betters fathers, better husbands ... The Bible makes the best people in the world.' (See article for many experiences)",The Transforming power of God's Word.,"1 Cor. 6:9, 10; Rom. 1:26-31; 12:2; Col. 3:5-7; Eph. 4:17-19;","Aug 15, 1967 Wt Page 485-488",Is The Truth Transforming Your Life?,51,,,
"Bible, Translation","Full of falsifications! what was said about Martin Luther's translation of Bible said contained 1,400 errors. The book Translating the Bible calls it ' a work of genius'",Same charges made against New World Translation because it departs from the traditional renderings of many verses and uses God's name.,2 Tim 3:l6,"Mar 3, 1991 Wt Page Johnse Laymon",Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,,
"Bible, Translation, Languages,","Bible now available in 1,982 languages, wholly or in part. The Complete Bible has been translated into 322 languages.",Information only,2ti 3:16,"Jun 8, 1992 Aw Page 28",Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,,
"Bible, Translations,","Translated into 1,970 languages in whole or in part.  Increased to 2197 in 1998.",Information,2 Tim. 3:16,"Jul 15, 1992 Wt Page 3 Sep 8, 1998 Aw Page 29.",Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,,
"Bible, Treasure,","'You can have it, if you like,' said the children's mother, as she noticed Schalk van Niekerk watching children playing with some stones. One stone sent to mineralogist and found to be a large diamond worth L500!","It is possible that you too, possess a priceless jewel without realizing it.  The Bible. Like a gem seen in dim light provides a sparkle of hope for fallen mankind. Wisdom and appeal.","2 Tim. 3:16; 1 Thessalonians 2:13; John 17:3, 17; James 1:17;","Jun 15, 1991 Wt Page 27",Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,,
"Bible, Tree,","If trees could talk!  Some trees have been here for perhaps 4,000 years.  If they could talk, what a tale they could tell!",We do have something that has been around for even longer than the trees.  It can talk!  It is God's Word.  It always tells the truth.,Heb 4:12; 2 Tim 3:16;,Bobby Laymon,Why Live By Bible Standards?,88,,1994/11/04,
"Bible, Trinity, Christendom, Babylon, Associations,","Stop and think.  If a person doubts your word, doubt its truthfulness, is this not an insult to your integrity.  If a person misrepresents your word or advocates things contrary to it while pretending to accept it, is this not treachery, a hypocrisy that you find disgusting?","Then if, with regard to God's Word, Christendom's churches are guilty of either of these courses, do you believe that God is pleased with those churches?  Will he be pleased with you if you associate with and support such churches?",1co 15:33; Re 18:4;,"Nov 15, 1971 Wt Page 677",Jehovah And Christ--are They Part Of A Trinity?,82,,1993/12/06,
"Bible, Trust, Faith, Wisdom, Experience,","'Old wood best to burn, old wine to drink, old friends to trust, and old authors to read.' Quote: Bacon (1561-1626)","The Bible has the oldest and greatest author of all, the Ancient of Days, Jehovah God.",Daniel 7:9;,Wisdom Of The Ages,On Whose Promises Do You Rely?,61,,,
"Bible, Trust, Wisdom, Reliance, Confidence, Standard, Maturity,","Most accidents happen in the home.  Many are because of poorly planned activities, or dangerous tools.  So do not trust your weight on just any home-made construction. Do not lean upon such.","It is that way with the wisdom on mankind.  Do not even lean upon such, but 'trust in Jehovah with all thy heart, and lean not upon thine own understanding: in all thy ways acknowledge him, and he will direct thy paths. Be not wise in thine own eyes; fear Jehovah, and depart from evil'.",Prov 3:5-7;,W52 8/15 501,Why Live By Bible Standards?,88,,1994/08/10,
"Bible, Truth,",'Truth stands the test of time.'  Quote: Ancient proverb.,"The Bible was true where written, and when written.  It is still true today, and will continue to be true for thousands of years into the future.  It will continue to stand the test of time.","Psalm 19:8, 9;",Joseph Wengert D. O.,Follow The Way To Life,45,,1996/04/29,
"Bible, Truth,","Don't be ashamed of your Bible, or a shame to it.","We must not disown Jehovah, Jesus of God's word.",Matt. 10:33; Luke 12:9; 2 Tim. 3:16; John 17:17;,Bobby Laymon,Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,,
"Bible, Truth,",First Bible printed in America.  It is no longer intelligent to anyone.  The last man who could read it died in 1895. Translated into language of the Massachusetts Indians in 1663 by,"Information: entitled 'MAMUSSE WUNNEETUPANATAMWE UPBIBLUM GOD John Eliot. Collectors item worth many thousands of dollar, though not readable.",Naneeswe Nukkone Testament Mequoshkinnumuk Kah Wonk Wusku Testamen,"Jul 15, 1963 Wt Page 436",Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,,
"Bible, Truth, Dead Sea Scroll,",'The last foundation for any doubt that the Scriptures have come down to us substantially as they were written has now been removed.' Quote: Sir Frederick Kenyon. The Bible & Archaeology.,Comparing many old copies of the Bible show that his has not changed significantly.,2 Sam. 23:2; 2 Tim. 3:16; Genesis. 2:26-28;,You Can Live Forever In Paradise On Earth. Page 53,Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,,
"Bible, Truth, Doubt,","If someone told you the truth a hundred times, would you suddenly doubt him when he told you something new?  If you had never found him wrong, would you now begin to doubt him?","Likewise, there is no reason to doubt anything God tells us in His word, the Bible.",Titus 1:2; Matt. 24:3-14; 2 Pet. 3:7;,You Can Live Forever In Paradise On Earth. Page 56,Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,,
"Bible, Truth, Lie,","'The truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.' God cannot lie, and he expects us to tell the truth.","Must place right hand on Bible in court, It is the book of truth.",Ps. 31:5; Heb. 6:18; Titus 1:2; John 17:17,"Nov 1, 1963 Wt Page 649",Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,,
"Bible, Truth, Lie,",Most books today are written to sell. Profit to writer & printers Teaching qualities superior to any man-made book of instruction. Jesus used this instruction book. Matt. 4:4-10 Use it to take the crookedness out of our lives.,Bible is 'best-seller' but not written to sell.,"2 Tim. 3:16, 17; Rom. 15:4;","Nov 1, 1963 Wt Page 655",Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,,
"Bible, Truth, Maturity,","All sixty-six books of the Bible, contain pointed truths that must be driven deep into one's mind. Like nails sledged into a board, they will not pull out but can be held onto with confidence, serving as a sure anchor to keep us from being slapped and tossed and battered about by the blowing winds of worldly propaganda.","All sixty-six books of the Bible, inspired by the one Teacher Jehovah God and collected under the guidance of his spirit will stay with those who love it.",Jas. 1:6-8; Ecclesiastes 12:11;,W50 1/15 24,Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,1994/10/25,
"Bible, Truth, Persecution, Courage,",Book: 'The Man with the Miraculous Hands' by Joseph Kessel.,"Asked for Jehovah's Witnesses to work for him. Women sent with skeletons showing through their skins, with only rags on their bodies.  Did not ask for bread or clothing, but a 'Bible'.",Ps. 119:105,"Sep 15, 1963 Wt Page 568",Bearing Up Under Persecution,57,,,
"Bible, Truth, Religion, Christendom, Trinity, Holidays,","The 'Disney syndrome.' 'After watching Disney movies of animals and birds in the forest, 'some people, particularly children, get the idea that animals can talk.' They think they are just like people.  Another spokesman maintained: 'Youngsters simply aren't getting the truth about wildlife.",It is that way with Bible truth.  Young and old alike are simply not getting the truth about God's Word.,2 Tim 3:16;,G83 5/22 12-13,Jehovah And Christ--are They Part Of A Trinity?,82,,1996/06/11,
"Bible, Truth, Scriptures,",Suppose you went to a public library and chose 66 religious books that had been written over a period of 16 centuries.  Then you had those individual books bound into one volume.  Would you expect that volume to have a common theme and a harmonious message?  Hardly.  That would require a miracle.,"Consider this:  The books of the Bible do have such a common theme, and they do corroborate one another.  This demonstrates that there must be one mastermind, or author, who directed what the Bible writers recorded.",John 17:17; 2 Tim 3:16;,"Apr 15, 1995 Wt Page 4",Does Your Hope Rest On Science Or The Bible?,80,,1995/03/13,
"Bible, Understanding, King James","Reading the King James Bible is like trying to read without glasses.  It is hard to do slow going, have to reread to understand.",New world Translation is our glasses helps us understand Bible truths...important to understand what we read.,John 17:3,Scott Rudolph Heard From Bobby Laymon,,,,1996/08/10,
"Bible, Understanding, Puzzled, Stumble, Difficulties, Waiting, Patience,","An old man once said, 'For a long period, I puzzled myself about the  difficulties of Scripture, until at last I came to the resolution, that  reading the Bible was like eating fish. When I find a difficulty, I lay it aside, and call it a bone.","Why should I choke over the bone when there is so much nutritious meat for me? Some day, perhaps, I may find that even the bone may afford me nourishment.'",2 Tim. 3:16;,Bobby Laymon,Make Jehovah Your Confidence,70,,"Feb 12, 2001",2/28/2018
"Bible, Understanding, Warnings, Christendom, Trinity, Hell, Purgatory,","'Most people are bothered by those passages of Scripture they do not understand, but the passages that bother me are those I do understand.' Quote: -Mark Twain.",The churches of Christendom have substituted traditions for the Word of God.  They teach eternal torment and other doctrines that turn people away from Jehovah.,Matt 15:3-9;,Bobby Laymon,Is Hell Really A Place Of Fiery Torment?,128,,1995/08/25,
"Bible, Water, Knowledge, Study, Return Visits,","Theocratic ministers know that the truth of the Bible is likened to water, and that it may be said that within the covers of a Bible help is a reservoir of such water. Moreover, when water remains dammed up and motionless it becomes stale, stagnant; it must flow like a stream to be clear and sparkling.","So ministers call back, encourage obtainers to open the publications, let the message on the page free to flow through the eye into the mind and fill the heart. If the truth waters have been befouled and polluted by lying modern-day Midianites, the back-calling minister can settle the dirt peddled by mudslingers and clear up the water and get it streaming to the listener in sparkling clarity. (Ezek. 34:18, 19; Rev. 22:1, 17) So ministers must call back, not only to teach pure truth but also to mop up on any dirty smears or falsehoods left by those still posing as  representatives of Christ or as 'higher powers' 'ordained of God'. Such Theocratic mopping up operations are necessary to completely free the oppressed and to eliminate any straggling oppressors.","Ezek. 34:18, 19; Rev. 22:1, 17",W50 6/15 185,Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,1994/05/07,
"Bible,  Wisdom",X-ray vision.  Bible helps us to do this.  Depends largely on whether we are impetuous or we think before.  Insight; Ability to see into a situation.,"See beyond obvious reason for things act discreetly, act prudently, have success. (New World trans.)","Deuteronomy 32:7, 29","Mar 15, 1989 Wt Page 12",Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,,
"Bible, Wisdom,","Quote by William Lyon Phelps, professor at Yale University. 'Everyone who has a thorough knowledge of the Bible may truly be called educated; and no other learning or culture, no matter how extensive or elegant, can ... form a proper substitute.'",What is a truly educated person.,Matt. 5:3,"Sep 22, 1962 Aw Page 26",Acquiring A Heart Of Wisdom,73,,,
"Bible, Wisdom, Experts, Science, Knowledge,","'Even when the experts all agree, they may well be mistaken.'  Quote: Bertrand Russell.","Jehovah's word is always right, even though it proves every man a liar.",Rom 3:4;,Bobby Laymon - Reader's Digest,Does Your Hope Rest On Science Or The Bible?,80,,1996/03/18,
"Bible, Wisdom, Grasshopper, Humility,","HAVE you ever strolled across a meadow in summer and seen countless grasshoppers leap out of your path? They seemed to be everywhere, though you may have paid them scant attention.  After all, they appear harmless and insignificant.","Yet, the virtual insignificance of grasshoppers makes them a suitable symbol of mankind.  Although some prominent men may consider themselves highly important, our Creator thinks otherwise. His prophet Isaiah said: 'There is One who is dwelling above the circle of the earth, the dwellers in which are as grasshoppers.'-Isaiah 40:22",Is 40:22,W93 9/15 32,Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,1994/05/09,
"Bible, Wisdom, Grasshopper, Humility,","While it is not possible for feeble man to project any of his mental power to a grasshopper, it is possible for Jehovah to impart his wisdom to men.","Through his Word the Bible 'the LORD giveth wisdom', 'he layeth up sound wisdom for the righteous.' (Prov. 2:6, 7)","Pro 2:6, 7;",W50 10/1 339,Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,1994/05/09,
"Bible, Wisdom, Insight, Knowledge, Understanding, Genius, Modesty,","An apple a day, keeps the doctor away. Better applied to reading God's word daily.",Old health remedy.,Prov. 9:10; 15:33; 2 Tim. 3:15; Jas. 1:5; Col. 2:3; Prov. 1:5,Bobby Laymon,Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,,
"Bible, Wisdom, Knowledge,","Give a man a fish, feed for day, teach how, feed for lifetime Bible study arrangement",Jehovah's Witnesses teach how to feed eternally on God's Word,2 Tim 3:16,Bobby Laymon,Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,,
"Bible, Word, Scriptures,","Once a sundial was given to a primitive people. So desirous were they to honor it and keep it safe that they housed it in, and  built a roof over it.",Is this the way we treat the Bible?  It is not too sacred for daily use.  Learn to use it.  Let God in on your life.,"2 Tim 3:16, 17;",Peter Morgan,Does God Count You Personally Important?,26,,1997/08/10,
"Bible, Word, Scriptures, Creation,","'A THING of beauty is a joy for ever,' wrote Keats the poet. Many beautiful things-paintings, sculptures and especially literary masterpieces-reveal something of their creator. The earth, this  'thing of beauty,' with its marvels of life, growth, color, taste and a thousand other delights, reveals a Creator that is all-wise, all-powerful and all-loving.","The greatest literary masterpiece of all time, the Bible, has also been a 'thing of beauty' and 'a joy' to millions for hundreds of years. It tells us that 'God is love,' that he is 'merciful and gracious' and that man was made 'in his image.'",1 John 4:8; Exodus 34:6; Genesisesis 1:27;,W84 3/1 4,Does Your Hope Rest On Science Or The Bible?,80,,1995/01/27,
"Bible, Word, Skill,","God's Word is likened, among other things, to nourishing milk, solid food, refreshing and cleansing water, a mirror, and a sharp sword.","If one is a spiritual babe, he needs spiritual milk.  One takes in solid food by digging into a through study of God's Word.  The Bible refreshes and 'washes clean' from worldly practices.  As a mirror we compare what we are with what we should be.  As a sword, it cuts away false doctrines and ideas and defends the truth.","Heb 5:12, 14; John 4:13,14; Jas 1:22-25; Eph 6:12, 17;","Jan 1, 1996 Wt Page 31",Does Your Hope Rest On Science Or The Bible?,80,,1995/12/12,
"Bible, Word, Tree, Life,",A CUT flower can last only a few days before it withers and dies. But a tree planted in a well-watered area can grow large and strong and  may live for hundreds or even thousands of years.,"Interestingly, the Bible likens the person whose 'delight is in the law of Jehovah' to 'a tree planted by streams of water, that gives its own fruit in its season and the foliage of which does not wither.'-Ps. 1:1-3.",Ps 1:1-3;,W80 8/1 8,,,,1996/01/06,
"Bible, World, Study,","If you found yourself in a mine field, with a map showing where the danger was, wouldn't you study it carefully before you moved? We must study Bible carefully.","World is strewed with traps, pitfalls. Bible can lead us out.",Ps. 119:105;,Johnse Laymon,'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
"Bible, Writers, Gospels,","In a court trial, one witness may supplies details another missed.",So it is with the Bible.  Some writers fill in details not covered by others.,2 Ti 3:16;,The Bible--god's Word Or Man's  Page 90,Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,,
"Bible, Writing, Guidance, Word, Author, Faith,","But take the mule, a hybrid between the ass and horse; the offspring is sterile and cannot reproduce. It came up to the boundary and can go no farther.",Is it any more difficult for God to have believing man write down his word and have that word protected by the same force holding these other boundaries in operation?,2 Tim. 3:16;,W68 4/1 205,Respect For Authority Is A Safeguard For You,12,,1994/07/25,
"Bible, Youth, Children, Training, Discipline,","At birth a human is not like a young tree that automatically grows upright.  He is more like a loose vine that will drop over unless it is tied to a strong, upright stake.","This strong, upright stake is God's Word.  When applied early in life, there is a strong likelihood that a person will grow up to be law abiding.","Ps 119:105; Pr 22:6, 15;","Jan 8, 1968 Aw Page 17",How Can Youths Cope With Today's Crisis?,113,,,
Bible-application,Computer-command must be executed exact,Do utmost to fully carry out,2 Pet. 3:14,Bobby Laymon,Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,,
Bible;,"'The Bible may be the truth, but it is not the whole truth and nothing but the truth.'  Quote:  Samuel Butler.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Bible;,'The total absence of humor from the Bible is one of the most singular things in all literature.'  Quote:  Alfred Whitehead.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Bible;,"'To say nothing of its holiness or authority, the Bible contains more specimens of genius and taste than any other volume in existence.'  Quote:  Waltor S. Landor.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Bible;,Bibles that are coming apart usually belong to people who aren't.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Bible; New World Translation,"What are your taste in Literature? History, Poetry, Philosophy, science, biographies, travel, wise sayings? Heroic tales of adventure, romance, something about the future?",These and many more found in library you can carry in one hand.,2 Tim. 3:16,"Oct 15, 1961 Wt Page 635",'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
"Bible; New World Translation, Versions,",Comparison of different versions Texts on 4 different versions compared to show superiority of New World Translation.,For use on Studies,2 Tim. 3:16,"Oct 15, 1961 Wt Page 638",'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
Bible; Science; Facts;,'All human discoveries seem to be made only for the purpose of confirming more and more strongly the truths that come on high and are contained in the sacred writings.'  Quote:  John F. Hershel.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Bible; Truth;,"'The Bible is the truth, but it is not the whole truth and nothing but the truth.'  Quote:  Samuel Butler.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Bigamy; Marriage;,"'Bigamy is having one wife too many, monogamy is the same.'  Quote:  H. L. Mencken.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Bigot, Prejudice, Racial, Partial, Knowledge, Wisdom,","'Wisdom has never made a bigot, but learning has.' Quote: Josh Billings.","Avoid being overcritical, picking at brothers or congregation.  Keep advancing in accurate knowledge, but do not allow pride, fear, or jealousy to motivate you.","Ecclesiastes 7:16, 17;",Bobby Laymon,Make Jehovah Your Confidence,70,,1995/08/25,
Bigotry; Opinionated;,'A man must be both stupid and uncharitable who believes there is no virtue or truth but on his own side.'  Quote:  Joseph Addison.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Bigotry; Prejudice;,'Every bigot was once a child free from prejudice.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Birds, Creation, Designer, Science, Insects,",A skilled designer is recognized by the way he nicely balances technical and aesthetic requirements.  He gets the most from both.,"Have you noticed that flying creatures do not disturb the senses. The sounds made by them are generally welcomed sounds.  How different from the nerve-shattering sounds of a fixed-wing plane or a helicopter.  Also, they pollute the air, causing sickness.",Ro 8:28; Eph 4:16;,"Sep 8, 1970 Aw Page 17",Does Your Hope Rest On Science Or The Bible?,80,,,
"Birds, Creation, Singing, Ear, Hearing,",Some birds can sing 3 or 4 notes at once.  Others can produce up to 80 notes per second.  Birds can tell the difference between an organ piece by Bach and Stravinsky's 'Rite of Spring.',"Birds can distinguish the 80 notes per second, because of their keen hearing, but to humans they sound like one note. How foolish to think Jehovah does not hear.",Ps 94:9;,"Jun 22, 1993 Aw Page 19",Jehovah--the Grand Creator,101,,,
"Birds, Creation, Singing, Ear, Hearing, Practice, Praise,","Like a human professional singer, the male chaffinch must hear a tune over and over, then must perfect his song with practice, practice, practice.  Trying again and again to match his youthful voice with the tune in his head.","We must continue to praise Jehovah over and over again.  This will be improved with practice, practice, practice.","1 Ch 16:36; 23:30; 2ch 20:20, 21;","Jun 22, 1993 Aw Page 20",Jehovah--the Grand Creator,101,,,
"Birth, Death,",There is no cure for birth or death save to enjoy the interval.  -- George Santayana,Man cannot prevent death.  He can enjoy life for a short time.,"Ecclesiastes 2:10,11;",Bobby Laymon,Life Does Have A Purpose,23,,"Nov 19, 2001",
Birth;,"'If nature had arranged that husbands and wives should have children alternatively, there would never be more than three in a family.'  Quote:  Lawrence Houseman.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Birth;,'To heir is human.'  Quote:  Douglas McGuire.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Birth; Imperfection;,'The moment you're born you're done for.'  Quote:  Arnold Bennett.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Black Holes, Creation, Space, Universe,","Like unimaginable powerful cosmic whirlpools, are the black holes.",The inward pull of gravity is so strong that both light and matter that get too close are inexorable sucked into them. Scientist have not unlocked this secret of the universe.,Ge 1:1,"Mar 22, 1992 Aw Page 3, 6",Jehovah--the Grand Creator,101,,,
"Blame, Credit, Appreciation, Bitter, Enraged, Anger, Self-control,","If an automobile driver ignores a stop sign at a busy intersection and gets into a bad accident as a result, it is not the fault of the law. If a person becomes a glutton and gets sick from overeating, it is not the fault of the farmer who grew the food. If, despite good upbringing, a young man leaves home, ignores his father's good counsel and then gets into trouble, it is not the father who is to blame.","Then why should the heavenly Father, God, be blamed when mankind commits wrongs? Should not the blame be put where it belongs-on the guilty party?",Prov 19:3;,Is There A God Who Cares 5-8,Evidence Of God In The World Around Us,4,,1994/07/31,
"Blame, Credit, Appreciation, Bitter, Enraged, Anger, Self-control,","If someone else committed a crime, how would you feel if you were blamed for it? You would consider this very unjust. Justice requires that the guilty be punished and the innocent be freed from blame.","IF we blame God for such things as starvation from food shortages, whom do we credit for the productive fields and orchards that produce such bountiful crops in many lands? If we blame God for sickness, whom do we credit for the body's marvelous healing systems? If we blame God for city slums, whom do we credit for majestic mountains, clear lakes, delightful flowers and beautiful trees?",Prov 19:3;,Is There A God Who Cares 5-8,Evidence Of God In The World Around Us,4,,1994/07/31,
"Blame, Excuse,","Once upon a time, there were four people; their names were Anybody, Somebody, Nobody and Everybody. Whenever there was an important job to be done, Everybody was sure that Somebody would do it. Anybody could have done it, but Nobody did it. When Nobody did it, Everybody got angry because it was Anybody's job. Everybody thought that Somebody would do it, but Nobody realized that Nobody would do it.","So, consequently, Everybody blamed Somebody when Nobody did what Anybody could have done in the first place.","Genesis. 3:12, 13;",Bobby Laymon,How Can Youths Cope With Today's Crisis?,113,,1999/02/17,
"Blame, Jehovah, Wickedness, Creator, Maker, Creation,","An airplane can be used for peaceful purposes, as an airliner. But it can also be used for destruction, as a bomber.  Its being used in a death-dealing way does not mean it had no maker.","The fact that humans have often turned out bad does not mean they did not have a Maker, that there is no God.",Is 29:16; 42:5; Ro 1:20;,Does God Really Care About Us.  Page 8,Make Jehovah Your Confidence,70,,,
"Blame, Sin,","When I was about 4 years old, my father gave me a hammer.  I hit the wrong nail and threw the hammer as far as I could.  I got mad at my father for giving it to me.","Likewise we can blame Jehovah for mistakes caused by inexperience, or making a bad choice, as Adam did.",Pr 19:3; Ge 2:15-17;,"Timothy Thompson (comment On Nov 15, 1992 Wt Page 15 Para 8)",Hold A Good Conscience In A Sinful World,107,,,
"Blameless, Good, Righteous, Sin, Law, Spirit,","You say, 'Don't touch that microphone,' but I get all around it. Even appear to touch it, but don't.  Then I accidentally touch. and say, 'Oh! it was an accident.' What was I doing so close? Some have not fallen, not because they are blameless, but because the opportunity has not yet arisen.","Better to obey the spirit of the law, then the letter of law.","Matt. 5:27, 28;",Phil Kirkton,The Only Cure For Sick Mankind,62,,,
"Blessing, Credit, Growth, Progress,","No matter how hard a farmer may work, the weather is a very important factor in the growth of crops.","Moreover, is it not a fact that regardless of what success we might have in our sacred service, everything depends on Jehovah's blessing?","Ps 127:1; 1 Cor 3:6, 7;",W84 1/15 21,Hold A Good Conscience In A Sinful World,107,,1994/07/30,
"Blessing, Credit, Growth, Progress, Spiritual,","WHAT joy there is to those involved when they see healthy, flourishing physical growth! Ask any farmer. Ask any parent.",This is equally true in the case of spiritual development.  The whole atmosphere is one of happy encouragement to all.,"Ps 127:1; 1 Cor 3:6, 7;",W82 5/15 27,Hold A Good Conscience In A Sinful World,107,,1994/07/30,
Blessings,Recount:  You count the audience but if not sure did it right you or someone does a recount.,"We have many blessings in truth, free false religion, brotherhood we may have to recount them from time to time like Joshua did.",Joshua 24,John Denola,Hold A Good Conscience In A Sinful World,107,,,
"Blessings, Materialism, Riches, Money,",'It is not rich because of all its riches.'  Quote: A 17th century observer regarding Spain.,"Many today are like that.  Because of reaching for the riches of this world, they miss out on true blessings and riches.",Rev. 2:9; 3:17;,"Aug 8, 1996 Aw Page 21",Evidence Of God In The World Around Us,4,,1996/07/16,
"Blessings, Organization, Spirit,","'Without Jehovah's help, this organization would have fallen apart a long time ago.' Quote: Lyman Swingle to Sam Buck.","After a hard day's work, brother Swingle had come up to his room and they were casually discussing the problems of the day in the ink room, where both worked.  Brother Swingle made the above comment.  How true that is!",Zechariah 4:6;,Sam Buck (bethel Brother),Serving With Jehovah's Unified Organization,3,,,
"Blessings, Pioneer, Elder, Publisher, Ministerial, Bethel, Content","'It's not so much where you serve but whom you serve that is truly important.'  Quote by: John Booth, member of governing body.",A simple statement but how true! Serving Jehovah is the greatest of all privileges!,Rev. 4:11;,"Dec 1, 1991 Wt Page 26 (told By Roy A. Ryan) Jun 15, 1996 Wt Page 32.",Who Are Qualified As Ministers Of God?,81,,,
"Blessings, Positive, Attitude, Negative,","'Reflect upon your present blessings--of which every man has many--not on your past misfortunes, of which all men have some.'  Quote: Charles Dickens.",All the good things that Jehovah has given us should be the focus of our memories.,Josh 23:14;,Bobby Laymon - Reader's Digest,Coping With Life's Anxieties,32,,1996/03/24,
"Blessings, Thankful, Appreciation, Granted,",We must be careful not to let our thankfulness for what we have be soured because we are so preoccupied with what we do not have or with our personal problems.   Quote: Watchtower.,"We should always show appreciation for what we have, never taking Jehovah for granted.","Acts 2:25; Eph 5:19, 20; Col 4:2; 1th 5:18;","Dec 15, 1991 Wt Par 14, 15.",Appreciating Marvels Of God's Creation,114,,1993/12/27,
"Blessings, Truth, Organization, World, Joy",Sahara desert is biggest desert in world. Three and half million square miles. Plane crashes in middle. You walk for days. Almost dead see caravan men and camels. Give water canteens.  Awaken in one few oasis in desert. Conditions not perfect but better then dying in sand. If keep busy not bad at all.,World much like desert dying in it.  Someone comes along gives drink from Canteen of God's Word. They bring you to a Spiritual Oasis plenty food and water. Not perfect brothers have flaws but best you can do until you escape to the New world.,Ps 23:1-4;,John Denola  One Day Assembly,Are You Content With Jehovah's Provisions?,22,,,
"Blessings, Truth, Organization, World, Joy",Thrown overboard and floating on some timbers in ocean no food or water. Picked up by fishing boat.  One kind old man gives coffee hot food. After warm up begin smell fish. Eat fish every day.  The old man not a good cook. Begin to complain. Where can we go. Back into cold ocean.  Wait until we get home.,In old world but have been rescued. Brothers have faults but much better then cold world. For anything better Jehovah takes you home to Paradise earth.,Matt 24:45-47;,Joe Laymon,Are You Content With Jehovah's Provisions?,22,,,
"Blessings, Truth, Organization, World, Loyalty,",If you want to see how crooked something is put it beside something straight.,The world is crooked when placed beside the truth.,"Isa. 65:13,14",John Denola,Serving With Jehovah's Unified Organization,3,,,
Blessings;,'What I'm looking for is blessing that is not in disguise.'  Quote:  Kitty Collins.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Blind, Discernment, Preaching, Truth, Service, Teach,",'There are none so blind as those who will not see.' Quote: Matthew Henry. (1708-1710).,"Although we see with our eyes, it is the brain that interprets the light entering the eye.  Hence, being blind is also defined as being 'unable or unwilling to discern or judge.'  The literal blindness of many cannot now be reversed, yet no one is obliged to remain spiritually blind.","Luke 12:8; Heb. 13:15; Rom. 10: 9, 10, Acts 20:20; Ps. 68:11","Aug 15, 1994 Wt Page 6",Have Faith In The Good News,47,,,
"Blind, Understanding, Wisdom,",'There's none so blind as they that won't see.' Quote: Jonathan Swift.,"Jehovah rejected the Israelites for their lack of knowledge, that is, recognition and obedience.  Thus, a lack of knowledge can cost one his life.","Hosea 4:1, 6; Isa 5:13;",Bobby Laymon,How Well Do You Know God?,1,,1995/08/25,
Blind; Spiritual Blindness;,'A blind man who sees is better than a seeing man who is blind.'  Quote:  Persian.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Blindness;,'One may have good eyes and see nothing.'  Quote:  Italian.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Blindness;,'Sometimes in the dark you see what you want to see.'  Quote:  Roger Omerod.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Blindness;,'There is none so blind as they that won't see.'  Quote:  Jonathan Swift.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Blindness; Funny;,"'Don't worry about the horse being blind, just load the wagon!             (John Madden to his players, said he never knew what it meant!)'  Quote:  John Madden.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Blood,"'Dynamite can do a great deal of good or a great deal of harm.' Quote: New York State Journal of Medicine, Jan. 15, 1960.  Known that for many years now.",Blood is likened to dynamite.,Acts 15:22-29;,How Can Blood Save Your Life? Page 7,Keep Growing In Your Relationship With God,16,,,
Blood,Apartment dwellers heard the thump of one shoe hitting the floor may then get tense awaiting the second.,The blood dilemma no one knows when next deadly shoe may hit.,Acts 15:29,Blood Brochure Page 12;johnse Laymon,Keep Growing In Your Relationship With God,16,,,
Blood,Japan: 'Vampire of the World.' Estimate: makes 200 million yr. from just 'albumin.' 96% Japan imports to other countries. Mostly U.S.,Applied to large profits made from blood products.,Genesis. 9:4,"Oct 22, 1990 Awake Page 3",Keep Growing In Your Relationship With God,16,,,
Blood,Jumbo jet crash every month killing everyone aboard,"From hepatitis alone 4,000 die each year",Acts 15:29,Blood Brochure Page 10;johnse Laymon,Keep Growing In Your Relationship With God,16,,,
Blood,Pathologist said blood is dynamite- we can see more like time bomb will go off. Don't know when.,Can do good according to him but it can do a lot of harm.,Acts 15:29,Blood Brochure Page 7; Johnse Laymon,Keep Growing In Your Relationship With God,16,,,
Blood,"Red Gold (also compared to oil and coal) Like gold, blood inspires greed. Sold at a profit and resold at higher profit; Some fight over rights to sell blood; sell at exorbitant prices; make fortunes.",Blood is Big Business Even smuggle from one country to another.,Genesis. 9:4,"Oct 22, 1990 Awake Page 3",Keep Growing In Your Relationship With God,16,,,
Blood,"Within a single drop, there bustle great armies of cells. Single drop: 250 million red blood cells; 400,000 white cells 15 million platelets. Each has separate task. Red cells so tiny, stack of 500 be only 0.04 inches tall.","The incredible complexity and order of blood. All in body soar 31,000 miles high. Every second 3 million are removed and replaced.",Leviticus. 17:11,"Oct 22, 1990 Aw Page 14",Keep Growing In Your Relationship With God,16,,,
Blood Issue,"Ten Lepers, Only one showed respect.  Unfair to wait until in hospital to inform about stand.  Deal with respectfully, do not assume doctor knows our position.  Our stand is not negotiable.",Should respect Doctors position.,Luke 17:11  Mat 7:12 Prov 22:3,Trust In Jehovah District Assy. July 1987,Keep Growing In Your Relationship With God,16,,,
"Blood Life,","Adultery; not avoided by Christians because of fear of disease. With best hospitals, with best care, people die. Babies die with best care. God's will about blood not based on health considerations.",Blood transfusion is morally wrong.  Not rejected for fear of disease.,"Ps. 36:9  Acts 15:28,29","Pure Language Dist. Assembly July 5-8, 1990",Is This Life All There Is?,36,,,
"Blood Life,","DC-10 crashing every month. Jets would be grounded. Blood does not get near the publicity. 4,000 die yearly from hepatitis, amounting to a full jumbo jet crashing every month.",Equivalent of the deaths caused each month by blood transfusion.,"Acts 15:28, 29","Oct 22, 1990 Awake Page 9-11 & How Can Blood Save Your Life P. 10",Keep Growing In Your Relationship With God,16,,,
"Blood Life,",Russian roulette with a ten-chamber revolver. Hemophiliacs using plasma based clotting agent. 60-90% got AIDS Biggest obstacle from recovery from surgery. Cancer: reoccurrence 31% w/o transfusion. 71% with transfusion.,There is a 1 in 10 chance of getting an infection from transfusion.  Cancer of larynx was 14% and 65% respectively. quote: The cancer surgeon may need to become a bloodless surgeon.,"Acts 15:28, 29","Oct 22, 1990 Awake Page 9-11",Keep Growing In Your Relationship With God,16,,,
"Blood Life,","You are 'Unique'. Not in shoe size, hair color, etc. Blood mentioned over 400 times in Bible Stands for life.  Gen 9:3-5 Blood is as unique as fingerprints",Jehovah's Witnesses are unique in 'Morality',"Ps. 36:9  Acts 15:28,29","Pure Language Dist. Assembly July 5-8, 1990",Keep Growing In Your Relationship With God,16,,,
Blood Transfusion,Rape (Young sister considered forced transfusion as rape) Those needing help can get 14 page document from Society by next day on finding favorable doctors.,Society now won several cases on giving minors blood.,"Acts 15:28, 29","Mark Morrow (bethel Brother) Jun 20, 1990",Keep Growing In Your Relationship With God,16,,,
"Blood,",'Nobody can say at any place or at any time that a patient who lived with a blood transfusion would not have lived without it.' Quote: Dr. Frederick Exner. (Former member of blood bank committees in various hospitals.),Medical doctors recognize that blood as medicine is not as important as persons are led to believe.,"Acts 15:19, 20, 29; Genesis. 9:5; Leviticus. 17:14;","Sep 22, 1967 Aw Page 6",Keep Growing In Your Relationship With God,16,,,
"Blood,","Not because it is polluted, but because it is precious, holy. Others abstain because of fear of aids, etc.",The reason why Jehovah's Witnesses abstain from blood.,Acts 15:29,"Jan 15, 1991 Wt Page 29",Keep Growing In Your Relationship With God,16,,,
"Blood,","Quote: 'Thoughtless prescription of blood transfusion is playing Russian Roulette with bottles of blood instead of a revolver.' by Dr. W.H. Crosby of Walter Reed Army Hospital, Washington.",Dangers of blood transfusions.,"Acts 15:28, 29;","May 8, 1964 Aw Page 24, 30",Keep Growing In Your Relationship With God,16,,,
"Blood,",Would you eat someone.  Would make you a cannibal!,Same thing with taking blood.,"Acts 15:28, 29",Bobby Laymon,Keep Growing In Your Relationship With God,16,,,
"Blood, Aids, HIV,","Many apartment dwellers have heard one shoe hit the floor then get very tense awaiting the second. First HIV, then HIV-1, then HIV-2 Then other distant relatives; T-cell leukemia lymphoma etc.","In the blood dilemma, no one knows how many deadly shoes will hit. So many shoes have already dropped that Centers for Disease Control recommends 'universal precautions.'",Acts 15:22-29;,How Can Blood Save Your Life? Page 12,Keep Growing In Your Relationship With God,16,,,
"Blood, Bible,","You see a new, very expensive car advertised on television.  You could never afford it.  However, someone offers it to you as a gift.  There is just one requirement.  It has a special oil, that without it, it will fail.  Would you be careful to use it in that way?","We are that car.  Jehovah requires only the 'oil' he provides. Yes, he specifies that we use only the blood he has given us. He has given us a 'manual' to go by, and that is His Word, the Bible.","Ac 15:28, 29; Ge 9:3, 4; Le 17:13-16",Al Larue ,Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,,12/22/2015
"Blood, Bill Of Rights,","Bill of Rights is like a rock of Gibraltar, protecting the liberties of the individual against majority opinion, legislative opinion and even judicial opinion. The doctor is not the master, but the employee.","Why should these rights be removed, and overpowered?",Acts 15:29;,"Jan 22, 1964 Aw Page 12-14",Keep Growing In Your Relationship With God,16,,,
"Blood, Compromise, Unwavering, Solid, Endure,","'You asked me if I would let my son die by refusing a blood transfusion.  With all due respect, I would like to ask if you would let your son die in the military service of any nation?'  He answered 'Yes!'","I said, 'You would allow your son to die because it is for a cause you believe in.  Allow me the same privilege with my son.'  Quote: Brother Ernest Garrett.","Acts 15:19-21, 28, 29;","Nov 22, 1996 Aw Page 20;",Maintain Your Confidence Firm To The End,46,,1996/11/06,
"Blood, Foresight, Future, Plan, Insight, Medical, Decisions,",'Dig the well before you are thirsty.'  Quote: Chinese proverb.,Some decisions and plans need to be made long before the crisis arrives.,Zephaniah 2:2;,Bobby Laymon - Reader's Digest,Decide Now For Divine Ruler ship,37,,1996/03/24,
"Blood, Franz",Joseph and Mary risked their lives to take their son into Egypt in order to elude the law of the king that had ordered the seizure of their child.  That child was Jesus.,This is how far parents of Jehovah's Witnesses would go to defy an unlawful order to break God's law regarding blood.,"Acts 15:19, 20, 29; Genesis. 9:5; Leviticus. 17:14;","Sep 22, 1967 Aw Page 4, 5   F.W. Franz",Keep Growing In Your Relationship With God,16,,,
"Blood, Justice,","The road of discrimination, once embarked upon, is long & slippery.  Parents are the guardian of their children.","Deny justice to one, and deny justice to all.",Genesis. 1:28,"Jul 22, 1963 Aw Page 15",Keep Growing In Your Relationship With God,16,,,
"Blood, Life,","If you hired a contractor to build a house, and he insisted you accept his design, and when you refused, he called a judge, got a court order and forced you to accept his choice without a chance to defend yourself in court.  Is that justice? How would you feel?","Likewise, when you employ the services of a doctor, you may wish to take his advise, but you also reserve the right to reject it.","Acts 15:28, 29; Heb. 10:26, 27, 31; Heb. 6:8; Heb. 11:6;","May 22, 1967 Aw Page 3",Keep Growing In Your Relationship With God,16,,,
"Blood, Life,","The ancient Roman Empire prided itself in the fact that it excelled in law. Yet, it also excelled in lawlessness, for slavery and injustice abounded. Innocent people were thrown to wild beasts; Christians young and old were killed.","Christians today, as then, have suffered by obeying God's just laws, rather than man's. Matt. 10:39;","Acts 5:29 Acts 15:28, 29; Heb. 10:26, 27, 31; Heb. 6:8; Heb. 11:6;","May 22, 1967 Aw Page 12",Keep Growing In Your Relationship With God,16,,,
"Blood, Life, Conscience","Nazi war criminals pleaded they were obeying order of superiors, and the trial court reminded them they should have obeyed the dictates of their conscience.","Yet, today, when intelligent, dedicated, baptized Christians exercise their conscience in harmony with the Bible on blood, their conscience is overridden by lawmakers.","Acts 15:28, 29; Genesis. 9:4-6;","Dec 1, 1967 Wt Page 722",Hold A Good Conscience In A Sinful World,107,,,
"Blood, Life, Death,",What would you do if you worked in a factory and your machine required repair and a mechanic suggested patching it up by using parts specifically forbidden in the operator's manual?  Would you not consult other mechanics to see if the machine could be fixed in harmony with the manual's instructions?,"We are entrusted with our present life.  Human life is far more important and complex than a machine.  In his inspired Word, the manual for keeping humans alive, our Maker forbids the use of blood to sustain life.  Is it not reasonable to stick to the requirements of that manual?","Deuteronomy 32:46, 47; Php 2:16;","Jan 15, 1995 Wt Page 6",Life Does Have A Purpose,23,,1994/12/14,
"Blood, Life, Diabetic, Transfusion,","If a doctor said, abstain from sugar, would that simple mean not eating it with your mouth, but you could transfuse it? Certainly not!",To 'abstain' means not taking it into your body at all.,"Acts 15:20, 29",You Can Live Forever In Paradise On Earth. Page 216,Is The Truth Transforming Your Life?,51,,,
"Blood, Life, Sap, Sacred,","In vegetation, especially in woody plants, a juice or vital circulating fluid called sap was to course through even the tiniest branch, leaf and blossom.  Could be said, 'the life of the plant is in the sap.'","In animals and man Jehovah prepared a different kind of circulatory system.  Blood, instead of sap, would carry oxygen and food to every organ and part of the body. Life in blood.","Genesis. 1:29, 30; 9:3-6; Deuteronomy. 21:1-9; 19:11-13; Leviticus. 17:11;","May 15, 1973 Wt Page 301",Keep Growing In Your Relationship With God,16,,,
"Blood, Life, Transfusion,",If a doctor were to tell you to abstain from alcohol would that mean that you should not take it through your mouth but that you could transfuse it directly into your veins? Of course not!,To 'abstain' means not taking it into your body at all.,"Acts 15:20, 29",You Can Live Forever In Paradise On Earth. Page 216,Is The Truth Transforming Your Life?,51,,,
"Blood, Life, Transfusion,","If I was in an accident and had to have my jaws wired shut, how would they feed me. Would I be eating. Nancy Crusan fed thru tubes in stomach for over 8 years and kept alive.",Transfusion is simply a short-cut way of eating.,"Acts 15:20, 29",Bernie Boice C.O.,Is The Truth Transforming Your Life?,51,,,
"Blood, Non-blood Medical Management, Surgery,","'Roughly equivalent to a devout Catholic's refusing abortion but not all surgery.'  Quote: Dr. Stephen E. Pope, a cardiologist of the San Francisco Bay area, in California, U.S.A.","Stressing that Witnesses are not refusing all medical care, just blood.","Acts 15:28, 29;","Mar 22, 1995 Aw Page 20",Life Does Have A Purpose,23,,1995/02/21,
"Blood, Ransom, Sacred,","All of us know that when a substance is made rare, or severely restricted as to its use, its value increases.","Jehovah's curb on its use ensured that blood would be viewed not as something of ordinary value, but as precious, valuable.","Acts 15:28, 29;","Feb 15, 1991 Wt Page 16. Para 4",Keep Growing In Your Relationship With God,16,,,
"Blood, Transfusion,",Drunkenness wrong though some liquors not in existence at time Bible written.,"Blood transfusions wrong, even though they were not practiced when mandate on blood was given.","Genesis. 9:4; Acts 15:20, 29",Johnse Laymon,Is The Truth Transforming Your Life?,51,,,
"Blood, Transfusion,",Killing with guns wrong even though gunpowder not invented until tenth century.,"Blood transfusions wrong, even though they were not practiced when mandate on blood given.","Genesis. 9:4; Acts 15:20, 29",Johnse Laymon,Is The Truth Transforming Your Life?,51,,,
Blood; Ancestry; Fools;,'The best blood will at some time get into a fool or a mosquito.'  Quote:  Austin O'Malley.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Blood; Placenta,"When dismantled and sold, late-model car worth up to 5 times value Blood drawn from impoverished and derelicts; some die/blood loss. In U.S. a shadowy 50 million year profit, like stock exchange. World-wide 2 billion a year industry. Not tracked by governments.",Blood is worth much more when divided up and sold separately. Placenta sold: France buys 15 ton per day for blood plasma.,Genesis. 9:4,"Oct 22, 1990 Awake Page 3-6",Keep Growing In Your Relationship With God,16,,,
Blood; Red Cross,"Supermarket: 'We're only charging for carton, not the milk' Term 'profit' not used. 'excesses over expenses' instead. In U.S. 'excesses over expenses' were 300 million 1980-1987. If Red Cross had stockholders; be ranked among most profitable","Like Red Cross, claiming to not charge for 'Blood' in U.S., such as General Motors. Some individual banks make over 200,000 a year.",Genesis. 9:4,"Oct 22, 1990 Awake Page 3-7",Keep Growing In Your Relationship With God,16,,,
"Bloodshed, War;",'Blood alone moves the wheels of history.'  Quote:  Benito Mussolini.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Bloodshed; War;,'No one need think that the world can be ruled without blood. The civil sword shall and must be red and bloody.'  Quote:  Martin Luther.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Bloodshed; War; Peace;,"'Peace, above all things is to be desired, but blood must sometimes be spilled to obtain it on equitable and lasting terms.'  Quote:  Andrew Jackson.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Bloom Of Youth, Children, Family, Marriage, Home, Youth, Dating,","In child-hood, girls want dolls and boys want soldiers. Later it is reversed.",Bloom of youth.,2 Tim. 2:22; Prov. 22:6; 23:13; Deuteronomy. 6: 4-8; Eph. 5:22-33;,Bobby Laymon,Family Life That Warms The Heart,5,,,
Boast,"Ax enhance itself over one chopping; saw over one moving it? Boast itself is not wrong. It depends on whom or what we boast. Peter felt sure of himself; denied Christ 3 times Matt. 26:31-75 There is One and only One in whom we can boast, and the more we","Ax & saw depend on human hands; We depend on our Creator. learn, the more we want to boast in Him. 1 Cor. 1:31; 2 Cor. 10:17",Isa. 10:15; 1 Cor. 4:7; Luke 17:10,"May 15, 1960 Wt Page 291-292",,,,,
"Boast, Brag, Haughty, Humble, Speech, Proud, Pride, Proverb,","In ancient times, some homeowners built a wall with a special gate.  The wall was high, but the gate was low, some no more than 3 feet high - too low for entry by a horse and its rider.  Some were low and unattractive.  Anyone with a high gateway was inviting robbery because of his show of prosperity.","The proverb shows those making their gateway high is courting disaster.  Likewise, it could apply to the mouth as an entryway raised high by boastful and arrogant speech.  How wise to avoid a haughty spirit.",Pr 17:19;,"May 15, 1993 Wt Page 30",Into The New Order Under Christ's Leadership,56,,,
"Boast, Impressions, Humanitarian, Christendom, Organizations, Religion,","A BEAR boasted very much of his philanthropy, saying that of all animals he was the most tender in his regard for man, for he had  such respect for him that he would not even touch his dead body.   A Fox hearing these words said with a smile to the Bear, 'Oh!  that you would eat the dead and not the living.'","Moral: 'Those who make great boasts, are often not what they appear to be.'  Many organizations who appear to care for man's needs actually are fleecing the people.",Mt 7:22; 23:3,Aesop's Fables - Bobby Laymon,Serving With Jehovah's Unified Organization,3,,1994/05/15,
"Boasting, Pride, Humility,","A MAN who had traveled in foreign lands boasted very much, on  returning to his own country, of the many wonderful and heroic  feats he had performed in the different places he had visited.  Among other things, he said that when he was at Rhodes he had  leaped to such a distance that no man of his day could leap anywhere near him as to that, there were in Rhodes many persons who saw him do it and whom he could call as witnesses.  One of  the bystanders interrupted him, saying:  'Now, my good man, if  this be all true there is no need of witnesses.  Suppose this to be Rhodes, and leap for us.'","Let the one boasting, boast not in himself, but in knowing Jehovah.",1 Ki 20:11; Ps 34:2; 1 Cor 1:31;,Aesop's Fables - Bobby Laymon,Into The New Order Under Christ's Leadership,56,,1994/05/15,
"Boasting, Self, Humility, Modesty,",'It ain't no accident that I'm the greatest man in the world at this time in history.'  Quote: A former boxing champion.,"Today many view boasting as a virtue.  Showing off one's strengths, skills, and accomplishments has become fashionable.",1 Cor 13:4; Rom 12:3; 1 Cor 10:12; Acts 12:21-23; Prov 27:2;,"Sep 1, 1994 Wt Page 19","Living, Not For Self, But To Do God's Will",8,,1994/08/23,
"Boasting, Self, Humility, Modesty,",'We're more popular than Jesus Christ now.'  Quote: a member of the music group known as the Beatles.,"Many live by the words, 'If you've got it, flaunt it.'",1 Cor 13:4; Rom 12:3; 1 Cor 10:12; Acts 12:21-23; Prov 27:2;,"Sep 1, 1994 Wt Page 19",Jehovah's Eyes Are Upon Us,74,,1994/08/23,
"Body, Belly, Elders, Congregation, Unity, Aesop,","THE MEMBERS of the Body rebelled against the BELLY, and said, 'Why should we be perpetually engaged in administering to your wants, while you do nothing but take your rest, and enjoy  yourself in luxury and self-indulgence?'  The Members carried out their resolve and refused their assistance to the BELLY.  The whole Body quickly became debilitated, and the hands, feet, mouth, and eyes, when too late, repented of their folly.",Working as a body doesn't mean that all share the same task.  Each member carries out certain functions.,1 Cor. 12:12-31;,"Kingdom Ministry School Dec 22, 23, 1994",Serving With Jehovah's Unified Organization,3,,1994/12/25,
Body;,'We are bound to our bodies like an oyster is to its shell.'  Quote:  Plato.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Boldness, Courage, Apologetic","Old brother with wooden leg, Householder said, 'Are you a witness? He said, 'I'm trying. Do you realize what a serious responsibility it is to be a witness for Most High?' What could she say?","Don't be apologetic, be bold.","Eph. 3:7,8; 2 Cor. 6:1;",Phil Kirkton Notes: Carl Kline,Serving With Jehovah's Unified Organization,3,,,
Boldness;,'Boldness is a child of ignorance.'  Quote:  Francis Bacon.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Bombs, War, Killers, Land Mines, Patience,",'Patient killers that never fail.',"Deadly land mines, no larger than a pack of cigarettes, that patiently wait for years to kill.",1 Tim 1:9;,"Feb 22, 1996 Aw Page 28",Does Your Hope Rest On Science Or The Bible?,80,,1996/01/22,
"Book , Bible, Judge",Do not judge a book by it's cover Example: Samuel when he went to anoint David as King.  Jehovah looked at what was inside.,"At one time cover of books were in Ivory, silver, Gold, studded with jewels, even in the days of paperback books they are made in such a way to attract buyers.  Importance is between covers.",1 Sam 16:1-13 17:1.54,"Johnse Laymon Sep 22, 1965 Aw Pg 3",Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,,
"Book , Bible, Judge",Do not judge a book by it's cover.  Example: Samuel when he went to anoint David as King.  Jehovah looked at what was inside.,"At one time cover of books were in Ivory, silver, Gold, studded with jewels, even in the days of paperback books they are made in such a way to attract buyers.  Importance is between covers.",1 Sam 16:1-13 17:1.54,"Johnse Laymon Sep 22, 1965 Aw Pg 3",Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,,
"Book Study,","As the finger are an extension of the hand, and can take care of more detailed matters.... As an education center it is a model for Bible studies.",So the book study is an extension of the Christian congregation into all parts of one's territory.,"Mt 28:19, 20;",Qualified To Be Ministers Page 100,"As Christians, We Care About Other People",15,,,
"Book Study, Conductor, Extension,","An extension that many of you brothers have used is an extension to a wrench.  Maybe there is a bolt way down on the side of your engine that is impossible to reach.  With an extension it can be done.  Or maybe it is a sick spark plug way down in a hole, on the side of the engine.  With an extension you can remove it and have the engine running smoothly in no time.","The congregation book study is like that.  It is an extension of the congregation, and the conductor can discern when we are 'down in a hole' spiritually.  Perhaps a personal visit and some nice encouragement and we can be running better than ever.",Romans 12:7,Bobby Laymon,,,,1999/01/21,
"Book Study, Conductor, Extension,","Did you ever use a brush?  Perhaps a tooth brush, or a hair brush?  Did you ever think of how a brush is just an extension of your hand?  With it you can get into areas almost impossible.  With a hair brush, you can give individual attention to each hair.","The Congregation book study is like that.  It is an extension of the Congregation, but it can reach hard-to-reach areas.  It can give individual attention to each individual.  Brush your teeth and your whole mouth is clean.  Families that open their home and make them qualified for Congregation Book Studies also benefit.  They become spiritually well-groomed.",Romans 12:7,Bobby Laymon,,,,1999/01/21,
"Book Study, Congregation, Organization,","Like fingers are an extension of the hands, allowing us to take care of many details, that hands alone could not do.","Likewise, the Congregation Book Study arrangement allows us to be reached individually, and greater attention given to needs.","Gal. 6:9, 10; 1 Pet. 5:2, 3; Prov. 27:17; Luke 19:17-19",Bobby Laymon (see Sep 1991 Km Page 4),Are You Content With Jehovah's Provisions?,22,,,
"Book, Literature, Publications, Brief,","'A book should be luminous, but not voluminous.'  Quote: Bovey (1820-1904)","The 'Knowledge' book is like that.  It is not voluminous, containing a large volume.  However it is luminous, meaning filled with light.",Ps 119:110;,Bobby Laymon,,,,1995/12/09,
"Books, Faith, Wisdom, Knowledge,","'They are like a giant brain that remembers all that scientists, historians, poets, philosophers and others have thought and learned.' The Bibliotheque National Library in Paris, the largest in Europe, Russia's Lenin Library in Moscow with over 14,500,000 books, its Leningrad Library with over 11,800,000 volumes, the New York Public Library with more than 7,500,000 volumes, and the Library of Congress with 12,000,000 books and pamphlets are just a few that give you an idea of the vast storehouse of knowledge that exists on the earth. In the Library of Congress there are thirty-six acres of floor space and two hundred and fifty miles of shelves.","Where does all this knowledge come from? It is true that through diligent research, experiment and experience man has recorded many valuable facts. The writer of the Bible book Ecclesiastes in chapter twelve, verses nine to fourteen, eliminates a lot of man's wisdom and points to the source of true wisdom.  God's Word builds faith!",Ecclesiastes 12:9-14;,W68 4/1 201-2,Why Live By Bible Standards?,88,,1994/07/25,
"Books, Faith, Wisdom, Knowledge,","Like frozen thoughts, there are stored the record of man's errors, failures and accomplishments, documents, rare books, talking books and Braille for the sightless, maps, slides, films, musical records, medals, coins, plays, newspapers, art, microfilm and millions of books in thousands of languages.  Man hopes to be able to use this deepfreeze for greater accomplishments in the future.","Where does all this knowledge come from? It is true that through diligent research, experiment and experience man has recorded many valuable facts. The writer of the Bible book Ecclesiastes in chapter twelve, verses nine to fourteen, eliminates a lot of man's wisdom and points to the source of true wisdom.  God's Word builds faith!",Ecclesiastes 12:9-14;,W68 4/1 201-2,Why Live By Bible Standards?,88,,1994/07/25,
"Books, Teaching, Writing, Nonsense, Bible, Pompeii","'It is a wonder, O wall, that thou hast not yet crumbled under the weight of so much written nonsense.'  Quote: An observer, noting the writings of others on a wall in Pompeii.",There is no nonsense in 'the teaching of Jehovah.'  Many are walking in the 'un-profitableness of their minds.',"Is 30:20, 21; Acts 13:12;","Feb 1, 1994 Wt  Page 14",Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,1993/12/31,
Books;,"'A real book is not one that we read, but one that reads us.'  Quote:  W. H. Auden.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Books;,'Books are embalmed minds.'  Quote:  C. N. Novee.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Books;,'Books like friends should be few and well chosen.'  Quote:  Samuel Patterson.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Books;,"'Some books leave us free, some books make us free.'  Quote:  Ralph Waldo Emerson.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Books;,'That is a good book which is opened with expectation and closed in profit.'  Quote:  Amos Bronson Alcott.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Books;,'The books that help you the most are those which make you think the most.'  Quote:  Theodore Parker.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Bore;,'Bore: n. A person who talks when you wish him to listen.'  Quote:  Ab-1906.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Bore;,"'He is not only dull himself, but he causes dullness in others.'  Quote:  Samuel Foote.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Boredom, Loneliness, Gossip, Meddle,","'Bores bore each other, too, but it never seems to teach them anything.'  Quote: Don Marquis.",How much better to be occupied with preaching the good news.,1 Cor 15:58;,Bobby Laymon - Reader's Digest,,,,1996/03/20,
"Boredom, Pleasures, Depression, Communication, Encouragement,","'Weariness [arises] from the depths of the heart wherein it has its natural roots and [fills] the mind with its poison.'  Quote: Blasé Pascal, a 17th-century French philosopher.","No man is an island.  We need company and communication.  Those who isolate themselves spread boredom, unwittingly making life dreary for themselves and for those around them.",Prov 18:1;,"Jan 22, 1995 Aw Page 6",Communication--within The Family And With God,30,,1994/12/15,
Boredom;,'Every day cannot be a feast of lanterns.'  Quote:  Chinese proverb.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Boredom;,"'In order to live freely and happily, you must sacrifice boredom. It is not always an easy sacrifice.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Boredom;,'Millions long for immortality who do not know what to do with themselves on a rainy Sunday afternoon.'  Quote:  Susan Ertz.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Boredom;,'The person who is bored when he is alone should understand the position of others when he is around.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Born Again, Anointed,",Some being born again is like a ship.  They may all be going to the same country but not all are going to the same destination.,"We are all a part of God's Kingdom, but we have different destinations.",John 3:3;,Bobby Laymon,Human Creation's Groaning--when Will It End?,141,,"Nov 18, 2001",
Borrow; Home;,'Lots of fellows think a home is only good to borrow money on.'  Quote:  Kin Hubbard.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Bosnia, Food, Literature, Publications,","Only 'Life Saving Commodities' could be sent into Bosnia during the war raging in 1993.  The brothers got permission to send literature into the country and now it is labeled, 'LSC' or 'Live Saving Commodities.'",We knew it all along.,"Heb 12:2,3; Acts 4:12; John 14:6;",Brother Weigle - Bethel,Love Identifies The True Christian Congregation,72,,1993/12/08,
Boys; Cleanliness;,"'When you can't do anything else to a boy, you can make him wash his face.'  Quote:  Ed Howe.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Brag, Boasting, Self,","There are many saying in my time, but one I will reveal.  The steam that toots the whistle, will never turn the wheel.",The time spent on boasting is lost for other useful purposes.,Pr 29:8;,Johnse Laymon,"Living, Not For Self, But To Do God's Will",8,,,
Bragging On Self,Horn stuck on car.,Nothing more irritating than honking own horn.,Pr 29:8;,Johnse Laymon,Jehovah's Eyes Are Upon Us,74,,,
Bragging; Boasting;,"'There's no such thing as bragging, either you're lying or telling the truth.'  Quote:  Al Oliver.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Brain,"Kingdom songs; had to re-write music on some; heard as child. Had copied every note of music, must have heard as child, and thought it had been original when added to Kingdom songs. Someone else recognized and identified.",We must begin training at very young age.,2 Tim. 3:15,Robert Schwarze,Appreciating Marvels Of God's Creation,114,,,
Brain,"Muscle, if you keep arm in sling for months, couldn't expect it to perform naturally when released, at first. Get little or no exercise becomes flabby When used, grows more and more capable of performing as you want","Brain must be exercised, used, gradually becomes stronger",Heb. 5:14,"Jul 8, 1958 Aw Page 11",Appreciating Marvels Of God's Creation,114,,,
Brain,"Not like a vessel; but a reservoir that could never be filled. Elijah the Gaon, a Lithuanian rabbi had a prodigious memory. He could remember the entire Bible, as well as the Talmud, Midrash and a number of other Jewish writings.","Jehovah gave greatest gift, memory, store things for future use. We should develop 'gift of Memory'",Ps. 139:14,"July 1, 1958 Wt Page 393-396",Why Live By Bible Standards?,88,,,
"Brain, Computer, Creator, Housefly,","For years man's brain has been likened to a computer, yet recent discoveries show that the comparison falls far short. 'How does one begin to comprehend the functioning of an organ with somewhere in the neighborhood of 50 billion neurons with a million billion synapses (connections), and with an overall firing rate of perhaps 10 million billion times per second?' asked Dr. Richard M. Restak.","His answer? 'The performance of even the most advanced of the neural-network computers . . . has about one ten-thousandth the mental capacity of a housefly.' Consider, then, how much a computer fails to measure up to a human brain, which is so remarkably superior.",Ps. 104:24;,Ct Page 50-51,Appreciating Marvels Of God's Creation,114,,"Feb 8, 2001",
"Brain, Computer, Creator, Housefly,","What man-made computer can repair itself, rewrite its program, or improve over the years? When a computer system needs to be adjusted, a programmer must write and enter new coded instructions.","Our brain does such work automatically, both in the early years of life and in old age. You would not be exaggerating to say that the most advanced computers are very primitive compared to the brain. Scientists have called it 'the most complicated structure known' and 'the most complex object in the universe.'",Ps. 104:24;,Ct Page 50-51,Appreciating Marvels Of God's Creation,114,,"Feb 8, 2001",
"Brain, Computer, Creator, Housefly, Thinking,",Useful inventions such as cars and jet planes are basically limited by the fixed mechanisms and electrical systems that men design and install.,"By contrast, our brain is, at the very least, a highly flexible biological mechanism or system. It can keep changing according to the way it is used-or abused. Two main factors seem responsible for how our brain develops throughout our lifetime-what we allow to enter it through our senses and what we choose to think about.",Ps. 104:24;,Ct Page 52,Appreciating Marvels Of God's Creation,114,,"Feb 8, 2001",
"Brain, Creation, Wisdom,","If the brain were so simple we could understand it, we would be so simple we couldn't. Quote: Lyall Watson, biologist",Divine wisdom is evident in the human brain.,1 John 4:8;,Bobby Laymon,Appreciating Marvels Of God's Creation,114,,1999/01/02,
"Brain, Knowledge,","Large book, like Bible, yet you only use one page. In New World we will 'use to full'","Man only uses 1/100 of 1% of brain. See w02 6/1 p. 5 A Closer Look at Some Myths About Death Neuroscientists figure that during an average lifetime, a person uses only 1/100 of 1 percent (.0001) of his potential brain capacity. It is appropriate to ask, ‘Why do we have a brain with such a large capacity when we utilize only a tiny fraction of it in an average lifetime?’",Isa. 65:22,Joe Laymon,Appreciating Marvels Of God's Creation,114,,,3/31/2018
"Brain, Knowledge, Wisdom,","Sponge, hungry for water Gradually builds up a memory, mind, personality.","Very early in life, brain hungers for knowledge.",1 Cor. 8:1  Jas. 1:22,"Oct 1, 1958 Wt Page 579",Acquiring A Heart Of Wisdom,73,,,
"Brain, Memory, Transform, Inculcate, Reminder,","Like a racer lapping a track ...with every sensation you receive, a particular group of synapses is somehow effected, in such a way as to make passage easier.","As long as a body can sense a particular current and its effect on the synapses, and select it from others, the memory remains. The longer a current cycle had been in existence, the more firmly it would be implanted.  Hard to just throw off bad habits.  Reminders help us to build these circuits.",Ro 12:2,"Dec 22, 1968 Aw Page 12",Is The Truth Transforming Your Life?,51,,,
"Brain; Mind; Creation,","'If the brain were so simple we could understand it, we would be so simple we couldn't.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Brains, Intelligence, Wisdom, Creation,","'The brain weighs less than three pounds, yet a computer capable of handling a single brain's output would cover the entire earth.'   Mainliner Magazine, March 1978, pp. 43, 44.","'The brain sorts one hundred million bits of data from the eyes, ears, nose and other sensory outposts each second, yet uses far less  electricity than an average light bulb.'",Ps 139:14;,W78 7/15 17,Appreciating Marvels Of God's Creation,114,,1994/10/24,
"Brains, Intelligence, Wisdom, Creation,","Consider a concert pianist playing a difficult score with all fingers flying! What an amazing kinematics sense his brain must have, to order the exact special relationship of the fingers, so that they strike the right keys to match the notes in his memory!",The data-processing abilities of the brain defy understanding.,Ps 139:14;,W78 7/15 16,Appreciating Marvels Of God's Creation,114,,1994/10/24,
"Brains, Intelligence, Wisdom, Creation,","Each neuron is like a small battery, is its own power source, and the intensity or power of the impulse is constant all the way to or from the brain.  There are no losses along the way.","They are electrochemical in nature, travel in impulses that vary in frequencies depending on the intensity of the stimulus, and do not need to be pushed along by an outside source of power as electricity in a wire does.",Ps 139:14;,W78 7/15 16,Appreciating Marvels Of God's Creation,114,,1994/10/24,
"Brains, Intelligence, Wisdom, Creation,","Have you considered the magnitude of walking, talking, eating, swimming, riding a bicycle, or catching a baseball? A beginner weaves around under a high fly ball, and it usually lands several feet from him. In contrast, the professional takes off at the crack of the bat. The sound of the bat on the ball tells him how hard it has been hit, his eye notes its trajectory and speed, and his brain computes the general area where it will land. He races in that direction, but, as he runs, his computer brain is making continuous calculations to pinpoint the spot where he must be to catch it. Is there a wind? How strong is it? Is it pushing the ball to the right or the left? Is it slowing the ball down, or carrying it farther? Must he change direction, run faster or slower? Is the ground uneven, is there a hole to be avoided, is another fielder coming up to catch it, and should he let him have it or wave him off?","All these things he must note, yet never take his eye off the ball! To do so would 'unplug his computer,' and he would miss the catch. There is no time consciously to make these many calculations and decisions. The player's mind and muscles, trained by experiences recorded in his memory, perform automatically because his brain has been programmed by practice to do it all. How he came to have the ability to catch a baseball is in itself a mystery!",Ps 139:14;,W78 7/15 18,Appreciating Marvels Of God's Creation,114,,1994/10/24,
"Brains, Intelligence, Wisdom, Creation,","Imagine what must be going on in the brain of the conductor of a great symphony orchestra! There are conductors who have memorized the scores for 50 or 100 instruments. As the orchestra plays, and hundreds of notes a second with their various frequencies are pouring into the conductor's brain, he is comparing them with his memory patterns. If one of the many instruments plays a wrong note, he detects it!",The data-processing abilities of the brain defy understanding.,Ps 139:14;,W78 7/15 16,Appreciating Marvels Of God's Creation,114,,1994/10/24,
"Brains, Intelligence, Wisdom, Creation,","The noted anthropologist Dr. Henry Fairfield Osborn wrote: 'To my mind, the human brain is the most marvelous and mysterious object in the whole universe.'","The electrochemical impulses carrying messages to and from the brain travel from 2 to 200 miles (3.2 to 320 kilometers) an hour.  The larger nerves are composed of thousands of fibers, the optic nerve having some million fibers, each carrying a separate message.",Rom 1:20;,W78 7/15 15,Appreciating Marvels Of God's Creation,114,,1994/10/24,
"Brains, Intelligence, Wisdom, Creation,","They talk of beaming radio signals to stars to establish communication with a distant civilization on a hypothetical planet. How would those distant receivers recognize the signals as coming from an intelligent source and not being just chance? They might carry simple arithmetic equations, such as two times three equals six.  Or even pictures of man.  This can be done easily.",Certainly if one of our big radio telescopes probing deep space picked up such a pictorial message scientists would never doubt that it originated from an intelligent source. Yet this is so simple compared to the brain.,Ps 139:14;,W78 7/15 18,Appreciating Marvels Of God's Creation,114,,1994/10/24,
"Brains, Intelligence, Wisdom, Creation,","Who would argue that a building could build itself, or a television set manufacture itself, or a computer design and program itself? It takes brains to do these things.","Yet some argue that brains just happened. Is the human brain simpler than buildings, television sets and computers?",Rom 1:20;,W78 7/15 14,Appreciating Marvels Of God's Creation,114,,1994/10/24,
"Breast, Milk, Food,","Imagine a baby food that is delicious, easy to digest, and meets all the nutritional needs of developing infants.  A food that is a 'wonder drug' that both guards against and treats disease.  A food that cost nothing and is readily available to families everywhere on earth.",'Breast is Best!'  Jehovah's interest in proper nutrition for babies is reflected in how he feeds his people spiritual 'food at the proper time.',Mt 24:45-47;,"Sep 22, 1993 Aw Page 12",Jehovah--the Grand Creator,101,,,
Bribe; Integrity;,'A golden handshake is better than ten witnesses.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Bribe; Integrity;,'Every man has his price.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Bridegroom, Bride, Family-rearing, Remnant, 144,000,","When a newly married man returns from war he is so happy to be with his bride, and she with him. Can now turn their attention to family-rearing. Time for resurrection!","Jehovah has used these very circumstances to illustrate what he is going to do for the human race. After Armageddon, begins the 1000 year reign and happy family.",Rev. 20:11; 21:1-4; Isa. 57:20;,"Sep 15, 1967 Wt Page 566",The Only Cure For Sick Mankind,62,,,
Bridge; Decisions;,'The hardest thing in life to learn is which bridge to cross and which to burn.'  Quote:  David Russell.,,,Jk Quotes;,Decisions You Face--how Will You Make Them?,50,,,
Bright Side;,"'Write injuries in dust, benefits in marble.'  Quote:  Bf.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Bright Side; Positive;,'A louse in the cabbage is better than no meat at all.'  Quote:  Penn Dutch Proverb.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Bright Side; Positive; Optimist;,"'When any calamity has been suffered, the first thing to be remembered is how much has been escaped.'  Quote:  Samuel Johnson.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Bright; Positive;,"'Don't worry about you hair falling out, just think how it would be if your hair ached and had to be pulled out.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Bright; Positive;,'Keep your face to the sunshine and you cannot see the shadows.'  Quote:  Helen Keller.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Bights; Positive;,'What we see depends mainly on what we look for.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Brightside; Positive;,"'We all live under the same sky, but we don't have the same horizon.'  Quote:  Konrad Adeneur.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Broken; Fix; Progress; ministry; kingdom;,"'If it ain't broke, don't fix it.   If it might break, don't go near it.'  Quote:  Herbert Stein.",Apply to door-to-door ministry.  God's Kingdom.,Acts 20:20;,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Build, Encourage, Strengthen, Comfort,","'In uplifting, get underneath.' Quote: George Ade. -1866-1944.",We must show humility in order to help those who are down.,1 Pet 5:6;,Bobby Laymon,Gaining Comfort In All Our Tribulations,105,,1995/08/16,
"Building, Fire-resistant, Silver,","AMONG the various kinds of activity to which the Scriptures liken the work of Christian ministers is that of building. 'If anyone builds on the foundation gold, silver, precious stones, . . . each one's work will become manifest, . . . because it will be revealed by means of fire.'-","The right foundation upon which the Christian witnesses of Jehovah are to build is Jesus Christ, who is not only man's Ransomer but also earth's rightful King, now reigning. And what are they to build on this foundation? Christian personalities","1 Cor. 3:12, 13.",W67 11/1 671,Parents--are You Building With Fire-resistant Materials?,104,,1994/05/07,
"Building, Teaching, Youth, Children,","If you could travel to some of the 'third-world' countries, or even Mexico, you would see a lot of shacks.  Some were built up in a hurry.  However, a palace takes much longer to build.  They start with concrete, and lay a solid foundation, then they may go up with concrete walls, and even concrete roofs.  Then cover the walls with brick, and make an attractive covering over the roof.  Plumbing, lighting, electricity, are carefully planned.","In like manner, building with fire-resistant material takes longer in training our children, but it is what is needed when the test comes.  There must be time to listen, to understand their problems.",1co 3:10-15;,Larry Kinkade,Parents--are You Building With Fire-resistant Materials?,104,,1994/01/02,
"Building, Teaching, Youth, Children, Peer Pressure, Association, Reproach,",There was a time when 'peer pressure' was a help in being faithful.  Persons acted in such a way as to not bring reproach on their families.  Now the trend is the other way.  Peer pressure causes one to break Jehovah's laws.,"However, when we associate with 'wise persons' we will not be influenced by those with bad motives.","Ro 2:21, 22;",Bobby Laymon,Why Christians Must Be Different.,123,,1994/01/02,
"Bullies, Heels, Tyrants, Dictators, Abuse, Terrorist, Armageddon, Power,",'Time wounds all heels.' Quote: Jane Ace -1905-1974,Jehovah is changing 'times and seasons.'  All those abusing their power will be brought to nothing.,Rev. 16:16;,Bobby Laymon,Will You Escape This World's Destiny?,84,,1995/08/16,
"Burden, Load, Compassion, Mercy,",'Every man [must] paddle his own canoe.' Quote: Frederick Marryat.,"It's true that each must carry his own load, however a person may have 'burden' we can help bear.",Ga 6:2;,Bobby Laymon,You Will Reap What You Sow,59,,1995/07/18,
"Burden, Load, Yoke, Balance,","In ancient times farmers would put a soft cloth around yoke of oxen to soften yoke, and prevent chafing of yoke. Jesus Christ is our yoke-partner, and he will do his share in carrying the load.","Jesus' yoke is kindly, lined with love.","Mt 11:29, 30; Ps 37:5",Steve Koinivech,How To Express Love In A Lawless World,112,,,
"Burdens, Race, Life, Endurance,","Marathon; there may be persons there to cheer you on. They may be giving you something to sustain you, but what if you took everything that someone offered you. Soon slow you down and be unable to finish race.",We want to be very careful not to become weighed down.,1 Cor 9:24-27; Heb 12:1,S. Koinavich,You Can Find Joy In Serving God,103,,,
"Burial, Funeral, Death, Life, Everlasting,","'Man is a being that buries his dead with ceremony.' 'There is no group, however primitive at the one extreme or civilized at the other, ...which does not dispose of the bodies of its members with ceremony.' (Book-Funeral Customs the World Over","Death so offends our inner nature that when it overcomes friends, and family members, we almost naturally try to cushion its impact.","Ecclesiastes. 7:1, 2; Genesis. 3:17-19; Rom. 5:12; Rev. 21:3, 4; Isa. 33:24;","Jun 15, 1991 Wt Page 6",Is This Life All There Is?,36,,,
"Burnout, Coping, Stress, Depression,",The 'three C's' for coping with burnout.  The stand for [1] Control.  [2] Communication.  [3] Cognition.,"[1] Reduce irritations.  Ec 7:16 [2] Talk to someone.  Elders are an excellent support system.  Friends, and especially your spouse. Prov 5:18, 19; 11:14; [3] Is there a basis for your thinking?  'If you are burned out, it's probably because you're good.  Not because you're bad' says Parents magazine.",Prov 16:24;,"Jan 8, 1995 Aw Page 7-10",Coping With Life's Anxieties,32,,1994/12/05,
"Burnout, Stress,","'They are not machine oriented but 'human oriented.'' Quote: Professor Fumiaki Inaoka, of the Japanese Red Cross.","To burn out you must first 'be on fire.'  Those who are inclined to burn out have strong tendencies to be sympathetic, human, delicate, dedicated, and idealistic.  (12 ways to prevent listed)",Ecclesiastes 7:16;mic 6:8; Exodus 18:13-27;,"Jan 8, 1995 Aw Pages 5, 6;","As Christians, We Care About Other People",15,,1994/12/03,
"Burnout, Stress, Coping, Anxiety, Depression,",Imagine yourself as an office worker with a family - or maybe you are one.  Work is piled up on your desk. The phone rings incessantly with customers' demands that are next to impossible to meet.  Your supervisor is displeased that you are not meeting the quota.  Your son is in trouble in school.  The teacher wants to see you immediately.  Your spouse is indifferent.,"When the situation seems out of hand, stress becomes distress, paving the way for burnout.",Ecclesiastes 4:6,"Jan 8, 1995 Aw Page 5",Coping With Life's Anxieties,32,,1994/12/05,
"Burnout, Stress, Coping, Anxiety, Depression, Appreciation,",Feelings of helplessness in humans germinate in a soil of unappreciative attitudes and bear the fruit of burnout.,'The bottom line is that we all need to have our efforts appreciated and acknowledged.'  Parents magazine.,"Prov 31:10, 28, 29;","Jan 8, 1995 Aw Page 6",Coping With Life's Anxieties,32,,1994/12/05,
"Business, Employment, Materialism, Pioneer,","Business is a thief.  It can rob you of some of the most delightful pleasures of life. 'A man passed a beggar with a sign that said, 'It's spring and I am blind.'  It woke him up to drank in the beauty of creation.","It can rob you of the beauty of flowers, birds, creation, and the joy of serving Jehovah.",Ro 1:20; Ac 20:35;,"May 22, 1968 Aw Page 3, 4",Reach Out For The Real Life!,90,,,
"Business, Good, Honest",Every honest miller has a golden thumb.,Beware of business deals that seem honest.,"Gal. 5:22, 23; John 13:35; Phil. 3:1, 4:4; Mic. 6:8; Tit. 3:2;",Bobby Laymon,Conducting Ourselves Honestly At All Times,10,,,
"Busy, Appreciation, Study, Meetings,","Jesus told about certain ones invited to a banquet, but they started to beg off.  One had purchased a field; another five yoke of cattle; a third had acquired a wife. Jehovah has spread a banquet of life-giving nourishment.","Though their activities were legitimate, and important in their own way, how could they compare to this gracious invitation. Are you too busy to take time to study, attend meetings?","Luke 14: 16-20, 24; Isa. 25:6-8","Mar 1, 1968 Wt Page 137",Appreciating Marvels Of God's Creation,114,,,
"Busy, Intense, Occupied, Zeal,","We have heard said, 'busy as a bee.'  Perhaps sometime you have had an opportunity to look into a beehive with thousands of bees swarming around.  However, the busiest bee of all is seldom seen.  The queen bee.  She is busy laying eggs.  Up to 3,000 per day.  She doesn't put all these eggs in one basket, but lays each one in a different cell.  She is so intensely occupied, that the other bees have to bring her food while her important work goes on.","We need to become intensely occupied in our preaching work as Jesus, Paul and others did.  Perhaps less busy in other less important matters of life.",Acts 18:5;,Bobby Laymon,,,,"Mar 28, 2001",
Busy;,'A really busy person never knows how much he weighs.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Busy; Gossip;,'Busy souls have no time to be busybodies.'  Quote:  Austin O'Malley.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Busy; Grief;,'The busy have no time for tears.'  Quote:  Lord Byron.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Busy; Industriousness;,'The more busy we are the more leisure we have.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Busy; Purpose; Direction; Right Road;,'It is not enough to be busy; so are the ants. The question is: What are we busy about?'  Quote:  Henry Thoreau.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Busy; Spread To Thin;,"'One cannot manage too many affairs, like pumpkins in the water, one pops up while you try to hold down the other.'  Quote:  Chinese proverb.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Butterfly, Moth, Creation,","'There are more than 112,000 known species of butterflies and moths.' Quote: Grzimek's Animal Life Encyclopedia","Their design, variety, and incredible metamorphosis make them worthy of study, not just for a present lifetime, but for an everlasting lifetime!",Ps 124:24,"May 8, 1993 Aw Page 25",Jehovah--the Grand Creator,101,,,
Calamity; Trials;,'Calamity is man's true touchstone.'  Quote:  Beaumont And Fletcher.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Calamity; Trials;,'Calamity is the perfect glass wherein we truly see and know ourselves.'  Quote:  William Davenault.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Calamity; Trials;,'Calamity is the test of integrity.'  Quote:  Sam Richardson.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Calendar,Learning from the seasons.  Note how months lap at the middle of month. Center shows weather changes. Questions to answer by Bible Calendar.,Compare Jewish sacred calendar with ours; when crops ripened etc.,John 4:35  1 Kings 19:19,"Sep 1, 1990 Wt Page 15, 16",,,,,
"Calm, Patient, Content,",'The idea of calm exists in a sitting cat.'  Quote: Jules Reynard.,"Regarding some things, we must wait patiently on Jehovah.  We might resemble a sitting cat, waiting for a mouse.",Genesis 49:18;,Bobby Laymon - Reader's Digest.,Stand Still And See The Salvation Of Jehovah,41,,1996/03/13,
Calmness; Discretion;,"'The pursuit, even of the best things, ought to be calm and tranquil.'  Quote:  Cicero.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Camel, Creation, Endurance,","The camel is like a farm to the Bedouin, even like the tractor that goes with a farm.  And what an enduring farm, indeed.  See articles for other uses.  (Also his endurance)","The camel provides a mount; does often pull a plow; furnishes milk at rate of 4-5 quarts a day; also wool, leather, flesh for meat; camel dung is used for cooking.  Even its urine may be used for water to bathe, cure for acne, fever, mouth rinse, drink, etc.","Ps 104:24, 25;","Nov 8, 1968 Aw Page 9",Jehovah--the Grand Creator,101,,,
"Campaign, Fight, Crusade, Advocates, Ambassadors,","Did you ever watch someone campaigning for a political candidate?  They advertise for him.  They say, 'This is a good man.'  'This one will help us.'",That's exactly what we are doing.  We are campaigning for God's government.,Rev. 17:1-5;,"Gary Wells, D. O.",The Kingdom Of God Is Near,109,,"Apr 25, 2002",
Can't Please Everybody;,"'I cannot give you the formula for success, but I can give you the formula for failure, try to please everybody.'  Quote:  Herbert Swope.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Care, Compassion, Encouragement, Death, Mourn, Mercy,","Author and lecturer Leo Buscaglia once talked about a contest he was  asked to judge.  The purpose of the contest was to find the most caring  child.  The winner was a four year old child whose next door neighbor was an elderly gentleman who had recently lost his wife.  Upon seeing the man cry, the little boy went into the old gentleman's yard, climbed onto his lap, and just sat there.  When his mother asked him what he had said to the neighbor, the little boy said,  'Nothing, I just helped him cry.'","Sometimes we can give the greatest comfort by listening, and sympathizing with a mourning one.",Rom 12:15;,Bobby Laymon,Gaining Comfort In All Our Tribulations,105,,1998/01/16,
"Care, Kindness, Aid, Attention,","CARE -- Many have use it in different ways.  The words have been used as an anagram for programs.  When we got a cookies from home in armed forces we called them CARE packages.  It is used with a children's program having to do with food and clothing.  Also in business, Customers Are Really Everything.","Look at the way Jehovah shows loving CARE.  Variety of flowers, the beautiful scent.  The scenery, our taste, feel and other various ways.","Luke 12:6,6;",Jerry Skaggs,"As Christians, We Care About Other People",15,,"Nov 18, 2001",
"Care, Kindness, Opinions, Prejudice, Judge, Mercy, Compassion,","A story is told about a soldier who was finally coming home after having fought in Vietnam. He called his parents from San Francisco.  'Mom and Dad, I'm coming home, but I've a favor to ask.  I have a friend I'd like to bring home with me.'  'Sure,' they replied, 'we'd love to meet him.'  'There's something you should know the son continued, 'he was hurt pretty badly in the fighting.  He stepped on a land mind and lost an arm and a leg.  He has nowhere else to go, and I want him to come live with us.'  'I'm sorry to hear that, son.  Maybe we can help him find somewhere to live.'  'No, Mom and Dad, I want him to live with us.'  'Son,' said the father, 'you don't know what you're asking.  Someone with such a handicap would be a terrible burden on us.  We have our own lives to live, and we can't let something like this interfere with our lives.  I think you should just come home and forget about this guy.  He'll find a way to live on his own.'  At that point, the son hung up the phone.  The parents heard nothing more from him.  A few days later, however, they received a call from the San Francisco police.  Their son had died after falling from a building, they were told.  The police believed it was suicide.  The grief-stricken parents flew to San Francisco and were taken to the city morgue to identify the body of their son.  They recognized him, but to their horror they also discovered something they didn't know, their son had only one arm and one leg.","The parents in this story are like many of us.  We find it easy to love  those who are good-looking or fun to have around, but we don't like people who inconvenience us or make us feel uncomfortable.  We would rather stay away from people who aren't as healthy, beautiful, or smart as we are.  Thankfully, there's someone who won't treat us that way.  Someone who loves us with an unconditional love that welcomes us into the forever family, regardless of how messed up we are.  Tonight, before you tuck yourself in for the night, say a little prayer that God will give you the strength you need to accept people as they are, and to help us all be more understanding of those who are different from us!!!",Rom. 5:8;,Yvonne Westfall,What Is Your Relationship With God?,87,,1998/09/11,
"Care, Personally, Important,","'I return again and again to the same questions, as if fingering an old wound that never quite heals.'  Quote: Article in Christianity Today.",The questions:  'Do I matter?  Does God Care? Does God notice me?  Does He care about me as an individual?'  Perhaps you too have wondered?,John 3:16; Matt 20:28;,"Mar 1, 1996 Wt Page 3;",Does God Count You Personally Important?,26,,1996/02/05,
"Unforgivable Sin,","In some parts of the world, the law distinguishes between murder in the first degree and murder in the second degree on the basis of intent and the way the murder was committed, and it limits capital punishment (death) to intentional or premeditated murder.",There is no acquittal for the unforgivable sin.  It is a capital offense.,"Matt 12:31,32; Heb 6:4-6; 10:26;","Feb 8, 2003 Aw Page 12, 13",,,,"Feb 2, 2003",
"Career, Publisher, Pioneer, Minister,","If a man is an engineer he doesn't abandon his career just because he suffers some setbacks;  likewise, if a carpenter, or housewife.","Our career is to be a minister of Jehovah's Witnesses and we would not abandon that just because we suffer set-backs, etc.",Phil 4:11-13;,Bobby Laymon,Who Are Qualified As Ministers Of God?,81,,,
"Carefree, Foolish, Associations, Irresponsible, Gossip,","Do you associate with people we call 'loose cannons'?  On old battle ships cannons were use for fighting.  On these ships crewmen expected danger at times. When in war the ships would fire cannon balls at one another?  The worse thing a sailor could face was a loose cannon on his ship.  By the ship being tossed around and the warfare if a cannon broke loose from its secured positions that could be a dangerous thing.  Heavy, a ton, ropes hold, to prevent getting loose.  It is a big heavy piece of equipment, having that freely rolling round on your ship; it could smash anything or anyone it encountered.  Thus the term loose canon.  Pause","That term has come to mean a person who can go in any direction, carefree, and doesn't care what happens.  It would be foolish on our part to live our lives that way, or associate with people like that.","James 4:1-4, 11;",Jim Kinkade,A Cleansed Earth--will You Live To See It?,49,,"Oct 30, 2001",
"Cares, Creation, Pollution, Ecology, Science,","Fruit trees are literally fruit 'factories.'  Their boughs are burdened with an amazing number of their nutritious products.  Imagine what a man-made factory would do if they could invent one to produce fruit.  Just think what noise, pollution and unsightliness there would be.","They operate quietly and without pollution: no smoke, radiation or disturbance.  Fruit trees as they produce fruit are a delight to see, to stroll among.  They provide shade, and give off oxygen.  Their fruit is more than sustenance.  It is delicious, a joy to eat.  Look at the color etc.  It would take a 'God of Love' to provide so fully and lovingly.",Ps 25:8; Mr 10:18;,"Jun 1, 1971 Wt Page 325",Jehovah--the Grand Creator,101,,1993/11/10,
"Caring, Concern, Empathy,",'People don't care what you know till they know you care',Jesus was most caring.,John 1:16;,Peter Morgan,Evidence Of God In The World Around Us,4,,1997/08/12,
"Caste, Partial, Racial, Hatred, Prejudice, Groan, Injustice, Persecution,","IN THE farmer's hen yard 'a definite social hierarchy, or 'pecking order,' is always established.  Every bird has a wholesome fear of those above her in rank and will know which ones are below her.' And regarding the cows we are told that each herd has its queen, 'who always precedes the others into barn and pasture and has an un-resented right to push aside any other cow at a feed bunk. Behind her other cows of good social standing walk in unvarying order.'  This may seem amusing to us humans.","But caste among humans is not amusing; it is a brutal, harsh yoke of tyranny that rests heavily on the shoulders of many, many millions, causing them to mourn, sigh and groan, and arouses in all lovers of righteousness, whether affected by it or not, strong sentiments of righteous indignation.",Jer 12:9; Exodus 20:5;,W57 12/1 709,Bearing Up Under Persecution,57,,1994/07/30,
"Catholic, Christendom, Babylon, Priests,",'Obviously you do not understand.  The bishops did not shut down any seminaries; they merely closed the doors after the students had left.' Quote: Late Cardinal Alfrink when questioned why such beautiful building were shut down by the bishops.,"Not only clergy, but also their flocks are leaving the church in the Netherlands.  It has become the 'ice age' for the church.",Re 16:12; 17:15; 18:4;,"Sep 8, 1993 Aw Page 10",Religion's Role In World Affairs.,92,,,
"Catholic, Christendom, Babylon, Priests,",'Will the last father please turn out the lights?'  This wry joke is circulating in monasteries in the Netherlands. It foresees a time when the last monk or priest will walk out of the last functioning monastery in that land and leave it empty.,We know the lights have already gone out in their buildings.,Re 16:12; 17:15; 18:4;,"Sep 8, 1993 Aw Page 10",Religion's Role In World Affairs.,92,,,
"Catholic, Father, Christendom,","How many fathers do you have?  'Why, I have only one!' you may reply.","But if you are a Roman Catholic you would have well over 425,000 'fathers'; since that is the number of Roman Catholic priests in the world and your religion requires that you address them all as 'father.'  As a religious title, it only applies to Jehovah God.",Mt 23:9; Mt 10:37; Mr 10:29; Luke 15:20;,"Jan 22, 1970 Aw Page 27, 28",Religion's Role In World Affairs.,92,,,
"Caution, Courage, Determination, Boldness,",'Be bold in what you stand for and careful what you fall for.'  Quote: Ruth Boorstin in the Wall Street Journal.,Jesus said to 'prove yourselves cautious as serpents and yet innocent as doves.',Matt 10:16;,Bobby Laymon - Reader's Digest,Jehovah's Eyes Are Upon Us,74,,1996/03/22,
Caution;,'A cat in wolves clothing catches no mice.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Caution;,'A hole in the ice is dangerous only for those who go skating.'  Quote:  Chinese proverb.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Caution;,'Among mortals second thoughts are wisest.'  Quote:  Euripides.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Caution;,'Be slow of tongue and quick of eye.'  Quote:  Miguel Cervantes.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Caution;,'Caution is the eldest child of wisdom.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Caution;,'Fear to let a drop fall and you spill a lot.'  Quote:  Malay.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Caution;,'Hasten slowly.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Caution;,'He that fights and runs away lives to fight another day.'  Quote:  Greek.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Caution;,"'If you cannot see the bottom, wade not.'  Quote:  English.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Caution;,'Measure a thousand times but cut once.'  Quote:  Turkish.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Caution;,'No one test the depth of the river with both feet.'  Quote:  Ashanti.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Caution;,'Precaution is better than cure.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Caution;,"'Take a second look, it costs you nothing.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Caution;,'That is a wise delay which makes the road safe.'  Quote:  Danish.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Caution;,'The cautious seldom error.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Caution;,'The prudent takes no poison even if he possesses the antidote.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Caution;,'When the cup is full carry it even.'  Quote:  Scottish.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Caution; Animals;,"'Before you beat the dog, learn his master's name.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Caution; Errors;,'It is a good thing to learn caution from the misfortunes of others.'  Quote:  Publilius Syrus.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Caution; Hesitate;,'He who hesitates is last.'  Quote:  Mae West.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Cautious, Judges, Unrighteous, Courts, Laws,","Cautious as serpents.  I was fishing.  Had red & white bobber.  Snake swimming downstream. Stopped and observed for long time and then went under, came up other side and continued on.  This snake had traveled this way many times before, but this time he saw something different.","Not quick to get into law suits.  Witnesses had gone this way many times before, but now we are seeing something different in courts.    Judges who are homosexual, members of all types of religions, easy to bribe, and who know how Jehovah's Witnesses believe.  We must use caution!",Matt 10:16,Brother Herd,How To Express Love In A Lawless World,112,,,6/28/2018
"Cautious, Serpent, Peaceful, Persecution,","It is necessary--just like a serpent--to keep a watchful eye on opponents, and to take stock of the situation with eyes and senses alert; to stay master of the situation.","Today, people react to the good news in much the same way that they did in the 1st century. When faced with persecution, true Christians need to combine the shrewdness of the serpent with the purity of the dove.",Matt 10:16;,"Jul 15, 1996 Wt Page 22",Bearing Up Under Persecution,57,,1996/06/23,
"Cells, DNA, Genes, Body, Creation,",We all have light switches in our houses.  They switch currents on and off.,"In the body, all the cells contain the same blueprint or DNA and in 1967 scientist discovered certain protein molecules, that work as switches to turn genes on and off, to produce, eyes, ears, noses, etc. to grow, all in the right places.",Ps 139:14,"Feb 8, 1969 Aw Page 21-25",Jehovah--the Grand Creator,101,,,
"Cells, Science, Birth, Creation,","Acting like a contractor with a complete cabinet of blueprints for making a baby, a cell picked from its file cabinet a blueprint for making heart cells.  Another cell picked out a different blueprint with instructions for producing nerve cells, yet another took a blueprint for making liver cells, and so on.  [Yet each cell has the information to produce all kinds of cells.]","At the same time a cell is producing a particular kind of cell, it is suppressing all other instructions to make other kinds of cells.  Yet there is more.  The heart for example must be stimulated to beat at a proper rate to sustain the body in its activity.",Ps 139:14;,"Oct 22, 1995 Aw Page 6",Responsibilities And Rewards Of Parenthood,29,,1995/09/23,
Censor;,"'As long as I don't write about the government, religion, politics, and other institutions, I am free to print anything.'  Quote:  Beaumarchais.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Censure;,"'Few persons have sufficient wisdom to prefer censure, which is useful, to praise which deceives them.'  Quote:  Rochefoucauld.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Censure;,"'The readiest and surest way to get rid of censure, is to correct ourselves.'  Quote:  Demosthenes.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Censure;,'They have a right to censure that have a heart to help.'  Quote:  William Penn.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Certainty;,'A bird in the hand is worth ten in the bush.'  Quote:  Arab.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Certainty;,'A live donkey is better than two or three dead horses.'  Quote:  Arab.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Certainty;,'Everything passes; everything wears out; everything breaks.'  Quote:  French.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Certainty;,'It is not certain that everything is uncertain.'  Quote:  Blasé Pascal.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Certainty;,'The only thing that is certain is that nothing is certain.'  Quote:  Pliny The Elder.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Certainty; Chance;,'There is no such uncertainty as a sure thing.'  Quote:  Robert Burns.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Certainty; Doubt;,"'If we begin with certainties we shall end in doubts; but if we begin with doubts, and are patient in them, we shall end in certainties.'  Quote:  Francis Bacon.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Certainty; Opinionated;,"'To be absolutely certain about something, one must know everything or nothing about it.'  Quote:  Olin Miller.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Challenge, Jehovah, Satan, Armageddon,","If two people each owned a horse, and each one believed their horse was better and faster than the other, how could such a dispute be settled?   Simple - Let them race.  A lot of people may then hear about this big dispute, and become keenly interested. On race day the grandstands are filled with people curious about the outcome.  But what if shortly after the race begins, or at any time during the race before the finish, one man was to pull out a gun and shoot the other horse and then go on to win the race, would it be considered fair? Would anything be proved? Those in the grandstand would never really know which was the best horse. Perhaps they would even conclude that the shooter knew he would lose the race.  The race must go the full distance, right down to the finish line. Only then could it be decided which horse is clearly the better.","Jehovah could have 'shot' Satan right away. But what would the angels (people in the grandstands) have thought if he did? They may have questioned whether Satan could have ruled successfully, etc. (could have won the race). They may have felt that God, by using his superior power (gun, killing), was acting unfairly. What was needed, then, to prove who had the right to rule , etc (whose horse was fastest?)? TIME. Jehovah God determined that he would allow Satan time to prove his claims (let the race go to the finish). Then, once and for all, everyone would know, fair and square, who's way of rule was best (who was the winner of the horse race.)'  The race must go the full distance, right down to the finish line. Only then could it be decided which person is truly better.",Job 1:11;,Peter Morgan,How To Protect Ourselves From Satan's Snares,115,,1997/08/11,
"Chance, Evolution, Creator, Science,","A 'scientist computed the probability of a single protein molecule (one of the essentials for life) arising out of chance.  As stated in the book 'Human Destiny,' it would take 10, followed by 243 zeros; that many millions of years for this to happen.  Since science estimate the earth to be only a few billion years old there is not enough time for that to happen.","If you exclude an Intelligent Originator behind creation, we would have to rely upon CHANCE as the guiding factor in creation.  How probable is chance?  Example above.",Ge 1:1;,"Apr 8, 1971 Aw Page 6",Does Your Hope Rest On Science Or The Bible?,80,,1994/01/09,
Chance;,'Chance is the pseudonym of God when he did not want to sign.'  Quote:  Anatolia France.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Chance;,'Even a blind hen can sometimes find corn.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Chance;,"'If fortune turns against you, even jelly breaks your tooth.'  Quote:  Persian.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Chance; Life;,"'No matter who you are, what you do, life is not promised to you tomorrow.'  Quote:  Doug Williams.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Change, Adjust, Adapt, Attitude, Positive, Life, Endurance,","'Young man, get married, get married.  If you get a good wife, you will be happy and that is a good thing.  And if you do not get a good wife, you will become a philosopher and that also is a good thing.' Quote: ancient Greek philosopher.","This matter of living with the unchangeable applies to ever so many facets of life.  It is good to adjust to that which cannot be changed, taking a philosophical view of life.  e.g. one's height, speech impediment, poor eyesight, handicap,",Ps 37:1-13; Mt 6:27;,"Mar 15, 1978 Wt Page 3",How To Keep Spiritually Awake!,71,,,
"Change, Adjust, Adapt, Attitude, Positive, Life, Endurance, Corruption, Government,","'What can't be cured, must be endured!' is the way one physician put it.  Example: Carlos Romulo, a Philippine statesman, who was very short found that, 'people often have an inclination to favor the person who is very small.'","The same applies to one's attitude toward world conditions, which are unchangeable as to getting any better.  Should we be disturbed because of the increasing corruption in high places and worsening violence and crime.  We must learn to adjust.",Ps 37:1-13; Mt 6:27; Deuteronomy 8:2-5;,"Mar 15, 1978 Wt Page 3",How To Keep Spiritually Awake!,71,,,
"Change, Adjustment,","No country has ever changed from driving on right/left to the other side.  Think how stupendous the chances of driving that first morning, if it happened. Believed it would bring 10% increase in accidents the first 3 yrs.",Yet millions of Jehovah's Witnesses have made greater changes.,Isa. 11:6-9;,"Mar 8, 1964 Aw Page 22",Is The Truth Transforming Your Life?,51,,,
"Change, Personalities, Sin, Wicked,","'A¥O nuevo, vida nueva' is an old Spanish proverb that means 'a new year, a new life.'",But most of us know that replacing an old calendar with a new one really does not change anything.  That is because the change in the year will not change people-and people are what makes life what it is.,Rom 5:12;,W77 1/1 3,Hold A Good Conscience In A Sinful World,107,,1994/07/10,
"Change, Progress, Improvement, Advancement,","'Change, like sunshine, can be a friend or a foe, a blessing or a curse, a dawn or a dusk.'  Quote: William Arthur Ward.","As in Jesus' illustration, the sun ripened some, and scorched others.  We must adjust to change and benefit from it.",Mark 4:4-8;,Bobby Laymon - Reader's Digest,What The Near Future Holds!,40,,1996/03/15,
"Change, System, World, Politicians, Humor, Funny,",'Everything is changing.  People are taking their comedians seriously and the politicians as a joke.'  Quote: Will Rogers.,"For sure, the scene of the world is changing.",1 Cor 7:31;,Bobby Laymon - Reader's Digest,'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,1996/03/22,
"Change, Transform, Truth, Magazine, Literature,","Serious-faced Roberto usually sat alone when riding a train, but on one occasion he took a seat beside an elderly man, who asked: 'Do  you like to read?' The reply was affirmative, and so Roberto was given a copy of The Watchtower. Though the white-haired gentleman left the train, Roberto kept reading until he had finished the entire magazine. On reaching the end of the railway line, he stood on the platform asking himself: 'Where are you going? Don't you see that now you can't do what you were going to do?'","Beset by unemployment, huge debts and disillusionment, that morning desperate Roberto had boarded the train to the provincial capital  intent on killing the business partner who had cheated him out of his life's savings. Then Roberto planned to return home, take the lives of his wife and children and finally commit suicide. But now he took the next train home, contacted a Witness neighbor, and asked for a Bible study.  One magazine changed his life.",Rom 12:2;,W79 4/1 32,Is The Truth Transforming Your Life?,51,,1995/10/16,
"Change, World, Progress, Improvement, Science,",'Nothing endures but change.' Quote: Greek philosopher Heraclitus.,"The scene of this world is changing!  How is it affecting you? See article for notes on: society, science, politics, crime, drugs, aids, nationalism, etc.",Ecclesiastes 1:4; 1c 7:31;,"Jan 8, 1993 Aw Page 3-10",'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
Change;,"'A tree often transplanted, bears not much fruit.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Change;,"'All things change, nothing perishes.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Change;,'Change is as good as a rest.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Change;,'Consider how hard it is to change yourself and you'll understand what little chance you have of trying to change others.'  Quote:  Jacob Braude.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Change;,'Every one thinks of changing the world but no one thinks of changing himself.'  Quote:  Leo Tolstoy.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Change;,"'Everything changes, nothing remains without change.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Change;,"'Faced with having to change our views or prove that there is no need to do so, most of us get busy on the proof.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Change;,'If you want to make enemies try to change something.'  Quote:  W. Wilson.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Change;,'Never swap horses in mid stream.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Change;,"'The atom, being for all practical purposes the stable unit of the physical plane, is a constantly changing vortex of reactions.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Change;,'The more things change the more they stay the same.'  Quote:  Alphonse Karr.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Change;,"'The seen is changing, the unseen is changing.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Change;,"'Things do not change, we do.'  Quote:  H. D. Thoreau.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Change;,'We perceive and are affected by changes too subtle to be described.'  Quote:  Hdt.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Change;,'You can't step twice into the same river.'  Quote:  Heraclitus.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Change; Christians;,"'Christians are supposed not merely to endure change, nor even to profit by it, but to cause it.'  Quote:  Harry Fosdick.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Change; Compromise; Contentment;,'Ones learns to itch where one can scratch.'  Quote:  Ernest Bramah.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Change; Contentment;,'Change is an easy panacea. It takes character to stay in one place and be happy there.'  Quote:  Elizabeth Dunn.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Change; Evolution;,"'Wood may remain ten years in the water, but it will never become a crocodile.'  Quote:  Congolese.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Change; Evolution; Environment,","'No matter how much you feed a wolf, he will always return to the forest.'  Quote:  Russian.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Change; Growth; Progress;,"'All change is not growth, all movement is not forward.'  Quote:  Ellen Glasgow.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Change; Help; Remodel; New; Earth; Paradise;,The new order that God's Word foretells will not be just a 'new patch on an old garment.' It will completely replace this old order because the old order is beyond cure or reform. It has never solved mankind's greatest need.,"How will God help man out of his dilemma? Not by remodeling or reforming the present world order. God's Son said: 'No one cuts a patch from a new outer garment and sews it onto an old outer garment; but if he does, then both the new patch tears away and the patch from the new garment does not match the old.'",Luke 5:36-38,G73 10/8 25-6,Why Submit To God's Ruler ship Now.,120,,1999/01/22,
Change; Human Nature;,"'Believe, if thou wilt that mountains change their place, but believe not that man changes his nature.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Change; Knowledge;,"'If you want to truly understand something, try to change it.'  Quote:  Kurt Lewin.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Change; Progress;,'All change is not growth; all movement is not forward.'  Quote:  Ellen Glasgow.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Change; Progress;,'Keep what you have; the known evil is best.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Change; Progress;,'Progress is impossible without change; and those who cannot change their minds cannot change anything.'  Quote:  Gbs.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Change; Progress;,"'The world hates change, yet it is the only thing that has brought progress.'  Quote:  Charles Kettering.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Change; Progress;,"'To live is to change, and to be perfect is to have changed often.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Change; Progress;,'WE are all for progress unless it involves change.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Changing Times; Last Days; Crime,While population has increased 41% since 1960- violent crimes have increased more than 500% and total crimes have increased 300%. the rate of violent crime is higher than that in any other industrialized country. 8 out of 10 Americans will be a victim of violent crime at least once in their lives.,Last days of Satan's world.,2ti 3:1-5,Dch; Index Of Leading Cultural Indicators,Good News In A Violent World,85,,1993/10/12,
Changing Times; last Days,In the thirty years since 1960 there has been a 560% in violent crime; more than a 400% increase in illegitimate births; a quadrupling in divorce rates; A tripling of the percentage of children living in single parent homes; and more than a 200% increase in the teenage suicide rate.,Times hard to deal with are here.,2ti 3:1-5;,Dch; Index Of Leading Cultural Indicators,Is It Time For God To Rule The World?,20,,,
Changing Times; last Days; Crime,"Although the number of people incarcerated is at an all time high- 825,000 at end of 1991- punishment rate is at an all time low. Prison costs $25,000 a year- but it costs society on the average $430,000 a year to have a career criminal out of prison.  Taking into account the probability of being arrested, prosecuted, convicted, and going to prison, the median prison sentence for serious crime in 1990 is 8 days- down from 22.5 days in 1954.",Information regarding the last days.  Why crime is so prevalent  and punishment is often lacking.,Ecclesiastes 8:11; 2ti 3:1-5;,Dch; Index Of Leading Cultural Indicators,Is It Time For God To Rule The World?,20,,1993/10/12,
Character;,'Character is what you are in the dark.'  Quote:  Dwight Moody.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Character;,"'Every man has three characters: that which he exhibits, that which he has, and that which he thinks he has.'  Quote:  Alphonse Karr.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Character;,'The real character of a man is found out by his amusements.'  Quote:  Josh Reynolds.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Character;,'You are only what you are when no one is looking.'  Quote:  Robert Edwards.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Character;,'You must look into people as well as at them.'  Quote:  Lord Chesterfield.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Character; Humor;,Men show their characters in nothing more clearly than in what they think laughable.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Character; Personality;,'A man never describes his own character so clearly as when he describes another's.'  Quote:  Jean Richter.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Character; Personality;,'Every man is the architect of his own character.'  Quote:  George Boardman.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Character; Personality;,'Man's character is his fate.'  Quote:  Heraclitus.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Character; Personality;,"'To reform a man, you must begin with his grandmother.' Quote:  Victor Hugo",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Character; Talk Is Cheap;,'What you are thunders so that I cannot hear what you say to the contrary.'  Quote:  Ralph Waldo Emerson.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Chariot, Organization,","Similar to powerful craft, that is held up by a cushion of air as it skims over water. Where do they get this power?  From holy spirit.",Four wheels support the chariot in this manner.,Ezek. 1:4-28;,"Mar 15, 1991 Wt Page 10",Serving With Jehovah's Unified Organization,3,,,
"Chariot, Organization,","With sleek jetliners, world leaders may feel they enjoy the ultimate in travel efficiency. Does it seem strange that the Creator of the universe rides in a chariot.","Jehovah has a superlative mode of transportation, the likes of which no engineer has ever seen.  A vast awesome chariot. conceived by man.",Ezek. 1:4-28;,"Mar 15, 1991 Wt Page 8, 9",Serving With Jehovah's Unified Organization,3,,,
"Chariot, Organization, Zeal, Effort, Endurance, Self, Will,","God will not tie us to his chariot and drag us along. Must keep divine interest the center of our lives. Keep divine interests the center of our lives, and keep in step with God's organization.",We must keep pace with Jehovah's organization.,"Ezek. 1:4-28; 1 Tim. 4:15, 16;","Mar 15, 1991 Wt Page 15","Living, Not For Self, But To Do God's Will",8,,,
Charity; Giving;,"'A bone to the dog is not charity. Charity is the bone shared with the dog, when you are just as hungry as the dog.'  Quote:  Jack London.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Charity; Giving;,"'If you give money, spend yourself with it.'  Quote:  Henry D. Thoreau.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Charity; Giving;,"'Not he who has much is rich, but he who gives much.'  Quote:  Erich Fromm.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Charity; Giving; Compassion;,'Charity sees the need not the cause.'  Quote:  German.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Chaste, Virtuous, Pure, Holy, Clean,",'Sweet are the slumbers of the virtuous man.'  Quote: Joseph Addison.,Fear of dangers will be allayed.  Sleep will be pleasurable.  In some respects sound sleep is a reward for wise living.   We will not be afraid of the coming tribulation on the wicked.,"Ps 91:5, 6;",Bobby Laymon,Make Jehovah Your Confidence,70,,1995/07/14,
"Chat Rooms, Association, Adult, Morals, Pornography, Internet,",Chain reactions can be dangerous.  It is when you start something and there is no stopping place.  It leads to an eventual end.,Internet chat rooms are like that.  They pull you in.  They can destroy you.  STAY AWAY!,"James 1:14, 15;","Ron Whitlatch, C.O.",Is There Really A Devil?,131,,"Apr 25, 2002",
Cheating;,'Anything worth having is worth cheating for.'  Quote:  Wcf.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Cheer, Joy, Happiness, Depressed, Endurance, World, Groaning,","A roaring tempestuous wind rushes down on the ship, violently seizing the vessel.  Like a cork bobbing crazily, the ship is tossed about in the raging sea.  At a time such as this, how could anyone be of good cheer?  In that circumstance, the apostle Paul told imperiled men: 'Be of good cheer.'","Though not in danger of experiencing shipwreck in a turbulent sea, we today live in a world filled with turmoil and trouble.  Many feel disheartened, depressed, discouraged, and helpless.  Can we be of 'good cheer' at a time such as this.",Acts 27:24;,"Mar 1, 1978 Wt Page 3",'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
Cheerful;,"'Cheerfulness removes the rust from the mind, lubricates our inward machinery, and enables us to do our work with fewer creaks and groans. If people were universally cheerful, probably there wouldn't be half the quarrelling or a tenth part of the wickedness there is. ","Cheerfulness too, promotes health and immortality. Cheerful people live longest here on earth, afterward in our hearts.'  Quote:  Anonymous.",,Jk Quotes;,,,,,5/29/2025
Cheerful;,"'The cheerful live longest in years, and afterwards in our regards.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Cheerful;,'The true source of cheerfulness is benevolence.'  Quote:  P. Godwin.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Cheerful; Pessimist; Optimist;,'Cheer up the worst is yet to come.'  Quote:  Philander Johnson.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Cheerful; Worry;,"'Let us be of good cheer, remembering that the misfortunes hardest to bear are those which never happen.'  Quote:  James Lowell.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Cheerfulness; Goodness;,"'so of cheerfulness, or a good temper, the more it is spent, the more it remains.'  Quote:  Ralph Waldo Emerson.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Cheerfulness; Goodness;,"'The cheerful live longest in years, and afterwards in our regards. Cheerfulness is the off-shoot of goodness.'  Quote:  Christian Nestell Bovey.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Cheerfulness; Humor; Laughter;,'A good laugh is sunshine in a house.' Quote:  William Thackeray,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Cheerfulness; Laughter; Smile;,"What sunshine is to flowers, smiles are to humanity.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Child Rearing,"Arrow Can do little after left the bow, must aim straight, shoot hard Good speech, manners, respect, Deep things of God, Theocratic goals, full time service, Balance recreation",How are we aiming our children: Head of arrow is target QUICK to commend; don't complain when they make mistakes,Ps 127:4,"Kingdom Unity Dist Assembly  Uniondale, N.Y. June 23-26, 1983",How Can Youths Cope With Today's Crisis?,113,,,
Child Rearing,Slips of Olive Trees Children can become drop-outs in truth. Parents 'have right' to have children.  Children 'have right' to have parents.,"Trees can be shaped, formed. Truth will not 'rub off' by simply going to K H.  Set theocratic goals, & upbuilding recreation","Ps 128:2, 3  Eph 6:1 Deuteronomy 6:4-9  1 Tim 5:8","Kingdom Unity Dist Assembly  Uniondale, N.Y. June 23-26, 1983",Family Life That Warms The Heart,5,,,
"Child, Heart, Emotions,",Making the decision to have a child--it's momentous. It is to decide forever to have your heart go walking around outside your body.   -- Elizabeth Stone,Our emotions are certainly bound up with our children.,Genesis. 37:35;,Bobby Laymon,What Happens When We Die?,127,,"Nov 19, 2001",
"Child, Teach, Association,","'You send you child to the schoolmaster, but it's the school boys that educate him.'  Quote: Ralph Waldo Emerson",Teach your children at home.,1 Cor. 15:33,Johnse Laymon,Choose Your Associates Wisely!,116,,,
Child-rearing,'All Work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.' Provide recreation.,Don't make study a 'grind.',Ps. 127:3  Eph. 6:4  Col. 3:23  Deuteronomy. 6:4-7,"Pure Language Dist. Assy. Mobile, Ala. July 5-8, 1990 B Washington",Parents--are You Building With Fire-resistant Materials?,104,,,
Child-rearing,"Child in play pen, then room, yard, cross street.","Gradually let go, protected area.",Eph 6:4;,Gale Hartley,How Can Youths Cope With Today's Crisis?,113,,,
Child-rearing,"Children hurt; in hospital; Would you drop everything, come... aid Eccl. 11:9 Nothing wrong wanting to have fun. 2 points: enjoy life & Jehovah holds you accountable for recreation.",Our children are hurt in this system of things.,Ps. 127:3  Eph. 6:4  Col. 3:23  Deuteronomy. 6:4-7,"Pure Language Dist. Assy. Mobile, Ala. July 5-8, 1990 B Washington",Parents--are You Building With Fire-resistant Materials?,104,,,
Child-rearing,Headache vs. heartache.  Teach reliance on Jehovah.,"If we never have headache rebuking, we will have heartache later.",Heb 13:5,Convention Talk,How Can Youths Cope With Today's Crisis?,113,,,
Child-rearing,Quote: Everyone can give his child 2 things; roots and wings.,"Keep firmly rooted in truth, but gradually let them make decisions.",Prov. 22:6,Magazine Article,How Can Youths Cope With Today's Crisis?,113,,,
Child-rearing,Reminders: 'I've told you this 100 times.' Grooming & Dress: sends out message.  What kind?,It may be the 101st time that sinks in.,Ps. 127:3  Eph. 6:4  Col. 3:23  Deuteronomy. 6:4-7,"Pure Language Dist. Assy. Mobile, Ala. July 5-8, 1990 B Washington",How Can Youths Cope With Today's Crisis?,113,,,
Child-rearing,"See through a Child's eyes, Hear through their ears Great help; learn to see and understand See through child's eyes",Don't treat like little adults,Prov. 10:1  Prov. 3:27,"Jan 22, 1990 Awake! P. 17",How Can Youths Cope With Today's Crisis?,113,,,
Child-rearing,"Shortcut (there is none) Commendation: better, that bookcase you built is both practical and attractive.  Not: you're a good carpenter; focusing on him as person.",Seeing through a child's eyes.,Prov. 3: 27  10:1,"Jan 22 Awake, 1990 P. 16, 17",How Can Youths Cope With Today's Crisis?,113,,,
Child-rearing,Twenty (20) year program Great help; learn to see and understand See through child's eyes,"No shortcut,","Requires Patience, Love, Understanding, And Consideration.","Jan 22, 1990 Awake! P. 17",How Can Youths Cope With Today's Crisis?,113,,,
"Child-rearing, Youth, Training, Progress,","Valuable Gift; if requires maintenance, give it your best. Pay more attention to what you do than what you say. Give them maintenance they need.  We do it with car, washing machine, Refrigeration & everything else.  Why not our children, Greatest Inheritance.",Children are an inheritance.,Ps. 127:3  Eph. 6:4  Col. 3:23  Deuteronomy. 6:4-7,"Pure Language Dist. Assy. Mobile, Ala. July 5-8, 1990 B Washington",Parents--are You Building With Fire-resistant Materials?,104,,,1/1/2018
Child-rearing; One Parent Family,Look at Sunshine-Shadows behind.  Prophet Elijah sent to 1-parent home. 1 Ki 17:8.  Do not stimulate self-pity.,Look to Jehovah for security.,Isa 55:22,Fred Gump Divine Love Dist. Assembly  1980,Family Life That Warms The Heart,5,,,
Childhood;,"'Childhood is the one prison from which there's no escape, the one sentence from which there is no appeal. We all serve our time.'  Quote:  P. D. James.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Children,"Are we making diamonds or graphite. (both from carbon) Christian Child is beautiful from top of head to tip of toe. They are like diamonds. Other are common, like pencil lead, throw away, without loss","Our children all have potential to become real jewels to Jehovah Graphite is almost as common as dirt, yet comes from carbon the same as a diamond does.",Ps 110:3,Joe Bounds,Meeting The Test Of Christian Loyalty,48,,,
Children,"Art Linkletter: 'Kids say the Darndest Things!' 'My dad's a cop who arrests burglar, robber and thieves.' 'Doesn't your mother worry about such a risky job?' 'Naw, she thinks it's great. He brings home rings and bracelets and jewelry almost every week.",Children notice & follow parents example. (apparently recipient of kickbacks;,Eph. 6:4,"Jul 8, 1959 Aw Page 7",How Can Youths Cope With Today's Crisis?,113,,,
Children,Can't expect them to be spiritual giants.  Proper amounts of recreation.  Not expect them to study all the time.,Need for balance in rearing.,Eph 6:1-4;,Joe Laymon,How Can Youths Cope With Today's Crisis?,113,,,
Children,"Fire during night;  You awake to the sound of sirens, quickly sit up in bed and notice red lights flashing.  Hurriedly, you pull your clothes on and rush outside.  It is awesome!  You watch as a beautiful house burns to ground.  As you stand there with the wind freezing your face, and the smoke burning your nostrils, you think, 'How sad!'  How especially sad, if it is your building, one you have worked hard on.  To see it now completely destroyed.  To go up in smoke.","When our children face the test, the fire, how happy we will be when we see them standing firm, unmovable, while Christendom and the world around us goes up in smoke.",1 Pet 5:8  Genesis 8:21  1 Cor 3:10,"Bro Hiesman (Clinton, Arkansas)",Parents--are You Building With Fire-resistant Materials?,104,,,
Children,"Intelligent enough to listen 'understood the words' verse 12 Should be sitting, not roaming Jesus did not feel too 'grown up' to sit with father",Conduct during assemblies & meetings talk about what learned meditation,Nehemiah 8:1-3  8-12,Assembly,How Can Youths Cope With Today's Crisis?,113,,,
Children,"Like clay, impressionable.","World can mold them to be like it, unless dominated by good.",Ecclesiastes. 12:1,"Aug 15, 1962 Wt Page 489",How Can Youths Cope With Today's Crisis?,113,,,
Children,Like vines that need to be trained and pruned to become fruitful.,Man needs a guide; how much less children.,Ps. 111:10; Jer. 8:9; 10:23; Prov. 22:15;,"Feb 22, 1964 Aw Page 10",How Can Youths Cope With Today's Crisis?,113,,,
Children,"Line of large elephants at circus; rope on 1 foot tied small stake. Large elephant can easily pull up wooden stakes any time they want.  As baby elephant, chained to huge metal stakes driven well into ground.  Weeks & months of tugging unsuccessful. (never forgets)","Training while young, Children will not turn aside. Children will not forget Godly training in youth.",Prov. 22:6,Bobby Laymon,How Can Youths Cope With Today's Crisis?,113,,,
Children,Living Letters (from parents of eight children letters from children who appreciated being raised in truth. (see source),Bring them up in mental regulating of Jehovah.,Eph. 6:4,"Aug 1, 1990 Wt Page 30",Parents--are You Building With Fire-resistant Materials?,104,,,
Children,No one born in the truth; newborn mind is a blank.  Which is more important for children: A good account in the bank? A good account with Jehovah.? Aim at Full Family Survival.,If born in Christian home; still training must be given.,"Ps. 51:5  1 Cor. 7:14  2 Tim. 3:14, 15","Sep 15, 1959 Wt Page 552",How Can Youths Cope With Today's Crisis?,113,,,
Children,"Prescriptions for everything.  Bible teaching includes things worldly educators omit: Love Creator, & be familiar with his Word.",Prescription for raising a happy and successful child.,Eph. 6:4  Deuteronomy. 6:4-7  Prov. 4:1; 13:24; 22:6; Col. 3:21,"Aug 1, 1990 Wt Page 31",How Can Youths Cope With Today's Crisis?,113,,,
Children,Quote Jesuits. 'Give me a child of six and I shall make him a Catholic.' We can mold in truth.,Persons life molded in tender years.,Deuteronomy. 6:4-7; 29:10-13,"Jan 15, 1960 Wt Page 50",How Can Youths Cope With Today's Crisis?,113,,,
Children,Quote: Napoleon was asked when does education of child begin. His reply: 'Twenty years before its birth--in education of its mother.' We would be prone to give same answer.,Training should begin as soon as born or before.,Ps. 127:3,"May 22, 1958 Aw Page 9",How Can Youths Cope With Today's Crisis?,113,,,
Children,Rocks in bottom of riverbed; not like plants; absorb no nutrients.  Anyone can easily pick up rock & carry them away. not rooted. Study: top priority if want children to be in new order. Relaxed atmosphere; visual aids; illustrations.,"Do our children absorb information or like rocks. DON'T SCOLD DURING STUDY! Do that one on one, if necessary. Reach Heart. Viewpoint Questions",Eph. 6:4  Prov. 22:6,"Pure Lang D.A. July 5-8, 1990",The Family In Our Day; It's Preservation Into New World.,113,,,
"Children, mistaken kindness, tough love, ","Teddy Bears; one of cutest of earth's creatures. Drink no liquid In captivity, they quickly acquire taste for weak sweetened tea and starchy food. Mistaken kindness. Few months die from indigestion.  When naughty, mother koala, spanks minutes on end, with hand.","Often Parents are too kind to discipline their children. Often modern parents 'too kind' to discipline child, or let others feed a fare of educational weak, sweetened tea. not wholesome food.","Prov. 22:6; 27:5, 6; Leviticus. 19:17; Prov. 9:8; Ps. 141:5","Sep 22, 1959 Aw Page 3",Mistaken Kindness,113,,,6/19/2014
Children,"Temple stones: in natural state so soft could be cut with saw, when exposed to sun and air, it becomes hard as marble and is capable of very high polish.  It is a kind of marble. Some temple stones 30 feet long, 7 feet high, weighed over 100 tons",Our children must be trained while young and impressionable.,Prov. 22:6,"Sep 15, 1959 Wt Page 566",How Can Youths Cope With Today's Crisis?,113,,,
Children,"Three Little Pigs, (house of straw, sticks, brick) Satan intent on blowing house down. Jah gives building codes. How are you building? Build so it will last. What are you building?  Palace or mud hut?","Must build with fire resistant material.  Children are ministers under construction. Wood, hay, stubble burn at 400 Deg. F. Other mat. 2000 Deg. F.",Rom. 2:21-24; 1 Pet 5:8  Genesis 8:21  1 Cor 3:10,Bobby Laymon,Parents--are You Building With Fire-resistant Materials?,104,,,
Children,What does the baby deer know about the mountain lion? Deer: 1st rule is obedience; lie absolutely motionless. Might appear wiser for young fawn to leap up & run for its life. How far would it get?,Mother instinctively trains her young one to escape danger Obedience means life.,Prov. 22:6; Ps. 127:3,"Mar 15, 1961 Wt Page 171",How Can Youths Cope With Today's Crisis?,113,,,
Children,"Would you let your child eat filthy literal food. 'Food-testing principle' stated by Paul at Phil. 4:8 T.V. comics, paperbound books, girlie magazines, flooding nation. Must read and meditate upon proper things.","Many devour unclean, filthy mental food.",Phil. 4:8;,"Sep 8, 1959 Aw Page 7",How Can Youths Cope With Today's Crisis?,113,,,
"Children,","As a twig is bent, a tree will lean.",Children are like twigs they can easily be formed.,Ps. 128:3,Johnse Laymon,How Can Youths Cope With Today's Crisis?,113,,,
"Children,",Dividends are paid on a wise investment.,"Children, are you a wise investment?  Your parents care and training has been a huge investment.  Are you bringing some kind of benefits to your parents and the other members of your family?",1ti 3:4; Pr 23:22;,"Jul 15, 1970 Wt Page 440",How Can Youths Cope With Today's Crisis?,113,,,
"Children,",Hut or Palace?  What are you building.,Many have decided to build hut.,1 Cor. 3:13,"Larry Punko, C.O. Oct 21, 1990",Parents--are You Building With Fire-resistant Materials?,104,,,
"Children,",Mirror of parents.,Parents should set good example.,Eph. 6:1-4,Bradley Wagner,How Can Youths Cope With Today's Crisis?,113,,,
"Children,","Quote: 'If we had paid no more attention to our plants than we have to our children, we should now be living in a jungle of weeds.' Luther Burbank.",Training our children.,Ps. 127:3-5,"Dec 22, 1961 Aw Page 12",How Can Youths Cope With Today's Crisis?,113,,,
"Children,","Surprise test; Our children have surprise test. Day of test: Will they deceive us. take drugs? smoke? succumb to immorality? Vs. 14 'reward' is to see children turn down drugs, etc.","Test is now; anytime; Vs. 15 'suffer loss' work burned up, lost their children.",1 Cor. 3:13,"Larry Punko, C.O. Oct 21, 1990",Parents--are You Building With Fire-resistant Materials?,104,,,
"Children, Adoption, Family,","Teacher Debbie Moon's first graders were discussing a picture of a   family.  One little boy in the picture had a different color hair than the   other family members.  One child suggested that he was adopted and a little girl named Jocelyn Jay said, 'I know all about adoptions because I was adopted,' 'What does it mean to be adopted?' asked another child.","'It means,' said Jocelyn, 'that you grew in your mommy's heart instead of her tummy.'",Ps. 127:3-5;,Bobby Laymon,Family Life That Warms The Heart,5,,1998/01/16,
"Children, Advise, Example, Listen, Teach,","Children are quick to close their ears to advise, but open their eyes to examples.",Teaching by example is best.,Eph. 6:4,Bobby Laymon,Parents--are You Building With Fire-resistant Materials?,104,,,
"Children, Arrows, Youth, Disciplining,",The value of an arrow is determined by how well it is aimed as it leaves the bow.  An arrow must be aimed with care and skill so that it will hit the target.,"In like manner, it is vital that, as parents, you wisely and prayerfully ponder on the kind of start in life you will give to your child.  Will he or she become a balanced, mature adult?","Ps 127:4, 5;",Building A Happy Family Life.  Page 90,Parents--are You Building With Fire-resistant Materials?,104,,,
"Children, Associations, Environment,","Put a sponge in vinegar, and what does it soak up, or absorb?","Likewise, with a child, it will absorb what is in its environment.",Pr 13:10; Ps 139:14;,Robert Boettcher,Responsibilities And Rewards Of Parenthood,29,,,
"Children, Birth, Babies, Last Days, Sex,",A little girl less than six years old is usually still playing with dolls and living under the caring protection of her parents.,However one five-and-a-half year-old girl in Peru gave birth to a child back in 1933.  Pregnancy of the very young is linked to the times we are living in.,2ti 3:1-4; Zephaniah 3:8;,"Jun 8, 1970 Aw Page 3",A Godly View Of Sex And Marriage,13,,,
"Children, Christendom,",'There are 27 of us present. Twenty-six Christians and 1 devil.' Reply to teacher who asked. 'Certainly all of you present here are Christians are you not?'  He asked them what a prophet was. Nomad? give examples. Only one who could give all the answers was a son of a Witness family.,"Christendom's children vs. Jehovah's Witnesses. Named Isaiah, Daniel, Jeremiah, etc. Teacher's reply. 'I can see there are 26 devils, only 1 Christian'",Prov. 22:6,"Nov 8, 1961 Aw Page 16",Parents--are You Building With Fire-resistant Materials?,104,,,
"Children, Content,",Some do not want child to have it as bad as we did when we grew up.,"All we need is sustenance and covering according to Bible.  Do we tell children different?  If we survived, our children will to, are we helping our children make Jehovah their stronghold?",Ps.18:2,Jim Breden,Are You Really Making Jehovah Your Stronghold?,18,,1996/07/21,
"Children, Cure,","Info: A boy, age 12, toils 11 hours a day breaking rocks in a quarry in India (earns .85 a day) A girl, ten, sells her body in a Bangkok brothel.  She is not there because she wants to be.  Her father sold her for $400. 10 yr old, machine gun, guards roadblock","Children in crisis reach millions.  7 million in refugee camps; 30 million wander streets homeless; 80 million ages 10-14 labor at jobs; 100 million face death this decade, want clean food, etc.",Is 33:24; Re 11:18;,"Dec 8, 1992 Aw Page 4",The Only Cure For Sick Mankind,62,,,
"Children, Cure, Hunger, Sickness,",'It is as if a cure had finally been found for cancer but then little used for 20 years.',"8,000 children die daily because not been vaccinated; 7,000 die from diarrhea, because parents don't know how to deal with; 7,000 others, because not given $1.00 worth antibiotics.",Is 33:24; Re 11:18;,"Dec 8, 1992 Aw Page 4",The Only Cure For Sick Mankind,62,,,
"Children, Delinquency, Violence, Crime, Family,","'The family is deeply, perhaps fatally, ill.' Outcast children, 'will come back to haunt us.' Quote: Geneva B. Johnson (Chief executive officer of Family Service America) 5-yr-old pushed toddler to death from fifth-floor.",Examples of violence in below article: 10-yr-old shot playmate and stuffed body under the house. 11 & 15 yr-old-boys raped 2-yr-old girl.,2 Tim. 3:1-5;,"Sep 22, 1991 Aw Page 4",Family Life That Warms The Heart,5,,,
"Children, Delinquent, Spanish.",'Raise crows and afterward they will pluck out your eyes.' Spanish expression.,"Juvenile delinquents who, resenting the failure of their parent to discipline them, turn on them with hatred.",Prov. 22:6; 2 Tim. 3:1-4;,"Sep 8, 1964 Aw Page 16",How Can Youths Cope With Today's Crisis?,113,,,
"Children, Differences, Unity, Happiness, Marriage,","It is like poison that can kill the child, as well as your family's unity and happiness.  It should be avoided like the plague.","Airing differences in front of the children.  Where there is differences of opinion it should be settled in PRIVATE, away from the children.",Eph 5:23; Ge 2:18;,"Apr 8, 1970 Aw Page 5",You Can Find Joy In Serving God,103,,,
"Children, Discipline, Counsel",Children are like a wet bar of soap.  Hold wet soap too loosely and you will drop it.  Hold it too tight and it will pop out of your hand.,Need to discipline children in a balanced way.,Prov. 29:15,Frank Barr,How Can Youths Cope With Today's Crisis?,113,,,
"Children, Dogs, Steal,","Dogs are trained not to steal, destroy property.","Shall parents teach dogs, yet fail when it come to their own child.",Prov. 22:6; Eph. 6:4,"Aug 15, 1963 Wt Page 491",How Can Youths Cope With Today's Crisis?,113,,,
"Children, Encourage, Needs, Attitude, Negative, Positive,","As a parent, why not be like a trainer of athletes? He does not focus only on developing in the athletes in his care the physical capacity to run faster or to jump farther. Likely, he also endeavors to help them to overcome any negative attitude, thus reinforcing their emotional strength.","In your case, how can you encourage, build up, and motivate your children?",Matthew 5:3,W98 7/15 6,Parents--are You Building With Fire-resistant Materials?,104,,"Aug 3, 2000",
"Children, Example, Imitators, Hypocrisy, Honesty,","An imitator of public figures notices details about their subject that others overlook. Facial expressions, mannerisms, gestures, walking, standing postures, tone of voice, etc.","Children are born imitators, picking up things that go unnoticed to other person.  They can spot a hypocrite. Important for parents to be honest in all things.","Eph. 6:4; Deuteronomy 6:6-9; Matt. 23:23, 25, 27, 29, 33,",Bobby Laymon,Conducting Ourselves Honestly At All Times,10,,,
"Children, Family","Blue print means a sound building; requires sound building material. at conception; imperfection; parents must counteract. Builders & Sons; same root;  house: root, dwelling or family.",No better blue print than God's inspired word On job training; ask older children to explain school problems.,"2 Tim 3:16, 17 Prov 22:6 Ps 127:1,3","Oct 1, 1989 Wt Page 28, 29",Family Life That Warms The Heart,5,,,4/12/2015
"Children, Family, Marriage, Discipline,","Wolf & Old Woman Wolf hungry, hear little boy crying, Old woman said, 'If you don't stop I'm going to feed you to the wolf.  He stayed around. Later wolf heard her speak softly, and say, 'If the wolf comes  around, we'll kill him.",Some people don't do what they say they will.,Prov. 23:13,Aesop's Fables,Family Life That Warms The Heart,5,,,4/12/2015
"Children, Family, Marriage, Home, Wife, Mother,","The hand that rocks the cradle, is the hand that rules the world.",Mother's part in making the home a Theocratic arrangement.,2 Tim. 2:22; Prov. 22:6; 23:13; Deuteronomy. 6: 4-8; Eph. 5:22-33;,Bobby Laymon,Family Life That Warms The Heart,5,,,
"Children, Family, Marriage, Home, Youth, Dating,",'Bestow thy youth so that thou mayest have comfort to remember it when it hath forsaken thee'.   Quote - Sir Walter Raleigh,Remember your creator.,Ecclesiastes. 12:1; 2 Tim. 2:22; Prov. 22:6; 23:13; Deuteronomy. 6: 4-8; Eph. 5:2,Bobby Laymon,Family Life That Warms The Heart,5,,,
"Children, Family, Marriage, Home, Youth, Dating,",'Show me a man who has never been in love - and I'll show you a man with money in the bank'.,Marriage and money.,2 Tim. 2:22; Prov. 22:6; 23:13; Deuteronomy. 6: 4-8; Eph. 5:22-33;,Bobby Laymon,Family Life That Warms The Heart,5,,,
"Children, Family, Marriage, Home, Youth, Dating,",'There is a feeling of eternity in youth'. Quote - Hazlitt.,Do not waste your youth.  Youth will not last. Remember Jehovah.,"Ecclesiastes. 3:11, 14; 12:1, 2; 2 Tim. 2:22; Prov. 22:6; 23:13;",Bobby Laymon,Family Life That Warms The Heart,5,,,
"Children, Family, Marriage, Home, Youth, Dating,",'Why is it that most of the people who have all the answers to the teenage problem don't have any children',Easy to give counsel that your sure you never have to apply. Keep counsel based on God's Word.,2 Tim. 2:22; Prov. 22:6; 23:13; Deuteronomy. 6: 4-8; Eph. 5:22-33;,Bobby Laymon,Family Life That Warms The Heart,5,,,
"Children, Family, Marriage, Home, Youth, Dating,",'Youth is a continual intoxication'. Quote- Rochefoucauld.  Parents must guide them by God's word.,You never know what they will do next.,2 Tim. 2:22; Prov. 22:6; 23:13; Deuteronomy. 6: 4-8; Eph. 5:22-33;,Bobby Laymon,Family Life That Warms The Heart,5,,,
"Children, Family, Marriage, Home, Youth, Dating,","'Youth is always too serious, and just now it is too serious about frivolity'. Quote - G. K. Chesterton","One should be serious, yet rejoice in youth.","Ecclesiastes. 11: 9, 10; 2 Tim. 2:22; Prov. 22:6; 23:13; Deuteronomy. 6: 4-8;",Bobby Laymon,Family Life That Warms The Heart,5,,,
"Children, Family, Marriage, Home, Youth, Dating,","'Youth is to all, the glad season of life'. Quote - Carlyle",Do not waste youth.,"Ecclesiastes. 12:1, 2; 2 Tim. 2:22; Prov. 22:6; 23:13; Deuteronomy. 6: 4-8; Eph.",Bobby Laymon,Family Life That Warms The Heart,5,,,
"Children, Family, Marriage, Home, Youth, Dating,",A bent tree cannot grow tall.  Parents need to start them in Jehovah's way.,Children are easily formed while in youth.,2 Tim. 2:22; Prov. 22:6; 23:13; Deuteronomy. 6: 4-8; Eph. 5:22-33;,Bobby Laymon,Family Life That Warms The Heart,5,,,
"Children, Family, Marriage, Home, Youth, Dating,","A man's home is his castle. 'How will it be with you, O land, when your king is a boy...?'",We must be head of house. Not let children rule us.,Ecclesiastes. 10:16; 2 Tim. 2:22; Prov. 22:6; 23:13; Deuteronomy. 6: 4-8;,Bobby Laymon,Parents--are You Building With Fire-resistant Materials?,104,,,
"Children, Family, Marriage, Home, Youth, Dating,","A new idea is a very delicate thing. It can be killed by a frown or yawn, stabbed by a quip, or smothered by laziness.","Children should be listened to, and not discouraged.",2 Tim. 2:22; Prov. 22:6; 23:13; Deuteronomy. 6: 4-8; Eph. 5:22-33;,Bobby Laymon,Family Life That Warms The Heart,5,,,
"Children, Family, Marriage, Home, Youth, Dating,","A rose is sweeter in the bud, than when full blown.",We can keep our child's sweetness by teaching him Jehovah's word.,2 Tim. 2:22; Prov. 22:6; 23:13; Deuteronomy. 6: 4-8; Eph. 5:22-33;,Bobby Laymon,Family Life That Warms The Heart,5,,,
"Children, Family, Marriage, Home, Youth, Dating,",A tender bud is easier to hurt.,"Lasting injurious impressions, can be given if unthoughtful.",2 Tim. 2:22; Prov. 22:6; 23:13; Deuteronomy. 6: 4-8; Eph. 5:22-33;,Bobby Laymon,Family Life That Warms The Heart,5,,,4/12/2015
"Children, Family, Marriage, Home, Youth, Dating,","As a twig is bent, a tree will lean. Parents have this responsibility. No matter how repulsive a habit a child may have, he may have gotten it from you. (Parent)",Children must be gentle guided into Creators way.,2 Tim. 2:22; Prov. 22:6; 23:13; Deuteronomy. 6: 4-8; Eph. 5:22-33;,Bobby Laymon,Family Life That Warms The Heart,5,,,
"Children, Family, Marriage, Home, Youth, Dating,",Boy: A noise with dirt on it.,Many parents view of children.,2 Tim. 2:22; Prov. 22:6; 23:13; Deuteronomy. 6: 4-8; Eph. 5:22-33;,Bobby Laymon,Family Life That Warms The Heart,5,,,
"Children, Family, Marriage, Home, Youth, Dating,",Children and fools cannot lie.,Innocence of youth is an advantage.,Matt. 18:3; Luke 9:47; Matt. 19:14; 2 Tim. 2:22; Prov. 22:6; 23:13,Bobby Laymon,Family Life That Warms The Heart,5,,,
"Children, Family, Marriage, Home, Youth, Dating,",Children are natural mimics who act like their parents despite every effort to teach them good manners.,Good and bad can be learned from parents.,2 Tim. 2:22; Prov. 22:6; 23:13; Deuteronomy. 6: 4-8; Eph. 5:22-33;,Bobby Laymon,Family Life That Warms The Heart,5,,,
"Children, Family, Marriage, Home, Youth, Dating,",Children love all forbidden things.,Children have a knack for getting into trouble.,2 Tim. 2:22; Prov. 22:6; 23:13; Deuteronomy. 6: 4-8; Eph. 5:22-33;,Bobby Laymon,Family Life That Warms The Heart,5,,,
"Children, Family, Marriage, Home, Youth, Dating,",Don't send a boy to do a man's job. When Paul was a babe he spoke as a babe. Thought as a babe. See 1 Cor. 13:11,Don't expect our children to be 'little adults',2 Tim. 2:22; Prov. 22:6; 23:13; Deuteronomy. 6: 4-8; Eph. 5:22-33;,Bobby Laymon,Family Life That Warms The Heart,5,,,
"Children, Family, Marriage, Home, Youth, Dating,","Little pitchers have wide ears. If we don't want little hypocrites at home, we must not be big hypocrites.","Children are not deaf, nor stupid, nor blind.",2 Tim. 2:22; Prov. 22:6; 23:13; Deuteronomy. 6: 4-8; Eph. 5:22-33;,Bobby Laymon,Parents--are You Building With Fire-resistant Materials?,104,,,
"Children, Family, Marriage, Home, Youth, Dating,","Men are only boys, grown tall.",Parents should know their children better than anyone.,2 Tim. 2:22; Prov. 22:6; 23:13; Deuteronomy. 6: 4-8; Eph. 5:22-33;,Bobby Laymon,Family Life That Warms The Heart,5,,,
"Children, Family, Marriage, Home, Youth, Dating,",Spare the rod and spoil the child.,Bible admonition.,2 Tim. 2:22; Prov. 22:6; 23:13; Deuteronomy. 6: 4-8; Eph. 5:22-33;,Bobby Laymon,Family Life That Warms The Heart,5,,,
"Children, Family, Marriage, Home, Youth, Dating,","When the cats away, the mice will play.",Children will take advantage if parents will let them.,2 Tim. 2:22; Prov. 22:6; 23:13; Deuteronomy. 6: 4-8; Eph. 5:22-33;,Bobby Laymon,A Godly View Of Sex And Marriage,13,,,
"Children, Family, Marriage, Home, Youth, Dating, Elders, Balance,",Who is worse-shod than the shoemakers wife?,"We must not neglect our family, taking care of Kingdom interest.",1 Tim. 5:8; 2 Tim. 2:22; Prov. 22:6; 23:13; Deuteronomy. 6: 4-8; Eph. 5:2,Bobby Laymon,Family Life That Warms The Heart,5,,,
"Children, Family, Marriage, Home, Youth, Dating, Maturity,",'The value of marriage is not that adults produce children but that children produce adults.'  Quote: Peter De Vries.,Usually requires growing up when children are born.,2 Tim. 2:22; Prov. 22:6; 23:13; Deuteronomy. 6: 4-8; Eph. 5:22-33;,Bobby Laymon,Family Life That Warms The Heart,5,,,
"Children, Family, Marriage, Home, Youth, Dating, Older,","Age remembers, but youth forgets.",Old age has the advantage of experience.,2 Tim. 2:22; Prov. 22:6; 23:13; Deuteronomy. 6: 4-8; Eph. 5:22-33;,Bobby Laymon,Family Life That Warms The Heart,5,,,
"Children, Family, Marriage, Home, Youth, Dating, Pioneer, Bethel,",A tree must grow as planted.  A tree cannot move itself. Children will likely grow where you place their feet.,"Parents, you set the feet of your children. Where are you planting them?  Toward full-time service?  The ministry?",2 Tim. 2:22; Prov. 22:6; 23:13; Deuteronomy. 6: 4-8; Eph. 5:22-33;,Bobby Laymon,Family Life That Warms The Heart,5,,,
"Children, Family, Marriage, Home, Youth, Dating, Recreation,","Children will play. (Kids must play) Either play as families, or with world.",Parents must allow for recreation.,2 Tim. 2:22; Prov. 22:6; 23:13; Deuteronomy. 6: 4-8; Eph. 5:22-33;,Bobby Laymon,Family Life That Warms The Heart,5,,,
"Children, Family, Marriage, Learn, Teach,","Credulity is the man's weakness, but the child's strength.",The child's innocence makes him teachable.,2 Tim. 2:22; Prov. 22:6; 23:13; Deuteronomy. 6: 4-8; Eph. 5:22-33;,Bobby Laymon (wisdom Of The Ages.. Quotes),Family Life That Warms The Heart,5,,,
"Children, Family, World, Conduct,","What if you could go down to the dealer at this moment and buy a new pickup for $2000.00.  You could even finance it with no money down and no interest.  That would be a good deal, wouldn't it?",I can tell you a better deal.  Spend time with your children.  You will never find something more valuable.,Eph. 6:4,"Elder's School 11/23, 24 At St. Louis",How Can Youths Cope With Today's Crisis?,113,,"Nov 26, 2001",
"Children, Fire Resistant, Example, Teaching,","Firemen recommend three (3) basic ways to prevent fires. 1. Good housekeeping rules. (no oily rags etc.) watch environment. 2. Develop Good Habits. (keep matches out of reach) Study, Meeting 3. Plan ahead drill.","Satan is arsonist, and wants to burn our children out.   (know their pressures, plan to meet them to gather.",Rom. 2:21-24; 1 Cor. 3:12;,Phil Kirkton; Bethel Notes.,Parents--are You Building With Fire-resistant Materials?,104,,,
"Children, Fire Resistant, Example, Teaching,",Jehovah gives the building codes.,We must set the proper example.,Rom. 2:21-24;,Phil Kirkton; Bethel Notes,Parents Are You Building With Fire Resistant Materials?,113,,,
"Children, Games,","Games, Parents can play with their children (List of many games, suitable for Christians)",Parents are never too old to play with their children.,Eph. 5:1,"Oct 22, 1962 Aw Page 17",How Can Youths Cope With Today's Crisis?,113,,,
"Children, Gift, Faith,","Home is our greatest investment. takes 20-30 years to pay off mortgage Children are double-gift. Inheritance; joy of planting relationship with Jehovah in heart of. Home: could let deteriorate inside. Picture in Sep 15, 1990 WT page 15",What if you were given a home? Given something more value.  Children.,"Ps. 127:3, 4","Larry Punko, C.O. Oct 21, 1990",Have Faith In The Good News,47,,,
"Children, Growth,",Like long-stem roses (complete with the buds).  Need water for growth.,Children are the buds and they gradually open up (grow up)  Children are not all the same. Need water from God's Word for growth.,Ps 119:105;,J.K.,Parents--are You Building With Fire-resistant Materials?,104,,1997/04/11,
"Children, Heart, Foolishness, Youth, Joy,",Whoever wrote that children are made up of 'sugar and spice and everything nice' left out part of the recipe.,"Children also have at times a cantankerous spirit, a driving curiosity and a bent toward being crafty and mischievous.  But whatever their makeup, we thank God for them, because there can be a deep joy in being with children.",Pr 22:15;,"Nov 22, 1969 Aw Page 9",Serve Jehovah With A Joyful Heart,78,,,
"Children, Heart, Youth, Joy,","There is a saying, 'You don't miss the water until the well runs dry.'","How true that is with children.  When they are gone, the house becomes quiet and there is less laughter.  Little do children realize the warm attachment they have awakened in their parents.","Pr 17:6; 23:24, 25;","Nov 22, 1969 Aw Page 12",Serve Jehovah With A Joyful Heart,78,,,
"Children, Imitate, Example,","Conduct a test:  Tell the audience, 'Put up your fingers'  (Hold up your thumbs)  Then when they imitate you, say, 'Not your thumbs, your fingers!'",Children often pay more attention to what we do than what we say.,Deuteronomy 6:4-6; Ps. 127:3;  Eph. 6:4;  Col. 3:23;,Bobby Laymon,Parents--are You Building With Fire-resistant Materials?,104,,,
"Children, Improvement, Honor, Praise,","'If you want your children to improve, let them overhear the nice things you say about them to others.'  Quote: Haim Ginott.",Children need encouragement and to hear nice things.,Eph 6:4;,Bobby Laymon - Reader's Digest,Family Life That Warms The Heart,5,,1996/03/21,
"Children, Learning, Absorb, Associations, Family",You cannot put a sponge into vinegar and expect it to fill with water. It can absorb only what surrounds it. The sponge will absorb water only if it is submerged in it.,"Children, too, absorb their surroundings. They sense the attitudes and observe the things practiced around them, and these they absorb like sponges. Children sense your feelings, whether these are nervous tensions or relaxed peacefulness.",1 Cor 15:33,Fl Page 112,Family Life That Warms The Heart,5,,1997/02/25,
"Children, Marriage,","'Children, when they are young, step on your feet.  When they are older, they step on your heart!'",Often distress is associated with marriage and raising children.,"Jer 6:12; 11:22; Lam 2:19; 4:4, 5.","Al Larue (may 15, 1992 Wt Page 17",God Comes First In Successful Family Life,110,,,
"Children, Marriage, Youth,","Children do not respond in a passive way, as plants do to their environment.",Children react.  They are human!  Often the reaction to unjust treatment results in spiritual and emotional devastation.,Ecclesiastes. 7:7; Eph. 6:4; 3 John 4; Ps. 127:3;,"Oct 1, 1991 Wt Page 30",God Comes First In Successful Family Life,110,,,
"Children, Meetings,",ABC's of Meeting attendance. A. Stands for Attention.  B. is for Benefit. C. is for Comments D. is for Distraction.  E. is for Enthusiasm F. is for Folly.  G. is for Grown-ups.,Application of individual letters.,"Heb. 10:24, 25; Eph. 6:4",Jan 1961 Question Box From Kingdom Ministry,How Can Youths Cope With Today's Crisis?,113,,,
"Children, Mind, Formative, Training,","Baby brains are sponges, soaking up their surroundings.","It is during the formative years, that this happens; from one to five years of age.  In two years their possessors learn a complex language just by hearing it.  If two, he learns both.",Pr 22:6; 2 Ti 3:15; Eph 6:4; Ps 127:3; 128:3,"Sep 22, 1992 Aw Page 6",How Can Youths Cope With Today's Crisis?,113,,,
"Children, Mind, Formative, Training,","If you are going to shape olive trees for fine fruit bearing the time to do it is while they are 'like slips around your table.'  As the young twig is shaped, so grows the tree.","If you are going to train your children to conform to God's ways the best time to do it is from their infancy.  In infancy, the brain is soaking up information faster than it ever will again.",Pr 22:6; 2 Ti 3:15; Eph 6:4; Ps 127:3; 128:3,"Sep 22, 1992 Aw Page 3",How Can Youths Cope With Today's Crisis?,113,,,
"Children, Obedience, Example,","'By the time a man realizes that maybe his father was right, he usually has a son who thinks he's wrong.'  Quote: Charles Wadsworth","Parental example and training will prove beneficial, even though children may not readily appreciate it.",Pr 22:6,Bobby Laymon,How Can Youths Cope With Today's Crisis?,113,,,
"Children, Olives, Youth, Disciplining, Balance","Trees may be shaped in different ways by training them.  Some are made to grow flat against a wall.  Others spread out low over the ground.  Some are even made small and stunted by trimming their roots and cramping them, as in the case of bonsai.","'Your sons will be like slips of olive trees all around your table.  Balance needed.  You cannot make an olive tree bear figs.  Train, but do not force into predetermined mold.",Ps 128:3,Building A Happy Family Life.  Page 92,How Can Youths Cope With Today's Crisis?,113,,,
"Children, Osmosis, Training, Youth, Teach, Study,","Osmosis: the diffusion of fluids through a membrane. Fluids can transfer from one object to another, by being in close proximity.",Process of osmosis will not bring children into truth.  They must be taught the truth.,"2 Tim. 3:14, 15","Larry Punko, C.O. Oct 21, 1990",Parents--are You Building With Fire-resistant Materials?,104,,,
"Children, Parents, Bible,","Chinese build junks without any plans or blueprints, working with rule of thumb traditions passed down from generation to generation. Junks: quite seaworthy, yet look like 'curled-up leaves' floating on the water. (It is said that floating leaves first suggested the idea of boats to Chinese. Developed only thru trial and error (example Chinese sail)",We must have blueprints to rear children properly. God's Word..,Eph. 6:4;,"Dec 8, 1964 Aw Page 21-23;",Parents--are You Building With Fire-resistant Materials?,104,,,
"Children, Parents, Father, Responsible, Study",Some parents are like a ostrich who leaves her young unattended. ,Some parents not study with children leave them for world to educate and train.,Job 39:13-17,S. Koinivich,Parents--are You Building With Fire-resistant Materials?,104,,,1/8/2018
"Children, Parents, Obedience, Respect,",There is a debt that children owe their parents that can never be paid.,"They will always owe them love, kindness and respect, even when they become older and are free from parental control.  How much more so with Jehovah. ",Exodus. 20:12; Col. 3:20; Prov. 30:11; 2 Tim. 3:1-4;,"Dec 15, 1967 Wt Page 743",Parents--are You Building With Fire-resistant Materials?,104,,,11/22/2013
"Children, Parents, Obedience, Respect, Obey,",There is a debt children owe their parents that can never be paid in full. Honoring one's parents includes the manner in which one speaks about them in the presence of friends.,"They will always owe them love, kindness and respect, even when they become older and are free from parental control.","Exodus. 20:12; Col. 3:20; Prov. 30:11; 2 Tim. 3:1-4; Exodus. 21:15, 17;","Dec 15, 1967 Wt Page 743",Parents--are You Building With Fire-resistant Materials?,104,,,
"Children, Parents, Patience,",Children are like a plant. Just keep watering and being tender and giving what is best for them at the time. Don't keep pulling up the plant to see if the roots are taking hold.,"Just be patient. In time our children will fully bloom, beautiful to us and to our God.  Give them TLC.",Ps. 127:3;,Peter Morgan,Parents--are You Building With Fire-resistant Materials?,104,,1997/08/14,
"Children, Parents, Teaching, Training, Problem Child, Positive, Attitude,","Raising children might be likened to purchasing a new home.  (1)Both require a lifetime investment; however, because of circumstances, prospective buyers may be forced to settle for less than the ideal. (2)The newly purchased home might have unusual or undesirable features, but with work and a little imagination, many awkward features can be practically eliminated.  Even a difficult architectural feature may soon become the focal point of the home.","(1)Similarly, imperfect parents raising imperfect children in Satan's world are forced to settle for less than the ideal.  (2)Likewise, if parents adapt to the individual needs of their unusual child, he or she can become a beautiful part of their lives.  Therefore, focus on the positive.",Ps 127:3-5;,"Nov 22, 1994 Aw Page 12",Family Life That Warms The Heart,5,,1994/10/25,
"Children, Parents, Training,",Merely possessing a saw or a hammer does not make one a skilled carpenter.,"Likewise, simply having children does not make one a skilled parent.  Knowingly or unknowingly, parents often bring up their children the way they themselves were brought up.  Thus, faulty parenting techniques are sometimes passed on from one generation to the next.","Ezekiel 18:2, 14, 17;",Knowledge Book Page 145,Family Life That Warms The Heart,5,,1995/06/16,
"Children, Parents, Training, Discipline, Work, Employment,","A MAN had two dogs: a Hound, trained to assist him in his sports, and a Housedog, taught to watch the house.  When he returned home after a good day's sport, he always gave the Housedog a large share of his spoil.  The Hound, feeling much aggrieved at this, reproached his companion, saying, 'It is very hard to have all this labor, while you, who do not assist in the chase, luxuriate on the fruits of my exertions.'  The Housedog replied, 'Do not  blame me, my friend, but find fault with the master, who has not  taught me to labor, but to depend for subsistence on the labor of  others.'",Moral:  'Children are not to be blamed for the faults of their parents.',Pr 22:6;,Aesop's Fables - Bobby Laymon,Parents--are You Building With Fire-resistant Materials?,104,,1994/05/17,
"Children, Parents, Training, Skill, Adjustment, Marriage,","A builder may develop poor habits in the way that he handles his tools.  He may put some of them to a wrong use altogether.  Under these circumstances, his methods are very likely to result in an inferior product.","Similarly, you may now be aware of unhealthy habits that have crept into your family.  Some may be strongly entrenched and hard to change.  However, we must follow the Bible's advise.",Prov 1:5;,Knowledge Book Page 149,A Godly View Of Sex And Marriage,13,,1995/06/16,
"Children, Personality, Light, Transformation, Truth, World, Granted,","Like a mule kept in a mine, they become blind, and take darkness for granted. This was the situation of the Jews in the first century. One never needs to experience the darkness first hand.","Children raised in the light (truth) may take the truth for granted.  They must truly learn to love the truth, and love the light, more than the darkness.","John. 3:19-21; Eph. 5:8, 9; 2 Tim. 3:14, 15; Matt. 15:8, 9;","Aug 1, 1991 Wt Page 19",Are You Content With Jehovah's Provisions?,22,,,
"Children, Pioneer,","Arrow in hand of Warrior, He knows where it is going to go. A Warrior knows just when to let go. Children will do what we do. Pioneers beget pioneers; meeting attendees beget meeting attendees; zealous service beget same.",If arrow misses the target it is of no value at all.,"Ps. 127:3, 4.","Larry Punko, C.O. Oct 21, 1990",Parents--are You Building With Fire-resistant Materials?,104,,,10/19/2023
"Children, Polite, Kindness, Courteous, World,","Teach a child to be polite and courteous in the home, and, when he grows up, he will never be able to edge his car onto a freeway.",World's view of kindness.,2 Tim. 2:22; Prov. 22:6; 23:13; Deuteronomy. 6: 4-8; Eph. 5:22-33;,Bobby Laymon,'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
"Children, Pregnancy, Abortions, Suicide, Sex, Virgins,","Info: In USA Teenage girls get pregnant at the rate of 1 million per year.  Between 5,000 & 6,000 teenagers take their own life. 1 in 4 girls have eating disorders; 50,000,000 are being killed in the womb, apparently including adults.","Reaping, even now, what we have sown, in this me-first generation. Grades 9-12; 54% no longer virgins; 9th grade 40% have had sex; 10th grade=48%; 11th grade=57%; 12th grade=72%.","Gal 6:6, 7; Pr 22:6; Deuteronomy 6:6, 7;","Sep 22, 1992 Aw Page 9, 29",A Godly View Of Sex And Marriage,13,,,
"Children, Reproof, Discipline,",The 'Eli problem' 'I am judging his house to time indefinite for the error that he has known ...he has not rebuked them.' Bring grief and reproach to the parents when pampered.,Eli gave Hophni and Phinehas no rebuke.,1 Sam. 2:12-3:14; 1 Tim. 3:2-5;,"Aug 15, 1963 Wt Page 499",How Can Youths Cope With Today's Crisis?,113,,,
"Children, Rod, Discipline,","The individual pieces of a jigsaw puzzle make little sense. It is only after fitting them together that one can see the whole picture. Likewise, 'the rod' is just one piece of the puzzle. To see the full picture, we must fit 'the rod' in with other Bible principles related to discipline. The Hebrew word for 'rod' referred to a staff, such as the one a shepherd used to guide -- not assault -- his sheep.","The word 'rod' is translated from the Hebrew word she'vet. To the Hebrews, she'vet meant a stick or a staff, such as that used by a shepherd. In this context the rod of authority suggests loving guidance, not harsh brutality.  We should guide children rather than abuse them.",Psalm 23:4; Prov. 1:8; 4:1; 8:33; 19:27;,"Aug 8, 1997 Aw Page 10; Sep 8, 1992 Aw Page 26-7;",Parents--are You Building With Fire-resistant Materials?,104,,1997/07/14,
"Children, Service, School, Goals, Parents, Teaching","Some parents feel that they don't want to push their children too hard when it comes to the truth.  They won't make them go out in field service or they won't make them join the Theocratic Ministry School, etc.  However, they make them brush their teeth.  Go to bed.  Go to school.  Do their homework.","A loving, balanced parent will make children achieve certain theocratic goals as well.  They force them to brush teeth, go to bed, school, do homework because these are necessary.  A normal child would not do these things on their own.  Same with theocratic goals.  Normally a child will not try to achieve these things on their own.  It requires a certain amount of pressure from parents and they can not rely on the child's judgment in these matters.",Eph. 6:1; Prov. 22:6,Joe Laymon,Show Respect And Love In Your Marriage,28,,1993/11/30,
"Children, Sex, Youth, Balance,",Like a seed in the ground will grow into a flower or a tree...  [Explaining about sex should be given with balance and progressively],...So it is with a father and mother who want to have a baby.  A seed from the father meets an egg cell in the mother and a baby starts to grow.,Ps 128:3; Eph 6:1-4;,Building A Happy Family Life.  Page 124,A Godly View Of Sex And Marriage,13,,,
"Children, Stress,","Look at the drawing below of a top hat.  At first glance the hat seems taller than the brim is wide.  In reality, however, both height and width are equal.  Dimension can easily be misjudged. (See article: Adults misjudged 16 out of 20 life events stressful to children)","It is just as easy for adults to misjudge the dimensions of a child's stress.  'Adults should not judge troubles by their size, but by the size of the pain they produce.' Quote: Book CHILDSTRESS 'Children's grieves are little, certainly, but so is the child.'",2 Ti 2:22; 3:1,"Jul 22, 1993 Aw Page 4",Gaining Comfort In All Our Tribulations,105,,,
"Children, Stress, Abuse,","'Because children have little frame of reference outside the family, the things they learn at home about themselves and others become universal truths engraved deeply in their minds.' Quote: Dr. Susan Forward","All too often the impressions on a child's mind and heart are formed by abusive parents.  Emotional, physical and sexual abuse create distorted thinking patterns that become firmly set and difficult to reshape.",2 Ti 2:22; 3:1,"Jul 22, 1993 Aw Page 6",Gaining Comfort In All Our Tribulations,105,,,
"Children, Stress, Abuse, Communication, Signals,","'When a good student starts getting F's that deserves attention, and the same is true when a child who was previously a trouble-maker turns into an angel.' Quote: Book, 'Giving Sorrow Words'",A sudden change in behavior is often a call for help. Watch the signals!,Mt 12:34; 2ti 3:1-4;,"Jul 22, 1993 Aw Page 9",Gaining Comfort In All Our Tribulations,105,,,
"Children, Stress, Abuse, Communication, Signals,","Flying an airplane on a dark, foggy night, how can the pilot see where he is going?  From takeoff to landing, he relies upon signals.  Well over a hundred instruments occupy the panels on the flight deck of a large airplane, each conveying vital information and alerting the pilot to potential problems.","Growing up in our stress-filled world is like flying through a storm.  How can parents foster a smooth flight from infancy to adulthood?  Since many children do not talk about their stresses, parents must learn to read signals.",2 Ti 3:1-4;,"Jul 22, 1993 Aw Page 8",How Can Youths Cope With Today's Crisis?,113,,,
"Children, Stress, Abuse, Sex,","'Like soldiers missing in action, they remain lost for years in a private jungle of fear and guilt.' Quote: Book, 'The Child in Crisis'","According to one estimate, 1 in 3 girls and 1 in 7 boys have been forced into a sexual experience by the time they are 18 years old.",2ti 3:1-4;,"Jul 22, 1993 Aw Page 6",A Godly View Of Sex And Marriage,13,,,
"Children, Stress, Abuse, Sex,","Childhood abuse is comparable to 'being in a car accident every day, every week or every month.' Quote: Book, 'Strong at the Broken Places.'","Such abuse teaches a child that the world is unsafe and that no one can be trusted.  Additionally, violence often begets violence. 'If children are not protected from their abusers, then the public will one day have to be protected from the children.' (Time magazine)",Pr 22:6,"Jul 22, 1993 Aw Page 6",A Godly View Of Sex And Marriage,13,,,
"Children, Stress, Abuse, Training,","A potter can take a formless mass of clay, add water in the proper amounts, and shape it into a beautiful vessel.","Similarly, parents shape a child's view both of himself and of the world.  With love, guidance, and discipline, the child develops into a stable adult.",Pr 22:6,"Jul 22, 1993 Aw Page 6",Gaining Comfort In All Our Tribulations,105,,,
"Children, Stress, Overachievement, Frustration, Pressure,","'Wherever children turn, they seem to be running for their lives in races lined up for them by adults.' Quote: Mary Susan Miller","They are pressured to be the best at school, at home, and even at play.  The child never wins, and the race never ends.",2 Ti 2:22; 3:1,"Jul 22, 1993 Aw Page 5",Gaining Comfort In All Our Tribulations,105,,,
"Children, Teaching,","Four and five year olds can repeat catchy TV commercials. One 4 yr. old can point to more than 80 illustrations in Paradise Lost book, and tell what is depicted.",Can easily learn from Bible based publications.,Prov. 22:6,"Aug 1, 1962 Wt Page 459",How Can Youths Cope With Today's Crisis?,113,,,
"Children, Training, Animals, Young, Progressive, Improve, Advancement,","Animal parents start their young out in what might be called an animal kindergarten, and work up.  For example, barn swallows catch insects on the wing.  The parent birds catch the fast-flying insects, hover near the nest or perch of the young birds, drop the insects, and the youngsters fly out and catch the slow-falling bodies.",Should human parents do any less.  We must progressively train our children.,"Ro 1:20; Pr 6:6-8; 30:27; Joel 2. 7,8;",W54 1/15 58,How Can Youths Cope With Today's Crisis?,113,,1994/05/10,
"Children, Training, Morals, Example,","'I think the capacity for goodness is there from the start, but parents must nurture those instincts just as they help their children become good readers or athletes or musicians.' Quote: Thomas Lickona, professor of education.","Parents who not only preach, but practice true values will have children who have incorporated these values within themselves.",Pr 22:6; Mt 5:3;,"Jan 22, 1992 Aw Page 8   (entered Dec 23, 1991)",How Can Youths Cope With Today's Crisis?,113,,,
"Children, Training, Parents, Understanding, Wisdom, Knowledge,","In Sierra Leone, West Africa, there is a saying:  'The monkey doesn't just tell her child, 'Hold tight!' She says 'Look down.'' Then when emergencies arise, commands can come first, and understanding can be imparted later.","The moral is: rather than just issuing commands, it is important to impart understanding.   The idea behind the saying is that if Mama merely says to hold tight, her youngster might do so for a while, but since he does not know the reason behind her injunction, he may soon forget and loosen his grip.",Prov. 28:7;,"Oct 8, 1991 Aw Page 31",Parents--are You Building With Fire-resistant Materials?,104,,,
"Children, Training, Protection,","You may recall that when the Chernobyl nuclear accident occurred in the Soviet Union in 1986, children were removed from the region to protect them from the pollution.","Similarly, if you are to guard the spiritual health of your children, you need to protect them from the world's poisonous 'air,' which is so often spewed out from the television set.",Prov. 13:20;,W88 8/1 12,How To Protect Ourselves From Satan's Snares,115,,1994/06/04,
"Children, Training, Successful,","SUCCESSFUL gardening requires much more than scattering some seed on the ground and then returning a few months later for the harvest. Much hard work is involved in preparing the soil, sowing the seeds, and watering and nurturing the plants so that they can grow to maturity.","This process could well illustrate the truthfulness of Proverbs 22:6, which says: 'Train up a boy according to the way for him; even when he grows old he will not turn aside from it.' Indeed, parental training is a major factor in successful child rearing.",Prov 22:6,W99 2/1 32,God Comes First In Successful Family Life,110,,"Jul 5, 2000",
"Children, Training, Time, Patience, Anxiety, Frustration,",'The strongest of all warriors are these two: time and patience.' Quote: Leo Nikolayevich Tolstoy.,"Giving in to a difficult child is not the way to improve the family situation.  Applying this advice is not easy -- takes infinite patience, self-control -- but can in time produce a welcome transformation.","Pr 22:15; 29:15, 17; Eph 6:4;",W90 5/15 29; W85 3/15 27;  Bobby Laymon,Family Life That Warms The Heart,5,,1995/08/07,
"Children, Youth,","A farmer will tell you that raising a crop of young plants is not easy, especially when climate and soil conditions are adverse.","Likewise, in the 'critical times' it is very difficult to rear children to become well-adjusted, God-fearing adults.  The reward can be far more satisfying than any farmer's bountiful harvest.",2 Tim 3:1-5; Ps 127:3-5;,"May 15, 1994 Wt Page 10, 15.",Parents--are You Building With Fire-resistant Materials?,104,,1994/07/08,
"Children, Youth,",Can't be raising 'sheep' at K.H. and 'goats' at home.,Must be training children at home.,Eph. 6:4,Al Larue,How Can Youths Cope With Today's Crisis?,113,,,
"Children, Youth,",It is a special time when parents take their little ones home from the hospital.  They are such a 'bundle of joy!',"From that time on, they may continue to be a 'bundle of joy', but they are also a 'bundle of responsibility.'  They must daily be cared for and taught they truth.",Prov 23:24;,"'joyful Praisers Dist. Convention'  June 9-11, 1995; Kansas City, Mo; Gerald Swopes;",How Can Youths Cope With Today's Crisis?,113,,1995/06/12,
"Children, Youth,","To reap a good crop, a farmer needs fertile soil, warm sunshine, and water.  In addition to cultivating and weeding, he must provide pest control and other protective care.  There may be difficult times along the way, right up to the harvest.  Yet how contented a cultivator can be when after much hard work, a good crop is reaped!","A young child planted in the garden of life, if watered and nurtured with love and given healthy boundaries, can grow and blossom spiritually even in a world filled with blighted moral values.  But if mistreated or oppressed, the child will wither inside and possible die spiritually.",Is 60:20-22; 61:3; De 11:18-21; Col 3:21; Jer 2:21; 12:2;,"May 15, 1994 Wt Page 10, 11.",Parents--are You Building With Fire-resistant Materials?,104,,1994/07/08,
"Children, Youth,",Your children are clay in your hands. It is not enough your children go out in the ministry.  Why do they do so?,"You can help Jehovah to mold them as vessels for an honorable use, or abandon them to this system's molding of them as vessels for a dishonorable use.  The choice is yours!",Ro 9:21; 2ti 2:20-22;,"Nov 1, 1968 Wt Page 667",Parents--are You Building With Fire-resistant Materials?,104,,,
"Children, Youth, Family,","'Pick up your little children and cuddle them, for they will soon be older.  Look after them first.  They are your Precious disciples.",Sound advise from an older one in the congregation.,Eph. 6:4,"Feb 1, 1986 Wt Page 28, 29",Family Life That Warms The Heart,5,,,
"Children, Youth, Fire Resistant, Study,","A man looked forward to his goal of retirement.  He built a house with his own hands, and would move in tomorrow.  That night it completely burned down.  Could make physically sick. Did not have all the qualities himself as plumber, carpenter, electrician etc.",We must build fire-resistant materials into our children. That's why his house burned up.  We must also rely on Jehovah and help he offers thru organization.,"1co 3:10-13; 1pe 5:8; Ps 19:7-10; Pr 2:1-6; 1pe 1:6, 7;",Norman Smith,Parents--are You Building With Fire-resistant Materials?,104,,,
"Children, Youth, Fire Resistant, Study, School,",Delicate house plant.  Set it out in the sun and the heat is too intense.  Might be good to set out for a period of time each day before transplanting.  Condition it.,"It may not be the loving thing to take children out from all the pressures of world.  (remove from school, etc.)","1co 3:10-13; 1pe 5:8; Ps 19:7-10; Pr 2:1-6; 1pe 1:6, 7;",Norman Smith,Parents--are You Building With Fire-resistant Materials?,104,,,
"Children, Youth, Fire Resistant, Study, School, Example,","If you don't have a ball, you cannot throw it to someone else.","Parents must have love of Jehovah, and have fire-resistant materials in order to teach their children.","1co 3:10-13; 1pe 5:8; Ps 19:7-10; Pr 2:1-6; 1pe 1:6, 7;",Norman Smith,Parents--are You Building With Fire-resistant Materials?,104,,,
"Children, Youth, Infant,","A farmer must do the work of planting and cultivating at the right time.  If he delays or neglects his crop, he will harvest little or nothing.","Well, your young children are developing 'plants' that need specialized attention right now, not next month or next year.  Do not pass up the opportunity.  This is your work, not someone else's.  God can help you do it.","Gal 5:22, 23; Col 3:12-14;","May 15, 1994 Wt Page 14",Parents--are You Building With Fire-resistant Materials?,104,,1994/07/09,
"Children, Youth, Infant,","Children also are like plants in that not all have the same characteristics, nor do they all respond to the same methods of care.",Wise parents will respect the differences and will avoid comparing one child with another.,Gal 6:4; Mr 9:33-37;,"May 15, 1994 Wt Page 12",Parents--are You Building With Fire-resistant Materials?,104,,1994/07/09,
"Children, Youth, Infant,",Farmers know that not all plants flourish under the same conditions.  Plants need specialized care.,"Similarly, every child is different and needs specialized attention, instruction, and discipline.  A parent's disapproving look may be enough to halt a wrong course for one child.  For another it may require something stronger.",Eph 6:4;,"May 15, 1994 Wt Page 14",Parents--are You Building With Fire-resistant Materials?,104,,1994/07/09,
"Children, Youth, Infant, Memory, Music, Songs,","A music director found that various scores he was rehearsing sounded strangely familiar, especially the cello part.  When he mentioned the names of the musical works to his mother, a professional cellist, she said that these were the very musical compositions she had been rehearsing when she was pregnant with him.","Similarly, the newborn may be negatively affected when their mothers habitually watch TV soap operas.  Thus, a medical journal spoke of 'fetal soap addiction.'  Many parents begin to read, talk, and sing to their child even before it is born.  You can do the same.",Luke 1:44; 2 Tim 3:15;,"May 15, 1994 Wt Page 11.",Parents--are You Building With Fire-resistant Materials?,104,,1994/07/08,
"Children, Youth, Infant, Timothy","'As the young twig is shaped, so grows the tree.'",This certainly applied to young Timothy.  He had been trained up according to the 'way for him' and became a fine servant of Jehovah.,2 Tim 1:5; Pr 22:6; Php 2:19-22;,"May 15, 1994 Wt Page 12",Parents--are You Building With Fire-resistant Materials?,104,,1994/07/08,
"Children, Youth, Marriage, Headship,","'How will it with you, O land when your king is a boy...' According to Le Figaro Magazine (France) 'a child's opinion is decisive in the following categories: Food (70%) planning a vacation (51%), hygiene and cosmetics (43%), household appliances (40%), TV & hi-fi (33%), and cars (30%).",'Adults should not allow their children to rule them.',Ecclesiastes. 10:16;,"Jul 8, 1991 Aw Page 29",God Comes First In Successful Family Life,110,,,
"Children, Youth, Responsibility, Parents,","Girl-Doll, Boy-Mechanical Toy.   Not telling to refrain from having children, bring joy/heartache Noah's sons & wives had no children Childbearing not always a joy; ate children in 607 BCE & 70 CE","Child-rearing not play thing, but serious business Personal matter, not to be criticized for either position 1. coming destruction  2.badness abundant in earth","Ps 127:3-5  1 Tim 5:14  1 Cor 7:39, 40",Trust In Jehovah District Assy. July 1987,How Can Youths Cope With Today's Crisis?,113,,,
"Children, Youth, Spring, Responsibilities, Growth,","Confronted with their son's or daughter's urge for greater   independence, what are parents to do? That urge is like a compressed SPRING held in the hand.  Let it go suddenly and it will fly off uncontrolled in an   unpredictable direction.  Hold it in too long and you exhaust yourself and   weaken it.  But let it go gradually in a controlled way and it will stand in  its proper place.",The groping toward independence may make a son or daughter somewhat difficult to deal with.  Parents cannot let their authority be ignored or overruled -for their children's own good.  But they can cope wisely and maintain communication if they keep in mind what motivates this possibly disturbing conduct.,Eph 6:1-4;,Family Life Book Page 152,Family Life That Warms The Heart,5,,,
"Children, Youth, Training, Effort, Parents,","The successful farmer knows what it takes to reap a good crop-fertile, cultivated soil; warm sunshine; water; weeding; and protective care. Often there are difficult times and heartaches along the way, right up to the harvest. But how proud successful farmers are when they see their hard-earned rewards!","In many respects, children grow and develop like plants.  Surely, a human life is more valuable than a farmer's harvest! Should it, therefore, be expected that the desired result could be obtained with less effort?","Ecclesiastes 11:4, 6;",G88 9/8 6,Parents--are You Building With Fire-resistant Materials?,104,,1994/07/31,
"Children, Youth, Training, Effort, Parents,","When you do your homework, the results may be comparable to the harvest of a farmer who prepares the soil and then plants, cultivates, and waters his crop.",You may be rewarded with a delightful harvest. It is as the Bible says: 'Train up a boy [or girl] according to the way for him; even when he grows old he will not turn aside from it.',Prov. 22:6;,G88 9/8 12,Parents--are You Building With Fire-resistant Materials?,104,,1994/07/31,
"Children, Youth, Training, Teaching,","A bald eagle kicks the young out the nest and makes it fly.  It will swoop down and catch them at the last minute, and bring them back to the highest place and do it again.","What a place to teach your children.  What an example to follow.  If you don't push them into service, who else will get them started?",Luke 10:1-3,Bill Osbeck C.O.,Jehovah Is 'a Secure Height' For His People,151,,1994/02/02,
Children-new Earth,"Tug of war with cobra.  Sliding board, giraffes' neck.  Shower, Elephant's trunk.",No Harm.,Isa. 11:6-9,Bobby Laymon   See Creation Bk.  P. 244,Ruining The Earth Brings Divine Retribution,106,,,
Children;,'A baby is an angel who's wings decrease as his legs increase.'  Quote:  French.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Children;,'A boy is a noise with dirt on it.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Children;,"'A child is curly, dimpled, lunatic.'  Quote:  Ralph Waldo Emerson.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Children;,"'Adam and Eve had many advantages, but the principle one was that they escaped teething.'  Quote:  Mt.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Children;,"'Before I got married I had six theories about bringing up children, now I have six children and no theories.'  Quote:  Lord Rochester.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Children;,'Better to be driven out from among men than to be disliked of children.'  Quote:  Richard Dana.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Children;,'Boys will be boys.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Children;,"'Children are a great help. They are a comfort in your old age, and they help you to reach it faster too.'  Quote:  Anonymous.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Children;,'Children are poor men's riches.'  Quote:  English.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Children;,'Children are the reward of life.'  Quote:  African.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Children;,'Children have more need of models than of critics.'  Quote:  Joubert.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Children;,"'Children have never been good at listening to their elders, but they never have failed to imitate them.'  Quote:  James Baldwin.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Children;,"'Children pick up words as pigeons peas, and utter them again as God shall please.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Children;,'Do not handicap your children by making their lives easy.'  Quote:  Robert Heinstein.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Children;,'Few children fear water unless soap is added.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Children;,'How delightful when children resemble their parents.'  Quote:  Greek.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Children;,"'I could afford all the things I never had as a kid, if I didn't have kids.'  Quote:  Robert Orben.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Children;,'If you don't want your children to hear what you are saying pretend you're talking to them.'  Quote:  Anonymous.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Children;,"'In the eyes of its mother, every beetle is a gazelle.'  Quote:  Moroccan.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Children;,"'Insanity is hereditary, you get it from your children.'  Quote:  S. Levinson.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Children;,'It is a dangerous thing to confuse children with angels.'  Quote:  David Fife.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Children;,'It is not easy to be crafty and winsome at the same time and few accomplish it after the age of six.'  Quote:  J. Gardner.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Children;,'It now costs more to amuse a child than it once did to educate his father.'  Quote:  Herbert Prochnow.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Children;,'Many little boys are the kind of kids there mothers tell them not to play with.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Children;,'Nature makes boys and girls lovely to look upon so they can be tolerated until they acquire some sense.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Children;,"'Small children disturb your sleep, big children disturb your life.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Children;,'The best way to keep children home is to make the home atmosphere pleasant and let the air out of the tires.'  Quote:  D. Parker.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Children;,'The best way to make children good is to make them happy.'  Quote:  Oscar Wilde.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Children;,'The child is the father of the man.'  Quote:  Woodworth.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Children;,'The most important thing parents can teach their children is how to get along without them.'  Quote:  F. Clark.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Children;,'The only bird that gives the poor a real tumble is the stork.' Quote:  Wilson Mizner,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Children;,'The only time the average child is as good as gold is on April 15.'  Quote:  Ivern Boyet.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Children;,'The persons hardest to convince they're at the retirement age are children at bedtime.'  Quote:  S. Fife.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Children; grandparent,","'The simplest toy, one which even the youngest child can operate, is called the grandparent.'  Quote:  Sam Levinson.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,6/19/2014
Children;,"'There are two things in life for which we are never fully prepared, and that is twins.'  Quote:  Josh Billings.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Children;,'There never was a child so lovely but his mother was glad to see him go to sleep.'  Quote:  Ralph Waldo Emerson.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Children; Babies;,'A baby is an inestimable blessing and bother.'  Quote:  Mt.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Children; Babies;,'A baby is God's opinion that the world should go no.'  Quote:  Carl Sandburg.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Children; Babies;,'Babies are such a nice way to start people.'  Quote:  Don Herold.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Children; Discipline;,'A pat on the back develops character - if administered young enough and often enough and low enough.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Children; Discipline;,"'A proper balance must be struck between indulgence and severity. However, severity, despite occasional mistakes , is preferable to a lack of discipline.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Children; Discipline;,"'A young boy is like a canoe, it behaves best when paddled from the rear.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Children; Discipline;,'A young branch takes all the bends that one give it.'  Quote:  Chinese proverb.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Children; Discipline;,'As the twig is bent so the tree is inclined.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Children; Discipline;,'Ask you child what he wants for dinner only if he's buying.'  Quote:  F. Lebowitz.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Children; Discipline;,'Beat your child once a day....if you don't know why...he does.'  Quote:  Mt.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Children; Discipline;,'Beat your children once a day...if you don't know why...he does.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Children; Discipline;,'Better children weep than old men.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Children; Discipline;,'Diogenes struck the father when the son swore.'  Quote:  Robert Burton.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Children; Discipline;,"'Give me a child for the first seven years, and you may do what you like with him afterwards.'  Quote:  Anonymous.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Children; Discipline;,'Give your children too much freedom and you lose your own.'  Quote:  Russian.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Children; Discipline;,"'If a child annoys you, quiet him by brushing his hair. If this doesn't work, use the other end of the brush on the other end of the child.'  Quote: Anonymous.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Children; Discipline;,"'If a child lives with approval, he learns to like himself.'  Quote:  D. Nolte.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Children; Discipline;,"'If you want children to improve, let them hear the nice things you say about them to others.'  Quote:  Dr. Haim Ginott.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Children; Discipline;,'It is easier to build a boy than to mend a man.' Quote:  Sign In New York City School,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Children; Discipline;,'Let some children have an inch and you have to give them the ruler.'  Quote:  Frank Jones.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Children; Discipline;,'Let the child's first lesson be obedience and the second be what thou wilt.'  Quote:  Bf.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Children; Discipline;,"'Never raise your hand to your children, it leaves your mid-section unprotected.'  Quote:  Robert Orben.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Children; Discipline;,'One of the secrets of raising a child properly is knowing when to give them a hand and where.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Children; Discipline;,'Parental supervision today means telling your 16 year old daughter to drive carefully when she takes the family convertible to California for a weekend party.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Children; Discipline;,'Parents who are afraid to put their foot down usually have children who step on their toes.'  Quote:  Oriental.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Children; Discipline;,'The only thing more annoying than a precocious child is its mother.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Children; Discipline;,'The quickest way to discover that spanking children is unnecessary is to become a grandparent.'  Quote:  B. Bader.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Children; Discipline;,'The thing that impresses me most about North America is the way parents obey their children.'  Quote:  Edward Duke Of Windsor.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Children; Discipline;,'There are too many parents who will tie up the dog at night and let their child run loose.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Children; Discipline;,'There would be less child delinquency if fewer parents would fall asleep at the switch.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Children; Discipline;,'Tired mothers find that spanking takes less time than reasoning and penetrates sooner to the seat of memory.'  Quote:  Will Durant.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Children; Discipline;,"'To bring up a child in the way he should go, travel that way yourself once in a while.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Children; Discipline;,'We spend the first twelve months of our children's lives teaching them to walk and talk and the next twelve years telling them to sit down and shut up.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Children; Discipline;,"'When a mother hasn't enough will power to discipline her children, she calls her weakness child psychology.'  Quote:  L. Peter.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Children; Discipline;,"'When I see the ten most wanted men list, I always have this thought: If we'd made them feel wanted earlier they wouldn't be wanted now.'  Quote:  Eddie Cantor.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Children; Discipline;,'Woe to the Kingdom whose king is but a child.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Children; Discipline;,'You cannot train a horse with shouts and expect it to obey a whisper.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Children; Discipline;,'You may bend the sapling but not the tree.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Children; Discipline;,"Disruptive children, like good intentions, should be carried out.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Children; Discipline;,Many parents are so anxious to give their children. What they didn't have that they neglect to give them what they did have.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Children; Discipline;,The cure of crime is not the electric chair but the high chair.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Children; Discipline;,"There is nothing so comforting as the patter of little feet around the home, because the moment the sound stops one knows they are up to something.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Children; Discipline;,This is the age in which everything is controlled by switches except children.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Children; Funny;,"'A tornado touched down, uprooting a large tree in the front yard and demolishing the house across the street. Dad went to the door, opened it, surveyed the damage, muttered 'Darn Kids' and closed the door.' Quote:  Tim Conway",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Children; Funny;,"'My mother loved children, she would have given anything if I had been one.'  Quote:  Groucho Marx.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Children; Marriage;,"'Although today there are many trial marriages, there is no such things as a trial child.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Children; Parents;,'Parents often talk of the younger generation as if they didn't have anything to do with it.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Children; Parents;,"One mother can care for 5 children, but 5 children cannot care for one mother.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Children; Spoiling;,"'Give to a pig when it grunts and a child when it cries, and you will have a fine pig and a bad child.'  Quote:  Danish.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Children; Spoiling;,"'If a growing object is both fresh and spoiled at the same time, chances are it is a child.'  Quote:  Morris Goldficher.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Children; Spoiling;,'If you want to see what children can do you must stop giving them things.'  Quote:  N. Douglas.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Children; Spoiling; Discipline;,'The discontented child cries for toasted snow.'  Quote:  Arabian.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Children; Training;,'There are few successful adults that were not first successful children.'  Quote:  Alexander Chase.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Children; Truth;,'Pretty much all the honest truth-telling there is in the world is done by children.'  Quote:  Owh.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Children; Value;,'Statistics show that the most expensive item in any supermarket shopping cart is a child.'  Quote:  Robert Orben.,Much time and valuables are involved in training children.  They are most valuable to us.,Eph 6:4;,Jk Quotes;,Parents--are You Building With Fire-resistant Materials?,104,,,
"Choice, Decisions, Preparation, Assembly, Advancement, Progress,","When a child paints a picture, it is little thought-out in advance.  The colors may not be right, etc.  As we get older, we learn to be taught.  Do things in a better way.",Jehovah is progressively teaching us His way.  It is here we are learning.  Not at the lake or some theme park.,Isa. 30:21; Ps 86:11;,"Wallace Golf, D.O.",Decide Now For Divine Ruler ship,37,,1998/07/09,
"Choice, Foreknowledge, Free Will, Predestination, Wisdom,","We know that a cat will play with a mouse and a dog will chase a rabbit. We know that because of our knowledge of cats and dogs. But our mere knowing it does not bring it about. If we were totally ignorant of the ways of cats and dogs when in the presence of mice and rabbits, the tormenting play and the frantic chase would still take place.","When you have close friends and learn their mannerisms or mental tendencies or peculiarities, you often know in advance what they will do under certain circumstances. But your foreknowledge due to insight into their personalities does not force them to so act, does it? They still act of their own free will, un-maneuvered and un-coerced by your foreknowledge, do they not?   In like manner, Jehovah having foreknowledge does not make him to blame for their course.  Foreknowledge is compatible with free will.","Deuteronomy 32:4, 5;",W53 6/1 347,What Does The Healing Of The Nations Accomplish?,111,,1994/05/13,
"Choice, Foreknowledge, Free Will, Predestination, Wisdom,","You may know someone who is an alcoholic, and know that when he begs money from someone he is going to spend it for liquor. But your foreknowledge of that does not make him do it.","In like manner, Jehovah having foreknowledge does not make him to blame for their course.  Foreknowledge is compatible with free will.","Deuteronomy 32:4, 5;",W53 6/1 347,What God's Ruler ship Can Do For Us,24,,1994/05/13,
Choice;,'He who chooses the beginning of a road chooses the place it leads to.'  Quote:  Heft.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Choice; Contentment;,'A man is too apt to forget that in this world he cannot have everything. A choice is all that is left him.'  Quote:  H. Matthews.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Choice; Contentment;,"'When you can't have what you choose, you just choose what you have.'  Quote:  Owen Wister.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Choked, Materialism, Pleasures, Anxieties,","If you were watching a horse race would it be hard to tell who is first?  It is quite obvious.  Now in a race with automobiles, and many laps it is different.  Until they had radios in the cars, sometimes the driver themselves don't know how is first.  There is so much coming and going.","Sometimes life is like that.  We don't really know if we are putting God's Kingdom first or not.  However, it is really like a horse race.  It is quite easy to tell.  For example, do we spend time preparing for service and meetings, or do we spend more time looking at the TV guide?  Use the Scripture below.  First two probably don't apply to us, because we are in the truth.  But apply the things that choke.",Luke 8:11-15,Robert H. Schwarze,Service Talk,200,,1997/08/18,
Christ's Presence,"Leave room, come back invisible, (ask: How will I know) Turn over lamp table etc.",Apply to Christ's reply at Matt. 24:3-24,Matt 24  Luke 21  Mark 13  Rev 6,Robert Schwarze,What The Near Future Holds!,40,,,
"Christ, Example, Darkness, Light, Personality, Change, World, Truth","For a light bulb to shine brightly, there has to be something going into it.","For us to shine brightly, we must be taking in spiritual truths practicing the fruits of God's spirit, etc.","Eph. 5:8, 9; 1 Pet. 2:21; Rom. 13:12-14;","Aug 1, 1991 Wt Page 13",'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
"Christ, Example, Darkness, Light, Personality, Change, World, Truth",One of the most radical changes you can make is to turn a light on in a dark room.,"Following Christ's example requires radical change. 'For you were once darkness, but you are now light in connection with the Lord.","Eph. 5:8, 9; 1 Pet. 2:21;","Aug 1, 1991 Wt Page 13",'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
"Christ, Jesus, Baby, King, Kingdom, Warrior, Christmas, Honor,","If you are now an adult, have you ever felt embarrassed when, in your presence, people showed photographs of you as a baby?  True, such pictures remind your parents of their joy at birth.  But now that  you have an identity of your own, do you not usually prefer others to see you as you are?","In a similar vein, think how disrespectful it is toward Christ Jesus when those who claim to be his followers become so engrossed each year in the pagan traditions of Christmas and in honoring an infant that they fail to honor him as King.",2 Cor 5:16;,"Dec 15, 1994 Wt Page 6, 7;",How Do You Fit Into The Kingdom Arrangement?,21,,1994/11/09,
"Christ, Jesus, Foundation, Fire-resistant, Children, Parents,","A person could not be a fellow worker of God and at the same time disregard the specifications of God, who is the Main Builder and to whom the building is to belong.","With regard to the base on which the building rests, God approves of only one foundation for it. The apostle Paul knew what that foundation was.",1 Cor 3:9-12;,W66 11/1 653-4,Parents--are You Building With Fire-resistant Materials?,104,,1994/07/12,
Christendom,'Blind as a bat' We must stay awake with the remnant.,Even blind bats have greater perceptive powers than sleepy clergy.,Matt. 25:40; 2 Cor. 2:15,"Jul 15, 1960 Wt Page 444",Religion's Role In World Affairs.,92,,,
Christendom,"'Easy come, easy go.' With churches, 'Easy come, hard to go.' Religious illiteracy; Lutheran; vow belief in Christ; if do not attend a meeting in 3 years, placed on inactive. Methodist: 'no one ever becomes too bad.' If inactive for 5 yrs.","Regarding easy membership in Christendom's churches. his name can be dropped from list, depending on circumstances. (Others in article.)","Matt. 13:12; 7:13, 14;","May 22, 1962 Aw Page 5-7",Religion's Role In World Affairs.,92,,,
Christendom,"'Flapper age' Young women who left shoes unbuckled to attract attention to themselves, and their cause. Resorted to shorter skirts, hairdo's, larger use of cosmetics. Christendom has prostituted herself.",Christendom has tried every 'showy display' to attract members.,Matt. 6:1-8; 1 John 2:15-17;,"Dec 8, 1990 Aw Page 27",Religion's Role In World Affairs.,92,,,
Christendom,"'God is a Mask'  Quote from Russia's Nikita Khrushchev 'They throw holy water on guns that are intended to kill people, God is being used by these people for hire.  They are Pharisees.'",Hypocrisy,1 Tim 4:1-4  2 Tim. 4:3,"June 1, 1958 Wt Page 349",Religion's Role In World Affairs.,92,,,
Christendom,"'Sleeping Dogs' 'speechless dogs' 'not able to bark, panting' Jehovah's Witnesses in contrast are like lions in courageously spreading the good news.","Christendom, even in this time of the end do not sound warning.","Isa. 50:10, 11; Rom. 10:2","Feb 1, 1961 Wt Page 86",Religion's Role In World Affairs.,92,,,
Christendom,"'They are dead already, only they haven't buried the corpse-that will be done at Armageddon.' Brother Fred Franz.  Must act as stopgap servants in spirit of Isa. 58:12",Talk to Gilead graduates.,Rev. 18:4,"Jan 8, 1962 Aw Page 25",Religion's Role In World Affairs.,92,,,
Christendom,"A farmer sowing wheat does not want a lot of useless weeds. Besides producing no profitable fruit, they take up valuable space and soil nourishment that could better be used by fruitful wheat. See explanation in Article.",The Wheat & Weeds both appear in the harvest.,Matt. 13:24-30,"Oct 1, 1960 Wt Page 605",Religion's Role In World Affairs.,92,,,
Christendom,"A Grapevine may appear to be flourishing and yet not be producing any fruit. Christendom's vine may be large and growing ever larger, but is it bearing the fruit of Kingdom preaching, and fruits of the spirit?","In Jesus illustration; didn't stress how many branches, leaves, but fruit.",John 15:2,"Oct 15, 1958 Wt Page 611, 612",Religion's Role In World Affairs.,92,,,
Christendom,Art Linkletter: 'Kids say the Darndest Things!' 'My dad is an Episcopalian minister.'  'What have you learned from his sermons?' 'Jesus never told a lie' 'Anything else?' And he chopped down the cherry tree.' 'Are you going to be a minister too?   'Not unless the Army was going to draft me...That's what my daddy did.',Children notice & follow parents example.,2 Tim. 2:15,"Jul 8, 1959 Aw Page 6",Religion's Role In World Affairs.,92,,,
Christendom,Bitter pill; sugar-coated to get down.,"Christendom is devoid of content, largely complacent & irrelevant.",Matt. 7:17-20,"Oct 8, 1961 Aw Page 18",Religion's Role In World Affairs.,92,,,
Christendom,Blind man cannot guide a blind man (pit),Religious leaders are blinded.,Luke 6:39,Jesus,Religion's Role In World Affairs.,92,,,
Christendom,"Certain employee boasted the boss was his friend; didn't know name You say, 'What is his name?' He says, 'Boss' You explain that 'boss' is only a title. You must know his name, attributes, purpose.","May boast they know God, but don't even know name, or call on it. Otherwise you worship the 'god of this system of things'","Ps. 83:18; 1 Cor. 8:5, 6; Rom. 10:13","Jan 1, 1961 Wt Page 3, 4",How Well Do You Know God?,1,,,
Christendom,"Do you put on Weight, yet Starve? The people are not being fed wholesome, solid religious food, but sentimental sweets.  Paul foretold years ago. 'ears tickled' Must feed on God's word, if you want to be healthy & strong.",Religion is doing just that! Is it religious Muscle or Fat?,"2 Tim. 4:3, 4; 3:1-5","May 8, 1959 Aw Page 3",Religion's Role In World Affairs.,92,,,
Christendom,"Dog in the Manger; wouldn't let tired oxen eat straw, he couldn't.  Don't be a dog in manger; If you don't need or want, give to those who do.",Clergy don't want anyone else to have truth.,Mt 23:13;,Aesop's Fables,Religion's Role In World Affairs.,92,,,
Christendom,Galileo's telescope. 'Some people would not look through it for love or money.' They said it was a distorting mirror.,"Christendom refuses to look into God's Word. (trinity, soul etc.)",John 8:44,"May 22, 1959 Aw Page 23",Religion's Role In World Affairs.,92,,,
Christendom,"If the Prophet Amos came up for appointment at Methodist church. Shed bitter tear, with undying admiration, but couldn't appoint. 'Love & admire, but he doesn't have enough tact. just blurts out his ideas with not suavity. If brother Amos would raise fewer","The kind of prophets Christendom doesn't want. controversial issues, & more money...' 'Moved by his many sermons, but he just isn't eloquent enough.",Amos Chapter 1-9,"Feb 1, 1961 Wt Page 89",Religion's Role In World Affairs.,92,,,
Christendom,Lamp-Turn on gloom; Black light bulb. There are bulbs that are actually black.  They make things appear different from what they actually are.,Contrast with true Christians,"Mt 6:22, 23;",Bobby Laymon,Religion's Role In World Affairs.,92,,,
Christendom,"Numbers are not enough. At Christianity's darkest hour, not one apostle stood by Jesus. Christianity triumphed, not because of numbers, but because of its God.","If Christianity had been founded on numbers; it would have failed. Gideon: 1 Sam. 14:6; Judg. 7:1-14 Righteousness, goodness, love, faith & integrity; what truly count","Deuteronomy. 7:7, 8","Oct 1, 1960 Wt Page 579",Religion's Role In World Affairs.,92,,,
Christendom,"Peddlers; Hucksters, watered down wine for quick sale. Use human philosophies and traditions in order to enhance own power, prestige and finances. We preach out of sincerity.","False ministers, always watering down the Word of God",2 Cor 2:17,Km March 1984 Page 4,Religion's Role In World Affairs.,92,,,
Christendom,"Person dying of a disease; doesn't matter remedy, as long as he does something.",Like going to the church of your choice.,"Isa. 50:10, 11; Rom. 10:2","Feb 1, 1961 Wt Page 86",Religion's Role In World Affairs.,92,,,
Christendom,"Quote: Christian Century by Eivind Berggrav (1953) 'To some European Christians, the American churches occasionally appear to have two altars, one for the dollar and another for God'",Fleecing the flock,2 Tim. 3:1-5,"Oct 15, 1958 Wt Page 612",Religion's Role In World Affairs.,92,,,
Christendom,Report card ... time to face the facts.,Christendom's time of judgment.,Rev. 18:4,Bobby Laymon,Religion's Role In World Affairs.,92,,,
Christendom,"Retired persons in world, sluggish, with-drawn from life etc. force and has disassociated itself from people's needs.' Note: Fine experiences on Jehovah's Witnesses in this article, and changes made by true religion.","Priest, 'The Church lives in retirement...  It has lost its vital-",2 Tim 3:5,"Oct 1, 1989 Wt Page 20-23",Religion's Role In World Affairs.,92,,,
Christendom,Shibboleth or Siboleth? Our speech can be death-dealing or life-saving.  Learn to think-not in native tongue-but in the pure language.,Clergy may sound close to those unacquainted with Pure Language.,"Judges 12:5, 6  Zephaniah 3:9",Pure Language Dist. Assy.,Religion's Role In World Affairs.,92,,,
Christendom,Should be Christen dumb Jesus made God's name known Jehovah's Witnesses make God's name known,"Silent on preaching, about God's name.","Matt. 6:9, 10",Bobby Laymon,Finding Honor And Joy In God's Ministry,65,,,
Christendom,Simple to get small child to accept a nickel for a dime. Especially if it is a bright new one. Many choose most popular religion; biggest attendance; largest and most costly buildings.,"Christendom still uses Tommy's way of life; flashy, showy, bigger. Takes maturity to be able to make right decisions.",1 John 2:16,"Jun 22, 1958 Aw Page 5",Religion's Role In World Affairs.,92,,,
Christendom,"True argument between a Jew and Englishman. (see quote below) 'You people have been taking things from us for thousands of years The Ten Commandments, for instance.' 'Well yes,' said the Englishman, 'We took them from you all right, but you can't say we've kept them.'",Failure to obey God's Word.,Deuteronomy. 5:1,"Aug 22, 1960 Aw Page 11",Religion's Role In World Affairs.,92,,,
Christendom,"Turkey Buzzard - immune to disease; botulism would kill hundreds. Waste on legs cools, and also kills bacteria.",We must be immune to false teachings.,2 Tim 3:16,Lonnie Roper,Religion's Role In World Affairs.,92,,,
Christendom,"Twig from tree of life Quote from Charles Clayton Morrison, Christian Century.","Christendom's sermons are too thin, select only fragment. ",1 Tim 4:1-4  2 Tim. 4:3,"June 1, 1958 Wt Page 349",Religion's Role In World Affairs.,92,,,8/10/2014
Christendom,View all religions like snakes. (All bad),There is also a true religion,John 8:44,Bobby Laymon,Religion's Role In World Affairs.,92,,,
Christendom,War is easy to predict if large numbers do not fight. Do not know that a war is going on. Actions speak louder than words. Christendom's members do not witness because clergy do not take the lead.,An example can express much better than much talk.,"1 Cor. 11: 1   Matt. 23: 2, 3","Jul 8, 1959 Aw Page 3",Religion's Role In World Affairs.,92,,,
"Christendom,","'Like man fitted out for big game hunting, spending his time chasing butterflies.' Baptist. evangelist, Vance Havner 'we traffic in unfelt truth.'",Christendom 'playing church',Matt. 15:8,"Aug 22, 1963 Aw Page 31",Religion's Role In World Affairs.,92,,,
"Christendom,","'The missionaries did their work well here... Protestants... Catholics... But let me tell you something, monsieur, we Malagasy are merely VACCINATED with Christianity.  How well this describes many others as well.",The old beliefs are not dead because they profess to believe in the Bible.  Still consult soothsayers etc.,1co 6:9-11; Luke 19:1-10; Ac 19:18-20;j 6:63;,"Mar 22, 1968 Aw Page 4",Religion's Role In World Affairs.,92,,,
"Christendom,","The temple of truth has never been damaged so much by woodpeckers on the outside as by termites within, who are doubly dangerous because they are so quiet and nice about it. The gospel that used to make our fathers shout in the aisles, puts us to sleep in the pews.","Christendom divided against itself.  Quote by Baptist evangelist Vance Havner of Greensboro, N.C.",Mark 3:25,"Aug 22, 1963 Aw Page 31",Religion's Role In World Affairs.,92,,,
"Christendom, Apostasy, Deceive,",'Falsehood is never so successful as when she baits her hook with truth ... no timepieces so effectually deceive the wearer as those that are sometimes right.'   Quote: Colton (1780-1832),"Christendom baits her hook with bits of truth, to catch those who are unaware.  So do apostates.",Daniel 11:32;,Wisdom Of The Ages,Religion's Role In World Affairs.,92,,,
"Christendom, Apostasy, Weeds, Catholic, Politics,",Like weeds flourishing in among strangled wheat...,"The Church of Rome, under its papal ruler, dominated worldly affairs for centuries.  As it became more and more a part of the world, it grew farther and farther away from first-century Christianity.","2pe 2:1, 3; 2th 2:7; Acts 15:24; 2ti 2:17;",Jehovah's Witnesses - Proclaimers Of God's Kingdom.  Page 38,Religion's Role In World Affairs.,92,,,
"Christendom, Babylon,","Common pool from which each religion drew its basic beliefs. Both Catholic & Buddhist: candles, incense, holy water, rosary, images, chants, prayer books, sign of cross; Maintain monks, nuns, noted for celibacy of priests, special garbs, holy days,","Though separated geographically, many myths and legends similar. special food.","Genesis. 11:8, 9",Mankind's Search For God Page 34,Jehovah And Christ--are They Part Of A Trinity?,82,,,
"Christendom, Babylon, Apostasy, Looks,","Sometimes an apple right off the tree can look really good.  I've had them right off a tree they look good.  But you take a bite of it and it just tastes bad.  Or maybe you take a big bite and you find a worm in it, or even worse you find half a worm in it!   You'd probably spit that apple out of your mouth as soon as you could and throw away that apple.","A lot of times you find ones in Christendom that are dishonest; you might even call them a 'worm'.   Sometimes their religion may look good and desirable from the outside; you might take a bite of it only to discover its bad and full of worms, meaning no spiritual nourishment.",Prov. 14:12;,Jim Kinkade,Religion's Time Of Judgment,83,,"Oct 30, 2001",
"Christendom, Babylon, Clergy, Materialism, Money, Contributions,",'There is no business quite like church business.'   Many gimmicks listed the churches use.,"Shielded from virtually all taxes, it is not surprising that church wealth has been growing at a rate that makes some businessmen green with envy.","Eph. 2:15; Matt. 6:1-4; Matt. 10:8; 1 Cor. 6:9, 10; Ps. 115:16","Oct 22, 1967 Aw Page 21-24",Reach Out For The Real Life!,90,,,
"Christendom, Babylon, Content, Clergy,","'The church [has become] a supermarket dispensing spiritual junk food to passers-by. The pastor's sermon is little more than the 'special of the week,' offered to customers at a discount of commitment.'  Quote: A U.S. churchman.","Millions in Christendom have become spiritually dead, victims of spiritual malnutrition.  Since 1965, membership in five mainline Protestant denominations in the United States has dropped by some 20 percent and Sunday school enrollment by over 50 percent.",Jer 2:3,G89 11/22 21,Are You Content With Jehovah's Provisions?,22,,1996/02/18,
"Christendom, Babylon, Doctrines, Trinity, Torment, Immortality,","When I was a boy there was a pond near our home.  I used to go there in the evening, sit on the bank, and listen to the crickets and the frogs.  I can still return, and sit on the same pond, and it is pretty much the same.  Strange!  I know all those frogs are dead that I used to hear.  Yet, it sounds the same!  And I think ... same sound, same pond, but different frogs.  That's it!  'Same pond, different frogs.'","If you had attended the religious schools of ancient Babylon,  what kinds of sounds would you hear?  Immortality of soul, Eternal torment, and the Trinity.  The same sounds you would hear today at any religious college.  Could it be since it is the same sound, that it is the same pond,  but just different ..... people? (frogs)  Could religions today be swimming in the same religious pond as Babylon, and ancient Greece?  Strange, but true.",Re 18:4,Bobby Laymon,Jehovah And Christ--are They Part Of A Trinity?,82,,1993/10/18,
"Christendom, Beauty, Church Buildings, King James Bible,","Sons of God noticed daughters of men, they were 'good looking' Examples: Angels; King David with Bath-sheba; Beautiful Church buildings. Beauty of older Bible version, find fault with newer ones.","Beauty can be a trap, a snare, makes one lose their head. Put beauty before truth. Ezek. 33:32 Jehovah loves beauty, but it must keep its place.",Genesis. 6:2; Prov. 31:30; 2 Sam. 11:2; Prov. 6:25; 1 Cor. 7:2,"May 15, 1963 Wt Page 292",Religion's Role In World Affairs.,92,,,
"Christendom, Bible, Trinity, Apostasy,","If you eat a good meal and each one has some left over, what do you do with it.  You put it all together and it becomes garbage. It is good food, but would you eat it?  It is now Garbage!","It is the same way with Christendom.  She may quote the Bible, but she has it all mixed-up, and it becomes garbage.",2 Tim 3:16;,Joe Bounds,Jehovah And Christ--are They Part Of A Trinity?,82,,,
"Christendom, Children,",'No man's land' and a 'no God's land' Comment from young attorney: 'They have lost their grip on all personal ethics ...They are in between... their children don't know what to believe.,Why youths turn delinquent.,2 Tim. 3:1-5,"Mar 1, 1963 Wt Page 156",Religion's Role In World Affairs.,92,,,
"Christendom, Churches, Babylon,","If you saw a building with a sigh on it, 'THIS COMPANY GOING OUT OF BUSINESS,' would you seek employment there?  You would wisely look for employment somewhere else.",The signs are posted on the churches.  The evidence is as apparent as if they had a literal inscription on them reading:  'Going out of business--End near!',Mt 7:21-23,"Apr 22, 1969 Aw Page 28",Religion's Role In World Affairs.,92,,,
"Christendom, Clergy,",Why is so much written about the dangers of cigarette smoking and other forms of pollution today?  Simply because many persons are not fully aware of the dangers of these things to humanity.,"Likewise, many persons are not aware that there is such a thing as false religion, and the danger it poses to them individually. This is why the Watch Tower literature has so much to say about and against other religions.","Mal 1:6-9; Mt 23:13-36; 2 Co 10:4, 5;","Apr 15, 1970 Wt Page 246",Religion's Role In World Affairs.,92,,,
"Christendom, Competition,","Wolf Tree, Tower over other trees in forest but easily broken or struck by lightening.",Christendom's clergy tower over other members.,Matt. 6:1;,Km School,Religion's Role In World Affairs.,92,,,
"Christendom, Compromise, Holidays, Idols, Halloween, Witches, Demons, Flood","'[Christians] don't realize it, but they're celebrating our holiday with us ... We like it.'  Quote: Washington witch, Bryan Jordan, in USA Today Article.","Perhaps in no other 'Christianized' celebration does Satan so blatantly honor himself and memorialize his war dead.    'Celebrations of suffering and death can be traced back to the ancient destruction of all of his human followers, as well as the hybrid sons of fallen angels, at the time of the Flood.  Quote: THE WORSHIP OF THE DEAD, by J. Garnier.  See article for details on Halloween.",Ge 7:22-24;,"Nov 22, 1993 Aw Page 14",The Flood Of Noah's Day Has Meaning For Us,6,,1993/11/10,
"Christendom, Compromise, Holidays, Idols, Pope,","'If a group of people worship a tree, rather than cut it down, consecrate it to Christ and allow them to continue their worship.'  Quote: Pope Gregory I",This policy of compromise does not have God's approval.  Jehovah gives clear warnings for such mixing of truth with falsehoods.,"Deuteronomy 12:30,31; 2co 6:14, 15;","Nov 22, 1993 Aw Page 11",Religion's Role In World Affairs.,92,,1993/11/10,
"Christendom, Domination, Politics, Kingdom,","The word, 'Christendom' means 'Christian dominion.'","This is directly contrary to Christ's words: 'My kingdom is no part of this world,' and 'they [Jesus' disciples] are no part of the world.'",John 18:36; 17:14;,"Oct 15, 1971 Wt Page 629",Religion's Role In World Affairs.,92,,1993/11/21,
"Christendom, Emotion, Reason, Knowledge, Wisdom,","Religion was 'not so much thought out as danced out.' Quote by Eng. anthropologist, R. R. Marett",Showing the high emotionalism of Christendom,1 Ki. 18:26-28;,Mankind's Search For God Page 24,Religion's Role In World Affairs.,92,,,
"Christendom, Faith,","'If you believe something is white and the church says it is black believe it is black.'  Quote: Catholic. priest James J. Navagh, bishop in NY.",Christendom's blind credulity.,Heb. 11:1,"May 1, 1963 Wt Page 283",Religion's Role In World Affairs.,92,,,
"Christendom, Faith,","'Protestantism has lost its faith ...so many of them that the gasoline in the tank is half water. You can't run a car that way. You can't run a church that way.' The Reader's Digest, Sept 1962 p.50 quoted from The Church Herald.",Loss of faith.,Heb. 11:1,"Mar 1, 1963 Wt Page 148",Religion's Role In World Affairs.,92,,,
"Christendom, False, Babylon, Scare, Hell, Religion,","'I might have been a minister myself, for aught I know,' once said Oliver Wendell Holmes, 'if a certain clergyman had not looked and talked so like an undertaker.'",The clergy have turned people off toward Jehovah and His Word.  They have used scare tactics to frighten the people.,2 Tim 3:5;,W58 3/1 159,Is Hell Really A Place Of Fiery Torment?,128,,1994/07/31,
"Christendom, Hopes, Peace,",Christendom has put her hopes in 'a bucket without a bottom.' She has looked to worldly alliances for security.,In her concluding 'a covenant with death' her hopes are false.,Isa. 28:15; John 19:15; 1 Pet. 2:6; Luke 19:24-44;,"June 1, 1991 Wt Page 16, 17 (comment At Lovers Of Freedom Assembly)",REAL PEACE AND SECURITY - WHEN?,176,,,
"Christendom, Last Days,",'There has been a moral landslide and all the signposts ...buried.' Quote: Professor DR. W. C. Smith.,Churches have failed.,Matt. 23:13,"Nov 8, 1961 Aw Page 7",Religion's Role In World Affairs.,92,,,
"Christendom, Meetings,","'Surveys have shown that 90 percent of Americans profess a belief in God, more than 40 percent claim to have attended worship services in any given week, and half of the latter aren't telling the truth.'  Quote: Newsweek Nov 29, 1993","'We have 660 resident members, and this is where it gets sad.  We had around 177 (each week) in Sunday school last year.  Of that number, a lot are children who don't even belong to the church.  When you subtract those and visitors, it certainly brings down the numbers ... to probably under 100.  When you think about that, it is sickening.'  Quote: Rev. Charles Hendrickson, pastor of Calvary Baptist Church for 30 years.",Heb 10:24,"The Sedalia Democrat Jan 30, 1994 (given By Ida Thomas)",Religion's Role In World Affairs.,92,,1994/02/19,
"Christendom, Minds, Opinions, Reasonable,",'Some minds are like concrete--all mixed up and firmly set.',We should not 'answer a matter before we hear it.',Prov. 18:13,"Dec 8, 1962 Aw Page 26",Religion's Role In World Affairs.,92,,,
"Christendom, Minister, Seminaries",A young man 'should have a shock-proof faith' if he decides to attend a seminary.  Quote: Presbyterian theologian John R. Bodo,"Because of the erosion of faith that often results.  Religious editor Louis Cassels goes on to say, 'The more famous the seminary, the more corrosive the atmosphere of skepticism pervading its faculty and student body is apt to be.'",Mt 7:16-20;,"Nov 15, 1971 Wt Page 675",Who Are Qualified As Ministers Of God?,81,,1993/11/25,
"Christendom, Minister, Trinity,","'Henry Ford is a much wiser man than the church.  He knew that at the end of his assembly line was coming out a Ford car, but only the good Lord knows what's coming off the 'ecclesiastical assembly line' of the church today.' Quote: Dr. George M. Docherty","Too often the product of the modern religious 'assembly line' is a 'die-cast' Christian, stamped into the mold of conformity to modern social standards; more class-conscious than gospel-conscious. They have about as much spirituality as a hair tonic commercial.",Jas 4:4,"Nov 1, 1954 Wt Page 655",Who Are Qualified As Ministers Of God?,81,,,
"Christendom, Minister, Trinity,",'Talk about Nero playing while Rome burned -- the church is playing ... while the world is perishing.' Quote: Dr. M. A. Darroch at a Moody Bible Institute Conference,"Speaking of attempts to humanize religions with demonstrations of ventriloquism, magic, 'chalk talk', 'song masters' with ears that light up.",Mt 15:14;,"Nov 1, 1954 Wt Page 656",Who Are Qualified As Ministers Of God?,81,,,
"Christendom, Minister, Trinity, World,",Religions intent to 'hitch their wagon to this world's brilliant star' may learn too late that they are tied to a doomed meteorite.,"Regarding the boon in radio and television church programs. Jesus and his disciples did preach in the market places, but they never made their message a commodity to be bought and sold like the market produce.",Mt 15:14; Mt 10:8;,"Nov 1, 1954 Wt Page 656",'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
"Christendom, Ministers, Experience, Lesson,","'The proof is in the pudding'  Today people go to great lengths to be a cook.  They spend thousands of dollars to attend a school of culinary arts.  Upon completeness, they can get letter by their name, and perhaps land a good job at a nice restaurant.  Then there are other people who have never been to a college to learn to cook.  They may start when very young, when Mom shows them how to make cookies.  They keep right on, they learn to follow recipes, and the food simply melts in your mouth.  What is it then that makes a good cook?  Is it the college degree?  The letters by one's name?  The thousands of dollars spent?  Or is it as the adage goes, 'The proof is in the pudding.'","In like manner, some people spend thousands of dollars to attend a religious seminary or college.  They do this to get a title, and letters beside their name, and a diploma or certificate that says 'I'm a minister.'  They hope to land a good job on completion.  They contend that others, like Jehovah's Witnesses, are not ministers.  What is the test?  Is it the certificate?  Is it the letters beside one's name?  Or is it, like the cook, it's the end result that really counts.  We don't have to wrangle with them on this.  All we have to say is, 'Hey look!  The proof is in the pudding!'","2 Cor. 3:1; Rom. 15:3; Heb. 12:2, 3; Ecclesiastes. 9:11",Bobby Laymon,Who Are Qualified As Ministers Of God?,81,,,
"Christendom, Ministers, Experience, Lesson,","The proof of the pudding, is in the eating.",Jehovah's Witnesses have letters of recommendation.,"2 Cor. 3:1; Rom. 15:3; Heb. 12:2, 3; Ecclesiastes. 9:11",Bobby Laymon,Who Are Qualified As Ministers Of God?,81,,,
"Christendom, Money, Materialism,",An old adage says; 'A fool and his money are soon parted.',While there are ever so many persons that would qualify as fools on this basis it does seem that most persons are less inclined to act the part when it comes to religious giving.  The churches are always finding new ways to extract money from flock's pocketbook.,Pr 7:12; Mt 10:8;,"Jun 15, 1955 Wt Page 381",Reach Out For The Real Life!,90,,,
"Christendom, Morals, Fornication,",'Everybody's doing it'  'It's what comes naturally' San Francisco Chronicle carried headlines. 'Wife-Swapping Fad all over Bay Area.'  'We never switch on Saturday night because we have to get up early Sundays to go to Church.,Regarding the immorality of the world and Christendom.,"1 Ki. 14:23, 24; 22:46; Isa. 57:5; Jer. 3:6, 13","Oct 1, 1963 Wt Page 583",Religion's Role In World Affairs.,92,,,
"Christendom, Number",Christendom is represented by hundreds of religious sects.  She is listed as having a membership of OVER NINE HUNDRED MILLION church members.  'It is a big loaf to be leavened and it has been a long time working.' Quote:  (WT Jan 1886),"How could something that large ever be desolated?  The number of it's strength includes also all the thieves, ex-convicts, the debased, besotted, the speckled and streaked in Christendom.",Re 18:4; Re 17:16;,"Dec 1, 1970 Wt Page 720; Dec 15, 1970 Wt Page 747;",Who Are Qualified As Ministers Of God?,81,,,
"Christendom, Number, Courage, Fear, Bold, Lion,","A CONTROVERSY prevailed among the beasts of the field as to which  of the animals deserved the most credit for producing the greatest number of whelps at a birth.  They rushed clamorously into the presence of the Lioness and demanded of her the settlement of the dispute.  'And you,' they said, 'how many sons have you at a birth?'  The Lioness laughed at them, and said:  'Why! I have only one; but that one is altogether a thoroughbred Lion.'","Moral: 'The value is in the worth, not in the number.'  So it is with Jehovah's Witnesses.   We may be outnumbered by Christendom, but the Witnesses have proven to be real 'lions' of courage.",Acts 4:13;,Aesop's Fables - Bobby Laymon,Religion's Role In World Affairs.,92,,1994/05/15,
"Christendom, Number, Size, Information,","It is estimated that today 924,274,000 persons profess Christianity.  (Information)  Do you think that the majority of these persons are running the great race for the faith?","Some believe Jehovah and Jesus are the same.  Other believe Jesus was an ordinary man who had a fine philosophy.  Creation, flood, virgin birth requires too much faith.",1ti 6:12,"Jan 1, 1971 Wt Page 8",Religion's Role In World Affairs.,92,,1993/11/08,
"Christendom, Numbers, Members,","The rabbit, dog and lion were talking about their babies. The rabbit bragged about six babies. Dog about four. The lion commented she had only one. They made fun of the lion. The lion laughed and said. 'It may be that you have several but mine is a lion.'","Numbers not the important thing.  'Mine is a lion,' and that makes all the difference.'","Matt. 28:19, 20; Matt. 24:14;",Johnse Laymon,Religion's Role In World Affairs.,92,,,
"Christendom, Persecution, Clothing, Sheep, Ministers,",One Witness was haled into court by a priest on the charge that he was going about like a 'wolf in sheep's clothing.',"The accused said to the judge: 'Your Honor, I wear clothing just like everyone else wears.  The priest is the one who wears different clothing.'  At that the priest left and the judge dismissed the case.",Mt 10:18;,"Mar 15, 1970 Wt Page 190",Bearing Up Under Persecution,57,,,
"Christendom, Personality, Heart, Hypocrite,","Put on 'Christianity' like suit of clothes, returning to world rest of the week.","The clothing of oneself with the new personality, permanent.",1 Sam. 16:7,"Jan 15, 1963 Wt Page 52",Religion's Role In World Affairs.,92,,,
"Christendom, Pornography, Sex, Violence, Television, Music, Movies,","Harvard Divinity School's Dean Miller says, 'The church simply does not have a cutting edge. It has taken the culture of our time and absorbed it. It's ghastly that the church is run not to serve the reality of human beings, but to conserve institutions.'",Yale's Chaplain Coffin agrees: 'We churchmen are gifted at changing wine into water-watering down religion.''  Can we say the churches are no part of this world?,"Joh 17:14, 15; Jas 1:26, 27;","'joyful Praisers Dist. Convention'  June 9-11, 1995; Kansas City, Mo; Robert Brown",'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,1995/06/12,
"Christendom, Prayer, Torture Stake,","'Christianity dropped its cross, ...just sang its song and said its prayers' Quote by Methodist Bishop John Owen Smith to Methodist convention.",Christendom's failings.,2 Tim. 3:5,"Apr 1, 1963 Wt Page 212",Prayers That Are Heard By God.,86,,,
"Christendom, Priests, Pedophile,",The first abuse is sexual; the second and most painful is psychological. Note:  There are pedophile-priest cases in each of the 188 dioceses in the United States.  (See article for others),"This second abuse occurs when the church refuses to listen to victims of abuse, fails to take their accusations seriously, and moves to protect the offending priests.",1co 6:9;,"Apr 8, 1993 Aw Page 31",Religion's Role In World Affairs.,92,,,
"Christendom, Prominence, Titles, Humble, Pride,","Priest, 'Good morning, child of the devil.' Little boy, 'Good morning, Father.' Avoid self-righteous, showy display of life. Be humble, honest,",Prominence is a weakening influence.,2 Cor. 4:16-18; 1 Cor. 12:76;,Phil Kirkton Notes:,Religion's Role In World Affairs.,92,,,
"Christendom, Religion,",'The church simply does not have a cutting edge. It has taken the culture of our time and absorbed it.' Dean Miller-Harvard 's Divinity School. 'We churchmen are gifted in changing wine into water--watering down religion.',Christendom lack of spirituality. Yale's Chaplain Coffin.,Jas. 2:26; Matt. 7:21,"Feb 1, 1964 Wt Page 69",Religion's Time Of Judgment,83,,,
"Christendom, Religion, Babylon,","Quote: Miami Herald; 'growing number of men ... make lucrative living off 'fly-by-night' religion. They may assume many identities, such as faith healer, prophet, peddler of crosses as lucky pieces, tent evangelist, street-corner preachers. Con man",A man with 'Rev.' in front of name accepted with open arms. will 'milk an area dry and then move on to greener pastures',Rev. 18:1-5;,"May 8, 1964 Aw Page 24, 30",HAS BABYLON'S JUDGMENT HOUR ARRIVED?,155,,,
"Christendom, Religion, Churches, Worship, Disunity,","'Like a large and startled family, living in a ramshackle old house whose front wall has suddenly collapsed, there seems to be a row going on in practically every room -- with tambourine-bashing Jesus children screaming at elegant Anglo-Catholic homosexuals in black silk suits.' Quote: The Sunday Times, London, April 11, 1993.",This family is the Church of England.  The row is about admitting women to the priesthood.  This graphic display of disunity applies just as well to all Christendom.,"1 Cor 1:10; Eph 4:15, 16;","Jul 1, 1994 Wt Page 3",Religion's Time Of Judgment,83,,1994/06/25,
"Christendom, Religion, Churches, Worship, Disunity, Divisions,",To say that the divisions are unimportant because of common faith in Jesus is like saying that cancer is not serious as long as your heart is strong.,"Churches argue they have unity because, 'all our fellow Christians is rooted in our baptism in Christ.'  They argue they are united in fundamentals.","1 Cor 1:10; Eph 4:15, 16;","Jul 1, 1994 Wt Page 6",Religion's Time Of Judgment,83,,1994/06/25,
"Christendom, Religion, Churches, Worship, Disunity, Standards,",'Present-day Christianity ... has lower standards for church membership than those for getting on a bus.'  Quote: An observer.,"Christendom is a divided family, with low standards.  It is 'sick indeed.'","1 Cor 1:10; Eph 4:15, 16;","Jul 1, 1994 Wt Page 4",HAS BABYLON'S JUDGMENT HOUR ARRIVED?,155,,1994/06/25,
"Christendom, Religion, God, Worship, Faith, Dead,","'We must recognize that the death of God is a historical event.' Quote by: Thomas J. J. Altizer, associate professor of religion at Atlanta's Emory University, a Methodist-owned school. Start of 'God is dead' teaching.",They have nothing to worship except themselves.  Christian men and women with faith in their Creator disagree.,Jeremiah. 10:10,"Jan 1, 1967 Wt Page 14",Religion's Time Of Judgment,83,,,
"Christendom, Religion, God, Worship, Faith, Dead, Altizer,","'The God of the Bible was once alive, then he died.' Quote: Thomas J. J. Altizer, a professor of religion at a Methodist school in the United States.","Theologians apparently mean that God is absent, he does not see he has left the land. However, Heavens & earth declare: 'God is Alive!'","Ezek. 9:9; Rom. 1:20-32; Ps. 19:1,2; Hab. 1:12; 1 Tim. 1:17;","Jan 15, 1967 Wt Page 37",Religion's Time Of Judgment,83,,,
"Christendom, Religion, God, Worship, Faith, Graham,","'The recent Graham crusade in England won some converts, yet it made no significant changes in basic English religious habits.'",Good News is not being preached by Christendom.,"Matt. 24:14; 1 Cor. 3:12, 13,","Jan 1, 1967 Wt Page 20",Religion's Time Of Judgment,83,,,
"Christendom, Religion, Headship,","Dishwashing, housekeeping, and religion belongs to the women. Husbands; yours is a serious charge that is not transferable.",Opinion that religion meant for women & children; not for men.,Deuteronomy. 6:4-9,"Apr 8, 1962 Aw Page 19",Religion's Time Of Judgment,83,,,
"Christendom, Religion, Worship",'Church is nothing more than a museum' Quote by Lutheran pastor Pries of West Germany.,Museum concerns itself with things belonging to the past.,John 8:32;,"Apr 22, 1964 Aw Page 11",HAS BABYLON'S JUDGMENT HOUR ARRIVED?,155,,,
"Christendom, Religion, Worship, Contributions,","Parasites, always taking, never giving.  We do not want to be like that. You should give of course, within your means.","Some religious organizations are like that, ask for money, food, clothing, but never render a single service in return.",Acts 20:35;,"Aug 8, 1964 Aw Page 3, 4",Religion's Time Of Judgment,83,,,
"Christendom, Sign, Kingdom,","In Jesus' time clergy knew more about the weather than sign that identified him as the Messiah. 'You know how to interpret the appearance of the sky, but the sign of the times you cannot interpret.'","Likewise today, Jesus could well say the same thing.",Matt. 16:3,"Feb 1, 1961 Wt Page 80",The Kingdom Of God Is Near,109,,,
"Christendom, Sincerity, Worship, Religion, Idols, Images,","A child may take a bottle from medicine cabinet, thinking its candy. It may be poison. The child believes he is getting what he wants, but he is wrong. Persons in mental institutions who believe all kinds of things.",Millions of people sincerely believe things that are wrong. Some think they are world leaders like Napoleon. Those in field of religion sincerely believe false-hoods.,"Rom. 1:22-25; Exodus. 20:4, 5; Ps. 115:4-8;","Feb 15, 1964 Wt Page 101",Religion's Time Of Judgment,83,,,
"Christendom, Women, Preaching, Clergy, Good News,","'Sir, a woman preaching is like a dog's walking on his hind legs. It is not done well; but you are surprised to find it done at all.'  Quote: Samuel Johnson.","Our sisters do not preach in the pulpit, however the evangelizing work is being successfully carried on by sisters as well as brothers.  On earth, Jehovah has millions of willing volunteers; young and old, men, women, and children are now serving as evangelizers.",Ps 110:3;,Bobby Laymon,Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,063,,1995/07/18,7/12/2025
"Christendom, Worship,","Artists punch a tiny hole in each end of an egg and suck out its contents.  Then with great care and skill they pierce or paint designs, exquisitely beautiful, upon these shells. Obviously these eggshells are not only fragile, but worthless as food value.","So it is with Christendom's religions that are a mere form of godly devotion.  They may be highly ornamental, but in pressure of times prove extremely fragile with no nourishment.","Mt 5:3; Is 1:13-15; 29:13, 14; Jer 5:30, 31; 8:9;","Mar 22, 1968 Aw Page 6",Religion's Role In World Affairs.,92,,,
"Christendom, Worship,","You can take a termite-ridden timber and give it a coat of metallic paint, making it look like steel.  It is worthless as far as supporting any weight is concerned.","So it is with Christendom's religions that are a mere form of godly devotion.  They may look strong as steel, but in pressure of times prove extremely fragile.","Mt 5:3; Is 1:13-15; 29:13, 14; Jer 5:30, 31; 8:9;","Mar 22, 1968 Aw Page 6",Religion's Role In World Affairs.,92,,,
"Christendom, Worship, Religion,","Undercurrents; not visible from water's surface Not only divisions, but waters will actually be dried up.",Christendom churches have severe undercurrents.,Rev. 16:12,"Jun 22, 1958 Aw Page 23",Religion's Time Of Judgment,83,,,
Christian,Soldier Does not involve self in commercial ways of life. (commercial bus. Must be single-minded. Assigned to guard interests of the king. not go to sleep.,A soldier of Christ does not divide his interests,"2 Tim. 2:3, 4","Jan 1, 1959 Wt Page 6","As Christians, We Care About Other People",15,,,
"Christian Life, Personality, Adjust, Standards,","Emigrants; leave native land; search for better life; difficult step. disposing everything, saying good-bye; people not welcome; learning new lang. new customs; Do it for material advantage. Work hard to serve the King, former friends & relatives cut off.",Christians make cultural adjustments; clean standards; learn pure lang. Gain peace of mind; confidence.,Zechariah. 3:9  1 Cor. 6:9-11,"Sep 1, 1990 Wt Page 30",How Well Do You Know God?,1,,,
"Christian, Building,","IS BUILDING a Christian a one-man job?  Well, imagine that you decide to build a house.  You go to an architect for the plans.  While you intend to do much of the work yourself, you hire a contractor to work with you and to advice you on the best methods.  If he lays a solid foundation, helps you to understand the plans, suggests the best materials to purchase, and even teaches you much about building, you would likely agree that he has done a good job.  But what if you were to ignore his advice, buy cheap or shoddy materials, and even deviate from the architect's plans?  Surely you could not blame the contractor or the architect if the house collapsed!","Similarly, each Christian disciple is a result of a joint building project.  Jehovah is the master architect.  He supports the faithful Christian who, as one of 'God's fellow workers,' teaches and builds up a student.  Yet the student is involved too.  In the final analysis, he is responsible for his own life course.  If he wants to have fine Christian qualities, he must work hard to acquire them, to build them in himself.",1 Cor. 3:9; Rom. 14:12; 2 Pet. 1:5-8.,"Nov 1, 1998 Wt Page 14, 15;",Build Your Faith In Man's Maker,54,,1998/12/26,
"Christian, Learning, Transforming,","To illustrate this, let's look at the Pineapple.  Where does the pineapple come from?  A pineapple tree?  No, some may think that.  It actually comes from a bush.  The very best pineapples come from Hawaii because they produce the juiciest.  Very few of us probably have eaten a Hawaiian pineapple since most all pineapples we get come from somewhere else.  But a pineapple only produces one eatable pineapple its entire life.  The first pineapple is bitter, bad tasting, it finally does its thing and rots away and 22 months later another pineapple is formed, this time a desirable fruitage.","Many of us are like that bush.   At first we produced a fruitage that was bitter, molded by the world, and undesirable by Jehovah, but as we begin to learn the truth we begin to shed that fruitage and get rid of it.   Then we begin over a long period of time to produce a fine fruit desirable by Jehovah, one that is presentable to be picked by Jehovah.  What are some of the attributes of this fruit that would make it so appealing to Jehovah?",Rom. 12:2;,Jim Kinkade,Is The Truth Transforming Your Life?,51,,"Oct 30, 2001",
"Christian, Loyalty, Family,","The father has a bad day at work.  He got stuck in traffic on the way home.  He gets home and snarls at his wife when she ask how his day is.  The wife, upset, scolds the little girl.  The girl, when the puppy comes up to her, now upset, kicks the dog.  The dog comes back, wagging his tail.  Licks the little girl.",Which one acted like a 'real Christian?',1 Pet. 3:3-7;,David Berry,Meeting The Test Of Christian Loyalty,48,,1998/07/26,
"Christian, World, Jehovah's Witnesses, Citizen, Compromise,",'It was impossible to take a step without encountering a divinity. The Christian's position brought him daily problems; he lived on the edge of society ...' Quote: French Catholic author A. Haman,"Just as it was difficult to live in the Roman world without betraying the Christian faith, so it is today.",Acts 28:22;,"Jul 1, 1993 Wt Page 5",'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
Christian;,'Christianity does not remove you from the world and its problems; it makes you fit to live in it triumphantly and usefully.'  Quote:  Charles Templeton.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Christian;,"'I consider myself a Hindu, Christian, Moslem, Jew, Buddhist, and Confucian.'  Quote:  Mo Gandhi.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Christian;,'We multiply whenever we are mown down by you; the blood of Christians is seed.' Quote:  Tertullian,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Christian; Citizen;,"'Whatever makes men good Christians, makes them good citizens.'  Quote:  Daniel Webster.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Christian; Hypocrisy;,'A Christian is a man who feels repentance on Sunday for what he did on Saturday and is going to do on Monday.' Quote:  Thomas Ybarra,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Christian; Hypocrisy;,'Christian: One who believes that the New Testament is a divinely inspired book admirably suited to the spiritual needs of his neighbors.'  Quote:  Ab.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Christian; Hypocrisy;,'Christianity: The paganization of monotheism.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Christian; Love;,'See how these Christians love one another.'  Quote:  Tertullian.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Christianity;,"'All religions must be tolerated, for every man must get to heaven in his own way.'  Quote:  Freddie The Great.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Christianity;,"'Christianity has not been tried and found wanting, it has been found difficult and not tried.'  Quote:  G. Chesterton.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Christianity;,"'In order to see Christianity,  one must forget almost all the Christians.'  Quote:  Henry Amyl.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Christianity; Christian;,'Christian: one who believes that the New Testament is a divinely inspired book admirably suited to the spiritual needs of his neighbors.'  Quote:  Ab.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Christianity; Christian;,"'Christianity is a battle, not a dream.' Quote: Wendell Philips",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Christianity; Christian;,"'If a man cannot be a Christian in a place where he is, he cannot be a Christian anywhere.'  Quote:  Hwb.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Christianity; Hypocrisy; Religion;,"'Two great European narcotics, alcohol and Christianity.'  Quote:  Fwn.",,,Jk Quotes;,HAS BABYLON'S JUDGMENT HOUR ARRIVED?,155,,,
Christians,"'Salt of the Earth' In ancient times salt was very costly; not common as today. Preservative: to keep foods from spoiling, putrefaction, hot climate Symbol of purity, incorruptibility, permanence; used in sacrifice","Christians are the sole seasoning element. alone bring joy Jehovah We must keep Bible message free from impurities; healing one. We alone have an incorruptible, pure message; God is pleased.",Matt. 5:13; Job 6:6; Numbers. 18:19; 2 Chron. 13:5 Prov. 27:11,"Sep 8, 1960 Aw Page 27, 28","As Christians, We Care About Other People",15,,,
Christians,Hermit (describe life-style),Cannot become,"Matt 28:19, 20","July 22, 1989 Awake! Page 7-9","As Christians, We Care About Other People",15,,,
"Christians, Publishers, Attitudes, Traits, Qualities, (page 1)","Some Christians are like wheelbarrows, not good unless pushed. Some are like canoes, they need to be paddled; Some are like kites if you don't keep them on a string, they will fly away. Some are like kittens, they are more contented when petted. Some are like","Our brothers are like looking into mirror: we see changes we need. footballs, you can't tell which way they will bounce next. Some are like balloons, full of air--ready to explode.","Rom. 12:1, 2",Joe Bounds  (see Page 2),"As Christians, We Care About Other People",15,,,
"Christians, Publishers, Attitudes, Traits, Qualities, (page 2)","Some Christians are like trailers, they have to be pulled. Some are like neon lights, they keep going on and off. Others are letting Holy Spirit lead them. Some are like a gold watch: Open faced, pure gold, quietly busy","Our brothers are like looking into mirror, we see changes we need. and full of good works. 2 types don't need to change: Perfect & those who don't want to be","Rom. 12:1, 2",Joe Bounds (see Page 1),"As Christians, We Care About Other People",15,,,
"Christmas, Customs, Trinity, Hellfire,",A wild animal that is moved into a cage in a zoo is still a beast.  And it would be a grave mistake to believe that it has been domesticated just because it has been in a cage for a while and seemingly enjoys itself with its young ones.  You may have heard reports of zoo workers being attacked.,In some ways we can say much the same about the celebration of Christmas.  At first it was a 'beast' living outside of Christianity.,"Ezek 8:16,17","Dec 15, 1999 Wt Page 6",Jehovah And Christ--are They Part Of A Trinity?,82,,1999/11/29,
"Christmas, Customs, Trinity, Hellfire,","If a shirt or blouse is buttoned unevenly from the start, the only way to correct the situation is to begin again.  Is that not true?","Despite that truth, some argue that notwithstanding its pagan roots in sun worship, Christmas has been accepted by Christendom.  They feel it has been sanctified with the birthday of Christ and imbued with new significance.","Ezek 8:16,17","Dec 15, 1999 Wt Page 6",Jehovah And Christ--are They Part Of A Trinity?,82,,1999/11/29,
"Christmas, Giving, Gifts, Marriage, Sex,","Just as a person may put paper on the wall to cover over the tears, marks, and other spots....",Expensive gifts are often given to 'paper over' a troubled relationship.  Often Christmas magnifies human inequities causing tremendous pressures and unhappiness.,Acts 20:35;,"Dec 22, 1992 Aw Page 5",God Comes First In Successful Family Life,110,,,
"Christmas, Giving, Jingle Bells, Gifts,","The 'Jingle Bells' the world of commerce loves to hear the most, is played by the jingling bells of its cash registers. (Gold given by Queen of Sheba worth 46 million dollars)",Not everyone is experiencing the greater 'happiness of giving' of which Jesus spoke.  Especially at Christmas time.,Acts 20:35; 1ki 10:10; 1 Ki 9:16;,"Dec 22, 1992 Aw Page 3",,,,,
"Christmas, Holiday","Two men walking down street. Christmas time looking decorations and wild parties they come to house no decorations but family sitting at table studying Bible. One said to other, they must not be very religious.",People do not understand when we do not take part in their holy days and brand us as not believing in Jesus even though our works prove different,1 Pet. 4:4,Johnse Laymon,"As Christians, We Care About Other People",15,,,
"Christmas, Holiday, Danger",'It is the enemy whom we do not suspect who is the most dangerous,"Christmas is not viewed as dangerous by most but due to origin, it is very dangerous.  Idolatry also involved with the tree, and in Jesus.",2 Cor.11:14,Johnse Laymon Quote Fernando Rojas 1465- 1544 Wisdom Ages -danger,"Dec 15, 1984 Wt Page 4-7",15,,,
"Christmas, Holiday, Spirit",Christmas spirit many times comes out of bottle 100 proof,Can it be from God and produce such bad fruitage,Gal. 5:21,Johnse Laymon,"Dec 22, 1985 Aw Page 12",33,,,
"Christmas, Holidays,","'It is high time Christians reminded themselves that the Church got along for its first 380 years without observing the birth of Jesus at all.             Quote: Toronto Star; Dec 20, 1969","Yes, Christmas has it's roots in ancient pagan festivals.  Not in early Christianity.  See article for Easter and other holidays.",Luke 2:8-12;,"Dec 8, 1970 Aw Page 3","As Christians, We Care About Other People",15,,1993/11/01,
"Christmas, Holidays,",'The Christmas spirit often comes in a bottle.'  Alcoholics and their families especially have a hard time.,"Beginning about Thanksgiving, family quarrels become fiercer, relations with relatives become more strained, tradesmen assume a forced friendliness.  Part of strain is financial.",Luke. 14:12-14; 2 Cor. 6:14-17;,"Dec 8, 1967 Aw Page 3-7","As Christians, We Care About Other People",15,,,
"Christmas, Holidays, Children,","Some feel that children get 'shortchanged' when parents don't celebrate Christmas. Makes for many happy occasions, and the child can appreciate each individual gift more. Knows it comes from his parents.","Actually, the opposite is true. The parents make it a point to bring their children gifts all year around.",Eph. 6:1-4; Luke. 14:12-14; 2 Cor. 6:14-17;,"Dec 8, 1967 Aw Page 3-7 (letter From Missionary In Laos)",How Can Youths Cope With Today's Crisis?,113,,,
"Christmas, Holidays, Children, Greed, Gifts,","Did you ever hear a child say, 'Thank you for all the things you brought me last year,' to a store Santa?  They are just eager to tell him what they want this year.","In ordinary circumstances, if a child greedily kept asking for more without a 'thank-you' it would be a sign of selfishness. Christmas breeds ingratitude, doesn't it.",Eph. 6:1-4; Luke. 14:12-14; 2 Cor. 6:14-17;,"Dec 8, 1967 Aw Page 3-7 (letter From Missionary In Laos)",How Can Youths Cope With Today's Crisis?,113,,,
"Christmas, Holidays, Christ, Holy, Honor,","Putting pure water in a contaminated glass doesn't make the glass clean, does it?  It contaminates the water. (Missionary letter to her mother)",It is easy to see that trying to put the honoring of Christ within a pagan framework has the same effect; it contaminates the honor.,Luke. 14:12-14; 2 Cor. 6:14-17;,"Dec 8, 1967 Aw Page 3-7","As Christians, We Care About Other People",15,,,
"Christmas, Holidays, Saturnalia,","'Everyone feasted and rejoiced, work and business were for a season entirely suspended, the houses were decked with laurel and evergreen, visits and presents were exchanged between friends, and clients gave gifts to their patrons.  The whole season was one of rejoicing and goodwill, and all kinds of amusements were indulged in by the people.'  Quote: Paganism in Christian Festivals, by J.M. Wheeler.","Does this description fit the Christmas festivities you know?  Surprisingly this was not Christmas!  Rather, that is a description of Saturnalia - a week-long pagan Roman festival associated with the winter solstice.  The birthday of the unconquered sun was celebrated on December 25.",Luke 2:8-14;,"Dec 15, 1994 Wt Page 4, 5;","As Christians, We Care About Other People",15,,1994/11/09,
"Christmas, Holidays, Trust, Lie,","'I don't believe there is a God,' seven year old John told his mother.  Why?  A World Herald article explains; 'John, it seemed, had learned earlier that day that Santa Claus wasn't real.  Maybe God wasn't real either.'","Now, 25 years old, John said, 'When parents tell children Santa is real, I think that probably is a breach of trust.'",Pr 22:6; Ps 127:3,"Nov 22, 1993 Aw Page 3",Religion's Time Of Judgment,83,,1993/11/10,
"Christmas, Holidays, Trust, Lie,",'I think children are more traumatized by parents lying to them and deceiving them than they are about finding out that Santa Claus isn't real.'  Quote: Child researcher,'Relationships may not be the same once a lie has violated trust.  The loss of trust is difficult to repair; sometimes it is never reparable.'  Quote: Dr. Paul Ekman,Pr 22:6; Ps 127:3,"Nov 22, 1993 Aw Page 3",On Whose Promises Do You Rely?,61,,1993/11/10,
"Christmas, Japanese,",'It is not the turkey [which is not commonly found in Japanese markets] that is missing. Article showing how Christmas has taken roots in non-Christian Japanese.,"'It is the most essential of ingredients, the spirit.'",Luke 2:10-14;,"Dec 15, 1991 Wt Page 4",,,,,
"Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Sickness, Disease, Depress, Tiredness,",'Our fatigue is to ordinary tiredness what lightening is to a spark.'  'Jet lag without end.' See chart on page 7 for Diagnostic Criteria.,"'CFS is a major health threat and economic threat, second only to that of AIDS.'",Isa 33:24;,"Aug 22, 1992 Aw Page 3, 7, 8",Gaining Comfort In All Our Tribulations,105,,,
"Church, Protection, Religion, Donations, Contributions, Elders","A church should not be like fire insurance, which covers loss only in case of fire, but like a provision for counsel on fire protection.","Your need spiritual guidance all the time.  Are you getting needed personal attention at all times from your minister, or only in emergencies.","2co 9:7; 8:12; Mt 10:7, 8;","Feb 15, 1970 Wt Page 100, 101",Religion's Time Of Judgment,83,,,
"Churches, Christendom, Babylon, Religion, Worship,","'Sometimes we seem to get the motto for our church life from the barber shop: 'Once over lightly.' And do we hit it lightly! As a musical composer said, 'No one who plays the piano with a feather duster, instead of driving down for the music that is in the depths, can ever become a concert artist.'","That is what too many of us do. Being a member of the church ought to be a very disturbing thing, for it really disturbs absolutely everything about us. But we often make it like joining a country club, with this one difference, it doesn't cost as much.'",Titus 1:16;,W57 5/1 259,Religion's Role In World Affairs.,92,,1995/01/27,
"Cigarettes, Smoking, Death, Advertisement,","A simple man was sentenced in April to be hanged in July.  He took the news carelessly, but on the way back to his cell, a thought occurred to him.  He said, 'You don't mean this coming July, do you, Judge?'","No one worries about a disease they will get 40-50 years from now. 'The family that smokes together, croaks together.'",2 Cor. 7:1;,"Sep 8, 1964 Aw Page 12",Is This Life All There Is?,36,,,
"Cigarettes, Smoking, Health,","On Sep 11, 1967, Senator Robert F. Kennedy charged the cigarette industry with 'peddling a deadly weapon ... for financial gain.'","'Each year,' he said, 'cigarettes kill five times more Americans than do traffic accidents.'",2 Cor. 6:1;,"Nov 8, 1967 Aw Page 30",What Does The Healing Of The Nations Accomplish?,111,,,
Circuit Overseer,Extension; like for a ratchet; helps to reach out; adapts to various circumstances.,The circuit overseer is an extension of the 'governing body'.  They are helping care for 'all his belongings.',Matt 24:45,Trust In Jehovah District Assy. July 1987,,,,,
Circuit Overseer,Samuel: Judged Israel; traveling regularly as circuit servant. Distress when people asked for king.,Example for servants today,"1 Sam. 2:22; 7:16; 15:22, 23; Heb. 11:32","Mar 15, 1960 Wt Page 175 Para 20",,,,,
"Circuit Overseer, Builds, Desire, Motive,","You may have good lemonade,  but no one knows about it.  You can promote it, by advertising, and others come to know about it.","The circuit overseer promotes theocratic activities.  They encourage, build up.  Others come to know of it. Promotes peace.",3 John 3; 1 Thessalonians 5:11;,"Nov 15, 1996 Wt Page 20; Phil Fleming Comment On Para 18.",True Religion Meets The Needs Of Human Society.,94,,1997/01/11,
"Circumcision, Heart, Wicked, Cleanliness, Unclean, Holy,","Literal circumcision, may becomes necessary, because of a matter of health.  Because of the hazard to health, the flesh that is cut off is view as excessive, or as an obstruction, standing in the way of maintaining a clean and healthy condition.","Thus, circumcision of the heart means getting rid of, or making a clean cut, of anything in our desires or motives, that is contrary to Jehovah's desires.  It means the complete removal of anything that is acting as an obstruction, such as pride.","Jer 6:10; 9:25, 26; Pr 21:29; 1pe 3:4; Ro 7:22;","Jul 15, 1971 Wt Page 443",A Clean People Honors Jehovah,14,,1993/11/16,
"Circumcision, World, Different, Persecution,",Jews returning from Babylon influenced by Greek Jewish boys wanted to run in Greek races. Greeks run without clothing. People laughed at them because they looked different.  Circumcised.  So some went through painful operation to become uncircumcised.,Do we let the fear of what others think cause us to fail in service to Jehovah.,1cor 7:18,Bobby Sales C.O. (Volume I Insight Page 470 After The Exile),Why Christians Must Be Different.,123,,,
"Circumstances, Changes, Pioneer, Ministry, Progress, Growth,","One day a man went to the Circus. He saw many animals; some very powerful. He noticed that all of the very powerful animals were kept caged up. All except for the Elephant. The Elephant looked to be probably the strongest of all. But, the only thing used to restrain him was a little bracelet and chain around one leg fastened to the ground with a peg! The man wondered how come the Elephant didn't try to break free from this restraint. He notice a man who was taking care of the animals and asked him this question. 'How come this powerful Elephant doesn't try to break free from this little chain'? The animal keeper just laughed and said: 'Many years ago when the Elephant was small and not as strong as he is now; He did try over and over to break free. But he just couldn't do it. Finally, he just gave up and has never tried again to break free. He doesn't realize that with time He has grown bigger and stronger. He just thinks; What's the use! I can't do it. I tried before and couldn't do it. I won't even try.'","Sometimes we forget that circumstances change, even ours. Maybe we tried to auxiliary pioneer some years back. Maybe it didn't work out. Do we find ourselves thinking like the Elephant: I tried, it didn't work, I can't do it, I won't even try again. Perhaps over the years our circumstances have changed. Have we grown spiritually? Is our faith stronger? Do we feel that Jehovah can help us to break free of any restraint that at one time prevented us from reaching our spiritual goal?","Heb 6:1, 2;",Peter Morgan,Keep Growing In Your Relationship With God,16,,1997/08/11,
"Cities, Crime, Pollution, Last Days, Drugs, Morals, Science,",'I'd rather wake up in the middle of nowhere than in any city on earth.'  Quote: Steve McQueen.,"Mankind is faced with monumental problems.  On one hand, many suffer and worry because of shortages of food, goods, and energy.  Cost of living has soared, making it more and more difficult to provide for home and family.  People in big cities, small towns, and rural feel this pressure.  Briefly mention local evidence and effects of these problems.",Rev. 6:6; Mt 24:7;,Bobby Laymon,Coping With Life's Anxieties,32,,1995/06/27,
"Cities, Progress, Science, Politics,","Like a powerful magnet, the economic benefits of cities attract people looking for the promised land.","When they fail to find jobs and end up living in slums, possibly  begging in order to survive, or when they go homeless, because of the shortage of suitable housing, how quickly disillusionment and bitterness set  in.",La 1:1;,"Jan 22, 1994 Aw Page 26",Does Your Hope Rest On Science Or The Bible?,80,,1994/01/04,
"Cities, Progress, Science, Politics,","Today, to be a contender for the title 'world's largest city'   is like a healthy young person's being told he has a serious illness.  It  may be cured, but it cannot be ignored.","Bigness has advantages.  Generally, the larger the city, the   greater the chances its citizens have to live a rich social and cultural  life.  Today, big is no longer better.  'Too big is too big.'  The problems  cannot be ignored.",La 1:1;,"Jan 22, 1994 Aw Page 26",Does Your Hope Rest On Science Or The Bible?,80,,1994/01/04,
"Cities, Science,",'The fate of the world is entwined with the fate of its cities.'  Quote: Writer Eugene Linden,"Traveling from city to city may be easy, but solving their problems is not.  (see article for details on pollution, traffic, crimes, etc.)",Ge 4:17; 11:4;,"Jan 8, 1994 Awake Page 6, 7",Does Your Hope Rest On Science Or The Bible?,80,,1993/12/30,
"Cities, Science, Personalities, Corruption,","'Clearly, then, the city is not a concrete jungle, it is a human zoo.'  Quote: Desmond Morris.","Mankind is faced with monumental problems. On one hand, many suffer and worry because of shortages of food, goods, and energy. Cost of living has soared, making it more and more difficult to provide for home and family.  People in big cities, small towns, and rural feel this pressure.",Rev. 6:6; Mt 24:7;,Bobby Laymon,Coping With Life's Anxieties,32,,1995/06/29,
Citizens,Behave as citizens- REFERENCE BIBLE,Discuss duties of Roman citizen.,Phil 1:27,Dch,,,,1993/10/04,
"Citizens, Kingdom, Government,",'We are citizens of the world; and the tragedy of our times is that we do not know this.'  Quote: Woodrow Wilson.,"Anyone prominent must worry about assassination, kidnapping.  Also, many 'peaceful' citizens are hurt in cross fire of guerrilla actions, terrorist campaigns, civil wars.","Prov 4:16, 17;",Bobby Laymon,Good News In A Violent World,85,,1995/07/03,
"City, Kingdom, Everlasting, Jerusalem, Permanent,","Every city has foundations, so if one is described as having REAL foundations, it must be of a very permanent nature indeed.  Ancient capital cities, such as Babylon, Petra, Asher, and Teotihuacan, would hardly fit that description.  Once vibrant and full of the sounds of people, these cities are today dead and enveloped in silence.  So are the nations they represent. Cities today are in serious trouble.  They are struggling to survive.","Not so, however, for 'the city having real foundations, the builder and maker of which city is God.'  The Bible calls this city heavenly Jerusalem.  It is higher than mountainous Katmandu, for it is in heaven itself.  All is not without hope - thanks to the city having 'real foundations'",Heb 11:10; 12:22;,"Mar 22, 1994 Aw Page 24-27",Is It Time For God To Rule The World?,20,,1994/02/19,
Civilization;,"'The three great elements of modern civilization: Gunpowder, Printing, and the Protestant religion.'  Quote:  Thomas Carlyle.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Civilization;,"'The true test of civilization is not the census, nor the size of the cities, nor the crops, but the kind of man that the country turns out.'  Quote:  Ralph Waldo Emerson.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Clean, Armageddon, Earth, Wicked, Destroy,","If you take a tub of muddy water, and add clean water to it, what do you get?  More muddy water!  You must first empty the dirty water out and rinse it, then fill it with clean water.","Likewise, Jehovah must first destroy the wicked in order to have a clean, righteous new earth.","Jer 25:32, 33",Al Larue,A Clean People Honors Jehovah,14,,1994/04/24,
"Clean, Cleanliness, Holy, Pure, Study,","As a person learns the truth, a clear and beautiful scene develops as we gaze into the future. It becomes like a picture window or the main window in our daily life that we use. This window of opportunity, however, must be kept clean in order for that picture to be kept clearly before us. As a literal window slowly builds up with dirt and toxin's from this old world, the vision becomes slowly clouded. A routine schedule of cleaning is needed to keep the picture window clean and sharp.",The right tool to use for clean-up is the Bible. The directions on how to use it are found at the Kingdom Hall.,Isa. 52:11;,Goldman Collection,A Clean People Honors Jehovah,14,,"Jan 22, 2001",
"Clean, Mind, Morals, Satan",A Chinese proverb says: 'A vacant mind is open to all suggestions.',"To win the fight against moral uncleanness, it is not enough to reject unclean thoughts and speech.   Paul recognized the need to fill the mind with wholesome, clean thoughts.",Php 4:8; Mt 12:43-45;,W89 11/1 14-15,A Clean People Honors Jehovah,14,,1994/07/10,
"Clean, Sin, Thoughts, Adjust, Compulsive, Behavior,","A housewife of a country house knows very well she cannot kill all the spiders in the neighborhood, but there is still something she can do and has to do if she wants to keep her house clean--she can everyday clean up the cobwebs that the spiders build in the corners of her house. If she doesn't do this, in a few months the house would be full of cobwebs and would be an uncomfortable place to live in.","As imperfect humans, we cannot help but have bad thoughts at times. But, as the housewife does, we can and should not dwell on these bad thoughts. We should clean them up regularly, not allowing them to take roots in our mind and to fill it with symbolic 'cobwebs' thus leading us into sin.","James 1:14, 15",Bobby Laymon,Does Your Thinking Agree With God's?,53,,"Jan 22, 2001",
"Clean, Unclean, Holy,",It is said that 'man is made from dust.',"However, we do not have to be dirty to get attention.",Genesis. 2:7,Bobby Laymon,Keep Clean From Worldly Defilements,98,,"Aug 7, 2001",
"Clean, Unclean, Pornography, Thoughts, Defilement,","Consider the situation of a farmer:  When he goes out to water some farm animals, he may use a 5 gallon bucket.  Afterward, all he has to do is turn the bucket upside down and it is relative clean.  The same is true when he feeds them corn.  But what if he puts manure into the bucket?  He has to scrub pretty hard to get it clean again.  It has a tendency to stick.","Our head is like that bucket.  Some thoughts leave us mentally clean, and even refreshed.  What happens if we put manure, like pornography, into our heads.  It has a tendency to stick.",2 Cor 7:1;,Robin Sams,A Clean People Honors Jehovah,14,,1997/12/31,
"Clean, World, Association,",The world capitalizes on the idea that one must be 'squeaky clean.',"Today, we must be 'squeaky clean' and without spot from the world.",1 John 2:15-17,Brother Weigle - Bethel,A Clean People Honors Jehovah,14,,1993/12/07,
Cleanliness,"Clean Clothes not only feel better, but last longer. Good experiences at conventions, and cleanliness has appeal: To US and JEHOVAH.","Clean hearts, have good conscience, but last much longer.",Jas 4:8,Rick Sallee,A Clean People Honors Jehovah,14,,,
Cleanliness,Quote: Cleanliness Is Next to Godliness.  Home; Automobile; Body; Clothing; Teeth,Our appearance can do much to praise Jehovah without a word,2 Cor 7:1  Exodus 30:17-21,Jan 75 Km,A Clean People Honors Jehovah,14,,,
"Cleanliness, Ant, Broom, Holy,","The army ant is the 'new broom that sweeps clean,' clearing the path of all grubs, larvae or any other creature caught unawares. Why, some natives are glad to have them pass through their rustic homes just to get a thorough housecleaning!","People everywhere love cleanliness.   So does Jehovah!   Even if we have to put up a hard fight, we should be determined to keep clean.",Exodus 19:6;,G84 6/22 23-4,A Clean People Honors Jehovah,14,,1994/05/10,
"Cleanliness, Bible,","Because of the importance of cleanliness, someone long ago coined the expression, 'Cleanliness is next to godliness.'","Important as are purity of water and of food, there is a purity that is far more vital. God's Word, the Bible, therefore stresses purity of heart or spiritual cleanliness. When the inspired Scriptures say, 'Let us cleanse ourselves of every defilement of flesh,'",2 Cor 7:1;,W66 12/1 709,A Clean People Honors Jehovah,14,,1995/01/19,
"Cleanliness, Conduct, Jehovah's Witnesses,",In Rwanda: 'What do they do with banana peels?  Eat them?' Comment of a newspaper man.,"Referring to the cleanliness of Jehovah's Witnesses at the first big convention in 1992 attended by 2,700. (1,600 publishers) He noted that there was 'no litter.'","Isa 43:10, 12","Annual Meeting (October 2, 1992) Phil Kirkton Notes",A Clean People Honors Jehovah,14,,,
"Cleanliness, Holy,","A Bible Proverb says: 'By Wisdom a household will be built  up, and by discernment it will prove firmly established.'",Wisdom and discernment can be gained if all in the family strive to learn God's  will and to apply it in their lives. A happy family is  surely worth the effort!,Prov. 24:3;,The Secret of Family Happiness Page 48,A Clean People Honors Jehovah,14,,1996/06/13,
"Cleanliness, Holy,",A Spanish Proverb states: 'There is no conflict  between poverty and cleanliness.',"A clean, tidy home reflects well on the whole  family.  Whether one  lives in a mansion, an apartment, a humble home,  or a shack, cleanliness is a key to a healthier family.",Proverbs 31:28;,The Secret of Family Happiness Page 48,A Clean People Honors Jehovah,14,,1996/06/13,
"Cleanliness, Holy,","Have you ever gone into a restaurant that looked clean from the outside, and sat down to order a meal.  When it arrives, you notice the plate is dirty, and the utensils are not clean.  It is an insult to you, is it not?  Is it likely you will go back in the future?  In fact, you may feel like walking out right then.","As a clean people, we represent Jehovah.  By our appearance we can either attract or repel people to true worship.  Unclean things are also an insult to Jehovah.","Exodus 19:10, 11; 29:4; 30:18-21; Is 52:11; Re 4:8;",Marty Dickerson,A Clean People Honors Jehovah,14,,,
"Cleanliness, Holy,","Many people like to shop around and find antiques.  They clean them up and the beauty shines through.  They may have been covered with 15 coats of paint, dirty, rusty or whatever.  They become more valuable.",Jehovah cleans people.  It makes no difference what they were before.  They become valuable to him and to society in general.,1 Cor 6:11;,Jack Jones - Bethel Speaker - Special Assembly Day.,A Clean People Honors Jehovah,14,,1997/09/30,
"Cleanliness, Holy,",Think of your yard.  Is it more like a park or a junkyard?  Does it attract or repel?  What kind of objects are lying in it?  What kind of appearance?,"We don't have to keep our yard like a park, but it certainly should not resemble a junkyard either, with used appliances, old cars, etc. scattered around.","Exodus 19:10, 11; 29:4; 30:18-21; Is 52:11; Re 4:8;",Marty Dickerson,A Clean People Honors Jehovah,14,,,
"Cleanliness, Holy, Awaiting,","Let me tell you a true story about a little blonde boy, unnamed.  His mother always dressed him in clean clothes for the meetings.  It's a nice day, the sun is shining after the rain.  He wants to wait outside.  Then they get into the car to leave.  And finally they reach the Kingdom Hall. The mother looks at her once-clean son and there are grass stains all over his pants.  Also mud spots in various places.  His father says, 'It's too late now.  We can't go back and change into clean clothes.","Those of the 'great crowd' have 'washed their robes and made them white in the Lamb's blood,' by our dedication and baptism.  How will we finally be found by him?  The 'great crowd' must keep their 'robes' white by not getting spotted with worldliness and thus losing their Christian personality and identification as Jehovah's approved witnesses.",2 Pet. 3:14,Joe Laymon,Keep Close In Mind The 'fear-inspiring Day'!,153,,"Apr 14, 2002",
"Cleanliness, Holy, Hygiene,","Go into a large department or discount store and you will notice they have isles of hygiene products.  (Tooth paste, deodorants, bath products, perfumes, etc.) Many people are greatly concerned with cleanliness.  Likewise, they have isles of cleaning products for the household, laundry, etc.","Jehovah too is greatly concerned with having a clean people.  Uncleanness is an insult to Jehovah.  Soap is widely available today, and easy to afford.","Exodus 19:10, 11; 29:4; 30:18-21; Is 52:11; Re 4:8;",Marty Dickerson,A Clean People Honors Jehovah,14,,,
"Cleanliness, Holy, Jehovah's Witnesses,","'As a janitorial company, we should be ashamed of ourselves, but it seems it is cleaner when you people do [the cleaning].'   Quote: The man in charge of the janitorial company for the Fukuoka Dome Stadium, Japan.","After the District convention of Jehovah's Witnesses, the stadium was cleaner than when it was rented out.",Deuteronomy 31:12;,"Jul 22, 1994 Aw Page 27",A Clean People Honors Jehovah,14,,1994/06/25,
"Cleanliness, Holy, Litter, Paradise, Ecology, Pollution,","Although rather blunt, the German proverb reminds us that, 'Even a little pig is still a swine.'",Everyone can discipline himself to put trash where it belongs. Adults who develop an appreciative eye for neatness and beauty will not need a law: 'Thou shalt not litter!',Rev 11:18;,G80 8/22 3-4,A Clean People Honors Jehovah,14,,1994/07/10,
"Cleanliness, Holy, Peace, Apologize, Friendship,","There comes a time when we must clean out the closets of our life so that we may have room for items that will enhance our life. Let's  search the closets of our lives and make a trip to the wastebasket. Throw away that grudge you have been holding against someone.   There's room now to add love, honesty, forgiveness and kindness - not  to mention thankfulness for all of God's blessings.","Why harbor 'trash' grudges and useless scraps of anger?  Go on and make room for reverence and respect to God from whom all good and perfect gifts come. Stand back and look:  Your life's closet is looking better, isn't it?  Take a moment today to spring clean your heart. Ask God to come in and if He finds anything else that shouldn't be there, take it out so that you can  live holy and right!",Matt. 15:18,Patti Gillison,True Friendship With God And Neighbor.,100,,1999/04/20,
"Cleanliness, Holy, Protection, Publications, Slave, Warnings, Dangers,","There is one basic truth about eating spaghetti with tomato sauce.  No matter how careful you are, you are bound to get some sauce splattered on you.  I mean, it could  be the last mouthful and somehow that sauce will get you. It's like it senses a white shirt or expensive blouse and jumps for it like it's existence depended on it.  Therefore if you wanted to keep your clothes clean you would have to tuck those big napkins under your chin to catch the sauce from landing on our clothes.","Being in this world, we are bound to get some of its 'sauce' on us.  Jehovah has provided, nevertheless, a 'spiritual napkin' so as to protect our spiritual clothing.  The various publications and magazines that we get are designed to protect us from the 'sauce' of this system of things.  They warn us of impending dangers, give suggestions on how to avoid spiritually dangerous  pitfalls, and they serve as reminders of keeping ourselves clean before Jehovah.",Isa. 52:11;,Patti Gillison,A Clean People Honors Jehovah,14,,1999/04/20,
"Cleanliness, Holy, Pure,",Just as clothing can have a light stain or can be thoroughly filthy..,.. SO TOO an individual's 'uncleanness' can be minor or grave.  'Uncleanness' allows for a wide range of degree of seriousness or gravity.,1 Thessalonians 2:3; 1 Corinthians 7:14; 2 Corinthians 6:17;,W73 9/15 575,,,,1996/01/06,
"Cleanliness, Home, Holy,",Jesus condemned as hypocrites those who washed the outside and left the inside dirty.,"What about your home, is it clean outside, or just the living room, but the rest is dirty, unkempt?",Matt. 23:25-27; 2 Sam. 12:20; Deuteronomy. 33:9-14; Rom. 15:4;,Lyle Godfrey,A Clean People Honors Jehovah,14,,,
"Cleanliness, Morals, Holy,",It has been said that 'cleanliness is next to godliness.',"True, a person who is morally and physically clean may not be godly. But a godly person must, of necessity, be morally and physically clean.",Leviticus 19:2;,W89 6/1 16,,,,1996/01/06,
"Cleanliness, Order, Homes,",Throughout millenniums nature has enjoyed the experience of continuing in constant self-repair.,"Certainly, if God makes this provision, we can take care of our homes, bodies, automobiles, clothes, furniture, books and other things.",1 Cor. 14:40;,"Feb 8, 1964 Aw Page 25",A Clean People Honors Jehovah,14,,,
"Cleanliness, Ruin,","You buy an old house, fix it up and rent it out.  But the person you rent to likes to leave it messy all the time.  You show him how to keep it clean, but he refuses.  He won't even mow the lawn.  What would you do?",Jehovah likes clean people.  He has shown us that he will cleanse the earth.  He will evict those who ruin the earth.,Rev 11:18;,Charles Francis,A Clean People Honors Jehovah,14,,1994/12/25,
"Cleanliness, Service,","'Cleanliness is next to godliness.' However, a Godly person must be physically & morally clean. Bethel life example.","True, a person who is physically & morally clean may not be godly",Rom. 12:1; Phil 4:8,"Jun 1, 1989 Wt Page 16",A Clean People Honors Jehovah,14,,,
Cleanliness;,'One keep clean is better than ten make cleans.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Cleanliness;,Ten men grab old of the skirt of a Jew.  To do that they must have clean hands.,,Zech. 8:23,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Cleanliness; Earth;,"How we men, women, and children care for out homes is really a miniature reflection of how we must care for Earth, our only home.",,,Jk Quotes;,A Clean People Honors Jehovah,14,,,
Cleanliness; Funny;,'Cleanliness is next to impossible.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Cleanliness; Funny;,"'If it smells bad and is sticky, it will eventually find its way onto your children's shoes.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Cleanness,"London's cabdrivers bound by law to keep cabs clean. Road conditions bad, cars dirty for months, taxicabs are spotless evokes pride & pleasure in drivers & passengers. Regular care & cleaning of our body, evoke pleasure even from","Personal cleanliness gives us pleasure, satisfaction. Jehovah",Rev 21:5  Contrast Matt 23:27,"May 8, 1990 Awake! Page 3",A Clean People Honors Jehovah,14,,,
"Cleansing, Defilement, Holy, World,","Did you ever get stuck in a mud hole?  As long as you are in the mud hole, you are going to be dirty.  Separation is the real key!",The world is a mud hole.  We must make a complete separation. Even a foot in a mud hole soils you.,2co 6:14; 7:1; Eph 5:3; Jas 1:27;,William Osbeck,A Clean People Honors Jehovah,14,,,
Clergy,"Ladder, painted over, very  dangerous.  Some companies do not allow Now stand at distance.","Clergy have acted in irresponsible way, provided smoke-screen.","Jeremiah 5:30, 31  Matt 23:27-28",Revelation Climax Page 267  (bobby Laymon),Are You Content With Jehovah's Provisions?,22,,,
"Clergy, Christendom, Argue, Ministers,",'You can't intimidate a hog by throwing mud at him.'  A hog only thrives in that environment.,"Likewise, since we must not throw our pearls before swine, neither do we gain anything by wrangling with them.  That is their environment, not ours.",Matt 7:6;,Bobby Laymon,Who Are Qualified As Ministers Of God?,81,,1995/04/15,
"Clergy, Christendom, Babylon,","Some weeds bitter, some stink, some have thorns, poison.",Man of lawlessness have borrowed pagan teachings substituted them for God's truths.  Clergy have become the rankest of the weeds.,Matt 13:36-39,"Feb 1, 1990 Wt Page 13",Are You Content With Jehovah's Provisions?,22,,,
"Clergy, Christendom, Bible, Reading, Faith,","To say, as once did a prominent Brooklyn clergyman: 'I read the Bible the way I eat fish' (meaning that he discarded that which he thought was not true, not edible), is to admit having no faith at all in the Bible, but only in one's judgment.","For like sound and compelling reasons the Christian exercises faith in the Bible, all of it.",2 Tim 3:16;,W54 4/15 230,Religion's Role In World Affairs.,92,,1994/06/03,
"Clergy, Christendom, Deride, Persecution, Armageddon,","A KID standing on the roof of a house, out of harm's way, saw a  Wolf passing by and immediately began to taunt and revile him.   The Wolf, looking up, said, 'Sirrah! I hear thee:  yet it is not thou who mockest me, but the roof on which thou art standing.'","Moral: 'It is easy to be brave when far away from danger.'  Time and place often give the advantage to the weak over the strong.  Those who oppose the Kingdom message may mock now, but it will be different in the war of Jehovah's day.",Re 16:16;,Aesop's Fables - Bobby Laymon,Bearing Up Under Persecution,57,,1994/05/17,
"Clergy, Christendom, Religion, Hypocrites,",'All roads lead to Rome.',"Jesus showed that there were two roads: One narrow and cramped and leading to life.  The other broad and spacious, leading off into destruction.","Matt. 7:13, 14;",You Can Live Forever In Paradise On Earth. Page 26,Religion's Time Of Judgment,83,,,
"Clergy, Christendom, Religion, Hypocrites,",Jesus called the Pharisees hypocrites and poisonous snakes.,Apply to false worship today.,Matt. 23:13,You Can Live Forever In Paradise On Earth. Page 26,Religion's Time Of Judgment,83,,,
"Clergy, Christendom, Religion, Hypocrites, Love, War,","'Kill Germans--do kill them.' said the bishop of London. On the other side, the archbishop of Cologne told Germans, 'We command you in the name of God to fight to the last drop of your blood for the honor and glory of the country.'",Religions hypocritical role in wartime.,"John 13:34, 35;",You Can Live Forever In Paradise On Earth. Page 27,"Friendship With God, Friendship With The World -- Which Will You Choose?",79,,,
"Clergy, Christendom, Religion, Knowledge.",'That's what I pay my preacher for. He takes care of religious matters for me.' Can a relative of yours who is a skilled surgeon qualify you to be one?,Can a clergyman assume your responsibility to serve God? Your best friend is a skilled truck driver. Does that qualify you?,Gal. 6:5; Matt. 19:17;,"Mar 1, 1964 Wt Page 135",Religion's Time Of Judgment,83,,,
"Clergy, Confessions, Christendom, Guilt, Sin,","Suppose you had a dear friend who was soon to be hanged for a murder he was innocent of.  Then, suppose the murderer came to you and confessed.  Would you not immediately notify the police?","However, according to Catholic teachings, the 'seal of confession' cannot be broken ... even if circumstances were as mentioned above (See article for actual happenings)",Col 2:8;,"Aug 15, 1958 Wt Page 511",Religion's Role In World Affairs.,92,,,
"Clergy, Fool, Unreasonable, Argument,","'Don't approach a goat from the front, a horse from the back or a fool from any side.'  Quote: Yiddish proverb.","Be on guard against the foolish, who want to start arguments.",Matt 7:6;,Bobby Laymon - Reader's Digest,,,,1996/03/22,
Clergy;,'Archbishop: A Christian ecclesiastic of a rank superior to that attained by Christ.'  Quote:  Mencken.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Clergy;,'Clergyman: A ticket speculator outside the gates of heaven.'  Quote:  Mencken.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Clergy;,"'Heaven may be for the laity, but this world is certainly for the clergy.'  Quote:  G. Moore.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Clergy;,"'I hate the devil and I would kill him, but I see there are several clergymen present and they have their families to support.'  Quote:  Landon.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Clergy;,'You must believe in God in spite of what the clergy say.'  Quote:  Ben Jowett.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Clever, Wit, Kindness, Hospitality, ","Spice, not very substantial as food, but still helpful to make things interesting. Clever is a word of but limited praise. To compliment a lawyer, rather than calling him clever, use resourceful, skillful, or",Cleverness is like that.  Should be used sparingly. astute. Must use without malice.,"Ecclesiastes. 3:1, 3, 4; Matt. 10:42","Oct 22, 1962 Aw Page 3",Follow The Course Of Hospitality,77,,,4/10/2014
Close That Gap     Work Toward Goals,"Close that gap! Driving to New York in car (country boy) paid no attention to wife. She kept saying, 'Why are you staying so far behind all the other traffic.  They keep trying to pass you.'  When I arrived in New York and was about to enter the Holland Tunnel a policeman shouted, 'Close that gap.' Now that was a voice of authority.  I closed the gap.","Close Gap Between Goals.... Authority Now Telling You!  Set goal, and close gap. Items that may be hindering reaching those goals.",Phil. 3:13,Johnse Laymon By Bro. Herd,Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,063,,6/28/2018,7/12/2025
"Clothed, Love, Personality,","Nobody is born fully clothed, nor does anyone become fully clothed by simply talking about it.  Dressing oneself entails making definite decisions and then exerting effort in following through on them.  Clothing (1) Protects the body.  (2) Conceals unsightly body parts or imperfections.  (3) To a degree, reveals the person's personality.","Likewise, nobody is born clothed with love.  Just talking about it is not enough.  Effort is required.  (1) Love serves as a protection for righteous principles and proper association.  (2) Love also conceals the more unsightly parts of our personality.  It helps others overlook our shortcomings.  (3) People who clothe themselves with love reveal the beauty of a Christ like personality.",Col 3:14;,"Sep 8, 1997 Page 9, 10;",Love Identifies The True Christian Congregation,72,,1997/08/27,
"Clothing - Styles - Dress - Women, Judge,",'The difference between a snob and a slob is sometimes only a tailored suit that ain't paid for'.,Don't judge a man by his clothing.,"Mic. 6:8; 1 Pet. 3:3, 4; Eph. 5:28; Titus 2:1-3",Bobby Laymon,'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
"Clothing, Dress, Styles","Policeman, fireman, nurse",Know what they are by dress. Your dress tells on you or at least it makes people think you are that type of person.,1pe 3:3,Pure Language Assembly,'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
"Clothing, Looks, Charm, Pretty, Girl, Boy, Wife, Husband","'Let the buyer beware' Words of wisdom because, one can put a new paint job on a worn out car but it won't run any better.","A person can have the best of clothing or may be very charming and pretty, but does not make them that way.  Appearance does deceive.",Prov. 31:32 1 Pet. 3:3-5,"Johnse Laymon Sep 22, 1965 Aw Pg 4",A Cleansed Earth--will You Live To See It?,49,,,
"Clothing, Modesty, Grooming, Protection,","Eels, eagles and elephants - representatives of the sea, air and land animals - have no need for clothing.  Their bodies are adequately provided with protective covering against the elements.  And for good reasons; they certainly would be unable to provide for themselves.","Man is different!  Even in the hottest weather, we need clothing for the sake of modesty.  We should choose fitting, well designed clothing that gives dignity to our Christian message.",Ge 3:7;,"Jan 22, 1971 Aw Page 13",How To Protect Ourselves From Satan's Snares,115,,1994/01/06,
"Clouds, Presence,","Even when the sun is hidden by clouds during daytime, we know it is there because of the daylight that surrounds us.","Similarly, though the Lord Jesus is invisible, he will be revealed like 'a flaming fire, as he brings vengeance upon those who do not obey the good news about him.'  These too will be compelled to 'see him.'-2 Thessalonians 1:6-8; 2:8.",Rev 1:7;,Re 20  4,The Messiah's Presence And His Rule,91,,1994/11/02,
"College, Education, Wisdom, Knowledge, Churchill,","'I have no technical and no university education, and have just had to pick up a few things as I went along.' Who was this? Statesman and author Sir Winston Churchill!",Many youths have likewise discovered that a university education is not the only alternative. Eighteen-year-old Jane observed: 'Many teens jump on the college bandwagon simply because they think it's 'the thing to do.' . . . If only they would stop to consider the many other choices available to them and dare to be different!',Pr 14:15;,G85 3/22 16-17,Acquiring A Heart Of Wisdom,73,,1994/05/09,
Comfort,"There are two laws, pulling opposite ways (large object vs. gravity) Jehovah has provided comfort through his Word, Organization, Brothers, Holy Spirit.",Soon give out if not helped.,"Rom 7:21-25  8:22  2 Cor 1:3, 4  Matt 5:4",Bobby Laymon,Gaining Comfort In All Our Tribulations,105,,,
"Comfort, Death, Depression, Service,","What would you do if they take away your 'thing desirable.' We too, must not criticize God's judgments, because things come upon you that you do not understand.  We must do exactly as Ezekiel did. Keep on doing it over and over.","Ezekiel 'did in the morning just as I had been commanded.' Wife apparently was not unfaithful, or would not have been 'desirable'  (Jerusalem was unfaithful, pictured by above).",Ezek. 24:16;,"Tape: Chas Sinutko C.O.   (entered Dec 17, 1991)",How Should You Serve God?,58,,,
"Comfort, Death, Depression, Service, Endurance, Groaning,","A skin bottle holds water.  Some have been dug up 60-70 years later under sand, with water still in them. David could have killed Saul, relieved much stress & tears. We could get out of unfavorable marriage, but stick, serve Jah.","Jehovah puts our tears in his 'skin bottle' or record, and never forgets love we show.  Remembers some heart aches we have forgotten.  Some persons has a few tears, some many.",Ps. 56:8,"Tape: Chas Sinutko C.O.   (entered Dec 17, 1991)",Gaining Comfort In All Our Tribulations,105,,,
"Comfort, Death, Depression, Service, Endurance, Groaning, Persecution,","We are all in training.  Sometimes something unjustly happens to you, abuse, bad decision, that to this day, you feel is unfair.","Jehovah saw something in you that no one else saw, perhaps even you do not know about that if not dealt with, you would not make it thru Armageddon.  Jehovah will 'finish your training.",1 Peter 5:10;,"Tape: Chas Sinutko C.O.   (entered Dec 17, 1991)",How Should You Serve God?,58,,,
"Comfort, Elders, Groaning,","Draw picture; Green pasture, small stream, hills, 100 sheep. True shepherd protects, carries weary ones. Calls by name, (they feel secure) Comforts by attending to their needs.","Picture not complete without shepherd...Spiritual paradise Comforts by being near. Must throw our burdens on Jehovah 1 Pet 4:6, 7",Ezek 34:12,1985 District Assembly,Gaining Comfort In All Our Tribulations,105,,,
"Comfort, Encouragement, Depression,",Most of us have gone through times when we felt extremely poor -- not necessarily low on funds but low in spirits.  Yet at such times me may well have had within our reach something precious that could do us a world of good.  That 'gem' is encouragement.,"In the Bible the same Greek word is used for encourage and comfort.  Both words convey the sense of imparting courage, strength, or hope.",2 Cor 1:3; Acts 17:27;,"Jan 15, 1996 Wt Page 21",Gaining Comfort In All Our Tribulations,105,,1996/01/06,
"Comfort, Groan,","Groan.. very loud)  What if we all groaned together?  Tornado, earthquake, flood victims located & aided by groans.  Jehovah is well aware of our plight.   Suicide attempts, found comfort  Acts 16:27","All Creation keeps on groaning & being in pain together Trials momentary & light in comparison 2 Cor 4:7,16-18 Paul's experience (23 trials  2 Cor 11:23-29","Rom 8:22  7:21-25  2 Tim 3:1 Rom 15:4  2 Cor 1:3,4  Matt 5:4",Bobby Laymon,Gaining Comfort In All Our Tribulations,105,,,
"Comfort, Groaning,","Have you ever picked cotton?  Did you ever hoe cotton?  It is hard work and very tiring.  'Hard row to hoe' (chopping cotton, picking) 'Long Hard Row' are expression coined to describe.  Things to comfort (sing songs) Acts 16:22-27 (sharpen hoe etc.) Jehovah comforts.  We can comfort",Compare to system of things today,"Rom 8:22  7:21-25  2 Tim 3:1 Rom 15:4  2 Cor 1:3,4  Matt 5:4",Bobby Laymon,Gaining Comfort In All Our Tribulations,105,,,
"Comfort, Groaning, Depression,","Hen & the Cat,  Cat, hearing hen lay sick in her nest, paid a visit. Creeping up to her said, 'How are you, my dear friend?  Can I do anything for you?  Hen said, 'Be good enough to leave me alone & I shall be well soon.","Don't say too much, or wear out you welcome.   Whatever you do, keep your spirits up. etc.",Prov 25:20,Aesop's Fables Page 47,Gaining Comfort In All Our Tribulations,105,,,
"Comfort, Groaning, Depression,","Two-Way Street (Our own problems, meeting others with theirs) Throw your burdens upon Jehovah  Ps 55:22 Word, Organization, Brothers, Holy Spirit","We must take comfort from Jehovah, and give comfort to others.","2 Cor 1:4, 5  Ps 27:10  Acts 2: 25, 26",Roger Carpenter,Gaining Comfort In All Our Tribulations,105,,,
"Comfort, Joy, Literature, Brochures, Tracts,","When I was young it didn't take much to bring me comfort or joy.  I would knock wasp nests and get stung, or stump my toe, or get something in my eye.  My mom would hug me and sometimes give me something sweet.  Hold up small piece of candy.  (Spread a little joy by throwing a few pieces into the audience.)  Not enough to go around.","That is the way it is with the world today.  Also, today life is more complicated and it takes more than material things to comfort us.  We need encouragement.  Jehovah's organization are the only ones who have this.","2 Cor 1:3, 4;",Bobby Laymon,Gaining Comfort In All Our Tribulations,105,,1997/07/11,
"Comfort, Prayer, Groan,","Struggling under heavy load, come upon a wheelbarrow, pack-animal.  How grateful we would be!  Throw your burdens upon Jehovah.  Ps. 55:22 Word, Organization, Brothers, Holy Spirit",All are struggling in this system of things.  How grateful we should be that we have a source of comfort from our groaning.,"Rom 7:21-25  8:22  2 Cor 1:3, 4  Matt 5:4",Bobby Laymon,Gaining Comfort In All Our Tribulations,105,,,6/21/2015
"Comfort, Survival, Daily Text, Flexible, Encourage, Blessings, Relaxation,","There are items we use almost every day.  At least we keep them handy as a sort of survival kit.  Like toothbrush, toothpick, band aids, etc.  We have a spiritual survival kit.","TOOTHPICK...to remind you to pick the good qualities in everyone, including yourself.  RUBBER BAND...to remind you to be flexible. Things might not always go the way you want, but it can be worked out.  BAND-AID...to remind you to heal hurt feelings, either yours or someone else's.  ERASER...to remind you everyone makes mistakes. That's okay, we learn by our errors.  CANDY KISS...to remind you everyone needs a hug or a compliment everyday.  MINT...to remind you that you are worth a mint to your family.  BUBBLE GUM...to remind you to stick with it and you can accomplish anything.  PENCIL...to remind you to list your blessings every day.  TEA BAG...to remind you to take time to relax daily and go over that list of blessings. This is what makes life worth living every minute, every day.",Acts 27:33;,Mark Hanlon,Service Talk,200,,1998/11/26,
"Commend, Praise, Criticism, Counsel, Discipline","If you are not big enough to stand criticism, you are too small to be praised.","Be ready to listen to counsel, it will help you to grow.",Heb 12:5-11;,J. Laymon,Evidence Of God In The World Around Us,4,,,
"Commendation, Encourage, Counsel, Criticism,",'Sandwich every bit of criticism between two layers of praise.'  Quote: Mary Kay Ash.,Counsel should not be give without commendation.,Col 4:6;,Bobby Laymon - Reader's Digest,,,,1996/03/15,
"Commendation, Encourage, Worry, Anxiety, Endurance.","No one is ever defeated, until he gives up of his own accord. Must endure.","We can conquer the world, as Christ did.","Ps. 55:22; Jas. 1:12; Rom. 15:2; 1 Thessalonians 5:14; Isa. 41:10,13",Bobby Laymon,Gaining Comfort In All Our Tribulations,105,,,
"Commendation, Encourage, Worry, Anxiety, Prayer,",Where's there's a will there's a way. Reliance on Jehovah.,"We can be perplexed, but still there is a way out.",2 Cor. 4:7-9; Ps. 55:22; Jas. 1:12; Rom. 15:2; 1 Thessalonians 5:14;.,Bobby Laymon,Prayers That Are Heard By God.,86,,,
"Commendation, Encourage, Worry, Anxiety, Stress,",A bridge breaks when the weight is the greatest.,Keep problems from building up.,"Ps. 55:22; Jas. 1:12; Rom. 15:2; 1 Thessalonians 5:14; Isa. 41:10,13",Bobby Laymon,Do You Harbor Resentment Or Do You Forgive?,68,,,
"Commendation, Encourage, Worry, Anxiety, Stress,","A man feels perfectly, even at his finger's end. We must avoid hurting them by speech, action.",Depressed persons have very tender feeling.,"Ps. 55:22; Jas. 1:12; Rom. 15:2; 1 Thessalonians 5:14; Isa. 41:10,13",Bobby Laymon,Gaining Comfort In All Our Tribulations,105,,,
"Commendation, Encourage, Worry, Anxiety, Stress,","Sharpen a knife-edge to its very sharpest,  And the edge will not last long.",Sometimes it is necessary to slow down.,"Ps. 55:22; Jas. 1:12; Rom. 15:2; 1 Thessalonians 5:14; Isa. 41:10,13",Bobby Laymon (wisdom Of The Ages.. Quotes),Gaining Comfort In All Our Tribulations,105,,,
"Commendation, Encourage, Worry, Anxiety, Stress, Armageddon,",A short horse is soon curried.,Sometimes what appears to be a disadvantage is not.  We must be able to walk away from at Armageddon.,"Ps. 55:22; Jas. 1:12; Rom. 15:2; 1 Thessalonians 5:14; Isa. 41:10,13",Bobby Laymon,Ruining The Earth Brings Divine Retribution,106,,,
"Commendation, Encourage, Worry, Anxiety, Stress, Excess,",Don't make a mountain out of a mole hill.,We tend to make things worse than they are.,"Ps. 55:22; Jas. 1:12; Rom. 15:2; 1 Thessalonians 5:14; Isa. 41:10,13",Bobby Laymon,Gaining Comfort In All Our Tribulations,105,,,
"Commendation, Encourage, Worry, Anxiety, Stress, Flattery,",Endurance is the measure of a man.,Jesus kept enduring trial and received everlasting benefits.,"Ps. 55:22; Jas. 1:12; Rom. 15:2; 1 Thessalonians 5:14; Isa. 41:10,13",Bobby Laymon,Gaining Comfort In All Our Tribulations,105,,,
"Commendation, Encourage, Worry, Anxiety, Stress, Flattery,","Flattery is like perfume; Smell and enjoy it but don't swallow it.  Satan uses it to the full.  Magazines on 'Self', 'Me' etc.",We must not be led astray by flattery.,"Ps. 55:22; Jas. 1:12; Rom. 15:2; 1 Thessalonians 5:14; Isa. 41:10,13",Bobby Laymon,Gaining Comfort In All Our Tribulations,105,,,
"Commendation, Encourage, Worry, Anxiety, Stress, Flattery,","Flattery is mostly soft-soap, and soap is mostly lye.",Be careful of too much commendation.,"Ps. 55:22; Jas. 1:12; Rom. 15:2; 1 Thessalonians 5:14; Isa. 41:10,13",Bobby Laymon,Gaining Comfort In All Our Tribulations,105,,,
"Commendation, Encourage, Worry, Anxiety, Stress, Flattery,","Friends do not weep over your sorrow, when you weep over them. Speak consolingly to depressed.","Friends should be upbuilding, encouraging, reassuring.","Ps. 55:22; Jas. 1:12; Rom. 15:2; 1 Thessalonians 5:14; Isa. 41:10,13",Bobby Laymon,Gaining Comfort In All Our Tribulations,105,,,
"Commendation, Encourage, Worry, Anxiety, Stress, Flattery,","If a shoe fits, wear it.","Counsel is only for you, if it fits.","Ps. 55:22; Jas. 1:12; Rom. 15:2; 1 Thessalonians 5:14; Isa. 41:10,13",Bobby Laymon,Gaining Comfort In All Our Tribulations,105,,,
"Commendation, Encourage, Worry, Anxiety, Stress, Flattery,","If everyone lit just one little candle, what a bright world this would be.","It is everyone's duty to encourage, commend.","Ps. 55:22; Jas. 1:12; Rom. 15:2; 1 Thessalonians 5:14; Isa. 41:10,13",Bobby Laymon,Maintain Your Confidence Firm To The End,46,,,
"Commendation, Encourage, Worry, Anxiety, Stress, Flattery,","If it's not broke, don't fix it.","Don't fret about needless things, you cannot fix.","Ps. 55:22; Jas. 1:12; Rom. 15:2; 1 Thessalonians 5:14; Isa. 41:10,13",Bobby Laymon,Gaining Comfort In All Our Tribulations,105,,,
"Commendation, Encourage, Worry, Anxiety, Stress, Flattery,","It's much better to weep at joy, than to joy at weeping.",We should not find enjoyment at others distress.,"Ecclesiastes. 7:1-4; Jas. 1:12; Rom. 15:2; 1 Thessalonians 5:14; Isa. 41:10,13",Bobby Laymon,Gaining Comfort In All Our Tribulations,105,,,
"Commendation, Encourage, Worry, Anxiety, Stress, Flattery,","It's the last straw, that breaks the camel's back.",Small things cause emotional distress.,"Ps. 55:22; Jas. 1:12; Rom. 15:2; 1 Thessalonians 5:14; Isa. 41:10,13",Bobby Laymon,Gaining Comfort In All Our Tribulations,105,,,
"Commendation, Encourage, Worry, Anxiety, Stress, Flattery,",Its hard for an empty sack to stand up-right.,We must build up our brothers and sister,"Ps. 55:22; Jas. 1:12; Rom. 15:2; 1 Thessalonians 5:14; Isa. 41:10,13",Bobby Laymon,Gaining Comfort In All Our Tribulations,105,,,
"Commendation, Encourage, Worry, Anxiety, Stress, Flattery,",Laugh and the world laughs with you.   Weep and you weep alone.,We must not allow our brothers to weep alone.,"Ps. 55:22; Jas. 1:12; Rom. 15:2; 1 Thessalonians 5:14; Isa. 41:10,13",Bobby Laymon,Gaining Comfort In All Our Tribulations,105,,,
"Commendation, Encourage, Worry, Anxiety, Stress, Flattery,","Men often applaud imitation, and hiss the real thing.",We must see deeper than the surface.,"Ps. 55:22; Jas. 1:12; Rom. 15:2; 1 Thessalonians 5:14; Isa. 41:10,13",Bobby Laymon,Gaining Comfort In All Our Tribulations,105,,,
"Commendation, Encourage, Worry, Anxiety, Stress, Flattery,",No one has to be satisfied with nothing.   All have an opportunity to learn and serve Jehovah.,Jehovah gives richly to all without partiality.,"Ps. 55:22; Jas. 1:12; Rom. 15:2; 1 Thessalonians 5:14; Isa. 41:10,13",Bobby Laymon,Gaining Comfort In All Our Tribulations,105,,,
"Commendation, Encourage, Worry, Anxiety, Stress, Flattery,",Praise is like diamonds. It is only precious because it is rare.,Even too much praise is harmful.,Prov. 25:27; Ps. 55:22; Jas. 1:12; Rom. 15:2; 1 Thessalonians 5:14;,Bobby Laymon,Gaining Comfort In All Our Tribulations,105,,,
"Commendation, Encourage, Worry, Anxiety, Stress, Flattery,","Small strokes, fall big oaks.",We can gradually build up or tear down with our remarks.,"Ps. 55:22; Jas. 1:12; Rom. 15:2; 1 Thessalonians 5:14; Isa. 41:10,13",Bobby Laymon,Gaining Comfort In All Our Tribulations,105,,,
"Commendation, Encourage, Worry, Anxiety, Stress, Flattery,","Tears fall no matter how hard we try to stop them, but when they are shed, they ease the pain.",Crying is Jehovah's way to relieve stress.,"Ps. 55:22; Jas. 1:12; Rom. 15:2; 1 Thessalonians 5:14; Isa. 41:10,13",Bobby Laymon,Gaining Comfort In All Our Tribulations,105,,,
"Commendation, Encourage, Worry, Anxiety, Stress, Flattery,",The busy bee has no time for sorrow. Spend time doing things for others.,The busy person does not become involved in petty issues.,"Ps. 55:22; Jas. 1:12; Rom. 15:2; 1 Thessalonians 5:14; Isa. 41:10,13",Bobby Laymon,Gaining Comfort In All Our Tribulations,105,,,
"Commendation, Encourage, Worry, Anxiety, Stress, Flattery,",Too much water drowns the miller.,Excesses cannot be beneficial,"Ps. 55:22; Jas. 1:12; Rom. 15:2; 1 Thessalonians 5:14; Isa. 41:10,13",Bobby Laymon,Gaining Comfort In All Our Tribulations,105,,,
"Commendation, Encourage, Worry, Anxiety, Stress, Flattery,","Where there is no vision, the people perish.","We must build hope, confidence.",Prov. 29:18; Ps. 55:22; Jas. 1:12; Rom. 15:2; 1 Thessalonians 5:14;,Bobby Laymon,Gaining Comfort In All Our Tribulations,105,,,
"Commendation, Encourage, Worry, Anxiety, Stress, Flattery,","You catch more flies with sugar, than you do with vinegar.",Commendation will be easier to swallow than ridicule.,"Ps. 55:22; Jas. 1:12; Rom. 15:2; 1 Thessalonians 5:14; Isa. 41:10,13",Bobby Laymon,Gaining Comfort In All Our Tribulations,105,,,
"Commendation, Encourage, Worry, Anxiety, Stress, Flattery, Decision",Too many cooks spoil the pudding. We must rely on Jehovah!,Too many opinions from wrongs ones are worse than none.,"Ps. 55:22; Jas. 1:12; Rom. 15:2; 1 Thessalonians 5:14; Isa. 41:10,13",Bobby Laymon,Gaining Comfort In All Our Tribulations,105,,,
"Commendation, Encourage, Worry, Anxiety, Stress, Joy, Happiness,",The world is like a mirror.  Laugh and it laughs with you.  Frown and it scowls back at you.,Our happiness as Jehovah's witnesses should be seen in the world.,"Ps. 55:22; Jas. 1:12; Rom. 15:2; 1 Thessalonians 5:14; Isa. 41:10,13",Bobby Laymon,Serve Jehovah With A Joyful Heart,78,,,
"Commendation, Encourage, Worry, Anxiety, Stress, Sorrow,","Patch with proverbs, the sore of sorrow. We must be skillful and not say too much, also.",Wisdom helps heal deep wounds.,"Ps. 55:22; Jas. 1:12; Rom. 15:2; 1 Thessalonians 5:14; Isa. 41:10,13",Bobby Laymon,Gaining Comfort In All Our Tribulations,105,,,
"Commendation, Teaching, Encouragement, Qualified,","When going to school, no one wanted to be 'flunked.'  In some cases, it is the teacher's fault if a student is flunked.",Never 'flunk' your students.  Commend them!  Encourage them!  Help them!  We should never scold them.,1 Pet. 5:2;,"Kingdom Ministry School Dec 22, 23, 1994",,,,1994/12/25,
"Commenting At Meetings, encouragement","When several go on picnic always enjoyable when everyone shares what they have in their basket for variety.  Some have fried chicken, some have apple pie, some have cold drinks.  Rude if we ate from others basket and not share ours with them.",Do we enjoy others comments and not share ours with them.  If we expect to receive we should be willing to give.,"Heb.10:24,25",Jim Breden,How To Keep Spiritually Awake!,71,,1996/01/09,
"Commenting, Meetings, Encouragement","When several go on picnic always enjoyable when everyone shares what they have in their basket for variety.  Some have fried chicken, some have apple pie, some have cold drinks.  Rude if we ate from others basket and not share ours with them.",Do we enjoy others comments and not share ours with them.  If we expect to receive we should be willing to give.,"Heb.10:24,25",Jim Breden,How To Keep Spiritually Awake!,71,,1996/01/09,
"Commenting, Service, Participate,","What is your outlet?  Dead Sea Water or the Sea of Galilee.  The water of the Dead Sea is unique in that it is about nine times as salty as the oceans. The Salt Sea has no outlet, so most of the water coming into it evaporates in the intense heat, leaving behind more mineral salts. The salt concentration is such that no fish, even saltwater varieties, are able to live; the few fish in the brackish water where fresh water mixes with the salt water are killed if they are swept into the sea proper.  The bed of the Sea of Galilee resembles a huge basin. Rising from its shores on the E side are steep limestone mountains overlaid with lava, reaching an elevation of about 610 m (2,000 ft). But on the W the mountains rise less abruptly. Hills and mountains practically surround the Sea of Galilee, except for the plains around the Jordan, that is, the points where the river enters the lake at the N end and where it renews its course at the SW.  Tortoises, turtles, crayfish, and sand hoppers are found along the shores of the lake. Bird life and fish are abundant. In the 19th century, naturalist H. B. Tristram observed: 'The density of the shoals of fish in the Sea of Galilee can scarcely be conceived by those who have not witnessed them.  Frequently these shoals cover an acre or more of the surface and the fish, as they slowly move along in masses, are so crowded, with their back fins just appearing on the level of the water, that the appearance at a little distance is that of a violent shower of rain pattering on the surface.'-The Natural History of the Bible, 1889, p. 285.  This illustrates for us the importance of commenting at meetings. The Dead Sea has no outlet, though it has an inlet. In contrast, Sea of Galilee has an inlet and an outlet.","When we do our personal study, Bible reading, and attend meetings, we are taking things in. This is our inlet. When we comment at meetings, go in field service, do incidental witnessing, that is our outlet. When these are present we are teeming with life like that Sea of Galilee. We are spiritually alive. If we don't have that outlet, we could become like that Dead Sea that has no outlet. Spiritually dead.","Heb. 10:24, 25;",Bobby Laymon,Service Talk,200,,1998/12/25,
"Comments, Participate, Meetings, Growth, Progress,","'Bloom where you are planted.'  Which is more beautiful?  The plant or the bloom?  The bloom, of course!","Now that you have planted yourself at the meeting, how about blooming.  Comment at the meeting and you will be blooming.","Heb 10:24, 25;","Bill Osbeck, C.O.",Keep Growing In Your Relationship With God,16,,1994/02/02,
"Comments; Study, Search, Bible,","Could you incite a mob without a word, or a gesture?  Hardly! Even angels were desiring to peer into understanding what we now have.",How can we incite others if we never make a comment or raise our hands at meetings.,Heb. 10:23-25; 1 Pet. 1:10-12;,"Larry Punko C. O. Visit.  12-03-1991   (entered Dec 7, 1991)",Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,,
"Comments; Study, Search, Bible, Research, Peer, Look, Exercise,",Two kinds of exercise: Walking and aerobics. Our comments at the meetings are excellent spiritual exercise.,"The brothers with the microphones can practice walking, but all of us can practice aerobics.  Raising and lowering of the arms and hands.","Heb. 10:23-25; Jas. 1:22-25; Heb. 5:11, 12; 6:1, 2;","Larry Punko C.O. Visit 12-04-1991   (entered Dec 7, 1991)",Why Christians Must Be Different.,123,,,
Commercialism,"Giant octopus, reaching into every phase of life.",Evil tentacles reach out all over the world.,Rev. 12:12,"Oct 22, 1962 Aw Page 12",,,,,
"Commission, Preaching, Responsibility, Warning, Urgency,",Imagine that you are a crewman on a sinking ship.  The captain orders you to warn the passengers and direct them to the lifeboats.  Will you ignore that command and concentrate on saving just yourself?  Certainly not.  Others are depending on you.  Their lives are at stake.  You are morally obligated to carry out your commission to them.,We have been divinely commissioned to sound a warning.  Jehovah will soon bring an end to this entire wicked system of things.  Millions of lives hang in the balance.  Would it be right for us to ignore the peril to others and be concerned only about saving ourselves?  Of course not.  We are morally obligated to help save the lives of others.,1 Tim 4 16;,Km 11/96 Page 1,Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,063,,1996/11/22,7/12/2025
Committee;,'A committee can make a decision that is dumber than any of its members.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Committee;,"'A committee is a group of the unwilling, chosen from the unfit, to do the unnecessary.'  Quote:  Anonymous.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Committee;,'A committee is a group that keeps the minutes and loses hours.'  Quote:  Milton Berle.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Commitment, Dedication, Baptism,","The chicken said to the hog, 'The farmer has really been good to us by providing so well.  I think we should show our appreciation by serving him breakfast tomorrow.  I will furnish the eggs if you will supply the ham.'  The hog said, 'I will be happy to do that, but I am not sure we both have the same degree of commitment.'","What is your degree of commitment to Jehovah.  Are we fully committed?  There are no 'if's, and's, or but's' in the questions asked the baptism candidates.",Ps 119:34;,Joe Laymon,"Living, Not For Self, But To Do God's Will",8,,1995/01/17,
"Commitment, Marriage, Cost, Wedding,","Constructing a building may be expensive, but caring for its long-term maintenance is costly as well.","It is similar with marriage. Getting married seems challenging enough; however, maintaining a marital relationship year after year must also be considered. What does maintaining such a  relationship entail?",Genesisesis 2:24;,The Secret of Family Happiness Page 14,Getting Marriage Off To A Good Start,27,,1996/06/12,
"Common Sense, Reason, Trinity,","'If a man has common sense, he has all the sense there is.'  Quote: Sam Rayburn.",Jehovah has given us the power to reason.  We should be able to refute false doctrines.,Rom 12:1;,Bobby Laymon - Reader's Digest,Jehovah And Christ--are They Part Of A Trinity?,82,,1996/03/21,
"Common Sense, Reason, Trinity,",'That makes about as much sense as a pig going to war.'  Quote: American proverb.,Many of Christendom's false doctrines would fit that description.,Rom 12:1;,Jo Anne Haag - C. Overseer's Wife.,Jehovah And Christ--are They Part Of A Trinity?,82,,1996/03/21,
Common Sense;,'A prudent man does not make a goat his gardener.'  Quote:  Hungarian.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Common Sense;,'Common sense and nature will do a lot to make the pilgrimage of life not too difficult.'  Quote:  Somerset Maugham.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Common Sense;,'Common sense is as rare as genius.'  Quote:  Ralph Waldo Emerson.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Common Sense;,"'Common sense is instinct, enough of it is genius.'  Quote:  G. B. Shaw.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Common Sense;,"'Common sense is the knack of seeing things as they are, and doing things as they ought to be done.'  Quote:  Josh Billings.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Common Sense;,'Don't borrow from a nouveau rich; don't visit the newly wed.'  Quote:  Malay.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Common Sense;,'Don't try to fly before you have wings.'  Quote:  French.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Common Sense;,'Few things are as uncommon as common sense.'  Quote:  Kin Hubbard.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Common Sense;,'Good sense is easier to have than to use.'  Quote:  James Grady.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Common Sense;,'Horse sense is what keeps horses form betting on what people do.'  Quote: Anonymous.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Common Sense;,'Nothing astonishes men so much as common sense and plain dealing.'  Quote:  Ralph Waldo Emerson.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Common Sense;,"'Tell not all you  know, believe not all you hear, and do not all you are able.'  Quote:  Italian.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Common Sense; Education;,It is a thousand times better to have common sense without education than to have education without common sense.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Common Sense; Logic;,"'Logic is one thing, common sense is another.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Communication,Nothing separates man from animals more than desire to communicate We must communicate with Jehovah & Family Blind deaf-mute will make every thinkable and unthinkable attempt to break through that almost impregnable barrier that separates,Jehovah's wisdom & our need to communicate him from rest of world. Example: Laura Bridgman & Helen Keller.,Job 38:7  Genesis. 1:26; 2:23,"Oct 22, 1958 Aw Page 17",Communication--within The Family And With God,30,,,
"Communication,","Communications lines have (1) the utterer, or originator, of the   message; (2) the transmitter; (3) the medium through which the message passes; (4) the receiver; and (5) the hearer. In telephone   communications we have (1) the telephone user originating the communication; (2 the telephone transmitter, which converts the message into electrical impulses; (3) the telephone lines carrying the electrical impulses to the destination; (4) the receiver reconverting the message from impulses to sounds; and (5) the hearer.","Likewise in heaven (1) Jehovah God originates his utterances; (2) then his official Word, or Spokesman--now known as Jesus Christ--often transmits the message; (3) God's holy spirit, the active force that is used as the medium of communication, carries it earthward; (4) God's prophet on earth receives the message; and (5) he then publishes it for the benefit of God's people.",2 Ti 3:16;,All Scripture Is Inspired Of God Book,Communication--within The Family And With God,30,,,
"Communication,",Just as on occasion today a courier may be sent to deliver an important message...,"So Jehovah at times chose to use spirit messengers, or angels, to carry communications from the heavens to his servants on the earth.",Gal. 3:19; Heb. 2:2.,All Scripture Is Inspired Of God Book,Communication--within The Family And With God,30,,,
"Communication, Children,","'Offer food for thought, but let your child do the chewing.' Quote: Elaine Fantle Shemberg (Some parents stifle dialogue with, 'Stop your crying.' 'You shouldn't feel that way.'  'It isn't really that bad.' It is better to acknowledge the child's feelings.)","Parents must not monopolize the conversation with children.  Let the child express himself.  If he cannot talk out his problems when they develop, he may act them out later.",Pr 18:1; Job 32:20; Ecclesiastes 7:3; Mt 11:19;,"Jul 22, 1993 Aw Page 10",How Can Youths Cope With Today's Crisis?,113,,,
"Communication, Computers, Internet, Associations, Web,","'After all, you wouldn't just drop your l0-year-old off in a big city and tell him or her to go have fun for a few hours, would you?'",The Internet is a public place and should not be used as a baby-sitting service.  Learn to recognize the difference between Internet locations for playing games or chat ting and places for getting help with homework.,1 Cor 15:33;,"Jul 22, 1997 Aw Page 12",How To Protect Ourselves From Satan's Snares,115,,1997/06/17,
"Communication, Computers, Internet, Associations, Web,",'All the information on the Net is just like water without a glass.' without your direction.,"Your youngsters' experience is most positive when they work with you, as they learn the value of your judgment and guidance.  The rules you insist on are 'an extension of the common-sense things you've told your kids all along.' An example would be your rules regarding speaking to strangers.",1 Cor 15:33;,"Jul 22, 1997 Aw Page 12",How To Protect Ourselves From Satan's Snares,115,,1997/06/17,
"Communication, Computers, Internet, Associations, Web,",If you learned that there were not 100 poisonous snakes in your backyard but only a few would you be any less concerned for your family's safety?,Those who have access to the Internet would be wise to exercise caution.  Numerous reports have commented on the availability of pornographic material on the Internet.,1 Cor 15:33;,"Jul 22, 1997 Aw Page 10",How To Protect Ourselves From Satan's Snares,115,,1997/06/17,
"Communication, Computers, Internet, Associations, Web, intercom, ","Imagine a room filled with many spiders, each spinning its own web. The webs are so interconnected that the spiders can travel freely within this maze.  You now have a simplified view of the Internet--a global collection of many different types of computers and computer networks that are linked together.","Just as a telephone enables you to talk to someone on the other side of the earth who also has a phone, the Internet enables a person to sit at his computer and exchange information with other computers users anyplace in the world.",1 Cor 15:33;,"Jul 22, 1997 Aw Page 3",Communication--within The Family And With God,30,,1997/06/17,2/9/2015
"Communication, Computers, Internet, Associations, Web,","Some refer to the Internet as the information superhighway. Just as a road allows travel through different areas of a country, so the Internet allows information to flow through many different interconnected computer networks.","As messages travel, each network that is reached contains information that assists in connecting to the adjacent network. The final destination may be in a different city or country.",1 Cor 15:33;,"Jul 22, 1997 Aw Page 4",Communication--within The Family And With God,30,,1997/06/17,
"Communication, Computers, Internet, Associations, Web,","Using the Internet can be like traveling to a new country, with many new things to see and hear. Travel requires that you display good manners and take sensible precautions.",No less is needed if you should decide to get on the Internet--the information superhighway.,1 Cor 15:33;,"Jul 22, 1997 Aw Page 13",How To Protect Ourselves From Satan's Snares,115,,1997/06/17,
"Communication, Confidence, Listen,",What a delight to see a young child excitedly trying to tell his parents of some little event that just happened.  He wants to tell his father and mother the whole story.  And they want to hear it!,"Sadly, a few years later that warm and intimate confidence often deteriorates into icy silence, and a deepfreeze of evasiveness sets in.  Why? Parents and children are too close to the problem to know.  They need outside help.  They need God's Word.  It pinpoints the problem.  It is the Devil.","Ge 3:1-6; 2co 11:3; Eph 2:2; 6:1, 4;","Oct 1, 1971 Wt Page 587",Never Become Dull In Your Hearing,9,,1993/11/18,
"Communication, Elders, Confidential, Secretive,","Everyone loves to hear a good report that imparts upbuilding information. Avoiding, of course, revealing confidential matters, related to judicial problems.","Being overly secretive, results in distrust and discouragement and can harm the warm spirit in the congregation ... or a family","Prov. 15:30; 25:25; Rom. 1:11, 12;","Sep 1, 1991 Wt Page 24",Communication--within The Family And With God,30,,,
"Communication, Family, intercom, ",Did you ever make a phone call and get a fax machine or computer on the other end?  What about a person who speaks a foreign language?  A busy signal?  Discontinued number?  Have you had to wait?  They put you on hold while you were calling long distance?  Call waiting?  A computer that gives you options and more options?  Sometimes you would just like to speak to a real person.,Communication can be like that with our family sometimes.  Have you ever been too busy?  Are you communication in a way others can understand you?  Sometimes our family would like to speak to a real live person.,1 Cor 14:9;,Greg Middaugh,Communication--within The Family And With God,30,,1997/09/01,2/9/2015
"Communication, Listen,",Listen or thy tongue will keep thee deaf.  Quote: An American Indian proverb.,"If our tongue keeps busy, we will be deaf to the words of others.",Rom 10:17;,J.K.,Never Become Dull In Your Hearing,9,,1997/04/11,
"Communication, Listen, Conversations,",Conversation is like a bank account: you can't draw on it without making deposits.,We must listen to God's Word and others if we want to be heard.,Genesis 27:8;,J.K.,Communication--within The Family And With God,30,,1997/04/11,
"Communication, Listen, Hear,","When I was growing up it was the understanding that, 'children should be seen and not heard.'","However we must listen, communicate with our children.",Gal. 6:4,Frank Kelsey,Communication--within The Family And With God,30,,"Nov 18, 2001",
"Communication, Literature, Good News, Preaching, Bible","Whether by the sound of jungle drums, Indian smoke signals, sign language, to telephone, there has always been the need for communication.","God's Word, and Bible Literature provide possible mass communication.","Dan. 12:3, 4, 10;","Aug 22, 1967 Aw Page 32",Have Faith In The Good News,47,,,
"Communication, Love, Preaching, Service, Honesty, Humility, Hungry","'People need to have the 3 H's,'  Jehovah's Witnesses used to say. Even though most persons we speak to lack one or more of the above, our efforts are never in vain.","They need to be Honest, Humble, and Hungry.  We advertise Jehovah's name and Kingdom; warn the wicked; benefit ourselves, keeping our faith strong and our hope bright, sanctifying Jehovah's name.",Jer. 1:17-19; Matt. 5:3; Ezek. 33:33; 1 Tim. 4:16; Prov. 27:11,"Sep 1, 1991 Wt Page 29",Conducting Ourselves Honestly At All Times,10,,,
"Communication, Marriage,","A husband and wife who were experiencing marital difficulties were asked how much time they spent taking out the garbage each week. Answer: about 35 minutes a week, or 5 minutes a day.  Then asked how much time they spent in conversation together.","'The GARBAGE got more time!' the husband declared.  He added, 'We're fooling ourselves if we think that five minutes a day is enough time to maintain a marriage. And it certainly isn't enough time to make the marriage grow.",1co 7:28; Pr 16:23;,"Aug 1, 1993 Wt Page 6",Family Life That Warms The Heart,5,,,
"Communication, Marriage,","Esther, the method she used to approach her husband, even at risk of her own life.  Dressed up royally, made big banquets, perhaps with his favorite meals.  Waited for proper time for her request.",Marriage mates should make opportunities to communicate. Note: Husbands should not be that hard to approach.,Esther 5:1-8;,Paul Smith,God Comes First In Successful Family Life,110,,,
"Communication, Marriage,","Imagine a crowd of tourists viewing a picturesque landscape.  Although the entire group beholds the same scene, each person sees it differently.  Why?  Each has a different vantage point.  Furthermore, not everyone focuses on the same portion of the scene. Each finds a different aspect to be particularly intriguing.","The same is true within marriage.  Even when they are highly compatible, no two partners share precisely the same outlook on matters.  Communication includes the effort to blend these differences into a one-flesh relationship.",1co 7:28; Pr 16:23;,"Aug 1, 1993 Wt Page 4",Family Life That Warms The Heart,5,,,
"Communication, Post Office,","Characteristics of many postal systems can be traced to Persia. Written documents were carefully prepared, officially sealed, and dispatched by the government's postal service.  Many lives would have been lost in Esther's time, had it not been for good communication.",Jehovah is the chief communicator.,"Esther 8:10, 14; Eph 6:21, 22; Col 4:7-9; Philemon 21, 22","Apr 8, 1993 Aw Page 16-18",Communication--within The Family And With God,30,,,
"Communication, Post Office, Pony Express, Prayer,","The Pony Express operated only from April 3, 1860, until October 26, 1861.  It went out of business with the transcontinental telegraph service.  It's characteristics were like those of ancient Persia.  It ran 2,000 miles from St. Joseph, MO to the west coast of the United States.  Riding at top speed for 10 to 15 miles, then changing horses without delay, young riders raced over mountains, plains, and rivers in all kinds of weather.  Because of having the fastest horses, the daring couriers outraced Indians and highwaymen; however one rider was killed.  Delivery time was reduced to 10 days.    Wanted: Young, skinny, wiry fellows not over 18.  Must be expert riders willing to risk death daily.  Orphans preferred.","Jehovah is the chief communicator.  He invites us to communicate by prayer, without danger.","Esther 8:10, 14; Eph 6:21, 22; Col 4:7-9; Philemon 21, 22","Apr 8, 1993 Aw Page 16-18",Prayers That Are Heard By God.,86,,,
"Communication, Prejudice, Partial, Culture,","A Portuguese ship's captain reported: 'Two hundred leagues beyond [the] kingdom of [Mall], one finds a country the inhabitants of which have the heads and teeth of dogs and tails like dogs. These are the Blacks who refuse to enter into conversation because they do not wish to see other men.'","Such stories were taken seriously for centuries. But as explorers charted the planet, they found no mouth less apple smellers, no dog-headed people. Today there remains little mystery about those who live beyond our borders. The world has become a global village.",Acts 10:34,"Jul 8, 1996 Aw Page 3",,,,1996/06/05,
"Communication, Prejudice, Partial, Culture,","HAVE you ever heard stories of a race of people who had no mouth  and therefore could neither eat nor drink? They were said to survive by smelling, mostly apples. A bad odor would kill them.","Such stories were taken seriously for centuries. But as explorers charted the planet, they found no mouth less apple smellers, no dog-headed people. Today there remains little mystery about those who live beyond our borders. The world has become a global village.",Acts 10:34,"Jul 8, 1996 Aw Page 3",,,,1996/06/05,
"Communication, Silence, Conversation, Solitude, Loneliness,",'The same fence that shuts others out shuts you in.'  Quote: Bill Copeland.,No one should be a recluse.  Witness to Jehovah.,Ecclesiastes 11:6;,Bobby Laymon - Reader's Digest,Communication--within The Family And With God,30,,1996/03/25,
"Communication, Speech, Association, Marriage, Independence,","'No man is an island ... Every man is a piece of the continent.' We need communication, by looking, talking and listening. Quote:  John Donne. [1624] An observant man several centuries ago.",Only corroborates: 'It is not good for the man to continue by himself.',"Rom 14:7; Genesis. 2:18, 23;","Sep 1, 1991 Wt Page 20",God Comes First In Successful Family Life,110,s,,
"Communication, Speech, Faithful, Discreet Slave, 144,000","Early in 1990, 73 persons lost their lives in a plane crash, a contributing factor evidently being a failure to communicate. Communication means to 'express ideas effectively.' Jehovah has by: Oral words; visions, dreams, angels.",Jehovah and Christ Jesus are the greatest communicators. Also the 'faithful and discreet slave.',Amos 3:7; John 1:1; Matt. 24:45-47;,"Sep 1, 1991 Wt Page 16,17",Communication--within The Family And With God,30,,,
"Communication, Speech, Faithful, Discreet Slave, 144,000, Science,","Fiber optic cables can carry many tens of thousands of telephone conversations at one time. Communication satellites, which orbit the earth, can simultaneously handle 30,000 telephone messages.",Jehovah and Christ Jesus are the greatest communicators. Also Jehovah has appointed the 'faithful slave' as communicators. Much misery in world is a lack of communication.,Amos 3:7; John 1:1; Matt. 24:45-47;,"Sep 1, 1991 Wt Page 15",Does Your Hope Rest On Science Or The Bible?,80,,,
"Communication, Youth, School, World, Mealtimes,",How would you feel if your children were held hostage and exposed to wrong influences?,"For hours on end, your children have been virtually held hostage in school and exposed to worldly thinking.  Use mealtimes to communicate good things to them.",Pr 23:26;,"Oct 15, 1992 Wt Page 16",Parents--are You Building With Fire-resistant Materials?,104,,,
Communication; War;,"'We shall never be able to remove suspicion and fear as potential causes of way until communication is permitted to flow, free and open, across international boundaries.'  Quote:  Harry Truman.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Communism;,'Communism is a society where each one works according to his abilities and gets according to his needs.'  Quote:  Pierre Proudhon.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Comparisons, Service, Worship, Joy, Happiness,","'Do your best -- That's all a mule can do.' If we compare ourselves with others, we will either choose someone undesirable, or someone whose circumstances we cannot live up to with our abilities.  We are not following men.","It is better to not compare your service to others.  Do the best you can do for your circumstances, and let others do the same.",Ga 6:4; Jas 1:2,Quote: Jim Laymon,Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,063,,,7/12/2025
"Comparison, Achievement, Envy, Jealous,",We forfeit three-fourths of ourselves to be like other people.  Quote: Arthur Schopenhauer. 1788-1860,There is no place for rivalry with other brothers (Gal. 6:4) No need to feel discouraged at seeming progress of others,Gal. 6:4;,Bobby Laymon,Serve Jehovah With A Joyful Heart,78,,1999/01/02,
"Compassion, Tender, Affection, Mercy, Emotions, Humility, Power, Creation,","The universe is so large that astronomers cannot even begin to number all its galaxies.  Our galaxy, the Milky Way, is so vast that man could not even begin to count all its stars.  Some stars, like An tares, are thousands of times bigger and brighter than our sun.  How powerful the Grand Creator of all the stars in the universe must be!","Yet, this same awe-inspiring God is also 'very tender in affection and compassionate.'  How refreshing such knowledge is to humble servants of Jehovah, especially to those who suffer from persecution, sickness, depression, or other hardships!",Isaiah 40:26; Php 2:1;,"Nov 1, 1994 Wt Page 9","Mercy, A Dominant Quality Of True Christians",7,,1994/10/06,
Compassion;,'Make no judgments where you have no compassion.'  Quote:  Anne Mccaffrey.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Compassion;,'The due of compassion is a tear.'  Quote:  Lord Byron.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Compassion;,"'To handle yourself use your mind, to handle others use your heart.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Compassion; Empathy;,'Compassion is the basis of all morality.'  Quote:  Arthur Schopenhauer.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Compassion; Empathy;,'Could a greater miracle take place than for us to look through each other's eyes for an instant?'  Quote:  H. D. Thoreau.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Compassion; Empathy;,"'He was so benevolent, so merciful a man he would have held an umbrella over a duck in a shower of rain.'  Quote:  Jerrold.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Compassion; Empathy;,'None knows the weight of another's burden.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Compassion; Empathy;,'Only the wearer knows where he shoe pinches.'  Quote:  R.D..,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Compassion; Empathy;,'Pour not water on a drowning mouse.'  Quote:  T. Fuller.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Compatible, Commitment, Marriage, Wedding,","Imagine two musical instruments, perhaps a piano and a guitar. If they are correctly tuned, either one can produce beautiful solo music. Yet, what happens if these instruments are played together? Now they must be in tune with each other.","It is similar with you and a prospective mate. Each of you may have worked hard to 'tune' your personality traits as individuals. But the question now is: Are you in tune with each other?  In other words, are you compatible?",Genesisesis 2:24;,The Secret of Family Happiness Page 20,Getting Marriage Off To A Good Start,27,,1996/06/12,
"Competition, Ambition, Hatred, Ladder, Social, Employment,","'Thou shalt not covet, but tradition approves all forms of competition.' Quote: Arthur Hugh Clough.  -1862.","Christians do not covet, nor do they use cutthroat competition tactics to get or hold prestigious jobs; willing to work hard with their hands.",1 Thessalonians 4:11;,W88 8/15 18; Bobby Laymon,Are You Really Making Jehovah Your Stronghold?,18,,1995/08/07,
"Competition, Envy, Strife, Work, Materialism,","'Winning isn't everything, it's the only thing.'","Today, many live by these words.",1jo 2:16;,"Mar 1, 1994 Wt Page 3",Never Become Dull In Your Hearing,9,,1994/04/24,
"Competition, Envy, Strife, Work, Materialism,","Keinosuke, was the top salesman for one of Japan's major car dealers.  He established a record by selling a total of 1,250 cars.  His picture was framed and hung in the room used by the board of directors at the company's headquarters.  Although he loathed using his colleagues as stepping-stones to get promotions, the company pushed him to compete.","As a result, in one year he suffered both gastric and duodenal ulcers.  That same year 15 executives in his company were hospitalized, and one committed suicide.",1jo 2:16;,"Mar 1, 1994 Wt Page 3",Keep Growing In Your Relationship With God,16,,1994/04/24,
"Complain, Attitude, Negative, Positive, Organization,",One can complain because rose bushes have thorns or rejoice because thorn bushes have roses.,We can be like that in the organization.,Numbers 11:1;,J.K.,Maintain Your Confidence Firm To The End,46,,1997/04/11,
"Complain, Attitude, Negative, Positive, Organization,","There's nothing either good or bad, but thinking makes it so. -- Author Unknown  Most folks are about as happy as they make up their MINDS to be. -- Abraham Lincoln",We can be like that in the organization.,Numbers 11:1;,J.K.,Maintain Your Confidence Firm To The End,46,,1997/04/11,
"Complain, Mummer,",'The squeaky wheel gets the grease.' 'The crying baby gets the bottle.',"We must not become complainers about Jehovah's organization. Do what we can to improve, without murmuring.","1 Cor. 10:10, 1 John 2:17;",Bobby Laymon,"Friendship With God, Friendship With The World -- Which Will You Choose?",79,,,
"Complain, Mummer,",It's sometimes easier to criticize than to speak well of someone.,We must not take the easy way out.,"1 Cor. 10:10,",Bobby Laymon,"Friendship With God, Friendship With The World -- Which Will You Choose?",79,,,
"Complain, Mummer,",You never hear a live wire complaining about someone stepping on his toes.,Keep busy and you will have fewer complaints.,Heb. 6:11; Col. 3:23; Prov. 18:9; 22:29; 1 Thessalonians 4:11;,Bobby Laymon,"Friendship With God, Friendship With The World -- Which Will You Choose?",79,,,
"Complain, Mummer, Contentment,","'The saying is true, 'The empty vessel makes the greatest sound.' Quote: William Shakespeare.","One who makes it a practice to belittle, complain about and speak slightingly about his brothers is showing that he loves the world of which complaint is so much a part.  The Bible says that such ones are good-for-nothing.",Prov 16:27;,Bobby Laymon,"Friendship With God, Friendship With The World -- Which Will You Choose?",79,,1995/07/10,
"Complain, Mummer, Gossip,","A businessman was highly critical of his competitor's storefront windows. 'Why, they are the dirtiest windows in town,' he claimed. One day, before leaving, a fellow store owner suggested that the man get his own windows washed. He did, and the next day at coffee, he exclaimed, 'I can't believe it. As soon as I washed my windows, my competitor must have cleaned his too.  You should see them shine.'",Many times its easier to see the problems and imperfections of others than those of our own. Christ called it the 'rafter in your own eye.' (Luke 6:42) Maybe first we all need to 'wash our own windows.',Luke 6:42;,Bobby Laymon,"Friendship With God, Friendship With The World -- Which Will You Choose?",79,,"Jan 19, 2001",
"Complain, Mummer, Gossip,","Confucius once declared, 'Don't complain about the snow on your  neighbor's roof when your own doorstep is unclean.'",Many times its easier to see the problems and imperfections of others than those of our own. Christ called it the 'rafter in your own eye.',Luke 6:42;,Bobby Laymon,"Friendship With God, Friendship With The World -- Which Will You Choose?",79,,"Jan 19, 2001",
"Complain, Science, Worship, Devotion, Organization, War, Apostate,  Last Days,","'Very few established institutions, governments and constitutions ... are ever destroyed by their enemies until they have been corrupted and weakened by their friends.'  Quote:  Walter Lippmann.",Apostates are used by Satan.  They capitalize on minor matters and personal grievances.  They attack the organization from within.,Matt. 24:48-51,Bobby Laymon,How To Protect Ourselves From Satan's Snares,115,,1995/06/27,
"Complaining, wedge ","Come to water, free, no reason for complaint",Each complaint is like a lick that drives wedge in deeper,"Isa 55:1, 2",Alan Christian,"Friendship With God, Friendship With The World -- Which Will You Choose?",79,,,3/19/2017
"Complaining, Gripe,",'Complaining is contagious.  Keep complaining and others are sure to catch it.',"A few began to complain about the shortage of food in Moses' day and eventually 'the entire assembly of the sons of Israel began to murmur against Moses and Aaron. (Next, manna; 12 spies; Moses wanted to die, it was so great.","Exodus 16:2, 8; Nu 11:4-6; 14:2, 11; 1c 10:10, 11;","Mar 15, 1993 Wt Page 21","Friendship With God, Friendship With The World -- Which Will You Choose?",79,,,
"Complaining, Gripe,",Those who are given proof about the harm tobacco does to the body have a powerful incentive to stop smoking.,"Similarly, understanding why a spirit of complaint is so detrimental can motive us to break any habit of complaining.","Jude 3, 4, 16; Pr 17:22; Phil 4:8; Jas 1:2, 3; Nu 13:25-14:4;","Mar 15, 1993 Wt Page 21","Friendship With God, Friendship With The World -- Which Will You Choose?",79,,,
"Complaining, Mummer,",The fly that buzzes the loudest usually gets swatted first.,"Avoid complaining, or it could be harmful.",Heb. 13:17;,Bobby Laymon,"Friendship With God, Friendship With The World -- Which Will You Choose?",79,,1998/04/05,
"Complaining, Mummer, Organization,","'What annoyances are more painful than those of which we cannot complain?'  Quote: Marquis DeCustine, 1790-1857.","Not all complaints are bad, but they should be made to the proper authority.  In this system we will have to put up with some oppression.",Luke 18:1-8; Ecclesiastes 1:15;,"Dec 1, 1997 Wt Page 29-31",Maintain Your Confidence Firm To The End,46,,1997/11/11,
"Complaining, Mummer, Organization,",It would be pointless to complain to the police about a heavy tax burden or to a judge about one's physical ailments.,"So, too, it would be inappropriate to complain about some situation either inside or outside the congregation to a person that had no authority or ability to help.",Acts 6:1-6; 1 Pet 5:3;,"Dec 1, 1997 Wt Page 31","Friendship With God, Friendship With The World -- Which Will You Choose?",79,,1997/11/11,
Complaining;,Don't pray for rain if you're going to complain about the mud.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Complaining;,"The dog barks, but the caravan moves on.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Complaining; Faultfinding; Happiness; Disposition;,'Birds of prey do not sing.'  Quote:  German.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Complaining; Growth;,'What grows makes no noise.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Complaint, Faith, Fear, Think, Moderation, Happiness, Joy, Contentment,","'Fear less, hope more, eat less, chew more, whine less, breathe more, talk less, say more, hate less, love more, and all good things will be yours.'  Quote: Swedish Proverb.",A balanced view of everyday activities will bring happiness and contentment.,Matt 4:4;,Edna Laymon,You Can Find Joy In Serving God,103,,1996/06/11,
"Complaint, Groaning, Pain, Murmuring,","A HEAVY WAGON was being dragged along a country lane by a team of  Oxen.  The Axle-trees groaned and creaked terribly; whereupon the Oxen, turning round, thus addressed the wheels:  'Hello there! why do you make so much noise? We bear all the labor, and we, not  you, ought to cry out.'",Moral: 'Those who suffer most cry out the least.' Sometimes those complaining are not the ones suffering.,"Rev 21:3, 4;",Aesop's Fables - Bobby Laymon,"Friendship With God, Friendship With The World -- Which Will You Choose?",79,,1994/05/15,
"Complaint, Mummer, Protest,",'The wheel that squeaks the loudest is the one that gets the grease.' Quote: Josh Billings.,"Some have a habit of complaining.  That is what gets results in the world.  NOW is the time for EACH of us to be close to brothers, not complaining or showing weakness, but each being STRONG to exhort one another.",Heb 3:13,W86 4/1 24-6; Bobby Laymon,Maintain Your Confidence Firm To The End,46,,1995/08/07,
"Complaints, Mummer, Gossip,","Preacher kept book for complaints; when one complained against another, he was asked to write it down & sign it so he would be expected to testify.  Open book & pen had it's effect. 'Oh, no, I couldn't sign anything like that. Kept book forty years, opened thousands of times, and never wrote a line in it.",Maybe we need to have second thoughts about complaining. ,Jude 16,"Feb 8, 1962 Aw Page 23","Friendship With God, Friendship With The World -- Which Will You Choose?",79,,,3/19/2017
"Complaints, Murmuring, Joy, Happiness, Attitude,","Rust; doing its dirty work in dark, damp and humid places. (Very descriptive, see article)",Apply to attitudes in Congregation.,1 Cor. 10:1-10,"Aug 22, 1962 Aw Page 24",Serve Jehovah With A Joyful Heart,78,,,
"Complaints, Trivial, Judge, Ignorance, Misguided, Zeal, Self,","'Blind guides, who strain out the gnat but gulp down the camel' Force must have struck: The gnat was one of smallest creatures know to them, while camel one of largest. Jesus knew his opposers carefully strained their wine and vinegar. ","Human failing of being concerned about trifles; ignoring big things with cloth sieve, lest they swallow gnat, not for health reasons, but religious one. Gnat was ceremonially unclean; swallow camel.","Matt. 23:23, 24; Leviticus. 11:4, 21, 23;","Dec 8, 1962 Aw Page 3","Living, Not For Self, But To Do God's Will",8,,,4/12/2025
"Complaints, Trivial, Judge, Ignorance, Misguided, Zeal, Self,","'Penny wise and pound foolish'  Parents ignore shortcomings of their children, not others. View some mothers-in-law view daughters-in-law.","Human failing of being concerned about trifles while ignoring weighty matters.  Attention to looks but ignore personality. Elder: attention to records, ignore ministry.","Matt. 23:23, 24; Leviticus. 11:4, 21, 23;","Dec 8, 1962 Aw Page 3","Living, Not For Self, But To Do God's Will",8,,,
"Complaints, Trivial, Judge, Ignorance, Misguided, Zeal, Self,",'Save at the spigot and waste at the bunghole.' weighty matters.,Human failing of being concerned about trifles while ignoring weighty matters.,"Matt. 23:23, 24; Leviticus. 11:4, 21, 23;","Dec 8, 1962 Aw Page 3","Living, Not For Self, But To Do God's Will",8,,,
"Complete, Ministry,","After returning from the noon break, we can look back and say it was a pleasing meal.  Proof is in the pudding.  You look around at the excellent cooks.  They make good dishes. Proof is in the pudding.","Also as we improve our ministry, if we omit one ingredient it changes the taste in the recipe.",John 15:8,Circuit Assembly Talk,,,,1999/04/24,
"Complicated, Simplicity, Simple, Frustration, Happiness,","'Our life is frittered away by detail . . . Simplify, simplify.' Quote: Henry David Thoreau.",Keep your life-style simple and wholesome.  It will bring happiness and help to cope with life's anxieties.,1 Ti 6:6-8;,Bobby Laymon,Coping With Life's Anxieties,32,,1995/08/07,
"Compliment, Encourage, Commend,",'Some folks pay a compliment like they went down in their pocket for it.'  Quote: Kin Hubbard.,"We should freely give commendation, compliments and encourage to our fellow worshipers.",Acts 13:15;,Bobby Laymon - Reader's Digest,Taking Time To Meditate On Spiritual Things,67,,1996/03/20,
Compliment;,"'Compliments cost nothing, yet many pay dearly for them.'  Quote:  German.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Compliment;,'I can live for two months on a good compliment.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Compliment;,"'When you cannot get a compliment any other way, pay yourself one.'  Quote:  Mt.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Compliment; Funny;,"'There is nothing you can say in answer to a compliment, I have been complimented myself a great many times and they always embarrass me....I feel that they have not said enough.'  Quote:  Mt.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Compliment; Marriage; Funny;,"'When a man makes a woman his wife, its the highest compliment he can pay her, and its usually the last.'  Quote:  H. Rowland.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Compliments, Encouragement, Life, Pump Up, Flowers, Funeral, Pioneer,","'I fancy when I go to rest someone will bring to light, Some kindly word or goodly act long buried out of sight; But, if it's all the same to you, just give to me, instead, The bouquets while I'm living and the knocking when I'm dead.' Quote: Louis Edwin Thayer.","We need encouragement now, not after we are dead.  When we feel weak, we get encouragement from others to continue to serve God.  We need to be encouraging also.",1 Thessalonians 5:14;,Bobby Laymon,Maintain Your Confidence Firm To The End,46,,1995/08/16,
"Compliments, Flattery, Criticism, Encourage, Counsel, Discipline, Praise,","'People ask you for criticism, but they only want praise.' Quote: W. Somerset Maugham.","People are concerned about their name.  We like to hear it praised.  Some ask for counsel, but are hoping for compliments.  Are any of us making a name like that?  The righteous one has a good name with God.",Ecclesiastes 7:1;,Bobby Laymon,What Kind Of Name Are You Making With God?,55,,1995/06/27,
"Compromise, Christendom, Babylon,","'Her breasts were bare, her face covered with red paint, and her head framed by a corolla of bird-of-paradise feathers,' says the Manchester Guardian Weekly in describing an 18-year-old student standing at the pope's side as she read a passage from the Epistles.  Furthermore, 'as the dancing tribes people swirled before the altar, handfuls of yellow, orange and red powder were thrown in the air as a sign of joy-but also to chase away evil spirits.'","Why does the Catholic Church condone such rites? 'The good and evil spirits that form part of the local cosmology are difficult to eradicate from the tribes people's minds,' concludes the report. 'Catholicism is therefore forced occasionally to compromise.",Rev 18:4;,W84 9/15 21,True Religion Meets The Needs Of Human Society.,94,,1995/01/27,
"Compromise, Faithfulness, Loyalty,","A MIDDLE-AGED MAN, whose hair had begun to turn gray, courted two women at the same time.  One of them was young, and the other well advanced in years.  The elder woman, ashamed to be courted by a man younger than herself, made a point, whenever her admirer  visited her, to pull out some portion of his black hairs.  The younger, on the contrary, not wishing to become the wife of an old man, was equally zealous in removing every gray hair she could find.  Thus it came to pass that between them both he very soon found that he had not a hair left on his head.",Moral: 'Those who seek to please everybody please nobody.'  We must not compromise in order to please someone.,2 Sam. 22:26;,Aesop's Fables - Bobby Laymon,Have Faith In The Good News,47,,1994/05/15,
Compromise;,'A hook's well lost to catch a salmon.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Compromise;,'Better bend than break.'  Quote:  Scottish.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Compromise;,'Compromise makes a good umbrella but a poor roof.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Compromise;,'Compromise: An arrangement whereby people who can't get what they want make sure that nobody else does either.'  Quote:  Dick Cavett.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Compromise;,"'If you cannot catch a bird of paradise, better take a wet hen.'  Quote:  N. Kruchev.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Compromise;,'It is better to lose the saddle than the horse.'  Quote:  Italian.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Compromise;,The man who says he's willing to meet you halfway is usually a poor judge of distance.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Compromise; Adjustment;,"'Some people think its holding on that makes one strong, sometimes it is letting go.'  Quote:  Sylvia Robinson.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Compromise; Adjustment;,'The hardest thing to give.....is in.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Compromise; Adjustment;,"We cannot direct the wind, but we can adjust the sails.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Compromise; Adjustment; Funny;,'When a dog runs at you whistle for him.'  Quote:  H. D. Thoreau.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Compromise; Courage;,"'The first great command is, don't let them scare you.'  Quote:  Elmer Davis.",We must not succumb to fear of man.,,Jk Quotes;,FACING THE FUTURE WITH FAITH AND COURAGE,166,,,
Compromise; Follow The Crowd;,"'Remember, a dead fish can float downstream, but it takes a live one to swim upstream.'  Quote:  Wcf.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Concealment; Confession;,'He who conceals his disease cannot expect to be cured.'  Quote:  Ethiopian.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Conceit,Conceit is a disease it makes everyone sick but the one who has it.,We should not think too much of ourselves.,Rom. 12:3,Bobby Laymon,,,,,
Conceit;,"'Things have not happen to me, on the contrary, it is I who have happened to them.'  Quote:  Gbs.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Concentration, Study, Bible,","A simple stone can be made an object of intense interest.  Its composition, its formation, its atomic structure, or how it got where you found it. Set goals; take notes; stay alert.",Study of the Bible can be an interesting subject.,2 Tim. 3:16,"Oct 22, 1964 Aw Page 9",Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,,
"Concentration, Study, Bible, Talks,","Race between the turtle and the rabbit. The turtle won because the rabbit fell asleep. If you sleep, you lose.","Your mind like the fast rabbit, should use up its excess speed by circling what the speaker says, viewing it from different angles. Run ahead, try to determine path talk is taking.",2 Tim. 2:15,"Oct 22, 1964 Aw Page 11",Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,,
"Concern, Discernment, Listen, Counsel, Advice, Ignore,",'You can't pick cherries with your back to the tree.' Quote: J. Piers Morgan.,Jesus Christ indicated that during his presence people would  also ignore warnings.  Do not ignore the clear evidence.   Will you pay attention to evidence proving that Jesus now is present as King and the 'day of Jehovah' is approaching rapidly?,Matt. 24:37-39; Luke 17:26-30;,Bobby Laymon,Will You Escape This World's Destiny?,84,,1995/06/29,
"Concerned,  Empathy, Love, Circuit Overseer, Help, Interested, Pleasant,","'If you want to be interesting, be interested:  If you want to be pleasing, be pleasant; if you want to be loved, be lovable; if you want to be helped, be ready to help.'  Quote: Letter to a traveling overseer.",Empathy helps traveling overseer to achieve good results.,1 Pet 3:8;,"Nov 15, 1996 Wt Page 17, 18","Mercy, A Dominant Quality Of True Christians",7,,1997/01/11,
Conclusion,A carpenter doesn't drive nail in & keep pounding.  He drives it in flush: Bang!! That's it!,Don't keep concluding,"Ecclesiastes. 12:13, 14",Dick Ekstrom,,,,,
Conclusion,"Advise to public speakers: When you're through pumping, let go of the handle. 'Closed mouth, gathers no foot'",Know when talk is concluded.,Ecclesiastes. 12:13,Fred Gump,,,,,
Conclusion,Dog at door of house. We remember if it's tail was wagging or tucked in. Our conclusions should be upbuilding and move to action.,Our conclusion; often the last thing said is the first remembered.,"Ecclesiastes. 12:13, 14",Bobby Laymon,,,,,
Conclusion,"Rattlesnake; We remember it's tail, it's rattlers. Have motivating conclusions.",Thing said last is often remembered first,"Ecclesiastes. 12:13, 14",Bobby Laymon,,,,,
Conclusion,Tail Wagging the Dog. Our talk will be out of proportion if conclusion too long.,Too long conclusion,Ecclesiastes. 12:13,Bill Fulmer,,,,,
Conclusion Of Talk,"Plane landing, touches down, then takes off again. Not natural for planes, and not natural for conclusion of our talks. Should set down, taxi in, and sit down.",TALKS SHOULD END WITH DEFINITE PURPOSE,"Ecclesiastes. 12:13, 14",Dick Ekstrom,,,,,
"Conclusion, Speech, School, Importance,","It is said, 'the thing said last, will be remembered first.' Some may view it as the MOST IMPORTANT thing said, and others as the ONLY thing said.",Many concluding thoughts carry much weight.  Our conclusions should do likewise.,Phil 3:1; 1th 4:1; 2th 3:1; 1pe 3:8; 2pe 3:14;,Bobby Laymon,A Clean People Honors Jehovah,14,,,
"Conditions, Change, Future, Earth,",CONDITIONS all over the earth are due to make a complete about-face in the near future. The magnificent change soon to come will result from the fresh start that God will give mankind.,But obviously mankind needs help in order to receive this fresh start. How true the words found at Jeremiah 10:23 have proved to be: 'To earthling man his way does not belong. It does not belong to man who is walking even to direct his step.',Jeremiah 10:23,G73 10/8 25,Why Submit To God's Ruler ship Now.,120,,1999/01/22,
Conduct,"Electronic Boss (computer monitoring system, never shuts his eyes 4-6 million persons being watched by electronic eye. They are a 'heartless boss' Jehovah is kind, sympathetic, shepherd.",Jehovah's eyes are never closed.,Prov 15:3  16:2  1 Pet 3:12,"April 22, 1990 Awake  Page 18-20",,,,,
Conduct,Quote: You're just a chip off the old block' Who is your father? Satan is father of those who imitate his example.  Jehovah is father to those who like Christ show love.,Depends what the old block was like.,John 8:31-47,Joe Laymon,,,,,
"Conduct, Attitudes, Recreation, Music, Desires, Thinking,","When you get a viral infection, sometimes you don't know it until you are sick in bed.  Then you may go to a doctor, seeking help when we realize how bad we are. Our thinking can become infected.","Sometimes we don't correct our thinking, attitudes, habits until we get into serious trouble.  We must seek help thru God's Word.","Exodus 15:26; Ga 5:14, 15;","Scott Rudolph   (entered Jan 5, 1992)",You Will Reap What You Sow,59,,,
"Conduct, Christians, Spot, World","It's easy to see a bad spot on a good apple, it stands out.","The whole world is a bad apple, we should be the good spot that stand out, our good Christian conduct should make us easy to see.",James 1:27,Scott Rudolph,Looking At Youths From Jehovah's Standpoint.,118,,1996/09/15,
"Conduct, Example, Obedience,","It is incumbent upon every traveler to the new world, and especially so upon the servants, to set proper examples. Each servant should so conduct himself as to be able to recommend his course to others. Each should be able to say as did the apostle: 'Become imitators of me, even as I am of Christ.'",New World servants must copy Paul's fine example so they too can be examples for good to the many tens of thousands coming into the New World society each year.,1 Cor 11:1;,W56 6/1 344,'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,1994/07/25,
"Conduct, Faithful, Decisions, Small Matters, Wisdom,",Family of Jehovah's Witnesses.  Whole community watches them every day. How they come & go. Their preaching activity. It's like their life is under a microscope. Subject of many discussions.,"Some come to conclusion that the Bible is true by watching them. Like Noah, who constructed the ark under the watchful eye of all in the locality.",Ps. 90:12; Jas. 5:9; Prov. 1:5; Luke 16:10;,"Aug 1, 1964 Wt Page 475",Acquiring A Heart Of Wisdom,73,,,
"Conduct, Truthful, Clean Up, Follow Through, Ministry, Promises,","A builder constructed a new home.  He painted the inside of the house and used orange and a nice shade of purple in some of the rooms.  Only the bathroom was left, and he had 1 quart of orange and 1 quart of purple.  He mixed them together and came up with 'oraple'.  The couple inspecting the home were delighted with the color until they noticed the two cans where he mixed them.  He forgot to 'clean up' his act.  It detracted from the feeling they originally had.","When we make promises to return and do not follow through, we are not cleaning up our act.  We can detract from the fine reputation we have sought to build as Jehovah's Witnesses.  Jehovah always follows through on His promises.",1 Pet 2:12;,Bobby Laymon,On Whose Promises Do You Rely?,61,,1996/11/22,10/8/2023
"Conduct, Witness, Prayers, Obedience, Example, Talk, Walk,",We can 'talk the talk' but can we 'walk the walk?',"Talking about it is easy, living it is hard. The best sermons are seen, not heard; are lived, not spoken. If we do not take the time to practice them, we should not waste the time to preach them. The best prayers are sometimes not said on our knees, but in the conduct of our daily lives.",1 Cor 9:27; 2 Tim. 2:15; Rom. 12:2; Phil. 4:8; Ps. 1:2; Heb. 10:25.,W54 2/15 103,Prayers That Are Heard By God.,86,,1994/10/25,
"Conduct, Works, Glorify, Safety,","When you are caught in a bad storm, how good it is to be able to find shelter!  If it is warm and safe inside and if the residents are hospitable, you are glad to stay there.",The Kingdom preaching work directs people to such shelter from Satan's system.,Luke 6:31,Km 2/2001,,,,"Feb 20, 2001",
Conduct;,'Act so in the valley that you need not fear those who stand on the hill.'  Quote:  Danish.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Conduct;,'Live so that you would not mind selling your pet parrot to the town gossip.'  Quote:  Will Rogers.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Conduct;,"'You tell on yourself by the friends you seek, by the very manner in which you speak, by the way you employ your leisure time, by the use you make of a dollar and a dime. You tell what thou are by the things you wear, by the spirit in which you burdens bear, by the kid of things at which you laugh, by the records you play on the phonograph. You tell what you are by the way you walk, by the thing of which you delight to talk, by the manner in which you bear defeat, by so simple a thing as how you eat, by the books you choose from the well-filled shelf, in these ways you more or less tell on yourself. so there's really no particle of sense, in an effort to keep up a false pretense.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Conduct; Practice; Habits;,"Practice makes perfect, so be careful what you practice.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Confession, Forgiveness,",'Confession of our faults is the next thing to innocence.' Quote: Publilius Syrus.,"Being honest about self includes recognizing we are imperfect. Being imperfect, we will err, decide wrong, sin; will we honestly admit it?",1 Ki 8:46;,Bobby Laymon,Conducting Ourselves Honestly At All Times,10,,1995/07/09,
"Confession, Forgiveness,",'Confession was like bringing all your luggage full of sins up to the customs man at the airport.  He asks you questions about your sins and then he lets you go through after paying something for the luxury items you bought while you were abroad.'  Quote: A high school principal.,The practice of confession has been routine and meaningless for many.  Sins should be confessed to God.,Ps 32:1-5;,"Sep 15, 1995 Wt Page 31",,,,1995/12/12,
Confession;,'Confession is good for the soul only in the sense that a tweed coat is good for dandruff--it is a palliative rather than a remedy.'  Quote:  Peter De Vries.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Confession;,'Open confession is good for the soul.'  Quote:  Scottish.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Confession;,'To confess a fault freely is the next thing to being innocent of it.'  Quote:  Pub Syrus.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Confessions, Egypt,",The 'Book of the Dead' (Egypt) contained thirty-six 'negative confessions.' (A-1) I have not committed evil against men. (A-2) I have not mistreated cattle...; (A-8) I have not blasphemed a god.. (A-14) I have not killed... (A-18) I have not damaged the,These were written and sold to priest to whoever wanted to buy. bread of the gods.,"Ac. 17:27; Ro. 2:14, 15;","Oct 8, 1967 Aw Page 9",,,,,
"Confessions, Egypt, Conscience, Worship, Origin, Israel,","An ape having two eyes, two ears and four limbs does not prove that he and man have common ancestors.","Confessions give evidence of morality, however similarity of confessions, does not prove the have a common origin. Does not prove Israel's worship derived from Egypt.","Rom. 2:14, 15;","Oct 8, 1967 Aw Page 9",Hold A Good Conscience In A Sinful World,107,,,
Confidence,"Automobile, must be maintained.  explain Hebrews written in 61 CE nothing happening much Plenty in 70 CE. (Apply to today).","Confidence, same way.","Heb Chap 3, 4",Mike Hart,Maintain Your Confidence Firm To The End,46,,,
Confidence,Personal experience (glass cutter-not done in years; lack confidence.) Use own personal job experience,We must continue to build and maintain confidence in Jehovah.,Pr 1:5,Johnse Laymon,Maintain Your Confidence Firm To The End,46,,,
Confidence,"Trip-Tires checked; oil changed; tuned up; car washed Apply signs, etc. to part Guard rail to discipline.","Being well prepared, by meeting preparation, attendance.",Eph. 3:12,Bobby Laymon,Maintain Your Confidence Firm To The End,46,,,
"Confidence,","Strong piece of medal, like bolt, can become eroded and fail. King Asa relied on Jehovah, but then lost his confidence. Napoleon (Waterloo) Custer (Big Horn) Mussolini, Hitler were confident of victory, but failed.","Our confidence can become eroded. Governments often get worse, when replaced. for example. Cuba - Castro.","2 Chron. 14:1-8, 11, 13; 2 Chron. 16:1-3; 2 Cor. 10:12;","Roger Carpenter; Mar 10, 1991",Maintain Your Confidence Firm To The End,46,,,
"Confidence, Bible, Prophecy, Future,","If you were going to invest in the stock market and asked an expert to advise you but you don't follow his advice; However, he was right. If he is right 99 times in a row, will you doubt him on the 100th time.",We can have confidence in the Bible.,Joshua 23:14;,J.K.,Maintain Your Confidence Firm To The End,46,,1997/04/11,
"Confidence, Christendom,",'I often quote myself.  It adds spice to my conversation.' Quote: from famous writer.,"2 areas of confidence: [1]Jehovah & his organization, for which we have innumerable reasons. However, confidence must be balanced with humility. [2] self; due to background as ministers and the trust Jehovah and his organization has placed in us.",Pr 14:6; Jer. 17:8; 1co 16:13; Php. 1:12-14; 4:13;,"Dec 1, 1991 Wt Page 21; David Olson",Religion's Role In World Affairs.,92,,,
"Confidence, Endurance, Persistence, Adjustments,","Two frogs fell into a large bucket of milk.  All night long they tried to get out.  It was too thin to walk on, and too slimy to swim with ease.  They were tired and hungry.  One frog said, we might as well give up and drown.  He sank to the bottom and soon drowned.  The other refused to give up.  After several hours of paddling, the milk consistency began to change.  In the morning he was sitting on a huge pile of butter.  He had a big smile on his face.  Insects were circling the bucket and he was skillfully catching them with his tongue.",We must not give up due to adversity.  We just endure and put confidence in Jehovah.  Make adjustments and go on.  Our future will be a happy one.,"Prov. 3:2, 3;",Mike Lehar,Make Jehovah Your Confidence,70,,1999/01/24,
"Confidence, Faith,","Napoleon's defeat at Waterloo was at least in part caused by his overconfidence. Thus, in discussing it, one authority tells us that 'the  French emperor did not show his usual care and thoroughness in his orders, nor his usual broad judgment in execution.'",We need to avoid being overconfident.  Our confidence should be in Jehovah.,1 Cor 10:12;,W69 6/15 355,Maintain Your Confidence Firm To The End,46,,1995/06/05,
"Confidence, Faith, Integrity,","Ever jump over a bar, or wall, fence. If confident, probably made. David had implicit trust in Jehovah. If we don't feel confident in jumping over bar, probably fail. What if David had handled himself. 2 Sam 5:22, 23 'go to rear'","On road to life, confidence is great aid. 2 Sam 6:6 Uzzah presumptuous.","2 Sam. 5:4, 7, 10, 17, 18.","Mark Morrow (bethel Brother) Jun 20, 1990",Have Faith In The Good News,47,,,
"Confidence, Firm, Determination, Bible,",A pilot learns through experience as well as through study that his instruments are trustworthy.,"Likewise, our confidence in Jehovah grows when we in our own lives see evidence of his loving care.",Joshua 23:14; Ps 19:7; 119:105; Heb 3:14; 2 Cor 4:13;,"May 1, 1996 Wt Page 21;",Maintain Your Confidence Firm To The End,46,,1996/04/03,
"Confidence, Firm, Determination, Bible,",A small plane can easily be blown off course if needed corrections are not made.,"Likewise, outside influences constantly buffet Christians today.",Joshua 23:14; Ps 19:7; 119:105; Heb 3:14; 2 Cor 4:13;,"May 1, 1996 Wt Page 21;",Maintain Your Confidence Firm To The End,46,,1996/04/03,
"Confidence, Firm, Determination, Bible,","Before a pilot can fly blind, depending totally on his instruments and ground control, he needs adequate training and many hours of flying time.","Similarly, a Christian needs to exercise his faith continually so as to maintain his confidence in Jehovah's guidance, especially when difficult circumstances arise.",Ps 19:7; 119:105; Heb 3:14; 2 Cor 4:13;,"May 1, 1996 Wt Page 21;",Maintain Your Confidence Firm To The End,46,,1996/04/03,
"Confidence, Firm, Determination, Bible,","Imagine a small plane flying into difficult weather conditions.  The pilot can no longer make out landmarks.  Thick clouds envelop him.  He cannot see beyond his windscreen, yet he feels sure that he can complete his journey safely.  What is the reason for his confidence?  He has accurate instruments that enable him to fly through clouds and land in darkness.  Along his route, especially near the airport, beacons guide him electronically, and he has radio contact with air-traffic controllers on the ground.","In a comparable way, we can face the future with confidence, even though world conditions get gloomier day by day.  Our journey through this wicked system may be taking longer than some expected, but we can be confident that we are on course and on time.  Why can we be so sure?  Because we have guidance that enables us to detect what human vision cannot.  We have God's Word.",Ps 19:7; 119:105; Heb 3:14;,"May 1, 1996 Wt Page 21;",Maintain Your Confidence Firm To The End,46,,1996/04/03,
"Confidence, Firm, Determination, Materialism,","Brian, an experienced pilot, explains that 'a pilot sometimes may find it difficult to believe his instruments--simply because his instincts disagree.  Experienced military pilots have been known to fly upside down because lights on the ground looked just like stars--even though their instruments told them otherwise.'","Similarly, our selfish instincts can mislead us in a spiritual sense.  Like deceptive twinkling lights, glitzy material goals can point us in the wrong direction.",Joshua 23:14; Ps 19:7; 119:105; Heb 3:14; 2 Cor 4:13;,"May 1, 1996 Wt Page 21;",Maintain Your Confidence Firm To The End,46,,1996/04/03,
"Confidence, Firm, Determination, Paradise,","A pilot feels deep satisfaction when after a long, difficult journey, he descends and finally breaks through the thick clouds.  There spread out before him lies the earth--green and welcoming.  The airport runway is below, waiting to receive him.","A thrilling experience awaits us too.  This gloomy, wicked world will give way to a new earth of righteousness.  A divine welcome awaits us.","Ps 71:5, 6; Joshua 23:14; Ps 19:7; 119:105; Heb 3:14; 2 Cor 4:13;","May 1, 1996 Wt Page 21;",Maintain Your Confidence Firm To The End,46,,1996/04/03,
"Confidence, Modesty, Conceit,",Conceit is a disease. It makes everyone sick but the person who has it.,Modesty is with the upright ones.,"1 Cor. 10:12; Mic. 6:8; 2 Cor. 6:4, 6; Prov. 11:2; 13:10;",Bobby Laymon,Maintain Your Confidence Firm To The End,46,,,
"Confidence, Modesty, Conceit,",Don't count your chickens before they hatch.,Don't become over-confident.,"1 Cor. 10:12; Mic. 6:8; 2 Cor. 6:4, 6; Prov. 11:2; 13:10;",Bobby Laymon,Maintain Your Confidence Firm To The End,46,,,
"Confidence, Modesty, Conceit,",Everybody's somebody's fool.,"We must be Jehovah's tool, not Satan's fool.","1 Cor. 10:12; Mic. 6:8; 2 Cor. 6:4, 6; Prov. 11:2; 13:10;",Bobby Laymon,Maintain Your Confidence Firm To The End,46,,,
"Confidence, Modesty, Conceit,",Moderation is a fatal thing.,It is fatal to Satan's temptations.,"1 Cor. 10:12; Mic. 6:8; 2 Cor. 6:4, 6; Prov. 11:2; 13:10;",Bobby Laymon (wisdom Of The Ages.. Quotes),Maintain Your Confidence Firm To The End,46,,,
"Confidence, Modesty, Conceit,","The way to be safe, is never to be sure.",Overconfidence is dangerous.,"1 Cor. 10:12; Mic. 6:8; 2 Cor. 6:4, 6; Prov. 11:2; 13:10;",Bobby Laymon,Maintain Your Confidence Firm To The End,46,,,
"Confidence, Modesty, Conceit, Blood, Compromise,","The easy way out, may be the hard way down.","It may be easy to compromise, but lead to disaster.","1 Cor. 10:12; Mic. 6:8; 2 Cor. 6:4, 6; Prov. 11:2; 13:10;",Bobby Laymon,Keep Growing In Your Relationship With God,16,,,
"Confidence, Modesty, Conceit, Blood, Self-willed,",You may be wrong and still without a doubt.,"We must avoid over confidence, self-willed course.","1 Cor. 10:12; Mic. 6:8; 2 Cor. 6:4, 6; Prov. 11:2; 13:10;",Bobby Laymon,Keep Growing In Your Relationship With God,16,,,
"Confidence, Standing, Balance, Humility,","He went to bed thinking he was President of the United States.  Charles Evans Hughes retired early in 1916.  The early returns showed he was far ahead of Woodrow Wilson.  In the wee hours of the morning a reporter went with the bad news.  'I'm sorry, said a smug aid, 'but the President can't be disturbed.'  The reporter replied, 'Well, when the President wakes up, tell him is isn't.'",We must never become overconfident.  It can cause us to lose our balance and humility.,1 Cor 10:12;,Bobby Laymon - American Essays By Dan Valentine,Be Confident Of Divine Victory!,39,,1997/05/12,
"Confidence, Victory,","At the circus there is usually a man on a swing, and he signals for the others to swing toward him.  They are confident he will be there for them at the right time.  He will catch them and be strong enough to not let go.",We can be confident that Jehovah will always be there.,"Php 4:6, 7;",Daniel Myers,Be Confident Of Divine Victory!,39,,1994/11/13,
"Confidence, Victory,",The United States were quite confident they would be victorious in the Vietnam War.  They were wrong!,"However, we can be confident of Divine Victory.",Rev 16:2; 17:14;,Daniel Myers,Be Confident Of Divine Victory!,39,,1994/11/13,
"Confidence, Victory, Boast, Bragging, Overconfident,",'I hear you singing.  Now tap your foot.'  Quote: Mabel Allen,"Meaning, I hear you bragging, now do something about it.","Php 4:6, 7;",Daniel Myers,Be Confident Of Divine Victory!,39,,1994/11/13,
"Confidence, Victory, Overconfident, Peace, Security, United Nations,",Just as too much water can erodes your lawn and cause it to wash away...,...So can the listening to political promises erode our faith and confidence in God's promises.  We must not let the nations cry for 'peace and security' erode our thinking in the future.,1 Thess 5:3;,Daniel Myers,Jehovah Is 'a Secure Height' For His People,151,,1994/11/13,
"Confidence, Vigilance, Titanic, Prayer, Warnings,","It was 11:40 of the night of April 14, 1912. The world's largest ocean liner with 2,207 souls aboard was sailing full speed ahead on the North Atlantic. She was hailed as 'man's proudest engineering achievement.' Indicative of the confidence her owners had in her was her name, the 'Titanic,' meaning 'of enormous magnitude, force and power.' This liner reputed to be unsinkable, was on the fifth day of her maiden voyage. Then out of the darkness there loomed an iceberg and before her course could be sufficiently changed she received a large gash in her side. In less than three hours the 'unsinkable' Titanic sank, taking down with her 1,502 men, women and children to a watery grave.","What caused that terrible tragedy? Lack of vigilance due to overconfidence! Six warnings had been received by her wireless operator, one of these even giving the exact location of the very iceberg the Titanic struck! Why did her captain keep sailing full speed ahead in spite of such warnings? Because of his great trust in his ship's un-sink ability. Truly a forceful illustration of the folly of overconfidence!",1 Cor 10:12;,W58 8/15 497,Can You Live Forever?--will You?,35,,1994/08/09,
"Confidence, Vigilance, Titanic, Prayer, Warnings,","She was hailed as 'man's proudest engineering achievement.'  The 'Titanic,' meaning 'of enormous magnitude, force and power.'  She was 'unsinkable.'  However, the Titanic sank, (April 14, 1912.) taking down with her 1,502 men, women and children.  The cause!  Overconfidence!","No matter how strong we may feel we are in the truth, we must not become overconfident.",1 Cor 10:12;,W58 8/15 497,Can You Live Forever?--will You?,35,,1994/08/09,
"Confidence, Vigilance, Titanic, Prayer, Warnings, Integrity,","WE are, as it were, ship captains, sailing from this old world or system of things to the post-Armageddon new world. Right now many of us seem to have smooth sailing and so there may be a tendency to relax our vigilance.","WE dare not do so, for our sea also is strewn with icebergs, obstacles put there by the Devil and his demons, the world and the flesh, which can easily cause us shipwreck, loss of integrity toward God.",1 Cor 10:12;,W58 8/15 497,Can You Live Forever?--will You?,35,,1994/08/09,
Confidence;,'A healthy ear can stand hearing sick words.'  Quote:  Senegalese.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Confidence;,'Confidence  is contagious. So is lack of confidence.'  Quote:  Michael O'Brien.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Confidence;,"'I have great faith in fools. Self-confidence, my friends call it.'  Quote:  Edward Allen Poe.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Confidence; Risk; Caution;,'Do not attempt to do a thing unless you are sure of yourself; but do not relinquish it simply because someone else is not sure of you.'  Quote:  Stuart White.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Confident,","Old shoe, very comfortable",Comfortable in truth,Prov 8:33   1 Cor 10:12,Dist Assembly,Maintain Your Confidence Firm To The End,46,,,
"Confident, Alcoholic, Thinking, Reward, Stinking, addiction, ","Alcoholics Anonymous have a saying they call, 'stinking thinking.'  It's like you get to thinking, 'I'm doing pretty well.  I think I will have a little drink to celebrate.'","Sometimes we might have 'stinking thinking.'  We could become overconfident about our future, or position in the organization.  We must always guard against becoming too sure of ourselves.",1 Cor 10:12;,Nikki Burks,Maintain Your Confidence Firm To The End,46,,1995/05/05,11/18/2014
"Confident, Weakness, Satan, Devil, Guilt,",The guilty person is the one to run away.  Righteous are like a young lion that is confident.,The wicked flee when there is no pursuer.,"Prov. 28:1; Rom. 3:23; 14:12; Rom. 7:21-23; Genesis. 2:16, 17;",Bobby Laymon,How To Protect Ourselves From Satan's Snares,115,,,
"Confidential, Gossip, Truth,",'A little bird told me.' Mom used to say. 'The truth will come out.',Untruths and other matters have a way of being found out.,Ecclesiastes. 10:20;,Bobby Laymon,Conducting Ourselves Honestly At All Times,10,,,
"Confidential, Organization,","Telephone: Private line, party line.  Sometime publishers know more, hear before elders Should help keep organization clean","Elders on private line, publishers on party line.",Leviticus. 5:1,Bobby Laymon,Maintain Your Confidence Firm To The End,46,,,
"Confidential, Organization,",Three may keep a secret if two of them are dead. Quote: Franklin (1706-1790),Difficult to keep things confidential.  Very serious.,Prov. 11:13,Wisdom Of The Ages,Maintain Your Confidence Firm To The End,46,,,
Confidentiality,"Pry bar, move great barriers",Wife should not pry,1 Pet 4:15,89 Wt May 15 P 20,Maintain Your Confidence Firm To The End,46,,,
"Conflicts, Argument, Congregation","Can any thing good come from irritation?   If oysters gets a grain of sand in, it become an irritation,  but what dose he do with that irritation?   Keeps covering over it  until it becomes a pearl.","Like an oyster, we have a hard shell that helps us endure external conflicts, but internal conflicts with our Brothers are harder to handle perhaps a someone irritates us, will we cover over it with love?  will we make them into a Pearl?",Rev. 3:2,Scott Rudolph,,,,1996/08/10,
Conformity;,'Conform and be dull.'  Quote:  Frank Dobie.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Conformity; Can't Please Everybody;,'He labors vainly who endeavors to please every person.'  Quote:  Latin.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Conformity; Follow The Crowd;,"'Copying everybody else all the time, them monkey one day cut his throat.'  Quote:  African.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Conformity; Follow The Crowd;,"'If fifty million people say a foolish thing, it is still a foolish thing.'  Quote:  Anatole France.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Conformity; Follow The Crowd;,"'If you can find something everyone agrees on, its wrong.'  Quote:  Morris Udall.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Conformity; Follow The Crowd;,"'Illustration: Donkey, old man, boy.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Conformity; Follow The Crowd;,'Only dead fish swim with the stream.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Conformity; Follow The Crowd;,'Say as men say but think to yourself.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Conformity; Follow The Crowd;,'Sometimes a majority simply means that all the fools are on the same side.'  Quote:  Claude Macdonald.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Conformity; Follow The Crowd;,"'To avoid criticism, do nothing, say nothing, be nothing.'  Quote:  Hubbard.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Conformity; Follow The Crowd;,"'Trumpet in a herd of elephants, crow in the company of roosters , bleat in a flock of sheep.'  Quote:  Malay.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Conformity; Follow The Crowd;,'We are discreet sheep. We wait to see how the drove is going and then go with the drove.'  Quote:  Mt.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Conformity; Follow The Crowd;,"'Whenever you find that you are on the side of the majority, it is time to reform.'  Quote:  Mt.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Confusion, Understanding, Wordy, Comments, Answers,","'Clearly spoken, Mr. Fogg; you explain English by Greek.' Quote: -Benjamin Franklin.",Our answers and comments should be brief and to the point.  Not lost in confusion of long stories and many words.,Matt 5:37;,Bobby Laymon,On Whose Promises Do You Rely?,61,,1995/08/25,
Congregation,God's Household,Christ was placed over and delegates authority to members of.,1 Tim 3:15  Heb 3:6,"Mar 15, 1990 Wt Page 10",Respect For Authority Is A Safeguard For You,12,,,
Congregation,"Hand Brings food to Mouth, but it refuses to open.","Congregation presents spiritual food, we ignore.",Eph 4:16  1 Cor 12:12-31,Bible,Respect For Authority Is A Safeguard For You,12,,,
Congregation,Light bearers lighted lamp stands.,Shine out in be darkened world.,"Matt 5:14-16 Rev 1:12,16","Apr 1, 1989 Wt Page 11",Respect For Authority Is A Safeguard For You,12,,,
Congregation,Wedge Avoid independent spirit of world.,Avoid divisive influences in congregation,"Matt. 6:9, 10  Mic. 4:3  Genesis. 2:16, 17; 3:1-6, 17-19","Bobby Laymon (united In Worship Page 9, 10)",Respect For Authority Is A Safeguard For You,12,,,
Congregation Growth,"Plant, seed, tiny sprout, becomes a tree.","Can't see growth at short range, but it is there.",1 Cor. 3:6,Bobby Laymon,Respect For Authority Is A Safeguard For You,12,,,
"Congregation, Faults, Imperfections, Personalities, Variety,","The congregation is like a forest.  When you look at it from a distance, it is strikingly beautiful!  So green and lush!  But, the closer you get to it, the more of its imperfections you can see.  Some trees are fallen, others have few leaves left, some have dead branches, others are almost completely dried up.  Yet, it is still the same forest you saw from a distance!  The same forest that was so strikingly beautiful!","The congregation is the same way.  It is Jehovah's beautiful, lush arrangement.  Once inside the congregation you may begin to notice some of its imperfections,  but remember, the individual imperfections of people don't change the fact that the congregation is beautiful!",1 Cor. 13:1-8;,Mark Hanlon,Love Identifies The True Christian Congregation,72,,1998/11/26,
"Congregation, Love, Unity, Organization, Body,",Have you ever hit the wrong nail with a hammer?  You immediately notice how other members of your body display attention.  Even the mouth goes into action.  That part of the body doesn't always help.,We must unite as a body and show concern for all the members of the congregation.,Eph 4:16; Rom 8:28;,"Kingdom Ministry School Dec 22, 23, 1994",Serving With Jehovah's Unified Organization,3,,1994/12/25,
"Congregation, Love, Unity, Organization, Body,","You suddenly stump your toe, and immediately the other leg takes over and says, 'Just barely let your heel touch the ground, and I will carry most of the weight.'  And you go hobbling or limping along.",The congregation should be unified so as to show such loving concern for the other members.,Eph 4:16; Rom 8:28;,"Kingdom Ministry School Dec 22, 23, 1994",Serving With Jehovah's Unified Organization,3,,1994/12/25,
"Congregation, Love, Unity, Organization, Body, Elders,","We can function without hands or feet, but we do better with.","What if all the duties cared for by all the members of the service body had to be done by only one.  It would be difficult.  We should show unity, and cooperation.",Eph 4:16; Rom 8:28; Ps 133:1;,"Kingdom Ministry School Dec 22, 23, 1994",Serving With Jehovah's Unified Organization,3,,1994/12/25,
"Congregation, Moving,",Marriage; only 3 reasons one might separate. Extreme physical abuse; lack of support; endangerment of spirituality. If being held back spiritually.,One might leave congregation if endangered of spirituality.,1 Cor. 7:13;,Dick Jones C.O.,Respect For Authority Is A Safeguard For You,12,,,
"Congregation, Organization,","Illumination-We think of light.  What if the electric company quits? Refrigerator stops, lights go off, etc. We are light of the world. Jo. 8:12; Other equipment (lines etc.) are light carriers. We are light.",Christian congregation is like that company. carriers.,"Rev. 1:12, 13, 20;",Larry Punko; C.O.,Serving With Jehovah's Unified Organization,12,,,
"Congregation, Organization,","Light bulb changed if no longer producing light. We must shine or congregation is of no value. Lamp must be clean enough, clear enough to produce light. We cannot shine without support of the congregation.","If light stops with us, we can be replaced, or congregation.","Rev. 2:5; Rev. 1:12, 13, 20;",Larry Punko; C.O.,Respect For Authority Is A Safeguard For You,12,,,
"Congregation, Organization, Brothers,","We have one body, yet many members making up the one body.","If one suffers, the rest also suffer; watch out for each other.",Eph. 4:16; 1 Cor. 12:12;,Bobby Laymon,Serving With Jehovah's Unified Organization,12,,,
"Congregation, Organization, Unity, Pattern, Basics, Type,","When an organization gets so large, it no longer functions right.  Then someone with insight will say, 'Let's get back to basics.'  'Go back to square one.'  'Back to grass roots.'  'Ground zero!'  In music, it might be, 'Take it from the top.'","It means to go back to when it worked.  This term could be applied to the Christian congregation.  The Jewish nation served as the congregation of God.  That congregation was highly organized by God.  Later it applied to the early Christian congregation.  It worked then and it works today.  Jehovah's organization always goes back to the basics; square one; or I guess you could say, 'We take it from the top!'","Acts 2:42, 46; Josh 23:1, 2;",Bobby Laymon,Serving With Jehovah's Unified Organization,3,,1995/03/09,
"Congregation, Organization, Variety, Mercy, Love, Positive","A man went to the garbage dump; He picked up a toaster with a cord that needed replaced; an iron with a broken plug.  He took them home and made the repairs, and uses them.","We have been thrown into the garbage dump of humanity; Jehovah picked us up.  He looks for the value in us, not the broken worthless parts; He placed us together in the congregation. All of us have frayed cords, or loose connections.",Rom. 9:15; 1 Tim. 1:13; Jas. 2:13; 3:17; 1 Pet. 2:10;,Joe Bounds,How To Express Love In A Lawless World,112,,,
"Congregation, Organization, Wrong-doing, Elders, Ministerial Servant",A miller doesn't see all the water that goes by the mill. Report to elders wrong-doing.,All must cooperate to keep congregation clean.,Prov. 9:10; 15:33; 2 Tim. 3:15; Jas. 1:5; Col. 2:3; Prov. 1:5,Bobby Laymon,A Clean People Honors Jehovah,14,,,
"Congregation, Unity, Kingdom, Body,","'For want of a nail, the shoe was lost. For want of the shoe the horse was lost.  For want of a horse the rider was lost. For want of the rider the battle was lost.  For want of the battle the war was lost.  For want of the war, the kingdom was lost.' Quote: George Herbert. (1651).",We depend on each other in fight against Satan.,"Ps. 55:22; Jas. 1:12; Rom. 15:2; 1 Thessalonians 5:14; Isa. 41:10,13",Bobby Laymon,Does Your Thinking Agree With God's?,53,,,
"Congregation, Unity, Organization","Consider a log on a fire. Take it away and the fire on that log dies   out quickly.  Some logs, like hickory, produce many sparks, whereas birch makes almost none.","The congregation, is like that.  There is great variety which we can appreciate.  Leave the congregation and we too will die out.",Mic. 2:12;,Bobby Laymon,Serving With Jehovah's Unified Organization,3,,"Feb 2, 2001",
Congregation; Support,"'He's not heavy, he's my brother' (girl carrying bro across stream) Can we do more? Without grumbling?","We should view as privilege, helping others in congregation.","Rom 15:1, 2  Gal 6:1, 2","Kingdom Unity Dist Assembly  Uniondale, N.Y. June 23-26, 1983",Respect For Authority Is A Safeguard For You,12,,,
Congress; Government; Humor;,"'If I studied all my life, I couldn't think up half the number of funny things passed in one session of congress.' Quote:  Will Rogers",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Conscience,Buzzer in automobile that warns you: lights on; keys; seat belt; It reminds; it judges; it imparts favor; or inflicts pain. It cannot and does not provide us a standard for right & wrong. An unenlightened or misguided conscience can lead to disaster.,"Conscience too, is a safety device. Some disconnect buzzer in car, but we can't afford to disconnect conscience.","Rom. 2:14, 15; Prov. 14:12","Aug 15, 1961 Wt Page 485",Conducting Ourselves Honestly At All Times,10,,,
Conscience,Good night's rest-how refreshing.  Makes you feel good all over.,Same with 'request for good conscience',1 Pet 3:21,Bobby Laymon,Conducting Ourselves Honestly At All Times,10,,,
Conscience,"Like burglar alarm. When do you want it to warn you?  After someone breaks in, it may be too late. One brother leaned on car and it set off alarm.","It is good to have sensitive conscience like Joseph's, that will warn us before we get into difficulty.  Better then David's that condemned him afterward","Rom 2:14,15",J. Laymon,Hold A Good Conscience In A Sinful World,107,,,
Conscience,Like buzzer in a car set to go off at certain speed. It saves you from getting a ticket. If set for 65 and speed limit 55 will do no good Our conscience must be set according to God's Word.,Conscience must be set by God's word to regulate properly,"Rom 2:14,15",J. Laymon,Hold A Good Conscience In A Sinful World,107,,,
Conscience,"Small sharp stone in your shoe. The longer carry it, more painful Pleasant relief comes when you take off shoe and empty out stone. Relief to conscience: put aside pride and confess your transgress. Some should be confessed to congregation. Prov. 28:13","A transgression of God's law, conscience pained by it.",Heb. 4:13; 1 John 1:9; Ps. 32:3-5;,"May 8, 1961 Aw Page 5-7",Conducting Ourselves Honestly At All Times,10,,,
Conscience,Smell of gas; Your smell organs warn your body of danger. One can listen to warning signals of conscience or ignore.,"Our conscience can warn us, but cannot stop us. Must do ourselves","Rom. 2:14, 15; 1 Cor. 4:4;","Aug 15, 1961 Wt Page 486",Conducting Ourselves Honestly At All Times,10,,,
"Conscience,",'A lot of people mistake a short memory for a clear conscience.'  Quote: Doug Larson.,Majority today have distorted view of what constitutes sin.  Increasing trend to `do your own thing' has led to perversions of all kinds.,"Titus 1:15, 16;",Bobby Laymon - Reader's Digest,Hold A Good Conscience In A Sinful World,107,,1996/03/24,
"Conscience,",'Let your conscience be your guide.' The conscience of a thief enables him to rob. The conscience of a liar enables him to lie. There is a bad conscience as well as a good conscience.,In what will it guide you?  Right or wrong? A good conscience is cultivated by accurate knowledge of God's Word.,"2 Pet. 2:2, 3; Col. 3:2, 10; Jas. 1:21, 22; Isa. 1:18","Sep 1, 1964 Wt Page 517",Conducting Ourselves Honestly At All Times,10,,,
"Conscience,","'When in doubt, do without.'  No harm will come by taking an action that will not prick your conscience, but harm may come if you ignore the warning.","If you feel it is wrong to do a particular thing, though other Christians may do it. It may pave the way for more serious violations of your conscience",1 Tim. 1:18-20;,"Sep 1, 1964 Wt Page 519",Conducting Ourselves Honestly At All Times,10,,,
"Conscience,",A goad used to keep cattle moving and steer in right way.  Conscience at work can cause tears and deep anguish. Has caused people to pay their taxes years later.,Conscience acts as a goad to keep us in God's way & pricks us when we have done wrong.,"2 Pet. 2:2, 3; Col. 3:2, 10; Jas. 1:21, 22; Isa. 1:18","Sep 1, 1964 Wt Page 518",Conducting Ourselves Honestly At All Times,10,,,
"Conscience,",Like an alarm system.,Especially needed when there is no one around to observe.,,Bobby Laymon,,,,1997/04/11,
"Conscience,",Like the rudder of a ship that steers it through troubled waters.,A conscience trained in obedience to God's Word steers us correctly through the troubled seas of humanity and conflicting standards.,"2 Pet. 2:2, 3; Col. 3:2, 10; Jas. 1:21, 22; Isa. 1:18","Sep 1, 1964 Wt Page 517",Conducting Ourselves Honestly At All Times,10,,,
"Conscience,","Questions of conscience face us at every turn.  Will a salesman lie to make a sale? Will an employee say he is sick, when watching a ball game. Will a student 'crib' to pass his exam? Will a husband cheat by 'flirting' with another of opposite sex?",The voice of conscience is not easily heard.  It is by no means the lines of least resistance. Conscience is a protection.  Will you keep it strong?,1 Pet. 3:16; Acts 23:1;,"Aug 8, 1967 Aw Page 6",Hold A Good Conscience In A Sinful World,107,,,
"Conscience,",Seven-year-old Alex was found torturing himself. He had poured grains of rice on the floor and was painfully kneeling on them with his bare knees. The reason? Alex had disobeyed his parents and had decided to punish himself.,People have a conscience.  It can be very painful if not obeyed.,"Rom 9:1; Rom 2:14, 15;",G86 4/8 12,Hold A Good Conscience In A Sinful World,107,,1995/05/21,
"Conscience,","Suppose your red light came on your car, telling you your oil pressure was low.  Would you get out, raise the hood, and cut the wire to the oil sensor?  It would make the light go out, but would it solve the real problem.","Likewise with the conscience.  Ignoring the conscience, and searing it over, as with a branding iron, will not solve anything, but will cause greater problems in the future.",1tim 4:2;,Bobby Laymon,Keep Clean From Worldly Defilements,98,,1997/03/25,
"Conscience, branding iron, triangular shaped object, ","The early Indians (Native Americans) believed that the conscience was a triangular shaped object placed close to a persons heart. When a person did something that he knew was wrong, this triangle shaped object (the conscience) would rotate and prick the heart, causing pain. Each time, it would rotate again, pricking the heart, causing pain. However, they believed, that if a person kept on doing something over and over that he knew was wrong, the sharp points of his conscience would get blunt, and therefore STOP pricking his heart and causing pain when it rotated.","The Bible illustrated this another way at 1 Timothy 4:2 'by the hypocrisy of men who speak lies, marked in their conscience as with a branding iron;'. Paul's reference to a conscience that is marked as with a branding iron indicates that it would be like seared flesh that is covered over with scar tissue and void of nerve endings and, therefore, without sense of feeling.",1 Tim 4:2;,Peter Morgan,Hold A Good Conscience In A Sinful World,107,,1997/08/10,7/22/2025
"Conscience,","There are those who can stay out in cold weather for long periods and not get sick.  Yet, others may stay out only briefly and come down with an illness.  No one can say what another person's limit of tolerance is.","Likewise with one's conscience.  Some have a conscience that is weaker than others regarding alcohol, foods, etc.  We must not try to expose them to what we feel will do us no harm. No one can say what another's limit of tolerance is.","1co 8:7; 8:12; 10:28, 29;","(see Jul 22, 1970 Aw Page 6)",Hold A Good Conscience In A Sinful World,107,,,
"Conscience,","THIRTEEN-YEAR-OLD Soraya kept losing weight-but not because of some fad diet. Explains Soraya: 'I got involved with a bad crowd at school. I knew better, but there was constant peer pressure. Soon I had a boyfriend who was using drugs.' And what did this have to do with her weight loss?",'My conscience bothered me so much that I couldn't eat.',"Rom 9:1; Rom 2:14, 15;",G86 4/8 12,Hold A Good Conscience In A Sinful World,107,,1995/05/21,
"Conscience,","When a safe driver wants to change lanes, he instinctively glances first in his rearview mirror.  If he sees a car, he knows it is unsafe to move to the other lane.  However, if he see nothing, the prudent driver realizes that there are certain blind spots. Therefore, he does not simple look in the mirror, but turns his head to look before making his move.","This well illustrates a well-trained conscience.  If it warns you, heed it!  But even when it does not at first sound an alarm, be like the wise motorist - check further to make sure there is no danger.","Heb 5:11-14; 1pe 2:21, 22; Pr 3:5, 6; Heb 13:18; 2co 1:12;","Jul 8, 1993 Aw Page 27",Hold A Good Conscience In A Sinful World,107,,,
"Conscience,","You can teach a dog or a cat not to take certain things, but you cannot teach it not to steal. Our conscience was not given to 'instruct' us. It's purpose: To prompt us to choose to act in accord with what we have learned",The Ten Commandments have no meaning to them. to be right and to avoid that which is wrong.,1 Pet. 3:16; Acts 23:1;,"Aug 8, 1967 Aw Page 3",Hold A Good Conscience In A Sinful World,107,,,
"Conscience, Bear Witness,","A child who has been brought up by a loving father, one who carefully instilled in his son certain principles and standards, not only by word, but also by example. Now suppose, on an occasion when the child is away from his father, someone endeavors to get the child to engage in an act contrary to his father's principles. Perhaps the precise act suggested was never mentioned by the child's father. The person tempting the child to perform the act may even say, 'Did your father ever specifically say you couldn't do this?' The answer may be, 'No, he did not.' And yet the child may reject the proposal, saying, 'Even though my father never mentioned it, I just know he wouldn't want me to do it-I know he wouldn't like it!' Even without a specific command, the boy knows what to do. Why? Because he has the spirit of his father, he knows his father's attitude on the matter.",In similar ways we can come to know Jehovah's attitude with the help of his Word and that of his Son and by the holy spirit.,Romans 9:1;1 Corinthians 2:16,"Sep 15, 1972 Wt Page 562",Hold A Good Conscience In A Sinful World,107,,1998/03/20,
"Conscience, Christendom,",Blush is almost like wearing your conscience on the outside Showing embarrassment or shame. They should blush over their sexual permissiveness.,Christendom's sexual permissiveness.,Jeremiah 6:15,"Mar 22, 1989 Aw  Page 9",Religion's Role In World Affairs.,92,,,
"Conscience, Complacent, Hardened,","Branding iron scars the tissues and makes it insensitive. In time we could become complacent toward wrongdoing, and when wrong is called to our attention, just shrug it off as though to say, 'So what? Who cares?'","The conscience can become hardened like flesh seared with a branding iron. In this condition, the conscience, like proud flesh, feels no pain, no sense of guilt.",1 Tim. 4:2,"May 15, 1973 Wt Page 310",Conducting Ourselves Honestly At All Times,10,,,
"Conscience, Deceive,","'Reason deceives us; conscience, never.'  Quote: Jean Jacques Rousseau.",Our conscience is almost always a good guide.  Especially a Bible trained conscience.,Acts 23:1;,Bobby Laymon - Reader's Digest,Hold A Good Conscience In A Sinful World,107,,1996/03/18,
"Conscience, Decisions, Flesh, Sin,",You have probably seen a cartoon character trying to make a decision to do good or bad.  Above his head a little angel appears on his right and on his left a little devil with a pitch fork.  These two are arguing back and forth to influence the cartoon character to good or bad.,"This is not unlike our conscience in certain respects, warring with the desires of the flesh.  We all talk to ourselves don't we?  If not out loud, at least in our minds.  This is how our conscience works.  How will we train our conscience.  Who will we listen to.",Rom 7:21-25;,Charles Francis [Denny],Decisions You Face--how Will You Make Them?,50,,1994/12/25,
"Conscience, Guilt","Conscience is like a stone in your shoe, pain with ever step.    A man once cheated on his taxes 2 years ago, said he hasn't been able to sleep since.  Sent IRS a check for $ 28.00,  said if he still can't sleep will send balance later.",A rightly trained conscience will make us set wrongs write and keep us from doing wrong.,Rom. 2:15,Scott Rudolph,,,,1996/08/11,
"Conscience, Honesty,",'Clear conscience never fears midnight knocking.' Quote: Chinese Proverb.,One sleeps well with a good conscience.,Heb 13:18;,Wisdom Of The Ages,Conducting Ourselves Honestly At All Times,10,,,
"Conscience, Honesty,",An equipment truck has a horn on it that beeps when backing up.  It is a warning that an unseen danger may be approaching.,"Our Bible-trained conscience is like that.  It warns us when danger is approaching, sometimes when least expected.",1ti 1:5,Scott Rudolph,Conducting Ourselves Honestly At All Times,10,,,
"Conscience, Honesty,","As you walk down a busy street, you pass an elegantly dressed woman who unknowingly drops a roll of money.  As you stoop to pick it up, you see her swiftly stepping into a limousine.  What will you do?  Call out to her or quickly stuff the bills in your pocket?","The answer depends on your conscience.  What would it tell you to do?  More important, can you trust what it tells you.  Can you safely let your conscience be your guide? (See examples in article - Saul, SS troops in Germany etc.)","Acts 7:58, 59; Gal 1:13, 14; 1 Ti 1:12-16;","Jul 8, 1993 Aw Page 26",Conducting Ourselves Honestly At All Times,10,,,
"Conscience, Honesty,",Radar detector in an automobile.  It works only when you may get caught breaking the law.  At other times you can speed all you like.,Our conscience should not be like that.  It should be helping us to be honest at all times.  Not just when we may get caught.,He 13:18;,Bobby Laymon,Conducting Ourselves Honestly At All Times,10,,,
"Conscience, Honesty,","Report card at school.  It is a progress report, that tells us how we are doing.  It shows what points we need to be working on.","Our conscience is like that.  We may not always be happy about the results, but when we work to improve on the weak ones it makes us a better person.",1ti 1:5,Scott Rudolph,Conducting Ourselves Honestly At All Times,10,,,
"Conscience, Mind, Heart,","'We hear a lot about how Johnny can't read, how he can't write, and the trouble he is having finding France on a map,' said an American educator.",'It is also true that Johnny is having difficulty distinguishing right from wrong.',Jonah 4:11; Isaiah 5:20,"Nov 1, 2001 Wt Page 3",Hold A Good Conscience In A Sinful World,107,,"Oct 4, 2001",
"Conscience, Mind, Heart,","Imagine what would happen if pilots were to navigate, not by fixed reference points, but by beacons that move about unpredictably and sometimes disappeared altogether!","Similarly, having abandoned fixed moral standards, the world reaps a grim and growing harvest of misery and death as families are torn apart by infidelity.",Jonah 4:11; Isaiah 5:20,"Nov 1, 2001 Wt Page 3",Hold A Good Conscience In A Sinful World,107,,"Oct 4, 2001",
"Conscience, Mind, Heart,","THE captain, a pilot for 15 years, had accumulated over 11,000 hours of flying time.  Prior to takeoff, he had carefully entered the flight plan into his onboard computer, unaware that the coordinates he had been given were incorrect.  Flying through a cloud at just under 2,000 feet, the DC-10 slammed into the lower slopes of Mount Erebus, killing all 257 on board.","Just as airplanes today rely on computers to guide them through the skies, humans have been given a conscience to guide them on their path through life.  And the terrible tragedy of Flight 901 can teach us some powerful lessons about our conscience.  Our conscience must be guided by correct moral points.  Unhappily, in today's world, such points of reference are quickly disappearing or being ignored.",Jonah 4:11; Isaiah 5:20,"Nov 1, 2001 Wt Page 3",Hold A Good Conscience In A Sinful World,107,,"Oct 4, 2001",
"Conscience, Mind, Heart,","THE idea of flying in a plane with a wrongly programmed computer is frightening.  Imagine, instead, that someone had tampered with the aircraft's guidance system or had deliberately falsified its data!","Well, in a figurative sense, that is exactly what someone is trying to do to your conscience.  He is out to sabotage your moral guidance system.  His objective is to put you on a collision course with God!",Job 2:2-5; John 8:44,"Nov 1, 2001 Wt Page 4",Hold A Good Conscience In A Sinful World,107,,"Oct 4, 2001",
"Conscience, Mind, Heart, Alcohol, Drinking,","The conscience, in fact, has aptly been described as that 'part of the personality which is soluble in alcohol.'","From there, it is just a small step to crime or immorality.",1 Cor. 15:33,"Nov 1, 2001 Wt Page 6",Hold A Good Conscience In A Sinful World,107,,"Oct 4, 2001",
"Conscience, Ministry, Kingdom, Bible,","On your computer you have a feature that always allows the clock (or some other program) to be on top.  It is always foremost, or first.  It is nice to have, but occasionally gets in the way.",Apply to person with a guilty conscience.  Your conscience is always on top.  It affects your whole outlook on life.  [2] Apply: Seeking first the Kingdom should always be on top.  Also the Bible should always be on top.,Matt 6:33;2 Tim 1:3;,Joe Laymon,Service Talk,200,,1995/03/23,
"Conscience, Morals,","Conscience is a 'knowing within oneself' like an 'internal court of justice' within us to render decisions on our conduct, by accusing or excusing us.","However, if we show 'contempt of court' for our conscience, its sensitivity will become calloused and non-functional.","Rom 2:14, 15;","Jan 22, 1992 Aw Page 9   (entered Dec 23, 1991)",Hold A Good Conscience In A Sinful World,107,,,
"Conscience, Obedience, Authority,","They say the full measure of a man is what he would do if he knew he would never be found out, or punished for it. We should obey the authority even when no human is present to check up on us.",We want to obey God with a good conscience.,Ecclesiastes. 10:20; Rom. 13:5; 2 Tim. 1:3; Heb. 5:14,"Nov 1, 1990 Wt Page 24 Pp 2",Respect For Authority Is A Safeguard For You,12,,,
"Conscience, Peace, Harmony,",'A CLEAN conscience is the best pillow.',"This old saying highlights an important fact:  When we heed our conscience, we enjoy inner peace and harmony.",1 Tim 4:2;,"Aug 1, 1997 Wt Page 4",Hold A Good Conscience In A Sinful World,107,,1997/07/04,
"Conscience, Relationship, Growth,","We must not 'turn up the volume' of whatever is going on, and ignore or not hear the cry of our conscience.",Our conscience can be something as small as whether to have a bowl of ice cream or not.  Or it can be something much more serious.,"Rom 2:14, 15; 1 Cor 6:9, 10;",Elbert Alexander,Keep Growing In Your Relationship With God,16,,1994/12/05,
"Conscience, Resentment, Forgive,",A clean conscience is a soft pillow.,Clean conscience helps one sleep at night.,Heb. 9:14;,Bobby Laymon,Do You Harbor Resentment Or Do You Forgive?,68,,,
"Conscience, Right, Wrong,",'The conscience 'soon leaves off talking to those who do not wish to hear it.''  Quote: English novelist Samuel Butler.,"Many have tolerated and even committed horrible atrocities, and their consciences have not troubled them.  They have failed to listen or train their conscience.",1 Tim. 4:2;,"Sep 1, 1998 Wt Page 3",Hold A Good Conscience In A Sinful World,107,,1998/07/31,
"Conscience, Right, Wrong,","UNDER normal circumstances, the compass is a trustworthy instrument.  Its needle, oriented by the earth's magnetic field, consistently points north.  Travelers can thus rely on the compass for direction when there are no landmarks to guide them.  But what happens when a magnetic object is placed near the compass?  The needle will swing toward the magnet instead of pointing north.  It is no longer a reliable guide.","Something similar can happen to the human conscience.  The human conscience does not always speak up when it should.  Because of human imperfection, we are inclined to do things that we know are wrong.  However, like a compass, a Bible-trained conscience can point us in the right direction.","Rom. 2:14, 15; 7:22, 23; Heb. 10:22; 1 Pet. 1:15, 16; 1 Tim. 4:2;","Sep 1, 1998 Wt Page 4, 7.",Hold A Good Conscience In A Sinful World,107,,1998/07/31,
"Conscience, Sin,","A small rod or a metal wire can be bent over and over in the same place and it become very worn, eventually breaking.",Our conscience is like that.  If we keep bending it over and over it can break or become ineffective.,"Ro 2:15; 13:5; 1co 8:7, 12; 1co 1:12; 1ti 1:5, 19;",Bobby Laymon,Hold A Good Conscience In A Sinful World,107,,,
"Conscience, Sin, Grieve,","Long ago it was argued that smoking was probably harmful.  But from day to day it was not possible to see any visible change in health.  Now, after decades of experience, it is definitely established that smoking is injurious to health.","In like manner, we may go against our conscience, and feel there is no harm, but after a period of time we find it is injurious to our spiritual health.",Acts 23:1; Ro 2:15;,"Jul 22, 1970 Aw Page 6",Hold A Good Conscience In A Sinful World,107,,,
"Conscience, Sins, Morals,","As one reads the Bible the inner voice becomes stronger and clearer, just as through cultivation and training the soloist gains more accurate voice and hearing and the watchmaker sharpens his sight.","The Bible contains clear laws or commands from God against some grave moral offenses, such as stealing, lying, adultery and murder.  Hence, even if by his upbringing or experience in life, a person's conscience had been deadened to any of these sins, he could easily  see from the Bible that they are wrong.","Exodus. 20:13-16; Eph. 4:28; Col. 3:9; 1 Cor. 6:9, 10; Rev. 21:8",W75 4/1 212,A Godly View Of Sex And Marriage,13,,1995/01/27,
"Conscience, Voice, Warning,",One department store thus appealed to people's consciences by selling shopping bags in an unlocked dispenser. Above the change slot hung a sign that read: 'Your conscience is my only protection.',"Even in small matters, the soundings of the conscience can be heard.   Yes, the fact that most people have an active conscience works to our benefit. Otherwise, our lives and property would be in worse danger!","Rom 9:1; Rom 2:14, 15;",G86 4/8 13  Virgil Akery;,Hold A Good Conscience In A Sinful World,107,,1995/05/21,
"Conscience, Voice, Warning,",One inventor has exploited this concept with a device called the diet conscience. It is a battery-run unit that mounts inside refrigerator or kitchen-cabinet doors.,"Every time the door is opened, a recording says: 'Are you eating again? Shame on you.'  Our conscience works like that.","Rom 9:1; Rom 2:14, 15;",G86 4/8 12  Virgil Akery;,Hold A Good Conscience In A Sinful World,107,,1995/05/21,
"Conscience, Voice, Warning,","Over a hundred years ago, Italian author Carlo Collodi spun his famous children's tale of Pinocchio-the wooden puppet boy with a knack for getting into trouble. Often there to chastise and correct Pinocchio was the talking insect, Jiminy Cricket. In effect, he was Pinocchio's conscience.","Similarly, you might compare your conscience to a voice or an alarm that goes off before or after you do wrong or right.  But unlike Jiminy Cricket or some man-made device, your conscience is something inside of you. The Bible describes the conscience as an internal 'witness bearer' that testifies to the rightness or wrongness of a deed.","Rom 9:1; Rom 2:14, 15;",G86 4/8 12  Virgil Akery;,Hold A Good Conscience In A Sinful World,107,,1995/05/21,
"Conscience, Voice, Warning, Ecology, Science,","Four million acres are lost annually through erosion. In Illinois 181 million tons are lost yearly-two bushels of dirt for every bushel of corn produced. A century ago Iowa averaged 16 inches of topsoil; now it approaches 8 inches. Every second 15 tons of topsoil flow out of the mouth of the Mississippi River. 'The best topsoil of Iowa,' farmers say, 'can be found in the Gulf of Mexico.'   An estimated 25.4 thousand million tons of topsoil are being lost annually.","Today, moral values, like good topsoil - is being lost to erosions of family values.","Rom 9:1; Rom 2:14, 15;",G81 11/22 6 ; G85 6/22 31,Hold A Good Conscience In A Sinful World,107,,1995/05/21,
"Conscience, Wisdom, Knowledge, Ignorance, Nations,",'The world has achieved brilliance without conscience. Ours is a world of nuclear giants and ethical infants.' Quote: Omar Bradley.,We must avoid this sinful tendency of the world.  Jehovah gave us this inner moral sense.  He implanted it in humans at creation and it is inborn in people of all nations to be used.,"Rom 2:14, 15;",Bobby Laymon,Hold A Good Conscience In A Sinful World,107,,1995/08/16,
"Conscience, World,",'It's like holding your hair down in a wind storm!'  You can wear a hair net.  You can use hair spray.  Wear a hat or cap.,Likewise there are things you can do to hold a good conscience in a sinful world.  The things above are outside the body.  The things we are concerned about are INSIDE the body.  'The windstorm of the world continues.',"Rom 9:1; Rom 2:14, 15;",Virgil Akery,Hold A Good Conscience In A Sinful World,107,,1995/05/21,
Conscience;,'A guilty conscience is the mother of invention.'  Quote:  Carol Wells.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Conscience;,'A guilty conscience needs no accuser.'  Quote:  English.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Conscience;,'A man cannot be comfortable without his own approval.'  Quote:  Mt.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Conscience;,'A quiet conscience sleeps in thunder.'  Quote:  English.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Conscience;,'Be careless in your dress if you must but keep a tidy soul.'  Quote:  Mt.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Conscience;,'Conscience gets a lot of credit that belongs to cold feet.'  Quote:  Anonymous.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Conscience;,'Conscience is a mother-in-law who's visit never ends.'  Quote:  H. L. Mencken.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Conscience;,'Conscience is that inner voice that warns us somebody may be looking.'  Quote:  H. L. Mencken.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Conscience;,'Conscience is that small inner voice that doesn't speak your language.'  Quote:  H. Haskins.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Conscience;,"'Conscience is that still, small voice that is sometimes too loud for comfort.'  Quote:  Bert Murray.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Conscience;,'Conscience is the chamber of justice.'  Quote:  Origen.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Conscience;,'Conscience make egotists of us all.'  Quote:  Oscar Wilde.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Conscience;,'Conscience-the only incorruptible thing about us.'  Quote:  Henry Fielding.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Conscience;,"'Definition of eight year holds:  When you're good, you don't know you have it, when your bad it hurts.  Sometimes when you want to do something, your conscience will tell you 'no'. Like when I want to beat up my little brother, my conscience has saved him a lot of times.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Conscience;,"'For some people, listening to their conscience is like taking advice from a total stranger.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Conscience;,'God may forget your sins but your nervous system won't.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Conscience;,'I cannot and will not cut my conscience to suit this years fashions.'  Quote:  Lillian Hellman.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Conscience;,"'If all your life you have had a clear conscience, you need not fear a knock at the door at midnight.'  Quote:  Chinese proverb.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Conscience;,'In matters of conscience the law of the majority has no place.'  Quote:  Ghandi.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Conscience;,'Living with a conscience is like trying to drive a car with the brakes on.'  Quote:  Bud Shuberg.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Conscience;,'Nothing is a better tranquilizer than a clear conscience.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Conscience;,"'OH Yes said the Indian, I know what the conscience is. It is a little 3-cornered thing in here (hand on his heart) that stands still when I am good, but when I am bad, it turns around and the corners hurt very much. But if I keep on doing wrong, by and by, the corners wear off and it doesn't hurt anymore.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Conscience;,"'Reason deceives us often, conscience never.'  Quote:  Roseau.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Conscience;,'The disease of an evil conscience is beyond the practice of all the physicians of all the countries in the world.' Quote:  William Gladstone,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Conscience;,'The only tyrant I accept in this world is the voice within.'  Quote:  Ghandi.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Conscience;,'There is no pillow so soft as a clear conscience.'  Quote:  French.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Conscience;,"'There is no witness so dreadful, no accuser so terrible as the conscience that dwells in the heart of every man.'  Quote:  Polybius.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Conscience;,'There is one thing alone that stands the brunt of life throughout its course: a quiet conscience.'  Quote:  Euripides.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Conscience;,"'When a man says he has a clear conscience, it often means he has a bad memory.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Conscience;,"'When the fight begins within himself, a man is worth something.'  Quote:  Robert Browning.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Conscience;,'Your conscience is what your mother told you before you were six years old.'  Quote:  Brock Chisom.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Conscience; Guilt;,'Men's minds are too ready to excuse guilt in themselves.'  Quote:  Livy.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Conscience; Honesty; Truth;,Experience:  'I cheated on my income tax two years ago and haven't had a good night's sleep since.  Consequently I'm enclosing a check for $28. If I find I still can't sleep I'll send you the balance.,Need for a clean conscience.,Heb. 9:14,"Jul 22, 1961 Aw Page 20",Conducting Ourselves Honestly At All Times,10,,,
Conscience; Right;,'Do right and fear no man.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Consequences;,"'Everybody, sooner or later, sits down to a banquet of consequences.'  Quote:  Rls.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Consequences;,"'I don't want the cheese, I just want to get out of the trap!'  Quote:  American.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Consequences; Sow; Reap;,'The height of absurdity to sow little but weeds in the first half of one's lifetime and expect to harvest a valuable crop in the second half.'  Quote:  Percy Johnson.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Consistency, Counsel, Discipline, Fairness, Righteousness, Judgment,",'The hole and the patch should be commensurate.' Quote: Thomas Jefferson.,"Likewise, justice must assure that punishment fits the crime.  Bible knowledge frees one from fear of eternal torment; frees one from bondage to sin; frees one from fear of man.","Rom 8:2; Ps 146:3, 4:  Ps. 118:6;",Bobby Laymon,"Mercy, A Dominant Quality Of True Christians",7,,1995/06/27,
"Console, Depressed, Abuse, Encourage, Groaning,",Just imagine coming upon a car crash victim lying moaning amid the wreckage.  Would you just tell him not to think about the pain?  Clearly more is needed.,"Similarly, telling abuse survivors simply to forget the past may do more harm than good.  If they could do so, likely they would have.  If you are not sure that what you say is consoling and helpful, why not ask the depressed one.",Pr 25:11; 1th 5:14;,"Oct 8, 1993 Aw Page 14",Gaining Comfort In All Our Tribulations,105,,,
"Construction, Building, Kingdom Halls, Quick-builds, Love,",Brooklyn Bethel office serves as 'Matchmaker.' (See examples in article.),It matches the needs of the construction projects around the world with the appropriate workers to fill those construction needs.,Matt. 24:14;,"Aug 22, 1991 Aw Page 20","Friendship With God, Friendship With The World -- Which Will You Choose?",79,,,
"Construction, Building, Kingdom Halls, Quick-builds, Love,",Many marvel at construction projects such as the pyramids of Egypt; Great Wall of China; skyscrapers.,"Features of another building program are equally astonishing.  Workers spend millions of dollars of their own money, travel long distances, sacrifice their vacation, forfeit considerate income to work without pay.  International Construction on Branches, and Kingdom Halls.",Matt. 24:14;,"Aug 22, 1991 Aw Page 19","Friendship With God, Friendship With The World -- Which Will You Choose?",79,,,
"Content, Discouragement, Disappointments, Endurance, Satan, Snares,","A good trout fisherman has an expert knowledge of the fish he wants to catch. By looking at the water flow and depth, considering the temperature and time of day, he can mimic the types of insects landing on or laying eggs on the water. He watches the fish rise and considers the placement of his line. The fly lands softly on the water, a few soft tugs on the line has it skim across the surface, and wham! it is taken by the fish.",Satan is like a fisherman.  Satan is a master of deception and lures. He does not have a 'catch and release' policy.  A lure he uses well and which can work even in Bethel is discouragement when others disappoint us.,Ps 6:6-9;,J.K.,How To Protect Ourselves From Satan's Snares,115,,1997/04/13,
"Content, Employment, Work, Peace,",'He is well paid that is well satisfied.' Quote: William Shakespeare.  [1596-1597].,"If we are content with Jehovah's spiritual provisions as well as basic material things, then we will maintain an approved relationship with God.",1 Tim 6:6-8;,Bobby Laymon,Are You Content With Jehovah's Provisions?,22,,1995/07/10,3/15/2015
"Content, Provisions, Complaint, Activist,",'The activist is not the man who says the river is dirty.  The activist is the man who cleans up the river.'  Quote: Ross Perot.,We should not complain about Jehovah's organization.  We should do what we can to right matters.,Numbers 11:1;,Bobby Laymon - Reader's Digest,Maintain Your Confidence Firm To The End,46,,1996/03/15,
Contentment,"Field mouse & House mouse Invited each other to dinner.  Field mouse had barley & wheat. Other had vegetables, fruits, dates, honey & cheese, but kept having to jump into crack in floor.",Simple life w/o worries better than rich life full of cares 'I'll stick to barley & wheat as long as I can live in peace & quiet.',Pro. 15:17,Aesop's Fables,You Can Find Joy In Serving God,103,,,
Contentment,"Frogs who asked for a King First gave block of wood, scared and then disrespectful. Next, grew angry and sent a stork, who gobbled them up.","Nations asked for King, what they got was imperfect man",Judg. 9: 8-15;,Aesop's Fables,You Can Find Joy In Serving God,103,,,
"Contentment,","A little boy eating an ice cream cone, when he thinks no one will take it away from him.",We need to be like that with Jehovah's provisions.,Ps. 23:1,Charles Graham,Are You Content With Jehovah's Provisions?,22,,1999/11/30,
"Contentment, Anxiety, Worry, Secret,","Would you like to learn a secret?  A secret that very few people have ever learned?  Christ Jesus knew it.  The apostle Paul and others prophets learned it.  If you learn this secret, you will be one of the happiest people on earth.  It is the secret of being content with what you have.",Can you learn the secret of being content with what you have?  Contentment has been described as the greatest  wealth.   Pray to Jehovah about it.  Practice it.  You will be one of the happiest people on earth.,Phil. 4:11-13,Bobby Laymon,,22,,"Jul 17, 2002",12/3/2014
"Contentment, Envy, Covet,","A MAN had an Ass, and a Maltese Lapdog, a very great beauty.  The  Ass was left in a stable and had plenty of oats and hay to eat,  just as any other Ass would.  The Lapdog knew many tricks and was a great favorite with his master, who often fondled him and seldom went out to dine without bringing him home some tidbit to  eat.  The Ass, on the contrary, had much work to do in grinding  the corn-mill and in carrying wood from the forest or burdens  from the farm.  He often lamented his own hard fate and  contrasted it with the luxury and idleness of the Lapdog, till at  last one day he broke his cords and halter, and galloped into his master's house, kicking up his heels without measure, and  frisking and fawning as well as he could.  He next tried to jump about his master as he had seen the Lapdog do, but he broke the  table and smashed all the dishes upon it to atoms.  He then attempted to lick his master, and jumped upon his back.  The  servants, hearing the strange hubbub and perceiving the danger of  their master, quickly relieved him, and drove out the Ass to his stable with kicks and clubs and cuffs.  The Ass, as he returned to his stall beaten nearly to death, thus lamented:  'I have  brought it all on myself! Why could I not have been contented to  labor with my companions, and not wish to be idle all the day  like that useless little Lapdog!'",Many times we envy those who are worse off than ourselves.  We should be content with what talents and abilities that we have instead of coveting those of others.,"Ps 73:3, 4;",Aesop's Fables - Bobby Laymon,You Can Find Joy In Serving God,103,,1994/05/15,
"Contentment, Foundation, Growth, Improvement,","Have you ever noticed a foundation to a house that has not been built on, although several years have passed.  No matter how well the foundation is built, it is of no value without a building on it.","That's how it is with the truth.  We must build on the foundation we have, not starting over again and again.",Heb. 6:1-3,Charles Graham,Are You Content With Jehovah's Provisions?,22,,1999/11/30,
"Contentment, Granted, Appreciation,","Sometimes we take roads for granted.  Or bridges.  We have traveled on the so many times we know them like the back of our hand.  But ask yourself, what would I do if they were not there?",We can even take Jehovah's provisions for granted.  Where would we be without the truth?,Mal. 1:6-8,Charles Graham,Are You Content With Jehovah's Provisions?,22,,1999/11/30,
"Contentment, Happiness, Joy, Progress, Compassionate, Humility,","'Blossom in the soil in which you are planted.' Be compassionate: Now is no time to 'beat up' the brothers.  The world gives them enough trouble.  Be KINDLY! Have the state of mind of humility. Dec 1, 1991 WT (Life experience)","Be happy & content in your present circumstances. Use 'Reasoning Book' even if you know the answer. Teach clearly, be simple, help friends to 'dig'",Eph. 4:32; 1 Tim. 3:13; Acts 6:1-6;,Phil Kirkton Notes; Bro. Jones; C.O. (servants Meeting),Serve Jehovah With A Joyful Heart,78,,,
"Contentment, Happy,",'He is poor who does not feel content.'  Japanese proverb.,It is a universal truth; a contented person is a happy person.,1 Tim. 6:6-8; Phil. 4:11;,"Aug 22, 2002 Awake Page 11",Jehovah Is 'a Secure Height' For His People,151,J,"Aug 7, 2002",1/21/2025
"Contentment, Happy,",'Nothing will content him who is not content with a little.' Greek proverb.,It is a universal truth; a contented person is a happy person.,1 Tim. 6:6-8; Phil. 4:11;,"Aug 22, 2002 Awake Page 11",Jehovah Is 'a Secure Height' For His People,151,,"Aug 7, 2002",
"Contentment, Happy,","'The basic evil is, first of all, not being content with the little that a person has.' A Bulgarian expert on the subject of aging.",It is a universal truth; a contented person is a happy person.,1 Tim. 6:6-8; Phil. 4:11;,"Aug 22, 2002 Awake Page 11",Jehovah Is 'a Secure Height' For His People,151,,"Aug 7, 2002",
"Contentment, Joy, Happiness, Organization,",'The evening of a well-spent life brings its lamps with it.' Quote: Joubert (1754-1824),"A life spent in Jehovah's household brings joy, happiness and contentment.",Ps 84:10;,Wisdom Of The Ages,Are You Content With Jehovah's Provisions?,22,,,
"Contentment, Love, Joy, Peace, Long-suffering, Kind, Good, Faith, Mild,","The secret of happiness is not in doing what one likes, but liking what one has to do.",Contentment.,"Gal. 5:22, 23; John 13:35; Phil. 3:1, 4:4; Mic. 6:8; Tit. 3:2;",Bobby Laymon,Serve Jehovah With A Joyful Heart,78,,,
"Contentment, Materialism, Wealth, Ambition, Proud, Modesty, Climbing,","'Ambition is a lust that is never quenched, but grows more inflamed and madder by enjoyment.' Quote: Thomas Otway.",Materialism and ambition will never be satisfied.  Only serving Jehovah brings true contentment.,Ecclesiastes 5:10;,Bobby Laymon,Is This Life All There Is?,36,,1995/08/25,
"Contentment, Peaceful, Complain, Criticize,",'The discontented man finds no easy chair.'  Quote: Benjamin Franklin.,We find contentment and happiness with Jehovah's provisions.,Ps 23:1-3;,Bobby Laymon - Reader's Digest,Are You Content With Jehovah's Provisions?,22,,1996/03/22,
"Contentment, Wisdom,","Once upon a time there was a nonconforming sparrow who decided not to fly south for the winter.  However, soon after, the weather turned so cold that he could not stand it any longer.  He reluctantly started to fly  south.  In a short time ice began to form on his wings and he fell to the  earth in a barnyard, almost frozen.  A cow passed by and dropped some manure on the little sparrow.  The sparrow thought it was the end, but the manure warmed him and thawed his wings. Thus, warm and happy and able to breathe, he started to sing.  Just then a large cat came by and, hearing the chirping, investigated the sound.  The cat, clearing away the manure, found the bird and promptly ate him.","This story contains three morals:  1.  Everyone who drops manure on you is not necessarily your enemy.  2.  Everyone who gets you out of the manure pile is not necessarily your friend.  3.  And, if you are warm and happy, keep your mouth shut!",Jonah 1:3;,Bobby Laymon,How To Conquer Evil With Good.,117,,"Feb 11, 2001",
Contentment;,'A contented person is one who enjoys the scenery along the detour.',No matter what happens to us in Jehovah's organization we need to enjoy our service to him.,Ps 23:1-3;,Jk Quotes;,Are You Content With Jehovah's Provisions?,22,,,
Contentment;,'A cow must graze where it is tied.'  Quote:  African.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Contentment;,'A discontented man finds no easy chair.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Contentment;,'A little wood will heat a little oven.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Contentment;,'Acorns were good until bread was found.'  Quote:  Francis Bacon.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Contentment;,"'Be content with your lot, one cannot be first in everything.'  Quote:  Aesop.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Contentment;,'Content is all.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Contentment;,"'Contentment consistent not in adding more fuel, but in taking away some fire.' Quote:  T. Fuller",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Contentment;,"'Contentment is a pearl of great price, and whoever procures it at the expense of ten thousand desires makes a wise and happy purchase.'  Quote:  John Balguy.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Contentment;,"'Contentment is natural wealth, luxury is artificial poverty.'  Quote:  Socrates.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Contentment;,'Contentment: being satisfied with what you haven't got.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Contentment;,'Don't pray for rain if you are going to complain about the mud.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Contentment;,"'For after all the best thing one can do when it is raining, is let it rain.'  Quote:  Longfellow.",,,Jk Quotes;,Are You Content With Jehovah's Provisions?,22,,,
Contentment;,"'Fortify yourself with contentment, for this is an impregnable fortress.'  Quote:  Epictetus.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Contentment;,'Give me the luxuries of life and I will willingly do without the necessities.'  Quote:  F. L. Wright.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Contentment;,'Give us the luxuries of life and we'll dispense with the necessities.'  Quote:  Owh.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Contentment;,'He is poor who does not feel content.'  Quote:  Japanese.,,,Jk Quotes;,Are You Content With Jehovah's Provisions?,22,,,
Contentment;,'He that's content hath enough. He that complains hath too much.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Contentment;,'He who is plenteously provided for from within needs but little from without.'  Quote:  Goethe.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Contentment;,'He will always be a slave who does not know how to live on little.'  Quote:  Horace.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Contentment;,"'If you are content, you have enough to live comfortably.'  Quote:  Platus.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Contentment;,'If you have a garden and a library you have everything you need.'  Quote:  Cicero.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Contentment;,'It is easy to get everything you want provided you first learn to do without the things you can't get.'  Quote:  E. Hubbard.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Contentment;,'Many people want what they don't need and need what they don't want.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Contentment;,'My motto is: contented with little yet wishing for more.'  Quote:  Charles Lamb.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Contentment;,'Nothing will content him who is not content with little.'  Quote:  Greek.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Contentment;,"'One honest John Hopkins a hedger and ditcher, although he was poor, did not what to be richer; for all such vain wishes in him were prevented by a fortunate habit of being contented.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Contentment;,"'Real security is based on wanting less, not having more.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Contentment;,"'Since we cannot get what we like, let us like what we can get.' Quote:  Spanish",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Contentment;,'That is the richest man whose pleasures are the cheapest.'  Quote:  H. D. Thoreau.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Contentment;,'The greatest wealth is contentment with little.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Contentment;,"'The joys of life: Porridge and soup, a donkey to ride, and a wife to drive it.'  Quote:  Arab.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Contentment;,"'The poor are not those who have little, but those who desire much.' Quote:  Swedish",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Contentment;,"'The secret of contentment is knowing how to enjoy what you have, and to be able to lose all desire for things beyond your reach.'  Quote:  Liln Yutang.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Contentment;,'To be content with little is difficult....to be content with much is impossible.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Contentment;,'To be without some of the things you want is an indispensable part of happiness.'  Quote:  Bertrand Russell.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Contentment;,'True affluence is not needing anything.'  Quote:  Gary Snyder.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Contentment;,'Very little is needed to make a happy life.'  Quote:  Marcus Aurelius.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Contentment;,'We often discover what will do by finding out what will not do.'  Quote:  Salada.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Contentment;,"'When we have provided against cold, hunger and thirst, all the rest is but vanity and excess.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Contentment;,"'Who with a little cannot be content, endures an everlasting punishment.'  Quote:  Robert Herrick.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Contentment;,'You never know what you can do without until you try.'  Quote:  Franklin Adams.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Contentment;,Blessed is the man who expects nothing....he shall never be disappointed.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Contentment;,"If we appreciate what we have, it always becomes more, if we belittle what we have, it always becomes less.",We need solid food to distinguish between right and wrong.,"Heb 5:14, 6:1-3;",Jk Quotes;,Are You Content With Jehovah's Provisions?,22,,,
Contentment;,"If you don't enjoy what you have, how could you be happier with more?",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Contentment;,"If you don't get everything you want, think of the things you don't get that you don't want!",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Contentment;,Its a big problem to reconcile one's net income with one's gross habits.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Contentment;,Make the most of all you've got and the least of all you can't get.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Contentment;,The fellow who pays cash for his wants soon gets into the habit of not wanting much.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Contentment; Adjustment;,"'If there are no thrushes, we eat blackbirds.'  Quote:  French.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Contentment; Appearances; Viewpoint; Funny;,"'This summer one third of the nation will be ill-housed, ill-nourished, and ill-clad, only they call it vacation.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Contentment; Appreciation;,'I would rather be able to appreciate things I cannot have than to have things I am not able to appreciate.'  Quote:  Elbert Hubbard.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Contentment; Desire;,'A man's discontent is his worst evil.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Contentment; Desire; Greed;,'Having it all doesn't necessarily mean having it all at once.' Quote:  Stephanie Lufthansa,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Contentment; Desire; Heart;,"'Though stone were changed to gold, the heart of man would not be satisfied.'  Quote:  Chinese proverb.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Contentment; Happiness;,'Every man should be cheerful and glad even until he suffers death.'  Quote:  Norse Saying.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Contentment; Happiness;,"'It is not how much we have, but how much we enjoy that makes happiness.'  Quote:  C. H. Spurgeon.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Contentment; Happiness;,'The world is full of people looking for spectacular happiness while they snub contentment.'  Quote:  D. Larson.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Contentment; Materialism,",'A bird can roost but on one branch. A mouse can drink no more than its fill.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Contentment; Potential;,Be content with what you have but never with what you are.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Continue, Progress, Improve, Food,","Have you ever sit down to eat and the food is coming toward you, and then suddenly it stops.  It doesn't continue it's way around the table.  That can be frustrating, can't it.",The same can be true if we don't continue to make progress.  We must continue to serve and benefit from spiritual food.,John 6:27;,Theodore Hughes,"Mercy, A Dominant Quality Of True Christians",7,,1995/08/13,
"Contradiction, Bible, Judas, Christendom","Yankee Stadium is referred to as the house Ruth built. Babe Ruth did not build it but made baseball popular by hitting home runs, so was largely responsible construction.",One account said Judas bought field. Other threw money in Temple,Matt. 27: 5-7  Acts 1:18,"Mar 8, 1965 Aw Page ;Johnse Laymon",Religion's Role In World Affairs.,92,,,
"Contradiction, Bible, Judas, Clergy, Christendom,",Clergyman said read Bible like ate fish - picking out pieces don't appeal to him.,"Witnesses not do that, take whole bible. In the account of Judas one said he 'hanged himself' other 'fell of cliff, busted open.' Apparently threw self over rocky place then busted open",Matt. 27: 5-7  Acts 1:18,"Mar 8, 1965 Aw Page Johnse Laymon",Religion's Role In World Affairs.,92,,,
"Contradictions, Matthew, Luke, Bible,","'The same thing seen through different eyes.'  The greater the difference, without contradiction, the more complete and forceful the record. Example: traffic accident. There is no part of their record that cannot be harmonized.","Matthew sees things through Joseph's eyes, and Luke through Mary's eyes.",Mt. 1:1-2:23; Luke. 1:1-3:38;,"Dec 22, 1967 Aw Page 27, 28",Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,,
"Contradictions, Vegetarians, Twist, Scripture, Brothers, Literal, Symbolic,","The vegetarian applies to the lower animals Jesus' words: 'If you do it unto one of the least of these, you do it unto me.  They contend that he was talking to literal sheep.","But note the complete verse: 'To the extent that you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.'  Are the lower animals the brothers of Jesus, the Son of Jehovah God?  This is a twisting of the Scriptures.  And does not prove that Christians should not eat meat.",Mt. 25:40;,W54 7/15 427,Renewing The Spirit Of Self-sacrifice,69,,1994/07/08,
Contrast;,'Where there is light the shadow is deep.'  Quote:  Johann Von Goethe.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Contrast; Joy; Grief;,'Joy and grief are never far apart.'  Quote:  Robert Wilmot.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Contrasts, Knowledge, Learn, Teach,",How we welcome the warm sunshine after a cold and wet wintry season. Good health after recovery from a severe sickness. (see article for many examples of 'Bible contrasts.') Sinister shadow crosses the inviting picture of beautiful home,Contrasts draw our attention to the value and importance of things for man. Beautiful woman. Taste bitter contrast between life and death.,"Isa. 55:1-4, 8-13; Genesis. 2:18; 3:1-6; 16-19","Mar 15, 1967 Wt Page 169",How Well Do You Know God?,1,,,
"Contrasts, Knowledge, Learn, Teaching, Sermon On Mount, Jesus,","Sermon on Mount was a series of surprising contrasts. 'Happy are poor,' 'Happy when men hate you.' etc.  Jesus realized this is a good teaching method, and used it well. Also used 'parallels.'",Contrasts draw our attention to the value and importance of things,Matt. 5:-6:33; Matt. 13:34; Matt. 13:10-13;,"Mar 15, 1967 Wt Page 173",'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
Contribution,"Fill Your Hand With A Gift. Anyone, according to his ability, can help further the preaching of the Good News.","Anyone, young or old can do so.",1 Chron. 29:5  2 Cor. 9:8-12,"Jul 1, 1990 Wt Page 31",Make Jehovah Your Confidence,70,,,
"Contribution, Resolve,","'Dear Brothers, Here is my donation to the Society for 1/- [one shilling; value, 14 cents] that my Daddy gave me for sweets Instead of buying sweets my mind decided to sent it to the Society because it will help a lot more to buy sweets.' Quote: 5-year-old Rhodesian child.","Do you give, 'just as you have resolved in your heart.'  Principle here is similar to that governing the making of vows.","2 Cor. 9:6,7; Ecclesiastes. 5:4-6; 1 Cor. 4:2;","May 15, 1967 Wt Page 312, 313;",Make Jehovah Your Confidence,70,,,
"Contribution, Resolve, Bible Study, Meetings, Attitude, Hall,","Husband may be sick in bed, and, appreciating the care and affection his wife has showered upon him. Resolves to buy her a large bouquet of roses, or take her out to fine dinner. But when he gets well, he may forget, or dismiss it as being extravagant.","We should follow through, just as we have resolved.","2 Cor. 9:6,7; Ecclesiastes. 5:4-6; 1 Cor. 4:2;","May 15, 1967 Wt Page 313, 314,",Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,,
Contributions,"Cheat on test?  Would you? Could you be doing it now? Robbed other congregation to minister to Corinthians 2 Cor. 11:8, 9.   Are we passing test of Love & Generosity?  Are we cheating on?","Same great test that early Christians in Corinth faced.  Jehovah takes note of, those who do, and those who don't.","2 Cor 8:1-7, 10, 11","Dec 1, 1989 Wt Page 24-27",Make Jehovah Your Confidence,70,,,
Contributions,"Child doesn't do best work, but eager; try to win the adult heart How we speak counts: 'I'm happy to have you stay with me.' Not: 'You can take it or leave it.  It's up to you.' Gracious giving and living costs us nothing, yet are essential to  life as bread and water.","Jehovah is happy when we are gracious, eager, try hard to please.",2 Cor. 9:7,"Sep 15, 1959 Wt Page 547",Make Jehovah Your Confidence,70,,,
Contributions,"Dead Sea is dead because it does not 'give out.'  Sun, moon, and stars 'give out'.   What good would they do otherwise?  Jehovah is prime example. Clouds give rain.","We must give for our own good; impossible to hoard without injury. Dead Sea takes in, but does not give life to fish, etc.  Men were created to 'give out'.",Acts 20:35,"Oct 8, 1959 Aw Page 5",Giving Under Compulsion,70,,,12/23/2015
Contributions,"Full measure, not tipping scales, cheating etc.  Willingly Support KH, clean & contribute, put something aside 1 Cor 16:2 assist bros to Meetings; construction projects; wills to Society",Practice giving.,"Ps 110:3;jas 1:17  Ps 31:19 Rom 6:23; Luke 6:38  2 Cor 9:17  Prov 3:9, 10",Trust In Jehovah District Assy. July 1987,Make Jehovah Your Confidence,70,,,
Contributions,"Poor Widow, dropped in all she had.",How much do we give?,Luke 21:2,Bible,Glorifying God With All We Have,17,,,
"Contributions,","'Zion's Watch Tower has, we believe, JEHOVAH for its backer, and while this is the case it will never beg nor petition men for support.'","Comment by WT of Aug 15, 1893 and still the view of Jehovah's Witnesses.  Also as early as Aug 1879 in the 2nd issue. See JV-E page 340",1pe 2:9;,"Nov 15, 1968 Wt Page 695; J.W. Proclaimers ..Page 340",Make Jehovah Your Confidence,70,,,
"Contributions,","Did you hear about the mouse that lived in the Kingdom Hall?   He had a great little apartment under the platform. However the congregation divided, then formed a third congregation, until there was someone on that platform virtually all the time! The poor mouse was getting no rest and his social life was ruined, so he decided to move.  As he was going out with his little 'mouse things', he passed a spider. 'Where you going' Mr. Mouse?', asked the spider. So the mouse explained the deplorable conditions under the platform.  'You need to move in with me', says the spider. 'I've got a nice quiet little place where nothing ever happens.'  'Where do you live Mr. Spider?', he wondered.",'In the contribution box!',2 Cor. 9:6;,Mark Hanlon,Make Jehovah Your Confidence,70,,1998/11/26,
"Contributions, Christendom, Peddlers, Clergy,",'We were selling our ministry for money.' Quote: A 'telephone prayer minister.'  when interviewed in an investigative report of American television evangelists late in 1991.,Jehovah's servants are not 'peddlers of the Word of God' as many men are.  Jesus nor his apostles never grabbed anything from anyone.  (See article for experience of young Witness who sent money to the Society),2 Cor. 2:17; 11:20;,"Dec 1, 1992 Wt Page 27, 28",Religion's Role In World Affairs.,92,,,
"Contributions, Donations, Generosity,","Let's consider the value of a penny, for example. (Hold up each coin as it is discussed.) What can you buy with a penny? Virtually, nothing. But if every publisher in the United States just donated one penny each to the worldwide work, it would be enough to supply a foreign branch with the computer equipment it needs for a translation department.  What can you buy with a nickel? Again, very little. Now suppose each publisher in the country donated just five cents. Together, the donations would be enough to buy a piece of earth moving equipment for a foreign branch. Many branches have no equipment like this.  What is a dime to you? You can't buy very much with a dime.  Maybe some candy. Did you know that if every publisher in the US gave ten cents, combined donations would be enough to build five Kingdom Halls in a foreign land?  What about a quarter? It will buy you one local telephone call here--but it is enough to build an Assembly Hall in another part of the world!  And what if we all gave a dollar? A dollar would be enough to build a foreign branch!","So, never think that what you can give is so insignificant that it is  worthless to Jehovah. He uses the whole-souled generosity of his  worshipers collectively to successfully support a worldwide witness and he will bless our efforts.",Luke 12:42-44,Bobby Laymon,,,,"Jan 21, 2001",
"Contributions, Donations, Giving, Money, Materialism,","Dear Brothers,  I want to send this dollar for the Kingdom Hall fund.  My name is Melody and I am 7 whole years old.  I have three sisters.  Maria is 15, Angela is 14, Katrina is 12 and my Mom is way over 21.  I love Jehovah a lot and I want to serve him.  Mommy says to have a goal.  My goal is to be a pioneer and have 25 children all serving as pioneers in my own house because mama says we can't live with her.  I do well in field service.  I talk to the people on my block so they can live together but if they don't listen I'm going to shake that dust off my feet and keep going to the next person.",Letter and Contributions from youth.,1 Cor 16:2,Collection From Society - Steve Hashimuri,How To Keep Spiritually Awake!,71,,1995/03/18,
"Contributions, Donations, Giving, Money, Materialism,","Dear Brothers,  I would like to express my appreciation for the Watchtower and Awake magazines.  I like the Live Forever book very much.  I've been studying in it for 6 months now.  I can't wait to get in my Youth book.  This is 4 dollars for books, lumber, doors or a drink after work.  I am nine years old.  Brother Quackenbush: 'No Bethelite has a drink after work.'",Letter and Contributions from youth.,1 Cor 16:2,Collection From Society - Steve Hashimuri,How To Keep Spiritually Awake!,71,,1995/03/18,
"Contributions, Donations, Giving, Money, Materialism,","Dear Brothers,  Please use this money for anything.  I appreciate all your publications.  They help me.  I'm nine years old.  I got this money from selling a lot of stuff from my room.  One day in first grade at school me and another JW girl were sitting on the ground at recess singing 'We're Jehovah's Witnesses'.  This boy was listening to us and then he got up and said, 'I have to go now.' and he went off singing 'We're Jehovah's Witnesses'.  He was worldly too.  And a different time a different boy had a small Bible he let me hold it and show him God's name.  When I looked it up after the reading of the name in the scripture about 13 kids were crowded around me sitting down.",Letters from youth on contributions.,1 Cor 16:2;,Collection From Society - Steve Hashimuri,How To Keep Spiritually Awake!,71,,1995/03/18,
"Contributions, Donations, Giving, Money, Materialism,","Dear Society,  I have this dime.  I hope you like it.  Its all the money I have.  Bye.",Letters from youth on contributions.,1 Cor 16:2;,Collection From Society - Steve Hashimuri,How To Keep Spiritually Awake!,71,,1995/03/18,
"Contributions, Donations, Giving, Money, Materialism,","Dear Watchtower Bible Society:  If you want to you can agree to my suggestion.  You can do an article on dinosaurs.  If you agree my title is 'Dinosaurs, Are They All You Think Of?'  Well, I guess you are wondering about my age.  My age is eight and I am giving you two weeks allowance, one dollar.  If you agree you can do it.  I tried to get them to do an article on dinosaurs and they did.  I tried to get them to use the title, 'Dinosaurs, Are They All You Think Of?', they wouldn't do that.  Brother Quackenbush's comment: 'Sometimes older people, they don't seem to get down on the level of a child.  That would have been a great title.'",Letters from youth on contributions.,1 Cor 16:2;,Collection From Society - Steve Hashimuri,How To Keep Spiritually Awake!,71,,1995/03/18,
"Contributions, Donations, Giving, Money, Materialism,","Dear Watchtower,  Here is 5 dollars.  You may use it anyway you like.  I'm nine years old and if you need more help I will gladly help.  If you need more help contact me at 132 Fulton or call 485-18--  Sometime I will come to visit you or call your number and talk to you.  May Jehovah bless your efforts.  P.S.  I will be sending you more money in a couple of months.  Keep up the good work.",Letter and Contributions from youth.,1 Cor 16:2,Collection From Society - Steve Hashimuri,How To Keep Spiritually Awake!,71,,1995/03/18,
"Contributions, Donations, Giving, Money, Materialism,","Hi, my name is Allen.  I have a dollar in this paper.  The reason I am giving you this dollar is because someone gave us this dollar.  I think that whoever gets this dollar can use this dollar better than I can.  What I mean is you brothers can spend the dollar in more important ways than on some crazy toys.",Letters from youth on contributions.,1 Cor 16:2;,Collection From Society - Steve Hashimuri,How To Keep Spiritually Awake!,71,,1995/03/18,
"Contributions, Donations, Giving, Money, Materialism,","I am Aritha.  I am 5.  My favorite story is The Loving Shepherd, about the lost lamb.  Here is 5 dollars to find the lost lamb.",Letter and Contributions from youth.,1 Cor 16:2,Collection From Society - Steve Hashimuri,How To Keep Spiritually Awake!,71,,1995/03/18,
"Contributions, Donations, Giving, Money, Materialism,",I'm nine years old and going to be ten in November.  I have a little sister named Tammy and a brother named Matthew.  When I feel angry I think about how Jehovah would feel if I hit them.  So I don't hit them.  I am sending you this dollar to build a Kingdom Hall.  I hope you will add extra bathrooms for the girls because they always have such long lines.,Letters from youth on contributions.,1 Cor 16:2;,Collection From Society - Steve Hashimuri,How To Keep Spiritually Awake!,71,,1995/03/18,
"Contributions, Donations, Giving, Money, Materialism,",My name is B. J.  I go to the Haskell Congregation.  I am 5 years old and I'm sending my dollar today.  I want you to build a Kingdom Hall.  I hope you get it just in time.,Letters from youth on contributions.,1 Cor 16:2;,Collection From Society - Steve Hashimuri,How To Keep Spiritually Awake!,71,,1995/03/18,
"Contributions, Donations, Giving, Money, Materialism,","My name is Heather Argocino.  I will show you how to say my last name.  Ar go cino.  I live in California.  I'm eight years old going on nine.  I will be nine in March.  I've been to Bethel when I was 6.  I have two brothers, their names are Matthew and Joshua.  Matt is 17 and Joshua is 15.  They are both baptized and want to go to Bethel.  I want to go also.  My Mom's name is Julie and my Dad's name is George.  I have a cat whose name is Mountain Kitty Argocino and Matt's dog's name is Sully Fire and Wind Argocino.  I like to dance and play.  So I want to come and help make Bibles and maybe help with the kitchen and dining room.  Well thank you for taking time to read my letter.  There is a five cent contribution enclosed to help with the work.",Letters from youth on contributions.,1 Cor 16:2;,Collection From Society - Steve Hashimuri,How To Keep Spiritually Awake!,71,,1995/03/18,
"Contributions, Donations, Giving, Money, Materialism,",My name is Stephanie Lopez and my sister's name is Darlene.  I'm 10 and she is 5.  We have saved us some money to buy toys but we have some left over.  My mother suggested we should send it to you.  My sister agreed it was a good idea.  We want to give you 50 dollars to the Society to make more Kingdom Halls or wherever you think needs more money.  I hope you use the money wisely like Jehovah God wants you to.  Brother Quackenbush: 'She certainly didn't want any of her money used buying drinks for Bethelite.,Letter and Contributions from youth.,1 Cor 16:2,Collection From Society - Steve Hashimuri,How To Keep Spiritually Awake!,71,,1995/03/18,
"Contributions, Donations, Giving, Money, Materialism,",This letter is to ask a question.  I was listening to my Bible story tape and following along in my Bible Story book.  I was listening to story #82 and the tape said that Mordecai was Esther's cousin.  But in the book it said Mordecai was Esther's uncle.  Did you know that?  I'm not an apostate.  I'm only eleven.  I won't even be 12 until December.  Plus my mom would beat me because she is a pioneer.  Plus I love Jehovah and His slave class.  (Brother Quackenbush: 'Do all you pioneers beat your kids?')  I have 5 dollars for you guys.  I'm going to save up until I have a few more dollars for you guys. ," I have to tell you something very embarrassing.  The day I wrote the letter to you guys saying I had 2 dollars for you and just a few minutes after I finished it I went out and spent it.  I can't believe I did that.  How many people work at Bethel?  I wish with all my heart that one day I will be able to come to Bethel.  Well, I guess that is all I have to say.Letter and Contributions from youth.",1 Cor 16:2,Collection From Society - Steve Hashimuri,How To Keep Spiritually Awake!,71,,1995/03/18,7/21/2025
"Contributions, Generous, Mercy,","'A Baker's Dozen' (baker gave 13 rolls when customer asked for 12) There was time when generosity shown even in business relations. His solvency did not depend on that extra roll. Did not likely give thought to 'good business'  It made his customers happy, & made him happy.","Generosity is proof of Wisdom.  Proof of wisdom, for without happiness life burden Generosity is almost invariable contagious.","Genesis. 2:18; Acts 20:35; 1 Tim. 1:11  Matt. 6:11, 19, 32","Aug 1, 1959 Wt Page 451",Make Jehovah Your Confidence,70,,,11/19/2013
"Contributions, Gifts, Dedication, Pioneer,","Suppose you are invited to a meal, and when you get there you find they ate before you arrive, and they offer you the left-over's? Cheerful giver= 'hilarious'! (lighthearted, joyous, happy)","It would be improper to offer Jehovah our best, and then give him what is left over.","1co 16:1, 2; 2co 8:10-15, 16-24;12:17, 18; Ac 20:35; 2co 9:7","Jan 15, 1992 Wt Page 16-18; ( Alan Laszewski)",How Purposeful Is Your Life?,60,,,
"Contributions, Gifts, Dedication, Time, Pioneer,","Suppose an Israelite, instead of offering up 'first-fruits' waited until end of season, and offered up withered, unwanted fruit or grain?",We must be willing to serve Jehovah with our best.,"1co 16:1, 2; 2co 8:10-15, 16-24;12:17, 18; Ac 20:35; 2co 9:7","Jan 15, 1992 Wt Page 16-18; ( Alan Laszewski)",Is It Time For God To Rule The World?,20,,,
"Contributions, Gifts, Giving, Blessing, Jehovah, Russell, Ransom,","'On one occasion I was called upon by a minister of the Reformed church.  He wanted to know how I managed my church.  I said to him: ... 'We pay no salaries; there is nothing to make people quarrel.  We never take up a collection.'  'How do you get the money?' he asked.  I replied, 'Now Dr. ___if I tell you what is the simplest truth you will hardly be able to believe it.  When people get interested in this way, they find no basket placed under their nose.  But they see there are expenses.  They say to themselves, 'This hall costs something ... How can I get a little money into this cause?''  He looked at me as if he thought, 'What do you take me for -- a greenhorn?'  I said, 'Now, Dr. ___, I am telling you the plain truth ... When one gets a blessing and has any means, he wants to use it for the Lord.  If he has no means, why should we prod him for it.''  Quote: Charles T. Russell","We give because Jehovah God was the first to give.  His giving started untold eons ago with creation -- his very first creation, his 'only begotten Son.'  Out of love, he gave the gift of life to others.",John 3:16;,"Dec 1, 1993 Wt Page 28",Make Jehovah Your Confidence,70,,1993/11/25,
"Contributions, Gifts, Giving, Materialism,","Material prosperity does not lead to spiritual prosperity, but spiritual prosperity does bring material prosperity sufficient for the needs of Jehovah's work.",Jehovah's Witnesses endeavor to 'Honor Jehovah with your valuable things and with the first fruits of all your produce.',Pr 3:9;,"Dec 1, 1993 Wt Page 29",Reach Out For The Real Life!,90,,1993/11/25,
"Contributions, Gifts, Money, Pioneer,",The one who owns everything in the universe cannot be enriched by anyone.  Whatever you offer him as a gift is already his and is due him.  We are merely stewards accountable to God for things we hold in possession.,"Yet, this should not discourage God's people from offering gifts in support of pure worship, rendering our best to Jehovah.",1ch 29:11-14; Ps 96:8; Deuteronomy 16:16;,"May 1, 1971 Wt Page 283",Make Jehovah Your Confidence,70,,1993/11/10,
"Contributions, Giving,","From the Greek word 'cheerful' comes the word 'hilarious'! A person with a joyful spirit does not give grudgingly or under compulsion, but has his heart in his giving.","God loves the lighthearted, joyous, happy giver ... whose faith is wreathed in smiles when another opportunity for giving greets him.",Prov. 22:8; Luke 21:1-4; 2 Cor 9:7;,"Jan 15, 1992 Wt Page 18  (entered Dec 16, 1991)",Make Jehovah Your Confidence,70,,,
"Contributions, Love, Charity, Heart,","'If you haven't any charity in your heart, you have the worst kind of heart trouble.'  Quote: Bob Hope.",We should give with a generous heart.,2 Cor 9:7;,Bobby Laymon - Reader's Digest,How Do You Fit Into The Kingdom Arrangement?,21,,1996/03/21,
"Contributions, Materialism, Money,","Would you go into a nice restaurant and order a nice meal, eat it and walk out without paying for it?  Perhaps thinking, 'someone else will pay for it.'","That is what we do when we come to Jehovah's house, eat a delicious spiritual meal, and then leave without contributing for it.","Is 60:1, 2;",Al Larue,Reach Out For The Real Life!,90,,1994/06/11,
"Contributions, Money, Donations, Worldwide Work,","What can you buy with a penny?  Virtually, nothing. But if every publisher in the United States just donated one penny each to the worldwide work, it would be enough to supply a foreign branch with the computer equipment it needs for a translation dept.  What can you buy with a nickel? Again, very little. Now suppose each publisher in the country donated just 5 cents. Together, the donations would be enough to buy a piece of earth moving equipment for a foreign branch.  Many branches have no equipment like this.  What is a dime worth to you? You can't buy very much with a dime. Maybe some candy. Did you know that if every publisher in American gave 10 cents, combined donations would be enough to  build 5 Kingdom Halls in a foreign  land?  What about a quarter? It will buy you one local telephone call here - but it is enough to build an Assembly Hall in another part of the world!  And what if we all gave a dollar?  A dollar would be enough to build a foreign branch!","Jesus praised the widow who gave two coins of very little value. Some may be inclined to think that their contributions don't make a difference and that only those who can donate more to the worldwide work than we can are the ones that really matter.  SO, never think that what you can give is so insignificant that it is worthless to Jehovah. He uses the whole souled generosity of his worshipers collectively to successfully support a worldwide witness and he will bless our efforts.",Mark 12:43; Matt 24:14;,Tim Moore,How To Keep Spiritually Awake!,71,,1997/10/19,
"Contributions, Robbery, Tithes,","Can you imagine someone taking a gun, and robbing God?","Yet, by failing to bring in their tithes and offerings, Israel was 'robbing' Jehovah.  Also by offering up blind and lame animals.","Mal 3:7, 8;","Dec 1, 1992 Wt Page 11",Make Jehovah Your Confidence,70,,,
"Contributions, Thanks,",'If I had a million dollars I would make a large donation for the work of the Lord.' (Not exactly the right attitude) Work is supported by small heart-felt donations.,The right attitude is: 'Is there anything I can offer as a token of my heartfelt appreciation for Jehovah's loving provisions?',"2 Cor. 9:7, 8; Mk. 12:42-44; Mt. 24:45-47;","May 1, 1968 Wt Page 280",Make Jehovah Your Confidence,70,,,
"Contributions, Thanks,",Suppose a complete stranger has obliged you in some manner.  You thank him but lose track of him.  How do you continue to show appreciation. By helping those in need though strangers to you.,Apply to World Wide Preaching work of Jehovah's witnesses. The work is supported by small donations from the heart.,"1 Sam. 13:14; 1 Chron. 29:3, 4; Mk. 12:42-44; Mt. 24:45-47;","May 1, 1968 Wt Page 277, 278",Make Jehovah Your Confidence,70,,,
"Contradictions, Bible, Baptism,",This is similar to the case in which a businessman and his secretary both can lay claim to writing a particular letter.,"At John 3:22 we read that Jesus 'did baptizing,' while just a little further on, at John 4:2, the record states that 'Jesus himself did no baptizing.' But as the rest of the text indicates, it was Jesus' disciples who performed the actual baptisms in his name and under his direction.",John 3:22; 4:2;,W88 2/1 6,Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,1994/06/04,
"Control, Comfortable, Danger, Exert,","Did you ever drive in a deep rut.  A couple of months ago right after the snow, Edna had a return visit down a long lane.  Someone had already been there, and the snow became hardened and there was a rut.  A rut can be comfortable, because you don't have to steer.  I didn't have to do anything.  There was no effort.  However, the ruts kept going to the field, and we wanted to stop at the house.  How would we turn around?  Ruts can be dangerous also because you are no longer in control.",A spiritual rut can also be comfortable.  It is easy to stay in the same routine.  We may need to get out of the spiritual rut if we are going nowhere and take control of our lives.  Perhaps we can steer it in ways to give more time in Jehovah's service.,Tit. 2:12-14;,Bobby Laymon,,,,"Feb 20, 2001",
"Conventions, Assemblies, Meetings,",How would you describe a banana to someone who had never tasted one.  1.  Mushy!  'You mean like marshmallows?'  2. Starchy!  'You mean like corn?'  3.  Sweet!  'You mean like an apple?'  It is hard to describe.  It is better you taste it yourself!!,That's how it is with the meetings of Jehovah's people.  There is no way you can get the true flavor unless you experience it yourself.,"Ps 84:10; Heb 10:24, 25;",1997 Faith In God's Word District Convention. Ken Carpenter,How To Keep Spiritually Awake!,71,,1997/06/17,
Conversation;,'Conversation is an art in which man has all mankind for competitors.'  Quote:  Ralph Waldo Emerson.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Conversation;,'Conversation would be vastly improved by the constant use of four simple words: I do not know.'  Quote:  Andre Maurois.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Conversation; Listen; Knowledge;,"'I attribute the little I know to my not having been ashamed to ask for information, and to my rule of conversing with all descriptions of men on those topics that form their own peculiar professions and pursuits.'  Quote:  John Locke.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Conviction, Faith, Bible, Hope,","On a long journey of human life, faith is the best of companions; it is the best refreshment on the journey; and it is the greatest property.'  Quote: Buddha (B.C. 568-488)","Even religious leaders of old, and sages recognized the strength that faith gives.","Heb. 11:1 Rom. 10:16, 17;",Wisdom Of The Ages,Have Faith In The Good News,47,,,
"Conviction, Faith, Bible, Hope, Courage, Boldness,",'Whatever enlarges hope will also exalt courage.' Quote: Johnson (1709-1784),Increased faith and hope will add boldness to our message.,"Rom. 10:16, 17; Heb 11:1; Pr 3:5;",Wisdom Of The Ages,FACING THE FUTURE WITH FAITH AND COURAGE,166,,,
"Conviction, Faith, Bible, Hope, Cure,","'Hope!  of all ills that men endure, The only cheap and universal cure.'  Quote:  Abraham Cowley (1618-1667)",Hope in Jehovah and his kingdom.,"Rom. 10:16, 17; Heb 11:1; Pr 3:5;",Wisdom Of The Ages,The Only Cure For Sick Mankind,62,,,
"Conviction, Faith, Bible, Hope, Happiness, Joy,","'Hope is itself a species of happiness, and perhaps the chief happiness which this world affords.'  Quote:  Johnson (1709-1784)",The only cost to this happiness is study and meditation of God's Word.,"Rom. 10:16, 17; Heb 11:1; Pr 3:5;",Wisdom Of The Ages,Serve Jehovah With A Joyful Heart,78,,,
"Conviction, Faith, Bible, Hope, Happiness, Joy,","'Hope is such a bait, it covers any hook.' Ben Jonson (1572-1637)",True hope must be based on God's Word.,"Rom. 10:16, 17; Heb 11:1; Pr 3:5;",Wisdom Of The Ages,Have Faith In The Good News,47,,,
"Conviction, Faith, Bible, Hope, Happiness, Joy, Science,",'He that lives in hope dances without music.' Quote:  Herbert (1593-1632),Misplaced hope have caused many to lose confidence in Jehovah.,"Rom. 10:16, 17; Heb 11:1; Pr 3:5;",Wisdom Of The Ages,Have Faith In The Good News,47,,,
"Conviction, Faith, Bible, Hope, Happiness, Joy, Science,",'He that lives on hope will die fasting.' Quote:  Benjamin Franklin. (1706-1790).,"Hopes can be false, and many of the hopes given by the world and science have proven to be false.","Rom. 10:16, 17; Heb 11:1; Pr 3:5;",Wisdom Of The Ages,Have Faith In The Good News,47,,,
"Conviction, Faith, Bible, Hope, Happiness, Joy, Science,",'Hope!  fortune's cheating lottery Where for one prize a thousand blanks there are.'  Quote: Abraham Cowley (1618-1667),"Hopes can be false, and many of the hopes given by the world and science have proven to be just blanks.","Rom. 10:16, 17; Heb 11:1; Pr 3:5;",Wisdom Of The Ages,Serve Jehovah With A Joyful Heart,78,,,
"Conviction, Faith, Bible, Hope, Happiness, Joy, Science,","'Hope, like the gleaming taper's light, Adorns and cheers our way; And still, as darker grows the night, Emits a brighter ray.' Quote: Oliver Goldsmith -1764.",Hope becomes brighter as we see Satan's world going down in destruction.,"Rom. 10:16, 17; Heb 11:1; Pr 3:5;",Wisdom Of The Ages,Serve Jehovah With A Joyful Heart,78,,,
"Conviction, Faith, Bible, Hope, Progress, Improvement,","'True hope is swift, and flies with swallow's wings: Kings it makes gods, and meaner creatures, kings.'  Quote:  Shakespeare (1564-1616)","Hope can improve life; how especially true if it is in the true God, Jehovah.","Rom. 10:16, 17;",Wisdom Of The Ages,Have Faith In The Good News,47,,,
"Conviction, Faith, Bible, Hope, Study,","'No iron chain, or outward force of any kind, could ever compel the soul of man to believe or disbelieve'  Quote:   Carlyle (1795-1881","Jehovah's word is powerful for overturning strongly entrenched things, and reaching hearts.",2co 10:3-5; Heb 4:12;,Wisdom Of The Ages,Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,,
"Conviction, Faith, Bible, Hope, Study, Witnesses, Persecution,",'The only faith that wears well and holds its color in all weathers is that which is woven of conviction.'  Quote: James Lowell (1819-1891,"Jehovah's Witnesses have proven that true, by keeping their faith in concentration camps and under adverse conditions.  It shows the value of studying the Bible each day.","Heb. 11:1 Rom. 10:16, 17;",Wisdom Of The Ages,Have Faith In The Good News,47,,,
Cooking; Food; Funny;,"Every time I go near the stove, the dog howls. In our home we have Alka-Seltzer on tap.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Cooperation, Kindness, Unity, Hatred, Peace,","Two goats met on a narrow mountain trail.  Each told the other to get off, but both refused.  They began butting at each other.  Finally both plunged over the Clift.  Later, two other animals met on the same path.  These had a different attitude.  One said to the other, 'I will lie down and you can walk over me.  The two passed peacefully.","How much better it is when we work peacefully together.  Cooperating with others in the congregation.  It too, can be a decision that involves our lives.",Eph 1:18;,Bobby Laymon,Serving With Jehovah's Unified Organization,3,,1994/12/01,
"Cooperation, Work, Marriage, Employment, Unity, Organization,","Did you ever help your wife or husband make up the bed.  Did you notice how quickly it goes. Don't have to go around to each side cover smoothes out quickly, and job is completed in less than half the time.","Cooperation within Jehovah's organization makes things go smoothly, and quickly.",Mic. 2:12; 1 Cor. 1:10;,Bobby Laymon,Serving With Jehovah's Unified Organization,3,,,
Cooperation;,'Cooperation is doing with a smile what you have to do anyhow.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Cooperation;,The person who can't lead and won't follow makes a dandy roadblock.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Cooperation; Marriage;,"If two people ride the same horse, one must ride behind.",Jehovah sets out the roles in marriage.,Eph 5:1-28;,Jk Quotes;,Getting Marriage Off To A Good Start,27,,,
"Cope, Youths, Crisis, Care, Important, Personally,","ICU = Intensive Care Unit.  Hospitals have a ICU unit.  They have a staff because they care.  They have all these machines, valued at millions of dollars, because they care.",Jehovah cares for youth in the same way.,2 Ki 20:1-10;,Johnse Laymon,How Can Youths Cope With Today's Crisis?,113,,1994/12/18,
"Cornerstone, Stumbling, Jesus,",Unlike the inanimate cornerstone of Herod's temple in Jerusalem Jesus Christ is a living cornerstone of a spiritual temple. Inanimate cornerstone only holds up a building. Living cornerstone upholds what is right in God's eyes and condemns what is bad.,Why is Jesus Christ a stone of stumbling.   Demonstrates what is bad. That is why he is offensive to many.,"Isa. 28:16; Matt. 15: 7-12; John 6:66; 1 Pet. 2:7, 8; Acts 4:11;","Sep 22, 1963 Aw Page 27, 28",Meeting The Test Of Christian Loyalty,48,,,
"Correction, Discipline, Empathy,","A man telling an interesting story to a group of friends.  At one point his wife interrupted to correct him on a slight mistake in grammar.  Clearly displeased, he repeated his grammatical error with added emphasis and proceeded with his story.","His wife had not learned the art of how and when to correct another person.  Did perhaps have love, as she would not have tried to correct another person doing the same thing.","Pr 21:9; 27:6, 15; 1co 11:3, 9;","Sep 15, 1968 Wt Page 547",Make Jehovah Your Confidence,70,,,
"Correction, Reprove, Discipline,",The God of the heavens is not going to come down to earth or send some angel to sit down with us to explain matters to us.,"No, it may be that our brother will do the talking. It may be our mother or our father. It may be a company servant or a circuit servant who brings us the corrective information. It may come through the Watchtower magazine. It will come from within Jehovah's organization, and it is for the benefit of those in the organization. The correction may hurt; it may hit hard, and if you cannot take the correction you are going to lose your happiness. Of course, there is no joy at the moment the correction is given; but afterward when we see the error of our way and when we get back in line with God's arrangements again, then we can rejoice and appreciate the value of the correction. 'It is for discipline you are enduring. God is dealing with you as with sons. . . . True, no discipline seems for the present to be joyous, but grievous; yet afterward to those who have been trained by it yields peaceable fruit, namely, righteousness.' (Heb. 12:7, 11, NW) The real servant of Jehovah will be glad for the correction; so it is true that a man who is corrected by Jehovah is happy.  'How happy the man whom thou correctest, O Yah! and whom out of thy law thou instructest!' (Ps. 94:12, Ro) If we were not corrected and we kept on going in our wrong way, we should soon find ourselves back in the Devil's organization. The only way we can have happiness is by being corrected and by staying in line with the new system of things in Jehovah's organization.",Psalm 94:12;,"Jan 15, 1953 Wt Page 55",Jehovah Is 'a Secure Height' For His People,151,,"Dec 29, 2001",
"Correction, Reprove, Discipline,","WHEN was the last time you, in word or in deed, fell short of God's righteous ways and standards? Likely you do not have to think back very far, perhaps just a few hours or days, for all of us sin, failing to reflect properly God's glory.-1 Ki. 8:46; 1 John 1:8-10.","We can be happy that in his love Jehovah desires and is able to correct us. 'The One correcting the nations, can he not reprove, even the One teaching men knowledge? Happy is the able-bodied man whom you correct, O Jah.' If we 'let ourselves be corrected' by Jehovah, we will be happy, for we will be in harmony with him.-Ps. 94:10, 12.","Ps. 94:10, 12.","Sep 1, 1981 Wt Page 17",Jehovah Is 'a Secure Height' For His People,151,,"Dec 29, 2001",
"Correction, Training, Punishment, Discipline,","Jehovah is like the farmer who uses discernment in determining which instrument to use for effective threshing of different kinds of grains and how long to thresh, not 'incessantly treading it out.'",So ask yourself: Is the restriction reasonable in the light of my child's age and progress toward maturity? Is the punishment in proportion to the seriousness of the wrong deed as well as consistent and not simply due to my mood? And does the child really know why he is being punished?-Job 6:24.,Isaiah 28:26-29; Job 6:24;,W85 8/15 25,Make Jehovah Your Confidence,70,,1994/07/29,
Correction; Criticism; Counsel; Discipline;,"'If you aren't big enough for criticism, you're really to small for praise.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Corruption, Apostate, Satan, Devil,",'There is no odor so bad as that which arises from goodness tainted.'  Quote: Henry David Thoreau.  -1854.,"Apostates have once been enlightened.  It would have been better for them not to have known the truth.  Isolation can result in spiritual sickness, apostasy, and death.",Prov. 18:1;,G83 5/22 P. 15; W66 P. 676; W80 11/15 Pp. 6-7; Bobby Laymon,Choose Your Associates Wisely!,116,,1995/08/07,
"Cosmetics, World, Grooming, Dress, Makeup,","It has been said, 'If the old barn needs painting - paint it!'  However much beautiful barn wood has been covered over by paint.","Likewise, if a person needs cosmetics, then there is nothing wrong with using them.  However, too much can hide the actual beauty of a person.","1pe 3:3, 4",Aaron Carr,'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,1994/04/24,
"Counsel, Advice,","'Advice is seldom welcome, and those who need it the most, like it the least.' Quote: -Lord Chesterfield.","Applying advice is not easy -- it takes infinite patience, self-control, but can in time produce a welcome transformation.",Prov. 13:24,Bobby Laymon,Family Life That Warms The Heart,5,,1995/08/25,
"Counsel, Advice, Discipline",Be like the careful cook who makes sure that any ingredients used are wholesome and free of anything that might be poisonous.,"Make sure that your counsel is firmly based on God's Word and not simply on personal opinion.  By doing this, you can be sure your counsel will not harm anyone.","2 Timothy 3:16, 17","Jan 15, 1999 Wt Page 22",How To Express Love In A Lawless World,112,,1998/12/28,
"Counsel, Advice, Poor, Prosperous, Encourage, Humble,",'It is easy when we are in prosperity to give advice to the afflicted.' Quote: Aeschylus.,"We must not be 'high and mighty' when offering encouragement to others.  Rather, 'down to earth.'",James 4:6;,Bobby Laymon,Gaining Comfort In All Our Tribulations,105,,1995/08/25,
"Counsel, Advise,","I. Counsel is one of the most beneficial possessions we can have.  Yet, it is so hard for all of us to take.  How many have ever taken castor oil?  'Advice is like castor oil, easy enough to give but dreadful uneasy to take.' Quote: --Josh Billings.  That is why the Bible counsel is so good.  It is easier to take, coming from Jehovah.  Biblical counsel is linked to our physical and emotional well-being. 'PROVERBS 12:15 The way of the foolish one is right in his own eyes, but the one listening to COUNSEL is wise.  A. Sources of counsel:  1.  Usually, we think of the elders.  2.  Jehovah God promised to provide his people with counselors in our time. Isaiah 1:26 He said: 'I will bring back again . . . counselors for you as at the start.'  3.  Many other sources of counsel  4.  Parents counsel their children regularly.  5.  We may read something in the Bible or publications 6.  Our consciences may correct or counsel us  7.  David was saved from incurring blood guilt by the timely counsel of Abigail, the wife of Nabal.  8.  And the young man Elihu had some wise counsel for Job and his three 'comforters.'   9.  Remember, too, the Syrian military leader Naaman.   A.  He acted on some fine information originating with a young Israelite girl and then on advice from his servants.  10.	  Even young persons are successfully counseling others.  TERRI is the daughter of Christian parents. At school she had a young friend who was also 'in the truth.' Terri noticed, however, that toward the end of elementary school her friend was not as enthusiastic about her faith as formerly. As they progressed through high school together, her friend became irregular at Christian meetings and began to find fault with the Watch Tower Society and the congregation. Terri prayed hard about her friend, however, and constantly counseled her to try to stay strong as a Christian. Eventually, Terri's efforts were rewarded. By the tenth grade, her friend was regularly attending meetings again and was finally baptized. What a blessing for her! And what a reward for her faithful young friend Terri!  		              	","B.  What makes counsel easier to take?  1.  It is much easier to accept even strong counsel if we know that the one counseling us loves us, is not speaking because of personal irritation, and has no selfish motives. 2.  For example, if the only time an elder talks to the teenagers in the congregation is when 	he criticizes them, the youngsters could easily feel picked on.  3.  But what if the elder has a good relationship with the teenagers? Works with them etc.   4.  Christian counselors today likewise base what they say on the Scriptures  II.  Human weaknesses make counsel hard to accept.  A.  Most brothers and sisters readily accept counsel, and that is commendable.  1.  Makes it easier on the elders, and others in the congregation.  B.  It has been said that we humans rationalize, minimize and close-our-eyes.  1.  How might we do that?  2.  We don't want to be infected with what some call the Yeah! … But disease.  3.  Examples:  You know the organization says to date only in the truth.  Yeah! … But my case is an exception you see, for this reason.  The Bible says at Joshua 1:8 that we should read it daily.  Yeah! … But that's only for those who have the time.  The faithful slave says, that persons should not spend time with the opposite sex without a responsible chaperon.  Yeah! … But I trust my son (or daughter)  He or she could never get into that kind of trouble.  C.  Sometimes we all ignore counsel.  We can apply that to even little things.  Luke 16:10  The elders are encouraging us to sign up to feed the speakers and show hospitality.  Yeah! … But …(How would you fill that in)  The organization is encouraging us to attend all the meetings, including the Thursday night and Book studies.  Yeah! … But   (What would you put here)  D.  Most are doing quite well in accepting counsel and applying it.  1.  There is always room for improvement.  2 Cor 13:11",Prov. 12:15,Bobby Laymon,Service Talk,200,,"Sep 29, 2000",
"Counsel, Advise, Commendation, Encourage, Service,",Plow before you sow.  Every farmer and gardener knows for seeds to sprout and thrive he must first prepare the soil.,"We may not realize our objective, if we fail to 'soften up' our audience.  Example: Absalom, Queen Esther, Prophet Nathan, Field Service.",Genesis. 1:1-28; Luke 1:17; Prov. 18:16;,"Jun 8, 1963 Aw Page 3",How Should You Serve God?,58,,,
"Counsel, Advise, Discipline, Elders,","WISE counsel is of great value. People, past and present, have been willing to pay money for good advice, not only in such matters as law, but in many other facets of life. Kings and rulers have highly prized and employed men able to give wise counsel.","The most valuable counsel is that having to do with our finding and holding to the way of life in God's favor. And, even as ancient Israel had able counselors to aid the people, so today in the congregation of God's people on earth there are spiritually older men who have the responsibility of giving counsel. This is for the guidance, strengthening and protection.",Exodus 18:19,W73 8/15 503,Evidence Of God In The World Around Us,4,,1994/06/03,
"Counsel, Advise, Encourage, Discipline, Suggestions, Commendation","Layer cake, has layer of cake, then layer of icing, sweeten up. We can always find some words of commendation.","For each counsel, there should be layer of commendation.",Luke 16:8,Bobby Laymon,Evidence Of God In The World Around Us,4,,,
"Counsel, Bible, Sow, Discipline, Adjust,",A deflection or deviating from right road may be very slight but over distance of many miles the distance between way we should walk and are walking will keep widening.,"The same true spiritual deviation, we may say it is a little thing but in long run may take us far from Jehovah so if a brother counsels you listen to him","Gal 6:1,2; 6:7,8; Heb 12:13;","Feb 15, 1969 Wt Pg 108  J. Laymon",You Will Reap What You Sow,59,,,
"Counsel, Complaint, Murmuring, Discipline,","If you throw a rock into a pack of dogs, the only one that will yelp is the one you hit.","If counsel is thrown out from the platform and someone complains, it is probably because you hit pretty close to home.",Deuteronomy. 32:28,Chuck Bland,Maintain Your Confidence Firm To The End,46,,"Jul 11, 2001",
"Counsel, Correction, Discipline,","When driving around curve in road, to turn wheel too much is as bad as not turning the wheel enough, end up in ditch either way.","When counseling or correcting children, to counsel too hard or rough is as bad as not counseling at all, our objective is too reach heart, cannot reach heart either way.",Prov 22:6;,Jim Breden,Parents--are You Building With Fire-resistant Materials?,104,,1996/08/13,
"Counsel, Discipline,","An older Christian man picked up a ruler that was lying on the desk. Flexing the ruler in his hands, he asked: 'If I bend a ruler like this, can I still measure a straight line with it?'",The young man got the point. He had been trying to bend the rules to fit his own desires. The illustration helped him to follow the wise advice of Proverbs 19:20: 'Listen to counsel and accept discipline.',Proverbs 19:20,"Apr 1, 1987 Wt Page 29",,,,1999/04/02,
"Counsel, Discipline,","Which is usually better?  To get hit head-on in a car crash, or to get side-swiped.  Either can be bad, but both will get our attention.","It should be that way with Scriptures.  Sometimes we only get side-swiped by a Scripture, but we should pay attention, or the next time we may be hit head-on, and severely disciplined.",Heb 12:11;,David Berry,Make Jehovah Your Confidence,70,,1997/11/11,
"Counsel, Discipline, Attitude,","Consider this: When driving, have you ever seen a stop sign that was rusty, bent, covered in moss, faded, or not properly attached to its post? Did you stop anyway? Sure you did. Why? Because it was the wise thing to do even though the sign's imperfections were obvious.",It's the same when it comes to applying scriptural counsel offered by imperfect elders.  Consider King David's humble attitude towards counsel in PSALM 141:5  How do you think you will react when you receive counsel in the future from someone you feel should be working on their own shortcomings? Say the counsel comes from an elder whom you find difficult to respect? Will you accept his counsel?,Psalm 141:5,Andre Mendes Da Costa,,,,1999/03/31,
"Counsel, Discipline, Attitude,","How many of you brothers keep a toolbox? How many of you know exactly what is in your toolbox? Why don't you throw out those little nuts and bolts, screws, washers etc. that lie around the bottom of your toolbox, and just keep the wrenches, the screwdrivers, pliers, the things you use most of the time?  Most men will admit that in a toolbox we might keep all sorts of things that we don't readily need. Sometimes we pick up a nut or bolt for which we have no immediate use. We keep it in the toolbox until one day a need for it arises. Perhaps our son's bike breaks down and we find that it needs a nut. We reach for our toolbox to find what we can use. The first nut we find doesn't fit. The second likewise doesn't fit. In an effort to find one that will fit, finally we spread the contents of the box on the ground, to make a thorough search. There! We find a nut that will fit the bike. It's the one we once picked up casually and threw into the toolbox. What had previously seemed useless now becomes useful.","Similarly, counsel that may be given to you unnecessarily may prove useful in future. Therefore, accept all counsel, even unnecessary counsel.  What does counsel do to us?",Pro 12:15,Andre Mendes Da Costa,,,,1999/03/31,
"Counsel, Discipline, Attitude, Dignity, Kindness, Mercy, Shame, Elders,","A good doctor lets you know he cares and wants to help when you visit his office for a physical examination.  The thought of disrobing in a cold, sterile room may leave you embarrassed and humiliated.  How you appreciate a doctor who shows sensitivity to your self-esteem and dignifies you with a covering garment while he performs the necessary examination to determine the cause of your illness.","In like manner, a Christian counselor who shows proper respect for the individual is kind and firm, yet clothes the recipient with dignity.  Conversely, counsel that is harsh, cold, and unfeeling is like a figurative undressing that makes you feel ashamed, disgraced, and stripped of your dignity.","Re 2:13, 14, 19, 20;","Feb 1, 1994 Wt  Page 27, 28","Mercy, A Dominant Quality Of True Christians",7,,1993/12/31,
"Counsel, Discipline, Beautiful, Service Talk","HOW SHOULD WE REACT TO COUNSEL?  The speaker introduced the talk by asking: How beautiful are you?  How beautiful are you to Jehovah? To your brothers and sisters?  How beautiful we can be to Jehovah and to our brothers/sisters depends a lot on how we react to counsel. To illustrate:  Some years ago I was serving on a body of elders, considering am/servant who demonstrated fine abilities -- good teacher, good organizational abilities, maturity -- had potential to serve as an elder. One thing held him back: the manner in which he treated others. The brothers found him difficult to approach to help him see where changes needed to be made in his personality.  Then, following a training school for elders and ministerial servants, we noticed a transformation. This brother went from one who was abrupt with his brothers and often condescending with sisters, to a humble brother who uplifted and encouraged others.  The change was so dramatic that I couldn't help myself going up to him and asking him what had happened?  This brother replied that, at this school, the counsel received from the instructors hit him like a sledgehammer. He realized that Jehovah and His organization valued brothers' Christ-like qualities over their abilities. Being a good teacher, good organizer, was worthless if he didn't feel a genuine, warm love towards his bros/sis. From that point on he was like a new person. He became genuinely interested in others, caring, humble, very receptive to counsel. Yes, that school really touched his heart. Not long after we were very happy to have that capable brother on our body of elders.  That experience demonstrated to me in a very powerful way that when we respond to counsel, we can become very beautiful: both to Jehovah, and to our brothers and sisters.  All of us are subject to counsel related to our attitude, conduct, associations, or participation in congregation activities.  It may be that we have received, or may yet receive in the future, counsel on the way we treat our bros/sis. It might be counsel on our attitude towards theocratic assignments, or it maybe to do with our conduct towards the opposite sex, or just our conduct in general. We may have received, or may yet still receive, counsel on who we associate with. Or it could be counsel on how we are spending our time in relation to congregation activities.  Whatever form it takes, consider these two questions: How did you react the last time you received counsel? How do you think you will react when you receive counsel in the future? Remember, how we react to counsel will make us either beautiful, or ugly.  Why are we sometimes inclined to resist counsel or take offense?  Quite often we find it hard to listen to counsel because we cannot accept the fact that we need help. Or if we do, we cannot see why we should accept counsel from this person.  Really, this is pride, and with a little reasoning we can overcome it. The apostle Paul reminds us at Rom 3:23 that 'all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.' That tells us two things: (1) Everyone needs counsel from time to time. (2) Even the ones who offer us counsel have shortcomings. No one is exempt. We do not want to let another person's perceived shortcomings prevent us from accepting any help that he may be in a position to give.  So, let us ask that question again, but we'll qualify it in ascertain way: How do you think you will react when you receive counsel in the future from someone you feel should be working on their own shortcomings? Say the counsel comes from an elder whom you find difficult to respect? Will you accept his counsel?  Consider this: When driving, have you ever seen a stop sign that was rusty, bent, covered in moss, faded, or not properly attached to its post? Did you stop anyway? Sure you did. Why? Because it was the wise thing to do even though the sign's imperfections were obvious.  It's the same when it comes to applying scriptural counsel offered by imperfect elders.  Consider King David's humble attitude towards counsel in PSALM 141:5, and give thought to the difference such an attitude can make when counsel comes our way: 'Should the righteous one strike me, it would be a loving-kindness; and should he reprove me, it would be oil upon the head, which my head would not want to refuse.'  What a difference such an attitude can make when counsel comes our way! It can help us when the counsel we receive touches those areas where there are no set rules. It can also help us when scriptural counsel comes from those whose imperfections are only too obvious to us. What else can help us respond to counsel? What about what James once mentioned, to 'be swift about hearing'? How can this help us? Well, usually we're aware of our own shortcomings, but it often comes as a complete surprise when a concerned friend or elder points them out and offers counsel. If we are swift about hearing, we will quickly discern what he is trying to say and humbly accept the loving help.  We also need to remember that no one, not even elders, finds it easy to give counsel. Often when someone approaches us with counsel they may be quite nervous. They may have spent hours agonizing over how they are going to bring up the subject, and fearing how we might react. If we are 'swift about hearing' and get the point quickly, this will help the counselor in his task and might even spare us hurt feelings.  A willingness to accept and apply counsel can be crucial to our spiritual well-being.  One brother, after receiving counsel on a certain matter, related to me how afterwards he suffered from 'major internal bleeding.'  He was speaking figuratively, of course. But it made sense.  Counsel can cut to the heart, especially when it is based on God's Word, which Hebrews 4:12 says 'is sharper than any two-edged sword and pierces even to the dividing of soul and spirit, and of joints and their marrow.'  But suppose someone gives you unnecessary counsel? Should you accept it or reject it? What do you think? What is unnecessary counsel today might prove useful in future when a certain situation arises.  To illustrate: How many of you brothers keep a toolbox? How many of you know exactly what is in your toolbox? Why don't you throw out those little nuts and bolts, screws, washers etc. that lie around the bottom of your toolbox, and just keep the wrenches, the screwdrivers, pliers, the things you use most of the time?  Most men will admit that in a toolbox we might keep all sorts of things that we don't readily need. Sometimes we pick up a nut or bolt for which we have no immediate use. We keep it in the toolbox until one day a need for it arises. Perhaps our son's bike breaks down and we find that it needs a nut. We reach for our toolbox to find what we can use. The first nut we find doesn't fit. The second likewise doesn't fit. In an effort to find one that will fit, finally we spread the contents of the box on the ground, to make a thorough search. There! We find a nut that will fit the bike. It's the one we once picked up casually and threw into the toolbox. What had previously seemed useless now becomes useful. Similarly, counsel that may be given to you unnecessarily may prove useful in future. Therefore, accept all counsel, even unnecessary counsel.  What does counsel do to us? PRO 12:15 says: 'The way of the foolish one is right in his own eyes, but the one listening to counsel is wise.' Yes, heeding counsel, whether it comes indirectly, such as through the Bible or Bible-based literature, or directly from a friend, brings benefits.  This can be seen in the experience of a father who sought help from elders in his congregation because his 18-year-old son wasn't responding to his disciplinary efforts. I guess the father hoped that the elders would go around and give his son a good talking-to. The elders, however, lovingly reasoned with the father, who had a zeal for serving God but apparently needed more balance in dealing with his family. Paul's words were read to him (Eph 6:4): 'And you, fathers, do not be irritating your children, but go on bringing them up in the discipline and mental-regulating of Jehovah.'  The brothers asked the father to reflect on a couple of lines of reasoning: Had the way he had tried to encourage his son, even though he was well meaning, actually been irritating the boy? Had it been a case of expecting the son to fall in line with the father's own zeal for Christian meetings and service without trying to implant a love of such things in his heart? Had he helped his son to `learn to fear Jehovah his God'?  The father listened to the counsel and applied it. The result?  His 18-year-old son began to attend the meetings, and his father was conducting a weekly Bible study with him. And as the father commented, 'We now have a much better father-son relationship.'  Yes, both father and son benefited from the counsel.  Review essential factors that emphasize reasons why we should accept and appreciate counsel.  There is no doubt that we all make mistakes and need counsel from time to time.","But one question still remains: How will you react to counsel when it comes your way? If we get the point and heed wise counsel, we will enjoy many blessings. Among them will be the most precious blessing of all: cultivating and maintaining a meaningful, personal relationship with our loving heavenly Father, Jehovah, as we prove to be beautiful servants to him.  Then we will be able to echo the words of King David (Ps 16:7):'I shall bless Jehovah, who has given me advice.'    ----",Ps 16:7,Andre Mendes Da Costa,Service Talk,200,,1999/03/31,7/21/2025
"Counsel, Discipline, Bible, Trust,","You have a friend who has a gun and he points it at his head, pulls the trigger and nothing happens.  He asks you to try it.  You refuse, and he does it again, and nothing happens.  He again asks you to try it.  Would you refuse?  Would you trust this so-called 'friend?'",When we accept counsel from others that is not Bible-based we are putting a gun to our heads.  We are putting our spiritual life in danger.  Only God's Word should be used to guide us.,Ps 19:7;,Charles Francis [Denny],Why Live By Bible Standards?,88,,1994/12/25,
"Counsel, Discipline, Cautious, Elders,","'Deliberate with caution, but act with decision; and yield with graciousness, or oppose with firmness.' Colton (1780-1832)","Elders must be cautious, yet act, yet showing mercy where possible.",Mt 10:16; 2ch 19:7;,Wisdom Of The Ages,Evidence Of God In The World Around Us,4,,,
"Counsel, Discipline, Listen, Obey, Obedience,",'He that won't be counseled can't be helped.' Quote: --Benjamin Franklin.,"Those who won't listen to counsel are like the nations of old who would not listen, and on whom 'counsel perished.'",Deuteronomy 32:28;,Bobby Laymon,Never Become Dull In Your Hearing,9,,1995/08/25,
"Counsel, Discipline, Offense,",Did you ever listen to your voice on a tape recorder?  It doesn't sound the way you think you sound.  Yet it is hard to argue with a tape recorder.,"We don't always appear to others, the way we feel we do.  We should not take offense when offered counsel to improve.",Ecclesiastes 7:9;,"David Cohen, C.O.",,,,1998/02/14,
"Counsel, Discipline, Organization, Dedication, Baptism, Obey, Free Will,","Direction from Jehovah's organization may 'step on our toes, but it will never step INTO our shoes.'",Jehovah does not force us to obey his commandments.  We must serve Jehovah because we love him.,Rom 2:4,Bobby Laymon,What God's Ruler ship Can Do For Us,24,,1995/05/15,
"Counsel, Discipline, Readjusting,","When we were young we fed beef cows, but we never ate the grain fed calves.  We always ate the old cows that were too old to calf.  They were tough, but mom would tenderize the meat with the edge of a plate, and if you could get it down, you would benefit from it the same as the young, tender beef.","Counsel is like that.  It is tough to chew, and difficult to swallow, but if we can swallow it, it will benefit us.",Prov. 29:19; Genesis. 4:3-5;,Todd Bell,Respect For Authority Is A Safeguard For You,12,,"Jan 12, 2001",
"Counsel, Elders, Commend, Encourage,  Criticize, Reprimand, Rebuke,","If an elder's ministry before the congregation were likened to a piece of music, then rebuke and reprimand would be like a single note that fits into the whole. That note is fine in its place. Imagine a song containing only that one note, repeated over and over again.  It would quickly grate on our ears.","In a similar vein, Christian elders try to round out their teaching and imbue it with variety.  They do not limit it to the correcting of problems. Rather, its overall tone is positive. Like Jesus Christ, loving elders look first for the good to commend, not the fault  to criticize.",Luke 17:3; 2 Timothy 4:2,Bobby Laymon,Into The New Order Under Christ's Leadership,56,,1997/07/04,
"Counsel, Guidance, Elders,","We all follow signs.  There are signs pointing, giving direction, instruction.  It is up to us to follow them.",Counsel is like signs that point.  It is up to us to follow.,Heb 13:17;,Brother White - Friends Of Peace District Convention.,,,,1996/06/12,
"Counsel, Harsh, Discipline, Elders, Shepherds,","Years ago it was learned that cutting-off a sheep's tail produced cleaner wool.  Used a block of metal and small ax, and sheep would bleed and hurt for many days.  Now accomplish same thing with rubber band, without the pain.","Counsel should never be harsh; Kind words can accomplish the same thing, and it is much easier on the sheep.  Result is a clean and happy congregation.","Ro 12:10; John 10:12, 13; 1ti 4:12;",Gary Breaux (D. O.),Jehovah's Eyes Are Upon Us,74,,,10/23/2015
"Counsel, Harshness, Discipline, Negative, Standard, Proverb,","'You made your bed, now you have to lie in it.'  Quote: Worldly Proverb.","Harsh statements like the above can cause much damage.  The above kept a sister from returning to the truth for many years, because of what a beloved relative said.  We need to reflect on Jehovah's goodness, and mercy and readiness to forgive.",2pe 3:8-10;,Bobby Laymon,"Friendship With God, Friendship With The World -- Which Will You Choose?",79,,1993/11/26,
"Counsel, Rebuke, Discipline, Instructions, Proverbs,",Sometimes counsel is like a hand grenade.,It hits everyone.  We must not become a causality.  Accept the counsel and keep moving.,Job 14:1;,Mike Hart,Bearing Up Under Persecution,57,,1995/06/03,
"Counsel, Reproof, Discipline","Chinese proverb: ' Right counsel is difficult to take, even as good medicine is always bitter'.",We don't like to hear bad things about ourselves but counsel usually is the best thing for us.,Heb.12:1,"Johnse Laymon Dec 8, 1965 Aw Pg 26",Evidence Of God In The World Around Us,4,,,
"Counsel, School,",Counsel should be like a 'sandwich'.,"1. Commendation,  2. Counsel,  3. Commendation,",Re 2:2-6;,David Herr,Evidence Of God In The World Around Us,4,,,
"Counsel, School, Softness, Heart,","In counsel, we want to touch hearts - not stab or kill.",Our Theocratic Ministry School is designed to help us do that.,Prov. 12:18;,"Brother Myers; Elder's School 11/23, 24 At St. Louis",Why Take Refuge In Jehovah,142,,"Nov 26, 2001",
"Counsel, Wisdom, Body Of Elders, Judicial,","There can be a 'pooling of wisdom.'  Moses selected 'capable men fearing God, trustworthy men, hating unjust profit.' Note: numbers alone do not guarantee rightness, for a majority can be wrong. Ex. 23:2","Not all elders have equal experience. Less-experienced ones should consult with experienced. Jethro, had to bring Moses to his senses regarding his excess work",Prov. 13:20; 15:22; Exodus. 18:13-27; Exodus. 23:2;,"Oct 15, 1991 Wt Page 19, 20",Acquiring A Heart Of Wisdom,73,,,
"Counsel, humility","When we were young we were given Castor Oil for sickness. Hard to get down, sometimes it stuck in throat.","Counsel is like Castor Oil, hard to get down or take. Sometimes counsel gets stuck in throat, could that lump be pride?",Job 5:17;,Jim Breden-Scott Rudolph In Licking,Resisting The Spirit Of The World,25,,1996/02/13,
"Counsel, humility","When we were young we were given Castor Oil for sickness.  Hard to get down, sometimes it stuck in throat.","Counsel is like Castor Oil, hard to get down or take.  Sometimes counsel gets stuck in throat, could that lump be pride?",Prov 16:18;,Jim Breden-Scott Rudolph In Licking,Resisting The Spirit Of The World,25,,1996/02/13,
Counsel;,"'Remember the saying: If the shoe fits wear it?  If you think it doesn't fit, keep the shoe, you'll probably grow into it.'  Quote:  James Moore.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Counsel; Advice;,'He that won't be counseled won't be helped.'  Quote:  Bf.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Counsel; Advice;,'Its a rare person who wants to hear what he doesn't want to hear.'  Quote:  Dick Cavett.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Counsel; Caution;,'To take counsel of one's pillow. (sleep on it)',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Counsel; Correction;,It is great confidence and friend to tell him your faults; greater to tell him his.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Counsel; Correction; Criticism;,"'Honest criticism is hard to take, particularly from a relative, a friend, an acquaintance or a stranger.'  Quote:  Frank Jones.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Counsel; Correction; Discipline;,"'If you wish to make a man your enemy, simply tell him, 'You are wrong'. This method works every time.'  Quote:  H. Link.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Counsel; Criticism; Pride;,"'Criticism is dangerous, because it wounds a man's precious pride, hurts he sense of importance and arouses his resentment.'  Quote:  Dale Carnegie.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Count Your Chickens;,'Don't bargain for fish which are still in the water.'  Quote:  Indian.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Count Your Chickens;,'Don't sell the skin before you have caught the bear.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Counterfeiting, Dishonesty, Stealing,","'It like the old saying,' said one Treasury Department official, 'you build an 8-foot wall, and the bad guys build a 10-foot ladder.'","Today, with high-tech multicolor copiers, two-sided laser printers, and scanners available in offices and homes, it is technically possible for almost anyone to duplicate the currency of his choice.","1 Cor 6:9, 10;","Mar 22, 1996 Aw Page 5",Conducting Ourselves Honestly At All Times,10,,1996/02/23,
"Country, Patriotic, Neutral, Governments, Kingdom, Prejudice,","'Our country! In her intercourse with foreign nations may she always be in the right; but our country, right or wrong.' Quote: Stephen Decatur.  -1816.","Jesus was devoted to Kingdom interests.  However, when Jewish political zealots tried to involve him in efforts to gain independence from Rome, Jesus would not join with them.","John 6:14, 15",Bobby Laymon,'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,1995/07/18,
Country;,"'Indeed, I tremble for my country when I reflect that God is just.' Quote:  Tj",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Country;,'The most certain test by which we judge whether a country is really free is the amount of security enjoyed by minorities.'  Quote:  Lord Acton.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Country; Kingdom;,"'I have no country to fight for: my country is the earth, and I am a citizen of the world.'  Quote:  Eugene Debs.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Country; Kingdom;,"'The world is my country, all mankind are my brethren, and to do good is my religion.' Quote: Thomas Paine",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Courage, Boldness,",'It's in the blood!'  You can say that about the boldness of a young male lion.  (Or a crowing rooster) A young lion has been know to jump onto an elephant's back and chew into its neck until it bleeds to death.,"We need to be bold, but it is not in our blood.  We must practice it.","Genesis. 6:1-2,4,22; 1 Sam. 17:32;",Samuel Herd - Bethel Speaker,Christian Separateness From The World--why Beneficial.,119,,1998/09/22,6/28/2018
"Courage, Boldness, Business, Advertising, Pioneer,","'Doing business without advertising is like winking at a girl in the dark.  You know what you are doing, but nobody else does.' Quote: --Stuart H. Britt.","In like manner, we cannot be 'secret disciples' of Christ Jesus for long.  We must advertise Jehovah's kingdom.",John 19:38; John 7:4;,Bobby Laymon,Into The New Order Under Christ's Leadership,56,,1995/08/25,
"Courage, Boldness, Challenge, Persecution,","A KID standing on the roof of a house, out of harm's way, saw a  Wolf passing by and immediately began to taunt and revile him.   The Wolf, looking up, said, 'Sirrah! I hear thee:  yet it is not  thou who mockest me, but the roof on which thou art standing.'",Moral: 'It is easy to be brave when far away from danger.'  Time and place often give the advantage to the weak over the strong.  We may be persecuted now but the time is coming when Jehovah's will show his power.,Matt 24:13;,Aesop's Fables - Bobby Laymon,Maintain Your Confidence Firm To The End,46,,1994/05/17,
"Courage, Depression, Endurance, Hope, Anxieties, Faith, Integrity, Cope, Persecution,","Have you noticed the way a flower seems bowed down after weathering a storm?  In a way it is a touching sight.  After all, the cloudburst likely sent countless animals and people - far hardier creations than any flower - scurrying for shelter.  Yet, the flower stood there, rooted, facing the weather's full fury.  Now, here it is intact, bowed but unbroken, showing a strength that belies its delicate appearance.  You may wonder, as you admire it, if it will regain its vigor and lift its lovely head to the sky once more.","It is much the same with people.  In these troubled times, we face all manner of storms.  Economic hardships, depression, failing health, the loss of a loved one in death - such tempests assail all of us at one time or another, and sometimes we can no more avoid them than the flower can uproot itself and run for cover.  It is moving to see individuals who appear quite frail show surprising strength and endure such onslaughts.  How do they do it?  Often the key is faith.  Another key is hope.  Knowledge gives them hope.","1 Thess 4:13; John 5:28, 29; Acts 24:15;","Oct 15, 1994 Wt Page 32",Bearing Up Under Persecution,57,,1994/09/09,
"Courage, Encouragement, Discourage, Persecution,",Two storms on the horizon. We must not give up.,(1) Armageddon and (2) Personal difficulties.,2 Cor. 4:16-18; 2 Cor. 4:7-9,"J.C. Howard, D.O. At Circuit Assy. Dec 16, 1990",Bearing Up Under Persecution,57,,,
"Courage, Encouragement, Spirit, Faith.","Consider yourself a motor; electricity gives it power. Motor has a bad bearing. Electricity continues to go in, but it drags, & doesn't want to turn. If it keeps going it will burn out. We must have faith & courage and keep going. We don't want Jehovah to withdraw his spirit.","No response, Jehovah doesn't want to burn us out, moves spirit back.",2 Cor. 4:16-18; 2 Cor. 4:7-9; Zech. 4:12;,"J.C. Howard, D.O. At Circuit Assy. Dec 16, 1990",What Is Behind The Spirit Of Rebellion?,33,,,
"Courage, Faith, Fear, Persecution, Endurance,",'Courage is not the absence of fear -- It is the mastery of it!',"The basis for mastering fear is courage and confidence, not in ourselves, but in God's love.  By cultivating faith in Jehovah, we can master fear.",Rom 8:35-39;,Joseph Wengert D. O.,Bearing Up Under Persecution,57,,1995/05/29,
"Courage, Fear,","'Courage is resistance to fear, mastery of fear, not absence of fear.' Quote: Mark Twain (1835-1910)",Christians must be courageous even in the face of fear.  Our greater fear is of Jehovah.,Pr 1:7; 3:7;,Wisdom Of The Ages,Overcoming Fear Of The Future,108,,,
"Courage, Fear, Endurance, Faith,",'Courage is fear holding on a minute longer.' Quote: George S. Patton (1885-1945),Courage and endurance go hand-in-hand.,Re 21:8;,Wisdom Of The Ages,Overcoming Fear Of The Future,108,,,
"Courage, Fear, Persecution,","Fawn and Her Mother.   Fawn said, 'Mother, you are larger, faster, and have better wind than a dog.  Surely you can protect yourself.  Why are you so afraid.  Mother said, 'True, yet no sooner do I hear a bark, than somehow or other, my heels take me off as fast as they can.","Fear of man is natural, but Jesus example will help overcome.",John 16:33,Aesop's Fables  Page 60,Bearing Up Under Persecution,57,,,11/24/2013
"Courage, Fear, Persecution, Danger, Warnings,",'I could have become a soldier if I had waited; I knew more about retreating than the man who invented retreating.'  Quote: Mark Twain.,Sometimes there is wisdom in fleeing from danger.,"Matt. 24:16, 17;",Bobby Laymon,Bearing Up Under Persecution,57,,1995/06/13,
"Courage, Persecution,",'One man with courage -- makes a majority.' Quote: Andrew Jackson.,We have good reason to have courage.  Our confidence is in Jehovah.,2 Chron 25:11;,Bobby Laymon,Are You Really Making Jehovah Your Stronghold?,18,,1997/05/13,
"Courage, Persecution,","Boy living in bad neighborhood, bullies, bad dogs;   Has Big Brother.  Jehovah gives ability to control any situation.   Jehovah is Big Brother.",Choice: Become part of or resist bad influence.,"Isa. 40:26  1 Sam. 26, 33",Bobby Laymon,Bearing Up Under Persecution,57,,,
"Courage, Persecution, Bold,","'From time to time, they will ask whether you are still one of Jehovah's Witnesses.  Be firm, be steadfast, and say loud and clear: 'I am still one of Jehovah's Witnesses.' Quote: Otto Kamien's advise to Josef Rehwald, both in prison by Hitler.","He continued, 'If you are firm and steadfast, the Devil will leave you alone.' This encouragement helped him keep integrity during the next 6 years.",Jas 4:7;,"Feb 8, 1993 Aw Page 20",Bearing Up Under Persecution,57,,,
"Courage, Persecution, Bold, Fragile, Protection,",'Courage is not the towering oak that sees storms come and go; it is the fragile blossom that opens in the snow.'  Quote: Alice Mackenzie Swaim.,"When we are weak and fragile, that is when Jehovah can really help us.  He is our strength.",2 Cor 12:10;,Bobby Laymon - Reader's Digest,Are You Really Making Jehovah Your Stronghold?,18,,1996/03/18,
"Courage, Persecution, Conquer,",'A man can be destroyed but not defeated.' Quote: Ernest Hemingway.,"Like Jesus, we can conquer the world.",John 16:33;,Bobby Laymon,Bearing Up Under Persecution,57,,1995/08/16,
"Courage, Persecution, Live, Life, Death, Sickness, Cure,",'Sometimes even to live is an act of courage.' Quote:  Seneca.,"In this world, it is hard to maintain confidence.  Pressure, opposition, apathy, and discouragement affect all of us.",Heb 3:1-19;,Bobby Laymon,Maintain Your Confidence Firm To The End,46,,1995/06/30,
"Courage, Witnessing, Fear, Persecution,","'Courage is poorly housed that dwells in numbers;  the lion never counts the herd that are about him, nor weighs how many flocks he has to scatter.' Quote: Aaron Hill  (1685-1750)","We do not think in terms of number how many are against us, knowing Jehovah is stronger and mightier than all the others.",2ki 6:16-18; 1j 5:19;,Wisdom Of The Ages,Bearing Up Under Persecution,57,,,
"Courage, Witnessing, Fear, Persecution,",'Courage is the first of human qualities because it is the quality which guarantees all the others.' Quote: Winston Churchill  (1874-1965),Courage has always been one of the qualities of Jehovah's servants.,"Nu 13:20; De 31:6, 7, 23;",Wisdom Of The Ages,Bearing Up Under Persecution,57,,,
"Courage, Witnessing, Fear, Persecution,",'One man with courage makes a majority. Quote: Andrew Jackson  (1767-1845),"Some in Bible times were worth a thousand men. Examples: David, Sampson, Joshua,",1sa 17:45-47;,Wisdom Of The Ages,Bearing Up Under Persecution,57,,,
"Courage, Witnessing, Fear, Persecution,",'You will never do anything in this world without courage. It is the greatest quality of the mind next to honor.' Quote: James L. Allen  (1849-1925),"We can have courage because Jesus Christ set the example, and will strengthen us through trials.",Mt 10:16-19; Re 11:7; 12:11;,Wisdom Of The Ages,Bearing Up Under Persecution,57,,,
"Courage, Witnessing, Fear, Persecution, Satan, Devil,","'In the world's broad field of battle, In the bivouac of Life, Be not like dumb, driven cattle! Be a hero in the strife.' Quote: Longfellow (1819-1892)",Satan is leading the world and all in it to Armageddon.  We must have the courage to separate ourselves from the world.,"Re 16:14, 16;",Wisdom Of The Ages,Bearing Up Under Persecution,57,,,
"Courage, Witnessing, Fear, Persecution, Satan, Devil,",'That's a valiant flea that dares eat his breakfast on the lip of a lion.' Quote: Shakespeare (1564-1616),"We are in a cage with a lion, Satan the Devil, but we must keep speaking the truth.",Re 12:12;,Wisdom Of The Ages,Maintain Your Confidence Firm To The End,46,,,
Courage;,'Courage is a kind of salvation.'  Quote:  Plato.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Courage;,'She'd fight a rattlesnake and give it the first two bites!'  Quote:  Harry Wilson.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Courage;,'You can't test courage cautiously.'  Quote:  Anne Dillard.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Courage;,'You will never do anything in this world without courage.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Courage;,"The strangest, most generous, and proudest of all virtues is true courage.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Courage; Faith;,'A man of courage is also full of faith.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Courage; Heart;,'A bold heart is half the battle.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Courage; Heart;,'The weapon of the brave is in his heart.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Courage; Hope;,'Courage is sustained by calling up anew the vision of the goal.'  Quote:  A. G. Sortileges.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Courage; Life;,'Often the test of courage is not to die but to live.' Quote:  Victoria Alfieri,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Courageous, Strong, Persecution,",Reed being tossed by the wind.  How is our courage? Faith?,Applied to John the Baptist,Luke 7:24-228,Jesus,Bearing Up Under Persecution,57,,,
Court;,'Court is a place where they dispense with justice.'  Quote:  Arthur Train.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Courtesy, Appreciation, Thanksgiving, Meism, Humility,",The 6 most important words: 'I admit I made a mistake.'  The 5 most important words:  'You did a good job.'  The 4 most important words:  'What is your opinion?'  The 3 most important words: 'If you please.'  The 2 most important words: 'Thank you.'  The one most important word: 'We.'  The least important word: 'I'.,Humility is involved in every walk of life.,Phil. 2:3;,Bobby Laymon - Bits And Pieces,"As Christians, We Care About Other People",15,,1998/01/08,
Covenant,If possible would you be willing to make an agreement with a tiny ant? Would you enter into a covenant with a flea? Would you promise things for their betterment? Proves Jehovah's love for mankind.,The insignificance of man is much more striking than ant or flea,Isa. 40:15,"Dec 1, 1960 Wt Page 729-33",Does God Count You Personally Important?,26,,,
"Covenant, Almighty, Humility, Pride, Ant, Flea, Smallness, Ransom, Dedication, wickedness,","IF IT were possible, would you be willing to make an agreement with a tiny ant? Would you enter into a covenant with a flea? If such creatures had sufficient intelligence to reason and to communicate with you, would you promise things to them for their betterment and then keep your promise? Or would you disdain them, refusing to make a covenant with them because they are so small, weak and insignificant?","The insignificance of man in comparison to God is much more striking than that of an ant or a flea in comparison to man.  Yet, Jehovah cares for us, and has made provisions for our life.",Ge 6:18;,W60 12/1 729,Does God Count You Personally Important?,26,,1994/05/10,4/1/2014
Covetousness,Covetousness is the beginning & the end of Devil's alphabet. It was the first vice to move; last to die!,"Satan Wanted to be like God, and used to appeal to human selfishness",Genesis. 3:5,Robert South (1634-1716),Resisting The Spirit Of The World,25,,,
"Covetousness, envy, jealous, ","Flame, goes upward, devouring.   Envy, like flame, soars upward.",Consumes all.,Deuteronomy. 5:21,Livy (bce 59-17),Resisting The Spirit Of The World,25,,,1/18/2021
Covetousness,"Miser: They are kind people; they amass wealth for those who wish them dead. Envious die, but envy never  (Moliere - 1622 AD)",They store up for others; How wise to store up treasures in heaven.,Mt 6:20;,Bobby Laymon,Resisting The Spirit Of The World,25,,,
"Covetousness, Envy","Barren ground of desert, soaks up rain, produces no fruit.  Alexander the Great, lived dangerous life, gave no thought apparently to his people at his death.","Greedy person, produces no fruit for others. Jesus, gave life, greatly concerned about his people.",1 Cor. 5:10,Bobby Laymon,Resisting The Spirit Of The World,25,,,
"Covetousness, Envy",Rust on iron.,"We, like iron,  can withstand many things.  Envious consumed by envy.",Ps. 106:16,Bobby Laymon,Resisting The Spirit Of The World,25,,,
Covetousness; Greed; Envy;,Covetousness is both the beginning and the end of the devil's alphabet.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Coward, Courage, Bold, Dread, Stronghold,","A YOUNG FAWN once said to his Mother, 'You are larger than a dog,  and swifter, and more used to running, and you have your horns as  a defense; why, then, O Mother! do the hounds frighten you so?'  She smiled, and said:  'I know full well, my son, that all you say  is true.  I have the advantages you mention, but when I hear even  the bark of a single dog I feel ready to faint, and fly away as  fast as I can.'",Moral: 'No arguments will give courage to the coward.'  The wicked will flee when there is no one pursuing them.   Those trusting in Jehovah as their stronghold will be courageous.,Ps 27:1; Rev 21:8; Pr 28:1;,Aesop's Fables - Bobby Laymon,Are You Really Making Jehovah Your Stronghold?,18,,1994/05/15,
Cowardice;,'A cowardly cur barks more fiercely than it bites.'  Quote:  Curtis Rufus.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Cowardice;,'Cowards can never be moral.'  Quote:  Ghandi.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Cowardice;,'It is better to be a coward for a minute than to be dead the rest of your life!',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Cowardice;,'It is better to be the widow of a hero than the wife of a coward.'  Quote:  Delores Ibarra.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Cowardice;,"'It may be better to be a live jackal than a dead lion, but it is better still to be a live lion. And usually easier.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Cowardice;,"'There are several good protections against temptation, but the surest is cowardice.'  Quote:  Mt.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Cowardice;,It is a poor set of legs that will stand around and let a body get beat up.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Cowardice; Truth;,'To know what is right and not to do it is the worst cowardice.'  Quote:  Confucius.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Creation,"'Boy will Play'  So will animals. One of most popular games: gamboling, running & jumping about. Lambs skip & run & leap. calves, colts, mules, kicking & biting g. Dolphins; sea gamboling; deer loves racing & tag, with hoof.",Jehovah created animals with animal games. Wrestling; foxes and big cats.  Otter is very symbol of play. Monkeys: follow the leader. Just another way to 'Praise Jehovah',"Job 40:20 Ps. 148:5, 10, 13","May 8, 1958 Aw Page 13-15",Jehovah--the Grand Creator,101,,,
Creation,'Lazy Bones' There is no such thing as a live one. blood cells 24 hours a day. Bones do not grow by adding on.  They are continually being torn down and reconstructed. The finished product is always an excellent-,'They are thriving manufacturing plants which make red and white ent piece of architecture.,"Ps. 139:1, 13, 14,; Genesis. 1:27","Feb 22, 1963 Aw Page 20",Jehovah--the Grand Creator,101,,,
Creation,"'Not a leg to stand on'  Test revealed: Slithering uses the same amount of energy as, or up to 7 times more than, legged lizards walking same distance.",Claim that snakes evolved from lizards that lost legs to preserve energy. (Fitted with oxygen masks and put on treadmill & measured),Genesis. 1:25;,"Dec 8, 1990 Aw Page 28",Jehovah--the Grand Creator,101,,,
Creation,An infant in hands of God. Sea with swaddling band.,A Lesson in man's littleness,Job 38:8-11,"Mar 15, 1962 Wt Page 166",Jehovah--the Grand Creator,101,,,
Creation,"Animals need tools, too. Fox with wool in mouth, rids self of fleas in water. Zebras use thorn bushes for hair brushes. Elder duck; sometimes has shellfish clamp down on bill. Spells","Jehovah has supplied built-in tools, but also outside ones. death if can't get if off. Quickly goes to 'fresh water' and ducks shellfish under. That's the only water that will drown shellfish.",Ps. 104:24,"Oct 22, 1960 Aw Page 21",Jehovah--the Grand Creator,101,,,
Creation,Armadillo; An armored tank.,"Covered with heavy, horned, armor-like shell, no part of body expos",Rev. 4:11,"Oct 22, 1961 Aw Page 17",Jehovah--the Grand Creator,101,,,
Creation,Ballast taken aboard ships below deck. Crocodile swallows stones. Young ones and those kept in zoos have difficulty keeping their balance. No one has ever found a dead crocodile floating in the jungle.,Like the ship the stones help it keep balance while in the water but they have in zoos where stones are not available. They swallow about 1% of their weight in stones.,Ps. 104:25,"Feb 8, 1963 Aw Page 26",Jehovah--the Grand Creator,101,,,
Creation,Blow up truck on T.V. then play backward to make come together.,Big Bang Theory; Jehovah made matter come together instead of opposite.,Isa. 40:26  Genesis. 1:2,Bobby Laymon,Jehovah--the Grand Creator,101,,,
Creation,"Bogus Honey Bee. One hive paid no attention to it, and its dance.  Another tried to sting it to death.  Far inferior to ones Jehovah made.","Scientist gone to great expense to make honey bee, failed.",Eccles 8:17,"Awake Mar 8, 1990 Page 29",Jehovah--the Grand Creator,101,,,
Creation,"Clay under a seal, makes impression to receive a beautiful form.","Light, in Jehovah's hands, causes earth to assume distinct form.",Job 38:12-18,"Mar 15, 1962 Wt Page 166",Jehovah--the Grand Creator,101,,,
Creation,Computer-storage capacity (more megabytes the better storage) Single lily seed or a single salamander sperm can store the Encyclopedia Britannica 60 times over. Some species of 'primitive' amoebas have in DNA 1000 times as,"Apply to DNA, MRNA & protein (genetic code) much information as Encyclopedia Britannica.",Pro. 30:24,"Jan 22 Awake, 1990 P. 12, 13",Jehovah--the Grand Creator,101,,,
Creation,"Court Case Prosecution first, then defense Experience- Nakata.","Exhibit A: Cause, Effect; B: Bible; C: Lives Changed by truth.","Heb 3:4  Rom 1:20, 2:14, 15  2 Tim 3:16 Ps 14:1  1 Cor 6:9-11",Joe Laymon,Jehovah--the Grand Creator,101,,,
Creation,Describe how a vacuum works;,Abandoning belief in God; People accept evolution and cause a large vacuum in their lives.,Ps. 14:1,Creation Book Page 185 Par 14,Jehovah--the Grand Creator,101,,,
Creation,DNA: Needed to explain to someone who had never seen an automobile how to build one from raw materials.  Each part from rear view mirror to valves in carburetors must be described in every detail. How to assembly: where do spark plugs go? How is steering wheel attached?,Jehovah has all are parts down in writing. So precisely written the reader could not possible misunderstand.  How many pages? Entire blue print in one tiny cell.,Ps. 139:16  Job 42:4,"Apr 8, 1983 Aw  Page 12, 13",Jehovah--the Grand Creator,101,,,6/3/2017
Creation,"Earth's amazing carpet. It is the greater food producer for both man and beast, Very beautiful, swaying in breeze, many shades of green, colors. Wheat, barley, oats, rye, rice, corn, sugar, millets, sorghum are","Green grass and herbage that covers the earth. all grasses. cereals, bread, macaroni, syrup, even whiskey. Bamboo used for furniture, building etc.",Ps. 104:14; Isa. 15:6;,"Jan 22, 1963 Aw Page 24-26",Jehovah--the Grand Creator,101,,,
Creation,"Give Credit where Credit is Due. Generally the world realizes and gives credit to great composers and scientist.  Who does it give credit for 8600 species birds etc World marvels at His works, studies them, learns, but refuses to","Most give credit, not to Jehovah, but Mother Nature/Evolution. give credit where credit is due.",Ps. 104:24,"July 1, 1958 Wt Page 387",Jehovah--the Grand Creator,101,,,
Creation,"Good Gas Mileage On a mere gallon of nectar, a mosquito can go about 450 million miles. Flies more extravagant: at cruising speed of 10 miles an hour,","Jehovah's wisdom shown in fuel economy can only manage 2,000,000 miles to a gallon.",Ps. 104:24,"Sep 8, 1958 Aw Page 24",Jehovah--the Grand Creator,101,,,
Creation,"Hair on arm. What benefit? Experience: A man in service told about sharpening his knife and shaving the hair off left forearm.  Being a mechanic, and working in an engine compartment, he got numerous cuts and scratches on that arm.","However, he got no cuts and scratches on his right arm.  It was protected by the hair that felt when harm was near.","Ps. 139:1, 13, 14,; Genesis. 1:27",Bobby Laymon,Jehovah--the Grand Creator,101,,,
Creation,"Hammerhead shark; swordfish; sawfish; shoebill stork; Long before man ever thought of a hammer, sword, saw, shoe. spiders-hinged doors; ants-cities; hornets-insulation; wasps-paper beavers-dams, canals; eagles-telescopes; jerboas-snowshoes; polar",Jehovah had it first. bears-nonskid soles; ducks- waterproofing; ants- pontoon bridges; snakes-hypodermic needles; pelican-scoop nets; eels-storage battery,Ps.104:24,"Apr 22, 1959 Aw Page 13-15 (much More--see Article)",Jehovah--the Grand Creator,101,,,
Creation,"It takes more than 80,000 fleas to weigh an ounce.","Info: National Geographic School Bulletin, Jan 1, 1962",Genesis. 1:24;,"May 22, 1963 Aw Page 24",Jehovah--the Grand Creator,101,,,
Creation,"Jehovah's Sharpshooters Pistol Packing Polecat; Skunk; not fast on draw; two pistols; 6 shot.  Only needs 1; aim, eyes, face, Results; 1/2 mile in all direction Llama; lowers ears, fires saliva, for eyes and face, most unpleasant.",All of them made in Wisdom.  Fastest draw: venom-spitting cobra; most potent ammo; aim most accurate at close or long range. lizards with blood bullets.,Ps. 104:24,"Oct 22, 1958 Aw Page 13-16",Jehovah--the Grand Creator,101,,,
Creation,"Junior Partner: Usually younger, less experienced.  Also disproves trinity.","Jesus 'junior partner', 'master worker' or 'master craftsman'","Prov. 8:12, 22, 30",Trinity Brochure 1989,Jehovah--the Grand Creator,101,,,
Creation,Lungs offer an area at least half the size of a tennis court for diffusion of oxygen and carbon dioxide between blood & air.,Wonderfully made,Ps. 139:14,"Nov 8, 1960 Aw Page 26",Jehovah--the Grand Creator,101,,,
Creation,"Man-made factories do not come about by mere chance. humming factories are result of much human ingenuity. Require master mind. Watchmaker not always visible, but his work is; so it is with wondrous sea, air and land creatures.","Earth is vast factory of living vegetation, producing variety.",Genesis. Chap 1.,"Oct 1, 1959 Wt Page 585",Jehovah--the Grand Creator,101,,,
Creation,Men are awed at a camera that can take and develop a picture in ten seconds.,Eye instantaneously presents us with a flow of picture sin color.,"Ps. 139:1, 13, 14,","Feb 22, 1963 Aw Page 17",Jehovah--the Grand Creator,101,,,
Creation,"Men know a great deal about steam, gasoline, electrical, atomic and other type of engines. Man can dispense with one of his two kidneys, one of his two lungs live without his gall bladder, spleen, tonsils, and appendix.",Know practically nothing about most marvelous engine -- human body. 'You wonder why anyone is ever sick' Walter Cannon.,"Ps. 139:1, 13, 14,","Feb 22, 1963 Aw Page 17",Jehovah--the Grand Creator,101,,,
Creation,Men marvel at the complex mechanism of a watch of 135-140 pieces.,Another timepiece that is infinitely more complicated and absolutely indispensable to life. Namely the human heart.,"Ps. 139:1, 13, 14,","Feb 22, 1963 Aw Page 17",Jehovah--the Grand Creator,101,,,
Creation,"Metal lathe is said to be only machine that can remotely come close to reproducing itself. Each family kind, each one, can reproduce, copies of its own likeness.",Jehovah's creations arranged for them to reproduce.,Rom. 1:20  Genesis. Chapter 1,"Oct 1, 1959 Wt Page 586 (bobby Laymon)",Jehovah--the Grand Creator,101,,,
Creation,Miniature replica of our solar system.   Balls geared together. Sir Isaac Newton and his atheistic friend.  Infidel became a firm believer that 'Jehovah is God.',Who made it?  Nobody. 'You must think I'm a fool',Genesis. 1:1,"Apr 22, 1959 Aw Page 5, 6",Jehovah--the Grand Creator,101,,,
Creation,Nose. What if it was turned the other way.,Rain would not run off and a person would drown.,"Ps. 139:1, 13, 14,; Genesis. 1:27",Daniel Braden,Jehovah--the Grand Creator,101,,,
Creation,"Only 3 major particles, or building blocks",Jehovah's marvelous wisdom,Ps. 104:24,"Nov 22, 1960 Aw Page 20-23",Jehovah--the Grand Creator,101,,,
Creation,"Quote: From old drunk, (as told by Jim Laymon) 'Any fool in the world can make whiskey, but it takes a smart man to make water.' Properties: water 'rolls over' when freezing, otherwise streams","Jehovah's Wisdom in creating water freeze solid. (gets lighter, even though cold water at bottom.)",Job 38:25-29,Bobby Laymon,Jehovah--the Grand Creator,101,,,
Creation,"Rolling Across the River. (not walking on water) Army ants on march, coming to river. Find a bend where current is shunted diagonally across river-bed to other side. Next made heaps several inches thick, slowly wriggle selves into one solid ball,","Wisdom shown by Jehovah.  About size of coconut. Roll down slope to waters edge, and into. Current takes it across, ball turning so ants keep breathing.",Ps. 104:24,"Aug 22, 1959 Aw Page 19",Jehovah--the Grand Creator,101,,,
Creation,"Sanitation Squad Sea gulls follow fishing fleets; dead fish are their filet mignon.  Gobi desert, vultures arrive within 15 minutes after kill.  Sharks likewise, and their co-worker is the lobster.",Jehovah created scavengers of land and sea to keep earth beautiful Hyena found trapped inside dead elephant.  Once inside rib cage gorged until so full couldn't escape,"Ps. 136:1, 25","Apr 8, 1958 Aw Page 9-11",Jehovah--the Grand Creator,101,,,
Creation,"Struggle in evolutionist's mind Repulsed at idea, answer might lie with a purposeful Creator.",How George Greenstein squirm with discomfort at thought of Creator,"Acts 17: 27, 28","Jan 22 Awake, 1990 P. 13, 14",Jehovah--the Grand Creator,101,,,
Creation,Telephone lines.,"Nerve network, much more complicated.","Heb 3:4  Rom 1:20, 2:14, 15",Joe Laymon,Jehovah--the Grand Creator,101,,,
Creation,"The Earth: A Perpetual Show. 'It is always sunrise somewhere; the dew is never all dried at once; a shower is forever falling; vapor is ever rising; Eternal sunrise, eternal sunset, eternal dawn and gloaming, on sea and continents and islands, each in its turn, as the round earth rolls.","The Grand Show of Jehovah is eternal. continents and islands, each in its turn, as the round earth rolls on its axis.",Ps. 104:23-25,"Jun 22, 1959 Aw Page 8  (the Wilderness World Of John Muir.)  Feb 22, 1971 Aw Page 18",Jehovah--the Grand Creator,101,,,
Creation,"The Great Attractor Pulling many galaxies, including ours toward it. Many theorists were hoping it would just go away.",Man cannot understand God's creation.,Ecclesiastes 8:17,"June 8, 1990 Awake!  Page 28",Jehovah--the Grand Creator,101,,,
Creation,"Two bricks in a vacant lot merge together. Then this one brick begins to make other bricks, of varying sizes & without instruction; some form foundation, other walls, some windows, kitchen, bedroom, lighting, heating and cooling systems.","Life comes from fertilization of a single cell. In a matter of days a complete house appears. If DNA placed end-to-end in human, it would reach to the moon.","Ps. 139:1, 13, 14,","Feb 22, 1963 Aw Page 19",Jehovah--the Grand Creator,101,,,
Creation,"Wild ass vs. domestic ass; greater in speed than horses Wild bull, stork and ostrich contrasted.",Vast difference between animals that look similar in appearance.,Job 39:5-8,"Jul 15, 1962 Wt Page 421",Jehovah--the Grand Creator,101,,,
Creation,"Zippers Should two adjoining barbs become separated, and considerable force is needed to pull the vane apart, they are instantly zipped together again by drawing the feather through the fingertips.","Birds feathers have zippers. The bird, of course, does this with its bill.","Ps. 148:7, 10-13","Oct 22, 1990 Aw Page 16",Jehovah--the Grand Creator,101,,,
Creation Vs Evolution,Chicken or egg problem completely scrambled.,Evolution says developed simultaneously.,Genesis Chap 1,"Creation Book Pages 45,46",Jehovah--the Grand Creator,101,,,
"Creation,","If you had eyes on the end of your fingers, you could see around corners.  But go to pick up something, and Ouch!",'You are wonderfully made.',Ps. 139:14;,Bobby Laymon,Jehovah--the Grand Creator,101,,,
"Creation,","Stand still at the edge of a flowering field of grain and listen to the whispering of  the wind.  Inhale and smell sweet scent of the meadow.  Listen as tuneful crickets join in the soft song of the wind; one of the cows lows the bass and a meadowlark fills in the soprano, while a bumblebee plays cello and a few bees the violin.  Music delights the mind and heart.","Year after year this refrain is taken up, yet...Musical refrain is always different and never boring.  It never makes you nervous or sick; It is  soothing balm for the  soul, heart and nerves.  The musicians are not playing for fame or honor or your money but to the honor of their Creator, Jehovah God, who made them for you to enjoy.   Have you heard it?  Take time to visit some large park, or rural areas and enjoy this kind of music.",Ps. 104:24,"Nov 8, 1977 Awake!  Page 10, 11.",Jehovah--the Grand Creator,101,,,
"Creation,",Try to pick up a pen without using your thumb. Difficult.,'You are wonderfully made.',Ps. 139:14;,Bobby Laymon,Jehovah--the Grand Creator,101,,,
"Creation, Action, Speech, Words, Example,","'Do not say things. What you are stands over you the while, and thunders so that I cannot hear what you say to the contrary.'  Quote: Ralph Waldo Emerson.  -1875.","Jehovah does not have to say anything.  What he does speaks louder than words.  For example, orderliness and intelligence are manifest in design of universe.  Outstandingly, God's qualities of love and goodness are evidenced in creation.","Mt 5:45; Ac 14:16, 17;",Bobby Laymon,Evidence Of God In The World Around Us,4,,1995/08/01,
"Creation, Animals, Meetings,",Zebras regularly quench their thirst.  That is why they are seldom found more than five miles from water.,"We too, must regularly quench our spiritual thirst by staying close to the congregation, studying the Bible, and attending meetings.",Ps 104:11;,"Mar 8, 1996 Aw Page 18",Keep Seeking God's Kingdom,44,,1996/02/08,
"Creation, Ants, Activity, Work,","How many here have ever seen an ant?  Have you ever seen an  ant leaning back on a lounge with a Coca Cola in its hand?  No!  It is   busy, busy, busy.",We can learn something from the ant.  We need to keep busy in  Jehovah's purpose for us.,Pr 6:6; 1co 15:58;,James Loy,,,,1993/10/24,
"Creation, Arctic Terns, Bristle-thighed Curlew, Navigator, Migrate","Humans must navigate with precision-made instruments. Arctic terns make round trip between the Arctic and Antarctic with flying distance of about 25000 miles. Bristle-thighed curlew flies 6,000 miles from Alaska to Tahiti in","Jehovah's creations are remarkable navigators, migratory flight, 2000 miles, between Alaska to Hawaiian Islands non-stop over open ocean; no landmarks. Young birds too.",Ps. 104:24;,"Aug 22, 1964 Aw Page 9",Jehovah--the Grand Creator,101,,,
"Creation, Atoms,","Did you ever sew or knit?  Suppose you held up two sweaters and  you notice they both were different, but they both had the same little design  down the front.  You conclude they were both made by the same person.","In the creation, Jehovah made everything out of only three basic  building blocks.  Wood, water, all the elements all have protons, neutrons   and electrons.",Ps 19:1;,James Loy,,,,1993/10/24,
"Creation, Beauty,","'Nature is painting for us, day after day, pictures of infinite beauty if only we have the eyes to see them.'  Quote: John Ruskin.","Promised new system of things will be righteous, clean, orderly.",2 Pet 3:13;,Bobby Laymon,A Cleansed Earth--will You Live To See It?,49,,1995/06/30,
"Creation, Beauty, Kaleidoscope,",At some time in your life you have probably looked into a kaleidoscope.  You turn it and the picture changes.  One beauty after another.,"Jehovah's creations are constantly changing.  One beauty after another.  Never quite the same, but always thrilling to the sight and mind.",Ro 1:20;,Bobby Laymon,Jehovah--the Grand Creator,101,,,
"Creation, Beaver,","Atomic energy storage dam on Canada's Chalk River developed a leak that engineers couldn't find. Stumped, they brought in a pair of beavers. In less than 1 week they had found the leak... and repaired it.",Amazing engineers in animal world.,Jer. 10:10; Ps. 104:24;,"Oct 8, 1963 Aw Page 15",Jehovah--the Grand Creator,101,,,
"Creation, Bee Hummingbird.","With a length of only two inches, the bee hummingbird is the smallest of all birds.","Yet, it is not insignificant.",Ps 104:24,"Mar 8, 1969 Aw Page 15",Jehovah--the Grand Creator,101,,,
"Creation, Bee Wolf,","The cruise missile's path determined by digitized reference map stored inside a computer processor.  It keeps it on course, unless someone moves the target.  Pretty easy to fool.","The bee wolf, a humble insect, using a brain the size of the head of a pin, cannot be fooled even if target is moved or hidden. (See article)","Job 12:7, 9;","May 22, 1992 Aw Page 17, 18",Jehovah--the Grand Creator,101,,,
"Creation, Big Bang Theory, Order, Space, Universe, Science,",How many here have ever seen something blown up?  Was there   any order to what was left?  Suppose for example you want to build a barn so you pile up a stack of 2X4's and other lumber.  Then you blow them up.  Do you suppose it would look anything like a barn?,Likewise with the 'Big Bang Theory' advocated by scientists  today.  Theory = 'A little bit of fact and a whole lot of logical thinking.'  This theory lacks even a lot of logical thinking.,Ps 19:1;,James Loy,Does Your Hope Rest On Science Or The Bible?,80,,1993/10/24,
"Creation, Bird, Corn, Wisdom,, Grasshopper, Generous,","'Take Some, Leave Some'   The key to this delicate balance is a hormone in the saliva of many birds, insects and mammals, including humans. It is called EGF (epidermal growth factor) and is known to stimulate cell growth, speed protein and DNA production, and even help in the healing of wounds. So each time a bird pecks at an ear of corn it pays back a handsome bonus to the plant in the traces of EGF it leaves behind.","Dr. Melvin Dyer, a zoologist, has been experimenting with EGF for about ten years. He noticed that ripening ears of corn injected with doses of the hormone grew bigger and produced more protein than those without the injection. The problem, however, is in knowing exactly how much of the hormone to inject. 'Too little EGF has no effect whatsoever, and too much can actually stunt plant growth,' he says. The right amount turns out to be one twenty-millionth of an ounce-just  what a grasshopper leaves behind each time it dines on an ear of corn.",Ps 104:24,G83 8/8 11,Jehovah--the Grand Creator,101,,1994/05/09,
"Creation, Birth, Life,",It was as if the fertilized cell within his mother had a large room full of books with detailed instructions on how to form a human baby and these complicated instructions were passed along to each emerging cell.  Science World magazine uses the metaphor of 'each cell in a developing embryo having a complete cabinet of blueprints.',"Obviously, there was not a literal handwritten blueprint for the formation of David within his mother's womb.  Yet, 'All its parts were down in writing.'",Ps 139:13-16;,"Apr 15, 1999 Wt Page 4",Responsibilities And Rewards Of Parenthood,29,,1999/03/18,
"Creation, Black Hole, Universe, Space, Science,","If we were to shrink the earth all the way down to the size of a shooter's marble, the earth's gravitational field would finally become so strong that not even light could escape.","At this point our tiny earth would seem to disappear inside what is called a black hole.  Though most astronomers believe in them, black holes still have not been proved to exist.","Ps 19:1, 2;","Jan 22, 1996 Aw Page 8",Appreciating Marvels Of God's Creation,114,,1996/01/10,
"Creation, Body,","Man-made building materials such as wood, brick, cement, stucco and paint, either splinter, chip, weather away.","Encasing the body's bony structure are tissues that do none of the above.  Your eyes have eyelashes for protective shades, eye- brows as overhanging eaves, and shutters that close automatically. Organs are surrounded by fluid that serve as shock absorbers.",Ps 139:14;,"Mar 8, 1970 Aw Page 17",Jehovah--the Grand Creator,101,,,
"Creation, Body,","Some of men's greatest inventions are: Wheels, Pulleys, Hinges; Universal joints, ropes, etc.","Our hands, arms are hinges, wrists are universal joints, have ropes and pulleys in muscles.",Ps. 139:14,Bobby Laymon,Jehovah--the Grand Creator,101,,,
"Creation, Body, Blood, Circulation,",The United States has many miles of roads to supply food to its some 200 million (check current) inhabitants. Traffic problems sometimes slows transportation down to a crawl. (see article for details illustrating flow of blood),"The human body has 100,000 miles of roads & pipelines - arteries, veins, & capillaries, transporting nourishment to some 30,000,000, 000,000 cells.  Astonishing as it may sound, the 5 qts. of blood makes a complete circuit in about 1 minute.",Ps 139:14;,"Mar 8, 1970 Aw Page 18",Keep Growing In Your Relationship With God,16,,,
"Creation, Body, Blood, Circulation,","What would happen to a city if daily needs not met by all the roads, railroads and shipping facilities?  Also, a city has a system of sewage, sanitation and waste disposal.","Similarly, the human body is served by blood circulation that provides the distribution of supplies and removal of wastes.",Ps 139:14;,"Mar 8, 1970 Aw Page 18",Jehovah--the Grand Creator,101,,,
"Creation, Body, Bones,","When a 125 pound person takes a walk, some points of the femur or tubular thigh bone have to withstand a pressure of 1,200 lbs. per sq. inch.  A pole-vaulter, when landing, the thigh bones may take up to 20,000 pounds of pressure per square inch.",We are wonderfully made.,Ps 139:14;,"Jun 22, 1969 Aw Page 24",Jehovah--the Grand Creator,101,,,
"Creation, Body, Cells,","Would it not be wonderful for car owners if their automobile could manufacture its own fuel from raw materials, did its own cleaning and repairing, and replacing worn-out parts? (see article for: arch, columns, bones, blood, etc.)","The some 600 muscles of your body burn fuel, even as does the engine of an automobile, converting the fuel into energy.  But the human body is far superior.  It manufactures its own fuel from raw materials, cleans and replaces worn out parts.",Ps 139:14;,"Mar 8, 1970 Aw Page 17",Jehovah--the Grand Creator,101,,,
"Creation, Body, Heart,",Consider a pump that no human engineer could ever duplicate perfectly - the heart.,"This tiny pump pulsates, on the average, seventy times a minute, forty million times a year and passes about 7,000 quarts of fluid a day, nearly 200,000 tons in the average lifetime.",Ps 139:14;,"Mar 8, 1970 Aw Page 17",Jehovah--the Grand Creator,101,,,
"Creation, Body, Kidneys,",No manufacturer of industrial specialties can offer a high- pressure filtering apparatus like the kidneys.,"These consist of approximately 2,000,000 filter units complete with filter sheet, strainer and reabsorbing mechanism.  They can filter 200 qts. of fluid daily, yet comprised of only 2 structures each small enough to fit into the palm of your hand.",Ps 139:14;,"Mar 8, 1970 Aw Page 18",Jehovah--the Grand Creator,101,,,
"Creation, Body, Stomach, Wisdom,",Try putting a variety of things into the gas tank of your car and see how far it goes!,We put many different types of food and drink into our stomachs and yet the body processes them and produces energy.,Ps 139:14;,Does God Really Care About Us.  Page 8,Jehovah--the Grand Creator,101,,,
"Creation, Body, Temperature,","Modern engineers construct buildings that maintain year-around comfort regardless of exterior weather conditions, whether it may be extremely hot or bitterly cold outside.","However, your body far surpasses the most elaborate environmental control system.  Regardless of the surrounding air temperature, the body's thermostatic controls keep the tissue at about 98 to 99 degrees F.",Ps 139:14;,"Mar 8, 1970 Aw Page 18",Jehovah--the Grand Creator,101,,,
"Creation, Brain,","If all the millions of computers in the world were connected together with all the telephone circuits, it would still not be as complex as the human brain.",This shows how wonderfully we are made.,Re 4:11; Ps 139:14;,"National Geographic Television Show.  (December 26, 1992)",Jehovah--the Grand Creator,101,,,
"Creation, Brain, Evolution, Science,",'Researchers of the capacity of the human brain have likened it to the activity of thousands of big-city telephone centers working at top capacity.,"It has been estimated that in the process of a lifetime of 70 years the human memory can store up as many as 15,000,000,000,000  individual experiences.'  Do these facts agree with the claim that 'everything has come into existence accidentally, without God'? Or do they fit better with the Biblical argumentation that 'every house is constructed by someone, but he that constructed all things is God'?-Hebrews 3:4.",Heb 3:4;,G85 7/8 10-11,Does Your Hope Rest On Science Or The Bible?,80,,1994/05/07,
"Creation, Chance,","We know that an automobile engine requires a critical ratio of fuel and air. If you own a car, you may hire a trained mechanic to tune its engine, so that your car will run smoother, more efficiently.","If such precision is important with a mere engine, what of our efficiently 'burning' sun, for example? Clearly, the key forces involved are precisely tuned for life to exist on earth. Did that just happen?",Job 38:33,"June 15, 1999 Wt Page 16",Appreciating Marvels Of God's Creation,114,,1999/07/24,
"Creation, Chance, Invisible,","Most astronomers now accept that there are very powerful heavenly bodies--black holes. These black holes cannot be seen, yet experts are convinced that they exist.","Comparably, the Bible reports that in another realm there exist powerful creatures that cannot be seen--spirit creatures that cannot be seen.  If such powerful, invisible beings exist, is it not plausible that the precision revealed throughout the universe originated with a powerful Intelligence?",Nehemiah 9:6,"June 15, 1999 Wt Page 17",Appreciating Marvels Of God's Creation,114,,1999/07/24,
"Creation, Chance, Invisible,","You have probably heard that the brain has been compared to a powerful computer. Really, though, recent discoveries show that this comparison falls far short. A scientist at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology said: 'Today's computers are not even close to a 4-year-old human in their ability to see, talk, move, or use common sense....",It has been estimated that the information processing capacity of even the most powerful supercomputer is equal to the nervous system of a snail--a tiny fraction of the power available to the supercomputer inside [your] skull.',Nehemiah 9:6,"June 15, 1999 Wt Page 17",Appreciating Marvels Of God's Creation,114,,1999/07/24,
"Creation, Children,","Did you ever plant a tree?  There are so many ways you can train a tree: You can make it upright, straight, tall; you can make it lean, or crooked.  You can make it into a small (bonsai) plant.","Similar with children.  They will grow up, according to the way they are trained.","Ps. 128:3 Prov. 22:6; Ps. 127:3; 139:13; Prov. 23:24, 25,",Gale Hartley,Jehovah--the Grand Creator,101,,,
"Creation, Children,","Man or woman cannot produce one blade of grass, yet can produce another human.",How we should appreciate Jehovah's wonderful gift of producing children.,"Ps. 127:3; 139:13; Prov. 23:24, 25,",Gale Hartley,Jehovah--the Grand Creator,101,,,
"Creation, Clock, Wisdom,","'The universe confounds me! I cannot imagine that such a 'clock' can exist without there being a Clockmaker.'  Quote: Voltaire, 18th-century French philosopher.",Wisdom dictates a Maker or Creator.,Rom. 1:20;,W88 3/1 5,Appreciating Marvels Of God's Creation,114,,1998/11/02,
"Creation, Courage, Fearless, Determined,","How many lessons we can learn by observing Jehovah's animal creation. While humans are the only earthly creatures made in God's image, Jehovah did create certain animals with instinctive qualities which we can learn from. Perhaps you've never heard of the blacksmith plover. It is a very small South African bird. The amazing thing about this little bird is that when it comes to protecting their nest, they are exceptionally courageous.     They are undaunted by the size of the trespasser. They fly up calling harshly, fearlessly dive-bombing even humans in an attempt to warn them off. Some have even watched individual large elephants unintentionally walk in the direction of a blacksmith plover's nest, only to set off the bird's display. The elephants usually oblige by making a detour. What an example of courage!","As Jehovah's Witnesses, there is much we can learn from this small bird. We truly have need for courage.",Numbers. 14:9; Luke 12:24;,W94 9/15 24  Jk,Appreciating Marvels Of God's Creation,114,,1998/05/12,
"Creation, Creator, Name, Productions,","Today we see all sorts of products with the name of the designer on them.  Blue jeans by Levi, or designer jeans with names on them, such as Calvin Klein.  People want to be recognized for their accomplishments.","However, you never see a tree with 'Jehovah' on it.  He does not use stickers and labels.  The superb design speaks for itself.  Only Jehovah could have created it.  He does want to be known for his productions.  They display his power and wisdom.",Rom. 1:20;,"Evelyn Perkins; See Dec 15, 1994 Wt Page 9 Para 3",Appreciating Marvels Of God's Creation,114,,1995/01/31,
"Creation, Creator, Perfect, Good, Science, Evolution, World,",'Everything is good when it leaves the hands of the Creator; everything degenerates in the hands of man.'  Quote: Jean Jacques Rousseau.,"The turn to technology has resulted in pollution, arms race, new morality.","Ps 146:3, 4;",Bobby Laymon,Are You 'marked' For Survival?,34,,1995/07/18,
"Creation, Creator, Wisdom, Education, Praise,",An artist paints a great picture.  It brings him praise.  It being there with his name on it is inanimate honor or praise.  Someone may orally praise him for his work.,"Jehovah has both animate and inanimate creations of praise.  The sun, moon and stars praise him.  They have no choice in the matter.  They praise him thru changing conditions.  Men, animals and angels are animate creations that praise him.  We have free will in the matter and should do better than inanimate creations.  We worship Jehovah.",Rev 4:11;,"'Joyful Praisers Dist. Convention'  June 9-11, 1995; Kc, Mo; David Smith;",Appreciating Marvels Of God's Creation,114,,1995/06/12,6/7/2025
"Creation, Creator, Wisdom, Education, Praise,","The swallows of Capistrano, California always come back on the same day in March.  And they always leave on the same day.  The bumble bee - who the greatest minds on earth - say, cannot fly, does fly.  The homing pigeon, can be blindfolded and taken hundreds of miles from home and he will find his way back.",Does not a designer of such marvelous creatures of instinctive wisdom deserve praise?,Rev 4:11;,"'joyful Praisers Dist. Convention'  June 9-11, 1995; Kc, Mo; David Smith;",Appreciating Marvels Of God's Creation,114,,1995/06/12,
"Creation, Designer, Earth,","House: builder unknown, but the house did not build itself.",We should know the earth did not design and build itself.,Heb. 3:4,Bobby Laymon,Jehovah--the Grand Creator,101,,,
"Creation, Designer, Intelligence, Wisdom, Earth, Universe,","Walking into a forest, you come upon a house.  You inspect it and find it in disorder.  The windows are broken, roof has serious damage, porch full of holes, door on 1 hinge, and the plumbing does not work.  You conclude: [1] The owner died.  [2] The builder was capable, but no longer interested in the house. [3] The house was leased to unappreciative tenants.",The later is similar to the situation regarding the earth. Earth's tenants have showed disregard for Jehovah's beautifully designed earth.,Re 11:18;,"What Is The Purpose Of Life?  Page 22, 23",Appreciating Marvels Of God's Creation,114,,,
"Creation, Dna,",Very long chain ladder formed by two side chains and crosspieces similar to a wooden ladder.,Description of DNA protein molecules.,Rom. 11:33,"Jun 8, 1963 Aw Page 17",Jehovah--the Grand Creator,101,,,
"Creation, Ears, Humility, Ability, Science,","'Sputnik,' a Russian magazine digest, describes scientists' efforts to develop instruments that will duplicate certain amazing abilities of the animal creation. Their studies show, for example, that a grasshopper's 'ears' (located in its front paws) are so sensitive to sound waves that 'a grasshopper in Moscow is capable of 'hearing' tremors caused by an earthquake on the shores of the Pacific.' One instrument that scientists developed copies the hearing organ of the jellyfish and it can reportedly predict the coming of a storm some 12-14 hours earlier than can an ordinary barometer.",It is foolish to think that Jehovah cannot hear.,Ps 94:9;,W75 9/15 560,Does Your Hope Rest On Science Or The Bible?,80,,1994/05/09,
"Creation, Earth, Design,","If you went into a fine house and found it generously stocked with food, excellent heating, air-conditioning and good plumbing to supply water, what would you conclude?",You would conclude that an intelligent person designed and made it with great care.  The earth was designed and made with great care to provide what it inhabitants need.  More complex than house,Is 37:16; 45:18;,Does God Really Care About Us.  Page 5,Jehovah--the Grand Creator,101,,,
"Creation, Earth, Moon, Universe, Organization, Time,","The earth makes its yearly trip around the sun in exactly 365 days, 5 hours, 48 minutes, and 45.51 seconds.",Gives us an idea on the importance God puts on organization.,"Ps. 19:1, 2;",You Can Live Forever In Paradise On Earth. Page 191,Serving With Jehovah's Unified Organization,3,,,
"Creation, Engineers, Ants,","'The mightiest structures man has built on this earth; the   Pyramids of Egypt, London's Underground system, New York's skyscrapers, ....  are as molehills compared with mountains.'  The ants polish and cement sand together and millions of grains are made into one mound.  Quote: Dr. Eugene Marais in his book, 'The Soul of the White Ant.'","'Taking size into consideration, man would have to erect a building as high as the Matterhorn [a 14,692 foot mountain peak in Switzerland] if his work was to be equal to a termite tower 40 feet in height.'",Ro 1:18;,"Nov 8, 1993 Aw Page 31",Jehovah--the Grand Creator,101,,,
"Creation, Evidence, Believe, Faith, Trust,",How many here have personally seen the president of the United States?  How many believe he exists?,It would be just as foolish to believe that God does not exist.  There is visible evidence all around us to prove it.,Rom 1:20; Ps 14:1;,Joe Bowling,Evidence Of God In The World Around Us,4,,1994/10/23,
"Creation, Evidence, Believe, Faith, Trust,","When we read the Bible our bodies coordinate to help us.  Our eyes adjust to the print of the page.  Some of us have to hold it closer or farther than others because of our glasses.  Our arms cooperate.  Our hand, which are capable of great strength, do not tear the delicate pages.  (If eyes were on the bottom of our feet, it would be hard to be a dairy farmer)",Our bodies show the truth of the Scripture that 'we are wonderfully made.',Ps 139:14;,Joe Bowling,Evidence Of God In The World Around Us,4,,1994/10/23,
"Creation, Evolution,","If a housewife wanted to bake an apple pie, would she wait for some apples to fall off a tree accidentally into her oven, which accidentally happened to have flour, eggs and other ingredients in it, and hope they would accidentally arrange themselves into a pie?","Making a pie is simple compared to living things. Hope for the oven to accidentally light, and cook for right time?","Ps. 14:1; Isa. 40:26; Ps. 8:3, 4; 2 Thessalonians 2:11, 12;","Oct 1, 1964 Wt Page 587",Jehovah--the Grand Creator,101,,,
"Creation, Evolution, Mother Nature,","Men take credit for making airplanes, cars, machines, etc.","Then they credit forests, flowers, universe to mother nature, or evolution.",Ps 14:1,Bobby Laymon,Jehovah--the Grand Creator,101,,,
"Creation, Evolution, Mutations,","A person may have a hand that is not normal.  He may even have his fingers cut off.   Yet it is still a hand.  Nothing changes. Hair-change color or texture, yet it will always be hair.",A mutation never causes something to change into something else.,Genesis. 1:1-29,Creation Bk Page 103,Jehovah--the Grand Creator,101,,,
"Creation, Evolution, Mutations,","An accident never improves an automobile, or truck. Builder: Thousands of bad pieces of work for every good one. Driver; Thousands of bad decisions for every good one. Surgeon: Made thousands of wrong moves for every right one.",Mutations are like accidents in genetic machinery. Poking stick into machinery or watch or radio seldom improve. Could thousands of complex cells be built by proc that tears down?,Ps. 14:1,"Creation Bk Page 100, 102",Jehovah--the Grand Creator,101,,,
"Creation, Evolution, Science, Designer, Religion,","Carl Sagan was quoted as saying that 'evolution is a religion that masquerades itself as science.'  In his series the Cosmos, he says that fossil evidence could be consistent evidence with a designer.  He says that in the beginning of this universe, there was no galaxies, stars or planets.  The change that brought about the present universe was an awesome transformation of energy and matter.","The idea of a master Designer, is being more accepted.",Genesis. 1:1;,Tim Moore - Morning Worship Notes.,Does Your Hope Rest On Science Or The Bible?,80,,1998/03/28,
"Creation, Evolution, Spider,","Put fluid on a violin string and twang this string and the droplets spread out, evenly spaced.  That's how the spider puts her glue on her web, evenly spaced to attach other webs to. Were the first spiders very intelligent & passed it to offspring?",How did the spider learn to do this?  Even baby spiders know how to spin webs; adorable little webs they are; perfect miniatures no larger than a postage stamp. Employs principles of logarithms.,"Ps. 104:24, 25;","Apr 22, 1967 Aw Page 24",Jehovah--the Grand Creator,101,,,
"Creation, Evolution, Spider,","The ancients believed the earth was flat, but that did not make it flat. Believing that two plus two is five will never make it five. Error is still error no matter how many people believe or teach","That persons accept and teach evolution will never make it true. it. Rom. 4:3, 4;",2 Cor. 4:4; Rev. 12:12; Isa. 11:9; 2 Pet. 3:13;,"Apr 22, 1967 Aw Page 29",Jehovah--the Grand Creator,101,,,
"Creation, Evolution, Wisdom,","The story is told of a group of scientists who decided they didn't need God.  The informed him they could clone animals and humans, they could create anything they wanted.  They even challenged him to a contest in making man.  He agreed, and said, 'We will do it the old fashioned way, and make a man from dirt.'  They agreed, and grabbed a handful of dirt.  He said, 'Wait a minute.  Get your own dirt.'",Man cannot make a single creation.  Any of his accomplishments are only using materials that Jehovah brought into existence.,Genesis 1:1,Nova McClain,Appreciating Marvels Of God's Creation,114,,"Mar 7, 2000",
"Creation, Example, Jesus, Leader, Everlasting, Forever,","Have you heard of the little bird called the 'Honey guide?'  He knows how to find honey.  Not only that, but he invites you to follow him.  If you do, it may lead you over rocky terrain, across rivers, and beautiful scenery, but in the end you will be rewarded with golden delicious honey.","The truth is like that!  We have an exemplar to follow.  That of Christ Jesus.  The going may not always be easy, but there will be some rewards along the way, and he will be led to the golden opportunity of living forever.",John 17:3,"Nov 8, 1993 Aw Page 3",Jehovah--the Grand Creator,101,,,
"Creation, Existence, Science, Universe,",'BELIEVING the first cell originated by chance is like believing that a tornado ripping through a junkyard full of Boeing 747 airplane parts dismembered and in disarray could produce a 747.',"Contrary to the opinion of some, many respected men of science do not rule out the idea of there being a God--a Great Mastermind behind the creation of the universe and man.",Rom. 1:20,"Feb 8, 1999 Page 3",Does Your Hope Rest On Science Or The Bible?,80,,1999/02/17,
"Creation, Existence, Science, Universe,","'If you discovered how one wheel in the clock turns--you may speculate how the rest move, but you are not entitled to call this scientific and better leave alone the question of who wound up the spring.'  Quote: Physics professor Ulrich J. Becker, of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.","Contrary to the opinion of some, many respected men of science do not rule out the idea of there being a God--a Great Mastermind behind the creation of the universe and man.",Rom. 1:20,"Feb 8, 1999 Page 3",Does Your Hope Rest On Science Or The Bible?,80,,1999/02/17,
"Creation, Existence, Science, Universe, Purpose,","'I REJECT the idea of a God who long ago set a great clockwork in motion and has since been sitting back as a spectator while mankind wrestles with the puzzle.' Quote: Physics professor Conyers Herring, who acknowledges belief in God.","However, far from 'sitting back as a spectator while mankind wrestles with the puzzle,' Almighty God has had good reason for allowing the passage of the thousands of years without intervening directly in the lives of the majority of mankind.",Jer 10:23; Ecclesiastes 8:9;,"Feb 8, 1999 Page 4, 5",Does Your Hope Rest On Science Or The Bible?,80,,1999/02/17,
"Creation, Eye, Blink,",'In the blink of an eye!'  Quick movement.  What does it accomplish?  [How often do we blink?  Most people average 25 times a minute],Protects the eye from injury; wipes the surface of the eyes clean; helps regulate the amount of light that comes into the eyes it keeps fluid over the front of the eyes.,"Ps 104:24, 25;","Aug 22, 1969 Aw Page 26",Jehovah--the Grand Creator,101,,,
"Creation, Eyes,","Did you know that the bee has 12,000 eyes, each complete in itself?  Some beetles have 25,000; some dragonflies 20,000 The eyes of an eagle are larger than man's; An owl's eyes are 1/3 the size of his head. Blue whale has largest eyes in world, his are 5 inches in diameter. (Many more mentioned)",A marvelous example of the handiwork of God. Great variety.,Ps. 104:24; 94:9;,"Dec 8, 1964 Aw Page 20",Jehovah Is 'a Secure Height' For His People,151,,,
"Creation, Firefly,","It has a secret: It has never been to school a day in its life yet it is baffling scientists with its know-how. After two years of study, at John Hopkins University, they were able to identify the light producing element as 'luciferin.'","How it can change chemical energy into electrical energy. What happens next, when acted on by 'luciferase' the firefly won't tell.",Ps. 104:24;,"Jun 8, 1964 Aw Page 29",Jehovah--the Grand Creator,101,,,
"Creation, Flower, Dutchman's Pipe, Honey, Bees, Pollinate,","Have you heard of the 'Dutchman's Pipe?'  It cannot pollinate  itself, but needs insects to bring in the pollen.  It has long slippery sides  and insects attracted by the smell enter and slide down to a chamber at the  bottom.  They are trapped three days, but treated royally, like the Hilton  Hotel.  Then the hair wilts and they escape with the pollen.  Then they see  another and say, 'Hey!  There's another Hilton like we stayed in three days ago, so they pollinate it.",Jehovah causes cooperation to exist between insects and flowers  for the mutual benefit of both.,Luke 17:10; Jer 10:12; Ro 8:28;,James Loy  Creation Book Page 146,Appreciating Marvels Of God's Creation,114,,1993/10/24,
"Creation, Fly, Insects, Wisdom,","'God in His wisdom made the fly, and then forgot to tell us why.'  Quote: American poet Ogden Nash.","While it is true that Jehovah God is the Creator of all things, it is certainly not true that he is forgetful.  Many things he allows us to find out for ourselves.",Psalm 104:24;,"May 22, 1996 Aw Page 13",Jehovah--the Grand Creator,101,,1996/04/25,
"Creation, Giant Sea Turtles, Fur Seals, Navigator, Migrate","Humans must navigate with precision-made instruments. Turtles swim from Brazil to Ascension Island, a tiny piece of land only 7 miles wide. Distance of 1,400 miles. Alaskan fur seals swim 3,000 miles to give birth to young.","Jehovah's creations are remarkable navigators, Salmons, Monarch butterflies, Ants, pigeons, warblers, bees, etc. Have a 'built-in clock' to tell time of day, location etc.",Ps. 104:24;,"Aug 22, 1964 Aw Page 9-12",Jehovah--the Grand Creator,101,,,
"Creation, Grasshopper,",In the same way a violinist draws his bow across the strings of his violin...,"The male grasshopper, when in the mood, gently draws a raspy hind leg over the raised veins of a wing and produces relaxing music on a warm midsummer day.",Ps 104:24,"Apr 8, 1993 Aw Page 26",Jehovah--the Grand Creator,101,,,
"Creation, Growth,","'If spring came but once in a century, instead of once a year or burst forth with the sound of an earthquake, and not in silence, what wonder and expectation there would be in all hearts to behold the miraculous change!'",We must not take Jehovah's creation for granted.,Rom. 1:20,Quote: Longfellow (1819-1892),Jehovah--the Grand Creator,101,,,
"Creation, Hand, Thumb, Newton,","'In the absence of any other proof,' wrote the famous scientist Sir Isaac Newton, 'the thumb alone would convince me of God's existence.'","'We can land men on the moon,' says Professor Napier, 'but, for all our mechanical and electronic wizardry, we cannot reproduce an artificial fore-finger that can feel as well.'",Ps 104:24;,G88 6/8 6,Evidence Of God In The World Around Us,4,,1996/01/21,
"Creation, Herbs, Medicine, Health, Plants,",The Healing Power of Plants. The field for research into plant kingdom is almost limitless.,Info: Effective medicines for treating illness.,Ps. 104:24;,"Dec 22, 1964 Aw Page 16-19",Jehovah--the Grand Creator,101,,,
"Creation, Honey Bee,",Alchemist worked unsuccessful for centuries to convert common metals into gold. Called  'Most important insect in the world.' Pollinate plants; air condition hives; remarkable engineers; communicate involved instruction;,The Honey Bee has been effecting a far more remarkable transformation.  Converting nectar into one of the tastiest and most nutritious of foods -- honey!,Ps. 104:24;,"Sep 22, 1964 Aw Page 21",Jehovah--the Grand Creator,101,,,
"Creation, Honey Bee, Intelligence, Instinct,","A dish of sugar solution is placed near the hive and moved every few minutes in increasingly large jumps, until it may be transported 100 feet (30 m) or more each time.","Researchers have all noted that 'a time comes during training when the bees will begin to 'catch on,' to anticipate where the food will be next, fly that distance, and wait.'",Ps 104:24;,G80 12/22 20,Appreciating Marvels Of God's Creation,114,,1996/06/11,
"Creation, Hormones, Communication, Body,","In Venice, a city famous for its network of canals, people use the telephone to send messages to other parts of the city.  It could also be delivered by gondola, a long boat that travels thru the maze of city canals.","Nerve transmissions in the body are delivered instantaneously. Hormones are slower, but still vital messengers traveling thru the bloodstream.  They are like fleets of gondolas.",1co 12:18; Ps 139:14;,"Apr 22, 1992 Aw Page 17",Jehovah--the Grand Creator,101,,,
"Creation, Intelligence,","'In creating, the only hard thing's to begin; A grass-blade's no easier to make than an oak.' Quote: James Russell Lowell.  -1848.","Man cannot begin to create.  None of the angels, not even firstborn Son, can be compared to Jehovah.  He alone is Creator.","Ps 113:4, 5; Ps 89:6;",Bobby Laymon,Jehovah--the Grand Creator,101,,1995/08/07,
"Creation, Knowledge, Discernment, Attitude, Adjustment,","A little boy was eating a watermelon under oak tree.  He thought to himself, God wasn't very smart when he created everything.  For example: He made this huge oak tree, and all it does is hold up these tiny acorns.  Then he made this big watermelon, and put it on a skinny vine so small.  It should be holding up the acorn.  In turn he should have put the watermelon on this strong oak tree.    Just then another acorn fell and hit him right on the head.  He then  changed his thinking.  What if that had been a watermelon?","Sometimes we need an attitude adjustment, when we think we know more than Jehovah does.  Science and evolutionist are like that.  Jehovah used great wisdom in his creations.",Ps 14:1,Bobby Laymon,Jehovah--the Grand Creator,101,,,
"Creation, Laws,","'The same law that shapes the earth-star shapes the snow-star. As surely as the petals of a flower are fixed, each of these countless snow-stars comes whirling to earth . . . these glorious spangles, the sweeping of heaven's floor.' Quote: Henry David Thoreau. -1906.","Jehovah is the one who shapes both large and small creations.  Using such reasoning from effect to cause, we conclude that nothing comes into existence by itself; it has a cause.",Heb 3:4;,Bobby Laymon,Evidence Of God In The World Around Us,4,,1995/08/05,
"Creation, Life, Birth, Cells, Maintaining, Replacing, Renewing,",'Nature is taking us apart and putting us back together every day.' Quote: Biologist Jared Diamond.,"What does that mean.  It mans that regardless of how many years we might live--whether 8, 80, or even 800--our physical body remains very young.  A scientist once estimated: 'In a year approximately 98 percent of the atoms in us now will be replaced by other atoms that we take in in our air, food, and drink.",Ps. 139:14,"Apr 15, 1999 Wt Page 5",Responsibilities And Rewards Of Parenthood,29,,1999/03/18,
"Creation, Light-year, Universe, Space, Science,",The universe is so big that measuring it in miles of kilometers is like measuring the distance from London to Tokyo with a micrometer.,"Scientist use the light-year.  The distance that light travels in a year, or about 5,880,000,000,000 miles.  Light is the fastest thing in the universe and requires only 1.3 seconds to travel to the moon and about 8 minutes to the sun.","Ps 19:1, 2;","Jan 22, 1996 Aw Page 5",Appreciating Marvels Of God's Creation,114,,1996/01/10,
"Creation, Lightning, Thunder, Sound Barrier,","An estimated 9,000,000 lightning bolts strike the ground daily. The heat in the path rises so abruptly that the surrounding air breaks the sound barrier in moving away.  The result is thunder. There is heat lightning, sheet lightning, ribbon lightning. It helps greatly to fertilize the soil.","Jehovah has given us, not only a practical sky, but a marvelous 'roof' filled with awe-inspiring, ever-changing beauties and wonder, a sky that moves faithful men to praise Jehovah.",Ps 136:4,"Apr 8, 1970 Aw Page 20",Appreciating Marvels Of God's Creation,114,,,
"Creation, Lungs,","'A tree of airways' Lungs formed like a tree, with trunk, small branches, a network of miniature vessels called bronchioles. Resembles clusters of grapes or tiny balloons.","'In a fear-inspiring way we are wonderfully made.' 1 sheet of paper is 150 times as thick as alveoli, so oxygen can be passed into blood stream. (quality control for cold or heat)",Ps. 139:14,"Jun 8, 1991 Aw Page 20, 21",Jehovah--the Grand Creator,101,,,
"Creation, Mind, Understanding, Wisdom, Mystery, Fosdick,",'I would rather live in a world where my life is surrounded by mystery than live in a world so small that my mind could comprehend it.'  Quote: Harry Emerson Fosdick.,"Jehovah made so many marvelous things that it would be impossible to understand them, even living forever.",Ecclesiastes 8:17;,Merle Truitt,Overcoming Fear Of The Future,108,,1995/06/25,
"Creation, Moon, Reflect, Light,",No doubt you have seen signs at night that reflect light.  This is possible because the letters are coated with tiny beads of glass.  When an automobile's headlights hit them they reflect light.,"Evidence on the surface of the moon reveals that man was not the first to utilize this reflective principle.  Materials brought back from the moon reveal that 50% of the moon's soil is made up of glass.  We too can reflect light.  Not from the sun, but from the Creator of the moon and sun.",Ge 1:16;,"Nov 22, 1970 Aw Page 19",Jehovah--the Grand Creator,101,,1993/11/01,
"Creation, Mountains, Everlasting,",'Mountains are earth's un-decaying monuments.' Quote: Nathaniel Hawthorne. -1868.,"Creation's marvels reflect God's qualities.  The more we know of physical world, the more we are impressed.",Ps 19:1;,Bobby Laymon,Appreciating Marvels Of God's Creation,114,,1995/08/01,
"Creation, Movies,","Did you ever go to a movie and noticed that just as soon as it was over everyone got up and left.  [Movie, as it unfolded, just couldn't wait to see what was next. Exciting, thrilling, stirred your imagination.  You laughed, cried, you learned.  Happy Ending!  When it was over, you even stayed to see the credits.  Especially, Who wrote it, Who directed it, Who Produced it. Would you really be too surprised to find that they were all the same person?]","When we look at the Book of creation, doesn't it stir us, thrills and excites us.  Only one can be honored with the credits.  Jehovah  Wrote, Directed, & Produced the universe.  Future will be a happy one.  It will be written, directed and produced by Jehovah, the Grand Creator.","Ge 14: 19, 22; Ecclesiastes 12:1;",Bobby Laymon,Jehovah--the Grand Creator,101,,1996/01/28,
"Creation, Nature, Laws, Evolution, Science,",A blade of grass that grows upward actually follows laws other than those governing a pile of rocks in a crumbling hole.,Living things in nature build and organize themselves in a way that dead things do not.  What many call the book of nature provides evidence that there is something far more satisfactory than a purely materialistic explanation of life.,Rom 1:20;,"Apr 15, 1995 Wt Page 4",Evidence Of God In The World Around Us,4,,1995/03/13,
"Creation, Organization,","'In nature things move violently to their place, and calmly in their place.'  Bacon (1561-1626)",Jehovah has placed each creation just as it please him.  We should be determined to find our place in Jehovah's arrangement.,1c 12:18;,Wisdom Of The Ages,Serving With Jehovah's Unified Organization,3,,,
"Creation, Personality, Relationship, Creator, Universe,","Sometimes we hear expressions about an artist's painting that it expresses his rage, hatred, sorrow, personality.  Some have changed their method of painting after learning the truth.","Jehovah's creations likewise reflect his personality.  He is a happy God, and wants others to be happy.   This is shown in mountains, lakes, rivers, oceans, flowers and vegetation, animals, music, work, friends.",Gal 5:22;,"Oct 1, 1994 Wt Page 13",Appreciating Marvels Of God's Creation,114,,1994/11/13,
"Creation, Polar Bear, Solar Heat,","The bear with solar panels. Could not be filmed with conventional film or infrared film. When filmed with ultraviolet film, appeared stark black. Absorbs ultraviolet rays. (traps 90% of sun's rays and transmits it to","The amazing engineering feat of the bear's coat. the black skin below) Hairs not really white, but transparent. Fills two basic need: looking white & staying warm.",Ps. 104:24;,"May 22, 1991 Aw Page 31",Jehovah--the Grand Creator,101,,,
"Creation, Pollen, Orchid,","Info: A single orchid seed-capsule, a marvel of packaging, may contain 2 million tiny seeds. (enticements: beauty, scent, and disguise) There are now 75,000 registered varieties.  Some sell for $100,000 for one specimen.",Blind chance or mere necessity could not account for these marvels of Jehovah.,"Mt 6:28-30; Is 35:1, 2;","Dec 8, 1992 Aw Page 17, 18",Jehovah--the Grand Creator,101,,,
"Creation, Pollen, Orchid,","It is said that, 'some orchids smell more like female wasps than the wasps themselves!' Some smell like decaying matter.  A smell that no self-respecting fly can ignore.",Jehovah's wisdom in seeing that pollination takes place. Some orchids smell like bees and looks like bees. (a bee can be fooled twice) and pollination takes place.,Mt 6:28-30,"Dec 8, 1992 Aw Page 18",Jehovah--the Grand Creator,101,,,
"Creation, Praise, Enjoy, Rejoice,",'The best way to pay for a lovely moment is to enjoy it.'  Quote: Richard Bach.,Jehovah gave us the earth and everything in it for our enjoyment.  It is a gift.  Enjoy.,Ps 115:16;,Bobby Laymon - Reader's Digest,Can You Live Forever?--will You?,35,,1996/03/22,
"Creation, Praise, Jehovah,","A painter who can capture colors of creation is held in high esteem even long after death. Should not the One who made the originals, from which they copied it receive greater praise?",Jehovah is worthy of praise.,"1 Chron. 29:10, 11; Rev. 4:11; Ps. 83:18; Ps. 19:1, 2;","Sep 15, 1963 Wt Page 549",Make Jehovah Your Confidence,70,,,
"Creation, Praise, Jehovah, Pride,","Satellites put up by men; burn out, must be replaced, don't work. Men are proud of having sent space probes into heavens. Earth is a spaceship: contains not 3, 4 individuals but billions besides numerous animals, plants.","Moon has been in orbit thousands of years, continues to work. Even gentle snowflake can immobilize their operations.",Isa. 40:26;,"Sep 15, 1963 Wt Page 556",Make Jehovah Your Confidence,70,,,
"Creation, Ramie, Fabric,","Ugly plants with dark green leaves, white & furry underneath. Grown in Philippines: Fabric does not wrinkle easily; will outlast the wearer, not harmed by salt water, mold, fungus, perspiration, mildew; has tensile strength 8 times cotton: can be flexed 1 100,000 times. Cooler than cotton. Like wool it dyes very easily. can be bleached, scoured, de-sized etc.",The Creator causes 'ground  ... to bring forth vegetation',Heb. 6:7;,"Dec 8, 1964 Aw Page 24, 25",Jehovah--the Grand Creator,101,,,
"Creation, Science,","'Inanimate objects are classified scientifically into three major categories: those that don't work, those that break down and those that get lost.'  Quote: Russell Baker in New York Times.","Jehovah makes things that work, that last forever, and never get lost.",Ecclesiastes 1:4; 3:14;,Bobby Laymon - Reader's Digest,Does Your Hope Rest On Science Or The Bible?,80,,1996/03/24,
"Creation, Science, Bible, Ecology, Earth, Pollution, Evolution,","'The larger the island of knowledge, the longer the shoreline of wonder.'  Quote: Ralph W. Sockman.","Your experience and observations may suggest to you that material world around us is the product of a powerful, wise creator.  Creation's marvels reflect God's qualities.  The more we know of physical world, the more we are impressed.",Ps 19:1;,Bobby Laymon,Appreciating Marvels Of God's Creation,114,,1995/06/30,
"Creation, Science, Intelligence, Wisdom,","'After years of watching the processes of nature, I cannot doubt the existence of a Supreme Intelligence. The existence of such a God can, to my mind, almost be proved from chemistry.' Quote: Thomas A. Edison. He invented the phonograph and the electric light bulb and patented more than a thousand other inventions.  Reader's Digest, April, 1954.",Many great minds believe in Jehovah and Creation.  People recognize the inventor of the light bulb.  What about the One who invented the sun.,Rom. 1:20; Ps. 19:1; 100:3.,W56 4/15 230,Does Your Hope Rest On Science Or The Bible?,80,,1994/07/10,
"Creation, Science, Intelligence, Wisdom,","Mathematician and chemist John Cleveland Cothran says: 'Lord Kelvin, one of the world's greatest physicists, has made the following significant statement: 'If you think strongly enough, you will be forced by science to believe in God.'",Many great minds believe in Jehovah and Creation.,Rom. 1:20; Ps. 19:1; 100:3.,W61 7/1 390,Does Your Hope Rest On Science Or The Bible?,80,,1994/07/10,
"Creation, Science, Intelligence, Wisdom,","Thomas A. Edison, the great inventor, is reported to have said, 'Until man duplicates a single plant, nature can laugh at his so-called scientific knowledge.'","No efforts of man have come close to the creative wisdom of Jehovah. So the Scriptures testify that God's 'invisible qualities are clearly seen . . . because they are perceived by the things made, even his eternal power and God ship, so that they are inexcusable.'",Rom. 1:20; Ps. 19:1; 100:3.,W69 1/15 44,Does Your Hope Rest On Science Or The Bible?,80,,1994/07/10,
"Creation, Sea, Depth,","Vast Undersea Canyon, Deepest places in oceans are in the Marianas Trench, East of the Philippines in the Pacific Ocean. More than a mile and half deeper than Mt. Everest is high.  Twenty times the size of the Grand","Shows Jehovah's wonders in the depth. Canyon. This Canyon in the ocean is 36,198 feet deep. Almost 7 miles deep.","Ps. 104:24, 25;","Sep 8, 1964 Aw Page 27",Jehovah--the Grand Creator,101,,,
"Creation, Sequoia,","Seed weights only 1/3000th of an ounce.  Trees grow well over 200 feet high.  One such tree is 272 feet tall and it has a base circumference of over a hundred feet, meaning that it would take about 17 men with outstretched arms to encircle it.  Yet this tremendous tree originated with a seed so tiny it would take about 50,000 of them to weigh one pound.","Example of the handiwork of Jehovah. (two species of this giant tree, the red wood and the big tree)","Ps 104:16, 17;","Sep 1, 1968 Wt Page 520; May 8, 1971 Aw Page 22;",Jehovah--the Grand Creator,101,,,
"Creation, Skill, Work, Employment, Whole-souled,",'By the work one knows the workman.' Quote:  Jean de La Fontaine. [1668].,"Marvels of creation, reflect an intelligent Creator.  The universe abounds with galaxies of awesome size, energy.  Even though we may not be astronomers, know about galaxies we can appreciate the Worker, Jehovah God and Christ Jesus.",1 Cor 15:41;,Bobby Laymon,Appreciating Marvels Of God's Creation,114,,1995/07/14,
"Creation, Skin, Wisdom,","'Jack of all trades.' Marvelous garment; Man cannot reproduce it. It is ranked with the brain, heart and lungs in importance in life It can take up to 100 years of wear and tear; It is self-sealing, self-cooling, and exquisitely sensitive for your protection.","Your skin. can feel it, study it, admire its design & flexibility.","Ps. 139:1, 13, 14,","Feb 22, 1963 Aw Page 18",Jehovah--the Grand Creator,101,,,
"Creation, Snake, Forked Tongue,","Of what use is a forked tongue?  'The tongue helps the snake follow an aromatic trail in much the same way that our two ears work together to detect the direction of a sound.  When on the trail of its prey or a mate, the snake repeatedly flicks out its tongue, spreading the ends apart as far as possible.  In this way, the snake tests the strength of the scent at two points, enabling it to know the direction.' Quote: International Herald Tribune.","How many your works are, O Jehovah! All of them in WISDOM you have made. The earth is full of your productions.  As for this sea so great and wide, There are moving things without number, Living creatures, small as well as great.","Ps 104:24, 25;","Nov 8, 1994 Aw Page 29",Service Talk,200,,1994/10/06,
"Creation, Songbirds,",Can you sing out of both sides of your mouth? Different tunes? Reed warbler and brown thrasher sings two tunes at once with different note from each half of the syrinx at exactly the same instant. Brown thrasher actually utters four different sounds at,"The 'great mystery' of how song birds do it. once. Quote: Jeffery Cynx, 'mastery of absolute pitch can be found in songbirds.' (Rockefeller University Field Center)","Song Of Solomon 2:11, 12; Deuteronomy. 22:6,7; Matt. 10:29;","May 22, 1991 Aw Page 15-19;",Jehovah--the Grand Creator,101,,,
"Creation, Songbirds,","How many songs do you know?  Can you sing them? Nightingales, thrushes, thrashers, finches, robins, meadowlarks, blackbirds, warblers, cardinals, superb lyrebirds, robin chats, skylards, & many others.","Some song birds knows over 2,000, and sings them flawlessly. Mimics: cats, dogs, axes chopping wood, motorcar horns and fence wires twanging, and many kinds of birds.","Song Of Solomon 2:11, 12; Deuteronomy. 22:6,7; Matt. 10:29;","May 22, 1991 Aw Page 15-19;",Jehovah--the Grand Creator,101,,,
"Creation, Space, Principles, Standards,","How many here have ever dived into the water?  Or perhaps watched a high-diver.  Why do they go in at an angle, instead of a belly-flop?  They could get injured.","In like manner space travelers have to re-enter at the right  angle, or they can get injured.  They must follow Jehovah's standards and laws built into the universe.",Ps 19:1;,James Loy,Why Live By Bible Standards?,88,,1993/10/24,
"Creation, Spirit, Breath, Jehovah,","Electricity lifts an elevator, although a motor does the work.","Jehovah is the creator, though he uses his holy spirit to do it.",Genesis. 1:2; Job 33:4;,"Aug 15, 1963 Wt Page 503",Make Jehovah Your Confidence,70,,,
"Creation, Tides, Newton, Ocean","For thousands of years, the daily rise and fall of the sea had been a mystery to men. Some thought it was the earth breathing. It took a mind like Isaac Newton's to come up with an answer. In his thesis on gravitation he included an explanation of the tidal movement.","Tides are essentially the result of the gravitational pull of the sun and moon on the sea. But since the moon is so much nearer, its pull is more than twice that of the sun. It attracts, or pulls, the water directly beneath it into a high spot, or tidal 'bulge.' In the middle of a large ocean,",Job 38:11;,G83 12/22 20,Evidence Of God In The World Around Us,4,,1996/01/21,
"Creation, Trees, Ecology,",Invention of polyurethane trees that resemble palm trees. These plastic trees would duplicate the forest's natural role of trapping the moisture in the night air and then release it. Could theoretically stimulate enough rainfall to enable the  natural trees to take over the job in ten years.,'In ten years the desert could be cultivated.'  Idea well received by several North African countries.,Isa. 35:1; Rev. 11:18;,"Jul 8, 1991 Aw Page 29",Jehovah--the Grand Creator,101,,,
"Creation, Universe,","Do you know how a watch works?  Could you make one.  If you found a watch, would you question that someone made it?",It is the same with the universe.  An intelligent person was responsible for the Creation of it.,"Ps 19:1,2",Creation Book; Pages 120-122,Jehovah--the Grand Creator,101,,,
"Creation, Universe, Space,","One of the greatest scientists to live, Sir Isaac Newton, agreed with the psalmist, saying: 'This most elegant system of suns, planets and comets could only arise from the purpose and sovereignty of an enlightened and mighty being.'","Skeptics may argue that the psalmist David was not a trained scientist and, therefore, was not in position to interpret properly the evidence of the heavens.","Ps 19:1,2;",W67 1/15 37,Evidence Of God In The World Around Us,4,,1996/01/21,
"Creation, Universe, Space,","Sir Isaac Newton, described by many historians of science as 'the greatest scientific mind the world has ever seen,' wrote in his famous work Principia: 'This most beautiful system of the sun, planets, and comets, could only proceed from the counsel and dominion of an intelligent and powerful Being. . . . The Supreme God is a Being eternal, infinite, absolutely perfect.'","For example, orderliness and intelligence are manifest in design of universe.",Ro 1:20;,W80 2/1 4,Evidence Of God In The World Around Us,4,,1996/01/21,
"Creation, Universe, Space, Eyes,","Sir Isaac Newton, the English mathematician, physicist and astronomer, said, 'Was the eye contrived without skill in optics, or the ear without knowledge of sounds?'","In support of the obvious answer the Bible says: 'Understand, you who are unreasoning among the people; and as for you stupid ones, when will you have any insight? The One planting the ear, can he not hear? Or the One forming the eye, can he not look?'","Ps 94:8, 9;",W65 9/15 549,Evidence Of God In The World Around Us,4,,1996/01/21,
"Creation, Universe, Space, Science, Atheist,","'Is it possible that suddenly without intending to, we have stumbled upon scientific proof of the existence of a Supreme Being?  Was it God who stepped in and so providentially crafted the cosmos for our benefit.'  Quote: George Greenstein, professor of astronomy and cosmology.","'So many coincidences!  The more I read, the more I became convinced that such 'coincidences' could hardly have happened by chance.  But as this conviction grew, something else grew as well.  Even now it is difficult to express this 'something' in words.  It was an intense revulsion, and at times it was almost physical in nature.  I would positively squirm with discomfort.'","Ps 19:1, 2;","Jan 22, 1996 Aw Page 13",Appreciating Marvels Of God's Creation,114,,1996/01/10,
"Creation, Universe, Stars, Galaxy,","Window shopping, only plate-glass window separates you from touching those interesting articles. No barrier to looking, only to touching. Dirty window merit only passing glance, no matter how well arranged the goods behind it.",The greatest display of all is the starry heavens. Window is our atmosphere.  Clean or dirty? Is wisdom displayed in the order and arrangement of universe?,"Ps. 19:1, 3","Aug 22, 1962 Aw Page 16",Jehovah--the Grand Creator,101,,,
"Creation, Universe, Wisdom.","'One could perhaps describe the situation by saying that God is a mathematician of a very high order, and He used very advanced mathematics in constructing the universe.' Quote: a professor of mathematics from the University of Cambridge, P. Dirac.",Jehovah's wisdom in creating the universe.,Isa. 45:18;,You Can Live Forever In Paradise On Earth. Page 71,Jehovah--the Grand Creator,101,,,
"Creation, View,","'Where the telescope ends, the microscope begins. Which of the two has the grander view?' Quote: Victor Hugo. -1862.","Expression 'Grand Creator' helps convey Jehovah's incomparable   position.  Denotes unmatched majesty, dignity; his supremacy and awe-inspiring glory and power, whether in things large or small.",Isa 54:5; Job 35:10;,Bobby Laymon,Jehovah--the Grand Creator,101,,1995/08/01,
"Creation, Vulture,","'Skyway Patrol' or 'Sanitary inspectors of the skies.' 'nature's most eloquent expressions of flight.' 'among the rarest and largest birds of the world.' 'some fly at an altitude of 37,000 feet.'","Article explains how vultures find carcasses so quickly, and so many immerge on it immediately.  How 'teamwork' is used. What the world would be like without them.",Ps 104:24;,"Feb 22, 1993 Aw Page 10-12;",Jehovah--the Grand Creator,101,,,
"Creation, Wasp, Gentle,",Wasp: No gentler feet alight on the hand when the wasp visits. Good-naturedly the wasp allows others to feast; it does no buzz angrily and drive away other eaters. It does not become irritable if brushed away as does the bee. It would live peaceable with,Many of Jehovah's creations not understood. Tiger among insects. all men. Its yellow jacket covers much virtue.,Ps. 104:24;,"Mar 22, 1964 Aw Page 12",Jehovah--the Grand Creator,101,,,
"Creation, Wings,","Just as an artist will find that stretching his canvas over a wobbly wooden frame makes it rigid... They incorporate shock absorbers, rip-stop mechanisms and many other brilliantly effective devices.","So the membrane on insect wings give it stability, yet make it flexible, so it can yield to wind. 'each wing seemed to me an elegant piece of small-scale engineering. (Robin J Wooten)","Job 12:7, 9;","May 22, 1992 Aw Page 18",Jehovah--the Grand Creator,101,,,
"Creation, Wings, Insects, Dragonfly,","They 'tap the power of the whirlwind.'  Aircraft depends on steady air flows, but the dragonfly creates tiny whirlwinds above its wings, giving tremendous lift.","Insects can lift 2 1/2 times their weight, giving them 3 times more lift than the most efficient of man-made aircraft! 'They have few if any technological parallels.'","Job 12:7, 9;","May 22, 1992 Aw Page 19",Jehovah--the Grand Creator,101,,,
"Creation, Wisdom,","Famous architects of the world. Materials; plants, wood, sand, stones, mud, wax, silk, bubbles, cement & paper.",Applied to insect creation and amazing wisdom.,Prov. 30:24,"Sep 22, 1962 Aw Page 16-19",Jehovah--the Grand Creator,101,,,
"Creation, Wisdom,","Three previously unknown species of monkeys were found in the Amazon rain forest in just two years.  Worldwide, an average of three new species of birds are discovered each year.  Some 1,200 species of beetles turned up in a study of 19 trees in Panama, and 80% of them were not known before.","Some 40% of South America's fresh water fish remain to be classified ... And what will we find in the largely unexplored ocean depths.  The problem intensifies when you consider the vast numbers of smaller life forms; bacteria, fungi, nematodes, insects, and plants.",Ecclesiastes 12:1,"May 22, 1995 Aw Page 28",Jehovah--the Grand Creator,101,,1995/05/07,
"Creation, Wisdom, Economy,","Fresh apples, pears, peaches, carrots, and so forth, all come in their own 'natural packaging.' This packaging can often be eaten! Some can be used in other ways. For instance, the coconut yields milk and meat. But the external part of the nut can be used to make fiber rope, matting and the like. Orange and lemon skins are used for marmalade; watermelon rinds make delicious preserves.",Apply to Jehovah's superior wisdom.  Peelings and other natural packaging 'wastes' decay over a period of time and so are returned to the soil as natural fertilizers.,Job 38:37;,"G73 9/8 24,25",Appreciating Marvels Of God's Creation,114,,1999/01/11,
"Creation, Wisdom, Intelligence,","IN THE boundless grasslands of Africa stands a tree that often sings.  The tree is of the acacia species and is knows as the whistling thorn. Why? Because when the wind rushes through the delicate branches, the tree seemingly lifts its voice.  A lovely, lilting sound is produced when the tree's unusually long and slender thorns vibrate in the wind. Adding to the melody of the thorns, the tree's hollow galls produce a sound much like that of an empty bottle when air is blown across its mouth. These 'instruments' are formed by ants, who are said to hollow out the galls, the ants' spherical homes, and carve tiny entrance and exit holes in them. Because the galls and holes are of differing sizes, they produce sounds of differing pitch. These sounds add to the uniqueness and beauty or the whistling thorn.  This tree reminds us of the words of the psalmist who de dared figuratively: 'Let all the trees of the forest break out joyfully [in song] before Jehovah.' Indeed, when the wind flows over the thorns and the flutelike galls, it produces sounds that are a lovely, emotive song of Africa.",Apply to creation,"Psalm 6:12, 13",G/99 3/8 21,Jehovah--the Grand Creator,101,,1999/02/13,
"Creation, Wise, Foolish,",'Nature is a mutable cloud which is always and never the same.'  Quote: Emerson (1803-1882),"Jehovah's creations are a constantly amazing us.  It is a beautiful chain of events, never completely repeated exactly.",Ro 1:20; Ps 14:1,Wisdom Of The Ages,Jehovah--the Grand Creator,101,,,
"Creation, Wise, Foolish,","'Nature is the time-vesture of God that reveals him to the wise, and hides him from the foolish.'  Quote: Carlyle  (1795-1881)","The wise can see Jehovah's creations and strengthen their faith in him.  The foolish say, 'There is no Jehovah.'",Ro 1:20; Ps 14:1,Wisdom Of The Ages,Jehovah--the Grand Creator,101,,,
Creation;,'Man was made at the end of the week's work when God was tired.'  Quote:  Mark Twain.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Creation;,'The creation of a thousand forests is in one acorn.' Quote: Ralph Waldo Emerson,When Jehovah does something it will continue to time indefinite.,Ecclesiastes 3:14;,Bobby Laymon,Jehovah--the Grand Creator,101,,1996/02/25,
Creation; Body,"Babies: Armed to the teeth. Antibodies from mother in baby's blood firepower from mother's milk called Colostrums. At ten years, immune system is strongest.","Our immune system, a miracle",Ps. 139:14,"Nov 22, 1990 Aw Page 2",Jehovah--the Grand Creator,101,,,
Creation; Body,Big Guns of the immune system: match each invade as key fits a lock Two trillion strong; born at rate of 1 million each second. Each soldier can fight only one class of invaders. Must keep on tap millions of antibodies & T-cell receptors.,"Our immune system, a miracle",Ps. 139:14,"Nov 22, 1990 Aw Page 3",Jehovah--the Grand Creator,101,,,
Creation; Body,Two locksmiths work completely independently; one makes millions of locks; other makes millions of keys. The billions of lock & keys are dumped into giant container and shaken. Every key finds a lock and fits itself into it. Impossible? a Miracle?,"Your immune cells circulate & fit into matching antigens of germs. The immune system accomplishes this, none the less.",Ps. 139:14,"Nov 22, 1990 Aw Page 3",Jehovah--the Grand Creator,101,,,
Creation; Chance;,"Meat Chopper; 17 parts; takes 2 days for a girl to learn how to put together. Shake 17 parts around in a washtub for next 17 billion years, and never have a meat chopper.",Universe much more complicated.,"Ps. 19:1, 2; Rev. 4:11",Live Forever Book. Page 36,Jehovah--the Grand Creator,101,,,
Creation; God; Knowledge;,"'As knowledge increases, wonder deepens.'  Quote:  Charles Morgan.",,,Jk Quotes;,Jehovah--the Grand Creator,101,,,
Creation; Ruler ship; Man; God;,'God never made His work for man to mend.'  Quote:  John Dryden.,"In Jehovah's creative work, nothing can be added or subtracted, and successfully improve His work.",Ecclesiastes 3:14;,Jk Quotes;,Jehovah--the Grand Creator,101,,,
Creation; Tears;,"Automatic sprinkler system. Tears wash, disinfect the eyes. No ill effects upon eyeball itself. Causes of tears listed in article.",Tears are for health and protection of the eyes.,Prov. 20:12,"Sep 22, 1961 Aw Page 8",Jehovah--the Grand Creator,101,,,
Creation; Universe; Space; Sagan;,"'If you wish to make an apple pie from scratch, you must first invent the universe.'  Quote: Carl Sagan, in Cosmos.",Man cannot create a single thing.  He can only assembly ingredients that are already made.,Genesis 1:1;,Bobby Laymon - Reader's Digest.,Jehovah--the Grand Creator,101,,1996/03/12,
"Creator, Appreciation, Artist,","'ARTISTS paint countless sunrises and sunsets, and their works sell for hundreds, even thousands, of dollars.'  Yet these are only copies.  Only Jehovah paints originals.","Yet, Jehovah God, the Grand Artist and Originator of sunsets and  sunrises, gives us one each day-free. If copies are so valuable, what are the originals worth.  The originals far surpass the copies. Should that not give us cause to appreciate him as the Creator?'","Mt 5:45; Ac 14:16, 17; Rev 4:11;",W89 1/15 24,Jehovah--the Grand Creator,101,,1995/01/23,
"Creator, Appreciation, Artist, Defeat,","Occasionally you hear of an artist who destroys his own work.  In January of 1995 an artist in South-West Missouri destroyed all his original paintings in a fire, along with the building.  He said they were making him 'too proud.'","Man's Creator had no idea or purpose of destroying this masterfully designed garden of Eden. Why should he destroy his own work, when it was so good and expressive of his artistic creativity? Logically, he would not purpose to do so.  He is not a God of defeat.",Isa 45:18;,W89 8/1 13,Jehovah--the Grand Creator,101,,1995/01/23,
"Creator, Appreciation, Works,",Does not a beautiful painting or carving reveal much about the artist responsible for it?,"Well, the same is true with God. It is possible to 'see' him in creation and in everything he does for us.",Rom 1:20;,W83 3/1 3,Jehovah--the Grand Creator,101,,1995/01/23,
"Creator, Creation, Believer, Faith, Doubt,",A watch argues for the existence of a watchmaker.,"So, look where we may in the universe, from the complex eye of an insect to the mighty galaxies in outer space, we come to the conclusion that there simply must be a mighty and wise Maker, or Creator, of these things.",Ps 104:24;,W77 4/15 228,Does Your Thinking Agree With God's?,53,,1995/01/27,
"Creator, Creation, Jehovah, Works, Mother Nature,",A painter can capture the colors of a sunset or a sculptor can reproduce the form of man and animals and is held in high esteem  even long after he has died.   Yet these are only copies.  Only Jehovah produces originals.  That is all he produces.,"Should not the One who made the originals after which the imperfect copies are patterned receive greater praise?  God does not desire to remain anonymous and have praise go to some impersonal force, which is what happens when people praise the wondrous works of 'Mother Nature.'",Ps 19:1;,W63 9/15 549,Appreciating Marvels Of God's Creation,114,,1995/01/27,
"Credibility, Truth, False, Lies, Honesty, Bible, Bizarre,",'All I know is what I read in the papers.'  Quote: Will Rogers - cowboy philosopher and humorist.  See example: 'Missing Day' in source material.,"How do you feel?  Is it wise to believe everything you hear?  No  doubt much of what is published is fact, and one can learn a great deal.    However caution is advised about believing everything.  Much tends toward the sensational and bizarre to attract readers.  We can believe the Bible.",Titus 1:2;,"Nov 22, 1970 Aw Page 5",Conducting Ourselves Honestly At All Times,10,,1993/10/31,
"Credit, Cards, Money, Materialism, Wisdom,",'WARNING: Credit cards may prove hazardous to your wealth.'  A person suggested this warning be placed on credit cards.,"If properly used, it can provide opportunity to enjoy privileges that may not otherwise be obtained quickly.  However, it may cause some anguish when not used wisely.","1 Ti 6:9, 10;","Dec 8, 1986 Aw Page 12",Reach Out For The Real Life!,90,,1993/11/30,
"Credit, Cards, Money, Materialism, Wisdom,","A California man, known by some as 'Mr. Plastic Fantastic.' amassed a collection of 1,265 valid credit cards.","There are over 25,000 different credit cards available in the United States alone.  Oil companies, retail stores, airlines issue their own.  In 1991, Americans held 232 million valid MasterCard's and Visas, the two most popular cards.  The average American owes over $2,000.00 on his monthly account.","1 Ti 6:9, 10;","Dec 8, 1993 Aw Page 26",Reach Out For The Real Life!,90,,1993/11/30,
"Credit, Cards, Money, Materialism, Wisdom,","Sadly, for too many consumers, a credit card is, not a gateway to economic paradise, but a slippery slide to long-term debt and anxiety.","The average American spends approximately 75% of their income each month repaying loans, debts, and credit cards.  Credit cards have become a 'plastic trap.'","1 Ti 6:9, 10;","Dec 8, 1993 Aw Page 27",Reach Out For The Real Life!,90,,1993/11/30,
"Credit, Creation,","A gorgeous sunset, a waterfall,  And what do people say?  'Isn't Mother Nature wonderful?  What a lovely day.'    The next day a terrible earthquake  With many buried under the sod.  Do people blame Mother nature?  No, they call it an act of God.",People fail to give Jehovah credit.,Rev. 4:11;,Goldman Collection,Appreciating Marvels Of God's Creation,114,,"Jan 21, 2001",
"Credit, Money, Materialism,",'Credit allows us to start at the bottom and then dig a hole.',Some contend that the apostle Paul must have seen plastic on the horizon.  Credit cards can be a real hole if not used wisely.,"1 Tim. 6:6, 7,  9, 10;",Ron Whitlatch C.O.,Coping With Life's Anxieties,32,,"Apr 13, 2002",
"Credit, Owe, Debt,",A PIG bought on credit is forever grunting.  Quote: Spanish Proverb.,We need to acquire a 'heart of wisdom' in purchases.,Ps 90:12;,Bobby Laymon,Acquiring A Heart Of Wisdom,73,,1997/04/01,
Credit;,'A great deal of good can be done in the world if one is not too careful who gets the credit.'  Quote:  Jesuit Motto.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Credulity, Faith, Humility,","'Credulity is the man's weakness, but the child's strength.' Charles Lamb (1775-1834)","Children learn because they are so humble, and willing to believe We must be willing to believe God's Word, and become as a little child.","Mt. 8:4, 5;",Wisdom Of The Ages,Into The New Order Under Christ's Leadership,56,,,
Credulity;,'Every crowd has sliver lining.'  Quote:  P. T. Barnum.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Credulity;,'The great masses of people will more easily fall victim to a great lie than to a small one.'  Quote:  Adolf Hitler.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Credulity;,"'The more gross the fraud, the more glibly will it go down and the more greedily will it be swallowed, since folly will always find faith wherever importers will find impudence.'  Quote:  Christian Bovee.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Credulity;,'There's a sucker born every minute!'  Quote:  P. T. Barnum.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Credulity;,'There's a sucker born every minute.'  Quote:  P. T. Barnum.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Credulity;,'When people are bewildered they tend to become credulous.'  Quote:  Calvin Coolidge.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Credulity; Faith;,'You believe easily that which you hope for earnestly.' Quote:  Terence,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Credulity; Faith; Popularity; Truth; Lie;,'The great masses of the people will more easily fall victims to a great lie than to a small one.'  Quote:  Adolf Hitler.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Credulity; Negative;,"'We believe at once in evil, we only believe in good upon reflection. Is this not sad?'  Quote:  Madame Deluzy.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Crime,"Giant Octopus, frightful tentacles reach into every part of society.  Like hidden disease, crime flourishes and spreads under surface.",Crime sapping strength & vitality of human society for ages.,Jas. 4:4;   1 John 2:17; Ps. 37:38,"Feb 15, 1960 Wt Page 99",A Society Without Crime,40,,,
"Crime, Children, Rape, Sex,","Two seven-year-old boys were charged with the rape of a six-year-old girl in a public school restroom.  Three boys, ages six, seven and nine, sexually assaulted a six-year-old girl. An eight-year- old boy sodomized a kindergartner.",Parents are 'reaping what they sow' in the way of a bitter harvest of crimes among children.,"Gal 6:7, 8","Sep 22, 1992 Aw Page 4",A Godly View Of Sex And Marriage,13,,,
"Crime, Children, Rape, Sex,","When he was an infant, his 20-year-old aunt practiced oral sex on him.  From 18 months of age to 30 months, he underwent this sexual abuse. Two or three years later he was molesting young girls. An 11-year-old charged with the rape of a 2-year-old girl.",Parents are 'reaping what they sow' in the way of a bitter harvest of crimes among children.,"Gal 6:7, 8","Sep 22, 1992 Aw Page 4",A Godly View Of Sex And Marriage,13,,,
"Crime, Corruption, Government, Kingdom,","'In framing a government which is to be administered by men over men, the great difficulty lies in this: you must first enable the government to control the governed; and in the next place oblige it to control itself.'  Quote: James Madison, fourth president of the United States.",The ideal solution would be to replace governments 'administered by men over men' with a system whereby God would govern.,Ecclesiastes 8:9;,"Oct 8, 1996 Aw Page 10;",The Kingdom Of God Is Near,109,,1996/11/07,
"Crime, Corruption, Government, Kingdom,","'The poor cannot sleep at night because they are hungry; the rich cannot sleep because the poor are awake.'  Quote: Professor S. A. Aluko, of Obafemi Awolowo University in Nigeria.",Soon everyone will be able to sleep soundly in the knowledge that government--God's government--has finally put an end to crime!,Rom 16:20;,"Oct 8, 1996 Aw Page 11;",The Kingdom Of God Is Near,109,,1996/11/07,
"Crime, Experience,",Crime does not pay. (Experience) In Italy a 19 year old driver stopped by a policeman.  The youth protested: 'I was driving carefully. I broke no traffic laws. I have my driver's license. What did I do wrong?',"Frequency of crime. 'Nothing,' the policeman said, 'except that's my car you're driving.'  Charged with theft.",Eph. 4:28,"Dec 8, 1961 Aw Page 18 (also Mar 22, 1968 Aw Page 12)",What The Near Future Holds!,40,,,
"Crime, Experience,","Crime does not pay. (Experience) Soldier, hitch-hiking from FT. Campbell, Kentucky to report his stolen auto.  He was picked up by a man driving the stolen car.  In jail, he said, That's the last time I'll pick up a hitch-hiker.",Frequency of crime.,Eph. 4:28,"Dec 8, 1961 Aw Page 18",What The Near Future Holds!,40,,,
"Crime, Last Days,","Criminals tend to be like predatory wild beasts. They look for the easiest prey. They go after the elderly, the sick, the disoriented, and the ones unaware of a dangerous situation. The world has become a village, and world news is local news.","Wisdom dictates being on guard, using discernment.",Prov. 3:21-23;,"May 1, 1991 Wt Page 5",What The Near Future Holds!,40,,,
"Crime, Last Days,","Quote: 'nine out of every ten sicarios (paid killers) are minors.' Quote from: Latin American magazine, 'Vision' They are children in the genetic sense and under legal protection.",Odds against being a victim of crime are getting much worse.,"2 Tim. 3:1-4, 13","May 1, 1991 Wt Page 3",What The Near Future Holds!,40,,,
"Crime, Reports, Statistics,","The number of crimes reported is, 'hardly more than the scantiest bikini' in covering the body of total crimes committed. (Werner Hamacher, head of the Nordrhein-Westfalen State Criminal Investigation Office.)",In truth the number of burglaries committed is ten or twelve times higher than the number reported.,Genesis 4:8; 6:11,"Oct 22, 1979 Aw Page 6",What The Near Future Holds!,40,,,
"Crime, Rich, Poor, Morals,",'The rich rob the poor and the poor rob one another.' Quote: Sojourner Truth.,"Ideal physical conditions alone do not make promised new world.   Some people live in beautiful area but are troubled by distrust, fear of crime, loneliness, depression.",Ge 13:10;,Bobby Laymon,A Cleansed Earth--will You Live To See It?,49,,1995/08/01,
"Crime, Steal,",Criminals tend to be like wild beast. They look for the easiest prey a crippled animal or one alone or unsuspecting.,"Need to act with wisdom, not be alone, on dark streets late night",Prov 3:21-23,"May 1, 1991 Wt Page ? Johnse Laymon",What The Near Future Holds!,40,,,
"Crime, Virtue, Vice, Greed, Power, Governments, Kingdom,","'If individuals have no virtues, their vices may be of use to us.'  Quote: The Letters of Junius.","Human rulership is often moved by greed; emphasizes doing what is best for oneself, even if it includes vice.",Luke 21:31-34;,Bobby Laymon,Decide Now For Divine Rulership,37,,1995/07/18,
"Crime, World, Attitude, Steal, Rob,","I think crime pays. The hours are good, you travel a lot.  -- Woody Allen",That is the world's view on crime.,Eph. 4:28;,Bobby Laymon,Keep Clean From Worldly Defilements,98,,"Nov 19, 2001",
Crime;,'All crime is kind of disease and should be treated as such.'  Quote:  Ghandi.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Crime;,'Whoever profits by crime is guilty of it.'  Quote:  Anonymous.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Crime; Funny;,'You think New York is bad? You ought to go to Detroit. You can go ten blocks and never leave the scene of the crime.'  Quote:  Red Skelton.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Crime; Funny; Cost Of Living; Abortion;,The cost of living is going up and the chance of living is going down.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Crime; Punishment;,'Small drives always precede great ones. Never have we seen timid innocence pass suddenly to extreme licentiousness.'  Quote:  Jean Batiste Racine.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Crime; Punishment;,'Society prepares the crime; the criminal commits it.'  Quote:  Henry Buckle.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Crime; Punishment;,'Whenever a man commits a crime heaven finds a witness.'  Quote:  Edward Bulwer.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Crime; Punishment;,"He that does what he should not, shall feel what he would not.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Crime; Punishment; Funny;,'Hang a thief when he's young and he'll not steal when he's old.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Crime; Violence; Trust; Security;,"In Albuquerque, New Mexico, a resident who had his home burglarized four times in five years declared: 'I'm sitting in my house like Kit Carson inside the fort afraid to leave because some . . . hoodlum may crawl through my possessions.'","In the United States there has been a crime wave of immense proportions in the last decade. In most areas of the country, major crimes have increased about ten to fifteen times as fast as the population.",Eph 4:28;,G73 10/8 11,Why Submit To God's Rulership Now.,120,,1999/01/12,
Critic;,Critic: One who is quick on the flaw.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Critical, Complain, Resentment, Grudge, Build, Love,",'There are two ways to have the tallest building in town.'  You can build one that is tall and strong.  Or you can tear down all the other tall buildings.,The same is true in the congregation.  We can build up or tear down.,1 Cor 13:1-8;,Bobby Laymon,Do You Harbor Resentment Or Do You Forgive?,68,,1995/02/28,
"Critical, Creation, Negative,",Look at the lowly miserable unchristian mosquito that loves to eat our blood. No good? If it weren't for that insect we would have stagnant stinky water everywhere and it would be a most unpleasant place to live. They never lay their eggs in clean water. Always in stagnant algae laden waters. Their larva feed on this and in the process eliminate the stagnancy of that body of water. Most feed on nectar not blood.,There is good in all of God's creation!,Ecclesiastes 3:11;,J.K.,Appreciating Marvels Of God's Creation,114,,1997/04/11,
"Critical, Criticize, Sin, Imperfection,",'There is so much good in the worst of us; and so much bad in the best of us; so that none of us; should speak what is ill about the rest of us.',"All mankind is imperfect, there is no room for being overly critical about others.",Ro 5:12,Evelyn Perkins,How To Express Love In A Lawless World,112,,,
"Critical, Mind, Words, Speech,","Before you give someone a piece of your mind, make sure you can get by without it.",We often need the counsel we wish others to have.,Ecclesiastes. 7:1;,Bobby Laymon,"Mercy, A Dominant Quality Of True Christians",7,,1998/12/25,
"Criticism, Counsel, Discipline, Personality,","Black Cumin plant popular in Palestine. Unlike other plants, it was not threshed with heavy wheels or rollers of threshing instruments. Rather it was threshed with a staff or rod. You can avoid severe correction by responding promptly to criticism in its lighter forms.","When we respond to lighter discipline, no need for severe treatment. Examples given:","Isa. 28:26, 27;","Feb 8, 1991 Aw Page 22",Evidence Of God In The World Around Us,4,,,
"Criticism, Counsel, Discipline, Personality,","Just as others can see aspects of our appearance that we cannot a turned collar, a crooked tie, so they can see aspects of our personality that we cannot.",We need to view their observations as helpful instead of threat.,1 Pet. 4:8;,"Feb 8, 1991 Aw Pages 21",Evidence Of God In The World Around Us,4,,,
Criticism; Can't Please Everybody;,"'If you stop every time a dog barks, your road will never end.'  Quote:  Arab.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Criticism; Negative;,'Any jackass can kick a barn down. But it takes a carpenter to build it.'  Quote:  Sam Rayburn.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Criticize, Fault, Sin, Resentment, Gossip, Grudge, Forgiveness,","'When a man points a finger at someone else, he should remember that four of his fingers are pointing at himself.' Quote: Louis Nizer.",Some blame God for problems.  Some blame other people.  The ones to blame are Satan and our first human parents.,Deuteronomy. 32:4;,Bobby Laymon,Acts Of God -- How Do You View Them?,93,,1995/06/30,
"Crocodile Tears, Hypocrite, Justice, Ecology, Endangered,",The ancient myth that a crocodile sheds hypocritical tears of grief over its victim has found its way into modern culture in the expression 'crocodile tears.',"But few human tears have been shed over the crocodile.  It has been hunted mercilessly for its valuable hide, or skin.  It is considered by some to be the best leather in the world--the softest and most durable.  Recently a ladies handbag on sale was priced at $15,000.",Job 41:1-8;,"Jan 22, 1996 Aw Page 24",Appreciating Marvels Of God's Creation,114,,1996/01/10,
"Crocodile, Creation, Will,",A crocodile's jaws are so powerful that it can crush.  However the opening strength is so little they can be tied shut with a string.,Jehovah's creations are strong in what he designed them to do.  Also we become strong when we do Jehovah's things in Jehovah's way.,Matt 26:42;,Bobby Laymon,Jehovah--the Grand Creator,101,,1996/01/14,
"Cross, Christendom, Stake, Survival, Clean, Holy,","Explain the cross:  Drop the 'T' in Tammuz and you have a cross. The crossbar represents the female sex organ; the upright represents the male sex organ.  Put a loop at the top, and this represents the symbol of life.",The Israelites were actually engaged in sex worship.  So today the veneration of the cross is unclean in Jehovah's eyes.,"Ezekiel 8:5, 10, 14;",William Osbeck C.O.,A Clean People Honors Jehovah,14,,,
"Cross, Image,","Who would think of kissing the revolver that had been used to murder a loved one, or of wearing it around one's neck? It is not normal to cherish and adore the instrument used to murder someone we love.","Persons have worn the cross around their neck, thinking that this honored God and his Son Jesus Christ.",Deuteronomy. 7:26; Acts 5:30; 10:39;,The Truth That Leads To Eternal Life. Page 143,Who Is Your God?,52,,,
"Cross, Jesus, Stake, Death, Christendom, Truth,",Italian government art experts are said to be '90 percent sure' that a sculpture recently found in a monastery in Lebanon is the work of the famous Italian artist Michelangelo. The small wooden carving is said to be worth $2.5 million (U.S.) if it actually is Michelangelo's work.,"According to an Associated Press report, 'the figure is unusual because it represents Christ with his hands stretched out above his head instead of to the side, as he usually is depicted on the cross.'",John 8:44;,W80 2/15 30,"Mercy, A Dominant Quality Of True Christians",7,,1995/01/23,
"Crowd, World, In, Popular,",You often hear of those who are called the 'IN' crowd.,"Actually they are in:  In trouble, In debt, works are in vain.  We walk by Jehovah's light.",Rev. 21:24;,"Wallace Golf, D.O.",'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,1998/07/09,
"Crying, Parents, Youths, Disobedience, Tears, Sorrow, Rebellion,",'Some cry quietly.  Some cry hysterically.  Some cry behind closed doors.  They cry for all their yesterdays.  They cry because suddenly there are no more tomorrows.  They cry for what might have been.  They cry for what surely is to be.  They cry out of anger.  They cry out of frustration.'   Quote: Author Joy P. Gage,"How parents feel when a child rebels.  As for the child, it will not be easy to face having caused such grief for the two people who love you more than anyone else in the world.",Pr 17:25; 27:11; Is 1:18; 2co 4:2,"Jan 8, 1994 Awake   Page 20",What Is Behind The Spirit Of Rebellion?,33,,1993/12/30,
"Culture, Customs, Communication,",'By your mouth you shall perish.'  Quote: Japanese proverb.,People of the Far Eastern countries keep verbal conversation to the minimum.,Ecclesiastes 3:7;,"Jul 8, 1996 Aw Page 5",,,J,1996/06/05,1/21/2025
"Culture, Customs, Communication,",'Culture is a lens through which we see the world.',"By the time a child can talk, he is the little creature of his culture.",Acts 10:34,"Jul 8, 1996 Aw Page 5",,,,1996/06/05,
"Culture, Customs, Communication, Prejudice, Partial,","'Everyone's quick to blame the alien,' wrote a Greek playwright over 2,000 years ago.","Sadly, the same is true today. The evidence is no farther away than newspaper reports of bigotry, hatred of foreigners, 'ethnic cleansing,' racial strife, religious riots, massacre of civilians, killing fields, rape  camps, torture, or genocide.",2 Tim 3:1-5;,"Jul 8, 1996 Aw Page 3",,,,1996/06/05,
"Culture, Customs, Communication, Prejudice, Partial,","Most of us appreciate the rich variety of food, music, and color as well  as the many kinds of plants, birds, and animals.",But somehow our appreciation of variety does not always carry over to people who do not think and act in the same way that we do.,2 Tim 3:1-5;,"Jul 8, 1996 Aw Page 4",,,,1996/06/05,
"Culture, Customs, Communication, Prejudice, Partial, Paradigm",'One never seduced by a foreign culture can never appreciate the fetters of his own.'  Quote: Writer Thomas Abercrombie.,"An appreciation of other cultures can enrich our lives by broadening our outlook, so that we better understand ourselves and others.","Acts 17:24, 26;","Jul 8, 1996 Aw Page 7",,,,1996/06/05,
"Culture, Customs, Communication, Prejudice, Partial,  Paradigm",'The last thing which a dweller in the deep sea would discover would be water.  He would become conscious of its existence only if some accident brought him to the surface and introduced him to air.,The ability to see the culture of one's own society as a whole ... calls for a degree of objectivity which is rarely if ever achieved.',"Acts 17:24, 26;","Jul 8, 1996 Aw Page 6",,,,1996/06/05,
Culture;,'Culture: Anything that people do and monkeys don't.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Cunning, Wisdom, Satan, Wicked, Demons, Devil, Overmuch, Righteous,","A WIDOW who was fond of cleaning had two little maidens to wait on her.  She was in the habit of waking them early in the morning, at cockcrow.  The maidens, aggravated by such excessive labor, resolved to kill the cock who roused their mistress so early.  When they had done this, they found that they had only prepared for themselves greater troubles, for their mistress, no longer hearing the hour from the cock, woke them up to their work in the middle of the night.",Moral: 'Too much cunning over-reaches itself.'  Satan and the wicked will out-smart themselves.,"Ecclesiastes 7:16, 17;",Aesop's Fables - Bobby Laymon,How To Protect Ourselves From Satan's Snares,115,,1994/05/17,
"Cure, Death, Kingdom, ransom, ",'Death is the cure for all diseases.'  Quote: Thomas Browne  (1605-1682),Only Jehovah's Kingdom through the ransom sacrifice of Christ Jesus is the cure for all disease.,"Re 21:3, 4;",Wisdom Of The Ages,The Only Cure For Sick Mankind,62,,,4/1/2014
"Cure, Problems, Anxiety, Christ, Wait, Patience,","You are in great pain with appendicitis and have been rushed to hospital. They put you on a bed in the corridor and you are told you will be attended to shortly. But time goes by and nothing happens. The pain is intense. There are doctors and nurses and administrators running back and forth, here and there and all very busy but none of them seem to be solving your problem or easing your pain.  Then the hospital janitor comes along the corridor and sees your discomfort. He puts down his mop and asks you about your problem. He says that he would like to help and walks away. When he returns he has taken off his overalls and has put on a surgeon's white coat. As he gets nearer to your bed he pulls out an old pocket knife to start the operation to ease your pain. Do you really want his help?","Sometimes, it is better to wait for the right people to fix the problem.   The administration under Jesus is already very busy working steadily toward shortly easing the pain of this system.","Rev 21:3,4;",Peter Morgan,The Only Cure For Sick Mankind,62,,1997/08/11,
"Cure, Sickness, Kingdom, Sin,","You go to the doctor and after some tests, he comes in with a gloomy look on his face.  'You are very sick, and are going to die.' he says.  What will you ask him?  'Is there any cure?'  'How long do I have?' Hold up prescription bottle and shake it.  There is only one cure, but you cannot miss a dose.  Would you be willing to take it?  Really up to you how long you live.",We are in the that condition.  All are very sick.  There is only one cure.  Only God's kingdom will remove all the effects of sin.  Hold up bottle and shake it again.  Are you willing to put faith in and be obedient to Jehovah.  Really up to you how long you live.,Rom. 8:22;,Robert Schwarze,The Only Cure For Sick Mankind,62,,1999/02/01,
"Cure, Solutions, Problems, Government, Kingdom, Injury, Abortion, Neutral,","Hydra (monster)  In Greek mythology the Hydra was a multi-headed monster, a water serpent that ravaged the country of Argos. It grew two heads for every one that was cut off. The Hydra was killed by HERCULES, who burned off the heads and used its gall to make poisoned arrows.","Today, man's problems are like that.  For every problem he seemingly solves, two more looms up in his face.  It is like the abortion issue.  Anti-abortionists love to read our magazines.  They know our stand but can't understand why we don't become involved in their movement.  If we could end all abortion today, there would still be all the other problems of aging and death; sickness; crime; drugs; pollution; racial and ethnic hatred; war;",1jo 2:15-17;,Don Mendinghall; D.O.  (Memphis),Are You Really Making Jehovah Your Stronghold?,18,,1994/03/07,
Curiosity; Questions;,"'The important thing is not to stop questioning. Curiosity has its own reason for existing. One cannot help but be in awe when he contemplates the mysteries of eternity, of life, of the marvelous structure of reality. It is enough if one tries merely to comprehend a little of this mystery every day. Never lose a holy curiosity.'  Quote:  Albert Einstein.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Curiosity;,'The first and simplest emotion which we discover in the human mind is curiosity.'  Quote:  Edmond Burke.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Custom, Tradition, Trinity, Hell, False, Religion, Christendom, Provisions,","'DANGER--WATER NOT FOR DRINKING!'  We may be used to seeing such warnings.  Instead of being a 'sustainer and protector of life,' water can become 'a transmitter of disease organisms and chemical contaminants.'  Quote: Water Pollution.","Traditions that conflict with truth are like polluted water supplies.  We might hold on to traditions--information, opinions, beliefs, or customs handed down that have, in fact, been contaminated by 'a witch's brew' of false, misleading ideas and philosophies.  Like contaminated water, these may cause untold harm--spiritual harm.","Acts 17:10, 11;","Dec 1, 1995 Wt Page 4",Religion's Time Of Judgment,83,,1995/10/30,
"Custom, Tradition, Trinity, Hell, False, Religion, Christendom, Provisions,","We can compare it to the effects of polluted water on our physical health.  'About 200 million people are victims of schistosomiasis [snail fever], which produces anemia, discomfort, ill health and death.  Five hundred million have trachoma, one of the main causes of blindness, because of dirty wash water...Some two billion members of the human species do not have safe drinking water.  Quote: Our Country, the Planet.","Likewise, many are confused or blinded as to the relationship between Jesus Christ and his Father, Jehovah God.  Also the teaching that the soul is immortal.  Sometimes it takes years before the effects show up, but it 'has become the world's most dangerous killer.'  Spiritually contaminated traditions are even more dangerous.","Acts 17:10, 11;","Dec 1, 1995 Wt Page 6",Religion's Role In World Affairs.,92,,1995/10/30,
Custom; Habit; Change; Progress;,'Take the opposite custom and you will almost always do well.'  Quote:  Jean-Jacques Rousseau.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Custom; Habit; Change; Progress;,'The old ways are the safest and surest ways.'  Quote:  Charles Caleb Colton.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Customs, Personality, Habits, Holidays, Transform,","People have many customs.  They have their ways of eating, drinking, dressing, speaking and conducting their business.  God does not require that these individuals change all their popular customs.",This does not mean that all popular customs are approved by God. Some definitely are displeasing to him.  Which ones?  How does one determine?  (See magazine for discussion of many customs),Mt 15:6; Ro 12:2;,"May 8, 1969 Aw Page 3",Is The Truth Transforming Your Life?,51,,,
Cynic;,"'Cyhnic: n. a blackguard whose faulty vision sees things as they are, not as they ought to be.'  Quote:  Ab.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Daily Text,"Sheep start feeding early; midday, lay down; regurgitate, re-chew. Stomach of sheep has 4 compartments; first 2 act as storage space. After re-chewed passed onto 3rd, and digestive action, takes place moves on to true stomach. Intestines over 100 feet long.",Christian should begin each day by feeding upon Scriptural truths. Christians require time to assimilate heavier truths of God's Word,"Ps. 23:2, 3","Apr 1, 1961 Wt Page 217",,,,,
"Daily Text,","A cup of coffee!  It gets you going physically in the morning. The best way is at the breakfast table, however other provisions can be made.  Children can put it in their school supplies etc.",The 'Daily Text' keeps you going spiritually in the morning.,Mt 5:3;,Bill Atkins,,,,,
"Daily Text,",Like a one-a-day vitamin.,We need to take one each day to maintain our spiritual strength.,2 Ch 8:14,1997 Faith In God's Word District Convention. Michael Wengert.,Happy Though Hungry--how Can It Be?,31,,1997/06/17,
"Daily Text,","Our mind might be likened to a reservoir full of water.  A blank mind to one that is empty.  However, an active mind is more like a leaking bucket, in which we need to pour water in continually, because much of what we hear runs out.",That is why we need daily reminders like the 'Daily Text' and other Scriptural thoughts.,Ps 119:105;,1997 Faith In God's Word District Convention. Michael Wengert.,Happy Though Hungry--how Can It Be?,31,,1997/06/17,
"Daily Text, Light, Sun","Did you think about just laying in bed, saying the sun isn't going to come up this morning.  That is absurd!  The sun has come up for thousands of years and will continue to come up.  Connect the sun with mental health, explaining how when one does not see the sun they are affected with SAD (Seasonal Affected Disorders)  They have a much higher suicide rate, and other disorders, I can't recall.",There is another source of light that is just as important.  It is mentioned at Psalm 119:105.  We need that source of light each day.  Then he connected it with the daily text.,Psalm 119:105,Bobby Laymon,,,,1999/05/02,
"Daily Text, Refreshing,","When you get up in the morning you brush your teeth.  It not only is healthy for you but makes you feel fresh and clean throughout the day.  It refreshes you.  If you neglect this, then you don't feel good about yourself.","Likewise with the Daily Text.  It gives you a clean, refreshing start on a new day.  It helps you feel good about yourself and you can reflect on Jehovah's loving kindness new each morning.",Lam 3:23;,Bobby Laymon,You Can Find Joy In Serving God,103,,1997/05/12,
"Daily Text, School, Education, Mind, Brain, Children, Teaching, Programming,","Would you buy a computer and let it be completely programmed by the world, and call it a theocratic computer.","When we send our children to school, we are allowing them to be completely programmed by the world.  We need to do something to replace the world's programs.",Ps. 1:2,Hector Hernandez,Parents--are You Building With Fire-resistant Materials?,104,,"Jan 18, 2001",
"Dance, Music, Joy, Kingdom,",Dance to the music of your dreams; the steps will bring you joy.,"We must live for God's Kingdom.  By every step, come closer to it, and we will have joy.",Matt 6:33;,Bobby Laymon,The Kingdom Of God Is Near,109,,"Nov 19, 2001",
"Danger, Experience, Caution, Warnings, Earth, Kingdom, World,",Proverbial ostrich 'that hides his head in the sand when danger..' In fact: The ostrich of reality does not ignore the fact of danger.  He does not hide his head in the sand. To the contrary he moves away so rapidly that few animals can keep up with him.,"We must face the facts and live according to them. Dreamers are like 'proverbial Ostrich'; they hide head in sands of self-deception, not face the facts.","Rev. 11:17, 18; 1 John 2:15-17; 2 Pet. 3:9; Jude 7; Prov. 19:21","Sep 15, 1963 Wt Page 547",'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
"Danger, Health, Moderation,","Drinking water neither makes a man sick, nor in debt, nor his wife a widow.",Good comes from good things.,"Prov. 14:30; Luke 21:34, 35;",Bobby Laymon (wisdom Of The Ages..Quotes),What Does The Healing Of The Nations Accomplish?,111,,,
"Danger, World, Urgency,","When a ship is sinking it creates such a suction as it goes down that it takes everything with it.  Therefore, the lifeboats must quickly get away from the sinking ship, or be sucked down with it.","It is like this with the world.  There is urgency on our part to make our break with the world, and stay completely separate unless we be swept away with it.",1 Tim 1:19;,"Kenneth Haag, C. O.",Christian Separateness From The World--why Beneficial.,119,,1996/11/16,
Danger;,'He who rides a tiger cannot dismount.'  Quote:  Chinese.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Danger;,'It is better to meet danger than to wait for it.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Danger;,'Never run away from anything.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Danger;,'The danger past and God forgotten.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Danger;,'The most dangerous ting in the world is to try to leap a chasm in two jumps.' Quote:  William George,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Danger;,'There is no gathering the rose without being pricked by the thorns.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Danger;,'There is nobody who is not dangerous for someone.'  Quote:  Marquis De Vigne.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Danger;,'There's no smoke without fire.'  Quote:  Latin.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Danger;,'To hold a tiger by the tail.'  Quote:  Latin.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Danger;,'To hold a wolf by its ears.'  Quote:  Latin.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Danger; Life;,'As soon as there is life there is danger.'  Quote:  Ralph Waldo Emerson.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Danger; Speech;,'There is danger when a man throws his tongue into high gear before he gets his brain a-going.'  Quote:  C. C. Phelps.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Danger; Wisdom;,'There's a snake in the grass.'  Quote:  Latin.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Danger; Wisdom;,'What is not wisdom is danger.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Danger;',"A poisonous leaf retains its potency, and can cause injury at any time.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Dangers, Counsel, Association, Youth,","The Judizers were a danger to the Galatians.  They were causing damage due to teaching of circumcision, disregarding counsel, and keeping the law.","There are modern-day Judizers today, like youth at school that encourage you to break God's laws; extremes in grooming; hair styles, etc.  Paul's counsel can help us.",Ga 5:13-15;,"Scott Rudolph   (entered Jan 6, 1992)",How Can Youths Cope With Today's Crisis?,113,,,
"Date, Marriage, Youth, Immature,",A 14 year-old goes into the automobile dealer and tells the salesman he wants to test drive the Viper.  The salesman knows he can't pay for it; he is too young; he doesn't have insurance; he has no drivers license.  The salesman is going to show him the door.,"Yet, many parents allow their young ones to date at a very age.  They have no job, no money, are too young to get married, but date prematurely.  If they are not ready for marriage, they should not be dating.",2 Cor. 6:14;,Ron Whitlatch C. O.,Getting Marriage Off To A Good Start,27,,"Mar 1, 2001",
"Date, Pivot, Prophecy","Pivot: A point on which something turns to any direction. Hebrew: Oct 11, 539 BCE Julian calendar (Oct 5, Gregorian calendar Greek: Later part of 29 C.E. Modern: 1914 C.E. Oct",Three pivotal dates in Bible.,"Dan. 5:30; 9:27; Luke 3:2, 21-23;","All Script Inspired Page 282-3; Apr 1, 1991 Wt Page 5 Para 1",Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,,
Dating,Quote: One road that is never paved with good intentions: lovers lane,Do not sit in seat of sinners,Ps. 1:1  1 Cor. 15:33,Magazine Article - Bobby Laymon,,,,,
"Dating, Courtship, Marriage,","Have you ever played house.  Usually boy plays a doctor or someone out of reason, and the girl is a perfect housewife.",Marriage is no time to 'play house' but is serious business.,"1co 7:3, 4;",Roy Crabb (yp Page 237),God Comes First In Successful Family Life,110,,,
"Dating, Courtship, Morals, Passion,","Would you drive a car down a steep winding road if you knew its brakes were in poor shape? The time to make up your mind and settle your heart on these matters is before you begin, not after. Once the physical desires begin to stir, it is generally very difficult to stop their buildup.",Those who let passion build up in them to the point of desiring sexual relations-when they are not entitled to these through marriage-subject themselves to tension and frustration. It is like reading an exciting book-only to find that the last chapter has been torn out.,Matt. 5:28,Yy 154  19,Decide Now For Divine Rulership,37,,1999/02/19,
"Dating, Friendship, Platonic,",'An easy companionship traveling at about ten miles an hour can shift without warning to a blinding passion going a hundred miles an hour.  (Dr. Marion Hilliard),A 'platonic' friendship is often little more than a thinly disguised romance or a way to get attention from someone of the opposite sex.,Pr 28:26,Yp Page 234,Follow The Course Of Hospitality,77,,,
"Dating, Marriage, Courtship, Failure, Divorce,","'Most marriage failures are courtship failures,' explains Paul H. Landis, a respected researcher on family life. 'This point cannot too often be repeated.'",We must make Jehovah's kingship an important part of our marriage.  Dating can be a refreshing experience or devastating.,1 Cor 6:11-13;,"'joyful Praisers Dist. Convention'  June 9-11, 1995; Kc, Mo; Lawrence Larson;  G89 2/22 21",Getting Marriage Off To A Good Start,27,,1995/06/12,
"Dating, Sex, Uncleanness, Immorality, Adultery, Fornication,","It is all part of a chain of events designed to lead to a specific outcome.  The first link is the first touch.  The last link is sexual relations.  Everything in between is just leading up to that last link of the chain.  No matter how you try to convince yourself that this is not the case, you cannot change the facts.  This is the way humans are made.","Is it wise to start with that first link?  At first, just touching the other person's hand may be very pleasurable, causing one to feel a warm glow.  but after a while it may lose its thrill and may not have the same effect.  Something more, such as kissing, may appeal.  But then that too may become ordinary, even a little stale.  It becomes a choice between vexation and fornication.","Ecclesiastes 11:9, 10;","Oct 1, 1971 Wt Page 594",A Clean People Honors Jehovah,14,,1993/11/18,
"Dating, World, Morgue, Marriage,","Can you imagine going to a morgue and looking at the dead corpse there and saying, 'this one looks pretty good.  I think I will marry him.  In fact, he looks better than some in the congregation.'","Those in the world are not physically dead, but they are spiritually.  Some are marrying a spiritual corpse.  Caution:  This illustration tends to, rather than prevent someone from marrying out of the truth, make those who have unbelieving mates already, feel bad or disapproved.  Not based on anything I can find in the publications.",Eph. 2:1-3,Gary Wells,How Real Is God To You?,150,,"Apr 23, 2002",
"Dating, World, Morgue, Marriage,","Suppose you are taking a flight to another city.  At the airport they discover a terrorist but he gets away.  They know he is on one of ten flights that are about to take off or has placed a bomb on one of them.  Will you reason, 'well the chances are slim.  Only 1 in 10 odds that I will be on the one with the bomb.'  Will you go ahead and fly.","Some reason that way in marrying worldly people.  Well, there may be 1 in 10 that come into the truth.  I will take my chances and marry him or her anyway.",1 Cor 7:39,Gary Wells D. O.,Getting Marriage Off To A Good Start,27,,"Apr 23, 2002",
"Dating, Youth, Prevention, Peer Pressure,","The Shulammite girl. (Use as an example) She was good at saying, 'No!'  Cautioned her associates to not try to pressure her.","She was wooed by one of the richest, wisest, and most powerful men who ever walked the earth--King Solomon, and resisted. Remained humble, with modest estimation of herself.","Song Of Solomon 2:1; 3:5; 8:9, 10,","May 22, 1991 Aw Page 12, 13",Why Christians Must Be Different.,123,,,
"Dating, Youth, Prevention, Peer Pressure, Sex,","'Block that Pass!' 'Everybody's doing it.'   Don't believe it. Survey shows that 53% of 17-year-old girls in U.S. have engaged in immoral sex. That leaves 47% who have not, including you.","Common enticements boys use and how you should view them: 'You're being immature' Hardly (Heb. 5:14) 'You owe it to me.' You don't owe sex to anyone! 'Oh, live for the moment' 1 Cor 15:32","Song Of Solomon 8:9, 10; Exodus. 23:2; Heb. 5:14; 1 Cor. 15:32-34;","May 22, 1991 Aw Page 14",Why Christians Must Be Different.,123,,,
"Dating, Youth, Prevention, Peer Pressure, Sex,","Become a 'wall', not a 'door'. Everybody's doing it. Don't believe it. Survey shows that 53% of 17-year-old girls in U.S. have engaged in immoral sex. That leaves 47% who have not, including you.","Wall stands firm, unmovable, door easily swings back and forth. Let the person know you are rejecting his advances.","Song Of Solomon 8:9, 10; Exodus. 23:2; Heb. 5:14; 1 Cor. 15:32-34;","May 22, 1991 Aw Page 14",A Godly View Of Sex And Marriage,13,,,
"Dating, Youth, Prevention, Sex,","'An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.'  Leave when conversation start to go the wrong way. Keep humble disposition, because the #1 tool that seduces is","Let people know you are one of Jehovah's Witnesses, and prevent many problems before they start.",1 Tim. 2:9; Prov. 13:20; Song Of Solomon 2:1;,"May 22, 1991 Aw Page 12, 13",A Godly View Of Sex And Marriage,13,,,
"Daughter, Children,",'He who has daughters is always a shepherd.'  Quote: Old Spanish Proverb.,Daughters always look to parents for advice.,"Job 42:14, 15;",Bobby Laymon,Parents--are You Building With Fire-resistant Materials?,104,,1997/05/18,
"Daughter, Children,","'My son is my son till he got him a wife, but my daughter's my daughter all the days of her life.'  Quote: Thomas Fuller.",Daughters are very special.,"Job 42:14, 15;",Bobby Laymon,Parents--are You Building With Fire-resistant Materials?,104,,1997/05/18,
"Daughter, Son, Children,","'Oh, my son's my son till he gets him a wife, But my daughter's my daughter all her life.' Quote: Dinah Maria Mulock Craik.","Children are a twenty-year project.  Often they are more, as they depend on parents for support and advise in adulthood.",2 Tim 3:15;,Bobby Laymon,Responsibilities And Rewards Of Parenthood,29,,1995/08/07,
"Daughters, Children, Shepherd, Sheep, Family,",'He who has daughters is always a shepherd.'  Quote: Spanish Proverb.,We have the promise of God's acknowledgment of us as his sons and daughters.,2 Cor 6:18; 7:1;,Bobby Laymon,A Clean People Honors Jehovah,14,,1995/06/30,
"David, Appreciation, Creation, Universe, Space, Stars,","TO DAVID it was as if he were on the inside of a tent beholding a huge enclosing curtain interwoven with glistening jewels, diamonds and precious stones.",When the God-fearing man David beheld the beauty and grandeur of the night sky he was looking far beyond this little solar system in which we spin.  David knew that the same Jehovah God who made the earth had also fashioned the stars.  All was His matchless handiwork.,"Genesis. 1:16; 2 Ki. 19:15; Ps. 102:25; 104:1, 2; Isa. 42:5; 44:24; 66:1, 2; Acts 7:48-50.",W50 10/15 375,Jehovah--the Grand Creator,101,,1994/05/11,
"Day Dreams, Life, Materialism, Goals, Youth, Ambitions,","A car traveling in the fast lane, experiences many dangers, that slower moving traffic on a country road may not experience.","Likewise, 'life in the fast lane,' has left many persons both physically and emotionally wrecked.  Example: Celebrities suffer financial woes.  Few enjoy stable marriages.  Do you want to set your heart upon such a life?",Pr 25:16; Heb 5:14; Jas 1:14; 1 John 2:16;,"Jul 22, 1993 Aw Page 20;",Is This Life All There Is?,36,,,
"Day Dreams, Reality, Kingdom, Clean, Survival,",A day-dream has gaps; it goes from A-Z. (nothing in-between) Reality we can see step by step.  We can see the 'mechanics' of a course of action.,"We must take definite steps to cleanse ourselves from the world's defilements.  If we don't practice it, it won't happen.",2co 6:14; 7:1; Eph 5:3; Jas 1:27;,William Osbeck,A Clean People Honors Jehovah,14,,,
"Day Dreams, Reality, Kingdom, Survival, World,","One may dream of being a concert pianist, but if he doesn't practice, it won't happen.","We must take positive steps to separate from the world, and get on Jehovah's side.",2co 6:14; 7:1; Eph 5:3; Jas 1:7;,William Osbeck C.O.,'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
"Day's Text, Manna,","Group of people traveling, expectations were high, but what would they eat. White flaky substance appeared. It was food for 40 years.",1907 society saw need for daily spiritual food and provided daily text. 365 spiritual manna's a year,Ps 1:1-3,C. Assembly B. Gyseler,,,,,
"Day, Time, View, Creation,","Does not a young child view time differently from the way a person well along in years views it?  To a child 12 months might seem to be a very long time, but to an elderly person, the years fly by.","How much differently, then, must be 'Ancient of Day' view time from the way we view it.  When he says 'day' or 'days' we should not always conclude he means 24 hours.  He may or may not mean that.",Ge 1:5; 2:4;,"Feb 15, 1970 Wt Page 117",A Godly View Of Sex And Marriage,13,,,
"DDT, Poison, Apostasy, Christendom, Unforgivable Sin,","'DROP DEAD TWICE' The insecticide DDT, stands for the intimidating word dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane.  Many remember the letters DDT by the words, 'DROP DEAD TWICE', since not only does it kill mosquitoes at the time of spraying, but later its residual presence on walls that have been sprayed kills insects.","Apostates are reported as 'having died twice' due to having committed the unforgivable sin.  Thus they receive the second death.  They too, are poison to those around them.",Jude 1:12; Re 21:8;,"May 8, 1993 Aw Page 15, 16",Serving With Jehovah's Unified Organization,3,,,
"Dead Works, World, Materialism, Personality Traits,","'Bucket-full of wind' You can chase it, but what do you have? Even if you catch it, what value would you have? Includes materialism, personality traits, money-making schemes.","Dead works are like that; they consume time, energy but of no real value.","Ecclesiastes. 2:11; Heb. 6:1, 2; Gal. 5:19; Rom. 10:2-4; Eph. 4:22-24;","Lovers Of Freedom District Assy. Mobile July 12-14, 1991",'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
"Dead Works, World, Materialism, Personality Traits,","'Fools Gold' Digging for it consumes time, energy, but there is no benefit from it. Includes materialism, personality traits, money-making schemes.","Dead works are like that; they consume time, energy but of no real value.","Heb. 6:1, 2; Gal. 5:19; Rom. 10:2-4; Eph. 4:22-24;","Lovers Of Freedom District Assy. Mobile July 12-14, 1991",'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
"Dead, Death, Demons,","History tells us about the slave trade and related sufferings. Would anyone willingly accept such hardship and humiliation? Of course not. Then why should we permit ourselves to become enslaved by wicked spirits? They not only lie but also rob people of their freedom and may even lead them to violence and murder. For instance, 29-year-old Jos‚ of Pernambuco, Brazil, said that 'a spirit entered into him, forcing him to kill his year-old daughter.' Yes, involvement with wicked spirits can lead to such slavery.","Well, then, just as grieving slaves of the past yearned for freedom, so those enslaved by the demons today should want to be free. One way to achieve this freedom is to refrain from consulting spirit mediums and attempting to speak with the dead. For that matter, is there . . .","Ecclesiastes 9:5, 10;",W88 1/15 5,The Bible's View Of Spiritistic Practices,95,,1998/10/31,
"Dead, Death, Hell, Resurrection, Soul, Sleep,","'Father, did you sleep well last night? Were you lonesome?' Quote: Bro. A.H. Macmillan's answer to his father's question, 'Will I be lonesome in the grave while I am waiting for the Kingdom to begin its work of filling the earth with perfection?'","'So you see, father, the dead are in a death sleep and know nothing while in that condition.' Father believed in immortal soul.",Job 14:13-15; Job 3:17-19;,"Sep 15, 1991 Wt Page 29",Is Hell Really A Place Of Fiery Torment?,128,,,
"Dead, Life, Earth, Heaven, Destiny, Hereafter,","'The earth is a marketplace; heaven is our home,' say the Yoruba of West Africa.","This idea is echoed in many religions.  It conveys the notion that the earth is like a marketplace that we visit for a short time and then depart.  The Bible teaches that some go to heaven, yet many will live on the earth.","John 14:2, 3;","Nov 15, 1994 Wt Page 4",What Happens When We Die?,127,,1995/01/08,
"Dead, World, Life,",Let the dead past bury itself. (A. Lincoln),"Jesus said, 'let the dead bury their dead.'",Matt. 8:22,Bobby Laymon,'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
Death,"Age old enemy: Won every fight man has made to conquer. Search for substance X to defeat death, unsuccessful.","Tables will be turned, and death will go down in defeat.","Rom. 5:12  1 Cor. 15:22  John 11:25, 26","May 22, 1958 Aw Page 3, 4",Is This Life All There Is?,36,,,
Death,"Death ruled as king. (personification, inanimate as if alive) Other examples below grief & sighing must flee away  Isa 35:10 True wisdom itself keeps crying aloud  Prov 1:20",Vivid mental picture of death's hold on mankind,Rom 5:14,"June 1, 1984 Wt Page 19",Is This Life All There Is?,36,,,
Death,Greatest enemy of truth.  This is true about events that took place hundreds of years ago.,People often take to their graves information that no other human knows.,Ecclesiastes. 9:1-10,"December 22, 1989, Page 17",Is This Life All There Is?,36,,,
Death,Just as a lamp loses its light when oil and wick are used up. Starting to 'sink in' to a few other religions.,Mental abilities are automatically extinguished.,Ecclesiastes. 9:5  Ps. 146:3,"June 15, 1958 Wt Page 355",Is This Life All There Is?,36,,,
Death,Some say 'there are more lies told about the dead than the living',The only way to get the truth is the Bible.,Genesis. 3:19; Rom. 6:23; 1 John 5:17; Ezek. 18:4,"Sep 1, 1960 Wt Page 517-19",Is This Life All There Is?,36,,,
Death,Two things certain: 'Death and Taxes' Our aim in life should be to please Jehovah.,"Taxes have benefits, but death has no benefits.",Deuteronomy. 10:12,"Jan 15, 1961 Wt Page 41",Is This Life All There Is?,36,,,
"Death Life,","Honey bee (If could develop without sting, be easier to get honey)",Death will no longer have sting.,1 Cor 15:54-55,Bobby Laymon,Is This Life All There Is?,36,,,
"Death,","'As a well-spent day brings happy sleep, so a life well spent brings happy death.' Quote: Leonardo Da Vinci (1452-1519)","A life well-spent in Jehovah's service is a happy life, and will be rewarded.","Ecclesiastes 7:1, 2;",Wisdom Of The Ages,Is This Life All There Is?,36,,,
"Death,","'First our pleasures die - and then, Our hopes, and then our fears - and when These are dead, the debt is due, Dust claims dust - and we die too.  Quote: Shelly (1792-1822)","Death, due to sin, is a progressive step, that no one is capable of stopping.",Ecclesiastes 12:1-7;,Wisdom Of The Ages,Is This Life All There Is?,36,,,
"Death,",No one is so old as to think he cannot live one more year.  Cicero (B.C. 106-4),Jehovah has put 'time indefinite' in our hearts.,Ecclesiastes 3:11,Wisdom Of The Ages,Is This Life All There Is?,36,,,
"Death, Acquitted, Sins, Wages,","A man cannot be punished twice for the same crime.  It is double jeopardy. If he continues in same type of crime, he can be brought to trial and punished again.","Paul was here drawing on a natural an actual illustration.  In it's broad application, it could correctly be said that one who has died has been acquitted from sin.","Rom. 6:7, 23;",Questions From Readers 1980 Wt,Hold A Good Conscience In A Sinful World,107,,,
"Death, Age,",'Every man desires to live long; but no man would be old.'  Quote: Jonathan Swift (1667-1745),"Jehovah has put not death, but 'time indefinite' into man's heart.",Ecclesiastes 3:11;,Wisdom Of The Ages,Is This Life All There Is?,36,,,
"Death, Age,",'Old age is an island surrounded by death.' Quote: Juan Montalvo (1832-1889),The world's view of old age.,Pr 16:31,Wisdom Of The Ages,Is This Life All There Is?,36,,,
"Death, Age,","'We hope to grow old, yet we fear old age; that is, we are willing to live, and afraid to die.' Quote: La Bruyere (1645-1696)","Jehovah has put not death, but 'time indefinite' into man's heart.",Ecclesiastes 3:11;,Wisdom Of The Ages,Is This Life All There Is?,36,,,
"Death, Body, Mind, Sin, Adam, Eve,","Like a machine that slows down and stops when disconnected from its power source, their minds and bodies degenerated.","As a result, Adam and Eve deteriorated, grew old, and eventually died.  They went back to the dust.",Ge 2:17; 3:19; Ps 36:9;,What Is The Purpose Of Life?  Page 23,Hold A Good Conscience In A Sinful World,107,,,
"Death, Bury, Funeral, Caring, Aged, Elderly, Love, Relatives, Love,",'Feed my mouth before you feed my feet.'  Quote: A commonly voiced saying among African people.,"Feeding the mouth, or caring for a person while he or she is still alive, is far more important than feeding the feet, the practice of putting food at the feet of the corpse.  Feeding the feet, in fact, does not benefit the deceased at all.","Ps 146:3, 4; Ecclesiastes 9:5, 10;","Mar 15, 1994 Wt Page 21-23",Coping With Life's Anxieties,32,,1994/05/02,
"Death, Christendom, Comfort, Enemy, Love,","According to an ancient Jewish fable, the twin sons of a rabbi died while he was away. When he returned and asked for his sons, his wife said: 'If you were lent two precious jewels and told you could enjoy them as long as they were in your keeping, would you be able to argue when the lender asked for their return?' He answered: 'Certainly not!' Then she showed him his two dead sons and simply said: 'God wanted his jewels back.'","Such logic is neither comforting nor Biblical.   Is the Creator really so cruel that he would capriciously inflict death on children, knowing that this breaks the hearts of their parents? No, not the God of the Bible; according to 1 John 4:8, 'God is love.'",1 John 4:8;,G91 2/8 18,Religion's Role In World Affairs.,92,,1994/05/13,
"Death, Christendom, Heaven,","If you were lent two precious jewels and told you could enjoy them as long as they were in your keeping, would you be able to argue when the lender asked for their return. God is not one who kills children.",Christendom's false teaching of 'death of a child'.,1 John 4:8;,"Feb 8, 1991 Aw Pages 18",Religion's Role In World Affairs.,92,,,
"Death, Cure, Sickness, Satan, Devil, Mosquito, Malaria,","It is night; the household is asleep.  Into the bedroom wafts a mosquito, her wings beating 200-300 time per second.  She weighs only 1/10,000 ounce.  She pierces the boy's skin.  Two pumps in her head suck out his blood, at the same time, malaria parasites pass from the mosquito's glands into the boy's bloodstream.","She threatens directly almost half of humanity, over a hundred countries, mostly in the tropics.  Africa in particular. Satan is subtle like that.  He operates quietly while people are sleeping.","Re 21:3, 4; Is 33:24;","May 8, 1993 Aw Page 13",Ruining The Earth Brings Divine Retribution,106,,,
"Death, Cure, Sickness, Satan, Devil, Mosquito, Malaria,","It is not a war that grabs headlines; yet it has claimed untold millions of lives.  It is not fought with bombs and bullets; yet in terms of misery and lives lost, it rivals or surpasses those that are.  Death comes, not in the bellies of heavy enemy bombers, but on the delicate wings of a mosquito.","It strikes 270 million people each year, killing up to 2 million. It is particularly brutal to women and children, slaying two youngsters every minute.","Re 21:3, 4; Is 33:24;","May 8, 1993 Aw Page 13",The Only Cure For Sick Mankind,62,,,
"Death, Cure, Sickness, Satan, Devil, Mosquito, Malaria,",The epithet - 'White Man's Grave.',"Name given to malaria in West Africa.  In South America, with the building of the Mamore-Madeira railway in Brazil, malaria was said to have claimed a human life for every tie laid.","Re 21:3, 4; Is 33:24;","May 8, 1993 Aw Page 15",The Only Cure For Sick Mankind,62,,,
"Death, Earth, Heaven, Dead, Hope, Christendom, Babylon, Religion,","'The earth is a marketplace; heaven is our home,' say the Yoruba of West Africa.","This idea is echoed in many religions.  It conveys the notion that the earth is like a marketplace that we visit for a short time and then depart.  According to this belief, at death we go to heaven, our true abode.","John 14:2, 3;","Nov 15, 1994 Wt Page 4",Religion's Time Of Judgment,83,,1994/10/16,
"Death, Elderly, Older, Love, Honesty, Truth,",'We must be very open about this subject.  I have never in my career found that it has done a patient any good to hide the fact that he or she is terminally ill.' Quote: A Witness who is a physician.,"We must understand what the patient himself wants to know, and when he wants to know it.  Some are keenly aware of the closeness of death.  Other seem to insist on hope, and friends do well to hope with them.",Ro 12:12-15; 1ki 2:1-10; 2 Ti 4:6-8; Ge 48: 49:,"Aug 15, 1993 Wt Page 29",Conducting Ourselves Honestly At All Times,10,,,
"Death, Elderly, Older, Love, Honesty, Truth, Meditating, Life,","Like a setting sun that casts an even deeper and warmer light than the sun at noon, we can give our life's twilight hours a beauty all their own.",Meditate on the wonderful truths of the Bible.  Keep up-to-date with progress.  Lean on Jehovah.  Meditate on the resurrection hope and its strong foundation.  Look to day when there will be no more sickness.,"1th 5:8; Col 4:12; Ps 71:17, 18; Ps 48:12-14; John 5:38, 29;","Aug 15, 1993 Wt Page 30",Taking Time To Meditate On Spiritual Things,67,,,
"Death, Enemy,","A man may be an outstanding scientist, a fine architect or an accomplished musician, painter or sculptor.  He may have trained others, but at his death, no one has the sum total of his talents and experienced. He may be working on a project, that was cut off.",Why should man have to labor under the handicap of being deprived of experienced people as they fall victim to death.,Ecclesiastes 9:11; Rom. 5:12;,Is This Life All There Is?  Page 25,Is This Life All There Is?,36,,,
"Death, Fate, Predestination,","A piece of concrete may break off from a building and fall on a pedestrian.  Did God cause it? If so, is it fair to charge the building owner with negligence? By avoiding bad conduct we can enjoy a much longer life.",The Bible shows that it is time and unforeseen occurrence that he was there at the time it happened.,Ecclesiastes. 9:11; Prov. 16:17; John 17:3; Prov. 12:28,"Reasoning From The Scriptures, Page 104",Is This Life All There Is?,36,,,
"Death, Fear, Dying,",Do you become frightened when you turn the lights off at night.  Some young children might get frightened because they don't understand what darkness is.,It is that way with death.  We don't become overly frightened because we know we will go to sleep.  We know what death is.  Some fear death because they don't understand.,"Ecclesiastes. 9:5,6;",Mike Calasion,What Happens When We Die?,127,,"Nov 4, 2001",
"Death, Fear, Persecution,",'The fear of death is more to be dreaded than death itself.' Quote:  Publilius Syrus.,Sharpen your vision of hope ahead.  Concerted effort is needed to strengthen us now and prepare us for whatever may come.   We need not live in fear.,"Heb 12:2, 3; Mt 6:34;",Bobby Laymon,Bearing Up Under Persecution,57,,1995/07/09,
"Death, Fear, Slavery, Resurrection,",'The fear of death is worse than death.' Quote: Robert Burton (1576-1640),Fear of death can make one a slave of sin.  Jehovah's promise of a resurrection can eliminate this fear.,Heb 2:15;,Wisdom Of The Ages,Overcoming Fear Of The Future,108,,,
"Death, Funeral, Memorial, Sin,","'In this world nothing is certain but death and taxes,' wrote the famous American publisher and inventor, and diplomat Benjamin Franklin to a friend in 1789. (No one lives to celebrate any birthday after 120th.","Each year 50 million people die.  137,000 each day; 5,700 each hour; about 100 a minute; or over 3 persons every 2 seconds. King or commoner, rich or poor, male or female-all die alike.",Ecclesiastes 9:5; Ge 3:19; Ro 6:23;,"Jul 22, 1992 Aw Page 3",What Happens When We Die?,127,,,
"Death, Funeral, Memorial, Sin, Grief,","'When your parent dies, you have lost your past.  When your child dies, you have lost your future.'  (Psychiatrist) Our relationship with family are strong bonds that cry for continuance.  One by one these bonds are broken by death.","Death often has an adverse impact on the health of those left behind.  No matter what member of a family dies, there is a sense of great loss.",Ps 90: 10; Ecclesiastes 9:5; Ge 3:19; Ro 6:23;,"Jul 22, 1992 Aw Page 3",What Happens When We Die?,127,,,
"Death, Grief,","'The prince who kept the world in awe, The judge whose dictate fixed the law; The rich, the poor, the great, the small, Are leveled; death confounds them all.' Quote: Gay (1688-1732)","The rich, the poor, the wicked, all cannot escape the great enemy death.",Job 3:17-19; Ro 5:12;,Wisdom Of The Ages,Is This Life All There Is?,36,,,
"Death, Grief,","Death leaves a wide gap in one's life. Try to get mind off self, and try to help others.  You will find your emotional wound can heal and the gap in life can gradually fill in.",How to Endure Grief Bible is comfort.,Genesis. 23:2; 2 Sam. 18:33;,"May 1, 1963 Wt Page 260",Is This Life All There Is?,36,,,
"Death, Grief,",When the cold hand of death snatches away a loved one it can be the severest emotional blow of his life. Not necessary to keep 'bottled up' Weeping releases grief.,"How to Endure Grief Examples: Abraham, David, Jesus,",Genesis. 23:2; 2 Sam. 18:33;,"May 1, 1963 Wt Page 259",Is This Life All There Is?,36,,,
"Death, Grief, Comfort, Pain, Sickness, Cure, Word, Bible,",'God picks the most beautiful flowers to take to himself in heaven.'  Some grieving parents have been told this.  Is this really so?,"To get truthful answers to such questions, we need to consult God's Word, the Bible.",John 17:17;,Kl Page 80,Gaining Comfort In All Our Tribulations,105,,1995/06/15,
"Death, Grief, Comfort, Pain, Sickness, Cure, Word, Bible,",'One suffers when a loved one dies because death is a loss to a void beyond all understanding.'  Quote:  A son after his mother's death.  His pain and sense of deep loss made him feel that he was 'drowning emotionally.',Perhaps you have suffered in a similar way.  You may have wondered where your loved ones are and whether you will ever see them again.,John 17:17;,Kl Page 80,Gaining Comfort In All Our Tribulations,105,,1995/06/15,
"Death, Hell,",'Neither the sun nor death can be looked at with a steady eye.' Quote: La Rochefoucauld (1613-1680),"Only Jehovah, through His Word, give the reason for death, the condition of the dead, and how it will be done away with.",Ecclesiastes 9:5; Re 20:14;,Wisdom Of The Ages,Is This Life All There Is?,36,,,
"Death, Hell,","Hit in head and knocked unconscious, do they know anything? Hit a little harder and kill.  Do they know anything?",It is reasonable that man knows nothing at death.,"Ecclesiastes. 9:5, 10; Ps. 146:3, 4;",Robert Schwarze,Is Hell Really A Place Of Fiery Torment?,128,,,
"Death, Life, Everlasting,","THE Persian King Xerxes I, known in the Bible as Ahasuerus, was reviewing his troops prior to a battle in the year 480 B.C.E.  According to the Greek historian Herodotus, the king shed tears as he viewed his men.  Why?  'It grieves me, Xerxes said, 'when I reflect on the brief span of man's life.  For of all these men, not one will be alive a hundred years from now.'","You too have probably noted that life is pathetically brief and that nobody wants to grow old, get sick, and die.  Oh, if only we could enjoy life in youthful health and happiness.","Esther 1:1,2; Job 14:1, 2;","Apr 15, 1999 Wt Page 4",Is This Life All There Is?,36,,1999/03/18,
"Death, Life, Funeral,","Death is a comma, not a period, in the book of life.",This life is not all there is.,"2 Cor 1:8,9",Bobby Laymon,What Happens When We Die?,127,,1998/12/25,
"Death, Life, Heart, Death, Animals","If based lifetime on heartbeats instead years easy see if man lives longer. take mouse lives about 3.3 years heart beats 550 beats minute. 950,000,000 in average mouse. Elephant lives 70 years, heart beats 20 times minute or 736,300,000 during life.","Jehovah made man to live forever animals have less then 1 billion heartbeats, but humans over 70 years their heart beats 2,600,000,000 more then twice of mammals",Genesis 2:17,"Nov 22, 1973 Awake Pg 19 Johnse Laymon",Funeral,36,,,
"Death, Life, Large, Small, Powerful,","Once the game is over, the king and the pawn go back into the same box.  -- Italian saying",At death there is none over the other.,Rev. 20:12,Bobby Laymon,Religion's Time Of Judgment,83,,"Nov 19, 2001",
"Death, Life, Memories, Honor, Respect, Appreciation,",'Every old man that dies is a library that burns.'  Quote: African saying.,"Each family has its own history, customs, and experiences that distinguish it from others.  Grandparents are a memory link of the family.  Grandparents transmit the memories of relatives and important family events, as well as family values that often unite the family at its roots.  Besides moral values.",Ecclesiastes 9:5-10;,"Jul 8, 1995 Aw Page 11",What Happens When We Die?,127,,1995/06/04,
"Death, Love, Joy, Peace, Long-suffering, Kind, Good, Faith, Urgency, generous, gift, ","You cannot do a kindness too soon, for you never know how soon it will be too late.",Urgency of preaching work.,"Gal. 5:22, 23; John 13:35; Phil. 3:1, 4:4; Mic. 6:8; Tit. 3:2;",Bobby Laymon,Serve Jehovah With A Joyful Heart,78,,,12/6/2013
"Death, Money, Riches",Have you ever seen a Hearst followed by a U-Haul trailer into a graveyard.,You can't take it with you!,Ecclesiastes 5:15;,M. Marrow C.O.,Is This Life All There Is?,36,,,
"Death, Persecution,","'It is not death, it is dying that alarms me.' Quote: Montaigne (1533-1592)",There is no consciousness in death.,Ecclesiastes 9:5; Ps 146:4;,Wisdom Of The Ages,Bearing Up Under Persecution,57,,,
"Death, Persecution,","Sickle of death, (Grim reaper) Benito Mussolini: executed in 1945 & corpse was abused. Adolf Hitler: Shot himself rather than be taken alive in 1945. Pope Pius XII concordant partner of above. Dead since 1958.","Apply to those persecuting Jehovah's Witnesses. Joseph Stalin: brain hemorrhage killed him March 5, 1953. Generalissimo Rafael L. Trujillo. Assassinated in 1961 own army.",Matt. 10:28,"Dec 15, 1964 Wt Page 748",Bearing Up Under Persecution,57,,,
"Death, Problems, Persecution, Trouble, Fear, Danger, Doubts,",Go to sleep crying and wake up smiling.,"Even in death, we can be confident.","2 Cor. 11:26; 2 Tim. 3:12; Heb. 13:6; Jas. 1: 6, 7;rev. 2:10;",Bobby Laymon,Bearing Up Under Persecution,57,,,
"Death, Resurrection,","For many years we can remember the personalities of persons who have died, however they gradually become a dimmer memory.","This is not so with God.  God remembers everything, and can bring the person, the same personality, actually and tangibly back to live on this earth.","Mt 10:29, 30; Luke 12:6, 7;",Dec 1 1971 Wt Page 708,"Living, Not For Self, But To Do God's Will",8,,1993/12/07,
"Death, Resurrection, Funeral,",'Every parting gives a foretaste of death; every coming together again a foretaste of the resurrection.' Quote:  Arthur Schopenhauer. -1851.,Jesus promised the resurrection will occur under his kingdom.  He demonstrated that humans can be resurrected.,"John 5:28, 29; Luke 7:11-17;",Bobby Laymon,What Happens When We Die?,127,,1995/07/18,
"Death, Resurrection, Victory,",Suppose someone is in the operating room having major surgery.  They are under anesthesia and are completely unconscious.  They don't know anything.,"That is the state of death.  The Bible calls it, 'fall asleep in death.'","Eccl. 9:5,10; Ps. 13:3; John 11:11-14",Dick Butterfield,The Resurrection--victory Over Death!,132,,"Apr 7, 2002",
"Death, Sin, Life, Resurrection, Learn,","Live to learn, learn to live.","Living is a learning experience,","Genesis. 1:27-31; Ecclesiastes. 9:5, 10; Ezek 18:4; Acts 17:31; 24:15;",Bobby Laymon,Hold A Good Conscience In A Sinful World,107,,,
"Death, Sin, Life, Resurrection, Loyalty,","'He that dies, pays all debts.' (Men die free) Quote: William Shakespeare.",Applies to what Paul said at Romans 6:7,"Rom. 6:7; Genesis. 1:27-31; Ecclesiastes. 9:5, 10; Ezek 18:4; Acts 17:31; 24:1",Bobby Laymon,Hold A Good Conscience In A Sinful World,107,,,
"Death, Sin, Life, Resurrection, Loyalty,",A dead man tells no tales.,Neither can they tell out the good news.,"Ps. 115:17; Ecclesiastes. 9:4, 5, 10; Ezek 18:4; Acts 17:31; 24:15;",Bobby Laymon,"Living, Not For Self, But To Do God's Will",8,,,
"Death, Sin, Life, Resurrection, Loyalty,",A loved one dies not once but many times.,Death is one of the most difficult things to survive.,"Genesis. 37:34, 35;  Ecclesiastes. 9:5, 10; Ezek 18:4; Acts 17:31; 24:15;",Bobby Laymon,"Living, Not For Self, But To Do God's Will",8,,,
"Death, Sin, Life, Resurrection, Loyalty,","All would live long, but none would grow old. Quote: Jonathan Swift. (1711).","None want to be bed-ridden, or ravaged by old age, suffering.","Rev. 21:3, 4; Ecclesiastes. 9:5, 10; Ezek 18:4; Acts 17:31; 24:15;",Bobby Laymon,"Living, Not For Self, But To Do God's Will",8,,,
"Death, Sin, Life, Resurrection, Loyalty,","Cheaters never win, winners never cheat.",Wicked will not go unpunished.,"Genesis. 1:27-31; Ecclesiastes. 9:5, 10; Ezek 18:4; Acts 17:31; 24:15;",Bobby Laymon,"Living, Not For Self, But To Do God's Will",8,,,
"Death, Sin, Life, Resurrection, Loyalty,",Death is never at a loss for an occasion.,Sheol has never said 'Enough',"Prov. 30: 16; Genesis. 1:27-31; Ecclesiastes. 9:5, 10; Ezek 18:4; Acts 17:31;",Bobby Laymon,Is This Life All There Is?,36,,,
"Death, Sin, Life, Resurrection, Loyalty,",Die: To stop sinning suddenly.,"All will eventually stop sinning, but will it be to their advantage.","Genesis. 1:27-31; Ecclesiastes. 9:5, 10; Ezek 18:4; Acts 17:31; 24:15;",Bobby Laymon,Hold A Good Conscience In A Sinful World,107,,,
"Death, Sin, Life, Resurrection, Loyalty,","It doesn't matter how one dies, but how one lives.",What we do now is important.,"Genesis. 1:27-31; Ecclesiastes. 9:5, 10; Ezek 18:4; Acts 17:31; 24:15;",Bobby Laymon,Hold A Good Conscience In A Sinful World,107,,,
"Death, Sin, Life, Resurrection, Loyalty,",Loyalty can be stronger than death.  Love is stronger than Sheol.,We must serve Jehovah no matter what.,"Cant. 8:6, 7; Genesis. 1:27-31; Ecclesiastes. 9:5, 10; Ezek 18:4; Acts 17:31;",Bobby Laymon,Hold A Good Conscience In A Sinful World,107,,,
"Death, Sin, Life, Resurrection, Loyalty,",The first wealth is health.,Spiritual health is more important.,"Genesis. 1:27-31; Ecclesiastes. 9:5, 10; Ezek 18:4; Acts 17:31; 24:15;",Bobby Laymon (wisdom Of The Ages..Quotes),Hold A Good Conscience In A Sinful World,107,,,
"Death, Sin, Life, Resurrection, Loyalty,",The memory of the just is blessed.,Jehovah will remember the righteous in the resurrection.,"Prov. 10:7; Ecclesiastes. 9:5, 10; Ezek 18:4; Acts 17:31; 24:15;",Bobby Laymon,Hold A Good Conscience In A Sinful World,107,,,
"Death, Sin, Life, Resurrection, Loyalty,",While there's life there's hope.,'A live dog is better off than a dead lion.',"Genesis. 1:27-31; Ecclesiastes. 9:5, 10; Ezek 18:4; Acts 17:31; 24:15;",Bobby Laymon,Hold A Good Conscience In A Sinful World,107,,,
"Death, Sin, Life, Resurrection, Loyalty,","You can be killed just as dead in a small war, as in a large one.",Extremes can be just as dangerous in either direction.,"Genesis. 1:27-31; Ecclesiastes. 9:5, 10; Ezek 18:4; Acts 17:31; 24:15;",Bobby Laymon,Hold A Good Conscience In A Sinful World,107,,,
"Death, Sin, Life, Resurrection, Loyalty, Blood,",Some remedies are worse than the disease.,"Any remedy Satan offers, will be short-lived.","Matt. 10:16; Ecclesiastes. 9:5, 10; Ezek 18:4; Acts 17:31; 24:15;",Bobby Laymon,Hold A Good Conscience In A Sinful World,107,,,
"Death, Sin, Life, Resurrection, Loyalty, Contributions,","It's better to live rich, than to die rich.",Our riches in this system should be used to further Kingdom interest.,"Genesis. 1:27-31; Ecclesiastes. 9:5, 10; Ezek 18:4; Acts 17:31; 24:15;",Bobby Laymon,Hold A Good Conscience In A Sinful World,107,,,
"Death, Sin, Life, Resurrection, Loyalty, Creator,","Anything that was made, can be repaired.","Jehovah can undo everything Satan has done, since he is the Creator.","Genesis. 1:27-31; Ecclesiastes. 9:5, 10; Ezek 18:4; Acts 17:31; 24:15;",Bobby Laymon,Hold A Good Conscience In A Sinful World,107,,,
"Death, Sin, Life, Resurrection, Loyalty, Ransom, Exception, wickedness,",Life is short and death is certain. See Luke 19:10,Only Christ's ransom could make an exception to that rule.,"Genesis. 1:27-31; Ecclesiastes. 9:5, 10; Ezek 18:4; Acts 17:31; 24:15;",Bobby Laymon,"Living, Not For Self, But To Do God's Will",8,,,4/1/2014
"Death, Sin, Life, Resurrection, Loyalty, Salvation","To really live, you must almost die.",We often appreciate the 'day of salvation' under personal hardship.,"2 Cor. 6:2; Ecclesiastes. 9:5, 10; Ezek 18:4; Acts 17:31; 24:15;",Bobby Laymon,Hold A Good Conscience In A Sinful World,107,,,
"Death, Sin, Life, Resurrection, Loyalty, Satan,",It's a great life if you don't weaken.,Satan will do all he can to weaken our relationship with Jehovah.,"Genesis. 1:27-31; Ecclesiastes. 9:5, 10; Ezek 18:4; Acts 17:31; 24:15;",Bobby Laymon,Hold A Good Conscience In A Sinful World,107,,,
"Death, Sleep, Fear,","Let no man fear to die, we love to sleep all, and death is but the sounder sleep.  Francis Beaumont (1584-1616)","There is nothing to fear in death, since Jehovah promises the resurrection.",John 5:28,Wisdom Of The Ages,Overcoming Fear Of The Future,108,,,
"Death, Sleep, Resurrection,","When you go to sleep, it ends in an awakening.","Death is like a sleep, as it ends in an awakening.  Jehovah can awaken from death as easily as we can awaken from sleep.",John 11:11; 1co 15:20;,Is This Life All There Is?   Page 120,"Living, Not For Self, But To Do God's Will",8,,,
"Death, Soul,","Ben Franklin had wrote on tombstone, he wrote that his dead body was like cover of a book with all it's pages torn out leaving only the cover.",Just as cover of book without contents is worthless man dies is nothing until resurrection.,"Ecc.9:5, 10","Johnse Laymon Sep 22, 1965 Aw Pg 3",Is This Life All There Is?,36,,,
"Death, Soul,","Ben Franklin had wrote on tombstone, he wrote that his dead body was like cover of a book with all it's pages torn out leaving only the cover.",Just as cover of book without contents is worthless man dies is nothing until resurrection,"Ecc.9:5, 10","Johnse Laymon Sep 22, 1965 Aw Pg 3",Is This Life All There Is?,36,,,
"Death, Survival,",'We sometimes congratulate ourselves at the moment of waking from a troubled dream; it may be so the moment after death.' Quote: Nathaniel Hawthorne (1804-1864),"In the resurrection, it will be a beautiful awakening, in Jehovah's new world of righteousness.  No matter the cause of death.","Job 14:13-15; Re 21:3, 4;",Wisdom Of The Ages,Is This Life All There Is?,36,,,
"Death, Wounds, Healing, Time,",Time heals what reason cannot.  -- Seneca the Younger,"Sometimes no matter what intelligence or reasoning we may use, we do not get over injury.  For example death of a dear one.  Only time will help heal the wound.",Psalm 77:2;,Bobby Laymon,What Happens When We Die?,127,,"Nov 19, 2001",
Death;,'A dead man cannot bite.'  Quote:  Pompey.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Death;,"'A man should be mourned at his birth, not as his death.'  Quote:  Publilius Syrus.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Death;,'A shroud (death shroud) has no pockets.'  Quote:  Arab.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Death;,'All that live must die.' Quote: W. Shakespeare,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Death;,'As men we are all equal in the presence of death.' Quote: Syrus,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Death;,'Before his death: 'Now comes the mystery'.'  Quote:  Henry Ward Beecher.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Death;,'Big deal! I'm used to dust! Epitaph chosen by Erma Bombeck',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Death;,"'Death gives us sleep, eternal youth and immortality.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Death;,"'Death is a very dull dreary affair, and my advice to you to have nothing whatever to do with it.' Quote:  Somerset Maugham",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Death;,'Death is remedy always ready to hand but only to be used in the last extremity.'  Quote:  Moliere.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Death;,'Death is the cure for all human diseases.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Death;,'Death like birth is one of nature's secrets.'  Quote:  Marcus Aurelius.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Death;,'Death may be the greatest of all human blessings.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Death;,"'Death, so called, is a thing which makes men weep, and yet a third of life is passed in sleep.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Death;,'Die: To leave off dying and to do the thing once and for all.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Death;,'Don't strew me with roses after I'm dead. When death claims the light of my brow no flowers of life will cheer me: instead you may give me my roses now!' Quote:  Thomas Healy,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Death;,'God's finger touched him and he slept.'  Quote:  Alfred Lord Tennyson.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Death;,'He's dead at the present time.'  Quote:  Casey Stengel.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Death;,'Heaven gives its favorites early death.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Death;,"'I am ready to meet my maker, but whether my maker is prepared for the great ordeal of meeting me is another matter.' Quote:  Winston Churchill",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Death;,"'I wouldn't live forever, I wouldn't if I couldn't; but I needn't fret about it, for I couldn't if I would.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Death;,'It is good to die before one has done anything deserving of death.'  Quote:  Anaxandrides.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Death;,'Let no man fear to die. We love to sleep',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Death;,'No life that breathes with human breath has ever truly longed for death.' Quote:  Tennyson,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Death;,'Nothing can happen more beautiful than death.'  Quote:  Walt Whitman.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Death;,'One only dies once and then its for such a long time.'  Quote:  Moliere.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Death;,'So little done so much to do. (last words)'  Quote:  Cecil Rodes.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Death;,'That which is so universal as death must be a benefit.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Death;,"'The chess game of life ends, the King and the pawn are put into the same container.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Death;,'The greatest king must go to bed with a shovel.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Death;,'The only religious way to think of death is as part and parcel of life.' Quote:  Thomas Mann,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Death;,"'There is a remedy for everything, it is called death.'  Quote:  Portuguese Proverb.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Death;,'There is no return to life from death.'  Quote:  Euripides.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Death;,'They die well that live well.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Death;,"'Think not disdainfully of death, but look on it with favor; for even death is one of the things that Nature wills.'  Quote:  Marcus Aurelius.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Death;,'To have died once is enough.'  Quote:  Virgil.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Death;,'Today me tomorrow you.'  Quote:  Latin.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Death;,"Death is the liberator of him whom freedom cannot release, the physician of him who medicine cannot cure, and the comforter of him whom time cannot console.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Death;,"Let no man fear to die, we love to sleep all and death is but the sounder sleep.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Death;,"There is hope from the mouth of the sea, but none from the mouth of the grave.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Death; Absence;,'The dead and the absent have no friends.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Death; Animals;,'The birds of the air die to sustain thee; the beasts of the field die to nourish thee; the fishes of the sea die to feed thee. Our stomachs are their common sepulcher.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Death; Commendation; Praise;,'Why should good words ne'er be said of a friend till he's dead?'  Quote:  Daniel Webster Hoyt.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Death; Epitaphs,"'After reading epitaphs in the commentary, you wonder where they bury the sinners.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Death; Equality;,'The soul equality on earth is death.'  Quote:  Philip Bailey.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Death; Eventuality;,"Once the game is over, the king and the pawn go back in the same box.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Death; Funny;,'Death is nature's way of saying 'slow down'.'  Quote:  Graffitti.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Death; Funny;,"'For three days after death, hair and fingernails continue to grow but phone calls taper off.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Death; Funny;,"'If you don't go to peoples funerals, they won't come to yours.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Death; Funny;,'It is impossible to experience one's own death and still carry a tune.' Quote: W. Allen,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Death; Funny;,"'On the plus side of death, it is one of the few things that can be done as easily as lying down.' Quote:  W. Allen",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Death; Funny;,'The reports of my death are greatly exaggerated.'  Quote:  Mt.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Death; Funny;,'What is the world to a man when his wife is a widow.'  Quote:  Irish.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Death; Grave;,'A ground sweat cures all disorders.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Death; Grave;,'He who fears death cannot enjoy life.' Quote:  Spanish,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Death; Grave;,'It is as natural to die as to be born.'  Quote:  Francis Bacon.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Death; Grave;,"'Life is  a dream-walking, death is a going home.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Death; Grave;,"'Living is a misfortune, death a kindness.'  Quote:  Giacomo Leopardi.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Death; Grave;,'Only on the edge of the grave can man conclude anything.'  Quote:  Henry Brooks Adams.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Death; Grave;,"'There are two ways of passing from this world, one in light and one in darkness.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Death; Grave;,'There is a remedy for all things but death.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Death; Grave;,"Life is the jailer, death the angel sent to draw the unwilling bolts and set us free.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Death; Grave; War;,'War is death's feast.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Death; Hope; Everlasting Life;,'He that lives to forever never fears dying.' Quote:  William Penn,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Death; Immortality;,'The first prerequisite for immortality is death.' Quote:  Stanislaw Lec,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Death; Killing; Weapon;,'I'm proud of the fact that I never invented weapons to kill.' Quote:  Te,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Death; Last Words;,'All my possessions for a moment of time! (last words - Elizabeth I)'  Quote:  Elizabeth I.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Death; Last Words;,'I have tried so hard to do the right thing. (last words of Grover Cleveland)'  Quote:  Grover Cleveland.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Death; Last Words;,'I never should have switched from scotch to martinis. (last words of Humphrey Bogart)'  Quote:  H. Bogart.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Death; Last Words;,'More light! (last words of Goethe)'  Quote:  Johan Goethe.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Death; Last Words;,'That was the best ice cream soda I ever tasted. (last words - Lou Costello'  Quote:  Lou Costello.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Death; Life;,"'Death is more universal than life. Everyone dies, but not everyone lives.'  Quote:  A. Sachs.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Death; Punishment;,"'Death is a law, not a punishment.'  Quote:  Jean Dubos.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Death; Sin;,'Death: To stop sinning suddenly.'  Quote:  Elbert Hubbard.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Death; Sin; Life; Joy; Happiness; Hell;,"'The fear of death keeps us from living, not from dying.'  Quote: Paul C. Roud.",Knowing the truth keeps us from having an overwhelming fear of death.,John 8:44;,Bobby Laymon - Reader's Digest.,Is Hell Really A Place Of Fiery Torment?,128,,1996/03/15,
Death; War;,"'A single death is a tragedy, a million deaths is a statistic.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Debate, Hell,",'I am glad to see you turn the hose on hell and put out the fire.' Quote: by another clergyman. Note: Many of Eaton's congregation left him and became Jehovah's Witnesses.,"Info: Debate between C.T. Russell and a Pittsburgh clergyman, Dr. E.L. Eaton.",Ecclesiastes. 9:5;,"Feb 15, 1967 Wt Page 108",Is Hell Really A Place Of Fiery Torment?,128,,,
Debt,"Landslide Process may be slow, but it works. No matter how long or difficult, getting out of debt is worth it","buried under landslide, use whatever mobility to dig way out",1 Tim 6:7-10,"Feb 8, 1990 Awake! Page 23",,,,,
Debt,Quicksand,Debt can be a deadly quicksand that consumes you.,1 Tim 6:7-10,"Feb 8, 1990 Awake! Page 23",,,,,
"Debt, Materialism,",We don't want to be servants of those we owe money to. We want to be servants of Jehovah. This applies: paying back relatives and close friends also.,Riches is a 'deceptive power.' Matt. 13:22,"Prov. 22:7; Rom. 13:8; Ps. 37:21; 1 Tim. 6:9, 10;",Phil Kirkton Notes: Bro. Macumber,Reach Out For The Real Life!,90,,,
"Debt, Materialism, Money,",'He that goes a borrowing goes a sorrowing.' 'Rather go to bed supper less than run in debt for a breakfast.' 'It is hard for an empty sack to stand upright.',"Ideas in minds of Americans about borrowing money, in 1700's.  (B.F. called the 'apostle of thrift'","Rom. 13:8; Isa. 9:6, 7; 11:1-5;","Jun 8, 1963 Aw Page 13 Quotes By Benjamin Franklin.",Reach Out For The Real Life!,90,,,
"Debt, Money, Borrow, Lender, Materialism, Simple,","'Neither a borrower, nor a lender be; For loan oft loses both itself and friend, And borrowing dulls the edge of husbandry. This above all: to thine own self be true, And it must follow, as the night the day, Thou canst not then be false to any man.' Quote: William Shakespeare. [1600-1601].",Governments of today could have learned from Shakespeare.  Crushing national and international debts fuels inflation and even threatens the stability of some governments.,"1 Tim 6:9, 10;",Bobby Laymon,Coping With Life's Anxieties,32,,1995/07/10,
"Debt, Money, Materialism, Honesty,",'Never spend your money before you have it.'  Quote: former U.S. president Thomas Jefferson.,"In today's world this advise may seem old-fashioned.  Yet, we need to beware!  A lot of money is made selling items to people who do not need them and cannot afford them.",2tim 3:1;,"Jun 8, 1995 Aw Page 13",Conducting Ourselves Honestly At All Times,10,,1995/05/07,
"Debt, Money, Materialism, Honesty,","A Danish proverb puts it, 'It is hard to pay for bread that has been eaten.'","It is much easier to spend borrowed money than to pay it back, with interest.  Many do not get the joy they had anticipated.","2 Tim 3:1; Heb 13:5,6;","Jun 8, 1995 Aw Page 13",Conducting Ourselves Honestly At All Times,10,,1995/05/08,
"Debt, Money, Materialism, Honesty,","It has been said, 'A man in debt is caught in a net.'","The burden of debt can be damaging to family life, health, and spirituality.  Debt may make the borrower even more poor.",Prov 22:7; Rom 13:8;,"Jun 8, 1995 Aw Page 14",Conducting Ourselves Honestly At All Times,10,,1995/05/07,
"Debt, Owing, Credit, Wisdom, Understanding,",'Draw your salary before spending it.' Quote: George Ade.,"Wisely managing your money will help cope with life's anxieties.  Today, many unwisely go into debt for wants instead of needs.",Prov. 22:7;,Bobby Laymon,Coping With Life's Anxieties,32,,1995/08/16,
Debt;,"'A person who can't pay, gets another person who can't pay to guarantee that he can pay.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Debt;,'A pig bought on credit is forever grunting.' Quote:  Spanish proverb.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Debt;,'A small debt produces a debtor; a large debt produces an enemy.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Debt;,"'don't borrow trouble, borrow money and trouble will come of its own accord.' Quote:  Switzer",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Debt;,'Don't rob Peter to pay Paul.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Debt;,"'Earl Wilson once said: There are three classes of people: The Haves; the Have-dots, and the Have-not-paid-for-what-they-haves.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Debt;,'He is rich who owes nothing.'  Quote:  French.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Debt;,'He who borrows sells his freedom.'  Quote:  German.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Debt;,'If you don't have money you can always borrow someone's else's.' Quote:  Winston Churchill,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Debt;,"'In God we trust, all others pay cash.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Debt;,"'It is better to give than to lend, and it costs about the same.' Quote: Sir Philip Gibbs",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Debt;,'It is hard to pay for bread that has been eaten.'  Quote:  Danish.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Debt;,"'Let us all be happy and live within our means, even if we have to borrow the money to do it with.'  Quote:  Art emus Ward.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Debt;,"'Live within your income, even if you have to borrow money to do it.'  Quote:  Josh Billings.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Debt;,'Mortgage: A house with a guilty conscience.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Debt;,"'With money in your pocket, you are wise and you are handsome and you sing well too.' Quote:  Yiddish.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Debt;,'You know it is not my Interest to pay the Principal; nor is it my Principle to pay the interest.' Quote:  Sheridan,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Debt;,A bank will always lend you money if you can prove that you don't need it.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Debt; Wealth; Greed;,"'To force myself to earn more money, I decided to spend more.'  Quote:  James Agate.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Deceit;,'Every crowd had a silver lining.'  Quote:  P.T. Barnum.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Deceit;,"'Some men are discovered, others are found out.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Deceit;,"'You can fool some of the people all the time and you can fool all of the people some of the time, but you cannot fool all of the people all of the time.'  Quote:  Al.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Deceit; Funny;,"You can fool some of the people all of the time and you can fool all of the people some of the time, and the rest of the time, someone else can fool em.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Deceive, Lie, Falsehood, Flesh,",'The easiest person to deceive is one's own self.' Quote: Edward George Earle Lytton Bulwer  -1828.,We must not 'be misled.'  Our own hearts can mislead us.  Association with wrongdoers has led some to spiritual ruin.,1 Cor. 15:33;,Bobby Laymon,Choose Your Associates Wisely!,116,,1995/08/01,
Deception,"Fig tree without fruit, cursed by Jesus Tree withered Jesus illustrated: end result for this fruitless, faithless nation","Nation of Israel, deceptive appearance.",Matt 21:19-21  Mark 11:19-22,"Dec 15, 1989 Wt  Page 8",,,,,
"Deception, Last Days, Con Artist, Deceive,",'Looks are so deceptive that people should be done up like food packages with the ingredients clearly labeled.'  Quote: Helen Hudson.,Perhaps one time you could discern if a man was honest.  We are living in a time when we must question everything.,Rom 1:29-31;,Bobby Laymon - Reader's Digest,WILL YOU BE A SURVIVOR OF THE LAST DAYS?,2,,1996/03/22,6/2/2025
Decision;,"'Deliberate often, decide once.'  Quote:  Latin Proverb.",,,Jk Quotes;,Decisions You Face--how Will You Make Them?,50,,,
Decision; Indecision;,"'I hate to see things done by halves. If it be right, do it boldly, if it be wrong leave it undone.'",,,Jk Quotes;,Decisions You Face--how Will You Make Them?,50,,,
Decision; Indecision;,'There is no more miserable human being than one in whom nothing is habitual but indecision.' Quote:  William James.,,,Jk Quotes;,Decisions You Face--how Will You Make Them?,50,,,
Decisions,"Child is left in front of table with wholesome foods, and candy.  What would child do? Probably eat candy until he got sick. We need guidance today. Choice shapes life and future for good and bad.","Morally speaking, man is confronted with choices.",Prov 16:25,"June 8, 1990 Awake!  Page 8",Decisions You Face--how Will You Make Them?,50,,,
Decisions,"The Lion and the Boar Lion & boar came at same time to small fountain to drink.  At first quarreled, then determined to fight it out. finally paused to catch breath, and noticed vultures waiting overhead.","Decisions that have lasting effects, should be considered long. Far better to live as friends, than die as enemies. (food) Moral: Do not enter into danger for the profit of others.",Deuteronomy 30:19,Aesop's Fables Page 73,Decisions You Face--how Will You Make Them?,50,,,
Decisions,Use acronym J.O.Y.   J-How Jehovah will view your decision? O-How others will view it and affect them? Y-How it will affect you?,Spelled any other way doesn't make sense.  Proper priority.,Gal 5:22,Richard Schroeder,Decisions You Face--how Will You Make Them?,50,,,
"Decisions , Wise, Choice, Problems,","In my hand I have 3 cross ink pens.  Let's say you are in the market for a pen.  They all three look identical, but this is: $5.00, this one is $6.00, and the last one is $7.00.  Which one would you buy?  Show of hands how many would buy the 5$ pen.  Now let me tell you more about the product.  The 5-dollar pen has mechanism in it and ink.  The 6-dollar pen has « a deal of ink.  The 7 dollar pen has all the mechanics in it, full ink, comes with a life time warrantee and life time supply of ink.  Now which one would you buy?",Now that you know more about it you are able to make an informed educated decision. Make the wise choice.  Every day we are faced with choices in life.   Small to large.,"James 1:7,8;",Jim Kinkade,Decisions You Face--how Will You Make Them?,50,,"Oct 30, 2001",
"Decisions, Beginning, Adultery, Course, Life,",'He who chooses the beginning of a road chooses the place it leads to.  It is the means that determine the end.'  Quote: Harry Emerson Fosdick.,Our choices affect our lives.  We must make decisions based on God's Word.,Ecclesiastes 7:8,Familiar Quotations,Decide Now For Divine Rulership,37,,1995/06/25,
"Decisions, Bible, Life, Standard,",'Follow the course of least resistance' 'toss a coin' 'draw straws' Principles do not change. The finest standard is God's Word.,How do you make decisions?,Ecclesiastes. 1:9; Eph. 5:10; Prov. 16:25; Ps. 119:105;,"Nov 15, 1963 Wt Page 675",Decisions You Face--how Will You Make Them?,50,,,
"Decisions, Choice, Roads, Truth, Life, Frost, pioneer,","'THE ROAD NOT TAKEN'     Poem by Robert Frost.  Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,  And sorry I could not travel both  And be one traveler, long I stood  And looked down one as far as I could  To where it bent in the undergrowth.    Then took the other, as just as fair,  And having perhaps the better claim,  Because it was grassy and wanted wear;  Though as for that the passing there  Had worn them really about the same,    And both that morning equally lay  In leaves no step had trodden black.  Oh, I kept the first for another day!  Yet knowing how way leads on to way,  I doubted if I should ever come back.    I shall be telling this with a sigh  Somewhere ages and ages hence;  Two roads diverged in a wood, and I --  I took the one less traveled by,  And that has made all the difference. (Apparently a description of his life, when wondering whether to become a poet or not.)","The truth is like a road less traveled by the majority of people. However like the poem, it can bring a life of happiness and can make all the 'difference.'","Mt 7:13, 14;",Bobby Laymon,Decide Now For Divine Rulership,37,,,
"Decisions, Direction, Guidance, Bible, Rulership, Kingdom,","Who knows best how a home should be organized - loving, capable, experienced parents or young children?  The answer is obvious.","Similarly, the Creator of humans, our heavenly Father knows what is best for us.  He knows how human society should be organized and ruled.","Is 48:17-19; Jer 10:23, 24; Ro 8:21;","Apr 1, 1992 Wt Page 8",The Kingdom Of God Is Near,109,,,
"Decisions, Fork, Way,","Coming to St. Louis, did you come to any forks in the road?  You could choose the right way or the wrong way.",It is the same with the 'way of life.'  Some choose the wrong way.,John 12:42,Maurice Smith,Decisions You Face--how Will You Make Them?,50,,"Apr 23, 2002",
"Decisions, Greed, Selfish,","You cannot have the pie and eat it, too.",Decisions must be made.,"Eph. 5:3-5; 1 Tim. 4:12; 5:1, 2; 2 Cor. 9:11; John 13:35",Bobby Laymon,Decisions You Face--how Will You Make Them?,50,,,
"Decisions, Life, Opinions, World,","Take one mule between two stacks of hay.  If he can't make up his mind, which one he wants, he will starve to death.",We must decide whether to serve Jehovah God or Satan and his world.  We cannot stay in the middle.,Jos 24:15;,Shawn Crownover (Fred's Grandson),Decide Now For Divine Rulership,37,,,
"Decisions, Principles, Adjustment, Bible, Life, Wisdom","As you move down the road of life, sometimes it is only a minor adjustment in your speed or activity.  At other times you face a major fork in the road and need to make a long-range decision. Some decisions are clear-cut, but others are not black or white.",Do you search out Bible principles and use these for a guide? and Bible principles come to our rescue. (Examples: see article) Anybody can decide a question if only a single principle involved.,1 Pet. 4:15; 1 Cor. 10:14;,"Dec 15, 1967 Wt Page 762",Decide Now For Divine Rulership,37,,,
"Decisions, Sin, Weakness, Satan, Devil, Guilt,","Of two evils, the least should be chosen.",Best course is to choose neither.,"Rom. 3:23; 14:12; Rom. 7:21-23; Genesis. 2:16, 17; 1 John 3:4-9;",Bobby Laymon,Decisions You Face--how Will You Make Them?,50,,,
"Decisions, Will, Plans, Organization, Employment, Obey, Pioneer,","A 'mist' is a very fragile thing. Sometimes we say, 'If the good Lord's willing and the creek don't rise.' What will you do when you complete school?  Make plans for the rest of your life with Jehovah's organization.","Men's plans and decisions are like a 'mist.'  IBM, Ford, GMC, the corner store are all going 'out of business'",Jas. 4:13-15;,"Special One-day Assembly. Dave Mcmann - Bethel (sep 22, 1991)",Decide Now For Divine Rulership,37,w,,
"Decisions, Wisdom, Knowledge,",Rubber stamp. We must wait on Jehovah.,Jehovah won't rubber-stamp decisions we make if they are wrong.,Ps. 106:13,Larry Punko; C.O.,Acquiring A Heart Of Wisdom,73,,,
Decisions;,'Best to sleep on it.'  Quote:  French.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Decisions;,"'It does not take much strength to do things, but it requires great strength to decide on what to do.'  Quote:  Elbert Hubbard.",,,Jk Quotes;,Decisions You Face--how Will You Make Them?,50,,,
Decisions;,"When it is not necessary to make a decision, it is necessary not to make a decision.",Some decisions are already made for us in God's Word.  Such as truth and morality.,Prov. 6:16-19,Jk Quotes;,Decide Now For Divine Rulership,37,,,
Decisions; Indecision;,'Better to be wrong part of the time than to be undecided all of the time.',,,Jk Quotes;,Decisions You Face--how Will You Make Them?,50,,,
Decisions; Indecision;,"'I call him 'jigsaw' because every time he's faced with a problem, he goes to pieces.'  Quote:  Anonymous.",,,Jk Quotes;,Decisions You Face--how Will You Make Them?,50,,,
Decisions; Indecision;,'Indecision is the key to flexibility.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Decisions; Indecision;,"'Life gets tougher every day. Not, only must we decide what things we don't do, but in what order we won't do them.'",,,Jk Quotes;,Decide Now For Divine Rulership,37,,,
Decisions; Indecision;,'Some people have a hard time making decisions. They think the way to stay out of trouble is to stay out of sight.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Decisions; Indecision;,"'When a person tell you 'I'll think it over and let you know, You know.'  Quote:  Olin Miller.",,,Jk Quotes;,Decide Now For Divine Rulership,37,,,
Decisions; Indecision; Choice;,'A door must either be shut or open.'  Quote: Anon.,,,Jk Quotes;,Decisions You Face--how Will You Make Them?,50,,,
Decisions; Indecision; Choice;,'He who hunts two hares leaves one and loses the other.'  Quote:  Japanese.,,,Jk Quotes;,Decide Now For Divine Rulership,37,,,
Decisions; Indecision; Choice;,'I used to be indecisive but now I'm not sure!',,,Jk Quotes;,Decisions You Face--how Will You Make Them?,50,,,
Decisions; Indecision; Choice;,'Life often presents us with a choice of evils rather than of goods.',,,Jk Quotes;,Decisions You Face--how Will You Make Them?,50,,,
Decisions; Indecision; Choice;,'Some persons are very decisive when it comes to avoiding decisions.'  Quote:  Brenden Francis.,,,Jk Quotes;,Decisions You Face--how Will You Make Them?,50,,,
Decisions; Indecision; Choice;,'The absence of alternatives clears the mind marvelously.'  Quote:  Henry Kissinger.,,,Jk Quotes;,Decisions You Face--how Will You Make Them?,50,,,
Decisions; Indecision; Choice;,"'The man who insists upon seeing with perfect clearness before he decides, never decides.'",,,Jk Quotes;,Decisions You Face--how Will You Make Them?,50,,,
Decisions; Indecision; Choice;,'There is no more miserable human being than one in whom noting is habitual but indecision.' Quote:  William James,,,Jk Quotes;,Decisions You Face--how Will You Make Them?,50,,,
Decisions; Indecision; Choice;,"'When you have to make a choice and don't make it, that is in itself a choice.' Quote:  W. James",,,Jk Quotes;,Decide Now For Divine Rulership,37,,,
Decisions; Indecision; Funny;,'I'm not sure if I'm for or against folks who can't make up their minds.'  Quote:  Gil Stern.,,,Jk Quotes;,Decide Now For Divine Rulership,37,,,
"Decisions,","'My basic principle is that you don't make decisions because they are easy; you don't make them because they are cheap; you don't make them because they're popular; you make them because they're right.' Quote: Theodore Hesburgh, former president of Notre Dame.","We should base our decisions on God's Word, and they will always be right.",Josh. 24:15;,Bobby Laymon - Bits And Pieces,Decisions You Face--how Will You Make Them?,50,,1998/01/08,
"Decline, Priests, Christendom, Babylon, Waters,","'To rouse a village first rouse its priests,' advises a Japanese proverb.","But what priests? In the decade prior to 1983, the number of Catholic priests worldwide decreased by 7 percent. And in 15 years, nuns by 33 percent. Meanwhile, the outlook for replacements is gloomy. In less than 20 years, the enrollment at Catholic seminaries in the United States plummeted from 48,992 to 11,262.",Rev. 16:12;,G89 11/22 20,,,,1996/01/06,
Dedication,"Appointment,","Dedication, symbolize, baptism",Amos 3:3,Paul Smith,Choose Your Associates Wisely!,116,,,
Dedication,"Foxes have dens, birds have roosts, Son of man nowhere to lay",Requires abstinence,Luke 9:59,Jesus,How Purposeful Is Your Life?,60,,,
Dedication,"Grand evening meal, guests beg off for various reasons","Must be dedicated, active ministers",Luke 14:16-24,Jesus,How Purposeful Is Your Life?,60,,,
Dedication,Jesus illustration of 'sheep and goats' Jesus did not mention half-sheep or half-goats.,Must be one or the other.,Matt. 25,Carey Barber,How Purposeful Is Your Life?,60,,,
Dedication,"King, marching to battle, calculates",Must be willing to follow through,Luke 14:31-33,Jesus,How Purposeful Is Your Life?,60,,,
Dedication,Pick up and carry torture stake.  Written before Jesus put to death.  Common knowledge of most painful death.,"Must continue following Christ, regardless of hindrances",Luke 9:23-26,Jesus,How Purposeful Is Your Life?,60,,,
Dedication,"Salt, fine, but if it losses its strength, worthless",Must not give out,"Luke 14:34,35","Jesus; Feb 8, 1963 Aw Page 7",How Purposeful Is Your Life?,60,,,
Dedication,Slave for two master (practice two persons going together purchase slave),We cannot please Jehovah & Satan,Luke 16:13,Jesus,How Purposeful Is Your Life?,60,,,
Dedication,"Start to Build, unable to finish",Must be willing to follow through,Luke 14:28-30,Jesus,How Purposeful Is Your Life?,60,,,
Dedication - May Disrupt Family Life,Permit me to leave & bury my father.,World is dead; let dead bury their own.,"Luke 9:60, 61",Jesus,Family Life That Warms The Heart,5,,,
"Dedication, Baptism","Like flower starts of small bud that grows, Jehovah sees beauty even in bud.  We see it when it blooms","Those dedicated, Jehovah knows, because you have told him in prayer, but when baptized you are making dedication known to all.  You are in full bloom.","Mt 28:19, 20",Johnse Laymon,How Purposeful Is Your Life?,60,,,
"Dedication, Baptism,","'Who of you that wants to build a tower does not first sit down and count the expense, to see if he has enough to complete it?' Volunteering for many things, but all privileges in Jehovah's service.",A person thinking about dedication and baptism is called on to calculate what will be required of him.  It is a lifetime promise.,"Luke. 14:28; Ecclesiastes. 5:2, 4; Jas. 4:17; Ps. 40:8; Heb. 10:5-10;","May 15, 1968 Wt Page 307",How Purposeful Is Your Life?,60,,,
"Dedication, Baptism,","A king asked his three daughters how much they loved him.  Two of them replied that they loved him better than all gold and silver in the world. The youngest one said she loved him better than salt. The king was not  pleased with her answer, as he thought salt was not very palatable.  But the cook, overhearing the remark, put no salt in anything for breakfast next morning, and the meal was so insipid that the king could nor enjoy it.  He then saw the force of his daughter's remark.  She loved him so well that nothing was good without him.",Is that how it is with Jehovah.  Does our life center around Him and his activities.,Ps 27:4;,Peter Morgan,,,,1997/08/10,
"Dedication, Baptism,","A young man dates a young lady, tells her he love her, and takes her out to restaurants, and dancing.  Never asks her to marry him.  Does he love her?",Reluctance to getting baptized.,1 Pet. 3:21,Johnse Laymon,How Purposeful Is Your Life?,60,,,
"Dedication, Baptism,","All sorts of volunteers; firemen, candy stripers, armed forces. Part of dedication.",When we dedicate our lives to Jehovah we volunteer for all things.,Matt. 26:39; John 5:30; Heb. 10:9,Robert Schwarze,How Purposeful Is Your Life?,60,,,
"Dedication, Baptism,",Before one can undertake any assignment in life and be successful one must know something about the requirements of the assignment.,"For Baptism, one must know Jehovah's requirements and do God's will.",Ecclesiastes. 12:12-14;,"May 15, 1968 Wt Page 303",How Purposeful Is Your Life?,60,,,
"Dedication, Baptism,",DEDICATION  and baptism is a great prison-breaking work!,"TENS of thousands of men and women each year, more than a thousand a week on the average, are gaining their freedom from the prison houses of false religions.","Gal. 5:1; 2 Cor. 3:16, 17; Heb. 3:12; 11:6,",W56 7/1 403,Resisting The Spirit Of The World,25,,1994/08/09,
"Dedication, Baptism,",DEDICATION is like taking out citizenship in the new world.,"When one makes an unconditional dedication to Jehovah he becomes an alien to this old devilish world, and the formal ceremony of baptism is in effect an oath before witnesses confirming this fact.",Heb. 11:13; 1 Pet. 2:11;,W56 7/1 404,What God's Rulership Can Do For Us,24,,1994/08/09,
"Dedication, Baptism,","HOW do athletes reach their peak performance?  In tennis, soccer, basketball, baseball, track, golf, or any other sport, the best reach the top only by unwavering dedication.  Physical and mental conditioning are priorities.","This fits well with one of the definitions of the word, 'dedicated,' which is 'wholly committed to a particular course of thought or action.'  However the Bible translates a Hebrew verb that has the meaning, 'keep separate; be separated; withdraw.'",Exodus 29:6;39:30; Leviticus 21:12;,"Feb 1, 2001 Wt Page 14","Living, Not For Self, But To Do God's Will",8,,"Mar 17, 2001",
"Dedication, Baptism,","If there is no contract, there is no responsibility or obligation to perform the terms of a contract.","So, if there is no dedication, the undedicated person is not expected to live up to the terms of the dedication never made.  Neither is Jehovah under contract to give life to unappreciative, selfish or unfaithful persons.","Mal 3:16, 17; Ecclesiastes 12: 12, 13;",W55 6/15 376,Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,063,,1994/08/09,7/12/2025
"Dedication, Baptism,","If you meet a new person, you start a spark that can continue to grow.",It is like that with Jehovah.  We never want to stop talking to our new friend; or do things grudgingly with Him.,"Matt 28:19, 20;",Brother Fitzsimons,,,,1996/04/29,
"Dedication, Baptism,","IT IS like an initiation.  The dedication of a person or thing initiates the person or thing into some way, course or use, but it does not necessarily mean putting such to a holy or sacred employment.","However, when we dedicate ourselves to the living and true God, then we do set ourselves apart to a holy life, a life separate, that is to say, different from the course of this world.",Deuteronomy 20:5;,W52 5/15 315,What God's Rulership Can Do For Us,24,,1994/08/10,
"Dedication, Baptism,","LIKE a marriage ceremony, that is carried out publicly as an announcement or testimony before witnesses to establish legally that  which an individual has already determined in his heart and mind.","Instead of this being an initiating secret rite, performed in hiding or in seclusion, baptism according to the Scriptures is an open, formal ceremony, like a marriage ceremony.",2 Cor. 13:1; Matt. 18:16; Deuteronomy. 19:15,W56 7/1 403-4,What God's Rulership Can Do For Us,24,,1994/08/09,
"Dedication, Baptism,","Man walking by field, watching workers harvest crops.  It looks enjoyable, and he joins them, though not signing up. Best people he ever met.  When time to receive pay he was passed over.  He had no contract.",We must make contract with Jehovah through dedication & baptism. Ask: What prevents me from getting baptized?,1 Pet. 3:21; Amos 3:3;,Johnse Laymon,How Purposeful Is Your Life?,60,,,
"Dedication, Baptism,","Since dedication marked the beginning, it may be likened to the individual's birthday; that is, the beginning of his new life.","Prior to this time only a very small measure of human life was enjoyed, and that was under condemnation because of our being patterned in Adam's fallen state.  Dedication is the beginning of a new life.",Exodus. 20:5; 34:14; Deuteronomy. 4:24; 6:15.,W58 8/1 470,What Is Your Relationship With God?,87,,1994/08/09,
"Dedication, Baptism,",Studying and dedication like drawing up a contract.,Baptism is like signing the dotted line.,1 Pet. 3:21; Amos 3:3;,Johnse Laymon,How Purposeful Is Your Life?,60,,,
"Dedication, Baptism,",We might liken this to a person who has been the recipient of many blessings and wants to do something in return for his benefactor to show his appreciation.,The Psalmist felt that way and stated it in these words:,Ps. 116:12-14;,"May 15, 1968 Wt Page 302",How Purposeful Is Your Life?,60,,,
"Dedication, Baptism,","When it was raining you went.  Neither scorching heat, freezing weather, sleet or snow prevented you from doing it!  And there they are!","The results of your labor and efforts.  Sitting here before you as dedicated servants of Jehovah, about to be baptized.","Mt 28:19, 20;",Johnse Laymon,How Purposeful Is Your Life?,60,,1994/08/06,
"Dedication, Baptism,","Worker, helps gather crops, but doesn't sign up.  Must sign up, OR HE DOESN'T GET PAID!",If one doesn't get baptized he can lose out on the reward.,"Matt 28:19, 20",Wt,How Purposeful Is Your Life?,60,,,
"Dedication, Baptism,",You cannot straddle the fence.,We must be whole-hearted for Jehovah.,"1 Pet. 3:21; Ps. 40:8,",Bobby Laymon,How Purposeful Is Your Life?,60,,,
"Dedication, Baptism, Age, Progress, Improvement, Older, Learn,",SOME feel that 'you can't teach an old dog new tricks.',"Yet, recall that faithful Abraham was 75 years old when Jehovah told him: 'Go out from your land and from your relatives and come on into the land I shall show you.'   Moses was 80 when Jehovah commissioned him: 'Bring my people . . . out of Egypt.'   These men and others all were well established in their way of life.","Acts 7:3; Ge 12:1, 4; Exodus 3:10;",W92 10/1 22,How Purposeful Is Your Life?,60,,1994/05/12,
"Dedication, Baptism, Age, Progress, Improvement, Older, Learn,",Some may quote the old proverb: 'You cannot teach an old dog new tricks!',"That may be true of dogs, but people are not animals. Even the  elderly can and do learn if they really wish to know and serve Jehovah. You may know of some who have done so.",Pr 3:14; Pr 25:11;,W90 7/1 30,How Purposeful Is Your Life?,60,,1994/05/13,
"Dedication, Baptism, Appreciation, Thankfulness,","SOME men and women, like blood-sucking leeches, are determined to draw and drain all of the provisions they can from life, taking everything for themselves and giving nothing in return.","Jehovah God does not give life to unappreciative, selfish or unfaithful persons.  We owe him heart devotion, appreciation, love, gratitude, integrity, uprightness and contention for those things that are godly.","Mal 3:16, 17; Ecclesiastes 12: 12, 13;",W55 6/15 376,A Clean People Honors Jehovah,14,,1994/08/09,
"Dedication, Baptism, Decisions,","Near a lake, three small animals were talking about what they would do if the lion arrived. The lamb said he would run away.  The little bird said he would fly. But the duck said that at the time he would decide, for he could run, fly, or swim.  The lion suddenly arrived and the lamb ran away, the bird fled, but the duck could not decide if he would run, fly, or swim. During the time he was thinking about it, the lion ate him.","The ones who have not decided now about their dedication to God can have that same fate. The lion, Satan, will also eat them. We must decide now to serve Jehovah.",Josh. 24:15,Goldman Collection,Decisions You Face--how Will You Make Them?,50,,"Jan 21, 2001",
"Dedication, Baptism, Devotion, Exclusive,",DEDICATION is in some ways like a divorce!  The dedication that has the most meaning and is of the greatest importance is when an individual divorces himself from all other pursuits and solemnly offers himself to a divine person in a devotion to Jehovah God.,"Dedication to The Divine Person must be unconditional, without reservations. It cannot be a divided devotion or dedication, because a dedication with reservations would be invalid in the sight of Jehovah God. He requires absolute or exclusive devotion.  There is no such thing as a partial dedication.",Exodus. 20:5; 34:14; Deuteronomy. 4:24; 6:15.,W58 8/1 465-6,What Is Your Relationship With God?,87,,1994/08/09,
"Dedication, Baptism, Disciple,","If a plowman allowed himself to be distracted from the work at hand, he would make crooked furrows. We cannot express our desire to be a disciple and then stipulate the condition.","Similarly, the person who is invited to Christian discipleship but permits himself to be turned aside from carrying out the attendant responsibilities would become unfit for God's Kingdom.","Luke 9:61, 62",Insight Book,How Purposeful Is Your Life?,60,,,
"Dedication, Baptism, Discipline, Correction, Adjust,","'No horse ever gets anywhere until he is harnessed. No steam or gas ever drives anything until it is confined. No Niagara is ever turned into light and power until it is tunneled. No life ever grows great until it is focused, dedicated, disciplined.'  Quote: Harry Emerson Fosdick.",We must take control of our lives if we want to be successful.  Dedication is a milestone in doing this.,Ecclesiastes 7:8,Familiar Quotations,"Living, Not For Self, But To Do God's Will",8,,1995/06/25,
"Dedication, Baptism, Dreams, Zeal,",'Dreams and dedication are a powerful combination.'  Quote: William Longgood.,How much more so when the dreams are replaced by promises from Jehovah and we dedicate our lives to them.,Heb 6:18;,Bobby Laymon - Reader's Digest,How Should You Serve God?,58,,1996/03/24,
"Dedication, Baptism, Hall,","DURING all time people have dedicated themselves to many causes, and they have dedicated many other things besides themselves. The law of Moses let a drafted man dedicate a house which he had built, before he was inducted into the theocratic army of Israel. King David dedicated his house, and a psalm was composed for the occasion.",The greatest dedication we can make is to dedicate ours lives to Jehovah and the doing of His will forever.,Deuteronomy 20:5;,W52 5/15 315,What God's Rulership Can Do For Us,24,,1994/08/10,
"Dedication, Baptism, Happiness, Dull, Joy, Pioneer,",What will you tell your grandchildren in God's new world?  Will you tell them how big your home was; Your fancy car? Your bank account?  Those things will be of no importance then.,We will tell them about what our lives are centered on.  Service to Jehovah.  Experiences! Joy!,Mt. 28:18-20; Ps 1:1-3; Ac 20:35;,Gary Breaux (District Overseer.),Serve Jehovah With A Joyful Heart,78,,,
"Dedication, Baptism, Happiness, Dull, Joy, Pioneer, Faith,","When you get a new car it is easy to care for.  You wash it, shine hubcaps, clean windows, polish it.  After you have had it awhile, it becomes 'old news' and we begin to neglect it. (However some care for and it becomes a classic)","We must never allow the truth to become 'old news'.  We must care for it, and it will become of greater value in time to come. (must not walk, sit or stand in the way of sinners)",Ps 1:1-3; Ac 20:35;,Gary Breaux (District Overseer.),Serve Jehovah With A Joyful Heart,78,,,
"Dedication, Baptism, Happiness, Joy,",'Most people ask for happiness on condition.  Happiness can be felt only if you don't set any conditions.'  Quote: Arthur Rubinstein.,Our dedication is like that.  Jehovah is the one who sets conditions and he is the one who gives us happiness.,"Heb 12:1, 2;",Bobby Laymon - Reader's Digest,Finding Honor And Joy In God's Ministry,65,,1996/03/22,
"Dedication, Baptism, Holiness, Holy,","Plate - A sign of dedication. 'Corbin' means dedicated. Not what the world says is Holy but what Jehovah says is 'Holy.' Our lives in worship is Holy. Israel had to be clean, holy to carry utensils of Jehovah out of Babylon.",Developing Holiness. The anointed are holy. Ps. 105:15; Develop: from a state not apparent to one that is apparent.,"Exodus. 39:30; Acts 2:41, 42; Mark 7:9-13; 1 Pet. 1:22, 23a; Isa. 35:",Phil Kirkton; Bethel Notes: Talk: Harold Jackson,How Purposeful Is Your Life?,60,,,
"Dedication, Baptism, Joy,","Our bond of dedication to Jehovah calls for other bonds -- The family bond, the marriage bond, the bond of love in the Christian congregation.","Think of all the things God's people can do together!  (see article)  Is this bond of dedication a hardship?  Rather it is a constant joy, bringing refreshment and satisfaction not experienced by others of the world of mankind.",Eph 5:33; 6:1-4; Col 3:14;,"Sep 15, 1971 Wt Page 556",Serve Jehovah With A Joyful Heart,78,,1993/11/17,
"Dedication, Baptism, Living Up, Whole-souled, Harvest, Quit,",We cannot be like someone who starts to plow a field and then gives up partway through because it is too much hard work or because the harvest seems to be too far off or by no means certain.,"Consider the examples of some who put their 'hands to the plow,' and stuck it out, through thick and thin.",Luke 9:62;,"Feb 1, 2001 Wt Page 14",How Purposeful Is Your Life?,60,,"Mar 17, 2001",
"Dedication, Baptism, Marriage,","In these days when selfishness has gone to seed, it seems that marriage is often viewed as a step taken and done with, rather than a relationship entered into to be maintained and guarded. This, maybe, is the reason why so many drift so quickly onto the rocks.","Let us guard well, at all costs and at all times, our complete and unselfish heart-devotion to Jehovah, which is the very essence of our dedication vows.",Prov 23:26;,W52 8/15 508,How Purposeful Is Your Life?,60,,1994/08/09,
"Dedication, Baptism, Maturity, Growth,","Children are always anxious to escape just a milk diet or that of softened food. They are anxious to eat the solid food that they observe their parents partaking of, because they recognize that solid food belongs to mature people.","And so it is with Christians, we need to progress after baptism, as counseled by Paul: 'But solid food belongs to mature people, to those who through use have their perceptive powers trained to distinguish both right and wrong.",Heb. 5:14-6:2.,W58 8/1 470,"Come, You Who Thirst For The Truth!",89,,1994/08/09,
"Dedication, Baptism, Mildness, Yoke,","A team of oxen are under the same yoke. They both pull together. The yoke Jesus invites us to take upon ourselves is not a yoke of idleness. It is a yoke of complete dedication to God, as a disciple of Jesus Christ.","Jesus invites us to 'get under his yoke with him,' and he would assist us. (See footnote rendering in NWT Reference Bible)",Mt. 16:24-26; 19:16-29; Luke. 13:24;,"Oct 15, 1991 Wt Page 24",How Purposeful Is Your Life?,60,,,
"Dedication, Baptism, Pioneer,","Dedication is no bargaining agreement, but an unconditional surrender, based on trust in God.  'If you can't beat them, join them.'",It is required to gain a good conscience; it is the wise thing to do; it is the loving thing to do out of gratitude for all that God has done for us.,1pe 3:21;,"Nov 1, 1968 Wt Page 667",How Purposeful Is Your Life?,60,,,
"Dedication, Baptism, Pride, Over-confidence,",The Bible states: 'Better is the end afterward of a matter than its beginning.',Baptism is a beginning-the beginning of the Christian race for salvation to life. Certainly no lengthy record of faithful service has yet been established. So why cause the newly converted ones to feel unduly self-important?,Ecclesiastes 7:8; 1 Tim 3:6;,W85 6/1 30-1,'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,1994/08/09,
"Dedication, Baptism, Relationship,","Like two magnets.  The closer they are to each other, the stronger the drawing power or attachment will be.","Likewise with Jehovah.  They more we draw near to him, the stronger our relationship will be.","Jas 4:7, 8;","'joyful Praisers Dist. Convention'  June 9-11, 1995; Kc, Mo; Allen Cyiacki",Keep Growing In Your Relationship With God,16,,1995/06/12,
"Dedication, Baptism, Responsibilities.","Duty is like a man's shadow. Though he may cast his eyes from it, it follows him, even as he flees. We must not avoid responsibilities.","At baptism, we take on many responsibilities.","Ecclesiastes. 12:13; 1 Pet. 3:21; Ps. 40:8,",Bobby Laymon,How Purposeful Is Your Life?,60,,,
"Dedication, Baptism, Service,","Like back ground music, pleasant to listen, but it doesn't interfere with what is really important.","This is how people feel about a commitment today.  Dedication  to Jehovah, baptism, is O.K. as long as it doesn't interfere with important things.",Matt 13  Look For Productiveness,Sam  Herd Pioneer Meeting,How Should You Serve God?,58,,,6/28/2018
"Dedication, Baptism, Service, Preaching, Opposers, Persecution,",Jesus was out to find SHEEP; not to de-horn GOATS!,We must not forget the purpose of our preaching work.,"Is 61:1, 2; Acts 1:8; Mt 10:13, 14;","Divine Teaching Dist. Assy.  Jul 1-4, 1993 (Memphis) Don Friend",How Should You Serve God?,58,,,
"Dedication, Baptism, Service, Zeal, Will, Self,","List of what we have: 2 eyes, 2 ears, 1 mouth, 1 car, $__ etc. Not all use wisely.",All have some assets to glorify Jehovah.,Rev 4:11 Luke 2:14; Rom 1:20-27;,Bobby Laymon,"Living, Not For Self, But To Do God's Will",8,,,
"Dedication, Baptism, Subjection, Youth,","'I have a hat, and I have a bat.'","Sister Blankenship, explaining to her 12 year-old son, newly baptized, how she could be submissive, but also firm for obedience",Eph 6:1-4;,"Divine Teaching District Assembly.  Memphis July 1-4, 1993",How Can Youths Cope With Today's Crisis?,113,,,
"Dedication, Baptism, Time, Future, Present, Youth, Wisdom,","'Yesterday is a canceled check, tomorrow is a promissory note, today is ready  cash - - spend it ... wisely.'  Quote: Kay Lions.",We must live our lives in a way that will honor Jehovah.  We should count our day to show wisdom in all we do.,Psalm 90:12;,Bobby Laymon,Acquiring A Heart Of Wisdom,73,,1995/06/13,
"Dedication, Baptism, Training, Minister, Progress, Growth, Patience,",A man who has never farmed would not dream of going out and buying land and starting to farm it without learning something about the methods of farming and getting instructions first.,"In like manner a period of study, congregation instruction and training are necessary before an individual can take up the ministerial service.","Luke 8:1, 2; 9:1, 2;",W61 4/1 204,Who Are Qualified As Ministers Of God?,81,,1994/07/30,
"Dedication, Baptism, Transforming,","'(MAN) is like a rubber ball which has lost its elasticity, and preserves indefinitely every impression that is made upon it. He is under the thumb of the mass, and he draws from it the opinions on which he lives...'  Quote: The Decay and Restoration of Civilization.","When we dedicate our lives to Jehovah, we are no longer 'under the thumb of the mass,' but we begin to think God's thoughts which are higher than man's thoughts.  Our elasticity comes back, as we reflect that we are made in 'God's image.'",Isa 55:9;,W58 8/1 471,Is The Truth Transforming Your Life?,51,,1994/08/09,
"Dedication, Baptism, Trust, Faith,","It's been said, 'Don't put all your eggs in one basket.'","When we dedicate our lives to Jehovah, we do just that.  We put all our trust and faith in Jehovah and it is not misplaced.",Rom 14:8; 1 Sam 17:45;,"Mar 1, 1995 Wt Page 10; Comment By David Herr",Have Faith In The Good News,47,,1995/04/16,
"Dedication, Baptism, Weak, Strong, Will, Volunteer,","Dedication is not a matter of being spineless, weak-willed. It is a matter of being determined, strong-willed, of subjecting that strong will to the will of Jehovah God.","Jesus did not say: 'I hate to do your will, but I must. I am forced to.' The prophecy shows him as saying: 'I delight to do thy will, O my God.' In this the individual exercises his own free will.",Ps 40:8;,W55 6/15 376-7,How Purposeful Is Your Life?,60,,1994/08/09,
"Dedication, Baptism, Wealth, Materialism, Money,",Spiritual bank account.,"Let us accrue something positive in a spiritual sense each day, building, as it were, a healthy, spiritual bank account.",Matt. 6:30;,"Feb 1, 2001 Wt Page 18","Living, Not For Self, But To Do God's Will",8,,"Mar 17, 2001",
"Dedication, Baptism, Whole, Goals, Whole-souled,","Two men were working on a building.  The first was asked, 'What are you doing?'  He replied, 'Laying brick.'  The other was asked 'What are you doing?'  He replied, 'Building a temple.'  Which of the two men is more likely to see the work all the way through?","Likewise with our dedication to Jehovah.  We need to be whole-souled.  We need to see it all the way through, and have both long-range and short-range goals.",Eph 6:6;,Brother Fitzsimmons,Finding Honor And Joy In God's Ministry,65,,1997/05/12,
"Dedication, Baptism, Wisdom, Intelligence, Worship","A beautiful gem reflects the glory of God's handiwork but it cannot carry on pure worship, because it is inanimate.  The lilies of the field, the lovely animal creatures, the lions, ravens, wild goats, ass, wild ox, ostrich, horse, locust, hawk, eagle cannot worship Jehovah God. Because they are not intelligent.","Integrity, love, uprightness, do not apply below man. They apply to man and on up in the scale of God's creation. They are qualities of worship.  Only man and those above him can dedicate their lives to Jehovah.",Heb 2:7-9;,W55 6/15 370,Is This Life All There Is?,36,,1994/08/09,
"Dedication, Baptism, Worship, Integrity, Loyalty,","A beautiful gem reflects the glory of the one whose handiwork it is but it cannot carry on pure religion, because it is inanimate. We know the beauties of nature that decorate our earth.  They honor their Maker, but do not join in worship of him, yet they never fail regarding their purpose.","Integrity, love, uprightness, these and other related qualities, do not apply below man.  They are qualities of worship. It takes INTELLIGENCE to worship.  'Dedication requires a decision!'  It cannot be side-stepped.  It must be met.",Pr 1:7; 9:10; Ps 19:1; Ps 14:1; Job 32:8;,"Jun 15, 1955 Wt Page 370",How Purposeful Is Your Life?,60,,,
"Dedication, Baptism, Worship, Integrity, Loyalty,","Dedication is a 'calculated step' with appreciation as to what is involved.  It is a calmly considered matter in the light of facts. Not: under stress and excitement of a revival, 'hitting the sawdust trail' as it were.  Not a matter of emotions.",This is well shown by what Jesus stated concerning figuring out the expense before a project is undertaken.,"Luke 14:28-33; Gal 6:8; Acts 10:3-5;30, 31, 44;","Jun 15, 1955 Wt Page 378",How Purposeful Is Your Life?,60,,,
"Dedication, Baptism, Worship, Integrity, Loyalty,","If there is no contract, there is no responsibility or obligation to perform the terms of a contract.  So, if there is no dedication the undedicated person is not expected to live up to the terms of dedication, never made. Then, would it be better for one to abstain from dedication?","No, that would be a fatal mistake in this day of judgment.  Why? Because lack of knowledge, appreciation, or else selfishness is what prevents a person from making a dedication.  Jehovah does not give life to unappreciative, selfish or unfaithful persons.",Pr 1:7; 9:10; Ps 19:1; Ps 14:1; Job 32:8;,"Jun 15, 1955 Wt Page 376",How Purposeful Is Your Life?,60,,,
"Dedication, Baptism, Worship, Integrity, Loyalty,","Jehovah God is not obligated to grant life to men and women who, like blood-sucking leeches, are determined to draw and drain all of the provisions that Jehovah has made, taking everything for themselves and giving nothing in return.  Jesus did not say, 'I hate to do your will, but I must.  I am forced to.'",We need to give him in return: Heart devotion; appreciation; love; gratitude; integrity; uprightness; and contention for those things that are godly.,Ps 40:8; Pr 1:7; 9:10; Ps 19:1; Ps 14:1; Job 32:8;,"Jun 15, 1955 Wt Page 376",How Purposeful Is Your Life?,60,,,
"Dedication, Baptism, Worship, Religion, Self, Meetings",Take a page and turn down a corner of it.  It is only a small portion of the whole.,"We live in an era when many people are content to give religion a relatively small corner of their lives.  They may attend some religious services, but few do so regularly.",Jas 1:27;,"Jun 1, 1994 Wt Page 8",HAS BABYLON'S JUDGMENT HOUR ARRIVED?,155,w,1994/04/28,
"Dedication, Baptism, Zeal, Self, Will,","Hitchhiker - Depends on others too much.  May not get where he is going.  Others buy the car, gasoline, tires, insurance, and the hitch-hiker says, 'Bye!'",We cannot expect to hitch-hike into Jehovah's New World of righteousness.  Children cannot expect to come under parents merits if old enough to make a decision.,Luke 13:24; Ga 6:5,Dist. Assembly,"Living, Not For Self, But To Do God's Will",8,w,,
"Dedication, Commitment, Contribution, Whole,","A chicken and pig were walking towards town and they came across a restaurant that was advertising a ham and eggs special. The chicken said to the pig - you know, I think we should go in there and make a contribution! The pig answered back - for you its a contribution - for me its a commitment!","What about us? Do we make a contribution, or do we make a commitment in our service to Jehovah.",Matt 22:37;,Peter Morgan,,,,1997/08/10,
"Dedication, Commitment, Contribution, Whole,","Once upon a time, there was a village where the townspeople wanted to take care of those who were less fortunate than they. Each agreed to contribute a sack of grain for those in the neighborhood who were elderly, ill or poor.  A large vat was put in the village square where the sacks were to be emptied. The day appointed for the opening of the vat arrived. The villagers assembled, a trumpet blew, the cover was lifted with great ceremony, and . . . . the vat was empty.  Each villager, thinking, 'My little bit of grain will not be missed', had failed to respond.","Like the villagers we have a commitment to Jehovah, as evidenced by our baptism, to assist others by preaching and teaching them. Are we doing our share? How about work in the congregation? Are we leaving this work up to others, or do we have an active share, always looking to progress.",Matt 22:37;,Peter Morgan,,,,1997/08/10,
"Dedication, Commitment, Self, Will,","A chicken and a pig were walking down the street. They saw a long line of people in front of a large building. Over the door of this building was a sign which read: HELP THE POOR - FEED THE POOR.  'I know what we can do to help the poor' said the chicken, 'we can give them a HAM and EGG breakfast'.   'That's all right for you to say' said the pig, 'you are just making a contribution, but for me that's A TOTAL COMMITMENT'.",What are we doing in Jehovah's work?  Are we just making a contribution or a commitment to serve Jehovah forever?,Rev 4:11;,Joe Scaglione D. O.,"Living, Not For Self, But To Do God's Will",8,w,1997/03/12,
"Dedication, Marked, Baptism,","To this present time sectarian marks are put upon the foreheads, arms, or other parts of the body among the Hindus and other devotees in India.  In Bible times it was also customary to set marks on servants and slaves, to distinguish them from others.","Now, you may not mark yourself or submit yourself to being marked with such a literal mark on your person, but, just the same, you cannot escape being marked in the Bible sense to a certain destiny.",Ezekiel 9:4-6;,W52 5/15 304,Are You 'marked' For Survival?,34,,1994/08/10,
"Dedication, Memorial, Baptism, Ransom, Appreciation, Love,","Suppose you had been rescued from drowning.  Could you just go home, dry off, and forget about it?  Of Course not!  You would feel indebted to the person who rescued you.  After all, you owe that person your life.","Do we owe Jehovah God and Jesus Christ any less?  Without the ransom, each of us would drown, as it were, in sin and death.  Instead, because of this great act of love, we have the prospect of living forever.","Rom 5:12, 18; 1pet 2:24;","Jun 15, 1995 Wt Page 14",Why Mankind Needs A Ransom,125,s,1995/05/09,
"Dedication, Prayer, Baptism, Family, Organization, Friends,","TALKING with each other is a basic requirement of friendship. Not that friends have to be talking all the time, but there has to be communication. In a family, it is imperative that they keep on talking with each other. Failure to do so would mean that they were drifting apart, even though sharing the same roof, bed and meals.","Talking things over with Jehovah results in understanding, trust and affection. Then, as in a family,  each knows what is on the other's mind and heart, and what his cares, needs and aspirations are.",Rom 12:12;,W63 2/15 113,Communication--within The Family And With God,30,,1994/08/09,
"Dedication, Prayer, Baptism, Family, Organization, Friends, Depression, Stress,","It has well been said, 'grieves shared are halved, joys shared are doubled.'","Due to our having made a dedication to Jehovah God we belong to  him, being either his adopted sons or prospective grandsons. Jehovah God and we have mutual interests, chief of which is the vindication of Jehovah's name, and, secondary, our own salvation.  We should share our grieves and joys with Jehovah.",Rom 12:12;,W63 2/15 113,You Can Find Joy In Serving God,103,,1994/08/09,
Dedication; Baptism; Action; Doing;,'The shortest answer is doing.'  Quote: Anonymous.,"Three things are necessary to keep us alive physically: Food, Shelter, Clothing.  One more must be added if we are to be successful spiritually.  Dedication and baptism!","John 4:23, 24; Ps. 50:10;",Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Deed;,'A noble deed is a step toward God.'  Quote:  J.G. Holland.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Deed;,'Every noble activity makes room for itself.'  Quote:  Ralph W. Emerson.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Deeds; Action; Effort; Busy; Experience;,"The deed is everything, the glory is naught. The more we do, the more we can do. The more busy we are, the more leisure we have.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Deeds; Action; Talk Is Cheap;,A man of words and not of deeds is like a garden full of weeds.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Deeds; Action; Talk Is Cheap; Knowledge;,"'It doesn't make any difference what we know, its what we do that counts.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Deeds; Consequences;,Our acts make or mar us. We are the children of our own deeds.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Deeds; Good;,'To be doing good deeds is man's most glorious task.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Deeds; Good;,How far that little candle throws his beams! So shines a good deed in a naughty world.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Deeds; Personality; Action;,Our deeds determine us as much as we determine our deeds.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Deeds; Personality; Action; Conduct;,"'As one acts and conducts himself, so does he become.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Deeds; Personality; Action; Conduct; Good; Evil;,'The doer of good becomes good. The doer of evil becomes evil.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Deeds; Personality; Action; Conduct; Good; Evil; Virtue; Bad;,"'One becomes virtuous by virtuous action, bad by bad action.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Deeds; Talk Is Cheap;,"'Speak out in acts, the time for words has passed.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Deeds; Talk Is Cheap; Example; Hypocrisy;,'What you do speaks so loud that I cannot hear what you say.'  Quote:  Ralph W. Emerson.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Deeds; Work; Ideas;,'It is by acts and not by ideas that people live.'  Quote:  Anatole France.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Default, Organization, Loyalty, Faithful, Choose, Truth,","On computer programs you may be prompted for an answer.  It may be a simple (Y)es or (N)o.  You can ignore the prompt, hit enter and go on, and it will automatically choose a default for you, in most cases the right one.","With life, it is different.  You can choose Jehovah's organization, but if you bypass that choice, you will 'by default' be choosing Satan's organization.",Matt 12:30; Josh 24:15;,Bobby Laymon,Serving With Jehovah's Unified Organization,3,,1995/01/31,
"Defilement, Clean, Sin,","Imagine this scenario. Take a glass and a teaspoon, go outside,  put a teaspoon of dirt in the glass, then come back inside and fill  the glass with water. What do you have? A glass with murky water.","Our heart is that glass, because the Bible tells us that the inclination  of our heart is bad from our youth up. But it doesn't have to stay that  way. We can leave that glass there under the tap with clean water  going in. What happens? Eventually the dirt overflows with the water  and leaves the glass. There may be a bit of heavy sediment [inherited sin) that stays and keeps circulating as the water keeps going in, but the murkiness clears. Alternatively, we can take that glass and put it under a tap which gushes forth dirty water.",Isaiah 33:15,Bobby Laymon,Keep Clean From Worldly Defilements,98,,1997/03/30,7/27/2018
"Deists, Atheism, Religion, Christendom, Faith, Worship","Deists claimed that, much like a watchmaker, God set his creation in motion and then turned his back on it all, remaining coldly uninvolved.","Dissatisfied with religion, many philosophers became deists; they believed in God but maintained that he had no interest in man.",Heb 3:4; Titus 1:16; Ps 14:1;,"Dec 1, 1994 Wt Page 4",Evidence Of God In The World Around Us,4,,1994/10/25,
"Delay, Armageddon, Last Days,","Did you ever see a mouse caught in a trap?  It is never caught right across the middle.  It depends on its speed and thinks it cannot get caught.  It is usually caught by one leg, or by the nose.","Likewise, those who think they can jump right into the organization before Armageddon.  It is coming as a snare.  They will get caught.",Luke 21:34-36;,Joe Laymon,Ruining The Earth Brings Divine Retribution,106,,,
"Delay, Warnings, Last Days, Pompeii, Materialism,","Three families, 7 adults & 6 children ran desperately for their lives. They apparently huddled together, hoping to ride out the storm, but a new terror arrived.  There was no choice but to run. (apparently wealthy) All 13 lay hidden until uncovered almost 2,000 years later.","What happened in Pompeii nearly 2000 years ago in many ways parallels the situation facing the entire human race. A global sign, far more ominous than the thundering of Mount Vesuvius, is serving notice that the present world is facing destruction.",Mt 24:21;,"Mar 1, 1993 Wt Page 3",Reach Out For The Real Life!,90,,,
"Delegate, Ability, Overseer, Elders, Oversight, Progress,",'Executive ability is deciding quickly and getting somebody else to do the work.'  Quote:  John Pollard.,A brother who learns to delegate will also help others to progress in the truth and have Jehovah's spirit.,Nu 11:17;,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Deliverance, Oppression, Persecution, Egypt, Armageddon,","After the death of Joseph, what the Israelites experienced might seem like a hot furnace into which they had been hurled.",What a relief they experience when Jehovah delivered them.  The same will be true when Jehovah delivers his people today.,"Exodus 1:13, 14; Deuteronomy 4:20;",Survival Into A Righteous New World   Page 169,Bearing Up Under Persecution,57,,,
Delusion; Self-deceit;,'The worst deluded are the self-deluded.'  Quote:  Christian Bovee.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Demon, Satan, Devil, Music, Movies, Entertainment, World, Virtue, Vice,",It is like finding a 'good apple' in a whole barrel of 'rotten apples.',"Finding virtue in the world, among all its vice, is next to impossible.  The music you listen to can entice a demon into your life.  Why look for good in the world's music, movies, entertainment.",Eph 6:16;,"'joyful Praisers Dist. Convention'  June 9-11, 1995; Kc, Mo; Gerald Grizzle",How To Protect Ourselves From Satan's Snares,115,,1995/06/12,
"Demon, Satan, Devil, Sex,",'No trespassing' signs are posted to keep out unauthorized persons.,The angels 'trespassed' on the sexual realm.  They had not been authorized to marry or have sex with women.,Genesis 6:2-6;,"'joyful Praisers Dist. Convention'  June 9-11, 1995; Kc, Mo; Gerald Grizzle",A Godly View Of Sex And Marriage,13,,1995/06/12,
Demons,Eat rotten meat to find out what it's like to have food poisoning.  Bible satisfies our needs.  Matt 5:3,Curiosity about demonic.,"Luke 9:42  Acts 19:16  Deuteronomy 18:10, 11","Awake Mar 8, 1990 Page 15",How To Protect Ourselves From Satan's Snares,115,,,
Demons,"Honey on a sharp knife.  In trying to lick the honey off the knife, you may lose tongue.","No matter how appealing, resist; refuse any invitation.","Deuteronomy 18:10, 11 Acts 19:19","Awake Mar 8, 1990 Page 15",How To Protect Ourselves From Satan's Snares,115,,,
Demons,Open door to horrifying experiences.,"Withdrawn, fear, depression, inflict harm on selves & other",Luke 9:42  Acts 19:16,"Awake Mar 8, 1990 Page 14",How To Protect Ourselves From Satan's Snares,115,,,
Demons,"Whirlpool.  Don't toy with ESP, tarot cards, Ouija board, glass game etc.","Common thread, being sucked deeper & deeper, Satanic Whirlpool","Luke 9:42  Acts 19:16  Deuteronomy 18:10, 11","Awake Mar 8, 1990 Page 14",How To Protect Ourselves From Satan's Snares,115,,,
Demons Or Unclean Spirits,Search for resting place; went back to former lodging,Must be careful; not allow Satan & demons to fill vacuum in minds,Luke 11:15-23,Jesus,A Clean People Honors Jehovah,14,,,
"Demons, Occult, Charms, Luck,",'Shallow men believe in luck ... Strong men believe in cause and effect.' Quote: Essayist Ralph Waldo Emerson,"Yes, a person who puts faith in the power of magical amulets and good-luck charms surrenders the control of his life to unseen forces.  He throws logic and reason to the wind and bows to irrational, superstitious fears.","Is 65:11, 12; Is 47:12, 13; Exodus 20:4, 5; 1 John 5:21;","Sep 1, 1993 Wt Page 4",How To Protect Ourselves From Satan's Snares,115,,,
"Demons, Occult, Charms, Luck,","A man under the influence of alcohol may claim that his reflexes and abilities are unimpaired, but if he tries to drive, he is likely to bring harm to himself or others.","One who places his confidence in the power of an amulet may like wise do himself harm.  Laboring under the illusion of being pro- tested, he may be prone to take foolish chances or make unwise decisions.","Is 65:11, 12; Is 47:12, 13; Exodus 20:4, 5; 1 John 5:21;","Sep 1, 1993 Wt Page 4",How To Protect Ourselves From Satan's Snares,115,,,
"Demons, Occult, Charms, Luck,","Just as flirting with a prostitute may lead to contracting AIDS,",Flirting with the occult may also have disastrous consequences. With good reason Jehovah warned the Israelites against practicing magic.,De 18:10-14;,"Sep 1, 1993 Wt Page 5",How To Protect Ourselves From Satan's Snares,115,,,
"Demons, Satan, Devil, Danger,","Imagine living your whole life in a war zone.  What would it be like to go to bed to the noise of gunfire and wake up to the sound of artillery?  Unhappily, in some parts of the world, that is indeed how people live.","In a spiritual sense, though, all Christians live this way.  They are in the midst of a great battle that has been raging for some 6,000 years and in our days has intensified.  Any who fall away from the faith are casualties in the war.",Mt 24:24;,"Apr 1, 1994 Wt Page 9",How To Protect Ourselves From Satan's Snares,115,,1994/03/01,
"Demons, Satan, Spiritism,",Don't jump in the yard with a Bad Dog.,A Ouija board or other object can welcome demons into your home.,Eph. 6:11-13,"Bobby Laymon     See Article In Mar 15, 1963 Wt Page 184-190",How To Protect Ourselves From Satan's Snares,115,,,
"Demons, Satan, Spiritism,",Welcome mat in home?,A Ouija board or other object can welcome demons into your home.,Eph. 6:11-13,"Mar 15, 1963 Wt Page 184-190",How To Protect Ourselves From Satan's Snares,115,,,
"Demons, Spiritists, Objects,","Witness given object that was a 'welcome mat' for demons. Music box given as gift by Bible Study, with statement about good luck. Man at night saw hand reach into bedroom and shake Venetian blinds",Be keenly alert for demon activity. Wife saw it too.,Isa. 65:11; Deuteronomy. 18:10-12,"Nov 22, 1964 Aw Page 26; See Mar 15, 1963 Wt 'resisting Wicked S'",What Is Behind The Spirit Of Rebellion?,33,,,
Dentist;,"'Some tortures are physical and some are mental, but the one that is both is dental.'  Quote:  Ogden Nash.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Dependability, Trust, Faithful, Reliance, Ability,",A good example of dependability is the geyser Old Faithful; it gives off faithfully every hour.  Yet there are other geysers that are much larger.  But can you name any of them?,"It's the dependability, not ability that impresses.",1 Cor. 4:2;,Bobby Laymon,Why You Can Trust The Bible,99,,"Feb 10, 2001",
Dependability;,'The greatest ability is dependability.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Dependence, Consistency, Constant, Kindness, Need, Assist, Persecution,","If you feed the birds, you must continue to feed them.  The reason is they come to depend on us. Especially when the weather turns nasty, severely cold, as it sometimes does?  If we fail, then we may have  killed the little birds for they have no where else to go for food.  In this case all our previous kindnesses have proved to be cruel, for when the birds need us the most, we let them down.","It can be the same in a congregation. It is easy to show love when the  days are sunny and the breeze is gentle. But what do we do when the  problems come?  Well, what does Jehovah do? His loyal love causes him to keep on feeding us, his little birds, even in the harshest of winters. He never fails.",Ps. 9:9;,Bobby Laymon,True Friendship With God And Neighbor.,100,,"Feb 2, 2001",
"Dependence, Reliance, Prayer,",We are like Howdy Doody with Buffalo Bob.  Where would Howdy Doody be without Buffalo Bob?   Laying flat.,What could we accomplish without Jehovah?  Nothing.,Ps. 37:5;,Bobby Laymon,Prayers That Are Heard By God.,86,,"Feb 10, 2001",
"Depressed, Comfort, Tribulations, Effort, Frail, Weaknesses, Determination, Zeal, Race,","When we watch the runners in a long distance race, we are in awe of the first and even the second place runners. We know that they have trained probably for years to do so, many even breaking world records. But what moves our hearts more? The winners, or the crippled man who comes across the finish line last, two or three days later, on crutches?",Surely that's how Jehovah feels when he sees those of us who are running the race for life with old-world handicaps. We would do well to see things through his eyes!,John 13:34;,Mark Hanlon,Serving With Jehovah's Unified Organization,3,,1998/11/26,
"Depressed, Console, Stress, Light, Pity, Groaning,","It is an easy thing to crush or break an already weakened reed, or to crush out a dim wick, that is already flickering. 'No crushed reed will he break; and as for a dim flaxen wick, he will not extinguish it.'","Jesus did not treat harshly people who were already affected.  He showed pity for them, taught them about Jehovah's purposes, and healed them.",Is 42:1-4; Mt 12:15-21;,"Jan 15, 1993 Wt Page 10  Greatest Man #33",Love Identifies The True Christian Congregation,72,,,
Depression,Battery discharged: Can be recharged. 'Regain power' 'regain power.',Jehovah & loving encouragement by brothers can rebuild confidence,Isa. 40:31,"Aug 1, 1990 Page 20",Gaining Comfort In All Our Tribulations,105,,,
Depression,Bottled-up feelings. Help persons recognize their REAL value.,Putting feelings into words is a healing process.,"Gal 6:1  Prov 20:5 Isa 32:1, 2","Mar 1, 1990 Wt Page 6",Gaining Comfort In All Our Tribulations,105,,,
Depression,Calculator with low batteries. Calculator with dead batteries will not give you accurate answer. Person suffering depression may not give true representation of their feelings.,Need to be patient and discerning.  Should not be quick to judge spirituality of depressed soul.,1 Th 5:14,Joe Laymon,Gaining Comfort In All Our Tribulations,105,,,
"Depression, Anger, Elders, Stress, Groaning,",A dog or animal caught in a trap may bite his own master or anyone who tries to free him. Is it because he hates the person? No! It is because he is hurt.,When dealing with depressed people they become angry but remember: They are not angry at you; they are hurting. Continue dealing with them in a loving way,1 Thess 5:14,J. Laymon,Gaining Comfort In All Our Tribulations,105,,,
"Depression, Attitude, Blind,","'Not blindness, but the attitude of the seeing to the blind is the hardest burden to bear.' Quote deaf-blind Helen Keller. When her fiancé bumped her he said, 'When I do a thing like that, Honey, it's because I forget you can't see.' That made me feel good.",Being accepted as normal is greatest joy to the blind. ,Prov. 20:12; Genesis. 27:1-4; Leviticus. 19:14; Deuteronomy. 27:18; Matt. 11:5;,"Jun 22, 1963 Aw Page 12",Gaining Comfort In All Our Tribulations,105,,,4/1/2020
"Depression, Comfort",No such thing as depression in Soviet Union among brothers.,"They have learned to rely on Jehovah, we should too.","2 Cor 1:3,4",K.M. School St. Louis,Gaining Comfort In All Our Tribulations,105,,,
"Depression, Despair, Encouragement, Stress, Pioneer,",I got to the point where 'there was no way to go but up.',"A sister telling about hitting 'rock bottom' in her life and an anointed sister encourage her to pioneer with her.  She has now pioneered over 24 years, through rough times, but has been on the way up ever since.",Heb 13:5;,Betty Turner,,,,1995/06/03,
"Depression, Discouragement, Stress, Zeal, Personalities,","Have you ever been on a diet?  It is very hard to stay on one, especially if you are the only one in your family that is trying to lose weight.  Can you imagine putting someone else on a diet?",We cannot easily change our own personality.  It is impossible to change that of others.  It is like trying to 'change the wind.',"Prov 4:23; 23:12; Ps 94:14; Eph 4:23, 24; Col 3:13, 14;",Stan Landers,Gaining Comfort In All Our Tribulations,105,,1994/08/17,
"Depression, Discouragement, Stress, Zeal, Personalities, Service Talk,","'You can't change the wind.'  The sailors arose early in the morning and there was a red cloud on the horizon.  Then a tempestuous wind started to blow.  It lashed hard against the ship, and it yielded, almost tipping over.  Quickly they moved to lower the sails.  They could not change the wind, but they could adjust the sails.","Since we have been in the truth, for the most part it has been smooth sailing, but we have had some rough spots also.  Sometimes winds from the past blow hard.  Perhaps a former smoker; child abuse; etc.  It can be personalities in the congregation.  We cannot change these things.  These things can swamp the boat.   Sometimes through self-pity.  We can't change the wind.  We must adjust the sails.  Portholes and doors are like discouragement.  We must keep them closed to the wind, thus guarding our hearts.  Satan is sending a 'gale-force' wind today.  However Jehovah will not forsake us.","Prov 4:23; 23:12; Ps 94:14; Eph 4:23, 24; Col 3:13, 14;",Stan Landers,Service Talk,200,,1994/08/17,9/6/2015
"Depression, Encouragement, Cheer, Joy, Happiness",'The best way to cheer yourself up is to try to cheer somebody else up.'  Quote: Mark Twain.,Become involved in helping people.  Share the good news with them.  It will increase your happiness as well.,Prov. 16:24;,Bobby Laymon,Finding Honor And Joy In God's Ministry,65,,1995/06/13,
"Depression, Groan, Comfort, Encourage,","Jehovah's temple was made strong by structural repairs. 1903 WT said of depressed, 'Lacking ... self-esteem, they need to be pushed to the front a little, ... for their own encouragement and for the blessing also of the entire household of faith.'","The word, 'strengthen' and 'fortify' or 'reinforce' is in the same way used at Job 16:5 'I would strengthen you with the words of my mouth.'",Job 16:5; Pr 17:22; Is 41:10; Na 2:1; 2ch 24:13;,"Mar 15, 1990 Wt Page 27",Gaining Comfort In All Our Tribulations,105,,,
"Depression, Groaning, Comfort, Encourage,",Coffee?  Ice tea?  Warm milk?  Cold milk?  or Cola?,Jesus knows the right kind of refreshment is needed by mankind,Matt 11:28,"Jan 15, 1990 Wt Page 17 Par 6",Gaining Comfort In All Our Tribulations,105,,,
"Depression, Groaning, Comfort, Encourage,","When people hear the word depression, many think of 1930's Those who went through the depression in the 30's say, 'You don't know what it was like, if you didn't go through it.' (Very Real) Same with mental depression.","Mental depression is just as real, and more harmful.",1 Th 5:14,Johnse Laymon,Gaining Comfort In All Our Tribulations,105,,,
"Depression, Groaning, Grief, Comfort,","'Common cold of mental disturbances.' According to Dr. Nathan S. Kline of the New York State Dept. of Mental Hygiene, 'It is estimated that 15% of the adult population has some degree of depression which is serious enough to be in need of treatment.","Depression is so widespread, that it is has been called the above.",Ro 5:12;,"Dec 22, 1976 Aw",Gaining Comfort In All Our Tribulations,105,,,
"Depression, Groaning, Hope, Encourage,","Hares & Frogs!  Hares, disgusted with their cowardice, decided to drown themselves.  The hares dove into the water.  Frogs, heard noise, dived to bottom. The hares decided not to drown themselves, since others (the frogs) were greater cowards than they were.","Always someone worse-off than you, can encourage them.",1 Th 5:14,Aesop's Fables Page 41,Gaining Comfort In All Our Tribulations,105,,,
"Depression, Hope, Encourage,","When it is dark enough, you can see the stars.  Quote: Emerson",,,Bobby Laymon,,,,1998/12/11,
"Depression, Joy, Happiness, Appreciation, Moods,","'We know very well that without rocks, waves would never come up so high.' Quote:  Roger Nimier.",One should appreciate the marvelous opportunity of serving God now.  Having served in this system should make us see this even more.  We are in position to stand on the side of God's sovereignty and proclaim the Kingdom despite opposition.  Also may have opportunity to serve as part of 'the foundation' of the 'new earth'.,Isa 51:16; 65:17,Bobby Laymon,What God's Rulership Can Do For Us,24,,1995/06/30,
"Depression, Medication, Mental,","If a diabetic takes insulin and gets to feeling better, it would be foolish for him to go off the insulin.  Or a person with heart problems was taking a medication and gets to feeling better, would he then go off his medication?","Yet, many suffering from depression, when they get to feeling better, try to go off their medication.  This can be very dangerous.",1 Pet. 4:7,Susan Osbeck,Gaining Comfort In All Our Tribulations,105,,1994/02/19,
"Depression, Moods, Stress, Encouragement, Console, Balance,","To ride a bicycle successfully, we must keep from going too far from one side or the other. Must be practical, realistic, and spiritual in treatment.",Depression sometimes treatable illness; drugs can prevent mood swings. Chemical may be missing in 'pleasure' centers of brain.,"Ps. 34:17, 18; Prov. 12:25; Jas. 5:14, 15",Bro. Jim Howard (bethel Brother),Gaining Comfort In All Our Tribulations,105,,,
"Depression, Nervous Breakdown, Mental, Stress, Groan,","Like a hard nut.  (walnut)  Hard to crack, but once it is cracked, it is very sensitive and vulnerable. Discouragement causes us to lose confidence.","Our mental powers are like that and once we have suffered a nervous breakdown, we are quite vulnerable.",Pr 24:10;,Mabel Crownover,Gaining Comfort In All Our Tribulations,105,,,
"Depression, Pioneer, Joy, Negative, Positive, Attitude, Happiness,","Brother told how he was caught out in the rain one time and he couldn't afford to get wet (illness).  He got a dry cleaning bag and put it over his head, but forgot to pop a hole in the top.  He learned what it is like to almost suffocate to death.","Discouragement will suffocate you.  If you allow negative thinking, you will have a hard time getting it out, like the laundry bag.",He 6:10-12; Pr 4:23; 23:12;,"Larry Punko, C.O.  Pioneer Meeting Jan 31, 1992",Serve Jehovah With A Joyful Heart,78,,,
"Depression, Sin, Groaning,","If one misses when shooting at a target, it matters little whether the error is due to shooting above, below or on either side of it.  It is reckoned that one simple missed the mark. (Describe bull's eyes for target...outer circles)","So likewise your own inherited weaknesses do not in God's eyes put you on a lower level than fellow humans. Some miss the mark in one direction, others the other way.",Ro 5:12;,"Dec 22, 1976 Aw",Gaining Comfort In All Our Tribulations,105,,,
"Depression, Stress, Behavior, Personality, Happiness,","The aged carpenter approached the discarded chest of drawers.  His excitement grew as he came closer.  He stopped and looked, drew closer, and began to touch and rub his fingers skillfully over the surface.  Obviously it had been discarded as a worthless piece of pine,  but the aged carpenter knew better in only a moment.  He took the chest home in his car and that very afternoon began stripping and sanding the veneer off.  When he was finished, there stood a beautiful antique piece of oaken woodwork, as he knew it would be.","Our personalities are like that.   What we intuitively feel we are, deep within, is covered over and hidden from most others and frequently from ourselves, with large variance from person to person.  This core is the vault that protects and secures our hidden convictions about our self and the world around us.  The Bible calls this core the 'secret person of the heart'. (compare 1 Peter 3:4)    it helps to remember that underneath the veneer of faded pine there is the beauty of oak or mahogany. Underneath the aggression or passivity of a personality, there is a human treasure waiting to be released by love, our love.  It is waiting to be known, to be discovered and to be accepted.  This inner self is not known to them, frequently, and similarly is not known to us.  Therefore, being unknown, it is unaccepted and they cannot be freed to love others.",1pe 3:4;,The Dysfunctional Christian Personality And The Secret Person Of The Heart,Gaining Comfort In All Our Tribulations,105,,1993/10/18,
"Depression, Stress, Encourage, Attitude, Console,","In ancient times hot coals were put out as a bed and raw metal ore was laid on top, and then the ore would be covered with more coals.  This would eventually melt the ore to the point where the chaff and rare metal would separate.  By heat from the coals, the metal ore would soften and the good stuff would be removed from the bad.","For us in the congregation or in mental health, those coals are the four needs in chapter 2 of the Family Book.  When we consistently give these to an individual whose personality is mostly a defense, we begin to soften them and help them to separate the repulsive defense system from the treasurable core.",Rom. 12:20; Prov. 25:22,The Dysfunctional Christian Personality And The Secret Person Of The Heart.  Jay Smith - Counseling,Gaining Comfort In All Our Tribulations,105,,1993/10/18,
"Depression, Stress, Encourage, Attitude, Console, Happiness, Joy,","Examples like Job are helpful.  When he was a universal spectacle and being the focus of the heavenly court, all he was doing was sitting on the ground scraping himself, attending to his sickness.  However, in his mind, his heart, in his core he loved God and refused to abandon him.  At this point it was not Job's productivity that the angels were watching, it was his attitude.","Friends who are having physical problems need not respect themselves less for doing less.  They can produce or accomplish what their limitations will allow, be it thyroid, allergies, old age, manic-depression, etc. and stay attached to Jehovah in their symbolic heart of hearts (devotion).",1pe 3:4;,The Dysfunctional Christian Personality And The Secret Person Of The Heart By Jay Smith - Counseling,Serve Jehovah With A Joyful Heart,78,,1993/10/18,
"Depression, Stress, Encourage, Console, Attitude,","In the science of human behavior there are those who have analogized the human ethos (character) with an onion, which has several layers, which when peeled back one by one will eventually reveal a core.  This core is supposed to be the purest part of the human organism.  It is not, of course, a literal core having space and definition .  It is a non-tangible construct, a hypothesis.  It is where, in theory, we have housed all the existential motors that drive us through life, i.e., our need for love, our need for God, our need for power, justice and mercy.","It is this core that most represents and substantiates our self-definition.  Who we believe ourselves to be, in other words, is mostly what we are at the core.  The core need not, and most often is not, synonymous with or even similar to the layers that protect the core.  What we intuitively feel we are, deep within, is covered over and hidden from most others and frequently from ourselves, with large variance from person to person.  This core is the vault that protects and secures our hidden convictions about our self and the world around us.  The Bible calls this core the 'secret person of the heart'. (compare 1 Peter 3:4)  The Watchtower of 9/1/84 explains the figurative heart to be the seat of emotions and motivations.  It is the place we must look to determine and explain '...how we feel and why we do things...'  That this core, or secret person of the heart is a secret to others does not surprise us.  We often have realized instinctively that very few persons, if any, know us that deeply.  When someone expends their resources and energy to peel away the outer layers of our organism and discover the secret of us, we feel delighted, although somewhat apprehensive initially. we grow from it and thrive on it.    But this secret core can also be moderately, or largely a secret to us as well.  Paul emphasized this at 1 Cor. 4:4.  if our behavior can escape our notice or understanding, then certainly our emotions and motivations can.  Grateful we can be that Jehovah is not limited to evaluating us or others on the basis of the outer layer of the onion, as it were.  for 'not the way man sees (is the way God sees) because mere man sees what appears to the eyes; but as for Jehovah, he sees what the heart is'. (1 Sam. 16:7).    Last, but not least, is the personality.  It is mentioned in two chapters in the Bible.  Ephesians 4:22 and 24 discuss the old personality as something that can be 'put away' and the 'new personality' as something that can be 'put on'.  Colossians 3:9 tells us to 'strip off the old personality with its practices' and 3:10 instructs us to 'clothe yourselves with the new personality'.  The personality is closely associated with what the body practices and our course of conduct.  Hence, the personality, which is described as being on the outside of the organism, like clothing or like a veneer that can be stripped off, is that part of our organism that we present to others.    It is observable, like behavior or conduct, and is quite often how others evaluate us.  It is the ambassador of the soul or the representative of the secret person of the heart.  The personality of the organism is the keeper of the gate to the core.  It can decide to let in or keep out any individual it wishes.  And quite often the personality is quite different than the secret person of the heart.  It could be an extension of the core, but often it is the guardian of the core.  The personality serves the purpose of keeping threatening individuals from seeing, touching, or hurting the secret person of the heart.",1pe 3:4;,The Dysfunctional Christian Personality And The Secret Person Of The Heart.  Jay Smith - Counseling,Gaining Comfort In All Our Tribulations,105,,1993/10/18,
"Depression, Stress, Encouragement,",'It takes as much courage to have tried and failed as it does to have tried and succeeded.'  Quote: Anne Morrow Lindbergh,Those depressed due to failure need to be encouraged.  They need to be given 'E' for effort!,Ecclesiastes 9:11; Jg 19:3; 1th 5:14;,Bobby Laymon,Gaining Comfort In All Our Tribulations,105,,,
"Depression, Stress, Nervous Breakdown, Last Days,",One test for telling if you are heading for a nervous breakdown. Hold your arms straight out in front of you with palms downward. Keep them as steady as you can. Slip a sheet of paper between the fingers. Are your hands trembling a great deal?,"Information only. (1 or 2 signs not serious. 4 or more - Check) Others: twitching mouth, eye, unreasonable burst of temper, sudden bouts of weeping, sweaty palms, running often to toilet.",Prov. 24:10,"Apr 8, 1967 Aw Page 30",Gaining Comfort In All Our Tribulations,105,,,
"Depression, Stress, Sickness, Cure,","Comparing a depressed person to a car that breaks down while climbing a steep hill, 'Now in one sense it was the fact that you went up the hill...if the engine was in good condition, you would not have had the trouble.' (Psychiatrist Dr. Fieve)","The environmental stress may precipitate the breakdown, but there has to be the biological deficiency, or engine weakness, to begin with.  The mind itself can create this chemical imbalance.",2ti 3:1; Prov. 18:14;,"Sep 8, 1981 Aw Page 4",The Only Cure For Sick Mankind,62,,,
"Depression, Stress, Sickness, Cure, Grimaldi, Groaning,","A man suffering from depression visited a doctor for help.  'You need amusement; go and hear the comedian Grimaldi; he will make you laugh, and that will be better for you than drugs.'  Looking even more dejected, the man replied, 'I am Grimaldi!'","Yes, no one is immune from depression.  And anyone who has suffered with it knows it is no laughing matter.  It can strike anyone.  (See articles for startling details.)",2ti 3:1; Prov. 18:14;,"Sep 8, 1981 Aw Page 3",The Only Cure For Sick Mankind,62,,,
"Depression, Work, Meetings, Stress,","Many brothers miss meetings because of physical illness.  They may even go to work with a splitting headache, but not attend meetings.  Their head is going to hurt whether they attend meetings or not.","Yet, they don't understand how a mentally depressed person can go to work, but cannot attend meetings.  How it is difficult, sometimes even impossible, to attend meetings because of severe depression.",Heb 10:23-25;,Bobby Laymon,Gaining Comfort In All Our Tribulations,105,,1994/02/19,
"Depression, Zeal, Service, Lazy, Happiness, Joy,","'Take it easy,' 'Don't work too hard' Better to say 'work hard' Quote: U.S. Supreme Justice Charles E. Hughes; 'I believe in work, hard work and long hours of work. Men do not break down from overwork, but from worry and dissipation.' Even bums bid each other as above.","Greatest happiness comes from work, each day.",Ecclesiastes. 3:22; Rom. 12:11; Josh. 14:7-11;,"Sep 8, 1962 Aw Page 3",How Should You Serve God?,58,,,
"Design, Creation,","No matter we think of...a machine, a production line, a house, or even a simple broom...each had a designer. Blowing winds or moving waters will never assemble matter to produce even the simplest machine.",Inanimate matter never arranges itself by chance into something.,Genesis. 1:1;,Life Does Have A Purpose. Page 8,Jehovah--the Grand Creator,101,,,
"Desirable Things, Valuable, Worth,","WHAT desirable things fill your house?  Do you have plush furniture, a state of-the-art computer, a new car in your garage? Even if you have all these things, would you not agree that the most precious things in your home are the people--the members of your family? Imagine that one night you awake to the smell of smoke. Your house is on fire, and you have just minutes to escape! What is your first concern? Your furniture? Your computer? Your car? Would you not, rather, think of your loved ones? Of course you would, for People are more valuable than things.","Now think about Jehovah God and his Son, Jesus Christ. Jehovah is 'the One who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and all the things in them. (Acts 4: 24)","Acts 4:24; Prov. 8:30, 31","Jan 15, 2000 Wt Page 14",Does God Count You Personally Important?,26,,"Mar 7, 2000",
"Desire, Looking, Mind,",Regarding: looking at a woman so as to have a  (sexual) desire for them:  Is it logical that in the new earth that Jehovah will make the sisters so ugly that we will be repelled by them?  Or is it more logical they will not be one ugly sister or brother on the earth ... be more beautiful than ever? ,"Then we need to change our pattern of thinking and view sisters as: mothers, grandmothers,  sisters  and daughters, and children with all chasteness.  Our mind has to be cleanse",1 Tim 5:2; Rom 12:2; Col 3:5;,Bobby Laymon,Keep Clean From Worldly Defilements,98,,1997/04/07,7/27/2018
"Desire, Paradise, Earth,",Close your eyes and imagine!  Imagine anything you desire; open your eyes and there it is. living thing.,Jehovah will 'open his hand and satisfy the desire of every,Ps. 145:16;,You Can Live Forever In Paradise On Earth. Page 14,The Kingdom Of God Is Near,109,,,
"Desire, Satan, Snare, Traps, Demons, World,","A TORTOISE, lazily basking in the sun, complained to the  sea-birds of her hard fate, that no one would teach her to fly.  An Eagle, hovering near, heard her lamentation and demanded what  reward she would give him if he would take her aloft and float her in the air.  'I will give you,' she said, 'all the riches of  the Red Sea.'  'I will teach you to fly then,' said the Eagle; and taking her up in his talons he carried her almost to the clouds suddenly he let her go, and she fell on a lofty mountain, dashing her shell to pieces.  The Tortoise exclaimed in the moment of  death:  'I have deserved my present fate; for what had I to do with wings and clouds, who can with difficulty move about on the  earth?'","Moral: 'We should never fly 'aloft' on an enemy's pin feathers!'  Any offer by Satan and this world should be viewed as death-dealing.    If men had all they wished, they would be often ruined.",1 John 2:15-17;,Aesop's Fables - Bobby Laymon,'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,1994/05/15,
Desire;,'Covetousness is the cause of sin.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Desire;,'Desire creates the power.'  Quote:  Raymond Hallowell.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Desire;,'Desire of having is the sin of covetousness.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Desire;,'Excess of wealth is cause of covetousness.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Desire;,"'Fewer the desires, the stronger the will.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Desire;,"'Good thoughts bear good fruit, bad thoughts bear bad fruit and man is his own gardener.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Desire;,'He who likes cherries soon learns to climb.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Desire;,"'If you want something badly, that is how you get it.' Quote:  Wjh",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Desire;,'Long only for what you have.'  Quote:  Andre Gide.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Desire;,'No man ever becomes either very good or very bad suddenly.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Desire;,'None is a moment ever grow wholly vile.'  Quote:  Juvenal.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Desire;,'Nothing troubles you for which you do not yearn.'  Quote:  Cicero.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Desire;,"'The envy will die, but envy never.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Desire;,"'The true way to gain much, is never to desire to gain too much.'  Quote:  Francis Beaumont.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Desire;,'There are no faults in a thing we want badly.'  Quote:  Arab.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Desire;,'There is no calamity greater than lavish desires.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Desire;,'There is often less danger in the things we fear than the things we desire.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Desire;,'Want a thing long enough and you won't.'  Quote:  Chinese.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Desire;,'Wanting what God wants is the only learning that can give us peace of mind.'  Quote:  Malherbe.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Desire;,'We should aim rather at leveling down our desires than leveling up our means.'  Quote:  Aristotle.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Desire;,"If a viper lives in your room and you wish to have a peaceful sleep, you must first chase it out.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Desire;,"In plain truth, it is not want, but rather abundance that creates avarice.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Desire;,"Selfishness is the only real atheism; aspiration, unselfishness, the only real religion.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Desire; Contentment;,'He who is contented with contentment is always contented.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Desire; Effort; Funny;,"People who want by the yard but try by the inch, should be kicked by the foot.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Desire; Effort; Goals;,'Desire has no rest.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Desire; Envy;,'Envy is the adversary of the fortunate.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Desire; Heart; Brochures,",'The hand will not reach for what the heart does not long for.',"We must endeavor to reach the heart, as well as the mind.  The brochures will help us do that.","Luke 24:17, 27, 32, 45; Mark 6:34;",Jk Quotes; Km 8/98 Page 8,How Well Do You Know God?,1,,,
Desire; Hope; Old Age;,'One is never to old to yearn.'  Quote:  Italian.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Desire; Human Nature; Imperfection;,"'When there is a choice of two evils, most men take both.'  Quote:  H. F. Amide.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Desire; Imperfection; Punishment;,"'If we can't get what we want, we should be grateful for not getting what we deserve.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Desire; Self-indulgence;,"Would you live with erase: Do what you ought, not what you please.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Desires, Answers, Prayers, Purpose,","Once there were three trees on a hill in the woods.  The first tree said, 'Someday I hope to be a treasure chest. I could be filled with gold. silver, and precious gems.  The second tree said, 'Someday I will be a mighty ship. I will take kings and queens across the waters and sail to the corners of the world.  The third tree said, 'I want to grow to be the tallest and straightest tree in the forest. People will see me on top of the hill and look up to my branches.  After a few years, a group of woodsmen came upon the trees.  On seeing the first tree he said, 'This looks like a strong tree, I think I should be able to sell the wood to a carpenter,' and he began cutting it down. The tree was happy, because he knew that the carpenter would make him into a treasure chest. At the second tree a woodsmen said, 'This looks like a strong tree, I should be able to sell it to the shipyard.' The second tree was happy because he knew he was on his way to becoming a mighty ship. When the woodsmen came upon the third tree, the tree was frightened because he knew that if they cut him down, his dreams would not come true. One of the woodsmen said, 'I don't need anything special from my tree, so I'll take this one and store it,' and he cut it down.  When the first tree arrived at the carpenter's, he was made into a feed box for animals. He was then placed in a barn and filled with hay. This was not at all what he had prayed for. The second tree was cut and made into a small fishing boat. His dreams of being a mighty ship and carrying kings had come to an end. The third tree was cut into large pieces and left alone in the dark. The years went by, and the trees forgot about their dreams.  Then one day, a man and woman came to the barn. She gave birth and they placed the baby in the hay in the feed box that was made from the first tree. The man wished that he could have made a crib for the baby, but this manger would have to do. The tree could feel the importance of this event and knew that it had held the greatest treasure of all time.  Years later, a group of men got in the fishing boat made from the second tree. One of them was tired and went to sleep. While they were out on the water, a great storm arose and the tree didn't think it was strong enough to keep the men safe. The men woke the sleeping man, and he stood and rebuked the storm and the storm stopped. At this time, the tree knew that it had carried the King of Kings in its boat.  Finally, someone came and got the third tree. It was carried through the streets as the people mocked the man who was carrying it. When they came to a stop, the man was nailed to the tree and raised in the air to die at the top of a hill. The tree came to realize that it was strong enough to stand at the top of the hill and be as close to God as was possible, because his Son Jesus had been impaled upon it.","The moral of this story is that when things don't seem to be going our way, always know that Jehovah God has a purpose for us. If we place our trust in Him, He will give us all the desires of our hearts. Each of the trees got what they wanted, just not in the way they had imagined. We may not always know what God has in mind for us. We just know that His ways are always best.",Rom. 8:26,Bobby Laymon,Prayers That Are Heard By God.,86,,"Jan 18, 2001",
"Desires, Motives, Fruits, Joy,","It takes several years for a young fruit tree to produce fruit, and several more to produce in abundance.  It also takes patience and care on the part of the owner.","It also takes time to develop godly qualities and the fruits of the spirit, but like the tree, it will produce, if it is cultivated and watered.","1 Thess 5:17; Prov 3:5, 6;","Sep 1, 1995 Wt Page 6",Religion's Time Of Judgment,83,,1995/07/25,
Desires; Heart; Courage;,'I count him braver who overcomes his desires than him who conquers his enemies; for the hardest victory is over self.',,,Jk Quotes; Aristotle,,,,,2/7/2015
"Destruction, Armageddon, Babylon,","The nations are like a drop of water on a red-hot surface.  Poof, the barrier would evaporate!","Babylon of old was to be like this, and so will modern religious enemies.","Isa 44:25,27,28;","May 1, 1997 Wt Page 10",Religion's Time Of Judgment,83,,1997/06/15,
"Destruction, War, Survival, Destiny","When the World Trade Center and the Pentagon were destroyed Tuesday, September 11, 2001, it made us think.  It showed how fragile world governments are.  Only 4 or 5 building involved.  A rather small event expected and prepared for years in advance.  People were shocked and paralyzed.",What will they do when real destruction takes place.  What will they do in Jehovah's day which will be greater destruction than the days of Noah.,Matt 24:21; Jer 12:5,Bobby Laymon,Will You Escape This World's Destiny?,84,,"Sep 11, 2001",
"Detail, Like Book Of Mark",Brush strokes that add detail,"Help us observe what many miss,",Mark Chapter 2-3,Watchtower,,,,,
"Detail, Like Book Of Mark",Zoom Lens,"Help us observe what many miss,",Mark Chapter 2-3,Watchtower,,,,,
"Details, Specific, Christendom,",'Please turn to the book of Luke.'  Now what chapter did you turn to?  Get various responses.  Some did not turn at all because I was not specific about where to look.,Christendom is like that.  They are not specific about the teaching of God's Word.,Luke 1:1-4;,James Cotterman,,,,1996/04/15,
"Determination, Cleanliness, Persistence, Meetings, Love, Concern, Sacrifice,","1)  Ants show persistence and determination  A man did a study to show he could keep food unopened in a room and keep ants from getting to it.  In the center of a large room, he placed a huge wooden tub filled with water.  He placed a barstool in the center of the tub and on the barstool he put a plate filled with chocolate candy.  Around the tub, he painted a wide band of slow drying glue.  He then sealed the room tight.  Six days later he checked the room. Ants were all over the candy.  How did they manage this?  The first obstacle was the glue.  Hundreds of ants sacrificed their bodies to become a bridge for the others.  The water was the second obstacle.  The ants carried up little bits of grass and wood and put them together with their spit to form a bridge to swing across to the leg of the barstool.  Another kind of ant took an easier route.  They simply walked up the wall, up to the ceiling over the stool and dropped onto the chocolate!  Another example of persistence is the Soldier or Marching ants of Malaysia.  They march across the jungle, devouring whatever is in their path.  If they come to a river and want to cross it, some break away from the group and a few go upstream, a few go downstream until they find the exact spot to cross, then go back to the colony and somehow communicate which way to go.  The spot they choose is a sharp bend in the river, where the water happens to be flowing diagonally.  The ants interlock with each other to become balls about the size of coconuts, then roll down the bank into the river and let the current carry them across.  On the other side, they untangle and continue their march.  (Isn't that amazing?)  2) Cleanliness of ants.  Ants have instinctive ways of cleanliness.  They have built in combs,  brushes, and pomade, or lubricant to groom themselves with.  Thus, they comb and brush themselves and lubricate and cleanse themselves with the pomade.  They also clean each other and even give one another massage treatments.  They keep their nests clean as well.    3) Ants show concern for fellow workers  Sometimes we see an ant being carried by other ants.  If one ant is injured or exhausted, they will carry it to the nest and there it is watched over until it is ok.  There is one type of ant whose soul purpose in life is to help other ants.   It is the Honey pot ant.  It will go and fill up on nectar and gets so full that it's stomach is huge.  It waddles back to the nest and climbs to the ceiling of the nest and waits for other ants to come and stroke it's belly.  The honey pot ant then feeds the other ant.  4) Gripping ability of ants.  Ants have tremendous strength in their jaws.  An experiment was conducted to see how powerful an ant's jaws are.  String was stretched between two poles.  An ant was positioned so that it grabbed the string with it's two back legs.  A man's glove was put in its mouth and let go of.  The ant held on to the glove and would not let go.  He was swinging on the string with the glove in its mouth.  To see what tremendous strength that took, imagine a man hanging by his toes on a rope with 80 tons hanging from his mouth, swinging.  Another example is from a National Geographic article about a type of ant in Africa.  They are sometimes used a sutures on bad cuts.  One person will squeeze the cut together, and another will allow the ant to clamp down on it.  The ant will not let go.  Sometimes there will be a number of ants on one cut.  The bodies of the ants are cut off, and still the heads hang on.  After  the wound is healed enough, the ants are pried of and the scar is very faint.","(1)  So, what does this teach us?  As people dedicated to Jehovah, we must never give up in doing his will, even though the system gets worse and we must struggle more and more... We can gain strength from Jehovah to remain faithful.  (2) The ants thus teach us to be clean.  Do we bathe daily? What does my home and car look like?  Is my book bag clean and in good condition?   What about being clean mentally and morally?  (3)  What does this teach us?  We need to show love and concern for our brothers and sisters.  The elders in the congregation were likened to the Honey pot ants, since the elders supply the congregation with spiritual food through their talks and counsel.  (4)  This teaches us to never lose our grip on the truth.  Am I missing meetings?  Am I studying less?  What about my ministry?  Are my prayers not as frequent?  Could I be losing my grip on the truth?",Prov 6:6-8;,Tim And Stephanie Moore,Service Talk,200,,1997/10/21,
"Determination, Effort, Exert, Conquer, World,","'In life, as in a football game, the principle to follow is: hit the line hard.'  Quote: Theodore Roosevelt.",If we are going to conquer the world we must be determined.,John 16:33; Matt 24:13;,Bobby Laymon - Reader's Digest,'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,1996/03/21,
"Determination, Firm, Faith, Persecution, Unity, Brothers,","His army was not of great size. Alexander had about 30,000 infantrymen and 5,000 cavalrymen.  It was Philip (his father) who introduced the phalanx, and Alexander perfected it.  What gave the phalanx its singular character? It was both the weapons and the coordination of the individual soldiers. The members of the phalanx were heavily armed, equipped with helmet, armor and a shield that protected most of the body. Their main weapons were a lance or spear thirteen to eighteen feet long and a short Greek sword. They usually stood sixteen deep, the lances of the first five files projecting beyond the front, a formidable barrier to any enemy; the hinder files laid their lances on the shoulders of those in front. Members of the phalanx received strenuous gymnastic training to make possible unity, precision and rapidity. Alexander coupled the phalanx with heavy cavalry charges. He also used light-armed troops for special purposes.",In the face of persecution we too must maintain our oneness.  We must stand together as bold and faithful witnesses of Jehovah.,Heb 10:39;,W60 9/15 570 ; Kenneth Haag C. O.,Bearing Up Under Persecution,57,,1995/05/29,
Determination;,'Let us do or die.'  Quote:  Burns.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Devices, Prayers, Communication, Christendom, Rosary,","One special device, which has eight patents on it, was recently invented by a man named Doherty. He developed the device because he found it difficult to say the rosary while working or driving his car, when he would be interrupted and lose his place on the circle of beads.",Inventor Doherty could have saved himself much trouble and learned how to pray in the right manner if he had only read the Bible.,"Mt 6:7, 8;",W54 10/15 623,Are You Content With Jehovah's Provisions?,22,,1994/08/07,
"Devil,","Like a rabid dog. He doesn't have to bite severely. Just a scratch can cause disease and kill. Watch out for his recreation, entertainment.",Satan is dangerous in any way.,1 Pet. 5:8;,Circuit Assy. J.C. Howard,,,,,
"Devil, Demon, Jehovah, Power, Listen, Ransom, wickedness,","When you were a child did you ever play a game called kick the can. A lot like hide and seek except the base was a can in the yard. When you are caught your only hope was that someone could out maneuver it, and kick the can.  Game always frustrating to me because played with brothers and sisters who were older, out-hide, outrun outsmart and out maneuver me. I was beat before I started.","We have a fight against Satan and demons. Without outside help we have no hope.  Must be someone that can out maneuver, outsmart devil.  Must follow Bible.  Must be frustrating for Satan playing game knows he's already beat.","Eph.6;12 Rev.16;13,16",Johnse  Laymon,Be Confident Of Divine Victory!,39,,1994/09/27,4/1/2014
"Devil, Demons, Spiritism, Protection,","Satan's methods can be compared with those of a fisherman who uses lures to catch fish.  The fisherman experiments to find out which lure will appeal to the fish.  Of course, when the fish bite they do not realize that there is a hook behind the lure.",How about us?  Are we aware of the lures Satan uses?  Do we fully appreciate the consequences of getting 'hooked'?,1pe 5:8; Re 12:7-12; 2co 4:4;,"Jan 15, 1983 Wt Page 20",How To Protect Ourselves From Satan's Snares,115,,,
"Devil, Demons, Spiritism, Protection, Relationship,","Suppose you learned that someone had been hired to kill you.  What if you knew that right now he was stalking you, just waiting for the best moment to attack.  That would be terrifying!",Satan the Devil is out to get godly persons today.  He is walking around like a roaring lion.  His aim?  Not to cause our death immediately.  His real purpose is to destroy our relationship with Jehovah.,1pe 5:8; Re 12:7-12;,"Jan 15, 1983 Wt Page 18",Keep Growing In Your Relationship With God,16,,,
"Devil, Jesus, Temptation, Bible Study, Children,",Jesus tempted three times. Bible never tells us about being tempted again. Did Jesus never again weaken enough to make it 'convenient' for Satan to tempt? Was he too busy on a preaching campaign? Do we,"Was there never again another 'convenient time?' allow place for the Devil? Do we invite him in and say, 'tempt my child?'",Luke 4:13,Phil Kirkton; Bethel Notes.,Parents--are You Building With Fire-resistant Materials?,104,,,
"Devil, Lion, Roaring, Domestic,","Although wild animals do not seem to be intimidated by the lion's roar, this is not the case with man and his domestic flocks. The terrifying sound of the lion's roar, resonating in the darkness of the night, would frighten and intimidate anyone not protected behind a closed door.","Since we are domestic animals, Satan is skillful in the use of fear to intimidate people into submission. Thankfully, God's people have a powerful ally. With strong faith in Jehovah's backing, they can successfully resist this powerful 'roaring lion.'",1 Peter 5:8; Amos 3:8.,Chuck Bland; G99 1/22 Page19,Is There Really A Devil?,131,,"Nov 18, 2001",
"Devil, Quote, Bible, Satan, Health,","'Did the Devil Chuckle?'  Dr. Christian Barnard quoted the Bible when 13 young Londoners had volunteered to let their bodies be used as transplants.  'Skin for skin, yea, all that a man hath will he give for his life.'","The trouble with that is, the words were uttered by Satan the Devil.  Another quote often used, 'Thou shall not surely die.'",Job 2:4; Ge 3:4;,"Jun 8, 1968 Aw Page 29",What Does The Healing Of The Nations Accomplish?,111,,,
"Devil, Satan,","If a lion was loose in your neighborhood, would you be discussing whether it existed or not?  Or would you run for cover?","Be assured that Satan exists.  He is merciless and vicious, and he is stronger than we are.  He is like a roaring lion.",1p 5:8; Pr 18:10; Re 20:1-3;,"Dec 1, 1992 Wt Page 32",How To Protect Ourselves From Satan's Snares,115,,,
"Devil, Satan,",Suppose you just found out that someone has been hired to kill you!  He is stalking you right now.  Would you be frightened?,"Satan is stalking us right now, and is intent on killing us.",1 Pet 5:8;,Brother Bennett - Friends Of Peace District Convention.,,,,1996/06/12,
"Devil, Satan, Enemy, Fight,",'Satan wants you for lunch!',Satan is an enemy.  He can make black look white.  He can turn clothing into idolatry.  We must never let down our guard.,1 Pet. 5:8; Prov. 8:13;,Mike King,How To Protect Ourselves From Satan's Snares,115,,1994/06/22,
"Devil, Satan, Evil, Inherited Sin,","'If the devil doesn't exist, but man has created him, he has created him in his own image and likeness.' Quote: Fedora Mikhailovich Dostoevsky.  -1879-1880.","Actually, Satan was created perfect, but let ambition take over.  He was determined to prove himself superior to Jehovah by turning God's intelligent creatures away from him.","Jas 1:14, 15;",Bobby Laymon,How To Protect Ourselves From Satan's Snares,115,,1995/08/07,
"Devil, Satan, Fall, Stumble,","Did you ever play the game as a child where one person gets behind another on his hands and knees, and the other person pushes him and causes him to fall backward?","Satan wants you to stumble.  He wants you to fall, and he doesn't care how it happens.  We must never allow a place for the Devil.","Eph. 4:26, 27;",Bro. Bailey C. O. Elders School 12/97,Why Christians Must Be Different.,123,,1998/01/10,
"Devil, Satan, Job, Endurance, Trials, Persecution,",'The Devil is after me!  I feel just like Job!'  Quote: A. H. Macmillan.,"In his declining years on earth, he was beset by various trials, including health problems that made him keenly aware of Satan's attempts to break his integrity to God.","Job 1:1, 8;","Nov 15, 1994 Wt Page 10",Bearing Up Under Persecution,57,,1995/01/08,
"Devil, Satan, Mafia, Disbelief,",Certain American public officials refused to believe in the existence of the notorious Mafia or Costa Nostra. Their disbelief facilitated the operations of that crime syndicate. Hid behind front of respectability.,The same is true of Satan the Devil. One of his most powerful weapons is to induce people to believe that he does not exist. Jesus referred to him as 'the ruler of the world.',"Mt. 4:8, 9; Jn. 8:44;","Mar 1, 1968 Wt Page 135",How To Protect Ourselves From Satan's Snares,115,,,
Devil;,'An apology for the Devil:  It must be remembered that we have heard one side of the case.  God has written all the books.'  Quote:  Samuel Butler.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Devil;,'The Devil's boots don't creak.'  Quote:  Scottish.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Devil; Children;,"'Of three things the devil makes a stew: lawyers' tongues, lover's promises, and ungrateful children.'  Quote:  Italian.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Devil; Wickedness; Temptation;,"'Give the devil his due, but be very careful that there ain't much due him.'  Quote:  Josh Billings.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Devious, Lazy, Conspiracy, Jonah, Assignment, Willing, Obedient,","A PEDDLER drove his Ass to the seashore to buy salt.  His road home lay across a stream into which his Ass, making a false step,  fell by accident and rose up again with his load considerably  lighter, as the water melted the sack.  The Peddler retraced his steps and refilled his panniers with a larger quantity of salt than before.  When he came again to the stream, the Ass fell down on purpose in the same spot, and, regaining his feet with the weight of his load much diminished, brayed triumphantly as if he had obtained what he desired.  The Peddler saw through his trick and drove him for the third time to the coast, where he bought a cargo of sponges instead of salt.  The Ass, again playing the fool, fell down on purpose when he reached the stream, but the sponges became swollen with water, greatly increasing his load.   And thus his trick recoiled on him, for he now carried on his back a double burden.","Moral: 'You can play a good card once too often.'   Sometimes it is better to face a challenge of hard work, or difficult assignment.  It is better than trying to get out of it by trickery.",Jonah 1:3-15;,Aesop's Fables - Bobby Laymon,What Kind Of Name Are You Making With God?,55,,1994/05/17,
"Devotion, Dedication, Zealous, Heart,","There are two ways to spell 'whole souled.'  It could be  spelled, 'hole souled.'  Whole heart or a hole in your heart.","Which are you?  Are you 'whole souled' being complete?  Or is  it 'hole souled?'  Something lacking about your devotion to Jehovah.  The kings of Israel were whole-hearted, but when it came to some of them, we would have to spell it differently.",Col 3:23;,Joe Bounds,Glorifying God With All We Have,17,,1993/10/27,
"Dew, Bible, Gentle, Nourish, Speech, Kindness,","We hear of 'Dew point' on the weather forecast.  This is the temperature at which the air can no longer hold on to its moisture and deposits it onto surfaces that are cooler than the surrounding air.  Through their leaves, thirsty plants have been known to absorb as much as their own weight in dewdrop water, much of which they expel through their roots for storage in the soil.","Jehovah says, 'my sayings will trickle as the dew, as gentle rains upon grass and as copious showers upon vegetation.'  Moses spoke of God's Word in being as life-giving as dew.  He was, no doubt, gentle and considerate as well.  Like dew his words nourished without causing damage.",Deuteronomy 32:2; Numbers 12:3;,"May 22, 1995 Aw Page 31","Mercy, A Dominant Quality Of True Christians",7,,1995/05/07,
"Dew, Dewdrops,","A 19th-Century journalist described dewdrops as 'earth's liquid jewelry, wrought of the air.'","Apart from its glistening, jewel like beauty, dew is associated in the bible with blessing, fertility, abundance, and the preservation of life.","Job 38:28; Genesis 27:28; Deuteronomy. 33:13, 28; Zech 8:12; Ps. 133:3;","Aug 15, 1998 Wt Page 32",How Can Youths Cope With Today's Crisis?,113,,1998/07/10,
"Disciples, Preaching, Dedication, Baptism, Maturity, Growth,","It can be likened to young people growing to manhood or womanhood. When they reach this state of maturity and marry, they bring new children into the world.","So it is with mature Christians. By their saying, 'Come!' they bring others, and then the new hearers turn from their former course of action, and likewise study and come to the point of dedicating their lives to do Jehovah's will.",Heb. 5:14-6:2.,W58 8/1 470,"Come, You Who Thirst For The Truth!",89,,1994/08/09,
Dictionary,Reference to 1961 Webster's Unabridged Dictionary Jehovah God; Jehovah's Witnesses; Kingdom Hall; Pioneer publisher; Publisher; Servant; Article give dictionary definition to each of above.,Terms that apply to Jehovah's Witnesses.,Mk 13:10;,"Aug 22, 1962 Aw Page 23",,,,,
"Die, Death, Disease, Life,",'All interest in disease and death is only another expression of interest in life.' Quote: Thomas Mann.,Man is greatly concerned with life.  We desire to live forever.,John 17:3;,Bobby Laymon,Life Does Have A Purpose,23,,1995/08/16,
Diet; Food;,'She used to diet on any kind of food she could lay her hands on.'  Quote:  Arthur Bugs Baer.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Different, Separate, Peer, Pressure,","'It's as different as day and night,' is a common expression.","We must be as different as 'day and night,' because we are Christians.",John 3:19;,Bobby Laymon,Why Christians Must Be Different.,123,,1998/04/29,
"Different, Separate, Peer, Pressure,","Have you ever had a very sensitive part of your body.  Maybe a sore thumb.  It stands out, doesn't it.  Not only are we painfully aware of it, but others notice it is different, and give all kinds of advise to make it like theirs.  (2) Sometimes we forget our thumb is different.  Then we bump it and become painfully aware of it again. (3) We protect a sore thumb, (bandage)  but the more we do, the greater it stands out. (4) A sore thumb limits what we can do.","As Christians, we stand out like a 'sore thumb.'  Others are constantly trying to get us to conform. (2) When we forget we are different from the world we sometimes experience painful reminders. (3) The greater we are protected by Jehovah, the more we stand out. (4) In being Christians there is a limit as to what we do, where we go.",1 Pet. 4:4,Bobby Laymon,Why Christians Must Be Different.,123,,1998/04/28,
"Dig, Search, Study,","When an archeologist starts to dig at a new site, he may start with a bulldozer and remove several layers of dirt.  As he gets closer, the dozer may be exchanged for round-pointed shovels; then so as not to cause damage for flat-pointed shovels.  Then he may start using small implements like we would to work our flower garden.  Eventually digging around objects with his hands.",Are we willing to go through all the phases of digging and searching in God's word?  Do we get an overall view?  Do we search for details?,Prov. 2:1-9; 2 Tim 3:1-5;,Howard Erwin,Trust In The God Of All Comfort,143,,"Nov 1, 2001",
"Diligent, Dedication, Preaching,","Many persons are diligent today: Politicians are diligent to get elected. Bankers, businessmen, manufacturers are diligent to increase power and profit. Medical researchers diligent to find a cure. Many parents are diligent to provide for their family.",How much more reason we have to be diligent with Good News. ,"Rev. 14:6, 7; Luke 2:9-14;","Oct 1, 1964 Wt Page 606",How Purposeful Is Your Life?,60,,,3/20/2016
"Diogenes, Honesty, Truth,","Greek philosopher, (founder of Cynics) who according to a popular story walked through Athens in broad daylight carrying a lighted lamp, saying that he was looking for an honest man. (Never found) (Diogenes of Sinope 412?-323 BC)",Honest persons are hard to find in today's world.,1 Cor. 5:6; Ecclesiastes. 8:11; 2 Tim. 3:1-4;,"Apr 1, 1967 Wt Page 195",Conducting Ourselves Honestly At All Times,10,,,
"Diplomacy, Tact, Pioneer,","'Diplomacy is to do and say, The nastiest thing in the nicest way.' Quote: Isaac Goldberg.","We don't want to say nasty things, but truthful things.  However we want to say them in such a way as to heal, and not to injure.",Col 4:6;,Bobby Laymon,What Does The Healing Of The Nations Accomplish?,111,,1995/08/16,
Directions;,"'We need to set our course by the stars, not by the lights of every passing ship.'  Quote:  O. Bradley.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Direction, Guidance, Signposts,","If you were traveling on an unfamiliar road or pathway, would you view signposts as a hindrance?  Not likely!  Surely you would view them as an aid to help you from straying off the route leading to your destination.","What though, of traveling life's road?  Can it be successfully negotiated without signposts?  Ancient prophet of God acknowledge mankind's limitations in this regard.",Jeremiah 10:23;,"Oct 1, 1998 Wt Page 32",Follow The Way To Life,45,,1998/11/07,
"Disappointment, Depression, Discourage, Groan,","Did you ever feel like a worm, might as well crawl under the chair Many times we are a disappointment to ourselves.  Ps. 69:20 should never happen in Jehovah's organization.",A worm can still crawl; call the older men.,"Ps. 22:6; James 5:13, 14",Larry Punko; C.O.,Gaining Comfort In All Our Tribulations,105,,,
Disappointment;,'A good salad may be a prologue to a bad supper.' Quote:  T. Fuller,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Disappointment;,'Age does not diminish the extreme disappointment of having a scoop of ice cream fall from the cone.'  Quote:  Jim Frebig.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Disappointment;,'Are you angry that others disappoint you? Remember you cannot depend upon yourself.'  Quote:  Bf.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Disappointment;,'Disappointment is the nurse of wisdom.'  Quote:  Boyle Roche.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Disappointment;,"'Disappointment to a noble soul is what cold water is to burning metal; it strengthens, tempers, intensifies, but never destroys it.'  Quote:  Eliza Taylor.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Disappointment;,'The disappointment of manhood succeeds the delusion of youth.'  Quote:  Ben Disraeli.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Disappointment; Count Your Blessings;,'Too many people miss the silver lining because they're expecting gold.'  Quote:  Maurice Seitter.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Disappointment; Hope;,'How disappointment tracks the steps of hope.'  Quote:  Lettia Landon.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Disarmament, War, Nations, Hearts, Peace,","If your neighbor pulls a gun on you and you call the police and they take the gun away from him.  Are you now safe? Will he not get a knife, a rock, or injury you another way. Disarmament does not mean peace with wicked persons.",Hearts must be changed to have peace.,2 Tim. 3:16;,Larry Punko,What Does The Healing Of The Nations Accomplish?,111,,,
"Disasters, Faith, Love, Materialism, Attitude, Personality, Volunteers","'I noticed that hundreds of large Ficus trees had been uprooted and toppled to the ground.  They offered high wind resistance due to their bulk, widespread, but shallow root system. The slender palms remained standing.  They bent with the wind, some lost their fronds, but most stayed rooted in the ground.' Quote: eyewitness",The Witnesses had deep roots of faith in God's Word and were flexible in their reactions.  Possessions and homes were not everything to them.  Life was something that Andrew did not take away from them.  They continued to serve Jehovah.,"John 13:34, 35; Php 3:7, 8; Ecclesiastes 9:11; Re 21:3, 4;","Jan 8, 1993 Aw Page 20","Friendship With God, Friendship With The World -- Which Will You Choose?",79,,,2/25/2015
"Disasters, Hurricane, Andrew, Jehovah's Witnesses, Love, Volunteers","'No one is slamming doors on the Jehovah's Witnesses this week-- even if they still have doors to slam.' Quote: The Miami Herald.  It added, 'Witnesses care for their own and others.'  Quote: Savannah Evening Press - 'Jehovah's Witnesses Find They Are Welcome in South Florida.'","The above statement are made regarding the mass, organized relief work in the wake of hurricane Andrew on Aug 24, 1992. See article for experiences: Example: 'You don't just have to knock on doors to give a witness-you can knock on roofs.'","John 13:34, 35;","Jan 8, 1993 Aw Page 20",Love Identifies The True Christian Congregation,72,,,2/25/2015
"Disasters, Hurricane, Andrew, Witnesses, Love, Organization, Volunteers",'They are the only ones who are properly organized.' Quote: City authorities in South Florida.,"In the beginning, city authorities were sending non-Witness volunteers to the Kingdom Hall, with the above words.","John 13:34, 35;","Jan 8, 1993 Aw Page 21",Serving With Jehovah's Unified Organization,3,,,2/25/2015
Discernment,"Bee-They whom truth & wisdom lead, Can gather honey from a weed. Used what information available, and reached right conclusion.",Jesus used discernment,Pr 2:11;,Quote (Cowper),Make Jehovah Your Confidence,70,,,
Discernment,"Doctor - Pediatrician; Dealing with babes; must be discernment.  We must observe surroundings, and use knowledge. Not treat all the same.","We are dealing with babes, and life is involved.",1 Cor 9:19-23,Bobby Laymon,Make Jehovah Your Confidence,70,,,
Discernment,"Doctor treated all patients with same medication. One doctor; No matter what, he gave penicillin shot, measles, whooping cough, asthma, broken bones etc.","We must be observant, dealing with lives.",1 Cor 9:19-23,Johnse Laymon,Make Jehovah Your Confidence,70,,,
"Discernment, Enemy, Compassion,",'If we could read the secret history of our enemies we should find in each man's life sorrow and suffering enough to disarm all hostility.' Quote: Longfellow (1819-1892),"By showing discernment we may be able to understand those who treat us unkindly, and thus help others learn about Jehovah.",Luke 6:27;,Wisdom Of The Ages,Make Jehovah Your Confidence,70,,,
"Discernment, Justice, Judgment, Mercy, Prejudice, Racial, Partial",The deepest rivers flow with the least sound.,Discernment helps to draw out deep matters.,"Jeremiah. 11:20; Ps. 96:13; Matt. 7:1, 2; 25:40, 45; Matt. 12:36;",Bobby Laymon,"Mercy, A Dominant Quality Of True Christians",7,,,
"Discernment, Marriage,","Husband comes home, and wife looks tired.  Hasn't really started cooking, and says, 'I really don't know what to fix.' May be really saying, 'I need to get out of the house.'","We should be discernment, and take subtle hints.",1 Cor. 13:4-8;,Paul Smith,God Comes First In Successful Family Life,110,,,
"Discernment, Observe,","Sherlock Holmes, (super sleuth) would ask a person's name, look them over and tell all about them.  You're a doctor, you live in the country, with no paved roads, you hate wearing suits etc.","Very discerning; could tell by their ring they were a doctor, dirt under nails, like to farm, dust on shoes etc. (dirt roads) smell of moth balls, suits usually stored.",Prov. 17:27; 19:8; 1 Cor. 3:6; Titus 1:9;,Scott Rudolph,How Should You Serve God?,58,,,
"Discernment, Questions, Charm, Skill, Teaching, Art,",'Charm is a way of getting the answer YES without asking a clear question.'  Quote: Albert Camus.,The art of teaching sometimes charm and the skillful use of questions.,2 Tim 4:2;,Bobby Laymon - Reader's Digest,Make Jehovah Your Confidence,70,,1996/03/21,
"Discernment, Understanding, Thinking, Wisdom,",Quarrying building blocks of spiritual discernment.,Reading and applying God's Word is like that.,Prov 2:10;,Garland Brown,Acquiring A Heart Of Wisdom,73,,1996/06/12,
"Discernment, Wisdom, Patience,","Stork and water vase.  It was a hot dry summer and the stork was hard-pressed to find water.  He finally found some in a deep vase, but was unable to reach it.  After some thought, he began to drop pebbles into the vase, and the water began to rise.","We too must exercise wisdom to reach LIVE-GIVING WATER.  When   all else fail, patience will succeed.",Prov. 2:1-5,Fable,Acquiring A Heart Of Wisdom,73,,,
Discernment;,'A clown must be clubbed but a hint is enough for a gentleman.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Discernment;,'It is not prey hairs that produces discretion.'  Quote:  Greek.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Discernment;,'Some go through the forest and see no firewood.'  Quote:  English.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Discernment;,"'The obscure we see eventually. The completely obvious, it seems, takes longer.'  Quote:  Ed Murrow.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Discernment;,"'Tim was so learned that he could name a horse in nine languages, but so ignorant (dumb) that he bought a cow to ride on.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Discernment;,There is a great difference between knowing a thing and understanding it.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Discernment; Blindness;,"'There is no such thing as darkness, only failure to see.'  Quote:  Malcolm Muggerage.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Discernment; Conviction,'Be bold in what you stand for and careful in what you fall for.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Discernment; Experience;,'Only the wearer knows where the shoe pinches.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Discernment; Foresight; Wisdom;,'He is wise who looks ahead.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Discernment; Funny;,'You can observe a lot just by watching.' Quote:  Yogi Berra.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Discernment; Instinct;,'Instinct is untaught ability.'  Quote:  Alex Bain.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Disciple, Follower, Pioneer, Missionary, Publisher,","'Let the dead bury their dead.' Disciple's father was not literally dead, but he wanted to delay following Jesus.",Those not accepting the Good News are spiritually dead.,Matt. 8:22,Bobby Laymon,Make Jehovah Your Confidence,70,,,
"Disciple, Martyrdom, Truth, Persecution,","'I am very fond of truth, but not at all of martyrdom.' Quote: Voltaire Francois Marie Arouet.","Many fear persecution.  None look forward to it, but it is a necessary by-product of being a disciple.",2 Tim 3:12;,Bobby Laymon,Bearing Up Under Persecution,57,,1995/07/17,
"Disciple, Will, Service, Doer,","There is a saying, 'Talk is cheap!'",'The one doing the will of my father' rewarded by Jesus.,Matt. 7:21;,You Can Live Forever In Paradise On Earth. Page 30,How Should You Serve God?,58,,,
"Disciples, Service, Evangelizing, That dog won't hunt.'","When I was growing up in Arkansas, there was one thing you didn't say much about.  That was a man's dog.  About the worst thing you could say was, 'That dog won't hunt.'  The owner had less than a year to break that cute puppy from barking at everything, chasing cars, chewing on fruit trees, and to teach him to hunt.","It's that way with our Bible studies.  No matter how attached to them we may be, if they haven't progressed to the point of quitting their former ways and began witnessing to others, we need to find another study.  We need to work diligently to reach their heart and help them to hunt.",Jer 16:16;,Bobby Laymon,,,,1997/09/12,5/13/2025
"Disciples, Zeal, Exert, Pioneer, Zealous, Christendom, Babylon,",'Stanley Jones was disturbingly close to the truth when he remarked that the modern church is more a field for evangelism than a force for it.' Why is this?,Many church members frankly admit that they do not feel equipped to make disciples. Many others simply have never felt that their church expected this of them. Yet Christ Jesus' own words setting forth this commission for his followers are unmistakably clear.,"Matt 28:19, 20;",W72 7/15 423,Are You Content With Jehovah's Provisions?,22,,1994/07/31,
Discipline,"Better to be counseled, than canceled","We do not want to lose our life, for lack of discipline",Heb. 12:5,Bobby Laymon,Make Jehovah Your Confidence,70,,,
Discipline,"Fine table, Heirloom; drove 6 inch spikes into After came back into truth, he asked as spikes were removed how holes would be filled. Father said, 'I'm not going to try, I'm going to leave them as a","Helped wayward son to see what he was doing, by sinning reminder to you of the scars on mine & your mother's heart and Jehovah's'",Heb 12:7-11;,Brandon Kerr,Make Jehovah Your Confidence,70,,,
Discipline,Fireman; Puts out every amber of fire. SERVICE; MEETINGS; PARTICIPATING;,We should approach way of life the same way.  Be aware of,Heb 12:7-11;,Dist Assy,Make Jehovah Your Confidence,70,,,
Discipline,"Guard rail on highway.  If we hit it we may be bruised up,  but that is better than what might have happened.  We could have been  killed.",That is the way with discipline.  We may be pretty badly injured by counsel but it is better than the alternative.,Prov 21:16  Dan 11:35,"Mar 15, 1989 Wt Page 16",Make Jehovah Your Confidence,70,,,
Discipline,"Machine out of adjustment, doesn't sound right Everything just doesn't click just right.",Elders & others can tell if we are out of adjustment,Gal 6:1,Bobby Laymon,Make Jehovah Your Confidence,70,,,
Discipline,Ostrich - Bury head in sand Christians must not become influenced by world's permissiveness. Prov 22:15,"Parents, inclined to overlook wrongdoing, playing down seriousness",Prov 22:6  13:24,"Oct 1, 1989 Wt Page 29",Make Jehovah Your Confidence,70,,,
Discipline,"Snoring is no problem for the snorer: for others, different matter. His hisses, gurgles, buzzes, snorts  and rasping are unlikely to disturb his sleep. Causes sleeplessness, tension and nervousness to others.",Many times we are not conscious of anything against ourselves. Much can be done about the 'snoring problem',1 Cor. 4:4,"Sep 8, 1960 Aw Page 13-15",Make Jehovah Your Confidence,70,,,
Discipline,"Snow Falling, returning to N.Y.; got stuck; When a stranger helped they made mention of going to N.Y. 'Why, you're not far from Ohio. They had gone 3 Hours in wrong direction. Did they resent the stranger telling them? Of course not!",Christendom reluctant to change her course. Rather than resent correction; we should be willing to listen.,Exodus. 20:13-15,"Mar 22, 1959 Aw Page 5",Make Jehovah Your Confidence,70,,,
Discipline,Traffic or speeding ticket; feel the penalty was too much.,Disciplined too harshly; think of all times you got away with.,"Ecclesiastes. 7:21, 22",Bobby Laymon,Do You Harbor Resentment Or Do You Forgive?,68,,,
Discipline,"Traveling by automobile, made wrong turn, action required","Must first correct our mistakes, then work on them","Prov 3:5, 6","Sept 15, 1989 Wt Page 25",Make Jehovah Your Confidence,70,,,
"Discipline,",Even such a little thing as getting up when the alarm clock rings instead of lazily lying in bed until the very last minute shows discipline.,"In fact, there is a sense of well-being or strength that comes with each act of disciplining oneself in little things rather than yielding to one's inclinations and indulging oneself.",Ps 50:17;,W65 3/15 164,,,,1996/01/06,
"Discipline,","For a three-year-old, to receive a whipping is not an easy thing. It is sometimes necessary.","Likewise, for a 30-year-old person, to receive a spiritual whipping is not easy, but it is sometimes necessary.",Pr 20:30;,Steve Carnifix,Maintain Your Confidence Firm To The End,46,,,
"Discipline, Abilities, Elders, Cooperation, Progress, Obedience,","If you were left on your own, you would still be sucking milk from a bottle.","We must have someone taking the lead, giving instructions and setting an example.  Do not be disturbed when you are given different instructions from other family members.",Heb 12:11;,"Jul 15, 1970 Wt Page 442",Family Life That Warms The Heart,5,,,
"Discipline, Children,",Children are disciplined by the 'ear' and by the 'rear.',Parents must be discerning to tell when each is needed.,Prov. 22:6;,Mike Hart,Family Life That Warms The Heart,5,,1996/04/29,
"Discipline, Children, Family, Marriage, Home, Youth, Dating,",A child is punished because we love it.,Discipline should be given in love.,2 Tim. 2:22; Prov. 22:6; 23:13; Deuteronomy. 6: 4-8; Eph. 5:22-33;,Bobby Laymon,Family Life That Warms The Heart,5,,,
"Discipline, Children, Youth, Marriage,",A squeezed spring in one's hand must be released slowly to avoid having it fly away unrestrained.' Let them develop self-esteem. For every criticism give four praises.,"Little by little, we must trust children with more freedom. Give them your best to make them their best.",Deuteronomy. 6:6-9; Eph. 6:1-4;,"Sep 22, 1991 Aw Page 13",God Comes First In Successful Family Life,110,,,
"Discipline, Correction, Mistakes, Attitude, Willful, Sin, Ignorance, Fool,","On an airplane, a passenger might pay no attention when the stewardess explains the proper use of life jackets or the plane's oxygen supplies.  If, during a sudden emergency, the passenger failed to use these provisions and lost his life, it would not be simply because he did not know.  It would be because he did not care to know.",Not all mistakes come from just 'not knowing.'  Many mistakes are because of not caring.  Not all wrongs can be chalked up to simple error.  Willful ignorance is often the cause.,"Ro 5:12; Heb 12:11; Pr 1:7; 9:8, 9;","Nov 1, 1971 Wt Page 659",Hold A Good Conscience In A Sinful World,107,,1993/11/21,
"Discipline, Counsel,",We need to remember the three (3) C's of discipline.,[1] Communicate   [2] Correct   [3] Consistency,Heb 12:7; Col 3:21;,Robert Boettcher,Responsibilities And Rewards Of Parenthood,29,,,
"Discipline, Counsel, Adjustment,","If a dog chases cars, he needs discipline.  If he doesn't respond it will eventually catch up with him.  He will get hit.  He may even lose his life over it.","Likewise, there are things that Jehovah says, 'Don't do it!' Like stealing, adultery, etc.  If we do, it will eventually catch up with us.",Pr 20:30; 1ti 5:24;,Bobby Laymon,Maintain Your Confidence Firm To The End,46,,,
"Discipline, Counsel, Adjustment, Love, Karl F. Klein",'I had to learn that life is never this AND that but this OR that!'  Quote:  Karl F. Klein.,"Looking back now, it is easy to see how, ever so often, Jehovah rapped my knuckles, as it were, when I was doing something I should not have been doing.",Prov 3:12;,W84 10/1 22,Make Jehovah Your Confidence,70,,1995/06/05,
"Discipline, Counsel, Elders, Progress,","Father stopped car on way to K.H. and drove nail partly in fence and each meeting he would stop and explain how it will stay that way until son progressed.  Entire family listened.  Son begged to pull the nail, In time, when progress was evident, father let him.","We must not 'belittle' counsel, nor 'give out' from it.  Elders can offer helpful suggestions, perhaps like the one above. Don't let counsel 'crush' you.  Apply it!","Heb 12:5, 6;",Gary Breaux (d.O.),Evidence Of God In The World Around Us,4,,,
"Discipline, Counsel, Friend,",'Your best friends won't tell you.'  ... meaning that one's closest friends shrink from telling an unflattering or embarrassing truth when one really needs to know. (see example in art),This slogan is just the opposite of what the Bible admonishes. 'Faithful are the wounds of a friend.',"Pr 27:6; Le 19:17, 18; Ps 141:5;","Feb 8, 1968 Aw Page 3",Evidence Of God In The World Around Us,4,,,
"Discipline, Counsel, Manure,","We are the trees, fruit is (of lips) manure is discipline.  We must have discipline. It shows Jehovah's love.","Doesn't look good, doesn't smell good, doesn't taste good and doesn't feel good, but how it makes things grow.  Produces delicious fruit.",Luke 13:6-9; Prov. 1:8; Heb. 12:11;,Larry Punko; C.O.,Evidence Of God In The World Around Us,4,,,
"Discipline, Disfellowship,",Worse discipline is disfellowshipping.  Short-term discipline for long-term results.,"Hopefully, that is the way it will turn out, and often does.  Joseph Wingert, D.O.",Ps. 48:11;,Bobby Laymon,Remaining Blameless Amid A Crooked          Remaining Blameless Amid A Crooked Generation  [talks -,97,,"Feb 10, 2001",
"Discipline, Disfellowshipped, Organization,",Did any of your children ever mis-behave and you sent them to their room?  You did not allow them to talk to the other children?,That is what disfellowshipping is like.  Jehovah is disciplining them until they acknowledge they mis-behaved.  He has cut off communication from the other family members.,1 Cor 5:13;,Carolyn Smith,"Mercy, A Dominant Quality Of True Christians",7,,1997/05/03,
"Discipline, Listen,","'Not to cause pain, but to train'","The goal of discipline. The Bible says, 'listen' to discipline and become wise. Does my discipline teach, or does it simply control by hurting.",Pr 13:24; Pr 8:33; 2t 2:24; 4:2;,"Feb 8, 1993 Aw Page 11",Never Become Dull In Your Hearing,9,,,
"Discipline, Order, Organization, Confusion,","Clearly, a farmer's operations are orderly and purposeful. Plowing and harrowing are limited, being done to soften the ground and to prepare it to receive seed.","Similarly, Jehovah God did not unendingly discipline and punish his disobedient people. He disciplined them for a time and with a view to making them more receptive to counsel and guidance.",Isaiah 28:25-27;,W75 9/1 517,Make Jehovah Your Confidence,70,,1994/07/30,
"Discipline, Organization, Elders, Independence,","Aircraft pilot; the tower is in control, (air traffic controller) Pilot may feel free to do as he wishes, but his life and other are at stake.","We must learn to accept and apply direction, counsel.","Heb. 12:5, 6;",Phil Kirkton Notes:,Serving With Jehovah's Unified Organization,3,,,
"Discipline, Reproof, Cultivate, Correction, Patience,","A farmer does not plow up the ground continually, but only to the extent needed.  And when threshing, the smaller, more tender grains were not threshed with heavy equipment that would crush them, but with a rod or flail. Even the larger, harder grains that were threshed with heavy instruments, such as a wooden sledge or a cartwheel, were not threshed to the point of utterly crushing them.","So, too, Jehovah wisely, justly and lovingly measures out reproof, discipline and correction-whether light, moderate, heavy or even severe-according to the need of each individual situation. Only those who willfully resist his patient efforts to aid them, will experience the force of his destructive power.","Jas 5:7,8;",W76 12/1 719,Make Jehovah Your Confidence,70,,1994/07/30,
"Discipline, Reproof, Cultivate, Correction, Patience,","Take, as an illustration, a man in a boat, alone on the sea and running short of food and water. If, due either to ignorance or to bad judgment, he is seriously off course in his efforts to reach land, he will die. Surely he would be grateful if someone, by some means, could signal to him how to correct his course, thereby saving his life. He would be foolish to resent or reject such helpful correction.","In the same way, all of us, being innately sinful, need regular correction in order to get on, or stay on, the narrow course that leads to life. Without it we inevitably deviate into the broad course that leads to destruction.","Matt 7:13, 14;",W76 12/1 717,Make Jehovah Your Confidence,70,,1994/07/30,
"Discipline, Reproof, Cultivate, Correction, Patience, Elder, Counsel,","If the elder adopts a superior attitude, like that of a policeman dealing with a criminal or a prosecuting attorney questioning a suspect, the reaction produced will certainly not be beneficial.","But if the elder shows fellow feeling, realizing that he himself is imperfect, not immune to committing error, then he can reflect a brotherly spirit.  He is there not primarily to condemn but to help,",Gal 6:1;,W76 12/1 720,Evidence Of God In The World Around Us,4,,1994/07/30,
"Discipline, Spanking,","Judge ordered boy to be spanked 15 whacks across seat of pants. Father was asked how long since he had spanked the child, and the father admitted that he never had. Judge ordered as above.",This punishment had the desired effect.,Gal. 6:7; Hos. 10:12; Prov. 13:24; 29:17;,"Feb 22, 1964 Aw Page 4",Make Jehovah Your Confidence,70,,,
"Discipline, Spankings, Rod, Trust, Spock, Understanding,","'Trust yourself.  You know more than you think you do.'  Quote: Benjamin Spock, M. D., -Baby and Child Care. (Pocket Books)","Many others trusted him also, and raised their children without spankings or discipline.  It is far better to trust in Jehovah in every aspect of our lives.","Prov 23:13, 14;",Bobby Laymon - Reader's Digest,Make Jehovah Your Confidence,70,,1996/03/24,
"Discipline, Warnings, Dangers, Comfort, Encouragement, Groan,","If you were to see a sign on the road, 'Danger -- Bridge Out,' would you question the ability of the sign painter, or would you appreciate the warning?","If a brother needs help in the way of comfort or encouragement nearly everyone is capable of giving this kind of help.  If one tries, will you find fault with his abilities?",Ga 6:1; 1th 5:11;,"Dec 1, 1968 Wt Page 719",Gaining Comfort In All Our Tribulations,105,,,
"Discipline, counsel, love, Service Talk,",One brother said- 'Jehovah must love me very much'.,Jehovah loves those he disciplines.,Prov 29:15,Frank Barr,How Should You Serve God?,58,,,
Discipline;,'If punishment makes not the will supple it hardens the offender.'  Quote:  John Locke.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Discipline;,'If punishment makes not the will supple it hardens the offender.'  Quote:  J. Locke.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Discipline;,"'The best discipline, maybe the only discipline that really works is self-discipline.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Discipline;,"'To train children at home, it is necessary for both parents and children to spend some time there.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Discipline;,"He that does not control small faults, will not control great ones.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Discipline;,"He that is foolish in his fault, let him be wise in the punishment",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Discontent, Complain, Mummer,",'Why keep a dog and bark yourself?',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Discontent;,'Discontent is the first step in the progress of a man or a nation.'  Quote:  Oscar Wilde.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Discontent;,One thing only has been lent to youth and age in common - discontent.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Discontent; Contentment;,'The discontented man finds no easy chair.'  Quote:  Bf.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Discourage, Depression, Weak, Groan,","Satan has many tools, but discouragement is the handle that fits them all.",Satan has so many ways to use discouragement.,Prov. 24:10;,Al Larue,Gaining Comfort In All Our Tribulations,105,,,
"Discouragement, Depression,",It is like sliding down a greased tube...,It is hard to find a stopping place.,Prov. 24:10;,Ron Whitlatch C. O.,Serve Jehovah With A Joyful Heart,78,,"Mar 4, 2001",
"Discouragement, Devotion, Dedication, Baptism,",Dog pursuing rabbit.  Dog pursues rabbit even through thorns.,We should likewise pursue Godly Devotion even though there may be a few thorns along the way.  Should not let little things discourage us.,Heb 12:1-4;,Joe Laymon,Glorifying God With All We Have,17,,,
"Discouragement, Disappointment, Prayer, Samson, Quit,","How Samson must have felt when he found his hair had been shaved off, and he was blinded. Have you ever felt the road is long, and that you might take it easy for a time, or even quit?","Even the most zealous servants of God meet up with discouragement When we go to Jehovah in prayer, he makes new might abound.",Judg. 16:21; Eph. 6:10; Jer. 20:7-9; Heb. 11:32-34; 12:1,"Feb 15, 1967 Wt Page 118",Prayers That Are Heard By God.,86,,,
"Discouragement, Encourage, Light,","The only survivor of a shipwreck washed up on a small, uninhabited  island. He prayed feverishly for God to rescue him, and every day he  scanned the horizon for help, but none seemed forthcoming. Exhausted, he eventually managed to build a little hut out of driftwood to protect him from the elements, and to store his few possessions.  But then one day, after scavenging for food, he arrived home to find his little hut in flames, the smoke rolling up to the sky. The worst had happened; everything was lost. He was stung with grief and anger.  'God, how could you do this to me!' he cried. Early the next day, however, he was awakened by the sound of a ship that was approaching the island. It had come to rescue him. 'How did you know I was here?' asked the weary man of his rescuers. 'We saw your smoke signal,' they replied.","It is easy to get discouraged when things are going bad. But we  shouldn't lose heart. Remember next time your little hut is burning to  the ground, it just may be a smoke signal that summons the undeserved  kindness of Jehovah.",1 Sam. 17:37;,Dennis A. Dunne,Serve Jehovah With A Joyful Heart,78,,1998/07/13,
"Discouragement, Judging, Personalities, Mercy, Aid, Assist, Race,","A brother that had run in a Marathon one noted:  Everyone was there on the sidelines, cheering me on.  No one ever said, 'You bum, what are you doing in this race.  Go home!'  Everyone was cheering me on.  'Keep running!  You can win!!'",So it is in the race for life.  Cheer everyone on.  Don't be a discouragement to anyone.,Matt. 7:1-4;,"Gary Wells, D. O.","Mercy, A Dominant Quality Of True Christians",7,,"Apr 25, 2002",
"Discouragement, Satan, Devil, Tools,",Satan the devil had an auction. During a preview of the site one noted all kinds of tools sitting on individual tables. Each had their own lot number attached. To name a few: hate - pride - immorality - dishonesty and the list goes on. BUT soon they came to a table with a little wedge shaped piece of steel that would easily fit in the palm of the hand. But there was no lot number. Why? Satan said: 'That is my prized possession..  With that wedge I can get into the smallest crack and by hammering away at it gradually I can break down anything. Marriages - families - friends - congregations. This one tool is not for sale.',The name of tool: 'Discouragement.',1 Thess 5:14;,J.K.,How To Protect Ourselves From Satan's Snares,115,,1997/04/11,
"Discouragement, Stumbled, Service, Pioneer,",Have you ever followed anyone who had their foot on the brake? If you ask that person why they will usually say that they didn't know that their foot was on the brake. Can't blame it on anyone else.,If a person is slowing down it is usually their own fault. Who are you going to blame for your slowing down?,Heb. 12:25,Frank Barr,How Should You Serve God?,58,,,
Discovery;,'All great discoveries are made by men whose feelings run ahead of their thinking.'  Quote:  Charles Park Hurst.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Discovery; Patience; Listen; Attention;,"'If I ever made any valuable discoveries, it has been owing more to patient attention, than to any other talent.'  Quote:  Isaac Newton.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Discreet Slave, 144,000, Anointed, Domestics,","As recorded at 2 Peter 3:15, 16, the apostle Peter makes reference to Paul's letters.  Who was the 'slave' and who was the 'domestics?'","When reading them, Peter would be as one of the domestics feeding on the spiritual food provided by Paul as a representative of the slave class.  They would be 'slaves' or 'domestics' depending on whether they were dispensing spiritual food or partaking of it.  Apparently one generation of the slave class fed the next succeeding generation thereof.","Matt 24:45-47; 2 Pet 3:15, 16;","May 15, 1995 Wt Page 16",,,,1995/04/16,
"Discreet Slave, Spiritual Food, Apostasy, Provisions, Content,","A story is told of a man who, resisting the cost of oats he fed his mule, decided to gradually substitute sawdust in its diet.  Everything went fine for a while, but by the time the mule was satisfied with sawdust, he died.","The same is true spiritually.  The change over from truth to error is sometimes a slow process, and an individual may not always know the difference. But, before you know it, through lack of nourishment, you will be spiritually dead. You may be going through the motions of eating (spiritually), but be careful by trusting the source (faithful and discreet slave class), following the regular routine of feeding (the meetings and personal study), and develop a taste for quality food.",Amos 8:11;,Bobby Laymon,Are You Content With Jehovah's Provisions?,22,,"Jan 19, 2001",
"Discreet, Wisdom, Insight, Knowledge, Understanding, Genius, Modes",Never send a rabbit after lettuce.,We must be discreet.,Prov. 9:10; 15:33; 2 Tim. 3:15; Jas. 1:5; Col. 2:3; Prov. 1:5,Bobby Laymon,Follow The Way To Life,45,,,
Discretion;,'An ounce of discretion is worth a pond of learning.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Discretion;,'Better lose the anchor than the whole ship.'  Quote:  Dutch.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Discretion;,'I have never been hurt by anything I didn't say.'  Quote:  Calvin Coolidge.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Discretion;,"'If thou art a master, be sometimes blind, if a servant, sometimes deaf.' Quote:  Thomas Fuller",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Discretion;,"As a jewel of gold in a swine's snout, so is a fair woman which is without discretion.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Discretion; Speech;,'Discretion in speech is more than eloquence.'  Quote:  Francis Bacon.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Disease, Cholera, Sanitation, Cleanliness,","'You can eat cholera and you can drink cholera, but you can't catch cholera!' Quote Dr. L. Bakka (Head of Control of Diarrheas Diseases Program in West Africa)","Importance of cleanliness for Jehovah's witnesses,",2 Cor. 7:1; Luke 21:11; 2 Tim. 3:1-5; Isa. 33:24;,"May 22, 1991 Aw Page 20",A Clean People Honors Jehovah,14,,,
"Disease, Cleanliness, Pestilence, Health, Cure, Personality, Transform, Kingdom,","A home has just been thoroughly cleaned.  As the days, weeks, and months pass, however, the dust and dirt gradually reappear.  One thorough cleaning, therefore, is not enough.  Continual upkeep is essential.","For a time it seemed that modern medicine had thoroughly cleaned out malaria, tuberculosis, and syphilis.  Now the 'dust and dirt' have reappeared.  All pose a serious threat, once again.  Only God's kingdom will completely eliminate these problems.","Re 21:3, 4;","Dec 8, 1993 Aw Page 4",A Clean People Honors Jehovah,14,,1993/11/30,
"Disease, Cure, Microbes, Virus,",It is 'time to close the book on infectious disease.'  Quote: Former U.S. surgeon general William H. Stewart in the 1960's.,"However, the book on infectious disease was in no way ready to be closed.  Well-known killer microbes are returning with a vengeance.","Mt 24:3-8; Luke 21:10, 11;","Feb 22, 1996 Aw Page 5",The Only Cure For Sick Mankind,62,,1996/01/22,
"Disease, Cure, Microbes, Virus,",Just as a thick forest can fuel a fire...,"..So high-density population provides ideal conditions for the rapid spread of tuberculosis, influenza, and other airborne diseases.","Mt 24:3-8; Luke 21:10, 11;","Feb 22, 1996 Aw Page 6",The Only Cure For Sick Mankind,62,,1996/01/22,
"Disease, Cure, Microbes, Virus, Weight,","A small microbe known as a bacterium 'weighs as little as 0.00000000001 gram.  A blue whale weighs about 100,000,000 grams.","Yet a bacterium can kill a whale.'  Quote: Bernard Dixon, 1994.","Mt 24:3-8; Luke 21:10, 11;","Feb 22, 1996 Aw Page 7",The Only Cure For Sick Mankind,62,,1996/01/22,
"Disease, Sickness, Cure, Kingdom,","'Doctors prescribe medicine of which they know little to cure diseases of which they know less, in human beings of which they know nothing.'  Quote Voltaire (1694-1778)","Only Jehovah knows the human body, and the correct remedy for man's illness.","Ps 78:38, 39; 103:14;",Wisdom Of The Ages,The Only Cure For Sick Mankind,62,,,
Disease;,'A bodily disease may be but a symptom of some ailment in the spiritual past.'  Quote:  Nathaniel Hawthorne.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Disease;,"'A person's age is not dependent upon the number of years that have passed over his head, but on the number of colds that have passed through it.' Quote:  Shirley Wynne",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Disease;,'Disease is the retribution of outraged nature.'  Quote:  Hosea Ballou.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Disease;,"'For a disparate disease, as disparate cure.'  Quote:  Latin.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Disease;,'There are no such things as incurable; there are only things for which man has not found a cure.'  Quote:  Bernard Baruch.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Disease;,"'We classify disease as error, which nothing but truth or mind can heal.'  Quote:  Mary Baker Eddy.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Disease; Remedies;,'Some remedies are worse than the diseases.'  Quote:  Publilius Syrus.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Diseases, Cure, Death, Sickness,","Info: Of 50 million deaths each year, (worldwide) 46.5 million are due to disease. 1. Infectious & Parasitic; 2. Heart disease stroke, circulatory; 3. cancer. 4. Mental illness (2 billion have hepatitis B virus; 40 million HIV; 1.7 million T.B.)",Only God's Kingdom can effect a cure for all these diseases.,"Re 21:3, 4","Sep 22, 1992 Aw Page 28  Feb 22, 1993 Aw Page 28;",The Only Cure For Sick Mankind,62,,,
"Disfellowship,",Like the warning on a pack of cigarettes; 'Smoking can be hazardous to your health.',"This is a disease that is killing 40,000 of our brothers each year",1 Cor. 5:11;,"Special One-day Assembly.  Dave Mcmann--bethel Bro. (sep 22, 1991)",How To Protect Ourselves From Satan's Snares,115,,,
"Disfellowship, Cleanliness, Organization","In Zurich, Switzerland, a man entered the K. H. and said he wanted to become one of Jehovah's Witnesses.  Asked why, he stated that his sister had been disfellowshipped for immorality.  'That's the organization I want to join - one that does not tolerate bad habits.","Jehovah's Witnesses are clean, and have the reputation of being one of the best-behaved groups in the world.",Is 43:10-12;,"Mar 15, 1992 Wt Page 12",A Clean People Honors Jehovah,14,,,
"Disfellowship, Discipline,","Disfellowship:  Short-term discipline for long-term results.  Quote:  Joseph Wingert, D.O.","Hopefully, that is the way it will turn out, and often does.",1 Cor 4:14;,Joseph Wengert D. O.,How To Protect Ourselves From Satan's Snares,115,,1996/04/29,
"Disfellowship, Elders","You are walking through a park and see a place where ground has been disturbed and there is a sign that says Don't walk on the grass. Does it mean no one can walk on grass. No, what about caretaker, He has to walk on it to fertilize and water it","Bible tells us not to speak to disfellowshipped ones, but Elders as caretakers are now permitted to walk on grass to call on these ones and encourage them to come back to Jehovah's organization.",Luke 15:4,Johnse Laymon,How To Protect Ourselves From Satan's Snares,115,,,
"Disfellowship, Protection,","Imagine being roused from sleep by the noisy blast of a car horn or alarm. The piercing sound is difficult to ignore; indeed, it startles you!","Likewise, when someone is expelled from the congregation, the action hopefully grabs the attention of every member of the flock. It disturbs their senses.  It cannot be ignored.  How may this be a protection?  Disfellowshipping can move others to take stock of their conduct.",1 Cor 10:12;,"Sep 8, 1996 Aw Page 27",Acquiring A Heart Of Wisdom,73,,1996/08/13,
"Disfellowship, Protection,","When a hardened criminal is sent to prison for breaking the law is that viewed as harsh or cold-hearted? No, because the public has the right to safeguard the peace and security of the community. In effect the criminal is disfellowshipped from law-abiding society during his prison term.","Similarly, the Christian congregation is justified in expelling unrepentant wrongdoers from their midst.  Why? Because the congregation must be a haven from immoral predators and other willful practicers of sin.",Ecclesiastes 9:18; 1 Corinthians 5:13),"Sep 8, 1996 Aw Page 27",Acquiring A Heart Of Wisdom,73,,1996/08/13,
"Disfellowship, Thinking, Association, Influence, World, Peer, Conduct,","Look at your watch.  It is only [tell time]  You ate just a little while ago and you are probably not hungry.  [Start to describe a delicious steak or a steamy hot pizza].  In just a couple of minutes, one person can affect the thinking of the entire congregation.  They can be made hungry.","This can happen in the congregation.  One person can affect the thinking of many.  One can mislead many, or they can influence for the good of many.","1 Pet. 2:11, 12;","Steve Truit - Eldon, Mo.",Why Christians Must Be Different.,123,,1994/06/24,
"Disfellowship, Wicked, Protection, Love, Justice, Holy, Clean,","Because of the increase of assaults and violent crimes against students, some schools have adopted a policy that 'calls for lifetime suspensions for students who use or threaten to use weapons.' Quote: The Globe and Mail of Toronto, Canada.  The expelling is done to protect the students who want to benefit from the educational program.",Disfellowshipping an unrepentant wrongdoer likewise shows love for Jehovah and his ways.  It removes righteous ones from the midst of those who could exercise a bad influence on them.  It protects the purity of the congregation.,Psalm 97:10; 1 Cor 5:1-13;,"Jul 15, 1995 Wt Page 25",A Clean People Honors Jehovah,14,,1995/06/20,
Disfellowshipped,"Over 100,000 last 3 years (1990) over 40,000 each year. In addition more than 3 times that number were reproved or disciplined.",Information:,"3 John 3, 4",Circuit Assy. J.C. Howard,How To Protect Ourselves From Satan's Snares,115,,,
Disfellowshipping,'May hurt more than going into a concentration camp.' Quote by Bro. Knorr to Gilead graduates. Must be done to keep congregation clean. Requires courage.,Regarding a close associate who goes wrong.,Ps. 27:14,"Jan 8, 1962 Aw Page 25",How To Protect Ourselves From Satan's Snares,115,,,
"Disfellowshipped, Apostates, False, Spiritual, Healthy, Clean,","When an individual is sick, then it must be discerned whether he is contagious or not.  If he is contagious to others he should be quarantined.","What if one is spiritual unhealthy.  Elders try to help.  But what if they unrepentantly promote false teaching? Then, in effect, they must be quarantined. They are disfellowshipped, and we stay away from them so that their spiritual infection does not spread to us.","Rom 16:17, 18; 1 Cor 5:9-13; Titus 3:9-11;",W89 10/1 19,Maintain Your Confidence Firm To The End,46,,1995/06/05,
"Disfellowshipped, Apostates, Sin,","What is the reaction of bees to an intruder, say a mouse, into their hive? They immediately descend on it and sting it to death. Then, as they instinctively know the dead body will pollute their hive, they proceed to cover it with wax. From then on they go on about their business and ignore it. It is still there, a big lump in their hive, but to them it is not there any more.","That is the way we should be with disfellowshipped ones and apostates. We mentally cover them with wax so we won't be polluted by them, and from then on we go on about our business and ignore them as if they weren't there.",Matt. 24:48-51,Peter Morgan,How To Protect Ourselves From Satan's Snares,115,,1997/08/10,
Disfellowshipping,House-cleaning.,Those promoting sin must not corrupt others.,1 Cor 5,Sept 15 Wt 1989  Page 16,How To Protect Ourselves From Satan's Snares,115,,,
"Dishonesty, Last Days, World, Sign, Kingdom,","Now I lay me down to sleep I pray the double lock will keep; May no brick through the window break, And, no one rob me till I awake.",Ode to the last days.,2 Tim. 3:1-5; Matt. 24:3-14; Luke 21:29-35; Mark 13:14-31;,Bobby Laymon,Conducting Ourselves Honestly At All Times,10,,,
"Disobedience, Disrespect, Children,","Eye torn out by raven. Ravens of Syria have reputation of attacking eyes of living or dead animals, especially lives on dead carcasses lying in field. Disobedient will not be worthy of decent burial.",Those disrespectful of parents will die a disgraceful death.,Prov. 30:17,"Feb 1, 1962 Wt Page 86",How Can Youths Cope With Today's Crisis?,113,,,
"Disobedience, Thankful, Thankless, Gift, Appreciation,",'How sharper than a serpent's tooth it is to have a thankless child!'  -William Shakespeare.,The eye that holds a father in derision and that despises obedience to a mother-the ravens of the torrent valley will pick it out.,Prov. 30:17;,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Disposition; Negative;,'Persons with a bad cold or bad disposition ought to stay at home so they won't effect others.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Disposition; Outlook; Bright Side;,'A cloudy day is no match for a sunny disposition.' Quote:  William Arthur Ward,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Disposition; Timothy; Idea,A disposition like his- talk on Timothy.,Explain what it is like to have Timothy's disposition.,"Phil2:20,21",Dch,,,,1993/10/10,
"Distraction, Goal, Determination, Endurance, Awake,",A plowman who looks behind will not plow a straight furrow.  Distraction leads to destruction.,"Once we begin plowing, figuratively speaking, we must keep on in a straight line.  A plowman who looks behind will not plow a straight furrow.  He is distracted and can easily be sidetracked","Luke 9:62; Genesis 19:17, 26; Luke 17:32;","May 1, 1992 Wt Page 20, 21",How To Keep Spiritually Awake!,71,,,
"Distraction, Satan,","You see a friend looking straight up into the air.  What do you do? (You look up into the air, also.) Elders must be alert for any distraction that Satan may cause.","If we are distracted, others will be also.",Phil. 1:10; Gal. 6:1; Rom. 8:13; Jas. 4:17;,"Lovers Of Freedom District Assy. Mobile July 12-14, 1991",How To Protect Ourselves From Satan's Snares,115,,,
"Distraction, Satan, Flood,",'Distraction means destruction.',Do not let Satan distract us by the things in the world.,Phil. 1:10; Gal. 6:1; Rom. 8:13; Jas. 4:17;,"Lovers Of Freedom District Assy. Mobile July 12-14, 1991; May 1, 1992 Wt",The Flood Of Noah's Day Has Meaning For Us,6,,,
"Distraction, Satan, Sin, Weakness, Rationalize, Honesty,","Humans have a tendency to: (1) Rationalize, (2) Minimize, and (3) Close your eyes.",We must overcome this tendency and do whatever is necessary to overcome this weakness.,Phil. 1:10; Gal. 6:1; Rom. 8:13; Jas. 4:17;,"Lovers Of Freedom District Assy. Mobile July 12-14, 1991",Conducting Ourselves Honestly At All Times,10,,,
"Distractions, Dangers,","A little boy eating an ice cream cone.  A mangy dog is watching him.  The little boy is really happy and contented, yet keeping an eye on the dog.  In a short time something else catches his eyes.  He looks away and the dog greedily gulps down his ice cream cone.","We are the little boy.  The ministry is our ice cream cone.  If we become distracted, Satan will take away our joy.  We must guard out trust.  An ice cream cone can melt, but our service to Jehovah is forever.",Re 12:9,Scott Rudolph  April 1994 Km Insert,What The Near Future Holds!,40,,1994/04/22,
"Distractions, Future, Prophecy, Bible, Priorities, First, Kingdom,","A man bought a new hunting dog. Eager to see how he would perform, he took him out to track a bear. No sooner had they gotten into the woods that the dog picked up the trail of the bear. Suddenly the dog stopped, sniffed the ground, and headed in a new direction. He had caught the scent of a deer that had crossed the bear's path. A few moments later he halted again, this time smelling rabbit that had crossed the path of the deer. An so, on and on it went until finally the breathless hunter caught up with his dog, only to find him barking triumphantly down the hole of a small field mouse.","If we recognize that we are living in very Urgent Times, we won't be like the hunting dog who although started out with a great resolve, was distracted and thus diverted his attention of things of lesser importance. So we need instead to stay on track and focused on the world shaking events taking place today in fulfillment of Bible prophecy.",Matt 6:33;,Peter Morgan,Your Future--how Can It Be Known?,19,,1997/08/14,
"Distractions, Simple,","Picture yourself going down a winding country road, enjoying sights.  Suddenly you get distracted.  Perhaps the coffee spills!  The baby starts crying!  The children in the back are fighting!  At any rate, when you look back at the road it is no longer there.  You are no longer on the road.  You are going down a steep ravine with many trees.  You are at the brink of disaster.",The road of life is like that.  Distraction means destruction.  We must never allow ourselves to become distracted from the narrow road that leads to life.,"Matt 7:13, 14;",Charles Francis,Follow The Way To Life,45,,1994/12/25,
Diversion; Mind; Thinking;,"'The mind ought sometimes to be diverted, that it may return the better to thinking.'  Quote:  Phaedrus.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Divorce,","Symbolically speaking, Jehovah considered himself married to the ancient nation of Israel by means of his covenant with them.  As a   husband, Jehovah was faithful.  What about Israel?  As a whole the nation repeatedly proved unfaithful.  He divorced them.","Remember, Jehovah hates, not all divorcing, but the kind of   divorcing that involves the unscriptural putting away of one mate in order to take another.","Is 54:1,5,6; 62:1-6;","Feb 8, 1994 Aw Page 21",,,,1994/01/03,
"Divorce, Feelings, Depression, Stress, Groaning,",Experiencing a divorce is a little like breaking your leg on a ski trip:,"No matter how many other people at the lodge break their leg, your broken leg doesn't hurt any less.",Ro 12:3,"Jul 8, 1993 Aw Page 7",Gaining Comfort In All Our Tribulations,105,,,
"Divorce, Feelings, Depression, Stress, Groaning,","'If you bury your feelings, you bury them alive!  One day they will come back, and you will have to face them.","After a divorce, you are different inside.  You can never be the same person you were before.  Take time to get to know yourself as an individual again.  Marriage subdues likes and dislikes and desires in deference to the other person.  Take time to find your likes and dislikes again.",Ro 12:3,"Jul 8, 1993 Aw Page 7",Gaining Comfort In All Our Tribulations,105,,,
"Divorce, Marriage",Divorce becomes a tug of war- the child becomes the rope of their fights.,It is very difficult for parents to leave the children out,Mal.2:16,"Mar 22, 1991 Aw Johnse Laymon",God Comes First In Successful Family Life,110,,,
"Divorce, Marriage",Divorce is often a very painful experience. It may be likened to an operation that leaves dreadful scars.,"According to research, compared to the death of a marriage mate, divorce ranks second in life's most stressful situations.",Mal 2:16,G82 6/8 9,A Godly View Of Sex And Marriage,13,,1994/05/07,
"Divorce, Marriage,","'I refuse to be with my husband in the grave.'  Quote: Oriental woman who bought her own separate grave, although unable to divorce her husband.","Sadly, although such people are not divorced, married life is not a source of happiness for them.",1co 7:39;,"Aug 15, 1993 Wt Page 3, 4;",God Comes First In Successful Family Life,110,,,
"Divorce, Marriage,","'In recent decades, 'expert' opinions against marriage have swarmed like hungry locusts.' 'These books ease you like silk into the singles game and tout your 'new freedom' as if it...is the ultimate means toward","Many marriages damaged by, 'divorce isn't bad' attitude & books. fulfillment.' (Diane Medved in book, 'The Case Against Divorce')","Mal 2:16; Ps 146:3,4;","Feb 8, 1992 Aw Page 6",God Comes First In Successful Family Life,110,,,
"Divorce, Marriage,","'The doors of my courtroom were pushed open recently, and a divorced couple entered, tugging at the hands of a three-year-old boy between them. The three moved toward the bench for a custody hearing. As they did so, the child was struggling with his little strength to pull his parents' hands together-to make peace between them.'",People contemplating divorce should think seriously about these matters before making their decision.,Mal 2:16;,G73 9/22 26-7,Getting Marriage Off To A Good Start,27,,1999/01/12,
"Divorce, Single, Marriage, Woman, Man, Death","Being a single parent is like being a juggler, after six months of practice, you have finally been able to juggle four balls at once. But then someone throws you a new ball.",Very hard living alone because death or divorce makes you a single parent.,Mal.2:16,"Mar 22, 1991 Aw Page ...Johnse Laymon",God Comes First In Successful Family Life,110,,,
Divorce;,"Alimony: A system by which, when two people make a mistake, one of them continues to pay for it.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Divorce; Marriage;,"'Divorce is a defeat, it is an adult failure.'  Quote:  Lucille Ball.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Divorce; Marriage;,'People wouldn't get divorced for such trivial reasons if they didn't get married for such trivial reasons.'  Quote:  Bridgeport Star.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Divorce; Marriage;,"'The only grounds for divorce in California, are marriage.'  Quote:  Cher.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Dna,"It looks like a spiral rope ladder, with its steps made up of four different types of chemical substances. The coils of DNA are so tight that there are millions of them in the nucleus of a single cell.","In effect, the coded message of heredity is like a tape recording that, when played back, brings forth music according to the magnetic variations imprinted on it.",Ps. 139:16;,"Jun 22, 1967 Aw Page 6",,,,,
"Dna, Resurrection,","Even today man can record a person's voice on a tape and film him, so that after his death we can know what that person looked and sounded like.","Surely, the God who created all things, including man, has a greater capacity for making people live again than that.","Acts 24:15; Ps. 146:3-5; Luke 23:42, 43; John 12:17;","Jun 22, 1967 Aw Page 6, 7","Living, Not For Self, But To Do God's Will",8,,,
"Doctor, Cure, Illness,",'I often say a great doctor kills more people than a great general.' Quote: Baron Gottfried Wilhelm von Leibnitz.,"It is true that the world holds out little means of cure for mankind.  Sometimes, as the Bible shows, people only get worse from treatment.","Mark 5:25, 26;",Bobby Laymon,The Only Cure For Sick Mankind,62,,1995/07/14,
Doctors;,"'Cured yesterday of my disease, I died last night of the physician.'  Quote:  Matt Prior.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Doctors;,'Doctor: A man who tells you that if you don't cut something out he will.'  Quote:  Frank Rossiter.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Doctors;,"'Doctors are just the same as lawyers; the only difference is that  lawyers merely rob you, whereas doctors rob you and kill you too!'  Quote:  Anton Chekhov.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Doctors;,'Every invalid is a physician.'  Quote:  Irish.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Doctors;,'Heaven defend me from a busy doctor.' Quote:  Welsh,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Doctors;,"'I don't like doctors either, but they're cheaper than faith healers.'  Quote:  Joe Hickman.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Doctors;,"'I got the bill for my surgery, now I know what those doctors were wearing masks for.'  Quote:  James Boren.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Doctors;,"'I treated him, God cured him.'  Quote:  Amboise Pare-French Surgeon's Favorite Saying.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Doctors;,'Only a fool will make a doctor his heir.'  Quote:  Russian.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Doctors;,'Our doctor would never really operate unless it was necessary. He was just that way.  If he didn't need the money he wouldn't lay a  hand on you.'  Quote:  Herb Shiner.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Doctors;,'Some people think that doctors and nurses can put scrambled eggs back into the shell.'  Quote:  Dorothy Canfield Fisher.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Doctors;,'The art of medicine consists of amusing the patient while nature cures the disease.' Quote: Voltaire,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Doctors;,'The best surgeon is he that has been hacked himself.'  Quote:  English.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Doctors;,'There is one advantage in being poor...a doctor will cure you faster.'  Quote:  K. Hubbard.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Doctors;,'When a patient is at death's door it is the duty of the doctor to pull him  through.'  Quote:  L. Peter.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Doctors;,Doctors think a lot of patients are cured who have simply quit in disgust.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Doctors;,No physician is really good before he has killed one or two patients.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Doctors;,Physicians are many in title but very few in reality.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Doctors;,The doctor is often more to be feared than the disease.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Doctors;,We all die sometime-the purpose of modern medicine is to see that we pay for the privilege.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Doctors; Disease;,"'The young physician starts life with 20 drugs for each disease, and the old physician ends life with one drug for 20 diseases.' Quote:  William Olster",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Doctors; Disease;,Doctors prescribe medicine of which they know little to cure diseases of which they know less in human beings of which they know nothing.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Doctors; Faith;,"'We have not lost faith, but we have transferred it from God to the medical profession.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Doctors; Funny;,Never accept a drink from a urologist.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Doctors; Funny;,Patient: How do my x-rays look Doc?  Doctor: Well I just called my accountant and it looks like you're going to need surgery.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Doctors; Health;,'The only profession that labors incessantly to destroy the reason for it low existence.'  Quote:  Sam Coleridge.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Doctors; Health;,'The patient must combat the disease along with the physician.'  Quote:  Hippocrates.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Doctors; Physicians; Death; Sickness;,'I am dying with the help of too many physicians.'  Quote:  Alexander The Great.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Doctrines, Customs, Bible, Clergy, Christendom, Babylon,","'Once the doctrines are acquired, the Scriptures are like scaffolding that is removed after a wall is built.'  Quote: A theologian.","Thus the clergy water down God's word and show disrespect for the Holy Scriptures, putting customs, and doctrines ahead of them.",2 Tim 3:16;,"Apr 15, 1995 Wt Page 13",Jehovah And Christ--are They Part Of A Trinity?,82,,1995/03/15,
"Dogmatism, Belief, Christendom, Babylon, Trinity,",'Dogmatism is puppyism come to its full growth.' Quote: Douglas Jerrold. -1859.,"Philosophies of Plato and teachings of Phil, a Jew, were combined to form the basis of the trinity doctrine.  Brought into the 'Christian Church' in the Athanasian Creed.",Exodus 20:3; Deuteronomy 6:4;,Bobby Laymon,Jehovah And Christ--are They Part Of A Trinity?,82,,1995/08/01,
"Dogs, Love, Bloodguilt,",It has been likened to a loaded pistol. Is your property really worth more than another person's life or limb?,"The bite of such a dog has been developed to the point where it can break a man's arm or even kill a person. It is easy to see that such a dog could be a menace if not properly trained and kept under control.  A well-mannered watchdog is one thing; a fully trained attack, or guard, dog is another. The latter is different in that the dog has been trained to  attack, whereas a watchdog merely sounds an alarm. A true guard dog is trained to protect itself and its owner from assault, even when deadly weapons are involved.",Exodus 21:28-30;,G85 2/8 26,"Friendship With God, Friendship With The World -- Which Will You Choose?",79,,1994/05/07,
"Donation, Contribution,","Don't hold up funds from people by not asking for donation.  Be obedient, let them show heart appreciation by giving.",Info: There is more happiness in giving than in receiving.,Acts 20:35,Phil Kirkton Notes;,Make Jehovah Your Confidence,70,,,
"Donations, Contributions, Literature,","Two elderly sisters, 87 and 90 were discussing how much to give for food at the assembly.","Ninety-year-old replied, 'Just give what you think it is worth and a little more.'  What a fine attitude this sister displayed.","2co 8:12; 9:7; Mt 6:33; Pr 3:9, 10; Ps 50:10-12;","Dec 1, 1991 Wt Page 31",Make Jehovah Your Confidence,70,,,
"Door, Service, Activity, Pioneer,","When you go by a door that is open, you can't help but look in.",Look into the large door that leads to activity.  Perhaps you too will want to join the pioneer ranks.,1 Cor. 16:9,Joe Laymon,,,,1996/07/09,
"Double Standard, Listen, Obey, Obedience, Submit, Subjection,","In our homes we sometimes have hidden corners where we place things to get them out of the way, so to speak.  We don't want to deal with them right now, so we sort of lay them aside, where no one see them.","Are there 'hidden corners' of our lives, where we do not submit to theocratic rule?  Do we have a double standard?",1 Sam 15:22; 1 Cor 7:39; 1 Cor 10:31-33;,"'joyful Praisers Dist. Convention'  June 9-11, 1995; Kc, Mo; Kim Major;",Never Become Dull In Your Hearing,9,,1995/06/12,
"Double, Humility, Faults, Love, Negative, Positive, Attitude,","You have a beautiful set of crystal glass, and one gets broken. Thank goodness for glue!  You carefully glue it back so it is almost invisible.  You are sitting there with your friends and suddenly one of them says, 'You didn't break this and glue it back, did you?'","You cannot believe that she would magnify your faults.  What about us?  Do we always look for flaws;  Do we look at the negative?  We can bear fruit, in a way, that we do not know.",Ro 16:3-15; Mr 4:28;,William Osbeck C.O.,"Friendship With God, Friendship With The World -- Which Will You Choose?",79,,,
"Double, Humility, Reap, Hypocrisy, Honesty, Standards,",Have you ever bit into a Washington apple.  You bite and it goes crunch!  We want an apple to taste like an apple.,Likewise we should not have double standards.   We should not pretend to be something we are not.,1pe 1:22;,William Osbeck C.O.,Why Live By Bible Standards?,88,,,
Doubt,"A noisome weed that spreads & transforms a beautiful garden into an ugly, disorderly weed patch. Churchgoers make no effort. 'They want to make bargains with God. They want ten easy steps to lead them out of their problems.","We must pluck out doubt before it begins to germinate. You can strengthen faith, by going to scriptures. Jo. 6:68",Isa. 55:11; Rom. 9:33,"Sep 22, 1960 Aw Page 6",A Cleansed Earth--will You Live To See It?,49,,,
Doubt,"Hound & the Hare Hound chased hare for a long time, tired out, she finally could go no farther.  Hound commenced first to bite, then lick her. Hare said, 'If you are a friend why do you bite me?  If a foe, why do you caress me?'","We can be assured of Jehovah's love, not doubting.  Moral: Better a certain enemy than a doubtful friend.",James 1:6,Aesop's Fables Page 43,A Cleansed Earth--will You Live To See It?,49,,,
"Doubt, Faith, Bible,","Before you doubt; Doubt can be either a valuable protection or a destructive process. In dealing with strangers, sometimes doubt should be employed. With Jehovah's word we should have full confidence.",When should doubt be employed?  When should it be avoided?,Prov. 14:15; 2 Tim. 3:1-5; Prov. 18:13; Acts 17:11; 1 Th 5:21;,"Jul 8, 1967 Aw Page 5-7",Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,,
"Doubt, Faith, Know, Relationship, Friendship,","It takes time for real friendships to grow and mature.  However, when one has proved to be a reliable and trustworthy friend, should we doubt him every time he tells us something new?  Not at all!  If we do, our friendship will likely suffer.","As our friendship with Jehovah grows, we have less and less reason for doubt.  Mutual trust and confidence are vital in order to enjoy healthy, refreshing relations with others.",1th 5:21;,"Jul 8, 1967 Aw Page 6",True Friendship With God And Neighbor.,100,,,
"Doubt, Faith, Know, Science,","'If a scientist has one piece of temperamental equipment that is essential to his job, it is that of a built-in doubter.  Before he does anything else, he must doubt.' Quote: Science writer Isaac Asimov in Science Digest.","Doubt has been valuable in leading to scientific discoveries, however, the unbridled exercise of doubt has resulted in a modern tendency to be skeptical of practically everything on hears or reads.",1th 5:21;,"Jul 8, 1967 Aw Page 7",How Well Do You Know God?,1,,,
"Doubt, Indecision, Decisions, Confidence, Faith,",I will have naught to do with a man who can blow hot and cold with the  same breath.   Aesop,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Doubt, Indecision, Decisions, Confidence, Faith,","Once I make up my mind, I'm full of indecision. --Oscar Levant",,,Jk Quotes;,Decisions You Face--how Will You Make Them?,50,,,
"Doubt, Indecision, Decisions, Confidence, Faith,",There is no more miserable human being than one in whom nothing is habitual but indecision.,,,Jk Quotes;,Decisions You Face--how Will You Make Them?,50,,,
"Doubt, Pioneer, Bethel, Missionary, Time,","Time tries truth, in every doubt.",Do not allow doubts cause us to shrink back.,Luke 12:8; 2 Cor. 4:7; Mal. 3:10; Ps. 34:10; 1 Cor. 15:58;,Bobby Laymon,Is It Time For God To Rule The World?,20,,,
"Doubt, Study, Faith,","Doubt is like a weed growing in your garden.  If you have a weed, you first examine it to make sure.  You find out the source, and then take steps to remove it.",In like manner with doubt.  Find out what the doubt really is.  Look into the facts.  Remove the roots of the doubt.  Then your faith will be able to grow unhindered.,Jas 1:6,Mike King,Have Faith In The Good News,47,,1994/06/22,
"Doubt, Suspicion, Attitude, Pessimist,","'Pessimist: One who, when he has the choice of two evils, chooses both.' Quote: Oscar Wilde (1856-1900)","The wrong attitude can cause us to make wrong choices, for ourselves and others.","Mt 6:33, 34",Wisdom Of The Ages,A Cleansed Earth--will You Live To See It?,49,,,
"Doubt, Suspicion, Gossip, Faith, Attitude,","'Suspicion may be no fault, but showing it may be a great one.' Quote: Thomas Fuller (1608-1661)",We should keep undue suspicions to ourselves.,"Pr 6:12-15; Dan 11:32; Ro 16:17,18;",Wisdom Of The Ages,Have Faith In The Good News,47,,,
"Doubt, Suspicion, Gossip, Faith, Attitude, Apostates, Science,","'Suspicions that the mind, of itself, gathers, are but buzzes; but suspicions that are artificially nourished and put into men's heads ... by others, have stings.' Quote: Bacon (1561-1626)","We must beware of gossip, slander, and especially the smooth talk of apostates.  Also, beware of placing confidence in scientist or evolution.","Ps 12:2, 3; Dan 11:32; Ro 16:17,18;",Wisdom Of The Ages,Does Your Hope Rest On Science Or The Bible?,80,,,
"Doubt, Suspicion, Gossip, Faith, Attitude, Despair,",'There was a castle called Doubting Castle. the owner whereof was Giant Despair. Quote: John Bunyan (1628-1688),Doubting can bring despair.,"Pr 6:12-15; Dan 11:32; Ro 16:17,18;",Wisdom Of The Ages,Have Faith In The Good News,47,,,
"Doubt, Suspicion, Motive, Attitude,",'Modest doubt is called the beacon of the wise.' Quote: Shakespeare (1564-1616),"When in doubt, a wise person will investigate, and prove a matter to himself.",Acts 17:11,Wisdom Of The Ages,A Cleansed Earth--will You Live To See It?,49,,,
"Doubt, Suspicion, Motive, Attitude,",'Suspicion among thoughts are like bats among birds.  They never fly by twilight.'  Quote: Bacon (1561-1626),"We should beware of doubts, and replace them with the light of truth.",James 1:6; Jude 1:22;,Wisdom Of The Ages,A Cleansed Earth--will You Live To See It?,49,,,
"Doubt, Suspicion, Motive, Faith, Attitude,",'A person who doubts himself is like a man who would enlist in the ranks of his enemies and bear arms against himself.' Quote: Aleixandre Dumas (1802-1870),We can become our own worst enemy by doubting excessively. The main thrust of our thoughts should be positive.,Mt 14:31; 21:21;mark 11:23;,Wisdom Of The Ages,Have Faith In The Good News,47,,,
"Doubt, Suspicion, Motive, Faith, Attitude,","'Doubt, of whatever kind, can be ended by Action alone.' Quote: Carlyle (1795-1881)","Study God's Word, get busy, remove doubts.",Jas 1:6;,Wisdom Of The Ages,Have Faith In The Good News,47,,,
"Doubt, Suspicion, Motive, Faith, Attitude,",'Pessimism is the one ism which kills the soul.' Quote: John Buchan (1875-1940),Doubt and suspicion in excess are dangerous to ones faith as well as ones life.,Mark 11:23; Luke 24:38; Jas 1:6;,Wisdom Of The Ages,Have Faith In The Good News,47,,,
"Doubt, Suspicion, Motive, Faith, Attitude,","'Suspicion is a heavy armor, and with its own weight impedes more than protects.' Quote: Byron (1788-1824)","Doubts can weight us down, and hinder progress in serving Jehovah.",Mt 14:31; 21:21;mark 11:23;,Wisdom Of The Ages,Have Faith In The Good News,47,,,
"Doubt, Suspicion, Motive, Faith, Attitude,","'When you doubt, abstain.' Quote: Zoroaster (B.C. 628-551?)","We must use a spirit of a sound mind.  If in doubt, find out.",Ro 12:3; 1ti 3:2; Titus 1:8;,Wisdom Of The Ages,Have Faith In The Good News,47,,,
"Doubt, Suspicion, Motive, Faith, Religion,",'To have doubted one's own first principles is the mark of a civilized man.'  Quote: Oliver Wendell Holmes (1809-1894),"It does no harm to ask questions of one's faith, if it leads one to the truth.",Acts 17:11,Wisdom Of The Ages,Religion's Time Of Judgment,83,,,
"Doubt, Suspicion, Motive, Faith, Youth, Attitude,",'There is no sadder sight than a young pessimist.' Quote: Mark Twain (1835-1910),Youth should develop faith in Jehovah at an early age.,Ecclesiastes 12:1,Wisdom Of The Ages,How Can Youths Cope With Today's Crisis?,113,,,
Doubt;,"'Doubt is the beginning, not the end of wisdom.'  Quote:  George Iles.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Doubt;,'Doubt is the father of invention.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Doubt;,'Doubt is the key of knowledge.'  Quote:  Persian.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Doubt;,'In all affairs its a healthy thing now and then to hang a question mark on the things you have long taken for granted.'  Quote:  Bertrand Russell.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Doubt;,'Just think of the tragedy of teaching children not to doubt.'  Quote:  Clarence Darrow.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Doubt;,Neither in this world nor elsewhere is there any happiness in store for him who always doubts.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Doubt;,"The wise man doubteth often, and changes his mind; the fool is obstinate.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Doubts,"Leaks; hull of a ship; The bigger the holes, more likely to sink Most doubts can be resolved by close examination of Bible. Talking matters over with a mature, knowledgeable Christian","If you have doubts about truth, work hard at resolving them",Jas. 1:6  Prov. 15:14,"Sep 22, 1990 Aw Page 22",A Cleansed Earth--will You Live To See It?,49,,,
"Doubts,",Have you observed the turbulent waves of the sea.  Perhaps driven by changing winds.  Their motions are erratic. We will be unsteady. Cannot expect anything from God.,If we are skeptical we will be like the waves.,Jas. 1:5-8; Matt. 24:45-47,"Aug 15, 1964 Wt Page 500",A Cleansed Earth--will You Live To See It?,49,,,
"Doubts, Anxious,","Doubts can be likened to weeds in the field of growing ministers, sapping strength and playing havoc with one's contentment, peace of mind and joy.","Causes: Insufficient knowledge on certain subject; personal likes, not acknowledged; spirit of independence; anxious concern over food, clothes, homes, luxuries.","Luke 12:29; Mt 21:21; Pr 5:1,2; Ph 4:7;","Dec 1, 1968 Wt Page 724",A Cleansed Earth--will You Live To See It?,49,,,
"Doubts, Faith, Confidence, Associations,","'Our doubts are traitors, And make us lose the good we oft might win, by fearing to attempt.' Quote: William Shakespeare. [1604-1605].","True spiritual companionship is a protection against depression, doubts, and falling prey to Satan.","1 Pet. 5:8, 9;",Bobby Laymon,Choose Your Associates Wisely!,116,,1995/07/10,
"Doubts, Faith, Spiritual, Sick,","Absolutely essential is good personal spiritual feeding. Author Peter Wingate, mentioned earlier, explains: 'Even when the body is at rest it needs a continuous supply of energy for chemical processes and for the work of its vital organs; and the materials of many tissues need constant replacement.'","It is the same with our spiritual health. Without constant spiritua1 feeding, our faith, like a body deprived of, food, will be progressively damaged and will eventually die. Jesus Christ emphasized this when he said: 'Man must live, not on bread, alone, but on every utterance coming forth through Jehovah's mouth.'",Matt. 4:4,"Jul 1, 2001 Wt Page 19",Choose Your Associates Wisely!,116,,"Aug 20, 2001",
"Doubts, Faith, Spiritual, Sick,","Interestingly, a person suffering from malnutrition does not necessarily look sickly or thin.","Similarly, it may not be immediately obvious that someone is suffering from spiritual starvation.  You can have an appearance of spiritual well-being even when you are not being nourished properly -- but only for a short time!  You will inevitably become weakened spiritually, susceptible to unfounded doubts, and unable to put up a hard fight for the faith.",Jude 3,"Jul 1, 2001 Wt Page 20",Acquiring A Heart Of Wisdom,73,,"Aug 20, 2001",
"Doubts, Faith, Spiritual, Sick, Reserves, Neglect,","Author Peter Wingate says, 'As soon as the body begins to consume its own protein its health begins to suffer.'  When you are starved of food, your body begins to use up fuel reserves stored throughout the body.  Vital organs begin to break down.  Your health quickly deteriorates.","Some have tried to live off their spiritual reserves.  They neglected personal study, and became spiritually weak.",Heb. 5:12;,"Jul 1, 2001 Wt Page 20",Acquiring A Heart Of Wisdom,73,,"Aug 20, 2001",
"Doubts, Faith, Spiritual, Sick, Reserves, Neglect,",The writer Peter Wingate says: 'With severe starvation the digestive organs may be so injured by lack of vitamins and other necessities that they can no longer take up ordinary foods if they are provided. People in this state may need food that requires little digestion for some time.' Special care is needed to remedy the effects of starvation on the body.,"Similarly, someone who has grossly neglected his persona1 study of  the Bible may need much help and encouragement to regain his spiritual appetite.","James 5:14, 15;","Jul 1, 2001 Wt Page 20",Acquiring A Heart Of Wisdom,73,,"Aug 20, 2001",
"Doubts, Faith, Spiritual, Sick, Reserves, Neglect, Satan,","Like the so-called poison-pen letters, Satan is skilled at using innuendo, half-truths, and lies.","Satan has destroyed countless wholesome, trusting relationships through insidious doubts planted in this way.",Genesis 3:1; Gal. 5:7-9;,"Jul 1, 2001 Wt Page 19",Acquiring A Heart Of Wisdom,73,,"Aug 20, 2001",
"Doubts, Faith, Spiritually, Sick,","One day you think you are in good health. The next day you feel ill. Suddenly, you have no strength or vitality. Your and your body is racked with pain. What has happened?  Dangerous pathogens have breached your body's defense systems and have attacked vital organs. Left untreated, these invading organisms may destroy your health permanently -- even kill you.  OF COURSE, if you are not in good health when an infection strikes, you are even more vulnerable. If, for example, your body is weakened by malnutrition, your resistance 'becomes so low that the least infection may be fatal,' says medical author Peter Wingate.  That being so, who would choose to live in famine conditions? Very likely, you do whatever you can to eat well and stay healthy. You probably also do all you can to avoid exposing yourself to viral or bacterial infection.","Do you, however, exercise the same care when it comes to remaining 'healthy in faith'?  Are you, for example, alert to the danger posed by insidious doubts? These can so easily invade your mind and heart, damaging your faith and your relationship with Jehovah. Some, people seem oblivious to this danger. They leave themselves vulnerable to doubts by starving themselves spiritually. Is it possible that you might be doing that?",Titus 2:2,"Jul 1, 2001 Wt Page 18",Choose Your Associates Wisely!,116,,"Aug 20, 2001",
"Doubts, Indecisive, Decisions,",'Mug-wump' on the fence.  Mug on one side and wump on the other.,We can't be that way with the truth.  Sometimes our mug knows the truth and wants to obey.  Our past is like a tail that keeps pulling us back.  We cannot live in the past.,Jos 24:15;,Bobby Laymon,Decide Now For Divine Rulership,37,,1993/11/08,
"Drachma, Coin, Joy, Repentance, Lost Sheep,","'What woman with ten drachma coins, if she loses one drachma coin, does not light a lamp and sweep her house and search carefully until she finds it?'  Quote: Jesus Christ.","Jesus explained that, just as her joy is great on finding this one coin, so great joy arises among God's heavenly family when just one humble sinner repents and takes up His service.",Luke 15:8-10;,W63 7/15 421,,,,1996/01/15,
"Dragnet, Illustration, Separating, Congregation, Christendom,","'The kingdom of the heavens is like a dragnet let down into the sea and gathering up fish of every kind. When it got full they  hauled it up onto the beach and, sitting down, they collected the fine ones into vessels, but the unsuitable they threw away. That is how it will be in the conclusion of the system of things: the angels will go out and separate the wicked from among the righteous and will cast them into the fiery furnace. There is where their weeping and the gnashing of their teeth will be.'","The 'dragnet' represents an earthly instrument that professes to be God's congregation and that gathers in 'fish.' It has included both Christendom and the congregation of anointed Christians, the latter having continued to collect 'fine fish,' under the guidance of the angels, in line with Matthew 13:49.",Mt 13:47-50;,W92 6/15 17-18,Religion's Role In World Affairs.,92,,1994/05/12,
"Dragnet, Kingdom, Illustration,",Do you enjoy knowing a secret or solving a puzzle?  What if doing so would help you to see more clearly your part in God's purpose.,"The illustration of the dragnet has confounded many who heard it and has puzzled countless others since, but you can understand it.","Mt 13:11; Is 6:9, 10; Mt 13:47-50;","Jun 15, 1992 Wt Page 17",The Kingdom Of God Is Near,109,,,
"Dragnet, Kingdom, Illustration, Preaching,","You have probably seen men fishing with a net, at least on film or on television.","What was the meaning of the dragnet?  Who do the fishing?  Did it occur in Jesus' day, or is it confined to our time?  Do you see yourself in this parable?  How can you avoid ending up as those who weep and gnash their teeth?","Mt 13:11; Is 6:9, 10; Mt 13:47-50;","Jun 15, 1992 Wt Page 18",The Kingdom Of God Is Near,109,,,
"Dragnet, Separating, Preaching, Fishing,","'The kingdom of the heavens is like a dragnet let down into the sea and gathering up fish of every kind. When it got full they hauled it  up onto the beach and, sitting down, they collected the fine ones into vessels, but the unsuitable they threw away. That is how it will be in the conclusion of the system of things: the angels will go out and separate the wicked from among the righteous and will cast them into the fiery furnace. There is where their weeping and the gnashing of their teeth will be.'  Quote: Jesus Christ.","Jesus himself begins this fishing project, calling his first disciples to be 'fishers of men.' Under angelic surveillance, the fishing work continues down through the centuries. At last the time comes to haul in the 'dragnet,' which symbolizes the organizations on earth professing to be Christian.  Although the unsuitable fish are cast into destruction, thankfully we can be counted among the 'good fish' that are kept.",Matt 13:47-50;,W92 6/15 17-18,,,,1996/01/15,
Dress,"Carpenter, hammer, tools, clothing (identified by clothing)",Ministers should be identified by clothing.,1 Cor 2:11-13,Bro Thurman       (circuit Assy Part),'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
"Dress, Fads, Grooming, Cleanliness,",Have you ever watched a puppet show?  The puppet is moved by pulling strings to make it act out according to the 'master' of that one.  Or else hands are used to manipulate that one.  The puppet is a slave to that one.,"In following fads of the world, clothing designers manipulate the world like puppets.  Are you on their string?  Are you a slave to fads, fashions, or other commercial ploys of the world?  Example: Designer jeans, underwear, hair styles, footwear, etc.",2co 4:2; Ro 12:2;,Marty Dickerson,A Clean People Honors Jehovah,14,,,
"Dress, Grooming, Appearance, Conduct,","'As the index tells the contents of the book...even so do the outward habit and garments, in man or woman, give us a taste of the spirit.'  Quote: English playwright Philip Massinger.","The Bible offers individuals clear, reasonable guidelines that enable them to choose wisely in dress and grooming, with freedom to express personal taste.",1 Tim. 2:9; 1 Pet. 3:3;,"Aug 8, 1998 Aw Page 21",A Clean People Honors Jehovah,14,,1998/07/10,
"Dress, Grooming, Appearance, Conduct,",'It is only shallow people who do not judge by appearances.' Quote:  Oscar Wilde.,"When required to appear before some prominent official, a governor, or an employer, what is our appearance?  Slovenly, careless of manner or grooming, or with a view to giving best impression?",Mal 1:8;,Bobby Laymon,A Clean People Honors Jehovah,14,,1995/07/03,
"Dress, Grooming, Appearance, Conduct,",It is true that the word for minister means 'through the dust.',"However, we don't have to look like it.",John 12:26;,Joseph Wengert D.O.,,,,1995/06/03,
"Dress, Grooming, Conduct, Watchtower, Awake! Magazines,","Better to be a 'square' today, and 'around' tomorrow.","Look at the Watchtower, Awake magazines.  Could they put your face, your hair, your clothing in the pages of these magazines?",2co 6:14; 1co 15:33;,Gary Breaux (d.O.),Why Christians Must Be Different.,123,,,
"Dress, Grooming, Fashions, Modesty, Flamboyant,","The word 'flamboyant' comes from 'flambé‚.'  Like when you are at a restaurant and they drench food with a liquor, such as brandy, and ignite it.  It flames up, and everyone looks around at it.","Do you dress like that?  When you come into a room, everyone looks!!  Do we dress like that when we come to meetings?","1pet. 3:3,4;","Gary Wells, D. O.",Why Christians Must Be Different.,123,,"Apr 25, 2002",
"Dress, Grooming, Holy, Cleanliness,","You can stand in the middle of the Brooklyn Bridge in New York and literally tell which buildings belong to the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society, by their appearance.","Do we stand out from the world by our appearance.  Our grooming, faces, etc. should reflect that we belong to Jehovah.","1ti 2:9, 10",Bobby Laymon,A Clean People Honors Jehovah,14,,,
"Dress, Speech, Mouth, Donkey, Lion, Clergy, Christendom, Ministers, Trinity,","A POPULAR fable tells us of a donkey that yearned to be like the ferocious lion that could rush out and roar mightily and scatter people in a panic. One day this donkey came upon a lion's skin.  He saw his chance. He draped it over his frame and charged into a group of men. They scattered in a most gratifying way, and in his elation the donkey forgot himself and thought that he would roar like a lion. But he only brayed like an ass. The masquerade was over.","Moral: 'A fool may act wisely until he opens his mouth.'  So it is with many who claim to be ministers of God. They dress the part. For outward show many overdress the part, seeking to advertise their supposed piety.   If they kept quiet and were content to dress and pose the part of ministers, they might fool even informed persons into thinking them representatives of the lion of the tribe of Judah. Instead, they open their mouths and bray out ancient paganisms.",Pr 17:28; 18:6;,W52 2/1 67,Who Are Qualified As Ministers Of God?,81,,1994/05/13,
Dress;,"'Be careless in your dress if you must, but keep a tidy soul.'  Quote:  Mt.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Dress;,"'Clothes don't make the man, but clothes have got many a man a good job.'  Quote:  Herbert Vreeland.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Dress;,'Clothes make the man.'  Quote:  Latin.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Dress;,"'Eat to please thyself, but dress to please others.'  Quote:  Bf.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Dress;,'Good clothes open all doors.' Quote:  Thomas Fuller,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Dress;,'It is not only fine feathers that make fine birds.'  Quote:  Aesop.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Dress;,'The well-dressed man is he whose clothes you never notice.' Quote:  Somerset Maugham,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Dress; Animals,'The cat in gloves catches no mice.'  Quote:  Bf.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Dress; Grooming;,"'Always be well-dressed, even when begging.'  Quote:  Hindu.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Dress; Grooming; Appearance;,'A sister should wear clothes that are tight enough to show she's a woman but loose enough to show she's a lady.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Dress; Grooming; Appearance;,'Only four percent of corporate chairman have mustaches and just 2 percent have beards.'  Quote:  Executive Digest.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Dress; Grooming; Appearance;,'The bait hides the hook.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Dress; Honor;,"'If honor be your clothing, the suit will last a lifetime, but if clothing be your honor, it will soon be worn threadbare.' Quote:  William Arnot",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Drifting, Meetings, Service,","How does a sheep get lost?  It nibbles itself lost.  It grazes to a clump of grass that is away from the flock, then it notices a new clump a few feet away, and then another.  Drifting is effortless.","Likewise with spiritual drifting.  Little by little, one takes himself away from the truth.",Ro 13:12; Eph 6:18; Ro 6:14;,"Divine Teaching District Assembly.  Memphis July 1-4, 1993 Pickens",How Should You Serve God?,58,,,
"Driftnet, Satan, Devil, Demons, Entangles, Faith,","Drift netting, says marine biologist Sam LaBudde, is as indiscriminate as 'clear-cutting a forest to harvest a single species of tree or felling an oak just to harvest acorns.' (see below article)",Satan has a drift-net that easily entangles.  It is the sin that easily entangles us.  Lack of faith.  He will do anything to destroy faith.,"Heb 12:1, 2;","1997 'faith In God's Word' District Convention; May 22, 1992 Aw Page 14;",How To Protect Ourselves From Satan's Snares,115,,1997/06/12,
"Drinking, Alcohol,",'To stop drinking...Study a drunkard while you are sober.' Chinese Proverb,Drinking causes one to do foolish things.,Pr 23:29-32,Wisdom Of The Ages,Act Wisely As The End Draws Near,38,,,
"Drinking, Alcohol,",It's like climbing a ladder.,Each time you drink you're reaching for a better high - the next rung on the ladder.,2co 7:1;,Questions Young People Ask  Page 265,Act Wisely As The End Draws Near,38,,,
"Drinking, Alcohol,",What would we think of pilot who drank before our flight Judge who drank before our case?,We should not drink before sharing in theocratic work.,Leviticus. 10:8-11,Bethel Notes  Phil Kirkton,Act Wisely As The End Draws Near,38,,,
"Drinking, Alcohol, Habit, Denial,","There is a wall that must be breached if one is to progress in breaking a habit, such as drinking.","That wall is denial!  Having breached the wall of denial, one can go on to recovery.",Ps 36:2; Ga 4:6; Pr 23:29-30;,"Jan 22, 1993 Aw Page 16",Act Wisely As The End Draws Near,38,,,
Drinking;,"Drinking water neither makes a man sick, nor in debt, nor his wife a widow.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Drinking; Alcohol;,'Licker talks mighty loud when it gits loose from de jug.' Quote:  Uncle Remus,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Drinking; Drunkenness;,"'A drunkard is like a whiskey-bottle, all neck and belly and no head.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Drinking; Drunkenness;,'As you empty the bottles you fill them with your soul.'  Quote:  Gerard Nerval.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Drinking; Drunkenness;,'Extensive interviews show that not one alcoholic has ever actually seen a pink elephant.' Quote: Yale University Center Of Alcohol Studies,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Drinking; Drunkenness;,"'First the man takes a drink, then the drink takes a drink, then the drink takes the man.'  Quote:  Japanese proverb.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Drinking; Drunkenness;,'I drink to make other people interesting.'  Quote:  George Nathan.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Drinking; Drunkenness;,"'Tis not the drinking that is to blame, but the excess.'  Quote:  John Selden.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Drinking; Drunkenness;,'Under a tattered cloak you will generally find a good drinker.' Quote: Spanish,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Drinking; Drunkenness;,'What is drinking? A mere pause from thinking.'  Quote:  Byron.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Drinking; Drunkenness;,"'What the sober man has in his heart, the drunken man has on his lips.'  Quote:  Danish.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Drinking; Drunkenness;,"'When the wine goes in, strange things come out.'  Quote:  Fred Von Schuler.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Drinking; Drunkenness;,"First the man takes the drink, and then the drink takes the man.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Drinking; Drunkenness; Funny;,'I distrust camels and anyone else who can go a week without a drink.'  Quote:  J. Lewis.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Drinking; Drunkenness; Funny;,'Water taken in moderation cannot hurt anybody.'  Quote:  Mt.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Drinking; Drunkenness; Funny;,An Irishman is not drunk as long as he has a blade of grass to hang on to.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Drinking; Drunkenness;,"'Alcoholism is tragically high on the list of our nation's health problems. Five million Americans are alcoholics. They bring incalculable grief to millions of families. They cost their families, their employers and society billions of dollars.'  Quote:  Lbj.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Drinking; Drunkenness;,'Beware of the man who does not drink.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Drinking; Drunkenness;,'From wine what sudden friendship springs!'  Quote:  John Gay.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Drinking; Drunkenness;,"'He who drinks one glass a day, will live to die some other way.' Quote: Stanlicus",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Drinking; Drunkenness;,'I wish some of you would tell me the brand of whiskey that Grant drinks. I would like to send a barrel of it to my other generals.'  Quote:  Lincoln-On Being Told Grant Was A Heavy Drinker.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Drinking; Drunkenness;,"'Let us have wine and woman and mirth and laughter, sermons and soda-water the day after.'  Quote:  Byron.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Drinking; Drunkenness;,'Licker talks mighty loud when it gits loose from de jug.'  Quote:  Joe Chandler.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Drinking; Drunkenness;,'Never go out drunk on a winter night.'  Quote:  Greek.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Drinking; Drunkenness;,'The sober man's secret is the drunken man's speech.'  Quote:  Russian.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Drinking; Drunkenness;,'There are more old drunkards than old doctors.'  Quote:  Bf.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Drinking; Drunkenness; Funny;,'My uncle was the town drunk.....and we lived in Chicago.'  Quote:  George Gobal.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Drinking; Drunkenness; Funny;,'Once during prohibition I was forced to live for days on nothing but food and water.' Quote:  W.C. Fields,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Driving, Selfishness, Manners, Politeness, Kindness, Communication,",'A nation once renowned for its civility is becoming a country of boors.'  Quote: The Evening Standard.,A Scottish insurance company 'concluded that 47 percent of all road accidents can be traced back to an act of discourtesy.',"Mt. 7:13, 14; 2 Tim 3:1-5;","Jul 22, 1994 Aw Page 5",Follow The Course Of Hospitality,77,,1994/06/25,
"Driving, Selfishness, Manners, Politeness, Kindness, Communication,","'It's Motorist vs. Ambulances' Quote: New York Times; 'He tried to be a tough guy and not move over, but when he arrived at his house, he realized just how stupid it was.  His mother had a heart attack and the ambulance was trying to get to her.' Quote: Captain Ellen Scibelli of the Emergency Medical Services.","More and more motorists are refusing to yield to emergency vehicles, such as ambulances and fire trucks, increasing the danger that someone critically ill or injured will die.","Mt. 7:13, 14; 2 Tim 3:1-5;","Jul 22, 1994 Aw Page 5",Follow The Course Of Hospitality,77,,1994/06/25,
"Drowsy, Alert, Awake, Dull, Hearing, Listen,","It causes an estimated 600,000 accidents and 12,000 highway deaths each year in the United States.  It is blamed for 40 percent of the fatal crashes in recent years on the New York State Thruway.  All this wreckage was caused by driving under the influence, not of drugs or alcohol, but of drowsiness.","Spiritual drowsiness is even a greater danger.  Now, more than ever is the time to stay awake.",1 Thess 5:1-6;,"Jul 8, 1995 Aw Page 27",Never Become Dull In Your Hearing,9,,1995/06/04,
Drugs,"Warnings; tobacco, prescription drugs, Ancient times; Lebanon, marijuana; Carthage, poppy; Crete, Opium bulb. Use balanced view.",Warnings just as old as the drugs,Rev 21:8,Divine Love Dist. Assy  1980,Coping With Life's Anxieties,32,,,
"Drugs, Addiction, Habit,","The war in Vietnam has killed over 44,000 Americans.  This has outraged many and caused tremendous civil strife.","Yet, in that same period of time over 140,000 Americans are said to have died from drug-related causes.  In most localities drug abuse kills and cripples far more people than bullets do!  Yet many adults and youths believe that drugs are not necessarily harmful or wrong.",2co 7:1;,"Apr 8, 1971 Aw Page 16",Coping With Life's Anxieties,32,,1994/01/09,
"Drugs, Addiction, Habit,","When four students at Kent State University in Ohio were killed by National Guard troops in May of 1970, an entire nation was aroused.","Yet, that very weekend seventeen youngsters are said to have died from drug abuse in New York city alone.",2co 7:1;,"Apr 8, 1971 Aw Page 16",Coping With Life's Anxieties,32,,1994/01/09,
"Drugs, Addiction, Tobacco, Alcohol,","'The War on Drugs Is Over--Drugs Won'!  Quote: Patrick Murphy, a former New York City police officer.  (News headline)",'The drug trade is not among the most successful enterprises in the United States.  Profits could reach $150 billion this year.',2 Cor 7:1;,"Sep 8, 1995 Aw Page 9",Lovers Of Pleasure Or Lovers Of God?,64,,1995/08/04,
"Drugs, Alcohol, Tobacco, Cope, Youth,","Have you ever watched a skilled soccer player?  He is able to use his head and feet in ways that are nothing short of amazing! Yet, how did this player develop such skill. By years of practice.","Developing coping skills is very similar.  It takes practice, experience, yet it must be done.",Pr 1:22;,Questions Young People Ask  Page 273,How Can Youths Cope With Today's Crisis?,113,,,
"Drugs, Alcohol, Tobacco, Cope, Youth,","If you were trying to avoid catching a cold, would you not avoid close contact with infected people?","In a similar way, if we are to prevent drug abuse, we need to maintain healthy balanced conditions and reduce exposure to harmful influences.  Seek out God-fearing companions.",Pr 1:22; 13:20;,Questions Young People Ask  Page 279,How Can Youths Cope With Today's Crisis?,113,,,
"Drugs, Cure, Habit,",'I'm one of the dead ... I've been back alive nine years.' Application of Bible principles help break bad habits.,"Voice of a well-dressed young man, who had successfully broken the drug habit.",2 Tim. 2:22; 1 Cor. 14:20; 15:33; 2 Pet. 1:6; 2 Cor. 10:5;,"Oct 22, 1967 Aw Page 7-12",The Only Cure For Sick Mankind,62,,,
"Drugs, Cure, Habit,","What one 'kick' from drugs can do! (Worse than a mule.) Worse yet, it can cause you to lose the hope of living forever.","You can wreck your mind; become a prisoner; mental patient, expose self to demons; depressions, epileptic convulsions, aids, brain, liver, kidney damage; Become thief, murderer, prostitute;",1 Cor. 6:9-11; Eph. 4:17-32; Heb. 4:12; Mt. 19:26;,"Oct 22, 1967 Aw Page 12, 13",The Only Cure For Sick Mankind,62,,,
"Drugs, Habit,","'Life is like a revolving door,' according to drug addicts. 'We are animals,' said a female addict. 'We are all animals in a world no one knows. We'll step on one another for a shot ... I'll beat somebody for their money as fast as look at them.'","You feel trapped by cravings for drugs.  To get them they steal end up in jail, in a hospital, and thus start the degraded cycle over again.",2 Tim. 2:22; 1 Cor. 14:20; 15:33; 2 Pet. 1:6; 2 Cor. 10:5;,"Oct 22, 1967 Aw Page 7, 8","Living, Not For Self, But To Do God's Will",8,,,
"Drugs, Marijuana, Medicine, Cure,",It would be like giving people molded bread to eat to get penicillin.,Some of marijuana's over 400 chemical compounds may prove useful by smoking marijuana would hardly be the logical way to take such medicine.  It would be marijuana 'derivatives or analogies',2co 7:1;,Questions Young People Ask  Page 278,The Only Cure For Sick Mankind,62,,,
"Drugs, Medicine, Disease, Ills, Cure, Medical,",'A thousand ills require a thousand cures.'  Quote: A Roman poet some 2000 years ago.,"Today, the poet might have written, 'A thousand ills require a thousand pills!'  (See article for drug use in various countries.)",Is 33:24,"Sep 22, 1996 Aw Page 12",The Only Cure For Sick Mankind,62,,1996/08/27,
"Drugs, Mind, Depression, Brain,",Somewhere on the forehead of each person should be an invisible sign that he can see in a mirror: CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM WITHIN -- HANDLE WITH CARE.,"Once drugs have begun to substitute for the usual functions of the brain, the individual may no longer possess the ability to care.","2ti 3:16, 17; Ps 4:8; 23:3","Jan 8, 1969 Aw Page 14",Gaining Comfort In All Our Tribulations,105,,,
Drugs:,'The time has come to stop the sale of slavery to the young.'  Quote:  Lbj.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Drugs;,'If you can remember the 60's you probably weren't there.'  Quote:  Robin Williams.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Drugs;,'There is no flying without wings.'  Quote:  French.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Drugs;,Better attitudes through chemistry.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Dust, Forgiveness, Understanding, Sin,","When I was young I used to make model airplanes out of balsam wood.  It was very light and fragile.  I had to keep remembering how fragile it was, or else I would break it.  (Same could be said of sand castles or other items)",Jehovah 'remembers that we are made of dust.'  He knows we are conceived in sin and brought forth with error.  He has been forgiving his worshipers for thousands of years.,"Ps 103:8-14; Micah 7:18, 19;",Bobby Laymon,Do You Harbor Resentment Or Do You Forgive?,68,,1994/12/05,
"Duties, Responsibility, Dedication, Cooperation, Unity,","Once upon a time....there were four people; their names were Anybody, Somebody, Nobody and Everybody.  Whenever there was an important job to be done, Everybody was sure that Somebody would do it. Anybody could have done it, but Nobody did it. When Nobody did it, Everybody got angry because it was Anybody's job.  Everybody thought that Somebody would do it, but Nobody realized that Nobody would do it. So, consequently, Everybody blamed Somebody when Nobody did what Anybody could have done in the first place.",We all have responsibilities in Jehovah's organization.  We must cooperate and work for the benefit of all.,"Ac 17:26, 27",Peter Morgan,How Purposeful Is Your Life?,60,,1997/08/10,
Duties;,'To live without duties is obscene.'  Quote:  Rwe.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Duties;,'We all know our duty better than we discharge it.'  Quote:  John Randolf.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Duties;,Sufficient to each day are the duties to be done and the trials to be endured.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Duty, Preaching, Dedication, Baptism,",Duty is the sublimest word in our language. Do your duty in all things. You cannot do more. You should never do less.,The good news must be preached.,"Mark 13:10; 1 Pet. 3:21; Ps. 40:8,",Bobby Laymon,How Purposeful Is Your Life?,60,,,
"Duty, Work, Pleasure,",'To live without duties is obscene.' Quote: Ralph Waldo Emerson. -1883.,"A Christian wife should not feel she is above work, as some in the world.  A wife should be a helper, supporting her husband in his decisions.  Wife ought to train herself to be capable in performing her wifely duties.",Pr 31:27;,Bobby Laymon,Show Respect And Love In Your Marriage,28,,1995/08/01,
Duty;,'Do something every day that you don't want to do; this is the golden rule for acquiring the habit of doing your duty without pain.'  Quote:  Mt.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Duty; Duties;,"'A duty dodged is like a debt unpaid; it is only deferred, and we must come back and settle the account at last.'  Quote:  Joseph Newton.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Duty; Duties;,'A man who neglects his duty as a citizen is not entitled to his rights as a citizen.' Quote:  Tioro,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Duty; Duties;,'Duty is what one expects from others.'  Quote:  Oscar Wilde.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Duty; Duties;,"'Duty: Something you look forward to with distaste, perform with reluctance, and brag about after it is done.'  Quote:  Gh.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Duty; Duties;,"'Never mind happiness, do your duty.' Quote:  Will Durant",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Duty; Duties;,"'Only aim to do you duty, and mankind will give you credit where you fail.' Quote: Tj",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Duty; Duties;,'To have a right to do a thing is not at all the same as to be right in doing it.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Duty; Duties;,"'When a stupid man is doing something he is ashamed of, he always declares that it is his duty.'  Quote:  Gbs.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Duty; Government;,"'It is the duty of the government to make it difficult for people to do wrong, easy to do right.' Quote:  William Gladstone",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"E.S.P.,  Demons, Lies, Satan, Devil, Medium, Séances, Witchcraft,",'THE man with the X-ray mind!'    'The man with the radar mind',"Such are expressions sometimes used to describe extrasensory perceivers.  These are persons, whether men or women, who are said to have the means to learn something without the aid of any of the five senses. This power is usually referred to as ESP, the telescoped term for extrasensory perception; it is also known as the 'psi' (psychic) faculty.",1 Pet 5:8;,W62 11/1 645,How To Protect Ourselves From Satan's Snares,115,,1994/07/25,
"Eagle, Secure Height, Stronghold,","The nest-building habits of the eagle are emphasized in God's questioning of Job at Job 39:27-30. The nest or aerie may be in a high tree or on the crag of a cliff or rocky canyon. Over the years the nest may grow to be as much as 2 m (6.5 ft) high, that of some eagles coming to weigh as much as a ton!",Where is our secure height?  Where is our place that is unapproachable to mankind?,"Job 39:27-30; Jer 49:16; Ob 3, 4.",Bobby Laymon  It-1 662,Jehovah Is 'a Secure Height' For His People,151,,"Jul 20, 2001",
"Eagle, Wisdom, Foresight,","The keen eyesight of the eagle has always been proverbial. Although the golden eagle rarely weighs more than ten pounds, its eye is actually bigger than a man's, and its eyesight is much keener.  (see article for examples).","Wisdom involves foreseeing the consequences of any action we may take.  The eagle, with its ability to see far into the distance, can spot danger a long way off and take precautions, just like the discreet man in Jesus' illustration, who foresaw the possibility of a storm and built his house upon a rock-mass.","Compare Ezekiel 1:10;revelation 4:7; Job 39:27, 29; Prov 22:3;","Jun 15, 1996 Wt Page9",Acquiring A Heart Of Wisdom,73,,1996/05/20,
"Eagles, Strength, Power, Thermal,","The eagle uses thermals, or columns of rising warm air. Thermals are invisible, but the eagle is adept at finding them. Once a thermal is located, the eagle spreads out its wings and tail and circles within the column of warm air, which carries the eagle higher and higher.  Some observe other birds of prey and locate thermals.","Just as an eagle cannot soar to such heights using its own strength, we cannot cope if we rely on our own abilities.  Like an eagle that constantly searches for invisible thermals, we 'keep on asking' for Jehovah's invisible active force.  Christians today can likewise learn to rely on Jehovah's strength by imitating the faithful examples of other godly servants.",1 Corinthians 11:1.,"Jun 15, 1996 Wt Page 9-11.",Jehovah Is 'a Secure Height' For His People,151,,1996/05/20,
"Ear, Eye, Creation, Creator,","Consider, too, parts of the human body such as the eye, so intricate it took scientists centuries to discover some knowledge of how it operates. The camera is a clumsy imitation of the eye, but it took the genius of inventors, the accuracy of mathematicians, the skill of craftsmen years to develop. Did the far more complicated human eye just happen to develop by itself because some blind jellyfish wanted to see?","How did it know it wanted to see when it could not possibly have known what seeing was? No, the human eye is a marvel of creation, brought into existence by One who could already see, as Psalm 94:9 says: 'The One planting the ear, can he not hear? Or the One forming the eye, can he not look?'","Psalm 94:8,9;","Oct 1, 1964 Wt Page 587",Jehovah Is 'a Secure Height' For His People,151,,"Dec 29, 2001",
"Ear, Eye, Creation, Creator,","Now, was it a blind man who invented and made the first camera? Or was it a deaf man who first thought of and fashioned the telephone? No, reasons Sir Isaac Newton, the English mathematician, physicist and astronomer. He said, 'Was the eye contrived without skill in optics, or the ear without knowledge of sounds?'","In support of the obvious answer the Bible says: 'Understand, you who are unreasoning among the people; and as for you stupid ones, when will you have any insight? The One planting the ear, can he not hear? Or the One forming the eye, can he not look?' (Ps. 94:8, 9) The One who gave man power to have sons, can He not have a son? 'Verily, God is Almighty.' The logical answer is an indisputable Yes, and that is why Abraham believed when God told him that he would have a son. With just elementary insight a reasoning person must agree: God can have a son.","Psalm 94:8,9;","Sep 15, 1965 Wt Page 549",Jehovah Is 'a Secure Height' For His People,151,,"Dec 29, 2001",
Earth,"District of Sodom; beautiful, ideal conditions, paradise. We may call on beautiful homes, attractive land & people Hollywood known for beautiful people, homes etc. Will not be spared at Armageddon.",Jehovah destroyed because of people & heart condition.,Genesis 13:10   Genesis 19:24,Rick Sallee,A Cleansed Earth--will You Live To See It?,49,,,
Earth,"Garden; Persons walk in tear out plants. Man is destroying earth, land, air, water. How does Jehovah feel about?",Earth is Jehovah's giant garden,Genesis 1:,Bobby Laymon,Ruining The Earth Brings Divine Retribution,106,,,
Earth,Global Sewer trash on beaches effects of plastic,Man's treatment of earth,Rev 11:18,"July 22, 1989 Awake!",Ruining The Earth Brings Divine Retribution,106,,,
Earth,"If you spilled coffee on the floor, would you get a rag and wipe it off the ceiling?  No!  You would get down on the floor and wipe, because that is where the problem is.",Heaven does not have the problems common to men.  That is why Jehovah is going to wipe the tears from all faces on the earth. The reproach of His people he will take away from all the earth.,"Re 21:3,4; Is 25:8;",Isabel Fulmer,Ruining The Earth Brings Divine Retribution,106,,,
Earth,Two old friends meet again for first time in many years. How happy they are to see each other.  To talk about good times together.  They embrace!  They kiss!,"Righteousness and peace will meet each other in Jehovah's new world of righteousness.  They will kiss each other, and trueness will sprout.","Ps 85:10, 11",Bobby Laymon,A Cleansed Earth--will You Live To See It?,49,,,
"Earth,","Area is 196,938,800 square miles.  The length of the equator is 24,901.55 miles.  Diameter is 7,926.41 miles. Atmosphere: 78% nitrogen; 21% oxygen; 1% argon, with minute quantities of carbon dioxide, hydrogen, neon, helium, krypton,",Information Only: and xenon.  It lays on the surface of the earth with the weight equivalent to a layer of water 34 ft. deep.,Ge 1:1,World Almanac 1992,Ruining The Earth Brings Divine Retribution,106,,,
"Earth,",Would you burn down a house to get rid of the rats? No!  You would set a trap; catch the rats; and save the house to live in.,"Jehovah will not destroy the earth because of the many rat-like people.  He will set a trap for them, and save the earth for his people to live in forever.",Re 11:18; 16:16; Ps 37:29;,Bobby Laymon,Ruining The Earth Brings Divine Retribution,106,,,
"Earth, Area, Paradise, Kingdom,","The earth's land area is estimated to be 57,900,000 square miles. This is only 29.4 percent of earth's surface area.  Water predominates.","In Jehovah's new world of righteousness this 57,900,000 square miles of our earth will be a global paradise.","Re 21:3, 4; Ps 37:29;","Sep 8, 1969 Aw Page 24",The Kingdom Of God Is Near,109,,,
"Earth, Creation, Permanent,",A well-built building has socket pedestals sunk down deep into the earth.,The earth is well-designed like a well-built building.,Job 38:6,"Creation Bk Page 29,30",Jehovah--the Grand Creator,101,,,
"Earth, Deceive, Deceit, Lies,","'O, what a tangled web we weave when first we practice to deceive!'  Quote: Walter Scott (1771-1832)",Man's treatment of earth,Neh 9:6,"July 22, 1989 Awake! Page 7-9",Ruining The Earth Brings Divine Retribution,106,,,
"Earth, Destruction, Paradise,","You can destroy a city, and you destroy its building, and its people, but you do not destroy its ground.","When the world is destroyed, it will be likewise.",2 Pet. 3:8;,Bobby Laymon,Ruining The Earth Brings Divine Retribution,106,,,
"Earth, Ecology, Cycles, Pollution, Cleanliness, Science,",The earth is actually a giant spaceship.,"In its cycles of wind, water and seasons, it has its own magnificent purification system by which it can keep a supply of pure air, water and food for its inhabitants.",Ps 147:18; Pr 25:23;,"Jun 1, 1971 Wt Page 350",A Clean People Honors Jehovah,14,,1993/11/15,
"Earth, Ecology, Forests, Pollution, Science,","If you had a beautiful home that you were going to leave to your children, would you allow tenants to remain in it who were damaging the house and grounds?  Rather, would you not evict them and make repairs before leaving it to your children?","That is what Jehovah did to the Canaanites.  He evicted them! Later, when Israel polluted the land, he did the same to them. Likewise, with this wicked system.  He will vomit out those who damage the beautiful earth.","Le 18:24-28; Is 24:1, 5, 6; Re 11:18;","Jan 22, 1993 Aw Page 11",Does Your Hope Rest On Science Or The Bible?,80,,,
"Earth, Ecology, Forests, Pollution, Science,","The 'Web of life,' of earth's millions of creatures.  Cut one strand, and the web may start to unravel.  Topple one domino, and dozens of others will fall.  The great Sahara Desert of Africa was once green!  Now its the largest expanse of sand on earth.","The earth and the life on it are very complex, intricately interwoven.  The cutting down of a tropical rain forest illustrates this. (See article to see how one part effects another)",Re 11:18,"Jan 22, 1993 Aw Page 4",Does Your Hope Rest On Science Or The Bible?,80,,,
"Earth, Ecology, Forests, Pollution, Science, Conscience, Sin,",The earth has its built-in checks and balances for everything. Man once had his also by means of his conscience.,"Because of man's fall into sin, the human conscience, his own built-in check, has become corrupted, leading to earth's pollution Now, only God can check man.  Only God can rescue the earth.",Re 11:18; Ro 5:12;,"Jan 22, 1993 Aw Page 11",Does Your Hope Rest On Science Or The Bible?,80,,,
"Earth, Ecology, Forests, Pollution, Science, Cure,","'They write prescriptions that never get filled.  The patient never gets the medicine.'  (Regarding the doctors of the earth) They argue, 'It's not really sick.' or 'It's on its deathbed!'","Men are ruining the earth, and although they talk about what will fix it, there are delays, while more and more damage is being done.  Only Jehovah will act to save the planet.",Re 11:18,"Jan 22, 1993 Aw Page 3, 4",The Only Cure For Sick Mankind,62,,,
"Earth, Ecology, Forests, Pollution, Science, Hot House,","'We did not weave the web of life; we are merely a strand in it. Whatever we do to the web, we do to ourselves.' Quote: Stephen M. Wolf, chairman and chief executive officer of United Airlines.","The deterioration of the earth's ecology cast a shadow upon all the earth, and those upon it.  Only Jehovah can effect a cure.",Re 11:18;,"Jan 22, 1993 Aw Page 8",Does Your Hope Rest On Science Or The Bible?,80,,,
"Earth, Ecology, Forests, Pollution, Science, Hot House,",The earth could turn into one giant sauna bath.,The 1980's saw six of the seven hottest summers since weather began to be recorded about 150 years ago.  Culprit: a 26% rise of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.,Re 11:18;,"Jan 22, 1993 Aw Page 6",Does Your Hope Rest On Science Or The Bible?,80,,,
"Earth, Ecology, Forests, Pollution, Science, Hypocrisy,","In the Pacific Northwest of the U.S. only 10% of its old-growth rain forests are left, and they are still being logged, yet it wants Brazil, which still has 90% of its Amazon forests to stop all logging.","Those who preach to others, 'Don't destroy your forests' even while they destroy their own, are like the hypocrites of Paul's day.",Ro 2:21-23;,"Jan 22, 1993 Aw Page 5",Does Your Hope Rest On Science Or The Bible?,80,,,
"Earth, Ecology, Science, Creation,","Everything fits together like a puzzle.  Every piece is needed, and without everything, the picture is not complete.","Jehovah has make the animals, plants, humans, air, oceans and all creation as part of the giant picture.",Genesis 1:1-28;,Bobby Laymon,Appreciating Marvels Of God's Creation,114,,1995/05/20,
"Earth, Generous, Creation, Purpose, Provider, Life,","Traveling, spot a beautiful garden in an isolated region. You see a house, and approach to ask directions. Sign says, 'Welcome, make yourself at home!' Find it has everything. Water, heating, lights, well-stocked pantry.","The Creator, like a generous householder has provided everything. God will expel 'guests' who misuse his house.","Ps. 115:16; Matt. 5:45; Ps. 104:5; 14, 15, 24;",Life ..Purpose Book. Pages 17-24,How Purposeful Is Your Life?,60,,,
"Earth, Gift, Appreciation, Pollution, Ecology,","If you received a nicely wrapped package filled with exactly what you needed, would you not want to find out who sent it to you?  Happily, the sender of the package attached a note with it.","We have, so to speak, received such a package--a package filled with wonderful gifts that make it possible for us to live and enjoy life.  That package is the earth, with all its remarkable systems for sustaining life.  Should we not want to find out who gave us these gifts?  The 'note' is the Bible.  It tells us who gave us this wonderful gift.",Genesis. 1:1;,"May 1, 1998 Wt Page 4",A Cleansed Earth--will You Live To See It?,49,,1998/04/22,
"Earth, Good News, Preaching, Creation, Space,",In your mind's eye see the earth as it was photographed for the first time by the Apollo 8 astronauts.  See it hanging in the blackness of space with the rays of the sun making it look like a giant multicolored bowling ball.  Through bands of fluffy white clouds can be seen the sparkling blue waters of the oceans and the brown and greens of the land areas.  What a beautiful planet God created.,"For all who dwell on it, Jehovah has good news.",Is 52:7; Re 14:6;,"Feb 1, 1971 Wt Page 76",Have Faith In The Good News,47,,1993/11/08,
"Earth, Kingdom, Animals, Peace, Play, Tug Of War,","King Cobra: 'Most dangerous of all living wild creatures.' Maximum length--18-19 feet long. Most potent poison in world. 20 milligrams required to kill a man. The 'king' has more than 450 milligrams or about 30 drops. (over 22 times dead) Has killed elephants & 1500 lbs. water buffalo, in less than hour. Great curiosity; unusual intelligence.",Will become tame as a kitten. Child can play 'tug of war' with.,Isa. 11:6-9,"May 8, 1959 Aw Page 24, 25",How The Kingdom Of God Affects You,42,,,
"Earth, Kingdom, Government, Health, Cure, Perfection,","If a human government offered you therapy that guaranteed a 50% renewal of all your bodily functions for a year for just a nominal fee, would you not be the first to get in line?","Jehovah's new world government guarantees a full, 100% rejuvenation for free--not for one year, 5 years or 50 years, but for all eternity.","Rev. 21:4; John 5:28, 29;","Oct 22, 1992 Aw Page 10",The Only Cure For Sick Mankind,62,,,
"Earth, Land Miles, Untouched, Paradise,","A new study 'found that 35,000,000 square miles of land, about 52 per cent of the total land area of the earth, is still undisturbed.'  This is taking in consideration areas as small as 400 square miles.  However, a good portion of the land still untouched is 'rock, ice and blowing sand,' inhospitable to both humans and wildlife.","However, in Jehovah's new order, the entire 67,000,000 square land miles of the earth will be a paradise.",Ps 37:29;,"Sep 8, 1995 Aw Page 29",A Cleansed Earth--will You Live To See It?,49,,1995/08/04,
"Earth, Land, Paradise, Restore,","The situation is much like that of a man who owns a beautiful piece of land. He allows other persons to reside on that land, free of charge, even supplying them with many of their basic needs, allowing them to make use of all the things the land will produce for their benefit. He rightly expects of them, however, that they will use the land in a decent way, not for criminal or immoral purposes; that they will keep it clean and work for its improvement. Yes, they having accepted his generosity, he properly expects that they should gratefully have his interests in mind and heart.  What, then, if such persons steadily turned the land into a virtual garbage dump, engaged in bitter fights and bloody violence, along with lewd conduct? And, when the owner sent representatives to them to urge them to correct their course, what if they mistreated such spokesmen, even killing some of them? Should the owner allow them to continue using his land? Or should he evict them, forcibly if need be? If he were to let them continue on, would he not share responsibility for their rotten conduct? Could his name be held in good repute by others and could he merit their respect if he failed to take action?","This is the situation now existing. This earth, viewed from the barren regions of the moon, has been described by astronauts as a lovely 'jewel in space.' All that man has been able to learn about the universe testifies that this planet is unique-its marvelous life systems and conditions are rightly described by scientists as 'miraculous.' Earth obviously has a Creator and Owner, and the Bible identifies that One as Jehovah God, 'the Maker of heaven and earth, of the sea, and of all that is in them, the One keeping trueness to time indefinite.'","Ps. 146:5, 6",G73 10/8 23,A Cleansed Earth--will You Live To See It?,49,,1999/01/22,
"Earth, Land, Paradise, Restore, Garbage Dump,","Slowly but surely this world is turning this planet into a vast garbage dump. While he was secretary-general of the United Nations, U Thant was moved to warn that worldwide pollution had reached the point where, unless immediate steps were taken to correct the situation, 'the very capacity of the planet itself to sustain human life will be in doubt.'","Yet greed for wealth causes men and nations to keep on polluting lakes, rivers and oceans, poisoning the soil and befouling the air-much like a tenant who cares not one bit about protecting the property of his landlord. Jehovah God therefore has declared his determination to 'bring to ruin those ruining the earth.'",Rev. 11:18,G73 10/8 24,A Cleansed Earth--will You Live To See It?,49,,1999/01/22,
"Earth, Last Days, Science, Disaster, Ecology, Pollution,","'All systems are go!'  These were reassuring words to the three Apollo 13 astronauts.  Everything would have to function just right.  The oxygen, water and electricity would have to be used carefully.  They did experience near disaster, but through constant communication, strict compliance of instructions, the craft and crew were brought back to earth.","Our earth is in reality a giant spaceship, and one that is in trouble, as earth's physical environment is being thrown out of balance.  All life-support systems of this earth were designed to respond to man's loving oversight.  Obedience would keep them on a safe course. [see article]","Ge 1:26, 31; 2:15; 6:12;","Jan 8, 1971 Aw Page 5",Does Your Hope Rest On Science Or The Bible?,80,,1994/01/04,
"Earth, Legal Precedent, Progress, Security, Government, Kingdom,","Legal Precedent, as in court, can be applied to permission of wickedness on earth. Were the legal issues were raised and settled. It would never have to run its course again. The creator could choose to put inhabitants on billions of planets.","The issue will be settled, where the legal precedent was established that can be used as a touchstone everywhere else in the universe.","Jeremiah. 10:23; Prov. 16:25; Matt. 4:8, 9; John 16:11; Ecclesiastes. 8:9",Did Man Get Here By Evolution Or Creation. Page 156,Ruining The Earth Brings Divine Retribution,106,,,
"Earth, Man, Pollution, Air, Water, Soil, Light","If you were landlord and your renters treated your house like man is treating the earth you would evict them.  Man has polluted all man's resources air, water, soil, only light remains that is not polluted.",Jehovah is going to evict them from earth.,Rev. 11:18,Br. Thorn,Ruining The Earth Brings Divine Retribution,106,,,
"Earth, New","Living room furniture is beautiful, but the footstool is unsightly.",Footstool should appropriately correspond to glory of heavens.  Is just the right thing to be expected of God's purpose.,Isa 66:1  Isa 60:13 Zeph 3:17  Ps 100:2  Job 38:7,"Aug 15, 1989 Wt Page 16",Ruining The Earth Brings Divine Retribution,106,,,
"Earth, New",Powerful telescope Entire earth glows with impeccable beauty,We can look a thousand years into the future,Isa 60:13,"Aug 15, 1989 Wt Page 15",Ruining The Earth Brings Divine Retribution,106,,,
"Earth, New World Order, Kingdom, Peace, Government, Paradise,","'There are no maps to lead us where we are going, to this new world of our own making ...let us look forward --to a new century, and a new millennium of peace, freedom and prosperity.' Quote: U.S. President George Bush on Jan 1, 1990.","Despite high hopes, a New World will not come about by man's making.","Dan. 2:44; Ps. 83:18; 1 Th 5:3; Rev. 21:3, 4;","Jul 15, 1991 Wt Page 3",'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
"Earth, Paradise,",'A mountain and a river are good neighbors.' Quote: George Herbert.,"In the new earth, not only mountains and rivers will be at peace, but other old friends will meet each other.",Ps 85:10;,Bobby Laymon - American Essays By Dan Valentine,A Cleansed Earth--will You Live To See It?,49,,1997/05/14,
"Earth, Paradise,","'Go West, young man, and grow up with the country.'  Quote: Horace Greeley.","Today, our desire should be to enter into God's new earth and grow up with it.",Ps 37:29;,Bobby Laymon - American Essays By Dan Valentine,Into The New Order Under Christ's Leadership,56,,1997/05/14,
"Earth, Paradise,","How many are living in a house someone else built?  What happened to him?  He probably died! When we plant a vineyard, we will outlive the vineyard.",In New System we will outlive the house.,"Isa. 65:20, 21;",Larry Punko; C.O.,Ruining The Earth Brings Divine Retribution,106,,,
"Earth, Paradise,","If you spill coffee on the floor, would you wipe it off the ceiling?",Jehovah will get down to where the problems are - the earth.,Rev. 21:1-4; Isa. 25:8;,Bobby Laymon,Ruining The Earth Brings Divine Retribution,106,,,
"Earth, Paradise,","Like 'new ground' that has been cleared of all the weeds and can now be cultivated.  It is the same soil, but has been made productive.",New earth will not be a new planet.  It will be a new society of people.,Ps. 104:5; Genesis. 11:1; 2 Pet. 3:7; John 17:14; 1 John 2:17;,You Can Live Forever In Paradise On Earth. Page 160,A Cleansed Earth--will You Live To See It?,49,,,
"Earth, Paradise,","When you go into a public building you see an 'EXIT' sign so people can get out when danger threatens.  No matter how well built, how permanent, the structure may seem, the law requires it. There is no real safety in man-made structures.",The earth does not have an 'EXIT' sign.  Isn't that Good News! The human race will be saved to endless life on earth in happiness.  Man is here on the earth to stay and not to make an exit from this earth at any time.,Mt 6:10; Ps 37:29;,"Oct 15, 1970 Wt Page 617, 630",Keep Seeking God's Kingdom,44,,,
"Earth, Paradise, Change, Kingdom,","When water-powered sawmills were invented, hand sawyers destroyed the mills; Charcoal burners destroyed Dudley's coke furnace, spinning jennies and sewing machines were wrecked. Fulton's steam boat was rammed in hope of putting him out of business. Electric locomotive was sabotaged by steam-locomotive drivers. See other examples, and dates in article.",Many do not want a change: Have their own paradise.,Dan. 2:44;,"Nov 22, 1964 Aw Page 16",The Kingdom Of God Is Near,109,,,
"Earth, Paradise, Change, Pollution, Ecology, Creation,","A Landlord doesn't mind tenants.  He enjoys having them.  However if they destroy his property, he will intervene.","Earth's Creator, our planet's Landlord, the Great Architect of change, Jehovah God, will intervene in human affairs in order to save his handiwork.",Re 11:18; Isaiah 45:18; 46:9-11;,"Jan 8, 1993 Aw Page 11",Jehovah--the Grand Creator,101,,,
"Earth, Paradise, Creation,","Picture a house on a barren desert.  It is beautiful; equipped with plumbing, heat, air conditioning, electricity, and a pantry stocked with all kinds of delicious food.  Would you say it happened by chance?","The earth is a beautiful home, stocked with food, and all the comfort items we will ever need.  It is well-plumbed; has air conditioning, electricity.",Heb 3:4,Creation Bk Page 130,Jehovah--the Grand Creator,101,,,
"Earth, Paradise, Ecology, Pollution, Science,",The forests are part of the planet's lung system.,The destruction of forests is also reducing the earth's capacity to convert carbon dioxide into life-sustaining oxygen.,Re 11:18;,"Jan 8, 1993 Aw Page 8",Does Your Hope Rest On Science Or The Bible?,80,,,
"Earth, Paradise, Ecology, Pollution, Science, Water, Gore,","'More than 1.7 billion people do not have an adequate supply of safe drinking water.  More than 3 billion people do not have proper sanitation [toilet and sewerage facilities] and are thus at risk of having their water contaminated.' Quote: U.S. politician Al Gore. Book, Earth in the Balance ...",The scene of the world is changing.,1c 7:31; Re 11:18; Ecclesiastes 1:4;,"Jan 8, 1993 Aw Page 9",Coping With Life's Anxieties,32,,,
"Earth, Paradise, Forever,","If you owned a good home, would you allow just anyone to live there?","That is like the earth.  Jehovah created a fine earth, and he wants those who measure up on it.",Ecclesiastes 12:13;,Robert Norman - Friends Of Peace District Convention.,Can You Live Forever?--will You?,35,,1996/06/12,
"Earth, Paradise, Good, Appreciate,","Suppose you found outside your door, a basket of food each day. There was no note, but a different variety of tasty, delicious food.  Would you appreciate it?",Our first parents displayed a lack of appreciation for all of Jehovah's goodness toward us.,"Genesis. 2:16, 17; 3:16-19; Acts 14:17; Exodus. 33:19; 34:6, 7;","Aug 15, 1991 Wt Page 15 (frank Dewitt) 1-day Assembly 9-22-1991.",Appreciating Marvels Of God's Creation,114,,,
"Earth, Paradise, Kingdom,","Can you imagine a world without national boundaries, without social or racial distinctions, without hunger, fear, or death?",Apply to new earth under God's Kingdom.,Genesis. 1:28; Isa. 55:11;,"Jun 8, 1964 Aw Page 31",A Cleansed Earth--will You Live To See It?,49,,,
"Earth, Paradise, Kingdom, New World, Survival, Columbus","When Columbus first set foot on the island of Cuba 500 years ago he is said to have exclaimed, 'I would like to live here forever.'",Those who step into God's new world will feel exactly the same. And this time such a wish will be granted.,2pe 3:13; 1jo 2:17;,"Mar 8, 1992 Aw Page 13",The Kingdom Of God Is Near,109,,,
"Earth, Paradise, Kingdom, New World, Survival, Columbus","When Columbus was trying to convince his crew that they were approaching land, more than faith was needed. He needed some tangible proof. Fresh vegetation floating; increasing land birds and finally a flowering branch drifting on the water.",Today there is visible evidence that we are approaching a new world.  For the first time in history mankind's survival is endangered.,Re 11:18;,"Mar 8, 1992 Aw Page 12, 13",'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
"Earth, Paradise, Life, Happiness, Sorrow,",All's swell that ends well.,Earthly paradise.,Ps. 37:11; Luke 23:43; Rev. 21:1-4; Isa. 11:1-9; 55:11;,Bobby Laymon,You Can Find Joy In Serving God,103,,,
"Earth, Paradise, Life, Happiness, Sorrow,",We remember happiness and forget sorrow.,Unpleasant things will not come to mind in new system.,"Ps. 37:11; Luke 23:43; Rev. 21:1-4; Isa. 11:1-9,",Bobby Laymon,The Kingdom Of God Is Near,109,,,
"Earth, Paradise, New,","Men take land that has not been cleared, or either grown-up with weeds.  They cultivate it and call it 'new ground.'  Actually the ground is not new, but has been made productive.","The 'new earth' will be same ground, but made productive.",Isa. 65:17; Rev. 21:1-4;,Bobby Laymon,Ruining The Earth Brings Divine Retribution,106,,,
"Earth, Paradise, Population Explosion,","If I asked you to fill my coffee cup, would you fill and keep pouring until it ran over onto the floor?",Jehovah will fill the earth to a comfortable level and stop.,Genesis. 1:28,Bobby Laymon,Ruining The Earth Brings Divine Retribution,106,,,
"Earth, Paradise, Rulers, Kingdom, Government,",'Mountains always live longer than kings.' Quote: Old Indian proverb.,Kings of the earth will be replaced by the symbolic 'mountain of Jehovah.',Dan 2:44;,Bobby Laymon - American Essays By Dan Valentine,Your Future--how Can It Be Known?,19,,1997/05/14,
"Earth, Paradise, Tenants, Pollution, Justice,","ON A cliff overlooking the ocean, you've built a beautiful house on 20 acres of gently rolling woodland. The inside of the house has been flawlessly decorated by a talented artist. Outside, near the house, landscaped flower beds give dazzling color, as also do the window boxes on the house itself. Fruit orchards and vegetable gardens provide ample food.  Beyond these cultivated areas, towering trees surround a meadow through which a brook gurgles and winds its way. Sea breezes sway the wild flowers that add splashes of color to sunny glades. Everywhere you look is a feast for the eyes, and for your nostrils as they draw in deep breaths of sea air scented by flowers, and for your ears as birds fill the air with song and the wind adds its rustling of leaves. And in the background you hear the subdued sounds of the ocean surf as it rolls in on the beach far below.  You survey the results of your work and feel satisfaction, a sense of accomplishment. You want others to enjoy it. You bring in a large family and turn all of it over to them, along with instructions for its care. You leave.  Later you return, and you're shocked! The ocean is a yellowish brown, globs of oil and garbage litter the beach, the trees have been chopped down, the meadow has turned brown, the brook is a mere trickle and it's polluted. Trash is everywhere. The birds have left, the flowers are gone, the fruit trees are dead and concrete covers where the garden was.  The paint has peeled off the house. Inside the house the floors are filthy, the walls marked up, the furniture scratched. The kitchen is littered with leftover food and the sink is filled with dirty dishes. Blaring music comes from some rooms, cursing is heard in others, and in some gross sexual immoralities and perversions are being practiced. The family left in charge has greatly increased, and its members quarrel and fight and even kill one another.   As you survey the damage to your house and its grounds, and note the moral decay of its inhabitants, what thoughts go through your mind? This was the work of your hands. You're the landlord. These people are your tenants. Obviously, they don't appreciate what you did for them.  They have ignored your instructions as to the care of your property. Will you leave them there?  What will you do?","Similarly, 'to Jehovah belong the earth and that which fills it.'  After he created it he 'saw everything he had made and, look! it was very good.'  He put people on the earth and told them to take care of it-the plants, the animals, the environment. Now, after 6,000 years, what does he see? How does he feel about what he sees? What will he do?",Ps 24:1; Genesis. 1:31;,G81 11/22 3,A Cleansed Earth--will You Live To See It?,49,,1996/01/18,
"Earth, Paradise, World, Aliens, Hated, Persecution,",It is from no wrong standpoint that Jehovah's people are looked upon as a 'people without a country.',"This standpoint is backed up by what one of Christ's disciples, the apostle Peter, wrote in his first letter addressed to those whom he calls 'the temporary residents scattered about in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia.'",1 Pet 1:1;,W76 12/15 747,Finding Honor And Joy In God's Ministry,65,,1994/08/09,
"Earth, Ruin, Termite, Last Days, 1914, Science, Ecology,","This generation is like termites.  A termite eats away and destroys it's own environment.  However, it perhaps can migrate to another one.",Mankind cannot do so.  The earth is man's irreplaceable environment.,Rev 11:18;,Hp 140,Coping With Life's Anxieties,32,,1994/08/23,
"Earth, Science, Pollution, Ecology,","'There is now overwhelming scientific evidence to suggest that Mother Earth cannot cope with its uncaring, unruly brood for very much longer.' Quote: The European, March 19-25, 1992","Ecologist are increasingly of the opinion that the threat to the earth, is far more than 'a tempest in a teapot.'  They say that immediate is vital if disaster is to be avoided.",Re 11:18,"Apr 8, 1993 Aw Page 3",Does Your Hope Rest On Science Or The Bible?,80,,,
"Earth, Science, Pollution, Ecology,","'We do not have generations.  We only have years, in which to attempt to turn things around.' Quote: President of World-watch Institute at the end of the 1980's.","Ecologist are increasingly of the opinion that the threat to the earth, is far more than 'a tempest in a teapot.'  They say that immediate is vital if disaster is to be avoided.",Re 11:18,"Apr 8, 1993 Aw Page 3",Does Your Hope Rest On Science Or The Bible?,80,,,
"Earth, Size, Creation,","How big is the earth?  It measures nearly 25,000 miles in circumference at the equator.  Weighs about 6,600,000,000,000,000,000, 000 (6.6 sextillion) tons.  It is dwarfed by other planets and stars.",One million earths could fit into the sun!  Some stars are so big that a trillion earths could fit into them.,Ge 1:1,"May 22, 1970 Aw Page 19",Jehovah--the Grand Creator,101,,,
"Earth, System, Paradise,",It is not like some lovely old building is going to be destroyed by some greedy property developer.,"It will be more like the destruction of a rotten slum building to make way for a delightful, clean environment.",2 Pet 3:10; Ecclesiastes 8:9;,"Nov 1, 1997 Wt Page 6",A Cleansed Earth--will You Live To See It?,49,,1997/09/26,
"Earth, System, Paradise,",The foundations of the present world order are unsafe.  The whole structure is riddled with termites and dry rot.  The steel frame is rusting.  Supporting walls are weakened.  The roof is sagging.  The plumbing leaks.  The power system is faulty and dangerous.  The occupants fight incessantly and maliciously cause damage throughout the building.  The whole property and its surroundings are vermin-infested and dangerous to life and limb.,"Like a run-down building that has been badly vandalized by uncaring tenants, the present world system is fit for only one thing--demolition and replacement.",2 Pet 3:10; Ecclesiastes 8:9;,"Nov 1, 1997 Wt Page 4",A Cleansed Earth--will You Live To See It?,49,,1997/09/26,
"Earth, Tenants, Pollution, Ruin, Future,","The situation may be likened to that of a family living in a furnished and fully equipped house provided by a benefactor. To make them feel completely at home, they are given permission to use all the facilities in the house to their satisfaction. What would happen if the family began to damage the furniture, tear up the floor, smash the windows, clog up the plumbing, overload the electric circuits-in short, threaten to ruin the house completely? Would the owner just passively observe and not do anything? Not likely. He would no doubt take action to remove the destructive tenants from his property and then restore it to its proper condition. No one would say that such  action was not justified.","Likewise, with the earth.  Jehovah will take action to remove those who mistreat the earth.","Re 11:18; Ps 37:9, 10;",G91 11/8 13-14,Ruining The Earth Brings Divine Retribution,106,,1994/05/07,
"Earth, Testing, Preliminary, Proving Ground, Hereafter, Heaven, View,",What a relief!  She passed.  The student who had gone through a grueling two weeks of exams finally received a gratifying report.  She could now move on to the job she had always wanted.,Many people view life on earth in a similar way.  They think of it as a preliminary test that all must take.  Those who 'pass' move on to something better in some form of Hereafter.,Job 14:1,"Oct 1, 2000 Page 3",What Happens When We Die?,127,,"Nov 25, 2000",
"Earth, Wicked,","If you owned a rent house with bad tenants. Would you burn the house down, or put them out.",Regarding the wicked on the earth.,"Prov. 37:10, 11",Pioneer Mtg.,Ruining The Earth Brings Divine Retribution,106,,,
Earth;,"'I don't know if there are men on the moon, but if there are they must be using the earth as their lunatic asylum.'  Quote:  Gbs.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Earth;,'The earth and its resources belong of right to its people.'  Quote:  Gifford Pinchot.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Earth;,'The earth is but the frozen echo of the silent voice of God.'  Quote:  Sam Hageman.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Earth;,'The earth is given as a common for men to labor and live in.' Quote:  Tj,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Earth;,'There is enough for all. The earth is a generous mother; she will provide in plentiful abundance food for all her children if they will but cultivate her soil in justice and in peace.'  Quote:  Bourke Cochran.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Earth; Paradise;,"'In a perfect world, what you raise would always be far more than you expected....neither chocolate or booze would contain calories......procrastination would be viewed as a virtue.....teenagers would much rather work on the lawn than talk on the telephone.....what the cat dragged in would be $100 bills....children on trips would say, 'Isn't riding in the car fun!' and then they'd fall asleep.'  Quote:  Joe Grattan.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Earth; Paradise;,'The world as seen through a little child's eyes greatly resembles paradise.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Earth; World;,'On this shrunken earth man can no longer live as strangers.'  Quote:  Adali Stevenson.,,,Jk Quotes;,Christian Separateness From The World--why Beneficial.,119,,,
Earth; World;,'The earth: a globe ceaselessly hurled into the universe to annoy the heavens.'  Quote:  Elias Canetti.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Easter, Holidays, Christmas, Pagan, Trinity,",A rotten apple is not transformed into wholesome food merely by wrapping it in the skin of an orange.,"The association of Christ's resurrection with Easter has not changed the celebration into something that is acceptable to true Christians.  Notwithstanding the fact that religious leaders of Christendom proclaim Easter as a Christian celebration, it is still pagan.",1 Cor 15:33;,W68 3/15 168,Jehovah And Christ--are They Part Of A Trinity?,82,,1995/01/19,
"Eating, Self-control, Moderation,","When it comes to food, our eyes may have no limit but our stomachs do.",Too much of anything is bad for our health.,"Prov. 25:16,27","Johnse Laymon Nov 22, 1965 Aw Pg 3",Coping With Life's Anxieties,32,,,
Eating; Diet;,"'A fat kitchen, a lean will.'  Quote:  Bf.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Eating; Diet;,'A full belly makes a dull brain.'  Quote:  Bf.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Eating; Diet;,'A good meal should begin with hunger.'  Quote:  French.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Eating; Diet;,"'A sad few die of hunger, of eating, a hundred thousand.'  Quote:  Bf.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Eating; Diet;,'He who does not mind his belly will hardly mind anything else.'  Quote:  Sam Johnson.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Eating; Diet;,'I have been a success: for sixty years I have eaten and have avoided being eaten.'  Quote:  Logan Smith.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Eating; Diet;,"'If you want your dinner, don't offend the cook.'  Quote:  Chinese.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Eating; Diet;,"'In general, mankind, since the improvement of cookery, eats twice as much as nature requires.'  Quote:  Bj.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Eating; Diet;,'Probably nothing in the world arouses more false hopes than the first four hours of a diet.'  Quote:  Dan Bennett.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Eating; Diet;,'Square meals make round people.'  Quote:  Joseph Cossman.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Eating; Diet;,'The proof of the pudding is in the eating.'  Quote:  Miguel Cervantes.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Eating; Diet;,"'To eat is human, to digest, divine.'  Quote:  C. T. Copeland.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Eating; Diet;,'We used to say 'What's cooking?' when we came home from work. Now we say 'What's thawing?'   Quote: Anonymous.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Eating; Diet;,"'When going to an eating house, go to one that is filled with customers.'  Quote:  Chinese.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Eating; Diet;,"'When it comes to eating, you can sometimes help yourself more by helping yourself less.'  Quote:  Richard Amour.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Eating; Diet;,"'When the stomach is full, it is easy to talk of fasting.' Quote:  St. Jerk Rome",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Eating; Diet;,'You can't make an omelets without breaking eggs.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Eating; Diet; Funny:,'The waist is a terrible thing to mind.' Quote:  Tom Wilson,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Eating; Diet; Funny;,'Diets are for people who are thick and tired of it.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Eating; Diet; Funny;,"'Edible: Adverb. Good to eat and wholesome to digest. as a worm to a toad, a toad to a snake, a snake to a pig, a pig to a man, and a man to a worm.'  Quote:  Ambrose Bierce (Dd).",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Eating; Diet; Funny;,'Imprisoned in every fat man is a thin one wildly signaling to be let out.'  Quote:  Cyril Connolly.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Eating; Diet; Funny;,'There is no such thing as a little garlic.'  Quote:  O. McIntyre.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Eating; Diet; Funny;,'There's a new diet that's all the rage. You can eat all you want of everything you don't like.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Eating; Diet; Funny;,'You know its time to diet when you push away from the table and the table moves.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Eating; Diet; Poor;,"'The difference between a rich man and a poor man is this, the former eats when he pleases, and the latter when he can get it.' Quote:  Walter Raleigh",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Eating; Gluttony;,"'A sad few die of hunger, of eating a hundred thousand.'  Quote:  Bj.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Eating; Hunger;,'Moon rocks are OK when everyone is eating.'  Quote:  Goodman Ace.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Ecology,"Piece of Rain Forrest near you? Foods originally found: rice, corn, sweet potatoes, tapioca, sugar cane, bananas, oranges, coffee, tomatoes, chocolate, pineapple avocados, vanilla, grapefruit, nuts, spices, tea.","Rain Forrest not just factory, but vast global industry. Fully 1/2 of Worlds food came from rain forest.",Rev 11:18,"Mar 22, 1990 Awake! Page 9-11",Ruining The Earth Brings Divine Retribution,106,,,
"Ecology, Earth, Pollution, Destruction, Retribution,",Burning a library before having read its books.  25% of medicine based on tropical plants of rain forest One raised leukemia from 20% (1960) to 80% (1985) cure. Medicines: Alkaloids/muscle relaxer; hydrocortisone/inflammation.,"Countless plants are undiscovered, let alone examined for use. quinine/malaria, digitalis/heart failure, diosgenin/birth control ipecac/induce vomiting, /diarrhea, fever, snake bite, cancer etc.",Rev 11:18,"Mar 22, 1990 Awake! Page 9-11",Ruining The Earth Brings Divine Retribution,106,,,
"Ecology, Fear, Pollution, Earth, Drift Net Fishing, Ruin,","'Curtains of Death' and 'Marine strip-mining.' 26,000 marine animals, 406 sea turtles, endangered species. 700,000 sharks; 270,000 sea birds.","Applied to destructive practice of 'drift-net' fishing.  In one year, the Japanese drift-net fishing, in the process of are harvesting 106 million squid, killed 39 million fish that the",Re 11:18; Ps 104:25;,"May 22, 1992 Aw Page 14, 15",Ruining The Earth Brings Divine Retribution,106,,,
"Ecology, Fear, Pollution, Earth, Drift Net Fishing, Ruin, Creation","'Clear-cutting a forest to harvest a single species of tree or felling an oak just to harvest acorns.' Tuna, marlin, swordfish, migrating steel head trout, dolphins and porpoises, were killed.","Applied to indiscriminate destructive practice of 'drift-net' fishing.  Reaching 36 feet deep and 30 miles long, it sweeps up tons of non-targeted species, such as blue fin, and skipjack",Ps 104:25; Re 11:18,"May 22, 1992 Aw Page 14, 15",Appreciating Marvels Of God's Creation,114,,,
"Ecology, Missouri, Animals, Conservation, Science,","Endangered species: 1984= 293; 1995= 306;  Rare species 1984= 109; 1995= 193; Prairie Chickens 1986= 818 down to 1995= 332.  Deer and turkey harvest up from: Turkey in 1980 = 16,722; 1994= 37,918.  Deer: 1980 =49,421 to 1994= 162,120.",Decline in state of Missouri during last 10 years.,Rev 11:18,Missouri Conservationist Jan 1996 Page 26,Does Your Hope Rest On Science Or The Bible?,80,,1996/01/06,
"Ecology, Science,","Crowd watching soccer-keep shooting the players, become enraged.","Deforestation is much the same.  Humans enjoy forest, but keep killing off players; individual plants & animals, whose complex interplay keep forest alive.",Rev 11:18,"Mar 22, 1990 Awake! Page 8",Does Your Hope Rest On Science Or The Bible?,80,,,
"Ecology, Science,","Rivets on Airplane; As more rivets pop loose, others fail under the pressure. Extinction rate is 400 times faster than ever in human history.","As rain forest shrink, 10,000 species of plants lost yearly",Rev 11:18,"Mar 22, 1990 Awake! Page 9",Does Your Hope Rest On Science Or The Bible?,80,,,
"Ecology, Science,","Wandering though forest; 15 stories overhead, section vanishes Area 1/2 the size of California each year Produce 1/3 of all living creatures on the land.",Each second section of rain forest size of football field disappears.,Rev 11:18,"Mar 22, 1990 Awake! Page 3",Does Your Hope Rest On Science Or The Bible?,80,,,
"Ecology, Science, Ddt, Pollution, balance of nature. Pesticide, ","The pesticide DDT was sent to Borneo to kill mosquitoes.  It worked fine. But it didn't kill roaches, which accumulated DDT in their bodies. Lizards ate the roaches.  The DDT slowed the lizards which cats easily caught.  But the cats died ... with the cats gone, rats came, carrying a threat of plague.  With the lizards gone, caterpillars multiplied in the huts, where they fed on the roof thatching.  Then the roofs started caving in.  What is ironic is that the insects have developed strains that are resistant to those pesticides.",Pesticides have disturbed what is called 'the balance of nature.' Man has ruled man to his own injury.,Ecclesiastes 8:9;,"Jun 8, 1970 Aw Page 24",Does Your Hope Rest On Science Or The Bible?,80,,,5/1/2025
"Ecology, Science, Earth,",'We did not inherit the earth from our ancestors.  We have only borrowed it from our children.'  Quote: Ancient proverb,The earth does not belong to us.  We must not treat it as an 'owned' item.  It is an item 'borrowed.'  In all actually it belongs to Jehovah.,Ps 50:10; Re 11:18; Ps 115:1;,Bobby Laymon; Movie 'free Willy',Does Your Hope Rest On Science Or The Bible?,80,,1994/01/02,
"Ecology, Science, Greed,",Blaming soldier for starting war; mere pawns in general's game. The average house cat in U S eats more beef than average Central American does.,"Easy to blame the poor, however science, commercialism, and human greed are to blame.",Rev 11:18,"Mar 22, 1990 Awake! Page 6",Does Your Hope Rest On Science Or The Bible?,80,,,
"Ecology, Science, Pollution,",Many things that are broken can be fixed.  A piece of machine  can have parts replaced or repaired.,"'If anything has become clear, it is that there is really no  such thing as oil-spill restoration.  We simply cannot fix a broken ecosystem like we can a broken machine.  For many this has been a bitter pill to swallow.'  Quote: National Wildlife EnviroAction.",Re 11:18;,"Jan 22, 1994 Aw Page 31",Does Your Hope Rest On Science Or The Bible?,80,,1994/01/04,
"Alert, Awake, Knowledge, Discern, Last Days, Listen, Works","There is sometimes more to what is said than what leaves the tongue.  A child may be misbehaving in the presence of company or at a meeting, and the parent says, 'I'll see you later.'  The tongue is actually saying more than the words spoken, and the child knows that.","So with Christians, there must be more than just words leaving the tongue.  They must be right words, and they must be followed by action.  We must speak words of praise to Jehovah, and follow them up with right works.","Mt 7:21; Jas 1:22; Is 35:5, 6;","Aug 15, 1953 Wt Page 487",Never Become Dull In Your Hearing,9,,,
Education,"Talent pool.  Many drowning in talent pool, not willing to work with hands.","Education level improved, many critics, not so with God's organization.",1 Tim 3:1-7,"Sept 15, 1989 Wt Page 23",Do You Recognize Jehovah's Sovereignty In Your Personal Life?,75,,,
"Education, Books, Literature, Reading, Bible,",'Education . . . has produced a vast population able to read but unable to distinguish what is worth reading.' Quote: G. M. Trevelyan.,"We must not follow this trend.  Read from the Bible on regular basis; keep up with reading in the Theocratic Ministry School.  Increase nourishment from God's Word by going deeper into things, not surface or minimal consideration.","Heb 5:12, 14;",Bobby Laymon,Happy Though Hungry--how Can It Be?,31,,1995/08/16,
"Education, Career, College,","I feel like an onion that has had layer after layer peeled away until there is nothing, nothing there at all.'","'When I started college,' said one honor student, 'I thought I would add new talents, new capabilities, new accomplishments to my life. Instead, each course I've taken, each good book I've read, each idea I've seriously considered has taken something away from me.'","1 Tim 6:7,8;",G82 4/22 6,Do You Recognize Jehovah's Sovereignty In Your Personal Life?,75,,1994/07/21,
"Education,  Endurance, Gilead, Missionary, Pioneer, Problems","'You'll be in Jehovah's permanent school of life-giving instruction forever,' said G. D. Gangas.","Telling them about one of the big lessons to be learned in that school, he said: 'All of us have pride and jealousy. Don't say you don't have it. You do. We need to get rid of it.' To help, he urged them to take to heart the counsel in Galatians 6:3.",Gal 6:3;,W77 6/1 351,Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,063,,1994/06/27,7/12/2025
"Education, Learning, Progress, Improvement, Skill,","'What sculpture is to a block of marble, education is to the soul.' Quote: Joseph Addison, 1711.","Yes, a good education is a basic need.  Jehovah's people are interested in the education of all.","Matt. 28:19, 20","Dec 22, 2000 Aw Page 3",,,,"Dec 18, 2000",
"Education, Preparation, Study, Prevention,",Arithmetic is being able to count up to twenty without taking off your shoes.,Education is important.,Heb. 6:1-3; 2 Tim. 2:14; John 6:45; Ecclesiastes. 12:11-13; Acts 17:1,Bobby Laymon,Do You Recognize Jehovah's Sovereignty In Your Personal Life?,75,,,
"Education, School, Government, Kingdom,",'Public instruction should be the first object of government.' Quote: Napoleon.,That is true of God's government as well.,Isa 2:1-4;,Bobby Laymon,The Kingdom Of God Is Near,109,,1997/05/15,
"Education, Schools, Prisons,","'Let us reform our schools, and we shall find little reform needed in our prisons.' Quote: John Ruskin.",Today there is corruption in the educational programs.  Knowledge is costly.  The beauty of true religious knowledge is that it is free.,Isaiah 55:1-4,Bobby Laymon,"Come, You Who Thirst For The Truth!",89,,1995/08/07,
"Education, Skill, Honesty, Training, Fear, Parents,",'He who does not teach his son a useful trade is bringing him up to be a thief.' Quote: Jewish rabbis.,"Boys were taught their father's secular occupation, whether in agriculture, trade or craft.  Girls were taught household skills. Our motive should be to teach to motivate wisdom, insight, thinking ability, judgment, and 'fear of Jehovah.'",Pr 1:1-7; 2:1-14;,"Nov 1, 1992 Wt Page 12",Conducting Ourselves Honestly At All Times,10,,,
"Education, Teachers, Communication,",'Talking to their child's teachers can make the most self-assured adult feel five years old and four foot tall.'  Quote: Dr. David Lewis in 'Help your Child Through School.',"Since problems have changed so much, it has caused parents to keep their contact with the schools to a minimum.","Eph 6:4; Prov 1:8,9;","Aug 8, 1994 Aw Page 8",Do You Recognize Jehovah's Sovereignty In Your Personal Life?,75,,1994/10/12,
"Education, Teaching, Knowledge, Wisdom, Jefferson,","'I think by far the most important bill in our whole code is that for the diffusion of knowledge among the people.... Preach, my dear sir, a crusade against ignorance; establish and improve the law for educating the common people.  Let our countrymen know ... that the tax which will be paid for the purpose of education is not more than the thousandth part of what will be paid to kings, priests, and nobles who will rise up among us if we leave the people in ignorance.'  Quote: Thomas Jefferson","Far from leaving righteously disposed people in ignorance, Jehovah's teaching provides the best program for global education.",Is 2:2-4;,"Feb 1, 1994 Wt Page 16",How Can Youths Cope With Today's Crisis?,113,,1994/03/21,
"Education, Wisdom, Knowledge, Churchill, Realism, Conclusions, Facts,","Winston Churchill was doubtless being realistic, according to his own lights, when he said in 1939: 'Atomic energy might be as good as our present day explosives, but it is unlikely to produce anything very much more dangerous.'","Unfortunately, his conclusion was a long way from the truth. Similarly, in 1959 the managing director of the International Monetary Fund said: 'In all likelihood, world inflation is over.' But, oh, how wrong he was! Hence, even when highly qualified men 'realistically' assess a situation, their conclusions are not always correct.",Pr 14:15;,G82 9/8 3,Acquiring A Heart Of Wisdom,73,,1994/05/09,
Education;,'Education is a progressive discovery of our ignorance.' Quote:  Will Durant.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Education;,"'He who opens a school door, closes a prison.' Quote:  Victor Hugo.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Education;,"'If a man empties his purse into his head, no man can take it away from him. An investment in knowledge always pays the best interest.'  Quote:  Bf.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Education;,'Only the educated are free.'  Quote:  Epictetus.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Education;,'The education of a man is never completed until he dies.'  Quote:  Robert E. Lee.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Education;,"'There is nothing so stupid as an educated man, if you get off the thing that he was educated in.' Quote:  Will Rogers.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Education; College;,"'A lot of fellows now a days have a BA, MD or PHD, but unfortunately they don't have a JOB.'  Quote:  Fats Domino.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Education; School;,'I have never let my schooling interfere with my education.'  Quote:  Mark Twain.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Effectiveness;,Efficiency is concerned with doing things right.  Effectiveness is doing the right things.,We want to do things Jehovah's way.  Then we will be efficient and effective.,Ps. 119:75;jer 10:23;,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Effort, Dedication, Sacrifice,","It was a chilly, overcast day when a man on a horse saw a little sparrow lying on its back in the middle of the road. Reining in his mount, he looked down and inquired of the fragile creature, 'Just what do you think you're doing?'  'I heard the sky is going to fall today.'  The man laughed, 'And I suppose you think your skinny little legs can hold up the sky?'  'One does what one can,' said the sparrow.","We may not be able to save the world, but we can make things better in our small corner of it. How have we contributed to the field work in our territory and reaching others? Are we like the man on the horse, overwhelmed by things, or are we like the sparrow, focusing on the small effort we can make to help.",Matt 22:37;,Peter Morgan,,,,1997/08/10,
"Effort, Earnest, Try,",'Do your best!  That's all a mule can do!'  Quote: Jim Laymon.,We must put forth 'earnest effort.'  Jehovah doesn't hold us responsibly if it doesn't work.  We still get 'E' for effort.,2 Pet 1:5;,Bobby Laymon,,,,1996/05/03,
"Effort, Enthusiasm, Zeal, Try, Success, Progress, Pioneer, Informal witnessing,","'You miss 100% of the shots you don't take.'  Quote: The great American hockey player, Wayne Gretzky.","If we don't make an effort, we are sure to fail.",Col 4:13;,Bobby Laymon,Keep Seeking God's Kingdom,44,,1996/01/26,8/5/2014
"Effort, Exert, Self, Will,",Two brothers visit a brother who has been inactive for sometime. One of the visitors asked the inactive brother what standing does he think he has with Jehovah God. He said that probably he was on death row. The visitor told him that at that time over a hundred individuals were in prison on death row and all of them were doing everything they could to have their sentence stayed.  Just so they could live just a few more years.,Everlasting life is worth the effort.,Matt 16:24;,Peter Morgan,"Living, Not For Self, But To Do God's Will",8,,1997/08/10,
"Effort, Goals, Success, Service, Exert, Informal witnessing,","It is said that a man went to bait a mousetrap with cheese.  He did not have cheese, so he baited it with a picture of cheese.  The next morning when he checked his trap, he had caught a picture of a mouse.","Be that as it may, we usually get out of something in proportion to what we put in it.  Our ministry is like that.  We need to put effort into Informal witnessing,",Luke 13:24;,Randy Aldridge,The Flood Of Noah's Day Has Meaning For Us,6,,1998/08/10,8/5/2014
"Effort, Zeal, Attempt,",'What isn't tried won't work.'  Quote: Claude McDonald.,"We must be WHOLE-SOULED to Jehovah, fully living up to our       decision to serve him.  Indecisiveness robs us of time and opportunities.","Eph 5:15, 16;",Bobby Laymon - Reader's Digest,Decisions You Face--how Will You Make Them?,50,,1996/03/20,
"Effort, Zeal, Works, Rewards, Ministry, Pioneer,","There was once an important businessman living in a renowned city, who owned a construction company. He was very well respected because of his kindness, humility, honesty and many other qualities.  It happened that he had an employee, his construction engineer, whom he highly esteemed, because of the excellent quality of his work in that he didn't take short-cuts, always used the best materials, and dedicated the majority of his time to carry out his assignments. How did the businessman come to know of this? Well, this is what his reports said.  Time passed and something far-reaching happened; the businessman had to move to another city for some reason. How would he reward his most efficient worker, who had dedicated himself so completely to his work, a work apparently of the highest quality?  What the businessman apparently did not know, was that this construction engineer was an impostor. Actually, he never used the best construction materials; to the contrary, he used materials of inferior quality, while keeping for himself most of the resources presumed allocated to the building of the houses.  The businessman asked this engineer to accompany him to inspect one of the many houses that had been built. He chose the most beautiful one, and marveled at its outward beauty, ignoring the inferior quality of the construction materials. He had decided how to reward his esteemed employee. In what way?  Turning to his employee, the businessman says, 'My friend, I really do appreciate your excellent work. I know you did the very best you could do. You always used my resources to the maximum, and, as a reward, I wish to give you this house so that you may live in it all your life!' Imagine the employee's surprise!","This illustration shows us how Jehovah, the great businessman, has given each one of us the same amount of TIME so that we may carry out the preaching of the good news to the fullest extent possible, making disciples. However, many times we use the greatest part of this time for vain purposes.  How would you feel when the time comes for Jehovah to reward his workers, and he says to you, 'My friend, I really appreciate the excellent job you have done. I know you did your best and you used the time I gave you to the maximum. As a reward, I want your life to be as long, and of the same quality, as your efforts in the Kingdom Work!'?",1 Sam. 26:23;,Mark Hanlon,Are You Doing What God Requires Of You?,43,,1998/11/26,
Effort;,'Many a man never fails because he never tries.'  Quote:  Norman Macewan.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Effort;,'The mode by which the inevitable comes to pass is effort.'  Quote:  Owh.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Effort;,'Things don't turn up in this world until somebody turns them up.'  Quote:  James A Garfield.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Effort; Ability; Resourceful,",'No one knows what it is that he can do until he tries.'  Quote:  Publius Syrus.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Effort; Goals; Opportunity; Attitude;,"'If you ship doesn't come in, swim out to it.'  Quote:  Jonathan Winters.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Effort; Initiative; Goals; Attitude; Action; Resourceful,","'Start by doing what is necessary, then what is possible and suddenly you are doing the impossible.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Effort; Success; Work;,"'If you've reached a dead end, it could be that you're sitting on it.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Effort; Wholesouled; Duty;,"'Men do less than they ought, unless they do all that they can.' Quote:  Thomas Carlyle",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Egotist, Gossip, Speech, Talk, Rumor,",One nice thing about egotists: they don't talk about other people.,We should avoid talking and thinking too much about ourselves.,"1 Tim. 5:12, 13; 1 Pet. 4:15; Jas. 3:3-10; 1 Th 2:5;",Bobby Laymon,What Kind Of Name Are You Making With God?,55,,,
"Einstein, Bomb, Science, Repentance, Career, Pioneer, Work, Employment,","Shortly before he died, Einstein is reported to have said: 'If I had only known, I would have been a locksmith.'","Albert Einstein hoped that the development of the atom bomb, based largely upon his theories, would eliminate forever the danger of war. Yet bitter wars are still being fought, and civilization finds itself sitting on a nuclear powder keg, terrified that someone will light the fuse.",Ecclesiastes 12:13;,G82 11/8 10,Does Your Hope Rest On Science Or The Bible?,80,,1994/05/10,
Elder,Been described as 'Sheep in shepherd's clothing.' 'I will most gladly spend and be completely spent for your souls',Sheep helping sheep.,Acts 20:28; 1 Tim 3:15; 2 Cor. 12:15;,"Pioneer Meeting. Dec. 14, 1990 St. Louis.",Respect For Authority Is A Safeguard For You,12,,,
Elder,"Good shepherd is alert to seek out strays. Visits and helps them. Knows the flock is Jehovah's heritage, and treats as a trust from Jehovah.","Servants observe not just those present, but also those missing.","1 Th 5:14, 15","Feb 1, 1961 Wt Page 89",Respect For Authority Is A Safeguard For You,12,,,
Elder,Like a star giving out light on a dark night.  Should have 'the tongue of the taught ones',"Elders should really know the Bible, and let light shine for all to see.",Isa. 50:4,"Feb 1, 1961 Wt Page 89",Respect For Authority Is A Safeguard For You,12,,,
Elder - Leading- Service,Have you ever tried push a chain?  Easy to pull.,Cannot push in service but easy to lead so Elder's should set the example.,1 Pet. 5:3,Johnse Laymon,How Should You Serve God?,58,,,
"Elder, Servant,",A servant is not a spiritual policeman.,"He is not looking for trouble.  He is 'peaceable', ready to obey, reasonable, etc.","Ps 122: 6, 7; 133:1-3; Is 1:18; Ge 18:6, 7; Mt 5:7;",Qm Page 228,How Should You Serve God?,58,,,
Elderly,"Big, fat, diseased, ugly (World's view of elderly) problems: loneliness, nothing to do, Read Bible to, help prepare meeting parts, learn sign language Prayers on their behalf","Not Jehovah's view, and should not be ours Many elderly worked hard in earlier Assembly & the truth","Leviticus 19:32, Prov 31:20 Ezek 34:4  Matt 9:35, 36 Gal 6:10",Divine Love Dist. Assy  1980,Follow The Course Of Hospitality,77,,,
"Elderly, Abused, Aged,",'Surveys indicate that nearly six in seven (86%) of the abused aged are mistreated by their own families.' Quote: Wall Street Journal.,Abuse of the elderly is only the latest to make its way out of the closet.  Ours is truly a time when people are 'lovers of themselves.',2ti 3:1-3;,"Sep 1, 1993 Wt Page 21",Follow The Course Of Hospitality,77,,,
"Elderly, Abused, Aged,",There is a touching story from the Middle East about a young girl's compassion for the elderly.  A grandmother was helping in a kitchen and accidentally dropped and broke a plate.  Her daughter was irritated.  She called her own little girl and asked her to buy an unbreakable wooden plate.  She came back with two.  Why?,"'One for grandma and the other for you when you are old.'  Yes, in this world, all of us face the prospect of aging.  Would we not appreciate being treated with patience and kindness?",2ti 3:1-3; Pr 16:13;,"Sep 1, 1993 Wt Page 22",Follow The Course Of Hospitality,77,,,
"Elderly, Aged, Experience, Life, Organization, Hospitality, ","Back in the 1950's there was a song entitled, 'I've  Forgot More Than You'll Ever Know.'",That's how it is with many elderly in Jehovah's organization.  They have forgot more than many of us will ever know about important events in the organization.  We should learn to listen and benefit from their experience.,Is 64:8; Ps 149:4,Ray Hayes C. O.,Follow The Course Of Hospitality,77,,1995/08/13,4/10/2014
"Elderly, Older, Love,","Ruth is a fine example of caring for elderly ones.  Life was bitter for aging Naomi.  She was too old to start a family.  Her husband was dead, with no children.  She would return alone to her native land.","Ruth, however, did not abandon her mother-in-law.  She worked untiringly for the benefit of both.  Jehovah rewarded her. (see article)","Ruth 2:2, 17, 18;","Aug 15, 1993 Wt Page 27, 28","Friendship With God, Friendship With The World -- Which Will You Choose?",79,,,
Elders,"Blind must be led, not shoved out in front, where they reach curb first, or pushed into revolving doors. If they walk 1/2 step behind, they can feel the way. Natural inclination to grab a blind person and shove him,","Elders must lead, not push or drive. Well meaning, but thoughtless. Elders must set the pace, become an example.","Isa. 32:1, 2","Jul 8, 1962 Aw Page 8",Respect For Authority Is A Safeguard For You,12,,,
Elders,Cowboys or Shepherds?  Cowboys get cattle together at intervals; counts them; brands them.  Big thing is to count & make sure there are more than last year. Shepherd should 'feed my sheep.',A shepherd leads and feeds the sheep. (name older than cowboy) Exciting to see cowboy in rodeo; far more wonderful to see shepherd leading his sheep & feeding them.,"Matt. 7:13, 14","Mar 22, 1959 Aw Page 6",Respect For Authority Is A Safeguard For You,12,,,
Elders,"Double-honor Children honor parents, plus may supply some material needs","Means weighty, heaviness + set price on","1 Tim 5:17, 18","Sept 15, 1989 Wt Page 21  Insight Book On Honor",Respect For Authority Is A Safeguard For You,12,,,
Elders,Dying of thirst; won't drink because of scratch on side of cup. Show spirit of support & co-operation to those taking lead,"Elders have imperfections, some ignore counsel",1 Cor 7:39  5:11,Trust In Jehovah District Assy. July 1987,Respect For Authority Is A Safeguard For You,12,,,
Elders,Ones under our oversight are mirrors of us. Be With them.  FEAR God. Also: don't shield blatant wrongdoers.  Don't be permissive.,"Do say: 'There's them, there's me; I'm their overseer'",Neh. 5:15,Bethel Notes  Bro. Ralph Walls (by Phil Kirkton),Respect For Authority Is A Safeguard For You,12,,,
Elders,"Safari-beautiful country-but many dangers We have beautiful spiritual paradise, but with many dangers Not magnify faults, critical of talks, question appointments Think of past overseers, many limitations, used by Jehovah",Appreciate well trained guide,Isa 32:1  1 Pet 5:8,Trust In Jehovah District Assy. July 1987,Respect For Authority Is A Safeguard For You,12,,,
Elders,Sheep cannot be driven Jehovah's people appreciate the example of a good shepherd.,Elders must set example for others,Jn 10:16,"Bro Skinner, Ray",Respect For Authority Is A Safeguard For You,12,,,
Elders,"Shepherd knows sheep by name (calls during day, individually, pet) Schedule time to visit all","Should know all by name, even little ones, call on by name",Jn 10:3,Convention Talk,Respect For Authority Is A Safeguard For You,12,,,
Elders,"Shepherds have a very fatiguing job. Calls for much love. Keep them together; find the lost and strayed ones; nurse the sick care for the injured; keep newly born lambs warm and dry; carry wearied lambs, draw water for the flock, move them to fresh",Overseers are expected to show same love for Jehovah's flock. pastures; protect them.,Jn 10:3-5,"Apr 1, 1961 Wt Page 219",Respect For Authority Is A Safeguard For You,12,,,
Elders,"Trust (Something of value) Not stand still Personal study Avoid pitfalls, excessive recreation, immorality, materialism",Guard Trust by positive activity & responsibility Never counsel sisters alone,"2 Tim 1:13, 14  Matt 24:45  1 Pet 5:1-32 Isa 32:2",Trust In Jehovah District Assy. July 1987,Respect For Authority Is A Safeguard For You,12,,,
Elders,"Trust, (not your own, but entrusted by wealthy person) Pattern of healthful words Ministry Additional: Shepherding Flock of God",Elders entrusted with valuable responsibility,"2 Tim 1:13, 14  Matt 24:45-47",Sept 15 Wt 1989  Page 10,Respect For Authority Is A Safeguard For You,12,,,
Elders,Veterinarians : horse can't tell them what is wrong Calls for patience & loving support,Spiritual Vet. must discern condition of flock in many cases,Prov 27:23  1 Pet 2:17  Gal 6:2,"Nov 15, 1989 Watchtower Page 18  (bill Shell)",Respect For Authority Is A Safeguard For You,12,,,
"Elders, Adjustment, Counsel,","A surgical team may be used to set the bones of a person to prevent a lifelong handicap.  They would have to be very gentle to avoid doing other damage, as the person is already in great pain.","Interestingly, the Greek word translated 'readjust' relates to a surgical term used to describe the setting of a bone.  Elders must 'pursue ... mildness of temper.'",Gal 6:1; 1ti 6:11;,"May 15, 1993 Wt Page 21",Evidence Of God In The World Around Us,4,,,
"Elders, Adjustment, Counsel,","If you make an adjustment on a piece of machinery and it doesn't last, something else is wrong.  There may be a problem elsewhere. May have to readjust, or look beyond obvious.","Likewise, when elders 'adjust' someone with loving counsel and kindness, and the problem keeps coming back, we need to make further adjustments, or try to prayerfully discern other problems.","Jas 5:15, 16;","May 15, 1993 Wt Page 16  (mike Hart) Memphis Assy.",Evidence Of God In The World Around Us,4,,,
"Elders, Ambition, Proud, Double, Humility, Reap, Hypocrisy","We can become like 'darnel' wheat.  We can be among true wheat, yet like darnel.",There we are standing tall.  We do not humble and bow down like true wheat.  Then comes the time for the harvest.,Gal 6:7; Mr 4:24-29;,William Osbeck C.O.,You Will Reap What You Sow,59,,,
"Elders, Appointments, Friendship, Faults, Overlook,","While it may be said that love is blind, friendship could be said to close its eyes.  Jesus knew Peter would be impetuous, rash, and deny him 3 times. Jesus knew James & John would be strong-willed, sons of thunder. Knew Thomas would be skeptical.",Do not over-emphasize faults of brothers being recommended.,Ps. 103:8-11; 1 Tim. 3:1-13;,Larry Punko; C.O.,True Friendship With God And Neighbor.,100,,,
"Elders, Appointments, Qualifications, Ministerial Servants,","Requirements like a picture frame; can be large or small. What is Jehovah's view?  Our we enlarging faults of our brothers? Jesus chose 12 knowing that Peter would be impetuous; John and James would be strong-willed.  Thomas would have doubts, etc.","Some bodies of elders have very small frame, others quite large. If outside that frame of requirements, they would not qualify.",1 Tim. 3:1-12; Titus 1:6-9;,Bobby Laymon,Love Identifies The True Christian Congregation,72,,,
"Elders, Appreciation, Respect,","We all appreciate it when someone gives us a gift. Like a diamond the larger it is, the more precious.  If cut properly, closer you look, more you see the beauty. Variety of gifts; 1 Pet. 5:2, 3 Shepherds; 1 Tim. 5:17; speaking","Jehovah has given us gifts in men, with the elders. & teaching; Heb.13:17; taking the lead.","Eph. 4:8; Heb. 13:7, 17; 1 Cor. 11:1; 2 Cor. 12:5","Special One-day Assembly.  Larry Punko (sep 22, 1991)",Appreciating Marvels Of God's Creation,114,,,
"Elders, Body Of, Organization, Cross-section,",Blender,"Skillful direction, blends their abilities, promotes unity","Matt 28:19, 20","Sept 15, 1989 Wt Page 25",Respect For Authority Is A Safeguard For You,12,,,
"Elders, Circuit Overseer, Problems,","You are getting a group picture, and you are on a ladder.  The photographer is trying to get everyone in focus.  He asks you to get a little closer, come down a step.",Sometimes it takes someone outside the group to tell what is out of focus.  The needs of the circuit takes in the whole picture.,Titus 1:5;,David Berry,Respect For Authority Is A Safeguard For You,12,,,
"Elders, Cleanliness, Organization, Alert, Awake, Vigilant, Courage,","Just as one bad apple in a basket, if not removed, will spoil all the apples in the basket.",The Bible illustration that a little leaven or yeast of badness will spoil the whole loaf or congregation is a true one; This requires the alert righteous-minded servants or rulers of the congregation to be quick to preserve the cleanness of the congregation.,1 Cor 5:6;,W56 7/15 440,A Clean People Honors Jehovah,14,,1995/01/19,
"Elders, Counsel, Discipline, Children,",'Good counselors lack no clients.' Quote:  William Shakespeare.  [1604-1605].,"To be a good counselor, we must consult God's Word.  The Bible urges firm, consistent discipline; It is an expression of love.",Pr 13:24;,Bobby Laymon,Family Life That Warms The Heart,5,,1995/07/10,
"Elders, Counsel, Discipline, Children,",'Good counselors lack no clients.' Quote:  William Shakespeare.  [1604-1605].,"To be a good counselor, we must consult God's Word.  The Bible urges firm, consistent discipline; It is an expression of love.",Pr 13:24;,Bobby Laymon,Family Life That Warms The Heart,5,,1995/07/10,
"Elders, Counsel, Reproof, Congregation, Mercy,",In times of war a sentry's post is a very important position.  It is so important that if a sentry was to fall asleep at his post he could be shot.  One commanding officer always told his troops if they saw a sentry asleep at his post not to shoot him but wake him up.,"Same can be true in the congregation.  If an elder is not meeting qualifications, don't be determined to shoot him (remove), but first try to wake him up (counsel).  Can be same for any individual in congregation.  Should first try to counsel and reprove.",Gal. 6:1,"Kingdom Ministry School, Dec. 16, 17 1994","Mercy, A Dominant Quality Of True Christians",7,,1994/12/27,
"Elders, Counsel, Reproof, Congregation, Teaching, Bible Study","When you look at the construction of a house you can often tell if the work was done by a laborer, craftsman, or an artist.  If you look at the woodwork and see hammer marks rough joints, etc, it was probably built by a laborer.  If the joints fit together well and the job looks real professional it was probably built by a craftsman.  However, sometimes you occasionally see a home that has something extra, decorative, obviously someone spent a lot of time with the work.  What makes the difference between a laborer, craftsman, and an artist.  Laborer usually has to be watched and closely observed.  Craftsman has a knowledge of what he is doing and it can be efficient.  Artist has knowledge but also puts his heart into it.","In our teaching are we a laborer, craftsman, or an artist.  The heart makes the difference.  Bible says that we should develop the art of teaching.",1tim 4:12-16; 2ti 4:2; Titus 1:9,"Kingdom Ministry School, Dec. 16, 17 1994",Taking Time To Meditate On Spiritual Things,67,,1994/12/27,
"Elders, Delegate,","'Delegate the task, not how it is done.'",'Often creative talent is unleashed.',"Numbers 27:18-23; Luke 22:7-13; Luke 19:12, 13;","Oct 15, 1992 Wt Page 23",Respect For Authority Is A Safeguard For You,12,,,
"Elders, Depressed, Sick, Shepherding, Groaning, geese, honk, ","How much do you know about geese?  You probably know they fly in 'V' formations.  They mate for life.  They honk to encourage the leader of the formation, and use the strongest birds in this position.  Did you know that when one of them is injured, two others stay with him until he is well or else dies.  He is not left alone while the flock moves on.","In like manner when one of Jehovah's flock is sick or injured, two elders also call on them and help them recover until they are able to fly on their own again.",Acts 20:28;,Joe Bounds,Gaining Comfort In All Our Tribulations,105,,1994/01/03,6/20/2025
"Elders, Gifts,","At certain times of the year people give gifts.  If they really love a person, they give him a valuable gift.","Elders are giving the most expensive gift of all.  'gifts in men.'  We must provide protection, re-align sheep to get on the path to life.","Eph 4:8, 12; Isa 32:1, 2;","Kingdom Ministry School Dec 22, 23, 1994",,,,1994/12/25,
"Elders, Imperfections,",Do you like Swiss cheese? Many people do even though it is full of holes. We just ignore the holes and enjoy the cheese.,It is similar with the elders. If we ignore their imperfections we can concentrate better on the benefit of their teaching.,Numbers. 12:1;,Tim Moore,Are You Doing What God Requires Of You?,43,,1998/03/28,
"Elders, Imperfections,","When driving, have you ever seen a stop sign that was rusty, bent, faded, or not properly fastened to its post? Did you stop anyway? Sure you did. It is the wise thing to do even though the sign's imperfections were obvious.",It's the same when it comes to applying scriptural counsel offered by imperfect elders.,Numbers. 12:1;,Tim Moore,Are You Doing What God Requires Of You?,43,,1998/03/28,
"Elders, Kindness, Humble, Shepherd, Obey, Obedience, Mercy","When the farmer goes to the field, the cattle or flock draw close around him because they know they are going to be fed.  They trust the farmer and look to him for protection.","In the same manner, Jehovah's flock should look to the elders for food and protection, and elders should be alert to help.",1 Pet 5:1-3; John 10:14; Acts 20:28;,"Jul 1, 1994 Wt Page 25; Bradley Wagner's Comment.",Respect For Authority Is A Safeguard For You,12,,1994/08/28,
"Elders, Laws, Discipline, Bible, Defense, Firm,","People go to an earthly lawyer to ask for legal counsel to avoid harm or injury. Law is defined as a rule of action or conduct. A lawyer therefore counsels people how to act or conduct themselves in harmony with the law, and defends such lawful actions in court.","While worldly lawyers find out what actions and conduct are in harmony with human laws, Jehovah's witnesses are primarily interested in knowing what actions and conduct are in harmony with  Jehovah's supreme laws. They like to counsel people about God's law and word.",Rom 13:5;,W59 8/15 493,Respect For Authority Is A Safeguard For You,12,,1995/01/27,
"Elders, Listen, Counsel,","If you went to the doctor because you were ill, and all he did was take one look at you and say, 'Here, take this prescription, it's strong medicine but you look like you could use it,' what would you do? Likely you would tear up that prescription when you left his office and decide never to return to that doctor again. A genuine doctor will ask numerous questions, get feedback from you, and then diagnose your condition. Then he would give you the needed prescription.","Likewise, elders really need to listen to the answers the ailing one gives to your kindly worded questions.",Acts 20:28;,Patti Gillison,Never Become Dull In Your Hearing,9,,1999/04/20,
"Elders, Listen, Obey, Obedience, Submit, Subjection,","Did you ever have 'pink eye?'  Its frightening, isn't it?  You wake up and your eyes are pasted together.  You wonder if you are blind.",There is a worse condition.  We need to avoid having our spiritual eyes pasted together.  We must submit to the loving oversight of spiritual shepherds in the congregation.,Isa 32:3;,"'joyful Praisers Dist. Convention'  June 9-11, 1995; Kc, Mo; Kim Major;",Never Become Dull In Your Hearing,9,,1995/06/12,
"Elders, Meetings, Shepherds,",Being an elder is not a nine to five job.,"It is full time and cannot be scheduled.  Elders are on call 24 hours a day.  Hospital Liaison Committee.  Shepherding calls.  Building committee, and building projects.  Arranging meetings and parts.",Acts 20:27;,Joseph Wengert D. O.,Are You Really Making Jehovah Your Stronghold?,18,,1995/05/29,
"Elders, Mercy, Reasonable, Judge, Repentance, Reinstate,","'Firmness where necessary, mercy where possible.'  [The summary of Jehovah's way of judging.  July 1, 1992 WT",It is not an error to lean toward mercy in judgment when there is a reasonable basis for doing so.  It is a grave error to be harsh or merciless.,Matt 12:7; Ezekiel 34:4; Matt 23:23; James 2:13;,"Aug 1, 1994 Wt Page 16, 17; July 1, 1992 Wt","Mercy, A Dominant Quality Of True Christians",7,,1994/08/24,
"Elders, Ministerial Servants,",Qualifications; Complete discussion including Ministerial Servants,Aid in reaching out; Who qualifies.,1 Tim. 3:  Titus 1:,"Sep 1, 1990 Wt Page 18-28",How Should You Serve God?,58,,,
"Elders, Ministerial Servants, Pioneers",What kind of tomato is best; potato; corn; Home grown is best. Easily adapt of situation.  Common ground.,"In like manner, Witnesses, Elders, Ministerial Servants produced  right in one's home territory are usually best, because they know the situations, problems, prevalent to the area.",1 Tim. 3:1-10;,Johnse Laymon,How Should You Serve God?,58,,,
"Elders, Ministerial Servants, Progress","Do you try to 'climb the ladder?'  Be adaptable, have view to giving.","If that is progress, then sisters never make progress.",Phil. 3:16; Eph. 4:11-16;,Phil Kirkton Notes:,How Should You Serve God?,58,,,
"Elders, Ministerial Servants, Reaching Out,",Must contend 'according to the rules.'  Nothing 'carefully concealed that will not become known.'  Do not be like wicked Ahab who set his heart upon the vineyard.,"Wrong to scheme to gain office by playing politics, by slandering another or plotting his downfall.","1 Tim. 3:1, 19; Luke 8:17; 1 Ki. 21:1-26","Jul 15, 1963 Wt Page 419",How Should You Serve God?,58,,,
"Elders, Overseers, Crag, Comfort, Depressed, Stress, Groan,","In desert country, temperatures may peak at 120 degrees in the shade.  Warning signs sometimes posted, not to leave your car, or a certain area.  Persons have been found dead, 50 feet from their car.  How comforting a cool crag is in such heat.",Elders must be 'like the shadow of a heavy crag in an exhausted land.'  'Likes streams of water in a waterless country.',"Is 32:1, 2;","May 15, 1993 Wt Page 14 (mike Hart - Watchtower Coverage Memphis)",Gaining Comfort In All Our Tribulations,105,,,
"Elders, Overseers, World, End",Elders are like lifeboat.  Captain on Titanic trained to deal with life and death situations,Should listen to their counsel and benefit from experience and training,James 5:14-16,John Denola,'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
"Elders, Righteousness, Judicial, Decisions, Organization, Mercy,",Jehovah doesn't 'rubber stamp' every thing we do.,"Some elders may have that opinion, but that is not the meaning of Matt 16:19.  We must exercise mercy in our dealings.",Matt 16:19;,Joseph Wengert D. O.,"Mercy, A Dominant Quality Of True Christians",7,,1996/04/29,
"Elders, Righteousness, Judicial, Decisions, Organization, Mercy,",Some may view themselves as 'punisher' of brothers for wrongdoing.,"We are not servants to 'punish' our brothers, but to help them, to show mercy when possible.","Ps 133:1, 3;",Joseph Wengert D. O.,"Mercy, A Dominant Quality Of True Christians",7,,1996/04/29,
"Elders, Servants, Encouragement, Counsel,","Every year a few marathon swimmers drown. That seems really odd as these are trained, experienced swimmers, much stronger than the average swimmer. The problem though is that during their marathon swims, they are hit repeatedly with waves, and after time, they begin to tire and start 'swimming down' - with their head staying longer and longer in the water until they eventually drown. Why do they 'swim down'? Because the water is calmer down there, with no 'attacking waves'. What would have helped these swimmers to stay alive and reach their goal? A spotter remaining close by in a boat. These spotters' jobs are to stay close to the swimmer, ensuring that they are keeping their head above the water so that they can finish the race.","We too are constantly bombarded by 'waves' of attacks from Satan. We don't want to end up like the drowned yet 'experienced and trained' swimmer and feel that we don't need any help from the elders or from the congregation. These ones, like the spotters, are there to help us finish the race for life. We may feel at times that it would be much easier to 'swim down' and not prepare for or attend meetings, or listen to counsel from these 'spotters', but like the swimmer the results would be disastrous.  So keep your chin up and come up for air.",Heb. 13:17;,Mark Hanlon,Serving With Jehovah's Unified Organization,3,,1998/11/26,
"Elders, Servants, Obedience,","Chauffeur is responsible for car.  Not his car, but he is entrusted with it.",Elders are responsible for God's Congregation.   We should not hesitate to go to them with problems.,"1 Pet. 5:1; Acts 20:28; 1 Th 2:7, 8;",Bobby Laymon,How Should You Serve God?,58,,,
"Elders, Servants, Pleasing, Politics,","Man and boy walking, leading donkey. People made fun of because of not riding. Man gets on, boy walks. Made fun of man for making boy walk. Change positions. Made fun of for older man having to walk. Both get on donkey, come to bridge, breaks, all drown.","Must speak and live truth, regardless of what people think. Moral: If you try to please everyone, you end up pleasing no one.","Rom. 4:3, 4;",Aesop's Fable.,How Should You Serve God?,58,,,
"Elders, Servants, Progress, Maturity, Opportunity,","Do you: Take advantage of opportunities, or Are you an opportunist? Opportunity: a combination of circumstances, time, and place, Opportunist: The art or practice of taking advantage of opportunity with little regard for principles or consequences.","May sound same, but there are great differences.","Eph. 5:15, 16; 1 Tim. 3:1; 1 Cor. 7:21;","Jun 1, 1964 Wt Page 323",How Should You Serve God?,58,,,
"Elders, Service, Example,","Dogs called 'pointers'. Why called pointers? Don't hunt; point. Not working door-to-door; sitting in car, pointing. Give direction, but not example.","Some elders point- go here, go there, they don't hunt, they point.",Jer. 16:16;,"J. C. Howard, D.O; Elders & M.S. Meeting.",How Should You Serve God?,58,,,
"Elders, Service, Shepherd, Ministry, Pioneer,","Elders do not shepherd by remote control.  Requires work, self-sacrifice, dedication.  Term elder does not mean can just sit on couch and shepherd flock.  (Using remote control on TV.)","Elders must work hard in setting fine example.  In like manner, pioneering requires hard work.  Schedule.",2 Cor. 12:15; 1 Tim. 5:17,Frank Barr (circuit Overseer),Respect For Authority Is A Safeguard For You,12,,,10/8/2023
"Elders, Shepherds, Kindness, Mildness, Harshness, Love, Disfellowship, Mercy",[1]  Kindness - Always!  [2]  Firmness - Sometimes!  [3] Harshness - Never!,"There is never a need for elders to be harsh and demanding.  Even if a person has to be disfellowshipped, we do not want to create a barrier that will hinder or prevent them from coming back.  We must be free of blood guilt.",Acts 20:26;,Joseph Wengert D. O.,"Mercy, A Dominant Quality Of True Christians",7,,1995/05/29,
"Elders, Trends, Congregation, Obedience, Action, Counsel","If your house was on fire would you quickly put it out?  Would you wait to see how bad it got?  That's why people buy smoke detectors.  They can get help immediately, before the condition worsens.","Elders are like smoke detectors.  They try to spot trends before they become a problem.  Like smoke detectors, in most cases they can only warn of a problem.  It is up to you to do something about it.  Are you obedient by acting on their counsel?",Gal 6:1;,Charles Francis,Evidence Of God In The World Around Us,4,,1994/12/25,
"Elders, Trends, Patterns, Flock,",A 'drove' is when the flock is on the move. (changing conditions) Know positively appearance of the flock; Any shift in patterns of spirituality; Young ones & Despondent ones need to be noticed. The anxiety of the cong. was on Paul. Concerned for them.,Shepherds should give their heart to their droves.  See if ones who move contact the congregation. Be alert to various warning signs.,Pr. 27:23;,Phil Kirkton Notes; Bro. Jones; C.O. (servants Meeting),Maintain Your Confidence Firm To The End,46,,,
"Elders, Weakness, Self-control, Sin, Counsel,","When you point your finger at someone else, you have 3 pointing back at you.",We must always keep in mind our own weakness when counseling others.,"Ga 6:3; Tit 1:7,8; Ac 20:28; 1 Ti 4:16;","Scott Rudolph   (entered Jan 5, 1992)",You Will Reap What You Sow,59,,,
"Elijah, Faith,","He bursts into the Bible record with the suddenness of a thunderclap.  We are told little of his background, nothing of his parentage.  But unlike thunder, Elijah was not the harbinger of a rainstorm.  (Picture him: clad in rustic garments of hair)","Elijah was 'a man with feelings like ours' but he prayed for it not to rain, and the heavens were shut up for 3 1/2 years. He received such faith from studying God's Word.","1ki 17:1; Jas 5:17; Deuteronomy 11:16, 17;","Apr 1, 1992 Wt Page 17",Have Faith In The Good News,47,,,
"Elijah, Prophet, Different,",He was the most wanted man in Israel.  He would almost certainly be put to death if the king could find him.,Who was this hunted man?  Jehovah's prophet Elijah.,1 Ki 17:1-18:21;,"Jan 1, 1998 Wt Page 30",Why Christians Must Be Different.,123,,1998/02/14,
Elvis; times; change,"According to an article in the U.S. News & World Report of may 8, 1989- Postmaster General Tony Frank is quoted as saying, 'DEAD OR ALIVE, ELVIS PRESLEY WILL NOT BE HONORED BY THE POSTAL SERVICE.' That's the latest answer to the relentless lobby demanding that 'The King's' portrait adorn a stamp. Why?- says the Postmaster General: because the post office is not running a series of stamps called 'Just Say Yes' (To Drugs) '",Well- that was in 1989- this is 1992- Things change quickly- Don't they?  That's how it is with governments.,2ti 3:15;,Dch,Is It Time For God To Rule The World?,20,,1993/10/03,
"Emotions, Feelings, Hurt, Forgiveness, Romance,","You can't turn them on and off as you might flick a light switch. 'Feelings aren't things you can run from or hide from. Eventually, they'll find you.'  Quote: Teen magazine","Romantic affection can be strong.  Dreams are hard to abandon. (See example of Leah, and how Jehovah blessed her, although she was loved less than Rachel)",1co 7:36; Mr 12:31;,"May 8, 1993 Aw Page 22",Do You Harbor Resentment Or Do You Forgive?,68,,,
"Emotions, Negative, Positive, Depression, Stress, Happiness,","When your phonograph is playing music you don't like, you do not try to force it to do better...You merely change the record being played and the music takes care of itself.  Put a different record on; a positive one.  Switch to a different 'channel' or 'station'.",Use the same technique on the music that comes out of your own internal machine.  Negative thoughts are too strong to be dismissed.  They must be forced out by replacement.,Pr 15:15; Ro 12:2; 2co 10:5; Eph 4:22-24; Phil 4:8; Col 3:2;,"Oct 8, 1992 Aw Page 6",You Can Find Joy In Serving God,103,,,
"Emotions, Peace, Differences, Grudge, Resentment, Love,","Imagine this possibility: Euodia invited some brothers and sisters for a meal or a pleasant gathering.  Syntyche was not invited, and she felt hurt.  Perhaps she responded by not inviting Euodia on a later occasion.  Both began looking for the other's mistakes. They quit speaking to each other.","That would be just the spark.  When these two anointed sisters failed to control their emotions, the spark became a forest fire. The problem persisted and grew until an elder had to intervene.","Php 4:2, 3; Ecclesiastes 7:9; Pr 14:17; 16:32; Jas 1:19;","Aug 15, 1993 Wt Page 20",Why Christians Must Be Different.,123,,,
Empathy,Ask 'what is empathy' (pretend to lose notes) look everywhere,Ask: 'did you have empathy for me?' (fellow feeling),1co 10:24;,Bro Hornbrook,"Mercy, A Dominant Quality Of True Christians",7,,,
Empathy,Robot will never go on strike.  It also will 'Never buy any of your products.'  Empathy or fellow-feeling causes Jehovah's witnesses to go from house-to-house.,"Efficiency can be carried too far, against fellow feeling.",Matt. 22:39; Isa. 63:9; Leviticus. 19:18; Prov. 27:11,"May 8, 1960 Aw Page 3, 4","Mercy, A Dominant Quality Of True Christians",7,,,
"Empathy, Correction, Discipline,","Correction to a friend might be likened to the power needed to run machines.  Important as power is, also important for machine to be finely adjusted, with gear & bearings not too loose or tight enough lubrication; otherwise in spite of power; grind to halt.","Similarly when correcting another, you need, not only good intentions, but also the wisdom of empathy, know how to go about it, so the correction might do some good.  Be certain of facts!","Pr 21:9; 27:6, 15; 1co 11:3, 9;","Sep 15, 1968 Wt Page 547",Make Jehovah Your Confidence,70,,,
"Empathy, Danger,","A YOUNG PIG was shut up in a fold-yard with a Goat and a Sheep.   On one occasion when the shepherd laid hold of him, he grunted and squeaked and resisted violently.  The Sheep and the Goat complained of his distressing cries, saying, 'He often handles us, and we do not cry out.'  To this the Pig replied, 'Your handling and mine are very different things.  He catches you only for your wool, or your milk, but he lays hold on me for my very life.'",Moral: 'It's easy to cry 'Coward!' when you are not in danger yourself.' It depends upon whose 'ox is being gored.',1 Cor 10:24;,Aesop's Fables - Bobby Laymon,"Mercy, A Dominant Quality Of True Christians",7,,1994/05/17,
"Empathy, Love, Mercy, Fellow Feeling,","A faithful, elderly servant of Jehovah once said: 'Empathy is your pain in my heart.'","To have more love for our brothers, we may first need to feel for them, to empathize with them in the trials and challenges they face in life.",1 Pet 3:8;,"Aug 1, 1997 Wt Page 15","Mercy, A Dominant Quality Of True Christians",7,,1997/07/05,
Empathy;,Put yourself in the other person's place and you'll be less likely to put them in their place.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Employment, Career, Einstein, Work, Minds, Happiness, Pioneer,","'If I would be a young man again and had to decide how to make my living, I would not try to become a scientist or scholar or teacher. I would rather choose to be a plumber or a peddler in the hope to find that modest degree of independence still available under present circumstances.'-New York Times, November 10, 1954. Quote: Albert Einstein.",Many other men with keen minds have pointed out the danger that lies in the tyranny of robot minds.  How much better to pursue a career in God's service.,Mal 3:10;,W55 2/15 99,You Can Find Joy In Serving God,103,,1994/05/10,
"Employment, Job, Spiritual, Health,","If you had a job that was dangerous to your physical health, would you not change jobs?",Same would be true with spiritual health.,2 Cor. 7:1;,Bobby Laymon,What Does The Healing Of The Nations Accomplish?,111,,,
"Employment, Marriage, Work, Divorce,",'What every employed woman needs most is a wife!',"While women working outside the home continues to increase, the husband's portion of the household chores has been very slow to increase, causing the above lament.",2ti 3:1-3;,"Jul 8, 1993 Aw Page 6",God Comes First In Successful Family Life,110,,,
Employment;,"'Early to bed and early to rise, probably indicates unskilled labor.'  Quote:  John Ciardi.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Employment;,"'When you hire people that are smarter than you are, you prove you are smarter than they are.'  Quote:  R. H. Grant.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Encourage, Build Up, Tongue, Power, Life, Death, Speech,","A group of frogs were traveling through the woods, and two of them fell into a deep pit.  All the other frogs gathered around the pit.  When they saw how deep the pit was, they told the two frogs that  they were as good as dead.  The two frogs ignored the comments and tried to jump up out of the pit with all of their might.  The other frogs kept telling them to  stop, that they were as good as dead. Finally, one of the frogs took heed to what the other frogs were saying and gave up.  He fell down and died.  The other frog continued to jump as hard as he could.  Once again, the crowd of frogs yelled at him to stop the pain and just die. He jumped even harder and finally made it out.  When he got out, the other frogs said, 'Did you not hear us?'",The frog explained to them that he was deaf.  He thought they were encouraging him the entire time. This story teaches two lessons:  1. There is power of life and death in the tongue.  An encouraging word  to someone who is down can lift them up and help them make it through  the day.  2. A destructive word to someone who is down can be what it takes to kill them.  Be careful of what you say.  Speak life to those who cross your path.  The power of words.  It is sometimes hard to understand that an encouraging word can go such a long way. Anyone can speak words that tend to rob another of the spirit to continue in difficult times.   Special is the individual who will take the time to encourage another.   Be Special To Others.,Prov. 18:21;,Steve Hashimuri,Service Talk,200,,1999/09/26,
"Encourage, Commendation, Criticize, Upbuild, Complain, Mummer,","'Any fool can criticize, condemn and complain--and most do.'  Quote: Dale Carnegie-How to Win Friends and Influence People.",How much better to encourage and build up our brothers.,Acts 28:15;,Bobby Laymon - Reader's Digest,Are You Doing What God Requires Of You?,43,,1996/03/21,
"Encourage, Depressed, Happiness, Marriage, Generosity","Grieves shared are halved, joys shared are doubled.",We need each other.,"Heb.10:24, 25; 1 Tim. 4:12; 5:1, 2; 2 Cor. 9:11; John 13:35",Bobby Laymon,You Can Find Joy In Serving God,103,,,
"Encourage, Discouragement, Limited, Peace, Service, Endurance,","Take out a picture of Job covered in sores in the dirt looking so miserable, then ask how he looked to us, and ask how do you think Job felt about his service at this point ?  Then ask what Job was doing in service, as shown by the picture?  Yes!  Job was doing nothing! Just sitting there so sick he can't even close his mouth!","Jehovah looking down at Job in his present condition, turns to Satan and says - Best man I got!  Isn't that something to ponder? If all we can do in Jehovah's service is to maintain our integrity, how does Jehovah really feel about us? If Job could have done more he would have, and showed this to be true later when he could. If we know that we are truly doing all we can in Jehovah's service, we have a comforting assurance that Jehovah looks down on us and says: ' this is my servant they are one of the best I have! '",Job 1:8;,"Mike Mcneese; Springdale, Ar.",Service Talk,200,,1997/03/31,
"Encourage, Negative, Positive, Attitude,","'Everyone acquainted with the subject (Edison's Light bulb) will recognize it as a conspicuous failure.' Quote: Henry Morton, President of the Stevens Institute of Technology.",Negative thoughts fail to encourage or give credit where credit is due.,Deuteronomy 3:28; Acts 11:23;,Bobby Laymon,How To Keep Spiritually Awake!,71,,,
"Encourage, Negative, Positive, Attitude,",'You can't get more light by shutting down the generators.',"Negative statements discourage, rather than encourage productivity.",Deuteronomy 3:28; Acts 11:23;,Bobby Laymon,How To Keep Spiritually Awake!,71,,,
"Encourage, Success, Contentment, Love,",If you look for trouble you'll find it.,"We must look for the good in people, and encourage it.",Matt. 24:13; Heb. 12:3; Gal. 6:1; 1 Cor. 15:58; Heb. 13:5;,Bobby Laymon,"Friendship With God, Friendship With The World -- Which Will You Choose?",79,,,
"Encouragement,","When guys lift weights, they usually have a spotter that will help them with the weights at the end when they just can't lift anymore.  The spotter hardly helps at all but just enough to get the weights back to the bar.","Sometimes WE need 'just a little help' spiritually, maybe a phone call to get to meetings, an invitation in service, etc.  We are still doing all the work but just need some help when we get tired.",Prov. 25:11,Steve Hashimuri,Service Talk,200,,1999/10/29,
"Encouragement, Appreciation, Depression,",The sun of appreciation and the rain of encouragement will make many an endeavor grow and thrive.,We have an obligation to encourage and show appreciation.,1 Th 5:14;,"Mar 8, 1964 Aw Page 11",Appreciating Marvels Of God's Creation,114,,,
"Encouragement, Burden, Load, Depression, Elders,",There is a difference in carrying a book-bag and a huge rock. We must help others carry their burdens.,There is a difference in carrying a load and a burden.,"Ga 6:2, 5;","Scott Rudolph   (entered Jan 5, 1992)",You Will Reap What You Sow,59,,,
"Encouragement, Comfort, Anxiety, Problems,","If you found precious gems, would you hoard them, or would you generously share some of your wealth with others?  All of us have something within our reach something precious that could do us a world of good.  That 'gem' is encouragement.","In the Christian congregation, the gems of comfort and encouragement sparkle in their many facets.  Make it a goal to be a source of comfort and encouragement to your brothers and sisters in the congregation.  Build up rather than tear down.",1 Thess 5:11;,"Jan 15, 1996 Wt Page 21-23",Gaining Comfort In All Our Tribulations,105,,1996/01/06,
"Encouragement, Comfort, Hold Fast,","A real-life experience which happened in Wisconsin, USA.  Two men were cleaning out a 650 foot X 20 foot smoke stack.  They were about half way up when their scaffold platform broke from one end of the cables that were securing it.  Both men were able to grab hold of the cables but had nothing to support them except the strength of their arms.  The platform was equipped with an intercom which still worked and allowed them to communicate with those on the ground.  On the ground crew was the son of one of the two men hanging on for dear life.  Rescuers worked for nearly 19 hours trying to devise a means of rescuing the workers, but to no avail.  A helicopter was called in to  lower a basket down the stack -- a very difficult task since the smoke  stack was so narrow at the top.  After trying for a while, the weather  closed in and the helicopter had to abandon the attempt.  A few hours  later the weather cleared and the helicopter was able to go back up  and rescue one man who had been hanging on for 23 hours;  however,  before the pilot could make another attempt to get  out the other man  (the father of the man on the ground crew), the weather got bad again  and the helicopter had to leave.  It wasn't until 41 HOURS after the  platform initially broke that the man was finally rescued.  Can you  imagine how hard it was for them to hang on -- couldn't sleep --  couldn't eat or drink -- when the weather got bad, it rained down the  stack making the cable wet and slippery and because it was a steel  cable the steel splinters eventually worked their way through the  men's gloves causing great pain -- there was no way to ease the burden  on their arm and shoulders.  What enabled these men to hang on that amount of time?  Both men agreed that the only way they were able to endure was because of the encouragement over the intercom from the ground crew - particularly the man's son -- who kept telling them 'Hold on.  You will be rescued.'","It was applied that we need to be of encouragement to one another, but  even more important is we need to rely on Jehovah to be our source of  encouragement.  The Greek word for encouragement is from the same root word as the word for holy spirit -- helper, comforter -- so we see how Jehovah, through his spirit, is our greatest source of encouragement.  Lots of discussion concerning 2 Cor 1:3, 4 -- take a minute to re-read it and reflect on how Jehovah encourages 'comforts' us and how we should be encouraging to our brothers.","2 Cor 1:3, 4",Wain & Joyce Ward From A C. O.,Gaining Comfort In All Our Tribulations,105,,1997/10/30,
"Encouragement, Commendation, Build, Kindness, Comfort, Mercy,","'We live by encouragement and die without it--slowly, sadly, angrily.'  Quote: Celeste Holm.","We are obligated to help the depressed, discouraged, and others as well by encouragement.",1 Thes 5:14;,Bobby Laymon - Reader's Digest,Gaining Comfort In All Our Tribulations,105,,1996/03/21,
"Encouragement, Commendation, Depression, Stress,","Imagine a child who brings home a report card and shows it to his parents expecting their approval.  Yet, they notice there are only 2 B's and the rest are below.  They only tell him he can do better.  Next time there are some A's, and the rest B's.  Again they frown and tell him to do better.  Next, he brings home all A's.  They say, 'This is such a waste.  You should have been Valedictorian.","Don't learn to withhold commendation.  Encourage.  Commend.  People who give encouragement, never go without.  All need it.  Apostle Paul, you would think, needed it least, yet he benefited by it.","Acts 28:16; Heb 10:24, 25; Rom 15:7;",Ray Hayes C. O.,Service Talk,200,,1995/08/13,
"Encouragement, Commendation, Depression, Stress,","One sister told how, when she was a little girl, and wanted to please her Mom.  She tried to think of something she could do.  She decided to mop the floor.  When her mother returned home, she noticed a spot she missed and said, 'Why did you leave this spot?'  The sister still cries when she thinks about this today.","We should think in terms of encouragement, not in negative terms.  Of course it should be sincere.  Some people today commend their kids for not burning down the garage.","Acts 28:16; Heb 10:24, 25; Rom 15:7;",Ray Hayes C. O.,Service Talk,200,,1995/08/13,
"Encouragement, Depression, Sadness, Joy, Happiness,",Just as a beautiful flower droops when deprived of water...,"...SO INDIVIDUALS-- both in the family and in the congregation, can wilt from lack of encouragement.  On the other hand, timely encouragement can fortify those who face temptation, lift the spirits of the depressed, and invigorate those who are serving God faithfully.","Is 32:1, 2; Prov 19:17; 1 Pet 5:2-4; Ecclesiastes 4:9, 10; Zeph 3:9; Php 4:3; Matt 11:29;","Jan 15, 1995 Wt Page 21",Gaining Comfort In All Our Tribulations,105,,1994/12/14,
"Encouragement, Elderly, Faithful,","A hunter once had a favorite hunting dog, best he had ever had. Never missed his game, but the dog grew old, and one day he couldn't keep up and let the game escape.  The hunter angrily beat the dog, the dog pleaded  please remember me for what I was not what I am now.","Jehovah remembers long faithful service, is loving and kind and understand when a person may not be able to do as much as they use to because of circumstance.","Malachi 3:16,17",Scott Rudolph \ Aesop's Fable,,,,1996/08/11,
"Encouragement, Help, Participate, Answers, Increase, Contributions,","A mighty king who ruled over a large country wanted to make a great name for himself. We will give this fictitious king a name. The name will be King Charles.  One day King Charles sent forth a decree throughout his land that in 30 days, on June the 31st all the land's subjects were to gather in front of the palace. The king would light fireworks to celebrate his great reign and when the first one exploded, at that exact moment everyone is to shout at the top of their voice 'Long live King Charles the great king!' With 5 million voices shouting the cry will be heard throughout much of the kingdom.  One man really looked forward to it. He loved fireworks and thought the shout would be something he would tell his children and grand children about. He decided he would just listen so he could hear how loud it was because if he shouted he could not. Then he could describe it much better!  The day came and the king lit the first fireworks rocket and when it exploded the man listened for everyone else. And so did all 4.999.999 other subjects and the silence was so great you could hear a pin drop.",Is it not like that in the case of encouraging others? If everyone waits for someone else no one will say anything to cheer the person up!  Is it not the same in out ministry? A brother came back from an assembly and said 'I can't wait for the expected increase but I will believe it when it happens.' We have the make that increase. And you are not insignificant. Maybe you make a small contribution to the ministry work but 5.000.000 make it a mighty witness.,Gal. 6:5;,Bobby Laymon - Internet,How Do You Fit Into The Kingdom Arrangement?,21,,1997/11/25,
"Encouragement, Persecution,",River that flows both ways; Two-way street. Most think of needing encouragement. It is better to think in terms of giving encouragement. This is the happier way.,Everyone has obligation to give encouragement.,"Acts 20:35; Deuteronomy. 3:28; 1 Pet. 5:12; Acts 14:21,22; 15:31","Jul 8, 1961 Aw Page 3",Bearing Up Under Persecution,57,,,
"Encouragement, Poem, Depression, Quit, Discourage, Endurance,","When things go wrong as they sometimes will  When the road you're trudging seems all uphill  When the funds are low and the debts are high  And you want to smile, but you have to sigh  When care is pressing you down a bit;   REST, if you must...But don't you quit.    Life is strange with its twists and turns,  as everyone of us sometimes learns;  And many a failure turns about  when he might have won had he stuck it out.    Don't give up though the pace seem slow---  You may succeed with another blow.  Success is failure turned inside out--  the silver tint of the clouds of doubt.    And you never can tell how close you are,  it may be near when it seems so far.  So, stick to the fight when you're hardest hit --  It's when things seem WORST that you MUST NOT QUIT!",We all must endure to the end.  Whether it be the end of this system or the end of our present life.,Matt 24:13;,Bobby Laymon,Are You Really Making Jehovah Your Stronghold?,18,,1997/07/30,
"Encouragement, Praise, Commendation, Marriage, Wife,",Honey tastes good and provides quick refreshment for the hungry person.,"Pleasant sayings can be just as refreshing to the physical organism, for they can put one in a happy frame of mind.  When a person is cheerful, in good spirits, he usually stands straighter and moves with liveliness.",Prov. 16:24;,W79 11/15 28,God Comes First In Successful Family Life,110,,1994/06/27,
"Encouragement, Prayers, Communication, Attitude, Spiritual,","Many spiritual walls need to be reinforced, others need to be rebuilt completely-walls of faith, hope and courage that have crumbled down or that have been made weak.",Prayer to Jehovah will help you to rebuild these walls in yourself and in others.,Ps. 61:3; Prov. 18:10.,W58 11/15 677,You Will Reap What You Sow,59,,1994/08/08,
"Encouragement, Recognition, Children, Praise, Appreciation,",'Judicious praise is to children what the sun is to flowers.'  Quote: American educator Christian Bovee.,"Yes, even a very young child needs constant reassurance that he is a valued member.",Psalm 71:9;,"Dec 1, 1994 Wt Page 29;",How Can Youths Cope With Today's Crisis?,113,,1995/06/21,
"Encouragement, Speech,","A group of frogs were traveling through the woods and two of them fell into a deep pit. All the other frogs gathered around the pit. When they saw how deep the pit was, they told the two frogs that they were as good as dead.  The two frogs ignored the comments and tried to jump up out of the pit with all of their might. The other frogs kept telling them to stop--that they were as good as dead.  Finally, one of the frogs took heed to what the other frogs were saying and gave up. He fell down and died. The other frog continued to jump as hard as he could. Once again, the crowd of frogs yelled at him to stop the pain and just die. He jumped even harder and finally made it out. When he got out, the other frogs said, 'Did you not hear us?' The frog explained to them that he was deaf. He thought they were encouraging him the entire time.","This story teaches two lessons. There is power of life and death in the tongue. An encouraging word to someone who is down can lift them up and help them make it through the day. A destructive word to someone who is down can be what it takes to kill them.  Be careful of what you say. Speak life to those who cross your path. The power of words...it is sometimes hard to understand that an encouraging word can go such a long way. If there be words of kindness, words of praise, words of encouragement--speak them now. Listen to your heart and respond. Someone, somewhere, is waiting for your words...",Prov. 4:24;,Goldman Collection,Maintain Your Confidence Firm To The End,46,,"Jan 21, 2001",
"Encouragement, Stress, Depression, Discipline, Groaning,","It has well been observed, 'Correction does much, but encouragement does more.  Encouragement after censure is as the sun after a shower.'","Few joys in life produce the clean, genuine satisfaction as helping others.  Encouragement can help others to endure, persevere, to keep them from being 'dropouts' from God's service.",Acts 23:11; Acts 20:2; Heb 13:22; 1 Peter 5:12;,"Jun 15, 1971 Wt Page 374",Responsibilities And Rewards Of Parenthood,29,,1993/11/16,
Encouragement;,"'Correction does much, but encouragement does more.'  Quote:  Goethe.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Encouragement;,"'Encouragement is like premium gasoline, it helps to take the knock out of life.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Encouragement;,'Those who bring sunshine into the lives of others cannot keep it from themselves.'  Quote:  James Barrie.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Encouragement; Commendation;,'The best thing to do behind a person's back is pat it.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Encouragement; Disposition; Happiness;,"'Talk happiness, the world is sad enough without your woe.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Encouragement; Nagging;,"'People have a way of becoming what you encourage them to be, not what you nag them to be.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Encouragement; Pioneer;,'You haven't sinned in making the womb fruitful. Take courage! It may be that Jehovah will arrange for you somehow to continue in the full-time service.' Brother Franz's encouragement to Brother and Sister Schroeder when she became pregnant.,We can encourage others according to need.,1 Thess 5:14;,"Mar 1, 1988 Wt Page 16;",Taking Time To Meditate On Spiritual Things,67,,1998/11/02,
End Justify Means;,'The end must justify the means.'  Quote:  Matthew Prior.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
End Justifies Means;,'In everything wise ought to look to the end.'  Quote:  Jean Fontaine.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"End, 1914, Last Days,",'The great War of 1914-18 lies like a band of scorched earth dividing that time from ours.'  Historian Barbara Tuchman.,"'In wiping out so many lives which would have been operative on the years that followed, in destroying beliefs, changing ideas, and leaving incurable wounds of disillusion, it created a physical as well as psychological gulf between two epochs.'",Rev. 12:12;,"Jun 1, 2001 Page 5",Will You Escape This World's Destiny?,84,,"May 26, 2001",
"End, 1914, Last Days, Prophecy, Satan,","If you were staying in someone's home, and you come home one day and everything is a mess.  Would you know when it happened even though you didn't see it?  Everything was normal yesterday, and the day before!  Upon examination, you determine a bull has been loose in the house.  And then you discover the bull is still there.  Not only that, you can't get the bull to leave.  Would you be able to pinpoint the event?  When would you say the house fell apart?  What was the last normal day?",The date of Satan's being thrown out of heaven is also easily established even though we didn't see it.  What was the day the world went mad?  What was the last normal year?  Use quotes from publications in Watchtower Library.,Matt 24:3-14;,Robert H. Schwarze,WILL YOU BE A SURVIVOR OF THE LAST DAYS?,2,,1997/08/18,6/2/2025
"End, 1914, World, Nations, Last Days,","Have you ever watched a top when it is about through spinning it acts crazily, wobbles, goes all over the place then it falls.","This is what the nations have been doing since 1914, the Gentile time have run out.  They are about to topple for good.","Matt 24:7,14;","Feb 1, 1969 Wt Pg 72 J. Laymon",'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
"End, Armageddon, Time, Speeding, Presence, Kingdom,",When labor troubles disrupt the assembly line of a modern auto plant it does not mean production will be indefinitely curtailed and the new model car fail to appear on time. The troubles are overcome; the new car will be shown on the originally announced date even though during the remaining time stepped-up activity is necessary.,"On a far grander scale it is that way with Jehovah. Troubles brought on by the all-time greatest angelic disrupter, Satan, have afflicted mankind for six sevenths of the time Jehovah allotted for his procreation mandate to be carried out by humans and for their transforming the whole earth into a garden. But do not shortsightedly think such interruption will continue endlessly. Corrective measures Jehovah has in store will mean, for the remaining thousand years (now just ahead of us), increased activity. His purpose will be accomplished; nothing can cause its failure. He has set the date; production will be finished on time.",Isa. 14:27; 60:22; Dan. 2:21;,"Dec 1, 1956 Wt Page 724; Kenneth Haag C. O.",Will You Escape This World's Destiny?,84,,1995/05/29,
"End, Endurance, Race, Life, Armageddon, Training,","One Greek runner anciently ran the twenty-four stadium lengths, enduring right to the end and coming in first. As the crown was being placed on his head he dropped dead. He had attained the goal. He had triumphed!","But how about us? Do we put the race first in order to endure to the end?  Do not let anything-family, business, pleasure, desires, or anything else-intervene in the contest. It will put in jeopardy your triumph.",Mt 6:33; 24:13;,W56 4/15 248,Ruining The Earth Brings Divine Retribution,106,,1994/07/30,
"End, Last Days, Armageddon, Warnings,","'We no longer need poets to tell us it could all end with a bang, or a whimper, or in the agony of AIDS.  In fact, it now takes an active imagination not to think about human endings.'  Quote: Charles B. Strozier, a New York psychoanalyst and professor history.","Since Jesus Christ taught that the world would end, can we determine from his teachings whether the end is really near?",Matt 24:3;,"Jun 22, 1995 Aw Page 10",Act Wisely As The End Draws Near,38,,1995/05/19,
"End, Last Days, Survivor, Warning","Warning might be traffic sign, flashing light, label on bottle.  Heeding warning may save your life.",Jesus gave warning sign that system near it's end we must heed it.,"Matt 24, 25",Forrest Barber,WILL YOU BE A SURVIVOR OF THE LAST DAYS?,2,,,6/2/2025
"End, Survivor, Warning,Two different Greek words, ","(Hold up a pencil) Two different Greek words are rendered end In King James Bible Mt 13:39 Synteleia, means close completion, conclusion, might be likened to lead of pencil begins the end. Mt 24:14 word telos, means end complete end like complete end of.","(synteleia) Like lead or beginning of end (telos) like other end of pencil, or complete end.",Matt 13:39; Matt24:14,"Nov 15, 1981 Wt Pg 4  Johnse Laymon",WILL YOU BE A SURVIVOR OF THE LAST DAYS?,2,,,6/2/2025
"End, last Days, Survivor, Warning",Why do some not listen to warning's when they come. Because some have set dates for disastrous events to occur that never.  Like the New Madrid earthquake prediction. Many left their homes nothing happened.,Many have made false predictions about end set dates those who put trust in these became disillusioned.,Matt. 24: 34;,Joe Laymon,WILL YOU BE A SURVIVOR OF THE LAST DAYS?,2,,,6/9/2025
Endurance,"Airplane, not tested; would you trust?","Endurance makes us complete; if not tested, may not be trustworthy",Heb 1:2-4,Pio Mtg,You Can Find Joy In Serving God,103,,,
Endurance,"Armor - Soldier wearing literal armor is daily duty.  41,000 disfellowshipped last year.",Wearing & maintaining spiritual armor not a casual affair.,Eph 6:10-18  Rom 1:28-32  2 Tim 3:1,"Dec 1, 1989 Wt Page 17",You Can Find Joy In Serving God,103,,,
Endurance,"Marathon racer Marathon runner hits 'brick wall' at about twenty miles-wonder how going to take one more step.  Proper training, example of others, good coach.",Need endurance to make it through last days.  Last days are like brick wall that a runner hits.  Need training tips found in Bible.,Heb 12:1,Joe Laymon,You Can Find Joy In Serving God,103,,,
Endurance,"No runner can run halfway, and expect to receive the prize. Must never stumble, but continue doggedly on until the finish.",We cannot run halfway in course of life & expect the reward.,Heb. 10:36,"Apr 1, 1961 Wt Page 213",You Can Find Joy In Serving God,103,,,
Endurance,"Race-Hound & rabbit. The hound got tired, sat down, and was chided by others.  He replied, 'I was running for a meal, but that rabbit was running for his life.'","Why are we running; for our life, or food or other luxury",Heb 12:1-4;,Fable,You Can Find Joy In Serving God,103,,,
Endurance,Race.  Can't say we have won race until we actually finish.  Jesus said must endure to the end.,Race for Life.,"Heb. 12:1, 2",Carey Barber,'standing Firm' Circuit Assembly,103,,,
Endurance,"Tired, but keeping up.",Jehovah blessed Gideon & 300 men for above.,Judges 8:4,Bro Punko,You Can Find Joy In Serving God,103,,,
"Endurance,",'You're never a loser until you quit trying.'  Quote: Mike Ditka (coach),"We must never give up, but keep enduring down to the end.","Jas 1:2, 3; 1pe 1:6, 7; 1co 10:13; Ac 14:22;",Bobby Laymon,You Can Find Joy In Serving God,103,,,
"Endurance,","James 1:2 'meet with various trials,' suggests an unexpected or unwelcome encounter, as when a person is confronted by a robber.",We meet with trials that may be divided into two categories: 1. Those common to men as a result of human sin.  2. Those that develop because of our godly devotion.,Jas 1:2;Luke 10:30; 1co 10:13; 2ti 3:12;,"Sep 15, 1993 Wt Page 9, 10;",You Can Find Joy In Serving God,103,,,
"Endurance,","The race is not always to the swift, but to those that keep running.",We must keep on running.,Ecc 9:11;,J.K.,Bearing Up Under Persecution,57,,1997/04/11,
"Endurance, Age, Elderly, Pioneer,","An elderly Christian had spend decades in the full time ministry. Talking to a traveling overseer, tears streamed down his face, and he lamented: 'now I am not able to do much of anything.' The overseer opened his Bible to Matthew 24:13 and read it.","The overseer looked at the dear brother and said: 'The final assignment all of us have, no matter how much or how little we can do, is to endure to the end.' (Greek word hy po me'no literally means 'remain or stay under.')","Matt 24:13; Heb 12:1; 2pe 1:5, 6;","Sep 15, 1993 Wt Page 9",Follow The Course Of Hospitality,77,,,
"Endurance, Big Trees, Righteousness, Stress, Persecution, Steadfast, Pioneer,","John Markus, servant of Kingdom Farm, was introduced. He drew a lesson from the trees on the farm that a recent hurricane had uprooted. Such could no longer produce fruit or provide shelter.","There will be times of stress, but do not let them uproot you. Always think of yourselves as firmly rooted trees of righteousness that drink deeply of the waters of truth and provide spiritual fruit and shelter for men of good will.",Isa 61:3;,W55 5/1 270,Bearing Up Under Persecution,57,,1994/07/10,
"Endurance, Compromise, Patience, Impatient,","A man found himself in front of the king being condemned to death.  Sire', he said, 'If you allow me to live a year longer, I can teach your horse to talk.'  The king agreed that he would give the man a reprieve for a year to teach his horse to talk.  While escorting the prisoner to the stables one of the guards asked him why he made the offer for everyone knows that horses can't talk. The man explained, 'I know that it seems that I'm just delaying the inevitable but a lot can happen in a year. The king might die, the horse might die, I might die. . . or the horse might talk!'","This is a story that I heard a long time ago. The moral is not to lie or make grandiose claims. I found that when things seem to be the most  hopeless and distressing there's almost always tomorrow. Even if we  ourselves can't perform miracles Jehovah can, don't ever give up!!!",Gal. 6:9,Steve Hashimuri,Bearing Up Under Persecution,57,,1999/10/29,
"Endurance, Cooperate, Worker,","Wishing to encourage her young son's progress on the piano, a mother  took her boy to a Paderewski concert.  After they were seated, the  mother spotted a friend in the audience and walked down the aisle to  greet her.  Seizing the opportunity to explore the wonders of the  concert hall, the little boy rose and eventually explored his way  through a door marked 'NO ADMITTANCE.'  When the houselights dimmed and the concert was about to begin, the mother returned to her seat and discovered that the child was missing.  Suddenly, the curtains  parted and spotlights focused on the impressive Steinway on stage.  In horror, the mother saw her little boy sitting at the keyboard,  innocently picking out 'Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star.'  At that moment, the great piano master made his entrance, quickly moved to the piano, and whispered in he boy's ear, 'Don't quit. Keep playing.'  Then leaning over, Paderewski reached down with his left hand and began filling in a bass part.  Soon his right arm reached around to the other side of the child and he added a running obbligato.  Together, the old master and the young novice transformed a frightening situation into a wonderfully creative experience.  And the audience was mesmerized.","Whatever our situation in life and history--however outrageous,  however desperate, whatever dry spell of the spirit, whatever dark  night of the soul-- God is whispering deep within our beings, 'Don't  quit. Keep playing. You are not alone, Together we will transform the  broken patterns into a masterwork of my creative art.  Together, we  will mesmerize the world with our song of peace.'",1 Cor. 3:9;,Bobby Laymon,Jehovah--the Grand Creator,101,,1998/09/22,
"Endurance, Correction, Discipline,","Don't interfere with Jehovah's way of polishing you, like heat-tempered steel.","If you feel you were treated unfairly, what will you do? Will you quit? Will you give in to despair? Endure like Joseph. Trust that Jehovah will bless the outcome. There is joy in doing right, and the assurance that you are pleasing Jehovah.",Heb. 12:5;,Mark Noumair Gilead Talk,Are You Content With Jehovah's Provisions?,22,,1998/10/16,
"Endurance, Dedication,",It is one thing to go forth into battle; it is another thing to return victoriously.  3 reasons to endure: Vindication of God's name; Help other to,"One thing to dedicate your life to Jehovah, and quite another thing to endure therein as a victorious warrior.",1 Ki. 20:11; Rev. 2:4; 3:16; Luke 8:14; Matt. 4:4;,"Oct 1, 1964 Wt Page 597",How Purposeful Is Your Life?,60,,,
"Endurance, Dedication,","It is one thing to start a race; it is another thing to finish it as a winner.  Students in school, and marriage partners show lack of endurance.","One thing to dedicate your life to Jehovah, and quite another thing to endure therein as a winning runner.  Nothing gained by quitting.",1 Ki. 20:11; Rev. 2:4; 3:16; Luke 8:14; Matt. 4:4;,"Oct 1, 1964 Wt Page 597",How Purposeful Is Your Life?,60,,,
"Endurance, Dedication, Baptism, Race,","When we dedicated ourselves to Jehovah through Jesus Christ, God set before us, figuratively speaking a race.  Not a short sprint but for a long-distance run.","We have to endure both the long toil of the race itself, and the obstacles that present themselves during the race.",Heb. 12:1-3;,"Nov 1, 1991 Wt Page 13  (entered Dec 15, 1991)",How Purposeful Is Your Life?,60,,,
"Endurance, Determination,",Endurance is like dancing with a gorilla.,"You don't stop when YOU get tired, you stop when the GORILLA gets tired.",James 1:12;,Peter Morgan,Coping With Life's Anxieties,32,,1997/08/10,
"Endurance, Determined, Persecution, Worship,","Be sure you're right, and then go ahead. (Abraham Lincoln)",Be determined to endure.,"1jn 4:8,16,19;jn 3:16;jn 13:35;1jn 2:6;mt 22:37",Bobby Laymon,Bearing Up Under Persecution,57,,,
"Endurance, Evangelizing, Preaching, Indifference, Gilead, Pioneer,","For almost 18 years Brother Georg Fjolnir Lindal was the only witness in Iceland.  He covered the entire island within ten years and distributed thousands of books.  He used 2 horses, one to carry literature, and one for himself.  He traveled by boat etc. There were no real roads, and practically no automobiles.","He did not see anyone take a stand for the Kingdom during that time.  His long, lonely stay ended on March 25, 1947 when the first graduates of the Watchtower Bible School of Gilead arrived. You can imagine his joy as Jehovah answered his prayers.","Mt 9:37, 38;","Sep 15, 1993 Wt Page 25",Why Christians Must Be Different.,123,,,
"Endurance, Faith,","Any material thing, even gold, can perish by wearing away or being dissolved by certain chemicals.","But faith, being tested and tried and found to be of strong, sterling quality, is 'incorruptible.' It cannot be destroyed, because it is founded upon the everlasting God, the Almighty.",Rev 7:9-14;,W76 9/15 561,Have Faith In The Good News,47,,1994/08/07,
"Endurance, Faith, Confidence,","God wants his people to have faith in him, just as a son has faith in a good father.",He does not want as his worshipers those who have to see everything  literally to believe.,Heb 11:1;,W76 9/15 558,Maintain Your Confidence Firm To The End,46,,1994/08/07,
"Endurance, Faith, Confidence,","You have faith that certain cities such as Moscow and Peking exist, even though you probably were never there. You would not hesitate to board a plane to fly to either of these cities if you found it necessary to make the trip.","Faith in God's promises is  not founded on supposition or imagination, and does not contradict the known facts as recorded in God's Word.",Rev 7:9-14;,W76 9/15 556,Have Faith In The Good News,47,,1994/08/07,
"Endurance, Faith, Confidence, Abraham,","How many of us today would be willing to become an alien, a man  without a country, in a foreign land, for a hundred years?","Amazingly, we have the historical record of just such a course!  This faithful course affects the whole human family for everlasting good.",Ge 12:1-3;,W76 12/15 745,Serving With Jehovah's Unified Organization,3,,1994/08/07,
"Endurance, Faith, Confidence, Earth, Foundation, Great Crowd, Other Sheep,","Entering into a cleansed earth, they will become the 'foundation' of a 'new earth' society. Being a foundation, they must be strong.","They will be responsible to teach the resurrected ones the right way.  These resurrected people from all backgrounds of former life and history will undoubtedly include some who will present resistance to the truth, and the faith of the 'great crowd' will have to be firmly founded.",Rev 7:9-14; 20:11-15;,W76 9/15 560,What God's Rulership Can Do For Us,24,,1994/08/07,
"Endurance, Faith, Exert,","We are in a race, and the prize goes to those who cross the finish line.",Happy will all those be who are still exerting themselves with their eyes firmly fixed on the prize when this old system crashes in ruins!  What glorious prospects then await them!,Hebrews 12:1-3; Matthew 24:13.,Su 182  23,Build Your Faith In Man's Maker,54,,1994/08/07,
"Endurance, Faith, Persecution,","'As a camel bears labor, and heat, and hunger, and thirst,  through deserts of sand, and fainteth not; so the fortitude of a man shall sustain him through all perils.' Quote: Akhenaton? (c. B.C. 1375)","To serve God will call for effort, faith, endurance.  God wants us to serve him, so he provided assistance through Bible and Christian congregation.","1jo 2:24, 25;",Bobby Laymon,How Should You Serve God?,58,,1995/08/01,
"Endurance, Faith, Trials, Doubts, Unsteady, Double-minded,","A person who is double-minded is  trying to go in two directions at once, torn between something of the world and the things of God.","He is an indecisive [Greek, 'two-souled'] man, unsteady in all his ways.'","Mt 6:24; Jas 1:7, 8;",W78 7/15 28,Choose Your Associates Wisely!,116,,1994/08/07,
"Endurance, Faith, Trials, Reproach, Prayer,","You ask a human, he may reply, 'That is a stupid request.' He may even look down on you with contempt. Or, after several requests, he may get impatient and cut you off sharply with a denial.","But not so with God. He never says, 'What a foolish request!' Nor does he make one feel inferior. He does not reproach you for your past conduct, as humans are prone to do. He deeply appreciates the person who has the faith and enough concern to pray repeatedly for a certain thing.","Luke 18:1-14; Eph 3:20; 1 John 5:14, 15",W78 7/15 27-8,Build Your Faith In Man's Maker,54,,1994/08/07,
"Endurance, Firm, Faith, Pioneer",Endurance is: 'Just keep on doing what it was that got us started in the first place.',"Over 1/2 million are enduring as pioneers, by continuing with the persistence it took to get them started in the first place.",Heb 10:36,Joseph Wengert D. O.,You Can Find Joy In Serving God,103,,1994/04/22,
"Endurance, Frail, Strength, Determination, Spirit, Persecution, Joy,","Butterflies, sometimes, have been observed going about their daily activity with 70 percent of their wing surfaces missing.  Yet, they  continue feeding and flying.","Similarly, many people display a resolute spirit.  Despite suffering from severe physical or emotional problems, they do not give up.",2 Cor 4:16;,"May 15, 1996 Wt Page 32",You Can Find Joy In Serving God,103,,1996/04/16,
"Endurance, Gilead, Missionary, Pioneer, Problems, Faith,",'Sometime in the not too distant future will be the last day you will preach to anyone in this old system of things.  Quote: Ulysses Glass.,"'But between now and that 'last day' your faith will be severely tested. If, however, you are faithful every day in your ministry, then when that 'last day' of your preaching work comes, you will be 'found a cause for praise and glory.''-1 Pet. 1:6, 7.","1 Pet. 1:6, 7;",W73 5/1 284,Have Faith In The Good News,47,,1994/06/27,
"Endurance, Gilead, Missionary, Pioneer, Problems, Two Sons,","Ulysses Glass, used an illustration from the Bible to stress the same point, namely, do not give up. He referred to Jesus' illustration of the father with two sons who asked them to go to work in his vineyard. One said he would go, but did not. The other said he would not, but did. The latter was the one approved.","Brother Glass then reminded the students that they had agreed to go to work in foreign fields, in Jehovah's vineyard. Now they must make good on that promise.  Pioneers likewise have agreed to work in Jehovah's vineyard on a full-time basis.",Mt 21:28-31;,W77 11/1 671,Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,063,,1994/06/27,7/12/2025
"Endurance, Growth, Progress, Patience, Effort,",'It's the last 5 minutes of exercise that makes the difference.',"Likewise, if we make one more call, or one more effort, it may be the one that really counts.  Don't give up.",Gal 6:9;,Bobby Laymon,'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,1996/01/26,
"Endurance, Happiness, Pioneer,","In the fairly tale, the 'happy ending' only comes after much endurance.",That's how it is with pioneering.  We must endure.,2 Pet 1:3-5; 2 Cor 4:18;,Bobby Laymon,,,,1996/05/03,
"Endurance, Hope,",Just as an anchor helps a ship to endure in a storm Resolve that with the help of God you will endure.,So the anchor of hope will help your endure the storms of life.,"Rom. 8:25; 1 Th 1:3; Heb. 6:19; 11:8-10, 24-27;","Oct 1, 1964 Wt Page 599",You Can Find Joy In Serving God,103,,,
"Endurance, Joy, Problems, Decisions,","Murphy's law: If something can go wrong, it will.  Small things; flat tire, locked out of house.  Large: political upheavals, serious illness, economic reversals.  Natural disasters.","Things not right, normal today.  How can we cope?  Correct mental attitude; don't try to cure all; see good side.","Ecclesiastes 4:1 7:8, 9  5:18-20  1:15",Divine Love Dist. Assy  1980,You Can Find Joy In Serving God,103,,,
"Endurance, Joy, Survival, Determination,","The world's view of endurance can well be illustrated by the experience of a man on a life raft. Such a man is thrown into the situation against his will. He is at the mercy of the elements. He may endure because of a stubborn desire to live. He may survive a long ordeal of scarcity of food and water and may be rescued from the raft in time, but he is so weak that he must be fed and taken care of by others, perhaps for some time. He himself can help no one else. It is a joyless experience, a mere undergoing of sufferings with determination, waiting for the end of the ordeal to come.","One who is serving God as a Christian is different. True, he must endure. That endurance includes facing up to the things of everyday life as well as much opposition, suffering and persecution. Where, then, is a Christian's endurance different? Well, differently from the man on the raft, he starts on his course voluntarily, knowing where he is aiming and why he must endure. He also knows that he has Jehovah God at his side. He does not despair; he is not starved as he goes along, because he is spiritually fed. Instead of getting weaker like the man on the raft, he keeps getting stronger because he knows that he is pleasing God. He is helping others to endure. His interest in others occupies him so that he thinks little of any hardships he may undergo. He is spiritually built up. As he endures, he gets stronger instead of weaker.","2 Thess. 1:4, 5;","Jun 15, 1969 Wt Page 362",,,,1996/11/25,
"Endurance, Maturity, Growth, Improvement,",'An acorn is not an oak tree when it is sprouted. It must go through long summers and fierce winters; it has to endure all that frost and snow and side-striking winds can bring before it is a full grown oak. These are rough teachers; but rugged schoolmasters make rugged pupils.,Endurance pays good results. So a man is not a man when he is created; His manhood must come with years.',Jas. 1:2-4;,Quote: Beecher (1813-1878),Keep Growing In Your Relationship With God,16,,,
"Endurance, Patience, Waiting, Pioneer, Struggle,","Why does Jehovah allow us to struggle at times? There was a man that happen to find a cocoon. He kept it around to see what would happen. Finally the day came for the butterfly to come out. As he watched it wiggle and struggle he waited. First an hour then two, then three hours, finally he got tired of waiting and decided to help the butterfly. So he took a pair of scissors and cut the cocoon open, and out came the butterfly. But the butterfly never flew because it needed to build up the muscles in its wings and the way to do this was by working its way out of the cocoon.","There are curtain struggles we have to go through in life. Many of these struggles help us when we want to become a pioneer, ministerial servant, etc., It takes a lot of endurance, we need PEP. Persistence Endurance Perseverance.",Jas 1:12;,Peter Morgan,You Can Find Joy In Serving God,103,,1997/08/14,
"Endurance, Persecution,","A wall is solid, unmovable.",We want to stand our ground like that.,Heb 12:1;,Brother White - Friends Of Peace District Convention.,Bearing Up Under Persecution,57,,1996/06/12,
"Endurance, Persecution, Dedication, Baptism,","It is important in how you start out in a race, but what ultimately counts is how we endure, how well we finish the race. We should not delude ourselves that we can get the test over in a hurry.","Also important to start out well in the course of Christian discipleship, but what ultimately counts is how we finish the course.","Mt. 24:13; Heb. 10:36; 1 Pet. 2:21; Rom. 15:3-5; Heb. 12:2, 3;","Nov 1, 1991 Wt Page 9   (entered Dec 8, 1991)",Bearing Up Under Persecution,57,,,
"Endurance, Persecution, Dedication, Baptism, Faith,",Wait! Wait! Wait! seems to have been God's rule with his servants of old when being tested as to their determination to continue in the faith. Joseph (13 years as slave and prisoner)  Abraham (50 years as,"It takes time for the test concerning us to be completed. a sojourner in a strange land, and 50 more years before he died.",Jas. 1:2-4; Ps. 105:17-19,"Nov 1, 1991 Wt Page 10  (entered Dec 8, 1991)",Bearing Up Under Persecution,57,,,
"Endurance, Persistence, Exert,","Joe and Frankie were two frogs that lived happily in a swamp. They had the best home, always dirty, but that's how they liked it. The best food, mosquitoes, flies, insects, etc... In the middle of the swamp there was a fence and on the other side of the fence a tall bucket. Now Joe and Frankie were curious frogs. They kept asking themselves what could be inside the bucket. Day after day, they asked themselves the same question. One day, they decided to go near the fence and climb it. After a lot of thinking, they started climbing the fence. It was a difficult climb, but they were persistent. Finally they reached the top of the fence and jump inside the bucket. As soon as they landed, they started to sink. The bucket was half-filled with milk. It was too deep, for them to plant  their feet and jump out. To keep alive, they just started swimming. round and round they went inside the bucket, swimming in the milk. After many hours, Joe started to tire out. He would say that it was useless to keep swimming, because they were going in circles. Frankie on the other hand, was positive, he didn't how he was going to get out, but the only think to do was keep swimming. Joe finally gave up, sank, and drowned. Frankie kept swimming all night long. By morning time, Frankie had stirred that milk so much that it hardened and turned into butter.  Since now it was solid, he was able to plant his feet and jump out of the bucket.  Finally SALVATION!, proclaimed Frankie.","We want to keep on swimming.  Never give up.  In this system, it seems at times there is no way out, but endure, and exert yourself.",2 Tim 4:2;,Bobby Laymon,Bearing Up Under Persecution,57,,1997/11/16,
"Endurance, Pioneer, Zeal, Progress,",Being one of Jehovah's Witnesses is not like winding up a clock.,"We must never run down in our service and zeal for Jehovah. (Give recent world-wide figures in increase in K.H., publishers, baptized, etc.","Phil 1:9, 10;",Gary Breaux (d.O.),You Can Find Joy In Serving God,103,,,
"Endurance, Prayer, Persistence, Seek, Studies, Service,","It's been said, 'Even a blind sow can occasionally find an acorn.'","If we keep looking for studies, we will find them.","Mt 7:7, 8;",Bobby Laymon,How Should You Serve God?,58,,,
"Endurance, Pressure, Heat, Survival, Persecution,","The hardest steel can cut a five-mile-long groove in a length of ordinary bronze before needing to be sharpened. A tungsten-carbide tool will remain sharp for 21 miles, whereas the diamond will make a cut 1,200 miles long.  But here is a mind-boggler: Take a piece of lead, or graphite, from any ordinary pencil and run it along a piece of paper. In no time at all it becomes short and blunt, requiring regular sharpening. Exert pressure on it between your fingers and you can snap it in half. Yet the diamond and the pencil lead are from the same element--carbon. What is the difference? It is the conditions under which they are formed. Diamonds are thought to have been formed long ago when the earth's carbon was subjected to tremendous heat and pressure.  A diamond is a chunk of coal that changed under pressure.",The qualities of a diamond can be applied to God's servants.  Will  Jehovah's people crack like a pencil lead? Or will they endure the heat and pressure upon them and emerge as precious diamonds?,James 1:4;,Bobby Laymon,Bearing Up Under Persecution,57,,"Jan 19, 2001",
"Endurance, Pressure, Materialism, Name, Reputation,","'Good character is like a rubber ball-  Thrown down hard - it bounces right back.  Good reputation is like a crystal ball - Thrown for gain - shattered and cracked.' Quote: A.L. Lineal, Jr. (born 1947)","We must avoid becoming involved in world's snares, or lose our good reputation with Jehovah.",1 John 2:15-17;,Wisdom Of The Ages,Reach Out For The Real Life!,90,,,
"Endurance, Prison, Prayer, Spirit.","'When the going gets tough, the tough get going.'","If we can't change circumstances, Jehovah wants us to endure.","Jas. 1:3, 4, 12;",Larry Punko; C.O.,Prayers That Are Heard By God.,86,,,
"Endurance, Prison, Prayer, Spirit.","If at end of your rope, tie a knot and hang in there.","If we can't change circumstances, Jehovah wants us to endure.","Jas. 1:3, 4, 12;",Larry Punko; C.O.,Prayers That Are Heard By God.,86,,,
"Endurance, Prison, Prayer, Spirit. Stress, Depression, Happiness, Persecution,",Brother Harold King; Knew sound of each of the five doors he was behind. Greatest desire at first was to get through those 5 doors.,"Decided it was not Jehovah's will to get through those doors. It was Jehovah's will to endure. Might be likewise with us! Was given copy of Paradise book, many of his notes were identical.","Jas. 5:10,11; Luke 8:15;",Larry Punko; C.O.,Bearing Up Under Persecution,57,,,
"Endurance, Quit, Faithfulness, Exert, Loyalty, Integrity, Knorr,",Quote: 'It doesn't take much effort to quit; it takes courage and integrity to stick to your assignment. (Brother Knorr),Good advise for all to stay in Jehovah's work as long as possible,"Mark 10:29, 30;","Jul 1, 1991 Wt Page 22",Have Faith In The Good News,47,,,
"Endurance, Race,",Race-tortoise & hare Tortoise plodded on while hare took a little nap For some the race for life is a joking matter,Stay in the race,"1 Cor 9: 15, 24, 26",Aesop's Fables Page 21,You Can Find Joy In Serving God,103,,,
"Endurance, Race, Dedication, Baptism, Pioneer,","In a race or a marathon spectators can really get into the spirit of the race.  They stand on sidelines and cheer the runners on.  When it is over they are excited and may exclaim, 'We won!  Our man won!  We won the race!'","In the race for life, we may appreciate how others are running.  We may encourage them and cheer them on.  However, to win the race, we must enter the race ourselves and run.",Heb 12:1-4;,Bro Fulbright,You Can Find Joy In Serving God,103,,,
"Endurance, Race, Life, Perseverance,","A HARE one day ridiculed the short feet and slow pace of the  Tortoise, who replied, laughing: 'Though you be swift as the  wind, I will beat you in a race.'  The Hare, believing her  assertion to be simply impossible, assented to the proposal; and  they agreed that the Fox should choose the course and fix the  goal.  On the day appointed for the race the two started  together.  The Tortoise never for a moment stopped, but went on  with a slow but steady pace straight to the end of the course.   The Hare, lying down by the wayside, fell fast asleep.  At last  waking up, and moving as fast as he could, he saw the Tortoise  had reached the goal, and was comfortably dozing after her  fatigue.",Moral: 'Slow but steady wins the race.'  Stay in the race for life.  Don't give up.,"1 Cor 9: 15, 24, 26",Aesop's Fables - Bobby Laymon,You Can Find Joy In Serving God,103,,,
"Endurance, Race, Survival, Determination, Faith,","ON AN October morning in 1984, a human sea of some 16,000 contestants surged into the streets for the beginning of the New York City Marathon. The finish line was some 26.2 miles (42.2 km) away. The race became an exhausting struggle for even the best of the athletes. Many runners tired out and dropped from the race; nearly 2,000 did not finish.","Christians, too, are in a race. The prize? Everlasting life. And similar to the marathon runner, they must struggle right to the finish. Endurance is needed. Power must be maintained and fatigue avoided. Our race for life is not like a short sprint but, rather, like a long-distance run.",1 Corinthians 9:24; Luke 13:24.,W86 1/15 15-16,What Does The Healing Of The Nations Accomplish?,111,,1994/06/04,
"Endurance, Survival, Armageddon,","ONE of the most renowned wonders of the modern world is the endurance of the giant sequoia trees of California. Practically exempt from disease and endowed with an almost endless life, some have been judged by their annular rings to have been thousands of years old. The oldest tree ever cut down for lumber is recorded to have lived for 3,148 years. Truly a record of endurance!","Those sequoia trees had been created by Jehovah, the same One who can endow man with the quality of endurance for his eternal benefit.  Since mankind is entering a most crucial period of history, qualities for survival are most urgently needed.  Endurance will be needed to survive this system of things and the war of Armageddon.",Rev 14:16,W70 4/1 208,Ruining The Earth Brings Divine Retribution,106,,1994/07/25,
"Endurance, Truth, Service, Teach, Boast, Love, Experience,",The finest edge is made with a blunt whet-stone. Keep enduring!,Sometimes we are better equipped through hard experiences.,"Luke 12:8; Heb. 13:15; Rom. 10: 9, 10, Acts 20:20; Ps. 68:11",Bobby Laymon,How Should You Serve God?,58,,,
"Endurance, Work, Play, Success, Contentment, Will, Adjust,","A change of pasture, makes fat calves.",An adjustment will aid progress.,Matt. 24:13; Heb. 12:3; Gal. 6:1; 1 Cor. 15:58; Heb. 13:5;,Bobby Laymon,You Can Find Joy In Serving God,103,,,
"Endurance, Work, Play, Success, Contentment, Will, Adjust, Informal witnessing,","Any old port in a storm.  Even in prison, we can adjust, and keep serving Jehovah. He is not just 'any old port' however.","With Jehovah we can be content, Endure, Adjust, Work, under any and every circumstance.",Matt. 24:13; Heb. 12:3; Gal. 6:1; 1 Cor. 15:58; Heb. 13:5;,Bobby Laymon,You Can Find Joy In Serving God,103,,,8/5/2014
"Endurance, Work, Play, Success, Contentment, Will, Adjust,","Formula for success. X+Y+Z = Success. (A. Einstein) Solved means: Work hard, Play, Keep your mouth shut, and you will have success.",X=Hard Work; Y=Play; Z=Ability to keep your mouth shut.,Matt. 24:13; Heb. 12:3; Gal. 6:1; 1 Cor. 15:58; Heb. 13:5;,Bobby Laymon,You Can Find Joy In Serving God,103,,,
"Endurance, Work, Play, Success, Contentment, Will, Adjust,","If a dog can't get a steak, he's just as happy to get a bone.",Contentment,Matt. 24:13; Heb. 12:3; Gal. 6:1; 1 Cor. 15:58; Heb. 13:5;,Bobby Laymon,You Can Find Joy In Serving God,103,,,
"Endurance, Work, Play, Success, Contentment, Will, Adjust,","If at first you don't succeed, you're like most other people.","Success requires effort, endurance.",Matt. 24:13; Heb. 12:3; Gal. 6:1; 1 Cor. 15:58; Heb. 13:5;,Bobby Laymon,You Can Find Joy In Serving God,103,,,
"Endurance, Work, Play, Success, Contentment, Will, Adjust,","If at first you succeed, you probably haven't accomplished much.",Something worthwhile is seldom the easy way.,Matt. 24:13; Heb. 12:3; Gal. 6:1; 1 Cor. 15:58; Heb. 13:5;,Bobby Laymon,You Can Find Joy In Serving God,103,,,
"Endurance, Work, Play, Success, Contentment, Will, Adjust,","It at first you don't succeed, try again.",It takes endurance to realize fruit from your efforts.,Matt. 24:13; Heb. 12:3; Gal. 6:1; 1 Cor. 15:58; Heb. 13:5;,Bobby Laymon,You Can Find Joy In Serving God,103,,,
"Endurance, Work, Play, Success, Contentment, Will, Adjust,","Nothing succeeds like success. Others have confidence in him, because of past accomplishments.","A busy person is well organized, diligent, successful.",Matt. 24:13; Heb. 12:3; Gal. 6:1; 1 Cor. 15:58; Heb. 13:5;,Bobby Laymon,You Can Find Joy In Serving God,103,,,
Endurance;,"'God always gives us strength to bear our troubles day by day; but he never calculated on our piling the troubles past and those to come, on top of those today.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Endurance;,'He conquers who endures.'  Quote:  Persius.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Endurance;,'He that can't endure the bad will not live to see the good.'  Quote:  Jewish.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Endurance;,"'He who does not tire, tires adversity.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Endurance;,"'Never, never, never quit!' Quote:  Winston Churchill",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Endurance;,"'Take what comes to you, face it with grace, you're bound to get stronger and the more you can face.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Endurance;,'The last straw breaks the camel's back.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Endurance;,'Trees often transplanted seldom prosper.'  Quote:  Dutch.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Endurance;,"'Where your will is ready, your feet are light.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Endurance;,"Have you come to the Red Sea in your life?  Where in spite of all you do, there is no way out, there is no way back, there is no other way but through.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Endurance; Attitude;,'I'll not willingly offend nor be easily offended; what is amiss I'll strive to men and endure what can't be mended.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Endurance; Children; Discipline;,"'To endure is the first thing that a child ought to learn, and that which will have the most need to know.'  Quote:  Jean Rousseau.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Endurance; Forever; Association; Unity; Pioneer;,"In the mountains of Europe, there grows a plant called, 'live-forever.'  This alpine plant does not live forever, of course, but it does endure year after year, producing exquisite flowers every summer.  What makes this plant remarkable is that it grows in the most inhospitable places.  It can be found on windswept mountain slopes, where temperatures can plummet as much as 60 degrees in 24 hours.  It can take root in a rocky crevice with a smattering of soil.  It grows in cluster that unite their strength to get a firm grip on their rocky support.  It thrives by making the most of difficult circumstances.","Spiritually speaking, we may find ourselves in circumstances that test the quality of our endurance.  Like the 'live-forever' plant, we can store up the life-giving water of God's Word and associate closely with true Christians for support and protection.  Above all, we must tenaciously cleave to our 'rock,' Jehovah as well as to his Word and organization.",Heb 10:36; 2 Sam 22:3;,"Apr 1, 1996 Wt Page 32;",,,,1996/02/28,
Endurance; Patience;,'Endurance is patience concentrated.' Quote:  Thomas Carlyle,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Endurance; Perseverance;,"'Facing it, always facing it......that's the way to get through it.'  Quote:  Joseph Conrad.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Endurance; Perseverance;,'God is with those who persevere.'  Quote:  Arabic.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Endurance; Perseverance;,'The best way out is always through.'  Quote:  Robert Frost.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Endurance; Perseverance;,"'The difference between perseverance and obstinacy is that one often comes from a strong will, and the other from a strong won't.'  Quote:  H.W.Beecher.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Endurance; Perseverance;,Perseverance is not a long race; it is many short races one after another.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Endurance; Tired, Discouraged,",'One can go a long way after one is tired.'  Quote:  French.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Endurance; Trials; Persecution,",'The gem cannot be polished without friction nor man perfected without trials.'  Quote:  Chinese.,,,Jk Quotes;,Bearing Up Under Persecution,57,,,
Enemy;,'A malicious enemy is better than a clumsy friend.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Enemy;,'A man cannot be too careful in the choice of his enemies.'  Quote:  Oscar Wilde.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Enemy;,'A man's greatness can be measured by his enemies.'  Quote:  Don Piatt.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Enemy;,"'Five great enemies to peace inhabit with us:  avarice, ambition, envy, anger and pride. If those enemies were to be banished, we should infallibly enjoy perpetual peace.'  Quote:  Petrarch.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Enemy;,'I destroy my enemy when I make him my friend.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Enemy;,"'If you have no enemies, you're apt to be in the same predicament in regard to friends.'  Quote:  Elbert Hubbard.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Enemy;,"'In order to have an enemy, one must be somebody. One must be a force before he can be resisted by another force.'  Quote:  Anne Swetchine.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Enemy;,'It is a man's peculiar duty to love even those who wrong him.'  Quote:  Marcus Antonius.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Enemy;,'It is the enemy whom we do not suspect who is the most dangerous.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Enemy;,'Love your enemy. It'll drive him nuts!',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Enemy;,'Man is his own worst enemy.'  Quote:  Cicero.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Enemy;,'Men of sense often learn from their enemies.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Enemy;,'Nothing would more contribute to make a man wise than to have always an enemy in his view.'  Quote:  Lord Halifax.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Enemy;,"'O wise man, wash your hands of that friend who associates with your enemies.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Enemy;,"'Observe your enemies, for they first find out your faults.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Enemy;,"'Speak well of your friend, of you enemy say nothing.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Enemy;,'The greatest conqueror is he who overcomes his enemy without a blow.'  Quote:  Chinese.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Enemy;,'The man who ain't got an enemy is really poor.'  Quote:  Josh Billings.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Enemy;,"'We have met the enemy, and it is us!'  Quote:  Pogo.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Enemy;,'We often give our enemies the means of our own destruction.'  Quote:  Aesop.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Enemy;,"'You needn't love your enemy, but if you refrain from telling lies about him, you are doing well enough.'  Quote:  Ed Howe.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Enemy;,The average enemy doesn't know what to do when you suddenly forgive him.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Enemy;,The only safe and sure way to destroy an enemy is to make him your friend.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Enemy; Counsel;,'An enemy may chance to give good counsel.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Enemy; Friend;,'One enemy is too many and a  hundred friends is too few.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Enemy; Funny;,'Friends may come and go but enemies accumulate.' Quote:  Thomas Jones,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Enemy; Good;,"'Just as tall trees are known by their shadows, so are good men known by their enemies.'  Quote:  Chinese.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Energy, Strength, Power, Tire Out, Give Up,","Because of increasing pressures, we may sometimes feel like an exhausted runner whose legs seem unable to carry him any farther.","But the finish line in the race for life is just ahead, and we must not give up.",Isa. 40:29-31; 2 Chron 29:11;,"Dec 1, 2000 Wt Page 10",Are You Really Making Jehovah Your Stronghold?,18,,"Oct 25, 2000",
Energy;,'The world belongs to the energetic.'  Quote:  Rwe.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Entertainment, Language, Curse, Movie, T.V. World, Attitude, Heart",'Bad language in movies do not bother me because I hear worse at school every day.',"We may be subjected to listen at school, work, but when we choose them for entertainment, it shows it is in our own heart.",Rom. 12:2; Eph. 5:3-5;,Johnse Laymon,'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
"Entertainment, Modesty, Recreation,","A pinch of salt or a special seasoning enhances the flavor of food.  Would you pour on the flavoring in such large amounts that it even overpowers the food?  No, indeed.",We ought not let entertainment become the prime thing in our lives. Our prime concern--our very food--should be the doing of God's will.,J 4:34; Mt 6:33; Jere 15:17; Is 61:1-3;,"Aug 15, 1992 Wt Page 17",Appreciating Marvels Of God's Creation,114,,,
"Entertainment, Movies, Holy, Conduct, Television, Violence,","Come home at night and lock door.  Turn on TV and watch violence. If we invite violence into living room, it did no good to lock your doors. If we can't commit fornication, is it okay to watch others do it?",Can not be clean before Jehovah and watch dirty movies.,Eph 5:3,Circuit Assembly,Renewing The Spirit Of Self-sacrifice,69,,,
"Entertainment, Pioneer, World, Contributions, Party,","'The less I live, the more I can give.'  Quote: An elderly Christian minister.","Being reasonable in entertainment and indulging in mundane pleasures, help us give more time and support to Kingdom work.",Matt. 6:33;,"Apr 1, 1968 Wt Page 216",'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
"Entertainment, Recreation, Balance, Pioneer,","Display a baked potato.  Explain how nutritious it is.  You can even eat the skin.  There are many ways to garnish it by adding onions, cheese, sour cream, pepper, salt, etc.  One of the best ways is to add salt.  Pour a small amount on it.  Then pour out until the potato is covered.  How would it taste now?",It is that way with recreation.  A little refreshes and garnishes our life.  It is like spice.  Too much will ruin our lives.,Jer 17:9,Mike Hart,Keep Growing In Your Relationship With God,16,,1995/06/03,
"Entertainment, Soap Operas, Violence, Sex,",It would be like a farmer using a mowing machine to cultivate his corn. It is just the wrong implement. It would do more harm than good.,"A Christian's watching entertainment on television, listening to soap operas on the radio, or reading novels to improve his knowledge of the Creator's purpose would be like that.  It would do more harm than good.",Heb 6:1-3;,W74 3/15 181,A Godly View Of Sex And Marriage,13,,1994/07/30,
Entertainment;,'One should be just as careful in choosing one's pleasure as in avoiding calamities.'  Quote:  Chinese.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Entertainment;,Leisure is a beautiful garment but it will not do for constant wear.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Enthusiasm, School, Speaking, Teaching, Elders,",'Elders are like waiters -- We are not the chefs!',Jehovah has prepared the food for his spiritual table.  We should serve it in an appropriate and attractive manner.,Titus 1:9;,"Kingdom Ministry School Dec 22, 23, 1994",,,,1994/12/25,
"Enthusiasm, School, Speaking, Teaching, Talks, Timing,",'Nothing good has ever been said about going overtime.',"One who does so is often thought of as greedy, selfish, rude, thinking his time is more important than someone else.  Even stealing time from the next speaker.",Titus 1:9;,"Kingdom Ministry School Dec 22, 23, 1994",,,,1994/12/25,
"Enthusiasm, School, Speaking, Teaching, Talks, Timing,",The last 2 minutes of cooking a steak often ruins it.,"Likewise, a person who goes over on his timing, ruins his entire talk.",Titus 1:9;,"Kingdom Ministry School Dec 22, 23, 1994",,,,1994/12/25,
"Enthusiasm, Vision, Zeal, Spirit, Truth,",'High expectations are the key to everything.'  Quote: Sam Walton.,We should declare the truth with enthusiasm and zeal.,"John 4:23, 24;",Bobby Laymon - Reader's Digest.,,,,1996/03/13,
"Enthusiasm, Zeal, Life, Evangelizing,",'The worst bankrupt is the person who has lost his enthusiasm.'  Quote: H. W. Arnold.,Let us not lose our zeal and enthusiasm for Jehovah's kingdom work.,Ps 69:9; Matt 24:14;,Bobby Laymon - Reader's Digest,Have Faith In The Good News,47,,1996/03/15,
"Enthusiasm, Zeal, School, Speaking, Teaching, Heart,","'If it doesn't move you, it won't move them!'","Speak with strength and vigor.  If you are dead, your audience will die with you.",Titus 1:9;,"Kingdom Ministry School Dec 22, 23, 1994",,,,1994/12/25,
Enthusiasm;,'Always exaggerate the importance of important things and overlook their deficiencies.'  Quote:  Hugh Tigner.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Enthusiasm;,'The worst bankrupt in the world is the man who has lost his enthusiasm.'  Quote:  H. W. Arnold.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Environment;,"'We have forgotten how to be good guests, how to walk lightly on the earths its other creatures do.' Quote:  Stockholm Conference",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Envy, Covet, Greed, Materialism, Desire, World, Jealousy,","'All jealousy must be strangled in its birth, or time will soon make it strong enough to overcome the truth.'  Quote: William Davenant  (1605-1668)","When desire become fertile, sin, leading to death will result.",Jas 1:13-15;,Wisdom Of The Ages,Jealousy--proper And Improper,76,,,
"Envy, Covet, Greed, Materialism, Desire, World, Loyalty,","'If a viper lives in your room and you wish to have a peaceful sleep, you must first chase it out.'  Quote: Buddha (B.C. 568-488)",It's like that with the desires of the world.  They must be changed to proper desires.,1jn 2:15-17;,Wisdom Of The Ages,'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
"Envy, Faults, Conduct,","'To find a girl's faults, praise her to her friends.'  Quote: Ben Franklin.",One's friends often expose our worse faults.  Guard you conduct.,1 Tim 3:15;,Bobby Laymon,What Kind Of Name Are You Making With God?,55,,1997/05/13,
"Envy, Hatred, Love,",It is a hard heart that loves nothing in May.,We must show love under all circumstances as Jesus did.,"John 13:34, 35,",Bobby Laymon,"Friendship With God, Friendship With The World -- Which Will You Choose?",79,,,
"Envy, Hatred, Love, Kingdom",Don't cut off your nose to spite your face. Jehovah's enemies will hurt themselves.,Anyone taking a stand against righteousness will suffer.,"Zech. 12:3; Ecclesiastes. 10:9; Prov. 26:27; John 13:34, 35,",Bobby Laymon,"Friendship With God, Friendship With The World -- Which Will You Choose?",79,,,
"Envy, Hatred, Love, Sow",ILL WEEDS grow fast. 'Of its own self the ground bears fruit gradually.',Wicked seeds can grow while we are unaware.,"Mark 4:26-28; John 13:34, 35,",Bobby Laymon,"Friendship With God, Friendship With The World -- Which Will You Choose?",79,,,
"Envy, Jealousy, Encouragement,","Two men, both seriously ill, occupied the same hospital room. One man  was allowed to sit up in his bed for an hour a day to drain the fluids from his lungs.  His bed was next to the room's only window.  The other man had to spend all his time flat on his back.  The men talked for hours on end.  They spoke of their wives and families, their homes, their jobs, their involvement in the military service, where they had been on vacation. And every afternoon when the man in the bed next to the window could sit up, he would pass the time by describing to his roommate all the things he could see outside the window.  The man in the other bed would live for those one-hour periods where his world    would be broadened and enlivened by all the activity and color of the outside world.  The window overlooked a park with a lovely lake, the man had said.  Ducks and swans played on the water while children sailed their model boats.  Lovers walked arm in arm amid flowers of every color of the rainbow.  Grand old trees graced the landscape, and a fine view of the city skyline could be seen in the distance.  As the man by the window described all this in exquisite detail, the man on the  other side of the room would close his eyes and imagine the picturesque scene.  One warm afternoon the man by the window described a parade passing by.  Although the other man could not hear the band, he could see it in his mind's eye as the gentleman by the window portrayed it with descriptive words.   Unexpectedly,  an alien thought entered his head: Why should he have all the pleasure of seeing everything while I never get to see anything?  It didn't seem fair.  As the thought fermented, the man felt ashamed at first.  But as the days passed and he missed seeing more sights, his envy eroded into resentment and soon turned him sour.  He began to brood and found himself unable to sleep.  He should be by that window  --- and that thought now controlled his life.  Late one night, as he lay staring at the ceiling, the man by the window began to cough.  He was choking on the fluid in his lungs. The other man watched in the dimly lit room as the struggling man by the window groped for the button to call for    help.  Listening from across the room, he never moved, never pushed his own button which would have brought the nurse running.  In less than five minutes, the coughing and choking stopped, along with  the sound of breathing. Now, there was only silence-deathly silence. The following morning the day nurse arrived to bring water for their baths.  When she found the lifeless body of the man by the window, she was saddened and called  the hospital attendant to take it away-no works, no fuss.  As soon as it seemed appropriate, the man asked if he could be moved next to the window.  The nurse was happy to make the switch and after making sure he was comfortable, she left him alone. Slowly, painfully, he propped himself up on one elbow to take his first look.  Finally, he would have the joy of seeing it all himself.  He strained to slowly turn to look out the window beside the bed.............  It faced a blank wall.",Sometimes envy can get the best of us.  It can cause harm to those who are our friends and try to help and encourage us.,Ps 106:16,Scott Rudolph,Jealousy--proper And Improper,76,,1997/12/04,
"Envy, Jealousy, Encouragement, Joy, Happiness, Negative,","Two men, both seriously ill, occupied the same hospital room. One man  was allowed to sit up in his bed for an hour a day to drain the fluids from his lungs.  His bed was next to the room's only window.  The other man had to spend all his time flat on his back.  The men talked for hours on end.  They spoke of their wives and families, their homes, their jobs, their involvement in the military service, where they had been on vacation. And every afternoon when the man in the bed next to the window could sit up, he would pass the time by describing to his roommate all the things he could see outside the window.  The man in the other bed would live for those one-hour periods where his world    would be broadened and enlivened by all the activity and color of the outside world.  The window overlooked a park with a lovely lake, the man had said.  Ducks and swans played on the water while children sailed their model boats.  Lovers walked arm in arm amid flowers of every color of the rainbow.  Grand old trees graced the landscape, and a fine view of the city skyline could be seen in the distance.  As the man by the window described all this in exquisite detail, the man on the  other side of the room would close his eyes and imagine the picturesque scene.  One warm afternoon the man by the window described a parade passing by.  Although the other man could not hear the band, he could see it in his mind's eye as the gentleman by the window portrayed it with descriptive words.   Unexpectedly,  an alien thought entered his head: Why should he have all the pleasure of seeing everything while I never get to see anything?  It didn't seem fair.  As the thought fermented, the man felt ashamed at first.  But as the days passed and he missed seeing more sights, his envy eroded into resentment and soon turned him sour.  He began to brood and found himself unable to sleep.  He should be by that window  --- and that thought now controlled his life.  Late one night, as he lay staring at the ceiling, the man by the window began to cough.  He was choking on the fluid in his lungs. The other man watched in the dimly lit room as the struggling man by the window groped for the button to call for    help.  Listening from across the room, he never moved, never pushed his own button which would have brought the nurse running.  In less than five minutes, the coughing and choking stopped, along with  the sound of breathing. Now, there was only silence-deathly silence. The following morning the day nurse arrived to bring water for their baths.  When she found the lifeless body of the man by the window, she was saddened and called  the hospital attendant to take it away-no works, no fuss.  As soon as it seemed appropriate, the man asked if he could be moved next to the window.  The nurse was happy to make the switch and after making sure he was comfortable, she left him alone. Slowly, painfully, he propped himself up on one elbow to take his first look.  Finally, he would have the joy of seeing it all himself.  He strained to slowly turn to look out the window beside the bed.............  It faced a blank wall.","Sometimes envy can get the best of us.  It can cause harm to those who are our friends and try to help and encourage us.  Moral of the story. The pursuit of happiness is a matter of choice, it is a positive attitude we consciously choose to express.  It is not a gift that gets delivered to our doorstep each morning, nor does it come through the window.  And I am certain that our circumstances are just a small part of what makes us joyful.  If we wait for them to get just right, we will never find lasting joy.  The pursuit of happiness is an inward journey.  Our minds are like  programs, awaiting the code that will determine behaviors; like bank vaults awaiting our deposits.  If we regularly deposit positive, encouraging, uplifting thoughts, and if we continue to bite our lips just before we begin to grumble and complain, if we shoot down that seemingly harmless negative thoughts as it germinates, we will find that there is much to rejoice about.",Ps 106:16,Scott Rudolph,Jealousy--proper And Improper,76,,1997/12/04,
"Envy, Knowledge, Name, Money, Materialism,",'Say not you know another entirely till you have divided an inheritance with him.' Quote: Lavater (1741-1801),"Money talks, and brings out flaws that may have been hidden.",1ti 6:9-11;,Wisdom Of The Ages,Reach Out For The Real Life!,90,,,
"Envy, Malice, Jealousy, Grudge, Revenge, Resentment,","'If malice or envy were tangible and had a shape, it would be the shape of a boomerang.'  Quote: Charley Reese.",It is never wise to seek or wish for another's misfortune.  It will return upon the one wishing.,"Ecclesiastes 10:8, 9;",Bobby Laymon - Reader's Digest,Do You Harbor Resentment Or Do You Forgive?,68,,1996/03/15,
Envy;,'If envy were a fever all the world would be ill.'  Quote:  Danish.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Envy; Hatred; Jealousy;,"'Envy, like the worm, never runs but to the fairest fruit; like a cunning bloodhound, it singles out the fattest deer in the flock.'  Quote: Anonymous.",We envy those who are fruitful and productive.,Ps 106:16;,Bobby Laymon,,,,1996/02/23,
Epitaph;,'Epitaph: A belated advertisement for a line of goods that has been discontinued.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Epitaphs; speech, tongue, gossip,","'Beneath this stone, a lump of clay, lies Arabella Young, who in the 21st of May, began to hold her tongue.'  Quote:  Hatfield, Mass.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,4/13/2014
Epitaphs;,'Excuse my dust. (Dorothy Parker suggested this epitaph for her)',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Epitaphs;,"'He lived one hundred and five, sanguine and strong, a hundred to five, you live not so long.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Epitaphs;,"'Near to this stone John Barnet lies, there's no man frets, not no man cries, where he's gone or how he fares, there's no man knows, nor no man cares.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Epitaphs;,'Peace to his hashes.  (On tomb of famous cook)',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Epitaphs;,"'Since I am so quickly done for, I wonder what I was begun for.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Epitaphs; Funny;,"'Here lies the body of W.W. who never more will trouble you, trouble you.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Epitaphs; Funny;,"'In memory of Mrs. Alpha White, weight 309 lbs.  Open wide ye heavenly gates that leads to the heavenly shore, our father suffered in passing through, and mother weighs much more.'  Quote:  Lee, Mass.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Epitaphs; Funny;,"'This stone was raised by Sarah's Lord, not Sarah's virtues to record, for they're well-known to all the town, but it was raised to keep her down.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Epitaphs;,"'Beneath this stone my wife does lie, now she's at rest and so am I!'  Quote:  Boileau.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Epitaphs;,"'Here lie I, Martin Elginbrod. Have mercy on my soul Lord God. As I would do, were I Lord God, and you were Martin Elginbrod.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Epitaphs;,"'Here lies John Knott. His father was Knott before him. He lived Knott, he died Knott. Yet underneath this stone he both lie. Knott christened, Knott begot, And here he lies and still is Knott.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Epitaphs;,"'Sacred to the memory of Elisha Philbrook and his wife Sarah. Beneath there stones do lie, back to back, my wife and I!  When the last trumpet the air shall fill, if she gets up, I'll just lie still.'  Quote:  Sargentville, Maine.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Epitaphs;,"On King Charles the Second: God Bless our good and gracious King. Whose promise now relies on. Who never said a foolish thing, nor ever did a wise one.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Epitaphs; Funny;,"'Here lies the body of Dr. Hayward, a man who never voted. Of such is the kingdom of heaven.'  Quote:  Churchyard In Ohio.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Epitaphs; Funny;,"'Sacred to the memory of Jared Bates who died August 6, 1800. His widow, aged 24, lives at 7 Elm Street, has every qualification for a good wife, and yearns to be comforted.'  Quote:  Lincoln Maine.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Epitaphs; Funny;,"Here lies the body of Mary Ford, whose soul, we trust is with the Lord; but if for hell she's changed this life, tis better than being John Ford's wife.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Equality, Partiality, World, Racial,","If all men equal, it would be silly to have competitive games. Men vary in strength, talent & ability. Not objectionable, but pleasant. It is part of beauty we now enjoy in wide variety before us.","Bible says we have common origin, not equal in every way. Equality not found in world, never was, and never will be. Equal rights & privilege found in NW Society. Gal. 5:1; 3:26-28",Acts 17:26,"Jan 22, 1962 Aw Page 5-7",'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
Equality;,'All animals are equal but some animals are more equal than others.'  Quote:  George Orwell.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Equality;,'Before God and the bus driver we are all equal.'  Quote:  German.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Equality;,'The only real equality is in the cemetery.'  Quote:  German.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Equality;,'There are many humorous things in the world: among them the white man's notion that he is less savage than the other savages.'  Quote:  Mt.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Equality;,"'You a lady, I a lady, who will milk the cow?'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Equality; Death;,"'At the end of the game, the King and the pawn go into the same bag.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Equality; Death;,"'Equality is the share of every one at their advent upon earth, and equality is also theirs when placed beneath it.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Equality; Death;,'He who seeks equality should go to a cemetery.' Quote:  Yiddish.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Error; Mistakes;,'The man who makes no mistakes does not usually make anything.'  Quote:  Ed Phelps.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Eternity, Everlasting Life, Beginning,",Just as in a circle one cannot find the beginning or the end.,Jehovah is like that.  He is from everlasting to everlasting.,Ps. 90:2;,Kevin Dabbs,Jehovah--the Grand Creator,101,,"Nov 18, 2001",
"Ethics, Honesty, Morals, Right,","There was once an 11 year old boy who went fishing from the dock  at his family's cabin on an island in the middle of a New Hampshire Lake..  He and his father were catching sunfish and perch on the evening of the day before bass season opened.  Then he tied on a small silver lure and practiced casting.  The lure  struck the water, causing silver ripples in the moonlight.    Suddenly his pole doubled over! He knew something huge was on the hook..  His father watched with admiration as the boy skillfully worked the fish alongside the dock.  Finally he lifted the exhausted fish from the water. It was the largest fish he had ever seen, but it was a bass.  The boy and his father looked at the handsome fish. The father looked  at his watch, it was 10 p.m. - two hours before the bass season was to open.  He looked at the fish, then at the boy.  'You'll have to put it back, son.' he said.  'Dad!' cried the boy.  'There will be other fish,' said his father.  'Not as big as this one,' cried the boy.  He looked around the lake. No other fishermen or boats were anywhere  around.  He looked again at his father.  Even though no one had seen them, nor could anyone ever know what time  he caught the fish, the boy could tell by the clarity of his father's voice that the decision was not negotiable.  He slowly worked the hook out of the lip of the huge bass and lowered  it into  the black water. The creature swished its powerful body and disappeared. The boy suspected that he would never again see such a great fish.","That was 34 years ago.  Today the boy is successful architect in New York City.  His father's  cabin is  still there on the lake.  He takes his own son and daughters fishing from  the same dock.  And he was right.  He has never again caught such a magnificent fish as the one he landed that night long ago.  But he does see that same  fish...again and again...every time he comes up against a question of  ethics.  For, as his  father taught him, ethics are simple matters of  right or wrong.  It is only the practice of ethics that is difficult.  Do we do right when no one is looking?   Do we refuse to cut corners to get the design in on time?  Or refuse to trade stocks based on information that we know we aren't supposed to have?  We would if we were taught to put the fish back when we were young.  We would have learned the truth.  The decision to do right lives fresh and fragrant in our memory.  It is a story we will proudly tell our friends and grandchildren. Not about  how we had  a chance to beat the system and  took it, but about how we did the right  thing and were forever strengthened.",James 4:17;,Henry Van Staden,Conducting Ourselves Honestly At All Times,10,,1999/10/15,
"Ethics, Honesty, Taxes,","There are toll bridges and then there are bridges that you do not have to pay.  If you use the toll bridge, you are expected to pay the toll.  You can be prosecuted for not paying.  However if you use the other bridges, (may have to go out of the way) but you do not have to pay.","Within Caesar's laws there are tax exempt areas and there are areas where one is expected to pay the tax.  If you work for tips, or you are required to report looking for work, file certain forms these could be like the toll bridge.",Rom 13:1-7;,Bobby Laymon,Conducting Ourselves Honestly At All Times,10,,,
"Ethics, Integrity, Honesty, Loyalty, Margin, Standard, Bible,","Imagine you are walking a relatively narrow trail that winds up a steep mountain.  The trail is about 5 feet wide.  On one side is the mountain, the other thin air.  Where will you walk?  Near the mountain.  Then you have a margin for error.  However, suppose you start walking the edge.","Now, your margin for error is gone.  Where will we walk in the truth?  Eventually, all of us will stumble in some manner.  If we stay within the margin or error, close to Jehovah's standards for safety, we will be protected.",Ps 119:110; Jas 3:2;,Bobby Laymon,Why Live By Bible Standards?,88,,,
Evangelizing,"Ever found a good substitute for water? There is none.  My Dad used to say,  'Any fool in the world can make whiskey, but it takes a smart man to make water.'","There is only one authentic evangel, or Good News. However, may are distorting it.","Gal. 1:11, 12","Jim Laymon, Bobby Laymon, ",Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,063,,4/22/2025,7/12/2025
Evangelizing,"Help someone across a stream, you also get there yourself. They must accept the help.",Save yourself and others.,1 Tim. 4:16,Bobby Laymon,Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,063,,,7/12/2025
Evangelizing,"Saying, 'The tongue is mightier than the sword'.","Apply to evangelizing, will become a major issue.","Gal 1:11, 12",Bobby Laymon,Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,063,,,7/12/2025
"Evangelizing, Preaching,","If you could travel 2,300 miles up the Mississippi River you could cross the few feet width in about 18 inches of water.  However, during the first 3 weeks of July in 1993 the River broke all previous records, and became a major issue.  It became the most costly disaster in the history of the United States.","The preaching of the Good News, in like manner started out in a small way, but it will become a major issue.  It will not be a local happening, but will involve the entire earth.","Mt 28:19, 20",Bobby Laymon,Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,063 ,,,7/12/2025
"Evangelizing, Preaching,",Sixty-five percent of the earth is covered by water.,The other 35% is being flooded by the evangelizing spirit of Jehovah's Witnesses.,"Ga 1:11, 12;",Joe Laymon,Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,063,,,7/12/2025
"Evangelizing, Preaching, Pioneer,","There's a song, 'Life's a dance, you learn as you go.'","Pioneering is a dance, you learn as you go.  However, Jehovah gives support and His organization gives needed training. It also give much joy!","Ga 1:11, 12;",Bobby Laymon,Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,063,,,7/12/2025
"Evangelizing, Witnessing, Preaching, Hell, Pioneer,","'While I was up in that (cherry) tree, I was a believer in 'hellfire,' but when I came down I was no longer a believer.' Quote: farmer, picking cherries.",That night he came in search of the pioneers.  The following Saturday he was on the street holding up THE WATCHTOWER.  He never looked back.  Both he and his sons entered the pioneer ministry.,"Mt 28:19, 20; Acts 1:8;","Dec 15, 1970 Wt Page 764",Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,063,,,7/12/2025
Everlasting,"Ant crawling on floor, wondering what makes light burn.",Our brain cannot comprehend how Jehovah had no beginning & end.,Ps. 90:2; 1 Tim. 1:17;,Robert Schwarze,Can You Live Forever?--will You?,35,,,
Everlasting Life,"Animal's heart beat.  See 1973 Awake under heart, animals.","All animals less than 1 billion, man's over 2 billion.",Eccles 3:11,Johnse Laymon,Can You Live Forever?--will You?,35,,,
Everlasting Life,Chasing after wind Real life = Everlasting life...see scriptures,"Most are doing that today, We must reach for real life.","1 Tim 6:11, 12, 18, 19",Steve Oliver,Reach Out For The Real Life!,90,,,
Everlasting Life,Gift,Cannot be bought,Rom. 6:23,Bobby Laymon,Can You Live Forever?--will You?,35,,,
Everlasting Life,"Invitation, (Come over, see how poor folks live) Will you accept this invitation? See how Jehovah wants us to live.",Invitation extended to take advantage of God's spiritual provision.,Rev 22:17,"April 22, 1990 Awake  Page 9",Can You Live Forever?--will You?,35,,,
Everlasting Life,"Like a flower a person's life blooms, fades and dies, never to bloom again. Quote Bertrand Russell: 'I do not think there is any good reason to believe that we survive death.'",View of materialistically-minded persons on life.,Acts 24:15,"Jan 22, 1959 Aw Page 5",Can You Live Forever?--will You?,35,,,
Everlasting Life,"Mom makes you eat vegetables, cauliflower!! reward chocolate cake. Some of Jesus disciples left off following him because of stumbling Obedience is the key Reward is everlasting life.","Jesus did not promise all would be easy, but reward worth all","John 6:53, 54  Prov 24:16",Roy Allen Crabb,Can You Live Forever?--will You?,35,,,
Everlasting Life,"Plant a sequoia seed and watch it grow hundreds of feet into air. Imagine surviving it, and planting another one thousands of years later and again enjoying its growth and beauty.",Man's days will be 'like a tree',Isa 65:22,"April 22, 1990 Awake  Page 9",Can You Live Forever?--will You?,35,,,
Everlasting Life,"Road, stretches out before you, when you are young, it is very long, stretches out; as you grow old the end of life span comes within sight.",Desire for longer life.,Ps. 37:22  Ps. 133:3,"Jan 22, 1959 Aw Page 5",Is This Life All There Is?,36,,,
Everlasting Life,The Millionaire; Show where man gave away 1 million dollars. We could turn down gift as hoax. Be unappreciative.,Jehovah is giving everlasting life,John 17:3  John 4:23,Bobby Laymon,How Well Do You Know God?,1,,,
"Everlasting Life, Earn, Gift,","Scene: Grandfather, son, and grandson.  Grandfather hired his skilled son to work on his home.  Meanwhile, the small grandson built a sandcastle, and asked grandfather to pay him, as he did his father.","Grandfather explained that he could not expect to get paid for something that would wash away.  Likewise, we cannot earn everlasting life.",Ps 49:6-9; Ro 6:23; 9:16;,Brandon Kerr,Is This Life All There Is?,36,,,
"Everlasting Life, Greed, Honesty,","A DOG, crossing a bridge over a stream with a piece of flesh in  his mouth, saw his own shadow in the water and took it for that  of another Dog, with a piece of meat double his own in size.  He  immediately let go of his own, and fiercely attacked the other  Dog to get his larger piece from him.  He thus lost both:  that  which he grasped at in the water, because it was a shadow; and  his own, because the stream swept it away.",Moral: 'Grasp at the shadow and lose the substance.'  Greediness will cost us in the 'long run.'  We must be honest.,"1 Tim 6:11, 12, 18, 19",Aesop's Fables - Joe Laymon,Can You Live Forever?--will You?,35,,,
"Everlasting, Earth, Death, Sin, Life, Resurrection, Loyalty,","To live long, it is necessary to live slowly.","Careful thought is involved in living, especially everlastingly.","Deuteronomy. 30: 19; Ecclesiastes. 9:5, 10; Ezek 18:4; Acts 17:31; 24:15;",Bobby Laymon (wisdom Of The Ages..Quotes),Ruining The Earth Brings Divine Retribution,106,,,
"Everlasting, Life, Forever, Earth, Humankind, Qualities,","Man alone can appreciate fine music, literature, poetry, painting and numerous other forms of art. Only man knows the joy of pleasant and upbuilding conversation, as well as the satisfying sense of accomplishment when one has done something really worthwhile.",Unique in man also is the yearning for everlasting life. This is a desire implanted in the human heart by the loving Creator.,Ecclesiastes 3:11;,W83 9/1 6,Can You Live Forever?--will You?,35,,1995/01/27,
"Everlasting, Life, Happiness, Paradise, Earth, Survival, Suicide,","Some years ago a young woman slipped past East German border guards, lowered her body in icy waters of a canal and swam to West Berlin, towing her infant son behind her in a tub. Could have cost her life, but she thought W. Berlin offered reason to live.",We have even more reason to live;   Life in a paradise earth.,"Ps. 34:8; 36:9; 37:11, 29; De. 30:19; Ecclesiastes. 12:13;","Nov 8, 1967 Aw Page 5",You Can Find Joy In Serving God,103,,,
"Evidence, Appreciation, Creation, Sight, Seeing,","If the world was blind for a day, What would be of value, of importance?  In a world that puts high priority on beauty, what would be truly beautiful once we couldn't see? The laughter of a child, the song of crickets on a summer night, the voice of one we love.  If you couldn't see, would you waste the sense of hearing by using hurtful words or raising your voice thoughtlessly?  Would you miss the opportunity to place a gentle, loving touch on a friend?  Or hug a small child and feel your heart skip a beat when their small arms hug you back?  Would you forget to stop and smell flowers along your way?  Would you take for granted the scent of your wife, husband, child or friend?  Why do we forget that these things matter, since we can see?","Why does the surface matter so much?  Who would be beautiful, or ugly if we couldn't see them? What skin color would be the right one if we couldn't see it.  Who would be more powerful or dominant?  If the world was blind for a day, and the next day we could all see again what would we see?  People of all colors, sizes, and ages together. Why does it matter now what others look like, When it didn't if the world was blind for a day?",Rev. 4:11,Goldman Collection,Evidence Of God In The World Around Us,4,,"Jan 19, 2001",
"Evidence, Creation, Proof,","'Show me your God!' the doubter cries.  I point him to the smiling skies;  I show him all the woodland greens  I show him peaceful sylvan scenes;  I show him winter snows and frost  I show him waters tempest-tossed.  I show him hills rock-ribbed and strong;  I bid him hear the thrush's song.  I show him flowers in the close,  The lily, violet and rose;  I show him rivers, babbling streams  I show him youthful hopes and dreams  I show him maids with eager hearts  I show him toilers in the marts;  I show him stars, the moon, the sun;  I show him deeds of kindness done.  I show him joy; I show him care  And still he holds a doubting air.  And faithless goes his way, for he  Is blind of soul, and cannot see!",None are as blind as those who will not see.,Rev. 4:11,Goldman Collection,Evidence Of God In The World Around Us,4,,"Jan 19, 2001",
"Evil Eye, Spiritism, Demons, Protection, Help,","Nevertheless, just as a solid nut is hidden under the thick husk of a coconut...",..There are also some solid facts hidden under the thick layer of tales about the evil eye. So let us cut through the fiction and uncover some facts.,"Ps 121:1, 2;",G89 1/8 22,How To Protect Ourselves From Satan's Snares,115,,1996/01/06,
"Evil Eye, Spiritism, Demons, Protection, Help,","What will you do if you fear that a huge tree will fall over and crush your house? Will you fortify the roof, hoping that it will withstand the impact of the falling tree? Or will you call for the help of a lumberjack or tree surgeon who has a record of felling trees safely? Felling the tree removes the source of danger and thus eliminates your fear.","Similarly, what will dispel your fear if a spiritism threatens to use his evil eye against you? Will you try to fortify yourself by tying amulets around your neck? Or will you call for the help of a person who has a record of rendering demons powerless?","Ps 121:1, 2;",G89 1/8 23,How To Protect Ourselves From Satan's Snares,115,,1996/01/06,
Evil Returns,"Bee & it's sting.  Refused wish to make sting kill, instead only wound, and kill the honeybee",Evil wishes generally harm the wisher,Ecc 10:10;,Aesop's Fables,,,,,
Evil Slave; Apostate; Greed; Traitor,'Axis Sally'; 'Benedict Arnold'; 'Ahithophel'; 'Judas Iscariot' A traitor is often uncommonly brilliant; lacks honesty and love. Proud and greedy.,Evil slave is a class of traitorous individuals.,"Luke 6:16; 2 Sam. 15:12, 31; Matt. 26:14-16; 24:48-51","Jul 1, 1961 Wt Page 407",Why Live By Bible Standards?,88,,,
"Evil, Good, Righteousness,",'There are a thousand hacking at the branches of evil to one who is striking at the root.' Quote: Henry David Thoreau. -1854.,The majority of humans are blinded by Satan and his example of selfishness.  Men seek their own glory by striving to make a name for themselves and receive glory from one another.,Joh 5:40-44; 7:18; 2 Cor 4:4;,W76 327; Bobby Laymon,Glorifying God With All We Have,17,,1995/08/07,
"Evil, Sin, Dangerous,",Do you want to see the most dangerous creature in the world?  Then look in a mirror!,"Yes, we mankind, are earth's worst predator!  We even kill each other on a massive scale.",Rev 11:18;,"Jul 8, 1997 Aw Page 9",Evidence Of God In The World Around Us,4,,1997/06/16,
"Evil, Wicked, Satan, Devil, Demons, Badness.",'I would far rather be ignorant than knowledgeable of evils.'  Quote: Aeschylus Proverb [1874],We should be babes as to badness.,1 Cor 14:20;,Jk Quotes;,A Cleansed Earth--will You Live To See It?,49,,,
"Evil, Wickedness, Destruction, Armageddon, Conscience, Lies, Faithfulness,","A MAN, very much annoyed with a Flea, caught him at last, and said, 'Who are you who dare to feed on my limbs, and to cost me so much trouble in catching you?'  The Flea replied, 'O my dear sir, PRAY spare my life, and destroy me not, for I cannot possibly do you much harm.'  The Man, laughing, replied, 'Now you shall certainly die by mine own hands, for no evil, whether it be small or large, ought to be tolerated.'",All wickedness will be destroyed.  We cannot get to thinking perhaps something is not 'too bad' and keep practicing it.,Luke 16:10;,Aesop's Fables - Bobby Laymon,Good News In A Violent World,85,,1994/05/17,
Evil;,"'A person may cause evil to others not only by his actions but by his inaction, and in either case he is justly accountable to them for the injury.'  Quote:  John Stuart Mill.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Evil;,'All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing.'  Quote:  Edmund Burke.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Evil;,'He that will not apply new remedies must expect new evils.'  Quote:  Francis Bacon.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Evil;,"'I never wonder to see men wicked, but I often wonder to see them not ashamed.'  Quote:  Jonathan Swift.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Evolution,Leaf out of Hitler's book 'will more easily fall victims to a great lie than to a small one,"Use of slogan, 'Evolution is a fact'",Rom 1:25  2 Pet 2:12,"Jan 22 Awake, 1990 P. 9,10",Are You 'marked' For Survival?,34,,,
"Evolution, wickedness, ransom,","Satan hatched an insidious scheme to blind mankind. Anything hatched from Original Serpent, would be harmful.","Designed to make Jesus ransom, Kingdom, & everlasting. life meaningless.",2 Cor. 4:4,"Sep 1990, Km Page 1",Honor The Creator Of All Things,34,,,4/1/2014
Evolution,"White Queen (Alice, in 'Through the Looking-Glass' Did it for half an hour a day believed 6 impossible things before breakfast",An attempt to believe impossible things,"Acts 17: 27, 28","Jan 22 Awake, 1990 P. 15",Are You 'marked' For Survival?,34,,,
Evolution,"Wood, Nails, concrete, dynamite; blow up; result beautiful K.H.",Evolution's reasoning on creation account. Big Bang Theory,Genesis. 1:1  Isa. 40:26,Paul Smith,Are You 'marked' For Survival?,34,,,
Evolution Chances,"Ten blocks 1-10 blindfolded chances of picking right block 1 in 3,628,800 first time.",Odds against happening by chance according to Gen creation acct.,Genesis Chap 1,Creation Bk Page 37,Are You 'marked' For Survival?,34,,,
"Evolution, Atheist,",Some cannot see beyond the end of their nose.  (Hold nose high and point toward it.),"This is called superciliousness in the Bible.  Footnote in Reference Bible.  Lit., 'according to the height of his nose.'",Ps. 10:4,Wayne Freeman,Appreciating Marvels Of God's Creation,114,,1998/03/24,
"Evolution, Bible, Creation, Mule,","The mule, a hybrid between the ass and horse; the offspring is sterile and cannot reproduce. Is it any more difficult to have man write down His word and have that word protected by the same force holding these other",The mule came up to Jehovah's boundary and can go no farther. boundaries in operation?,"Genesis. 1:24, 25;","Apr 1, 1968 Wt Page 205",Appreciating Marvels Of God's Creation,114,,,
"Evolution, Creation, Science,","'The chance of carbon, oxygen, nitrogen and hydrogen atoms, as well as phosphorus and a constellation of metallic elements, coming together in the right proportions, under the right conditions, can be likened to the chance that a pack of cards, flung in the air, will fall to the table with all the suits in sequence-virtually impossible, even though the cards were tossed in the air every second without pause through history.'","True, there are some who reject this reasoning. But what alternative explanation do they have for the order that exists in the natural world?",Ps 14:1;,G82 9/8 5,Does Your Hope Rest On Science Or The Bible?,80,,1994/05/07,
"Evolution, Creation, Science, Beasts, Knowledge, Wisdom,","If you were to tell a man that he was from a family of snakes, he would likely want to fight you. Or if you said that his ancestor was a stupid ape, an opossum or a dog, he would feel greatly degraded.","Yet, according to the evolution theory, man owes his existence to such animals as his forefathers. Evolution thereby degrades man to the level of beasts.",Ge 1:26-28;,W72 9/1 538,Are You 'marked' For Survival?,34,,1994/05/13,
"Evolution, Creation, Science, Beasts, Knowledge, Wisdom, Dominate,","Man, they decided, is a social animal like the Indian hunting dog . . . so it seemed right to them that the big dogs of the human pack should bully and subdue.'","In full accord with evolution's concept of survival of the fittest in the struggle for existence, they plunged into a war unequaled in history till that time.",Ge 1:26-28;,W71 1/15 54-5,Are You 'marked' For Survival?,34,,1994/05/13,
"Evolution, Creation, Sow, Reap, Bible,","You plan your garden with the Bible principle in mind.  You have confidence they will produce 'according to their kind.'  When cats give birth, their offspring are cats; When humans become parents their children are human.  Have you ever seen it otherwise?","No! and neither has anyone else. There are billions of humans, as well as countless billions of plants and animals, all of which are living proof of the truthfulness of the Bible.",Ge 1:10-24;,"Jan 15, 1971 Wt Page 45",Appreciating Marvels Of God's Creation,114,,1993/11/08,
"Evolution, Darwin, H.G. Wells, Creation, Faith, Bible, Christendom","Quote: 'The true gold of religion was in many cases thrown away with the worn-out purse that had contained it for so long, and it was not recovered.' H.G. Wells, (an evolutionist himself) (see additional quote)","The results of following thinking of evolution, and departure from faith in God's Word.",Heb. 6:18; Genesis. 1:1;,"Apr 22, 1967 Aw Page 4",Religion's Role In World Affairs.,92,,,
"Evolution, Faith, Bible, Christendom, Creation, Life,",Can a dog produce a kitten or an oak seed a palm tree? Of course not. The Bible contains not mythical stories like: animals becoming men.  Humans being produced from seed planted in the ground. Selfish gods producing men because of a whim.,What the Bible has to say about creation and life is certainly reasonable.  How logical and orderly the process revealed in the Bible.,Genesis. 1:1-31;,"Apr 22, 1967 Aw Page 7",Religion's Role In World Affairs.,92,,,
"Evolution, Faith, Bible, Clock, Dating, Creation, Life,",Imagine trying to measure seconds on a clock that had only an hour hand.  Also a clock that had not been set accurately to start with.,Applied to the Carbon-14 Clock that scientist base the evolution theory on.,"Ps. 14:1; 1 Cor. 1:27, 28;","Apr 22, 1967 Aw Page 16",Appreciating Marvels Of God's Creation,114,,,
"Evolution, Faith, Bible, Creation, Life,","'A spider and it's web are far more complex than London's telephone exchange, with its tangle of wires and electronic brain.' (Science Year 1965 Edition) [spider appears to be one of the simpler creatures]","When man's inventions are compared with Jehovah's, there is no comparison.","Ps. 104:24, 25;","Apr 22, 1967 Aw Page 24",Appreciating Marvels Of God's Creation,114,,,
"Evolution, Faith, Bible, Creation, Life, Computers, Brain,","'They haven't the brains of a retarded ant.'  also stating, 'Actually computers are clumsy, stupid beast in a hazardous world' Dr. Warren S. McCulloch","When man's inventions are compared with Jehovah's, there is no comparison.","Ps. 104:24, 25;","Apr 22, 1967 Aw Page 24",Appreciating Marvels Of God's Creation,114,,,
"Evolution, Faith, Bible, Dna, Creation, Life,","'The body is the ultimate in technological perfection.  Almost any machine you can dream up -- no matter how sophisticated -- you can look into the body and find one better. (Dr. William Akers, Engineer working to build an artificial heart.)","Speaking of 'blueprints' in DNA. Also show development of a child 'eye color, baldness'; each cell picking out a blueprint from a 'cabinet' of blueprints.","Ps. 139:14, 13, 16;","Apr 22, 1967 Aw Page 20-23",Appreciating Marvels Of God's Creation,114,,,
"Evolution, Morals, Faith, Bible, Christendom",A heavy drinker does not get liver cancer overnight. A heavy smoker does not get lung cancer overnight. An immoral person does not feel the effects of a venereal disease overnight. All are life or death matters.,"Likewise, the effects of evolutionary teaching on morals is not felt completely, overnight.  The ultimate effects will come. The acceptance of evolution is not an innocent, unimportant thing.",Heb. 6:18; Genesis. 1:1;,"Apr 22, 1967 Aw Page 4",Religion's Role In World Affairs.,92,,,
"Evolution, Science, Creation,","'I myself am convinced that the theory of evolution, ... will be one of the great jokes in the history books in the future.'  Quote: British broadcaster and writer Malcolm Muggeridge.","He spoke of this age as, 'one of the most credulous in history, and I would include evolution as an example.'","2 Tim 3:1-5, 18;","Sep 8, 1994 Aw Page 32",Does Your Hope Rest On Science Or The Bible?,80,,1994/08/23,
"Evolution, Science, Creation, Bible,","If a housewife wanted to bake an apple pie, would she wait for some apples to fall off a tree accidentally into her oven, which accidentally happened to have flour, eggs and other ingredients in it, and then hope these would accidentally arrange themselves into a pie, which would accidentally cook itself just the right length of time? That would, of course, be ridiculous.","But making a pie is simple compared to making living things, and if simple things cannot happen by accident, surely the infinitely more  complex could not either.","Isa 43:10, 12;",W64 10/1 587,Does Your Hope Rest On Science Or The Bible?,80,,1995/01/19,
"Evolution, Science, Life, Creation, Trinity,","Imagine that you are a jurist in a criminal trial.  The defendant avows his innocence, and witnesses come forward to testify in his behalf.  While listening to their testimony, however, you note that each witness contradicts the others.  Then, when called back to the stand, their stories change.  As a jurist, would you give weight to their testimony?  Or would you be inclined to acquit the accused?","Such is the case with the theory of evolution.  A host of witnesses have come forth to tell a variety of stories about the origin of life, defending the theory of evolution.  But would their testimony hold up in court?  Do they speak in agreement?",Rom 1:18;,"Sep 1, 1994 Wt Page 3",Evidence Of God In The World Around Us,4,,1994/08/23,
Evolution;,"'All modern men are descended from a worm-like creature, but it shows more on some people.' Quote:  Will Cuppy",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Evolution;,'At times it helps to believe in evolution and that man is not finished yet.'  Quote:  Lincoln County Maine News.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Evolution;,'Darwin had the luck to please anybody with an ax to grind.'  Quote:  Gbs.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Evolution;,'I cannot believe that God plays dice with the universe.' Quote: A. Einstein.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Evolution;,"'Man is the only creature endowed with reason, and is also the only creature to pin its existence on things unreasonable.'  Quote:  Henri Bergson.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Evolution;,'One touch of Darwin make the whole world kin.'  Quote:  Elbert Hubbard.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Evolution;,"'Some call it evolution, others call it God.' Quote:  W.H.Carruth",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Evolution;,'The evolutionists seem to know every thing about the missing link except the fact that it is missing.'  Quote:  Gilbert Keith.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Evolution;,'There is no more reason to believe that man descended from some inferior animal than there is to believe that a stately mansion has descended from a small cottage.' Quote:  William Jennings Brian,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Evolution;,"'We are descended not only from monkeys, but also from monks.'  Quote:  Elbert Hubbard.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Evolution; Atheism;,'In Frankfurt I met a watch that did not believe in the existence of watchmakers.'  Quote:  Kenneth Hene.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Evolution; Creation;,'Some call it evolution and others call it God.' Quote:  W.H.Gailbraith,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Evolution; Life; Chance;,'The probability of life origination form accident is comparable to the probability of the Unabridged Dictionary resulting from an explosion in a printing factory.'  Quote:  Professor Edwin Conklin.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Exaggeration;,'She felt in italics and thought in capitals.'  Quote:  Henry James.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Exaggeration;,'Some so speak in exaggerations and superlatives that we need to make a large discount from their statements before we can come at their real meaning.' Quote:  Tyron Edwards,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Exaggeration;,'There are people so addicted to exaggeration they can't tell the truth without lying.'  Quote:  Josh Billings.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Exaggeration; Lying;,Exaggeration is an offshoot of lying.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Exaggeration; Lying;,Nothing destroys the truth faster than stretching it.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Examine, Analyze, Bible Reading, Meditating, Understanding, Impart,",We think at a rate of about 400 words-per-minute.  We only talk at 150 words-per-minute.  How do you fill the gap of 250 words-per-minute in between?,Jehovah gave us the ability to analyze.  To examine the information and apply it in our lives.,"Heb. 13:5; Prov. 11:1 Prov. 10:4; Luke 12:15, 20, 21; Eph. 5:3,4;",Theodore Jaracz - Gb - Assembly Part,Be Confident Of Divine Victory!,39,,"Oct 24, 2000",
"Examine, Test, Spiritual, Food, Personality, Mirror, Bible",When looking in a mirror what kind do you prefer?  A small mirror?  [show compact case] or a full-length mirror?  With one you can see only a little of yourself.,Are we like that as spiritual persons.  We need to look at the whole spiritual person.,"Jas 1:23, 24;",Dave Pfister,Is The Truth Transforming Your Life?,51,,1995/08/13,
Example,'Cheer up! You can always serve as a bad example.' Rudeness is excused in name of haste. Lying & hypocrisy masquerade as diplomacy. Marital infidelity comes under heading: Psychological safety valve,"We must not justify bad examples, for ourselves or others. Stealing equalizes wealth; Obscene speech proves manhood, womanhood Cheating: 'everybody does it.' Expediency has many disciples.","Genesis. 4:9; Matt. 12:36, 37; Heb. 4:13;","Oct 22, 1960 Aw Page 3",'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
Example,Actions Speak Louder than Words. Anyone can predict results of war in which large numbers do not fight; do not know war is going on. Christendom's members do not witness because clergy do not take  the lead.,An example can express much better than much talk.,"1 Cor. 11: 1   Matt. 23: 2, 3","Jul 8, 1959 Aw Page 3",'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
Example,"The young crab always ran sideways.  His Father kept urging him  to run straight forward.  He just could not do it.  Finally, he said to his  Father, 'I think I could do it if only you would show me how'.  His father looked at him sadly.  He also was unable to do it.",Parents must set proper example.,1 Tim. 4:12; Gal. 6:4,Bobby Laymon,"Baby Crab Unable To Walk Straight, Ask Father Above",11,,,
"Example,","Paul's younger brother turned off the T.V. show.  He explained, 'It wasn't a clean show. I knew you would have turned if off, so I turned it off myself.' Your example may help your siblings, yourself & others.","Without realizing it, Paul had set a good example.","1 Tim. 4: 12; Gal. 6:5; Prov. 1:8; Titus 3: 1, 2; Matt. 18:7,","Apr 8, 1991 Aw Pages 16-18",'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
"Example, Children, Marriage,",I can't hear what you are saying.  What you're doing is speaking too loudly.,Actions speak louder than words.,Tit. 2:7;,Phil Kirkton; Bethel Notes.,Parents--are You Building With Fire-resistant Materials?,104,,,
"Example, Children, Marriage, Music,",Gun with a silencer on it.  'Go shoot yourself!',Parents allowing children to wear headphone and listen to music they are unwilling to listen to.  Same as saying take this gun with a silencer and shoot yourself with it.,1 Cor. 15:33;,Phil Kirkton; Bethel Notes.,Parents--are You Building With Fire-resistant Materials?,104,,,
"Example, Experience,","Have you noticed that children first starting in school many times become rude and obnoxious, irritable and harder to get along with and control. For 6 years they have had mostly your example to follow, now they have many and mostly bad.",We are all prone to follow examples good or bad.,1 Cor 15:33,Johnse Laymon,Conducting Ourselves Honestly At All Times,10,,1994/07/27,
"Example, Imitate, Training, Children, Pioneer, Copy,",'The child of a frog is a frog.'  Quote: Japanese proverb.,Meaning: a child grows up to be just like its parents.  Parents must set a good example.,Prov 22:6;,"Feb 22, 1996 Aw Page 19",'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,J,1996/01/22,1/21/2025
"Example, Jesus, Foot Prints, Follow,","In tracking, the clearer the trail left, the easier it is to follow.  Sometimes it takes an experienced tracker to follow a trail left by others. However, we must become experienced to notice each variation.","Jesus Christ left 'great big footprints,' so we can follow his steps closely.",1pe 2:21;,Bobby Laymon,'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
"Example, Parents, Children, Imitate,",'An apple doesn't fall too far from the tree' We must be 'good apples' ourselves if we desire our children to be.,"Children are likely to follow parents example, good or bad.",Eph. 6:4;,Bobby Laymon,Parents--are You Building With Fire-resistant Materials?,104,,,
"Example, Pattern,",'Example has more followers than reason.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Example, Role, Model, Pioneer,",We are all 'Role Models' for other persons.,"School children are 'role models' for other students to live up to.  You young brothers and sister, (21 years old for example) are role models for those 3-4 years within your age-group.  Pioneers are role models for others.",Heb 12:1-3;,William Osbeck C.O.,'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
"Example, Satan, Children, Family, World, Conduct,",You may be the only Bible your child has started reading yet.,How are you doing in your conduct.,Prov. 20:7,"Elder's School 11/23, 24 At St. Louis",How Can Youths Cope With Today's Crisis?,113,,"Nov 26, 2001",
"Example, Walk, Footsteps, Imitator, Role Model,",'Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.' Quote: Oscar Wilde.,"Christians who want to be no part of the world copy Jesus' example in this.  We know we must not commit fornication, adultery, homosexuality.  Might we tend to delight in stories or pictures involving immoral sex?","Eph 5:3, 4;",Bobby Laymon,'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,1995/07/03,
Example;,"'A picture is worth a thousand words, but an example is worth a thousand pictures.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Example;,'A thousand words will not leave so deep an impression as one deed.'  Quote:  Henrick Ibsen.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Example;,'Children have never been good at listening to their elders but they never have failed to imitate them.'  Quote:  James Baldwin.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Example;,'Example is not the main thing in influencing others....it is the only thing.'  Quote:  A. Schweitzer.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Example;,'Few things are harder to put up with than the annoyance of a good example.'  Quote:  Mt.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Example;,"'He's the kind of guy that inspires confidence in others. They figure if he could do something, anyone can.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Example;,"'If you would convince a man that he does wrong, do right. Men will believe what they see. Let them see.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Example;,'It is unreasonable to expect a child to listen to your advice and ignore your example.' Quote:  Sunshine,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Example;,"'Not the cry but the flight of the wild duck, leads the flock to fly and follow.'  Quote:  Chinese.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Example;,"'The best way to show that a stick is crooked is not to argue about it or spend time denouncing it, but to lay a straight stick alongside it.'  Quote:  Dwight Moody.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Example;,'The first great gift we can bestow on others is a good example.'  Quote:  Morrell.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Example;,"'The humblest individual exerts some influence, either for good or evil, upon others.'  Quote:  Rwe.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Example;,"'To bring up a child in the way that he should go, travel that way yourself once in awhile.'  Quote:  Josh Billings.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Example;,'Why does one man's yawning make another man yawn?',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Example;,'You can't straighten what is crooked without a ruler.'  Quote:  Seneca.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Example;,"Children may close their ears to advice, but they open their eyes to example.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Example; Deeds;,"'If you don't want people to know what you're doing, don't do it.'  Quote:  Chinese.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Example; Leader;,'A good leader is one who knows the way and shows the way.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Example; Talk Is Cheap;,'Peoples minds are changed through observation and not through argument.' Quote:  Will Rogers,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Example; Talk Is Cheap;,'You can preach a better sermon with your life than with your lips.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Excellence; Habit,'We are what we repeatedly do.  Excellence then is not an act but a habit.'  Quote:  Aristotle.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Excess, Health, Moderation,",There is moderation even in excess.  Every human being is the author of his own health or disease.,We can overdo even a good thing.,"Prov. 14:30; Luke 21:34, 35;",Bobby Laymon (wisdom Of The Ages..Quotes),What Does The Healing Of The Nations Accomplish?,111,,,
"Excess, Worry, Anxiety, Stress, Flattery,","He that has plenty of pepper, will pepper his cabbage.",Excesses are harmful.,"Ecclesiastes. 2:15; 7:16, 17; Prov. 25:27; Ps. 55:22; Jas. 1:12; Rom. 15:2",Bobby Laymon,Gaining Comfort In All Our Tribulations,105,,,
"Excesses Encourage, Worry, Anxiety, Stress, Flattery,",There are virtues that become crime by exaggeration.,Becoming over righteous can be dangerous.,"Ecclesiastes. 7:16, 17; Ps. 55:22; Jas. 1:12; Rom. 15:2; 1 Th 5:14;",Bobby Laymon,Gaining Comfort In All Our Tribulations,105,,,
"Exclusive, Devotion, Worship, Christendom, Praise, Creator, Credit,","After the potter has made many beautiful specimens and set them upon his shelf for people to see, the persons looking at the work of the artist do not worship or praise the vessel. Honor or glory is not given to what is created; but the complimentary remark, the praise, goes to the one that formed the vessel.","We should think a person quite unbalanced who stood before a piece of pottery, praising it and glorifying it; but if he spoke complimentary words to its creator we could understand his expression.  Likewise, we should give all honor and credit to Jehovah.",Rev 4:11;,W56 1/1 13,Appreciating Marvels Of God's Creation,114,,1995/01/27,
"Excuse, Failure, Success, Reasons, Meetings,",'Excuses are the nails used to build a house of failure.'  Quote: Don Wilder and Bill Reaching.,Don't make up excuses for missing Christian activities.,"Heb 10:24, 25;",Bobby Laymon - Reader's Digest,How Do You Fit Into The Kingdom Arrangement?,21,,1996/03/22,
Excuses;,'An excuse is worse and more terrible than a lie; for an excuse is a lie guarded.'  Quote:  Alex Pope.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Excuses;,"'Don't make excuses, make good.'  Quote:  Elbert Hubbard.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Excuses;,'Making excuses is as profitable as watering last year's crop.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Excuses;,'Several excuses are always less convincing than one.'  Quote:  Aldus Huxley.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Excuses;,"'We have forty million reasons for failure, but not a single excuse.'  Quote:  Runyard Kipling.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Excuses; Begging Off;,'He that is good for making excuses is seldom good for anything else.'  Quote:  Bf.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Excuses; Begging Off;,"'He who excuses himself, accuses himself.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Excuses; Begging Off;,'It is often merely for an excuse that we say things are impossible.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Excuses; Begging Off;,'There aren't enough crutches in the world for all the lame excuses.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Excuses; Blame;,'He who cannot dance puts the blame on the floor.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Excuses, Application, Beg Off,","Many have the 'yeah but,' disease.","You know the Bible says this.  'Yeah, but...' apply to any situation where people do this.  Marriage out of the truth.  Missing meetings, etc.",,Bobby Laymon,,,,"Aug 31, 2000",
Exercise; Health;,'An early morning walk is a blessing for a whole day.'  Quote:  D. Thoreau.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Exert, Busy, Work, Pioneer,",'The busy bee has no time for sorrow.'  Quote: William Blake .,"Youths who serve Jehovah are protected.  They keep busy and happy by preaching the good news.  Evil world will be destroyed, dragging down with it all who support it and have its spirit.","2pe 3:7, 12; 1jo 2:17;",Bobby Laymon,Resisting The Spirit Of The World,25,,1995/07/18,
"Exert, Comfort Zone, Training, Stretching","If we do what we are comfortable with, where is the training?  We shouldn't run just a mile if its comfortable, but more; that's where the real training and benefit comes in.","Likewise, we should exert ourselves, and sometimes get out of our 'comfort zone.'",Luke 13:24;,Bobby Laymon,Keep Seeking God's Kingdom,44,,"Feb 10, 2001",
"Exert, Pioneer, Gilead, Bethel, Preaching, Ministry, Will,","People exert themselves vigorously in many kinds of worldly  pursuits-sports, hobbies, careers, pleasures, and so on.  Anything worth while takes effort. If one wants to be an accomplished pianist, he cannot play just once a week or once a month and expect to achieve his goal. If one wants to be a good painter, it takes effort.",So with meeting God's requirements for life; it takes effort on our part. How much more so should one exert himself for the most worthwhile purpose in the world-faithfully doing God's will!,"Luke 13:23, 24;",W65 2/15 121,The Flood Of Noah's Day Has Meaning For Us,6,,1995/01/27,
"Exert, Struggle, Determination, Genus,","Some of the world's most renowned woman and men have had to  overcome disabilities and adversities that would have crushed a more  fragile soul.  Like butterflies breaking out of cocoons, these great historical figures struggled against - and rose above - the confines of  circumstances in a way that makes their achievements more remarkable.  While hardship alone does not produce genius, some might argue that the 'recipe' for true greatness includes a liberal dash of resilience.  Sometimes the source of the difficulty is medical.  A child born to a woman dying of tuberculosis became Marie Curie.  Infantile paralysis did not hold back Franklin D. Roosevelt.  And even the loss of his hearing could not diminish the great composer Ludwig von Beethoven.  Social and economic barriers are also real but not  insurmountable.  A child raised in abject poverty could become Abraham Lincoln or Enrico Caruso.  Being born black in a society filled with racial discrimination did not stop Booker T. Washington, Martin Luther King, Harriet Tubman, Marian Anderson, Jesse Owens, or George Washington Carver from realizing their potential.  Educational barriers will not stop the truly gifted.  Think of Albert Einstein.  This genius was called a 'slow learner,' 'retarded,' and uneducable.'  And yet he lived to disprove them all.  Finally, multiple hindrances are not enough to hamper true greatness.  A Jewish child, born of Nazi concentration camp survivors and paralyzed from the waist down at the age of four, grew to become the incomparable concert violinist Itzhak Perlman.","If these individuals worked so hard for their goal in this world, how much more so should we work toward our goal of pleasing Jehovah and having everlasting life because we worked hard to overcome our obstacles.",1 Tim. 4:8;,Bobby Laymon,Keep Seeking God's Kingdom,44,,"Feb 11, 2001",
"Exert, Vigorous,",Remember......the door to the new system has a sign on it......PUSH  HARD!,We must exert ourselves.,Luke 13:24,Bobby Laymon,Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,063,,1998/10/16,7/12/2025
"Exert, Zealous, Persistence, Determination, Pioneering,","A lesson in 'heart' is my little, 10 year old daughter, Sarah, who was  born with a muscle missing in her foot and wears a brace all the time.  She came home one beautiful spring day to tell me she had competed in 'field day'- that's where they have lots of races and other competitive events.  Because of her leg support, my mind raced as I tried to think of encouragement for my Sarah, things I could say to her about not letting this get her down-but before I could get a word out, she said,    'Daddy, I won two of the races!'   I couldn't believe it!  And then Sarah said, 'I had an advantage.'  Ahh.  I knew it.  I thought she must have been given a head start... some kind of physical advantage.  But again, before I could say anything, she said,  'Daddy, I didn't get a head start...  My advantage was I had to try harder!'","Can we exert ourselves a little harder, to serve Jehovah.  Many, even with physical disadvantages are finding ways to do so.",Mic. 4:2;,Bobby Laymon,The Flood Of Noah's Day Has Meaning For Us,6,,1998/01/16,
Exert; Work; Support; Zeal; Action; Pioneer;,'No! the two kinds of people on earth that I mean.  Are the people who lift and the people who lean.'   Ella Wheeler Wilcox.,What kind of people are we?  Do we lift or do we lean when it comes to supporting Christian activities?,2 Tim 4:6;,Bobby Laymon,,,,1996/02/23,
Expediency;,'Expedients are for the hour; principles for the ages.'  Quote:  Hwb.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Expediency;,'No man is justified in doing evil on the ground of expedience.' Quote:  Teddy Roosevelt,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Experience;,"'He who has burned his mouth, blows his soup.'  Quote:  German.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Experience;,'If we could sell our experiences for what they cost us we'd all be millionaires.'  Quote:  A.Vanburen.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Experience,"Big League baseball teams spend tidy sums every spring to help future stars unlearn faulty pitching, fielding & hitting eccentricities that experience has taught them. The rest of us, tend to cling to accustomed ways & solidify them.",Personal experience may be a teacher but not the best one. Experience does not necessarily bring wisdom or success.,Prov. 14:12,"Jan 8, 1961 Aw Page 3",Happy Though Hungry--how Can It Be?,31,,,
Experience,Man about to be hanged: 'This will surely be a lesson to me.' Quote above: recorded by American journalist Irvin S. Cobb.,Personal experience may be a teacher but not the best one.,Prov. 14:12,"Jan 8, 1961 Aw Page 3",Happy Though Hungry--how Can It Be?,31,,,
"Experience,","'Experience is a good teacher, but her fees are very high.' Quote: W.R. Inge (1860-1954)",How much better to learn from the experience of others.,Pr 1:7,Quotes,Happy Though Hungry--how Can It Be?,31,,,
"Experience,",'Experience is what you get when you don't get what you want.'  Quote: Dan Stanford.,Experience can be useful to avoid other mistakes.,Leviticus 5:15;,Bobby Laymon - Reader's Digest,,,,1996/03/22,
"Experience,",'One thing about experience is that when you don't have very much you're apt to get a lot.'  Quote: Franklin P. Jones.,Experience can be a costly teacher.,Ps 19:7;,Bobby Laymon - Reader's Digest,,,,1996/03/25,
"Experience, Age, Youth, Older, Will, Wit, Judgment,",'At 20 years of age the will reigns; at 30 the wit; at 40 the judgment.' Quote: -Benjamin Franklin.,"As we gain experience in life, we look at it differently.",1 Chron. 23:1;,Bobby Laymon,Is This Life All There Is?,36,,1995/08/25,
"Experience, Amalekites, Lesson, Opposers, Persecution,","Pattern is something to go by, or not to try, if bad. After exodus from Egypt they made an unprovoked attack upon Israel harassing their rear and cutting off the weak and weary. Caused such fear, the spies brought back a bad report. Num 13 & 14",The utter extermination of the Amalekites is a lesson to all enemy,"Exodus. 17:8-13; Deuteronomy. 25:17, 18","Sep 1, 1963 Wt Page 533-5",Bearing Up Under Persecution,57,,,
"Experience, Bible, Guide,","'Experience is the best teacher' Not so! Jehovah, however, does sometimes teach by experience. But what an advantage to have the Bible as a guide.",Far better to learn without costly and painful process of experience.,"Deuteronomy. 8:2, 3","Jun 1, 1961 Wt Page 341; May 15, 1973 Wt Page 312;",Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,,
"Experience, Children, Family, Marriage, Freedom, Youth, Dating,",Larger boats may venture more. Smaller boats should stay near shore.,As children grow we need to let them have more and more freedom.,2 Tim. 2:22; Prov. 22:6; 23:13; Deuteronomy. 6: 4-8; Eph. 5:22-33;,Bobby Laymon,Family Life That Warms The Heart,5,,,
"Experience, Crime,","Of 13,198 persons arrested in 1963 and imprisoned for crimes and then released, 57% were re-arrested three years later. Experience does not always teach.",They had not profited from their experience with law enforcers.,Ecclesiastes. 8:11;,"Dec 22, 1967 Aw Page 19",What The Near Future Holds!,40,,,
"Experience, Cure, Remedy,","'It's a sharp remedy, but a sure one for all ills.'  Quote: Sir Walter Raleigh, on feeling the cutting edge of the axe with which he was to be beheaded.","Even difficult circumstances in life can be used to glorify Jehovah.  All of us have different circumstances, but each one has assets he can use to glorify Jehovah: talent, education, youth, experience, singleness, material things.",Luke 21:1-4;,Bobby Laymon,Glorifying God With All We Have,17,,1995/06/30,
"Experience, Disease, Sick, Listen,",'I have learned much from disease which life could have never taught me anywhere else.'  Quote: Goethe (1749-1832),"We can learn valuable lessons from hard experiences.  However the best way, is to listen to Jehovah.","Ps 19:7; 49:10; 58:4, 5;",Wisdom Of The Ages,Never Become Dull In Your Hearing,9,,,
"Experience, Example, Fools, Wisdom,","'Experience keeps a dear school, but fools will learn in no other.'  Quote: Benjamin Franklin.","Sometimes it takes a really hard experience to educate someone.  Even then, many will not learn.",Pr 16:25;,Bobby Laymon,Does Your Thinking Agree With God's?,53,,1995/07/17,
"Experience, Growth, Progress,","Two men hanging to rock on mountain.  One is an experienced mountain climber, (high tensile rope, all the right equipment) Mountain-wise!  Second man, not experienced, bought rope from local hardware store, improper gear.","Youths can gain valuable experience, from God's Word, the organization, and service to Jehovah.",Pr 1:4; 4:7;,Jr. McMahan,Keep Growing In Your Relationship With God,16,,,
"Experience, Growth, Progress, Wisdom, Future, Improve,",How old are you?  15?  Do you know more than when you were 10? Are you now 20?  Do you know more than when you were 15?,"It is easy to look back and see that age makes one wiser.  It is hard to look ahead and see that.  Youths can gain valuable experience in Jehovah's organization.  (As they say, 'Hind-sight is 20/20.  Listen to older experienced ones)",Pr 1:4; 4:7;,Jr. McMahan,Acquiring A Heart Of Wisdom,73,,,
"Experience, Information, Knowledge,",'Information's pretty thin stuff unless mixed with experience.'  Quote: Clarence Day.,Knowing Jehovah requires intimate acquaintance and experience over a period of time.,2 Sam 1:1-16;,Bobby Laymon - Reader's Digest,How Well Do You Know God?,1,,1996/03/19,
"Experience, Knowledge, Bible,",'Information is pretty thin stuff unless mixed with experience.'  Quote: Clarence Day,The Bible is packed with true-life experiences of all kinds that can make us wiser then those older than us.,Ps 19:7; 119:98;,Bobby Laymon,Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,,
"Experience, Knowledge, Bible, Dedication,",'Be curious always!  For knowledge will not acquire you; you must acquire it.'  Quote: Sudie Back,"We must keep seeking knowledge, wisdom, fear of Jehovah.","Ps 14:2; Pr 2:3, 4; Mt 6:33; 7:7, 8;",Bobby Laymon,Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,,
"Experience, Last Days, Understanding, Wisdom, Discernment, Armageddon, Blind, Signs,","A city dog can go into the woods, come across a skunk, and see only a little black-and-white kitty to play with. By bitter experience it learns differently, and the next time it sees a skunk it sees in it more than a black-and-white kitty, though that is all that meets the eye.","Similarly, a man may see that upon this generation have come unprecedented wars, famines, pestilences, earthquakes, fears, anxieties, delinquencies and other woes. But if his vision ends there, if he does not see in these things the sign of Jesus' second presence, then he is spiritually blind.",Mt 24:1-22;,W53 8/15 486,What The Near Future Holds!,40,,1994/05/13,
"Experience, Learn, Complain,","George got stung by a bee and said,  'I wouldn't have got stung if I'd stayed in bed.'  Fred got stung and we heard him roar,  'What am I being punished for?'   Lew got stung and we heard him say,  'I learned something' about bees today.'","We can complain about bad experiences, but it is better to learn.",1 Cor. 10:11;,Bobby Laymon,,,,"Feb 12, 2001",
"Experience, Lesson,",A burned child dreads the fire.,Experiences can be painful and unforgettable lessons.,"Rom. 15:3; Heb. 12:2, 3; Ecclesiastes. 9:11",Bobby Laymon,Happy Though Hungry--how Can It Be?,31,,,
"Experience, Lesson,",Everything isn't in a book.,Valuable lessons can be learned by experience.,"Rom. 15:3; Heb. 12:2, 3; Ecclesiastes. 9:11",Bobby Laymon,Happy Though Hungry--how Can It Be?,31,,,
"Experience, Lesson,",Good judgment comes from experience; Experience comes from bad judgment.,We don't necessary have to have one to have the other.,"Rom. 15:3; Heb. 12:2, 3; Ecclesiastes. 9:11",Bobby Laymon,Happy Though Hungry--how Can It Be?,31,,,
"Experience, Lesson,","Lightening doesn't strike twice in the same place. However, it does strike over and over in same place.",The lesson most learn from experience.,"Rom. 15:3; Heb. 12:2, 3; Ecclesiastes. 9:11",Bobby Laymon,Happy Though Hungry--how Can It Be?,31,,,
"Experience, Lesson,",Make lemonade out of your lemons.,Use hard lessons to benefit in the future.,"Rom. 15:3; Heb. 12:2, 3; Ecclesiastes. 9:11",Bobby Laymon,Happy Though Hungry--how Can It Be?,31,,,
"Experience, Lesson,",Misfortune: The kind of fortune that never misses.,Time and unforeseen occurrence.,"Ecclesiastes. 9:11; Rom. 15:3; Heb. 12:2, 3; Eccl. 9:11",Bobby Laymon,Happy Though Hungry--how Can It Be?,31,,,
"Experience, Lesson,","Once bit, best forget.","We can learn from hard lessons, if we don't forget.","Rom. 15:3; Heb. 12:2, 3; Ecclesiastes. 9:11",Bobby Laymon,Happy Though Hungry--how Can It Be?,31,,,
"Experience, Lesson,","Once burned, is a lesson learned.",Experience can be a painful lesson.,"Rom. 15:3; Heb. 12:2, 3; Ecclesiastes. 9:11",Bobby Laymon,Happy Though Hungry--how Can It Be?,31,,,
"Experience, Lesson,","The miller cannot grind, with water that is past.  Look to future.",Must not worry about what might have been.,"Rom. 15:3; Heb. 12:2, 3; Ecclesiastes. 9:11",Bobby Laymon,Happy Though Hungry--how Can It Be?,31,,,
"Experience, Lesson,","There are old men, and bold men, but there are no old, bold, men. Must learn from God's Word.",Experience teaches a deadly lesson.,"Rom. 15:3; Heb. 12:2, 3; Ecclesiastes. 9:11",Bobby Laymon,Happy Though Hungry--how Can It Be?,31,,,
"Experience, Lesson,",There's no fool like an old fool.,"Many do not learn from experience, but keep making the same mistakes over and over.","Rom. 15:3; Heb. 12:2, 3; Ecclesiastes. 9:11",Bobby Laymon,Happy Though Hungry--how Can It Be?,31,,,
"Experience, Lesson, Baptism, Dedication,",Look before you leap.,"If something is important, it is vital to give it serious thought.","Rom. 15:3; Heb. 12:2, 3; Ecclesiastes. 9:11",Bobby Laymon,How Purposeful Is Your Life?,60,,,
"Experience, Lesson, Bible, Guide,","Experience is the best teacher. (Many go through life believing that) We can learn from experience of others, through God's word. The one big problem is that an individual sadly winds up learning a lot of things he really did not want to know.","Experience is a good teacher, but not always the best. The Bible represents more than the oldest account of human experience. Presents loving guidance of Jehovah God.","Ps. 19:7; Rom. 15:3; Heb. 12:2, 3; Ecclesiastes. 9:11","May 15, 1973 Wt Page 312",Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,,
"Experience, Lesson, Faith, Worship, Hope,",Every successful person has had failures but repeated failure is no guarantee of eventual success.,Must make our minds over.,"Rom. 12:1, 2; 1 Cor. 1:9; Gal. 5:22; Heb. 11:1; Ps. 37:25;",Bobby Laymon,Have Faith In The Good News,47,,,
"Experience, Lesson, Humility, Pride, Envy, Competition,",The cock-sure youth makes a humble man.,Hard lessons teach humility.,"Matt. 23:12; Gal. 5:26; Luke 12:15; Prov. 16:5, 18; Gal. 5:26",Bobby Laymon,Into The New Order Under Christ's Leadership,56,,,
"Experience, Lesson, Jesus Christ, King,",Ten scars make a man.  Know our weaknesses.,"Jesus Christ suffered as example, and proved himself worthy as king.","Rom. 15:3; Heb. 12:2, 3; Ecclesiastes. 9:11",Bobby Laymon,The Messiah's Presence And His Rule,91,,,
"Experience, Lesson, Success.","Nothing ventured, nothing gained.","Sometimes, we fail, but we must keep trying to succeed.","Rom. 15:3; Heb. 12:2, 3; Ecclesiastes. 9:11",Bobby Laymon,Happy Though Hungry--how Can It Be?,31,,,
"Experience, Lesson, Wisdom,",Profit by the folly of others Bible helps us to become wise,We cannot survive if we make all the mistakes other make.,"Rom. 15:3; Heb. 12:2, 3; Ecclesiastes. 9:11",Bobby Laymon,Acquiring A Heart Of Wisdom,73,,,
"Experience, Mistakes",We can be like a straw in whirlwind of circumstances. Attitudes are habits of thoughts and habits are developed.,Much better to learn from mistakes.,Rom. 12:2,Bobby Laymon,Happy Though Hungry--how Can It Be?,31,,,
"Experience, Mistakes,",'Experience is the name everyone gives to their mistakes.' Quote: Oscar Fingal O'Flaherty Wills Wilde.,"Since we can't go back in time and correct our mistakes, we need to learn from them as mistakes we can benefit from.",Gal 6:5,Bobby Laymon,Decisions You Face--how Will You Make Them?,50,,1995/08/16,
"Experience, Mistakes, Wisdom, Bible, Examples,","THE LION, the Fox and the Ass entered into an agreement to assist each other in the chase.  Having secured a large booty, the Lion on their return from the forest asked the Ass to allot his due portion to each of the three partners in the treaty.  The Ass carefully divided the spoil into three equal shares and modestly requested the two others to make the first choice.  The Lion, bursting out into a great rage, devoured the Ass.  Then he requested the Fox to do him the favor to make a division.  The  Fox accumulated all that they had killed into one large heap and left to himself the smallest possible morsel.  The Lion said, 'Who has taught you, my very excellent fellow, the art of division? You are perfect to a fraction.'  He replied, 'I learned it from the Ass, by witnessing his fate.'",Moral: 'Happy is the man who learns from the misfortunes of others.'  Those who read God's Word can become wise from the examples and mistakes of others.,Ps 19:7;,Aesop's Fables - Bobby Laymon,Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,1994/05/17,
"Experience, Mistakes, Wisdom, Lesson,","'Mishaps are like knives, that either serve us or cut us, as we grasp them by the blade or the handle.' Quote: James Russell Lowell.","Experience can be put to good use in life, or we can keep making the same mistakes over and over.",Heb 5:14;,Bobby Laymon,Keep Growing In Your Relationship With God,16,,1995/08/07,
"Experience, Study - Education- Reading- School",'Instruction ends with the schoolroom - but education ends with life'.  Quote - Robertson,Something must be learned.,Isa. 50:4; Isa. 54:13; John 6:45; Deuteronomy. 4:5; Acts 22:3,Bobby Laymon,Do You Recognize Jehovah's Sovereignty In Your Personal Life?,75,,,
"Experience, Success, Preparation, Pioneer,","'There are no secrets to success.  It is the result of preparation, hard work, learning from failure.'  Quote: General Colin L. Powell.",We must exert ourselves vigorously in Jehovah's service.,Luke 13:24;,Bobby Laymon - Reader's Digest,Renewing The Spirit Of Self-sacrifice,69,,1996/03/20,
"Experience, Trials, Example;",'We learn from experience that men never learn anything from experience.'  Quote: Bernard Shaw.,"This is often the case of mankind.  However, we should learn not only from our own experiences, but those recorded in the Bible.",1 Cor 10:11;,Bobby Laymon,,,,1996/03/09,
"Experience, Wisdom, Bible,","A LION, unable from old age and infirmities to provide himself  with food by force, resolved to do so by artifice.  He returned  to his den, and lying down there, pretended to be sick, taking care that his sickness should be publicly known.  The beasts  expressed their sorrow, and came one by one to his den, where the Lion devoured them.  After many of the beasts had thus disappeared, the Fox discovered the trick and presenting himself  to the Lion, stood on the  outside of the cave, at a respectful  distance, and asked him how he was.  'I am very middling,' replied the Lion, 'but why do you stand without? PRAY enter  within to talk with me.'  'No, thank you,' said the Fox.  'I  notice that there are many prints of feet entering your cave, but  I see no trace of any returning.'",Moral: 'He is wise who is warned by the misfortunes of others.'  Learn from mistakes of others.  The Bible makes us wise beyond our years of experience.,Ps 19:7;,Aesop's Fables - Bobby Laymon,Acquiring A Heart Of Wisdom,73,,,
"Experience, Wisdom, Prophecy, Future,",'Experience is the only prophecy of wise men.' Quote: Alphonse de Lamartine. -1847,"We can look at the many prophecies already fulfilled in the Bible, and gain valuable information regarding our own future.",Rom 15:4,Bobby Laymon,Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,1995/07/18,
Experience;,'A burned child dreads the fire.'  Quote:  English.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Experience;,'A good scare is worth more to a man than good advice.'  Quote:  Edgar Hose.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Experience;,'A man begins to cut his wisdom teeth the moment he bites off more than he can chew.'  Quote:  Rotarian.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Experience;,"'After the event, even a fool is wise.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Experience;,"'Considering what experience costs, it should be the best teacher.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Experience;,"'Education is what you get from reading the small print, experience is what you get from not reading it.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Experience;,'Everything I know I learned after I was thirty.'  Quote:  G. Clemenceau.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Experience;,'Experience increases our wisdom but doesn't reduce our follies.'  Quote:  Josh Billings.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Experience;,"'Experience is a good school, but the fees are high.'  Quote:  Hein rich Heine.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Experience;,'Experience is a school where a man learns what a beg fool he has been.'  Quote:  Josh Billings.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Experience;,'Experience is a wonderful thing. It enables you to recognize a mistake every time you repeat it.'  Quote:  Ap.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Experience;,'Experience is not what happens to you; it is what you do with what happens to you.'  Quote:  Aldus Huxley.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Experience;,'Experience is one thing you can't get for nothing.'  Quote:  Oscar Wilde.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Experience;,'Experience is something you get too late to do anything about the mistakes you made while getting it.'  Quote:  Anonymous.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Experience;,'Experience is the comb that nature gives us when we are bald.'  Quote:  Belgian.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Experience;,'Experience is the name everyone give to their mistakes.'  Quote:  Oscar Wilde.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Experience;,'Experience is what you get when you didn't get what you wanted.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Experience;,'Experience is what you get when you're looking for something else.'  Quote:  Mary Poole.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Experience;,"'Good judgment comes from experience, and experience, well, that comes from bad judgment.'  Quote:  Barry Lapatner.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Experience;,'He is truly wise who gains wisdom from another's mishap.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Experience;,'He rides sure that never fell.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Experience;,'He that has been bitten by a serpent is afraid of a rope.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Experience;,'He who is shipwrecked the second time cannot lay the blame on Neptune.'  Quote:  English.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Experience;,'He who likes cherries must soon learn to climb.'  Quote:  German.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Experience;,'He who stumbles twice over one stone deserves to break his shins.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Experience;,'He who suffers much will know much.'  Quote:  Greek.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Experience;,'I have but one lamp by which my feet are guided; and that is the lamp of experience I know of no way of judging the future by the past.'  Quote:  Patrick Henry.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Experience;,"'I hear and I forget, I see and I remember, I do and I understand.'  Quote:  Chinese.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Experience;,"'If history repeats itself, and the unexpected always happens, how incapable must man be of learning from experience.'  Quote:  Gbs.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Experience;,"'If you can learn from hard knocks, you can also learn from soft touches.'  Quote:  Carol Kenmore.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Experience;,'Information is pretty thin stuff unless mixed with experience.'  Quote:  Clarence Day.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Experience;,'Mistakes are their own instructors.'  Quote:  Horace.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Experience;,'Nothing is a waste of time if you use the experience wisely.'  Quote:  Rodin.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Experience;,'One thorn of experience is worth a whole wilderness of warning.'  Quote:  James Lowell.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Experience;,'Some people have had nothing else but experience.'  Quote:  Don Herold.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Experience;,'The scalded cat flees even from cold water.' Quote:  Spanish,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Experience;,'The trouble with experience as a teacher is that the test comes first and the lesson afterward.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Experience;,"'We know nothing about what will happen in the future, but by the analogy of experience.'  Quote:  Al.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Experience;,'We learn from experience that men never learn anything from experience.'  Quote: Bernard Shaw.,Men go from one calamity to the next.  Seemingly never learning.,2 Tim 3:7;,Bobby Laymon,,,,1996/03/12,
Experience;,'We learn from experience. A man never wakes up his second baby just to see him smile.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Experience;,Anyone who has had a bull by the tail knows five or six things more than someone who hasn't.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Experience;,Experience is what causes a person to make new mistakes instead of the same old ones.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Experience;,The essence of skill is extracting meaning from everyday experience.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Experience; Age;,'The more sand that has escaped from the hourglass of our life the clearer we should see through it.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Experience; Agreeable;,'Those move easiest who have learned to dance.'  Quote:  Alexander Pope.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Experience; Knowledge;,'Information is pretty thin  stuff unless it is mixed with experience.'  Quote:  Clarence Day.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Experience; Learning;,'Experience without learning is better than learning without experience.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Experience; Little Things; Progress; Goals;,'Doing little things well is a step towards doing big things better.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Experience; Mistakes;,'Forget your mistakes but remember what they taught you.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Experience; Mistakes;,'If you don't learn from your mistakes there's no sense in making them.'  Quote:  L. J. Peter.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Experience; Mistakes;,'Learn from the mistakes of others. You can't live long enough to make them all yourself.'  Quote:  M. Ban bee.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Experience; Mistakes;,'The fault of another is a good teacher.'  Quote:  German.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Experience; Positive; Attitude;,"'Results! Why man, I have gotten a lot of results. I know several thousand things that won't work.'  Quote:  Tae.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Experience; Trials,'Your own calamity is more useful to you than another's triumph.'  Quote:  Bulgarian.,,,Jk Quotes;,Bearing Up Under Persecution,57,,,
Experience; Trials;,'Bad times are occasions a good learner would never miss.'  Quote:  Rwe.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Experience; Trials;,'Everyone can navigate in fine weather.'  Quote:  Italian.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Experience; Trials; Endurance; Persecution,",'Anyone can hold the helm when the sea is calm.' Quote:  Syrus,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Experience; Wisdom;,'Some people have nothing else but experience.'  Quote:  Don Herold.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Experienced, Learning, Ropes, Knowledge,","Perhaps you are not for sure what to do so would you ask a land man for advice?  Land men were men who were fresh young men from the land that had no sailing experience.  On a big full rigged sailboat there were many ropes to hold different sails up. To some one new it would look like a tangled mess, and he could easily loosen the wrong rope, endangering every one on the boat.  Would you ask a person like that for advise on what to do?  No you would not.  He doesn't 'Know the ropes.'  That term comes from inexperienced sailors who do not know the ropes.  A person who knows the ropes is experienced, wise knows what to do.","In the matter of life, we must learn from mature ones.  Those who have experience in determining right and wrong.  We can use our experience to help and train others.","Psalm 94:14,15; Heb. 5:14;",Jim Kinkade,Jehovah Is 'a Secure Height' For His People,151,,"Oct 30, 2001",
Expert;,'An expert is one who knows more and more about less and less.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Expert;,'The  only thing worse than an expert is someone who thinks he's and expert.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Expression, Communication, Family, Marriage, Children,","A closet in a home can have various feature.  Did you ever have a closet without a light.  You can not use it after dark.  Also there may be hangers, shelves, shoe racks, drawers, etc. in the closets.",Youths should be able to find and express their needs in a family that honors Jehovah.,1 Cor 14:9;,Donald Wolkin,God Comes First In Successful Family Life,110,,1996/07/28,
"Expression, Freedom, Family, Marriage, Children,","Imagine designing a room for your children with no door, no windows.  You would lock your children in.","We must be careful to never do that, but allow expression, ideas and suggestions to flow freely.",Col 3:20;,Donald Wolkin,God Comes First In Successful Family Life,110,,1996/07/28,
Extravagance;,'All decent people live beyond their incomes; those who aren't respectable live beyond other people's; a few gifted individuals manage to do both.'  Quote:  Saki.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Extravagance;,'An extravagance is anything you buy that is of no earthly use to your wife.'  Quote:  Frank Jones.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Extravagance; Wisdom, Greed, Materialism,","'He who buys what he needs not, sells what he needs.'  Quote:  Japanese.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Extremes;,"'Extremes though contrary, have the like effects. Extreme heat kills, and so extreme cold; extreme love breeds satiety, and so extreme hatred; and too violent rigor tempts chastity, as does too much license.'  Quote:  George Chapman.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Extremes;,'I never dared be radical when young for fear it would make me conservative when old.'  Quote:  Robert Frost.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Extremes;,'I would remind you that extremism in the defense of liberty is no vice. And let me also remind you that moderation in the pursuit of justice is no virtue.'  Quote:  Barry Goldwater.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Extremes;,'In everything the middle course is best; all things in excess bring trouble.'  Quote:  Plautus.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Extremes;,'Mistrust the man who finds everything good; the man who finds everything evil; and still more the man who is indifferent to everything.'  Quote:  Johan Lavater.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Eye, Creation, Camera","The eyelid might be likened to a combination lens cap, lens  cleaner, and lens polisher. Quite a design, isn't it?","In snapping shut and then retracting, the eyelid draws a thin film of fluid across the surface of the eye, effectively rinsing it off. It also  polishes the eye's outer surface.    But that tiny, barely noticeable action accomplishes a lot.",Ps 139:14;,G92 3/8 14,Appreciating Marvels Of God's Creation,114,,1994/05/07,
"Eye, Simple, Pioneer, Kingdom",With a wide angle lens on a camera you can see a lot more.  However you cannot focus on anything.  With a zoom lens you can zoom right in and focus on one thing.  A flower for example.,We need a zoom-in lens on our spiritual eyes.   We need to focus on God's Kingdom.,Mt 6:32;,Joseph Wengert D.O.,Taking Time To Meditate On Spiritual Things,67,,1994/04/19,
"Eyelid, Creation,","The eyelid might be likened to a combination lens cap, lens cleaner, and lens polisher.  Quite a design, isn't it?",The blink of an eye; a marvel of creation.,Ps 139:14;,"Mar 8, 1992 Aw Page 14",Appreciating Marvels Of God's Creation,114,,,
"Eyes, Looking, Seeing, Hidden, Secret,","Johnny in kitchen.  No one is looking.  Looking for dessert.  He finds the cookie jar.  He climbs into the chair and manages to pull it down. Just then, his mother comes into the kitchen.  She always does that!  She must have eyes in the back of her head.",Jehovah's eyes are upon us.  He sees every move we make.,2 Chron 16:9;,Robert Schwarze,Jehovah's Eyes Are Upon Us,74,,1999/02/01,
"Eyes, Watching, Monitor","It was the perfect crime.  No one saw him enter or leave the building.  The burglar skillfully avoided and disarmed the alarm system.  There were no sirens.  He left no fingerprints or evidence.  However, the next morning, police were knocking on his door.  What had gone wrong?  The surveillance system, a closed circuit television had silently captured his every move.  Even his car in the parking lot.  He had been caught red-handed.","Today, we are being watched.  Not always by surveillance systems devised by men, but by Jehovah himself.  The ultimate 'eye in the sky.'  Nothing goes undetected.  He is the 'observer of mankind.'",Job 7:20; Pr 15:3,Johnse Laymon,Jehovah's Eyes Are Upon Us,74,,1998/10/27,
Eyes;,'One of the most wonderful things in nature is a glance of the eye; it transcends speech; it is the bodily symbol of identity.'  Quote:  Rwe.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Eyes;,'The eye of the master will do more work than both his hands.'  Quote:  Bf.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Face;,'There is a great difference between painting a face and not washing it.' Quote:  Thomas Fuller,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Facts, Forgiving, Knowledge","'Sometimes it is better to curse the darkness than light the wrong candle.'  At times we realize our brother has something against us. We can rush to him and try to solve the problem before we get the facts, or be like the fellow who took the night job at the dynamite factory.","It is better to get the facts first. This will illuminate matters, so that we can tell the difference between wicks and fuses!!",2 Sam 1:1-16;,Peter Morgan,How Well Do You Know God?,1,,1997/08/12,
"Facts, Judicial, Questions,","A man goes into a drug store and asks the pharmacist if he can give him something for the hiccups. The pharmacist promptly reaches out and slaps the man's face. 'What did you do that for?'  the man asks.  'Well, you don't have the hiccups anymore do you?'  The man exclaims, 'I don't have the hiccups! My wife does!'",It is important to hear the full story or have all the facts before one takes action.,2 Ch. 19:7;,Goldman Collection,,,,"Jan 21, 2001",
Facts;,'A concept is stronger than a fact.'  Quote:  Charlotte Gilman.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Facts;,"'A fact in itself is nothing. It is valuable only for the idea attached to it, or for the proof which it furnishes.'  Quote:  Claude Bernard.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Facts;,'A world of facts lies outside and beyond the world of words.' Quote:  Thomas Huxley,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Facts;,"'Comment is free, but facts are sacred.'  Quote:  Charles Scott.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Facts;,'I often wish that I could rid the world of the tyranny of facts. What are facts but compromises?  A fact merely marks the point where we have agreed to let investigation cease.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Facts;,"'If you get all the facts, your judgment can be right; if you don't get all the facts, it can't be right.'  Quote:  Bernard Baruch.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Facts;,"'Sit down before fact as a little child, be prepared to give up every preconceived notion, follow humbly wherever and to whatever abysses nature leads, or you shall learn nothing.' Quote:  Thomas Huxley",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Facts;,'We should keep so close to the facts never have to remember the second time what we said the first time.'  Quote:  Marion Smith.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Facts; Truth;,'Accuracy of statement is one of the first elements of truth; inaccuracy is a near kin to falsehood.'  Quote:  Tyron Edwards.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Facts; Truth;,'Facts are God's arguments. We should be careful never to misunderstand or pervert them.'  Quote:  Tyron Edwards.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Facts; Truth;,'You can hid de fire but w'at you gwine do wid de smoke?' Quote:  Uncle Remus,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Facts; Truth; Principles;,"'From principles is derived probability, but truth or certainty is obtained only from facts.'  Quote:  Nathanial Hawthorne.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Fads, Grooming, Dress, Fashions, Designer, Clothes,","'Fads change like the weather, and are notoriously short-lived.'",'Do you have any friends so brilliant and who know you so well that they should be making your decisions for you?  Probably not!'  Quote: Sharon Scott in 'How to Say No and Keep Your Friends.',"Rom 12:1, 2","Dec 8, 1994 Aw Page 15, 17;",A Clean People Honors Jehovah,14,,1994/10/31,
Fail;,'A failure is a man who has blundered but is not able to cash in the experience.'  Quote:  Elbert Hubbard.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Fail;,"'A man can fail many times, but he isn't a failure until he begins to blame somebody else.'  Quote:  John Boroughs.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Fail;,"'Failures are divided into two classes--those who thought and never did, and those who did and never thought.'  Quote:  John Salak.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Fail;,"'It is hard to fail, but it is worse never to have tried to succeed.' Quote:  Teddy Roosevelt",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Fail;,'Never give a man up until he has failed at something he likes.'  Quote:  Lewis Laws.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Fail;,'Ninety nine percent of the failures come from people who have the habit of making excuses.'  Quote:  George Washington Carver.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Fail;,'Show me a thoroughly satisfied man and I will show you a failure.' Quote:  Tae,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Fail;,'The only time you don't fail is the last time you try anything and it works.' Quote:  William Strong,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Fail;,'The worst form of failure is the failure to try.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Failure; Effort; Persistence;,'Failure is the path of least resistance.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Faith,"'Our rocket has by-passed the moon. It is nearing the sun, and we have not discovered God.' Moscow radio broadcast.",Many believe only what they see.,Matt. 15:14,"Jul 15, 1962 Wt Page 425",Have Faith In The Good News,47,,,
Faith,"Bacon, beautiful strips, left unattended, shrank up to powder. Lack of attention to our faith can be devastating.","Must not SHRINK back, but have faith, preserving alive soul.",Heb 10:39,Jr. McMahan,Glorifying God With All We Have,17,,,
Faith,"Candle, burned out.","Must refuel our faith, study, meetings.",Heb. 11:1,Bobby Laymon,Overcoming Fear Of The Future,108,,,
Faith,Deeper foundation; stronger the building Each day test different aspect of loyalty,Must be rooted in God's word,Luke 6:46-49,Bobby Laymon,Have Faith In The Good News,47,,,
Faith,"District overseer, give up trailer, and cars, for leased cars. Brothers concerned, Bro Jaracz asked to turn to Matt 6:33.   Used thousands of time to help others, now we needed it.  How we loved the brother for this, and Jehovah's word.",All need faith strengthened,Matt 6:33  Luke 14:28,Sam Herd,At Pioneer School  4-21-1989 St Louis,47,,,6/28/2018
Faith,"Does it require handling poisonous snakes to prove your faith. They point to Mark 16:18 (not found in oldest & reliable ms) Paul did not fondle snakes, shook them off into fire. James pointed to faithful works. Jas. 1:22; 2:14, 26","Some religious groups believe that, & do at regular intervals. Real proof lies in Preaching Good News. Matt. 24:14",Rom. 10:10,"Apr 1, 1959 Wt Page 195",Have Faith In The Good News,47,,,
Faith,"Have you ever walked on water.  Not unless frozen. How could Peter ever think about walking on water.  Jesus 'command' We have overcome MAJOR limitations.  Door-door presentations, Talks, by Jehovah's command. Never thought we could do it.","Peter starts looking at windstorm, & so can we. Satan whips up windstorms, & we start doubting. We see brother slipping, help 'immediately' Matt 14:31 (not wait)",Matt 14:24-31,"Bro Lafranka (bethel Bro) Apr 29, 1990 1 Day Assy.",Have Faith In The Good News,47,,,
Faith,Heads Up.  (protection; danger from above),Last days,Luke 21:28,Jesus,Overcoming Fear Of The Future,47,,,
Faith,House built on sand; other on rock mass,Faith must have good foundation,Luke 6:47-49,Jesus,Have Faith In The Good News,47,,,
Faith,"House: once we have, there is always work to do in that house Requires humility","We must constantly build, repair, maintain faith","Heb 6:7, 8","Kingdom Unity Dist Assy  Uniondale, N.Y. June 23-26, 1983",Have Faith In The Good News,47,,,
Faith,"If a person really believes smoking causes cancer, would he continue to smoke? If you really have faith, you will prove it by works.",His works would show if he really believe. Works verify faith.,Jas. 2:19-26,"Aug 8, 1962 Aw Page 5",Have Faith In The Good News,47,,,
Faith,"If one lived in the path of a hurricane, would he do nothing about the warning? If you really have faith, you will prove it by works.",His works would show if he really believe. Works verify faith.,Jas. 2:19-26,"Aug 8, 1962 Aw Page 5",Have Faith In The Good News,47,,,
Faith,"Imitate (some comedians copy voice or mannerisms) Requires keen discernment, keen perception. 'imitate their faith' Especially the 'faithful slave' Prov. 24:3-6",We don't want to just copy; we should ABSORB some of their FAITH.,Heb. 13:7,"May 1, 1961 Wt Page 272",Have Faith In The Good News,47,,,
Faith,Large shield of faith; grip depends on your thinking. Leaves you exposed to brainwashing.,When thinking enters wrong channel; grip loosens; shield lowers.,Eph. 6:16; 2 Pet. 2:22,"Jul 1, 1961 Wt Page 401",Have Faith In The Good News,47,,,
Faith,"Like Balloon, (air without balloon, not seen) How would you know the air was there if not for the balloon? How would you know you had faith, if not for works.",Faith without works is dead,Jas 2:26,Bobby Laymon,Have Faith In The Good News,47,,,
Faith,Like tree; Faith strengthened with trial Sometimes receive divine protection; Sr. Mill; attacked  'Oh Jehovah; wings & pin feathers' loosed,Develops gradually; gets stronger each year; wind may loosen roots Attackers thought she was crazy and let her go.,Prov 10:9,Bobby Laymon,Have Faith In The Good News,47,,,
Faith,"Like vegetables; God's word must be crisp, and fresh. The passing of time seem to dull memories. Do not permit them to fade into the misty region of stories, but keep them in the clear realm of fact.","Must read and reread the written record to keep fresh, vivid.",Heb. 12:1; 1 Tim. 4:1; Gal. 6:9,"Sep 22, 1960 Aw Page 7",Have Faith In The Good News,47,,,
Faith,"Man built ultra-light plane, wouldn't go up first. Be first to put trust in Jehovah have faith in prayer, to be fulfilled.",Would you?,"Heb. 11:1, 2",Bobby Laymon,Have Faith In The Good News,47,,,
Faith,Olympic body builder; studies what he must accomplish Studies opponent from previous year; new competition; unseen hazards; looks at records; learn from previous winners We must realize what tests will come against our faith or,We must know what our faith is up against will fail.,Luke 14:28-33,Carl Brown,Have Faith In The Good News,47,,,
Faith,Our faith should be like a rock that sinks deep into the earth and cannot be moved regardless of the forces pushing against it.,We need to be unmovable on Jehovah's side,Matt 7:24-27,"Jan 15, 1969 Wt. Pg 41",Have Faith In The Good News,47,,,
Faith,"Pond iced over; not sure about thin ice. test, throw rocks, weight We can re-enforce our faith, through meetings, service, study. Lack of faith, like thin ice, can be very dangerous.","We must keep testing our faith, with God's word.",2 Cor. 13:5,Bobby Laymon,Have Faith In The Good News,47,,,
Faith,"Quote: About Jehovah's Witnesses by J. S. Conway 'No other sect displayed anything like the same determination in the face of the full force of Gestapo terrorism.' Dr. Christine King, 'the Witnesses' numbers had increased and no",Produced fruit under persecution during WWII compromises had been made.',Heb 10:39,"Aug 1, 1990 Page 19",Have Faith In The Good News,47,,,
Faith,"Runner in race, stops to pick up pretty rock, then unusual stick. Can we lighten our baggage.","Everything added excess baggage, slowed down in race.",Heb 12:1,David Pfister-1990 Dist. Assy,Have Faith In The Good News,47,,,
Faith,"Shield of warrior; protected from darts, arrows, sword. Must build up and strengthen our shield of faith",Faith protects Christian from continuous. shower of lies Satan bombard,"Heb. 11:6 Eph. 6:10, 16","Nov 15, 1958 Wt Page 675, 676",Have Faith In The Good News,47,,,
Faith,Some people's faith is more like sandy soil that shifts under pressure or even washes away,We need to be unmovable on Jehovah's side,Matt 7:24-27,"Jan 15, 1969 Wt. Pg 41",Have Faith In The Good News,47,,,
Faith,"Title deed to property; guarantees future possession Faith based on concrete evidence; not credulity Heb 11:4 Able saw tangible evidence; sweat on face, thorns, Heb 11:17-19 Miraculous restore of reproductive. powers",Can be assured of new earth; like deed to property in different state. Heb 12:1 lack of faith 'sin that easily entangles' Positive or concrete evidence of what only appeared to be the case,Heb 11:1,"Sep 15, 1991 Wt Page 10",Have Faith In The Good News,47,,,
Faith,"Would you ride in a car, train, ship or plane if didn't have faith in them?  Faith in strength of building structure, not collapse. Living would become a nightmare of fear if not for faith. Faith in the Creator is just as essential.","Faith is an essential ingredient in human living Our happiness, security and life itself depend upon it.",Heb. 11:6,"Nov 15, 1958 Wt Page 675, 676",Have Faith In The Good News,47,,,
Faith (positive Attitude),Electricity - flows from negative to positive.  We should flow from negative to positive.  Involves faith.,"Accomplishes many things: heats, cools, lights, washer, dryer",Luke 21:28,Bobby Laymon,How To Keep Spiritually Awake!,71,,,
Faith In Man,Bell the cat; who will do it?,Seeming solution will be frustrated.,1 Th 5:3,Aesop's Fable (bobby Laymon),"Need To Get Rid Of Cat, Said Mice.  She's Causing All Our Problem",47,,,
"Faith,",Faith is like a bullet-proof vest.,"It won't keep you from being hit by Satan's missiles, but it will protect you from being destroyed.",Heb. 11:6,Mike Carnifix,Build Your Faith In Man's Maker,54,,"Jul 31, 2000",
"Faith,",Faith was like a ladder until Christ Jesus.  A ladder leading to something else.,"At Jesus' coming, there was an enlarged foundation upon which to base faith.  Faith had been made firmer, taken on new dimensions.",Gal. 3:22-26;,"Sep 15, 1991 Wt Page 12",Have Faith In The Good News,47,,,
"Faith, Friendship, God and Neighbor,","Have you ever helped build a house, or a quick-build Kingdom Hall.  It goes up one 2X4 at a time; one brick at a time.","That is how our faith is built.  One step at a time, until it becomes strong.  One test at a time.  Friendships are built that way.",Heb. 11:6,Mike Carnifix,TRUE FRIENDSHIP WITH GOD AND NEIGHBOR,100,,"Jul 31, 2000",
"Faith,",Have you ever seen germs? People knew they existed before seeing.,"Many things exist, that we cannot see.","Heb. 11:1, 2,",Johnse Laymon,Have Faith In The Good News,47,,,
"Faith,",Have you ever seen Russia?  Do you believe it exists?,We know many things exist without seeing.,"Heb. 11:1, 2;",Johnse Laymon,Have Faith In The Good News,47,,,
"Faith,","It is like a building with 100's of blocks interlocked with other blocks.  All these tie together, support and strengthen each other.","Our faith is build-up of invisible blocks.  They may be invisible to others, but we through experience know they are there.","Heb 11:1, 2;",1997 'faith In God's Word' District Convention; Douglas Calhoun,Maintain Your Confidence Firm To The End,46,,1997/06/12,
"Faith,","It is like keeping healthy with nutritious, body-building food. Stop eating, and gradually strength and vigor leave. A big thing to a Christian is a regular 'feeding program' doing personal research, and study.",Faith is weakened through lack of food from God's Word and soon gives out and its owner becomes the victim of all kinds of enemies.,"Rom. 10:17; 1 Tim. 4:1, 6; Heb. 5:11; 2 Tim. 2:15; Pr. 4:7;","Apr 1, 1968 Wt Page 208",Have Faith In The Good News,47,,,
"Faith,",It is the hidden beams that keep this house from falling.,"True strength does not rest in muscles, but in faith in Jehovah, which can not always be easily seen.",John 14:1; 16:33,"Apr 8, 1969 Aw Page 6",Have Faith In The Good News,47,,,
"Faith,",Most have never seen a nuclear explosion. Do you believe they exist?,"Many things exist, that we cannot see.","Heb. 11:1, 2,",Johnse Laymon,Have Faith In The Good News,47,,,
"Faith,",Planets have been known to exist long before seen by the gravitational pull.,"Many things exist, that we cannot see.","Heb. 11:1, 2,",Johnse Laymon,Have Faith In The Good News,47,,,
"Faith,","The oldest house in America still stands in St. Augustine, Florida.  It is more than 370 years old.","Faith is like a house.  It too can endure, but it must be maintained.",Heb 11:1;,Bobby Laymon - American Essays By Dan Valentine,Have Faith In The Good News,47,,1997/05/12,
"Faith,","We have never seen electricity, but get hold of a hot wire and you become a believer.",Even those who deny Jehovah will be made to know he exists.,Ezek. 38:23;,Johnse Laymon,Have Faith In The Good News,47,,,
"Faith,","We have never seen the wind, but we know it exists.",We know many things exist without seeing.,"Heb. 11:1, 2;",Johnse Laymon,Have Faith In The Good News,47,,,
"Faith, Belief, Spirit, Brain,","'Have you ever seen your God?' the young man asked. 'Just so that you know, I only believe what I see.  Everything else is rubbish.'",'I cannot believe that.  Have you ever seen your brain?  Every thing you do indicates that you have one.'  (told by Helmut Martin of East Germany),Heb 11:1,"May 1, 1992 Wt Page 29",What Is Behind The Spirit Of Rebellion?,33,,,
"Faith, Believe, Doubt,","'Why believe in a God you cannot see?' they say. Yet the same ones have no trouble believing in television waves that are just as invisible. They, of course, can turn on their television sets and see the results of these invisible waves!","Likewise with true Christians, our faith in God is not mere credulity or blind faith. Though God is invisible, all around us there is abundant visible evidence of a Master Designer, a superhuman intellect, a Creator with unmatched power.",Rom 1:20; Heb 11:6;,W85 10/15 22-3,Have Faith In The Good News,47,,1994/07/25,
"Faith, Believe, Doubt,","A farmer plants his seed when the season and weather are right. Soon plants begin to sprout.  With proper care they will grow to be strong and mature, blossoming and producing fruit.","So it is with faith. When a person's heart is right and the seed of faith is planted, this faith must be cared for if it is to grow.","Gal 5:22, 23;",W85 10/15 23,Have Faith In The Good News,47,,1994/07/25,
"Faith, Believe, Doubt,","For millions, one's faith is something into which one is born.","But for true Christians, faith is something that is acquired and cultivated. For them, faith is not 'firm belief in something for which there is no proof,' as one dictionary defines faith.",Heb. 11:1;,W85 10/15 22,Have Faith In The Good News,47,,1994/07/25,
"Faith, Believe, Hope, Promise,","If someone you did not know promised to give you a large, beautiful productive tract of land, tax-free, would you believe him? Inquired further, found this person had establish. lifelong  reputation. of being absolutely trustworthy, and never lied, would you begin",Faith is the title-deed of things hoped for. (assured expectation) to believe?  Then he gave you a DEED. What then?,Heb. 11:1; Heb. 6:18; Josh. 23:14; Ps. 24:1; Deuteronomy. 10:17,"May 1, 1963 Wt Page 280",Exercising Faith Is Like Acting With A Title-deed.,47,,,
"Faith, Believe, Hope, Promise, Bible,","Faith must be childlike, believing, Abraham would have been guilty of criminal act in offering Isaac if he just imagined God wanted him to do it. Lot would have been simple-minded to run away from Sodom on a  bright morning and declare the city about to be destroyed if he had no positive proof.","Yet, must have reasonable grounds.",Heb. 11:1; Heb. 6:18; Josh. 23:14; Ps. 24:1; Deuteronomy. 10:17,"May 1, 1963 Wt Page 282",Exercising Faith Is Like Acting With A Title-deed.,47,,,
"Faith, Believe, Hope, Promise, Bible, Sow, Reap","Does a farmer actually see next seasons harvest before he plants? Why does he labor continually?  All he has is a seed. He reasons: the sun was shining yesterday, & will shine again. The rain of yesterday will come again.","Faith depends on reasoning, based on knowledge. The seed will sprout. Vegetation will grow according to laws of nature. Harvest will be realized.",Heb. 11:1; Heb. 6:18; Josh. 23:14; Ps. 24:1; Deuteronomy. 10:17,"May 1, 1963 Wt Page 282",Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,,
"Faith, Bible,",From early time men have realized the importance of building on a strong foundation. One's faith must be so strong that his spiritual life will not collapse when hard pressed by storms of opposition.,Our spiritual lives must be built on 'rock mass' of God's Word. Must be firmly grounded.,"Matt. 7:24, 25;","Apr 22, 1964 Aw Page 24",Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,,
"Faith, Bible, Obstacles, Mountains, Problems, Difficulties, Pioneering,","You're going down that narrow road, when suddenly an obstacle flops down in front of you.  It hangs over the edge, so you can't go around.  You decide to become a mountain climber.  You get a pick ax and a rope.  You get others to join you and begin the climb.  Really it is not too big a job for a mountain climber.","Life is like that.  Satan puts obstacles in our way.  It may be our job, money, emotions, personality conflicts, health or any other that is like a mountain.  The Bible is our ax.  The rope is our faith.  The key is our climbing gear.  The Bible helps us to see where we can walk.  The rope is tied to us on one end and Jehovah on the other.  Our anchor man will always catch us when we fall.  Have we tested our faith lately.  Our rope?  Is it weak at some point?  We must be careful to not get distracted.  Distraction leads to destruction.  Really, no obstacle will be too big when we have the right Help and equipment.  We look at that mountain and say, 'That's not much of a hill for a climber.","Rev 12;9,12; 1 Cor 9:26,27; Jos 1:7-9; Eph 5:15, 16;prov 3:24;",Greg Cazzell,How To Protect Ourselves From Satan's Snares,115,,1997/05/18,
"Faith, Bible, Science,",Quote: 'I find more sure marks of authenticity in the New Testament than in any profane history whatever.' by Sir Isaac Newton. (noted scientist and critic of ancient writings) Who is God? What is his name? Did he have a beginning?,Very contents of the Bible inspire confidence.  No one has ever successfully challenged the Bible.,"Matt. 7:24, 25; 15:9;","Apr 22, 1964 Aw Page 24;june 1, 1958 Wt Page 351; Feb 8, 1996 Aw Page 9;",Does Your Hope Rest On Science Or The Bible?,80,,,
"Faith, Christendom, Children, Youth,",'Second-hand faith.',"Something which has rubbed off on us from contact with parents, teachers and other influences in our formative years ... but we have never really made it our own.' Dr. Alan Richardson, Dean York",Heb. 11:1; Jn. 13:35; Mt. 7:7; Ac. 17:27;,"Nov 22, 1967 Aw Page 17",Religion's Role In World Affairs.,92,,,
"Faith, Confidence,",I have great faith in fools; self-confidence my friends call it. -- Edgar Allan Poe,Our faith must be well placed.,Genesis. 15:6;,Bobby Laymon,Have Faith In The Good News,47,,"Nov 19, 2001",
"Faith, Contentment, Endurance, Good News, Wisdom, Future,","Does the farmer actually see next season's harvest when he plants the seed? The farmer knows because he has reasoned that the sun that was shining yesterday will shine again, that the rain of yesterday will come again, and that vegetation will still be true to the laws of growth. Faith in the future harvest is based on sound evidence.","Similarly, as we become acquainted with Jehovah and study his works in nature and especially his written revelation, the Bible, we will begin to cultivate confidence in his promises for the future.","Heb 11:1, 2;",W63 5/1 282,Good News In A Violent World,85,,1994/07/30,
"Faith, Creation, Evolution, Science,","Thomas A. Edison ' Until man duplicates a single plant , nature can laugh at his so-called scientific knowledge'",Man in all his wisdom has not been able to reproduce the simplest microscopic life.,Rom 1:20; Ps 19:1;,"Jan 15, 1969 Wt. Pg 44",Does Your Hope Rest On Science Or The Bible?,80,,,
"Faith, Creator, Farmer, Science, Trust, Seasons, Regular,",Scientists are said to have faith in the basic principles governing their particular fields of knowledge. The farmer proceeds on what may be called faith in the regularity of the seasons.,"Actually, this regularity in itself argues for the existence of an intelligent personal Creator.  Also it shows how we should be regular in our worship to him.","Ps 19:1, 2;",W77 4/15 227,On Whose Promises Do You Rely?,61,,1994/07/30,
"Faith, Deeds, Works,","The deed is everything, the glory is naught. Goethe (1749)",Faith without works is dead.,Jas 2:26;,Bobby Laymon,Have Faith In The Good News,47,,,
"Faith, Design,","In the White House in Washington, D.C. there are 25 bedrooms and 29 fireplaces.  There are 20 bathrooms, 129 windows, and 69 closets.  There is a private motion picture theatre, bowling alley, television studio and restaurant-size kitchen.  It has 2,000 electrical outlets, 450 light fixtures, and 500,000 feet of electrical wiring.  Originally, it took 8 years to build.  The first tenants: John and Abigail Adams.  They moved in the middle of November, 1800.  It has had constant remodeling and maintained.","Our faith is like that.  It may start from a small beginning, but as we grow in knowledge and maintain our faith, it grows in strength and value.  The building materials come from God's Word.",Rom 10:17;,Bobby Laymon - American Essays By Dan Valentine,Have Faith In The Good News,47,,1997/05/13,
"Faith, Doubt, Bible,","Faith based on accurate knowledge is a STRONG CHAIN that binds man to God. Yet, as with any chain, it is only as strong as its weakest link.","Therefore it is good to examine our faith, to test it, to see if it can hold up under stress or if it needs to be reinforced.  Keep your binding chain of faith toward God strong by refreshing your mind constantly on his Word; keep it free and bright by constant use. Inspect it for defects and then remedy them.",2 Cor 13:5; Heb 11:1;,W55 6/1 337,Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,1994/07/25,
"Faith, Doubt, Christendom, Babylon, Know, Worship, Survival, Destruction,","Some accuse Jehovah's witnesses of having a 'one-track mind.' Well, what of that? So long as they are on the right track, what matters? That is just what makes the difference between survival and destruction. Jehovah's witnesses may have what is called a one-track mind, but they are not in a rut.","Christendom, on the other hand, has no track at all, but rather is as one wandering about in a trackless desert blinded by the dust storms of religious controversies. They are without faith.","Matt 7:13,14;",W57 2/1 75,How Well Do You Know God?,1,,1994/07/25,
"Faith, Doubt, Knowledge,",WHAT is necessary for you to please God?  You might offer various answers: Live a good life. Do not harm others. Make certain sacrifices for God. Obey his laws. Perform good works. Accept Christ and be sincere in your worship.,"These replies have merit, for they touch on things that you need to do in order to receive God's approval. But something else is so vital that all the above would have no effect without it. That is FAITH.",Heb 11:6,W82 9/15 29,Have Faith In The Good News,47,,1994/07/25,
"Faith, Doubt, Knowledge,","Your faith, then, is a signpost that says you have a reservoir of truth that is available to others.","If that reservoir has evaporated to a dangerous low mark, then you are the first one to suffer losses of blessings from Jehovah God, and those who come to you for faith-building knowledge will have to go away empty-hearted.",2 Tim 3:15;,W68 4/1 207,Have Faith In The Good News,47,,1994/07/25,
"Faith, Doubt, Knowledge, Percent, Degree,","Actually there is no degree of faith, such as fifty percent, sixty percent, or even ninety-five percent, as there is no allowance for anything but one hundred percent faithfulness in order to have God's approval.",It is of interest to note that many men of old were named in the  eleventh chapter of Hebrews because of the manifestation of such one-hundred-percent trust.,Heb 11:6,W67 6/15 364,Have Faith In The Good News,47,,1994/07/25,
"Faith, Doubts,","Doubts about purchasing a new pair of slacks, closely examine the garment, checking its workmanship, fiber content, & price before making a decision. Most legitimate doubts can be resolved by making a close exam-","Check the Bible over carefully, concerning teaching you doubt. examination of the Bible or by talking matters over with a mature, knowledgeable Christian.",Jas. 1:6  Prov. 15:14,"Sep 22, 1990 Aw Page 22",Have Faith In The Good News,47,,,
"Faith, Doubts, Indecision,",If one has cracks in his faith ... Finding out what is truth saves one many faith-retarding moments.,"... then indecision or hesitancy, doubts creep in, footsteps are feeble and ears are open to any kind of direction. Be wise, think the matter out with sound advice from the Bible.",Phil. 4:5;,"Apr 1, 1968 Wt Page 210",Decisions You Face--how Will You Make Them?,50,,,
"Faith, Earth, Paradise, Kingdom, Before 1914, Bible,","Like the morning sun, we do not have to wait for it actually to rise for its penetrating beams to reveal everything in sharp outline.  Before that, in anticipation, the welcome light of dawn gives an increasingly clear picture of the landscape before us.",Faith and God's Word give a clear picture of future.,Prov. 4:18; Heb. 11:1;,"Apr 1, 1967 Wt Page 213",The Kingdom Of God Is Near,109,,,
"Faith, Earth, Paradise, Last Days, Survival, Borders,","Refugees fleeing for their life thrill at sight of the borders of a new country, in hope of freedom from fear, and death. Do well to analyze our faith and strengthen it while we can.","Today, we are standing at the borders of God's new world of righteousness.  Faith is essential.",2 Cor. 5:7; Numbers. 13:1-33; 14:35-38;,"Sep 15, 1991 Wt Page 13",Can You Live Forever?--will You?,35,,,
"Faith, Earth, Paradise, Promises, Jehovah,","'I am not afraid of tomorrow, for I have seen yesterday and I love today.'  Quote: William Allen White.","Those heeding Jehovah's warning need not fear the future.  God's anger will not be directed against them.  We can see Jehovah's past dealings with his people, and how he protected them.",Luke 21:28; Zeph 2:3;,Bobby Laymon,Overcoming Fear Of The Future,108,,1995/06/30,
"Faith, Elders, Meetings, Counsel,","Those building faith will do better to serve spiritual food rather than post signs. Counsel should not be slanted, nor show up our brother's faults in the light of God's Word.","We prepare sermons for those in house-to-house ministry. Why not when we are helping our brothers.  Must be flexible, but certainly well-thought-out point from God's Word.",Luke. 24:32;,"Apr 1, 1968 Wt Page 210",Evidence Of God In The World Around Us,4,,,
"Faith, Elements,","Humans, animals and plants require small amounts of such minerals as cobalt, copper and zinc to maintain normal functions and remain in good health.  Just one fifteen-millionth of an ounce of B12, with its cobalt content, makes the difference between health and illness.  Less will not suffice.  (Called trace elements)","Similarly, faith (plus virtue, knowledge, etc) is essential to the spiritual health and life of the Christian.  Of course, SOME faith is not enough.  More than a small amount is required.  Unlike minerals, you cannot have too much.  Requires balanced diet spiritual food.",Titus 2:2; 2pe 1:5-7; Heb 11:6,"Jun 1, 1970 Wt Page 332",Have Faith In The Good News,47,,,
"Faith, Endurance,",Each obstacle endured or overcome is like building block of faith Together they become a protective wall.,Building and maintaining faith.,"Heb. 11:1, 2;",Johnse Laymon,Have Faith In The Good News,47,,,
"Faith, Endurance,","If we carried our faith around in a bucket, each one could see how much the other had.",Faith can be seen by one's faithful course.,2 Th 3:2; Heb. 11:6;,Tom Cisco,Have Faith In The Good News,47,,,
"Faith, Endurance, Brandmarks, Persecution, Youth,","In ancient times, slaves wore 'Brandmarks' of their master.  It was called 'Brandmarks of a slave.' We may literally carry marks of persecution, as apostle Paul did.","Today, we too may carry Brandmarks due to persecution.  Children at school are often called names, jeered at, laughed at, and branded as 'un-cool.'","Ga 6:12, 17;","Scott Rudolph   (entered Jan 5, 1992)",You Will Reap What You Sow,59,,,
"Faith, Endurance, Persecution, Loyalty,","Anyone can endure when everything is just right.  However, turn the heat up until it is 'white hot' and see if you still love Jehovah.",It is through tests that we really prove our love for Jehovah.,"1 Pet 1:6,7;",Joseph Wengert D.O.,Bearing Up Under Persecution,57,,1995/06/03,
"Faith, Endurance, Promises, Kingdom, Name,","The Capitol of the United States in Washington, D.C. was designed in 1792.  President George Washington laid the cornerstone in 1793. The Capitol was burned by British troops in 1814;  It was reconstructed.  By 1850 it had become necessary to enlarge the building and by 1960 it had been faced with a white marble copy of the original sandstone facade.  The interior of the Capitol is elaborately decorated.  It continues after 200 years of rugged use.  In December 1994 it was fired upon, making it 3 times it was shot at in two months.  Some weeks earlier a small plane crashed into it.",Faith is like a building.  It must be kept in good repair.  It must at times be renewed.  It must be maintained.  We must constantly work at renewing and enlarging our faith in Jehovah and his promises.,Heb 11:1;,Bobby Laymon,On Whose Promises Do You Rely?,61,,1994/12/14,
"Faith, Example, Influence, Association,","Every life is a profession of faith, and exercises an inevitable and silent influence. --Amiel",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Faith, Fight, Determined,","Our fight for the faith is not a 'numbered, timed, ringside' fight.",It is a life-long fight.  A 'hard fight' for the faith.,Jude 3;,1997 'faith In God's Word' District Convention; Douglas Calhoun,Maintain Your Confidence Firm To The End,46,,1997/06/12,
"Faith, Fragile, Tenderness, Kindness, Tact, Introductions,","Resting on a bench in a park I noticed one particular pigeon among many others walking nearby. That pigeon was limping: one of its legs was defective. I noticed that it was due to a string which someone very cruel had long ago wound around both pigeon's legs. One leg became crooked causing lameness. Both legs were still tightened with the string, but loosely so that the pigeon walked like a person wearing fetters. The sight of that poor creature tore my heart apart. I wanted to help it by cutting off the string (it would have not, of course, cured its crooked leg, but would have let its other leg free), but the pigeon would not let me approach.","That episode made me think of the following: Satan put fetters on people causing them much trouble and suffering. They cannot do  anything about these problems without help. Jehovah God sends them help through his servants, but they reject it. At the same time, some  individuals do want help, but they are like that pigeon--just suspicious for different reasons. It may be due to their disappointment with their religion or to the influence of mass media spreading false information about us, etc. Therefore, we should be very careful in approaching individuals and in applying love and showing interest in them.  Faith is fragile--handle with care!",Micah 6:8;,Goldman Collection,"As Christians, We Care About Other People",15,,"Jan 21, 2001",
"Faith, Happiness,",Faith is a window to your heart.,"By your faith, you show others what is in your heart, and to what extent your faith reaches.",Heb 11:1-39;,Fred Tracy; C.O.,You Can Find Joy In Serving God,103,,,
"Faith, Hope, Relief, Vision, Paradise, Earth","WHEN you are traveling through a tunnel or a dangerous area of heavy forest, it is a great relief to see the light of open space ahead. It makes you feel like giving a happy outcry.","More welcome than this is the kind of relief that God is going to provide for mankind, and it can be seen ahead by those who sincerely want peace, justice and right conditions for themselves and their fellowmen.  Right now humanity is walking through a dangerous area, and to have relief in sight would be a cause for a joyful shout. But it takes faith to see that relief is near. This faith is not hard to gain, however, if you look into what God has said and done.",Rom 15:4;,"Aug 1, 1976 Wt Page 453",Have Faith In The Good News,47,,1998/06/05,
"Faith, Impossible, Pioneers,","Faith can fade, waver, or give out.  We must view nothing as 'mission impossible.'  Show faith in God's ability to do the impossible.",Abraham and Sarah had laughed at the seemingly impossible prospect of having a son in their old age.  Many of God's promise seem impossible from a human standpoint.,Ge 8:14;,"Dec 1, 1992 Wt Page 19  (Daniel Sydlik)",Have Faith In The Good News,47,,,
"Faith, Invisible, Creation, Seeing,","CAR drivers cannot ordinarily see around a blind curve.  But with the aid of a mirror placed at the curve, oncoming traffic can be detected and accidents avoided.","Similarly, humans cannot actually see an invisible Creator.  Is there a way to know that such a One exists.  Think about that.  Do you see intelligence reflected in things around us that are beyond human ability to create?",Rom. 1:20,"Aug 22, 2000 Awake Page 10",Jehovah--the Grand Creator,101,,"Jul 31, 2000",
"Faith, Invisible, Presence, Trust,",'Vision is the art of seeing things invisible.' Quote: Jonathan Swift.,We are able to see the invisible.  We have a firm belief that we are now in invisible 'presence' of Jesus.,Jas. 5:8,Bobby Laymon,What The Near Future Holds!,40,,1995/07/14,
"Faith, Jan Hus, Integrity,",'It is better to die well than to live ill.',"Refusing to recant from exposing the Roman Catholic Church Jan Hus was burned to death at the stake in 1415.  Wycliffe's bones were dug up and burned, though dead for 30 years.","Eph. 1:22, 23; 5:25-27;","Mankind's Search For God  Page 312 (entered Jan 5, 1992)",Have Faith In The Good News,47,,,
"Faith, Jesus, Bible, Myth, Belief, Trust, Knowledge,","But how could simple swindlers produce such a masterpiece? Or, as the American scholar Theodore Parker puts it: 'Shall we be told such a man never lived, the whole story is a lie? Suppose that Plato and Newton never lived. But who did their works, and thought their thoughts? It takes a Newton to forge a Newton.",What man could have fabricated a Jesus? None but Jesus.',"Heb 11:1,2;",G82 4/8 4,Have Faith In The Good News,47,,1995/06/05,
"Faith, Jesus, Jews, Identification,","Just imagine applying for a driver's license or credit card and being told that three pieces of identification were not enough, that you must bring hundreds.  How unreasonable.","Jesus lineage, prophecy, and God's approval, gave literally hundreds of facts that identify Jesus as Messiah.  Yet the Jews would not accept him.  They wanted more.","Luke 2:10, 11; 3:21,22; Mk 6:2; John 11:47;","Oct 1, 1992 Aw Page 13",Have Faith In The Good News,47,,,
"Faith, Kingdom,","Some things have to be seen to be believed, others have to be believed to be seen.",We are walking by faith not by sight.,Heb. 11:1; 2 Cor. 5:7,Bobby Laymon,The Kingdom Of God Is Near,109,,,
"Faith, Knowledge, Bible,","Is it any more difficult for God to plant ideas and expressions in willing, fertile minds than to cause tiny seeds to germinate, sprout and grow into towering trees of a forest?","Thus, it would not have been difficult for Jehovah to cause men to write His Word.",Eph. 4:12;,W68 4/1 204,Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,1994/07/25,
"Faith, Love, Loyalty, Study,","Care of a home just begins when the contractor turns the keys over to the new owner.  Everything is new, with all the latest materials for comfort and durability. But immediately the maintenance program begins. Weather, contracting of heat and cold, settling of the foundation and general wear soon produce cracks, chipped corners, broken panes, and multitudes of faulty installations.","The same is true of one's faith. How much time do you spend on faith maintenance? God's Word advises: 'Keep testing whether you are in the faith, keep proving what you yourselves are.'  Mention the elements that chip away faith.",2 Cor 13:5;,W68 4/1 212,Build Your Faith In Man's Maker,54,,1995/01/27,
"Faith, Love, Loyalty, Study,","Faith is linked with growth. Lack of faith is found where growth has stopped or is stunted.  Jehovah says, at Hebrews 10:38: ''My righteous one will live by reason of faith,' and, 'if he shrinks back, my soul has no pleasure in him.''","There is an excellent guide to determine maintenance-watch for any sign of shrinking back. Are you or your family studying less, skipping  your family study? Do you find your explanations of Scriptural subjects a little stingy in understanding? Is your public ministry a hurried get-it-over-with program?",Heb 10:38;,W68 4/1 212,Build Your Faith In Man's Maker,54,,1995/01/27,
"Faith, Love, Works,",They do not love that do not show their love.,Faith without works is dead.,Jas. 2:26,Bobby Laymon,"Friendship With God, Friendship With The World -- Which Will You Choose?",79,,,
"Faith, Maintenance,","A cycle mower is about the highest maintenance machine I know of.  Often, ever 4 or 5 rounds the farmer must replace the broken teeth on the mower.  Otherwise, the field will look like it has been eaten by a child with his teeth missing.",Our faith is also a high maintenance object.  It must be maintained at all times.,Heb. 11:8-10,Mike Carnifix,Build Your Faith In Man's Maker,54,,"Jul 31, 2000",
"Faith, Obedience, Obey,","Visitors to New York are astonished by literally hundreds of sky scrapers that reach many hundreds of feet into the air. Did the builders know what they were building on? Yes, all of Manhattan rests on rock foundation. This is an assurance they will stand.","How can we make sure our Christian structure doesn't collapse? Obedience assures a permanent enduring structure. The lazy, indifferent builder is due for shocking disappointment.",Matt. 7:24-27;,"Jul 8, 1963 Aw Page 5-7",On What Are You Building?,47,,,
"Faith, Persecution, Service, Harold King,","'Knocked on imaginary doors, met imaginary Mr. Carter in Prison Arranged return visits, regular Bible studies. Did it all aloud. Wrote songs: From house-to-house; Selecting the Seed; Answer the call of Jehovah; The Memorial; The Greatest of These is Love; More than a Million Brothers.  (Some of them had 144 verses).",Info: Harold King kept witnessing in prison.,Acts 20:20,"Jul 15, 1963 Wt Page 440",Bearing Up Under Persecution,57,,,
"Faith, Pioneer, Gilead, Details, Completely, Ministry, Stress,","'Some automobile manufacturers have had to recall new cars to rectify faulty design or to replace parts that would give way under stress.  Did not pay enough attention to details.'  Quote: U.V. Glass, Gilead instructor.","By paying attention to Christian qualities, missionaries and pioneers can endure times of stress and they will 'have safe traveling on the highway that leads to everlasting life.'",Mt 6:33;,"May 8, 1969 Aw Page 25",Gaining Comfort In All Our Tribulations,105,,,
"Faith, Pioneer, Gilead, Door,","'You have already passed through many doors!' Quote: W. Wilkinson, class instructor at Gilead.","The door of faith when someone studied with you; The door of the Kingdom Hall where you learned to speak and teach the truth, the doors of Gilead, and now a large door leading to activity. You can now help others through this door-to-door cycle.",Acts 14:27; Col 4:3; 2co 2:12; 1co 16:9;,"May 8, 1969 Aw Page 25",Have Faith In The Good News,47,,,
"Faith, Pioneer, Gilead, Missionary,","A good compass always points the right way.  A compass in an automobile may be affected by other magnetic fields besides that of the earth, and such fields need to be neutralized.","Faith is like a good compass, always pointing in the right direction.  Likewise, this old world produces many influences that can sway or weaken our faith if we let them.  Be delicately aware of attitudes and feelings of others.",Heb 11:1,"Dec 1, 1992 Wt Page 19  (Ulysses V. Glass)",Have Faith In The Good News,47,,,
"Faith, Pioneer, Material Provisions, Food, Prayer","God promised he would feed the sparrows, but he didn't say he would throw the food in the nest.  Not enough just to pray for a job. Must also go out and look for one.",Need to work in harmony with our prayers.,Matt. 6:25-34,Frank Barr,Family Life That Warms The Heart,5,,,
"Faith, Religion, Worship, Christendom,","Faith in Faith-Is That Your Faith?  HAVE you ever heard the statement or perhaps made it yourself: 'What a man believes is not important just so long as he believes'? If so, did you know that that is the very teaching of certain leading Oriental religions? Yes, they hold that doctrine or teaching is not important but that religion of itself, any religion, is a good thing.","Commenting on this current trend, a feature writer in the American monthly Cosmopolitan once stated: 'We have evolved a strange sort of religious utterance, what sociologist Will Herberg calls 'faith in faith.''",Heb 11:1;,W61 7/15 421,Have Faith In The Good News,47,,1995/01/24,
"Faith, Ridicule, Adversity, Persecution,","'It is commonly said, ridicule is the best test of truth.'  Quote: Philip Dormer Stanhope.","Many who ridicule Christian faith manifest faith in other ways.  However, the truth will stand up to any test of faith.",Ecclesiastes 1:5-7;,Bobby Laymon,Build Your Faith In Man's Maker,54,,1995/07/14,
"Faith, Science,","Some put faith in bank account education, government, friends, science,",Our faith must be in the Creator,Luke 18:8,"Jan 15, 1969 Wt. Pg 40",Does Your Hope Rest On Science Or The Bible?,80,,,
"Faith, Science, Hope,",Some people's faith is like quick sand.,"So devoid of substance that not only is it completely lacking in support, but will envelope any one trusting in it.",Matt 7:24-27,"Jan 15, 1969 Wt. Pg 41",Does Your Hope Rest On Science Or The Bible?,80,,,
"Faith, Shield, Satan,","With a large shield, a soldier of ancient time protected himself from spears and arrows.  If he failed to use the shield, he could be seriously wounded or even killed.","Christians face even more deadly weapons - 'the wicked one's burning missiles.'  include: persecution, lies, deceptive philosophies, materialistic attractions, temptations immorality.",Eph 6:16,"May 15, 1992 Wt Page 22",How To Protect Ourselves From Satan's Snares,115,,,
"Faith, Skill, Building, Progress, Advancement, Fire-resistant,","Everyone would love to have a 'dream-house of their own. How nice! The Scriptures encourage you in PERSONAL house-building.  It would be built with sterling qualities of endurance, integrity, steadfast devotion, likened to gold, silver, precious stones.",It would be a house of prospects for everlasting life. A building of personality traits that will survive the fiery time of trouble facing mankind.,"Mt 7:24-27; 1co 3:10-13; Jas 1:4,7,8;","Sep 15, 1970 Wt Page 570",Getting Marriage Off To A Good Start,27,,,
"Faith, Soldier, Fight, Life,",TIME and again the Scriptures liken the course of a Christian to that of a soldier.,"One such instance is where the apostle Paul wrote Timothy: 'Fight the fine fight of the faith, get a firm hold on the everlasting life for which you were called and you offered the fine public declaration in front of many witnesses.'",1 Tim. 6:12.,W64 1/1 30,Have Faith In The Good News,47,,1994/05/07,
"Faith, Spirit, Bible","As the wind, although unseen, moves a sailing ship.",Men were moved to record Jehovah's thoughts.,2 Tim 3:16;,Mike Carnifix,Build Your Faith In Man's Maker,54,,"Jul 31, 2000",
"Faith, Spiritual Health","Good physical health precious; do many things World sick; can infect us; organs diseased; religious, political, commercial 3 dangers: The Flesh, World, Devil","Good spiritual health far more important; everlasting life Infection from outside sources; attitudes, lifestyles, contagious, even limited exposure, gangrene cuts off blood",John 17:3  Heb 11:6  Jas 1:27,"Oct 1, 1989 Wt Page 15-19.",What Does The Healing Of The Nations Accomplish?,111,,,
"Faith, Study,","Faith is often the same condition as a building. Some houses deteriorate because of poor quality or unproved materials and the homes have to be repaired to remain. May have to: strengthen the foundation; examine the weaknesses, before remedy applied.",The same is true of one's faith. How much time do you spend on faith maintenance.,2 Cor. 13:5; Heb. 10:38;,"Apr 1, 1968 Wt Page 212",Have Faith In The Good News,47,,,
"Faith, Study,","Like a checking account in a bank.  You have a good week and deposit $1000.00, and decide to buy something.  You look at your checkbook and you're out of money.  All the figures are there to prove it.  Small items depleted it. You must deposit regularly.","With faith, we make a big deposit, (Assembly, C.O. visit etc.) then test comes and we are low on faith.  Little things have taken it.  Must have personal study each day to renew faith.",Heb 11:1,Sonny Ikerd,Have Faith In The Good News,47,,,
"Faith, Study,","Usually there is more work involved in re-constructing or remodeling a house, than in building a new one. Must strengthen what is weak.","We must constantly work to rebuild lost faith, and to strengthen what remains, when faith has been weakened.",2 Cor. 13:5; Heb. 10:38;,"Apr 1, 1968 Wt Page 212",Have Faith In The Good News,47,,,
"Faith, Study,",Your faith is a signpost that says you have a reservoir of truth that is available to others. We must build faith regularly by feeding on God's Word.,"If that reservoir has evaporated to a dangerous low mark, then you are the first one to suffer losses of blessings from Jehovah",2 Tim. 3:15; Jn. 7:38;,"Apr 1, 1968 Wt Page 207",Have Faith In The Good News,47,,,
"Faith, Study, Bible",A plant will wither and die if not given suitable care.,"Our faith is like that.  Hence, you must receive proper spiritual nourishment.",1 Tim 4:6;,Kl Page 162,Have Faith In The Good News,47,,1995/06/16,1/4/2025
"Faith, Study, Bible, Meetings,",Daily pressures from the world can dull our faith.  All of us need continual 'sharpening.',"The Greek word translated 'to incite' can also mean 'to sharpen.'  When we attend Christian meeting, there is an interchange of encouragement.  'So one man sharpens the face of another.'","Heb 10:24, 25; Prov 27:17;",Kl Page 163,How To Keep Spiritually Awake!,71,,1995/06/16,
"Faith, Study, Dedication, Baptism,","Care of a home begins when you get the keys. Immediately the maintenance program begins. Weather, cold, heat, settling of the foundation, general wear, chipped corners, cracks, broken panes, and multitudes of faulty installations.","The same is true of one's faith. How much time do you spend on faith maintenance.  Like the house, everything is new and bright but must be maintained.",2 Cor. 13:5; Heb. 10:38;,"Apr 1, 1968 Wt Page 212",How Purposeful Is Your Life?,60,,,
"Faith, Study, Dedication, Baptism,",We cannot be like the short-term house owner who reasons that he will avoid maintenance costs and pass the resulting problems on to the next unsuspecting buyer.,We have the hope of everlasting life before us and we need to keep our faith alive and growing. Faith must be maintained.,"2 Cor. 13:5; Heb. 10:38; 1 Th 1:2, 3; Heb. 12:2;","Apr 1, 1968 Wt Page 212",How Purposeful Is Your Life?,60,,,
"Faith, Study, Teach, Bible,",House on rock-mass; house on sand. All not built on solid teachings of Bible will come to ruin.,Faith must be based on solid foundation.,Matt. 7:24-27;,Bobby Laymon,Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,,
"Faith, Superstition,",A writer once observed: 'On the grave of faith there blooms the flower of superstition.',"Therefore, would you not expect Christian religion to counteract and dispel superstitious fear?","1 Timothy 4:1, 7; Acts 20:30",W87 11/1 4,,,,1996/01/06,
"Faith, Survival, Trust, Speech, Curse,","Moses wrote of 'the great and fear-inspiring wilderness,' with poisonous serpents and scorpions and with thirsty ground that has no water.  It is a wonder that millions of Israelites could survive!  Jehovah sustained them.","May this serve as a reminder that Jehovah can sustain us too, even in this spiritually barren world.   We too walk about among serpents and scorpions even if not literal.  We may have to have daily contact with people who have no qualms about spewing  out poisonous speech that could easily infect our thinking.","Deuteronomy 8:15; Ephesians 5:3, 4; 1 Timothy 6:20;","Aug 15, 1996 Wt Page 7",,,,1996/07/16,
"Faith, Tested,",Did you ever get a check in the mail?  It looks valid.  But you have not tried to cash it yet.  Is it as valuable as it appears?,Our faith is like that.  Has it been tested.  We need to keep testing our faith by attending meetings.  Putting away unclean practices.  What degree of appreciation do we have?,Jas 1:13; Php 3:17;,1997 'faith In God's Word' District Convention; forest Barber,Keep Growing In Your Relationship With God,16,,1997/06/13,
"Faith, Tested, Trust, Worth,","YOU might liken it to a check that has not yet been cashed.  You may have received a check for work that you did, for goods that you provided, or even a gift.  That check may look good, but is it?  Is it really worth the amount that appears on it?","In a sense, faith that is untested has no proven worth, and its quality remains unknown.  Our faith must be more than just an appearance or a mere profession.  It must be tested if we are to prove that it has substance and real quality.  When our faith is tested, we may find that it is strong and valuable.  A test may also reveal any areas in which our faith needs refinement or bolstering.",James 1:3;,"May 15, 1998 Page 11",Build Your Faith In Man's Maker,54,,1998/04/27,
"Faith, Training,  Paradigm","I had a dog that wasn't too smart.  He kept running into the fence.  Finally, he learned that you can't go between those two poles.  When I had to take the fence down, he would see another dog and start running but would stop before he got between the two poles.",We must have faith in the things unseen.  We must have unwavering obedience because God's regulations are for our benefit.,Rom 3:12;,Richard Mc Donald,Does God Count You Personally Important?,26,,1996/07/02,
"Faith, Trust,","The crowds at the circus watched with amazement and awe as the high-wire artist worked high over their heads. He crossed that stretch of wire with an ease that belied the fact that one mis-step could be his last. He worked the pole for balance, then used just an umbrella. The eyes of the crowd were locked on to him. Then he grabbed a rope, and dropped down to ground level. He walked up to a wheel barrow on the edge of the ring. He faced the audience and asked, 'Do you believe that I can cross that wire with this?' 'YES!' Shouted the crowd. 'Do you have faith that I can safely push this on the wire?' 'YES!' The crowd called out again.  The high wire artist, spotting a man that had shouted louder than the rest, addressed him, 'Sir, do you have faith that I can do this?' 'Yes! You're the greatest' he replied.  'Then get in the wheel barrow'","Many people say that they believe in God and the Christ. Many will even acknowledge that Jehovah's Witnesses have the truth. But they don't want to 'get in the wheel barrow', to put their lives on the line because of their faith.    OR......Jesus is pushing the barrow. We all need to get in together. Jesus will give us balance and direction across the tightrope of this system.",Heb 11:1;,Peter Morgan,Build Your Faith In Man's Maker,54,,1997/08/11,
"Faith, Trust, Honesty, Money, Materialism,","There could hardly be a more inappropriate place to display the motto 'In God We Trust' than upon money, although that expression does appear on U.S. currency. (Might have them look at a coin)",Is it not a fact that many people put greater trust in money and possessions than they do in God?  It does not lead to lasting happiness.,Pr 16:20; Ecclesiastes 5:12-15;,"Jun 1, 1993 Wt Page 20",Conducting Ourselves Honestly At All Times,10,,,
"Faith, Trust, Priority, Important, Anxiety, Worry, Stress, World, System, Kingdom,","A diver with no breathing apparatus may plunge beneath the water's surface in search of an oyster with a pearl inside it.  This is his means of providing for his family.  A high priority, indeed!  But what is more important?  AIR!  He must surface regularly to refill his lungs.  Air is a higher priority.","Likewise, we may have to be somewhat involved in this system of things in order to obtain the necessities of life.  However, spiritual matters must come first because the very life of our household depends on these things.  To avoid undue anxiety, we must have implicit trust in God.","Matt 6:20, 25-34; 1 Cor 15:58; Neh 8:10;","Nov 15, 1994 Wt Page 24, 25;",'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,1994/10/16,
"Faith, Truth, Return Visits, Watering, Preaching, Growth,","Have you ever tried to dry off your car with a dry chamois?  Or perhaps pick up a small amount of water with a dry sponge?  They reject the water.  Only when they get moist, do they begin to pick up more and more water, until you have to wring them out.","It is like this with the truth.  People will reject it until a little bit soaks in.  Then they will begin to accept it ... a little at first ... then they become thirsty for it.  In time, they will become so filled they have to be 'wrung out' so-to-speak.  This is why we need to make return visits.  In this way we build faith.",Acts 15:36;,Bobby Laymon,Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,063,,1994/08/06,7/12/2025
"Faith, Wisdom,","Young man ridiculed an older brother, saying, 'I believe only what I can see.'  The older brother said, 'Do you have any brains?'",Lack of faith leads to being foolish.,Ps. 14:1;,Johnse Laymon,Acquiring A Heart Of Wisdom,73,,,
"Faith, Wisdom, Knowledge, Bible,","'And he will certainly become like a tree planted by the waters, that sends out its roots right by the watercourse.'  Did you notice where the tree was getting its strength? A good root system, reaching into the water source.",That is the way it is with keeping faith alive. You must have faith-building food.  There is only one place to get that type of food and that is God's Word.,Jer 17:5-8;,W68 4/1 204,Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,1994/07/25,
"Faith, Wisdom, Knowledge, Bible,","For a tree to be healthy and strong, it must have a good root, reaching right into the water source. There is only one place to get that type of food and that is God's word.","To keep faith alive, you must have good faith-building food. Is it any more difficult to plant ideas and expressions in willing fertile minds, then to cause tiny seed to sprout & grow?",Jer. 17:5-8; Eph. 6:17; 2 Pet. 1:21;,"Apr 1, 1968 Wt Page 204",Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,,
"Faith, Wisdom, Knowledge, Bible,","Many have patterned their lives according to man's direction and then maybe half a lifetime later, they find these ideas to be faulty and contrary.","The vacuum made by unfounded teaching have not produced faith, but anemic anti-God political system, inert religious organizations.& lifeless commercial systems.",1 Th 2:13; Rom. 10:14; Jer. 17:5-8;,"Apr 1, 1968 Wt Page 203, 204",Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,,
"Faith, Wisdom, Knowledge, Bible, Science,","The most sincere author is limited by his ability, the availability of material for him, and is certainly shortsighted in the face of advancing sciences.  Not that we say all the wisdom man has accumulated is discouraging or fails to build you up. There is much valuable instruction to be gained.","In addition to this we need God's Word to develop faith. Many years ago Jehovah spoke to Jews this way: 'Cursed is the able-bodied man who puts his trust in earthling man and actually makes flesh his arm, and whose heart turns away from Jehovah himself. And he will certainly become like a solitary tree in the desert plain and will not see when good comes; but he must reside in parched places in the wilderness, in a salt country that is not inhabited.",Jer 17:5-8;,W68 4/1 204,Does Your Hope Rest On Science Or The Bible?,80,,1994/07/25,
"Faith, Wisdom, Knowledge, Creation, Earth, Books, Literature,","'Of the making of books there is no limit, but like the great number of fish in the sea, it is the comparatively few that are worth the taking.' Quote: Professor March. Many burned during Paul's missionary visit to Ephesus.",The Bible eliminates a lot of man's wisdom and points to the source of true wisdom.  God's Word.,Ecclesiastes. 12:9-12; Acts 19:19,"Apr 1, 1968 Wt Page 201, 202",Acquiring A Heart Of Wisdom,73,,,
"Faith, Wisdom, Knowledge, Creation, Earth, Books, Literature,","Like frozen thoughts, libraries store the record of man's errors, failures and accomplishments, documents, rare books, talking books & Braille for the sightless, maps, slides, films, musical records, medals, coins, plays, newspapers, art, microfilm.","Yet cannot compare to the earth's vast storehouse of information covering 196,951,072 sq. mi. of creative wisdom on display. Add to this, God's Word, the Bible.",Ecclesiastes. 3:12; 2 Th 3:2; Rom. 1:20; Josh. 23:14; Heb. 11:4;,"Apr 1, 1968 Wt Page 201, 202",Appreciating Marvels Of God's Creation,114,,,
"Faith, Wisdom, Knowledge, Creation, Earth, Books, Literature,","The Library of Congress with 12,000,000 books covers 36 acres of floor space, and 250 miles of shelves.  Russia's Leningrad library contains 14,500,000 books.  Vast storehouse of knowledge.","There is still a more impressive place to learn. Greater than all of man's libraries combined, its size is 196,951,072 sq. mi. The earth makes an impressive libraries, with wisdom on display",Ecclesiastes. 3:12; 2 Th 3:2; Rom. 1:20; Josh. 23:14; Heb. 11:4;,"Apr 1, 1968 Wt Page 201",Appreciating Marvels Of God's Creation,114,,,
"Faith, Wisdom, Knowledge, Creation, Earth, Books, Literature,","There are thousands of reservoirs of knowledge in the earth where information covering every field of earthly activity is kept for constant use. Man has recorded millions of book in libraries in ever corner of the earth. Called, 'the memory of the human race.'","There is still a more impressive place to learn. Greater than all of man's libraries combined, its size is 196,951,072 sq. mi. The earth makes an impressive libraries, with wisdom on display",Ecclesiastes. 3:12; 2 Th 3:2; Rom. 1:20; Josh. 23:14; Heb. 11:4;,"Apr 1, 1968 Wt Page 201",Acquiring A Heart Of Wisdom,73,,,
"Faith, Witnesses, Fame,","Some people like to go to the 'Hall of Fame' of certain sportsmen, musicians, etc.  Some would like to be personally represented there.",The Bible describes a 'Hall of Faith.'  There is a long list of them in the book of Hebrews.,"Heb. 11:4, 5, 7;","Sep 1, 1995 Wt Page 9 Para 5.  David Pfister -",Have Faith In The Good News,47,,1995/10/16,
"Faith, Works,","An old Scotsman was operating a small rowboat for transporting passengers across one of the little lakes in Scotland. One day a passenger noticed that he had carved on one oar the word 'Faith' and on the other oar the word 'Works.' Curiosity led him to ask the meaning of this. The old man said, 'I will show you.' He dropped one oar and applied the other called 'Works,' and they just went around in circles. Then he dropped that oar and began to apply the one called  'Faith,' and the little boat went around in circles again--this time the other way around.","After this demonstration, the old man picked up both 'Faith' and 'Works' and applying both oars together sped swiftly over the water, explaining to his inquiring passenger, 'You see, that is the way it is in life as well as in the boat.'",James 2:26;,Peter Morgan,Build Your Faith In Man's Maker,54,,1997/08/11,
"Faith, Works,","What if you had the finest horse money could buy?  The best bloodline.  It is worth thousands of dollars.  The finest one ever to go through the American Royal in Kansas City, Missouri.  It died!  How much is it worth dead?  Nothing!  You may have to pay someone to have it hauled off.  Don't ever let anyone tell you a dead horse is worth as much as a live one.",It is likewise with faith.  Faith without works is like a dead horse.  It is of no value what-so-ever.,James 2:26;,1997 'faith In God's Word' District Convention; David Carey,Build Your Faith In Man's Maker,54,,1997/06/12,
"Faith, Works, Apply, Knowledge, Listen, Hear, Obey,",Imagine a donkey carrying a large pack of books on its back.  It can't read them!  All that knowledge only weighs it down.,"Likewise, if we hear and don't apply what we learn, that knowledge will do us no more good than the donkey. We must not become 'hearers only'","1 Co 9:26, 27; Jas 1:22; 1 Sam 15:22; Mt 7:24, 25;","Aug 1, 1992 Wt Page 18  (warren Satterfield's Comment)",Never Become Dull In Your Hearing,9,,,
"Faith, Works, Sincere, Salvation,","A young man may court a young lady, telling her that he loves her but never asks her to marry him. Is he really demonstrating love? We cannot earn salvation, no matter what we do. Life is a gift from Jehovah.","Likewise, works are a means of demonstrating the genuineness of our faith and our love.",James Chap 2,"Reasoning From The Scriptures, Page 132",Who Can Be Saved?,126,,,
"Faith, World, Associations, Attitude, Negative, Positive,","Seventy percent of the earth is water.  Yet all that water cannot sink a single ship, unless it gets inside.",We must not let the world's attitude get inside us.  It can shipwreck our faith.,1 Tim 1:19;,Kevin Dabbs,On Whose Promises Do You Rely?,61,,1996/11/11,
"Faith, Worship, Christendom, Babylon,",Ten little bottles Religion; take blindly without checking out. Might be poison,"1 is medicine; 9 poison; medicine cab. in night, chance taking",Re 18:4,Johnse Laymon,Religion's Role In World Affairs.,92,,,
"Faith, Worship, Hope,","A believer is a bird in a cage, a free-thinker is an eagle parting the clouds with tireless wing.","We must believe, have faith, and act in harmony with.",1 Cor. 1:9; Gal. 5:22; Heb. 11:1; Ps. 37:25; Josh. 23:14;,Bobby Laymon (wisdom Of The Ages..Quotes),Have Faith In The Good News,47,,,
"Faith, Worship, Hope,",Faith begins where Reason sinks exhausted.,Faith is a large shield. Eph. 6:,1 Cor. 1:9; Gal. 5:22; Heb. 11:1; Ps. 37:25; Josh. 23:14;,Bobby Laymon (wisdom Of The Ages..Quotes),Have Faith In The Good News,47,,,
"Faith, Worship, Hope,","Faith removes greed, fear and pride; it teaches courtesy and wins respect; it frees one from the bondage of circumstances; it gives on the courage to meet hardship; it gives on power to over- come temptation.",Without it we cannot please God.,1 Cor. 1:9; Gal. 5:22; Heb. 11:1; Ps. 37:25; Josh. 23:14;,Bobby Laymon (wisdom Of The Ages..Quotes),Have Faith In The Good News,47,,,
"Faith, Worship, Hope,",He who believes ---He can!,Faith must be exercised.,Jas. 2:21;1 Cor. 1:9; Gal. 5:22; Heb. 11:1; Ps. 37:25; Josh. 23:14,Bobby Laymon,Have Faith In The Good News,47,,,
"Faith, Worship, Hope,","Hope and patience are two sovereign remedies for all, the surest reposal, the softest cushions to lean on in adversity.",Without faith it is impossible to please God.,"1 Cor. 1:9; Gal. 5:22; Heb. 11:1,6; Ps. 37:25; Josh. 23:14;",Bobby Laymon (wisdom Of The Ages..Quotes),Have Faith In The Good News,47,,,
"Faith, Worship, Hope,","Hope is a good breakfast, but it is a bad supper.",Hope unfulfilled is sad indeed.,1 Cor. 1:9; Gal. 5:22; Heb. 11:1; Ps. 37:25; Josh. 23:14;,Bobby Laymon (wisdom Of The Ages..Quotes),Have Faith In The Good News,47,,,
"Faith, Worship, Hope,",Hope is the only good which is common to all men; those who have nothing more possess hope still.,All Jehovah's creation need hope.,Rom. 8:22; 1 Cor. 1:9; Gal. 5:22; Heb. 11:1; Ps. 37:25; Josh. 23:1,Bobby Laymon (wisdom Of The Ages..Quotes),Have Faith In The Good News,47,,,
"Faith, Worship, Hope,",Hope is the pillar that holds up the world.,Anchor to the soul.,1 Cor. 1:9; Gal. 5:22; Heb. 11:1; Ps. 37:25; Josh. 23:14;,Bobby Laymon (wisdom Of The Ages..Quotes),Have Faith In The Good News,47,,,
"Faith, Worship, Hope,",Hopes are but the dreams of those who are awake.,"Hopes based on faith, can really come true.",1 Cor. 1:9; Gal. 5:22; Heb. 11:1; Ps. 37:25; Josh. 23:14;,Bobby Laymon (wisdom Of The Ages..Quotes),Have Faith In The Good News,47,,,
"Faith, Worship, Hope,","Man is, properly speaking, based upon hope, he has no other possession but hope; this world of his is emphatically the place of hope.","Hope is indeed, an anchor to the soul.",1 Cor. 1:9; Gal. 5:22; Heb. 6:19; 11:1; Ps. 37:25; Josh. 23:14;,Bobby Laymon (wisdom Of The Ages..Quotes),Have Faith In The Good News,47,,,
"Faith, Worship, Hope,","No iron chain, or outward force of any kind, could ever compel the soul of man to believe or disbelieve.","Faith, hope originate from the heart.",1 Cor. 1:9; Gal. 5:22; Heb. 11:1; Ps. 37:25; Josh. 23:14;,Bobby Laymon (wisdom Of The Ages..Quotes),Have Faith In The Good News,47,,,
"Faith, Worship, Hope,",Nothing is so firmly believed as what we least know.,Faith must not be based on what has no foundation.,Heb. 11:1; 1 Cor. 1:9; Gal. 5:22; Heb. 11:1; Ps. 37:25; Josh. 23:1,Bobby Laymon (wisdom Of The Ages..Quotes),Have Faith In The Good News,47,,,
"Faith, Worship, Hope,","On a long journey of human life, faith is the best of companions; it is the best refreshment on the journey; and it is the greatest property.",Rewards of faith.,1 Cor. 1:9; Gal. 5:22; Heb. 11:1; Ps. 37:25; Josh. 23:14;,Bobby Laymon (wisdom Of The Ages..Quotes),Have Faith In The Good News,47,,,
"Faith, Worship, Hope,","Our conduct is influenced not by our experience, but by our expectations.","We should always act, and hope for good.",1 Cor. 1:9; Gal. 5:22; Heb. 11:1; Ps. 37:25; Josh. 23:14;,Bobby Laymon,Have Faith In The Good News,47,,,
"Faith, Worship, Hope,","The beginning of faith is the beginning of fruitfulness; but the beginning of unbelief, however glittering, is empty.",Faith strengthens.,1 Cor. 1:9; Gal. 5:22; Heb. 11:1; Ps. 37:25; Josh. 23:14;,Bobby Laymon (wisdom Of The Ages..Quotes),Have Faith In The Good News,47,,,
"Faith, Worship, Hope,",The hours we pass with happy prospects in view are more pleasing than those crowded with fruition.,Attendance at meetings.,1 Cor. 1:9; Gal. 5:22; Heb. 11:1; Ps. 37:25; Josh. 23:14;,Bobby Laymon (wisdom Of The Ages..Quotes),Have Faith In The Good News,47,,,
"Faith, Worship, Hope,",The only faith that wears well and holds its color in all weathers is that which is woven of conviction.,Faith must have a solid foundation.,1 Cor. 1:9; Gal. 5:22; Heb. 11:1; Ps. 37:25; Josh. 23:14;,Bobby Laymon (wisdom Of The Ages..Quotes),Have Faith In The Good News,47,,,
"Faith, Worship, Hope,",There are no atheists in the fox hole.,"Man has an inherent need for worship, and to believe in God.",1 Cor. 1:9; Gal. 5:22; Heb. 11:1; Ps. 37:25; Josh. 23:14;,Bobby Laymon,Have Faith In The Good News,47,,,
"Faith, Worship, Hope,","True hope is swift, and flies with swallow's wings: Kings it makes gods, and meaner creatures kings.",True hope can improve any situation.,1 Cor. 1:9; Gal. 5:22; Heb. 11:1; Ps. 37:25; Josh. 23:14;,Bobby Laymon (wisdom Of The Ages..Quotes),Have Faith In The Good News,47,,,
"Faith, Worship, Hope, Promise, Vow, Future,",Vows begin when hope dies.,"Jehovah stepped in with an oath, when man's future was dead.","Heb. 6:17, 18; 1 Cor. 1:9; Gal. 5:22; Heb. 11:1; Ps. 37:25;",Bobby Laymon (wisdom Of The Ages..Quotes),Have Faith In The Good News,47,,,
Faith;,'Deep faith eliminates fear.'  Quote:  Lec Walesa.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Faith;,'Don't be afraid to go out on a limb. That' where the fruit is.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Faith;,'Don't be afraid to take a big step. You can't cross a chasm in two small jumps.'  Quote:  D. L. George.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Faith;,'Faith is believing what you know ain't so.'  Quote:  Mt.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Faith;,'Faith is like radar that sees through fog....the reality of things at a distance that the human eye cannot see.'  Quote:  Corrie Boom.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Faith;,'Faith is one of the forces by which men live; and the total absence of it means collapse.' Quote: William James,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Faith;,'Faith means not wanting to know what is true.'  Quote:  Nietzsche.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Faith;,'He who never sticks his neck out never wins by a nose.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Faith;,"'Its not dying for faith that is so hard, its living up to it.' Quote:  William Thackeray",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Faith;,'Some things have to be believed to be seen.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Faith;,'The smallest seed of faith is better than the largest fruit of happiness.'  Quote:  Hdt.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Faith;,'To put one's trust in God is only a longer way of saying that one will chance it.'  Quote:  Sam Butler.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Faith;,'Trust everybody but cut the cards.'  Quote:  Finley Dune.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Faith;,'Trust in God but tie your camel.'  Quote:  Persian.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Faith;,'Why not go out on a limb?  Isn't that where the fruit is?'  Quote:  Frank Seully.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Faith; Action; Inaction; Activity; Works;,'Inactivity is death.'  Quote:  Mussolini.,"Faith is like that.  It is inactive, it is dead.",Jas 2:26;,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Faith; Belief,'Faith is much better than belief. Belief is when someone else does the thinking.'  Quote:  R. Fuller.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Faith; Belief;,'I can believe anything provided it is incredible.'  Quote:  Oscar Wilde.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Faith; Belief;,"'We are born believing. A man bears beliefs, as a tree bears apples.'  Quote:  Rwe.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Faith; Change; Progress; Chance;,"'Why not go out on the limb, isn't that where the fruit is?'  Quote:  Frank Scully.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Faith; Credulity; Spirit; Laws; Gravity;,"Hold up pen!  Now, all of you know what will happen if I turn this loose.  It is going to fall.  (Turn loose)  See, the gravity is there, although we can't see it.","Faith is like that.  It may not always be seen, but it is there.",Heb 11:1;,Carl Brown,,,,1996/03/04,
Faith; Danger; Animals;,"'Behold the turtle, he makes progress only when he sticks his neck out.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Faith; Hope; Future; Earth; Anxiety; Coping; Paradise,"Suppose you were in a caravan of vehicles the leaders of which said they were leading you to a beautiful, fertile, warm land. They told you that the road might be rough at the start but would soon improve; that, though hilly to begin with, it would soon level out; and that, even though supplies might be quite scarce for a time, they would become more abundant the farther along you traveled. But if the road kept getting rougher instead of smoother, if the hills became, not plains, but mountains, if supplies became ever harder to come by, and if, instead of seeing greater beauty, fertility and warmth, you found things becoming more and more desolate, barren and cold-how long would it be before you began to question whether you were heading in the right direction?  If others in the caravan insisted on going on, denounced any other view as 'pessimism,' called for greater faith in the caravan's leaders, would this sway you? Suppose signs warned of grave danger ahead, a bridge out, a landslide or a cave-in of the road-would you still risk your life and that of those with you because the majority determined to continue on?","Do we face a similar situation today earth wide? Look at, not just one feature of the conditions we are passing through, but the whole pattern of things. See what they add up to, what they tell us as to the direction in which this world is heading.",Heb. 11:1;,G73 10/8 4,A Cleansed Earth--will You Live To See It?,49,,1999/01/12,
Faith; Strength; Refuge; Persecution; Bear Up;,"Today, people use concrete for strength in buildings, skyscrapers, bridges and highways.  Concrete is viewed as a symbol of strength.  In fact, however concrete is not very strong.  You can take a hammer and break an 8-inch concrete block.  Actually, concrete will not even support its own weight in a span.  It is the re-bar, or reinforcement that gives it strength.",We are like that.  None of us are spiritual giants.  It is in Jehovah that we find our strength.  He is our 're-bar' or reinforcement.,"2 Sam 22:2, 3;",Charles Francis And Carl Brown,Are You Really Making Jehovah Your Stronghold?,18,,1996/03/04,
Faith; Truth;,'Faith embraces many truths which seem to contradict each other.' Quote:  W. F. Trotter,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Faith; Truth;,'Faith has need of the whole truth.'  Quote:  Pierre Chardin.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Faithful Slave,"Microwave, unplugged and turn on, does nothing.",We must be plugged in to the channel of Jehovah's spirit.,Matt 24:45-47,Bobby Laymon,Have Faith In The Good News,47,,,
Faithful Slave,"More than 80 strokes of Bible prophecies, painted vividly accurate portrait of official servant class on earth. Examples: Noah's wife; gleanings; Joseph & Benjamin; two spies to Rahab; King's daughter; intimate group; Shearjashub; Jew; wheat;",Over 80 prophetic designations. (See listing in Source Material) little flock; house built by Christ; holy priesthood etc.,Matt. 24:45-47,"Jul 15, 1960 Wt Page 437",Have Faith In The Good News,47,,,
Faithful Slave,"Two slaves; one likes to work; others lazy, sleeps all the time. Producing healthful teaching in 'upside-down' world.",The watchmen of Christendom love to slumber. 'Slave' is Awake.,"Matt. 24:7,8,12, 14, 15, 45-47","Jan 15, 1960 Wt Page 47",The Happy Family Of The Wonder Working God.,47,,,
"Faithful Slave, Time, Study, Reading, Buying Out,",JUST AS A GOOD COOK prepares the same basic ingredients in many tasty ways.,"The slave class provides nourishing spiritual food in a wide variety of ways.  Even in articles that cover subjects that have frequently been commented on before, there are finer points that we would not want to miss.","Psalm 119:95, 99; 2 Pet 3:1; Jude 5","Oct 1, 2000 Page 22",Taking Time To Meditate On Spiritual Things,67,,"Nov 25, 2000",
"Faithful Steward, Commitment, Organization,","'Who really is the faithful steward, whom his master will appoint over his body of attendants to keep giving them their measure of food supplies at the proper time? Happy is that slave, if his master on arriving finds him doing so! I tell you truthfully, He will appoint him over all his belongings.'  Quote: Jesus Christ.","The 'master' obviously is Jesus Christ. The 'steward' pictures the 'little flock' of disciples as a collective body, and the 'body of  attendants' refers to this same group of 144,000 who receive the heavenly Kingdom, but this expression highlights their work as  individuals. The 'belongings' are the master's royal interests on earth, which include the Kingdom's earthly subjects.",Luke 12:42-44;,Gt 78,Serving With Jehovah's Unified Organization,3,,1996/01/15,
"Faithful, Decisions, Small Matters, Wisdom,","Faithfulness in small matters can be very well illustrated by the clock. Whether small or large, very expensive or cheap, they all do one thing, a very small thing. Count off time in tiny fractions, seconds, day and night the year around.","Many times a day we have opportunity to be faithful to Jehovah. No worries about next week or month, just the immediate second. When it reports & records it moves on to the next one.",Ps. 90:12; Jas. 5:9; Prov. 1:5; Luke 16:10;,"Aug 1, 1964 Wt Page 475",Decisions You Face--how Will You Make Them?,50,bl,,8/1/2015
"Faithful, Endurance, Gilead, Missionary, Pioneer, Problems","By taking up a new assignment as missionaries, the graduates were, in effect, being transplanted. They would find themselves in new soil, that is, a new environment. How would they react? Would they continue to develop their capacities and fine attitudes and qualities?","When the harvest time comes, that is, when there is no further opportunity to develop their Christian personality, in what condition would they be found? This would depend largely on what they had allowed to influence them.","Mt 9:37, 38;",W78 11/1 30,Have Faith In The Good News,47,,1994/06/27,
"Faithful, Endurance, Gilead, Missionary, Pioneer, Problems","Discussing Psalm 102:1-6, Dan Sydlik showed that the psalmist felt like 'the pelican of the wilderness.'","A missionary, too, might at times feel homesick and out of his environment. If so, it helps to read the Psalms and to keep always in mind that a missionary assignment is from Jehovah.",Ps 102:1-6;,W80 11/15 11,Have Faith In The Good News,47,,1994/06/27,
"Faithful, Endurance, Gilead, Missionary, Pioneer, Problems","He recalled the words spoken to him 30 years ago by the faithful brother Giovanni DeCecca (now deceased) whom he had commended for having done so much in Jehovah's service. DeCecca, who by then had served more than 40 years at the headquarters of Jehovah's Witnesses, looked at Brother Redford sternly and, in his broken English, said: 'Brother, it ain't what ya done, done.  It's what ya gonna do that counts!'",We must continue faithful right on down to the end.,Mt 24:13;,Bobby Laymon,Have Faith In The Good News,47,,1994/06/27,
"Faithful, Endurance, Gilead, Missionary, Pioneer, Problems",Max Larson spoke on 'Building with Jehovah.' He pointed out the privilege it is to be 'God's fellow workers' by building up spiritual minds in people by means of the Word of God.,"'Stay on the job,' he stressed in closing; 'your Building Partner will.'",1 Cor. 3:9; Acts 20:32,W80 11/15 11,Maintain Your Confidence Firm To The End,46,,1994/06/27,
"Faithful, Integrity, Loyalty, Satan, Devil,","During August 1993 the Mississippi River flooded.  Many worked around the clock to put up levees and strengthen them by sand bags.  What if you had a small leak and someone pointed it out to you?  You said, 'Oh! I don't worry about that.  It is just a small thing.'  Funny thing about water, it always takes the course of least resistance.",That's how it is with Satan.  He is going to attack at the point of least resistance.  What's going to happen with that little leak?  It is going to get bigger and bigger.  The same thing with Satan.  Then you will be flooded with Satan's influence.,Luke 16:10;,Scott Rudolph,You Will Reap What You Sow,59,,1994/08/27,
Faithfulness,"The Old Hound became too old to do his part in hunting. Caught wild boar by ear, but was too weak & let go. Master inclined to beat him, then remembered his faithful service",Jehovah does not forget our works of faith Moral: Faithful service should be long remembered,Heb 6:10,Aesop's Fables  Page 29,Have Faith In The Good News,47,,,
"Faithfulness, Little, Holidays, Honesty, Valentine's Day,","'Little Things Mean a Lot.'  Title of a popular American song, is true in so many situations. Examples: Chewers of cud; split hoof; birthday celebrations; holidays; Youth while at school; origin of Valentine's Day.","Little things often betray the condition of the heart, not to say anything of their frequently leading to big things.",Luke 16:10; Leviticus 11:4-20; Mt 23:23;,"Sep 15, 1968 Wt Page 570-573","As Christians, We Care About Other People",15,,,
"Faithfulness, Small, Hatred, Morals, Weakness, Sins,",Oceans are made of drops of water. A small spark can set a forest afire. Small wrongs often lead to big disasters.,"So wrong acts, even though small, should not be excused but viewed with serious concern, because they are evidence of moral weakness.",Luke 16:10;,W70 11/15 692,,,,1996/01/06,
"Fall, Stumble, Endurance,","A 13 man team fell 41000 feet (almost 8 miles) and parachuted to earth safely on Dec 16, 1963. They fell for 3 minutes and 20 seconds before their chutes opened. The temperature was 67 degrees below zero when they left the plane.","Possible to fall and recover, even in the truth. Better to avoid stumbling.",Prov. 24:16,"Mar 22, 1964 Aw Page 31",You Can Find Joy In Serving God,103,,,
"Fall, Stumble, Fornication, Adultery, Sex,","Two-fifths of accidental deaths in home are due to falls. Many falls in home could be eliminated. Rugs made skid-proof. Wipe up spilled grease, oil immediate. Exercise care in getting in & out of bathtub. Grab-bar.",Bible shows another kind of fall or stumbling. Steps to eliminate spiritual falling available as well through Bible.,1 Cor. 10:8;,"Sep 8, 1963 Aw Page 17, 18",A Godly View Of Sex And Marriage,13,,,
"Fall, Stumble, Mistake, Experience,","When we climb a ladder, if we miss a step and falter, we don't go to the bottom and start over again. We hang on and keep climbing. The same is true if we falter in our faith.","For those who feel that coming into the truth is more than they could ever accomplish (especially if they have known the truth or someone in it well), it is the way one of the strongest walls existing today is build - brick by brick.",James 3:2;,Mark Hanlon,Do You Harbor Resentment Or Do You Forgive?,68,,1998/11/26,
"Fall, Truth, Standing, Satan,","I can remember when I was young and played cowboys and outlaws I thought I was bullet proof, but now I realize I wasn't.  None of us are bullet proof.",Today It is easy to get to thinking we are bullet proof. That is we get to thinking we are so firmly rooted in the truth that we can't fall into immorality.  We are in a dangerous position.,1 Cor. 10:12,J. Laymon,How To Protect Ourselves From Satan's Snares,115,,,
"Fallacies, Lies, Doctrines, Soul, Trinity, Holidays,","Do you believe, as do some, that lightning never strikes twice  at the same spot?  Do you believe that quicksand sucks you under?  Both are dangerous misconceptions.  Lightning strikes frequently in the same spot, even during the same storm.  If one can float in water, he can float in quicksand.  It is the frantic struggling that tends to bury one deeper.","There are also religious fallacies that have been handed down  over the centuries that are very dangerous.  Holidays, teachings on trinity,  soul, etc.",Ro 10:2;,"Nov 8, 1970 Aw Page 3-5",Jehovah And Christ--are They Part Of A Trinity?,82,,1993/10/30,
"Fallacies, Lies, Doctrines, Soul, Trinity, Holidays,","You have heard it said, no doubt, that the color red will   provoke a bull to rage; it is proper to lift a rabbit by its ears; a sea  shell, held to the ear will echo the ocean's roar; frostbite should be   rubbed with snow.  ALL ARE FALSE! Bulls are color blind; If you wouldn't lift pussy cat by the tail you wouldn't lift a rabbit by its ears, etc.  It is dangerous to apply snow to frostbite.  It needs warming.","There are also religious fallacies that have been handed down  over the centuries that are very dangerous.  Holidays, teachings on trinity, soul, etc.",Ro 10:2;,"Nov 8, 1970 Aw Page 3-5",Jehovah And Christ--are They Part Of A Trinity?,82,,1993/10/30,
"False Gods, Emperor, Zeal, Discouraged, Tired, Persecution,",Emperor Hirohito: Said he would be 'enduring the unendurable.' He would eat humble pie and surrender to the Allied Forces! The 'divine' wind never blew.  'I felt as if I was being robbed of all my strength.' (Tomiji Hironaka),"'I recall the zeal that I had serving emperor and country and think to myself, 'How can I do less when serving the great Universal Sovereign?'  I regain my power to continue.",Is 40:29-31; 2ti 2:3;,"May 8, 1992 Aw Page 18, 19; Mar 1, 1995 Wt Page 9",Bearing Up Under Persecution,57,,,
"False, Counterfeit, Satan, World, Fool, real, authentic,","When you are dealing with a small child, say about 2 years  old, have  you ever held out a shiny penny and a dollar bill?  They will take the  shiny penny every time because they do not realize the value of the  'paper'.  The results are the same even if the bill is a $20 or larger.","Well, Satan is holding out a handful of shiny glass 'jewels' -- 'paste' as some imitations are referred to.  Jehovah is holding out a diamond in the rough.  After the new world is here, that diamond will be cut and polished and be a beautiful jewel of great value.  But a diamond  in the rough looks like a rock to the layman.  When anyone reaches for the 'paste' they find out that the edges are,  very after, sharp,  resulting in an injury .   Since we are all  infants in Jehovah's eyes, we have to study and learn the value of that diamond in the rough in order to chose it over the imitation stuff.",1 John 2:15-17,Bobby Laymon,Looking At Youths From Jehovah's Standpoint.,118,,"Feb 10, 2001",
"Fame, Balance, Career,","After a concert, a fan rushed up to famed violinist Fritz Kreisler and gushed:  'I'd give my whole life to play as beautifully as you do.'  Kreisler replied, 'I did.'",Many live as if this life is all there is.,Ecc 12:1;,Bobby Laymon - Bits And Pieces,Is This Life All There Is?,36,,1998/01/08,
"Fame, Contentment, Materialism, Happiness, Life, Goals, Pioneer, Success,",He was a singer in his early twenties.  Within two years he had become a multimillionaire.  He admitted: 'I wonder if it's all worth it.  I can't even go into a restaurant and finish a meal. I have to eat in my hotel room.  I can't take a walk.  All I can do is sit in my room.  I can't open gifts.',"Clearly, the pursuit of fame and fortune is not satisfying.  It made this man a prisoner.  If we desire contentment, we must avoid centering our lives around material things.","Pr 19:4; Mt 6:19,20;","Apr 1, 1978 Wt Page 3",Is This Life All There Is?,36,,,2/25/2016
"Fame, Life, Name","Franklin Pierce has one claim to fame:  He's probably America's least-known President.  For some reason or other, the name of Franklin Pierce -- the 14th President of the United States has just faded into the history books.  He is even more obscure than Chester A. Arthur and Millard Fillmore.",Thus will be the lot of all who try to make a name for themselves in this system of things.  How much better to make a good name with God.,Ecclesiastes 7:1;,Bobby Laymon; American Essays By Dan Valentine,What Kind Of Name Are You Making With God?,55,,1997/05/12,
"Fame, Life, Name, Government,","David Rice Atchison (a Missouri politician) was 12th President of the United States.  His term lasted only 24 hours, and he slept through his entire term.  It was on Sunday, March 4, 1849.  He served as President of the Senate and was made President because Zachary Taylor refused to be sworn in on a Sunday. The city of Atchison, Kansas, the county of Atchison in Missouri named after him.  His monument at Plattsburgh, Mo states: David Rice Atchison  -  President of the United States For One Day.","No matter how long men serve, their career will be short-lived according to Jehovah's standard.  However, the ruler He puts in office will last forever.","Ps 146:3, 4;",Bobby Laymon; American Essays By Dan Valentine,How Do You Fit Into The Kingdom Arrangement?,21,,1997/05/12,
"Fame, Life, Name, Government,",Ever hear of Daniel D. Tompkins?  Or Thomas A. Hendricks?  Do the names William A. Wheeler or Charles W. Fairbanks ring a bell?  Or James Schoolcraft Sherman or Garrett Augustus Hobart?  All were household names in the United States at one time.  All were vice presidents of the United States.,"Likewise, all those not making a good name with God will fade into oblivion.",Rev 20:15;,Bobby Laymon; American Essays By Dan Valentine,What Kind Of Name Are You Making With God?,55,,1997/05/12,
"Fame, Money, Hollywood, Materialism, Popular, Entertainment,","'Hollywood money isn't money.  It's congealed snow, melts in your hand, and there you are.' Quote: Dorothy Parker.","Many who come to a knowledge of the truth are talented.  Some have been highly successful actors, musicians, sports personalities, engineers, and so forth.  These glorify Jehovah with all they have by putting the Kingdom first.",Luke 21:1-4;,Bobby Laymon,Glorifying God With All We Have,17,,1995/06/30,
"Fame, Popular, Name, Death, Life,",'There's hope a great man's memory may outlive his life half a year. Quote:  William Shakespeare. [1600-1601].,Fame is only transitory; people are soon forgotten.,"Ecclesiastes 2:15, 16;",Bobby Laymon,Is This Life All There Is?,36,,1995/07/10,
"Fame, Popularity, Life,","Albert Einstein, John Kennedy, or John Brown.  Some so popular, like Elvis, had to wear dark glasses to keep from being recognized. Even Solomon.",All the same in death. Fame makes no difference.,"Ecclesiastes. 2:15, 16;","Brandt Jones (October 28, 1990)",Is This Life All There Is?,36,,,
"Fame, Popularity, Life, Name,","World leaders; Lincoln, Washington, know only few tidbits. What do you know about the other Presidents of the U.S.? Yet, the world revolved around them at one time. Actors: John Wayne, even see old movies, how quickly we forget.",Shows how quickly fame vanishes.,"Ecclesiastes. 2:15, 16;","Brandt Jones (October 28, 1990)",Is This Life All There Is?,36,,,
"Fame, Power, Beauty, Life, Death,",'I know death hath ten thousand several doors for men to take their exits.' Quote: John Webster. [1623].,FAME is only transitory; people are soon forgotten.  POWER also is temporary; A person may be replaced by a rival; It surely will end by death.  BEAUTY also quickly fades.,"Ecclesiastes 2:15, 16;",Bobby Laymon,Is This Life All There Is?,36,,1995/07/14,
"Fame, Riches, Wisdom, Popular,","Let me ask you who was Rosalind Franklin, or Ruth Wakefield, or Margaret Knight? Very few here probably even know who these people were.  Rosalind Franklin was the person to discover the structure of DNA in the cell.  The last two invented something that we all use very often.  Margaret Knight invented the brown paper bag. Ruth Wakefield invented the first Chocolate Chip Cookie. (Pause)  Those items and discoveries made them very famous, (pause) at one time.  Yet just in 60 short years their names are forgotten.",Solomon brings this point out in Eccl. 2:15.16 (read),Ecclesiastes. 2:15.16,Jim Kinkade,Is This Life All There Is?,36,,"Oct 30, 2001",
Fame;,'Fame is a magnifying glass.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Fame;,"'If you would not be forgotten, as soon as you are dead and rotten, either write things worthy of reading, or do things worthy of writing.'  Quote:  Bf.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Fame;,'It often happens that those of whom we speak least on earth are best known in heaven.'  Quote:  Nicholas Caussin.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Fame;,'Man dreads fame as a pig dreads fat.'  Quote:  Oriental.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Fame;,"A few words upon a tombstone, and the truth of those not to be depended on.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Fame;,"Avoid popularity, it has many snares, and no real benefit.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Fame;,Fame usually comes to those who are thinking about something else.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Fame; Anticipation;,'Even the best things are not equal to their fame.'  Quote:  Hdt.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Fame; Anticipation;,'The fame of great men ought to be judged always by the means they used to acquire it.'  Quote:  Rochefoucauld.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Familiarity;,'Admiration and familiarity are strangers.'  Quote:  George Sand.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Familiarity;,'All objects lose by too familiar a view.'  Quote:  John Dryden.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Familiarity;,'Familiarity is cruel to beauty but kind to ugliness.'  Quote:  Ouida.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Familiarity;,"'Familiarity is the root of the closest friendships, as well as the intensive hatreds.'  Quote:  Antoine Rivarol.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Familiarity;,'Nothing is wonderful when you get used to it.'  Quote:  Ed Howe.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Familiarity;,"'Though familiarity may not breed contempt, it takes the edge of admiration.' Quote:  William Haslet",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Familiarity;,Respect is greater from a distance.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Familiarity; Prophet;,'No man fears what he has seen grow.'  Quote:  African.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Families, Children,",Just as an archer finds satisfaction in knowing how to direct the arrows in his quiver...,...so parents find happiness when they direct their children along the path that leads to everlasting life.,Psalm 127:3-5;matthew 7:14,W99 2/15 9,Parents--are You Building With Fire-resistant Materials?,104,,"Jul 5, 2000",
Family,"Home like Filling Station (Gas Station) Rebellious children, no place for in Jehovah's arrangement Fathers must assume responsibility for families","Family fragmented; work, health spas, school, entertainment",Duet 32:4  Isa 23:32 Rom 1:30-32,Assy Talk,Family Life That Warms The Heart,5,,,
Family,"Quiet Evening; see mean men, say they are coming into your home rape, sodomize, inject with addictive drugs.  What would you do? Phone cut. (Lock door, help family withstand extreme pressure. Any lack in meetings, field service, can be damaging to children.",Family under attack by far worse; Devil & Demons. Use C.B. radio; call police. We have a direct line to Jehovah at all times.,2 Tim. 3:1-5,"Pure Lang D.A. July 5-8, 1990 Bro Bagee",Family Life That Warms The Heart,5,,,
Family,"Ship with TWO competing captains.  Though strained, unity should be unbreakable","Husband and wife should complement, not compete","1 Cor 11:3  Genesis 2:23, 24  Eph 5:22-24  1 Tim 2:12, 13",89 Wt May 15 P 16,Family Life That Warms The Heart,5,,,
Family,"Wheel-tied into lug-spokes-steering. Jehovah taught Abraham, so he could teach his sons. Family affair to qualify for elder or ministerial servant. Woman is household manager, under her husband; not compete.",Need more than love in family circle. Family is BASIC UNIT: Makes strong congregations; 'Can't have one without the other',Exodus. Chap 21  Eph. 6:4,"Pure Lang D.A. July 5-8, 1990 Bro Bagee",Family Life That Warms The Heart,5,,,
Family,"Who sat at father's right hand, and still is?  Follow Jesus example.",Children feel too grown up to sit with parents,Ps 110:1,"Service Meeting At Brooklyn, Ny",Family Life That Warms The Heart,5,,,
"Family Study, Regular, Consistent,","A man started a study. When the study was new he conducted it faithfully every week for a long time. Then all of a sudden the study conductor got lazy and didn't go back to the student. The student waited patiently, as he enjoyed his studies. but no one arranged to conduct the study.  Then the conductor attended a District Convention, and got all pumped up about spiritual things and he decided to start up that study again.. So he talked to the student regarding this and the student was eager to start  up again! They began studying, this time for a good long while.  Almost every week the study was held and the student was making great progress. Then suddenly, again, the conductor slowed down and eventually stopped the studies.  He had gotten sidetracked with a new promotion at work and was very tired a lot of the time. Some time went by, and the student had forgotten about the study.  In the meantime, the conductor attended a circuit assembly in which they encouraged the brothers to start bible studies with all interested ones.  The man remembered his student and decided he would start up this study again.  This time the student was a little reluctant, but was persuaded.  The study continued for a while but it became sporadic after some time again, because of the conductor.  Time passed and the conductor of this study became aware of problems that his former student was having.  ","He attended a Special Assembly Day and was again, pumped up spiritually. He returned to his study with enthusiasm, expecting  the study to renew as always. But this time, the student was not willing to cooperate. He had  no desire to start up his study.  He was too busy and tired and the world, he felt, was more  reliable than the conductor had ever been. Who were these two people?  It was a father and his son.  Consistent Family Studies Are Crucial.",Deuteronomy. 6:6-9,Steve Hashimuri,Responsibilities And Rewards Of Parenthood,29,,1999/10/29,6/25/2025
"Family, Children, Attitude, Inheritance, Gift,","'You can expect to lose four of your (six) children to the world.' A father was told by a well-meaning fellow Christian.  He replied, 'Our children are not really ours.  They were entrusted to my wife and me by Jehovah God, an 'inheritance,' or gift, from him.  And he said that if we train them up in the proper way, 'they will not turn aside from it.' So we have always tried to care for them as though they belonged to Jehovah.'",The father here identified a key to successful family life -- parents should care for their children as though they were caring for God's property.,Ps 127:3; Pr 22:6;,"Oct 1, 1993 Wt Page 3",Family Life That Warms The Heart,5,,1993/11/20,
"Family, Children, Husband, Wife,","A man make work from sun to sun, but a woman's work is never done.",Not true in Christian household.,Col. 4:5,"Apr 1, 1962 Wt Page 205",Family Life That Warms The Heart,5,,,
"Family, Children, Husband, Wife,","Two boys hated meetings, one sent to movie, other forced to attend First married worldly girl, left truth. Second grew up to like the truth, married dedicated girl, later both became member of Bethel family.",Never underestimate meeting value.,Eph. 6:4,"Apr 1, 1962 Wt Page 211-212",Family Life That Warms The Heart,5,,,
"Family, Children, Husband, Wife,","Wheel in balance, made for transporting, each part carries share. When each does it's part, the family circle can move smoothly. Can go uphill, downhill with equal control, provided rim is maintained in perfect position with hub. If one spoke too long or","Parents at the hub, children the spokes, move smoothly short, problems, if hub splits or get off center, problems.",Col. 4:5,"Apr 1, 1962 Wt Page 205",Family Life That Warms The Heart,5,,,
"Family, Children, Marriage,","'Family is the oldest human institution...Entire civilizations have survived or disappeared, depending on whether family life was strong or weak.'  Quote: World Book Encyclopedia (1973 Ed)",The importance of drawing close as a family before it's too late.,Deuteronomy. 6:6-9;,"Sep 22, 1991 Aw Page 3",A Godly View Of Sex And Marriage,13,,,
"Family, Children, Marriage, Television,","The family unit is an umbrella of protection for children. Television comedies often portray fathers as ninnies, mothers as smarter, but children know best.","In many places today, that umbrella is full of holes; in other places it is being closed and stuck in the closet.",Deuteronomy. 6:6-9;,"Sep 22, 1991 Aw Page 3",Family Life That Warms The Heart,5,,,
"Family, Children, Recreation,",Bars have happy hour to relax after work,"Families should have a happy  hour or family hour. A time to relax and spend hour with each other every day.  Work together, play together, develop skills together.",Prov. 22:29,"Johnse Laymon May 8, 1965 Aw Pg 9",Family Life That Warms The Heart,5,,,
"Family, Children, Youth, Teaching,","Look at your child when he or she is asleep. Sweet, innocent with eyes closed.",Those eyes will be closed forever if we fail to teach them about Jehovah,Prov. 22:6; 23:13; 2 Tim. 2:22;,Joe Laymon,Family Life That Warms The Heart,5,,,
"Family, Headship, Independence, Spirituality, Attitude,","What happens in a family if all but one respect the neatness and tidiness of the house?  On a rainy day, all except the forgetful one are careful not to track mud into the house.  Muddy footprints everywhere give evidence of that one's carelessness, making extra work for others.","The same applies to spirituality.  Just one selfish or negligent individual can sully the family's reputation.  All in the house- hold, not just the parents, should strive to reflect Christ's mental attitude.","Ecclesiastes 7:16; 1pe 4:1, 2;","Sep 1, 1993 Wt Page 13",Family Life That Warms The Heart,5,,,
"Family, Headship, Independence, Spirituality, Bible,","Why is it important that a ship's pilot pay close attention to his charts when guiding a ship through dangerous waters containing shoals?  Example: Queen Elizabeth 2 was taken through an area of treacherous sandbars and rocks where navigation errors are said to be common.  One local resident commented: 'A lot of careers have been lost because of that area.'  The QE2 struck an underwater ledge.  It turned out to be an expensive mistake.  A third of the hull was damaged, and the ship had to be taken out of service for several weeks for repairs.","Likewise, if the family 'pilot' does not carefully check his chart God's Word, his family can suffer spiritual harm.  In order to avoid spiritual shoals, rocks, and sandbars, we need to keep up-to-date with our 'charts' by a regular study of God's Word.",1co 9:24-27; 1ti 1:19; Heb 5:12-14;,"Sep 1, 1993 Wt Page 12",Family Life That Warms The Heart,5,,,
"Family, Indebted, Gratitude, Appreciation,","'A person realizes how indebted he is to his parents when he has a child of his own,' says an Oriental proverb.","With a deep sense of gratitude and love, the grown children try to make their own families happy, and they also care for their now aging parents, who delight in the company of the grandchildren.",Acts 17:26;,Family Life Page 6,Family Life That Warms The Heart,5,,1996/06/11,
"Family, Love,","Delicate machine, parts working intimately together; need oil Without oil there would be wear and friction.",Family is like that; needs love.,"Deuteronomy. 6:6, 7;","Aug 1, 1962 Wt Page 457",Family Life That Warms The Heart,5,,,
"Family, Marriage,","'Family is the oldest human institution.  In many ways it is the most important.  It is Society's most basic unit.  Entire civilizations have survived or disappeared, depending on whether family life was strong or weak.'                                         Quote: The World Book Encyclopedia (1973)","This same atmosphere is rampant in today's society.  Included in current views are: 'Do what you want to, and let others look out  for themselves.' 'Discipline is old fashioned; let children choose their own  course.' 'Make no judgments of what is right or wrong.' In more and more   countries divorce, juvenile delinquency and adult immorality are rising at   an alarming rate.  Psychologists, psychiatrists, clergymen and other   counselors give advice.  But instead of fortifying the unity of the family,   many advisers condone or even recommend immorality as a means to relieve   frustration.  The bad harvest from all of this confirms the saying:   'Whatever a man is sowing, this he will also reap.'",Gal 6:7,Family Life Page 6,Family Life That Warms The Heart,5,,1993/11/09,
"Family, Marriage,","A family is like a house.  Before building you may need to consult blueprints, architects, and be sure of a good foundation.  You want the best building materials you can afford.",Building a spiritual house or family is like that.  Jehovah must be put first.  Jehovah has the best blue print.  The best instructions.,Matt 7:24-27;,Donald Wolkin,God Comes First In Successful Family Life,110,,1996/07/28,
"Family, Marriage,",A manufacturer may make a product and supply instructions on how to use it. Is it the manufacturer's fault if the product fails because the buyer does not follow the instructions?,A family is like that; it will fail if Jehovah's instructions are not followed properly.,Genesis. 2:21-24; 1:28; Matt. 19:4-6;,You Can Live Forever In Paradise On Earth. Page 238,Family Life That Warms The Heart,5,,,
"Family, Marriage,",For a family to be without headship would be like trying to drive a car without a steering wheel. The man was created with a greater measure of qualities and strength required to provide such leadership.,Marriage without headship would mean disaster.,Eph. 5:23;,You Can Live Forever In Paradise On Earth. Page 239,Family Life That Warms The Heart,5,,,
"Family, Marriage,","If two persons are not well suited as a team, the going can be difficult.  Such a situation brings to mind the provision of the Mosaic law that mercifully prohibited yoking together two animals of different build and strength, because of the hardship it would create.","So, too, with a man and a woman who are not well matched and yet are teamed up in marriage.  When mates have different interests, different tastes in friends and recreational activities, and few things in common, the marital bonds come under great strain.",Pr 15:22;de 22:10,Making Your Family Life Happy Page 16,Family Life That Warms The Heart,5,,1993/11/23,
"Family, Marriage,",Jehovah is the roof over our spiritual house of love.  He gives protection.,Love gives -- the world takes.,1 Pet 3:1-6;,Donald Wolkin,God Comes First In Successful Family Life,110,,1996/07/28,
"Family, Marriage,","Some have in their minds an image of their ideal, and they try to fit every passing infatuation of theirs into this image.  They seek a dream person that does not exist beyond their own fantasies.","Of course, no one can measure up to an impossible dream, but the infatuated one hangs on tenaciously and tries to force the other person to fulfill it.  When this fails, he or she is disillusioned and searches elsewhere to find the imaginary ideal.  But such ones never find their ideal. Persons who think like that are not good marriage material.",1co 14:20,Making Your Family Life Happy Page 19,Family Life That Warms The Heart,5,,1993/11/23,
"Family, Marriage, Children, Husbands, Wives,","We might compare a family with a ship.  The father is like the captain, whom everyone in the ship is obligated to obey.  He is responsible to maintain order, keep on course, and running. The mother is the first mate, second in command.","As officers are obeyed and honored by the crew, so parents are to be honored by the children.  The function of the family can be endangered by rebellious children, just as the function of a ship can be endangered.",Col 3:20; Pr 4:1; Eph 5:23;,"Mar 1, 1970 Wt Page 155",Family Life That Warms The Heart,5,,,
"Family, Marriage, Competition,","Like having two drivers in the car.  Each with a steering wheel controlling a separate front wheel. A Christian should carefully study Christ's example. Not be domineering, selfish, or inconsiderate.",The wife competing with her husband for headship.,Eph. 5:23; 1 Cor. 11:3; Mark 9:33-37;,You Can Live Forever In Paradise On Earth. Page 240,Family Life That Warms The Heart,5,,,
"Family, Marriage, Discipline, Disfellowship, Counsel, Sin, Morals,","The family in patriarchal times may be compared to a modern corporation. There were some things owned by family members as personal, but for the most part, the property was held in common with the father managing its disposal.","A wrong committed by an individual was considered a wrong against the family itself, especially its head, and he was responsible to judge, take necessary action on the matter.","Ge 31:32, 34; Le 21:9; De 22:21; Jos 7:16-25;",Insight Book - Family,Family Life That Warms The Heart,5,,,
"Family, Marriage, Divorce,","Suppose you plan to build your own home.  You purchase the land.  With keen anticipation, you see your new house in your mind's eye.  But what if you have no tools and no building skills?  How frustrating your efforts would be!","Many couples enter marriage envisioning a happy family, yet possess neither the tools nor the skills needed to build one.  Shortly after the wedding day, negative patterns develop.  Fighting and bickering become a daily routine.  When children are born, the new father and mother find themselves no more skilled at parenthood than they are at marriage.",Prov 24:3;,Kl Page 140,Getting Marriage Off To A Good Start,27,,1995/06/16,
"Family, Marriage, Divorce, Loyalty,","When a person has a fine home, but finds that the roof is leaking, surely he tries to repair it.  He does not just move to another house.","Similarly, changing a mate is not the way to solve the issues that lie beneath marital strife.  When problems arise, do not try to get out of the marriage, but work very hard to preserve it.  Such loyalty treats the union as something worth guarding, maintaining, and cherishing.",Ecc 4:9-12;,Kl Page 141,A Godly View Of Sex And Marriage,13,,1995/06/16,
"Family, Marriage, Happiness","A house, a life or a marriage is only as good as the foundation on which it rests.","This is certainly true of marriage. If we build our marriage on a rocklike foundation, it will stand the stresses of life.",Mt 7:24-27;,Family Life Page 11,Family Life That Warms The Heart,5,,1993/11/09,
"Family, Marriage, Headship, Subjection, Wife, Husband,",Family without headship like trying to drive an automobile with out a steering wheel.,The man created with leadership qualities; God-appointed head.,Eph. 5:23;,Pe Page 239,Family Life That Warms The Heart,5,,,
"Family, Marriage, Headship, Subjection, Wife, Husband,","Wife competing for headship, like two drivers in the car, each with a steering wheel controlling a separate front wheel.","Wife created as complement, not a competitor.",Eph. 5:23; Genesis. 2:18,Pe Page 240,Family Life That Warms The Heart,5,,,
"Family, Marriage, Incest,","When the backgrounds of both parties are similar, they usually find it easier to 'grow in the same soil and flourish in the same climate.'   However, persons with different backgrounds and origins can also make good   adjustments in marriage, especially if both are mature emotionally.","Of course, this does not mean it is advisable for a person today to marry a very close relative, for this could produce genetic problems that might result in defective offspring.  But family backgrounds do have much to do with the set of values people have.  During childhood and youth a person's conduct and feelings are naturally influenced by the family atmosphere.","Ge 29:19; Ge 24:3, 4;",Making Your Family Life Happy Page 17,Family Life That Warms The Heart,5,,1993/11/23,
"Family, Marriage, Wife,",Adam was formed out of dust.,Eve was made out of 'prime rib.',"Genesis 1:27, 28;",Donald Wolkin,God Comes First In Successful Family Life,110,,1996/07/28,
"Family, Marriage, Wife,","Many cities have building codes.  Houses built according to these codes are better built, and safer.",Jehovah gives us codes to live by.  Codes to have a better and safer family life.,Ecclesiastes 4:12; 1 Tim 5:5;,Donald Wolkin,God Comes First In Successful Family Life,110,,1996/07/28,
"Family, Marriage, Wife,","There are 3 words that are hard to say.  Especially for husbands.  'I LOVE YOU!'  They are sometime translated, 'YEAH! ME TOO!","We need to be good at saying, 'I love you,' and not assuming that our wives already know that.",Eph 4:32;,Donald Wolkin,God Comes First In Successful Family Life,110,,1996/07/28,
"Family, Mother-hood, Children, Youth, Birth, Creation,","'It is love at first sight for both of them, when mother and baby fixate their eyes on each other.' His cries stimulate her production of milk; touch of his skin releases a hormone that reduces her post delivery bleeding.",That is not the end of it. It must continue forever after. Bible training is needed.,"2 Tim. 3:15; 1 Jn 3:18; Deuteronomy. 6:6, 7; Prov. 13:24; Prov. 29:19;","Sep 22, 1991 Aw Page 5, 6",Family Life That Warms The Heart,5,,,
"Family, Satan, Attack, Marriage, Divorce, Pioneer, Materialism,","It is a target just as in archery, where arrows fly to zero in for a bull's eye hit at the center.  (FAMILY CIRCLE)","The family circle is under attack, heavy assault.  It is assaulted by the glitter of materialism and the desire to purchase new things beyond the family budget.","Eph 3:14, 15; Ps 96:7; 1co 15:33","Feb 1, 1978 Wt Page 3",Family Life That Warms The Heart,5,,,
"Family, Youth, Salvation, Survival, Pioneer, Example,","Have you noticed how a young girl dresses like her Mom?  A young boy like his Dad, and follows him around. Children are keen observers; but have poor judgment! (example: may use bad example to justify unwise decision)",Does this carry over into spiritual thing?  A Gilead graduate had the happy privilege to see his son later graduate as a missionary.  Pioneers beget pioneers.  We must always set a good example.,"Pr 22:6; Gal 5:22, 23; Pr 23:15; 20:5; Pr 3:1, 4; Mt 7:34;","Divine Teaching Dist. Assy. July 1-4, 1993",Family Life That Warms The Heart,5,,,
Family;,"'A family is a unit composed not only of children but of men, women, and occasional animal and the common cold.'  Quote:  Ogden Nash.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Family;,'A happy family is but an earlier heaven.'  Quote:  John Browning.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Family;,"'Happiness is having a large, loving, caring, close-knit family in another city.'  Quote:  G. Burns.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Family;,"'If you cannot get rid of the family skeleton, you might as well make it dance.'  Quote:  G. B. Shaw.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Family;,'It is easier to rule a kingdom than to regulate a family.'  Quote:  Japanese.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Family;,'My wife and I wanted to celebrate National Family Week but we couldn't find our kids.'  Quote:  Herm Albright.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Family;,'The family is one of nature's masterpieces.'  Quote:  George Santana.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Family;,'The family is one of nature's masterpieces.'  Quote:  George Santayana.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Family;,'The family you come from isn't important as the family you're going to have.'  Quote:  Ring Lardner.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Family;,'The greatest thing in family life is to take a hint when a hint is intended and to not take a hint when a hint isn't intended.'  Quote:  Robert Frost.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Family;,'The ruin of a nation begins in the homes of its people.'  Quote:  Ashanti.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Family;,A great many prominent family trees were started by grafting.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Family;,An ounce of mother is worth a pound of clergy.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Family;,The family is the nucleus of civilization.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Famine, Drought, Hunger, Food Shortages, Africa, 2000, Science,","'On the basis of all the economic projections we have seen so far, Africa in the year 2000 will not be in the ditch it is in now.  It will be in the bottom of a deep black hole.'  Quote: A senior African official of the UN Economic Commission for Africa.","Workable solutions are needed soon.  Hunger continues to grow, not only in Africa, but in many countries throughout the world.",Matt 24: 7-13;,"Aug 8, 1994 Aw Page 13",Evidence Of God In The World Around Us,4,,1994/08/27,
Fanatic;,'A fanatic is one who can't change his mind and won't change the subject.' Quote:  Winston Churchill,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Fantasy, Desire, Daydream, Covet,","Explain what a 'rehearsal' is. Satan, Eve, wicked angels are examples. Fantasies are both unrealistic, and selfish.",Daydreaming about doing what is wrong can in fact be a rehearsal in the mind of what a person will actually do.,"1j 2:16; 5:19; Jas 1:14, 15; Pr 18:11;","Jul 15, 1992 Wt Page 14",Resisting The Spirit Of The World,25,,,
"Fantasy, Hope, Kingdom, Day Dreams,","ISAIAH 29:8 'Yes, it must occur just as when someone hungry dreams and here he is eating, and he actually awakes and his soul is empty; and just as when someone thirsty dreams and here he is drinking, and he actually awakes and here he is tired and his soul is dried out; thus it will occur with the crowd of all the nations that are waging war against Mount Zion.'","For a certainty, the fantasies of the world will never make anyone satisfied and happy.  Jehovah's Kingdom is a reality.  It is actively ruling, whereas this wicked system of things faces an imminent, permanent destruction.",Is 29:8;,"Jul 15, 1992 Wt Page 18",The Kingdom Of God Is Near,109,,1993/12/22,
Fashion;,"'Every generation laughs at the old fashions, but follows religiously the new.'  Quote:  Hdt.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Fashion;,"'Ten years before its time, a fashion is indecent; ten years after, it is hideous; but a century after, it is romantic.'  Quote:  James Laver.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Fat, Best, Service Talk, First fruits,","How do you like your toast?  With or without butter?  What about ice cream?  Do you like it with skim milk or creamy?  And what is it about donuts?  Apple crisp?  (one recipe calls for 1/2 pound of butter)  Even steak.  Grass-fed steers are not desired, but those fattened at the feed lots.  It is the fat that makes it delicious.","'The fat belongs to Jehovah.'  Some stole the 'fat' or the 'best' from Jehovah.  The word 'first fruits' comes from the same word, Khi'lev.  Eli and sons showed disrespect for this and lost their privilege of service.","Leviticus 3:1, 13-17; Nu 18:12; 1sa 2:21-29;",Bill Osbeck C.O.,Service Talk,200,,1994/02/13,
"Fatalism, Destiny, Chance, Unforeseen Occurrence, Future, Life,","'Those eighteen upon whom the tower in Siloam fell, thereby killing them, do you imagine that they were proved greater debtors than all other men inhabiting Jerusalem?' They were unable to escape; Jesus listeners could avoid divine destiny","Jesus did not blame these fatalities on some mysterious fate or on the will of God, nor believe they were somehow more blame- worthy.","Luke 13:4, 5; Ecclesiastes. 9:11; 7:17; Isa. 65:11;","Oct 15, 1991 Wt Page 5, 6",Will You Escape This World's Destiny?,84,,,
"Fatalism, Destiny, Chance, Unforeseen Occurrence, Future, Life,","A favored athlete is injured, and the underdog wins.  A freak accident brings financial ruin to an honest businessman, allowing his shady competitor to become rich.",Did Solomon attribute the anomalies to fate? Simply the effects of 'time and unforeseen occurrence.',Ecclesiastes. 9:11;,"Oct 15, 1991 Wt Page 5",Will You Escape This World's Destiny?,84,,,
"Fatalism, Destiny, Chance, Unforeseen Occurrence, Future, Life,","Are we merely pawns of fate?  Is there any truth to 'His time has come!' 'Whatever will be, will be.' An auto accident cannot be fate, since a thorough investigation will usually reveal a perfectly logical cause.","The Bible gives the answer.  We are not pawn of fate, but our eternal future is in our hands.  We must choose life.","Deuteronomy. 30:19, 20; Ecclesiastes. 9:11;","Oct 15, 1991 Wt Page 4",Will You Escape This World's Destiny?,84,,,
"Fatalism, Destiny, Chance, Unforeseen Occurrence, Future, Life,","The moment when a farmer decides 'to plant' or 'to uproot what was planted,' is not predetermined by God. 'Time to die,' is when the normal life expectancy is reached, usually after 70, 80 or more years.","'For everything there is an appointed time,' cannot be used to prove fatalism.  Solomon was simply discussing the continuing cycle of life.","Ecclesiastes. 3:1, 2; 7:17; 9:11; Isa. 65:11;","Oct 15, 1991 Wt Page 5",Will You Escape This World's Destiny?,84,,,
"Fate, Faith, Hope, Persecution,","'Sometimes our fate resembles a fruit tree in winter.  Who would think that those branches would turn green again and blossom, but we hope it, we know it.'  Quote: Goethe.","Our faith, no matter how bleak it looks, can be maintained.",Genesis 15:5;,Bobby Laymon - Reader's Digest,Have Faith In The Good News,47,,1996/03/22,
"Fate, Predestination, Belief, Religion, War,","'Our hour is marked, and no one can claim a moment of life beyond what fate has predestined.'   Quote: Napoleon Bonaparte.","Many men believed this.  Such men were eager to enter into battle, even taking unnecessary risks, because they felt that they would not meet death one moment sooner than if they had stayed at home. But do you really think the battlefield is as safe as home?",Ecclesiastes 9:11;,G80 9/8 3,You Will Reap What You Sow,59,,1995/06/05,
"Fate, Predestination, Belief, Religion, War,","A car driver may drive overly fast, reasoning that he will not be killed until his time is up.","So such belief can affect how we live. It can make us take unnecessary risks, by our thinking that the day of our death is set and that nothing can alter it.",Gal 6:7;,G80 9/8 3,You Will Reap What You Sow,59,,1995/06/05,
"Fate, Predestination, Fatalism","'It is the work of God.'  'God did it.' 'God caused it.' 'His time had come.' 'It was the will of God.'  'It was an act of God.'  'Man proposes, God disposes.'  'His name was on the bullet.'","For many, such expressions are just a figure of speech.  Oftentimes, though, they reflect a deep-seated belief in fatalism.  A belief that God determines a person's fate.",Isa 47:13;,"Sep 1, 1996 Wt Page 3;",,,,1996/08/01,
"Fate,  Predestination, Fatalism,",Simply wearing a seat belt while driving greatly reduces the likelihood of one's being killed in a car accident.,A seat belt would not make any difference if unalterable 'fate' were at work.,"Rev 11:18; Luke 13:4, 5;","Sep 1, 1996 Wt Page 5",,,,1996/08/01,
"Fate, Predestination, Fatalism, Name, Reputation,","Can you imagine Jehovah having an agenda that reads like this:  'Today, John will be injured in a car accident, Fatou will have a malaria attack, Mamadou's house will be destroyed in a storm.'",Could you really be moved to serve such a God?  Many attribute calamities to God that are caused by his adversary -- Satan the Devil.,Job 1:7-12;,"Sep 1, 1996 Wt Page 5",,,,1996/08/01,
"Fate, Predestination, Fatalism, Name, Reputation,","LIBEL!  SLANDER!  When a respected member of the community believes that his name or reputation has been damaged by a false report, he feels compelled to set matters straight.  He may even take legal action.","Well, fatalism is nothing less than slander against Almighty God.  The theory holds that God is personally responsible for all the tragedies and mishaps that afflict mankind.",Ecclesiastes 9:11;,"Sep 1, 1996 Wt Page 4;",,,,1996/08/01,
"Fate, Predestination, Fatalism, Responsibility,","Imagine that a man's car has a faulty steering mechanism.  If he has a keen sense of responsibility, he gets it repaired out of concern for his own life and the lives of his passengers.","A believer in fate, on the other hand, may ignore the risk, reasoning that a breakdown will occur only if it is 'God's will'!",Matt 7:17; Ecclesiastes 12:13; Ps 34:8; Ps 15:1-5;,"Sep 1, 1996 Wt Page 6",,,,1996/08/01,
"Fate, Predestination, Future, Jehovah,","The owner of a radio station can listen to the world news. But the fact that he can listen, doesn't mean that he does. He must first turn on the radio and seek the station.","Likewise, Jehovah has the ability to foreknow events, but the Bible shows that he makes selective and discretionary use of that ability, with due regard for 'free will' of his creation.","Genesis. 22:12; 18:20, 21; Zeph. 2:3;","Reasoning From The Scriptures, Page 141",Make Jehovah Your Confidence,70,,,
"Fate, Predestination, Life, Taoism, Purpose, Decisions,","'Life can be likened to a fleet horse galloping at full speed that changes constantly and continuously, in every fraction of a second.  What should you do?  What should you not do?  It really does not make any difference.'","Taoism's explanation of life, is without real purpose.",Ecclesiastes 12:13;,Mankind's Search For God.  Page 168,How Purposeful Is Your Life?,60,,,
"Fate, Unforeseen, Predestination, Death,","A man leaves his home at a certain time each workday.  One morning, as he passes a neighbor's house, he hears screaming and shouting. He speeds up his walking, and as he turns a corner he is hit by a stray bullet, and dies.",Did that bullet have his name on it?  Is our life controlled by fate?,Ecclesiastes 9:11;,Is This Life All There Is?  Page 11,Is This Life All There Is?,36,,,
Fate;,"'Fate determines many things, no matter how we struggle.'  Quote:  Otto Weiniger.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Fate;,"'When its time has arrived, the prey comes to the hunter.'  Quote:  Persian.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Father, Experience, Parents, Appreciation, Change, Attitude,","When I was four years old: My daddy can do anything.  When I was five years old: My daddy knows a whole lot.  When I was six years old: My dad is smarter than your dad.  When I was eight years old: My dad doesn't know exactly everything.  When I was 10 years old: In the olden days, when my dad grew up, things were sure different.  When I was 12 years old: Oh, well, naturally, Dad doesn't know anything about that. He is too old to remember his childhood.   When I was 14 years old: Don't pay any attention to my dad. He is so old-fashioned.   When I was 21 years old: Him? My Lord, he's hopelessly out of date.   When I was 25 years old: Dad knows about it, but then he should, because he has been around so long.  When I was 30 years old: Maybe we should ask Dad what he thinks. After all, he's had a lot of experience.  When I was 35 years old: I'm not doing a single thing until I talk to Dad.  When I was 40 years old: I wonder how Dad would have handled it. He was so wise.   When I was 50 years old: I'd give anything if Dad were here now so I could talk this over with him. Too bad I didn't appreciate how smart he was. I could have learned a lot from him.",We must build appreciation for our parents.,Exodus. 20:12;,Bobby Laymon - Internet,Parents--are You Building With Fire-resistant Materials?,104,,1999/02/16,
"Father, Organization, Family,","You sometimes see a coffee mug, or other vessel that says, 'World's Greatest Dad.'","We will all be able to say, we have 'The World's Greatest Dad,' in because we will be a member of the happiest family in the universe, with our heavenly father, Jehovah.",2co 6:18;,Bobby Laymon,Serving With Jehovah's Unified Organization,3,,,
"Father, Parent, Children, Youth,",'The occupation of father is almost as obsolete as a harness maker or blacksmith.',"Nonetheless, here is the starting point for happy family circles, for father's responsibility is twofold: to provide for his family both spiritually and materially. This he will want to do in love.",1 Cor 13:4-7;,W62 8/1 457,Family Life That Warms The Heart,5,,1995/01/27,
"Father, Parents, Family, Responsibility,","Becoming a father is easy enough, But being one can be rough.' Quote: Wilhelm Busch.  -1877.",We all have been children and may now have our own; what do we know about this miracle from God?   Sometimes we are suddenly thrust into the role of parents.,Ps 139:16;,G92 4/8 13-16; Fl 81-2; Bobby Laymon,Responsibilities And Rewards Of Parenthood,29,,1995/08/09,
"Father, Sons, Children, Parents,","'A man with one son, living in a hut, is far richer than a lord without sons resting in his castle.'  Quote: Old Russian Proverb.",Children are an inheritance from Jehovah.,Ps 127:4;,Bobby Laymon - American Essays By Dan Valentine,Parents--are You Building With Fire-resistant Materials?,104,,1997/05/13,
"Father, Sons, Children, Parents,","'A man without children is like a house without a hearth; he looks all right outside, but there is no warmth inside.'  Quote: Jonathan Swift.","Children are a blessing from Jehovah.  They warm the heart, and add joy to one's life and home.",Ps 127:4;,Bobby Laymon - American Essays By Dan Valentine,Parents--are You Building With Fire-resistant Materials?,104,,1997/05/13,
"Father, Sons, Children, Parents,",'One father is worth more than a hundred schoolmasters.' Quote: George Herbert.,It is the responsibility of parents to train up their children.,Eph 6:4;,Bobby Laymon - American Essays By Dan Valentine,Parents--are You Building With Fire-resistant Materials?,104,,1997/05/13,
Father;,'Paternity is a career imposed on you without any inquiry into your fitness.'  Quote:  Adlai E. Stevenson.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Father; Parents;,It is much easier to become a father than to become a man.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Father; Son; Parents;,'A father is a man who expects his son to be as good a man as he meant to be.'  Quote:  F. Clark.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Fault-finding, Criticism, Shortcomings, Busybody, Meddle, Complaining,","Some seem to have telescopic and microscopic vision when it come to the faults of others. Always notices slight slips of speech, dress, manners, etc. Do you have such a tendency? Are you trying to improve yourself,",On whom are you working? Whom are you trying to improve? or the other person.,2 Th 3:11; 1 Pet. 4:15; Matt. 7:1-5; Rom. 14:4; 2 Cor. 13:5;,"Dec 8, 1963 Aw Pages 3, 4",,,,,
Fault-finding;,'Let everyone sweep in front of their own door and the whole world would be clean.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Faultfinding, Criticize, Love,","On his first assignment as an auto-body trainee, Stan began work on a car needing a new fender and some door repairs. He spent hours doing a perfect job, but when the owner came to pick it up, he wasn't pleased.  Baffled, Stan asked, What's wrong?  Pointing to the side of the car, the man complained about the paint not matching, uneven gaps between panels, and a host of other problems. He demanded an explanation and refused to pay. Well I don't know what to say, except that the repairs I made were to the other side of the car!","When we are determined to criticize, to find fault with our brothers, we may be too quick to jump to conclusions. Rather shouldn't we take our time to look at the whole picture (person), and see what positive qualities that Jehovah sees and loves.",1 Cor. 13:8;,Bobby Laymon,Love Identifies The True Christian Congregation,72,,1998/12/25,
Faultfinding; Complaining; Gossip;,'A penny will hide the biggest star in the universe if you hold it close enough to the eye.'  Quote:  Sam Graften.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Faultfinding; Complaining; Gossip;,"'Before you flare up at anyone's faults, take time to count to ten....of you own.' Quote: Springfield Union",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Faultfinding; Complaining; Gossip;,'Complain to the one who can help you.'  Quote:  Yugoslavian.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Faultfinding; Complaining; Gossip;,"'Don't find fault, find a remedy.'  Quote:  H. Ford.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Faultfinding; Complaining; Gossip;,'Faults are thick where love is thin.'  Quote:  Danish.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Faultfinding; Complaining; Gossip;,"'He can see a louse as far away as China, but is unconscious of an elephant on his nose.'  Quote:  Malay.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Faultfinding; Complaining; Gossip;,'He that falls by himself never cries.' Quote:  Turkish,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Faultfinding; Complaining; Gossip;,'If we had no faults we would not take so much pleasure in noting those of others.'  Quote:  Rochefoucauld.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Faultfinding; Complaining; Gossip;,"'It is hard to notice or own faults, except as you spot them in others.'  Quote:  Frank Clark.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Faultfinding; Complaining; Gossip;,'It is much easier to be critical than to be correct.'  Quote:  Ben Disraeli.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Faultfinding; Complaining; Gossip;,'Make peace with others and quarrel with your faults.'  Quote:  Russian.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Faultfinding; Complaining; Gossip;,'Never complain and never explain.'  Quote:  Ben Disraeli.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Faultfinding; Complaining; Gossip;,'Rare is the person who can weigh the faults of others without putting his thumb on the scales.'  Quote:  Byron Langfield.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,3/13/2020
Faultfinding; Complaining; Gossip;,'Remember that nobody will ever get ahead of you as long as he is kicking you in the seat of the pants.' Quote:  W. Winchell,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Faultfinding; Complaining; Gossip;,"'The greatest faults I would say, is to be conscience of none.' Quote:  T. Carlyle",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Faultfinding; Complaining; Gossip;,"'The monkey does not see his own hind parts, he sees his neighbors.'  Quote:  African.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,5/1/2015
Faultfinding; Complaining; Gossip;,"'The slanderer kills a thousand times, the assassin but once.'  Quote:  Chinese.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Faultfinding; Complaining; Gossip;,"'The wise one forgets insults, as the ungrateful a kindness.'  Quote:  Chinese.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Faultfinding; Complaining; Gossip;,'To find fault is easy to do better is difficult.'  Quote:  Plutarch.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Faultfinding; Complaining; Gossip;,'What it is to be a gentlemen?  The first to thank and the last to complain.'  Quote:  Serbian.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Faultfinding; Complaining; Gossip;,"'Why bother to find fault, there is no reward offered.'  Quote:  R. J. Peter.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Faultfinding; Complaining; Gossip;,A person who wants to beat a dog will always find a stick.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Faultfinding; Complaining; Gossip;,Close your eyes to the faults of others and you open the doors to friendship.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Faultfinding; Complaining; Gossip;,Even a lion has to defend himself from flies.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Faultfinding; Complaining; Gossip;,He who hangs himself in the chimney should not complain of the smoke.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Faultfinding; Complaining; Gossip;,"If it is very painful for you to criticize your friends, you're safe in doing it, But if you take the slightest pleasure in it, that the time to hold your tongue.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Faultfinding; Complaining; Gossip;,Search others for their virtues and yourself for your vices.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Faultfinding; Complaining; Gossip;,Some grouches have photographic memories. They remember all the negatives about their friends.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Faultfinding; Complaining; Gossip;,"Some people are like flies, they pass over a man's good parts and light on his sores.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Faultfinding; Complaining; Gossip;,The dog barks but the caravan moves on.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Faultfinding; Complaining; Gossip;,The easiest thing to find is fault and the hardest thing to keep is still.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Faultfinding; Complaining; Gossip;,"The squeaky wheel doesn't always get greased, it often gets replaced.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Faultfinding; Complaining; Gossip;,"There is so much good in the worst of us, and so much bad in the best of us, that it ill becomes any of us to find fault with the rest of us.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Faultfinding; Complaining; Gossip; Good;,"'All of us could take a lesson from the weather, It pays no attention to criticism.'  Quote:  North Dekalb Beacon.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Faultfinding; Complaining; Gossip; Good;,"'Love your enemies, for they tell you their faults.'  Quote:  Bg.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Faultfinding; Complaining; Gossip; Good;,"Bad men excuse their faults, good men abandon them.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Faultfinding; Complaining; Gossip; Good;,"How few there are who have courage enough to own their own faults, or resolution enough to mend them.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Faultfinding; Complaining; Gossip; Ridicule; Mocking;,"'Any fool can criticize, condemn and complain, and most do.'  Quote:  Dale Carnegie.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Faultfinding; Complaining; Gossip; Ridicule; Mocking;,'Complaint is the largest tribute heaven receives.'  Quote:  Jonathan Swift.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Faultfinding; Complaining; Gossip; Ridicule; Mocking;,'Constant complaints never get pity.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Faultfinding; Complaining; Gossip; Ridicule; Mocking;,'He is great whose faults can be numbered.'  Quote:  Hebrew.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Faultfinding; Complaining; Gossip; Ridicule; Mocking;,'I believe in grumbling; it is the politest form of fighting known.'  Quote:  Ed Howe.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Faultfinding; Complaining; Gossip; Ridicule; Mocking;,"'If the best man's faults were written on his forehead, he would draw his hat over his eyes.' Quote:  Thomas Gray",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Faultfinding; Complaining; Gossip; Ridicule; Mocking;,"'Joshua had to wander in the wilderness for 40 years because of his brothers and sisters lack of faith, but you never read of his complaining about them.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Faultfinding; Complaining; Gossip; Ridicule; Mocking;,'Some people go through life just standing at the complaint counter.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Faultfinding; Complaining; Gossip; Ridicule; Mocking;,"'The camel never sees its own hump, but that of its brother is always before its eyes.'  Quote:  Arabic.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Faultfinding; Complaining; Gossip; Ridicule; Mocking;,"'The person who is always finding fault, seldom finds anything else.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Faultfinding; Complaining; Gossip; Ridicule; Mocking;,'Who brings a tale takes two away.'  Quote:  Irish.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Faultfinding; Complaining; Gossip; Ridicule; Mocking;,He who wants to blame someone can find the sugar sour.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Faultfinding; Complaining; Gossip; Ridicule; Mocking;,There is nothing to choose between bad tongues and wicked ears.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Faultfinding; Complaining; Gossip; Ridicule; Mocking;,They who complain the most are the most to be complained of.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Faultfinding; Complaining; Gossip;,"'A bucket full of water does not splash about, only a bucket half-full splashes.'  Quote:  Malay.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Faultfinding; Complaining; Gossip;,'The one who complains the loudest is generally he who contributes the least.'  Quote:  A. G. Sortileges.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Faultfinding; Complaining; Gossip;,"The way some people find fault, you'd think there was a reward.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Faultfinding; Complaining; Imperfection;,"'Any fool can criticize, condemn, and complain, and most do.'  Quote:  Dale Carnegie.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Faultfinding; Complaining; Imperfection;,"'Had we not faults of our won, we should take less pleasure in complaining of others.'  Quote:  F. Nelon.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Faultfinding; Critical; Negative;,"'He who wants to blame, sometimes finds the sugar sour.'  Quote:  German.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Faults, Forgiveness, Perfection, Resentment, Grudge,","'Our brothers in the truth are the finest imperfect people in the world.'  Quote: Joseph Wingert, D.O.","We all err, but God's Word helps set things straight.",Psalm 119:110;,Joseph Wengert D. O.,,,,1996/04/29,
"Faults, Imperfections, Sin,","If we had no faults of our own, we would not take so much pleasure in noticing those of others....  Quote:  Francois, Duc De La Rochefoucauld",,,Scott Rudolph,,,,1998/08/30,
"Faults, Others, Complain, Mummer,","Binoculars: You can look through both ends.  When you look backward, the faults seem smaller.",Look backwards when viewing faults of others and the other way when looking at ourselves.,1 Pet. 5:5; 4:7-10;,Larry Punko; C.O.,"Friendship With God, Friendship With The World -- Which Will You Choose?",79,,,
"Faults, Sins, Imperfection, Positive, Negative,","Take a glass full of water and pour half of it out.  Now is it half-full or half-empty?  Neither! It is still full, but partly of water and partly of air.",We must learn to think positively.,"Rom. 3:10, 23;",Bill Thomas,Hold A Good Conscience In A Sinful World,107,,,
Fear,Boxer Can't drop guard for a second.,Superpowers & others involved in struggles.,"Luke 21:10, 11, 29, 32","Bro Salvador, Charles",Overcoming Fear Of The Future,108,,,
Fear,"Fear child feels for his father, loves him like loving parent, get righteously angry  1 John 4:8 Psalm 34:9 Put pressure on us to stick to right course.",Fear of Jehovah.,Prov 9:10  Heb 10:31,"June 1, 1989 Wt     Page  5,6",Overcoming Fear Of The Future,108,,,
Fear,"Man with pistol, shoots over crowd every few minutes M A D   Mutual Assured Destruction.",Many nuclear weapons held by nations.,"Luke 21:10, 11, 29, 32","Bro Salvador, Charles",Overcoming Fear Of The Future,108,,,
Fear,"Snare catches rabbit, bird can be seized by fear of man know what to do; want to do it; Fear holds us in thrall paralyzed and unable to do it.",We can be paralyzed by fear.,"Numbers 13:21-14:38  Jn 1:3, 4, 17  1 Sam 15:24  1 Pet 2:17","June 1, 1989 Wt     Page  4",Overcoming Fear Of The Future,108,,,
Fear,"Unfamiliar road in mountains, night, snow, car skids.   Mouth dries, heart beats faster completely occupied with task at hand.  All that fear for nothing! Not really.","Fear can protect makes us alert, wary; avoid doing rash, injurious  things not always mental poison.",Prov. 29:25  10:27,"June 1, 1989 Wt     Page 3, 4",Overcoming Fear Of The Future,108,,,
Fear Of Jehovah,"Training animal (2 ways) reward or severely punish.  Awe, profound reverence. Wholesome dread of displeasing him because we appreciate his loving kindness acknowledge he is Supreme Judge, Almighty",Fear of Jehovah not in morbid way.  Trusting in him completely means hating what is bad.,Prov 1:7,"Mar 15, 1989 Wt Page 6",Make Jehovah Your Confidence,70,,,
Fear Of Men,"Rabbit, caught in snare Jonah, ensnared with fear 10 Spies ensnared Way out: fear of damp cellars; storm coming; greater fear.","Knows what to do but paralyzed with fear.  Fear of Jehovah, beginning of wisdom.",Fear Of Men Is Snare,Johnse Laymon,Overcoming Fear Of The Future,108,,,
"Fear,","Brother wanting to learn to be chef.  The man teaching him tasted everything he cooked.  He was very precise in doing everything the man told him, because he loved for him to say Ah!  Actually feared displeasing him and hearing him say this is not right.",Fear of displeasing Jehovah has a similar effect. It will make you like Noah who did things just like Jehovah said.,Ps 25:12,Johnse Laymon Assembly Notes,Overcoming Fear Of The Future,108,,1994/07/19,
"Fear,","Deep-sea diver loves the sea, but takes precautions to follow the rules. Sailor loves the sea, but still fears or respects it.","We must love Jehovah, yet fear him.",Ps 19:9;,J.K.,Follow The Way To Life,45,,1997/04/12,
"Fear,","We can liken fear of God, to that of a young child toward his kind loving but firm father.  This child is confident in his father's justice, and he senses his father's warm, loving interest in his welfare.  Yet, he is also aware of what his father requires and knows he will discipline him if he misbehaves.","Likewise, we have a healthy fear of Jehovah.  We do not live in morbid fear, but live in a climate of comparative freedom, aware of the limitations imposed on us.  Like the child, such fear is a benefit, because it protects us.",1pe 2:17; Pr 8:13; Ps 111:10;,"Jun 22, 1970 Aw Page 27",Overcoming Fear Of The Future,108,,,
"Fear, Boldness, Courage, Doubt,",Only cowards insult dying majesty.,There is a time to be courageous.,"Rev. 21:8, Eph. 6:20,",Bobby Laymon,Overcoming Fear Of The Future,108,,,
"Fear, Boldness, Courage, Doubt,","There are several good protections against temptation, but the surest is cowardice. By Mark Twain.",Fear of Jehovah is the beginning of wisdom.,"Prov. 1:7; Rev. 21:8, Eph. 6:20,",Bobby Laymon,Overcoming Fear Of The Future,108,,,
"Fear, Boldness, Courage, Doubt, Satan, Demons,",It is a hardy mouse that is bold enough to breed in the cat's ear. Not move into demon-possessed house. Read literature of Spiritistic nature. Play games with demoniac nature.,We must never challenge Satan on his own ground.,"Rev. 21:8, Eph. 6:20,",Bobby Laymon,Overcoming Fear Of The Future,108,,,
"Fear, Confidence, Faith, Endurance, Persecution,",Poisons affect differently.  Some strike at the nervous system.  Others can paralyze a person.,"Fear can be a mental poison, paralyzing a person's ability to reason.  It can undermine courage and destroy hope.",Jer 51:30; Prov 29:25;,"Mar 15, 1995 Wt Page 10",Bearing Up Under Persecution,57,,1995/05/15,
"Fear, Courage, Persecution,",'Extreme fear can neither fight nor fly.'  Quote: William Shakespeare.  [1594],Those heeding Jehovah's warning need not fear the future.  God's anger will not be directed against them.  We will not be paralyzed with extreme fear.,Zeph 2:3;,Bobby Laymon,Overcoming Fear Of The Future,108,,1995/07/09,
"Fear, Destruction, Armageddon, Future, Last Days,","'Extinction of the human species would be a real possibility.'  Quote: Carl Sagan, scientist.",Referring to consequences of nuclear war.,Rev 16:16,Public Talk 108; Merle Truitt;,Overcoming Fear Of The Future,108,,1995/06/25,
"Fear, Discouragement",Fear is mental poison. There is no time to be fearful.,Fear is prominent emotion today. Christians must be fearless.,"Prov. 3:5,6; 1 Peter 3:14; Ps 56:11","Lovers Of Freedom Dist. Convention  Mobile, July 12-14",Overcoming Fear Of The Future,108,,,
"Fear, Faint, Nations, Last Days, Armageddon, Tribulation,","Fear has been likened to 'a ghost on the roam,' to a disease 'spreading like an epidemic.'","Thus the German magazine H”rzu states: 'Never before has mankind been as fearful as at present.'  Pointing to some of the causes, it adds: 'Brutality and terror, egotism and indifference, social injustice, war, foreign influences, drug abuse, envy, atomic energy, juvenile delinquency, professional failures-today's fear has a thousand names.'",Luke 21:26;,G83 1/8 8,Overcoming Fear Of The Future,108,,1994/05/07,
"Fear, Faith, 1914,","'Fear is a mental poison, and the most potent of all antagonists to health and medicine ... as faith has cured more diseases than physicians ever prescribed for, so fear is more destructive than the worst physical malady.' (Encyclopedia Americana 1956 Edition)","Fear is stalking the earth today, and is much more serious than imagined.",Luke 21:25-28; 1 Pe 3:14;,"Jul 15 1968 Wt Page 434   (entered Jan 6, 1992)",Overcoming Fear Of The Future,108,,,
"Fear, Friend,","It is dark as you approach your house.  The door is ajar, though you left it shut tight.  Through the window you seem to see moving shadows.  Quickly you tense, sensing that something is very wrong.  Perhaps a thief or a knife-wielding intruder is inside.",Sometimes fear can help you.  Your instinctive fear of such situations could save you from blithely walking into a dangerous situation.  A sign: 'high voltage.'  A radio announcement of 'storm.'  A piercing mechanical noise from your car.  Fear can be a friend.,"Luke 21:10, 11;","Oct 15, 1995 Wt Page 4",Overcoming Fear Of The Future,108,,1995/09/18,
"Fear, Fruits",Christendom has fear but it is a morbid fear that God will punish them forever in hell.,What has improper fear produced in way of fruitage? A bunch of self-righteous people.,Prov 22:4,Johnse Laymon,Overcoming Fear Of The Future,108,,1994/07/19,
"Fear, Incest, Panic, Abuse, Stress, Discouragement, Comfort,","Imagine that you are at the ocean watching the waves. They rise, they peak, and then they dissipate.  Panic flows in the same fashion.","Panic flows in the same fashion. Instead of fighting the wave, ride it out. It will pass. When it is over, do-not overreact or overanalyze. It is gone, like a sneezing spell or a headache.",Psalm 55:22;,"Jun 8, 1996 Aw Page 22",,,,1996/05/28,
"Fear, Incest, Panic, Abuse, Stress, Discouragement, Comfort,","Indeed, while panic attacks and other syndromes are full-fledged problems in themselves, they can also be what writer E. Sue Blume calls 'spokes with incest at the hub.'","Dr. Wayne Kritsberg cautions that when such is the case, 'treating the secondary consequences of the abuse--rather than healing the original trauma--will not solve the problem permanently. It would be  like taking cough syrup to cure a case of pneumonia.'",Psalm 55:22;,"Jun 8, 1996 Aw Page 21",,,,1996/05/28,
"Fear, Incest, Panic, Abuse, Stress, Discouragement, Comfort,","Panic is like a bully. Provoke him, and he will attack; do not provoke him, and he may go away.","Dr. R. Reid Wilson explains that calming skills 'are not designed so that you can better 'fight' panic or 'banish' panic at that moment. Instead, consider them ways of passing the time while panic tries to pick a fight with you.'",Psalm 55:22;,"Jun 8, 1996 Aw Page 22",,,,1996/05/28,
"Fear, Last Days, 1914,","Quote: 'We will eat fear, sleep fear, live in fear and die in fear.'  Atomic scientist Harold C. Urey.",Men have become faint out of fear.,Luke 21:26;,"Apr 1, 1991 Wt Page 6",Overcoming Fear Of The Future,108,,,
"Fear, Last Days, End, Conclusion, Armageddon, 1914,",'The fact is that today the biggest single emotion which dominates our lives is fear.'  Quote: columnist David Lawrence. From 120-149 million Americans would die in the event of a Soviet missile attack.,'Men becoming faint out of fear and expectation of things coming.',"Luke 21:25, 26; Matt. 24:8;","Apr 1, 1967 Wt Page 200",Overcoming Fear Of The Future,108,,,
"Fear, Love,","Most of you have an automatic transmission.  If you do, you have two pedals on the floor instead of three.  One pedal makes the car go forward and the other one acts as a restraint.","Likewise in our lives.  Love is the one pedal.  It makes one go forward.  Fear is the other.  It restrains one.  Fear can actually be a protection for us, lest we go too fast.  We must have a proper balance of love and fear.",Prov. 9:10;,"Gary Wells, D. O.",Overcoming Fear Of The Future,108,,"Apr 25, 2002",
"Fear, Love, Adultery, Fornication,","Fear of one's wife may keep a man from committing adultery.  However, love for one's wife will prevent him even thinking about it.","Fear and love must be properly balanced.  We must have proper fear for Jehovah, and balance this with love.",Ecc 12:13;,Milton Mallette - Godly Fear District Convention.,A Godly View Of Sex And Marriage,13,,1994/06/24,
"Fear, Ministry, Preaching",Why Fear Man? Exhalation on an Exhalation-Or Nothing on Nothing.,No reason to fear man.,Ps 39:5,"Lovers Of Freedom Dist. Conv., Mobile July 12-14",Overcoming Fear Of The Future,108,,,
"Fear, Nuclear, Kingdom, Hope,","'Groundhog' psychology. Afraid of his shadow, runs into burrow.  Man too, is gripped with fear, at the slightest thing. Man must look to God. Info: Groundhog day Feb 2,  Goes back into burrow 6 weeks.","Mankind need an uplifting hope, God's Kingdom.",Luke 21:28; Matt. 20:28; Acts 4:12; Rev. 21:1-4,"Jun 22, 1962 Aw Page 12",The Kingdom Of God Is Near,109,,,
"Fear, Persecution, Courage, Cowards,",'Cowards die many times before their deaths; The valiant never taste of death but once.'  Quote: William Shakespeare.  [1598-1600].,"How were you at 'beginning,' when you started to serve Jehovah God? Enthusiastic, bold, joyful, confident? Are you still that way?",Heb 3:14;,Bobby Laymon,Maintain Your Confidence Firm To The End,46,,1995/07/10,
"Fear, Persecution, Coward,",'Nothing is so much to be feared as fear.' Quote: Henry David Thoreau.  -1851.,"Fear is everywhere.  This fear is shared by men of all stations, from Nobel prize winners to the man on street.",Luke 21:11;,Bobby Laymon,Overcoming Fear Of The Future,108,,1995/08/05,
"Fear, Protection, Harm,","Suppose you are taking a nice bath.  Suddenly you notice a hairdryer on the edge of the tub.  Carefully, your eyes follow the cord.  It is plugged into an outlet.  Without even rippling the water, you get out without touching the hairdryer.  You know that doing so can kill you immediately.",Fear has many meanings.  It can protect you or harm you.  It can bring enjoyment.,Ps. 34:11; Isa. 11:3; Ps. 112:1,Gary Wells,Overcoming Fear Of The Future,108,,"Apr 25, 2002",
"Fear, Scared, Prayer, Frightened, Persecution,","'Being scared is like being cold.  You can do something about it.  When you're cold, you put on a sweater.  If you're still cold, you put on another one.  And you keep on putting something on until the coldness goes away and you're no longer cold.'  Quote: A youth.","'So praying to Jehovah when you're scared is like putting on a sweater when you're cold.  If after one prayer I'm still scared, I pray again, and again, and again, until I don't feel scared anymore.  And it works.  It has kept me out of trouble.'",Matt 18:10; Luke 22:43;,"Oct 1, 1995 Wt Page 18",Bearing Up Under Persecution,57,,1995/09/18,
"Fear, Urgency, Urgent, Happy,","Two men are parachuting off a high bridge.  One has a 'quick-opening parachute, and the other a delayed-opening parachute.",Which one has the wisdom?  Which one will be happy?  We must be quick to make decisions that mean life or death.,Ecclesiastes. 12:13,"Gary Wells, D. O.",Acquiring A Heart Of Wisdom,73,,"Apr 25, 2002",
"Fear, War, Nuclear, Peace, Security,",For more than 40 years the threat of nuclear war had hung menacingly over humankind like a sword suspended by a thin thread.,"With the demise of Communism and the breakup of the Soviet Union, the threat of a nuclear holocaust seemed to evaporate.  The world breathed easier.","Isa 2:3,4","Apr 22, 1996 Aw Page 3",Jehovah Is 'a Secure Height' For His People,151,,1996/05/28,
"Fear, War, Nuclear, Peace, Security,","We have slain a large dragon [the U.S.S.R.], but we live now in a jungle filled with a bewildering variety of poisonous snakes.'  Quote: The director of the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency.",In developing countries high military spending also is justified as a means to deter an attack from countries perceived as possible dragons and poisonous snakes.,"Isa 2:3,4","Apr 22, 1996 Aw Page 4",Jehovah Is 'a Secure Height' For His People,151,,1996/05/28,
"Fear, War, Nuclear, Peace, Security, Christendom,","'The Christian Churches are the finest blood-lust creators which we have, and of them we made free use.'  Quote: British brigadier general Frank P. Crozier.","When nations go to war, the world's religions abandon teachings of peace and brotherhood.","Isa 2:3,4","Apr 22, 1996 Aw Page 5",Jehovah Is 'a Secure Height' For His People,151,,1996/05/28,
"Fear, War, Nuclear, Peace, Security, Christendom, Flag,","'It is a weakness of perhaps all organized religion that the church follows the flag ... What war was ever fought in which God wasn't claimed to be on each side?'  Quote:  Sun of Vancouver, Canada.","Clearly, instead of being a force for peace, the world's religions have promoted wars and killing -- as was so powerfully illustrated by the slaughter in Rwanda.","Isa 2:3,4","Apr 22, 1996 Aw Page 5",,,,1996/05/28,
"Fear, Weapon, Nations, War, Peace, Security,","Robert J. Oppenheimer, the brilliant physicist who led in the development of the atom bomb, likened opposing nuclear powers to 'two scorpions in a bottle, each capable of killing the other, but only at the risk of his own life.'  More recently, President Ronald Reagan said that U.S./Soviet posture was like two people holding pistols at each other's heads.",Many do not agree that such deterrence provides real security.,1th 5:1-5;,G86 5/22 4-5,Overcoming Fear Of The Future,108,,1994/05/07,
"Fear, World, Panic, Courage,",'Whistling in the dark.' (Little boy afraid of dark but begins whistling to appear otherwise.) Deflate reports about bank closings; war losses; nuclear fallout; pollution; etc. to avoid panic.,World's propaganda to ward off fact they are in fear.,Luke 21:26;,Bobby Laymon,FACING THE FUTURE WITH FAITH AND COURAGE,166,,,
Fear;,'Fear is the darkroom where negatives are developed.'  Quote:  E.L..,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Fear;,'Fear kills more than illness.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Fear;,"'If we let things terrify us, life will not be worth living.'  Quote:  Seneca.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Fear;,'Men are swayed more by fear than by reverence.'  Quote:  Aristotle.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Fear;,"'The first and great commandment is, don't let them scare you.'  Quote:  Elmer Davis.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Fear;,'Vows made in storms are forgotten in calm.' Quote:  Thomas Fuller,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Fear;,'What you are afraid of overtakes you.'  Quote:  Estonian.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Fear;,"Fear to do ill, and you need fear nothing else.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Fear;,Fears: Anthrop phobia = fear of human society  Sit phobia = fear of eating  Aichmophobia = far of sharp pointed objects  Triskaidekaphobia = fear of the number 13  Micro phobia = fear of germs  Aerophobia = fear of drafts  Basophobia = fear of walking  Skopophobia = fear of spies  Chronophobia = fear of clocks  Phobophobia  = fear of fear  Nyctophobia = fear of the dark  Pathophobia = fear of disease  Cherophobia = fear of gaiety  Acrophobia = fear of heights  Brontophobia = fear of thunder,We live in a world of fear.  The greatest is ahead.  The fear inspiring day of Jehovah.,2 Pet. 3:12;,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Fear; Worry; Goodness;,Good men have the fewest fears.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Fear; Worship,","They that worship God merely from fear, would worship the devil too if he would appear.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Fearless, Witnessing, Courage, Shrink, Bold, Running,",The rule is that to participate in the boxing match or test of combat the fighter must be fearless.,"Thus we must be fearless in witnessing, confident of our spiritual strength and of handling the word of truth aright. Fighting in a contest is mentioned by Paul in addition to frequent references to running. (1 Cor. 9:26; 1 Tim. 6:12; 2 Tim. 4:7",1 Cor 9:26; 1 Tim. 6:12; 2 Tim. 4:7;,W56 4/15 249,Overcoming Fear Of The Future,108,,1994/05/13,
Fidelity; Loyalty;,'It is better to be faithful than famous.' Quote:  Teddy Roosevelt,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Fig Tree, Increase, Productivity, Lazy,","'A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard, and he came looking for fruit on it, but found none. Then he said to the vinedresser, 'Here it is three years that I have come looking for fruit on this fig tree, but have found none. Cut it down! Why really should it keep the ground useless?' In reply he said to him, 'Master, let it alone also this year, until I dig around it and put on manure; and if then it produces fruit in the future, well and good; but if not, you shall cut it down.''  Quote: Jesus Christ.","Jesus has tried for more than three years to cultivate faith among the Jewish nation. But only a few hundred disciples can be counted as  fruitage of his labors. Now, during this fourth year of his ministry, he is intensifying his efforts, symbolically digging and putting manure  around the Jewish fig tree by zealously preaching and teaching in Judea and Perea. Yet to no avail! The nation refuses to repent and so  is in line for destruction. Only a remnant of the nation respond.",Luke 13:6-9,Gt 79,,,,1996/01/15,
"Fighting, Judo, Karate, Violence, Martial Arts,","When Jesus was attacked, he did not resort to vicious karate blows, nor did he try to flip his opponents on their backs judo-style.",Jesus did not spend time training to fight physical battles and neither should we.,"2ti 2:24; Ro 12:18; Mt 16:24-26; 1pe 2:19, 20; Ps 55:22;","Jun 1, 1968 Wt Page 350",Does God Count You Personally Important?,26,,,
"Fights, Wars, Quarrels, Peace, Food, Nations, Greed,",'I have noticed that when chickens quit quarreling over their food they often find that there is enough for all of them.  I wonder if it might not be the same with the human race.' Quote: Donald Robert Perry Marquis.,"Food distribution is the main problem.  Greedy nations let it rot on the docks.  God's government can produce ample food, and government by God will assure proper distribution, as greed will be no more.",Ps 67:6;,Bobby Laymon,Can You Live Forever?--will You?,35,,1995/08/16,
"Fine Shepherd, Door, 144,000, Other Sheep, Know,","'I am the door; whoever enters through me will be saved, and he will go in and out and find pasturage. . . . I have come that they might  have life and might have it in abundance. . . . I am the fine shepherd, and I know my sheep and my sheep know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I surrender my soul in behalf of the sheep.'  Quote: Jesus Christ.","The 'doorkeeper' of the first sheepfold was John the Baptizer.  Jesus said,  'Most truly I say to you, I am the door of the sheep,' that is, the door of a new sheepfold.  He continued, ' . . . I am the fine shepherd, and I know my sheep and my sheep know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I surrender my soul in behalf of the sheep.'",John 10:11-16;,Gt 80,,,,1996/01/15,
Finish; Conclusion;,'The opera ain't over till the fat lady sings.'  Quote:  Dan Cook.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Fire-resistant, Children, Parents,","God is a Builder, an Erector of a building; and if we are 'God's fellow workers,' then we must be builders also. This is the inescapable fact that the apostle Paul reminds us of by saying: 'We are God's fellow workers. You people are . . . God's building.' (1 Cor. 3:9) Do we grasp that thought?  'People' are God's building.","It is a staggering thought for a person to realize that, aside from being a descendant of God's first human creation Adam, he is built by God, he is part of God's building of a particular kind. All men are offspring of God's first human creation, but how many today are 'God's building'?",1 Cor 3:9-12;,W66 11/1 652,Parents--are You Building With Fire-resistant Materials?,104,,1994/07/12,
"Fire-resistant, Children, Parents,","THERE is a great safeguarding and salvaging of costly buildings by making them fireproof. This is largely done by making them of fire-resistant materials. If a local fire were started in a fireproof  building, it would be hard for it to spread and finally envelop the whole building in flames and reduce it to ashes. If a general conflagration were started in the surrounding community, the fireproof building would remain, somewhat tarnished in outward appearance and smelling of the singeing fire, but standing structurally, just the same.","The fire-resistant materials put into the building would thus prove their worth, and the extra cost of labor and money would have justified itself.  Likewise, all the time, money and effort will prove worthwhile in building fire-resistant materials into our children.",1 Cor 3:9-12;,W66 11/1 649,Parents--are You Building With Fire-resistant Materials?,104,,1994/07/12,
"Fire-resistant, Parents, Training, Teaching,","One of the grandest, costliest buildings in human history was destroyed by fire. This was the temple built by King Herod the Great on the same site where King Solomon of Jerusalem had built his magnificent temple, which likewise had been the victim of fire.","Our children, although very precious and valuable, can likewise be lost thru neglect.  Thus it would pay to conform to building our children with fire-resistant materials.",1 Cor 3:1-15;,W66 11/1 649-50,Parents--are You Building With Fire-resistant Materials?,104,,1994/06/04,
"Fire-resistant, Parents, Training, Teaching,","THERE is a great safeguarding and salvaging of costly buildings by making them fireproof. This is largely done by making them of fire-resistant materials.  If a general conflagration were started. The fire-resistant materials put into the building would thus prove their worth, and the extra cost of labor and money would have justified itself.",Thus it would pay for a builder to conform to the National Building Code.  Likewise it will give rich rewards to build our children with fire-resistant materials.,1 Cor 3:1-15;,W66 11/1 649,Parents--are You Building With Fire-resistant Materials?,104,,1994/06/04,
"Firm, Determined, Growth, Steadfast,","A CLIFF might not seem to be the ideal place to make your home, especially if it is located high up in the mountains.  Despite the apparent disadvantages, however, some alpine trees cling tenaciously to such rock faces, braving the icy cold of winter and enduring the droughts of summer.  Their trunks may be gnarled and twisted and their growth considerably stunted even looking like natural bonsai shaped and pruned by the harsh climate and the scanty soil in they grow.  Enduring as they  do in one of the most inhospitable environments on earth, you might assume that such trees would have a short lifespan.  But the contrary is true. Some claim that Methuselah, a bristle cone pine growing at an elevation of 10,000 feet in the White Mountains of California, is 4,700 years old.","As with the alpine trees, a good anchorage is the key to endurance.  In the case of Christians, they need to be firmly rooted in Jesus Christ in order to stand firm.","Col. 2:6,7","Jul 1, 2001 Wt Page 23",Why Mankind Needs A Ransom,125,,"Aug 20, 2001",
"Fishers Of Men, Preaching, Evangelizing,",'Jesus said to Simon: 'Stop being afraid. From now on you will be catching men alive.''  Quote: Jesus Christ.,"FOR thousands of years, mankind has fished for food in earth's seas, lakes, and rivers.  However, almost 2,000 years ago, another kind of fishing was introduced to mankind. This was a spiritual kind of fishing that would benefit not only the fishermen but also the fish! This kind of fishing is still being practiced today, with immense benefits to millions  worldwide.",Luke 5:10;,W92 6/15 12,Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,063,,1996/01/15,7/12/2025
"Fishing, Preaching, Good News, Evangel,","Today, fishing is confined to 'territorial waters.'  Often there is a '12 mile limit' restricting fishing in other's territory.",There can be no '12-mile limit' or 'territorial waters' restricting our commission from God.  We have authority to fish in global waters.,"Mt 28:19, 20;","Jun 15, 1992 Wt Page 23",Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,063,,,7/12/2025
"Flag, Idolatry, Worship, Freedom",When George Washington stood amidst the cold at Valley Forge said 'Some day men will think liberty easy'. But freedom has never been easy.,J.W. have always had to fight for freedom of worship. Flag Salute and pledge allegiance two cases. Pledge began 1892 1907 State of Kansas made flag salute compulsory.,"Exodus. 20:4,5 1john 5:21","Johnse Laymon Jun 8, 1965 Aw Pg 9","Living, Not For Self, But To Do God's Will",8,,,
"Flags, Idol, Images, Patriotic,","'In the hope of assuring victory pagan soldiers at first carried their idols and carved images with them into battle.  Then they made miniatures of their carved idols, which they placed on the end of staffs. Later they painted representations of their idols on cloth and fastened these to staffs.' (Encyclopedia Britannica)",Thus is seen the evolution of the flag.,"Exodus 20:4, 5;","Oct 1, 1956 Wt Page 579",Who Is Your God?,52,,,
Flattery,Flattery is mostly 'soft soap' and soap is mostly 'lye'.,"Flattery is hypocritical, insincere praise.","Ezek. 33:30, 31; Isa. 29:13",Bobby Laymon,Evidence Of God In The World Around Us,4,,,
Flattery,"Fox & Crow; crow had piece of cheese, fox wanted. Told crow he had finest shape of any bird, most colorful, if you only had a voice, be King of birds. Opened mouth and cawed as loudly as he could","Pay attention to flattery, you will regret Dropped food, and fox grabbed & ran. Have a voice, but not much brains, he said",1th 2:5;,Aesop's Fables,Evidence Of God In The World Around Us,4,,,
Flattery,Horse named Flattery,Can't go very far on it.,Eph. 4:25,Bobby Laymon,Evidence Of God In The World Around Us,4,,,
Flattery,"Stroke your fur the right way. Until this century, the Arabs were the most adept flatterers. 'compliments in a well-bred man never last less than ten minutes' Can be verbal, form of gifts, smiles, laughter, gestures, facial","Flattery is hypocritical, insincere praise. expressions. fine words, but inconsistent action.","Ezek. 33:30, 31; Isa. 29:13","Jul 8, 1960 Aw Page 3, 4",Evidence Of God In The World Around Us,4,,,
"Flattery, Praise, Glory, Vain,","'He who praises everybody, praises nobody.'  Quote: James Boswell.",Realize that man was created by God and did not evolve.  We must not join those who praise men.  We must praise Jehovah.,Ge 2:7,Bobby Laymon,True Religion Meets The Needs Of Human Society.,94,,1995/07/18,
Flattery;,'Flatterers look like friends as wolves look like dogs.'  Quote:  George Chapman.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Flattery;,'Flattery is from the teeth out. Sincere appreciation is from the heart out.'  Quote:  Dale Carnegie.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Flattery;,"'Flattery is like cologne water, to be smelt of, but not swallowed.'  Quote:  Josh Billings.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Flattery;,"'Flattery makes friends, truth makes enemies.' Quote:  Spanish",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Flattery;,'Flattery: The power to describe others as they see themselves.'  Quote:  Farmer Stockman (Paper).,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Flattery;,"'He who praises everybody, praises nobody.'  Quote:  Sam Johnson.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Flattery;,"'It is better to fall among crows than flatterers; for those devour only the dead, these the living.'  Quote:  Antisthenes.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Flattery;,"'It is easy to flatter, it is harder to praise.'  Quote:  Jean Paul Richter.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Flattery;,"'When flatterers meet, the Devil goes to dinner.'  Quote:  English.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Flattery;,'You look like a runner quoted the Devil to the Crab.' Quote:  English,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Flattery;,Flattery is great if you don't inhale.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Flattery;,Flattery is the art of telling someone exactly what he thinks of himself.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Flattery;,Flattery is warming our self by an artificial fireplace.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Flattery; Gossip;,"'Let us believe neither half of the good people tell us of ourselves, nor half the evil they say of others.'  Quote:  John Petit Senn.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Flaw, Sin, Trend, Gradual, Satan, Devil,","The Hubble telescope had a flaw that was 'far less than the width of a human hair, but that was enough to blur the vision.  We know what happens when we get something small in our eye.",Satan uses small trends to blur our vision regarding Jehovah's purposes.,Prov 29:25;,"Sep 8, 1995 Aw Page 16",How To Protect Ourselves From Satan's Snares,115,,1995/08/04,
"Flaws, Imperfections, Cracked, Depression, Encouragement, Local Needs, disabled,","A water bearer in India had two large pots, hung on each end of a Pole which he carried across his neck.  One of the pots had a crack in it, and while the other pot was perfect and always delivered a full portion of water at the end of the long walk from the stream to the master's house, the cracked pot arrived only half full.  For a full two years this went on daily, with the bearer delivering only one and a half pots full of water to his master's house.  Of course, the perfect pot was proud of it's accomplishments, perfect to the end for which it was made.  But the poor cracked pot was ashamed of it's own imperfection, and miserable that it was able to accomplish only half of what it had been made to do.  After two years of what it perceived to be a bitter failure, it spoke to the water bearer one day by the stream.  'I am ashamed of myself, and I want to apologize to you.' 'Why?' asked the bearer.  What are you ashamed of?'  'I have been able, for these past two years, to deliver only half my load because this crack in my side causes water to leak out all the way back to your master's house.  Because of my flaws, you have to do all of this work, and you don't get full value from your efforts', the pot said.  The water bearer felt sorry for the old cracked pot, and in his compassion he said, 'As we return to the master's house, I want you to notice the beautiful flowers along the path.'  Indeed as they went up the hill, the old cracked pot took notice of the sun warming the beautiful wild flowers on the of the path, and this   cheered it some.  But at the end of the trail, it still felt bad, because it had leaked out half it's load, and so again it apologized to the bearer for it's failure.  The bearer said to the pot, 'Did you notice that there were flowers only on your side of the path, but not on the other pot's side? That is because I have always known about your flaw, and I took advantage of it.  I planted seeds on your side of the path, and every day while we walk back from the stream, you've watered them.  For two years, I have been able to pick these beautiful flowers to decorate my Master's table.  Without you being just the way you are, he would not have this beauty to grace his house.'  Each of us has our own unique flaws.  We're all cracked pots.  But if we will allow it, the Lord will use our flaws to grace His Father's table.  In God's great economy, nothing goes to waste.","So, as we seek ways to minister together, and as God calls you to the tasks he has appointed for you, don't be afraid of your flaws. Acknowledge them, and allow Him to take advantage of them, and you too, can be the cause of beauty in His pathway.  Go out boldly, knowing that in our weakness, we find His strength, and that ' In him, every one of God's promises is a Yes.'",Rom. 5:8;,Jim Breden,Service Talk,200,,1999/02/15,
"Flesh, Sin, Training, Obedience, Discipline, World,",We cannot give fallen flesh the floor; if we do it will floor us.,"If we start catering to the whims of the flesh we are finished, because the flesh has a dangerous appetite that is insatiable. It has a taste for sin from inheritance, and it will get us into sinful habits if we let it.",1 Cor 9:27; 2 Tim. 2:15; Rom. 12:2; Phil. 4:8; Ps. 1:2; Heb. 10:25.,W54 2/15 102-3,'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,1994/10/25,
"Flesh, Spirit, Fruitage, Joy,","Just as a plant can produce thorns or fruitage, so can humankind. God-given fruitage gives us joy.","The works of the sinful flesh are like thorns in contrast with the spirit's splendid fruitage of love, joy, peace, long- suffering, kindness, goodness, faith, mildness, and self-control.",Gal 5:22-26;,"Mar 15, 1992 Wt Page 21",Serve Jehovah With A Joyful Heart,78,,,
"Flexible, Adapt,",Doctor; wrote all his patients same prescription.,Must be flexible in helping others.,1 Cor. 9:22,Johnse Laymon,,,,,
"Flexible, Adapt, Adjustment,",To get batter out of a mixing bowl what tool would you use? Wood Spoon? Rubber spatula? Spatula More flexible!,We want to be like the spatula.  We need to be flexible.,"1 Cor 9:20, 21;",J.K.,Getting Marriage Off To A Good Start,27,,1997/04/11,
"Flexible, Adapt, Adjustment,",We have a choice: we can be like the tall oak (rigid and firm) or like the waving willow (flexible and giving),What happens to the tall rigid oak in a windstorm?  What about the flexible willow?,"1 Cor 9:20, 21;",J.K.,Getting Marriage Off To A Good Start,27,,1997/04/11,
"Flexible, Adapt, Help, Reliance, Organization,",Doctor who writes his own prescription has a fool for a patient.,Rely on Christian brothers and sisters.,Gal 6:1,Johnse Laymon,Serving With Jehovah's Unified Organization,3,,,
"Flirt, Husband, Hypocrite, Marriage, Sex,","There is a German proverb, Haus Bengal und Stassen Engel, which means, 'At home an ill-mannered boor but on the street an angel.'","That proverb points up a common human failing. For example, at the end of a social evening a husband may be eager to help some young single woman with her coat, but may let his wife put on her own coat. Apparently the pretty single woman stimulated the husband's romantic interest so that he became the courteous gentleman.  But how much more good he could do by being solicitous and romantically courteous to his own wife!",Eph 5:33;,W74 1/15 45,A Godly View Of Sex And Marriage,13,,1994/07/10,
"Flirt, Husband, Hypocrite, Marriage, Sex, Charity, Love,","To the point is the saying that 'charity begins at home,' that is, it should begin at home.","Not in the matter of giving money necessarily, but in being helpful to one another. Are we not quick to help out when a stranger asks for directions or for some other information? So should we not likewise be quick to help out in our homes, in fact, even more ready to do so? Yet how often one member of the family struggles with burdens while others of the family seem to be blind as to their opportunities to be of help.",1 Cor. 13:1-8;,W74 1/15 45,A Godly View Of Sex And Marriage,13,,1994/07/10,
"Flirt, Husband, Marriage, Weddings, Sex,",Marriage is like a tourniquet.,Puts you out of circulation.,Phil. 5:25,Larry Kinkade,A Godly View Of Sex And Marriage,13,,,
"Flirt, Husband, Money, Sex,",Flirt with someone not wife like throwing money away.,"Flirt with wife like putting money in the bank, you get it all back with interest.",Eph. 5:25,Bill Bowen,A Godly View Of Sex And Marriage,13,,,
"Flirting, Marriage, Loose Conduct,",We all like to have money in the bank for a rainy day.  No one wise would just throw money away.,Loyalty to one's mate is like money in the bank for a rainy day philandering mates are squandering their capital and may find themselves without needed emotional support in times of stress.,Ps 97:10; Pr 10:23; Pr 5:15-20; 1th 4:3-5;,"Aug 1, 1968 Wt Page 477",God Comes First In Successful Family Life,110,,,
"Flirting, Marriage, Loose Conduct,","We would not dilute fine wine with water. Flirting has been termed, 'The game that can disrupt marriage. Can arouse jealousy, and is not a game.",For married persons to flirt with others is said to be like the above.  The more loyal a couple are to each other the sweeter their own joys will be.,Pr 10:23; Pr 5:15-20; 1th 4:3-5;,"Aug 1, 1968 Wt Page 476",God Comes First In Successful Family Life,110,,,
"Flirting, Sex, Fantasy,",Do not touch a woman.  Like a 'hot stove.' Rejoice with 'wife of our youth.',We must not become over familiar with opposite sex.,1 Cor. 7:1; Prov. 5:18-20,Phil Kirkton Notes: Bro. Roberts,A Godly View Of Sex And Marriage,13,,,
Flood,"It was a day that began like every other day in human history.  The sun came up and the morning light filtered through cloud canopy, people went about tasks as usual; They did their chores, ate their breakfast, expecting nothing out of the ordinary.  The children played and the birds sang.   However, as the day progressed a torrential rain commenced falling. Day after day it continued without letup.  It flooded their homes, drove them to hills, rose to more than 22 ft. above mountain tops.  What started out as an ordinary day, the 17th day of the second month of the year 2370 B. C. E. would prove to be a day that would never be forgotten by man, the angels, nor Jehovah himself.     The flood of Noah's day was no accident!  It was a deliberate action taken by Jehovah God, Himself.","In the near future, there will be a day that will begin, perhaps, like every other day in human history.  The sun will come up, and its light filter down to the earth.   People will get up, do their chores, go about tasks as usual; eat their breakfast, expecting nothing out of the ordinary.  Animals will play.  The birds will sing.  However, as the day progresses, unusual events will begin to unfold.  It will escalate into a day unlike any other day in human history.  A day that will never be forgotten.  It will be the beginning of  'The Day of Jehovah!'  Like Noah's day, throughout all the generations to come it will be remembered by men, the angels, and Jehovah himself.  Will you be there?  If you have the faith and obedience of Noah, you can be hidden in the Day of Jehovah's anger.","Genesis. Chapter 6  2 Pet. 3:5, 6","Aug 22, 1958 Aw Page 3, 4",The Flood Of Noah's Day Has Meaning For Us,6,,,
"Flood, Ark","In size the ARK was 300 cubits long, 50 cubits wide, and 30  cubits high.  This proportion of length to width (6 to 1) is used by modern naval architects. It is estimated that such a vessel would have a displacement nearly equal to that of another mighty ship of this 20th century.  It had a 10 to 1 ratio.",It sank!  It's called the Titanic!,"Genesis 6:8, 9, 22",Bobby Laymon  (see Insight Book),The Flood Of Noah's Day Has Meaning For Us,6,,1993/11/23,
"Flood, Ark, Noah,","Have you ever been stuck at a rail-road crossing, and perhaps counted the cars out of boredom?  Imagine a train with 250 cars.",The carrying capacity of the ark was the space of 250 boxcars.,Ge 6:14-22;,"Bro. Wyszynski (Cartersville, Ga)",The Flood Of Noah's Day Has Meaning For Us,6,,,
"Flood, Ark, Noah,","Quote: Science News of June 13, 1970.  'In 1955, Fernando Navarra, a French industrialist and amateur explorer, found on Mt. Ararat in eastern Turkey an estimated 50 tons of wood buried in the finger of a glacial ice pack.  The site of the find is 14,000 feet high, several thousand feet above the tree line and over 300 miles from the nearest trees of any size ... Navarra has claimed that the artifact is a piece of the Biblical Ark of Noah.'     Some estimated that the wood was about 4,000 to 5,000 years old.  However, other findings using radiocarbon measurement yielded more recent figures, although these could have been influenced by contamination of the wood with carbon-14 more recently formed in the upper atmosphere and brought down in rain and snow.     Then, in 1969, more wood was found near the 1955 site.  Further  excavation was to have taken place in the summer of 1970 under the  direction of Search Foundation, Inc.  However, Turkey barred the expedition from access to Mt. Ararat, citing 'security reasons.'","It is not the course of wisdom to pin one's hopes on such a find  to verify a Bible account.  Really, Christians do not need it.  We have the record of God's own Word.  Also, there are the flood accounts common to almost every culture and race of people.  So widespread an account is not likely to have been coincidental.  Too, it is a well established fact that a sudden watery death, and in many cases a quick freezing, overtook millions of living things in the past.  Remains of these have been found in enormous quantities in places such as Alaska and Siberia.  Some animals were so quickly frozen that vegetation was still in their mouths and stomachs.","Ge 6:1 - 8:22; Luke 17:26, 27;","Nov 22, 1970 Aw Page 5, 6",The Flood Of Noah's Day Has Meaning For Us,6,,1993/10/31,
"Flood, Ark, Noah, Cutting Corners, Instructions,","If Noah was going to cut corners, where would it have been?  Have you ever put tar on something?  You not only get it on the material, but in your hair, clothing, skin, etc.  If Noah cut corners, where would he start? ",What would have happened if Noah had not followed these instruction to the letter?  The ark would have sank.,"Ge 6:14, 22;","Bro. Wyszynski (Cartersville, Ga)",The Flood Of Noah's Day Has Meaning For Us,6,,,6/3/2014
"Flood, Baptism,","Possible, some of Noah's neighbors may have helped on the ark, but they were not in the ark, where safety was found.","Today, some like the truth, but do not take the important step of dedication and baptism.",Ge 6:14-22;,"Bro. Wyszynski (Cartersville, Ga)",The Flood Of Noah's Day Has Meaning For Us,6,,,
"Flood, Christendom,","'It is generally agreed now that the episode of Noe [Noah] and the ark is not a piece of historical reporting ...To read it as history ... leads only to confusion, ... and thence to difficulties of faith.'    Quote: New Catholic Encyclopedia,","Although one of the most common known Bible stories, it is also one of the least believed.","Genesis 6:8, 9, 22",Bobby Laymon,The Flood Of Noah's Day Has Meaning For Us,6,,1993/11/23,
"Flood, Entertainment, Busy,","Do you like to play games?  They can be a lot of fun, can't they?  When we play games, we sometimes forget or don't want to stop and do other things.  Did you know there is danger in becoming too busy having fun?","Before the flood, people were busy, as Jesus said, 'For as they were in those days before the flood, eating and drinking, men marrying and women being given in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the ark; 24:39 and they took no note until the flood came and swept them all away, so the presence of the Son of man will be.",Mt 24:37-39,"Mar 1, 1971 Wt Page 168",The Flood Of Noah's Day Has Meaning For Us,6,,1993/11/09,
"Flood, Future, Past,","'Those who do not remember the past, are condemned to relive it.'  (George Santayana, 20th Century Philosopher) Example: Hitler fought some of the same battles as Napoleon and both lost, due to harsh winters.","Those who do not heed the warnings about the destruction of the world, will themselves be caught up in it.",Mt. 24:37-39; Is 54:9; Ge 6:1-8;,"Bro. Wyszynski (Cartersville, Ga)",The Flood Of Noah's Day Has Meaning For Us,6,,,
"Flood, History, Doubts,","Some here, no doubt, remember WWII.  No one doubts it happened. Even 200 years from now, it will be dimmer, but no one will doubt, because it is written in History books.  Do you doubt George Washington, Abraham Lincoln?","The Bible is an ancient History book.  Flood traditions, all having a similarity, have been passed down from generations past.  Now dimmer, yet still exist.",Mt. 24:37-39; Is 54:9; Ge 6:1-8;,"Bro. Wyszynski (Cartersville, Ga)",The Flood Of Noah's Day Has Meaning For Us,6,,,
"Flood, History, Science,","'We want a cause that should kill the animals, and yet not break to pieces their bodies, or even mutilate them,...which would bury the bodies as well as kill the animals,...which could sweep together animals of different sizes and species. Quote: 'The Mammoth and the Flood' by Sir Henry Howorth","His conclusion agrees with the inspired Word of Jehovah God. Howorth noted: 'What cause competent to do this is known to us, except rushing water on a great scale? ... Water is the only cause know to me capable of doing the work on a scale commensurate with the effects we see in Siberia.'","Genesis 7:18, 19;","Sep 22, 1970 Aw Page 12",The Flood Of Noah's Day Has Meaning For Us,6,,,
"Flood, Ice, Polar,","Like a penny placed on a phonograph record, the centrifugal force will make it sling toward the outside.","Likewise due to the spin of the earth, at the time of the flood the water was slung away from the equator, and due to the gravity, moved toward the polar regions.  Explaining why the water is frozen into the glaciers at the poles.",Genesis 7:11;,Bill Campbell,The Flood Of Noah's Day Has Meaning For Us,6,,1993/11/20,
"Flood, Invitation,","Back in 1716 Johann Scheuchzer published a natural science report on the Swiss Alps, which cover some 80,000 square miles and contain hundreds of peaks that tower more than 10,000 feet above sea level. He posed a question 'as to whether the mountains as we see them before us now, were created by God in the creative period, or at what time they originated.' He believed that the Biblical flood had a considerable effect on the Alps and their present shape.  He also called attention to the fact that in the rocks of the high Alps one can find remains of seashells and other crustaceans pressed right into the stone formations.","Then he offered the interesting challenge:  'Come here you who despise the Holy Scriptures, you who hold the record of the flood in the Book of Moses to be a simple fable; come and learn right here, you atheists and disbelievers, the dumb rocks will preach to you, the hard walls themselves will soften you, if it is possible to bend you at all.'  The interesting invitation is still valid.",2 Tim 3:16;,G73 1/22 24,The Flood Of Noah's Day Has Meaning For Us,6,,1998/11/13,
"Flood, Mountains",Did you ever dive deep into water?  Did you feel the pressure? A diver can feel the pressure in his ears.,"Likewise, the water of the flood pushed up mountains.",Ps 104:6-8;,John Johnson,The Flood Of Noah's Day Has Meaning For Us,6,,,
"Flood, Nephilim, Fellers,","A lumberjack causes trees to fall down.  In some places they are called 'Fellers.'  Safety found in the ark, only. Being beside the ark, did not save.  One must be in the ark.",The Nephilim caused men to fall down.  For this reason they were called 'Fellers.',Ge 6:4;,"Bro. Wyszynski (Cartersville, Ga)",The Flood Of Noah's Day Has Meaning For Us,6,,,
"Flood, Noah,","Look at the world around you, with its cities, its culture, its scientific achievements, its population of billions.  It is easy to be impressed by its apparent permanence, is it not?  Do you think this world could completely disappear?  That may be difficult to envision.  However, did you know that according to a very good source, a world existed before this one and it was completely destroyed.","We are not talking of a world of primitive tribes.   The world that perished was civilized, with cities, artistic achievements, scientific knowledge.  Yet, the Bible record tells us that suddenly, on the 17th day of the 2nd month, 32 years before the patriarch Abraham was born, a deluge began that swept away a whole world.","Genesis 7:11; 11:10-25, 32; 12:4;","Mar 1, 2002 Wt Page 3",The Flood Of Noah's Day Has Meaning For Us,6,,"Apr 13, 2002",
"Flood, Noah, Future,","Flood warnings today often go ignored.  Persons continue life at usual pace. Eating and drinking, taking wives and giving daughter in marriage.","Jehovah had patiently given flood warnings for many years, but they were largely ignored.","Luke 17:26, 27; Genesis. 7:4-10, 13-16;",Let Your Name Be Sanctified  Page 61,The Flood Of Noah's Day Has Meaning For Us,6,,,
"Flood, Noah, Future,","Weather man, many persons listen to them although they are only correct part of the time. None of the pre-flood gods warned their people of the predicted rain.","Jehovah proved to be correct in his forecast, 'In just seven days more I am making it rain upon the earth for forty days and forty nights.'","Genesis. 7:4-10, 13-16;",Let Your Name Be Sanctified  Page 60,The Flood Of Noah's Day Has Meaning For Us,6,,,
"Flood, Noah, Future, Rainbow,",A man gives a ring to his bride as a promise of faithfulness.,Jehovah put a rainbow in the cloud as a promise to never destroy the earth by flood again.  Sixteen centuries later he confirmed his continued support of that promise.,Genesis. 9:1-15; Isa. 54:3;,Let Your Name Be Sanctified  Page 64,The Flood Of Noah's Day Has Meaning For Us,6,,,
"Flood, Noah, Last Days, Armageddon, Time,","'They all believed Noah, when they began spitting out muddy water.' (Bro Mulford)  'When the water was 'chest-deep', what Noah said took on greater importance.' (Bro Johnson)",We must not put off opportunity for life.  We must act now.,"1pe 3:20, 21; Luke 17:29;","Ray Mulford, Sam Johnson",Will You Escape This World's Destiny?,84,,,
"Flood, Noah, Last Days, Armageddon, Time, Kingdom, Hope,","We have all let opportunities slip by.  Property we should have bought, bargains, sale items, etc.  The opportunity is gone forever.",We must not let this opportunity slip by.  We must grab onto God's kingdom with all we have.,"1pe 3:20, 21; Luke 17:29; 2pe 3:13;",Sam Johnson,Will You Escape This World's Destiny?,84,,,
"Flood, Noah, Organization, Instructions, Listen,",A builder carefully follows the plans of the architect.  Noah 'did just so.',We must listen carefully to what Jehovah tells us.,"Genesis. 6:5, 13-22; 7:23","Oct 1, 1990 Wt Page 31",The Flood Of Noah's Day Has Meaning For Us,6,,,
"Flood, Warning, Cleansing, Armageddon, Destruction, Deluge,","He determined to cleanse the filth from the earth, not by a mere Saturday night bath of a few minutes' duration, but by a torrential shower of forty days and nights whose waters were not dried from off the earth till ten months and thirteen days!",Today the earth is again in need of a cleansing.,"Genesis 6:5, 11",W50 1/15 19,A Clean People Honors Jehovah,14,,1994/05/09,
"Flowers, Endurance, Persecution,","Think of it.  We may touch a flower and it may die, still that same flower is sturdy enough to survive a rainstorm unharmed!","Jehovah, as the creator of us, knows what we need; what we can withstand.  He can provide just what we need at any given time.","Ps 139:15, 16; 1co 10:12, 13;","Aug 22, 1970 Aw Page 13",Bearing Up Under Persecution,57,,,
"Flowers, Gift, Marriage, Wife, Wedding,",'Whoever is not grateful for a rose will not be grateful for anything.' Quote: Spanish Proverb.,"Flowers warm the heart of young and old alike.  They are a fine means of conveying the sentiment, 'Somebody cares.'",Ecc 3:11;,"Mar 8, 1997 Aw Page 16",,,,1997/02/17,
Follow The Crowd;,'Its name is Public Opinion. It is held in reverence. It settles everything. Some think it is the voice of God.'  Quote:  Mt.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Follow The Crowd;,'The number of people who agree or disagree with you has absolutely no bearing on whether you're right. The universe has a way of deciding that for itself.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Follow, Christ, Jesus, Footsteps, Walk,",Have you ever followed footsteps in the sand.  Sometimes you have to lengthen your stride to keep in step.  In time you get where it is easier.,There are no sandy beaches with Christ's footsteps on it today.  The Bible clearly shows us how Jesus walked.,1 Pet 2:21;,1997 'faith In God's Word' District Convention; Steven Thiemann,Into The New Order Under Christ's Leadership,56,,1997/06/12,
Follow; Footsteps; Imitate;,"DID you ever walk along a sandy beach or across a snowy field and find yourself fascinated by the pattern of footsteps left by someone who walked there before you? Did you perhaps even pick out a set of footsteps and try to follow them, matching your own steps with them as exactly as possible? If so, you discovered that it was not easy. In fact, following closely in the footsteps of another-either literally or figuratively-is a real challenge.","And yet, by calling ourselves Christians, we have indicated our desire to do just that, to follow closely in the footsteps of Christ.    Are you willing to put forth the effort that is necessary to meet this challenge successfully? More than that, are you determined to do so, come what may? If so, fully understanding the difficulties of following in literal footsteps will make you more successful in following in Christ's figurative footsteps.","1 Peter 2:21, 22;",W88 5/1 10,'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,1998/11/03,
Follow; Footsteps; Imitate;,"Everyone has a distinctive way of walking. The length of stride, for example, varies from person to person, as does the angle at which a person places his feet. His toes may point straight forward, or they may turn in or out at an angle, an angle possibly more pronounced with one foot than with the other. Do you recognize the challenge? To follow closely in another's footsteps, you must conform your length of stride and foot position to his. At first this will seem unnatural, but it must be done. There is no other way.","Christ's way of walking, figuratively speaking, was unique, for among his contemporaries he alone was a perfect man, 'one who did not know sin.' Since humans by nature are imperfect sinners, walking in Jesus' footsteps is not their normal way of walking. Paul reminded Christians in Corinth of this, saying: 'For you are yet fleshly. For whereas there are jealousy and strife among you, are you not fleshly and are you not walking as men do?' Tendencies toward jealousy and strife, 'works of the flesh,' are normal for imperfect people, but Jesus walked the way of love, and 'love is not jealous, . . . does not become provoked.' So walking in Christ's footsteps presents a challenge greater than if we were asked merely to follow in the footsteps of an imperfect person.-1 Corinthians 3:3; 13:4, 5; Galatians 5:19, 20; see also Ephesians 5:2, 8.  Besides imperfection, ignorance of God's will can also prevent a person from walking in Christ's footsteps. Paul thus admonished Ephesian Christians not to 'go on walking just as the nations also walk in the unprofitableness of their minds, while they are in darkness mentally, and alienated from the life that belongs to God, because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the insensibility of their hearts.'-Ephesians 4:17, 18.","1 Peter 2:21, 22; 2 Corinthians 5:21",W88 5/1 10-11,'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,1998/11/03,
"Food, Appreciation, Organization,","My neighbor had a number of cows that died, and the veterinarian did an autopsy on them and they had starved to death.  They were full of hay.  My other neighbor just across the fence fed the same type hay, with vitamin and mineral supplements and his cows did just fine.",So it is with Jehovah's organization.  It just depends on which side of the fence you are on.  You can eat and eat in Satan's world and yet starve to death.  There is no real value to what you get.  Jehovah's people are prospering spiritually.,"Is 65:13, 14",Al Larue,Are You Content With Jehovah's Provisions?,22,,,
"Food, Bible, Compromise, Demons, World, Dedication,","Some hearing the Kingdom message are well pleased with the sample of spiritual food.  It tastes good, and they come to meetings for more.  Some attempt to supplement their diet with crumbs off the Devil's table.","After nibbling and picking at Jehovah's good table, we must not turn around and expend time and strength serving the interests of Satan's world.",Deuteronomy 4:24; Mt 6:24; Deuteronomy 5:9; Mt 13:22;,"Jul 1, 1956 Wt Page 398",'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
"Food, Meetings, Anorexia Nervosa,",Anorexia Nervosa is defined as a psychological disorder characterized by somatic delusions that you are too fat.  You don't need to eat.,A person could have spiritual Anorexia Nervosa which would keep you away from Jehovah's table.,Mal 1:7;,Sonny Ikerd,Are You Content With Jehovah's Provisions?,22,,1998/11/03,
"Food, Poor, Poverty, Hunger, Famine,","'We do one-zero-one,' says a woman.  'Things for me are even worse,' replies her friend.  'I'm on zero-zero-one.'","In some parts of West Africa, such an exchange needs no explanation.  Instead of eating three meals a day (one-one-one), a person on one-zero-one can afford to eat only twice a day.",Rev 6:5;,"Aug 1, 1995 Wt Page 4",Happy Though Hungry--how Can It Be?,31,,1995/08/13,
"Food, Spiritual, Faithful Slave, Abundance,","During WWII they measured out food, or rationed it by measure.  It was pretty skimpy eating.",Jesus said the faithful slave would 'keep giving them their measure of food supplies at the proper time?'  Is our 'measure' of food supplies each week pretty skimpy?,Luke 12:42;,Bobby Laymon,Are You Content With Jehovah's Provisions?,22,,"Nov 28, 2001",
Food;,"A neighbor asked a small boy if his family said a prayer before meals. 'NO' he replied, my mother is a good cook'.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Food; Starvation;,"'We can plant wheat every year, but the people who are starving die only once.'  Quote:  Fiorello H La Guardia.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Fool, Wisdom, Teach, Literature, Appreciation, Mercy,","'He who knows not, and knows he knows not is simple; teach him. He who knows not, and knows not he knows not, is a fool; shun him. He who knows, and knows not that he knows is asleep; awake him. He who knows, and knows that he knows, is wise; follow him.'",Some are willing to be taught; some need awakening to the truth; Others are unwilling to be taught; some worship what they do not know.  We are wise to follow the example of those we have learned the truth from.,"2t 3:14, 15;",Bobby Laymon,"Mercy, A Dominant Quality Of True Christians",7,,,
"Foolish, World, Trust,","There is a young boy who lives in a small village.  One day his uncle     wanted to give him a small pocket money. To see if he was clever, he  showed him a quarter in his right hand and a nickel in his left.  Now  he should choose one of these coins.  He decided to take the smaller one!  The uncle asked surprised: 'Don't you want to have the big coin which is much more valuable?'  The boy answered: 'No, I have enough with this small coin.'  So the uncle gave him the nickel and left his nephew, thinking: 'Oh what a fool this boy is!'  Some minutes later the uncle met his friend, and told him about his foolish nephew that took only the nickel out of his left hand.  After that, this man became very curious to see if this story was true.  So, the next day, when he saw this boy he offered him a quarter and a nickel, and again, he took the small coin!  This was so interesting, that this man told this story to some of his friends, and they tried the same, and always the boy took just the nickel.  Because this happened in a small village, this little boy was soon known as the idiot of this village.  Also, when some visitors came along and heard of this foolish boy, they made this test and of course, he reacted the same way.  One day, this boy's best friend asked him why he did not take the quarter.  'OK,' our boy replied, 'I will tell you the reason.  When I was asked the first time, I thought I would have enough with only a nickel.  To my surprise, the same offer happened to me the next day, and later again and again.  Now think of this:  if I decided to take the quarter, I would have much money for one single day.  I take only a nickel, and they call me an idiot, but because I can wait, I always have my pocket money, day by day!'","We, as Jehovah's servants, are like this little boy.  We do not use this world to the full.  And the world sometimes calls us idiots.  But Jehovah takes care of us, day by day.  Even if we are not wealthy in this system, we are rich in another way:  treasures in heaven and they will mean eternal life....but we have to wait.  If somebody offers us a quarter or a nickel, which one will you choose???",1 Cor 1:21;,Bobby Laymon,,,,1997/11/07,
Fools;,'A fool always finds a greater fool to admire him.'  Quote:  Boileau.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Fools;,'A fool can no more see his own folly than he can see his ears.' Quote: William Thackeray,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Fools;,'A learned fool is more foolish than an ignorant fool.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Fools;,'A man profits more by the sight of an idiot than by the orations of the learned.'  Quote:  Arabian.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Fools;,"'Fool me once, shame on you, fool me twice, shame on me.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Fools;,'Fools grow without watering.' Quote: Thomas Fuller,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Fools;,'He that hath a head of wax must not walk in the sun.'  Quote:  English.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Fools;,'If all fools had feathers we would seem a flock of geese.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Fools;,'If you wish to avoid seeing a fool you must break all your mirrors.'  Quote:  French.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Fools;,'It is a foolish thing well done.'  Quote:  Sam Johnson.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Fools;,'It is better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak out and remove all doubt.'  Quote:  Al.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Fools;,'None but a fool is always right.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Fools;,"'On the edge of a precipice, only a fool does cartwheels.'  Quote:  J. Depriest.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Fools;,"'Once harm has been done, even a fool understands it.'  Quote:  Homer.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Fools;,"'Only a fool argues with a skunk, a mule or a cook.'  Quote:  Harry Oliver.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Fools;,'Stupidity can't kill you but it can make you sweat.'  Quote:  English.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Fools;,'The best way to convince a fool that he is wrong is to let him have his own way.'  Quote:  Josh Billings.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Fools;,'The schlemiel (fool) lands on his back and bruises his nose.' Quote:  Yiddish.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Fools;,'There is no need to fasten a bell to a fool.'  Quote:  Danish.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Fools;,"'We sometimes see a fool possessed of talent, but never of judgment.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Fools;,'Wise men learn more from fools than fools learn from wise men.'  Quote:  Marcus Porcius.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Fools;,"'You can fool all the people some of the time, and some if the people all the time, but you cannot fool all of the people all of the time.'  Quote:  Al.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Fools;,"'You will do foolish things, but do them with enthusiasm.'  Quote:  Colette.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Fools;,He can always be counted on to do the right thing too late or the wrong thing too soon.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Fools;,"It is impossible to make anything fool proof, because fools are so ingenious.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Fools;,Make not a fool of thyself to make others merry.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Fools;,"Never argue with a fool, people might not know the difference.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Fools;,Send a fool to the market and a fool he will return again.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Fools;,The only way some people could be bigger fools is if they gained weight.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Fools;,"You can fool all of the people some of the time, but you can fool yourself all of the time.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Fools;,"You can't fool all the people all the time, some of them are busy fooling you.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Fools; Brains;,'A fine head but no brains.'  Quote:  French.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Fools; Follow The Crowd;,'A fool and water will go the way they are diverted.'  Quote:  African.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Fools; Follow The Crowd;,When you point your finger at the moon a fool will look at your finger.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Fools; Speech;,"'Even a fool, when he holds his peace, is counted wise.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Fools; Speech;,'There is a foolish corner even in the brain of the sage.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Fools; Speech;,Silence is the wit of fools.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Fools; Wisdom;,'There are more fools than wise men; and even in wise men more folly than wisdom.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Fools; Wisdom;,"Young men think old men are fools, but old men know young men are fools.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Footsteps, Jesus, Christ, Example, Follow, Leader,",Jesus was 'at his best when the chips were down!',"He did not view coming to the earth as a vacation from heaven.  A sight-seeing trip.  It was a work assignment.  He became intensely occupied, as Paul and other did on hearing the good news.",Acts 18:5;,Joseph Wengert D. O.,Into The New Order Under Christ's Leadership,56,,1995/05/29,
"Footsteps, Jesus, Christ, Example, Follow, Leader,","When doing something, it helps to know it been done before!  Then you know, 'It's been done!'  Maybe I can do it.  Even the hard things.","Christ set the perfect example.  He left a model for us to follow his steps closely.  This is not a 'hit or miss' thing.  Some things he did might be 'right down our alley,' so to speak.  We must take each one as they come.  Follow 'closely.'  Regardless whether to our liking or not.",1 Pet 2:21;,Joseph Wengert D. O.,Into The New Order Under Christ's Leadership,56,,1995/05/29,
Force;,'Force is all-conquering but its victories are short-lived.'  Quote:  Al.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Force;,'Force is not a remedy.'  Quote:  John Bright.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Force;,'Right reason is stronger than force.'  Quote:  James Garfield.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Force;,'The power that is supported by force alone will have cause often to tremble.'  Quote:  Lajos Kossuth.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Forerunner, John, Baptist, Jesus,","When President Bush came to Marshfield, MO on July 4, 1991 preparations were made months in advance.  Streets paved, buildings given face-lift, windows cleaned, etc.","How much more so, did the greatest man who ever lived need a forerunner.  This was given in the person of John the Baptist.",Luke 1:17;,Bobby Laymon,'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
Foresight;,"'Although it rains, cast not away the watering pot.'  Quote:  Malay.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Forever,"Imagine a beautiful setting in the mountains.  You can see for miles.  Every morning you go out on the balcony to watch the animals and enjoy life.  You notice a tiny hummingbird, each morning clean it's beak on the large boulder nearby.  It does this year after year, until the boulder is worn away.  How long would that take?","This gives us some idea of how long forever is.  Whether 10,000 or 100,000 years, you would still have forever to go.",Jn 17:3,Fred Crownover,Can You Live Forever?--will You?,35,,,
Forever,To live forever means you live as long as Jehovah lives.,Value of everlasting life.,John 17:3,J.C. Howard,Can You Live Forever?--will You?,35,,,
"Forever,","Imagine a little boy with a small shovel and a bucket to carry sand in.  He scoops up a bucket of sand from the East coast, and slowly carries it to the West coast and deposits it in the Pacific ocean.  Year after year he does this.  Finally, he scrapes the last grain of sand from the Atlantic ocean, and carries it to the West coast, and dumps it into the ocean.  How long would it take?","In Jehovah's new world, his time would not run out.  He would still have 'forever' to go, and do other things.",Jn 17:3,Ray Skinner,Can You Live Forever?--will You?,35,,,
"Forever, Boring, Earth,","My Dad used to sing a song: 'I'm the man who rode the mule around the world.'  It said, 'I saw Jonah and the whale, and I pulled the lion's tail, I'm the man who rode the mule around the world.'","In truth, how much of the earth have you seen and enjoyed.  How thrilling that in God's new earth, we will be able to visit all the earth, and enjoy it.",Rom 11:33; Ecclesiastes 3:11,Bobby Laymon,Can You Live Forever?--will You?,35,,1996/10/07,
"Forever, Everlasting, Life, Earth, Paradise, Faith, Obey,","Almost everyone would like to live longer.  As humans we resort to all kinds of methods to extend life.  Exercise and walking may let you live longer.  But you may spend all the additional time you gained walking.  It's the same with exercise.  Lot of work.  NO PAIN - NO GAIN!  Also Eating healthy!  Spend all that time, researching, shopping and preparing meals.    	",Jehovah's offers the best solution.  He offers everlasting life to those who exercise faith and obey.  Jehovah adds no pain to his blessing.,John 3:36; Prov 10:22;,Bobby Laymon,Can You Live Forever?--will You?,35,,1995/02/03,
"Forever, Immortal, Paradise,",'Our Creator would never have made such lovely days and have given us the deep hearts to enjoy them unless we were meant to be immortal.'  Quote: Nathaniel Hawthorne.,"Mankind is not immortal, yet was created to live forever.",Ps. 37:29;,Bobby Laymon - Reader's Digest,Can You Live Forever?--will You?,35,,1996/03/19,
"Forever, Life, Immortality, Soul, Ignorance,","IMMORTALITY - The average man does not know what to do with this life, yet wants another one which will last forever. --Anatole France",We are assured that such a life is possible.,Ps 37:29;,Jk Quotes;,Can You Live Forever?--will You?,35,,,
"Forever, Life, Live, Boredom, Boring,","Have you ever got tired of eating? If you are 50 years old, you may have ate over 50,000 meals in your lifetime.",Man will never tire of interesting things to do in Jehovah's new world.,Rom 11:33;,Ken Austin,Can You Live Forever?--will You?,35,,1994/12/25,
"Forever, Live, Life,",Some vegetation lives so long.  The Sequoia trees of California for example.  Some of them were perhaps a little seedling when King David ruled the earth.  When Jesus was born they had height and stature.  Today they are still there.  You can see them.  Maybe drive through one of them.,Why is it that vegetation lives so long and man's lifespan is only 70 or 80 years?  Is it possible for man to live like a tree?,Isa 65:22,Ken Austin,Can You Live Forever?--will You?,35,,1994/12/25,
"Forever, Live, Life, Boring,","After you have traveled for 10,000 years, suppose you have met each person on the earth, you have seen all the beautiful spots, will you become bored?","You can grow flowers, learn music, sing, be inventive, even creative.  There will always be interesting things to do.",Rom 11:33;,Ken Austin,Can You Live Forever?--will You?,35,,1994/12/25,
"Forever, Live, Life, Boring,",I have a friend I love to fish with.  We can go to the same place time after time.  We sit in the same place.  Catch the same kind of fish.  It is never boring.,Living forever will never be boring because we will always have interesting work to do.,Rom 11:33;,Ken Austin,Can You Live Forever?--will You?,35,,1994/12/25,
"Forget, Obedience, Remember, Reminders, Pioneer, Missionary,","How many of us have forgotten our car keys, forgotten to mail a letter, some students forget the answers on their written exams.","But, what about forgetting Jehovah's requirements?  It could ruin our spirituality.  Israel was commanded not to forget.  We need to   continually have reminders, lest we forget.",Deut. 4:1-9,Theodore Jaracz At Gilead Graduation (Joe Laymon Notes From Bethel),Keep Seeking God's Kingdom,44,,,
"Forget, Remember",Amalek made an unprovoked attack on Israel failed to do so. Were evidently wiped out during the days of Mordeciah and Esther. Jehovah did not forget Man today forgets who makes sun come up. who makes it rain.,Saul had opportunity and was in the position to wipe them out but failed to do so. Were evidently wiped out during the days of Mordeciah and Esther. Jehovah did not forget thought to them.,"Deuteronomy 25:19; 1sam 15:2,3","Jan 1, 1969 Wt Pg 5,8",,,,,
"Forget, Remember","Word forget has 2 meanings 1. To lose from memory, to let go from the memory, unable to think or recall, to lose power or use of, to cease from doing 2. to omit, or disregard unintentionally to neglect. This is like when wife ask husband bring home loaf of bread, forgets.  Just have to go back for it.",Christendom forgot God according to first definition,Deuteronomy 25:19;,"Jan 1, 1969 Wt Pg 9",,,,,
"Forget, Remember, Christendom,","New York times 1968 Mr Edward B. Fisk '  The church is like a pub You go into a town, and it's there, and maybe you go in and maybe you don't. Personally I don't'  Pointed out 8 out of hundred not attend church on Easter. 92 out of a 100 have forgotten God in England.",Low church attendance,2ti 3:1-5;,"Jan 1, 1969 Wt Pg 9",Religion's Role In World Affairs.,92,,,
Forgetting; Forgiving;,'Nobody ever forgets where he buried the hatchet.'  Quote:  K. Hubbard.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Forgive,"Two-way Street Praying for forgiveness, should move us to put up with others","If you forgive, ... heavenly father forgive you.","Matt. 6:14, 15  6:12  Luke 11:4  Mark 11:25","May 15, 1990 Wt Page 19  Para 17",Do You Harbor Resentment Or Do You Forgive?,68,,,
"Forgive,","What others owe us, compared to what we owe Jehovah, might be likened to the difference between $17.00 and $10,000,000.00","If Jehovah can be that forgiving, should this, then, not prompt us to be even more forgiving than we have been. (Might check modern currency)",Mt 18:23-35;,"Jul 1, 1970 Wt Page 388",Do You Harbor Resentment Or Do You Forgive?,68,,,
"Forgive, Blot Out, forgive, sins, ","'Get blotted out' translates a Greek verb that, when used metaphorically, can mean 'to wipe out, obliterate, cancel or destroy.'  According to some scholars, the image expressed is that of erasing handwriting.  How was this possible?  The ink commonly used in ancient times was made of a mixture that included carbon, gum, and water.  Soon after working with such ink, a person could take a wet sponge and wipe the writing away.","Therein is a beautiful picture of the completeness of Jehovah's forgiveness.  When he forgives our sins, it is as though he takes a sponge and wipes them away.  We need not fear that he will hold such sins against us in the future.  'remember no more.' (see article)",Acts 3:19,"Dec 1, 1997 Wt Page 12",Do You Harbor Resentment Or Do You Forgive?,68,,1997/11/11,6/23/2025
"Forgive, Blot Out, sins canceled, ","Have you ever had a debt cancelled?  It is a good feeling.  Jesus drew on the relationship of creditors and debtors to illustrate how Jehovah forgives.  Jesus thus likened 'sins' to 'debts.' Matt 6:12.  When we sin, we become 'debtors' to Jehovah.  The Greek verb translated 'forgive' can mean 'to let go, give up, a debt, by not demanding it.'","In a sense, when Jehovah forgives, he cancels the debt that would otherwise be charged against our account.  Jehovah will never demand payment for a debt he has canceled.","Matt. 6:12; Ps. 32:1,2; Matt. 18:23-35;","Dec 1, 1997 Wt Page 12",Do You Harbor Resentment Or Do You Forgive?,68,,1997/11/11,6/23/2025
"Forgive, Resentment, Harbor Resentment, Righteousness, Credited, Ransom, Mercy, wickedness,",You write something on chalk board someone comes in sees it is spelled wrong and marks through it.  Others passing by can see you made a mistake.  But suppose someone took an eraser and erased it completely.   Nothing is left.,"When Jehovah forgives he does not mark through our sin, but he erases it completely.  Do you?",Jer. 31:34,Clarence Holbrook,Do You Harbor Resentment Or Do You Forgive?,68,,,4/1/2014
Forgiveness,"Farmer's Son & the Snake Farmer's son bitten by snake, died,   Farmer took axe and went to kill snake, missed, but chipped off piece of lair. Later farmer wanted to make-up with snake, but snake said,","We never want to become too angry to forgive Never, as long as I see mark on stone, and you see your son's grave.","Matt. 6:9, 10;",Aesop's Fables,Do You Harbor Resentment Or Do You Forgive?,68,,,
Forgiveness,"Old wound, but now healed, doesn't hurt anymore Forgive & forget Every thing that goes through your mind is a permanent part.","Time, and not picking on it heals all wounds.",1 Cor. 13:5,"Bro Punko, Larry",Do You Harbor Resentment Or Do You Forgive?,68,,,
Forgiveness,"Two Debtors-forgave both.  Which would love him most Should show humility, acknowledge sins, & appreciate forgiveness","He that is forgiven little, loves little",Luke 7:41-47,Jesus,Do You Harbor Resentment Or Do You Forgive?,68,,,
"Forgiveness, Amends, Communication, Prayer,","A witty Scotsman & a serious-minded German played in the same band One played the viola and the other the cello.  Their opposite temperaments caused occasional clashes, and gradually a barrier. Recalling Jesus' words, he said, 'If I have offended him, let him come to me.'  Then he remembered Jesus' other words. Mt. 5:23, 24","We cannot leave the burden of reconciliation on our brother.  It is a matter of communication.  One or the other should be willing to put forth the effort.  It takes love, mildness, and humility. (Written for serious matters, it is also a general principle)","Mt 5:23, 24; 18:15-17; Pr 18:19; Mt 6:12;","Jul 1, 1980 Wt Page 28-30;",Prayers That Are Heard By God.,86,,,
"Forgiveness, Forget, Mercy,","If someone humbly asked forgiveness of you, would you desire that they continue to torment themselves over the evil they had done to you?  In fact, would you not be hurt that they did not trust your forgiveness, but felt you still held something against them?","If you do not keep account of an injury, can you not be confident that God, who is love, also does not?  So trust in God's mercy.  But show appreciation for it.",1 Cor 13:5;,"Sep 8, 1963 Aw Page 8","Mercy, A Dominant Quality Of True Christians",7,,1996/11/18,
"Forgiveness, Good, Brothers, Faults, Brotherhood, Unity, Quarrel, Variety,","I once took a walk in the cool night air,  to collect my thoughts and to offer prayer   'Jehovah, how could my brother treat me this way?  It hurt me so much what he did today.  What was this brother even thinking of?   Doesn't he know how to show real love?'   I walked a while longer then turned with a sigh...  Look! a great forest piercing the sky.  How pleasant, how grand this forest of trees,   In union they swayed from the rushing breeze.   This forest was a haven, a place of rest,   where deer could lie down and sparrows could nest.   I shifted my course for a clearer sight   of these towering timbers in all their might.  But as I came closer it was clear to me   that something was wrong with every tree.  One was rotten about to collapse.   Another was stunted, lack of water perhaps.  One had from lightning been shattered apart.   There were some where disease had gotten a start.  Yes, the longer I looked the more I could see   that not even one was a perfect tree.  Could these huge trees have a lesson to give?   Which would help me in peace with my brother to live?   If you yourself have been in a quarrel   Then listen to this for here is the moral:   No man can be perfect as many will say   And some will offend like that brother today.   But, take a step back; look around if you would   at the beauty and peace of our brotherhood.  Jehovah is with us of this I am sure, for in union we speak the  language that's pure. And the best proof we have that we're blessed  from above, Is the way we forgive with brotherly love.  So you'll worship Jehovah with much greater ease   if you don't miss the beauty of the forest for the trees.",Make peace with your brother.  You will enjoy life and happiness.,Matt. 15:18;,Bobby Laymon,Love Identifies The True Christian Congregation,72,,1999/04/20,
"Forgiveness, Grudge, Harbor, Resentment,","Some people will say, 'I can forgive what you've done, but I can't (or won't) forget it.'","In contrast, note what Jehovah says he will do: 'I shall forgive their error, and their sin I shall remember no more.'",Jer 31:34;,"Oct 15, 1994 Wt Page 25",Do You Harbor Resentment Or Do You Forgive?,68,,1994/09/09,
"Forgiveness, Harbor, Resentment, Grudge,","A teacher once told each of her students to bring a clear plastic bag and a sack of potatoes to school. For every person they'd refused to forgive in their life's experience, they chose a potato, wrote on it the name and date, and put it in the plastic bag. Some of their bags were quite heavy.  They were then told to carry this bag with them everywhere for one week, putting it beside their bed at night; on the car seat when driving;  next to their desk at work ..... The hassle of lugging this around with them made it clear what a weight they were carrying spiritually, and how they had to pay attention to it all  the time to not forget and keep leaving it in embarrassing places.  Naturally, the condition of the potatoes deteriorated to a nasty slime.","This was a great metaphor for the price we pay for keeping our pain and heavy negativity! Too often we think of forgiveness as a gift to the other person, and it clearly is for ourselves!!",Numbers. 14:20,Steve Hashimuri,Do You Harbor Resentment Or Do You Forgive?,68,,1999/10/29,
"Forgiveness, Harbor, Resentment, Grudge,","I've heard it said don't go to bed    while hanging on to sorrow,  you may not have the chance to laugh    with those you love tomorrow.    You may not mean the words you speak    when anger takes its toll,  you may regret your actions    once you've lost your self-control.    When you've lost your temper    and you've said some hurtful things,  think about the heartache    that your actions sometime bring.    You'll never get those moments back,    such precious time to waste,  and all because of things you said    in anger and in haste.    So if you're loving someone    and your pride has settled in,  you may not ever have the chance    to say to them again...    'I love you and I miss you    and although we don't agree,  I'll try to see your point of view,    please do the same for me.'",(Poem above Created By Cheri Lynn's Words From The Heart ),Numbers. 14:20,Steve Hashimuri,Do You Harbor Resentment Or Do You Forgive?,68,,1999/10/29,
"Forgiveness, Injury, Hurt, Resentment, Harbor, Hatchet,",'Nobody ever forgets where he buried a hatchet.' Quote: Frank McKinney 'Kin' Hubbard.,"The Bible counsels us not to harbor resentment.  Harboring animosity can lead to direct hurt to neighbor, even to extreme measures.",Le 19:18;,Bobby Laymon,Do You Harbor Resentment Or Do You Forgive?,68,,1995/08/16,
"Forgiveness, Love, Grudge, Resentment,",'Two wrongs do not make a right.' Bible examples listed.,"We must show love, fellow feelings for enemies.","Rom. 12:19; 1 Sam. 24:11, 17; 1 Pet. 3:8, 9; Matt. 5:44","Jan 22, 1963 Aw Page 4","Friendship With God, Friendship With The World -- Which Will You Choose?",79,,,
"Forgiveness, Love, Hatred, Resentment,","'We're finished, don't you ever speak to me again' 'After what you did to me the other night, I'll never trust you again.'","Jesus did not say that to Peter after denying him 3 times.  He helped him to grow strong and not falter again. Nor did Jesus give the 'cold shoulder', but he helped them.",Luke 22:55-61; Matt. 26:56;,"Sep 15, 1963 Wt Page 564",Do You Harbor Resentment Or Do You Forgive?,68,,,
"Forgiveness, Love, Way, Christian, Pride, Self, Wisdom,",Love truth and pardon error.,"We must be forgiving, yet remain loving.","1jn 4:8,16,19;jn 3:16;jn 13:35;1jn 2:6;mt 22:37",Bobby Laymon,"Living, Not For Self, But To Do God's Will",8,,,
"Forgiveness, Mercy, Let Go,",Suppose you put your fingers on the table and hit them with a hammer.  Would you enjoy doing that?  Why would you keep doing it since it cause such great pain.  You wouldn't.,"Yet, many persons do not forgive themselves over some past sin or wrong.  They keep thinking about it in such a way that causes pain and do it over and over.",Eph. 1:7;,Hector Hernandez,Use Education To Praise Jehovah,146,,"Sep 23, 2001",
"Forgiveness, Peace, Nations, Grudge, Resentment,","A SNAKE, having made his hole close to the porch of a cottage,  inflicted a mortal bite on the Cottager's infant son.  Grieving  over his loss, the Father resolved to kill the Snake.  The next  day, when it came out of its hole for food, he took up his axe,  but by swinging too hastily, missed its head and cut off only the end of its tail.  After some time the Cottager, afraid that the  Snake would bite him also, endeavored to make peace, and placed some bread and salt in the hole.  The Snake, slightly hissing, said:  'There can henceforth be no peace between us; for whenever I see you I shall remember the loss of my tail, and whenever you  see me you will be thinking of the death of your son.'",Moral: 'No one truly forgets injuries in the presence of him who caused  the injury.'  The nations are like that.   Old problems keep standing in the way of peace.   There can be no forgiveness.,Ps 37:9-11;,Aesop's Fables - Bobby Laymon,Do You Harbor Resentment Or Do You Forgive?,68,,1994/05/15,
"Forgiveness, Repentance, Sins, Mercy, Ransom, Jesus, Christ,",Efforts to remove a deep stain from a garment are often futile.  At best the stain is dulled but nonetheless noticeable.,"How comforting that Jehovah can take sins that are as glaring as scarlet or crimson and make them as white as snow.  Thus, a repentant sinner need not feel that he bears a mark for the rest of his life.  Jehovah does not merely dull the errors, causing the repentant one to live in perpetual shame.",Is 1:18; Ps 51:7; Acts 22:16;,"Dec 8, 1993 Aw Page 19","Mercy, A Dominant Quality Of True Christians",7,,1993/11/30,
"Forgiveness, Repentance, Sins, Mercy, Ransom, Jesus, Christ, wickedness,","Forgiveness of sin is likened to letting go of, or canceling, a debt.","Therefore, those who have repented need not fear that God will demand payment for a debt that he has canceled.","Mt 6:12; Mt 18:23-35; Acts 3:19; Is 43:25; Ro 4:7, 8;","Dec 8, 1993 Aw Page 19","Mercy, A Dominant Quality Of True Christians",7,,1993/11/30,4/1/2014
"Forgiveness, Repentance, Sins, Mercy, Ransom, Jesus, Christ,","On the day of atonement the high priest laid his hands upon the head of a goat, confessed the sins of the people over it, and then sent it into the wilderness.  Anyone present could visualize the removal of the nation's sins.",Individuals who have repented of their sins can therefore take comfort.  This prefigured a far greater provision for carrying away sin - the ransom sacrifice of Jesus Christ.,Le 16:20-22; Is 53:12; Ps 25:18;,"Dec 8, 1993 Aw Page 19","Mercy, A Dominant Quality Of True Christians",7,,1993/11/30,
"Forgiveness, Resentment,",Forgiveness is 'the highest and most difficult of all moral lessons.'  Quote: Jewish scholar and writer Joseph Jacobs.,"Many indeed, find the words 'I forgive you' very difficult to say.",2 Cor 2:7;,"Sep 15, 1994 Wt Page 4",Do You Harbor Resentment Or Do You Forgive?,68,,1994/08/22,
"Forgiveness, Resentment,","When Jehovah forgives it is a 'one-way street.'  When we forgive those who have sinned against us, it is often with the awareness that sooner or later we may need them to return the favor by forgiving us.  With humans, it is always a case of sinners forgiving sinners.  With Jehovah, however, forgiveness is always ONE WAY.","He forgives us, but we will never need to forgive him.  Therefore, we cannot forgive in a perfect sense as Jehovah does.  This is all the more reason why we should forgive one another.  If Jehovah, who does not sin, can so lovingly and completely forgive us, should not we sinful humans try to forgive one another?",Matt. 6:12;,"Dec 1, 1997 Wt Page 16, 17;",Do You Harbor Resentment Or Do You Forgive?,68,,1997/11/11,
"Forgiveness, Resentment, Harbor, Grudge,","Bury Hatchet, but leave handle sticking out.","Forgive, but keep handy, just in case.  That is how some person view it.",1 Cor. 13:5,"Bro Punko, Larry C.O.",Do You Harbor Resentment Or Do You Forgive?,68,,,
"Forgiveness, Resentment, Hate, Anger,","'Forgiveness is a matter of economy: saves the expense of anger the cost of hate, the price of misery and the waste of time.'",It is wisdom to forgive.,Matt. 7:2,"Aug 22, 1962 Aw Page 3",Do You Harbor Resentment Or Do You Forgive?,68,,,
"Forgiveness, Resentment, Hate, Anger,","'To err is human; to forgive, divine.' Quote: writer named Pope.",It is wisdom to forgive.,Matt. 7:2,"Aug 22, 1962 Aw Page 3",Do You Harbor Resentment Or Do You Forgive?,68,,,
"Forgiveness, Resentment, Hate, Anger, Growth,",Measuring rod. Willingness to forgive is measure of our Christian growth.,True gauge of our depth of understanding of our fellowmen.,"Rom. 12:17-19; Matt. 7:2; Matt. 18:21, 22;","Aug 22, 1962 Aw Page 3",Do You Harbor Resentment Or Do You Forgive?,68,,,
"Forgiveness, Resentment, Hate, Anger, Peace","Beauty aid to the wise. What cosmetic does as much? Forgiving means: 'to give love'.  Stop forgiving & we stop loving. What mars beauty quicker than a loveless heart?  What is more beautiful than a kind person, who forgives in a large way?",Brings smile to face; light to the eyes because of happiness. way? Isa. 55:7 Forgiveness is a beauty aid we can afford.,"Rom. 12:17-19; Matt. 7:2; Matt. 18:21, 22; Isa. 55:7","Aug 22, 1962 Aw Page 3",Do You Harbor Resentment Or Do You Forgive?,68,,,
"Forgiveness, Resentment, Hate, Anger, Peace","General: 'I Never Forgive!': His companion, 'Then I hope, sir, you never sin.' Attitude of: James Edward Oglethorpe, General who said above.",Most important feature of forgiveness is God forgives us.,Mark 11:25; Matt. 18:23-35;,"Aug 22, 1962 Aw Page 3",Do You Harbor Resentment Or Do You Forgive?,68,,,
"Forgiveness, Resentment, Hate, Anger, Peace",Makes God listen.  He listens to our prayers. Forgiving wins God's favor.,Most important feature of forgiveness.,Mark 11:25; Matt. 18:23-35;,"Aug 22, 1962 Aw Page 3",Do You Harbor Resentment Or Do You Forgive?,68,,,
"Forgiveness, Resentment, Hate, Anger, Peace","Source of power...generator; Power of forgiveness unites antagonists, promotes peace, preserve friendships, and heals wounds.",It requires strength to forgive.,"Rom. 12:17-19; Matt. 7:2; Matt. 18:21, 22;","Aug 22, 1962 Aw Page 3",Do You Harbor Resentment Or Do You Forgive?,68,,,
"Forgiveness, Resentment, Hate, Anger, Peace, Cure,","Wonderful medicine that cures, heals, protects.","Helps cure the receiver, benefits the giver by protecting him from unhealthy spirit of human revenge, which brings grief. It is far better to err on the side of love than hate.","Rom. 12:17-19; Matt. 7:2; Matt. 18:21, 22;","Aug 22, 1962 Aw Page 3",Do You Harbor Resentment Or Do You Forgive?,68,,,
"Forgiveness, Resentment, Selfish,","Forgiveness, it seems, is much like money.  It can be spent freely and mercifully on others or can be hoarded stingily for oneself.",The former is the godly way.  We should cultivate generous spending habits when it comes to forgiveness.,2 Cor 2:7;,"Sep 15, 1994 Wt Page 4",Do You Harbor Resentment Or Do You Forgive?,68,,1994/08/22,
"Forgiveness, Resentment, Selfish,",Often heard are the words: 'I don't get mad; I get even!',"Sadly, this statement is a guiding principle in many lives today.  One woman, for example, refused to talk to her sister-in-law for over seven years because, 'she did me unbelievable dirt and I have never been able to forgive her.'",2 Cor 2:7; Rom 12:19;,"Sep 15, 1994 Wt Page 4",Do You Harbor Resentment Or Do You Forgive?,68,,1994/08/22,
"Forgiveness, Revenge,",'Never does the human soul appear so strong as when it foregoes revenge and dares to forgive an injury.'  Quote: Edwin Hubby Chapin.,Forgiveness is a big thing with Jehovah.,Jer 33:8;,Jk Quotes;,Do You Harbor Resentment Or Do You Forgive?,68,,,
"Forgiveness, Reward, Sin, Debt, Rulership, Adam, Mercy,","Suppose your teenage son gets his first job.  He decides to buy a $25,000.00 Ford.  There is only one catch.  He needs you to sign behind him.  He wrecks the car.  His insurance has lapsed.  He is disabled for six months.  You are responsible for the $600.00 per month payments.   You paid off the debt at great expense to yourself.","Adam and Eve put us in the same position.  Due to no fault of our own we have to repay the debt they made.  Jehovah cannot ignore sin, just as we cannot.  Jehovah is willing to forgive the debt and even reward us with everlasting life.  We however, must not miss the purpose of His loving kindness.","Rom 3:23; 2 Cor 6:1, 2;",Lonnie Roper,What God's Rulership Can Do For Us,24,,1996/01/28,
"Forgiveness, Wise, Wisdom, Faults, Resentment,",'The art of being wise is the art of knowing what to overlook.'  Quote: William James.,"Do not return 'injury for injury.'   Forgiveness promotes peace; Vengeance promotes strife.  We should not only forgive, but also forget.","1 Pet 3:8, 9;",Bobby Laymon,Do You Harbor Resentment Or Do You Forgive?,68,,1995/06/27,
Forgiveness;,'Forgiving means giving up on getting even.' Quote: V. Farmer,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Forgiveness;,'Forgiving the unrepentant is like making pictures on water.'  Quote:  Japanese.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Forgiveness;,"'He buried the hatchet, but in a shallow, well-marked grave.'  Quote:  Dorothy Walworth.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Forgiveness;,'It is easier to forgive an enemy after you've gotten even with him.'  Quote:  Olin Miller.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Forgiveness;,"'It is the confession, not the priest that gives absolution'  Quote:  Oscar Wilde.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Forgiveness;,"'One of the most lasting pleasures you can experience is the feeling that comes over you when you genuinely forgive an enemy, whether he knows it or not.'  Quote:  O. A. Battista.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Forgiveness;,'The offender never forgives.'  Quote:  Russian.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Forgiveness;,'The weak never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong.'  Quote:  Manatma Ghandi.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Forgiveness;,"Forget injuries, never forget kindness.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Forgiveness;,"Forgiveness does not change the past, but it does enlarge the future.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Forgiveness;,"Forgiveness is a funny thing, it warms the heart and cools the sting.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Forgiveness;,He cannot forgive others breaks the bridge over which he must pass himself.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Forgiveness;,He who forgives ends the quarrel.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Forgiveness;,The noblest vengeance is to forgive.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Forgiveness; Apology;,An ounce of apology beats a pound of lowliness.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Forgiveness; Apology;,The best way to get the last word is to apologize.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Forgiving, Resentment,","Start off by telling you a story of a man and woman who enjoyed a  good dinner in Branson.  Husband and wife have a good meal going home, they are almost back to Springfield when the wife looks at her husband and says I'm sorry I left my coat at the restaurant.  Her husband is upset and turns car around in the middle of road, starts to speed, both hands now on the wheel, wife again says she is sorry, he just says ya, ok.  But then he begins to slow down, starts to relax even puts hand on wife's leg and pats her. They pull up to the restaurant wife hops out and her husband says, 'Oh!  Honey while your in there can you get my hat!!",It is not easy to forgive others but it is easy to forgive oneself.  Isn't that how many of us react at times?,"Eph. 4:26, 32;",Jim Kinkade,How To Conquer Evil With Good.,117,,"Oct 30, 2001",
Forgotten Jehovah,"Bull well knows manger.   When it is time for him to be fed, where do you think he will be?  He will be right at his manger.",Missing meeting,Isa 1:3,Bible,Make Jehovah Your Confidence,70,,,
"Formula, Love, Parents, Personally, Important,","A mother gets a formula for her baby.  It may be oatmeal.  She could feed it just that way, but what does she do?  She adds flavoring to it.  It may be peach, strawberry, tropical delight.  That might be enough.  But she puts it in the microwave, not long, but just long enough.  She does this out of love.",Jehovah shows this kind of care and love for us.,1 John 4:8;,Johnse Laymon,How Can Youths Cope With Today's Crisis?,113,,1994/12/18,
"Fornication, Adultery, Flirting, Resisting, Harassment,","Joseph was a popular young man. Industrious, dependable, and good-looking. He was well-liked. Problem: The boss's wife also took a liking to him.",This true-life experience that took place over 3500 years ago has much to say for young and old alike today.,"Genesis. 39:4-16; Prov. 20:29; 1 Th 4:3; Jere 17:9; Jas. 1:14, 15;","Oct 8, 1991 Aw Page 19",,,,,
"Fornication, Sex, Adultery, Mistakes, Sin,","THE WOODCUTTER cut down a Mountain Oak and split it in pieces,  making wedges of its own branches for dividing the trunk.  The  Oak said with a sigh, 'I do not care about the blows of the axe aimed at my roots, but I do grieve at being torn in pieces by  these wedges made from my own branches.'",Misfortunes springing from ourselves are the hardest to bear.  When we commit adultery we are sinning against our own bodies.,1 Cor 6:18;,Aesop's Fables - Bobby Laymon,A Godly View Of Sex And Marriage,13,,1994/05/17,
Fortune;,"'Fortune knocks at every man's door once in a life, but in a good many cases the man is in a neighboring saloon and does not hear her.'  Quote:  Mt.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Fraud, Science,","High-Octane (gall) Running wild for years, faked data, no questions asked 'New Scientist' magazine.",Scientific community has long been runaway winner.,Re 11:18;,"Jan 22 Awake, 1990 P. 7",Does Your Hope Rest On Science Or The Bible?,80,,,
Fraud;,'It is fraud to accept what you cannot repay.'  Quote:  Publilius Syrus.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Fraud;,"'Keep a cow, and the milk won't have to be watered but once.'  Quote:  Josh Billings.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Free, Greed, Selfish, Granted, Appreciate, Generosity, Gifts,",The best things in life are free.,"Jehovah gives life, and provisions for life. They are free gifts!","Eph. 5:3-5; 1 Tim. 4:12; 5:1, 2; 2 Cor. 9:11; John 13:35",Bobby Laymon,Appreciating Marvels Of God's Creation,114,,,
Freedom,"Freedom to travel, however there are limits; speed, stop, drinking.  Jehovah alone can act with absolute freedom.  Life will be only to those who exercise their freedom within the God-given boundaries Jehovah has given us.",Freedom has limits for our protection,Rom. 11:33-36,"Sep 8, 1960 Aw Page 5-7","Living, Not For Self, But To Do God's Will",8,,,
Freedom,"There are two freedoms: The false where a man is free to do as he likes. The true, where a man is free to do as he ought.",World's Freedom may be displeasing to the Creator.,Rom. 8:24; Heb. 6:19;,Bobby Laymon,"Living, Not For Self, But To Do God's Will",8,,,
"Freedom,","Man is born free, yet he is everywhere in chains. Jean Rousseau. (1712-1778)","Freedom under man's rule, apart from God has brought more bondage.",Ecclesiastes 8:9;,Wisdom Of The Ages,"Living, Not For Self, But To Do God's Will",8,,,
"Freedom, Choice, Decisions, Obey, Obedience,","Teenagers are always anxious to get their driver's license.  They think about all the freedom they will have.  However, driving also carries with it a lot of responsibility.  They are not free to do exactly as they choose.  They must learn the traffic rules.  They must obey the speed limit.",Likewise with the freedom Jehovah gives.  There are responsibilities that come with it.  We must obey His guidelines.,Rom 8:21;,Ron McGlaughlin,Decisions You Face--how Will You Make Them?,50,,1994/08/06,
"Freedom, Choice, Variety, Stumbling, Likes,","'I CAN'T understand how she can wear a dress of that color. I wouldn't be seen in it!' 'Classical music? I can't stand listening to it!' 'Eat meat? Why, it's the worst thing in the world for you!'  No doubt you could add significantly to this list of likes and dislikes among humans. How well the saying, 'One man's meat is another man's poison,' describes the wide variation in tastes of different individuals!","These differing tastes reflect the freedom of choice humans have, which freedom is cherished by each person. It should be, for God made it that way. Man was created as a free moral agent and was given considerable freedom of choice in matters of life.  This does not mean, however, that man's freedom should know no bounds. In matters such as worship, doctrine and conduct, the Holy Bible, God's Word, gives much detailed information as to the proper course to follow.",Genesis 4:20-22;,W64 9/15 547,"Living, Not For Self, But To Do God's Will",8,,1994/06/03,
"Freedom, Convention, Assembly, Meetings, Progress, Advancement,","Convention speaker: 'I got a letter from my doctor a few weeks ago, and he told me it was time for my annual check-up.  I have been sitting here getting one shot after another.' Elijah - It was not time to die. 1 Ki. 19:7, 8.","Applied to the spiritual checkup, and healing information. Like him, this spiritual nourishment will last us a long time. We must save ourselves first. 1 Tim. 4:13-16;",1 Tim. 6:17; Ps. 23:5; Mal. 3:10; Matt. 24:25; Ps. 133:1,"Lovers Of Freedom District Assy. Mobile July 12-14, 1991","Living, Not For Self, But To Do God's Will",8,,,
"Freedom, Drinking, Modesty, Endurance, Life, Determination,","In a race, if you stop running, you are out of place. We must not misuse our Christian freedom: To illustrate: Drinking was wrong when we were a member of false religion.  Now we have freedom to take a drink. But what if we misuse that freedom and over-indulge?","Those running the 'race' for life, must keep enduring.  Never surrender your freedom to Satan.",Gal. 5:1-13;,"Lovers Of Freedom District Assy. Mobile July 12-14, 1991",You Can Find Joy In Serving God,103,,,
"Freedom, Earth, Everlasting Life,",How much benefit to you would the gift of an around-the-world trip be to you if you were bedridden?,"Of how much value would God's gift of everlasting life be if the present unhappy, fearful state of this world were to continue?","Ps. 37:29; Matt. 6:10; Dan. 2:44; Rev. 21:3, 4;","Oct 1, 1967 Page 585",Ruining The Earth Brings Divine Retribution,106,,,
"Freedom, Earth, Everlasting Life,",How much would you enjoy the latest model color television set if you had lost your eyesight?,"Of how much value would God's gift of everlasting life be if the present unhappy, fearful state of this world were to continue?","Ps. 37:29; Matt. 6:10; Dan. 2:44; Rev. 21:3, 4;","Oct 1, 1967 Page 585",Ruining The Earth Brings Divine Retribution,106,,,
"Freedom, Gravity,","Because of the law of gravity, a man cannot jump off a skyscraper without harming or killing himself.  Clearly God's physical laws limit man's freedom to do certain things.","Jehovah God's moral laws also limit our freedom, but obeying them is required for us to gain life.","Gal 6:7, 8; Is 33:22; Ro 14:12;","Mar 15, 1992 Wt Page 9","Living, Not For Self, But To Do God's Will",8,,,
"Freedom, Jehovah's Witnesses,","A beautiful, valuable diamond, gemstone with 58 facets. We have freedom from false teachings; know truth about God and his son; Free from false teaching of death, resurrection, and demon inspired teachings.",Our freedom is like a gemstone with many facets.,"John 8:32; 1 Cor. 8:6; Ecclesiastes. 9:5; John 5:28, 29; 1 Tim. 4:1-3;","Lovers Of Freedom District Assy. Mobile July 12-14, 1991",Make Jehovah Your Confidence,70,,,
"Freedom, Kingdom, Sin,",'Freedom is the ferment of freedom. The moistened sponge drinks up water greedily; the dry one sheds it.',Freedom causes more and more abundant joy.,Prov. 29:2;,Oliver Wendell Holmes (1809-1894),Hold A Good Conscience In A Sinful World,107,,,
"Freedom, Kingdom, Sin,",'Freedom is the open window through which pours the sunlight of the human spirit and human dignity.',You will know the truth and the truth will set you free.,John 8:32,Herbert Hoover (1874-1964) American President.,Hold A Good Conscience In A Sinful World,107,,,
"Freedom, Kingdom, Sin,","'Man is born free, yet he is everywhere in chains.'",Mankind is sold under sin.,Rom. 5:14; 7:18-24;,Rousseau (1712-1778),"Living, Not For Self, But To Do God's Will",8,,,
"Freedom, Kingdom, Sin, Responsibility, Preaching, Good News.","'He is the freeman whom the truth makes free, and all are slaves beside.'",You will know the truth and the truth will set you free.,John 8:32,Cowper (1731-1800),Have Faith In The Good News,47,,,
"Freedom, Kingdom, Sin, Territory, Preaching, Good News.",'No man was ever endowed with a right without being at the same time saddled with a responsibility.' Quote: GERALD W. JOHNSON (BORN 1890),We have been entrusted with the Good News. Don't forsake trust.,1 Cor. 9:16-18,Bobby Laymon,Have Faith In The Good News,47,,,
"Freedom, Kingdom, Sin, Truth,","'Liberty, when it begins to take root, is a plant of rapid growth'  Quote: George Washington.","When people begin to recognize the truth, they are eager, happy to learn more.  You will know the truth and the truth will set you free.",John 8:32,George Washington (1732-1799) First American President.,Hold A Good Conscience In A Sinful World,107,,,
"Freedom, Laws,","'Free as a bird!'  Even birds have restrictions; Some fly 29000 feet high, but they cannot fly to the sun, or the moon. Israel was restrained by Jehovah's law, but were free people. God's physical laws limit man's freedom.",Freedom does not mean we are free from all restraint. Likewise God's moral laws limit man's freedom.,Ps. 97:10; 2 Cor. 3:17; Rom. 6:19;,"Lovers Of Freedom District Assy. Mobile July 12-14, 1991","Living, Not For Self, But To Do God's Will",8,,,
"Freedom, Liberty, Kingdom, Paradise,","'Liberty, when it begins to take root, is a plant of rapid growth.'  Quote: George Washington.","Jehovah's kingdom is like that.  Since 1914 it has been having rapid growth, and will soon rise like the morning sun in a cloudless sky, shining on all mankind.",Dan 2:44;,Bobby Laymon - Reader's Digest,Keep Seeking God's Kingdom,44,,1996/03/24,
"Freedom, Limits, Free Will,","If we ignore the law of gravity and jump off a high place we will be injured or killed.  If we ignore the internal laws of our body and stop eating food, drinking water, or breathing air, we will die.","Just as we were created with the need to submit to God's physical laws, we were created with the need to submit to God's moral and social laws.","Mt 4:4; Jeremiah 10:23, 24; Is 48:17;",Does God Really Care About Us.  Page 12,"Living, Not For Self, But To Do God's Will",8,,,
"Freedom, Limits, Free Will,","Imagine a busy city without any traffic laws, where everybody could drive in any direction at any speed.  Would you want to drive there?  No, that would be traffic anarchy and would result in many accidents.","So too, with God's gift of free will.  Unlimited freedom would mean anarchy in society.",1pe 2:16; De 32:4; Mt 22:35-40; Is 48:17;,Does God Really Care About Us.  Page 11,"Living, Not For Self, But To Do God's Will",8,,,
"Freedom, Paradise, Earth, Kingdom, Peace,",The United Nations Development Program published a 'Human Freedom Index' that indicated how much freedom is enjoyed by the populations of 88 different countries.  Based on the 40 rights and freedoms laid down in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.,"Although no country scored 40 points, in Jehovah's new world of righteousness, there will be complete freedom and peace flowing to all mankind. 'the creation itself also will be set free...'",Ro 8:21,"Feb 8, 1993 Aw Page 31",Ruining The Earth Brings Divine Retribution,106,,,
"Freedom, Responsibility, Maturity,","Little boy likes to be free, do as he likes.  Lacks responsibility.","Paul said, that when he became a man he did away with the traits of a babe.  A mature person accepts responsibility.",1 Cor. 13:11;,"Lovers Of Freedom District Assy. Mobile July 12-14, 1991","Living, Not For Self, But To Do God's Will",8,,,
"Freedom, Restrictions, Family, Marriage, Children,",In your children's room there may be an outside door.  It should have a lock on it.  You should have some control over that lock.,"Likewise with association of our children.  It should not be an open door, but with restrictions.",Eph 6:4;,Donald Wolkin,God Comes First In Successful Family Life,110,,1996/07/28,
"Freedom, Restrictions, Safeguard, Respect, Authority, Protection, Rules,","There was once a lookout on a cliff overlooking a beautifully landscaped city.  Visitors from all around would travel to this lookout and enjoy the scenic view. Several visitors each year, however, would wander too close to the edge of the cliff and fall hundreds of feet to the rocks below. Fortunately, an ambulance was stationed at the base of the cliff and was able to revive most people who would have otherwise died of the fall.  At a city council meeting, after several victims had been seriously injured, there was a vote as to whether or not a fence should be put up at the lookout to protect the viewers from getting too close to the edge of the cliff. On the one hand, those in favor of the fence felt it would save the cost of medical bills to those who might get too close to the edge of the cliff and suffer injury; while on the other hand, those opposed felt the fence would impair the beautiful view.  The ballots were cast and the city council voted to put up the fence despite the fact that the viewed would be somewhat impaired.","It is much safer and easier to impose restrictions than to provide so much freedom that we could suffer permanent harm or injury (or possibly death). This applies to us spiritually, as part of Jehovah's flock, and also gives parents something to consider in relation to how much 'freedom' their children should be granted.","Rom. 13:1,2;",Mark Hanlon,Respect For Authority Is A Safeguard For You,12,,1998/11/26,
"Freedom, Serve, Slave, Restraint,","One windy spring day, I observed young people having fun using the wind to fly their kites. Multicolored creations of varying shapes and sizes filled the skies like beautiful birds darting and dancing in the heady atmosphere above the earth. As the strong winds gusted against the kites, a string kept them in check.   Instead of blowing away with the wind, they arose against it to achieve great heights. They shook and pulled, but the restraining string and the cumbersome tail kept them in tow, facing upward and against the wind. As the kites struggled and trembled against the string, they seemed to say, 'Let me go! Let me go! I want to be free!' They soared beautifully even as they fought the imposed restriction of the string. Finally, one of the kites succeeded in breaking loose. 'Free at last' it seemed to say. 'Free to fly with  the wind.'","Yet freedom from restraint simply put it at the mercy of an unsympathetic breeze. It fluttered ungracefully to the ground and  landed in a tangled mass of weeds and string against a dead bush.  'Free at last' free to lie powerless in the dirt, to be blown helplessly along the ground, and to lodge lifeless against the first obstruction.  How much like kites we sometimes are. Jehovah permits adversity and sets restrictions, rules to follow from which we can grow and gain strength. Restraint is a necessary counterpart to the winds of opposition. Some of us tug at the rules so hard that we never soar to reach the heights we might have obtained.  Let us each rise to the great heights our Heavenly Father has in store for us, recognizing that some of the restraints that we may chafe under are actually the steadying force that helps us ascend and achieve.",Gal. 5:1;,Goldman Collection,"Living, Not For Self, But To Do God's Will",8,,"Jan 21, 2001",
"Freedom, Slave, Chains, Ransom, Death, wickedness,","'Man is born free, and everywhere he is in chains.'  Quote: Jean Jacques Rousseau.","If you have faith in sin-atoning value of Jesus' sacrifice, you can be free of bondage to sin but not independent of God and his requirements.","2 Cor 5:14, 15;",Bobby Laymon,"Living, Not For Self, But To Do God's Will",8,,1995/07/18,4/1/2014
"Freedom, Slave, Kingdom, Government,","'Democracy is the worst system devised by the wit of man, except for all the others.'  Winston Churchill.",Man has ruled man to his own injury.,Ecclesiastes. 8:9;,Winston Churchill (1874-1965),The Kingdom Of God Is Near,109,,,
"Freedom, Slave, Kingdom, Racial, Partial,",'Enslave the liberty of but one human being and the liberties of the world are put in peril.',Man is one large family.,Rev. 12:16;,William Garrison (1805-1879),The Kingdom Of God Is Near,109,,,
"Freedom, Slavery, Simple, Materialism, Anxiety, Worry,",'None are more hopelessly enslaved than those who falsely believe they are free.'  Quote: The German poet Goethe,Freedom and progress are often measured in the world by material terms.  We have to be more careful than ever not to be side-tracked by materialism and the anxieties of life.,Mt 6:24;,"Dec 15, 1993 Wt Page 28",Reach Out For The Real Life!,90,,1993/11/10,
"Freedom, Slavery, Simple, Materialism, Anxiety, Worry, Goals,",Being caught in a literal storm may require us to squint or cup our hands around our eyes to keep our goal in sight.,"When surrounded by political, economic, or social turmoil, concentration is necessary to keep our spiritual goal in view.  A simple eye is one that is in focus and that transmits clear images to the mind.  A spiritual eye that is simple keeps the image of God's Kingdom clear.","Mt 6:19, 22, 24;","Dec 15, 1993 Wt Page 27, 28;",Reach Out For The Real Life!,90,,1993/11/10,
"Freedom, Truth, Sponge, Holmes,",Freedom is the ferment of freedom.  The moistened sponge drinks up water greedily; the dry one sheds it. Quote: Oliver Wendell Holmes (1809-1894,"Those in bondage so long by Satan's world, have lost hope of true freedom.",2co 3:17; 2pe 2:16;,Wisdom Of The Ages,"Living, Not For Self, But To Do God's Will",8,,,
"Freedom, Truth, World,","He is the freeman whom the truth makes free, and all are slaves beside. (Cowper 1731-1800)",The world's freedom has little to offer.,John 8:44; Ro 8:21; 2co 3:17;,Wisdom Of The Ages,'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
"Freedom, Weapons, Wars, Peace, Security, Bombs,","'In the 45 years since the end of WWII, [bomb disposal units] have rid [French] soil of 16 million artillery shells, 490,000 bombs and 600,000 underwater mines.  Millions of acres remain fenced off, knee-deep in weaponry and surrounded by posters...",How different the New World will be!  Never will people or the earth be bombarded by explosive devices. Warning posters:  'Don't touch!  It Kills!',Ps 46:9; Is 9:6;ps 72:16; Is 25:6; 65:17-25; Luke 23:43;,"Apr 1, 1992 Wt Page 11",Jehovah Is 'a Secure Height' For His People,151,,,
"Freedom, Weapons, Wars, Peace, Security, Bombs,",More than 600 bomb-disposal experts have been killed since 1945 while getting rid of explosives left over from previous wars. 'We still find live cannon balls from the Franco-Prussian war of 1870.  There are lakes filled with toxic grenades from WW I.,"Jehovah will rid the earth of destructive weapons. Every so often a farmer in a tractor rolls over an anti-tank mine from WWII and poof, that's it.  These things are everywhere.'",Ps 46:9; Is 9:6;,"Apr 1, 1992 Wt Page 11",Jehovah Is 'a Secure Height' For His People,151,,,
"Freedom, Youth, Service, Pioneer,","Youths cannot wait to get the keys to a car. 'It has something to do with reaching the age of freedom.  Having a car gives a person more liberty,' one fourteen-year-old said. Unfortunately, it all too often leads to tragedy.",How will we use our new-found freedom.  Will we buy out time to serve Jehovah with it? Need to safeguard our future.,Eph. 5:15;,"Apr 8, 1967 Aw Page 8",How Should You Serve God?,58,,,
Freedom;,'A man's worst difficulties begin when he is able to do as he likes.' Quote:  Thomas Huxley,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Freedom;,'Freedom is not worth having if it does not connote freedom to err.'  Quote:  Mahatma Gandhi.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Freedom;,'He who serves is not free.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Freedom;,'Man is condemned to be free.'  Quote:  Jean Paul Stare.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Freedom;,'No man is free who is not master of himself.'  Quote:  Epictetus.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Freedom;,'O Liberty! Liberty! How many crimes are committed in thy name!'  Quote:  Madame Roland.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Freedom;,'Ours is an abiding faith in the cause of human freedom. We know it is God's cause.' Quote: Thomas E. Dewey,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Freedom;,'To enjoy freedom we have to control ourselves.' Quote: Virginia Wolfe,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Freedom;,'When we lose the right to be different we lose the privilege to be free.'  Quote:  Charles Hughes.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Freedom;,Men rattle their chains to show they are free.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Freedom;,No man is free who cannot command himself.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Freedom;,No man is free who is a slave to the flesh.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Friend,","'A friend is, as it were, a second self.'  Quote: Marcus Tullius Cicero.","However sometimes friends forget and like ourselves, let out secrets that we would rather forget.  Are we willing to forgive our friends?","Pro 29:20, 22;",Bobby Laymon,Do You Harbor Resentment Or Do You Forgive?,68,,1995/07/09,
"Friend,","'Friendly fire' means they have been killed by their own troops. Hear the expression, 'Friendly reminder', 'Friendly Ford' 'Friendly grocer' etc. Friendship based on likes (tennis) or needs (watch house when gone)","The word 'friend' has become abused in recent years.  To have a friend, you must be a friend.",Pr 17:17; 18:24;,"Bob Moloski C.O.   (entered Dec 19, 1991)",Follow The Course Of Hospitality,77,,,
"Friend,","Imagine a cleaning yard with 35,000 oysters in it.  Only one of these oysters has a 'highly prized' pearl.  Which one?  You have to open them all up to know.",It's the same way with friends.  To find highly prized friends we must open up to them.  Widen out.  Give them the benefit of a doubt.,2 Cor. 6:11-13;,"Bob Moloski C.O.   (entered Dec 19, 1991)",True Friendship With God And Neighbor.,100,,,
"Friend,","One inning doesn't make a ball game. King Jehoshaphat acted foolishly with Jehovah's friendship, but notice how Jehovah remembers the good things.",One incident of bad judgment should not spoil a friendship.,"2 Ch. 19:2,3;","Bob Moloski C.O.   (entered Dec 19, 1991)",Follow The Course Of Hospitality,77,,,
"Friend, Blessings, Earth, Paradise, Kingdom, Jesus, Abraham,",Are you one of the 'families' of the earth?  Are you a member of one of the 'nations' of the earth?,Then you may entertain the hope of being blessed in or by means of Abraham's seed.,Genesis. 12:1-3; 22:15-18;,"Apr 15, 1968 Wt Page 236",Ruining The Earth Brings Divine Retribution,106,,,
"Friend, Helping, Disfellowshipped, Association, Morals,","If your friend were literally drowning in a powerful whirlpool, would you jump in yourself.  All that would do is get both of you killed.","The sensible thing to do would be to throw him a life preserver.  Similarly, you need to render help from a distance.","Jude 22, 23;","Jan 22, 1996 Aw Page 16",Gaining Comfort In All Our Tribulations,105,,1996/01/10,
"Friend, Know, Independent,",Acquaintance with a prospective mate is hardly a proper basis for marriage.  Acquaintance must be turned into friendship.  This friendship can then be developed and molded into a more intimate relationship.  Much time and money spent in developing.,How does this compare with my efforts to develop friendship with my Creator or to improve and strengthen it?  How much time am I spending in doing so?,Amos 3:7; Ecclesiastes 12:1;,"Jun 1, 1992 Wt Page 26",How Well Do You Know God?,1,,,
"Friend, Know, Independent,","We hear the expression, 'No strings attached!'",Friendship with Jehovah is not available on a no-strings-attached basis; it is dependent on our living up to the prerequisites for friendship that He has set.,John 15:14;,"Jun 1, 1992 Wt Page 25",How Well Do You Know God?,1,,,
"Friend, Know, Independent, Prayer,","We may feel no urge to share our experiences with Mr. Smith from across the street.  It is a normal thing to tell friends, and often we can hardly wait to tell them such things. If friendship is one-sided, it will die.  Must listen through Bible.","Likewise in our friendship with God. We can hardly wait to approach him in prayer, revealing our needs, our desires, and our innermost feelings.",Amos 3:7,"Jun 1, 1992 Wt Page 26",How Well Do You Know God?,1,,,
"Friend, Loyalty, Relationship,","TWO MEN were traveling together, when a Bear suddenly met them on their path.  One of them climbed up quickly into a tree and concealed himself in the branches.  The other, seeing that he must be attacked, fell flat on the ground, and when the Bear came up and felt him with his snout, and smelt him all over, he held  his breath, and feigned the appearance of death as much as he could.  The Bear soon left him, for it is said he will not touch a dead body.  When he was quite gone, the other Traveler descended from the tree, and jocularly inquired of his friend what it was the Bear had whispered in his ear.  'He gave me this advice,' his companion replied.  'Never travel with a friend who deserts you at the approach of danger.'",Moral: 'Misfortune tests the sincerity of friends.'  True friends stick closer than a brother.   Jehovah is a true friend.,Pr 18:24;,Aesop's Fables - Bobby Laymon,True Friendship With God And Neighbor.,100,,1994/05/15,
"Friend, Relationship, Materialism, Motives,","A GROOM used to spend whole days in currycombing and rubbing down  his Horse, but at the same time stole his oats and sold them for  his own profit.  'Alas!'  said the Horse, 'if you really wish me to be in good condition, you should groom me less, and feed me more.'",You cannot always tell good motives.,Pr 7:7-10;,Aesop's Fables - Bobby Laymon,Keep Growing In Your Relationship With God,16,,1994/05/15,
"Friend, Trust, Satan, Demons,","A SHEPHERD once found the whelp of a Wolf and brought it up, and  after a while taught it to steal lambs from the neighboring flocks.  The Wolf, having shown himself an apt pupil, said to the Shepherd, 'Since you have taught me to steal, you must keep a sharp lookout, or you will lose some of your own flock.'",Moral: 'There is more danger from a pretended friend than from an open enemy.'  Satan keeps presenting himself as an 'angel of light.',2 Cor 11:14;,Aesop's Fables - Bobby Laymon,How To Protect Ourselves From Satan's Snares,115,,1994/05/17,
Friend;,'Friendship requires deeds.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Friend;,'If a man is worth knowing at all he is worth knowing well.'  Quote:  A. Smith.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Friend;,'One of the surest evidences of friendship that one individual can display to another is telling him gently of a fault.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Friend;,'They are rich who have true friends.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Friend;,"If all men know what each said of the other, there would not be four friends in the world.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Friend; Counsel;,'To give counsel as well as to take it is a feature of true friendship.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Friend; Counsel; Praise;,"'Reprove your friends in secret, praise them openly.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Friend; Funny;,"'Here's a dime, call your friends.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Friend; Imperfection;,'Love you friend with his fault.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Friend; Self-interest;,'Friendship without self-interest is one of the rare and beautiful things of life.'  Quote:  Jane Byrnes.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Friendliness, Kindness, Personality,","The Mayor of New York was so impressed by the kindness of a ticket booth employee, he returned to thank him and later wrote a letter of commendation to the head of the Transit Authority.",Friendliness brings out the better nature of other people.,Prov. 16:24; 15:1; 26:20; 19:11;,"Jan 22, 1967 Aw Page 3",Follow The Course Of Hospitality,77,,,
"Friendliness, Kindness, Personality, Speech, School,","If a dog is spoken to harshly, will it wag its tail and come running happily toward its master?  The opposite will almost always occur.  It may place its tail between its legs perhaps growling and baring its teeth.","If you sow friendliness, you will usually reap it, but if you do not, you will generally not receive it back from others.",Prov. 15:1; 16:24; 19:11; 26:20;,"Jan 22, 1967 Aw Page 4",Follow The Course Of Hospitality,77,,,
Friendly,"Swallow & the Birds; Swallow lived near people, warned not annoy.   Lived on ground, decided to eat flax seed, humans couldn't make nets & catch.  Grew very fat, people began to catch & cook.  Decided to fly.","If you're friendly, both you and other benefit",1co 13:1-8;,Aesop's Fables,Follow The Course Of Hospitality,77,,,
Friends,Bank account (see below) Quote: Friendship is somewhat like a bank account; you cannot draw on it unless you make your deposits.,True friends share; closer than a fleshly brother.,Prov. 18:24,Magazine Article - Bobby Laymon,Follow The Course Of Hospitality,77,,,
Friends,"Fox & Countryman Fox begged man to hide him from hunters. Told hunters, he hadn't seen, but pointed to hiding place. Hunter paid no attention, fox started to run away, after they left said, 'I would thank you if your actions had been friendly as words.'","Some talk as if your friend, but don't act that way.",Pr 18:24;,Aesop's Fables,Follow The Course Of Hospitality,77,,,
Friends,"Travelers & the Bear; one climbed tree, other fell dead; sniffed What did he say, 'Never travel with people who run away when there is danger.'",Real friend helps you out when in trouble.,Pr 18:24;,Aesop's Fables,Follow The Course Of Hospitality,77,,,
"Friends,",'One friend in a lifetime is much; two are many; three are hardly possible.'  Quote: Henry Brooks Adams.,Such a remark suggests that true friends are rare.  To make and maintain lasting friendships is a challenge.,Prov. 17:17;,"Dec 1, 2000 Wt Page 20",Maintain Your Confidence Firm To The End,46,,"Oct 25, 2000",
"Friends,","There are different kinds of friends; some are acquaintances, some unreliable, some false friends, some TRUE friends. Without friends we cannot be truly happy. Are your friends, Jehovah's friends?",David & Jonathan were true friends.,Prov. 18:24; 2 Tim. 3:13;,Phil Kirkton Notes: Bro. Skaggs.,Follow The Course Of Hospitality,77,,,
"Friends, Adversity, Persecution, Hardship, Depression,","'In prosperity, our friends know us; in adversity, we know our friends.'  Quote: John Churton Collins.",Real friends stick by us even in adversity.,Prov. 17:17;,Bobby Laymon - Reader's Digest,"Mercy, A Dominant Quality Of True Christians",7,,1996/03/21,
"Friends, Associates,","'Lots of people want to ride with you in the limo, but what you need is someone who will take the bus with you when the limo breaks down.'  Quote: Oprah Winfrey, talk show host.","We need, and want to be, true friends.",Prov. 18:24;,Bobby Laymon - Bits And Pieces,Choose Your Associates Wisely!,116,,1998/01/08,
"Friends, Associations,","If you lean your ladder against the wall, and it is the wrong wall, every step you take will be in the wrong direction.","Jacob did everything possible to protect his family, but once Dinah took the course she did, each step she took, took her and her family into disaster.  Look at the outcome!",Ge 33:18-20; Pr 13:20;,William Osbeck C.O.,Choose Your Associates Wisely!,116,,,
"Friends, Associations, World,",There is a Spanish proverb that says: 'Tell me with whom you  walk and I'll tell you who you are.' (Dime con qui‚n andas y te dir‚ qui‚n eres.),It is a basic principle of social relations that you tend to become what those around you are if you associate with them long enough.  Your close friends are bound to have a 'molding' effect on your personality.,1 John 2:15-17;,W73 7/15 422-3,'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,1994/07/10,
"Friends, Associations, World, Sin, Reprove,","If you saw a child in a mud puddle, would you take some soap out into the puddle and try to clean the child with it? You would only get yourself dirty as a result. You would first have to try to encourage the child to come out of the mud puddle before you could hope to do anything about cleaning him up at close range.","Actually, to accept a youth with bad habits as your close associate will often have a bad effect on that person (as well as on you). Why? Because it may encourage such one to keep on in the same way, feeling that, in spite of what he is doing, you still find his close companionship acceptable.",1 John 2:15-17;,W73 7/15 423-4,'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,1994/07/10,
"Friends, Books, Association, Company, Literature,","'Choose an author as you choose a friend.' Quote: Wentworth Dillon, Earl of Roscommon. [1684].","Many have chosen friendship with God.  Among the most widely distributed books in the world are those (Bible, Truth book, and so forth) advocating that Kingdom.",Ps 83:18;,Bobby Laymon,What Kind Of Name Are You Making With God?,55,,1995/07/14,
"Friends, Companion, Kindness, Love, Compassion, Mercy",'The impersonal hand of government can never replace the helping hand of a neighbor.'  Quote: Hubert H. Humphrey.,"In Jehovah's new system, neighbor and government will work hand-in-hand.",Ps 85:10;,Bobby Laymon - Reader's Digest,Gaining Comfort In All Our Tribulations,105,,1996/03/19,
"Friends, Companion, Marriage, Adversity, Problems,","'Lots of people want to ride with you in the limo, but what you want is someone who will take the bus with you when the limo breaks down.'  Quote: Oprah Winfrey.",We want a companion who will stick with us even in adversity.,Prov 17:17;,Bobby Laymon - Reader's Digest,"As Christians, We Care About Other People",15,,1996/03/24,
"Friends, David, Jonathan,","'A jewel of the purest water.' (Archaeologist Albright) If you have ever found yourself in deep trouble or suffering adversity of some kind or another, and had the comfort of a friend come to your aid; you have much to be thankful.",Describing the beautiful friendship of David and Jonathan.,1sa 18:1; Pr 17:17; 18:24;,"Dec 15, 1968 Wt Page 739",Follow The Course Of Hospitality,77,,,
"Friends, Enemies, Hatred,",'I destroy my enemy when I make him my friend.' Quote: Lincoln (1809-1865),"We should love our enemies, and perhaps they will become friends to us and to Jehovah.",Ro 12:20;,Wisdom Of The Ages,Follow The Course Of Hospitality,77,,,
"Friends, Forgiving,",Real friends are those who upon watching you make a fool of yourself do not feel that the job was done permanently.  -- Anonymous,We all need friends due to imperfection.,Prov. 17:17;,Bobby Laymon,"Friendship With God, Friendship With The World -- Which Will You Choose?",79,,"Nov 19, 2001",
"Friends, Friendship,","Some do not like eating raspberries because of their little seeds. Those who enjoy this fruit, however, do not notice the seeds.",True friends are loved for their fine qualities; their minor faults are overlooked.,"Col. 3:13; Matt 18:21, 22","Dec 1, 2000 Wt Page 22","Friendship With God, Friendship With The World -- Which Will You Choose?",79,,"Nov 6, 2000",
"Friends, Happiness, Name, Love, Concern, Kindness,",'You can make more friends in two months by becoming interested in other people than you can in two years by trying to get other people interested in you.'   Quote: Author Dale Carnegie.,Or as the book of Proverbs puts it: 'The one freely watering others will himself also be freely watered.',Proverbs 11:25; James 1:19; Proverbs 10:19;,G88 8/22 12,What Kind Of Name Are You Making With God?,55,,1995/06/06,
"Friends, Loneliness,",Just as food lessens or removes hunger...,The right kind of friendships can diminish loneliness or even make it vanish.  Having good friends who value us is not an unattainable luxury.,Prov 17:17; 27:17; Ge 2:18;,"Mar 15, 1996 Wt Page 3",Follow The Course Of Hospitality,77,,1996/02/13,
"Friends, Loneliness, Depression,",As a piece of iron can be used to sharpen a blade made of the same metal.,One friend may succeed in sharpening the intellectual and spiritual state of another.,Prov 27:17;,"Mar 15, 1996 Wt Page 3",Gaining Comfort In All Our Tribulations,105,,1996/02/13,
"Friends, Loneliness, Depression, Singleness,","'It's like Noah's ark in my neighborhood.  If you're not a couple, you can't come aboard.'  Quote: a lonely person.","There are many challenges to lasting friendship including people moving more frequently, families breaking up, impersonal and dangerous cities, and a decrease in free time.",2 Tim 3:1-5; Matt 24:12;,"Mar 15, 1996 Wt Page 4",A Cleansed Earth--will You Live To See It?,49,,1996/02/13,
"Friends, Mooch, Consideration, Kindness, Welcome,","A SICK STAG lay down in a quiet corner of its pasture-ground.   His companions came in great numbers to inquire after his health,  and each one helped himself to a share of the food which had been  placed for his use; so that he died, not from his sickness, but from the failure of the means of living.","Evil companions bring more hurt than profit.  Therefore we need to avoid overstaying our welcome at the home of friends.  Don't keep them up too late.  They may miss service, or be too tired to work.  Also we could put a financial burden on them in the matter of food.  Moral: 'Don't wear out your welcome!'",Pr 25:17;,Aesop's Fables - Bobby Laymon,Follow The Course Of Hospitality,77,,1994/05/17,
"Friends, Name, Reputation,","'I do then with my friends as I do with my books. I would have them where I can find them, but I seldom use them.' Quote: Ralph Waldo Emerson.   -1841.","We don't want to abuse our friends.  As David valued Jonathan's friendship, so we can have similar friendships within the Christian congregation.  Those whose expressions truly incite us 'to love and fine works' are loyal friends.",Heb 10:24; Luke 6:45; 2 Sam. 1:26,Bobby Laymon,Choose Your Associates Wisely!,116,,1995/08/01,
"Friends, Name, Strangers, Neighbors,",I do desire we may be better strangers. --William Shakespeare,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Friends, Partiality, Flatter, Loyalty,","A GOATHERD, driving his flock from their pasture at eventide,  found some Wild Goats mingled among them, and shut them up together with his own for the night.  The next day it snowed very hard, so that he could not take the herd to their usual feeding  places, but was obliged to keep them in the fold.  He gave his own goats just sufficient food to keep them alive, but fed the strangers more abundantly in the hope of enticing them to stay with him and of making them his own.  When the thaw set in, he led them all out to feed, and the Wild Goats scampered away as fast as they could to the mountains.  The Goatherd scolded them for their ingratitude in leaving him, when during the storm he had taken more care of them than of his own herd.  One of them, turning about, said to him:  'That is the very reason why we are so cautious; for if you yesterday treated us better than the Goats you have had so long, it is plain also that if others came after us, you would in the same manner prefer them to ourselves.'",Moral: 'Old friends cannot with impunity be sacrificed for new ones.'  Jehovah is loyal to his 'friends.'   We must be the same.,2 Sam 22:26;,Aesop's Fables - Bobby Laymon,Evidence Of God In The World Around Us,4,,1994/05/17,
"Friends, Personalities, Wife, Husband,","Dog is man's best friend. False! Adam had lots of pets when God said, 'It is not good for the man to continue by himself.' Friendship is sweet and refreshing. Deep friendships are often slow-growing things, but they have to start somewhere.",Friendship is truly rewarding. Must be one to have one.  Smile may have to be forced at first.,"Genesis. 2:18; Ecclesiastes. 4:9, 10; Prov. 27:9;","Oct 22, 1963 Aw Page 3, 4",Follow The Course Of Hospitality,77,,,
"Friends, Relationship,",'A true friend never gets in your way unless you happen to be going down.'  Quote: Arnold H. Glasgow,"Jehovah is always a true friend, ready to catch you and pick you up.","Exodus 19:4; Ps 37:14, 15; 72:12, 13;",Bobby Laymon,True Friendship With God And Neighbor.,100,,,
"Friends, Relationship,",'Getting people to like you is only the other side of liking them.'  Quote: Norman Vincent Peale.,Friendship is a two-way street.,Prov 18:24;,Bobby Laymon - Reader's Digest,Keep Growing In Your Relationship With God,16,,1996/03/22,
"Friends, Relationship, Name, Trust, Faithfulness,","THE SWALLOW and the Crow had a contention about their plumage.   The Crow put an end to the dispute by saying, 'Your feathers are all very well in the spring, but mine protect me against the winter.'","Fair weather friends are not worth much.  We must make friends with Jehovah God and Christ Jesus, and those he loves.",John 15:13-15; Luke 16:9;,Aesop's Fables - Bobby Laymon,True Friendship With God And Neighbor.,100,,1994/05/15,
"Friends, Relatives, Name, Association, Meetings,","'Fate chooses our relatives, we choose our friends.'  Quote: Jacques Delille.","However, we may be in the best position to witness to our relatives. God's Word shows that we live at a time when natural love for family is on the decline.  Importance of caring for one's family is highlighted in Bible.","2 Tim 3:3; 1 Ti 5:4, 8;",Bobby Laymon,"As Christians, We Care About Other People",15,,1995/07/18,
"Friends, So-called","Like your shadow, Present in sunshine, quickly vanish in shade Jehovah is always our friend, if we obey him.",So-called friends of world,Pr 18:24;,Bobby Laymon,Follow The Course Of Hospitality,77,,,
"Friends, Worth, Name,","'If you want an accounting of your worth, count your friends.'  Quote: Merry Browne in National Enquirer.",We especially should be interested in our friendship with Jehovah and Christ Jesus.,John 15:13-15; Luke 12:4;,Bobby Laymon - Reader's Digest,Keep Growing In Your Relationship With God,16,,1996/03/20,
Friends;,'A friend in need is a friend to be avoided.'  Quote:  Lord Samuel.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Friends;,'A friend is one who warns you.'  Quote:  Near East Proverb.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Friends;,'A hedge between keeps friendships green.'  Quote:  German.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Friends;,"'A man sir, should keep his friendship in constant repair.'  Quote:  S. Johnson.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Friends;,'A true friend is someone who is there for you when he'd rather be anywhere else.'  Quote:  Len Wien.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Friends;,'A true friend never gets in your way unless you happen to be going down.'  Quote:  Arnold Glasgow.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Friends;,"'An argument needs no reason, nor a friendship.'  Quote:  Ibycus.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Friends;,"'Be civil to all, sociable to many, familiar with few.'  Quote:  Bf.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Friends;,"'Beware of meat twice boiled, and an old foe reconciled.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Friends;,"'Do not protect yourself by a fence, but rather by your friends.'  Quote:  Czech.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Friends;,'Do not remove a fly from your friend's forehead with a hatchet.'  Quote:  Chinese.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Friends;,'Few there are that will endure a true friend.'  Quote:  English.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Friends;,'Friend: One who knows all about you and loves you just the same.'  Quote:  E. Hubbard.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Friends;,'Friends are lost by calling often and calling seldom.'  Quote:  Scottish.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Friends;,'Friends are those rare people who ask how we are and then wait to hear the answer.'  Quote:  Ed Cunningham.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Friends;,'Friendship is honey.....but don't eat it all.'  Quote:  Moroccan.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Friends;,"'Friendship of itself is a holy tie, and is made more sacred by adversity.'  Quote:  Ccc.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Friends;,'Give and take makes good friends.'  Quote:  Scottish.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Friends;,'Have no friends not equal to yourself.'  Quote:  Confucius.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Friends;,"'He is a fine friend, he stabs you in the front.'  Quote:  L. Levinson.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Friends;,'He who seeks a faultless friend remains friendless.' Quote:  Turkish,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Friends;,'I believe friendship can only exist between good men.'  Quote:  Cicero.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Friends;,"'In prosperity our friends know us; in adversity, we know our friends.'  Quote:  John Collins.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Friends;,'In time of prosperity friends will be plenty; in time of adversity not one in twenty.'  Quote:  English.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Friends;,'In times of difficulty friendship is on trial.'  Quote:  Greek.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Friends;,"'Instead of loving your enemies, treat your friends a little better.'  Quote:  Ed Howe.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Friends;,'It is easier to visit friends than to live with them.'  Quote:  Chinese.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Friends;,'It takes a long time to grow an old friend.'  Quote:  John Leonard.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Friends;,'Misfortune shows those who are not really friends.'  Quote:  Aristotle.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Friends;,"'My friends, there are no friends.'  Quote:  Aristotle.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Friends;,'None is so rich as to throw away a friend.' Quote:  Turkish,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Friends;,'Nothing wounds a friend like a want of confidence.'  Quote:  J. B. Lacordare.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Friends;,"'Pretty wife, old wine, many friends.'  Quote:  Bulgarian.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Friends;,'The best mirror is a friend's eye.'  Quote:  Gaelic Proverb.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Friends;,'The difference between a friend and an acquaintance is that a friend helps; and an acquaintance merely advises.'  Quote:  Bob Edwards.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Friends;,'The mirror shows everyone his best friend.' Quote: Yiddish.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Friends;,'Thy friendship oft has made my heart to ache; do be my enemy for friendship's sake.' Quote: William Blake,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Friends;,"'To find a friend one must close one eye.....to keep him, two.'  Quote:  Norman Douglas.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Friends;,'When one friend washes another both become clean.'  Quote:  Dutch.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Friends;,"'When we find another who has seen the same truth that we have seen, friendship is born.'  Quote:  Cliff Swenson.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Friends;,"'With clothes the new are best, with friends the old are best.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Friends;,A fellow who knows you but likes you in spite of it.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Friends;,A friend not in need is a friend in deed.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Friends;,A friend remains a friend up to his pockets.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Friends;,Any man can stand up to his opponents; give me the man who can stand up to his friends.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Friends;,"Count your age by friends not years, count your life by smiles not tears.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Friends;,Friendship doubles joys and divides your grief.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Friends;,He who loves me teaches me tenderness. He who hates me teaches me caution. He who is indifferent to me teaches me self-reliance.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Friends;,"Here's a dime, call all your friends.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Friends;,"If you want long friendships, develop a short memory.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Friends;,"If you want to find how much you're worth, count your friends.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Friends;,Our worst enemies are often the friends we once talked to as only a friend should.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Friends;,The most welcome person is the one who knows when to go.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Friends;,We may pick our friends but not to pieces.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Friends;,"We never know the true value of friends. While they live, we are too sensible of their faults, when we have lost them, we see only their virtues.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Friends; Borrow;,A false friend and a shadow stay around only while the sun shines.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Friends; Borrow;,"Before borrowing money from a friend, decide which you need more.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Friends; Enemy;,"'A hundred friends are not enough, but one enemy, too many.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Friends; Faults;,'Every man should have a fair-sized cemetery in which to bury the faults of his friends.'  Quote:  Hwb.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Friends; Happiness; Joy;,'A dog wags its tail with its heart.'  Quote: Martin Buxbaum in Table Talk.,We too should speak and act from the heart.  Our joy in Jehovah's service should show in our actions.,Rom 10:10; Matt 15:18;,Bobby Laymon - Reader's Digest.,Finding Honor And Joy In God's Ministry,65,,1996/03/15,
Friends; Kindness;,"Be kind to your friends, if it weren't for them you'd be a total stranger.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Friends; Respect;,'Respect is the nicest compliment one friend can give another.',,,Jk Quotes;,Show Respect And Love In Your Marriage,28,,,
Friends; World;,'A man becomes like those whose society he loves.'  Quote:  Hindu.,,,Jk Quotes;,Christian Separateness From The World--why Beneficial.,119,,,
Friends; World;,'Friendship will not continue to the end if it is begun for an end.'  Quote:  F. Quarles.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Friends; World;,'He who judges between two friends loses one of them.'  Quote:  French.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Friends; World; Environment;,'Wherever you are it is your own friends who make your world.' Quote:  William James,,,Jk Quotes;,Christian Separateness From The World--why Beneficial.,119,,,
"Friendship, Know, Relationship, Faith, Trust, Bible,","Like a new friendship between you and another person.  As time passes and you get to know the person better, your confidence in that one grows.  Finally, after living through many situations in which your friend has never let you down, you come to have implicit trust in that person.  If she writes to you, you know how to get the spirit of what is meant.  Even if a sentence is not too clear, you know the person so well that you have no difficulty in grasping the thought.  You read that friend's letter in a trusting way, not with suspicion.","Similarly, the more you get to know the Bible and its Author, Jehovah God, the more trust you will have in both God and His Word Even some episodes in Bible history that seem difficult to under- stand will not shake that trust.","2 Tim 3:16; Heb 11:1, 2;",Article On Bible Reading,True Friendship With God And Neighbor.,100,,,
"Friendship, Love,","A brick building or wall can last for centuries.  You can build a brick wall, or brick building without mortar.  It may look good, straight, and strong.  What happens when a disaster strikes. Water, earth tremors, and even strong winds will take their toll.","Friendship without love is like that.  Love is the mortar.  Friendship based on money, popularity, or appearance is like a brick wall without mortar.  It will not withstand adversities.  'Love never fails.'",1 Cor. 13:8,Joe Laymon,True Friendship With God And Neighbor.,100,,1999/04/20,
"Friendship, Relationship, Know, Lonely,","'I have many friends in almost every walk of life!  There is the shoeshine boy - what's his name?  And the butcher at the corner store, where we buy our meat; and the banker where I do my business.  So you see, I have many friends.","He may not even remember their names, but these casual acquaintances are what some people call friends.  While many in the world are affable and neighborly, many are prone to draw the line where genuine friendship are concerned.",Mt 24:12;,"Jun 22, 1970 Aw Page 3",True Friendship With God And Neighbor.,100,,,
"Friendship, Relationship, Know, Lonely,","To many a Westerner, the word 'friend' has been overused.  They speak of 'friendly neighborhood food markets,' 'friendly travel agents,' 'friendly banker,' 'friendly skies,' 'friendly Ford.'","The word 'friend' does not always involve a close relationship. It may be superficial, casual, situational or deep and enduring. Outside real Bible Christians, true friendship is rare.","2sa 1:26; Ruth 1:16, 17; Mr 10:29, 30; John 15:13;","Jun 22, 1970 Aw Page 3, 4",True Friendship With God And Neighbor.,100,,,
"Friendship, Relationship, Know, Lonely, Depressed, Emerson,",Friendship can be likened to a plant that has to be cultivated. It must be watered and tended if it is to produce sweet and wholesome fruit.,"Maintaining a friendship is not automatic.  It takes planning. On our weekly list of things to be done, we might well assign deeds of friendship.  Write down the names of those we would like to visit, send a card, or phone.  Friendship is an art.",Pr 18:24;,"Jun 22, 1970 Aw Page 6",True Friendship With God And Neighbor.,100,,,
"Friendship, Relationship, Know, Lonely, Depressed, Emerson, Happiness,",'The only way to have a friend is to be one.' Quote: Ralph W. Emerson.,"To be a friend, one must accept faults as well as virtues.  One must be willing to make sacrifices and help others to achieve their goals.","Pr 17:9, 17; 18:24;","Jun 22, 1970 Aw Page 5",True Friendship With God And Neighbor.,100,,,
"Friendship, Relationship, Know, Lonely, Depressed, Happiness,","'You sound like you don't have a friend in the world -- I'm not dead yet!'  Quote: A high-school friend, to depressed classmate.","A glib, graceful phrase, perhaps -- but in twenty-five years I have not forgotten it, how I sat up straighter, smiled and felt alive again that night.  Kind words of encouragement can strengthen friendships.",Pr 18:24;,"Jun 22, 1970 Aw Page 5",True Friendship With God And Neighbor.,100,,,
"Friendship, Smothered, Associations,","In a public garden in Sydney, Australia, a large tree had to be enclosed by a chain fence.  Why?  Because battalions of visitors were gradually compacting the soil and choking the roots.  Unprotected, the tree would have died.",The same can be true of friendships.  Too much togetherness can choke a relationship.,Prov. 25:17;,"Apr 22, 1998 Aw Page 17",Choose Your Associates Wisely!,116,,1998/03/17,
"Friendship, Success, Growth, Failure,","When you plant lettuce, if it does not grow well, you don't blame the lettuce.  You look for reasons it is not doing well.  It may need fertilizer, or more water, or less sun.  You never blame the lettuce.","Yet, if we have problems with our friends, we blame the other person.  Why not look for the reasons friendship doesn't grow, just like raising lettuce.",Jas. 4:8;,Bobby Laymon - Bits And Pieces,Keep Growing In Your Relationship With God,16,,1998/01/08,
"Friendship, World, Association, Habits,","As an illustration, we might imagine two men who are eating dinner. One man accidentally gets a spot of gravy on his tie. The other takes his tie and deliberately dips it into the gravy; he wants it that way. Which one are we like?","By what we allow to influence us and what we choose to do, are  we showing that we want to be a friend of the world? or a friend of God?","1 Peter 4:3, 4; Ephesians 5:3-5; Acts 10:34, 35",Hp 186  20,'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,1994/09/28,
"Friendship, World, Association, Habits,",We can no more keep a foot on both sides than a person at a fork in the road can walk down two diverging paths.,This matter of friendship with God or friendship with the world means life or death.,1 John 2:15-17;,Hp 186-7  20,'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,1994/09/28,
"Fruitage, Kingdom, Spirit, Discipline,",THE Christian minister might be likened to a farmer that has two kinds of crops to grow.,"One of these is the fruitage of the spirit, mentioned at Galatians 5:22, 23, and the other is Kingdom fruitage, referred to by our Lord Jesus in his parable of the sower, as recorded at Matthew 13:18-23.  Because of this he should be interested in discipline, for without discipline he cannot bear these fruits.","Matt. 13:18-23; Gal 5:22, 23;",W64 5/1 285,The Kingdom Of God Is Near,109,,1994/07/30,
"Fruitage, Spirit, Kingdom, Discipline,",Christian minister might be likened to a farmer that has two kind of crops to grow. Without discipline he cannot bear these fruits. Those trained by discipline will be able to bear even more,One is fruitage of spirit. Second is Kingdom fruitage. Kingdom fruitage.,"Gal. 5:22, 23; Matt. 13:18-23;","May 1, 1964 Wt Page 285",The Kingdom Of God Is Near,109,,,
"Fruits, Spirit, Improvement, Progress, Organization,","'In the race for quality, there is no finish line.'  Quote: David T. Kearns.","It is that was with the fruits of God's spirit.  Against such things there is no law, or no limit.  One cannot have too much love, faith, etc.","Gal 5:22, 23;",Bobby Laymon - Reader's Digest,Are You Content With Jehovah's Provisions?,22,,1996/03/19,
"Fully, Completely, Urgency, Resourceful, Inventive, Creative, Innovative,","Year ago, we were in the harvest of hay, when a crucial piece of equipment broke.  It stopped the work.  It was too old to repair or replace.  My Dad made a rough replica of the broken piece out of wood and bolted it on.  We completed the harvest.  Farmers are like that!  They are inventive, creative, and resourceful.  This is especially true during the harvest when the completion of it is so urgent.","We too, as ministers are in a harvest.  Some are new, and others have been at it many years.  Regardless of how long we have been serving God, we need to keep in mind the urgency of fully accomplishing our ministry.",2 Tim 4:5; Matt 10:11;,Bobby Laymon,Slave For The Master Of The Harvest,66,,1996/05/06,
"Funeral, Death, Resurrection, Hope, Encouragement,","Try to imagine that all of us in Jehovah's organization, who are sticking to it and doing what we are supposed to be doing, and giving our best to Jehovah, whatever that may be. Its' like we are all riding along on a train together into the new system. As we ride along, the journey becomes very tiring for some and so every so often some of them nod off to sleep. When this happens the others on the train, pick them up and carry them back to the sleeper cars and leave them there to rest till we reach our destination.","So it is with the ones we have lost in death, they are right there in Jehovah's memory, so when we reach the station, all we will do is walk back to the sleeper cars and tell them: Here we are you can get up now!",John 5:28;,Peter Morgan,What Happens When We Die?,127,,1997/08/11,
"Funeral, Heart, Animal, Life","A mouse lives 3.3 years but his heart beats 550 times a minute in year 526,000 minutes in lifetime 950,000,000. Elephant lives 70 years but heartbeat 20 times a minute 736,300,000 in lifetime. all animals are allotted 1,000,000,000 heartbeats or less none go over. Humans are different 72 heartbeats a second the life expectancy is 70 years. 2,600,000 times in  their lifetime",Why are humans so different? Because their heart was never suppose to stop.  Why does it?,Genesis. 3:1-4,"Johnse Laymon  Awake Nov. 22, 1973",,,,"Apr 8, 2001",
Funny;,'#1: 'He's buried alive under a thousand tons of earth!  #2: 'Thank heavens he's safe!'  Quote:  Bbc Radio.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,'A cement mixer collided with a prison van on the bypass. Motorists are asked to be on the lookout for 16 hardened criminals.'  Quote:  Ronnie Corbett.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,'A dog pound is a used cur lot.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,"'A dog teaches a boy fidelity, perseverance, and to turn around three times before lying down.'  Quote:  R. Benchley.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,'A fool and his money are .....Hey! Where's  my wallet?'  Quote:  Bill Pasque.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,'A gentleman is any who wouldn't hit a woman with his hat on.'  Quote:  F. Allen.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,'A guest sticks a nail in the wall even if he stays only one night.'  Quote:  Polish.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,'A man's brain is his Achilles heel.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,'A myth is a moth's sister.' Quote:  Stan Laurel,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,'A rolling stone gathers momentum.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,"'According to statistics, a man eats a prune every twenty seconds. I don't know who this fella is, but I know where to find him!'  Quote:  Morey Amsterdam.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,'Advice for out-of-towners visiting New York:  Never buy a portable TV set on the sidewalk from a man who is out of breath.'  Quote:  Dick Cavett.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,"'After a year of therapy my psychiatrist said to me, 'maybe life isn't for everyone'.'  Quote:  Larry Brown.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,"'After twelve years and thousands of dollars, my psychiatrist said something that brought tears to my eyes, 'No hablo Engles'.'  Quote:  R. Shakes.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,"'All generalizations are dangerous, even this one.'  Quote:  Dumas.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,'All this criticism is like ducks off my back.'  Quote:  Sam Goldyne.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,'An ailing woman lives forever.' Quote:  Spanish,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,"'An empty cab drove up, and Sarah Bernhardt got out.'  Quote:  Bugs Baer.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,"'Ants can carry twenty times their own weight, which is useful information if you're moving and you need help getting a potato chip across town.'  Quote:  Ron Darien.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,'Anyone who goes to a psychiatrist should have his head examined.'  Quote:  Sam Goldwyne.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,"'Are you a man or a mouse, squeak up!'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,"'As I said to the man with across, 'Why the long face?'  Quote:  Steve Allen",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,'As nimble as an eel in a sandbag.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,'As useless as a glass eye at a keyhole.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,'Assassination: The extreme form of censorship.'  Quote:  George Shaw.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,'At my lemonade stand I used to give the first glass away free and charge five dollars for the second glass. The second glass contained the antidote.'  Quote:  Emo Phillips.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,'Be true to your teeth or your teeth will be false to you.'  Quote:  Dental Proverb.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,'Book Title: How to raise your IQ by eating gifted children.'  Quote:  L. Furuncles.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,'By a sudden and adroit movement I placed by left eye against his fist.'  Quote:  A. Ward.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,'Celibacy is not hereditary.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,"'Chocolate, Its not just for breakfast anymore.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,"'Despite the arguments of his attorney, we the jury find the defendant not guilty.'  Quote:  Decision In Missouri Murder Trial.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,'Diplomacy: The art of saying 'Nice Doggie' until you can find a rock.' Quote:  W. Catlin,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,'Disneyland is the biggest people trap ever built by a mouse.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,'Do not needlessly endanger your lives until I give you the signal.'  Quote:  Dwight D. Eisenhower.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,"'Do you like Kipling?  I don't know, I've never Kippled.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,'Does the name Pavlov ring a bell?',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,'Does Yassir Arafat have a brother named Nossir?'  Quote:  Lewis Grizzard.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,'Don't put all your eggs in you pocket!',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,"'Early to bed, early to rise, and you'll meet very few of our best people.'  Quote:  A. Ade.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,"'Elsie's awfully good to here mother, she never goes home.'  Quote:  Cliff Arquette.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,"'Every day my dog and I go for a tramp in the woods. He loves it, but the tramp is getting a bit fed up!'  Quote:  Jerry Dennis.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,"'Everything comes to him who waits...among other things, death.'  Quote:  Francis Bradley.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,'Everything is funny as long as it happens to someone else.' Quote:  Will Rogers,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,"'Father was coming up the stairs with five gallons of elderberry wine, and he slipped and fell clear down into the basement. fortunately, he didn't spill a drop, he kept his mouth closed.'  Quote:  Charley Weaver.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,"'For a single woman, preparing for company means wiping the lipstick off of the milk carton.'  Quote:  Elaine Boosler.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,'French waiter seating out of towners in a classy New York restaurant: 'Belching or Non Belching?'   Quote:  Garrison Keilor.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,"'Friday afternoon, I'm walking home from school and I'm watching some men building a new house. And the guy hammering on the roof calls me a paranoid little weirdo......in morse code.'  Quote:  Emo Phillips.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,'Ginger ale is a drink that tastes the way your foot feels when its asleep.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,"'Give me my golf clubs, fresh air and a beautiful partner, and you can keep the golf clubs and fresh air.'  Quote:  Jack Benny.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,'Golf is a good walk spoiled.'  Quote:  Mt.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,'Good ale will make a cat speak.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,'Gypsy Rose Lee the striptease artist arrived in Hollywood with twelve empty trunks.'  Quote:  H. Wade.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,'He flung himself upon his horse and rode madly off in all directions.' Quote:  Stephen Leacock,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,'He has more kinfolk than a microbe.'  Quote:  Irvin Cobb.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,'He must have had a magnificent build before his stomach went in for a career of its own.'  Quote:  Margaret Halsey.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,'He was a bold man who ate the first oyster.'  Quote:  J. Swift.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,'He was so poor he couldn't afford to buy his little boy a yoyo. He just managed to get him a yo.'  Quote:  Max Kaufman.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,"'He who looketh upon a woman, looseth a fender.' Quote:  Sign In Body Shop",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,'Hear about Oral Roberts starting a record company?  He went out of business. The hole in the middle of the records kept healing shut.'  Quote:  Lewis Grizzard.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,'Her face was her chaperone!'  Quote:  R. Hughes.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,'Her features did not seem to know the value of teamwork.'  Quote:  G. Ade.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,'His huff arrived and he departed in it.'  Quote:  Alex Woollcott.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,"'Holland lies so low, they're only saved by being dammed.' Quote:  Tom Hood",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,'How are you holding up during the lithium shortage?'  Quote:  D. Letterman.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,'How many of those dead animals you see on the highway are suicides?'  Quote:  Dennis Miller.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,'How much would you charge to haunt a house?'  Quote:  A. Baer.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,"'I also keep a supply of stimulant handy, in case of snakes....which I also keep handy.' Quote:  W. C. Fields",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,'I believe I will dip my pink and white body in yon Roman tub. I feel gritty after the affairs of the day.' Quote: W. C. Fields,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,'I believe that people would be alive today if there were a death penalty.'  Quote:  Nancy Regan.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,'I believed I have found the missing link between animal and civilized man....it is us.'  Quote:  Konrad Lorenz.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,"'I came across a tribe of cannibals who's been converted by a Roman Catholic missionary. Now on Friday, they only eat fishermen.'  Quote:  Max Kaufman.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,"'I came, I saw, I did a little shopping.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,"'I could see that, if not actually disgruntled, she was far from being grunted.'  Quote:  P. G. Wodehouse.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,'I cross my heart and hope to eat my weight in goslings.' Quote:  W. C. Fields,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,'I did not attend his funeral; but I wrote a nice letter saying I approved of it.'  Quote:  Mt.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,"'I didn't like the play, but then I saw it under adverse conditions, the curtain was up.'  Quote:  Groucho Marks.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,"'I do most of my work sitting down, that's where I shine!'  Quote:  Robert Benchley.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,'I don't blame the elephant for what he did.'  Quote:  Marlin Perkins.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,'I don't care what you (heart) love. -bumper sticker',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,"'I don't like yes men. I want you to tell me what you really think, even if it costs you your job.'  Quote:  Sam Goldyne.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,"'I don't want to achieve immortality through my work, I want to achieve immortality through not dying.' Quote:  W. Allen",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,'I got food poisoning today. I don't know when I'm going to use it.' Quote:  Stephen Wright,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,'I hate a man who always says yes to me. When I say no I like a man who also says no.'  Quote:  Sam Goldyne.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,'I have already given two cousins to the war and I stand ready to sacrifice my wife's brother.'  Quote:  A. Ward.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,'I have an eleventh commandment for all: Thou shalt not commit nincompoop.'  Quote:  Carl Sandberg.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,"'I left for college. My dad said, Son, I'm going to miss you!  I said, 'Yeah, now that I broke that sight off your rifle!.'  Quote:  Emo Phillips.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,"'I like a woman with a head on her shoulders, I hate necks.' Quote: Steve Martin",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,"'I like long walks, especially if they are taken by people who annoy me.'  Quote:  F. Allen.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,"'I like terra firma, the firma, the less terra.'  Quote:  George Kaufman.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,"'I met a guy this morning with a glass eye. He didn't tell me, it just came out in the conversation.'  Quote:  Jerry Dennis.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,'I paused like a woodpecker at a timber line.'  Quote:  Arthur Bugs Baer.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,'I prefer Hostess fruit pies to pop-up toaster tarts because they don't require so much cooking.'  Quote:  Carrie Snow.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,"'I said officer, I'm taking my mom to the hospital. She OD'd on reducing pills.'  Quote:  Emo Phillips.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,'I saw this old woman digging for food in a garbage can. I don't know about you folks. I have a lot of love for old women going through garbage cans. They saved my life so many times as a baby.'  Quote:  Emo Phillips.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,"'I take my children everywhere, but they always find their way back home.'  Quote:  Robert Orben.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,"'I test the bath before I sit, and I'm always moved to wonderment, that what chills the finger not a bit, is so frigid upon the fundament.'  Quote:  O. Nash.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,"'I was going to buy a copy of the Power of Positive Thinking, and then I thought, 'What good will it do?''  Quote:  Ronnie Shakes.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,'I was listening to a boring talk by a podiatrist and my foot went asleep.'  Quote:  Joe Hickman.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,"'I was married by a judge, I should have asked for a jury.'  Quote:  George Burns.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,'I was on the grapefruit diet. I kind of goofed on that. For breakfast I ate fifteen grape fruits. Now when I go to the bathroom I keep squirting myself in the eye.'  Quote:  Max Alexander.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,'I was toilet trained at gunpoint.'  Quote:  B. Braver.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,'I was walking through the park. I had a very bad asthmatic attack. These three asthmatics attached me.'  Quote:  Emo Phillips.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,"'I wasn't kissing her, I was whispering in her mouth.'  Quote:  Groucho Marks.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,'I'll quit drinking just as soon as I can find a better way to get it down.'  Quote:  Jethro Burns.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,"'I'm a smuggler, nothing big,  just Mexicans.'  Quote:  Groucho Marks.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,"'I'm not afraid to die, I just don't want to be there when it happens.' Quote:  W. Allen",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,"'I'm really a timid person, when I was young I was beaten up by Quakers.' Quote:  W. Allen",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,'I've just learned about his illness. Let's hope its nothing trivial.'  Quote:  Cobb.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,"'Ideally, every morning a man should be older, heavier, uglier and have a deeper voice than his wife.'  Quote:  E. Howe.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,'If a mosquito bites thee on one hand...give him the other...palm down.'  Quote:  Mary Little.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,"'If blind people wear sunglasses, why don't deaf persons wear ear muffs?' Quote:  Spanky McFarland",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,"'If dirt was trumps, oh what a hand you would hold!'  Quote:  Charles Lamb.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,'If God got angry and sent the seven plagues on New York. I don't think New York would even notice.'  Quote:  Garrison Keillor.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,'If God would only give me a clear sign! Like making a large deposit in my name in a Swiss Bank.' Quote:  W. Allen,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,"'If her lips are on fire and she trembles, forget her, she has malaria'  Quote:  Jackie Kannon.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,"'If lawyers are disbarred and clergymen defrocked, doesn't it follow that electricians can be delighted; musicians denoted; cowboys deranged; models deposed; tree surgeons debarred and dry cleaners depressed?' Quote:  Virginia Ostman",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,"'If Noah had been truly wise, he would have swatted those two flies.'  Quote:  H. Castle.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,"'If they put one man on the moon, why can't they put them all there?'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,"'If this is coffee bring me tea, it this is tea bring me coffee.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,"'If we use words, there is a very grave danger that they will be misinterpreted.'  Quote:  H. R. Haldeman Testifying In His Own Defense.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,"'If you are not the lead dog on the sled team, the scenery never changes.'  Quote:  Alaskan.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,"'If you are thinking about buying a pair of skintight designer jeans, let you contents be your guide.'  Quote:  Ivern Ball.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,"'If you ever become a mother, can I have one of the puppies?'  Quote:  Charles Pierce.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,"'If you had a penny and you were on top of the Empire State Building, and you took that penny and threw it off the Empire State Building and it hit somebody in the head, it would kill him. Talk about getting your money's worth.'  Quote:  Haywood Banks.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,"'If you pay peanuts, you get monkeys.'  Quote:  Armand Hammer.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,'If you put your supper dish to your ear you can hear the sound of a restaurant.' Quote:  Snoopy,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,'If you put your supper dish to your ear you can hear the sounds of a restaurant.' Quote:  Snoopy,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,"'If your eyes hurt after you drink coffee, you have to take the spoon out of the cup.'  Quote:  Norm Crosby.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,"'In America you can always find a party.  In Russia, the party always finds you.' Quote:  Yakov Smirnoff",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,"'In baiting a mousetrap, always leave room for the mouse.'  Quote:  Saki.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,'In Mexico we have a word for sushi. Bait!'  Quote:  Jose Simon.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,"'In my youth I wanted to be a great pantomimist, but I found I had nothing to say.' Quote: Victor Borges",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Funny; wine, ","'In order named, these are the hardest to control: Wine, women, song.'  Quote:  F. Adams.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,4/12/2025
Funny;,"'It is a gorgeous gold pocket watch. I'm proud of it. My grandfather, on his death bed, sold me this watch.' Quote:  W. Allen",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,"'It is more blessed to give than receive, especially kittens.'  Quote:  B. Cosby.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,'It is not good sportsmanship to pick up lost golf balls while they are still rolling.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,"'It never ceases to amaze me that no matter what goes on in the world, it exactly fits in the news paper every day.'  Quote:  Jerry Seinfeld.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,'It was a woman who drove me to drink and you know I never even thanked her.' Quote:  W. C. Fields,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,"'Its been lovely, but I have to scream now.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,'Its like telling a man going to the electric chair that he has a choice of AC or DC.'  Quote:  Goodman Ace.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,'Just because your paranoid doesn't mean you're not being followed.'  Quote:  John Doors.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,'Lady plumber: A pipe wench.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,"'Letter from a person who has a Cold:  Dear Barry Jade,  The bood is beatig brighdly, love, the sdars are shiddig too, while I ab gazig dreabily, and thigkig, love of you. You caddot, oh you caddot kdow my darlig, how I biss you.'  Quote:  Charles Adams 1910.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,"'Life's uncertain, eat dessert first.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,'Limbo: A place where arms and legs go when they die.'  Quote:  Ray  Hand.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,'Lisp: To call a spade a spade.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,"'Manager: I'm sorry I can't hire you, there isn't enough work to keep you busy. Applicant: You'd be surprised how little it takes.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,'Many a man has fallen in love with a girl in light so dim that he would not have chosen a suit by it.'  Quote:  M. Chevalier.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,"'Many are called, but few get up.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,'Message in fortune cookie: Ignore previous cookie.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,'Minnesota was the very first state to have a calendar. It was the only way they could tell summer from winter.'  Quote:  Bob Orben.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,'More and more these days I find myself pondering on how to reconcile my net income with my gross habits.'  Quote:  J. K. Nelson.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,'My face is the most beautiful face in the world.'  Quote:  Idi Amin.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,"'My father was a Creole, his father was a Negro, and his father a monkey; my family it seems begins where yours leaves off.'  Quote:  Alex Dumas.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,"'My hometown is so small, our zip code is a fraction.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,'My idea of walking into the jaws of death is marrying some woman who has lost three husbands.'  Quote:  K. Hubbard.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,'My parents put a live teddy bear in my crib.' Quote:  W. Allen,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,'My parents threw quite a going away party for me.......according to the letter.'  Quote:  Emo Phillips.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,'My parents used to send me to spend summers with my grandparents. I hate cemeteries!'  Quote:  Chris Fonseca.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,'My wife and I were happy for twenty years. Then we met.'  Quote:  Rodney Dangerfield.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,'Never eat anything with suction cups.'  Quote:  Alf.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,'Never get into an argument with a schizophrenic person and say 'Who do you think you are?'   Quote:  Ray Combs.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,'Never lend you car to anyone to whom you have given birth.'  Quote:  Erma Bombeck.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,'Never run faster than your shoes.' Quote:  Spanish,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,'Never show up at an interview in bare feet.' Quote:  W. C. Fields,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,'Never slap a  man who chews tobacco.' Quote:  Willard Scott,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,"'No diet will remove all the fat from your body, because your brain is entirely fat. Without a brain you might look good, but all you could do is run for public office.'  Quote:  Covert Bailey.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,'No man feels like laughing when he bumps his funny bone.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,"'No matter how cynical you get, its impossible to keep up.'  Quote:  Lilly Tomlin.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,'No one could have a higher opinion of him than I do and I think he's a dirty little beast.' Quote: W. S. Gilbert,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,'No sound concentrates so much spitefulness and malice into a very small volume as the pinging of a mosquito.'  Quote:  E. Huxley.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,'Nostalgia just isn't what it use to be.'  Quote:  Herb Caen.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,'Obesity is really widespread.'  Quote:  Joseph Kern.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,'One of the disadvantages of being disorderly is that one is constantly making exciting discoveries.'  Quote:  A. Milne.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,"'Outside of a dog, a book is a man's best friend. Inside a dog, it's too dark to read.'  Quote:  Groucho Marx.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,"'Patient: Doctor, people just don't want to talk to me.             Psychiatrist: Next'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,'Please accept my resignation. I don't want to belong to any club that would accept me as a member.'  Quote:  Groucho Marks.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,'Poverty is life's cheapest lesson.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,'Schizophrenia beat dining alone.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,'She cried and the judge wiped her tears with my checkbook.' Quote:  T. Manville,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,"'She laughs at everything you say, why?  Because she has fine teeth.'  Quote:  Bf.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,'She looked as if she had been poured into her clothes and had forgotten to way 'when'.'  Quote:  P. G. Wodehouse.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,'She might pass for 43 in the dusk with a light behind her.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,'She ran the whole gambit of emotions from A to B.'  Quote:  Dorothy Parker.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,'She used to be a school teacher but she has no class now.'  Quote:  F. Allen.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,'She was a large woman who seemed not so much dressed as upholstered.'  Quote:  J. M. Barrie.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,'She went down the Nile as far as the first Crocodile.'  Quote:  Sam Butler.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,'She wore a silk jersey dress that held fast going around the curves.'  Quote:  Channing Pollok.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,'Show me a man with both feet on the ground and I'll show you a man who can't put his pants on.'  Quote:  A. Watson.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,'Shut up! he explained.'  Quote:  Ring Lardner.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,"'Since the invention of elastic, it is estimated that women take up one third less space.'  Quote:  Parke Company.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,'Smartness runs in my family. When I went to school I was so smart my teacher was in my class for five years.'  Quote:  G. Burns.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,"'Statistics show that of those who contract the habit of eating, very few survive.' Quote:  Wallace Irvin",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,'Suggested motto for Cleveland: You gotta live somewhere.'  Quote:  Jimmy Brogdan.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,"'Suppose you were an idiot....and suppose you were a member of Congress, ah, but then I repeat myself.'  Quote:  Mt.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,"'The average woman's vocabulary is said to consist of about 500 words.  That's a small inventory, but think of the turnover.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,'The giraffe must get up at six in the morning if it wants to have its breakfast in its stomach by nine.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,'The laziest man I ever met put popcorn in his pancakes so they would turn over by themselves.' Quote:  W. C. Fields,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,'The man was so small he was a waste of skin.'  Quote:  Fred Allen.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,'The only good cat is a stir fried cat.'  Quote:  Alf.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,'The opera isn't over till the fat lady sings.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,'The probability of someone watching you is proportional to the stupidity of your action.'  Quote:  A. Kindstaver.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,'The reason lightning doesn't strike twice in the same place is that the same place isn't there anymore.' Quote:  Willie Tyler,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,"'The rule on staying alive as a forecaster is to give them a number or give them a date, but never give them both at once.'  Quote:  J. B. Quinn.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,"'The say that music hath charms to soothe the savage beast; this may be so, but I would rather try a revolver on him first.'  Quote:  Josh Billings.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,'The shortest distance between two points is under construction.'  Quote:  N. Alito.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,'The trouble with Italian food is that five or six days later you're hungry again.'  Quote:  George Miller.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,'The two most common tings in the universe are hydrogen and stupidity.'  Quote:  Harlan Ellison.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,'The vice-presidency of the United States isn't worth a pitcher of warm spit.'  Quote:  John Garner.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,'The world can be divided into two groups: A-Those who think the world can be divided into two groups and B-Those who don't.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,'Then there was the draftee who claimed exemption on account of poor eyesight and brought along his wife to prove it.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,'There are nine ways of poaching eggs and each of them is worse than the other.'  Quote:  Robert Lynd.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,'There come's a time in the affairs of a man when he must take the bull by the tail and face the situation.' Quote:  W. C. Fields,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,'There comes a time in the affairs of man when we must take the bull by the tail and face the situation.' Quote:  W. C. Fields,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,'There is less here than meets the eye.' Quote:  Tallulah Bankhead,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,"'There is no such thing as a tough child, if you parboil them first for seven hours, they always come out tender.' Quote:  W C Fields",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,"'There must be at least 500,000,000 rats in the US; of course, I am speaking only from memory.'  Quote:  Edgar Wilson.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,"'There's the psychiatrist who did needle point, and made a crazy quilt.'  Quote:  Shelby Freeman.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,'They say such nice things about people at their funerals that it makes me sad to realize that that I'm going to miss mine by just a few days.'  Quote:  Garrison Keilor.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,"'They say you shouldn't say nothing about the dead unless it's good. He's dead, good!.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,"'This is gross.....My aunt Velveeta lets that stupid dog of hers sit right next to her in the dining room. And when she gets done eating, she will take her plate and let that dog lick it clean right at the table! Then she'll put some Polygrip on it and slip it right back into her mouth!'  Quote:  Heywood Banks.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,"'Those preflight safety instructions: 'Your seat cushion can be used as a flotation device'. If we are crashing, my seat cushion is going to be used as a toilet.' Quote:  Tom  Parks",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,'Those who live in stone houses shouldn't throw glass.'  Quote:  A. O'malley.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,"'Thrusting my nose firmly between his teeth, I threw him heavily to the ground on top of me.'  Quote:  Mt.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,'To comb one's head with a stool.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,'To play billiards well is a sign of ill-spent youth.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,"'Veni, vidi, visa. Latin=We came, we saw, we went shopping.'  Quote:  Jan Bennet.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,'Was this the face that launched a thousand ships and burnt the topless towers of Ilium? Looks like it could have done it!',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,'We can't procrastinate on pollution. Slime waits for no one.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,'We finally got an McDonalds in Bangladesh. They serve McNothings.'  Quote:  Gerry Bednob.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,"'We sleep in separate rooms, we have dinner apart, we take separate vacations......were doing everything we can to keep our marriage together.'  Quote:  Rodney Dangerfield.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,'We've all passed a lot of water since then.'  Quote:  Sam Goldyne.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,'Well if I called the wrong number why did you answer the phone?'  Quote:  J. Thurber.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,'What has posterity ever done for me?'  Quote:  Groucho Marks.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,'What's another word for 'Thesaurus'?' Quote:  Steven Wright,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,"'When a poor man eats a chicken, one or the other is sick.' Quote:  Yiddish.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,"'When all else fails, use no else.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,"'When I choose between two evils, I always like to take the one I've never tried before.'  Quote:  Mae West.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,"'When I go to the beauty parlor, I always use the emergency entrance.  Sometimes I just go in for an estimate.'  Quote:  Phyllis Diller.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,"'When I was a boy, my mother wore a mood ring. Whenever she was in a good mood, it turned blue. Whenever she was in a bad mood, it left a big red mark in the middle of my forehead.'  Quote:  Jeff Shaw.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,'When in Turkey do as the Turkeys do.' Quote: A. Baer.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,"'When people sit in front of you at a movie theater, never say 'Sit down in front. People don't bend that way.'  Quote:  Jethro Burns.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,"'When walking through the melon patch, NEVER adjust your sandals.'  Quote:  Chinese.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,'When you smoke cigarettes you're likely to burn yourself to death. With chewing tobacco the worst thing you can do is drown a midget.'  Quote:  F. Allen.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,"'When you've got an elephant by the hind leg and he is trying to run away, its best to let him run.'  Quote:  A. L.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,"'Whenever cannibals are on the brink of starvation, heaven in its infinite mercy sends them a nice, plump missionary.'  Quote:  O. Wilde.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,'Whiskey and women will kill you. They killed my brother. He couldn't get either one and he just laid down and died.'  Quote:  Duke Of Paducah.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,'Who ever named it necking was a poor judge of anatomy.'  Quote:  Groucho Marks.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,'Why are there no blue M & M's?',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,'Why don't you put your face in dough and make jackass cookies?' Quote:  Soupy Sales,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,'Wisconsin Motto seen on milk truck mud flaps: Eat cheese or die!',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,'You go to the ballet and you see girls dancing on their tip toes. Why don't they just get taller girls?'  Quote:  Greg Ray.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,'You know how it is in the Kid's book world: its just bunny eat bunny.'  Quote:  Budd Westrich.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,'You know its not a good wax museum when there are wicks coming out of peoples heads.'  Quote:  Rick Reynolds.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,'You never know until you find out.'  Quote:  Scott Holloway.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,'You'd be surprised how much it costs to look this cheap.'  Quote:  Dolly Parton.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,"'You're ugly and not only that, you need a root canal.'  Quote:  James Garrett..",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,"'You've buttered your bread, now sleep in it.'  Quote:  Gracie Allen.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,"'Your are not permitted to kill a woman who has wronged you, but nothing forbids you to reflect that she is growing older every minute. You are avenged 1440 times a day.'  Quote:  Ambrose Bierce.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,"A bright eye indicates curiosity, a black eye, too much.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,A cockroach is always wrong when arguing with a chicken.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,A crowded elevator smells different to a short person.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,A day without sunshine is like night.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,"A doctor says dentist's fingers may carry germs, which apparently means the dentist should be boiled.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,"A hamburger by any other name, costs more money.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,"A lot of girls who dish it out, can't cook it.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,A preposition is a bad thing to end a sentence with.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,A Smith and Wesson beats four aces.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,A whole in the bottom of a birds nest usually means she enjoys laying eggs but is not fond of children.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,"According to the population control experts, there's a woman having a baby every 3« seconds.  All we have to do is find her and stop her.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,"Always remember, you are absolutely unique, just like everybody else!",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,An unbreakable toy is good for breaking other toys.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,"And here is the weather forecast. Tomorrow will be muggy, followed by Toogy, Weggy, Thurgy, and Frigy.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,"And then there was the lady who thought Jaws, was a training film for gossips.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,"Artichokes are 35 cents here, eat your heart out.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,As a youngster he swallowed a teaspoon and he hasn't stirred since.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,At a flea circus a dog came by and stole the show.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,Bumper Sticker: Support You Right To Arm Bears,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,Cyclops had 20- vision.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,"Daddy, will you take me to the zoo?  Daddy: If the zoo wants you let them come and get you.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,"Dan Quail at the Inauguration: I'm not used to going in front of President Regan, so we went out behind the Bushes.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,Do you know what they call the guy who finishes last in his class in medical school?  A doctor.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,Don't be lethargic! What we need is more argy not leth.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,"Don't force it, get a larger hammer.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,"Don't smoke, don't drink, go to bed early, eat plain foods. You may not live any longer, but it will seem like it.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,"During the sinking of the Titanic, all hull broke loose.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,"Earthquakes don't kill people, crumbling buildings kill people.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,Eat a live frog every morning and nothing worse will happen to you all day.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,"Funeral Talk: All you need to prepare it is an introduction and a conclusion, the body is already present.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,"Girl: Am I the first girl you've kissed?  Boy: Now that you mention it, you do look familiar.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,Grovel......it works.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,"Guns don't kill people, bullets kill people.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,"Have you read the book: 'Lincoln, the man, the car, the tunnel'?",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,He could charm the shoes off of Amelda Marcos.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,"He doesn't know the meaning of the word fear. In fact, I saw his grades, and he doesn't know the meaning of a lot of words.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,"He missed his wife's cooking, every chance he got.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,He received the news with his eyebrows!,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,He threw my coat out the door and I happened to be in it.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,He used a lot of saccharine and got artificial diabetes.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,He was as lazy as the dog that leaned against the wall to bark.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,He was as nervous as a hermit expecting company.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,He's a real Don Juan. Women Don Juan to have anything to do with him.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,"He's really turned his life around. He used to be irritable and miserable, now he is miserable and irritable.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,Headline: Police station toilet stolen. Cops have nothing to go on.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,Hell hath no fury like a woman beaten out of a million dollars.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,Help keep our city clean. Eat a pigeon.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,"Her husband is so bow-legged, she has  to iron his under pants on a boomerang.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,How did a fool and his money ever get together in the first place?,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,"How's your new job at the factory?  I'm not going back there! The sloppiness, the shoddy workmanship, the awful language....they just couldn't put up with it!",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,"Hubble worked fine, all that stuff is blurry.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,I am leaving my body to science fiction.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,I believe in a place for everything and everything in everyplace.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,I can't take surprises. When I was born I was so surprised that I couldn't talk for a year and a half!,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,I fixed my cuckoo clock. Now it backs out and asks 'What time is it?',,,Jk Quotes;,,,bl,,8/1/2015
Funny;,I thank you from the heart of my bottom.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,I'd give my right arm to be ambidextrous!,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,I'd rather have a full bottle in front of me than a full frontal lobotomy.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,"I'm convinced that in a past life, I was somebody named resident.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,I'm giving up flying. I was at the airport and I saw a sign: 'Take out insurance'. I thought: If the lobby's that dangerous imagine what its like in the plane!,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,I'm smart. I could recite the Gettysburg Address when I was nine. Lincoln didn't say it until he was fifty four.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,"I'm working as hard as I can to get my life and my cash to run out at the same time. If I can just die after lunch Tuesday, everything will be fine.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,"Ideally, every morning a man should be older, heavier, uglier, and have a deeper voice than his wife.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,"If a kid asks where rain comes from, I think its a cute thing to tell him that 'God is crying'. And if he asks why God is crying, another cute thing is to tell him its 'Probably because of something you did.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,If a pickpocket meets a saint he sees only his pockets.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,"If all the world is a stage, I want better lighting and scripts.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,"If at first you don't succeed, well so much for skydiving!",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,If everything seems to be coming your way you're probably in the wrong lane.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,"If I had known grandchildren were so much fun, I would have had them first.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,"If you love something set it free. And if it doesn't come back to you, hunt it down and kill it.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,"If you step on people in this life, You're going to come back as a cockroach.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,"If you want to clean your system out, sit on a piece of cheese and swallow a mouse.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,"If you wife wants to learn to drive, don't stand in her way.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,In labor news: Longshoremen walked off the piers today. Rescue operations are continuing.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,"In the hospital more deaths occur in bed than out of bed, so GET THOSE PATIENTS OUT OF BED!",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,"In the U.S., more than 85 million people are overweight. These are of course, round figures.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,It isn't whom you know but whom you yes.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,"It takes a big man to cry, but it takes a bigger man to laugh at that man.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,Its amazing. I read they can now make fuel for your car from horse manure. I don't know if you'll be able to get 30 miles to the gallon but it will sure put a stop to siphoning!,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,Its better to have loved a short girl and not a tall.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,Its hard to part with a bald-headed friend.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,"Jimmy Durante: Hey, Where are my glasses?  Friend: They're on your nose.  Durante: Be more specific.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,"Kids expressions: (from Reader's Digest)  A miss is as good as a Mister.  Laugh and world laughs with you, cry and you have to blow your nose.  A penny saved is not much.  Its always darkest before, daylight savings time.  He who marries for money, better be nice to his wife.  Still waters get you nowhere.  When the blind leader the blind, get out of their way!",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,Lassie Kills chickens.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,"Let's face it, when you were young fossils were wet.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,Love is the interval between meeting a beautiful and discovering that she looks like a haddock.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,Man who beef to much find himself in stew.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,Marriage is like sitting in a bath. Once you get used to it its not so hot.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,"Martin Levine has passed away at age 85. Mr Levine had owned a movie theater chain here in New York. The funeral will be held on Thursday at 2:15, 4:20, 6:30, 8:40 and 10:50.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,"Mary had a little lamb, you've heard this oft before, and then she passed her plate again, and had a little more.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,Men's briefs are manufactured in the West Undies.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,Moth is the green stuff found on the north side of teeth.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,My parents taught me to swim when I was a small child. The hardest part was getting out of the gunny sack.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,"My uncle suffered with saloon arthritis, every night he got stiff in a different joint.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,"My wife is outspoken, but not by many.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,"My wife used to play the banjo, but now she picks on me.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,NEVER eat prunes when your hungry!,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,Never play leap-frog with a unicorn.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,Never stand between a fire hydrant and a dog.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,Never try to teach a pig to whistle. Its a waste of time and it annoys the pig.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,"No man is completely worthless, he can always serve as a bad example.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,"Nobody every goes there anymore, its too crowded.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,Of what question is the following the answer? 'Coal mine'?  The question: 'What should you say when asked to identify your lump of coal?',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,"OK, If you want to drive a tank, I won't stand in your way.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,"Parenthood is hereditary. If your parents didn't have any children, most likely you won't either.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,"Patient: Doctor, I keep thinking I'm a pair of curtains.             Doctor: Try to pull yourself together.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Funny; pigeons, Nothing, purpose,","People do not understand pigeons, and pigeons can be understood only when you understand that there is nothing to understand about them. You should not go around describing pigeons or the effect of pigeons. Pigeons come closer to a zero of impingement than any other birds. No other thing can be less what it is not than a pigeon can. The pigeon is just there on the roof being a pigeon, having been, and being a pigeon and what is more, always going to be, too. Nothing could be simpler than that. There is nothing a pigeon can do or be that would make a pigeon feel sorry for itself. No other thing in the world falls so far short of being able to do what it cannot do as a pigeon does. Or being unable to do what it can do, too, as far as that goes. - James Thurber","We know that Jehovah created pigeons with a purpose, whether man can figure it out or not.",,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,People with forked tongues should not blow up balloons.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,Proofread carefully to see if you any words out.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,"Put all you eggs in one basket, and WATCH THAT BASKET!",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Funny; Reincarnation, Poem, death, ","Reincarnation:  When your life comes to an end, they wash your neck and comb your hair an clean your fingernails, then they sticks you in a padded box, away from life's travails. Now the box and you goes in a hole that's been dug in the ground, and reincarnation starts my friend, when they plant you neath that mound, The cold melts down, as does the box, and you who are inside, and that's when you're transformation ride. And in a while the grass will grow upon that rendered mound, until some day upon that spot a lonely flower is found. And then a horse might wander by and graze upon that flower that once was you and now's become your vegetative power. ","Well, the flower that the horse done ate, along with his other feed, makes bone, and fat and muscle essential to this steed. But there's part that he can't use and so it passes through, and there it lies upon the ground, this thing that once was you. And if by chance I happened by and see this on the ground, I'll stop awhile and ponder on this object I have found. And I'll think about reincarnation, and like a death and such, and I'll go away concluding 'Heck, you ain't changed that much! ",,Jk Quotes;,,,,,7/12/2025
Funny;,She has a pretty little head. For a head its pretty little.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,"She looked at me and said, 'Do you think I'll lose my looks when I get old?' Is said, 'If you're lucky!'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,She was so nervous she could thread the needle of a sewing machine while its still running.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,"She's so dumb, mind readers charge her half price.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,Show me a man convicted of two crimes and I'll show you a compound sentence.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,Show me a man who is a good loser and I'll show you a man who is playing golf with his boss.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,Sign: Please turn off the lights when you leave the room. Thanks a watt.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,"So I'm cured of schizophrenia, but where am I now that I need me?",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,Suicide is the sincerest form of self-criticism.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,Teacher: What does it mean when the barometer falls?             Student: You need to use a bigger nail.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,Tenure.....the number following nineure.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,The baby was so ugly they had to hang a pork chop around its neck to get the dog to play with it.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Funny; phone, intercom, doorbells, ",The bathtub was invented in 1850 and the phone in 1875. For twenty five years you could have sat in the tub without having the phone ring.,People are now accustomed to various forms of communication. ,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,2/10/2015
Funny;,The existentialist says 'live'. The cow says 'moo'.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,"The face of a child can say it all, especially the mouth part of the face.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,The hardest thing to disguise is your feelings when you put a lot of relatives on the train for home.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,"The last thing that goes through a fly's mind when it hits your windshield, is its rear end.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,The man who has everything should be quarantined.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,The mediocre person is always at his best.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,The person who snores the loudest will fall asleep first.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,The puppy greeted us with leaks and bounds!,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,The ship from Taiwan was loaded with yoyos. It sank 106 times.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,"The weather's here, Wish you were beautiful.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,Then there's the nerd couple with a dozen kids. One nerd led to another.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,"There are three kinds of people, those who can count and those who can't.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,"There are three things you don't get over in a hurry--losing a woman, eating a bad possum and eating a good possum.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,There are two ways you can get to the top of an oak tree. You can climb it or you can sit on an acorn.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,"There is such a thing as too much of a good thing, for example, throwing a drowning man both ends of the rope.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,There was a fellow who got a dog for his wife. Good trade eh?,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,There was the farmer that was such a liar that he had to get his wife to call the hogs.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,These ferocious cannibals capture a poor missionary....he gave them their first taste of religion.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,They're a fastidious couple. She's fast and he's hideous!,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,Things are more like they are now than they ever have been before.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,Things are more like they used to be than they are now.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,Time flies like an arrow.  Fruit flies like a banana.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,To be is to do. Kan  To do is to be. Sartre  Do be do be do. Sinatra,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,"To error is human, to moo is bovine.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,"To get it done, do it yourself, hire someone, or forbid you kids to do it.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,"Tonight 20/20 examines the problems of missing children in underdeveloped countries. There are no milk cartons, so pictures of missing children are pasted on the sides of cows.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,Two in every one people in this country is schizophrenic.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,Vuja De:  The feeling that you've never been here before.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,"Wash face at morning, neck at night.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,We should go metric.....every inch of the way.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,"We're going to find out tonight who the oldest lady in the audience is and we have a marvelous present for her. We're going to give her the oldest man. The first time we tried this was about ten years ago. We had a very nice lady in our audience. She was 87 years old, as I recall. We introduced her to a m an from Chicago who was 96 and shortly thereafter they were married.  I read in the paper recently there that woman has just given birth to a beautiful 47 year old baby boy!  - Steve Allen",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,What a woman needs is a purse with a zipper on the bottom so she can find things quickly.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,What color is a chameleon on a mirror?,,,Jk Quotes;,Why Christians Must Be Different.,123,,,
Funny;,What if there were no hypothetical questions?,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,What is another word for Thesaurus?,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,What were dad's last words when he died?  He didn't have any. Mom was with him to the very end.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,"When a woman has a roof over her head and a man under her thumb, she's happy.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,"When I had diarrhea, I called the doctor and he put me on hold.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,"When looking for a reason why things go wrong, never rule out sheer stupidity.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,When there are no fresh vegetables you can always get canned.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,"When you starve with a tiger, the tiger starves last.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,"While we live, let's live in clover, cause when we're dead, we're dead all over.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,"Whilst Adam slept, Eve from his side arose, strange his first sleep should be his last repose.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,Why do Jews answer a question with a question?  Jew: Why shouldn't Jews answer a question with a question?,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,Why is there a permanent press setting on my iron?,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,"Why is this thus, and what is the reason of this thusness?",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,"Wisdom often comes with age, but with him age came alone.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,"With Congress, every time they make a joke its a law, and every time they make a law its a joke.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,You always find something in the last place you look.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,"You can fool some of the people all of the time and all of the people some of the time, and the rest of the time somebody else will fool em.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,"You have to stay in shape. My grandmother, she started walking five miles a day when she was 60. She's 97 today and we don't know where the hell she is .",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,You know you're getting old when the fortune teller wants to read your face.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,You're just a hangnail on the fickle finger of fate.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,"Young man who leave home to set world on fire, often come back for more matches.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny;,Zebra: The largest size you can buy.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny; Ads;,"*  Lost:  small apricot poodle.  reward. Neutered.  Like one of the family. A superb and inexpensive restaurant.  Fine foods expertly served by  waitresses in appetizing forms. Dinner Special - Turkey $2.35; Chicken or Beef $2.25; Children $2.00  Dog for sale:  eats anything and is fond of children.  If you think you've seen everything in Paris, visit the Pere Lachasis Cemetery.  It boasts such immortals as Moliere, Jean de la Fountain and Chopin.  Get rid of aunts:  Zap does the job in 24 hours.  Man wanted to work in dynamite factory.  Must be willing to travel. Used Cars:  Why go elsewhere to be cheated?  Come here first!  3-year old teacher needed for pre-school.  Experience preferred.  Auto Repair Service.  Free pick-up and delivery.  Try us once, you'll never go anywhere again. When you are thirsty, try 7-Up, the refreshing drink in the green          bottle with the big 7 on it and u-p after.    *  The fact that those we have served return once again, and recommend  us to their friends, is a high endorsement of the service we  render. PELTON FUNERAL HOME   [Oshkosh Northwestern]    *  For sale:  antique desk suitable for lady with thick legs and large  drawers.    *  We do not tear your clothing with machinery.  We do it carefully by  hand.    *  Tired of cleaning yourself?  Let me do it.    *  If you think you've seen everything in Paris, visit the Pere  Lachasis Cemetery.  It boasts such immortals as Moliere, Jean de la  Fountain and Chopin.    *  Illiterate?  Write today for free help.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny; Appreciation;,Appreciate me now and avoid the rush!,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny; Bigamy;,The penalty for bigamy? Double your in-laws.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny; Bigamy; Prejudice;,'We are all alike on the inside.'  Quote:  Mt.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny; Bloopers;,"Note to teacher: Please excuse Tom for being absent yesterday. He had diarrhea and his boots leak.  Church Bulletin: On Sunday a special collection will be taken to defray the expense of the new carpet. All those wishing to do something on the carpet will please come forward to get a piece of paper.  Illiterate?  Write today for free help.  Sign in jewelry store: Ears pierced while you wait.  Sign in Dry Cleaners: Thirty eight years on the same spot.  Sign on building: Wanted, woman to sew buttons on the fourth floor.  Sign on clothing store: Wonderful bargains for men with 16 and 17 necks.  Sign on Mall Marquee: Archery Tournament. Ears pierced.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny; Coffee;,"'Coffee should be as black as hell, strong as death, and sweet as love.' Quote:  Turkish",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny; Definitions;,'Impeccable: Unable to be eaten by a chicken.'  Quote:  Ray Hand.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny; Definitions;,'Intimidation: One mosquito in a dark bedroom.'  Quote:  Debbie Adams.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny; Definitions;,'Never let your feet run faster than your shoes.'  Quote:  Scottish.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny; Definitions;,Buttress: A butler's wife.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny; Definitions;,"Definitions:  Backward Conditioning: The application of saliva to a dog's mouth in the attempt to make a bell ring.  Battered Children: Children who have been dipped in egg and flour.  Blind Spot: What Dick and Jane do to be cruel.  Death Wish: The only wish that always comes true, whether you want it to or not.  Eugenics: The scientific study of persons names Eugene.  Eye Contact: The result of an extremely narrow nose!  Forebrain: What a neurosurgeon calls out before performing a lobotomy with a golf club.  Gross Motor Skill: The ability to suck spark plugs out of an engine.  Pilot Study: The area in an airplane where the pilot keeps his books and magazines.  Propaganda: What to do with a male goose that's slumped over.  Subconscious: Preoccupied with a long sandwich.  Zen: The compliment of now.  Childhood: The offspring of Robin and Maid Marion.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny; Definitions;,Halitosis is better than no breath at all.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny; Definitions;,Igloo: The substance that keeps two igs together.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny; Definitions;,Loser: A glass blower with hiccups.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny; Devil's Dictionary; Bierce;,"'From 'The Devil's Dictionary'      by Ambrose Bierce    Academe:  An ancient school where morality and philosophy  were taught.  Academy: A modern school where football is taught.  Accomplice:  One associated with another in a crime, having guilty'    knowledge and complicity, as an attorney who defends a  criminal, knowing him guilty.  This view of the attorney's  position in the matter has not hitherto commanded the  assent of attorneys, no one having offered them a sufficient  fee for assenting.  Accountability:  The mother of caution.  Accuse:  To affirm another's guilt or unworthy; most commonly as a  justification of ourselves for having wronged them.  Alderman:  An ingenious criminal who covers his secret thieving  with a pretense of open marauding.  Alliance: In international politics, the union of two thieves who have  their hands so deeply inserted into each others' pockets that  they cannot separately plunder a third.  Back:  That part of your friend which it is your privilege to  contemplate in your adversity.  Backbite:  To speak of a man as you find him, when he can't  find you.  Bait:  A preparation that renders the hook more palatable.  The  best kind is beauty.  Beauty:  That power by which a woman charms a lover and terrifies  a husband.  Belldonna:  In Italian, a beautiful lady.  In English, a deadly   poison.  A striking example of the essential identity of  the two tongues.  Bigot:  One who is obstinately and zealously attached to an opinion  that you do not entertain.  Cannon:  An instrument used in the rectification of national  boundaries.  Cat:  A soft, indestructible automaton provided by nature to be  kicked when things go wrong in the domestic circle.  Childhood: The period of human life intermediate between the   idiocy of infancy and the folly of youth -- two removes  from the sin of manhood and three from the remorse of age.  Christian: One who believes that the New Testament is a divinely  inspired book admirably suited to the spiritual needs of  his neighbor.  One who follows the teachings of Christ in   so far as they are not inconsistent with a life of sin.  Corporation: An ingenious device for obtaining individual profit  without individual responsibility.  Day:  A period of twenty-four hours, mostly misspent.  This period  is divided into two parts; the day proper,  and the night, or  day improper -- the former devoted to sins of business, and  the latter consecrated to the other sort.  These two kinds of   social activity overlap.  Deluge:  A notable first experiment in baptism which washed away  the sins (and sinners) of the world.  Diplomacy:  The patriotic art of lying for one's country.  Education:  That which discloses to the wise and disguises from the   fool their lack of understanding.  Egotist:  A person of low taste, more interested in themselves  than in me.  Emotion:  A prostrating disease caused by the determination of the  heart to the head.  It is sometimes accompanied by a copious  discharge of hydrated chloride of sodium from the eyes.  Eulogy:  Praise of a person who has either the advantages of wealth  and power, or the consideration to be dead.  Female:  One of the opposing, or unfair, sex.  Fidelity:  A vice peculiar to those who are about to be betrayed.  Forefinger: The finger commonly used in pointing out two malefactors.  Gallows:  A stage for the performance of miracle plays, in which  the leading actor is transported to heaven.  In this country,  the gallows is chiefly remarkable for the number of persons  who escape it.  Guillotine:  A machine which makes the Frenchman shrug his  shoulders with good reason.  Hand:  A singular instrument worn at the end of a human arm and  commonly thrust into somebody's pocket.  Happiness:  An agreeable sensation arising from contemplating  the misery of another.  Hatred:  A sentiment appropriate to the occasion of another's  superiority.  Helpmate:  A wife, or bitter half.  Incompatibility:  In matrimony a similarity of tastes, particularly   the taste for domination.  Influence:  In politics, a visionary 'quo' given in return for a   substantial 'quid'.  Intimacy:  A relation into which fools are providentially drawn  for their mutual destruction.  Joss-sticks:  Small sticks burned by the Chinese in their pagan  tomfoolery, in imitation of certain sacred rites of our  holy religion.  Justice:  A commodity which (in a more or less adulterated condition)  the State sells to the citizen as a reward for his allegiance,   taxes, and personal service.  Labor:  One of the processes by which A acquires property for B.  Language:  The music with which we charm the serpents guarding  another's treasure.  Lap:  One of the most important organs of the female system; an  admirable provision of nature for the repose of infancy,  but chiefly used in rural festivities to support plates   of cold chicken and the heads of adult males.  The male of  our species has a rudimentary lap, imperfectly developed and  in no way contributing to the animal's substantial welfare.  Lawyer:  One skilled in the circumvention of the law.  Lead:  A heavy blue-grey mineral most useful in imparting a sense  of responsibility to those who love not wisely but other  men's wives.  Legacy:  A gift from one who is legging it out of this vale of tears.  Liar:  A lawyer with a roving commission.  Liberty:  One of Imagination's most precious possessions.  Litigation:  A machine which you go into as a pig and come out of as  a sausage.  Liver:  A large red organ thoughtfully provided by nature to be  bilious with.  Love:  A temporary insanity curable either by marriage or by  removal of the patient from the influences under which   he incurred the disorder...  It is sometimes fatal, but   more frequently to the physician than the patient.  Luminary:  One who throws light on a subject; as a reporter, by  not writing about it.  Mace:  A staff of office signifying authority.  Its form, that of a   heavy club, indicates its original purpose and use in   dissuading from dissent.  Machination:  The method employed by one's opponents in baffling  one's open and honorable efforts to do the right thing.  Magpie:  A bird whose thievish disposition has suggested to some  that it might be taught to talk.  Maiden:  A young person of the unfair sex addicted to clueless  conduct and views that madden to crime.  The genus has wide  geographical distribution, being found wherever sought and  deplored wherever found.  The maiden is not altogether   unpleasing to the eye, nor (without her piano and her views)  insupportable to the ear, though in respect to comeliness  distinctly inferior to the rainbow, and, with regard to   the part of her that is audible, beaten out of the field by  the canary  -- which, also, is more portable.  Male:  A member of the unconsidered, or negligible, sex.  The male  of the human race is commonly known (to the female) as  Mere Man.  The genus has 2 varieties:  Good Providers and  Bad Providers.  Malefactor:  The chief factor in the progress of the human race.  Manichaeism:  The ancient Persian doctrine of an incessant warfare  between Good and Evil.  When Good gave up the fight, the  Persians joined the victorious Opposition.  Marriage:  The state or condition of a community consisting of  a master, a mistress, and two slaves, making (in all) two.  Me:  The objectionable case of 'I'.  The personal pronoun in English  has three cases, the diminutive, the objectionable, and the   oppressive.  Each is in all three.  Meekness:  Uncommon patience in planning a revenge that is worthwhile.  Mercy:  An attribute beloved of detected offenders.  Mine:  Belonging to me if I can hold or seize it.  Miracle:  An act or event out of the order of nature and   unaccountable,  as in beating a normal hand of four kings and an ace with  four aces and a king.  Misfortune:  The kind of fortune that never misses.  Monday:  In Christian countries, the day after the ball game.  Mouth:  In man, the gateway to the soul;  In woman, the outlet of  the heart.  Noise:  A stench in the ear.  Undomesticated music.  The chief  product and authenticating sign of civilization.  Occident:  The part of the world lying west (or east) of the Orient.  It is largely inhabited by Christians, a powerful sub-tribe  of the Hypocrites, whose principal industries are murder   and cheating, which they are pleased to call 'war' and   'commerce'.  These, also, are the principal industries of   the Orient.  Overeat:  To dine.  Patience:  A minor form of despair, disguised as a virtue.  Pedestrian:  The variable (and audible) part of a roadway.  Piety:  Reverence for the Supreme Being, based upon His  supposed resemblance to man.  Piracy:  Commerce without its folly-swaddles, just as God made it.  Plebiscite:  A popular vote to ascertain the will of the sovereign.  Plunder:  To take the property of another without the decent and  customary reticence of theft.  To effect a change of   ownership with the candid concomitance of a brass band.    To wrest the wealth of A from B and leave C lamenting a   missed opportunity.  Pocket:  The cradle of motive and the grave of conscience.  In woman,  this organ is lacking; so she acts without motive, and her   conscience, denied burial, remains ever alive, confessing  the sins of others.  Politics:  A strife of interests masquerading as a contest of  principles.  The conduct of public affairs for private   advantage.  Pray:  To ask that the laws of the universe be nullified on  behalf of a  single petitioner, admittedly unworthy.  Price:  Value, plus a reasonable sum for the wear of conscience in   demanding it.  Non-Combatant: A dead Quaker.  Politeness: The most acceptable hypocrisy.  Prescription:  A physician's guess at what will best prolong the  situation with least harm to the patient.  Proof:  Evidence having a shade more of plausibility than of  unlikelihood.  The testimony of two credible witnesses as  opposed to that of only one.  Quorum:  A sufficient number of members of a deliberative body to  have their own way and their own way of having it.  In the  United States Senate a quorum consists of the chairman of the  Committee on Finance and a messenger from the White House;  in the House of Representatives, the Speaker and the devil.  Rabble:  In a republic, those who hold supreme power tempered by  fraudulent elections.  Rear:  In American military affairs, that exposed part of the army  that is nearest to Congress.  Recollect:  To recall with additions something not previously known.  Recount:  In American politics, another throw of the dice, accorded  to the player against whom they are loaded.  Repartee:  Prudent insult in retort.  Practiced by gentlemen with  a constitutional aversion to violence, but a strong  disposition to offend.  Reporter:  A writer who guesses his way to the truth and dispels  it with a tempest of words.  Responsibility:  A detachable burden easily shifted to the shoulders  of God, Fate, Fortune, Luck, or one's neighbor.  In the days   of astrology, it was customary to unload it upon a star.  Retaliation:  The natural rock upon which is reared the Temple  of Law.  Riot: A popular entertainment given to the military by innocent  bystanders.  Rope:  An obsolescent appliance for reminding assassins that they   too are mortal.  It is put about the neck and remains in   place one's whole life long.  Russian: (1) A person with a Caucasian body and a Mongolian soul.    (2) A Tartar emetic.  Self-Esteem: An erroneous appraisal.  Tariff:  A scale of taxes on imports, designed to protect the  domestic producer from the greed of his customer.  Urbanity:  The kind of civility that urban observers ascribe to  dwellers in all cities but New York.  Its commonest   expression is heard in the words 'I beg your pardon',  and it is not inconsistent with disregard of the   rights of others.  Vote: The instrument and symbol of a freeman's power to make  a fool of himself and a wreck of his country.  Weaknesses: Certain primal powers of Tyrant Woman wherewith  she holds dominion over the male of the species,  binding him to the service of her will, and paralyzing  his rebellious energies.  Witch: (1) An ugly and repulsive old woman, in a wicked  league with the devil.  (2) A beautiful and attractive  young woman, in wickedness a league beyond the devil.  Yoke:  An implement to whose Latin name 'jugum' we owe one of  the most illuminating words in our language-- a word  that defines the matrimonial situation with precision,  point, and poignancy.  Zeal:  A certain nervous disorder afflicting the young and  inexperienced. A passion that goeth before a sprawl.   Amour: The kind of clothing worn by a man whose tailor is a   blacksmith.  Ambrose Bierce   Clergyman: A man who undertakes the management of our     spiritual   affairs as a method of bettering his temporal ones.  Ambrose   Bierce   Bore: A person who talks when you wish him to listen.  Ambrose   Bierce   Plan: To bother about the best method of accomplishing an   accidental result.  Ambrose Bierce   Brain: The apparatus with which we think we think.  Ambrose   Bierce   Religion: A daughter of Hope and Fear, explaining to Ignorance   the nature of the Unknowable.  Ambrose Bierce   Bride: A woman with a fine prospect of happiness behind her.   Ambrose Bierce   Politics: A strife of interests masquerading as a contest of   principles.  The conduct of public affairs for private   advantage.  Ambrose Bierce   Calamities are of two kinds: misfortune to ourselves, and good   fortune to others.  Ambrose Bierce   Saint: A dead sinner revised and edited.  Ambrose Bierce   Cynic: A blackguard whose faulty vision sees things as they      are,   not as they ought to be.  Ambrose Bierce   President : The leading figure in a small group of men of whom   -   and of whom only - it is positively known that immense  numbers of   their countrymen did not want any of them for  President.   Ambrose Bierce   Diagnosis: The physician's art of determining the condition of   the patient's purse in order to find out how sick to make him.   Ambrose Bierce   Prison: A place of punishments, and rewards.  Ambrose Bierce   Egotist: A person of low taste, more interested in himself than in me.    Ambrose Bierce   Success is the one unpardonable sin against one's fellows.   Ambrose Bierce   Epitaph: A monumental inscription designed to remind the   deceased of what he might have been if he had had the will and   opportunity.  Ambrose Bierce   Future: That period of time in which our affairs prosper, our   friends are true and our happiness is assured.  Ambrose Bierce   In religion we believe only what we do not understand, except    in   the instance of an intelligible doctrine that contradicts     an   incomprehensible one.  In that case we believe the former     as part   of the latter.  Ambrose Bierce   Liberty: One of Imagination's most precious possessions.   Ambrose Bierce   Love: A temporary insanity curable by marriage.  Ambrose  Bierce   Prophecy: The art and practice of selling one's credibility      for   future delivery.  Ambrose Bierce   Push: One of the two things mainly conducive to success,   especially in politics.  The other is pull.  Ambrose Bierce   Quotation: The act of repeating erroneously the words of   another.  Ambrose Bierce   Rattlesnake: Our prostrate brother.  Ambrose Bierce   Redemption is the fundamental mystery of our holy religion,      and   who believeth in it shall not perish, but have everlasting   life in   which to try to understand it.  Ambrose Bierce   Repentance: The faithful attendant and follower of Punishment.   It is usually manifest in a degree of reformation that is not   inconsistent with continuity of sin.  Ambrose Bierce   Resign: To renounce an advantage for a greater advantage.   Ambrose Bierce   Respectability: The offspring of a liaison between a bald head   and a bank account.  Ambrose Bierce   Restitution: The founding or endowing of universities and public   libraries by gift or bequest.  Ambrose Bierce   Revolution: In politics, an abrupt change in the form of   misgovernment.  Ambrose Bierce   Year: A period of three hundred and sixty-five     disappointments.   Ambrose Bierce   Marriage: A community consisting of a master, a mistress and two slaves, making in all two.  Ambrose Bierce   Acquaintance: A person whom we know well enough to borrow from but not well enough to lend to.  Ambrose Bierce.  American   Author   Quote:  Ambrose Bierce.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,7/21/2025
Funny; Diet;,"I'm in shape, round's a shape, isn't it?",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny; Doctors;,"'When peoples ill they comes to I, I physics, bleeds and sweats em, Sometimes they live, sometimes they die, what's that to I?  I lets em.'  Quote:  Dr. J. C. Lettsom.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny; Drinking;,"Starkle, Starkle, little twink,  Who the heck I am you think?  I'm not under the akafluence of incohol,  It's just that some thinkle peep I am.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny; Family;,'Having a family is like having a bowling alley inside your brain.'  Quote:  Martin Mull.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny; Fat;,When she dances the band skips.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny; Finish; Conclusion;,'The baptism ain't over till the fat lady sinks.'  Quote:  Gary Fenn.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny; Government;,"Under capitalism, man exploits man. Under communism, it is just the opposite.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny; Hell;,Where are we going and why am I in this hand basket?,People say we are going to hell in a hand basket.,Ecclesiastes. 9:5,Jk Quotes;,Is Hell Really A Place Of Fiery Torment?,128,,,
Funny; Instant; Quick; Children; Youth; Marriage;,"'I visited an American supermarket. They have so many amazing products here. Like powder milk.  You add water and you get milk. And powder orange juice. You add water and you get orange juice. Then I saw baby powder. And I said to myself, 'What a country!'  Quote:  Yakov Smirnoff","Actually, it is not quite that easy to raise children.  There are no instant answers.",Prov 22:6;,Jk Quotes;,How Can Youths Cope With Today's Crisis?,113,,,
Funny; Japanese Quotes;,"Japanese quotes I don't understand:  Not even an arrow shot from a strong crossbow can pierce a thin silk cloth when it begins to lose its force.  To be suspected wrongly of having stolen a mouthful of rice which have somehow attached to one's mustache.  Flies swarm to a stinking object.  To drive black hogs in the dark.  Suddenly there appears a cow out of the dark.  It is as if a red dog is running about after a sand-colored fox.  He is a fool indeed who is proud of being able to fasten a dragon fly to the tip of his long nostril hairs.  To paint on fat and carve on ice is futile.  Like fires breaking out at the shrine for fire prevention.  A bad wife causes a poor harvest for a hundred years.  A very good story is like eating rice cake together with wheat gluten.  To drink water today in preparation for the salted fish guts to be eaten tomorrow.  Negligible is the difference after all as that between three nuts given to each monkey in the morning and four in the evening on the one hand and four in the morning and three in the evening on the other.  Even a giant fish, when out of water is made fun of by ants.  Even if a rat drinks from a river, his small stomach will soon be full.  Blowfish is nice to eat but is poisonous.  No matter how a tortoise stamps its feet, there is no way it can follow the wild goose.  A heat-prostrated water-buffalo gasps at the moon mistaking it for the hot sun.  A frog in front of a snake.  He pins his faith upon another man's sleeve.  To be so surprised that one's heart becomes a potato.  When a dog turns toward the west his tail turns toward the east.  The more kneaded the rice cake dough, the more glutinous and better the cake will be. Likewise the more attentively personal opinions are listened to, the more good they will do you.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,J,,1/21/2025
Funny; Mind; Thinking;,"'If you don't think too good, don't think too much.' Quote:  Ted Williams",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny; Never;,Never change diapers in mid-stream.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny; Never;,Never step in anything soft.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Funny; Offence; revenge, vengence,","'If a person offends you, and you are in doubt as to whether it was intentional or not, do not resort to extreme measures. Simply watch for your chance and hit him with a brick.'  Quote:  Mt.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny; Practice; Perfection;,"If practice makes perfect and nobody is perfect, then why practice?",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny; Quayle; Dan Quayle Quotes ,"A list of Quayle quotes.  'Why wouldn't an enhanced deterrent, a more stable peace, a better  prospect to denying the ones who enter conflict in the first place to have a reduction of offensive systems and an introduction to' Quote:  Dan Quayle   defensive capability.  I believe that is the route this country  will eventually go.   Republicans understand the importance of bondage between a mother and child.   Mars is essentially in the same orbit... somewhat the same distance from the  Sun, which is very important. We have seen pictures where there are canals,  we believe, and water. If there is water, that means there is oxygen. If  oxygen, that means we can breathe.  Hawaii has always been a very pivotal role in the Pacific.  It is IN the Pacific.  It is a part of the United States that is an island that  is right here.   -- Vice President Dan Quayle,                      Hawaii, September 1989    What a terrible thing to have lost one's mind.  Or not to have a mind at all.  How true that is.                   -- Vice President Dan Quayle winning friends while                      speaking to the United Negro College Fund    You all look like happy campers to me.  Happy campers you are, happy campers you have been, and, as far as I am concerned, happy campers you will always be.                   -- Vice President Dan Quayle, to the American Samoans, whose capital Quayle pronounces 'Pogo Pogo' Quayle stumbled in response to a question about his opinion of the  Holocaust. He said it was 'an obscene period in our nation's history.'  Then, trying to clarify his remark, Quayle said he meant 'this century's  history' and added a confusing comment.  'We all lived in this century,  I didn't live in this century,' he said.                   -- Vice President Dan Quayle    We expect them  Salvadoran officials  to work toward the elimination of human rights.                   -- Vice President Dan Quayle    El Salvador is a democracy so it's not surprising that there are many voices  to be heard here. Yet in my conversations with Salvadorans... I have heard a  single voice.                   -- Vice President Dan Quayle    I believe we are on an irreversible trend toward more freedom and democracy - but that could change.                   -- Vice President Dan Quayle    One word sums up probably the responsibility of any vice president, and that one word is 'to be prepared'.                 -- Vice President Dan Quayle     If we do not succeed, then we run the risk of failure.                -- Vice President Dan Quayle, to the Phoenix Republican Forum, March 1990    It's rural America.  It's where I came from.  We always refer to ourselves  as real America.  Rural America, real America, real, real, America.       -- Vice President Dan Quayle.  Target prices?  How that works?  I know quite a bit about farm policy.  I come from Indiana, which is a farm state.  Deficiency payments -  which are the key - that is what gets money into the farmer's hands.  We got loan, uh, rates, we got target, uh, prices,   uh, I have worked  very closely with my senior colleague, (Indiana Sen.) Richard Lugar,  making sure that the farmers of Indiana are taken care of.  -- Vice President Dan Quayle on being asked to define the term 'target prices.'  Quayle's press secretary then cut short the press conference, after two minutes and 30 seconds.    I not going to focus on what I have done in the past what I stand for, what I articulate to the American people.  The American people will judge me on what I am saying and what I  have done in the last 12 years in the Congress.       -- Vice President Dan Quayle    I want to be Robin to Bush's Batman.           -- Vice President Dan Quayle    We should develop anti-satellite weapons because we could not have prevailed  without them in 'Red Storm Rising'.               -- Vice President Dan Quayle    The US has a vital interest in that area of the country.      -- Vice President Dan Quayle Referring to Latin America.    Japan is an important ally of ours. Japan and the United States of the Western industrialized capacity, 60 percent of the GNP,  two countries. That's a statement in and of itself.                 -- Vice President Dan Quayle    Who would have predicted... that Dubcek, who brought the tanks in in Czechoslovakia in 1968 is now being proclaimed a hero in Czechoslovakia.  Unbelievable.  -- Vice President Dan Quayle  Actually, Dubcek was the leader of the Prague Spring.   May our nation continue to be the beacon of hope to the world.               -- The Quails' 1989 Christmas card.  Not a beacon of literacy, though.                                                                                              Well, it looks as if the top part fell on the bottom part.   -- Vice President Dan Quayle referring to the collapsed section of the 880 freeway after the San Francisco earthquake of 1989.  This may be a joke; the source is unclear, but it's still funny... getting cruise missiles more accurate so that we can have precise precision.  -Vice President Dan Quayle referring to his legislative work dealing with cruise missiles    I can identify with steelworkers. I can identify with workers that have had a difficult time.  -- Vice President Dan Quayle addressing workers at an Ohio steel plant,1988     I will never have  another Jimmy Carter grain embargo, Jimmy, Jimmy Carter, Jimmy Carter grain embargo, Jimmy Carter grain embargo.   -- Vice President Dan Quayle during the Bentsen debate.   Certainly, I know what to do, and when I am Vice President -- and I will be -- there will be contingency plans under different sets of situations and I tell you what, I'm not going to go out and hold a news  conference about it. I'm going to put it in a safe and keep it there! Does  that answer your question?  -- Vice President Dan Quayle when asked what he would do if he assumed the Presidency,1988   Look it, I've done it their way this far and now it's my turn. I'm my own handler. Any questions? Ask me ... There's not going to be any   more  handler stories because I'm the handler ... I'm Doctor Spin.-- Vice President Dan Quayle responding to press reports his aides having to, in effect, 'potty train' him. I would guess that there's adequate low-income housing in this   country. -- Vice President Dan Quayle     Verbosity leads to unclear, inarticulate things. -- Vice President Dan Quayle     The real question for 1988 is whether we're going to go forward to   tomorrow or past to the -- to the back! -- Vice President Dan Quayle     We will invest in our people, quality education, job opportunity,   family, neighborhood, and yes, a thing we call America.                   -- Vice President Dan Quayle, 1988     We'll let the sunshine in and shine on us, because today we're   happy and tomorrow we'll be even happier. -- Vice President Dan Quayle, 1988     We're going to have the best-educated American people in the   world.                   -- Vice President Dan Quayle     This election is about who's going to be the next President of the United States!  -- Vice President Dan Quayle, 1988   Don't forget about the importance of the family. It begins   with  the family. We're not going to redefine the family. Everybody   knows the  definition of the family.  [Meaningful pause]  A child.    [Meaningful  pause]  A mother.  [Meaningful pause]  A father.  There are other  arrangements of the family, but that is a family and family   values.   I've been very blessed with wonderful parents and a   wonderful  family, and I am proud of my family. Anybody turns to their   family. I have  a very good family. I'm very fortunate to have a very   good family. I  believe very strongly in the family. It's one of the   things we have in  our platform, is to talk about it.  I suppose three important things certainly come to my mind that we    want to say thank you. The first would be our family. Your family, my  family -- which is composed of an immediate family of a wife and three   children, a larger family with grandparents and aunts and uncles. We   all  have our family, whichever that may be ... The very beginnings of   civilization, the very beginnings of this country, goes back to the   family.  And time and time again, I'm often reminded, especially in   this  Presidential campaign, of the importance of a family, and what a   family  means to this country. And so when you pay thanks I suppose   the first thing  that would come to mind would be to thank the Lord   for the family.   -- Vice President Dan Quayle Newsflash  X/X 1992 Newsflash     St. Louis, MO  --(UPI)-- Vice President Dan Quayle today visited St. Louis, MO, which bears a heavy population descended from German   immigrants.  In order to show support for the newly-unified country   of   Germany, fatherland of many in the audience, he repeated John F.   Kennedy's words of support 30 years earlier, but this time in   English,  'I am a Jelly Doughnut!'  Political commentators agreed that   something  was lost in the translation.  Dan Quayle explained his   remark by saying  that he had been told that those who lived in   central America enjoyed  jelly doughnuts.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,1/9/2019
Funny; Test;,"Death Prone Personality Test:  Do you look upon your actions as undertakings?  Who has more use for your body, you or science?  Is your condition grave in more ways than one?  Have you ever been the death of the party?  Are you easier to jump over than to walk around?  Can you wear dress clothes indefinitely without getting it soiled?",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny; Test;,"How cruel and unusual are you? Test:  Have you had any experience setting orphans on fire?  When your puppy goes off in another room, is it because of the explosive charge?  Do you agree with this statement? Guns don't kill people, I kill people!  Do you understand the difference between a baby seal and a pelt?  Do you think of Bambi and Thumper as 'fair game'?",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny; Texas;,"If I owned Texas and Hell, I'd rent out Texas and live in Hell.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny; Transcripts;,"Q: And lastly Gary, all your responses must be oral, O.K.?  A: Oral.  Q: How old are you?  A: Oral.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny; Transcripts;,"Q: Are you married?  A: No, I'm divorced.  Q: What did your husband do before you divorced him?  A: A lot of things that I didn't know about.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny; Transcripts;,Q: Did he pick the dog up by the ears?  A: No.  Q: What was he doing with the dog's ears?  A: Picking them up in the air.  Q: Where was the dog at the time?  A: Attached to the ears.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny; Transcripts;,"Q: Doctor, did you say he was shot in the woods?  A: No, I said he was shot in the Lumbar region.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny; Transcripts;,"Q: Doctor, how many autopsies have you performed on dead people?  A: All my autopsies have been on dead people.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny; Transcripts;,Q: I understand you are Bernie Davis' mother.  A: Yes.  Q: How long have you known him?,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny; Transcripts;,"Q: James stood back and shot Tommy Lee?  A: Yes  Q: And then Tommy Lee pulled out his gun and shot James in the fracas?  A: (after hesitation) No sir, just above it.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny; Transcripts;,"Q: Mrs. Jones, is your appearance this morning pursuant to a deposition notice which I sent to your attorney?  A: No. This is how I dress when I go to work.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny; Transcripts;,"Q: Now I'm going to show you what has been marked as State's exhibit No.2 and ask if you recognize the picture?  A: John Fletcher  Q: That's you?  A: Yes, sir.  Q: And you present when the picture was taken, right?",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny; Transcripts;,"Q: Now, Mrs. Johnson, how was your first marriage terminated?  A: By death.                              Q: And by whose death was it terminated?",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny; Transcripts;,"Q: Please state the location of your right foot immediately prior to impact.  A: Immediately before the impact, my right foot was located at the immediate end of my right leg.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny; Transcripts;,"Q: What can you tell us about the truthfulness and veracity of this defendant?  A: Oh, she'll tell you the truth. She said she was going to kill the son of a gun and she did.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny; Transcripts;,"Q: What happened then?  A: He told me, he says, 'I have to kill  you because you can identify me'.  Q: Did he kill you?  A: No.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny; Transcripts;,Q: What is your name?  A: Ernestine McDowell?  Q: What is your marital status?  A: Fair.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny; Transcripts;,"Q: You say you're innocent, yet five people swore they saw you steal a watch.  A: Your Honor, I can produce 500 people who didn't see me steal it.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny; Wife; Wives; Marriage;,"Translations of wife:  'I don't know what you're talking about' = She knows exactly what you're talking about. 'Me, angry?'  = She angry.  'I don't want to talk about it' = Bring me flowers.  'I don't even want to discuss it' = Bring me a diamond bracelet.  'Men' = You.   'I've been thinking' = She's been brooding.  'It isn't what you said, its the way you said it' = It isn't the way you said it its what you said.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny; Wives;,"'I don't care what you say, women make the best wives.'  Quote:  Dagwood Bumstead.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Funny; Work;,"I think, therefore I am overqualified.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Futility;,'Tis no good planting boiled potatoes.'  Quote:  Charles Spurgeon.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Futility; Slavery; Sin; Imperfection,Just like copies made from a mold or pattern that has a flaw..,"..all of us descendants of that first man have been born with inherited sin, the inborn tendency toward wrongdoing and selfishness. The entire human race, then, came into a severe disability from which no person could free himself by his own efforts. That disability was an enslavement to sin and all its effects, including sickness, pain and death.  Thus, as Romans 8:20, 21 states: 'The creation was subjected to futility, . . . on the basis of hope that the creation itself also will be set free from enslavement to corruption and have the glorious freedom of the children of God.' Yes, God did not purpose that mankind should futilely strive forever to get free from enslavement. He has provided a grand hope.","Romans 8:20, 21",G73 10/8 26-7,Slave For The Master Of The Harvest,66,,1999/01/22,
Future,3 kinds of persons: Make things happen; watch; wonder what's happening,Jehovah makes things happen.,Dan. 2:21  Zech 4:6,Bobby Laymon,Your Future--how Can It Be Known?,19,,,
Future,"Apply for employment with Company filed for Bankruptcy Encourage full-time service Be decisive, Jehovah will provide.  Not going out of business. Threshold of new order: calamity knocking at door of Babylon.",Build with only organization with a future.,"Rev 7:1-4  7:9  Matt 24:34  Rev 18:15, 19","Kingdom Unity Dist Assy  Uniondale, N.Y. June 23-26, 1983",Your Future--how Can It Be Known?,19,,,
"Future, babe Ruth",Babe Ruth could point into grandstands & show where ball would land.  Because of good vision: see license plate 1 block away & stitches on pitched ball.  Sometimes missed.,Jehovah has far-seeing vision; knows where prophecies going Jehovah never misses.  Never struck out.,"Dan. 2:21, 22",Joe Laymon,Your Future--how Can It Be Known?,19,,,
Future,"Building is a pleasure; Man has built comfortable homes; mammoth factories; automatic machines; jet airliners, yet not satisfied. Building on the sand. Will not stand. We must build to the future.",'Every plant my heavenly Father did not plant will be uprooted.,"Matt. 15:13, 14; Prov. 15:6","Jan 1, 1961 Wt Page 5-10",Your Future--how Can It Be Known?,19,,,
Future,"Clock-watcher; Work, Watching T.V. or at meetings? Conclusion is always reverent to entire length of movie. Conclusion of system is 1 generation","We must keep on the watch for Christ's coming, not presence.",Pro. 29:2,Bobby Laymon,Is It Time For God To Rule The World?,20,,,
Future,Draw plans for home; make changes; can see children playing Had all things necessary to enjoy life forever,Adam & Eve could have seen their home completed; children playing,Genesis 1:28,Bobby Laymon,What God's Rulership Can Do For Us,24,,,
Future,"Foretellers of political affairs didn't know about world events. East Germany March 14, 1990; Romania April 9, 1990 (under ban since 1948) over 17,000 publishers'? etc. Soviet Union decline. Poland recognize. J.W. May 12, 1989;  Hungary June 27, 1989.",Shows that even the demons didn't know or they would have revealed it to someone.,Daniel 2:21,Phil Kirkton; Bethel Notes,Your Future--how Can It Be Known?,19,,,6/20/2020
Future,He who could foresee affairs three days in advance would be rich for thousands of years. Chinese Proverb.,Great benefit of knowing the future.,Amos 3:7,Chinese Proverb,Your Future--how Can It Be Known?,19,,,6/20/2020
Future,"History Repeats itself, (know future by looking at past).",Past Bible records give confidence in future prophecies.,1co 10:10;,Sonny Ikerd,Your Future--how Can It Be Known?,19,,,
Future,"Japan in 50's =junk, poor quality etc. 1980: Hi tech, quality, expensive We can change our thinking patterns by living for God's new order. You can shake off old world thinking, must choose now.","Japanese changed paradigm, or pattern of living.",Phil. 3:13,Bobby Laymon,Your Future--how Can It Be Known?,19,J,,1/21/2025
Future,"Like playing chess, before moving look ahead as far as possible.  After opponent makes his move, do it all over again.",We can look ahead with Jehovah's Word.,Ps 119:105,"June 1, 1990 Wt Page 4",Your Future--how Can It Be Known?,19,,,
Future,"Man with bird in hand; ask: Is this bird alive or dead? (see #1) If they said alive, he crushed with thumb; If they said dead, he released it and let it fly.  Asked very wise man: He said, 'It's in your hands.'",Your future is in your hands.,Deuteronomy. 30:19,Joe Laymon,Your Future--how Can It Be Known?,19,,,
"Future, courage, faith,",Quote by politician: The only light at the end of the tunnel is the train coming.,World is in darkness.,Isa. 60:2,Bobby Laymon,Your Future--how Can It Be Known?,19,,,
Future,Rubber band on finger; can stretch far in both directions,"Jehovah can see into indefinite past, as well as indefinite. future.","Isa. 46:10  43:9, 10",Bobby Laymon,Is It Time For God To Rule The World?,20,,,
Future,"The Next Chapters, What will they tell us? Everything you do should bring honor to Jehovah. Never finish writing your biography, live forever.",Today you begin a new chapter in your service to Jehovah.,Prov 3:7,"June 1, 1990 Wt Page 27 Bro Lyman  Swingle Governing Body",Your Future--how Can It Be Known?,19,,,
Future,"The past is an open book; The future consists of blank pages. Ancients tried by position of stars, flight of birds, condition of animal's liver, appearance of water poured into vessel, position objects dropped on water, consulting the dead.",How can we foreknow what will be written on them? Bible!,"Isa. 46:9, 10  Ezek. 21:21","Jul 1, 1959 Wt Page 389",Your Future--how Can It Be Known?,19,,,
Future,"Timer on washing machine; time for each cycle. Jehovah has taken necessary steps, now is fast approaching time",There is a time for Jehovah to rule the world.,Eccles 3:1-5  Prov. 29:2,Bobby Laymon,Is It Time For God To Rule The World?,20,,,
Future,"Train going around mountain, landslide, airplane overhead can see Describe length, weight, speed of train.  Distance takes to stop. Man in plane radios tower, in turn radios train station & stops in time.","Jehovah knows future, and relays it to us by proper channel.",Amos 3:7,Johnse Laymon,What The Near Future Holds!,40,,,
Future,"Window in home, see beauty around home, what's going on Some say, 'What you don't know, won't hurt you.' or 'Whatever will be, will be.'","Window into future, allow us to see outside man's realm.",Ps. 37:38,"Bobby Laymon (see Jul 1, 1959 Wt Page 390)",Your Future--how Can It Be Known?,19,,,
"Future,","If you lived near a volcano, would it not be of value to know the time of its next eruption?  Most certainly! For then you could take action to avoid disaster. Only Jehovah possesses all the facts regarding the future.",Knowledge concerning the future can indeed prove beneficial. Good examples in article:,"Luke. 21:20-22; Job 37:16; Isa. 46:10; Ps. 83:18; 2 Ki. 7:1, 2;","Mar 1, 1968 Wt Page 132, 133",Your Future--how Can It Be Known?,19,,,
"Future, Earth, Kingdom,","Since the blessings of the Kingdom will extend over the whole earth, it will truly be a world Government. But what conditions will God's Kingdom, this 'World Government' provide for its subjects here on earth? What can you look forward to as to your future living under this arrangement? Well, lets try to envision what it would be like to wake up one morning living under the rulership of Jesus Christ: You wake up at dawn, not because your alarm went off or because your back aches, but because you are fully rested and refreshed. You throw those covers off and spring out of bed eager to get up because you have a lot of things to do and can't wait to get started.  You go into the bathroom to wash up and you look into the mirror and you notice that those wrinkles around your eyes are just about gone. Now your hair isn't gray any more, and that thin spot in the back is starting to fill in. As you wash your face you notice that the muscles in your arm feel hard and toned, and your stomach no longer has that spare tire around it. You look up on the shelf and there's your old pair of glasses, collecting dust, you haven't had to wear those for quite a while now.  Well you get dressed and walk out into the front porch and as you open the door, your lungs are filled with the freshest and clearest air imaginable, you can smell the incense of cedars and pine trees. It's just invigorating! and as you look off into the eastern sky, your eyes behold brilliant colors of fiery red, and yellow as another spectacular sunrise takes place.  Your house is up on a slight knoll, and as you look down the hill, the morning sun breaks over the trees, and as it shines on the grass wet from the morning dew, the tiny dew-drops just sparkle like little diamonds.   The valley floor is covered by a patch-work of different varieties of wild flowers, all with their varied colors of blues, reds, pinks, whites, and yellows. All glistening in the early morning sun.  There are animals of all kinds grazing in the meadow below you. But wait, that looks like a leopard--stalking a deer--- the deer puts his head down, it looks like he's going to charge, no wait, the deer and the leopard are just rubbing heads in affection. the leopard rubs his lean, muscular body up against the deer, and in true cat like fashion, walks off indifferently. Yes, all the animals live together in peace with each other and with mankind.  After your morning breakfast, you start you work, if you want to call it that, you enjoy it so much it's more like a pleasurable hobby. you've always been mechanically inclined, and you get to design and build things of a mechanical nature, and you are totally absorbed in your work.   You might change after a hundred years or so, there are so many things that you've always wanted to do. You always wanted to learn how to play a musical instrument, or two, since you've never been really what you'd call musically inclined, it might take you a couple of hundred years or so to get the knack of it, oh well, NO HURRY!  Then too, you always had an interest in horticulture, and you've wanted to try your hand at cross-breeding roses, to see what kind of new varieties you could create. That could take a while, since it takes decades to isolate different features from different varieties and then cross-pollinate them so that you get a truly unique variety, oh well, NO HURRY!  But then you've always liked animals too and there are some interesting species that you would like to do some field research on. And you always wanted to try your hand at painting and wood carving, so many things to do and SO MUCH TIME to do it in!  One of these centuries, though your going to make it a point to take a little time off and do some traveling. There are so many different parts of the earth that you always wanted to see! It will really be enjoyable traveling to these lands now, because under Christ's rulership all national borders have been done away with, so there are no national wars or tribal conflicts to worry about, nobody views one race or nationality as being superior to another and since mankind has returned to speaking just one language it will be easy to get around. You won't have to worry about to worry about being robbed or taken advantage of, since all wickedness earth wide has been totally eliminated!  Where will you find a place to stay and food to eat? Not to worry! Since food is abundant and everyone has their own house and property, people are more than willing to share, and give you a room to stay in. Giving you ample opportunity to meet new people and make new friends. And while you're traveling around you're going to want to look up some of your relatives. Since the resurrection has started you still haven't had a chance to meet your great, great, great grandfather on your mother's side of the family!  And speaking of the resurrection, you're really looking forward to the next convention, Noah, King David and Abraham are going to be there! and you've really been looking forward to talking to them. All of these activities will take a long, long, time, but since old age sickness and death have been done away with, you have literally 'FOREVER' to do it.   Well, your day has passed by quickly, its evening now and you've just finished supper, and you're taking a stroll through a field in back of your house, there's a small creek that's flowing close by that goes into a pond that you built. and the sound of the water bubbling and gushing over the rocks is soothing to your ears. The crickets are chirping and the frogs are croaking. Everything is calm peaceful and secure.   There's a 'warm, gentle' breeze blowing and it carries the smell of lilacs across your nose. it changes direction a little and you can catch that sweet smell of freshly cut hay coming from your neighbors. As you watch the sun go down in a dazzling display of colors that was matched only by the sunrise that morning, you say a prayer of thanks to Jehovah God for all these blessings, and for giving you such a marvelous future.  Its late now and you get yourself ready for bed, you're tired, but content, feeling satisfied with your accomplishments of the day. As you pull the covers up over you, you briefly think about some things that you want to do tomorrow, then you drift off to sleep.  Well what do you think? Would you enjoy living under the rulership of Jesus Christ? These conditions just described will become realities in God's Kingdom. This can be YOUR future. It is being held out to you. For Jehovah God has promised, yes promised, to bring about these very conditions.   So now that we know what the future holds, the next question is- - - - - 'Are we willing to adjust our lives NOW , so that God will see fit to allow us to live there and experience and enjoy it?' Yes ,'allow' . For God has requirements for those who would want to live under his Son's Rulership.   If we want to have God's approval, we have to exercise Faith in him and show by the way we live our lives that we are striving to both learn what his will is and to apply it in our life. Can others easily tell that you are a zealous advocate of that Kingdom? Are you actively advocating that World Government to others? We cannot expect Jehovah to grant us Everlasting Life under such marvelous conditions if we have not dedicated our lives to HIM NOW. Yes , you must be part of Jehovah's Organization, doing God's will, in order to receive his blessings of everlasting Life. So keep the picture of God's promised New World bright in your mind and heart. Everyday think about the grand 'future' that Jehovah God holds out to you, living forever in paradise conditions right here on earth!","This is NO dream! It is real! For the Bible's promise is certain to be fulfilled: 'The Righteous Themselves Will Possess the Earth, and They Will Indeed Find Their Exquisite Delight in the Abundance of Peace.' Psalm 37:29",Psalm 37:29,Mark Hanlon,What The Near Future Holds!,40,,1998/11/26,
"Future, Earth, Kingdom, Life, Paradise,",Nebuchadnezzar dreamed about the future.,"We do not need to dream about the future, because we can read what God's word has to say.",Dan. 2:2-44;,"Jul 8, 1967 Aw Page 32",Ruining The Earth Brings Divine Retribution,106,,,
"Future, Earth, Snare, Trap,","We had some mice at Bethel.  Now there are two ways to get rid of them.  We found their whiskers were involved in the best way.  You know they have long whiskers, and with them they can run along a wall.  We would just set traps near the wall, without bait, and they would get caught.  [peanut butter is the best bait otherwise] The second way is to take a bulldozer and remove the entire building.",How will Jehovah choose to destroy the pests on earth?  What does the future hold for people who ignore God's warning?,2 Thess 1:6-9;,Jimmy Kinkade,What The Near Future Holds!,40,,1995/10/08,
"Future, Exert, Action, Decisions, Hope, Paradise, Earth, Urgency,","Suppose when your son has completed his education, you notice an add in the newspaper for a job, offered to someone with his qualifications.  The pay is excellent; location is good; and the work is something he would enjoy.  Would you ignore the advertisement?  Or would you do everything in your power to obtain that employment?","So, what about the things the Bible says that God is offering to people living today?  A paradise earth, a good home, plenty to eat, satisfying employment, perfect health, and total security.  We owe it to ourselves and our family to investigate and do something.","Ps 37:10, 29; Re 21:3, 4; Ps 72:12, 16;",Our Problems - Who Will Help Us Solve Them?  Page 29,Ruining The Earth Brings Divine Retribution,106,,,
"Future, Extinct, Security,","Sometimes you hear people say about someone, 'He's busy as a bee,'  or 'he's sharp as a tack.'  We don't know where those expressions come from.  Sometimes we may hear, 'He's a doo-doo.'  The Doo-doo is a fat, round bird.  A little larger than a turkey in size, and it can't fly.  When it tries to run, it's stomach drags the ground.  It is also good to eat.  What do you suppose the future would look like for such a bird?",The Doo-doo bird no longer exists.  It is Extinct.  What about man's future?  Is it any more secure than a Doo-doo bird?  What about my future?,Isa 42:9; 46:9;,Jimmy Kinkade,Jehovah Is 'a Secure Height' For His People,151,,1995/10/08,
"Future, Extinct, Security,","The 'Hula' bird.  They no longer exist.  The male bird had a hard beak that he could use to beat a hole in a tree, but he could not extract the insect.  The female had a long slender beak, too weak for pecking, but with it she could extract the insect from the hole made by her mate.  Together they could survive.",The Hula bird no longer exists.  It is Extinct.  What about man's future?  Is it any more secure than a Doo-doo bird?  What about my future?,Isa 42:9; 46:9;,Jimmy Kinkade,Jehovah Is 'a Secure Height' For His People,151,,1995/10/08,
"Future, Forecasts, Predictions, Prophecies, Science,","Abundant new raw materials will (by 1960) make food, clothing and other necessities universally obtainable.  By 1960 work will be limited to three hours a day. By 1975 parents will have ceased to bring up their children in private family units.  By 1975 sexual feeling and marriage will have nothing to do with each other.  Crime will be considered a disease after 1985 and will cease to exist by AD 2000.  Democracy will be dead by 1950.  There will be no war in western Europe for the next five years (from 1935).",People are intensely interested in what the future holds.  We can often note sensible evidences of interest in what future holds and how it will affect us.,Isa 14:24;,John Langdon-Davies.  A Short History Of The Future. [1936.],Your Future--how Can It Be Known?,19,,1995/06/27,
"Future, Guide, Bible, Standard, World, Independence,","A 21-year-old couple in the United States was lost for 8 days in a snowstorm, with a little baby. (January 1993) After several days they left their truck and started walking.  Realizing they had traveled 20 miles in the wrong direction, they had to travel backward.  No roadmap, compass, or sense of direction.  Survived!",The world is just as deadly and dangerous.  We need a guide to help us through it.  We must not strike out on our own.,Ps 119:105; Pr 22:6; 2 Ti 1:5;,Tim Quilliams,Why Live By Bible Standards?,88,,,
"Future, Health, Cure,",Do you have a Niagara Falls nose?  Does it just keep running?,"Jehovah will cure that too, in the new order.","Rev 21:3, 4;",Jimmy Kinkade,What The Near Future Holds!,40,,1995/10/08,
"Future, History, Light, Bible,",History should be a lantern to cast light on the pitfalls of the past and the present. It should give some hope for the future.,Most have not learned their lesson from history.  We can learn from the inspired historical accounts from God's Word.,Jer 10:23;,G84 3/8 4,Your Future--how Can It Be Known?,19,,1995/06/06,
"Future, Hope,",'We should all be concerned about the future because we will have to spend the rest of our lives there.' Quote: Charles F. Kettering.,People are intensely interested in what the future holds.  We can often note sensible evidences of interest in what future holds and how it will affect us.,Isa 14:24;,Bobby Laymon,Your Future--how Can It Be Known?,19,,1995/08/16,
"Future, Life, Plans, Time, Think,","Of all earthly living things, only man is a planner.  Brainless, sightless vegetation does not plan.  Animals are governed by instinct.  If they build nests or dens for their young it is only because instinct moves them to do it.  Tortoises and trees have no interest in watches or calendars.","Man's abilities and potential surpass those of animals a thousand- fold and more.  He has ideals, goals that he seeks to realize. To realize his purposes man needs time, and he alone of earth's living things is consciously concerned with time.  What about you?  How far into the future do your plans go?  What do you hope to accomplish during your lifetime?",Job 17:11; Pr 16:3; 19:21; 20:18; Ecclesiastes 7:29;,"Oct 8, 1970 Aw Page 4",Is It Time For God To Rule The World?,20,,,
"Future, Materialism, Greed, Snare, Trap,","Take the African monkey.  It is a very expensive pet.  In order to catch it they build mounds of clay.  Then they drill holes in the clay, with a larger hole in the end, from the top, where they put food.  The monkey reaches back and gets all the berries his hand can hold.  Then he cannot withdraw it.  They then throw nets over it and capture it.",Man is like that in many ways.  If we could let go of many of the materialistic things we could have freedom.  The moral:  Don't monkey around in the time of the end.,"James 1:2, 3; 5:8;",Jimmy Kinkade,What The Near Future Holds!,40,,1995/10/08,
"Future, Outlook, Positive, Negative, Blind, Good News,","'The sky is not less blue because the blind man does not see it,' says a Danish Proverb.","But in our busy lives, do we see that the sky is blue?  Do we view the future with confidence?  Do we really have faith in the Good News?",2 Tim 3:1;,"Aug 15, 1994 Wt Page 5",Have Faith In The Good News,47,,1994/07/29,
"Future, Past,","'If men could learn from history-what lessons it might teach us! But Passion and Party blind our eyes, and the light which Experience gives is a lantern on the stern which shines only on the waves behind us!'-Samuel Taylor Coleridge.","People have not always been willing to learn.  Many who do, choose to learn from the wrong source.",Col. 2:8;,"Aug 8, 2002 Aw Page 4",Your Future--how Can It Be Known?,19,,"Aug 7, 2002",
"Future, Past,","'In spite of the recent triumphs of science, men haven't changed much in the last two thousand years; and in consequence we must still try to learn from history.' --Kenneth Clark, Civilization--A Personal View.","People have not always been willing to learn.  Many who do, choose to learn from the wrong source.",Col. 2:8;,"Aug 8, 2002 Aw Page 3",Your Future--how Can It Be Known?,19,,"Aug 7, 2002",
"Future, Past,",'Study the past if you would divine the future.' Quote: Confucius (B.C. 551-479),Jehovah has given us patterns in the past to reveal the future.,"Mt 24:37, 38;",Wisdom Of The Ages,Your Future--how Can It Be Known?,19,,,
"Future, Past,","'To know the road ahead, Ask those coming back.' Quote: Chinese Proverb.",Only Jehovah knows the future.,Is 46:10;,Wisdom Of The Ages,Your Future--how Can It Be Known?,19,,,
"Future, Past, Kingdom,",'I like the dreams of the future better than the history of the past.'  Quote: Thomas Jefferson.,"It is good to reflect on the promises of Jehovah's Kingdom government.  These are not daydreams, but will be a reality.","Ps 37:11, 29;",Bobby Laymon - Reader's Digest,Keep Seeking God's Kingdom,44,,1996/03/21,
"Future, Past, Planet, Earth, Environment, Pollution, Ecology,","Two hundred years ago, American statesman Patrick Henry said: 'I know of no way of judging the future but by the past.'","In the past, man has trampled on the environment.  Will he turn over a new leaf in the future?  So far, the signs are not encouraging.",Ps 115:16,"Jan 8, 1996 Aw Page 12",,,,1995/12/12,
"Future, Past, Prophecy,  Experience,","'I have but one lamp by which my feet are guided, and that is the lamp of experience. I know no way of judging of the future but by the past.'  Quote: Patrick Henry.",Entire wicked world of Satan is marked for destruction.  All nations will drink of Jehovah's anger and act like crazed men.,"Jer 25:15, 16;",Bobby Laymon,Overcoming Fear Of The Future,108,,1995/07/18,
"Future, Past, Prophet, Prophecies,",'The best of prophets of the future is the past.' Quote: George Noel Gordon. -1821.,"In examining the past, we learn about Jehovah's dealing with people.  We know he is always reliable and what to expect.",Dan 2:20-44;,Bobby Laymon,Your Future--how Can It Be Known?,19,,1995/07/18,
"Future, Poverty, Hunger, Cure, Paradise,","'I PLANTED . . . but there was no rain,' explained Idris, an Ethiopian farmer. All his seeds rotted in the ground, forcing him to leave his farm for a new life in a relief camp. 'Once,' he added, 'I had four oxen for plowing and of these, when there was no food left to eat, I sold two and slaughtered two for meat. . . . I have eaten my future.'-From the book Ethiopia: The Challenge of Hunger.",In the coming paradise disasters like this will not occur.,Is 65:22;,G87 3/8 5,The Only Cure For Sick Mankind,62,,1994/07/10,
"Future, Poverty, Hunger, Cure, Paradise, Government, Promises,","'If the hungry could eat words,' said a BBC television commentary, 'Africa would recover.' Some 80,000 foreigners provide this service. 'Advising Africa,' states Timberlake, 'has become a major industry, with European and North American consulting firms charging as much as $180,000 for a year of an expert's time.'",Advice is one thing Africa is not short of.  However one cannot live on words and promises.,Is 65:22;,G87 3/8 5,The Only Cure For Sick Mankind,62,,1994/07/10,
"Future, Prophecy,","Just as the transmission on your car goes from one gear to another. Sometimes almost unnoticed, other times quite noticeable. There is a set timing due to the speed of the engine and the torque needed.",Jehovah has set the events of time in motion.  He is changing rulerships of the world according to his preset calculations. It is now time for God to rule the world.,Is 46:10; Da 2:21;,Bobby Laymon,Is It Time For God To Rule The World?,20,,,
"Future, Prophecy,","One writer said: 'None but a madman would have dreamed of prophesying the overthrow of Babylon in the days when Isaiah and Jeremiah were alive. The Babylonians were among the fiercest warriors of their day. They had conquered the world and bent it to their yoke.'  Quote: Internal Evidence of Inspiration, Harry Rimmer.",The accurate predictions made by Isaiah and Jeremiah unquestionably prove that their claim to have been true prophets of God really was true.,Jer. 29:10; 51:37;,W56 2/15 103,Your Future--how Can It Be Known?,19,,1994/10/25,
"Future, Prophecy,","Whatever will be, will be.",World's view of future.,Dan. 2:44;,Bobby Laymon,Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,,
"Future, Prophecy, Armageddon, Destruction,","Two trains viewed from a mountaintop, they are going to crash!",Jehovah sees man's headlong course toward destruction.  He warns but does not stop it.,Rev. 16:16;,Bobby Laymon,Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,,
"Future, Prophecy, Bible,","How would you feel if you were forced to enter a house you had never been in before.  It is an old house, and very dark inside.  Not only that, but its been said that no one has ever entered that house and returned to tell what it is like.  As you open the door to step inside, How do you feel?","The future is like that!  According to scientist, foretellers  of events, prognosticators, the future is dark and bleak.  Not only that -  No one has ever returned from the future to tell what it is like.  Only God's Word the Bible gives a clear cut message about the future.","Ps 37:37, 38; Re 21:3, 4;",Bobby Laymon,Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,1993/10/31,2/5/2015
"Future, Prophecy, Progress, Kings, Nations, Legally Defending,","Have you ever taken water in the palm of your hand?  Any way you want to, you can turn it.","Kings are that way to Jehovah.  He has motivated kings and nations to pass laws in behalf of His people.  (United States Supreme Court; Cuba, other nations put pressure to lighten up on Witnesses)",Prov. 21:1;,Bobby Laymon,Your Future--how Can It Be Known?,19,,1997/07/29,
"Future, Prophecy, Sign, Kingdom,","Red at night, sailor's delight. Red at morning, sailors take warning.",Many know more about weather than time we live in.,Dan. 2:44;,Bobby Laymon,Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,,
"Future, Rumors, Gossip, Reproach,","There was no doubt a rumor going around about Noah while he was building the ark.  The way people love to talk.  'That crazy man thinks it's going to rain.  He's building a boat, to float to safety.'","It is that way today, regarding the Witnesses.  Those people are crazy.  They think the world is coming to the end, and they are the only survivors.",Matthew 24:36-42; Hab. 3:8;,Jimmy Kinkade,What The Near Future Holds!,40,,1995/10/08,
"Future, Security,",Some dial the 1-900 numbers to learn about the future.  Is this a reliable source?,"Can they tell you: Should you buy a home?  What will happen to money in the future?  At one time you could buy a coke and candy bar for 1 dime.  Now, it is over $1.00.  Where can we find reliable information?",Isa 42:9; 46:9;,Jimmy Kinkade,What The Near Future Holds!,40,,1995/10/08,
"Future, Thinking,","Animals may store food before a cold season, but they do not think things through and plan.","By contrast, humans consider the future, even the distant future.",Ecclesiastes 3:11; Ps. 104:24;,Ct Page 70,Your Future--how Can It Be Known?,19,,"Feb 8, 2001",
"Future, Truth, Reality, System, Problems, Government,","'I never give people hell.  I just tell them the truth, and they think it's hell.'  Quote: Harry Truman.","As Jehovah's people, we tell the truth, and to many it is torment.  We deal with reality about the future.",John 4:16;,Bobby Laymon,Will You Escape This World's Destiny?,84,,1997/05/13,
"Future, Vision,","Swiss world's greatest watchmakers 1965; 1985 was Japan Quartz watch not invented in Japan, but in Switzerland, & offered but they replied, 'has no hands, no gears, doesn't even have a mainspring.' Never work.  Japanese & Texas instrument saw at World's fair, rest is history.","People cannot see outside their own little world, or Paradyme. Jehovah's Witnesses look beyond present paradyme.",Phil 3:13,Bobby Laymon,Moral: best Watchmakers In World Could Not Stop Time.,19,,,1/21/2025
"Future, Wisdom, Experience, Pioneer,","'To know the road ahead, ask those coming back.'  Quote: Chinese Proverb.","If you want to know about pioneering, ask those who have traveled that road.  Ask those who have spent their lives in the pioneer service.",1co 10:13;,Joseph Wengert D. O.,Serve Jehovah With A Joyful Heart,78,,1994/04/22,
Future;,'A pinch of probability is worth a pound of perhaps.'  Quote:  James Thurber.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Future;,"'I never think of the future, it come soon enough.'  Quote:  A. Einstein.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Future;,'Perhaps the best thing about the future is that it only comes one day at a time.'  Quote:  Dean Acheson.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Future;,'We should all be concerned about the future because we will have to spend the rest of our lives there.'  Quote:  Charles Kettering.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Future;,"'When all else is lost, the future still remains.'  Quote:  Christian Bovee.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Future;,'When I look at the future its so bright it burns my eyes.'  Quote:  Oprha Winfrey.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Future;,'You ain't seen nothing yet.....folks!'  Quote:  Al Jolson.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Future;,'You cannot fight against the future. Time is on our side.' Quote: William Gladstone,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Future;,"Abundant new raw materials will (by 1960) make food, clothing  and other necessities universally obtainable.  John  Langdon-Davies.  A Short History of the Future 1936  By 1960 work will be limited to three hours a day.  John  Langdon-Davies.  A Short History of the Future 1936  By 1975 parents will have ceased to bring up their children in  private family units.  John Langdon-Davies.  A Short History of  the Future 1936  By 1975 sexual feeling and marriage will have nothing to do with  each other.  John Langdon-Davies.  A Short History of the Future  1936  Crime will be considered a disease after 1985 and will cease to  exist by AD 2000.  John Langdon-Davies.  A Short History of the  Future 1936  Democracy will be dead by 1950.  John Langdon-Davies.  A Short  History of the Future 1936  There will be no war in western Europe for the next five years  (from 1935).  John Langdon-Davies.  A Short History of the  Future 1936",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Future;,An optimist is someone who thinks the future is uncertain.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Future;,I know of no way of judging the future but by the past.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Future;,We are tomorrow's past.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Future; Destiny;,"Choice, not chance, determines destiny.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Gain;,'For everything you have missed you have gained something.'  Quote:  Rwe.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Gain; Lose; Experience;,'Sometimes the best gain is to lose.'  Quote:  George Herbert.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Gambling,"Deadly poisons, drip into streams, affect entire communities. A tool used by the underworld has no place in God's house.","By-products of gambling, are deadly poisons.","Titus 3:3  1 Pet. 4:4, 5","Nov 15, 1959 Wt Page 675",Evidence Of God In The World Around Us,4,,,
"Gambling,","Slot machines are often called, 'one-armed bandits'. People line up like sheep to be fleeced by them. Fastest growing industry in the U.S. Statistics from several countries in article.","Unlike real bandits, they don't force money out of people. People line up like sheep to be fleeced by them.",1 Tim. 6:10;,"Feb 8, 1991 Aw Page 31",Evidence Of God In The World Around Us,4,,,
"Gambling, Day Dreaming, Materialism, Money, Lottery, Publisher's Clearing, Simple, Pioneer,","One mathematician calculated that the chances of winning the 'Publisher's Clearing House' millions would be equivalent to getting struck by lightening twice a day, every day for the rest of your life.'",Those devoting lives to gambling are coming off losers.  Why not put our efforts and assets to a lasting promise.  Keep our lives simple and serve Jehovah's kingdom.,Mt 6:19-34;,Don Mendinghall D.O.,Coping With Life's Anxieties,32,,1994/03/07,
"Gambling, Greed, Materialism,",There are only 3 honest forms of transforming property. 1. a gift 2. in exchange for labor. 3. in exchange for other valuable goods Gambling is a form of extortion.,In these both parties benefit. Gambling does not fit.,Acts 20:35; Isa. 65:11; 2 Th 3:10; Prov. 10:4; Eph. 4:28;,"Mar 8, 1964 Aw Page 18",Reach Out For The Real Life!,90,,,
"Gambling, Habit, Addiction, Lottery,",'It's an addiction without a drug.'  [regarding gambling]  Quote: French psychiatrist Jean Ades.,Many people are discovering today that they are addicted.  A  former drug addict says: 'It was easier to get off drugs than off gambling.',Is 60:13;,"Feb 8, 1994 Aw Page 28",Evidence Of God In The World Around Us,4,,1994/01/03,
"Gambling, Lottery, Chance, Greed, Covet, Selfish,","'Gambler, don't rejoice; whoever wins today loses tomorrow.'  A Spanish proverb.      'A fool and his money are soon parted.' Saying current since the 16th century.-Familiar Quotations, by John Bartlett.","'The guaranteed jackpot of $45 million in tonight's Lotto drawing is the largest in New York State history. But the odds of winning it with a $1 bet are 12,913,582 to 1.' -The New York Times.",Is 65:11;,G91 5/8 9,Resisting The Spirit Of The World,25,,1994/07/10,
"Gambling, Lottery, Gift, Luck, Conscience,","Dueling has long been ruled wrong, even though it may be described as killing by mutual consent. Persons who play the lottery substitute 'luck' for hard work.","So with gambling, it is extortion by mutual consent; one wins only because another or many others lose.  It is morally wrong to seek pleasure or profit at the pain or loss of others.","1 Cor. 10:24; 1 Tim. 6:9, 10; 2 Th 3:10; Prov. 6:6; 1 Cor.6:9,","Jun 15, 1967 Wt Page 356",Hold A Good Conscience In A Sinful World,107,,,
"Gambling, Lottery, Gift, Luck, Conscience,","Would we accept stolen diamonds just because they are a gift? It is a conscience matter, but 'Each will render an account.'","Would it be in a Christian's best interest to accept a lottery ticket, even if it were a gift.",Rom. 14:12;,Question From Readers; 1973 Wt,Hold A Good Conscience In A Sinful World,107,,,
"Gambling, Lottery, Greed, Selfish,",'The best throw of the dice is to throw them away.'  (An old English proverb),"Doing Jehovah's will provides all the excitement anyone could wish for, and it gives one self-respect and a meaningful life.","Is 65:11; Ro 7:7; 1ti 6:10; 2th 3:10, 12; Mt 7:20;","Jun 8, 1992 Aw Page 10",Why Live By Bible Standards?,88,,,
"Gambling, Lottery, Greed, Selfish, Superstition,","In the United States the chances of being killed by lightening are about 1 in 1,700,000.  Winning a state lottery is at least twice as remote.  Who expects to be struck by lightening?  Only an incurable pessimist.","Yet, nearly everyone who buys a lottery ticket dreams of his number coming up.  Their hope in the 'near hopeless' is superstition.","Is 65:11; Ro 7:7; 1ti 6:10; 2th 3:10, 12; Mt 7:20;","Jun 8, 1992 Aw Page 6",Why Live By Bible Standards?,88,,,
"Gambling, Luck, Chance, Lottery, Greed,","'You are four times likelier to be struck by lightning in the course of the year than to win in the [German lottery] pools.' Quote: Statistician Ralf Lisch.  He adds, 'If you're a man, your chances of surviving to [the age of]  100 are 7,000 times greater than [that of winning the lottery].'","Gambling may seem like a quick, exciting way to make money, but the odds against the gambler are phenomenal.  As one magazine editor put it, 'not only is gambling wrong but it is also a poor bet.'","Isa 65:11, 12; Prov 8:13; 22:4; Micah 6:8;","Aug 8, 1994 Aw Page 14, 15",Evidence Of God In The World Around Us,4,,1994/08/27,
"Gambling, Luck, Chance, Lottery, Greed,",Gambling is so universal that some countries consider it a 'national pastime.',"Although gambling is popular and has a long history, it cannot be just an innocent pastime for Christians.","Isa 65:11, 12; Prov 8:13; 22:4; Micah 6:8;","Aug 8, 1994 Aw Page 14",Evidence Of God In The World Around Us,4,,1994/08/27,
"Gambling, Satan, Weakness, Sin, Imperfection, Devil, Flesh, World,","Keep grandma off the streets; legalize bingo. Apply to lottery, horse racing, etc.",World's view of gambling.,Matt. 10:28; 1 Pet. 5:8; Jas. 1:13-15; Rom. 5:12; Prov. 16:18,Bobby Laymon,'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
Gambling;,"'If the gambler can change, then there is medicine for leprosy.'  Quote:  Chinese.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Gambling;,"'If there be any truer measure of a man than by what he does, it must by what he gives.'  Quote:  Robert Smith.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Gambling;,Nine gamblers could not feed a single rooster. Yugoslav,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Gambling;,The best throw of the dice is to throw them away.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Gang, Nationalism, Neutral, Hatred, Community Responsibility, Pioneer,",'No snowflake in an avalanche ever feels responsible.' Quote: Stanislaw J. Lec.,"As in ancient times, those who engage in 'gang' violence, may not feel as responsible, but Jehovah will hold them accountable.",Ps. 2:1-4;,Bobby Laymon,The Kingdom Of God Is Near,109,,1995/08/16,
"Garment, Christianity, Christendom, Change, Kingdom, System, World",Nobody sews a patch of un-shrunk cloth upon an old outer garment; for its full strength would pull from the outer garment and the tear would become worse.,True Christianity would not conform to wicked and worn-out systems that were ready to be discarded.  Jesus knew that patching up an unusable system would have been futile.,Mt 9:16; Ecclesiastes 1:15; John 12:31;,"Feb 8, 1993 Aw Page 19",'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
"Garment, Marriage,","In the Middle East, travelers report wedding guests being given a marriage garment.  This was done in case any poor man did not have proper clothing to deck himself.  If any guest failed to put on the gaily colored garment, the governor of the feast could reprimand him.",This throws light on Jesus' words at Matt 22:11-13 which speaks of guests being given a 'marriage garment.',Mt 22:11-13;,"Jul 22, 1970 Aw Page 8",God Comes First In Successful Family Life,110,,,
Gathering Work,"Sow seed would be grain, sweet wine and oil. Ask earth to release minerals to stalks, vines & trees. Appeal to heavens for rain, clouds",Faithful remnant,Hosea 2:21-23,"Mar 1, 1989 Wt Page 14",,,,,
"Gehenna, Destruction, Hell, Punishment,",Gehenna was a garbage dump where bodies of criminals were thrown and sulfur was added to keep them burning. No live persons were thrown there however.,Jesus used to symbolize everlasting destruction.,Matt. 5:22;,P.E. Book,Is Hell Really A Place Of Fiery Torment?,128,,,
"Gene, Genetics, Dna, Blueprints, Body, Creation, Everlasting Life,","The DNA is the key part of each gene.  It is a coiled, threadlike molecule.  DNA may be likened to a twisted rope ladder.  The two sides are joined by millions of rungs, composed of millions of pairs of chemical bases.  The number of rungs, or bases, totals in the millions.  Yet there are only two types.  The sequence in which these pairs are arranged, linking the two sides of the spiral ladder, makes up the genetic code or blueprint for life.","The DNA makes possible the birth of new cells, both for growth and to take the place of those that die.  Its qualities are such that one reporter was moved to write: 'The idea or [everlasting life] is by no means ridiculous.'",Ps 90:10; Ps 139:14-16; John 17:3;,"Feb 22, 1971 Page 12",Appreciating Marvels Of God's Creation,114,,1994/01/08,
"Generation, 1914, WW1, World War, End, Last Days,","Only 272,000 of the 4,743,826 U.S. men and women who participated in World War I were alive in 1984.  Today that number, according to the Department of Veterans Affairs, has dwindled to an estimated 30,000, and their median age is 90.  Worldwide, however, in 1992 there were still 61,486,000 persons living of the generation born in 1914 or prior to it.","The generation that Jesus spoke of is quickly passing off the scene, however it has not 'passed away.'  The end of this system is quickly approaching.",Matt 24:34;,"Nov 8, 1994 Aw Page 28, 29",'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,1994/10/06,
"Generation, Last Days, Armageddon,","If you were in a building and someone announced that a bomb would go off, but if everyone marched out single file, there would be time to empty the building, would you stop at the door and ask how long the fuse was?",Some have asked about the 'wicked and adulterous generation' that Jesus spoke of in our day.  When will it end?  The important thing is to get out and help others to do so.,Matt 12:39;,Roy Crabb,Will You Be A Survivor Of The 'last Days'?,2,,1995/11/15,
"Generation, Me, Pride, Last Days, Faith,",It used to be the 'me generation.'  Then it was the 'now generation.'  Today it is the 'more generation.',We must keep testing our faith.,2 Cor 13:5;,1997 'faith In God's Word' District Convention; Douglas Calhoun,Build Your Faith In Man's Maker,54,,1997/06/12,
"Generosity, Donations, Contributions, Sharing, Unselfish,","'I'm ten years old. I'm sending you this money so you can buy paper or anything else to make books.'--Cindy.  'I love to send you this money to make more books for us. I saved this money from helping my daddy. So use it wisely!'--Pam, age seven.  'I was sad about the hurricane. I hope you are safe. This [$2, U.S.] is all the money in my bank.' --Allison, age four.  'My name is Rudy, and I'm 11 years old. My brother Ralph is six. And my sister Judith is two and a half. We have been saving from our allowance for three months to help our brothers in [a war-torn area]. We were able to save 20 dollars that we are sending now.'   'I feel sorry for the brothers [hit by a hurricane]. I made 17 dollars working with my dad. I'm not sending this money for anything in particular, so I'11 let you decide.' --MacLean, age eight.","Although, no one can actually enrich Jehovah, who owns all things, contributing is a privilege that affords worshiper opportunity to display their love for him.",1 Ch. 29:14-17,"Nov 1, 2000 Wt Page 29",You Will Reap What You Sow,59,,"Dec 17, 2000",
"Generosity, Forgiveness, Sin, Study,","Jesus is not interested in 'balancing accounts'  Pour into our laps a fine measure. We will have a more enriched life, and be able to share with others.",He will favor us with more than we expect. Disciples remained 'totally interested' in what Jesus said.,Luke 6:38,Phil Kirkton Notes:,The Only Cure For Sick Mankind,62,,,
"Self-sacrifice; Generosity, Giving, Pioneer, Religion, Preaching, Christendom, Service Talk, cow, pig, hog,","When it comes to generosity, we may think of the cow.  She gives us milk, butter, ice cream, yogurt, cheese, and all sorts of good things.  And she is contented.  We don't really think of a hog as being generous.  For one thing, the way he eats.  Did you ever see a hog wait on another one.  Yet, he gives us pork chops, spare ribs, ham, bacon etc.  The problem is: The hog has to be dead and gone before you can think of anything good to say about him.","Let us be generous in all things.  Serving Jehovah now, and we will find contentment in His service.  True religion is serving the needs of the people today.",1John 2:15-17;,Brother Haus (Memphis Circuit Assembly) Arkansas brother ,Decide Now For Divine Rulership,37,,1994/03/07,
"Generosity, Unselfish, Truth, Water, Preaching, Witnessing, fountain, spring, ","The old water fountain bubbles forth steady,   Has thirst-quenching water always ready.  How blessed it is such a living.  Always giving, giving, giving.    My life shall like that of the fountain be,  I'll live to serve others, not just me.  Yet.......giving, giving, giving........every day,  Say fountain, won't you get weary one day ?    He answers laughingly with a happy ring,  I'm just the fountain - not the spring.  I just pass it on, but it flows to me,  That's why this life-style is happiness for me.    Yes, I too, am making this life-style my aim,  So I can have blessings just the same.  For what flows to me from Jehovah's spring,  By passing it on, Everlasting live it can bring.",We have the privilege of passing on life-giving water to others.,Rev. 22:17;,Bobby Laymon,"Come, You Who Thirst For The Truth!",89,,1998/03/25,
Generosity;,"'Most arts require long study and application, but the most useful of all, that of pleasing, requires only the desire.'  Quote:  L. Chesterfield.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Generosity;,"'We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.' Quote: Winston Churchill",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Generosity;,Don't give until it hurts....give until it feels good.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Generosity;,"Generosity is giving more than you can, and pride is taking less than you need.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Generosity;,"He that gives should never remember, he that receives should never forget.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Generosity;,"If we are here to help others, what are the others here for?",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Generosity; Pride;,"'Generosity is giving more than you can, and pride is taking less than you need.'  Quote:  Kahlil Gibran.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Generosity; Self-sacrifice;,"'Many men have been capable of doing a wise thing, more a cunning thing, but very few a generous thing.'  Quote:  Alex Pope.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Generous, Mercy, Honest, Selfish,","In selling grain in Israel, it was the custom to pour it into the skirts.  Can you imagine a merchant today, pouring grain in, shaking it down, pressing it down, then pouring in more.",This is how Jesus described how generosity would be responded to by those loving Jehovah.,Luke 6:36-38; Proverbs 11:25; 22:9,Ralph Benita,"Mercy, A Dominant Quality Of True Christians",7,,,
"Generosity; share, sharing, divide, ",'A divided orange tastes just as good.'  Quote:  Chinese.,We should share what we have. ,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Generosity;,'Generous people are rarely mentally ill people.'  Quote:  Dr. Karl Menninger.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Generosity;,"'If there be any truer measure of a man than by what he does, it must be by what he gives.'  Quote:  Robert South.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Generosity;,'If you continually give you will continually have.'  Quote:  Chinese.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Generosity;,'No one is so generous as he who has nothing to give.'  Quote:  French.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Generosity;,'Seek your joy in what you give and not in what you get.'  Quote:  Evan Roberts.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Generosity;,"'We love those people who give with humility, or who accept with ease.'  Quote:  Freya Stark.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Generosity;,"'When the gift comes, the gate opens by itself.'  Quote:  German.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Generosity;,"'When the hand ceases to scatter, the mouth ceases to praise.'  Quote:  Irish.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Generosity;,Generous gestures yield the most when that isn't their purpose.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Generosity;,Give to your friends and lend to your enemies.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Generosity;,No life is pleasing to God that is not useful to men.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Generosity;,The only things we ever keep are what we give away.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Generosity;,"To live and let live is fine, but to live and help live is better.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Generosity;,"When it  comes to giving, some people stop at nothing.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Generosity; Giving;,'The more he cast away the more he had. --John Bunyan'  Quote:  John Bunyan.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Generosity; Help; Charity;,'As the purse is emptied the heart is filled.' Quote: Victor Hugo,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Generosity; Help; Charity; Compassion; Kindness;,"'He who waits to do a great deal of good at once, will never do anything.'  Quote:  Sam Johnson.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Genes, Dna, Chromosomes, Science,",'Some believe that genes are little dictators that make us behave as we do.',"They believe genes are responsible for schizophrenia, alcoholism, and even homosexuality.  Many scientist advise caution on these possible links.","Ps 139:14,16;","Mar 22, 1995 Aw Page 8",Does Your Hope Rest On Science Or The Bible?,80,,1995/02/21,
"Genes, Dna, Chromosomes, Science,",Like 'searching for a burnt-out light bulb in a house with no address in an unknown street in an anonymous city in a foreign country.' Quote: A gene hunter.,Researcher study families to locate the genes that determine characteristics that are inherited with well-known traits and susceptibilities.  These genetic-linkage maps are very rough and hard to compile.,"Ps 139:14,16;","Mar 22, 1995 Aw Page 4",Does Your Hope Rest On Science Or The Bible?,80,,1995/02/21,
Genius,Inventing is a combination of brains and materials.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Genius;,Genius is entitled to respect only when it promotes the peace and improves  the happiness of mankind. --Lord Essex,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Genius;,Genius is one per cent inspiration and ninety-nine per cent perspiration.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Genius;,I don't want to be a genius--I have enough problems just trying to be a  man. --Albert Camus,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Genius;,"The more brains you use, the less material you need.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Genius; Talent;,"'Genius does what it must, and talent does what it can.'  Quote:  Owen Meredith.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Gentile Times, 1914,",'The Gentile times have ended; their kings have had their day',"Quote by Bro. Russell on Oct 2, 1914 to Brooklyn Bethel.",Luke 21:5-36,"Oct 15, 1990 Wt Page 16",Will You Be A Survivor Of The 'last Days'?,2,,,
Gentleness;,'There is nothing in the world stronger than gentleness.'  Quote:  Han Suyin.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Get The Point Of,Ink blotter,"Get everything down, but get it backwards",Heb. 5:14,Bobby Laymon,,,,,
"Gift, Children, Time, Service,",'The only gift you can give is a portion of thyself.' Quote: Ralph W. Emerson.,"We can apply this to many walks of life.  Our children, service, conversation.",Acts 20:35;,Bobby Laymon,,,,1997/05/18,
"Gift, Life, Appreciate, Greed, Selfish,",A miss by an inch is as good as a mile.,We must do nothing that could cause us to miss out on the gift to life.,Eph. 5:3-5; 2 Cor. 9:11; Col. 3:14; Prov. 1:7; Gal. 5:22;,Bobby Laymon,Appreciating Marvels Of God's Creation,114,,,
"Gift, Life, Appreciate, Greed, Selfish,",Don't look a gift horse in the mouth. Look at horses mouth and teeth to see how old it is.,Show appreciation for generosity.,Eph. 5:3-5; 2 Cor. 9:11; Col. 3:14; Prov. 1:7; Gal. 5:22;,Bobby Laymon,Appreciating Marvels Of God's Creation,114,,,
"Gift, Pride, Proud, Humble, Humility, Speaker,","Story is told of goose that laid golden eggs.  Owner decided there must be a lot of gold inside so he butchered the goose.  What he found, he never suspected.  It was just an ordinary goose with a special gift.  No gold at all.","Many times we see brothers that are very good at public speaking and good with illustrations.  Or perhaps we are the one gifted.  We must never get to thinking that the man is something.  He is just like the goose with a special gift.  He eats, drinks, breaths, bleeds like us.  Why should we be puffed up because we have a gift.  Bless the giver of the gift!","James 1;17,",Johnse Laymon,Are You Doing What God Requires Of You?,43,,1994/01/25,
"Gift, Show, Christendom,",Hypocrites blow trumpet when making gifts.,"We should give in secret, for God's sake and not men.",Matt. 6:1-4;,Bobby Laymon,Religion's Role In World Affairs.,92,,,
"Gift, Thankful, Grateful, Appropriate, Fitting, Consideration,",'A blind man will not thank you for a looking-glass.' Quote: Thomas Fuller.,All things we do for others should be fitting.  We should be considerate of others feelings.,1 Cor 14:40;,Bobby Laymon,"As Christians, We Care About Other People",15,,1995/08/25,
"Gift, Time, Appreciation,","A child can draw a picture with just a few crayons and a piece of paper.  But that picture will not be appraised monetarily by his parents or grandparents.  They will proudly show off his 'masterpiece' to others.  Likewise, a hand-knitted sweater.","The cost of a gift is not really a true gauge of its value.  What is your motive in giving?  Will it bring pleasure for a day, or for many years?  Will it simply be tucked away in a drawer? Sometimes, a gift of one's time is the most valuable.",Acts 20:35;,"Feb 22, 1970 Aw Page 13",Is It Time For God To Rule The World?,20,,,
"Gifts, Appreciation, Anger,","A young man was getting ready to graduate from college. For many months he had admired a beautiful sports car in a dealer's showroom, and knowing his father could well afford it, he told him that was all he wanted.  As Graduation Day approached, the young man awaited signs that his father had purchased the car. Finally, on the morning of his graduation, his father called him into his private study. His father told him how proud he was to have such a fine son, and told him how much he loved him. He handed his son a beautifully wrapped gift box.  Curious, and somewhat disappointed, the young man opened the box and found a lovely, leather-bound Bible, with the young man's name embossed in gold.  Angry, he rose his voice to his father and said 'with all your money, you give me a Bible?' and stormed out of the house.  Many years passed and the young man was very successful in business.  He had a beautiful home and wonderful family, but realized his father was very old, and thought perhaps he should go to him. He had not seen him since that graduation day.  Before he could make arrangements, he received a telegram telling him his father had passed away, and willed all of his possessions to his son.  He needed to come home immediately and take care of things.  When he arrived at his father's house, sudden sadness and regret filled his heart.  He  began to search through his father's important papers and saw the still  gift-wrapped Bible, just as he had left it years ago. With tears, he opened the Bible and began to turn the pages.  His father had carefully underlined a verse, Matt.7:11, 'And if ye, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more shall your Heavenly Father which is in Heaven, give to those who ask Him?'  As he read those words, a car key dropped from the back of the Bible.  It had a tag with the dealer's name, the same dealer who had the sports car he had desired. On the tag was the date of his graduation, and the words  PAID IN FULL.",How many times do we miss God's blessings because we can't see past our own desires?,Matt 7:11;,Tim Moore,,,,1998/01/01,
"Conscience,","Imagine you are driving along, and the oil light comes on.  Quickly you stop the car, raise the hood, check the oil and everything seems normal.  You take a pair of pliers and cut the wire going to the oil sensor.  A mile or two down the road you have serious problems.","It is that way with our conscience.  We cannot afford to ignore our conscience, or we will have greater trouble down the road.",Rom. 1:25,Deryl Strohl,Godly Wisdom In A Scientific World.,139,,"Oct 30, 2002",
"Stem Cell, Creation, Science,","In the hands of a skilled craftsman, a lump of soft clay can be fashioned into practically any shape.",Embryonic stem cells are the living equivalent of that piece of soft clay; they have the potential to give rise to virtually all of the over 200 cell types making up the human body.,Jer 10:23; Prov 1:33;,"Nov 22, 2002 Aw Page 4",Godly Wisdom In A Scientific World.,139,,"Oct 30, 2002",
"Gifts, Christmas, Appreciation, Generosity,","What a thrill it would be to receive a picture from a Christian youngster who, after listening to a Bible talk, drew it as an expression of thanks!  Equally encouraging is the unexpected present from a relative as a token of that one's love.","Likewise, Christian parents gain much joy when they choose appropriate occasions throughout the year to give gifts to their children.  This kind of generosity is untarnished.","Php 2:3, 4;","Dec 15, 1994 Wt Page 7",Decide Now For Divine Rulership,37,,1994/11/09,
"Gifts, Faith, Works,",Men do not value a good deed unless it brings a reward. Ovid (B.C. 43-18 A.D),We must put forth effort to be pleasing to Jehovah.,Mt 23:3-8;,Wisdom Of The Ages,Have Faith In The Good News,47,,,
"Gifts, Jehovah, Jesus,","Some when making gifts, give items they do not want, in case of fire victims, floods, or other crisis situations. Perhaps other angels could have provided a ransom, but only Jehovah's first born son could measure up to special needs.",Jehovah gave the very best thing he had.  His son.  Jesus also gave the very best he had.  His life.  It was a crisis involving special needs of sinful mankind.  He was the first 'cheerful giver.' 2Co 9:7;,Mk 10:45; Jo 15:13; Rom 8:32; Jo 3:16;,"Jan 15, 1992 Wt Pages 10, 11",Make Jehovah Your Confidence,70,,,
"Gilead, Bethel, Pioneer, Focus, Pearson, Happiness, Joy, Worldwide,","'You can have the best camera, the most beautiful subject, an  ideal setting, and still get poor results - if your camera is not in focus.'  Quote: Leonard Pearson","'Like a wide-angle lens, our view must include the worldwide preaching being done.  We should never lose sight of the big picture.  Those who focus on themselves will be unhappy in their assignments.'  'Those who focus on Jehovah and on the work he has given them to do will succeed.'","Heb 12:2, 3;","Jun 1, 1994 Wt Page 25",Finding Honor And Joy In God's Ministry,65,,1994/04/28,
"Gilead, Bethel, Pioneer, Service, Klein, Happiness, Joy,","'Jesus said that there is more happiness in giving than there is receiving.'   Quote: Karl F. Klein, member of Governing Body of Jehovah's Witnesses for nearly two decades.","'So it will be in your missionary assignment - the more you give, the happier you will be.'",Acts 20:35;,"Jun 1, 1994 Wt Page 25",You Can Find Joy In Serving God,103,,1994/04/28,
"Gilead, Bethel, Pioneer, Service, Territory, Assignment, Swingle,","'The Israelites did not always choose where they would live and what they would do.  Each tribe was allotted a portion of land, and the Levites were assigned specific duties to perform.'  Quote: Lyman Swingle.","'Similarly, many in full-time service today - such as missionaries and Bethel family members - do not decide for themselves where they will live and what work they will do.'  'Always Cherish Your Assignment!'","Heb 12:2, 3;","Jun 1, 1994 Wt Page 25",How To Express Love In A Lawless World,112,,1994/04/28,
"Gilead, Missionary, Evangelism,",When the 5000th graduate of the School of Gilead was announced - a young man from Austria who was being assigned to Taiwan - he was cheered heartily by the audience.,"This was Gilead's 50th class who graduated on March 7, 1971.  Gilead has gone on to graduate thousands of others.","Ps 139:7, 8;","May 1, 1971 Wt Page 288",Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,063,,1993/11/10,7/12/2025
"Gilead, Missionary, Pioneer, Confidence, Faith,","The confidence Jehovah's people have is because their faith is based on absolutes. They know, for example, that Jehovah is the Universal Sovereign and that his Word, the Holy Bible, is absolute truth.  Quote: A. D. Schroeder",This is in striking contrast with human philosophies based on  uncertainties and speculations.,"Heb 11:1, 2;",W87 12/1 22,Maintain Your Confidence Firm To The End,46,,1994/06/04,
"Gilead, Missionary, Pioneer, Confidence, Faith, Foundation, Progress,","'Every encouragement is from God; every discouragement is from Satan.'  The students' Gilead training was only a foundation; now they had to build on it by following Paul's advice at Ephesians 5:15, 16  Quote: Martin Poetzinger","'Do not stand still,' urged the speaker. 'You will have your problems in your missionary assignment as to language, climate, food, and so forth; but by trusting in Jehovah, you can solve all those problems. Love for people is your key to success. Every encouragement is from God; every discouragement is from Satan.'","Eph 5:15, 16;",W87 12/1 22,Maintain Your Confidence Firm To The End,46,,1994/06/04,
"Gilead, Missionary, Pioneer, Confidence, Tests, Discouragement",The key to success as a missionary consists of four words: 'Humility is the keynote!'  Quote: Brother Edwin Skinner,"The Devil will try to discourage you, make you homesick, cause disunity in your ranks. Never allow him one inch!' Brother Barry referred to the 'dean of missionaries,' Edwin Skinner, who has been in his foreign assignment in India for 60 years, and who now at the age of 93 still does a full day's work.",1 Cor 15:58;,W87 12/1 23-4,Maintain Your Confidence Firm To The End,46,,1994/06/04,
"Gilead, Missionary, Pioneer, Confidence, Tests, Progress,","The students were finished with written tests, he said, but they will keep facing many other tests in their missionary assignments.  Quote: Eldor Timm.",How they meet those tests will determine their success as missionaries. They need to guard against overconfidence by heeding the counsel: 'Let him that thinks he is standing beware that he does not fall.' (1Corinthians 10:12) They will keep making improvements if they keep a good mental attitude.,1 Cor 10:12; 1 Cor 13:5;,W87 12/1 22,Maintain Your Confidence Firm To The End,46,,1994/06/04,
"Gilead, Missionary, Pioneer, Endurance, Persevere, Modesty, Glass,","Ulysses V. Glass, spoke on the theme 'Wisdom Is With the Modest  Ones.' (Proverbs 11:2) He used a wristwatch with a solar-powered battery to illustrate that the light of God's Word can keep us 'charged.' 'But,' he pointed out, 'knowledge alone does not give wisdom. Modesty is also required by God.' (Micah 6:8) Modesty will lead us to fear God, and 'the fear of Jehovah is the start of wisdom.'","True, we must think something of ourselves; self-condemnation can be destructive. Jehovah has granted special ability to some, as he did during the construction of the tabernacle, but faithfulness in modesty must be worked at.  'During the term,' Brother Glass told the class, 'you gave evidence of dependability and respect.  Display this same faithfulness in your assignment, and God will bless you.'",Proverbs 11:2; Micah 6:8; Proverbs 9:10,W90 12/15 23,Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,063,,1994/06/03,7/12/2025
"Gilead, Missionary, Pioneer, Endurance, Persevere, Yielding, Trials,","'Learn to adapt, like a tree in a windstorm.'","There are many benefits to being yielding, such as being better able to endure trials and stick to one's assignment with peace of mind.'  One was shocked at the way a fellow missionary hacked off a piece of cheese at the table. After 22 years of missionary service, the one who had been shocked observed that most troubles start over matters of no greater consequence than how someone cuts cheese.",Proverbs 11:2; Micah 6:8; Proverbs 9:10,W90 12/15 23,Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,063,,1994/06/03,7/12/2025
"Gilead, Missionary, Pioneer, Evangelizer,","Frederick W. Franz, reminisced on the founding of the Gilead School, 'a war baby and a child of faith' that got started in the midst of World War II.","He showed how these new missionaries would be participating in this great work of building up a wide, solid highway on which newcomers to true worship can walk on their way to Paradise restored.",Is 62:10;,W86 6/1 27,Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,063,,1994/06/04,7/12/2025
"Gilead, Missionary, Pioneer, Evangelizer, Age, Health,","Then, Glass, pulling a replica of a gold bar from a brown paper bag, said: 'The tested quality of our faith can be of value greater than gold.","Although our flesh, like a paper bag, may crumble from wear, age, sickness, it can still carry the gold-our faith.'",2 Cor 4:7;,W84 5/1 28,Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,063,,1994/06/04,7/12/2025
"Gilead, Missionary, Pioneer, Evangelizer, Anger, Pressure,","Likening the students to seedlings in a hothouse, he explained that now they were about to be transplanted to a new environment, but they should 'keep their roots embedded in theocratic soil.'  Quote: U. V. Glass.","He warned the students not to be thin-skinned, or blow up, when pressures build. And then he offered suggestions as to how they could ease the pressures sometimes found in missionary life.","Ps 37:1, 2;",W84 12/1 27,Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,063,,1994/06/05,7/12/2025
"Gilead, Missionary, Pioneer, Evangelizer, Contentment, Career,","David Olson, told the experience of a man who supervised part of the project that succeeded in putting a man on the moon. Later, this same man earned his living sweeping parking lots.","He felt more of a success in his second career. Why? Because his  new work allowed him time to serve Jehovah and care for his family. Truly, those who find delight in Jehovah, his law, and his service find real success.",Ps 1:1-3;,W85 12/1 23,Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,063,,1994/06/04,7/12/2025
"Gilead, Missionary, Pioneer, Evangelizer, Contentment, Career, Joy,","After his first 21 years in full-time service, one of the early Gilead missionaries in Japan wrote in 1960: 'They are years packed full of joys and experiences that a hundred ordinary lifetimes could not start to contain!'","Today, some 24 years later, this brother's joy remains great as a member of the Governing Body of Jehovah's Witnesses.",Is 60:22;,W84 5/1 21,Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,063,,1994/06/04,7/12/2025
"Gilead, Missionary, Pioneer, Evangelizer, Happiness, Preaching",As Jehovah used the angels in the past.,'Jehovah will use you to deliver people from bondage in Satan's prison.' Imagine the happiness that will bring them!,Luke 16:10;,W85 6/1 28,Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,063,,1994/06/04,7/12/2025
"Gilead, Missionary, Pioneer, Evangelizer, Mind, Reasonable,","Remember, he said, that 'wise men change their minds, fools never do!'  So he advised the new missionaries to be adaptable like the apostle Paul, who could even quote local poets.","'Bloom where you are planted. . . . Keep an open mind and heart,'  Quote: Jack Redford",Acts 17:27;,W86 6/1 27,Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,063,,1994/06/04,7/12/2025
"Gilead, Missionary, Pioneer, Evangelizer, Mistake, Sin, Experiences,","'Last year I met a man who had not made a mistake in 4,000 years.' He was referring to an Egyptian mummy in a museum.  Quote: Jack Redford.","The point, of course, was that only dead men do not make mistakes. But when we are confronted with our mistakes, do we act like Saul, who tried to justify his errors, or like David, who readily admitted his? Thought-provoking questions indeed!",Rom 3:10;,W85 6/1 28,Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,063,,1994/06/04,7/12/2025
"Gilead, Missionary, Pioneer, Evangelizer, Poor, Rich,","'We came as needy men and women, although we didn't realize it  at the time,'","'Today, at the end of just five months, we are leaving rich and full.' They are resolved to put their training and spiritual riches to good use in their new assignments.",Rev 2:9;,W85 6/1 28,Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,063,,1994/06/04,7/12/2025
"Gilead, Missionary, Pioneer, Evangelizer, Preaching, Friend, Bible,",Then Daniel Sydlik advised the students to 'take along a close friend' as they go to their foreign assignments.,"The Bible is that friend. They can depend on it in their hour of need, he told them. It is so powerful that only a sentence, or even a word, from it is at times enough to help someone.  Read it and listen to it daily, he exhorted the students, and help others to do the same.",Heb 4:12;,W85 6/1 28,Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,063,,1994/06/04,7/12/2025
"Gilead, Missionary, Pioneer, Evangelizer, Simple,","Theodore Jaracz, reminded the new missionaries that, unlike tourists who go places to sightsee, they were being sent forth into many different cities of the world to preach the good news.","'Be single-minded,' he explained. 'Don't allow materialistic pursuits to distract you. If you have a 'simple' eye, then you are single-minded.' 'As Gilead missionaries,' he added, 'you are devoted to one purpose to search out deserving ones and preach the good news.'",Luke 11:34;,W86 12/1 22,Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,063,,1994/06/04,7/12/2025
"Gilead, Missionary, Pioneer, Evangelizer, Tools, Zeal,","'My dad used to say, 'If you have a job to do, get the right tools and then finish the job right-don't leave it half done.''  Quote: A. D. Schroeder.","He explained that the students now have the tools, which include the Society's helpful Bible literature in addition to the background gained from their five-month course of ministerial training. Then he related examples of fruitful missionaries who today are making a success of their assignments.",Prov. 22:29,W84 12/1 27,Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,063,,1994/06/05,7/12/2025
"Gilead, Missionary, Pioneer, Evangelizer, Values, Preaching","'How keen is your sense of values?' That question was posed by Ulysses Glass.  Holding up a postage stamp for all to see, he said that, though small in value, the usefulness of a postage stamp consists of its ability to stick to one thing until it gets there.","'Make yourself like that postage stamp,' he said, 'and stick to one thing-your commission to preach-until you safely reach your destination, the other side of the great tribulation.'",Luke 16:10;,W86 12/1 23-4,Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,063,,1994/06/04,7/12/2025
"Gilead, Missionary, Pioneer, Evangelizing, Preaching, Positive,","'Fire can both warm and destroy,' he said. 'Sometimes missionaries encourage and sometimes they intimidate. An old African man once said: 'Blow gently,' as on a spark you are trying to bring to life!  Quote: Dan Sydlik","When talking about the things you may find in your assignment-open sewers, flies, noisy traffic, a new country, an unfamiliar religion-show respect. You catch more flies with honey than with vinegar. Learn to 'blow gently' and keep alive the fire of Jehovah's spirit.'",1 Cor 4:8;,W89 12/1 21,Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,63,,1994/06/04,
"Gilead, Missionary, Pioneer, Friends,","There are many commercial institutions that offer training on achieving success in business by winning friends and influencing people. The students, as future missionaries, have also been taught how to win friends and influence people, not for selfish gain, however, but so that such people can become friends of God.",There is no satisfaction or joy greater than succeeding in helping people to become friends of God. Friendship with God is the greatest honor any creature can have. 'Continue To Be Jehovah's Friend.',Jas 3:23;,W87 12/1 24,Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,63,,1994/06/04,
"Gilead, Missionary, Pioneer, Goals,","'Cultivate Great and Grand Expectations.' Jehovah has created us with the capacity for having expectations, hopes, and dreams. Should not, then, missionaries have high expectations for themselves?","'Set a goal, make demands on yourselves!' exhorted Sydlik.  When teaching others,' continued Sydlik, 'set high expectations for them too. Let them know that it is expected that they attend meetings and prepare lessons ahead of time.'",1 Tim 4:15;,W88 6/1 22-3,Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,63,,1994/06/04,
"Gilead, Missionary, Pioneer, Goals, Anxiety, Stress,","George Couch recognized that the students were not strangers to anxiety. The challenges of coming to Gilead, living in Brooklyn Bethel, and preaching in New York City all caused some anxiety. Now the students were anxious about their missionary assignments.","But reasonable anxiety is not an enemy. 'Anxiety can help to spur us on to do our best,' he explained, and he encouraged the students to trust in Jehovah and do their best in their assignments",Mt 6:31-33;,W87 6/1 27,Gaining Comfort In All Our Tribulations,105,,1994/06/04,
"Gilead, Missionary, Pioneer, Goals, Credibility, Trust,","Consider the Levite gatekeepers. 'Their office was one of unique trust. They had the key-the implement expressing the very power of control over entrance to the holy areas of the temple. They were reliable, opening the gates dependably each morning.","'You have been given a unique trust and a special key, as it were, with which to open up, morning by morning, to those seeking entrance to the courtyards of true worship. Guard that trust well and use that key dependably.'  Quote: Brother Songer","1 Chronicles 9:26, 27",W88 12/1 21  Quote: Brother Songer,On Whose Promises Do You Rely?,61,,1994/06/04,
"Gilead, Missionary, Pioneer, Goals, Credibility, Trust,","Paul's parting counsel to Timothy was: 'Use this pattern of healthful words that you have received from me, and guard this like a treasure, a trust.'  A trust is for someone else.","The graduates, too, have received a treasure. For the previous five months, they had studied the Bible and matters concerning the ministry. 'This instruction, this pattern of healthful words,' explained Henschel, 'is something God has put in your hands to use, not just for yourself, no, but for others.'","2 Timothy 1:13, 14",W88 12/1 21-2,On Whose Promises Do You Rely?,61,,1994/06/04,
"Gilead, Missionary, Pioneer, Goals, Credibility, Truth,",U. V. Glass followed with an illustration involving a glass of water and a string of pearls. In many lands the purity of a glass of water is questionable. Equally dubious might be the genuineness of a string of pearls.,"'What of your credibility?' asked Glass. 'A lack of credibility has been called the 'silent destroyer of relationships.'' How can the graduates establish their credibility? 'Speak truth,' said Glass, 'not coloring or bending it. Integrity is the foundation of credibility.'",Eph 4:25;,W88 6/1 23,Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,63,,1994/06/04,
"Gilead, Missionary, Pioneer, Goals,  Dependable, Assignment, Territory,","Jehovah not only created everything, animate and inanimate, but also created a place for each creation to occupy.","'Now, as you go to your assignment, think: 'Jehovah has placed me here.' Never forget that.  Quote: John Barr",Psalm 104:11-20,Bobby Laymon,How Do You Fit Into The Kingdom Arrangement?,21,,1994/06/04,
"Gilead, Missionary, Pioneer, Goals,  Dependable, Trust,","'WE ARE not fair-weather Christians. We are just happy to be here.' With these words the chairman opened a special all-day meeting at the Jersey City Assembly Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses on Sunday, the first day of March. Outside, it was raining heavily.","Jehovah's servants are not 'fair-weather' Christians, but preach both day and night.",Ro 12:15;,Bobby Laymon,On Whose Promises Do You Rely?,61,,1994/06/04,
"Gilead, Missionary, Pioneer, Negative, Gossip","'Avoid selfishness and be selfless' was the counsel. 'Look ahead to comforts and nice things in the new world; don't be seeking them now,'  Quote:  Brother Flodin","'Sometimes, people see the same thing, and some will have a negative view, others a positive view. Like Caleb of old, trust in Jehovah. Tell others your positive thoughts. And if negative talk is encountered, change the subject to avoid negative thoughts.'","Numbers 13:28, 32;",W89 12/1 21-2,What Kind Of Name Are You Making With God?,55,,1994/06/04,
"Gilead, Missionary, Pioneer, Problems",'We all have our ups and downs.'  Quote Jack Redford.,'Anyone can handle the ups. It is how you handle the downs that will determine how you endure in the missionary service.',2 Cor 4:8;,W82 11/15 27,Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,63,,1994/06/27,
"Gilead, Missionary, Pioneer, Problems","As illustrated with John the Baptist and Jesus Christ, the privileges a man might enjoy were at times determined by his birth into a certain tribe-a God-ordained arrangement.  Quote: Ulysses Glass","But these missionaries have their work cut out for them by reason of their dedication and volunteering, rather than by reason of their birth. God knows what is best for each one, and to submit to him actually means greater freedom.","Jer 10:23; Prov. 3:5, 6;",W76 11/1 671,Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,63,,1994/06/27,
"Gilead, Pioneer,",'A small village compared to earth's millions.' (Bro. Knorr),The total number of those thus favored by such missionary training likened to above.,Jer. 1:10;,"Nov 8, 1967 Aw Page 25",Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,63,,,
"Gilead, Pioneer,","A lump of clay is fashioned at the wheel, polished, baked into a useful vessel.",Jehovah God is the Potter and is accepting human creatures to mold,Isa. 64:8; 1 Tim. 6:20; 2 Tim. 1:12-14;,"Jan 8, 1963 Aw Page 25",Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,63,,,
"Gilead, Pioneer,","Plants taken in hand for special attention, transplanted again. Need to continue growing up as 'trees' that would provide shade for others.",Those assigned to where need is great.,Ps. 27:14,"Jan 8, 1962 Aw Page 25",Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,63,,,
"Gilead, Pioneer,",Sharp and durable spearheads.,Should be like that in spreading pure worship.,Ps. 27:4; Phil. 4:4-7;,"Jan 8, 1963 Aw Page 25",Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,63,,,
"Gilead, Pioneer, Bethel,","'I could write a book about our grand experiences at Gilead, but then Gilead was but a springboard to greater things ahead.' Quote: Kathryn Glass.","Gilead opens many doors to serve where he need is greater, and many blessings from Jehovah.",1co 3:7; Pr 22:6;,"Jun 1, 1971 Wt Page 342",Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,63,,1993/11/15,
"Gilead, Pioneer, Elders,",Be 'all-weather shepherds.',Do not abandon the 'sheep' in the face of hardship.,Eze 34:1-14; 2co 10:7;,"Nov 8, 1970 Aw Page 26;",Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,63,,1993/10/31,
"Gilead, Pioneer, Food, Service, Baptism, Dedication,","A person at a table will take some of the food offered to him and pass it on to others, so they can have a share.","Likewise, we should do the same with spiritual food.  Making it available to others.  Especially Gilead graduates, pioneers and overseers should be mindful of this.",Luke 10:1-9; Ac 13:2-4;,"May 8, 1968 Aw Page 26 (W. R.. Wilkinson)",How Should You Serve God?,58,,,
"Gilead, Pioneer, Minister, Missionary, Evangelizing,","'When you accepted the invitation to come to Gilead School, you  were, in effect, telling Jehovah, 'I want to be molded into a type of vessel that you can use for a special purpose, for missionary work.''  Quote: Speaker at Gilead's 49th graduation class.","Those taught by Jehovah had received much 'molding' during the   five month course.  We can be 'molded' by God through 'learning, counsel, correction and blessing,' as these graduates were.  They had received many beneficial adjustments.","Is 64:8; Ps 45:7; Pr 15:31, 32;","Nov 8, 1970 Aw Page 25, 26;",Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,63,,1993/10/31,
"Gilead, Pioneer, Missionary,",Jeremiah did a tearing down work as well as a building work.,Missionaries must do the same.,Jer. 1:10;,"Nov 8, 1967 Aw Page 26",Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,63,,,
"Gilead, Pioneer, Missionary, Adjustment, Patience,","You are 'like a calf that has been taken away from its mother and placed in a foreign pasture to forage for itself.' 'It bawls, sometimes for days, but it soon learns that it must make an adjustment if it would live.' Quote: Brother Markus to 20th Gilead class",'Your experience will be very much the same.  Be patient with yourself.  It is all a matter of adjustment.  Then you will love your new life and new home.',Heb 13:5; 1ti 6:8;,"Apr 15, 1953 Wt Page 236",Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,63,,,
"Gilead, Pioneer, Missionary, Faith, Doubt,",'Ten Years ago there was some doubt as to whether Gilead was the right thing.  With faith in God we went ahead with the arrangements.  Now there is no doubt ... Quote: N.H. Knorr to 20th class.,Jehovah continues to bless the arrangements for Kingdom preachers through the earth.  He continues to support the work.,Mt 24:14,"Apr 15, 1953 Wt Page 236",Have Faith In The Good News,47,,,
"Gilead, Pioneer, School, Apply, Study,","'Scientific experiments have proved that a crayfish will eat until a certain nerve, running from the brain to the belly, tells it to stop. If this nerve is severed, the fish will eat till it bursts.' Quote: Brother Glass to 20th class.","'Now you have been eating for more than five months.  I am not suggesting you stop, no.  But that nerve should be telling you there is work to be done.  And that is exactly what you will find in your assignment -- work!'",Heb 13:5; 1ti 6:8;,"Apr 15, 1953 Wt Page 236",Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,63,,,
"Gilead, Pioneer, Service, Publisher, Preaching,",Do you have something that others do not have? Outstanding talent? Robust health? Keen eyesight? Knowledge of several languages? Rich and varied background?,The privilege to preach the Good News is something that many do not have. This kingdom preaching will soon close down.,Matt. 24:14; Isa. 6:8;,"Nov 1, 1967 Wt Page 643 (bro. Knorr To 44th Class Of Gilead)",How Should You Serve God?,58,,,
"Giving, Generosity, Contributions, Service, Knowledge,","The Sea of Galilee and the Dead Sea are made of the same water. It flows down, clear and cool, from the heights of Hermon and the roots of the cedars of Lebanon. The Sea of Galilee makes beauty of it, for the Sea of Galilee has an outlet. It gets to give. It gathers in its riches that it may pour them out again to fertilize the Jordan plain. But the Dead Sea with the same water makes horror. For the Dead Sea has no outlet. It gets to keep. Quote: Harry Emerson Fosdick",We can be like that in our service to Jehovah.  The purpose of our knowledge should be to give to others.,Luke 6:38;,Bobby Laymon,"Mercy, A Dominant Quality Of True Christians",7,,1994/09/07,
"Giving, Generous, Contributions, Selfish,","'The miracle is this--the more we share, the more we have.' Quote: Leonard Nimey.",Jehovah blesses a generous spirit.,2 Cor 9:6;,Bobby Laymon - Reader's Digest.,,,,1996/03/13,
"Giving, Gift, Generosity, Happiness, Selfish, Joy,","America's 19th-century industrialist Andrew Carnegie could have  been his country's first billionaire. Instead, he gave away 90 percent of his fortune over a period of 18 years. When his secretary warned him that he was depleting his personal capital, he happily replied, 'Delighted to hear it my boy, keep it up.'",The Greater Happiness of Giving.  Do You Experience It?,Acts 20:35;,G87 11/22 3,You Can Find Joy In Serving God,103,,1995/06/06,
"Giving, Gift, Generosity, Happiness, Selfish, Joy,","John D. Rockefeller, one of the richest men in the world, gave away $750 million in his lifetime. It has been written that singer Elvis Presley 'would hand out Cadillac's by the dozen' and thoroughly enjoyed doing so.","Admittedly, those who have more are able to give more.  Yet we can have happiness by giving them the most important gift ever.",Acts 20:35;,G87 11/22 3,You Can Find Joy In Serving God,103,,1995/06/06,
"Giving, Gift, Generosity, Happiness, Selfish, Joy,","When the unnamed queen of Sheba traveled to Jerusalem to visit King Solomon, she was so moved was she that she presented Solomon with gifts of 120 talents of gold (worth about $50,000,000) as well as precious stones and much-prized balsam oil. She may have depleted her tiny kingdom's treasury by a considerable sum.","But doubtless she experienced the joy of giving. Solomon too was to experience the joy of giving, for he gave her gifts in return that apparently exceeded the value of the treasures she had given him.",2 Chron 9:12; Acts 20:35;,G87 11/22 4,You Can Find Joy In Serving God,103,,1995/06/06,
"Giving, Sponge, Bubbling, Joy, Happiness,","We do not want to be like a sponge, just absorbing water, and then needing to have someone squeeze it out of us once in a while so that the good things we have learned will benefit others. It should not be necessary for other people to squeeze us and force the truth out of us.","We should be so filled with the truth and with the understanding of God's Word that it runs out of us constantly. It would be better to be like a bubbling spring, always giving forth fresh life-giving water freely, not making it necessary for someone to dig for the waters of truth.",Rev. 22:17;,"Aug 1, 1953 Wt Page 460",,,,1997/02/25,
Giving;,'Give and spend and God will send.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Giving;,'He gives twice who gives quickly.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Giving;,'It is one of the most beautiful compensations of this life that no man can sincerely try to help another without helping himself.'  Quote:  Emerson.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Giving;,'No persons was ever honored for what he received. Honor has been the reward for what he gave.'  Quote:  Calvin Coolidge.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Giving;,Make yourself necessary to somebody.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Giving; Generosity; Compassion;,The most pitiful human ailment is a birdseed heart. --Wilson Mizner,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Giving; Problems;,The best way to forget your own problems is to help someone else with theirs.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Glass, Gemstones, Creation, Evolution, Perfect,",One authority likened the difference between gemstones and glass to the difference between a battalion of soldiers drawn up on parade and an ordinary crowd of people.,"'They may look like glass, but the atoms composing gemstones are arranged in a regular pattern.  Glass, on the other hand, is formed of random arrangements of atoms.","Ps 127:23, 24;",G83 6/8 26,Appreciating Marvels Of God's Creation,114,,1994/05/07,
Glutton;,"In general, mankind, since the improvement of cookery, eats twice as much as nature requires. --Benjamin Franklin",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Glutton;,"Their kitchen is their shrine, the cook their priest, the table their altar, and their belly their god. --Charles Buck",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Glutton; Definition;,Glutton: one who digs his grave with his teeth. --French Proverb,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Gluttony, Alcohol, Excess, Over-righteous,",'Excess always carries its own retribution.'  (Ouida 1839-1908),We must learn to be moderate in habits.,"1ti 3:2, 11; Titus 2:2;",Wisdom Of The Ages,Act Wisely As The End Draws Near,38,,,
"Gluttony, Health, Moderation,","Eat to live, not live to eat.",Avoid gluttony.,"Prov. 23:20, 21; 28:7; Prov. 14:30; Luke 21:34, 35;",Bobby Laymon (wisdom Of The Ages..Quotes),Are You Doing What God Requires Of You?,43,,,
"Gluttony, Health, Moderation,",Withdraw as soon as your work is done.    Such is Heaven's Way.,Know when to quit.,"Prov. 14:30; Luke 21:34, 35;",Bobby Laymon (wisdom Of The Ages..Quotes),What Does The Healing Of The Nations Accomplish?,111,,,
Goal,"Blind bridle; blinds on horses in parade, keep from distractions. Put goals in writing, then thoughts become crystallized.",To reach goals we need to keep eyes on prize.,"Phil. 3:13, 14",Paul Smith,Taking Time To Meditate On Spiritual Things,67,,,
Goal,"New Year's Resolution.  Put goals in writing, then thoughts become crystallized.","Most are unattainable; our goals should be practical, reachable.","Phil. 3:13, 14",Bobby Laymon,Taking Time To Meditate On Spiritual Things,67,,,
"Goal,",'A man or a woman without a goal is like a ship without a rudder.',"Each will end up on the beaches of despair, defeat and despondency.",Php 3:14;,Quotes,Taking Time To Meditate On Spiritual Things,67,,,
"Goal, Advancement, Improvement, Progress,","It's not the speed toward the goal, but the direction...forward.",Progress must be in the right direction.,Phil. 3:14;,Bobby Laymon,Keep Growing In Your Relationship With God,16,,"Nov 19, 2001",
"Goal, Prize, Determination, Paradise,","The California coast was shrouded in fog that early morning on July 4,  1952.  Twenty one miles to the west on Catalina Island a 34 year old woman waded into the water and began swimming toward California, determined to be the first woman to do so. Her name was Florence Chadwick and she had already been the first woman to swim the English Channel in both directions. She was thoroughly ready for this challenge, she had trained vigorously, was ready for all the dangers  that could be expected. The water was numbing cold that July morning, as the water flow in the Pacific Ocean currents come from far north, down from the Aleutian Islands by Alaska, to get here. The fog was so thick she could hardly see the boats in her own party.  Millions were watching on national television.  Several times sharks, which had gotten too close, had to be driven away with rifles to protect the lone figure in the water. Everyone was prepared  for this, and thought of this as just one of the obstacles on the long trip across the channel. As the hours ticked off she swam on. She was stung by jelly-fish many times, but expected this too, and so was prepared to face the pain.  Fatigue  had never been her big problem in these swims - it was the bone chilling  cold of the water. She had taken all the precautions she could to help prevent her body temperature from falling, coating herself with thick grease to help insulate her skin from the cold chill.  More than fifteen hours later, numbed with the cold, she asked to be taken out. She just could not go on. Her mother and her trainer alongside in a boat told her they were near land. They urged her not to quit, but when she looked toward the California Coast, all she could see was fog.  A few minutes later - at fifteen hours and fifty five minutes - she was taken out of the water. It was not until hours later, when her body began to warm, that  she felt the shock of the failure. To a reporter she blurted out, 'Look,  I'm not excusing myself, but if I could just have seen land, I might have made it.'  She had been pulled out into the boat only a half mile from her goal, the California Coast! Later she was to reflect that she had been licked not by fatigue, not even the cold - the fog alone had defeated her because it had obscured her goal.  It had blinded her reason, her eyes and her heart.","Like Florence Chadwick, we need to keep out goal in sight. Hebrews 11:3 says: 'By faith we perceive that the system of things were put in order by God's word, so that what is beheld has come to be out of things that do not appear.' If we look only with the physical eyes, we don't see with the eyes of faith the things that Jehovah has prepared.  Satan does many things to blur our vision, and he has a lot to work with, the fog of every day living, supporting a family, coping with a stings and barbs of  a wicked world from day to day. We have to beat off the sharks of  ruthless thieves and robbers, stealing what they did not work hard for. The cold world around us tries to take away our warmth, robbing us of life in that new system.  Hebrews 11:13 says: 'In faith all these died, although they did not get the fulfillment of the promises, but they saw them afar off and welcomed them and publicly declared that they were strangers and temporary residents in the land.'  If these faithful people mentioned in Paul's letter to Hebrews were able to see them afar off from thousands of years ago, how much clearer should we be able to  see them with the eyes of faith today.  In 1952 it was the only time  Florence Chadwick ever quit. Two months later she swam that same channel, and again fog obscured her view, but this time she swam with her faith intact; that somewhere behind that fog was land. Not only was she the first woman to swim the Catalina Channel, but she beat the men's record by some two hours! May you and I conquer in a similar way the spiritual challenge of attaining our goal of everlasting life.",Heb. 11:3;,Bobby Laymon,Service Talk,200,,1998/07/07,
"Goal, Vision, Destiny, Hope, Faith,","'Give to us clear vision that we may know where to stand and what to stand for--because unless we stand for something, we shall fall for anything.' Quote: -Peter Marshall.",We are in position to stand on the side of God's sovereignty and  proclaim the Kingdom despite opposition.  Also may have opportunity to serve as part of 'the foundation' of the 'new earth'.,Isa 51:16; 65:17;,Bobby Laymon,What God's Rulership Can Do For Us,24,,1995/08/25,
Goal;,'All's well that end's well.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Goal; Life; Living; Present;,"'To live only for some future goal is shallow. It is the sides of the mountain that sustain life, not the top.'  Quote:  R. Persia.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Goal; Reward; Future;,'In everything we ought to look to the end.'  Quote:  Jean Fontaine.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Goals,"Average persons eats over 1400 lbs food each year; Who would try eating it all at one sitting? If you follow a daily schedule of reading just 15 minutes a day, you could complete the reading of the Bible within a year.","Apply to Bible reading, or other long-range goals. (Time to listen to 5 popular songs on the radio)",1 Tim. 4:12-15  Acts 17:11,"Sep 22, 1990 Aw Page 23",Taking Time To Meditate On Spiritual Things,67,,,
Goals,Baseball player misses ball.   It was a wasted effort.,Goals keep us from misdirecting our efforts.    Each should have spiritual goals.   Build on good foundation.,1 Cor 9:26  Phil 3:14,Assembly,Taking Time To Meditate On Spiritual Things,67,,,
Goals,"Decide to become a cook; futile to attempt to become a master chef overnight. You can, however, master the culinary arts one step at a time.  Perhaps first learning how to prepare vegetables, then meats, breads, casseroles, or desserts.","Set short-range, reachable goals. Paul did not burden Timothy with unrealistically high, unreachable goal.",1 Tim. 4:12-15,"Sep 22, 1990 Aw Page 22",Taking Time To Meditate On Spiritual Things,67,,,
Goals,"Found treasure, many had kicked aside, not a thief.  Short term: sell off possessions. Long range: buy field Goals of old world: retire.","All need to plan, set goals, both short term, long term. Truth changed our lives.","Matt 13:44  Heb 6:11, 12","Kingdom Unity Dist Assy  Uniondale, N.Y. June 23-26, 1983",Taking Time To Meditate On Spiritual Things,67,,,
Goals,Inch by inch is really a cinch; Yard by yard is really hard.,Goals should be attainable.,"Phil. 3:14, 15",Bobby Laymon,Taking Time To Meditate On Spiritual Things,67,,,
Goals,"Milestones, or Markers of spiritual progress Some goals: Read Bible 15 minutes a day. Read every issue of Watchtower.  Become an unbaptized publisher.","Each step becomes a goal reached; toward long-range goal. Becoming discreet & mature in thinking. Heb. 5:14 Cultivate fruits of spirit. Gal. 5:22, 23",1 Tim. 4:12-15,"Sep 22, 1990 Aw Page 23",Taking Time To Meditate On Spiritual Things,67,,,
"Goals,",'He who considers too much will perform little.' Quote: Shiller (1759-1805),"Goals should be within our reach, or we will become discouraged.",Mt 13:8,Wisdom Of The Ages,Taking Time To Meditate On Spiritual Things,67,,,
"Goals,",'Shoot for the moon...even if you miss you'll be among the stars.' Quote: Anonymous.,Don't set your goals too low.,Phil. 3:14;,Bobby Laymon - Bits And Pieces,Looking At Youths From Jehovah's Standpoint.,118,,1998/01/08,
"Goals, Accomplishment, Purpose, Think, Pioneer, Fear,  Paradigm","The situation is like that of fleas, who, when your remove the lid of their jar will jump only as high as the lid used to be.  They restrict themselves to a perceived limit, until after a time they realize the restriction has been lifted, and jump to freedom.",Jehovah's ways are so much higher than man's ways.  We can only see within our own environment.  It is only when we look upward that we can study Jehovah's ways and widen our vision.  The fear of Jehovah is the beginning of wisdom.,"Isa 55:8, 9; Pro 1:7;",Quotes,How Well Do You Know God?,1,,,
"Goals, Accomplishment, Purpose, Think, Time, Pioneer,","John Henry Fabre, the great French naturalist conducted a most unusual experiment with some Processionary Caterpillars.  They blindly follow each other.  He put food in a flower pot, and started them marching around the rim of the pot.  For seven days & nights they went around the pot.  Died of starvation and exhaustion with food just a few inches away.","Sometimes we confuse activity with accomplishment.  Do we count time, or do we make time count.  Are we merely striking the air?","Eph 5:15, 16;",Quotes,How Purposeful Is Your Life?,60,,,
"Goals, Achievements,","'When all is said and done, there is always more said than done.'",We want to keep our goals.,Ecclesiastes 12:1;,1997 'faith In God's Word' District Convention,How Can Youths Cope With Today's Crisis?,113,,1997/06/10,
"Goals, Aim, Agenda, Organize,",'If you aim at nothing you will hit it every time.',"We need to have an agenda.  If we aim at something, we will hit it.",1 Cor. 14:33;,Bro. Darden - Elder's School 1/98,Taking Time To Meditate On Spiritual Things,67,,1998/01/10,
"Goals, Aim, Success, Failure, Pioneer,",'In great attempts it is glorious even to fail.' Quote: -Cassius.,"Even if we fail to reach our goals, likely our efforts will be better than not having goals.",2 Kings 13:18;,Bobby Laymon,,,,1995/08/25,
"Goals, Aspirations, Dreams,",It is never too late to be what you might have been. -- George Eliot,Jehovah's promises can make all our aspirations come true.,Matt. 6:33;,Bobby Laymon,The Kingdom Of God Is Near,109,,"Nov 19, 2001",
"Goals, Attempt, Effort, Exert, Pioneer,",'Everything looks impossible for the people who never try anything.'  Quote: Jean-Louis Etienne.,We should set reasonable goals and try to reach them.,1 Tim 3:1;,Bobby Laymon - Reader's Digest,,,,1996/03/21,
"Goals, Attitudes, Congregation, Local Needs, Service, Wallace Liverance, ","On March 23, 1998, the Bethel lecture entitled:  Be Filled with Accurate Knowledge and Spiritual Comprehension was given by  Wallace Liverance As in the first century, and in the decades leading up to the destruction of Jerusalem, Jehovah's people had to be on guard against worldly concepts of life.  Prior to 70C.E., philosophical trends were happening.  There were the Stoics, the Epicureans, and the Sophates.  The Sophates, thought that the truth was just a matter of opinion; relative to ones own viewpoint.  They looked up to ones who happened to be wise, or in the know.  The Stoics thought that happiness came by living in accord with reason, and that's all that mattered.  The Epicureans lived in such a way to get the most pleasure out of life now.  They thought you should do what's best for you.  (1Cor. 15:32)- Some were advocating the eating and drinking all you can now, because they did not believe in the resurrection.  The Pharisees were rule orientated.  By doing this, they invalidated the word of God.    	Today, many believe as did the Sophates, that religion is a matter of personal opinion.  If we are not careful this thinking could affect us.  The bible is best source for counsel today.  Elders have to be careful not to give their own opinion when offering counsel.  Others can then say, that's just your opinion, I have my differences.  The Stoics made fun of Paul, and today, some may say to us that we should be working more, or earning an education.  The Epicureans lived for pleasure and what they could get out of life right now.  This same attitude could rub off on us if we are not careful.  Some have gone to the point of hardly any service at all on the weekends, and using them only for relaxing purposes.  We are reminded not to be like the Pharisees.  In Sparta, education was emphasized.  The arts were big in Athens, and lifestyles were promoted along with these things.  These were worldly concepts of life.  How can we protect ourselves from this happening to us?    	The theme scripture is found at Colossians 1:9.  It speaks here of being filled with accurate knowledge and spiritual comprehension.  So, how can we protect ourselves from these worldly concepts?  We need more than a basic knowledge of the truth.  We need a depth of knowledge.  The word accurate is used in this verse.  Paul also used the term spiritual comprehension.  This means to understand things not from man's viewpoint, but from God's perspective.  This is how we can avoid being misled.  Where can we find everything we need to know about how to please God?  And, once this is gained, what is our responsibility?  The answers to these questions can be found in Paul's letter to the Colossians.    The basis for this discussion starts with accurate knowledge and being filled with it.  We must keep in mind that Paul was writing to faithful brothers who were looking forward to their reward in the heavens.  (Col. 1:4) - Paul didn't establish this congregation, but had heard of their faith and their love for the holy ones.  How did he hear about it?  (Col. 1:7) - Epaphras could have been the founder of this congregation, and Paul heard of the Colossians through him.  (Col. 1:10-12) - Why do we need this accurate knowledge?  Verse 10 speaks of walking worthily of Jehovah.  In order to please Jehovah, we need accurate knowledge and spiritual comprehension.  We also need to bear fruitage.  This aspect of our ministry we may sometimes need to persevere in.  We need to endure fully.  Could it be that some who have given out have lost their spiritual viewpoint of the work at Bethel or in the ministry?  Not all assignments get public recognition, many take on support roles.  Maintenance, cleaning, cutting the grass, etc.  How would visitors view Bethel if these things were not cared for properly?  That's one of the first things that is noticed is the orderliness and cleanliness.  The individual may not receive recognition, yet Jehovah notices what we do.  Jehovah took notice of faithful shepherds of Jesus' time, and answered them.  The Governing Body members all worked in Bethel assignments at first.  We can endure in any assignment.    (Col. 1:11,12) These verses speak of long suffering, having joy, and a thankful spirit.  We have many things in which to be thankful for.  The truth, our hope for the future, and our privilege of Bethel service.  We have the opportunity to work along side those who will be ruling in the Kingdom.  We will be able to tell others in the new system that we were able to work along side the sons of Jehovah.  Personal study results in a joyful spirit, an optimistic spirit.  Accurate knowledge is refreshing in one's personality.  (Prov. 2:10) - Wisdom in the heart, and knowledge is pleasant.  (Prov.3:18)- Wisdom is a tree of life.  It truly is a joy to have an accurate knowledge of the truth.  This will affect our personality.    Where do we find all we need to please Jehovah?  (Col. 2:3) - Carefully concealed in Jesus was wisdom and knowledge.  What does this mean?  Embodied in Jesus is everything we need to know in order to act in a way that pleases Jehovah.  Why is it concealed?  We need to investigate for ourselves.  We need to take in the depth of the scriptures, especially the ones that pertain to Jesus.  We need meaningful personal study.  What makes Gilead so stimulating, is how a thorough examination is done on each book in the bible.  Some are studied verse by verse.  The bible is also studied in a chronological order.  This enables one to see progressive developments.  The faithful and discreet slave have put out many verse by verse studies in various publications.  Some of these books of the bible included Ezekiel, Daniel, Haggai, Zechariah, and others.  We just had three timely articles on first and second Peter in the December 1st, 1997 Watchtower.  Many of these books that have been considered by the faithful and discreet slave, show prophecies that have applied to our day.    Prophecies that have related to Jesus are very important for us to consider.  (Col. 1:14) - It's only by Jesus that we have a release from our enslavement to sin.  We can also have a righteous standing with Jehovah through Jesus.  (Col. 1:15) - He was made  in the exact likeness of Jehovah.  He reflects perfectly all of Jehovah's qualities.  Jesus is the oldest of all of Jehovah's creations.  He was also called the master worker.  Jesus was in the visible and invisible realms.  (Col. 1:16) These thrones and lordships are theocratic thrones and lordships and authorities.  These are the ones that will have Jehovah's backing.  They were created through Jesus.  They are not standing placed in their relative positions like mentioned at Romans 13.  This shows that Jesus has a hand in bringing forth the theocratic Kingdom of Melchizedek.  (Col. 1:17-19) - All fullness to dwell in Jesus.  We need Jesus for our salvation.  Again, he is the embodiment of all of Jehovah's qualities.  He has been given full authority to carry out Jehovah's divine purposes.  He is Jehovah's appointed source of wisdom.  This 'all fullness' has far reaching implications.  If we have a problem, and we wonder what to do, or wonder how do we act to please Jehovah; we can turn to Jesus' example.  He was perfect.    Elders need not look beyond God's word.  This is what all of Jesus' teachings were based on.  We don't need to look to worldly thinking.  Focus our attention on Jesus.  (Col. 2:4) Some may wonder what to do with their time.  Activity in God's work is a very satisfying way of life.  Again, look to Jesus' example.  Faith in him, will help with our righteous standing with God.  With the times we are living in, we need to stay focused on Jesus as the source of what we need to.  We then must act in a way to please Jehovah, the happy God.    What is our responsibility and what is our goal?  (Col. 1:23)- We need to continue in the faith.  We need to be steadfast, determined not to be pulled away from our hope.  (Col. 2:6,7) Walk in union with Jesus.  We need to put into practice his teachings.  This will help in keeping us stabilized.  Why speak as if some are sidetracked?  The world has many trends.  Certain views are being promoted.  (Col. 2:8) We have to be careful not to be carried away by empty philosophy of so called wisdom or man made traditions.  Many values have changed in the world.  These philosophies could seriously affect our mind and our thinking.  We may not even notice it, because our friends may be thinking the same way.  We may need to get someone else to straighten out our thinking for us.  How else can we be made new?  An illustration to help understand may be about a pilot of a plan and all the instruments he is in charge of reading.  The instruments may not be working right, hence his course of direction is off.  He may have to call traffic control, these are the ones that will help to keep him on the right tract.  Jesus' teachings, and a study of God's word, will help to keep us honed in to God' way of thinking.    Colossians 2:9 shows why we need to rely on Jehovah.  In Jesus we find fullness of divine qualities.  Jesus was filled with qualities of Jehovah.  (Col. 2:10) - Everything we need for salvation, we find in Jesus.  (Col. 2:16,17) Judizers of the time were promoting certain festival days and trying to observe them.  These were done away with when the law was.   (Col. 2:18) - These put on a pretense of mock humility.  Some were even saying that angels should be worshipped.  Angel worship today is also widely accepted.  (Col. 2:20-22) Some were imposing their own lifestyles on others.  Paul summed up how these things were of no value.  (Col. 2:23)  - Worldly approaches to life, may seem to be the course of wisdom, yet, they are nothing more than self imposed.  We have to be determined not let worldly thinking affect us.  Let Jesus' teachings affect us.    How can we benefit from Paul's counsel?  Certainly, we must stop and analyze how we think and how we are using our time.  What are our priorities?  (Col. 3:1,2)- These were all anointed Christians that Paul was writing to.  They were elevated in a spiritual sense, like they were already in the heavens.  Keep on mind's on God's way and his wisdom.  (Col. 3:16) Our day parallels to Paul's day.  The Epicureans were concerned about enjoying life now.  There is nothing wrong with having pleasure, yet are we complaining because we have no time to read the magazines?  Could our partaking in too much pleasure, take time away from gaining more knowledge?  Too many pleasurable activities, means less time for more meaningful activities.  This may encourage a life a self indulgence instead of a life of self sacrifice.  Our salvation will not depend on physical things.  Could it be possible that the trend toward exercise, could be taking time away from time that could be more profitably used?  Regarding our participation in the field ministry, one sister related, how she became more involved with her appearance, than the ministry.  Her happiness depended on the size of her waistline.  Then she saw the course of wisdom, and now sees things differently.  We have to keep kingdom interest in the right place.  The Toronto Star commented on exercise addicts.  Could there be too many physical activities and not enough spiritual?  This could lead to our spiritual detriment.    Regarding angel worship in our day.  There are programs on TV, that promote angel life on other planets. Many know, though, that this is not truth.  Some call it science fiction.  This could distract our attention away from serious bible study.  There have even been reports from some individuals, that some are learning these fictitious languages of one TV program.  We know where we should be focusing our attention.  (Col. 2:3)- Everything we need to know is in Jesus.  We have to exert ourselves.  Make the determination that no man will ever draw us away from our hope.  Strive to be filled with accurate knowledge and spiritual comprehension.  Stay focused on that exulted position of Jesus.  Take his commands seriously.  Have a full share in the ministry, not being weighed down with indulgence.  (John 15:10)- We are loved by Jehovah and Jesus and we can have full confidence of gaining life.    __________________________________________  Tim and Stephanie Moore  200 Watchtower Drive  Patterson, New York 12563  TWMoore@juno.com  _____________________________________________________________________ You don't need to buy Internet access to use free Internet e-mail. Get completely free e-mail from Juno at http://www.juno.com Or call Juno at (800) 654-JUNO [654-5866]","Use for local needs, service meeting part, or congregation book study talk.  Adjust to local application.",Col. 1:9;,Tim Moore,Service Talk,200,,1998/04/19,9/20/2014
"Goals, Bethel, Pioneer, Gilead,",'I've always wanted to go to Bethel.' (Erika Kankaanpaa) 'You'd better give up those dreams; you will never be invited.' (words of a traveling overseer),Jehovah will help us to reach our goals.  He now serves as the coordinator of the Finland Branch Committee.,1co 3:6-9;,"Apr 1, 1992 Wt Page 20-23",Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,63,,,
"Goals, Children, Maturity, Growth, Progress, Improve, Practice,","'Mighty trees, from little acorns grow.'  Quote: Ben Franklin.",Progress can be made by even small ones.,"Heb. 6:1-3; Phil. 3:16; 1 Tim. 4:16; Acts 19:9, 10;",Bobby Laymon,How Can Youths Cope With Today's Crisis?,113,,,
"Goals, Failure, Success, Aim, Pioneer,","'Aim at the sun, and you may not reach it; but your arrow will fly far higher than if aimed at an object on a level with yourself.' Quote: -Joel Hawes.",Goals are like that.  They will help us serving Jehovah.,Luke 13:24;,Bobby Laymon,Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,63,,1995/08/25,
"Goals, Failure, Success, Aim, Pioneer,","'Not failure, but low aim, is crime.' Quote: -James Russell Lowell.",Having no goals is the failure of many today.  Youths and adults alike should have goals higher than their present position.,1 Tim. 3:1;,Bobby Laymon,Getting Marriage Off To A Good Start,27,,1995/08/25,
"Goals, Growth, Improvement, Organization, Maturity,","Men of the world exert great effort to achieve their goals. They are called 'dedicated men.' They study for years, attend college they work, their eyes constantly on the goal, not allowing anything to sidetrack or hinder them. All for a human goal.","We are being trained now for greater things, and we need to be faithful in even little things. Move ahead in right way, not at expense of others, but bringing others along.",Luke 16:10; Matt. 25:21;,"Jun 1, 1967 Wt Page 336",Serving With Jehovah's Unified Organization,3,,,
"Goals, Improvement, Growth, Organization, Maturity, Obey, Obedience,","Basic formula behind the orderliness of the universe. E=MC2 The energy in a given piece of matter is equal to the mass times the speed of light squared. It is a simple, basic, formula.","The basic principle underlying the movement of Jehovah's living organization can be expressed in one word.  OBEDIENCE! Moving ahead is not cold, calculated thing. Getting close to Jah.","Judg. 6:15, 16, 27; 7:20-22; Phil. 2:7, 8; Heb. 5:8;","Jun 1, 1967 Wt Page 337",Serving With Jehovah's Unified Organization,3,,,
"Goals, Life, Direction, Examples, Bible, Oriented, Pioneer,","'When a man does not know what harbor he is making for, no wind is the right wind.' Quote: first-century Roman philosopher Lucius Annaecus Seneca.","For life to have direction, goals are essential.  Often however, life is an aimless drift.  Many are content simply to avoid the rocks and whirlpools of everyday life.  With no fixed bearing they become like waves that are 'carried forward by the wind one moment and driven back the next.'  For such people, 'no wind is the right wind.'  The Bible provides examples of those who were goal oriented, thus serving as role models for Christians today.","James 1:6; Phil 3:14, 15; Heb 13:7","Oct 1, 1995 Wt Page 32; Jul 15, 2004 WT page 21",Is This Life All There Is?,36,,1995/08/25,
"Goals, Limits, Transform,","A farmer once went to the county fair with a pumpkin that was the exact size and shape of a two-gallon jug. His pumpkin won the blue ribbon. When someone asked him how he grew a pumpkin to look like that, he said, 'It was easy. As soon as it started to grow, I stuck it inside a two gallon jug - and here it is!'","In the same way your life situation, your view of the world around you is shaped by the container you hold it in. Such beliefs can put a lid on potential. You might be a golfer who averages 90 for 18 holes. One day you're on your way to a 70 at the 16th hole. You say to yourself, 'This isn't like me!' Hearing that, your subconscious makes sure you put the next ball into the woods or the sand. At the end of 18, you have your usual 90 average. 'That's more like me' you say to yourself. Your subconscious will work hard to match whatever you believe on the inside with what you see on the outside.",Col. 3:5-10;,Bobby Laymon,Is The Truth Transforming Your Life?,51,,1998/12/11,
"Goals, Lost, Disoriented,",None climbs so high as he who knows not whither he is going.  -- Oliver Cromwell,We must be 'God-oriented.',Zeph 2:3;,Bobby Laymon,Religion's Role In World Affairs.,92,,"Nov 19, 2001",
"Goals, Minister, Pioneer, Bethel, Missionary, Gilead, Evangelizing, Happiness,","You may work hard and succeed in becoming a president, a statesman, a lawyer, a farmer, a doctor or a nurse, but do you want to make your aims even higher, yes, the highest, and to extend your life many years, even forever?","You can, by learning the requirements of Jehovah God and entering the ministry as a follower of Christ Jesus.",Isa 52:7;,W61 1/15 46,Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,63,,1994/07/30,
"Goals, Minister, Pioneer, Happiness, Life, Career,","IT IS good to have an aim in life. The life aims of people are of great variety, some noble, some less so. One's aim may be to be a president; another's, a statesman. Others may aspire to be lawyers, farmers, doctors and nurses, and they may devote their life's energy to such achievements.  Still others seek as their life's aim the ministry of Jehovah God.","To do any of these things requires life. Of the many vocations, which one brings the greatest reward and longest life?  Surely that would be the desirable one.",Isa 52:7;,W61 1/15 41,Who Are Qualified As Ministers Of God?,81,,1994/07/30,
"Goals, Minister, Pioneer, Happiness, Life, Career, Purpose,","As the right kind of doctor is recognized by the number of patients he can cure, as the right kind of lawyer is identified by the court cases he wins, as the right kind of farmer is noted by his bountiful crops...",...SO the right kind of minister proves himself by the results of his ministry. He can introduce those whom he has helped to come to a knowledge of the truth and who have joined him in the ministry.,"2 Cor 3:1, 2;",W61 1/15 51,How Purposeful Is Your Life?,60,,1994/07/30,
"Goals, Motivation, Drift,","John Henry Fabre, the great French naturalist, conducted a most unusual experiment with some Processionary Caterpillars.  These caterpillars blindly follow the one in front of them.  Hence, the name.  Fabre carefully arranged them in a circle around the rim of a flower pot, so that the lead caterpillar actually touched the last one, making a complete circle. In the center of the flower pot he put pine needles, which is food for the Processionary Caterpillar.  The caterpillars started around this circular flower pot.  Around and around they went, hour after hour, day after day, night after night.  For seven full days and seven full nights they went around the flower pot.  Finally, they dropped dead of starvation and exhaustion.  With an abundance of food less than six inches away, they literally starved to death, because they confused activity with accomplishment.","Many Christians make that same mistake.  We must ask the question:  Whose example do we follow, and to what end?  A man or a woman without a goal is like a ship without a rudder.  Each will drift and not drive.  Each will end up on the beaches of  despair, defeat and despondency.",Ps. 49:3;,Dennis Dunne,Taking Time To Meditate On Spiritual Things,67,,1998/07/26,
"Goals, Pioneer,",Like shooting an arrow at a bull's eye. Aim high. Trajectory makes that a must if you wish to hit the target.,Same with personal goals. Don't aim sparingly.  Will probably miss the target altogether.,"1 Cor 9:26,27;",J.K.,Taking Time To Meditate On Spiritual Things,67,,1997/04/11,
"Goals, Pioneer, Difficulties, First, Kingdom,","A while back I was reading about an expert on subject of time management.  One day this expert was speaking to a group of business students and, to drive home a point, used an illustration those students will never forget.  As this man stood in front of the group of high-powered overachievers he said, 'Okay, time for a quiz.' Then he pulled out a one-gallon, wide-mouthed mason jar and set it on a table in front of him.  Then he produced about a dozen fist-sized rocks and carefully placed them, one at a time, into the jar.  When the jar was filled to the top and no more rocks would fit inside, he asked, 'Is this jar full?'  Everyone in the class said, 'Yes.'  Then he said, 'Really?'  He reached under the table and pulled out a bucket of gravel.  Then he dumped some gravel in and shook the jar causing pieces of gravel to work themselves down into the spaces between the big rocks.  Then he asked the group once more, 'Is the jar  full?'  By this time the class was onto him.  'Probably not,' one of them answered.  'Good!'  he replied.  He reached under the table and brought out a bucket of sand.   He started dumping the sand in and it went into all the spaces left between the rocks and the gravel.  Once more he asked the question, 'Is this jar full?'  'No!'  the class shouted.   Once again he said, 'Good!' Then he grabbed a pitcher of water and began to pour it in until the jar was filled to the brim. Then he looked up at the class and asked, 'What is the point of this illustration?' 	","One eager beaver raised his hand and said, 'The point is, no matter how  full your schedule is, if you try really hard, you can always fit some more things into it!'  'No,' the speaker replied, 'that's not the point.  The truth this illustration teaches us is: If you don't put the big rocks in first, you'll never get them in at all.'  What are the 'big rocks' in your life? A project that YOU want to accomplish?  Time with your loved ones? Your faith, your education, your finances? A worthy cause?  Remember to put the BIG ROCKS in first or you'll never get them in at all.",Matt 6:33;,Steve Moore,God Comes First In Successful Family Life,110,,1998/06/30,
"Goals, Purpose, Work, Achievement, Action, Employment, Exert,",'An empty bag cannot stand upright.'  Quote: Benjamin Franklin.,"It is impossible to advance, or serve Jehovah successful without a purpose.",Ecclesiastes 1:15;,Bobby Laymon,Life Does Have A Purpose,23,,1995/07/17,
"Goals, Realistic, Life, Race, Running,","When running a long race, such as a marathon, a runner must set his pace wisely. 'Going out too fast sets you up for failure,' says the magazine New York Runner. 'The likely result is either a long struggle over the last several miles or dropping out.' One marathoner recalls: 'The speaker at a lecture I attended in preparation for the race clearly warned: 'Do not chase after faster runners. Run at your own pace. Otherwise you will get exhausted and may have to drop out.' Heeding this advice helped me finish the race.'","'' In the race for life, God's servants must exert themselves vigorously. (Luke 13:24) However, the disciple James wrote: 'The wisdom from above is ... reasonable.' (James 3: 17) While the good example of others may encourage us to do more, reasonableness will help us set realistic goals in harmony with our abilities and circumstances.",Luke 13:24; Jas 3:17;,"Oct 1, 1999 Wt Page 20",You Can Find Joy In Serving God,103,,1999/11/02,
"Goals, Wisdom, Knowledge, Understanding, Marriage,","Knowledge will help you make a living, Wisdom will help you get life.",Wisdom has long range goals.,Prov. 9:10; 15:33; Jas. 1:5; Ecclesiastes. 8:1; Prov. 1:5; 4:5-7;,Bobby Laymon,Acquiring A Heart Of Wisdom,73,,,
Goals;,'Goals are dreams with deadlines.'  Quote:  Diana Hunt.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Goals; Action; Indecision;,'He who considers too much will perform little.'  Quote: Anonymous.,Set reasonable goals.  Don't try to do everything.,Ecc 11:6,Jk Quotes;,Taking Time To Meditate On Spiritual Things,67,,,
Goals; Aim; Potential; Do Your Best;,'If I shoot at the sun I may hit a star.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Goals; Aim; Potential; Do Your Best;,"When you reach for the stars, you may not quite get one but you won't come up with a hand full of mud either.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Goals; Greed; Lust; Reasonable;,"'Dog and the Hides'  Skinner protected hides by hiding them at the bottom of a stream. Hungry dogs saw and attempted to get them by drinking all the water.  Did not get one inch nearer, but burst themselves in the attempt.",Unreasonable goals can bring disappointment and ruin.   Moral: Those who employ unreasonable means to obtain their object are apt to ruin themselves in the attempt.,Php 4:5,Aesop's Fables  Page 30,Taking Time To Meditate On Spiritual Things,67,,,
Goals; Potential;,Better aim at a star than shoot down a well; you'll hit higher.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Goals; Potential; Goal;,"'Not failure, but a low aim is the crime.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Goals; Progress;,'The most important thing about goals is having one.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Goals; Progress; Indecision; Kingdom,","'If a man knows what harbor he seeks, any wind is the right wind.'  Quote:  Seneca.",God's Kingdom is the right harbor.,,Jk Quotes;,Decide Now For Divine Rulership,37,,,
Goals; Success;,"'If at first you succeed, try something harder.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
God,'God gives nuts to the toothless.' Quote: Spanish,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
God,'God never made his work for man to mend. J. Dryden'  Quote:  K. Dryden.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
God's Will; Armageddon; Intros; Hide; Concealment; Life;,"'Remember the children's game Hide and Seek?  One child counted out the time while others tried to find a good place of concealment.  The winners were those who were not found, they were concealed very well.  The losers were those who were discovered while the search was on.' Quote: Tom Matera","Likewise, Jehovah, the great Timekeeper will be searching through the earth at Armageddon for those not doing his will, those not following the instructions for concealment.  They will be losers- of their lives.  Those who are well hidden 'in the interior rooms' of Isaiah 26:20,21 will be saved, they will win the possibility of everlasting life.","Isa 26:20, 21;",Jk Quotes;,,,,1995/10/14,
"God, Decisions, Choice, Importance, Worship,","Choices come in degrees of importance.  1.  Small ones, like what color of dress to wear.  2.  More important, like should I try to fix the washing machine or buy a new one.  3.  Greater importance, like the dangerous curve sign, or should I take my medication.","Worship of God is of utmost importance!  It is the greatest decision we could possible make.  Actually, there is only 2 choices of who to worship.  Jehovah or Satan.","Mt 7:13, 14, 21-23;",Junior McMahan,Decide Now For Divine Rulership,37,,1994/11/28,
"God, Jehovah, Creation, Wisdom,","When we see a camera, a radio, or a computer, we readily acknowledge that it must have been produced by an intelligent designer.","Would it be reasonable, then, to say that far more complex things--the eye, the ear, and the human brain--did not originate with an intelligent Designer?",Isa. 40:26; Genesis. 1:1-31; Heb. 3:4;,"Reasoning From The Scriptures, Page 146",Make Jehovah Your Confidence,70,,,
"God, Jehovah, Know, Creator, Voltaire, Evolution, Science,",'If God did not exist it would be necessary to invent Him.'   Quote: Voltaire,Reasonable minds teach us there is a Creator.,Psalm 14:1;,Bobby Laymon,Appreciating Marvels Of God's Creation,114,,1995/06/13,
"God, Jehovah, Relationship,",Ant and Elephant walking across bridge ant said 'we sure made that bridge shake didn't we'.,"We are fellow workers with Jehovah, but need to recognize who is most important. When studies learn truth, when give good talks, Assembly departments function well. Sometimes we get to thinking we are Elephant and Jehovah the ant. Bad relationship.",1 Cor. 3:6-9,J. Laymon,True Friendship With God And Neighbor.,100,,,
"God, Jehovah, Relationship,","For husband and wife maintain good relationship must be faithful one another, need be truthful, not commit fornication.",Must have good conduct to maintain relationship with Jehovah.,"1 Chron 28:9,",J. Laymon,Keep Growing In Your Relationship With God,16,,,
"God, Jehovah, Relationship,",Husband and wife must work together . Wife must realize must pull with husband.,Must be fellow workers with Jehovah if want good relationship with him.,1 Cor. 3:6-9,J. Laymon,Keep Growing In Your Relationship With God,16,,,
"God, Jehovah, Relationship,","Husband and wife need keep working together never taking relation- ship for granted or thinking it is good enough, but always striving to improve it.",Never get to thinking our relationship with Jehovah is good enough,1 Cor. 3:6-9,J. Laymon,Keep Growing In Your Relationship With God,16,,,
"God, Jehovah, Relationship,","If young man is trying to build a relationship with girl and wrote her letters, but found that she never read them how do you think he would feel?",Jehovah has given us the Bible have you read it through. If not do you think Jehovah will view you as seriously wanting a relationship with him.,Mt 4:4,J. Laymon,True Friendship With God And Neighbor.,100,,,
"God, Jehovah, Relationship,",Like an Elephant walking with ant.,"Enoch, Noah, Abraham, David, walked with true God.","Genesis 5:22, 6:9, Isa 41:8, Ps23:1",J. Laymon,Keep Growing In Your Relationship With God,16,,,
"God, Jehovah, Relationship,","Starting relationship with God is lot like man  starting relationship with girl. First might be physical attraction. Must go beyond that.  Must learn likes & dislikes.  Calls for communication, getting to know one another.","Humans have natural urge to worship, much like physical attraction between boy and girl. Ivan Lissner said 'All the civilizations of mankind that have ever existed were rooted in religion and a quest for God'.  But must build attraction into relationship.",Mt.5:3,J. Laymon,True Friendship With God And Neighbor.,100,,,
"God, Jehovah, Relationship,","When enter relationship boy and girl have something talk about. Someone to share pains, happiness, likes, dislikes.","We benefit from a relationship with God, we have someone to pour out our innermost feelings.  When baptized have unrestricted privilege of prayer.",Acts 10:4,J. Laymon,Keep Growing In Your Relationship With God,16,,,
"God, Jehovah, Relationship, Baptism",Pass by field see workers in field laughing having good time go in field join them. Each day come back work. Really like them.  Best people ever meet. Time comes all line up get paid and you line up with them. Foreman said who are you? I didn't make contract with you.,Jehovah makes contract through baptism.,Mt 28:19,J. Laymon,Keep Growing In Your Relationship With God,16,,,
"God, Jehovah, Relationship, Baptism, Dedication, Baptism,","Young man begins to court young lady, tells her he loves her but carefully avoids subject of marriage. No matter how many times he tells her, words fall flat because no action to back it up.",We can tell Jehovah we love him and even go service; give talks; fall short of dedication and baptism our words fall flat because not go all the way.,Mt 28:19,J. Laymon,Keep Growing In Your Relationship With God,16,,,
"God, Know, Father,","A loving human father wants his children to know him, to bear his name, to learn the vital things of life.","Since 'God is love,' would he be any less interested in teaching his children about himself?",1 John 4:8,"Jan 1, 1970 Wt Page 4",How Well Do You Know God?,1,,,
"God, Know, Father, Name, Jehovah,","If someone asked you what the name of the President or King or Ruler of your country is, would you answer 'President,' 'King,' 'Ruler,' or perhaps 'Commander in Chief,' or Chief Executive,'? No, for these are not personal names, but titles.  He still has to have a personal name in addition to those titles.","What is God's name?  Is it 'God,' or 'Lord,' or 'Eternal,' as some claim.  He himself plainly says, 'I am Jehovah.'",Isa 42:8; Ps 83:18;,"Jan 1, 1970 Wt Page 7",How Well Do You Know God?,1,,,
"God, Name, Jehovah, Identity,",'Somewhere between the fifth and the second centuries B.C. a tragic accident befell God: he lost his name.'  Quote: Author David Clines in the publication Theology.,"It seems, then, that the very first essential in any quest to identify 'the only true God' would be to get to know him by name.",Ps. 83:18; John 17:3;,"Feb 8, 1999 Page 7",How Well Do You Know God?,1,,1999/02/17,
"God, See, Faith",Some say ' seeing is believing ' implying that what don't see doesn't exist. Helium discovered on sun before it was found on earth by light. Does it mean light not exist until possible to see,"When look at elements of earth through mechanism that refracts light you find that each one throws off rainbow of light, but you don't see them all.",Ps 14:1,"Johnse Laymon Nov 22, 1965 Aw Pg 5",Have Faith In The Good News,47,,,
"God, See, Faith, Smell",We cannot scent but it is there bloodhound dog can smell scent we cannot,Just because we cannot see something does not prove not exist,Ps 14:1,"Johnse Laymon Nov 22, 1965 Aw Pg 5",Have Faith In The Good News,47,,,
"God, Universe, Creation, Creator, Worship, Atheist, Fool,","'It is enough for me to contemplate the mystery of conscious life perpetuating itself through all eternity; to reflect upon the marvelous structure of the universe, which we can dimly perceive, and to try humbly to comprehend even an infinitesimal part of the intelligence manifest in nature.'  Quote: Albert Einstein",It is the foolish one who has said there is 'no God.',Ps 14:1;,W56 4/15 230-1,Appreciating Marvels Of God's Creation,114,,1994/05/10,
God;,'A god does not change his ways.' Quote:  Tertullian,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
God;,'All I have seen teaches me to trust the Creator for all I have not seen.'  Quote:  Rwe.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
God;,'At bottom God is nothing more than an exalted father.'  Quote:  Freud.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
God;,"'God created man in His own image, says the Bible; philosophers reverse the process: they create God in theirs.'  Quote:  G. C. Lichtenberg.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
God;,"'God is clever, but not dishonest.'  Quote:  Albert Einstein.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
God;,"'God is more truly imagined than expressed, and He exists more truly than He is imagined.' Quote:  St. Augustine",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
God;,'God is no botcher.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
God;,'God is sure paymaster.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
God;,"'God's plan made a hopeful beginning, but man spoiled his chances by sinning. We trust that the story, will end in God's glory, but  at present the other side is winning.'  Quote:  Nyt Magazine.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
God;,"'I am not concerned with whether God is on my side or not, but I am  concerned whether I am on God's side. Abe Lincoln'  Quote:  Al.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
God;,"'I believe in one God and no more, and I hope for happiness beyond this life. I believe in the equality of man; and I believe that religious  duties consist in doing justice, loving mercy, and endeavoring to make our  fellow creatures happy.' Quote:  Thomas Paine 1793",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
God;,'I could prove God statistically. Take the human body alone-the chance what all the functions of the individual would just happen is a  statistical monstrosity.'  Quote:  George Gallup.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
God;,"'If God made us in his image, we have certainly returned the compliment.' Quote:  Voltaire",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
God;,"'If there is a God, atheism must seem to Him as less of an insult than religion.'  Quote:  Goncourt.",,,Jk Quotes;,,187,,,2/24/2014
God;,"'If triangles had a god, he would have three sides.'  Quote:  Charles De Secondat.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
God;,"'Its an interesting view of atheism, as a sort of crutch for those who can't  stand the reality of God.' Quote:  Tom Stoddard",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
God;,"'My dear child, you must believe in God despite what the clergy tell you.'  Quote:  Ben Jowett.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
God;,'No free man needs a God.' Quote:  Vladimir Nabokov,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
God;,"'Question with boldness even the existence of God; because, if there be one, he must more approve of the homage of reason than that of blindfolded fear.' Quote:  Tj",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
God;,"'Russia has abolished God, but so far God has been more tolerant.'  Quote:  John Swayze.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
God;,"'The Great Spirit, in placing men on the earth, desired them to take good care of the ground and to do each other no harm.' Quote:  Young Chief Of The Cayuses.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
God;,'The only thing that stops God from sending another flood is that the first one was useless.'  Quote:  Nicholas Chamfort.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
God;,'The whole theory of the universe is directed unerringly to one single individual.' Quote:  Walt Whitman,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
God;,"'We attribute to God some things know by divine revelation, to which natural reason cannot reach, as for instance, that God is  Three in One.' Quote:  T. Aquinas",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
God;,'We love the lord but we wonder what he finds in us.'  Quote:  Ed Howe.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
God;,"'We love the Lord, of course, but we often wonder what He finds in us.'  Quote:  Ed Howe.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
God;,'With Jove I begin.' Quote:  Virgil,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
God;,A man with God is always in the majority.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
God;,Afflictions are sent to us by God for our good.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
God;,"Any that worship God merely for fear, would worship the Devil too if he  would appear.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
God;,Belief in a cruel God makes a cruel man. Thomas Payne,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
God;,"Everyone believes in God.....Trucking firm with 300  offices.....potential employees receive lie detector test...question: do  you believe in god?  Without exception, all those who  said 'No' were called liars by the lie detector!",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
God;,"God always is, nor has He been and is not, nor is but has not been, but as  he never will no be; so He never was not. St Augustine",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
God;,"God bears with the wicked, but not forever.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
God;,God comes with leaden feet but strikes with iron hands.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
God;,"God is a busy worker, but he loves help. Basque Prov.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
God;,God is a sure paymaster.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
God;,"God is alive, he just doesn't want to get involved. Anonymous.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
God;,God save you from a bad neighbor and from a beginner on the fiddle. Italian,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
God;,"God strikes with his finger, and not with all his arm.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
God;,"God strikes with his finger, and not with all his arm.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
God;,God uses crooked line to write straight. Portuguese Proverb,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
God;,I don't know why it is that the religious never ascribe common sense to  god. W. Maugham,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
God;,"If there is a god, atheism must strike him as less of an insult than  religion. Ed De Goncort",,,Jk Quotes;,,187,,,2/24/2014
God;,If triangles had a god he would have three sides. Montague,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
God;,"If you don't feel close to God, guess who moved?",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
God;,"If you wish to make an apple pie truly from scratch, you must first invent the universe.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
God;,"In a series: Secret of Successfully Selling By Zig Ziglar he states:  It is hard to believe in God, but it is far harder to disbelieve in Him.  H. E. Fosdick",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
God;,"Men rarely, if ever, manage to dream up a god superior to themselves.  Most gods have the morals and manners of a spoiled child.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
God;,The good Lord never gives you more than you can handle unless you die of  something. Guenon,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
God;,There is none on whom you can depend except God.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
God;,"To whom God gives the task, he gives the wit.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
God;,"We must not lie down and cry, 'God help us'.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
God;,What God does he does well. La Fontaine,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
God;,What mean and cruel things men do for the love of God. Somerset Maugham,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
God;,You have to question any period in history in which people are saying that  God is dead and Elvis is alive. B. Orben,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
God; Achiest;,' Nietzsche is Dead!  --God',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
God; Agnostic;,Don't be an agnostic - be something.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
God; Atheist;,'I would rather believe that God did not exist than believe that He was indifferent.'  Quote:  George Sand.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
God; Atheist;,"'Oh Lord, if there is a Lord, save my soul, if I have a soul.'  Quote:  Ernest Renan.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
God; Cities;,'God made the country and man made the town.' Quote:  William Cowper,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
God; Clergy;,"'You must believe in God, in spite of what the clergy say.'  Quote:  Ben Jowett.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
God; Creation;,'The world is charged with the grandeur of God.'  Quote:  Gerard Manley Hopkins.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
God; Creation; Images; Christendom; Idolatry;,"'Man is certainly stark man; he cannot make a worm, and yet he makes gods by the dozen.'  Quote:  M. Montaigne.",How foolish to believe that one can make a god.,"Exodus 20:4, 5;",Jk Quotes;,Are You Doing What God Requires Of You?,43,,,
God; Human Nature;,'In the faces of men and women I see God.' Quote:  Walt Whitman,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
God; Human Nature; Religion;,'Belief in a cruel god make a cruel man.' Quote:  Thomas Paine,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
God; Last Words;,"'God will forgive me, that is his business. Heinrich Heine, last words'  Quote:  Heinrich Heine.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
God; Love;,'The best way to know God is to love many things.' Quote:  Vincent Van Gogh,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
God; Pain;,Pain is the price that God puts upon all things.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Godly Devotion,Northwest Mounted Police. Reputation: Always get their man. Timothy urged to continue pursuing it with earnestness and zeal.   It was a lifelong pursuit.,"Pursue: literally 'be you pursuing' 'chase, run after zealously.",1 Tim 6:11,"Mar 1, 1990 Wt Page 12",,,,,
"Godly Devotion, Career, Pioneer, Zeal, Full-time, Simple,","Not like a 50-yard-dash, and its over.  Not like a wave crashing on the beach and its over.  Not a spurt or a fad.",We want to pursue Godly devotion as a full-time servant.,1 Tim. 6:8-11,Ron Whitlatch C.O.  - Annual Meeting With Pioneers.,,,,"May 22, 2001",
"Godly Devotion, Glory,","You stage a play, pay all expenses training, maintaining chorus. Spend lavishly to provide all that is needed, (own pocket) Peter urges the fullest possible expression of Godly Devotion. Greek word =eúpiúkhoúreúge'o for supply.","Greek work for 'supply' literally: 'leader of a chorus' noun= kho re gos' leader of a chorus.  The Hebrew word most often translated 'glory' is ka.vohdh', which has the sense of 'heaviness'.",2 Pet 1:4-6  2 Pet 1:11,"Mar 1, 1990 Wt Page 12",Glorifying God With All We Have,17,,,
"Gods, Goddesses, Number, Christendom, Babylon, Information, Kingdom,","India alone is said to have 330,000,000 gods and goddesses, and these plus many more are worshiped by more than 2 1/2 billion of the world's population who are no part of Christendom.","The coming of God's kingdom will mean the removal of all such false gods, and all false worship.","Exodus 20:3-5; Eph 4:5, 6; 1co 1:10-13;","Feb 15, 1971 Wt Page 101",Religion's Role In World Affairs.,92,,1993/11/08,
Gods; Pride;,'Men would be angels and angels would be gods.'  Quote:  Alex Pope.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Gog,"Live trap, catch fox, put chicken in, chicken safe, doesn't know it",We will serve as live bait for Gog's attack,Ezek Chapter 38,Bobby Laymon,,,,,
Gog,"Stampede of Cattle, We are in front of. Protection only from Jehovah",Seeming plight of Jehovah's people at Gog's attack.,Ezek 38:14-18,Assy Talk,,,,,
"Gog And Magog, Satan, Demons, Wicked, Test,","'Hitler-like mob'  immoral neighborhood like 'Sodom and Gomorrah' 'nations' we can understand, because nationalism is an issue today.",Description of Gog and Magog.,Rev. 20:9,"Aug 15, 1967 Wt Page 507",How To Protect Ourselves From Satan's Snares,115,,,
"Gold, Fire Resistant,","Gold is the most malleable and ductile of all metals.  It can be beaten to a thickness of four millionths of an inch.  An ounce of gold can be hammered out to cover an area of about 190 square feet.  One ounce of gold can be drawn to a length of 43 miles.  Because pure gold is so soft, it is usually alloyed with other metals to increase its hardness for use in making jewelry and other gold items.  The content of gold alloys is expressed in 24ths, called karats; thus, a 12 karat gold alloy is 50 percent gold, 18 karat gold is 75 percent gold, and 24 karat gold is pure.","Gold, to be sure, has value.  The Bible however, states that gold, like other material riches, cannot give life to those who seek it.  Wisdom is much more desirable than gold.",Prov. 16:16; Ps. 49:6-8; Zeph. 1:18; Prov. 3:13-18;,"Sep 22, 1998 Aw Page 27",Parents--are You Building With Fire-resistant Materials?,104,,1998/09/30,
Gold; Wealth;,"'Gold's father is dirt, yet it regards itself as noble.' Quote:  Yiddish",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Golden Rule,"'What you dislike for yourself, do not like for me.' Quote:  Spanish",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Golden Rule,Do unto others as they should do unto you but won't.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Golden Rule, Principles, Positive, Negative, Standards, Axiom,","PURE gold never tarnishes, so jewelry fashioned in gold is prized and valued. Rather than discard damaged gold objects, goldsmiths rework the precious metal to fashion a new work of art because gold retains its value.","Similarly, although Jesus pronounced the Golden Rule some two thousand years ago, its value has not diminished. By assaying, or determining, the reasons for its validity, we can better appreciate its value to us today.",Matt 7:12;,Bobby Laymon,Why Live By Bible Standards?,88,,1997/08/07,
Golden Rule;,'Do unto the other fellow the way he'd do unto you and do it first.'  Quote:  E. Wescott.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Golden Rule;,'It is easier to love humanity than to love one's neighbor.'  Quote:  Eric Hoffer.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Golden Rule;,"'What you do not want done to yourself, do not do to others.'  Quote:  Confucius.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Golden Rule;,Whoever has the gold makes the rules.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Golf,'Have you ever noticed what golf spells backwards.'  Quote:  Al Boliska.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Golf; Funny;,'Never bet with a man named one-iron.' Quote:  Tom Sharp,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Good Manners, Introduction,","Attractive Wrapper on a gift makes it more valuable, more acceptable.",Makes our message more appealing.,Jas 1:17,Wt,"Mercy, A Dominant Quality Of True Christians",7,,,
Good News,Inventory or take stock of Good News. Don't be ashamed of G N Difference in being afraid & being ashamed. Time to identify & time to keep quiet.   Prov 3:1-10,Entrusted with valuable thing. Matt 10:34 Unusual ways some learned the truth.,1 Tim 1:11  Phil 1:27-29 Mark 8:38,1985 Dist. Assy,Have Faith In The Good News,47,,,
Good News,Not human. Usually used in derogatory way.  Example:  I don't think you are human.  You are like a box that turns itself on every morning.,Paul used in superior sense.  Took something else to change him.  Began preaching even w/o talking to apostles.  Even corrected an apostle.,Gal 1:11,Bobby Laymon,Have Faith In The Good News,47,,,
"Good News, Angel, Breaking News,",More informed than breaking news on television.,The angel flying in mid-heaven has everlasting Good News.,Rev. 14:6,"Gary Wells, D.O.",What Is Your Relationship With God?,87,,"Apr 23, 2002",
"Good News, Challenge, Jehovah's Witnesses, Crippled, House, Opposition, Persecution,","HE WAS one of Jehovah's Witnesses in his mid-70's. As he went from door to door he hobbled quite a bit; but no wonder, for he was getting around on two wooden legs. Upon his knocking on one door, a woman came out. Pointing a finger at him, she asked in an angry tone of voice: 'Are you one of Jehovah's Witnesses?'  He paused for a moment and then, looking the woman straight in the eye, said: 'I tell you, ma'am, I try to be. It isn't easy. I'm working at it. It's a difficult assignment. Can you imagine what it means to be a witness of the Most High, Jehovah, the Sovereign of the universe? That's a real assignment. I'll tell you, ma'am, I'm working at it.'","What did the woman say in reply? Not a word. What could she say?  There is no gainsaying it. Going from house to house with the good news of Jehovah God's kingdom presents a real challenge.  She was looking at a 'walking sermon,' or maybe a hobbling one.",Acts 20:20;,W81 5/15 12,Bearing Up Under Persecution,57,,1994/07/09,
"Good News, Challenge, Jehovah's Witnesses, House, Fireman,","'Why, this is worse than going into a burning building!'  How difficult it may seem to go from house to house can be seen from the experience of a New York City fireman.  Accompanying his Bible teacher in going from house to house for the first time.  But before long he, too, was enjoying house-to-house preaching.   'I could never go from house to house.' is a common expression of those studying the Bible.","Without question, not a few persons are offended when an individual comes to their door with a Bible message, and no one enjoys offending people.",Acts 20:20;,W81 5/15 14,Make Jehovah Your Confidence,70,,1994/07/09,
"Good News, Challenge, Jehovah's Witnesses, House, Magazines, Watchtower, Awake!","Once a Mexican Witness from the rural, dressed in very simple country garb, knocked at the door of a palatial mansion. A man in a silken bathrobe responded and asked what he wanted. The Witness said: 'If a mule should come to your door with two bags of gold, would you accept it?' Annoyed, the householder replied: 'I do not understand what you are telling me. I am a famous engineer.' The Witness then asked him: 'What do you understand about prophecies?' The man admitted he did not know anything about them.","Then the Witness said: 'That is what I want to speak to you about. . . . I am that mule that came to your door, and the two bags of gold are these magazines, The Watchtower and Awake!' The man was impressed by the presentation of this humble Witness and took the two magazines. All of this calls to mind the incident recorded at Acts 4:8-13.",Act 4:8-13;,W81 5/15 14,Make Jehovah Your Confidence,70,,1994/07/09,
"Good News, Creation, Sin, Satan, Devil, Heritage, Paradise, Earth, Promise,","'Some flowers of Eden you still inherit, but the trail of the serpent is over them all.' Quote: Thomas Tom Moore. -1817.","The Garden of Eden had an endless varieties of flowers, shrubs, vegetation.  Beautiful birds, charming animals (not killers), peacefully sharing God-given home.  Today, these are threatened by Satan's rule.","Genesis 2:9, 10;",Bobby Laymon,Ruining The Earth Brings Divine Retribution,106,,1995/07/18,
"Good News, Faith, Gospel,","Suppose you got a letter in the mail that said, 'Your Mortgage is paid in full!'  Or perhaps you invented a pill that would let your car run on water.  This would be good news, would it not?  For some, to win the lottery would be good news.","However, if any of these things happened, there would still be problems.  The term 'gospel' has been used and abused.  Some call their church 'Full Gospel'- as if there was a 1/2 gospel somewhere.  Actually the Good News contains the sum total of all of God's purposes.","Ro 8:31, 32; John 8:56; Gal 3:8; Ro 4:3, 18-20;",Ron Dobbins,Have Faith In The Good News,47,,1994/07/09,
"Good News, Gossip, Speech, Talk, Rumor, School,","When you have something big to say, say it big.",Some happenings are worthy of attention.,"Rev. 14:6, 7; 1 Tim. 5:12, 13; 1 Pet. 4:15; Jas. 3:3-10;",Bobby Laymon,Have Faith In The Good News,47,,,
"Good News, Happy, Joy, Faith,","How happy is the farmer when he hears good news from the fields, that the seed sown is beginning to sprout! How happy is the man who, after searching many months for employment, finally obtains a job!","Yes, there are many events that can mean good news for us, but of all the news that is good none could be better than the 'good news of [God's] kingdom,'",Mt 24:14;,W63 1/15 40,Have Faith In The Good News,47,,1994/07/30,
"Good News, Kingdom,",For many years there were reports about a coming cure for Polio.  This was news!  When did it become GOOD NEWS?  When the cure was announced.,"The same is true regarding God's Kingdom.  It has been announced for many years now.  When will it become really GOOD NEWS?  At it's establishment in 1914, and it will continue to be good news, as it cleans the earth and prepares it for a paradise.","Ps 37:9, 10",Isabel Fulmer,Have Faith In The Good News,47,,1997/11/16,
"Good News, Preaching, Jesus, Teaching,","A 'herald' is a public messenger; envoy; crier (who made proclamation and kept order in assemblies, etc.) means basically to make proclamation.  Be an announcer. 'Gospel must be proclaimed (herald) to all the nations.'","This means that the proclaimers would be acting like heralds, not necessarily as teachers, conducting Bible studies. (Persons can hear or turn a deaf ear and reject it.)",Mark 13:10;,"Dec 15, 1967 Wt Page 756",Good News In A Violent World,85,,,
"Good News, Preaching, Jesus, Teaching,","He was not a newspaper publisher and owner.  Not an editor of a daily newspaper.  The fact is he never wrote a book, booklet pamphlet or tract.  He did not ever write a chapter of the most widely distributed Sacred book on earth, the Bible.","Yet, the Good News he gave so long ago has lived on and is being proclaimed in all the nations. Almost unbelievable it seems and yet really believable it is. It was Jesus Christ.","Mark 13:9, 10; Matt. 24:14; 28:19, 20;","Dec 15, 1967 Wt Page 744",The Kingdom Of God Is Near,109,,,
"Good News, Preaching, Last Days, Kingdom,","New born son; visit of good friends; farmer, good news from field.  A job, after searching months for employment ...once again have money. With good news comes responsibility; now parents, must adjust","Of all good news there is none better than God's Kingdom. their lives to new situation. CHALLENGE Arrival of guests: Work for the householder, etc.",Matt. 24:14,"Jan 15, 1963 Wt Page 40",Have Faith In The Good News,47,,,
"Good News, Preaching, Pioneer, Generosity, Joy, Territory,","There's as good a fish in the sea, as ever came out of it. Honest hearted ones still need to hear. 'How comely are the feet of those bringing good news.' Isa. 52:7",There are still people out there looking for the Good News.,"Jere. 16:16; Rom. 10:14; Isa. 60:8-11, 22; Isa. 52:7;",Bobby Laymon,Have Faith In The Good News,47,,,
"Good News, Preaching, Service, Angel, Territory,",Nothing to see an airplane with several hundred passengers flying through the air at great speed. Even Rockets into outer space.,"What if we looked up and saw an angel, without glider wings in sky. We think back 2000 years ago, to when this happened.  Would we not strain our ears to hear his announcement without a megaphone, or modern sound equipment?",Rev. 14:6; Luke 2:8-14; Zech. 1:7-9,"Oct 1, 1963 Wt Page 585",Have Faith In The Good News,47,,,
Good News;,'He knocks boldly who brings good news.'  Quote:  Italian.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Good News;,'No news is good news.'  Quote:  French.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Good News;,'Nothing in fine print is ever good news.'  Quote:  Andy Rooney.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Good Works,"Sow wind and reap storm wind (seeding clouds) become fugitives  1 Chron 5:26 Plowed wickedness & reaped unrighteousness Hos 10:12, 13 King in rage, Take Away in Fury  Hos 13:11",Reap what we sow,"Hos Chapter 8, 9 Deuteronomy 28:64, 65","Mar 1, 1989 Wt Page 15",,,,,
"Good, Deed, Memory, Kindness, Consideration,","AN OLD WOMAN found an empty jar which had lately been full of prime old wine and which still retained the fragrant smell of its former contents.  She greedily placed it several times to her nose, and drawing it backwards and forwards said, 'O most delicious! How nice must the Wine itself have been, when it leaves behind in the very vessel which contained it so sweet a  perfume!'",Moral: ' The memory of a good deed lives.'   So does kindness and mercy.,"Gal 5:22, 23;",Aesop's Fables - Bobby Laymon,Follow The Course Of Hospitality,77,,1994/05/17,
"Good, Evil, Hope, Faith,","'In spite of everything I still believe that people are really good at heart.  I simply can't build up my hopes on a foundation consisting of confusion, misery, and death.'  Quote: Anne Frank, a young Jewish girl of 15.","Her hopes of a better world were shattered when an informer betrayed their whereabouts to the Nazis.  The next year, 1945, Anne died of typhus in the Bergen-Belsen concentration camp.  Six million other Jews suffered a similar fate.","Ps. 37:9, 10;","Aug 1, 1998 Wt Page 3",What Is Behind The Spirit Of Rebellion?,33,,1998/08/04,
"Good, Goodness, Color,","We could survive seeing only in black and white.  Some animals see only in black and white, it is believed.  We used to watch T.V. in black and white, and enjoy it.  Then one day the peacock appeared and ever since it has been 'living color.'","Jehovah out of the goodness of his heart gave us color to enjoy.  It is not necessary for life, but is pleasant.",Rom. 1:20,Bob Norman - Circuit Assembly Part.,Appreciating Marvels Of God's Creation,114,,"May 22, 2001",
Good;,'A good cause will fear no judge.'  Quote:  Latin.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Good;,'Anybody can be good in the country.'  Quote:  O. Wilde.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Good;,'He cannot be good that knows not why he is good.'  Quote:  Richard Carew.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Good;,"'The word good has many meetings. For example, if a man were to shoot his grandmother at a range of 500 yards, I should call him a  good shot, but not necessarily a good man.'  Quote:  G. K. Chesterton.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Good;,"'There are two good men: one dead, the other unborn.'  Quote:  Chinese.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Good;,"Good men must die, but death cannot kill them quite.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Good; Accomplishment; Talk Is Cheap;,The way to be nothing is to do nothing.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Good; Action;,'Do not wait for extraordinary circumstances to do good action; try to use ordinary situations.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Good; Goodness;,"'Do all the good you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, at all the times you can, to all the people you can, as  long as you can.'  Quote:  J. Wesley.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Good; Goodness;,"'Goodness is a state of war, and to live in it we have always to combat with ourselves.'  Quote:  Jean Rousseau.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Good; Goodness;,"It is not enough for a gardener to love flowers, he must also hate weeds.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Good; Usefulness; Action; Effective,",'Be not simply good; be good for something.',We want to be useful to Jehovah in the ministry.,Acts 20:24;,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Goodness, Evil, Wicked, Fight, Endurance, Godliness, Holy, Racial, Hatred,","Just as it takes a physically powerful man to swim against a whirlpool, it takes a spiritually strong one to go against a cycle of evil by doing good.","THE way to stop a vicious cycle of evil is to break through it with good. As long as evil is met with evil and hate calls forth hate and violence stirs violence in return, the whirlpool of wickedness will spin faster and those in it will be sucked under.  It is more than a measure of manliness; it is a measure of godliness.",Rom 12:17;,W56 7/15 419,You Can Find Joy In Serving God,103,,1994/07/30,
"Goodness, Kindness, Balance, Infatuation, desire,","A brother consoling a sister and showing great kindness.  If the kindness goes to the point of infatuation and continues, then improper desires can result in sin.",There is a point where we can take 'kindness' too far.  We can take it past the point of 'goodness.'  Do not take 'kindness out from the realms of 'goodness.'  Keep it balanced!,2ch 6:41; Ps 23:6; 25:13; 119:66; Eph 5:9; Ro 5:7;,"William Osbeck, C.O.",Follow The Course Of Hospitality,77,,1993/11/01,
"Goodness, Love, Taste Buds, Creation,","Eating and drinking...not mechanical acts, like connecting an appliance to an electrical outlet. Same with ears, sense of smell, touch etc.","Jehovah provided 'taste buds' to give eating and drinking enjoyment. Not only fills the stomach, but excites the taste buds. Pleasant task to take on energy.",Ps. 104:24; 139:14;,"Aug 15, 1991 Wt Page 14","Friendship With God, Friendship With The World -- Which Will You Choose?",79,,,
Goodness;,"'Good, the more communicated, the more abundant grows.'  Quote:  J. Milton.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Goodness;,'Goodness is love in action.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Goodness;,'He who is good is happy.'  Quote:  Habbington.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Goodness;,"'In my experience, good deeds usually do not go unpunished.' Quote:  William Coffin",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Goodness;,'In spite of everything I still believe that people are really good-hearted.'  Quote:  Anne Frank.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Goodness;,"'It seems to be easy to be good-natured, I wonder why anybody takes the trouble to be anything else.'  Quote:  Jerrold.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Goodness;,"'Men have never been good, they are not good, they never will be good.'  Quote:  Karl Barth.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Goodness;,"'My country is the world, my religion is to do good.' Quote:  Thomas Paine",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Goodness;,"'On the whole, human beings want to be good, but not too good, and not quite  all the time.'  Quote:  George Orwell.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Goodness;,'The best way to keep good acts in memory is to refresh them with news.'  Quote:  Cato.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Goodness;,"'The good die young, because they see it's no use living if you've got to be good.'  Quote:  John Barrymore.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Goodness;,"'There are two good men; one dead, the other unborn.'  Quote:  Chinese.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Goodness;,'To become a thoroughly good man is the best prescription for keeping a sound mind and a sound body.'  Quote:  Francis Bowen.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Goodness;,"'Virtue, study and gaiety are three sister who should not be separated.' Quote:  Voltaire",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Goodness;,An act of goodness is of itself an act of happiness.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Goodness;,Be charitable and indulgent to every one but thyself.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Goodness;,"Good actions ennoble us, we are the sons of our own deeds!",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Goodness;,He was so good he would pour rose-water on a toad.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Goodness;,How far that little candle throws its beams! So shines a good deed in a naughty world.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Goodness;,I would rather be the man who bought the Brooklyn Bridge than the one who sold it.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Goodness;,It is not goodness to be better than the very worst.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Goodness;,The average man never starts being good until he starts feeling bad.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Goodness;,"To talk goodness is not good, only to do it is.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Goodness;,"When a man has not a good reason for doing a thing, he has one good reason for letting it alone.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Goodness; Action; Deeds;,"'Good actions ennoble us, and we are sons of our own deed.'  Quote:  Miguel De Cervantes.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Goodness; Beauty;,'Goodness is better than beauty.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Goodness; Cheerful;,'Cheerfulness is the off-shoot of goodness.'  Quote:  Nestell Bovee.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Goodness; Compassion;,'Be ashamed to die until you have achieved some victory for humanity.'  Quote:  Horace Mann.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Goodness; Good;,'Be good and you will be lonesome.'  Quote:  Mt.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Goodness; Good;,'It is not enough to do good; one must do it the right way.'  Quote:  John Moley.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Goodness; Good;,'They're only truly great who are truly good.'  Quote:  George Chapman.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Goodness; Inaction; Effort;,'One does evil enough when one does nothing good.'  Quote:  German.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Goodness; Life;,Life would be so much simpler if all the good guys wore white hats.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Goodness; Potential;,"If better is possible, good is not enough.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Goodness; Trying;,'He who stops being better stops being good.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Goodness; Virtue;,"'If you can be will without health, you may be happy without virtue. (goodness)'  Quote:  Edmund Burke.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Goodness; Virtue;,"'Virtue consists, not in abstaining from vice, but in not desiring it.'  Quote:  Gbs.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Goodness; Wholesouled;,Do all the good you can in all the ways you can in all the places you can at all the times you can to all the people you can as long as you can. Quote: John Wesley.,We need to do our best.,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Goodwill, Salvation,","Goodwill cannot be expected from the elemental forces of 'nature,' Certain conditions in the atmosphere give birth to hurricanes that laugh at human control, and rips and roars through a stretch of land.  Floodwaters, snowfall, earthquakes, radioactive particles all show no 'goodwill' on the part of man.","What, though, about the Creator of these natural forces?  For our comfort, goodwill can be shown on his part.  He is intelligent and has moral qualities.  He promises a 'year of goodwill.' Just as any calendar year, it stands for a limited time period.","Is 61:1, 2","Nov 1, 1970 Wt Page 653",Will You Escape This World's Destiny?,84,,,
"Goodwill, Salvation, Armageddon,","'Act of God,' is often applied to local hurricanes, tornados, earthquakes, floods, and other disasters.","A universal 'act of God' is now impending.  Not in the form of local disaster, but it is a personally willed and directed act on the part of the Creator.  Real wisdom lies in seeking his goodwill","Is 61:1, 2; Mt 24:34;","Nov 1, 1970 Wt Page 654",Will You Escape This World's Destiny?,84,,,
Gossip,A runaway horse with the bridle dragging on the ground. Need Jehovah's help,Time to keep check on thoughts and speech.,"Jas. 3:3, 6; Ps. 19:14;","Jun 1, 1960 Wt Page 340",What Kind Of Name Are You Making With God?,55,,,
Gossip,"Bridle tongue, control whole body.",Crush harmful gossip.,James 3:2-12,"Oct 15, 1989 Wt Page 17",What Kind Of Name Are You Making With God?,55,,,
Gossip,Burning Match in a tinder-dry forest. Need Jehovah's help,Time to keep check on thoughts and speech.,"Jas. 3:5, 6; Ps. 19:14;","Jun 1, 1960 Wt Page 340",What Kind Of Name Are You Making With God?,55,,,
Gossip,Fig tree producing olives Not proper to bless & curse out of same mouth,Not possible to get both from same source,James 3:2-12,"Oct 15, 1989 Wt Page 17",What Kind Of Name Are You Making With God?,55,,,
Gossip,"Fire; no wood, fire goes out",Apply to leaving gossip alone,Prov. 26:20,"Awake! July 22, 1989 Pages 18, 19",What Kind Of Name Are You Making With God?,55,,,
Gossip,Fountain Not proper to bless & curse out of same mouth,Cannot bubble both sweet & bitter water,James 3:2-12,"Oct 15, 1989 Wt Page 17",What Kind Of Name Are You Making With God?,55,,,
Gossip,"Gossip, the game (pass sentence around, see how it changes) light talk can turn into slander, if we probe into private affair",Harmless gossip may turn into vicious slander.,Prov 10:19  1 Tim 5:11-15,"Oct 15, 1989 Wt Page 10, 11",What Kind Of Name Are You Making With God?,55,,,
Gossip,Missile; long range Indirect remarks,Shooting at a distance,1 Tim. 5:13,Bill Nickols,What Kind Of Name Are You Making With God?,55,,,
Gossip,Mouths far more often than mail are opened by mistake.,"Must be careful, even when relating truth",Prov. 6:19,Mag. Article  Bobby Laymon,What Kind Of Name Are You Making With God?,55,,,
Gossip,"Mud balls thrown on a clean wall. It may not stick, but leaves a mark. Privacy is violated. Confidences are betrayed. Reputations are injured or ruined. Things worthy of praise are obscured by","Harmful gossip is like that. complaining, murmuring, and faultfinding.",Prov. 25:23;,"Jun 8, 1991 Aw Page 6",What Kind Of Name Are You Making With God?,55,,,
Gossip,"PUPPY DOG.  Drags up all kinds of things into yard.  You can bury it and the next thing you know, there it is again.","Elders bury, smell something, been dug up, smells worse Didn't help dig up but we are chewing on it.  Drags up undesirable things, dead animals, boots, some smell",1 Tim 5:13 'gadding About To The Houses',Bobby Laymon,What Kind Of Name Are You Making With God?,55,,,
Gossip,"Silver glazing's overlaid upon fragment of earth. Though wronged originally, would be classified as a slanderer; if continued to talk about matter. It is an honorable thing to let contentions die.",Applied to fervent lips along with a bad heart.,"Prov. 26:22, 23; Prov. 26:21","Jul 1, 1960 Wt Page 405",What Kind Of Name Are You Making With God?,55,,,
Gossip,"Spark of flame, Describe damage, Sets wheel of natural life aflame","Mere spark, can be fanned until whole woodland is on fire",James 3:2-12,"Oct 15, 1989 Wt Page 17",What Kind Of Name Are You Making With God?,55,,,
Gossip,Sword stabs,"May heal, but leaves a scar","Ecc 7:9, 21, 22 Prov. 14:17",Bible,What Kind Of Name Are You Making With God?,55,,,
Gossip,"Tongue, sharp sword, arrows, shoot from concealed places.  Can be deadly, destroying an innocent person's reputation.  Can separate friends.  Prov 16:28",Harmful gossip can be murderous,Ps 64:2-4  Rom 14:12,"Oct 15, 1989 Wt Page 13",What Kind Of Name Are You Making With God?,55,,,
Gossip,Trash barrel or garbage can (unsavory things in) Jehovah's spirit will not motivate anyone to fill his mind with such ideas and use his tongue to injure anyone.,"Never let our mind, marvelous gift from Jehovah, become such",Psalm 141:3  Isa 55:7  Phil 4:8,"Oct 15, 1989 Wt Page 16",What Kind Of Name Are You Making With God?,55,,,
Gossip,Truth only has to change hands a few times to become fiction.,"Must be careful, even when relating truth",Prov. 6:19,Bobby Laymon,What Kind Of Name Are You Making With God?,55,,,
"Gossip, Complaint, Murmuring, Slander,",Yawn: Has been referred to as a socially infectious habit because of the urge to yawn when you see or hear someone else yawning.,Harmful talk can be like that also.,"Prov. 26:20; Gal. 6:7, 8; 1 Cor. 10:12;","Jun 8, 1991 Aw Page 10, 22","Friendship With God, Friendship With The World -- Which Will You Choose?",79,,,
"Gossip, Critical, Negative,",'He that scatters thorns let him not go barefooted.'  Quote: Benjamin Franklin.,We can end up at the wrong end of gossip and critical talk.,1 Tim 5:13;,J.K.,What Kind Of Name Are You Making With God?,55,,1997/04/12,
"Gossip, Critical, Negative,",Diamond miners in Africa must search through thousands of tons of dirt to find one precious diamond.,Sometimes we are inclined to search through an entire congregation of diamonds to find dirt.,1 Tim 5:13;,J.K.,What Kind Of Name Are You Making With God?,55,,1997/04/12,
"Gossip, Critical, Negative,","Have you ever noticed highway signs that are shot full of holes.  They were put there to help, and harm no one.",Gossip is like taking pot shots at signs. Especially when it is directed towards those taking the lead and giving direction such as elders and traveling overseers.,1 Tim 5:13;,J.K.,What Kind Of Name Are You Making With God?,55,,1997/04/12,
"Gossip, Critical, Negative, Protection,",In a chicken house sometimes a chicken will start bleeding.  The others will start pecking - draw blood all peck it to death.  Some owners use a red light.  It fools the other chickens.,Don't be like a chicken.  Don't peck others to death. Turn on the red lights.,Matt 7:2;,J.K.,"Mercy, A Dominant Quality Of True Christians",7,,1997/04/12,
"Gossip, Mind, Speech, Talk,","If you had a beautiful home of modern design, with large picture windows with colorful drapes, artistically decorated, tastefully furnished with luxurious pieces for all the rooms, and with shining hardwood floors in some rooms and thick cushiony wall-to-wall rugs in others, would you let pigs have the run of that house? You would never so misuse such a beautiful home, would you?","So it is with the human mind. It deserves a much loftier use than being filled with gossip, stuffed with slander, crammed with dirt and made to use the tongue as a tool to scatter this filth to others. The brain is a marvelous gift from Jehovah, so complicated and intricate that the  wisest men cannot begin to fathom fully its workings.  Why fill it with garbage?","Jas 4:1-4, 11;",Bobby Laymon,A Cleansed Earth--will You Live To See It?,49,,1995/01/27,
"Gossip, Mind, Speech, Talk,","If you had the finest automobile made, with the most painstaking workmanship mechanically, and with a bright, new, shiny, stylish body, would you use it to pull a plow or haul fertilizer?","So it is with the human mind. It deserves a much loftier use than being filled with gossip, stuffed with slander, crammed with dirt and made to use the tongue as a tool to scatter this filth to others. The brain is a marvelous gift from Jehovah, so complicated and intricate that the  wisest men cannot begin to fathom fully its workings.  Why fill it with garbage?","Jas 4:1-4, 11;",W55 8/15 507,A Cleansed Earth--will You Live To See It?,49,,1995/01/27,
"Gossip, Problems, Complain, Resentment, Forgiveness,","'To make a mountain out of a molehill, just add more dirt.'",We need to avoid talking about matters that are not beneficial.,Prov 17:9;,Joseph Wengert D. O.,Follow The Way To Life,45,,1995/05/29,
"Gossip, Resentment,","Gossip and negative talk can become very destructive. It might be likened to a person who talked about a person, but then he felt regret, so he went to the person to apologize. He said how can you ever forgive me? He told them to go and collect a bag full of feathers, which he did, and took it the  brother. He said now what do you want me to do? He replied that on a windy day he should shake the feathers in the wind, which again he did. And again he went back and asked what he could do! The brother said, now go and collect them and put them all back in the bag.",What has been said can be forgiven but can they ever be forgotten? Can things ever come back to before the gossip was spread?,Prov 11:13;,Peter Morgan,Do You Harbor Resentment Or Do You Forgive?,68,,1997/08/12,
"Gossip, Satan, Devil, Critical, Hatred,","'FRIENDLY' FIRE: In the Gulf War, many of the soldiers fighting were not killed by the enemy, but by 'friendly fire'.  That is, they were shot  by their own side, who mistook them for the enemy.  They don't know the difference.  They are still dead.","Do you see any parallels within the Christian congregation? Sometimes Satan disguises matters, so our friends look like our enemies. In that way, we start to attack our Christian brothers and forget who our REAL enemy is. So whenever we are tempted to say something unkind about a brother we should ask: whose purpose will our comments really serve?",Rom 14:19;,J.K.,Are You Content With Jehovah's Provisions?,22,,1997/04/12,
"Gossip, Slander,","'He that slings mud, loses ground.' (Chinese Proverb)",Gossip does not benefit.,1ti 5:13,Larry Kinkade,What Does The Healing Of The Nations Accomplish?,111,,,
"Gossip, Slander,","'I heard it through the grapevine' During the Civil War, endless vinelike strands of telegraph lines were strung between military post. Fast food restaurant spent over 1 year combating a false rumor","Symbol of unconfirmed news, rumors, gossip, slander. that its hamburgers contained worms. Soap Co. (rumored that its corporate symbol had insignia of Satan)",Prov. 25:23; Rev. 12:9,"Jun 8, 1991 Aw Page 7",What Kind Of Name Are You Making With God?,55,,,
"Gossip, Slander,","'She was killed by idle gossip!' (conclusion of coroner's jury) The young woman's name, reputation, and ultimately her life were ruined by the town's malicious idle talk.","Rarely are the results that tragic, however there is little doubt gossip has power. Greek word for slanderer is di a'bo los (Devil) May be held accountable for government turmoil, split families etc",Prov. 25:23; Rev. 12:9,"Jun 8, 1991 Aw Page 3, 7",What Kind Of Name Are You Making With God?,55,,,
"Gossip, Slander,","A couple I knew had a little dog named Sparky.  When you opened the door, Sparky would run out and all around and you could not catch him.",Our speech that gets away from us is like that.  Don't let that little dog loose.,"Rom. 16:17,18;",Ron Whitlatch,True Friendship With God And Neighbor.,100,,"Apr 23, 2002",
"Gossip, Slander,","In some places when a man got mad at his neighbor he would take a shotgun shell, leave the powder in, but take out the shot and fill the shell with Johnson grass seed and shoot it over the neighbors property. Soon the grass would spread and ruin his field.",Spreading gossip is like shooting Johnson grass over congregation. It will ruin all hard work and rob it of fruitage.,1 Tim.5:13,Johnse Laymon,,,,1994/12/12,
"Gossip, Slander, Hurt, impulsive ","One day, a certain good woman said something that hurt her best friends of many years. Immediately she regretted it, and would have done anything to take her words back. But they were said, impulsively, in a moment of thoughtlessness, and as close as she and her friend were, she hadn't considered the effects of her words beforehand. What she said had hurt the friend so much that the woman herself was hurt for the pain she caused. In an effort to undo what she had done, she went to an older, wiser woman in the village.  Explaining her situation, she asked for advice. The older woman listened patiently. In an effort to determine just how sincere the younger woman was, and how far she was willing to go in order to correct the situation, she explained that to put things back in order, great efforts must be made. She asked, 'Just what would you be willing to do, to repair the harm done?'  The answer was heartfelt, 'Anything!'  Listening to her, the older woman sensed the younger woman's distress, and knew she must help her. She could never alleviate her pain by living her life for her, but she could teach, if the younger woman would first listen, and then learn. She knew the outcome would depend solely on the character of the younger woman.  She said, 'There are two things needed to make amends. The first of the two is extremely difficult. Tonight, take your best feather pillows, and open a small hole in each one. Then, before the sun rises, you must put a single feather on the doorstep of each house in town. When you are through, come back to me. If you've done the first thing completely, then I'll tell you the second.'  The young woman hurried home to prepare for her chore, even though the pillows were very dear to her, and very expensive. All night long she labored alone in the cold. She went from doorstep to doorstep, taking care not to overlook a single house. Her fingers were frozen, the wind was so sharp it caused her eyes to water, but she ran on, through the darkened streets, thankful there was something she could do to put things back the way they once were. Finally, as the sky was getting light, she placed the last feather on the steps of the last house. Just as the sun rose, she returned to the older woman, exhausted, but relieved that her efforts would be rewarded.  'My pillows are empty. I placed a feather on the doorstep of each home.'","'Now,' said the wise woman, 'go and refill your pillows. Then everything will be as it was before.'  The young woman was stunned! 'You know that's impossible! The wind blew away each feather as fast as I placed them on the doorsteps! You didn't say I had to get them back - if this is the second requirement, then things will never be the same!'  'That's true,' said the older woman. 'Never forget, each of your words is like a feather in the wind. Once spoken, no amount of effort, regardless how heartfelt or sincere, can ever return them to your mouth. Choose your words well, and guard them most of all in the presence of those you love!'",2 Thess. 3:11;,Mark Hanlon,What Kind Of Name Are You Making With God?,55,,1998/11/26,4/9/2014
"Gossip, Slander, Lies, dog, bone, ","A dog that brings a bone home, will also carry one away.","If we are tempted to listen to gossip from another person, always keep in mind that they will not only be glad to tell you about someone else, but will probably tell someone else about your shortcomings also.  A person who gossips, knows no bounds.",1 Tim. 5:13,Jim Breden,"As Christians, We Care About Other People",15,,1996/04/25,6/17/2025
"Gossip, Slander, Listen, Hear,","What would happen to 'big mouths' if there were not 'big ears?'  When talk gets out of hand, change the subject or leave. Do not get angry! Do not add fuel to the fire. (see examples)","Those who delight in paying attention to gossip are part of the problem. Gossips must answer to Jehovah. Matt. 12:36, 37;",Prov. 17:4; 20:19; Ps. 39:1; Prov. 15:2; Prov. 26:20;,"Jun 8, 1991 Aw Page 8-10",Never Become Dull In Your Hearing,9,,,
"Gossip, Slander, Reputation, Name,","Give a dog a bad name, and hang him.",Slander and gossip can cause injury and death.,Ecclesiastes. 7:1; Mal. 3:16; Ps. 72:17; Rev. 22:4; Rev. 3:5;,Bobby Laymon,What Kind Of Name Are You Making With God?,55,,,
"Gossip, Speech",Did you ever go into a restaurant and order chicken?  What if your order came and it was unwholesome chicken.,Unwholesome speech is like that.  It is disgusting in Jehovah's eyes and should be ours also.,Pr 17:4,Mike Hart,What Kind Of Name Are You Making With God?,55,,1994/04/22,
"Gossip, Speech",Do we surf on the wave of gossip?  The sea of mankind loves to talk about one another.  It is like the ripple of the sea.  Some people love it.,Christians must avoid gossip about fellow Christians and others.,Pr 12:18;,Mike Hart,A Cleansed Earth--will You Live To See It?,49,,1994/04/22,
"Gossip, Speech,",'Gossip is the art of saying nothing in a way that leaves practically nothing unsaid.'  Quote: Walter Winchell.,"When tempted to gossip about others, consider what name, or reputation, you may be establishing.",Tit 2:3-5;,Bobby Laymon,What Kind Of Name Are You Making With God?,55,,1995/07/03,
"Gossip, Speech,","A farmer who noticed that smoke was coming from the middle of his wheat field and went to examine the place and he indeed found that someone had started a fire. Now instead of putting it out, he wanted everyone to see and show them what someone had started in his field. However, as he picked up the fire for evidence and started carrying it out of the field he noticed that he was dropping sparks of fire and as he looked back he had set his whole field on fire.",Sometimes it is just better to put an end to things rather than spread gossip about someone.,2 Thess 3:11;,Bobby Laymon - Internet,A Cleansed Earth--will You Live To See It?,49,,1997/11/25,
"Gossip, Speech,","Large fish on dry land Flop, make noise, distract, threaten, leave alone, soon die. Plenty of events in making that will take the spotlight Learn from being a victim of",Sometimes best to leave a matter alone. Rom 12:3  Prov. 13:3 Rise above foolish rumors,Prov. 26:20 1 Pet 2:15,"See July 22, 1989 Awake! Pages 18-20",What Kind Of Name Are You Making With God?,55,,,
"Gossip, Speech,",Salt water & sweet Not proper to bless & curse out of same mouth,Not possible to get both from same source,James 3:2-12,"Oct 15, 1989 Wt Page 17",What Kind Of Name Are You Making With God?,55,,,
"Gossip, Speech, Good,","There was a sister noted for only saying good about everybody. Once she was challenged that she couldn't say anything good about Satan the devil.  She thought for a moment, and said, he's a hard worker!!","If she could say something 'good' about Satan, we should have no trouble saying good about our brothers and sisters!",2 Thess 3:11;,Bobby Laymon,A Cleansed Earth--will You Live To See It?,49,,1997/08/11,
"Gossip, Speech, Negative,","Gossip might be likened to someone who talked about a person, but then he felt regret, so he went to the person to apologize. He said 'How can you ever forgive me?' He told him to go and collect a bag full of feathers, which he did, and took it the brother. He said: 'Now what do you want me to do?' He replied that on a windy day he should shake the feathers in the wind, which again he did. And again he went back and asked what he could do! The brother said: 'Now go and collect all the feathers and put them all back in the bag.'","Sometimes we have a personality problem, and when that happens, will love come to the top? Gossip and negative talk can become very destructive.  You see, what has been said can be forgiven but can it ever be forgotten? Can things ever be brought back to before the gossip was spread?",2 Thes 3:11;,Bobby Laymon - Internet,A Cleansed Earth--will You Live To See It?,49,,1997/11/25,
"Gossip, Speech, Talk, Rumor,",A man is only as good as his word.,Be careful what you say. It will come back to you.,"1 Tim. 5:12, 13; 1 Pet. 4:15; Jas. 3:3-10; 1 Th 2:5;",Bobby Laymon,What Kind Of Name Are You Making With God?,55,,,
"Gossip, Speech, Talk, Rumor,",Accordion: A bagpipe with pleats.,Description of a talkative person.,"1 Tim. 5:12, 13; 1 Pet. 4:15; Jas. 3:3-10; 1 Th 2:5;",Bobby Laymon,What Kind Of Name Are You Making With God?,55,,,
"Gossip, Speech, Talk, Rumor,","Advise for a luncheon date: Eat wisely, but not too well. Talk well, but not too wisely.",Easy to talk too much.,"1 Tim. 5:12, 13; 1 Pet. 4:15; Jas. 3:3-10; 1 Th 2:5;",Bobby Laymon,What Kind Of Name Are You Making With God?,55,,,
"Gossip, Speech, Talk, Rumor,","Say what you think, but think before you say it.","Words, like bullets, cannot be recalled after once said.","1 Tim. 5:12, 13; 1 Pet. 4:15; Jas. 3:3-10; 1 Th 2:5;",Bobby Laymon,What Kind Of Name Are You Making With God?,55,,,
"Gossip, Speech, Talk, Rumor,","Sometimes it is better to remain silent and be thought a fool, than to speak up and remove all doubt.","Silence, many times is the best course.","1 Tim. 5:12, 13; 1 Pet. 4:15; Jas. 3:3-10; 1 Th 2:5;",Bobby Laymon,What Kind Of Name Are You Making With God?,55,,,
"Gossip, Speech, Talk, Rumor,",Speak good of the dead.,"People resent bad speech, especially of persons who are dead.","1 Tim. 5:12, 13; 1 Pet. 4:15; Jas. 3:3-10; 1 Th 2:5;",Bobby Laymon,What Kind Of Name Are You Making With God?,55,,,
"Gossip, Speech, Talk, Rumor,","Sticks and stones can break my bones, but words will never harm me","Gossip may not cause physical harm, but spiritual damage.","1 Tim. 5:12, 13; 1 Pet. 4:15; Jas. 3:3-10; 1 Th 2:5;",Bobby Laymon,What Kind Of Name Are You Making With God?,55,,,
"Gossip, Speech, Talk, Rumor,",Telling someone where to get off is not the best way to get on.,Friendships can be easily lost by our tongue.,"1 Tim. 5:12, 13; 1 Pet. 4:15; Jas. 3:3-10; 1 Th 2:5;",Bobby Laymon,What Kind Of Name Are You Making With God?,55,,,
"Gossip, Speech, Talk, Rumor,","To be seen, stand up. To be heard, speak up. To be appreciated, shut up.",Sometimes better to not be heard.,"1 Tim. 5:12, 13; 1 Pet. 4:15; Jas. 3:3-10; 1 Th 2:5;",Bobby Laymon,What Kind Of Name Are You Making With God?,55,,,
"Gossip, Speech, Talk, Rumor,","Woods have tongues, as walls have ears.","Watch our speech, even in private places.","Ecclesiastes. 10:20; 1 Tim. 5:12, 13; 1 Pet. 4:15; Jas. 3:3-10;",Bobby Laymon,What Kind Of Name Are You Making With God?,55,,,
"Gossip, Speech, Talk, Rumor, Anger,","The least said, the quicker mended.",Be slow about speech.,"1 Tim. 5:12, 13; 1 Pet. 4:15; Jas. 3:3-10; 1 Th 2:5;",Bobby Laymon,What Kind Of Name Are You Making With God?,55,,,
"Gossip, Speech, Talk, Rumor, Confidential,","You can make anyone believe anything, if you whisper it.",Rumors are easily started.,"1 Tim. 5:12, 13; 1 Pet. 4:15; Jas. 3:3-10; 1 Th 2:5;",Bobby Laymon,Maintain Your Confidence Firm To The End,46,,,
"Gossip, Speech, Talk, Rumor, Service, Tact,",Speak softly and carry a big stick. (Theodore Roosevelt),"We should be kind, yet firm.","1 Tim. 5:12, 13; 1 Pet. 4:15; Jas. 3:3-10; 1 Th 2:5;",Bobby Laymon,How Should You Serve God?,58,,,
"Gossip, Speech, Talk, Rumor, Timing,",It is better to leave the audience gasping for more than gagging on what they got.,Don't go overtime.,"1 Tim. 5:12, 13; 1 Pet. 4:15; Jas. 3:3-10; 1 Th 2:5;",Jim Laymon; Bobby Laymon,What Kind Of Name Are You Making With God?,55,,,12/16/2021
"Gossip, Speech, Talk, Rumor, Tongue,","Bridle a horse's mouth, and turn his whole body. Jas. 3:3","If we can control our tongues, we are in full control.","1 Tim. 5:12, 13; 1 Pet. 4:15; Jas. 3:3-10; 1 Th 2:5;",Bobby Laymon,Do You Harbor Resentment Or Do You Forgive?,68,,,
"Gossip, Speech, Talk, Rumors,","Imagine one day you awake and notice something smelling.  You open your front door and there is a dead, rotten skunk someone has placed on your step.  You dig a hole and bury it, but in a couple of weeks the smell is back.  Again it has been dug up.  You repeat the burying process and it happens again in a week.  How disgusting.","That is the way some gossip is.  The elders work hard to bury it, and in a short time someone digs it up again.",1 Tim 3:19;,Bobby Laymon,,,,"Nov 15, 2001",
"Gossip, Talk,",What should not be heard by little ears should not be said by big mouths.,Avoid gossip.,2 Thess 3:7;,Bobby Laymon,What Kind Of Name Are You Making With God?,55,,1998/12/25,
"Gossip, Tongue, Service, Name,",Different creatures have tongues of different shapes.  Honeybee has hairy tongue spoon on tip.  Toads have long sticky tongue.  Anteater has whip like tongue thrust out nine inches.   Woodpeckers slender barbed dart that impales worm dug out with beak.   Giraffe has a long tough tongue wrap around leaves.,Using their tongue right means life.  So does ours.,James 3:5,Johnse Laymon,Service Talk,200,,,
"Gossip, Tongue, Speech,","A man once asked his slave to search the world over for the BEST thing he could find.  After many years, he came back with a human tongue.  His master had to agree with him that he was right.  After a few months home, his master again sent him to search the world over for the WORSE thing he could find.  After many years, he returned, again with a human tongue.","The human tongue can be used for good, or it can be used for bad.  What are some ways we can use our tongue?",James 3:6,Johnse Laymon,Service Talk,200,,,
Gossip;,"'A cruel story runs on wheels, and every hand oils the wheels as they run.'  Quote:  Ouida.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Gossip;,'A gossip is a person who creates the smoke in which other people assume  there's fire.'  Quote:  Dan Bennett.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Gossip;,"'Don't talk about yourself, it will be done when you leave.'  Quote:  Alice Roosevelt Longworth.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Gossip;,'Everybody's business is nobody's business.'  Quote:  English.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Gossip;,'Gossip is what no one claims to like but everybody enjoys.'  Quote:  Joseph Conrad.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Gossip;,"'Gossip needn't be false to be evil, there is a lot of truth that shouldn't be passed around.'  Quote:  Frank Clark.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Gossip;,'He poured a little social sewage into his ears.'  Quote:  George Meredith.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Gossip;,"'If the horn cannot be twisted, the ear can.'  Quote:  Malay.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Gossip;,'Mix with your neighbors and you will learn what is going on in your own  house.' Quote:  Yiddish,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Gossip;,"'Of every ten persons who talk about you, nine will say something bad, and the tenth will say something good in a bad way.'  Quote:  Antoine Rivarol.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Gossip;,'She has a nice sense of rumor.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Gossip;,"'There are two kinds of people who blow through life like a breeze, one kind is gossipers, and the other kind is gossipees.'  Quote:  Ogden Nash.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Gossip;,"'Who brings a tale, takes two away.'  Quote:  Irish.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Gossip;,'Whoever gossips to you will gossip of you.' Quote:  Spanish,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Gossip;,A pair of good ears will wring dry a hundred tongues.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Gossip;,"Absolute knowledge have I none, but my aunt's washerwoman's sister's son,  heard a policeman on his beat say to a laborer on the  street that he had a letter just last week, a letter that he did not seek,   from a Chinese merchant in Timbuktu, who said that his  brother in Cuba knew of an Indian Chief in a Texas town who got the dope   from a circus clown, that a man in Klondike had it   straight from a guy in  a South American State, that a wild man over Borneo   way, was told by a woman who claimed to know.....etc.  etc.  Anonymous.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Gossip;,Don't repeat anything to which you will not sign your name.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Gossip;,Folks who know least seem to know it fluently.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Gossip;,Gossip is something negative that is developed and enlarged,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Gossip;,Gossip is the art of saying nothing in such a way that leaves nothing unsaid.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Gossip;,Hear no ill of a friend or speak none of an enemy.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Gossip;,It is good tongue that says no ill it is a better heart that thinks none.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Gossip;,Nothing ever happens in a small town but what you hear makes up for it.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Gossip;,Nothing is more annoying than to have someone repeat word for word what you shouldn't have said in the first place.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Gossip;,Small talk wouldn't be so irritating if it weren't handed out in such large quantities.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Gossip;,Some people will believe anything if  it is whispered to them.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Gossip;,The best thing to do behind a person's back is to pat it.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Gossip;,"The eyes believe themselves, the ears believe other people.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Gossip;,"The gossip of the future may not be a backbiting, nosy tongue-wagging  two-face, but a super-megabyte, random-access, digital   interface. Ron Zeh",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Gossip;,The opposite of gossip is often the truth.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Gossip;,The tongue of the idle persons is never idle.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Gossip;,There is nothing busier than an idle rumor. Herbert V. Prochnow,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Gossip;,To be occupied with what does not concern you is worse than doing nothing.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Gossip;,What you hear never sounds half as important as what you overhear.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Gossip;,Why must the phrase 'Its none of my business' always be followed by the word 'but'?,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Gossip;,"Wild horses couldn't drag a secret  out of most women. unfortunately, women seldom have lunch with wild horses.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Gossip;,"Women can keep a secret just as well as men, but it takes more of them to  do it.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Gossip; Accusations;,'Fling dirt enough and some will stick.'  Quote:  Latin.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Gossip; Backbiting;,Gossip: Something that goes in one ear and out the mouth.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Gossip; Meddling,'Don't scald your tongue in other peoples broth.'  Quote:  English.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Gossip; Secret;,How can we expect another to keep our secret if we cannot keep it ourselves?,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Gossip; Secret;,"Some people look at a secret in two ways, either its not worth keeping or its too good to keep.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Gossip; Speech;,A loose tongue often leads to loose teeth.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Gossip; Speech;,"It is with a word as with an arrow, once let loose, it does not return.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Gossip; Speech;,The human tongue is a deadly weapon whether it is sharp or blunt.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Gossip; Truth;,'Surely it is better to tell the truth behind peoples backs than to never tell the truth at all.'  Quote:  Robert Lynd.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Gossip; Truth;,'The opposite of gossip is often truth.'  Quote:  French.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Government; Rulership;,"'If people do not possess the capacity to govern themselves, they  are inevitably governed by others.'  Quote:  Felix Morley.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Government; Rulership;,'No nation is wise enough to rule another.'  Quote:  Helen Keller.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Governing Body,"Steer a ship, direct, govern First Apostles & older men Modern day G.B. provides oversight for Jehovah's Witnesses",'ky ber na'o' English word govern means the above,"Heb 13:7, 17, 24  1 Cor 12:28","Dec 15, 1989 Wt  Page 21",Acquiring A Heart Of Wisdom,73,,,
"Governing Body, Faithful, Discreet Slave, 144,000, Justice,",No more so than to have the tail wag a dog instead of the dog's  wagging its tail.,"Hence the Society's voting members do not desire that there be any basis for conflict and division. They do not want to cause anything like a situation where the 'administrative agency' controls and directs the user of that agency, which user is the governing body as representing the 'faithful and discreet slave' class.   A legal religious instrument according to Caesar's law should not attempt to direct and control its creator; rather, the creator of the legal religious instrument should control and direct it. In harmony with God's holy spirit, therefore, in order to have the greatest efficiency and perfect harmony between the governing body and the Board of Directors of the legal corporation,  the voting members of the Society have wisely elected to the Directorate those whom they know are members of the governing body of the 'faithful and discreet slave' class.",Mt 24:45-47;,W71 12/15 760,Have Faith In The Good News,47,,1994/05/13,
"Governing Body, Nethinim, 144,000,",Information only:  Regarding those of 'great crowd' being used in close assistance of the anointed.  'Given ones',Likened to Nethinim and the sons of the servants of Solomon who returned to Jerusalem from Babylon.  They outnumbered the returning Levities.,"Is 60:10; Ne 3:22, 26;","Apr 15, 1992 Wt Page 31",Acquiring A Heart Of Wisdom,73,,,
Government - Kingdom,"If you could afford to buy a genuine pearl necklace or a diamond ring, would you settle for a poor imitation of the real thing.",Theocracy- God rule Israel was real theocratic Government Others claim to be God-rule.  Cheap imitation of kingdom.,Matt. 13:45,Awake- 12\22\90 Johnse Laymon,The Kingdom Of God Is Near,109,,,
Government By Man,Trees of forest ask for king,Man has been ruled by those with lower moral than common people,Judg. 9: 8-15,Bible (bobby Laymon),The Kingdom Of God Is Near,109,,,
"Government, Corruption, Kingdom,",'Every nation has the government it deserves.'  Quote: Joseph de Maistre.,"It may be true that governments are what people make of them, and want them to be.  Under the rulership of the Messianic kingdom blessings will extend to entire earth, so it truly will be a world government.",Da 2:35;,Bobby Laymon,Your Future--how Can It Be Known?,19,,1995/07/18,
"Government, Dominate, Kingdom, Trees,","'Once upon a time the trees went to anoint a king over them. So they said to the olive tree, 'Do be king over us.'  But the olive tree said to them, 'Must I give up my fatness with which they glorify God and men, and must I go to wave over the other trees?' Then the trees said to the fig tree, 'You come, be queen over us.'  But the fig tree said to them, 'Must I give up my sweetness and my good produce, and must I go to wave over the other trees?'  Next the trees said to the vine, 'You come, be queen over us.'  In turn the vine said to them, 'Must I give up my new wine that makes God and men rejoice, and must I go to wave over the trees?'  Finally all the other trees said to the bramble, 'You come, be king over us.'  At this the bramble said to the trees, 'If it is in truth that YOU are anointing me as king over YOU, come, seek refuge under my shadow. But if not, let fire come out of the bramble and consume the cedars of Lebanon.'","Jesus Christ, who also was rejected as king over the nation of Israel, was not the first to liken a man, himself, to a grapevine.",Judges 9:8-15,Bobby Laymon,The Kingdom Of God Is Near,109,,1994/05/07,
"Government, Faith, Kingdom, United Nations, Flesh,","Humpty-Dumpy sat on a wall, Humpty-Dumpy had a great fall. All the kings horses and all the kings men, Could not put Humpty-Dumpy together again.",Nations will experience a fall; completely beyond repair at the hands of Jehovah's kingdom.,1 Th 5:3; Dan. 2:44;,Bobby Laymon,The Kingdom Of God Is Near,109,,,
"Government, Humor, Automobile, Last Days, World, Sign, Kingdom,",Automobile: A four-wheeled vehicle that runs up hills and down pedestrians.,Man's progress has not always been forward.,2 Tim. 3:1-5; Matt. 24:3-14; Luke 21:29-35; Mark 13:14-31;,Bobby Laymon,'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
"Government, Kingdom, Blame, World, Morals, Honesty,","'Every country has the government it deserves.'    Quote: Joseph de Maistre, a French diplomat.","If men are good, then the government cannot be bad.  God's law agrees saying, '...And my own people have loved it that way.'  Today, dishonest men and immoral persons have gone uncorrected.  Can God be pleased?",Jer 5:29-31;,"Oct 15, 1971 Wt Page 630",'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,1993/11/21,
"Government, Kingdom, Cows, Justice,","'ADMINISTERING THE COWS'  Socialism:  You have two cows; you give one to your neighbor, and keep the other.  Fascism:  You have two cows; you keep them both and give the milk to the government and the government sells part of it back to you.  New Deal:  You have two cows; the government shoots one, milks the other, and pours the milk down the sink.  Communism: You have two cows; you give both to the government and the government gives you some of the milk.  Nazism: You have two cows; the government gives you some of the milk.  Capitalist Democracy: You have two cows; you sell one and buy a bull.  Conservatism: You have two cows; You embalm both cows and freeze the milk.  Liberalism: You have two cows; You don't feed or milk either cow; both cows die of old age.  Anarchism: You have two cows; You keep both cows, shoot the government, and steal another cow.  Theocratic: You have two cows; Both cows eat straw with the lion in a pasture flowing with everlasting milk and honey.  (Lev. 20:24)    Consolation   July 4, 1945    Evelyn Perkins",Only God's Kingdom Government will produce true justice and lasting benefits.,(Leviticus. 20:24),"Consolation   July 4, 1945   Evelyn Perkins",Ruining The Earth Brings Divine Retribution,106,,1994/03/01,
"Government, Kingdom, Judge, Rulers, 144,000, Heavens,","In this present system of things we have governments often made up of large bodies of men.  The legislative, judicial and executive branches of a government comprise sizable numbers.  Over these world governments, the Bible says, is an invisible body of rulers.  They are wicked spirit persons.","The 'new heavens' will be composed of Jesus Christ the King and High Priest of God and his associate kings and under priests numbering 144,000 persons.  There will also be a visible governing arrangement for humankind.","Re 14:1, 3, 4; Ps 45:1, 6, 7;","Oct 15, 1971 Wt Page 634",The Kingdom Of God Is Near,109,,1993/11/21,
"Government, Kingdom, New Order, Brain, Thinking, Wisdom, Learning, Full,","'It is frequently stated that we use only 10 percent of our full mental  potential. This, it now appears, is rather an overestimate. We probably do not use even 1 percent-more likely 0.1 percent or less.'  Quote: The Brain Book.",Imagine what the brain will enable humans to accomplish when it reaches its full potential in the New Order.,Isa 65:22;,W85 1/15 16-17; Merle Truitt;,Overcoming Fear Of The Future,108,,1995/06/25,
"Government, Kingdom, Society, Order, Crisis, Confusion,",'The human adventure on the face of this planet has been an almost uninterrupted series of crises and disruptions of society's established order.'  Quote: Historian William H. McNeill.,The Bible fills all our needs for wise direction.,Jer. 10:23;,Kl Page 12,Does Your Hope Rest On Science Or The Bible?,80,,1995/06/15,
"Government, Kingdom, Spending, Politics,",'Government investigations have always contributed more to our amusement than they have to our knowledge.'  Quote: Will Rogers.,Jehovah's government will be one that is efficient.  It will not waste time or money.,Isa 32:1;,Bobby Laymon - Reader's Digest,The Kingdom Of God Is Near,109,,1996/03/15,
"Government, Kingdom, United Nations,","'Frail at Fifty -- The UN needs a fitness programmed to get back into shape.'  Quote: The Times of London, England.","After 50 years of trying to accomplish peace, man's best efforts have failed.",Jer 8:15;,"May 1, 1997 Wt Page 16",Overcoming Fear Of The Future,108,,1997/06/15,
"Government, Kingdom, United Nations,","'The U.N. is a toothless lion, which roars when confronted by human savagery, but has to wait for its members to pop in its dentures before it can bite.'  Quote: The Toronto Star of Canada.","Too often that bite has been too little, too late.  However in the near future it will bite as just the right time against false religion.",Jer 6:14;,"May 1, 1997 Wt Page 16",Religion's Time Of Judgment,83,,1997/06/15,
"Government, Language, Theocratic Terms,","What do you think of when you hear, 'Uncle Sam?'  The tall, lanky gentleman with the big hat and the whiskers? But what few people know is that there actually was a real 'Uncle Sam'... His name was Samuel Wilson.  He lived in Troy, N.Y., and he was a prosperous meatpacker.  When the War of 1812 started, Sam Wilson supplied meat to all the U.S. troops stationed in the area.  The meat was stamped 'U.S.' to signify that it had been certified by a United States Government meat inspector.  However, the soldiers believed that the 'U.S.' stood for Uncle Sam Wilson--the meatpacker.  Eventually, everything with the U.S. stamp became known as the property of 'Uncle Sam's'","In like manner many theocratic terms are also becoming 'household' words.  Theocracy, pioneer, Bethel, Gilead.  Jehovah's people have helped many to recognize the real government.",Isa 9:6;,Bobby Laymon; American Essays By Dan Valentine,What God's Rulership Can Do For Us,24,,1997/05/12,
"Government, Nations, End,",Psychiatrist said  ' The nations of the world are behaving like mentally ill patients who see their problems and select means to solve them that merrily aggravate them.,Satan is determined to cause ruin and problems.,"Rev. 12:9, 12","Johnse Laymon  Oct 8, 1965 Aw Pg 14",What Does The Healing Of The Nations Accomplish?,111,,,
"Government, Progress, Struggle, Employment, Work, Power, Vanity,","'I have climbed to the top of the greasy pole.' Quote: Benjamin Disraeli, Earl of Beaconsfield. -1868.  To friends, on being made prime minister.","People step on others to climb the social ladder.  We must display the true Christian personality, fighting against bad tendencies.  We must avoid selfish ambition.",1 Pe 5:6; Heb 6:11;,Bobby Laymon,Act Wisely As The End Draws Near,38,,1995/08/01,
"Government, Proverbs, Lie, Kill,","'Lie, but don't overdo it' (Russia) 'Kill one, a murderer, kill thousands--a hero.' (Indian) 'The only way you can unite with a tiger is inside the tiger.' (Chinese)",Proverbs collected from diplomats.,2 Cor 4:4;,"May 22, 1963 Aw Page 20",Follow The Way To Life,45,,,
"Government, Rule, Kingdom, Future, Events, Prophecy, Destiny,","'I claim not to have controlled events, but confess plainly that events have controlled me.'  Quote: Abraham Lincoln.","Governments of today are not controlling events.  Even the Chaldeans could not determine content of dream.  God could reveal hidden information, including interpretation of the dream.","Dan 2:21, 22;",Bobby Laymon,Your Future--how Can It Be Known?,19,,1995/06/27,
"Government, Rule, Nations, Adam, Eve,",A Chinese proverb asserts: 'Without the assistance of Heaven man cannot walk an inch.',The first human pair concluded otherwise. They chose to walk 'without the assistance of Heaven' and were subsequently forced to walk their way out of the Paradise that God had given them.,Ge 3:1-5; Jer 10:23;,G90 8/8 6,What Does The Healing Of The Nations Accomplish?,111,,1994/07/10,
"Government, Simple, Complicated, Laws, Standards,","Abraham Lincoln's Gettysburg address contains 266 words.  The famed U.S. Bill of rights, foundation of America, contains a mere 436 words.  But a recent directive released by a U.S. agency fixing the price of turnips -- contains 19,457 words!",The entire law to Israel contained only about 600 laws.  Today government has become more and more complicated.  Jehovah's government will simplify things for the human race.,Ecclesiastes 8:9;,Bobby Laymon; American Essays By Dan Valentine,What God's Rulership Can Do For Us,24,,1997/05/12,
Government;,"'Governments tend not to solve problems, only rearrange them.'  Quote:  R. Regan.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Government; Abuse;,'The best security against revolution is in constant correction of abuses and the introduction of needed improvements. It is the neglect of timely repair that makes rebuilding necessary.'  Quote:  Richard Whately.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Government; Communism;,"'Whether you like it or not, history is on our side. We will bury you.'  Quote:  Nikita Khrushchev.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Government; Rulership;,'Good government is no substitute for self-government.'  Quote:  Mahatma Gandhi.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Government; Rulership;,"'Government, even in its best state, is but a necessary evil; in its worst state, an intolerable one.' Quote:  Thomas Paine",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Government; Rulership;,'I think that people want peace so much that one of these days government better get out of the way and let them have it.'  Quote:  Dwight D. Eisenhower.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Government; Rulership;,'Monarchy is the best or the worst of governments.' Quote:  Voltaire,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Government; Rulership;,'No man is good enough to govern another man without that other man's consent.'  Quote:  Al.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Government; Rulership;,'No man is good enough to govern another man without that other's consent.'  Quote:  Al.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Government; Rulership;,'Public opinion matters very little to governments.'  Quote:  Benevento.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Government; Rulership;,'We have not fit men for the times.'  Quote:  John Adams.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Government; Rulership;,'What government is the best? That which teaches us to govern ourselves.'  Quote:  Goethe.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Government; Rulership; King;,'When the King makes a mistake  all the people suffer.'  Quote:  Chinese.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Government; Rulership; Kingdom;,'Men must be governed by God or they will be ruled by tyrants.' Quote:  William Penn,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Government; Rulership; Kingdom;,"Our ambition should be to rule ourselves, the true kingdom for each one of us.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Government; Rulership; Kingdom;,"Somewhere on an alien, distant planet, deep in the universe, in a galaxy far, far away, there is a government that really knows what it is doing.",,,Jk Quotes;,The Kingdom Of God Is Near,109,,,
Government; Rulership; United Nations;,'I consider world government absolutely impossible to attain.' Quote:  Walter Lippmann,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Governments,"Like clocks; go from motion men give them, moved by men, ruined by men. Quote from Wm Penn, founder of state of Pennsylvania.",Governments ruled by men under Satan's influence.,Rev. 13:1-3,"Nov 22, 1958 Aw Page 7",Acquiring A Heart Of Wisdom,73,,,
"Governments, Kingdom, Greed,",Compared in Bible to 'Wild Beast' with 'dragon' in control.,This system has a record of greedy grasping for power and bloodshed.,"Dan. 2:44; Rev. 13:2; Dan. 8:20, 21; Luke 4:5-8;",The Truth That Leads To Eternal Life. Page 99,The Kingdom Of God Is Near,109,,,
"Governments, Kingdom, Rulers, Dominate, Injury,","THE OXEN once upon a time sought to destroy the Butchers, who practiced a trade destructive to their race.  They assembled on a certain day to carry out their purpose, and sharpened their horns for the contest.  But one of them who was exceedingly old (for many a field had he plowed) thus spoke:  'These Butchers, it is  true, slaughter us, but they do so with skillful hands, and with no unnecessary pain.  If we get rid of them, we shall fall into the hands of unskillful operators, and thus suffer a double death:  for you may be assured, that though all the Butchers should perish, yet will men never want beef.'",Moral:  'Do not be in a hurry to change one evil for another.'  That is why no human government will succeed.  They each have their own evils.   Only God's kingdom will remove all pain and death.,"Rev 21:3, 4; Ecc 8:9;",Aesop's Fables - Bobby Laymon,The Kingdom Of God Is Near,109,,1994/05/17,
"Governments, Power, Ruler, Kingdom, Domination,","'Every noble crown is, and on earth will forever be, a crown of thorns.' Quote: Thomas Carlyle. -1843.","Any government other than Jehovah's will not bring lasting happiness.  The final aspect of dream is especially interesting, for it shows outcome of present world developments.",Da 2:41-43;,Bobby Laymon,Your Future--how Can It Be Known?,19,,1995/08/01,
Governments; Fear;,'Fear is the foundation of most governments.'  Quote:  John Adams.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Gracious,"Child doesn't do best work, but eager; try to win the adult heart How we speak counts: 'I'm happy to have you stay with me.' Not: 'You can take it or leave it.  It's up to you.'","Jehovah is happy when we are gracious, eager, try hard to please.",2 Cor. 9:7,"Sep 15, 1959 Wt Page 547","As Christians, We Care About Other People",15,,,
"Gradual, Truth, Progressive, Light,","If a person has been in a dark room for a long period of time, is it not best if he is exposed to light gradually?",Jehovah has exposed his people to the light of truth in a similar manner; he has enlightened them progressively.,"Prov 4:18; John 16:12, 13;",Jv 708  31,,,,1996/01/06,
Graffiti;,'A white wall is a fool's paper.'  Quote:  French.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Granted, Commonplace, Truth, Appreciate,","When we turn on a spigot we expect water.  We flip a switch and expect lights.  Turn on a microwave and get cooked food.  When you grow up with something, you have a tendency to take it for granted.  It becomes commonplace.",The same can be said of the truth.  Sometimes we take it for granted.  We must love and appreciate the truth.,1 Cor. 14:23-25;,Tim Quilliams,How The Kingdom Of God Affects You,42,,1998/09/22,
"Grateful, Thankful, Appreciation, Gratitude,","'Blow, blow, thou winter wind, thou art not so unkind as man's ingratitude.'  Quote: Shakespeare.","The effect of ingratitude can be as chilling as a winter wind.  In today's world, expressions of gratitude are disappearing.",1 Thess 5:18; Col 3:15;,"Feb 15, 1998 Wt Page 3",Follow The Course Of Hospitality,77,,1998/01/29,
"Gratitude, Thankful, Appreciation, Life, Prayer,",Sending thank-you cards is a convenient way to express gratitude for acts of kindness.  Many of the cards available in stores express the sentiments beautifully.  But would it not be a loving personal touch to add words of appreciation in your own handwriting?,Life is a gift from God.  Be sure to add a personal touch.  Speak words of personal appreciation to Jehovah daily.,Prov. 25:11; James 1:17;,"Feb 15, 1998 Wt Page 6, 7 (see Picture)",Why You Can Trust The Bible,99,,1998/03/28,
"Gratitude, Thanks-giving, Marriage,",A pinch of salt or spice can turn tasteless meal into delectable 'nor did they thank him' Can make abhorrent to God. Thankfulness in marriage. A young man wrote an expression of thanks for a job interview.,A little thankfulness and gratitude can go a long way. 'I thought so courteous and thoughtful a young man was worth hiring.',Rom. 1:21; 2 Tim. 3:2,"Sep 22, 1962 Aw Page 3,4",God Comes First In Successful Family Life,110,,,
"Gratitude, Thanks-giving, Marriage,","Quote Shakespeare: 'I hate ingratitude more in a man than lying, vainness, babbling drunkenness, or any taint of vice whose strong corruption inhabits our frail blood.'",A little thankfulness and gratitude can go a long way.,Rom. 1:21; 2 Tim. 3:2,"Sep 22, 1962 Aw Page 3,4",God Comes First In Successful Family Life,110,,,
Gratitude;,'Gratefulness is the poor man's payment.'  Quote:  English.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Gratitude;,'Gratitude is the heart's memory.'  Quote:  French.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Gratitude;,'Gratitude is the memory of the heart.'  Quote:  J. Masseur.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Gratitude;,"'In prosperity, no altars smoke.'  Quote:  Italian.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Gratitude;,'Most human beings have an almost infinite capacity for taking things for granted.'  Quote:  Aldous Huxley.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Gratitude;,'One who recovers from sickness forgets about God.'  Quote:  Ethiopian.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Gratitude;,'Silent gratitude isn't much use to anyone.'  Quote:  G. B. Stern.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Gratitude;,'Who does not thank for little will not thank for much.'  Quote:  Estonian.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Gratitude;,"Gratitude takes three forms: A feeling in the heart, and expression in words, and a giving in return.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Gratitude;,"If you pick up a starving dog and make him prosperous, he will not bite you. that is the principal difference between a dog and a man.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Gratitude; Forgiveness;,'Do not forget little kindnesses and do not remember small faults.'  Quote:  Chinese.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Gravity, Relativity, Einstein, Space, Science, Rubber Sheet,","Imagine space to be like a boundless rubber sheet.   Now, placing an object on this flexible mat will cause a dimple, or depression.","According to Einstein's description, the earth, the sun, and the stars are like objects on a flexible mat, causing space to curve. If you roll another object onto the rubber sheet, it will be deflected into a curved path by the depressed area around the first object.  Similarly, the earth, the planets, and the stars move along curved paths, following the natural 'depressions' in space. Even a beam of light is deflected when passing near massive objects in the universe. t.",Ps 8:3;,G89 10/8 17,Does Your Hope Rest On Science Or The Bible?,80,,1994/05/10,
"Gravity, Science, Space, Universe, Circle, Earth, Planets,","ISAAC NEWTON, about 300 years ago, theorized how gravity works. He imagined a man throwing an object from the top of an unusually high mountain. If simply dropped, the object would fall, as would an apple, downward to the ground.  If, however, it was thrown forward, it would follow a curved path in falling to the ground.","Newton then reasoned that if thrown fast enough, it would circle the earth in an orbit.  From this theorizing, the link between gravity and the movements of the moon and the planets became apparent to him: the moon bound in an orbit around the earth because of the pull of earth's gravity and the planets kept in their orbits by the sun's gravity.",Isa 40:12-15;,G89 10/8 16,Decide Now For Divine Rulership,37,,1995/01/19,
"Gravity, Science, Space, Universe, Circle, Earth, Planets,","Suppose the earth were the size of an apple. On that scale, the visible universe would be 2.9 thousand million miles (4.7 thousand million kilometers) in diameter.","And just how far have manned and unmanned probes and spaceships been able to move away from this 'apple'? They are still away inside the apple box!  Besides, regardless of how far spaceships might venture into space, humans could never expect to see God, either with their literal eyes or by means of man-made cameras.",Exodus 33:20;,G85 7/8 9-10,Evidence Of God In The World Around Us,4,,1995/01/19,
"Gravity, Space, Black Hole, Science,","Try throwing an object above your head. You will notice that it rises to a certain height, stops momentarily, and then falls back to the ground. With light it is different. A beam of light can escape from earth's gravity because it travels fast enough.","Suppose now that the force of gravity was much stronger, strong enough to prevent even light from escaping. From such an object, nothing could escape. The object itself would be invisible because no light could escape its gravity and reach the eyes of an outside observer, hence the name black hole.",Ps 8:3;,G89 10/8 18,Does Your Hope Rest On Science Or The Bible?,80,,1994/05/10,
"Gravity, Space, Black Hole, Science, Einstein, Rubber Sheet,","On the basis of Einstein's work, we can also picture gravity as an invisible web, linking everything and holding the universe together. What happens when that web is disturbed?","Consider again the illustration of the rubber sheet, and suppose that an object on the sheet is suddenly jostled to and fro. The vibrations generated in the sheet will disturb nearby objects.   Similarly, if a star were violently 'jostled,' ripples in space, or gravity waves, might be generated.  Planets, stars, or galaxies caught in the path of a gravity wave would experience space itself contracting and expanding-like a rubber sheet vibrating.  Since these waves have not as yet been detected, what proof do scientists have that Einstein's theory is correct? One of the best indications comes from a star system known as a binary pulsar. This consists of two neutron stars in orbit about a common center.",Ps 8:3;,G89 10/8 18,Does Your Hope Rest On Science Or The Bible?,80,,1994/05/10,
Greatness;,Greatness: saying what is true.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Greed,"A man who wanted to settle accounts with his slaves One slave owed 10,000 talents; the other a hundred denarii.","Instead of saying, 'It's not nice to be greedy' told illustration",Matt. 18:23-35,"Apr 1, 1960 Wt Page 200-212",Why Live By Bible Standards?,88,,,
Greed,Camel that asked for horns like bull.   Not satisfied going to take away part of your ears.  Very small ears for such a large animal.,"Don't ask for more, things may be better just as they are.",1ti 6:6-8;,Aesop's Fables,Why Live By Bible Standards?,88,,,
Greed,Common Cold Greed & selfishness do not even have to be learned; from childhood Watch two toddlers play with toys Example: drug trade;$300 thousand million a year,If Man has difficulty eradicating; what chance far more complex only 10-20% go to producer countries,"Deuteronomy 32:4, 5  1 Tim 2:14 Genesis 6:5  Gal 5:3  Isa 65:17","Feb 15, 1990 Wt Page 3",Why Live By Bible Standards?,88,,,
Greed,"Goose that laid the Golden Egg Wonderful goose, always laid golden egg. Killed it, thinking there was a lot of gold inside. Lost his steady supply of gold",Don't be greedy or you may end up with nothing,"1 Cor. 6:9, 10;",Aesop's Fables,Why Live By Bible Standards?,88,,,
Greed,Need is the reason for greed. (Not true) Strange Characteristic: people normally content with their lot in life will manifest greed if unexpectedly given opportunity,Greed is a widespread human failing,"Deuteronomy 32:4, 5  1 Tim 2:14 Genesis 6:5  Gal 5:3  Isa 65:17","Feb 15, 1990 Wt Page 3",Why Live By Bible Standards?,88,,,
Greed,"The Age of Greed, the 1980's 1950's Age of Anxiety; 1970' The 'Me' Decade; Gay 90's 1890 Roaring 20's 1920 etc.",Greed has escalated owing to pressures of 20th century,"Deuteronomy 32:4, 5  1 Tim 2:14 Genesis 6:5  Gal 5:3  Isa 65:17","Feb 15, 1990 Wt Page 4",Why Live By Bible Standards?,88,,,
Greed,"Who could be most greedy person in building? Look in Mirror Refers to 'self' 14 times 'I', 'my', 'you', 'your', 'yourself'. Man was greedy, also unreasonable.","Apply to covetousness, desire for power, gain, sex, material gain Not have inordinate interest on 'self' or 'things.'",Luke 12:16-20,"Kingdom Unity Dist Assy  Uniondale, N.Y. June 23-26, 1983",Why Live By Bible Standards?,88,,,
"Greed, Advertisement, Lie, Wicked, Hypocrite,","McGowan's Madison Avenue Axiom: If an item is advertised as 'under $50', you can bet it's not $19.95",Greediness of world.,Matt. 23:13;,Bobby Laymon,Why Live By Bible Standards?,88,,,
"Greed, Christendom, Clergy, Opposition, Persecution, Pharisees, Hypocrites,","A DOG lay in a manger, and by his growling and snapping prevented the oxen from eating the hay which had been placed for them.  'What a selfish Dog!' said one of them to his companions; 'he cannot eat the hay himself, and yet refuses to allow those to eat who can.'","Moral: 'Don't deprive others of what you cannot do.'  The clergy are like that.  They will not accept the truth, and yet they oppose those who would like to have life.   'Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! because you shut up  the KINGDOM of the heavens before men; for you yourselves do not go  in, neither do you permit those on their way in to go in.  Matt 23:13;",Mt 23:13;,Aesop's Fables - Bobby Laymon,Bearing Up Under Persecution,57,,1994/05/15,
"Greed, Competition, Dishonesty, Business, Cheating,","'He's the biggest dog, and it's dog eat dog in our business.'   Quote: A merchant described in a 1905 novel.","Increasing Lawlessness is a Sign of the World's End?     Selfishness and greed led to violent labor disputes-2,093 strikes and lockouts in the United States during just the first six months of 1916! Cutthroat business practices were common.","2 Tim 3:1-5, 13;",W83 6/1 4,Decide Now For Divine Rulership,37,,1994/05/13,
"Greed, Covet,",'The covetous man is ever in want.'  Quote: Horace.,"By discouraging 'covetous sexual appetite,' the Bible helps Christians to avoid or break masturbation habit.",1th 4:5;,Bobby Laymon,A Godly View Of Sex And Marriage,13,,1995/07/09,
"Greed, Covetousness","'Do you eat to live, or live to eat?'  Do the restaurants that advertise, 'All you can eat!' literally mean to eat all you can? Marriage not an 'iron-clad' protection against sexual greed. We don't have to 'go up on roof' to view bathing chambers today.","We must avoid the snare of greed in all things.  Apply to money, sexual pleasures, food and drink, covetousness,","Luke 12:15; Mt 6:19; 1ti 6:9, 10; Pr 23:1;",Light-bearers District Assembly (June 1992),Resisting The Spirit Of The World,25,,,
"Greed, Envy, Covet, Materialism, Simple Eye,","A DOG, crossing a bridge over a stream with a piece of flesh in  his mouth, saw his own shadow in the water and took it for that of another Dog, with a piece of meat double his own in size.  He immediately let go of his own, and fiercely attacked the other  Dog to get his larger piece from him.  He thus lost both:  that  which he grasped at in the water, because it was a shadow; and his own, because the stream swept it away.",Moral: 'Grasp at the shadow & lose the substance.' A greedy person will lose what he prizes most.   Lost all and about drowned.,"1 Cor 5:11  6:9, 10",Aesop's Fables - Bobby Laymon,Reach Out For The Real Life!,90,,,
"Greed, Envy, Jealousy,","'Greed is envy with its sleeves rolled up.'  Quote: George F. Will, Washington Post.",Greed and envy go hand in hand.,Ps 106:16;,Bobby Laymon - Reader's Digest,Jealousy--proper And Improper,76,,1996/03/15,
"Greed, Lust,",'He who comes for the inheritance is often made to pay for the funeral.'  Quote: Yiddish Proverb,Greed does not always pay.,1 Cor. 6:10;,Jk Quotes;,Follow The Course Of Hospitality,77,,,
"Greed, Materialism, Money,","A greedy monkey is trapped quite easily, all you need is a secured narrow neck jar or vase and some peanuts or fruit inside it. In its greediness the monkey will grab as big a fistful as it can, quickly finding that it now can't remove its fist and the contents. Whatever the impending danger, that greedy little animal just refuses to remove its hand without the contents!",What this system offers is mere peanuts compared to Jehovah's promises. LET GO OF IT!!,1 Tim 6:10;,J.K.,Finding Honor And Joy In God's Ministry,65,,1997/04/12,
"Greed, Money, Materialism, System,","A person depending on worldly comforts can be likened to a greedy monkey. A greedy monkey is trapped quite easily, all you need is a secured narrow neck jar/vase and some peanuts/fruit inside it. In its greediness the monkey will grab as big a fistful as it can, quickly finding that it now can't remove its fist and the contents. Whatever the impending danger, that greedy little animal just refuses to remove its hand without the contents!",What this system offers is mere peanuts compared to Jehovah's promises. LET GO OF IT!!,Mark 4:19;,Peter Morgan,Resisting The Spirit Of The World,25,,1997/08/10,
"Greed, Motive, Spite, Hatred, Spanish,",'He went in after wool and came out fleeced.'  Spanish saying. The Latin mind has keen insight into human nature.,"Recognizing the victim may not have had the most blameless of motives himself, perhaps even being a bit greedy.","1 Cor. 6:9, 10;","Sep 8, 1964 Aw Page 15",Why Live By Bible Standards?,88,,,
"Greed, Pollution, Problems, Ecology,",'For greed all nature is too little.'  Quote: ancient philosopher Seneca.,"That includes the vast Amazon rain forest, and other natural resources.",Rev 11:18,"Mar 22, 1997 Aw Page 12",Will You Escape This World's Destiny?,84,,1997/03/10,
"Greed, Selfish, Covet,","A BOY put his hand into a pitcher full of filberts.  He grasped  as many as he could possibly hold, but when he tried to pull out  his hand, he was prevented from doing so by the neck of the  pitcher.  Unwilling to lose his filberts, and yet unable to  withdraw his hand, he burst into tears and bitterly lamented his disappointment.  A bystander said to him, 'Be satisfied with half the quantity, and you will readily draw out your hand.'",Moral: 'Do not attempt too much at once.',1 Cor 5:11;,Aesop's Fables - Bobby Laymon,Resisting The Spirit Of The World,25,,1994/05/17,
"Greed, Selfish, Gambling, Humor,",One way to stop a runaway horse is to bet on him.,"Jehovah is our trust, not men, nor animals.","Ps. 146:3, 4; 1 Tim. 4:12; 5:1, 2; 2 Cor. 9:11; John 13:35",Bobby Laymon,Into The New Order Under Christ's Leadership,56,,,
"Greed, Selfish, Granted, Appreciate, Contentment,  Gifts,",Half a loaf is better than none.,Should be content with sufficient food for the day.,"Eph. 5:3-5; 1 Tim. 4:12; 5:1, 2; 2 Cor. 9:11; John 13:35",Bobby Laymon,Appreciating Marvels Of God's Creation,114,,,
"Greed, Selfish, Granted, Appreciate, Gambling.",One man's loss is another man's gain.,World's view on gambling.,"Eph. 5:3-5; 1 Tim. 4:12; 5:1, 2; 2 Cor. 9:11; John 13:35",Bobby Laymon,Appreciating Marvels Of God's Creation,114,,,
"Greed, Selfish, Granted, Appreciate, Generosity, Borrow,",Always borrow money from a pessimist; he doesn't expect to be paid back.,"Others do, and all rightly should be repaid.","Ps. 37: 21;eph. 5:3-5; 1 Tim. 4:12; 5:1, 2; 2 Cor. 9:11;",Bobby Laymon,Appreciating Marvels Of God's Creation,114,,,
"Greed, Selfish, Granted, Appreciate, Generosity, Excess,",All that goes up must come down.,Extremes must be avoided.,"Eph. 5:3-5; 1 Tim. 4:12; 5:1, 2; 2 Cor. 9:11; John 13:35",Bobby Laymon,Appreciating Marvels Of God's Creation,114,,,
"Greed, Selfish, Granted, Appreciate, Generosity, Gifts,",Anybody with money to burn will easily find someone to tend the fire.,World is full of greed.,"Eph. 5:3-5; 1 Tim. 4:12; 5:1, 2; 2 Cor. 9:11; John 13:35",Bobby Laymon,Appreciating Marvels Of God's Creation,114,,,
"Greed, Selfish, Granted, Appreciate, Generosity, Gifts,",Beggars can't be choosers.,We should accept a gift with graciousness.,"Eph. 5:3-5; 1 Tim. 4:12; 5:1, 2; 2 Cor. 9:11; John 13:35",Bobby Laymon,Appreciating Marvels Of God's Creation,114,,,
"Greed, Selfish, Granted, Appreciate, Generosity, Gifts,",Cast your bread upon the water and it will return ten-fold.,Generosity.,"Eccl. 11:1; 1 Tim. 4:12; 5:1, 2; 2 Cor. 9:11; John 13:35",Bobby Laymon,Appreciating Marvels Of God's Creation,114,,,
"Greed, Selfish, Granted, Appreciate, Generosity, Gifts,",Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.,Golden Rule.,"Eph. 5:3-5; 1 Tim. 4:12; 5:1, 2; 2 Cor. 9:11; John 13:35",Bobby Laymon,Appreciating Marvels Of God's Creation,114,,,
"Greed, Selfish, Granted, Appreciate, Generosity, Gifts,",Don't ride a free horse to death. We must not overdo even a good thing.,Don't take advantage of a person's good side.,"Eph. 5:3-5; 1 Tim. 4:12; 5:1, 2; 2 Cor. 9:11; John 13:35",Bobby Laymon,Appreciating Marvels Of God's Creation,114,,,
"Greed, Selfish, Granted, Appreciate, Generosity, Gifts,",Don't wear out the welcome mat.,Don't over-do a good thing. Prov. 25:17,"Eph. 5:3-5; 1 Tim. 4:12; 5:1, 2; 2 Cor. 9:11; John 13:35",Bobby Laymon,Appreciating Marvels Of God's Creation,114,,,
"Greed, Selfish, Granted, Appreciate, Generosity, Gifts,",Give what you have to someone. It may be better than you dare to think.,Never underestimate generosity.,"Eph. 5:3-5; 1 Tim. 4:12; 5:1, 2; 2 Cor. 9:11; John 13:35",Bobby Laymon,Appreciating Marvels Of God's Creation,114,,,
"Greed, Selfish, Granted, Appreciate, Generosity, Gifts,","Help yourself, by helping others.",Those teaching others teach themselves.,"1 Tim. 4:16; Eph. 5:3-5; 1 Tim. 4:12; 5:1, 2; 2 Cor. 9:11; John 13",Bobby Laymon,Appreciating Marvels Of God's Creation,114,,,
"Greed, Selfish, Granted, Appreciate, Generosity, Gifts,",You don't miss the water until the well runs dry.,"Things taken for granted, can be essential.","Eph. 5:3-5; 1 Tim. 4:12; 5:1, 2; 2 Cor. 9:11; John 13:35",Bobby Laymon,Appreciating Marvels Of God's Creation,114,,,
"Greed, Selfish, Granted, Appreciate, Generosity, Gifts,",You must give in order to receive.,Those freely watering others will be freely watered.,"Pr 11:25; Eph. 5:3-5; 1ti 4:12; 5:1, 2; 2 Co 9:11; John 13:35;",Bobby Laymon,Appreciating Marvels Of God's Creation,114,,,
"Greed, Selfish, Granted, Appreciate, Generosity, Gifts, Satan,",Bitter pills are gilded. Desires of world are an example.,Satan dresses things up to look better.,"Eph. 5:3-5; 1 Tim. 4:12; 5:1, 2; 2 Cor. 9:11; John 13:35 1 Jn2:15",Bobby Laymon,Appreciating Marvels Of God's Creation,114,,,
"Greed, Selfish, Preaching, Service, Life, Blood, Territory,","What you keep you lose, what you give away, you keep forever.","When we give someone the truth, we also keep it.","Eph. 5:3-5; 1 Tim. 4:12; 5:1, 2; 2 Cor. 9:11; John 13:35",Bobby Laymon,How Should You Serve God?,58,,,
"Greed, Selfishness,","Harry Truman, former president of the United States said, 'No one should be president who doesn't understand hogs.'","If the greed and unselfishness was that bad 60 years ago, what is it today?",Matt. 24:13,Bobby Laymon,How To Express Love In A Lawless World,112,,1999/12/06,
"Greed, Wastefulness,",'For greed all nature is too little.' Quote: Roman playwright and philosopher.,A greedy person is never satisfied.,Exodus 16:16-20; John 6:11-13;,"Aug 22, 2002 Awake Page 11",Why Live By Bible Standards?,88,,"Aug 7, 2002",
"Greed, Wastefulness,","'Greed is a bottomless pit which exhausts the person in an endless effort to satisfy the need without ever reaching satisfaction.'  Quote: Erich Fromm, a philosopher of the 20th century.",A greedy person is never satisfied.,Exodus 16:16-20; John 6:11-13;,"Aug 22, 2002 Awake Page 11",Why Live By Bible Standards?,88,,"Aug 7, 2002",
Greed;,"'Greed and happiness never saw each other, how then should they become acquainted?'  Quote:  Bf.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Greed;,"'Nothing makes us more vulnerable than Loneliness, except greed.' Quote:  Thomas Harris",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Greed;,'The miser and the pig are of no use until dead.'  Quote:  French.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Greed;,'Water will not slip through the misers grasp.'  Quote:  Malay.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Greed;,"'When the rogue kisses you, count your teeth.' Quote:  Yiddish",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Greed; Avarice;,'Avarice increases with the increasing pile of gold.'  Quote:  Juvenal.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Greed; Avarice;,'Avarice is always poor.'  Quote:  Samuel Johnson.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Greed; Desire; Riches;,'An immoderate desire of riches is a poison lodged in the mind.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Greed; Envy;,'Greed is envy with its sleeves rolled up.'  Quote:  George F. Will.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Greed; Envy;,'Hand: A singular instrument worn at the end of a human arm and commonly thrust into someone else's pocket.'  Quote:  Ab.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Greed; Envy;,'The dog with a bone is always in danger.'  Quote:  African.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Greed; Miser;,"'Misers are very kind people, They amass wealth for those who wish their death.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Greed; Money;,"'If you want to know what God thinks of money, just look at the people he gives it to.'  Quote:  Anonymous.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Greed; Money;,"'Money won't buy friends, but it will give you a better class of enemies.'  Quote:  Ed Day.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Greed; Money;,"'Never ask of money spent, where the spender thinks it went, nobody was ever meant to remember every cent.'  Quote:  Robert Frost.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Greed; Money;,"'When it is a question of money, everybody is said to be of the same religion.' Quote:  Voltaire",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Greetings;,'Glory to your feet. Albanian Road Greeting'  Quote:  Albanian.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Greetings;,'Thanks for the last time we were together.'  Quote:  Danish Greeting.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Greetings; Health;,'May you have the health of a salmon.....a strong heart and a wet mouth.       h'  Quote:  Irish.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Grief, Complain, Mummer, Contentment, Hope,",'Everyone can master a grief but he that has it.' Quote: William Shakespeare.,"When friends are grieving over a loved one we should ask:  How can I help others who are grieving? And principally, What does the Bible say about a sure hope for the dead? Will I ever see my loved ones again? And where?","Acts 24:14, 15;",Bobby Laymon,Gaining Comfort In All Our Tribulations,105,,1995/07/10,
"Grief, Death, Depression, Stress, Emotions, Anger, Guilt,",A person who receives a deep slash wound or breaks a bone goes into physical shock.  This shock is a kind of protective device that keeps the enormity of the pain from hitting immediately.,"Grief works in the same way.  What may happen, though, when that initial shock wears off?  There may be anger, depression, guilt, and any number of things.",Luke 8:52;,"Aug 22, 1994 Aw Page 25, 26",Gaining Comfort In All Our Tribulations,105,,1994/09/07,
"Grief, Death, Funeral, Emotions, Depression, Comfort, Mourn,","Just as physical scars on the body may stay with us for life, so do many emotional scars.","Grief is not limited to some set time period immediately after the death of a loved one.  Some people carry the burden of their grief all through their lives, especially those who have lost children.","Genesis 37:34, 35;","Jun 1, 1995 Wt Page 13",Gaining Comfort In All Our Tribulations,105,,1995/07/22,
"Grief, Mourn, Funeral, Personality, Friend, Enemy, Love, Hate,",'A friend in need is a friend indeed.'  Quote: English proverb.,A true friend will stick with you in trouble.  This is a truism that we should live up to.,Mic. 7:5; Prov. 18:24; Luke 16:9; John 15:13-15; Prov. 14:20;,"Jun 1, 1995 Wt Page 13;",Gaining Comfort In All Our Tribulations,105,,,
Grief;,'The only cure for grief is action.'  Quote:  George Henry Lewes.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Grief;,"Grief is a stone that bears one down, but two bear it lightly.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Grief;,The only cure for grief is action. George Lewes,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Grief; Mourning;,"'He that lacks the time to mourn, lacks the time to mend.' Quote:  Sir Henry Taylor",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Grief; Sadness;,'Sadness is not an evil.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Grief; Sorrow;,"We should feel sorrow, but not sink under its oppression.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Grief; Tears;,Nothing dries faster than a tear.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Grief; Weeping;,'Weeping makes the heart grow lighter.' Quote:  Yiddish,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Grooming, Cleanliness, Holy, Creation,","How do animals keep their teeth clean?  The answer is found right in their mouth.  Inside their lips and cheeks there are outgrowths that form natural toothbrushes.  Some have them on the side of their tongues also.  Every time they open and close their mouths, they brush their teeth.",Is keeping our teeth clean part of our daily habits?,1pe 1:16;,"Jun 22, 1970 Aw Page 25",A Clean People Honors Jehovah,14,,,
"Grooming, Cleanliness, Holy, Creation, Ants,","Ants have fine-tooth combs and coarse-tooth combs just as humans do.  These combs are attached to the fourth joint of their legs. 'This is a real comb which might have served the inventor of our own combs for a model ... it has stiff back and regularly toothed edge.' Quote: R. Dixon & B. Eddy - Book, 'Personality of Insects'",We can learn from the ants in different ways.  Students and observers have found that insects are equipped with toiletries and use them.  We should keep clean and well groomed also.,"Pr 6:6; Le 11:44, 45; 19:2; 20:26; 1pe 1:16;","Jun 22, 1970 Aw Page 24",A Clean People Honors Jehovah,14,,,
"Grooming, Cleanliness, Holy, Creation, Bats,","Among the winged creatures, free-tailed bats have the most effective hairbrushes.  On the outer toes of their feet there are fringes of little bristles that stick out.  Bent just at the right angle.  When he finishes, using both brushes, the hair on his back will be neatly parted down the middle.","Do we take the time to part our hair, and groom as Jehovah's animal creations do?","Le 11:44, 45; 19:2; 20:26; 1pe 1:16;","Jun 22, 1970 Aw Page 25",A Clean People Honors Jehovah,14,,,
"Grooming, Cleanliness, Holy, Creation, Beaver,","The beaver has a built-in comb and hairdressing supply.  The nail of his second toe on each hind foot is split, and the toe itself, being jointed, can bend in any direction.  He sits on his tail which seems to help his oil glands discharge hair-dressing and dolls up his furry coat.",Dolling-up is a regular routine of animals.  It is not only humans who do it.  We should be encourage to keep clean in Jehovah's eyes.,"Le 11:44, 45; 19:2; 20:26; 1pe 1:16;","Jun 22, 1970 Aw Page 24",A Clean People Honors Jehovah,14,,,
"Grooming, Cleanliness, Holy, Creation, Heron,","The heron eats in slimy soiled water.  For dolling-up he has a powder puff on his breast.  The claw of his middle toe is a comb. After dinner he dabs plenty of powder on his head to soak up the slime.  Then he combs out the excess, balancing himself on one foot.",Cleanliness should become a daily routine for Christians as well.,1pe 1:16;,"Jun 22, 1970 Aw Page 25",A Clean People Honors Jehovah,14,,,
"Grooming, Cleanliness, Holy, Creation, Prawn,","The brushes of the prawn, a shrimp like sea creature, have bristles that stand up like those of a bottle cleaner.  They are on his front nippers, and he vigorously applies them to every part of his body.  Then he cleans them by running them thru his jaws.","Physical cleanliness, should also be a matter of concern to true servants of Jehovah.","Le 11:44, 45; 19:2; 20:26; 1pe 1:16;","Jun 22, 1970 Aw Page 25",A Clean People Honors Jehovah,14,,,
"Grooming, Clothing, Appearance,","A beggar in his rags and a man in a tuxedo both have clothes on, but there is a vast difference in the impression they make and in the way they are treated.","More and more, clothes are being used as a means of expressing one's choice of life-style, political views, nationalistic identity, and so on.",Deuteronomy 22:5;,"Feb 8, 1987 Aw Page 15",A Clean People Honors Jehovah,14,,1996/11/25,
"Grow, Progress, Spirituality, Maturity,",A plant breaking through soil may grow so slow that you cannot see it. You may come back a few days later and see that it has grown.,Spiritual growing may also be hard to detect in self or student others not around all the time may clearly see what missed too bad can't speed it up as with movie camera so we can see it.,Col. 2:19,"Feb 8, 1965 Aw Page 8; Johnse Laymon",What Is Behind The Spirit Of Rebellion?,33,,,
Growing,Rejoicing when a flower grows and blooms When we mature it not only makes Jehovah happy but us also.,Same when we grow spiritually.,Pro. 27:11,Pure Language Dist. Assy.,Progressing From Basics To Maturity,16,,,
Growing Spiritually,Have you ever watched a child grow and mature? A parent really enjoys watching their child grow up physically and spiritually. But it brings Jehovah much greater joy watching us grow,Jehovah watches us Grow and mature spiritually.,1 Cor. 14: 20,May 1965 Km,What Is Behind The Spirit Of Rebellion?,33,,,
"Growth, Advancement, Progress,","Each year, in the springtime, many of us start doing some pretty odd things. For many of us, after the snow melts, after the sun begins to shine, and the weather begins to warm, we go outside and start digging in the ground, playing in the dirt, yes, we call it -Planting Our Gardens.  And when our gardens start to grow, what is our reaction?  When you see a plant in your garden start to grow, when it begins to flower, When it actually begins to bear fruit, how do you feel? There's no feeling quite like that, is there? Such growth is a cause for rejoicing.","Now as satisfying as that is, there is a type of growth that is much more exciting. That's when we see spiritual growth taking place.",2 John 1:4;,Dch,Keep Growing In Your Relationship With God,16,,1993/10/10,
"Growth, Appreciation, Understanding, Creation, Embroider, Wisdom,","When I was a little boy, my mother used to embroider a great deal. I would sit at her knee and look up from the floor and ask what she was doing. She informed me that she was embroidering. I told her that it looked like a mess from where I was. As from the underside I watched her work within the boundaries of the little round hoop that she held in her hand, I complained to her that it sure looked messy from where I sat.  She would smile at me, look down and gently say, 'My son, you go about your playing for a while, and when I am finished with my embroidering, I  will put you on my knee and let you see it from my side.'  I would wonder why she was using some dark threads along with the bright ones and why they seemed so jumbled from my view. A few minutes would pass and then I would hear Mother's voice say, 'Son, come and sit on my knee.' This I did only to be surprised and thrilled to see a beautiful flower or a sunset. I could not believe it, because from underneath it looked so messy.  Then Mother would say to me, 'My son, from underneath it did look messy and jumbled, but you did not realize that there was a pre-drawn plan on the top. It was a design. I was only following it. Now look at it from my side and you will see what I was doing.'","Many times through the years we may have asked our heavenly Father what as happening to our lives, and how to make sense of it.  As we progress in understanding of his Fatherly and compassionate nature, we in time come to understand that what seems unclear to us from the underside, is beautifully taking form on the other.  The dark threads   may seem jumbled and a mess, and we are inclined to develop a negative attitude in our life, despite our Fathers comforting assurances. Yet with a confident faith in the final state of Jehovah's will and purpose accomplished, we will be permitted to see the 'top' side of the embroidery, when 'all things are made new'",Rev. 21:5; Prov 18:4,Steve Whittington,Christian Separateness From The World--why Beneficial.,119,,1999/02/26,
"Growth, Change, Spiritual, Maturity, Meetings, Improvement,","Things are growing everywhere -- animals, plants, trees, vegetation of all sorts.  However, we can always find some stunted.  Rain and nutrient soil induce growth of vegetation and food also stimulates growth in man.","But, what impels a person to grow spiritually?  Should not all those serving Jehovah be found flourishing and thriving on their rich spiritual diet?  Should never be stunted.","Ga 5:7,22, 23; Mt 5:45;","Dec 1, 1968 Wt Page 722",What Is Behind The Spirit Of Rebellion?,33,,,
"Growth, Christ, Jesus, Good, Imitate, Improve, Example, Love,","What child is there who does not love to get a seed of some kind, and put it in a jar, and watch the start of a new life?  Every day the child will peer into it, viewing attentively the signs of growth.  Adults too enjoy this.  The initial germ, or cell, is microscopic, yet it contains a complex code, or pattern, governing its future development.","A seed that comes from good stock will follow the same pattern.  The Bible reveals a similar attitude on the part of the angels.  They found joy in growth.  Jesus Christ, the master worker, found it to be of absorbing interest.  He has never lost that interest in the human family.  We too should become an imitator of what is good.","Ge 1:11, 12,21,24; Job 38:7; 3 John 11;","Jul 15, 1971 Wt Page 434",Keep Growing In Your Relationship With God,16,,1993/11/16,
"Growth, Expansion, Progress, Bethel, Kingdom Hall, Improvement,",Calves being let loose in the spring. (Green pastures),Feelings at moving into spacious quarters in Bethel homes.,Isa. 54:2;,1991 Yearbook Page 181,The Kingdom Of God Is Near,109,,,
"Growth, Food, Spiritual, Increase, Improve, Youth,","Today you can buy 'Puppy food' to help little pups grow up to be strong, healthy dogs.  The food is both tasteful and promotes growth.",Spiritual food likewise must be tasteful so it is appetizing to young and old alike.,Deuteronomy 6:6-9,"Dale Peters, ' Godly Fear' District Assembly",How Can Youths Cope With Today's Crisis?,113,,1994/06/22,
"Growth, Fruit, Increase, Youth, Elders, Improvement,",'A tree trunk the size of a man grows from a blade as thin as a hair.',We should not 'despise the day of small things',Zech. 4:10,Wisdom Of The Ages.,How Can Youths Cope With Today's Crisis?,113,,,
"Growth, Fruit, Increase, Youth, Improvement,",'Growth is the only evidence of life.'                      Quote: John Henry Newman (1801-1890),"There is no growth in death, or inactivity.  Jehovah God is the  only source of growth.","1 Cor. 3:6, 7",Bobby Laymon,How Can Youths Cope With Today's Crisis?,113,,,
"Growth, Fruit, Preaching, Maturity, Improvement","'Unless a tree has borne blossoms in spring, you will vainly look for fruit on it in autumn.'","The plowing, planting, watering, blooming period are necessary.","1 Cor. 3:6, 7;",Quote Hare & Charles (c. 1830),Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,63,,,
"Growth, Fruit, Preaching, Maturity, Improvement,",'...all good growth is slow growth.',Persons can come into the truth so fast they fly right out of it.,Eccl. 11:6;,Quote: William J. Gaynor (1849-1913),Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,63,,,
"Growth, Improvement, Fruit, Increase, Youth, Elders,",'Climb mountains to see lowlands.'  Chinese Proverb,We must grow in order to oversee.,1 Tim. 3:1,Wisdom Of The Ages,How Can Youths Cope With Today's Crisis?,113,,,
"Growth, Improvement, Reach Out, Progress, Garden,","We should all be trying to cultivate a spiritual garden, which includes four vegetables, and five rows of each vegetable. The four vegetables are peas, squash, turnips, and lettuce.",Five Rows of Peas:  Personal Study   Preaching   Preparation   Perseverance   Prayer   Five Rows of Squash:  Squash gossip   Squash jealousy   Squash anger   Squash contention   Squash strife   Five Rows of Turnips:  Turnip for the Service Meeting   Turnip for the Theocratic Ministry School   Turnip for the Book Study   Turnip for the Public Talk   Turnip for the Watchtower Study   Five Rows of Lettuce:  Lettuce continue to show love for one another   Lettuce continue to press on to maturity   Lettuce keep ourselves without spot from the world   Lettuce keep a strong hold on the word of life   Lettuce do all we can to magnify Jehovah's name,Luke 2:52;,Mark Hanlon,Service Talk,200,,1998/11/26,
"Growth, Increase, Improvement,","Imagine you planted a tomato patch, but you notice they aren't doing anything.  You decide to do something different.  In a few days you come back and they are really growing.  They start bearing fruit.  A short time ago you didn't know what to do with them, and now you wonder what am I going to do with all those tomatoes.","The work has been like this in some countries.  There have been many years with little growth in countries such as Poland, Hungary, Romania, Czechoslovakia, Russia, Ukraine, Estonia, and Belarus.  Now the growth is so great it is like all those tomatoes.  How will we care for it all?",Rom. 12:17-19,Al Larue,,,,1997/08/08,
"Growth, Increase, Organization",It is like a couple expecting an increase in the family.  They may remodel and enlarge the home.  The dust and inconvenience is forgotten soon after the arrival of the little one.,"Jehovah is arranging things.  We should not allow negative thoughts into our hearts, rather we want positive emotions to see far-reaching joy.",Titus 2:14; John 16:21-22,Bobby Laymon,Serving With Jehovah's Unified Organization,3,,1998/03/28,
"Growth, Increase, Pioneer, Improvement,","Richard Traub had learned the truth in Buenos Aires.  In 1930 he arrived in Chile - The only Witness in a country of 4,000,000 people.  He rented an apartment, and invited people to meet there. The only person to turn up for the first meeting, asked: And the others, when will they come?'",Brother Traub simply replied: 'They will come.'  And they did.  In less than a year 13 became baptized servants of Jehovah.,1co 3:6;,Jehovah's Witnesses - Proclaimers Of God's Kingdom.  Page 438,Keep Growing In Your Relationship With God,16,,,
"Growth, Increase, Witnesses, Improvement,",Springing up like mushrooms after a warm summer rain.,Describing how congregations of Jehovah's Witnesses were springing up after WWII.,Is 60:22;,"Oct 1, 1968 Wt Page 602; Jan 1, 1993 Wt Page 6",Keep Growing In Your Relationship With God,16,,,
"Growth, Little One, Increase, Kingdom, 1914,","At the Kingdom's birth in 1914 there was only 5,100 --a little one-- actively preaching.  At present, (1993) a peak of 4,709,889 active witnesses were reached.",This means that 'the little one' of 1914 is literally close to becoming 'a thousand'!,Isa. 60:22,"Sep 1, 1994 Wt Page 16",Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,63,,1994/10/23,
"Growth, Maturity, Improvement,","Growth of a flower makes us rejoice. Plant is checked if it fails to grow. Bad soil? Too little sun or water? If weak, it can be attacked by disease and bugs. It may not grow, just stand still.",Same with spiritual growth. How am I doing?,Prov. 27:11; Matt. 9:37;,Phil Kirkton Notes: Bro. Barber,Keep Growing In Your Relationship With God,16,,,
"Growth, Maturity, Progress, Improve, Circuit, Knowledge, Understanding,","Here the natural illustration does not apply.  For a human, plant or animal to grow to maturity depends on set time limits.","For while the time taken for growth from babyhood to maturity stays within certain limits, spiritual growth is not so governed. The chief determining factor is depth of heart devotion and appreciation.",Heb 6:1;,W52 8/15 502,Lovers Of Pleasure Or Lovers Of God?,64,,1994/08/10,
"Growth, Maturity, Progress, Improvement,","Seasons come gradually, don't suddenly burst upon us.",Good spiritual growth comes slowly.,1 Tim. 4:13-15;,Bobby Laymon,Keep Growing In Your Relationship With God,16,,,
"Growth, Maturity, Progress, Improvement,","When a young child first learns to crawl it is something new: To take his first steps, to speak his first words.  He will gurgle with delight at having accomplished something.  Progress is slow and sometimes unnoticeable at first.",The spiritual effort to make a large step forward (like preaching without regular meeting attendance) may result in a faith-hurting fall rather than spiritual advancement.,Ga 6:4;,"Sep 1, 1968 Wt Page 529",Keep Growing In Your Relationship With God,16,,,
"Growth, Maturity, Progress, Mind, Improvement,","Tender plant: too much water, or too little water will damage.","Man's mind needs proper amount of knowledge, and right kind.",John 17:3,Bobby Laymon,Keep Growing In Your Relationship With God,16,,,
"Growth, Organization, Improve, Witnesses, Preach, Jehovah's, Evangelizing,","'We are like a bag of African corn.  Wherever they shall take us, the Word will drop, one by one, until the time when the rain will come, and they shall see us raised up everywhere.'  Quote: A faithful Witness in Africa.","And so it was that in spite of difficult conditions, from 1949 to 1960, the number who reported activity as Jehovah's Witnesses increased from 48 to 1,528.",Matt. 24:14;,Jv 482  22,Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,63,,1995/06/13,
"Growth, Pioneer, Expansion, Improvement,",In Panama poles placed in the ground for clothes lines sprout and bud and often end up being shade trees.  Now you understand why fence posts are often trees.  Growth there is so rapid and luxuriant.,"Jehovah's organization, too, is experiencing a rapid growth in these last days.",Is 60:22; Ecc 11:6-9;,"Jul 1, 1968 Wt Page 409",Keep Growing In Your Relationship With God,16,,,
"Growth, Progress, Advancement,","Each year, in the springtime, many of us start doing some pretty odd things. For many of us, after the snow melts, after the sun begins to shine, and the weather begins to warm, we go outside and start digging in the ground, playing in the dirt, Yes, we call it planting our gardens.  And when our gardens start to grow, what is our reaction?  When you see a plant in your garden start to grow, when it begins to flower, when it actually begins to bear fruit, how do you feel? There's no feeling quite like that, is there? Such growth is a cause for rejoicing.    Now as satisfying as that is, there is a type of growth that is much more exciting. That's when we see spiritual growth taking place.    It has been said that growth is the only evidence of life (J.H. Newman 1801-1890)    Now why would that be important? Think about it-  you go out in the spring, you dig in the dirt, you plant your seeds, and then you wait.    Now, if you planted your garden and then waited for your plants to grow- and some of the plants didn't grow, what would you do?    Yes, if a plant in your garden failed to grow, you would likely check why.    There could be several reasons:  Maybe the supply of water was insufficient- has there been a drought, have you been watering the garden? Yes, plants need water to grow.    Perhaps it wasn't getting the proper nutrients it needed. Different plants need different nutrients in order to grow properly. Have your plants been receiving all the nutrients they need - and in the proper proportion?    Or it could be the amount of sunlight was inadequate. Have your plants been in the dark to much?    Sometimes, even when all these conditions are right, plants still fail to grow. Why? How could this be? Sometimes, our plants just fail to take in these ingredients, even when they're in abundance.    Yes, our plants could be diseased-  or they could be under attack by pests.","Now how about us? Have you checked yourself lately for signs of growth? Are you still growing spiritually since baptism, or are you standing still?  How can you tell? What would be the signs of spiritual growth?  Just like in our plants, remember we said if our plants don't grow, there are things we can check- likewise it is with ourselves, there are signs or traits we can watch for.(1 Cor. 13:11)   Are you taking in the proper nutrients, that is, are you regularly taking in the supply of spiritual food you need for growth, or are you just being too easily satisfied with what the Bible calls the 'milk' of the word- yes, the very elementary teachings- and remember, the Bible says that milk-  is baby food. (Heb. 5:12-14)    Some have fallen into the bad habit of just skimming- What do we mean by 'skimming'? That's when we flip through the publications when we receive them, but we seldom study them-  When we do read an article it's on something very basic - Yes, we shy away from the deeper things.    Another trait to examine to see if we are growing spiritually- is how we view our meetings. are we coming to meetings unprepared? are we rarely participating in our meetings?    Or how about your share in the field ministry. Maybe we share in the service- but are you really developing into an effective witness?    Or, how do you react when some new fad or fashion comes along? Or some new idea or gimmick? Are you easily swayed? (Eph. 4:14)    Yes, sad to say, there are some who seem to be much more involved with the latest in entertainment, the most modern gadgets that are out, the newest thing in cars, the most trendy clothing styles- yes more involved with these types of things, than in making spiritual progress.    And this isn't a hard trait to spot in our friends, in our children, and yes, in ourselves. It is reflected by our conversation and by our interest.    How do you do when it comes to receiving spiritual direction? Do you willingly accept counsel or advise?    And when it comes to taking on responsibilities- to carrying your proper share of the load- are you holding up your end? or are you letting others carry the load and then just complaining about the way they do it? (Gal 6:4,5)    There are some who just appear to stand on the sidelines as observers- feeling that because they or are so involved in secular work, or recreation, or trips and vacations, that they just do not have to have a meaningful share in disciple making or that it's okay not to reach out- that there will always be somebody to do the job.",Php 3:16;,Dch,Service Talk,200,,1993/10/10,
"Growth, Progress, Advancement, Spiritual,","Think of a vintage vehicle that sits gleaming in a showroom or museum. Imagine the attention to detail, the thousands of hours spent in restoring it to its present condition, perhaps because someone saw it rusting away under a tree and could see its potential. Or perhaps it is a beautiful piece of antique furniture, or a building such as the Stanley Theater. In the latter case, Jehovah's people saw its potential and spent many hours on its restoration.","Now, if people can do that for material things, are we prepared to put that amount of time and effort into our own spirit, to create a refined, self-sacrificing attitude in ourselves?",2 Tim. 2:15;,Bobby Laymon,Are You Content With Jehovah's Provisions?,22,,"Feb 2, 2001",
"Growth, Progress, Children, Training, Goals, Home,","Inside a greenhouse everything is just right.  The soil has the right mixture of moisture.  The correct amount of nitrogen, and other fertilizers.  The light is just right.  The temperature is constant for good growth.  The plants have an excellent chance for good growth.",It is the same with children.  We try to have a proper atmosphere in the home for growth.  Both physically and spiritually.  Parents help set meaningful goals for their children.  Help them avoid common mistakes.  Avoid the common mistakes: such as setting their own goals.,Prov. 22:6; 29:15;,Dale Peters,Parents--are You Building With Fire-resistant Materials?,104,,1994/06/24,
"Growth, Progress, Improvement,","You can take rocky soil, with little depth, that produces only weeds, and clean it up.  Remove the rocks, loosen the soil, and make it productive.","Likewise there is a need for mental cleansing, if there is to be an implanting of right thinking.","Jas 3:11;mt 15:14-20; Pr 5:1, 2; 6:12;","Jan 1, 1970 Wt Page 11",Keep Growing In Your Relationship With God,16,,,
"Growth, Progress, Improvement, Firmly, Rooted, Faith,","Consider the Moso Plant: The moso is a bamboo plant that grows in China and the far east. After the moso is planted, no visible growth occurs for up to five years - even under ideal conditions!  Then, unbelievably, it suddenly begins growing at the rate of nearly two and one half feet per day, reaching a full height of ninety feet within six weeks. The moso's rapid growth is due to the miles of roots it develops during those first five years, five years of getting ready.","The goal in making disciples is that they become 'rooted and...stabilized in the faith, just as you were taught'. (Col. 2:7) This takes time, and we should not become prematurely discouraged.  May it be that as we, and our students mature, Eph. 2:17 becomes true in our case, that we 'may be rooted and established on the foundation.'",Col 2:7;eph 2:17;,Dennis A. Dunne,Keep Growing In Your Relationship With God,16,,1999/04/20,
"Growth, Progress, Maturity, Improvement,",Growth and progress are desirable qualities to observe and experience. The farmer anxiously watches seedlings grow into fruit-producing plants. Parents take delight in seeing their children  develop into responsible adults.,"In like manner, Jehovah is keenly interested in seeing us make  spiritual progress in our ministry.","1 Tim 4:15, 16; Php 3:13, 16;",Km 6/86 1,Keep Growing In Your Relationship With God,16,,1994/07/31,
"Growth, Progress, Maturity, Organization, Improvement,","Doves were perhaps among the first birds domesticated by man. Dove cotes were a coveted possession.  Returning en masse in the evening, a veritable cloud of birds descends on the dovecotes.",Thousands of God-fearing people today are flocking to Jehovah's organization.,Is 60:8;,"Jul 15, 1992 Wt Page 32",Serving With Jehovah's Unified Organization,3,,,
"Growth, Progress, Mistakes, Improvement,","Do you try to avoid growing pains?  Growing pains are caused by, not cells growing larger, but more of them.  The cells of a mouse and elephant are about the same size.  The elephant has so many more of them.  Growing pains are usually felt in the legs, and there is little one can do about them until growth stops.","One can keep on growing in 3 other dimensions: Intellectually, emotionally, and spiritually.  One should not try to avoid growing pains associated with this growth.  We must be willing to make some mistakes, in order to progress.","Heb 5:8, 9; Mt 16:23; 20:20-28; Luke 9:54, 55; 24:25-27;","Nov 8, 1969 Aw Page 3, 4",Keep Growing In Your Relationship With God,16,,,
"Growth, Progress, Needs Of Circuit, Organization,","We must exercise patience like the farmer. We may not notice growth from day to day, but it is there.","We may not notice growth from day to day, but it is there.  Organizationally we are being blessed.  'Why don't we see quicker growth in our congregation?'  Check back five, ten or twenty years. Are there not more congregations, more preachers of the good news in your area now than there were then?","Isa 60:22; Jas 5:7, 8;",W74 3/15 188,Serving With Jehovah's Unified Organization,3,,1994/07/30,
"Growth, Progress, Rest, Food, Pioneer, Youth, Improvement,",'Will a papyrus plant grow tall without a swampy place?  Will a reed grow big without water?' Quote: Job 8:11,Just as a plant thrives with the right environment and nourishment so we need sufficient rest and a healthy diet.,Job 8:11;,"Sep 22, 1993 Aw Page 22",How Can Youths Cope With Today's Crisis?,113,,,
"Growth, Progress, Spirituality, Maturity, Improvement,",When something moves very fast even though you watch very close incapable of registering them with the eye. Example: fly lights ceiling with it feet first. Bat or humming bird fly by? Can't tell Do horses have all feet off ground once.,Rapid progress cannot tell if making all changes. Wish take pictures and slow down and see more clearly.,Col. 2:19,"Feb 8, 1965 Aw Page 8; Johnse Laymon",What Is Behind The Spirit Of Rebellion?,33,,,
"Growth, Service, Planting, Return, Publications,","When you start plants indoors, what two things are needed?  Both water and light. You can give a plant too much water or light at one time and kill it.  We must be generous with truth, but not pushy.","Water is return visits, and light is Jehovah's truths through the Bible and other publications.",1co 3:6; Pr 15:7;,Scott Rudolph,How Should You Serve God?,58,,,
"Growth, Spiritual, Meetings, Preparation, Rehearse, Joy, Improvement,","One can survive quite easily by taking in plain food in any hurried fashion and limited facilities.  But spend a little more time preparing the food, adding tasty flavors and spices; serve in colorful manner; flickering candles; appreciative friends;","Spiritual food can be enhanced likewise, with a little time, effort, forethought, rehearsal.  All food may be growth-stimulating, but it can be enjoyable as well.","Ga 5:7,22, 23; Mt 5:45;","Dec 1, 1968 Wt Page 723",Serve Jehovah With A Joyful Heart,78,,,
"Growth, Studies, Progress, Water, Pioneer,","You can water a fence post for months and months and it will not grow.  Angels know where the sheep are.  Satan, somehow knows and can interfere.",No one comes into the truth unless Jehovah draws him.  It is Jehovah that makes it grow.,1co 3:6; 2th 3:2; Ac 13:44-48; Mt 5:8; Mk 3:5;,Gary Breaux D.O.  (pioneer Meeting),Keep Growing In Your Relationship With God,16,,,
"Growth, Witnessing,","The strawberry has a unusual way it grows.  It has 'runners' on the berry plants.  From the main vine a number of slender shoots  extend like arms in all directions.   After reaching out about 6 inches, the end penetrates the ground and develops roots.  Then the leaves of the new baby plant shoot upward.  When the 'baby' is able to stand along, the runner dies, and the mother plant reaches in another direction.","We should try to be  like those strawberries, reaching out in all directions in an effort to multiply and bring forth fruit.",Matt 24:14;,Bobby Laymon,Keep Growing In Your Relationship With God,16,,1994/09/07,
"Growth, Youth, Spring,",'Spring makes everything young again except man.',Only Jehovah can make man young again.,Job 33:25;,Quote: Richter (1763-1825),How Can Youths Cope With Today's Crisis?,113,,,
Growth; Maturity;,"'The immature man wants to die nobly for a cause, while the mature man wants to live humanely for one.' Quote:  Wilhelm Stekel",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Growth; Maturity;,'You only grow while you are alone.'  Quote:  Hindu.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Growth; Organization; Progress;,Have you ever watched an organized explosion?  Perhaps a large building being demolished.  Each explosive is timed just right to completely accomplish the job.  It takes skill to organize something like this.,"Jehovah's organization has experienced an organized explosion.  None of Jehovah's Witnesses had any idea of the tremendous growth they would experience.  A rate of 156% in a 21 year period, but Jesus Christ was preparing for what was to come.",Isa 60:22;,Bobby Laymon (see Jv 233-5),Serving With Jehovah's Unified Organization,3,,1996/03/12,
"Grudge, Forgive,",'A grudge is too heavy a load for any man to carry.' one person wrote.,"Yet, that is what we do when we carry a grudge.  We burden our selves down needlessly.",Eph 4:26; 5:29; Mt 22:39,"Jul 1, 1970 Wt Page 388",Do You Harbor Resentment Or Do You Forgive?,68,,,
"Grudge, Resentment, Forgiveness,","Baby rattle-snake, can be large, medium, small. Can be deadly.",Even small resentment keeps congregation upset.,Matt. 18:21-35;,Johnse Laymon,Do You Harbor Resentment Or Do You Forgive?,68,,,
"Grudge, Resentment, Forgiveness,","Like a Harbor, where ships are protected, kept safe.","To harbor resentment, means to take care of it. Don't want to lose it, or turn loose of resentment.",Matt. 18:21-35;,Johnse Laymon,Do You Harbor Resentment Or Do You Forgive?,68,,,
"Grudge, Resentment, Forgiveness,","Man buried garbage in garden. Next year he planted vegetables in garden. Potatoes, corn, radishes, beets, yams. In harvest, did he dig up garbage, and go show everyone. No! He had prize vegetables and other good fruit.","If we bury resentment, grudges, we will produce good fruit.",Matt. 18:21-35;,Johnse Laymon,Do You Harbor Resentment Or Do You Forgive?,68,,,
"Grudge, Resentment, Problems, Personal,",It's like putting a pea right in front of the pupil of your eye.  Hold it about 1/2 inch away.  You can't see anything else because of the pea.,"When we have resentment, it is like that.  It blocks the view of everything that is good and right.  Move it back several inches, and others things come into our view.",Matt 7:3-5;,Joe Wengert D.O.,Do You Harbor Resentment Or Do You Forgive?,68,,1995/05/24,
Grudge;,'To carry a grudge is like being stung to death by one bee.' Quote:  William H. Walton,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Grudge;,"The longer you carry a grudge, the heavier it gets.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Grudges; Memory; Forget; Stumble; Forgiveness;,"A retentive memory may be a good thing, but the ability to forget is the true token of greatness.  E. Hubbard",,Proverbs 31:4-7,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Guest;,'Every guest hats the others and the host hates them all.'  Quote:  Albanian Proverb.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Guests;,'Perfect guest: One who makes his host feel at home.'  Quote:  Marcelene Coz.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Guests;,"The first day a man is a guest, the second a burden, the third a pest.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Guests; Friends;,'Fish and guests smell after three days.'  Quote:  English.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Guests; Visit;,"'Every guest hates the others, and the host hates them all.'  Quote:  Albanian Proverb.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Guests; Visit;,An unbidden guest must bring his stool with him.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Guidance, Bible,","Guidance is needed by man's spaceships. This need is met by a guidance system consisting of a computer, observation transducers, an inertial navigator and steering actuators.  After launching, the spaceship strays from its course frequently and is corrected many times. It gets off course and is brought back, it gets off again and is brought back again. Despite the fact that it often strays off course, the ship finally reaches its destination because it is always correcting itself while progressing toward its target.","The features of this guidance system might be used to illustrate the Christian's course in life. In the Bible, Jehovah God has laid out a program that leads to life, as well as warning of one that results in death. Being a free moral agent, man is his own programmer and chooses what course he will take. The Christian must constantly refer to this Biblical 'pathway' to check whether he is keeping 'on course' or not.",Ps 119:110;,"May 22, 1977 Aw Page 13",Does Your Hope Rest On Science Or The Bible?,80,,1996/11/25,
"Guidance, Direction, Trust, Bible, Faith, Confidence,","'It's time to go!' announces the father to his five-year-old son.  The father extends a hand, and without hesitation the son reaches out and wraps his small hand around his father's fingers.  Come what may, the child's firm grip remains unbroken.","Living in these days of economic, political, and personal uncertainty, would you not welcome a guiding hand from a source you could trust implicitly?",Isaiah 41:13;,"Nov 8, 1996 Aw Page 26",Maintain Your Confidence Firm To The End,46,,1996/11/06,
"Guidance, Direction, Trust, Bible, Faith, Confidence, Prayer, Protection,","Consider the example of a child holding the hand of a parent.  When a child become anxious, how does he respond?  Rather than letting go or relaxing his grip, the child will tighten his little hand around his parent's fingers.  In doing so, he demonstrates unwavering trust that the parent will provide unfailing guidance and strength during difficulties.","Similarly, when we experience distress in our life, we need to tighten our grip, trusting even more in God's guidance!",Ps 119:105;,"Nov 8, 1996 Aw Page 27",Gaining Comfort In All Our Tribulations,105,,1996/11/06,
"Guide, Bible, Sin,","If you throw a rock from a cliff, which way will the rock travel? Down, of course.  Why?  Because the law of gravity acts upon it. Even if you throw it upward, it will only go a short way before it plunges downward.","Likewise, there is a law that governs human behavior.  Mankind cannot 'direct his steps.'  Any guide, except Jehovah will in time fail, just as the rock thrown from a cliff goes downward.","Jer 10:23, 24; Mt 4:4;","Jan 8, 1968 Aw Page 15",The Only Cure For Sick Mankind,62,,,
Guilt,Men's minds are too ready to excuse guilt in themselves. --Livy,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Guilt;,'He who flees from trial confesses his guilt.'  Quote:  Publilius Syrus.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Guilty; Goodness;,'Every man is guilty of all the good he didn't do.' Quote: Voltaire,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Gullible, Education, Childhood, Youth, Credulity, Questions,","'Credulity is the man's weakness, but the child's strength.'  Quote: Charles Lamb.","Love believes all things.  Love is not gullible, but trusting, does not impute bad motives.  Trusts in Jehovah God, his Word, and his organization.  Hopes all things.  Love is positive, cheerful, forward-looking.",1 Cor 13:1-8;,Bobby Laymon,How To Express Love In A Lawless World,112,,1995/06/27,
"Habit, Change, Marriage, Mate.","Have you ever tried to change a bad habit such as smoking, bad language, etc.  You know how hard it is to change yourself.","'I will change him after we're married.'  some people say.  If it is difficult to change your own bad habit, think how much harder to change habits of someone else.  Impossible!","1co 7:39, 40;",Johnse Laymon,God Comes First In Successful Family Life,110,,,
"Habit, Meetings, Service,","Habit is a cable, we weave a thread every day, until we can't break it.","We must form good habits, because good or bad become strong.","Heb. 10:24, 25",Bobby Laymon,How Should You Serve God?,58,,,
"Habit, Practice, Custom, Meetings, Bible,","It starts off as a thread.  Each repeat adds a thread.  We keep repeating and repeating until it become a rope, too strong to break.","That is the way habits are formed.  Whether good or bad, they become strong.  Let your habits be good ones like:  Reading the Bible; Attending Meetings; Proclaiming God's Kingdom.",Heb 10:23-25;,Brother Williams - Former Missionary - Godly Fear District Convention,Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,1994/06/25,
"Habit, Seating, Upbuilding,",Even as a bird returns instinctively to its roost....,"So, mere habit may lead us back to a certain seat or area, in the Kingdom Hall. Mature ones who vary seating have found it easier to impart what is favorable to many instead of just few.",J 13:23; 19:26; Eph 4:29; Luke 14:12-14; Ps 122:1,"Aug 15, 1992 Wt Page 12",,,,,
"Habit, Smoking, Prayer, Knowledge, Bible, Minister, Sin,","1884 American Cyrus Field set his heart on laying the first transatlantic cable. It was no small task. 1,950 miles average depth of 10,000 feet. few thought possible. Worked tirelessly getting help of private enterprises U.S. and British Gov. and after 4 unsuccessful tries 12 years later he was successful.","Do we have bad habit or problem?  Keep working at it, keep praying keep working.","1tim. 4: 13, 15,16","Johnse Laymon Sep 8, 1965 Aw Pg 3",Who Are Qualified As Ministers Of God?,81,,,
"Habit, Smoking, Prayer, Marriage, Knowledge, Bible, Minister","You may want to develop a skill as touch typing instead of the hunt and peck. You really want to be able to use all your finger keep trying, and in time your effort will pay off as it has for many millions of others.",Perseverance is important in anything. not giving up.,"1tim. 4: 13, 15,16 Genesis. 29:17-28","Johnse Laymon Sep 8, 1965 Aw Pg 3",Who Are Qualified As Ministers Of God?,81,,,
"Habit, Smoking, Prayer, Marriage, Knowledge, Bible, Minister","Young man may be attracted to person of opposite sex, may want her for wife but merely wanting her is not enough. She may at first show no interest in him, but ' Faint heart never won fair lady'. Calls for imagination, perseverance, remember how long.",Perseverance is important in anything. not giving up Jacob served for Rachel.,"1tim. 4: 13, 15,16 Genesis. 29:17-28","Johnse Laymon Sep 8, 1965 Aw Pg 3",Who Are Qualified As Ministers Of God?,81,,,
Habit;,"'A bad habit never disappears miraculously, its an undo-it-yourself project.'  Quote:  A. B. Vanburen.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Habit;,'Habit is something you can do without thinking....which is why most of us have so many of them.'  Quote:  F. Clark.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Habit;,It is easier to break a commandment than a habit.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Habit;,The best way to break a habit is to drop it.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Habit; Motivation;,'Motivation is what gets you started. Habit is what keeps you going.'  Quote:  Jim Ryun.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Habit; Routine; Customs;,"'When patterns are broken, new worlds can emerge.' Quote: Tuli Kupferberg",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Habits,"'Habit is a habit, and not to be flung out of the window by any man, but coaxed downstairs one step at a time.'  Quote:  Mt.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Habits, Actions, Preaching,",English writer Jeremy Taylor put it: 'Habits are the daughters of action.',"If our habits are good, we can perform good things with little difficulty.  For example, if as Christian ministers we have the habit of regularly sharing in the preaching work, it is easier and more enjoyable.",Acts 5:42;17:2,"Aug 1, 2001 Page 21",Use Education To Praise Jehovah,146,,"Jul 19, 2001",
"Habits, Actions, Preaching, Education, Slave, Master,",It has been said that 'a man should cultivate only those habits that he is willing to have master him.',Bad habits are indeed an oppressive master.  Still they can be broken.,Acts 5:42;17:2,"Aug 1, 2001 Page 22",Use Education To Praise Jehovah,146,,"Jul 19, 2001",
"Habits, Association, Traits, Sin, Inclination,",Did you ever go to the garden and pick up a tick?  Was it a good one?  Did you ever go into the world and pick up a good habit?  Did your children ever visit someone whose children did all the dishes and they came home and wanted to do all the dishes?  Or make all the beds up?,Such a thing is not likely.  We don't pick up good habits.  We pick up bad ones because of the inclination of the flesh.,Eph. 6:4; Genesis. 8:21;,Hector Hernandez,Use Education To Praise Jehovah,146,,"Nov 1, 2001",
"Habits, Concentration, Study, Bible, Talks, Meetings,","Habit is like a path that becomes deeper, wider and more clearly marked every time it is used, making travel over it easier. By habit look for a viewpoint that will spark your interest and cause you to focus all your attention on it.",Concentration can replace the habit of letting your mind wander.,2 Tim. 2:15,"Oct 22, 1964 Aw Page 12",Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,,
"Habits, Custom,","The man had lived in a suburb of Athens for 12 years.  Every day he took the same route home from work.  Then he moved to another suburb across town.  One day after work, he set out for home.  Only when he found himself in his old neighborhood did he realize that he had gone in the wrong direction.  By force of habit, he had gone to his former home!","Little wonder that force of habit is sometimes called second nature, an influence that affects our life in powerful ways.",Deuteronomy 28:56,"Aug 1, 2001 Wt Page 19",,,,"Jul 19, 2001",
"Habits, Customs,","Habits are at first cobwebs, then cables.",Must form good habits because they become strong.,Acts 17:2; 1 Thess 4:5;,Bobby Laymon,A Godly View Of Sex And Marriage,13,,1998/03/18,
"Habits, Customs, Sin,","On the Western slopes of the Rocky Mountains, a giant Sequoia lies   rotting.  It was a growing sapling when Christ walked the shores of   Galilee.  When Columbus discovered America, it was reaching maturity  and it looked down from lofty heights during the American Civil War.    It seemed destined to live many more centuries.  Then, a few years   ago, a tiny beetle started to burrow into its bark and lay eggs that   would produce other beetles.  It seemed like an unequal battle at   first, but the few beetles multiplied into hundreds, then into   thousands, and finally into millions.  First they attacked the bark,   then they worked deeper into the trunk, and finally, they were eating   the very heart and strength of that magnificent forest giant.  Then   one day, after withstanding the elements for centuries, the rain came,   the winds blew, the lightning flashed, and the giant tree fell.  Not   because of the elements, but because of the weakening effects of those   tiny beetles.",Bad habits do the same thing to people.  They slowly take a toll   until the day comes when the man or woman fall like that giant tree.  Habits are so small they are unnoticed until they are too strong to be broken.,Rom. 5:12;,Bobby Laymon,You Will Reap What You Sow,59,,1998/10/14,
"Habits, Endurance, Persecution, Return,",'You may have to fight a battle more than once to win it.'  Quote: Margaret Thatcher.,The truth is like that.  We need to return again and again to fight tendencies and habits long ingrained.,Rom 12:17-21;,Bobby Laymon - Reader's Digest,Bearing Up Under Persecution,57,,1996/03/21,
"Habits, Transforming, Personality, Progress, Gradual, Improve, Patience,","'Habit is habit and not to be flung out of the window by any man, but coaxed downstairs a step at a time.'   Quote: Mark Twain.",We must not be impatient with ourselves in overcoming a bad practice.  Keep working on it.  Rely upon Jehovah for strength and endurance.,2 Cor 10:4;,Bobby Laymon,Keep Growing In Your Relationship With God,16,,1995/06/13,
"Habits, World, Transform, Standards, Cleanliness,","Just as a sponge will keep on soaking up more and more water until it cannot take in any more.  Sometimes it has to be wrung out, so it can absorb more.",Perhaps we have habits that keep soaking up more and more of the world.  Maybe we need to be 'wrung out.'  We need to completely change our course of life to learn new habits according to Jehovah's standards.,John 17:16; Ro 12:2;,Mel Hollinger,A Clean People Honors Jehovah,14,,,
Habits;,'A nail is driven out by another nail. A habit is overcome by another habit.'  Quote:  Erasmus.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Habits;,"'Cultivate good habits, the bad one all grow wild.'  Quote:  Detroit Home Gazette.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Habits;,'Good habits result from resisting temptation.'  Quote:  Ancient Proverb.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Habits;,'Habit is either the best of servants or the worst of masters.'  Quote:  Nathaniel Emmons.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Habits;,'Habit meets us at the cradle and leaves us only at the tomb.'  Quote:  Robert Ingersoll.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Habits;,"'Habit with him was all the test of truth, 'It must be right, I've done it from my youth!'   Quote:  G. Crabbe.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Habits;,"'Habit, if not restricted, soon becomes necessity.' Quote:  St. Augustine",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Habits;,"'Habit, n. a shackle for the free.'  Quote:  Ab.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Habits;,"'Habits are about the only servants that will work for you for nothing. Just get them established, and they will operate even   though you are going around in a trance.'  Quote:  Fred Whitaker.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Habits;,"'Habits are first cobwebs, then cables.' Quote:  Spanish",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Habits;,'Nothing so needs reforming as other peoples habits.'  Quote:  Mt.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Habits;,'Old boomerangs are hard to throw away.'  Quote:  Aborigine.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Habits;,'Sow an act and you reap a habit; sow a habit and you reap a character; sow  a character and you reap a destiny.'  Quote:  Charles Reade.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Habits;,'The only difference between a rut and a grave is their dimensions.'  Quote:  Ellen Glasgow.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Habits;,'We all of us live too much in a circle.'  Quote:  Ben Disraeli.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Habits;,"'When patterns are broken, new worlds emerge.' Quote:  T. Kupferberg",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Habits;,A habit is something you never knew you had until you tried to quit it.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Habits;,"Cultivate good habits, the bad ones all grow wild.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Habits;,Cultivate only the habits that you are willing should master you.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Habits;,"Habits are either bobbers or sinkers, cork or lead. They hold you up or they hold you down.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Habits;,Master habits or they'll master you.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Habits;,The chains of habit are generally too small to be felt until they are too strong to be broken.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Habits; Imperfection;,'The unfortunate thing about this world is that the good habits are much easier to give up than the bad ones.' Quote:  W. Somerset Maugham,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Habits; Vices;,'Vices are often habits rather than passions.'  Quote:  Antoine Rivarol.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Hagar, Ishmael, Sarah, Jerusalem, Freedom, Isaac,","When a person becomes famous personality, often persons show up who claim to be legal heirs, (unclaimed children) of these ones and want part of inheritance.  Most often, they are unsuccessful.","Both Ishmael and Isaac were children of Abraham, but only one got the blessing.  Gripping symbolic drama of Jehovah's true children.",Gal 3: 16; 4:21-26; Ge 16:1-16; 21:1-21; 25:5-11;,"Mar 15, 1992 Wt Page 14 (comment Evelyn Perkins)","Living, Not For Self, But To Do God's Will",8,,,
"Hail, Truth, Bible,","'A great hail with every stone about the weight of a talent.' From the atmosphere there crash down hailstones on men, hailstones of tremendous size, weighing ninety-six pounds avoirdupois.","Since hailstones are congealed water, this hailstorm pictures a barrage of hard Biblical truths.",Rev. 16:21;,"Jan 15, 1967 Wt Page 60",Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,,
"Halloween, Holidays, Greed.","'Painted up for war, with a battle-cry, 'Trick or Treat.' With clenched fists they rap doors and demand cookies, candies & other goodies. Not satisfied with apples, greedily demand goodies. It is rooted in paganism and its fruits are rotten.",Description of Halloween night.,"Eph. 6:4; Ps. 37:27; Ezek. 18:4; Eccl. 9:5, 10;","Oct 22, 1963 Aw Page 17-20","As Christians, We Care About Other People",15,,,
"Hands, Gilead, Missionary, Pioneer, Problems","'Our hands, which are the most wonderful of all tools.'  Quote: Grant Suiter","Rather than be 'fooling around,' our attitude should be, 'God, show me how best to use my hands.'",Prov. 22:29;,W76 11/1 671,Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,63,,1994/06/27,
"Happiness, Joy,",Happiness lies in the joy of achievement and the thrill of creative effort.  -- Franklin D. Roosevelt,When we work faithfully to serve Jehovah it brings us joy.,"Heb. 12:1,2;",Bobby Laymon,Finding Honor And Joy In God's Ministry,65,,"Nov 19, 2001",
Happiness,Butterfly; chase after and it eludes; quit chasing it finds you,Being happy is being content with present conditions,Rev 1:3,Johnse,You Can Find Joy In Serving God,103,,,
Happiness,"Cars need gasoline, air, spark, and engine will purr. Need to plant, build, invent, write, paint, compose Jehovah is well aware of our needs to make us happy.","God made man with needs that must be met. more than air, food, water","Genesis. 1:26  Prov. 2:4, 5","June 1, 1958 Wt Page 337-340",You Can Find Joy In Serving God,103,,,
Happiness,"Not how much we have, but how much we enjoy",Must enjoy our service to Jehovah,Eccles 12:12 Rev 1:3,Wisdom Of Ages,You Can Find Joy In Serving God,103,,,
Happiness,"What does it take to make you happy? Nothing, dust does not feel. single-celled organism, not much. oxygen, moisture, little food. Man: take much more; complicated; Jehovah knows best what makes one happy.",It depends on what God made from that dust.,Genesis. 1:26,"June 1, 1958 Wt Page 337",You Can Find Joy In Serving God,103,,,
"Happiness, Anger, Persecution,","When metal is heated up it gets soft and impressionable to hammer blows, and this changed shape can remain with it even after it has cooled down. Jehovah's word has a cooling effect.",When we get worked up to evil things it can leave lasting impress.,"Luke 6:22, 23; Job 2:9; Prov. 15:1; 24:19, 20; Mark 14:65;","Sep 22, 1963 Aw Page 5-8",Bearing Up Under Persecution,57,,,
"Happiness, Attitude, Positive, Joy,","A foolish man seeks happiness in the distance, a wise man grows it under his feet.  Quote James Oppenheim (1882-1932)","Learn to be content, doing Jehovah's will.  Learn to think positive.  Happiness is now.",Rev 1:3,Wisdom Of Ages,Serve Jehovah With A Joyful Heart,78,,,
"Happiness, Bible,","'Happiness is where you find it, ' is what many persons believe, and have searched in vain for it.","The Bible is the real source of happiness, and is still the most practical guide to a sane and happy family.",Rev. 1:3,"Mar 8, 1967 Aw Page 32",You Can Find Joy In Serving God,103,,,
"Happiness, Bible,",How do you measure happiness?  Measured by its endurance.,True happiness will last forever.,Rev. 1:3;,"Mar 8, 1964 Aw Page 31",You Can Find Joy In Serving God,103,,,
"Happiness, Gilead, Pioneer, Thinking, Attitude, Wisdom, Knowledge,",'Your happiness is not going to depend on who you are or what you have or even the fact that you are a Gilead graduate. Your happiness will depend on how you think.' The difference between right action and wrong action is thought.,'Thinking ability will keep guard over you.' Many intelligent people are poor thinkers. Become skilled thinkers; Use your mind; Use your knowledge.,"Prov. 2:10, 11;","Jun 1, 1991 Wt Page 28 (jack Redford)",Acquiring A Heart Of Wisdom,73,,,
"Happiness, Giving,",I know a secret.  Would you like to hear it?  It is the secret of happiness.  There are a lot of people who are not happy.,"Now, here is the secret.  The Great Teacher said, 'There is more happiness in giving than there is in receiving.'  Jehovah gives more than anyone else.  Jehovah is 'the happy God.'  [See article for other examples]",Acts 20:35; Acts 17:25; 1ti 1:11;,"Jun 1, 1971 Wt Page 345",Happy Though Hungry--how Can It Be?,31,,1993/11/15,
"Happiness, Goal","There is no way to happiness.  Happiness is the way. It is the process of getting there that brings the reward. Continue to walk in well-watered places. Whatever problems you encounter, may the happiness that belongs",Happiness in not a goal but a result of right works to those who love and fear Jehovah continue to be yours.,Rev 1:3,"June 1, 1990 Wt Page 28 Bro Glass, Ulysses",You Can Find Joy In Serving God,103,,,
"Happiness, Happy, Joy, Materialism, Money, Greed,","Once a king called for his son, the prince. He said son, I want you to find happiness. So go, search throughout the kingdom, find a man who is happy, buy his shirt, put it on and wear it. You will be happy the rest of your life. Not many days afterward the prince set out on his journey. After a careful search of the land the prince felt sad because he could not find anyone who was happy. On his way home he thought about what he would tell his father, the king. Just then he heard the voice of somebody singing, coming from a man working out in the field. The prince asked the man why he was singing so loud.  The man stopped his plowing, scratched his head and said: Because I'm Happy!  Right away, the prince said: I want to buy your shirt. I don't care how much money you want for it , I'll pay it!  The man replied: 'But I do not own a shirt'.","Happiness has nothing to do with possessing material things. The King had taught, his son, the Prince a very important lesson!",1 Tim 6:17;,Peter Morgan,"Living, Not For Self, But To Do God's Will",8,,1997/08/10,
"Happiness, Joy,","'Be it jewel or toy, Not the prize gives the joy, But the striving to win the prize.' Owen Meredith (1831-1891)","The truth brings great joy now.  Happiness is not the end of the journey, but the journey itself.  The getting there.  We find joy in serving Jehovah now.",Mt 5:3-11,(wisdom Of The Ages),Serve Jehovah With A Joyful Heart,78,,,
"Happiness, Joy,","'Happiness, in this world, if it comes at all, comes incidentally.  Make it the object of pursuit, and it leads us on a wild-goose chase, and it is never attained.'  Quote: Nathaniel Hawthorne.",We can expect reward of peace and happiness from having God's view.,Ps 19:9-11;,Bobby Laymon - Reader's Digest,A Godly View Of Sex And Marriage,13,,1996/03/22,
"Happiness, Joy,","Ball; run after when it rolls, push with feet when it stops","All want happiness, in pursuit of, want more.",Eccles 12:12,Wisdom Of Ages,Serve Jehovah With A Joyful Heart,78,,,
"Happiness, Joy,",Happiness is a perfume which you cannot pour on someone without getting some on yourself.  Quote: Ralph Waldo Emerson,,,Bobby Laymon,,,,1998/12/11,
"Happiness, Joy,",I am more and more convinced that our happiness or our unhappiness depends far more on the way we meet the events of life than on the nature of those events themselves. Quote: Wilhelm von Humboldt,Genuine HAPPINESS involves being in full harmony with Father and mother.,"Pr 1:8,9",Bobby Laymon,Serving With Jehovah's Unified Organization,3,,1999/01/02,
"Happiness, Joy,",The Constitution only guarantees the American people the right to pursue happiness. You have to catch it yourself.  -- Benjamin Franklin,One of the greatest happiness is reading and applying God's Word.,Rev. 1:3,Bobby Laymon,Finding Honor And Joy In God's Ministry,65,,"Nov 19, 2001",
"Happiness, Joy,","What might make people happier?  If they were younger, richer, healthier, taller, or thinner.  What is the key to happiness?",Jesus gave the key to happiness in the sermon on the mount.,Matt. 5:3-10; Ecclesiastes 2:10;,"Oct 15, 1997 Wt Page 3",Is This Life All There Is?,36,,1997/11/11,
"Happiness, Joy, Age, Youth, Rich, Famous, Poor, Sick, Healthy,","Money is not the common denominator of happiness. Some rich are happy, many not.  Some poor happy, many not. Youth are not common denominator; some happy, some not; likewise aged; sick; healthy; famous; obscure; popular and unpopular; talented and mediocre; None are the common denominator of happiness.",The common denominator of happiness and peace and contentment is knowing Jehovah.,Pr 11:25; John 17:3;,"Aug 1, 1955 Wt Page 478",Serve Jehovah With A Joyful Heart,78,,,
"Happiness, Joy, Bible, Advise,",'The best advice on the art of being happy is about as easy to follow as advice to be well when one is sick.*  By Anne Swetchine (1782-1857),"The Bible gives correct advise on happiness, and every other subject.","Phil 4:6-8; 2 Tim. 3:16, 17;",(wisdom Of The Ages),Serve Jehovah With A Joyful Heart,78,,,
"Happiness, Joy, Goals, Truth, Bible,","Three grand essentials to happiness in this life are something to do, something to love, and something to hope for. Quote by Addison (1672-1719)",The Bible gives all three of these essential ingredients of happiness.,1ch 16:27,(wisdom Of The Ages),Serve Jehovah With A Joyful Heart,78,,,
"Happiness, Joy, Greed, Selfish,",It's like the little boy who buried the football and doesn't remember what he did with it.,"Happiness has eluded mankind, due to their own making.  Man can not successfully direct his own steps.",Acts 20:35; Ro 4:6-8; Mt 5:3-11; Ecclesiastes 8:9; Jer 10:23;,Bobby Laymon,Serve Jehovah With A Joyful Heart,78,,,
"Happiness, Joy, Humility,",It is not our position but our disposition that makes us happy.,Humility play a role here.,Phil. 2:20;,Bobby Laymon,"Living, Not For Self, But To Do God's Will",8,,1998/12/25,
"Happiness, Joy, Life,",'Don't wait around for other people to be happy for you.  Any happiness you get you've got to make yourself.'  Quote: Alice Walker in Life.,"We can bring happiness to ourselves by bringing life's greatest gift, the kingdom message, to others.",Acts 20:35;,Bobby Laymon - Reader's Digest,Finding Honor And Joy In God's Ministry,65,,1996/03/15,
"Happiness, Joy, Peace, Contentment,","'Joy descends gently upon us like the evening dew, and does not patter down like a hailstorm.' Richter (1763-1825)","Joy comes from the peace from God.  The contentment from knowing we have the truth, and we are sharing it with others.","Phil 4:6, 7; Mt. 13:16, 17;",(wisdom Of The Ages),Serve Jehovah With A Joyful Heart,78,,,
"Happiness, Joy, Peace, Forever, Everlasting,","Why does the simple story of Snow White fascinate so many? Perhaps because it deals with the basic conflict of evil against innocence and the final triumph of innocence. See how children react to the wicked stepmother Queen as she systematically tries to do away with beautiful Snow White! Finally, in spite of the efforts of the dwarfs to protect Snow White, the Queen appears to achieve her aim to become the 'fairest one of all' in the land. By guile she gets Snow White to eat a bite of a poisoned apple that causes her death.","But Snow White comes back to life and a handsome prince marries her. The wicked Queen is punished.  'But as to all the rest-the Prince and his Princess Snow White, and the seven little dwarfs-they all lived happily ever after.'  And in those final words we have the clue to the childhood, and sometimes adult, fascination with fairy tales-most of us yearn for a happy ending, to 'live happily ever after.'  But to what extent do these films really succeed in communicating happiness? Doubtless you have enjoyed this type of entertainment. Did it make you feel happy? Was it true happiness or only a fleeting emotion based on fantasy? Is real lasting happiness possible?",Ps 37:29;,G84 2/8 3,Can You Live Forever?--will You?,35,,1995/01/19,
"Happiness, Joy, Sadness, Pretense, Security, Peace, Government, Kingdom,",'The whole human race is dancing on the edge of the grave.'  Quote: Gwynne Dyer.,"All over the world, determined minorities, pressure groups, freedom fighters, criminal gangs, international terrorists, and others pursue their own selfish agendas and seem able to wreck any possibilities for peace in the world almost at will.",2 Pet 3:10; Ecc 8:9;,"Nov 1, 1997 Wt Page 5",Jehovah Is 'a Secure Height' For His People,151,,1997/09/26,
"Happiness, Joy, Service, Meetings,",Would you like to double your happiness?  Here's How!,If you attended one meeting a week last year and arrange your life to attend two this year.  If you shared 6 hours a month in service and arrange to spend twelve.,Prov. 10:22;,"Aug 1, 1964 Wt Page 476",How Should You Serve God?,58,,,
"Happiness, Joy, Sharing, Preaching,","'Thousands of candles can be lighted from a single candle, and the life of the candle will not be shortened. Happiness never decreases by being shared. Buddha (568-488 BC)","Sharing the Good News adds to our joy, and happiness.",Mt 13:16;,(wisdom Of The Ages),Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,63,,,
"Happiness, Joy, Unity, Forever,",'Happiness Makes Up in Height for What It Lacks in Length.' Quote: Robert Frost.  Title of poem.,"Jehovah's people have every reason to be happy, because our happiness does not lack in length.  It will continue forever.","Am 8:11, 12;",Bobby Laymon,Happy Though Hungry--how Can It Be?,31,,1995/08/16,
"Happiness, Joy, Work,",'Action may not always bring happiness; but there is no happiness without action.'  Disraeli (1804-1881),"A person who does not try may make no mistakes, however he gets nothing accomplished either.",Mt. 11:19; Luke 7:35;,Wisdom Of The Ages,Serve Jehovah With A Joyful Heart,78,,,
"Happiness, Joy, Zeal, Missionary, Pioneer,",'May I borrow your face to go from door to door?' Quote: Circuit overseer.,"People knew Martha's face and reached out for the magazines, while the circuit overseer was having a hard time starting conversations.  She had worked from this missionary home for 35 years, and been in the missionary work much longer.",Ps 90:10; Ro 5:12;,"Mar 15, 1995 Wt Page 23",Finding Honor And Joy In God's Ministry,65,,1995/02/21,
"Happiness, Life, Self, Selfishness,","Count Tolstoy said, 'The vocation of every man and woman is to serve other people.'","'Reverence for life . . . does not allow the scholar to live for his science alone, even if he is very useful to the community in so doing. It does not permit the artist to exist only for his art, even if he gives inspiration to many by its means.  It demands from all that they should sacrifice a portion of their own lives for others.'","Matt 28:19, 20;",W66 4/1 209,"Living, Not For Self, But To Do God's Will",8,,1995/01/23,
"Happiness, Marriage, Bible,","Many live their lives on a treadmill, chasing, but never quite catching what they pursue.  Some marry to acquire happiness, even while their neighbor is divorcing for the same reason.",The Bible will help us to enjoy increased happiness.,Phil. 4:11; Luke 12:15; Matt. 6:21;,"Aug 15, 1991 Wt Page 6",A Godly View Of Sex And Marriage,13,,,
"Happiness, Marriage, Wife, Husband, Divorce, Weddings, Bachelor,",'The highest happiness on earth is the happiness of marriage'. William Lyon Phelps,Many youth and others today miss out on that happiness.,Eph. 5:22-33; Heb. 13:4; Prov. 5:18-20; Mal. 2:16; 1 Cor 7:39,Bobby Laymon,A Godly View Of Sex And Marriage,13,,,
"Happiness, Materialism, Day-dreaming, Think, Fantasy,",Seeking happiness in material possessions is like building castles in the air.  (Or sand castles),"It may be exciting to build them, but you will have problems if you try to live in them.",1ti 1:11; Ps 144:15; Mt 5:3,"Jun 1, 1993 Wt Page 19",Reach Out For The Real Life!,90,,,
"Happiness, Money, Wealth, Materialism, Good News, Kingdom,","A very wealthy man was once asked: 'What is there about your great wealth that has brought you the greatest happiness?'  The man thought for a long time and then replied, 'A walk along a good beach and to take a swim.'","Many of us can also find happiness and enjoy ourselves in that way.  Our greatest happiness, however, is giving, sharing the Good News with others.",Acts 20:35,Samuel Brown; D.O.,Finding Honor And Joy In God's Ministry,65,,1997/05/12,
"Happiness, Money, Wealth, Materialism, Greed, Kingdom,","You have heard of the 'trickle-down' system in government.  It is a system where the wealthy get more wealthy, and it is supposed to trickle-down to the little guy.  You didn't get any did you?",The reason is:  A lover of silver will not be satisfied with silver.  There is so much greed in today's governments that usually only the high ones benefit.,Ecclesiastes 5:10;,Samuel Brown; D.O.,What God's Rulership Can Do For Us,24,,1997/05/12,
"Happiness, Obedience, Dedication, Baptism,",What makes you happy?  A butter-pecan sundae? Eating out? An increase in your allowance?  Having off-spring?  All of these are causes for occasions of happiness.,The greater happiness is 'hearing and keeping' God's Word. Obedience=hear submissively in Insight book.,"Luke 11:27, 28; Pr 4:1",Gary Breaux (d.O.),You Can Find Joy In Serving God,103,,,
"Happiness, Pain, Boredom, Joy, Earth,",'The two foes of human happiness are pain and boredom.' Quote:  Arthur Schopenhauer.,"With children gone, and possibly retirement and less work to do, there is danger of restlessness and boredom.  Some endeavor to prove that they are just as potent sexually as ever, get involved in extra-marital 'affairs' and sometimes even divorce and remarry.",Mal 2:13-16;,Bobby Laymon,Communication--within The Family And With God,30,,1995/07/18,
"Happiness, Paradise, Forever, Appreciation, Disobedient,","A NEWLY married couple had a very lovely home-a large park full of flowers, trees, birds, and animals. It was Paradise, a generous gift  from their loving Father! Did they 'live happily ever after'? No. Before long, they lost their home. But why?","That Paradise home was lost because the couple did not appreciate what their Father had done for them. Worse still, they were  disobedient.","Genesisesis 2:15-17; 3:6, 7;",W88 11/15 4,,,,1996/01/06,
"Happiness, Persecution,","Like a lighted lamp on cold, dark, deep water. Genuine happiness.","Jehovah's People may be persecuted, but still happiness shows.",1 Pet 3:14,Bobby Laymon,Bearing Up Under Persecution,57,,,
"Happiness, Search, Contentment,","A soldier went around picking up every piece of paper and examining it before throwing it back down.  Each time he would mutter, 'This isn't it!'  All the officers took note and thinking he was crazy, gave him a medical discharge.  He left kissing the discharge paper and saying, 'This is it!  This is it!'","Some, unlike the soldier, are always searching for happiness, and don't know what they are looking for.  Neither do they recognize it when they find it.",Rev 1:3,Scott Rudolph,Happy Though Hungry--how Can It Be?,31,,1996/02/08,
"Happiness, Sharing, Grief, Blessings, Joy,","Two men, both seriously ill, occupied the same hospital room. One man was allowed to sit up in his bed for an hour each afternoon to help drain the fluid from his lungs. His bed was next to the room's only window.  The other man had to spend all his time flat on his back. The men talked for hours on end. They spoke of their wives and families, their homes, their jobs, their involvement in the military service, where they had been on vacation.  And every afternoon when the man in the bed by the window could sit up, he would pass the time by describing to his roommate all the things he could see outside the window. The man in the other bed began to live for those one-hour periods where his world would be broadened and enlivened by all the activity and color of the world outside.  The window overlooked a park with a lovely lake. Ducks and swans played on the water while children sailed their model boats. Young lovers walked arm in arm amidst flowers of every color of the rainbow. Grand old trees graced the landscape, and a fine view of the city skyline could be seen in the distance. As the man by the window described all this in exquisite detail, the man on the other side of the room would close his eyes and imagine the picturesque scene. One warm afternoon the man by the window described a parade passing by. Although the other man couldn't hear the band - he could see it in his mind's eye as the gentleman by the window portrayed it with descriptive words.  Days and weeks passed. One morning, the day nurse arrived to bring water for their baths only to find the lifeless body of the man by the window, who had died peacefully in his sleep. She was saddened and called the hospital attendants to take the body away. As soon as it seemed appropriate, the other man asked if he could be moved next to the window.  The nurse was happy to make the switch, and after making sure he was comfortable, she left him alone. Slowly, painfully, he propped himself up on one elbow to take his first look at the world outside.  Finally, he would have the joy of seeing it for himself. He strained to slowly turn to look out the window beside the bed. It faced a blank wall.  The man asked the nurse what could have compelled his deceased roommate who had described such wonderful things outside this window.  The nurse responded that the man was blind and could not even see the wall.  She said, 'Perhaps he just wanted to encourage you.'","Epilogue. . . .There is tremendous happiness in making others happy, despite our own situations. Shared grief is half the sorrow, but happiness when shared, is doubled. If you want to feel rich, just count all of the things you have that money can't buy.",Acts 20:35,Steve Hashimuri,Finding Honor And Joy In God's Ministry,65,,1999/05/26,
"Happiness, View, Attitude,","'Tis not the meat, but 'tis the appetite makes eating a delight.' Quote: Sir John Suckling. [1646].",Greatest happiness is that hungering for righteousness brings one closer to God.  One realizes that God's love through Christ is extended to him.,"Ro 8:35, 38, 39",Bobby Laymon,Happy Though Hungry--how Can It Be?,31,,1995/07/14,
"Happiness, Work, Success, Contentment,","It is better to be a happy fool, than a sad genius. Example: Atomic bomb. Black powder; TNT etc.",Happiness does not come with worldly accomplishments.,Matt. 24:13; Heb. 12:3; Gal. 6:1; 1 Cor. 15:58; Heb. 13:5;,Bobby Laymon,You Can Find Joy In Serving God,103,,,
Happiness;,'All happiness depends on a leisurely breakfast.'  Quote:  John Gunther.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Happiness;,'Happiness is good health and a bad memory. Ingrid Bergman'  Quote:  Ingrid Bergman.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Happiness;,'If only we would stop trying to be happy we'd have a pretty good time.'  Quote:  Edith Wharton.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Happiness;,"'One can endure sorrow alone, but it takes two to be glad.'  Quote:  Elbert Hubbard.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Happiness;,'True enjoyment comes from activity of the mind and exercise of the body; the two are ever united.'  Quote:  Humboldt.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Happiness; Beauty; Joy;,'There is no cosmetic for beauty like happiness.'  Quote:  Countess Of Blessington.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Happiness; Cheerfulness;,'How easy to be amiable in the midst of happiness and success.'  Quote:  Anne Swetchine.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Happiness; Cheerfulness; Joy;,The joy of the heart makes the face fair.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Happiness; Contentment;,'Happiness is not a destination. It is a method of life.'  Quote:  Burton Hills.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Happiness; Contentment;,'Happiness is the harvest of a quiet eye.'  Quote:  Austin O'Malley.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Happiness; Contentment;,'If only we'd stop trying to be happy we could have a pretty good time.'  Quote:  Edity Wharton.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Happiness; Contentment;,'The secret of happiness is not in doing what one likes but in liking what one does.'  Quote:  James Barrie.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Happiness; Contentment;,'Unhappiness is not knowing what we want and killing ourselves to get it.'  Quote:  Don Herold.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Happiness; Contentment;,Happiness is a weigh station between too little and too much.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Happiness; Contentment; Disposition;,"'If you do not drive in sleet to the woods singing, you have to drive crying.'  Quote:  Czech.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Happiness; Death;,Call no man happy until he dies.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Happiness; Disposition;,They can't censor the gleam in my eye.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Happiness; Disposition;,"When a happy person enter the room, it is as if another candle had been lighted.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Happiness; Disposition;,Your happiness is intertwined with your outlook on life.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Happiness; Disposition; Giving;,'The best way to cheer yourself up is to try to cheer somebody else up.'  Quote:  Mt.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Happiness; Disposition; Humor;,A man of gladness seldom falls into madness.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Happiness; Giving; Disposition;,We have no more right to consume happiness without producing it than we have to consume wealth without producing it.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Happiness; Joy,'Joy is the most infallible sign of the presence of God.' Quote:  Teilhard De Chardin,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Happiness; Joy;,'Anyone who is happy all the time must be mad.'  Quote:  Leo Rosten.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Happiness; Joy;,"'Everyone, without exception is searching for happiness.'  Quote:  Blasé Pascal.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Happiness; Joy;,"'Fear less, hope more, eat less chew more, whine less, breathe more, talk less, say more, hate less and love more, and all good  things will be yours.' Quote:  Swedish",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Happiness; Joy;,"'Happiness depends as Nature shows, less on exterior things than most suppose.' Quote:  Will Cowper",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Happiness; Joy;,"'Happiness is not a horse, you cannot harness it.'  Quote:  Russian.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Happiness; Joy;,'Happiness makes up in height what it lacks in length.'  Quote:  Robert Frost.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Happiness; Joy;,"'Happiness, in this world, if it comes at all, comes incidentally. Make it the object of pursuit, and it leads us on a wild-goose chase, and it is never attained.'  Quote:  Nathaniel Hawthorne.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Happiness; Joy;,'He who leaves his house in search of happiness pursues a shadow.'  Quote:  Chinese.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Happiness; Joy;,"'If you want to be happy for an hour, take a nap. If you want to be happy for a day, go fishing. If you want to be happy for a month, get married. If you want to be happy for a year, inherit a fortune. But if  you want to be happy for a lifetime, help someone else.             (a variation) If you want to be happy for a week, take a wife, if you want to be happy for a month, kill a pig, but if you want to  be happy all your life, plant a garden.'   Quote:  Chinese proverb.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Happiness; Joy;,'No symphony orchestra ever played music like a two year old girl with a puppy.'  Quote:  Bern Williams.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Happiness; Joy;,"'Oh Lord, unhappy is the man whom men can make unhappy.'  Quote:  R. W. Emerson.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Happiness; Joy;,'The joyfulness of a man prolongs his days.'  Quote:  Chinese.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Happiness; Joy;,"'The means to gain happiness is to throw out from oneself like a spider in all directions an adhesive web of love, and to catch in it all that comes.'  Quote:  Leo Tolstoy.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Happiness; Joy;,'There is no happiness; there are only moments of happiness.' Quote:  Spanish,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Happiness; Joy;,'Two happy days are seldom brothers.'  Quote:  Bulgarian.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Happiness; Joy;,'Unhappiness is the hunger to get; happiness is the hunger to give.' Quote:  William Jordan,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Happiness; Joy;,'When a man is happy he does not hear the clock strike.'  Quote:  German.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Happiness; Joy;,Happiness is a perfume which you cannot pour on someone without getting some on yourself.  Quote: Ralph Waldo Emerson,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Happiness; Joy;,Happiness is like perfume...you can't spray it on others without getting some on yourself.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Happiness; Joy;,Happiness is that peculiar sensation you develop when you are too busy to be miserable.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Happiness; Joy;,"Happiness: it can only be truly, truly found within.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Happiness; Joy;,Now and then its good to pause in our pursuit of happiness just to be happy.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Happiness; Joy; Action;,'The greatest happiness comes from the greatest activity.'  Quote:  Bovee.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Happiness; Joy; Contentment;,"'The foolish man seeks happiness in the distance, the wise grows it under his feet.'  Quote:  James Oppenheim.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Happiness; Joy; Contentment;,Essentials for happiness: something to do; someone to love; and something to hope for.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Happiness; Joy; Contentment;,Happiness is doing with a smile what you have to do anyway.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Happiness; Joy; Contentment; Wealth;,"It is neither wealth or splendor, but tranquility  and occupation which gives happiness.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Happiness; Joy; Desire;,"'I have learned to seek my happiness by limiting my desires, rather than in attempting to satisfy them.'  Quote:  John Stuart Mill.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Happiness; Joy; Disposition;,'Most folks are about as happy as they make up their minds to be.'  Quote:  Al.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Happiness; Joy; Disposition;,"'Some cause happiness wherever they go, others whenever they go.'  Quote: Anonymous.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Happiness; Joy; Disposition;,'Taking joy in living is a woman's best cosmetic.'  Quote:  Rosalind Russell.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Happiness; Joy; Disposition; Expression;,Nothing we wear makes as much difference as the expression on our faces.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Happiness; Joy; Grief;,'One joy scatters a hundred grief.'  Quote:  Chinese.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Happiness; Joy; Health;,When a person is a 'picture of health' one's very apt to find the setting for the picture is a happy mind.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Happiness; Joy; Heart;,'Its a poor heart that never rejoices.'  Quote:  C. Dickens.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Happiness; Joy; Laughter;,'Happiness is no laughing matter.'  Quote:  Richard Whately.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Happiness; Joy; Life;,"'Be happy while you are living, for you're a long time dead.'  Quote:  Scottish.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Happiness; Joy; Mankind;,'Happiness eludes the grasp of mankind.'  Quote:  Euripides.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Happiness; Joy; Work;,'Happiness I have discovered is nearly always a rebound from hard work.'  Quote:  D. Grayson.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Happiness; Life; Animals;,'All animals except man know that the principal business of life is to enjoy it.'  Quote:  Sam Butler.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Happiness; Life; Health;,The sum of the whole is this: walk and be happy; walk and be healthy.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Happiness; Pessimism; Ignorance;,'Life's happiness is based on ignorance.' Quote:  Sophocles,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Happiness; Wisdom; Joy;,'Be happy it is a way of being wise.'  Quote:  Colette.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Happy, Hungry,",'I'm so hungry I could eat a horse.'  'I'm so hungry I think my belly is sticking to my backbone.'  'I'm so hungry my belly thinks my throat is cut.'  'I'm so hungry I could eat a goat burger.',"Spiritual hunger, like physical, can be very painful.  Today, even though 1/5 of the world's population goes hungry, there is a greater need for spiritual food.","Mt 15:32; Am 8:11, 12; Acts 2:44-46; Luke 6:21, 25;",Richard Bloom,Happy Though Hungry--how Can It Be?,31,,,
"Happy, Hungry, Pain, Joy, Sickness, Attitude, Negative, Positive,",Can a person be happy even if he has serious problems.  If he is in pain or very sick.,Yes!  Happiness does not depend on situation.  Attitude.  How?,"Luke 6:21,25;",Robert Schwarze,Happy Though Hungry--how Can It Be?,31,,1999/02/01,
"Happy, Hungry, Pioneer,","Those who go through famine or depression often hoard money.  They are afraid to invest, trust banks etc.",Christians must not focus on need for material things to the extent they crowd out spiritual interests.,Heb 13:5; Mt 6:33; 1t 4:6;,Bobby Laymon,You Can Find Joy In Serving God,103,,,
"Happy, Joy, Jehovah,",Some sitting in a boat fishing. Others see no fun in drowning worms  (list other things People say make them happy) like enough money pay all of bills. Fact is not all rich people are happy. Not all have good health.,"There is a common denominator. 6 year old girl ask what makes you happy? Came up with common denominator, JEHOVAH. To find true happiness must be serving Jehovah",Ps 144:15;,S. Koinivich,Make Jehovah Your Confidence,70,,,
"Happy, Joy, Rejoice,","What is happiness?  Can it be found in this system of things?  Think of a time when you had a happy vacation.  You went to the beach, or somewhere your family really enjoyed.  Was it just the destination that made you happy?  Or was there moments of joy and happiness along the way?  Happiness is also the way.","Remember you saw that  beautiful Kingdom Hall along the interstate.  What about the other city when you noticed the Witnesses out in service.  That was pure joy, was it not.  Happiness is not just the destination, but also the process of getting there.","Neh. 8:9, 10;",Bobby Laymon,Why Submit To God's Rulership Now.,120,,"Feb 10, 2001",
"Happy, Joy. Jehovah","Brother not have very good house. Drew house he wanted in new world. Since don't know where Jehovah wants him to live drew one in the mountains, one on seacoast, and one in plains,","Need fix our mind on the New World.  Think about it every day don't dwell on things don't have now, but think about things you will have then",Col 3:2,S. Koinivich,Make Jehovah Your Confidence,70,,,
"Happy, Joy. Jehovah, Self-control","On a diet. Friends invite over, bring out strawberry shortcake that is your favorite. Tell you been working on all day even shed few tears. Give in, eat piece, be a lie to say didn't enjoy it and that momentarily it did not bring you happiness. But what",Happiness is a by-product of doing what you should about next day when step on scale and 1 pound heavier? Are you happy? Self control brings happiness next day 1 pound lighter,John 13:17,S. Koinivich,Make Jehovah Your Confidence,70,,,
"Happy, Life, Live, Age, Older, Unhappiness, Joy,",'They do not live but linger.' Quote: Robert Burton.,"This is not true regarding those who have spend their lives in Jehovah's service.  They find joy in living.  You, too can find joy in helping anointed Christian in marking work.",Ezekiel 9:1-11;,Bobby Laymon,Are You 'marked' For Survival?,34,,1995/07/14,
"Happy, Organized, Perfectionist, Burn Out, Health, Goals,","If we tend toward being a perfectionist, we do well to remember that 'a live dog is better off than a dead lion.'","We might not literally kill ourselves through an unrealistic striving for perfection, but we can seriously harm ourselves through burnout. This, says one authority, involves 'physical, emotional, spiritual, intellectual, and interpersonal exhaustion.' (Job Stress and Burnout) Exhausting ourselves by striving after unattainable goals is surely being cruel to ourselves and inevitably robs us of happiness.",Ecc 9:4;,W93 4/1 29,You Can Find Joy In Serving God,103,,1994/05/12,
"Happy, Sad, Orchids; Joy;",'Paint bamboo when you are angry; orchids when you are happy.'  Quote:  Chinese proverb.,"Flowers can arouse passions.  Rare orchids are very much in demand.  One species brought about $100,000.00 in ancient times.  Jehovah has given them freely to us for our enjoyment.",Genesis 1:20;,"Dec 8, 1992 Aw Page 16;",Jehovah--the Grand Creator,101,,1996/03/03,
"Harassment, Persecution, Youth,",A young boy at school may flee to the restroom due to harassment as the prophet Elisha suffered harassment.,Many of Jehovah's people receive their 'trial by mocking' today.,2ki 2:23; Ecc 7:9; He 12:3;,Brother Spears,Bearing Up Under Persecution,57,,,
"Harm, Evil, Schemes, Mischief,","MOUSE who always lived on the land, by an unlucky chance formed an intimate acquaintance with a Frog, who lived for the most part  in the water.  The Frog, one day intent on mischief, bound the foot of the Mouse tightly to his own.  Thus joined together, the Frog first of all led his friend the Mouse to the meadow where they were accustomed to find their food.  After this, he gradually led him towards the pool in which he lived, until reaching the very brink, he suddenly jumped in, dragging the Mouse with him.  The Frog enjoyed the water amazingly, and swam croaking about, as if he had done a good deed.  The unhappy Mouse was soon suffocated by the water, and his dead body floated about on the surface, tied to the foot of the Frog.  A Hawk observed it, and, pouncing upon it with his talons, carried it aloft.  The  Frog, being still fastened to the leg of the Mouse, was also carried off a prisoner, and was eaten by the Hawk.","Moral: 'Harm hatch, harm catch.'",Pr 6:18;,Aesop's Fables - Bobby Laymon,,,,1994/05/17,
"Harmony, Differences, Disagreements, Unity, Peace, Love, Resentment, Forgive,","A clumsy movement - and the third in a row of five china elephants fell from the mantel.  The piece will have to be restored.  Otherwise, the harmony of the entire set will be lost.  However, the process is delicate, and you do not feel qualified.  You will have to seek advice or even ask a specialist to do the work.","Harmony between spiritual brothers and sisters is much more precious than mere ornaments.  Settling a difference with a fellow Christian can sometimes be a delicate matter.  Moreover, some do not go about this in the right way.  Often the 'restoration' is unnecessarily painful or is not very sound, leaving unsightly telltale marks.",Ps 133:1;,"Jul 15, 1994 Wt Page 21",Love Identifies The True Christian Congregation,72,,1994/09/04,
"Harshness, Scold, Tact, Limitations,","The late John Wanamaker was the king of retail. One day while walking through his store in Philadelphia, he noticed a customer  waiting for assistance. No one was paying the least bit of attention to her. Looking around, he saw his salespeople huddled together laughing and talking among themselves. Without a word, he quietly slipped behind the counter and waited on the customer himself.","Then he quietly handed the purchase to the salespeople to be wrapped as he went on his way. Later, Wanamaker was quoted as saying, 'I learned thirty years ago that it is foolish to scold. I have enough trouble overcoming my own limitations without fretting over the fact that God has not seen fit to distribute evenly the gift of intelligence.'",1 Tim. 2:4,Bobby Laymon,,,,"Jan 17, 2001",
"Harvest, Last Days, Armageddon, Bible, Christendom",Just as a harvest is short in comparison with the growing period.,"So, the time of harvest and separation will be short until the 'great tribulation' brings an end to the last ones of the crop of weed like counterfeit Christians that have grown up.",Mr 13:41;,"May 1, 1970 Wt Page 272",Slave For The Master Of The Harvest,66,,,
"Harvest, Last Days, Armageddon, Joy,",Harvest time usually brings great joy as the fruitage of months of labor is reaped and the crops are gathered in to provide for the months ahead.,"However, there is one harvest, a figurative one, that brings, not only joy to some, but also sorrow and weeping to others.  This harvest is the worldwide one to which Jesus referred to.","Mt 13:38, 39;","May 1, 1970 Wt Page 265",Slave For The Master Of The Harvest,66,,,
"Harvest, Preaching, Evangelizing, Lazy, Industrious, Zealous, Organization,","A farmer plants the seed in soil that he has already worked diligently. The fields must be protected from hungry animals, weeds and insects. In may return to water the thirsty shoots. Then you will see him cutting the grain. Threshing takes place and the grain is safely stored in the barn. The harvest period is a tense time, the weather may not hold, the rains may come to soak the cut grain lying on the ground, resulting in damage, or the rains may shorten the harvest days and the farmer will have to dig the last of his crops from the early snows.",No wonder the farmer works long hours at the harvest time and expects his helpers to do the same. It is no place for lazy people or those seeking just a good time.  Jehovah's organization is not a 'laid-back' organization.,Luke 13:24;,W66 5/15 302,Slave For The Master Of The Harvest,66,,1994/07/30,
"Harvest, Preaching, Last Days, Urgency, Evangelizing,","During the harvest of wheat, corn, hay, or other grains, there is great urgency to get the crop in.  Food may be brought to the farmer on the combine.  They bring him drinks, coffee, water, etc. so he can continue working.",We too are in a time of great urgency.  A Harvest!  We must do all we can to stay awake.  Stay in the field.,"Re 16:15; Mt 24:14; Mt 9:37, 38; John 4:35, 36;",Jim Breden,Slave For The Master Of The Harvest,66,,,
"Harvest, Service, Reap,","In 1956 we loaded our pickup, buttoned the door, and put a chair in front of it so folks would know we were gone.  As transient workers we picked fruit in California.  Figs, Pomegranates, peaches, grapes, walnuts, plums, cherries, (People begging for harvesters)","My mom, Artie Laymon, picked the most valuably fruit.  Two ladies came by, and she took, 'Let God Be True', 'This Means Everlasting Life', 'What Has Religion Done To Mankind.'  All learned truth.","Mt. 9:35-38; John 4:35, 36;",Bobby Laymon,Slave For The Master Of The Harvest,66,,,
"Harvest, Slave,","When we think of the harvest, many of us think back to the time when we were drawn into it.  For my family it was 1956.  We loaded our old '51 Chevy pickup, put a chair in front of the door, so people would know we were gone, and made the long journey down route 66 to California.  A few days later, we rolled into the beautiful San Quaquin valley, the richest farmland on the face of the earth.  On ever side trees were bending with fruit.  There were figs, pomegranates, peaches, oranges, grapes, plumbs.  Later on there would be the cherries and walnuts.  It was a bumper crop.  When we stopped our truck to go to the grocery store, farmers ran up and begged us to work for them.  At the end of the checkout line, they were waiting for us.  We will give you top price and pay in cash every day.  It was a jubilee year.  Not all was joy in the harvest.  There was the insect infested labor camps with community bath house and toilets.   It was hard work.  Canneries were running 24 hours a day.  We were working double shift, and food was rotting in the field.  It was a long harvest that seemed to never end.","Little did we know that we were about to be drawn into an even greater harvest.  A harvest that would involve millions of people, from every quarter of the earth, and would last more than 42 years down to this day.  My mom, Artie Laymon, stayed home to wash one day, and two ladies came by with three books for $1.00.  'Let God Be True.'  'This Means Everlasting Life,' and 'What Has Religion Done For Mankind.'","Matt. 9:37, 38;",Bobby Laymon,Slave For The Master Of The Harvest,66,,1998/11/27,
Haste,"Never do today what you can put off until tomorrow Not in deliberate delay, but careful thought.",Delay on some things give clearer light as to what is best action,2 Ch 19:7,Bobby Laymon,,,,,
Haste;,'No man who is in a hurry is quite civilized.' Quote: Will Durant,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Haste;,"'Though I am always in haste, I am never in a hurry.'  Quote:  John Wesley.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Haste;,Nothing should be done in haste but gripping a flea.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Haste;,"Soon enough, well enough.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Haste;,"There is never time to do it right, but there's always time to do it over.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Haste; Caution;,'Look before you leap.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Hate What Is Bad,"Again its not enough to recognize that certain things are wrong.  We must develop a hatred.   What does it mean to hate something? Definition of  hate:  to have a strong revulsion, strong abhorrence.  When you hate something even thought of makes you react.     To illustrate:  I hate liver.  For some of you it might be brussel sprouts or brocoli. But for me, its liver.   Now what if someone invited me over and served me liver!   Well another person might try to be polite and force down a little, or may another person would politely pass it on and sit there and try to eat something else. But not if you hate liver like I do.  If you really hate liver, you can’t stand the smell of it,  the sight of it, or even the thought of it.       In fact, if you invited me over to your house and served me liver, especially after this illustration, I probably wouldn’t come to your house for a meal again.",That same type of hatred is what we want to develop for what Jehovah considers what is bad.,Heb 1:9,JK,,,,,4/12/2014
"Hate, Detest,","A person who doesn't like coffee, may not even like the smell of coffee.  I like coffee and also like the smell of it.","If we have intense hatred for what is bad, we don't want anything to do with it.","Ps. 139:21, 22;","Bobby Laymon (see Jul 15, 1992 Wt Page 9)",,,,,
"Hate, Hatred, Bad, Honesty, Obey, Obedience,","If a loving, wise father refuses to eat poisonous mushrooms, this should be sufficient reason for his little boy also to loath them. If the father forbids the boy to eat them, this is a double reason why an obedient boy would obey.","To the boy it is not just a matter of getting sick if he disobeys his father.  Rather, his obedience springs from a heartfelt love for his father.",Pr 6:16-19; 11:21;,"Nov 15, 1970 Wt Page 693",Conducting Ourselves Honestly At All Times,10,,,
"Hate, Hatred, Bad, Honesty, Standards,","A middle-aged mother in the supermarket slipped a can of anchovies into her purse.  Her husband across the street dropped a slug into a parking meter, where it registered a dime.  Their daughter got off work early after lying about being sick.","These things may seem petty, but are they?  Oceans are made of drops of water.  A small spark can set a forest afire.  Small wrongs often lead to big disasters.  It matters who is the victim. (see article)",Luke 16:10; Ps 97:10;,"Nov 15, 1970 Wt Page 692",Why Live By Bible Standards?,88,,,
"Hate, War, Love, Religion, Christendom,","'We have just enough religion to make us hate, but not enough to make us love one another.'  Quote: English author Jonathan Swift.","In many countries, such as Northern Ireland, the Middle East, and elsewhere, people are hated because of the religion they profess.","1 John 3:15; Matt 5:43, 44;","Jun 15, 1995 Wt Page 4",Love Identifies The True Christian Congregation,72,,1995/05/08,
"Hate, War, Love, Religion, Christendom, World, Persecution,","'Max, I feel I am on a train that is traveling at high speed and out of control.  If I jump off, I will be killed.  If I stay on, I will crash!'  Quote: An SS guard to Max Liebster, a natural Jew who struggled to survive in 5 different concentration camps.  He became one of Jehovah's Witnesses.",'The fortitude of prisoners who were Jehovah's Witnesses convinced me that their faith was based on Scripture.  I learned that love is more powerful than hatred.',1 Pet 2:23;,"Jun 15, 1995 Wt Page 6",Bearing Up Under Persecution,57,,1995/05/08,
Hate;,'Hate is a prolonged form of suicide.'  Quote:  Doug Steere.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Hate;,'Hatred is the madness of the heart.'  Quote:  Lord Byron.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Hate;,'I shall never permit myself to stoop so low as to hate any man.'  Quote:  Booker T. Washington.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Hate;,'It is better to be hated for what you are than to be loved for what you are not.'  Quote:  Andrew Gide.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Hate;,'To hate fatigues.'  Quote:  Jean Rostand.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Hate;,"Most men know what they hate, few know what they love.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Hate; Anger;,'Anger is a weed; hate is the tree.' Quote: St. Augustine,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Hate; Grudge; Resentment;,"A rattlesnake, if cornered will bite itself. That is exactly what the harboring of hate and resentment against others is, a biting  of oneself. We thing that we are harming others in holding in these spites and hates, but the deeper harm is to ourselves.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Hatred, Anger, Resentment,",Anger (or rage) is like acid.,It damages most the vessel where it is being stored.,Ps. 37:8;,Bobby Laymon,Do You Harbor Resentment Or Do You Forgive?,68,,1999/06/20,
"Hatred, Ethnic, Cleansing, Wars, Murder, Prejudice, Pogrom,","Who throws the switch of hatred?  Many people are raised with the powerful force of hatred and prejudice in their hearts.  They are conditioned, brainwashed from infancy, to turn against their fellowman at the spewing of a slogan.  This is fortified by school systems and religious teachings.","Satan is the one who can throw this switch at a moment's notice.  He can light a wildfire, that terminates in an ethnic cleansing or a program as he did in Rwanda.",Ge 8:21; Matt 4:1-11;,"Sep 8, 1995 Aw Page 12",Bearing Up Under Persecution,57,,1995/08/04,2/7/2015
Hatred;,'There is no medicine to cure hatred.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Hatred; Affection; Familiarity;,'Hatreds are the cinders of affection.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Hatred; Anger;,"'Anger is a weed, hatred is the tree.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Headship, Subjection, Husband, Wife, Marriage, Wedding,",'Jesus Christ has a perfect head; All men have a perfect head.  It is only you wives that have an imperfect head.',"Therefore it is sometimes difficult to be in subjection, but it is a Scriptural requirement.",1 Cor. 11:3;,"Barry Vangella, 'godly Fear' District Assembly",God Comes First In Successful Family Life,110,,1994/06/22,
"Heal, Cure, Disease, Credit,","'God heals, and the doctor takes the fee.' Franklin (1706-1790)",All credit goes to Jehovah.,Re 4:11;,Wisdom Of The Ages,The Only Cure For Sick Mankind,62,,,
"Healing, Jesus, Miracles,",Unlike doctors today who often amputate a diseased hand.,Jesus Christ will heal that hand.,"Mark 1:40-42; Matt. 15:30, 31; Matt. 15:32-38",Bobby Laymon,What Does The Healing Of The Nations Accomplish?,111,,,
"Healing, Kingdom, Survivors, Miracles, Great Crowd,","Jesus' healings: A major intent was to portray for the encouragement of the great crowd the joyous prospect that they will not only survive but be healed thereafter.  They will throw away eye glasses, canes, crutches, wheelchairs, dentures, hearing aids.",Such miraculous healing will logically take place among Armageddon survivors relatively soon after Armageddon and well before the resurrection begins.,"Mt 9:35; 15:30, 31; Is 33:24; 35:5, 6; Re 21:4; Mk 5:25-29;","Dec 15, 1991 Wt Page 12",The Kingdom Of God Is Near,109,,,
"Healing, Medicine, Science, Cure,",'The art of medicine consists of keeping the patient in a good mood while nature does the healing.'  Quote: Voltaire.,"Optimistic forecasts also come from the fields of chemistry, medicine,  energy, astronomy, agricultural engineering, etc.  The Bible, however, says `trust Jehovah, not man'.",Ps 31:14; 118:8;,Bobby Laymon,Does Your Hope Rest On Science Or The Bible?,80,,1995/06/30,
"Healing, Nations, Kingdom, Problems,","When you cut your finger, Jehovah helps heal it up, in his own way, and in his own time.  In a way that is much better than we could even imagine.",Jehovah is going to heal the nations:  It will be in his own way; it will be in his own time; but in a far better way than we or political persons could ever imagine.,"Eph 4:17-19; Ps. 41:3, 4; Is 38:4, 5;",Bobby Laymon,What Does The Healing Of The Nations Accomplish?,111,,1994/10/23,
"Healing, Pity, Compassion,","Did you ever see a person in a wheelchair at the mall?  A child on crutches?  A blind man, perhaps in a subway.  Your heart goes out to them.",Jehovah 'wants to' heal persons also.  He is not limited as we are.,"Ro 5:12; Ps 41:1-3; Mt 9:35, 36;",Larry Kinkaid,What Does The Healing Of The Nations Accomplish?,111,,,
"Healing, Pity, Compassion, Christendom,","Clergy put up a tent for healing in parking lots, and invite persons to come to them.  One faith healer in Oklahoma even built a hospital.",If they can heal why don't they go to Cox Medical Center and heal everyone there?  Why build hospitals?  Why not put an end to hospitals?,"Ro 5:12; Ps 41:1-3; Mt 9:35, 36;",Larry Kinkaid,What Does The Healing Of The Nations Accomplish?,111,,,
"Healing, Spirituality, Cure,",Spiritual healing - like going to the doctor. He gives a prescription. Get it filled. No good if you don't take it.,It is the same with God's prescription. Take it.,Jas 4:17;,J.K.,The Only Cure For Sick Mankind,62,,1997/04/12,
"Health, Cure, Medicine,","Today there is great improvement in some medical fields.  We have better eyeglasses, better hearing aids, better medicine for some illnesses.",All of these are only temporary.  In Jehovah's new system there will be a complete cure.,"Ps 47:1, 2, 6-8; Ps 46:8-11;",Mike McClure,Decide Now For Divine Rulership,37,,1995/09/22,
"Health, Depression, Stress, Pressure,","Like glass of water, once it's empty, you're done.","We must protect our health.  Regulate things, take your rest, eat well, don't take pressure, and don't give it to others.",Eccl. 9:4; Ps. 115:17;,Larry Punko; C.O.,Gaining Comfort In All Our Tribulations,105,,,
"Health, Disease;",A disease known is half cured.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Health, Doctor, Cure, Skeptic,",'I observe the physician with the same diligence as he the disease.' Quote: John Donne. [1624].,"Even the doctor bears to be watched.  Today, almost no one can be trusted.","Titus 2:9, 10;",Bobby Laymon,Conducting Ourselves Honestly At All Times,10,,1995/07/14,
"Health, Doctors, Experiments, Golden Rule","'Grace abused brings forth the foulest deeds; just as the richest soil, the most luxuriant weeds.' (Words of a poet) Needed: a firm application of the 'golden rule.'",Cancer cells placed unknowingly in 20 elderly patients; Experiments on giving high and low oxygen to youths caused six to go through life blind.  Totally unnecessary.,Luke 6:31,"Jun 8, 1968 Aw Pages 4-8",What Does The Healing Of The Nations Accomplish?,111,,,
"Health, Eagle, Pinions,","Bottom may drop out, like eagle stirs up nest. (pushes birds out) May look to young eagle like first and last flight. Eagles have been observed to catch and literally carry on pinions. We have guarantee that Jehovah will catch us.",Jehovah may permit Devil to put severe test on us.,Deuteronomy 32:11,"Mark Morrow (bethel Brother) Jun 20, 1990",Jehovah Is 'a Secure Height' For His People,151,,,
"Health, Faith,","A modest house may be built using boards, nails, and corrugated iron, but the different parts are often supported by four corner posts.","Similarly, our health is shaped by numerous influences, but all are related to four 'corner' influences.  They are [1] behavior, [2] environment, [3] medical care, and [4] biological makeup.  Just as you can strengthen your house by upgrading the quality of the posts, so you can better your health by improving the quality of these influential factors.",Dan 1:12;,"Apr 8, 1995 Aw Page 6",A Clean People Honors Jehovah,14,,1995/03/18,
"Health, Faith,","If you have a hole in the street that is causing accidents every day of the week, you will treat the poor fellow who falls and breaks his legs, but the more humane and cost-effective thing to do is: Fill the hole.","Likewise, people should be educated to prevent as many diseases as possible, and use resources wisely.",Dan 1:12;,"Apr 8, 1995 Aw Page 9 - Box",A Clean People Honors Jehovah,14,,1995/03/18,
"Health, Faith,","Think of this situation.  If you depend on a bicycle to reach your faraway job, would you consider it a loss to spend some time each week to oil the chain, adjust the brakes, or replace a spoke?  No, since you realize that even if you gain a few hours now by neglecting maintenance, you may lose a whole day of work later when your bicycle breaks down.","Similarly, you may gain some hours and a little money each week if you stop short of hauling enough water to maintain your health, but later you may lose a lot of days and money when, because of poor maintenance, your health breaks down.",Dan 1:12;,"Apr 8, 1995 Aw Page 8",A Clean People Honors Jehovah,14,,1995/03/18,
"Health, Faith, Kingdom, Sickness,","'For us, good health care is like an item in a window display in a luxurious shopping mall.  We can look at it, but it is beyond our reach.'  Quote: Vandaar magazine.  Affordable health-care is like a low-priced item for which hundreds of elbowing customers are reaching at the same time.",Only God's kingdom is a cure for sick mankind.,Rev 21:3-5;,"Apr 8, 1995 Aw Page 10",The Only Cure For Sick Mankind,62,,1995/03/18,
"Health, High Blood Pressure, Creation, Stress, Heart,",Do you understand how a carburetor of a car works? Would you be content to put a little sand in the fuel line to cut down the flow of gasoline? Approaches: Drug; Diet; Psychosomatic; exercise; garlic;,"Regarding the many approaches to controlling hypertension, manipulation;",Phil. 4:5; 1 Tim. 3:11; Gal. 6:7; Luke 21:34;,"Apr 8, 1967 Aw Page 12-16",Appreciating Marvels Of God's Creation,114,,,
"Health, Moderation,","Health is a gift, but you have to work to keep it.","Moderation,","Prov. 14:30; Luke 21:34, 35;",Bobby Laymon (wisdom Of The Ages..Quotes),Are You Doing What God Requires Of You?,43,,,
"Health, Moderation,","Health is so necessary to all the duties, as well as pleasures of life, that the crime of squandering it is equal to the folly.",Good health makes good sense.,"Prov. 14:30; Luke 21:34, 35;",Bobby Laymon (wisdom Of The Ages..Quotes),What Does The Healing Of The Nations Accomplish?,111,,,
"Health, Moderation,",In everything the middle course is best:  all things in excess brings trouble to men.,"Use moderation, modesty,","Prov. 14:30; Luke 21:34, 35;",Bobby Laymon (wisdom Of The Ages..Quotes),What Does The Healing Of The Nations Accomplish?,111,,,
"Health, Moderation,","It is best to rise from life as from a banquet, neither thirsty nor drunken.",Moderation is best in all things.,"Prov. 14:30; Luke 21:34, 35;",Bobby Laymon (wisdom Of The Ages..Quotes),What Does The Healing Of The Nations Accomplish?,111,,,
"Health, Moderation,","Moderation is the center wherein all philosophies, both human and divine, meet.",Human wisdom agrees with Jehovah's on moderation.,"Prov. 14:30; Luke 21:34, 35;",Bobby Laymon (wisdom Of The Ages..Quotes),What Does The Healing Of The Nations Accomplish?,111,,,
"Health, Moderation,","Moderation is the inseparable companion of wisdom, but with it genius has not even a nodding acquaintance.",You don't have to be a genius to use moderation.,"Prov. 14:30; Luke 21:34, 35;",Bobby Laymon (wisdom Of The Ages..Quotes),What Does The Healing Of The Nations Accomplish?,111,,,
"Health, Moderation,",Moderation is the secret of survival.  Everything that exceeds the bounds of moderation has an unstable foundation.,Moderation in all things.,"Prov. 14:30; Luke 21:34, 35;",Bobby Laymon (wisdom Of The Ages..Quotes),Are You Doing What God Requires Of You?,43,,,
"Health, Moderation,",Moderation is the silken string running through the pearl- chain of all virtues.,Value of moderation.,"Prov. 14:30; Luke 21:34, 35;",Bobby Laymon (wisdom Of The Ages..Quotes),What Does The Healing Of The Nations Accomplish?,111,,,
"Health, Moderation,","Sound health is the greatest of gifts;  contentedness, the greatest of riches; trust, the greatest of qualities; enlightenment, the greatest happiness.",Moderation,"Prov. 14:30; Luke 21:34, 35;",Bobby Laymon (wisdom Of The Ages..Quotes),Are You Doing What God Requires Of You?,43,,,
"Health, Moderation,",The choicest pleasures of life lie within the ring of moderation.,Moderation,"Prov. 14:30; Luke 21:34, 35;",Bobby Laymon (wisdom Of The Ages..Quotes),Are You Doing What God Requires Of You?,43,,,
"Health, Moderation,",Without health life is not life; it is only a state of languor and suffering - an image of death.,Moderation,"Prov. 14:30; Luke 21:34, 35;",Bobby Laymon (wisdom Of The Ages..Quotes),What Does The Healing Of The Nations Accomplish?,111,,,
"Health, Paradise, Happiness, Peace, Earth,","If Governments offered you therapy that guaranteed 50% renewal of all bodily functions for just a nominal fee, would you not be the first in line?","The True Religion guarantees 100% rejuvenation for free.  Not for 5 or 50 years, but for all eternity.",Re 21:4;,Mark Morrow,True Religion Meets The Needs Of Human Society.,94,,1994/04/11,
"Health, Pollution, Additives, Ecology, Earth,",Just as people get hooked on drugs ...,So the soil seems to become addicted to chemical additives and loses its ability to fix its own nitrogen.,Rev 11:18;,"Apr 22, 1971 Aw Page 12",Act Wisely As The End Draws Near,38,,1994/04/30,
"Health, Pollution, Additives, Ecology, Earth, Science","Do you find it pleasant to walk in a smog-stricken city with its 'concrete jungles,' rush, congestion and filth?  Or do you find it more enjoyable to walk along a clean beach, in a quiet forest, or out in the fresh air and sunshine of a country area?",The answer is quiet obvious.,Rev 11:18;,"Apr 22, 1971 Aw Page 14",Does Your Hope Rest On Science Or The Bible?,80,,1994/04/30,
"Health, Pollution, Additives, Ecology, Earth, Science","If you had a delicate piece of machinery, throwing a grain of sand into it might not cripple it.  But what if you threw a steady stream of sand, and gravel into that machine?  It would only be a matter of time before it broke down and ground to a halt.",The human organism 'is not unlike throwing a collection of nuts and bolts into the most delicate machinery known.'  The huge increase in chronic ailments shows that people all over the world are being affected as never before.,Rev 11:18;,"Apr 22, 1971 Aw Page 13",Does Your Hope Rest On Science Or The Bible?,80,,1994/04/30,
"Health, Pollution, Additives, Ecology, Earth, Science, Paradise",Just as a man does not need to burn down a house to rid it of dirt and roaches ...,"So God does not need to destroy the earth to rid it of pollution and polluters.  As in Noah's time, the earth needs to be cleansed of those befouling it.",Re 11:18,"Apr 22, 1971 Aw Page 25",Ruining The Earth Brings Divine Retribution,106,,1994/04/30,
"Health, Pollution, Additives, Ecology, Earth, Science, Paradise",What judgment would a person merit who willfully and for selfish gain introduce small amounts of poison into his neighbor's food and drink until finally the neighbor sickens and dies?,"That is what pollution is doing to millions today.  A physician in Frankfurt, Germany, comparing his city with Vietnam, said, 'There they shoot the lead into people's ribs, here they have to inhale it.  The difference is ... just the manner of administering it.'",Mt 10:29;,"Apr 22, 1971 Aw Page 24",Evidence Of God In The World Around Us,4,,1994/04/30,
"Health, Pollution, Additives, Ecology, Earth, Science, Paradise, Laws,",A healthy human body can heal a wound if given decent care.,"So too, the earth can heal its wounds if given the right kind of care.  But man must work in harmony with the natural laws already set up for this earth.",Mt 6:33;,"Apr 22, 1971 Aw Page 20",Keep Seeking God's Kingdom,44,,1994/04/30,
"Health, Rest, Relaxation, Sleep, Study, Preparation, Meetings,",'You can't turn back the clock.  But you can wind it up again.' Quote: Bonnie Prudden.,"Make God's work the main course, relaxation the dessert.  All should seek joy and satisfaction in spiritual activities.  Have you made a disciple? There is no greater joy.  Proficiency in ministry brings deep satisfaction.","Ecclesiastes 11:9, 10;",Bobby Laymon,Lovers Of Pleasure Or Lovers Of God?,64,bl,1995/06/30,8/1/2015
"Health, Spiritual, Growth, Progress",You are well aware that the material food you eat will affect your physical health.,"Similarly, your spiritual health is affected by what you feed your mind and heart.","1 Pe 2:1, 2;","May 15, 1994 Wt Page 19",What Does The Healing Of The Nations Accomplish?,111,,1994/07/09,
Health;,"'After dinner rest a while, after supper walk a mile.'  Quote:  Arab.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Health;,"'Eat breakfast like a King, eat lunch like a prince, but eat dinner like a pauper.'  Quote:  Adele Davis.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Health;,"'He who has health, has hope; and he who has hope, has everything.'  Quote:  Arabian.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Health;,'Illness tells us what we are.'  Quote:  Italian.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Health;,'It is part of the cure to wish to be cured.'  Quote:  Seneca The Younger.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Health;,'Natural forces within us are the true healers of disease.'  Quote:  Hippocrates.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Health;,"'The best physicians are Dr. Diet, Dr. Quiet, and Dr. Merryman.' Quote: Sidney Smith",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Health;,"'The only way to keep your health is to eat what you don't want, drink what you don't like and do what you druther not.'  Quote:  Mt.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Health;,"'The only way to keep your health is to eat what you don't want, drink what you don't like and do what you'd rather not.'  Quote:  Mt.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Health;,"'The only way to keep your health is to eat what you don't want, drink what you don't like, and do what you'd rather not.'  Quote:  Mt.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Health;,"Dine with little, sup with less, do better still sleep supper less.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Health;,Health is not valued till sickness comes.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Health;,Health is not valued until sickness comes.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Health;,"Health nuts are going to feel stupid someday, lying in the hospital dying of nothing.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Health;,"Her name is Health: she is the daughter of Exercise, who begot her on Temperance.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Health;,Refuse to be ill.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Health;,"Sickness is felt, but health not at all.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Health;,The best of all medicines are rest and fasting.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Health;,The tragedy of ulcers is that you can have them and still not be  successful.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Health;,"To go to bed late and get up early, makes a man cross, mean and surly.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Health; Authority;,'When the Czar has a cold all Russia coughs.'  Quote:  Russian.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Health; Colds;,'A cold is both positive and negative; sometimes the eyes have it and sometimes the Nose.' Quote:  William Lyon Phelps,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Health; Disease;,'If I had my way I'd make health catching instead of disease.'  Quote:  Robert Ingersol.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Health; Disease;,'Thousands upon thousands of persons have studied diseases. Almost no one has studied health.'  Quote:  Adele Davis.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Health; Disposition;,Being in good frame of mind helps keep one the picture of health.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Health; Doctors;,'Get well cards have become humorous that if you don't get sick you're missing half the fun.'  Quote:  E. Wilson.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Health; Doctors;,'God heals and the doctor takes the fees.'  Quote:  Bf.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Health; Eating;,Diet cures more than doctors.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Health; Eating;,Many a person has gone to their sarcophagus by what they put down their esophagus.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Health; Eating;,"To lengthen thy life, lessen thy meals.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Health; Exercise;,"After dinner sit awhile, after supper walk a mile.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Health; Exercise;,Those who do not find time for exercise will have to find time for illness.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Health; Exercise; Moderation;,"The requisites of health are plain enough; regular habits, daily exercise, cleanliness, and moderation in all things - in eating as well as in  drinking - would keep most people well.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Health; Food;,"'Eat few suppers, and you'll need few medicines.'  Quote:  Bf.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Health; Funny;,'I knew a guy who doctored himself out of a medical book for twelve years.  He finally died of a typographical error.'  Quote:  M. Amsterdam.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Health; Goodness;,'To become a thoroughly good man is the best prescription for keeping a sound mind and sound body. Francis Brown'  Quote:  Francis Brown.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Health; Happiness; Life; Doctors;,"Joy, temperance, and repose, slam the door on the doctor's nose.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Health; Heart;,'The trouble with heart disease is that the first symptom is often hard to  deal with....sudden death.'  Quote:  Michael Phillips.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Health; Hope;,"'He who has health has hope, he who has hope has everything.'  Quote:  Arabian.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Health; Life;,The best way to lengthen out our days is to walk steadily and with a purpose.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Health; Predestination; Doctors;,"'If your time ain't come, not even a Doctor can kill you.'  Quote:  American.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Health; Rich; Poor;,'It is better to be rich and healthy than poor and sick.'  Quote:  Dave Berry.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Health; Wealth; Wife;,A good wife and health is a man's best wealth.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Hear, Listen, Progress, Pioneer, Life,","Sitting and listening may not be viewed as doing much.  Others might not even like it. On your assignment, don't be distracted by personal, selfish ambitions in life. Enjoy life. It is a gift from God.",Isn't it something how Martha spoke to Jesus? Focus on the things above. Don't expect too much from others. Anything from others is an 'unexpected blessing.',Luke 10:39-42;,Philip Kirkton (bethel Notes) Dan Sydlik -Gilead Graduation 1991,Never Become Dull In Your Hearing,9,,,
Hearing,"Bat, has radar system; military designers give fortune for.",Is our ears keenly tuned to Jehovah's Word?,"Matt. 13:9, 13, 16, 51, 52",Bobby Laymon,Never Become Dull In Your Hearing,9,,,
Hearing,"Moth: researcher attach electrode & amplifier to moth's ear they can listen to supersonic sounds that even most-sensitive man-made microphones cannot pick up. Like moth, our life depends on never becoming dull in hearing.","We are attracted to light, and have enemy (bat) after us","Matt. 13:9, 13, 16, 51, 52",Bobby Laymon,Never Become Dull In Your Hearing,9,,,
"Hearing, Listen,",Sometimes you see a little gadget on the front bumper of cars and trucks that give off a whistle for deer to hear.  It is a warning for the deer.  It protects them.,"In like manner, Jehovah gives us warnings of unseen dangers, if we listen to him.",Heb 5:11;,Bobby Laymon,Never Become Dull In Your Hearing,9,,1997/05/04,
"Hearing, Listen, Dull,","One brother was hard of hearing and others kept urging him to get a hearing aid.  Finally, he did, and it improved his hearing somewhat.  One of them said, 'Your hearing aid is really working fine.  Incidentally, what kind is it?'  He said, 'About ten after ten.'","He was still a little dull of hearing.  What about us?  We may think we are discerning God's Word correctly, but be dull in our hearing.",Heb 5:11;,Lonnie Roper,Never Become Dull In Your Hearing,9,,1995/03/20,
"Hearing, Listen, Dull,",Sister Vera Nalon (Blind Sister in Russellville) can tell who speaks to her in just few words.  Also able to discern (ran concession stand in Court House) $1.00 bill from $5.00 most of the time.,We should sharpen our senses so as to not become dull in our hearing.,Mk. 6:52; 8:12; Heb 5:11; Jas 4:7; 2ti 2:22;,Johnse Laymon,Never Become Dull In Your Hearing,9,,,
"Hearing, Listening","Do we have a hearing problem sometimes?  Reminds me of a story of a man who was talking to a doctor and he said, ' My wife can't hear and she won't admit she is hard of hearing, she's too proud to go to the doctor, but I want to get her a hearing aid, what should I do.'  Well, said the doctor, ' what you need to do is stand at a distance from her and ask her a question and keep getting closer till she response and we will know about how deaf she is.'  So he goes home and walks in the door he sees her there in the distance in the kitchen and he says, 'honey, what's for dinner?' No response so he gets right in the kitchen doorway and says, 'honey what's for dinner?'  Still no response, she must be really hard of hearing.  So he gets right behind her and says, ' honey what's for dinner?'  She turns around and says, 'for the third time were having chicken!'  (Smile)","You see who had the hearing problem, it was him not her.  Sometimes it's easy for us to point at others and say they not listening to what they should do, but really it could be us that has the hearing problem.  It's easy to fall in to this trap of becoming simply 'hearers of the word' James 1: 22 (read)",James1: 22,Jim Kinkade,Never Become Dull In Your Hearing,9,,"Oct 30, 2001",
Heart,"'If you have half a heart, you will die.'",Same is true spiritually.,Ps. 119:113,Joe Bounds,,,,"Apr 23, 2000",
Heart,"Check-up Does it get plenty of field ministry? Do we take in dangerous information? Too much recreation? Bad associations., Materialistic thinking?",Figurative heart needs check-ups also. Ps. 86:11   Ps. 119:113,1 Chron. 28:9 Ps. 141:5,"Bethel Notes .. Leone Weaver, Jr.  (by Phil Kirkton)",Acquiring A Heart Of Wisdom,73,,,
Heart,"Clean outside of cup & dish but inside full of plunder, wickedness",Must be clean from inside,Luke 11:37-41,Jesus,Acquiring A Heart Of Wisdom,73,,,
Heart,"Don't judge a book by its cover Christians try to see persons as God does, not judge by initial impressions. Fine experience: Young man, unkempt entered KH, 2nd time, neatly.","True quality of a person not necessarily reflected in outward appearance groomed, 3rd-No longer smoked, with girlfriend & 2 children 4th, new marriage license, 5th broken off w/false religion.","1 Pet 3:3, 4","Nov 1, 1989 Watchtower Page 30",Acquiring A Heart Of Wisdom,73,,,
Heart,Every heart is a treasure house. A wicked treasure will mean destruction. A righteous treasure will mean salvation,What kind of treasure is up to us.,Mt. 12:34,Jan. 1961 Km,Acquiring A Heart Of Wisdom,73,,,
Heart,"Half-hearted.  What makes one half-hearted? Slaves were property; 24 hrs day, on call; no way to serve 2 Heart divides: brother thought could play professional Ball & Jehovah skillful in rationalizing wrongs; becomes set; won't listen to",Cannot serve 2 masters. reason. example: talk to married person 'same wave-length',Matt 6:24  Ps. 86:11  Ps. 12:2,"Bethel Notes .. Leone Weaver, Jr.  (by Phil Kirkton)",Acquiring A Heart Of Wisdom,73,,,
Heart,"Heart beats 100,000 times a day. Any irregularity makes you insecure, uneasy. We must safeguard our physical heart. Have you had a physical on your spiritual heart. Jehovah sees the inner person, the real us, called the heart.","We must safeguard our Spiritual heart. Heart has capacities that can scare you. Jere. 17:9,10 Can hide our real motive from us.",Prov. 4:23  1 Sam. 16:7 1 Chron. 28:9,"Bethel Notes .. Leone Weaver, Jr.  (by Phil Kirkton)",Acquiring A Heart Of Wisdom,73,,,
Heart,"The heart of a 'good man' holds a treasure of eternal riches A 'good man' is always a pupil, always learning.   At same time he is always teaching. Matt. 5:2 Most beautiful treasure is the ministry. 2 Tim. 1:13, 14","Treasure is constantly replenished, increased, never exhausted. Student must realize and admit the need is there.",Luke 6:45,"Sep 15, 1960 Wt Page 563-5",Acquiring A Heart Of Wisdom,73,,,
Heart,"Wicked heart can grow, like corn (describe) seed, blade, fruit.  Must develop love for Jehovah.","Develops slowly, how we don't really know.",Heb 3:12,Mike Hart,Acquiring A Heart Of Wisdom,73,,,
"Heart,","Sometimes a heart surgeon must make corrections on a heart that is defective.  Not only is it necessary to see inside the heart, but must go inside.  Even though he does everything right, the heart sometimes stops.  If all fails he may reach into the chest cavity and massage the heart, bringing the patient back to life.","We brothers are even more important than heart surgeons.  We are working to correct defects in the figurative heart.  Sometimes we have to reach it; touch it; massage it.  How can we do this, bringing life to our students?",Ps. 119:112;,Bobby Laymon,,,,"Jun 14, 2001",
"Heart, Actions, Thoughts,",It has been said that actions speak louder than words.,Our actions certainly speak volumes about what we are on the inside.,Matt 5:28;,"Oct 15, 2001 Wt Page 24",Never Become Dull In Your Hearing,9,,"Sep 4, 2001",
"Heart, Attitude,","Glass full of water; pour some out, now 1/2 air.","If our heart conditions drops abundance of truth, now have air of the world.",Heb. 3:14; Matt. 15:8; Luke 6:45;,Larry Punko; C.O.,Acquiring A Heart Of Wisdom,73,,,
"Heart, Bible,","'God's word does not come to man through magical handwriting on the wall, or spelled out on stone tablets, but from the inner counsel of the heart.'  Quote Harry E. Fosdick.  But is this really the answer?","The fact is that the Bible warns us against the fallen, imperfect human heart: 'The heart is more treacherous than anything else and is  desperate. Who can know it?'",Jer. 17:9,W67 2/1 69,,,,1996/01/06,
"Heart, Circumcision",Circumcision was matter of physical cleanness and protection for mate from cancer and other diseases,"An uncircumcised heart would be a selfish heart one waxed fat unfeeling, weighted down and anxieties, insensitive to truth, and unresponsive.",Rom. 2:29,"Johnse Laymon Dec 22, 1965 Aw Pg 27",Acquiring A Heart Of Wisdom,73,,,
"Heart, Cultivate,",The figurative heart can be likened to soil in which the seed of the truth may be planted.   Literal soil is usually cultivated to ensure the healthy growth of the crop.,"Similarly, the heart should be prepared, or made ready, so that it is more receptive to the Word of God.",Ezra 7:10;,"Oct 15, 2001 Wt Page 20",Acquiring A Heart Of Wisdom,73,,"Sep 4, 2001",
"Heart, Desires, Attitudes, Emotions, Survival,",A diseased physical heart requires care and perhaps painful surgery if the patient is to survive.,"It is similar with an ailing figurative heart. Wrong desires, tendencies toward independence, or other factors that are causing the heart to be wayward must be removed if it is to become responsive once again.",Prov 2:1-5,W89 7/15 23,Are You 'marked' For Survival?,34,,1994/06/04,
"Heart, Devotion, Doubts, Indecisive,",All of us were born with a hole in our heart.  With most of us it closes up immediately.  With others it does not.  Sometimes surgery is required.,"What is more important is our figurative heart.  We have all been born in imperfection, and we have to cultivate a good heart.  Do we have a 'whole heart' or a 'hole in our heart' spiritually speaking?  Is something lacking?  Humility and devotion to Jehovah will heal this void in our heart.",Jer 17:9;,Bobby Laymon,Glorifying God With All We Have,17,,1993/11/09,
"Heart, Evolution, Trinity, Christendom, Babylon,",You don't have to be a pianist to know when someone is playing a bad note.,"Likewise, anyone with a good heart can tell the 'ring of truth.'",John 10:16;,J.K.,Serving With Jehovah's Unified Organization,3,,1997/04/11,
"Heart, Hardening, Sin, Conscience, Transformed,","All of us know how calluses develop.  The skin may at first be soft and sensitive, but if it is repeatedly exposed to a certain pressure or friction, it hardens and thickens, forming a callus. It no longer feels the irritation.","Likewise, people are not born with a hardened or callous heart so that they are automatically unfeeling toward God. In world it does not take long for the heart to become callous or hardened if it is not safeguarded.  'past all moral sense'=not feel moral pain","Eph 4:18, 19; Heb 3:7-13; Ps 95:8-10;","Mar 1, 1993 Wt Page 12",Is The Truth Transforming Your Life?,51,,,
"Heart, Hardening, Sin, Conscience, Transformed, World, Moral,","'If you paint the town red tonight, you have to have a bigger bucket and a bigger brush for tomorrow night.' Quote: radio commentator.",'Sin with greediness (Eph 4:19) enters a vicious downward spiral until they sink to the very depths of depravity--and think nothing of it.  'Will of the nations.',"Eph 4:19; 1 Pe 4:3, 4; Acts 19:27, 35;","Mar 1, 1993 Wt Page 13",Is The Truth Transforming Your Life?,51,,,
"Heart, Head, Transform, Begging, Honesty, Mind, Reason, Mercy,","'There is a time for the head, and a time for the heart.' 'USE your head!' shouted the impatient mechanic to his helper, a newcomer on the job. 'Have a heart! I'm trying hard to find work!' pleaded the unemployed debtor of the banker who threatened to foreclose the mortgage if payments on the interest were not at once forthcoming.","By expressions such as these is recognized the difference between the various faculties of the mind, such as reason, thinking, memory and volition on one hand, and affection, sympathy and pity on the other hand.  Example: a beggar;  It might be a blind man, or an invalid in a wheelchair, a legless cripple propelling himself along on roller skates or it might be a black-garbed nun. Are they all deserving or are none? Your heart may want to give to all that ask but your head tells you that you cannot afford to do so.",Rom 12:1;,W63 12/15 739,"Mercy, A Dominant Quality Of True Christians",7,,1995/01/27,
"Heart, Kidneys, Satan, Devil, Demons, Weapons, Snares, War,","During war many nations produce mines to kill and cripple people.  During WWII they invented one nicknamed 'Bouncing Betty.'  It would bounce up three or four feet into the air and then explode.  It was designed, not to cripple, but to strike vital organs and kill.","Today, Satan is not content with merely crippling Jehovah's people.  He is striking at the heart, kidneys and other vital organs in a spiritual sense.  This is the most bloody and hateful century in human history.","Rev 12:9, 12;",Bobby Laymon,How To Protect Ourselves From Satan's Snares,115,,1995/06/12,
"Heart, Mind, Desires, Transforming, Truth,","In examining closely the background of a skilled mechanic, likely you would find he loves to work with motors, and, as a boy, he always wanted to know what made things 'tick.' Hearing a powerful motor start up and run smoothly is music to his ears. Now, what are we talking about?  Yes, the heart! We are discussing his affections, motives and desires, not just the mental ability to learn about mechanics.","If wrong information is taken into the mind, wrong concepts are built up, and as a result prejudice, hate, fear, pride, greed, stubbornness and other despicable traits take root in the heart and are reflected in the personality of the individual, especially if these wrong conclusions and  impressions were formed early in life. That is why one, in becoming a Christian, must 'be transformed by making his mind over.'",Rom. 12:2; Eph. 4:22-24; 2 Cor. 11:3.,W71 3/1 137,Is The Truth Transforming Your Life?,51,,1995/01/27,
"Heart, Mind, Strength, Weakness, Overconfidence,","Which is better: to have an A heart and a C mind, or to have an A mind and a C heart.",Jehovah is examining hearts.,1 Ch 29:17; Rom 7:25;,Gene Thorn,,,,"Nov 18, 2001",
"Heart, Mind, Temptation, Decisions,",If a person was born with a 'double heart' it would be a real medical problem for him.  Also if one was born with 'half a heart.'  We need to have a 'complete heart.',"Figuratively speaking, we must serve Jehovah with a 'complete heart.'  When we let our minds get distracted or wander, could it really be a case of our heart wandering?",Mt 22:37;,"Mar 1, 1971 Wt Page 146",Decide Now For Divine Rulership,37,,1993/11/09,
"Heart, Mind, Temptation, Decisions,","Suppose the time comes when you must make a decision on buying a new suit or dress.  First the mind is confronted with certain facts.  Older clothes are getting past their usefulness, or a need to change, for some reason.  The heart comes into the picture too, as there is the desire to look presentable.  Heart and mind are in agreement you need a new dress or suit.  The mind now collects information: prices, quality, styles, etc.  When you go shopping you will have a pretty good idea what to purchase.  But when you arrive at the store, there in the window is an eye-catcher, just waiting for the impulse buyer.  It is not really practical.  It cost more money.  It is rather extreme in styling; but how it tantalizes the heart!  'It's the heart's delight.'","Now what will be done?  What decision will be made?  Will it be a practical, reasoned-out one, or one according to this new desire of the heart?  If you are not careful, the heart will overwhelm the mind.  Or it may be a case of a momentarily divided heart.  We must fortify our heart!","Pr 28:26; Jas 1:14, 15;","Mar 1, 1971 Wt Page 140",Decisions You Face--how Will You Make Them?,50,,1993/11/09,
"Heart, Motivation, Mercy, Forgiveness, Haste, Need, Poverty, Foresight,",'Necessity never made a good bargain.' Quote: Benjamin Franklin.,We should never show mercy or forgiveness out of force.  A forced action is not a genuine motive.  It should be done from the heart.,"Col 3:10, 12;",Bobby Laymon,"Mercy, A Dominant Quality Of True Christians",7,,1995/07/17,
"Heart, Motives,","The human heart, as to size, is only about as large as your fist.  Yet it is a real powerhouse.  Think of it!  Every few minutes your heart circulates the 5 - 6 quarts of blood in your body around the 60,000 mile network of arteries, veins and capillaries, bathing each of the trillions of cells of your body with the precious fluid of life.  If it stops beating for a few minutes, the cells begin to die, starting with the fragile brain cells.  There is little doctors can do for heart failure.  It is still the number one killer by a wide margin.  However there is much you can do to safeguard your heart before trouble begins.  Improper eating, smoking, heavy drinking, anxiety, prolonged stress, violent emotional outbursts, not getting the proper rest and exercise can cause things to go wrong with the heart.","Despite the urgency of guarding the physical heart, it is even more urgent to safeguard the spiritual heart.",Pr 4:23; 14:30; Ecc 2:23;,"Mar 1, 1971 Wt Page 133",Acquiring A Heart Of Wisdom,73,,1993/11/08,
"Heart, Motives, Sin, Deception, Imperfection,","A person who is treacherous is marked by a ready disposition to betray confidence or faith pledged; he is disloyal, untrustworthy, really traitorous.","Working with the heart is tricky.  Think of it!  We all have, in our imperfect state, a potential traitor enclosed in our bosom!  If we are not careful, we become the victim of self-deception.","Jer 17:9, 10;","Mar 1, 1971 Wt Page 139",Hold A Good Conscience In A Sinful World,107,,1993/11/08,
"Heart, Negative, Positive,","Drop stones into bucket of water, displace equal amount of water.","Eventually displace all negative thoughts, doubts, fears and indecision.  Replace negative thoughts with positive. Bad with Good.",Matt. 15:19,Bobby Laymon,How To Keep Spiritually Awake!,71,,,
"Heart, Pioneer,",Double heart: Brother wants to marry single sister who says she wants to pioneer.  Ask: 'Why isn't she already?',Don't fall to double heart.,1 Chron. 28:9,"Bethel Notes .. Leone Weaver, Jr.  (by Phil Kirkton)",Acquiring A Heart Of Wisdom,73,,,
"Heart, Questions,","A doctor takes a stethoscope and listens to your heart.  He moves it around to tell were your heart is.  Also he can find if there is an irregular heartbeat, or mummer, etc.",We do that with questions.  We can find where the heart is.  It helps us to locate problems and correct them.,Prov. 17:3;,Bobby Laymon,Acquiring A Heart Of Wisdom,73,,1997/05/18,
"Heart, Reaching, Teaching,","You turn on the T.V. and they show you a new car, and say, 'You deserve this new car!'  You dismiss the idea, but week after week they keep bomb-barding you with the same ad.  When do you get the 'new-car-bug'?  When it is in your mind, or when it gets down into the heart?  Then you sit in it, adjust seats, shut doors, etc.","In like manner, we want to help our studies to get the truth down into their hearts.  We must keep teaching, asking questions, giving examples, etc.",Luke 2:51; Jas 5:11; Acts 17:25; Pr 4:20-22;,Al Larue  School Guidebook Page 75-78,Acquiring A Heart Of Wisdom,73,,,
"Heart, Resist World,  Clean, Holy,",Bilge pump- old boats leak constantly-  Have to be pumped out continually.,Must continually watch our heart.  Remove what is dangerous.,Jer 11:20; 17:9;,Dch,Resisting The Spirit Of The World,25,,1993/10/03,
"Heart, Safeguard, Danger,","AN OLD man on a Caribbean island emerged from his shelter after a hurricane. As he viewed the damage around him, he realized that a massive tree that had stood for decades near his front gate was gone. 'How could that be,' he wondered, 'when smaller trees in the vicinity survived?' A look at the stump of the fallen tree provided the answer.  The inside of the seemingly immovable tree had rotted out, and the storm had merely exposed that unseen deterioration.","What a tragedy it is when a true worshipper who appears to be firmly rooted in the Christian way of life succumbs to a test of faith. The Bible rightly says that 'the inclination of the heart of man is bad from his youth up.' (Genesis 8:21) This means that without constant vigilance, even the best of hearts can be enticed to do what is bad. Since no imperfect human heart is immune to corruption, we need to take seriously the advice: 'More than all else that is to be guarded, safeguard your heart.'",Proverbs 4:23,"Oct 15, 2001 Wt Page 22",Acquiring A Heart Of Wisdom,73,,"Sep 4, 2001",
"Heart, Safeguard, Danger,","If you go to a physician for a physical checkup, he likely will examine your heart. Does your general health, including your heart, suggest that you are getting sufficient nutrients? How is your blood pressure? Is your heartbeat steady and strong? Do you get enough exercise? Is your heart subjected to undue stress?","If the literal heart needs regular checkups, what about your figurative heart? Jehovah examines it. (1 Chronicles 29:17) So should we. How? By asking such questions as: Does my heart get sufficient spiritual food through regular personal study and meeting attendance? (Psalm 1:1, 2; Hebrews 10:24, 25) Is Jehovah's message close to my heart like 'a burning fire shut up in my bones,' moving me to share in the Kingdom-preaching and disciple-making work? (Jeremiah 20:9; Matthew 28:19, 20; Romans 1:15, 16) Am I moved to exert myself vigorously, sharing in some feature of the full-time ministry when possible? (Luke 13:24) To what kind of environment am I exposing my figurative heart? Am I seeking association with others whose hearts are unified in true worship? (Proverbs 13:20; 1 Corinthians 15:33) May we be quick to note any deficiency and take corrective measures at once.",1 Chronicles 29:17,"Oct 15, 2001 Wt Page 22",Acquiring A Heart Of Wisdom,73,,"Sep 4, 2001",
"Heart, Study, Preparation, Research,","When preparing to study, you lay out such things as your Bible, whatever publications you plan to use, a pencil or pen, and perhaps a notebook.",But do you also prepare your heart?,Ezra 7:10,Benefit  27,,,,"Mar 13, 2002",
"Heart, Talks, Teaching,","When you touch the heart, it leaves 'heart prints.' Touch the heart.",People will remember it.,Rom. 10:10,Bobby Laymon,Acquiring A Heart Of Wisdom,73,,,
"Heart, Transform, Mind, Thinking,",A 'spokesman' is one who speaks the thoughts for another person.,"Jesus showed that the mouth was the 'spokesman' for the heart. It is the mind where conclusions are formed.  Also, in the mind is where evil is conceived and planned before it is executed into reality.  Therefore, the mind must be reached before the heart can be cleansed, changed and protected.",Mt 12:24; Pr 21:2; Mt 15:9-20; Ro 12:2,"Apr 1, 1970 Wt Page 215",Is The Truth Transforming Your Life?,51,,,
"Heart, Want Of,","Like a sick man's appetite.  Must fill mind with proper thoughts. Phil. 4:8; Gal. 6:7, 8;","He often desires most what would increase his hurt, even as a diabetic craves sweets.","Eph. 5:3, 4; Ps. 97:10; Jer. 17:9; Rom. 12:2; Col. 3:9, 10;","Mar 1, 1964 Wt Page 156",Acquiring A Heart Of Wisdom,73,,,
"Heart, Wisdom, Colleges, Learning, Materialism, Modesty,",Great learning is held out by educators as the thing of highest importance because of its advantages in acquiring wealth. King Saul was a modest youth. (1 Sam. 15:17; 10:1-24; 11:1-11) He had many successes but did not accompany these with success in,"The Bible, however, puts the emphasis on the heart. ruling his spirit and safeguarding his heart.",Pr. 4:23; 1 Sam. 9:21;,"Nov 22, 1967 Aw Page 27, 28",Reach Out For The Real Life!,90,,,
"Heart, Zeal, Motive, Elders, Encourage, Spirit, Dedication,",The heart is the 'engine' of our Christian activity.  Some engines need to be pulled to start.  Others are self-starters.,"Elders who stir hearts will find that those in the congregation are thereby motivated to do all they can in God's service.  They will be self-starters, not always needing to be prodded by others.",Prov 4:23;,"Jun 15, 1995 Wt Page 22",Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,63,,1995/05/17,
Heart;,'A happy heart is better than a full purse.'  Quote:  Italian.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Heart;,"'All that is worth cherishing in this world begins in the heart, not the head.' Quote:  Susanne Chazin",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Heart;,"'Beware what you set your heart upon, for it will surely be your.'  Quote:  Rwe.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Heart;,"'Faces we see, hearts we know not.' Quote:  Spanish",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Heart;,"'I think there is only one quality worse than hardness of heart, and that is softness of head.' Quote:  T. Roosevelt",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Heart;,"'If you haven't any charity in your heart, you have the worst kind of heart trouble.'  Quote:  Bob Hope.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Heart;,"'Nobody has measured, even poets, how much a heart can hold.'  Quote:  Zelda Fitzgerald.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Heart;,"'Nothing is less in our power than the heart, and far from commanding we are forced to obey it.'  Quote:  Jean Jacques Rousseau.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Heart;,'Nowhere are there more hiding places than in the heart.'  Quote:  German.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Heart;,"'The deep sea can be fathomed, but who knows the hearts of men?'  Quote:  Malay.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Heart;,'The great man is he who does not lose his child's heart.'  Quote:  Mencius.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Heart;,"'The head learns new things, but the heart forever more practices old experiences.'  Quote:  Hwb.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Heart;,'The heart can do anything.'  Quote:  Moliere.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Heart;,'The heart has its reasons which reason does not understand.'  Quote:  Blais Pascal.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Heart;,'The heart has reasons that reason does not understand.'  Quote:  Bossuet.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Heart;,'The heart is forever making the head its fool.'  Quote:  François Rochefoucauld.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Heart;,'The intellect is always fooled by the heart.'  Quote:  La Rochefould.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Heart;,'The logic of the heart is absurd.'  Quote:  Julie De Lespinasse.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Heart;,'The way to a man's heart is through his stomach.'  Quote:  Fanny Fern.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Heart;,'The worst prison would be a closed heart.'  Quote:  Pope John Paul Ii.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Heart;,'To measure a man measure his heart.'  Quote:  Malcolm S. Forbes.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Heart;,'Two things are bad for the heart--running up stairs and running down people.'  Quote:  Bernard M. Baruch.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Heart;,'Wealth and want equally harden the human heart.' Quote:  Theodore Parker,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Heart;,"'When the heart is full, the eyes overflow.' Quote: Yiddish",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Heart;,"'Where the heart is willing it will find a thousand ways, but where it is unwilling it will find a thousand excuses.'  Quote:  Dyak.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Heart; Gossip; speech; negative, positive",A good way to avoid heart trouble: - don't run up stairs and don't run down people.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Heart;,Better a blush in the face than a spot in the heart.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Heart;,Hardening of the heart is worse than hardening of the arteries.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Heart;,The heart has eyes which the brain knows nothing of.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Heart;,"To handle yourself use your head, to handle other use your heart.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Heart;,"To handle yourself use your head, to handle others use your heart.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Heart; Beauty;,"'Some people, no matter how old they get, never lose their beauty. The merely move it from their faces into their hearts.'  Quote:  Martin Buxbaum.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Heart; Beauty;,"Great beauty, great strength and great riches are truly of great use, but a great heart exceeds all.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Heart; Bible,"Twelve times as many violent crimes at night than in daytime Light is a deterrent to crime. Salt Lake city; 96.5% happened at night. Chattanooga, Tennessee. crime fell 70-90% when city flooded with light.","The corruptive roots of mind, heart is where crime breeds. Bright lights do not remove cause.  God's Word is a powerful force, can energize the mind.","Eph. 5:8, 9; Ps. 119:9, 105,101; John 8:32","Jan 22, 1961 Aw Page 3, 4",Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,,
"Heart; Bible; Mind; Apostasy, Science,","Accidentally take poison; do everything to counteract it. Knowledge divided into 3 classes: Art, Science, Religion. Not all are equally nourishing. Must carefully avoid any poison that appears under guise of one of the above. example: music,",Most are not so careful when it comes to taking mental poison.,Matt. 4:4; John 6:63; Rom. 8:6-8,"Jan 22, 1961 Aw Page 5-8",Does Your Hope Rest On Science Or The Bible?,80,,,
Heart; Emotion; Figurative Heart;,'The heart has eyes that the brain knows nothing of.'  Quote:  Charles Parkhurst.,,,Jk Quotes;,How Well Do You Know God?,1,,,
Heart; Face;,The face is the index of the heart.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Heart; Funny;,'The way to a man's heart is through his chest.'  Quote:  Joe May.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Heart; God;,'God will mend a broken heart if you will give him all the pieces.'  Quote:  Myrtie Stanton.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Heart; Helping;,A good exercise for the heart is bending down and helping someone get up.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Heart; Life;,'We are adhering to life now with our last muscle-the heart.'  Quote:  Djuna Barnes.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Heart; Sigh;,'We cough to clear our throats We sigh to clear our hearts.' Quote: T. S. Matthews,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Heart; Speech;,'The heart seldom feels what the mouth expresses.'  Quote:  Jean Campistron.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Hearts, Examine, Thoughts, Motives,","Have you ever noticed that when you meet a barber, the first thing he looks at is your hair.  A brick-layer always looks down the side of a brick building.  A carpenter gives the appearance of your house a once-over.",Jehovah is an examiner of hearts.  That is what he looks at first in a person.,Prov 17:3;,Bobby Laymon,Conducting Ourselves Honestly At All Times,10,,1996/02/13,10/15/2021
"Hearts, Examining, Kidneys, Meetings,","With X-rays and miniature cameras today, medical personnel can examine the heart better than ever before.  They can diagnose and treat it.","However, Jehovah can see even deeper into the heart.  He can tell if we are too sick to attend meetings, etc.",1 Chron. 28:9,David Cohen,Keep Seeking God's Kingdom,44,,1998/09/22,
"Hearts, Knowledge, Emotions, Motivation, Desires, Humble,","Some 5,600,000,000 human hearts are beating on earth right now.  Every day your own heart beats 100,000 times and pumps the equivalent of 2,000 gallons of blood through your body's 60,000-mile cardiovascular system.","There are also 6,600,000,000 figurative hearts at work on earth.  In the figurative heart dwell our emotions, motivations, desires.  The figurative heart can be proud or humble, gloomy or cheerful, darkened or enlightened.",Neh 2:2; Prov 16:5; Matt 11:29;,"Jan 15, 1996 Wt Page 10",Acquiring A Heart Of Wisdom,73,,1996/01/06,
"Hearts, Tendencies, Integrity, Desires,","UNSEEN under a coat of paint, rust can begin to corrode an implement made of iron. It may be some time before the rust becomes visible on the surface.","Similarly, the attitudes and desires of one's heart may begin to deteriorate long before this results in serious consequences or is even noticed by others. As we would wisely inspect an implement to see if it is becoming rusty, so a close inspection of our hearts and timely maintenance may preserve our Christian integrity.",1 Cor 10:12;,"Jun 15, 1996 Wt Page 17;",,,,1996/05/20,
Hearts; Must Be Prepared,Every gully filled up; mountain leveled; curves straight,John the Baptizer preparing way of Jehovah,Luke 3:3-5,John The Baptizer,Acquiring A Heart Of Wisdom,73,,,
"Heat, Stress, Persecution, Anxiety,","'If you can't stand the heat, get out of the kitchen.' Quote: Harry S. Truman.",Sometimes it is possible to change our situation from stressful jobs.  Work to simplify your life.,2 Cor. 4:8;,Bobby Laymon,Coping With Life's Anxieties,32,,1995/08/16,
"Heaven, Little Flock, 144,000, Anointed, Hope, Kingdom,","If you were asked to pour a little water into a glass, you would make sure that it did not overflow.","So, too, the 'little flock' cannot be made up of over-flowing numbers of people.  God's Kingdom has a set ('little') number of co rulers with Christ.  The exact number of these rulers is 144,000.","Luke 12:32; Rev 14:1, 4;","Jan 8, 1995 Aw Page 27",The Kingdom Of God Is Near,109,,1994/12/05,
"Heaven, Little Flock, 144,000, Anointed, Hope, Kingdom,","Mankind's current situation might be likened to that of hundreds of passengers aboard a damaged jetliner in bad weather.  In such a critical situation, would you want a flight crew made up of young, inexperienced people?  Hardly!  The situation would call for a crew carefully selected according to stringent qualifications.","Since human rulerships are so riddled with corruption, can we not see why those included in that heavenly government must be carefully selected and tested by God?","Luke 12:32; Rev 14:1, 4;","Jan 8, 1995 Aw Page 27",The Kingdom Of God Is Near,109,,1994/12/05,
"Heaven, Purgatory, Poor, Rich, Kingdom,",'Tis as hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of Heaven as it is for a poor man to get out of Purgatory.' Quote: Finley Peter Dunne. -1900.,"False religious teachings abound today.  Result is religious defilement, spiritual neglect, and eventual death for worshipers.  Many believe the unscriptural teaching of purgatory.  The Bible truth corrects such falsehoods.",Genesis. 2:7; Ezek. 18:1; Deuteronomy.18:9-13;,Bobby Laymon,"Come, You Who Thirst For The Truth!",89,,1995/08/16,
Heaven;,'Men and women will retain their sex in heaven.'  Quote:  Poop Paul Ii.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Hebrews, Bible,","YOU might wonder, What value could there be in an old letter that deals at length with an even older form of worship? Yes, how could a 1,900-year-old letter be of any benefit to you now?","But certainly each of us can benefit greatly from what we have available in the Bible book of Hebrews, as we shall now see.",Hebrews 1:1,W76 9/15 569,Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,1994/06/03,
Hell,Father committed to Bellevue Hospital for burning legs of son. He was in need of a psychiatrist.,It would make one wonder: Does God need a psychiatrist? Jehovah does not torture his creatures.  He does not need a psychiatrist.,Genesis. 3:19,"Mar 8, 1959 Aw Page 25, 26",Is Hell Really A Place Of Fiery Torment?,128,,,
Hell,"If you took an animal, a dog for instance, and slowly roasted it over hot coals while yet alive, it would be considered an outrageous, senseless and horribly revolting act. Facts show different.",We are asked to believe that God would do worse.,Jer. 32:35;,"Feb 15, 1964 Wt Page 102",Serve Jehovah With A Joyful Heart,78,,,
Hell,"Passion driven lover kills girl he claimed he loved because she refused to marry her. God did not act in rage, spite, or chagrin at man's course.","To sentence Adam to torture, would put him in above class.",Genesis. 3:19  Rom. 3:4,"Mar 8, 1959 Aw Page 25, 26",Serve Jehovah With A Joyful Heart,78,,,
Hell,Young man; proud of first-born; eyes resemble mothers;,Turns attention to Molech (describe) What kind of god would require that?  Never entered Jehovah's heart.,"Ecc 9:5, 10;",Joe Laymon,Serve Jehovah With A Joyful Heart,78,,,
"Hell,",The four (4) 'J's' of hell. 1. Jacob 2. Job 3. Jonah 4. Jesus,"Four faithful men spoken of as being in hell, or wanting to go there.",Ge 37:35; 42:38; Job 14:13;job 2:2; Ps 16:10;,William Osbeck C.O.,Serve Jehovah With A Joyful Heart,78,,,
"Hell,",What would you think of a father who would hold his child's hand in a red-hot stove and cause sever burns. Would you not agree that a parent would have to be unreasonable crude to do that?,"Yet we are asked to believe that God, who is love, would do worse.","Ecc 9:5,10;  Ps 103:8, 13, 14;","Feb 15, 1964 Wt Page 102 (Isabel Fulmer)",Serve Jehovah With A Joyful Heart,78,,,
"Hell, Christendom, Russell, Debate,",'I am glad to see you turn the hose on hell and put out the fire.' Quote: A clergyman who was in attendance at one of Brother Russell's debates.,"'These are bad doctrines; they have been injuring the world this long time; they are not part of the Lord's teaching at all, and our dear brother [Dr. Eaton] has not gotten the smoke of the dark ages rubbed out of his eyes yet.' Quote: C.T. Russell","Re 15:3, 4; Ec 9:5, 10; Ro 5:12; 6:23; Ge 2:17;","Jehovah's Witnesses - Proclaimers Of God's Kingdom.  Page 129, 130",Religion's Role In World Affairs.,92,,,
"Hell, Christendom, Russell, Progress, Literature,","'Since they think that the Bible teaches it (hell), every step they progress in real intelligence and brotherly kindness ... is in most cases a step away from God's Word, which they falsely accuse of this teaching.' Quote: Booklet, 'What Say the Scriptures about Hell?' in 1896.",Most sensible people did not really believe the doctrine of hell. Bible literature began to draw thinking people back to God's Word.,"Re 15:3, 4;",Jehovah's Witnesses - Proclaimers Of God's Kingdom.  Page 129,Religion's Role In World Affairs.,92,,,
"Hell, Gehenna, Destruction, Cut Off, Fire,","You can take this chair, chop it up; crush it; but what is the surest way of complete destruction?  (Burn it)",Jehovah symbolizes everlasting destruction with fire!,Rev. 20:14; 21:8;,Bobby Laymon,Ruining The Earth Brings Divine Retribution,106,,,
"Hell, Love, Jehovah,",What would you think of a parent who held his child's hand over a fire to punish the child for wrongdoing?,'God is Love.'  Would he do what no right-minded parent would do?  Certainly not.,1 John 4:8; Jer. 7:31; Rom. 6:23;,"Reasoning From The Scriptures, Page 174",Make Jehovah Your Confidence,70,,,
"Hell, Soul, Immortality, Death, Fate,",Immortality: a fate worse than death.,World's view of hereafter.,"Ezek. 18:4; Rom. 6:23,",Bobby Laymon,Is This Life All There Is?,36,,,
"Hell, Torment,","'... It makes God into a bloodthirsty monster who maintains an everlasting Auschwitz for victims whom he does not even allow to die.' Quote: The Criswell Theological Review, Professor Pinnock.",What would we think of a human being who satisfied his thirst for revenge so implacably and insatiably?  How can a God who tells us to love our enemies wish to torture his enemies for eternity.,"Rev 20:13, 14;","Apr 15, 1993 Aw Page 5",Serve Jehovah With A Joyful Heart,78,,,
"Hell, Torment,","'I hear you dismissed your pastor.  What was wrong?' 'Well, he kept telling us we're all going to hell.' 'What does the new pastor say?' 'The new pastor says we're going to hell, too.'  'So what's the difference?  Well, the difference is that when the previous pastor said it, he sounded like he was glad about it; but when the new man says it, he sounds like it is breaking his heart.' Quote: A book of illustrations.","Many are not at ease with the doctrine of hell.  In many religions hell disappeared, but now it is back on the 'religious world map.'  In 1981 53% believed in hell.  It increased to 60% in 1990.","Rev 20:13, 14;","Apr 15, 1993 Aw Page 3, 4",Serve Jehovah With A Joyful Heart,78,,,
"Hell, Torment,",Look at all the world's incinerators.  What is the main purpose of them?  Is it to cause pain or to secure destruction?,Keeping that significant distinction in mind will help you to avoid reading something into the Scriptures that is actually not there.  See examples below:,"Mark 9:47, 48; Is 66:24; Re 14:9-11; 20:10-15;","Apr 15, 1993 Aw Page 7",Serve Jehovah With A Joyful Heart,78,,,
"Hell, Torment,",Only those sinners who have caused eternal torment deserve equal eternal torment in turn -- eternal torment for eternal torment. (That sentence would go far beyond 'eye for eye' and 'tooth for tooth.'),"For the sake of argument, applying to the doctrine of hellfire, that divine law given to ancient Israel, a law of exact retribution, then the above conclusion could be reached.  However since humans, (no matter how evil) can cause only finite (limited) torment, sentencing them to eternal torment creates a disproportion between their crimes and the infinite penalty of hellfire.","Exodus 21:24; Rev 20:13, 14;","Apr 15, 1993 Aw Page 6",Serve Jehovah With A Joyful Heart,78,,,
"Hell, Torment, Eternity, Love,","What would you think of a father who put the hand of his child into a hot fire and caused severe burns? You would agree that a parent would have to be unreasonable and cruel to do that. Or if a person took an animal, a dog for instance, and slowly roasted it over hot coals while yet alive, it would be considered an outrageous, senseless and horribly revolting act.","Yet we are asked to believe that God, who is Love, will do much worse to humans!","Ecc 9:5, 10; 1 John 4:8;",Bobby Laymon,You Can Find Joy In Serving God,103,,1994/05/13,
"Hell, Torment, Graham, Fire, Relationship, Christendom,","'The only thing I could say for sure is that hell means separation from God.  We are separated from his light, from his fellowship.  That is going to be hell.  When it comes to a literal fire, I don't preach it because I'm not sure about it.  When the Scripture uses fire concerning hell, that is possibly an illustration of how terrible it's going to be - not fire but something worse, a thirst for God that cannot be quenched.' Quote: Billy Graham (Time Magazine November 15, 1993 Page 74)","Even Christendom's leading preachers are not sure about the eternal torment teaching, yet many of them do preach it.",1 John 4:8;,"Time Magazine Nov 15, 1993 Page 74; Billy Graham",Keep Growing In Your Relationship With God,16,,1994/09/06,
"Hell, Torment, Immortality, Soul, Christendom, Babylon,",Hellfire has a religious twin.  The doctrine of the immortality of the human soul.,"Since their church may have mothered these twins for centuries, they may feel that texts that speak of destruction actually mean eternal torment.  After all, the immortal human soul cannot go out of existence - so it is reasoned.","Ezekiel 18:4, 20; Mt 10:28;","Apr 15, 1993 Aw Page 8",Religion's Role In World Affairs.,92,,,
"Hell, Torment, Punishment,","If it became necessary for you to kill a dog, how would you do it?  Would you torture it to death, or simply put it to sleep in the least painful way possible?","The idea of roasting people in fire had never come into God's heart, nor is it reasonable. Jehovah is a God of love.",Jer. 7:31; 32:35; 1 Jn 4:8;,You Can Live Forever In Paradise On Earth. Page 81,Serve Jehovah With A Joyful Heart,78,,,
"Hell, Torment, Punishment, Grave, Pit,","Point to ceiling and say, 'floor.' Point to wall and say, 'floor' Point to floor and say, 'floor'.","Christendom's use of translating one word in three ways, as in grave, hell, and pit.  Doesn't make sense.",Matt. 11:23; 16:18; Luke 10:15; 16:23,"Bernie Boyce, C.O.",Serve Jehovah With A Joyful Heart,78,,,
Hell;,'There may be some doubt about hell beyond the grave but there is no doubt about there being one on this side of it.'  Quote:  Ed Howe.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Help, Aid, Preparation, Study, Prevention,",A stitch in time saves nine.,Better to help someone while there is still time.,Heb. 6:1-3; 2 Tim. 2:14; John 6:45; Eccl. 12:11-13; Acts 17:1,Bobby Laymon,"As Christians, We Care About Other People",15,,,
"Help, Assistance, Comfort, Elders, Shepherds, Sin,",Sometimes a sheep gets caught in barbed wire or thorns.  The sheep's skin is very sensitive and it will stay there until freed by the shepherd or until it dies.,We are like that.  Sometimes we have a situation that we can not get free from on our own.  We need the help of the shepherds.,James 5:14-16;,Bobby Laymon,Follow The Way To Life,45,,1997/08/11,
"Help, Presumption, Encouragement, Jump, Mercy,",Did you ever have to jump-start your car?  How many times will you do it before you get a new battery or get the problem fixed.  Maybe even trade cars.,"Jehovah continues to help us, and the brothers are willing.  However, we don't want to presume on Jehovah's mercy and keep expecting help if we do nothing to fix the problem.",1 Thes 5:14;,Bobby Laymon,"Mercy, A Dominant Quality Of True Christians",7,,1997/06/23,
Help;,'Give me the ready hand rather than the ready tongue.'  Quote:  Giuseppe Garibaldi.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Help;,'He stands erect by bending over the fallen. He rises by lifting others.'  Quote:  Robert Green Ingersoll.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Help;,"'If you're in trouble, or hurt or need--go to the poor people. They're the only ones that'll help--the only ones.'  Quote:  John Steinbeck.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Help;,'Light is the task where many share the toil.'  Quote:  Homer.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Help; Giving; Love;,Love is  never afraid of giving too much.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Helping Weak, Encourage,","Ears weak, easily hurt; jet takes off and you cover with your hands. Same with stereo, too loud, feet walk over, hands turn down and all can enjoy music, because of protecting the ears.",Stronger hands protect weak ears.,"1 Cor 12:22   Rom 15:1, 2","Bro Hart, Mike  Apr 29, 1990 1 Day Assy",Bearing Up Under Persecution,57,,,
"Helping, Service, Elders, Ministerial Servants, Assist,","Elephant and mouse crossing a swinging bridge.  Afterward the mouse looked up at the elephant and said, 'We sure made that bridge rock, didn't we.'",Sometimes just a little help from strong is all it takes.,"Rom. 5:1, 2;",Sam Johnson (heard By Al Larue),How Should You Serve God?,58,,,
Heroes;,'Heroine is one of the shortest lived professions there is. (Uzzah)' Quote:  Will Rogers,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Heroes;,'No heroes without a wound.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Heroes; Coward, Responsibility, Action,",The difference between a hero and a coward is one step sideways.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Hesitation; Action;,"'The time for hesitation is past, let us act.'  Quote:  Sophocles.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Hidden Faults, Sins,","Bridge, Inspected but water high, couldn't see footing.","Hidden faults, No one else knows, but undermines, cause destruction.","1 Tim. 5:24, 25;",Bro. Abrahamson,Hold A Good Conscience In A Sinful World,107,,,
"Himalayas, Mountain, Worship, Organization, Increase, Growth, Kingdom,","The Himalayas!  What do those words conjure up in your mind?  Awesome, icy peaks of conquest, standing atop earth's highest mountain?  For most of us, to scale Mount Everest, in the Himalaya Mountains in Nepal, would be impossible. (29,028 feet, with eight other peaks over 26,200 feet.)","Yet, today many people in Nepal [and elsewhere] are climbing a mountain higher than the Himalayas!  You too can enjoy the trek up the mountain that is higher than the Himalayas.  You will be to see the Creator 'set matters straight,' and you will be able to look forward to living forever on a cleansed and beautified earth.","Isa 2:2,3;","Jun 15, 1995 Wt Page 24, 27",True Religion Meets The Needs Of Human Society.,94,,1995/05/17,
"Hiroshima, Atom Bomb, Protection, Expansion, Missionary, Pioneer,","'ALL of a sudden a weird light flashed and sparkled on the ceiling of my cell. . . . Then I heard such a terribly loud roar as if all the mountains had collapsed at one time. Instantly the cell was shrouded with a thick darkness. I shoved my head under my nearby mattress, to escape what appeared to be a dark gas.'","The atomic bomb had just exploded over Hiroshima, Japan, August 6, 1945. The man who lived to describe the experience was in prison because of his integrity-keeping course as one of Jehovah's Witnesses.  He was the only Witness of Jehovah in Hiroshima.  He later said that he was 'atom-bombed out of prison.'   Though much despair and destruction resulted from the explosion of the atomic bomb over Hiroshima in 1945, happiness and hope have accompanied the veritable explosion of the kingdom proclamation throughout Japan. If it is Jehovah's will, it is our fervent prayer that many more thousands yet be contacted and brought into his arrangement to receive everlasting life through Jesus Christ.",Mt 24:14;,W82 10/1 16,How To Protect Ourselves From Satan's Snares,115,,1994/06/27,
"History, Experience,",The only lesson history has taught us is that man has not yet learned anything from history. -- Anonymous,"Sadly, men do not always learn from experience.",Genesis. 42:21-23;,Bobby Laymon,,,,"Nov 19, 2001",
"History, Future, Past, Experience,","'If men could learn from history, what lessons it might teach us!'  Quote: Samuel Taylor Coleridge. (English poet and philosopher).",1.  It can be a great source of motivation and encouragement.  2.  It can be a means of learning from past errors and their consequences.  3.  It can engender in us the God-pleasing qualities of modesty and gratitude.,Heb 10:32; Rom 15:4;,"Dec 1, 1996 Wt Page 30;",Your Future--how Can It Be Known?,19,,1996/11/06,
"History, Future, World Powers, Governments, Kings, Times, Seasons,",'On no other stage are the scenes shifted with a swiftness so like magic as on the great stage of history when once the hour strikes.' Quote: Edward Bellamy.,It is Jehovah that is changing times and seasons.  He swiftly brings these changes at the right moment.,Dan 2:21;,Bobby Laymon,Your Future--how Can It Be Known?,19,,1995/08/16,
"History, Past, Future,",People are trapped in history and history is trapped in them.  -- James Baldwin,There are lessons to be learned from history about the future.,Dan. 2:44;,Bobby Laymon,Your Future--how Can It Be Known?,19,,"Nov 19, 2001",
"History, Past, Future, Biography, Jesus,",'The history of the world is but the biography of great men.' Quote: Thomas Carlyle. -1840.,The events of Jesus life contains the account of the greatest man who ever lived.,John 3:16;,Bobby Laymon,'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,1995/08/01,
"History, View, Prejudice, Race, Future,",There is an old saying that goes something like this:  'It makes a difference whose ox is being gored.',The point of the saying is that the same event can look different to different people.  It depends upon each one's background and interest in the matter.,Hos 8:2,"May 22, 1971 Aw Page 16",How Well Do You Know God?,1,,1994/05/01,
History;,"'God cannot alter the past, but historians can.'  Quote:  Samuel Butler.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
History;,'History is bunk.'  Quote:  Henry Ford.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
History;,"'History is little more than the register of the crimes, follies and misfortunes of mankind.'  Quote:  Edward Gibbon.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
History;,'History is nothing but a pack of tricks that we play upon the dead.' Quote: Voltaire,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
History;,'History repeats itself because nobody listens.'  Quote:  L. Peter.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
History;,'History repeats itself.  That's one of the things wrong with history.'  Quote:  Clarence Darrow.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
History;,'History teaches us that men and nations behave wisely once they have exhausted all other alternatives.'  Quote:  Abba Eban.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
History;,'People and governments have never learned anything from history.'  Quote:  Hegel.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
History;,'What is history but a fable agreed upon?'  Quote:  Napoleon.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
History;,Those who do not study the past will repeat its errors; those who do will find other ways to err.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
History; Human Race; World;,'Human history becomes more and more a race between education and  catastrophe.'  Quote:  H. G. Wells.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
History; World;,'History is a race between education and catastrophe.'  Quote:  H. G. Wells.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Holidays,"At Christmas we are urged to buy with money we don't have, to buy things we don't want, for people we don't like.",Reality of holiday spirit worldly people are caught up in.,1 Tim 6:10;,Jim Breden-Scott Rudolph At Licking,Resisting The Spirit Of The World,25,,1996/02/13,
"Holidays,","Most all the time, the whole year round, there ain't no flies on me, but just before Christmas, I'm as good as good can be.",People's attitude are different in holiday season.,"Gal. 4:9-11; Col. 2:16, 17; Eccl. 7:1, 2; 1 Cor. 11:24-26",Johnse Laymon Quote :  Eugene Fields,"As Christians, We Care About Other People",15,,,
"Holidays, Beggars, Christendom,",WHOEVER heard of a birthday party where everyone got gifts but the one for whom the party was being celebrated?,"Christendom celebrates just such a party in what is called 'Christ's mass,' or Christmas. At this season people exchange gifts, but Christ is sadly neglected.",Acts 20:35;,"Dec 15, 1953 Wt Page 739",,,,1996/11/25,
"Holidays, Birthdays, Laws, Customs, Religion,","'Laws are sand, customs are rock.  Laws can be evaded and punishment escaped, but an openly transgressed custom brings sure punishment.' Quote: Mark Twain.","Customs are hard to overcome.  Do not be like some who associate for years but cling to false teachings, birthday and holiday celebrations and so forth.",Matt. 13:8;,Bobby Laymon,"Come, You Who Thirst For The Truth!",89,,1995/08/09,
"Holidays, Christmas, Easter, Memorial,","Can you imagine?  Over 100 holidays a year.  They do keep growing.  However, in ancient Rome, in the 40's B.C.E. the Romans had over one hundred holidays each year, often involving religion and worship. Even worse than today.","Christians stood and now stand in contrast with the world by celebrating only one day, the annual observance of Christ's death.",Luke 22:19; John 8:32;,"Nov 1, 1967 Wt Page 667","As Christians, We Care About Other People",15,,,
"Holidays, Christmas, Gifts, birthdays, ","Suppose a crowd comes to a gentleman's home to celebrate his birthday. He does not favor that, nor does he like to see people overeat or get drunk, or engage in loose conduct. They bring presents for everyone but him.  Not his birthday, but his enemy's!",How would you feel?  Would you want to party to that?  This is exactly what is being done by Christmas celebrations.,"Eph. 5:10, 11; 2 Cor. 6:14-18; 1 Cor. 13:6; Exodus. 32:4-10;","Reasoning From The Scriptures, Page 179","As Christians, We Care About Other People",15,,,7/19/2025
"Holidays, Holy Day, Christmas, Memorial, Easter,","Call it a Holy Day if you like, but an unusual number of lives are sacrificed on so-called holy days, that make it anything but holy. Predicted that 410-490 will die on Memorial day weekend.",How should Christians view such sacrifices.,1 Cor. 10:20;,"Jul 22, 1964 Aw Page 30, 31.","As Christians, We Care About Other People",15,,,
"Holiness, Holy, Protection, Guard, Loyal, Joy, Happiness,","Sometimes animals are desirable, and the government acts to protect them.  They set up a game reserve.  They are placed in a protected environment, sometimes at great cost to taxpayers.",Jehovah has placed us in a protected environment.  We have been placed on a 'highway of holiness.'  What a cause for joy!,Isa 35:8;,"'joyful Praisers Dist. Convention'  June 9-11, 1995; Kc, Mo; Robert Norman",Finding Honor And Joy In God's Ministry,65,,1995/06/12,
"Holiness, Jehovah, Clean, Holy,","If the most high God of the universe was going to write one sentence, what would he write?","We don't have to guess, because he did it. He wrote one sentence where everyone could see it.  'Holiness belongs to Jehovah.' On the priest's turban, on a shiny plate of gold, blue string.",Exodus 28:36; 39:30; Zech. 14:20;,Robert Schwarze,A Clean People Honors Jehovah,14,,,
Holy Spirit,"Turn Pages of Bible by hand, then blow. How grieve? shut door, say Ouch! Hold hand, stop blowing, Actually grieving ME.","Holy spirit not power, but force.  Accomplishes things.",1 Cor 12:4-7 Eph 4:30 Not Grieving Or Wounding,"Bro Punko, Larry",What Is Behind The Spirit Of Rebellion?,33,,,
"Holy Spirit,",For the Holy Spirit to be of value to us...,it has to go THROUGH us and not stay WITHIN us.,Acts 2:4;,Bobby Laymon,Basis For Confidence In The Bible's Divine Authorship.,124,,"Feb 10, 2001",
"Holy Spirit, Active Force,",God's spirit is somewhat like the electric current that flows from a battery in use.,"It would not be quite accurate to say that the holy spirit is God's power.  This is because power can be latent, or inactively resident, in someone or something, such as power stored in a charged but unused batter.",Genesis. 1:2,"Jan 8, 1999 Aw Page 26",Slave For The Master Of The Harvest,66,,1998/12/14,
"Holy Spirit, Active Force,",HOLY SPIRIT may be easily understood by people in modern times who operate household appliances by means of wireless remote control.  Today we recognize the power of invisible forces such as electricity or infrared waves.,"LIKEWISE, with his invisible holy force, or spirit, God can accomplish whatever he sets out to do, without transferring himself from one place to another.  From his invisible dwelling place, God can cause things to happen anytime and anywhere.  Hence, he does not need to be at the location at which his spirit operates.",Ps. 104:30; Isa. 55:11;,"Jan 8, 1999 Aw Page 26, 27",Slave For The Master Of The Harvest,66,,1998/12/14,
"Holy Spirit, Bible, Prayer, Worship, Communication,",Prayer is actually one-way communication with the true God in heaven. No telephone lines or radio waves are necessary to make such communications to Jehovah in heaven.,Jehovah has made available a medium of transmission far more effective than either telephone or radio. That medium available to man is nothing other than God's holy spirit.,"Ps 18:6, 10;",W64 9/15 557,Communication--within The Family And With God,30,,1994/08/09,
"Holy Spirit, Creation,","A Man who was very cold, blew into his hands to warm them.  Later his food was piping hot.  He blew the food to cool it off.   With the same breath, he accomplished two different purposes.",Holy spirit can accomplish MANY things.   God continues working out grand things in a spiritual way.  'New creation' being formed.,"2co 5:17; Genesis. 1:1, 2;",Aesop's Fables,Appreciating Marvels Of God's Creation,114,,,
"Holy Spirit, Person, Trinity,","You can get baptized in water; you can get filled with water; water is a thing, not a person.","Likewise, a person can be baptized in holy spirit, or filled with holy spirit.  The holy spirit is not a person, it is God's active force.",Matt. 3:11; Acts 2:4;,You Can Live Forever In Paradise On Earth. Page 40,Jehovah And Christ--are They Part Of A Trinity?,82,,,
"Holy Spirit, Power, Creation, Earth, Bomb,","Think back to 1954 when a hydrogen bomb was detonated over Bikini Atoll in the South Pacific.  An instant after the bomb exploded, that beautiful island was engulfed in an immense fireball with the force of 15 million tons of TNT. (small amt of hydrogen & uranium)","What if scientists could do the opposite of that?  What an achievement that would be!  Yet, Jehovah did something similar yet on much larger scale.  Jehovah can use his energy for destructive forces, or for peaceful forces.",Genesis 1:1; Is 40:26; Zech 4:6;,"Feb 1, 1992 Wt Page 8",Appreciating Marvels Of God's Creation,114,,,
"Holy Spirit, Prayer,",Like a compass that points northward.,"All of the thrust, drive and guidance of God's spirit will point in only ONE direction.",John 14:17;,"Bill Nomkes; Bethel Elder;  Elder's School 11/23, 24 At St. Louis",Human Creation's Groaning--when Will It End?,141,,"Nov 26, 2001",
"Holy Spirit, Prayer, Fruits,","We do not want to 'fall through the cracks' in our prayers.  We sometimes pray about weightier matters, and rely on self for smaller things, and that is where we get hurt.",Why not ask God for holy spirit itself and let it cause the needed fruits to flourish in your case?  Also pray that you might yield to the direction of his spirit.,"Mt 6:13; Jas 1:5, 6;","Sep 15, 1992 Wt Page 14 Para 4, 5",Prayers That Are Heard By God.,86,,,
"Holy Spirit, Sun, Helper,","The sun does good, producing good effects.  For instance, the sun helps the earth to produce vegetation.  Also, scientist believe that the sun's shining on a person's skin helps him to produce Vitamin D, called the 'sunshine vitamin.'  Thus if a person was experiencing bone changes resulting from a lack of Vitamin D, a doctor might advise the patient to get more sunshine.","Anyone will admit that the sun [hellion] is not a person; it does not think or live.  Like the wind, the sun is inanimate.  Nonetheless, the sun might be personified as a 'helper,' just as the holy spirit was personified as being.  Jesus said that Jehovah makes 'his sun rise upon wicked people and good.'  Regarding above, the doctor might refer to the 'sun' as his 'helper,' in bringing the man to good health.  But the sun is still not a person.  Neither is the holy spirit which serves as a 'helper' too.","Mt 5:45; John 14:16, 17","Mar 22, 1971 Aw Page 28",What Is Behind The Spirit Of Rebellion?,33,,1994/01/08,
"Holy Spirit, Wisdom, Knowledge, Discernment, Relationship, Meeting","You have a new appliance.  You plug it in to an electrical outlet. You do not get a long extension cord, but locate it as close to the source as possible.  It will run better and last longer.  You may even get a surge protector, to give an even steady supply of current.","We are designed to run on holy spirit.  We must be as close to the source as possible, so as to have a steady, open flow from Jehovah.",Mt 24:45-47; Pr 3:21-23,Steve Carnifix,True Friendship With God And Neighbor.,100,,,
"Holy Spirit, World, Associations, Influence, Study, Persuasion",Put water into a glass and you push air out.,"Likewise, when we take in Holy Spirit, we push out the spirit of the world and its influences.","Eph 4:17, 18; Luke 6:45; 11:33-36;",Larry Punko,'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
"Holy Spirit, World, Associations, Influence, Study, Persuasion,","Speaker: (Show with your hands, one high and one low) the level of Holy spirit and spirit of the world.  As one goes up the other comes down. Prayer, personal study, meetings, raise notch, or lower if we miss.","When we take in Holy spirit, it reduces the influence of the world around us.  However, the reverse is true.  (Show other hand high)","Eph 4:17, 18; Luke 6:45; 11:33-36;",Larry Punko,'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
Holy Spirit.,Do you get Holy Spirit doing it? Spirit isn't on the basketball court.,If not it is only 'beneficial for a little.',1 Tim. 4:8,Phil Kirkton Notes;,What Is Behind The Spirit Of Rebellion?,33,,,
Holy Spirit.,Does not have a personal name.  How many people do you know without personal names.,This detail alone should make a person wonder whether the spirit is really equal to the Father & Son.,Isa. 42:8; Luke 1:31;,"Jan 15, 1991 Wt Page 4",What Is Behind The Spirit Of Rebellion?,33,,,
"Holy Water, Sincerity, Religion, Worship, Christendom,","Man in deep coma for days. A staphylococcus infection developed on his chest and abdomen. Nobody could understand where the germs came from. Then a skin specialist noticed the mother sprinkling something on his stomach. She had regularly been sprinkling 'holy water' on her son, believing that this would help him get well. It was found to be loaded with germs.",Sincerity is not enough in religion either.,"Genesis. 5:5, 11; 2 Pet. 3:5, 6; Matt. 24:37-39; 1 John 2:17;","Jan 15, 1964 Wt Page 36",Religion's Time Of Judgment,83,,,
"Holy, Clean, Proverbs, Speech, Conduct, Timing, Bible,","'Like apples of gold in a setting of carved silver is a word that is aptly spoken.'  Though a treasured ornament or vessel may be of pure gold or silver, if seized by unclean or careless hands it can be grossly misused, turned upside down and emptied of its precious contents.","Such has been done by ungodly men in their mishandling of the Word of God's truth. Within the beautiful and vital contents of the Bible is the truth concerning sanctification.  Sanctimoniousness, hypocrisy, spreads a cheap veneer over the entire old-world structure in a vain attempt to hide the corruption underneath every part of the old system of things.",Prov 25:11;,W54 5/15 304,Follow The Way To Life,45,,1995/06/05,
"Holy, Clean, Separate, Dress, Grooming,","'Be careless in your dress if you must, but keep a tidy soul.'  Mark Twain.","Good morals are important, even more than dress and grooming.",Isa. 6:3;,Bobby Laymon,A Clean People Honors Jehovah,14,,1995/06/13,
"Holy, Pure, Jehovah, Worship, Glass, Presence, Wisdom,","When glass was first made is not known. Glass beads over 4000 yrs old have been found in Egypt. In Job's time glass was as rare and precious as gold itself. (Job 28:17) Because of impurities in the sand pure, transparent glass was very rare.","John did not say, just 'glass' but 'glassy sea like crystal,' 'like clear glass,' 'as transparent glass.' Compared also to wisdom.","Rev. 4:6; 21:18, 21; Job. 28:17;","Dec 22, 1967 Aw Page 16",Make Jehovah Your Confidence,70,,,
"Holy, Rats, Babylon, Science, Worship, Cleanliness,","In the town of Deshnoukh, India, there is an ancient temple that serves as a rat sanctuary.  When people are starving, the rats are receiving a daily ration of 250 pounds of food.  'If you kill a rat here, ...required to make a statue of a rat, cast in gold or equivalent in cash.",People look at all kinds of things as holy.  Science is said to be a 'sacred cow.'  What about a 'sacred rat.' We must give worship only to the 'Holy God Jehovah.',Exodus 28:36;,"Sep 8, 1968 Aw Page 31",A Clean People Honors Jehovah,14,,,
"Holy, Set Apart, Sanctify, Exult, Organization, Joy, Happiness,","Jerusalem was over 4,000 feet above sea level.  It was one of the highest kingdoms on the earth.","Today, Jehovah's people are praising His name in an even higher kingdom government.  Heavenly Jerusalem.  We should 'bubble over' with happiness and joy.","Isa 2:2, 3;","'joyful Praisers Dist. Convention'  June 9-11, 1995; Kc, Mo; Gerald Grizzle",Finding Honor And Joy In God's Ministry,65,,1995/06/12,
"Holy, Spirit,",Holy spirit has often been compared to electricity.,There is one big difference.  You can get too much electricity.  You cannot get too much holy spirit.,Matt 3:11;,Bradley Wagoner,,,,1997/02/17,
"Holy, Spirit, Helper, Reliance, Prayer, Petition,",Holy spirit is not given with an 'eye dropper.',Its there!  All you need.  Just tap into it by means of prayer and right works and you will be able to receive all you need.,"John 14:16, 26; 15:26; 16:7;",Joseph Wengert D. O.,Why Live By Bible Standards?,88,,1995/05/29,
"Home, Contentment, Parents, Communication, Obedience,","As you watch the pounding surf on the rocks, and the rollers building up to come in, swiftly crashing on the shore, you feel the sea is in such a hurry, it can never draw you near.  But, somewhere else the same sea is so calm, quietly lapping at the shore in a gentle manner.  Its warmth reaches out to you! You stay.","So will your home be, where obedience is the desirable course because of love.","Mt 11:29, 30","Jul 15, 1970 Wt Page 444",Parents--are You Building With Fire-resistant Materials?,104,,,
"Home, Headship, Submission, Family, Marriage, Alcoholic, Nagging, Associations,","The house can become no more than a 'service station,' a shelter from the rain in which to eat and sleep.  And once these needs are satisfied, each one hurries off to associate with other companions more to his liking.","Wise King Solomon observed, 'Better to live in the attic than downstairs with a contentious wife.'  The other side of the coin might read, 'Better to live in a shelter in the yard than to share a house with a domineering, alcoholic husband.","Pr 21:9, 19;","Oct 1, 1971 Wt Page 582",Family Life That Warms The Heart,5,,1993/11/17,
"Home, Marriage, Wife, Husband, Divorce, Weddings, Bachelor, Single","'Give a husband a bed that is comfortable, food that's hot a flagon of ale beside the fire, let him talk about himself- and he'll love you forever'  Old Wives Saying","Marriage has contentment, pleasures,",Eph. 5:22-33; Heb. 13:4; Prov. 5:18-20; Mal. 2:16; 1 Cor 7:39,Bobby Laymon,God Comes First In Successful Family Life,110,,,
"Home, Peace, Tranquility, Cleanliness,","'Mid pleasures and palaces though we may roam, Be it ever so humble, there's no place like home.' Quote: John Howard Payne","Whether adobe bricks, floating houses, apartments on posts, below ground, or whatever, to the people who live here, it is 'home, sweet home.'","Ps 37:11, 29;","Dec 8, 1992 Aw Page 23",A Clean People Honors Jehovah,14,,,
Home;,'A king's castle is his home.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Home;,'And then there's the henpecked husband who says home is where he hangs his  head.'  Quote:  Betty Goodman.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Home;,"'He is happiest, be he king or peasant, who finds peace in his home.'  Quote:  Johann Goethe.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Home;,'Home is a place where a man is free to say anything he pleases because no one pays any attention to him.'  Quote:  Paul Gilbert.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Home;,"'Home is the most popular, and will be the most enduring of all earthly establishments.'  Quote:  Channing Pollock.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Home;,"'Home is the place where, when you have to go there they have to take you in.'  Quote:  R. Frost.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Home;,"'Home, nowadays, is a place where part of the family waits till the rest of the family brings the car back.'  Quote:  Earl Wilson.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Home;,"A hundred men can make an encampment, but it requires a woman to make a home.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Home; Heart;,'Home is where the heart is.'  Quote:  Pliny The Elder.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Home; Heart;,'Where is home? Home is where the heart can laugh without shyness. Home is where the heart's tears can dry at their own pace.' Quote:  V. Baker,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Homeless, Problems, Critical, Social, Last Days,","In light of this, the efforts being put forth to solve the problems of the homeless may be likened to attempts to patch up cracks and leaks in a crumbling house.","Though the intentions may be honorable, the effect is that of treating the symptoms only. What is needed is to tear down the rotten structure and build a new house from the foundation up.",2ti 3:1-5; Mt 6:19;,G88 3/8 12,Coping With Life's Anxieties,32,,1994/05/07,
"Homosexuality, Morals, Christendom,","'The moral onus of homosexuality is no greater than that of being left-handed.' (Robert W. Wood, minister of United Church of Christ) Religions study 'about' the Bible while knowledge of the Word",Christendom's view of morals. itself is neglected.,"1co 6:9,10; Ga 6:7;","Aug 1, 1968 Wt Page 465",A Godly View Of Sex And Marriage,13,,,
"Honest, Business, World,","Been said, 'We live in the twilight of honesty.' Popularity or frequency do not make things right.",Honesty and hard work have been replaced by cheating and loafing.,Heb. 13:18; Prov. 6:16-19; 11:1;,"Jul 15, 1964 Wt Page 428",Conducting Ourselves Honestly At All Times,10,,,
"Honest, Obedience, Obey, Grasshopper, Partiality, Racial,","Grasshopper hops along with you.  You take him in your hand, tell him to roll over, stand on hind legs etc. Take him home with you.  Don't care what color.",Jehovah views us as grasshopper.  Jehovah puts us on display before angels.  Will He step on us at Armageddon?,Isa 40:22,"Bro Punko, Larry","As Christians, We Care About Other People",15,,,11/22/2013
Honest;,"'They are all honest men, but my cloak is not to be found.' Quote:  Spanish",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Honesty,"'Above-board' (Opposite is 'Not according to Hoyle') Derived from dealing cards. Hoyle, Englishman who codified rules on games in early 1700's.",All his dealing are square and above the board.,Heb. 13:18,"Aug 8, 1962 Aw Page 13",Conducting Ourselves Honestly At All Times,10,,,
Honesty,"Dishonest baker tried to cheat on the making of his donuts by making the holes larger.  However, he discovered that the larger he made the holes, the more dough it took to go around it. Thus he became frustrated.",Dishonesty leads only to frustration. Dishonesty often related to money.,Acts 5:1-6,"Bro. Kovalak, Nick",Conducting Ourselves Honestly At All Times,10,,,
Honesty,"Honesty in business is the first important thing, the second most important thing, and the third most important thing.  Old Scottish Proverb.",Honesty is best policy,Heb. 13:18;,Johnse Laymon,Conducting Ourselves Honestly At All Times,10,,,
Honesty,Two $100. bills took wings & blew away. Both returned and both finders are Jehovah's Witnesses.,Coincidence?,Heb. 13:18,"May 15, 1958 Wt Page 296",Conducting Ourselves Honestly At All Times,10,,,
Honesty - Business -,'The man who tries to make an honest living these days has one big advantage: There's no competition.',Honesty does pay. One may lose some business because he refuses to get involved in dishonest practices.  It usually returns when word get out one is honest.,Prov.20:23,Johnse Laymon,Conducting Ourselves Honestly At All Times,10,,,
"Honesty,","'Honesty in business is the first important thing, the second most important thing and the third most important thing.'  Quote: Old Scottish Proverb.",That is how Christians should view business also.,Heb 13:18;,Bobby Laymon - American Essays By Dan Valentine,Conducting Ourselves Honestly At All Times,10,,1997/05/13,
"Honesty,","'Jehovah's Witnesses are the only people who should handle money!' (Business man in Cape Verde) Asked a Witness to work for him.  Since he already had a job, he told him he would help find someone.  'Only if he is a baptized Witness!' the man insisted.",Jehovah's Witnesses are respected and recognized for their honesty.,"Isa 48:17; 1 Pe 1:15, 16;","Mar 15, 1992 Wt Page 27",Conducting Ourselves Honestly At All Times,10,,,
"Honesty,","Experience: In Springfield, Mo. a young brother found a bank bag with over $9500. in cash.  He returned it to the police and they could not believe it.  It had not even been reported, because the man could not believe anyone would turn it in.","Honesty is the BEST policy. The ONLY policy. (Write-up in paper.) deposit slip, and contacted.  He cried: Insisted on giving $1000 reward. Police said, 'Restored their faith in the human race.'",Heb. 13:18;,Johnse Laymon (experience Of Rick Faulk),Conducting Ourselves Honestly At All Times,10,,,
"Honesty,","Regarding the United States government, there is what has come to be called the 'creditability gap.'  This is the gap between what the government gives out as facts and what actually turns out to be the truth.","This 'creditability gap' is yawning wider and wider.  Many government agencies are now practicing deceit, both when there is a need for it and when there is not.",Jn 17:17; Pr 14:9; Jas 1:27;,"Sep 1, 1968 Wt Page 538",Conducting Ourselves Honestly At All Times,10,,,
"Honesty, Business,","We hear a lot about endangered or extinct species of animals and plants.  Honesty is like an endangered, if not extinct, species in today's business world.",Others in businesses similar to yours may use dishonest means to increase their earnings. They may be dishonest in advertising. They may steal the name of another company and put it on their product. Or they may present an inferior product as one of superior quality. All of these are forms of dishonesty.,Psalm 73:12.,"May 1, 1995 Wt Page 29",Conducting Ourselves Honestly At All Times,10,,1997/09/12,
"Honesty, Charity,","In more than 1/3 of the 100 largest charities in the U.S., Chief executives raked in more than $200,000. each. Three of them received over $500,000. each.","Dishonesty is rampant today, even in the charity racket.",Heb 13:18,"Apr 8, 1993 Aw Page 28",Conducting Ourselves Honestly At All Times,10,,,
"Honesty, Cheat, Stealing,","People talk honesty.  You hear them say, 'Honesty is the best policy.'  'Crime does not pay.'  'Cheaters never win!'","They 'talk the talk,' but do they 'walk the walk,' of honesty?  Does their everyday action show they act in an honest way?  Honesty is not only the 'best' policy for Christians.  Honesty is the ONLY policy!",Heb 13:18;,Bobby Laymon,Conducting Ourselves Honestly At All Times,10,,1994/01/09,
"Honesty, Christian,",Quote: 'The surest way to remain poor is to be an honest man.' Quote by Napoleon over 150 years ago.,"An ever-increasing crowd considers dishonesty as an accepted way of life, a 'necessary evil' for survival in the present system of things.",Eph. 5:1; 1 Pet. 2:21; Deuteronomy. 32:4; 1 Pet. 2:22,"May 15, 1973 Wt Page 316",Conducting Ourselves Honestly At All Times,10,,,
"Honesty, Circuit Overseer, Hypocrisy,","'Window dressing' are reports just done for the occasion of the visit of the traveling overseer. We must be 100% honest, reporting facts as they truly are 365 days of the year.",Ananias and Sapphira wanted to appear better than they really were.  Their punishment would seem to indicate that Jehovah views especially serious any lying practiced toward traveling OS.,Ac 5:1-11; Eph 4:25; Co 3:9; 1pe 3:10;,"Sep 1, 1968 Wt Page 538, 539",Conducting Ourselves Honestly At All Times,10,,,
"Honesty, Eyes, Jehovah,","When a U-2 plane was shot down over the Soviet Union on May 1, 1960, it was brought forcefully home to the public, that there are 'eyes in the skies.'  Since then, weather satellites and others are keeping a constant eye on the earth.","However, much more important is Jehovah's watchful eyes on humanity.",Ps. 11:4; 15:3; Jer. 16:17; 1 Pet. 3:12;,"Nov 22, 1967 Aw Page 12",Jehovah's Eyes Are Upon Us,74,,,
"Honesty, Fraud, Lie, Deception, Cheat,","'Let the buyer beware!'  'Investigate before you invest!' Quote: 'Today, ten out of ten adult Americans are the victims of swindles and frauds.' (twentieth century writer)",Never before in human history have so many been defrauded and swindled so often in so many different ways.,2 Tim. 3:1-5;,"Sep 22, 1967 Aw Page 17",Conducting Ourselves Honestly At All Times,10,,,
"Honesty, Humility, Pride, Envy, Competition,",Sometimes heights can be obtained by remaining on the level.,Honesty is most important.,"Matt. 23:12; Gal. 5:26; Luke 12:15; Prov. 16:5, 18; Gal. 5:26",Bobby Laymon,Conducting Ourselves Honestly At All Times,10,,,
"Honesty, Lie, Confidence, Modesty, Conceit,",The big fish always gets away.,Lies are hard to prove.,"1 Cor. 10:12; Mic. 6:8; 2 Cor. 6:4, 6; Prov. 11:2; 13:10;",Bobby Laymon,Conducting Ourselves Honestly At All Times,10,,,
"Honesty, Morals, Divorce, Adultery,","'Live and let live.'  Or is it, 'Die and let die?' Examples: Politicians cheat; brokers rip off clients; S&L drives institutions into ground with taxpayers footing the bill. Preachers and would-be-presidents cheat on wives; kids cheat on","With new tolerance, it is forbidden to forbid. exams; millions destroy selves; 50% marriages end in divorce; 22% born out of wedlock; 1/3 children live with step-parents.",2ti 3:1-5;,"Jan 22, 1992 Aw Page 3",Conducting Ourselves Honestly At All Times,10,,,
"Honesty, Personality, Morals,","Living in the twilight of honesty, bright sun of honesty already set. Stealing on job; religious dishonesty; gambling; cheat on grades; insurance fraud; medical fraud; science fraud; judges;",Endless parade of dishonest acts. (apply current events),2 Tim. 3:1-5; 2 Pet. 3:13,"Jul 8, 1962 Aw Page 3",Conducting Ourselves Honestly At All Times,10,,,
"Honesty, Pigs, Graffiti, Litter, Pollution,","'People are -- Pigs.  ... Not all people, to be sure, but the majority fall into that category.'  Quote: Cornell University professor","In one beautiful 690 acre wooded preserve, not far from New York city, youths do $100,000 worth of damage annually to the facilities.  Additionally they do incalculable damage by destroying trees, shrubs and other plant life, smashing swan eggs and clubbing young rabbits to death.  The same mentality accounts for what is known as 'graffiti.'  In Philadelphia, this graffiti pollution comes to $4 million annually.  In New York city, subway graffiti has reached 'the epidemic stage.'",Re 11:18;,"Mar 22, 1973 Aw Page 5, 6",Conducting Ourselves Honestly At All Times,10,,1994/01/09,
"Honesty, Pigs, Souvenir, Litter, Pollution,","It is reported that at the new John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, D.C., that tourist have removed virtually everything 'reachable and detachable...All the original ashtrays and salt and pepper shakers have vanished from the center's three restaurants, along with... a dowry of china, glassware, silverware and table linen.  Souvenir hunters ... cut swatches from rugs and drapes -- and even snatched prisms costing $86. each from the elegant Waterford chandeliers.'","And what do they leave behind?  Cigarette burns in the carpets, liquor stains and smears of gum and candy.  Respect for the property of others?  Not these souvenir hunters.","Exodus 20:15, 17; Eph 4:28; Col 3:5;","Mar 22, 1973 Aw Page 6, 7",Conducting Ourselves Honestly At All Times,10,,1994/01/09,
"Honesty, Politics, Bible, Candor,",'Rubber-gate' was the term applied to hundreds of politicians who bounced checks in 1991-1992.  Some over 900 in 16 month period.  All denied they did any wrong.  Tried to 'whitewash' their failures and magnify their conquests.,"Bible writers did not do so.  Moses exposes the sins of the nation, his nephews, and own brother and sister, nor does he spare himself.","Nu 14:11,45; Nu 3:4; 12:1-15; 20:7-13;",Norman Smith; See Si Page 31 Para 7,Conducting Ourselves Honestly At All Times,10,,,
"Honesty, Presence, Truth,","Every large post office in the U.S. has inspectors stationed high above the mail clerks.  It is their job to detect any worker with 'sticky fingers.'  They work behind one-way mirrors; they can see the worker, but the worker cannot see them.",Jehovah God's power of vision is far superior to postal inspectors,Prov. 15:3; Heb. 4:13;,"Jun 15, 1977 Wt Page 355",Conducting Ourselves Honestly At All Times,10,,,
"Honesty, Reputation, Name,","After midnight on this long journey, the bus arrived at a roadblock. It was raining hard. A soldier entered the bus and asked if there were any of Jehovah's Witnesses on board. There were three. Then he said: 'Okay, Witnesses remain seated, the rest go out with your bags.'  All the others went out in the rain, and after the inspection, they came back with their luggage and their clothing soaked.  Back on the bus, the soldier said: 'The reason I let the Witnesses remain is that they are honest people. We have had much experience  and found that they are the only ones who are honest; when we ask what is in their bags, they tell us the truth.'","As the bus drove on, the brother asked: 'Which is the true religion?' One person answered: 'The one that is not soaked in the rain.'    Yes, honesty helps identify the true religion, and it certainly has its rewards!","Heb 13:18, 19;",W90 7/1 7,Conducting Ourselves Honestly At All Times,10,,1995/10/17,
"Honesty, Rewards, Experience,","Daniel Amadou, who worked in one of the higher-class hotels, had the quality of his Christian personality put to the test one day. When taking a pair of trousers belonging to a hotel guest to the cleaners, he found the equivalent of US $1,600 in one of the pockets. This sum represented over two years' wages for him. What would he do! There he was, with a fortune in his hand and no one around.  The brother had been baptized only a short while but had recently studied in The Watchtower an article on honesty. He was determined not to displease God by accepting ill-gotten gain. He reported the money to the receptionist at the front desk. But when the receptionist saw all that money, he took our brother aside and said: 'Let's keep the money and make it our little secret.' 'I can't do that,' said our brother. 'I am  a Christian and one of Jehovah's Witnesses.' 'I'm a Christian too,' protested the clerk. 'I go to the Catholic church regularly. I don't see anything wrong with keeping this money.  After all, the man did lose it, didn't he!' Undaunted, our brother took the money to the owner of the hotel, who put it into the house safe.  Sometime later, the guest returned to his room and frantically searched for his money--under the bed, in the closet, behind the chairs. It was nowhere to be found. Greatly distressed, he went to the hotel owner, who assured him that his money was not lost but was in the hotel safe. Upon learning that one of the hotel workers had turned it in, the guest asked to meet this honest person. Much impressed, the guest said: 'I know that Jehovah's Witnesses are good people. When I return to France I am surely going to look them up because I want to know more about them.' Even the hotel manager, who formerly had little time for Jehovah's Witnesses, now said he was happy to have them working for him.","This incident was not quickly forgotten. Later on, another guest reportedly lost a small amount of money and accused Brother Amadou of having stolen it.  When the owner of the hotel heard about the incident, he quickly came to our brother's defense and related the above experience.","Heb 13:18, 19;",1997 Yearbook Page 93,Conducting Ourselves Honestly At All Times,10,,1997/06/27,
"Honesty, Self, Attitude,","Three persons: who YOU think, OTHERS think, JEHOVAH thinks Dust & water, what do you have? Leave out in sun have what?  Cracks We are all cracked.  Imperfections.","Jehovah views as dust.  Can't compare self w/others Gal 6:4 Take file start working on, make round soul.",Ps 103:14  2 Cor 10:12 Own Testimony.,"Bro Punko, Larry (see Mar 15, 1962 Wt Pages 169-181)",Conducting Ourselves Honestly At All Times,10,,,
"Honesty, Sincerity, Truth",'All men wish to have truth on their side; but few to be on the side of truth.'  Quote by Richard Whately (1787-1863),'We wish to conduct ourselves honesty in all things.',"Heb. 13:18, 19",Bobby Laymon,Conducting Ourselves Honestly At All Times,10,,,
"Honesty, Sincerity, Truth",'Honesty is the first chapter of the book of wisdom.' Quote by Thomas Jefferson (1743-1826) Must carefully examine ourselves to see if we are honest.,'We wish to conduct ourselves honesty in all things.',"Heb. 13:18, 19",Bobby Laymon,Conducting Ourselves Honestly At All Times,10,,,
"Honesty, Suits, Malpractice, Greed, Materialism, Selfishness,","How often patients have expressed fear or anxiety about going to the doctor's office.  It now appears, however, that the situation may be reversed.","Why so many malpractice suits?  Selfishness and greed have increased.  People are inclined to look for material awards, wherever these might be found.",2ti 3:1-5;,"Jun 8, 1970 Aw Page 12",Conducting Ourselves Honestly At All Times,10,,,
"Honesty, Taxes, Lie,","'The income tax has made more liars out of the American people than golf has.  Even when you make a tax form out on the level, you don't know when it's through if you are a crook or a martyr.' Quote: Will Rogers.",Paul said to render what is due; government dictates what is due. Would rule out claiming exemptions or deductions one is not entitled to.  Rendering what is due also involves reporting all earnings law says should be.,Heb 13:18;,Bobby Laymon,Conducting Ourselves Honestly At All Times,10,,1995/06/30,
"Honesty, Time, Thief, Employee, Work,",The agency's president likened such 'time theft' to the crime of shoplifting.,"Gillian Shaw, Vancouver 'Sun' business writer, reports that the study pointed out that an average of 3.5 hours per worker per week were lost to such practices as Friday and Monday absenteeism, employees being late for work, talking on the job, making personal telephone calls and taking extended lunch periods.",Heb 13:18;,G81 6/8 15,Conducting Ourselves Honestly At All Times,10,,1994/05/07,
"Honesty, Tools, Government, Spending, Extortion, Greed, Selfishness,",Successful multimillion-dollar firms greedily steal from their own governments.  How?  By selling them tools and parts at exorbitant prices:,"Examples: 12-cent Allen wrenches for $9,606 (U.S.); 67-cent transistors for $814; 17-cent plastic caps for stool legs for $1,118.  'You're talking about billions of dollars' of loss to the government, a U.S. senator said.  Also the almost proverbial 'hammer' that went for over $8,000.",Heb 13:18;,"Feb 15, 1988 Wt Page 3",Conducting Ourselves Honestly At All Times,10,,1994/01/09,
"Honesty, Trust, Name, Reputation,","One witness encountered an unusual request while going from house to house.  The man of the house and his wife were quite ill, but they needed to deposit some money in the bank.  They asked if the Witness would do it.  He agreed and was given $2000.00 in cash to take to the bank!  When he returned he asked: 'How could you trust me without even knowing me?'","The answer:  'We know, and everyone else knows, that Jehovah's Witnesses are the only ones to trust.'","Eph 5:9; Tit 2:7, 8, 10;","May 1995, Km Page 1",Conducting Ourselves Honestly At All Times,10,,1995/05/18,
"Honesty, Trust, Truth, Lie,","Stamp that says untrustworthy, red tag that says faulty. defective. Trust, once shattered is difficult to reestablish.",Would we want that on us?,Eph. 4:25,"May 15, 1962 Wt Page 291-2",Conducting Ourselves Honestly At All Times,10,,,
"Honesty, Truth,","'Nobody is honest, ...Diogenes never found an honest man and neither have I.' Quote: Lincoln M. Zonn, New York lie-detector specialist. One out of three employees will seek ways to steal.","Dishonesty is quite contagious, and can weaken inner restraints. What about you? Where do you fit in? Are you basically honest?",1 Cor. 5:6; Eccl. 8:11;,"Apr 1, 1967 Wt Page 195",Conducting Ourselves Honestly At All Times,10,,,
"Honesty, Truth, Conduct, Napoleon, Poor,",'THE surest way to remain poor to be an honest man.' Do you agree with that sentiment of Napoleon expressed over a century and a half  ago? Many today do.,"An ever-increasing crowd considers dishonesty as an accepted way of life, a 'necessary evil' for survival in the present system of things.  Honesty, on the other hand, is viewed by many as a sign of weakness, yes, an invitation to others to take advantage of one.",Heb 13:18;,W73 5/15 316,Conducting Ourselves Honestly At All Times,10,,1995/06/05,
"Honesty, Truth, Thief, Employees, Goodness, Self-respect,",Loss of dishonesty: 5 billion yearly from kickbacks; White collar employees steal 4 million every working day. 250 firms forced out of business yearly in U.S. Supermarkets suffer loss of 100 million due to employee malpractice. Open packages cost up to 3 billion.,"Greatest damage is to one's own moral fiber.  A measure of self worth, self-respect, is lost every time one is dishonest.",1 Cor. 5:6; Eccl. 8:11; 2 Tim. 3:1-4;,"Apr 1, 1967 Wt Page 196",Conducting Ourselves Honestly At All Times,10,,,
"Honesty, Unblemished, Spot, Imperfection, Conduct, sincere, ","The word 'sincere' comes from two Latin words meaning 'without  wax.' Artificers of Middle Eastern countries fashioned highly expensive statuettes out of a very fine porcelain. It was of such fragile nature that extreme care had to be taken when firing the figurines to keep them from cracking.  Dishonest dealers would accept the cracked figurines at a much lower price and then fill the cracks with wax before offering them for sale.  But honest merchants would display their uncracked porcelain wares with signs that read, 'sine cera,' 'without wax.'",We must be 'sincere' or without wax.  We especially need to be open to Jehovah about our imperfection and pray about them.,"Heb. 13:18,19;",Bobby Laymon,Conducting Ourselves Honestly At All Times,10,,"Feb 11, 2001",3/19/2015
Honesty;,'An honest man does not make himself a dog for the sake of a bone.'  Quote:  Danish.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Honesty;,'As innocent as a new laid egg.' Quote:  W. S. Gilbert,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Honesty;,'God looks at clean hands not the full ones.'  Quote:  Publilius Syrus.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Honesty;,'He is not an honest man who has burned his tongue and does not tell the company that the soup is hot.'  Quote:  Yugoslav.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Honesty;,'Honesty is praised but left to shiver.'  Quote:  Juvenal.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Honesty;,'Honesty may be the best policy but some people don't think they can afford the best.' Quote:  Sunshine Magazine,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Honesty;,'Make yourself an honest man and then you may be sure there is one less rascal in the world.' Quote:  T. Carlyle,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Honesty;,'Not everything that is permitted is honest.'  Quote:  Latin.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Honesty;,'Too much honest never harmed a man.'  Quote:  John Clark.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Honesty;,"Honesty is the best policy, although sometimes keeping your mouth shut is even better.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Honesty; Accuracy;,'Accuracy is the twin brother of honesty and inaccuracy of dishonesty.'  Quote:  Charles Simmons.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Honesty; Dishonesty;,"'If all mankind were suddenly to practice honesty, many thousands of people would be sure to starve.'  Quote:  G. C. Linchberg.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Honor, Favor, Relationship, Persecution,","'The harder you fall, the higher you bounce.'  Quote: American proverb.","The harder we fall in the eyes of the world, the higher we bounce in Jehovah's favor.","Matt 25:21, 23;",Bobby Laymon - Reader's Digest,True Friendship With God And Neighbor.,100,,1996/03/22,
"Wisdom, Youth, Headstrong, Stubborn,","'The greatest part of mankind employ their first years to make their last miserable.'  Jean de La Bruyere, a 17th century French essayist.","A headstrong youth may persist in an unwise course, robbing him of joy later in life.",Eccl. 12:1;,"Oct 15, 2002 Wt Page 32",Looking At Youths From Jehovah's Standpoint.,118,,"Oct 5, 2002",
"Honor, Glory, Fame, Name, George Washington,","George Washington most honored man in history. Has state named after him, nations capital, 32 counties, 121 towns and 257 townships, 10 lakes, 7 mountains, 8 rivers, not counting schools, airports, streets,",Where is Washington? What good did it do him to make name for himself.  It is better to make a name with Jehovah.,Ecc. 7:1,Johnse Laymon,What Kind Of Name Are You Making With God?,55,,,
"Honor, Name, Reputation, Reproach, Flirting, Sex, Morals,","'Honor is like an island, rugged and without a beach; once we have left it, we can never return.' Quote: Nicolas Boileau.","The world likes entertainment that promotes violence, lack of restraint, flirting, casual view of marriage, excessive drinking, abusive speech and action, and so on.  Once caught up in these things it is hard to return to true worship.",Gal 6:8;,Bobby Laymon,You Will Reap What You Sow,59,,1995/07/14,
"Honor, Parents, Children, Appreciation, Faults, Forgiveness,",'South African diamond miners spend their working lives sifting through thousands of tons of rock and dirt looking for a few tiny diamonds.,"Too often we tend to do just the opposite. We sift through the diamonds, eagerly searching for dirt. Our strong families are diamond experts.'   Every person has good qualities and accomplishments. If you look for the good, you'll find it. By 'finding the diamonds,' you will be able to see reasons to respect your parents.",Eph 6:1-4;,G88 9/8 28,TRUE FRIENDSHIP WITH GOD AND NEIGHBOR,100,,1994/05/11,
"Honor, Personalities, Name, Love,",'It is in men as in soils where sometimes there is a vein of gold which the owner knows not of.' Quote: Swift (1667-1745),"In showing honor, we should 'take the lead'  Try to bring out the best qualities of our brothers and others.","Ro 12:3; 1co 10:23, 24;",Wisdom Of The Ages,How To Express Love In A Lawless World,112,,,
"Honor, Praise, Glory,",No author named on any of publications or Bible translation.,Witnesses do it so honor or glory goes to Jehovah.,1 Sam.2:30,"Jan 1, 1991 Wt Johnse Laymon",'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
"Honor, Praise, Glory,",Witnesses were playing one of kingdom melodies at Central park in New York well dressed couple ask who composer was they told anonymous. They said people compose music like that not do anonymous.,Witnesses do it so honor or glory goes to Jehovah,1 Sam.2:30,"Jan 1, 1991 Wt; Johnse Laymon",'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
"Honor, Respect, Wives, Marriage,","Imagine handling a delicate porcelain vessel, obviously more fragile than a wooden one.  Would you not take greater care.","A husband can do so by imitating Jehovah, listening to his wife's opinions; take time to observe what your wife is doing for you and your family, and express your appreciation in words and deeds.",1 Pet. 3:7,"Jun 15, 2000 Wt Page 19, 20",A Godly View Of Sex And Marriage,13,,"Aug 5, 2000",
Honor;,'Better to die ten thousand deaths than wound my honor.'  Quote:  Joseph Addison.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Honor;,'It is better to deserve honors and not have them than to have the  and not deserve them.'  Quote:  Mt.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Hope,"Promised child something if he made good grades? He focused his mind on studies; visualized possessing the gift; thrilled at the thought. Studied harder, to make it a reality.",Jehovah's promises everlasting life; safeguard for the mind.,"Ps. 146:3, 5; Prov. 13:12; 1 Th 5:8; Isa. 25:9","May 1, 1961 Wt Page 259-60",Is It Time For God To Rule The World?,20,,,
Hope,"Thousands of candles can be lighted from one single candle, and yet it does not lessen the power of the candle in any way.","When we share our joy with others, our joy does not diminish.  Hope shared is not decreased, or shortened.",Rev 22:17,Bobby Laymon,Serve Jehovah With A Joyful Heart,78,,,
"Hope, Anchor, Despair, Depression, Stress, Happiness,","Anchors were well know to travelers like Paul.  Ancient anchors were quite similar to modern ones, often made of iron with two tooth like extremities to grip the seabed. Must rest hope in Bible's promises!","What, then, must you do to make your hope as secure as an anchor so that you can ride out economic hardship, physical or emotional sickness, or whatever 'storms' come your way.","Heb 6:19; Ac 27:29, 39, 40, 44; 1th 5:21; Heb 11:6;","Jul 1, 1992 Wt Page 5, 6",You Can Find Joy In Serving God,103,,,
"Hope, Disappointment,",'Didn't pan out' (referring for gold days),Any venture or hope that has gone awry.,Ecc. 9:11,"Aug 8, 1962 Aw Page 13",Is It Time For God To Rule The World?,20,,,
"Hope, Faith,",'The main crop that keeps a farmer alive is hope.'  Quote: English Proverb.,Sometimes faith and hope are the mainstay of Christians as well.,Heb 11:1;,Bobby Laymon - American Essays By Dan Valentine,Have Faith In The Good News,47,,1997/05/13,
"Hope, Faith,","He who has health has hope, and he who has hope has everything. Helmet is our hope.","We must never tire out, because we have the helmet of salvation.",Eph. 6:17;,Bobby Laymon,Have Faith In The Good News,47,,,
"Hope, Faith,","One writer put it, 'Most people seem to think that hope is just a dopey form of denying the truth.'","Yet, true hope is not a mere pie-in-the-sky optimism, an insipid belief that we will get whatever we want or that every little thing will work out just fine.  Life has a way of dowsing such glowing delusions with buckets of cold reality.",Ec 9:11,"Apr 15, 1993 Wt Page 11",Have Faith In The Good News,47,,,
"Hope, Faith, Dreams, Bible, Science,","'Hope is a good breakfast, but it is a bad supper.'  Quote: Bacon (1561-1626)",Hope must be based on promises that will be fulfilled.  Hope unfulfilled causes loss of faith.  Those who put faith in science or man will be disappointed.,Ps. 27:14; 37:14;,Wisdom Of The Ages,Does Your Hope Rest On Science Or The Bible?,80,,,
"Hope, Faith, Dreams, Bible, Science,",'Hope is the pillar that holds up the world.' Quote: Pliny the Elder (23-79 A. D.),Hope in Jehovah!,Ps. 27:14; 37:14;,Wisdom Of The Ages,Does Your Hope Rest On Science Or The Bible?,80,,,
"Hope, Faith, Dreams, Bible, Science,",'Hopes are but the dreams of those who are awake.' Quote: Pindar (B. C. 518-438),"Hopes based on the Bible will come true, however those based on other sources will not.","Mt. 12:21; Ac 24:15;rom. 5:4, 5;",Wisdom Of The Ages,Does Your Hope Rest On Science Or The Bible?,80,,,
"Hope, Faith, Kingdom, Determination, Problems,","Wear the hope of salvation, like a protective helmet.  If we do not give it up ourselves, nothing in heaven or on earth can wrest away the hope Jehovah has given us.",Never give in to the hopelessness of this dying old world.  Hope is there - both for our eternal future and the solution of many problems today.,"Ro 8:38, 39","Apr 15, 1993 Wt Page 13",The Kingdom Of God Is Near,109,,,
"Hope, Faith, Kingdom, Disappointment, Impeach,","Some government ruler in the past have been impeached out of office, bringing an end to their rule and administration.","Jehovah God, Sovereign Lord of the universe is unimpeachable, to say the least.  This Kingdom hope is real, not a dream.  His Word never goes unfulfilled.",Is 55:11;,"Apr 15, 1993 Wt Page 12",The Kingdom Of God Is Near,109,,,
"Hope, Faith, Kingdom, Disappointment, Morals,",Only someone with mental problems would discard his helmet in times of battle.  They would have nothing to protect their heads. ('disapproved mental state'),"It is crucial that we never fall into the same trap.  Instead of discarding the helmet of hope, we need always to strengthen it.",Ro 1:28;,"Apr 15, 1993 Wt Page 12",The Kingdom Of God Is Near,109,,,
"Hope, Faith, Kingdom, Disappointment, Vision,","Can you close your eyes and imagine yourself working on the roof of your new house, nailing down the last shingle?  Just think of looking around you at the results of all your planning and labor. You survey the landscape; a breeze makes the trees sway gently and cools you from the heat of your work.  The laughter of children, mingled with bird songs, reaches your ears.  The talk of loved ones rises from the house below.","Visualizing such a happy moment is not idle speculation; rather it is meditation on a prophecy sure of fulfillment.  The more real that prospect is to you, the stronger your hope that you will be there.","2co 4:18; Is 65:21, 22; Ro 1:16; Heb 3:6","Apr 15, 1993 Wt Page 12",The Kingdom Of God Is Near,109,,,
"Hope, Faith, Kingdom, Disappointment, Vision, Future,",'He receives hope in future benefits who recognizes a benefit that has already taken place.' Quote: A 5th Century Roman statesman named Cassiodorus,Wise words!  What comfort will we find in promises of future blessings if we cannot appreciate present blessings?,"2co 4:18; Is 65:21, 22; Ro 1:16; Heb 3:6","Apr 15, 1993 Wt Page 12, 13",The Kingdom Of God Is Near,109,,,
"Hope, Faith, Negative, Attitude, Pessimism,","Negative thinking is like rust on the helmet of hope.  It is corrosive, and gradually it could render the helmet useless.","Do not be fooled by the mistaken notion that a cynical, critical, pessimistic attitude is the same as intelligence.  Actually, negative thinking demands little of the intellect.","2co 4:18; Is 65:21, 22; Ro 1:16; Heb 3:6","Apr 15, 1993 Wt Page 13",Have Faith In The Good News,47,,,
"Hope, Faith, Negative, Attitude, Pessimism, Elders, Experience,","'One bitten, twice shy' is the attitude of many, because of painful experiences in the past.",It is all too easy to have a hopeless attitude about our fellow humans.  Some may hesitate to go to elders for assistance with their problems.  The Bible helps us to have a more balanced view of people.  Try to be 'solution oriented.'  Look at brothers and sisters as Jehovah does.  With hope!,"Ps 146:3, 4; Eph 4:8, 11; Is 32:2; Pr 18:24; Mark 10:30;","Apr 15, 1993 Wt Page 13",Have Faith In The Good News,47,,,
"Hope, Faith, Promise, Love,","Teen-age girls always want a new dress.  Suppose you promise a special dress to your teen-age girl, and later you buy it for her.  She no longer hopes for it.","When something becomes a reality, you no longer hope for it, however love will always remain, even when we obtain the reality of God's new world of righteousness.","1co 13:13; Ro 8:24, 25;",Larry Kinkaid,What Does The Healing Of The Nations Accomplish?,111,,,
"Hope, Faith; Misguided; Trust","Nearly a century and a half ago- with the Gcaleka Xhosas- a tribe in South Africa that were faced- with their entire way of life threatened- by the European Influence that was devouring their country  Then they heard- and they listened- to a glimmer of hope- in the voice of a 14 year old girl- She said she'd heard the voice of her ancestors- that they were going to be resurrected to lead a holy war to rid the country of the European threat.  But first- to prove their worthiness- the tribe would have to destroy all their worldly wealth- they must burn their crops- and slaughter their cattle- and this they did- in a prolonged orgy of ceremonial destruction and massacre that lasted nearly a year.  And then- on the predicted day- the tribesman rose early- they watched for the foretold sign- that the sun at noon would begin to retrace it's path- and set in the East for the first time  But- at the end of the day- as the sun set in the west- like it always has - on every other day- the tribesman- now half blinded from staring at the sun- moved from hope- to despair- to anger- and they couldn't find the young prophetess- because she wasn't there- she had fled- where?- to the Europeans for protection- where- years later- she died a natural death not so fortunate were those that put faith in her- over 25,000 died of starvation-  So- where do we put our faith today? where is our voice of reason- the anchor for our hope- in these closing hours of despair?",So- Where do we put our faith today? Where is our voice of reason- The anchor for our hope- In these closing hours of despair?,Pr 14:15;,Dch,On Whose Promises Do You Rely?,61,,1993/10/10,
"Hope, Joy, Prize, Kingdom, Earth, Paradise,","Traveling through productive farm land, we often wonder how farmer got those rows so straight.  They say they set their eyes on an object at the far end of the field, and go straight toward it. Never taking their eyes off their goal.","We must set our eyes on Jehovah's righteous new world, and never take our eyes off.","Ps. 37:10, 11, 29;",Charles Graham,Serve Jehovah With A Joyful Heart,78,,,
"Hope, Kingdom, Faith, Happiness,","There were two families.  Both were very poor.  It was raining hard, and the roofs of both houses were leaking.  One family was very sad, and they did a lot of complaining about their leaks. But the other family was happy and pleasant while patching their roof.  Why so much difference?  The second family was happy because they had just received notice from the city government that they would be given a new house.  So they had hope.  That was the difference.","Likewise, Jehovah's Witnesses today have a hope that is closely tied to a government.  God's Kingdom.  This Kingdom lies at the very heart of the Bible's message.",Heb 11:10; Ro 8:20-22; 2pe 3:13,"Apr 15, 1993 Wt Page 10, 11",You Can Find Joy In Serving God,103,,,
"Hope, Love, Marriage, Divorce, Disappointment,","IMAGINE that you are in pain and go to the doctor for a checkup.  You are anxious -- and understandable so.  After all, your health -- even your very life--may be at stake.  But suppose that after the examination, the doctor gives you the good news that while  your problem is by no means trivial, it can be treated.  He gives you hope of a full recovery.",Compare this scenario to the subject at hand.  Are you experiencing pain in your marriage?  the fact that there are problems between you and your spouse does not mean that the situation is hopeless.,Eph. 5:28,"Jan 8, 2001 Awake Page 7",Getting Marriage Off To A Good Start,27,,"Jan 20, 2001",
"Hope, Material,",We have enough Kingdom Hope to go around; not enough money. See 71 WT page 424,Give people hope.,Act 3:6,Bethel Notes  Bro. Ralph Walls (by Phil Kirkton),Is It Time For God To Rule The World?,20,,,
"Hope, Paradise, Earth, Freedom,","Have you ever noticed an animal around food.  You can see the hopeful look in their eyes.  A dog for example.  They will turn their head a little to one side, and look hopefully.","Today, all the creation is looking hopefully toward Jehovah to set them free from the corruption of this system of things.",Ps 145:15; Ro 8:21;,Bobby Laymon,Ruining The Earth Brings Divine Retribution,106,,,
"Hope, Pride, Humble,","'He that is down, needs fear no fall, He that is low, no pride.' Quote: John Bunyan. [1678].",Serve Jehovah with humility and joy.  Jehovah is the one that will pick us up.,Prov 2:20-22;,Bobby Laymon,Make Jehovah Your Confidence,70,,1995/07/14,
"Hope, Problems, Decisions, Stress",We cannot order a thunderstorm out of our vicinity.,"Often we can not make problems go away, no more than we can do the above.  We may feel frustrated, alone, - in short, helpless. Hope will help to ward off life's storms.",1th 5:8;,"Apr 15, 1993 Wt Page 10,",Gaining Comfort In All Our Tribulations,105,,,
"Hope, Problems, Decisions, Stress, Depression,",It has been said that a recipe for becoming depressed is helplessness plus hopelessness.,"None of us have to be hopeless, and hope may be the best weapon to ward off the other ingredient, feelings of helplessness.  Hope is a vital protection to ward off life's storms with a measure of calm and contentment.",1th 5:8;,"Apr 15, 1993 Wt Page 10,",Gaining Comfort In All Our Tribulations,105,,,
"Hope, Problems, Decisions, Stress, Depression, Happiness,","Consider what a helmet does.  The soldier of Bible times wore a helmet of copper or iron fitted over a felt, wool or leather cap This helmet shielded his head from the flying arrows, swinging clubs, and slashing swords.  Like few refused to wear a helmet. However, wearing the helmet did not mean that the soldier was invincible or that he felt nothing when his head was struck; rather, the helmet simply ensured that most blows glanced off instead of doing fatal damage.","As a helmet protects the head, so hope protects the mind.  Hope may not enable us to shrug off each crisis or setback as if it were nothing.  But hope cushions such blows and helps to ensure that they do not prove fatal to our mental, emotional, or spiritual health.",1th 5:8;,"Apr 15, 1993 Wt Page 11",You Can Find Joy In Serving God,103,,,
"Hope, Problems, Decisions, Stress, Depression, Happiness,","In the case of most of life's problems, 'stress comes from our interpretation of their difficulty, not the problems per se.  Hope reduces their weight.' Quote: Survivor of the Nazi Holocaust, stress specialist Dr. Shlomo Breznitz.",Students of the Bible have long known the importance of hope.,1th 5:8;,"Apr 15, 1993 Wt Page 11",You Can Find Joy In Serving God,103,,,
"Hope, Science, Faith, Bible,","'How many things served us yesterday for articles of faith, which to-day are fables to us!' Quote: Montaigne (1533-1592)","Science, on which many have based their faith, is constantly changing.","Ps. 146:3, 4;",Wisdom Of The Ages,Does Your Hope Rest On Science Or The Bible?,80,,,
"Hope, Science, Faith, Bible,","A believer is a bird in a cage, a free-thinker is an eagle parting the clouds with tireless wing.' Robert G. Ingersoll (1833-1899)","Those who base their hope in science, or men, are trapped like a bird in a cage, but where the spirit of Jehovah is there is freedom.","2co 3:17, 18; Gal 5:1;",Wisdom Of The Ages,Does Your Hope Rest On Science Or The Bible?,80,,,
"Hope, Science, Faith, Bible,","In India they have 'sacred cows' which they won't kill or eat. They are regarded as 'holy' and above any criticism or attack.  They accomplish little or no benefit, but only feed off the people. (Used humorously, to describe other worthless things)","Science has become a 'sacred cow' today.  Even old ideas die hard, and they feel they are above being questioned, or any attack.  Science has some benefits, but has brought much harm.","Genesis 11:6; Ps 31:14; 118:8, 9; 146:3, 4;",Public Talk # 80  Leon 'bud' Smith,Does Your Hope Rest On Science Or The Bible?,80,,,
"Hope, Wait, Unfounded,","He who waits for a roast duck to fly into his mouth must wait a very, very long time.  -- Chinese Proverb",Unfounded faith or hope can lead to disappointment.,Rom. 4:18;,Bobby Laymon,Does Your Hope Rest On Science Or The Bible?,80,,"Nov 19, 2001",
"Hope, Wishes,","'If wishes were horses, beggars might ride.' Quote: John Ray.  [1670]",Merely wishing does not bring benefits.  Industriousness and hard work bring benefits.  Must keep balanced view of secular work.  hard work brings lasting satisfaction and happiness when our lives are centered on doing God's will.,"Ecclesiastes 4:4, 6;",Bobby Laymon,Does Your Thinking Agree With God's?,53,,1995/07/14,
Hope;,"'Every cloud has a silver lining, but it is sometimes difficult to get it to the mint.'  Quote:  Don Marquis.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Hope;,'He that lives on hope will die fasting.'  Quote:  Bf.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Hope;,"'Hope for the best, but prepare for the worst.'  Quote:  English.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Hope;,'Hope of gain lessens pain.'  Quote:  Bf.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Hope;,'Hope springs eternal in the human breast.'  Quote:  A. Pope.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Hope;,"'In the face of uncertainty, there is nothing wrong with hope.'  Quote:  Bernie Siegel.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Hope;,'Life's brief span forbids us to enter on far-reaching hopes.'  Quote:  Horace.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Hope;,"'Men expect too much, do to little.'  Quote:  Allen Tate.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Hope;,'Remove hope from a man and you make him a beast.'  Quote:  Darnell Neister.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Hope;,'The man who lives only by hope will die with despair.'  Quote:  Italian.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Hope;,"'We should not expect something for nothing but we all do, and we call it hope.'  Quote:  Ed Howe.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Hope;,'While there is life there is hope.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Hope;,A drowning man will clutch at a straw.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Hope;,Hope is the best part of our riches.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Hope;,Hopes are but the dreams of those who are awake.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Hope;,If it were not for hope the heart would break.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Hope;,"It were not for hope, the heart would break.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Hope;,"When there is no hope, there can be no endeavor.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Hope; Action;,Hope is most powerful when backed up by action.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Hope; Contentment;,"'Blessed is he who expects nothing, for he shall never be disappointed.'  Quote:  A. Pope.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Hope; Death;,'Death alone can kill hope.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Hope; Endurance;,Bear with evil and expect good.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Hope; Faith;,'Hope is the parent of faith.'  Quote:  Cyrus A. Bartol.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Hope; Future;,'When we are flat on our backs there is no way to look but up.'  Quote:  Roger Barson.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Hope; Heart; Mind;,'Where the mind is past hope the heart is past shame.'  Quote:  John Lyly.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Hope; Hopelessness;,There are no hopeless situations; there are only men who have grown hopeless about them.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Hope; Positive; Attitude;,A misty morning does not signify a cloudy day.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Hopes, Miracles, Work,","Hope for miracles, but don't rely on one. -- Yiddish Proverb",We must work in harmony with our prayers.,Matt. 6:13;,Bobby Laymon,Reach Out For The Real Life!,90,,"Nov 19, 2001",
Hospitality,2 moles invited porcupine into burrow.  After while spines started to prick.  Need to widen out.  Porcupine noted for sleeping in holes of other animals. see,"Hospitality is 2 way street Jan 22, 1962 AW page 26",Prov. 25:17,Johnse Laymon & Bobby Laymon,Follow The Course Of Hospitality,77,,,12/29/2014
"Hospitality, Hostility,","Growing up in Arkansas, one year we noticed an unusual number of honey bees working our vegetables.  My Mom, said there is a bee tree pretty close by.  How would we find them.  We would follow the 'course' of the honey bees.  Following her instructions we mixed up some 'stink-bait' using corn cobs and urine and let it set for a couple of days.  The bees flocked to it.  They would fill up, make a quick circle and head in one direction.  We put flour on one and judging by the time it took to return, Mom said it was over a 1/2 mile away.  I followed the course of the bee as far as I could see it.  Then I waited for the next bee.  I followed it also.  After about 1/2 mile, I was in the woods.  I looked and listened.  Pretty soon I spotted a large bee tree.  My dad, my brother, a neighbor, and I went back with large clean wash tubs and a chain saw.  I had not followed a course of hospitality, but one of hostility.  There were thousands of angry bees when the tree hit the ground.  They were selfish, wanting all that rich honey for themselves.  We ended up with painful stings.","Our brothers are not out to rob us, or destroy our home.  They are sociable, grateful, gentle and friendly.  Do we sometimes act like angry honey bees?  Are we selfish?  Are we willing to share?  Is the course to our home one of hospitality or one of hostility?","1 Sam 25:10, 11;",Bobby Laymon,Follow The Course Of Hospitality,77,,1997/05/19,
"Hospitality, Kindness, Friend, Fear, Companion,",To walk down a lonely street in a strange neighborhood late at night can be a harrowing experience nowadays.,"But it can be just as stressful to be in a crowd and not know anyone or be recognized.  Indeed, an integral part of human nature is the need to be cared for, wanted, and loved.  Jehovah God well knows the human need for companionship.","Genesis 2:18, 21, 22; Rom 12:13;","Oct 1, 1996 Wt Page 9",Follow The Course Of Hospitality,77,,1996/11/07,
"Hospitality, Peace, Welcome, Associations, Balance,","'After three days men grow weary, of a wench, a guest, and weather rainy.' Quote: Benjamin Franklin.","When a guest in someone's home, we don't want to overstay our welcome.",Prov. 25:17;,Bobby Laymon,Follow The Course Of Hospitality,77,,1995/07/17,
"Hospitality, Satan, Worship, Demons, Disfellowship, Christendom,","In ancient times to eat bread at a man's table put one under obligation to remain in friendly, covenant terms with his host.",To eat at a table of a false god likewise placed the partaker in a friendly relationship with such a god. It would start with apparently harmless social amenities.,"Exodus. 34:14-16; Numbers. 25:1-9; 1 Sam. 2:17, 22, 34; Rom. 15:4;","Jan 15, 1968 Wt Page 47",Follow The Course Of Hospitality,77,,,
Hospitality;,It is sin against hospitality to open your doors and shut up your  countenance.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Hospitality;,"Visits always give pleasure, if not the arrival......the departure.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Human Character; World;,"'I'm scared, I don't know whether the world is full of smart men bluffing or imbeciles who mean it.'  Quote:  M Brickman.",,,Jk Quotes;,Christian Separateness From The World--why Beneficial.,119,,,
Human Nature;,'A man's fortune must first be changed from within.'  Quote:  Chinese.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Human Nature;,'An ox remains an ox even if driven to Vienna.'  Quote:  Hungarian.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Human Nature;,"'Clay, sand, rock, seem of a different birth, so men, some stiff, some loose, some firm all earth.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Human Nature;,'Don't overestimate the decency of the human race.'  Quote:  H. L. Mencken.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Human Nature;,'Everyone is as God has made him and oftentimes a great deal worse.'  Quote:  M. Cervantes.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Human Nature;,"'He liked people, therefore people like him.'  Quote:  Mt.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Human Nature;,"'I have always questioned the appeal of heaven, simply because human beings are to perverse to enjoy perfection.'  Quote:  Jack Smith.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Human Nature;,"'If man is a little lower than the angels, the angels should reform.'  Quote:  Marv Little.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Human Nature;,"'If you hear that a mountain has moved, believe, but if you hear a man has changed his character, believe it not.'  Quote:  Mohammedan.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Human Nature;,"'It has been my observation and experience, and that of my family, that nothing human works out well.'  Quote:  Don Marquis.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Human Nature;,'It is easier to love humanity as a whole than to love one's neighbor.'  Quote:  Eric Hoffer.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Human Nature;,'It is human nature to think wisely and act foolishly.'  Quote:  Anatole France.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Human Nature;,"'No man knows his true character until he has run out of gas, purchased something on the installment plan, and raised an adolescent.'  Quote:  Edna McCann.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Human Nature;,'People are either born hosts or born guests.'  Quote:  M. Beerbohm.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Human Nature;,"'Some of us are like wheelbarrows--only useful when pushed, and very easily upset.'  Quote:  Jack Herbert.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Human Nature;,'The people are to be taken in very small doses.'  Quote:  Rwe.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Human Nature;,'There is a great deal of human nature in people.'  Quote:  Mt.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Human Nature;,'There's none so queer as folk.'  Quote:  English.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Human Nature;,'We have provided for the survival of man against all enemies except his fellow man.'  Quote:  Lyman Lloyd Bryson.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Human Nature;,"'When asked what he thought of Western Civilization, Mahatma Ghandi replied: ' I think it would be a good idea!'   Quote:  Ghandi.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Human Nature;,'You understand human nature when you are never surprised by anything it does.' Quote:  V. Howard,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Human Nature;,Civilized man doesn't eat his own kind but he'll skin him.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Human Nature;,Just expect people to be people.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Human Nature;,"Man is the only animal that blushes, and the only one that needs to.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Human Nature;,Man is the only animal that can be skinned more than once.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Human Nature;,Men and melons are hard to know.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Human Nature;,"Nobody knows the age of the human race, but all agree that it is old enough to know better.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Human Nature;,Some people may mean well....but their meanness is greater than their wellness.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Human Nature;,The reason people blame things on previous generations is that there's only one other choice.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Human Nature;,"the three hardest tasks in the world are neither physical feats or  intellectual achievements, but moral acts: to return love for  hate....to include the excluded.... and to say 'I was wrong'.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Human Nature;,"Watch a goat from the front, a horse from behind, and a man from every side.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Human Nature;,"When in time of trouble and not before God and the Doctor we all adore, when danger is past and all things righted, God is forgotten and the Doctor is slighted.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Human Nature; Persecution,","'If God lived on earth, people would break his windows.' Quote:  Yiddish",,,Jk Quotes;,Why Christians Must Be Different.,123,,,
Human Nature; Spirit;,'Man never made any material as resilient as the human spirit.'  Quote:  Bern Williams.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Human Nature; Work; Temper;,'Some of us are like wheelbarrows ...... only useful when pushed and very easily upset.'  Quote:  Laurence Sterne.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Human; Body;,'On being human: An ingenious assembly of portable plumbing.'  Quote:  Chris Morley.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Humanity;,'Humanity is the sin of God.' Quote:  Theodore Parker,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Humanity;,'The world is populated in the main by people who should not exist.'  Quote:  Gbs.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Humanity;,"'There are times when one would like to hang the whole human race, and finish the farce.'  Quote:  Mt.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Humanity;,'There is nothing on earth divine except humanity.' Quote:  Walter S. Landor,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Humanity;,"'We cannot despair of humanity, since we ourselves are human beings.'  Quote:  Albert Einstein.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Humble, Association,","The humblest individual exerts some influence, either for good or evil, upon others. --Henry Ward Beecher",Bad associations will contribute to bad fruitage.,1 Cor 15:33;,Jk Quotes;,Never Become Dull In Your Hearing,9,,,
"Humble, Humility, Grasshoppers, Smallness, Littleness, Power,",A few buzzing grasshoppers a thousand miles away never disturb your peace or cause you to take them into account in your daily affairs.,"How much less do you suppose the crowing and croaking of today's boasting, bragging propagandists upset the purposes of the Almighty, who resides far above the confines of this mundane sphere?",Isa. 40:22;,W54 8/1 474,,,,1996/06/11,
"Humble, Humility, Teaching, Priest, Catholic, Km, Christendom,","'I was also astonished that this humble man, with such a pleasant smile, could just sit there and calmly explain the Scriptures to me.' Quote: Hugo Duran; a former priest who spent 10 years in Catholic seminaries, and later learned the truth.","This humble brother, who could hardly read, was discussing the recommended topic for conversation for Jehovah's Witnesses. The priest asked questions he had asked all his life and got answers.  [Brother was Adrian Guerra, Santa Cruz, Bolivia]","Ps 37:9-11, 39; Re 21:3, 4;","Aug 22, 1993 Aw Page 14, 15;",Religion's Role In World Affairs.,92,,,
"Humble, Praise, Self-indulgence, Lazy,","'The more you eat, the more you want.' (Like confection)  One who is hungry for praise or seeks to elicit it from others will always find himself wanting to hear more than he gets to hear.","A human weakness is seeking out praise, in having itching ears for compliments.  Same with 'ease.  The less he does, the less he wants to do.",Prov. 25:27; 27:2; Prov. 19:24,"Jan 22, 1964 Aw Page 3, 4,",What Kind Of Name Are You Making With God?,55,,,
"Humble, Pride, Forgive, Vendetta,","Do you even carry on a vendetta in an effort to get even? People have been murdered in some vendettas. In others, character assassination has been the method.","Are you willing to forgive when someone offends you? Or, in your pride, do you hold a grudge, perhaps for days and months, refusing to speak to the supposed offender?  In contrast, a humble person is loving and forgiving. Why? Because love does not keep account of the injury. Jehovah was willing to forgive the Israelites if they would swallow their pride. The humble follower of Jesus is willing to forgive, even repeatedly!_","Joel 2:12-14; Matthew 18:21, 22; 1 Corinthians 13:5.",W99 2/1 7,Do You Harbor Resentment Or Do You Forgive?,68,,"Jul 5, 2000",
Humility,Child (Jesus sat it in their midst) Must conduct self as lesser one,Must become child-like in conduct.,Luke 9:46-48,Jesus,Into The New Order Under Christ's Leadership,56,,,
Humility,"Fir & the Bramble Fir boasting to bramble, you are good for nothing, but they need me to build houses. Think about axes and saws they use on you, and you will wish you",Better to be poor and carefree than rich & worried were a bramble.,"Eccl. 7:16, 17;",Aesop's Fables,Into The New Order Under Christ's Leadership,56,,,
Humility,"Guest choosing most prominent places at a meal. Three positions explained Nov 15, 1989 WT page 25",Everyone who exalts himself will be humbled,Luke 14:7-11,Jesus,Into The New Order Under Christ's Leadership,56,,,
Humility,Not worthy to untie lace of sandal. John expressed humility & awareness of his insignificance in comparison with his master. Fine lesson: only humble suited for service of Jehovah,Menial duty for slave to untie sandals & carry them for master.,John 1:27,"Mar 15, 1990 Wt Page 24",Into The New Order Under Christ's Leadership,56,,,
Humility,Rich Man & Lazarus - position changed,Showed humility of Lazarus class vs. proud religious leaders,Luke 16:19-31,Jesus,Into The New Order Under Christ's Leadership,56,,,
Humility,"Tree & the Reed; wind blows, reed bends with it, Tree said, I'm strong & thick, Reed said, I know how weak I am, you rely on strength, that's why you get broken.","Know own strength, and act accordingly.","Eccl. 7:16, 17;",Aesop's Fables,Into The New Order Under Christ's Leadership,56,,,
Humility,"Very strange, the minute you think you've got it, you've lost it.",Must not think more than necessary of self,Matt. 23:12  Rom. 12:3,Magazine Article - Bobby Laymon,Into The New Order Under Christ's Leadership,56,,,
Humility,Washing disciples feet,"Christ gave apostles lesson in, & heart to heart talks.",John 13:1-17:26,"Mar 15, 1990 Wt Page 24",Into The New Order Under Christ's Leadership,56,,,
"Humility,",'What is most needed for teaching is a humble mind. (Ancient Chinese Proverb.),"To be taught, we need to be humble.",Prov. 11:2,Johnse Laymon,Into The New Order Under Christ's Leadership,56,,,
"Humility,",A baby angel must be at least 4 billion years old.  It would take 500 years to count to 4 billion. (straight through)  It only take 30-40 seconds to count to 60 or 70. What if that would happen in the congregation?  Great humility!,"Anointed are given superior position to angel who have been here 500 years, compared to 30 seconds.  Help these humans to reach that position.",Rev. 14:1-4;,"Bro. Bob Moloski C.O.   (entered Dec 19, 1991)",Into The New Order Under Christ's Leadership,56,,,
"Humility, Ask, Prayer,",'Better to ask twice than to lose your way once.'  Quote: Danish proverb.,Humility is a safeguard.  We need to humble ask Jehovah for help.,Matt 7:7;,Bobby Laymon - Reader's Digest.,,,,1996/03/13,
"Humility, Brother Thorn,","Quote: Brother W.J. Thorn, mild-manner traveling overseer Quote: 'Whenever I get to thinking a great deal of myself, I take myself into the corner, so to speak, and say, 'You little speck of dust. What have you got to be proud of?''",Results of humility ... is riches and glory and life.,Prov. 16:5  Prov. 22:4,"Sep 1, 1990 Wt Page 19, 20; Dec 1, 1991 Wt Page 26;",Into The New Order Under Christ's Leadership,56,,,
"Humility, Conceit, Marriage, Wife, Husband, Family, Pride,","Sometimes when our pride is injured it helps to reflect that we are not really so big.  Certainly we are not big in comparison to the earth, and the earth is itself small in the solar system, which, in turn, is tiny in the universe.","In Jehovah's eyes 'all the nations are as something nonexistent . . . as nothing and an unreality they have been accounted to him.' (Isaiah 40:17) Such thoughts help to keep things in perspective, to see that disagreements may not involve such vital things after all.",Is 40:17;,Family Life Book Page 36,Family Life That Warms The Heart,5,,1993/11/30,
"Humility, Depression, Comfort, Listen, Stress, Self, Esteem,",We often need someone smaller than ourselves. La Fontaine,,,Jk Quotes;,Gaining Comfort In All Our Tribulations,105,,,
"Humility, Elders,","An ear of corn.  The older it gets, the more it bows its head.","So it should be with elders, and others in the truth.  We should become more humble.",Jas 1:5;,"Kingdom Ministry School Dec 22, 23, 1994",,,,1994/12/25,
"Humility, Encourage, Worry, Anxiety, Stress, Flattery,","There's only a slight difference in keeping your chin up and sticking your neck out, but its worth knowing.","Be humble when accepting counsel, or praise.","Ps. 55:22; Jas. 1:12; Rom. 15:2; 1 Th 5:14; Isa. 41:10,13",Bobby Laymon,Gaining Comfort In All Our Tribulations,105,,,
"Humility, Health, Moderation, Flexible,",Everything absolute belongs to pathology.,"We must be humble, flexible,","Prov. 14:30; Luke 21:34, 35;",Bobby Laymon (wisdom Of The Ages..Quotes),What Does The Healing Of The Nations Accomplish?,111,,,
"Humility, Honor,",'It is better to deserve honors and not have them than to have them and not deserve them.' Quote: Mark Twain (1835-1910),We must avoid taking credit that belongs to others.  Be humble not 'puffed up with pride.',"1ti 3:6, 7; Rom. 12:3",Wisdom Of The Ages,Into The New Order Under Christ's Leadership,56,,,
"Humility, Honor, Example, Attitude, Humble, Subjection, Whittier,","One of America's early poets, John Greenleaf Whittier experienced this incident:  This man had a childhood sweetheart, and once at a spelling bee, she spelled a word right, whereas he spelled it wrong.  She felt very bad about it.  Why?  As the poet recollected, she said: 'I'm sorry that I spelled that word.  I hate to go above you ... because you see, I love you.'","Yes, if we love someone, we will want that one to be above, not beneath, us because love is humble.","John 14:31; Luke 18:18, 19; Php 2:5-8; Ro 12:10;","Dec 1, 1993 Wt Page 23",Into The New Order Under Christ's Leadership,56,,1993/11/25,
"Humility, Humble, Ability; Artificial, Airs, Presumptuous, Pride,",'No bird soars too high if he soars with his own wings.'  Quote:  William Blake.,If we stay down-to-earth and not put on airs it will also endear us to Jehovah.,Jas 4:6;,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Humility, Humble, Indispensably, Worth, Abilities,","Poem - 'True Worth'  Sometimes when you're feeling important,     Sometimes when your ego's in bloom,  Sometime when you take for granted,  You're the best qualified in the room.    Sometime, when you feel that your going,  will mean an unfillable hole,  Just follow these simple instructions,  and see how it punctures your soul.    Take a bucket, fill it with water,  put your hand in it, up to your wrist,  pull it up -- the hole that remains there,  is just how much you'll be missed.    You may splash all you need when you enter,  you may stir up the water galore.  But stop! And you'll find in a minute,  that it looks just the same as before.    The moral of this story is quite simple,  just do the very best that you can.  But remember, when you're feeling important,  there is no indispensable man.",We can be replaced.,Php 2:3;,Sam Johnson,Into The New Order Under Christ's Leadership,56,,,
"Humility, Humble, Pride,",'I believe the first test of a truly great man is humility.'  Quote: John Ruskin.,"Jesus provided leadership by personal example, exerting self in preaching, showing humility in dealing with others.",Mr 6:31-34; Joh 13:3-15;,Bobby Laymon,Into The New Order Under Christ's Leadership,56,,1995/06/30,
"Humility, Humble, Pride,",Jesus had the right viewpoint.  Greatest example on earth. Have balanced thinking; keep focused. vs. 6; Jesus had right viewpoint. Subjected himself to Jehovah vs.7 Willing to be less vs.8 Jehovah rewarded him. vs.9;,No spirit creature had ever tasted death before. Took humility. Name can also refer to government office.,Phil. 2:5-11,Philip Kirkton (bethel Notes) A.D. Schroeder-Gilead Grad 1991,Follow The Way To Life,45,,,
"Humility, Humble, Pride, Name,",INFERIORITY - Inferiority is what you enjoy in your best friends. --Lord Chesterfield,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Humility, Humble, Science, Atom,","'In looking back over my long life, I realize that my scientific career was due in large measure to a series of lucky accidents.' Quote: The late Dr. Otto Hahn, who first discovered that the atom could be split.","Not only is humility fitting, it has everything to recommend it. Most importantly, it can help to put us in the right relationship with Jehovah, our Creator.",Jas 4:6;,"Aug 15, 1970 Wt Page 502",Does Your Hope Rest On Science Or The Bible?,80,,,
"Humility, Humble, Sovereignty, Know, Grasshoppers,","Have you ever strolled across a meadow in summer and seen countless grasshoppers leap out of your path?  They seem to be every where, though you may have paid them scant attention.  After all, they appear harmless and insignificant.","Yet, the virtual insignificance of grasshoppers makes them a suitable symbol of mankind.  Jehovah God's grandeur, might, and wisdom elevate him far above the realm of mere humans, just as man is far superior to the grasshoppers in intellect and power.","Is 40:22; Ps 113:5-7; Acts 17:27; Is 43:4, 10;","Sep 15, 1993 Wt Page 32",How Well Do You Know God?,1,,,
"Humility, Humble, Stubborn, Pride, Mock-humility.","Beautiful linen belt; Jeremiah told to hide in a crag by river. Returning found it musty, soggy, worm-eaten and falling to pieces. 'The belt had been ruined; it was not fit for anything.'",What happens when we refuse to humble ourselves.,"Jer. 13:1-11; Col. 2:18, 19; Matt. 23:12;","Oct 22, 1963 Aw Page 6",Into The New Order Under Christ's Leadership,56,,,
"Humility, Imitate, Example, Attitude, Humble,","The humble Christian takes the attitude: 'If God permits it, I can take it.'",This is really what the apostle Paul meant at 1 Corinthians 10:13.  So we see that humility is the course of wisdom.  It helps us to be happy regardless of what our lot may be.,1co 10:13;,"Dec 1, 1993 Wt Page 22, 23;",Into The New Order Under Christ's Leadership,56,,1993/11/25,
"Humility, King, Youth, Teachable, Meek, Elders,","'I'd rather laugh a fair-haired boy, than reign a gray-haired king'.  Quote - Holmes We must always remain humble, teachable, 'Better is a needy but wise child than an old but stupid king,",Some become so wise they cannot be warned any longer. who has not come to know enough to be warned any longer.',Eccl. 4:13; 2 Tim. 2:22; Prov. 22:6; 23:13; Deuteronomy. 6: 4-8; Eph. 5:2,Bobby Laymon,How Can Youths Cope With Today's Crisis?,113,,,
"Humility, Knorr, Imitate, Example,",While visiting the Writing Department in his office he stated:  'Here is where the most important as well as the most difficult work takes place.  That's why I do so little of it.'  Quote: Nathan H. Knorr (Third president of Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society),"He did not feel exalted because of his position.  Although he excelled in organizing ability and in public speaking, he had great respect for what others did.  He had humility and lowliness of mind.  He appreciated that although serving as president of the Society was important, other tasks were also important.   He was a fine example to imitate.",Php 2:3;,"Dec 1, 1993 Wt Page 18",'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,1993/11/25,
"Humility, Meekness, Obedience, Obey,",'The only wisdom we can hope to acquire Is the wisdom of humility: humility is endless.' Quote: T. S. Eliot.,"Jesus provided leadership by personal example, exerting ourself in preaching, showing humility in dealing with others.",Mr 6:31-34; Joh 13:3-15;,Bobby Laymon,Into The New Order Under Christ's Leadership,56,,1995/08/16,12/13/2018
"Humility, Meekness, Proud,",'Humility is the most difficult of all virtues to achieve; nothing dies harder than the desire to think well of oneself.' Quote: T. S. Eliot.,Humility can help overcome the pride that we have inherited.  Even the apostles could have used more of it.,Matt 20:20-28;,Bobby Laymon,Love Identifies The True Christian Congregation,72,,1995/08/16,
"Humility, Pride, Accepting Direction,","It's always good to be right, but not good to be always right.","Humble yourself before others, not always having your way or always thinking you are always right. Good to be right but not self-righteous.",Philippians 2:4,Jim Breden,What Is Behind The Spirit Of Rebellion?,33,,1996/04/25,
"Humility, Pride, Envy, Competition,","A good loser, makes a better winner. It helps others to admit their wrongs, also.",We must never be too proud to be wrong.,"Matt. 23:12; Gal. 5:26; Luke 12:15; Prov. 16:5, 18; Gal. 5:26",Bobby Laymon,Into The New Order Under Christ's Leadership,56,,,
"Humility, Pride, Envy, Competition,","Competition among trees make better saw-logs, but too many crowd each other.",Don't be competitive.,"Matt. 23:12; Gal. 5:26; Luke 12:15; Prov. 16:5, 18; Gal. 5:26",Bobby Laymon,Into The New Order Under Christ's Leadership,56,,,
"Humility, Pride, Envy, Competition,",God must have preferred the common-looking man.  That's why he made so many of them. A. Lincoln.,We must not be over-concerned about looks.,"Matt. 23:12; Gal. 5:26; Luke 12:15; Prov. 16:5, 18; Gal. 5:26",Bobby Laymon,Into The New Order Under Christ's Leadership,56,,,
"Humility, Pride, Envy, Competition,","In a field of grain only the empty heads stand up straight, and the full ones bow down.",Humility,"Matt. 23:12; Gal. 5:26; Luke 12:15; Prov. 16:5, 18; Gal. 5:26",Bobby Laymon,Into The New Order Under Christ's Leadership,56,,,
"Humility, Pride, Envy, Competition,","It is better to bow, than break.","Humility will help us to not become rigid, unbending.","Matt. 23:12; Gal. 5:26; Luke 12:15; Prov. 16:5, 18; Gal. 5:26",Bobby Laymon,Into The New Order Under Christ's Leadership,56,,,
"Humility, Pride, Envy, Competition,",Little fleas have lesser fleas and add infinitum.,We cannot know it all.,"Matt. 23:12; Gal. 5:26; Luke 12:15; Prov. 16:5, 18; Gal. 5:26",Bobby Laymon,Into The New Order Under Christ's Leadership,56,,,
"Humility, Pride, Envy, Competition,",None are so tall as those who stoop down to help someone else up.,Humility requires helping others.,"Matt. 23:12; Gal. 5:26; Luke 12:15; Prov. 16:5, 18; Gal. 5:26",Bobby Laymon,Into The New Order Under Christ's Leadership,56,,,
"Humility, Pride, Envy, Competition,",Paul's Law: You can't fall off the floor.,Humility,"Matt. 23:12; Gal. 5:26; Luke 12:15; Prov. 16:5, 18; Gal. 5:26",Bobby Laymon,Into The New Order Under Christ's Leadership,56,,,
"Humility, Pride, Envy, Competition,",Simplicity should be the key to fashion.,Modesty is usually the simplest thing in dress.,"1 Pet. 3:1-3; Gal. 5:26; Luke 12:15; Prov. 16:5, 18; Gal. 5:26",Bobby Laymon,Into The New Order Under Christ's Leadership,56,,,
"Humility, Pride, Envy, Competition,",The greatest rivers must run into the sea.,"All are subject to someone, except Jehovah. 1 Cor. 11:3","Matt. 23:12; Gal. 5:26; Luke 12:15; Prov. 16:5, 18; Gal. 5:26",Bobby Laymon,Into The New Order Under Christ's Leadership,56,,,
"Humility, Pride, Envy, Competition,","The more slender the tree, the farther it bends. The rigid tree breaks in a storm, or gets cut down.",Humility is a protection.,"Matt. 23:12; Gal. 5:26; Luke 12:15; Prov. 16:5, 18; Gal. 5:26",Bobby Laymon,Into The New Order Under Christ's Leadership,56,,,
"Humility, Pride, Envy, Competition,",To be proud with honor and wealth. Is to cause one's own downfall.,Pride is only harmful.,"Prov. 18:12; Matt. 23:12; Gal. 5:26; Luke 12:15; Prov. 16:5, 18;",Bobby Laymon (wisdom Of The Ages..Quotes),Into The New Order Under Christ's Leadership,56,,,
"Humility, Pride, Envy, Competition,","Wisdom is often nearer when we stoop, than when we soar.",Humility,"Matt. 23:12; Gal. 5:26; Luke 12:15; Prov. 16:5, 18; Gal. 5:26",Bobby Laymon,Into The New Order Under Christ's Leadership,56,,,
"Humility, Pride, Envy, Competition, Progress,","Step by step, one goes far.",We must continue ever forward in our relationship with Jehovah.,"Matt. 23:12; Gal. 5:26; Luke 12:15; Prov. 16:5, 18; Gal. 5:26",Bobby Laymon,Keep Growing In Your Relationship With God,16,,,
"Humility, Pride, Envy, Competition, Service, Pioneer,",A poor excuse is better than none. Can we overcome excuses in our service to Jehovah?,"Sometime true: if we see through our poor excuse, and stop using.","Matt. 23:12; Gal. 5:26; Luke 12:15; Prov. 16:5, 18; Gal. 5:26",Bobby Laymon,How Should You Serve God?,58,,,
"Humility, Pride, Faith,","'Men, like peaches and pears, grow sweet a little while before they begin to decay.'   Quote: Oliver Wendell Holmes (1809-1894)","Pride can cause a person's heart to become wicked, or unfaithful to Jehovah.  One can develop a wicked heart lacking faith. Examples: Saul; Solomon; Satan;",Pr 16:18; Heb 3:12;,Wisdom Of The Ages,Have Faith In The Good News,47,,,
"Humility, Pride, Humble,","Wolf Tree that hover high above all other trees.  Its height is very impressive, but it is the first to go in storm winds, or lightning. Its best not to tower over others in congregation.",NOT TOWER OVER OR OUTSHINE OTHERS,Matt. 6:1,Brother Schroeder At K.M. School In N.Y. 1967 (by Bobby Laymon),Into The New Order Under Christ's Leadership,56,,,
"Humility, Pride, Indispensable, Needed,","Tub of Water-Push arm into-then pull out, area replaced.",Others can move right in and fill our place.  Not feel we are indispensable.,Prov. 22:4;,Bill Thomas,Into The New Order Under Christ's Leadership,56,,,
"Humility, Pride, Life, Joy,","'You are young and have the world before you; stoop as you go through it, and you will miss many hard bumps.' Quote: Cotton Mather.  Advice to Benjamin Franklin.",Humility will help one on the way to life.,Prov 2:20-22;,Bobby Laymon,Make Jehovah Your Confidence,70,,1995/07/14,
"Humility, Pride, Stumble,","Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall. (Confucius)","When we stumble, we must get up.","Prov. 24:16, 17,  Matt. 23:12; Gal. 5:26; Luke 12:15; Prov. 16:5,",Bobby Laymon,Meeting The Test Of Christian Loyalty,48,,,
"Humility, Proud, Pride,","Humility: If its a quality we 'say' we have, we just lost it.",A humble person is also modest.,Micah 6:8;,J.K.,Are You Doing What God Requires Of You?,43,,1997/04/12,
"Humility, Proud, Pride,",Take the sunflower.  The older (more mature) it gets the more it bows its head.  Flower seems to always turn toward the sun.  In a natural state no seed would drop if it did not droop its head.,Are we 'Proud of our Humility?'  If we want to produce we also need to be humble.,Micah 6:8;,J.K.,Are You Doing What God Requires Of You?,43,,1997/04/12,
"Humility, Russell, Pride,","He referred to himself as being simply like an index finger, pointing to what is stated in God's Word. 'If I did not speak, and no other agent could be found, the very stones would cry out.' Quote: C. T. Russell",Charles wanted no glory from humans.  He did not want any to be called by his name.,Luke 19:40;,Jehovah's Witnesses - Proclaimers Of God's Kingdom.  Page 623,Into The New Order Under Christ's Leadership,56,,,
"Humility, Science,","'If I have seen farther, it was by standing on the shoulders of giants.'  Quote: Sir Isaac Newton, one of the greatest scientists among men.","Not only is humility fitting, it has everything to recommend it. Most importantly, it can help to put us in the right relationship with Jehovah.",Jas 4:6;,"Aug 15, 1970 Wt Page 502",Does Your Hope Rest On Science Or The Bible?,80,,,
"Humility, Service, Happiness, Joy, Work, Employment, Pioneer, Organization,",Brother Roy Ryan worked for 30 years making cheese and then got a new job assignment.  'It didn't bother me because I didn't like making cheese anyway.',We can be happy serving Jehovah in any assignment if we keep the right perspective and humbly submit to theocratic direction.,1co. 15:58; Col 3:23;,"Dec 1, 1991 Wt Page 27 (Roy Ryan)",How Should You Serve God?,58,,,
"Humility, Wisdom,","Two goats on mountain pass, too narrow to pass side by side. Instead of fighting, one goat humbly lay down and let the other walk over him. Course of wisdom for both.","Be willing to bend, humble self.",Phil. 2:3; Gal. 5:14;,Old 'reader.' Fable.,Acquiring A Heart Of Wisdom,73,,,
"Humility, pride, accepting Direction","It's always good to be right, but not good to be always right.","Humble yourselves before others, not always having your way or always thinking you are always right.  Good to be right but not self-righteous.",Philippians 2:4,Jim Breden,What Is Behind The Spirit Of Rebellion?,33,,1996/04/25,
Humility- Pride,"Humble are like water which adapts to fit any situation. Proud are like ice, which does not bend, but breaks.","Humility like water, adapts to any sit. Pride like ice",Prov. 22:4;,Johnse Laymon,Into The New Order Under Christ's Leadership,56,,,
Humility;,'A truly great man never puts away the simplicity of a child.'  Quote:  Chinese.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Humility;,"'Always laugh at yourself, before others do.'  Quote:  Elsa Maxwell.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Humility;,'Appear always what you are and a little less.'  Quote:  Greek.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Humility;,'Be humble or you'll stumble.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Humility;,'Falling hurts least those who fly low.'  Quote:  Chinese.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Humility;,"'Humility is a virtue all preach, none practice, and yet everybody is content to hear.'  Quote:  J. Selden.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Humility;,"'Humility is a virtue all preach, none practice; and yet everybody is content to hear.'  Quote:  John Selden.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Humility;,'Humility is not renunciation of pride but the substitution of  one pride for another.'  Quote:  Eric Hoffer.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Humility;,'Humility is the first of the virtues....for other people.'  Quote:  O. W. Holmes.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Humility;,'Humility is to make the right estimate of one's self.'  Quote:  C. Haddon Spurgeon.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Humility;,'Humility never has to fall to far or too hard.'  Quote:  English.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Humility;,'I feel coming on a strange disease--humility.'  Quote:  Flw.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Humility;,"'If only I had a little humility, I would be perfect.' Quote:  Ted Turner",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Humility;,'It was pride that changed angels into devils; it is humility that makes men as angels.'  Quote:  Saint Augustine.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Humility;,'Nothing sets a person so much out of the devil's reach as humility.'  Quote:  Jonathan Edwards.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Humility;,'The boughs that bear the most fruit hang the lowest.'  Quote:  English.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Humility;,'The first of all other virtues--for other people.'  Quote:  Oliver Wendell Holmes.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Humility;,'The true leader is always lead.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Humility;,'Without humility there can be no humanity.'  Quote:  John Buchan.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Humility;,'You can't fall off the floor!',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Humility;,An able and yet humble man is a jewel worth a kingdom.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Humility;,Extremes meet and there is no better example than the haughtiness of Humility. --Ralph Waldo Emerson,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Humility;,God wisely designed the human body so that we can neither pat our own backs nor kick ourselves too easily.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Humility;,He that lies on the ground can fall no lower. Chinese,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Humility;,Humble hearts have humble desires.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Humility;,Humility is the solid foundation of all virtues.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Humility;,Humility is to make a right estimate of oneself.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Humility;,Humility makes great men twice honorable.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Humility;,"I feel coming on a strange disease, humility. F. W. Wright",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Humility;,Life is a long lesson in humility.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Humility;,"Search others for their virtues, and thyself for thy vices.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Humility;,Sense shines with a double luster when it is set in humility.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Humility;,She's so self-satisfied she occupies a special place in her heart.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Humility;,"The fuller the ear of rice-grain the lower it bends; empty of grain, it grows taller and taller. Malay",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Humility;,The loftiest towers rise from the ground. Chinese,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Humility;,The man with both feet on the ground hasn't got far to fall.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Humility;,Without humility there can be no humanity. John Buchan,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Humility; Modesty;,'The wisest man is generally he who thinks himself the least so.'  Quote:  Nicolas Despreaux.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Humility; Opinionated;,'He who is not satisfied with himself will grow; who is not sure of his own correctness will learn many things.'  Quote:  Chinese.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Humility; Religion; Hypocrisy;,The churches must learn humility as well as teach it.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Humility; Trouble;,'He that is down need fear no fall.'  Quote:  John Bunyan.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Humility;,"The more humble a man is before God, the more he will be exalted; the more humble he is before man, the more he will get rode roughshod.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Humor, Balance, Pioneer,",'Humor is like the pole of the tight-rope walker.'  The pole helps him keep his balance.,Humor helps us keep our balance as Christians.,Heb 10:36,Joseph Wengert D. O.,Getting Marriage Off To A Good Start,27,,1994/04/22,
"Humor, Children, Family, Marriage, Home, Youth, Last Days, Mental",'Insanity is hereditary.  You get it from your kids.',Critical time we live in.,2 Tim. 2:22; Prov. 22:6; 23:13; Deuteronomy. 6: 4-8; Eph. 5:22-33;,Bobby Laymon,Getting Marriage Off To A Good Start,27,,,
"Humor, Expert, Fussy, Perfectionist,",What is an 'expert?',"An 'ex' is a 'has-been,' and a 'spurt' is a 'drip under pressure.'","1 Cor 8:1, 2;",Bobby Laymon,Into The New Order Under Christ's Leadership,56,,1994/10/29,
"Humor, Folly, Wisdom,",Tussman's Law: 'Nothing is as inevitable as a mistake whose time has come.',Time and unforeseen occurrence.,Eccl. 9:11; Eccl. 12:13;,Bobby Laymon,Acquiring A Heart Of Wisdom,73,,,
"Humor, Happiness, Joy, Laughter,","'If you're going to be able to look back on something and laugh about it, you might as well laugh about it now.'  Quote: Marie Osmond.","Pride hinders communication and the resolution of difficulties, but    pride shrivels if we remember our insignificance and possess a sense of humor.",Prov 14:30;,Bobby Laymon - Reader's Digest,Getting Marriage Off To A Good Start,27,,1996/03/20,
"Humor, Jokes, Laugh, Happiness, Joy,","Ancient Kings had a jester, who were well paid for sense of humor Today comedians and humorist earn large salaries. Samson played huge joke on city of Gaza.  Also teased Delilah as to secret of his strength.  Helped lighten burden of 'taking lead'","The great King, Jehovah God, may be said to have a sense of humor.  Abraham Lincoln, ' If I did not laugh I should die.'",Prov. 15:13; 17:22; 1 Tim. 1:11; Judg. 16:1-15;,"Feb 8, 1964 Aw Page 3, 4",Getting Marriage Off To A Good Start,27,,,
"Humor, Laugh, Compatibility, Marriage,","'It's as useful to me as a multipurpose tool is to an auto mechanic because it does so many things.  It protects, encourages, opens up fruitful conversations, breaks down preconceived ideas, and turns troublesome words into those that are reasonable and considerate.'  Quote: A husband","A sense of humor is especially helpful when irritating habits threaten to strain relations.  Your son forgets to put toys away; Your husband leaves his dirty clothes on the bathroom floor, etc.",Ecc 3:4;,"May 22, 1994 Aw Page 27",Getting Marriage Off To A Good Start,27,,1994/04/23,
"Humor, Laugh, Compatibility, Marriage,","'Like a welcome summer rain, humor may suddenly cleanse and cool the earth, the air, and you.'  Quote: Poet Langston Hughes","Truly, humor can play an important part in our lives.  It can keep us from taking ourselves too seriously.  It can help us stay cheerful and relaxed.  It can smooth out relations with others.  It can help us cope with adversity.  It can even improve our health.  Put humor into your life.  Nurture it.  Cultivate it.  It's bound to do wonders for you and those around you.",Ecc 3:4;,"May 22, 1994 Aw Page 27",Getting Marriage Off To A Good Start,27,,1994/04/23,
"Humor, Laugh, Compatibility, Marriage,","Laughter, 'the shortest distance between two people.'","Some believe that humor can be used as a barometer of marital compatibility.  Humor is indicative of many things: values, interests, preoccupations, intelligence, imagination, and needs.  A 1985 survey of a thousand U.S. corporations revealed that people with a sense of humor tend to be more creative, less rigid and more willing to consider and embrace new ideas and methods.",Ecc 3:4;,"May 22, 1994 Aw Page 26",Getting Marriage Off To A Good Start,27,,1994/04/23,
"Humor, Laughter, Funny, Barriers,",Laughter is the shortest distance between two people.  -- Victor Borge,Laughter will break down barriers between great enemies.,"Luke 23:11, 12;",Bobby Laymon,Getting Marriage Off To A Good Start,27,,"Nov 19, 2001",
"Humor, Marriage, Wife, Husband, Divorce, Weddings, Bachelor, Single",' One of the nicest things about being a bachelor is that a man can make a mistake and never know it'.,A wife would quickly tell him.,Eph. 5:22-33; Heb. 13:4; Prov. 5:18-20; Mal. 2:16; 1 Cor 7:39,Bobby Laymon,God Comes First In Successful Family Life,110,,,
"Humor, Marriage, Wife, Husband, Divorce, Weddings, Bachelor, Single",' When a bachelor makes a mistake he calls himself names - a married man doesn't have to'.,His wife does.,Eph. 5:22-33; Heb. 13:4; Prov. 5:18-20; Mal. 2:16; 1 Cor 7:39,Bobby Laymon,God Comes First In Successful Family Life,110,,,
"Humor, Marriage, Wife, Husband, Divorce, Weddings, Bachelor, Single",Bride: A woman with a fine prospect of happiness behind her.,"One view of marriage,",Eph. 5:22-33; Heb. 13:4; Prov. 5:18-20; Mal. 2:16; 1 Cor 7:39,Bobby Laymon,God Comes First In Successful Family Life,110,,,
"Humor, Marriage, Youth, Dating,",'Kissing is so much fun it's a wonder Congress hasn't taxed it'.,"View of those:  Dating for fun, not for marriage.",2 Tim. 2:22; Prov. 22:6; 23:13; Deuteronomy. 6: 4-8; Eph. 5:22-33;,Bobby Laymon,Are You Really Making Jehovah Your Stronghold?,18,,,
"Humor, Persecution, Fugitive, Opposition, Witness","Info: An irate householder locked the car group of Witnesses in his fenced property and called the police.  It took a humorous turn, and gave a Witness to others.","The police arrested the man and his wife.  They had suspected he was a fugitive, but had been unable to get into his fenced property, until he invited them.","Mt 10:17, 18;","Sep 22, 1992 Aw Page 12",How The Kingdom Of God Affects You,42,,,
"Humor, Pride,",It's just as funny if it happens to you as to someone else.,Don't take yourself too seriously.,"Rom. 12:3; Eccl. 3:1-5; 1 Tim. 1:11; 6:15; Eccl. 2:1, 2;",Bobby Laymon,Getting Marriage Off To A Good Start,27,,,
"Humor, Pride, Speech,","Humor is the tasty savor, That gives conversation flavor.",Nothing wrong with good humor.,"Eccl. 3:1-5; 1 Tim. 1:11; 6:15; Eccl. 2:1, 2;",Bobby Laymon,A Clean People Honors Jehovah,14,,,
"Humor, Pride, Speech, Brief, Comments, Answers,",Only a touch of genius can tell long stories.,Keep comments and stories short.,"Eccl. 3:1-5; 1 Tim. 1:11; 6:15; Eccl. 2:1, 2;",Bobby Laymon,A Clean People Honors Jehovah,14,,,
"Humor, Relatives,",What is the difference between 'in-laws' and 'out-laws?',"''Out-laws' are wanted!'  However, we should try to witness to our relatives tactfully, even if not wanted.",Ruth 1:14; Micah 7:6; Matt 8:14;,Bobby Laymon,Getting Marriage Off To A Good Start,27,,1994/10/29,
"Humor, Wisdom, Insight, Knowledge, Understanding, World,","There was a young lady from Hyde.  Who ate a green apple and died. While her husband lamented, the apple fermented.   And made cider inside her inside.",Example: worldly wisdom.,Prov. 9:10; 15:33; 2 Tim. 3:15; Jas. 1:5; Col. 2:3; Prov. 1:5,Bobby Laymon,'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
Humor;,'A mind is not completely well organized that is deficient in a sense of humor.'  Quote:  Sam Coleridge.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Humor;,"'After God created the world, he made man and woman. Then, to keep the whole thing from collapsing he invented humor.'  Quote:  Guillermo Mordillo.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Humor;,"'Against the assault of laughter, nothing can stand.'  Quote:  Mt.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Humor;,"'Humor may be defined as the kindly contemplation of the incongruities of life, and the artistic expression thereof...The essence of humor is human kindliness.' Quote:  Stephen Leacock",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Humor;,"'Men will confess to treason, murder, arson, false teeth, or a wig. How many of them will own up to a lack of humor?'  Quote:  Frank Colby.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Humor;,'The satirist shoots to kill while the humorist brings his prey back alive and eventually releases him again for another chance.'  Quote:  Peter Devries.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Humor;,"'Wherever you find humor, you find pathos close by his side.'  Quote:  Percy Wipple.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Humor; Character;,'A person reveals his character by nothing so clearly as the joke he resents.'  Quote:  G. C. Lichtenberg.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Humor; Heaven;,There is no humor in heaven.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Humor; Laughter;,"'A human being should beware how he laughs, for then he shows all his faults.'  Quote:  Emerson.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Humor; Laughter;,'Good humor is one of the best articles of dress one can wear in society.' Quote:  William Thackeray,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Humor; Laughter;,"'Laughter: An interior convulsion, producing a distortion of the features and accompanied by inarticulate noises.'  Quote:  Ab.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Humor; Laughter;,'Once you get people laughing they're listening and you can tell them almost anything.'  Quote:  Herb Gardner.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Humor; Sarcasm;,"'Sarcasm I now see to be, in general, the language of the Devil; for which  reason I have, long since, as good as renounced it.' Quote:  Thomas Carlyle",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Humor; Suicide; Health;,"'If I had no sense of humor, I would long ago have committed suicide.'  Quote:  Mahatma Gandhi.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Humor; Truth;,'Humor is also a way of saying something serious.' Quote:  T. S. Elliot,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Humor; Truth;,'Humor is the good-natured side of truth.'  Quote:  Mt.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Humor; Truth;,"'Humor plays close to the big, hot fire which is Truth.'  Quote:  E. B. White.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Humor; Truth;,"'Wit has truth in it, wisecracking is simply callisthenic with words.'  Quote:  Dorothy Parker.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Humor; Truth;,"Good jests bite like lambs, not like dogs.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Humor,"'There are very few good judges of humor, and they don't agree.'  Quote:  Josh Billings.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Hunger, Children, Cure,","If 40,000 spotted owls were dying every day, there would be outrage.","But, 40,000 children are dying, and its hardly noticed. (Peter Teeley, a U.S. spokesman at the UN Summit for Children at UN headquarters in NY in 1990)",Is 33:24; Re 11:18;,"Dec 8, 1992 Aw Page 3",The Only Cure For Sick Mankind,62,,,
"Hunger, Poverty, Need, Pioneer, Missionary, Evangelizers,","We called the time we spent there, (near Nevers, France) 'the time of the seven thin cows.'  Quote: Michel and Babette Muller.","Jehovah sustained us.  One day the mailman delivered a big box of cheese.  Another time friends drove 300 miles to see us.  Having heard how hard times were, these brothers had packed their two cars with food for us.",Ge 41:3;,"Mar 1, 1996 Wt Page 24",Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,63,,1996/02/05,
"Hunger, Rationalize,","People often rationalize that they are not doing so bad, since they read Bible publications whenever they can and they are able to get to some Christian meetings. Such reasoning is a form of self-deception. It is like a man who feels that he is too busy to sit down and eat a proper meal, so he grabs a bite here and there as he dashes from one thing to another. Though he may not suffer from starvation, health problems may set in sooner or later.","Similarly, without a steady intake of nourishing spiritual food, we could soon develop weak spots in our spiritual armor.  ASK: YOURSELF: Am I as eager to spend time preparing for  meetings as I am to shop or watch TV?  Do I envy the so-called good life that others are leading?  Am I easily irradiated when other do or say something not to my liking?  Do I find counsel hard to accept, or do I  feel that others are always picking on me?  Do I find it difficult to get along with  others? Have my standards been brought down along with the world's?  Do I have specific spiritual goals?  What am I doing to reach my spiritual  goals?",2 Cor 13:5,"Apr 15, 1999 Wt Page 20",Lovers Of Pleasure Or Lovers Of God?,64,,1999/03/18,
"Hunger, World, Spiritual, Imitate, Desires, Satan,","AN ASS having heard some Grasshoppers chirping, was highly  enchanted; and, desiring to possess the same charms of melody,  demanded what sort of food they lived on to give them such  beautiful voices.  They replied, 'The dew.'  The Ass resolved that  he would live only upon dew, and in a short time died of hunger.","No matter how attractive Satan makes the world look, you will die of spiritual hunger out there.",Is 65:13;,Bobby Laymon,'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,1994/05/15,
Hunger;,'No one can worship God or love his neighbor on an empty stomach.' Quote: Ww,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Hunger; Starvation;,'An empty stomach is not a good political advisor.'  Quote:  Ae.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Hurricane, Disaster, Relief, Volunteers,","Andrew: Louisiana, 30 families lost homes (93 brothers) Struck last week in August, 1992.",Relief work sent.  Lesson: You can't put trust in material things. Righteous will be delivered from death.  That is what really counts.,"Prov. 11:4;  John 13:34, 35;","Annual Meeting Oct 3, 1992 (Phil Kirkton Notes)",Jehovah's Eyes Are Upon Us,74,,,10/23/2015
"Hurricane, Disaster, Relief, Volunteers","Andrew: Monday, Aug 24, 1992 hit Florida.  Worst natural disaster in U.S. in 100 years.  600 brother's homes destroyed.  305 tons of supplies sent in one week. By Aug 30, 70 trailers had arrived. Check given Witnesses by woman for $500. knew they were honest.","After 1st wk you could stand in Homestead and pick out homes of Witnesses. 300,000 sent by G.B. Church sold donated bread for $3 but taken away and given to JW because trustworthy.","John 13:34, 35;","Annual Meeting Oct 3, 1992 (Phil Kirkton Notes)",Jehovah's Eyes Are Upon Us,74,,,2/25/2015
"Hurricane, Disaster, Relief, Volunteers        ","Hurricane Iniki: Friday, Sep 11, 1992, struck Kawaii. 'You can only get on island if you are a Civil Defense or a Jehovah's Witnesses.' was the talk of the town.","Over $100,000 worth of supplies sent immediately by Witnesses. 30 generators in first shipment.  Hit on Friday, some went in service on Saturday, meetings still went on, on Sunday.","John 13:34, 35;","Annual Meeting Oct 3, 1992 (Phil Kirkton Notes)",Jehovah's Eyes Are Upon Us,74,,,2/25/2015
"Hurricane, Disaster, Relief, Volunteers","Info: Hurricane Iniki struck on Friday, Sept 11, 1992 on Kawaii. 3 K.H. survived. There were 800 publishers.  None were killed. One K.H. is talk of the town; built in 54 hours.  Is still stands and is now a relief center.  8-10,000 homeless.","Over 100,000 relief supplies sent immediately by Witnesses. Worried about looting, army asked permission to park on J.W. parking lot, then guarded our supplies.  Unbelieving h. cried.","John 13:34, 35;","Annual Meeting (October 3, 1992) Phil Kirkton Notes",Jehovah's Eyes Are Upon Us,74,,,2/25/2015
"Hurry, Rush, Materialism, Ambition, Happiness,","Chasing Rainbows ... an international pass time .. never catch. Many times due to poor planning, ambition, everyone else is doing. Sometimes when haste is necessary. Swift about hearing; settling matters quickly; but must be mingled","Haste has contributed to poor health, jagged nerves, unhappiness, with good sense. Jas. 1:19; Matt. 5:25; 'Do not hurry as regards mouth ...heart. Prov. 29:20; Eccl 5:2",1 Cor. 15:32; Isa. 22:13,"Nov 8, 1962 Aw Page 3, 4",Reach Out For The Real Life!,90,,,
"Hurt, Imperfections, Lemons, Experience,","A king once owned a large, beautiful, pure diamond of which he was justly proud, for it had no equal anywhere. One day, the diamond accidentally sustained a deep scratch. The king called in the most skillful diamond cutters and offered them a great reward if they could remove the imperfection from his treasured jewel, but none could repair the blemish. The king was sorely distressed.  After some time, a gifted tapidary came to the king and promised to make the rare diamond even  more beautiful than it had been before the mishap. The king was impressed by his confidence and entrusted his precious stone to his care. The man kept his word. With superb artistry, he engraved a lovely rosebud around the imperfection and he used the scratch to make the stem.","We can emulate that craftsman. When life bruises us and wounds us, we can use even the scratches to etch a portrait of beauty and charm. We can use every stumbling block for a stepping stone to a better, fuller, and richer life; a life of service. None of us are so helpless or hopeless that we are not able to bring a ray of hope to those who are without hope, and a spark of light to those in darkness.",1 Thes 5:14;,Bobby Laymon,Gaining Comfort In All Our Tribulations,105,,1997/11/14,
"Husband, Wife, Marriage, Compliment, Encourage,",'A compliment is something like a kiss through a veil.' Quote: Victor Hugo.  -1862.,"Wives, do you have deep respect for your husbands as the Scriptures encourage?  Husbands, do you commend and compliment your wife.",Eph 5:33;,Bobby Laymon,Decide Now For Divine Rulership,37,,1995/08/01,
Husband; Marriage;,'A husband who wants a happy marriage should learn to keep his mouth shut and his checkbook open.'  Quote:  Groucho.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Husband; Men;,"'All husbands are alike, but they have different faces so you can tell them apart.'  Quote:  Anonymous.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Husbands, Marriage,","All husbands are alike, but they have different faces so you can tell them apart. Quote:  Anonymous.",,,Jk Quotes;,Getting Marriage Off To A Good Start,27,,,
"Hyperbole, Humor,","Americans are said to be fond of hyperbole, an intentional exaggeration for emphasis or humorous effect.","'It's raining cats and dogs,' is an example. Also, 'I nearly died laughing.' 'I tried a thousand times.' Such statements, of course, are not literally true and this is usually understood by the listener.",Luke 13:24;,G80 9/8 26,,,,1996/01/06,
"Hypnosis, Demon, Spiritism,",Man burst into psychiatrist's office angry enough to kill wife confessed she was head over heels in love with doctor an unfortunate effect of hypnosis. Had he not been prepared for such a thing could got severe beating or lost his life,It is a dangerous thing.  Not to be used by Christians.,"Deuteronomy. 18:10,11","Johnse Laymon  May 22, 1965 Aw Pg 8",What Is Behind The Spirit Of Rebellion?,33,,,
Hypocrisy,"Blackbird and Peacocks: Blackbird wanted to best-looking, glued peacock feathers on.  Almost picked most beautiful, exposed.",Nothing hidden not made secret,Ps 55:21;,Aesop's Fables,A Clean People Honors Jehovah,14,,,
"Hypocrisy,","'Where there is no religion, hypocrisy becomes good taste.' Quote: George Bernard Shaw.",Religious hypocrisy is the most reprehensible form of violation of  God's moral laws.,2 Ti 3:5;,Jk Quotes;,Does God Count You Personally Important?,26,,,
"Hypocrisy, Children, Family, Marriage, Home, Youth, Dating,","'Youth though it may lack knowledge, is certainly not devoid of intelligence.  It sees through shams with sharp and terrible eyes.'  Quote - Mencken",Youth sees through hypocrisy quickly,2 Tim. 2:22; Prov. 22:6; 23:13; Deuteronomy. 6: 4-8; Eph. 5:22-33;,Bobby Laymon,Family Life That Warms The Heart,5,,,
"Hypocrisy, Evil, Wicked,",A bad man is worse when he pretends to be a saint. --Francis Bacon,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Hypocrite, Children, Family, Marriage, Home, Youth, Dating,","Children seldom misquote you.  In fact, they usually repeat word for word what you shouldn't have said.",Children are not hypocrites by nature.,2 Tim. 2:22; Prov. 22:6; 23:13; Deuteronomy. 6: 4-8; Eph. 5:22-33;,Bobby Laymon,Family Life That Warms The Heart,5,,,
"Hypocrite, Deceit, Two Faced, Adjust,","Hold with the hare, and run with the hound.","We must not be two-faced, even when caught in the middle.",Matt. 24:13; Heb. 12:3; Gal. 6:1; 1 Cor. 15:58; Heb. 13:5;,Bobby Laymon,A Clean People Honors Jehovah,14,,,
"Hypocrite, Reasonable, Mercy, Compassion",Hypocrite: the man who murdered both his parents ... pleaded for mercy on the grounds that he was an orphan. --Abraham Lincoln,Mercy must have a basis.,Matt 5:7; 9:13;,Jk Quotes;,"Mercy, A Dominant Quality Of True Christians",7,,,
"Hypocrite, Worship, Dress, Grooming,","Elder went to kingdom hall on vacation with his beard grown out. Wearing of mini-skirts, etc.",Apply to how persons view the truth.,Re 1:3;,Johnse,'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
Hypocrites,"Gnat; strain out, but gulp down camel.   Pharisees did everything for show. scripture-containing cases fringes of garments etc.","Not because an insect, but ceremonially unclean; camel also uncle",Matt 22   Mark 12  Luke 20,"Feb 15, 1990 Wt Page 8,9   Jesus",A Clean People Honors Jehovah,14,,,
Hypocrites,"Many who say, 'Our father' on Sunday spends the rest of the week acting like orphans.",Many say things or preach things but don't practice them.,"Matt.6:9,10 Matt15:5-7",J. Laymon,A Clean People Honors Jehovah,14,,,
"Hypocrites, Lie,","'Just as a flower which seems beautiful and has color but no perfume, so are the fruitless words of the man who speaks them but does them not.'     Quote: The Dhammapada (c. B.C. 300)",We must not be like the hypocrites of Jesus' day.,"Mt 23:2,3,13,15;",Wisdom Of The Ages,A Clean People Honors Jehovah,14,,,
"Hypocrites, Pharisees, Sadducees,","Sometimes you hear the expression, 'Plastic Person.'  Usually applied to someone who looks perfect, with every hair in place, etc.  Sometimes movie stars are like this but after their death you find out how immoral they were.","The Pharisees were like that.  They were 'Plastic Persons.'  They appeared to be perfect, but inside they were full of deceit, and hatred.",Matt 23:2-15;,Jerry Steel,Are You Content With Jehovah's Provisions?,22,,1997/04/18,
"Hypothalamus Gland, Creation, Hormones, Communication, Body,",As a bather uses his finger to test the temperature of the water in his tub ...,"The hypothalamus pokes wrinkled fingerlike sensors to test the blood to see if it is too cool, or hot.  It tests: Are you hungry?  Are you thirsty?  by testing glucose and salt level",1co 12:18; Ps 139:14;,"Apr 22, 1992 Aw Page 20",Appreciating Marvels Of God's Creation,114,,,
"Hypothalamus Gland, Creation, Hormones, Communication, Body,","It is like sending money to the bank as a deposit, or making a withdrawal.","The hypothalamus checks the calcium level, and if too low it makes a withdrawal from the bones; If too high, it makes a deposit in the same way.",1co 12:18; Ps 139:14;,"Apr 22, 1992 Aw Page 20",Appreciating Marvels Of God's Creation,114,,,
"Idea, Help, Prayer, Comfort,",Help From on High.,"There are no barriers to Jehovah's spirit.  No prison walls  and bars.  Even if others forsake us, as Jesus disciples did, Jehovah will send help from on high.",Mt 4:11; 26:53;,Dch;wt72 Pg 527,Prayers That Are Heard By God.,86,,1993/10/04,
"Idea, Plans, Work, Effort,",Ideas never work unless you do.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Idea, Simple,",Every important idea is simple.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Idea; Progress, Complain, Joy, Contentment, Territory, Assignment,",Moving Ahead While Standing Still.,We can find joy in our present assignment.  Not complaining.  Not walking over others in order to progress at their expense.,Php 2:14;,Dch;wt67 Pg457-470,Serve Jehovah With A Joyful Heart,78,,1993/10/04,
"Idealist, Uncertain, Confusion,",'I'm an idealist. I don't know where I'm going but I'm on my way.'  Quote: Carl Sandburg.,"We need Christ's leadership.  Without leadership, the result is discord, confusion, and unhappiness.",Eph 5:22-24;,Jk Quotes;,Into The New Order Under Christ's Leadership,56,,,
"Ideals, Self Esteem, Goals,",Some men can live up to their loftiest ideals without ever going higher than a basement. --Theodore Roosevelt,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Ideas, Caution, Goals, Reasonable, Moderation,",Great ideas need landing gear as well as wings. C. D. Jackson,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Ideas, Goals, Ambition, Hope, Faith,","Man's mind, once stretched by a new idea, never regains its original dimensions. OWH",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Ideas, Opinions, Theories,","'New ideas can be good or bad, just the same as old ones.'  Quote: Franklin D. Roosevelt.","Ideas, old and new should be based solidly on God's Word and principals.",Ps 119:105;,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Ideas, Reason, Wisdom, Knowledge, Thinking,","'Bring in ideas and entertain them royally, for one of them may be king.'  Quote: Mark Van Doren.",Don't belittle ideas that may at first seem strange to you.,Prov. 18:13;,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Identify, Love, Mark, Religion,","A coral snake is extremely poisonous.  It is important to be able to identify them.  They are marked by broad black and red bands, separated by narrow yellow ones.  However, non-poisonous snakes have similar markings.  Rule is: 'Red on Yellow, Kill a Fellow.'","It is just as important to be able to identify the true religion because it too, can mean life to you.  It is identified by love.","Jn 13:34, 35;",Joe Laymon,Love Identifies The True Christian Congregation,72,,,
"Identity, Demons, Lies, Satan, Devil, Medium, Séances, Witchcraft,","Disquieting cases of mistaken identity turn up from time to time in the law courts. . . . Passports, social security cards and even fingerprints can be faked. And somewhere in the world practically everybody has his or her double. (Stalin and Hitler are said to have employed half a dozen or more.)","If it is so difficult, even here and now, to prove scientifically that I am I and you are you, how much harder must it be to demonstrate that the person speaking through the mouth of a medium is in fact the person he says he is.  It is doubly difficult to assess claims that specific dead people have been heard from in séances through mediums.'",John 8:44;,W55 9/15 564-5,How To Protect Ourselves From Satan's Snares,115,,1994/07/25,
"Idleness, Ambition,",'Idle hands are the Devil's workshop',Idleness can be dangerous.,Ezek. 16:49; Eccl. 5:12,Bobby Laymon,Taking Time To Meditate On Spiritual Things,67,,,
"Idleness, Ambition,",'Idleness is the Dead Sea that swallows all the virtues and is the self-made sepulcher of a living man.' Quote: author Frances Quarles.,Minds and hands should be occupied.,Ezek. 16:49; Eccl. 5:12,"Nov 22, 1962 Aw Page 3",Taking Time To Meditate On Spiritual Things,67,,,
"Idleness, Ambition,",'The dry rot in men is a tendency to lurk and lounge.' Quote: Charles Dickens,Idleness can be dangerous.,Ezek. 16:49; Eccl. 5:12,"Nov 22, 1962 Aw Page 3",Taking Time To Meditate On Spiritual Things,67,,,
"Idleness, Ambition,","A stagnant pool breeds scum, disease and filth. Wrong desire then express themselves in bad action. (Explains decay of Roman Empire in article)",Evil thoughts intrude upon the idle mind and are nourished there.,Ezek. 16:49; Eccl. 5:12,"Nov 22, 1962 Aw Page 3",Taking Time To Meditate On Spiritual Things,67,,,
Idleness;,"If the Devil finds a man idle, he'll set him to work.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Idol, Images, Worship,","The artist often comes to be identified with what he is singing about.  Once someone is submerged in this world of fantasy, it can lead to his idolizing the performer. It may begin quite harmlessly by a person's asking for an autograph as a souvenir. But some come to view the artist as their ideal, and by putting him on a pedestal, they make him into an idol.","Yes, only God deserves adoration or worship.","Rev 22:8,9;",W93 1/15 29,Who Is Your God?,52,,1995/01/23,
"Idol, Images, Worship, Pictures,",Jehovah told his people to make an image of two golden cherubs for the ark of the covenant.  It is evident that they were not to be venerated.,"Not all images are idols.  We use pictures in the publications, but like the Israelites, who did not worship the cherubs, we do not worship the pictures.","Exodus 25:1, 18; 26; 1, 31-33; Heb 9:24, 25; Col 2:18; Re 19:10; 22:8","Jan 15, 1993 Wt Page 20",Who Is Your God?,52,,,
"Idol, Images, Worship, Religion, Christendom,","Take a supposedly holy image, throw it into a river or a blazing fire. Is it able to swim about like a man, or does it leap out of the flames to save itself from being consumed?","It an image cannot protect itself, how will it protect you?","Ps. 115:4-8; Exodus. 20:4, 5; Ps. 83:18; John 4:24; Isa. 42:8;","Apr 15, 1964 Wt Page 246",Religion's Time Of Judgment,83,,,
"Idolatry, Images, Worship, Religion, Disfellowshipped,",Have you ever seen anyone disfellowshipped for idolatry?  I don't know of anyone.  Maybe we just didn't recognize it.,"For some their 'god is their belly.'  Others have larger than life picture of rock stars in their homes.  As well as we love our circuit overseer,  brother and sister ______.  I have never seen a larger-than-life size picture of them in anyone's home.   Maybe we just didn't recognize idolatry.",Gal 5:19-21,Don Mendinghall D.O.,How To Protect Ourselves From Satan's Snares,115,,1994/03/20,
"Idolatry, Worship, Christendom,","'Elvis Presley--My God' painted on Bamboo Cathedral in Munich. Teenage girls above guilty of idolatry; attachment to animal pet; science, sex, physical power, comfort, self.",Many ways one can commit idolatry.,Exodus. 20:3-5,"Jan 15, 1963 Wt Page 53",Religion's Role In World Affairs.,92,,,
"Idolize, Material Things","Some idolize material things.  For example take a man who has bought a car; a car that cost six figures, he cleans it; makes always shining, and when he is done he goes inside.  But then he hears the locking of breaks and bam!!!!!!!!  He runs outside to find is car has just been hit.  And he says, Oh MY GOD!  He sums it up with those words.  It is his God.",Do we keep our view of material things in its place?,2 Cor. 5:7; 1 John 2:15-17,Jim Kinkade,Does God Approve Of The Use Of Images In Worship?,136,,"Oct 30, 2001",
"Idols, Images,","In the world series of 1967 a woman changed her name from Mrs. St. Louis to Mrs. Red Sox, hoping to help her favorites to win. They did not!","Sports heroes, musicians, Hitler, Lenin, Pope Paul VI all have been objects of idolatry.","Isa. 40:7, 8; 55:8; Genesis. 3:6-19; Eph. 6:2; 1pe. 2:17;","May 15, 1968 Wt Page 309, 310",Who Is Your God?,52,,,
"Idols, Images, Beatles,","'Christianity will go.  It will vanish and shrink.  We're more popular than Jesus Christ now; I don't know which will go first, rock 'n' roll or Christianity.  Jesus was all right but his disciples were thick and ordinary.' Quote (one of Beatles)","Since turned to drugs and spiritism, and idolizing by millions.","2co. 6:14-18; Ga. 5:20, 21; Re. 22:15;","May 15, 1968 Wt Page 312",Who Is Your God?,52,,,
"Ignorance, Foolish, Thinking, Attitude,",'To be ignorant of one's ignorance is the malady of the ignorant.' Quote: Amos Bronson Alcott.  -1877.,"Human thinking is often based on sentiment, guesswork, or limited    experience.  However, as they say, ignorance of the law is no excuse.",Prov 16:25; Rom 1:18;,Bobby Laymon,Does Your Thinking Agree With God's?,53,,1995/08/01,
"Ignorance, Knowledge,",'You mustn't enthrone ignorance just because there is so much of it.'  Quote: American Proverb.,An abundance does not make something right.,Exodus 23:2;,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Ignorance, Understanding, Wisdom, Knowledge",It is harder to conceal ignorance than to acquire knowledge. Arnold Glasgow,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Ignorance, Understanding, Wisdom, Knowledge,",I honestly believe it is better to know nothing than to know what ain't so.  -Josh Billings,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Ignorance, Understanding, Wisdom, Knowledge,",IGNORANCE - What you don't know can't hurt you.,,,Jk Quotes;,Your Future--how Can It Be Known?,19,,,
"Ignorance, Understanding, Wisdom, Knowledge,",Ignorance combined with silence is sometimes mistaken for wisdom.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Ignorance, Understanding, Wisdom, Knowledge,","Ignorance doesn't kill you, but it makes you sweat a lot. Haitian Proverb RD",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Ignorance, Understanding, Wisdom, Knowledge,",Ignorance is not innocence but sin.  Robert Browning,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Ignorance, Understanding, Wisdom, Knowledge,",It is sure to be dark if you shut your eyes.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Ignorance, Understanding, Wisdom, Knowledge,",Nothing is worse than active ignorance. --Johann Wolfgang von Goethe,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Ignorance, Understanding, Wisdom, Knowledge,",What a lot of things we do not know. Daniel of Ghent-motto,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Ignorance, Understanding, Wisdom, Knowledge,",What he doesn't know would make a library anybody would be proud of. Anonymous.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Ignorance, Understanding, Wisdom, Knowledge,",Where ignorance is bliss 'tis folly to be wise. --Thomas Gray,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Ignorance, Understanding, Wisdom, Knowledge,",You are better off not knowing how sausages and laws are made. Washington DC adage.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Ignorance, Understanding, Wisdom, Knowledge, Imagination, Goals, Ideas,",IMAGINATION - Imagination is more important than knowledge. Albert Einstein,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Ignorance, Understanding, Wisdom, Knowledge, Science, Imagination,",Science does not know its debt to imagination. --Ralph Waldo Emerson,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Ignorance, Wisdom, Folly, Literature, Humor,","'The grand leap of the whale up the Fall of Niagara is esteemed, by all who have seen it, as one of the finest spectacles in nature.'  Quote: Benjamin Franklin.  [speaking about the ignorance of some about the United States]","It is good to have a sense of humor in one's life.  Learned men have always appreciated the obstacles that humor can overcome.  It can be of great value in marriage, if we laugh at ourselves.",Ro 12:17;,Bobby Laymon,Getting Marriage Off To A Good Start,27,,1995/07/17,
Ignorance;,'The happiness of those who cannot think!'  Quote:  Alex Pope.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Ignorance; Knowledge;,'He knows so little and knows it so fluently.'  Quote:  Ellen Gas low.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Ignorant, Stupid, Foolish, Bible, Truth,",'Ignorant men don't know what good they hold in their hands until They've flung it away.'  Quote:--Sophocles.,How true regarding God's kingdom and Bible truth.,2 Tim 3:16;,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Illiterate, Publications, Study - Education - Reading - School",'A man that does not read good books has no advantage over the one who cannot read.'   Quote- Mark Twain,We could be illiterate and not know it.,Isa. 50:4; Isa. 54:13; John 6:45; Deuteronomy. 4:5; Acts 22:3,Bobby Laymon,Do You Recognize Jehovah's Sovereignty In Your Personal Life?,75,,,
"Illustration, Bible, Reading, Gideon,","Live what you read, drive the horses, taste the food, blow trumpet (See article for good verse by verse description of how Bible- reading should live.",Vivid description of Gideon,Judges 6:1 - 8:,"Sep 1, 1962 Wt Page 525",Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,,
"Illustration, Sex, World, Television, Loyalty,","You're watching television and all of a sudden this pizza commercial comes on.  It's steaming, it has your favorite topping and they lift up the top, and all this cheese is streaming out, and your mouth is watering.  You will probably order some now or later.",Illustrations should grab your attention.  Also power of world does.  (Then the program begins and it's about sex.) Will you be loyal and turn it off?,1 Jo 2:15-17;,Robert Schwarze,A Godly View Of Sex And Marriage,13,,,
"Illustration, Teaching, Instruct,",A picture is worth a thousand words,A good teaching point will be long remembered.,1 Ki. 4:32; Job 13:12; 1 Sam. 24:13; Prov. 1:6,Bobby Laymon,Why Live By Bible Standards?,88,,,
"Illustration, Teaching, Talk, School,",A while back I went to make keys for the Kingdom Hall.  Four or five different people in two different places tried to make it before I found someone who could.  I discovered it is not easy to make this key.,"Sometimes it is not easy to come up with good illustrations, but it's worth the effort because we unlock knowledge for our audience.",Mt 13:34;,Johnse Laymon,Why Live By Bible Standards?,88,,1994/01/11,
"Illustration, Teaching, Talk, School,",Brother told illustration used about clean new earth in New York City.  'In new world we will wake up to the birds singing not coughing and croaking like they do in New York City.',"Brothers were offended.  He soon learned you don't joke about New York to New Yorkers.  They love the place.  Know your audience, make your illustrations fit your audience.",Mt 13:31;,Johnse Laymon  Sam  Herd D.O.,"As Christians, We Care About Other People",15,,1994/01/11,6/28/2018
"Illustration, Teaching, Talk, School,",Illustration is like a key to unlock our house.  Have you ever tried to unlock a house and have the wrong key?  You could ruin the lock or break key off in it.,"An illustration unlocks knowledge to audience, but we have to be sure the illustration fits your subject and your audience, may confuse audience ruin your talk.","Mt 13:33, 34;",Johnse Laymon,Will You Be A Survivor Of The 'last Days'?,2,,1994/01/11,
Illustration;,"'Man-made heroes, Lone Ranger, Superman,                '     '   '   League of Nations, United Nations'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Illustrations,A man's style of speech reveals what kind of person he is. Painted word picture of men with rafters in their eyes trying to pick straws from the eyes of others; herdsman offering pearls to swine; houses on sand crashing in the storm; men cutting off hands.,Jesus descriptions were vivid. & plucking out eyes; offenders with huge millstones around necks. camels squeezing through eyes of sewing needles. swallowing camels.,Matt. 18:23-35 Mark 12:37,"Apr 1, 1960 Wt Page 200-212",'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
Illustrations,Tongue will reject too much salt. Use tasteful ones your audience will appreciate.,"Use moderation, whether you use one throughout talk or several.",Mark 4:34,"Mar 8, 1962 Aw Page 23",,,,,
Illustrations,"Who was greatest teacher?  If anyone could get point across without using illustrations, who would you say could do it? Why did Bible say, 'without an illustration he would not speak to them?",Should follow Jesus example in teaching,Matt. 13:34,Johnse Laymon,,,,,
"Illustrations,",Would you go out in public undressed?  Naked?  Never! you might say.,Giving a public talk without illustrations or teaching points can likewise make one feel naked.  Jesus always used illustrations when teaching.,Mt 13:34;,Scott Rudolph,,,,,
"Illustrations, Fitting, School,","A brother told of using the expression, 'Indian-giver' while giving a talk in Canada.  A brother came up after the talk and explained that 80% of the audience were 'Indians.'  He had offended the audience.  [Told by Bill Osbeck, C.O.]",We must be careful to take our audience and listeners into consideration when using illustrations and comments.  Illustrations should fit the audience.,"Mt 13:33, 34;",Bobby Laymon,"As Christians, We Care About Other People",15,,1994/04/17,
"Illustrations, Parables, Teaching,",If you were going to build a house what would be the most valuable tool that you must have? Hammer would it not? It would be impossible to build a house without one wouldn't it?   You use a Hammer for every stage in building a house.,"Likewise it is almost impossible to accomplish our goal of teaching people without use the proper tools and Illustrations is a tool that you should use in every stage of teaching, because it helps people remember what their being taught.",Matthew 13:34;,Scott Rudolph,Slave For The Master Of The Harvest,66,,1997/05/27,
"Illustrations, Parables, Teaching,",INSPIRED Bible spokesmen and writers were master painters of word sketches. They conveyed powerful messages by means of colorful words that sketched in the minds of men unforgettable pictures.,Many of these brilliant word sketches contained background scenes that added force to the original utterances.  How does your teaching measure up?,1 Tim 4:16;,W58 3/15 173,Slave For The Master Of The Harvest,66,,1995/01/27,
"Illustrations, Teaching,","CAN you recall an illustration you heard, perhaps in a public discourse, many years ago? Effective illustrations are not quickly forgotten. One author noted that illustrations 'turn ears into eyes and free listeners to think with pictures in their heads.' Because we often think best in pictures, illustrations can make concepts easier to grasp. Illustrations can breathe life into words, teaching lessons that become fixed in our memory.",No teacher on earth has ever been more skillful at using illustrations than was Jesus Christ.,Matt. 13:34;,"Sep 1, 2002 Wt Page 13",,,,"Aug 7, 2002",
"Illustrations, Teaching, School,","'I hear, I forget; I see, I remember.' Quote: Ancient saying.",We must draw a mental picture to help persons remember.  The illustration is the conveyer of the point; not the point itself.,Matt 13:47-50; Luke 15:3-10;,"Kingdom Ministry School Dec 22, 23, 1994",,,,1994/12/25,
"Illustrations; body parts,","Each morning, get up go to the bathroom and hold up your foot to the mirror?'","Body parts, some are more important.",,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Illustrations;,"'Butterfly coming out of its cocoon...small hole it has to force its way out...puts forth effort but doing so pushes life force out the ends of its wings.  But when someone helped by making the hole bigger butterfly died shortly thereafter, didn't exert himself and he couldn't fly...We need to exert ourselves now to  get through the Great tribulation.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Illustrations;,'Classroom-teacher leaves-chaos- how well did you do on that test?             Distracted.   Last days-chaos.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Illustrations;,'Custom=Necktie custom = Encyclopedia = Cravat-Leathernecks-ruffle-1530 Carbat-ascot.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Illustrations;,"'Decisions-fork in road-sign 'choose carefully which rut you take, for you'll be in it for 20 miles.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Illustrations; blood,","'Don't drink gasoline, it doesn't matter whether its regular or unleaded.","Don't eat blood, animal or human.'",,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Illustrations;,'Family life: If everything else fails read the instructions. Bible',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Illustrations;,'Funnel  -  Strainer - new system',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Illustrations; gossip, talk, speech,","'Goats butt, sheep do not.","Do not ram one another. -gossip,      critical talk.'",,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Illustrations;,"'Having given the human race enough rope, it is obvious that the human race is about to hang itself.  Mendenhall'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Illustrations;,'How many of you are driving your 5th or 6th Armageddon car?',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Illustrations;,'If the way we proved our love for God was by eating.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Illustrations;,'Kingdom in midst?  Talking to Pharisees at the time. Luke 17:21',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Illustrations; territory,",'Last thing Jesus did on this earth was give out territory.',"""All authority has been given me in heaven and on the earth. Go therefore and make disciples of people of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the holy spirit,","Matthew 28:18, 19;",Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Illustrations;,'Reflect like mirrors the glory of Jehovah.  Mirrors have to be clean to reflect well.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Illustrations;,"'Road signs, driving along and ever miss one?  Daily cares of life, don't miss the signs Jehovah gives.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Illustrations;,"'Sheep go bah, bah, bah. Jehovah's sheep go blah, blah, blah.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Illustrations; single, marriage,",'Single person will do better: Train-to move just the engine-easy and quickly-what happens when you start adding cars?  two-three-ten-takes longer to get going.---,freedom single person has.',,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Illustrations;,"'Spiritual canning: Summer available, easy.  Winter, hard times.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Illustrations;,'Theme of a talk is likened to a steering wheel. Can't drive a car without steering wheel and can't direct a talk without theme.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Illustrations;,'Unevenly yoked: Orchestra playing Rossini's William Tell Overture accompanied by a kazoo.  Marriage to an unbeliever.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Illustrations;,'We see light bulbs and phones so we don't doubt the existence of Edison or Bell.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Illustrations;,'What farmers call cleaned up ground to make new field?  'New ground',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Illustrations;,AC spark plug commercial - tough but oh so gentle.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Illustrations;,"Barnacles: They're menace of every shipyard, a sailor's nightmare. Once they've selected your ship as home, virtually irremovable. Their presence slows down a ship considerably, increasing fuel consumption some 40 times. Acorn barnacle secretes cement so strong: film 3/10,000 of an inch in thickness, possesses a sheer strength of 7,000 lbs. per sq inch. Tested: subjected to 600 degrees F. will not melt. subjected to 380 degrees F below zero will not crack or peel. Cement highly resistant to most acids, alkalis and organic solvents. Barnacles know how to stick to things.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Illustrations;,"Bible is to some: a centerpiece, a picture album, an heirloom, an antique.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Illustrations; Bible, Babylon,","Bible=Sword=Christendom doesn't use it right, hold the wrong end, no handle.","Hebrew handle, Greek blade.",,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Illustrations; goals, ","Blind leading the blind, shot in the dark, grabbing at straws, a ship without a rudder, going in circles,  what do all these things have in common?  lack of direction.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,2/7/2018
Illustrations;,"CTL intro:  Pick up paper, read it, go back in a few days and read that paper again?  Nobody saves newspapers unless they're recycling or training a dog.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Illustrations; chair, action, ","DON'T BE A SPIRITUAL CHAIR  In every (or in this) congregation there is a group that is a stable support for the entire congregation.   This group never misses any meetings. They're present for each and every talk.    And yet, spiritually speaking, this group is completely and absolutely worthless!   How could anyone attend every meeting, every talk and be worthless, spiritually speaking?    This group is the chairs in the Kingdom Hall. They never miss any talk, any meeting. The problem is, after every meeting and talk, they just sit there, they do absolutely nothing about what they've heard.    Are we a spiritual chair?  Or, are we spiritually active, acting on what we've heard.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,2/7/2018
"Illustrations; meetings, studying,","Fan flame, meetings and study fans the flames of truth in our hearts.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,2/7/2018
"Illustrations; wickedness, ",Fire in top of tree. sparks scatter and cause fires all over. no good until put out fire in the tree tip...can't stomp out wickedness in this system...must get and superhuman source.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,2/7/2018
"Illustrations; shaped, molded,","Great Potter-Jehovah - how we respond to waters of truth; allow ourselves to be molded , shaped through Bible study, dedication , go through fire as literal pot does; then we in turn carry waters of truth to others.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,2/7/2018
"Illustrations; tulips, snow, aliens, ",Late snow in Minnesota.  June 6 there was 6 inches of snow.  Saw tulip popping up through the snow...looked like little people.,"They looked like alien residents in a foreign land!  If they could talk it would seem that they would say, What am I doing here?  What do I do now?  We should feel very out of place in this system of things....we are alien residents.",,Jk Quotes;,,,,,2/7/2018
Illustrations;,"Lemmings-lemus=Latin  all heading for same place, sea of debt (or something else in system) not all lemmings end up in the sea.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Illustrations; teenagers, youth, ",Life is like river a canoe or kayak. Teenage years are the rapids.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,2/7/2018
"Illustrations; meditation,",Meditation: parents tell children 'chew your food' Why? because derive more benefit from it.  Meditation.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,2/7/2018
"Illustrations; Motivated, ","Plates spinning: teach studies to be self-propelled, or are we self-propelled or have to be pushed by others in the truth.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,2/7/2018
"Illustrations; geese, Communication,","The geese in formation honk from behind to encourage those up front to keep up their speed. - The lesson for us - We need to make sure our 'honking' from behind is encouraging.    Also, as each bird flaps its wings, it creates an uplift for the one behind it. ",By flying in a 'V' formation the whole flock adds 71% to the range possible for a bird flying alone.  - People who share a common direction and sense of communication can get where they're going more quickly and easily because they're traveling on each others energy.,"Hebrews 10:24,25",Jk Quotes;,,,,,6/20/2025
"Illustrations; discipline children, ","Which is easier, to dig hole, or just keep it clean of leaves and such?  Discipline kids at first hard, but then just have to keep the leaves out.",,,Jk Quotes;,Parents are you building with fire resistant materials ,,,,2/7/2018
"Illustrations; reasons, ",Why reasons are so important: Sigh: No Swimming! or No Swimming-Piranhas!   No Trespassing or No Trespassing - mine fields!,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,2/7/2018
Illustrations; Distractions;,"AT SYMPHONY ATTENDED BY BROTHER:   NO CHILDREN UNDER 6 YEARS OLD.  IF YOU LEAVE AUDITORIUM, YOU COULDN'T GET BACK IN UNTILL INTERMISSION.  HAD A BIG TUB OF COUGH DROPS IN THE LOBBY.    ALL TO AVOID DISTRACTION DURING SYMPHONY.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Illustrations; Forever, Everlasting,",Largest number known to man. A googolplex:  a 1 followed by 100 zeros.  Living forever - longer than a googolplex.,"One day we will know how to count higher than a googolplex, because we will be older than that.  However we will never find out all the details of Jehovah's creation.",Ecclesiastes 3:11; 8:17; John 17:3,Jk Quotes;,Can You Live Forever?--will You?,35,,,
"Illustrations; Movies, Satan, dress, conduct, ","If you were going to poison someone, you would put the poison in something that tastes good!   Satan-movies etc.","Satan dresses up his poison through music, cards with grotesque figures, violent toys, use of Ouija boards, television shows featuring occult practices, videos showing sadistic horror movies, astrological forecasts, and questionable reading material, cross-dressing (wearing clothes of opposite sex) and unisex apparel.",1 John 5:19; Eph 6:11;,Jk Quotes;,How To Protect Ourselves From Satan's Snares,115,,,2/7/2018
"Illustrations; Purpose,",'New Cadillac-remove stump-complain that transmission went out-General Motors would think it was General Stupidity. Use of something or somebody for wrong purpose.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Illustrations; Tracts, Literature,","'Wad a piece of paper up and throw it on the floor. Seems so insignificant, blowing around, (talk on tracts. etc.) End pick it up, unwad it, ten dollar bill, So just because something is small doesn't mean its not valuable.'","The truth about the Kingdom is explained with simplicity in the brochures Enjoy Life on Earth Forever!, 'Look! I Am Making All Things New,' and The Government That Will Bring Paradise. They vividly portray life on earth under God's Kingdom, and they direct the reader to the Kingdom realities that are explained in God's Word.",1 Cor. 9:23;,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Image, Idol,",Would you fall on your knees if an angel brought a special message to you? And told you Christ had chosen you to write an inspired book of the Sacred Scriptures? And gave you a vision of future events?,"John was warned, 'Be careful! Do not do that!",Rev. 19:10; 22:9;,"Jan 22, 1964 Aw Page 5",Who Is Your God?,52,,,
"Image, Idol, Worship,",As a husband has a right to expect his wife's faithfulness.,"So, the Creator is justified in expecting his creatures to worship him alone.",Rev. 19:10; 22:9;,"Jan 22, 1964 Aw Page 6",Who Is Your God?,52,,,
Images,"Legs, but can't walk; eyes but can't see. (Handicapped) Those making them become just like them. (sadistic etc)",Images much more handicapped: Dead:,Ps. 115:4-8,Bobby Laymon,Who Is Your God?,52,,,
Images,"Maker of images, son smashes all but one; that one did it. Father says, Impossible Why are you worshiping them?",Foolish to worship images,Josh 24:3,Johnse (Jewish Tradition),Who Is Your God?,52,,,
Images,"Man who Smashed the Idol Prayed for wealth, became angry, smashed idol, gold coins poured out. Do opposite of what I ask.","Prayer & hope must be to right person Jehovah's people have indeed found wealth, but doing away with images.",Mt 4:10;,Aesop's Fables,Who Is Your God?,52,,,
"Images, Pictures, Idols, Worship,","Suppose you have a picture on your wall.  Someone asks who it is and you say, 'That's the missionaries who visited us last summer.'  They say, 'but it doesn't look anything like them.'  'Actually,' you admit, 'That is the pictures that came with the frame, but it helps me remember them.'  How ridiculous!  How would the missionaries feel if they returned and saw their so-called picture?","Yet, that is the way people use images, statues and idols.  They don't look anything like who they are suppose to represent, yet people say it reminds them of God or Jesus.","John 4:23, 24; Isa. 42:8",Brian Ralfson,Does God Approve Of The Use Of Images In Worship?,136,,"Apr 23, 2002",
"Imagination, Ignorance, Understanding, Wisdom, Knowledge,","Imagination is a quality given a man to compensate him for what he is not, and a sense of humor was provided to console him for what he is. --Oscar Wilde",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Imagination, Ignorance, Understanding, Wisdom, Knowledge,",Imagination rules the world. --Napoleon Bonaparte,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Imagination, Mind, Thinking, Loneliness, Suffer, Boredom,",'Often it is just lack of imagination that keeps a man from suffering very much.'  Quote: Marcel Proust.,Sometimes boredom can be overcome by using our minds.,1 Pet 1:13;,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Imagination, Pretense, Knowledge, Facts,",'Imagination is the highest kite that one can fly.'  Quote: Lauren Bacall.,"What we want is not theories or stories about Jehovah, but facts.",John 17:3;,Bobby Laymon - Reader's Digest,How Well Do You Know God?,1,,1996/03/21,
"Imagination, Wisdom,",Imagination is not a talent of some men but is the health of every man.  Ralph Waldo Emerson,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Imitate, Copy, Model,","'To copy others is necessary, but to copy oneself is pathetic.'  Quote: --Pablo Picasso.",Our prime example to copy is Christ Jesus.,1 Pet 2:21;,Jk Quotes;,Into The New Order Under Christ's Leadership,56,,,
"Imitate, Example, Jesus, Follow,",'Monkey see - monkey do.'  At the zoo we noticed boys watching the gorillas.  The gorillas began throwing things.  After a short time the boys were throwing things also.  'Humans see - humans do.',We are born imitators.  Because of this we must be careful of who we follow or imitate.  We could follow the lead of the wrong one.,Acts 5:35-37;,Mike Hart,'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,1993/12/07,
"Imitate, Example, Jesus, Follow,","Suppose I am blind, and I reached out and took hold of the first one who came by me.  I don't know it, but he is blind also.",There is a danger of following just anyone.  We must be selective.  Otherwise the blind could be following the blind.,Mt 15:14;,Mike Hart,'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,1993/12/07,
"Imitate, Example, Jesus, Follow,","The person who won the decathlon [an athletic contest] one year, took the previous winner's picture and put it on the wall.  He cut off his head and pasted a picture of his own head in its place.  Each day he would look at it and picture himself winning.  He used the previous winner as his model to get himself in shape to win.",Jesus Christ is our model.  We need to copy his example and follow his steps closely.,"Heb 12:2, 3; Mt 3:16, 17; Acts 4:20; Mt 17:5;",Mike Hart,'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,1993/12/07,
"Imitate, Follow, Example, Bible,","Everyone, sometime or other tries to imitate someone.  It can be an influence to either good or bad.","We have two primary examples to imitate:  Jehovah and Christ Jesus.  We should imitate their qualities of love, justice, wisdom and power.  Reading the Bible will help us to do this.","2 Tim 3:16, 17;","Kingdom Ministry School Dec 22, 23, 1994",,,,1994/12/25,
"Imitate, Follow, Example, Christ, Leadership,",Have you ever seen the game follow the leader.  How do you know they are playing that?  How can you tell?  Because they are following one person.,By our action we show whether or not we are following Christ Jesus.,Jer. 10:23;,Robert Schwarze,Into The New Order Under Christ's Leadership,56,,1999/02/01,
"Imitate, Follow, Example, Jesus, Steps, Personality, Filter, Speech,",A filter strains out the undesirable qualities of a liquid or other material.  It only allows what is pure and desirable to go through.,Before we say something - try to filter it through the personality of Jesus Christ.,Mt 19:27-29;,Brother Weigle - Bethel,'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,1993/12/08,
"Imitate, Know, Copy, Example,","It is like a child learning his ABC's.  He first learns to copy them from the blackboard, or from a chart.  Some learn to copy them very well.",We must learn to imitate Jehovah's thinking and actions.   Only in this way can we know and be like God.,"Is 55:6, 7; Eph 4:32-5:1; Col 3:10;",Tim Gwilliams,How Well Do You Know God?,1,,,
"Imitate, Model, Example, Copy, Parrot,","When people are free to do as they please, they usually imitate each other.  -Eric Hoffer",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Imitate, Pioneer,","A sweet potato was asked by an Irish potato who she wanted to marry when she grew up.  She wanted to marry Dan Rather. He exclaimed, 'You can't marry him!  He's only a common tater.' 'You need to be an imitator.'",We don't want to be a common tater.  We want to be an imitator. Need to imitate Christ's footsteps.,2 Th 3:9; Heb 13:7;,Al Larue,Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,63,,,
"Immoral, Thoughts, Deaden,",Rust is not removed from metal by merely brushing off the corrosion.,"Therefore, do not lightly brush off immoral ideas and tendencies as though they were of little significance.  Take strong measures to rid yourself of immoral leanings.","Matt 5:29, 30; Col 3:5, 6;","Jun 15, 1996 Wt Page 20;",,,,1996/07/21,
"Immoral, Thoughts, Sex, Fornication,",Like a hornet's nest.  There is no harm unless we fool around with it.,"With fornication, we cannot prevent some contact with those who are involved, but we don't want to toy with it.","Col 3:5; Ps 139:21, 22;","Buford Larue Jul 15, 1992 Wt Page 12",A Godly View Of Sex And Marriage,13,,,
"Immoral, Thoughts, Sex, Fornication,","We cannot prevent a bird from flying over our head, or perhaps even landing on it.  However we can prevent it from building a nest on our head.","Likewise we can not prevent immoral thoughts from coming into our mind occasionally, but we can prevent giving the a roost, or permanent lodging place there.",Col 3:5,"Bobby Laymon See Jul 15, 1992 Wt Page 12 Pp. 17",A Godly View Of Sex And Marriage,13,,,
"Immorality, Adultery, Fornication, Sex, Holy,",It is like a man walking on the crumbling edge of a cliff. Jehovah spares only those who are unswervingly holding on to their course of righteousness.,Those toying with or even contemplating the idea of immorality is seeing how close he can come to the borderline of righteousness.,"Rev. 22:11, 12;","Nov 15, 1967 Wt Page 680",A Godly View Of Sex And Marriage,13,,,
"Immorality, Adultery, Fornication, Sex, Holy,","Like scavenger dogs of the streets, are those who practice homosexuality, sodomy, Lesbianism, viciousness and cruelty. Spiritists and others. They are barred from Jehovah's clean city.",Such ones are left to wallow in the corruption they prefer.,Rev. 22:15;,"Nov 15, 1967 Wt Page 682",A Godly View Of Sex And Marriage,13,,,
"Immorality, Fornication,",'Those thoughts don't bother me.  They just go in one ear and out the other.',"You can put a .357 Magnum to one ear and pull the trigger and it will go in one ear and out the other.  You may not notice the effects, but others will.",Mt 5:28;,Scott Rudolph,What Kind Of Name Are You Making With God?,55,,,
"Immorality, Fornication, Jokes,","A bird may fly over your head, but you don't have to let him build a nest there.","We may have to be around people who are immoral, and tell bad jokes, but we don't have to listen.","Mt 5:28; Eph 5:3, 4;",Scott Rudolph,What Kind Of Name Are You Making With God?,55,,,
"Immorality, Greed, Selfish,","Flies & the Honey-pot Swarm of flies discovered upset pot of honey.  Would not leave spot until every drop was licked up.  It stuck to their feet & wings, could not fly away.  Cried, 'What silly creatures we were!",Any joy from sin is only temporary For the sake of a short hour's pleasure we have thrown away our lives.,Heb 11:25,Aesop's Fables  Page 57,How Well Do You Know God?,1,,,
"Immortal Soul,",'I offer $1000 to anyone in the audience who can prove that man has an immortal soul. Nobody took up the challenge.,"Info: Offer made by Brother Rutherford in Goteborg, Sweden.","Ezek 18:4, 20;",1991 Yearbook Page 128,"Come, You Who Thirst For The Truth!",89,,,
"Immortality, Christendom, Babylon, Snare, Lie, Liar, Hellfire, Spiritism,",To tempt an animal a person might dangle meat out before it to lead it into a trap.,"Satan followed up the first lie with other lies.  He introduced the idea that the human soul is immortal, undying.  He thus dangled before mankind the possibility of being like gods in another way.  Then, based on that false doctrine, he promoted the teachings of hellfire, purgatory, spiritism, and ancestor worship.  These lies still hold hundreds of millions in thrall.",De 18:9-13,"Apr 1, 1994 Wt Page 12",Is This Life All There Is?,36,,1994/03/01,
"Immortality, Death, Religion, Christendom, Resurrection,","'Because I could not stop for Death, He kindly stopped for me- The Carriage held but just Ourselves And Immortality.' Quote: Emily Dickinson.  -1863.","As quoted above false religious teachings abounded in the past by poets and others and continue today.  The doctrine of immortal soul contradicts Bible truth.  Is responsible for such religious errors as hellfire, purgatory, transport of the soul, and supposed talking with the dead.",Genesis. 2:7; Ezek. 18:1; Deuteronomy.18:9-13;,Bobby Laymon,"Come, You Who Thirst For The Truth!",89,,1995/08/09,
"Immortality, Death, Resurrection, Victory,","When Adam sinned, he sinned 100%.  When he died he died 100%.","The teaching of immortality of the soul implies that you do not die 100%, but part of you lives on.",Ezek. 18:4; Rev. 16:3;,Dick Butterfield,The Resurrection--victory Over Death!,132,,"Apr 7, 2002",
"Immortality, Gift, Life, Everlasting, Death,",Immortality: The Greatest Gift a mortal man could be given. Jesus the first to receive the gift of immortality.,"Impossible to waste away, decay, die, get sick, be killed.","Rom. 2:6, 7; Col 1:15; 1 Pet. 3:18; 1 Cor. 15:42, 44, 53;","Dec 1, 1963 Wt Page 732",Is This Life All There Is?,36,,,
"Immortality, Hell, Death, Sin, Life, Resurrection, Loyalty,","Frisbeetarianism: The belief that when you die, your soul goes upon the roof and gets stuck.",About like immortality of the human soul.,"Genesis. 1:27-31; Eccl. 9:5, 10; Ezek 18:4; Acts 17:31; 24:15;",Bobby Laymon,"Living, Not For Self, But To Do God's Will",8,,,
"Immortality, Mortal, Religion",Millions long for immortality who do not know what to do with themselves on a rainy Sunday afternoon.,People who want to go to heaven have no idea what will do there.,Rev. 20:4,J. Laymon,Religion's Time Of Judgment,83,,,
"Immortality, Reputation, Name, Jehovah,","Long to see name in newspaper, billboard, post of street, engraved on a public edifice, (hospital wing) stained-glass window in some church. Will eventually find its way on to some plaque in a cemetery and","Related to an ill-fated striving for immortality. where their name goes, they will go too.",Ps. 49:11-14; Prov. 22:1; Eccl. 7:1; Prov. 10:7; Mal. 3:16;,"Mar 8, 1963 Aw Page 22",How Well Do You Know God?,1,,,
"Immortality, Reputation, Name, Jehovah, Nickname,","'The sweetest music in the world to another person is the sound of his own name.'  Quote: Dale Carnegie.  Gertrude may not appreciate being called 'Gertie' and she may like 'Gert' even less. Some nicknames may be pleasing from mate, but not others.","Improper attitude toward names. (twisting, nicknames, careless)  You may be stepping on person toes by way you say his name. It has taken him a lifetime to give it the meaning it has.",Ps. 83:18; Prov. 22:1; Eccl. 7:1; Prov. 10:7; Mal. 3:16;,"Mar 8, 1963 Aw Page 23",What Kind Of Name Are You Making With God?,55,,,
Immortality; Death;,'I am immortal .......so far.'  Quote:  Earl Robinson.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Impartial, Judging, Prejudice, Racial, Hatred, Love,","'I am, in plainer words, a bundle of prejudices--made up of likings and disliking.'  Quote: 19th-century English writer, Charles Lamb.","There is one who is totally impartial, free from prejudice, favoritism, and discrimination.  He is Jehovah God, the Creator of mankind.",Eph 4:22-24; Ecclesiastes 8:9;,"Nov 15, 1996 Wt Page 25;",Love Identifies The True Christian Congregation,72,,1996/11/07,
"Impartial, Racial, Prejudice,",'After all there is but one race - humanity.' Quote: George Moore.,"The Bible recommends caring about others, without regard to race, nationality, or social status.  Scriptures prove that we are all related, come from Adam.  God desires all, regardless of nationality, race, or social status, to attain to repentance.",Rom 3:23; 2 Pet 3:9;,Bobby Laymon,"As Christians, We Care About Other People",15,,1995/06/29,
Imperfection,"Coat hanger, wiener roast, marshmallow, try to straighten completely",We cannot expect perfection from brothers,Eccl. 1:15; Hab. 1:4; Ac. 2:40; Php. 2:15,Joe Larue,A Clean People Honors Jehovah,14,,,
Imperfection,"Moon & her mother Moon asked mother to make cloak for her. 'How can I when you are first a new moon, then a full moon, & then neither one or the other.",Changeable people are not easily satisfied,Heb 13:17   Eph 4:14,Aesop's Fables  Page 25,A Clean People Honors Jehovah,14,,,
Imperfection,"The Mischievous Dog was so mean & wild his master fastened a bell on to warn Priding himself, paraded in market-place shaking his bell to attract attention.","We often think good is bad & bad is good. Little dog said, 'The less noise the better; bell=bad character Moral: Men often mistake notoriety for fame.",Genesis 6:5,Aesop's Fables  Page 32,A Clean People Honors Jehovah,14,,,
"Imperfection, Devil, Flesh,",A computer programmer is a person who passes as an exacting expert,We cannot be a perfectionist.,Matt. 10:28; 1 Pet. 5:8; Jas. 1:13-15; Rom. 5:12; Prov. 16:18,Bobby Laymon,A Clean People Honors Jehovah,14,,,
Imperfection; Human;,'All human things are subject to decay.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Imperfection; Negative; Critical; Faultfinding;,The only nice thing about being imperfect is the joy it brings to others.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Imperfections, Flaws, Organization, Variety, Personalities,","Imagine a ship berthed alongside the wharf. As the tide ebbs and flows, the ship rises and falls. In bad weather it tosses around, bumping the wharf - stripping off paint, and in severe weather the ship may even be dented. But the wharf is stronger than the ship, taking the knocks, and providing the lines tethering the ship to it are strong, the ship is safe and won't suffer lasting damage.","Jehovah is the wharf, we are the ship, the lines tethering the ship are spiritual provisions from God's organization, and the demonic controlled world is represented by the sea. Our imperfections are represented by the chafing occurring between the ship and the wharf.  What happens when there are more ships than can berth alongside the wharf? Sometimes they tie up alongside one another. Then chafing occurs between individual ships, indicating how our imperfections can cause problems between individuals in the congregation, unless the buffers between the ships are made of the right materials.  As the wharf provides security for ships alongside it, we need to make sure the fenders (our Christian qualities) between us and the wharf (Jehovah) are appropriate to keep us tied to his organization, and within his protection.",Gal. 5:15;,Mark Hanlon,Serving With Jehovah's Unified Organization,3,,1998/11/26,
"Imperfections, Flaws, Stumbling, Improvement, Progress, Advance,","A King's large, beautiful, pure diamond accidentally sustained a deep scratch.  His most skillful cutters could not remove the blemish.  A poor man promised to make the rare diamond even more beautiful than it had been. With great skill he engraved a lovely rose-bud around the imperfection and he used the scratch to make the stem.","Like the diamond, when life bruises and wounds us, we can use even the scratches to etch a portrait of beauty and charm. We can use every stumbling block for a stepping stone to a better life, a fuller life, a richer life, a life of service.",Gal. 6:1;,Bobby Laymon,Are You Content With Jehovah's Provisions?,22,,"Feb 2, 2001",
"Importance, Big, Little, Kingdom, Faith, Integrity, Loyalty, Heart, Materialism, Pride, Self,",What is BIG and what is little in your life?  By your speech and your actions you let everyone around you know what you consider little and what you consider BIG.,"The challenge lies in this:  The big things are those seen chiefly by the eye of faith.  Also the big things involve the future.  Moreover, the big things require earnest effort and their enjoyment involves discipline of the body, mind and heart.  Guard against making pride and personal honor big in your life.  It will make you unhappy and resentful.","Mt 6:33; 2co 4:16-18; Heb 11:26; 1ti 6:17, 18;","Sep 15, 1971 Wt Page 572","Living, Not For Self, But To Do God's Will",8,,1993/11/17,
"Importance, Individual, Count,","A professor once gave a pop quiz.  'What is the first name of the woman who cleans the school,' was the last question.  Before class ended, one student asked if the last question would count toward our quiz grade.  'Absolutely,' said the professor. 'In your careers you will meet many people. All are significant. They deserve your attention and care, even if all you do is smile and say hello.'",Jehovah counts all of us of importance.  We should view others in that way.,John 3:16,Bobby Laymon,Does God Count You Personally Important?,26,,"Jan 17, 2001",
"Importance, Personal, Experience, Forgiveness, Repentance, Attitude, Faith,",'Of course he [God] will forgive me; that's his business.' Quote: Heinrich Heine.  Last words [1856],"We must never take for granted the benefits of good relationship with God.  Maintain good communication, never being too busy to pray.",2 Cor 9:6;,Bobby Laymon,What Is Your Relationship With God?,87,,1995/08/01,
"Important, Personally, Count, Individual,","How Important is each Publisher in the Congregation?  Consider the following:  (Might print out before a talk.)  Xvxn though my typxwritxr is an old modxl, it works quitx wxll xxcxpt for onx of thx kxys. I wishxd many timxs that it workxd pxrfxctly. It is trux that thxrx arx forty kxys that function wxll xnough, but just onx not working makxs thx big diffxrxncx.  Somxtimxs it sxxms to mx that a congrxgation is somxwhat likx a typxwritxr - not all of thx pxoplx arx working propxrly.  You may say to yoursxlf, 'Wxll, I am only onx pxrson. I won't makx or brxak a congrxgation.' But it doxs makx a diffxrxncx! Thx congrxgation nxxds thx activx participation of xvxry publishxr associatxd with it.","So thx nxxt timx you think that you arx only onx publishxr and that your xfforts arx not nxxdxd, rxmxmbxr my typxwritxr and say to yoursxlf, 'I am a kxy publishxr in our book study and congrxgation, and nxxdxd vxry much!'",Heb. 2:9;,Mark Hanlon,Does God Count You Personally Important?,26,,1998/11/26,
"Impossible, Caution, Jehovah, Creation,",'I have learned to use the word IMPOSSIBLE with the greatest caution.'  Quote: Wernher von Braun.,Nothing is impossible with Jehovah.,Matt 19:26;,Bobby Laymon - Reader's Digest,Appreciating Marvels Of God's Creation,114,,1996/03/21,
Impossible; Willingness;,'Nothing is impossible to a willing heart.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Improper, Thoughts, Mind, Absorb, Desires, Day Dream, Meditate,","A dry sponge when immersed in liquid absorbs quite a lot. Even after it has been wrung out several times, some of the liquid remains.","As for our minds, it is hard to avoid seeing, hearing or otherwise experiencing improper thoughts. But must we soak our minds full of them? Doing so will adversely affect our judgments and actions. How much better to resist improper thoughts and to dwell upon things that build up!",Eph. 5:3-5;,"Jan 8, 1980 Aw Page 14",Taking Time To Meditate On Spiritual Things,67,,1997/02/25,
"Improvement, Positive, Negative, Progress, Growth,",If a farmer focused only on negative possibilities-the wind that could blow away his seed or the rain that could dampen his crop-he would fail to take necessary action.,"Similarly, by focusing only on negative feelings, you can paralyze all efforts to improve yourself.","Ecc 11:4, 6;",G92 1/22 19,How To Keep Spiritually Awake!,71,,1994/07/31,
"Improvement, Progress, Growth, Ministry, Skill,","An artist, doctor or lawyer that delights in his chosen profession will be ever seeking to improve his skills and abilities, resulting in his getting still more delight there from.",The same will also be true of us. If we delight in doing God's will we will be on the alert to improve our ministry by taking advantage of all the means provided by Jehovah God,Mr 6:34; Ezek 9:6;,W53 2/15 104,"As Christians, We Care About Other People",15,,1995/01/27,
"Improvement, Progress, Maturity, Transform,",'We cannot become what we need to be by remaining what we are.'  Quote: Max De Pree.,"We need to continually press on to maturity, forming the new personality.",Eph 4:24,Bobby Laymon - Reader's Digest,Is The Truth Transforming Your Life?,51,,1996/03/19,
"Improvement, Progress, Pioneer, Service,",The largest room in the world is the room for improvement. Be generous in your assignment and your joy will be made full. Improvement starts with 'I'.,Keep your fine attitude and continue to make progress.,2 Cor. 9:6;,Philip Kirkton (bethel Notes) Carl Kline,How Should You Serve God?,58,,,
"Improvement, Progressive, Preaching,",Can you imagine a doctor cruising along on what he learned 20 or 30 years ago in medical school?  He has not kept up to date.  Would you want to go to him with a medical problem?,"Yet, some in the truth are doing just that.  There is a great need to continue learning.  What is the angel's chief concern?  To get the good news preached.","1pe 4:5, 6, 17; Re 14:6, 7; 1 Ti 2:4;",Frank Barr C.O.,"As Christians, We Care About Other People",15,,1994/03/07,
Inaction; Laziness;,'He did nothing in particular and he did it well.' Quote:  W.S. Gilbert,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Inaction; Negligence; Resentment;,"'A wrongdoer is often a man who has left something undone, not always that he has done something wrong.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Inactive, Encourage, Readjust, Shepherding, Elders,",Do you have the new Yearbook?  Did you notice the mistake in it?,Notice the figure for the number of Jehovah's Witnesses in the world.  It is wrong because you didn't report any time for last year.  What can we do about that?,"Gal 6:1, 2;",Joe Wengert D. O.,Glorifying God With All We Have,17,,1995/05/24,
"Inactive, Race, Endurance, Regularity,",Have you wandered off the racecourse into the mire of inactivity?,"Take hold of yourself and swing back quickly! The most thrilling and final of all contests, Armageddon, is just ahead. By our activity let us all triumphantly 'put up a hard fight for the faith.'",Jude 1:3;,W56 4/15 253,You Can Find Joy In Serving God,103,,1994/07/30,
"Inactive, Sick, Prison, Relatives,","A sister, inactive for 3 years, related that it is going to be difficult to come back into the truth. She had been caring for her critically ill mother so long that she, herself, had become spiritually weak and inactive.","Encouraged to feel that she had never been out of the truth but fulfilling a feature of her ministry so vital, and Jehovah had not forgotten her works of love. (Same with brothers in prison)",Gal. 6:10; 1 Jn 3:13-18;,"Feb 15, 1968 Wt Page 118",,,,,
"Incest, Abuse,","It does no good to say, 'forget about it.'  Why not? Well, think of someone who has had an arm severely disabled in an accident. His friends visit him to help him. Would it help for them to say to him: `Oh, forget about it!' Of course not. There is no way he can forget about it.","Similarly, many women who have been incestuously abused are unable just to forget about it. For some, it is stamped on their consciousness like an emotional scar.",1 Thess 5:11,W83 10/1 28,Gaining Comfort In All Our Tribulations,105,,"Jul 6, 2000",
"Incest, Abuse, Sex, Adultery,","'The nearest approach to a universal rule found in all known human cultures is the incest taboo -- the prohibition of sexual intercourse between a man and his mother, sister, daughter, or other specified kin.' Quote: Macropaedia.","God's Word shows how persons should deal with the opposite sex, and it also condemns incest.","1 Ti 5:2; Heb 13:4; Le 18:16; Deuteronomy 25:5, 6;","Mar 15, 1978 Wt Page 26",A Godly View Of Sex And Marriage,13,,,
"Incest, Panic, Abuse, Fear, Discouragement, Comfort, Agoraphobia,","'Imagine that you are leaving your house,' says writer Melvin Green.  'Suddenly, from out of nowhere, appears the biggest man you ever saw.  He has a baseball bat and, for no reason, hits you on the head.  You stagger back into the house, not believing what just happened.  When you feel better, you peek out the door and everything seems normal.  You start down the path again.  Suddenly he is there.  You look out the windows ... he is there.  Would you leave your home?",Many agoraphobics liken their feeling to that illustration.  However the majority of those with panic can be helped.,1 Thess  5:14; Psalm 55:22;,"Jun 8, 1996 Aw Page 23",,,,1996/05/28,
"Incite, Love, Example, New Ones,","Married couple, after a short time; wife sees her good qualities rub off on husband; patience, kindness, tactfulness, gentleness. She copies her husband's determination, organization, steadiness. New ones will copy, but it takes association.","If it works in home, it will work in congregation.","Heb. 10:24, 25; 1 Pet 4:9; 1 Pet 5:2;","Aug 15, 1962 Wt Page 496","Friendship With God, Friendship With The World -- Which Will You Choose?",79,,,
"Inconsistency, Thinking,","'Some persons do first, think afterward, and then repent forever.'  Quote: --Thomas Secker.",We should use our thinking ability at all times.,1 Tim. 2:9;,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Incredulity, Belief, Doubt, Faith,",INCREDULITY - The amplest knowledge has the largest faith. Ignorance is always incredulous. --Robert Eldridge Wilmot,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Indecision , Doubt,",'While the mind is in doubt it is driven this way and that by a slight impulse.'  Quote: Terence.,Minds in doubt can be off course.,James 1:6;,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Independence,"Ass & his Master Ass bolted, ran from beaten path and about to fall off edge. Master seized him by tail & began pulling him back Resisting his master's interference, he pulled in opposite way.",A course of independence can be costly Fell to his death. (A willful beast must go his own way),Jude 8-10,Aesop's Fables  Page 24,,,,,
"Independence, Dependence, Confident,",'There is no dependence that can be sure but a dependence upon one's self. '  Quote: John Gay.,A negative thought of course.  All of us should acknowledge that we owe our lives to Jehovah.  We can depend upon him when we are not even sure ourselves.,Ac 17:26-28;,Jk Quotes;,"Living, Not For Self, But To Do God's Will",8,,,
"Independence, Freedom,","Among the most noted of human documents is the Declaration of Independence, by which 13 British colonies in North America in the 18 century declared their independence from their mother country. Independence and freedom went hand in hand.","As desirable as various forms of independence may be, there is a form of independence that is not desirable.  What is that? Independence from man's Maker, Jehovah God.",Jer 10:23; Ge 3:19; Ro 5:12;,"Feb 1, 1993 Wt Page 9","Living, Not For Self, But To Do God's Will",8,s,,
"Independence, Freedom, Law, Covet, Conscience,",How would you like to be your own policeman?,"No human law-making body would have made a law that could not be enforced by means of sanctions if violated.  Yet, Jehovah gave each Israelite the responsibility to be his own policeman--if he would have a good conscience.",Exodus 20:17; Ga 5:19-21; Mt 22:36-40;,"Feb 1, 1993 Wt Page 15",Hold A Good Conscience In A Sinful World,107,,,
"Independence, Freedom, Rebellion, Sin,","INDEPENDENCE - If they give you ruled paper, write the other way.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,s,,
"Independence, Freedom, Subjection, Humility, Meetings, Hitler","The brothers in Germany wrote Joseph Rutherford, the 2nd president of the WTB&TS, asking him what to do in view of the ban on their meetings & preaching. He mentioned this to the Bethel family and frankly admitted that he did not know what to do. If anyone knew what to tell them he would be glad to listen. [Hitler's time]","What a fine example of humility and godly subjection! [after much study & prayer, he replied.  They had God's Word that clearly told them what to do as to meeting and witnessing.  They went underground, but kept obeying Jehovah.]","Phil 2:2-4; Luke 9:48; Heb 10:24, 25;","Feb 1, 1993 Wt Page 19",Into The New Order Under Christ's Leadership,56,,,
"Independence, Freedom, Subjection, Humility, Pride, Flattery,",It has been said that 'a person would rather be ruined by praise than saved by criticism.',"A humble person has no difficulty in manifesting godly subjection because 'in lowliness of mind, he considers that others are superior to him.'",Phil 2:2-4; Luke 9:48; Ca 3:26;,"Feb 1, 1993 Wt Page 19",Into The New Order Under Christ's Leadership,56,,,
Independence;,'There is only one success--to spend your life in your own way.'  Quote:  Chris Morley.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Independent Thinking,"'I did it my way' 'I can handle it on my own' Jesus said, 'The son cannot do a single thing of his own initiative, but only what he beholds the Father doing.' Do we have that spirit?","If anyone could have handled it on his own, who could have?",John 5:19,Stan Landers,Into The New Order Under Christ's Leadership,56,,,
Independent Thinking,Scientist who tries to ignore law of gravity.,Unrealistic thinking to try to ignore dependence on God.,Jer. 10:23; Prov. 16:1-3,"Feb 15, 1960 Wt Page 106",Respect For Authority Is A Safeguard For You,12,,,
"Independent, Spirit, Adam, Eve, Paradise, Security, Obey, Obedience, Sin,","It was as though they, Adam and Eve, wanted to enjoy the comforts and security of their cozy Paradise home without being willing to pay the rent.","All of us, some to a greater degree than others, have inherited this unappreciative and independent spirit.",Genesis 8:21;,W92 6/1 24-5,Will You Be A Survivor Of The 'last Days'?,2,,1995/06/21,
"Independent, Submission,","Rich person started coming to K.H. and started making changes since he had a key, without elders permission. Improvements were perhaps better, but would be disregarding Jehovah's Sovereignty.","We must avoid dependent spirit, even though we may have good idea.","Rom. 9:19-21; Genesis. 2:16, 17",Lonnie Roper,Do You Recognize Jehovah's Sovereignty In Your Personal Life?,75,,,
"Independent, Youth, Self,","Spotty, Bethel's pet calf. Playful when young, but later harmful. We used to butt heads when the calf was small. Butted over fence when weighted over 1000 pounds. Then it became serious business.","Living not for self but to do God's will. Children, Independent thinking cute...not so cute later on. We are taught to work every day, must re-think to do God's will.",1pe 4:2,Bobby Laymon,"Living, Not For Self, But To Do God's Will",8,,,
Indifference,'Indifference digs the graves of fools' Inhabitants of Jerusalem in Jeremiah are an example of such folly. Churchgoer: his obligation to God is fulfilled by going to church. Indifferent are 'lukewarm.' Rev. 3:16,People that cannot see what is coming pay no attention to it.,Jer. 21:8-10,"Sep 8, 1960 Aw Page 3, 4",,,,,
"Indifference, Lukewarm, Warnings,",Animals will flee for safety at first sign of danger. They believe that an approaching disaster will affect them. Churchgoer: his obligation to God is fulfilled by going to church.  Indifferent are 'lukewarm'.,"These persons blissfully continue daily routine, refusing to believe.  Rats leave a sinking ship.",Rev. 3:16; Jer. 21:8-10,"Sep 8, 1960 Aw Page 3, 4",Why Christians Must Be Different.,123,,,
"Indifference, Passive, Compliancy, Evil, Wicked,",INDIFFERENCE - PASSIVE - COMPLIANCY - One does evil enough when one does nothing good.  German Proverb.,,,Jk Quotes;,Why Christians Must Be Different.,123,,,
Indifference; Religion; Worship;,"'Every Stoic was a Stoic; but in Christendom where is the Christian?'  Quote: Ralph Waldo Emerson, 19th-Century American Essayist and poet.                                                                                                                                                                                                                          (stoùic- noun.  A person seemingly indifferent to or unaffected by pleasure or pain.)",Today people couldn't care less about religion.  A typical attitude of teenagers today.,Rev 16:12;,"Apr 8, 1996 Aw Page 5",Why Christians Must Be Different.,123,,1996/03/05,
Indifference; Religion; Worship;,"'Nothing is so fatal to religion as indifference.'  Quote: Edmund Burke, 18th-century British statesman.",Western Europe seems to be losing its 'Christian' faith.   Is this indifference a foretaste of a similar decline on other continents?,Rev 16:12;,"Apr 8, 1996 Aw Page 3",Religion's Time Of Judgment,83,,1996/03/05,
"Indifferent, COM placid, Apathy, Territory,","'Love me or hate me, but spare me your indifference.'  Quote: Libbie Fudim.",Indifference in our territory is difficult to handle.  Determination is needed.,Jer 7:27;,Bobby Laymon - Reader's Digest,Are You Doing What God Requires Of You?,43,,1996/03/22,
"Individuality - Individualism,",'Absolute individualism is an absurdity.'  Quote: Henri Amiel.,The assertion of one's own will and personality is neither practical nor sensible.  Jesus' concern was for his father's will.,Luke 22:42;,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Industrious, Lazy, Work, Leisure, Time, Preparation, Preaching, Zealous,","THE ANTS were spending a fine winter's day drying grain collected  in the summertime.  A Grasshopper, perishing with famine, passed  by and earnestly begged for a little food.  The Ants inquired of  him, 'Why did you not treasure up food during the summer?'  He  replied, 'I had not leisure enough.  I passed the days in  singing.'  They then said in derision:  'If you were foolish enough  to sing all the summer, you must dance supper less to bed in the  winter.'",Moral: 'We should never lose a good opportunity.'  We must prepare!  We cannot spend all our lives on fun and games.  There is a time to work.   The most important work [harvest] is going on at this time.  It is no time for leisure.,"Mt 28:19, 20;",Aesop's Fables - Bobby Laymon,Is It Time For God To Rule The World?,20,,1994/05/15,
Infamy; Crime;,"'If you do big things they print your face, and if you do little things they only print your thumbs.'  Quote:  Arthur Bugs Baer.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Infatuation, Humor, Love, Way, Christian, Pride, Self, Wisdom, Marriage,",'The difference between love and infatuation is that you don't pay alimony with infatuation'.,Marriages are expensive to begin and maintain.,"1 John 4:8,16,19;jn 3:16;jn 13:35;1jn 2:6;mt 22:37",Bobby Laymon,"Living, Not For Self, But To Do God's Will",8,,,10/18/2014
"Inferior, Attitude, Stress, Persecution,",'No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.'  Quote: Anna Eleanor Roosevelt.,"Jehovah counts us personally important.  With Him on our side, we should never feel completely worthless.",Rom 8:31; Heb. 13:6;,Bobby Laymon,Does God Count You Personally Important?,26,,1995/08/16,
"Inferior, Blues, Despair, Depression,",No one can make you feel inferior without your consent.  -- Eleanor Roosevelt,We have many helps to assist us in overcoming despair.,1 Thess. 4:15;,Bobby Laymon,Trust In The God Of All Comfort,143,,"Nov 19, 2001",
"Inflation, Money,","What a shock to a housewife when she picks up an article of clothing fresh from the weekly wash only to find that it has shrunk.  Its the same garment, but much smaller.  To wear outside would now be embarrassing.",Devaluation is rather like that.  The value shrinks until it no longer covers the essential needs.,2ti 3:1-4;,"Jan 22, 1968 Aw Page 25",Are You Really Making Jehovah Your Stronghold?,18,,,
"Influence, Association,","'Blessed is the influence of one true, loving human soul on another.'  Quote: -George Eliot.","Though living in sinful world, will enjoy relationship that Abraham had with God as 'Jehovah's friend.",Jas 2:23; Pr 17:17;,Jk Quotes;,Hold A Good Conscience In A Sinful World,107,,,
"Influence, Association, Imitate, Copy, Persuasion","INFLUENCE - I am a part of all that I have met. --Alfred, Lord Tennyson",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Informal Witnessing, Service, Preaching,",Dripping faucet.  Leaky faucet very irritating to homeowner.  More water dripped than you think-adds up.  Satan is homeowner of this world-Doesn't like JW's dripping around.,Importance of informal witnessing.,Mt 24:14;,Joe Laymon,"Living, Not For Self, But To Do God's Will",8,,,
"Informal Witnessing, Service, Preaching,",Fishing-dangle bait;  Don't throw in whole can of worms.,"Just bring up a little, Don't do Genesis to Revelation bit Ask: 'Do you like to read?'  'How do you feel about the Bible?'",Prov 15:7 'wise Scatter Knowledge',Bro Punko   (pioneer Mtg),How Should You Serve God?,58,,,
"Informal, Witnessing, Service, Initiative, Preaching, Resourceful,","Have you ever, when traveling, toyed with the idea of conversing with a fellow traveler, only to keep putting it off in the hope that he might break the ice and start up the conversation? Persons who take the initiative are sought after for employment.","Real benefits result from seeking the imitative, especially in the things that please God.",John 4:7;,"Jun 22, 1967 Aw Page 3, 4",How Should You Serve God?,58,,,
"Informal, Witnessing, Time, Count, Zeal, Urgency,","We do not discard nickels, dimes, or quarters just because they are not full dollars.","Why not profitable use even five minutes, ten minutes, or a quarter of an hour witnessing informally?",Acts 4:31; 1 Thess. 2:2;,Km 4/2000,,,,"Apr 13, 2000",
"Ingratitude, Hate, Spite, Ungrateful, Appreciation,",INGRATITUDE - People who bite the hand that feeds them usually lick the boot that kicks them. --Eric Hoffer,We should show appreciation for all Jehovah has done for us and for his loving protection.,Rev. 4:11;,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Inheritance, Mistakes, Sin, Materialism, Money, Granted,","INHERITANCE - We pay for the mistakes of our ancestors, and it seems only fair that they should leave us the money to pay with. --Don Marquis",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Inhumanity; Cruelty;,'Man's inhumanity to man makes countless thousands mourn!'  Quote:  Robert  Burns.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Initiative;,"For a web begun, God sends the thread.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Initiative; Action;,'He who is outside his door already has a hard part of his journey behind him.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Initiative; Effort; Progress; Goals;,"""He that stays in the valley shall never get over the hill.""",We need to take the initiative in order to progress.,Acts 16:13;,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Injuries, Forgiveness, Kindnesses, Love, Mercy, Resentment,","'Write injuries in sand, kindnesses in marble.'  Quote: French proverb.",We should know and display true mercy.  Never harboring resentment.,Exodus 33:19;,Bobby Laymon - Reader's Digest,"Mercy, A Dominant Quality Of True Christians",7,,1996/03/21,
"Injury, Humanity, Rule, Government,",'I can think of no more stirring symbol of man's humanity to man than a fire engine.'  Quote: Kurt Vonnegut.',"Man at times shows humanity and concern, but for the most part he has dominated man for injury.",Ecclesiastes 8:9;,Bobby Laymon - Reader's Digest,What God's Rulership Can Do For Us,24,,1996/03/21,
"Injury, Pain, Self,",'No man is hurt but by himself --Diogenes',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Injury, Sin, Harmful, Forgiveness,","'Slight small injuries, and they will become none at all.'  Quote: Thomas Fuller",It is best to overlook small injuries and minor offenses if possible.,Matt 18:22;,Jk Quotes;,Do You Harbor Resentment Or Do You Forgive?,68,,,
"Injury, Sin, Lesson, Experience,","'If the other person injures you, you may forget the injury; but if you injure him you will always remember.'  Quote: Kahlil Gibran.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Injury; Forgetting; Forgiving;,"If the other person injures you, you may forget the injury, but if you injure him you will always remember.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Injustice, Doubt, Faith,","IF A friend of yours were robbed, raped or murdered and the criminal let go free, would you not feel frustration, hurt and anger? Such crimes and injustices are just a small reflection of what has befallen mankind.","As a result, some persons have come to doubt the very existence of God. We know that there is convincing evidence that the Creator exists.",Hebrews 3:4; Romans 1:20,Hp 131  14,Evidence Of God In The World Around Us,4,,1994/08/23,
"Injustice, Judge, Persecution,",'To do injustice is more disgraceful than to suffer it.'  Quote: Plato.,It is the persecutors of Jehovah's people who need to worry.,Luke 6:27;,Bobby Laymon - Reader's Digest,,,,1996/03/21,
"Injustice, Wickedness, Resentment, Wisdom,","Consider how you would act if someone publicly claimed that you were not a good family member, that you lied and exercised authority through instilling fear. An insecure person might loudly protest or even fight the accuser. But secure in the knowledge that the charge was false, you could dispel questions simply by allowing time for all to observe your ways and the fine results in your family","Those serious moral issues demanded complete settlement. The way in which God chose to do that clearly shows his wisdom and his interest in our welfare, both now and in the future. God allowed time to pass, during which all intelligent creatures could see the evidence.",Matt 12:33;,Hp 134-5,Do You Harbor Resentment Or Do You Forgive?,68,,1994/08/23,
Injustice;,"'If you give me six lines written by the hand of the most honest of men, I will find something in them which will hang him.'  Quote:  Richelieu.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Injustice;,'Rather suffer an injustice than commit one.'  Quote: Anonymous.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Injustice;,'Those who commit injustice bear the greatest burden.'  Quote:  Hoesa Ballou.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Innocence;,'As innocent as a new-laid egg.'  Quote:  Sir William Gilbert.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Innocence;,'They that know no evil will suspect none.'  Quote:  Ben Johnson.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Innocence;,'To be innocent is to be not guilty; but to be virtuous is to overcome our evil inclinations.'  Quote:  William Penn.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Innocence; Justice; Injustice;,'It is better that ten guilty persons escape than that one innocent man suffer.'  Quote:  William Blackstone.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Insane;,'As crazy as hauling timber into the woods.'  Quote:  Horace.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Insane;,"'When we remember we are all mad, the mysteries disappear and life stands explained.'  Quote:  Mt.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Insane; World;,'We do not have to visit a madhouse to find disordered minds; our planet is the mental institution of the universe.'  Quote:  Goethe.,,,Jk Quotes;,Christian Separateness From The World--why Beneficial.,119,,,
Insight,"Bite your lip.  Put you brain in gear before you put your mouth in motion.  How others will understand.  Is it wise, loving or necessary?  Will it help?  Will it Upbuild?","Think before speak, get the sense of.  perceive.   act prudently",Prov 10:19  12:18  16:23    James 1:19,"Mar 15, 1989 Wt Page 12, 13",,,,,
Insight,"Key must fill mind & heart, reading and meditating on it regularly Not isolating himself diligent, not neglecting  1 Ki 2:3",What would open up insight?,"Josh 1:7,8","Mar 1, 1989 Wt Pages 13, 14",,,,,
"Insight, Mistakes, Forgiveness, Resentment,",Most of us use much insight in excusing our own mistakes.,Why not also use it to understand and cover the imperfections of others.,Prov. 19:11;,Kl Page 166,Follow The Way To Life,45,,1995/06/16,
Instinct;,'A few strong instincts and a few plain rules suffice us.'  Quote:  Rwe.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Instinct; Intuition;,'Instinct is the nose of the mind.'  Quote:  Madame De Girard in.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Instruction Talk, Introduction, Investigate,",A good investigator asks questions.  Then he pursues the answers.  We need to inquire like that.,Who was Nehemiah?  What was going on at that time?  How do we know he was inspired?,"Ps. 137:5,6; Neh. 1:3;",Tim O'Brien - Talk #1 At Circuit Assembly,,,,"May 22, 2001",
"Instructions, Obedience, Obey, Listen, Loyalty,","If you worked on a bomb squad, and the instructions said to 'cut the blue wire, before you cut the red wire,' would you obey?  Would it make any difference?","Everyone would obey those instructions, but how about a little thing.  Obedience is a life or death matter.",Rom 6:16;,Phil Fleming,Meeting The Test Of Christian Loyalty,48,,1995/06/03,
"Insult, Injury, Resentment, Grudge, Forgiveness,",'An injury is much sooner forgotten than an insult.' Quote: Philip Dormer Stanhope (Earl of Chesterfield).,"Persecution often involves being insulted, and if this was what it took to bring praise to God's name, then Paul was happy to endure it.  We, too, can be sure that at some time we will have to endure 'insults . . . for Christ.'",2 Cor 12:10;,W85 11/15 12  Bobby Laymon,Bearing Up Under Persecution,57,,1995/06/30,
Insults;,'A graceful taunt is worth a thousand insults.'  Quote:  Louis Nizer.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Insults;,"'If you can't ignore an insult, top it; if you can't top it, laugh it off; and if you can't laugh it off, its probably deserved.'  Quote:  Russell Lynes.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Integrity,Down center of road.,"Jesus, with full knowledge walked down center of road.",Matt 16:21-23,Sam Herd ,Bearing Up Under Persecution,57,,,6/28/2018
"Integrity, Care, Importance, Individual, Personally,","HOW many sparrows died yesterday? Nobody knows, and probably few people care-there are so many birds. Jehovah, however, does care. Referring to these apparently insignificant birds, Jesus told his disciples: 'Not one of them will fall to the ground without your Father's knowledge.' He added: 'Have no fear: you are worth more than many sparrows.'","Later the disciples understood more clearly how much Jehovah valued them. One of them, the apostle John, wrote: 'By this the love of God was made manifest in our case, because God sent forth his only-begotten Son into the world that we might gain life through him.'","Matt. 10:29, 31; 1 John 4:9;","Aug 15, 2002 Page  25",Does God Count You Personally Important?,26,,"Jul 23, 2002",
"Integrity, Character, Courage, Honesty, Conscience, Loyalty,","'If you stand straight, Do not fear a crooked shadow.' Quote: Chinese Proverb",We have nothing to fear with an honest conscience.,Heb 13:18;,Wisdom Of The Ages,Conducting Ourselves Honestly At All Times,10,,,
"Integrity, Character, Loyalty, Honesty, Conscience, Christendom,","'The louder he talked of his honor, the faster we counted our spoons.' Quote: Emerson (1803-1882)","Often those who talk honesty, do not live it.  Christendom, for example.",Mt 23:3-5;,Wisdom Of The Ages,Conducting Ourselves Honestly At All Times,10,,,
"Integrity, Character, Loyalty, Persecution,",'Integrity has no need of rules.' Quote: Albert Camus (1913-1960),Integrity is part of us.  What we are inside.,"1ki 9:4; Job 2:3, 9; 27:5; 31:6; Ps 7:8; 25:21; 26:1; Pr 2:7;",Wisdom Of The Ages,Bearing Up Under Persecution,57,,,
"Integrity, Children, Honesty, Bribe,","In ancient China the people desired security from the barbaric hordes to the north--so they built the great Chinese wall. It was so high they knew no one could climb over it and so thick that nothing could break it down. They settled back to enjoy their security.  During the first hundred years of the wall's existence, China was invaded three times. Not once did the barbaric hordes break down the wall or climb over the top. Each time they bribed a gatekeeper and then marched right through the gates. The Chinese were so busy relying upon the walls of stone that they forgot to teach integrity to their children.",Sometimes we can get so wrapped up in life that we forget our children.,Prov. 22:6;,Bobby Laymon,Parents--are You Building With Fire-resistant Materials?,104,,"Jan 21, 2001",
"Integrity, Honesty, Extortion, Distortion, Loyalty,","High in Andes mountains of South America a prospective buyer looked at sack of potatoes. Potatoes looked good, price was reasonable, but the weight was questionable.  Asked to weigh again. This time he focused his attention to bottom of sack. Noticed a small string, with vendor's foot on.",Distortion is widespread throughout the world. He was distorting the weight. 'He will weigh me in accurate scales.' Job 31:6,Prov. 11:3; Job 27:5; Prov. 20:7; Acts 5:29; Job 31:6; Heb. 4:13,"Sep 22, 1963 Aw Page 3, 4,",Conducting Ourselves Honestly At All Times,10,,,
"Integrity, Honesty, Loyalty,","We hear workmen talking, 'I overslept this morning, but I'm telling the boss my car had a flat tire on my way to work.'  The other counters, 'But that would be lying.  Why don't you just tell the truth?'  'Oh, no.  I can't do that.  If I tell the boss something like that I'll get fired.  I was tired and decided to sleep longer when the alarm went off.    What about the teenage boy who threatens his parents that he will leave home if they make him work in the garden instead of allowing him to play ball?","Are these individuals persons of integrity?  Would it not have been better for the man to get up and go to work?  Is this not like extortion, a dishonest practice.",Pr 17:23; Mic 3:11;,"Sep 1, 1971 Wt Page 524",Bearing Up Under Persecution,57,,1993/11/17,
"Integrity, Loyalty, Persecution,","Beautiful Apple;  Undamaged.   Will be shielded by Jehovah. Complete in devotion to God.  Older ones still with us. Crippled, Children still in truth, Pioneers, New ones stuck.","Integrity should safeguard us, and preserve us.","Ps 25:20,21  Ps 31:33",1985 Dist. Assy,Bearing Up Under Persecution,57,,,
"Integrity, Loyalty, Persecution,","Dark side, Light side of picture. (cloud has silver lining) Yet the outcome Jehovah gave is the thing to stress, then and with Jehovah's Witnesses today.  Did not maintain integrity in vain. Did not come off disappointed.",Account of Job emphasis often placed on dark side of picture.,Book Of Job  Jas. 5:11,"Oct 15, 1958 Wt Page 640",Bearing Up Under Persecution,57,,,
"Integrity, Loyalty, Persecution,","Firm boulder on a rock-bound coast; angry waves dashing; surging water and spray cover it; filth and scum surround it. Yet, there it stands uncorrupted, unmoved, firmly rooted in its own sure place. Carries meaning: untouched, uncorrupted, unimpaired by corrupt information.","Integrity means soundness, state of being entire, unbroken Demonstrates power of God's spirit over weakness of flesh. We must be like that boulder.",Prov. 11:3; 10:9,"Mar 8, 1960 Aw Page 5-8",Bearing Up Under Persecution,57,,,
"Integrity, Loyalty, Persecution,","Like Apple, unblemished, shiny, whole means: wholeness, soundness, completeness, being undivided. blamelessness; completeness of devotion God's word does not spell out what to do in every case, but often leaves it up to us.",We must find a safeguard in integrity. We must find a safeguard in our integrity.,Ps. 25:21,"Dec 1, 1958 Wt Page 735",Bearing Up Under Persecution,57,,,
"Integrity, Loyalty, Persecution,",Thermometer; check degrees of integrity.  Same standard for anointed & other sheep.,There are no degrees of integrity.,John 10:16  2 Pet 3:13,"Dec 1, 1989 Wt Page 16",Bearing Up Under Persecution,57,,,
"Integrity, Loyalty, Persecution, Tests,",Like a tea bag.  (Display one)  They all look pretty much the same.  You never know how strong they are until they get into hot water.,"Likewise our integrity, and loyalty is tested under trial.",Jas. 1:12,"Mark Morrow (bethel Brother) Jun 20, 1990",Bearing Up Under Persecution,57,,,
"Integrity, Persecution, Faithful, Resurrection, Hope, Confidence,","'I will always remember with admiration and recognition Jehovists [Jehovah's witnesses], mostly young boys, who refused military duty and were condemned for it. Even here they remained in their faith . . . and they refused to work in uranium mines. Commanders of the camps used everything they had at their disposition to force them to do the work, but everything they tried was in vain; most of them would rather die than work in building the Soviet atomic threat. The chief of the camp Palacek made them stand for days in front of headquarters in snow drifts in the [-]30o C. [-22o F.] winter weather pouring water on them till they were frozen. It was a terrible sight, which will haunt me till I die.'  Quote:  A Czechoslovakian reporter.","What enabled these young men to maintain faithfulness? They  Appreciated that they had been bought with 'precious blood' and did not want to prove false to their Owners, Jehovah God and Jesus Christ. They had the firm conviction that, though killed by men, God and Christ would not forget them and would restore them to life.",Heb 11:1;,W74 6/15 373,Is This Life All There Is?,36,,1995/06/13,
"Integrity, Satan, Demons, Attack, Persecution,",'The Devil is after me!  I feel just like Job!'  Quote: A. H. Macmillan.,"Today, this is still a burning issue upon Servants of Jehovah.  Satan has set his attention upon faithful servants of Jehovah.  The issue is integrity.",Job 27:5;,"Nov 15, 1994 Wt Page 10-15;",Bearing Up Under Persecution,57,,1994/10/16,
Integrity;,Integrity has no need of rules.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Integrity;,"Occasions do not make a man either strong or weak, but they show what he is.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Integrity; Conduct,Integrity of men is to be measured by their conduct not by their  professions.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Integrity; Morals;,"If moral behavior were simply following rules, we could program a computer to be moral.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Intelligence;,"'A weak mind is like a microscope, which magnifies trifling things but cannot receive great ones.'  Quote:  Lord Chesterfield.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Intelligence;,'It is impossible to underrate human intelligence--beginning with one's own.'  Quote:  Henry Adams.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Intelligence;,'There is nobody so irritating as somebody with less intelligence and more sense than we have.'  Quote:  Don Herold.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Intelligence;,"'When you don't have an education, you've got to use your brains.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Intention;,'It is better to sleep on what you intend doing than to stay awake over what you have done.' Quote: The Grapevine,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Intention;,'The smallest deed is better than the greatest intention.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Intentions;,' Mean to' don't pick no cotton.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Intentions;,"'Always in the saddle, never on his way.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Intentions;,"'Man punishes the action, but God the intention.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Intentions;,"'Plenty of people have done good when they meant to do harm, and harm when they intended to do good.'  Quote:  Cicero.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Intentions;,'The great majority of men are bundles of beginnings.'  Quote:  Rwe.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Intentions;,'You can't build a reputation on what you're going to do.'  Quote:  Henry Ford.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Intentions; Deeds; Talk Is Cheap;,'Nodding your head does not row the boat.'  Quote:  Irish.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Intentions; Talk Is Cheap; Action; Deeds;,"'Action is eloquence. The end of man is action, and not thought, though it be of the noblest.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Interest;,"'I don't believe in principle, but I do in interest.'  Quote:  James Lowell.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Interest; Evolution;,'It is a cursed evil to any man to become as absorbed in any subject as I am in mind.'  Quote:  Charles Darwin.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Interfaith, Worship, Pagan, Christendom, Disfellowshipped,",Why do they put criminals in jail?  Is it not so they will not contaminate society?,"This is why we do not engage in interfaith movements.  We can become contaminated with those who teach false doctrines, such as trinity, etc.",2 Cor 6:14-18;,Evelyn Perkins,Who Is Your God?,52,,1994/04/22,
Internal Pressures,"Short end of stick.   Who got the short end of the stick?  Joshua & Caleb They wandered 40 years through no fault of their own. Waited on Jehovah 40 years, accepted 'short end' apparently without complaining.  Like eating chicken in a large household.  Not enough drumsticks to go around.",Internal pressure hardest to take.  Keep spiritual vision clear out complaining. Always someone has to have 'short end' .  Take & accept it.,Numbers. 13:28-33,"Mark Morrow (bethel Brother) Jun 20, 1990",Are You Content With Jehovah's Provisions?,22,,,
"Internet, Computers,",Internet:  'They named it right' one brother said.,'It is a net and it can catch you.',1 Jo 2:15-17,Randy Aldridge,Prayers That Are Heard By God.,86,,"Sep 19, 2000",
"Interpretation, Twisting, Dishonest, Jehovah's Day,","What would a housewife think of a recipe book that was open to just any interpretation? Or of what benefit would it be to spend money for a dictionary that allowed its reader to interpret the meaning of words just any way he chose? Is that the kind of guidebook we would expect God to give his creatures? Indeed, in such a case, would it even be proper to speak of it as a guidebook?","Honest, God-fearing persons are not interested in twisting the Scriptures 'to their own destruction.'",2 Pet. 3:16,W88 12/15 5,Keep Close In Mind The 'fear-inspiring Day'!,153,,"Feb 27, 2002",
Intolerance;,'Intolerance has been the curse of every age and state.'  Quote:  Sam Davies.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Introduction - Talk - Introduction, School,","Magnifying glass brings sun beams together and focuses on one spot, even start a fire.",Introduction bring scattered thoughts of audience together with thought of motivating them.,Acts 17: 22,Johnse Laymon,,,,,
"Introduction - Talks  Introduction, School,","Like a funnel that large at top small bottom, brings together.",Introduction brings scattered thoughts of audience together and focuses on one thought.,"Acts 7:22, Matt. 7:28, 29;",Johnse Laymon,,,,,
"Introduction,","'You never get a second chance to make a first impression.' What you can do in 30 seconds: car go 1/2 mile.  Commercial jet goes 5 miles.  Heat a burrito in microwave, T.V. commercial. tell about product, sell to you in 30 seconds.",Introduction should catch the house-holders attention within the first 30 seconds.,Ge 1:1;,See Jan 1992 Km Page 8,,,,,
"Introduction, School,",A skilled carpenter can join two boards together so closely that you can hardly tell where one ends and the other begins.,That is the way the introduction of a talk should be.  You should have difficulty telling where the introduction ends and the body of the talk begins.,"Ecclesiastes 12:9, 10;",Norman Smith (school Guidebook - Page 115),,,,,
"Introduction, School,","Have you ever been working real hard, and suddenly you catch the smell of food.  You are hungry, and the aroma gets your attention very quickly.","The introduction of a talk should be like that.  It should catch all the drifting thoughts, and get your attention very quickly.","Ecclesiastes 12:9, 10;",Norman Smith (school Guidebook - Page 113),,,,,
"Introduction, Service, Ministry, Talks,",I have a message for you from outer space.,Should not give shocking introduction. It should be positive and in a pleasant way like Jesus. Might think you are spaced out.,Matt. 5:3-12,"Jan 15, 1991 Wt Johnse Laymon",How Should You Serve God?,58,,,
"Introductions, Study, Bible, Word, Publications,",Eye glasses.,"Focus on object, magnify it, so scattered thought brought in.",Genesis. 1:1,Bobby Laymon,Does Your Hope Rest On Science Or The Bible?,80,,,
"Introductions, service, ministry",How much can happen in 30 seconds? Car can travel 1/2 mile. Jet can travel 5 miles. Heat a burrito in microwave. Most TV commercials only 30 seconds. Can save a life. Can take a life in 30 seconds or less.,First 30 seconds of field ministry most important. Loose or gain your householder in first 30 seconds.,Mt 10:12,Joe Laymon (1/92 Km Pg. 8),How Should You Serve God?,58,,,
"Intuition,","A baby cries.  The experienced mother, busy in another room, reaches for the diapers instead of preparing to feed the child? Why?  She has developed an intuitive sense about her child's cry.","Intuitions are based on experience, particularly the experience of individuals with great sensitivity.  They build up a store house of memories and impressions.",Heb 5:14; Phil 1:10; Ac 17:11;,"Mar 22, 1992 Aw Page 17",,,,,
"Intuition,","A kind of leap -- straight from seeing a problem to knowing its solution. It is, after all, only of real value, when in harmony with the greatest mind in the universe, our Creator.","Intuitions are based on experience, particularly the experience of individuals with great sensitivity.  They build up a store house of memories and impressions.",Heb 5:14; Phil 1:10; Ac 17:11;,"Mar 22, 1992 Aw Page 16",,,,,
Intuition; Hunch;,"Intuition is the strange instance that tells a woman she is right, whether she is or not.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Invention;,'The wheel was man's greatest invention until he got behind it.'  Quote:  Bill Ireland.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Invention;,"How come, if necessity is the mother of invention, all this unnecessary stuff gets invented?",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Invisible, Belief, Spirit,","'Who has seen the wind? Neither you nor I: But when the trees bow down their heads, The wind is passing by.' Quote: Christina Georgia Rossetti.","Likewise we cannot see God.  But we have clear evidence that he exists.  Though invisible, God invites us to seek to know him.","Ro 1:19, 20; Ac 17:26, 27;",Bobby Laymon,How Purposeful Is Your Life?,60,,1995/08/09,
"Invisible, Relationship, Draw Close, God,","Consider the example of Edward and Gwen, a married couple who are blind.  Edward met Gwen at a school for the blind, where she was a fellow student.  He admired Gwen's qualities, especially her honesty in speech and conduct, and her excellent attitude toward work.  In turn Gwen was attracted to Edward because, in her words, 'he displayed all the qualities I was brought up to believe were important.  A courtship budded, and three years later they were married.","'When you are together,' says Edward, 'blindness does not really make a difference in building a relationship with another person.  You might not be able to see each other, but feeling are not blind.'",1 Jo 4:19,"Oct 15, 2000 Wt Page 3",Keep Growing In Your Relationship With God,16,,"Nov 2, 2000",
"Invisible, Relationship, Draw Close, God,","Some people have developed a close relationship with others through regular correspondence -- their letters honestly conveying likes, dislikes, goals, principles, sense of humor, and other personal traits or interests.",Thus answering the questions: Can you draw close to an invisible God?  How can I develop a close relationship with someone I cannot see?,1 Jo 4:19,"Oct 15, 2000 Wt Page 3",Keep Growing In Your Relationship With God,16,,"Nov 2, 2000",
"Invitation, Invite, Search,",Show several different types of invitations.  Example: Wedding; Graduation; Baby shower; (whatever you have on hand.) Most of us receive them.,"There is an invitation going out however, that is far grander and more unique than any of these.  1. It is going out to all races, backgrounds.  2. It comes from an exalted source.  3.  Millions have accepted it.  4.  It is found in God's word.  5.  It has been going out for a long, long time.  6. It is free.",Rev. 22:17;,Shan Shanifer,"Come, You Who Thirst For The Truth!",89,,1998/11/02,
"Isaiah, Preaching, Repetition, Service, Christendom,","'The couch has proved too short for stretching oneself on, and the woven sheet itself is too narrow when wrapping oneself up. Jehovah's strange deed and unusual work will be his agitation with Christendom.",That is the uncomfortable situation of those who today put their trust in Christendom's refuge of a lie.  They are 'out in the cold' as it were.,"Isa. 28:20, 21;","Jun 1, 1991 Wt Page 20",How Should You Serve God?,58,,,
"Isaiah, Preaching, Repetition, Service, Christendom,","Like a child's nursery rhyme, Isaiah kept repeating himself, Judah complained.  They hated it. Look down on Jehovah's Witnesses.","They, like Christendom today, make a joke of it. 'For it is command upon command, command upon command, measuring line upon measuring line, here a little and there a little.'",Isa. 28:10; Matt. 15:14; John 7:47-49; Acts 4:13;,"Jun 1, 1991 Wt Page 13",How Should You Serve God?,58,,,
"Issue, Satan, Challenge, Time,","On trying to explain why Jehovah didn't destroy Satan after the challenge was raised in Eden, one of the young adults shared this explanation: There were two men with horses.  The first man had a very fast horse that had never been beaten.  The second man claimed that his horse was faster than the first man's.  The first man shot both the horse and the owner of the second horse.  Nothing was proven.","If Jehovah had destroyed Satan immediately, nothing would have been proved either.",Genesis. 3:15;,Bobby Laymon,What God's Rulership Can Do For Us,24,,"Feb 10, 2001",
"Issue, Sovereignty, Jehovah, Satan, Adam, Eve,","Let us say that you are a loving parent with several children in a happy family.  Suppose one of your neighbors spreads lies, accusing you of being a bad parent.  What if the neighbor says that your children do not love you, that they stay with you only because they do not know any better, and that they would leave if someone showed them the way.  'Preposterous!' you might say.  Yes, but how would you prove it?  Some parents might react in rage.  Besides creating more problems, such a violent response would lend support to the lies.  A satisfying way to deal with such a problem would be to allow opportunity for your accuser to prove his claim and for your children to testify that they sincerely love you.","Jehovah is like the loving parent.  Adam and Eve may be compared to the children, and Satan fits the role of the lying neighbor.  God wisely did not destroy Satan, Adam and Eve immediately but permitted these wrongdoers to continue living for a while.  From the start God knew some humans would be loyal to him.",2 Ch 16:9; Prov 15:3;,"Kl Page 75, 76",What God's Rulership Can Do For Us,24,,1995/06/15,
"Issue, Sovereignty, Rulership, Satan,",'Give a calf enough rope and he will hang himself.' The past 6000 years experience in self-rule has resulted in self-destruction. Jehovah allowed enough time to settle the issue.,Time was needed to settle the issue of universal sovereignty.,Job 1:6-10;,You Can Live Forever In Paradise On Earth. Page 104,Do You Recognize Jehovah's Sovereignty In Your Personal Life?,75,,,
"James .. Book Of.. Bible,","Tomato; called love apple; thought to be poison. Later became acceptable spiritual food, though was fine all along.",James was one of last books to be added to Bible Canon,2 Tim. 3:16;,Johnse Laymon,Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,,
Japanese;,'Children and fools cannot lie.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Japanese;,'They agree like cats and dogs.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Japanese;,'To carry water to the river.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Japanese;,'To flay a louse for its skin.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Japanese;,'To go to a goat for wool.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Japanese;,'To seek fish in the trees.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Japanese;,A kite pulled from every direction.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Japanese;,An obstinate person will eventually be punished with a stick.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Japanese;,Clean your mind before shaving your head.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Japanese;,Even a dog will have nothing to do with a husband and wife quarreling.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Japanese;,Fertilizer for wheat after the spring equinox day is of no more use than is admonition to a man over thirty.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Japanese;,He talks so much that his mouth might catch cold.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Japanese;,"He that falls into dirt, the longer he stays there the fouler he is.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Japanese;,He that is born a fool is never cured.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Japanese;,He that is foolish in the fault let him be wise in the punishment.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Japanese;,If you don't nip it in the bud you will have to use a hatchet to cut it down.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Japanese;,"If you want to see fools, look at their parents.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Japanese;,In some places it is the hen that crows at daybreak.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Japanese;,It is a sad house where the hen crows louder than the cock.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Japanese;,It is precisely because there are fools that wise men look as good as they do.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Japanese;,It only tastes good when its in the mouth.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Japanese;,Let each brush away flies with his own tail.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Japanese;,Make not thy stomach an apothecary's shop.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Japanese;,"The first degree of folly is to hold oneself wise, the second to profess it, the third to despise counsel.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Japanese;,The posts of one's home may be infested with termites but never a plow handle.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Japanese;,To bear one's teeth. (to speak frankly),,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Japanese;,"To employ every means possible, by sometimes acting like a mink and at other times like a weasel.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,J,,1/21/2025
Japanese;,To have and not to have are causes of trouble.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Japanese;,Too much pudding will choke a dog.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Japanese;,Unless you know how to serve you cannot know how to manage servants.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Japanese;,What ten eyes observe and what ten hands point at are true.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,J,,1/21/2025
Japanese;,When the belly skin stretches the eyelids slacken.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Japanese;,Where there are reeds there is water.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Japanese;,You find fault with a fat goose.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Japanese; Conscience;,Good conscience is continual feast.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Japanese; Haste;,Good and quickly seldom meet.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Japanese; Laws;,A cornered mouse dares to bite the cat.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Japanese; Laws;,Laws catch flies but let hornets go free.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Japanese; Laws;,One hair among the coat of nine cows.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Japanese; Laws;,Visitors and white herons look their best when they stand up to leave.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Japanese; Riches; Wealth;,Riches have wings.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Japanese; Truth; Hope;,"If a man learns the truth in the morning, he may die in the evening without regret.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,J,,1/21/2025
"Jaw, Body, Health,","The situation has been likened to forcing a six-foot [180 cm] man to stand in a room only 5 feet 10 inches [175 cm] high.  He may remain in a slumped position for a while without discomfort, but in time the pain can gradually become torturous.","Similarly, when the jaw cannot maintain its proper skeletal position, the muscles must support it continuously. The result is the same as with the tall man under the low ceiling-pain.",Ps 139:14;,G91 6/22 20-1,,,,1994/05/07,
Jealousy,"The Monkey and the Camel Meeting of beasts: Monkey distinguished himself by dancing in most entertaining way.  Camel became jealous, and tried to do same.  So absurd, the other beasts drove him out.",Jealousy will cause us to make a fool of ourselves Moral: Do not attempt to stretch your arm farther than your sleeve will allow.,Prov 14:30,Aesop's Fables Page 76,Jealousy--proper And Improper,76,,,
"Jealousy, Envy,","Two birds, Vulture & Hummingbird.  Hummingbird leaves beautiful trail, feeding from flowers etc.  Vulture leaves ugly trail feeding off dead animals.","Do we have proper jealousy, leave beautiful trail or do we have improper jealousy, leave ugly trail, always digging up bad and dead things on our brothers.","Prov.14:30,1cor.13:4",Jim Breden,Jealousy--proper And Improper,76,,1996/08/13,
"Jealousy, Envy, Ambition,",You don't have to blow out anybody else's candles to make yours shine brighter.,Jealousy and envy never lead to true advancement.,Acts 7:9;,Bobby Laymon,Jealousy--proper And Improper,76,,1998/12/25,
"Jealousy, Envy, Covet, Complain, Criticize,",'Jealousy --magnifier of trifles.' Quote: Schiller (1759-1805),Envy causes one to be critical of others.,Pr 6:34; 14:30; 27:4;,Wisdom Of The Ages,Jealousy--proper And Improper,76,,,
"Jealousy, Envy, Covet, Greed,","'As iron is eaten by rust, so are the envious consumed by envy.' Quote: Antisthenes (fl. B.C. 444)",An envious person will not go unpunished.,Pr 6:27-29;,Wisdom Of The Ages,Jealousy--proper And Improper,76,,,
"Jealousy, Envy, Covet, Greed,",'Envy assails the noblest:  the winds howl around the highest peaks.'   Quote: Ovid (B.C. 43-18 A.D.),There is not one man on earth that does not sin.  None are immune.,Ro 3:10;,Wisdom Of The Ages,Jealousy--proper And Improper,76,,,
"Jealousy, Envy, Covet, Greed,","'The covetous man heaps up riches, not to enjoy them, but to have them.' Quote: John Tillotson (1630-1694)",Happiness and contentment are not found in riches.,Ecclesiastes 5:10;,Wisdom Of The Ages,Jealousy--proper And Improper,76,,,
"Jealousy, Envy, Covet, Greed, Experience, Transform,","'Just as a tree, though cut down, can grow again and again if its roots are undamaged and strong, ...if the roots of craving are not wholly uprooted sorrows will come again and again.' Quote: The Dhammapada (c. B.C. 300)","We must make our minds over, transforming our thinking, or we will keep repeating past mistakes.","Ro 12:1, 2; Mt 5:30;",Wisdom Of The Ages,Is The Truth Transforming Your Life?,51,,,
"Jealousy, Envy, Covet, Greed, Materialism,",'Envy is like a fly that passes all a body's sounder parts and dwells upon the sores.' Quote: George Chapman (1557-1634),"Men, unlike wise king Solomon, do not usually desire what is best for them, but desire riches, fame, etc.","2 Ch 1:9, 10; 1ki 4:30-34;",Wisdom Of The Ages,Jealousy--proper And Improper,76,,,
"Jealousy, Envy, Covet, Greed, Materialism,",'No man is more cheated than the selfish man.' Quote: Beecher (1813-1878),Selfish people are not happy.,Acts 20:35,Wisdom Of The Ages,Jealousy--proper And Improper,76,,,
"Jealousy, Envy, Covet, Greed, Materialism,","'Some men make fortunes, but not to enjoy them; for, blinded by avarice, (love of riches) they live to make fortunes.' Quote: Juvenal (40-125 A.D.)",Those seeking material thing are not satisfied nor happy with them.,"Ecclesiastes 5:10, 11;",Wisdom Of The Ages,Jealousy--proper And Improper,76,,,
"Jealousy, Envy, Covet, Greed, Materialism,",'The virtues are lost in self-interest as rivers are lost in the sea.'   Quote: La Rochefoucauld  (1613-1680),A person 'that is hastening to gain riches will not remain innocent.',Pr 28:20;,Wisdom Of The Ages,Jealousy--proper And Improper,76,,,
"Jealousy, Envy, Covet, Greed, Pharisees, Hypocrisy,",'The same people who can deny others everything are famous for refusing themselves nothing.' Quote: Leigh Hunt (1784-1859),"We must not be like the Pharisees, who fed themselves at the expense of Jehovah's sheep.","Mt 23:3, 4;",Wisdom Of The Ages,Jealousy--proper And Improper,76,,,
"Jealousy, Envy, Covet, Greed, Retirement, Age, Old, Materialism","'Avarice, (greed for wealth) in old age, is foolish; for what can be more absurd than to increase our provisions for the road the nearer we approach to our journey's end?' Quote: Cicero (B.C. 106-43)","The desire of the world is to lay aside riches for retirement, but how much more important is putting God's kingdom first. Happiness is now, doing Jehovah's will.",Mt 6:33; Luke 12:18-20;,Wisdom Of The Ages,Jealousy--proper And Improper,76,,,
"Jealousy, Envy, Covet, Satan, Devil,","'Covetousness is both the beginning and the end of the devil's alphabet - the first vice in corrupt nature that moves, and the last which dies.' Quote: Robert South (1634-1716)",Satan desired what did not belong to him.  The worship of other creatures.  We must guard against a like course.,Jn 8:44;,Wisdom Of The Ages,Jealousy--proper And Improper,76,,,
"Jealousy, Humility, Pride, Envy, Competition,",People who whittle you down are only trying to reduce you to their own size.,Jealousy is rottenness to the bones.,"Prov. 14:30; Matt. 23:12; Gal. 5:26; Luke 12:15; Prov. 16:5, 18;",Bobby Laymon,Jealousy--proper And Improper,76,,,
"Jealousy, Love,","'Jealousy, the jaundice of the soul.' Quote: John Dryden. [1687].","There is however, a proper jealousy.",Exodus 34:14;,Bobby Laymon,Jealousy--proper And Improper,76,,1995/07/14,
"Jealousy, Love, Envy, Hatred,","'Jealousy is always born together with love, but it does not always die when love dies.' Quote:  Francois, Duc de La Rochefoucauld.",The Bible describes jealousy as a `work of the flesh'.  Even some Christians were infected with jealousy.  They were counseled to overcome this `work of the flesh'.,Gal. 5:19-21;,Bobby Laymon,Jealousy--proper And Improper,76,,1995/07/14,
"Jealousy, Resentment,",Jealousy is like a corrosive acid that eats away ones vital organs,It can drive person into depression even suicide,"Prov 14:30  Jas 3:14-16 Rom 13: 12,13","Johnse Laymon Aug 22, 1965 Aw Pg 3",Jealousy--proper And Improper,76,,,
"Jealousy, Resentment,",Jealousy is like a malicious weed that starts from small seed but grows fast and chokes,"Wife may see husband talking woman attractive or man may see wife talks a lot to man who has many experiences to tell. Like a weed, jealousy can grow where there is nothing to it.","Prov 14:30  Jas 3:14-16 Rom 13: 12,13","Johnse Laymon Aug 22, 1965 Aw Pg 4",Jealousy--proper And Improper,76,,,
"Jealousy, Resentment,",Young girl might be interested in young boy but does not show interest in her so she pretends to be interested in someone else hoping to make first young man show interest in her.,This would be unkind to young man she is using and may be hurt point is jealousy often destroys right principals,"Prov 14:30  Jas 3:14-16 Rom 13: 12,13","Johnse Laymon Aug 22, 1965 Aw Pg 4",Jealousy--proper And Improper,76,,,
"Jealousy, Zeal,","Jealousy is from the Greek word ze'o, meaning to burn. Is this good or bad? Well, the answer is: it depends. If it's a cold winter's day, and you come home and there's a roaring fire in the fireplace, then that is very, very good. But if you come home, winter or summer, and find you house burning to the ground, that is not good news at all.","It's the same with jealousy, which can be good or bad, depending on the circumstances. Let's display a real burning jealousy for Jehovah and his service, which can fire us up to greater activity, and avoid the destructive jealousy that will eventually leave us out in the cold, without the shelter of our Christian brotherhood.",Numbers 5:14;,Peter Morgan,Jealousy--proper And Improper,76,,1997/08/12,
Jealousy;,'Jealousy - the magnifier of trifles.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Jealousy; Envy;,'Envy eats nothing but its own heart.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Jehovah,Book of Jehovah's Wars This reliable record perhaps had it's beginning when he fought for Abraham. A new chapter will be added at Armageddon.,Will write final chapter at Armageddon.,Numbers. 21:14,"Jul 1, 1990 Wt Page 18-28",Make Jehovah Your Confidence,70,,,
Jehovah,Introduction; When did you become acquainted? There was a time (for even those born to Christian parents) when they did not slave for Jehovah,What have you done to strengthen that relationship since then,Amos 3:3,Bobby Laymon,How Well Do You Know God?,1,,,
Jehovah,"Legal case ignorance no excuse lacked truth, loving kindness, and knowledge","Rejected Jehovah, he would reject them","Hos Chap 4, 5  Ps 119:59, 66, 67.","Mar 1, 1989 Wt Page 15",Make Jehovah Your Confidence,70,,,
Jehovah,String on finger,Not forget Jehovah or his laws,"2 Tim 3:16  Acts 2: 25, 26  Phil 4:8",Bobby Laymon,Make Jehovah Your Confidence,70,,,
Jehovah,"Sunflower follows sun across sky Follow Him, imitate Him.",We must constantly look to Jehovah.,2 Cor. 3:18,Bobby Laymon,How Well Do You Know God?,1,,,
Jehovah,Ultimate weapon,Nations are drop in bucket,Isa. 40:22-26,Bobby Laymon,Jehovah Is 'a Secure Height' For His People,151,,,
Jehovah,X-Ray vision; eyes in every place Discussion of Ps 139 see source,We should expect him to have full knowledge of us.,Acts 17:24-28  Ps 139:1,"Jan 15, 1990 Wt Page 21-24",Make Jehovah Your Confidence,70,,,
Jehovah,"You've heard it said, 'Dog is man's best friend.'","Jehovah should be our best friend.   He will prove to be an eternal friend, as he was to Abraham.",Jas. 2:23  Ps. 16:11  2 Cor. 2:14  Isa. 11:9,Bobby Laymon,How Well Do You Know God?,1,,,
Jehovah (his Power),"Jehovah is wise and loving user, not abuser, of his power.  We are not ashamed to be his message bearers.",Contrast with nations today,Jere 10:12,"Jan 1, 1990 Wt Page 15",Make Jehovah Your Confidence,70,,,12/28/2016
Jehovah (name Left Out Of Bible),Four raisins or four scoops of raisins.  Which is best.  Jehovah's name is only  found in some Bibles 4 times.  It should be there nearly 7000 times.,More is better,Ps 83:18,Bobby Laymon,Make Jehovah Your Confidence,70,,,2/6/2015
Jehovah Sees,Unexpected guest-hide mess We must render an account,We cannot hide anything from Jehovah,"Heb 4:13  Luke 8:17  Rom 14:10,12  Ezek 8:12",Assy Talk,Make Jehovah Your Confidence,70,,,
Jehovah's Law/standards,Cannot harvest during planting season.,Jehovah's standard's unchangeable.,"Genesis 1:31  Genesis 1:25  Mic 6:6-8  Isa 55:8,9  30:22",Assy Talk,Why Live By Bible Standards?,88,,,
Jehovah's Organization,Orchestra.  Any sour note will come out and be noticed.,All must play in harmony.,Eph. 1:10,Bobby Laymon,Make Jehovah Your Confidence,70,,,
Jehovah's Organization,"Ship with captain, rudder.   Other boats in water.  Rocks hidden below.  Must stay aboard, this ship is going through great tribulation",How organization operates like ark of Noah's day,"Matt 24:45,46",Km School,Serving With Jehovah's Unified Organization,3,,,
Jehovah's Organization,"Train bring peace, contentment, satisfaction, many friends, rich blessings.",Fully follow leading & teaching of Jehovah's organization,"Matt 6:33, 34   6:19-21","Mar 15, 1989 Wt Page 16",Make Jehovah Your Confidence,70,,,
Jehovah's Patience,Black box with 2 buttons; Armageddon now; Armageddon 10 Years from now.  Jehovah tells you to decide.  Which button will you push?,"It is for you to decide?  Would you choose the same as  Jehovah, and show mercy to those who have not heard?","2 Pet 3:9, 10   1 Th 5:3",Bobby Laymon,Make Jehovah Your Confidence,70,,,
Jehovah's Provisions,King had to copy the law by hand,Not necessary for us to copy it.  Jehovah has seen to it that we have it provision of faithful slave,"Duet. 17:18,19",Richard Schroeder,Make Jehovah Your Confidence,70,,,
Jehovah's Purpose,"Bent nail, while building house; Not abandon house","Satan's rebellion didn't stop Jehovah's purpose  Our purpose should be to serve Jehovah forever, and let nothing stop us.",Isa 55:11,Bobby Laymon,How Purposeful Is Your Life?,60,,,
Jehovah's Purpose,"On Target, On Time, On Budget; Construction sign. Construction. Company allowed for unforeseen occur. (blasting, Material shortage etc.)",Jehovah's purpose,Isa 45:18  46:9-11,"Aug 1, 1989 Wt Page 27",How Purposeful Is Your Life?,60,,,
Jehovah's Side Of Issue,Are we straddling the fence,Fence on Satan's side. Jehovah doesn't build fence around his   people.,2 Tim 2:21,Apr 74 Km,Make Jehovah Your Confidence,70,,,
Jehovah's Witnesses,Custodian (Explain many duties) Guard against teachings of evolution etc.,Jehovah's people are custodians of truth today,"Ps 111:7, 8  1 Tim 3:15",Assy Talk (release Of Live Forever Book.  1983 Dist. Assy),Make Jehovah Your Confidence,70,,,
"Jehovah's Witnesses, Beliefs, Worship,","Information: For 14 clear identifying marks, see source below. There are many Scriptures included.","1. Bible; 2. Jehovah; 3. Jesus Christ; 4. Satan; 5. God's Kingdom; 6. Last Days; 7. One road to life; 8. Death, from sin; 9. Little flock; 10. Other sheep; 11. Respect for Secular Auth. 12. Morals, blood; 13. Honesty, family; 14. Love Jehovah above all else.",2ti 3:16;,Jehovah's Witnesses - Proclaimers Of God's Kingdom.  Page 144-5,Make Jehovah Your Confidence,70,,,
"Jehovah's Witnesses, Bible, Smell,","Can you imagine a fruit that smells so horrible that airlines refuse to ship it though tightly packed, sailors have threatened mutiny and thrown it overboard, yet the taste is so delicious & perfectly balanced, it cannot be described. Its the 'Durian'","Both the Bible and Jehovah's Witnesses may smell offensive to those unacquainted with their message, but it is sweet and tasteful to those willing to listen.",Eze 3:3; Rev. 10:10;,"Sep 8, 1867 Aw Page 23",Make Jehovah Your Confidence,70,,,
"Jehovah's Witnesses, Cleanliness, Holy, Assemblies, Conventions,","'Do you know what the trouble with this world is?  There are not enough Jehovah's witnesses in it.' Quote: A captain of the Utica New York, Police Dept. (Many experiences in article)",Amazement at the orderliness and cleanliness of J.W.,Jn. 13:35;,"Nov 22, 1967 Aw Page 22",A Clean People Honors Jehovah,14,,,
"Jehovah's Witnesses, Conduct,","'I have never met a Jehovah's Witness I haven't liked.'  Quote: George Plagenz, a U.S. religion columnist, who wrote about his experiences with Jehovah's Witnesses.","He continued, 'I was treated with the utmost kindness, gentle courtesy and genuine friendliness by every Witness I met.' 'Most who are Witnesses today once slammed the door in the face of a Witness caller,' he said.","Mt 6:9, 10;","Sep 8, 1993 Aw Page 32",Make Jehovah Your Confidence,70,,,
"Jehovah's Witnesses, Conduct, Justice, Judgment, Mercy, Prejudice",Every man's neighbor is his looking glass.,"As Jehovah's people, the world is watching.","1 Cor. 4:9; Ps. 96:13; Matt. 7:1, 2; 25:40, 45; Matt. 12:36;",Bobby Laymon,"Mercy, A Dominant Quality Of True Christians",7,,,
"Jehovah's Witnesses, Conduct, Peaceful, Love,","'If all the religious denominations were like Jehovah's witnesses, we would have no murders, burglaries, delinquencies, prisoners and atomic bombs. Doors would not be locked day in and day out.'  Quote:   Governor-general of Nigeria, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe,",He invited Brother W. R. Brown (Bible Brown) to speak at the Independence of Nigeria.,Joh 13:35;,Jv 482  22,Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,63,,1995/06/13,
"Jehovah's Witnesses, Courage, Persecution, Faith,","Mr. Gun says about his experience in the Dachau concentration camp: 'I would like to be able to say there had been nothing but heroes  in the Lager [Camp] but that, unfortunately, would not be true. We were a heterogeneous group. Among us there were some of everything: Communists, members of the underground, criminals, anarchists . . . and the admirable Jehovah's Witnesses . . . The members of Jehovah's Witnesses, it must be said, showed such courage, daring, virtue and stoicism in adversity that they deserve a special salute. They were rocks in a sea of mud.'",'Rocks in a sea of mud'? 'Deserve a special salute'? Why? Because of the powerful Word of God that was in their hearts.  And some twenty years later we find the witnesses of Jehovah making the same record in other lands.,2 Tim. 2:9; Heb. 4:12; John 6:63; Heb. Chapter 11; Jer. 20:9,"May 15, 1967 Wt Page 294",Bearing Up Under Persecution,57,,,
"Jehovah's Witnesses, Court, Persecution,","Jehovah's Witnesses have won 23 favorable decisions in U.S. Supreme Court. In 1919 the appeal court found 125 errors in the trial of J.W. Judge Manton, later imprisoned and fined for bribery.",Information:,"Mark 13:9, 10; Matt. 24:3, 9;","Revelation Climax Book, Page 40",Bearing Up Under Persecution,57,,,
"Jehovah's Witnesses, Court, Persecution, Shadrack, Meshack, Abednego","Three modern-day examples of 'Hebrew children' In 1985, in the state of Kerala, India, three young children of Jehovah's Witnesses refused to compromise. (expelled) Father appealed and court ruled in their favor. Favorable news media.",Results of faithfulness informed 1/5 of the earth's population that there are Christians in that land who worship Jehovah.,Dan. 3:16-30,"Revelation Climax Book, Page 43",Bearing Up Under Persecution,57,,,
"Jehovah's Witnesses, Light, Constant, Progress,",'Like a light that never flickered.'  Comment about Witnesses in the concentration camps.,We need to be like that.  Constantly weaving good habits.  Be positive.  Always progressive.,Ro 10:10,"Bill Osbeck, C.O.",Maintain Your Confidence Firm To The End,46,,1994/02/02,
"Jehovah's Witnesses, Name,",'That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet' Above quote by Shakespeare. Importance of name; various nicknames given by others.,Rose would still need a name to distinguish from other flowers.,Isa. 43:10-12,"Feb 15, 1962 Wt Page 117",Make Jehovah Your Confidence,70,,,
"Jehovah's Witnesses, Name,","When we embraced the name Jehovah's Witnesses, author Chandler W. Sterling refers to this as 'the greatest stroke of genius' on the part of J.F. Rutherford. Note: Isaiah 43:10, 12 was never discussed in any detail in The Watchtower during its first 40 years of publication.","In contrast: 'There is no doubt in my mind - not then nor now - that the Lord guided him in that, and that is the name Jehovah wants us to bear, and we're very happy and very glad to have it.' Quote: A. H. Macmillan","Is 43:10, 12; Is 8:18; Heb 2:10-13; Is 66:22 Re 21:1,2;",Jehovah's Witnesses - Proclaimers Of God's Kingdom.  Page 152,Make Jehovah Your Confidence,70,,,
"Jehovah's Witnesses, Nation, Pure Language,",'Constitute a Nation' Witnesses now over 4 million; larger than some 60 of the 159 members of the UN. Native language number about 200; yet all speak on 'pure language' of truth.,Nation that comes 'from the extremity of the earth' 59% have fewer citizens than those attending Memorial in 1989.,Isa. 43:5-7; Zech. 8:23; Zeph. 3:9; Isa. 2:2-4,"Jan 1, 1991 Wt Page 4;   Dec 8, 1990 Aw Page 23",Make Jehovah Your Confidence,70,,,
"Jehovah's Witnesses, Nicknames,",'People of the Donkey Church',"Applied to brothers in Africa, because they borrowed a cart drawn by donkeys to carry heavy equipment (transcription machine) from place to place.",Acts 28:22;,"Feb 1, 1993 Wt Page 27",Make Jehovah Your Confidence,70,,,
"Jehovah's Witnesses, Nicknames, Evangel, Preaching, Literature,",'There goes the cycling church!',"In Rotterdam, on the Rhine, Europe's busiest river, where preaching is done.  Links to more than 800 destinations worldwide. Nickname applied because of their bicycles and carts pulling literature.",Mt 24:14,"Apr 15, 1992 Wt Page 19",Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,63,,,
"Jehovah's Witnesses, Organization, Scandal, Zeal, Contributions, Money,","'There has never been a hint of moral scandal or financial corruption in the Watchtower Bible and Tract Society,' the publishing agency of the Witnesses.  (Louis W. Cassels, religion editor for the United Press International, Washington D.C.","Jehovah's Witnesses practice 'Godly devotion.' writing in 'The Lutheran, Jan 3, 1968) comments on 'zeal'","2ti 3:5; Mt 5:3; Is 1:13-15; 29:13, 14; Jer 5:30, 31; 8:9;","Mar 22, 1968 Aw Page 8",Serving With Jehovah's Unified Organization,3,,,
"Jehovah's Witnesses, Persecution, Hatred, Service, Preaching,",People don't hate the mailman because he brings bills. We only report what Jehovah himself says in the Bible.,"Why should they hate Jehovah's Witnesses, who merely relate what the Bible says.","Phil. 3:18, 19; John 8:44; 2 Cor. 4:4","June 1, 1991 Wt Page 18 (see Para 16)",Bearing Up Under Persecution,57,,,
"Jehovah's Witnesses, Persecution, Hitler,",'These so-called Earnest Bible Students [Jehovah's Witnesses] are troublemakers; ... I consider them quacks; I do not tolerate that the German Catholics shall be besmirched in such a manner by this American Judge Rutherford; I dissolve [Jehovah's Witnesses] in Germany.'  Quote: Adolph Hitler.,"Hitler launched a campaign to annihilate Jehovah's Witnesses in Germany, in 1933, the very year that a concordat between the Vatican and Nazi Germany was signed.",Ps 3:7;17:9; 18:9,Jehovah's Witnesses - Proclaimers Of God's Kingdom.  Page 660,Bearing Up Under Persecution,57,,,
"Jehovah's Witnesses, Persecution, Love, Purple Triangle,","'They do not go to war,' said the Austrian to his companion.  'They would rather be killed than kill anyone else.  In my view that is the way true Christians should behave.'  Quote: An Austrian, who claimed to be a 'nonbeliever.'","'They needed their bread desperately, since they were famished.  But what did they do?  They collected all the bread they had, took half of it and gave the other half to their brothers, their spiritual brothers, who came in ravenous from other camps.  And they welcomed them and kissed them.  Before they ate, they prayed, and afterward their faces beamed with happiness.  They said that nobody was hungry anymore...I thought to myself, 'These are true Christians.''","John 13:34, 35;","Nov 15, 1994 Wt Page 32",Bearing Up Under Persecution,57,,1995/01/08,
"Jehovah's Witnesses, Preaching, Good News,","'Where do we find Jehovah's Witnesses?  On the doorsteps of the homes.  And to be a Witness of Jehovah, besides belonging to Jehovah, one has to be a witness.  Therefore we find them working, announcing, presenting, what they have experienced.'","Jehovah's Witnesses are helping fulfill Matt. 24:14. (Quote: A Catholic publication, Nova Evangelizacao 2000)",Mt. 24:14; Acts 5:42,"Dec 15, 1992 Wt Page 6",Have Faith In The Good News,47,,,
"Jehovah's Witnesses, Preaching, Zeal, Army,",'Jehovah's Witnesses have taken over Shkoder.'!  Quote: Catholic monthly newsletter.,"The large army of two Witnesses there gathered 74 well-behaved and serious-minded people to the Memorial.  15 families asked for home Bible studies.  In another town, Durres, where there is an army of four Witnesses, attendance was a splendid 79.",Is 60:22;,"Jan 1, 1994 Wt Page 7",Make Jehovah Your Confidence,70,,1994/02/19,
"Jehovah's Witnesses, Quotes, Growth, Increase, Progress, Content,","'As traditional religions slowly decline, their churches and temples getting emptier all the time, Jehovah's Witnesses are experiencing increased membership and are even getting former church building and other new facilities in which to gather their new members.' - Le Petit Journal, Canadian newspaper.         'There are in Italy about 45 thousand ... Today the sect has real magazines, which are nice and even interesting (they are rich with news and articles from all over the world), prints small books that are up-to-date and also answer the most expert Catholic Bible scholars.' - Famiglia Mese, Italian Catholic magazine. (written in 1975)  Now 196,000 in Italy.         'Jehovah's Witnesses are baptizing hundreds while we are baptizing twos and threes.' - The Evangelist;  (Jehovah's Witnessed baptized 296,000 in 1993.)         'That the New World Society will suddenly run out of steam is doubtful, ... There are over twice as many Witnesses today [1979] as there were in [1962].  All signs indicate the Watchtower Society will probably double again in size during the next decade.  William J. Whalen in U.S. Catholic.   (Since 1983 Jehovah's Witnesses went from 3.2 million to 4.6 million)",True worship will always meet mankind's spiritual needs and will help people to maintain high moral standards.,Is 4:2-4;,Bobby Laymon,True Religion Meets The Needs Of Human Society.,94,,1994/04/11,
"Jehovah's Witnesses, World, Pioneer,","Crooked house, if you build the walls straight within they appear out of place.",Same with Jehovah's Witnesses. In the crooked world they appear out of place.,1 John 2:15-17; John 17:14;,Bradley Wagner,'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
"Jehovah's Witnesses; Preaching, Clean, Holy,",In Titus 2:14- We're told that God would 'Cleanse for himself a people- peculiarly his own'- Ones who would be- 'zealous for fine works.'  That's an interesting phrase- 'PECULIARLY HIS OWN'- Look up 'peculiar' in the dictionary- you find synonyms like- Funny- Odd- Unusual- Bizarre- Strange- Unconventional- Weird,What makes us so peculiar?  So what are these fine works- that make us So Bizarre- So Strange- So Peculiar?  WELL- MOST PEOPLE- SEE OUR MINISTRY THAT WAY,Titus 2:14,Dch,Make Jehovah Your Confidence,70,,1993/10/10,
"Jehovah, Almighty, Sovereign,",Where is the hundred year old man on earth who can cause a woman ninety years of age to give birth to as son. Jehovah stretches out the heavens like a fine gauze.,"Jehovah being the Most High is also the Almighty , Powerful one.",Genesis. 17:1; Luke 1:35; 1 Chron. 16:25; Isa. 40:22,"Apr 8, 1964 Aw Page 6",Make Jehovah Your Confidence,70,,,
"Jehovah, Anger, Fury, Malicious, Subtle, Violent, Einstein,","'The Lord God is subtle, but malicious he is not.' Quote:  Albert Einstein.","Actually, Jehovah keeps his people informed.  He is only subtle to those who are not his people.",Isa 42:9;,Bobby Laymon,Your Future--how Can It Be Known?,19,,1995/08/16,
"Jehovah, Creation, Humility,","Just think! This earth is just a speck in the vast universe and you are just a very, very minute speck on the earth. Our very existence depends on Jehovah.","Over all great creation, Jehovah holds the highest position.",Ps. 83:18; Isa. 55:8; Ps. 91:1; 150:6;,"Apr 8, 1964 Aw Page 8",Make Jehovah Your Confidence,70,,,
"Jehovah, Creation, Wisdom,",Explored in a few minutes?  Limited?  Short attention span? All man's desires cannot begin to use the vast quantity and quality created by God. (Above: what one investigator saw),"'I saw ... how mankind are not able to find out the work that has been done under the sun; ... even if they say they are wise enough to know, they would be unable to find out.'",Ecclesiastes 8:17; Ro 11:33; 1ti 4:4; Ps 145:16,"Dec 1, 1968 Wt Page 725",Acquiring A Heart Of Wisdom,73,,,
"Jehovah, Creation, Wisdom,","What painter's brush or camera's lens can capture the color, the depth, the feelings, the expanse of the heavens?",Have you sampled all the flavors existent today?  Have you heard all the music and songs of the earth?  Joined in the care-free gaiety of the open-minded child (ever turn is new experience),Ps 145:16; Ecclesiastes 8:17; Ro 11:33; 1ti4:4;,"Dec 1, 1968 Wt Page 726",Make Jehovah Your Confidence,70,,,
"Jehovah, Creator, Beginning,",Those who insist that someone made God or that he had a beginning 'put themselves on the horns of a dilemma.'  Why so?,"Because if someone did make God, then it could be asked, 'Who made that someone who made God?  As you can readily see, the argument could go on and on and never be resolved.  Also, that one would be greater than God, and would deserve our worship and praise.",Heb 3:4; Ps 83:18,"Aug 8, 1969 Aw Page 28",Make Jehovah Your Confidence,70,,,
"Jehovah, Eyes, Sin, World, Association, Loyalty,","Little boy told not to touch an item on the table.  Made several attempts and father stopped him.  Finally he came in with his eyes closed, and father stopped him again.  Son said, 'You can't see me, because I have my eyes closed.'","Many think that Jehovah is not looking, just because they cannot see him.",2 Pe. 1:9;,Earl Crownover,Jehovah's Eyes Are Upon Us,74,,,
"Jehovah, Faith, Dependability, Trust, Honesty, Relationship, Know,","Perhaps you have a friend of whom you would say: 'I trust that man. I can count on him to keep his word; and I know that if I have a problem, he will come to my help.'",It is not likely you would be saying that about someone you met for the first time yesterday.  He would be someone you had a long relationship with.  He proved dependable time and again.,"Heb. 11:1; Rom. 10:10, 17; Ps. 106:9-12;","Reasoning From The Scriptures, Page 131",True Friendship With God And Neighbor.,100,,,
"Jehovah, Fear, Appreciation,","A scuba diver may love the sea, but a wholesome fear of it causes him to realize that there are certain things that he should avoid doing.","Similarly, our love for God should be coupled with a wholesome fear of doing anything that will incur his displeasure.","Luke 10:27; 1 Pet. 2:17; Prov. 1:7; 2:1-5, 16:6;","Reasoning From The Scriptures, Page 199",Make Jehovah Your Confidence,70,,,
"Jehovah, Fear, Appreciation,",A son properly fears to displease his father.,Appreciation for all that his father does for him should also move him to express genuine love for his father.,"Luke 10:27; 1 Pet. 2:17; Prov. 1:7; 2:1-5, 16:6;","Reasoning From The Scriptures, Page 199",Make Jehovah Your Confidence,70,,,
"Jehovah, Feelings, Hurt,",Did someone ever hit you in the eye? 'He that is touching you is touching my eyeball.' 'make him feel hurt.' 'pained even the Holy One of Israel.',We can make Jehovah feel joy or pain.  We can hurt him.,"Zech. 2:8; Ps. 78:38-41; 103: 8, 13, 14; Prov. 27:11",You Can Live Forever In Paradise On Earth. Page 38,Make Jehovah Your Confidence,70,,,
"Jehovah, Forever, Laws, Alive, Eternal, Skeptics,","When laws are in effect and being enforced, a sovereign or government must still be operating. When a rocket goes off course, it is always due to some human failure, never because of Jehovah's laws.",Every time scientists shoot off a rocket into space they are counting on the fact that Jehovah's laws will be sustained and perform according to the exact specifications of their Maker.,Ps. 90:2;,"Jan 15, 1967 Wt Page 38",Make Jehovah Your Confidence,70,,,
"Jehovah, Future, Secrets,",World leaders today enjoy keeping people in dark as to what is happening.  Often suppress the news.  Carry out secret missions.,Jehovah is a revealer of secrets.,"Dan. 2:28, 47;",Bobby Laymon,Make Jehovah Your Confidence,70,,,
"Jehovah, Gifts, Life,",I walked through the mall the other day and noticed people buying $40.00 shoes for their children.  People want to give good gifts to their children.,Jehovah knows how to give 'good gifts' to us.,Lk 11:13; 1j 5:14; Jas 5:14; Ps 97:10;,David Berry,Is The Truth Transforming Your Life?,51,,,
"Jehovah, God, Presence, Spirit,",A power plant has a certain location in or near a city.  But its electricity is distributed over all that area.,"It is similar with God.  He is in the heavens. Yet his holy spirit, (active force) can be felt everywhere, over all the universe.",Isa. 57:15; Ps. 123:1; 33:6; 104:30; Genesis. 1:2 Jer. 10:12;,You Can Live Forever In Paradise On Earth. Page 37,Make Jehovah Your Confidence,70,,,
"Jehovah, God, Worship, Know, Knowledge, Religion,","Do you know how a watch works?  You may have a general idea, but could you take one apart, repair it, and put it together again? A  watchmaker certainly could. Why? Because he has an accurate, comprehensive knowledge of how a watch functions. And that illustrates the difference between general and accurate knowledge of a subject.","Millions of people have a general idea about God. They say that they believe in God, although their actions often belie that claim.",John 17:3;,W89 12/1 10,How Purposeful Is Your Life?,60,,1995/01/27,
"Jehovah, Good, Love, Justice, Mercy, Wisdom,",Ask a person to go a mile and he goes two miles for you.,"A righteous person does what is expected, a GOOD person goes beyond what is expected.  Jehovah goes beyond expectations and what is necessary.",Genesis. 2:9; 1 Jn 4:8;,You Can Live Forever In Paradise On Earth. Page 38,"Mercy, A Dominant Quality Of True Christians",7,,,
"Jehovah, Good, Love, Justice, Mercy, Wisdom,","Jehovah could have made all food purple, and taste like pepper. Jehovah made a wonderful variety of foods for man to enjoy.","A righteous person does what is expected, a GOOD person goes beyond what is expected.  Jehovah goes beyond expectations and what is necessary.",Genesis. 2:9; 1 Jn 4:8;,You Can Live Forever In Paradise On Earth. Page 38,"Mercy, A Dominant Quality Of True Christians",7,,,
"Jehovah, Good, Love, Justice, Mercy, Wisdom,","Our eyes see not just in black and white, but in color. Jehovah is Good, showing love, justice, wisdom.","A righteous person does what is expected, a GOOD person goes beyond what is expected.",Genesis. 2:9; 1 Jn 4:8;,You Can Live Forever In Paradise On Earth. Page 38,Make Jehovah Your Confidence,70,,,
"Jehovah, Grand Creator","Bank Statement, Comes out even, nothing to add, subtract, perfect.","Jehovah's creations like that, when untouched by human tampering.",Eccles 3:14,Bruce McMillan,Appreciating Marvels Of God's Creation,114,,,
"Jehovah, Grand Creator","Grand Canyon, Look up, down, no rival. GRAND CANYON.  Nothing to add or subtract  Eccl 3:14","Jehovah is GRAND CREATOR, no rival.  GRAND CREATOR.",Eccl 12:1  Ps 90:2  33:6,Bruce McMillan,Appreciating Marvels Of God's Creation,114,,,
"Jehovah, Grand Creator","Imaginary Journey, through miles of sand, House, filled with supplies Travel through sand for many years, relate to space travel.","Earth, with rich resources.","Heb 3:4  Rom 1:20, Isa 40:25  Ps 104:24  Dan 7:9  Col 1:15",Bruce McMillan,Appreciating Marvels Of God's Creation,114,,,
"Jehovah, Grand Creator","Make cake, or bed; re-arrange what was already in existence Jesus not co-creator, but helper  Prov 8:12, 22, 25, 30 Hebrew word for create is Mo'rah  different from make Matt 19:4",Gen Chap 1 create vs. make in verse 26,"Heb 3:4  Rom 1:20, Isa 40:25  Ps 104:24  Dan 7:9  Col 1:15",Bruce McMillan,Appreciating Marvels Of God's Creation,114,,,
"Jehovah, Grand Creator",Producer of Movie (Watch credits of excellent movie) Deserves full credit  Ps 97:9  Neh 9:6 Hebrew word for create is Mo'rah  different from make New Creation; not setting idle.,"Jehovah wrote, produced, directed creation of earth Movie: like eating big meal in sleep; wake, still hungry.","Heb 3:4  Rom 1:20, Isa 40:25  Ps 104:24  Dan 7:9  Col 1:15",Bobby Laymon,Jehovah--the Grand Creator,101,,,
"Jehovah, Hate, Bad","If you go to someone's house for a meal and they serve broccoli and you dislike broccoli, to be nice you may put a little on your plate, but if you hate it you won't put any.","We need to hate what is bad, and not dislike.",Ps 97:10,M. Parker,Make Jehovah Your Confidence,70,,,
"Jehovah, Honor,",Nobel prizes awarded by 4 Scandinavian institutions each year to those who have 'conferred the greatest benefit on mankind during the preceding year.' Considered by many to be greatest honor that can be bestowed upon,Ever give thought to honoring mankind's greatest Benefactor? any human.,"Job 35:10; Acts 14:16, 17; Matt. 5:45; Jas. 1:17;","Feb 1, 1991 Wt Page 10",Make Jehovah Your Confidence,70,,,
"Jehovah, Invisible, Spirit, Faith,","Electric light, Television, Wind, are undeniable unseen forces.","Jehovah is a spirit, and cannot be seen.","John 4:23, 24;",Bobby Laymon,Make Jehovah Your Confidence,70,,,
"Jehovah, Jealousy, Idols, Images,","What if you married a fine brother in the truth, and you kept a larger-than-life picture of your former boy friend in your bedroom.   Would you new husband be rightfully jealous?","Likewise, if we put others ahead of Jehovah.  Do you have pictures of heroes, rock stars or others that might incite Jehovah to jealousy?",Gal 5:19-21,Don Mendinghall D.O.,Jealousy--proper And Improper,76,,1994/03/20,
"Jehovah, Know, Name,","Think you know baseball player; razor, deodorant, shampoo, etc. How can we get to know God, since much higher. Isa. 55:6-9 Knowing means perceiving true identity, feelings, qualities, interests, purposes, how he reacts. (David 2 Sam. 1:1-16)",Often know little about one you feel close to.,"John 17:3; 4:7-26  Deuteronomy 18:18, 19",Bobby Laymon,How Well Do You Know God?,1,,,
"Jehovah, Love,","God never sends a mouth, unless he sends food.",Jehovah's love is shown by his Creation. Rom. 1:20,"Isa. 42:8; Ps. 83:18; Exodus. 20:7; John 17:6, 26; Rev. 4:11;",Bobby Laymon,Make Jehovah Your Confidence,70,,,
"Jehovah, Love,",To know him is to love him.,Our relationship to Jehovah.,"1jn 4:8,16,19;jn 3:16;jn 13:35;1jn 2:6;mt 22:37",Bobby Laymon,Make Jehovah Your Confidence,70,,,
"Jehovah, Love, Adjust, Set Matters Straight,",God writes straight with crooked lines. Who's way is it that is not adjusted right?,People say Jehovah's way is not adjusted right.,"Ezek. 18:25; 33:17, 20; Isa. 42:8; Ps. 83:18; Exodus. 20:7; John 17:6,",Bobby Laymon,Make Jehovah Your Confidence,70,,,
"Jehovah, Love, Draw, Counsel, Elders, Centrifugal, Centripetal,","Give a two-year-old a glass of milk and leave him by himself for a few minutes.  What happens?  You have milk all over your floor, due to centrifugal force. (force, causing objects to move away from center.)","Jehovah uses Centripetal force.  It draws, or pulls in instead of opposite.  Elders should pull in with counsel, not repel. Be different from worldly counselors.",Ac 20:28;,Gary Breaux (d.O.),Make Jehovah Your Confidence,70,,,
"Jehovah, Love, Faith, Works,",God helps those who help themselves.,We must exercise faith by works.,"Jas. 2:25; Isa. 42:8; Ps. 83:18; Exodus. 20:7; John 17:6, 26; Rev.4:11",Bobby Laymon,Make Jehovah Your Confidence,70,,,
"Jehovah, Love, Generous, Pioneer,","'God never shuts a door, but that he opens another.'","Jehovah, a God of loving-kindness, Generous!  If he has closed the door of your employment, it may be that he has opened a larger one.  Or your secular education.  Perhaps you can join the pioneers.","Isa. 42:8; Ps. 83:18; Exodus. 20:7; John 17:6, 26; Rev. 4:11;",Bobby Laymon,Make Jehovah Your Confidence,70,,,
"Jehovah, Love, Morals,","In the face of men and women, I see God.",We are made in God's moral image.,"Isa. 42:8; Ps. 83:18; Exodus. 20:7; John 17:6, 26; Rev. 4:11;",Bobby Laymon,Make Jehovah Your Confidence,70,,,
"Jehovah, Love, Worship, Religion,","If there was no God, it would be necessary to invent one.","Man's inherent desire to worship, and be loved.","Isa. 42:8; Ps. 83:18; Exodus. 20:7; John 17:6, 26; Rev. 4:11;",Bobby Laymon (man's Search For God. Page 29. Para 20),Make Jehovah Your Confidence,70,,,
"Jehovah, Name,","Certain employee boasted the boss was his friend; didn't know name? You say, 'What is his name?' He says, 'Boss' You explain that 'boss' is only a title. You must know his name, attributes, purpose.","May boast they know God, but don't even know name, or call on it. Otherwise you worship the 'god of this system of things'","Ps. 83:18; 1 Cor. 8:5, 6; Rom. 10:13","Jan 1, 1961 Wt Page 3, 4",How Well Do You Know God?,1,,,
"Jehovah, Name,",Marathon (run through the Bible) to see the importance of Jehovah's name. Use every book in the Bible.,Show that the entire Bible embraces the name of Jehovah.,Ps. 83:18;,Robert Schwarze,Make Jehovah Your Confidence,70,,,
"Jehovah, Name,","Not call Rolls Royce an auto, since so many",Deserves much better than merely title 'God.',Ps 83:18,Assembly,Make Jehovah Your Confidence,70,,,
"Jehovah, Name, Adaptability,","Just as a parent will assume numerous roles to benefit the children, so there is no limit to what Jehovah can cause himself to become to benefit his creatures.","'Jehovah' literally means 'He Causes to Become. 'Thus, he bears an impressive array of titles, such as Creator, Father, Sovereign Lord, Shepherd, Jehovah of armies, Hearer of prayer, Judge, Grand instructor, Repurchase.  He has caused himself to become all of these and more in order to carry out his loving purposes.",Exodus 3:14; Rom 11:33;,"W 8/1/94 4, 5",,,,1996/01/15,
"Jehovah, Name, Archaeology, Dead Sea Scrolls,","It brings a surge of excitement, a thrill, to the archaeologist when he comes upon a clay tablet or stone monument and recognize the name of some famous man of the ancient past. Examples: in article.","How much more so, should this be the case upon finding ancient records bearing the name of the Sovereign of all the universe, the one called 'the Ancient of Days'!  'Jehovah.'","1 Pet. 1:24, 25; Dan. 7:9; Ps. 83:18; Jn. 17:26;","Oct 8, 1967 Aw Page 17",Make Jehovah Your Confidence,70,,,
"Jehovah, Name, Knowledge, House To House, Ministry,","A cartoon in a popular New York city magazine:  It showed a man praying alongside his bed and the Germanic god Wotan standing on the other side of his bed. The cartoon quoted the man praying as saying: 'I'm sorry that I inconvenienced you, Wotan. You see, I just naturally thought that when I said God, I would get, you know, Jehovah.'",Foremost among the things accomplished by the Witnesses going from house to house is that the name of Jehovah is being made known. That they are making people aware of this distinctive name of the Creator.,Ps 83:18;,W81 5/15 15,Make Jehovah Your Confidence,70,,1994/07/09,
"Jehovah, Name, Music,",'The Divine Name in music.' Beethoven supports the fact that Jesus knew and used the name Jehovah. (Handel also employed Jehovah a number of times) 18th & 19th century composers made free use of Jehovah.,"Beethoven wrote 'Christ on the Mount of Olives.'  In the song, Jesus, whose part is taken by the tenor, sings, 'Jehovah, you my Father! (Occurs twice more in the oratorio)",Jn. 17:6;,"Nov 22, 1967 Aw Page 8",Make Jehovah Your Confidence,70,,,
"Jehovah, Name, Reputation, Ransom, Memorial, wickedness,",A dark shadow was cast across Jehovah's name by Satan's rebellion. Jehovah was obligated to clear his name.,Satan made Jehovah to appear as a failure.,Genesis. 1:28; Isa. 55:11; Ps. 83:16-18;,"Feb 15, 1991 Wt Page 11",Make Jehovah Your Confidence,70,,,4/1/2014
"Jehovah, Name, Titles,","'God' is a title just as 'President,' 'King' and 'Judge' are. God's name appears in the Bible about 7000 times.","God's name is Jehovah.  (Also see Oct 1, 1968 WT page 579)",Ps. 83:18;,You Can Live Forever In Paradise On Earth. Page 41,Make Jehovah Your Confidence,70,,,
"Jehovah, Name, Titles,","The president of the U.S. has one name _____, by which he is known.  However, he has several titles, such as 'President' and 'Commander-in-Chief.'","The Creator has but one name, Jehovah.  In the Hebrew this name is represented by four letters, YHWH. (tetragrammaton) Titles: Holy One, God, Almighty, Grand Creator, alpha and omega,",Isa. 42:8; 2 Sam. 7:23; 2 Ki. 19:19-35;,"Sep 22, 1967 Aw Page 27, 28",What Kind Of Name Are You Making With God?,55,,,
"Jehovah, Name, Titles, Bible",If you wrote a letter and mentioned your name 7000 times would you want people to forget your name? Does it sound like he wanted His name forgotten?,"Jehovah's name appears in the Bible, His letter, about 7000 times.",Ps. 83:18; Jer. 23:27;,You Can Live Forever In Paradise On Earth. Page 41,Make Jehovah Your Confidence,70,,,
"Jehovah, Name, Unity, Worship, Praise, Freedom,","The sun rises in the east and sets in the west, covering all the earth.","Everywhere the sun shines, Jehovah's name will soon be praised by all people freed from bondage to false religion and Satan's organization.",Ps 113:3,"Nov 15, 1992 Wt Page 9",Make Jehovah Your Confidence,70,,,
"Jehovah, Name, Watchtower, Literature, Faith,","Some names can open doors; others close them. Names inspire confidence or raise doubts, bring satisfaction or disappointment","Jehovah's name has earned a reputation of honesty, justice, love, wisdom.  It inspires faith.",Rom. 10:10-13; Ps. 83:18;,"Dec 22, 1967 Aw Page 31",Make Jehovah Your Confidence,70,,,
"Jehovah, Name,  Yahweh,","'MONGREL,' 'hybrid,' 'monstrous.' What would cause Biblical Hebrew scholars to use such emphatic terms? At issue is whether 'Jehovah' is a proper English pronunciation of God's name. For over one hundred years, this controversy has raged.","Today, most scholars seem to favor the two-syllable 'Yahweh.' But is the pronunciation 'Jehovah' really so 'monstrous'?",Ps 83:18,W99 2/1 30,Jehovah And Christ--are They Part Of A Trinity?,82,,"Jul 5, 2000",
"Jehovah, Omnipresent,","An electric plant furnishes light & power to all parts of a city, but that plant has a certain location. Its power and current are present everywhere throughout the city because of its distribution system.","Jehovah has his throne in heaven, but has a distribution system Power",1 Ki.8:43; Ps. 11:4; Hab. 2:20; Ps. 14:2; 33:13; Isa. 66:1;,"Aug 22, 1963 Aw Page 28",Make Jehovah Your Confidence,70,,,
"Jehovah, Organization, Order, Happy, Contentment, Laws, Standards,","Jehovah God is the greatest example of good organization. All his creations, from single cells to complex living creatures, from tiny atoms to immense galaxies, show order and precision. His universal laws let us plan our lives with confidence. We know that the sun will rise each morning and that summer will follow winter.","But Jehovah is more than a God of order. He is also 'the happy God.' His happiness is seen in his creations. Playful kittens, beautiful sunsets, appetizing food, inspiring music, stimulating work, and a host of other things show that he intended for us to enjoy life. His laws are not irksome restrictions but safeguards for our happiness.",1 Tim 1:11; 1 Cor 14:33; Genesisesis 8:22; Isaiah 40:26.,W93 4/1 28,Why Live By Bible Standards?,88,,1994/06/03,
"Jehovah, Person, Mind, Personality, Intelligence,","If there is intelligence what has to be there? (brain) Do we see brains just floating around in the air?  Where are brains at? (In a body)  What kind of body? (spiritual) If a body? (a person) If a person, is he everywhere or at one location?","How we can show Jehovah is a real person, with intelligence, place (Jehovah's established place is in heaven.)",1 Cor. 15:44; John 4:24; 1 Ki. 8:43; Heb. 9:24;,"David Herr (see Pe Book Page 36 Para 6, 7)",Make Jehovah Your Confidence,70,,,
"Jehovah, Person, Real, Know, Eyes,","Did you ever have someone stare at you and watch every move? Their interest was so intense, that you could not swallow your saliva without them seeing it?","Jehovah was very real to Job.  He felt he could not swallow his saliva, without Jehovah taking notice.  Is Jehovah that real to you?",Job 7:19;,Ken Austin,Jehovah's Eyes Are Upon Us,74,,,
"Jehovah, Please, Obedience,","An old man and boy was riding through town, at first 1.  BOY rode the MULE and the OLD MAN WALKED.  People said mean things to the old man.  2. OLD MAN rides the MULE and the BOY WALKED.  People said he is mean boy.  3. BOTH ride mule people were mad and said they were both mean to mule.  4. BOTH GOT OFF of mule and began walking.  The people say HOW DUMB one should ride the mule.",Lesson:  You can't please everyone in this world but we always want to please the one that counts and that is Jehovah.,"Rom. 12:1,2;",Jim Kinkade,Is The Truth Transforming Your Life?,51,,"Oct 30, 2001",
"Jehovah, Protection, Tent,","Sun, Shield,",Jehovah gives light and protection.,"Ps. 84:11, 12; Rev. 7:15","Jan 1, 1991 Wt Page 28",Make Jehovah Your Confidence,70,,,
"Jehovah, Purpose, God-oriented, Linear, Cylindrical, Satan,",A compass always points straight ahead.  It never leads you in circles.,Jehovah is a 'linear' God.  We want to be God-oriented.  Satan is a 'cylindrical god'--going in circles.  Look at Christendom's example.,"1th 2:13; 2ti 3:16, 17","Gary Breaux, D.O. (pronounced Bro)",How Purposeful Is Your Life?,60,,,
"Jehovah, Reasonable, Humble, Rigid, Flexible, Balance, Authority,","Almost on every corner there is a bully.  They guard their territory, and their authority jealously.","Jehovah is not insecure about his authority, so he does not feel compelled to guard it jealously -- as if granting a measure to others might threaten his own.  When there was only one other person he conferred extensive authority upon that one.  He limits the number of his laws so as not to put undue pressure on others.","Prov 8:22, 29-31; John 1:1-3, 14; Col 1:15-17;","Aug 1, 1994 Wt Page 13, 14;",Respect For Authority Is A Safeguard For You,12,,1994/08/24,
"Jehovah, Refuge, Stronghold, Trust,","A melodious voice sings of a man who, though worn out in mind and body, casts himself upon Jehovah.  In the waiting arms of the Almighty, this man finds shelter from hounding persecutors.","The psalmist has one refuge -- the best one!  Let other things be in doubt, yet this force remains: Jehovah is his stronghold, his fortress.  His confidence rests on two sure pillars.  1. His faith which Jehovah will not put to shame.   2. Jehovah's righteousness, which means he will never permanently abandon His servant.","Ps 31:1, 5, 6, 21;","Jan 1, 1994 Wt Page 10",Are You Really Making Jehovah Your Stronghold?,18,,1994/01/08,
"Jehovah, Regret, Adam, Sin, Attitude,","A father may give his son an auto, but if the son misuses it, gets into trouble, the father may feel regrets and take the auto away. He had a change of mind, but he had not necessarily made a mistake.","And so with humankind. Had Adam and Eve taken a wise course, he would have rejoiced.  He changed his mind. Had he thought he made a mistake in creating them, he would have destroyed them all.",Genesis. 6:7;,Questions From Readers 1970 Wt,Make Jehovah Your Confidence,70,,,
"Jehovah, Relationship, Distress, Persecution,","'I was always close to Jehovah, but care giving taught me total  reliance on him.  It was like the difference between a long-distance phone call and having the person there with you.  Jehovah was right there with me.' Quote: A Witness caring for relatives.","Distress, problems, persecution, teaches us reliance on Jehovah  and strengthens our relationship to him.",Php 4:4-7; 1pe 5:7;,"Feb 8, 1994 Aw Page 10",Keep Growing In Your Relationship With God,16,,1994/01/03,
"Jehovah, Salvation, Jesus,","Man drowning, throw inner tube into water. (Who saved man) Would be proper to say either Jehovah or Jesus saves, same as The 'inner tube' saved by life, or 'man' saved my life.",Jehovah is savior by using Christ Jesus as means of salvation,Isa 43:11,Bobby Laymon,Who Can Be Saved?,126,,,
"Jehovah, Search, Find,","Ever look for something and couldn't find, later found when you were not looking for it? Some find Jehovah after they give up the search. Jehovah is looking for them. John 4:23",Jehovah has been found by those not looking for him.,Isa. 65:1; Jn 4:23,Bobby Laymon,Make Jehovah Your Confidence,70,,,
"Jehovah, Sinful Tendencies, Satan, World,","A man who has within his chest a weak heart. He should face this reality by attempting to keep his heart in as good a condition a he can hope to. He does not reason, 'My heart is weak, I may as well cast off all restraint.'","If sinful tendencies do not disappear, we should not become discouraged, but acknowledge it, and keep working to suppress these. Jehovah's love for you will not diminish.","Zech. 2:4, 5; 1 Th 5:17; 1 Cor. 9:27; 2 Pet. 3:14; Jas. 4:8;","Aug 15, 1991 Wt Page 31",'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
"Jehovah, Sinful Tendencies, Satan, World,","In Bible times, smaller towns, or 'dependent towns' were unwalled Inhabitants of these towns could flee to a walled city in the event of enemy attack. Like a watchman in a tower, we can see the enemy and act accord.","Jehovah is a tower, a refuge, a wall to whom we can run for protection.  He is the prime defense of his servants.","Numbers. 21:25, 32; Jud. 1:27; 1 Chron. 18:1; Jer. 49:2; Prov. 18:10;","Aug 15, 1991 Wt Page 30",'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
"Jehovah, Standard, Laws, Organization,","Were Jehovah to lax his laws governing the movement of his huge soulless creations in the sky, can you imagine what would happen? Doubtless they would fly off wildly on collision courses that would end up disastrously.","Jehovah is the upholder of order.  Humans too, have their own places or role in life to occupy. Like the variegated stars, each differs in appearance and characteristics.",Mal. 3:6; Dan. 12:3; Ge. 37:9; 22:17; 1 Cor. 15:41; Jude 13,"Jan 15, 1968 Wt Page 44",Why Live By Bible Standards?,88,,,
"Jehovah, Standard, Laws, Organization, Peace, Bible,","The stars cannot map their own course, but all must cooperate together in peace, with not even the trace of intrusion. Need for God to set up His standards for man to live by.","Bible offers many examples of persons who tried to map their own course: Eve, Adam, Cain, selfish angels, people of Sodom,",Eph. 1:8-10; 2 Cor. 3:17; 1 Jo. 3:12; Jude 6; Ge. 6:1-8;,"Jan 15, 1968 Wt Page 45",Why Live By Bible Standards?,88,,,
"Jehovah, Stronghold, Life,","GLOVE: With it on our hand, we can make it come alive...point, wave, etc. (the speaker here put on a black leather glove and made several hand motions, very visible even at a distance)  When it is off our hand, it is just a dead piece of leather.  (the speaker removed the glove, laid it on the podium)","We are like that glove.  With Jehovah in our life, we are alive and can do much.  With him out of our life, we are just dead leather.","Ps. 103:15, 16;",David Berry,Are You Really Making Jehovah Your Stronghold?,18,,1998/07/26,
"Jehovah, Thinking, Thoughts, Superior,",Picture the Sahara desert.  How many grains of sand are there?  Or the Atlantic ocean.  Pacific ocean.  We can only carry a small handful.  (See picture illustration in WT),"Jehovah's thoughts are 'more than the grains of sands.'  We only know a small handful of God's thoughts.  Example:  His view on doctrinal teachings, or on morals, etc.  If we were to enumerate God's thoughts all day long and fell asleep doing that, when we woke up in the morning there would still be much more to think about.","Ps 139:17, 18;","Oct 1, 1993 Wt Page 18",Make Jehovah Your Confidence,70,,1993/11/20,
"Jehovah, Time, Season, Last Days,","Jehovah is the great 'time keeper' 'clock-watcher' Men know time as far as natural times and seasons. Not so, as to certain events in God's stream of time. Animals and birds know more than man. Jer. 8:7","His timing is very accurate. Look at you watch; 1 minute left, but this talk will end on time. So will the old system. 76 years since 1914. Day is almost over.",Genesis. 1:14; 8:22; Jer. 7:21-26; Rom. 13:11-14;,"J. C. Howard, D.O",Make Jehovah Your Confidence,70,,,
"Jehovah, Trinity,",'The whole theory of the universe is directed unerringly to one single individual.'  Quote: Walt Whitman.,Jehovah is the only true God.,Psalm 83:18;,Jk Quotes;,Jehovah And Christ--are They Part Of A Trinity?,82,,,
"Jehovah, Trust, Prayer, Study, Meditation, Marriage",Concrete is strengthened by putting iron bars in it.,Whatever we do we need Jehovah's help. It's like steel bar. Need to pray for help.,1 John 5:14,Divine Teaching Convention,A Godly View Of Sex And Marriage,13,,,
"Jehovah, Unrighteous, Appreciation, Pioneer,","We often forget what others do for us, and that makes us unrighteous.","Jehovah is not unrighteous, so as to forget our work, and the love we show for his name.",He 6:10-12;,"Larry Punko, C.O.  Pioneer Meeting Jan 31, 1992",Make Jehovah Your Confidence,70,,,
"Jehovah, Worship, Obey, Disobey, Government, Kingdom,",'Ask not what your country will do for you--ask what you can do for your country.' John F. Kennedy. (inauguration as president) You could hardly expect a government to continue supplying you with benefits if you violated the law and refused to be a peaceable citizen.,"What are you doing for God, and for his Kingdom? ",Matt. 22:21; John 3:16; 1 John 4:19; Acts 17:11,"Mar 15, 1964 Wt Page 165",Make Jehovah Your Confidence,70,,,11/22/2013
"Jehu, Support, Organization, Complain, Heart,","Though some complained about Jehu, Jehonadab supported his lightening campaign to carry out execution of the wicked. Modern kingdoms of today are just as bloodguilty as were Ahab and his house.","Do we support the Greater Jehu, Jesus Christ fully? Where do you stand?",2ki 9:6-10; 1ki 16:30-33; 18:4; 19:10; 21:25;,"Jun 15, 1968 Wt Page 357","Friendship With God, Friendship With The World -- Which Will You Choose?",79,,,
"Jerusalem,",A burdensome stone to all the peoples. Jesus Christ was the Royal stone.  All the nations are hostile to heavenly Jerusalem today. Religious leaders rejoiced at news of 20-year sentences of,Those lifting it would get severe scratches for themselves. Witnesses. Rejoicing short-lived. Hitler: Only made trouble for himself.,Zech. 12:1-3; Isa. 28:16; Rom. 9:31-33;,"Nov 1, 1964 Wt Page 648",,,,,
"Jerusalem, Kingdom,","Washington, Moscow, Canberra, and Pretoria represents governments.","So, too, Jerusalem represents God's government.",1 Chron. 29:23,"Oct 15, 1990 Wt Page 18",,,,,
"Jest, Jokes,","Pneumatic drill (jack hammer) in hands of a dentist. Aesop's fable: 'Clumsy jesting in no joke.' Proper jesting can ease tensions, relieve embarrassing situations. Obscene jesting wrong. Eph. 5:4","Jesting must be in good taste, otherwise be like above. Religious jesting good. (1 Ki. 18:27) and bad. (2 Chron. 36:16 Wife (Rather than show her weakness, pay exaggerated compliment)",Eccl. 3:4,"Jan 8, 1962 Aw Page 3",,,,,
"Jesting, Jokes, Racial,",'Spinning a rope is fun -- if your neck ain't in it.' Quote: Will Rogers,"Joking is much like that.  It may appear fun, unless the joke is on us.",Jer 15:17; Pr 26:19,Bobby Laymon,"As Christians, We Care About Other People",15,,,
Jesting;,'Jests that give pains are no jests.'  Quote:  Miguel Cervantes.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Jesting;,'The just loses its point when he who makes it is the first to laugh.'  Quote:  John Von Schiller.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Jesus,"A man's greatness can be measured by 'what he leaves to grow, and whether he started others to think along fresh lines with a vigor that persisted after him. (H. G. Wells) Wells, not a Christian acknowledged,",'By this test Jesus Christ stands first.',"Rev. 14:1,","The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived. Foreword Feb 15, 1992 Wt P. 8",'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
Jesus,"Alexander the Great, Charlemagne (styled 'the Great' even in his own lifetime), and Napoleon Bonaparte were powerful rulers. By their formidable presence, they wielded great influence over those they commanded.",Jesus Christ has influenced and commanded His subjects without his visible bodily presence.,Mt. 24:14;,"The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived. Foreword Feb 15, 1992 Wt P. 9",'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
Jesus,Commander in Chief of Army.  Conquered whole world. Can do same by Studying & Diligently Applying God's Word.,"Cite number of countries, congregations, servants.","Josh 1: 8, 9  Heb 4:12","Lyman Swingle  1 Day Assy  Feb 21, 1988 St. Louis, Mo",'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
Jesus,"Executed every Friday, somewhere in universe If sinned, needed a redeemer. If remained perfect, would have been called as a witness.",Unlikely that life exists on other planets,Rom 6:10,"Apr 8, 1990 Awake  Page 10",'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
Jesus,"Finest person you know...Imagine someone even better. Ask someone who they think is a good man Jesus even better than the best person you could name Not just a good man, but a GREAT man",More than just a good man,Mr. 10:18; Luke 18:19;,Justin Oliver,'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
Jesus,Follow steps CLOSELY,Impossible as imperfect humans to follow perfectly,1 Pet 2:21-24,"Jan 15, 1990 Wt Page 17",'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
Jesus,Game  Follow-the-leader  (describe) Those we are Jehovah's Witnesses doesn't mean we don't follow Christ.,"Jesus Christ is our leader, he set the pattern, He is one of JW",Isa 43:10  Rev 1:5  1 Tim 6:13,"Jan 1, 1990 Wt Page 12",Not Ashamed Of The Good News,11,,,
Jesus,Magnetic Personality Often took initiative to approach others,"Jesus attracted all ages, backgrounds","Mark 10:1, 10, 13, 17, 35  9:36;  10:16","Mar 1, 1990 Wt Page 19",'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
Jesus,"Man's son: looks like, acts like, does things like his father Need to teach exactly as Jesus did.",Jesus copied his father in everything he did.,"Prov. 8:22, 30  Jn 5: 13, 6:45  14:6, 9   Isa 54:13","Pure Lang D.A. July 5-8, 1990","Taught By Jehovah, As Exemplified By Jesus",11,,,
"Jesus, ransom, forgiveness, ","Prayer by English prelate Richard of Chichester. 1198-1253 CE once prayed that men and women might come 'to know Jesus Christ more clearly, to love him more dearly, and to follow him more nearly.'","Ransom is sound reason to get to know, love, follow him",1 Cor 15:56,"Mar 15, 1990 Wt Page 6",'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,4/1/2014
Jesus,"Quote by author James A. Francis regarding Jesus Christ. 'All the armies that ever marched, all the navies that ever were built, all the parliaments that ever sat, and all the kings that ever reigned, put together, have not affected the life of man","People view Jesus differently, but love was the key. upon this earth as powerfully as has this one solitary personality.' (See entire quote in May 22, 1993 AW page 31)",Matt 20:28,"Mar 15, 1990 Wt Page 3  Feb 15, 1992 Wt Page 9; May 22, 1993 Aw 31",'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
Jesus,"The success of a worker is measured by his production, quality, & quantity, or by both. We could not compete with Jesus: If witness was placed in a new territory, where no witnesses were, doubtful if anything near",Judging by the fruits; Jesus was exceedingly successful worker. 500 that met with Jesus after his resurrection. 1 Cor. 15:3-6 Yet we 'do works greater' World-wide preaching.,John 12:24  14:12,"Dec 1, 1959 Wt Page 719",'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
Jesus - Fine Shepherd,Door; Must enter through him,Thief or plunderer do not enter through door.,John 10:7-15,"Mar 15, 1990 Wt Page 25",'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
Jesus - Fine Shepherd,"Sheep know voice.  Sheep thoroughly familiar with voice. Will not obey stranger. Both little flock & great crowd know tone, & respond to voice.",Calls out 'Tahhoo! Tahhoo! & sheep come.,"John 10:27, 28","Mar 15, 1990 Wt Page 25",'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
Jesus Christ,"Parent around children all day long, quickly lose patience.","Jesus around sinners, showed love.",1 Pe 2:21;,Mike Hart,'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
"Jesus Christ, Anointed, Experience, Lesson,","Generals with scars, best lead their armies. Both Jesus & 144,000 have gone through every sort of human difficulty",Persons respect experience.  Jesus as Messiah certainly had the scars to prove his qualifications as ruler.,"Isa 53:1-12; Rom. 15:3; Heb. 12:2, 3; Eccl. 9:11",Bobby Laymon,The Messiah's Presence And His Rule,91,,,
"Jesus Christ, Christendom,","'I love Christ, but I despise Christians because they do not live as Christ lived.'  Quote: Hindu, Mohandas Gandhi",People belie their claim to be followers of Christ.,2co 5:14; John 13:34;,"The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived.  (introduction) Jan 22, 1994 Aw Page 22",Religion's Role In World Affairs.,92,,,
Jesus Life And Ministry,Provisions to help us stand firm like walking down the street with Jesus.,Assemblies designed to do this.,1 Pet. 2:21,Richard Schroeder,'standing Firm' Circuit Assembly,11,,,
Jesus Our Example,"Follow in footsteps.  Follow the leader same gait, same length of step.  When trail become mingled, know direction",Watch closely how Jesus walked,"Heb 12:1, 2",Watchtower 1987 Or 88,'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
"Jesus,",Would you like to have a picture of what God is like?,"When we study the life of Jesus Christ, we are obtaining a clear picture of what God is like.","Jn. 14:9, 10; 8:28;","The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived. Foreword Feb 15, 1992 Wt P. 11",'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
"Jesus, Anointed, 144,000. Bride, Bridegroom,",Friends of bridegroom have no reason to mourn while they have him with them.,Applied to Jesus leaving them.,Matt. 9:15;,Bobby Laymon,'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
"Jesus, Anointed, 144,000. Bride, Bridegroom,",No one puts new patch on old garment or new wine into old bottles.,"Jehovah will not simply adjust present world, and leaders, but have a new administration.",Matt. 9:16;,Bobby Laymon,'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
"Jesus, Armageddon, Bridegroom,","'All the world loves a lover,' is a common saying. When a young man, newly wed is called off to war, he has the sympathy of the entire community. In Israel he was exempt from war for 1 year. There is no danger of Jesus being killed and not returning.","This bridegroom, who goes to war, is not some ordinary soldier. He is a commander. He is the only one qualified. It involves his family's honor as well. Turns from wedding ceremony, goes to war.","Rev. 19:7, 11-15;","Jun 15, 1967 Wt Page 376",Ruining The Earth Brings Divine Retribution,106,,,
"Jesus, Binding, Satan, Kingdom, Armageddon, Strong Angel, Michael,","We know it is harder to bind a strong man, than it is to overcome and kill him in combat. It is the same one, the archangel Michael, who hurled Satan out of heaven earlier.",Who is this strong angel who can do just that.  Jesus Christ.,Rev. 20:1-3; Rev. 12:9;,"Jul 15, 1967 Wt Page 446",The Kingdom Of God Is Near,109,,,
"Jesus, Birth, Christmas","If you are now an adult, have you ever felt embarrassed when, in your presence, people showed photographs of you as a baby?  True, such pictures remind your parents of their joy at birth.  But now that  you have an identity of your own, do you not usually prefer others to see you as you are?","In a similar vein, think how disrespectful it is toward Christ Jesus when those who claim to be his followers become so engrossed each year in the pagan traditions of Christmas and in honoring an infant that they fail to honor him as King.  They go further -- They discredit those who tell the truth about Jesus.  Say they, all we have been told is not true.","Isaiah 7:14; Matthew 1:22, 23",Bobby Laymon,,,,"Feb 20, 2001",
"Jesus, Children, Youth, Imitate,","If a child and his father moved to a deserted island for say, 20 years, who would the child be like?  Would he not be and act just like his father?","In like manner, Jesus was the exact representation of his heavenly Father.  If we spend much time with our children, and teach them about Jehovah and Jesus, whose example will they follow?",John 15:12-14;,Larry Kinkade,Parents--are You Building With Fire-resistant Materials?,104,,1994/01/02,
"Jesus, Christ,",'Jesus has been a horse that different people have ridden in a lot of different directions.'  David Tracy of the University of Chicago.,"Over the last century, scholars have employed a complex array of sociological, anthropological, and literary methods as they have attempted to formulate answers to the question of who Jesus really was.",Mark 8:27;,"Dec 15, 2001 Wt Page 4",Jesus Christ--earth's New Ruler.,140,,"Nov 10, 2001",
"Jesus, Death, Memorial, Ransom, wickedness,","One grain of wheat has little value. Yet, what if it is put into the soil and 'dies,' ending its life as a seed? It then germinates and in time grows into a stalk that produces many, many grains of wheat.","Similarly, Jesus is just one perfect man. But if he dies faithful to God, he becomes the means of imparting everlasting life to faithful ones who have the same spirit of self-sacrifice that he has.","John 12:24, 25;",W89 11/15 8-9,Is This Life All There Is?,36,,1994/06/04,4/1/2014
"Jesus, Doubts,","'That a few simple men should in one generation have invented so powerful and appealing a personality, so lofty an ethic and so inspiring a vision of human brotherhood, would be a miracle far more incredible than any recorded in the Gospels.' (Will Durant)",About those having doubts.,Jn. 21:25;,"The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived. Foreword (feb 15, 1992 Wt P. 9)",A Cleansed Earth--will You Live To See It?,49,,,
"Jesus, Doubts, Resurrection, Miracle,","'If the greatest of all miracles--Jesus' resurrection --took place, all other miracles reported in the Gospels 'fall within the realm of possibility.''  Quote: The American Peoples Encyclopedia.","No valid explanation has ever been suggested except the biblical statement, 'He is not here; for he is risen.'",Matt 28:6; 1 Cor 15:8;,"Aug 15, 1995 Wt Page 10",Does Your Hope Rest On Science Or The Bible?,80,,1995/07/18,
"Jesus, Exemplar, Leader, Follow, Footsteps,","Have you ever played the game, 'Follow the Leader,' as a child?  Perhaps now that you are older you may be less inclined to mimic someone.  It isn't always easy to follow someone, but isn't that what Christianity is all about?  We are to follow our 'leader' Jesus Christ.","Jesus made it as easy as possible for us, since he left great  big footprints to follow.  We can find these in God's Word, the Bible.  Those following them will find happiness.","Mt 28:19, 20;",Bobby Laymon,'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,1993/10/24,
"Jesus, Example,",'The speed of the leader determines the rate of the pack.' Quote: Wayne Lukas,"Jesus, our leader, set the pace in the race for everlasting life.","Heb 12:1, 2; Mt 23:10",Bobby Laymon,'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
"Jesus, Example, Pioneer,","You can't lead anyone farther than you have gone yourself. Jesus went the whole mile, so to speak.","Proved faithful in all things, and provided faithful example.",Rom. 15:3,Bobby Laymon,'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
"Jesus, Example, Pioneer, Missionary,",Trail blazers marked way for other to follow. Showed perfect balance in kinds of love.,Jesus marked way for us. His trail proved to be good.,Heb. 12:1-4,Johnse Laymon,'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
"Jesus, Faith, Trust, Reasoning Book, Literature","Listed in Dictionary, so is Humpty Dumpy & Mickey Mouse Most reliable history book in existence...Bible Also 1st century historians",What do you do when you can't trust dictionary?,"Luke 3:1, 2, 21-23",Bobby Laymon (talk On Reasoning Book),On Whose Promises Do You Rely?,61,,,
"Jesus, Foundation, Fellow-worker, Fire-resistant, Parents,","God is a Builder, an Erector of a building; and if we are 'God's fellow workers,' then we must be builders also. This is the inescapable fact that the apostle Paul reminds us of by saying: 'We are God's fellow workers. You people are . . . God's building.' (1 Cor. 3:9) Do we grasp that thought?","A person could not be a fellow worker of God and at the same time disregard the specifications of God, who is the Main Builder and to whom the building is to belong.  God approves of only one foundation for it and that is Jesus Christ.",1 Cor. 3:9; 1 Cor. 3:11,W66 11/1 652,Parents--are You Building With Fire-resistant Materials?,104,,1994/06/04,
"Jesus, Greatest Man, Literature,",Today many persons are writing biographies.  Some are true and some false.  Motive is money.  Much has been written about Jesus Christ for money.,"We have a complete biography of Jesus Christ.  All true, in the publication 'The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived.'",Acts 4:12;  Eccl. 12:12;,"Bobby Laymon (page 8 Dec 1991 Km)   (entered Dec 12, 1991)",Renewing The Spirit Of Self-sacrifice,69,,,
"Jesus, Greatest,","He 'practiced what he preached.'  Quote: WT 'Like the Father, Jesus was compassionate, kind, humble, and approachable.  The weak and downtrodden felt comfortable with him, as did people of all kinds - men, women, children, the rich, the poor, the","Jesus was the greatest man who ever lived. powerful, and noted sinners too.' 'His own life matched perfectly what he preached.'","Jo12:49, 50; Jo5:19; Mk 9:30-37; 10:35-45;","Feb 15, 1992 Wt Page 12, 13",'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
"Jesus, Greatest,",Johnny Appleseed; legend that he traveled throughout land planting apple seed.  Left a lot to grow! (See H.G. Wells comment),"Jesus was not a legend, and he left the greatest growth of any man on earth.",Mt 16:16;,"Feb 15, 1992 Wt Page 8 Para 3",'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
"Jesus, Greatest,","Quote: (H. G. Wells) 'It is interesting and significant that a historian without any theological bias whatever, should find that he cannot portray the progress of humanity honestly without giving a foremost place to a penniless teacher from Nazareth ..","Jesus was the Greatest man who ever lived. a historian like myself, who does not even call himself a Christian, .. picture centering around this most significant man'",Mt 16:16;,"Feb 15, 1992 Wt Page 9",'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
"Jesus, Greatest,","Quote: (H. G. Wells) 'To assume that he never lived, that the accounts of his life are inventions, is more difficult and raises far more problems for the historian than to accept the essential elements of the Gospel stories as fact.'",Jesus was the Greatest man who ever lived.,Mt 16:16;,"Feb 15, 1992 Wt Page 9",'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
"Jesus, Greatest,","Quote: (The Historians' History of the World) 'The historical result of Jesus activities was more momentous, even from a strictly secular standpoint, than the deeds of any other character of history.  A new era, recognized by the chief","Jesus was the Greatest man who ever lived. civilizations of the world, dates from his birth.' Some calendars are based on year thought to be born.",Mt 16:16;,"Feb 15, 1992 Wt Page 9",'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
"Jesus, Greatest,","Quote: Napoleon Bonaparte reportedly said: 'Alexander, Caesar, Charlemagne, and myself founded empires, but upon what did we rest the creations of our genius?  Upon force.  Jesus Christ alone founded his kingdom upon love, and at this day millions of men would die for him.'",Jesus was the greatest man who ever lived.,Mt 16:16;,"Feb 15, 1992 Wt Page 12",'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
"Jesus, Greatest,","Quote: The New Encyclopedia Britannica concludes: '...in ancient times even the opponents of Christianity never doubted the historicity of Jesus, which was disputed for the first time and on inadequate grounds at the end of the 18th, during the","Jesus was the greatest man who ever lived. 19th, and at the beginning of the 20th centuries.'",Mt 16:16;,"Feb 15, 1992 Wt Page 10",'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
"Jesus, Greatest,",When you look into the 'spiritual mirror' of Christ Jesus who do you see? Jesus did not simply speak or teach what the father told him.  He did much more.  He spoke it or taught it in the way the Father would have done.,"Jesus was a perfect reflection of his Father, Jehovah God. would have spoken it or taught it.  Behaved and acted just as the father would have behaved and acted under same circumstances.",Jo5:19;,"Feb 15, 1992 Wt Page 12 Para 19; (al Larue)",'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
"Jesus, Greatest, Christendom, Pictures, Feminine, Sickly,","The Catholic Encyclopedia, Vol. 8, facing page 384, there appear twenty artists' conceptions of what Jesus looked like. Except for one or two, these portray him to be either feminine or ascetic.","But Jesus was a strong, masculine character; in fact, the strongest that ever walked the earth.  He had perfect control at all times. Soldiers sent to arrest him were so impressed that they failed to carry out their mission. Twice he drove money-changers and other racketeers out of his Father's temple. When an armed mob came to take him on the last night of his life as a man, his bold statement and manner caused them to fall back.",Matt. 5:5; 11:29;,W58 3/1 137,Into The New Order Under Christ's Leadership,56,,1995/01/27,
"Jesus, Historical, Person, Anno Domini,","The calendar in your home is proof that Jesus existed. 'Dates before that year are listed as B.C., or before Christ. Dates after that year are listed as A.D., or anno Domini (in the year of our Lord).' Quote: World Book Encyclopedia",Jesus was not an imaginary person. He really lived as a man.,Luke 1:28-33; Matt. 1:20-25;,You Can Live Forever In Paradise On Earth. Page 57,'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
"Jesus, Illustrations, Teaching, School, simple, ","If you saw smoke coming from your neighbors house would you go over and knock on the door and say something like this: 'I got up this morning and looked out, and I noticed something above your house.  I first thought it was fog, but then I noticed it was coming from your house...'  Or would you simply say, 'FIRE!'","Jesus presented matters with simplicity, brevity, and clarity.  He was practical.",Mt 5:21-22; 6:15;,"Kingdom Ministry School Dec 22, 23, 1994",,,,1994/12/25,2/7/2018
"Jesus, Jehovah, Trinity,","A Father-and-Son team. Similar, & yet distinct. Both are: dependable, enduring, immovable, rock or rock-mass, Savior. Difference; Jesus when on earth had need of a savior.",Both members of this Father-Son team are alike in many respects. Did Jehovah ever cry out to his Son Jesus Christ for help?,Deuteronomy. 32:4; Matt 16:18; 1 Cor. 10:4; Isa. 51:1,"Jan 8, 1963 Aw Page 28",Make Jehovah Your Confidence,70,,,
"Jesus, King, Christmas, Christendom,","How would you feel if people kept patting you on the head and saying, 'Oh, you sweet little baby!' Christendom still views as a helpless baby. How do you view Jesus?","Jesus is no longer a helpless baby, but a victorious king.","Ps. 89:20, 29; Luke 1:31-33; Dan. 2:44; Rev. 19:11-16;",You Can Live Forever In Paradise On Earth. Page 119,Religion's Role In World Affairs.,92,,,
"Jesus, Literature, Books, Greatest Man,","'Like Watching a Film on Jesus' Life'  A woman in France likened reading the book The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived to watching such a film.  'When I got to the end of the book, I felt as if I had been invited by Jesus to associate with him, to live by his side, to share his joys, his emotions, in short, every aspect of his ministry.","The book makes an effort to discuss every event in Jesus' earthly life that is set forth in the Gospels. And to the extent possible, each of these events is related in chronological order. The woman explained:  The magnificent illustrations truly convey the feelings and personalities of all those who associated with Jesus and even of Jesus himself. Reading the book from cover to cover is like watching a film  on Jesus' life.'",John 17:3;,Bobby Laymon,Renewing The Spirit Of Self-sacrifice,69,,1994/05/07,
"Jesus, Materialism, Pioneer, Service,","Jesus Christ knew where all the gold in the world was located. He could have mined diamonds; any natural resource. He could have been an accomplished singer, musician, building contractor, salesman, or whatever he wanted.","He chose the ministry, and so should we.",Mt 6:33;,"Al Larue (comment On Feb 15, 1992 Wt Page 17)",Reach Out For The Real Life!,90,,,
"Jesus, Messiah, Grow, Mighty, Firm, Strong,","0N THE beautiful mountains of Lebanon grow trees that are known as Arz Arrab, meaning 'Cedars of the Lord.'   These imposing evergreens, which once blanketed the mountains, are mentioned in the Bible some 70 times--more than any other tree.  To describe the stately cedars of Lebanon, the Scriptures use the words 'choice' and 'majestic.' (Song of Solomon 5: 15; Ezekiel 17:23)The cedar's size and the durability of its wood have long made it popular for building homes and ships as well as for making furniture. The fragrance and warm red color of the wood are very attractive, and its high resin content makes it resistant to decay and insect infestation. The trees are strikingly tall and massive, attaining a height of up to 120 feet and a circumference of up to 40 feet, and they have deep, strong roots. No wonder some modern foresters have described them as 'the crowning glory of the plant world'!","The Bible writer Ezekiel prophetically likened the Messiah to a twig of a cedar, which God himself then plants. (Ezekiel 17:22)1n fact, the Hebrew word for 'cedar' comes from a root meaning 'to be firm.' Today, followers of the Messiah, Jesus Christ, likewise need to 'stand firm in the faith, ... grow mighty,' like a tall, resilient cedar. (1 Corinthians 16:13) How can this be accomplished? By firmly resisting unchristian influences and steadfastly enduring in a course of integrity and godly devotion. Those who do so are described in the Bible as 'the righteous . .. [who] grow tall as a cedar on Lebanon.' -Psalm 92:12, The New English Bible.",Song Of Solomon 5: 15; Ezekiel 17:23,"Jan 1, 1999 Wt Page 32",Parents--are You Building With Fire-resistant Materials?,104,,1999/02/18,
"Jesus, Miracles, Earth, Paradise, Kingdom,",Go to a movie and see preview of coming attractions. They are just a small sample of what will be in large portions in the future.,"By performing miracles, like raising the dead, healing the sick Jesus showed what he would do on a much larger scale when God's kingdom rules.","Luke 7:11-17; Rev. 21:3, 4; Matt. 11:4, 5;",You Can Live Forever In Paradise On Earth. Page 66,Ruining The Earth Brings Divine Retribution,106,,,
"Jesus, Model, Role,","Today, everyone is looking for a 'hero'.",Jehovah's Witnesses are not looking for a 'role model.'  We already have one in Christ Jesus.,"Eph 5:1, 2;",Brother Haus (Memphis Circuit Assy),'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,1994/03/07,
"Jesus, Pattern, Type, Shadow, Identify,","Jehovah God painted a precise portrait of his Son to enable humans to identify him without fail.  We might employ an inverted cone, a cone of identification, as it were.","The Bible book of Genesis begins our cone of identification at its widest point.  Almighty God revealed to Abraham the Hebrew that by means of his seed all the nations of the earth would bless themselves. For wise reasons God chose to include prophecies about his Son in many of the books of the Hebrew Scriptures, not just one. These prophecies progressively narrow the identification of God's Son, until there can be no question as to his identity.",Genesis 22:18;,W66 6/15 377,Into The New Order Under Christ's Leadership,56,,1995/01/27,
"Jesus, Pioneers,","Early pioneers blazed trail, with axes, etc for others follow.  Also set a pattern for others.",Jesus blazed trail of godly devotion.,1 Tim 3:16,"Jan 15, 1990 Wt Page 15",'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
"Jesus, Presence, Return, 1914, Sign,","These happenings would be like the different lines making up a person's fingerprint, a print that cannot belong to any other person.",The last days contain their own pattern of marks or happening These form a positive 'fingerprint' that cannot belong to any other time period.,"Matt. 24:3-14, 34; 2 Tim. 3:1-5; 2 Pet. 3:3, 4;",You Can Live Forever In Paradise On Earth. Page 149,Will You Be A Survivor Of The 'last Days'?,2,,,
"Jesus, Presence, Understanding, See,","When a person comprehends or understands something, he says 'I see it.' The expression, 'every eye will see him' means that everyone will then understand or recognize that Christ is present.",The Bible speaks of the eyes of your understanding.,Eph. 1:18;,You Can Live Forever In Paradise On Earth. Page 146,Follow The Way To Life,45,,,
"Jesus, Presence, Understanding, See, Return, 1914,",Sick persons are said to 'return to health.' A former ruler may be said to 'return to power.' In 1914 time arrived for Christ to return in Kingdom power.,Christ's return means that he takes Kingdom power toward this earth and turns his attention to it.,John 14:3; Genesis. 18:14; 21:1; Rev. 12:10;,"You Can Live Forever In Paradise On Earth. Page 146, 147",Will You Be A Survivor Of The 'last Days'?,2,,,
"Jesus, Ransom, wickedness,","After a kidnaper captures a person, he may say he will return the person if a certain amount of money is paid as a ransom.",So a ransom is something that brings the deliverance of a person held captive. Does not always have to be money.  May be an exchange for prisoner. ,"1 Pet. 1:18, 19; Eph. 1:7;",You Can Live Forever In Paradise On Earth. Page 61,"Living, Not For Self, But To Do God's Will",8,,,4/1/2014
"Jesus, Ransom, wickedness,","Balance scale, perfectly balanced.",Jesus was the equal of the perfect man Adam.  He brought the human race back into balance.,"Exodus. 21:23; Deuteronomy. 19:21; 1 Tim. 2:5, 6; 1 Cor. 15:45;",You Can Live Forever In Paradise On Earth. Page 63,"Living, Not For Self, But To Do God's Will",8,,,4/1/2014
"Jesus, Ransom,","If a man pays a debt for a friend but then promptly takes back the payment, obviously the debt continues. Interestingly: Jesus always appeared fully clothed, though his clothes were distributed out, and linen left in tomb.","Likewise, if, when resurrected, Jesus had taken back his human body of flesh and blood, which had been given as a ransom, what effect would that have had on the provision he was making?",1 Pet. 3:18; 1 Cor. 15:42-50; Luke 24:15-32,"Reasoning From The Scriptures, Page 217","Living, Not For Self, But To Do God's Will",8,,,
"Jesus, Ransom, Salvation, Life, wickedness,",Take new car to Authorized representative to get repaired in order to keep guarantee in effect.  Could not go to shade tree mechanic,Jesus is Jehovah's only authorized representative. Any other approach to Jah would void guarantee of everlasting life,John 14:6,Joe Laymon,Follow The Way To Life,45,,,4/1/2014
"Jesus, Ransom, Sin, Faith,","A family head may become a criminal and be sentenced to death. His children may be destitute, hopelessly in debt. Perhaps their kindly grandfather intervenes in their behalf, making a provision through another son to pay their debts, and open new life.","This is what Jehovah has done, however the children must accept the arrangement, and the grandfather may reasonably require certain things, so children will not imitate course of father.","Ps. 33:5; Deuteronomy. 32:4; Jer. 9:24; John 3:16; Phil. 2:7,8;","Reasoning From The Scriptures, Page 308",The Only Cure For Sick Mankind,62,,,
"Jesus, Ransom, Sin, Faith, Believe, Bible, Standards","If a sick man were to break the thermometer, would that prove that he did not have a fever? The epidemic of sexually transmitted diseases, broken homes, etc give evidence of the truthfulness of the Bible.","Many do not believe the Bible, and do not believe it is necessary to live according to Bible standards, but does not prove anything.","1 Jn 1:18; Rom. 4:3, 4; Gal. 6:7, 8;","Reasoning From The Scriptures, Page 373",Why Live By Bible Standards?,88,,,
"Jesus, Return, Presence,","EXCITEMENT mounts as you await the arrival of a long-lost relative. Finally, you meet him and greet him warmly. You listen attentively as he tells you why his father sent him to visit you. Then the time quickly arrives for his return home. Sadly, you bid him good-bye. The loss you feel at his departure diminishes when news arrives that he has reached home safely.","Later, when searching through some old papers, you become aware of letters that briefly mention your relative's exploits long before he started out on his journey to meet you. What those letters tell you offers interesting insights into his background and enhances your appreciation for both his visit and his present work.  Apply to Jesus Christ.   See article.",Micah 5:2,W98 6/15 22,,,,"Aug 3, 2000",
"Jesus, Rudeness, Manners, Kindness, Love,","It has been said that, 'Rudeness is a weak man's imitation of strength.'","Jesus was never rude.  He was tender and compassionate on the one hand, forceful and firm on the other; yet he was never rude or unkind to anyone.  He associated with men and women alike on equal terms.",John 1:18; Mt 7:12;,"Jul 22, 1994 Aw Page 6",Follow The Course Of Hospitality,77,,1994/06/25,
"Jesus, Sign, Kingdom,","One bucket, but many marbles in it.  one sign. Been listed as many as 39 happenings, not all of these given by Jesus himself.",Sign of presence. 26 parts listed on one sign.,Matt. 24 And 25,"Jun 22, 1963 Aw Page 27, 28",The Kingdom Of God Is Near,109,,,
"Jesus, Sitting, Listen,",Some children feel that they are too grown up to sit with parents.  They had rather sit with those their own age.  Their parents are 'old fogies.',Who is it that has been sitting with his Parent for thousands of years?  He is still sitting at his Father's right hand.  He doesn't feel that he is too old or 'grown-up' to sit with his parents.,Eph 6:4; Pr 10:1;,Bobby Laymon,Parents--are You Building With Fire-resistant Materials?,104,,1994/07/04,
"Jesus, Unselfish, Love,","'Street-person' is what Jesus might be known as today. 'Foxes have dens and birds of heaven have roosts, but the Son of man has nowhere to lay down his head.'","Had no home to go to, or income.",Matt. 8:20,Bradley Wagner,"Friendship With God, Friendship With The World -- Which Will You Choose?",79,,,
"Jesus, Victory, Persecution, Salvation, Faith, Endurance, Fear, Churchill,","NO MAN'S lips ever demanded of his followers such service as do the lips of Jesus Christ. Prime Minister Winston Churchill of Britain early in World War II warned his people to expect 'blood, toil, tears, and sweat.'","But Christ issued a darker warning. His followers could expect to be persecuted, delivered up before synagogue courts, haled before kings and governors and some would be put to death. 'You will be objects of hatred by all people because of my name,' said Jesus.","-Luke 21:12-17; Matt. 16:24, 25.",W71 8/15 491,Be Confident Of Divine Victory!,39,,1994/05/09,
"Jesus, Virgin, Birth,",The One who made the first woman with the ability to produce children could cause a woman to have a child without a human father.,Jehovah transferred the life of his mighty spirit son to the womb of Mary.,Luke 1:28-33; Matt. 1:20-25; Gal. 4:4;,You Can Live Forever In Paradise On Earth. Page 57,'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
"Jesus, Walking,","What if you were invited on a walk with someone who had won a gold medal in the walking race in the Olympics?  Because of the pace those expert walkers have you might feel you couldn't keep up with him, it would probably be hard.  But even if you couldn't walk as well or as fast has he did, just by association with him, you would learn a lot about walking.  Sort of like the old farmer that entered his old, swayback plow horse in the Kentucky Derby.  They asked him jokingly how he ever thought that that horse could ever win the Kentucky Derby.  He said, 'Oh, I don't think he can win but the association will do him good.!'","Well, thankfully, when it comes to walking with Jehovah, we have more than just imperfect examples of how to walk with Jehovah God.  Jesus is no longer alive on the earth, but in effect he has left his footprints in cement so to speak.  In the Bible he's left instructions, example of how we can walk with God.",1 Peter  2:21;,Jk,Are You Walking With God?,149,,"Apr 25, 2002",
"Jesus, Walking, Example,","Jesus didn't just walk the walk, but he could talk the talk.  Jesus always looked to Jehovah for instruction.",Was foremost Preacher of righteousness.   Made known that the truth focuses on the Messianic Kingdom of God.,"John 5:19: John 18:33, 37;",Jk,Are You Walking With God?,149,,"Apr 25, 2002",
"Jesus, Walking, Follow,","Footsteps: Ever walk along sandy beach, across snowy field Conform: length of stride, angle of feet, toes in or out. Christ was perfect man. Unnatural, to follow, but no other way. Pay attention: can't let eyes wander. Job 18:10","Real challenge to walk in someone's footsteps. literally or figuratively. Do not deviate: crowded beach, many look somewhat alike be certain Keep proper pace: Persevere; become habitual.",1 Pet. 2:21  2 Cor. 12:18,"May 1, 1988 Wt Pages 10-20",Are You Walking With God?,149,,,
"Jesus, Will, Happiness, Attitude,","How do you feel after you eat a juicy steak, with all the vegetables, and trimmings?  Do you feel satisfied?  Full? Content?  Complete?  Happy? Jesus was content, happy, satisfied, complete, doing Jehovah's","Jesus said, 'My food is for me to do the will of him that sent me' will.",John 4:34;,"Special One-day Assembly. Dave Mcmann - Bethel (sep 22, 1991)",You Can Find Joy In Serving God,103,,,
"Jesus, Will, Service, Work,",Did you ever get so busy that you didn't stop to eat. You felt the work was more important than eating.,'My food is for me to do the will of him that sent me and to finish his work.',John 4:34;,You Can Live Forever In Paradise On Earth. Page 60,How Should You Serve God?,58,,,
"Jesus, Word, Communication, Spokesman",How important is the role of an interpreter when nations meet.,"Jesus Christ is Jehovah's chief spokesman.  He communicates what we want him to hear, and speaks in Jehovah's behalf.","Jn. 1:1, 2, 14; 18:37; Mt. 7:28","Sep 1, 1991 Wt Page 18",'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
"Jewish System, Christendom, Babylon,","Did you ever open a perfectly good-looking nut, and find out it was empty?  The value is gone.  It's just a shell.  The worm has been there?  It leaves you with an empty feeling in your stomach.  You have been robbed.","The beautiful temple at Jerusalem was still standing.  The Aaronic priesthood was still in operation.  The animal sacrifices were still being kept with comely ritual.  However, the Christians had nothing like this.  Tangible, touchable material things.  Paul, in the book of Hebrews proved that all the beautiful things the Jews had were an empty shell.",Acts 9:15,Bobby & Johnse Laymon,True Religion Meets The Needs Of Human Society.,94,,1998/09/22,
"Jews, Judaism, Religion,","MOSES, Jesus, Mahler, Marx, Freud, and Einstein-what did all of them have in common?","All were Jews, and in different ways, all have affected the history and culture of mankind. Very evidently Jews have been noteworthy for thousands of years. The Bible itself is a testimony to that.",Mr 4:11;,Sh 205  9,Religion's Time Of Judgment,83,,1994/05/11,
"Job, Bible, Integrity, Patience,","Did you ever try to solve a jig-saw puzzle and find there is a missing piece?  It is frustrating, isn't it?","Yet, that is what the Bible would be like without the book of Job.  We would be uncertain about the issue of universal sovereignty, and the challenge made by Satan to Jehovah.  Two important questions would be unanswered:   1. Why do the innocent suffer?  2. Why does God permit wickedness in the earth?","Job 19:23, 24.",Joe Laymon,Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,1994/02/02,3/11/2016
"Job, Sickness, Cure, Healing, Health, Elephantiasis,","Job apparently was smitten with a loathsome disease. Elephantiasis, or black leprosy!","This ulcerous disease covers the skin with dark scales and swells the legs to two or three times natural size till they appear like shuffling elephant feet, hence the names black leprosy and elephantiasis.",Job 2:13;,W50 1/15 25,The Only Cure For Sick Mankind,62,,1994/10/25,
"Joel, Prophecy, Bible, Literature, Style,",Many consider Joel's style so elegant that his prophecy might be likened to a highly polished diamond.,"In fact, it is of such literary quality that some scholars put Joel's prophecy at the head of all the later prophets. His writing is very poetic and is marked with a variety of rhythms. He also shows a fondness for similes and metaphors.",Joel 1:4-8;,W81 6/1 28,Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,1994/05/11,
"John F. Kennedy, Violence,",Killed by sniper bullet. Funeral & burial details in article. (35th president) Lee Harvey Oswald killed 2 days later by Jack Rubenstein.,"Information: Assassination on Nov 22, 1963 in Dallas, Texas","Ps 146:3,4;","Jan 8, 1964 Aw Page 29",,,,,
"John, Apostle, Writings, Bible, Revelation, Harmony,","Like a diamond merchant examining a precious stone, turning it round and round, letting the light reflect from its many facets. This is one reason why we are not taking up a verse-by-verse study of what John wrote.","John does not appear to confine himself to a set outline, or progressive argument, and say all he has to say on one point at a time, with headings and subheadings, as it were. No; he starts off on one line of thought, leading on to another, then another, then frequently goes back and adds to what he has already said on a certain subject .",Rev 1:1;,W52 11/15 690,Will You Be A Survivor Of The 'last Days'?,2,,1994/05/11,
"Joke, Fun, Prank",For a laugh installed electric shock device in seat in house was fun until pregnant woman sat on it caused miscarriage Man was sued.  Not so funny then,As Christians avoid things that may harm others,Prov. 26:18,"Johnse Laymon May 8, 1965 Aw Pg. 3",,,,,
"Joke, Fun, Prank, Heart, Broken,","Woman received telephone call 'This is city morgue would you please come down and identify your husbands body'.  Woman hardly had time to turn around and relay message to daughter, heart attack died.",As Christians avoid things may harm others.  You can die of a broken heart.,Prov. 26:18,"Johnse Laymon May 8, 1965 Aw Pg. 3; Oct 22, 1995 Aw Page 31;",,,,,
"Joking, Morals, Jesting, Practical Jokes, Association, Concern, Embarrass,",'A person reveals his character by nothing so clearly as the joke he resents.'  Quote: G.C. Lichtenberg.,"Concern for others' feelings will help us avoid practical jokes.  Do such embarrassing, frightening jokes harmonize with the Golden Rule?  We do well to imitate prophet Jeremiah in avoiding such jokes.",Jeremiah 15:17; Mt 7:12;,Bobby Laymon,"As Christians, We Care About Other People",15,,1995/06/27,
"Jonah, Bible, Pioneer,","'The Tomb of the Prophet Jonah.'  (Nebi Yunus)  The ancient capital of the Assyrian empire lay on the right bank of the Tigris opposite the modern city of Mosul.  It consists of two great mounds, on which today is the reputed tomb of the prophet Jonah. (Apparently died there in his assignment)","The Bible is not the only source that testifies of Jonah's visit to ancient Nineveh.  The Encyclopedia Britannica, vol 16, page 461 (1946 Edition)  It is interesting to note that, throughout the ages, the people of that area have honored the memory of Jonah.",Jonah 3:1-10;,"Aug 1, 1970 Wt Page 468",Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,,
"Jonah, Reasonable, Humble, Rigid, Flexible, Chariot, Justice, Balance,","Rather than keeping pace with Jehovah's chariot, Jonah acted more like the freight train or the supertanker mentioned earlier.","He had proclaimed doom, so doom it must be!  Yet, Jehovah has changed course on many occasions.  Jehovah is reasonable!  We should practice being reasonable.",Jonah 4:1-11;,"Aug 1, 1994 Wt Page 13",Good News In A Violent World,85,,1994/08/23,
"Joseph, Mary, Perfect, Parents, Children, Family,",Suppose a perfect child was placed in your care and you were expected to rear him properly.  What a challenge!  How could any imperfect human do so?,"That very thing was done by Joseph, the adoptive father of Jesus.  It can be done only by accepting divine direction and applying it in everyday life.",Mark 6:3;,"Jan 15, 1995 Wt Page 29",Family Life That Warms The Heart,5,,1994/12/14,
Joy,'Good Day Highly Favored One' (Intro by angel) God's fellow workers 1 Cor. 3:6-9,"We are 'highly favored' today, should have honor and joy.","Luke 1:28, 47",Bobby Laymon,Finding Honor And Joy In God's Ministry,65,,,
Joy,"'If we were rich, all our troubles would be over.' Joy is not a by-product of the production line. It is the fruitage of God's spirit at work. Mother, whose child is seriously ill; health of child is worth","Material things has little to do with joyful living. more than all the refrigerators, television sets, in world. Apart from Creator, life is shallow, empty, without meaning","Gal. 5:22, 23; Col. 3:12-14; 1 Cor. 15:58; Ps. 56:4 Luke 10:41, 42","Oct 8, 1959 Aw Page 3",Serve Jehovah With A Joyful Heart,78,,,
Joy,Down in the dumps (at the dumps) not most pleasant place Need to aid lowly ones,"Jehovah can uplift, even from ash pits.",Ps 113:7,Assy Talk,Serve Jehovah With A Joyful Heart,78,,,
Joy,Fool's Paradise of Pleasure,"Instead of 'Hollywood make-believe, have grim, tragic world.","2 Tim. 3:4  Isa. 65:13, 14","Jun 1, 1965 Wt Page 328",Serve Jehovah With A Joyful Heart,78,,,
Joy,"Football players, Fans cheering on helps them to win & be joyful","We need to enjoy Jehovah's service, or won't continue Service should be invigorating, rejoicing; Recall good experiences.",Ps 100:1-5  1 Jn 5:3,"Bro Hollinger, Mel  May 6, 1990",Serve Jehovah With A Joyful Heart,78,,,
Joy,"John the Baptizer; as friend of bridegroom Friend of bridegroom made negotiations, delivered gifts, services of friend lasted only short time, John's work soon ended John keep decreasing, Jesus kept increasing.","Could have proudly resented Jesus, but maintained his joy and happiness",John 3:29,"Mar 15, 1990 Wt Page 24",Serve Jehovah With A Joyful Heart,78,,,
"Joy, laughing gas, honey bees, ","Laughing Gas; Working with Honey bees; laughing, but not joyful. One may be happy, gay, lighthearted due to immediate circumstances Drunkards often do a lot of boisterous laughing, but are they truly joyful.","Difference between happiness & true joy.  Joy is deeper-rooted than delight; on sound unshakable reason. Did not notice stings, until later.","2 Tim. 3:4  Isa. 65:13, 14","Bobby Laymon (see Also Jun 1, 1965 Wt Page 329)",Serve Jehovah With A Joyful Heart,78,,,3/30/2014
Joy,Quote: Associated Press writer; H. Boyle 'Man has one talent that separates him from the other animals-- the art of making himself miserable.  He is the only animal that will turn his back on joy and make himself deliberately unhappy.,How to be kind to yourself Invents his own trouble...too much is never enough.,"Prov. 10:22  Matt 16:22, 23  Mark 12:29-31","Aug 15, 1959 Wt Page 483",Serve Jehovah With A Joyful Heart,78,,,
Joy,Winner of Big Quiz Show,"Picked as one out of hundreds, or thousands We are God's fellow workers.","Luke 1:28, 47; 1co 3:6-9",Bobby Laymon,Finding Honor And Joy In God's Ministry,65,,,
Joy,"Woman during birth pangs has grief; child is born, doesn't remember",Jesus disciples grieved at death; joy at Pentecost Worldly religious leaders rejoiced at Jesus' death.,John 16:1-33  13:36,"Sep 1, 1990 Wt Page 8, 9",Serve Jehovah With A Joyful Heart,78,,,
"Joy,","'Leap for joy, Shout for joy, Exult, Rejoice, etc. all found in the Bible. Most of Israelites complained time and time again. Only sincere heartfelt worship brings true joy.",To become downtrodden would result in a lack of faith. Joy is a fruit of God's spirit.,"Deuteronomy. 32:4; Ps. 104; Neh. 8:9,10;",Phil Kirkton Notes; Brother Barber,Serve Jehovah With A Joyful Heart,78,,,
"Joy,","Illustration of talents. They were not told to take it easy, but given more work from their master.  Which kept them very joyful. Exultation is the highest form of joy!",One buried talent.  Found only unhappiness in assignment. He complained; found fault.  Faithful ones entered into joy of their master.,"Mt. 25:14-30; Isa. 65:17-19; Zeph 3:16, 17;",Phil Kirkton Notes; Brother Barber,Serve Jehovah With A Joyful Heart,78,,,
"Joy,","There are many activities that result in joy from humanitarian motives. Housing for poor, raising funds, help for sick, etc. We show that God's service is our chief joy by: Thinking about it. Talking about it. Seeking it first. Buying out time for it.","None of these, nor all together can compare with God's service. Taking care of physical powers, moderation in food & drink. Rest.",Isa. 65:14; Phil. 4:4; Prov. 4:23; Matt. 6:33; 1 Cor. 9:25;,"Feb 1, 1967 Wt Page 96",Serve Jehovah With A Joyful Heart,78,,,
"Joy, Depression, Happiness,","Only one remedy for depression. By letting Jehovah be our stronghold, we are the happiest people who ever lived.",Trust in Jehovah. Conclusion: 'Let's go to our homes smiling.',Rom. 10:11;,"Phil Kirkton Notes; Brother Barber   Oct 1, 1991 Wt",Serve Jehovah With A Joyful Heart,78,,,
"Joy, Disappointments, Trials, Depression, Happiness,","Brother helped deliver a baby.  Great anxiety and pain on the part of the mother, but after the baby was born she completely changed.  Began making phone calls at 2 A.M.  Some were not quite as happy as she was.","Trials can be followed by great joy, satisfaction.",John 16:21;,Ray Wecker,You Can Find Joy In Serving God,103,,,
"Joy, Disappointments, Trials, Depression, Happiness,","Most of us at one time has bought a new car. (not brand-new) but in good working order, and nice and clean, and its a joy to drive it and even show it off.  But after a time it gets a few little dings, and new wears off, and its not as exciting.","Life is like that!  Most of us have lost joy at one time or another.  May be little dings, or hard knocks. Real joy comes from serving Jehovah.","Heb 10:32-34; 12:2; Gal 6:9, 10; 1ti 6:9, 10;",Ray Wecker,You Can Find Joy In Serving God,103,,,
"Joy, Disappointments, Trials, Depression, Happiness, Blessings,","Some persons always need something new to be happy.  Constantly shopping.  Science even tries to develop, invent joy and happiness, through endless variety of video games, new products etc.  Cannot buy happiness or joy.","Joy: A state of happiness!  It is deeper and longer lasting than material things.  Sometimes we need to count our blessings,",Php 4:4; Mt 4:4; 5:3; Pr 10:28; Jude 1:13;,Ray Wecker,You Can Find Joy In Serving God,103,,,
"Joy, Endurance, Happiness, Pioneer, Pain, Persecution,","On the torture stake, what were Jesus' thoughts riveted on?  It was the joy set before him.","The future joy blocked out all the pain, ridicule, and he was filled with hope.  It helped him endure.",Heb 12:2;,"Joseph Wengert, D. O.",,,,1996/05/03,
"Joy, Gilead, Pioneer,","Like deep water, unaffected by surface annoyances.",Missionaries have deep joy because of their devotion to the preaching of the good news. (W. Wilkinson),Gal. 5:22;,"Nov 8, 1967 Aw Page 26",Serve Jehovah With A Joyful Heart,78,,,
"Joy, Happiness,",'One filled with joy preaches without preaching.'  Quote: Mother Teresa.,Joy shows!  We should have heartfelt appreciation for the privilege of sharing in the Christian ministry and our joy should show and motivate others.,"Heb 12:1, 2;",Bobby Laymon - Reader's Digest,Finding Honor And Joy In God's Ministry,65,,1996/03/20,
"Joy, Happiness,","Drunkards often do a lot of boisterous laughing. But are such ones truly joyful? No, not at all.","Says Webster's New International Dictionary, 'Joy is deeper-rooted than delight, more radiant or demonstrative than gladness.' It is not based on immediate and shifting circumstances but on basic principles of truth, on sound unshakable reason. True joy gives one an inner calm, a peace and contentment, a sense of confidence and power strong enough to carry one through even a raging storm of adverse circumstances.",2 Tim 3:4;,W65 6/1 329,Finding Honor And Joy In God's Ministry,65,,1994/07/31,
"Joy, Happiness,","THIS old system is full of entertainers, merrymakers and clowns of all sorts, not to mention peddlers of the so-called 'happy pills,' all of whom induce much lighthearted laughter among those who are 'lovers of pleasures rather than lovers of God.'","But please note the difference and distinction between happiness and true joy. One may be happy, gay, lighthearted and indulge in much laughter in the company of certain companions or due to the immediate circumstances.  Joy finds its roots much deeper than in a mere spasm of giddiness or in a momentary state of being gay and full of noisy laughter.",2 Tim 3:4;,W65 6/1 329,Finding Honor And Joy In God's Ministry,65,,1994/07/31,
"Joy, Happiness,",We could all march to the door like soldiers.,"If so, doing so only in the line of duty, joy would be lacking.","Ps 145:7, 11, 12;","Kingdom Ministry School Dec 22, 23, 1994",Finding Honor And Joy In God's Ministry,65,,1994/12/25,
"Joy, Happiness, Complaints, Annoyance, Anger,","Elderly woman never ridden on a train was given tickets by grand children to visit a friend. Elated, she got on train, settled down, noticed the upholstery was torn. Grumbling she looked for another seat, there the children were whimpering. Moved again but","Trifles can cause us to lose joy and happiness. the sun was too bright. Hardly got seated & conductor called out the town.  She had missed all the joy, and scenery.",Rom. 12:21; 1 Cor. 13:4; Prov. 17:9,"Jun 22, 1962 Aw Page 3",Serve Jehovah With A Joyful Heart,78,,,
"Joy, Happiness, Complaints, Annoyance, Anger, Wisdom, long-suffering","Oyster, when he cannot get rid of an irritation, settles down to make one of the most beautiful things on earth. A pearl. long-suffering is one of fruits of spirit.",When an irritation comes make a pearl of it. Pearl of patience.,Gal. 5:22; 1 Cor. 13:8,"Jun 22, 1962 Aw Page 4",Acquiring A Heart Of Wisdom,73,,,
"Joy, Happiness, Depression, Growth, Maturity, Improvement,","If the lilies of the field, developing according to implanted laws of growth, can display such breathtaking glory...",How much more pleasing in Jehovah's sight must be the moral beauty of those humans who uphold his righteous laws and principles!,"Mt 6:28, 29; Pr 10:22; Re 16:17; Jude 12; 2 Ti 1:13, 14;","Sep 15, 1971 Wt Page 554",Serve Jehovah With A Joyful Heart,78,,1993/11/17,
"Joy, Happiness, Depression, Improvement, Growth, Maturity,",Just as a glorious flower of the field may be stricken by contaminated air or soil.,"So Christian growth may be stunted by the intrusion of Satan's spirit of 'the air,' immoral thoughts, blights of materialism and dissipated living.  These pollutions bring joy to neither man nor to his Creator.  Unless poisons are eradicated and replaced by healthful nourishment, the sick plant will wither and die.  So will Christian joy and faith.","Mt 6:28, 29; Pr 10:22; Re 16:17; Jude 12; 2 Ti 1:13, 14;","Sep 15, 1971 Wt Page 554",Serve Jehovah With A Joyful Heart,78,,1993/11/17,
"Joy, Happiness, Excitement","'Smiling is contagious, keep smiling and someone is sure to catch it.' We need not become downcast when opposers deride us. Keep smiling.","Like Job, we need to keep smiling.","Job 29:24; Hab. 3:18, 19; Matt. 5:11, 12; 1 Th 2:19, 20","Jan 1, 1991 Wt Page 14",Serve Jehovah With A Joyful Heart,78,,,
"Joy, Happiness, Excitement","Excitement at football game, soccer, basketball, from worldly pleasures. Joy second only to love as fruit of God's spirit. Joy is a powerful, fortifying quality.",Joy of Jehovah far transcends the superficial excitement people get 'Joy of Jehovah is your stronghold.',"Acts 5:27-32, 41, 42,; Gal. 5:19-23; Neh. 8:10","Jan 1, 1991 Wt Page 13",Serve Jehovah With A Joyful Heart,78,,,
"Joy, Happiness, Growth, Reaching Out, Evangelizing,","JAPANESE CARP, if placed in a small bowl, grow to 2' or 3' in length.  In a pond, they attain 6' to 10'.   In a large lake, they grow to over 3 feet!  The size of the fish depends on the size of the body of water they are in.","The fish:  represents joy, which grows in direct relationship to the amount of water it is in.  So place your self in the largest body of service possible, and watch joy grow as Jehovah blesses you!  For unlimited joy and happiness, remember the more we serve the more joy we have.",Eccl. 12:1;,David Berry,Looking At Youths From Jehovah's Standpoint.,118,J,1998/07/26,1/21/2025
"Joy, Happiness, Life, Youth,","'I've wandered east, I've wandered west, Through many a weary way; But never, never can forget The love o' life's young day!  Quote:   William Motherwell.",We can have a life we will never forget.  Experiences regularly prove the genuine joy that is the lot of Jehovah's people.,Ec 12:1;,Bobby Laymon,Serve Jehovah With A Joyful Heart,78,,1995/08/01,
"Joy, Happiness, Organization, Contentment,","Imagine a large vessel in the ocean.  It cuts through the waves effortlessly.  There is smooth sailing.  But what if this ship developed a hole in it the size of this penny?  What would happen.  It would start to affect the ship.  In time, that small hole, if not repaired, could sink the ship.",It is that way with our joy.  Sometimes something very minor can cause us to start to lose our joy.  We must make an effort to repair that problem or in time it may 'sink the ship.',Deuteronomy. 28:47;,Sally Aldag,Finding Honor And Joy In God's Ministry,65,,1998/02/14,
"Joy, Happiness, Organization, Contentment, World, Satan, Devil","Did you ever play on the merry-go-round at school.  What sometimes happened?  You would be enjoying your ride, when the school bully would come over and try to push you off, or make you sick or dizzy or hurt you.  What could you do to prevent this?  Move as close as you can to the center.","We are on a merry-go-round.  Satan, the school bully is trying to throw us off, or make us sick, or hurt us.  What can we do?  Move as close to the center as possible.",Ps 35:18;,Sally Aldag,Finding Honor And Joy In God's Ministry,65,,1998/02/14,
"Joy, Happiness, Persecution,","'If you can sing in the rain, you will always be able to sing in the sunshine.'","Jehovah's people have maintained their joy, even in the face of persecution.  What joy we will have in Jehovah's new earth.","Matt 5:11, 12;",Bobby Laymon,Bearing Up Under Persecution,57,,1996/07/28,
"Joy, Happiness, Sharing, Twain, Good News, Kingdom,","Quote: Mark Twain; 'Grief can take care of itself, but to get the full value of a joy you must have somebody to divide it with.'",Joys must be shared.  We can share our joy by sharing the good new of God's kingdom with them.,Ps. 133:1  1 Cor. 10:24,"Jun 1, 1965 Wt Page 331",Serve Jehovah With A Joyful Heart,78,,,
"Joy, Happiness, Zeal, Ambition, Pioneer,","Like the bee, we should make our industry our amusement. --Oliver Goldsmith.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Joy, Jehovah, Self, Kingdom, Endurance,",J O Y stands for [1]Jehovah  [2]Others  [3]Yourself.,"When we get these things turned around backwards and put yourself first instead of Jehovah, that we lose our JOY.  Anything else spells 'YOJ'.",Neh. 8:10; Mt. 6:33;,"Comment At Wt Study (nov 1, 1991 Wt P.14   (entered Dec 15, 1991)","Living, Not For Self, But To Do God's Will",8,,,
"Joy, Modesty, Limitations, Restrictions, Balance, Contentment, Rejoice, Appreciation,","Have you ever watched birds soaring in the sky above the earth and admired the beauty and freedom of their movements?  Perhaps you wished you could fly as the birds do.  Well, you cannot and you never will be able to fly as the birds do!  But likely you do not complain.  Rather, you rejoice in your God-given abilities.  You manage very well walking around on the surface of the earth.","Similarly, whatever our situation in life, if we concentrate on what we can do rather that fret about what we cannot do, life will be satisfying, and we will find joy in Jehovah's service.","Ps 126:5, 6; 1cor 7:21;","Sep 1, 1994 Wt Page 28",You Can Find Joy In Serving God,103,,1994/08/23,
"Joy, Peace, Anxiety,","Just as deep water is not disturbed with surface annoyances, such as the wind, objects falling into it. 'the peace of God that excels all thought will guard your heart.'","Likewise, our hearts will remain calm and peaceful, and we will not be overwhelmed by anxiety, if we have joy and peace in our hearts.","Php 4:6, 7; Pr 14:30; Ps 27:10; 46:1-3; 1pe 5:6, 7; Mt 10:28;","Mar 15, 1992 Wt Page 22 # 18",Serve Jehovah With A Joyful Heart,78,,,
"Joy, Pioneers, Bethelite,",Don't try to find joy elsewhere! We can be the happiest of people if we use our privileges to Jehovah's praise.,We must find joy in Jehovah's service.  Must not allow ourselves to become burdened.  Sluggish slave complained and couldn't find joy in serving Jehovah.,Mt. 25:14-30; 1 Jn. 5:3; Ps 20:5; Jer. 15:16;,Phil Kirkton Notes; Brother Barber,Serve Jehovah With A Joyful Heart,78,,,
"Joy, Pioneers, Bethelite, Persecution, Depression,","In the illustration: The sun WITHERED some; RIPENED others. Don't think the fun of the world leads to joy. Think of New World, our spiritual paradise, release of Eastern Europe, etc.","We must joyfully resist all of Satan's attacks.  Jesus conquered the world, because Satan couldn't fight him into inactivity. We can conquer the world, not with complaining, but with joy.","Mt. 13:5,6; 2 Cor. 11:22-27; Ps. 55:22; Ps.46:1-11;",Phil Kirkton Notes; Brother Barber,Bearing Up Under Persecution,57,,,
"Joy, Preaching, Good News,","You could not offer a person anything more valuable-bars of gold or bags of diamonds are not as precious as 'the good news.'  Is not this message about the Kingdom the best news you could give to anyone? Yes, indeed.","Surely, the privilege of spreading this message about God's purposes should bring us joy! Why, then, is joy at times lacking among some who bear the good news?  (See Article)",Mt. 24:14;,Km 5/79 1,Have Faith In The Good News,47,,1994/05/12,
"Joy, Priorities, First,",J-Jehovah  (first place) O-Others (second place) Y-You (last place),"To find joy, we must put Jehovah first.","Neh. 8:9, 10;",Bobby Laymon,Finding Honor And Joy In God's Ministry,65,,"Feb 10, 2001",
"Joy, Rejoice,","Are You Happy? Then, 'Notify your face!' Witnesses in concentration camps; could tell they were happy. (See Jan 1, 1991 WT page 14)",Witnesses should reflect happiness and joy in all areas,"1 Pet. 5: 6, 7; Job 29:24; Ps. 100:2;","Pure Language Dist. Assy. July 5-8, 1990",Serve Jehovah With A Joyful Heart,78,,,
"Joy, Satisfaction, Happiness, Fruit, Growth, Progress,",Every farmer feels joy and satisfaction in the productiveness of land under his cultivation.,"Not less true is this of the greatest farmer of them all, and he is Jehovah God.","Ge 1:11, 12; Isa 45:12, 18;",W50 12/1 480,Serve Jehovah With A Joyful Heart,78,,1994/07/30,
Joy; Happiness;,"'All seek joy, but it is not found on earth.' Quote:  St. John Chrysostom",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Joy; Happiness;,"'Real joy comes not from ease or riches or from the praise of men, but from doing something worthwhile.' Quote:  Sir Wilfred Grenfell",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Joy; Happiness;,"'There are joys which long to be ours. God sends ten thousand truths, which come about us like birds seeking inlet; but we are shut up to them, and so they bring us nothing, but sit and sing awhile upon the roof, and then fly away.'  Quote:  Hwb.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Joy; Happiness;,'There is no duty we so much underrate as the duty of being happy.'  Quote:  Rls.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Joy; Happiness; Materialism;,"Joy is not in things, it is in us.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Joy; Happiness; Preaching;,"'One filled with joy, preaches without preaching.'  Quote:  Mother Teresa.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Joy; Humor; Cheerfulness; Positive;,It is a poor heart that never rejoices.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Judaism;,"'Historically the profoundest meaning of Passover is something which sets Judaism apart from other religions. It marks the birth of a nation. Out of a mass of slaves, Moses fashioned a nation and gave them faith. From that day to this, Jews have never ceased to be a people.'  Quote:  Phillip Bernstein.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Judaism; Religion; Worship;,"'The religion of the Jews is, indeed, a light; but it is as the light of the glow-worm, which gives no heat, and illuminates nothing but itself.'  Quote:  Sam Coleridge.",True religion should warm the heart and cause us to be aglow with the spirit.,Rom 12:11;,Jk Quotes;,Are You Doing What God Requires Of You?,43,,,5/21/2014
Judge,Don't judge a Man by his face. Beauty can hide the vilest kind of hearts.  Satan. Handsome face does not mean a good heart.,Jehovah judges by what he sees in the heart.,Ezek. 28:17  1 Sam. 16:7  Heb. 4:13,"Apr 1, 1958 Wt Page 195",Does God Count You Personally Important?,26,,,
Judge,Judge 'House-servant' of another;  I'd 'fire' that person. Jehovah will help that one to stand.,"It's up to one's master, not us, they stand; we are fellow worker.",Rom. 14:4; 13:8-10,Jerry Thompson,Love Identifies The True Christian Congregation,72,,,
"Judge, Appearances, Negative, Positive,","One story is told of a journey made by Nasreddin Hoja, (Turkish teacher) to visit an Ottoman official and have dinner with him.  'Stiffily, he dismounted and knocked on the imposing front door.  When it was opened, he saw that the feast was already in progress.  But before he could introduce himself, his host, looking at his travel-stained clothes, told him curtly that beggars were not welcome.'  Going to his saddlebag, he 'changed into his finest attire: a magnificent silk robe trimmed with fur, and a vast silk turban.  Thus arrayed, he returned to the front door and knocked again.  This time, his host welcomed him warmly...Servants placed dishes of delicacies before him.  Nasreddin Hoja poured a bowl of soup into one pocket of his robe.  To the astonishment of the other guests, he tucked pieces of roast meat into the folds of his turban.  Then, before his horrified host, he pushed the fur facing of his robe into a plate of pilav, murmuring 'Eat, fur, eat!'  'What's the meaning of this?' demanded the host.  'My dear sir,' replied the Hoja, 'I am feeding my clothes.  To judge by your treatment of me half an hour ago, it is clearly they, and not myself, which are the objects of your hospitality!'",How often we judge negatively or positively by appearance alone!,1 Sam. 16:7;,"May 8, 1998 Aw Page 131",Follow The Course Of Hospitality,77,,1998/04/07,
"Judge, Christendom, Religion Babylon, Justice, Mercy, Balance,","WHEN a righteous judge sits in judgment on a case his first consideration is the administration of justice. But even if the accused is proved guilty, such a judge always looks for an opportunity to exercise mercy, to lighten the sentence upon the guilty one, thereby tempering justice with mercy. There must, however, be a basis for mercy. Such basis may be in the fact that the guilty one's motive was not malicious and deliberate. It may lie in extenuating circumstances: the person may be handicapped by a bad background.","The ancient city of Babylon, was thoroughly malicious, merciless herself, and undeserving of any favor. As any judge of a high court writes up his decision and backs it up with his arguments, giving reasons for it, so Jehovah does, through his prophet Isaiah.",Isa. 47:1-3;,"Jul 15, 1965 Wt Page 438;","Mercy, A Dominant Quality Of True Christians",7,,1996/11/25,
"Judge, Corruption, Crime,",'Heaven is above all yet; there sits a judge that no king can corrupt.' Quote: William Shakespeare. [1613].,"We cannot fool Jehovah, the great judge.  Christians must watch that they do not fall into sin against the holy spirit.","Heb 10:26, 27;",Bobby Laymon,Life Does Have A Purpose,23,,1995/07/14,
"Judge, Jehovah, Distance, Knowledge,","What if I came into your Kingdom Hall and started talking about you.  I have never really met you.  I have only seen you from a distance.  Would that be fair, to judge you from a distance?",Don't judge Jehovah from a distance.  Get acquainted with him.  Really know him.  Develop the same interests Jehovah has.,Hos. 6:3;,"David Cohen, C. O.",How Well Do You Know God?,1,,1998/02/14,
"Judge, Jesus, Understanding, Ransom, King, Qualified, wickedness,","Who would have a better understanding of ants?  A person who has made a study of them 30 years, or a person with such interest in them that he became an ant and lived with them 30 years, experiencing all the things that ants experience.",Christ Jesus is well qualified to judge humans.  He became a human and lived with us for over 30 years.  He experienced every hardship known to the human race.  He was tested in all respects.,Heb 4:15;,Bobby Laymon,Into The New Order Under Christ's Leadership,56,,1997/09/12,4/1/2014
"Judge, Love, Consider, Hospitality,",'Don't judge a man until you have walked a mile in his moccasins.'  Quote: Indian proverb.,Some brothers have been through terrible ordeals in their lives.  Others are enduring situations right now that we would find hard to imagine.,Prov 19:11;,"Al Larue  See Apr 1, 1995 Wt Page 17",,,,1995/05/21,
"Judge, Resentment, Imperfection, Faults,",'Rare is the person who can weigh the faults of others without putting his thumb on the scales.'  Quote: Byron J. Langenfield,"It is far better to look for the good in persons, than looking for their faults.  As Jesus said, 'We strain out the gnat, but gulp down the camel.'  We don't see our own imperfections.","Mt 7:1-5; 23:23, 24;",Bobby Laymon,A Clean People Honors Jehovah,14,,,
"Judge, Righteous, Holy Spirit,",'No one should be judge in his own case.' Quote: Publilius Syrus.,"God, through Christ, is the judge of all persons; therefore, only he, and not we, can determine if a person has blasphemed against the holy spirit.  We cannot even judge ourselves.","Rev 20:14, 15;",Bobby Laymon,Life Does Have A Purpose,23,,1995/07/09,
Judgment;,"Knowledge is the treasure, but judgment is the treasurer of a wise man.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Judging Others,"Straw in brothers eye, rafter (hyperbole, obvious exaggeration) strain out gnat, gulp down camel  Matt 23:24 (Hyperbole) Not a hair of your head  Luke 21:18 (Hyperbole)",Forceful way to say 'do not criticize small faults of others',Matt 7:3,"June 1, 1984 Wt Page 19; Oct 1, 1990 Wt Page 22",Does God Count You Personally Important?,26,,,
Judging Others;,'Do not measure another's coat on your own body.'  Quote:  Malay.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Judging Others;,'Don't hear one and judge two.'  Quote:  Greek.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Judging Others;,'Don't judge any man until you have walked two moons in his moccasins.'  Quote:  American Indian.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Judging Others;,'Hesitancy in judgment is the only true mark of the thinker.'  Quote:  Dagbert Runes.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Judging Others;,"'The average man's judgment is so poor, he runs a risk every time he uses it.'  Quote:  Ed Howe.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Judging Others;,'We judge ourselves by what we feel capable of doing; others judge us by what we have done.'  Quote:  Henry Wadsworth Longfellow.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Judging Others;,"'When you meet a man, you judge him by his clothes; when you leave, you judge him by his heart.'  Quote:  Russian.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Judging Others;,"it is with our judgments as with our watches; no two go just alike, yet each believes his own.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Judging, Complain, Mummer, Empathy, Sympathy,",'Don't judge a man until you've walked a mile in his shoes.' Try to understand why they did this or that.,Cultivate the habit of putting ourselves in others places.,Matt. 7:12; 7:1-5;,"Al Larue (see Oct 1, 1990 Wt Page 23)","Friendship With God, Friendship With The World -- Which Will You Choose?",79,,,
"Judging, Judgment, Mercy,",The summed total of Jehovah's judging might be: Adam and Eve deserved no mercy as they willfully rebelled. Jehovah's mercy came into play toward their offspring.,"'Firmness where necessary, mercy where possible.'","Ps 77:11; Ge 3:15; Ro 8:20, 21;","Jul 1, 1992 Wt Page 9","Mercy, A Dominant Quality Of True Christians",7,,,
"Judging, Justice, Elders, Decisions, Committees,","'My sayings will trickle as the dew, as gentle rains upon grass and as copious showers upon vegetation.'  (Moses)",Moses is a fine example for elders today who shepherd the flock and make judicial decisions.  May their relationships likewise prove to be 'as gentle rains upon grass.',"Deuteronomy 32:2; Exodus 32:11, 30-32; Ac 20:28;","Jul 1, 1992 Wt Page 12",Decisions You Face--how Will You Make Them?,50,,,
"Judging, Justice, Elders, Decisions, Committees,","When a literal sheep fell by the wayside or became sick, the shepherd would take them in his arms and comfort him; console him.  He did not beat him, but tried to heal. 'Most sins in congregation involve weakness, not wickedness.'","When a spiritual sheep becomes spiritually weak and falls by the wayside, what does he or she need?  Beating or healing? Punishing or shepherding?","Is 32:1, 2; Ac 20:28, 29; Gal 6:1; De 1:16, 17;","Jul 1, 1992 Wt Page 16, 19",Decisions You Face--how Will You Make Them?,50,,,
"Judging, Justice, Mercy, Prejudice, Faults, Resentment,",'Rare is the person who can weigh the faults of others without putting his thumb on the scales.'  Quote: Byron J. Langenfield.,"We must exercise justice;  Do what is right, fair, honest; do what     God requires; give Jehovah exclusive devotion.",Mic 6:8; Exodus 23:6;,Bobby Laymon - Reader's Digest,Are You Doing What God Requires Of You?,43,,1996/03/20,
"Judging, Personalities, Mercy,","Because my wife likes 'Ice Skating,' I get to watch it also.  Sometimes, I see someone that skates really fine.  I can find no flaw.  Then the judges will give them a bad score.  Or it may be the other way around.  I think they do poorly, and they get a good score.   I don't know anything about ice skating, but the judges can see.",Don't be a judge of Jehovah's people.  Jehovah is the judge.  Just enjoy the brotherhood.  Cheer everyone on.,Matt. 7:1-4;,"Gary Wells, D. O.","Mercy, A Dominant Quality Of True Christians",7,,"Apr 25, 2002",
"Judgment, Compromise, Balance, Chasm,","The pattern of judgment, like a design in drawing where one side balances and offsets the other. A strong straight line is drawn right down the middle for emphasis. (Chasm in Jesus illustration)","No fraternizing, no compromise. Jesus appreciated this vital strand in the pattern of judgment. God's 'judicial decision is a vast watery deep.'","Luke 16:26; Ps. 36:6; Gal. 1:13-17; Matt. 3:7,8; Acts 6:7;","Apr 1, 1967 Wt Page 210",Religion's Time Of Judgment,83,,,
"Judgment, Day, Wrath, Armageddon, Thousand Year,","'That day of wrath, that dreadful day, When heaven and earth shall pass away.'  Quote: Sir Walter Scott.","It will be a dreadful day for Christendom.  Under symbol of a great harlot, world empire of false religion responsible for shedding blood, taking sides in numberless wars.",Rev 17:3-6;,Bobby Laymon,Religion's Time Of Judgment,83,,1995/07/18,
"Judgment, Judicial, Committee, Impartial, Neutral,","A MAN and a Lion traveled together through the forest.  They soon began to boast of their respective superiority to each other in strength and prowess.  As they were disputing, they passed a statue carved in stone, which represented 'a Lion strangled by a Man.'  The traveler pointed to it and said:  'See there! How strong we are, and how we prevail over even the king of beasts.'  The Lion replied:  'This statue was made by one of you men.  If we Lions knew how to erect statues, you would see the Man placed under the paw of the Lion.'","Moral: 'One story is good, till another is told.'  Each person deserves to be heard.   Especially on judicial matters, one person can often overturn what appears to be a good argument.",2 Tim 2:14;,Bobby Laymon,Religion's Time Of Judgment,83,,1994/05/15,
"Judgment, Kingdom, Nations, Government,",'Outside the kingdom of the Lord there is no nation which is greater than any other. God and history will remember your judgment.' Quote: Haile Selassie.,"All world governments will be crushed together, under the blow of God's kingdom.",Dan 2:44;,Bobby Laymon,Your Future--how Can It Be Known?,19,,1995/08/16,
"Judgment, Pangs, End, Destruction, Armageddon,",Some Bibles use just the word 'pangs.'  Why does the Greek Interlinear translation use 'birth pangs?'  Birth pangs usually intensify in pain and in number as one approaches the actual birth.,These pains of this system are becoming more serious and more in number as we reach the conclusion of this system of things.  The pangs will continue until the striking manifestation of the day of judgment.  What day is this?  This shows us that certain developments must first take place before we see this day.  The first would be:  (2Thes. 2:3) - The clergy of Christendom is referred to here.  How would this be a striking manifestation of Christ's presence?  (2Thes. 2:8,Matt. 24:8; 2 Thes. 2:2,Tim Moore - Bethel Talk By Lawrence Bowen,Will You Be A Survivor Of The 'last Days'?,2,,1998/03/28,
"Judgment, Sentiment, Judicial,",You can't depend on your judgment when your imagination is out of focus. -- Mark Twain,A person must be careful that nothing affects our judgment.,Prov. 11:1;Leviticus. 19:15,Bobby Laymon,Follow The Way To Life,45,,"Nov 19, 2001",
"Judgment, Sound Mind, Thinking, Wisdom","Suppose we had a clock that was a poor time keeper, and was with out means of regulation.  But suppose we had access frequently to a chronometer of absolute correctness, which showed our clock lost 30 minutes every 24 hrs. We could not correct our clock by","Our judgments need to be constantly reset to Jehovah's. resetting it from time to time, or estimate its error at any point. We find our judgment too fast, too slow, too weak or too strong.","Dan. 6:4-28; Prov. 3:5, 6; Ps. 51:5;","Oct 1, 1964 Wt Page 580",Acquiring A Heart Of Wisdom,73,,,
Judgment;,"'You can develop good judgment as you do the muscles of your body; by judicious, daily exercise.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Judgment; Decisions;,"'Everyone complains of his memory, no one complains of his judgment.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Judicial, Committee, Elders, Action, Timing,","'You can only run around that tree so many times, then you need to climb it.'","An elder description of long elders meetings.  Once it has been fully discussed, there is no need to keep 'running around the tree.' Eventually you must make a decision.",1 Tim 3:13;,"Kingdom Ministry School Dec 22, 23, 1994",Decisions You Face--how Will You Make Them?,50,,1994/12/25,
"Judicial, Problems, Committee, Sins,",Tip of Ice-berg (Only 2% above water; shave off & 2% more rises.) Find underlying cause and help resolve.,Must get to heart of problem and melt ice-berg.,Prov. 28:13 Gal. 6:1,Kingdom Ministry School  1967,Hold A Good Conscience In A Sinful World,107,,,
"Justice,","'Justice is instinct and innate,...as much a part of our constitution as that of feeling, seeing, or hearing.'  Quote: American statesman Thomas Jefferson.","Just as everyone has an inborn need for love, so we all yearn to be treated with justice.",Deuteronomy. 32:4;,"Aug 1, 1998 Wt Page 7",Appreciating Marvels Of God's Creation,114,,1998/08/04,
"Justice, Appreciation,","A little child offers you a lick off it's lollypop.  We may not always appreciate it.  However, that is the quality of justice coming through.  A feeling of sharing.",One of Jehovah's grand qualities is justice.  We should always appreciate it.,Deuteronomy 32:4;,Wayne Freeman,Appreciating Marvels Of God's Creation,114,,1998/03/24,
"Justice, Association, Habit,",A good apple can be bad at heart.,Associations must be closely guarded.,"Prov. 13:20; 18:1, Ps. 133:1; Jn 15:15; Heb. 10:24, 25,",Bobby Laymon,Choose Your Associates Wisely!,116,,,
"Justice, Court, Judgment, Satan, Opposers, Persecution,","A SWALLOW, returning from abroad and especially fond of dwelling with men, built herself a nest in the wall of a Court of Justice and there hatched seven young birds.  A Serpent gliding past the nest from its hole in the wall ate up the young unfledged nestlings.  The Swallow, finding her nest empty, lamented greatly and exclaimed:  'Woe to me a stranger! that in this place where all others' rights are protected, I alone should suffer wrong.'",Moral: 'The cold-blooded possess a poisonous bite.',Deuteronomy 32:4;,Aesop's Fables - Bobby Laymon,Bearing Up Under Persecution,57,,1994/05/17,
"Justice, Impartial,","'The jury, passing on the prisoner's life, may in the sworn twelve have a thief or two guiltier than him they try.' Quote: William Shakespeare. [1604-1605].","Man's justice is imperfect.  However Jehovah's is always right.  He has implanted in man a conscience, and an inborn sense of right and wrong.","Rom 2:14, 15;",Bobby Laymon,Evidence Of God In The World Around Us,4,,1995/07/10,
"Justice, Impartial, Braille,","Only 600  in world read Braille, yet society has bought Braille equipment. How do we treat shy, timid. Are we forgiving. Sure they have flaws, but can we afford to be critical.",Everyone has right to be heard. Everyone has right to hear.,1 Th 5:14; Eph. 4:32;,Phil Kirkton Notes: Ralph Walls,,,,,7/13/2022
"Justice, Judgment, Mercy, Prejudice, Elders, Assignments,",It is better to over-estimate someone than to under-estimate him. Some pass barriers that we may have set-up for ourselves.,Many do better than we may give them credit for.,"Jere. 11:20; Ps. 96:13; Matt. 7:1, 2; 25:40, 45; Matt. 12:36;",Bobby Laymon,"Mercy, A Dominant Quality Of True Christians",7,,,
"Justice, Judgment, Mercy, Prejudice, Fear,",The flaw that is hidden is deemed greater than it is.,Things may not be as bad as feared.,"Jere. 11:20; Ps. 96:13; Matt. 7:1, 2; 25:40, 45; Matt. 12:36;",Bobby Laymon,"Mercy, A Dominant Quality Of True Christians",7,,,
"Justice, Judgment, Mercy, Prejudice, Racial, Partial, Adjustment,","My opinions may have changed, but not the fact that I am right.",Difficulty to admit error.,"Jere. 11:20; Ps. 96:13; Matt. 7:1, 2; 25:40, 45; Matt. 12:36;",Bobby Laymon,"Mercy, A Dominant Quality Of True Christians",7,,,
"Justice, Judgment, Mercy, Prejudice, Racial, Partial, Decisions,",The ends should justify the means.,"One should take a long-range view of justice, and decisions.","Jere. 11:20; Ps. 96:13; Matt. 7:1, 2; 25:40, 45; Matt. 12:36;",Bobby Laymon,"Mercy, A Dominant Quality Of True Christians",7,,,
"Justice, Judgment, Mercy, Prejudice, Racial, Partial, Discernment",A face of stone may hide a heart of gold.,What is in the heart may be hidden from outer appearances.,"Jere. 11:20; Ps. 96:13; Matt. 7:1, 2; 25:40, 45; Matt. 12:36;",Bobby Laymon,"Mercy, A Dominant Quality Of True Christians",7,,,
"Justice, Judgment, Mercy, Prejudice, Racial, Partial, Righteous",'Clean your fingers well before you point at another's faults.'  Quote: Benjamin Franklin.,We have faults also.,"Jere. 11:20; Ps. 96:13; Matt. 7:1, 2; 25:40, 45; Matt. 12:36;",Benjamin Franklin.,"Mercy, A Dominant Quality Of True Christians",7,,,
"Justice, Judgment, Mercy, Prejudice, Racial, Partial, Righteous","'Muddy water, will also, put out a fire.'",Sometimes we set standards for others that are below or higher than what is necessary.,"Jere. 11:20; Ps. 96:13; Matt. 7:1, 2; 25:40, 45; Matt. 12:36;",Bobby Laymon,"Mercy, A Dominant Quality Of True Christians",7,,,
"Justice, Judgment, Mercy, Prejudice, Racial, Partial, Righteous","'Only he has the right to criticize, who has the heart to help.'  Quote: Abraham Lincoln.",Unwanted remarks are never appreciated.,"Jere. 11:20; Ps. 96:13; Matt. 7:1, 2; 25:40, 45; Matt. 12:36;",Abraham Lincoln,"Mercy, A Dominant Quality Of True Christians",7,,,
"Justice, Judgment, Mercy, Prejudice, Racial, Partial, Righteous","'Those who deny freedom to others, deserve it not for themselves.'  Quote: Abraham Lincoln.",Justice must be for all.,"Jere. 11:20; Ps. 96:13; Matt. 7:1, 2; 25:40, 45; Matt. 12:36;",Abraham Lincoln,"Mercy, A Dominant Quality Of True Christians",7,,,
"Justice, Judgment, Mercy, Prejudice, Racial, Partial, Righteous",A man is judged by his own standards.,"'With what judgment you are judging, you will be judged.'","Jere. 11:20; Ps. 96:13; Matt. 7:1, 2; 25:40, 45; Matt. 12:36;",Bobby Laymon,"Mercy, A Dominant Quality Of True Christians",7,,,
"Justice, Judgment, Mercy, Prejudice, Racial, Partial, Righteous","All things have an exception, including the exception itself.",Don't be too harsh in making rules.,"Jere. 11:20; Ps. 96:13; Matt. 7:1, 2; 25:40, 45; Matt. 12:36;",Bobby Laymon,"Mercy, A Dominant Quality Of True Christians",7,,,
"Justice, Judgment, Mercy, Prejudice, Racial, Partial, Righteous",An exception proves the rule.,"Jehovah does not set himself above his own laws, but made a way out for dying mankind, according to his righteous standards.","Jere. 11:20; Ps. 96:13; Matt. 7:1, 2; 25:40, 45; Matt. 12:36;",Bobby Laymon,"Mercy, A Dominant Quality Of True Christians",7,,,
"Justice, Judgment, Mercy, Prejudice, Racial, Partial, Righteous",Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.,True beauty to Jehovah is different than humans.,Prov. 4:9; Ps. 149:4; Prov. 16:31; 17:6;,Bobby Laymon,"Mercy, A Dominant Quality Of True Christians",7,,,
"Justice, Judgment, Mercy, Prejudice, Racial, Partial, Righteous","Chickens are like people, if one is different from the rest it's not accepted.","Human tendencies are partiality, prejudice, etc.","Jere. 11:20; Ps. 96:13; Matt. 7:1, 2; 25:40, 45; Matt. 12:36;",Bobby Laymon,"Mercy, A Dominant Quality Of True Christians",7,,,
"Justice, Judgment, Mercy, Prejudice, Racial, Partial, Righteous",Don't judge a man until you know what he's been through.,Justice requires insight.,"Jere. 11:20; Ps. 96:13; Matt. 7:1, 2; 25:40, 45; Matt. 12:36;",Bobby Laymon,"Mercy, A Dominant Quality Of True Christians",7,,,
"Justice, Judgment, Mercy, Prejudice, Racial, Partial, Righteous","Don't jump to conclusions, until you have all the facts. Jehovah knows heart condition.  We should try to determine.","Be careful, hear both sides, draw them out in judicial matters.","Jere. 11:20; Ps. 96:13; Matt. 7:1, 2; 25:40, 45; Matt. 12:36;",Bobby Laymon,"Mercy, A Dominant Quality Of True Christians",7,,,
"Justice, Judgment, Mercy, Prejudice, Racial, Partial, Righteous","Each has his share of a mother's love, and all have it all.",Love can be shown in impartial way.,"Jere. 11:20; Ps. 96:13; Matt. 7:1, 2; 25:40, 45; Matt. 12:36;",Bobby Laymon,"Mercy, A Dominant Quality Of True Christians",7,,,
"Justice, Judgment, Mercy, Prejudice, Racial, Partial, Righteous",Every absurdity has a champion who will defend it.,You can find someone who will defend sin.,"Jere. 11:20; Ps. 96:13; Matt. 7:1, 2; 25:40, 45; Matt. 12:36;",Bobby Laymon,"Mercy, A Dominant Quality Of True Christians",7,,,
"Justice, Judgment, Mercy, Prejudice, Racial, Partial, Righteous","He that has pity upon the poor, lendeth into the Lord.","We are not always anxious to lend money, but it could be in no safer hands than with Jehovah.","Prov. 19:17; Jere. 11:20; Ps. 96:13; Matt. 7:1, 2; 25:40, 45;",Bobby Laymon,"Mercy, A Dominant Quality Of True Christians",7,,,
"Justice, Judgment, Mercy, Prejudice, Racial, Partial, Righteous",It is better to risk saving a guilty person than to condemn an innocent one.,Justice must be balanced with mercy.,"Jere. 11:20; Ps. 96:13; Matt. 7:1, 2; 25:40, 45; Matt. 12:36;",Bobby Laymon,"Mercy, A Dominant Quality Of True Christians",7,,,
"Justice, Judgment, Mercy, Prejudice, Racial, Partial, Righteous",It isn't right for the people to be on the wrong side of the right person.,"Must take sides with Jehovah, on matters of justice.","Jere. 11:20; Ps. 96:13; Matt. 7:1, 2; 25:40, 45; Matt. 12:36;",Bobby Laymon,"Mercy, A Dominant Quality Of True Christians",7,,,
"Justice, Judgment, Mercy, Prejudice, Racial, Partial, Righteous","Judge not, so that you be not judged. (K.J.Version) We are judged by our own measure.",Stop Judging that you may not be judged.,"Matt. 7:1; Jere. 11:20; Ps. 96:13; Matt. 7:1, 2; 25:40, 45;",Bobby Laymon,"Mercy, A Dominant Quality Of True Christians",7,,,
"Justice, Judgment, Mercy, Prejudice, Racial, Partial, Righteous","Nothing is law, that is not reason.",It is easy to accept reason.,"Jere. 11:20; Ps. 96:13; Matt. 7:1, 2; 25:40, 45; Matt. 12:36;",Bobby Laymon,"Mercy, A Dominant Quality Of True Christians",7,,,
"Justice, Judgment, Mercy, Prejudice, Racial, Partial, Righteous","Our judgments are like our watches, none go just alike, yet each believes his own.  Quote: Alexander Pope  [1711]",World's court system.  That is why we must rely on Jehovah's mercy.,"Jere. 11:20; Ps. 96:13; Matt. 7:1, 2; 25:40, 45; Matt. 12:36;",Bobby Laymon,"Mercy, A Dominant Quality Of True Christians",7,,,
"Justice, Judgment, Mercy, Prejudice, Racial, Partial, Righteous",Prejudice is being 'down' on something you are not 'up' on.,If we know more about something we may agree.,"Jere. 11:20; Ps. 96:13; Matt. 7:1, 2; 25:40, 45; Matt. 12:36;",Bobby Laymon,"Mercy, A Dominant Quality Of True Christians",7,,,
"Justice, Judgment, Mercy, Prejudice, Racial, Partial, Righteous",Rules were made to be broken.,World's view of Justice.,"Jere. 11:20; Ps. 96:13; Matt. 7:1, 2; 25:40, 45; Matt. 12:36;",Bobby Laymon,"Mercy, A Dominant Quality Of True Christians",7,,,
"Justice, Judgment, Mercy, Prejudice, Racial, Partial, Righteous","The blacker the berry, the sweeter the juice. It requires insight and patience to see and render true justice. Only Jehovah & those he gives it can do this.",Justice must never be rendered from outside appearances.,"Jere. 11:20; Ps. 96:13; Matt. 7:1, 2; 25:40, 45; Matt. 12:36;",Bobby Laymon,"Mercy, A Dominant Quality Of True Christians",7,,,
"Justice, Judgment, Mercy, Prejudice, Racial, Partial, Righteous",The eye is the mirror of the soul.,"We must keep our eye simple, always having God's Kingdom in sight.","Matt. 6:22; Ps. 96:13; Matt. 7:1, 2; 25:40, 45; Matt. 12:36;",Bobby Laymon,"Mercy, A Dominant Quality Of True Christians",7,,,
"Justice, Judgment, Mercy, Prejudice, Racial, Partial, Righteous",The gray mare is the better horse.,Sometimes outer appearances can be deceiving.,"Jere. 11:20; Ps. 96:13; Matt. 7:1, 2; 25:40, 45; Matt. 12:36;",Bobby Laymon,"Mercy, A Dominant Quality Of True Christians",7,,,
"Justice, Judgment, Mercy, Prejudice, Racial, Partial, Righteous",The sun's rays warm both the rich and poor alike.,Jehovah's impartiality.,"Jere. 11:20; Ps. 96:13; Matt. 7:1, 2; 25:40, 45; Matt. 12:36;",Bobby Laymon,"Mercy, A Dominant Quality Of True Christians",7,,,
"Justice, Judgment, Mercy, Prejudice, Racial, Partial, Righteous",Those who live in glass houses should not throw stones.,We all live in glass houses.,"Jere. 11:20; Ps. 96:13; Matt. 7:1, 2; 25:40, 45; Matt. 12:36;",Bobby Laymon,"Mercy, A Dominant Quality Of True Christians",7,,,
"Justice, Judgment, Mercy, Prejudice, Racial, Partial, Righteous",To understand all is to forgive all.,Jehovah sets the standard for forgiveness.,"Jere. 11:20; Ps. 96:13; Matt. 7:1, 2; 25:40, 45; Matt. 12:36;",Bobby Laymon,"Mercy, A Dominant Quality Of True Christians",7,,,
"Justice, Judgment, Mercy, Prejudice, Racial, Partial, Righteous","When all candles are out, all cats are gray.","We must judge impartially, without regard to race, color, in judicial matters.","Jere. 11:20; Ps. 96:13; Matt. 7:1, 2; 25:40, 45; Matt. 12:36;",Bobby Laymon,"Mercy, A Dominant Quality Of True Christians",7,,,
"Justice, Judgment, Mercy, Prejudice, Racial, Partial, Righteous","When you look for the bad in man, expecting to find it, you surely will.",Look for the good.,"Jere. 11:20; Ps. 96:13; Matt. 7:1, 2; 25:40, 45; Matt. 12:36;",Bobby Laymon,"Mercy, A Dominant Quality Of True Christians",7,,,
"Justice, Judgment, Mercy, Prejudice, Racial,  Partial, Righteous,",Don't judge a book by its covers.,Outward appearances are deceiving.,"Jere. 11:20; Ps. 96:13; Matt. 7:1, 2; 25:40, 45; Matt. 12:36;",Bobby Laymon,"Mercy, A Dominant Quality Of True Christians",7,,,
"Justice, Judgment, Mercy, Prejudice, Racial, Sects,","Barth's Distinction: There are two types of people:  those who divide people into two types, and those who don't.",Avoid class distinctions.,"Jere. 11:20; Ps. 96:13; Matt. 7:1, 2; 25:40, 45; Matt. 12:36;",Bobby Laymon,"Mercy, A Dominant Quality Of True Christians",7,,,
"Justice, Judgment, Witness, Silent, Ministers, Clergy,","'When something important is going on, silence is a lie.'  Quote: A. M. Rosenthal.",The greatest work ever to take place on earth is going on.  Jehovah's people do not keep silent about it.,Ezekiel 6:10; Matt 24:14;,Bobby Laymon - Reader's Digest,Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,63,,1996/03/24,
"Justice, Laws, Regulations, Authority, Injustice,",'Laws and police regulations can be compared to a spider's web that lets the big mosquitoes through and catches the small ones.' Quote: Julius Wilhelm Zincgref. [1628].,"Many persons are unhappy because of injustice, crime, war, hatred, sickness.  They ask, 'Why doesn't God stop these things now?'",Rom 2:4;,Bobby Laymon,What God's Rulership Can Do For Us,24,,1995/07/14,
"Justice, Majority, Wrong, Right, Opinions,","'The multitude is always in the wrong.' Quote: Wentworth Dillon, Earl of Roscommon. [1684].",The Bible foretold a conflict between God's genuine worshipers and multitude of false worshipers.  This includes nations who sacrifice to demons.,Genesis. 3:15; 1 Cor 11:13;,Bobby Laymon,Religion's Time Of Judgment,83,,1995/07/14,
"Justice, Mercy,",'He that has his father for a judge goes safe to the trial.'  Quote: Old Spanish Proverb.,"Jehovah is the father who is really a righteous, merciful judge.",Genesis 18:23-28;,Bobby Laymon - American Essays By Dan Valentine,"Mercy, A Dominant Quality Of True Christians",7,,1997/05/13,
"Justice, Mercy, Balance,","As a young man Joseph had many who shot at him figuratively, to destroy him because of God's favor to him. This was specially the case with his half brothers.","His arm of strength was powerful to hold the bow to shoot such arrows of mercy, long-suffering, forgiveness, that did not kill people but led to the saving of human lives.",Rom. 12:21;,"Jul 1, 1962 Wt Page 405","Mercy, A Dominant Quality Of True Christians",7,,1996/11/25,
"Justice, Mercy, Balance,",IN THE shop of an apothecary there usually is a set of balance scales that is capable of weighing very small amounts of fine powder. A standard weight is placed on one pan and powder is put on the other one until there is enough powder to balance the weight.,"Justice is like that scale. When a person's actions are compared with a specific law and they do not balance out because he has been disobedient to that law, justice requires that he be punished. This action balances the scales of justice. But should the rendering of justice be limited to the cold balancing of matters?  The great God of the universe...warms up cold justice and tempers it with kindness and mercy.",Exodus 34:6;,"Jul 1, 1965 Wt Page 413;","Mercy, A Dominant Quality Of True Christians",7,,1996/11/25,
"Justice, Mercy, Balance, Forgiveness,","A son breaks one of his father's tools, but asks to be forgiven. The father shows mercy. A judge is moved by the tears of a weeping mother and suspends her sentence. A husband mistreats his wife and the wife her husband in moments of weakness.","Life is filled with opportunities to show mercy. There is regret, then forgiveness and mercy. So many mistakes in life can be covered over by the quality of mercy.",Rom. 12:17-21; Mic. 6:8;,"Oct 1, 1962 Wt Page 580","Mercy, A Dominant Quality Of True Christians",7,,1996/11/25,
"Justice, Mercy, Balance, Kindness, Mildness","When the Russian poet and reformer told a beggar: 'Do not be angry with me, friend; I have nothing with me to give you!' the beggar replied: 'You have already given me more than I deserve. You called me friend--that was a great gift.'","Although you may not always be in position to perform deeds of mercy, it should not be forgotten that merciful words have power.",Prov. 15:4;,"Oct 1, 1962 Wt Page 580","Mercy, A Dominant Quality Of True Christians",7,,1996/11/25,
"Justice, Mercy, Ransom,","Two men grew up together, going to grade school, high school, and college together.  They were best friends. One went on to be a judge, the other became a white-collar thief. Eventually, the thief was caught and went to court. To his surprise, he came before the judge, his old friend.  During the course of the trial, it was given wide publicity. The press was waiting to see what the judge would do, knowing their earlier relationship. The thief was found guilty of the crime. The crime carried with it either a mandatory prison sentence or a heavy fine. The judge did not want to send his friend to jail, yet he knew that his life-long friend could not afford the fine either. What could he do?  Justice dictated that the judge punish the criminal for his crime, so the judge fined the thief the maximum under the law. After the sentence was passed, the judge went to the bailiff and paid the fine out of his own pocket.  By doing this, the judge showed justice by the sentence imposed, to the fullest extent of the law. He showed mercy by paying the fine for his dear friend.","How does this apply to Jehovah? Remember, Jehovah would talk to Adam regularly during the breezy part of the day, so they enjoyed a close, personal relationship. When Adam and Eve sinned, justice demanded that Jehovah punish the couple for their sin. This he did by expelling them from the Garden of Eden and allowing them to die. But Jehovah also showed mercy. He allowed his dear son to come to Earth to die as a ransom for our sins, to redeem us from the sin we inherited from Adam. This mercy allows us to have the hope of eventually coming to have a close, personal relationship with Jehovah, just as Adam once had.",John 3:16,Goldman Collection,Observing The Memorial Of Christ's Death,998,,"Jan 22, 2001",
"Justice, Mercy, Seen From God's Standpoint","Poor widow, unrighteous judge contrast Jehovah and unrighteous. Judge seeming delay not due to Jehovah's unwillingness show faith, pray incessantly, backing up prayers","Pray, do not give up,",Luke 18:6-8   2 Pet 3:9,"Mar 1, 1989 Wt Page 29","Mercy, A Dominant Quality Of True Christians",7,,,
"Justice, Punishment, Judicial,","'If you can't do the time, don't do the crime.'",Applies to anything you may set yourself up for.,Gal. 6:7;,Jack Thomas,,,,"Jan 12, 2002",
"Justice, Reputation, Name,","Character is like a tree, and reputation is like its shadow. The shadow is what we think of; The tree is the real thing.",We fail to see the inner self.,Eccl. 7:1; Mal. 3:16; Ps. 72:17; Rev. 22:4; Rev. 3:5;,Bobby Laymon,What Kind Of Name Are You Making With God?,55,,,
"Justice, Revenge, Law,",'Justice is like a train that's nearly always late.' Quote by a world-weary writer.,"Justice, at times, is slow in coming.  Sometimes it never arrives at all.  The wise course is still self-restraint, not taking the law into your own hands.",Prov. 29:11; Eccl. 8:11; Ro 12:19;,"Nov 1, 1991 Wt Page 5   (entered Dec 15, 1991)",How To Express Love In A Lawless World,112,,,
"Justice, Wisdom, Caution, rule, rulership, Jesus, Qualified,",'Don't ever take a fence down until you know the reason why it was put up.' Quote: G.  K. Chesterton according to John F. Kennedy in a 1945 notebook.,"There is a need to be cautious when making decisions.  Some may resent changes, and perhaps with good reason.",1 Ch 28:10;,Bobby Laymon,Does Your Thinking Agree With God's?,53,,1995/08/16,
Justice;,"'All justice comes from God, he alone is its source.'  Quote:  Jean Jacques.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Justice;,'An honest man nearly always thinks justly'  Quote:  Jean Rousseau.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Justice;,'both love and hatred are capable of changing the face of justice.'  Quote:  Pascal.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Justice;,'Justice is the great interest of man on earth.'  Quote:  Daniel Webster.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Justice;,Justice delayed is justice denied.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Justice;,Justice renders to every one his due.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Justice;,What is justice? To give every man his own.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Justice; Court;,'Corn can't expect justice from a court composed of chickens.'  Quote:  African.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Justice; Injustice;,'No one is hanged who has money in his pocket.'  Quote:  Russian.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Justice; Injustice;,'The court is most merciful when the accused is most rich.'  Quote:  Hebrew.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Justice; Injustice;,Fear not the law but the Judge.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Justice; Injustice; Court;,"There is no such thing as justice, in or out of court.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Justice; Injustice; Court; Sue, Judge,",'He who goes to law holds a wolf by his tail.'  Quote:  English.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Justice; Injustice; Law;,'Laws grind the poor and rich men rule the law.'  Quote:  Oliver Goldsmith.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Justice; Injustice; Law;,The trouble with justice these days is that its not admissible in a court of law.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Justice; Injustice; Lawyer;,"'He who goes to law for sheep, loses his cow.' Quote:  Spanish",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Justice; Righteousness; Mercy;,"In some parts of the world, justice is often portrayed as a blindfolded woman holding a sword and a pair of scales.","Human justice is supposed to be impartial, that is, blind to wealth or influence.  It should  carefully weigh in the scales the guilt or innocence of the accused.  With its sword, justice should protect the innocent and punish wrongdoers.","Hos 2:19,20; De 43:4; Ps 33:5; Eph 5:1;","Mar 15, 1996 Wt Page 21;","Mercy, A Dominant Quality Of True Christians",7,,1996/02/19,
Justice; Righteousness; Mercy;,"People were like a bruised reed that was bent over and even trampled.  They were like a lamp's smoldering wick, as though their last spark of life had nearly been extinguished.","Instead of figuratively crushing bruised reeds and quenching smoldering wicks, Jesus pitied the afflicted, taught and healed them, and made clear to them the justice of Jehovah God.",Matt 12:10-21; Isaiah 42:3;,"Mar 15, 1996 Wt Page 21;","Mercy, A Dominant Quality Of True Christians",7,,1996/02/19,
Kentucky;,"'The moonlight is the softest, in Kentucky. Summer days come softest, in Kentucky. Friendship is the strongest, love's fires glow the longest, yet a wrong is always wrongest in the Kentucky.'  Quote:  James Hilliary Mulligan.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Kidneys, Creation","Imagine a stadium with thousands of spectators coming in for an event.  First, the crowd must divide into numerous small lines.  Then, the people in each line pass one by one through security gates, where individuals without tickets are turned aside. The spectators with tickets pass through to their as signed seats.","Similarly, all the many elements making up your blood need to circulate throughout your entire body. As they do so, however, they must repeatedly pass through your kidneys by means of large blood vessels, the renal arteries, one for each kidney.  After entering the kidney, the renal artery fans out into smaller vessels in the kidney's inner and outer layers.  The various elements in your blood are thus channeled into smaller and more manageable 'lines.'",Mic 6:8,"Aug 8, 1997 Aw Page 25",Appreciating Marvels Of God's Creation,114,,1997/07/14,
"Kidneys, Education,  Endurance, Gilead, Missionary, Pioneer, Problems","F. W. Franz reminded them of the school examinations that they had had earlier, but then arrested their attention by asking: 'Have you had the more vital and serious examination of your kidneys?'","In the Bible 'kidneys' often represent the innermost recesses of one's being. So, when Jeremiah 17:10 says that Jehovah 'examines the kidneys,' this is not a medical examination, but is done in a judicial capacity. In their postgraduate life, the speaker pointed out, the missionaries will face such an examination of their kidneys. How? In that new situations in life will confront them. When put to the test, what will they really prove to be, deep inside? The psalmist David, though a sinner, did not fear such an inspection by God. (Ps. 26:1-3) Nor should  we. Concluding, Franz advised: 'Be genuine Christians, not hypocritical, not counterfeit. Be sound Christians down to the core of your personality. If you are, you will pass the examination of your kidneys with everlasting credits to yourself and a clean bill of spiritual health.'",Ps 26:1-3; Jer 17:10;,W77 6/1 352,Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,63,,1994/06/27,
Kindness,"'This is the first time I ever saw a sermon walking.' Even people of the world recognize kind acts when observed. Christians must 'shine' in word & conduct. Phil. 2:15 Test: How do we respond to unkindness? 2 Tim. 2:24, 25",Remark: When noted person went out of way to carry suitcase for an elderly person.,2 Cor. 6:3-6,"Jun 15, 1960 Wt Page 367-9",Follow The Course Of Hospitality,77,,,
Kindness,"'To think kindly of another is GOOD; To speak kindly of another is BETTER; To act kindly toward another is BEST. Example for us:  think, speak, act kindly toward all. Must learn Jehovah's thinking on matters.","Jehovah thinks, speaks, acts kindly to those in cong. & outside No difference. between law & principle for Jah servants. 70WT p 403",Rom. 5:8,Fred Gump,Follow The Course Of Hospitality,77,,,
Kindness,"Ever said something to a dog in a gruff, belligerent manner? Dog will put his tail between his legs (say same with kindness) likewise a cold, mechanical 'Thank You' will not generate kind, generous acts from others.",Need for gentleness and kindness needed even with lower animals. Show kindness!,"Matt. 22:37-39; Luke 17:15, 16; 1 Th 5:8","Oct 15, 1960 Wt Page 612",Follow The Course Of Hospitality,77,,,
Kindness,"Power: What is the most powerful machine you can think of? True kindness is a power because it acts to encourage others to do God's will. It is a rewarding power, because it helps solve problems. Eph 5:1","Kindness is a power, because it finds its source in Jehovah",Jas. 1:17; Luke 6:35; Prov. 11:17; 1 Cor. 13:4,"Jun 15, 1960 Wt Page 361",Follow The Course Of Hospitality,77,,,
Kindness,"The Sick Stag, not feeling well, lay down on rich green, shady grass by water, so could get food without much effort. Many friends, because of quiet & gentle manner, began to visit.  Each ate a little grass, a little water, as they tried to cheer him up.","Don't wear out your welcome, or become a nuisance. Moral: Thoughtless friends are often a nuisance",Prov. 25:17,Aesop's Fables Page 37,Follow The Course Of Hospitality,77,,,
"Kindness,",'Kindness is a language which the deaf can hear and the blind can read.' Quote: Mark Twain (1835-1910),'Become kind to one another.',Eph. 4:32,Bobby Laymon,Follow The Course Of Hospitality,77,,,
"Kindness,","Though often in short supply, kindness is not unknown in today's world. Salespersons are instructed to show it to their customers. Businessmen know its value in dealing with their clients.","True, kindness is often shown with ulterior motives. Yet genuine human kindness does exist.  Christians must cultivate it.",Gal 5:22;,W85 9/15 10,Religion's Time Of Judgment,83,,1996/02/14,
"Kindness, Ashamed,","A brother was treated harshly at the door by a woman.  Later her little boy was crying because he did not have money to buy sweets as the other children did.  Touched to the heart, the minister lovingly bought sweets for him.  Mother ashamed, now a Witness.",Kindness conquers prejudice.,"Gal. 5:22, 23;","Jun 15, 1968 Wt Page 377   (entered Dec 10, 1991)",Follow The Course Of Hospitality,77,,,
"Kindness, Encourage, Depression, Groan,","'Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless.'  Quote: 'Mother' Theresa",People remember kindness!,Ga 5:22;,Bobby Laymon,Follow The Course Of Hospitality,77,,,
"Kindness, Force, Warmth, Loving, Approachable, Elders,","A young boy while visiting his grandfather in the country, found a small land turtle and promptly attempted to examine it. The turtle just promptly, closed its shell like a vise. Where upon the boy seized a stick and tried in vain to pry the shell open. Observing the boys actions, the grandfather quickly interrupted.  'That's not the way,' he said. 'Let me show you how.' Taking the turtle into the house, he set it on the hearth. In a few minutes the creature began to grow warm, stuck out it's head and feet and started to crawl.","'Turtles are something like people' said the old man. 'Never try to force a fellow into anything----Just warm him up a little ordinary human kindness, and more than likely he'll come your way.",Col 3:14;,J.K.,Love Identifies The True Christian Congregation,72,,1997/04/12,
"Kindness, Gentle, Mercy, Fruits, Speech, School,","Have you ever said something to a dog in a gruff, belligerent manner? What was the result? The dog probably put his tail between his legs and edged away from you. But if you said the same thing in a friendly, happy tone of voice, the animal would have leaped toward you eagerly and joyfully! It was not so much what you said, but how you said it.","This kindness and gentleness is all the more necessary when dealing with the sensitive higher creation, man. In human relations, what we say is important. How we say it is also important.","Gal 5:22, 23;",Bobby Laymon,"Mercy, A Dominant Quality Of True Christians",7,,1994/05/13,
"Kindness, Goodness, Balance","While working as a builder, I tried 'dry-walling' several times in my life.  I could never get it right.  I would put the mud on and smooth it out pretty well, but I never knew when to stop.  It seemed I needed another person to tell me when to stop.","Sometimes 'kindness' is like that.  We can show kindness, but we sometimes forget where it reaches its limits.  We perhaps could do more good by working somewhere else for awhile.  We do not want to give up on people, but we don't want to overdo it either.  This could apply on Bible studies, as well as helping those with problems in the congregation.  Sometimes talking to others helps us to maintain our balance.",1th 5:8; 2ti 4:5; 1pe 1:13; 1pe 5:8;,Bobby Laymon,Follow The Course Of Hospitality,77,,1993/11/01,
"Kindness, Harshness, Rudeness,","A man gets chewed out at work, he goes home and fusses with his wife, she jumps on the children, the children kick the dog. Sometimes he may snap back, but usually responds more kindly. The chain stops with the dog, and his wagging tail.","In like manner, kindness shown to us may be of benefit by making us more compassionate and forgiving toward others.","1 Pe. 3:1, 2; Eph. 4:32;","Jul 15, 1991 Wt Page 16",Follow The Course Of Hospitality,77,,,
"Kindness, Joy, Happiness",Speak kind words and you will hear kind echoes.,Kindness will be repaid.,1 Pet. 2:12;,Bobby Laymon,Does Your Thinking Agree With God's?,53,,1998/12/25,
"Kindness, Love, Gratitude, Giving, Gifts,","He was driving home one evening, on a two-lane country road.  Work, in this small mid-western community, was almost as slow as his beat-up  Pontiac.  But he never quit looking.  Ever since the Levis factory closed, he'd been unemployed, and with winter raging on, the chill had  finally hit home. It was a lonely road.  Not very many people had a reason to be on it, unless they were leaving.  Most of his friends had already left.  They had families to feed and dreams to fulfill.  But he stayed on.  After all, this was where he buried his mother and father.  He was born here and knew the country.  He could go down this road blind, and tell you what was on either side, and with his headlights not working, that came in handy.  It was starting to get dark and light snow flurries were coming down.  He'd better get a move on.  You know, he almost didn't see the old lady, stranded on the side of the road. But even in the dim light of day, he could see she needed help.  So he pulled up in front of her Mercedes and got out.  His Pontiac was still puttering when he approached her.  Even with the smile on his face, she was worried.  No one had stopped to help for the last hour or so.  Was he going to hurt her?  He didn't look safe, he looked poor and hungry.  He could see that she was frightened, standing out there in the cold.  He knew how she felt.  It was that chill that only fear can put in you.  He said, 'I'm here to help you ma'am.  Why don't you wait in the car where it's warm.  By the way, my name is  Joe.'  Well, all she had was a flat tire, but for an old lady, that was bad enough Joe crawled under the car looking for a place to put the jack, skinning his knuckles a time or two.  Soon he was able to change the tire.   But he had to get dirty and his hands hurt.  As he was tightening up the lug nuts, she rolled down her window and began to talk to him.  She told him that she was from St. Louis and was only  just passing through. She couldn't thank him enough for coming to her aid.  Joe just smiled as he closed her trunk.  She asked him how much she owed him.  Any amount would have been all right with her.  She had already imagined all the awful things that could have happened had he not stopped.  Joe never thought twice about the money.  This was not a job to him.  This was helping someone in need, and God knows there were plenty who had given him a hand in the past.  He had lived his whole life that way, and it never occurred to him to act any other way.  He told her that if she really wanted to pay him back, the next time she saw someone who needed help, she could give that person the assistance that they needed, and Joe added '...and think of me'.  He waited until she started her car and drove off.  It had been a cold and depressing day, but he felt good as he headed for home,   disappearing into the twilight.  A few miles down the road the lady saw a small cafe.  She went in to grab a bite to eat, and take the chill off before she made the last leg of her trip home.  It was a dingy looking restaurant.  Outside were two old gas pumps.  The whole scene was unfamiliar to her.  The cash register was like the telephone of an out of work actor, it didn't ring much.  Her waitress came over and brought a clean towel to wipe her wet hair.  She had a sweet smile, one that even being on her feet for the whole day couldn't erase.  The lady noticed that the waitress was nearly eight months pregnant, but she never let the strain and aches change her attitude.  The old lady wondered how someone who had so little could be so giving to a stranger.  Then she remembered Joe.  After the lady finished her meal, and the waitress went to get her change from a hundred dollar bill, the lady slipped right out the door.  She was gone by the time the waitress came back.  She wondered where the lady could be, then she noticed something written on a napkin.  There were tears in her eyes, when she read what the lady wrote.  It said, 'You don't owe me a thing, I've been there too.  Someone once helped me out, the way I'm helping you. "," If you really want to pay me back, here's what you do.  Don't let the chain of love end with you.'  Well, there were tables to clear, sugar bowls to fill, and people to serve, but the waitress made it through another day.  That night when she got home from work and climbed into bed, she was thinking about the money and what the lady had written.  How could she have known how much she and her husband needed it?  With the baby due next month, it was going to be hard.  She knew how worried her husband was, and as he lay sleeping next to her, she gave him a soft kiss and whispered soft and low, 'Everything's gonna be all right, I love you Joe.'  Pass it on...As in the above story, we need to pass kindness on to others.",Jas. 1:17; Luke 11:13;,Bobby Laymon,How Should You Serve God?,58,,1998/04/05,5/23/2025
"Kindness, Offend, Resentment,",'No one beneath you can offend you.  No one your equal would.'  Quote: Jan L. Wells.,Do not let yourself be offended.,Ecclesiastes 7:9;,Bobby Laymon - Reader's Digest,Do You Harbor Resentment Or Do You Forgive?,68,,1996/03/22,
"Kindness, Ransom,",'Kindness consists in loving people more than they deserve.'  Quote: Joseph Joubert,Jehovah and Jesus showed undeserved kindness in providing the ransom.  We should follow their example in showing kindness to others.,John 1:14-16; Ac 15:11; Ga 5:22;,Bobby Laymon,Follow The Course Of Hospitality,77,,,
"Kindness, Rudeness, Discipline,","It has well been said that 'rudeness is a weak man's imitation of strength.' Eli was lax in disciplining his sons, Hophni and Phinehas, but it was a mistaken kindness.","Though some view kindness as weakness, it takes real strength both to be truly kind and to avoid mistaken kindness.",1 Sam. 2:12-29; 3:1; Ps. 119:115;,"Jul 15, 1991 Wt Page 13",Follow The Course Of Hospitality,77,,,
"Kindness, Smile, Warm,",'A warm smile is the universal language of kindness.'  Quote: William Arthur Ward.,No matter where you are people recognize a friendly face.,Job 29:24;,Bobby Laymon - Reader's Digest,Finding Honor And Joy In God's Ministry,65,,1996/03/22,
"Kindness, Trueness, Trust,","If we had a priceless necklace, engraved by one we really loved, we would really treasure it, wouldn't we?","We should treasure these qualities of Jehovah, and their protective power, valuing them as we would a priceless necklace and engraving them indelibly on our heart.","Pr 3:3, 4; Ps 40:11;","Dec 15, 1993 Wt Page 12",On Whose Promises Do You Rely?,61,,1993/11/10,
"Kindness, Undeserved, Love, Mercy,","Shotgun damaged $32 million Leonardo do Vinca cartoon. No one suggested it should be discarded, but began repairs immediately. National Gallery in London, England. (487 years old) Very precious in eyes of art lovers.","Are you not worth more than chalk or charcoal drawings.  In God's eyes we are very precious.  Jehovah can look beyond our imperfections, see the good in us, and eventually restore us to the perfect standing that Adam lost.",Ps 72:12-14  Matt 20:28 Acts 3:21  Rom 8:20-22,"Feb 15, 1990 Wt Page 22","Mercy, A Dominant Quality Of True Christians",7,,,
"Kindness, Wisdom, Pity, Compassion, Mercy,",'What wisdom can you find that is greater than kindness?'  Quote: Jean Jacques Rousseau.,We should always show kindness and trueness.,"Prov 3:3, 4; 1 Cor 13:1;",Bobby Laymon,Follow The Way To Life,45,,1995/07/18,
Kindness;,'A warm smile is the universal language of kindness.' Quote:  William Ward,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Kindness;,'Be kind and considerate depending somewhat on who they are.'  Quote:  Don Harold.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Kindness;,'Be nice to people on your way up because you'll meet them again on you down.' Quote:  Wilson Mizner,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Kindness;,'Better do kindness near home than go far away to burn incense.'  Quote:  Chinese.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Kindness;,'How beautiful a day can be when kindness touches it.'  Quote:  J. G. Elliston.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Kindness;,"'Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but there echoes are truly endless.'  Quote:  M. Teresa.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Kindness;,"'Kindness attracts, pacifies and corrects.'  Quote:  De Segur.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Kindness;,'Kindness begets kindness.'  Quote:  Greek.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Kindness;,'Kindness can become its own reward. We are made kind by being kind.'  Quote:  Eric Hoffer.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Kindness;,'Kindness goes a long ways lots of times when it ought to stay at home.'  Quote:  Kin Hubbard.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Kindness;,'Kindness is a language which the deaf man can hear and the blind man can read.'  Quote:  Mt.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Kindness;,'Kindness is loving people more than they deserve.'  Quote:  Joseph Joubert.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Kindness;,"'No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.'  Quote:  Aesop.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Kindness;,"'One can pay back the loan of gold, but one dies forever in debt to those who are kind.'  Quote:  Malayan.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Kindness;,"'One of the most difficult things to give away is kindness, it usually is returned.'  Quote:  Cort Flint.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Kindness;,"'When I was young I admired clever people. Now that I am old, I admire kind people.'  Quote:  Harold Kushner.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Kindness;,'When in doubt do the friendliest thing.'  Quote:  Boston Post.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Kindness;,"'You cannot do a kindness too soon, for you never know how soon it will be too late.'  Quote:  Rwe.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Kindness;,A forced kindness deserves no thanks.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Kindness;,Be kind. Remember everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Kindness;,"Do a few good turns, you won't get dizzy.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Kindness;,"He who sows courtesy reaps friendship, and he who plants kindness gathers love.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Kindness;,"The best portion of a good man's life is his little, nameless, unremembered acts of kindness and of love.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Kindness; Action; Talk Is Cheap; Deeds;,'They will be hushed by a good deed who laugh at a wise speech.'  Quote:  French.,The Bible contains some outstanding examples of human kindness.  Kindness is a good sermon in itself.,"Romans 2:14, 15;",Jk Quotes;,Does Your Thinking Agree With God's?,53,,,
Kindness; Goodness;,Kindness gives birth to kindness.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Kindness; Humility;,They serve God well who serve his creatures.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Kindness; Ransom; Actions; Intention; Motive; Talk Is Cheap; Good; wickedness,",'To talk goodness is not good....only to do it is.',"God did not abandon mankind. Why, he even gave his most beloved and only-begotten Son as a ransom sacrifice in their behalf!  Follow his example of kindness.","Acts 14:16, 17;",Jk Quotes;,Does Your Thinking Agree With God's?,53,,,4/1/2014
Kindness; Speech;,'A kind word is like a spring day.'  Quote:  Russian.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Kindness; Speech;,'A word of kindness is better than a fat pie.'  Quote:  Russian.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Kindness; Speech;,'One kind word can warm three winter months.'  Quote:  Japanese.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Kindness; Speech;,A kind word is never lost.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"King, Counsel, Sue For Peace, Sacrifice, Belongings,","'Or what king, marching to meet another king in war, does not first sit down and take counsel whether he is able with ten thousand troops to cope with the one that comes against him with twenty thousand? If, in fact, he cannot do so, then while that one is yet far away he sends out a body of ambassadors and sues for peace.'   Quote: Jesus Christ.","Everyone who learns of Christ, must be willing to do this. They must be ready to sacrifice everything that they have-all their belongings, including life itself-if they would be his disciples. Are you willing to do this?","Luke 14:31, 32;",Gt 84,,,,1996/01/15,
"King, Government, Kingdom, Ruler, Nations,","A MONKEY once danced in an assembly of the Beasts, and so pleased them all by his performance that they elected him their King. A  Fox, envying him the honor, discovered a piece of meat lying in a  trap, and leading the Monkey to the place where it was, said that she had found a store, but had not used it and had kept it for him as treasure trove of his kingdom, and counseled him to lay hold  of it.  The Monkey approached carelessly and was caught in the trap; and on his accusing the Fox of purposely leading him into the snare, she replied, 'O Monkey, and are you, with such a mind as yours, going to be King over the Beasts?'","Moral: 'The secure are most likely to be hurt.'  Thus, the governments have not proven worthy nor intelligent enough to be rulers.  On Jehovah thru Christ Jesus has the wisdom to rid mankind of their problems.",Da 2: 44,Aesop's Fables - Bobby Laymon,The Kingdom Of God Is Near,109,,1994/05/17,
Kingdom,"Ever try to do something backward?  Stack toy block, bottom last slide them in; may even seem to succeed for time.  They will come tumbling down. Some try seeking all 'these other things' and hope kingdom will",Seeking first the Kingdom. Some try to do it backward. be added to them.,Matt. 6:33,Bobby Laymon,The Kingdom Of God Is Near,109,,,
Kingdom,"In Matthew alone Kingdom mentioned over 50 times. Illustrations: treasure hidden; traveling merchant; If an occupation interferes, possessions, friendships, a readjustment should be made.","End of sickness, sorrow, hatred, oppression and war. Would we suffer loss of hand or foot to save our lives. YES.",Matt. 6:10,"Oct 15, 1960 Wt Page 634",The Kingdom Of God Is Near,109,,,
Kingdom,"King Log & King Stork Frogs in pond very happy.  Had everything needed.  Then noticed didn't have King.  Asked for king, & log thrown into water. first frightened, then showed disrespect.  Not active.  Asked again.","Every conceivable form of government has failed. Stork given, & began gobble them up, and their young. Wished could return to former state.","1 Sam 8:6, 7",Aesop's Fables  Page 59,The Kingdom Of God Is Near,109,,,
Kingdom,Light at end of tunnel,Must have tunnel vision as regards Kingdom,Matt 6:33,Bobby Laymon,The Kingdom Of God Is Near,109,,,
Kingdom,Merchant and the pearl he was willing to sell everything he had to obtain it Afraid pearl would not be available at later time must reach out for kingdom while we have opportunity,Didn't think sacrifice too great-didn't want to miss opportunity,Matt 13:,Mark Cook,The Kingdom Of God Is Near,109,,,
Kingdom,Moth,Eat up garment,Matt 6:19,Bobby Laymon,The Kingdom Of God Is Near,109,,,
Kingdom,"Not 'Pie in the Sky' fantasy, but reality. People stir up imaginations: love boat; fabulous. wealth, game shows, Lottery, advertisers-dream come true etc. (not harmless) Before flood, angels fantasize.  Eve also, and Satan.","Make Kingdom real to you.  Picture yourself in New World. New bedtime story: Papa bear, Mama bear, and Baby bear by previous marriage.","Jas. 1:14, 15  Prov. 18:11","Pure Language Dist. Assy July 5-8, 1990",The Kingdom Of God Is Near,109,,,
Kingdom,"Oh! I did it again.  I forgot my key!. (Lose your key) Modern locks have as many as 50 separate parts. Keyless locks; integrated locks, using electricity. Yale lock, with tumblers, instead of pins; a key that differed more than 1/50 of inch would not fit. Egyptian locks made entirely of wood. (keys become thing of past)",Jehovah set standards for 'keys to kingdom'.,Matt. 16:19  1 Cor. 6:10,"Jun 22, 1958 Aw Page 17",The Kingdom Of God Is Near,109,,,
Kingdom,"Refugees: Steady stream of refugees today entering (site country) Who? those making a break for spiritual freedom from old world. Represents no small sacrifice to become refugees. Flee not to location, but condition of pure worship. Isa. 66:8","Far more numerous class of refugees, much wiser, more noble","1 Jn 5:19; 2 Cor. 4:4  Jer. 51:6, 9  Isa. 2:2-4","Dec 1, 1958 Wt Page 707",The Kingdom Of God Is Near,109,,,
Kingdom,"Rooster & the Jewel Found very beautiful jewel, and said, 'too bad it isn't corn'","Need something serious, like Kingdom, even money loses importance",Matt. 4:17,Aesop's Fables,The Kingdom Of God Is Near,109,,,
Kingdom,Traveler; walking difficult mountain path; becomes weary and discouraged.  Each step is an effort; path seems endless. comes to top of rise & sees town.  Suddenly going gets easier. Follow Jesus' example.,A clear of destination helps us forget our tiredness.,"Rev. 22:12  Heb. 12:1, 2","Sep 1, 1990 Wt Page 30",The Kingdom Of God Is Near,109,,,
"Kingdom, bramble, ","Trees of forest ask for a king; olive tree, fig; vine; bramble Hurtful, thorny individual. easy to flame up and do harm. Moral character, standards far below those they rule over. Settled for much less then should have.",Rejected Jehovah; set up 'bramble' of mankind (not choice-ones),Judges 9:15,Bobby Laymon,What God's Rulership Can Do For Us,24,,,1/18/2021
Kingdom,"You can bridge a river, cut down a forest, tame a valley, conquer the plains: but men cannot tame a mountain.",Mountains have a sense of permanence.,"Isa. 2:1-4; Dan. 2:34, 35, 44;",Bobby Laymon (quote From Magazine In Restaurant),The Kingdom Of God Is Near,109,,,
Kingdom (greedy Not Invited),"Dog invited to Supper Gentleman prepared feast & invited friend to supper.  His dog did likewise to his friend.  Looked at feast so delighted & greedily tail wagged very much.  Caught cook's eye, grabbed him by tail and threw him out.",Unworthy thrown out & threw him out the window.,"Matt 22:13, 14",Aesop's Fables  Page 53,The Kingdom Of God Is Near,109,,,
Kingdom (son Of His Love),Something intangible: ever bought? Like insurance policy.,"Kingdom in Son of his love, cannot be visible seen but valuable",Col. 1:13,Johnse Laymon,The Kingdom Of God Is Near,109,,,
Kingdom Hall,"First Kingdom Hall Regarding the Kingdom Hall at 1228 Pensacola Street in Honolulu, James Harrub asked: 'What are you going to call this place when it is finished?'  Brother Rutherford's reply was, 'Don't you think we should call it 'Kingdom Hall' since that is what we are doing, preaching the good news of the Kingdom?'",Information: First called that by brother Rutherford in 1935.,Matt. 6:33,"1991 Yearbook Page 83, 91",The Kingdom Of God Is Near,109,,,
Kingdom Hall - Dedication,Housewarming - Heartwarming.  Speeded up cassette; like must have looked from lofty position.,Description of feelings at dedication program.,Numbers. 7:84 Deuteronomy 20:5  Ezra 6:16 John 10:22,"Dick Jones (Mansfield Dedication Aug 25, 1990)",The Kingdom Of God Is Near,109,,,
"Kingdom Hall, Dedication, Holy,","'The precious things here are not these walls, but you.' Quote: N. H. Knorr (June 8, 1968) At dedication of Belgium's new Bethel building.",The dedication could not be meaningful without dedicated people.,Hag 2:7;,"Sep 8, 1968 Aw Page 21",The Kingdom Of God Is Near,109,,,
"Kingdom Hall, Jehovah, Name, Publisher,","It's not the Kingdom Hall that is beautiful. It's the NAME, The building makes a beautiful 'backdrop' for the beautiful name. Name gives a witnesses 24 hours a day-Hard to see name and not say 'Jehovah'","Jehovah is the most beautiful name in the universe. Same with witnesses in Territory, hard to see them and not say, 'There's Jehovah's Witnesses.'",Ps. 83:18;,"Pioneer Meeting Dec 14, 1990 At St. Louis. J.C. Howard.",Make Jehovah Your Confidence,70,,,
"Kingdom Hall, Kh, Food, Table, Meetings,","How would you feel if you prepared a delicious feast for someone and they came to the table, and pushed it away?","The Kingdom Hall is our table, and Jehovah has prepared fine spiritual food for us.  How do we feel about it?","Heb 10:24, 25;",Joe Laymon,Serving With Jehovah's Unified Organization,3,,,
"Kingdom Hall, Maintenance, Cleaning, Elders, Example, Imitate,",Jesus gave an object lesson by washing the disciples feet.,Elders can give an object lesson on cleaning the Kingdom Hall by running the vacuum cleaner.,John 13:2-16;,"Kingdom Ministry School Dec 22, 23, 1994",A Clean People Honors Jehovah,14,,1994/12/25,
"Kingdom Hall, Quick Build, Construction, Unity,",'Barn raising?  Maybe -- but barn raising elevated to the precision of a moon mission launch and the efficiency of an Indianapolis 500 pit-stop crew.',"After a comment in Montana, where the Kingdom Hall construction had been likened to a 'barn raising.'  Quote: Reporter.",Ps 110:3; Acts 17:24;,Nov 1992 Km Page 3,The Kingdom Of God Is Near,109,,,
"Kingdom Hall, Quick Build, Construction, Unity,","'You haven't seen a pile of brick and lumber become a building until you've watched a group of Jehovah's Witnesses swing a hammer ...goes from a simple concrete slab to studded walls, rooms, roof in less time ...ordinary carpenters...get tools together.'","Quote: Newspaper observer, regarding the unity and work in construction of a quick-build Kingdom Hall.",Ps 110:3; Acts 17:24;,Nov 1992 Km Page 3,The Kingdom Of God Is Near,109,,,
"Kingdom Hall, Quick, Ants, Construction, Work, Unity,",'UNUSUAL ANTS' 'Five hundred Witnesses of Jehovah on a construction site -- a surrealistic anthill.'  Quote: Newspaper article.,"This report is apt, perhaps more so than the reporter realized.  Granted, from far above, a few hundred people scrambling around a construction site may resemble ants on an anthill.  Ants get a lot done.  They accomplish amazing tasks.  (see article) So do Witnesses!","Prov 6:6; John 13:34, 35;","Mar 22, 1995 Aw Page 31",Serving With Jehovah's Unified Organization,3,,1995/02/21,
"Kingdom Hall, Why Called That","DANCE HALL, UNION HALL","WANT TO LEARN ABOUT DANCING, GO TO DANCE HALL; KINGDOM; KH",Matt. 6:33,Bible Publication,The Kingdom Of God Is Near,109,,,
"Kingdom Halls, Meetings, Appreciation,",This solar watch needs light.  (Display watch)  It needs to be in the light for 2 minutes and then it can go for 48 hours without the light.,"We need meetings.  Without the light from the meetings, we have a tendency to run down.  The 'solar cells' of Christendom are dead.  At the Kingdom Hall we get light from God's Word.",1 Pet 2:9;,1997 'faith In God's Word' District Convention; David Smith,Are You Content With Jehovah's Provisions?,22,,1997/06/12,
"Kingdom Halls, Meetings, Appreciation, World,","Imagine you are in a foreign country!  The people are filthy, strange, and speak in a language you can't understand.  Then you see a group of clean, laughing people.  They are speaking your language.  Would you not be happy to join them?","We are in a foreign country.  We are in the midst of a filthy, strange people who speak words that are foreign to us.  We are in the world!  However, when we go to the Kingdom Hall, there we meet a clean, happy people, who think and speak as we do.  How does this make us feel?",1 Cor 1:10;,1997 'faith In God's Word' District Convention; David Smith,Are You Content With Jehovah's Provisions?,22,,1997/06/12,
Kingdom Message Importance,"SALT OF THE EARTH  (METAPHOR, SIMILARITY BETWEEN 2 different THINGS) NOT LIKE SALT, BUT 'THE SALT' VERY FORCEFUL","SALT IS PRESERVATIVE, PRESERVE LIFE OF MANY",Matt 5:13,"June 1, 1984 Wt Page 18",The Kingdom Of God Is Near,109,,,
"Kingdom Ministry, Meetings, Instruction, Tact,","When you learn to dance, and you don't have a dance partner, they give you a sheet of paper with the tracks on it, so you will know how, with practice, to move around without stepping on your real partner's toes.",The 'Kingdom Ministry' is like this.  If we practice what it says we will be able to avoid stepping on other's toes.,2 Ti 3:16,Bradley Wagner,Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,63,,,
Kingdom Preachers,Light of world,Importance of speaking out,Matt 5:14-16,"June 1, 1984 Page 18  (also Jan 1, 1960 Wt Page 12)",The Kingdom Of God Is Near,109,,,
"Kingdom,","Have you ever bought something intangible, that is something you can't see. Sure you have; car, health, life Insurance.  Why buy something you can't even see.  You have to come to appreciate or seeing your minds eye what it will do for you or your family at a later time.  Like Insurance you may want to compare it to others so that you can get the best deal for your family.",Why seek God's kingdom when can't even see it?  You must come to appreciate what it will do for you and your family. See the long-lasting benefits. May want to compare it to man-made governments and what they have accomplished.,Mt 6:33,Johnse  Laymon,Keep Seeking God's Kingdom,44,,1994/09/27,
"Kingdom,",Imagine an ant standing on railroad track trying to stop a train.  Imagine what ant will look like after 100 box cars run over him.  A microscopic greasy spot if that.,The nations even organized under United Nations have just as much chance stopping God's kingdom as that ant and there will be about as much left because Bible speaks of them being destroyed in 'the lake of fire.,Mt 6:33,Johnse  Laymon,Keep Seeking God's Kingdom,44,,1994/09/27,
"Kingdom,",Once we camped at District Convention my wife and I brought two tents but we had instructions to set them up. My mother-in-law brought one but did not have instructions.  We worked for hours and never were able to figure out how to put it together.  It was nothing like the other tents we had.,Jesus did not tell us to seek God's Kingdom and not tell us how to do it. That was his purpose in giving the sermon on the mount.  It was to tell his listeners how to seek God's kingdom.  It like the tents are nothing like any other man made governments. We must follow Jesus instruction.,Mt 6;33,Johnse  Laymon,Keep Seeking God's Kingdom,44,,1994/09/27,
"Kingdom,",One of the first things a young child learns to do is to fit odd shaped blocks into different shaped holes.  Soon learn where each fits.,"One of the first things we learn to do as Christians, is where we fit into kingdom arrangement.  Where Christ Jesus fits, the anointed remnant, and great crowd.","Ps 110:1,2  Dan 7:1-8, 15-18, 27",Bobby Laymon,How Do You Fit Into The Kingdom Arrangement?,21,,,
"Kingdom,","Seventh-largest Diamond found. 601 carats. Clutching the stone, the owner traveled over 110 miles of dirt roads and tracts on foot and by hitchhiking, to obtain value of it (Found May 6, 1967) Valued at over 1 million in 1967. Owner's cash holdings prior to the sale had amounted to $4.00.",Compare to high value of Jehovah's kingdom. Clutch tightly to. (Owner Petrus Ramoboa of the African kingdom of Lesotho),Mt. 13:44-46;,"Dec 8, 1967 Aw Page 30",The Kingdom Of God Is Near,109,,,
"Kingdom, Administration, Rulers, 144,000,",Just as any ruler not yet inaugurated into office thinks first of the men he will place in important administrative positions under him.,"So Jesus was interested, first, in those whom he would associate with himself in the Kingdom government.","Luke 22:28, 29; John 17:12;","Sep 15, 1971 Wt Page 568",The Kingdom Of God Is Near,109,,1993/11/17,
"Kingdom, Appreciation, Pioneer,",Pearls are precious gems found inside the shells of oysters and other mollusks.  But only some pearls are 'fine.',This merchant had the discernment needed to appreciate the surpassing value of this one pearl and was willing to part with anything to get it.  Do we appreciate the Kingdom that much?,"Matt. 13:45, 46;","Jan 15, 1991 Wt Page 20",Appreciating Marvels Of God's Creation,114,,,
"Kingdom, Causes, Homeless, Needy, Human, Remedies,",It is like putting a 'band aid' on problems.,We can get involved in all sorts of things to better mankind.  Examples:  Building houses for the homeless.  Caring for needy animals.  Providing shelter for them.,1 Cor 7:31; Psalm 111:1;,Joseph Wengert D. O.,Glorifying God With All We Have,17,,1995/05/29,
"Kingdom, Causes, Homeless, Needy, Human, Remedies, Cure, Noah, Flood,","We don't read about Noah teaching swimming classes.  Apparently he didn't.  He could have, and it would have helped the people live a little longer.",We can become involved in trying to prop up this old system a little longer.  Becoming involved in things that are not bad in themselves but are not the real solution.,2 Pet 2:5;,Joseph Wengert D. O.,Glorifying God With All We Have,17,,1995/05/29,
"Kingdom, Center, Life, Priorities,",Take 2 jars: one about half full of sugar molecules; the other over half full of ping-pong balls.  Show how it is impossible to fit balls into jar with sugar.  Reverse the order and the sugar will easily pour into the other jar.,Sugar represents all the little sweet things we want out of life. Balls represent: Jehovah; Kingdom; Meetings; Assemblies; Auxiliary Pioneering; Put Jehovah first and all the necessary things will fit in around Him.,"Mt 6:33; Ecclesiastes 12:1, 13;",William Osbeck C.O.,The Kingdom Of God Is Near,109,,,
"Kingdom, Changes, World,","Did you ever look at a kaleidoscope?  It is a continual world of change, and one can become hypnotized by it.  You can forget the real world outside.","The world is like that.  It is constantly undergoing changes.  It can lure you away from God's Kingdom and the real hope.  The world is a fantasy world that will soon be gone, but God's kingdom is a reality that will endure forever.",Dan 7:1-3;,Carl S. Monks,How Do You Fit Into The Kingdom Arrangement?,21,,1996/05/20,
"Kingdom, Creation, Wisdom,","Greatest inventions: wheel; pulley; hinges; swivel; rope. fingers, elbow = hinges; raise arm = ropes, wheel, pulley. because of muscle, Wrist = universal joint.",Our bodies contain greater wisdom.,"Ps. 139:3, 4, 14-16",Bobby Laymon,What God's Rulership Can Do For Us,24,,,
"Kingdom, Cure,","If you were a doctor who found a cure for every disease, would you use it? Nobel prizes are given to men who bring only a fraction of such benefits",Under Gods kingdom all of these things will be done away with,Rev 21:4; Isa33:24,"Jan 1, 1979 Wt Pg 7",The Only Cure For Sick Mankind,62,,,
"Kingdom, Earth, Heaven, Crime, Fear, Witnessing,","Do you think angels get sick, grow old, die.  If heaven is a place with day and night would angels be scared to go out at night? If angels had houses would they lock their doors and look under their beds? Visit sick angel in hospital?",When Jehovah's kingdom comes the earth will not face these conditions either.,"Matt. 6:9,10",Don Mendenhall-d.O.,Ruining The Earth Brings Divine Retribution,106,,,
"Kingdom, Earth, Paradise, Organization, Unity,","One or two stones scattered in the midst of a field would be no building, but a building is an organized arrangement of stones closely cemented together.","Worshipers of Jehovah today are an organization, a New World structure. It is in unity that Jehovah has gathered them together in these last days of Satan's rule and each individual must do his share to maintain a spiritually strong building, uniting closely together with others who go to make up the building. Spiritual strengthening of each stone will result in benefits to the others, for it will keep the whole structure strong. Thus in the great storm of Armageddon the building will not be toppled.","Eph 2:21, 22;",W61 6/1 339,Serving With Jehovah's Unified Organization,3,,1995/01/27,
"Kingdom, Earth, Paradise, Preaching; Action; Procrastinate; Activity; Pioneer;","'Our grand business is not to see what lies dimly at a distance, but to do what lies clearly at hand.'  Quote:  Thomas Carlyle.","What lies clearly at hand is the preaching of God's kingdom.  Later, we will attend to future interest of that kingdom.","Mt 24:14; Rev 21:3,4;",Jk Quotes;,The Kingdom Of God Is Near,109,,,
"Kingdom, Earth, Wickedness, Wait, Patience, Suffering,","The situation might be compared to that of an expectant mother. While she is anxious for the arrival of her baby, she knows there is no need to be duly apprehensive.  She understands that it takes a certain amount of time to fully develop. 'All worth while'","So too, with the glorious new world of peace.  It will arrive immediately after God's Kingdom intervenes in human affairs. Then all wickedness, suffering, pain, death will be gone.","Re 21:3, 4; Mal 4:1; Re 20:1-4; 2pe 3:15;","Apr 8, 1992 Aw Page 29",Ruining The Earth Brings Divine Retribution,106,,,
"Kingdom, Exert, Service, Pioneer,",'There are no shortcuts to any place worth going.'  Quote: Beverly Sills.,We must exert ourselves vigorously to enter Jehovah's Kingdom.,Lk 13:24; Mt 6:33;,Bobby Laymon,How Should You Serve God?,58,,,
"Kingdom, First,","Place a rock in a jar and then add rice until it reaches the top, then put the lid on. Picture the rock as the Kingdom and the rice as parts of everyday life and the things that you do. If you reverse the order, put the rice in first, the rock will not fit properly and you will not be able to close the jar no matter how hard you try.","DON'T FORCE IT, BUT MAKE IT FIT!  Putting the kingdom first and letting the other things fit around it will be the only way to lasting happiness.",Matt 6:33;,Peter Morgan,The Kingdom Of God Is Near,109,,1997/08/11,
"Kingdom, First, Priority, main thing, ","The MAIN THING is to keep the MAIN THING, the MAIN THING.",Put Kingdom first.,Matt. 6:33;,Robert Schwarze,Keep Seeking God's Kingdom,44,,1999/02/02,1/18/2018
"Kingdom, First, World,","Place a rock in a jar and then add rice until it reaches the top, then put the lid on.  If you reverse the order, put the rice in first, the rock will not fit properly and you will not be able to close the jar no matter how hard you try.","Picture the rock as the Kingdom and the rice as parts of everyday life and the things that you do.  Putting the kingdom first and letting the other things fit around it will be the only way to lasting happiness.  DON'T FORCE IT, BUT MAKE IT FIT!",Matt 6:33;,J.K.,How Do You Fit Into The Kingdom Arrangement?,21,,1997/04/12,
"Kingdom, Focus, Center,","Describe a wagon wheel.  It has a center with an iron thimble in it, with a hub made of very hard wood.  Running outward are many spokes, which are encircled by wood with an iron rim on it for protection.  Everything centers on the hub.  It is the center of everything.","The Kingdom should be the center of our lives.  Whatever we do with our lives, it all goes back to the Kingdom of God.",Matt. 6:33;,"Gene Thorn - Camdenton, Mo",Why Live By Bible Standards?,88,,"Mar 19, 2001",
"Kingdom, Focus, Determination, Goals, Preaching, Service, St. Louis,","You can look at a map of St. Louis, and notice that all the roads are running into it.  Even the 'inset' focuses on downtown St. Louis.  The more important things are set out in bold type.","We must never forget the most important things.  We must focus on Jehovah's kingdom.  Every thing we do should be oriented toward our kingdom goal, and preaching of Good News.","Mt 28:19, 20;",W. Osbeck (c.O.),How Should You Serve God?,58,,,12/29/2014
"Kingdom, Focus, Modesty, World, Preaching, Service, Yes! No!","A four-year-old boy wanted to offer the magazines.  When asked what he would do, if he came to a 'no soliciting' sign, he replied 'I'll just tell them, I can't read.'","We must learn to say No! to the unimportant things, in order to say Yes! to the important things.  We must say No! to the world.","Mt 28:19, 20;",W. Osbeck (C.O.),'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,12/29/2014
"Kingdom, Focus, Preaching, Service, Truth,",'The things that matter most should never be at the mercy of the things that matter least.' Quote: Goethe.,We should make sure of the more important things.,"Phil 1:10; Mt 28:19, 20; 2ti 4:5;",W. Osbeck (c.O.),How Should You Serve God?,58,,,
"Kingdom, Focus, Preaching, Service, Truth,","A beautiful vase is not set near the edge, or off to one side of the table.  It is set right in the middle, so everyone can see it. It is the focus.",Our lives must center on the beautiful truths of God's Word. Never may we allow the truth to get out of focus.,"Mt 28:19, 20;",W. Osbeck (c.O.),How Should You Serve God?,58,,,
"Kingdom, Focus, Preaching, Service, Truth,","A camera gets out of focus sometimes, or adjust itself. Example: I got several rolls of film, where the camera focused on the crack of my windshield.  A Manuel camera has an adjustment.  A general view of the landscape is not always acceptable.","We must focus on the truth.  A general view of the world, or cracks is not acceptable.","Mt 28:19, 20;",W. Osbeck (c.O.),How Should You Serve God?,58,,,
"Kingdom, Focus, Preaching, Service, Truth,","A four-year-old in Denver picked up several ants on the sidewalk and ate them.  His mother tried to appeal to him not to repeat it. She said, 'Think how sad their mom will be when her babies don't come home!'  'That's O.K. mom, I ate the mothers too.' he said.","We, likewise, must cover all features of the ministry.  Leave nothing undone, and fully accomplish our ministry.","Mt 28:19, 20; 2ti 4:5;",W. Osbeck (c.O.),How Should You Serve God?,58,,,
"Kingdom, Government,","'That government will rise like the sun in a cloudless sky to flood the earth with its welcome light, ushering in a time of radiant living for all mankind.  What is brought to light should delight our eyes.'",Lovers of righteous rulership are thrilled at the mere thought that the day of the long-promised government is dawning.,"Mt. 6:9, 10;",World Government   Page 5,The Kingdom Of God Is Near,109,,,
"Kingdom, Government,","'The train has already left the station.' (Quote: News item) No one can stop or slow down, it will go through.",God's Kingdom has already begun to function. Has been since 1914. (Get on board),Dan. 2:44;,Bobby Laymon,The Kingdom Of God Is Near,109,,,
"Kingdom, Government,",Car driving itself; headed for disaster. 'Does not belong' or was not designed to direct own steps.,Man was not programmed to rule other men,Jere. 10:23,Bobby Laymon,What God's Rulership Can Do For Us,24,,,
"Kingdom, Government,","How I wished for a chocolate tree. What a beautiful tree as its branches bend low, just begging us to reach up and help ourselves There would be chocolates of every kind. chocolates crunchy with nuts, chocolates ready to ooze cherry filling, chocolates with hard centers, all unbelievable in their goodness.",Realities of God's kingdom will not be disappointing.  The real one was as unlike my dream as it could be.,Dan. 2:44; Matt. 6:33,"Feb 8, 1963 Aw Page 24",The Kingdom Of God Is Near,109,,,
"Kingdom, Government,",Some governments offer you free medical treatment until the day you die.  Some leave all the problems up to you.  Some have heavy taxes.  Others not so heavy.,Jehovah's government offers you 'good health.'  Jehovah has no need of your money.  What kind of government do you want?,"Re 21:3, 4; Ps 50:10-12;","Mar 1, 1971 Wt Page 166",The Kingdom Of God Is Near,109,,1993/11/09,
"Kingdom, Government,","Two beavers heard a loud noise, and then a tree fall.  They ran to the spot, and saw another tree fall, and then another.  Pretty soon the man lay the chain saw down, and went back to his truck.  They ran up to inspect the chain saw.  One said, 'No wonder it cuts trees down faster than us.  It's teeth are sharper.'  The other said, 'I'll bet it can't swim.'","That is the situation with man's governments today.  They carry out some of the functions of good government, but they are limited.  Jehovah's government however, can accomplish anything needed to attend to man's needs.  Human governments furnish only limited food, clothing and shelter.  (mention the homeless, hungry, etc.)  Human governments cannot foretell the future.  Like the chain saw, they do not always work in the best interest of man.  Man's governments cannot swim.  Jehovah's government will be a well-rounded-out program of not only basic needs but, will provide healing, and education that will continue forever.",Dan 2:44,Bobby Laymon,Is It Time For God To Rule The World?,20,,1995/09/17,
"Kingdom, Government, Earth, Paradise,",Suppose you wanted to become a citizen of another country. In order to do so you would have to meet the requirements set by the rulers of that country's government. Knowledge of its language.  Knowledge of how government ruled.,"In a similar way you need to learn what God requires of you. Knowledge of its history. Meet certain standard of conduct. One husband, or wife etc.  Don't want criminals as citizens.","Zeph. 3:9; Col. 1:9, 10; Prov. 2:1-5; John 17:3;",You Can Live Forever In Paradise On Earth. Page 127-130,Are You Doing What God Requires Of You?,43,,,
"Kingdom, Government, Failure, Domination, Rule,","Perhaps you have had the experience of buying a piece of equipment, only to find that it did not work.  Let us say that you called a repairman.  Shortly after he 'fixed' the device, however, it broke down.  How disappointing that was!","It is similar with human governments.  Mankind has always desired a government that would ensure peace and happiness.  Yet, strenuous efforts to repair the breakdowns in society have not been truly successful.  Man's rule is beyond repair.  God's Kingdom will not prove defective, like malfunctioning equipment that continually needs repair.",Prov 20:24; Isa 55:11;,"Kl Page 90, 95;",Will You Escape This World's Destiny?,84,,1995/06/15,
"Kingdom, Government, Faith,  Rule, Confidence, Promise, Trust, Reality, fantasy, ","Imagine that a fire has destroyed your home.  Now a friend who has the means to do so promises to help rebuild your house and provide food for your family.  If that friend has always told you the truth, would you not believe him?  Suppose you came home from work the next day and found that workers were already starting to clean up the debris from the fire and that food had been brought for your family.","Similarly, Jehovah gives us assurance of the Kingdom's reality.  Forehead of God's Kingdom have been evident throughout history.","Heb 10:1; 1 Ch 29:23; Luke 1:32, 33;",Kl Page 92,Be Confident Of Divine Victory!,39,,1995/06/15,4/26/2014
"Kingdom, Government, Human,",A government of peace will never come about by digging deeper and deeper into the same old barrel of human failures.,It can only be brought about by the ONE who has proven ability to establish universal law and order.,Ps 146: 3-5;,"Oct 8, 1969 Aw Page 11",The Kingdom Of God Is Near,109,,,
"Kingdom, Government, Problems, Decisions, Future,",'Point of no return.' or PONR.  A term often used when there is no turning back.  One has gone too far.,"At one time, man might have been able to solve many of his pressing problems.  It is too late for that now.  He is past the 'Point of No Return.' Man does not know what to do with his own garbage, much less, how to put a 'band-aid' over the hole in the ozone layer.",Mt. 6:10; Re 5:10; Da 2:44; Luke 4:5-8;,Willard Comstock,The Kingdom Of God Is Near,109,,1993/11/14,
"Kingdom, Government, Problems, Decisions, Future,",I went into a restaurant for breakfast and we notices a group of tables pulled together.  The town business men were gathered around discussing city and world problems.  There were many solutions being offered.  There was one I never heard mentioned.  God's Kingdom.,People do not know enough about God's Kingdom to carry on an intelligent conversation.,Mt. 6:10; Re 5:10; Da 2:44; Luke 4:5-8;,Willard Comstock,The Kingdom Of God Is Near,109,,1993/11/14,
"Kingdom, Government, Problems, Decisions, Future, Cure,","'An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.'  'An apple a day, keeps the doctor away.'","There was a time when these sayings were quite true.  They are no longer as true as they used to be.  With the many diseases coming from every side, such as cancer, heart trouble, mental illness, AIDS, and all the others, it is impossible to prevent all of them.  Only God's kingdom can cure them.",Mt. 6:10; Re 5:10; Da 2:44; Luke 4:5-8;,Willard Comstock,The Only Cure For Sick Mankind,62,,1993/11/14,
"Kingdom, Government, Stone, Armageddon, Last Days,","Some meteorites from outer space explode upon entry into our atmosphere, and are rendered harmless, or burn up on entry. [This stone of diamond-like hardness will reach its objective with a smashing impact]","Some meteorites from outer space explode upon entry into our atmosphere, and are rendered harmless, or burn up on entry. [This stone of diamond-like hardness will reach its objective with a smashing impact]",Dan 2:44,World Government   Page 68,Your Future--how Can It Be Known?,19,,,
"Kingdom, Government, Structure,","People moving to a country are intensely interested in the government.  They study its laws, it structure.  Its history, and future plans.","Loyal subjects of the Kingdom are keenly interested in the structure and operation of this government. They want to know what it is doing now, what it will accomplish in the future and what it requires of them.","Ps 48:12, 13;",Uw 79  10,The Kingdom Of God Is Near,109,,1994/10/25,
"Kingdom, Governments, Theocracy, Dedication, Nations, Government, Equal,","WHEN giving his famous Gettysburg address on November 19, 1863, the Bible-reading man, Abraham Lincoln, said these forceful words: 'Four score and seven years ago our fathers brought forth on this continent, a new nation, conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal. . . . '","Since that memorable speech at the battle site at Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, the United States has belied the claim of the motto on its dollar bill, 'In God We Trust.' Despite the dedication of the president and of any other sincere Americans to it, 'government of the people, by the people,' will 'perish from the earth.'  It will be replaced by Theocracy.  God's Kingdom.","Dan 2:44; Rev 11:15; Ps 146:3, 4;",W82 2/15 16,How Well Do You Know God?,1,,1994/08/09,
"Kingdom, Hope, Earth, Paradise, Trust,",'Put all your eggs in one basket and - watch that basket.'  Quote: Mark Twain (1835-1910) American author.,All our belongings should be centered in promotion of God's Kingdom.  It is the 'one basket' we should watch.,Matt. 6:33;,Bobby Laymon,Keep Seeking God's Kingdom,44,,1995/06/13,
"Kingdom, Hope, Study, Faith,","Did you ever color a picture when you were young?  Often draw the outline, and then fill it in with different colors.","When we learn about God's kingdom, it is only an outline.  As we grow in faith and knowledge, we fill in the details.",Mt 6:33;,Bobby Laymon,The Kingdom Of God Is Near,109,,,
"Kingdom, Illustrations,","Should we not be given advance notice of the exact day and hour of his coming?  That would be the way we do things today: give our receptionists advance notice in order that they may not be taken by surprise, and not be embarrassed.","It is different with Jesus Christ, for his disciples are really his purchased slaves.  At all times he wants them ready.  Not to be hypocritical eye-pleasers, putting on a show at last minute.",Mt. 24:45-47,World Government   Page 158,The Kingdom Of God Is Near,109,,,
"Kingdom, Illustrations, Views,","Just as one might inspect a building on the inside and the outside, and from a number of different angles.",Jesus various illustrations help us to view the Kingdom from various aspects.  He invites us to look at the Kingdom in a different setting.,Mk 4:30-32;,Let Your Kingdom Come   Page 99,The Kingdom Of God Is Near,109,,,
"Kingdom, Improvement, Advance,","I remember when we got electricity.  It was in 1951.  We only  had lights at first.  We had a pull light right in the middle of each room.  Then we got a refrigerator, then an iron.  Compare today...how many appliances do you have?",Benefits increasing.   Jehovah's kingdom benefits will keep increasing but will go far beyond the electrical company.,Rev 11:15  Dan 2:44,Johnse Laymon & Bobby Laymon,The Kingdom Of God Is Near,109,,,
"Kingdom, Jehovah, Jesus, Righteousness,","Take a jar full of beans and 2 golf balls, dump them out and put the beans back; the golf balls won't fit.  Dump them again and put the golf balls first and the beans fill in around them.",Golf balls represent Jehovah & Jesus; beans = world's influence & affairs; Jehovah & Jesus won't fit; however put Jehovah & Jesus first and everything else will fit in.,Matt. 6:33;,Joe Bounds,Make Jehovah Your Confidence,70,,,
"Kingdom, Last Days, 1914, Conclusion, End,","If we see one tree put out it's leaves in midwinter we do not reason that summer has come.  But when we see all the trees budding, and the days growing longer, we know summer is near.","Likewise, when all the things Jesus described take place, we can know for sure that Christ is on his heavenly throne,  and his kingdom has, indeed, begun active rule.",Luke 21:29-31;,The Truth That Leads To Eternal Life. Page 86,The Kingdom Of God Is Near,109,,,
"Kingdom, Last Days, 1914, Conclusion, End, World, Devil, Satan,","Like a top, a child's toy, that wobbles crazily just before it tumbles to a complete stop.",Satan and his demons are the reason this system is behaving so crazily since 1914.,Rev. 12:12; Luke 8:27-33;,The Truth That Leads To Eternal Life. Page 92,'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
"Kingdom, Membership, Exert, Difficulty,",It would not be like approaching an open city with little or nothing to make entrance difficult. Might figuratively have to lose an eye or hand Mr 9:43-47;,"Jehovah had placed barriers to shut out any not worthy.  Those entering must traverse a narrow road, find narrow gate, keep asking, seeking, knocking.  'narrow' restricts doing harm.","Jn 6:44; 1co 6:9-11; Ga 5:19-21; Eph 5:5; Mt 7:7, 8,13, 14;",Insight Book - Kingdom.,The Kingdom Of God Is Near,109,,,
"Kingdom, Might, Right, Power,","According to the old saying, 'might is right.'","It is never that way with Jehovah. True, he is 'God the Almighty.'  He never exercises that in a harmful way.",2 Pet 3:13;,W73 7/15 440,,,,1996/01/06,
"Kingdom, Minas,","'Man of noble birth, with wealth, who had to travel to a distant land to secure kingly power for himself.",Applied to those who thought the kingdom was going to display itself instantly.,Luke 19:11-44,"Apr 15, 1964 Wt Page 238-242",The Kingdom Of God Is Near,109,,,
"Kingdom, Model Prayer,",'The kingdom of God is his hammer by which he will destroy all the kingdoms of the world and bring blessings to all survivors.' Quote: A. H. Macmillan,"When asked by a youth, what does ''Thy Kingdom Come' mean?' (As told by a faithful servant Alex Kellaris, the child who asked the question)",Mt 6:9-10; Da 2:44;,"Mar 15, 1970 Wt Page 187",Prayers That Are Heard By God.,86,,,
"Kingdom, Near, Urgency,",Fulfillment of Bible prophecy shows that the realization of the kingdom of God is 'just around the corner.',"In fact, the Bible shows that the kingdom of God has already been established and that for some forty years. How could that be? What is the proof?",Rev 12:9;,W56 10/15 614,The Kingdom Of God Is Near,109,,1996/06/11,
"Kingdom, Neutral,","Two beer bottles (put before Witness and told one represents the government and the other the terrorist group. 'Which one are you for?' The Witness thought for a moment, and observing other beer bottles nearby, picked one up and set it right between the other two.","We must be no part of worldly governments.  'This is where I am.' he said, 'I am neutral.'",John 17:14,"Oct 15, 1985 Wt Page 6, 7.",The Kingdom Of God Is Near,109,,,
"Kingdom, New Order,","Used to say right around corner, One step and we are 'home free' and 'safe'","Now we say we are at the threshold. At the doors.  See July 15, 1997 WT page 19, para 17.",Matt. 4:17,Finace Archer,The Kingdom Of God Is Near,109,,,
"Kingdom, Paradise,","'An invasion of armies can be resisted, but not an idea whose time has come.  Quote: Victor Hugo.",The time has now come for Jehovah's kingdom.  Nothing can resist.,Rev 12:9;,Bobby Laymon - Reader's Digest.,The Kingdom Of God Is Near,109,,1996/03/13,
"Kingdom, Position, Johnson, Weapon, Science, Future,","'There is something more important than any ultimate weapon.  That is the ultimate position -- the position of total control over earth lies somewhere out in space.  This is the future, the distant future, though not so distant as we may have thought.  Whoever gains that ultimate position gains control, total control, over the earth, for purposes of tyranny or for the service of freedom.' Quote: Lyndon B. Johnson in New York Times 1/8/1958.","The Bible shows that no government will ever gain that ultimate position.  It is already taken by God's kingdom in the hands of Christ Jesus.  It promise is not tyrannical, but 'the mild-tempered ones ... will inherit the earth.'",Mt 5:5,"Jan 1, 1971 Wt Page 4",Jehovah Is 'a Secure Height' For His People,151,,1993/11/03,
"Kingdom, Preaching, Good News, Jehovah's Witnesses, Salvation,","Imagine a prudent individual who buys land in a developing area, hoping to profit from his investment.  Would anyone blame him for investing his money in this way?  No.  More likely, people would say he is acting wisely.","Why not, then, be foresighted with regard to the Kingdom and invest, as it were, in the good news?  No other investment will bring better returns.","Ro 1:16; 1 John 2:17; Ps 37:11, 29; Re 21:4","Dec 15, 1992 Wt Page 7",Have Faith In The Good News,47,,,
"Kingdom, Priorities, First, Materialism, Money, Employment,","A diver with no breathing apparatus may plunge beneath the water's surface in search of an oyster with a pearl inside it.  This is his means of providing for his family.  A high priority, indeed!  But what is more important?  AIR!  He must surface regularly to refill his lungs.  Air is a higher priority.","Likewise, we may have to be somewhat involved in this system of things in order to obtain the necessities of life.  However, spiritual matters must come first because the very life of our household depends on these things.","Matt 6:33; 1 Cor 15:58; 1 Pet 5:6, 7; Prov 12:25; Luke 21:34-36; Psalm 55:22;","Nov 15, 1994 Wt Page 25",Keep Seeking God's Kingdom,44,,1995/01/08,
"Kingdom, Priority, Important,",An old horse trader once said:  I have made some real bargains!  I have also been 'skinned' a few times and lost money.  I don't regret these.  The things I really regret are those bargains I let slip away.  The opportunities I passed up!,We must latch onto Jehovah's kingdom in every way we can and make sure the securing of it for ourselves.  It is the greatest bargain we will ever make!,"Matt 13:45, 46;",Bobby Laymon,The Kingdom Of God Is Near,109,,1994/11/04,
"Kingdom, Prize, Life, Everlasting, Goal, Government,","A baseball pitcher only has primarilary, one thing on his mind.  The path of the ball down to the home plate.  He may glance over to first base at the runner, or to signals given, but his vision is mainly fixed on throwing the ball.","That is the way our vision should be fixed on God's Kingdom.  We may occasionally glance at other things, but we always come right back to God's Kingdom.",Mt 6:33;,Bobby Laymon,The Kingdom Of God Is Near,109,,1994/07/21,
"Kingdom, Progress, Transform, Change, Truth, Way, Glassmaker,","For many years there was a drunkard in Venice who was known as The Glassmaker. Under the influence of alcohol he would disrobe in public, and when the police tried to stop him he would throw himself against a shop window in the piazza, breaking the glass. From this he got his nickname. The apartment in which he lived was filthy. But when Witnesses called on him he showed genuine enthusiasm for the truth. The first return visit lasted three hours. Progress was fast. He stopped smoking and drinking. He got rid of his large collection of pornographic magazines. Soon he was at meetings. The brothers helped him to clean and paint his apartment. All of this resulted in a fine witness to neighbors and acquaintances.","On meeting him at the Kingdom Hall, a former drinking companion of his said: 'If The Glassmaker can change that much, then I too can become a Witness.' He asked the brothers to visit him. How true it is that Jehovah's ways are higher than man's and God's thoughts than man's thoughts!",Isa. 55:6-8; Rom. 11:33.,"'joyful Praisers Dist. Convention'  June 9-11, 1995; Kc, Mo; Lawrence Larson; Yb86 26",Is The Truth Transforming Your Life?,51,,1995/06/12,
"Kingdom, Reality, Invisible, fantasy,",You could not see the winds of hurricane Hugo.  There is no doubt it came through.,"Likewise, you cannot visibly see God's Kingdom, but there is no doubt that it is ruling.  1. Number of citizens of.  2.  Has laws.  (not like congress who it would take a freight train to move around all the laws it has passed.  But righteous laws.","Is 2:2-4; Ps 72:7, 8;",Don Mendenhall D.O.,The Kingdom Of God Is Near,109,,1994/03/07,4/26/2014
"Kingdom, Rulership, Detour,","HAVE YOU ever been traveling a nice highway and suddenly came to a detour?  You take the detour and carefully follow the signs, knowing it will in time bring you back to the main road.  There may be times when another road looks tempting, but you know to follow the signs.  Unlike the main highway, the detour has bumpy places, some mud holes, and you may even meet persons going the other way.","Jehovah's kingdom is like the detour.  It is a means to help us get back on track with His universal sovereignty.  In this system, it is not always easy-going.  There are bumps, rough ground, and people going the other way.  However, if we follow carefully Jehovah's roadmap and signs we will get back on the highway of His universal sovereignty.",Jer. 10:23; Eccl 8:9;,John Fast,What God's Rulership Can Do For Us,24,,1998/12/28,
"Kingdom, Satan, Benefits, Rewards, Life,","Which would you rather work for:  .01 per day and double it each day, or a lump sum of $10,000.?  If you started working for a penny a  day and doubled it every day, in 30 days you would have $10,737,418.","That is like the difference in working for Jehovah or Satan.  Satan offers immediate benefits in the way of pleasures now.  However Jehovah offers far more, and increasing benefits that will not end in 30 days but will be everlasting.",Isa 9:7,Bobby Laymon,What God's Rulership Can Do For Us,24,,,
"Kingdom, Son Of Love,","Measure of authority, 'Hands not in pockets'",Christ began to select those who would rule with him.,Col. 1:13,Bobby Laymon,"Friendship With God, Friendship With The World -- Which Will You Choose?",79,,,
"Kingdom, Time,","Are you a clock-watcher?  It has been said, 'A person can own a watch and still not know what time it is.'  How true.  You could be asleep.  You could become involved in other activities and lost track of the time.  It may be a date set long in advance, like an anniversary, and you simply forgot it.","We must never forget, become sidetracked, or let Jehovah's kingdom simply pass us by.  Watch the clock.",Matt 4:17; Rev 12:9-12;,Bobby Laymon,The Kingdom Of God Is Near,109,,1996/03/13,
"Kingdom, War, Peace,",A country is run by an evil president.  He has set up a corrupt system with tentacles extending into every corner of the land. An election is held; a good man wins. Now what?  A transition period of months ensues.  First concentrate on capital city.,"Jesus, likewise, first hurled Satan & Demons out, cleaning up his seat of government.  It has not been peaceful on earth. Satan, like corrupt, tries to get everything he can from system.",Re 12:7-12;,"Oct 1, 1992 Aw Page 17",The Kingdom Of God Is Near,109,,,
"Kingdom, World, Earth, Paradise,","What would we think of a person who learns that the municipality in which he lives has condemned a building and is going to construct a highway after a demolition, but the individual buys the building, paints it, decorates it, makes it beautiful and spends a great deal of time in the repair work? Then the municipality comes along and destroys the building. The individual working on that building would be considered foolish.","But this is the kind of thing a person does who begins to devote all his time to worldly activities and fails to maintain his ministry. He may believe he is doing something constructive in his community, building up something good, but what is he building on? If he is building on the old-world foundation.",1 John 2:15-17;,W61 6/1 338,A Cleansed Earth--will You Live To See It?,49,,1995/01/27,
"Kingdom, World, Government, Dominate, Peace, Unity, Paradise,","THE BEASTS of the field and forest had a Lion as their king.  He was neither wrathful, cruel, nor tyrannical, but just and gentle as a king could be.  During his reign he made a royal proclamation for a general assembly of all the birds and beasts, and drew up conditions for a universal league, in which the Wolf and the Lamb, the Panther and the Kid, the Tiger and the Stag, the Dog and the Hare, should live together in perfect peace and amity.  The Hare said, 'Oh, how I have longed to see this day, in which the weak shall take their place with impunity by the side of the strong.'  And after the Hare said this, he ran for his life.","The world is like this.  No matter how well meaning, a ruler may be, he will not be able to solve man's problems.   The wicked will simply have to be destroyed for the righteous to have true peace and security.","Jer 10:23; Ps 37:9, 10;",Aesop's Fables - Bobby Laymon,'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,1994/05/15,
"Kingdom, World, Presence,","Out of sight, out of mind. Does not mean it is not present.",Because the world cannot see the invisible they don't believe.,"Matt. 24:3, 23, 26, 28,",Bobby Laymon,The Kingdom Of God Is Near,109,,,
"Kingdom; Problems; Cope; Earth; Woven, Envelopment,","The problems of earth's inhabitants are all interwoven. We all have this one planet for our home, and only if all unitedly use this home in the right way can there be full enjoyment of it. The dividing up of the earth into the present patchwork of nations and kingdoms with their frontiers and zigzagging political frontiers and their tariff walls and other barriers has worked against any genuine global cooperation.","God's kingdom by his Son will smash all those barriers and erase all the political divisions off the map. Then earth's produce will flow freely and, under God's blessing, abundantly. King David's prayer of long ago will find its greatest fulfillment in the rule of Christ's Messianic government, namely: 'Let him judge the afflicted ones of the people, let him save the sons of the poor one, and let him crush the defrauder. . . . In his days the righteous one will sprout, and the abundance of peace until the moon is no more. And he will have subjects from sea to sea and from the River to the ends of the earth. . . . There will come to be plenty of grain on the earth; on the top of the mountains there will be an overflow.'-Ps. 72:4-16.","Isa. 25:7, 8; Ps. 72:4-16",G73 10/8 28,How The Kingdom Of God Affects You,42,,1999/01/22,
Kiss;,"'A kiss can be a comma, a question mark or an exclamation point.'  Quote:  Mistinguette.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Kiss;,"'A man snatches the first kiss, pleads for the second, demands the third, takes the fourth, accepts the fifth and endures all the rest.'  Quote:  Helen Rowland.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Kiss;,'People who throw kisses are hopelessly lazy.'  Quote:  Bob Hope.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Know, Acquainted, Friend,","Meryl observing a person's works may not really be enough for us to know him well. It would even be possible to misunderstand him if we did not gain a complete picture of him! And if that person has been misrepresented or maligned, would it not be good to meet him and hear his side? We might converse with him to find out how he reacts under different circumstances and what qualities he displays.","Of course, we cannot have a face-to-face conversation with the powerful Creator of the universe. Yet, he has revealed much about himself as a real person in a book that is available, in whole or in part, in more than 2,000 languages, including yours. That book is the Bible.",James 2:23; 4:8;,Ct Page 84,How Well Do You Know God?,1,,"Feb 8, 2001",
"Know, Acquainted, Friend,","We get acquainted with another person by conversing with him and by seeing how he reacts to different circumstances. Both are possible in coming to know other humans, but what of getting to know the Creator?","We cannot possibly engage in direct conversation with him. As we have established, though, he reveals much about himself in the Bible-both by what he has said and by how he has acted.",James 2:23; 4:8;,Ct Page 112,How Well Do You Know God?,1,,"Feb 8, 2001",
"Know, Acquainted, Friend, Name, Jehovah,","Consider a prime step: If you wanted to be someone's friend, you certainly would learn his name.","Well, what is the name of the Creator, and what does his name reveal about him?",James 2:23; 4:8;,Ct Page 112,How Well Do You Know God?,1,,"Feb 8, 2001",
"Know, Devotion, Trust, Faith, Trials, Endurance,",You may know who your next-door neighbor is and may even greet him by name.  But would you lend him a large sum of money?  Not unless you really knew what kind of person he is.,"Similarly, knowing Jehovah and Jesus accurately, or fully, means more than merely believing that they exist and being aware of their names.  To be willing to endure trials for their sake even to the point of death, we must know them intimately.",Pr 11:15; John 17:3;,"Sep 15, 1993 Wt Page 16",How Well Do You Know God?,1,,,
"Know, Friend, Acquaintance,","'John, may I introduce you to my friend?  This is--excuse me, what was the name again.?'",An example of how persons misuse the word 'friend.'  They are only an acquaintance or sometimes not even that.,Mt 22:37; Ps 18:1; 1j 4:19;,"Jun 1, 1992 Wt Page 24",How Well Do You Know God?,1,,,
"Know, Jehovah, God, Knowledge,","Persons who really 'know' one another generally have similar interest, enjoy close association with one another and are on friendly terms.",King David wanted his son Solomon to become an intimate friend of Jehovah's.,"1 Chron. 28:8, 9; 1 Sam. 1:12; 1 Ki. 9:27; 2 Ki. 10:11;","Jun 15, 1967 Wt Page 359",How Well Do You Know God?,1,,,
"Know, Jehovah, God, Knowledge, Name,","'Yes, I know Dwight Eisenhower. He is the former president of the U.S.' (never met him)    Another, who has seen him on numerous occasions, might reply, 'No, I don't know him.'","Know has a wide range of meanings. The latter instance had reference to personal acquaintance. You may know a person exists, and yet not know the person.","1 Chron. 28:8, 9; 1 Sam. 1:12; 1 Ki. 9:27; 2 Ki. 10:11;","Jun 15, 1967 Wt Page 357",How Well Do You Know God?,1,,,
"Know, Jehovah, God, Knowledge, Prayer,","Couples who once were very close have often been noted to drift apart. 'We live in the same house, but we are complete strangers",The problem? Communication; they no longer discuss matters with each other. Never let this happen between you and Jehovah.,"Gal. 5:22, 23; Deuteronomy. 7:3, 4; 1 Ki. 11:1-11;12:4; Neh. 13:26;","Jun 15, 1967 Wt Page 359",How Well Do You Know God?,1,,,
"Know, Jehovah, Name, Friend,",Are there any people you know that you call GOOD FRIENDS of whom you don't know or use their name?,Do we consider God a good friend?,Ps. 83:18;,Bobby Laymon,"Friendship With God, Friendship With The World -- Which Will You Choose?",79,,"Feb 10, 2001",
"Know, Knowledge","Baseball player, know kind of razor, shaving lather, deodorant","Think we know someone, surprised when on drugs",Jer. 31:34,Bobby Laymon,How Well Do You Know God?,1,,,
"Know, Knowledge,","Someone asks you, 'Do you know Bill Clinton, the president?' You say, 'Oh yes, I know Bill Clinton.'  He then asks, 'But does he know you?'  That is a different story!","Likewise with Jehovah.  The big question is:  'Does Jehovah know you?'  Many in the past have claimed to know God, but he did not recognize them with approval.",Amos 3:1; Mt 7:21-23;,Tim Gwilliams,How Well Do You Know God?,1,,,
"Know, Knowledge, Reject, Obedience,","It is like a person smoking a cigarette and who says, 'I know it will kill you.'  He has rejected that knowledge, although knowing it.","The Israelites, although they 'knew' Jehovah, rejected him.  They rejected knowledge.","Hosea 4:1,6;",Tim Gwilliams,How Well Do You Know God?,1,,,
"Know, Preparation, Return Visit,",A good doctor does not hand a prescription to a patient before he carefully examines the person.,"Likewise, if we desire to help persons we must get to know them well. Only then will we be able assist individuals effectively.","Mk 1:40-42; Lk 5:12, 13;","Jul 1, 1981 Wt Page 5",How Well Do You Know God?,1,,,
"Know, Relationship,","With surgery, you can say, 'I have a knife, some clamps, and I know what blood is.  I read a book on surgery.  I know all about the subject.'  Does this mean you know surgery?  Would you let such a person operate on you?","Likewise, knowing Jehovah includes much more than reading the Bible and knowing some facts about God.",John 17:3,Tim Gwilliams,How Well Do You Know God?,1,,,
"Know, Relationship,","You can read a book on guitar playing, or a piano.  You can look at the instrument, and learn all the chords in your head.  It is not the same as practice.  You still do not know the guitar.","In like manner, knowing facts about Jehovah, does not mean that you truly know God.  Knowing something is manifest only in its action.  It's practice.",John 17:3,Tim Gwilliams,True Friendship With God And Neighbor.,100,,,
"Know, Thoughts, Thinking,",Few people learn to play music on their own.  They take lessons from skilled persons who have learned from others.  Their thoughts on music are not 'high' enough.  They have to learn to think and feel the music.,"In like manner, our thoughts are not high enough in thinking like Jehovah.  We must learn Jehovah's thinking through his word.  In this way we come to know him.","Is 55:6, 7; Eph 4:32-5:1;",Tim Gwilliams,How Well Do You Know God?,1,,,
"Knowing God, Jehovah, Knowledge, Bible,","Did you ever put forth effort to meet a notable person, then feel elated because you met him in person? Meeting someone by means of a book may not be as stimulating to the senses, but can be every bit as interesting and enjoyable.",Moses had such an experience with Jehovah.,Deuteronomy. 34:10-12; Ezra 3:2;,"Nov 1, 1963 Wt Page 665",Make Jehovah Your Confidence,70,,,
Knowledge,Commercial: Do You Have An Inquiring Mind? Can a prospector find gold without searching? Can a diver find pearls without looking? Can a scientist discover new laws without inquiring into mysteries.,Bible is treasure house; does one no good if doesn't have desire. Keep on searching; have an inquiring mind.,"Matt. 7:7  13:11, 13","May 8, 1958 Aw Page 3",How Well Do You Know God?,1,,,
Knowledge,Doctor keeping up with latest techniques Would not want a doctor to operate that doesn't use the latest technology,"Need to keep up with spiritual reading.  We need to be up to date with the Society so that we know the latest information, the correct terminology etc.",1ti 4:16;,Joe Laymon,How Well Do You Know God?,1,,,
Knowledge,Key most often used is the brightest. (show key),Not using something consumes faster than labor wears it.,Heb 5:14,Bobby Laymon,How Well Do You Know God?,1,,,
Knowledge,"Miner, must have tools to dig (Spiritual mining) We can find much 'gold'",Reference Bible; Insight Book; WT Pub Index,Dan 1:4  12:4  Jer. 3:15,"Dec 1, 1989 Wt Page 17",How Well Do You Know God?,1,,,
Knowledge,"Muscle, unused becomes weak and deficient Knowledge must be used and replenished",We can loosen our grip on 'very knowledge of God',Prov 2:5  Heb 2:1,"Dec 1, 1989 Wt Page 12",How Well Do You Know God?,1,,,
Knowledge,Recharge Battery Must be on regular basis,Must recharge spiritual batteries,"Ps. 105:4, 5  John 10:16  2 Pet 3:13","Dec 1, 1989 Wt Page 16",How Well Do You Know God?,1,,,
Knowledge,Want to meet boy or girl (Met and now married),gno'sis=seeking to know  epi'gnosis=become thoroughly acquainted,Col 1:9,"Dec 1, 1989 Wt Page 11 Para 4, 5",How Well Do You Know God?,1,,,
Knowledge,"Watch; many know what one is, can you take it apart, put together Greek word gno'sis, knowledge e pi'gnosis: precise and correct knowledge",Difference between knowledge & accurate knowledge,Col 1:9 Rom 1:28,"Dec 1, 1989 Wt Page 10, 11",How Well Do You Know God?,1,,,
"Knowledge, Association, Study, Mind, Apostasy, Entertainment, Television,",Knowledge is not like poison food that can be vomited out. If you get food poisoning your body will dispose of it in a couple of days.,"Must be very careful what we take into our minds.  Brain poisoning is not easily disposed of.  May even be there forever.  Avoid movies, books, pornography.",John 17:3,Frank Barr C. O.,Choose Your Associates Wisely!,116,,,
"Knowledge, Association, Study, Mind, Meditate,","Cramming for a test the next day.  If you cram for a test you may pass it the next day, but you will forget the information in just a short time. The same is true in personal study.","Should not cram for book study and Watchtower lessons. Must meditate, take time to study lessons Study with just a little time and you will remember little.",Ps 1:1-3,Frank Barr,Taking Time To Meditate On Spiritual Things,67,,,
"Knowledge, Bible, Christendom, Wisdom,","Actually, an incomplete picture of God's Word can be dangerous.",Without the full picture we could easily be misled into thinking that we are serving God while doing something diametrically opposed to his will.,John 16:2; 2 Tim 3:16; Rom 2:20;,W74 3/15 179,Religion's Role In World Affairs.,92,,1994/07/30,
"Knowledge, Bible, Christendom, Wisdom,","If a person building a house stopped after completing the framework, his effort would be of little value. The house must be complete to serve its intended purpose.","If a person limits himself to studying only certain 'favorite' portions of the Bible, his knowledge will only be a 'framework' of limited value. One must appreciate that 'all Scripture is inspired of God and  beneficial' if one is to 'come to an accurate knowledge of truth.'",2 Tim 3:16; Rom 2:20;,W74 3/15 179,Religion's Role In World Affairs.,92,,1994/07/30,
"Knowledge, Bible, Christendom, Wisdom, Effort, Exert,","A musician may be said to have a gift for playing the piano. When he plays, it seems effortless. He may have certain natural inclinations and yet we should not conclude that his ability to play came without effort or that he maintains this gift without practice.","Our getting and keeping knowledge of God's Word is much the same.  While it is true that knowledge is a 'gift' from God, it is not acquired or maintained without considerable personal effort.",1 Tim 4:14;,W74 3/15 180-1,Religion's Role In World Affairs.,92,,1994/07/30,
"Knowledge, Bible, Gift,",The absolute power of a dictator cannot get it. The influence of a king or president cannot get it.  All the gold and silver of the rich cannot buy it. This gift that God has given to his people is far more valuable than gold and silver.,What is it? It is an accurate knowledge of God's Word and purpose!,"Eccl. 2:26; Matt. 11:25; Prov. 8:10, 11;",W74 3/15 178,Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,1994/07/30,
"Knowledge, Bible, Learning, Recite,","'Matthew, Mark, Luke and John; went to bed with their breeches on.'",That is as much as many know about the Bible and Bible books.,John 17:3,Bobby Laymon As Heard From Ezra Hightower,,,,"Aug 2, 2002",
"Knowledge, Bible, Literature,",Only a miser buries treasure and only a spendthrift squanders it.,How do you use knowledge? Do you bury it or forget it or throw it away as soon as it is acquired? Knowledge is a rewarding treasure.,Prov. 2:10;,"Jan 22, 1964 Aw Page 32",Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,,
"Knowledge, Bible, Ministerial Training, Teaching, School,",'A knowledge of the Bible without a college course is more valuable than a college course without a Bible.'  Quote: William Lyons Phelps.,The courses offered to Jehovah's people are far more valuable than a university program.,John 17:3; Is 6:8;,"Sep 8, 1993 Aw Page 19",Who Are Qualified As Ministers Of God?,81,,,
"Knowledge, Creation, Humble,",Book; only read one page.,Man's limited knowledge compared to Jehovah.,Ecc 8:17;,Bobby Laymon,Appreciating Marvels Of God's Creation,114,,,
"Knowledge, Danger, Wisdom, Small, Insignificant, Human,","'If a little knowledge is dangerous, where is the man who has so much as to be out of danger?' Quote: Thomas Henry Huxley.","Some contend that knowledge is dangerous.  Some make statements that reading the Bible led one to insanity.  However, knowledge leads to life.",John 17:3;,Bobby Laymon,How Well Do You Know God?,1,,1995/08/07,
"Knowledge, Death, Sin, Life, Resurrection, Loyalty,","Live and learn, die and forget it all.",It is a shame that when man reaches peak of knowledge he dies and forgets that knowledge.,"Genesis. 1:27-31; Eccl. 9:5, 10; Ezek 18:4; Acts 17:31; 24:15;",Bobby Laymon,Hold A Good Conscience In A Sinful World,107,,,
"Knowledge, Einstein, Universe, Creation, Sky, Brain, Science,",Albert Einstein suddenly looked up at the sky and said: 'We know nothing about it at all. Our knowledge is but the knowledge of schoolchildren.',Both Einstein and David were awed by the mysteries of the night sky and man. And we continue to be awed by that three pounds of mystery encased inside our skulls-the human brain.,Pr 1:7; Job 26:14;,W78 7/15 18,Does Your Hope Rest On Science Or The Bible?,80,,1994/05/10,
"Knowledge, Einstein, Universe, Housefly, Creation, Science,","Einstein, after completing his formula of the general theory of relativity. [At] that moment an ordinary house-fly landed on your paper. You reflected that here you had set down all the major universal physical laws, as though to say, here is the key to all the secrets of the universe, yet you really do not know very much about the nature of that little fly.",Man knows so very little about the world around him.  Even the most intelligent men know nothing.,Pr 1:7; Job 26:14,W82 6/1 26,Does Your Hope Rest On Science Or The Bible?,80,,1994/05/10,
"Knowledge, Experience,",'No man's knowledge here can go beyond his experience.' Quote: John Locke.,"Our knowledge of Jehovah must be based on our own experiencing of his love, kindness, forgiveness, mercy, justice.",Jo 17:3;,Bobby Laymon,How Well Do You Know God?,1,,1995/07/14,
"Knowledge, Faith, Belief, Atheist, Creation","'If God did not exist, it would be necessary to invent him.'  Quote: Voltaire Francois Marie Arouet.","Disbelief in God affects millions of people today.  Many are outright atheist, who say that God does not exist.  Others are agnostics, who claim they are not sure whether God exists.  It is vital to believe and know the true God.",Heb 3:4;,Bobby Laymon,Evidence Of God In The World Around Us,4,,1995/07/17,
"Knowledge, Growth, Progress, Maturity, Improvement,",What kind of gauge can you use to measure progress?  There are a number of them. One thing that distinguishes adult from a babe is his willingness to use initiative.,Gauges: How do you react when a question comes up?  What do you do to get information?  Do you ask someone?  Do you do research yourself?,"Co 1:9, 10; Mt 5:14-16;","Dec 15, 1968 Wt Page 761, 763",Keep Growing In Your Relationship With God,16,,,
"Knowledge, Know, Acquaintance,",'Never say you know a man till you have divided an inheritance with him.'  Quote: Johann Kaspar Lavater.,We really do not know many of our acquaintances.,John 17:3,Jk Quotes;,How Well Do You Know God?,1,,,
"Knowledge, Learning, Wisdom, Teaching, Advancement, Improvement,","Consider permafrost, the permanently frozen ground in the Artic and in other regions where the average temperature is below freezing.  The soil, rocks, and groundwater freeze into a solid mass, sometimes to a depth of 3,000 feet.  In the summer, thawing may occur in the surface soil (called the active layer).  However, this thin layer of thawed soil is usually muddy because moisture cannot drain into the permafrost below.  Plants that grow in the thin top layer are often small or stunted: their roots cannot penetrate the permafrost.  'What' you may wonder, 'does permafrost have to do with whether I am growing in knowledge of Bible truth?'","Permafrost well illustrates the situation of one whose mental powers are not actively involved with taking in, remembering, and using accurate knowledge.  The person likely has the mental capacity to learn various subjects, including Bible truths, but does not 'press on to maturity.'  Any involvement in meetings took place in a thin active layer, as it were, while below was a frozen depth.  The roots of more solid or complicated truths could not penetrate into this region of mental permafrost. -- Compare Is 40:24    Answers have been straight from the paragraph, from the top 'active layer' of his mind, with the depths of his mental potential remaining in a frozen state.    Is it that way with me?  Have I let a kind of mental permafrost set in?  How mentally alert and interested in learning am I?","Mt 13:5, 20, 21; Heb 5:12; 6:1; Is 40:24; Heb 5:14;","Aug 15, 1993 Wt Page 15, 16",Keep Growing In Your Relationship With God,16,,,
"Knowledge, Life, Absorb,","(Hold Bible near head)  I cannot take knowledge in by holding Bible here and absorbing it.  It must go in through one of the holes in my head.  My ears, eyes, or mouth.","Therefore, we must read God's Word.  We must hear it, and speak  it in order to get knowledge for life.",John 17:3,Joe Laymon,Follow The Way To Life,45,,1997/01/20,
"Knowledge, Life, Wisdom, Bible,","Would you perform an operation on someone's brain or heart if you had never studied medicine? Truck driver could not get job with no knowledge of traffic regular. Housewife, needs knowledge of cooking, sewing, cleaning, children",If knowledge is needed for present life; how about everlasting l? Only God can give knowledge to keep you alive forever.,"Prov. 19:21; Prov. 3:1, 2; Ps. 36:9; 37:29; Isa. 65:21-24;","Mar 1, 1964 Wt Page 134",Acquiring A Heart Of Wisdom,73,,,
"Knowledge, Peace,","Material food has much to do with good eyesight which permits us to see beauty & dimensions of multitude of things. see near & far, color, action of machines, architecture, watch people at work or play.",Spiritual food is essential to spiritual vision.,"Isa. 54:13; Ps. 133:1, 3;","Sep 1, 1962 Wt Page 520",How Well Do You Know God?,1,,,
"Knowledge, Power,",'Knowledge is power.'  Quote: Francis Bacon [1597].,Knowledge of Jehovah is the most powerful knowledge of all.  It will help you to gain everlasting life.,John 17:3;,Bobby Laymon,How Well Do You Know God?,1,,1995/07/09,
"Knowledge, Remember, Study, Truth,","Wife asked her husband, 'How do you remember all that about the Bible?'  He replied, 'I don't have to remember it, I know it.'",True knowledge becomes a part of us.  We can thus walk in the truth.,Phil. 1:9,George Perkins (elder From Texas),How Well Do You Know God?,1,,,
"Knowledge, Science, Wisdom, Understanding, Einstein, Universe,","'It is comparable to that which a man, interested in learning more about the moon, gets when he climbs upon the roof of his house to catch a closer look at that luminary.'  Quote: Albert Einstein [We would not learn much more about our Creator than looking at the starry heavens from the ground.]","The more we increase in knowledge, the more clearly we see that man's use of knowledge is limited by imperfection and the 'crookedness' of this world.","Ecclesiastes 1:15, 18; Ecclesiastes 1:13, 14; 12:12; 1ti 6:20","Aug 15, 1993 Wt Page 12",Does Your Hope Rest On Science Or The Bible?,80,,,
"Knowledge, Study, Research, Wisdom, Publications,","'Knowledge is of two kinds. We know a subject ourselves, or we know where we can find information upon it.'  Quote: Samuel Johnson.","Increase nourishment from God's Word by going deeper into things, not just surface or minimal consideration.  With weekly Bible reading for school, could do extra research.","Heb 5:12, 14;",Bobby Laymon,Happy Though Hungry--how Can It Be?,31,,1995/07/18,
"Knowledge, Teacher, Education, Resentment, Learning, Instinct,","'Man is the only one that knows nothing, that can learn nothing without being taught. He can neither speak nor walk nor eat, and in short he can do nothing at the prompting of nature only, but weep.' Quote:  Pliny the Elder","Today's world teaches us hatred, fear, dislike.  Hatred is a strong emotion, will damage you.  You may develop a murderous disposition toward the person we have resentment for.","Mt 5:21, 22",Bobby Laymon,Do You Harbor Resentment Or Do You Forgive?,68,,1995/07/09,
"Knowledge, Understanding, Pioneer,",These are the fuel that keep our spiritual engines running.,Referring to 'knowledge and understanding.',Php 1:9-11;,"Jan 15, 1994 Wt Page 21  Article: Pioneers Bestow And Receive Blessings.",Follow The Way To Life,45,,1993/12/20,
"Knowledge, Understanding, Wisdom, Pioneer, World,","Little boy; Always took the nickel and left the dime.  Kind man tried to explain that even though the nickel was twice as large, the dime was worth twice as much.  'I know that' 'I also know that if I take the dime, they won't do it again.' (orphan sister)",True wisdom is not in line with world's thinking.  World cannot understand why we spend time in service; pioneer; True wisdom is foolishness to them.,"Pr 2:1-11; 1co 1:27-31; 2:6, 7;",Bobby Laymon (km School In 1967),Acquiring A Heart Of Wisdom,73,,,
"Knowledge, Use, Thinking, Thoughts, Mind, Action,","If you do not use a muscle, it will atrophy. If you do not use a skill, it will fade away.  The rule is, 'Use it or lose it.'","If you do not use your mind, thinking ability will wither. If you do not use knowledge, you will lose what you have. In each and every case, the rule is, 'Use it or lose it.' It is 'through use that the perceptive powers are trained.'",Heb 5:14; Pro 2:11,W87 10/1 14,How Well Do You Know God?,1,,1994/06/03,
"Knowledge, Water, Provision, River, wickedness, ","WATER is a remarkable fluid. All physical life depends on it. Not one of us can survive long without it. We also depend on it for cleansing, since water can dissolve and wash away impurities. So we wash our bodies, our clothes, even our food in it. Doing so may save our lives.",The Bible uses water to picture Jehovah's spiritual provisions for life. (Jeremiah 2:13; John 4:7-15) These provisions include the cleansing of his people through Christ's ransom sacrifice and the knowledge of God found in his Word.,Jeremiah 2:13; John 4:7-15,W99 3/1 18,Are You Content With Jehovah's Provisions?,22,,"Jul 5, 2000",4/1/2014
"Knowledge, Wisdom","Seeking buried treasure good library can find gems in God's Word basic tools, like map in hunting buried treasures","Searching God's word great joy  See Wt Mar 15, 1989 Page 3",Prov 2:1-6  8:8-11  16:16,"Mar 15, 1989 Wt Page 3-6",Acquiring A Heart Of Wisdom,73,,,
"Knowledge, Wisdom,",'Knowledge is powerful medicine.'  Quote: Television commercial on diabetes.,Knowledge from God's Word is indeed powerful medicine.  It can cure one for everlasting life.,John 17:3;,Bobby Laymon,The Only Cure For Sick Mankind,62,,1995/06/12,
"Knowledge, Wisdom,","'We can be knowledgeable with other men's knowledge, but we cannot be wise with other men's wisdom.' Quote: Michel de Montaigne.   (1533-1592)",Must apply for ourselves,Prov. 2:4;,Bobby Laymon,Acquiring A Heart Of Wisdom,73,,,
"Knowledge, Wisdom, Answers, Thinking,","I was gratified to be able to answer promptly, and I did.  I said I didn't know.  MT",Sometimes that is the best answer.,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Knowledge, Wisdom, Bible,","Picture two men trying to repair their cars.  Frustrated, one man throws down his tools.  The other calmly corrects the problem, turns the ignition key, and smiles as the engine starts up and runs smoothly.  You would not have a hard time guessing which of the two men had an instruction manual from the manufacturer.","Does it not make sense that God would provide instructions to guide us in life?  As you may know, the Bible claims to be just that - a book of instruction and guidance from our Creator.",2 Tim. 3:16;,Kl Page 7,Does Your Hope Rest On Science Or The Bible?,80,,1995/06/15,
"Knowledge, Wisdom, Bible,",The Bible urges us to dig for knowledge as we would for a hidden treasure.,"We must dig, not in the soil of human thinking, but in God's own Word.",Prov. 2:1-5;,Kl Page 7,Does Your Hope Rest On Science Or The Bible?,80,,1995/06/15,
"Knowledge, Wisdom, Bible,","Unfinished picture puzzle; jigsaw puzzle with missing pieces. Instead of little patches of knowledge, can be enlarged to a grand view of Jehovah's will.",Stick to and finish your subject under discussion.,1 Tim. 6:3-5,"Sep 1, 1962 Wt Page 526",Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,,
"Knowledge, Wisdom, Bible, Forever, Action,",Imagine that you are standing before a locked door leading to a room containing great treasures.  Let us say that an authorized person has given you the key and has told you to help yourself to these valuable things.  That key will do you no good unless you use it.,"Similarly, you must use knowledge if it is to benefit you.",John 17:3;,Kl Page 170,Build Your Faith In Man's Maker,54,,1995/06/16,
"Knowledge, Wisdom, Bible, Obedience, Memorize,","In the 17th century C. E. a Catholic man named Cornelius van her Steen sought to become a Jesuit but was rejected because he was too short.  The committee informed him that they were prepared to waive the height requirement, but only with the proviso that he would learn to recite the entire Bible by heart.  The story would hardly be worth telling if van der Steen had not complied with the rather presumptuous request.  Quote: Manfred Barthel in his book, 'The Jesuits -- History & Legend of the Society of Jesus.'","What effort it took to memorize the whole Bible!  Surely, however it is far more important to understand God's Word than it is to memorize it.","Is 30:20, 21;","Feb 1, 1994 Wt  Page 10",Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,1993/12/30,
"Knowledge, Wisdom, Discernment, Think,","Today, men either know a little about a lot, or a lot about a little.  Their studies leave them broad and shallow, or narrow and deep.","With endless life, time will not be doled out in limited life spans that are as fleeting shadows.  Men will have time to study until they become both broad and deep. Increasing knowledge will never cease.",Pr 23:4; 1 John 2:17; Is 11:9; Ecc 8:17;,"Aug 1, 1955 Wt Page 477",Acquiring A Heart Of Wisdom,73,,,
"Knowledge, Wisdom, Faith,",'Man can learn nothing unless he proceeds from the known to the unknown.' Quote: Claude Bernard.,Faith starts with knowledge.  It must be build upon what is known.,Heb 11:1;,Bobby Laymon,Have Faith In The Good News,47,,1995/08/05,
"Knowledge, Wisdom, Haste, Patience,","'Knowledge comes, but wisdom lingers.' Quote: Alfred Lord Tennyson.",Moses acted rashly and lost fine privileges; a heart of wisdom would have prevented this.  Wisdom may work slower than knowledge.,Numbers 20:2-13; Ecclesiastes 7:7;,Bobby Laymon,Acquiring A Heart Of Wisdom,73,,1995/08/05,
"Knowledge, Wisdom, Preaching, Minister,","A housewife can know about cooking from a cookbook, but if she never put that knowledge to work, she could hardly be called a cook. Not like those mentioned in Ezekiel. 'pretty voice.'",Same principle applies to knowledge; requires action.,"John 14:12, 15; Ezek. 33:31, 32","Oct 8, 1964 Aw Page 28",Who Are Qualified As Ministers Of God?,81,,,
"Knowledge, Wisdom, Preparation, Study, Prevention,",One pound of learning requires ten pounds of common sense to be useful.,Knowledge must be applied with wisdom.,Heb. 6:1-3; 2 Tim. 2:14; John 6:45; Eccl. 12:11-13; Acts 17:1,Bobby Laymon,Acquiring A Heart Of Wisdom,73,,,
"Knowledge, Wisdom, Research,",'Be curious always!  For knowledge will not acquire you; you must acquire it.'  Quote: Sudie Back.,"We must do research, study the Bible and publications.  Keep growing!","Rom 14:22, 23;",Bobby Laymon - Reader's Digest,Keep Growing In Your Relationship With God,16,,1996/03/20,
"Knowledge, Wisdom, Sheep, Growth, Improvement,",A sheep won't drink from running stream. Shepherd may have to Dip water in hands and let sheep drink out of hands.,Notice that article comes out and we say I don't understand soon another article appears that you understand.  What has happened?  The 'faithful slave' has slowed down the water.,Matt. 24:45,Wayne Ward,Acquiring A Heart Of Wisdom,73,,,
"Knowledge, Wisdom, Understanding, Bible, Insight","A person may have the knowledge and wisdom to drive an automobile But if he understands how the automobile is put together, how the different parts work and what is the function of each, he will be a better driver.","So too, with the Bible.  A person may read in the Bible that he should do a certain thing.  He accepts it because it is the Bible. However, if he fortifies this wisdom with increased understanding then his conviction will be greatly strengthened.",Mt 22:37,"Feb 15, 1970 Wt Page 106",Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,,
"Knowledge, Wisdom, Understanding, Bible, Jesus, Christendom,","You are standing at the door, fumbling with your keys.  It is cold and dark, and you are eager to get inside -- but the key does not work.  It looks right, yet the lock will not budge.  How frustrating!  You look at the keys again.  Are you using the right one?  Has someone damaged the key?","This is a fair picture of what this world's religious confusion has done with the knowledge of God.  In effect, many have tampered with the key that opens it up to our understanding--Jesus Christ.  Some religions have removed the key, ignoring Jesus altogether.  Others have distorted Jesus' role.",John 17:3;,Kl Page 32,Into The New Order Under Christ's Leadership,56,,1995/06/15,
"Knowledge, Wisdom, Understanding, Ignorance, Wordy, Gossip, Slander,",He knows so little and knows it so fluently. Ellen Glasgow,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Knowledge, Wisdom, Understanding, Insight","We might look up a certain word in a Bible concordance, say the word 'faith.'  We will find many texts listed under the word.","If we read them, we gain knowledge.  If we see how they relate together, how they harmonize with and illuminate one another, how they affect our relationship with Jehovah, we have understanding. If we effectively apply them to aid others, we have wisdom.","Pr 15:2, 7; Ecclesiastes 12:9, 10;","Feb 15, 1970 Wt Page 105",Follow The Way To Life,45,,,
"Knowledge, Wisdom, Understanding, Proverbs",If the menu read: 'Prime steak!' you would know it would be a good one.  Part of the best.,Wisdom is the 'prime' thing.,Prov 4:20-23; 16:16;,Steve Dobbins,Acquiring A Heart Of Wisdom,73,,1995/05/29,
"Knowledge, Wisdom, Understanding, Proverbs","Imagine someone told you there was a 'bag of gold' hidden here in this building.  If you find it after them meeting, you can keep it.  As soon as the meeting was dismissed, you would probably, one and all, start looking for it.","Wisdom is the prime thing.  Keep searching for it as you would gold.  It can be found, and is more valuable.",Prov 4:20-23; 16:16;,Steve Dobbins,Acquiring A Heart Of Wisdom,73,,1995/05/29,
"Knowledge, Wisdom, Understanding, Proverbs",Wisdom dictates that a life jacket saves lives.,"However, understanding helps us to see that we do not need a life jacket in the desert.  Understanding is necessary to properly follow the course of wisdom.",Prov 4:20-23; 16:16;,Steve Dobbins,Acquiring A Heart Of Wisdom,73,,1995/05/29,
Knowledge;,"'All wish to possess knowledge, but few, comparatively speaking, are willing to pay the price.'  Quote:  Juvenal.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Knowledge;,'He who does not know one thing knows another.'  Quote:  Kenyan.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Knowledge;,'Knowledge is  knowing that we cannot know.'  Quote:  Rwe.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Knowledge;,"'Knowledge is of two kinds: We know a subject ourselves, or we know where we can fiend information upon it.'  Quote:  S. Johnson.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Knowledge;,'Knowledge is the small part of ignorance that we arrange and classify.'  Quote:  Ambrose Bierce.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Knowledge;,'Knowledge without sense is double folly.'  Quote:  B. Gracian.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Knowledge;,"'The greatest obstacle to discovering the shape of the earth, the continents and the oceans was not ignorance, but the illusion of knowledge.'  Quote:  D. Boorstin.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Knowledge;,'The trouble with most folks ain't so much their ignorance as knowing so many things that ain't so.'  Quote:  J. Billings.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Knowledge;,'What is the use of knowledge if it serves no useful purpose?' Quote:  Spanish,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Knowledge;,"Apart from the known and the unknown, what else is there?",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Knowledge;,"Some students drink deeply at the fountain of knowledge, others only gargle.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Knowledge; Action;,"'The great end of life is not knowledge, but action.' Quote:  T. H. Huxley",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Knowledge; Discernment;,'Acquire new knowledge whilst thinking over the old and you may become a teacher of others.'  Quote:  Confucius.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Knowledge; Ignorance;,"Everyone is ignorant, only on different subjects.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Knowledge; Ignorance;,What you DON'T know won't HELP you much either.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Knowledge; Ignorance; Old Age; Youth;,"'The old forget, the young don't know.'  Quote:  German.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Knowledge; Ignorance;,"Hunger is cured by food, ignorance by study.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Knowledge; Learning; Wisdom;,'Learning without wisdom is a load of books on a donkeys back.'  Quote:  Japanese.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Knowledge; Meditation;,"Contemplation is to knowledge what digestion is to food, the way to get life out of it.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Knowledge; Mind;,'The head begins to swell when the mind stops growing.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Knowledge; Pioneers, Circuit Overseers, Bethelite,","A pioneer is said to be a person who knows a very little about a great deal and keeps knowing less and less about more and more until he knows practically nothing about everything.  On the other hand, a Bethelite is a person who knows a great deal about very little and who goes along knowing more and more about less and less  until he finally knows practically everything about nothing. A circuit overseer starts out knowing practically everything about everything, but ends up knowing nothing about anything, due to his association with pioneers and Bethelite.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Knowledge; Wisdom;,"'Knowledge comes, but wisdom lingers.'  Quote:  Lord Tennyson.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Knowledge; Wisdom; Old Age; Youth;,'The old believe everything; the middle-aged suspect everything; and the young know everything.'  Quote:  Oscar Wilde.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Knowledge; Youth;,'I am not young enough to know everything.'  Quote:  James Barrie.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Labor;,'A man's best friends are his ten fingers.'  Quote:  Robert Collyer.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Labor;,'The fruit derived from labor is the sweetest of all pleasures.'  Quote:  Luke Clapiers.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Lack Of Faith, Doubts,","Drift-nets are generally about 50 km long, run 14 meters deep and almost invisible.  Not even dolphin sonar can detect them.  50 000 km are year are put into the ocean.  One touch, and you're caught.","We can fool ourselves into 'touching' Satan's drift-net by going to, or sitting through movies that we shouldn't see.  To ignore the prodding of our conscience, no matter how small, and do this is to do exactly what the Israelites did as recorded in Ex 17:1-7.  They talked of stoning Moses, totally forgetting all that Jah had done for them, and all for the want of a glass of water.",Exodus. 17:1-7,Steve Hashimuri,Have Faith In The Good News,47,,1999/10/29,
"Lamentations, Weep, End, Calamity,","Read 'em and weep!  Those are words gamblers hate hearing.    For party goers they say, 'Turn out the lights, the party's over.  Or time to 'pay the piper' Others might just say, 'The bitter end.'  The bitter end had come on Jerusalem.","Will Jerusalem's modern-day counterpart, Christendom, take the warning?  Separate themselves before destruction comes.  Will they come to the bitter end?  Like partygoers it come 'time to pay the piper.'  Or like gamblers on the future, they have to 'read 'em and weep.'",Lam. 1:16; Jer. 14:17,Bobby Laymon,Will You Escape This World's Destiny?,84,,"Jul 10, 2002",
"Lamp, Listen, Illuminators, Light,","'A lamp is not brought to be put under a measuring basket or under a bed, is it?  It is brought to be put upon a lamp stand.'  Quote: Jesus Christ.","'Therefore, pay attention to how you listen.'  We should both listen and let our light shine.",Mark 4:21;,Gt 43,,,,1996/01/15,
"Landmines, Bombs, Danger, Environment,",'It's like trying to empty a bathtub with a teaspoon while the tap is running.'  Quote: A German politician.,The problem of landmines is growing faster than they can be disarmed.,Eccl. 8:9,"Dec 8, 2000 Awake Page 8",A Cleansed Earth--will You Live To See It?,49,,"Nov 13, 2000",
"Language, Greek, Speech,","Even as a farmer would plow his field, Greek first began to be written from right to left, even as Hebrew today still is, and then alternately from right to left and then left to right, back and forth from line to line.","Later all lines were written from left to right. In early times the lines were written from bottom upward as well as from the top downward, but gradually all writing was done from the top to the bottom.",2 Tim 3:16;,W67 6/1 347,,,,1994/07/30,
"Language, Sex, Family, Children, Marriage, Television,",Quote: Comedian Steve Allen on foul language and sex on T.V. 'The flow is carrying us all along right into the sewer.' Dr. Leslie Fisher called television 'a big sex machine.' and 'kids 8 and 9 years old are watching these things.',"'Anything goes' on newspapers, television, videos, evening news, and rap music. See the adult examples around you.",2 Tim. 3:1-5;,"Sep 22, 1991 Aw Page 3, 4",A Godly View Of Sex And Marriage,13,,,
"Language, Speech, Ain't, Words,","'Maybe ain't, ain't so correct, but I notice that lots of folks who ain't using' ain't, ain't eating.'  (Apparently dead folks) Quote: Will Rogers","It is better to not argue over words.  We, as Christians try to use correct speech, but do what we can to put the point across. We do not fight over words.","1c 2:4; 1t 6:3, 4; 2t 2:14;",Bobby Laymon,A Clean People Honors Jehovah,14,,,
"Language, Speech, Families,","These major families we might liken to so many trees in the orchard or forest of speech, and of these there are ten that are spoken by anywhere from 1 to 50 percent of earth's population.","For convenience in classifying the languages of man, those who have made a study of them, such as the philologists, have divided them into certain major families according to their peculiar characteristics. The most widely used is the Indo-European family or tree of languages, it being spoken by 50 percent of earth's population.  This Indo-European family or tree might be said to consist of two main trunks, an Eastern and a Western, together having six large branches, which, in turn, might be said to have a number of twigs.",Genesis. 11:1-9.,W67 6/1 346,A Clean People Honors Jehovah,14,,1994/05/07,
"Language, Speech, Gift, School,",'A goose flies by a chart which the Royal Geographical Society  could not mend.'  Quote: A. W. Holmes,"With humans, speech is progressive. Instinct differs from intelligence in that intelligence resides essentially in the variability of the means it uses, whereas instinct is invariably an inherent force of law.",Col 4:6;,W56 5/15 302,Evidence Of God In The World Around Us,4,,1994/07/31,
"Language, Speech, Gift, School,","'Language as well as the faculty of speech was the immediate gift of God.'  Quote: American lexicographer, Noah Webster.","Use it well!  Use it to praise the giver of every perfect gift, Jehovah!",Jas 1:17;,W56 5/15 301,Keep Growing In Your Relationship With God,16,,1994/07/31,
"Language, Speech, Gift, School, Progressive,","'Though reason is progressive, instinct is stationary. Five thousand years have added no improvement to the hive of a bee, or the house of a beaver,' and, we might add, to the language of the wild.  Quote: Colton.","But with humankind language has changed.  With humans, then, speech is progressive. Instinct differs from intelligence.",Col 4:6;,W56 5/15 302,Evidence Of God In The World Around Us,4,,1994/07/31,
"Language, Speech, Gift, School, Progressive, Intelligence, Words,","While the reputable English language contains some 700,000 words, the language of the Aranta tribe in the interior of Australia is limited to 400 to 500 words.",This tiny vocabulary is not due to lack of intelligence on the part of its speakers. Apparently extreme isolation has enabled them to get along with this vocabulary.,Col 4:6;,W56 5/15 303,Keep Growing In Your Relationship With God,16,,1994/07/31,
"Language, different language, foreign,",'Think like a wise man but communicate in the language of the people.' Quote:  William Yeats,We should try to talk to people in their own language.,Zephaniah 3:9;,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Languages, Speech,",Which language is used by the largest number of persons.,"2. English, spoken by 294 million.  3. Spanish is the language Information: 1. Mandarin, spoken by 505 million, mostly in China of 159 million.",Genesis. 11:1-5;,"Sep 8, 1964 Aw Page 16",,,,,
"Languages, Speech, Universal, United, Esperanto,","Which universal language has had the widest impact? It has not united man, nor has any of the other 600 universal languages proposed over the years.","Information: Esperanto, which has been learned by about 10 million since its creation in 1887.",2 Tim. 3:13,"Mar 1, 1991 Wt Page 12 Para 7",,,,,
Last Days,"'A stitch in time, saves nine.' Avoid selfish ambition, bad tendencies Act wisely by correcting wrong tendencies now.",Prepare now for life in new order,"Rev. 20:11, 12  Exodus. 16:1, 2",Bobby Laymon,Act Wisely As The End Draws Near,38,,,
Last Days,Fire alarm; instantly everyone is alert It is a life or death matter. Requires soundness of mind Some will sleep on.,We are convinced that end of wicked system is near.,2 Tim. 3:1-5,Bobby Laymon,Act Wisely As The End Draws Near,38,,,
Last Days,"House wife, knows when bread is baked, will rise, etc. confidence in future.","Christ Jesus knew last days, earthquakes etc.","Matt 24:7, 8",Bill Fulmer,Will You Be A Survivor Of The 'last Days'?,2,,,
Last Days,"New car-acceleration factor with many in buying 'close in mind' means 'speeding up' Jericho, 1 time each day, then 7 times How Rahab must have felt.","Speed-up attitude important to Jehovah Are we eager, sense urgency?","2 Pet 3:11, 12",Needs Of Circuit,Will You Be A Survivor Of The 'last Days'?,2,,,
Last Days,"Pregnant woman; Doctor says so, and when J.W. not wrong in saying we are in time of the end. Must not set date.","Problem: Doctor is right, she is pregnant, wrong in saying when.",Mic 7:7  Matt 24:36  1 Pet 3:15  1 Th 5:3,"Bro Schwartz, Howard",Will You Be A Survivor Of The 'last Days'?,2,,,
Last Days,"Quote: (Boris Pasternak in 1934 speaking of 1914) 'the last summer when life still appeared to pay heed to individual- duals, and when it was easier and more natural to love than to hate.'",Last days began in 1914,Matt. 24:1-14,"Sep 1, 1959 Wt Page 540",Book 'the Last Summer',2,,,
Last Days,Satan sings lullaby System of things designed to put us to sleep spiritually Satan sings lullaby that has put some to sleep,Need to keep awake,1 Th 5:6,Carey Barber,'standing Firm' Circuit Assembly,2,,,
Last Days,"Snare, trap gnaw let off, or do anything to get out.",Doesn't know he's snared until tries to get out.,Matt 24  Luke 13,Bobby Laymon,Will You Be A Survivor Of The 'last Days'?,2,,,
Last Days,Trigger on gun.,Trigger for 'great tribulation' described in...,1 Th 5:3,"Bro Punko, Larry",Will You Be A Survivor Of The 'last Days'?,2,,,
Last Days,"Wind, Storm Clouds, what do they mean. Clouds darker than in human history Jesus foretold food cost = days wages Sea is roaring",Some could not interpret Sickness; earthquakes; famine Matt 24:14  Good New Preached,"Luke 12:54,55  1 Cor 10:11  Matt 24   Luke 21:25,26  Rev 6:",D. Assy,Will You Be A Survivor Of The 'last Days'?,2,,,
Last Days,"With so much flammable material piled up, it needed only a spark. Christ no longer 'waiting' Regarding 1914","Struck: June 28, 1914; assassination Austrian Archduke Ferdinand",2 Chron. 36: 17-21; Luke 21:24,"Jan 1, 1960 Wt Page 30",Your Will Be Done On Earth,2,,,
"Last Days, 1914,","'Everything would get better and better.  This was the world I was born in ... suddenly, unexpectedly, one morning in 1914 the whole thing came to an end.' Quote: British statesman, Harold Macmillan, The New York Times, Nov 23, 1980",Even after WWII many refer to 1914 as the great turning point in modern history.,Mt 24:7-14;,"Mar 22, 1993 Aw Page 11 (box)",Will You Be A Survivor Of The 'last Days'?,2,,,
"Last Days, 1914,","'In 1914 the world lost a coherence which it has not managed to recapture since...This has been a time of extraordinary disorder and violence, both across national frontiers and within them.' Quote: The Economist, London, Aug 4, 1979",Even after WWII many refer to 1914 as the great turning point in modern history.,Mt 24:7-14;,"Mar 22, 1993 Aw Page 11 (box)",Will You Be A Survivor Of The 'last Days'?,2,,,
"Last Days, 1914,","'It is almost - but not quite yet - part of history, for many thousands of people who were young at the beginning of this momentous twentieth century are still alive.' (The book 1914, by Lyn MacDonald, published in 1987.)",The year that shocked the world was 1914.,"Mt 24:7, 8;","May 1, 1992 Wt Page 3",Will You Be A Survivor Of The 'last Days'?,2,,,
"Last Days, 1914,","'It is indeed the year 1914 rather than that of Hiroshima which marks the turning point in our time.' Quote: Rene' Albrecht-Carrie', The Scientific Monthly, July 1951",Even after WWII many refer to 1914 as the great turning point in modern history.,Mt 24:7-14;,"Mar 22, 1993 Aw Page 11 (box)",Will You Be A Survivor Of The 'last Days'?,2,,,
"Last Days, 1914,","'The Great War of 1914-18 lies like a band of scorched earth dividing that time from ours.  In wiping out so many lives..., in destroying beliefs, changing ideas, and leaving incurable wounds of disillusion, it created a physical as well as psychological gulf between two epochs.'",The year that shocked the world was 1914. Quote:  (The Proud Tower--A portrait of the World Before the War 1890-1914 by Barbara Tuchman),"Mt 24:7, 8;","May 1, 1992 Wt Page 3",Will You Be A Survivor Of The 'last Days'?,2,,,
"Last Days, 1914,","'The modern era ... began in 1914, and no one knows when or how it will end...It could end in mass annihilation.' Quote: The Seattle Times, Jan 1, 1959",Even after WWII many refer to 1914 as the great turning point in modern history.,Mt 24:7-14;,"Mar 22, 1993 Aw Page 11 (box)",Will You Be A Survivor Of The 'last Days'?,2,,,
"Last Days, 1914,","'The whole world really blew up about WWI and we still don't know why...Utopia was in sight.  There was peace and prosperity.  Then everything blew up.  We've been in a state of suspended animation ever since.' Quote: Dr. Walker Percy, American Medical News, Nov 21, 1977.",Even after WWII many refer to 1914 as the great turning point in modern history.,Mt 24:7-14;,"Mar 22, 1993 Aw Page 11 (box)",Will You Be A Survivor Of The 'last Days'?,2,,,
"Last Days, 1914,","Did the 'Alarm Clock' Go Off Too Soon?  'Would we consider it a great calamity if our alarm clock went off a little before the time ... a few moments earlier in the morning of some great day full of joy and pleasure?  Surely not!' Quote: Russell, several years before 1914.","But that 'alarm clock' had not gone off too soon.  Actually, it was the experiences to which the 'clock' had awakened them that were not exactly what they expected.  Following 1914, events started to unfold.",Mt 24:3-14;,Jehovah's Witnesses - Proclaimers Of God's Kingdom.  Page 135-6,Will You Be A Survivor Of The 'last Days'?,2,,,
"Last Days, 1914, Armageddon, Inactive, Snare, Awake,","A snare is often equipped with a noose, and it is used for capturing birds and mammals.  The snare has a trigger, and anyone who walks into it trips the trigger.  The snare then pulls shut, and the victim is caught.  All of this happens very suddenly.","In like manner, Jesus said, spiritually inactive ones will be surprised and will be overtaken in God's 'day of fury.'","Lk 21:34, 35; Pr 11:4;","May 1, 1992 Wt Page 19",How To Keep Spiritually Awake!,71,,,
"Last Days, 1914, Conclusion,","'For us the world is disorderly and dangerous, ungoverned and apparently ungovernable.  Everywhere there is great anxiety and bewilderment.' this 'marks, I believe, the historic fact that we are living through the closing chapters of the established and traditional way of life. 'Quote: famous writer, Walter Lippmann.",A great change is in the making.,Matt. 24:3-14;,The Truth That Leads To Eternal Life. Page 9,Will You Be A Survivor Of The 'last Days'?,2,,,
"Last Days, 1914, Conclusion,","Our time is 'a period of unequaled instability, unequaled violence... I know enough of what is going on to assure you that in fifteen years from today, this world is going to be too dangerous to live in.'  Quote: former United States Secretary of State, Dean Acheson (1960)",A great change is in the making.,Matt. 24:3-14;,The Truth That Leads To Eternal Life. Page 9,Will You Be A Survivor Of The 'last Days'?,2,,,
"Last Days, 1914, Doubt, Signs, Note, Warnings, Flood, World,","Like a runaway train, this system is picking up speed in its downward plunge.","Will you stay with it and take the consequences, or will you listen to the counsel of God's Word and abandon it?","2c 4:4; Mt 15:14; 24:38, 39; 2p 3:3, 4, 6;","Oct 8, 1968 Aw Page 26",The Flood Of Noah's Day Has Meaning For Us,6,,,
"Last Days, 1914, Doubt, Signs, World,","What if someone told you winter was near, as they saw the leaves falling?  You noticed that each day, the temperature was dropping. There was gray clouds scudding across the sky, and all the trees (except ever-greens) were shedding their leaves.  Would you doubt that winter is near?","We have many signs that the end of this system is very near. Also we have God's calendar, showing that time has nearly run out for the present system.","Lk 21:29, 30; Mt 24:33, 34;","Oct 8, 1968 Aw Page 23, 24",'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
"Last Days, 1914, Doubt, Signs, World, Warnings, Flood, Pioneer,","Many people today are like persons on a runaway train who pay no attention when someone sincerely tries to warn them that the train is headed for disaster.  They keep up their club-car conversations discussing wages, prices or social injustices.","They fit the description Jesus gave, 'they took no note until the flood came and swept them all away.'","Mt 24:38, 39; 2p 3:3, 4, 6;","Oct 8, 1968 Aw Page 25",The Kingdom Of God Is Near,109,,,
"Last Days, 1914, Doubt, World,","Suppose on a hot day at the beginning of summer, someone told you that winter was coming within a week because he had seen some leaves falling.  That tree could have had a disease.  Especially, if no other leaves were falling, and the heat continued.","You would have reason for doubt, especially if the calendar told you it was just the beginning of summer.","Lk 21:29, 30; Mt 24:33, 34;","Oct 8, 1968 Aw Page 23, 24",'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
"Last Days, 1914, End, Kingdom,","'The human race, like the hero of a Greek tragedy, driven on by angry gods and no longer the master of fate.'  Quote: Bertrand Russell, New York 'Times Magazine' Sept 27, 1953","The way persons, conscious of the trend in the world, since 1914 views the human race.  They feel that nothing can be done to avert the plunge toward ruin.",Re 12:12;,Let Your Kingdom Come   Page 116,The Kingdom Of God Is Near,109,,,
"Last Days, 1914, End, Sign, Armageddon, Kingdom,",Matching world events to this prophecy is like matching a fingerprint to its owner.  There will not be someone else with the identical print.,"Likewise, the pattern of events that began in 1914 will not be repeated in some future generation. Everything that goes to making up the sign is clearly in evidence.",Mt 24:37-39;,Reasoning Bk; Page 242,The Kingdom Of God Is Near,109,,,
"Last Days, 1914, Gentile Times, Evangelizing, Prophecy,","''Look out for 1914!' has been the cry of the hundreds of traveling evangelists, who, representing this strange creed, have gone up and down the country enunciating the doctrine that 'the Kingdom of God is at hand.'' Quote: 'The World Magazine' August 30, 1914","The above magazine, stated: 'The terrific war outbreak in Europe has fulfilled an extraordinary prophecy.' For almost 40 years, Jehovah's people had foretold 1914.",Dan 2:27-44;,Jehovah's Witnesses - Proclaimers Of God's Kingdom.  Page 60,Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,63,,,
"Last Days, 1914, Pollution, Ecology,","'No generation in the past has faced the prospect of mass extinction within its lifetime. No generation in the future will ever face a similar challenge: if this present generation fails to get to grips with the task, the damage will have been done and there will be no 'second try.''","Regarding the destruction of the environment. Quote: The book, 'State of the World 1988, by Norman Myers. (See chart on page 6, regarding vanishing species, warming trend, unsafe water, etc.)","Mt 24:7,8;","Mar 1, 1993 Wt Page 5",Ruining The Earth Brings Divine Retribution,106,,,
"Last Days, 1914, Prophecy, Churchill","'The spring and summer of 1914 were marked in Europe by an exceptional tranquility,' wrote British statesman Winston Churchill. People were generally optimistic about the future. 'The world of 1914 was full of hope and promise,' said Louis Snyder in his book World War I.","However, with the assassination at Sarajevo of the crown prince of the Empire of Austria-Hungary on June 28, 1914, a dark cloud appeared on the horizon.","Rev 12:9, 12",W92 5/1 4  1914,Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,1994/05/09,
"Last Days, 1914, Satan, War, Churchill,","A report about British statesman Winston Churchill noted: 'The shot which was fired on June 28, 1914, in Sarajevo, had shattered the world of security and creative reason . . . The world has never been the same place since. . . . It was a turning point, and the wonderful, calm, attractive world of yesterday had vanished, never again to appear.'","That year, marked by Bible prophecy centuries earlier, indeed proved to be a turning point in history.   It may at first seem strange that the enthronement of Christ would be marked by unprecedented war on earth. But do not forget that 'the ruler of the world' is Satan the Devil.  (John 14:30) He did not want to see God's Kingdom in control of earth's affairs. To divert attention from the Kingdom, he maneuvered men into a war to uphold their own claims to sovereignty.",Re 12:9-12;,Tp 73-4  7,How To Protect Ourselves From Satan's Snares,115,,1994/05/09,
"Last Days, 1914, Sign, Armageddon,","Did you ever ask a question and get a much more detailed answer than you could ever imagine, or even comprehend? Perhaps something that completely 'blew your mind'?","When Jesus' disciples asked the question at Matt 24:3 they did not know what was embraced in those three things about which they were asking.  He gave them a bigger answer than they might have expected, reaching further into time than they could have calculated.",Matt 24:3-47,"Jan 15, 1970 Wt Page 42",Will You Be A Survivor Of The 'last Days'?,2,,,
"Last Days, 1914, Sign, Prophecy, War,","'Many Americans had entered the new century full of hope...Then on July 28, 1914, this mood was shaken by one word:  WAR!'  Quote: The book 'American Adventures'",Twenty-eight countries were directly involved in it.  The warring nations represented almost 90% of the world's population at that time. See chart of 24-part sign.,Mt 24:7; Re 6:4;,"Mar 1, 1993 Wt Page 4, 5",Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,,
"Last Days, 1914, Time,","If you come in and see something on the floor, for instance, water, what are you going to say?  How did that water get there?  Who did this?  When did this happen?  It is human nature to think in this way.","Likewise, when the world began to change rapidly, people wanted to know; How did this happen?  Who is responsible?  When did this happen?  Wise men have commented on the year 1914 on a scale that is unequaled by any other year.",Rev. 12:9-12;,Bobby Laymon,Act Wisely As The End Draws Near,38,,"Mar 2, 2001",
"Last Days, 1914, Warnings, Flood, Decisions, World, Survivors,","Like the open door of the ark built by Noah, and like the open gates of Jerusalem when Rome's armies temporarily withdrew.",The opportunity is still before you.  But that door of opportunity will soon close for all time.  Prompt action is vital if you would be among the survivors.,"2c 4:4; Mt 15:14; 24:38, 39; 2p 3:3, 4, 6;","Oct 8, 1968 Aw Page 26",Decide Now For Divine Rulership,37,,,
"Last Days, 1914, Woes, Depression, Stress,","'Ever since 1914, everybody conscious of trends in the world has been deeply troubled by what has seemed like a fated and predetermined march toward ever greater disaster. Many serious people have come to feel that nothing can be done to avert the plunge towards ruin.'-Bertrand Russell, The New York Times Magazine, September 27, 1953.",1914 was indeed a turning point in human history.,2 Tim 3:1-5;,G93 3/22 11,Gaining Comfort In All Our Tribulations,105,,1994/10/17,
"Last Days, 1914, Woes, Depression, Stress,","Science News of December 5, 1992, reported: 'Rates of severe, often incapacitating depression have increased in each succeeding generation born since 1915.'",Severe depression is not uncommon in these 'critical times hard to deal with.',2 Tim 3:1-5;,W93 9/15 10,Gaining Comfort In All Our Tribulations,105,,1994/10/17,
"Last Days, 1914, Woes, Depression, Stress, Fear,","'The modern era . . . began in 1914, and no one knows when or how it will end. . . . It could end in mass annihilation.'-The Seattle Times, January 1, 1959.",Only the Bible gives us accurate knowledge of the future.,Rev 11:18;,G93 3/22 11,Gaining Comfort In All Our Tribulations,105,,1994/10/17,
"Last Days, 1914, Woes, Fear,","'Everything would get better and better. This was the world I was born in. . . . Suddenly, unexpectedly, one morning in 1914 the whole thing came to an end.'-British statesman Harold Macmillan, The New York Times, November 23, 1980.",People from all walks of life still remember 1914.,2 Tim 3:1;,G93 3/22 11,Overcoming Fear Of The Future,108,,1994/10/17,
"Last Days, 1914, Woes, Fear,","'The last completely 'normal' year in history was 1913, the year before World War I began.'- Editorial in the Times-Herald, Washington, D.C., March 13, 1949.",There has not been a normal year since.,2 Tim 3:13;,Br78 7,Overcoming Fear Of The Future,108,,1994/10/17,
"Last Days, 1914, Woes, Fear,","'The whole world really blew up about World War I and we still don't know why. . . . Utopia was in sight. There was peace and prosperity. Then everything blew up. We've been in a state of suspended animation ever since.'-Dr. Walker Percy, American Medical News,  November 21, 1977.",People from all walks of life still remember 1914.,Rev 11:18;,G93 3/22 11,Overcoming Fear Of The Future,108,,1994/10/17,
"Last Days, 1914, Woes, Fear,","Declared an editorial writer in the Pittsburgh Sun-Telegram, August 1, 1954: 'Forty years ago the world overnight goose-stepped from the 'golden age' into a volcanic epoch marked by bloody wars.'","An editorial in the Edmonton Journal of Alberta, Canada, dated August 7, 1954, explains further: 'It seems likely that when the history of the twentieth century is written, August 4, 1914, the day hostilities became general in Europe, will loom larger than even the date of the outbreak of the Second World War or the dropping of the first atomic bomb. That August day, we are beginning to realize, marked a dividing line in history. An era of peace, progress and security ended, and an age of war and revolution began.'",Matt 24:7-14;,W54 12/1 711,Overcoming Fear Of The Future,108,,1994/10/17,
"Last Days, 1914, Woes, Fear,","Dr. Harold C. Urey, one of the world's leading creators of the atom bomb, said: 'We have not had a peaceful world since 1914.' (Cleveland Plain Dealer, December 9, 1951)",This system of things truly became unbalanced in 1914.,Matt 24:7-14;,W54 12/1 711,Overcoming Fear Of The Future,108,,1994/10/17,
"Last Days, 1914, Woes, Fear,","In a review of the book 1914, historian A. L. Rowse wrote: 'If ever there was a year that marked the end of an era and the beginning of another, it was 1914. That year brought to an end the old world with its sense of security and began the modern age, characteristic of which is the insecurity that is our daily portion.'",Historians see 1913 as the end of an era.,2 Tim 3:13;,Tp 73  7,Will You Be A Survivor Of The 'last Days'?,2,,1994/10/17,
"Last Days, 1914, Woes, Fear,","MOST people 'did not realize they were witnessing the turning point in modern history,' says historian Hans Kohn about the effect of the first total war in mankind's history, World War I.","He explains that even after the war was over, 'few were aware of the profound revolution that had taken place in the minds of peoples all over the globe, or that this revolution would express itself one day soon in the reordering of national and international society.'",2 Tim 3:13;,G87 3/8 11,Overcoming Fear Of The Future,108,,1994/10/17,
"Last Days, 1914, Woes, Fear,","Note, too, the comment in the book entitled '1914' by J. Cameron: 'In the year 1914 the world, as it was known and accepted then, came to an end. Far more than any year before or since was this the punctuation-mark of the twentieth century . . . from then on nothing  could ever be the same.'","As Jesus foretold, it was 'a beginning of pangs of distress.'",Matt 24:7-14;,W69 2/1 72,Overcoming Fear Of The Future,108,,1994/10/17,
"Last Days, 1914, Woes, Fear,",WHERE were you in the year 1914? Would you answer: 'I was not born'? But a few million people today can still remember the year 1914.,"Whether you were alive in that year or not, 1914 should mean more to you than a mere calendar sheet curled and yellowed with age or a headline on a crumbled magazine page. It is a momentous year that touches your life today.",Matt 24:7-14;,W84 4/1 5,Overcoming Fear Of The Future,108,,1994/10/17,
"Last Days, 1914; Sign; Presence;","WE DO not need to be in doubt as to where we are on the stream of time or where this world is heading. There is a sign telling us this. It is, in effect, a huge signpost, big enough to be read the earth around.","This global sign is in fulfillment of a prophecy given by Christ Jesus and found in the Bible at Matthew 24, Mark 13 and Luke 21. Examine, now, what that sign is composed of and then compare its features with what your own eyes, ears and other senses tell you is taking place today.",Matt 24:3-14;,G73 10/8 20,Will You Be A Survivor Of The 'last Days'?,2,,1999/01/22,
"Last Days, 1914; Sign; Presence; Armageddon; Collision;",THE world is heading with accelerating speed toward collision-a collision that soon will utterly wreck the present world order.,"Yet there will be survivors of that collision, and these will take up life in a new world order.",Rev. 16:14-16;,G73 10/8 22,Will You Be A Survivor Of The 'last Days'?,2,,1999/01/22,
"Last Days, Armageddon,","Sometimes on television we hear the expression, 'It's going down' meaning it's going to end, be shut down, regarding a drug ring, or other illegal activity.",A time came for 'It's going down' regarding the Jewish system of things; and also for this system of things today.,"Mt 23:37, 38; Re 16:16",Lonnie Roper,Will You Be A Survivor Of The 'last Days'?,2,,,
"Last Days, Armageddon,","Visit a large library and look in its card catalog for 'last days': 'The last days of Charles II,' 'The last days of Marie Antoinette,' 'The last days of General Grant,' 'The last days of Hitler,' 'The last days of Pompeii,' 'The last days of","Proof that person, cities, nations, empires experience 'last days' Sevastopol,' 'The last days of Herculaneum.' To scoff at 'Bible' last days is certainly unwarranted.",2 Tim. 3:1-5; 2 Pet. 3:1-12; Dan. 2:44;,"Mar 15, 1967 Wt Page 165",Ruining The Earth Brings Divine Retribution,106,,,
"Last Days, Armageddon, Earth, Paradise,","'It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.' Quote: Charles Dickens. (A Tale of Two Cities]",Armageddon will be like that!  It will be a 'time to live and a time to die.' With Armageddon ahead we need to appreciate need for faith and obedience. Our survival will depend on our quickness to obey specific instructions.,Rev. 16:14-16;,Bobby Laymon,Stand Still And See The Salvation Of Jehovah,41,,1995/08/05,
"Last Days, Armageddon, Future, End, Prophecy, Faith,","'Have you ever enjoyed a really good book? Perhaps it 'grabbed hold of you' so that you were unable to put it down until you finished it. The book had a great plot, and kept you on the edge of your seat as the hero narrowly escaped many dangers.  Now suppose that, about a year after you finish reading this great book, you see that book has been made into a movie. So you go to see this movie, and as you watch it, you find that, unlike most book-to-movie translations, this movie is faithful to the book down to the finest detail!  In fact, the scary parts are just as scary as they were in the book. But while other movie-goers who have not read the book are grasping the armrests on their chairs, you aren't as afraid, because you've read the book, and you know exactly how the hero makes it out of this situation. In fact, as the movie progresses, others start to look at their watches to find out how much time is left in the movie... but you don't have to, because you've read the book, and you know where in relation to the ending you currently are, and thus how much time is left.","The end of this system of things is just like a movie... and some of the parts are very scary. But while we may be 'on the edge of our chairs' at times by what we see on the screen, we are not scared as the rest are; BECAUSE WE HAVE READ THE BOOK, AND THIS MOVIE IS FAITHFUL TO THE BOOK DOWN TO THE FINEST DETAIL.   We know where we are in the end of this system of things by what we see around us because we've READ THE BOOK. We know what is going to happen next, because we've READ THE BOOK. We are not faint out of fear as the rest are, because we've READ THE BOOK.'",Luke 19:43;,Peter Morgan,Will You Be A Survivor Of The 'last Days'?,2,,1997/08/11,
"Last Days, Armageddon, Peace, Ignorance,",'We are dancing on a volcano.' Quote: Narcissi Achilles.,"Fast-moving space age is slumbering, not awake to meaning of world events.  It is as if they are 'dancing on a volcano.'","Mt. 16:2, 3;",Bobby Laymon,How To Keep Spiritually Awake!,71,,1995/07/18,
"Last Days, Armageddon, Pompeii, Urgency, Warnings, Materialism,","When Mount Vesuvius was sending forth warnings in 79 C.E., the majority of people in the city of Pompeii did not heed. 'Many Pompeian-- chiefly the wealthy--refused to abandon precious homes and possessions and took shelter, hoping the horror would","A delay today can cost your life, as it did theirs. pass. 'Last days' speedily running out; positive action is indeed urgent",2 Tim. 3:1-5; 2 Pet. 3:1-12; Dan. 2:44;,"Mar 15, 1967 Wt Page 168",Will You Escape This World's Destiny?,84,,,
"Last Days, Armageddon, Sign,","J. Edgar Hoover, quote: 'Of all the methods of identification, fingerprinting alone has proved to be both infallible & feasible' Chances of 2 persons having same is 1 to 1 followed by 60 zeros. Fingerprints have been used for many centuries. Since 650 A.D.","There will be no other generation like ours. Fingerprints are here 1903 two men looked identical: fingerprints were different. Men have cut, sanded, melted to change them without success.",Matt. 24:3-14,"Dec 22, 1962 Aw Page 19",Ruining The Earth Brings Divine Retribution,106,,,
"Last Days, Crime, Wicked, Armageddon,","Killer usually stalk prey at night; strike deadly blow, least exp.","Armageddon, like thief in night","Hos. 8:7; Rev. 16:14, 16; 1 Th 5:2-9; Matt. 24:21, 34","Jan 22, 1962 Aw Page 13",Ruining The Earth Brings Divine Retribution,106,,,
"Last Days, Cut Short, Tribulation,","Like the 'eye of a hurricane', which has a calm in the middle. It's leading edge bends trees in one direction, and the trailing edge takes them the other, uprooting them and causing mass destruction.","Back in 1925 it was suggested that the 'great tribulation' was 'cut short' in the middle, and would resume again resulting in Armageddon.  At that time this explanation sounded good and reasonable.  However, the interval would be many times the rest.",Matt 24:21-39;,"Jan 15, 1970 Wt Page 52, 53",Will You Be A Survivor Of The 'last Days'?,2,,,
"Last Days, End, 1914,","'The events set in motion on August 4, 1914 . . . destroyed a moral-cum-political order, broke up an international balance of power, ended Europe's role as the world's maker of events and killed, in the proceedings, several dozen million people. . . . in 1914 the world lost a coherence which it has not managed to recapture since.'-London, 'The Economist.'","True to Bible prophecy, 1914 was a 'marked year.'",Rev 12:9-12;,Hp 147,How Do You Fit Into The Kingdom Arrangement?,21,,1994/08/23,
"Last Days, End, 1914, Armageddon,","'A deterioration been  going on since the first World War.' Quote: Dwight D. Eisenhower, former president of U.S. (Sep 13, 1965)",The year 1914 was not an ordinary year.  It ushered in what the Bible calls the 'last days.',2t 3:1-5; Re 12:12,"Oct 8, 1968 Aw Page 6",Will You Be A Survivor Of The 'last Days'?,2,,,
"Last Days, End, 1914, Armageddon,",'I get the feeling that we're on a runaway train or something-- that the country has gone over the edge and there's nothing I or anyone can do about it.' Quote: Doctor in Los Angeles,"According to Jehovah's timetable, 1914 was the turning point in human history.",Re 12:12;,"Oct 8, 1968 Aw Page 3-6",Will You Be A Survivor Of The 'last Days'?,2,,,
"Last Days, End, 1914, Armageddon,","'Obviously something happened in 1914 which altered the course of ... life.  That alteration has not been for the better.' Quote: New York Journal-American (Jan 24, 1952)",The year 1914 was not an ordinary year.  It ushered in what the Bible calls the 'last days.',2t 3:1-5; Re 12:12,"Oct 8, 1968 Aw Page 6",Will You Be A Survivor Of The 'last Days'?,2,,,
"Last Days, End, 1914, Armageddon,",'Society is coming apart at the seams.' Quote: Office worker in Chicago.,"According to Jehovah's timetable, 1914 was the turning point in human history.",Re 12:12;,"Oct 8, 1968 Aw Page 3-6",Will You Be A Survivor Of The 'last Days'?,2,,,
"Last Days, End, 1914, Armageddon,","'The last completely 'normal' year in history was in 1913, the year before WW I began.' Quote: Washington, D.C. Times-Herald, March 13, 1949",The year 1914 was not an ordinary year.  It ushered in what the Bible calls the 'last days.',2t 3:1-5; Re 12:12,"Oct 8, 1968 Aw Page 5",Will You Be A Survivor Of The 'last Days'?,2,,,
"Last Days, End, 1914, Armageddon,","'The world as man knew it...was forever ending, and from July 28 to Aug 4, 1914, the leaders and the led joined in pronouncing the death sentence...WWI was the end of the Golden Age, the beginning of Total War.' Quote: Hanson W. Baldwin, military analyst. (Jul 26, 1964)",The year 1914 was not an ordinary year.  It ushered in what the Bible calls the 'last days.',2t 3:1-5; Re 12:12,"Oct 8, 1968 Aw Page 6",Will You Be A Survivor Of The 'last Days'?,2,,,
"Last Days, End, 1914, Armageddon,","'Throughout the entire world people are caught up in convulsive change... Everything is bunched up--time, space, nations, people, issues.  And everything has a fuse attached to it.' Quote: New York Times June 10, 1968","According to Jehovah's timetable, 1914 was the turning point in human history.",Re 12:12;,"Oct 8, 1968 Aw Page 3-6",Will You Be A Survivor Of The 'last Days'?,2,,,
"Last Days, End, Armageddon, Sign,","If you live in a house near a lot of deciduous trees, eventually the gutters will become clogged with leaves and will require cleaning. Say you arrange for someone to come and do the job, but you don't know when he will do it. Then one day you get home from work and you know he's been. How? By all the leaves and other rubbish that is lying on the ground around the house.","Similarly, we can see the effects of Satan's being ousted from the heavens by the mess he's made on the earth. So watch out for him.",Rev 12:12;,J.K.,The Kingdom Of God Is Near,109,,1997/04/12,
"Last Days, End, Conclusion, Armageddon, 1914,",'A deterioration has been going on since the first World War.' Quote: Former president of the U.S. Dwight D. Eisenhower.,1914 Marked the 'beginning of pangs of distress.',Matt. 24:8;,"Apr 1, 1967 Wt Page 198",Will You Be A Survivor Of The 'last Days'?,2,,,
"Last Days, End, Conclusion, Armageddon, 1914,","'Before 1914 when there was real peace, quiet and security on this earth--a time when we didn't know fear.... Security and quiet have disappeared from the lives of men since 1914.' Quote: Former chancellor of West Germany, Konrad Adenauer.",1914 Marked the 'beginning of pangs of distress.',Matt. 24:8;,"Apr 1, 1967 Wt Page 198",Will You Be A Survivor Of The 'last Days'?,2,,,
"Last Days, End, Conclusion, Armageddon, 1914,","'If we all get the nuclear madness out of our systems and the human race survives, some historian in the next century may well conclude that the day the world went mad was August 4, 1914.' Quote: London Evening Star.",1914 Marked the 'beginning of pangs of distress.',Matt. 24:8;,"Apr 1, 1967 Wt Page 198",Will You Be A Survivor Of The 'last Days'?,2,,,
"Last Days, End, Conclusion, Armageddon, 1914,",The 'last day' of the week means the last 24 hours.  It has a definite beginning and definite end. We are in not the last part of the 'week' but the last part of the 'day.',Since 1914 this system has been building rapidly toward a climax.,2 Pet. 3:8-13; Matt. 24:3;,"Apr 1, 1967 Wt Page 197",Will You Be A Survivor Of The 'last Days'?,2,,,
"Last Days, End, Conclusion, Armageddon, 1914,",The human race today is 'just about lost.  All the things that happened since 1914 are things that 'just couldn't happen' and we will see a lot more of them.' Quote: A dean of American education as told to a meeting of teachers.,1914 Marked the 'beginning of pangs of distress.',Matt. 24:8;,"Apr 1, 1967 Wt Page 200",Will You Be A Survivor Of The 'last Days'?,2,,,
"Last Days, End, System, World, Armageddon, 1914,",Shock wave after nuclear explosion. Fire storm.,Year 1914 started a 'shock wave' never felt before in human history.',Matt. 24:29,Forrest Barber,'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
"Last Days, End, Time, Youth, Exert, Regret, Life,",'Lost time is never found again.'  Quote: Benjamin Franklin.,Let us recognize the URGENCY of these days.,2 Cor 6:2;,Bobby Laymon,Reach Out For The Real Life!,90,,1995/07/17,
"Last Days, Guidance, Bible,","Imagine that you are traveling through a region you have never seen before.  By now you should have reached your destination, but the street signs, town names, and landmarks are not those you expected. 'Where am I?' you wonder.  'Am I heading the right way?'","Today's world is in a similar predicament.  Man is in unfamiliar territory as he observes society deteriorating on a scale never before seen.  With all the advances in science and technology, it would seem that by now we should be in a better world.",2 Tim 3:1-5;,"Apr 22, 1995 Aw Page 3",Will You Be A Survivor Of The 'last Days'?,2,,1995/03/18,
"Last Days, Guidance, Bible,","When you are traveling, it is important to watch for signs that will identify your location.","Similarly, the Bible describes features -- world situations and attitudes -- that would characterize a period in history called 'the last days.'",2 Tim 3:1-5;,"Apr 22, 1995 Aw Page 3",Will You Be A Survivor Of The 'last Days'?,2,,1995/03/18,
"Last Days, Guidance, Bible, Governments, Kingdom, Rule,","Like a traveler in an unfamiliar area, man cannot direct his own steps.","Through a multitude of governments -- from dictatorships to democracies -- man has tried every route imaginable.  Yet, his success has been limited at best.",Jer 10:23; 2 Tim 3:1-5;,"Apr 22, 1995 Aw Page 11",Will You Be A Survivor Of The 'last Days'?,2,,1995/03/18,
"Last Days, Guide, Bible, Security, Survive,","You are in the bow of a canoe as it enters a rough stretch of river.  Huge boulders loom up through cascades of foam and spray.  You try to fend them off.  The person behind you is supposed to help steer the craft, but he has little experience.  Worse yet, you have no map, so you have no idea whether these rapids will end in a calm pool or in a waterfall.  Not a pleasant scenario, is it?  So let us change it.  Imagine that you have an experienced guide with you, one who knows this river's every rock, every bend.  He knew far ahead that this white water was approaching, he knows how it will end, and he knows how to negotiate his way through it.  Would you not feel far more secure?","Really, all of us are in a similar predicament.  We find ourselves, thought no fault of our own, in a rough stretch of human history.  Most people have no idea how long things will be this way, whether conditions will improve, or how best to survive in the meanwhile.  Be we do not have to feel lost or helpless.  Our Creator has provided us with a guide--one that foretold this dark period of history, predicts how it will end, and offers us the guidance we need in order to survive.  That guide is the Bible.","Isa 30:20,21;","Apr 1, 1997 Wt Page 4, 5",Will You Be A Survivor Of The 'last Days'?,2,,1997/03/10,
"Last Days, Hope, Despair, Encouragement, Persecution,",'It is always darkest just before the day dawneth.' Quote: Thomas Fuller. [1650].,"NOW is the time for EACH of us to be close to brothers, not  complaining or showing weakness, but each being STRONG to exhort one another.",Heb 3:13;,Bobby Laymon,Maintain Your Confidence Firm To The End,46,,1995/07/14,
"Last Days, Light, Darkness, Good News,","'An age is called Dark, not because the light fails to shine, but because people refuse to see it.'  Quote: James A. Michener.","We are living in the 'darkest period' of human history, yet there exist the greatest 'light' that is shining.  It is the good news.","Isa 60:2, 3;",Bobby Laymon - Reader's Digest,Good News In A Violent World,85,,1996/03/20,
"Last Days, Morals, Sin,",Did you ever step onto a 'down escalator' and then decide you want to go the other way.  You can't get off.,The system of things is on an escalator and not sure how to get off the escalator.  It is all downhill.,Rom. 5:12;,Bobby Laymon,Conducting Ourselves Honestly At All Times,10,,1998/09/10,
"Last Days, Satan,","Camouflage used to hide things, so won't be noticed. Actually started WWI early to mislead even about time of Kingdom.",Satan started WWI to divert attention away from God's Kingdom.,Rev. 12:4-12;,"Larry Punko, C.O.",How To Protect Ourselves From Satan's Snares,115,,,
"Last Days, Satan, Devil, Demons, 1914,",'Since 1914 the world has had a new character; a character of international anarchy.'  Quote: British historian H. R. Trevor-Roper,There has been another unseen character on the scene.  Satan the Devil.,Re 12:9;,"Feb 1, 1971 Wt Page 69",How To Protect Ourselves From Satan's Snares,115,,1993/11/08,
"Last Days, Sign,","'One swallow does not make a summer.' Know 'he is near, at the doors.'",The 'sign' is complete in all its details.,"Matt. 24:33; Luke 21:29-31; Mark 13:28, 29;",Bobby Laymon,Will You Be A Survivor Of The 'last Days'?,2,,,
"Last Days, Sin, Association, Movies, Television, Youth, Recreation","If you lived by the shore of an ocean and knew that a tidal wave was approaching, what would you do?  Would you stay by the ocean? Or would you flee to safe ground?","In these 'last days' there is a tidal wave of immorality, perversion and violence sweeping the globe.  What will you do about it?",2ti 3:1-5; 1co 15:33;,"Jul 22, 1969 Aw Page 16",Appreciating Marvels Of God's Creation,114,,,
"Last Days, Thief, Armageddon, Babylon, Warning,","Did you ever have something stolen?  Did the thief call first and say, 'I'm going to come by at 3:30 in the morning and get your lawnmower?  No!  That's not the way thieves work, is it?  It is without warning.","Jehovah's day will come as a thief, without warning.  We must stay alert and awake.",1th 5:1-6; Hab 2:3;,Daniel Myers,Be Confident Of Divine Victory!,39,,,
"Last Days, Thief, Awake, Vigilance, Alert, Urgent,","A burglar does not make an announcement informing the householder when he will strike; his main weapon is surprise.  Therefore, the householder must be on constant guard.","However, for the faithful Christian, unflagging vigilance is not due to any fearful apprehension.  Rather, it is motivated by an eager expectation of Christ's coming in glory to usher in a Millennium of peace.",Mt 24:42-44;,"Jun 1, 1993 Wt Page 14",How To Keep Spiritually Awake!,71,,,
"Last Days, Time, Signs,","When a housewife puts a cake into the oven, she can set the timer to tell when it is about ready to take out.  Also, she can check it occasionally, by looking at it.  It one method fails, the other will still assure her timing is right.","Those who missed the 'timer' in 1914, can still check the events that are happening now, and by physical evidence know that we are living in the time of the end.",Matt 24:7-14;,Susan Fleming,Will You Be A Survivor Of The 'last Days'?,2,,1997/07/11,
"Last Days, World, Sign, Kingdom,",A light bulb is said to glow brighter just before it burns out. the peak of endurance. Soon this system will burn out.,"Worldly system may seem to be glowing very brightly,",2 Tim. 3:1-5; Matt. 24:3-14; Luke 21:29-35; Mark 13:14-31;,Bobby Laymon,'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
"Last Days, World, Sign, Kingdom,",All roads lead to Rome.,All roads today leading to Armageddon.,2 Tim. 3:1-5; Matt. 24:3-14; Luke 21:29-35; Mark 13:14-31;,Bobby Laymon,'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
"Last Days, World, Sign, Kingdom,",Even rats will leave a sinking ship.,We should be intelligent enough to leave Satan's doomed system.,2 Tim. 3:1-5; Matt. 24:3-14; Luke 21:29-35; Mark 13:14-31;,Bobby Laymon,'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
"Last Days, World, Sign, Kingdom, Badness, Babes,",Ignorance of some things is the greatest of knowledge.,We must be 'babes as to badness' 1 Cor. 14:20,2 Tim. 3:1-5; Matt. 24:3-14; Luke 21:29-35; Mark 13:14-31;,Bobby Laymon,'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
"Last Days, World, Sign, Kingdom, Flood,","The more things change, the more they remain the same.",History does repeat itself in many ways.,2 Tim. 3:1-5; Matt. 24:3-14; Luke 21:29-35; Mark 13:14-31;,Bobby Laymon,The Flood Of Noah's Day Has Meaning For Us,6,,,
"Last Days, Ww I, 1914","Shot fired that was heard around the world. Heir to the Austrian throne shot by a Serb on June 28, 1914. Austria-Hungary soon declared war against Serbia. Germany against on 8-1; Germany against France 8-3; Great Britain. Russia took sides with Serbia, so Germany declared war against Russia on August 1. Then Germany declared war against France on August 3; Great Britain against Germany on August 4; Montenegro against Austria-Hungary on August 7; Japan against Germany on August 23; Austria-Hungary against Belgium on August 28.",Referred to shot that started WW I.,Rev. 11:18,"Oct 15, 1990 Wt Page 16",Will You Be A Survivor Of The 'last Days'?,2,,,
Last Days;,'These are the times that try men's souls.' Quote:  Thomas Paine,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Last Days; 1914; End; Conclusion;,"'More and more historians look back upon World War I as the great turning point of modern history, the catastrophic collapse which opened the way for others.'-D. F. Fleming, 'The Origins and Legacies of World War I.'","The Turning Point Foreseen-by Whom?  But did you know that, long before 1914-in fact, more than a quarter of a century before-persons were pointing ahead to that year as one to be of great significance for all mankind? History shows that sincere Bible students, known today as Jehovah's witnesses, did just that.",Matt 24:9,G73 10/8 17,Global Peace--from What Source?,122,,1999/01/12,
Last Days; 1914; End; Conclusion;,"Since 1914 the whole world has become like a spaceship that has gone out of control, moving faster and faster toward grave danger. To know why this situation has come about we need to understand the chain of events that began in that year.","Compared with our violent twentieth century, the previous century is rightly described as 'a century of peace.' In 1914 World War I broke out and changed all this. To appreciate just how great the change has been, consider the way historian A. J. P. Taylor describes continental Europe before the start of World War I: 'In 1914 Europe was a single civilized community, more so even than at the height of the Roman Empire. A man could travel across the length and breadth of the Continent without a passport until he reached the frontiers of Russia. . . . He could settle in a foreign country for work or leisure without legal formalities except, occasionally, some health requirements. Every currency was as good as gold, though this security rested ultimately on the skill of financiers in the City of London. There were common political forms. . . . Nearly everywhere men could be sure of reasonably fair treatment in the courts of law. No one was killed for religious reasons. No one was killed for political reasons, despite the somewhat synthetic bitterness often shown in political disputes. Private property was everywhere secure.'-'From Sarajevo to Potsdam.'",Rev. 16:16;,G73 10/8 16,Life Does Have A Purpose,23,,1999/01/12,
Last Words;,"' Why, what does this mean?'  Last words of Frederick Douglas'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Last Words;,'All my possessions for a moment of time!  Queen Elizabeth 1',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Last Words;,'Bring me my costume for the Swan Dance.'  Quote:  Pavlova.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Last Words;,"'Doctor, do you think it could have been the sausage? (Paul Claudel's last words)'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Last Words;,'Does anybody understand?  James Joyce  - Irish novelist',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Last Words;,'I feel nothing except a certain difficulty in continuing to exist. Bernard Fontanelle',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Last Words;,"'Last words of Algernon Sidney, conspirator against King Charles II. When ask  by the executioner Will you rise again?: Not until the general resurrection.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Last Words;,'Lenin last words: 'What else could we have done?'   Quote:  Lenin.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Last Words;,"'Norman Baesell flying the aircraft in which Glenn Miller died, last words: 'What's a matter Miller, do you want to live forever?'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Last Words;,'Not at all! (Henrik Ibsen's last words upon hearing his wife's remark that he seemed to be getting better.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Last Words;,"'So much to do, so little done. (of Cecil Rhodes)'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Last Words;,'Why should I talk to you? I've just been talking to your boss. Last words of Wilson Mizner to an attendant priest.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Last Words;,'Woe to me! I think I am turning into a God. (Vespian's last words)',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Last Words;,"Don't worry, be happy. Last words of guru Baba Meher-died 1969. His last words were spoken in 1925 since he lived in silence for 44 years.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Last Words; Funny;,"'Ethan Allen on being told the angels were waiting for him: 'Waiting are they, Waiting are they!  Well let him wait!'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Laugher;,Laughter is the shock absorber of life's blows.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Laughter, Depression,",'Laughter is the brush that sweeps away the cobwebs of the heart.'  Quote: Mort Walker.,Laughter is a good healer for the spirits.  A sense of humor will help to avoid many pains.,Prov 17:22;,Bobby Laymon - Reader's Digest,Getting Marriage Off To A Good Start,27,,1996/03/24,
"Laughter, Happiness, Joy,","It is like 'internal jogging!' Laughter can reduce pain as well as be a good workout for the heart.  Circulation improves, the diaphragm is exercised, and the oxygen level in the blood is raised.  Chest, neck, face, and scalp muscles also get a workout, along with the eye muscles that expel tears.","However, merely laughing our way through life will not ensure good health.  Balance is needed.  There is a time to laugh and a time to be quiet.  Thoughtless laughter may grate on the ears of others and sound like 'crackling thorns' being burned under a pot because it is useless and offers no edification.","Ecc 3:4, 7; 7:6;","Apr 22, 1993 Aw Page 31",Serve Jehovah With A Joyful Heart,78,,,
"Laughter, Humor,","'An interior convulsion, producing a distortion of the features and accompanied by inarticulate noises.'  Quote: Ambrose Bierce.","Pride hinders communication and the resolution of difficulties, but    pride shrivels if we remember our insignificance and possess a sense  of humor.  A laugh can be good.",Ps 126:2;,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Laughter;,"'A hearty laugh gives one a dry cleaning, while a good cry is a wet wash.'  Quote:  Puzant Thomajon.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Laughter;,'A laugh at your own expense costs you nothing.' Quote:  Waltrip,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Laughter;,'A man isn't poor if he can still laugh.'  Quote:  Ray Hitchcock.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Laughter;,'Against the assault of laughter nothing can stand.'  Quote:  Mt.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Laughter;,'He laughs best who laughs last.'  Quote:  English.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Laughter;,'I can usually judge a fellow by what he laughs at.' Quote:  Wilson Mizner,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Laughter;,"'If you don't learn to laugh at trouble, you won't have anything to laugh at when you're old.'  Quote:  Ed Howe.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Laughter;,'Laugh: a smile that bursts.'  Quote:  Pat Nelson.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Laughter;,'Laughter can be heard farther than weeping.' Quote:  Yiddish,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Laughter;,'Laughter is a tranquilizer with no side effects.' Quote: A. Glaslow.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Laughter;,'Laughter is the sun that drives winter from the human face.' Quote:  Victor Hugo,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Laughter;,"'Laughter is the tonic, the relief, the surcease for pain.'  Quote:  Charlie Chaplin.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Laughter;,'Men show their character in noting more clearly than by what they think laughable.'  Quote:  Goethe.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Laughter;,"'Once you get people laughing, they're listening and you can tell them almost anything.'  Quote:  Herb Gardner.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Laughter;,'the most thoroughly wasted of all days is that on which one has not laughed.'  Quote:  Chamfort.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Laughter;,'There is nothing in which people more betray their character than in what they laugh at.'  Quote:  Goethe.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Laughter;,'Those who bring sunshine to the lives of others cannot keep it from themselves.'  Quote:  James Barrie.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Laughter;,A laugh is worth one hundred groans on any market.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Laughter;,Keep in mind that the man who makes people laugh secures more friends than the one who forces them to think.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Laughter;,"Laughter relieves us of superfluous energy, which, if it remained unused, might become negative, that is, poison.  We all have plenty of this poison in us.  Laughter is the antidote.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Laughter; Cheerfulness; Humor; Health;,Laughing is the best tonic to keep one healthy.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Laughter; Faults;,"'A human being should beware hew he laughs, for then he shows all his faults.'  Quote:  Rwe.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Laughter; Grief; Anger;,"Just as tears cleanse grief, so does laughter cleanse anger.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Laughter; Humor;,"'He who laughs, lasts.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Laughter; Humor;,"He who laughs last, has no sense of humor.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Laughter; Humor;,Laughter is the hiccup of a fool.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Laughter; Humor; Happiness;,Laugh and grow fat.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Laughter; Humor; Health;,He who laughs......lasts.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Laughter; Humor; Health;,Mirth is God's medicine.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Laughter; Truth;,"'He that jokes, confesses. Italian'  Quote:  Italian.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Law,Death frees married woman from law of husband.,Jesus death freed Jews from subjection of Mosaic law.,Rom. 7:7,"Aug 1, 1990 Page 24",How To Express Love In A Lawless World,112,,,
Law,"Large Estate; very much desire; working for minimum wages. Absolutely no way man could do works to earn it, certainly not works formerly done under Mosaic Law.",No way we could ever earn salvation.  'free gift',Rom. 3:20-24  Gal. 2:16  John 3:16  Rom. 6:23,"Aug 1, 1990 Page 16",How To Express Love In A Lawless World,112,,,
"Law, Authority, Government,","'We must not make a scarecrow of the law.  Setting it up to fear the birds of prey and let it keep one shape, till custom make it their perch, and not their terror.' Quote: William Shakespeare. [1604-1605].",Christians do not take the view of others regarding the law.  We obey the laws of the superior authority knowing it safeguards us and allows a clear conscience.,Rom 13:5;,Bobby Laymon,Respect For Authority Is A Safeguard For You,12,,1995/07/10,
"Law, Covenant,","Like a contract on house that after so many years become negotiable or can change. A new contract will then be followed. With Jesus death, the law of Moses went out of force. A new covenant was necessary.","Jesus fulfilled the law covenant, replaced with New Covenant.",Matt. 5:17;,Johnse Laymon,How To Express Love In A Lawless World,112,,,
"Law, Covenant, Better, Memorial,",The 'New covenant' is based on promises fulfilled rather than on shadows of things to come.,Therefore it is a 'better' covenant.,Jer 31:31-34; Heb 8:6; 9:11-14;,"Sep 1, 1996 Wt Page 14",,,,1996/08/01,
"Law, Future, History, Experience, Governments, Kingdom,","'PEOPLES and governments never have learned anything from history, or acted on principles deducted from it.'  Quote:  a 19th-century German philosopher.","Indeed, the course of human history has been described as a 'march of folly,' a series of ghastly blunders and crises, many of which could have been prevented.",Ps 19:7;,"Sep 1, 1996 Wt Page 14",Your Future--how Can It Be Known?,19,,1996/08/01,
"Law, Moses, Berlin Wall,","Aug 13, 1961 Beginning of Berlin wall first barbed wire fence, then wall cinder block began snake its way 30 miles across city finally 8 feet people lost life to get west side many lost life. If you were able get past dogs, guards other dangers, would you return?",Israel was freed from law of Moses by Jesus.  Kept returning and trying to get Gentiles to keep it. Info: Berlin Wall fell suddenly in November 1989. (1993 YB p. 4),Eph. 3:11-14 Gal. 3:19-25,"Johnse Laymon Dec 8, 1965 Aw Pg 3",How To Express Love In A Lawless World,112,,,
"Law, Of Moses","Shadow of telephone pole, keep following, bump into real thing.  The law still reveals Jehovah's viewpoint on matters.","Jews kept observing law until Christ arrived, let right to him.",Heb 10:1,"Dick Ekstrom  (see Nov 15, 1989 Wt Pages 4-6",How To Express Love In A Lawless World,112,,,
"Law, Order, Decency, Love, Hate,","Man threatened to jump from Brooklyn Bridge and while police struggled to get him down, crowd broke into organized chant, crying, 'Jump! Jump! Another young man poised on hotel ledge was urged by a large",Defiance of law and order and sense of decency. crowd to 'Jump!' and called 'chicken' and 'yellow' Not isolated incidents.,"2 Tim. 3:1-4, 13; Hos. 4:1, 2; Matt. 24:12;","Aug 22, 1964 Aw Page 13","Friendship With God, Friendship With The World -- Which Will You Choose?",79,,,
"Law, Order, Tyranny, Authority,","'Wherever law ends, tyranny begins.' Quote: John Locke. [1690].","We have good reason to subject ourselves to these authorities.  God permits human governments to exist and to maintain some order in   society.  Police, courts, and lawmakers serve as 'God's minister'.","Rom 13:3, 4;",Bobby Laymon,Respect For Authority Is A Safeguard For You,12,,1995/07/14,
"Law, Order, Universe, Evolution, Creation, deterioration,","From personal experience, you likely know that all things tend toward disorder. As any homeowner has observed, when left to themselves, things tend to break down or disintegrate. Scientists refer to this tendency as 'the second law of thermodynamics.' We can see this law at work daily. If left alone, a new automobile or bicycle will become scrap. Abandon a building and it will become a ruin.","What about the universe? The law applies there too. So you might think that the order throughout the universe should give way to complete disorder.  However, this does not seem to be happening to the universe, as Professor of Mathematics Roger Penrose discovered when he studied the state of disorderliness (or, entropy) of the observable universe.",1 Cor. 14:40;,Ct Page 25,Jehovah--the Grand Creator,101,,"Feb 8, 2001",
"Law, Principle, Obedience, Decisions, Rules,","To a child, one might say, 'You must not touch the stove.'  To an adult you might say, 'The stove is hot.' One is a law, the other is a principle.  The latter is more fundamental.  It governs what one may do--perhaps cook, bake, or turn the stove off.","Life's key principles, of course, are spiritual; they govern our worship of God and our happiness.  Some retreat from principles.  They prefer the comfort of a rule when faced with a decision.  This is unwise and contrasts with the example set by faithful men of old.",Rom. 15:4;,"Oct 15, 1997 Wt Page 28",Decide Now For Divine Rulership,37,,1997/11/11,
"Law, Principle, Obedience, Decisions, Rules, Associations,",The world feeds like a glutton on violence and immorality.,"The danger is that a Christian might be tempted to nibble, perhaps secretly, on the same junk food--the movies, videos, or books.  We must be guided by Bible principles.",Ps. 11:4; Prov. 15:3;,"Oct 15, 1997 Wt Page 29",Choose Your Associates Wisely!,116,,1997/11/11,
"Law, Principle, Obedience, Decisions, Rules, Pharisees,","Like ants, scurrying about on a painting, they failed to see the whole picture.","The Pharisees were like that.  They could only see rules, not the whole picture, the principles.  They might come to the aid of an animal, a financial investment, but never to a man or a woman, unless it was a matter of life or death.",Mark 3:1-6;,"Oct 15, 1997 Wt Page 30",Taking Time To Meditate On Spiritual Things,67,,1997/11/11,
"Law, Principle, Thinking,",'Carry Your own load' Difference between law and principle.  Bad associations: principle helps to see spending 3 hours with an adulterer on movie screen is just as bad.,"Law asks that you simply obey; principle ask you to do your own thinking, and apply or extend the principle to your case.",Gal. 6:5,"Feb 15, 1963 Wt Page 122",How To Express Love In A Lawless World,112,,,
"Law, Principles, Commandments, Obedience,","Moses brought not 10 suggestions, but...",Moses brought 10 commandments.,Deuteronomy. 5:1,Phil Kirkton; Bethel Notes.,Parents--are You Building With Fire-resistant Materials?,104,,,
"Law, Stake,","The claim is made that in the time of Christ in Asia bills or deeds were canceled by driving a nail through them and fixing them to a post in a public place.  Some say that outmoded laws were abrogated by nailing copies of them up in public places.  While specific proof is lacking, there are indications this is true.","This seems to be the custom Paul alluded to where he speaks of Jesus, 'He has taken it out of the way by nailing it to the torture stake.'",Col 2:14;,"Aug 15, 1958 Wt Page 494;",How To Express Love In A Lawless World,112,,,
"Law, Standard,","A LAW, in order to hold a nation together for long, must be just, right and strong.  To a great extent, the prosperity and duration of a nation is a measure of its laws.  The U.S. with its fine Constitution and Bill of rights is already having difficulty after 200 years.","Israel, the only nation, to be given a complete set of laws from God, lasted 905 years.  This long period under one government speaks well of the strength and rightness of those laws. (See article for many, many benefits of Jehovah's Law)","Ne 9:36, 37; Ps 19:9;","Jun 15, 1970 Wt Page 372",Why Live By Bible Standards?,88,,,
"Law, Truth,",Possession is 9/10 of the law.,God's law too. Don't want to be in possession of counterfeit religion.,Jas 2:12;,J.K.,Respect For Authority Is A Safeguard For You,12,,1997/04/13,
Law;,"'If we desire respect for the law, we must first make the law respectable.'  Quote:  Louis Brandeis.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Law;,"'If you cannot reconcile yourself to the law, remain in the cradle.'  Quote:  Calderon.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Law;,"'If you like laws and sausages, you should never watch either one being made.'  Quote:  Otto Von Bismarck.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Law;,"'Laws, like the spider's web, catch the fly and let the hawk go free.' Quote: Spanish",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Law;,'The best safety device in a car is a rear view mirror with a policeman in it.'  Quote:  Gil Stern.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Law;,'The more law the more offenders.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Law;,"'The more laws, the less justice.'  Quote:  Cicero.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Law;,Every law is an infraction of liberty.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Law;,In a thousand pounds of law there is not an ounce of love.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Law;,In law nothing is certain but expense.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Law;,"The verdict acquits the raven, but condemns the dove.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Law;,"When men are pure laws are useless; when men are corrupt, laws are broken.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Law; Justice;,Much law but little justice.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Law; Liberty; Freedom;,'Liberty is the right of doing whatever the laws permit.'  Quote:  Charles De Secondat.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Laws,","If you saw even a simple sign at a street corner saying, 'Stop,' what would it show? Laws indicate the existence of lawmakers.","The universe has far more impressive laws.  Those superior laws indicate the existence of a superior Lawgiver, the invisible Creator.",Rom 1:20;,W77 7/15 420,,,,1996/06/11,
"Laws, Blessing, Credit, Growth, Progress, Spiritual,","Just as the farmer observes the natural laws that govern season, soil condition and other things when cultivating his crops ...",... We must also observe Jehovah's laws regarding our conduct and our worship of him. We must 'seek Jehovah.',Zep 2:3;,W79 6/1 24,Hold A Good Conscience In A Sinful World,107,,1994/07/30,
"Laws, Government, Taxes, Authority,","'Laws are like cobwebs, which may catch small flies, but let wasps and hornets break through.' Quote: Jonathan Swift.","We live at a time of great upheaval; institutions and relationships of all types are being attacked.  Laws often help the rich and harm the poor.  We can understand why some people are angered, frustrated with man's laws.",Ecclesiastes 8:2-4;,Bobby Laymon,Respect For Authority Is A Safeguard For You,12,,1995/07/14,
"Laws, Gravity, Morals,","If you jump off a tall building, the law of gravity is executed immediately. So would you be.",Jehovah's moral laws may be slower in being executed but just as sure.,"Rom. 1:28-31; Gal. 6:6, 7;",Don Wolkin (1-13-1991),Does God Count You Personally Important?,26,,,
"Laws, Gravity, Morals, Religion,","Few intelligent people dispute that the universe is governed by natural laws.  These laws control everything from tiny atoms to mighty galaxies containing billions of stars.  Were it otherwise, there could be no planning and no understanding.",But what about moral laws?  Is adherence to them just as beneficial and fruitful?  Many seem to feel that there are no moral laws and choose a permissive philosophy or religion that fits their own desires.,Matt 7:14;,"Sep 1, 1995 Wt Page 5",Why Live By Bible Standards?,88,,1995/07/31,
"Laws, Jehovah, Pioneer,",No Trespassing signs. (No trespassing - High Voltage).,Jehovah gives us REASON to obey his laws.,"2th 1:8; Jas 3:3, 17;",Pioneer Meeting (mike Hart),Make Jehovah Your Confidence,70,,,
"Laws, Justice, Manners, Kindness, Love,","The laws men have compiled to manage the conduct of humanity would fill a library, yet they not resulted in the guidance humanity needs.","Do we need more laws, or fewer.  Jehovah only gave about 600 to the nation of Israel.  Just a sprinkling of what we have today.  How about just one law?  Just the one related at Matthew 7:12.",Mt 7:12;,"Jul 22, 1994 Aw Page 6",Follow The Course Of Hospitality,77,,1994/06/25,
"Laws, Morals,","If you jump off a cliff, you know what is going to happen.  There will be serious repercussions.","Breaking God's moral laws are just as sure as jumping off a cliff.  They will have serious repercussions.  Maybe, not right now, but somewhere down the line.","Acts 17:26, 27;",Richard Mc Donald,Does God Count You Personally Important?,26,,1996/07/02,
"Laws, Principle, Guidance, Obedience,","A train going down the track may find it difficult to get off the track.  That is kind of like laws.  They are more rigid.  In driving down the highway, we have white lines to guide us.  These are easier to miss and might be likened to principles.",However the results are the same.  We must strive to keep both Jehovah's laws and principles.,Rev. 1:3,Bob Bingham,,,,"Feb 1, 2002",
"Laws, Standards,",Information only: Israel's law code contained about 600 laws and statutes.,"That is still a very small number compared to the legal system of modern nations.  In the early 1990's the federal laws of the U.S. filled over 125,000 pages, with thousands of new laws being added each year.","Leviticus 18:24, 25; Is 43:10-12;","Sep 1, 1996 Wt Page 9",Why Live By Bible Standards?,88,,1996/08/01,
"Laws, Standards, Pharisees, Essences, Rigid, Strict, Traditions,",The Essences 'at times could out-Pharisee the Pharisees themselves.'  Quote: The Interpreter's Dictionary of the Bible.,A group of ascetics who isolated themselves in separated communities.  They were even more exclusive than the Pharisees.,Matt 23:23;,"Sep 1, 1996 Wt Page 10 Box.",,,,1996/08/01,
"Laws, Standards, Pharisees, Rules, Ezra, Traditions,","'Make a fence around the Law.' Quote: So-called followers of Ezra.  These teachers reasoned that the Law was like a precious garden.  In order that no one should trespass in this garden by transgressing its laws, they created further laws, the 'Oral Law,' to prevent the people from coming close to such error.",In time this 'fence' actually damaged the very 'garden' it was supposed to protect.,Ezra 7:10;,"Sep 1, 1996 Wt Page 11",,,,1996/08/01,
"Laws, Standards, Pharisees, Rules, Purification, Traditions,",It was said that 'The Pharisees would purify the sun itself if given the chance.',Their law held that a delay in 'answering nature's call' would defile a man!,Leviticus 18:6;,"Sep 1, 1996 Wt Page 12",,,,1996/08/01,
"Laws, Standards, Pharisees, Rules, Traditions,",A ship-owner goes to great lengths to scrape pesky barnacles from his ship because they slow the vessel and destroy its rustproof paint.,"These added laws and traditions became affixed to the Mosaic Law much as barnacles become attached to the hull of a ship.  They encumbered the Law and exposed it to corrosive misuse.  However, instead of scraping such extraneous laws away, the rabbis kept adding more.  When the Messiah came, the 'ship' was barely afloat!",Prov 16:25;,"Sep 1, 1996 Wt Page 13",,,,1996/08/01,
"Laws, Standards, Pharisees, Traditions,",'...They magnified trifles and in doing so trifled with magnitudes.'  Quote: A scholar.,Regarding the Pharisees and the Law of Jehovah.,Matt 23:23;,"Sep 1, 1996 Wt Page 10 Box.",,,,1996/08/01,
"Laws, Standards, Science, Universe, Creation, Time,",'The natural laws of the universe are so precise that we have no difficulty building a spaceship to fly to the moon and can time the flight with the precision of a fraction of a second.  These laws must have been set by somebody.' Quote: Rocket scientist Dr. Wernher von Braun.,"We see true evidence of a Supreme Designer.  All the heavenly bodies are controlled by precise laws, such as those for motion, heat, light, sound, electromagnetism, and gravity.  Can there be laws without a lawmaker?",Ro 1:20,What Is The Purpose Of Life?  Page 8,Why Live By Bible Standards?,88,,,
"Laws, Unchangeable,","Like a lighthouse on a rock-mass, divine law is stable and unchangeable.",God's laws are completely reliable--unlike the quicksand of constantly changing human ideas.,Mal. 3:6; James 1:17;,"Apr 15, 2002 Wt Page 16, 17;",Does Your Hope Rest On Science Or The Bible?,80,,"May 24, 2002",
Laws;,'Useless laws weaken the necessary laws.'  Quote:  Montesquieu.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Laws; Common Sense;,'You can't legislate intelligence and common sense into people.' Quote:  Will Rogers,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Laws; Love; World; Red Tape;,'What the world really needs is  more love and less paperwork.'  Quote:  Pearl Bailey.,,,Jk Quotes;,Christian Separateness From The World--why Beneficial.,119,,,
Lawsuit;,'Lawsuit: A machine which you go into as a pig and come out as a sausage.'  Quote:  Ambrose Bierce-1906.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Lawyers;,"'A man may as well open an oyster without a knife, as a lawyer's mouth without a fee.'  Quote:  Barten Holiday.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Lawyers;,"An apple a day may keep the doctor away, but a banana peel will always attract a couple of lawyers.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Lawyers;,If there were no bad people there would be no good lawyers.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Lawyers;,It is better to be a mouse in a cat's mouth than a man in a lawyer's hands.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Lawyers;,Kick an attorney down stairs and he'll stick to you for the rest of your life.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Lawyers;,"There are two kinds of lawyers, the ones who know the law, and the ones who know the judge.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Lawyers;,When there is no will there is a way.......for lawyers.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Lawyers; Justice; Court;,"'Two farmers each claimed to own a certain cow. While one pulled on its head and the other pulled on its tail, the cow was milked by the lawyer.'  Quote:  Jewish.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Laziness;,'I like the word indolence. It makes my laziness seem classy.'  Quote:  Bern Williams.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Laziness;,"'Laziness is like money, the more a man has the more he wants.'  Quote:  Gbs.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Laziness;,'Laziness is often mistaken for patience.'  Quote:  French.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Laziness;,'Laziness is the habit of resting before fatigue sets in.'  Quote:  Jules Reynard.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Laziness;,'Standing pools gather filth.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Laziness;,'The lazy are always looking for something to do.'  Quote:  Marquis De Vauvenagrues.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Laziness;,'There is no pleasure in have little to do. The fun is having lots to do and not doing it.'  Quote:  Mary Wilson.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Laziness;,'What use is a good head if the legs won't carry it.' Quote:  Yiddish,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Laziness;,A river becomes crooked by following the line of least resistance.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Laziness;,"Some people are like blisters, they never appear until the work is done.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Laziness;,"Some people are so farsighted, they rest before they get tired.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Laziness;,"The dog that is idle barks at his fleas, but he that is hunting feels them not.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Laziness;,The lazy man aims at nothing and generally hits it.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Laziness;,The only thing wrong with doing nothing is that you never know when your finished.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Laziness; Idleness;,'Breathless for no reason and busy doing nothing.'  Quote:  Phaedrus.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Laziness; Idleness;,'One disadvantage of having nothing to do is that you can't stop and rest.'  Quote:  Frank Jones.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Laziness; Idleness;,'The Devil tempts all. But the idle man tempts the Devil.' Quote:  Turkish,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Laziness; Wealth;,Easy street is a blind alley.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Laziness; Work;,"'Laziness may appear attractive, but work gives satisfaction.'  Quote: Ann Frank",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Lazy,"Farmer must plow even in winter, but lazy one may blame weather No one could be expected to sympathize with him. Rains softened ground from Oct to Dec. (Seldom very cold)","Not deter a manly person, but lazy might neglect.",Prov. 20:4,"Sep 15, 1961 Wt Page 567",What Kind Of Name Are You Making With God?,55,,,
"Lazy, Ambition,","Ant, prepares it's food in summer, harvest.","Instead of sleeping in favorable season, lazy person can learn.",Prov. 6:6-8,"Apr 15, 1962 Wt Page 243",What Kind Of Name Are You Making With God?,55,,,
"Lazy, Ambition, Sleep, Waste, Pleasure, Exert, Time,","' Passed field of lazy individual, ... and it produced weeds.' Lazy individuals are not acceptable in Jehovah's eyes. Must use time profitably.","'A little sleep, a little slumbering ...folding of hands ...'",Prov. 24:30-34; Eph. 5:15-20;,"May 1, 1963 Wt Page 272",Lovers Of Pleasure Or Lovers Of God?,64,,,
"Lazy, Idle, Zeal, Activity, Ministry","A Spanish philosopher tells about the Roman aqueduct at Segovia, in his native Spain. It was built in 109 A.D. For eighteen hundred years, it  carried cool water from the mountains to the hot and thirsty city. Nearly sixty generations of men drank from its flow. Then came the present generation. One man said, 'This aqueduct is so great a marvel that it ought to be preserved for our children as a museum piece. We shall relieve it of its centuries-long labor.'  They did. They laid modern iron pipes. They gave the ancient bricks and mortar a reverent rest. And the aqueduct began to fall apart. The sun beating on the dry mortar caused it to crumble. The bricks and stone sagged and threatened to fall.","What ages of service could not destroy, idleness disintegrated.",Prov. 6:6,Bobby Laymon,TRUE FRIENDSHIP WITH GOD AND NEIGHBOR,100,,1999/02/18,
"Lazy, Idleness, Ambition, Goals, Effort,",IDLENESS - Prolonged idleness paralyzes initiative.  Anonymous.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Lazy, Idleness, Ambition, Goals, Effort,",Idleness is tough because you get no rest periods.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Lazy, Skill,",Brier hedge Many are product of his imagination.,Lazy imagines no end of difficulties.,Prov. 15:19,"Feb 1, 1962 Wt Page 85",Follow The Way To Life,45,,,
"Lazy, Work, Busy, Ambition,","If you want something done, give it to a busy man.",Jehovah and Christ are workers & get things done.,"Heb. 6:11; Eph. 6:6; Prov. 19:24; Prov. 19:15, Prov. 22:13;",Bobby Laymon,What Kind Of Name Are You Making With God?,55,,,
"Lazy, Work, Busy, Ambition,","If you want something done, send someone. Or better yet, do it yourself.","We must be willing to work, and eager also.","Heb. 6:11; Eph. 6:6; Prov. 19:24; Prov. 19:15, Prov. 22:13;",Bobby Laymon,What Kind Of Name Are You Making With God?,55,,,
"Lazy, Work, Busy, Ambition,",It is a poor man who steals a hoe or a chopping ax.,Poverty makes stealing seem a necessity.,"Prov. 6:30; Heb. 6:11; Eph. 6:6; Prov. 19:24; Prov. 19:15, Prov. 2",Jim Laymon,What Kind Of Name Are You Making With God?,55,,,
"Lazy, Work, Busy, Ambition,",No one knows what he can do until he tries.,"If Jehovah offers you an assignment, he will help you fulfill it.","Heb. 6:11; Eph. 6:6; Prov. 19:24; Prov. 19:15, Prov. 22:13;",Bobby Laymon,What Kind Of Name Are You Making With God?,55,,,
"Lazy, Work, Busy, Ambition, Dedication,","A cat will eat fish, but will not wet her feet.","We must never feel we are above an assignment from Jehovah. No matter how menial the task, we should be willing to do it for Jehovah.","Heb. 6:11; Eph. 6:6; Prov. 19:24; Prov. 19:15, Prov. 22:13;",Bobby Laymon,How Purposeful Is Your Life?,60,,,
"Lazy, Work, Busy, Ambition, Procrastination,",There is no time like the present for postponing what you ought to be doing.,"Procrastination, or putting-off something.","Heb. 6:11; Eph. 6:6; Prov. 19:24; Prov. 19:15, Prov. 22:13;",Bobby Laymon,What Kind Of Name Are You Making With God?,55,,,
"Lazy, Work, Busy, Ambition, Service, Return Visits,",Don't look for a bird in last year's nest.,Be quick to follow thru.,"Heb. 6:11; Eph. 6:6; Prov. 19:24; Prov. 19:15, Prov. 22:13;",Bobby Laymon,How Should You Serve God?,58,,,
"Leader, Progress, Servants,","It's been said that the true leadership of a man is measured, not by the number of servants he has, but by the number of people he serves.",Christ Jesus served more people than anyone in human history.  He has helped more people.  He did it in a self-sacrificing way.  Why?,1 Pet 2:21,Joe Laymon,,,,"Sep 3, 2001",
Leader; Elder;,"A good leader is one who knows the way, goes the way and shows the way.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"League Of Nations, Last Days, 1914, Woes, Fear,",In the United States nationalism appeared in the form of isolationism. More and more Americans were in favor of letting Europe stew in its own juice.,"They were also opposed to membership in 'the evil thing with a holy name,' as some called the League of Nations.  Despite President Wilson's pleas, Congress bowed to the prevalent spirit of the times and voted in 1920 against U.S. membership.",Dan 11:31;,G87 3/8 12-13,Overcoming Fear Of The Future,108,,1994/10/17,
"League Of Nations, United Nations, Government, Kingdom,","'Here today, gone tomorrow.' Quote: Writer Thomas Carlyle (1843) 'In the long-run every government is the exact symbol of its people, with their wisdom and un-wisdom.'",Failure of UN; Replaced by God's Kingdom.,"Isa. 8:9, 10; Rev. 17:11;","Dec 8, 1990 Aw Page 22-24",The Kingdom Of God Is Near,109,,,
"League Of Nations, United Nations, Government, Kingdom,","'Promises, promises' (Vs. the realities) Anarchies; Monarchies; Aristocracies; Democracies; Autocracies; Fascist; Communist; (See article for definition on all the above.",Information: Definition of forms of human govern. (In detail),Rev. 13:1-3,"Dec 8, 1990 Aw Page 23",The Kingdom Of God Is Near,109,,,
"League Of Nations, United Nations, Government, Kingdom,",'The light that failed' Quote: Varindra T. Vittachi of UNICEF Quote Author Richard Ivor: 'The UN ...will not abolish sin. It can make international sinning more difficult...and it will make the sinner more accountable. But it has not succeeded in changing the,Failure of UN hearts and minds ...of the people.',"Isa. 8:9, 10;","Dec 8, 1990 Aw Page 22",The Kingdom Of God Is Near,109,,,
"League Of Nations, United Nations, Government, Kingdom,","Referee keeps foes separated, calls the shots. Has tried to serve as middleman, keeping disunited nations from flying at one another's throats.",United Nations not even been successful even in this limited role.,"Rev. 13:14, 15; Isa 8: 11-13; Luke 21:25-32;","Dec 8, 1990 Aw Page 20-24",The Kingdom Of God Is Near,109,,,
"League Of Nations, United Nations, Government, Kingdom,  Dates","League born Jan 16, 1920, died as a teen-ager on Sep 1, 1939. Before its official burial, it had already been replaced by the UN on Oct 24, 1945 with 51 members. Currently has 160 members; 55 additional special organizations",Information on League of Nations large countries not belonging: Two Koreas and Switzerland. Each member gets one vote.,"Rev. 13:14, 15; Isa 8: 11-13; Luke 21:25-32;","Dec 8, 1990 Aw Page 20-24",The Kingdom Of God Is Near,109,,,
Learning;,'Learning is a treasure which accompanies its owner everywhere.'  Quote:  Chinese.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Learning; Wisdom;,'Learning without wisdom is a load of books on an ass's back.'  Quote:  Japanese.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Learn, Experience, Others, Bible, Proverbs,","A brother told how he had learned from others experience:  One day he was visiting his cousin.  It was very cold, and they went out toward the barn.  His cousin put his tongue to the gate and it stuck.  No matter how much he hummed and whined he could not get loose.  His mother had to heat a large bucket of water and pour it over the metal on the gate for him to get loose.","His cousin never put his tongue to a cold gate again.  But he was not the only one who learned the lesson.  The brother said, 'I have never put my tongue to a cold gate either.'  We can learn from the hard experiences of others.",Job 41:8;,Bobby Laymon,Decisions You Face--how Will You Make Them?,50,,1995/05/29,
"Learn, Experience, Others, World,",DO WE really need to burn our fingers in order to know pain and suffering?  Can we not learn from the negative experiences of others?,Do we need to turn to 'the mire' of this world to see if we have missed out on something?,2 Pet. 2:20-22;,"Feb 1, 2001 Wt Page 12",'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,"Mar 17, 2001",
"Learn, Teach,",Like travel in foreign country. Once you know the main roads you can get practically anywhere. We must keep branching out and applying ourselves to learn more.,"Main roads leading to Jehovah, Kingdom, Resurrection, Paradise,",Ps. 83:18; Matt. 6:33;,"Mar 8, 1964 Aw Page 9",Why Live By Bible Standards?,88,,,
Learn; Old Dog New Tricks;,'It is difficult to learn left-handedness in old age.'  Quote:  Nigerian.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Learning, Education, Teach, Knowledge, Understanding, School,",Like a constant journey ... We never find our destination. Like the Theocratic Ministry School.  We never graduate.,We will always be learning more about Jehovah and his Creation.,Prov. 4:18; Eccl. 8:17;,Bobby Laymon,Follow The Way To Life,45,,,
"Learning, Education, Teach, Knowledge, Understanding, School,","Which surgeon would you want to operate on you. The one who is old and never been back to school, or the one that keeps up. The Theocratic Ministry School helps us to keep up.",We will always be learning more about Jehovah and his Creation.,Prov. 4:18; Eccl. 8:17;,Bobby Laymon,Follow The Way To Life,45,,,
"Learning, Effort, Training,",It takes 5 tons of ore to find 1 oz of gold.,"Like a prospector, are we willing to put forth the effort?",Prov. 2:4;,J.K.,Have Faith In The Good News,47,,1997/04/11,
"Learning, Mother, Wife, Early, Cradle, Child, Infant,",'What the mother sings to the cradle goes all the way down to the grave.'  Quote: Henry Ward Beecher.,Early training will stay with a child.,2 Tim 3:15; Prov 22:6;,Bobby Laymon - American Essays By Dan Valentine,Parents--are You Building With Fire-resistant Materials?,104,,1997/05/13,
"Learning, Progress, Instruction, School, Creation,",Learning is like a constant journey - in which one never finds their destination.,Our theocratic education is like that.  We never graduate from the Theocratic Ministry school.  We never will stop learning about Jehovah and his marvelous works.,Isa 54:13;,Bobby Laymon,Can You Live Forever?--will You?,35,,1995/01/24,
Learning;,"'I have learned silence from the talkative, toleration from the intolerant, and kindness from the unkind.'  Quote:  Kahlil Gabbyran.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Learning;,'I never considered myself a slow learner. I always felt that teaching just came hard to most of my instructors.'  Quote:  B. Orben.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Learning;,"'Learn, but learn from the learned.'  Quote:  Cato.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Learning;,'The man who reads nothing is better educated than the man who reads nothing but newspapers.' Quote:  Tj,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Learning;,'The wisest mind has something yet to learn.'  Quote:  George Santayana.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Learning;,Education is learning what you didn't even know you didn't know.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Learning;,"I'm always ready to learn, but I do not always like being taught.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Learning;,"If you can't learn to do it well, learn to enjoy doing it badly.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Learning;,"If you desire ease, forsake learning. If you desire learning, forsake ease.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Learning;,Learning in one's youth is engraving in stone.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Learning;,"Never learn to do anything. If you don't learn, you'll always find someone else to do it for you.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Learning;,One is taught in accord with one's fitness to learn.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Learning;,Teaching of others teaches the teacher.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Learning;,"We should live and learn, but by the time we've learned, its too late to live.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Learning;,You live and learn or you don't live long.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Learning; Application; Knowledge;,'He who learns and learns but acts not on what he knows is like one who plows and plows and never sows.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Learning; Books;,The book that is shut is but a block.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Learning; Enemy;,"One can learn, even from an enemy.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Learning; Fools;,Learned fools are the greatest fools.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Learning; Knowledge;,"'Be curious always! For knowledge will not acquire you, you must acquire it.' Quote: Sudke Back",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Learning; Knowledge;,"Learning isn't a means to an end, its an end in itself.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Learning; Teaching;,'I delight in learning so I can teach.'  Quote:  Seneca.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Learning; Teaching;,'Much learning does not teach understanding.'  Quote:  Heraclitus.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Learning; Teaching;,'To teach is to learn.'  Quote:  Japanese.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Learning; Teaching; Old Dog New Tricks;,"'You can't teach an old dog new tricks, not true, you can't teach a dumb dog new tricks!'  Quote:  Jay K..",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Learning; Wisdom;,'The wisest mind has something yet to learn.'  Quote:  George Santayana.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Leaving Jehovah,Fan gradually broke down & died.,"Fan is plugged in, it runs.  Adam & Eve pulled away from Creator.",Ps 36:9  2 Chron 15:2,Creation Bk Page 191,Make Jehovah Your Confidence,70,,,
"Legal, Safekeeping, Bank, Documents, Preserve, Dead Sea Scroll,","The ancient people of Israel may not have kept their housekeeping money in the teapot or in a clay piggy bank, but they did keep important legal documents and manuscripts in what looked  like a cookie jar.",One of these jars has been received at the Oriental Institute of the University of Chicago. It had been put together like a jigsaw puzzle from over 100 fragments found in the Dead Sea Scroll cave. . . .,Jer 32:14;,W52 11/1 652,Does Your Hope Rest On Science Or The Bible?,80,,1996/02/14,
"Legally, Protection, Laws, Defending, Refuge, Stronghold, Freedom, Precedent,","AS LONG AS man has been constructing cities, he has been building walls.  Especially in bygone days, these fortifications were a protection.  From atop this barrier, defenders could fight to protect the walls from being breached or undermined by attackers.  Not only did the inhabitants of the city find protection but often those dwelling in the surrounding towns also found refuge within the walls.","Similarly, Jehovah's Witnesses have built a wall -- a legal wall -- of protection.  This wall has not been erected to isolate the Witnesses from the rest of society, for Jehovah's Witnesses are known for being gregarious, outgoing people.  Rather, it fortifies legal guarantees of basic freedoms for all people.  At the same time, it protects the Witnesses legal rights so that they can carry out their worship.  Like the bricks or stones making up a wall, these favorable court decisions constitute a legal wall of protection.  From atop this wall of precedent, the Witnesses have continued to fight for the religious freedom to carry out their worship.  Each favorable court ruling is like an added stone or brick strengthening the legal wall that protects the rights not only of Jehovah's Witnesses but of all people.",2 Sam. 11:20-24; Isa. 25:12; Isa. 54:17;,"Dec 1, 1998 Wt Page 19",Are You Really Making Jehovah Your Stronghold?,18,,1998/12/11,
"Leisure, Recreation, Sports, Extremes, Balance, Work,","'LEISURE is a beautiful garment, but it will not do for constant wear.' Quote: Anonymous writer.",Solomon mentioned two extremes: sluggishness and sacrificing everything on the altar of hard work.,Eccl 4:4-6; 12:13;,"Nov 1, 1999 Wt Page 32",Lovers Of Pleasure Or Lovers Of God?,64,,1999/09/22,
Leisure; Idleness;,'Men tire themselves in pursuit of rest.'  Quote:  Laurence Sterne.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Lemmings, Weapons, War, Armageddon,","They were acting like 'victims of some sort of hypnosis, men in a dream, like lemmings [small creatures known to drown themselves en masse] headed for the sea.'   Quote: Former Ambassador to Moscow George F. Kennan","Such irrational behavior is to be expected, according to Bible prophecy, because the nations are being maneuvered by unseen demonic influences that 'go forth to the kings of the entire inhabited earth, to gather them together to the war of the great day of God the Almighty . . .",Rev 16:14-16;,G81 9/8 29-30,Do You Recognize Jehovah's Sovereignty In Your Personal Life?,75,,1994/05/10,
"Letters, Diplomas, Christendom, Ministers,","Today, professional people like to display in their offices the diplomas they received from their college or university. There documents testify to their being qualified and cause other to have confidence in them.  Christendom's clergy also like to point to diplomas from institutions of higher learning.","Such diplomas do not prove they are genuine Christian ministers of the true God, Jehovah.  Paul had no such diploma or letter of recommendation.  But he had letters of far greater worth.",2c 3:1-3;acts 18:1-5;,"Oct 1, 1956 Wt Page 606",Who Are Qualified As Ministers Of God?,81,,,
Lie,"Cows come in different sizes, colors, shades (Not Lies) God does not measure lies by size or color; he is against all lying. avoid exaggerating, bragging, deleting facts.","No such thing as big black lies, little white lies.",Prov. 19:9 1 Pet. 3:10 Prov.3:32  13:7,Talk Outline,Jehovah's Eyes Are Upon Us,74,,,
Lie,Mouthful of hot air...exhalation False hopes are an illusion,Sons of mankind are a lie,"Ps. 62:8, 9",Pure Language Dist. Assy,Jehovah's Eyes Are Upon Us,74,,,
Lie,"Quote: Oliver Wendell Holmes 'Sin has many tools, but a lie is the handle that fits them all.'",Lies must be used to back-up other sins.,Prov.3:32  13:7,Talk Outline,Jehovah's Eyes Are Upon Us,74,,,
Lie,"Shepherd-boy and the wolf Often amused himself by crying wolf & laugh at those coming to his assistance. One day he had need to cry, 'Wolf, Wolf! but nobody came.",Must always speak truth Moral: A liar is not believed even when he speaks the truth,Prov 6:16  30:7-9,Aesop's Fables Page 35,Jehovah's Eyes Are Upon Us,74,,,
Lie - Woman - Age,'The 10 best years of any woman's life are usually between 30 and 28',"Some feel little white lies are ok, when comes to lying Jehovah must be color blind because he sees them the same",John 8:44,Johnse Laymon,Jehovah's Eyes Are Upon Us,74,,,
"Lie,","'A liar begins with making falsehood appear like truth, and ends with making truth itself appear like falsehood.'  Quote: William Shenstone  (1714-1763)","Satan has tried to accomplish this with the truth, and has succeeded with many persons.",John 8:44,Bobby Laymon,Jehovah's Eyes Are Upon Us,74,,,
"Lie, Cunning, Preaching.",A lie can travel half way around the world while the truth is putting on its shoes.  Quote: Mark Twain (1835-1910),Satan has many helpers in spreading his lies.  However the truth has now reached worldwide proportions.,Matt. 24:14,Wisdom Of The Ages,Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,63,,,
"Lie, Exaggerate,","Person in prayer meeting: 'I have shed barrels and barrels of tears' over habit of telling tall stories. overuse of words: 'biggest, best, most dramatic, most hilarious, most exciting, colossal or super colossal.'",Exaggeration Used up all the superlatives of the language and left no reserve.,Matt. 5:37,"Jun 8, 1961 Aw  Page 16",Jehovah's Eyes Are Upon Us,74,,,
"Lie, Honesty, Habit,","'There is no vice so mean, so pitiful, so contemptible; and he who permits himself to tell a lie once, finds it much easier to do it a second and third time, till at length it becomes habitual.' (Quote: American statesman, Thomas Jefferson)",A liar can easily develop the practice of lying.  It is the road to moral collapse.,Genesis 3:1-4; Ro 5:12; John 8:44,"Dec 15, 1992 Wt Page 22",Conducting Ourselves Honestly At All Times,10,,,
"Lie, Liar, Exaggerate, Stretch,",'Some folks never exaggerate--they just remember big.'  Quote: Audrey Snead.,Jehovah does not like liars regardless of the excuses.,Rev 21:8;,Bobby Laymon - Reader's Digest,Evidence Of God In The World Around Us,4,,1996/03/21,
"Lie, Lying, Motives, Forgive, Grudge, Love, Resentment,","A German proverb says, 'If one lies once, one does not believe him anymore, even if he speaks the truth.'","But this should not be so among Christians.  If we, although innocent, would be suspected of something just because we did that sort of thing in the past, would we not be distressed about the distrust shown toward us? Of course we would, for under the influence of God's holy spirit, people have made tremendous changes for the better. It is also good to remember that 'love . . . does not keep account of the injury.'",1 Co 6:9-11;,W80 4/1 15,Do You Harbor Resentment Or Do You Forgive?,68,,1994/07/10,
"Lie, Morals,",Racket handle with many different sockets.,"Satan has many tools, but the lie is handle that fits them all",Pr 6:12,Bobby Laymon,Jehovah's Eyes Are Upon Us,74,,,
"Lie, Satan, Devil, Truth,","'He said likewise that a lie which is half a truth is ever the blackest of lies.  That a lie which is all a lie may be met and fought with outright, But a lie which is part a truth is a harder matter to fight.' Quote: Alfred Lord Tennyson.",Sometimes Satan disguises lies with truth.  He keeps transforming himself into an angel of light.,2 Cor 11:14;,Bobby Laymon,How To Protect Ourselves From Satan's Snares,115,,1995/08/05,
"Lie, Truth,",'Little white lies are ushers for big black lies.' Quote from Wisdom of the ages.,We must always speak the truth.,Eph. 4:25,Bobby Laymon,Conducting Ourselves Honestly At All Times,10,,,
"Lie, Truth, Christendom,","The biggest liar Clergyman Warren Allen of Highland Park, Calif was recently voted the best liar after competing in a liars contest with politicians, fishermen, hunters and some of the community's most brilliant",Information salesmen.,1 Jn 2:21,"Jan 22, 1963 Aw Page 26",Conducting Ourselves Honestly At All Times,10,,,
"Lie, Truth, Deceive, Devious, Satan, Devil,","'And, after all, what is a lie? 'Tis but the truth in masquerade.' Quote: Lord Baron.  [1788-1824].",Jehovah will destroy those speaking a lie.  He takes note of them so that they do not escape punishment.,Ps. 5:6; Prov. 19:5;,Bobby Laymon,Jehovah's Eyes Are Upon Us,74,,1995/07/18,
"Lie, Truth, Honesty, Brotherhood, Lying, Extortion,","Quote: If one lies once, one does not believe, though he speaks the truth.  Quote: German Proverb.",This should not be among Christians.  We should always speak the truth.,1 Cor 13:5,Bobby Laymon,Conducting Ourselves Honestly At All Times,10,,,
"Lie, Truth, Joke,",Little boy who cried wolf; didn't believe when he spoke the truth.,Must always speak truth,Matt. 5:37;,Aesop's Fables,Conducting Ourselves Honestly At All Times,10,,,
"Lie, Truth, Reputation, Gossip, Name, Reproach,",'One of the most striking differences between a cat and a lie is that a cat has only nine lives.' Quote: Mark Twain. -1894.,"Most people want to be thought well of.  When someone reproaches your name, that gossip may not die.  When we gossip, it can never be recalled.",Ge 34:25-30;,Bobby Laymon,What Kind Of Name Are You Making With God?,55,,1995/08/09,
"Lie, Wicked, Hypocrite,",Liars should have good memories.,Must remember who they lied to and what about.,Matt. 23:13;,Bobby Laymon,A Clean People Honors Jehovah,14,,,
"Lie, Wicked, Hypocrite,","We are inclined to believe those we do not know, because they have never deceived us.",'Many deceivers have gone forth into the world.',2 John 7; Matt. 23:13;,Bobby Laymon (wisdom Of The Ages..Quotes),A Clean People Honors Jehovah,14,,,
"Lie, Wicked, Hypocrite, sin,","You may fool all the people, part of the time. You may even fool part of the people, all the time. But you cannot fool all the people, all the time. (Abraham Lincoln)",Sins will not remain hidden,Matt. 23:13;,Bobby Laymon,A Clean People Honors Jehovah,14,,,
"Lies, Dishonesty, Conscience,","'Every violation of truth is not only a sort of suicide in the liar, but is a stab at the health of human society.' Quote: Ralph Waldo Emerson Note: Lying never is the solution, but saying nothing sometimes is. Page 23.","Lies, no matter how innocent, are destructive to good human relationships.  The credibility of the liar is shattered, and there may well be a permanent breakdown of trust. (See article for definition of a lie) page 22.","Heb 6:18; Ge 3:1-4; Ro 5:12; John 8:40, 55;","Dec 15, 1992 Wt Page 22",Conducting Ourselves Honestly At All Times,10,,,
"Lies, Falsehood, Truth,",Some people insist that they do not tell lies...,...yet they scheme to present the truth in such a way that no one recognizes it.,Prov. 6:16-19;,Bobby Laymon,Evidence Of God In The World Around Us,4,,1998/12/25,
"Lies, Falsehood, Truth, Nations, Victims, Trinity, Holidays, Hell,",'The great masses of the people . . . will more easily fall victims to a big lie than to a small one.' Quote: Adolf Hitler.,Hitler apparently proved that true.  Satan has done likewise.  His doctrines have proved to be part of the biggest lie of all.,Genesis. 3:4;,Bobby Laymon,Jehovah And Christ--are They Part Of A Trinity?,82,,1995/08/16,
"Lies, Promises, Vows, Commitment, Honesty, Trust, Marriage, Divorce,","What do you think of a person who makes strong promises to you, then later backs out?  Do you forgive him if he makes the excuse that he did not know what he was getting into?","Just such a thing is being done more than 750,000 times each year in the United States alone.  There are 500,000 legal divorces each year and 250,000 cases of desertion. [1990 figure for divorce is 1,175,000 and perhaps 400,000 desertion] World Almanac 1992.  Those of Christendom are leading the world in divorce.  This makes them the worse liars of all.  They are lying to God.",Mt 19:4-6; Re 21:8;,"May 15, 1971 Wt Page 309",Conducting Ourselves Honestly At All Times,10,,1993/11/10,
"Lies, Satan, Disunity, Christendom,","'Falsehoods not only disagree with truths, but usually quarrel among themselves.'  Quote: Daniel Webster  (1782-1852)","As Jesus said, a 'house divided against itself will not stand.'",Mt 12:25;,Wisdom Of The Ages,Religion's Role In World Affairs.,92,,,
"Lies, Statistics,","'There are three kinds of lies: ordinary lies, white lies, and statistics.' (Oscar Wilde, famous Irish dramatist of the latter 19th century)","Relying too heavily on statistics can be misleading.  They can be interpreted in several, sometimes contradictory, ways. Still, their frequent misuse would not justify rejecting them totally.",Eccl 12:12;,"Oct 22, 1979 Aw Page 5",The Only Cure For Sick Mankind,62,,,
"Lies, Treason, Apostasy, Wicked, Imposters, Last Days,",'Treason is like diamonds;  there is nothing to be made by the small trader.' Quote: Douglas Jerrold (1803-1857),Wicked men and imposters will advance from bad to worse.,2 Tim 3:13;,Wisdom Of The Ages,Will You Be A Survivor Of The 'last Days'?,2,,,
"Lies, Truth, Deceive, Satan,","A SHEPHERD-BOY, who watched a flock of sheep near a village,  brought out the villagers three or four times by crying out,  'Wolf! Wolf!'  and when his neighbors came to help him, laughed at  them for their pains.  The Wolf, however, did truly come at last.   The  Shepherd-boy, now really alarmed, shouted in an agony of  terror:  'PRAY, do come and help me; the Wolf is killing the  sheep'; but no one paid any heed to his cries, nor rendered any  assistance.  The Wolf, having no cause of fear, at his leisure lacerated or destroyed  the whole flock.","Moral: 'There is no believing a liar, even when he speaks the truth.'",Rev 21:8;,Aesop's Fables - Bobby Laymon,How To Protect Ourselves From Satan's Snares,115,,1994/05/17,
"Lies, Truth, Deceit, Devious, Hate,",'Lying is like Baloney'?   No Matter How Thin You Slice It -- It's Still Baloney.,"However, nowhere in the Bible is there a differentiation between a so called 'big scarlet lie' and a 'little white lie'.",Prov. 6:16-19;,Peter Morgan,Conducting Ourselves Honestly At All Times,10,,1997/08/11,
"Lies, Truth, Service, Teach, Boast,",Fact is stronger than fiction.,People had rather believe lies than truth.,"Luke 12:8; Heb. 13:15; Rom. 10: 9, 10, Acts 20:20; Ps. 68:11",Bobby Laymon,How Should You Serve God?,58,,,
Lies; Lying; Deception;,'A liar needs a good memory.'  Quote:  Latin.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Lies; Lying; Deception;,'A lie can be halfway around the world before the truth has got its boots on.'  Quote:  James Callahan.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Lies; Lying; Deception;,'A lie grows in size as it is repeated.'  Quote:  Latin.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Lies; Lying; Deception;,'Better a lie that heals than a truth that wounds.'  Quote:  Czech.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Lies; Lying; Deception;,'Lied is a rough phrase. Say he fell from the truth.'  Quote:  Browning.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Lies; Lying; Deception;,'Oh what a tangled web we weave when first we practice to deceive.'  Quote:  Scott.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Lies; Lying; Deception;,'One falsehood spoils a thousand truths.'  Quote:  Ashanti.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Lies; Lying; Deception;,'One lie makes many.'  Quote:  Latin.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Lies; Lying; Deception;,'One ought to have a good memory when he has told a lie.'  Quote:  Corneille.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Lies; Lying; Deception;,"'Sin has many tools, but a lie is the handle that fits them all.'  Quote:  O. W. Holmes.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Lies; Lying; Deception;,'The biggest liar in the world is 'They Say'.'  Quote:  Daou Malloch.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Lies; Lying; Deception;,'The perjurer's mother told white lies.'  Quote:  Austin O'malley.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Lies; Lying; Deception;,'The worst of all deceptions is self-deception.'  Quote:  Plato.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Lies; Lying; Deception;,'They say so is half a lie.'  Quote:  Italian.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Lies; Lying; Deception;,'White lies always introduce others of a darker complexion.' Quote:  William Paley,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Lies; Lying; Deception;,'You can best reward a liar by believing nothing of what he says.'  Quote:  Aristippus.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Lies; Lying; Deception;,"A lie may take care of the present, but it has no future.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Lies; Lying; Deception;,Deadly poisons are concealed under sweet honey.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Lies; Lying; Deception;,"Figures never lie, but liars can figure.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Lies; Lying; Deception;,Half the truth is often a great lie.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Lies; Lying; Deception;,Nothing increases the size of the fish than fishing by yourself.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Lies; Lying; Deception;,"You can't fool all the people all of the time, but it isn't necessary.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Lies; Lying; Deception; Exaggeration;,'Exaggeration is a department of lying.'  Quote:  Balthazar Gracian.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Lies; Lying; Deception; Exaggeration;,"The ability to sin differs among people. For example, a short-armed fisherman isn't as big a liar as a long-armed fisherman.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Lies; Lying; Deception; Truth;,"Falsehood is cowardice, truth is courage.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Lies; Truth;,A lie can travel around the world and back again while the truth is lacing up its boots.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Life,1/2 inch on measuring stick that goes for thousands of miles.,Faithfulness to Jehovah allow life to continue forever.,Ps 90:10,Bobby Laymon,Is This Life All There Is?,36,,,
Life,"A damaged machine can be repaired; extinguished light, rekindled. But who can repair a lifeless body?  Who can rekindle the spark o life? Humanly impossible; makes life something of utmost value.",The High value of Life.,Leviticus. 24:17,"Jul 15, 1959 Wt Page 419",Is This Life All There Is?,36,,,
Life,"Born on spacious 'road' so naturally travelers on 'broad' highway. Throngs of people make progress on broad road without much effort. Even while pursuing pleasure, or asleep; have no suspicion as to where it leads.  Only 2 Roads!!",Jesus Christ was the one who marked out the way to everlasting life.  Effort is needed if one is to leave the 'broad road'. Must search to find narrow gate. Not illuminated. Luke 13:24,"Matt. 7:13, 14; Eph. 2:1-3;","Feb 1, 1961 Wt Page 69",Is This Life All There Is?,36,,,
Life,"If you had a precious irreplaceable gem, would you not guard it and preserve it? Your life is precious. Most valuable possession you have. Protect it by cultivating love for Jehovah God.","Since life is more precious, should it not be guarded? Cherished?","Deuteronomy. 30:19, 20","Jul 22, 1958 Aw Page 3, 4",Is This Life All There Is?,36,,,
Life,"Modern World has a 'sliding scale' for evaluating human life. When there is a killing, slayer is sought with greatest of diligence and punished. When political rulers declare war, respect for human life takes",Life viewed as commodities on stock market; value fluctuates a nose dive.  Life is very 'cheap' indeed. Jehovah has Highest regard for human life!,Leviticus. 24:17  Isa. 11:9,"Jul 15, 1959 Wt Page 419",A Clean People Honors Jehovah,14,,,
Life,"Mow lawn every week in summer, but dead in winter.  Describe above.",Man's life passes on like that.,"Ps 103:15, 16",David Feller,Is This Life All There Is?,36,,,
Life,"Northern Pass thru Rocky Mountains Dangers, but Jesus conquered world.","Must closely follow Jesus Christ, trail blazer","1 Pet 2:21, 22",Bobby Laymon,Follow The Way To Life,45,,,
Life,"Passing vapor; smell sweet scent, then it is past. Do you find pleasure in well-planned garden? Without life could not enjoy. Someone gives you a gift, do you later deny he gave it to you?",In comparison with eternal life. Should be our chief objective.,Tit. 1:2; 1 Chron. 16:34,"Apr 15, 1990 Wt Page 227-8",A Clean People Honors Jehovah,14,,,
Life,Rush thru; 59 minute photo development; 1 hour laundry; etc.,New order will have time to enjoy life.,"Isa 55:10, 11",David Feller,Is This Life All There Is?,36,,,
"Life, resurrection","Steam engine, keeps running after stop stoking boiler for while. Even Adam gradually died, but had tremendous 'spark' of life. Jesus in resurrection of some, stoked boiler little more, but ransom not applied at that time. Had to die again.",Life cells gradually die,Genesis. 2:7,Warren Satterfield,A Clean People Honors Jehovah,14,,,4/1/2014
"Life, Appreciation, Study, Meetings, Kingdom, Materialism,",As an artist finds it advantageous to step back and survey the overall effect of his artistic production ... What are your desires?  Your pursuits?,You too will gain by taking a good look at the overall picture of your way of life.,Mt. 6:31-22; 1 Jn. 2:15-17;,"Mar 1, 1968 Wt Page 138",Reach Out For The Real Life!,90,,,
"Life, Armageddon,","Many will recall the fable about a race between a hare and a tortoise.  The hare sprinted far ahead then slept, while the tortoise went slow but steady and won. (Neither was fast and steady)","However, we must copy neither.  We cannot burst into a showy sprint for a short time, then indulge in dangerous napping. Armageddon is not poking along like the tortoise.  Nor can we steadily poke along like the tortoise for Armageddon is not napping.",Job 14:1; Pr 10:22;,"Aug 15, 1953 Wt Page 486",Ruining The Earth Brings Divine Retribution,106,,,
"Life, Armageddon, Destruction, Judgment, Association,","Remember the old proverb: 'Birds of a feather flock together.' You may also recall the old story of the farmer's swan that always swam among the cranes. The cranes were destroying the farmer's crops. So he determined to shoot them. He killed the cranes and with them also his beautiful swan, his prize bird.",Do not be caught at Armageddon like this beautiful but unfortunate swan.,"Rev 16:14, 16;",W56 4/15 250,Religion's Time Of Judgment,83,,1994/07/30,
"Life, Bible, Guidance, Light","Life has been likened to a maze.  You can have a maze on paper and trace your way through it, almost to the other side, and one line will sometimes stop you.  You have to start all over again.","To a Christian, life does not always have to be like a maze.  We have God's Word as a guide to help us stay on the right path.",Ps 119:10;,Al Larue,Life Does Have A Purpose,23,,1995/01/29,
"Life, Bible, Water,",Hold up glass of water.  This water is essential for life.,Hold up Bible.  This Bible is essential for life.,"Josh 1:8; 2 Tim. 3:15-17; Ps. 1:2,3;",Maurice Smith - Annual Meeting With Pioneers.,Life Does Have A Purpose,23,,"May 21, 2001",
"Life, Blood, Motive,","Christians refuse blood, not because it is POLLUTED, but because it is PRECIOUS.","Our primary reason for refusing blood is because we have Jehovah's view, and not because of fear of AIDS or other health risks.","Acts 15:28, 29; Eph. 1:7;","Jun 15, 1991 Wt Page 13",Keep Growing In Your Relationship With God,16,,,
"Life, Blood, Motive,","Many marching under a banner, 'Blood is Bad Medicine.' If I have decided not to accept blood transfusions, why? Honestly, what is my primary, fundamental reason? It should be because we have Jehovah's view of blood.",We must not be drawn into that march because it is a dead-end road.,"Acts 15:28, 29; Eph. 1:7;","Jun 15, 1991 Wt Page 12",Keep Growing In Your Relationship With God,16,,,
"Life, Boredom,","Millions long for immortality, yet don't know what to do (below) on rainy summer afternoon.",Boredom.,"Ps 103:15, 16",David Feller,Can You Live Forever?--will You?,35,,,
"Life, Building, Faith, Wisdom,","An elderly carpenter was ready to retire. He told his employer-contractor of his plans to leave the house building business and live a more leisurely  life with his wife enjoying his extended family.  He would miss the paycheck,  but he needed to retire. They could get by.  The contractor was sorry to see his good worker go and asked if he could build just one more house as a personal favor. The carpenter said yes, but in  time it was easy to see that his heart was not in his work.  He resorted to  shoddy workmanship and used inferior materials.  It was an unfortunate way to  end his career.  When the carpenter finished his work and the builder came to inspect the house, the contractor handed the front-door key to the carpenter.  'This  is your house,' he said, 'my gift to you.' What a shock! What a shame! If he had only known he was building his own house, he would have done it all so differently. Now he had to live in the home he had built none too well.","So it is with us. We build our lives in a distracted way, reacting rather than acting, willing to put up less than the best. At important points we do not give the job our best effort. Then with a shock we look at the  situation we have created and find that we are now living in the house we have  built. If we had realized, we would have done it differently.   Think of yourself as the carpenter. Think about your house. Each day   you hammer a nail, place a board, or erect a wall. Build wisely. It is the only life you will ever build. Even if you live it for only one day more, that day deserves to be lived graciously and with dignity. The plaque on the wall says, 'Life is a do-it-yourself project.  Who could say it more clearly? Your life today is the result of your attitudes and choices in the past. Your life tomorrow will be the result of your attitudes and the choices you make today.  ====================================================================  --------- End forwarded message ----------  --------- End forwarded message ----------",Ps. 90:10;,Bobby Laymon,Acquiring A Heart Of Wisdom,73,,1998/09/16,
"Life, Caring, Meaning, Purpose, Future,","'How could my life have meaning?' a person wonders. 'When I'm gone who will miss me, and for how long? And if some do, how will it help me? I'm just one among thousands of millions. Who notices, who cares, who remembers?'","What makes a man more important than an ant or a grasshopper? In the vastness of universal space, he feels like nothing, irrelevant, of no consequence, here for a moment and gone for eternity. Life seems like an exercise in futility.  But wait! Some do notice. Some do care. Some will remember. Life does have meaning, if you want it to, if you make it so.",Ecc 12:13;,G80 10/22 4,Is This Life All There Is?,36,,1994/05/09,
"Life, Center, Goal, Joy, Experience, Time,","At the grave-side of a young man who died in a car accident. Mementos are there; reminders of the past; Picture of himself; Picture of the car; some trinkets.  It is clear what his life centered around. Getting the most out of it now; better things; excitement; popularity, thrills, etc.","Center= excitement; Car=cutting edge. Solomon did it all; we do not have to experiment; He even lived to tell and write about it, which we may not.","Ecclesiastes 2:3-11; 1co 7:29, 30;",William Osbeck C.O.,Serve Jehovah With A Joyful Heart,78,,,
"Life, Choice, Death, Listen, Hear,","'There was a wise man who stood by the Gate everyday and people would come and ask questions and would be astonished at his wisdom. One man grew very jealous of the Wise man and decided he would 'trick' the wise man and show the wise man to be a 'foolish man'. The jealous man went out and bought a small bird. He thought to himself, 'I will put the bird in my hands behind my back and ask the Wise man if the bird I have is alive or dead---if he says alive, I will crush the bird and kill it, & show him a dead bird. If he says 'dead' I will show him the bird alive!'","So the next day he goes to the city gate, when it comes his turn to ask a question, he says, 'I have a bird behind my back, tell me wise man, is the bird alive or is he dead?' The wise man said: 'The bird's fate lies in your hand, if YOU DETERMINE to give the bird his life, he will live, if YOU DETERMINE to end his life, he will be dead.'",Joshua 24:15;,Peter Morgan,Life Does Have A Purpose,23,,1997/08/14,
"Life, Conduct, Devotion, Zeal,","'It matters not how a man dies, but how he lives.'  Quote: Samuel Johnson.",The righteous one has a good name with God.,Ecclesiastes 7:1;,Bobby Laymon,What Kind Of Name Are You Making With God?,55,,1995/07/18,
"Life, Conviction, Truth, Compromise, Baptism, Dedication,","'I leave this rule for others when I'm dead, Be always sure you're right-then go ahead.' Quote: David Crockett. -1834.","If we are convinced about life in Jehovah's new order, we should do all we can to live for it.  All our hopes, plans and pleasures depend on LIFE.",Isa 55:11;,Bobby Laymon,Can You Live Forever?--will You?,35,,1995/07/18,
"Life, Cost, Value, War,","In the days of Julius Caesar the cost was about seventy-five cents. During the days of Napoleon it rose to almost $3,000. The four years  of World War I brought it up to $21,000, and then in World War II it leaped to $55,000. Now, with the costly weapons of mass destruction in this atomic age, the cost to kill an enemy soldier has skyrocketed.",War has become so expensive that the nation that prepares for it endangers its economy.  But war's cost in human lives and suffering is more important. It is a greater reason to hate war.,Isa 2:4;,W58 6/1 323-4,Is This Life All There Is?,36,,1995/06/05,
"Life, Courtesy, Kindness, Joy, Happiness, Pleasure,",'Life is not so short but that there is always time enough for courtesy.' Quote: Ralph Waldo Emerson. -1875.,Our Christianity is displayed in all aspects of life and to all people.  We do not show kindness and patience toward only our brothers.  Jesus illustrated showing of mercy to all.,Luke 10:29-37;,Bobby Laymon,"Mercy, A Dominant Quality Of True Christians",7,,1995/08/01,
"Life, Creation,","'If I had to define life in a word, it would be: Life is creation.' Quote: Claude Bernard.","The earth God created not only is 'a rare, beautiful jewel in space' but is only planet where life is found in abundance.",Ps. 104:24-27;,Bobby Laymon,Appreciating Marvels Of God's Creation,114,,1995/08/05,
"Life, Creation,",An empty piggy bank will not fill up with coins by itself. The simplest man-made mechanism requires a planner and maker. Even a foot print on the sand requires a maker. (Many good examples in this article),Even a child knows someone must accomplish this.,Isa. 40:26; Ps. 100:3,"Apr 22, 1963 Aw Page 4-7",Appreciating Marvels Of God's Creation,114,,,
"Life, Creation, Evolution, Destiny,","Man noticed a crowd in a train depot.  Asked what the commotion was about, and they replied, 'This goat in a cage has eaten its destination tag.  We don't know where it came from, why it is here, and what is worse, we don't know where it is going.","Most people are like that goat, don't know how they got here why they are here, and worse still, where they are going.",Eccl. 12:13,Bobby Laymon (brother A.C. McMillan),Life Does Have A Purpose,23,,,
"Life, Death,","'Out, out, brief candle!  Life's but a walking shadow.'  Quote: William Shakespeare.",How often the shortness of live has been described in poetic phrase.,James 4:14; Job 14:1;,"Oct 22, 1995 Aw Page 3",Is This Life All There Is?,36,,1995/09/23,
"Life, Death,",'The end of life cancels all bands.'  Quote: William Shakespeare. [1597-1598].,"Life's accomplishments do not amount to much in eternal time.  Soon one is gone and forgotten.  This is not a cynical, but a realistic view.","Ps103:15, 16;",Bobby Laymon,Is This Life All There Is?,36,,1995/07/10,
"Life, Death,",'What is life?  It is the flash of a firefly in the night.'  Quote: An American Indian chief.,"If this life is all there is, we are not even a drop in stream of time or speck on scales of eternity.",James 4:14; Job 14:1;,"Oct 22, 1995 Aw Page 3",Is This Life All There Is?,36,,1995/09/23,
"Life, Death, Adam,","Let us imagine a small factory.  All the machines in it are faulty and cause trouble for the operators because the first worker years ago ignored the operator's manual and damaged all the machines.  Present-day operators can only do their best to work with what they have.  The factory owner wants to rebuild the machines to help his workers, and he is setting aside the funds necessary for that purpose.","The first 'machine operator,' Adam did not treasure the life he had been given.  Hence, he passed on to his offspring an imperfect life, similar to a malfunctioning machine.  Like the later operators in the factory, who could not remedy the situation, Adam's offspring have been unable to attain the real life for themselves.  To correct this seemingly hopeless situation, Jehovah sent his only begotten Son to earth to buy back everlasting life for mankind.","Rom 5:12; Ps 49:7; Luke 1:35; 1 Pet 1:18, 19; Matt 20:28; 1 Pet 2:22;","Jan 15, 1995 Wt Page 4",Life Does Have A Purpose,23,,1994/12/14,
"Life, Death, Adam, Danger, Suicide, Tobacco, Drugs, Immorality,","Will the owner of a factory spend time and money rebuilding a machine for a worker who does not take care of it?  Rather, would the employer not entrust the rebuilt machine to a person who did his best to maintain the old one?","Life is a precious gift from Jehovah.  As the benevolent source of that gift, he wants us to cherish it.  This helps us to avoid viewing suicide as an option.  Also we would avoid tobacco, immorality, drugs, and other 'defilement' of the flesh.",Ps 36:9; Jas 1:17; Luke 12:7; Exodus 20:13;,"Jan 15, 1995 Wt Page 5",Life Does Have A Purpose,23,,1994/12/14,
"Life, Death, Best, Purpose, Funeral,","The father was in the house, in bed, dying of cancer.  His son was in the workshop, tidying up his father's woodworking tools.  As he handled the tools, he thought about the wonderful things his father had made with them.  Though the workshop was next to the house, he knew that his father would never enter there again, never again hold the tools that he was so skilled at using.  That time was past.","The son thought of the scripture at Ecclesiastes 9:10: 'All that your hand finds to do, do with your very power, for there is no work nor devising nor knowledge nor wisdom in Sheol (the grave), the place to which you are going.  Now the force of Solomon's argument struck his heart--we should live life fully and enjoy our days while we can, because the time will come when we are no longer able to do so.",Ecclesiastes 9:10,"Aug 15, 1998 Wt Page 8",What Happens When We Die?,127,,1998/07/09,
"Life, Death, Cure, Remedy,","'Be happy while you're living, for your a long time dead.' Quote: Scottish Proverb","Our bodies were designed not merely to live but to enjoy living.  Our Creator was not compelled to make us that way, but he did because he is good.","Acts 14:16, 17;",Bobby Laymon,Evidence Of God In The World Around Us,4,,1995/06/30,
"Life, Death, Cure, Remedy, Kingdom,",'There is a remedy for everything; it is called death.'  Quote: Portuguese Proverb,We have a better remedy.  Jehovah's kingdom.,2 Pet 3:13;,Bobby Laymon,Stand Still And See The Salvation Of Jehovah,41,,1995/06/30,
"Life, Death, Eventuality,","In a few months school will be out!  That is an eventuality. It happens every year.  Year after year.  It happens right on time!  Maybe not the same time every year, but it will happen.",Death is an eventuality.  It befalls both man and beast.  There is nothing man can do to prevent it.,"Ecclesiastes 3:19, 20; 9:5; Ac 24:15;",Ken Austin,Is This Life All There Is?,36,,,
"Life, Death, Everlasting,","It made headlines when, 'Anna Williams died in December 1987 at the age of 114. 'Scientists think that 115 to 120 years is probable the upper limit of human longevity.'","Why should the human body give out after 70, 80 or even 115 years?","Genesis. 3:17-19; Rom. 5:12; Rev. 21:3, 4; Isa. 33:24;","Jun 15, 1991 Wt Page 5",Is This Life All There Is?,36,,,
"Life, Death, Funeral,",'Life is HARD but it pales when you consider the ALTERNATIVE'.  QUOTE: Unknown.,Death is not the desired option for a normal person.,Ecc 3:11;,J.K.,Is This Life All There Is?,36,,1997/04/12,
"Life, Death, Funeral,","Is it not logical to live forever: If a man had 10 books, but built a library large enough to hold 10,000 books, what would you think? Likely he has intentions of filling it.",Our brain has capacity far in excess of what we use it for in a normal lifetime.,"1 Cor 15:15, 16;",J.K.,What Happens When We Die?,127,,1997/04/12,
"Life, Death, Funeral, Ransom, Memorial,","When a tree is cut down, you can examine its life.  Rings are counted, see the good times and the bad times, the age of the tree and quality of the wood.","Like a tree: our history is examined only when we are cut down. Rings are counted, see the good times and the bad times, the age etc.","1 Cor 15:15, 16;",J.K.,Is This Life All There Is?,36,,1997/04/12,
"Life, Death, Grief,","A group of children were playing with hour-glass timers.  They were seeing whose sand would last the longest.  As they were playing with them, one broke, and all the sand fell out. He couldn't play anymore!","Life is like that!  It can quickly be snuffed out.  Our life is like the sand in an hour-glass.  If we are older it is almost run out; if younger, it will soon be gone, or can end quickly as above.","James 4:14; Ps 103:15, 16;",Ken Austin,Is This Life All There Is?,36,,,
"Life, Death, Old Age,",'The Leaves of Life keep falling one by one.' Quote: Edward FitzGerald.,"What would you consider to be the best possible news? world peace? elimination of crime? the end of all pollution?  Discovery of an economical, inexhaustible energy source?  These things would be good news, but people would still age, get sick, die.","Rev 21:3, 4;",Bobby Laymon,Have Faith In The Good News,47,,1995/08/05,
"Life, Death, Older, Aged, Support, Encourage, Depressed,",'Men shut their doors against a setting sun.' Quote: William Shakespeare.  [1607-1608].,God's Word shows that we should have respect for older ones.  We must not close our doors toward them.,"Pr 1:8,9; 19:26; 23:22, 24, 25",Bobby Laymon,Follow The Way To Life,45,,1995/07/10,
"Life, Death, Pioneer, Name,","Have you ever thought of a river?  It has been flowing on and on for many years.  Many drops of water, have flowed down it, never to return.",Time is like a river!  We are only a drop in the 'stream of time.' We must use our life in the best way.  Service to Jehovah!,"James 4:14; Ps 103:15, 16;",Ken Austin,Is This Life All There Is?,36,,,
"Life, Death, Predestination, Fate,",The exact moment of death has no more been predetermined by God than the moment when a farmer decides 'to plant' or 'to uproot what was planted.',"We are born, and when the time comes, when normal life expectancy is reached-usually after 70 or 80 years or so-we die.","Ecc 3:1, 2;",W91 10/15 5,Is This Life All There Is?,36,,1994/07/29,
"Life, Death, Predestination, Fate, Destiny, Future,","IF YOU were to escape a fatal accident, would you feel that you had been favored by destiny?",Or would you instead be grateful that you simply happened to be in the right place at the right time?,Ecc 9:11;,W91 10/15 5,Will You Escape This World's Destiny?,84,,1994/07/29,
"Life, Death, Ransom, Hope, Forever, Sin, Adam, wickedness,","Today, in most towns, and especially the larger ones like Kansas City, there are huge slaughter houses.  Day after day large truck loads of animals disappear into these.","The human race is like this.  PROVERBS 24:11 Deliver those who are being taken away to death; and those staggering to the slaughter, O may you hold them back.  We are in a rescue operation.",Prov 24:11;,"Kingdom Ministry School Dec 22, 23, 1994",Follow The Way To Life,45,,1994/12/25,4/1/2014
"Life, Death, Resurrection,","Have you ever build a sand castle, then jumped on it and crushed it and build another?  The sea washes it away and there is no trace of it.",Man is like that.   He goes 'back to crushed matter' and disappears from sight.  Only Jehovah can make him reappear.,"Ps 90:3; 144:3, 4;",Jerry Steel,Is This Life All There Is?,36,,1995/02/04,
"Life, Decisions, Procrastinate, Pioneer,","'If you take too long in deciding what to do with your life, you'll find you've done it.'  Quote: Pam Shaw.",Procrastination will cause us to become unfruitful.,Jas 1:6;,Bobby Laymon - Reader's Digest,Decide Now For Divine Rulership,37,,1996/03/22,
"Life, Devotion, Exclusive, Persecution, Compromise, Neutral,","'I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country.'  Quote: Nathan Hale.  Note: Last words, before being hanged by the British as a spy [September 22, 1776]","It is not beyond our ability to serve God acceptably; what he requires is not some grand, showy sacrifice, but sacred service and right conduct reflecting a good condition of heart.",Mic 6:8;,Bobby Laymon,Are You Doing What God Requires Of You?,43,,1995/07/18,
"Life, Earth, Faith, Happiness, Joy,","'A Bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.' We enjoy peace of mind, freedom from selfish ambition, bondage from sin, happiness.",Jehovah's people have already received a 'bird in the hand',Ps. 90:10,"Feb 8, 1962 Aw Page 28",Serve Jehovah With A Joyful Heart,78,,,
"Life, Elvis Presley, Happiness, Joy, Materialism, Fame, Entertainment,","For over two decades Elvis Presley was a superstar. In a Presley biography we read that although he had 'an unbelievable career . . . he was not happy. He had few real friends. He was surrounded, as he often complained, 'either by fans or by spongers.' He had no peace of mind.'","How did his life turn out? The biography continues: 'He could not cope. He turned to drugs, to uppers and downers, he grew argumentative, he was no longer the polite young man he once had been. Those who knew him well still admired him, but they no longer loved him. He lived  alone, although not in seclusion, and he died alone.'",Ecc 1:2;,G82 8/8 24,Is This Life All There Is?,36,,1995/06/13,
"Life, Endurance, Baptism, Dedication, Self-control, Footsteps, Pioneer,","If you saw a set of footprints, on a zigzag course, one that meanders up and down the beach, circles around now and then, and even goes backward at times, you would hardly think the person was running at all, or had any idea where he was going.","As you look back at your life course, what kind of track do you see?  A straight line, or one that wanders aimlessly?  Perhaps we need to straighten up in our race for life.","Acts 20:24; 1co 9:2; 2co 3:2, 3; Phil 3:8, 13, 14,","Aug 1, 1992 Wt Page 17, 18",Is This Life All There Is?,36,,,
"Life, Endurance, Disfellowship, Baptism, Dedication,","Description of contestant in training: 'Contentedly and without a murmur he submits himself to the rules and restrictions of his 10 month training...he counts it a point of honor, scrupulously to abstain from anything which might diminish his chance",Do you envy the freedom and ease of those on the other road? Do you feel that you are missing out on some of the things others are doing?,"Mt 7:13, 14; 1co 9:25;","Aug 1, 1992 Wt Page 15",Follow The Way To Life,45,,,
"Life, Endurance, Disfellowship, Baptism, Dedication,",The Bible likens our quest for everlasting life to a race.,The comparison is an apt one because a race consists of 1. a start;  2. a set course;  3. a finish line or goal. Every year hundreds of thousands get off to a good start.,2ti 4:7; Heb 12:1; 1 Co 9:24;,"Aug 1, 1992 Wt Page 13,",How Purposeful Is Your Life?,60,,,
"Life, Endurance, Disfellowship, Baptism, Dedication,","The winner at the Isthmian Games received a wreath of Isthmian pine or some other such plant, which probably withered in a few days or weeks.  It was not for the wreath, but for the glory, honor, and fame that came with it.  (see article for description)","Those, today, who sacrifice their time, energy, health, etc to gain riches of world, will find their materialistic 'crown' like their life, is merely passing. (Picture 4 white horses-next 6)","Mt 7:13, 14; 1co 9:25; Mt 6:19, 20; Luke 12:16-21;","Aug 1, 1992 Wt Page 16",How Purposeful Is Your Life?,60,,,
"Life, Endurance, Disfellowship, Baptism, Dedication, Self-control","If a trainee overindulges or lives licentiously, what will be the good of all the physical pain and fatigue that he endures.","Likewise in our race for life, we must exercise self-control in all things.  He may control drunkenness & fornication, but the value diminishes if he is haughty and contentious.","James 2:10, 11; Mark 8:34; Acts 20:24; 1co 9:2","Aug 1, 1992 Wt Page 17",How Purposeful Is Your Life?,60,,,
"Life, Endurance, Disfellowship, Baptism, Dedication, Self-control","Like an ancient boxer, we must be able to beat our enemies down by well-aimed blows.  Happily Jehovah God trains us and helps us in the fight. (Pummel= literally 'hit under the eye')","Just as 'striking the air' will not disable our enemies, neither will being 'hearers only' ensure that we are doing God's will. Better to suffer a black eye, then give in and die.","1co 9:26, 27; Jas 1:22; 1 Sam 15:22; Mt 7:24, 25;","Aug 1, 1992 Wt Page 18",How Purposeful Is Your Life?,60,,,
"Life, Endurance, Disfellowship, Baptism, Dedication, Self-control, Pioneer,","Contestants in an athletic game may be willing to accept the rigorous requirements of training, but only for a limited time. Once the games are over they go back to a normal way of life.",It is not so with those who are in the race for life.  With them training and self-denial must be a way of life.,1 Tim 6:6-8; Mk 8:34;,"Aug 1, 1992 Wt Page 16, 17",How Purposeful Is Your Life?,60,,,
"Life, Endurance, Faith, Firm,","Race: May train with weights, but must put them off in the race.","In race for everlasting life, we must put off excess weight.",Heb. 12:1-4,Bobby Laymon,Have Faith In The Good News,47,,,
"Life, Eternity, Everlasting, Wisdom,","Imagine you have an inch-long piece of rope wrapped in green.  What is this inch-long piece of rope? It represents the average human life span. Then hold up a long rope with little pieces of colored tape every several inches. Hold it out at both arms length and say, 'This length of rope represents how long humans have been on earth. But the rest of the rope represents eternity. So if our life is just one inch on the time rope, why try to cram every experience possible into that brief time when we have eternity ahead of us?'","So we need to think like Jehovah thinks--get the big picture, see the REAL life, eternal life ahead. This influences everything else in life, the decisions we make, what we do with our precious time, etc.",Ps. 90:12,Bobby Laymon,Acquiring A Heart Of Wisdom,73,,"Jan 21, 2001",
"Life, Everlasting,",Eternity has no beginning as well as no end.,Jehovah had no beginning and no end.,Ps. 90:2,Bobby Laymon,Can You Live Forever?--will You?,35,,,
"Life, Everlasting,","From time immemorial men have sought a fountain of youth to restore themselves to the full vigor of sparkling health. This has been made by medicines, foods, dieting and other ways. Pictures entire provisions for life, after Armageddon.",Matter goes deeper than man's need for food and drink. It goes to his spiritual nature.,"Rev. 22:1, 2","Oct 15, 1967 Wt Page 635",Can You Live Forever?--will You?,35,,,
"Life, Everlasting, Anxiety, Worry, Fear,","Life like journey, 'path of righteous', 'broad road', 'cramped road' Anxiety about daily needs cannot extend one's life by even a fraction. 'one cubit' so to speak.",One cannot increase by 1 cubit (about 18 in. or 1 step) by worry.,"Matt. 6:27,","Oct 1, 1990 Wt Page 19 Para 13",Overcoming Fear Of The Future,108,,,
"Life, Everlasting, Career, Pioneer, Dedication, Baptism, Youth,",'Each person is the author of his own book.'  What is the story of your life?  What kind of book are you writing?  Some people employ the early years of their life to make the later years painful.,"Life is like a book with blank pages.  We fill in these pages each day.  There can be no finer page than your dedication to Jehovah.  Youths, don't allow Satan to co-author the story of your life.  Don't take the detours Satan puts out.  By serving Jehovah, your book may never have a final chapter.",Prov. 4:23-27;,"David Cohen, C. O.",Is This Life All There Is?,36,,1998/02/14,
"Life, Everlasting, Endurance,",There are usually strict requirements for just entering a race. There has to be potential there.,"Jehovah would not have allowed us to enter the race, if he didn't know we could win.",1co 9:26; Gal 5:7;,Gary Breaux (d.O.),Can You Live Forever?--will You?,35,,,
"Life, Everlasting, Faith, Sequoia,","Look how long a tree is able to live.  Some of the giant sequoias are more than 3,000 years old and still have many more years ahead of them.","Since Jehovah can give a tree such long life, is it not reason able for him to give eternal life to intelligent creatures who love, worship, obey and serve him?",John 3:16; Heb 5:9;,"Mar 1, 1970 Wt Page 144",Have Faith In The Good News,47,,,
"Life, Everlasting, Gate, Destruction, New World Translation,","'Go in through the narrow gate.' Difference is: there is no restricting factor for those going into destruction, there is, however, those going into life.",'Gate' is a restricting factor.  There is only 'one gate' mentioned in the New World Translation vs. two in King James V. 'In Greek 'gate' is restricting factor.',Matt. 7:13;,Mark Marrow Mentioning Comment By Bro. A. Schroeder,'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
"Life, Everlasting, Sound Mind, Weakness, Sin,",'One should acquire some such an ailment as diabetes and then use good sense in taking care of it.' If one wants to live long. With good sense a diabetic can hope to out-live the average non-diabetic.,Recognizing our weakness is essential for everlasting life.,Acts. 26:25; 1 Tim. 2:9; 2 Tim. 1:7; Titus 2:12;,"Oct 22, 1963 Aw Page 12-16",The Only Cure For Sick Mankind,62,,,
"Life, Evolution, Science, Bible,",'Where did I come from?'  This is a question that most young children ask at one time or another.,When children grow up their questions become more profound:  'Where did life come from?'  This question has been discussed for thousands of years.  The Bible give the correct answer!,Ps 139:14;,"Sep 1, 1994 Wt Page 32",Evidence Of God In The World Around Us,4,,1994/08/23,
"Life, Evolution, Science, Creation,",'For life to have been a chemical accident on earth is like looking for a particular grain of sand on all the beaches in all the planets in the universe--and finding it.',"In other words, it is just not possible that life could have originated by chance, or a chemical accident.",Ge 1:1;,Creation Book   Page 53,Does Your Hope Rest On Science Or The Bible?,80,,,
"Life, Example, Conduct,",Your life lies before you like freshly fallen snow.,"Be careful where you step, for every step will show.",Eccl 7:1;,Bobby Laymon,Follow The Way To Life,45,,1998/12/25,
"Life, Exert, Gate, Narrow, Cramped, Discipline, Path","In ancient times, roadways through gates were the means of entry into cities.","Frequently, the Scriptures liken the course of life that individuals follow to a road or pathway. (Prov. 4:18, 19) According to the Son of God, the road to 'destruction,' or death out of divine favor, is 'broad and spacious.' It permits people to live just as they please, without making changes to conform to Biblical standards of conduct. 'Many' have chosen that spacious roadway of 'easy living.'    On the other hand, the Bible likens the Messianic kingdom of God to a city, to which access is gained through a 'narrow' gate and a 'cramped' road. (See Hebrews 11:10; 13:14.)","Matt. 7:13, 14.",W78 11/15 29-30,Make Jehovah Your Confidence,70,,1994/05/07,
"Life, Experience, Youth, Maturity, Wisdom, Age, Older,","'When I was a boy of 14, my father was so ignorant I could hardly stand to have the old man around.  But when I got to be 21, I was astonished at how much the old man had learned in seven years.' Quote: Mark Twain.",Experience in life helps one to appreciate the wisdom of age.,Leviticus 19:32;,Bobby Laymon,How Can Youths Cope With Today's Crisis?,113,,1995/06/13,
"Life, Fame, Power, Riches, Money,",'There is more to life than increasing its speed.'  Quote: Mohandas K. Gandhi.,"Today people try to live life too fast.  Especially to gain wealth, fame, and power.","Heb 13:5, 6;",Bobby Laymon - Reader's Digest,Is This Life All There Is?,36,,1996/03/15,
"Life, Flood, Pleasures, Hope,","But like the flowers that now sprout among the ruins of their city and then fade, so they lived a short while and then ceased to be.  Those people [of Rome] were not too different from us today. They had their homes, their families, their businesses and their pleasures. They had the same physical and emotional feelings and had their plans and hopes just as we have.","But why must man's life be like a fading flower? Why can it not be like a flower that never fades?  Why can it not last a long time, like the sturdy sequoia tree? It can and it will. The One who 'As for mortal man, his days are like those of green grass; like a blossom of the field is the way he blossoms forth. For a mere wind has to pass over it, and it is no more.'-Ps. 103:15, 16.","Ps. 103:15, 16.",W58 1/1 3,Life Does Have A Purpose,23,,1994/06/03,
"Life, Foresight, Wisdom,",Awake! magazine once mentioned a boy who arrived late at school. He explained to the teacher that he had run beside his bike all the way to school. The teacher asked him why he didn't RIDE his bike. His reply: 'I was so late I didn't have time to stop and get on the bike!',"No matter how busy we are, we must sometimes stop and ask ourselves: what am I doing with my life? And is what I'm doing really worthwhile?",Matt 6:33;,Peter Morgan,Acquiring A Heart Of Wisdom,73,,1997/08/12,
"Life, Forever, Preaching, Witnessing, Teaching, Pioneer,","Glossy advertisements boast that 'diamonds are forever.' Nevertheless, the owner of such an exquisite gem does not get to enjoy it forever because apart from God's provision for salvation, death is the lot of all sinful humans.",The work of Jehovah's Witnesses is thus yielding a treasure far more valuable than mere diamonds: servants of God and disciples of Jesus Christ! And Jehovah's Word promises: 'He that does the will of God remains forever.',"John 3:16, 17;  1 John 2:17;",W90 3/15 23,Can You Live Forever?--will You?,35,,1994/05/11,
"Life, Gift, Time,","A child wants to give you a gift but as a kid they don't have any money.  So they come to you and ask you for some money so as to buy you a  gift.  They look up to you with their big eyes and they give you that 'look' that makes your heart melt.  Well, you are touched by their spirit of giving. You reach down and give them a $100 so as to by you a gift.  The child thanks you and runs off to purchase you a gift.  Now how would you feel if that child spent $1 on your gift and kept the rest?  To say the least, you would be hurt.  Why since you gave them  the money?  Well how they spend the money (which is really yours) reflects how they feel about you.","Even though we can live our lives because of the gift of life, how we use it or 'spend it' reflects how we feel about the person who gave it to us.",Rom. 6:23;,Patti Gillison,Is This Life All There Is?,36,,1999/04/20,
"Life, Glory, Prestige, Honor, Praise, Fame,","'Glories, like glowworms, afar off shine bright, But looked to near have neither heat nor light.' Quote: John Webster. [1623].","Jehovah's people do not seek glory for themselves.  These glorify Jehovah with all they have by putting the Kingdom first, thus showing that God's purposes are more valuable to them than worldly success.",1 Jo 2:15-17;,Bobby Laymon,Glorifying God With All We Have,17,,1995/07/14,
"Life, Goals, Frustration, Desires, Pioneer,","Many are caught up in the stream of life and carried along, concerned with the problems that face them from day to day like rocks and eddies in a stream, sometimes losing sight of their personal goals and desires. 'I would gladly sell everything to have my life over again.'   Quote: Andrew Carnegie",How much more rewarding to develop a work with a future.  A work that leads to eternal life.  There is no vanity in this.  Jehovah and Jesus have given an 'open door' to the service.  Those who have made this decision and endured have no regrets.,"Ecc 2:10, 11, 18; 3:13; 8:14; Mt 23:8; 28:19;","Jun 1, 1971 Wt Page 328",What Is Your Relationship With God?,87,,1993/11/11,
"Life, Goals, Money, Power, Beauty, Pioneer,","What is your goal in life?  Some have goals of wealth, power, being famous, great beauty.","These goals are not satisfying, as many in later life turn away from them.  e.g. entertainers.  Some become bankrupt, Many in Jehovah's organization with ability to make millions, yet serving in full-time work.","Ecclesiastes 2:4, 10; Ps 103:15, 16; Jas 4:14;]",Ken Austin,Is This Life All There Is?,36,,,
"Life, Goals, Money, Power, Beauty, Pioneer, Death,","Did you ever watch your mother cooking, and she would lift the lid of a large pot, with a roast in it?  What would come out? Steam!  Yet, it quickly vanishes!","Life is like that!  It is like a mist, appearing for just a little while, and then vanishes.","James 4:14; Ps 103:15, 16;",Ken Austin,What Happens When We Die?,127,,,
"Life, Happiness,",'It would be nice to be born at age 80 and gradually grow backward.'  Quote: Mark Twain.,Happiness and life can quickly pass us by if we neglect Jehovah.,"Eccl. 12:13, 14","Brandt Jones (oct 28, 1990)",Is This Life All There Is?,36,,,
"Life, Happiness,",Mark Twain quote:  'Living is like licking honey off thorns.',Life has both bitter and sweet in today's world.,"Eccl. 12:13, 14","Brandt Jones (oct 28, 1990)",You Can Find Joy In Serving God,103,,,
"Life, Happiness, Joy, Failure, Success, Money, Tact, Friends, Truth, Grudge, Resentment,","BIG THOUGHTS IN ONE-LINERS  1. Life is not so much a matter of position as of disposition  2. The best vitamin for making friends, B-1  3. If you don't care where you're going any road will get you there  4. A pint of example is worth a gallon of advice  5. He who throws mud loses ground  6. Nobody raises his own reputation by lowering others  7. Nothing ruins the truth like stretching it  8. A smile is an inexpensive way to change your looks  9. Ideas won't work unless you do  10. The future is purchased by the present  11. One thing you can't recycle is wasted time  12. Lost time is never found again  13. A hard thing about business is minding your own  14. Triumph is just 'umph' added to 'try'  15. Caution is not cowardly. Carelessness is not courage  16. He who forgives ends the quarrel  17. Children need more models than critics  18. Frogs have it easy, they can eat what bugs them  19. The pursuit of happiness is the chase of a life time  20. If the going gets easy you may be going downhill  21. Dieters - People that are thick and tired of it  22. Jumping to conclusions can be a bad exercise  23. The best labor saving device is doing it tomorrow  24. A turtle makes progress when it sticks its neck out  25. Failure is the path of least persistence  26. Hard work is the yeast that raises the dough  27. Patience is counting down without blasting off  28. Some folks won't look up until they are flat on their backs  29. If you want your dreams to come true, don't over sleep  30. Friend - One who knows all about you and likes you just the same  31. Money talks and often just says, 'Good Bye'  32. Birds have bills too, and they keep on singing  33. Forbidden fruit is responsible for many a bad jam  34. A good example is the best sermon  35. The Ten Commandments are not multiple choice  36. Well done! is better than Well said!  37. Minds are like parachutes - they only function when open  38. Live as you wish your kids would  39. Swallowing your pride seldom leads to indigestion  40. If you can laugh at it then you can live with it  41. People don't fail, they give up  42. When looking for faults use a mirror, not a telescope  43. Smile, it takes only 13 muscles; A frown takes 64  44. Kindness, a language deaf people can hear and blind see  45. Heaviest thing to carry - a grudge  46. A smooth sea never made a skillful sailor  47. A small leak can sink a great ship  48. You can't direct the wind but you can adjust your sails  49. We lie loudest when we lie to ourselves  50. Tact is ability to see others as they wish to be seen  51. A bad conscience has a very good memory  52. Hug your kids at home - belt them in the car  53. One thing you can give and still keep is your word  54. A friend walks in when everyone else walks out  55. If you must cry over spilled milk then please try to condense it  56. Behavior is the mirror in which everyone shows their image  57. Make friends before you need them  58. It's not the load that breaks you down, it's the way you carry it  59. The smallest good deed is better than the grandest intention  60. Success is...more attitude than aptitude  61. Our favorite attitude should be gratitude  62. The greatest of all faults is to imagine you have none  63. Too many of us speak twice before we think  64. Some people develop eye strain looking for trouble  65. Everyone has 20/20 hindsight  66. The happiness of your life depends on the quality of your thoughts  67. It is much easier to be critical than to be correct  68. Feed your faith and doubt will starve to death  69. It is no crime not to be perfect  70. If others have sinned you need not mention it  71. No man knows less than the man who knows it all  72. Patience carries a lot of wait  73. One who lacks courage to start has already finished  74. A quitter never wins, and a winner never quits  75. Action speaks louder than words but not nearly as often  76. Break a bad habit - drop it  77. Don't learn safety rules simply by accident  78. By failing to prepare we prepare to fail  79. Past failures are guideposts to success  80. There is no right way to do a wrong thing  81. An atheist is a person who has no visible means of support  82. Money is a good servant but it is a cruel master  83. Seek joy in what you give not in what you get  84. Procrastination is the thief of time  85. Success comes in cans... Failure comes in can'ts  86. Anger is one letter short of danger, Greatest remedy for anger is delay  87. 2/3 of promotion is motion  88. Having a sharp tongue will cut your throat  89. Of all the things you wear, your expression is most important  90. An agnostic is an atheist that doesn't want to admit that he is an atheist because he is afraid that if he does God will strike him dead.",Use as needed.,Ecc 12:13,Stan Landers,,,,1998/02/15,6/18/2025
"Life, Happiness, Wealth,","Quote John Roskin, Eng. writer. 'There is no wealth but life'",Life is man's most precious possession.,"Eccl. 2:15, 16","Brandt Jones (oct 28, 1990)",You Can Find Joy In Serving God,103,,,
"Life, Happiness, Youth, Paradise, Carnegie,","'I would give all my millions, if I could have youth and health. ... I would gladly sell anything to have my life over again.' Quote: Andrew Carnegie","For the cost of only some time and effort you can learn why there is a reasonable, solidly based and attainable hope of seeing that desire realized.",Re 20:12-14;,"Oct 8, 1970 Aw Page 4",You Can Find Joy In Serving God,103,,,
"Life, Joy, Center, Depressed, Death, Groaning,","Can you pretend?  Can you act as if something doesn't exist? Like, now you see it; now you don't. Note: Those depressed are qualified for Jehovah's service. Ps 126:3-6;",Sometimes we must look at objects in life that way.  Don't center life around wife; she could die! Around children; they could be disfellowshipped! Don't build life around sickness; or rejoicing; or buying; could have storm or fire!  World; look at job security!,"1co 7:29, 30; Ps 126:3-6;",Bobby Laymon,Serve Jehovah With A Joyful Heart,78,,,
"Life, Justice, Kindness, Consideration, Love, Jealousy, Envy, Hatred,","ONCE UPON A TIME a Wolf resolved to disguise his appearance in  order to secure food more easily.  Encased in the skin of a sheep, he pastured with the flock deceiving the shepherd by his costume.  In the evening he was shut up by the shepherd in the  fold; the gate was closed, and the entrance made thoroughly  secure.  But the shepherd, returning to the fold during the night to obtain meat for the next day, mistakenly caught up the Wolf instead of a sheep, and killed him instantly.","Moral:  ' Harm seek.  harm find.'   Those who are envious, jealous, or who try to discredit or harm others will have it return upon himself.  Prov. 26:27 says,  'He that is excavating a pit will fall into the same, and he that is rolling away a stone-back to him it will return.'",Pr 26:27;,Aesop's Fables - Bobby Laymon,Follow The Way To Life,45,,1994/05/17,
"Life, Love, Work,",It's hard to appreciate something you don't earn.,"But we must, because we cannot earn life.",Rom. 6:23,Bobby Laymon,"Friendship With God, Friendship With The World -- Which Will You Choose?",79,,,
"Life, Marriage, Faith, Health, Relationship, Stress, Materialism,","Every institution, business or manufacturing plant, building or piece of equipment has need of preventive maintenance. 'A stitch in time saves nine.' It is good sense. It eliminates costly shutdowns. Equipment lasts","Do you apply preventive maintenance to your life? Marriage? Faith? longer.  Means checking for cracks, loose bolts, nuts, listening carefully for irregular sounds; setting proper speed and limits.",Luke 16:10;,"Jun 8, 1967 Aw Page 3, 4,",True Friendship With God And Neighbor.,100,,,
"Life, Overall, View,","Life is a tragedy when seen in close-up, but a comedy in long shot.  -- Charlie Chaplin","If we could see things as Jehovah sees them, they would certainly look different.  Perhaps our own problems would not seem so perplexing.",Eccl 10:19;,Bobby Laymon,Human Creation's Groaning--when Will It End?,141,,"Nov 19, 2001",
"Life, Pioneers, Missionaries,","Christians are like, (and unlike) runners in a race in the first century.","Like: must train vigorously, observe the rules, strip themselves of cumbersome weights.  Unlike: all who run the race for life will finish to get the prize.",Heb 12:1-4;,"Jun 1, 1992 Wt Page 21  (Eldor Timm)",A Clean People Honors Jehovah,14,,,
"Life, Pleasure, Suicide,","Can you imagine going up in an airplane and jumping out without a parachute?  For a few minutes it would truly be exhilarating, but then it would cause your death.","Pleasure seeking in today's world, getting involved in immorality, drugs, might be exhilarating, for a short time.  However, is it worth losing out on eternal life.",1 John 2:15-17; 2 Tim 3:1-5;,Charles Francis [Denny],Lovers Of Pleasure Or Lovers Of God?,64,,1994/12/25,
"Life, Pride, Honor, Worship, Ancestors, Boast,",'The man who has not anything to boast of but his illustrious ancestors is like a potato - the only good belonging to him is underground.' Quote: Sir Thomas Overbury.,"Many people today, worship ancestors, as they have for centuries.","Ecc 9:5, 10;",Bobby Laymon,Who Is Your God?,52,,1995/06/30,
"Life, Problems, Groaning, Joy, Happiness,","'Life's a tough proposition, and the first hundred years are the hardest.' Quote: Wilson Mizner.","Poets and wise men alike have written much about life, yet still know little.  Jehovah is the one who can bring lasting joy to our lives.","Ps. 1:1, 2;",Bobby Laymon,Coping With Life's Anxieties,32,,1995/08/16,
"Life, Problems, Struggle,",'Life is one long struggle in the dark.'  Quote: Lucretius.,"Cannot cope with world problems though human ingenuity.  We can only win this struggle by gaining calmer, healthier life now.",Jer 10:23;,Bobby Laymon,Coping With Life's Anxieties,32,,1995/07/09,
"Life, Purpose,","If you were to visit a MACHINE designer and saw him working on a complicated  piece of machinery that you did not recognize, how could you find out what it was for? The best way would be for you to ask the designer.","What, then, of the magnificent design we see all around us on earth, such as in all living things, down to the smallest living cell? Even the much smaller molecules and atoms inside the cell are wonderfully designed and orderly. What, too, of the marvelously designed human mind? And what of our solar system, and our Milky Way galaxy, and the universe? Did not all these awesome designs require a Designer? Surely he could tell us why he designed such things.",Genesis 1:1,Purpose Of Life Brochure (Charles Francis),Life Does Have A Purpose,23,,1994/12/25,
"Life, Purpose, Fame, Popularity,","'The Watchtower once made this insightful comment: 'We should not waste this life on vanities ... If this life is all there is, there is nothing important. This life is like a ball thrown into the air that soon falls into the dust again. It is a fleeting shadow, a fading flower a blade of grass to be cut and soon withered. . . . On the scales of eternity our life span is a negligible speck. In the stream of time it is not even a healthy drop.","Certainly [Solomon] is right when he reviews life's many human concerns and activities and pronounces them vanity. We are so soon gone we might as well have never come, one of billions to come and go, with so few ever knowing we were here at all. This view is not cynical or somber or morose or morbid. It is truth, a fact to face, a practical view, if this life is all there is.' --August 1, 1957, page 472.",Eccl. 4:4;,"Feb 15,  1997 Wt Page 16",Is This Life All There Is?,36,,1997/01/30,
"Life, Purpose, Fame, Popularity,","Think how some struggle to become famous, whether on a small or a large scale.  We see it in school, in our neighborhood, and in various social groups. It also is an impelling force in those wanting to become known in the arts, entertainment, and politics.","Even if a youth became prominent in a club, on a sports team, or in a musical group--or some man or woman gained repute in a company or community--how many really know of it? Do most people on the other side of the globe (or even of the same country) know that the person exists? Or do they just continue in life totally unaware of what little fame he or she has? And the same can be said of any power or authority a person achieves on the job, in a town, or among a group.   What does such prominence or authority amount to in the long run?",Eccl. 4:4;,"Feb 15,  1997 Wt Page 16",Is This Life All There Is?,36,,1997/01/30,
"Life, Purpose, Kingdom,","BENEATH the busy streets of Rome lies a city that once teemed with more than three million people. Those people were not too different from us today. They had their homes, their families, their businesses and their pleasures. They had the same physical and emotional feelings and had their plans and hopes just as we have. But like the flowers that now sprout among the ruins of their city and then fade, so they lived a short while and then ceased to be.","But why must man's life be like a fading flower? Why can it not be like a flower that never fades? Why can it not last a long time, like the sturdy sequoia tree? It can and it will.  Multitudes today will see God's original purposes fulfilled. At that time mankind, which is now a fading flower, will cease to fade.","Ps. 103:15, 16; Isa 55:11;",W58 1/1 3,Life Does Have A Purpose,23,,1994/11/24,
"Life, Purpose, Truth",If you were looking at a machine and couldn't figure out how it worked or what it was suppose to do what would you do?  Best thing would be to ask the designer.,If want to know purpose in life ask designer Jehovah.  Go to his word Bible.,1 Thes 2:13,Divine Teaching Convention,How Purposeful Is Your Life?,60,,,
"Life, Purpose, Will,","Picture a squirrel; there are over 300 kinds around the world. What is its life cycle? After it is born, its mother nurses it for some weeks. Soon it has fur and can venture outside. You may see it scampering about learning to find food.  But often it seems just to be playing, enjoying its youthfulness. After growing for a year or so, it locates a mate. Then it must build a nest or den and care for offspring.  If it finds enough berries, nuts, and seeds, the squirrel family may grow plump and have time to enlarge their home. But in just a few years, the animal becomes old and more prone to accident and disease. About  age ten it dies. With slight differences between squirrel types, that is its life cycle.","Most people would not object to that cycle for an animal, and they hardly expect a squirrel to have a thought-out purpose in life. However, the life of many humans does not  differ very much from that, does it?  They are born and cared for as babies.  They eat, grow, and play as youths.  Before long they are adults,  find a mate,  and seek a place to live and a means to provide food.  If they succeed, they may grow plump and expand their home (nest) in which to raise offspring.  But the decades quickly pass, and they grow older.  If not before, they may die after 70 or 80 years.  However, humans can differ from animals when they die.","Ps. 90:9, 10, 12;","Feb 15, 1997 Wt Page 11",Is This Life All There Is?,36,,1997/01/30,
"Life, Race, Endurance, Reinstatement, Name, Help, Encouragement, Mercy,","An important lesson I have never forgotten.  'As long as the finish line has not been crossed, the race is neither lost nor won.' Quote: Jean Vidament (cross-country professional racer) after catching up with those far in the lead.)","Likewise, in the race for life, we must never give up, nor give up on others.  Help, and be an encouragement to others as he did in a literal race.  (See article - Solidarity among racers)",1 Ti 4:8,"Jul 8, 1993 Aw Page 19",You Can Find Joy In Serving God,103,,,
"Life, Respect, Suicide, Blood, Satan, Devil, Demons,","Two men are at the top of twin towers in New York.  One man tells the other that the wind current will catch you if you jump and you will glide down easily and not get hurt.  It will really give you a thrill.  He doesn't believe it.  The other man jumps, and in a few minutes comes back up.  The first man is convinced, and jumps.  He enjoys the ride, but hits the bottom and dies.  Someone says, 'That was a dirty trick, Superman.'","Satan, in like manner tries to get us to do things that look like fun.  These things can be death dealing to us.  It is all a joke to Satan.",2 Cor 4:4;,Charles Francis,Keep Growing In Your Relationship With God,16,,1994/12/25,
"Life, Risk, Danger,",'There is not a single thing you can do in an ordinary day--sleeping included--that isn't risky enough to be the last thing you ever do.' --Discover magazine.,"Risk factors vary from country to country. They include traffic accidents, civil war, famine, AIDS, cancer, heart disease, and a host of other things. In sub-Saharan Africa, for example, AIDS has become the number one killer, in a recent year 'claiming 2.2 million lives, 10 times the death toll from all of Africa's civil wars,' says U.S.News and World Report.",Eccl. 11:9,"Feb 1, 2001 Wt Page 3",Life Does Have A Purpose,23,,"Dec 27, 2000",
"Life, Risk, Danger,","LIFE has been compared to I walking through a mine field, for injury or death can come at any time, often without warning.","Risk factors vary from country to country. They include traffic accidents, civil war, famine, AIDS, cancer, heart disease, and a host of other things. In sub-Saharan Africa, for example, AIDS has become the number one killer, in a recent year 'claiming 2.2 million lives, 10 times the death toll from all of Africa's civil wars,' says U.S.News and World Report.",Eccl. 11:9,"Feb 1, 2001 Wt Page 3",Life Does Have A Purpose,23,,"Dec 27, 2000",
"Life, Risk, Danger,","TO WALK in a minefield can be deadly. Would it not make a difference, though, if you had a map that showed the locations of the land mines? Additionally, suppose you had been trained to identify the various mines. Clearly, such knowledge would considerably reduce the risk of your being maimed or killed.",The Bible can be compared to that map along with the training on mine identification. The Bible contains wisdom that is unsurpassed when it comes to avoiding the perils and handling the problems that arise in life.,"Proverbs 2:10, 11","Feb 1, 2001 Wt Page 4",Is This Life All There Is?,36,,"Dec 27, 2000",
"Life, Sacred, Appreciation,","A brother was in a quick store and saw two EMT paramedics hurriedly fixing coffee and making a sandwich.  He kiddingly said,  going to an accident huh?  The one paramedic said no, a heart attack victim.  The brother was stunned and said are you kidding?  They said no, and finished making their things and then went out.",Illustrates how view of life has become cheap.,Ps. 36:9,Jk,Life Does Have A Purpose,23,,1998/05/12,
"Life, Sacred, Courage, Blood, Risks, Persecution,",'There is a wide difference between true courage and a mere contempt of life.' Quote: Cato the Elder  (B.C. 234-149),"We must not risk our lives, due to peer pressure, or for any reason that shows a disrespect for life.  Many risk their everlasting life, thus showing contempt for life.","2sa 23:16, 17;",Wisdom Of The Ages,Bearing Up Under Persecution,57,,,
"Life, Security, Peace, Everlasting","Can you feel comfortable and secure in your home if it is heavily mortgaged.  Even though you have steady employment and good income. Sickness, Accident, and financial reverses come overnight.","Life is like a 'shadow' that quickly passes by. Perfect security, life would be like home with no mortgage, perfectly landscaped, delightful work, no crime area etc.","1 Chron. 29:15; 1 Cor. 15:26, 56; Rom. 6:23; 1 John 3:8;","Aug 15, 1967 Wt Page 504",Life Does Have A Purpose,23,,,
"Life, Security, Peace, Everlasting, Earth,","Of all the universe, the earth is the only place that has been 'out of orbit' figuratively speaking. Jesus 'hands over the kingdom to Jehovah.'","Now, everything will be brought back into line with God's will.",1 Cor. 15:24; Phil. 2:9-11; Rev. 11:15;,"Aug 15, 1967 Wt Page 505",Ruining The Earth Brings Divine Retribution,106,,,
"Life, Sequoia, Endurance, Tribulation,","One of the most renowned wonders of the modern world is the endurance of the giant sequoia trees of California.  Practically exempt from disease and endowed with an almost endless life.  The oldest tree ever cut for lumber is recorded to have lived for 3,148 years.","Those sequoia trees have been created by Jehovah, the same One who can endow man with the quality of endurance for his eternal benefit.",Rom 5:3-5; Is 65:22;,"Apr 1, 1970 Wt Page 208",Is This Life All There Is?,36,,,
"Life, Serious,",Life is serious business....,....So don't take it too seriously.,Ecc 9:11;,David Berry,Life Does Have A Purpose,23,,1998/03/18,
"Life, Spirit, Return,","Someone lends an object to a friend.  When the friend comes to return it, the owner might ask him to leave it at the door of his hut.","Though the borrower has not placed it in the owner's hands, nevertheless, the object is once again in the owner's possession. So it is with a man's life force at death: it 'returns to God.'",Ecclesiastes 12:7; John 5:21;,"Nov 8, 1969 Aw Page 28",What Is Behind The Spirit Of Rebellion?,33,,,
"Life, Time, Death, Shadow, Pioneer, Zeal, Urgent,","'There's a shadow hanging over me, Oh yesterday came suddenly.' Quote: Paul McCartney.  In song: 'Yesterday.'","The realization that life is short, and that we are near the end, hits suddenly for all. Our zeal for serving Jehovah will cause us to act now.","Ps. 90:5, 6;",Bobby Laymon,Is This Life All There Is?,36,,1995/08/16,
"Life, Understanding, Future, Fate,","'I compare human life to a large mansion of many apartments, two of which I can only describe, the doors of the rest being as yet shut upon me.'  Quote: John Keats.  -May 3, 1818.","Jehovah is the only one who can reveal to us the purpose of life, and the future.","Jo 5:28, 29;",Bobby Laymon,Is This Life All There Is?,36,,1995/08/01,
"Life, Value, Sacred, Appreciation, Fame, Pleasure,","TO MOST people life is a treasure. Without it, there is nothing. To others, life is not so important. They are willing to take great risks for fleeting fame or for pleasure. Yet most of these people who appear to count life cheap try to pack all the pleasure or fame that they can into a short time.","How does the Creator regard the life that he has given humans? He views it as most precious, a treasure.","Ecc 2:15, 16;",W75 6/1 328,Is This Life All There Is?,36,,1995/06/06,
"Life, Vanity, Employment, Materialism, Greed, Calamity, Problems,",'He has spent all his life in letting down empty buckets into empty wells; and he is frittering away his age in trying to draw them up again.'  Quote: Sydney Smith. [1855].,"Solomon, like many today and in the past, did not find real life in pleasure, possessions, but saw that such things are vanity.",Ecclesiastes 2:17;,Bobby Laymon,Reach Out For The Real Life!,90,,1995/07/18,
"Life, Wisdom, Understanding, Experience,",'Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards.' Quote: Soren Kierkegaard.  -1813-1855.,"From their own experience, children know wisdom comes with passing time.  Knowing this, and knowing that their parents are much older, they should appreciate the greater wisdom their parents have.",Prov. 23:22;,Bobby Laymon,Communication--within The Family And With God,30,,1995/08/05,
"Life, Wonder, Creation, Humans,","'Men go abroad to wonder at the heights of mountains, at the huge waves of the sea, at the long courses of the rivers, at the vast compass of the ocean, at the circular motions of the stars; and they pass by themselves without wondering.'  Quote: St. Augustine.",Man is wonderfully made.,Ps 139:14;,Bobby Laymon - Reader's Digest,Appreciating Marvels Of God's Creation,114,,1996/03/21,
"Life, Youth, Fame, Popular, Vanity,",'Fame is the thirst of youth.' Quote: George Noel Gordon. -1816.,"In these last days, it is lethal to occupy ourselves solely with a quest for academic achievement, wealth, fame, or worldly success.  This would cost God's approval and the real life.",2 Cor. 6:2;,Bobby Laymon,Reach Out For The Real Life!,90,,1995/07/18,
Life;,"' Enjoy the little things for one day, you may look back and realize they were the big things.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Life;,"'If you're going to be able to look back on something and  laugh about it, you might as well laugh about it now.'  Quote:  Marie Osmond.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Life;,'Life is a grindstone; whether it grinds you down or polishes you up depends on what you're made of.'  Quote:  Jacob Braude.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Life;,'Live is the art of being well deceived.' Quote:  William Hazlitt,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Life;,'Man is a bubble.'  Quote:  Greek.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Life; Age;,'Babies haven't any hair; Old men's heads are just as bare; Between the cradle and the grave Lies a haircut and a shave'  Quote:  Sam Hoffenstein.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Life; Awake;,'To be awake is to be alive.'  Quote:  Henry David Thoreau.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Life; Death; Live Forever; Happiness,"How grand, when the aging process in humans is reversed and, with the help of God's Son as High Priest, they return from the road to death and the grave and start back on the road to the freshness and vigor of youth!","We can have confidence that the head of God's government will not be harsh in his direction of earth's inhabitants as they work to bring their lives ever more fully in harmony with God's will and purpose. For with reference to Christ Jesus' priestly service, in view of his experiences here on earth, Hebrews 4:15 says: 'We have as high priest, not one who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who has been tested in all respects like ourselves, but without sin. Let us, therefore, approach with freeness of speech to the throne of undeserved kindness, that we may obtain mercy and find undeserved kindness for help at the right time.'",Hebrews 4:15,G73 10/8 27-8,True Friendship With God And Neighbor.,100,,1999/01/22,
Life; Funny;,'Why is it that we rejoice at a birth and grieve at a funeral?  It is because we are not the person involved.'  Quote:  Mt.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Life; Funny;,"He who spends a storm beneath a tree, takes life with a grain of TNT.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Life; Futility;,"Man alone is born crying, lives complaining, and dies disappointed.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Life; Guidance;,"'There stands an angel by every man, as soon as he is born, to guide him through the mystery of life.'  Quote:  Greek.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Life; Happiness;,Have a blast while you last.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Life; Health;,"To live long, it is necessary to live slowly.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Life; Immortality; Soul;,'The biggest hoax perpetrated by the human mind is the life after death valentine.'  Quote:  H. L. Mencken.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Life; Imperfection;,"'When we all remember we are mad, the mysteries disappear and life stands explained.'  Quote:  Mt.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Life; Living;,'All would live long but none would be old.'  Quote:  Bf.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Life; Living;,"'Do not take life too seriously, you'll never get out of it alive.'  Quote:  Elbert Hubbard.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Life; Living;,'I haven't heard of anybody that wants to stop living on account of the cost.'  Quote:  Kin Hubbard.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Life; Living;,"'I keep a simple view of life, keep your eyes open and get on with it.'  Quote:  Lawrence Olivier.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Life; Living;,"'If I had my life to live over again, I don't think I'd have the strength.'  Quote:  Flip Wilson.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Life; Living;,"'In spite of the cost of living, its still popular.'  Quote:  Kathleen Norris.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Life; Living;,'Life begins at forty.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Life; Living;,'Life in abundance comes only through great love.'  Quote:  Elbert Hubbard.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Life; Living;,'Life is a game at which everybody loses.'  Quote:  Sarkadi Schuler.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Life; Living;,"'Life is a jest and all things show it, I thought so once and now I know it.'  Quote:  John Gay.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Life; Living;,'Life is a pilgrimage.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Life; Living;,'Life is a shadow.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Life; Living;,"'Life is a tragedy for those who feel, and a comedy for those who think.'  Quote:  Jean Bruyere.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Life; Living;,'Life is dead-end street.'  Quote:  H. L. Mencken.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Life; Living;,"'Life is like an onion, which one peels crying.'  Quote:  French.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Life; Living;,'Life is not dated merely by years. Events are sometimes the best calendars.'  Quote:  Ben Disraeli.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Life; Living;,'Life is sweet.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Life; Living;,"'Life is the garment we continually alter, but which never seems to fit.'  Quote:  David McCord.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Life; Living;,"'Life is what we make it. Always has been, always will be.'  Quote:  Grandma Moses.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Life; Living;,'Life means strife.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Life; Living;,'Live and let live.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Life; Living;,'Live so that you wouldn't be ashamed to sell your parrot to the town gossip.' Quote:  W. Rogers,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Life; Living;,'My life is my message.'  Quote:  M. Ghandi.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Life; Living;,'Our creator would never have made such lovely days and have given us the deep hearts to enjoy them unless we were meant to be immortal.'  Quote:  Nathaniel Hawthorne.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Life; Living;,'The best use of life is to spend it for something that outlasts life.' Quote:  William James,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Life; Living;,'The man who regards his own life and that of his fellow creatures as meaningless is not merely unhappy but hardly fit for life.'  Quote:  Einstein.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Life; Living;,"'The more you live, the less you die.'  Quote:  Dick Seger.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Life; Living;,"'Three score years and ten is enough. If a man can't suffer all the misery he wants in that time, he must be numb.'  Quote:  J. Billings.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Life; Living;,'We load up on oat bran in the morning so we'll live forever. Then we spend the rest of the day living like there's no tomorrow.'  Quote:  Lee Ioacoca.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Life; Living;,'What do we live for if it is not to make life less difficult for each other.'  Quote:  G. Elliot.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Life; Living;,"How I was born I do not remember, how I will die I do not know.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Life; Living;,"I want to be thoroughly used up when I die, for the harder I work, the more I live.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Life; Living;,"If you knew that you were going to die tomorrow, you'd know how to live today.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Life; Living;,"Life is an unanswered question, but let's still believe in the dignity and importance of the question.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Life; Living;,Life is either what you make if it or what it makes of you.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Life; Living;,Life is the art of drawing without an eraser.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Life; Living;,Life is what happens to you while you are making other plans.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Life; Living;,Live each day so that you will neither be afraid of tomorrow nor ashamed of yesterday.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Life; Living;,My grandfather always said that life is like licking honey off a thorn.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Life; Living;,Never get so busy making a living that you forget to make a life.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Life; Living;,"O Life! Long to the wretched, short to the happy.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Life; Living;,"The life of man: School tablet, aspirin tablet, stone tablet.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Life; Living;,"We are born crying, live complaining, and die disappointed.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Life; Living; Attitude;,"There are three ingredients in the good life; learning, earning, and yearning.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Life; Living; Attitude;,"When life gives you scraps, make quilts.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Life; Living; Birth;,'The first and direst of all disasters.'  Quote:  Ambrose Bierce.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Life; Living; Kindness; Goodness;,"'Let us live so that when we come to die, even the undertaker will be sorry.'  Quote:  Mt.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Life; Living; Positive;,"Life is like a mirror, if you frown at it, it frowns back, if you smile it returns the greeting.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Life; Living; Purpose;,'The goal of all life is death.' Quote:  Sigmund Freud,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Life; Living; Purpose;,'The purpose of life is a life of purpose.'  Quote:  Robert Byrne.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Life; Old Age;,"'The four stages of man are infancy, childhood, adolescence, and obsolescence.'  Quote:  Art Linkletter.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Life; Purpose;,"'Be not afraid of life. Believe that life is worth living, and you belief will help create the fact.' Quote: William James",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Life; Purpose;,"'If you take too long in deciding what to do with your life, you'll find you've done it.'  Quote:  Pam Shaw.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Life; Purpose;,"'If you want to die happily, learn to live. If you would live happily, learn to die.'  Quote:  Calcagnini.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Life; Purpose;,'Life has a value only when it has something valuable as its object.'  Quote:  Hegel.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Life; Purpose;,'Life is the art of drawing sufficient conclusions from insufficient premises.'  Quote:  Samuel Butler.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Life; Purpose;,"'Life is tragedy for those who feel, and a comedy for those who think.'  Quote:  Jean De La Bruyere.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Life; Purpose;,'Men flourish only for a moment.'  Quote:  Homer.,,Psalms 103:15,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Life; Purpose;,'Oh that I had never been born.'  Quote:  J. W. Van Goethe.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Life; Purpose;,'One's life is a heavy price to pay for being born.'  Quote:  Henrik Ibsen.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Life; Purpose;,'Purpose is what gives life a meaning.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Life; Purpose;,Life gives nothing to mankind unless they strive mightily.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Life; Purpose;,Life is a continual process of getting used to things we never expected.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Life; Purpose;,Life isn't fair! But neither is death!,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Life; Purpose;,"Today is the last day of your life, so far.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Life; Purpose; Contentment;,"'Every stage of life has its troubles, and no man is content with his own age.'  Quote:  Latin.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Life; Purpose; Contentment;,'None of us is ever satisfied with what we are.' Quote: Terence,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Life; Purpose; Giving;,"'When people are serving, life is no longer meaningless.'  Quote:  John Gardner.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Life; Purpose; Wealth;,'There is no wealth but life.'  Quote:  John Ruskin.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Life; Time; Zeal; Preaching; Pioneer;,"'How we spend our days is, of course, how we spend our lives.' Quote: Annie Dillard.",We should work zealously for the sake of the Good News.,Matt 24:14;,Bobby Laymon - Reader's Digest.,Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,63,,1996/03/12,
"Light Shine, Walking, Informal,","Jesus here used an illustration of the ridiculous to help his disciples see what they should do since they had been enlightened.  Nobody lights a lamp and then sets it under a bushel basket! That would be absurd! Back then they had to burn oil in a lamp, it cost money. To set a   lamp under a bushel basket would be a waste. It would be comparable today to paying a lot of money for an expensive light fixture for our ceiling, then getting on a ladder and covering it with  black garbage bags so no light could get out!","No, those who have the truth are the light of the world. They should let their light shine into every nook and cranny, so to speak.  Are we that way? Are we eager to let our light shine at every opportunity?  Are we always ready to give a defense for our hope?  As Peter said? If so, then sharing the truth with others would not be confined to times when we   'go out' in service. Like Jesus, we would try to be aware of helping people come to know the good news of the Kingdom in any and all circumstances.  There are many benefits to informal witnessing, whenever there is an opportunity. Many persons are becoming acquainted with the truth because of  contacts with relatives, friends, workmates, neighbors and so forth. In one group of 238 baptized Witnesses, 40% had learned the Bible's truth through informal witnessing.",Matthew 5:14-16,Jk,Why Christians Must Be Different.,123,,"May 1, 2002",
"Light, Bible, Lamp, Wicked, Stumbling,","A person starts a journey early in the morning.  At first, he cannot see much because it is dark.  But as the sun begins to rise, he sees more and more.  Finally, the sun shines directly overhead.  He sees everything in clear detail.","Those who undertake a study of God's Word, the Holy Bible, and apply what it says will be like someone who experiences the above.  However, the 'way of the wicked ones is like the gloom; they have not known at what they keep stumbling.'",Ps 119:105; Prov. 4:18; Prov. 21:30;,"Sep 1, 1997 Wt Page 32",Follow The Way To Life,45,,1997/08/27,
"Light, Darkness,",In dense darkness it is impossible to see anything.  One easily becomes lost or disoriented.,"Similarly, those in spiritual darkness lack perception and soon become disoriented in a spiritual sense.  They can lose the ability to distinguish truth from falsehood, good from bad.",Isa. 5:20; Eph. 4:17-19;,"Mar 1, 2002 Wt Page 9",,,,"Apr 13, 2002",
"Light, Darkness, Truth, Government, Witnessing, 1914,","Early in August 1914, when war seemed certain, Sir Edward Grey, the British secretary of state for foreign affairs stood at his office window and said.  'The lamps are going out all over Europe; we shall not see them lit again in our lifetime.'","Men have made efforts to make lights come back on:  League of Nations; United Nations; the lights scarcely flickered. In reality the lights went out some 6,000 years ago in Eden.",Col 1:13; Ge 3:1-6; Ro 5:12; Ps 36:9; Acts 13:47;,"Jan 15, 1993 Wt Page 8, 9",Will You Be A Survivor Of The 'last Days'?,2,,,
"Light, Darkness, Understanding, Stumbling, Confusion, Blind,","'My darkness has been filled with the light of intelligence, and behold, the outer day-lit world was stumbling and groping in social blindness.' Quote: Helen Keller.","Satan has blinded the nations to the truth of God's Word, and they are walking in mental darkness.",Eph 4:17-19;,Bobby Laymon,Resisting The Spirit Of The World,25,,1995/08/25,
"Light, Darkness, Wicked, Heart, Interest, Prayer, World,","Did you ever go into a dark room and switch the light on?  Sometimes you will see a cockroach scurry into hiding.  Or a mouse will quickly run from the room.  They hate the darkness, because of fear of being caught.","Today, wicked men and those caught up in this system of things hate the light.  They love the darkness!  They do not manifest a sincere interest in learning about God, nor do they show a desire to try to please him, for their 'works are wicked.'  They ignore God and center their lives on doing their own will.  Even their pray is something detestable.","John 3:19, 20; Is 60:2; Pr 28:9;","Bobby Laymon; Mar 15, 1994 Wt Page 14;",Jehovah's Eyes Are Upon Us,74,,1994/05/02,
"Light, Darkness, World,","A spelunker is a person who explores caves.  They can go into a dark cave and turn the lights off, and in 20 minutes, they are completely disoriented, losing all sense of direction.","The world is like that.  However, we are no longer in darkness.",1 Thess. 5:4;,Ron Whitlatch C. O.,Resisting The Spirit Of The World,25,,"Feb 28, 2001",
"Light, Preaching, Dedication, Baptism,","Lives depend upon lighthouses!  Almost everything to keep the light burning is in duplicate, and some in triplicate.  Some have six generators, in addition to batteries.  The location of the lighthouse is important.  Some are almost sea level, while others tower exaltedly over their surroundings.  A light 120 feet above sea level can shine 12.56 miles.  The flashing light is a welcome sight in the dark.  Even the plaintive sound of the foghorn from the lighthouse is a welcome sign to a ship on a storm tossed sea.",The truth shines out like a beacon to persons lost in the storm tossed sea of mankind.  We can let our light shine.  How well equipped are we?  Lives depend on our getting the light out.  Our location can be important in reaching others.,Mt 5:16;,"Nov 22, 1970 Aw Page 24",Service Talk,200,,1993/11/01,
"Light, Progress, Growth, Watchman, Watchtower,","When a watchman saw someone coming, should he wait until he could see all the details, before sounding the warning?  Did he?  No!  He sounded the warning.",Likewise the 'Watchman class' sounded the warning back in the early 1900's before the details were clearly discerned.  The light would get brighter.,"Isa 21:11, 12; Prov 18:12;",Robert H. Schwarze,Are You Content With Jehovah's Provisions?,22,,1994/09/17,
"Light, Progress, Truth, Darkness,","Coming out of a dark cave into brilliant sunlight, would be both blinding and confusing.","Likewise, if the large body of Scriptural truth had been revealed all at once, it would be just as blinding.  Moreover, gradually revealed truth strengthens the faith of Christians in a continuous way.",Prov 4:18;,"May 15, 1995 Wt Page 15;",Is The Truth Transforming Your Life?,51,,1995/04/16,
"Light, Spiritual,",Like driving a car along a winding mountain road on a dark night with no lights on the car or anywhere else.,"Spiritual light from God may be compared to the light provided by the headlights of the car.  The light illuminates the roadway so that we can see exactly where we are going.  It shows not only the next step, but the road ahead.",Ps 119:105;,"Apr 1, 1993 Wt Page 8, 9",What Is Behind The Spirit Of Rebellion?,33,,,
"Light, Truth, Bible, Growth, Progress,","Imagine being born blind, and suddenly being able to see!  You would notice colors, shapes, depths, contrasts, that you possible could never imagine.",The truth opens blind eyes to depths of Jehovah's beauty that could never be imagined before.  (Give figures of growth in recent years),"Ps 119:105; Is 40:26; Is 60:2, 3;",Light-bearers District Assembly (June 1992),Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,,
"Light, Truth, Bible, Growth, Progress, Improvement,","Imagine driving an automobile on a dangerous road, during one of the darkest of nights, without headlights. Two sources of light: Physical and Spiritual.","Jehovah's Word is like the headlights on a car, lighting the way to travel in this dangerous time of human history. It penetrates like a powerful laser beam into the night.","Ps 119:105; Is 40:26; Is 60:2, 3;",Light-bearers District Assembly (June 1992),Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,,
"Light, Truth, Darkness",Bible says those love vile things hate light. Many felt that when light bulb invented it would end crime.  Just adjusted.  Many prefer light.  Such as pickpockets,In spiritual way hate darkness.  When light (Jesus) came into world it still preferred darkness,"John 3:19,20",C. Monks,Why Live By Bible Standards?,88,,,
"Light, Truth, Progressive,","Our trek along life's pathway might be compared to a walk that a hiker takes down a long trail.  He starts out early in the morning and sees little.  As the sun begins to rise slowly over the horizon, the hiker is able to distinguish a few features of his surroundings.  The rest he sees in hazy outline.  But as the sun continues its ascent, he can see farther and farther into the distance.",So it is with the spiritual light that God provides.  He allows us to discern a few things at a time.,Ps. 43:3,"Mar 15, 2000 Wt Page 10, 11",Is The Truth Transforming Your Life?,51,,"May 7, 2000",
"Light, Understanding, Knowledge, Wisdom,","LIGHT is happifying, especially the sunlight.","This is even more true of what might be called spiritual light, light for the mind and the heart. Without this light men are blind, lost, do not know which way to go, for it simply is not in man himself to direct his own steps.",Jer 10:23; Ps 119:105;,W62 9/15 549,Follow The Way To Life,45,,1994/06/27,
"Light, Witnessing, Preaching, Service, Jehovah's Witnesses,",The Olympic runners carried a torch to others hopefully without letting it go out.,Jehovah's Witnesses are the 'true' torch-bearers.  We must go on walking as children of light.,Is 60:2; Eph 5:3-9; Ps 19:7; Eph 5:14;,Light Bearers District Assembly (June 1992),How Should You Serve God?,58,,,
"Light, Witnessing, Truth,",Light attracts!  Moths and other insects are attracted to light. Light gives beauty to what it shines upon.,"Likewise the light of truth!  First were 'kings' drawn to the light, reflected from Jehovah.  Second, 'nations' were attracted. The light has beautified Jehovah's name.","Is 60:1-3, 19-21;","Jan 15, 1993 Wt Page 13","Living, Not For Self, But To Do God's Will",8,,,
"Light, Witnessing, Truth, Training, Teach, Youth, Parents,",Even a well-trained athlete needs a coach.,"In the same way, young people need the help of their parents and of the congregation in order to keep walking in the light.",Eph 6:1-4; Is 60:2;,"Jan 15, 1993 Wt Page 15",Parents--are You Building With Fire-resistant Materials?,104,,,
Light;,"'There are two kinds of light: the glow that illuminates, and the glare that obscures.'  Quote:  James Thurber.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Light;,'There are two ways of spreading light: to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it.'  Quote:  Edith Wharton.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Light; Darkness; Goodness; Evil;,"'If we want light, we must conquer darkness.'  Quote:  J. T. Fields.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Light; Truth;,'Light is the symbol of truth.'  Quote:  James Russell Lowell.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Light; truth, Darkness, Defilements, World,  Clean, Holy,",The year was 1789- the place was Paris France- the castle-like prison known as the Bastille- was about to be destroyed.  Out of the gloomy depths of the prison- they brought a convict who had been confined for many years- But now he was free- free to walk in the sun- But instead of joyfully welcoming his liberty- He begged to be taken back- into the damp shadows of the depths below.  He had been in darkness such a long time- He simply could not endure the light of day- His only desire was to die in the murky dungeon- where he had been a captive- for so very long.,How similar it is- perhaps- you have seen it- the same thing- that happens to some- who have grown to love the darkness- of this old system of things- so much- that they simply cannot stand- to walk in the sun- that is- the light of the truth- and- in reality- they would rather die- as captives- in the dark.  Some enjoy the darkness rather than the light!  What a contrast- to those who rejoice- To Be in the Light- to Bask in the Light- As 1 Peter 2:9 Says- Jehovah Has 'Called You Out of Darkness- Into His Wonderful Light',1pe 2:9;,Dch,Resisting The Spirit Of The World,25,,1993/10/10,
"Lightening, Creation,","Earth is a mammoth electrical storehouse. Over 300,000 lightening bolts released every hour. 1 in 6 believed to reach the ground.","Regarding the 200,000 thunderstorms around the earth every day.","Ps. 97:1, 4","Jul 8, 1963 Aw Page 12-15",Appreciating Marvels Of God's Creation,114,,,
"Limelight, Prominence, Support, Aid,","THE TV screen comes to life as the cameras focus on the famous performer. Flashing a professional smile, he begins to play. We listen with pleasure to the music. The camera moves in close, allowing us to watch his facial expression and skillful fingers as he draws music from his instrument.  Yes, it is the performer who enjoys the limelight. But when the show is over, notice the long list of credits on the screen, orchestra, conductor, sound technicians, cameramen, directors, producers, makeup artists, and many, many others. All are necessary to make the performance a success. All are supportive.","A similar situation exists in the Christian congregation. Some individuals are used quite prominently, but others play rather inconspicuous roles as rank-and-file publishers of the Kingdom message. Should these ones feel, however, that they are somehow less important because they are not in the limelight? Should they be unduly disturbed if they do not attain prominence?","1 Samuel 30:24, 25",W86 9/1 28,,,,"Aug 3, 2000",
"Limits, Standard, Abuse, Beating, Control, Marriage, Personality,",A counselor asked the man if he had ever stabbed his wife.  'I would never do that!' the man replied.,"He was helped to see that he was acting within limits, but the problem was that they were not the proper limits. We must determine what Jehovah's limits are to put on the new personality.","Eph 4:29, 31; 1pe 4:8;","Feb 8, 1993 Aw Page 11",Why Live By Bible Standards?,88,,,
Listen,"'Dead' if mind wanders; train to bring mind back Avoid preconceived notion that subject is not interesting Do not allow imperfection of speaker to cause not to listen. C.B.S. Clear, Brief, Simple notes",Learn to utilize thinking.  Listen 100 w.p.m.; think 400 w.p.m.;,Heb 2:1  Deuteronomy. 31:12,"Pure Language Dist. Assy July 5-8, 1990",Never Become Dull In Your Hearing,9,,,
Listen,"Clock in room; person does not hear it; accustomed to it's presence; unless he concentrates on it. Can be used to listeners advantage; street noise, roaring brook, factory near home, (these noise will not mingle with our thought,","The mind was created with ability to 'block out' sounds. if they have been there long enough.) However we can block out useful instruction, as well",Isa. 1:15  Ps. 94:9,"Jun 8, 1958 Aw Page 22",Never Become Dull In Your Hearing,9,,,
Listen,"Consciousness likened to light; grows sharper, more vivid, focused on one thing. Complain  about poor memory, but more often than not, their poor memory is due to poor listening.",Born with ability to hear: ability to listen must be developed Often go on mental excursion while speaker talks for several min.,Deuteronomy. 26:14,"Jun 8, 1958 Aw Page 21",Never Become Dull In Your Hearing,9,,,
"Listen, distractions, attitude, thoughts,","Curtain, we can pull down, block out sunlight, distractions Not easy; difficult to hold that mental curtain down. Stray thoughts, try to pull it up, or crawl under it. The longer you hold it down, the more persistent they become.","We have a mental curtain we can pull down, on distracting thoughts Larger the audience; the more distractions. Requires patience to develop this ability.",Isa. 1:15  Ps. 94:9,"Jun 8, 1958 Aw Page 23",Never Become Dull In Your Hearing,9,,,5/18/2014
Listen,"Ear, you cannot close Turn a deaf ear is only a metaphor 'let him hear' means to listen","Can close your eyes, not want to see, hold breath, not smell",Prov. 20:12,"Jan 22 Awake, 1990 P. 18, 19",Never Become Dull In Your Hearing,9,,,
Listen,Lights on but no one home Strengthen understanding & build faith Re-adjust  Acts 17:11,"Must be interested, 'how' we listen.  Mental excursion","Isa 66:5  1 Sam 3:10 Mark 4:23  Matt 13:13-15 Deuteronomy 31:12 5:1,27",1985 Dist. Assy,Never Become Dull In Your Hearing,9,,,
Listen,"Lights on, but no one home. (On mental excursion) Strengthen understanding; Build faith; Receive Counsel. Do not be like some  Matt 13:13-15",Pay attention to 'how' we listen,Luke 8:18   Mark 4:23,"1985 Integrity Keepers Convention.  Checker dome St. Louis, Mo.",Never Become Dull In Your Hearing,9,,,
Listen,LISTEN same letters as SILENT 1. Spoken word (Gen 3:15) 2. Holy spirit conveyed. Jo 14:26 3. Men borne along by H.S. (2 Pet 1:21) 4. Dreams (Gen 41:15) 5. Visions (Dan 8:2) 6. Angels (Luke 1:19),Suggest paying strong attention,1 Pet 1:12 (even Angels Desired To Hear),"Brother Dotson, Gordon",Never Become Dull In Your Hearing,9,,,
Listen,"Mary, mother of Jesus was good listener. 'his mother carefully kept all these sayings in her heart.' Listen with purpose of using information in the future. Most 'take no note' Matt. 24:39 It was a message opposed to their","Mary began to preserve all these saying, drawing conclusions way of thinking, & way of life.","Luke 2:19, 51","Dec 1, 1960 Wt Page 708",Never Become Dull In Your Hearing,9,,,
Listen,There are deserts in the ocean. (areas with lack of nutrients),"We could be at an assembly of Jehovah's Witness, yet dying.",Rev. 2:29,"Jun 8, 1960 Aw Page 15",Never Become Dull In Your Hearing,9,,,
Listen,"Two ears; one mouth; listen twice as much 260 hours spent yearly if attend mtgs & assemblies. Listen with ear, mind, heart. speak 125 w.p.m.  Think 400 w.p.m.  constructive questions.","What listening includes 'The less men think, the more they talk.' French philosopher.","Matt 13:16  Prov 1:5  Isa 55:2, 3","Johnse Laymon (nov 1, 1962 Wt Page 643)",Never Become Dull In Your Hearing,9,,,
Listen,Wake up ear,Jehovah can awaken our ear,Isa 50:4,Kingdom Unity Dist Convention. 1983  Bro McRae,Never Become Dull In Your Hearing,9,,,
"Listen,",'Give every man your ear but few your voice.'  Quote: William Shakespeare.,Listening will usually do more for us than talking.,James 1:19;,Bobby Laymon - Reader's Digest,Never Become Dull In Your Hearing,9,,1996/03/22,
"Listen,","When your employer or some person in authority speaks, you listen attentively, getting instruction straight so as to do what he wants.",How much more we should be interested in Supreme Sovereign.,John 14:15; Jas. 1:22-25; Heb. 5:12-6:3; 1 John 5:3,"Apr 15, 1964 Wt Page 251",Never Become Dull In Your Hearing,9,,,
"Listen, Concern, Discernment, Depression, Worry, Problems, Cope,",'It takes two to tell the truth: One to say it and another to hear it.'  Quote:  19th-century philosopher Henry David Thoreau.,We must not unwittingly send out discouraging messages.  Our friend will feel that  we really didn't hear him.,Heb 5:11;,"Dec 8, 1994 Aw Page 12",Never Become Dull In Your Hearing,9,,1994/10/31,
"Listen, Concern, Discernment, Depression, Worry, Problems, Cope,",Imagine you had the means to give every person in your life an expensive gift.  How happy and appreciative they would be!,"Actually, you can give others a special gift, something they really need.  It won't cost you a cent.  What is it?  Your attention.  Most people want attention and respond appreciatively when they receive it.  To give quality attention, you must be an empathetic listener.",Heb 5:11;,"Dec 8, 1994 Aw Page 10",Never Become Dull In Your Hearing,9,,1994/10/31,
"Listen, Convention, Assembly, Study, Meditate,","If you put a sponge into a pail of water, it will soak up as much as it can.  In case you leave for a while, you can set a houseplant on this sponge, and it will draw up the moisture as it needs it.","Can we soak up truths like that.  Then we can discuss them on the way home.  In times of great need, we can continue to draw on vital Bible truths.","Ps 33:12; Pr 4:18, 19; Is 48:17; 1pe 3:10-12;",Mike Garton,Never Become Dull In Your Hearing,9,,,
"Listen, Conversation, Gossip, Speech, Talk, Rumor,",Conversation: A vocal competition in which the one who is catching breath is called the listener.,"Important to listen, as well as speak.","1 Tim. 5:12, 13; 1 Pet. 4:15; Jas. 3:3-10; 1 Th 2:5;",Bobby Laymon,Never Become Dull In Your Hearing,9,,,
"Listen, Conversation, Telephone, Manners, Communication,","There is a story of a young man who asked his father to tell him the secret of being a good conversationalist.  'Listen, my son,' was the reply.  'I am listening,' said the youth.  'Tell me more.'  'There's no more to tell,' replied the father.","Indeed, being an interested, sympathetic listener is a vital ingredient in the recipe for good manners.",James 1:19;,"Jun 8, 1996 Aw Page 12",,,,1996/05/28,
"Listen, Counsel,","No passing; Curves ahead; Automobile was passing another car on a curve. Truck with 27 tons of steel coming the other direction. A family of 5 wiped out in the crash. In 1963 30,000 lives taken by those violating traffic laws.",Do we listen to counsel? Listening involves thinking while we hear.,Prov. 12:15;,"Sep 8, 1963 Aw Page 3",Never Become Dull In Your Hearing,9,,,
"Listen, Counsel, Discipline, Warnings, Preaching,","A small sign as well as a large one may remind one of danger along the highway. When the danger is great, there are often many large signs. Made provision for many to be warned thru preaching.","Some warnings, Jehovah repeats over and over again.",Prov. 12:15; Prov. 29:15; Heb 12:11; John 17:17; Matt. 28:20,"Sep 8, 1963 Aw Page 4",Never Become Dull In Your Hearing,9,,,
"Listen, Encourage, Friend,","'Sainthood emerges when you can listen to someone's tale of woe and not respond with a description of your own.'  Quote: Andrew V. Mason, M.D.",It is better to listen and mirror a person's thought in order to help him and encourage.,Prov 17:17;,Bobby Laymon - Reader's Digest,Gaining Comfort In All Our Tribulations,105,,1996/03/22,
"Listen, Gossip, Speech, Talk, Rumor,",Maybe it's healthy to breath through your nose because it helps to keep your mouth shut.,Wisdom of listening rather than talking all the time.,"1 Tim. 5:12, 13; 1 Pet. 4:15; Jas. 3:3-10; 1 Th 2:5;",Bobby Laymon,Never Become Dull In Your Hearing,9,,,
"Listen, Hear, Attention, Gossip,",A man had 26 sheep and one of them died.  How many sheep would he have left.  Many will answer 19.,We must listen carefully to avoid confusing the truth.,Matt 11:15,Kathern Fleming,Never Become Dull In Your Hearing,9,,1997/05/27,
"Listen, Hear, Attention, Hearing,","Back when the telegraph was the fastest method of long-distance communication, a young man applied for a job as a Morse Code operator.  Answering an ad in the newspaper, he went to the office address that was listed. When he arrived, he entered a large, busy office filled with noise and clatter, including the sound of the telegraph in the background. A sign on the receptionist's counter instructed job applicants to fill out a form and wait until they were summoned to enter the inner office. The young man filled out his form and sat down with the seven other applicants in the waiting area. After a few minutes, the young man stood up crossed the room to the door of the inner office, and walked right in.   Naturally the other applicants perked up, wondering what was going on. They muttered among themselves that they hadn't heard any summons yet. They assumed that the young man who went into the office made a mistake and would be disqualified.  Within a few minutes, however, the employer escorted the young man out of the office and said to the other applicants, 'Gentlemen, thank you very much for coming, but the job has just been filled.' The other applicants began grumbling to each other, and one spoke up saying, 'Wait a minute, I don't understand. He was the last to come in, and we never even got a chance to be interviewed. Yet he got the job. That's not fair!'   The employer said, 'I'm sorry, but all the time you've been sitting here, the telegraph has been ticking out the following message in Morse Code: `If you understand this message, then come right in. The job is yours.' None of you heard it or understood it. This young man did. The job is his.'","We live in a world that is full of business, clatter, and many distractions like that office. People are distracted and unable to hear the still, small voice of God as He speaks in creation, in the Scriptures, or in the life and work of Jesus Christ. Are you tuned in to God's voice? Do you hear Him when He speaks to you? Are you listening?",Luke 8:18; Rev. 13:9;,Bobby Laymon,Never Become Dull In Your Hearing,9,,1998/12/25,
"Listen, Hear, Attitude, Conduct,","The Bible indicates that even a cobra can be charmed if it does not stop up it's ears.  If the charmer can just get it to listen, amazing things can happen.","People are like the cobra!  They can be charmed by God's Word, if they will listen.  However, the challenge is getting someone to listen.  Sometimes, by our speech, attitude and conduct, we can unstop their ears.","Ps 58:4, 5;",Bobby Laymon (see Km96 Feb Page 3),,,,1996/02/15,
"Listen, Hear, Dull, Attention,","Did you hear of the man that had a horse for sale. This man did not speak too much English, so when the buyer came he told the buyer that the horse was 'not-looking-so-good'.  The buyer insisted that this was a beautiful animal and that the price was right. So he bought the horse.  Two days later he was back complaining 'Why did you not tell me the horse was blind !' The man replied: 'I did tell you the horse was not-looking-so-good!'",Doesn't this remind you of the times that we should be 'paying more than the usual attention' ? This can be applied to the service as well as paying attention at the meetings.,Heb. 2:1;,Bobby Laymon - Internet,Never Become Dull In Your Hearing,9,,1997/11/25,
"Listen, Hear, Obedience,","When a child is told to not touch something, he may draw his hand back, but then a minute later he tries again.  Why?  Because even though he heard you he did not listen.","Listen means to attend closely.  To yield to advise.  Do you listen to God's Word?  Do you hear what it says, and then act on what you hear?",John 8:34;,Charles Francis [Carl Monks],Never Become Dull In Your Hearing,9,,1994/12/25,
"Listen, Hear, Relationship, Trust, Confidence, Faith,","A little girl was in a building that was burning in Harlem. She was up on the fourth floor at a window and the firemen couldn't get to her so they spread out those nets. They were hollering for her to jump, but she was not listening to them. It turns out she was blind and couldn't see the net and was afraid to jump. The father gets there and tells her to jump. Hearing her dad's voice, she jumps and is totally relaxed. So relaxed that she not only doesn't break a bone but also doesn't even strain a muscle.  (True story)","We also should trust our father.   Our relationship with our father should be one of complete confidence.  We should follow his instructions completely, although we may not be able to see the outcome completely.  Just do them.",Genesis 6:22;,J.K.,True Friendship With God And Neighbor.,100,,1997/04/13,
"Listen, Hear, Spirituality, Alert, Awake, Knowledge, Discern, Last Days,","There can be more than meets the ear.  A person may get a package that ticks, and think he has received a nice clock from the sender.  But when opened it may be revealed as an exploding time bomb.  If he survives the ordeal, the next time he will hear in the sound more than a harmless clock, though that is all that meets the ear.","Similarly, persons may hear the message of both comfort and warn- in spoken by J.W. To the majority, it is taken only as the words of the Witnesses.  The 'other sheep' recognize it as a message from Jehovah and Jesus.","John 10:4, 16;","Aug 15, 1953 Wt Page 486-7",How To Keep Spiritually Awake!,71,,,
"Listen, Hearing, Dull,","The white-tailed deer is good example of not becoming dull in earring.  Has poor eyesight.  Depends on hearing.  Ears can rotate full-circle.  At slightest sound of danger, bounds away.","Our hearing should likewise be sharp, not dull.  At slightest warning from Satan's world, we should flee danger.","Mt 10:23, 24; 1co 6:18;10:14; 1ti 6:11; 2ti 2:22; Jas 4:7;",Carl Brown,Never Become Dull In Your Hearing,9,,,
"Listen, Learn, Hear,","When in the woods you can learn by listening. Listen to the wood pecker, squirrels, gurgle of a stream, wind in pines.  You miss much of pleasure of forest if you do not listen.",Greatest test comes when you sit in an audience.,Prov. 1:5;,"Aug 22, 1964 Aw Page 3",Never Become Dull In Your Hearing,9,,,
"Listen, Learn, Hear, Speaker,",Like a restless child who sits quietly for a few minutes but then squirms and strives to run off to do something else.,The mind strives to wander when a speaker lacks ability to hold audience.,Prov. 1:5;,"Aug 22, 1964 Aw Page 3",Never Become Dull In Your Hearing,9,,,
"Listen, Learn, Hear, Speaker, Distractions,","Pull down curtain to shut out world outside. A ticking clock, for example is not noticed by the person who becomes used to it. If speaker does not have a captivating manner your mind can wander.",Must pull down mental curtain on thoughts that seek to intrude on your conscious mind and to distract you.,Prov. 1:5;,"Aug 22, 1964 Aw Page 3, 4",Never Become Dull In Your Hearing,9,,,
"Listen, Learn, Hear, Speaker, Distractions,",Rein on horses to keep them in control.,Keep a rein on your mind so it does not wander aimlessly but keeps focused on what the speakers say.,Prov. 1:5;,"Aug 22, 1964 Aw Page 3, 4",Never Become Dull In Your Hearing,9,,,
"Listen, Learn, Teach, Change, Correction,","'There is so much more to be learned, than there is to be taught.'","It is better to listen and learn, rather than constantly trying to correct people.",Prov. 1:5,Chuck Bland,Jehovah Is 'a Secure Height for His People,151,,"Apr 3, 2001",
"Listen, Meetings,",A man can die of thirst while floating in water Actually drinking sea water shortens survival time. Must not listen to impure teachings. 3 1/2 lbs chemicals in every 100 lbs of sea water.,We could be associated with Jehovah's people and not being watered,Heb. 2:1,"Sep 8, 1958 Aw Page 12, 13",Never Become Dull In Your Hearing,9,,,
"Listen, Meetings, Tired,",How tired would a young man have to be for that tiredness to prevent him from seeing the woman he loved. You can be sure that not even overtime work or a favorite television program would interfere with his spending time with her.,Are you too tired at night to listen to God's Word?,John 14:15; Jas. 1:22-25; Heb. 5:12-6:3; 1 John 5:3,"Apr 15, 1964 Wt Page 251",Never Become Dull In Your Hearing,9,,,
"Listen, Mind, Thoughts, Distraction, Grasshopper,","Center fielder, busy hunting four-leaf clover. 'not on the ball' Mind likes to go 'grasshopper' from one thought to another. Mind may be very busy, but accomplish little on important things. 'Johnny,' the teacher says, 'pay attention'  He may be paying attention but to wrong things.",Must learn disciplined attention.,1 Tim. 4:15; 2 Tim. 2:7;,"Sep 8, 1959 Aw Page 7",Never Become Dull In Your Hearing,9,,,
"Listen, Mind, Thoughts, Grasshopper,","Umbrella mind likes to go 'grasshoppering' from one thought to another. Cars, truck, trains can be powerless to distract a disciplined mind.",Disciplined attention enables one to shed raindrops of distraction.,1 Tim. 4:15; 2 Tim. 2:7;,"Sep 8, 1959 Aw Page 7",Never Become Dull In Your Hearing,9,,,
"Listen, Obey,","'Middle name'  A word a child hears when he has really done something wrong.  Or, 'Look at me when I speak!'  'Listen to me!'","To listen, means more than hearing.  Jehovah also used terms to get persons to listen.",Ge 21:12; 27:13; Exodus 4:1;,Bobby Laymon,Never Become Dull In Your Hearing,9,,,
"Listen, Obey, Awake,","You have heard it said, 'It went in one ear and out the other.'",That is how it was with the Israelites.  They 'did not keep watching.'  They 'did not keep listening.',Is 42:18;,Jim Breden,Never Become Dull In Your Hearing,9,,,
"Listen, Obey, Hear, Attention,",Imagine the hunter who passively though optimistically waits for the game to drop into his lap.,"Sometimes we may be inclined just to sit and let the talks pour down over us, absorbing only those points that manage to stick with us.  A real student of God's Word will learn to listen as did Jesus' disciples, intent on grasping more than just the essentials.",Mark 4:10;,W61 5/1 273,,,,1996/01/06,
"Listen, Paying Attention, Know,","When growing beyond the childhood stage, have you not had the experience, of finding yourself paying more than the usual attention to someone in particular?  What a delightful and absorbing experience that can be!  Especially, if that person nicely responds.  Nothing can stop you now!","Jehovah invites us, by our constantly paying close attention to get to know and love him as the One who is worthy of all that we can give, our whole heart, mind, soul and strength.",Heb 2:1; 1pe 1:22; Lk 21:34-36;,"Sep 1, 1970 Wt Page 537",How Well Do You Know God?,1,,,
"Listen, Refuse, Harden, Response, Waterproof,",Sometimes we build a wooden deck on our homes.  Then we waterproof it so that water and weather cannot penetrate.,"Some people waterproof their lives, in like manner, so the good news will not penetrate.",Ezek. 47:11;,Mike Garton Sr.,Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,63,,1999/04/27,
"Listen, Text, Bible, Hear,","Imagine you go into your favorite restaurant.  You sit down, look at the menu, and smell the delicious odors coming from the kitchen.  However, you do not order anything.","Not listening might be compared to 'not ordering.'  Like a good salad is a good start for a meal, and is good for you.  In like manner the daily text is a good start for the day.  It is spiritually nourishing.",Exodus 15:1;,"'joyful Praisers Dist. Convention'  June 9-11, 1995; Kc, Mo; Don Holden",Never Become Dull In Your Hearing,9,,1995/06/12,
Listen;,"'His thoughts were slow, his words were few, and never formed to glisten, but he was a joy to all his friends, for you should have heard him listen.'  Quote:  Lols M. Hazard.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Listen;,'Nobody ever listened himself out of a job.'  Quote:  Calvin Coolidge.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Listen;,Good listeners are not only popular everywhere....but after a while they know something.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Listen;,New ideas seldom pop into your head through your mouth.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Listen;,"Some folks aren't hard of hearing, they're hard of listening.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Listen;,There is no greater loan than a sympathetic ear.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Listen; Discernment; Observing;,It is just as important to listen to someone with your eyes as it is with your ears.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Listen; Noise;,'No noise is so emphatic as one you are trying not to listen to.'  Quote:  C. S. Malcolm.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Listen; Wisdom; Speech;,"'From listening comes wisdom, from speaking, repentance.'  Quote:  Italian.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Listening;,'One of the best ways to persuade others is with your ears--by listening.'  Quote:  Dean Rusk.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Literature,"Bull & Ass Printing equipment Much work, as bull & ass did",Represents equipment Jehovah uses to get work done,Isa 32:20,"Kingdom Unity Dist Assy  Uniondale, N.Y. June 23-26, 1983",Renewing The Spirit Of Self-sacrifice,69,,,
Literature,"These are books: They keep quiet; not suddenly dissolve into wavy lines.  Don't have snowstorm effects.  Do not pause to deliver advertisement.  Every one is three-dimensional: have length, breadth, and thickness. Convenience in handling, live in fourth dimension of time.",Apply to Bible and Bible literature. dimension of time,Heb 4:12,"Sep 8, 1958 Aw Page 16",Renewing The Spirit Of Self-sacrifice,69,,,
"Literature, Books, Bible, Spirit, Tools,",'Every tool carries with it the spirit by which it has been created.' Quote: Werner Karl Heisenberg.,"Likewise, with our Bible literature.  It carries with it the spirit of God's Word.",Heb 4:12;,Bobby Laymon,Does Your Hope Rest On Science Or The Bible?,80,,1995/08/16,
"Literature, Books, Magazines,","In 1924, when he was 14, his father bought a sailor's sea chest at an auction.  Quote: Experience of Charles Harris (Opa and Oma)","It turned out to be a real treasure chest, spiritually speaking, for it contained a set of books written by the first president of the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society, Charles Taze Russell.",Ps 119:105;,"Jun 1, 1994 Wt Page 19",Never Become Dull In Your Hearing,9,,1994/04/28,
"Literature, Books, Watchtower, Bible, Reading, Spiritual Paradise, Banquet,","We might liken our spiritual provisions to a great banquet being spread for many guests, old and young, large and small. Not all can eat the same amount of food, but there is an abundance for all.","So it is with our spiritual food.   Not everyone may be able to read all that the Society publishes. But certainly all should endeavor to find time to read the Bible regularly and to read the Society's official journal, The Watchtower, from cover to cover. If we find that we are not doing this we may well ask ourselves, Are we making the best possible use of the time at our disposal?",Isa. 25:6.,W67 1/15 63,Are You Content With Jehovah's Provisions?,22,,1994/05/07,
"Literature, Languages, Good News, Adapting, Flexible, different languages,",Did you ever have a bolt that your wrench didn't fit.  Then it is back to the tool box for the crescent wrench.  It is adjustable.  It fits them all.,"That is the way with the little booklet, 'Good News for All Mankind.'  It has different languages.  It will fit them all.",Matt. 24:14;,Todd Bell,,,,"Aug 3, 2001",
"Literature, Live Forever, Truth, Preaching, Increase, Growth,",Never thought we could replace the 'Blue Bombshell' that blew apart the false doctrines of Babylon the Great.  A. We were wrong!  We now have the 'Red Rocket' that quickly accelerates people into the truth.,"January of 1983 we began to place from door to door the 'Red Rocket' that helps speed people into the truth.  Eleven years ago we did the impossible!  The best got better! In 1983 there was 2.3 million peak publishers worldwide.   Now, it has doubled.  In 10 years.  In four years (1983 to 1987) Bible Studies increased 41% in the United States, largely due to the Live Forever book.  The 'RED ROCKET' has been tested and proven.  It can speed people right into the truth.  Can you fly it?",Is 60:22,Bobby Laymon,Happy Though Hungry--how Can It Be?,31,,1994/02/02,
"Literature, Magazines,","It is not unusual to go into a doctor's office, or other public place and pick up a magazine that is several months, perhaps several years old.  Are you inclined to read them.  They are like cola, that has lost its fizz.","No so, the Watchtower and Awake! magazines.  This feature makes them even more valuable, because of the nature of them, they are always sparkling fresh.  They never lose their fizz.  For this reason, we should place all older issue that are in good shape.",Mt 5:3; Acts 26:18; Ps 19:9,Bobby Laymon  July 1993 Km Page 1,Renewing The Spirit Of Self-sacrifice,69,,,
"Literature, Magazines, Brochures, Tracts,","Packaging is a salesman. It must be. You, the average customer, pass about 300 items per minute in a supermarket. There is no salesclerk to recommend one to you over another. Packaging itself must do the selling. Somehow, it tries to stand out and say, 'Buy me and not the other brand!'  Package design, then, must be clever, even alluring, urging you to buy. And it does sell. Studies show that about 70 percent of all decisions to make purchases are made after the customers are in the store.","Package designers appeal to your sense of 'impulse buying.' They change the shape of containers periodically for greater public appeal. Packaging changes have almost become a sign of 'progressive thinking.' Some adjustments, of course, as we have seen, do provide you added conveniences. The metal spout on salt containers, for example, aids in pouring. But many changes are merely meant to capture your buying eye.  Apply to literature.  How attractive it has progressed to.",Rev. 9:17;,G73 9/8 22,,,,1999/01/11,
"Literature, Magazines, Publications,","There is no equal!  The amount of Bible literature distributed by the Witnesses to publicize the Kingdom, along with the diversity of languages, finds no equal in any human field of endeavor.","The records are incomplete; but reports still available show that from 1920-1992 the Witnesses: placed 10,107,565,269 books, booklets, brochures, and magazines in 294 languages.  An uncounted billions of tracts.",Mt 24:14;,Jehovah's Witnesses - Proclaimers Of God's Kingdom.  Page 520,Renewing The Spirit Of Self-sacrifice,69,,,
"Literature, Magazines, Tracts, Contributions,","Diamonds and gemstones are valuable because of: 1. Beauty  2. High cost of finding, mining, cutting them.  It must be done to eliminate as many flaws and imperfections as possible.  Bring out the fire and beauty.",Our literature is valuable for the same reasons.  Much work in producing literature.  Must show appreciation by: not giving away to unappreciative persons; letting accumulate; by contributing for.,Ro 11:33; Phil 3:8; Heb 12:16; Mt 7:6;,Nov 1992 Km Page 1,Make Jehovah Your Confidence,70,,,
"Literature, Magazines, Tracts, Discernment, Waste,",Farmers are careful not to waste seed by sowing where no growth is possible.,Similar discernment is needed when we offer our literature in the field. Our desire is to leave literature with those who are interested in reading it.,2 Cor 9:6;,Km 12/93 7,Renewing The Spirit Of Self-sacrifice,69,,1994/07/31,
"Literature, Press, Publications, News, Preaching, War, Pioneer,",'Hot lead can be almost as effective coming from a linotype as from a firearm.' Quote: John O'Hara.,The good new by printed literature has certainly been a powerful force to turn people to God.,"Matt 28:19, 20;",Bobby Laymon,Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,63,,1995/08/16,
"Literature, Publications, Preaching, Russell,","Some objected to using books, saying, 'This is not preaching!'","The book, The New Creation pointed out: 'The fact that these evangelists are working on lines adapted to our day instead of upon the lines of the past is no more an argument than is the fact that they travel by steam and electric power instead of on foot.'",Mt 24:14;,Jehovah's Witnesses - Proclaimers Of God's Kingdom.  Page 559,Renewing The Spirit Of Self-sacrifice,69,,,
"Literature, Publications, Printing,","'They were not only abreast of their times in such matters, they were in advance of them, and the publishers of the subsequent centuries have followed them.' Quote: Professor E. J. Goodspeed, in his book 'Christianity Goes to Press.'","It comes at no surprise, therefore, that Jehovah's Witnesses today, as proclaimers of God's Kingdom, have in some respects been among those in the forefront of the printing industry.",Exodus 20:1-17;31:18;gal 3:19;rev 1:11;,Jehovah's Witnesses - Proclaimers Of God's Kingdom.  Page 575,Renewing The Spirit Of Self-sacrifice,69,,,
"Literature, Publications, Truth, Atheist","'A very nice lady came to my door today and gave me a book called 'The Truth That Leads to Eternal Life.'  I just finished it.  The first time I've read 190 pages of anything in one day of my life. On June 29, 1967, I stopped believing in God.  Today I started thinking again.' Quote: Letter of appreciation.",Our literature appeals to thinking persons.  It makes people think.  The truth book has often been called 'The Blue Bomb Shell',"2 Ti 3: 16, 17;",Jehovah's Witnesses - Proclaimers Of God's Kingdom.  Page 105,Renewing The Spirit Of Self-sacrifice,69,,,
"Literature, Russell, Writings, Publications, Evangelizing,","'His writings are said to have greater newspaper circulation every week than those of any other living man; a greater, doubtless, than the combined circulation of the writings of all the priests and preachers in North America.' Quote: Publication call 'The Continent' [comment about Russell]","Jehovah's Witnesses have continued to press the Good News into every corner of the globe.  They have used every means possible of pushing the door of preaching work, wide open.",Mt 24:14;,Jehovah's Witnesses - Proclaimers Of God's Kingdom.  Page 58,Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,63,,,
"Literature, Study, Reading, Time,",President and Vice President of Society read each issue of Publication. Are you busier or do you have more important work than they do? Are you wasting time?,Do we imagine we do not have enough time? It is a MUST!,2 Tim. 3:17; Eph. 5:15,"Feb 15, 1963 Wt Page 107",Renewing The Spirit Of Self-sacrifice,69,,,
Literature;,'Literature is news that stays news.'  Quote:  Ezra Pound.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Litter, Pollution, Ecology,","Litterbugs cost the United States taxpayers about $500,000,000 a year.  (1971 figure.)",The time is coming when litterbugs and all others who pollute the land will be history.,Re 11:18; Da 2:44;,"Jun 8, 1971 Aw Page 20",Does Your Hope Rest On Science Or The Bible?,80,,1994/05/01,
Little Things; Appearance;,"'You may turn into an archangel, a fool, or a criminal, no one will see it. But when a button is missing, everyone sees that.'  Quote:  Eric Remarque.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Little Things; Contentment; Joy, Happiness,","'Enjoy the little things, for one day you may look back and realize that they were the big things.'  Quote:  R. Brault.","It is the little things in life that bring pleasure, along with serving Jehovah.",1 Tim 6:8;,Jk Quotes;,Are You Content With Jehovah's Provisions?,22,,,
Little Things; Irritations;,'Even a single hair casts its shadow.'  Quote:  Publilius Syrus.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Little Things; Irritations;,"'How little it takes to make life unbearable, and pebble in the shoe, a cockroach in the spaghetti, a woman's laugh.'  Quote:  H.L.Mencken.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Little Things; Irritations;,"'Its the little bits of things that fret and worry us; we can dodge an elephant, but we can't dodge a fly.'  Quote:  Josh Billings.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Little Things; Irritations;,'Little things affect little minds.'  Quote:  Ben Disraeli.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Little Things; Irritations;,"'Men trip not on mountains, but they stumble on stones.'  Quote:  Chinese.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Live, Time, Resources, Money, Wisely,","Father calls little Johnny and explains that he wants to teach him responsibility and so is going to give him an allowance. He tells him he can spend it any way he chooses but he must remember to act wisely. So he gives him $5 and immediately Johnny disappears. He comes back with his mouth bulging and his pockets overflowing with candy of all sorts. His father asks him where he has been. Johnny said he went to the store to buy candy.  'Well', his father thinks, 'I did say he could spend it on whatever he wanted.'  Then three days later Johnny knocks on his parents' door. He is all excited because he has been invited to go with a whole bunch of other little brothers and sisters on an outing. A brother has it all arranged. Can he please go? His father says, he thinks that will be fine. Johnny then asks if he can have an advance on his allowance since he has no money. Father asks him what happened to the money he just gave him. Johnny says he spent it on the candy.  Father says regretfully that he will not be able to go. He says that he should have thought more carefully.","Now imagine the exact same scenario. Johnny gets money, goes  immediately to the store, but when he comes back presents his father with a beautiful wrapped box. His father opens the box and finds a gift for him. He can tell that he must have used most of his allowance to buy the gift. Three days later Johnny comes and asks if he can go on a trip, and asks for an advance on his allowance.  What do you think his father will say. Of course, he will gladly give him some more money.  Jehovah has given us an allowance. Our life and our time. We can spend it any way we choose. We can spend it all on ourselves. Or we can wrap it up as it were and spend our whole life serving Jehovah. When we come to the threshold of the new world and we say to Jehovah, 'Please can I have an advance or extension on our life?' What do you think Jehovah will say?  Wrap up our lives and give them to Jehovah. Use our time wisely in Jehovah's service, especially preaching publicly and from house to house. Don't be afraid to take on extra burdens in Jehovah's  service. If we have spent our whole life on ourselves, using this world to the full, he could say 'I'm sorry you can't go.' If we have spent it all on him he will gladly say, 'Of course you can have an extension on your life. Have everlasting life.'",Eph. 5:16,Goldman Collection,Taking Time To Meditate On Spiritual Things,67,,"Jan 19, 2001",
Living Forever,"Child never thinks that he will get old. Child never thinks about growing old, but when you are older that's about all you think about.","Jehovah has given us the desire to live forever.  Jehovah has provided gift of living forever.  He has given us the right provisions.  Bible, Faithful slave, publications, meetings, etc.","Psalms 145:16, Matt. 6:8",Richard Schroeder,'standing Firm' Circuit Assembly,35,,,
"Living, Life, Materialism, Self, Will, money, cost, ","A young boy was walking along a road one day when he spotted a copper penny shining in the dust. He picked it up and clutched it with excitement. A penny was his, and it had cost him nothing! From that day on, wherever he walked, he kept his head down, his eyes closely surveying the ground for more pennies - and perhaps even greater treasure. During his lifetime, he found more money to be sure. In fact, he collected 302 pennies, 24 nickels, 41 dimes, eight quarters, three half-dollar pieces and one worn-out paper dollar... a total of $12.82. He kept his treasure safe, protecting it as a 'free legacy' of wealth. He delighted in the fact that the money had cost him nothing.  Or had it?","In the course of scouting out his treasure, he had missed seeing the full beauty of 35,127 sunsets, the splendor of 327 rainbows, the beauty of white clouds floating overhead in crystal blue skies, birds soaring, squirrels hopping from branch to branch in the trees above the paths on which he walked, the brilliance of the colorful autumn leaves fluttering against a backdrop of autumn sunshine. What he had acquired - all $12.82 - certainly wasn't equal to what he had missed. Some people, for the sake of getting a living, forget to live...   Money isn't everything!... It is living a life that serves God!!!",1 Pet. 4:2;,Mark Hanlon,Is This Life All There Is?,36,s,1998/11/26,1/28/2015
"Load, Burden, Help, Assistance, Consideration, Kindness, Cooperate,","A MULETEER set forth on a journey, driving before him an Ass and a Mule, both well laden.  The Ass, as long as he traveled along the plain, carried his load with ease, but when he began to ascend the steep path of the mountain, felt his load to be more than he could bear.  He entreated his companion to relieve him of a small portion, that he might carry home the rest; but the Mule  paid no attention to the request.  The Ass shortly afterwards fell down dead under his burden.  Not knowing what else to do in so wild a region, the Muleteer placed upon the Mule the load carried by the Ass in addition to his own, and at the top of all placed the hide of the Ass, after he had skinned him.  The Mule, groaning beneath his heavy burden, said to himself:  'I am treated according to my deserts.  If I had only been willing to assist the Ass a little in his need, I should not now be bearing, together with his burden, himself as well.'","We must carry our own load, but be willing to assist our brothers and sisters when burdened down.  A burden is different from a load.","Ga 6:2, 5;",Aesop's Fables - Bobby Laymon,Follow The Course Of Hospitality,77,,1994/05/17,
"Load, Burden, Trust, Limits,","Picture a father and his little boy walking in a grocery store. The little boy is carrying the basket and as they walk up and down the aisles, the father takes things off of the shelves and places them in the basket. Sometimes he explains what he's putting in, other times he doesn't. A woman is watching this and feeling very sorry for the little boy because he has to carry such a heavy load. Unable to hold her tongue any longer, she bends down and to the boy 'My, that basket looks heavy. Maybe you better let your father carry it for you.' He smiles up at her and says confidently, 'No, my father loves me and knows just how much I can carry. When I can't handle anymore, he'll take over'.","When our load seems unbearably heavy, remember that Jehovah knows exactly how much we can carry and if we have faith in Him, He will 'take over' when we can't handle anymore.  Jehovah Knows Our Limits.",Gal. 6:2;,Bobby Laymon,You Will Reap What You Sow,59,,1998/12/25,
"Locust, Unity, Courage, Preaching,","The magazine GEO reports that in 1784, South Africa was hit by 'the largest swarm [of locusts] ever registered in recorded history.' The swarm covered an area of two thousand square miles, which is about five times the size of Hong Kong. Smith 's Bible Dictionary says that  the locust 'commits terrible ravages on vegetation in the countries which it visits. '  Though little more than two inches in length, the locust commonly travels between 60 and 120 miles per day. The desert locust may even stretch this to 600 miles.  'its wings wave 18  times per second and for up to 17 hours a day--something that no other insect manages to do.'",Jehovah's Witnesses have long understood that the locusts of Revelation chapter 9 portray the anointed servants of God on earth in this century.' These Christians have been assigned a particular job-to preach the Kingdom message earth wide and make disciples.  This calls upon them to overcome obstacles and to stick to their work. What could better illustrate this than the indomitable locust?,Matt 24:14; Rev 9:3-7;,"Jul 15, 1996 Wt Page 23",Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,63,,1996/06/23,
Logic;,"'Logic, like whiskey, loses its beneficial effect when taken in too large quantities.'  Quote:  Lord Dunsany.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Loneliness, Activity, Preaching, Boredom, Boring,",'A windmill twirling its arms all day is admirable only when it has corn to grind.'  (An old adage),Useful activity has a way of curing loneliness.,"2 Cor. 1:3, 4; 1 John 4:16-21; 1 Pet. 5:7;","Jul 8, 1964 Aw Page 14",Can You Live Forever?--will You?,35,,,
"Loneliness, Depression, Joy, Happiness,","'Loneliness lies like a stone on the heart.  ...Loneliness makes us feel like a motherless child, like a lamb gone astray, so little and lost in a world so vast and uncaring.'  Quote: Writer Judith Viorst in Redbook magazine - September 1991.","While periods of solitude are beneficial, isolation is damaging.  The example of Ruth is one we can follow when faced with loneliness.",Pro 18:1; Acts 20:35; 1 Cor 15:58;,"Sep 15, 1994 Wt Page 21, 22 Para 1;",Gaining Comfort In All Our Tribulations,105,,1994/10/30,
"Loneliness, Depression, Singleness, Entertainment,","Thorns briefly make a bright and noisy fire, but it does not have enough substance to keep us warm.","Likewise, noisy, laughing companions may distract us momentarily, but they will not eliminate all loneliness and satisfy our need for true friends.","Ecclesiastes 7:5, 6;","Mar 15, 1996 Wt Page 4",Follow The Way To Life,45,,1996/02/13,
"Loneliness, Grandparents, Responsibility,","'Grandparents, parents, and grandchildren -- three generations separated by just a few decades, yet often in spirit an abyss.'  Quote: Awake!",When the generation gap become too wide.,1 Tim 5:4;,"Jul 8, 1995 Aw Page 5",Does Your Thinking Agree With God's?,53,,1995/06/04,
"Loneliness, Grandparents, Responsibility,",'Punishment from a grandparent does not make for good grandchildren.'  Quote: Spanish proverb.,The experience of grandparents is often ignored.  It is usually better to leave discipline of children to parents.,Exodus 20:12;,"Jul 8, 1995 Aw Page 5",Does Your Thinking Agree With God's?,53,,1995/06/04,
"Loneliness, Grandparents, Responsibility, Nursing Home,","'Her room had a window with a view of a tree, and her only living companions were the doves and the starlings that perched on it.  She waits for their arrival as anxiously as if they were close relatives.' Quote: regarding an elderly person in a nursing home.","What often happens to the elderly in a nursing home, when others forget.",1 Tim 5:4;,"Jul 8, 1995 Aw Page 4",Does Your Thinking Agree With God's?,53,,1995/06/04,
"Loneliness, Sex,",Tranquilizer.,"Sex is being used as a tranquilizer by too many anxious, lonely and depressed souls.","2 Cor. 1:3, 4;","Jul 8, 1964 Aw Page 13",A Godly View Of Sex And Marriage,13,,,
"Loneliness, Solitude, Prayer, Blessing, Silence,","Being alone gives man a chance to 'wash out the inside.' It opens the heart to appreciations never seen in rushing crowds. Silence has a purging and restoring power. Note: Solitude is a state of being geographically alone, whereas",We can give quiet contemplation to our blessings. loneliness is an emotional condition. It is not only good but necessary that we be alone at times.,Matt. 14:13; Mark 1:35; Luke 4:42;,"Jul 8, 1964 Aw Page 15",Prayers That Are Heard By God.,86,,,
Loneliness;,'Better quarrelling than lonesome.'  Quote:  Irish.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Lonely, Distress,","A lone scholar absorbed in his research does not feel lonely.  A lone artist creating a painting has no room to feel lonely.  They welcome a solitary moment, and solitude is then their best friend. Jesus often sought solitude deliberately.","Loneliness is from inside of us, rather than from the outside. When we light our inner world brightly, that loneliness can be made to diminish, perhaps even disappear in time.",Acts 20:35; Pr 11:25; John 16:32; Jas 4:8; Ps 27:10;,"Sep 22, 1993 Aw Page 7",Gaining Comfort In All Our Tribulations,105,,,
"Lonely, Distress,","A poet noted, 'Where you tend a rose,....a thistle cannot grow.'  Examples: Laurel Nesbit, how spent 37 years in an iron lung. Watchtower missionary, Harold King, sentenced to 5 years in solitary confinement in a Chinese prison.",Fill the soil of your mind with seeds of beauty and positive purpose; leave no room for the seeds of negative despair and bleak loneliness.,Col 3:2; 4:2;,"Sep 22, 1993 Aw Page 9",Gaining Comfort In All Our Tribulations,105,,,
"Lonely, Distress,","Children have clubs, build clubhouses, form gangs; older youth have motorcycle gangs; criminals have cronies who will not squeal on them; those with drinking problems join Alcoholics Anonymous; those struggling with obesity join Weight Watchers.","People are gregarious; they group together for support; Even in their misery, they love company.  They hate loneliness!  We can do much as Christians to help ourselves and others combat loneliness.",Acts 20:35; Pr 11:25; Ps 27:10; Jn 16:32; Col 3:2; 4:2;,"Sep 22, 1993 Aw Page 6",Gaining Comfort In All Our Tribulations,105,,,5/25/2025
"Lonely, Distress, Joy, Happiness,","'A martyr at the stake may have happiness that a king on his throne might envy.' Quote: Viktor Frankl, author of book, 'Man's Search for Meaning.'","The way to achieve a truly spiritual outlook is to come all the way to God.  When human relationships crumble, we are not alone.  See examples: Josef and his brothers in German concentration camp. One prayed so fervently that orders to shoot were disobeyed.",Ps 27:10; Jn 16:32; Col 3:2; 4:2;,"Sep 22, 1993 Aw Page 8, 10,",Serve Jehovah With A Joyful Heart,78,,,
"Lonely, Relationship, Pioneer, Encouragement, Depression, Console, Groaning","'Remember, Flo, you are never alone.  And you and Jehovah always make a majority.' Quote: A Christian sister to Florence Widdowson","I experienced the truth of God's promise: 'I will by no means leave you nor by any means forsake you.'  As she nears 100 years of age, a friend told her: 'It seems your aging body can't keep up with your youthful mind.'",Heb 13:5;,"Jan 1, 1994 Wt Page 30",True Friendship With God And Neighbor.,100,,1993/11/26,
"Long-suffering,","In the Hebrew Scriptures, the notion of long-suffering is expressed by two Hebrew words that literally mean 'length of nostrils'.","In Hebrew, the word for 'nose' or 'nostril' ('aph) is often used figuratively for anger.  This is so because of the violent breathing or snorting of an enraged person.","Nahum :3; Ezekiel 18:31, 32","Nov 1, 2001 Wt Page 8",Love Identifies The True Christian Congregation,72,,"Oct 4, 2001",
"Long-suffering, Endurance, Self-control","An old-timer said, 'If God permits it, I can take it.'","'God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear, ... also make the way out.'","1 Cor. 10:13; Ps. 37:8, 9;","May 15, 1991 Wt Page 19",You Can Find Joy In Serving God,103,,,
"Long-suffering, Endurance, Self-control",To be long-suffering does not simply mean to suffer long.,"If a person suffering a long time was frustrated or bitter because of being unable to retaliate, he would not be long- suffering.",Isa. 53:7; 1 Pet. 2:23; Mark 9:34; Luke 9:46; 22:24,"May 15, 1991 Wt Page 13 (footnote)",You Can Find Joy In Serving God,103,,,
Loneliness; Absence; Love;,"Sometimes when one person is missing, the whole world seems depopulated.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Look At Future,"Robert Frost Poet: came to crossroads; Point in life where he could have great wealth or become a poet.  Choose later, and didn't regret.  Land of trod. Apply to drugs; Marriage; Service to Jehovah.",We should look as far as we can down each road 'Path Not Taken',Ps 37:37;,"Larry Kinkade, Told By Johnse.",Your Future--how Can It Be Known?,19,,,
"Look, View, Attitude, Positive, Jesus, Agent, Adjust, Correct,","Have you ever known what it is to see something in a different light?  This is often true, when grown up, you revisited the place and scenes of your childhood.  It may not have changed, yet it looks so different, often smaller.  It was your whole world, now it is just a small corner.","Viewing things in a different light may or may not prove beneficial, depending upon whose influence is at work on you.  However, when we 'look intently at the Chief Agent and Perfecter of our faith' we see the true picture of Jehovah's purpose.  To get the right viewpoint we must look at him by using God's Word as a mirror.  As we sometimes use a mirror to get a different angle on a person, so we can use the Bible to gain a fresh appreciation of God's Son.","Heb 12:2, 3; John 1:41; Mt 16:15-17;","Sep 1, 1970 Wt Page 524-27",How To Keep Spiritually Awake!,71,,,
"Looks, Deceiving, Adam, Eve,",Have you noticed the beauty of the leaves?  Especially in the fall when the color turns.,"However, looks can be deceiving.  Autumn leaves look good but are dead and are just waiting to fall.",1 Tim 2:14;,Bobby Laymon,Life Does Have A Purpose,23,,1997/04/13,
"Looting, Honesty, Stealing,","The chairwoman of the Marigot Village Council, who witnessed people carting off bales of blankets and items, said she could not sleep for some time after seeing persons she knew and respected change suddenly before her eyes into thieves.  [After disaster of Hurricane David in Dominica.]  Note from article: 'By afternoon persons in all sorts of vehicles invaded the airport and began looting in the presence of police.  I saw a minister of a local church struggling to lift a bag into his van.  I called out to him and asked what he had in that bag, but he would not answer.'","The storm really brought out the worst in some people, while, thankfully, there were those who took courage and concern for others.  The word 'Hurricane' comes from an Indian word meaning 'evil spirit.'  Surely the people of Dominica will agree that Hurricane David was an ill wind that blew no good.",Heb 13:18;,"Dec 22, 1979 Aw Page 19",Conducting Ourselves Honestly At All Times,10,,1994/01/09,
Loquacious; Talkative;,"'Every absurdity has a champion to defend it, for error is always talkative.'  Quote:  Oliver Goldsmith.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Loquacious; Talkative;,'Loquacity and lying are cousins.'  Quote:  German.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Lose; Find;,"'When wealth is lost, nothing is lost; when health is lost, something is lost, when character is lost, all is lost.'  Quote:  German Motto.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Lose; Find;,You'll always find something in the last place you look.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Love,'Indescribable Free Gift' It is not Jesus Christ; Necessarily such favor includes God's Son.,Applies to that 'surpassing undeserved kindness of God',2 Cor. 9:13-15,"Jan 8, 1960 Aw Page 28","Friendship With God, Friendship With The World -- Which Will You Choose?",79,,,
Love,'Nice Guys Finish Last!'  Current examples from newspaper etc.,World's view of love & kindness.,1 Cor 13:1-8  2 Tim 3:2,Chris Upchurch,How To Express Love In A Lawless World,112,,,
Love,"Bubble Gum; More you chew it, the bigger it gets.",Exercise love and it grows,1 Cor 13,Mable Crownover,"Friendship With God, Friendship With The World -- Which Will You Choose?",79,,,
Love,"Catch it yet? extremely contagious; not dangerous; make deliriously happy Disasters; war, earthquake, storms Hugo: comment by city overseer. (See Feb 1990 Awake!) Zambia-new branch; Jehovah turned persecution around.","Care-For-One-Another-Fever. Visit sick, elderly, make amends with brothers.","John 13:34, 35",Pure Language Dist. Assy 1990 July 5-8,"As Christians, We Care About Other People",15,,,
Love,"Children, get your attention.",Can't ignore love (even your enemies).,Col 3:12-14,Bobby Laymon,"Friendship With God, Friendship With The World -- Which Will You Choose?",79,,,
Love,"Clothing, not held together by big knots, thousands small stitches",Little things that really matter,1 Cor 13:,Frank Kelsey (family Life Book),Show Respect And Love In Your Marriage,28,,,
Love,Clothing-made up of many tiny stitches.,"Love is by many kind deeds, often very small.",1 Cor 13:1-8,Chris Upchurch,"Friendship With God, Friendship With The World -- Which Will You Choose?",79,,,
Love,"Does an engaged person who gives his espoused a $1000. engagement ring, love her 100 times as much as one who gives her $10 ring. Consider the poor widow Jesus commended. gave out of love. Right motive important. Prov. 4:23; Jer 17:9",What Counts: Quantity or Motive.,Luke 21:1-4  Acts 20:35  1 Cor. 13:3,"Feb 8, 1959 Aw Page 3","Friendship With God, Friendship With The World -- Which Will You Choose?",79,,,
Love,Each Christian owes his fellowman a debt.,"'Do not you people be owing anybody a single thing, except to love one another.",Rom. 13:8,"Aug 15, 1964 Wt Page 495","Friendship With God, Friendship With The World -- Which Will You Choose?",79,,,
Love,"Hit thumb, don't say 'stupid thumb', take care of it Jesus did not say 'I'll never speak to you again after the way you treated me the other night.'",Others members of congregation.,Matt. 26:69-75,Mike Hart,"Friendship With God, Friendship With The World -- Which Will You Choose?",79,,,
Love,Honesty is not the best policy among Brothers.,Honesty is the ONLY policy.,"Eph. 6:5  Col. 4:1  Prov. 3:47  Isa. 35:3, 4",Pure Language Dist. Assy 1990 July 5-8,"As Christians, We Care About Other People",15,,,
Love,"How do you spell relief?  'Coats, soothes, relieves' R_O_L_A_I_D_S.",Applied to spiritual heartburn.,1 Cor 13,Joe Laymon,"Friendship With God, Friendship With The World -- Which Will You Choose?",79,,,
Love,"How far could an automobile travel without oil?  Love is positive and active, not negative and inactive. Due to lack of human race is shredded by: hatred, fear, divisions,","In human relationship we need an agent to eliminate, minimize the strife, insecurity, distress of nations.  friction generated in everyday life.",Matt. 7:3-5,"Dec 1, 1960 Wt Page 709","Friendship With God, Friendship With The World -- Which Will You Choose?",79,,,
"Love, Peter, ambition, fear of man, lack of humility, ",Human side vs. Spiritual; Would the apostle Peter have irritated you?  Thought he was better than other apostles. Matt. 26:31-35 They all had this problem. (distressing to Jesus) Matt. 26:69-75 denied 3 times.,"Apostles wanted prominence; had jealousy, ambition, lack of humility 'fear of man' 'stood condemned' Peter's love, not perfection, stood out. Jo. 21:15-17",Matt. 20:21; Rom. 12:3,Jerry Thompson,Love Identifies The True Christian Congregation,72,,,11/24/2013
Love,Imagine a member of a very wealthy family.  He began to share with his neighbor in need.  He would search out the deserving ones. Like the 'Big Brother' program.,"We don't have to imagine.  We are spiritually rich.  Our family head, Jehovah, has authorized this work.  Our 'Big Brother' is Jesus Christ.","Mal 3:10; Mt 28:19, 20;",Km,"Friendship With God, Friendship With The World -- Which Will You Choose?",79,,,
Love,"Is it good to be stingy? Miserly? Be miserly with faultfinding, but lavish with mercy. By doing so, you will imitate Jehovah.","Be stingy with criticism, but abundant with love.",Matt. 5:7; Ps. 103:8,"Dec 1, 1960 Wt Page 712","Friendship With God, Friendship With The World -- Which Will You Choose?",79,,,
Love,"Knights; suits of armor; hot, heavy, (sleep in armor?) We don't wear our armor around our brothers, sometimes get hurt because we are more vulnerable Rejection bounces off in service; but harder with brothers","We have spiritual armor, because we don't want to get hurt.",Ps. 90:12,Bobby Laymon,Acquiring A Heart Of Wisdom,73,,,
Love,Like great rain cycle Jehovah causes it to rain on good and bad.,"John 13:34, 35  15:12","Returns To You After Many Days, Turns Enemies To Friends",Divine Love Dist. Assy  1980,"Friendship With God, Friendship With The World -- Which Will You Choose?",79,,,
Love,Long List of errors against brothers; especially if known 30 years. Think how many your wife could have against you. How long have you been married.,Must not 'keep account of injuries',"1 Cor. 13:4, 5",Jerry Thompson,Love Identifies The True Christian Congregation,72,,,
Love,"Love is contagious: keep showing love & others will catch it. Answer to crime, delinquency, political and economic problems.","Love inspires love, as hate begets hate.",1 Cor. 13:8  Col:3:12-14,"Aug 22, 1958 Aw Page 5-7",Love Identifies The True Christian Congregation,72,,,
Love,"Love is like a priceless gem, a diamond with many facets. It is beautiful any way you look at it. It is said in verse: 'Youth's for an hour, Beauty's a flower, But love is the jewel that wins the world.'","Like a diamond with so many surfaces, love has many aspects.",1 Cor. 13:8;,"Aug 15, 1964 Wt Page 495","Friendship With God, Friendship With The World -- Which Will You Choose?",79,,,
Love,Loving Kindness- Lot and 2 angels; Showed loving kindness-yet Lot asked for further favor. Jehovah's angel granted him this favor. We need to depend heavily on Jehovah's loving kindness.,"Means more than being kind, but with loving motive (Loyal love).",Genesis 18:16-19:26,"Dec 1, 1958 Wt Page 723","Friendship With God, Friendship With The World -- Which Will You Choose?",79,,,
Love,Nursing Mother.,"Elders, others with loving concern.","1 Th 2:7,8, 11, 12   Gal 6:1","Sept 15, 1989 Wt Page 21","Friendship With God, Friendship With The World -- Which Will You Choose?",79,,,
Love,"Oil (Like Honcho Press) Whether rotate, toggle, slide, jiggle, oil helps run smoothly.","Thousands of moving parts, over 120 motors.  They all work together.",1 Cor 13,Bobby Laymon,"Friendship With God, Friendship With The World -- Which Will You Choose?",79,,,
Love,"Orchestra; all playing together Quote: 'I thought because you were a brother you would have done more.'  'I thought because you were a sister, you would have paid more.'",Must work 'shoulder to shoulder',Matt. 18:15-20  Prov. 3:29,Pure Language Dist. Assy 1990 July 5-8,"As Christians, We Care About Other People",15,,,
Love,"Oyster, irritation forms pearl Keep covering over",We can use irritations to form pearl-like qualities,Col. 3:14,Public Talk,Acquiring A Heart Of Wisdom,73,,,
Love,"Quote: by Confucius, in the Analects, one of 4 books of Confucius 'reciprocity' one word, as principle for life, then added, 'Do not do unto others what you do not want others to do unto you' Jesus showed one must take the initiative to do good.",Superiority of Jesus' teaching; Positive contrast with negative. Greatest good is to bring them truth.,Matt. 7:12,"Jun 15, 1989 Wt (study Article Para. 12)","Friendship With God, Friendship With The World -- Which Will You Choose?",79,,,
Love,Rock in shoe; can't take it out right away Internal problems sometimes harder than persecution.,"Keep enduring trials, even when coming from our Christian brothers",Col. 3:14,Bobby Laymon,Acquiring A Heart Of Wisdom,73,,,
Love,"Titanic, imagine throwing others off life-boat.","Complaining, trying to hold others back, not following suggestion.",Heb 3:13,Mike Hart,"Friendship With God, Friendship With The World -- Which Will You Choose?",79,,,
Love,"Water other, we can drink (see quote below) 'There is a destiny that makes us brothers, None goes his way alone All that we send into the lives of others, Comes back into our own (by Edwin Markham)",Generous soul will be made fat.,Prov. 11:25,Magazine Article - Bobby Laymon,"Friendship With God, Friendship With The World -- Which Will You Choose?",79,,,
Love,"Water-tight roof, rain, snow, wind, storms, sleet, hail.",Love endures all things,1 Cor 13:1-8,Chris Upchurch,How To Express Love In A Lawless World,112,,,
Love,"You go to an assembly, and enjoy the warmth, good food, good sound and love there.  How you love those brothers that got there first and prepared it all.  Reciprocating LOVE ....GOES AROUND","However, they loved you first, because they were there before you were.  That is how it is with Jehovah's love and that of Christ Jesus.",1 Jn 4:9-12,Raymond Skinner,"Friendship With God, Friendship With The World -- Which Will You Choose?",79,,,
"Love (had At First) Zeal, Will,","New one, chain up for 6 months.  Should chain them to us.","They stir our zeal, and love.",Heb 3:14,Mike Hart,"Living, Not For Self, But To Do God's Will",8,,,
"Love,",'Love is eternal.' The wedding ring given by Abraham Lincoln to his bride bore that inscription. Jehovah is love and he has always existed.,These words contain the element of truth.,"1 John 4:8; Ps. 90:1, 2; Rev. 10:6; Hab. 1:12; John 13:35;","Aug 15, 1964 Wt Page 489","Friendship With God, Friendship With The World -- Which Will You Choose?",79,,,
"Love,",'Satan and this system's goal is to mis-direct our love in a selfish way.',Our love should be:  1.  Jehovah and Jesus.  2.  Family.  3. One another.,Eph 5:33,Gary Wells,Love Identifies The True Christian Congregation,72,,"Apr 23, 2002",
"Love,","Experience: In Solomon Islands difficulty arose between two villages. One is comprised of Jehovah's Witnesses and studies. Before learning the truth, the village head was a very hard man. The other village came prepared for battle, but the Witnesses had nothing that resembled a weapon. A peaceful settlement. The non-Witness villagers were amazed.",Love bears all things.,1 Cor. 13:8;,"Aug 15, 1964 Wt Page 501","Friendship With God, Friendship With The World -- Which Will You Choose?",79,,,
"Love,","HAVE you ever attempted to learn a new language? It is challenging, to say the least! Of course, a young child can learn a language just by being exposed to it. His brain fairly soaks up the sounds and meanings of words, so that before long the tot is expressing himself quite adeptly, perhaps incessantly. Not so with adults. We search a foreign-language dictionary repeatedly, just to master a few basic phrases in a foreign tongue. In time and with enough exposure, though, we start to think in the new language and speaking it becomes easier.","Learning to express love is much like learning a new language. True, a measure of this divine quality is inherent in humans. (Genesis 1:27; compare 1 John 4:8.) Still, learning to express love takes extraordinary effort especially today, when natural affection is in such short supply. (2 Timothy 3:1-5) This is sometimes the case right in the family. Yes, many grow up in a harsh environment where loving words are hardly ever expressed if at all.",1 Corinthians 12:31,W99 2/15 18,Love Identifies The True Christian Congregation,72,,"Jul 5, 2000",
"Love,","Have you ever rubbed two pieces of sandpaper together.  (Demonstrate) There is a lot of friction.  However, put just a drop of oil on one of them.  They rub more smoothly.","That is the way with two personalities.  We rub each other the wrong way many times.  We are rough and cause friction.  However, add some love to our relationship and see what happens.",John 13:35;,Carl Brown,Love Identifies The True Christian Congregation,72,,"Aug 3, 2001",
"Love,",In times past cattle and hogs were allowed to pasture on 'open range' territory.  They were ear-marked so each owner could tell his own.,The ear-mark of true Christians is 'love.',"John 13:34, 35; 1 Cor. 13:1-3;",See: You Can Live Forever In Paradise On Earth. Page 231,"Friendship With God, Friendship With The World -- Which Will You Choose?",79,,,
"Love,",Love is a quality that beggars description. It defies thorough definition. (See article for thorough description of above scriptures),Easier to explain what it does not do sometimes.,1 Cor. 13:4-8;,"Aug 15, 1964 Wt Page 496","Friendship With God, Friendship With The World -- Which Will You Choose?",79,,,
"Love,","Love is the only gold.  -- Alfred, Lord Tennyson","Like gold which is enduring, true love is forever.",Rom. 8:35;,Bobby Laymon,,,,"Nov 19, 2001",
"Love,","New carpet, but had caused a very bad stain that was unmovable. Friend suggested she replace spot with a beautiful plant.",Love covers a multitude of sins.,1 Pet. 4:8,Johnse Laymon,"Friendship With God, Friendship With The World -- Which Will You Choose?",79,,,
"Love,","She did observe, with some dismay, that far from conquering all, love lazily sidestepped practical problems.  -- Jean Stafford",Those who think they are in love may not be taking a realistic look.,Eph. 5:25-29;,Bobby Laymon,Show Respect And Love In Your Marriage,28,,"Nov 19, 2001",
"Love,","Sister commended for beautiful broach she wore on dress. She confessed, actually had a very bad spot on dress and had covered it with the broach. Beautiful to let love cover sins of our brothers and sisters.",Love covers a multitude of sins.,1 Pet. 4:8,Bobby Laymon,"Friendship With God, Friendship With The World -- Which Will You Choose?",79,,,
"Love,","We do not think of human love in terms of locality.  When we realize that a person whom we love has love for us, we know this love will be ours no matter where he is.","Jehovah can still be in the heavens, and at the same time very near to us.  God awakens within us the consciousness that He is with us wherever we go.  Sun, grass, stars, birds show his love.","Ac 17:27, 28;","Mar 8, 1968 Aw Page 5","Friendship With God, Friendship With The World -- Which Will You Choose?",79,,,
"Love,",What is love?  'Love does not choose the blade of grass on which it falls.' Quote: Zula proverb.  'Love is the salt of life.' Quote: Philippine proverb.  'Love overlooks defects and hatred magnifies shortcomings.' Quote: Lebanese proverb.  'Love conceals ugliness.' Quote: Irish proverb.  'Love is stronger than a giant.' Quote: Welsh proverb.  'That which is loved is always beautiful.' Quote: Norwegian proverb.  'A pennyweight of love is worth a pound of law.' Quote: English proverb.  'True love lasts until death.' Quote: Spanish proverb.,True love is appreciated wherever we go.  The Bible describes it best.,1 Cor 13:4-8;,"May 8, 1998 Aw Page 14",Love Identifies The True Christian Congregation,72,,1998/04/07,
"Love, Abandoning, Cool Off, Comfort, Feelings, Emotions, Literature, Magazines,","AT SUBWAY stations, in public restrooms, or on bustling streets, mothers are abandoning their newborn babies.  At times, garbage collectors have even found in trash cans tiny babies tired of crying for their mothers.","Really, more than any human mother, god has deep love for us and shows sensitivity to our needs.  He cares for us with spiritual food and nourishment.",Isa. 49:15; Ps. 27:10;,"Dec 1, 1998 Wt Page 32",How Well Do You Know God?,1,,1998/12/11,
"Love, Acorn Barnacle,","The acorn barnacle is a small, shelled creature that lives in water.  Few give it little thought.  However, the barnacle has one remarkably ability.  It knows how to stick to things.  It's glue is so strong that a film a mere 3/10,000 in. thick (0.00762 mm) has a shear strength of 7,000 psi.","Christians are familiar with something similar.  Jehovah's people are made up of all nations, languages, races, and social groups. Yet, it is firmly united.  Its secret?  It, too, has a powerful bonding agent, stronger than glue.  It is LOVE!",Col 3:14,"Mar 15, 1985 Wt Page 21",Acquiring A Heart Of Wisdom,73,,,
"Love, Aesop, Humility, Pride, Lowly, Kindness, Empathy,","A LION was awakened from sleep by a Mouse running over his face.   Rising up angrily, he caught him and was about to kill him, when the Mouse piteously entreated, saying:  'If you would only spare my life, I would be sure to repay your kindness.'  The Lion laughed and let him go.  It happened shortly after this that the Lion was caught by some hunters, who bound him by ropes to the ground.  The Mouse, recognizing his roar, came gnawed the rope with his teeth, and set him free, exclaiming, 'You ridiculed the idea of my ever being able to help you, expecting to receive from me any repayment of your favor; Now you know that it is possible for even a Mouse to con benefits on  a Lion.'","Don't look down on little ones, or the ones of little means.   Even the lowliest of us can show kindness.   If we are not rewarded now, Jehovah will reward us in the resurrection of the righteous ones.",1 Co 13:1-8;,Aesop's Fables - Bobby Laymon,Follow The Course Of Hospitality,77,,,
"Love, Affection, Family,","'Caresses, expressions of one sort or another, are necessary to the life of the affections as leaves are to the life of a tree. If they are wholly restrained, love will die at the roots.' Quote: -Nathaniel Hawthorne.","How many men give expensive gifts to their wives or children instead of giving their time, affection, and loving spiritual guidance?",Ps 91:14;,Bobby Laymon,"Mercy, A Dominant Quality Of True Christians",7,,1995/08/25,
"Love, Affection, Warmth,","IT IS dangerously cold outside, and the temperature is plummeting. The one source of heat in your house is a fire crackling in the fireplace. Lives depend on your keeping it going. Will you simply sit and watch as the flames die and the red glow of the coals fades to a dull, lifeless gray? Of course not. You tirelessly keep feeding it fuel to keep it alive.","In a sense, each of us has a similar job when it comes to a far more  important 'fire'--the one that should burn in our hearts--love.  Let all of us be resolved to keep this vital fire of love burning in our hearts.   As long as we keep the fire of love burning it will warm our brotherhood, no matter how bitterly cold and unfeeling this world becomes.","Matt. 24:12; John 13:34,35;","Aug 1, 1997 Wt Page 14",Love Identifies The True Christian Congregation,72,,1997/07/04,
"Love, Ambition, Imperfection, Forgiveness,","Jesus' last day must have been very stressful.  His sweat was like blood.  In spite of all this, 'who is greatest' came up again.  Jesus did not say, 'Father, you won't believe what those disciples did tonight!'","Instead, he said, 'they have observed your word.'  He did not bring up negative things about them, because he knew their overall motive was good.",John 17:6,Joseph Wengert D.O.,Love Identifies The True Christian Congregation,72,,1994/04/19,
"Love, Appearances,","A few years ago, my wife and I attended a marriage ceremony in another town.  Arriving early, we mixed in with about 150 other guests awaiting the ceremony. During the din of voices in conversation with old friends and relatives, I noticed a man who had been horribly burned.  One side of his head, neck and arm was disfigured. He had the appearance of having been made of wax which sagged and even dripped from heat. The flesh on his jaw drooped down giving the impression of perpetual snarl.  He  was politely avoided in the social gathering.  A few moments later, a little girl of 3 or 4 years hollered loudly 'Grandpa'. She ran up to him with her arms extended. He picked her up in his arms. She then took his marred face in both hands and proceeded to tell him with much enthusiasm how her bunnies were doing. After a strong hug, she asked about each of his calves and when she could give them more milk. As this child spoke and shared with her grandfather, the room became strangely quiet. As I looked about, I saw this man and child become the center of attention.  Many were wiping tears. Some looked down in guilty conviction. This child had shown the older and 'wiser' not to look upon the surface appearance.  She knew her grandfather's heart.",What kind of world would we have...if we adults would not so quickly shed some of these child-like traits of sincerity and unbiased love.,John 13:35;,Nova McClain,Love Identifies The True Christian Congregation,72,,1999/07/01,
"Love, Assistance,",'Love is best when given away.',We show this love when we give in in behalf of our brothers.,1 Tim. 4:16;,Phil Fleming,Love Identifies The True Christian Congregation,72,,1999/04/24,
"Love, Beauty, Diamond,","It has been said in verse: 'Youth's for an hour, Beauty's a flower, But love is the jewel that wins the world.'   Like a diamond with numerous reflecting surfaces, love has ever so many aspects, all good, all desirable, all touching and heartwarming.","But, at first, love may be compared to an unpolished though precious stone. The latent ability to draw others, to bless them, to warm them, is there, in an unpolished state. How may we polish it to increase our drawing power?",1 Cor 13:1-8;,W64 8/15 495,Show Respect And Love In Your Marriage,28,,1994/05/11,
"Love, Bible,","At first love may be compared to an unpolished though precious stone. The latent ability to draw others, to bless them is there in an unpolished state.  How may we polish it to increase its luster? Take this diamond in the rough & make it glisten with resplendent beauty? Need the light from God's Word.",How we can cultivate and show more love.,1 Cor. 13:8;,"Aug 15, 1964 Wt Page 495","Friendship With God, Friendship With The World -- Which Will You Choose?",79,,,4/16/2017
"Love, Blind, Infatuation, Marriage, Singleness,","A LION demanded the daughter of a woodcutter in marriage.  The  Father, unwilling to grant, and yet afraid to refuse his request, hit upon this expedient to rid himself of his importunities.  He expressed his willingness to accept the Lion as the suitor of his daughter on one condition:  that he should allow him to extract his teeth, and cut off his claws, as his daughter was fearfully afraid of both.  The Lion cheerfully assented to the proposal.   But when the toothless, clawless Lion returned to repeat his request, the Woodman, no longer afraid, set upon him with his club, and drove him away into the  forest.",Moral: 'Those in love certainly take leave of their senses!',"1 Cor 7:8, 9;",Aesop's Fables - Bobby Laymon,"Friendship With God, Friendship With The World -- Which Will You Choose?",79,,1994/05/17,
"Love, Books,","There have been more books written about it!  More songs sung about it!  More poems composed about it!  More people have thought they had it, than any one thing in the world.  Yet, with all this concern for it, there is still a lack of it, even though the poorest man can have it in abundance.  What is it?  LOVE! The supply falls far short of the demand.","Jehovah God wrote the book on love.  He included poetry about love.   He included songs about love!  Most important, he included true-life examples of men and women who cultivated and learned to practice real love.  Because of the sins we all have, Peter counseled: 'Above all things, have intense love for one another'",1co 13:1-8;  1 Pet. 4:8,Bobby Laymon,Love Identifies The True Christian Congregation,72,,1993/11/23,6/3/2025
"Love, Brag, Pride, Humility, honk, ","When driving sometimes need honk horn, not irritating as long as you do it, but have you ever had horn stick and blow itself. Tear out wires, destroy car get it stop.","When someone brags on you that is fine, but when you brag on self  it irritates others. Don't honk own horn.",1 Cor. 13:4,Johnse Laymon,"Friendship With God, Friendship With The World -- Which Will You Choose?",79,,,6/20/2025
"Love, Children,","'Love is like sunshine and water to a plant.'  Quote: Book, 'Growing up Sad.'","Through parental love, if expressed clearly and openly, children learn an important truth:  They are lovable; they have worth.  Your child's judgment of himself influences the kind of friends he chooses, how he gets along with others, the kind of person he marries, and how productive he will be.","Matt. 22:38, 39;","Aug 8, 1997 Aw Page 4",Family Life That Warms The Heart,5,,1997/07/14,
"Love, Children, Family,","It is said that love is blind, it should be said that love has eyes; Actually it is infatuation that is blind.","Married couple stunned when found 16 year old son was picked up by police for operating gambling casino in basement and some 50 teenagers had been patrons.   Thought they were skating, etc.",1cor. 13: 4-8,"Johnse Laymon Aug 8, 1965 Aw Pg 3",Family Life That Warms The Heart,5,,,
"Love, Children, Parents,",'Love is the chain whereby to bind a child to his parents.' Quote: Abraham Lincoln.,"Children are a reward.  Blessing of having children is increased when parents and children communicate well.  It is an incomparable pleasure to have the love and trust of a child, to see your training help a child grow in wisdom and faith.",Psalm 127:3-5;,Bobby Laymon,Family Life That Warms The Heart,5,,1995/08/05,
"Love, Children, Returns,","'Give a little love to a child, and you get a great deal back.' Quote: 19th-century English writer and critic John Ruskin.","Probably most parents will agree that it pays to love one's children, not only because of the love received in return but, more important, because of the positive effect this love will have on them.",Ps. 127:3-5,"Dec 8, 2000 Awake Page 6",Family Life That Warms The Heart,5,,"Nov 13, 2000",
"Love, Concern, Compassion, Depressed, Pioneers, Gilead, Groan,","What qualities would you look for in a family doctor?  Perhaps empathy, compassion, and mercy.","Christians should strive to cultivate the same empathy, compassion and mercy that they would value.",1 Th 5:14;,"Dec 1, 1992 Wt Page 19  (William Van De Wall)",Service Talk,200,,,
"Love, Cover, Gold, Enduring,",Gold is malleable (soft). 1 cubic inch of gold will cover up to 7000 square feet of surface when beaten into gold leaf.  Rare: All the gold ever-mined in history of man will only fill a moderately sized barn. Not affected by outside influences: dental gold is that way. Touch a foreign object to such a filling and there would be no reaction. Germ Free: Will not accommodate growth of bacteria. Will not tarnish.,Love and gold have similar properties: Malleable (soft) cover over sin.  Rare: Love is rare today in the world.  Love is not affected by outside influences.  Germ Free: Will not accommodate growth of bacteria of hatred. Will not tarnish: Our love for truth will not tarnish either.,1 Cor 13:8;,J.K.,How To Express Love In A Lawless World,112,,1997/04/12,
"Love, Creation,","Bumper Stickers: I love my...(horse, job, car etc) Jehovah expresses his love in practical way Food, not tasteless.  Flowers, beautiful variety.",Attempts to express love of little benefit,1 Cor 13:1-8  2 Tim 3:2,Chris Upchurch,How To Express Love In A Lawless World,112,,,
"Love, Creation, Existence, Know, Evolution,",'The majority of people on the planet earth are blind and deaf.',"They are blind to the beauty of Jehovah's creation, and deaf to its message about God.",Heb 3:4; Ro 1:20;,"Mar 8, 1968 Aw Page 7",How Well Do You Know God?,1,,,
"Love, Creation, Existence, Know, Evolution,","Imagine we're at sea.  An island appears; we land; we see a house on a hill. Coming close, we recognize the house is well built. The door is open, we walk in. It is beautifully furnished. Walls are covered with paintings, architecture, carpentry, engineering.","In looking at Jehovah's creations, we can know he is a master worker. It would not cross our mind the house evolved, neither should it regarding Jehovah's creations. (see descriptive article)",Heb 3:4; Ro 1:20;,"Mar 8, 1968 Aw Page 6",How Well Do You Know God?,1,,,
"Love, Creation, Existence, Know, Evolution,","The squirrel makes a big nest of moss and twigs on the branches of trees.  The birds also make ingenious nests.  What industry, what skill, what patience, and little or none of this is done for themselves!  They care for their little ones.","The love of a mother for her child, a man for his family, and Christ giving his life. Can you imagine all this love, patience, stemming from a God who knows nothing about love and devotion?",1j 4:8; Heb 3:4; Ro 1:20;,"Mar 8, 1968 Aw Page 8",How Well Do You Know God?,1,,,
"Love, Critical, Mercy,","'Why, then, do you look for the straw in your brother's eye, but do not consider the rafter in your own eye?'  We should not be harshly critical of others.",God does not wait until we get rid of all our bad ways to show us love.,Matt. 7:1-5;,You Can Live Forever In Paradise On Earth. Page 235,"Mercy, A Dominant Quality Of True Christians",7,,,
"Love, Diamonds, Marriage, Loyalty, Determination,","The hardest steel can cut a five-mile-long (8 km) groove in a length of ordinary bronze before needing to be sharpened. A tungsten-carbide tool will remain sharp for 21 miles (34 km), whereas the diamond will make a cut 1,200 miles (1,900 km) long. Heavy-gauge copper wire can be pulled through a tiny hole in a diamond for 15,000 miles (24,000 km), reducing it to fine metal thread, before the diamond requires reshaping.",We need to have 'diamond-like' determination to continue in loyalty to Jehovah.  Such integrity is needed in our marriage as well.,Jude 1:3;,G85 9/22 11-12,"Friendship With God, Friendship With The World -- Which Will You Choose?",79,,1994/05/11,
"Love, Differences, Understanding, Misunderstanding,",Love involves a peculiar unfathomable combination of understanding and misunderstanding.  -- Diane Arbus,We must learn to give and take.,Eph. 5:28;,Bobby Laymon,Getting Marriage Off To A Good Start,27,,"Nov 19, 2001",
"Love, Difficulties, Problems, Unity, Elders, Competition, Critical",Just as a smooth-running machine can come to a screeching halt due to 1 grain of sand.,"One person can disrupt the unity of a smooth-running body of elder by being overly critical, not recognizing own limitations etc.",1co 13:5;,Gary Breaux (d. O.),"Friendship With God, Friendship With The World -- Which Will You Choose?",79,,,
"Love, Direction","A man in India inherited a rice farm terraced on the side of a mountain.  He noticed how the rain came down and the water flowed right into his rice and made it grow beautifully.  He thought, 'I can keep all this water for myself.'  He dammed the water up.  Before long the water became stagnated, and begin to stink.  It also flooded his rice and it died out.","Love is like that.  It cannot be dammed up.  It flows only one direction.  It is from Jehovah God, and all we can do is benefit from it and pass it on.",1 Jo 4:8,Mike Reading - Lebanon,How To Express Love In A Lawless World,112,,"May 20, 2000",
"Love, Direction",We know what direction a river flows.  You can't reverse that.  You can't dam it up forever.  Men argue about electricity.  Does it flow from negative to positive or vise versa.,It is essential to know the direction love flows from.  It is from Jehovah God.  We cannot change that.  We can benefit and pass it on.  We cannot dam it up.,"1 Jo 4:8, 10",Bobby Laymon,How To Express Love In A Lawless World,112,,"May 20, 2000",
"Love, Direction, Pride,","A king hired an architect to build a lighthouse near the sea with the king's name displayed in large letters.  The architect built the lighthouse, but put his own name on the front in large letters.  Then he plastered it over and put the king's name in gold embossed letters on the plaster.  Guess what happened in a few years.  The sea water wore the plaster away, and there was the name of the architect.","Sometimes pride can get in the way of love, or doing what is right.  It causes us to 'look for our own interests.'",1 Cor 13:5,Mike Reading - Lebanon,How To Express Love In A Lawless World,112,,"May 20, 2000",
"Love, Elders, Servants, Position, Motive,","During wartime, two types of soldiers. one fights for medals, honor. The other fights for love of family, country.","What is our motive. Is it prestige, glory, or love.","John 13:34, 35;",Jim Thompson,How Should You Serve God?,58,,,
"Love, Endurance, Vindication, Long-suffering,","Love follows through, like the farmer, to harvest time.","What an example of long-suffering Jehovah has set for us in his dealings with humankind and particularly with the nation of Israel! And it has not been in vain, for because of it he can point to a long line of faithful witnesses and in his due time he will see the complete realization of his purposes regarding the vindication of his name.","1 Cor 13:4, 7; 15:28;",W57 3/15 178,"Friendship With God, Friendship With The World -- Which Will You Choose?",79,,1994/07/30,
"Love, Enemies","Strike you on one cheek, turn other, outer garment","Continue practicing love, though not returned",Luke 6:27-30,Jesus,"Friendship With God, Friendship With The World -- Which Will You Choose?",79,,,
"Love, Enemies,",Tax collectors love those loving them. So do nations.,That is no extra-ordinary thing.  We must love our enemies.,Matt. 5:46;,Bobby Laymon,"Friendship With God, Friendship With The World -- Which Will You Choose?",79,,,
"Love, Faithful Slave, 144,000,","'Truth is ... stranger than fiction,' it is said.  Still love is not gullible, or credulous. If something is improper or untrue, love will not permit us to accept it.","Yet if it is true, love will accept it because 'love believes all things.'  We will not be skeptical of 'food at proper time'","1 Cor. 13:7, Matt. 24:45-47","Aug 15, 1964 Wt Page 500","Friendship With God, Friendship With The World -- Which Will You Choose?",79,,,
"Love, Faults, Forgiveness, Imperfections, Sin, Maturity,",'Do Not Expect Anything From Anybody.'  Theme of a talk to the 94th graduating class of Gilead.,'Overlook their faults.  Do not expect too much of other people. Do not always expect the full measure of what you consider your due.  Make allowances for imperfection.  This kindness will be a measure of your maturity.,Pr 17:9; 1 Co 13:1-8;,"Jun 1, 1993 Wt Page 24  (jack D. Redford)","Friendship With God, Friendship With The World -- Which Will You Choose?",79,,,
"Love, Fear, Courageous,","A couple in Glacier National Park encountered a grizzly bear.  He attacked the man, throwing him around and biting into him.  The woman came at him with only a pair of binoculars, and drove him away.  The had been married for 43 years.  Quote: Reader's Digest July 1993.",Love can overcome fear.  We must let our love for fellowman overcome the fear of witnessing to them.  Love will make sacrifices.,Luke 10:3;,Bill Osbeck C.O.,FACING THE FUTURE WITH FAITH AND COURAGE,166,,1994/02/02,
"Love, Greed, Persecution, Prison, Selfish,","'In those days the Bible Students had to do hard labor, outdoors in the bitter cold.  We could not understand how they survived.  They said Jehovah gave them strength.  They needed their bread desperately, since they were famished.  But what did they do?  They collected all the bread they had, took half of it and gave the other half to their brothers, who came in ravenous from other camps.  And they welcomed them and kissed them.  Before they ate they prayed, and afterward their faces beamed with happiness.  They said that nobody was hungry anymore.'  Quote:  From an Austrian, who claimed to be a 'nonbeliever.' from the 1990 book, 'Work Kills You -- Young Manhood  in Auschwitz' by Tibor Wohl.","'So, you see, then I thought to myself,' he continued, 'These are true Christians.'  That was how I always imagined they should be.  How nice it would have been to give starving comrades such a welcome here in Auschwitz!'",John 13:35;,"Nov 15, 1994 Wt Page 32",Bearing Up Under Persecution,57,,1994/10/16,
"Love, Growth, Progress, Maturity, Organization, Improvement,","A metal mirror presents a hazy outline, and is much different from seeing 'face to face.'","During the congregation's infancy, it was not God's time to reveal certain things.  Hence they were seen in a 'hazy outline. Now, fulfillment stares type and prophecy in the face.",1co 13:12;,"Jul 15, 1992 Wt Page 31","Friendship With God, Friendship With The World -- Which Will You Choose?",79,,,
"Love, Growth, Progress, Maturity, Organization, Improvement,","As a baby can be swayed to and fro, as though being rocked in a cradle.  But a man is much more developed physically, has greater knowledge, and usually not as easily swayed. (See article-verse by verse explanation of 1Co 13:1-13;","Jehovah's earthly organization grew out of its infancy, and no longer needed gifts of prophecy, tongues, and knowledge.  The congregation is now in its old age.",1co 13:11;,"Jul 15, 1992 Wt Page 31","Friendship With God, Friendship With The World -- Which Will You Choose?",79,,,
"Love, Gauge, Brothers, Organization,","In an engine-room it is impossible to look into the great boiler and see how much water it contains.  But running up beside it is a tiny glass tube, which serves as a gauge.  As the water stands in the little tube, so it stands in the great boiler.  When the tube is half full, the boiler is  half full; when the tube is empty the boiler is empty.","Do you ask.  How do I  know I love God?  I believe I love Him, but I want to know.  Look at the gauge.  Your love for your brother is the measure of your love for God.","John 13:34, 35;",J.K.,Love Identifies The True Christian Congregation,72,,1997/04/12,
"Love, Hate, Forgive, Resentment, Enemies, Grudge,",'There is no sport in hate when all the rage is on one side.' Quote: Percy Bysshe Shelley.  -1821.,"We do not hate people, however we hate the wicked act.  The hatred of the world is one-sided.  Jehovah will act in behalf of those who show love.",Ecclesiastes 5:8;,Bobby Laymon,Good News In A Violent World,85,,1995/07/18,
"Love, Hate.",'It is to the credit of human nature that it loves more readily than it hates.' Quote: American author Nathaniel Hawthorne. 'Man's natural inclinations all are to love and to respond to love.'  Harvard psychologist Gordon Allport.,The first and greatest commandment is to love. 'The need for love is as definite and compelling as the need for food.' anthropologist Ashley Montagu.,Matt. 22:37-39,"Feb 22, 1963 Aw Page 8","Friendship With God, Friendship With The World -- Which Will You Choose?",79,,,
"Love, Humility, Concern, Elders,",Jesus did not refer to individuals as a flock when showing Peter what to do.  He called them 'lambs' and 'little sheep.',Elders must deal in a kind and loving manner regarding each individual in the congregation.,John 21:15-17;,"Kingdom Ministry School Dec 22, 23, 1994",Love Identifies The True Christian Congregation,72,,1994/12/25,
"Love, Identifying, Mark, Congregation,","If you have watched the Western movies, you have noticed they brand their cattle.  They burn in a brand-mark that identifies.  No one can remove that mark.  They brand their horses also.  This carries over into the commercial world as well.  You see the 'golden arches' and even a child knows.  Car manufactures have a big logo or insignia on the front.  It says: Cadillac, Ford, Dodge, etc.  Everyone is searching for an identifying mark.",Is there any wonder Jehovah has placed an irremovable mark on the Christian congregation?  What is that mark?  How well is it burned in?,"John 13:34,35",Dane Offield & Bobby Laymon,Love Identifies The True Christian Congregation,72,,1999/08/02,
"Love, Improve,",'To enlarge or illustrate this power and effect of love is to set a candle in the sun.' Quote: Robert Burton.,One cannot enlarge on love.,1 Cor 13:1-8;,Bartlett's Familiar Quotations,Love Identifies The True Christian Congregation,72,,1995/05/20,
"Love, Infatuation, Marriage, Senses, Thinking, Mate,",'Love quickens all senses except the common.'  Quote: Sunshine Magazine.,We must use good judgment in choosing a mate.,Rom 12:1;,Bobby Laymon - Reader's Digest,Getting Marriage Off To A Good Start,27,,1996/03/22,
"Love, Insult, Fight, Violence,","'Whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other also to him.'","A slap is not intended to injure physically, but only to insult or provoke.  Jesus was teaching his followers to avoid being drawn into a fight.","Matt. 5:39; Prov. 24:29; Rom. 12:17, 18; 1 Pet. 3:9, 11; Rom.12:14",You Can Live Forever In Paradise On Earth. Page 236,"Friendship With God, Friendship With The World -- Which Will You Choose?",79,,,
"Love, Intelligence, Wisdom, Thinking, Thoughts,","A person may have a pet dog or a cat and he may talk to this pet, but we never find him discussing spiritual things with his dog or his cat, do we?","A lower animal just does not have the capacity to appreciate spiritual things. But humankind can and should do so. We may not see Jehovah God, but we do see so much evidence of his love in all of his creative works. And as we come to know him, gaining knowledge of him, then we are able to love and worship him. As Jesus said, we are able to worship him in 'spirit and truth.'",John 4:24;,W75 9/1 523-4,"Mercy, A Dominant Quality Of True Christians",7,,1994/05/13,
"Love, Joy, Peace, Long-suffering, Kind, Good, Faith, Mild, Self","'It is easier to get forgiveness, than to get permission.'","We must not be over-righteous. We too, often need forgiveness.","Gal. 5:22, 23; Jn 13:35; Phil. 3:1, 4:4; Mic. 6:8; Tit. 3:2;",(bethel Rule)  Jimmy Kinkade,Serve Jehovah With A Joyful Heart,78,,,
"Love, Joy, Peace, Long-suffering, Kind, Good, Faith, Mild, Self","Happy is the man who knows what to remember in the past; what to enjoy in the present, and what to plan in the future.",Must know what to remember.,"Gal. 5:22, 23; Jn 13:35; Phil. 3:1, 4:4; Mic. 6:8; Tit. 3:2;",Bobby Laymon,Serve Jehovah With A Joyful Heart,78,,,
"Love, Joy, Peace, Long-suffering, Kind, Good, Faith, Mild, Self","It takes more muscles to frown, than to wear a smile.","It is easier to be happy, and reflect.","Gal. 5:22, 23; Jn 13:35; Phil. 3:1, 4:4; Mic. 6:8; Tit. 3:2;",Bobby Laymon,Serve Jehovah With A Joyful Heart,78,,,
"Love, Joy, Peace, Long-suffering, Kind, Good, Faith, Mild, Self",Laughter breeds laughter.,Joy is a Godly quality.,"Gal. 5:22, 23; Jn 13:35; Phil. 3:1, 4:4; Mic. 6:8; Tit. 3:2;",Bobby Laymon,Serve Jehovah With A Joyful Heart,78,,,
"Love, Joy, Peace, Long-suffering, Kind, Good, Faith, Mild, Self",The happy man is without a shirt.,Happiness does not depend on material goods.,"Gal. 5:22, 23; Jn 13:35; Phil. 3:1, 4:4; Mic. 6:8; Tit. 3:2;",Bobby Laymon,Serve Jehovah With A Joyful Heart,78,,,
"Love, Joy, Peace, Long-suffering, Kind, Good, Faith, Mild, Self",The only way to multiply happiness is to divide it.,Joys shared are doubled.,"Gal. 5:22, 23; Jn 13:35; Phil. 3:1, 4:4; Mic. 6:8; Tit. 3:2;",Bobby Laymon,Serve Jehovah With A Joyful Heart,78,,,
"Love, Joy, Peace, Long-suffering, Kind, Good, Faith, Mild, Self","The sun's rays, like your smile, has to warm up in the morning.",A smile can bring pleasure.,"Gal. 5:22, 23; Jn 13:35; Phil. 3:1, 4:4; Mic. 6:8; Tit. 3:2;",Bobby Laymon,Serve Jehovah With A Joyful Heart,78,,,
"Love, Joy, Peace, Long-suffering, Kind, Good, Faith, Mild, Self","To forgive is harder, to love better, than hatred.","Forgiving may be hard, but rewards are with it.","Gal. 5:22, 23; Jn 13:35; Phil. 3:1, 4:4; Mic. 6:8; Tit. 3:2;",Bobby Laymon,Serve Jehovah With A Joyful Heart,78,,,
"Love, Joy, Peace, Long-suffering, Kind, Good, Faith, Mild, Self",True happiness springs from moderation. Only actions give life strength; only moderation gives it a charm. Moderation is the key of lasting enjoyment.,Moderation,"Gal. 5:22, 23; Jn 13:35; Phil. 3:1, 4:4; Mic. 6:8; Tit. 3:2;",Bobby Laymon (wisdom Of The Ages..Quotes),Serve Jehovah With A Joyful Heart,78,,,
"Love, Joy, Peace, Long-suffering, Kind, Good, Faith, Mild, Self-control","Dynamite come in small packages, usually with a short fuse.",Guard against lack of self-control,"Gal. 5:22, 23; Jn 13:35; Phil. 3:1, 4:4; Mic. 6:8; Tit. 3:2;",Bobby Laymon,Serve Jehovah With A Joyful Heart,78,,,
"Love, Joy, Peace, Long-suffering, Kind, Good, Faith, Mild, Self-control","Even a fool, when he holds his peace, is counted wise.",Wisdom comes with self-control.,"Gal. 5:22, 23; Jn 13:35; Phil. 3:1, 4:4; Mic. 6:8; Tit. 3:2;",Bobby Laymon,Serve Jehovah With A Joyful Heart,78,,,
"Love, Joy, Peace, Long-suffering, Kind, Good, Faith, Mild, Self-control","Joy, temperance, and repose, slam the door on the doctor's nose.",Happiness is good for our health.,"Gal. 5:22, 23; Jn 13:35; Phil. 3:1, 4:4; Mic. 6:8; Tit. 3:2;",Bobby Laymon (wisdom Of The Ages..Quotes),Serve Jehovah With A Joyful Heart,78,,,
"Love, Joy, Peace, Long-suffering, Kind, Good, Faith, Mild, Self-control",Moderation in temper is always a virtue; but moderation in principle is always a vice.,Self-Control,"Gal. 5:22, 23; Jn 13:35; Phil. 3:1, 4:4; Mic. 6:8; Tit. 3:2;",Bobby Laymon (wisdom Of The Ages..Quotes),Serve Jehovah With A Joyful Heart,78,,,
"Love, Joy, Peace, Long-suffering, Kind, Good, Faith, Mild, Self-control","Temperance and labor are the two best physicians of man: labor sharpens the appetite, and temperance prevents from indulging to excess.",Importance of self-control.,"Gal. 5:22, 23; Jn 13:35; Phil. 3:1, 4:4; Mic. 6:8; Tit. 3:2;",Bobby Laymon (wisdom Of The Ages..Quotes),Serve Jehovah With A Joyful Heart,78,,,
"Love, Joy, Peace, Long-suffering, Kind, Good, Faith, Mild, Self-control","Temperance is reason's girdle, and passion's bride, the strength of the soul, and the foundation of virtue.",Self control is wisdom.,"Gal. 5:22, 23; Jn 13:35; Phil. 3:1, 4:4; Mic. 6:8; Tit. 3:2;",Bobby Laymon (wisdom Of The Ages..Quotes),Serve Jehovah With A Joyful Heart,78,,,
"Love, Joy, Peace, Long-suffering, Kindness, Goodness, Faith, Mild",Fruits of spirit (complete list with explanation of),They add up to growing in Jehovah's image.,"Gal. 5:22, 23","Apr 1, 1962 Wt Page 214",Follow The Course Of Hospitality,77,,,
"Love, Joy, Peace, Mildness, Self-control.","You won't find peace here, unless you find it in your heart first.",We must make peace with brothers & sisters before acceptable to Jehovah.,"Gal. 5:22, 23; Jn 13:35; Phil. 3:1, 4:4; Mic. 6:8; Tit. 3:2;",Bobby Laymon,Serve Jehovah With A Joyful Heart,78,,,
"Love, Joy, Peace, Territory, Kind, Good, Preaching, Service,","Birds of prey do not sing. Sing out the good news. Sometimes have opportunity to sing in different territory, such as seldom worked.",We must be joyful in knowing Jehovah.  Sing out Jehovah's praise.,"Gal. 5:22, 23; Jn 13:35; Phil. 3:1, 4:4; Mic. 6:8; Tit. 3:2;",Bobby Laymon,How Should You Serve God?,58,,,
"Love, Judge, Dream, Humility, Humble,","THE DREAM   [POEM]    I had a dream the other night,  as strange as it could be,  Armageddon had come and gone,  setting all God's people free.    Then I saw so many there,  that I had known before,  and judged them of such little worth,  'they would be gone, forever more.    Indignant words rose to my lips,  but never were set free,  for every face showed stunned surprise,  No one expected me!","It is something to think about when feeling judgmental, or having the tendency to change someone or stereo-type them.  It should humble us.",1co 13:1-8;,Sam Johnson,"Friendship With God, Friendship With The World -- Which Will You Choose?",79,,,
"Love, Kindness, Manners, Please,",'Pass the bread' is a command.  To preface that with 'please'  makes it a request.,"Love is helpful, thoughtful, considerate of others.  Kindness manifest itself in things big and little.",Luke 10:30-37; 1pe 3:7;,"Oct 15, 1993 Wt Page 21",Follow The Course Of Hospitality,77,,1993/10/18,
"Love, Learning, Last Days;","HAVE you ever attempted to learn a new language? It is challenging, to say the least! Of course, a young child can learn a language just by being exposed to it. His brain fairly soaks up the sounds and meanings of words, so that before long the tot is expressing himself quite adeptly, perhaps incessantly. Not so with adults. We search a foreign-language dictionary repeatedly, just to master a few basic phrases in a foreign tongue. In time and with enough exposure, though, we start to think in the new language and speaking it becomes easier.","'Learning to express love is much like learning a new language. True, a measure of this divine quality is inherent in humans. (Genesis 1:27; compare 1 John 4:8.) Still, learning to express love takes extraordinary effort--especially today, when natural affection is in such short supply. (2 Timothy 3: 1-5) This is sometimes the case right in the family. Yes, many grow up in a harsh environment where loving words are hardly ever expressed--if at all.",Ephesians 4:29-31; 6:4;,"Feb 15, 1999 Wt Page 18",Love Identifies The True Christian Congregation,72,,1999/03/06,
"Love, Long Suffering, Terror, Fruits Of Spirit,","Not like the world and the event with the twin towers.  Get them all; get them quick; until they are all dead.  However, the problem is not solved.",We must be long suffering and hope for what is best for our brothers even though we may have been a victim in some way.,"Gal. 5:22,23;","Gene Shalkoski D.O.  Elder's School 11/23, 24 At St. Louis",Love Identifies The True Christian Congregation,72,,"Nov 26, 2001",
"Love, Man, Wife, Adversity, Depression, Discipline, Groan,",Young man may pledge his love to a young woman in spring but as the popular song says  ' Will he love her in December as he did in May'. When winds of adversity blows.,Discipline or problems can actually strengthen us.,"Heb. 12:11, Prov 24:10","April 8, 1967, Wt. Pg. 3","Friendship With God, Friendship With The World -- Which Will You Choose?",79,,,
"Love, Marriage,",Love is the only game two can play and both come out winner.,You cannot lose at love.,"John 13:34, 35,",Bobby Laymon,"Friendship With God, Friendship With The World -- Which Will You Choose?",79,,,
"Love, Marriage, Divorce,",'It seems much earlier to fall into love than to stay in love.' Dr. Karen Kayser.,"Since 1970, couples in the United States, getting married, have no more than a 50-50 chance of staying together.","Prov. 5:17, 18;","Jan 8, 2001 Awake Page 3, 4",Getting Marriage Off To A Good Start,27,,"Jan 20, 2001",
"Love, Marriage, Divorce,",'We are required to demonstrate some proficiency when obtaining a driver's license...','...but marriage licenses can be had for a signature.'  Dr. Dean S. Edell.,Heb. 13:4;,"Jan 8, 2001 Awake Page 4",Getting Marriage Off To A Good Start,27,,"Jan 20, 2001",
"Love, Marriage, Divorce, Attitude, View,",WOULD you decorate an apartment if you knew that any day you might be moving out of it?,"WHY, then, expect your mate to work on a marriage that may not last?  Be determined that you will fix any broken parts of your marriage.",Eph. 5:28,"Jan 8, 2001 Awake Page 10",Getting Marriage Off To A Good Start,27,,"Jan 20, 2001",
"Love, Marriage, Divorce, Disappointment,","'When I married Jim,' says Rose, 'I thought we'd be the local version of Sleeping Beauty and Prince Charming -- all romance and tenderness and consideration for each other.'  Yet, after a while, Rose's 'prince' didn't seem so charming.  'I ended up being terribly disappointed in him.' she says.","Many movies, books, and popular songs paint an unrealistic portrait of love.  While courting a man and woman may feel that they are experiencing a dream come true; but after a few years of marriage, they conclude that truly they must have been dreaming!  Marriage may not be a storybook romance, but neither does it have to be a tragedy.",Heb. 13:4;,"Jan 8, 2001 Awake Page 4",Getting Marriage Off To A Good Start,27,,"Jan 20, 2001",
"Love, Marriage, Divorce, Happiness,",'It seems much easier to fall into love than to stay in love.' --Dr. Karen Kayser.,"Many enter marriage with little preparation.  'We are required to demonstrate some proficiency when obtaining a driver's license, but marriage licenses can be had for a signature.'  --Dr. Dean S. Edell.",Eph. 5:28;,"Jan 8, 2001 Aw Page 4",Getting Marriage Off To A Good Start,27,,"Dec 18, 2000",
"Love, Marriage, Divorce, Happiness,",'One problem in distressed marriages is the strong belief that things cannot get better.   Such a belief thwarts change because it robs you of the motivation to try anything constructive.'  --DR. AARON T. BECK.,The fact that there are problems between you and your spouse does not mean that the situation is hopeless. Facing the reality of marriage--that there will be challenges--can help a couple to put their problems in perspective and work toward solutions.,1 Peter 3:7,"Jan 8, 2001 Aw Page 7",Getting Marriage Off To A Good Start,27,,"Dec 18, 2000",
"Love, Marriage, Divorce, Happiness,","IMAGINE that you are in pain and go to the doctor for a checkup. you are anxious--and understandably so. After all, your health --even your very life--may be at stake. But suppose that after the examination, the doctor gives you the good news that while your problem is by no means trivial, it can be treat ed. In fact, the doctor tells you that if you care fully adhere to a reasonable program of diet and exercise, you can expect a full recovery. You would undoubtedly feel greatly relieved and would gladly follow his advice!","Compare this scenario to the subject at hand. Are you experiencing pain in your marriage? Of course, every marriage will have its share of problems and disagreements. So just having some difficult moments in your relationship does not mean that you have a loveless marriage. But what if the painful situation persists for weeks, months, or even years? If so, you are rightly concerned, for this is no trivial matter. Indeed, the quality of your marriage can touch virtually every aspect of your life--and that of your children. It is believed, for instance. that marital distress can be a major factor in such problems as depression, low worker productivity, and children's failure at school. But that is not all. Christians recognize that the relationship they have with their mate can affect their very relationship with God.",1 Peter 3:7,"Jan 8, 2001 Aw Page 7",Getting Marriage Off To A Good Start,27,,"Dec 18, 2000",
"Love, Marriage, Divorce, Happiness, Honorable,","Perhaps you have noted that to be true of a man who owns an expensive new car. He keeps his precious car shining and in good repair. To him even a minor scratch is a major catastrophe! Other people take similar care of their health. Why? Because they value their well-being, and so they want to safeguard it.","When we highly value something, we make painstaking efforts to care for it.  Show the same protective care for your marriage. The Bible says that love 'hopes all things.' (1 Corinthians 13:7) Forms of the Greek word here translated 'honorably' are rendered elsewhere in the Bible as 'dear,' 'esteemed,' and 'precious.'",1 Cor. 13:7,"Jan 8, 2001 Aw Page 10",Getting Marriage Off To A Good Start,27,,"Dec 18, 2000",
"Love, Marriage, Divorce, Happiness, Remarks, Speech,","In a game of catch, you toss the ball so that it can be caught easily. You do not fling it with such force that you injure your partner.","Apply the same principle when speaking with your spouse.  Hurling bitter remarks will only cause harm. Instead, speak gently-with graciousness-so that your mate can catch your point.",Col. 4:6;,"Jan 8, 2001 Aw Page 10",Getting Marriage Off To A Good Start,27,,"Dec 18, 2000",
"Love, Marriage, Divorce, Happiness, Remarks, Speech, Threats,","After all, would you decorate an apartment if you knew that any day you might be moving out of it?","Why, then, expect your mate to work on a marriage that may not last? Determine that you will try earnestly to work toward solutions.  Avoid threats in your conversations.",Heb. 13:4; Rom. 12:10;,"Jan 8, 2001 Aw Page 10",Getting Marriage Off To A Good Start,27,,"Dec 18, 2000",
"Love, Marriage, Divorce, Words, Care,","PERHAPS you have noted this to be true of a man who owns an expensive car.  He keeps his precious car shining and in good repair.  To him even a minor scratch is a major catastrophe!  Other people take similar care of their health.  Why?  Because when we value something, we want to safeguard it.",Show the same protective care for your marriage.  Do not give in to defeatist thinking--perhaps writing off the potential for improvement.,1 Cor. 13:7;,"Jan 8, 2001 Awake Page 10",Getting Marriage Off To A Good Start,27,,"Jan 20, 2001",
"Love, Marriage, Divorce, Words, Speech, Anger,","In a game of catch, you toss the ball so that it can be caught easily.  You do not fling it with such force that you injure your partner.",Apply the same principle when speaking with your spouse.  Hurling bitter remarks will only cause harm.  Instead speak gently--with graciousness--so that your mate can catch your point.,Col. 4:6;,"Jan 8, 2001 Awake Page 10",Getting Marriage Off To A Good Start,27,,"Jan 20, 2001",
"Love, Marriage, Romantic, Infatuation, Faults,",There is a saying that 'love is blind.',"However, love that is guided by principle is not blind.  It has eyes to see qualities and possibilities that other do not see. It is not even blind to faults.  To cover them over, love must be aware of them.  It is infatuation that is blind.",1pe 4:8; 1sa 11:1-12:23;,"Sep 8, 1970 Aw Page 5","Friendship With God, Friendship With The World -- Which Will You Choose?",79,,,
"Love, Marriage, Wife, Wisdom,",Opposites attract each other.,We must not become provoked at very qualities that may have attracted us in the first place.,"1jn 4:8,16,19;jn 3:16;jn 13:35;1jn 2:6;mt 22:37",Bobby Laymon,"Friendship With God, Friendship With The World -- Which Will You Choose?",79,,,
"Love, Meditate, Imitate, Associate, Personalities, Transforming,","Most congregations have members of the TATE family residing in their assigned territory, and some of these are poor associates.  There is old man DICTATE who wants to organize everybody.  Uncle ROTATE wants to change everything,  just when things are running  smoothly.  Sister AGITATE constantly stirs up trouble, often helped in this by husband IRRITATE.  Whenever new suggestions are made for the ministry, you will find that HESITATE and his wife VEGETATE will hold back and encourage others to do that too.  Keep an eye on young Brother DEVASTATE as he is quite tactless in the service and in talking to the older brothers and sisters.  Sometimes GURGITATE shows up at the meetings, and he tends to live in the past and he constantly brings up things that have been handled long ago.  You will find AMPUTATE and his family are the most difficult to help as they persist in cutting themselves off completely from the meetings and  service.","Thankfully, we do have some help in the good example of dear old aunt  IMITATE who always tries to follow the example of our Lord.  And also there is cousin MEDITATE, who gives careful thought to all theocratic suggestions.",Eph 4:24;,Tim Moore,Love Identifies The True Christian Congregation,72,,1997/08/24,
"Love, Meetings",MERELY dwelling in a foreign country would not in itself force us to learn to speak its language.,Nor does simply attending meetings at a Kingdom Hall or associating with fellow Christians automatically teach us to express love. Learning this 'language' takes continuous effort.,1 Corinthians 12:31,W99 2/15 22,Love Identifies The True Christian Congregation,72,,"Jul 5, 2000",
"Love, Memorial,","True story: Little girl playing with brother & others near RR track. Train was coming; little boy placed penny on track as before.  Someone said, 'It will wreck the train'  Little girl out of concern & love ran out and got penny.  Lost her life.",Jesus Was willing to give his life in behalf of human race. How great is our love for brothers?,John 15:13,Bobby Laymon,"Friendship With God, Friendship With The World -- Which Will You Choose?",79,,,
"Love, Memories, Vow,","Love is like a violin. The music may stop now and then, but the strings remain forever.  -- June Masters Bacher",The wedding may be over but the vows are like music.  It goes on forever.,Genesis. 2:24;,Bobby Laymon,Getting Marriage Off To A Good Start,27,,"Nov 19, 2001",
"Love, Mercy, Gifts, Money, Contributions.",'Do not wait for extraordinary circumstances to do good action; try to use ordinary situations.' Richter (1763-1825),"We must show love for our brothers, that we can see.",Jas 2:15-17;,Wisdom Of The Ages,"Mercy, A Dominant Quality Of True Christians",7,,,
"Love, Mercy, Gifts, Money, Contributions. Family,","'Better do a good deed near at home, than go far away to burn incense.'  Chinese Proverb.","We must show love for our brothers, that we can see.",Jas 2:15-17;,Wisdom Of The Ages,Family Life That Warms The Heart,5,,,
"Love, Neighbor, Ethnic, Samaritan, Mercy, Pity,","Jesus told an illustrative story about a Jewish man who had been robbed, beaten, and left half dead.  Along came two Jews - first a priest and then a Levite.  Both of them observed and did nothing to help.  A Samaritan came by next.  Moved with pity, he dressed the wounds of the injured Jew, took him to an inn, provided for.","Jesus asked, 'Who of these three seem to have made himself neighbor to the man that fell among the robbers?'  Clearly, it was the merciful Samaritan.  True love transcends ethnic barriers.",Luke 10:29-37;,"Sep 15, 1993 Wt Page 3","Mercy, A Dominant Quality Of True Christians",7,,,
"Love, New Commandment,",'We are willing to die for our brothers.  Are we willing to live for them?',This is what the 'new commandment' was all about.,"John 13:15, 34;","Bobby Laymon (feb 15, 1992 Wt Page 14)","Friendship With God, Friendship With The World -- Which Will You Choose?",79,,,
"Love, Offspring, Grandparent, Grandchild,",Perfect love sometimes does not come until the first grandchild.  -- Welsh Proverb,Grandchildren are often shown more attention that their parents were.,Deuteronomy. 6:2;,Bobby Laymon,,,,"Nov 19, 2001",
"Love, Oyster, Irritations,","There once was an oyster whose story I tell,   who found that some sand had got into his shell.   It was only a grain, but it gave him great pain.   For oysters have feelings although they're so plain.  Now, did he berate the harsh workings of fate   that had brought him to such a deplorable state?   Did he curse at the government, cry for election,   and claim that the sea should have given him protection?  No - he said to himself as he lay on a shell,   Since I cannot remove it, I shall try to improve it.   Now the years have rolled around, as the years always do,   and he came to his ultimate destiny - stew  And the small grain of sand that had bothered him so   Was a beautiful pearl all richly aglow.  Now the tale has a moral, for isn't it grand   What an oyster can do with a morsel of sand?   What couldn't we do if we'd only begin   With some of the things that get under our skin.",We should deal with irritations the way an oyster does.,Prov. 19:3,Bobby Laymon,Acquiring A Heart Of Wisdom,73,,1998/09/04,
"Love, Parents, Children,","In a small town in Spain, a man named Jorge had a bitter argument with  his young son, Paco.  The next day Jorge discovered that Paco's bed was empty - he had run away from home.  Overcome with remorse, Jorge searched his soul and realized that his son was the most important to him than anything else.  He wanted to start over.  Jorge went to a well-known store in the center of town and posted a large sign that read, 'Paco, come home.  I love you.  Meet me here tomorrow  morning.' The next morning Jorge went to the store, where he found no less than seven young boys named Paco who had also run away from home.  They were all answering the call for love, hoping it was their father inviting them home with open arms.",Children will respond to love.,Eph. 6:1-4;,Bobby Laymon,Family Life That Warms The Heart,5,,1998/01/16,
"Love, Patience,",A man has a bad day at work and gets stuck in traffic coming home.   He comes in and his wife asks how his day was.  He snaps back 'don't ask' and stomps away.   The wife gets mad and is banging things around in the kitchen making dinner.  Her daughter comes in and wants mom to play. Her mother tells her 'get out now!'.  The dog then runs up to the daughter all happy to see her.  The girl upset kicks the dog and it goes rolling across the room.  The dog picks itself back up and comes right back to the daughter and licks her.,Who behaved like the real Christian?,Col 3:14;,Bobby Laymon,Love Identifies The True Christian Congregation,72,,1997/03/08,
"Love, Perfect,","Murphy's Law:  'If anything can go wrong, it will.' (Named such because of an officer in the NASA program, that kept emphasizing to recheck everything.","Satan causes everything he can to go wrong in the Christian congregation, thus the need to always show love.","Jn 13:34, 35;",Bobby Laymon,Love Identifies The True Christian Congregation,72,,,
"Love, Perfection,",Perfection not the 'identifying mark' of true Christian.,Some confuse love and perfection.,Rom. 14:4; 13:8-10,Jerry Thompson,Love Identifies The True Christian Congregation,72,,,
"Love, Perfection, Identify, Variety,","How would you draw a true Christian?  How would you identify?  One that never hates, do wrong, never hurts feelings, etc.?  That would be a perfect person.  [Have young brothers and sisters draw a picture of true Christian ahead of time]  Show pictures and introduce each one to audience.  Kindly criticize each one and describe qualities that fit congregations;  Somewhat like below:  Meet brother 'B'.  Really brother 'Boastful.'  Always ends up talking about himself. Start a conversation on any subject and he always ends up talking about him.  He's a ministerial servant.  (But Jehovah loves him and we do too.)  Another brother, Blackburn.  (always wears black gloves) neglects personal appearance; borrows.  Never has anything because he tears it up.  Borrows your and tears it up also. (But Jehovah loves him and we do too.)  Sister 'M' = 'Mischievous'.  She loves practical jokes; teases; big mouth; authority on everything; heart on blouse where everyone can see it.   Easily offended. (But Jehovah loves her and we do too.) Brother 'G'= Go-Gettim.  Has sun over his head - grass under his feet.  He borrows; he's late for everything.  You hire this brother and in two weeks he will be running your business.  (But Jehovah loves him and we do too.)  Brother 'F'= Brother 'Flash.'  Leads a double life; faddish; etc. (But Jehovah loves him and we do too.)  Sister 'D'= 'Do-Good'  Well organized; coordinated; everything matches;  Has labels on everything.  Elder's wife.  Others often don't meet up to her standards.  Has a problem with headship at times.  (But Jehovah loves her and we do too.)","World has these problems too!  Yet their problems are never solved.  They quit meeting together, go down the street and start their own church.  Apply Scriptures about ambition, boastfulness, trivial matters to apostles.   Show love and discernment;  We are all drawing our own picture of what true Christians are.  Like these children (age 10 and under) we are all still growing in Love.  At the end of 1000 years we will all be 'picture perfect' but love will still be the 'identifying mark of true Christians.'","1pe 4:8; Mt 20:20-23; 26:31-33; Ecc 7:21, 22; 1co 13:4-8;",Douglas Brown,Love Identifies The True Christian Congregation,72,,1994/03/30,
"Love, Perfection, Identify, Variety, Resentment, Grudge,","Sometime someone steps on your toe.  Someone gets it on a video tape, like Nancy Carrigan and Tonya Harding.  Would you keep playing that video tape over and over again, and watching the pain?  [Roger King beating]","Yet, when we harbor resentment, we are playing an injury over and over again in our head.  Why would we do that and continue to hurt ourselves.",1co 13:3-8;,Douglas Brown,Love Identifies The True Christian Congregation,72,,1994/03/30,
"Love, Protection, Care,","Suppose you installed an all-wood front door.  It is beautiful!  Then you noticed the sun, and rain is warping the door.  You may have to extend the roof over the door, or install a porch for its protection.",Likewise our spiritual family must be maintained.  We need to cover over the corrosive elements with love and affection.,Col 3:14;,Donald Wolkin,God Comes First In Successful Family Life,110,,1996/07/28,
"Love, Puppy Love, Infatuation, Drugs,",The rush of love is like a powerful drug. [Both can create dizzying highs - and agonizing lows if the relationship ends.],"Like a drug, such love can trigger raging 'withdrawal symptoms' if it dies. It makes little difference if it is mere infatuation or the real thing.",1co 13:1-8;,Questions Young People Ask  Page 248,"Friendship With God, Friendship With The World -- Which Will You Choose?",79,,,
"Love, Ransom, Memorial, Salvation,","See sick ant hill. Would you send your son to rescue them, if you knew he would be ridiculed and killed?  Shows Jehovah's great love for mankind.",Jesus had to become like lower humans and suffer death.,Matt. 20:28;,Johnse Laymon,"Friendship With God, Friendship With The World -- Which Will You Choose?",79,,,
"Love, Resentment,",As a good roof keeps out rain... (See entire article for discussion of 1Co 13:1-13;,Love keeps out resentment,1co 13:7;,"Jul 15, 1992 Wt Page 30",Show Respect And Love In Your Marriage,28,,,
"Love, Resentment, Grudge, Forgive,",An oyster which has not been hurt does not grow a pearl - for a pearl is a healed wound.  An oyster whose shell has been broken is the one who gets sand into it.,Have you been hurt by an unkind word or a friend?  Have you been accused of saying things you did not say?  Then grow a pearl. Cover your hurts and rebuffs with layer after layer of love.,"John 13:34, 35;",Quotes - Bobby Laymon,"Friendship With God, Friendship With The World -- Which Will You Choose?",79,,,
"Love, Romance, Marriage, Courting, Dating,",'In the spring a young man's fancy lightly turns to thoughts of love.'  Quote: Alfred Lord Tennyson.,"It may be a natural desire to get married, but a happy marriage does not come naturally.  Jehovah's counsel is the foundation for a happy marriage.",Mt 7:24-27;,Bobby Laymon,Getting Marriage Off To A Good Start,27,,1995/08/05,
"Love, Saving Seats, Assembly, Convention,","We say, 'we love brother enough to give our life for him.'",But not enough to give up our seat at the assembly.,"John 13:34, 35;",Johnse Laymon,"Friendship With God, Friendship With The World -- Which Will You Choose?",79,,,
"Love, Selfish, Greed, Attitude,","Give a little boy two pieces of candy of different size, and ask him to share with another little boy.  Which piece will he give him? Many persons in the world are ready to sue on any grounds.","We should be like Jesus and think of others. Don't insist on personal right. 1 Cor. 10:23, 24;",Luke 9:58; Matt. 5:44; 1 Cor. 10:33; 11:1; 2 Cor. 4:2; Eph. 4:20;,"Lovers Of Freedom District Assy. Mobile July 12-14, 1991","Friendship With God, Friendship With The World -- Which Will You Choose?",79,,,
"Love, Selfish, Money, Materialism","'Granny Dumping!' See also 'The Storks of the Night' regarding the dumping of children on page 29, same article.","Practice of bringing an aged relative to the emergency room, leaving them for treatment.  When the hospital tries to contact the relatives they find the address and phone # are false.",Mt. 24:12,"Apr 22, 1992 Aw Page 28","Friendship With God, Friendship With The World -- Which Will You Choose?",79,,,
"Love, Selfishness, Greed,","'There ain't but one word wrong with every one of us in the world, and that's selfishness.' Quote: Will Rogers.",A Christian must show love instead of selfishness.,"John 13:34, 35;",Bobby Laymon,"Friendship With God, Friendship With The World -- Which Will You Choose?",79,,,
"Love, Selfishness, Greed, Jokes, Death, Honor, Name,","'When I die my epitaph, or whatever you call those sings on gravestones, is going to read, 'I joked about every prominent man of my time, but I never met a man I didn't like.' Quote: Will Rogers.  He added, 'I am proud of that.  I can hardly wait to die so it can be carved.'",Death shows the sum total of one's life. (Joked but sensitive) Additional quote: 'And when you come around to my grave you'll probably find me sitting there proudly reading it.',Ecclesiastes 7:1-4;,Bobby Laymon,"Friendship With God, Friendship With The World -- Which Will You Choose?",79,,,
"Love, Service, Ministry","The Wanton Calf laughed at ox bearing burden of heavy plow.  Told him what a dull and unintelligent slave he was.  Noted his happy lot of laying in shade all day, frisking about, sunshine.","Love enemies; not be happy about misfortune of others Next day, feast, & calf ended up as food.  Ox took note. Moral: Idle life, & scorn for others, often ends in misery.",Matt 6:27-36,Aesop's Fables Page 69,How Should You Serve God?,58,,,
"Love, Sheep, Affection,","It is said that sometime during the day, each individual sheep will come up to the shepherd and rub on him, or let himself be petted by the shepherd.","We must be close to our brothers in this way, and draw close to Jehovah in the same way.",Ps 23:1-5;,Bobby Laymon,"Friendship With God, Friendship With The World -- Which Will You Choose?",79,,,
"Love, Sheep, Personalities, Transforming,","'Many individuals have, like uncut diamonds, shining qualities beneath a rough exterior.' Quote: Juvenal (40-125 A.D.)",Jehovah's love can polish and refine all sorts of persons.,1ti 2:4; Is 11:6-9; John 1:7; 12:32; Ro 5:18;,Wisdom Of The Ages,How To Express Love In A Lawless World,112,,,
"Love, Single, Christian, Pride, Self, Wisdom, Marriage,",Wise men do not fall in love.,Sometime better to be single.,"1jn 4:8,16,19;jn 3:16;jn 13:35;1jn 2:6;mt 22:37",Bobby Laymon,"Living, Not For Self, But To Do God's Will",8,,,
"Love, Sun, Steady,",Jehovah's love is as constant and steady as the sun.,The sun never stops sending forth its warm rays of light to the earth.,Mal 3:6; James 1:17;,"Oct 15, 2001 Wt Page 13",Love Identifies The True Christian Congregation,72,,"Sep 4, 2001",
"Love, Thanks, Happiness, Discourage, Depressed, Groan,","Doctor told discouraged patient, 'For 6 weeks say 'thank you' to everyone who does you a favor. emphasize the words with a smile.' Patient would return with notebook, and different attitude. People suddenly became more kind, friendly.",The 'thank you' cure.,"2 Cor. 8:16, 17; 1 Jn 4:20, 21","Mar 22, 1962 Aw Page 3","Friendship With God, Friendship With The World -- Which Will You Choose?",79,,,
"Love, Time, Happiness, Joy,","Once upon a time, there was an island where all the feelings and emotions lived: Happiness, Sadness, Knowledge, and all of the others including Love. However, one day it was announced to the couples that the island would sink, so all prepared their boats and left. Love was the only one who stayed. Love wanted to stay until it started sinking.  When Love was almost sinking, he decided to ask for help.  Richness was passing by Love in a beautiful boat.  Love said, 'Richness, can you take me with you?'  Richness answered, 'No, I can't.. There is a lot of gold and silver in my boat. There is no place here for you.'   Love decided to ask Vanity who was also passing by, 'Vanity, please help me!'   'I can't help you Love. You are all wet and can probably damage my boat,' Vanity answered.  Sadness was close by so Love asked for help, 'Sadness, let me go with you.'  'Oh...Love, I am so sad that I prefer to go alone!'   Happiness passed by Love too, but she was so happy that she did not  listen when Love called her!","Suddenly, there was a voice, 'Come Love, I will take you.' It was an elder.  Love became so happy that he even forgot to ask the name of the elder. When they arrived at the other side, Love asked Knowledge who was the elder who helped him.   'It was Time.'  'Time? But why did Time help me?'  'Because only Time is capable of understanding how great Love is.'",1 Cor. 13:1-8;,Mark Hanlon,Love Identifies The True Christian Congregation,72,,1998/11/26,
"Love, Trust, Abuse, Christendom, Depression,","We can write 'love', but do we know love. We can write 'trust', but do we know trust.",Christendom has abused and abandoned people today.,Re 18:4;,William Osbeck C.O.,On Whose Promises Do You Rely?,61,,,
"Love, Trust, Marriage, Jealousy,",'The best proof of love is trust.'  Quote: Joyce Brothers.,Husbands and wives should be willing to trust each other.,Prov 14:30;,Bobby Laymon - Reader's Digest,A Godly View Of Sex And Marriage,13,,1996/03/24,
"Love, Unity,",A train won't run on a broken track.,Love is the track that the Christian congregation runs on.,John 13:35,Joe Laymon,Love Identifies The True Christian Congregation,72,,,
"Love, Unity, Cooperation, Mark,",How do you tell the hero in the cowboy movies?  He's the guy in the white hat!  How do you tell the tourist from the local people.  He is the guy with the flashy clothing and the camera dangling from his shoulder.  How do you tell the phony Christian from the real Christian?,The real Christian is the one that shows love in all he does!,John 13:35;,Joseph Wengert D. O.,Love Identifies The True Christian Congregation,72,,1995/05/29,
"Love, Unity, Cooperation, Quick Build,","In the building trade of this world, how do they cooperate?  The plumber may rip-out the electricians work, if it is in his way.  The dry-wall man may cover over the work of the plumber.","In contrast - Jehovah's Witnesses work together.  At our quick built Kingdom Halls, one waits on the other.  Sometimes they even assist the other.  Love is shown.",John 13:35;,Joseph Wengert D. O.,Glorifying God With All We Have,17,,1995/05/29,
"Love, Unity, Work, Quick, Endurance, Pride, Glorify, Boast, Show, Name,","Public officials go out in front of a crowd and newsmen with cameras. They take a shovel and move one shovel full of dirt and leave.  Or they may cut a ribbon to open the new building, in front of cameras.  Then they go home!",Jehovah's people are workers!  We go to our quick build Kingdom Halls and stay until the work is finished.  We are not quitters.,John 13:35;,Joseph Wengert D. O.,What Kind Of Name Are You Making With God?,55,,1995/05/29,
"Love, Unlimited,",Not like physical food.  Then the stomach says 'Too much.',Not so with love. Our heart never responds negatively to too much love.  What other word has been talked about or sung about or written about so much?,Gal 5:23;,J.K.,"Mercy, A Dominant Quality Of True Christians",7,,1997/04/12,
"Love, Way, Christian, Pride, Self,","Hate the sin, but love the sinner.",Hate what is bad.,Ps. 97:10; Jn 3:16; Jn 13:35; 2 Jn 2:6; Matt.22:37,Bobby Laymon,"Living, Not For Self, But To Do God's Will",8,,,
"Love, Way, Christian, Pride, Self, Wisdom,",'All is fair in love and war.' Quote: Francis Edward Smedley.,Most feel any end will justify the means.,"1jn 4:8,16,19;jn 3:16;jn 13:35;1jn 2:6;mt 22:37",Bobby Laymon,"Living, Not For Self, But To Do God's Will",8,,,
"Love, Way, Christian, Pride, Self, Wisdom,",Charity begins at home.,"Love and Christian qualities should be practiced at home, before the can be transplanted into the congregation.","1jn 4:8,16,19;jn 3:16;jn 13:35;1jn 2:6;mt 22:37",Bobby Laymon,"Living, Not For Self, But To Do God's Will",8,,,
"Love, Way, Christian, Pride, Self, Wisdom,",Every cock is proud of his own dunghill.,Sometimes what we are proud of is nothing at all.,"1jn 4:8, 16, 19; Jn 3:16; 13:35; 1jn 2:6; Mt 22:37",Bobby Laymon,"Living, Not For Self, But To Do God's Will",8,,,
"Love, Way, Christian, Pride, Self, Wisdom,",Hating people is like burning down a house to get rid of a rat.,Hating only harms ourselves.,"1jn 4:8, 16, 19; Jn 3:16; 13:35; 1jn 2:6; Mt 22:37",Bobby Laymon,"Living, Not For Self, But To Do God's Will",8,,,
"Love, Way, Christian, Pride, Self, Wisdom,",Love is a perfect bond of union.,"Love unites, and holds together.","Col. 3:14; 1 Jn 4:8, 16, 19; Jn 3:16; Jn 13:35; 2 Jn 2:6; Matt",Bobby Laymon,"Living, Not For Self, But To Do God's Will",8,,,
"Love, Way, Christian, Pride, Self, Wisdom,",Love overcomes all obstacles.,Love Never Fails.,"1 Cor. 13: 8, 13; 1 Jn 4:8, 16, 19; Jn 3:16; Jn 13:35; 2 Jn 2:",Bobby Laymon,"Living, Not For Self, But To Do God's Will",8,,,
"Love, Way, Christian, Pride, Self, Wisdom,","Only God love a fool, and even he finds it trying.",World's view of foolish person.,"1jn 4:8, 16, 19; Jn 3:16; 13:35; 1jn 2:6; Mt 22:37",Bobby Laymon,"Living, Not For Self, But To Do God's Will",8,,,
"Love, Way, Christian, Pride, Self, Wisdom,","The person who has a right to boast, doesn't need to.",Boasting of accomplishments is not a Christian quality.,2 Cor. 12:9; Gal. 6:14; 2 Cor. 12:5; 1 Ki. 20:11; 1 Cor. 1:29-31;,Bobby Laymon,"Living, Not For Self, But To Do God's Will",8,,,
"Love, Way, Christian, Pride, Self, Wisdom,","The whole world loves a lover. If you are happy, inform your face.",Is our love for Jehovah showing through.,"1jn 4:8,16,19;jn 3:16;jn 13:35;1jn 2:6;mt 22:37",Bobby Laymon,"Living, Not For Self, But To Do God's Will",8,,,
"Love, Way, Christian, Pride, Self, Wisdom,",When you do good things.  Good things happen.,We should not hold back good.,Eccl. 7:14; Jo. 3:16; Jo. 13:35; 2 Jo. 2:6; Matt.22:37,Bobby Laymon,"Living, Not For Self, But To Do God's Will",8,,,
"Love, Way, Christian, Pride, Self, Wisdom, Creation.",Love makes the world go around.,"Out of love, Jehovah created all things.","1jn 4:8,16,19;jn 3:16;jn 13:35;1jn 2:6;mt 22:37",Bobby Laymon,"Living, Not For Self, But To Do God's Will",8,,,
"Love, Way, Christian, Pride, Self, Wisdom, Marriage,",Love is blind.,Often those entering marriage fail to see disadvantages.,"1jn 4:8,16,19;jn 3:16;jn 13:35;1jn 2:6;mt 22:37",Bobby Laymon,"Living, Not For Self, But To Do God's Will",8,,,
"Love, Way, Christian, Pride, Self, Wisdom, Marriage, Wife, Husband",You always hurt the one you love.,"We often act in unloving way, to those we love most.","1jn 4:8,16,19;jn 3:16;jn 13:35;1jn 2:6;mt 22:37",Bobby Laymon,"Living, Not For Self, But To Do God's Will",8,,,
"Love, Way, Christian, Pride, Self, Wisdom, Pity,","If you want to be miserable, think much about yourself, about what you like, what you want, what respect people should pay you and what people think of you.",Love is the perfect expression of unselfishness.,"1jn 4:8,16,19;jn 3:16;jn 13:35;1jn 2:6;mt 22:37",Bobby Laymon,"Living, Not For Self, But To Do God's Will",8,s,,
"Love, Way, Christian, Pride, Self, Wisdom, Repentance,",One good turn deserves another.,"If we return to Jehovah, he will return to us.","2 Cor. 6:17; 1 Jn 4:8, 16, 19; Jn 3:16; Jn 13:35; 2 Jn 2:6;",Bobby Laymon,"Living, Not For Self, But To Do God's Will",8,,,
"Love, Wisdom,","Acorn Barnacle A cabin cruiser with 500 sq. ft. of underwater surface if un- protected can acquire up to a quarter of a ton of them in a month. They set up housekeeping on pilings, rocks, turtles,",Holding power lobsters and whales.,Col. 3:14;,"Dec 8, 1963 Aw Page 24; Also Watchtower",Acquiring A Heart Of Wisdom,73,,,
"Love, Wisdom, Insight, Knowledge, Understanding, Genius, Modesty,",It is impossible to love and be wise.,So many foolish things done under name of love.,Prov. 9:10; 15:33; 2 Tim. 3:15; Jas. 1:5; Col. 2:3; Prov. 1:5,Bobby Laymon,"Friendship With God, Friendship With The World -- Which Will You Choose?",79,,,
Love;,'A man in love is complete until he is married and then he's finished.'  Quote:  Gabor.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Love;,"'A man snatches the first kiss, pleads for the second, demands the third, takes the fourth, accepts the fifth, and endures all the rest.'  Quote:  Helen Rowland.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Love;,"'Absence sharpens love, presence strengthens it.' Quote:  Thomas Fuller Md 1732",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Love;,'He gave her a look you could have poured on a waffle!'  Quote:  Rind Lardner.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Love;,"'I don't know how people will feel towards me, but I will take to my grave my love for them, which has sustained me through life.'  Quote:  Robert M. Lafollette.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Love;,"'I like not only to be loved, but to be told that I am loved; the realm of silence is large enough beyond the grave.'  Quote:  George Elliot.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Love;,"'If you want to be loved, be lovable.'  Quote:  Ovid.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Love;,'Its easier to love humanity than to love one's neighbor.'  Quote:  Eric Hoffer.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Love;,'Its love that makes the world go round.' Quote:  W. S. Gilbert,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Love;,'Life in abundance comes only through great love.'  Quote:  Elbert Hubbard.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Love;,'Love and a cough cannot be hid.'  Quote:  George Herbert.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Love;,"'Love built on beauty, soon as beauty, dies.'  Quote:  John Donne.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Love;,'Love conquers all.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Love;,'Love cures people; both the ones who give it and the ones who receive it.'  Quote:  Dr. K. Meninger.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Love;,"'Love is a fruit in season at all times, and within the reach of every hand.'  Quote:  M. Therese.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Love;,"'Love is like the measles, all the worse when it comes late.'  Quote:  Douglas Jerrold.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Love;,'Love is the essence of God.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Love;,'Love is what you've been through with somebody.'  Quote:  James Thurber.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Love;,'Love makes all hard hearts gentle.',,,Jk Quotes;,Show Respect And Love In Your Marriage,28,,,
Love;,'Love makes all men equal.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Love;,'Love makes the world go round.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Love;,'Love me love my dog.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Love;,'Love will go through stone walls.',,,Jk Quotes;,Show Respect And Love In Your Marriage,28,,,
Love;,'Sweetheart' and 'honey bird' keeps no house.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Love;,'Talk not of wasted affection. Affection was never wasted.'  Quote:  Hwl.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Love;,'Tell me who you love and I will tell you what you are.'  Quote:  Arsene Houssaye.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Love;,"'The greatest love is a Mother's, then a dog's, then a sweetheart's.'  Quote:  Polish.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Love;,'The way to love anything is to realize that it might be lost.'  Quote:  Gilbert K. Chesterton.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Love;,'We are shaped and fashioned by what we love.'  Quote:  Johann Van Goethe.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Love;,'What force is more potent than love?'  Quote:  Igor Stravinsky.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Love;,'What we love we shall grow to resemble.'  Quote:  Bernard Of Clairvaoux.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Love;,It is better to have loved and lost than to have hated and won.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Love;,Living like there's no tomorrow means loving all you can today.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Love;,Love cannot be compelled.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Love;,"Love is like a mushroom, it is difficult to tell if its the real thing until its too late.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Love;,Love is never afraid of giving too much.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Love;,Love laughs at locksmiths.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Love;,Love rules his kingdom without a sword.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Love;,Love will find a way.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Love;,"There are three kinds of love, unselfish, mutual, selfish.  The unselfish love is of the highest kind.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Love;,They do not love that do not show their love.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Love;,We too often love things and use people when we should be using things and loving people.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Love; Cheerful; Disposition;,'One of the most effectual ways of pleasing and of making oneself loved is to be cheerful; joy softens more hearts than tears.'  Quote:  Madame De Sartory.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Love; Christendom,"Driving auto; must keep on right side, also obey speed limits. Christendom substitute 'neighbor love' for 'love of God.' Fight disease, political corruption, economic & social evils.","Obeying one law, does not excuse one from obeying other laws.",Mark 12:29-31; 1 Jo. 4:20,"Jul 1, 1961 Wt Page 387",Does Your Thinking Agree With God's?,53,,,
Love; Commonsense;,'Love quickens all senses except the common.' Quote:  Sunshine Mag.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Love; Envy; Jealousy;,"'Love looks through a telescope, envy through a microscope.'  Quote:  J. Billings.",,,Jk Quotes;,Show Respect And Love In Your Marriage,28,,,
Love; Funny;,"He met her in the meadow as the sun was sinking low, they walked along together in the twilight after glow; She waited patiently until he lowered all the bars, her soft eyes bent upon him as radiant as the stars. She didn't smile or thank him, in fact, she knows not how, for he was but a farmer and she a Jersey Cow.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Love; Living;,"'A man who lives, not by what he loves but by what he hates is a sick man.'  Quote:  Archibald MacLeish.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Love; Marriage;,'What is love?  The need to escape from oneself.'  Quote:  Pierre Baudelaire.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Love; Obedience; Fear; Wicked;,"'Wicked men obey from fear; good men, from love.'  Quote:  Aristotle.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Love; Purpose; Life;,'We are born for love. It is the principle of existence and its only end.'  Quote:  Ben Disraeli.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Love; Skill; Motive;,"'When love and skill work together, expect a masterpiece.'  Quote:  John Ruskin.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Love; Trust;,'I never knew how to worship until I knew how to love.'  Quote:  Hwb.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Love; Trust;,"Where there is no trust, there is no love.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Love; Truth;,"'Truth and love are two of the most powerful things in the world, and when they both go together they cannot easily be withstood.'  Quote:  Ralph Cutworth.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Love; War;,'All is fair in love and war.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Love; Wisdom;,A loving heart is the truest wisdom.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Love; Wives; Marriage;,'The sweetest of all sounds is that of the voice of the woman we love.'  Quote:  Jean De La Bruyere.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Loving-kindness, Faith,",What little loving-kindness there was had vanished away like the early morning dew. Jehovah will heal those returning to him.,"Love of greater number have cooled off today. Christendom's love vanishes in time of trouble like a morning dew in a hot sun, quickly dissipated because of not having real faith in Jehovah.",Hos. 6:1-10; Matt. 24:12;,"Mar 1, 1967 Wt Page 140, 143,",Follow The Course Of Hospitality,77,,,
"Loving-kindness, Service, Tact, Empathy,","An operation may cause pain for a blind person, when his sight is restored, the joy that he gains on seeing makes up for all. Quote: 'I was an old cat to you, but you just gave me kindness in return...a new life opening up for me now.'","It is no kindness to withhold the truth.  Whether one is sick physically or spiritually, kindness is appreciated and can open closed ears and eyes to the truth.",John 1:41; 2 Cor. 8:9; Matt. 5:43-46;,"Mar 1, 1967 Wt Page 148, 149",How Should You Serve God?,58,,,
"Loving-kindness, Tact, Empathy,","Act as a solid reef to stop the spreading waves of unkindness. Are you kind to family members? Pets? Those you meet in service? At work? In speech? In the congregation? 1 Thess. 2:7,11,12;","Start in the home, with oneself.  Remember, 'the desirable thing in earthling man is his loving kindness.'","Prov. 19:22; Genesis. 18:3, 4; 19:2; 22:2; 1 Ki. 17:8-24; Heb. 13:2;","Mar 1, 1967 Wt Page 145",Follow The Course Of Hospitality,77,,,
"Loyal, Trustworthy, Organization,","In the days of the early West, cowboys would work for a large ranch.  Sometimes there would be conflicts between the ranchers.  The workers would stay loyal to the brand.",Are we staying loyal to the brand?  Are we loyal to Jehovah's organization?,Gal 6:17;,Matthew Roper,Meeting The Test Of Christian Loyalty,48,,1997/06/04,
Loyalty,'Life is for one generation; a good name is forever.',Serving Jehovah is forever,Eccl. 7:1,Magazine Article - Bobby Laymon,Meeting The Test Of Christian Loyalty,48,,,
Loyalty,"Ant & the Dove.  Ant went to fountain to drink & tumbled in.  Dove seeing it's problem threw in a leaf, & saved it's life.  Later when hunter started to shoot Dove, ant bit his heel.","Jehovah is guarding His loyal ones. The start, caused hunter to drop his weapon, & dove seeing danger flew away.",Ps 97:10  37:28,Aesop's Fables  Page 58,Moral: One Good Turn Deserves Another.,48,,,
Loyalty,"Daughter sewing, gives up; Mother had not explained all avenues.","We must understand all benefits of truth, & opposition.","Ps 119:165  91:1, 2",Baptism Talk May 1982,Meeting The Test Of Christian Loyalty,48,,,
Loyalty,Did Lot and Family know his wife had died?  She may even have screamed out.,What loyalty.,Genesis. 19:26,Phil Kirkton Notes;,Meeting The Test Of Christian Loyalty,48,,,
Loyalty,Man in blizzard began to notice food not best; Coffee not just right began to find fault stepped back into cold blizzard.,"Do not leave comfort, security of Jehovah's organization only shelter around.... could do 2 things: return or die.",John 6:68;,Johnse Laymon,Are You Content With Jehovah's Provisions?,22,,,
Loyalty,"Puppy Dog: attaches itself to you and wants you to take it home. Cause of future problems. We must adjust, not expect Jehovah to. Take years of training; drag things into yard, chew up everything","Our natural inclination is to do what is bad.  Rom. 5:12 chase cars, get you dirty, run with pack, bite. Loyalty: Kindness, lovingly attaches self to object, until purpose r",Eph. 4:20-24  6:13,Bobby Laymon,Meeting The Test Of Christian Loyalty,48,,,
Loyalty,"Puppy likes you...would you keep?  Not likely. Must be special,  What would a puppy do to catch your attention that much.  Even if you were looking for a puppy.... What can we do to catch Jehovah's attention.  John 4:23","We have limited time to show fondness, love, loyalty to Jehovah 1. Family  2. Organization  3. Preaching work","Eph 4:22-24  6:11, 12",Bobby Laymon,Meeting The Test Of Christian Loyalty,48,,,
Loyalty,"The Ass, the Fox, & the Lion Ass & fox entered partnership to protect each other from lion Went hunting, fox saw lion first, said, 'we must make terms with' Instead offered to help him secure ass, and led ass into pit.   As soon as lion saw ass was secure, sprang upon fox & ate. Left ass to be eaten at leisure.","Those disloyal to Jehovah, lose out.",Ps 37:28;,Aesop's Fables  Page 11,"Moral: Those Who Betray Their Friends, Not Expect Others To Be Loyal",48,,,
Loyalty,"The Travelers & the Bear. Two companions, traveling together, came face to face with bear. One climbed tree, other played dead. (bear sniffed ear and left) What did he say, asked the other.  He said, 'never keep company with those, that in difficulty, leave their friends.'",Friend in need is a friend indeed.  Moral: Misfortune tests the sincerity of friends.,Prov 18:24    14:20    Mic 7:5,Aesop's Fables Page 74,Meeting The Test Of Christian Loyalty,48,,,
Loyalty,"The Trees and the Axe Woodcutter came to woods & requested a handle for his ax.  The trees agreed the request was small, and agreed to give him one from homely ash tree.  Soon, however, with ax in hand began to fall even the noblest trees.","Loyalty must be applied even in small matters  Moral: The rich who surrender the rights of poor, endanger themselves.",Luke 16:10,Aesop's Fables Page 72,Meeting The Test Of Christian Loyalty,48,,,
"Loyalty, Determination, Endurance,",Men today give life for their country.  Even encouraged to do so.,How much better to give one's life for God's Kingdom.,Matt. 6:33;,Bobby Laymon,What Does The Healing Of The Nations Accomplish?,111,,,
"Loyalty, Faithful,","A dog can be faithful, but cannot be said to be loyal.  'Loyalty' not in King James or Amer. Standard version. Inanimate things as the sun, moon and stars may be spoken of as","Loyalty always includes principle, which only free moral agents, are able to exercise.  Animals are faithful, but not capable of personal loyalty.",Ps. 89:37;,"Sep 15, 1964 Wt Page 549-550;",Have Faith In The Good News,47,,,
"Loyalty, Faithful,","In the western United States, there is a geyser that erupts just about every hour.  It is so regular that it has been called Old Faithful.","Inanimate things can be faithful, but they are not capable of any attachment or moral qualities, such as loyalty.",Ps 89:37; Rev 21:5;,"Mar 15, 1996 Wt Page 11",Meeting The Test Of Christian Loyalty,48,,1996/02/13,
"Loyalty, Faithful, Trustworthy,","Do you ever pick up Ministry School schedule and find part of it blank for one week, or the Kingdom Ministry and find one week blank?",No!  Because Jehovah is loyal. He always provides for us.,"Jer. 3:12,",Johnse Laymon - Mike Marrow,On Whose Promises Do You Rely?,61,,1994/01/25,
"Loyalty, Greed,","A man ran a tire store and charged $4.00 to fix flats.  He had a good business.  He decided to raise his fee to $5.00 per tire.  He lost his customers.  He lowered his price to $4.00 again, but his customers never came back.  A restaurant had a successful business and many customers.  They charged $3.99 per meal.  They decided to raise it to $4.99 per meal.  They lost their customers.  They lowered their price to $3.99 again.  They never regained their customers.","Some might say, 'that is business,' but there is something more involved here.  The matter of loyalty.  The customers felt the businesses had been disloyal to them.  Jehovah is like that.  He will act loyally to those loyal to him.",Ps. 18:25; 2 Sam 22:26;,Bobby Laymon,Meeting The Test Of Christian Loyalty,48,,1999/08/20,
"Loyalty, Integrity, Faithful, Control,",They refer to it as 'ABS.'  [Antilock-Brakes-System] These brakes can help you when you are faced with a difficult situation where you suddenly have to stop.,"Loyalty to Jehovah is like that.  If we remain loyal to Jehovah he will help us when we are faced with a difficult situation, that we might be unable to handle.  Like brakes, loyalty will prevent us from losing control, going off the deep end, on the road to life.",1 Sam 2:9;,Charles Francis [mike Marrow],Meeting The Test Of Christian Loyalty,48,,1994/12/25,
"Loyalty, Integrity, Sin, Discipline, Adjustment, Disfellowshipped, Drift,","'I have often been adrift, but I have always stayed afloat.'  Quote: David Berry.","Even if we should drift from the truth, we must return.",Heb 2:1; Zech 1:3;,Bobby Laymon - Reader's Digest,Are You Content With Jehovah's Provisions?,22,,1996/03/22,
"Loyalty, Legal, Law, Righteous, Justice, Whole Heart,","'There is the legalist who does what he is told, breaks no rules; he keeps faith to the word that is written and can be read. There is the loyalist who does this but can . . be counted on for more, who puts his whole mind into his duty, who forms his spirit in accordance with the spirit of the purpose to be served.'  Quote:  Encyclopedia of Religion and Ethics.","'To be loyal is to be much more than law-abiding. . . The loyal man is distinguished from the law-abiding man as one who serves with whole heart and mind . . . No voluntary sins of commission, omission, or ignorance does he permit himself.'  We must be loyal.","Hebrews 10:24, 25; 13:17; 1 Peter 5:2;","Aug 1, 1997 Wt Page 10",Meeting The Test Of Christian Loyalty,48,,1997/07/04,
"Loyalty, Longevity, Service, Problem,","Christians do not wear an insignia to show what they have been privileged to do in Jehovah's service, and how they have served him faithfully.","However, if a spiritual problem arises, how unloving it would be to ignore their years of loyal service to Jehovah.",Galatians 6:2; Hebrews 6:10;,"Nov 15, 1992 Wt Page 20",How Should You Serve God?,58,,,
"Loyalty, Meetings, Compromise,","One evening an elder prepares a talk for a Christian meeting. He  would like to stop and relax; instead, he keeps working, seeking Scriptural examples and illustrations that will reach hearts and encourage the flock. On the night of the meeting, a pair of exhausted parents in that same congregation would relish an evening at home; instead, they patiently get their children ready and go to the meeting. After the meeting, a group of Christians discuss the elder's part. One sister is tempted to mention that the same brother once hurt her feelings; instead, she speaks enthusiastically about one of the points that he made.","Do you see the common thread running through these scenarios?  That thread is loyalty. The elder loyally works to serve the flock of God; the parents loyally attend congregation meetings; the sister loyally supports the elders.  Yes, in all aspects of life, we see God's people determined to serve loyally with Jehovah's organization.","Hebrews 10:24, 25; 13:17; 1 Peter 5:2;","Aug 1, 1997 Wt Page 8",Meeting The Test Of Christian Loyalty,48,,1997/07/04,
"Loyalty, Organization, Cleanliness,","Organization not viewed as some corporation or giant about to explode; It does not go on strike, remains strong and solid as it leads in Kingdom activity.",We have the responsibility to protect God's organization.,Matt. 24:45-47;,"Aug 1, 1964 Wt Page 468",A Clean People Honors Jehovah,14,,,
"Loyalty, Organization, Cleanliness, Christendom,","Early organization like two men hanging over cliff. Yell out, 'Is anyone up there?'  Down comes a small cord. One man asks 'Is anyone else up there?' The other accepted the offer with confidence that the one above would not do anything harmful.",Truth had a humble beginning. Anointed accepted divine help.  Clergy went the other direction.,Zech. 4:10;,Johnse Laymon,A Clean People Honors Jehovah,14,,,
"Loyalty, Organization, Faithful, Integrity,","Hold up a well-worn envelope.  Point out the postage stamp on it.  Note this envelope has been in many places.  Maybe stuck a few time.  Perhaps ending up in the dead-letter office at one time, but it made it through.  The stamp stuck faithfully with it all that time.  Read definition of loyalty.","We are like that stamp.  We must stick loyally to Jehovah at all times.  We know the envelope, Jehovah's organization is going to go through, and we want to go with it.","Eph. 6:11, 12;",David Berry,Meeting The Test Of Christian Loyalty,48,,1998/07/26,
"Loyalty, Protection,",Cars with A.B.S. [Anti-lock Brake System]  Cars when applying the brakes too hard may slide out of control on wet or slick pavement.  Anti-lock break pulse breaks to prevent slide.,Loyalty is like the 'anti-lock' breaks.  It stops you without going out of control.  Loyalty keeps you going straight ahead.,"Ps. 45:7, Leviticus. 5:1, James 5:16",Johnse Laymon - Mike Marrow,Meeting The Test Of Christian Loyalty,48,,1994/01/25,
"Loyalty, Respect, Kindness,",The saying of the world that 'familiarity breeds contempt' should not apply to our relations with members of our own family. Just the opposite should be the case.,"Familiarity should 'breed' loyalty and respect because of our having learned to know, understand and appreciate one another better.",1 Pe 2:17,W74 1/15 46,Follow The Course Of Hospitality,77,,1994/07/10,
"Loyalty, Sacrifice","A woman traveling the Northland in wintertime slid off the road in this country.  She was told to stay with the car, and wait for help.  But what she did not know was the road was closed at both ends.   Finally she got out of the car hoping to find help.  Finally with all energy drained, she dug deep into a snow bank and took off all clothing and wrapped the baby in them.   When found, the woman was dead but her child was alive and well.",This mother was loyal to her child. We must be loyal to Jehovah even at cost of life.,"Ps. 18:1, 25",Johnse Laymon - Mike Marrow  C. O.,Meeting The Test Of Christian Loyalty,48,,1994/01/25,
Loyalty;,'Rats desert a sinking ship.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Loyalty;,"If you can't ride two horses at once, you shouldn't be in the circus.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Loyalty;,You cannot run with the hare and hunt with the hounds.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Loyalty; Absence;,"Absence makes the heart grow fonder, of someone else.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Luck, Charm, Magic",Many believe that charms have magical power to preserve,"Test: throw into fire, or river surely power can preserve",Isa.65:11,"Apr 8, 1965 Aw Page   Johnse Laymon",,,,,
Luck;,'Chance favors the prepared mind.'  Quote:  Louis Pasteur.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Luck;,'He is so unlucky that he runs into accidents which started out to happen to somebody else.'  Quote:  Don Marquis.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Luck;,'I believe in luck. How else can you explain the success of those you dislike?'  Quote:  Jean Cocteau.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Luck;,"'If a man who cannot count finds a four-leaf clover, is he lucky?' Quote:  Stanislaw Lec",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Luck; Experience,","'Depend on the rabbit's foot if you will, but remember, it didn't work for the rabbit.'  Quote:  R. E. Shay.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Lust, Greed, Gamblers, Lottery, Covet, Christendom, Babylon,","Every year some 29 million people stream to Las Vegas, Nevada.  Most come to gamble, but many want to worship also.",The Catholics built a $3.5 million church a mere block from four of the city's largest hotel-casinos.  The 80% of tourist who attend are invited to put 'chips' into the collection boxes.  The Franciscan friar who cashes them in is dubbed the chip monk.,Isa 65:11,"Sep 8, 1995 Aw Page 29",Why Live By Bible Standards?,88,,1995/08/04,
"Luxuries, Materialism, Motive,","Luxuries make enjoyable slaves but wretched taskmasters. Jehovah is not opposed to luxuries, look at what lavish hand he has bestowed upon man the beauties of nature. Luxury because you could exist without them.",'Luxury is not fitting for anyone stupid' Worth the price if good motives.,Prov. 19:10; Prov. 21:17; 25:27;,"Apr 8, 1962 Aw Page 3",Reach Out For The Real Life!,90,,,
"Luxury, Materialism, Poverty,",Once there was a hunter out hunting bears. The hunter spotted a bear and carefully raise his rifle and took aim. He was just about to pull the trigger when he heard a voice say: 'Wait Mr. Hunter'! The voice came from the Bear. The Bear continued to say: 'Let's sit down and talk things over.' The hunter lowered his rifle and sat down on a log with the bear.  The Bear said to the hunter: 'Let's try to be reasonable and reach a compromise.' The hunter took off his hat and scratched his head and said okay. The bear asked the hunter just what was it that he wanted.  The hunter said: 'A Fur Coat.' The bear replied: 'That sound reasonable.' The bear went on to say: 'All I Want Is A Full Stomach.' That sounded fair enough too.  So the hunter and the bear discussed things a little more.,"Then suddenly after a flurry of activity, the bear was alone.   The bear had his full-stomach, and the hunter was inside the fur coat.  Sometimes it is better to be a little cold and go without than to get wrapped up in unnecessary luxury items.","1 Tim 6:8, 9;",Peter Morgan,Be Confident Of Divine Victory!,39,,1997/08/11,
"Lying, Truth,",Just as a cherished vase may shatter if knocked to the floor...,"...So a precious relationship can be ruined by lying.  True, over a period of time you may repair the damage, but the relationship may never be the same.",2 Pet. 2:19;,"Feb 22, 1997 Aw Page 17",,,,1997/02/18,
Lying;,'A man who won't lie to a woman has very little consideration for her feelings.'  Quote:  Olin Miller.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Lying;,'Don't lie if you don't have to.'  Quote:  Leo Szilard.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Lying;,"'If one cannot invent a really convincing lie, it is often better to stick with the truth.'  Quote:  Angela Thirkel.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Lying;,'One of the most striking differences between a cat and a lie is that a cat has only nine lives.'  Quote:  Mt.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Lying;,"A great lie is like a great fish on dry land. It may fret and fling, and make a frightful bother, but it cannot hurt you.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Lying;,A little inaccuracy sometimes saves tons of explanation.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Lying;,All that one gains by falsehood is not to be believed when he speaks the truth.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Lying;,"Before they can act wickedly they must lie, and once they begin to lie they will act wickedly with unconcern.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Lying;,Deceivers are the most dangerous members of society.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Lying;,"Falsehoods not only disagree with truths, but usually quarrel among themselves.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Lying;,"Great American Lies: The check is in the mail.  Its not the money, its the principle of the thing.  I'll start my diet.  This won't hurt a bit.  Give me your number and the doctor will call you right back.  This will hurt me more than it will hurt you.  One size fits all.  Leave your resume and we'll get back to you.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Lying;,He who is not sure of his memory should not attempt lying.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Lying;,"If one is plotting evil, he always uses pleasant words.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Lying;,No man was ever so much deceived by another as by himself.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Lying;,One of the most striking differences between a cat and a lie is that a cat only has nine lives.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Lying;,One who deceives will always find those who allow themselves to be deceived.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Lying;,The best liar is he who makes the smallest amount of lying go the longest way.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Lying;,The biggest liar in the world is 'they say'.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Lying;,Those who think is permissible to tell white lies soon grow color-blind.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Lying;,"When a hunter sees the game, he sings a sweet song to lure it.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Lying;,White lies are but the ushers to black ones.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Lying; Exaggeration;,'There are people so addicted to exaggeration that they can't tell the truth without lying.'  Quote:  Josh Billings.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Maccabees, History, Hidden, Research, Future,","FOR many, the period of the Maccabees is like a black box hidden between the completion of the last books of the Hebrew Scriptures and the coming of Jesus Christ.","Even as certain details are revealed when an airplane's black box is studied after a crash, some insight can be gained by a close look into the Maccabean era--one of transition and transformation for the Jewish nation.","Daniel 9:25, 26","Nov 15, 1998 Wt Page 21",Your Future--how Can It Be Known?,19,,1999/01/03,
Magazine,"Remember first article ever read in Awake. (My Experience) About camel, cactus, desert mouse, and man's interference.",Make lasting impression on people.,"Prov. 3:9, 10","Jun 22, 1960 Aw Page 20-23 (bobby Laymon)",Appreciating Marvels Of God's Creation,114,,,
Magazines,27.9 million eyes are focused on the Watchtower each issue. (1990),Each issue brings enlightenment to the eyes and joy to the heart.,Heb. 4:12,"Apr 22, 1960 Aw Page 31",Appreciating Marvels Of God's Creation,114,,,
Magazines,"Compass.  Watchtower and Awake! point in only one direction. Jehovah's way to eternal life, help steer safe course.","No matter who, which way he faces, sunny, cloudy, point same way.",Pro 29:18,Km March 1984 Page 3,Appreciating Marvels Of God's Creation,114,,,
Magazines,Hammer less important than saw?  Both are vital.  Each has a different function.  Many do not care to read a book of many pages.,Magazines less important than other literature?  Prefer short stories.,Pro 29:18,Km March 1984 Page 3,Appreciating Marvels Of God's Creation,114,,,
Magazines,Rotate Crops.,Rotate territories from offer to magazines.,Prov 1:20,Km March 1984 Page 4,Appreciating Marvels Of God's Creation,114,,,
Magazines,Value: Gems - rarity circulation; Magazines - abundance circulating.  It's popularity that places a magazine first in its field.,Large volume of literature produced.,Rev. 9:16,"1958 Wt (see Also Feb 8, 1960 Aw Page 32)",Appreciating Marvels Of God's Creation,114,,,
"Magazines, Literature, Color, Ice Cream,","Over 500 Witnesses were at the noon meal at the Bethel Home in Nigeria on February 9, 1994, when the waiters wheeled in the ice cream for dessert.  'What is the occasion?' some wondered aloud.  'Not only ice cream, but such a variety - vanilla, chocolate, strawberry, and pistachio!'  Four-color ice cream!","'It has a special significance,' announced the one presiding at the meal.  'It is to celebrate our change to four-color [full-color] printing!'  Full-color printing was now a reality worldwide.  Nigeria was the last of the large printing branches to be converted to full-color printing.  'It's attractiveness surpasses by far any other publication produced in this country,'  exclaimed one Bethelite.",Isa 60:22;,"Sep 22, 1994 Aw Page 20",Never Become Dull In Your Hearing,9,,1994/08/22,
"Magazines, Literature, Publications, Awake!","Have you noticed?  Before you buy a certain model of car, you hardly notice one on the road.  After that, it seems like every other car is similar to yours.  Owning one alerts you.   It wakes you up to notice things that formerly slipped by.","In like manner, the Awake! magazine wakes you up to what is going on.  Personal example:  The articles on 'New Age' in early 1994.  'I never heard the word, until the Awake! came out with it.'  Quote: Bob Martin",1 Th 5:6;,Bobby Laymon,How To Keep Spiritually Awake!,71,,1994/05/11,
"Magazines, Literature, Qualified, Disposed, Righteous,","In the story of Cinderella, she dropped her glass slipper, and they made a search of all the kingdom to see who was qualified to wear it.",We are making a search like that.  The glass slipper is like our magazines or Bible literature.  We are determined to find those who are rightly disposed.,Acts 13:48;,Carl Brown,,,,1996/04/12,
"Magazines, Literature, Watchtower, Awake!, Communication,","'By helping half the population to understand the other half, you have done a great service to humanity and the God-given institution of marriage.'  Quote: A reader of the Jan 22, 1994 Awake! on 'Communication in Marriage.'",Many letters of appreciation are arriving regarding articles that deal with real issues today.  The Watchtower & Awake are printed more than 58 million copies each month and over 100 languages.,Eph 5:33;,"Aug 8, 1994 Aw Page 32",A Godly View Of Sex And Marriage,13,,1994/08/27,
"Magazines, Watchtower, Awake! Progress,","A ten-speed bike, is geared to about any pace.  You can go to lower gears on a steep incline, or to the upper gears where there is level ground.  You can even slow down if downhill.","The magazines are geared to the fastest minds, and to the slowest minds.  No matter how much education, background, knowledge, we can all benefit from each issue.",Is 65:13; Eph 5:15-17; Ps 119:105;,Al Larue,How To Keep Spiritually Awake!,71,,,
"Magazines, Watchtower, Awake!, Reasoning, Literature, Introduction",Long been referred to as 'seeds.'  However trees drop seed all the time and they don't sprout.  Don't penetrate soil.  We must have a tool to pierce soil.  (Reasoning book)  Get through outer crust.,We have that with stimulating introductions.  Help get the seed in where it will sprout.,Is 65:21-23; Re 21:4; John 17:3,Oct 1992 Km Page 8  (David Herr),How To Keep Spiritually Awake!,71,,,
"Magazines, Watchtower, Awake, Changes, Progress",'Have you driven a Ford lately?  What the advertisement is really saying is:  'We have changed!'  And we think you are going to be delighted with the change.,"'Have you looked at the  'The Watchtower' and 'Awake!' lately?  A columnist writing in the Dutch newspaper NRC Handelsblad of July 24, 1990, had this to say regarding Awake! and its companion magazine, The Watchtower:  'Those who, like me, for two decades have considered the magazines Awake! and The Watchtower [published by Jehovah's Witnesses] not worth a glance but have chanced upon them recently will be amazed. They have radically changed, both in format and in content.  'Formerly, in both periodicals, what struck one the most were the drawings: pictures in one color and on newsprint paper. The stories, if I rightly remember, were a sort of Reader's Digest of the good news and touched only incidentally on difficult world problems, such as war, drugs, sex, and politics.  'That is completely changed now. Both periodicals are sort of miniature current-affairs commentaries. They are abundantly illustrated with color photographs . . . Now and then one may even admire a somewhat edifying work of art too, such as a reproduction of the apostles at the Last Supper (in The Watchtower of July 1, 1990), but whenever possible, photographs are used. It is noticeable that Awake! goes in a lot for science. In the July 8 issue, there is a piece about the lunar eclipse on August 16 last year, short notes on breast-feeding and on the link between osteoporosis and the level of manganese in the blood, and last but not least, a three-part feature article in which views for and against animal research are presented.'  The writer makes this further observation: 'With its circulation figure of 11,930,000 copies in 61 languages [now 12,980,000 copies in 64 languages], Awake! forms an inestimable source of scientific news for a very large reading public.'  Of course, The Watchtower and Awake! have 'radically changed' in appearance only-not content. For decades now, both magazines have been presenting well-researched articles that point to God's Kingdom as the only hope for mankind. But it is hoped that the improved appearance of our magazines will result in more individuals reading our journals and benefiting from the life-giving message.    	",Rev 18:4;,G91 7/22 9,,,,1995/04/12,
"Magazines, Watchtower, Awake, Literature,","Did you ever notice how the ink on newspapers and some magazines rub off.  They smear your fingers, hands and sometimes your clothes.  It's hard to wash the ink off.","The Watchtower and awake don't rub off on your hands and clothes.  They rub off on your heart.  You may be able to wash off your clothes and hands, but it is hard to wash the truth from honest hearts.",Rom 10:10;,Joe Laymon,,,,1995/09/20,
"Magazines, Watchtower, Awake, Literature,","When you approach a newsstand, what do you see?  Magazines.  At a corner store, what catches your eye?  Magazines.  What makes the mailman bend under the weight of his mailbag?  Magazines.  Thus, what are people reading?  Magazines.","Nine out of ten youths between the ages of 10 and 18, and the same percentage of adults, read at least one magazine every month.  The world is magazine conscious.  Can we make them Watchtower and Awake! conscious?",Heb 4:12;,Sep 1995 Km Page 3,,,,1995/09/20,
"Magnify, Jehovah, Name, Religion, Truth,",When you think of 'magnify' think of a Jewelry.  The jeweler puts a magnifying glass on his eye and carefully examines the gold to see if it is good.  Or the diamond.  He looks at it very closely.,We need to do that with the truth!  With religion!  Especially in regard to Jehovah and in magnifying His name.,1co 8:5; Deuteronomy 32:4;,Brother Haus (Memphis Circuit Assy),Make Jehovah Your Confidence,70,,1994/03/07,
"Main Points, School, Highlights,","Like shelf labels or signs in grocery stores that help to identify what a section of shelves contains; govern what is included and what should be left out. Under label CEREALS, jams & jellies would be out of place. Under COFFEE & TEA, rice would not belong.  If shelf labels are hidden, it is difficult to find anything.","Likewise, the main points are not just interesting ideas or points briefly stated.  They are the main sections of the talks, where other ideas are grouped.  They are developed to some length.",1co 14:33,School Guidebook  Page 135,,,,,
"Main Points, School, Highlights, Simple,","If you were to walk into a store where everything was piled together in the middle of the floor, it would look crowded and most confusing.  You would have difficulty finding anything.","When your talk is properly arranged and all related items grouped together by section signs, the effect is quite pleasing.  Make your talk simple. It will be easy to give and hard to forget.",1co 14:33,School Guidebook  Page 137,Reach Out For The Real Life!,90,,,
"Main Points, School, Highlights, Simple,","When a grocery store gets too big and there are too many categories, one may have to ask for directions.","Our audience can only grasp so many different ideas at one sitting.  The longer your talk, the simpler it must be made, and the stronger, more sharply defined your key points must be.",1co 14:33,School Guidebook  Page 137,Reach Out For The Real Life!,90,,,
"Majority, Pressure, Peer, Courage,","Are you 'Wrong with the crowd' or 'right alone?' Examples: flood, broad road, crowd in Pontius Pilate's time.",Often evidence comes to light proving the majority to be wrong.,"Matt. 7:13, 14; 24:37-39; 2 Pet. 2:5; John 19:1-16","Aug 22, 1962 Aw Page 3, 4",Why Christians Must Be Different.,123,,,
"Majority, Pressure, Peer, Courage, Persecution,","'Run with the hare, and hold with the hound.' We cannot be limping on two different opinions.",Often evidence comes to light proving the majority to be wrong.,"Matt. 7:13, 14; 24:37-39; 2 Pet. 2:5; John 19:1-16",Bobby Laymon,Why Christians Must Be Different.,123,,,
Majority;,"'One, with God, is always a majority, but many a martyr has been burned at the stake while the votes were being counted.' Quote:  Thomas B. Reed",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Majority; Numbers, Babylon, Christendom, Religion,",'It never troubles the wolf how many the sheep may be.' Quote:  Virgil,,,Jk Quotes;,HAS BABYLON'S JUDGMENT HOUR ARRIVED?,155,,,
"Maker, Creator, Potter,","'O man, who, then, really are you to be answering back to God? Shall the thing molded say to him that molded it, `Why did you make me this way?' What? Does not the potter have authority over the clay to make from the same lump one vessel for an honorable use, another for a dishonorable use?'","Yes, some of the Great Potter's work will be molded for an honorable use, and some, for a dishonorable use. Those who choose to go along with the world as it plunges ever deeper into the morass of ungodliness are molded in such a way that will mark them for destruction.","Romans 9:20, 21",W99 2/1 10,,,,"Jul 5, 2000",
"Maker, Creator, Potter,","JEHOVAH is the Great Potter. A masterpiece of his creation was our first parent, Adam. The Bible tells us: 'Jehovah God proceeded to form the man out of dust from the ground and to blow into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man came to be a living soul,' that is, a 'breathing creature.' (Genesis 2:7, footnote)","That first human creation was perfect, formed in the very image of God, an evidence of His divine wisdom and love of true righteousness and justice.  Using material from Adam's rib, God also molded a complement and helper for man, woman.",2 Timothy 2:21,W99 2/1 9,Appreciating Marvels Of God's Creation,114,,"Jul 5, 2000",
"Maker, Creator, Potter,","What determines the sort of vessel that a person becomes? His attitude and conduct. These are shaped first by the desires and inclinations of the heart. Wise King Solomon said: 'The heart of earthling man may think out his way, but Jehovah himself does the directing of his steps.'  Second, they are shaped by the things heard and seen, associations and experiences.","How important, therefore, that we heed the counsel: 'He that is walking with wise persons will become wise, but he that is having dealings with the stupid ones will fare badly.' (Proverbs 13:20)",Proverbs 16:9,W99 2/1 11,,,,"Jul 5, 2000",
Man's Fall Into Sin,Domino affect Jesus stopped fall into death.,All have been falling since Adam.,Rom. 5:10-12.,Bobby Laymon,"Living, Not For Self, But To Do God's Will",8,,,
"Man's Government Compared To God's Government, Kingdom, Page 1","United States Government. 1. President ---                Jesus Christ         Rev. 19:16 2. Congress-Senate & House Rep. 144,000              Rev. 5:10 Elected by the people        Elected by Jehovah.",Apply to God's Kingdom. 3. Declaration of Independence.     Covenants            Luke 22:28-30 (legal documents),Dan. 2:44,Philip Kirkton (bethel Notes)  Page 1 (see Pages 1-4),The Kingdom Of God Is Near,109,,,
"Man's Government Compared To God's Government, Kingdom, Page 2","United States Government. 4. 1776-U.S. Government began   1914                 Ps. 110:1,2 5. 250 million subjects         4 million subjects   Ps. 110:3-7 (not all happy)                 (all happy)",Apply to God's Kingdom. 6. Political Strife between     Satan ousted from    Rev. 12: Democrats & Republicans      heaven.,Dan. 2:44,Philip Kirkton (bethel Notes)  Page 2 (see Pages 1-4),The Kingdom Of God Is Near,109,,,
"Man's Government Compared To God's Government, Kingdom, Page 3",United States Government. 7. Laws based on Constitution   The Bible            Ps. 19:7 8. Poor schools & employment    Best Schools &       Isa. 54:13 Plenty of work       Mt. 24:14,Apply to God's Kingdom.,Dan. 2:44,Philip Kirkton (bethel Notes)  Page 3 (see Pages 1-4),The Kingdom Of God Is Near,109,,,
"Man's Government Compared To God's Government, Kingdom, Page 4","United States Government. 9. Army, Navy, Air Force & Army of Angels       Ps. 34:7 Marines. 10. Lack of Security            Best Security        Isa. 55:13,14","Apply to God's Kingdom. (Jobs, Economy, Housing, etc.)",Dan. 2:44,Philip Kirkton (bethel Notes)  Page 4 (see Pages 1-4),The Kingdom Of God Is Near,109,,,
Man's Smallness,Gnat on elephant,So small elephant might forget he's there.  Compare to Jehovah,Ps. 8:4,Bobby Laymon,How Well Do You Know God?,1,,,
Manners,"Fine gift; attractive wrapping, makes more appealing",Helps vast majority of people appreciate Jehovah's people,Matt 5:16,"June 15, 1989 Wt Page 16","Mercy, A Dominant Quality Of True Christians",7,,,
Manners,"Small amount of flavoring extract and salt, in baking a cake. Many persons very careful about their appearance, yet neglect their manners. Yet manners more important.",Good manners are like these traces that flavor and enhance.,2 Cor. 6:3-6; 2 Tim. 3:1-5,"Jun 15, 1961 Wt Page 362","Mercy, A Dominant Quality Of True Christians",7,,,
"Manners, (spiritual)","No Shirt, No Shoes, No Service (In restaurant) Without shoes in restaurant, people think you are odd Jehovah wants us to dress correctly to benefit from spiritual meal.",Must have something on our feet in spiritual sense,Eph 6:14-16   Rom 10:15,Bro Punko,What Is Behind The Spirit Of Rebellion?,33,,,
"Manners, (spiritual)","Parents sometimes force children to eat all on their plate. What he offers, we should eat. Become 'filled' with knowledge If we clean up we will be invited to another meal. Isa 25:6","Jehovah DOESN'T force us to eat everything. No more death, pain, tears",Rom 15:14,Bro Punko,What Is Behind The Spirit Of Rebellion?,33,,,
"Manners, (spiritual)","Parents, require children to wash hands before meal. Keep eyes simple; HANDS USUALLY CARRY OUT ONLY WHAT EYES SEE! Judah used hands to steal. Jo 12:5, 6",Jehovah wants us to have clean hands,Dan 12:10   James 4:8   Isa 1:16,Bro Punko,What Is Behind The Spirit Of Rebellion?,33,,,
"Manners, (spiritual) Morals, Cleanliness, Holy,","Invited to large meal, dress appropriately","Jehovah has invited us, free of charge; Must change 3 ways: 1. physically, 2. Morally, 3. Spiritually Must wear proper spiritual clothing. Col 3:9, 10","Isa 55:1, 2",Bro Punko,A Clean People Honors Jehovah,14,,,
"Manners, (spiritual) Morals, Holy, Cleanliness,","Parents don't want children to have 'dirty faces.'  They stress that until children become obedient.  Also, washing their hands.","Jehovah wants us to cleanse our faces. Not only our face, but also our hands and our hearts.  (Wash with God's word) You may not throw your children away because they have 'dirty faces' but in time it becomes a matter of obedience or disobedience.","1 Pet 3:10;ps 24:3, 4",Bobby Laymon,A Clean People Honors Jehovah,14,,1997/04/07,
"Manners, Children, Youth",Hardest job a child has is learning manners without seeing any.,Parents live an example.  Not tell one.,Deuteronomy 6:6-9;,Divine Teaching Convention,How Can Youths Cope With Today's Crisis?,113,,,
"Manners, Conduct,","Zink and Cobalt; there is only a small trace in the human body, but it is very vital. Manners are a benevolence in trifles.",Same way with good manners. Very necessary for Jehovah's people.,Rom. 12:13; 1 Pet. 4:9; Jas. 2:25; Matt. 25:35;,Phil Kirkton,"Mercy, A Dominant Quality Of True Christians",7,,,
"Manners, Conduct, Mercy,","Manners are like the '0' in arithmetic; May not seem to be very important, but very essential. Manners are a benevolence in trifles.",Good manners also very necessary for Jehovah's people.,Rom. 12:13; 1 Pet. 4:9; Jas. 2:25; Matt. 25:35;,Phil Kirkton,"Mercy, A Dominant Quality Of True Christians",7,,,
"Manners, Courtesy,",A family is a delicate machine whose parts are in close contact with one another. Only expert lubrication can keep it in smooth running order.,"Knowing how to be helpful, courteous, pleasant, and polite will go a long way toward making a home happy. Learning how to voice the accepted everyday expressions of courtesy and consideration, such as 'Thank-you,' 'Please,' 'Forgive me,' 'I'm sorry will do much to eliminate destructive friction in our associations. These are little words with big meanings. Everyone can say them properly. They cost us nothing, but with them we buy friends. If we daily practice good manners in our homes, they will not leave us when we go outside the family circle and mingle with the public.",1 Cor 13:1-8;,G94 7/22 3,Live With Soundness Of Mind In A Depraved World,138,,"Jul 17, 2001",
"Manners, Courtesy,","Cedar waxwings, beautiful, well-mannered, very sociable, banqueting together in a large bush loaded with ripe berries. Lined up in a row along a branch, they feed on the fruit, but not at all hoggishly. From beak to beak, they pass a berry back and forth to one another, until finally one graciously eats it.","They never forget their 'children,' tirelessly bringing food, berry by berry, until all the empty mouths have had their fill.",1 Cor 13:1-8;,G94 7/22 10,Live With Soundness Of Mind In A Depraved World   Live With Soundness Of Mind In A Depraved Worl,138,,"Jul 17, 2001",
"Manners, Courtesy,","For like an attractive wrapping that enhances the appeal of a valuable gift, good manners make what we have to offer more appealing.","Whatever other fine Christian qualities we may possess or however admirable our intentions may be, they will do little good if our manners are bad.",Philippians 1:27,W89 6/15 16,Live With Soundness Of Mind In A Depraved World       Live With Soundness Of Mind In A Depraved Worl,138,,"Jul 17, 2001",
"Manners, Courtesy, Appearance, Judge,","Good manners may also be compared to the oil and grease that keep machinery lubricated and running smoothly, and to the air in the tires and the cushions on the seats of our automobiles that help make travel a pleasure instead of a hardship.",Many persons who are very careful about their appearance neglect their manners; yet their manners are more important than their appearance.,2 Cor. 6:6,W61 6/15 362,,,,"Jul 17, 2001",
"Manners, Courtesy, Appearance, Judge,","Good manners therefore may well be likened to certain trace elements, such as cobalt, molybdenum, boron and the like, which play such a vital role in the health of plants, animals and man.",They resemble the small amounts of flavoring extract and salt that a housewife uses in baking a cake and without which the cake could not possibly be a success.,2 Cor. 6:6,W61 6/15 362,,,,"Jul 17, 2001",
"Manners, Courtesy, Appearance, Judge,",It is difficult to judge the quality of an egg by its outward appearance.,"So too, it is not wise to judge people too much by their external manner. Many men have little to wear, others have ill health, some are oppressed and depressed. Nevertheless, we cannot expect people in general to take time to see whether we are what we seem to be. Everyone can be clean. We can speak right things from the heart. We can be friendly, hospitable, kind and courteous. We can be ourselves. We can be honest and polite. These things do not cost anything. They are free. They are for everyone to have the rich and the poor alike. It is foolish for one to 'freeze up' or to roll himself into a prickly ball on the approach of strangers. A Christian must be a conversationalist.",Philippians 1:27,W54 6/15 358,Live With Soundness Of Mind In A Depraved World,138,,"Jul 17, 2001",
"Manners, Courtesy, Appearance, Judge,",Some think good manners are a coat that you put on when you go out to visit with people.,But a truly well-mannered person is one who behaves properly all the time.,Philippians 1:27,W54 6/15 359,,,,"Jul 17, 2001",
"Manners, Meeting, Seats, Anticipation, Preparation,",Remember when your mother prepared a meal and you were seated at the table before the meal began?,We need to be in our seats before the spiritual meal begins.,2 Pet. 1:19;,"Wallace Golf, D.O.",Serving With Jehovah's Unified Organization,3,,1998/07/09,
"Manners, Mercy,","Air in tires and cushions on seats of our automobile. Many persons very careful about their appearance, yet neglect their manners. Yet manners more important. Need good manners at all times. 1 Cor. 10:31","Manners, too, help make travel a pleasure instead of hardship.",2 Cor. 6:3-6; 2 Tim. 3:1-5,"Jun 15, 1961 Wt Page 362","Mercy, A Dominant Quality Of True Christians",7,,,
"Manners, Mercy,","Oil and grease that keep machinery running. Many persons very careful about their appearance, yet neglect their manners. Yet manners more important.",Good manners are like these.,2 Cor. 6:3-6; 2 Tim. 3:1-5,"Jun 15, 1961 Wt Page 362","Mercy, A Dominant Quality Of True Christians",7,,,
"Manners, Politeness, Kindness, Communication,",A family is a delicate machine whose parts are in close contact with one another.  Only expert lubrication can keep it in smooth running order.,"Learning how to voice the expressions of courtesy and consideration - such as 'Thank-you,' 'Please,' 'Forgive me,' 'I'm sorry' - will do so much to eliminate destructive friction in our associations.  Jehovah is the one who sets the example in this.","Genesis. 13:14; 15:5; Mic 3:1, 9; Eph 5:1;","Jul 22, 1994 Aw Page 3",Follow The Course Of Hospitality,77,,1994/06/25,
"Manners, Politeness, Prayers",Are we worse than Satan?  Even Satan had manners in addressing Jehovah.,Should we not also use manners in addressing Jehovah & our brothers as well as others?,Job 2:5   ( Notice That Even Satan Said Please),Scott Rudolph,,,,1996/08/11,
"Manners, Selfishness, Consideration, Kindness, Appreciation,",'He's number one.  He does his own thing.  He blazes his own trail.'  Regarding those lacking in manners.,"Or so he thinks.  Actually, three thousand years ago, wise King Solomon said, 'There is nothing new under the sun.' Ecc 1:9;",Judges 21:25;,"Jul 22, 1994 Aw Page 8",Follow The Course Of Hospitality,77,,1994/06/25,
"Manners, Selfishness, Consideration, Kindness, Appreciation, 1914,","'The old bars were down, no new ones had been built, and meanwhile the pigs were in the pasture.'  Quote: Historian Frederick Lewis Allen.","The period following WWI may aptly be known as the decade of Bad Manners.  Hostesses found their guest couldn't be bothered to speak to them on arrival or departure.  Gate-Crashing became accepted.  People were 'fashionably late' for dinners, and left burning cigarettes about, and ashes scattered on rugs, without apology.",Isa 5:20; 2 Tim 3:1-5;,"Jul 22, 1994 Aw Page 7",Follow The Course Of Hospitality,77,,1994/06/25,
"Manners, Selfishness, Consideration, Kindness, Appreciation, Creation","Cedar waxwings, are beautiful, well-mannered birds.  They are very sociable, banqueting together in a large bush of ripe berries.  Lined up in a row along a branch, they feed on the fruit, but not at all hoggishly.  From beak to beak, they pass a berry back and forth to one another, until finally one graciously eats it.  Also, they never forget their children, tirelessly bringing food, berry by berry, until all the empty mouths have had their fill.",These are impeccable 'Table Manners' that people might well copy.,Eph 5:5; Col 3:5;,"Jul 22, 1994 Aw Page 10",Follow The Course Of Hospitality,77,,1994/06/25,
"Manners, Selfishness, Greed,","The short, stout man walked past the waiting line of passengers as if they did not exist.  He reached over a woman at the counter, flourished his money in the face of the teller, and said something about being in a hurry.  He was served immediately.  He strolled off quite pleased at the success of his 'me-first' tactics.","Some are moved to follow the unmannerly one's example, well knowing it is a selfish, rude thing to do.  The Bible shows we 'should be gentle toward all.'",2 ti 3:1-5; Mt 7:12; 2 ti 2:24;,"Jul 8, 1970 Aw Page 3",Why Live By Bible Standards?,88,,,9/9/2014
"Manners, Selfishness, Greed, Trash, Cleanliness, Litter,","A well-known medieval poet used the expression, 'Murder will out,' that is, it will be exposed eventually.","In the same way it may be said that your manners, good or bad, 'will out.'  Usually they are revealed in small, half-conscious actions, by the presence or absence of such simple words as  'Please' and  'Thank you.'  They can be detected by how you dispose your trash.",2ti 3:1-5; Mt 7:12; 2ti 2:24;,"Jul 8, 1970 Aw Page 3",A Clean People Honors Jehovah,14,,,
"Manners, Selfishness, Greed, Trash, Cleanliness, Litter,","The litterbug is an outlaw.  He is against law, order and cleanliness.  He has no regard for the comfort and well-being of others.","When you find a place already a mess, what do you do?  Do you reason that a little more trash will make no real difference.  By your word and action, you are either with those litterbugs or against them.",Re 11:18; Mt 12:30; 1pe 2:12;,"Jul 8, 1970 Aw Page 4",A Clean People Honors Jehovah,14,,,
Manners;,"'It is a mistake that there is no bath that will cure people's manners, but drowning would help.'  Quote:  Mt.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Manners; Decorum; Etiquette;,'About the only thing ever lost by politeness is a seat on a crowded bus.' Quote:  The Irish Digest,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Manners; Decorum; Etiquette;,'Manners are the happy way of doing things.'  Quote:  Rwe.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Manners; Decorum; Etiquette;,"Here is a sampling of the advice books  offered people through the centuries on etiquette:  13th century:  A number of people gnaw a bone and then put it back in the dish-this is a serious offense.  Refrain from falling upon the dish like a swine while eating, snorting disgustingly and smacking the lips.  Do not spit over or on the table.....in the manner of hunters.  When you blow your nose or cough, turn round so that nothing falls on the table.  14th century:  A man who clears his throat when he eats, and one who blows his nose in the tablecloth, are both ill-bred, I assure you.  You should not poke your teeth with your knife, as some do; it is a bad habit.  I hear that some eat unwashed. May their fingers be palsied!  15th century:  Do not put back on you plate what has been in our mouth.  Do not chew anything you have to spit out again.  Its bad manners to dip your food into the salt.    Children's Manners 1530 Netherlands:  If you cannot swallow a piece of food, turn round discreetly and throw it somewhere.  Retain the wind by compressing the belly.  Do not be afraid of vomiting if you must; for it is not vomiting but holding the vomit in your throat that is foul.  Do not move back and forth on your chair. Whoever does that gives the impression of constantly breaking or trying to break wind.  Turn away when spitting lest your saliva fall on someone. If anything purulent falls on the ground it should be trodden upon, lest it nauseate someone.  You should not offer your handkerchief to anyone unless it has been freshly washed. Nor is it seemly, after wiping you nose, to spread out your handkerchief and peer into it as if pearls and rubies might have fallen out of your head.  To lick greasy fingers or to wipe them on your coat is impolite. It is better to use the tablecloth or the serviette.  Some people put their hands in the dishes the moment they have sat down. Wolves do that.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Manners; Decorum; Etiquette;,"The gum chewing girl and cud chewing cow, look quite alike, but they're different somehow, and what is the difference?  Oh, I see now!  Its the intelligent look on the face of the cow!",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Mark, Survive,",Said of some 'made his mark in world' meaning successful. or he is 'marked man' involved in crime. Told 'make mark at the end of a document' means illiterate' Or said Johnny got a 'good mark' got good grade.,All have a mark. Is ours for survival or destruction.,Ezek.9:4,Brother Bob Harper,Are You 'marked' For Survival?,34,,,
Marriage,"'A Beautiful woman pleases the eyes; A good woman pleases the heart.'  Continued. 'If the former is a jewel, latter is a treasure.'             Quote: Spanish proverb",A wife can be refreshing if she has a quiet & mild spirit.,"1 Pet 3:3, 4","May 15 Wt, 1989 P 19",God Comes First In Successful Family Life,110,,,
Marriage,'Marriage is two hearts singing one song...a melody that plays over the years.' Quote Dan Valentine.,Husbands must love wife as own bodies.,Eph. 5:25-28;,Johnse Laymon,God Comes First In Successful Family Life,110,,,
Marriage,'With love there are two ways to fall.'  (Words in a popular song.),"Persons must work to fall more and more in love with each passing day, or the opposite may be true.",Eph 5:28,Bobby Laymon,God Comes First In Successful Family Life,110,,,
Marriage,A happy marriage is a union of two good forgivers.,Cannot afford to hold grudges,Eph. 4:26,Johnse Laymon,Do You Harbor Resentment Or Do You Forgive?,68,,,
Marriage,"A yoke or team of oxen pull together. They get results. Are some chores called, 'women's work?' Is your mate progressing at same pace as you theocratically?",We should be pulling side by side with our mates.,1 Pet. 3:7  Eph. 5:33  Matt 19:1-5,"Sep 15, 1959 Wt Page 550",God Comes First In Successful Family Life,110,,,
Marriage,"Falling in Love Many times, each time with same person.",Continue Loving your Wife/husband.,Eph. 5:28,Readers Digest,God Comes First In Successful Family Life,110,,,
Marriage,"Favorite old song, never get tired of hearing.",I Love You.,"Eph 5:25, 33",Frank Kelsey,Show Respect And Love In Your Marriage,28,,,
Marriage,"Formica on table top; complements Heb word 'stick' literally means 'to cleave, to adhere' specially firmly as with glue",Mates complement one another.,"Genesis 2:23, 24",May 15 Wt 1989 P. 16,God Comes First In Successful Family Life,110,,,
Marriage,"Good Recipe, Good Cake Main Ingredients: Respect & Love.",Bible is good guide.,"Eph 5:25, 33",Frank Kelsey,Show Respect And Love In Your Marriage,28,,,
Marriage,High sea of Matrimony for which no compass made.,Bible is a compass for marriage.,2 Tim. 3:16,Wisdom Of Ages,God Comes First In Successful Family Life,110,,,
Marriage,"Lion in Love. Lion in love with woodcutter's daughter, asked to marry Her father, very displeased, but at lose what to do. Plan: Lion cut great teeth and claws so as not to scare girl.","Use wisdom in selecting a mate, don't take leave of senses Worked, Father no longer afraid and drove beast from door.  Moral: Those in love take leave of their senses.",1 Cor. 7:39,Aesop's Fables Page 18,God Comes First In Successful Family Life,110,,,
Marriage,"Music, color schemes, lighting, in restaurants; created atmosphere. Most families don't get together; they live together.  Cheerfulness and humor good.","Happy conversation at mealtime, more important, for happiness.","Gal. 5:22, 23; 1 Tim. 6:17; 1 Th 5:18;  Eccl. 9:7; Prov. 17:22","Jun 22, 1960 Aw Page 12, 13",God Comes First In Successful Family Life,110,,,
Marriage,"Ocean voyage, crossing depends on selecting right crew, balancing of cargo, securing it fast, having good navigational equipment.","Choose right mate, main cargo is love that won't shift, Bible,",Heb. 13:4,"Mar 8, 1962 Aw Page 23",God Comes First In Successful Family Life,110,,,
Marriage,"Old Pet, Horse, developed cramps, working with mules.  Ass is smaller in size, not as strong Gait is different Smaller in size would suffer most.",Unevenly yoked with unbelievers.,"2 Cor 6:14, 15","Nov 1, 1989 Watchtower Page 19 (personal Exp. Above. B. Laymon)",God Comes First In Successful Family Life,110,,,
Marriage,"Pulled no punches 'acted unfaithfully,'  'great badness'  'guiltiness.'","Ezra & Nehemiah, about unbelievers.",Ezra 10:10-14,"Nov 1, 1989 Watchtower Page 21",God Comes First In Successful Family Life,110,,,
Marriage,Ship with 2 Captains.,Woman would be man's helper & complement..,"1 Cor 11:3  Eph 5:22-24  1 Tim 2: 12,13","May 15 Wt, 1989 P 16",God Comes First In Successful Family Life,110,,,
Marriage,Some people say that they have survived their marriage. You can survive a car wreck.,Need to develop an atmosphere of love and respect in marriage so that it is not just a matter of surviving it.,Eph. 5:21-29,Morris Phillips,Getting Marriage Off To A Good Start,27,,,
Marriage,"Stork, most enduring feature is faithfulness.  Faithful to it's nest, returns every year loyalty to its mate, forms a lifelong bond.  Hebrew name means, 'loyal one.' or 'one of loving kindness'",Marriage not simple for the birds treats its mate with affection.,Matt 19:1-4,"Jan 8, 1990 Awake! P. 14",A Godly View Of Sex And Marriage,13,,,
"Marriage, communication, intercom, ",Symphony from syn (with) phone (a sound) 'a sounding together' reference to harmony produced by musical instruments.  Very difficult for unbelieving mate to hit same chords.,Close bond with marriage mate like two musical instruments out of harmony.,"2 Cor 6:14, 15","Nov 1, 1989 Watchtower Page 20",God Comes First In Successful Family Life,110,,,2/10/2015
Marriage,"Three-fold cord is not easily broken.  Two cords are stronger than one, but about impossible to break three. We should have Jehovah in our marriage for it to be strong.","All should have single purpose, serve Jehovah",Eccl 4:12;  1 Cor 7:39,Robert Schwarze,Choose Your Associates Wisely!,116,,,
Marriage,Triple-link chain reaction ignorance fear violence.,Opposing Husband's reaction.,Prov 14:30  27:4,"May 15 Wt, 1989 P 17",God Comes First In Successful Family Life,110,,,
Marriage,"Weak clutch in car, man drove for years, anyone else w/break give attention, understanding, sympathy.",Treat as weaker vessel.,1 Pet 3:7,Norman Smith,Show Respect And Love In Your Marriage,28,,,
Marriage,"With proper training become plumber, doctor, professor.  It takes brains, brawn, vision, imagination, energy, vitality and a rare knack for timing to become a successful married man.",Takes a lot to make marriage work.,Heb. 13:4,Johnse Laymon,God Comes First In Successful Family Life,110,,,
Marriage,Woman only one in animal kingdom that hunts; prey buys license.,Legality of having a marriage license.,Heb 13:4,George Marshall,God Comes First In Successful Family Life,110,,,
Marriage,"Youth, Gift; Make room for it. Encourage children toward singleness. Help control premature marriage.","Singleness, make room for like any other gift.",Matt 19:11,Watchtower,God Comes First In Successful Family Life,110,,,
Marriage - Divorce,'If some married women could do it all over again they'd still want a husband - somebody else's.',True not only women but men also become discontent with mate thinking the grass in greener on other side of fence and,Mal. 2:16,Johnse Laymon,God Comes First In Successful Family Life,110,,,
"Marriage Feast, Humility, Prominent, Shame,","'When you are invited by someone to a marriage feast, do not lie down in the most prominent place. Perhaps someone more distinguished than you may at the time have been invited by him, and he that invited you and him will come and say to you, 'Let this man have the place.' And then you will start off with shame to occupy the lowest place.'","So Jesus advises: 'When you are invited, go and recline in the lowest place, that when the man that has invited you comes he will say to  you, 'Friend, go on up higher.' Then you will have honor in front of all your fellow guests.' Concluding, Jesus says: 'For everyone that  exalts himself will be humbled and he that humbles himself will be exalted.'",Luke 14:8-10;,Gt 83,,,,1996/01/15,
"Marriage,",'Empty Shell' marriages. Survey of 4000 marriages; 30% were happy; 40% still trying to keep up appearance; other 30% no longer trying to keep up appearance.,"The family unit remains together physically, but there is in effect, an emotional divorce.",Col. 3:18-21;,"Sep 22, 1967 Aw Page 12, 13",God Comes First In Successful Family Life,110,,,
"Marriage,","'Marriage should be a duet -- When one sings, the other claps.' Quote: Joe Murray",There should be marital agreement and harmony.,"Ecc 4:11, 12;",Bobby Laymon,God Comes First In Successful Family Life,110,,,
"Marriage,","'Marriage should be a duet--when one sings, the other claps.'  Quote: Joe Murray.",There should be cooperation in the marriage union.,Ecclesiastes 4:12;,Bobby Laymon - Reader's Digest,Getting Marriage Off To A Good Start,27,,1996/03/21,
"Marriage,","'Marriage today needs the faith of Abraham, the wisdom of Solomon, and hopefully the love of Jesus to make it work.' - Dan Sydlik.",3/16/98 Morning worship. Brother Sydlik was showing the benefits of staying single and then said the above.,1 Cor. 7:36;,Tim Moore,Getting Marriage Off To A Good Start,27,,1998/04/19,
"Marriage,",'More marriages might survive if the partners realized that sometimes the better comes after the worse.'  Quote: Doug Larson.,Problems successfully dealt with often strengthen the marriage.,Genesis 2:24;,Bobby Laymon - Reader's Digest,Getting Marriage Off To A Good Start,27,,1996/03/21,
"Marriage,","'One person can ruin a marriage, but it takes two to make it work.'",Making marriage work is an achievement. Achievement implies  accomplishing something despite difficulties.,Pr 19:11; 18:13;,Fl 28  3,Getting Marriage Off To A Good Start,27,,1995/10/22,
"Marriage,",A plant without sunshine and water -- it seldom blooms.,"Likewise, marriage without love, kindness, compassion, patience, understanding, encouragement, and praise are essential facets of the jewel of marriage.",Mal 2:16; 1co 13:4-8; Eph 5:3-5;,"Feb 15, 1993 Wt Page 22",God Comes First In Successful Family Life,110,,,
"Marriage,","AN AERIALIST catapults from his swinging trapeze, doubles up, and deftly somersaults in the air.  Snapping out of his spin, he extends his arms and is caught by an upside-down trapeze artist from the opposite side. An ice-skating couple glide smoothly together in a rink Suddenly, the man lifts his partner and thrusts her into the air. She spins, lands gracefully on one skate, and continues circling with him on the ice. Both performances seem almost effortless. Yet, who would even attempt them without practice, a capable partner, and particularly the right kind of guidance or instruction.","Similarly, a good marriage may seemingly just happen. However, it too depends on a good partner, on coordinated effort, and especially on wise counsel. Indeed, proper gui4ance is essential.",Genesis 2:18-24,"May 15, 2001 Wt Page 16",Getting Marriage Off To A Good Start,27,,"Apr 13, 2001",
"Marriage,","Like a business; If a business is failing, you take steps to correct.  May have to schedule meetings; Alter the budget; change tactics on some things.  Look at communication between parties, even take chapter 11 bankruptcy, etc.","If a marriage is failing, schedule time for you and your wife to be alone.  Talk!  Work out problems!  Look at the budget!  It may be hard but it works both in business and marriage.",Eph 5:21-33;,Bobby Laymon,God Comes First In Successful Family Life,110,,,
"Marriage,","Like a ship on the sea, sometimes stormy, sometime calm and peaceable.  Some storms may even be major.","Some have learned to ride through minor storms and keep their ship of marriage on course.  Rather than scuttle (discard) the ship of marriage, a wise person will think of ways to repair any damage in order to recover it.","1co 10:12, 13; Heb 4:12; Job 24:15;","Feb 15, 1993 Wt Page 12, 16",God Comes First In Successful Family Life,110,,,
"Marriage,","Looking at two trees in line, it looks like one tree, perfectly shaped.  On moving to the side, you can tell it is two trees, both quite unbalanced, and missing limbs, etc.","Marriage is like that.  A wife may see her patience and love rub off on her husband, and she may start to notice his theocratic organizational abilities influence her.  Both together work to balance out the marriage.",Genesis 2:24,Bradley Wagner,God Comes First In Successful Family Life,110,,,
"Marriage,","Many things are disposable, such as diapers, gloves, towels, plates, cups, spoons, etc.","In Jehovah's eyes, marriage is not disposable, as it is viewed  by many in the world.",Ge 2:24;,"Jan 15, 1994 Wt Page 28",God Comes First In Successful Family Life,110,,1993/12/20,
"Marriage,","One should never advise another 'to marry or go to war.' Quote from English poet, George Herbert. Shakespeare said, 'But love is blind, and lovers cannot see the pretty follies that themselves commit.'",The outcome of an ill-advised marriage can prove quite disastrous True love will not be disgraced by foolish and immoral acts.,"1 Cor. 7:36-38; 1 Cor. 13:4, 7;","Sep 22, 1964 Aw Page 17, 18",God Comes First In Successful Family Life,110,,,
"Marriage,",Wedding day is one of the most optimistic in entire life. The ties that hold them together seem strong.,"So often, they drift apart.  Why? Why is unhappiness so prevalent?  Where does the trouble begin.","Gal. 5:22, 23; Col. 3:18-21;","Sep 22, 1967 Aw Page 12",God Comes First In Successful Family Life,110,,,
"Marriage,",Who knows best how to run the house-hold?  The parents or the children? Eunuchs promised something BETTER than sons and daughters. Applies also to 'other sheep' that devote themselves to ministry.,"Jehovah is the Creator of marriage.  He has the right and knows the best way for marriages to be happy. 'Marry in haste, repent in leisure.'","Genesis. 1:27, 28; Deuteronomy. 7:3, 4; Isa. 56:4, 5;","Lovers Of Freedom District Assy. Mobile July 12-14, 1991",God Comes First In Successful Family Life,110,,,
"Marriage, Aaa, Single,",AAA Club,Available After Armageddon,1 Cor 7:39,Circuit Overseer,Getting Marriage Off To A Good Start,27,,,
"Marriage, Adultery, Fornication,","'Once discovered, adultery hits a whole family like a massive hurricane, smashing homes, shattering trust and self-esteem, battering the young.'",Adultery is a sin against God.  It also wreaks havoc on a marriage.,Genesis 39:9;,"Jul 15, 1994 Wt Page 14;",A Godly View Of Sex And Marriage,13,,1994/09/04,
"Marriage, Adultery, Fornication,",Adultery may be likened to a plane crash.  A plane crash leaves crippled and mangled bodies all around.  There is wreckage everywhere.  Hardly anyone completely escapes injury.,"That is the way with adultery.  It leads to divorce, broken families, homeless children, and all kinds of social problems.",Genesis 39:9;,Bobby Laymon,A Godly View Of Sex And Marriage,13,,1994/09/04,
"Marriage, Adultery, Fornication,",Could a drug that kills 30-40% more consumers than it heals be recommended as medicine? In the United Kingdom more than half of the divorces give adultery as the reason.,Having an affair cannot be recommended as remedy for weak marriage.,Heb. 13:4,Johnse Laymon,God Comes First In Successful Family Life,110,,,
"Marriage, Adultery, Fornication, Morals, Standard,","'All of you here tonight who are living with a woman but haven't got your marriage legally arranged, I'm giving you some advice. Go to the Catholic Church and put your name down as a member, because there you can practice these things. But this is God's organization, and you can't practice these things here.' Quote: Knorr","Talk in 1945, when N. H. Knorr gave a discourse on Christian morality, when some were not taking seriously the Bible's moral standards.","Acts 15:19,20; 1c 6:18;",Jehovah's Witnesses - Proclaimers Of God's Kingdom.  Page 174,Why Live By Bible Standards?,88,,,
"Marriage, Adultery, Resentment, Communication,","A marriage is like a priceless vessel.  When it is damaged by adultery, incalculable harm occurs.","True, if the innocent mate decides to forgive, the pieces may be glued together through reconciliation.  But the cracks remain, and during an argument, there may be an inclination to look at those cracks and to use the past as a weapon.",Pr 6:32;,"Aug 1, 1993 Wt Page 6",A Godly View Of Sex And Marriage,13,,,
"Marriage, Adultery, Resentment, Communication, Forgiveness,","Resentment can boil silently inside, or it can be mercilessly unleashed.","If you have forgiven your mate, guard against letting a lingering indignation undo the good that you achieved through the act of forgiveness.",Pr 6:32;,"Aug 1, 1993 Wt Page 6",A Godly View Of Sex And Marriage,13,,,
"Marriage, Angels",Marriage is gift from God that even the angels don't enjoy.,We should treasure this gift and make it work.,Luke 20:34-36,"Johnse Laymon  Dec 8, Awake Pg. 23",,,,,
"Marriage, Beauty, Dating, Flesh,",Beauty is only skin-deep.,"We must look beyond outer beauty, in searching for a mate, and other things.","Prov. 31:30; Est. 2:7; Prov. 11:22; Jere. 10:4; Ezek. 16:15, 25;",Bobby Laymon,God Comes First In Successful Family Life,110,,,
"Marriage, Bible,",Is it not the wise thing to inquire of the maker or designer of an instrument as to how it should be operated?  He could give you the wisest and best instructions.,"Similarly, is it not only reasonable that married people should seek guidance and counsel from the originator of marriage, Jehovah God?","Genesis. 2:22; Gal. 5:22, 23; Col. 3:18-21;","Sep 22, 1967 Aw Page 15",God Comes First In Successful Family Life,110,,,
"Marriage, Celibacy, Pleasures,","'Marriage has many pains, but celibacy has no pleasures.'  Quote: Samuel Johnson.",Bible account makes it clear that in marriage natural sexual relations were viewed by Jehovah as fitting.,"Ge 1:27, 28;",Bobby Laymon,A Godly View Of Sex And Marriage,13,,1995/07/18,
"Marriage, Communicate,","Can be like the warm embers of a fire on a chilly day.  Just a look, a touch, can communicate.","By the affectionate and yet respectful way they behave toward each other, whether in public or in private, showing dignity in dress and manners.",Pr. 5:18;,Bobby Laymon,God Comes First In Successful Family Life,110,,,
"Marriage, Communication,",A happy marriage is a long conversation which always seems too short.  -- Andre Maurois,A happy marriage involves good conversation.,1 Cor 14:9,Bobby Laymon,Communication--within The Family And With God,30,,"Nov 19, 2001",
"Marriage, Communication,","If you were to build a strong, secure, comfortable home, what materials would you use?  Wood?  Brick?  Stone?","Here is what the Bible book of Proverbs recommends: By wisdom a household will be built up, and by discernment it will prove firmly established. 24:4 And by knowledge will the interior rooms be filled with all precious and pleasant things of value.","Pr 24:3, 4","Jan 22, 1994 Aw Page 10",Parents--are You Building With Fire-resistant Materials?,104,,1994/01/02,
"Marriage, Communication,",Just as a fisherman likes to know what is below his boat and uses a depth finder.,Loving partners look below the surface at each others feeling and emotions.  This is not a cold scrutiny of each other's communication style but a warm gaze into each other's heart and mind.,Mt 7:12; Pr 16:23;,"Jan 22, 1994 Aw Page 4",God Comes First In Successful Family Life,110,,1994/01/02,
"Marriage, Communication, Arguments,","A wife may have the distinct feeling that her words are being screened and analyzed by a computer solving a math problem.  Especially when, right in the middle he says, 'Well, why don't you just ...?'","When a wife comes to her husband with a problem what she wants most is a sympathetic ear that will hear, not just the cold facts, but her feelings about it.",Pr 19:13;,"Jan 22, 1994 Aw Page 8",God Comes First In Successful Family Life,110,,1994/01/02,
"Marriage, Communication, Arguments,","The millions of marital arguments down through time may have had many different tunes, but they have often been variations on a few basic themes.",Understanding you mate's different perspective or communication style may help reduce these blazing forest fires to glowing charcoal in the hearth of a happy home. [example: sometimes she needs to air feelings; He wants to give solutions.],Pr 19:13;,"Jan 22, 1994 Aw Page 7",God Comes First In Successful Family Life,110,,1994/01/02,
"Marriage, Communication, Arguments, Counsel, Discipline,",Communication might be compared with serving your spouse a glass of ice water as opposed to splashing it in his or her face.,All the difference is in the delivery.,Col 3:12-14;,"Jan 22, 1994 Aw Page 9",God Comes First In Successful Family Life,110,,1994/01/02,
"Marriage, Complement,","First & Second fiddle; 2 first fiddles produce no harmony; rivalry First & Second fiddlers must think and feel alike. First while always taking the lead, keep in mind problem second has in following him.",Husbands must not play as if rendering a 'solo' He can even profit from hints from 'second fiddler' but must en- devour to anticipate the interpretation of the 'first',1 Cor. 11:3,"May 8, 1961 Aw Page 10",God Comes First In Successful Family Life,110,,,
"Marriage, Complement, Depend, Helper,","Really both of you can be just like the Hula birds.  How is that?  The hula birds depend on each other.   The two birds are together for life.  The male hula bird has a sharp chisel like beak that he uses to hammer away at tree trunks but his beak is too big to get the bugs, so the female bird with her delicate tweezers like beak reaches in to pull out the food and she feeds him.  They become mates for life.  They depend on each other and help each other.","You both will depend on one another, both of you need to be there to help the another.",Genesis. 2:18;,Jim Kinkade,Getting Marriage Off To A Good Start,27,,"Oct 30, 2001",
"Marriage, Confidential, Trust, Elders,",Pry bar.,Confidential matters.   May test humility of wife & children.,"1 Pet 4:15 1 Tim 5:9, 10  Titus 2:3-5","May 15 Wt, 1989 P 20",On Whose Promises Do You Rely?,61,,,
"Marriage, Cool Off, Weddings,",I have heard it said that marriage is a lot like 'bath water.'  After a while it is not so hot.,But you can warm it up.,Matt 24:12;,Joe Laymon,A Godly View Of Sex And Marriage,13,,1996/08/03,
"Marriage, Cooperation, Balance,","'Marriage resembles a pair of shears, so joined that they can not be separated; often moving in opposite directions, yet always punishing anyone who comes between them.'  Quote: Sydney Smith. [1855].","Both mates should clothe themselves with love.  As clothing protects the body, so love safeguards marital unity.",Col 3:12-14;,Bobby Laymon,A Godly View Of Sex And Marriage,13,,1995/07/18,
"Marriage, Cooperation, Husband, Wife, Wedding,","'Marriage, n. a community consisting of a master, a mistress, and two slaves, making in all, two.' Quote: Ambrose Bierce.  The Devil's Dictionary [1906].","Marriage is like a twofold cord--with both mates united and mutually supportive--but love for God can strengthen the marriage, as if he were party to it.",Eccl 4:9-12;,Bobby Laymon,Getting Marriage Off To A Good Start,27,,1995/08/09,
"Marriage, Cost, Wedding,","CONSTRUCTING a building requires careful preparation.  Before the foundation is laid, land must be acquired and plans drawn up.  However, something else is vital. Jesus said: 'Who of you that wants to build a tower does not first sit down and calculate the expense, to see if he has enough to complete it?'",What is true of constructing a building also applies to constructing a successful marriage. Many say: 'I want to get married.' But how many stop to consider the cost?,Luke 14:28;,Fy Page 13,Getting Marriage Off To A Good Start,27,,1996/06/12,
"Marriage, Courtship, Dating,","Games should be fun; taken lightly, even humorously.  With a game, it is not really important if you finish it or not, as long as it entertains, and brings happiness for the moment. Marriage: [Be sure you yourself are ready to finish what you begin]","Courtship is not something to be taken lightly, like a game. Playing with another's affections is a cruel sport and the emotional bruises and heartache it causes can last a life time.","Lk 14:28, 29; Pr 10:23; 13:12;",Building A Happy Family Life.  Page 25,God Comes First In Successful Family Life,110,,,
"Marriage, Courtship, Dating,","In some respects this is like a person who goes to a restaurant and is seated at a table. The waiter, after bringing water, bread, and a menu, waits expectantly to take the order. But the customer keeps saying, 'No, I'm just fine like this. I don't want to order anything yet.' Why enter a restaurant if you don't want to eat a meal?","So with a courtship, why enter such a relationship if you don't want to get married?  Some persons, while wanting to keep the relationship cozy, avoid discussing the possibility of marriage. They reason: 'Why can't we just keep things the way they are now?'",Prov 13:12;,"Feb 22, 1989 Aw Page 23",Getting Marriage Off To A Good Start,27,,1997/06/26,
"Marriage, Courtship, Dating, Wife, Mate, Love,",A man does not hit himself when he fails to do as well as he might like.,Nor will a husband do that to his wife just because she sometimes falls short of his expectations.  To the contrary he would loyally come to her aid if someone treated her harshly.,Eph 5:28;,Building A Happy Family Life.  Page 50,"Friendship With God, Friendship With The World -- Which Will You Choose?",79,,,
"Marriage, Courtship, Dating, Wife, Mate, Love,",What holds your clothing together?  A few big knots tied with rope?  Or thousands of little stitches of thread?,Love is like clothing.  It is the continuing accumulation of small words and acts manifested daily that 'clothe' us and reveal what we are.  Spiritual 'clothing' will not wear out.,Eph 5:28;,Building A Happy Family Life.  Page 80,How To Express Love In A Lawless World,112,,,
"Marriage, Dating, Mate,","Is it something we will 'stick with,' or something we will be 'stuck with.'",Regarding a prospective mate.,Pro 15:22;,Charles Stowe,Getting Marriage Off To A Good Start,27,,1995/10/22,
"Marriage, Dating, Youth, Family, Relationship,","See-saw, If only one person gets closer it become one-sided. If one on the end lets go, the other is headed for a fall.","Feelings must be mutual, to be balanced.","1jn 4:8, 16, 19; Jn 3:16; 13:35; 1jn 2:6; Mt 22:37",Bobby Laymon,True Friendship With God And Neighbor.,100,,,
"Marriage, Divorce,",'A successful marriage is not a gift; it is an achievement.'  Quote: Ann Landers.,Jehovah's counsel is the foundation for happy marriage.   Even those already married can benefit from review of points; can help in own marriage and better equip you to help others.,Mt. 7:24-27;,Bobby Laymon,Getting Marriage Off To A Good Start,27,,1995/06/27,
"Marriage, Divorce,",'AND they lived happily ever after.',That fairy tale ending applies to fewer and fewer marriages nowadays.  The wedding promise to love each other 'for better or for worse as long as both shall live' is all too often just rhetoric.,Genesis. 2:24;,"Apr 1, 1998 Wt Page 3",Show Respect And Love In Your Marriage,28,,1998/02/23,
"Marriage, Divorce,","'Backpedaling'  Some experts are now doing that regarding the attitude toward divorce.  Easy for them, but not so easy for the thousands who have followed their advise. God's Word does not change, with shifting winds of experts.","Of those divorced for one year, 81% of men and 97% of women conceded that divorce may have been a mistake and that they should have tried harder to make their marriage work.","Ps 146:3, 4; Mal 2:16; Mt 19:1-9; Lk 14:28;","Feb 8, 1992 Aw Page 9",God Comes First In Successful Family Life,110,,,
"Marriage, Divorce,","'The cure' divorce 'brings is worse than the disease.'  'After my divorce,' Ann said, 'I didn't even feel alive.  There was such a void that I felt nonexistent.  It was just terrible. I can't describe how empty I felt.'","Regarding divorce and its bitter harvest. Lawyer, friends, experts, do not pay the price of divorce.  It's the divorcing couples and their children who pay final bill.",Mal 2:16; Mt 19:1-9; Lk 14:28;,"Feb 8, 1992 Aw Page 8",God Comes First In Successful Family Life,110,,,
"Marriage, Divorce,",'The legal system today is a well-oiled machine designed to facilitate divorce.' Experts are more adept at promoting divorce than at preserving marriage.,"'After all, lawyers profit from handling divorce, not reconciliations.'",Mal 2:16; Mt 19:1-9; 1co 15:33;,"Feb 8, 1992 Aw Page 5-7",God Comes First In Successful Family Life,110,,,
"Marriage, Divorce,",'Try to repair bridges rather than burn them.' No marriage is perfect in this old world. Instead of throwing everything away (disposable marriage) be solution oriented.,Marriage is usually only as good as the effort that goes into it.,"1co 7:28; Ps 146:3, 4; Mal 2:16; Mt 19:1-9; Lk 14:28;","Feb 8, 1992 Aw Page 10",God Comes First In Successful Family Life,110,,,
"Marriage, Divorce,","If we compare the global divorce phenomenon to an earthquake, the United States would be at the epicenter.","In a recent year, more than one million marriages were terminated there an average of two every minute. But you may well be aware that the United States is hardly alone in its marital misery.",1 Cor 7:9;,W99 2/15 3,Getting Marriage Off To A Good Start,27,,"Jul 5, 2000",
"Marriage, Divorce,","JESUS said: 'Who of you that wants to build a tower does not first sit down and calculate the expense, to see if he has enough to complete it?'",What is true of building a tower is also true of building a marriage. Those who want to get married should carefully count the cost of marriage to make sure they can meet the demands.,Luke 14:28,W99 2/15 4,Getting Marriage Off To A Good Start,27,,"Jul 5, 2000",
"Marriage, Divorce,","One educator observed: 'How many of our youth go through college studying about the behavior of rats and lizards, but fail to learn about the behavior of two people called husband and wife?'","Indeed, many enter marriage with little or no idea of how to make it succeed. Yet, this is hardly surprising.",1 Cor 7:9;,W99 2/15 3,A Godly View Of Sex And Marriage,13,,"Jul 5, 2000",
"Marriage, Divorce,","Sadly, however, the dream of a happy marriage often proves to be just that -- A dream.","Upon waking up to reality, many have said that they married too soon or married the wrong person or both.",1 Cor 7:9;,W99 2/15 3,Getting Marriage Off To A Good Start,27,,"Jul 5, 2000",
"Marriage, Divorce,","The Divorce trap: Experts helped to bait it. (faced with marital problems, turn to marriage counselors and therapist or books) Some teach that man is programmed to switch mates every few years.",Bait: Promise of successful self-fulfillment in a career.  A good marriage is one of the most useful of habits.,Mal 2:16; Mt 19:1-9; 1co 15:33;,"Feb 8, 1992 Aw Page 5-7",God Comes First In Successful Family Life,110,,,
"Marriage, Divorce,","These days, marriage, like pens, plates, diapers, and razors seem to be more popular in disposable form. 'When you're tired of it, just junk it' -- so goes the prevailing attitude. 'Divorce Jewelry' melt down those memories:","Prevailing attitude toward marriage, by many today.  For a fee local jeweler lets divorced people turn blowtorch onto engagement and wedding rings.",Mal 2:16;,"Feb 8, 1992 Aw Page 3",God Comes First In Successful Family Life,110,,,
"Marriage, Divorce,","To illustrate: A cruise ship may seem majestic as it sits idle, moored at a pier. Its true seaworthiness, however, is proved at sea perhaps even amid the crashing waves of a storm.","Similarly, the strength of a marriage bond is not solely defined during peaceful moments of romantic calm. At times, it is proved under trial some circumstances in which a couple weathers storms of adversity.",Luke 14:28,W99 2/15 4,Getting Marriage Off To A Good Start,27,,"Jul 5, 2000",
"Marriage, Divorce,","Wild Canadian geese do it; Turtle doves do it;  Even some variety of penguins do it.  But is marriage for life strictly 'for the birds?'   U.S. might well be called the divorce capital of the world.  The annual divorce rate is over 1,160,000, or nearly half the number of weddings.",Illustrating the attitude toward marriage today. (See article for other countries),Mal 2:16; Mt 19:1-9;,"Bobby Laymon  (see Feb 8, 1992 Aw Page 3)",A Godly View Of Sex And Marriage,13,,,
"Marriage, Divorce,",Would you choose to dive into a river without first learning to swim? Such a foolish act could be harmful even deadly.,"Think, though, of how many people jump into marriage with little awareness of how to take on the responsibilities involved.",1 Cor 7:9;,W99 2/15 4,Getting Marriage Off To A Good Start,27,,"Jul 5, 2000",
"Marriage, Divorce, Adultery, Free To Marry?","You may have borrowed money from a friend, agreeing to make regular payments on that debt. Then you became a Christian. Would that cancel the debt?  Would probably feel obligation more.","If before coming into the truth, you obtained an unscriptural divorce, you would not be free to marry, unless you or your mate one committed adultery after the divorce.",1 Cor. 6:9-11; Ps. 37:21; 15:4; 112:5;,Questions From The Readers 1980 Wt,God Comes First In Successful Family Life,110,,,
"Marriage, Divorce, Choosing, Mate,",IT has been observed that many people spend more time deciding which car to buy or which school to attend than which person to marry.,Choosing a marriage mate is one of the most important decisions a man or woman will ever make.,Proverbs 14:15,W99 2/15 6,,,,"Jul 5, 2000",
"Marriage, Divorce, Concessions, Transgression,","A strong town under siege can adamantly refuse to make concessions, being unreasonable and rigid.","Like a 'strong town' under siege, the warring parties can be unreasonable and rigid.  However, it does not have to be this way.",Pr 18:19; Eph 4:32;,"Feb 1, 1994 Wt  Page 32",God Comes First In Successful Family Life,110,,1993/12/31,
"Marriage, Divorce, Failure,",'It is not marriage that fails; it is the people that fail. All that marriage does is to show people up.'  Quote:  Harry Emerson Fosdick. (1878-1969)  American Baptist minister,That is true.  Marriage must be based on God's Word.,Ge 2:24;,Familiar Quotations,A Godly View Of Sex And Marriage,13,,1995/06/25,
"Marriage, Divorce, Happiness,",IT HAS been said that much of life's happiness and much of its misery emanate from the same source--one's marriage.,"Indeed, few things in life have the potential to provide as much ecstasy--or as much anguish.",Eph. 5:28;,"Jan 8, 2001 Aw Page 3",Getting Marriage Off To A Good Start,27,,"Dec 18, 2000",
"Marriage, Divorce, Sex,","For his followers, Jesus Christ put marriage back where God had started it in the garden of Eden.",This does not permit a man to commit adultery or have sex relations with any other woman.,"Ge 2:24; 1ti 3:1, 2, 12; Tit 1:5-7;","Oct 1, 1956 Wt Page 585",A Godly View Of Sex And Marriage,13,,,
"Marriage, Divorce, Wedding,",'It's a piece of cake!'  That's how the world views marriage.  Courtship they even call the 'Dating Game.'  The U.S. is the divorce capital of the world.,"Before the big day, get a piece of paper and list all the reasons you are getting married.  (You can do so privately]  Then divide them into good reasons and bad reasons.  Be honest.   Rely on God's Word.",Ecc 5:2;,"'joyful Praisers Dist. Convention'  June 9-11, 1995; Kc, Mo; Keith Kline;",Getting Marriage Off To A Good Start,27,,1995/06/12,
"Marriage, Divorce, Wedding,",Suppose someone gave you a big fancy house.  Could you care for it?  Would you have enough resources to maintain it?,"Marriage is much more than a big, expensive house.  'Tribulation in the flesh' will strike sometime in the future, in a flash.  Will you have the resources to maintain a marriage.",1 Cor 7:28;,"'joyful Praisers Dist. Convention'  June 9-11, 1995; Kc, Mo; Keith Kline;",Getting Marriage Off To A Good Start,27,,1995/06/12,
"Marriage, Divorce, Wedding, Tribulation, Single,",You have heard people say to someone.  'Go home and work out your marriage!',This proves that you will have 'tribulation in the flesh' with your marriage.,1 Cor 7:28;,"'joyful Praisers Dist. Convention'  June 9-11, 1995; Kc, Mo; Keith Kline;",Getting Marriage Off To A Good Start,27,,1995/06/12,
"Marriage, Divorce, Wedding, Tribulation, Single, Personality,","Color, when used harmoniously, can represent harmony, and happiness.  However, color can also represent madness.","You cannot use pretty paint to put studs in a wall.  Sometimes, characteristics, though once desirable, can lead to undesirable ones.  Look at marriage as a long term, life time contract.","Prov 24:27; Mt 19:4, 5;","'joyful Praisers Dist. Convention'  June 9-11, 1995; Kc, Mo; Keith Kline;",Getting Marriage Off To A Good Start,27,,1995/06/12,
"Marriage, Family, Attitude, World, Greed,","Some people should marry after they are set in their ways, and some before.","World is shaped by greed, distrust,",Eccl. 5:10; 7:12; Ps. 49:6-10; Prov. 11:4; Ezek. 7:19; Job 31,Bobby Laymon,Family Life That Warms The Heart,5,,,
"Marriage, Feast, Call, Jews, Anointed, Invitation,","'The kingdom of the heavens has become like a man, a king, that made a marriage feast for his son. And he sent forth his slaves to call  those invited to the marriage feast, but they were unwilling to come.'  Quote: Jesus Christ.","Jehovah God is the King who prepares a marriage feast for his Son, Jesus Christ. Eventually, the bride of 144,000 anointed followers will  be united with Jesus in heaven. The King's subjects are the people of Israel, who, on being brought into the Law covenant in 1513 B.C.E., received the opportunity of becoming 'a kingdom of priests.' Thus, on that occasion, they were originally extended the invitation to the marriage feast.  However, the first call to those invited did not go out until the fall of 29 C.E., when Jesus and his disciples (the king's slaves) began their work of Kingdom preaching. But the natural Israelites who received this call issued by the slaves from 29 C.E. to 33 C.E. were unwilling to come. So God gave the nation of invited ones another opportunity, as Jesus relates: 'Again he sent forth other slaves, saying, 'Tell those invited: 'Look! I have prepared my dinner, my bulls and fattened animals are slaughtered, and all things are ready. Come to the marriage feast.''' This second and final call of those invited began at Pentecost 33 C.E., when holy spirit was poured out on Jesus' followers. This call continued until 36 C.E.",Matthew 22:2-6;,Gt 107,,,,1996/01/15,
"Marriage, Flesh, Problems",Did you ever use a wedge to split a piece of wood apart.  With each lick the gap becomes wider and eventually you have not one but two separate pieces of wood.,"It is the same in marriage.  If problems are not talked about and solved, the 'one flesh' can become two again, and the marriage will fail.","Ge 2:2:24; Mt 19:5, 6",Johnse Laymon,Getting Marriage Off To A Good Start,27,,,
"Marriage, Garbage, Sow, Reap, Sex, Violence,","Sow rot, reap rot. Garbage in, garbage out. The chickens are coming home to roost-and the homecoming is horrendous.","Various elements in society, especially the media, entertainers, and the entertainment industry-elements that profit by pandering to the  worst in humanity-disgorge sex and violence and corruption and thereby contribute heavily to the degradation of the young and the  family. So the above rule goes into operation.",Ecclesiastes 4:9-12;,G91 9/22 5,Getting Marriage Off To A Good Start,27,,1995/10/22,
"Marriage, Generosity, Selfish, Extortion,","Snake and File.  Snake came into blacksmith's shop looking for something to eat.  Asked file, and it said, 'You're a fool if you think you will get something from me.  I'm used to taking things away instead of giving.'",Don't expect generosity from selfish people.,"1 Cor. 6:9, 10; Prov. 28:7;",Aesop's Fables,God Comes First In Successful Family Life,110,,,
"Marriage, Gift, Home,","Happy home does not come as a 'wedding gift'.   Must be built. Any structure that is to last a long time, must have a firm, well-planned foundation.",Both must make a united effort to build it.,"Eph. 5:28, 29; 1 Cor. 13:4, 5","Apr 22, 1960 Aw Page 16",God Comes First In Successful Family Life,110,,,
"Marriage, Goals, Unbeliever, Unity,","The two bulls pictured here have enormous strength, enabling them to pull heavy loads with ease.  But suppose one of the bulls was replaced by a donkey.  Since a donkey is smaller and weaker than a bull, likely it would rebel by kicking the traces holding it in this uneven yoke.","With good reason, then, God's Word warns about being 'unevenly yoked' to one who does not share your faith.  Even those of the same faith should ask: Do we share the same goals?  Where will we live?  Who will handle the budget?  Will both of us work?  What about children?  Will kindness govern the relationship?",Deuteronomy 22:10; 2 Cor 6:14; Matt 19:6; 1 Cor 7:39,"Nov 15, 1995 Wt Page 31",Getting Marriage Off To A Good Start,27,,1996/01/14,
"Marriage, Happiness,","In romantic tales, the problem often is getting the two who are in love together.  But then they live happily ever after.","In real life, it is living happily afterward, day by day, that presents the true challenge. After the delights of the wedding day comes the daily routine of life: getting up early, going to work, shopping, cooking meals, washing dishes, cleaning the house, and so on.","Ecc 4:9, 10; Mt 5:40, 41; 1 Co 6:7;",Making Your Family Life Happy.  Page 26,You Can Find Joy In Serving God,103,,1993/11/23,
"Marriage, Happiness,",There is happiness not only in GIVING but also in GIVING IN.,"Pride fades as love grows.  Yielding, brings happiness when personal preference, and not principle, is involved.  It may be the buying of some item f or the house, or how to spend a vacation.  When concern for the other's happiness is shown, the couple begin to fit the apostle Paul's words: 'Keeping an eye, not in personal interest upon just your own matters, but also in personal interest upon those of the others.' -Philippians 2:4.",Php 2:4;,Making Your Family Life Happy.  Page 29,You Can Find Joy In Serving God,103,,1993/11/23,
"Marriage, Happiness, Divorce,","Some things you inherit from your parents, like freckles, and body features.","Fortunately, marital unhappiness is not something you inherit from your parents, like freckles.  You are a unique individual.",Heb 12:4; Eph 5:28;,Questions Young People Ask  Page 37,You Can Find Joy In Serving God,103,,,
"Marriage, Happiness, Divorce, Depression, Youth, Children, Groaning,","Just as a literal wound, like a broken bone, can take weeks or even months to heal completely.","Emotional wounds take time to heal.  It may even take 2-3 years, however, there is 'a time to heal.'",Eccl. 3:3;,Questions Young People Ask  Page 39,Gaining Comfort In All Our Tribulations,105,,,
"Marriage, Happiness, Joy, Peace, Contentment,","Quote from a little boy, 'If Mommy ain't happy, nobody's happy.'",We must endeavor to keep peace within the family. Jehovah loves a 'cheerful giver.'  So do wives!,Prov. 31:29; 2co 9:7,Joe Bounds,Serve Jehovah With A Joyful Heart,78,,,
"Marriage, Haste,","Marriage can be a KEY to happiness, though it can also OPEN THE DOOR TO PROBLEMS!","Many Witnesses are marrying too young, often becoming parents before they are ready to shoulder responsibilities.",1co 7:36-39; Ruth 1:9; Mt 19:10-12;,"May 15, 1992 Wt Page 15",God Comes First In Successful Family Life,110,,,
"Marriage, Haste,","Those who marry in haste, 'may repent at leisure.'  (English dramatist William Congreve)","Many Witnesses are marrying too young, often becoming parents before they are ready to shoulder responsibilities.",1co 7:36-39; Ruth 1:9; Mt 19:10-12;,"May 15, 1992 Wt Page 14",God Comes First In Successful Family Life,110,,,
"Marriage, Honorable, United, Twofold,","Love of Jehovah can add strength to your marriage.  As an example if you take one two by four board and it will hold up to 50 pounds of weight, and you put two of those board together, you would think it would hold 100 pounds of weight.  But actually they will become stronger together and will support a 120 pounds.",As you two become one together you will become even stronger and if Jehovah is present you can become unbreakable.,Eccl. 4:9-12;,Jim Kinkade,Honorable Marriage In God's Sight.,995,,"Oct 30, 2001",
"Marriage, Husband, Head,","What would happen if the head of a staff of workers knew little or nothing about his department?   He took little interest in what his staff was doing, gave no directions or instructions? Put off making decisions?  Forced his subordinates to take charge?","Similar in a home. If a man turns over leadership and all decision-making to his wife, she quickly loses respect. 'Go ask your mother.'",Eph. 5:23; 6:4,"Feb 1, 1967 Wt Page 67",God Comes First In Successful Family Life,110,,,
"Marriage, Husband, Wife,",'If you treat your wife like a thoroughbred...','...She will never turn out to be an old nag!',"Prov 19:13, 14;25:24;",Bobby Laymon,Getting Marriage Off To A Good Start,27,,1995/05/17,
"Marriage, Husband, Wife,",Formica fitted to table top. Pretties it up. Mates must complement each other.,"Becomes one, unmovable without damage","Genesis 2:23, 24",Bobby Laymon,A Godly View Of Sex And Marriage,13,,,
"Marriage, Husband, Wife,",There is a captain on every ship.,Jehovah has appointed man in that capacity for the family.  He will make mistakes; but so will she.  The greatest mistake for both would be not to follow this God-ordained procedure and thus remain divided.,Eph 5:22-24; Ge 2:18;,"Apr 8, 1970 Aw Page 5, 6,",God Comes First In Successful Family Life,110,,,
"Marriage, Husband, Wife, Disagreements, Problems,","A minister once commented, 'I am not marrying two individuals.  I am marrying 4 individuals.  One grown man, a grown woman, a little boy and a little girl.","You wives, when your husband acts like a little boy, be sure to play your role as a grown woman.  Husbands!  When your wife is a little girl, don't forget you are a grown man.  [Both must not be children at the same time.]",1 Pet 3:7; Prov 31:10;,"Jul 15, 1994 Wt Page 14; Comment By Evelyn Perkins",A Godly View Of Sex And Marriage,13,,1994/09/04,
"Marriage, Husband, Wife, Wedding, Divorce,",'Marriage isn't a 50-50 proposition very often.  It's more like 100-0 one moment and 0-100 the next.' Quote: Billie Jean King. American tennis player.,"Husbands and wife ought not think just of own feelings or needs.  When husband and wife have real concern for each other, differences in physical needs and desires can be accommodated, bringing considerable satisfaction to both.","1 Cor 7:3, 4;",Bobby Laymon,A Godly View Of Sex And Marriage,13,,1995/06/27,
"Marriage, Immorality, Adultery, Treason,",Treason is the betrayal of a trust or a confidence.,"'Treason' is not too strong a word regarding immorality.  Surely the marriage vow involves trust and a promise to love and cherish, through thick and thin, through good times and bad.",Ecclesiastes 5:4; Lk 15:7; Re 12:12;,"Feb 15, 1993 Wt Page 16",God Comes First In Successful Family Life,110,,,
"Marriage, License, Contract,","When you enter into a business partnership or buy a piece of property or lend money, why do you have the terms written down and even notarized.  A commitment has been made by both parties. If one partner dies, or loses memory, terms still legally binding.",Same with marriage. In the event of death of one or both mates the law makes provision for the surviving members of the family. This is lacking in 'live-in' arrangements.,"Ge 2:24; Heb 13:4; 1 Thes 4:3; 1 Co 7:9, 36;","Jan 8, 1992 Aw Page 26  (entered Dec 16, 1991)",God Comes First In Successful Family Life,110,,,
"Marriage, Love, Commitment,","Most people get married believing a myth--that marriage is a beautiful box full of all the things they have longed for: companionship, sexual fulfillment, intimacy, trust and friendship.","The truth is, that marriage at the start is an empty box. You must put something in before you can take anything out. There is no love in marriage. Love is in people. And people put love in marriage. There is no romance in marriage. You have to infuse it into your marriage. A couple must learn the art and form the habit of giving, loving, serving, praising--keeping the box full. If you take out more than you put in, the box will be empty.",Luke 6:38,Bobby Laymon,Getting Marriage Off To A Good Start,27,,"Jan 18, 2001",
"Marriage, Love, Wife,","'What got your wife, will keep your wife.'",You owe her your time and attention as when you were courting her.  Pray with her and for her.,Eph. 5:28;,"Brother Harrison. C.O.  Elder's School 11/23, 24 At St. Louis",Getting Marriage Off To A Good Start,27,,"Nov 26, 2001",
"Marriage, Mate, Wedding,","When a man is dating his wife, and she trips over a stone in the path, he says, 'What is that stone doing there?  Who put it there?'  After being married for some years, she stumbles over a stone, he says, 'Watch where you step.'",We should maintain that same degree of watchfulness for our mates we had in the beginning.,Eph 5:25,Jack Jones - Bethel Speaker - Special Assembly Day.,Getting Marriage Off To A Good Start,27,,1997/09/30,
"Marriage, Maturity,","Preemies; Born early, have great difficulty in early years. Encourage children toward singleness.  Help control premature marriage. May mean life and happiness to them.","Singleness, may do same thing in early years of marriage.",Matt 19:11,Bobby Laymon,God Comes First In Successful Family Life,110,,,
"Marriage, Men, Women, Understanding, Sex, Communication,","'Men Are From Mars, Women Are From Venus.'  Title of a book.","Promotes the theory that men and women, though speaking the same language, have distinctly different communication styles.",Pr 16:23;,"Jan 22, 1994 Aw Page 4",A Godly View Of Sex And Marriage,13,,1994/01/02,
"Marriage, Moods, Family,","As adrenaline will start a heart beating again, so jealousy arouses the soul to the defense of something cherished.  The opposite of jealousy is indifference, and we should not be indifferent to our marriage.","But there is another kind of jealousy, one induced by insecurity and fed by the imagination.  Such unreasoning, overly possessive jealousy turns the marriage into an unpleasant prison where trust and true love cannot survive.  'Love is not jealous' in such a manner, and obsessive jealousy 'is   rottenness to the bones.' -1 Corinthians 13:4; Proverbs 14:30.",1 Corinthians 13:4; Proverbs 14:30.,Family Life Book Page 35,Family Life That Warms The Heart,5,,1993/11/30,
"Marriage, Moods, Family,",It is far better to nourish a good mood than to nurse a bad one.,"And it's much more fun, for you and most certainly for your mate!",Php 4:8,Family Life Book Page 34,Family Life That Warms The Heart,5,,1993/11/30,
"Marriage, Partners, Complement, Perfection,","In my yard are two trees.  When you look at them individually, they look misshaped, and imperfect.  However, line them up and look at them together and they look perfect.",That is the way it is with marriage partners.  One fills in where the other is lacking because they complement one another.,Genesisesis 2:18,Bradley Wagner,Getting Marriage Off To A Good Start,27,,"Sep 6, 2001",
"Marriage, Passion, Sex, Fornication, Adultery,","'Who of you that wants to build a tower,' Jesus asked, 'does not first sit down and calculate the expense, to see if he has enough to complete it?   Otherwise, he might lay its foundation but not be able to finish it.'","The same principle applies to marriage.  Since God views marriage as a lifelong union, the selection of a mate should certainly not be rushed. And be sure that you yourself are ready to finish what you have begun.  Even  courtship is not something to take lightly, like a game.  Playing with   another's affections is a cruel sport and the emotional bruises and heartache it causes can last a long time. -Proverbs 10:23; 13:12.","Pr 10:23; 13:12; Luke 14:28, 29;",Making Your Family Life Happy.  Page 25,A Godly View Of Sex And Marriage,13,,1993/11/23,7/2/2025
"Marriage, Passion, Sex, Fornication, Adultery,","The fierce heat of passion that momentarily seems to forge an unbreakable bond can quickly cool and, within weeks or even days, the marriage may turn to ashes.",Undue familiarity or unbridled passion can cheapen the relationship before the marriage begins.  Sexual immorality is not a good foundation on which to begin building a marriage.  It betrays a selfish unconcern for the other person's future happiness.,2 Sa 13:1-19;,Making Your Family Life Happy.  Page 22,A Godly View Of Sex And Marriage,13,,1993/11/23,
"Marriage, Practice, Laws, Principles, Bible,","You can have the most nourishing meal in the world in front of you, but if you do not eat it, no good will come to your body.","Similarly, merely having the Bible, reading it and quoting from it does not mean a person is living by it. So when you see a marriage fail, know for certain that there has been a failure by one mate or both to put into practice God's laws and principles for marriage",Heb 5:14;,G81 1/22 8,God Comes First In Successful Family Life,110,,1994/06/04,
"Marriage, Provider, Husband, Material, Spiritual,","'Clothes, shoes, shelter and food.'  Words from an old Spanish song, lists the four basic things a husband is expected to provide for his family.","However, do you care for the more important 'spiritual needs' of your family?","Eph. 6:4; 1 Tim. 3:4, 5, 12; Titus 1:6; Deuteronomy. 6:6, 7;","Sep 1, 1991 Wt Page 30",God Comes First In Successful Family Life,110,,,
"Marriage, Puppy Love, Emotion, Wedding,",'The fundamental error of their matrimonial union; that of having based a permanent contract on a temporary feeling.' Quote: Thomas Hardy.  -1895.,"For Christian marriage to last, God must be put first in life and his advice followed by both mates.",Matt. 22:36-40; Rom. 13:8-10',Bobby Laymon,Getting Marriage Off To A Good Start,27,,1995/08/09,
"Marriage, Respect,",How many have been married 50 years?  40?  30?  20?  10?  5?  2?  1?.,How many would like to get married?  (Introduction to talk),Eph 5:33;,David Pfister,Show Respect And Love In Your Marriage,28,,1997/06/23,
"Marriage, Respect,","If she under-value me. What care I, how fair she be.",Wife must respect her husband.,Eph. 5:22-33;,Bobby Laymon,God Comes First In Successful Family Life,110,,,
"Marriage, Respect,",Marriage is like a joint bank account in which both have deposited 50 percent.  If the husband misuses some of the money he has harmed the financial status of both. There should be no Jekyll-and-Hyde husbands in the congregation.,"Likewise, if a husband harms his wife in any way, then in the short term or the long, he also harms himself.",Eph 5:28; 1pe 3:7;,"Jul 8, 1992 Aw Page 13",God Comes First In Successful Family Life,110,,,
"Marriage, Respect, Honesty,","A brother who sells used cars said, 'Getting married is like buying a used car.  You know the mileage has been turned back, but you just don't know how far.'","In the world some are dishonest about age, problems, and other things to their prospective mate.  We must not be like that.",Eph 5:33;,David Pfister,Show Respect And Love In Your Marriage,28,,1997/06/23,
"Marriage, Respect, Honesty, Witnessing, Relatives,","Have you ever tried to force-feed a pill to a horse.  You have to get it as far back into its mouth as possible.  Then hold it's mouth shut and force it to breath through it's nose.  Finally, it will 'Gulp' and swallow the pill.  It may be good for the horse, but it is not a pleasant task.","The truth may be good for our mate or relatives, but when we try to force-feed them, it leaves a bad taste in their mouth.",Eph 5:25;,David Pfister,Show Respect And Love In Your Marriage,28,,1997/06/23,
"Marriage, Respect, Husband,","Phyllis Diller, the famous American comedienne was once asked: How do you think a woman should treat her husband? After pondering the question she replied: 'Treat him like a DOG' The interviewer wasn't quite sure how to take this answer, especially since he knew that Diller called her husband 'Fang'.","Then she said: The average American dog is treated like royalty. Pampered, loved and well cared for. That is how a woman should treat her husband. (Works both ways - but it is food for thought isn't it?)",Eph 5:28;,J.K.,Getting Marriage Off To A Good Start,27,,1997/04/12,
"Marriage, Ring, Wedding,",They say marriage is made up of three rings.,"The engagement ring, the wedding ring, and suffering.",1 Cor 7:28;,Joe Bowling,,,,1999/09/10,
"Marriage, Self-control, Television, Associations, Pioneer,","A young man (brother) in Taiwan, going to high school cannot think about young woman. (Vise-versa)  He must spend 7-10 years in prison.  Hopes he gets seven, then he is black-balled and not called up and sentenced again.  He must grow spiritually strong.","Youth today should not be peering so much at the opposite sex, but at God's Word.",Jas. 1:22-25;,"Larry Punko C. O. Visit.  12-03-1991   (entered Dec 7, 1991)",God Comes First In Successful Family Life,110,,,
"Marriage, Sex,","A brother on an assembly part gave a short talk on marriage.  He had another brother come out and hold up a set of bar bells at arms length to show the added weight and responsibilities of marriage.  When the brother finished speaking and was starting to leave, the second brother asked if he could put down the bar bells.  He replied, 'No, once you get married, it is a responsibility you cannot put down.'",That's how it is with marriage.  It is a lifelong commitment.,Ge 2:24;,Robin Wagner,God Comes First In Successful Family Life,110,,1994/01/04,
"Marriage, Sex,","Someone sells you a dress, do you feel tender affection for them.",Using sex as bargaining tool.,1 Pet 3:7,Frank Kelsey (family Life Book),A Godly View Of Sex And Marriage,13,,,
"Marriage, Sex,",Wandering eye could lead to a wandering body.  Not use sex as psychological weapon.  Temporary construction worker have wife's wholehearted consent.,Emotional & sexual needs.,Prov 5:15-20 1 Cor 7:1-5,"May 15 , 1989 Wt P 19",A Godly View Of Sex And Marriage,13,,,
"Marriage, Singleness,",'Better to walk single than be badly married.'  Quote: Spanish Proverb,"Marriage is the joining of more than two bodies;  It is the joining of two personalities, two family and educational back- grounds; possible two cultures and languages.  Time is needed to choose a good companion.",Pr 21:9; Ecclesiastes 5:2; 1co 7:39; Ge 24:1-4; Pr 12:18; 16:24;,"Feb 15, 1993 Wt Page 18",God Comes First In Successful Family Life,110,,,
"Marriage, Speech,",Free For All (like wrestling match).,"Free for all conversation, interrupts mate.",1 Pet. 4:15;,Frank Kelsey (family Life Book),Communication--within The Family And With God,30,,,
"Marriage, Teenage, Youth,","IMAGINE YOU are looking for a job, and you knew it would be the only job you had for the rest of your life.  Would you just take the first job you came to.  Would you do some serious looking?",Likewise in marriage.  Is it wise to get married in your teens to someone you are going to be married to the rest of your life?  Or would it be wise to do some serious looking?,Prov. 21:5,Joe Laymon As Heard From Steve Truitt,Getting Marriage Off To A Good Start,27,,"Nov 4, 2001",
"Marriage, Truth, Children, Youth",Noah's 3 sons were able to find 3 good wives. Quite a task when there were only 4 good ones on earth and one was their mother.,Do not marry unbeliever.  Wait and look.  Pray to Jehovah about it. Noah had trained sons well.,Prov 22:6,Divine Teaching Convention,God Comes First In Successful Family Life,110,,,
"Marriage, Unbeliever, Courting, Dating, Elders, Warning,","If we were traveling from one city to another by automobile and made a wrong turn, action would be needed to correct our course. Otherwise, we would never reach our destination.","Similarly, if the elders show us that we are going the wrong way spiritually, perhaps by courting an unbeliever, we should quickly apply their Scriptural counsel. This would be one way to show that we really do 'trust in Jehovah.'","Matt 7:13, 14; Prov 3:5, 6;",W89 9/15 24-5,Getting Marriage Off To A Good Start,27,,1995/06/05,
"Marriage, Unbeliever, Obedience,","A father tells his young son, You must not cross the pond. The ice is too thin. The boy disobeys. But he makes it to the other side. The father watched in horror. Should the father say. Good for you son? Or should he reprimand him. The fact is, he may have gone through the ice and drowned. The fact is, it was foolish, reckless and could have cost his life.","The same is true with marrying out of the truth. Many have done it! Some have said:  'Well it worked out well for us.  My husband came into the truth' That may be so. But God's law cannot be bypassed.   It is foolish, reckless and could cost your life.",1 Cor 7:39;,J.K.,Getting Marriage Off To A Good Start,27,,1997/04/12,
"Marriage, Unity,","Man and wife noticed team of mules, pulling together.  She said, 'Honey, that reminds me of our marriage.  When we pull together the load is easier.'  He said, 'What I notice is the wagon only has one tongue.'","Husbands and wives should think and speak in unity.  Especially where children are involved.  This will result in making the load lighter, and better unity in the family arrangement.",Genesis 2:24;,Al Larue,God Comes First In Successful Family Life,110,,,
"Marriage, Unity, Elders,",'The ultimate test of a relationship is to disagree but to hold hands.'  Quote: Alexandra Penny,"We should be able to solve difficulties in love, without becoming provoked.",Col 3:23; 1co 13:5; Eph 4:26;,Bobby Laymon,God Comes First In Successful Family Life,110,,,
"Marriage, Unselfish, Sharing,",'To marry is to halve your rights and double your duties.' Quote:  Arthur Schopenhauer. -1819.,"There is increasing responsibility in marriage, and it means unselfishly sharing with other, what may have been yours alone.",Eph 5:33,Bobby Laymon,Show Respect And Love In Your Marriage,28,,1995/07/18,
"Marriage, Unselfishness,","'Monogamy is so well adapted to human nature ... that it doesn't require supermen and superwomen to succeed.  Success can be obtained by almost anyone.' Quote: Dr. Popenoe, one of American's leading marriage counselors",How unselfishness is a key to successful marriage. (See article of additional fine quotes.),Eph 5:25-29;,"Aug 8, 1969 Aw Page 3",God Comes First In Successful Family Life,110,,,
"Marriage, Unselfishness, Immaturity, Divorce,",'Immature persons view a marriage license as a guarantee of wedded bliss; but it merely gives one the legal right to work at it.' Quote: Dr. Brill.,"The biggest factor in divorce is not liquor, not money, not in-laws, but immaturity at the time of marriage.",Eph 5:25-29;,"Aug 8, 1969 Aw Page 4",God Comes First In Successful Family Life,110,,,
"Marriage, Wedding,","A wise old sage early in our marriage advised us, 'If you don't  carry out the garbage, one day your house will become a dump.'",Get rid of problems before the accumulate.,Eph 4:26;,Bobby Laymon,Getting Marriage Off To A Good Start,27,,1998/11/10,
"Marriage, Wedding,","Too many couples say, 'I do,' when really they 'do not.'","In the United States in 1981, when 2,438,000 said 'I do' in marriage, 1,219,000 said 'I don't' in divorce.",Ecclesiastes 5:4-6;,"May 22, 1983 Aw Page 14; Kevin Dabbs",On Whose Promises Do You Rely?,61,,1996/11/11,
"Marriage, Wedding, Opinions,","In a way, married couples are like snowflakes.  They may look identical from a distance, but in reality each one is unique, different from all the others.","The combination of your personality with that of your mate is not duplicated by any other married couple in the world.  So do not be hasty to accept the personal viewpoints of others.  There is no man-made formula that applies to every marriage!  In contrast, all of the Bible's commands are true and applicable.",2 Tim 3:16; Ps 119:51;,"Mar 1, 1996 Wt Page 22",Getting Marriage Off To A Good Start,27,,1996/02/05,
"Marriage, Wedding, Vow, Witness,",Present at weddings are guests who are witnesses to this solemn promise.,"However, never forget that Jehovah is the principal Witness to your marriage vow.  Continue to live up to this solemn promise, and your marriage will be a source of praise and glory to Jehovah God.",Ecclesiastes 5:2-6; Matt 19:10-12;,"Mar 1, 1996 Wt Page 19, 22;",,,,1996/02/05,
"Marriage, Weddings,",Would you choose to dive into a river without first learning to swim?  Such a foolish act could be harmful--even deadly.,"Think, though, of how many people jump into marriage with little awareness of how to take on the responsibilities involved.",Luke 14:28;,"Feb 15, 1999 Wt Page 4",Getting Marriage Off To A Good Start,27,,1999/02/26,
"Marriage, Whip, Bible, Children","Do children get switch and play with it?  Avoid it. If it falls behind the refrigerator, will they report, 'Hey Mom, the switch is behind the refrigerator?' Those whipped with Bible also learn to avoid it.",We cannot whip our mate or children with the Bible and get good.,Heb. 4:12;,Larry Kinkade,God Comes First In Successful Family Life,110,,,
"Marriage, Wife,","Show an old plastic coffee mug, or drinking glass.  You can rough it around, throw it under the seat of your car, etc. Now show a delicate piece of crystal.  It is very beautiful, yet very fragile.","Your wife is not like the plastic cup, but is like the delicate piece of crystal.  She must be treated with care.",1 Pe 3:7; Eph 5:28;,Larry Kinkade,God Comes First In Successful Family Life,110,,,
"Marriage, Wife, Body,","Package, Precious, Fragile, 'Handle with care.' Example of Sarah.",Way we should feel about our wives.,"Prov. 31:10; 1 Pet. 3:1,7; Eph. 5:28;",Larry Kinkade,God Comes First In Successful Family Life,110,,,
"Marriage, Wife, Body,","When our body is hungry, we feed it.  When cold, we warm it. Both work; come home and he relaxes and watch TV. She cleans house, cooks meals. Is that treating here as weaker vessel?",We must love our wives as our own bodies.,"1 Pet. 3:1,7; Eph. 5:28;",Larry Kinkade,God Comes First In Successful Family Life,110,,,
"Marriage, Wife, Husband,",'A husband is made out of dust.  A wife is made out of prime rib.',The makeup of husband and wife are different.  Each need to be aware of other's makeup.,"Genesis 2:21, 22;",Hazel Wengert,Getting Marriage Off To A Good Start,27,,1995/06/02,
"Marriage, Wife, Husband,",'Kissing don't last; cookery do!'  Quote: George Meredith.,Wives learn to do things that are pleasing to their mates.  Likewise husbands try to please their wives.,"1 Pet 3:1, 5, 6;",Bobby Laymon,Family Life That Warms The Heart,5,,1995/06/29,
"Marriage, Wife, Husband,",Scissors. There are two opposites joined for one purpose.,Marriage is like that.,Genesis 2:24;,Bobby Laymon,God Comes First In Successful Family Life,110,,,
"Marriage, Wife, Husband, Adultery, Divorce, Separation,","'Marriage is like a cage; one sees the birds outside desperate to get in, and those inside equally desperate to get out.' Quote: Michael de Montaigne.  French writer.","Fantasies for those outside the marriage causes unfaithfulness.  Additional reason to shun adultery is that one thus avoids bringing grief to self and others.  It breaks confidence, undermines marital peace, leads to divorce.",Prov. 6:27-29;,Bobby Laymon,A Godly View Of Sex And Marriage,13,,1995/06/29,
"Marriage, Wife, Husband, Conceit, Egotisms,",'The average husband and wife have a lot in common : They're both in love with the same man '.,Feelings must be mutual; Husband must love wife as own body.,Eph. 5:22-33; Heb. 13:4; Prov. 5:18-20; Mal. 2:16; 1 Cor 7:39,Bobby Laymon,God Comes First In Successful Family Life,110,,,
"Marriage, Wife, Husband, Divorce, Weddings, Bachelor, Contentment,",'A man with a happy family is king beside his own fireside.' Quote English Proverb.,Very contented situation.,Eph. 5:22-33; Heb. 13:4; Prov. 5:18-20; Mal. 2:16; 1 Cor 7:39,Bobby Laymon,God Comes First In Successful Family Life,110,,,
"Marriage, Wife, Husband, Divorce, Weddings, Bachelor, Happiness,",'The happiest moments of my life have been the few which I passed at home in the bosom of my family.'   Quote: Thomas Jefferson.,Man created with need for a family.,Eph. 5:22-33; Heb. 13:4; Prov. 5:18-20; Mal. 2:16; 1 Cor 7:39,Bobby Laymon,You Can Find Joy In Serving God,103,,,
"Marriage, Wife, Husband, Divorce, Weddings, Bachelor, Single,",' It is not lack of love but lack of friendship that makes an unhappy marriage'. Quote - Friedrich Nietzsche,Your mate should be your 'best friend' next to Jehovah.,Genesis. 2:24; Eph. 5:22-33; Heb. 13:4; Prov. 5:18-20; Mal. 2:16;,Bobby Laymon,God Comes First In Successful Family Life,110,,,
"Marriage, Wife, Husband, Divorce, Weddings, Bachelor, Single,","' Marriage is the most natural state of man, and therefore the state in which you will find solid happiness'. Quote - Ben Franklin.",First marriage by Jehovah himself.,"Genesis. 2:18, 22; Eph. 5:22-33; Heb. 13:4; Prov. 5:18-20; Mal. 2:16;",Bobby Laymon,God Comes First In Successful Family Life,110,,,
"Marriage, Wife, Husband, Divorce, Weddings, Bachelor, Single,",' Only two kinds of people know all the answers - wives and sports writers'.,Wives must show respect for their husbands.,Eph. 5:22-33; Heb. 13:4; Prov. 5:18-20; Mal. 2:16; 1 Cor 7:39,Bobby Laymon,God Comes First In Successful Family Life,110,,,
"Marriage, Wife, Husband, Divorce, Weddings, Bachelor, Single,",' Without great families there can be no great Nations.' Quote - Cowper.  Satan is striking at families.,Families are the backbone of the congregations.,Eph. 5:22-33; Heb. 13:4; Prov. 5:18-20; Mal. 2:16; 1 Cor 7:39,Bobby Laymon,God Comes First In Successful Family Life,110,,,
"Marriage, Wife, Husband, Divorce, Weddings, Bachelor, Single,",'A bachelor is a fellow who has to leave home to get into a fight.,Married persons can fight right at home.,Eph. 5:22-33; Heb. 13:4; Prov. 5:18-20; Mal. 2:16; 1 Cor 7:39,Bobby Laymon,God Comes First In Successful Family Life,110,,,
"Marriage, Wife, Husband, Divorce, Weddings, Bachelor, Single,",'A bachelor worries that he won't have any money at the end of the week- a married man is afraid he won't have any money at the beginning of the week'.,Marriage and money.,Eph. 5:22-33; Heb. 13:4; Prov. 5:18-20; Mal. 2:16; 1 Cor 7:39,Bobby Laymon,God Comes First In Successful Family Life,110,,,
"Marriage, Wife, Husband, Divorce, Weddings, Bachelor, Single,",'A happy family is but an earlier heaven.'   Quote- Bowring.,Joys of a happy marriage.,Eph. 5:22-33; Heb. 13:4; Prov. 5:18-20; Mal. 2:16; 1 Cor 7:39,Bobby Laymon,God Comes First In Successful Family Life,110,,,
"Marriage, Wife, Husband, Divorce, Weddings, Bachelor, Single,",'A lot of women who thought they were playing their cards right have ended up with a joker'.,Need to know a person well before entering something as final as marriage.,Eph. 5:22-33; Heb. 13:4; Prov. 5:18-20; Mal. 2:16; 1 Cor 7:39,Bobby Laymon,God Comes First In Successful Family Life,110,,,
"Marriage, Wife, Husband, Divorce, Weddings, Bachelor, Single,",'June is a wonderful month to fall in love - the other 11 months aren't bad either'.,Marriage talk.,Eph. 5:22-33; Heb. 13:4; Prov. 5:18-20; Mal. 2:16; 1 Cor 7:39,Bobby Laymon,God Comes First In Successful Family Life,110,,,
"Marriage, Wife, Husband, Divorce, Weddings, Bachelor, Single,","'Keep your eyes wide open before marriage, half shut afterwards.' Quote:  Benjamin Franklin. -1738.",Don't try too hard to find imperfections.,Eph. 5:22-33; Heb. 13:4; Prov. 5:18-20; Mal. 2:16; 1 Cor 7:39,Bobby Laymon,God Comes First In Successful Family Life,110,,,
"Marriage, Wife, Husband, Divorce, Weddings, Bachelor, Single,",'Lots of people are getting divorced these days because they've found out that one can live as cheaply as two'.,Divorce on any grounds.,"Matt.5:31,32; Heb. 13:4; Prov. 5:18-20; Mal. 2:16; 1 Cor 7:39",Bobby Laymon,God Comes First In Successful Family Life,110,,,
"Marriage, Wife, Husband, Divorce, Weddings, Bachelor, Single,",'Married couples who love each other tell each other a thousand things without talking.' Quote: Old Chinese Proverb.,Become 'one flesh.',Genesis. 2:24; Eph. 5:22-33; Heb. 13:4; Prov. 5:18-20; Mal. 2:16; 1 Co,Bobby Laymon,God Comes First In Successful Family Life,110,,,
"Marriage, Wife, Husband, Divorce, Weddings, Bachelor, Single,",'Nothing can be more bore some then a husband who is perfect in all things.'  Quote- Chinese Proverb.,Definition of perfection = old grouch.,Eccl. 7:16; Eph. 5:22-33; Heb. 13:4; Prov. 5:18-20; Mal. 2:16;,Bobby Laymon,God Comes First In Successful Family Life,110,,,
"Marriage, Wife, Husband, Divorce, Weddings, Bachelor, Single,",'Some girls spend more time selecting their wedding gowns than they do selecting their husbands'.,Do not rush into marriage. Take a long hard look.,Eph. 5:22-33; Heb. 13:4; Prov. 5:18-20; Mal. 2:16; 1 Cor 7:39,Bobby Laymon,God Comes First In Successful Family Life,110,,,
"Marriage, Wife, Husband, Divorce, Weddings, Bachelor, Single,","'The happy married man dies in good style at home, surrounded by his weeping wife and children.  The old bachelor doesn't die at all.  He sort of rots away, like a polliwog tail.'  Quote- Artemus Ward.",Marriages has it's advantages.,Eph. 5:22-33; Heb. 13:4; Prov. 5:18-20; Mal. 2:16; 1 Cor 7:39,Bobby Laymon,God Comes First In Successful Family Life,110,,,
"Marriage, Wife, Husband, Divorce, Weddings, Bachelor, Single,","'Thy husband is thy lord, thy life, thy keeper.' Quote Shakespeare.  Not far from Bible's view, if consider spiritual role.",Role of husband in marriage.,Eph. 5:22-33; Heb. 13:4; Prov. 5:18-20; Mal. 2:16; 1 Cor 7:39,Bobby Laymon,God Comes First In Successful Family Life,110,,,
"Marriage, Wife, Husband, Divorce, Weddings, Bachelor, Single,","'To be a man in a true sense is, in the first place and above all things, to have a wife.'  Quote: Michelet.   Marriage must be based on God-fearing mate.","Wife's values, 'worth far more than corals.'",Prov. 31:10; Eph. 5:22-33; Heb. 13:4; Prov. 5:18-20; Mal. 2:16;,Bobby Laymon,God Comes First In Successful Family Life,110,,,
"Marriage, Wife, Husband, Divorce, Weddings, Bachelor, Single,","In a recent survey 98 per cent of the women polled said if they had it to do over again, they'd still get married -- to somebody else.","World's view of marriage, Discontent with own mate.",Eph. 5:22-33; Heb. 13:4; Prov. 5:18-20; Mal. 2:16; 1 Cor 7:39,Bobby Laymon,God Comes First In Successful Family Life,110,,,
"Marriage, Wife, Husband, Divorce, Weddings, Bachelor, Single,","Marriages and hanging go by destiny, matches are made in heaven.",Many believe all marriages made by God.  Why so many divorces?,Eph. 5:22-33; Heb. 13:4; Prov. 5:18-20; Mal. 2:16; 1 Cor 7:39,Bobby Laymon,God Comes First In Successful Family Life,110,,,
"Marriage, Wife, Husband, Divorce, Weddings, Bachelor, Single,","Servant in love, lord in marriage.",Persons act differently after marriage.,Eph. 5:22-33; Heb. 13:4; Prov. 5:18-20; Mal. 2:16; 1 Cor 7:39,Bobby Laymon,God Comes First In Successful Family Life,110,,,
"Marriage, Wife, Husband, Divorce, Weddings, Bachelor, Single,","The course of true love, never ran smooth.",Like a river it has many bends and turns.,Eph. 5:22-33; Heb. 13:4; Prov. 5:18-20; Mal. 2:16; 1 Cor 7:39,Bobby Laymon,God Comes First In Successful Family Life,110,,,
"Marriage, Wife, Husband, Divorce, Weddings, Bachelor, Single,","Whoever loved, that loved not at first sight.","Love can, however, be cultivated.",Eph. 5:22-33; Heb. 13:4; Prov. 5:18-20; Mal. 2:16; 1 Cor 7:39,Bobby Laymon,God Comes First In Successful Family Life,110,,,
"Marriage, Wife, Husband, Divorce, Weddings, Companion.",There is no more agreeable companion around the house than a husband in love with his wife'.  Quote- Holbrook,A mate is a true companion and helper.,Genesis. 2:18; Eph. 5:22-33; Heb. 13:4; Prov. 5:18-20; Mal. 2:16;,Bobby Laymon,God Comes First In Successful Family Life,110,,,
"Marriage, Wife, Husband, Divorce, Weddings, Happiness,",It's easy to find happily married wives and happily married husbands - but seldom in the same family.,World's view and experience with marriage.,Eph. 5:22-33; Heb. 13:4; Prov. 5:18-20; Mal. 2:16; 1 Cor 7:39,Bobby Laymon,God Comes First In Successful Family Life,110,,,
"Marriage, Wife, Husband, Divorce, Weddings, Humor,",'Marriage is a gamble. But the odds are better than roulette - and it's much more fun.',"Marriage for fun, is still taking a big chance.",Eph. 5:22-33; Heb. 13:4; Prov. 5:18-20; Mal. 2:16; 1 Cor 7:39,Bobby Laymon,God Comes First In Successful Family Life,110,,,
"Marriage, Wife, Husband, Divorce, Weddings, Money, Materialism,",' One of the sure ways to be happily married is to not be able to afford a Divorce'.,Not a good basis for enduring marriages.,Eccl. 4:12; Eph. 5:22-33; Heb. 13:4; Prov. 5:18-20; Mal. 2:16;,Bobby Laymon,Reach Out For The Real Life!,90,,,
"Marriage, Wife, Husband, Divorce, Weddings, Sex, Fornication,","'The spirit, not the body, makes marriage lasting.'  Quote: Publius Syrus.","Today the thought is on the sexual, not the spiritual side.",Eph. 5:22-33; Heb. 13:4; Prov. 5:18-20; Mal. 2:16; 1 Cor 7:39,Bobby Laymon,A Godly View Of Sex And Marriage,13,,,
"Marriage, Wife, Husband, Personalities,","'Men are April when they woo, December when they wed: maids are May when they are maids, but the sky changes when they are wives.' Quote:  William Shakespeare. [1598-1600].","Get to know your prospective partner.  Count the cost before making a commitment as serious as marriage.  If serious differences persist, it may be best to call off the courtship.","Luke 14:28, 29;",Bobby Laymon,Getting Marriage Off To A Good Start,27,,1995/07/10,
"Marriage, Wife, Tyranny, Headship, Christendom, World,","'I'll bet his wife didn't ask him where he had been the night before.' Guide's comment on King Henry VIII, who beheaded 2 of his 6 wives. Pictured prominently in Christendom's church.",Regarding attitude in world regarding one's mate.,Eph. 5:,"Jan 8, 1962 Aw Page 5",'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
"Marriage, Wisdom,","Love is blind.  Quote: The three most important events of human life have nothing to do with intelligence: birth, marriage, and death.",Marriage based on Bible principles shows wisdom.,1 Cor 7:39,Magazine Article - Bobby Laymon,God Comes First In Successful Family Life,110,,,
"Marriage, Youth, Husband, Wife,","One youngster said ' We married as boy and girl, but marriage required a man and woman'",Marriage is not for young.  Need to wait until older,1 Cor.7:36,"Johnse Laymon Oct 22, 1965 Aw Pg 9",God Comes First In Successful Family Life,110,,,
Marriage- Husband,'The stronger the husband the more tender he treats his wife'    Quote: Old Russian Proverb.,Tenderness is not sign of weakness.,Eph. 5:25,Johnse Laymon,God Comes First In Successful Family Life,110,,,
Marriage;,'A happy marriage is the world's best bargain.'  Quote:  O. Battista.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Marriage;,'A man without a wife is like a man in winter without a fur hat.'  Quote:  Russian.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Marriage;,'A successful marriage is an edifice that must be rebuilt every day.'  Quote:  Andre Maurois.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Marriage;,"'A successful marriage requires falling in love many times, always with the same person.'  Quote:  Mignon McLaughlin.",,,Jk Quotes;,Show Respect And Love In Your Marriage,28,,,
Marriage;,"'A young man should not marry yet, an old man, not at all.'  Quote:  Greek.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Marriage;,'Advice to a person about to marry: 'Don't'   Quote:  Henry Mayhew.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Marriage;,'Bachelors should be heavily taxed; it is not fair that some men should be happier than others.'  Quote:  O. Wilde.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Marriage;,"'Before you marry keep your two eyes open, after you marry, shut one.'  Quote:  Jamaican Proverb.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Marriage;,'Don't be a lion in your own house.'  Quote:  Czech.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Marriage;,"'Don't marry for money, you can borrow it cheaper.'  Quote:  Scotch Proverb.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Marriage;,'He who marries might be sorry. He who does not will be sorry.'  Quote:  Czech Proverb.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Marriage;,'I guess the only way to stop divorce is to stop marriage.' Quote:  Will Rogers,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Marriage;,"'I have always thought, every woman should marry and no man.'  Quote:  Ben Disraeli.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Marriage;,'If you want to read about love and marriage you have to buy two separate books.'  Quote:  A. King.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Marriage;,"'In olden times sacrifices were made at the alter, a custom which is still continued.'  Quote:  Helen Rowland.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Marriage;,"'It wasn't exactly a divorce, I was traded.' Quote:  T. Conway",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Marriage;,'Its takes two to make a marriage a success and only one to make it a failure.'  Quote:  Herbert Samuel.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Marriage;,'Keep you eyes open before marriage and half shut afterwards.'  Quote:  Ben Franklin.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Marriage;,'Many a man in love with a dimple makes the mistake of marrying the whole girl.'  Quote:  S. Leacock.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Marriage;,'Marriage is give and take. You'd better give it to her or she'll take it away.'  Quote:  Joey Adams.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Marriage;,'Marriage is like vitamins; We supplement each other's daily requirements.'  Quote:  K. Mohnke.,,,Jk Quotes;,Show Respect And Love In Your Marriage,28,,,
Marriage;,"'Marriage is our last, best chance to grow up.'  Quote:  Joseph Barth.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Marriage;,'Marriage is the only known example of the happy meeting of the immovable object and the irresistible force.'  Quote:  Ogden Nash.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Marriage;,'Marriage is the only union that can't be organized. Both sides think they're the management.'  Quote:  Jim Lamb.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Marriage;,"'Marriage resembles a pair of shears, so joined that they cannot be separated; often moving in opposite directions, yet always punishing anyone who comes between them.' Quote:  Sydney Smith",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Marriage;,'Marriages are like diets.  They can be ruined by having a little dish on the side.'  Quote:  E. Wilson.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Marriage;,'Married men make poor husbands.'  Quote:  Frank Crowninshield.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Marriage;,"'Men marry because they are tired, women because they are curious, both are disappointed.'  Quote:  Oscar Wilde.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Marriage;,'Not all women give most of their waking thoughts to the problem of pleasing men. Some are married.'  Quote:  Emma Lee.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Marriage;,'Oh how many torments lie in the small circle of the wedding ring.'  Quote:  Colley Cibber.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Marriage;,'Some marry in haste and then sit down and think about it carefully afterwards.'  Quote:  Josh Billings.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Marriage;,"'The bonds of matrimony are like any other bonds, they mature slowly.'  Quote:  Peter Devries.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Marriage;,"'The chain of wedlock is so heavy it takes two to carry it, sometimes three.'  Quote:  Alexander Dumas.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Marriage;,'The concept of two people living together for 25 years without a serious dispute suggests a lack of spirit only to be admired in sheep.'  Quote:  A. F. Herbert.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Marriage;,"'The difficulty with marriage is that we fall in love with a personality, and must live with a character.'  Quote:  Peter Devries.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Marriage;,"'The goal in marriage is not to think alike, but to think together.'",,,Jk Quotes;,Show Respect And Love In Your Marriage,28,,,
Marriage;,'The majority of husbands remind me of an orangutan trying to play the violin.'  Quote:  H. Balzac.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Marriage;,'The reason why so few marriages are happy is because young ladies spend their time in making nets and not in making cages.'  Quote:  John Swift.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Marriage;,'The ultimate test of a relationship is to disagree but to hold hands.'  Quote:  A. Penny.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Marriage;,"'The young man who wants to marry happily should pick out a good mother and marry one of her daughters, any one will do.'  Quote:  J. Ogden Amour.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Marriage;,"'Well-married and man is winged; ill-matched, he is shackled.'  Quote:  Henry Ward Beecher.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Marriage;,"'When I said I would die a bachelor, I did not think I would live till I was married.'  Quote:  Shakespeare.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Marriage;,'Where there is marriage without love there will be love without marriage.'  Quote:  Bf.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Marriage;,'Why does a woman work ten years to change a man's habits and then complain that he's not the man she married?'  Quote:  Barbara Streisand.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Marriage;,A vision at dinner is often a sight at breakfast.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Marriage;,An optimist is a guy who marries his secretary and expects to continue dictating.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Marriage;,Communication in the home is not improved by two loud speakers.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Marriage;,"First get absolute conquest over thyself, and then thou wilt easily govern thy wife.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Marriage;,He that marries for money earns it.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Marriage;,It is absurd to pretend that one cannot love the same woman always as to pretend that a good artist needs several violins to play.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Marriage;,"Maidens! Why should you worry in choosing who you shall marry?  Choose whom you may, you will find you have got somebody else!",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Marriage;,Making a marriage is like running a farm. You have to start all over again each morning.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Marriage;,"Many teenagers today just go ahead and marry, expecting their folks to be good supports about it.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Marriage;,"Marriage halves our grief, doubles our joys, and quadruples our expenses.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Marriage;,Marriage is not so much finding the right person as it is being the right person.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Marriage;,"Marriage: A community consisting of a master, a mistress, and two slaves, making in all two.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Marriage;,Matrimony: The high sea for which no compass has yet been invented.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Marriage;,Next to no wife a good wife is best.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Marriage;,"No matter how orderly a woman is by nature, it is a mistake for  her to always be putting her husband in his place.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Marriage;,Salesmanship is the ability to convince you wife that she would look fat in a fur coat.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Marriage;,The general rule is people who enjoy life also enjoy marriage.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Marriage;,The most important thing a father can do for his children is love their mother.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Marriage;,The trouble in marriage often starts when the man is so busy earning his salt that he forgets his sugar.,,,Jk Quotes;,Show Respect And Love In Your Marriage,28,,,
Marriage;,"Two can live as cheaply as one, half as long.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Marriage;,Two can't live as cheaply as one unless its a flea and his dog.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Marriage;,Wedlock is a padlock.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Marriage;,"When Adam was lonely, God created for him not ten friends, but one wife.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Marriage;,"When asked to start a garden, the first thing many men dig up is an excuse.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Marriage;,"When asked why he never married, an old farmer replied, I'd rather go through life wanting something I didn't have than having something I didn't want.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Marriage; Bachelors;,'A single man has not nearly the value he would have in a state of u lion. he is an incomplete animal. He resembles the odd half of a pair of scissors.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Marriage; Bachelors; Funny;,'The only good husbands stay bachelors; they're too considerate to get married.'  Quote:  Finley Peter Dunn.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Marriage; Communication;,A husband is really broken in when he can understand every word his wife isn't saying.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Marriage; Divorce;,'I should like to add an eight sacrament to those of the Roman Church- the sacrament of divorce.'  Quote:  Sam Butler.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Marriage; Divorce;,'Marriage is a covered dish.' Quote:  Swedish,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Marriage; Funny;,'A fool and his money are soon married.'  Quote:  Carol Wells.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Marriage; Funny;,"'A man may be a fool and not know it, but not if he's married.'  Quote:  H.L.Mencken.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Marriage; Funny;,'All any woman asks of her husband is that he love her and obey her commandments.'  Quote:  J. Raper.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Marriage; Funny;,'All marriages are happy. It is the living together afterwards that causes all the trouble.'  Quote:  R. Hull.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Marriage; Funny;,'Any married man should forget his mistakes. No use in two people remembering the same thing.'  Quote:  Duane Dewel.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Marriage; Funny;,'Getting married is easy. Staying married is more difficult. Staying happily married a lifetime should rank among the fine arts.'  Quote:  Roberta Flack.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Marriage; Funny;,"'God help the man who won't marry until he finds a perfect woman, and God help him even more if he finds her!'  Quote:  Ben Tillett.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Marriage; Funny;,"'If you've got half a mind to get married, you already have one qualification.' Quote:  Wilfred Beaver",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Marriage; Funny;,"'Judge: You want a divorce on the grounds that you husband is careless about his appearance?  Wife: Yes, your honor, he hasn't made one in three years.'  Quote:  Anonymous.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Marriage; Funny;,"'Marriage is not a word, but a sentence.'  Quote:  H.L.Mencken.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Marriage; Funny;,'Marriage: A ceremony in which rings are put on the finger of the lady and through the nose of the man.'  Quote:  Herbert Spencer.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Marriage; Funny;,"'Never go to bed mad, stay up and fight.'  Quote:  Phyllis Diller.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Marriage; Funny;,'No man dare write the truth about marriage while his wife still lives.'  Quote:  Gbs.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Marriage; Funny;,'One should not think about it too much when marrying or taking pills.'  Quote:  Danish.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Marriage; Funny;,'Second Marriage: The triumph of hope over experience.'  Quote:  Sam Johnson.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Marriage; Funny;,'The first part of our marriage was very happy.....but then on the way home from the wedding ceremony....'  Quote:  Henny Youngman.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Marriage; Funny;,"'To keep your marriage brimming with love in the loving cup, whenever you're wrong admit it, whenever your right, shut up.'  Quote:  Ogden Nash.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Marriage; Funny;,"'We sleep in separate rooms, we have dinner apart, we take separate vacations, we're doing everything we can to keep our marriage together.'  Quote:  R. Dangerfield.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Marriage; Funny;,"A husband, (or wife) is a person who sticks with you through troubles you wouldn't have had if you hadn't married him in the first place.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Marriage; Funny;,"A lot of girls who can dish it out, can't cook it.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Marriage; Funny;,A woman has a better chance of snaring a man if she keeps her trap shut.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Marriage; Funny;,Age and wedlock tames man and beast.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Marriage; Funny;,Any man who thinks he's more intelligent than his wife is married to a smart woman.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Marriage; Funny;,By the time he whispers 'we were made for each other' she is already planning alterations.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Marriage; Funny;,"Don't judge your wife too harshly for her weaknesses. If she didn't have them, chances are she wouldn't have married you.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Marriage; Funny;,Every man has it in his power to make one woman happy by remaining a bachelor.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Marriage; Funny;,"Give a husband enough rope, and he'll skip.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Marriage; Funny;,"He who gives in when he is wrong is wise, he who gives in when he  is right is married.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Marriage; Funny;,"How long have we been married?  We've had ten happy years together, but we've been married fifteen!",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Marriage; Funny;,If you really loved me you would have  married some other woman.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Marriage; Funny;,"Its a mixed marriage, I'm normal.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Marriage; Funny;,"Love is never having to say your sorry, marriage is never having a chance to say anything.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Marriage; Funny;,Marriage is often an attempt to change a Night Owl into a Homing Pigeon.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Marriage; Funny;,"Married couple arguing: Husband: I can't figure out why the Lord made you beautiful and yet so dumb. Wife: That's easy, he made me beautiful so you would be attracted to me and want me and he made me dumb so that I'd marry you.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Marriage; Funny;,Never argue with a woman when she's tired or rested.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Marriage; Funny;,Optimist: A bridegroom who thinks he has no bad habits.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Marriage; Funny;,The laws of the United States allow a man but one wife. This is called monotony.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Marriage; Funny;,"There are no such things as marriage ties, the wife always wins.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Marriage; Funny;,"You don't marry one person, you marry three: the person you think they are, the person they are, and the person they are going to become as the result of being married to you.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Marriage; Home;,The factory that produces the most important product is the home.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Marriage; Husband; Wives;,'The husband who wants a happy marriage should learn to keep his mouth shut and his checkbook open.'  Quote:  Groucho.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Marriage; Mother In Law;,"'My wife is the kind of girl who will not go anywhere without her mother, and her mother will go anywhere.'  Quote:  John Barrymore.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Marriage; Negative; Complaining;,"'Those who marry to escape something, usually find something else.            (Those who move to escape something, usually find something else.)'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Martin Luther, Compromise, Christendom, Death, Resurrection,","Unwittingly Luther 'lit the match that finally set off the powder barrel of mounting opposition to Catholicism.' Published the truth about death, resurrection, etc.",Neither Luther nor his present-day admirers have held fast to these and many more original Scriptural teachings advocated by Luther.,Ecc 9:5;,"Jun 1, 1956 Wt Page 329",Religion's Role In World Affairs.,92,,,
"Masturbation, Sex, Self-control, Desires,","The apostle Paul, did not let his desires become like a harsh master.","He said, 'I pummel my body [fleshly desires] and lead it as a slave.'  He got tough with himself.  He was the master.",1co 9:27;,Questions Young People Ask  Page 205,A Godly View Of Sex And Marriage,13,,,
Material Things; Money;,'Every increased possession loads us w3ith a new weariness.'  Quote:  John Ruskin.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Material Things; Money;,'He who is rich owes nothing.'  Quote:  French.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Material Things; Money;,'I cannot afford to waste my time making money.'  Quote:  Louis J. R. Agassiz.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Material Things; Money;,'Lending to a spendthrift is like pelting a trespassing dog with meat dumplings.'  Quote:  Chinese.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Material Things; Money;,"'To force myself to earn more money, I determined to spend more.'  Quote:  James Agate.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Material Things; Money;,"'When gold speaks, every tongue is silent.'  Quote:  Italian.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Material Things; Money;,"It is not the man who has too  little who is poor, but the one who craves more.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Material Things; Money;,"To figure out the cost of living, just take your income and add ten percent.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Material Things; Poverty;,"Poverty does not mean the possession of little, but he non-possession of much.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Material Things; Wealth;,"'In making a living today, many no longer leave room for life.'  Quote:  Joseph R. Sizoo.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Material Things; Wealth;,'To much is unwholesome.'  Quote:  German.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Material Things; Wealth;,He has not acquired a fortune; the fortune has acquired him.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Material Things; Wealth;,The only wealth you will keep forever is the wealth you have given away.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Material Things; Wealth; Money;,'What some people mistake for the high cost of living is the cost of living high.'  Quote:  Doug Larson.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Material Things; Wealth; Money;,Money can build character but not nearly as quickly as being without it.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Material Things; Wealth; Money;,Money is like fat. There is plenty of it around but it always seems to be in the wrong places.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Material Things; Wealth; Money;,The most important things in life aren't things.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Material Things; Wealth; Money; Prosperity;,"'When prosperity comes, do not use all of it.'  Quote:  Confucius.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Material, Kingdom, Pioneer, Service, Importance,",IS A handful of grain of more value to you than a handful of diamonds? Is a closet full of clothes more to be desired than a closet full of gold?,"The circumstances you are in have a bearing on what is more important.   If you were isolated in some remote part of the earth and without food, the grain would mean more to you than diamonds. Or, if you were marooned on a freezing mountaintop, you would spurn the gold for warm clothes.   'The gaining of material possessions is not the big thing in my life.'  We need to seek the Kingdom.",Mt 6:33;,W74 11/1 653,How Should You Serve God?,58,,1994/05/11,
Materialism,"Brass ring on merry-go-round or carousel. Grab, get free ride. New car, stereo, takes you around and around and around payments month after month, after month......",Satan wants you to grab onto shiny brass ring.,1 Jo. 2:17,Bro Punko  Circuit Assy.,Reach Out For The Real Life!,90,,,
Materialism,"Bushel Basket Eyes Necessities, & little bit more.",Buying on credit is not wise,"Matt 6:33, 34",Bro Punko (pioneer Mtg),Reach Out For The Real Life!,90,,,
Materialism,"Buy boat; Cover to protect; Cover gets ripped, but boat O.K. Money is for a protection; Should not get upset as long as we have enough to serve our purpose.",Cover served as protection; It served it's purpose.,Eccl. 7:12,Johnse Laymon,Reach Out For The Real Life!,90,,,
Materialism,"Chasing a rainbow, for pot of gold. (keeps moving) Those making 5,000 want 10,000 etc.",Deluded persons will never stop chasing rainbow. Rat-race,Eccl. 5:10,"June 1, 1958 Wt Page 337-340",Reach Out For The Real Life!,90,,,
Materialism,"Cock & the Jewels (scratching for food, found jewel Cock said, 'give me corn before all the jewels in the world Jehovah's workers deserving of food. Luke 10:7","Likewise, money will be of no value in Jehovah's day.",Ezek 7:19  Ps 37:25,Aesop's Fables  Page 21,Reach Out For The Real Life!,90,,,
Materialism,CREDIT CARD WARNING: Extreme Caution; may be dangerous to your wealth.  Eating out? Out goes your purse and health. Who are happiest people? Full-time servants. Matt 6:33,Avoid going into debt.,"1 Tim. 6:9  Rom. 13:8  Prov. 22:7 Luke 14:29, 30","Pure Language Dist. Assy. Mobile, Ala. July 5-8, 1990 T. Papas",Reach Out For The Real Life!,90,,,
Materialism,Department Store: gentle music; reach for checkbook; STAB yourself Awake: In 1920's 10 most successful people; only 1 not thrown off balance.,"Satan's music, Satan's world.","1 Tim. 6:9  Rom. 13:8  Prov. 22:7 Luke 14:29, 30","Pure Language Dist. Assy. Mobile, Ala. July 5-8, 1990 T. Papas",Reach Out For The Real Life!,90,,,
Materialism,Farmer; sees weeds crowding out crops; get into field & fight We must get into field and fight for Kingdom ministry.,"If we let materialism grow up beside God's word, can shade out","1 John 2:16, 17  Deuteronomy. 8:10-14  Job 31:23-25, 28","Oct 1, 1958 Wt Page 583",Reach Out For The Real Life!,90,,,
Materialism,"Frog in water, slowly heated; throw into hot water, jump out",Satan slowly involves us in materialism,2 Cor. 2:11,Public Talk,Reach Out For The Real Life!,90,,,
Materialism,Gigantic house of cards,Apply to tremendous debt,1ti 6:1-10;,"August 8, 1989 Awake! Page 8",Reach Out For The Real Life!,90,,,
Materialism,"If a bird built a nest on your head,  would you shoo him off? Causes: Lack of faith  Heb 12:1 This bird can carry you off, education. Col 2:8 Become trapped in employment. (years to become Dr. or Lawyer)","Shoo off bad thoughts on riches Cause you to steal, or covet (lottery)",1 Tim 6:9,"Bro Jones, Dick",Reach Out For The Real Life!,90,,,
Materialism,"Keep: Nose to grindstone, shoulder to wheel, eye on ball, Too many things cause too much distraction",Now try working or going in service in that position.,1 Tim 6:9,"Bro Hollinger, Mel  May 6, 1990",Serve Jehovah With A Joyful Heart,78,,,
Materialism,"Lamp of the body (like headlights of car) convey a clear image of God's Kingdom, not a blurry, out- of-focus picture that makes the new world seem like a myth. Kingdom will be real to you like Apostles. 2 Pet 1:16-19",Keep spiritual eye simple or in focus,"Matt 6:22, 23","July 15, 1989 Wt P. 14",Reach Out For The Real Life!,90,,,
Materialism,"Like a 'root bound' tree. (Bonsai) Like tree where roots are trimmed off, or not in good soil. (Bonsai) Japanese art of dwarfing and shaping trees and shrubs by pruning, controlled fertilization. etc.","Material things can tie you down, and keep you from growing We can keep ourselves from growing spiritually by becoming root bound.",1 Tim. 6:7-10,Johnse Laymon,Reach Out For The Real Life!,90,J,,1/21/2025
Materialism,"Like Gold fish in a bowl, put them in a larger tank and they will get large. We must widen out spiritually and not be tied-down with many material things.","Material things can tie you down, and keep you from growing",1 Tim. 6:7-10,Johnse Laymon,Reach Out For The Real Life!,90,,,
Materialism,Like hickory nuts.,"Many limb broken getting, teeth cracked eating, belly not full.",1 Tim. 6: 6-10,Public Talk,Reach Out For The Real Life!,90,,,
Materialism,"Material things like water in cup of hand.  Hold tight, it will slip through, try to get more, hand will only hold so much.","Getting ahead materially in this system is futile, people always want more, never satisfied.",1 Tim 6:10;,Jim Breden-talk By Scott Rudolph,Resisting The Spirit Of The World,25,,1996/02/13,
Materialism,"Money itch Those making 5,000 want 10,000 etc. The more you scratch, the more it itches, and the more it itches the more you scratch.",Scratching it will not make it go away,Eccl. 5:10,"June 1, 1958 Wt Page 337-340",Reach Out For The Real Life!,90,,,
Materialism,"Money Talks: saying 'stab yourself' New car 'stab yourself' 'deceptive power' because money lies. It says, 'a new suit or dress, car, and you'll be happy. We cannot afford to listen.","When money talks, people listen; unfortunately. some are Jehovah's Wit.",1 Tim. 6:9,"Pure Language Dist. Assy. Mobile, Ala. July 5-8, 1990 T. Papas",Reach Out For The Real Life!,90,,,
Materialism,Monkey with hand in candy jar. (Monkey Trap) Many are not willing to 'let go' of material things to free themselves from world.,All he has to do is let go.,"Matt. 6:32, 33",Johnse Laymon,Reach Out For The Real Life!,90,,,
Materialism,Need to perform plastic surgery,Get rid of credit cards.,1 Tim. 6:9,Joe Laymon,Reach Out For The Real Life!,90,,,
Materialism,"Noah building bigger & better home, obtaining more material possession Ark was Noah's true security Devoted full attention to building ark","After learning God's purpose to destroy, spent time on Home Preaching of Righteousness For us: Only Balanced way, Preach Good News.",2 Pet 2:5  Matt 24:37-39,"July 15, 1989 Wt P. 13",Reach Out For The Real Life!,90,,,
Materialism,"Overtime work; Satan couldn't pay you to leave truth, (same) Accomplish same thing in subtle way, by offering job that keeps you from meetings.",One of Satan's tools,Prov 18:1  Heb 10:25,Circuit Overseer,Reach Out For The Real Life!,90,,,
Materialism,"Quote by Andrew Carnegie: I am sixty years old, and cannot digest my food.  I would give all my millions if I could have youth and health.  If I could make Faust's bargain, I would.  I would gladly sell anything to have my life over again.'",Prizes are short-lived and doomed to pass away with this system.  How different Paul felt.,"2 Tim. 4:7, 8","Sep 15, 1958 Wt Page 562-562",Reach Out For The Real Life!,90,,,
Materialism,Slave for two masters Practice: two persons going together & purchasing 1 slave. Cannot please two master Cannot please God & Satan's system,"Cannot slave for God & riches Stop being anxious, Stop storing up",Matt 6:24,"July 15, 1989 Wt P. 14  Jesus Christ",Reach Out For The Real Life!,90,,,
Materialism,SOME REVERSE Matt. 6:33 (see point 1) 'Pursue all other things & maybe Kingdom will be added to them',Must give Kingdom first place.,"1 Tim. 6:9  Rom. 13:8  Prov. 22:7 Luke 14:29, 30 Matt. 6:33","Pure Language Dist. Assy. Mobile, Ala. July 5-8, 1990 T. Papas",Reach Out For The Real Life!,90,,,
Materialism,"Stuck car-more you spend your wheels, deeper you get.",Love of money sucks you deeper & deeper into Satan's snare.,"1 Tim 6:9, 10; Eccl. 5:10;",Chris Upchurch,Reach Out For The Real Life!,90,,,
Materialism,"Swimmer; ventures past safety markers; undertow pulled under. No respecter of persons, just like undertow; no regard for rich or poor, young or old; greedy and voracious. Some may be no determent to Kingdom work, but use wisely and aid","On surface may appear calm, materialism can viciously pull under self & others","1 John 2:16, 17  Deuteronomy. 8:10-14","Oct 1, 1958 Wt Page 581",Reach Out For The Real Life!,90,,,
Materialism,"Unrighteous steward - wasted masters goods, yet he acted wisely.",Must use our unrighteous riches in behalf of Kingdom interest.,Luke 16:1-9,Jesus,Reach Out For The Real Life!,90,,,
"Materialism, Advice, Selfishness, Greed, Riches,",'Few rich men own their own property.  The property owns them.'  Quote: Robert G. Ingersoll.,"Greedy commercial system, or big business, is another part of Satan's evil world.  He uses this to develop spirit of covetousness and materialism in men's hearts.",Luke 12:15;,Bobby Laymon,Resisting The Spirit Of The World,25,,1995/06/27,
"Materialism, Advice, Selfishness, Greed, Self,",'The same people who can deny others everything are famous for refusing themselves nothing.' Quote: Leigh Hunt.,Adam yielded to selfish desire.  We have inherited that basic selfishness.,Rom 5:12;,Bobby Laymon,"Living, Not For Self, But To Do God's Will",8,,1995/06/27,
"Materialism, Anxiety, Worry, Stress, Depression,","Birds and flowers, beautiful, but worth less than man. Jehovah will take care of us as faithful servants.",Jehovah sees they are clothed and fed.,Matt. 6:19-34;,Bobby Laymon,Reach Out For The Real Life!,90,,,
"Materialism, Clothing - Styles - Dress - Women","'The trouble with women's dress styles is that by the time the husband gets them paid for, they're not in style any more'!",It is expensive to keep in style.,"Mic. 6:8; 1 Pet. 3:3, 4; Eph. 5:28; Titus 2:1-3",Bobby Laymon,Reach Out For The Real Life!,90,,,
"Materialism, Corruption, Christendom,","'I see we can scarcely get anything from Christ's ministers but for money; at baptism money ... at marriage money, for confession money -- no, not extreme unction [last rites] without money! They will ring no bells without money, no burial in the church without",Corruption and immorality connected to the Church. money; so that it seems that Paradise is shut up from them that have no money.',1 Ti 6:10;,"Mankind's Search For God  Page 308  (entered Jan 5, 1992)",Religion's Role In World Affairs.,92,,,
"Materialism, Corruption, Christendom,","Common saying in 14th Century, 'If you want to ruin your son, make him a priest.' Clerical offenders numbered 23 % of the total. Some confessors solicited sexual favors from female penitents.","Corruption and immorality connected to the Church. Thousands of priest had concubines.  In Germany, nearly all.",1 Co 6:9-11; Eph 5:5; 1 Ti 6:10;,"Mankind's Search For God  Page 308  (entered Jan 5, 1992)",Reach Out For The Real Life!,90,,,
"Materialism, Corruption, Christendom,",It has been said that 'even a pope cannot touch pitch without soiling his fingers.',"Regarding the large sums of money pouring into the churches of Christendom, year after year.",1 Tim. 6:10;,"Mankind's Search For God  Page 308  (entered Jan 5, 1992)",Reach Out For The Real Life!,90,,,
"Materialism, Credit,",Credit Card is a modern Aladdin's lamp. Rub and genii helps build palaces.,"Credit is a valuable asset, but so is a good name.",Prov. 22:7; Matt. 6:24; Rom. 13:8; Ps. 37:21;,"Sep 8, 1961 Aw Page 16",Reach Out For The Real Life!,90,,,
"Materialism, Drift, Organization,",When a boat drifts you may not detect that it is moving at all. But proof that it is drifting is seen in that it gradually changes positions.,It is similar with a person who drifts away from God and His organization.,1 Ti 6:10; 1j 2:16; 1ti 4:8;,"Jan 15, 1983 Wt Page 20",Reach Out For The Real Life!,90,,,
"Materialism, Folly, Wisdom,","$100 invested at 7% interest for 100 years will become $100,000, at which time it will be worth absolutely nothing.","Futility of materialism. Saving for retirement, etc.",Eccl. 12:13;,Bobby Laymon,Reach Out For The Real Life!,90,,,
"Materialism, Giving, Christendom, Mercy, Compassion, Preaching, Truth,",Would you throw a matchstick to a man drowning in the middle of a stormy sea?  Hardly.,"Yet, the efforts of churchmen to solve the problems of the world of mankind by concentrating on the material giving are very much like that.  They only scratch the surface as to bringing true relief.  Yes, an entire world system needs to be changed.","Mt 9:16, 17; Is 11:4, 5; 2 Pe 3:13;","Jul 15, 1971 Wt Page 424","Mercy, A Dominant Quality Of True Christians",7,,1993/11/16,
"Materialism, Greed,","A degenerative cancer Cause you to lose sight of justice, truth, honesty, generosity, mercy. (However not required to live life of poverty) Buddhist monks; possessions, garment, begging bowl, needle,","Greed for money eats away Christian qualities a string of 108 beads used as rosary, a razor, filter to strain gnats from drinking water.","1 Tim. 6:9, 10; Matt. 6:19, 20","Mar 1, 1962 Wt Page 133",Reach Out For The Real Life!,90,,,
"Materialism, Greed,",Feeding frenzy-large & medium sized fish,Hostile takeovers & buyouts,1 Cor. 5:11;,"August 8, 1989 Awake! Page 8",Reach Out For The Real Life!,90,,,
"Materialism, Greed, Power,","Leeches gorge themselves with blood, always wanting more.",Greedy persons always demand more money and power.  It is likewise with Sheol. It is never satisfied but remains open to receive more victims of death.  A barren womb cries out for more.,"Ge 30:1; Pr 30:15, 16;","May 15, 1987 Wt Page 28-30",Reach Out For The Real Life!,90,,,
"Materialism, Greed, World, Balance, Pioneer,","An animal can easily be caught in a trap, by reaching out for bait.  Once caught, it will cause many pains. Jehovah, on the other hand, not only give what you need but often even gives you what you want.","We, like a witless animal - can be caught in the snare of materialism, and 'stabbed with many pains' by 'reaching out' for wealth.","1 Ti 6:9, 10; Ps 145:15, 16; 63:3","Bro. Bentley At Ks School   (entered Dec 22, 1991)",'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
"Materialism, Health, Moderation,","The poorest man would not part with health for money, but the richest would gladly part with all their money for health.",Health better than wealth.,"Prov. 14:30; Luke 21:34, 35;",Bobby Laymon (wisdom Of The Ages..Quotes),Reach Out For The Real Life!,90,,,
"Materialism, Meetings, Attitude, Security, Heights,","Jehovah is loving father.   I have never been a father, but I have noticed something.  When a little boy or girl gets in trouble, gets scared, or falls down and scrapes his knee or hurts his finger, and it may even be his fault that he is hurting, that father, will bend down, pick up that little child, draw him up right to his chest and hold him close and comfort him.  To that child, that is a secure height!!!","That is the way Jehovah is with us.  We are imperfect; we make many mistakes, get many booboos.  Yet Jehovah as verse 14 stated: 'will not forsake us or leave his inheritance'.","Psalm 94:12,13,14;",Jk,Jehovah Is 'a Secure Height' For His People,151,,"Apr 26, 2002",
"Materialism, Meetings, Attitude, Security, Heights,","There is great security in knowing the truth well.  The truth is like an anchor in a turbulent sea.  In these turbulent times, it provides stability, happiness, gives us hope, even during some of the most difficult of times.","With very little study and inconsistent meeting attendance it would be like using a piece of Styrofoam for an anchor.  No stability there.  Jehovah, right now, by the things he provides is preparing his people for preservation through even rougher things in the future.","Psalm 94:12,13",Jk,Jehovah Is 'a Secure Height' For His People,151,,"Apr 25, 2002",
"Materialism, Meetings, Attitude, Security, Heights,","What if someone walked up to you and said 'I'll give you 50 thousand dollars if you will just quit going to one of your meetings!  What would you say?  Would you accept that offer?  Why no, no amount of money could make you do that!","But now, how many in order to have a little extra, in order to have something they really desire materially, voluntarily work a lot of overtime, which causes us to miss meetings.  You see, without thinking about it we might be putting a price tag on Jehovah's correction and teaching. Is a new car worth about two of the meetings that we would miss to get it? Or I would give up 1/3 of the meetings in order to be able to take a cruise every year.  If we are an able-bodied man, or woman we need the correction and teaching Jehovah chooses to give us.","Psalm 94:12,13",Jk,Jehovah Is 'a Secure Height' For His People,151,,"Apr 25, 2002",
"Materialism, Money,",It's like a voodoo doll with many pins stuck into it.,One 'stabs' himself with many pains by reaching out for materialism.,1 Tim 6:6-8;,Kenneth Haag C.O.,,,,1995/06/03,
"Materialism, Money,","Man's many desires are like the small metal coins he carries around in his pocket. The more he has, the more they weigh him down.","Material things cost money, are hard to store and maintain.",1 Tim 6:10,Bobby Laymon,Coping With Life's Anxieties,32,,1999/01/02,
"Materialism, Money,","Material things like water in cup of hand.  Hold tight, it will slip through, try to get more, hand will only hold so much.","Getting ahead materially in this system is futile, people always want more, never satisfied.",1 Jo 2:15-17;,Jim Breden-talk By Scott Rudolph,Resisting The Spirit Of The World,25,,1996/02/13,
"Materialism, Money, Anxiety, Greed, Burden, Load,","It is like a spider web.  The harder a person strives to improve his lot in life materially, the more entangled he becomes in worldly pursuits and the heavier the burden on his shoulders becomes.","The world is full of entrepreneurs who have paid for their material successes with broken families, wrecked marriages, ruined health, and more.","Luke 9:25; 1 Tim 6:9, 10;","Aug 15, 1995 Wt Page 21",Slave For The Master Of The Harvest,66,,1995/07/18,
"Materialism, Money, Anxiety, Greed, Burden, Load, Simple,","'Possessions, outward success, publicity, luxury--to me these have always been contemptible.  I believe that a simple and unassuming manner of life is best for everyone.'  Quote: Nobel laureate Albert Einstein.","This merely echoes the apostle Paul's simple advice: 'It is a means of great gain, this godly devotion along with self-sufficiency.'  The emphasis is on 'godly devotion.'",1 Tim 6:6;,"Aug 15, 1995 Wt Page 21",Slave For The Master Of The Harvest,66,,1995/07/18,
"Materialism, Money, Cleanliness, Holy, Pioneer,","Have you ever noticed a child with too many toys?  They can't play with all of them, and yet parents and relatives keep on buying more.  There are so many they can't put them all away, and they get under foot.","Materialism is like that.  All these things cost money, and as the saying goes, 'The bigger the boys, the bigger his toys.'  Soon you can accumulate more than you can put away, and they clutter up your life.  Hard to simplify things.",Mt 6:22;,Mel Hollinger,A Clean People Honors Jehovah,14,,,
"Materialism, Money, Death,","'He that dies with the most toys, wins.'",The world attitude toward pursuing material things.  They become workaholics.  Working only for what material things it can bring them.,"Eph 2:2, 3;","Mar 1, 1995 Wt Page 10; Comment By Al Larue","Living, Not For Self, But To Do God's Will",8,,1995/04/16,
"Materialism, Money, Fight,","IT WAS a warm clear summer day, and the beach glistened in the sunshine.  For the benefit of the swimmers a safety zone was marked off. All wisely respected this zone.  Nonetheless, after repeated warnings, one swimmer foolishly ventured beyond the zone of safety.  Then a subtle and powerful foe attacked. It dragged at his feet, pulled at his body; it pressed in from every side. He was twisted, turned and buffeted until all sense of direction was lost. Truly, this man was engaged in a life-and-death struggle; caught in the undertow, he was putting up a fight for his life. It seemed as though he had all but succumbed to this powerful foe, when a rescue team reached him and pulled him ashore. There he lay, exhausted, very nearly another victim of this deadly enemy.","Today on the surface things may appear calm; but like an undertow, materialism can viciously pull you out of sight. This regardless of how strong one might appear to be.",1 Tim 6:10;,W58 10/1 581,Reach Out For The Real Life!,90,,1994/07/30,
"Materialism, Money, Fight,",MATERIALISM is no respecter of persons.,"Just like the undertow, it has no regard for either rich or poor, young or old. Its appetite is greedy and voracious. Often we think of the rich only as being infected with it. Perhaps you have gone into a brother's home and seen the finest in furniture, a TV with a screen twenty-one inches wide and the latest-model car and said to yourself, 'How can this brother do it and not be affected with materialism?' What you have seen may well be within this brother's means and may be no  deterrent to his Kingdom ministry. In fact, he may use his material means wisely and thus aid himself and others in the ministry.",1 Tim 6:10;,W58 10/1 584,Reach Out For The Real Life!,90,,1994/07/30,
"Materialism, Money, Fight,","WHAT does a farmer do when he sees that the weeds are crowding out the crops on which his livelihood depends? The farmer will get into the field and fight for the very life of his crops and he will use every means available to him to root out and cut down the weeds so his crops might grow and bear fruitage. Further, if the weeds grow too high they can shade out the crop that is growing up.","So too if we permit materialism to grow up alongside the true fruitage of God's Word in our hearts, then it can easily be shaded out by materialism.  Pull up materialism by its roots, exposing it to the scorching light of God's Word and thereby cause it to wither away and die.","Mr 4:18, 19;",W58 10/1 583,Reach Out For The Real Life!,90,,1994/07/30,
"Materialism, Money, Fortune,","'Fortune is like glass-the brighter the glitter, the more easily broken.'  Quote: Publilius Syrus.",We do not want to be like some in Corinth congregation who put emphasis on wealth and position.,1 Cor 4:8;,Bobby Laymon,Bearing Up Under Persecution,57,,1995/07/09,
"Materialism, Money, Generosity.","'I never save money!  If the Good Lord wanted me to save money, he would have put handles on it.' Quote: Pete Junde (Birch Tree congregation who lived to almost 100 years old)","When asked by Steve Carnifix why he was always broke, knowing how he sent money to Society, helped the brothers etc. Entire life should not be built around saving money.  We can honor Jehovah with our 'valuable things.'",Pr 3:9-12; 11:4;,Steve Carnifix,Maintain Your Confidence Firm To The End,46,,,
"Materialism, Money, Happiness, Life,","A large home, nice furniture, expensive car, cannot add one year to your life.  It cannot add one month, one week, one day, or one second to your life.  It may even shorten your life.","Riches, therefore, are a deceptive power.  They cannot do what they appear to do.","Mt 6:25-34; 13:7,22;",Daniel Myers,Be Confident Of Divine Victory!,39,,,
"Materialism, Money, Poor,","'It is not the man who has too little, but the man who craves more, that is poor.' Quote: Lucius Annaecus Seneca.","The Israelites were an example of what happens to the self-indulgent.  They murmured, complained, had 'selfish cravings.'",Nu 11:34;,Bobby Laymon,Renewing The Spirit Of Self-sacrifice,69,,1995/07/09,
"Materialism, Money, Wealth, Riches, Fonda,","'I've had my taste of wealth and all the material things.  They don't mean a thing.  There's a psychiatrist that goes with every swimming pool out here, not to mention divorces and children who hate their parents.'  Quote: Jane Fonda, a famous Hollywood actress, who during the 1970's received half a million dollars per movie.","While wealth alone will never bring happiness, neither does abject poverty.  Thus, a wise man long ago said, 'Give me neither poverty nor riches.'  Prov. 30:8, 9;","Pr 30:8, 9;","Jun 22, 1994 Aw Page 31",Reach Out For The Real Life!,90,,1994/06/25,
"Materialism, Money, World, Content, Balance, Loyalty,","In the 1920's they were among 10 of the most successful financiers.  But, as the years passed, things changed.  Three of these men committed suicide, two were imprisoned, one went insane, and three died in poverty.  Only 1 of the 10 was not thrown completely off balance.",Those living for materialism and success will pay a high price. Jehovah is guarding His loyal ones.,"1 Jo 2:16, 17; Ecc 10:19; Pr 31:14, 15;","Oct 8, 1978 Aw Page 20",Be Confident Of Divine Victory!,39,,,
"Materialism, Money, World, Showy Display,","The experience of a Christian elder in Germany, who also happens to be wealthy, is noteworthy.  A Christian brother, knowing something about his financial status, asked him why he drove a Volkswagen (a less expensive car) and lived in a modest apartment.","He answered: 'Because if I drove a Mercedes Benz (a luxury car) and lived in an ostentatious manner, it could have a damaging effect on the spirituality of my Christian brothers and sisters.'  How different that attitude is from the world's! To make a 'showy display of one's means of life' is the way of the world.",1 Jo 2:16;,W83 1/15 24,'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,1994/07/25,
"Materialism, Money, Worry, Anxiety,","When Adam and Eve sinned, they felt ashamed and did not want their offspring to see them in a naked state.  They made loin coverings of fig leaves.  When Jehovah expelled Adam and Eve from the Garden of Eden, the leaf covering was no longer sufficient.  He provided them 'long garments of skin.'  He provided for their needs.","If Jehovah would do that for a couple who had deliberately sinned, how much more would he do it for those trying to serve him.  No wonder Jesus referred to those in his day as those with 'little faith.'","Matt 6:30; Genesis 3:7, 21;",Kenneth Haag C. O.,Coping With Life's Anxieties,32,,1997/05/28,
"Materialism, Money, Worry, Anxiety,","When one joins the Army all his needs are supplied for him.  He doesn't have to worry about his clothes wearing out because a clothing allotment is given to him to replace them.  He doesn't have to worry about eating, because his meals are provided.  He doesn't have to worry about medical bills because health benefits are provided.  'We will be everything but your girl friend,' new troops are told.","When we list in Jehovah's Army we no longer need to be concerned about daily needs.  If we do our job and put faith in Him, all our needs are provided.","2 Tim 2:3;matt 6:30; Genesis 3:7, 21;",Al Larue,Happy Though Hungry--how Can It Be?,31,,1997/05/28,
"Materialism, Peers, Grooming,","Aircraft, Ship, guided by either gyroscope or radar.  Are we constantly receiving radar signals from peer group, and adjusting to them.  New appliance, clothes etc. Gyro (fast-spinning motor) refuses to yield, stays on course.","Do we have a built-in gyroscope to keep us true to course; or Changes to radar, are gradual, unconsciously, unnoticed.",1 Jo 3:15-17,"Oct 22, 1958 Aw Page 8-12",Why Christians Must Be Different.,123,,,
"Materialism, Pioneer, Satan, Kingdom, World.","You have a priceless watch, with diamonds, but very delicate. You notice the young child is very quiet, and check on him.  He is slinging watch around in the air.  To take it from him would cause damage.  You pick up a worthless plastic bobber; swap with him.",That's what Satan does with us.  He offers us things of no value for the priceless treasures of Jehovah's Kingdom.  We must never be distracted by worldly values.,1 Jn 2:15-17; 1 Ti 6:6-10;,"Joe Laymon (heard At Ks School)   (entered Dec 22, 1991)",'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
"Materialism, Pioneer, World,","There is a fable about an Arab and his camel.  It was a cold night The camel looked into the small tent and asked to put his head inside because of the cold.  Allowed, he next asked to put his fore-legs inside; next his body.  Finally, it was so crowded the camel nudged the Arab outside, saying, 'Not room enough for both.'",So it is with materialism.  If we give it an opening it will encroach more and more on our time energy and soon spirituality will be crowded out of our life.  This is not to say we should go to the other extreme.  Not pursue beyond our needs.,Pr 23:4; 1 John 2:17;,"Aug 1, 1955 Wt Page 477",'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
"Materialism, Pleasures,","Money is a trap.  It's Satan's world and Satan's trap. Hear what money is saying, 'Stab Yourself' Experience: Brother owed $7000.00 on credit cards (entertainment) with nothing to show for it.  Had to quit pioneering, and lost privilege of working on the Assembly Hall.",Traps us into wanting to possess all we see.,1 Tim. 6:9  Rom. 13:8  Prov. 22:7,"Pure Language Dist. Assy. Mobile, Ala. July 5-8, 1990 T. Papas",Reach Out For The Real Life!,90,,,
"Materialism, Religion,",Simple to get small child to accept a nickel for a dime. Especially if it is a bright new one. Many choose most popular religion; biggest attendance; largest and most costly buildings. Richest church.,"Many still uses Tommy's way of life; flashy, showy, bigger. Takes maturity to be able to make right decisions. The biggest car, widest TV Screen, largest house",1 Jo. 2:16,"Jun 22, 1958 Aw Page 5",Religion's Time Of Judgment,83,,,
"Materialism, Riches,","We sold our house for $5,000.  They built a house worth $80,000 Now it is not worth 12 cents.  It is in a great chasm thirty feet deep, broken into millions of pieces.",How material riches can disappear quickly. (Alaskan earthquake),1 Tim. 6:17-19;,"Jun 22, 1964 Aw Page 20",Reach Out For The Real Life!,90,,,
"Materialism, Riches, Money, World, Greed,","'In the choice of a horse and a wife, a man must please himself, ignoring the opinions and advise of friends.' Quote: George John White.",We must please Jehovah and ourselves.,1 Cor. 7:39; 7:12; Ps. 49:6-10; Prov. 11:4; Ezek. 7:19; Job 31,Bobby Laymon,'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
"Materialism, Riches, Money, World, Greed,",'Riches' and 'Ruin' both start with 'R'.,Many of world's richest men ended with ruin.,Eccl. 5:10; 7:12; Ps. 49:6-10; Prov. 11:4; Ezek. 7:19; Job 31,Bobby Laymon,'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
"Materialism, Riches, Money, World, Greed,","Don't spend money you don't have, to buy something you don't need, to impress someone that you don't like.",World's way of 'keeping up with the Jones',Eccl. 5:10; 7:12; Ps. 49:6-10; Prov. 11:4; Ezek. 7:19; Job 31,Bobby Laymon,'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
"Materialism, Riches, Money, World, Greed,","Easy come, easy go. Throw them into the streets.",Riches will go easy at Armageddon.,Ezek. 7:19; Zeph 1:18; Eccl. 5:10; 7:12; Ps. 49:6-10; Prov. 11:4;,Bobby Laymon,'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
"Materialism, Riches, Money, World, Greed,",He who has nothing he values more than money is poor indeed.,"Material riches is a poor substitute for friendship, love,",Eccl. 5:10; 7:12; Ps. 49:6-10; Prov. 11:4; Ezek. 7:19; Job 31,Bobby Laymon,'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
"Materialism, Riches, Money, World, Greed,",Possession is nine-tenths of the law.,"If truth is on your side, you are in the right.",Eccl. 5:10; 7:12; Ps. 49:6-10; Prov. 11:4; Ezek. 7:19; Job 31,Bobby Laymon,'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
"Materialism, Riches, Money, World, Greed,","The more you make, the more you spend.","'When good things become many, those eating them will certainly become many.'","Eccl. 5:10, 11; 7:12; Ps. 49:6-10; Prov. 11:4; Ezek. 7:19; Job 31",Bobby Laymon,'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
"Materialism, Riches, Money, World, Greed,",The way to make a small fortune in the commodities market is to start with a very large fortune.,Materialism can be self-defeating.,Eccl. 5:10; 7:12; Ps. 49:6-10; Prov. 11:4; Ezek. 7:19; Job 31,Bobby Laymon,'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
"Materialism, Riches, Money, World, Greed,","When gold and diamonds fill your hall,    You will not be able to keep them.","Riches, unlike wisdom, can easily fly away.",Eccl. 5:10; 7:12; Ps. 49:6-10; Prov. 11:4; Ezek. 7:19; Job 31,Bobby Laymon (wisdom Of The Ages..Quotes),'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
"Materialism, Riches, Money, World, Greed, Contributions.","A penny saved, is a penny earned. Do what you can for the Kingdom.",Widow's mite was most highly valued.,Eccl. 5:10; 7:12; Ps. 49:6-10; Prov. 11:4; Ezek. 7:19; Job 31,Bobby Laymon,'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
"Materialism, Riches, Money, World, Greed, Government, Kingdom,","Poverty, the mother of manhood.",Man has ruled man to his injury.,Eccl. 5:10; 7:12; 8:9; Ps. 49:6-10; Prov. 11:4; Ezek. 7:19; Job 31,Bobby Laymon,'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
"Materialism, Riches, Money, World, Greed, Loyalty,","Riches are like nuts, Many limbs are broken getting them, many teeth are cracked eating them, yet the belly is not full.","Striving for material things are vanity, striving after wind.",Eccl. 5:10; 7:12; Ps. 49:6-10; Prov. 11:4; Ezek. 7:19; Job 31,Bobby Laymon,'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
"Materialism, Science, Satan, Wisdom,","'A purely materialistic philosophy is to me the height of unintelligence.'  Quote Dr. Robert A. Millikan; NY Times April 30, 1948.","Teaches that man still retains part of his animal past, and that is the reason he fights, torments, and kills his fellow man.",Mt. 25:41; Lk. 4:1-8; Jn. 8:44;,"May 15, 1968 Wt Page 295",Does Your Hope Rest On Science Or The Bible?,80,,,
"Materialism, Self, Money, Riches, Wealth,","'Banks and riches are chains of gold, but still chains.'  Quote: Edmund Ruffin.","Those making Jehovah their stronghold will experience no eternal loss.   One making money, job, marriage, pleasures, or schemes of men his stronghold cannot prevent or reverse death.",Ps 116:15,Bobby Laymon,Are You Really Making Jehovah Your Stronghold?,18,s,1995/06/30,
"Materialism, Simple, Pioneer, Balance,",This challenge might be compared to that faced by a performer who attempts to walk on a thin high wire. Loss of balance would be a disaster for him. A person walking a high wire surely does not burden himself with many things. He carries only the essentials.,"Similarly, the loss of spiritual balance would be disastrous for us. In order to maintain our spiritual balance, therefore, we need to live a simple, unburdened life.-Hebrews 12:1, 2.","Heb 12:1, 2;",W89 7/15 10-11,Reach Out For The Real Life!,90,,1994/06/04,
"Materialism, Trust, Money,","A Witness mother and her young son Tommy were shopping at the local general store. The storekeeper, observing the fine behavior of the young man, noticed Tommy glancing at the large barrel of penny candy that was at the middle of the store. (Children could pay a nickel and reach into the barrel and take a handful of the candy.) Since Tommy and his mother were on a limited budget, Tommy did not ask for any candy. When they were paying for the goods they needed, the storekeeper felt compelled to compliment Tommy on his good behavior and for helping his Mom do the shopping. Then the storekeeper invited Tommy to take a handful of candy as a reward for his good behavior. Needless to say, both the mother and the storekeeper were surprised  when Tommy paused for a moment and then declined to accept the  storekeeper's generous offer. The storekeeper, thinking that Tommy  was just a bit shy, once again insisted that Tommy go and help  himself to a handful of candy as an expression of the storekeeper's  appreciation for Tommy's good behavior. After looking at the barrel  of candy once again, Tommy once more surprised everyone by  respectfully declining the storekeeper's offer. Somewhat frustrated at this point, the storekeeper walked over to the candy barrel, took a handful of candy, put it in a paper bag and gave it to Tommy, saying, son, you are a good boy and deserve this candy. Tommy thanked the storekeeper and gratefully accepted the bag of candy.  On their way home the Mother finally turns to Tommy and says. Son, I know you like candy very much, and you knew I wasn't objecting to your having some, so why did you refuse at first to go and take a handful of candy, only to accept it when the storekeeper went and got some for you? Tommy then turned to his mother and said, I wanted to take the candy when the storekeeper first asked me, but then I thought how small my hand is and how MUCH BIGGER his hand was!","The barrel of candy pictures the opportunities we all have today to acquire material goods, pursue careers, and in short treat ourselves to the present world's view of sweeter things. But what is truly the course of wisdom and discernment today? To see what our small hands can gather in now, or put our faith in the grand fulfillment of Psalms 145:16 when in the New System we will be moved to say to Jehovah: 'You are opening your [boundless] hand and satisfying the desire of every living thing'",Ps 145:16;,Peter Morgan,Slave For The Master Of The Harvest,66,,1997/08/10,
"Materialism, Wealth,",A fool and his money are soon parted.,Man will be parted from wealth at system's end,1 Tim. 6:1-3,Joe Laymon,Reach Out For The Real Life!,90,,,
"Materialism, Wealth,",China; took wheelbarrows full of paper yen to buy loaf of bread. Germany after WWI in 1923 a trillion marks dwindled to value of 1 mark in coin.,Wealth is only temporary.,Matt. 4:4; Luke 12:15;,"Jul 15, 1962 Wt Page 433",Reach Out For The Real Life!,90,,,
"Materialism, Wealth, Ambition, Proud, Modesty, Climbing, Politics,",'Ambition often puts men upon doing the meanest offices: so climbing is performed in the same posture with creeping.' Quote: -Jonathan Swift.,Political promises held in low esteem because often it is the lowest of men who become politicians.  Promises are not made with intention of being kept or those making them are powerless to do so.,"Ps 146:3,4;",Bobby Laymon,On Whose Promises Do You Rely?,61,,1995/08/25,
"Materialism, Wealth, Lazy, Organization, Self-sacrificing,",'It's better to wear out than to rust out.' Quote: Richard Cumberland.  (1730-1792).,This is not a 'layed-back' organization.  It is a 'working' one.,Genesis. 6:22; 7:5;,Bobby Laymon,Serving With Jehovah's Unified Organization,3,,,
"Materialism, Wealth, Lazy, Organization, Sleep,","A rolling stone gathers no moss. Must never fold our hands, lie down on the job.",We must find contentment in Jehovah's arrangement.,Prov. 24:34;,Bobby Laymon,Serving With Jehovah's Unified Organization,3,,,
"Materialism, Wealth, Meetings, World,","The bigger the stake, the harder to pull it up. Never let secular employment keep you from attending meetings.",How big is your stake in the old world?,"Matt. 19:24; Ezek. 7:19, 27;","Jul 15, 1962 Wt Page 435",'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
"Materialism, Wealth, Satan,",All is not gold that glitters.,Deceptive power of riches. Like fool's gold. valueless. Satan's glitter,Matt. 13:22; Mark 4:19; 1 Jo. 2:15-17;,Bobby Laymon,Reach Out For The Real Life!,90,,,
"Materialism, Work, Play, Success, Contentment, World,","It is not the man who has too little, but the man who craves more, that is poor.",We could have much and still be materialistic.,Matt. 24:13; Heb. 12:3; Gal. 6:1; 1 Cor. 15:58; Heb. 13:5;,Bobby Laymon,'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
"Materialism, Work, Play, Success, Contentment, World, Government,",Nothing succeeds like excess. We must find contentment.,"Abuses of excess. Money, Power,",Matt. 24:13; Heb. 12:3; Gal. 6:1; 1 Cor. 15:58; Heb. 13:5;,Bobby Laymon (wisdom Of The Ages..Quotes),'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
"Materialism, World,","A man can acclimatize to cold Antarctic weather.  Give a man two blankets and told to sleep in 32 degree temperature, he will not wake up two hours later when the blankets are taken away. Being out in the cold 2 hours a day begins the acclimatizing",Satan would like to acclimatize us to the world. process helps them to become used to it.,Rom. 12:2; Matt. 24:12,"Feb 22, 1964 Aw Page 14",'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
"Materialism, World, Christendom,",Christianity is not a case of patching up an old garment.,"Instead of patching up this present world system with all its greed, injustices, its inequalities, God is going to discard it as no good.","Mt 9:16, 17; Is 11:4, 5; 2 Pe 3:13;","Jul 15, 1971 Wt Page 424",Will You Be A Survivor Of The 'last Days'?,2,,1993/11/16,
"Materialism, World, Fear, Grasshopper,","Grasshopper on hood of car, afraid to let go.","All he has to do is let go, but very hard",1 Tim. 6:6-10,Bobby Laymon,'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
"Materialism, World, Last Days, Kingdom,","A chameleon is a little animal that goes along with the surroundings.  He can look green like grass, brown or gray like bark, etc.","Christians cannot afford to be like the chameleon, as regards this world.  Not copy or blend in with business practices, speech, morals, etc.","Eph 4:17, 19; Mal 3:17, 18;",Tim O'Brien,Why Christians Must Be Different.,123,,,
"Materialism, World, Last Days, Kingdom, Integrity, Loyalty,","A mountain climber, almost to the top.  He only has one more steep ledge.  Sees a glitter to his right.  Will he turn loose with one hand, and try to work loose the glittering object, or swing over to it.  No!",We are at the end of this system of things.  We must keep a firm hold on the real life.,1ti 6:12; Mt 28:18-20;,Assembly Talk,'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
"Materialism, World, Pioneer,","Did you ever see a 'porcupine petting zoo?'  It does not exist, because, no matter what way you rub it, sooner or later, you are going to get stuck.","The world is like that.  When we become closely involved in the world, sooner or later, we are going to get stuck.",Lk 12:15; 1 John 5:19; Ro 1:24-27,Scott Rudolph,Resisting The Spirit Of The World,25,,,
"Materialism, World, Pioneer,","You can carry water in the palm of your hand.  But try to squeeze it and you lose what you have.  Also, try to carry more and it runs out.","Wealth, or 'getting ahead in life' is like that.  All we are promised is life.  When we try to get more, or squeeze it too tightly, we lose what we have.",Lk 12:15;,Scott Rudolph,'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
"Materialism, World, System, Armageddon,","You win free tickets for a world cruise on a ship.  You get down to the dock and you are told everything is free!  Food, all the clothes, money, live entertainment.  But you notice there is a big hole in the boat.  The captain says the boat will sink.  Do you get on?",This system of things is going down.  It is going to be completely destroyed.  Do you want to be part of it?  Even rats leave a sinking ship.,1 John 2:17;,Charles Francis,Will You Escape This World's Destiny?,84,,1994/12/25,
"Materialism; Straying, Drifting, Speculating, Demons, Satan,",The Watchtower magazine- once explained how a sheep could be lost- A shepherd said- The sheep 'Nibbles itself lost- It sees a tuft of green grass a few feet off to one side- goes over to nibble there- It spots another patch ten feet away- and goes to nibble there- a third patch looks inviting- and the sheep goes to nibble it- Soon it is far from the flock- It has nibbled itself lost' (wt 6/1/86 p14),"So it is with those who drift spiritually.  It may start innocently enough with a few material things, or worldly association, or speculations on certain Scriptures.  But little by little, such ones move farther and farther from the flock of God and soon they have separated themselves from the congregation and God's love.",Heb 2:1; 2co 13:5;,"Dch; June 1, 1986 Wt Page 14",Reach Out For The Real Life!,90,,1993/10/03,
Mathematics,Quickest route is the shortest one. Example 223 X 5 is same as 223 X 10 divided by 2. much easier. Divide 56 by 14. easier to divide both numbers by 2. then it is 28 divided by 7 = 4.,Many shortcuts to math problems. See article for numerous other suggestions.,Pr 4:7;,"Jan 8, 1962 Aw Page 12-15",,,,,
Maturity,A track to run on.,Maturity makes you predictable and reliable.  faithful.,Heb. 6:1;,Bobby Laymon,Keep Growing In Your Relationship With God,16,,,
Maturity,"At first parents have to make decisions on behalf of child. What is good or bad; what and what not to eat; when to sleep, when to play, what's safe & what is dangerous. Must grow in powers of discernment, search and think for himself",Growth to Christian Maturity.,Heb. 5:13 To 6:1,"Aug 1, 1959 Wt Page 463, 464",Keep Growing In Your Relationship With God,16,,,
Maturity,Children want to quit when work becomes difficult. Whine and complain. Look for excuses. Mature person accepts responsibility.,"In Jehovah's work, mature ones will not be discouraged.",Heb. 6:1; 2 Tim. 3:7; 1 Tim. 4:15,"Jun 15, 1961 Wt Page 370",Keep Growing In Your Relationship With God,16,,,
Maturity,Petals of a bud open to form a beautiful rose.,"Gives us confidence, faith, self-respect, reveal full beauty of spiritual person.",Heb. 6:1;,Bobby Laymon,Keep Growing In Your Relationship With God,16,,,
"Maturity, Growth, Advancement, Apostate, Disfellowshipped,","A ripe (or mature) fruit that goes bad does not become green (immature) again.  It becomes corrupt, rotten.","Instead of becoming spiritually ill, the mature Christian may go bad.  He does not return to immaturity, but may become a delinquent or an apostate.",Heb 6:1-8; 12:15;,"Nov 1, 1971 Wt Page 664",How To Protect Ourselves From Satan's Snares,115,,1993/11/21,
"Maturity, Growth, Advancement, Improve,","A grown-up person who gets sick can become 'as weak as a baby,' yet he is still an adult.  He may need to feed on food suitable for babies, milk or other soft nourishment, for a time because of his illness.","Similarly, the spiritually ill Christian, though mature, may for a time need others to help him and care for him, even nourish him spiritually to restore him to spiritual health and strength.  He does not become immature.","Heb 12:5, 6, 12, 13; Jas 5:13-16;","Nov 1, 1971 Wt Page 664",Keep Growing In Your Relationship With God,16,,1993/11/21,
"Maturity, Growth, Advancement, Improve,","Have you, as an adult, ever found yourself ashamed of having acted or spoken in a 'childish' way?  Yet you did not thereby return to being a child in reality; you remained an adult.","A mature person does not retrogress to immaturity.  True, poor judgment and weakness are characteristic of children, but once adult, they never become a child again.","Heb 12:5, 6, 12, 13; Jas 5:13-16;","Nov 1, 1971 Wt Page 664",Keep Growing In Your Relationship With God,16,,1993/11/21,
"Maturity, Growth, Advancement, Improve, Apostate, View, Attitude,","If the first-century apostles were to be thrust into a modern industrialized, office-directed society of our day, there would be many factors that would be strange, unfamiliar and temporarily at least, bewildering to them.","Would this make them immature?  Obviously not.  Christian maturity is determined by spiritual qualifications set forth in God's Word.  They apply equally everywhere, to all persons and at all times.  Christians are not stereotypes one of the other.  They do not have to be equally strong or capable in all aspects to be 'mature.'","Eph 4:15, 16;","Nov 1, 1971 Wt Page 664",Keep Growing In Your Relationship With God,16,,1993/11/21,
"Maturity, Growth, Advancement, Improvement, Organization,","Christian maturity to some seem like a will-o'-the wisp, a mirage, that tantalizingly moves away just when one thinks one is reaching it.",The attaining of Christian maturity is no such elusive goal.  It is wrong understanding of spiritual maturity that leads one to such a conclusion.,1co 3:1-4; Eph 4:12-16;,"Nov 1, 1971 Wt Page 661",Keep Growing In Your Relationship With God,16,,1993/11/21,
"Maturity, Growth, Advancement, Organization, Improvement,","In physical growth, we automatically grow into manhood or womanhood.  One reaches a certain point and then levels off.","We should realize though, that outgrowing spiritual childhood and coming into spiritual adulthood in not automatic, as is physical growth.  It requires sincere effort and cooperation on our part with God and his Son and the means they provide.",1co 3:1-4; Eph 4:12-16;,"Nov 1, 1971 Wt Page 662",Keep Growing In Your Relationship With God,16,,1993/11/21,
"Maturity, Growth, Advancement, Organization, Improvement,","Is maturity always there ahead of us so that we are on a sort of treadmill, never actually reaching maturity as a goal?  Is it to be viewed as a ladder whose rungs keep multiplying endlessly the higher we go.  No!","The word means 'full grown.'  Properly viewed, maturity is seen as a helpful platform upon which to work.  Not as a disheartening ladder whose rungs keep multiplying endlessly the higher we go.","Php 3:12, 14-16; Eph 4:13; 1ti 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9;","Nov 1, 1971 Wt Page 663",Keep Growing In Your Relationship With God,16,,1993/11/21,
"Maturity, Growth, Improve, Advancement, Apostate, View, Attitude,","Two orchards, each containing different kinds of fruit trees, might both be 'mature,' that is, having fully developed, fruit-bearing trees.  Yet, one orchard might have more apple trees than pear trees, while the other might have more pear trees than apple trees.","We would do well to avoid using the word 'maturity' as a sort of 'catchall' expression, so broad and vague as to be all-inclusive.  Nor would we want it simply to come to stand for our own imagined ideal of what a Christian should be.  Not all mature Christians will be precisely alike in their personality or their manifestation of spiritual qualities.","Gal 5:22, 23; 1co 7:7; 12:4-11, 27-31;","Nov 1, 1971 Wt Page 664;",Keep Growing In Your Relationship With God,16,,1993/11/21,
"Maturity, Growth, Improve, Advancement, Organization,","When a child grows up and becomes an adult, does this mean that such adult now has all the knowledge, experience and discernment he or she will ever have?  Obviously not.  A person continues to progress in his adult life.","A mature Christian also should continue to progress in knowledge, love, faith, wisdom and all the other qualities that are fruits of God's spirit.",Eph 4:13;,"Nov 1, 1971 Wt Page 663",Keep Growing In Your Relationship With God,16,,1993/11/21,
"Maturity, Growth, Improve, Advancement, Organization,",Would it be proper to say a person is 'more mature'?  Consider.  Would you say an adult becomes 'more adult' because of the experience and knowledge he adds after attaining adulthood?  Is a man fifty years of age 'more adult' than one of forty?  Would we speak of a sixty-year-old man as 'very adult' and a seventy-year-old man as 'extremely adult'?,No!  For this is not the sense of the word.  Neither is it the sense of the word 'maturity.'  It would be improper to speak of one as 'more mature.',Eph 4:13; 1ti 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9;,"Nov 1, 1971 Wt Page 663",Keep Growing In Your Relationship With God,16,,1993/11/21,
"Maturity, Growth, Progress, Improve, Practice,","Handsome is, that handsome does. 'As a gold nose ring in snout of a pig....'",Wisdom is proved righteous in its works.,Prov. 11:22; Matt. 11:19; Heb. 6:1-3; Phil. 3:16; 1 Tim. 4:16;,Bobby Laymon,Keep Growing In Your Relationship With God,16,,,
"Maturity, Growth, Progress, Improve, Practice,",Make haste slowly.,We cannot rush maturity.,"Heb. 6:1-3; Phil. 3:16; 1 Tim. 4:16; Acts 19:9, 10;",Bobby Laymon,Keep Growing In Your Relationship With God,16,,,
"Maturity, Growth, Progress, Improve, Practice,",The longest journey is started by the first step.,"Growth, is slow but sure.","Heb. 6:1-3; Phil. 3:16; 1 Tim. 4:16; Acts 19:9, 10;",Bobby Laymon,Keep Growing In Your Relationship With God,16,,,
"Maturity, Growth, Progress, Improve, Practice,",The ripe fruit falls first.,Maturity should not be rushed.,"Cant. 8:4; Heb. 6:1-3; Phil. 3:16; 1 Tim. 4:16; Acts 19:9, 10;",Bobby Laymon,Keep Growing In Your Relationship With God,16,,,
"Maturity, Growth, Progress, Improve, Practice,",There's always room at the top.,Room to grow.,"Heb. 6:1-3; Phil. 3:16; 1 Tim. 4:16; Acts 19:9, 10;",Bobby Laymon,Keep Growing In Your Relationship With God,16,,,
"Maturity, Growth, Progress, Improve, Practice,",You must learn to crawl before you learn to walk.  To follow before you can lead.,"Maturity, growth, come slowly, but surely.","Heb. 6:1-3; Phil. 3:16; 1 Tim. 4:16; Acts 19:9, 10;",Bobby Laymon,Keep Growing In Your Relationship With God,16,,,
"Maturity, Growth, Progress, Improve, Practice, Goal,","Make the best, better.",Our goals should be to progress in our relationship to Jehovah.,"Heb. 6:1-3; Phil. 3:16; 1 Tim. 4:16; Acts 19:9, 10;",Bobby Laymon,Keep Growing In Your Relationship With God,16,,,
"Maturity, Growth, Progress, Improve, Practice, Justice, Partial,",Clothes do not make a man.,We must endeavor to see further into heart.,"Heb. 6:1-3; Phil. 3:16; 1 Tim. 4:16; Acts 19:9, 10;",Bobby Laymon,Keep Growing In Your Relationship With God,16,,,
"Maturity, Immaturity, Unity, Spiritual, Fleshly","'I fed you milk, not something to eat, for you were not strong enough' 'not able to speak to as spiritual men, but fleshly men, as to babes in Christ.'",Danger in immaturity.,1 Cor. 3:1-5; 2 Cor. 11:2-4;,"May 1, 1964 Wt Page 270",What Is Behind The Spirit Of Rebellion?,33,,,
"Maturity, Perfection, Personality,","Growth in maturity from the spring planting to harvest is gradual. Peter appreciated this principle of gradual growth and development 'Supply to your faith, virtue, to your virtue knowledge...'",Replacing the old personality does not occur suddenly & completely,2 Pet. 1:5-7; Phil. 3:16;,"Sep 1, 1964 Wt Page 530",Keep Growing In Your Relationship With God,16,,,
"Maturity, Progress,","The rose is a rose from the time it is a seed to the time it dies. Within it, at all times, it contains the whole potential. It seems to be constantly in the process of change: yet at each state, at each moment, it is perfectly all right as it is.  A flower is not better when it blooms than when it is merely a bud; at each stage it is the same thing--a flower in the process of expressing its potential.","As we continue to grow to full Christian stature (and observe others in various stages of development), we must patiently see that time, circumstances and individual potential are factors that control the final development to maturity.",Heb. 6:1;,Goldman Collection,Keep Growing In Your Relationship With God,16,,"Jan 21, 2001",
Maturity;,"'You're only young once, but you can stay immature indefinitely.' Quote:  Vern McClellan",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Maturity;,Just because a person grows older doesn't mean he necessarily grows up.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Maturity;,No one gets too old to learn a new way of being stupid.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Maxim;,"'A man of maxims only, is like a Cyclops with one eye, and that in the back of his head.'  Quote:  Sam Taylor Coleridge.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Maxim;,"'all maxims have their antagonist maxims; proverbs should be sold in pairs, a single one being but a half truth.' Quote:  William Mathews",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Maxim;,'Maxims are the condensed good sense of nations.'  Quote:  James Mackintosh.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Maxim;,'Pithy sentences are like sharp nails which force truth upon our memory.'  Quote:  Denis Diderot.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Meddle, Interfere, Business, Contentment, Quarrel, Gossip,",'As one grabbing hold of the ears of a dog is anyone passing by that is becoming furious at the quarrel that is not his.',"What would happen if you grabbed hold of the ears of a dog? It would hurt the dog, and he would snap at you, wouldn't he? The more the dog tried to get loose, the harder you would squeeze the ears. And the more excited the dog would get. If you let him go, he would probably bite you hard.   But can you just stand there and hold his ears forever?  Well, that is the kind of trouble that we would be in if we got mixed up in a fight between other people.",Pr 26:17;,W71 6/15 373-4,You Can Find Joy In Serving God,103,,1994/05/13,
Meddling; Gossip;,"Make someone happy today, mind your own business.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Meddling; Gossip;,Plastic surgery can do anything with a human nose except keep it out of other people's business.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Mediator,Legal case in which an attorney is involved Sometimes attorney's work benefit many others So it is with Jesus' legal accomplishments as mediator,Bringing about a legal contract acceptable to both parties,"1 Tim 2:5,6 1 Pet 2:9  Genesis 22:18","Aug 15, 1989 Wt Page 31",,,,,
"Medicine, Cure, Science, Immortality, Remedy",'The desire to take medicine is perhaps the greatest feature which distinguishes man from animals.' Quote: Sir William Osler.,"People seek immortality, and cures from life's problems, in medication or other forms of remedy.","Rev 21:3,4;",Bobby Laymon,Reach Out For The Real Life!,90,,1995/08/16,
"Meditate, Meditation, Daydream, Study, Concentration,","As the torrid heat of the Negeb gave way to the cool of the evening, a young man named Isaac left his tent and went for a stroll 'in order to meditate in the field.' Upcoming marriage meant new and weighty responsibilities.","Highlights something that should be a part of every Christian's routine: MEDITATION. Looked up, saw a caravan: His bride, Rebekah.",Genesis. 24:62-67; 22:17-18,"Feb 1, 1984 Wt Page 27",Taking Time To Meditate On Spiritual Things,67,,,
"Meditate, Meditation, Daydream, Study, Concentration, Meetings,","Like a boat, floating downstream. If daydreaming during rest periods, this can be very relaxing. But if done at Christian meetings, during study periods or work time can be harmful.","Most prefer simply to let the mind drift, without effort or without purpose. Called DAYDREAMING.",Luke 6:46; Genesis. 24:62-67; 22:17-18,"Feb 1, 1984 Wt Page 27",Taking Time To Meditate On Spiritual Things,67,,,
"Meditate, Meditation, Daydream, Study, Concentration, Meetings,","Like idling a car engine -- wasting fuel and getting nowhere. If daydreaming during rest periods, this can be very relaxing. But if done at Christian meetings, during study periods or work time can be harmful.",Daydreaming can be wasteful and harmful.,Luke 6:46; Genesis. 24:62-67; 22:17-18,"Feb 1, 1984 Wt Page 27",Taking Time To Meditate On Spiritual Things,67,,,
"Meditate, Mind, Variety, Diversion, Pioneer, Solitude, Quiet, Loneliness,","'The mind ought sometimes to be diverted, that it may return the better to thinking.' Quote: -Phaedrus.","Should seek out quiet times and places, perhaps at night for thinking about Jehovah's purposes.",Ps 63:6;,Bobby Laymon,Taking Time To Meditate On Spiritual Things,67,,1995/08/25,
"Meditate, Ponder, Attention, Listen, Hear, Teaching,",Apt is the Chinese proverb: 'Teaching that enters the ears but not the heart is like dinner eaten in a dream.',"If we are to benefit personally from the eternal beauties of true religion -not just dream about them - it is vital that what we learn reaches our heart, not just our ears.",Jas 1:22;,G89 12/22 19,Never Become Dull In Your Hearing,9,,1994/07/10,
"Meditate, Solitude, Prayer, Alone, Loneliness, Appreciation,","Certain springs are tapped only when we are alone. The artist knows he must be alone to create; the writer, to work out his thoughts; the musician, to compose; the saint, to pray.'","It is the refreshing spiritual springs that are tapped by true Christians when they meditate in solitude on Jehovah's Word,",Matt. 14:13; Mr 3:7;,W56 11/1 644,Taking Time To Meditate On Spiritual Things,67,,1995/01/27,
"Meditate, Study, Prayer, Relationship, Spiritual Food,",You might liken meditation to digesting food.,"You can digest spiritual food by relating what you are reading to things you already know.  Consider how the material affects your life, or what it reveals about Jehovah's qualities and dealings.","Ps 1:1-3; 77:11, 12;",Kl Page 158,Taking Time To Meditate On Spiritual Things,67,,1995/06/16,
"Meditate, Study, Thinking, Taste, Reading, meditation,",It's not the bees just touching on the flowers that gathers honey but her abiding for a TIME UPON THE FLOWERS and thus drawing out the sweet.  It's not hasty reading but seriously meditating on heavenly and holy things that makes them prove sweet and profitable to the soul.,"It's not he that reads most but he that meditates most on divine truth that will prove to be among the choicest, wisest and strongest servants of God that are walking on the he face of the earth..",Ps. 1:1-3;,Bobby Laymon,Taking Time To Meditate On Spiritual Things,67,,"Jan 21, 2001",3/30/2014
Meditation,Anchor 'Whatever things.....continue in these' No one can isolate us from Jehovah.,"Truth can drift if not firmly anchored, by meditation.","Phil 4:8-    Acts 2:25, 26",Roger Carpenter,Gaining Comfort In All Our Tribulations,105,,,
Meditation,Digestion: need time to digest Body might vomit out no speed reading; what value is foundation without house on it.,"If we turn on ball game, TV, blots out entire truth","Heb 6:1,2 5:13, 14  1 Cor 3:1-3","Kingdom Unity Dist Assy  Uniondale, N.Y. June 23-26, 1983",Taking Time To Meditate On Spiritual Things,67,,,
"Meditation, Bible, Reading,","If our mind and heart are like a garden, what sort of a garden would it be? Rocky and barren, or full of flowers and plant life?","Bible reading without meditation is like a rain shower. It passes quickly and dries up. Refreshing to the mind, but just for a moment. There is no lasting benefit. Bible reading with meditation is like a steady rain that sinks into the mind and heart and stimulates spiritual growth. What kind of Bible reading do you do?",Ps 143:5;,Peter Morgan,Taking Time To Meditate On Spiritual Things,67,,1997/08/11,
"Meditation, Day-dreaming,","Boat that is drifting, or a car with the engine idle.","Day-dreaming is different from meditation, because it uses up valuable time on nothing.",Ps 77:12; Co 4:2; Ph 4:6;,Frank Brock,Taking Time To Meditate On Spiritual Things,67,,,
"Meditation, Imagination, Learning, Knowledge, Daydreams,",'He who has imagination without learning has wings and no feet.'  Quote: --Joseph Joubert.,"Meditation is not day-dreaming, but comes from accurate knowledge.",Josh 1:8;,Jk Quotes;,Taking Time To Meditate On Spiritual Things,67,,,
"Meditation, Personal Study",Study without meditation is like a hard rain. A hard rain for a few minutes is of little value. Runs off. Prefer a soft gentle rain for a long time. Seeps in ground. A period of study should be followed by meditation so it can sink,For study to really sink in we need to meditate. in.,Ps 63:6; 77:12,Circuit Assembly,Taking Time To Meditate On Spiritual Things,67,,,
Meek,"'It is not WEAK to be MEEK' Opposite of haughtiness, arrogance, vanity, impatience. Moses: 'by far meekest' Num. 12:3 His power and strength before Pharaoh, enhanced by 'meekness'",Some of the strongest men on earth were meekest David taught meekness. Ps. 37:11 Christ Jesus: proved to be one greater than Moses & David.,"Acts 7:22; Exodus. 32:9; Numbers. 14:10; 12:3; Matt. 11:28, 29","Sep 22, 1960 Aw Page 3, 4",,,,,
Meek;,'Pity the meek for they shall inherit the earth.'  Quote:  Don Marquis.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Meekness, Humble, Humility, Proud,",Would you reject a treasure just because you found it in a humble earthen container?  Of course not!,"Yet, that is the way God chooses to present his life-saving Word of truth to us.  Meekness and humility will enable us to see the true value of the treasure and not just the 'earthen vessels,' or human agencies, conveying it to us.",2co 4:7; Zep 2:3; Mt 5:5;,"Dec 15, 1993 Wt Page 10",Into The New Order Under Christ's Leadership,56,,1993/11/10,
Meeting,Thomas missed meetings; lost faith; attended & regained faith Israelites in Egypt would have lost lives if ignorant to meeting about Passover lamb,He was an apostle (we cannot but lose faith if miss meetings),Jo 20:24-28,Bobby Laymon,How To Keep Spiritually Awake!,71,,,
Meeting Attendance,David had 5 stones (which one did he use),Used ones he needed.  We must get to the meetings in order to have all the information we may need.,"Heb 10:24, 25;",Bro Jones,How To Keep Spiritually Awake!,71,,,
Meeting Attendance,Guest in Jehovah's house show due consideration for host respect for other guests,Are you a good guest,Ps 15:1  Matt 18:20,"June 15, 1989 Wt Page 16",How To Keep Spiritually Awake!,71,,,
Meeting Attendance,"Holding onto bridge with 5 fingers apply to God's Word try holding up with one hand, let go a finger",Would you let go 1 finger,1 Cor 2:13  1 Time 6:17-19,Mar 74 Km,How To Keep Spiritually Awake!,71,,,
Meeting Attendance,"How can you tell when an engine is about to run out of gas?  It miss-fires, sputters, coughs, and then quits.","We have a 'spirit-fired engine.'  When we start missing, not hitting on all cylinders then we are about to run out of fuel. The solution:  Attend meetings!  Go in Service!","Heb 10:24, 25",Bro Punko,How To Keep Spiritually Awake!,71,,,
Meeting Attendance,Young Elihu  'kept giving ear'  'kept his attention turned',"Not chewing on gum, dozing, whispering, other matters","Job 32:11, 12","June 15, 1989 Wt Page 17",How To Keep Spiritually Awake!,71,,,
"Meeting Attendance, firm In Truth","Swinging bridge, running from natives. We are on bridge, natives cut rope, can we hold on when bridge hits other side?","Need to hold on to truth with same grip as holding bridge, for dear life.  Bridge is between Satan's system and Jehovah's.  We need to hang on.",Isa.2:17-21,Jim Breden,Are You Really Making Jehovah Your Stronghold?,18,,1996/07/21,
"Meeting, Light, Provisions, Service Meeting, Book Study, Ministry School,","Some think that to miss a book study is just a little thing,  (have someone turn off one of the lights) but we lose a little light.  The same thing is true of the Service Meeting.  (Another light is turned off)  Then the Theocratic Ministry School.  (Another light goes out)  Keep on until it is dark.","How do you get Jehovah's light back.  Then, one by one, you start attending the Book Study, (light comes on) then the Service Meeting, etc. until it is light again.","Heb. 10:24, 25",Joe Laymon,Serving With Jehovah's Unified Organization,3,,1999/06/03,
"Meeting, Prayer, Service, Association, Earth, Paradise, Kingdom,",(1) 'MAPS' M=MEETINGS; A=ASSOCIATION; P=PRAYER; S=SERVICE.  (2) 'SPAM' (Same meaning),"(1) These are like maps to get you into the new world.  (2) These are the meatier things, that will help you gain life.  (Use either)","Heb 10:24, 25; 1 Pet 2:16; 2 Th 3:1; Matt 10:1-5;",Amy Smith,Follow The Way To Life,45,,1994/10/30,
"Meeting, Preparation",Child not learn to walk overnight.  Mother never learned to cook over night.,Preparation is something have learn to do.   Not just come natural.,"Heb 10:24,25",Divine Teaching Convention,How To Keep Spiritually Awake!,71,,,
"Meeting, Preparation",Do you enjoy eating unprepared foods?  Uncooked potatoes. Easier to digest when cooked.,Spiritual food at meetings easier digested if read material in advance.,Heb 13:17,Divine Teaching Convention,Respect For Authority Is A Safeguard For You,12,,,
Meetings,"Automobile: Needs gas, oil, transmission fluid, water, anti-freeze, to keep running.  When the car stops, there is a serious problem.  A car may not stop as quickly if it runs out of oil, as it does with gasoline, but it is just as serious, or even more so.","All meetings needed to progress spiritually.  Watchtower is like gasoline; Book study is like oil; Theocratic School is like transmission fluid, Service meeting is like water.  If we don't have them all, serious problems may develop.",Isa. 54:13  Matt. 24:45-47,"Pure Language D.A. July 5-8, 1990","Taught By Jehovah, In The Congregation",71,,,
Meetings,Family Re-union - Every body brings something to add to meal.,We should bring something to the meetings,"Heb 10:24, 25",Steve Whittington,How To Keep Spiritually Awake!,71,,,
Meetings,"If you feed an animal same place, where will he be at what time? If ass knows the manger of owner, what should this show us? Could we show less intelligence than an ass?",Where should we be at meeting times?,Isa. 1:3,Bobby Laymon (united In Worship Page 9),How To Keep Spiritually Awake!,71,,,
Meetings,Killer; think of worst; gun; botulism; bomb,No potent killer than isolation,Prov 18:1,Bobby Laymon,How To Keep Spiritually Awake!,71,,,
Meetings,"New flashlight batteries.  Get re-charged.  Power in spirituality If you could knock on doors at night, ready to go.","Go to meeting so tired,  How do you feel after; ready to go.","Heb 4:1, 2",Mike Hart,How To Keep Spiritually Awake!,71,,,
Meetings,Oasis in Desert Source of refreshment.,Our meetings are a retreat from cares of world.  All other hopes are a mirage.,"Ps. 133:1  Heb. 10:24, 25",Bobby Laymon (united In Worship Page 9),How To Keep Spiritually Awake!,71,,,
Meetings,"Pay large sums to go: Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Have Best Teachers At five meetings: Jehovah 'puts words in our mouth.'","Best teachers not at Harvard, Yale, but at Kingdom Hall.",Isa. 54:13  Matt. 24:45-47,"Pure Language D.A. July 5-8, 1990","Taught By Jehovah, In The Congregation",71,,,
Meetings,"Pay large sums to go: Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Have Best Teachers At five meetings: Jehovah 'puts words in our mouth.' If you want the best teacher, where do you go?","Best teachers not at Harvard, Yale, but at Kingdom Hall",Isa. 54:13  Matt. 24:45-47,"Pure Language D.A. July 5-8, 1990","Taught By Jehovah, In The Congregation",71,,,
Meetings,"Prepare for meeting, or study for meetings.","Prepare, just underline answer, get ready for comment.","He 10:24, 25;",Mike Hart,How To Keep Spiritually Awake!,71,,,
Meetings,"Satan tried to starve Jehovah's Witnesses to death. (see quote) 'In such a state the brain is the only organ that works, and how good it was for me that I had studied the Watchtower...well.' Worked out discourses, that given many times since.","Endurance during Hitler's solitary confinement. 'gradually certain pictures and ideas disappear,' if not used.",Heb. 11:6  1 Tim. 4:6,"Jul 15, 1959 Wt Page 428",How To Keep Spiritually Awake!,71,,,
Meetings,Some are conspicuous by their absence; others by their presence.,Which are you?,Heb. 10:24,Bobby Laymon,,,,"Feb 12, 2001",
Meetings,"Unlike hibernating animals, snakes & many insects, which can do without food for long periods, man was created to eat regularly and frequently. Not all food has same nutritional value","Regularity at spiritual feeding places. Not all knowledge has same value, some does more harm than good, just as some food does.",Heb. 10:25  Ps. 1:2  Josh. 1:8  Deuteronomy. 6:7  Prov. 6:20-22,"Jul 15, 1959 Wt Page 426",How To Keep Spiritually Awake!,71,,,
Meetings,"Working part of the body; not 'dead tissue' or waste; cast off. The eye cannot say to hand 'I have no need of you' etc. All of Jehovah's are ordained ministers, and must preach.",Isolationism does not fit in with doing of Jehovah's will.,1 Cor. 12:15-18,"Jan 1, 1960 Wt Page 19",How To Keep Spiritually Awake!,71,,,
"Meetings,","A sailor on a large tanker is asked to go out and check something on deck during a severe storm. He holds on carefully, but is swept overboard by a huge wave. Just when he's about to go over the railing, he grabs hold of a rope with one hand. Now when he's hanging there, do you think he'll say to himself; well, wonder if I can hold on with only four fingers? Or maybe only three? No, he'll be trying to get a hold on the rope also with his other hand.","Likewise, we have five meetings a week. Do we feel that perhaps we could do without one of them?",1 Tim 6:12;,J.K.,How Purposeful Is Your Life?,60,,1997/04/12,
"Meetings,","An elderly woman who lived almost 2,000 years ago had no problem of missing meetings.  She was an 84-year-old widow.",This was Anna and the Bible tells us that she 'was never missing from the temple.',Luke 2:37;,"May 15, 1994 Wt Page 26",How To Keep Spiritually Awake!,71,,1994/07/09,
"Meetings,","At meetings, who is serving whom? Jehovah is serving us an abundance of rich spiritual food.",In service WE serve Jehovah.,1 Tim 6:12;,J.K.,How Purposeful Is Your Life?,60,,1997/04/12,
"Meetings,",How many are willing to give up 3 meals?  6 meals?  8 meals?,How willingly do you miss meetings?  Missing meetings is a sign of disloyalty to Jehovah.,1co 1:10;,William Osbeck C.O.,How To Keep Spiritually Awake!,71,,,
"Meetings,",How many like chocolate cake? Do you like it with icing on it?,We get that right here at the meetings.,"Heb. 10:24, 25;","James Loy (west Plains) feb 10, 1991","Friendship With God, Friendship With The World -- Which Will You Choose?",79,,,
"Meetings,",Inside door of Jehovah's house is better than anywhere.,Importance of meeting attendance.,Ps. 84:10,Phil Kirkton Notes:,How To Keep Spiritually Awake!,71,,,
"Meetings,",Missing the first few minutes of a congregation meeting is like picking up an article to read and starting with the fourth or fifth paragraph.,"We miss the introduction and perhaps the setting. Our overall understanding and enjoyment are lessened. More seriously, we miss joining in the opening petition in prayer to Jehovah.","Heb. 10:24, 25;",Km 9/80 3,,,,1998/02/14,
"Meetings,","Sheep are gregarious animals, they need one another, We cannot have a separate existence.",For good reason we are likened to sheep.,"Heb. 10:24, 25; Matt. 18:12-14; Jo. 10:16","Dec 15, 1962 Wt Page 758",How To Keep Spiritually Awake!,71,,,
"Meetings, Absence; Memory;",'The absent get farther off every day.'  Quote:  Japanese.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Meetings, Appreciation, Association, Gangas,","'As the compass always points to the north, just so my innermost thought and desire is to attend the meetings.'  Quote: George D. Gangas",I fully appreciate the inspired statement of the psalmist: 'What I look for is to dwell in the house of Jehovah all the days of my life.'-Ps. 27:4.,Ps 27:4;,W66 10/15 638,Appreciating Marvels Of God's Creation,114,,1994/10/26,
"Meetings, Assemblies,","If you have ever gone flying with a pilot in a small plane you will notice how they usually have a written checklist. They check the tires, check the fuel, check they submitted a flight plan, check the wing edges and rudder edges for wear and the oil etc. It seems there are something like about 30 or 40 items on those checklists. Probably most times he checks everything is just fine. After about 20 uneventful checklist checks you might resent the time wasted using the checklist. But if one day you were going flying and the pilot gets to checking the fuel and says: 'Oh silly me, I forgot to fill the fuel.' Or another day about 15 flights later he find a small crack due to metal fatigue in the wing and he says 'Sorry we can't go flying today.' Aren't you glad then that the checklist exists?   Now take the illustration one step further:   GETTING THE EXPERTS TO DO THE CHECKING  If your plane is getting bit older you might fly to a major airport where you can have a full check done of the aircraft by experts with special equipment. X-ray equipment might find metal fatigue you never noticed. A trained eye might spot a tire that is damaged and might blow when you land. The bolts on your seatbelts were hidden under the floor and the mechanic tells you they are rusted and might snap off. The fuel tank might have condensation in it, and might need emptying and cleaning_. Etc. etc. Are you going to get angry and say: 'Why did you have to tell me all that bad news? Here I was happy flying and you spoiled it?'","The meetings and Assemblies are like the checklist. Some points might not apply to you, but if one day you find your personality had developed a flaw aren't you glad the meeting checklist for spiritual health exists? If you forgot to fuel up (No personal study) and you get to the meeting and realize it, aren't you glad you did attend before permanent damage is done to your spiritual health?  The elders and the Co's and the DO's and the FS class are the experts. They have special training at elder schools and ministry school to spot flaws in congregations! They will also often detect flaws in us we have not already noticed. Not only be grateful to them for bringing them to your attention, tell them they are WELCOME to examine your spiritual health. Better to find a flaw early before it turns into an unrecoverable disaster!",1 Tim. 6:12;,Bobby Laymon,Service Talk,200,,1999/02/16,
"Meetings, Assemblies, Convention, Leave,",What if you invited a guest to your home for a meal and he got up and left in the middle of the meal?  How would you feel?,How do you think Jehovah feels when we don't stay for the whole meeting?  When we leave before the song and prayer?,Ps 84:10;,Kenneth Haag C. O.,Renewing The Spirit Of Self-sacrifice,69,,1997/05/12,
"Meetings, Association,","A sailor on a large tanker is asked to go out and check something on deck during a severe storm. He holds on carefully, but is swept overboard by a huge wave. Just when he's about to go over the railing, he grabs hold of a rope with one hand. Now when he's hanging there, do you think he'll say to himself; well, wonder if I can hold on with only four fingers? Or maybe only three? No, he'll be trying to get a hold on the rope also with his other hand.","Likewise, we have five meetings a week. Do we feel that perhaps we could do without one of them? Perhaps CBS? We've studied that book before, and it's not very difficult - I might as well stay home and read it instead. No, we attend all meetings and hold on tight to Jehovah's organization just like the sailor held on to that rope!",1 Tim 6:12;,Peter Morgan,How To Keep Spiritually Awake!,71,,1997/08/11,
"Meetings, Association,","Just as sharpening a literal knife requires skill and the correct tools, so you need to associate with the right people. Ask older ones: How did you learn truth?  What was service like when you were young?",Our spiritual 'wits' that is our spiritual knowledge and insight need to be honed.  Must be with those who have the ability to 'impart some spiritual gift to you.',Prov. 27:17; Rom. 1:11; Leviticus. 19:32;,"Jul 8, 1991 Aw Page 21",Choose Your Associates Wisely!,116,,,
"Meetings, Association,","Like hanging off cliff, and someone starts cutting your fingers off one at a time.",Apply to five weekly meetings of Jehovah's Witnesses.,Heb. 10:24-26,Johnse Laymon,Choose Your Associates Wisely!,116,,,
"Meetings, Association,",Log on a fire: Take it away and the log dies out quickly.,Fire is the congregation. Logs are all the members of it. Leave the congregation and we too will die out.,"Heb 10:24, 25;",J.K.,Follow The Way To Life,45,,1997/04/11,
"Meetings, Association, Faith, Hypocrisy,","'My sister told me to go to all the meetings during the week for a month, and I would never stop.'  'I didn't believe her but finally I said I would.'",The result: 'I knew after the first two weeks I would never give up the happiness I had found with the Witnesses.,"Heb. 10:24, 25; 1 Th 5:21; Rom. 12:9;","Mar 22, 1964 Aw Page 7",Choose Your Associates Wisely!,116,,,
"Meetings, Association, Obedience,",Passover was revealed to Israel for their life and salvation. Meetings today are just as important.,"What if you missed that meeting, or was disobedient.",Exodus. 12:8-13;,Bobby Laymon,Choose Your Associates Wisely!,116,,,
"Meetings, Association, Safety, Unity, Organization,",Zebra travels in herds ... saves him from the lion.,"We gain strength by mutual association, Devil is like lion.",1 Pet. 5:8;,Bobby Laymon,Serving With Jehovah's Unified Organization,3,,,
"Meetings, Association, Strength, Growth, Maturity, Participate,","We might liken meetings to a castle wall, with many building blocks.  In a castle wall, the thicker the blocks, the more protection they would afford.","Our meetings are like the many blocks.  The more we attend and participate, the thicker our spiritual wall becomes.","Heb 10:34, 35;",Phil Fleming,Are You Content With Jehovah's Provisions?,22,,1995/05/29,
"Meetings, Association, Variety,",Sparks from different types of wood. Birch: almost none. Jack pine: all kinds. Sparks enhance the atmosphere of a fire.,Like differing personalities. Don't be offended by the variety.,"Heb 10:24, 25;",J.K.,Follow The Way To Life,45,,1997/04/11,
"Meetings, Association, Variety, Appearance,","People are like furniture, modern and antique.  Antique is solid wood. Modern looks like real and solid wood, but in most cases is only imitation or a veneer.",Don't judge by outward appearances. Some people look and sound good but inside are filthy and rotten.,"Heb 10:24, 25;",J.K.,Keep Clean From Worldly Defilements,98,,1997/04/11,
"Meetings, Associations,","'Even if each member of the family could find good by eating out, what would all members miss by not eating together at home?' Question asked by a circuit overseer to a person who didn't appreciate the meetings.",'They would miss the companionship of the family.' was the answer. She got the point and started coming regularly to the meetings.,"Heb 10:23, 24; Pr 18:1; 1th 5:11;","Aug 15, 1993 Wt Page 9",Choose Your Associates Wisely!,116,,,
"Meetings, Associations,","Daddy has a little boy his life was all aglow,  He seldom went to the kingdom hall `cause daddy didn't go.  He never heard the words of God that thrilled a childish mind;  While others' children went to learn, this child was left behind.  As he grew from babe to youth, daddy saw dismay;  A mind that once was snowy white, became a dingy gray.  Seeing that his child was lost, dad tried to bring him back.  But now through associates oh so bad, he had gotten off the track.  Dad even started meetings again, and his Bible study too.  He begged the elders 'isn't there something you can do?'  The elders tried, they failed and said were just too far behind;  We tried to tell you years ago, but you wouldn't pay any mind.  And so another life was lost that was once all aglow,  The meetings really would have helped, but daddy would not go.",This poem is from a family who has a child in prison for a long time.,"Heb 10:24, 25;",Bobby Laymon,Parents--are You Building With Fire-resistant Materials?,104,,1997/11/07,
"Meetings, Associations,","We are like instruments that need regular sharpening.  We have to cut a different path, as it were, from the majority.","The Greek word translated 'incite' literally mean 'a sharpening.' When we are with others who love Jehovah, we sharpen one another. We 'incite one another to love and fine words.'","Pr 27:17; Ecclesiastes 10:10; Heb 10:23, 24; Pr 18:1; 1th 5:11;","Aug 15, 1993 Wt Page 8, 9;",Choose Your Associates Wisely!,116,,,
"Meetings, Associations,","Your in a violent storm. The boat is rocking back and forth and the deck is wet it would be hard to keep your balance, it would be easy to slip and fall, maybe out into the ocean, could lose your life.  That is why in a major storm they will tie a rope around you that is attached to a bracket on the boat.  If you lose your balance and fall of the boat you can take that rope and pull yourself back on the boat.",We live in a world that is violent and it is easy to lose our balance and slip.  But we have a lifeline.  That is Jehovah's spirit.  A lot of that spirit comes from the weekly meetings.  The meetings are just like a bracket that gives us security and support. The meetings are vital to all of us.,John 16:33;,Jim Kinkade,Live With Soundness Of Mind In A Depraved World.,138,,"Oct 30, 2001",
"Meetings, Bathroom,",People go to movies and sit for two hours without thinking about getting up and going to the bathroom.,Why can't we go to the meetings and sit for two hours without getting up to go to the bathroom?,He 10:24;,Steve Koinivech,How To Keep Spiritually Awake!,71,,,
"Meetings, Congregation, Bethel,","Like Cheesecake? Cherry, Strawberry, Blueberry, Chocolate.","Congregation is like cake, Bethel service is like the icing. Jehovah wants clean, healthy people spiritually.","Ps. 84:10; Prov. 23:20, 21;",Phil Kirkton Notes:,Respect For Authority Is A Safeguard For You,12,,,
"Meetings, Congregation, Bethel, Publisher,","Don't be a wheel barrow, no good unless pushed; Don't be a foot ball, bouncing unpredictably; Don't be a neon light, let light shine all the time; Don't be a submarine, come up occasionally, and then disappear most of the time;","There is plenty of work to be done. Be a tugboat, doesn't make much noise but gets the work done. Keeps tugging away.","Ps. 84:10; Prov. 23:20, 21; 1 Cor. 15:58;",Phil Kirkton Notes:,Respect For Authority Is A Safeguard For You,12,,,
"Meetings, Employment,","Shortly after the Israelites received the Ten Commandments, a man was discovered gathering wood on the Sabbath.  This was strictly forbidden in the Law.  How would you have judged the matter?  Would you have excused the man, arguing that, after all, he was not working to maintain a luxurious lifestyle but to provide the necessities for his family?  Would you have pointed out that there would be many occasions throughout the year to observe the Sabbath and that one missed opportunity, perhaps due to the man's failure to plan ahead, could easily be forgiven?","Jehovah viewed the case more seriously.  Jehovah said to Moses: 'Without fail the man should be put to death.'  The people had six days to gather wood as well as to handle their needs regarding food, clothing and shelter.  The seventh day was to be devoted to their spiritual needs.  While it was not wrong to gather wood, it was wrong to use time that should have been set aside to worship Jehovah to do so.  Although Christians are not under Mosaic Law, does this incident not teach us a lesson in properly setting our priorities today?",Phil. 1:10;Numbers. 15:32-34;Deuteronomy. 5:12-15;,"Sep 1, 1998 Wt Page 19, 20;","Friendship With God, Friendship With The World -- Which Will You Choose?",79,,1998/07/31,
"Meetings, Encourage, Participate, Answer,","If you were going to 'incite' something, say, a riot, (which no Christian would ever do)  you would have to say something, wouldn't you?  It would probably have to be pretty pointed and definite.  You would have to be a participate, also.",If we want to 'incite to love and fine works' we have to say something.  Get involved.,"Heb 10:24, 25;","Divine Teaching District Assembly.  Memphis July 1-4, 1993 D. Bowen",Bearing Up Under Persecution,57,,,
"Meetings, Encourage, Participate, Answer, Comments","I notice you play a guitar? (or other) Do you play in front of other people?  It's hard, isn't it?  But the more you do it, the easier it is.","The same is true of commenting at meetings.  Practice makes perfect.  The more you do it, the more you will enjoy it.","Heb 10:24, 25;","Divine Teaching District Assembly.  Memphis July 1-4, 1993 D. Bowen",Bearing Up Under Persecution,57,,,
"Meetings, Endurance, Book Of Life, Armageddon, Satan, Snare,",Did you ever plant a garden?  Grow sweet potatoes?  What happens when frost comes?,We will be like a dried-up vine when frost comes if we fall into Satan's trap.  Must attend meetings so our 'name would not be cut off.',Isa. 48:17-19;,"Larry Punko C.O.   (entered Dec 8, 1991)",How To Protect Ourselves From Satan's Snares,115,,,
"Meetings, Excuses,","Unless you are as old as Methuselah, as wise as Solomon, or as sick as Job, you need to be at the meetings.",There are really few excuses for missing meetings.,"Heb. 10:24, 25;",Sonny Ikerd,Meeting The Test Of Christian Loyalty,48,,1998/11/03,
"Meetings, Excuses, Reasons,","WHY I STOPPED ATTENDING FOOTBALL (or baseball, basketball) GAMES.  The people I had to sit with didn't seem very friendly. The seats were too hard and not comfortable. The coach never came to call on me. The referee made some decisions I couldn't agree with. Some of the other spectators were hypocrites. Some games went overtime and I was late getting home. The games are scheduled when I have other things to do. My parents took me to too many games when I was growing up.  Since I read a book on sports, I feel that I know more than the coaches anyhow. I don't want to take my children, because I want them to choose for themselves what team they support.",Do we ever catch ourselves falling into the same habit of making excuses.  Let us 'not forsake the gathering of ourselves together.',"Heb 10:24, 25;",J.K.,How Purposeful Is Your Life?,60,,1997/04/12,
"Meetings, Excuses, Reasons,","WHY I STOPPED ATTENDING FOOTBALL MATCHES  The people I had to sit with didn't seem very friendly.   The seats were too hard and not comfortable.   The coach never came to call on me.   The referee made some decisions I couldn't agree with.   Some of the other spectators were hypocrites.   Some games went overtime and I was late getting home.   The games are scheduled when I have other things to do.   My parents took me to too many games when I was growing up.   Since I read a book on sports, I feel that I know more than the coaches anyhow.   I don't want to take my children, because I want them to choose for themselves what team they support.",Do we ever catch ourselves falling into the same habit of making excuses.  Let us 'not forsake the gathering of ourselves together.',Heb. 10:24;,Bobby Laymon,A Worldwide Brotherhood Saved From Calamity.,121,,1999/02/17,
"Meetings, Faithfulness, Reliable, Authentic,",What if you had a refrigerator that decided not to work about once a week?  What if you had a washing machine that didn't pump the water out once a month?  Or a bathroom stool that ran over every few weeks?  Would you consider them faithful?  Would you be happy with them?,What if ever so often we decide to miss the meetings?  Or skip going in service?  Would Jehovah consider you faithful?,"Heb 10:24, 25;",Jay Kosinski,Build Your Faith In Man's Maker,54,,1997/07/09,
"Meetings, Food, Table, Death,","There is a saying, 'You begin digging your own grave with your teeth.' It means we can hasten our death, by the food we eat.","In a spiritual sense, this is even more true.  We can dig our graves by not feeding at Jehovah's table, but instead feeding at the table of demons.",Mal 1:7; 1 Cor 10:21;,Sonny Ikerd,Are You Content With Jehovah's Provisions?,22,,1998/11/03,
"Meetings, Freedom, Food, Parents, Children, Discipline, Training, Road,","Wise parents map out a dietary 'cramped road' for their children.  This sometimes means being firm at mealtimes.  But when the children grow older, they will appreciate their parents' loving discipline.  As adults, their taste for healthy food will help them to appreciate the wide variety available.","In a spiritual way, God does the same with those on the narrow road leading to life.  He nurtures within meek ones wholesome desires that lead to happiness and true freedom.  He does this through his Word.","Heb 10:24, 25;","Sep 1, 1995 Wt Page 5",Are You Content With Jehovah's Provisions?,22,,1995/07/25,
"Meetings, Habit, Trends,","A bad habit takes root and grows.  After hard days work, easy to be self-pitying, and to think, 'I'm too tired for study, too tired for meetings, too tired for","Pleasures of this life can crowd out superior JOYS of study, service and association. Spiritual refreshment is best cure for all kinds of weariness.",2 Chron. 20:20-22,"Feb 15, 1961 Wt Page 112",How To Keep Spiritually Awake!,71,,,
"Meetings, Heart, Desire, Motive,","Suppose this is a meeting night.  As the time approaches a brother finds that he is just physically unable to go.  My, how he would love to go!  Well, he cannot make it.  He is just too sick.  But where is his heart?  Another brother comes home after working quite hard all day.  His heart tells him subtly, 'It would be quite nice to stay home tonight.'","Remember, the heart is the seat of desire and motive.  The heart motivates the mind to work on this.  If he is not careful, he will not make it to the meeting that night.  The mind will come up with some 'good-sounding reasons' for staying home from the Kingdom Hall.",Mt 6:21; Heb 3:12;,"Mar 1, 1971 Wt Page 149",Acquiring A Heart Of Wisdom,73,,1993/11/09,
"Meetings, Important, Priorities, Service, Kingdom,",'We need to prioritize our priorities.',There is a need to determine what is most important among all the important things we have to do.,"He 10:24, 25; Mt 24:14; Mt 6:33;",William Osbeck C.O.,How Should You Serve God?,58,,,
"Meetings, Isolation, Association, Organization,","One of the extreme means of punishment is to put a person in solitary confinement. Some of God's servant's treated this way, and had to call on all their resources to keep their spiritual and mental equilibrium.","Some have voluntarily isolated themselves, and broke away from all practical wisdom. We crave association, good companionship. Need Jah's Organization.","Prov. 18:1; Heb. 1:7, 14; Ps. 34:7; Matt. 18:10;","Sep 15, 1967 Wt Page 560",Will You Escape This World's Destiny?,84,,,
"Meetings, New Ones, Attendance, Studies,","What happened when you first met your wife, or husband?  You wanted to take them home, to meet your family.  You thought he/she was great but you wanted their approval.  Mom, Dad, and uncle Fred.  Because he/she was shy, you stayed right with them.",We want our studies to come to the Kingdom Hall.  We want them to meet our family.  Jehovah's family.  We want to stay right with them until they get acquainted.  Show them around.,Rev. 22:17;,Hector Hernandez,,,,"Apr 5, 2001",
"Meetings, Obedience, Obey, Motivation,","A wagon is a means of transportation, but it is not self-propelled or self-powered.  To get somewhere the horse, ox or other means of power must be used to pull or push it.  Without power, the wagon is a piece of worthless equipment.","As Christians, we need to be motivated by loving devotion to Jehovah.  We may need loving pulls or pushes to get us started. It does not seem reasonable that a Christian would have to be pulled or pushed to every Bible meeting.",Ps 112:1; Ro 2:6-11;,"Jul 15, 1970 Wt Page 430",Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,63,,,
"Meetings, Organization,",Most keep abreast with clothing styles through the years. Styles add nothing to our life-span. Much better to keep abreast with Jehovah & revealed truth. Keep 'fast hold of' be happy.,We must not be out-of-date with Supreme Sovereign.,"Eph. 5:15-17  Col. 1:9, 10","June 15, 1964 Wt Page 366",Serving With Jehovah's Unified Organization,3,,,
"Meetings, Prayer, Service, Pressure, Stress, Comfort, Encourage, Balance,","As a deep sea diver submerges deeper and deeper under the water, he feels increased pressure.  How does the diver compensate for the additional pressure that is coming from the outside of his suit? Does he open the face mask to let some water in to relieve the pressure? No, he must increase the air pressure on the inside to compensate.","This illustration shows that when put under great pressure, our first tendency might be to miss a meeting or skip one day in service in order to relieve that pressure. But, just the opposite is required. If we feel ourselves being pressured by this system of things, we need to take time for extra study/prayer/service in order to balance the pressure we are feeling!","Heb. 10:24, 25;",Mark Hanlon,Be Confident Of Divine Victory!,39,,1998/11/26,
"Meetings, Preparation,","Family get together. Everyone is to bring something, like meat, potatoes, apple pie.  Some too busy and just brought raw meat, raw potatoes and apples.","Same way with meetings if we don't prepare, no one will benefit.","Heb. 10:24, 25,",Bill Thomas,How To Keep Spiritually Awake!,71,,,
"Meetings, Preparation, Meditation,","Passively attending meetings could be likened to painting over a rust spot.  This may brighten us for a while, but it does not solve the underlying problem.","Instead, by advance preparation, meditation, and active participation in meetings, we can aggressively remove corrosive elements that may linger in the recesses of our figurative heart.","James 1:3, 4; Prov 15:28; Heb 10:24, 25;","Jun 15, 1996 Wt Page 19;",,,,1996/07/21,
"Meetings, Provisions, Appreciation, Lifeline,","Imagine you are in a hospital bed.  You wake up and notice that tubes are going into your body.  You have oxygen tubes going into your nostrils.  Tubes in your arms, and other tubes to drain off poison.  Would you start ripping out those tubes.  People would think you are crazy.  We wait for better times.","We have spiritual tubes that are life-giving.  These are the meetings, provisions for service and association.  We must not rip them out, so to speak, but realize they are there as a provision for life, until things get better.",Rom. 8:6-8;,Shan Shanifer,"Come, You Who Thirst For The Truth!",89,,1998/11/02,
"Meetings, Public Talk,",Search light beam,"Meetings can open up scripture, reveal details, never seen.","Heb. 10:24, 25; Ps. 128:1, 2; Ps. 119:105","May 15, 1963 Wt Page 308",How To Keep Spiritually Awake!,71,,,
"Meetings, Publication, Study, Bible, Time,","We might liken our spiritual provisions to a great banquet being spread for many guests, old and young, large and small. Some have more time to read than others, some read faster, some can grasp things more quickly than others.","Not all can eat the same amount, but there is an abundance for all Not everyone may be able to read all the publications.",Isa. 25:6;,"Jan 15, 1967 Wt Page 63",Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,,
"Meetings, Satan, Slow Down, Inactive, Stop,","In the Sahara desert.  The world's largest desert (3,500,000 square miles) in North Africa there are large birds (buzzards) that fly over it all the time.  They constantly circle.  If there is an animal that slows down they will begin to circle it.  As long as the animal moves, they will circle.  If the animal stops, they will move in and with their sharp beaks and claws, they will start tearing.  Soon the animal is torn to pieces.","You know who the buzzards are don't you.  Satan and the demons are constantly watching.  If you slow down, they start encircling you.  If you stop moving, they will tear you to pieces.",2 Cor. 2:11,Sonny Ikerd,How To Protect Ourselves From Satan's Snares,115,,1998/11/03,
"Meetings, Service, Motivate,","It's been said, 'You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make him drink.'  However, you can keep working him, around and around, and make him WANT to drink.","In like manner, we can keep mentioning the meetings, using videos the society has provided, and other brochures that will make them want to go to the meetings, and become associated.","Heb 10:24, 25",Paul Smith  Mar 1993 Km Page 2,How To Keep Spiritually Awake!,71,,,
"Meetings, Service, Study, Habit","Small child forms habits from moment of birth; eating, sleeping.  95% of what you do each day is done from habit. Habits are constructive way to meet life's challenges. Your mind stores all necessary data for future use, so you don't have to make a conscious decision again and again.",We need to form theocratic habits.,"Heb. 10:24, 25;",Bobby Laymon,How Should You Serve God?,58,,,
"Meetings, Study, Food, Provisions,","When we study with a new one, that Bible study is like a snack.  We they come to the meetings, it is like a 5 course meal.",Invite them quickly to attend.  Be enthusiastic.,"Heb 10:24, 25;",Mark Deeser,Are You Content With Jehovah's Provisions?,22,,1995/10/16,
"Meetings, Study, Opposition,","'Okay, you win.  This is beating the wind.  Keep your books.  Study with Jehovah's Witnesses ... I can't fight the tide anymore.'  Quote: An unbelieving husband in Surinam                  [See article for many obstacles overcome to attend meetings]",We can take encouragement from persons like these if we appreciate Christian meetings.,Ps 84:10;,"Nov 15, 1971 Wt Page 678-680","As Christians, We Care About Other People",15,,1993/12/06,
"Meetings, Table, Starvation, Mind,","When a person almost starves to death, it effects the mind.  They began to feel they don't need to eat.  Sometimes they have to be helped to learn to eat all over again.  When they miss one meal, the next one is easier to miss, then the next, because their mind is effected or mudded up.","It is like that with spiritual anorexia or starvation.  When we miss one spiritual meal it is easier to miss the next one, and then the next.  We begin to feel we don't need them at all.  Our mind is effected, and we begin to think of poisonous things about the friends, and Jehovah's table, and begin to despise it.","Heb. 10:24, 25;",Sonny Ikerd,Meeting The Test Of Christian Loyalty,48,,1998/11/03,
"Meetings, Tardiness,",Looks like a kamikaze class re-union.,Low meeting attendance.,"Heb. 10:24, 25",Bobby Laymon,How To Keep Spiritually Awake!,71,,,
"Meetings, World, Endurance,",'It is like passing from a city slum to an exhilarating mountain resort.',"We spend so much time rubbing shoulders with corrupt persons, hearing their irreverent and foul talk, observing their base practices, that a meeting is like the above.","Gal 6:9; Heb 10:24, 25;","Oct 15, 1956 Wt Page 630",'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
"Meetings, World, Endurance, Prayer, Courage,",Scattered out in the seas of humanity alienated from Jehovah we are like tiny islands in constant danger of being worn down to the sea's level by the endless surf.,"However, when we come together, we draw strength from one another to become a strong land impervious to the assaulting seas.  We on fresh courage and fearlessness, renewing our strength to resist the world.","Gal 6:9; Heb 10:24, 25;","Oct 15, 1956 Wt Page 630",'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
"Meetings, World, Endurance, Prayer, Courage, Sheep,","Do not be a lone sheep, for a sheep away from the flock is a lost sheep.","Do not overestimate your spiritual strength and think you can go it alone pursuing selfish interests, flouting the sound principle of assembling together.",Pr 18:1;,"Oct 15, 1956 Wt Page 631",FACING THE FUTURE WITH FAITH AND COURAGE,166,,,
"Meetings, Zeal,","A bunch of coals will hold heat, but if you take one out it will cool off. If you put it back it will heat up again.",If we stay away from meetings we will cool off.  If we start back we warm up again.,Isa 54:13,Johnse Laymon,Never Become Dull In Your Hearing,9,,1994/07/19,
Meetings; Firm;,"Look at one of your hands, it has five fingers. With these five fingers you can do things like.......thread a needle or swing a sledge hammer. You have a strong hold on things. If you were to lose one of those fingers, it would be much harder to do such things. You would not have such a strong hold on things.",Those five fingers are like our five meetings. We need all five meetings to have a strong hold onto the truth!,"Heb. 10:24, 25;",Bobby Laymon,,,,1998/11/23,
"Meism, Self, Honor, Love",' He who falls in love with himself- will have no rivals' Quote Ben Franklin.,Meism is not something others enjoy being around.,Ecc. 7:1,Johnse Laymon,"Living, Not For Self, But To Do God's Will",8,s,,
Memorial,Draw bridge operator for train (little boy on) Apply to Jehovah Most don't know what happened.,Must decide; save train or son,Jo 3:16,Ray Skinner,Observing The Memorial Of Christ's Death,998,,,
Memorial,Gift Jehovah gave us the greatest gift; His Son; Life,Either cherish or misuse,Jo 3:16,Public Talk,Observing The Memorial Of Christ's Death,998,,,
Memorial,Importance is shown by having received four-fold record on it. Jehovah's Witnesses keep it even at risk of their lives. Only red-letter date on their calendar.,"No Easter, Christmas, All Saints day, but Lord's Evening Meal.",Luke 22:19; 1 Cor. 11:23-26; John Chap 13-17; Matt. 26:,"Apr 1, 1960 Wt Page 197",Observing The Memorial Of Christ's Death,998,,,
Memorial,"Not 'Story Book' fashion; God's word must be crisp, and fresh. The passing of time seem to dull memories. Do not permit them to fade into the misty region of stories, but keep them in the clear realm of fact.","Must read and reread the written record to keep fresh, vivid.",Heb. 12:1; 1 Tim. 4:1; Gal. 6:9,"Sep 22, 1960 Aw Page 7",Observing The Memorial Of Christ's Death,998,,,
Memorial,"Passover: number lambs slain about 256,500 each year. approximately 2,565,000 person if 1 lamb represented 10 persons",Jesus sacrifice covered all.,1 Chron. 24:1-18,"Mar 15, 1958 Wt Page 173",Observing The Memorial Of Christ's Death,998,,,
Memorial,Picture as reminder,Memorial is reminder of Jehovah's love and Jesus love,Luke 22:19,Bobby Laymon,Observing The Memorial Of Christ's Death,998,,,
Memorial,There is a saying: 'Time steals away' We all like to get together to talk about a memorable day. To gather with friends and family. Look at pictures.,Passage of time steals away precious memories. One reason we come to Memorial - So time will not steal our precious memory of what Jesus and Jehovah has done for us.,1 Co 11:23-26;,Johnse Laymon + Joe Laymon,Observing The Memorial Of Christ's Death,998,,,
Memorial,"Throw celebration with millions invited with food and alcohol present.   Young and old, no rudeness, rowdiness.  It is both orderly and respectful,",Memorial is like that.  Christian Celebration.,Luke 22:14-20,April 1990 Km Page 7,Observing The Memorial Of Christ's Death,998,,,
Memorial - Blood - Wine -bread,Jesus said ' I am the door'. 'I am the vine'.,"When Jesus said ' this is my flesh ' did he mean were eating flesh, and blood? No, he meant represented flesh. It is to be taken no more literal then when said  'I am the door' or 'vine'","John 10:7, 15:1",Johnse Laymon,Keep Growing In Your Relationship With God,16,,,
"Memorial,","Come to the festival of a 'free people.' 'You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.' There is no other place that we should want to be on that night, to learn how Christ set us free.","They are free from the fear of man, free from the bondage of superstition, ignorance, and false religion; selfish ambition & corrupt practices; and the great enslaver, Satan the Devil.","Jn. 8:31, 32; 1 Cor. 11:23-25","Apr 1, 1968 Wt Page 195, 196",Observing The Memorial Of Christ's Death,998,,,
"Memorial, Appreciation, Ransom, Jesus, Sacrifice, Salvation, wickedness,",There is a fire in the house.  All the doors are blocked with fire.  There are no windows.  You and your family are almost sure to perish.  Then a man chops a hole in the roof and comes through the ceiling and rescues you.  How would you feel about this person.  His father had noticed the condition and sent him.  How would you feel about his father.,Jehovah has saved us from a hopeless situation by means of his son.  Does this not bring up deep appreciation for both of them?,John 3:16;,Mike Hart - Pioneer Meeting.,What God's Rulership Can Do For Us,24,,1997/05/18,4/1/2014
"Memorial, Christ, Jesus, Dedication, Baptism, Price, Ransom, Self,","In the world of sports, such as football, a tremendous sum will be paid for the transfer of a specially talented player from one team to another.  [You might give examples]","However high the sum, it does not begin to compare with the price sponsored by Jehovah, and willingly paid by his Son in his costly human  sacrifice.",1co 6:20;,"Jul 15, 1971 Wt Page 446","Living, Not For Self, But To Do God's Will",8,,1993/11/16,
"Memorial, Conquer,","V-E Day and V-J Day.  Victory in Europe Day and Victory over Japan Day.  Often spoken of a 'V' day. Jesus Christ won a great victory, because he conquered the world.  Changed the world's course for its eternal good.","However, out of the two million and more days that mankind has existed on earth, the day of Nisan 14 of the year 33 C. E. is the 'one day' that completely changed the course of humankind.",Jo 16:33; Lk 2:14,"Mar 1, 1992 Wt Page 16",Observing The Memorial Of Christ's Death,998,,,
"Memorial, Evening Meal,","Many people have certain days that stick out in their mind, such as the bombing of Pearl Harbor or the assassination of John F. Kennedy.  Many people even remember where they were or what they was doing when they heard of the news.  Most everybody remembers when they were baptized, or even the first time they went out in service. The nation of Israel probably had days too, that they remember very well. Such as the parting of the Red Sea, or the Ten Plagues.",There is one day we should never forget or treat as ordinary.  It is the day set aside by Jehovah for us to remember.  The memorial of Christ's death.,1 Cor 11:26;,Bobby Laymon,Observing The Memorial Of Christ's Death,998,,1994/11/04,
"Memorial, Evening Meal, Other Sheep, Observers, Anointed,","Is there any point, then, in their being present? Indeed there is! We might liken it, in a way, to a wedding anniversary celebration. Of course, it concerns chiefly the married couple, but they may well invite others, friends and relatives, to share in their happiness.",Those with the earthly hopes are keenly interested in that which concerns those with the heavenly hopes; happily they honor the occasion with their presence.,"Revelation 19:6, 7",W77 3/1 139,Observing The Memorial Of Christ's Death,998,,1994/05/07,
"Memorial, Jesus, Ransom,","Jesus is soon to die. He speaks of the planting of a seed to illustrate this. The original seed dies, but it germinates to produce a stalk that bears an abundance of grain.","Similarly, Jesus' death will result in everlasting life for the multitudes who exercise faith in him. Troubled at the thought of his approaching death, Jesus prays that his Father's name will thereby be glorified. In response, God's voice thunders from heaven for all present to hear: 'I both glorified it and will glorify it again.'","John 12:27, 28.",W92 3/1 12,"Living, Not For Self, But To Do God's Will",8,,1994/06/03,
"Memorial, Lord's Evening Meal,","'Leave no stone unturned' to celebrate it. Some who are bedfast attend with help of an ambulance. Some in prison without emblems could only 'go through the motions' but celebrate it, they did.",Those who truly understand the Memorial feel this way. Experiences: In below article.,Matt. 26:26-28; 1 Cor. 11:24;,"Mar 15, 1964 Wt Page 168",Observing The Memorial Of Christ's Death,998,,,
"Memorial, Lord's Evening Meal, When?","Wedding anniversaries, other noteworthy events celebrated yearly. Celebrating it more frequently would not add anything to its importance, but would seem to detract from it, making it common. Passover was held annually.",It is reasonable and logical to celebrate annually.,Matt. 26:26-28; 1 Cor. 11:24;,"Mar 15, 1964 Wt Page 168-170",Observing The Memorial Of Christ's Death,998,,,
"Memorial, Meetings,",Meetings are like water holes where thirsty souls gather to drink. At a meeting Matthias was selected to fill the spot vacated by Judas Iscariot. Going home on Memorial night and not showing up among Christians,"At meetings we are instructed for service work. is not in keeping with what Christ and apostles did, is it?","Acts 1:4, 5; 1:8;","May 1, 1967 Wt Page 270",How To Keep Spiritually Awake!,71,,,
"Memorial, Meetings,",One meeting cannot supply us all our spiritual needs any more than one meal can supply all our physical needs. Attend other meetings in addition to Memorial. Example: text at John 5:37 perplexed Bible student for years.,"Meetings keep us in touch with constant flow of spiritual food. It was read & commented on at meetings and he understood. Jesus was not speaking to all, but only to those near him.",Matt. 4:4; John 17:3; Heb. 10:23-25;,"May 1, 1967 Wt Page 271",How To Keep Spiritually Awake!,71,,,
"Memorial, Meetings,","Think what the apostles would have missed had they left the upper room and Jerusalem that night with the thought of not assembling together again until the following year. They would have missed the resurrection of Jesus Christ, Meeting","Apply to many who attend the Memorial, but no other meetings. with him in Galilee, seeing him ascend to heaven, outpouring of holy spirit, miracle of tongues etc.",Heb. 10:23-25;,"May 1, 1967 Wt Page 269",How To Keep Spiritually Awake!,71,,,
"Memorial, Meetings,","What love would that be if a husband and a wife voluntarily stayed away from each other weeks, months, and years at a time? So do not wait another year to attend a meeting. Do not wait another week.",Love for Jehovah and our brothers will impel us to attend all meetings possible.  Memorial once a year is not enough to show genuine love.,"Rom. 13:8; Heb. 10:24, 25; Matt. 28:20; 20:28;","May 1, 1967 Wt Page 271",How To Keep Spiritually Awake!,71,,,
"Memorial, Partakers, Unworthy,",God executed Koran for presumptuously seeking the priesthood.,"So, if strong emotions, or former religious ideas made a person wrongly partake.  He or she should stop partaking and humbly pray for God's forgiveness.","Exodus 28:1; Nu 16:4-11, 31-35; Ps 19:13;","Mar 15, 1993 Wt Page 7",Observing The Memorial Of Christ's Death,998,,,
"Memorial, Prayers,","The following was shared by a brother who gave the Memorial talk in one New York City congregation, for the 1998 Memorial...  This coming Saturday, at 7pm (EDT) in New York, the following will apply:   As the sun went down 16 hours ago in the Eniwetok Islands of the Pacific Ocean, an observance began that has continued all the way around the world to New York. It will continue for 7 more hours, until the sun goes down in Auckland, New Zealand, and then, likely, into the evening hours there for several more hours, making a total of about 28 hours that the observance will take place.","In each of more than 80,000 congregations of Jehovah's Witnesses (1998 Yearbook reports 85,256 congregations, but some of these meet together), at least four reverent prayers will be said, in addition to many, many personal prayers, so that, in the single evening, as the sun goes down around the world, over 320,000 prayers will be directed to Almighty God, Jehovah, through our Lord Jesus Christ.  That means, over this 28-hour period, an average of three new prayers per second are publicly directed to Jehovah in the hearing of large audiences. We can be sure the angels are watching this evening! It is, as we sang, 'a most sacred night!'  Note: The mathematics on the above was: 320,000 prayers divided by 28 hours = over 11,428 prayers per hour 11,428.571) Over 190 prayers per minute (190.47618) Over 3 prayers per second (3.174603)","Matt. 6:9, 10;",Mark Hanlon,Observing The Memorial Of Christ's Death,998,,1998/11/26,
"Memorial, Ransom, Sacrifice, Jesus, Adam, Value, wickedness,",There is a difference between the death of Jesus and that of Adam--a difference that highlights the value of the ransom.  It illustrates how the scales of justice are balanced out.,"Adam's death was deserved, for he willfully disobeyed his Creator.  In contrast, Jesus' death was wholly underserved, for 'he committed no sin.'  So when Jesus died, he had something of enormous value that the sinner Adam did not possess at his death--the right to perfect human life.  Thus, Jesus death had sacrificial value.  Upon ascending to heaven as a spirit person, he presented the value of his sacrifice to Jehovah.","1 Pet. 2:22; Heb. 9:24; Genesis. 2:16, 17;","Feb 15, 1999 Wt Page 15",Observing The Memorial Of Christ's Death,998,,1999/03/06,4/1/2014
"Memory, forget, reminders, remember,","Without it you would not be able to read, speak, or think. Doctors or lawyers would be less than unskilled laborers. We can develop memory by using. Caution: When engaged in memory training, avoid alcohol. The two do not mix.",Jehovah's marvelous gift of memory.  (see Prov. 31:4-7) Memory aids in article.,Prov. 31:4-7,"Oct 22, 1960 Aw Page 9-12",Don't Forget Your Memory.,998,,,
"Memory, Blessings, Happiness, Joy,","'Recall it as often as you wish, a happy memory never wears out.'  Quote: Libbie Fudim.",Blessings from Jehovah should be recalled often and reflected upon.,"Ps 1: 1, 2;",Bobby Laymon - Reader's Digest,Taking Time To Meditate On Spiritual Things,67,,1996/03/24,
"Memory, Brain,","Think what a bowl does.  It holds variety of items. The famous Arturo Toscanini conducted entire symphonies from memory. Business tycoon Charles Schwab could remember the names of 8,000 employees.",In the Bible the brain resides in what is poetically referred to as a 'golden bowl' - a precious receptacle of memories.,Eccl 12:6;,"Jul 22, 1992 Aw Page 25",How To Improve Your Memory,114,,,
"Memory, Brain, Mind, School",'Most people think of long-term memory as a large dresser drawer that has to be emptied periodically to make room for new things.' (Quote: Dr. Joan Minninger),"The mind, like a muscle, becomes stronger and more effective with use.  There are no known limits to the storage in your memory.  You can learn and remember new things all your life.",Heb 5:14; Eccl 12:6;,"Jul 22, 1992 Aw Page 27",Appreciating Marvels Of God's Creation,114,,,
"Memory, Brain, Mind, School","A computer cannot retrieve data accurately unless it was entered properly to start with.  To a large extent, the same is true of our memories.","If we don't get names clearly and accurately, we cannot even speak of remembering or forgetting.  We can't remember something we never knew.  Ask how its spelled.  Get him to repeat it.",Heb 5:14; Eccl 12:6;,"Jul 22, 1992 Aw Page 26",Appreciating Marvels Of God's Creation,114,,,
"Memory, Imagination, Knowledge, Accurate,",'There are lots of people who mistake their imagination for their memory.'  Quote: Josh Billings.,We should 'make sure of all things.',1 Thes 5:21;,Bobby Laymon - Reader's Digest,How Well Do You Know God?,1,,1996/03/20,
"Memory, thinking, Mind, Wisdom, Discernment, Knowledge",Mind is like a muscle if unused shrivel up.,Have to use  our mind taking in knowledge of Jehovah.,Prov. 2: 10. 11,Johnse Laymon,Acquiring A Heart Of Wisdom,73,,,
Memory;,'Let the past drift with the water.'  Quote:  Japanese.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Memory;,'Memory is the diary that we all carry about with us.'  Quote:  O. Wilde.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Memory; Forgive; Forget;,"'Recall it as often as you wish, a happy memory never wears out.'  Quote:  Libbie Fudim.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Memory; Forgive; Forget;,The art of forgetting is as important as that of remembering.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Memory; Funny;,"'When I was younger I could remember anything, whether it happened or not.'  Quote:  Mark Twain.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Memory; Funny;,Its hard to be nostalgic when you can't remember anything.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Memory; Memories;,"'A retentive memory may be a good thing, but the ability to forget is the true token of greatness.'  Quote:  Elbert Hubbard.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Memory; Memories;,'God gave us our memories so that we could have roses in December.'  Quote:  J. M. Barrie.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Memory; Memories;,'Memory is a crazy woman that hoards colored rages and throws food away.'  Quote:  Austin O'malley.,We often remember the wrong things.  Example: a young man may remember baseball players and forget homework.,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Memory; Memories;,'Memory is the thing you forget with.'  Quote:  Alex Chase.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Memory; Memories;,'What was hard to hear is sweet to remember.'  Quote:  Portuguese.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Memory; Memories;,"If you don't have a memory like an elephant, leave tracks like one.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Memory; Memories;,"Some wives have terrible memories, they never forget anything.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Memory; Memories; contract, writing,","""The palest ink is better than the best memory.""  Quote: Anonymous",Put it in writing.  Especially when dealing with brothers.,Jeremiah 32:10;,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Memory; Reminder;,"'If you have to keep reminding yourself of a thing, perhaps it isn't so.'  Quote:  Chris Morley.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Men - Lie - Women - Man,"'Be careful of a man who says he has a way with women- he'll be wrong about other things, too'!","A good-for-nothing man, with perverseness in his heart.",Prov. 6:12-15; Matt. 23:15;,Bobby Laymon,Jehovah's Eyes Are Upon Us,74,,,
"Men, Following, Danger, Idol, Image,",Looking so closely at an individual obscures the vision of the eyes of faith and one sees only the shadow cast by the imperfect man.,"This is a form of creature worship, which blots out Christ.",2 Cor. 5:7; Gal. 6:5; 1 Cor. 3:1-5; 2 Cor. 11:2-4; Luke 17:1,"May 1, 1964 Wt Page 270-271",Who Is Your God?,52,,,
Men; Fathers; Husbands;,'In every real man a child is hidden who wants to play.'  Quote:  F. Nietzsche.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Men; Fathers; Husbands;,It is much easier to become a father than a man.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Men; Fathers; Husbands; Funny;,Some men permit women to make fools of them. Others are the 'do it yourself' type.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Men; Fathers; Husbands; Wife;,'A good husband should be deaf and a good wife should be blind.'  Quote:  French.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Men; Fathers; Husbands; World;,'I'm scared. I don't know whether the world is full of smart men bluffing or imbeciles who mean it.'  Quote:  M. Brickman.,,,Jk Quotes;,Christian Separateness From The World--why Beneficial.,119,,,
Men; Human Nature;,"The  more I know men, the more I like my dog.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Men; Human Nature; Enemy; Mankind;,The greatest enemy to man is man.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Men; Husbands; Human Nature;,"The more I know men, the more I like my dog.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Men; Maturity;,'Boys will be boys and so will a lot of middle-aged men.'  Quote:  Kin Hubbard.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Men; Women; Marriage;,Some men permit women to make fools of them; others are the do it yourself type.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Meps, Printing, Preaching,",'Somewhat like a reversal of what occurred at the Tower of Babel!' Now produces publication in about 200 languages and growing. (explains the development of MEPS),Applied to multi-language Electronic photo type-setting System.,Matt. 24:14; Rev. 14:6; Rom. 1:12;,"May 22, 1991 Aw Page 27",How Do You Fit Into The Kingdom Arrangement?,21,,,
Merciful Care Of Jehovah,"EAGLE STIRS UP NEST, HOVERS OVER, SPREADS OUT WINGS EAGLE KEEPS RETURNING PUSHES OUT OF NEST",GOD'S JUSTICE BALANCED WITH MERCY,Deuteronomy 32:10-12,"Mar 1, 1989 Wt Page 25",Make Jehovah Your Confidence,70,,,
Mercy,"Adulterous wife, Gomer one child to Hosea, 2 in adultery mercifully took her back Israel like unfaithful wife.",Jehovah's mercy & long suffering.,Hos Chap 1-3  Ps 51:17  Prov 28:13,"Mar 1, 1989 Wt Page 14, 15","Mercy, A Dominant Quality Of True Christians",7,,,
Mercy,"Hosea's dealings with wife Gomer. Guilty of adultery yet forgave. Reflect on Jehovah's extraordinary mercy. Stir you heart, strengthen personal attachment to Jehovah.",Jehovah's mercy toward Israel & us today.,"Matt 9:13  Hosea 1:2, 10   2:13, 14  21-23, 3:3  4:2  6:6","Mar 1, 1990 Wt Page 14","Mercy, A Dominant Quality Of True Christians",7,,,
Mercy,Neighborly Samaritan.,We should ACT with mercy toward those we can help.,Luke 10:30-37,Jesus,"Mercy, A Dominant Quality Of True Christians",7,,,
Mercy Killing; Euthanasia,"Jehovah has allowed suffering to continue for 6000 years. Sometimes a seemingly hopeless condition takes a turn for better.  Difference: extending the life, and stretching out the dying process.","Even in his abundant love, his laws come ahead of suffering.",Job 2:4-10; Heb. 5:8,"Feb 15, 1961 Wt Page 118","Mercy, A Dominant Quality Of True Christians",7,,,
"Mercy,","Something most of us depend on is our automobile.  Before going to a convention, we pop the hood, check the oil level and other things.  Oil is essential.  Is it in the safe zone.","A quality for humans that is just as essential for humans is mercy.  Just as oil is smooth and prevents friction, being merciful is to be soft, gentle, kind.  Jehovah is perfect example.","Eph 2:4; Ps 145:8, 9; Ps 103:14",Craig Cobb,"Mercy, A Dominant Quality Of True Christians",7,,1996/10/14,
"Mercy, Balance, Justice, Seasoned,","What would it be like if you poured the entire contents of the salt-and-pepper shakers into a meal?  The meal, instead of being improved, would be ruined.","It would be the same if a parent, in desiring to show mercy, never punished its child, but always overlooked or forgave its misdeeds.  That would not be mercy.  In such a case, justice would not be seasoned with mercy.",Prov 13:24;,"Sep 8, 1963 Aw Page 6","Mercy, A Dominant Quality Of True Christians",7,,1996/11/17,
"Mercy, Charity, Money, Materialism,","Charity is a business today.  Money-raiser get 40%-50% or more. Not a business with Jehovah. Weakly, strong-willed treated like rest. Older pioneers are not neglected or taken off list.","Every individual is important in Jehovah's organization. Everyone deserves right to be heard, 2 sides to every story. Jas. 5:11",Gal. 6:7,Bethel Notes  Bro. Ralph Walls (by Phil Kirkton),"Mercy, A Dominant Quality Of True Christians",7,,,
"Mercy, Compassion, Judgments,",'Make no judgments where you have no compassion.' Quote: Anne McCaffrey.,Jehovah is a merciful and compassionate God.  We must do our best to imitate him.,Exodus 34:6;,Bobby Laymon - Reader's Digest,"Mercy, A Dominant Quality Of True Christians",7,,1996/03/15,
"Mercy, Compassion, Justice, Judgment,","'We hand folks over to God's mercy, and show none ourselves.' Quote: George Eliot.",The Hebrew word rendered 'mercy' is understood to mean basically 'to be compassionate'  This is an expression of pity or compassion comparable to the pity or merciful feeling a nursing mother has when her baby is hungry.,"Ps 145:8, 9; Isa 49:15;",W71 411-13; It-2 375-6 Bobby Laymon,"Mercy, A Dominant Quality Of True Christians",7,,1995/08/07,
"Mercy, Confession, Sin,","'Why not accept a blood transfusion and thus save your life.  Then confess to God that you have sinned, and repent.  In that way, you'll be restored in your religion also.'   Quote: Doctor to a patient.","Some, like the doctor, reason in such a way as to take advantage of God's mercy.","1 John 1:2; Jude 4;titus 2:11, 12;","Oct 1, 1993 Wt Page 22","Mercy, A Dominant Quality Of True Christians",7,,1993/11/20,
"Mercy, Confession, Sin,","A safety net is used to catch us anytime we make a mistake.  When working over a net, one may become careless.",Viewing God's mercy as a kind of safety net that will always catch us no matter what we do trivializes God's mercy and makes it seem that sin is not all that bad.  This is far from the truth.,"1 John 1:2; Jude 4;titus 2:11, 12;","Oct 1, 1993 Wt Page 23","Mercy, A Dominant Quality Of True Christians",7,,1993/11/20,
"Mercy, Counsel, Advice, Mildness, Self-control, Harsh, Kindness,","'Advice is like snow; the softer it falls the longer it dwells upon, and the deeper it sinks into the mind.' Quote: --Samuel Taylor Coleridge.","Counsel is usually taken in the same spirit it is given in.  We must never be harsh, but soft, when discipline or advising others.",Prov. 22:9;,Bobby Laymon,"Mercy, A Dominant Quality Of True Christians",7,,1995/08/25,
"Mercy, David","Why was David shown mercy?  He had built up much merit with God. No doubt had record showing mercy to others, for example with Saul. Also covenant made with David. Also born in sin.",If we show mercy others perhaps Jehovah will show mercy to us.,Mt. 18:32,"Johnse Laymon Aug 22, 1965 Aw Pg 27","Mercy, A Dominant Quality Of True Christians",7,,,
"Mercy, Discipline, Elders, Justice, Counsel, Punish, Harsh, Disfellowship, Love,",'Distrust all in whom the impulse to punish is powerful.' Quote: Friedrich Nietzsche.,"Jehovah never misuses his power.  He does not want any to be destroyed, but to be merciful toward all.",Eph 2:4;,Bobby Laymon,"Mercy, A Dominant Quality Of True Christians",7,,1995/06/30,
"Mercy, Endurance, Unbeliever, Conduct, Mate,",'Like a piece of granite against which the waves of my insanity crashed in vain.',"'The more cruel I was, the more love and mercy she showed.'  Quote: Unbelieving husband reviewing his past 12 years of life.",1 Cor. 7:16;,"Dec 15, 1969 Wt Page 740",,,,1996/11/25,
"Mercy, Forgiveness, Envy, Joy, Rejoice,","Lost drachma coin (Perhaps one of a set) May have been an heirloom, or part of a set made into jewelry. If one out of 100 sheep was a basis for joy, how much more one out of ten.",Jehovah and angels in heaven rejoices over one person found. Stressed the appropriateness of having joy over their repentance.,Luke 15:8-10,"Apr 15, 1991 Wt Pages 17, 18;","Mercy, A Dominant Quality Of True Christians",7,,,
"Mercy, Forgiveness, Envy, Repentance, Disfellowship, Reinstate,","Prodigal son, Father welcomed back, not received well by brother. Father takes the positive step of welcoming him, even holding a feast.  The older brother resents the mercy.",We must be merciful to those returning to Jehovah Highlights Jehovah's willingness to forgive.,Luke 15:11-32,"Jul 15, 1963 Wt Page 422; Apr 15, 1991 Wt Page 19;","Mercy, A Dominant Quality Of True Christians",7,,,
"Mercy, Forgiveness, Sin, Mistakes, Encourage, Endurance,","There is a well-known brand of soap that has two uncommon qualities It is the oldest of the best-sellers, and it floats.  Years ago it was just another brand among many.  Then a factory foreman blundered.  He stayed at lunch too long and it overcooked.  Rather than lose his job, he shipped it anyway.  It seemed to wash as well, but was much lighter. The results surprised everyone.  Rather than complaints the company was deluged with orders for this floating soap.  The foreman got a promotion.  The company began to prosper, and became one of the largest in the world, benefiting from a mistake.","Jehovah works that way with us.  Sometimes we make blunders, but Jehovah is always ready to salvage the situation no matter how bad we make it, if we stay with Him and the organization.  It is often possible to make something better out of something bad.",Exodus 33:19; 2ki 13:23;neh 9:31,Quotes - Bobby Laymon,Are You Really Making Jehovah Your Stronghold?,18,,,
"Mercy, Generosity, Giving, Unselfish,","There is an expression called 'Baker's Dozen.'  It showed generosity on the part of a baker who gave 13 donuts, etc. instead of 12.",Jehovah wants us to be like that.  We can be that way in showing mercy to others.,Luke 6:36-38;,Bobby Laymon,"Mercy, A Dominant Quality Of True Christians",7,,1996/11/11,
"Mercy, Generosity, Giving, Unselfish, Speech,","Present a rock and a soft ball of fuzz, or fluffy pillow.  Which one would you rather I throw at you?","Our speech, looks, attitude can be like that.  We can be hard-hitting or soft and gentle.  Which is the most merciful?",Prov 12:18,Bobby Laymon,"Mercy, A Dominant Quality Of True Christians",7,,1996/11/11,
"Mercy, Generous",There is a term called a 'Baker's Dozen.'  It is a count of 13 instead of 12.  How many go out of their way to do this today?,"Jesus spoke of such generosity in being kind, generous and merciful in dealings with our fellow man.",Luke 6:36-38; 10: 29-37;,Bobby Laymon,"Mercy, A Dominant Quality Of True Christians",7,,1996/10/14,
"Mercy, Injury, Depression,","I had a dog that was very gentle, and would never think of biting a person.  He was just a puppy.  However, one day I backed over him in my car and broke his leg.  I tried to move him from underneath my car and he bit me.  He did it for protection, because he was hurting so bad.","Sometimes people are like that.  They say and do things not because they are wicked, but because they are hurting.  They would never do it under normal circumstances.",Eph 4:32;,Bobby Laymon,"Mercy, A Dominant Quality Of True Christians",7,,1996/11/11,
"Mercy, Joy, Rejoice, Mercy, Disfellowship, Re-instatement,","Lost sheep; leave 99 behind in a safe place and look for the lost. Must not neglect any in our preaching.  The religious leaders could understand the imagery, for sheep and shepherds were a common sight.",Great Shepherd tenderly cares for all His sheep.  More joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than for 99 who have no need of repentance.,Luke 15:4-7,"Apr 15, 1991 Wt Page 18","Mercy, A Dominant Quality Of True Christians",7,,,
"Mercy, Justice, Condemn, Judgment,",It is better to risk saving a guilty person than to condemn an innocent one.  Quote: Voltaire Francois Marie Arouet.  [1747].,"Mercifully bear with weaknesses of others, not judging or being overly critical.  Do not make harsh judgments.",Matt 7:1-4;,Bobby Laymon,"Mercy, A Dominant Quality Of True Christians",7,,1995/07/14,
"Mercy, Justice, Judicial, Judgment, Repentance, Re-instatement,","If you were making a model of the temple built by Solomon, would you study only one of its pillars?  That would hardly give you a balanced picture of the role and nature of the temple.","Those wanting to imitate Jehovah, focus on more than enforcing justice. We need to copy all of Jehovah's ways including his being 'merciful and gracious, slow to anger, abundant in loving kindness.",1 Kings 7:15-22;,"Apr 15, 1991 Wt Page 17","Mercy, A Dominant Quality Of True Christians",7,,,
"Mercy, Justice, Judicial, Judgment, Repentance, Re-instatement,","Jehovah depicts himself as a shepherd to lost sheep of Israel Jehovah took positive steps, acting in a positive way. Once a year, body of elders call on disfellowshipped ones.",Did not wait for the lost to come back but searched for them.,"Ezek. 34:16; Jere. 29:1, 10-14;","Apr 15, 1991 Wt Page 22, 23","Mercy, A Dominant Quality Of True Christians",7,,,
"Mercy, Kindness, Love, Elders,",'Jehovah is always more merciful than we are!'  Quote: Brother Sullivan as told by Brother Wengert.,Jehovah is a God with acts of loving kindness.  He is perfectly balanced in love and mercy.  Heavy-handed methods are not appropriate in dealing with the congregation.,Exodus 33:19;,Joseph Wengert D. O.,"Mercy, A Dominant Quality Of True Christians",7,,1995/05/29,
"Mercy, Kindness, Love, Elders, Disfellowship,",If a brother is hanging on by one finger - don't step on that finger.,Help him out.  Even disfellowshipping can be handled in a kind manner.,Philippians 1:9-11;,Joseph Wengert D. O.,"Mercy, A Dominant Quality Of True Christians",7,,1995/05/29,
"Mercy, Long Suffering",Hen gathers chicks describe hen when danger approaches what would happen if chicks didn't respond.,Jesus untiring effort to teach Jews.,"Matt 23:37, 38  Luke 24: 27  John 5:36","Mar 1, 1989 Wt Page 26","Mercy, A Dominant Quality Of True Christians",7,,,
"Mercy, Modesty, Love,","If rain came down instead of drop-size, gallon-size.",Shows Jehovah's personal concern for mankind.,John 5:27-30;,Don Wolken (1-13-1991),Does God Count You Personally Important?,26,,,
"Mercy, Obedience, Demanding, Self-willed,","HAVE you ever watched the powerful ocean waves beating relentlessly on the seashore? Have you discerned any mercy? Any softness or warmth on their part toward the rocks or sand? Rather, these waves have worn away the sand; they have rubbed the rocks together as with a giant hand until they have become smooth and round. They have worked away at hard stone and chiseled out caverns and holes.","But in being obedient or exacting obedience from others should we be like the sea-cold, hard, exacting, relentless and with never-ending drive, wearing away at one another and ultimately getting our way?",Job 38:8-11;,"Jul 15, 1970 Wt Page432","Mercy, A Dominant Quality Of True Christians",7,,1996/11/25,
"Mercy, Pity,","It is said that when making a tour of his camp after an exhausting day of battle Napoleon found one of his sentries asleep at his post.  Strict justice would have required the death penalty.  But what happened?  According to the story, Napoleon picked up the rifle and stood guard until the dozing sentry awoke.  You can imagine how the man must have been shaken to see his illustrious general standing guard, being fully aware of the penalty for his misdemeanor.  However, Napoleon relieved the soldier's anxiety, acknowledging that he 'had fought hard, and marched long.'  But he cautioned him, 'You will be more careful another time.'","Is it not likely that this incident instilled devotion in the man for his general?  And was that not the intention of the general, to make a loyal and better soldier by showing him mercy? Intention of mercy should be to develop love, devotion, integrity.","Jas. 3:2; Ps. 33:5; 103:8, 10; 2 Cor. 1:3; Exodus. 34:6, 7;","Sep 8, 1963 Aw Page 5","Mercy, A Dominant Quality Of True Christians",7,,,
"Mercy, Pity, Compassion, Empathy,",Jesus did not expect others to live up to his standards.,We should not be unmerciful if others do not meet our expectation.,Mark 6:34;,Phil Kirkton,"Mercy, A Dominant Quality Of True Christians",7,,,
"Mercy, Pity, Compassion, Empathy, Tact,",Mass of smelly humans. He did not say I went hungry 40 days.  They can for 3 days. He didn't judge according to HIS abilities. Jehovah helped Jeremiah.  Jer. 38:9,"Jesus felt pity, did not see just (above) Num. 12:14 Miriam struck with leprosy; justice = death. Yet he removed 7 days later.  humiliation.",Mark 6:34  Ps. 55:22,Bethel Notes  Bro. Ralph Walls (by Phil Kirkton),"Mercy, A Dominant Quality Of True Christians",7,,,
"Mercy, Pity, Empathy,","Mom can forget!  Even cries of her babies. Loving mother doesn't just feel sorry, but identifies WHY child is crying; does something about it.","Jehovah always shows qualities of pity, mercy, love.",Isa. 49:15,Bethel Notes  Bro. Ralph Walls (by Phil Kirkton),"Mercy, A Dominant Quality Of True Christians",7,,,
"Mercy, Pity, Encouragement,",A merciful person has pity on those who suffer and tries to bring them relief.,"Thus God has shown compassion for mankind by making provision for permanent relief from suffering, sickness, and death.",Rev. 21:3-5; Ps. 86:15;,Kl Page 29,"Mercy, A Dominant Quality Of True Christians",7,,1995/06/15,
"Mercy, Resentment, Forgiveness, Sins, Missionary, Pioneer, Gilead, Lösch,","'We should view our brothers and sisters as if viewing them through the front end of field glasses, as it were, so their faults will be minimized instead of magnified.'  Quote: Gerrit Lösch, a member of the Governing Body.","It is a measure of Christian maturity to extend mercy to fellow missionaries, and others.",Eph 2:4; Ps 145:8;,"Dec 1, 1994 Wt Page 26","Mercy, A Dominant Quality Of True Christians",7,,1994/10/25,
"Mercy, Sympathize, Rulers, Jesus, 144,000,","One day an eight-year-old boy went to the pet store with his dad to buy a puppy.  The store manager showed them to a pen where five little furry balls huddled together.  After a while, the boy noticed one of the litter all by itself in an adjacent pen.  The boy asked, 'Why is that puppy all alone?'  The manager explained, 'That puppy was born with a bad leg and would be crippled for life, so we're going to have to put him to sleep.'  'You're going to kill this little puppy?' the boy said sadly while patting it.  'You have to realize that this puppy would never be able to run and play with a boy like you.'  After a short conversation with his boy, the dad told the manager that they wanted to buy the puppy with the bad leg.  'For the same amount of money, you could have one of the 'healthy' ones.  Why do you want this one?'  To answer the manager's question, the boy bent over and pulled up the pants on his right leg, exposed the brace underneath and said, 'Mister, I want this one because I understand what he's going through.'","Christ Jesus and the 144,000 understand what the human race is going through.  They can sympathize with our weaknesses.",Heb. 4:15;,Bobby Laymon - Bits And Pieces,Into The New Order Under Christ's Leadership,56,,1998/01/08,
"Mercy, Temper, Gossip, Immoral, World, Organization, Love, Mistake,","Ever get spot on shirt or clothing, did not throw away but put detergent or lye on spot to remove.","When organization became spotted by proclaiming May 30 a day to pray, Jehovah did not throw away, but cleansed with lye. Also because we in some other way were spotted, not thrown away but cleansed.",Mal 3:2,R. Raines (bethel Brother),How To Express Love In A Lawless World,112,,,
"Mercy, Tenderness, Kindness, Compassion,","What depth of feeling a mother normally has for the child of her womb!  Evidently this merciful feeling is stirred by her baby's need, perhaps its being hungry, ill or experiencing some other cause of suffering.  So she exercises tender compassion toward it.  (See original word - mercy.  'To be soft & gentle'; it is connected to the word 'womb'.  'to glow, to feel warm with tender emotion.')",Jehovah shows similar expressions of compassion.  Has an infant committed an offense so that the mother has to decide whether to show clemency or not?  Not likely.  Mercy is not expressed by holding back.  Rather it primarily relates to the compassion you feel and express.,Is 49:15; Ge 43:30; Ge 37:12-28; 1ki 3:25-27;,"Jul 1, 1971 Wt Page 411","Mercy, A Dominant Quality Of True Christians",7,,1993/11/16,
"Mercy, Understanding, Attitude, Hanging,","If someone fell off a train, and was hanging on what does that mean.  He would really like to be on the train.  There are 3 things we could do.  [1]  Step on his fingers.  [2]  Ignore him.  [3]  Help him get back on.  What would be the loving thing to do?","Likewise, how is our attitude toward those 'hanging-on' to the organization.  They too, would like to be a part of it.  What is the loving thing to do?",Rom 13:8;,Bobby Laymon,"Mercy, A Dominant Quality Of True Christians",7,,1995/09/22,
Mercy; Compassion;,"'Teach me to feel another's woe, to hide the fault I see; That mercy I to others show, that mercy show to me.'  Quote:  Alex Pope.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Mercy; Compassion; Empathy;,'Mercy is the support of justice.'  Quote:  Russian.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Messengers, Space, Universe, Creation,","Messengers from outer space are constantly arriving.  They carry with them amazing information about the vast universe around us.  These messengers, six in all, travel at the speed of light, 186,000 miles per second.  One of them is visible, but the others are all invisible to the human eye.  What are they?",(1) Visible Light.  (2) Radio Waves.  (3) X Rays.  (4) Infrared Radiation.  (5) Ultraviolet Radiation.  (6) Gamma Rays.  (See article for details.),Job 26:14,"Mar 8, 1996 Aw Page 12-14;",Appreciating Marvels Of God's Creation,114,,1996/02/08,
"Messiah, Cure, Disease, Death, Hunger, War, Grief,","Picture a stadium that seats 40,000 people, filled to capacity, with children under 5 yrs.  It would take 350 such stadiums to add up to 14 million, that die each year from malnutrition & easily preventable disease in developing lands.","This amounts to nearly one stadium each day!  Every minute, 26 children die from malnutrition.  During same minute about $2,000,000 spent on preparation for war.",Eccl 8:9;,"Oct 1, 1992 Aw Page 3, 4",The Only Cure For Sick Mankind,62,,,
"Messiah, Presence, Solution, Jesus Christ, Hero, Rescue,","Suppose at a family reunion, someone showed up and claimed he was related to the family.  What questions would you ask?  Who is your father; your mother; brothers; sisters; grandparents?  Then you could go to the courthouse or official records and check them out to see if their claim was legitimate.","It is the same with Jesus Christ.  However, his lineage was never challenged, although they had all the records at their disposal.  He was in the right place, at the right time.  He had a legal and a natural right to kingship, through Joseph and Mary.",Matt 1:1;,David Herr,The Messiah's Presence And His Rule,91,,1994/10/30,
"Messiah, Presence, Solution, Jesus Christ, Hero, Rescue,","Who is your hero?  In my early life, it was perhaps the Lone Ranger, Superman, maybe even Mighty Mouse.  These heroes always stepped in at just the right time and rescued the afflicted.  They would 'undo' all the problems that wicked one had caused.  They were often rejected at first, and their enemy seemed to have the upper hand.  But at the right time, the tables were turned.","The fact that everyone wants a hero show a conscious and unconscious desire for a savior, deliver, messiah.  Christ Jesus was identified as that savior.  (Luke 2:11; 3:21) Arrived at just the right time.  Fulfilled 3 offices: Prophet, High Priest, King.  As hero: rejected by many; counted as a villain for a time; did not fulfill expectations at first; enemy seemed to have the upper hand.  However, unlike hero's of fiction, all the issues will be 'settled up' for mankind and Jehovah God.  Here is a real hero, savior, messiah, who will undo all the damage done by Satan.","Isa 53:1-12; Ps 110:1,2, 5, 6; Isa 11:1-5, 10;",Bobby Laymon,The Messiah's Presence And His Rule,91,,1994/10/30,
Middle Of The Road; Balance;,Safety lies in the middle course.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Mild-tempered,"Jacob Worked 7 yrs for Rachel; Laban palmed off older, plainer daughter, Leah; worked another 7 yrs.  Changed wages 10 times. Tried to take Jacob's flock. Gen. Chap 28-31","Jacob showed wisdom, mildness, peacefulness. Dinah's failing. We must have keen appreciation for spiritual things;","Rom. 12:19; Matt. 5:5, 9","Nov 1, 1960 Wt Page 664-7",Coping With Life's Anxieties,32,,,
Mildness,"An orchard that some parts are easier to cultivate than others. + than others. Mildness is not an easy quality to keep cultivated today But if we are mild tempered, we will readily yield to the guidance",The fruitage of the spirit; some parts are easier to cultivate+ of Jehovah's spirit. People flock to Jesus because he was 'mild tempered and low heart,"Gal. 5: 22, 23; Is. 29: 18-21; 61: 1; Mt. 11:28,29","Nov. 15, 1985 Wt",Why Clothe Ourselves With Mildness,45,,,
Mildness,Contagious disease More & more people concluding it is useless to be mild Mildness = meekness.,Lack of mildness spreading like contagious disease.,"Matt. 26:47-53  Luke 22:51  Gal. 5:22, 23","Sep 1, 1982 Wt Page 8, 9",Follow The Way To Life,45,,,
Mildness,"Sheep Cows, pigs, mules, bears, wolves, dogs or goats; well known animals Sheep are easily led by their own shepherds. They are mild-tempered gentle, and peaceful toward their own, but other animals as well.",Why sheep used to illustrate Jehovah's people. All other well-known animals are lacking to varying degrees in these desirable characteristics.,1 Pet. 5:1-3,"Feb 1, 1960 Wt Page 77",Follow The Way To Life,45,,,
Mildness,Simmering volcano. Try mild answer; it will keep blood pressure down. Ask offended one for favor; your humility may help.,"Do we explode with abusive speech, tantrums, etc.","Prov. 16:32; 15:1, 18","Jun 8, 1959 Aw Page 3",Follow The Way To Life,45,,,
"Mildness, Counsel, Readjust, Congregation, Compassion, Elders,","'A mild tongue can break a bone.' Elders however, must not say things simply to please, or water down truth, as this can cost one his life. (Example: Amnon's friends.)","Someone as hard as a bone may be softened by a mild statement, and his hardness may break down.","Prov. 25:15; Gal. 6:1, 2; 2 Sam. 13:1-19, 28, 29; Pr. 24:24-26","Oct 15, 1991 Wt Page 18",Respect For Authority Is A Safeguard For You,12,,,
"Mildness, Fruits Of Spirit,",As Jehovah made it possible for the earth to produce crops ... How to develop mildness: [1]Conviction it is a requirement; [2]Submit to holy spirit. [3]Prayer for spirit & mildness. [3]Remember all are imperfect. [4]Acknowledge all are free moral#,".. Likewise he enables his servants to bring forth the fruits of his spirit, including mildness. #agents. [5] Determination not to abandon mildness.","Gal. 5:22, 23;","Oct 15, 1991 Wt Page 12",What Is Behind The Spirit Of Rebellion?,33,,,
"Mildness, Fruits Of Spirit, Congregation, Compassion, Elders,","Jehovah's servants are like gentle sheep, not obstinate goats, stubborn mules, or ravenous wolves.","Being sheep like, they need to be treated with mildness and tenderness. God expects elders to be mild, kind, loving, and patient toward his sheep.","1 Tim. 3:1-3; Ps. 32:9; Lk. 10:3; Ac. 20:28, 29; Eze. 34:17-24;","Oct 15, 1991 Wt Page 16",What Is Behind The Spirit Of Rebellion?,33,,,
"Mildness, Fruits Of Spirit, Congregation, Compassion, Kindness,",Some men operate a business in an efficient but harsh manner that may make many unhappy. This makes it a joy to be part of the congregation.,The Christian congregation does not function as some men operate a business.,Prov. 29:22; Jas. 3:13;,"Oct 15, 1991 Wt Page 16",Follow The Course Of Hospitality,77,,,
"Mildness, Fruits Of Spirit, Contention,","'Where there is no wood, the fire goes out.' Benefits of mildness: [1]Calmness of heart, mind, body. [2] Improves our relationship w/others. [3]Likely to have good friends. [4]Endures us to fellow believers. [5]Helps us be submissive.",'Where there is no slanderer contention grows still.'  We can cause a quarrel to 'glow.' [6]Mildness promotes happiness.,"Prov. 26:20, 21;","Oct 15, 1991 Wt Page 13, 14",What Is Behind The Spirit Of Rebellion?,33,,,
"Mildness, Fruits Of Spirit, Contention,","Jehovah gives his people the very best of figurative clothing. This quality is comforting because it: [1] Minimizes tension in stressful situations. [2] It is protective too, for it wards off strife.","In fact, all who desire his favor must be clothed in a garment having strong strands of mildness.","Col. 3:12-14; Ps. 133:1-3; Gal. 5:22, 23;","Oct 15, 1991 Wt Page 15",What Is Behind The Spirit Of Rebellion?,33,,,
"Mildness, Fruits Of Spirit, Contention, Compassion, Kindness,","Christians work at removing any old garment having a fabric of wrath, anger, badness, abusive speech, and obscene talk. remove (literally,) 'the old man' and put on 'the new man.'","Their new garment, woven of compassion, kindness, lowliness of mind, mildness, and long-suffering, helps them to resolve problems and to live godly lives.","Col. 3:5-11; Matt. 5:9; 18:33; Luke 6:36; Phil. 4:2, 3;","Oct 15, 1991 Wt Page 16",Follow The Course Of Hospitality,77,,,
"Mildness, Moderate, Personality,","Are you happy to hear, 'the weather will be well over 100 degrees today.' Or, 'well below freezing, with icy winds of high velocity piling up snowdrifts.' Or, 'the weather will be mild today?'","So too with Christian personality, mildness is desirable rather than harshness.  Also a Christian requirement. Means to be calm, tempered in feeling and behavior toward others.","Eph. 4:1,2; 1 Tim. 6:11; 1 Pet. 3:4; Gal. 5:22, 23;","May 15, 1967 Wt Page 300",Follow The Way To Life,45,,,
"Mildness, Moderate, Personality, Gentle,","'Come to me, all you who are toiling and loaded down, and I will refresh you. Take my yoke upon you and become my disciples, for I am mild-tempered and lowly in heart...refreshment for your souls.' Quote: Jesus Christ.","He was hunting for 'sheep,' not 'goats.' His mild ways would appeal to the right kind of persons.","Matt. 11:28, 29;","May 15, 1967 Wt Page 306",Follow The Way To Life,45,,,
"Mildness, Moderate, Personality, Gentle,","'If I were your wife, I'd put poison in your coffee.' Quote: Woman member of house of commons. 'If I were your husband I'd drink it.' Quote: Winston Churchill. We must avoid provoking others, causing them to lose their",She put wood on the fire and provoked a heated response. mildness.,"Prov. 26:21; Prov. 26:20; Numbers. 12:3; 20:2-13; Ps. 106:32, 33;","May 15, 1967 Wt Page 304",Follow The Way To Life,45,,,
"Mildness, Moderate, Personality, Gentle,","'Where there is no wood the fire goes out, and where there is no slanderer contention grows still.' We must not expect more from others than Jehovah expects.","It is far better for us to start the process of being mild in the first place, rather than the vicious circle of provoking others.","Prov. 26:20; Numbers. 12:3; 20:2-13; Ps. 106:32, 33;","May 15, 1967 Wt Page 304",Follow The Way To Life,45,,,
"Mildness, Moderate, Personality, Gentle,","A loving mother would not think of putting a baby to bed by roughly throwing the child into its crib, unconcerned as to where it would land or the damage it might do. Keeps both hands on the infant, to get the job done without injury.","Mildness is like that mother, gentle, tender, careful, but firm enough to get the job done.","Eph. 4:1,2; 1 Tim. 6:11; 1 Pet. 3:4; Gal. 5:22, 23;","May 15, 1967 Wt Page 301",Follow The Way To Life,45,,,
"Mildness, Moderate, Personality, Gentle,",Artificial sweeteners are easily discerned by the taste. Christian personality.,"Mildness must not be artificial, but must become part of our",Gal. 6:10;,"Bobby Laymon; See: May 15, 1967 Wt Page 310",Follow The Way To Life,45,,,
"Mildness, Moderate, Personality, Gentle,","Do not think everyone has to fit into a mold you think best. What Jehovah permits, we must also.",Appreciate the colorful differences that are part of God's creation.,James 1:21; Ps. 37:11; Prov. 26:21; Prov. 26:20; Numbers. 12:3; 20:2-1,"May 15, 1967 Wt Page 305",Follow The Way To Life,45,,,
"Mildness, Moderate, Personality, Gentle,","Husbands might compare it to a shirt collar.  If the collar is too stiff it become harsh, irritating, cutting the neck. Husbands prefer collars that do not irritate. Mild persons are easy to get along with, refreshing, pleasant,","Mildness is similar to that. It is not hard, irritating or cutting.","Titus 3:2; Eph. 4:1,2; 1 Tim. 6:11; 1 Pet. 3:4; Gal. 5:22, 23;","May 15, 1967 Wt Page 301",Follow The Way To Life,45,,,
"Mildness, Moderate, Personality, Gentle,",Mildness is not a garment that the Christian puts on as a front to impress those on the outside.,Mildness must become part of a Christian's personality.,Gal. 6:10;,"May 15, 1967 Wt Page 310",Follow The Way To Life,45,,,
"Mildness, Moderate, Personality, Gentle,","You must 'lead' sheep, not 'drive' them. 'Shepherd...not under compulsion, but willingly.' 1 Pet. 5:2;","Harsh methods of leading and instructing frighten.  They do not inspire trust and love. They get obedience for awhile, but since it is forced, it does not endure.","Exodus. 1:13; 1 Ki. 12:14; Matt. 11:30; 23:4; Philemon. 13, 14;","May 15, 1967 Wt Page 308",Follow The Way To Life,45,,,
"Mildness, Moderate, Personality, Gentle, Teacher,","A teacher that is rash, argumentative and unpleasant will divert some of the student's attention from the material and place it on the instructor. Mildness is an asset in teaching.","Teaching with mildness, the listener will be able to concentrate more on the material.",1 Pet. 3:15; 2 Cor. 6:3;,"May 15, 1967 Wt Page 309",Follow The Way To Life,45,,,
"Mildness, Spirit, Noise, Wives,","Reports tell that in the United States the volume of noise is doubling every ten years and if this keeps up it will not be many decades before noise reaches a lethal, a deadly, stage.  It not only harms hearing but even causing ulcers, hives, and other ills.","A quiet and mild spirit is of great value to Jehovah God and it is also appreciated by husbands.  Quite thoughtlessly, some persons feel they must be talking all the time.","1pe 3:4; Pr 15:1; Gal 5:22, 23; Eph 4:2; Col 3:12","May 15, 1970 Wt Page 291",God Comes First In Successful Family Life,110,,,
"Mildness, Spirit, Noise, Wives, Marriage, Meek,","In ancient Greece, a wild horse that had been tamed was said to be mild, meek.",Do not think that mildness means weakness.  Moses was the 'meekest man in all the earth' in his day but he was by no means a weakling.,"1pe 3:4; Pr 15:1; Gal 5:22, 23; Eph 4:2; Col 3:12","May 15, 1970 Wt Page 292",God Comes First In Successful Family Life,110,,,
"Mildness, Temper, Fruits Of Spirit, Rage, Anger, Churchill, Resentment,","A woman member of the House of Commons in England. Once, very sharply said to Winston Churchill, former prime minister of England: 'If I were your wife, I'd put poison in your coffee.'  Churchill snapped back: 'If I were your husband I'd drink it.'","Yes, she put wood on the fire and provoked a heated response. It was as Proverbs 26:21 notes: 'As charcoal for the embers and wood for the fire, so is a contentious man [or woman] for causing a quarrel to glow.' We do not want to be like that, so we will be careful not to provoke others to lose their mildness on occasions.",Pr 26:21;,w67 5/15 304-5,Follow The Way To Life,45,,1994/05/09,
"Mildness, Wisdom, Beauty, Wife, Speech,","Mild breeze; mild winter; mild spring; mild answer; mild manner; Not harsh, not sharp, not caustic, not irritating. There is wisdom in making the very tone of our voice mild.",Mildness induces feeling of quiet measured beauty or serenity.,"Gal. 5:22, 23; 1 Tim. 6:11; 1 Pet. 3:4; Prov. 25:25;","Mar 1, 1963 Wt Page 131",Acquiring A Heart Of Wisdom,73,,,
"Military, Wars, Hatred, Armageddon, Peace,","Cut in a stone wall flanking the Plaza of the United Nations is a Bible quotation.  Taken from Isaiah chapter 2, it reads, 'They shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks;'","Yet, the highest single appropriation in the budgets of most countries today is military spending.  So while the nations talk about peace, they spend more for war than for any other item.","Isaiah 2:1-4; Jer 11:22; Mt 6:51, 52;","Sep 8, 1970 Aw Page 8",Ruining The Earth Brings Divine Retribution,106,,,
"Military, Wars, Hatred, Armageddon, Peace, Kingdom,",The national debt is approximately 5 trillion dollars.,"This would allow 125,000,000 homes to be built each year averaging $40,000.00 each.  It is sad that such a huge part of the world's wealth is spent for unproductive armaments.  What if all that money could be used for mankind's good?",Ps 52:7; Pr 22:1; 23:4;,"Sep 8, 1970 Aw Page 8",The Kingdom Of God Is Near,109,,,
"Milky Way, Space, Universe, Creation, Galaxy,",A mere teaspoonful of matter that weighs as much as 200 million elephants.,"There are neutron stars consisting of matter so dense that they would be that heavy.  They are composed of tightly packed neutrons, accounting for their incredible density.",Ge 1:1; Is 40:22;,"Mar 22, 1992 Aw Page 4",Appreciating Marvels Of God's Creation,114,,,
"Milky Way, Space, Universe, Creation, Galaxy,","Imagine the sun scaled down to the size of an orange.  The earth a mere grain of sand circling 30 feet away. Jupiter, a cherry pit, a block away; Pluto, a grain of sand 10 city blocks away. The nearest star, Alpha Centauri would be 1,300 miles away.  Milky Way Galaxy would still have a diameter of 20 million miles. (Physicist Robert Jastrow)","Even scaled down, the figures still get out of hand.",Ge 1:1; Is 40:22;,"Mar 22, 1992 Aw Page 4",Appreciating Marvels Of God's Creation,114,,,
"Milky Way, Space, Universe, Creation, Galaxy,","Like two fried eggs placed back to back, but, of course on a far grander scale. The misty tapestry we call the Milky Way is really an edge view of our own galaxy.","The shape of the Milky Way galaxy, if we could see it from far off.  Traveling at the speed of light, it would take 100,000 years to cross our galaxy.",Ge 1:1; Is 40:22;,"Mar 22, 1992 Aw Page 7",Appreciating Marvels Of God's Creation,114,,,
"Milky Way, Space, Universe, Creation, Galaxy, Pulsars,","Like the beam of a lighthouse, with the light going around and around. Having diameters of less than 20 miles, they are rarely detected by telescopes, but by radio telescopes.",Pulsars send out a beam of radio waves that rotates with the star.  Some rotate 600 times a second.,Ge 1:1; Is 40:22;,"Mar 22, 1992 Aw Page 4, 6,",Appreciating Marvels Of God's Creation,114,,,
"Mimic, Imitate, Copy, Model, Compare,",IMITATE - Insist on yourself; never imitate. --Ralph Waldo Emerson,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Minas, Noble Birth,","'A certain man of noble birth traveled to a distant land to secure kingly power for himself and to return.  Calling ten slaves of his he gave them ten minas and told them, 'Do business till I come.'  But his citizens hated him and sent out a body of ambassadors after him, to say, 'We do not want this [man] to become king over us.' 'Eventually when he got back after having secured the kingly power, he commanded to be called to him these slaves to whom he had given the silver money, in order to ascertain what they had gained by business activity. Then the first one presented himself, saying,  'Lord, your mina gained ten minas.'  So he said to him, 'Well done, good slave! Because in a very small matter you have proved  yourself faithful, hold authority over ten cities.'  Now the second came, saying, 'Your mina, Lord, made five minas.' He said to this  one also, 'You, too, be in charge of five cities.'  But a different one came, saying, 'Lord, here is your mina, that I kept laid away in a  cloth.  You see, I was in fear of you, because you are a harsh man; you take up what you did not deposit and you reap what you did  not sow.' He said to him, 'Out of your own mouth I judge you, wicked slave. You knew, did you, that I am a harsh man, taking up what  I did not deposit and reaping what I did not sow?  Hence why is it you did not put my silver money in a bank? Then on my arrival I  would have collected it with interest.'  'With that he said to those standing by, 'Take the mina from him and give it to him that has the ten minas.'  But they said to him, 'Lord, he has ten minas!'-  'I say to YOU, To everyone that has, more will be given; but from the one that does not have, even what he has will be taken away.  Moreover, these enemies of mine that did not want me to become king over them BRING here and slaughter them before me.''  Quote: Jesus Christ.","The minas represent assets that spirit-begotten disciples could make use of in producing more heirs of the heavenly Kingdom until Jesus' coming as King in the promised Kingdom. After his resurrection and appearance to his disciples, he gave them the symbolic minas for making more disciples and thus adding to the Kingdom-of-heaven class.   The slave with ten minas pictures a class, or group, of disciples from Pentecost 33 C.E. until now that includes the apostles. The slave that gained five minas also represents a group during the same time period that, according to their opportunities and abilities, increase their king's assets on earth. Both groups zealously preach the good news, and as a result, many right hearted ones become Christians.  Nine of the slaves did successful business and increased their holdings.",Luke 19:12-27,Gt 100,,,,1996/01/15,
"Mind, Associations, Thinking, Mental, Repudiate, Transform,",'A vacant mind is open to all suggestions.' Quote: Chinese proverb,"We don't want to be open to all suggestions.  We can be broad- minded, but not open-minded.  Satan can enter an open or vacant mind.","Ro 1:18; 28-32; Titus 2:12, 13;",William Osbeck C.O.,Is The Truth Transforming Your Life?,51,,,
"Mind, Associations, Thinking, Mental, Repudiate, Transform,","An open pipe will let anything through; even sewage.  If you put a filter on, it will restrict the flow, but filter out the unwanted.","We do not want a completely 'open mind'.  We need to be 'broad- minded'.  Open, yet closed to the degrading sewage of the world.","Ro 1:18; 28-32; Titus 2:12, 13;",William Osbeck C.O.,Is The Truth Transforming Your Life?,51,,,
"Mind, Brain, Sin, Association, Movies, Television,","Millions of decent, hardworking German citizens were 'brainwashed' by Nazi propaganda to commit or support the most heinous crimes against humanity.",Do not underestimate the effect that the corrupt propaganda belching forth from motion pictures and television can have on you and your family.,1co 15:33,"Jul 22, 1969 Aw Page 9",Hold A Good Conscience In A Sinful World,107,,,
"Mind, Brain, Sin, Association, Movies, Television,",The mind is somewhat like a computer.  Computers produce by being programmed.  You get out of them only what you put into them.,"So too, if you program your mind with wrong information, you will get bad results.",1co 15:33,"Jul 22, 1969 Aw Page 8",Hold A Good Conscience In A Sinful World,107,,,
"Mind, Brain, Sin, Association, Movies, Television, Youth,","The young person's mind is like a jet airplane.  It has great energy and potential, but it needs to be guided by experienced hands.","Without such guidance, a young mind is like a jet airplane that has a child at the controls.  Too much pressure on sex, violence, and it will be too much for him to handle.  It may be like a jet completely out of control.",Ecclesiastes 12:1,"Jul 22, 1969 Aw Page 9, 10",Hold A Good Conscience In A Sinful World,107,,,
"Mind, Brain, Thinking, Mental, Progress, Transform, Inclination,","You are on the edge of a cliff, and you want to see the bottom. You look down and inward as far as you can see, and someone gives you just a little nudge, or push.  The results could be disastrous because of the direction we are leaning.","Our mental inclination can be like that.  We want to watch the leaning of it, or something could cause us to fall. Even if we are climbing upward, we want to lean forward, so as to fall in the right direction, if we stumble.",Ro 1:28; 15:5; 2co 3:14; Php 2:5; 3:15; 4:7; 1pe 4:1;,Kevin Hopkins,Is The Truth Transforming Your Life?,51,,,
"Mind, Brain, Thinking, Mental, Repudiate, Transform,",Like a library with few books.,Brain that is not used.,Heb 5:14;,William Osbeck C.O.,Is The Truth Transforming Your Life?,51,,,
"Mind, Children, Decisions, Sin, World,","Point of no return; Navigator tells the pilot when approaches the point of no return. No turning back, must proceed to their destination.",Children and other reach a point of no return in world.,Heb. 10:26-29,Joe Bounds (see Live Forever Bk. Page 171),'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
"Mind, Heart, Conscience,","A unified team, sometimes reinforcing each other, yet often battling each other in a struggle for dominance.  (Perhaps like a wrestling team)",Showing how the mind and heart are closely related.  We must help them to pull in the same direction.,Mt 22:37; Ro 7:23; Ps 119:34; Pr 3:1;,"Mar 1, 1993 Wt Page 8",Hold A Good Conscience In A Sinful World,107,,,
"Mind, Mental, Brain,",Roll of film; there is nothing there until it is used and processed.,The mind is like that.,Heb 5:14,Sam Buck,Appreciating Marvels Of God's Creation,114,,,
"Mind, Perfection, Brain, Language, Confusion, Battery,","It is believed that Jewelers in ancient times had and used a type of electric battery to electroplate gold, silver and antimony. Vases of copper plated with gold and silver were found as evidence Replicas were made, and they worked.","What could man have done, if Jehovah had not confused their language, in ancient Babylon.",Ge 11:6,"Jan 8, 1969 Aw Page 20",Appreciating Marvels Of God's Creation,114,,,
"Mind, Personality, Brain, Transforming,","Like a trail, traveled often, 'information in the form of coded electrical or chemical signals travel from neuron to neuron, crossing many connections called synapses.  A memory of some type is created,... leaving behind its individual imprint.' This creates a pattern of thinking.","As we persist in taking in wholesome spiritual information, a new thought pattern is being built up, and the force actuating our mind is being made new.",Eph 4:23; Ro 12:2; Phil 4:8;,"Mar 1, 1993 Wt Page 17",Is The Truth Transforming Your Life?,51,,,
"Mind, Personality, Review, Repetition, Brain, Thinking,","Take a stick; make a mark in the dirt; one mark is easy to erase. However, keep making that same mark over and over and over.",Same with the mind; when we review over and over it is hard to erase information from the mind.,Phil. 2:2-4;,"Lovers Of Freedom District Assy. Mobile July 12-14, 1991",Appreciating Marvels Of God's Creation,114,,,
"Mind, Thinking,  Endurance, Race, Life, Armageddon, Training, Knowledge,",A champion boxer or wrestler must have a good mind. He cannot be a brute bull with no sense.,"So with us, it is not a matter of just strong legs and a weak mind. We cannot merely walk from door to door, but we have strong minds and in our sermons we hit the target with the Bible.  Do not publish spasmodically.",Mt 6:33; 24:13; Jas 5:11;,W56 4/15 248,Ruining The Earth Brings Divine Retribution,106,,1994/07/30,
"Mind, Thinking,  Endurance, Race, Life, Armageddon, Training, Knowledge,","As a runner, you must know the pace required by the race. Is it a short race or a long one? Does it call for pacing or racing the limit?","So with us, it is not a matter of just strong legs and a weak mind. We cannot merely walk from door to door, but we have strong minds and in our sermons we hit the target with the Bible. Run wisely!  Haphazard training means lost races. Do not publish spasmodically.",Mt 6:33; 24:13; Jas 5:11;,W56 4/15 248,Ruining The Earth Brings Divine Retribution,106,,1994/07/30,
"Mind, Thinking, Evolution, Science, Theories, Promises, Propaganda,","People are bombarded by this world's propaganda, its appeal to materialism, immorality, its confusing theories and vain promises of imperfect men.","All of this can turn a person's mind into a garbage dump.  By learning God's thoughts, we can turn our minds into a garden spot, in which the fruits of God's spirit flourish.",Gal 5:22,"Apr 22, 1971 Aw Page 29",Does Your Hope Rest On Science Or The Bible?,80,,1994/04/30,
"Mind, Thinking, Subconscious, Brain, Reincarnation, Near-death,","'The tourist who departs for Europe, but whose plane turns around and returns some minutes after the start, can't tell people more about Europe than anyone returning from a coma can tell anyone about death.'  Quote: Dr. Richard Blacher, in The Journal of the American Medical Association.","'Death is a state,' not a process.  Those who have been near death have, in other words, never actually been dead.  They experienced something while they were still alive.  They were near death but not yet dead.  What they remember, if anything, would be what happened at the time approaching that brief interruption, not during it.","Ecc 9:5, 10;","Jun 8, 1994 Aw Page 7",Is This Life All There Is?,36,,1994/05/02,
"Mind, Thinking, Subconscious, Information, Brain, Hypnosis, Reincarnation,",Our subconscious mind is like a library of information that has been put away but may be recalled later.,"However, under hypnosis, the subject's consciousness is changed so that forgotten memories can surface.  Some people interpret these as being of a former life, but they are nothing more than present-day experiences that we had temporarily forgotten.","Ecc 9:5, 10;","Jun 8, 1994 Aw Page 6",Is This Life All There Is?,36,,1994/05/02,
"Mind, Thoughts","Even though a sapling is small, roots go very deep.  Very difficult to pull out of ground or impossible to pull out of ground.","Need to guard against bad thoughts, not easily removed from mind once they are put there.",Rom 5:12;,Jim Breden-Scott Rudolph At Licking,Resisting The Spirit Of The World,25,,1996/02/13,
"Mind, World, Association, Thoughts, Thinking,","Our mind might be likened to a garden.  If you plant flowers, you get flowers.  If you plant weeds, you get weeds.  If you plant nothing, what do you get?  Weeds!",We must be careful to plant good things in our mind.  If we don't we will get 'spiritual weeds' whether or not we associate with the world.,1 Cor 15:33;,David Herr,You Will Reap What You Sow,59,,1994/09/28,
"Mind, thoughts","Even though a sapling is small, roots go very deep. Very difficult to pull out of ground or impossible to pull out of ground.","Need to guard against bad thoughts, not easily removed from mind once they are put there.",Prov 10:22;,Jim Breden-Scott Rudolph At Licking,Resisting The Spirit Of The World,25,,1996/02/13,
"Mind, thoughts","Persons say that watching bad videos or listening to bad music does not harm their mind, because it goes in one ear and out the other.  It has no affect on them.","If we shot ourselves with a handgun in the ear it may go in one ear and out the other, we may not see the damage, but it will be there.",1 Cor 15:33;,Jim Breden-Scott Rudolph At Licking,Resisting The Spirit Of The World,25,,1996/02/13,
Mind;,'All that I can I will.'  Quote:  French.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Mind;,'No life is so hard that you can't make it easier by the way you take it.'  Quote:  Ellen Glasgow.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Mind;,'The most underdeveloped territory in America is under men's hats.'  Quote:  Norman Dresden.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Mind; Concentration;,Concentration is the secret of strength.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Mind; Desire;,'Where the mind goes the body follows.'  Quote:  Chinese.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Mind; Goodness; Idleness;,'Purity of mind and idleness are incompatible.'  Quote:  Ghandi.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Mind; Heart;,'The longest distance is between the head and the heart.' Quote: Thomas Merton,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Mind; Imagination;,The imagination of water does not quench thirst.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Mind; Imperfection;,"'The defects of the mind, like those of the face, grow worse as we grow old.'  Quote:  La Rochefoucauld.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Mind; Insanity;,'Insanity is often the logic of a mind overtaxed.'  Quote:  Owh.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Mind; Meditation; Study;,"'The mind is like the stomach. It is not how much you put into it that counts, but how much it digests.'  Quote:  Albert Jay Nock.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Mind; Memory;,"'If I don't write it down I forget it, If I do write it down, I lose it.'  Quote:  Blanch Altschleuter.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Mind; Open-minded;,"'Life is not a static thing.  The only people who do not change   their minds are incompetents in asylums, who can't, and those in cemeteries.'  Quote:  Everett Dirksen.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Mind; Opinionated;,"'Minds are like parachutes, they only function when open.' Quote:  T. Dewar",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Mind; Thinking;,"If the brain sows not corn, it plants thistles.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Mind; Thinking;,It is remarkable to what lengths people will go to avoid thought.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Mind; Thinking;,The used key is always bright.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Mind; Thinking;,Thinking is like loving and dying. Each of us must do it for himself.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Mind; Thinking;,Thinking is the greatest torture in the world for most people.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Mind; Thoughts;,'All intelligent thoughts have already been thought; what is necessary is  only to try to think them again.'  Quote:  Johann Van Goethe.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Mind; Thoughts; Motivation;,A thought often makes us hotter than a fire.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Minds, Thinking, Opinion, Open, Unbiased, Prejudiced,",'Minds are like parachutes. They only function when they are open.' Quote: Sir James Dewar.  -1842-1923.,"We need to have an open mind in our service to God.  Apostle John showed need to test source of knowledge.  The person offering a view could himself be misled.  We need to keep checking, examining.",2 Jo 7-9; 1 Jo 4:1;,W88 4/1 30; W86 7/15 19; Bobby Laymon,How Should You Serve God?,58,,1995/08/09,
Minister,"Greater value? 1 million well trained, fully equipped soldiers or 10 million infants & small children. To ask the question is to answer it! If subjected to test that Gideon applied at God's direction,","Churches boast of large numbers, not quality. millions would melt away.",1 Cor. 16:13  Heb. 5:11- 6:1,"Apr 22, 1959 Aw Page 16, 17",Who Are Qualified As Ministers Of God?,81,,,
Minister,"Not Shielded.   True follower of Christ does not get these attractive offerings,","True ministry; not made attractive to softies and worldlings who look for popularity, public esteem, social honors, political prone Christendom complain; understaffed, overworked and underpaid.",Matt. 4:1-10; 8:20; John 5:30; 4:34; Job 1:9-12; Matt. 20:28,"Jun 22, 1959 Aw Page 27",Who Are Qualified As Ministers Of God?,81,,,
"Minister, Service, Pioneer","When asked 'What kind of work do you do?'  Do you tell them I am a janitor, plumber, carpenter?",We are ministers who support ourselves through the means of these things. Paul did not introduce himself as tent maker,"Acts 18:3,4",S. Koinavich,How Should You Serve God?,58,,,
"Ministerial Servants, Support, Appreciation, Congregation, Organization, Unity,","There is a song that has been around for a few years.  The lyrics say, 'You are the wind beneath my wings.'","In a sense the ministerial servants are like this.  Although, not as visible as the elders in the congregation, they give wholehearted and loving support to the congregation.",1 Cor 12:12-25;,Bobby Laymon,What Kind Of Name Are You Making With God?,55,,1999/03/18,
Ministers,"Dogs chiding lion over number of offspring we may not have as many members as Christendom, but we have qualified ministers.","I may only have one, but it is a lion.",1ch 12:14;,Johnse,Finding Honor And Joy In God's Ministry,65,,,
Ministers,"Good cook, proof is in the pudding. Good cook would not do...tie in morality would do...teach true doctrines.",Results for all to see.,Matt 24:14  Matt 7:15,"Mar 1, 1989 Wt Pages 3-7",Who Are Qualified As Ministers Of God?,81,,,
Ministers,Moon -- satisfied to use Sun's light.  Doesn't try to buy up batteries.,Reflect Jehovah's qualities.,2 Cor 6:4  Prov 10:20,Bro Howard  (pioneer Mtg),Who Are Qualified As Ministers Of God?,81,,,
Ministers,Peddlers (describe methods to make sale).,Apply to Christendom.,2 Cor 2:17 Acts 1:8,"Oct 15, 1987 Wt Par 14, 15",Who Are Qualified As Ministers Of God?,81,,,
"Ministers, Christendom, Baptist, Seminary, Colleges,","'Baptist churches are being overrun and their testimony destroyed by a flood of infidels masquerading as ministers poured out of modernistic colleges and seminaries -- infidel preachers who deny the Bible, serve self instead of Christ.'  Quote: Dean Roscoe Brong of Lexington Baptist College.","Those attending religious seminaries are simple not being taught the truth about the Bible, even according to their own admission.",Mt 19:3-6; 24:37-39; 1ti 2:12-14; 1pe 3:20;,"Sep 15, 1971 Wt Page 548",Who Are Qualified As Ministers Of God?,81,,1993/11/17,
"Ministers, Christendom, Trinity, Doctrine, Speech, Grooming,","A POPULAR fable tells us of a donkey that yearned to be like the ferocious lion that could rush out and roar mightily and scatter people in a panic. One day this donkey came upon a lion's skin. He saw his chance. He draped it over his frame and charged into a group of men. They scattered in a most gratifying way, and in his elation the donkey forgot himself and thought that he would roar like a lion. But he only brayed like an ass. The masquerade was over. The men knew him for what he was and returned and gave him a good beating.","So it is with many who claim to be ministers of God. They dress the part. For outward show many overdress the part, seeking to advertise their supposed piety.  If they kept quiet and were content to dress and pose the part of ministers, they might fool even informed persons into thinking them representatives of the lion of the tribe of Judah. Instead, they open their mouths and bray out ancient paganisms and creeds, or modern philosophies and politics, and expose themselves as impostors and bring down upon their heads a beating from God's Word.",Prov 17:28; Matt 23:5;,W52 2/1 67,Jehovah And Christ--are They Part Of A Trinity?,82,,1995/06/05,
Ministry,Career is more important than relatives and possessions.,Secular Work and everything else is secondary to it.,2 Tim. 1:6; Luke 18:28-30,"May 1, 1961 Wt Page 262",Happy Though Hungry--how Can It Be?,31,,,
Ministry,Electrical outlet (many) Helps appreciation.  Fruit of spirit conquer fear of man.,Mouth; only outlet for knowledge keeps humble.,Deuteronomy 25:4,Bobby Laymon,Happy Though Hungry--how Can It Be?,31,,,
"Ministry, method, variety, ","Jehovah is never at a loss for means to carry out his purpose. In past, used flames of fire; storm-tossed seas, great fish, beast of the field, insects, angels and humans. He has reserved this work for God-fearing humans.","Will he summon beast, fire, storms, fouls; carry out ministry? NO!",Jo 18:37; Matt. 24:14,"Jan 15, 1961 Wt Page 47",Happy Though Hungry--how Can It Be?,31,,,1/18/2021
Ministry,Many products sold to aid in regularity.,Regularity in ministry; if not something is wrong.,Acts 5:42,Bro Larry Punko,Happy Though Hungry--how Can It Be?,31,,,
Ministry,Right kind of doctor is recognize by number of patients he can cure. Minister can introduce those whom he helped to come to an accurate knowledge of truth. He must not place a time limit on his ministry. 2 years or 10.,"Minister proves himself by results of his ministry. How long? Isa. 6:11 'cities crash in ruin' Jehovah gave the word to start, Jehovah will tell when to stop.","2 Cor. 3: 1, 2","Jan 15, 1961 Wt Page 51",Happy Though Hungry--how Can It Be?,31,,,
Ministry,"Work of a farmer; man who has never farmed would not dream of buying land and starting to farm without learning some of the methods and getting instructions first. Jesus recognized. need for training, sent apostles out by twos.","A period of study, congregation instruction & training necessary.","Matt. 28:19, 20","Apr 1, 1961 Page 204",Happy Though Hungry--how Can It Be?,31,,,
"Ministry, Door, House, Preaching, Witnessing, Kingdom, Good News,","Turfan, China, one of the hottest and driest spots on earth. (pop. 180,000) (temp. 130 degrees F in shade-little or no rain) Well watered by 2,000 year old irrigation tunnels, that collect water from 50 miles away.  Hundreds of tunnels, were dug, often several hundred feet under ground, making fertile oasis.","Also the ancient technology of preaching the good news from door to door still works, and is bringing blessing to millions of persons world-wide, although first started 2,000 years ago by Jesus Christ. (We will literally see the deserts blossom.)","Is 35:1, 2; Luke 8:1; 10:1","Feb 22, 1993 Aw Page 21",Good News In A Violent World,85,,,
"Ministry, Fully, Accomplish, Harvest, Resourceful,","I hold in my fingers a single grain of wheat.  It represents the last of the harvest.  Can you imagine the demands this last grain of wheat has placed on the farmer, to complete the harvest?  It has taxed all his resources and energy, but he is happy.","We have been drawn into the greatest harvest of all human history.  The Ministry.  Regardless of how long we have been serving God, we need to keep in mind the urgency of fully accomplishing our ministry.  We need to be resourceful like the farmer.",2 Tim 4:5;,Bobby Laymon - District Convention Talk.,Slave For The Master Of The Harvest,66,,1996/05/15,
"Ministry, Treasure","Hope diamond; sent to Smithsonian Institute by registered mail.  Cost only 145.29 on Nov. 8, 1958. Worth then about $2,000,000.",Treasure in earthen vessels.,2 Cor. 4:,"Dec. 22, 1958 Aw Page 30",Finding Honor And Joy In God's Ministry,65,,,9/26/2016
"Ministry, Return Visits, Service",Dig up some calls for Circuit Overseer. If you have to dig up a call they are probably already dead.,Diligence in making return visits promptly.,Mt 8:22; Lk 9:60,Frank Barr- C.O.,How Should You Serve God?,58,,,
"Ministry, Return Visits, Service, Discouragement, Joy,",Remedy to Discouragement - Go Fishing.  Fishing for men is a form of relaxation.  Ministry is a way of actually reducing stress.,Field ministry brings joy,"1 Thess. 2:13, 19, 20",Frank Barr-c.O.,How Should You Serve God?,58,,,
"Ministry, Service, Attitude, Positive,","The ministry is not to be taken lightly. It must be viewed seriously and recognized as a precious treasure that sparkles like a beautifully cut diamond, with many sides or facets.","Many things go to make up the ministry, and each one is to be guarded as a valued part of the great treasure that the ministry truly is.","2 Cor 5:20; 4:1, 7; Luke 12:48;",W57 4/1 204-5,How Should You Serve God?,58,,1994/05/11,
"Ministry, Service, Cleanliness, Conduct, School,","What if you had a very important appointment with a businessman or official?  Are you clean, neat, and careful in your dress?  You should be.","We want to focus all the attention we can to God's Kingdom and not draw undue attention to ourselves by sloppy appearance. What about your book bag, literature, etc.","Dan 6:5; Is 50:4; Ecclesiastes 12:9, 10;",Qm Page 174,A Clean People Honors Jehovah,14,,,
"Ministry, Service, Preaching,","Toys, battery down, cast aside; ball, continue to use, skillful","Cannot lose interest in ministry, become skilled",Mt 24:14;,Joe Laymon,How Should You Serve God?,58,,,
"Ministry, Service, Return Visit, Discernment","When playing certain types of sports the way you follow through is very important. Baseball, golf, etc. Follow through is necessary in order to get a solid hit.",In our ministry we need to follow through in order to achieve good results.  Need for discernment.  Sometimes too busy to go into a lot of detail.  Have thoughts clearly in mind in order to achieve most in short period of time.,2ti. 4:5,Dec 1992 Km - Joe Laymon,How Should You Serve God?,58,,,
"Ministry, Tongue, Gossip, Speech, Pioneer,",The only weapon that becomes sharper with constant use is the tongue.,We must be slow about speaking.,Jas 1:19;,J.K.,What Kind Of Name Are You Making With God?,55,,1997/04/11,
Minority;,"'The smallest number, with God and truth on their side, are weightier than thousands.'  Quote:  Charles Simmons.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Miracle, Science, Laws, Ability,","Do scientist fully understand the properties of heat, light, atomic and nuclear action, electricity or any of the forms of energy or matter, even under normal conditions?  No! and still more deficient is their understanding of these properties under unusual conditions.","When scientist don't believe miracles, they are insisting that the operation of the Creator must be limited by the narrow confines of their understanding.  Why limit Jehovah's ability to the narrow scope of man's knowledge and experience?",Exodus 14:22; Job 12:16-25; Ro 1:18-23,"May 1, 1971 Wt Page 292",Does Your Hope Rest On Science Or The Bible?,80,,1993/11/10,
Miracles,"Family recipe; Could you teach to others? Who would you entrust Also trusted Elijah, Elisha & others. Does not prove Jesus is Jehovah, but trusted servant.",Jehovah has entrusted Jesus with family secret.  Perform miracles,Acts 10:38,Bobby Laymon,Did the Miracles of the Bible Really Happen?,137,,,
Miracles,How would you explain modern science to someone 200 years ago?,The only way we can learn about miracles is by eye-witness account,John 19:31-20:29; Luke 24:11,The Bible--god's Word Or Man's? Page 78,Did the Miracles of the Bible Really Happen?,137,,,
Miracles,Primitive tribesman; taken from jungle to visit big city. How can he describe the wonders of civilization?,The only way we can learn about miracles is by eye-witness account,John 19:31-20:29; Luke 24:11,The Bible--god's Word Or Man's? Page 77,Did the Miracles of the Bible Really Happen?,137,,,
"Miracles, Bible,","Sometimes we hear of forged bank notes being put into circulation but that does not mean that all money is forged.  Some put faith in quack doctors, but that does not mean all doctors are fraudulent.",Frauds do not mean that genuine miracles never happened.,John 19:31; Luke 24:11;,The Bible--god's Word Or Man's   Page 75,Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,,
Misc.,'A huge gap appeared in the side of the mountain. At last a tiny mouse came forth.'  Quote:  Aesop.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Misc.,'Any excuse will serve a tyrant.'  Quote:  Aesop.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Misc.,'Beware lest you lose the substance by grasping at the shadow.'  Quote:  Aesop.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Misc.,"'I may not amount to much, but at least I'm unique.'  Quote:  Rousseau.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Misc.,"'Manifest plainness, embrace simplicity, reduce selfishness, have few desires.'  Quote:  Lao-Tzu.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Misc.,'People often grudge others what they cannot enjoy themselves.'  Quote:  Aesop.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Misc.,'To go beyond is as wrong as to fall short.'  Quote:  Confucius.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Misc.,'We would often be sorry if our wishes were gratified.'  Quote:  Aesop.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Misc.,The shaft of the arrow had been feathered with one of the eagle's own plumes.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Masc.;,'Even a small star shines in the darkness.'  Quote:  Finnish.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Masc.;,"'I have often been adrift, but I have always stayed afloat.'  Quote:  David Berry.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Masc.;,'If you beat a stick with your fists it is your hands that will suffer.'  Quote:  Plautus.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Masc.;,'Not all who own a harp are harpers.'  Quote:  Marcus Varro.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Masc.;,'Well done is quickly done.'  Quote:  Augustus Caesar.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
miscellaneous;,'Well may he smell fire whose gown burns.'  Quote:  George Herbert.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Masc.;,It is easier to build two chimneys than to keep the fire going in one.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Masc.;,Teach your grandmother to suck eggs.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Masc.;,The best things come in small packages.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Masc.;,The smell of garlic takes away the smell of onions.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Masc.;,"Tie two birds together and though they have four wings, they cannot fly.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Masc.;,You can't tell how deep a puddle is until you step in.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Masc.; Human Nature;,"'By nature, men are nearly alike; by practice;, they get to be wide apart.'  Quote:  Confucius.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Masc.; Human Nature;,'There is no benefit in the gifts of a bad man.'  Quote:  Euripides.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Masc.; Japanese;,"All may begin a war, but few can end it.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Masc.; Millenarianism, Teachings, Thousand Years, 1000 Years,","Don't throw out the baby with the bath water.    How horrible!  How could such a thing like that happen.  That could happen with one over-zealous with cleanliness, an exaggerated fear of germs, or becoming preoccupied with other things and forgetting what is of real value.","By allowing extremes to run wild, many have done that in a spiritual sense.  Example:  Teaching of the millenarianism.  In an attempt to cleanse the Bible teaching, they have discarded the entire wonderful hope of the 1,000 year reign.  The have enlarged the teaching beyond bounds or the truth.",Rev. 20:1-7;,"Bobby Laymon ; Jk Quotes;  Dec 1, 1999 Wt Pages 5-8",,,,,
Miser;,'The happiest miser on earth is the man who saves up every friend he can make.'  Quote:  Robert Sherwood.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Miser;,"'The miser is as much in want of that which he has, as of that which he has not.' Quote:  Syrus",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Misery;,'Threescore and ten is enough; if a man can't suffer all the misery he wants in that time he must be numb.'  Quote:  Josh Billings.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Mishnah, Bible,","'We start with the impression that we join a conversation already long under way about topics we can never grasp.  We feel as if we are in a transit lounge at a distant airport.  We understand the words people say, but we are baffled by their meanings and concerns, above all, by the urgency in their voices.' Quote: Jewish scholar Jacob Neusner.",He adds.  'The Mishnah begins nowhere.  It ends abruptly.'  How unlike God's Word the Bible.  It needs no oral law in addition to it.,Heb. 4:12;,"Nov 15, 1997 Wt Page 25",Does Your Hope Rest On Science Or The Bible?,80,,1997/11/11,
"Missionaries, Gilead, Pioneer, Publisher,",As a tomato plant transplanted in the spring from greenhouse to open field may find its new environment far from ideal. Pioneer and publishers likewise often find unfavorable conditions.,"Likewise, Gilead graduates, who found they had favorable conditions for growing spiritually, would find things far less than ideal.",Ps. 119:37; 2 Tim. 2:3;,"May 8, 1967 Aw Page 26.  G. Couch.",Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,63,,,
"Missionaries, Pioneers, Christendom, Kingdom,","Christendom's missionaries have established hospitals, refugee centers, and orphanages to care for people's material needs. Casting themselves in the role of champions of poor people, they have stirred up revolution and participated in guerrilla warfare.","Adhering closely to God's Word, Witness missionaries show people why the true and lasting solution to mankind's problems in God's Kingdom.",Mt 24:14; Luke 4:43;,Jehovah's Witnesses - Proclaimers Of God's Kingdom.  Page 525,Religion's Role In World Affairs.,92,,,
"Missionary, Gilead, Pioneer, Organization,","Ulysses Glass, the senior member of the school faculty, encouraged the class to 'finish carving out their niche in Jehovah's worldwide organization.'","A niche is a situation or an activity specially suited to a person's abilities or character. 'You prospective missionaries have found your niche in the worldwide organization of Jehovah's Witnesses,' he declared. 'But, valuable as it is now, this is only the beginning of your life as a missionary.'",Psalm 71:21;,"Jun 1, 1996 Wt Page 27",Serving With Jehovah's Unified Organization,3,,1996/05/28,
"Missionary, Gilead, Pioneer, Service, Glass, Science,","'Only God Can Make a Tree.'  'Modern technology has never been able to rival the construction of a tree, designed by God.'  Quote: Ulysses Glass - Gilead instructor for 32 years.","In a sense, true Christians are like trees, planted and irrigated by Jehovah.  For five months, the students had been 'regularly irrigated from the fountain of life-giving waters in God's Word,' like trees in a spiritual grove or paradise.  Yet, as missionaries, they must guard their 'spiritual root system against any damage.'  They were exhorted to 'continue drinking the water of life from Jehovah because only God can make a tree.'",Ps 1:3;,"Dec 1, 1993 Wt Page 27",How Should You Serve God?,58,,1993/11/25,
"Missionary, Gilead, Pioneer, Service, Redford,","The apostle Paul had position, prestige, influence, and financial security.  But he described all of this as 'a lot of refuse,' or 'garbage,' according to the Phillips translation.  His heart was in the ministry, and he made the right choice.  Note: He had an education equivalent to Harvard or Yale today.","'There is nothing that the Devil's world can offer you that compares with missionary service.  Take care of that inestimable privilege and let the world take care of its garbage.'   Quote: Jack Redford, Gilead instructor and a former missionary.",Php 3:8;,"Dec 1, 1993 Wt Page 27","Living, Not For Self, But To Do God's Will",8,,1993/11/25,
"Missionary, Gilead, Pioneers,",'Deposit' or 'Trust'.   Continue to add to your deposit and thus safeguard it.,Instruction is part of pattern of healthful words. 'Deposit',1 Tim. 6:20; 2 Tim. 1:12-14;,"Jan 15, 1963 Wt Page 62",Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,63,,,
"Missionary, Gilead, Pioneers,",Climbing a high mountain that brought to view Jehovah's sanctuary. Where are we on Jehovah's mountain?,Course of Gilead graduates. (Other difficult assignment),Isa. 2:2-4,"Jan 15, 1963 Wt Page 62",Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,63,,,
"Missionary, Gilead, Pioneers,","Spears, now sharpened, but now have to prove what kind of medal.",Must endure in their assignments.,Isa. 2:2-4,"Jan 15, 1963 Wt Page 62",Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,63,,,
"Missionary, Gilead, Pioneers, Teach,",Quote Bro. Knorr: 'been invited to this school not because they had been coming short as teachers but rather because they had been doing so well that it was considered advisable to bring them to the School to train them to do still better.',Must be qualified to teach,1 Tim. 3:2; 2 Tim. 2:4,"Jan 15, 1963 Wt Page 62",Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,63,,,
"Missionary, Pioneer, Evangelizer, Service,",The knowledge of God is like a light that illuminates a Christian when he opens his heart to receive it.,We reflect that light by preaching the good news.  Do not give up your missionary assignment.  Keep your mirror polished.,2 Cor 3:18;,"Dec 1, 1997 Wt Page 21",Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,63,,1997/11/11,
"Missionary, Spirit, Pioneer, Isolation, Help,","'The law of gravity is a force that exerts itself throughout the physical universe.' No matter where you are, the force of gravity is there.        Quote: F.W. Franz","Jehovah's spirit is a far more powerful and all-pervading force.  One can have full assurance that this force operates just as powerfully in the most remote, isolated territory as it does in one's homeland.  Even if one dies in his assignment, by God's holy spirit, He can reach right into the grave and resurrect you!","Ps 139:7, 8;","May 1, 1971 Wt Page 287",What Is Behind The Spirit Of Rebellion?,33,,1993/11/10,
"Mistake, Imperfection, Sin, Lie,","'The man who makes no mistakes does not usually make anything.' Quote by: Edward J. Phelps, a United States jurist of 19th century. Foolish to build illusion that we are never wrong. Proper to apologize for an error.",Imperfect humans are certain to make mistakes. We should all be big enough to acknowledge our errors.,Zech. 8:16; Ps. 101:7; Jas. 3:2,"Jan 22, 1962 Aw Page 3, 4",Hold A Good Conscience In A Sinful World,107,,,
"Mistakes, Apology, Sorry, Kindness,",A missionary observes that one of the most difficult things to say in any language is 'I am sorry.',The ability 'to live peaceably' is an important part of being a good missionary.,2 Cor 13:11,"Oct 15, 2001 Wt Page 30",True Friendship With God And Neighbor.,100,,"Sep 4, 2001",
"Mistakes, Discipline, Humility, Balance, Experience,","It was one of the most unusual encounters in military history.   An unarmed envoy turned back 400 battle-hardened soldiers bent on avenging an insult.  After hearing the entreaties of just one brave woman, they abandoned their mission.","David was grateful that God used Abigail to keep him from making a grave mistake.  We too, should show gratitude, when steered away from a wrong course.",1sa 25:9-35; Ps 19:12;,"Nov 15, 1993 Wt Page 28",Into The New Order Under Christ's Leadership,56,,,
"Mistakes, Failures, Forgiveness, Sins, Future, Experience,",'Today's opportunities erase yesterday's failures.'  Quote: Gene Brown in News-Times.,"In Jehovah's organization we always have the opportunity to advance, progress, even though we have made serious mistakes.","1 John 3:20, 21;",Bobby Laymon - Reader's Digest,,,,1996/03/15,
"Mistakes, Forgiveness, Humility, Balance, Experience,",'The man who makes no mistakes does not usually make anything.'  Quote: Diplomat Edward John Phelps,"The Christian disciple James said, 'We all stumble many times.'",Jas 3:2;,"Nov 15, 1993 Wt Page 28",Into The New Order Under Christ's Leadership,56,,,
"Mistakes, Forgiveness, Humility, Balance, Experience,","Would a child learn to walk without ever stumbling?  No, for a child learns from mistakes and keeps on trying until balance is achieved.","Likewise, though all of us make mistakes there is no need for despair.  To lead a balanced life, we also need to learn from our mistakes and those of others.",Jas 3:2;,"Nov 15, 1993 Wt Page 28",Into The New Order Under Christ's Leadership,56,,,
Mistakes;,'The only man who never makes a mistake is the man who never does anything.' Quote:  Theodore Roosevelt,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Mistakes; Errors; Failure;,Mistakes are often stepping stones to failure.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Mistakes; Errors; Sins;,"'I have made mistakes, but I have never made the mistake of claiming that I never made one.'  Quote:  Gordon Bennet.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Mistakes; Experience; Sin;,'Anyone can make a mistake.  A fool insists on repeating it.' Quote: Robertine Maynard.,We should be able to learn from hard experiences.,Prov. 22:3;,Bobby Laymon - Reader's Digest.,,,,1996/03/15,
"Mob, Persecution, Hatred, Hitler, Civil Liberties Union,","'In six months alone in 1940, '1488 men, women and children were victims of mob violence in 335 communities in 44 states.' Quote: American Civil Liberties Union.","INFO: 'Nothing parallel to this has ... has taken place in the United States since the days of the Ku Klux Klan in the 1920's.' Hitler screamed, 'This brood will be exterminated in Germany!'",Acts 5:34-39;,"Feb 15, 1967 Wt Page 104",Bearing Up Under Persecution,57,,,
Mob;,'A mob is the scum that rises utmost when the nation boils.'  Quote:  John Dryden.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Mob;,'It is proof of a bad cause when it is applauded by the mob.'  Quote:  Seneca.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Mob;,'Never underestimate the power of stupid people in a group.'  Quote:  Roy W. Hatten.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Mob;,"'The mob is a monster, heads enough but no brains.'  Quote:  Bf.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Mob;,"'The nose of a mob is it imagination. By this,  at any time, it can be quietly led.'  Quote:  Edgar Allen Poe.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Model, Jesus, Footsteps, Follow,","Did you ever follow someone in traffic when you did not know where they were going?  Perhaps through a strange town. You are fearful you will lose sight of them and get lost.  If you knew more about them, where they lived, or about the town, you would be more confident.","The more we learn about Jesus Christ, the easier it is to follow in his footsteps.",1 Pet 2:21,Paul Smith,Follow The Way To Life,45,,1994/12/09,
"Model, Pattern, Preaching, Example, Apostles, Jesus,","Where does a seamstress get her pattern. Comes from a pattern-maker.  Those who are professional, experienced, tested. Are you preaching the good news today? If you are, you too will be as much looked down upon by false religionist as the apostles were. ",We have apostolic pattern-makers. Exemplars in good works. .,Acts 5:20-26;,"Jan 1, 1964 Wt Page 14, 17",Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,63,,,3/18/2014
Moderation,Force fed goose; to fatten its liver. Know when to stop drinking. Know when to stop eating. (many other examples given in article),Over eating and over drinking,Prov. 23:20,"Mar 22, 1961 Wt Page 3",Are You Doing What God Requires Of You?,43,,,
Moderation,"The Fatal Marriage Lion, free from net, gratefully offered to reward mouse. Mouse asked for Lion's daughter in marriage.  Was called & didn't see tiny mouse & crushed him to death, as he ran to meet her.",Practice moderation or modesty,Micah 6:8,Aesop's Fables  Page 56,Are You Doing What God Requires Of You?,43,,,
"Moderation, Modesty, Preparation, Study, Prevention,",Health is no other (as the learned hold) But a just measure both of Heat and Cold.,Modesty is the key.,Heb. 6:1-3; 2 Tim. 2:14; John 6:45; Eccl. 12:11-13; Acts 17:1,Bobby Laymon (wisdom Of The Ages..Quotes),"As Christians, We Care About Other People",15,,,
Modesty,"Eagle & Blackbird Eagle flew down, caught a lamb, Blackbird envied. Tried himself, but got claws caught in large sheep. couldn't fly Shepherd, clipped his wings, took him home to his children","You always lose, when you try to be something you're not. What kind of bird, Daddy?  I am sure it's a blackbird, but he thinks he's an eagle",Lk 12:15;,Aesop's Fables,Are You Doing What God Requires Of You?,43,,,
Modesty,"Frog and the Ox Little frog explaining how others got trampled by an ox. Mother puffed herself up, and asked, 'was he this big?' Kept swelling herself up until she burst.",We need to recognize our own limitations Moral: We may face ruin by trying to be more than we are.,Prov 11:2  Mic 6:8,Aesop's Fables  Page 26,Are You Doing What God Requires Of You?,43,,,
Modesty,"Frog and the OX; Frog boasted I can be that big.  Puffed up, burst",Dangerous to pretend to be something you're not,Mic 6:8;,Aesop's Fables,Are You Doing What God Requires Of You?,43,,,
Modesty,"Lapdog & the Donkey Master enjoyed playing with lapdog; Donkey tried, and got a severe beating.",Always be yourself & not foolishly imitate others.,Micah 6:8;,Aesop's Fables,Are You Doing What God Requires Of You?,43,,,
Modesty,"The Ass and the Lap Dog Man had lap-dog & ass.  Ass well fed & housed, but jealous of dog that licked master's hand & often jumped into lap.  Ass had to work, also.  Began to imitate dog's ways.  Ran into house, kicked","We should be aware of our limitations & pranced, and upset table. Jumped into master lap. Beat to death Do not try to do that which is not natural to you.",Prov 11:2  Micah 6:8,Aesop's Fables Page 66,Are You Doing What God Requires Of You?,43,,,
Modesty,"The Tortoise and the Eagle Tortoise dissatisfied with lowly life.  Saw many birds & wanted to fly.  'If I could only get off the ground, I could do it' Talked eagle into taking him aloft, and then dropped. Before he",Don't try to fly or do things beyond your means. could say 'Thanks!' dashed into huge rock & smashed into bits. The over-ambitious often destroy themselves.,Mic 6:8,Aesop's Fables Page 75,Are You Doing What God Requires Of You?,43,,,
Modesty,"The Vain Jackdaw (Blackbird) Jackdaw, vain & conceited, picked up peacock feathers, stuck them among his own.  Peacocks stripped him & drove away with pecks Returned to natural companions & they shunned him.","Be contented with what you have, know limitations They said, 'If you had been contented, you would not have been punished by betters, & equals would not now despise you.",Micah 6:8,Aesop's Fables Page 48,Moral: Fine Feathers Do Not Make Fine Friends.,43,,,
"Modesty, Clothing - Styles - Dress - Women",' Men make fun of the way women dress- but you never see a woman running around on a hot day in a tight collar'.,Sensibleness is not always with fashion designers.,"Mic. 6:8; 1 Pet. 3:3, 4; Eph. 5:28; Titus 2:1-3",Bobby Laymon,'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
"Modesty, Commendation, Encourage, Worry, Anxiety, Stress, Flattery",You can tell the character of a man by the way he receives praise.,The best answer is usually a 'Thank You!',"Ps. 55:22; Jas. 1:12; Rom. 15:2; 1 Th 5:14; Isa. 41:10,13",Bobby Laymon,Gaining Comfort In All Our Tribulations,105,,,
"Modesty, Einstein, Newton, Blood, Transfusions, Surgeons, Humility,","MODESTY is a virtue that once was appreciated by the wise men of this world.   It has been said: 'Modesty is a shining light; it prepares the mind to receive knowledge, and the heart for truth.' A person lacking modesty is not likely to have an open mind.","Albert Einstein once stated that 'a spirit is manifest in the laws of the Universe-a spirit vastly superior to that of man, and one in the face of which we with our modest powers must feel humble.' And Sir Isaac  Newton, considered by many to be the foremost scientist of all time, once remarked: 'If I have seen farther than others, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants.' Evidently of a similar frame of mind are some surgeons who have operated on Jehovah's Witnesses. After performing very difficult operations successfully without blood transfusions, they have told their Witness patients that the credit goes to God, not to the surgeons themselves.",Mic 6:8;,W84 1/15 18,Is The Truth Transforming Your Life?,51,,1994/06/03,
"Modesty, Fashion",Every few years the fashion world has to check the kneecap to see if it has improved.,Styles and fashions may change but Christians will always be modest in their dress.,Rom. 12:2;,J. Laymon,Are You Doing What God Requires Of You?,43,,,
"Modesty, Limitations,","AN OX drinking at a pool trod on a brood of young frogs and  crushed one of them to death.  The Mother coming up, and missing  one of her sons, inquired of his brothers what had become of him.   'He is dead, dear Mother; for just now a very huge beast with  four great feet came to the pool and crushed him to death with  his cloven heel.'  The Frog,  puffing herself out, inquired, 'if  the beast was as big as that in size.' 'Cease, Mother, to puff  yourself out,' said her son, 'and do not be angry; for you would,  I assure you, sooner burst than successfully imitate the hugeness of that monster.'",Moral: 'Men may be ruined by attempting to appear that which nature has not intended them to be.',Micah 6:8;,Aesop's Fables - Bobby Laymon,Are You Doing What God Requires Of You?,43,,1994/05/17,
"Modesty, Limitations, Humility, Pride, Lowliness, Friends,","A MOLE, a creature blind from birth, once said to his Mother:  'I  am sure than I can see, Mother!'  In the desire to prove to him  his mistake, his Mother placed before him a few grains of frankincense, and asked, 'What is it?'  The young Mole said, 'It  is a pebble.'  His Mother exclaimed:  'My son, I am afraid that you  are not only blind, but that you have lost your sense of smell.","Moral: 'Do not claim to a virtue you do not possess if you would keep the respect of your friends.'  We must recognize our own limitations.   Be modest.  If not, concern over our inability, may even cause us to lose control over other abilities we can do well.",Micah 6:8;,Aesop's Fables - Bobby Laymon,Into The New Order Under Christ's Leadership,56,,1994/05/15,
Modesty;,"'It is easy for somebody to modest, but it is difficult to be modest when one is a nobody.'  Quote:  Jules Reynard.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Modesty;,'Modesty may make a fool seem a man of sense.'  Quote:  Jon Swift.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Modesty;,Modesty is the art of drawing attention to whatever it is you are being humble about.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Money, Ambition, Competition, Materialism, Greed,",'We must scrunch or be scrunched.' Quote: Charles Dickens.,"This is the attitude today.  However, Christians must avoid selfish ambition, as well as laziness.",1pe 5:6; Heb 6:1;,Bobby Laymon,Act Wisely As The End Draws Near,38,,1995/08/05,
"Money, Contributions, Gift,","A young man is shopping with his father.  The father pulls out $100.00 and gives it to his son as a gift.  Later, the father asks for $5.00 back, as he is short of money, and the son refuses to give it.  How would that look to the father?",Every thing we have is a gift from Jehovah.  We only pay back what is his already.,1 Ch 29:14; Ps 50:10;,Robert Schwarze,How To Keep Spiritually Awake!,71,,1996/08/27,
"Money, Debt, Banks, Materialism, Security,","A fifty-two-year-old man stood ankle deep in snow looking at his burned factory.  He said, 'We've lost everything.' 'There is no hope. I'm too old to start over again.'","'Everything?' Asked a friend. 'Isn't that your wife?' 'You have a wonderful wife, devoted children, friends, neighbors, your health. Suppose you lost these instead of the factory.",Luke 12:15; Eccl. 7:12; 1 Tim. 6:9; Matt. 13:22; 16:26; Prov. 3:13,"Jan 8, 1967 Aw Page 12",Reach Out For The Real Life!,90,,,
"Money, Debt, Banks, Materialism, Security,","The bank is your debtor, and your bankbook is your I.O.U.  As long as the bank has cash it can make good its I.O.U.","What puts a serious strain on the bank is when everyone wants his money at once, as in the early 1930's.","Ps. 146:3, 4; Matt. 13:22; 16:26; Prov. 3:13, 14;","Jan 8, 1967 Aw Page 8",Reach Out For The Real Life!,90,,,
"Money, Debt, Materialism, Security,","Quote: 'Money never made a man happy yet, nor will it.  There is nothing in its nature to produce happiness. Instead of filling a vacuum, it makes one .... satisfies one want, it doubles and trebles that want another way.' (Benjamin Franklin)",Wealth is 'deceptive' because the one who seeks it fails to realize its limitations. He never finds the satisfaction he seeks.,"Matt. 13:22; Prov. 3:13, 14;","Jan 8, 1967 Aw Page 13",Reach Out For The Real Life!,90,,,
"Money, Foolish, Materialism, Credit, Debt,",'A fool and his money are soon parted.' Quote: English proverb.,Unless money is handled wisely this can happen.  Ask:  Where will you live?  How much money is needed to meet practical needs?  Who will handle the budget?  Will the wife need to work?,Prov 15:22;,Bobby Laymon,Getting Marriage Off To A Good Start,27,,1995/08/16,
"Money, Honesty, Materialism,","Suppose that money grew on trees and that you owned such a tree.  Now imagine that your tree was planted alongside a path traveled by dozens of your neighbors each day.  How long do you think the money would remain on your tree?  In Nigeria, West Africa, a five naira note was found on the road a hundred yards from the nearest building of the Watch Tower Society's branch.  The finder tied it to a tree and it stayed for many days.","If all were Jehovah's Witnesses, your money would be safe.",Heb 13:18;,"Jun 22, 1995 Aw Page 31",Conducting Ourselves Honestly At All Times,10,,1995/05/19,
"Money, Inflation, Materialism, Faith,","In 1923, Germany revalued its currency by striking off 12 zeros so that 1,000,000,000,000 old marks suddenly became equivalent to one new mark.",Shows the sad state of humankind in putting faith in material things.  Eventually led to the rise of Nazism and WWII.,Lk 16:9; Pr 11:4,"Feb 15, 1993 Wt Page 11",Reach Out For The Real Life!,90,,,
"Money, Lending, Contract, Loan, Business,",'The borrower is servant to the man doing the lending.' To use borrowed money for another purpose would be wrong. (See article for many details in lending.),You have an obligation to be honest with the one you are borrowing from.,Pr. 22:7; Ps. 37:21; Mt. 5:37; 7:12;,"Oct 15, 1991 Wt Page 26","Living, Not For Self, But To Do God's Will",8,,,
"Money, Marriage, Funny, Humor,",'Never marry for money.  You'll borrow it cheaper.'  Quote: Scottish proverb.,"Marriage should be for love, and other right reasons.  Never for money.",Genesis 24:67;,Bobby Laymon - Reader's Digest,Getting Marriage Off To A Good Start,27,,1996/03/24,
"Money, Material, World",Would you want to live in a garbage dump,Paul likened material things lot of refuse,Phil 3:8,Divine Teaching Convention,'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
"Money, Materialism,","'Money is like muck, not good except it be spread.'  Quote: Francis Bacon [1625].","It is not merciful to encourage laziness, drunkenness, and so forth.  In some situations, giving money to a person who asks for it would      encourage him in a wrong course; that would not be true mercy.","Pr 20:1, 4; 2 Thes 3:10, 12;",Bobby Laymon,"Mercy, A Dominant Quality Of True Christians",7,,1995/07/09,
"Money, Materialism,","If money could talk what would it say? Perhaps it would say something like this:  'DO YOU know me? You should, for I am the most sought-after commodity on the face of the earth. I can be recognized in most any part of the world, no matter what the language. Few in any land would think of going anywhere without me. Wars and the length of them are often predicated on the abundance and the availability of me.  Children are snatched away from parents for the ransom I will pay. I am taken at gunpoint or freely handed over to men making false promises. Some women marry because of me, others divorce because of me. I can split families asunder and bring on a legion of woes to those who have love for me.",Once I saw a man betray the best friend he could ever have for 30 pieces of me.  It is probable that people have done more injury and lasting harm to one another in the name of me than for any other reason. Love of me is truly 'a root of all sorts of injurious things.'_1 Timothy 6:10.,1 Tim. 6:10;,Bobby Laymon,Are You Really Making Jehovah Your Stronghold?,18,,"Feb 11, 2001",
"Money, Materialism,",Money is only paper with pictures of dead presidents on it.,How much better to trust in Jehovah.,Ps. 37:3,Randy Aldridge,Prayers That Are Heard By God.,86,,"Sep 19, 2000",
"Money, Materialism, Credit, Debt,",'Creditors have better memories than debtors.'  Quote: Ben Franklin.,"We may forget our obligations, but others will not.",Rom 13:8;,Bobby Laymon,Coping With Life's Anxieties,32,,1997/05/13,
"Money, Materialism, Debt, Government, Foreign Aid,","If you gave your wife a billion dollars and told her she could spend it at $1000. per day, she would not be back to ask for more money in nearly 3,000 years.  100 billion would take 279,000 yrs. U.S. has given to Foreign aid twice the assessed valuation of its",To help understand how much a million dollars is. 13 largest cities in the last 22 years prior to 1960.,Eccl. 5:10;,"Oct 22, 1964 Aw Page 17",Reach Out For The Real Life!,90,,,
"Money, Materialism, Friends, Worship,","'There are three faithful friends: An old wife, and old dog -- and ready money.'  Quote: Ben Franklin.","Many feel that way, especially about money.",1 Tim 6:10,Bobby Laymon,Are You Really Making Jehovah Your Stronghold?,18,,1997/05/13,
"Money, Materialism, Frustrations, Marriage, Divorce,",'Money is a magnet that draws in all the frustrations in our lives.'  Quote: Researcher,"Whether families are rich or poor or are somewhere in-between, most experts agree that couples fight mostly about money.  People marry for money, enjoy undreamed of life-styles, and in due course divorce for staggering settlements of money.",1ti 6:10;,"Mar 22, 1994 Aw Page 4",Are You Really Making Jehovah Your Stronghold?,18,,1994/02/19,
"Money, Materialism, Gilead, Missionary, Pioneer, Problems, Faith,",'I can truthfully say that never once have I put my hand into my pocket for a needed dollar and failed to find one there.'  Quote:   Claude S. Goodman,'That is something of worth. But of greater value by far is the overriding conviction of having Jehovah's power and loving care behind one. There is no possible value that a man can set on that!,Ps 37:25;,W73 12/15 765,Reach Out For The Real Life!,90,,1994/06/27,
"Money, Materialism, Greed, Happiness,",'Money can't buy happiness!',"Even though most people more or less agree with that statement, many of them are still relentlessly pursuing material riches as a way to a happier life.","Ps 49:6, 7;","Dec 8, 1994 Aw Page 3",Are You Really Making Jehovah Your Stronghold?,18,,1994/10/31,
"Money, Materialism, Greed, Happiness,","Westerners customarily greet one another with a 'Happy New Year!' on New Year's Day.  The Chinese during the lunar New Year, traditionally say, 'Kung his fa tsai' to one another, wishing that they will 'strike it rich!'",Success or failure is often measured with a material yardstick.,Rev 16:15,"Dec 8, 1994 Aw Page 3",How To Keep Spiritually Awake!,71,,1994/10/31,
"Money, Materialism, Greed, Happiness, Desires, Fleshly, Content,","'When one is well fed and warm, one's thoughts turn to excesses and fleshly desires.'  Quote: Chinese saying.","This is demonstrated by what is taking place all over the world.  Material prosperity alone often turns out to be the prelude to moral and social decay and its attendant problems.  Example: The wealthiest county in California had the highest divorce rate.  About 90% of all real-estate transactions ... were the result of broken marriages.  Twice as many suicides as the national average were reported.  The rate of alcoholism was one of the highest in the country, and there were said to be more psychiatrists and other mental therapist in the county per capita than anywhere else in the United States.",Pro 10:29;,"Dec 8, 1994 Aw Page 6",Are You Really Making Jehovah Your Stronghold?,18,,1994/10/31,
"Money, Materialism, Greed, Happiness, Desires, Fleshly, Content, Social,","Not all who eat are gluttons, nor is everyone who is prosperous materialistic or a criminal.","Deterioration of social order is not 'just the price of success,' as some would put it.  No, material prosperity does not in itself cause crime and social disorder.",1 Tim 6:7-9;,"Dec 8, 1994 Aw Page 6",Coping With Life's Anxieties,32,,1994/10/31,
"Money, Materialism, Greed, Selfish, Trust, Worry, Clergy, Christendom",'God shows his contempt for wealth by the kind of person he selects to receive it.' Quote:  Austin O'Malley.,Contrary to original thought of a lowly station the clergy have fattened themselves and lived in shameless luxury with kings and rich men of earth.,Mt 23:6-8; Re 18:3;,Bobby Laymon,Finding Honor And Joy In God's Ministry,65,,1995/06/30,
"Money, Materialism, Happiness, Anxiety, Worry, Stress,",'Money is a singular thing.  It ranks with love as man's greatest source of joy.  And it ranks with death as his greatest source of anxiety.' (economist John K. Galbraith),The anxiety of money in today's world.,Eccl. 7:12; Lk 16:1-9;,"Jan 8, 1992 Aw Page 2   (entered Dec 16, 1991)",Reach Out For The Real Life!,90,,,
"Money, Materialism, Happiness, Anxiety, Worry, Stress,","'Though mothers and fathers give us life, it is money alone which preserves it.' (Ihara Saikaku; The Japanese Family Storehouse; or, The Millionaires' Gospel)",The role of money in today's world.,Eccl. 7:12; Lk 16:1-9;,"Jan 8, 1992 Aw Page 3   (entered Dec 16, 1991)",Reach Out For The Real Life!,90,,,
"Money, Materialism, Happiness, Anxiety, Worry, Stress,",From salt to plastic,Types of money: Salt; Metals; Coins; Paper; Checks; Plastic;,Eccl. 7:12; Lk 16:1-9;,"Jan 8, 1992 Aw Page 7   (entered Dec 16, 1991)",Reach Out For The Real Life!,90,,,
"Money, Materialism, Honesty,","'People are more interested in the return OF their money, rather than the return ON it.'  Quote: Will Rogers.","Today, even if people have money, they are in great danger of losing it or having it taken from them in phony investments.",Matt. 6:20;,Bobby Laymon,Conducting Ourselves Honestly At All Times,10,,1995/01/24,
"Money, Materialism, Life,  Purpose, Happiness, Future.",'Money doesn't necessarily have any connection with happiness.  Maybe  with unhappiness.'  Quote: Multimillionaire J. P. Getty.,A person can only wear one outfit at a time and enjoy only a certain amount of food and drink.  Money cannot solve all man's problems.  Money and possessions do not bring a sense of contentment  as to the future.,Eccl. 5:10-12;,"Feb 15, 1997 Wt Page 14",Is This Life All There Is?,36,,1997/01/30,
"Money, Materialism, Mark Twain, Worship, Honesty,","'Some men worship rank, some worship heroes, some worship power, some worship God, ... but they all worship money.'  (American humorist, Mark Twain)","Showing attitude toward money.   People work not for the joy of accomplishment or for the joy of giving to others, but just in order to get money.",1ti 6:10; 2ti 3:1-5; Ac 20:35;,"Mar 8, 1992 Aw Page 23, 24",Conducting Ourselves Honestly At All Times,10,,,
"Money, Materialism, Pioneer, Missionary, Snare, Millionaires,","In 1957 the Argentinean peso was 37 to the U.S. dollar, now in 1983 it is 53,000!  Bethelites in Argentina are millionaires. (U.S. Bethel allowance is $65.00 per month.)  That would be $3,445,000 (peso)","Money doesn't lead to life, but the fear of Jehovah does.  In our assignment we may find that material attractions come along. Don't get side-tracked.",Eccl 7:12;,"M. Henschel, Teaching Committee  (Joe Laymon Notes From Bethel)",Reach Out For The Real Life!,90,,,
"Money, Materialism, Pioneer, Time,",L.L.L.,Adage to pioneer with financial difficulty.  Means LOWER your LIVING LEVEL.,Eph 5:15-17;,Wm. Osbeck C.O.  (pioneer Meeting),Reach Out For The Real Life!,90,,,
"Money, Materialism, Resources, Fly Bait, World, Attractions,","People working for material things are making themselves fly bait.  They work to acquire material things.  As a result, they are attractive to people who admire the material things they have acquired and who put on a pretense of being their friend.  (They are attracted by the material things just as flies are attracted by food). However, when those material things are gone or are no longer as attractive, the 'flies' leave.","We need to make ourselves give up resources we could be using to acquire rich spiritual privileges in order to pursue the material things of this world and become 'fly bait.'  (Doesn't sound very appealing when it's put that way, does it?)","John 6:26, 27;",Bob Milovsky C.O.,Are You Content With Jehovah's Provisions?,22,,1997/10/30,
"Money, Materialism, Slave, Gods, Worship,","No question about it, there is a danger in falling under money's spell, becoming its slave. A wise teacher of two thousand years ago warned of its 'deceptive power' and likened the pleasure of having lots of money to thorns that choke the life from nearby fruit-bearing plants.","Truly, when money dominates, it is a cruel master. Yet, it has a useful role in today's world-as a servant.  A wise teacher of two thousand years ago warned of its 'deceptive power' and likened the pleasure of  having lots of money to thorns that choke the life from nearby  fruit-bearing plants.  The Bible also warns that 'the love of money is a root of all sorts of injurious things' and that those who pursue it 'stab themselves all over with many pains.'",Matthew 13:22,G88 4/22 6,Reach Out For The Real Life!,90,,1994/05/07,
"Money, Materialism, Snare, Satan, Devil, Trap,","We might compare this snare to a trap or pit dug in the ground that is filled with sharp stakes, the whole snare slightly covered over. So when a man, or any animal, steps upon it, he tumbles in.",Such a snare is that into which 'those who are determined to be rich' must necessarily fall.,"1 Tim 6:9, 10;",W54 3/1 131,Reach Out For The Real Life!,90,,1995/01/27,
"Money, Materialism, Storing,","There was a man who invested every dollar he could save on blocks of ice.  After a while he had to store his blocks of ice in his backyard. From time to time, he would look out in his backyard and see his blocks of ice growing more and more. He was so proud of himself and his enormous collection of his ice blocks. One day as he was looking out his window at his collection of ice blocks, he saw the sun come out and start to melt his life's collection.  There was nothing he could do. After a short time it all was gone.","What is the difference between this man and the way people spend their lives storing up worldly treasures.  How little it takes to deplete their life's collection, and soon there will be nothing left.",James 1:11;,Peter Morgan,Coping With Life's Anxieties,32,,1997/08/10,
"Money, Materialism, Trust, Pioneer,","Ira Carr caught an old razor back, bore hog and decided to fatten it up.  It would only eat what it wanted and stop.  Angry, he decided to starve it to death.  It dug up roots and ate bark in it's small pen.  Frustrated, he decided to turn it loose again.","We too, should know how to be low on provisions, and how to have an abundance.  Both how to be full and how to hunger, as the apostle Paul expressed it.","Phil 4:12, 13;",Bobby Laymon,On Whose Promises Do You Rely?,61,,,
"Money, Materialism, Wants, Needs, World, Joy, Happiness,","Back in 1956, a news columnist wrote: 'It is estimated that a century ago the average man had 72 wants, of which 16 were regarded as necessities. Today, the average man is estimated to have 474 wants, 94 of which are regarded as necessities. A century ago, 200 articles were urged upon the average man by salesmanship-but today there are 32,000 articles which require sales resistance.","Man's necessities are few-his wants, infinite.' Today, people are bombarded with the idea that material wealth and possessions are the principal thing in life.",Ecclesiastes 7:12;,Re 73  13,You Can Find Joy In Serving God,103,,1995/01/31,
"Money, Materialism, Wealth,","'The image is that of a wreck, where a ship and all that is in it, go down together.  The destruction is complete.  There is total ruin of happiness, of virtue, of reputation, and of the soul.' Quote: Bible commentator Albert Barnes.","That is what happens spiritually, because of a love of money.",1 Tim. 1:19;,"Sep 22, 1997 Aw Page 14",How Can Youths Cope With Today's Crisis?,113,,1997/08/27,
"Money, Materialism, Wealth,",Money is like a rocking chair.,"It takes a lot of work, but you don't get anywhere.",1 Tim. 6:10;,Bobby Laymon,How To Conquer Evil With Good.,117,,"Feb 10, 2001",
"Money, Materialism, Wealth, World,",Humans are like a crow.  They like anything that is shiny.,The material wealth of the world crowds out faith.,2 John 2:15-17,Mike Carnifix,Build Your Faith In Man's Maker,54,,"Jul 31, 2000",
"Money, Materialism, Work,","I have been told that teen-agers consume large quantities of food.  When they leave home, the food bill drops drastically.","Then the sister says, I have to go to work to help out the family.  It doesn't make sense.",Heb. 10:5;,Gary Wells,How To Conquer Evil With Good.,117,,"Apr 23, 2002",
"Money, Materialism, Work, Employment, Progress, Machines,","'What is alive are the organizations, the machines; ... man has become the slave rather than being their master.  Men become no more than well-oiled cogs in the machines:'","'The oiling is done with higher wages, fringe benefits, well-ventilated factories and piped music, and by psychologist and human-relations experts; ... none of  his feelings or his thoughts originate with himself; none is authentic.'",1ti 6:10;,"Feb 8, 1971 Aw Page 3-6",Reach Out For The Real Life!,90,,1994/01/06,
"Money, Materialism, World,",'Money is a good servant but a bad master.' Quote: French proverb.,"Is money your stronghold?  Do you control money, or does it control you?",Ecclesiastes 7:12;,Bobby Laymon - Reader's Digest,Are You Really Making Jehovah Your Stronghold?,18,,1996/03/15,
"Money, Meetings, Materialism,","One day the Devil came to me, to tempt me to my face.  He said, 'The Christian meetings, are too rigorous a pace.'.  He further said he had prepared, a 'tidy sum to pay,'  If I'd only miss one meeting, - (I could justify the way).  The nerve or such a Devil, to confront me to my face!  Did he really think I'd compromise,  -God's commandments to debase?  And not for even millions, would I give up just 'the song'.  When temptations are so obvious, -it's so easy to see wrong.  But tonight if you'll excuse me, I won't be at the meeting...  Please do my parts and give to all, a tender Christian greeting.  The job that I agreed to take, says I 'must' work tonight.  It will pay a few more dollars, and somehow that seems all right.",Some feel justified to miss meeting for their jobs.,Heb.10:24-25;,Mark Boles;,,,,1997/04/08,
"Money, Planning, Economy, Birth-control, Resources, Population,","Suppose a farmer owns ten acres of land.  If he has ten children and divides the land equally among them, each child will have an acre.  If each of these children has ten children and divides the land similarly, each will only have 1 tenth of an acre.  Clearly they will not be as well off as their grandfather.","This highlights the relationship between a growing number of people and a finite earth with limited resources.  As the population grows, many countries are struggling to cope with present population needs.  (See article)",Ge 1:28; 9:1; 1t 5:8; Eph 6:4;,"Feb 22, 1993 Aw Page 4",Coping With Life's Anxieties,32,,,
"Money, Riches, Materialism, Greedy,","English writer Thomas Fuller said, 'Riches rather enlarge than satisfy appetites'.",Those who love money are never satisfied.,Ecc 5:10;,G92 3/8 24,What Is Behind The Spirit Of Rebellion?,33,,1995/06/13,
"Money, Wealth,","Block out all sound from your ears. It is shocking how empty and lonely a place earth can suddenly become. No sound of laughter no voice of child, song of bird, no music.","Money cannot accomplish everything it can act as a protector to some extent, but there are many things it cannot change.",Eccl. 7:12,"Jan. 8, 1967 Pg 13 Awake",Are You Really Making Jehovah Your Stronghold?,18,,,
"Money, Wealth,",If you were blind living your days in darkness what would you give to see your family and friends? What price for a glorious sunset?,"Money cannot accomplish everything.  It can act as a protector to some extent, but there are many things it cannot change.",Eccl. 7:12,"Jan. 8, 1967 Pg 13 Awake",Are You Really Making Jehovah Your Stronghold?,18,,,
"Money, Wealth, Materialism,","The peril of accumulating wealth was illustrated in a story related by Dr. R. R. Brown, the genial octogenarian. He told about a man who confided to his pastor, 'When I had $50,000 I was happy, but now that I have $500,000 I am miserable.'   The minister replied, 'The solution is easy. Give $450,000 away!'","But the prosperous church member answered, 'I can't! Having money is like grabbing an electrical wire--the more 'juice,' the tighter its hold.'",1 Tim. 6:10;,Mark Hanlon,Why Live By Bible Standards?,88,,1998/11/26,
"Money, Wife, Friend","1930, a man said I've lost everything. Friend said everything? Yes he said bitterly. Man said isn't that your wife? He said yes and she's a good one. Man ask what if you had lost her or one of children instead of factory.",Not want to become so engrossed in making money forget what is really most important thing,"Luke 12:15, Eccl. 7:12,","Jan. 8, 1967, Pg 12, Awake",Follow The Course Of Hospitality,77,,,
Money;,'Money is not required to buy one necessity of the soul.'  Quote:  Hdt.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Money; Governments; System; Failure; Materialism;,"In reality, the world's economic system is built on a false foundation. Nations operate with huge debts, by 'deficit spending.' Their citizens do the same, buying more and more on credit. This building on an ever-growing extension of credit produces an effect like that of the well-known 'house of cards.'",The structure has no real strength and any added pressure can cause the whole thing suddenly to fall flat.,Ecc 5:10;,G73 10/8 10,How To Conquer Evil With Good.,117,,1999/01/12,
Money; Greed;,"'He that is of the opinion that money will do everything, may well be suspected of doing everything for money.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Money; Greed;,"'When a man says money can do anything, that settles it, he hasn't got any.'  Quote:  Ed Howe.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Money; Riches; Wealth; Materialism;,"There is an old saying that 'money is what makes the world go round.' The present world systems are indeed patterned on that principle. With what result for us today?  The book Money and Economic Activity, by Houghton Mifflin, says: 'In Germany at the end of 1923 it took 1,200,400,000,000 paper marks to buy what only 35 marks could purchase just two years earlier.' Just three years (1946-1948) of the civil war in China so devastated the value of Chinese currency that workers carried their pay home in huge bundles of money, and people often used smaller denominations of money to light kitchen fires.",Modern national economies are so interwoven that a sudden slump in the value of just one powerful nation's money can virtually paralyze trade world wide. Devaluation of money or runaway inflation can convert many people into paupers.  Is it any less dangerous for us to place our trust in the money of today's nations?,Ecc 5:10;,G73 10/8 7-8,How To Conquer Evil With Good.,117,,1999/01/12,
Money; Riches; Wealth; Materialism; Bankrupt,"The arrangement agreed to by Western nations after World War II was that international debts would be paid off in gold. But by 1971, because of United States spending overseas, there were about six times as many dollars in the hands of foreigners as the United States had gold to pay! It was like a person's owing someone $6,000 but having only $1,000 in assets to pay off the debt, with the debt growing all the time.  Then came August 1971. At that time the United States abruptly closed its 'gold window.' It refused to honor its promise to pay gold for the paper dollars foreigners held.",But what does it mean when someone says he will no longer pay off his debts as he said he would? The above-quoted publication shows what it meant: 'The closing of the gold window constituted acknowledgment that the U.S. Government . . . was internationally bankrupt.',Ecc 5:10;,G73 10/8 8,How To Conquer Evil With Good.,117,,1999/01/12,
Money; Riches; Wealth; Materialism; Debt; Borrow; Honesty;,"It is like a person making $100 a week and then borrowing another $100 each week. Certainly he will live better for a while. But someday there has to be a reckoning-he must begin living within his means and pay back the debt, or go bankrupt.","They are in a frenzy of wanting to 'get now and pay later.' This has resulted in a tidal wave of borrowing money that is unequaled in history.  Thus to a very large extent, today's 'prosperity' is unreal because it has been financed by borrowed money.",Ecc 5:10;,G73 10/8 8,How To Conquer Evil With Good.,117,,1999/01/12,
Money; Wealth; Debt;,'Money often costs too much.'  Quote:  Rwe.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Monument;,'Those only deserve a monument who do not need one.' Quote:  William Haslett,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Monument;,'Tombs are the clothes of the dead; a grave is but a plain suit; a rich monument is an embroidered one.' Quote:  Thomas Fuller,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Monument; Deeds;,'Deeds not stones are the true monuments of the great.'  Quote:  John L. Motley.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Monuments, Worship, Images, Idols, Bible,","Many monuments to gods; pyramids, sphinxes, tombs, temple ruins obelisks, Cleopatra's needle etc. Bible is another fine monument to Jehovah. Greatest monuments of praise never become mere curiosities, never","The whole material universe stands as monument of praise to Jah. fade or lose their meaning, or beauty.","Ps. 19:1, 2; Rom. 1:20;","Feb 22, 1964 Aw Page 19",Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,,
"Moods, Positive, Negative, Discernment,",The waves of the sea are forever changing!  They go up and down with the tide and the wind.,People's moods are like that.  We should focus on the positive moods.  Try to help others improve their abilities.,1 Cor 11:2;,"Kingdom Ministry School Dec 22, 23, 1994",,,,1994/12/25,
Moral Values,Changed marks on thermometer to make fever look normal light for darkness,"Make the wrongs look right, bitter for sweet.",Isa 5:20,"Mar 22, 1989 Awake! Page 8",What Kind Of Name Are You Making With God?,55,,,
Morality Gap,Pocket-size atomic bombs devalue true values  Prov 30:20 'eaten and has wiped. mouth.',Aids and std's,Prov 24:5,"Mar 22, 1989 Awake! Page 8",What Kind Of Name Are You Making With God?,55,,,
Morality; Morals;,'A woman who loves to be at the window is a bunch of grapes on the highway.'  Quote:  English.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Morality; Morals;,"'All sects are different, because they come from men; morality is everywhere the same, because it comes from God.' Quote:  Voltaire",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Morality; Morals;,'An egg thief becomes a camel thief.'  Quote:  Persian.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Morality; Morals;,'Better a red face than a black heart.'  Quote:  Portuguese.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Morality; Morals;,'Common morality now treats child-bearing as an aberration. There are practically no good reasons left for exercising one's fertility.'  Quote:  Germaine Greer.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Morality; Morals;,'I know only that what is moral is what you feel good after and what is immoral is what you feel bad after.'  Quote:  Ernest Hemmingway.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Morality; Morals;,'I'm as pure as the driven slush.' Quote: Talula Bankhead,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Morality; Morals;,"'If you can't be chaste, be careful.'  Quote:  Latin Proverb.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Morality; Morals;,"'If you don't know how to live aright, make way for those who do.'  Quote:  Horace.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Morality; Morals;,'It doesn't matter what you do as long as you don't do it in public and you don't frighten the horses.'  Quote:  Mrs. Patrick Campbell.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Morality; Morals;,"'Oh Lord, help me to be pure, but not yet.' Quote:  St. Augustine",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Morality; Morals;,Morality is its own advocate. It is never necessary to apologize for it.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Morality; Morals;,Our society is more preoccupied with ingesting dietary fiber than instilling moral fiber.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Morality; Morals;,Why does the blind man's wife paint herself?,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Morals,"'Any sound tree will bear good fruit' 'withered tree, worthless f' Look at facts: Gambling and theft Lazy priests; golf course, vacation trips, lazy sermons.","Churches claim to be sound, moral trees.",Matt. 7:16-19,"Oct 8, 1960 Aw Page 25, 26",What Kind Of Name Are You Making With God?,55,,,
Morals,Air Bedding; smells fresh & clean,Need to talk with elders,James 5:17,Carl Monks,What Kind Of Name Are You Making With God?,55,,,
Morals,"Beautiful island (Gruinard) off Scottish mainland, deadly anthrax Past 47 years, experimental explosion of biological weapons, made Gruinard Island extreme example of pollution. Anthrax: infectious disease of animals, causes ulcerous skin",Worse kind of pollution defiling the earth.  Moral pollution nodules or lung infections in man.,Matt 23:27,"May 8, 1990 Awake! Page 5, 9",What Kind Of Name Are You Making With God?,55,,,
Morals,"Cut down on smoking, like cutting down on adultery",Must not compromise with Studies who want to cut down,2 Cor 7:1,Bro Punko,What Kind Of Name Are You Making With God?,55,,,
Morals,Manufacturer of machine often most qualified to make it work best Need source superior to man's.,Jehovah is in best position to show man values he should have,Isa 48:17  Jere 10:23,"June 8, 1990 Awake!  Page 8",What Kind Of Name Are You Making With God?,55,,,
Morals,New Morality is same as Old Immorality,Associations,1 Cor 15:33,Public Talk,What Kind Of Name Are You Making With God?,55,,,
Morals,The greatest and most-lasting building. Greatest building work is moral & spiritual upbuilding. Faith in God's Word.,"Not done with steel, concrete, brick or wood. Moral building up.",Rom. 12:2; Eph. 4:22-24; Matt. 6:20; Rev. 14:13,"Aug 22, 1960 Aw Page 3, 4",What Kind Of Name Are You Making With God?,55,,,
Morals,"The seaman who cares for life does not want to be on a storm- tossed sea in a ship with neither fuel, compass, rudder, pilot. Because of sound moral guidance, humanity, like an ill-equipped ship.  Drifting, being battered, sinking into immorality.","We put youth on ship w/no sails, fuel, rudder, compass, pilot Need guide, code, anchor. Jehovah is pilot; Word is compass & rudder.","Eph. 4:14  Isa. 29:15, 16","Oct 8, 1964 Wt Page 20",A Sound Guide For Morality.,55,,,
Morals,What if: you could sit with Jehovah 1 night & see all he sees. Jehovah see wickedness every day.,We would be ready to do away with human race.,2 Pet 3:9,Fred Crownover,What Kind Of Name Are You Making With God?,55,,,
"Morals, Adultery, Fornication, Sin,","'Don't start what you can't stop' Answer to world's 'Don't start what you can't finish' Some who were faithful in face of firing squad, have later fallen for the insidious lure of sexual immorality.",Don't start down road of entertaining thoughts about adultery.,"Matt. 5:27, 28","Oct 1, 1990 Wt Page 13 Para 14",Hold A Good Conscience In A Sinful World,107,,,
"Morals, Bible, Study, Bread, Transform,","God created us with the absolute need to eat food to stay alive. It is not something we can do without.  If we stop eating, our bodies break down and we die.","In the same way, God created man with the absolute need for the right mental food.  This mental information is from God.  It is not something humans can do without.  It will cause a transforming of personalities.",Mt 4:4,"Oct 8, 1969 Aw Page 9",Is The Truth Transforming Your Life?,51,,,
"Morals, Flesh, Spirit,","Fleshly sensations, given free rein, can produce the glutton, the drunkard, lover of luxury; The jealous eye can lead to materialism; sense of touch to lewd, filthy practices; ear can mis- lead by seeking pleasurable sounds; shutting out harsher notes.",The all-wise Creator did not equip us with those sensory powers in order for them to dictate the course of our lives.,"Rom. 8:6; Eccl. 4:8; Zech. 7:11; Prov. 5:1, 2; Mt. 5:28-30;","Jan 15, 1968 Wt Page 51",What Is Behind The Spirit Of Rebellion?,33,,,
"Morals, Greed, Covet, Unclean, Speech,",A Chinese proverb says: 'A vacant mind is open to all suggestions.',"To win the fight against moral uncleanness, it is not enough to reject unclean thoughts and speech.",Matthew 12:43-45,Bobby Laymon,A Clean People Honors Jehovah,14,,"Jul 22, 2002",
"Morals, Homosexual, Clergy, Christendom,","Some of clergy feel that homosexuality is inborn, like left-handedness.  (Homosexuals are made, not born)","The truth is that homosexual behavior is always learned, never innate.  No evidence of anything abnormal about the male chromosomes who have been studied for defects.",1co 6:11,"Jun 22, 1966 Aw Page 16",A Godly View Of Sex And Marriage,13,,,
"Morals, Honesty, Bible, Reminders, Standards, Guide, Decisions, Wisdom,",A ship navigator needs reliable maps and instruments to chart a steady course.  Instruments that are inconsistent or inaccurate under certain conditions will not do.  A ship navigator constantly makes adjustments.,"Likewise, humans need a reliable guide in order to make the moral decisions they face daily.  A moral guide that is whimsical or inconsistent will not do, nor will a guide that works only in certain societies.  God has provided a reliable compass. Bible!",Ps 23:3; 119:105;,"Aug 8, 1993 Aw Page 8",Why Live By Bible Standards?,88,,,
"Morals, Honesty, Bible, Standards,","'The landmarks that told us right from wrong aren't there anymore.  They have been hammered away.' Quote: Business executive (See examples in article - money from armored car - 59% youths willing to negotiate an illegal deal, premarital sex)","Yes, on all fronts morals are adrift, and no one seems to know where they are heading.  Why have they vanished?  What is replacing them?",Is 5:20;,"Aug 8, 1993 Aw Page 4",Why Live By Bible Standards?,88,,,
"Morals, Honesty, Bible, Standards, Adultery,","They are adrift like a ship without a rudder.  Their moral compass points in just about any direction.  Youths also, are guided by a variety of moral compasses and value systems, being swept along by the destructive tide.",Many people have no moral reference point.  They are quick to validate virtually any sort of behavior as acceptable.  An act that formerly would have been 'sinful' or 'wrong' is now simply 'stupid.'  It may be excused as 'sick' but not as 'adultery.',Is 5:20;,"Aug 8, 1993 Aw Page 6",Why Live By Bible Standards?,88,,,
"Morals, Honesty, Bible, Standards, Integrity, Greed, Aids, Loyalty","'While the nation has been preoccupied with the deadly disease ... Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome, another kind of AIDS seems to have become epidemic.  Yet it has not prompted similar urgent calls for a cure.'  Quote: Book, The Death of Ethics in America","The new AIDS: Acquired INTEGRITY Deficiency Syndrome.  It has not been confined to the United States.  Also, China, Germany, Greece, France, India, Indonesia, Israel and Japan have also been rocked by this malady rooted in greed.",Is 5:20;,"Aug 8, 1993 Aw Page 3",Conducting Ourselves Honestly At All Times,10,,,
"Morals, Illegal, Pleasures, Satan, Desires,","'All the things I really like to do are either immoral, illegal, or fattening.' Quote: Alexander Woollcott.","Today, Satan is controlling the desires of the world.  We must put up a hard fight for the faith.",1 John 4:19,Bobby Laymon,How To Protect Ourselves From Satan's Snares,115,,1995/08/16,
"Morals, Last Days, Sin, Conscience,","'What is moral is what you feel good after, and what is immoral is what you feel bad after.' Quote: Ernest Hemingway's manifesto  Leads to wife-swapping clubs, call-girl rings, sexual immorality","Youth's shattered remains of a moral code, expressed here. of children, etc.","1 Cor. 6:9, 10;","Oct 8, 1964 Aw Page 9",The Only Cure For Sick Mankind,62,,,
"Morals, Life, Death, Kindness, Joy, Happiness, Name, Book, Reputation, Persecution,",'Let us so live that when we come to die even the undertaker will be sorry.'  Quote Mark Twain.,We should set a good record on earth.  Our example should be one to cause Jehovah to take note on His book of life.,Mal 3:16-18;,Bobby Laymon,Bearing Up Under Persecution,57,,1995/06/13,
"Morals, Modesty,",Donkey & Monkey Donkey saw monkey jumping off house onto masters shoulder Tried it himself; severely beaten,What is right for one may not be for another,Micah 6:8;,Fable,Are You Doing What God Requires Of You?,43,,,
"Morals, Movies, Entertainment, World,","A CO in a talk, talked about watching R rated films.  He had counseled a mother for watching them with her daughter, the mother saying that they fast-forwarded through the bad parts.","Later the C.O. said, 'It seemed like that would be the same as vomiting and then looking for the good parts.",1 John 2:15-17;,Jk,'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,1998/05/12,
"Morals, Personality, Friend, Enemy, Love, Hate,","It's nice to be popular, but it's more popular to be nice.",Popularity must be based on good morals.,Mic. 7:5; Prov. 18:24; Luke 16:9; John 15:13-15; Prov. 14:20;,Bobby Laymon,"Friendship With God, Friendship With The World -- Which Will You Choose?",79,,,
"Morals, Pornographic, Sex Worship,","'Would Jesus Do It?' (Article applies to race, prayer, and many other aspects)",Determining factor in deciding right and wrong.,"Matt. 7:12; 6:24, 25, 33","Apr 1, 1963 Wt Page 195",A Godly View Of Sex And Marriage,13,,,
"Morals, Reap, Personality, Thinking, Satan, Pornography,","Your mind is like a computer.  Feed something into a computer and it becomes a part of it.  You can even think you have erased information and it may show up later, or a skilled person can restore it.  Viruses can be introduced and corrupt a computer.",Our brain is much more efficient than a computer.  We can recall parts of a movie we saw 10 years ago.  We can work out solutions in our sleep.  Every activity becomes part of our personality.,Mk 4:26-29; Col 3:5; Pr 10:29; 18:10;,Clarence Halbrook,Are You Really Making Jehovah Your Stronghold?,18,,,
"Morals, Reap, Youth, Problems, Decisions, Standards, Life,","'You made your bed -- now you have to lay in it!' The 'narrow gate' only restricts from harmful things, because Jehovah's standards are so high.  (See 1977 WT page 621)","Many problems could be avoided, such as AIDS, heart disease, cancer, and others by following Bible principles.","Mt 7:13, 14;",Chris Upchurch,Why Live By Bible Standards?,88,,,
"Morals, Rock, Music, Entertainment,","'There are at least 13 bands named after the male genitals, 6 after female genitals, 4 after sperm, 8 after abortion and one after a vaginal infection.'  U.S. News & World Report",Names for rock groups match the immoral lyrics. Juries declare gross obscenities to be art.,2 Tim. 2:22; 2 Tim 3:1-5; 1 Jn 2:17;,"Jan 22, 1992 Aw Page 5   (entered Dec 23, 1991)",What Kind Of Name Are You Making With God?,55,,,
"Morals, Standards, Bible, Joy, Hate,",We do not want to live by the shifting sands of the world's moral code -- which have lately become quicksand's sucking in the unwary for destruction!,"We want to live the real life.  Then we must love righteousness and hate wickedness, even as Jehovah does.",Ps 11:7; Pr 6:16-18; 1ti 6:17-19;,"Sep 15, 1971 Wt Page 558",Resisting The Spirit Of The World,25,,1993/11/17,
"Morals, Training, Association, Children,","'It is a true proverb, that if you live with a lame man you will learn to limp.'  Quote:  Plutarch.  Morals. Of the Training of Children.",We must have the qualities we want to build in our children.  Love for Jehovah has to be in parents' hearts before they can inculcate it into hearts of children.,Deuteronomy 6:4-6;,Bobby Laymon,Parents--are You Building With Fire-resistant Materials?,104,,1995/07/09,
"Morals, World, Children, Youth, Satan, Last Days, Tv, Association,","The 'sea of life' that parents learned to navigate on is peaceful calm and sunny weather. Today's TV, Motion Pictures, Videos, etc.","Compared to the moral weather, that is today like a storm, like a hurricane.  Youth are being infected by 'the deadliest disease of all -- moral dry rot.'",2 Tim. 3:1-5; Matt. 24:12;,"Jul 22, 1967 Aw Page 4",'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
"Morals, Youth, Sex, Aids","In 1970 less than 5% of 15 year-old girls had experienced sexual intercourse.  By 1988 that number had swelled to over 25%.  By age 20, as surveys also show, 75% of females and 86% of males in the U.S. are sexually active.  Nearly 1 out of 5 teenagers has experienced sex with more than 4 partners.",The spread of AIDS has done little to stem the tide of destructive behavior.,Pr 5:3-5; 7:21-23;,"Aug 22, 1993 Aw Page 17, 18",A Godly View Of Sex And Marriage,13,,,
"Morals, Youth, World, Loyalty,",Dry rot in wood is disastrous.  The decay is hard to stop.,Youth today are being infected by the 'deadliest disease of all- - moral dry rot.',2 Tim. 3:1-5; Matt. 24:12;,"Jul 22, 1967 Aw Page 4",'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
Mornings;,The trouble with mornings is that you have to wake up to enjoy them.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Moses, Jesus, Patterns, Similarities, Faith,",Jesus was the 'greater Moses.',Lives of both jeopardized by tyrannical rulers; Both spent 40 days fasting at the start of their careers; Both performed miracles by God's power; Both used as a deliverer; Mediator;,"Exodus. 1:20-2:10; Matt. 2:7-23; Exodus. 24:18; 34:28; Deuteronomy. 9:18, 25;*","Sep 15, 1991 Wt Page 21   Nov 15, 1991 Wt Page 28-31",Have Faith In The Good News,47,,,
"Moses, Prophecy, Conversations, Contradictions,",An individual can carry on a two-way conversation by telephone without seeing the other person.,"This expression indicates the manner in which Moses communicated with God, not what he saw. Speaking with God 'face to face' indicates a two-way conversation.  When Moses talked with God and received instructions from him, the communication was not through visions, as was often the case with other prophets.",Exodus 33:11,W88 5/15 22,Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,1994/06/04,
"Mother, Organization, Publications, Literature,",'Instant availability without continuous presence is probably the best role a mother can play.' Quote: Lotte Bailyn.,We have instant access to 'mother's' knowledge through the Watchtower publication 'Index' and publications.,Pr 1:8; 6:20; Ga 4:26;,Bobby Laymon,Serving With Jehovah's Unified Organization,3,,,
"Mother, Parents,",A mother is not a person to lean on but a person to make leaning unnecessary.  -- Dorothy Canfield Fisher,Parents have our best interest at heart.,Genesis. 27:13;,Bobby Laymon,How Can Youths Cope With Today's Crisis?,113,,"Nov 19, 2001",
"Mothers, Wives,",'The hand that rocks the cradle is the hand that rules the world.' Quote: W. R. Wallace.,The importance of a good mother is hard to describe.,Exodus 20:12;,Bobby Laymon - American Essays By Dan Valentine,Family Life That Warms The Heart,5,,1997/05/13,
"Mothers, Wives, Authority,","'God could not be everywhere, so He made mothers.'  Quote: Jewish Proverb.","The statement may not be completely true, but it emphasizes the important role of mothers.  Listen to their authority.",Prov 1:8;,Bobby Laymon - American Essays By Dan Valentine,Respect For Authority Is A Safeguard For You,12,,1997/05/13,
Mothers;,'A rich child often sits in a poor mother's lap.'  Quote:  Danish.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Mothers;,'All that I am or hope to be I owe to my angel mother.'  Quote:  Al.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Mothers;,'Every beetle is a gazelle in the eyes of its mother.'  Quote:  Moorish.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Mothers;,'The mother's heart is the child's schoolroom.'  Quote:  Hwb.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Motivation, Spirit, Attitude, Dedication, Baptism, Heart","The true value of an automobile is not determined solely by its appearance.  A coat of paint may enhance its exterior, and a sleek design may attract a potential buyer; but of far greater importance are the things that are not readily seen -- the engine that propels the vehicle, along with all the other devices that control it.","Today, millions of hours, and millions of Bible studies are being conducted.  However, the true value of our service - collectively or individually - is not measured solely in numbers.  It is what we are on the inside that counts with God.",1 Sam 16:7; Matt 5:14-16;,"Jun 15, 1995 Wt Page 13",Conducting Ourselves Honestly At All Times,10,,1995/05/09,
Motivation; Habit; Zeal; Endurance;,'Motivation is what gets you started.  Habit is what keeps you going.' Quote: Jim Ryun in Woman's World.,It is important to form good habit to help us endure.,"Heb 10:24, 25;",Bobby Laymon - Reader's Digest.,,,,1996/03/12,
"Motive, Actions, Heart,",'Words may show a man's wit but actions his meaning.' Quote: Franklin (1706-1790),We show what is in our heart by what we do.,Lk 6:45;,Wisdom Of The Ages,Acquiring A Heart Of Wisdom,73,,,
"Motive, Attitude, Service, Salvation, Pioneer,","Do you serve God, or expect God to serve you? If we engage in service merely because of peace of mind, success, status or friends it brings, or only because it offers hope of salvation after death, our motive is wrong.","If we are expecting God to serve us, our motive is wrong.",Mic. 6:8;,"Dec 8, 1964 Aw Page 31",How Should You Serve God?,58,,,
"Motive, Creation, Critical, Mosquito,","You may wonder what purpose or good a mosquito serves. They are part of Jehovah's creation. Seems like they just want to make life miserable for us. No so. Mosquito, without them we would have no freshwater anywhere. They never lay eggs in clean water. Only in water where there is algae.  Larvae feed on this and clean the water.",Look beyond apparent motive and see the good.  As men we sometimes see only the surface appearance.,Ecc 3:11;,J.K.,Appreciating Marvels Of God's Creation,114,,1997/04/12,
"Motive, Pioneer, Ministry, Love, Endurance,","It has been said that when we first start out in service we do it because (1)  we love life.  (We want everlasting life).  After a long time we go because (2) we love God.  If we continue to endure after a longer time, we go because (3) we love people.",What we do is not as important as why we do it.,Mr 6:4; 1 Th 2:6-8; 1 Cor 13:1-3;,"Kenneth Haag, C. O.",Love Identifies The True Christian Congregation,72,,1996/05/03,
Motive;,'A man always has 2 reasons for doing anything - a good reason and the real reason.'  Quote:  JPMorgan.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Motives,","'We should often be ashamed of our very best actions, if the world only saw the motives which caused them.'  La Rochefoucauld (1613-1680)",We need to guard out motives.,Mt 23:3-8;,Wisdom Of The Ages,,,,,
"Motives, Accusations, Judging,","'There was a man in a brand spanking new Lexus (luxury car) who decided to go on a drive in the country. While on a winding road a beat up old car slowly came around the corner and the man inside yelled at the fellow in the Lexus `PIG!' and kept driving.  'Well, the man in the Lexus yelled back `COW!' and kept going, right around the corner.  He wrecked his new Lexus when he hit a pig in the road!",Moral:  Never impute bad motives to others . . .it may cost you!,1 Chron 28:9;,Steve Hashimura,What Is Your Relationship With God?,87,,1997/07/14,
"Motives, Action, Service, Decisions,","Thinking is easy, acting is difficult, and to put one's thoughts into action is the most difficult thing in the world.",We need to follow through on our decisions. Goethe (1749-1832),1co 15:58;,Wisdom Of The Ages,How Should You Serve God?,58,,,
"Motives, Action, Service, Decisions,",Words without actions are the assassins of idealism. Herbert Hoover (1874-1964),We need to follow through on our decisions.,1co 15:58;,Wisdom Of The Ages,How Should You Serve God?,58,,,
"Motives, Actions, Thoughts, Heart, Pioneer, Zeal,",'The actions of men are the best interpreters of their thoughts.' Quote:  John Locke.,"We, unlike Jehovah, cannot read motives.  However, men's actions often reveal their thoughts.",Luke 5:22;,Bobby Laymon,Does Your Thinking Agree With God's?,53,,1995/08/25,
"Motives, Conclusions,","There once was a farmer who had a big dog and a small boy. One day before going into the field he told his dog to keep an eye on his boy. While he was working a wolf came. When the dog saw the wolf he quickly hid the boy in the house, then he went outside and fought with the wolf. The wolf hurt the dog, but could not kill him. After a while the wolf gave up and went back to the woods.  Now when the farmer returned he noticed blood all over the dog, but he could not see his son. Thinking the dog had killed the boy, he shot the dog. Imagine how he felt when he went inside and found the boy who told him what really happened!",Don't impute wrong motives.  Don't Jump To Conclusions!,Ps 143:5;,Peter Morgan,Do You Recognize Jehovah's Sovereignty In Your Personal Life?,75,,1997/08/12,
"Motives, Conclusions, Judging,","There once was a farmer who had a big dog and a small boy. One day before going into the field he told his dog to keep an eye on his boy. While he was working a wolf came. When the dog saw the wolf he quickly hid the boy in the house, then he went outside and fought with the wolf. The wolf hurt the dog, but could not kill him. After a while the wolf gave up and went back to the woods. Now when the farmer returned he at once noticed blood all over the dog, but he could not see his son. Thinking the dog had killed the boy, he shot the dog. Imagine how he felt when he went inside and found the boy who told him what really happened!","Don't Jump To Conclusions! When we point our finger of suspicion at someone, we should remember that there is 3 pointing back at us and one pointing up. So we should think very seriously about fingering someone unjustly (3 fingers pointing back to us). Take Jehovah into consideration as well (finger pointing up)",Gal 6:1;,J.K.,"Mercy, A Dominant Quality Of True Christians",7,,1997/04/11,
"Motives, Judging, Question, Satan,",A child brings a gift to the teacher in appreciation of her efforts. Satan the Devil is one who repeatedly questions motives. We should guard against being quick to question motives.,"His school mates may be quick to accuse him for doing it for selfish reasons. Petty? Childish? Also a little selfishness, a little lack of love is involved.",Job 1:7-22; 42:7-17; Rev. 12:10;,"Jul 1, 1967 Wt Page 387",How To Protect Ourselves From Satan's Snares,115,,,
"Motives, Judging, Question, Satan,",A husband brings his wife flowers to surprise her and make her happy.,"How foolish and unloving it would be for her to begin to wonder, without good reason, what his motive is.  Satan the Devil is one who repeatedly questions motives. We should guard against being quick to question motives.",Job 1:7-22; 42:7-17; Rev. 12:10; 2 Ki. 12:26-31;,"Jul 1, 1967 Wt Page 387",How To Protect Ourselves From Satan's Snares,115,,,
"Movies, Adultery, Pornography, Fornication, T.V.",Some reason it is O.K. to watch love scenes on T.V. if they are portrayed as married.  Even in real life such a one who watches others are considered 'peeping toms.' Considered as perverts.,We must not let the world 'squeeze us into its mold.',Rom. 12:2; Eph. 5:3-5;,Johnse Laymon,Are You Really Making Jehovah Your Stronghold?,18,,,
"Moving, Change, Character, Christendom, Personality,",'No change of circumstances can repair a defect of character.' Quote: Emerson (1803-1882),"Christendom may move perverted priest around, but does not change their personalities.  They go right on sinning.","Jer 13:23, 24; Eccl 1:15; 7:13; Mic 3:9;",Wisdom Of The Ages,Religion's Role In World Affairs.,92,,,
"Murder, Kill, War, Love, Christendom,","All the time a young man is growing up, the Scripture is repeated to him, 'Thou shalt not kill.'  Then war breaks out and they tell him to 'forget everything you know.'",Christendom's attitude toward war.,Exodus 20:13;,Chas. Sinaico Jr.  C.O.,"Friendship With God, Friendship With The World -- Which Will You Choose?",79,,,
Murder;,'assassination: the extreme form of censorship.'  Quote:  Gbs.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Murder;,'He'd make a lovely corpse.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Murder;,'I am proud of the fact that I never invented weapons to kill.' Quote:  Tae,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Murder; War;,'It is forbidden to kill; therefore all murderers are punished unless they kill in large number and to the sound of trumpets.' Quote:  Voltaire,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Murmur, Complain, Contentment, Happiness, Joy,","Nature's murmuring sounds are a pleasure to hear. The gentle breezes; brooks; caused poets to write about. Defined; low muttered complaint, repining; grumbling. muttered low It is not something expressed openly and outspokenly.","Same cannot be said of murmuring done by human tongue. Has doubts about his reasoning, wisdom of his murmuring; motives. There is never sound reason for murmuring.","Exodus. 16:7,8; Numbers. 13:25-14:29;","May 1, 1960 Wt Page 259",Are You Content With Jehovah's Provisions?,22,,,
"Murphy's Law, Chance, Imperfection,","After an instrument has been assembled, extra components will be found on the bench.",Time and unforeseen occurrence.,Eccl. 3:19; Eccl. 9:11;,Bobby Laymon,How To Express Love In A Lawless World,112,,,
"Murphy's Law, Chance, Imperfection,","Any tool when dropped, will roll into the least accessible corner of the workshop.",Time and unforeseen occurrence.,Eccl. 9:11; Eccl. 3:19;,Bobby Laymon,How To Express Love In A Lawless World,112,,,
"Murphy's Law, Chance, Imperfection,",Ask not for whom the telephone bell tolls...if thou art in the bath it tolls for thee.,Time and unforeseen occurrence.,Eccl. 3:19; Eccl. 9:11;,Bobby Laymon,How To Express Love In A Lawless World,112,,,
"Murphy's Law, Chance, Imperfection, Evolution,","Left to themselves, things tend to go from bad to worse.",Not as evolution teaches.,Eccl. 3:19; Eccl. 9:11;,Bobby Laymon,How To Express Love In A Lawless World,112,,,
"Murphy's Law, Chance, Imperfection, Humor,",Newton's Little-Known Seventh Law:   'A bird in the hand is safer than one overhead.',Humor:,Eccl. 3:19; Eccl. 9:11;,Bobby Laymon,How To Express Love In A Lawless World,112,,,
"Murphy's Law, Chance, Imperfection, Sin, Blame, Passing Buck,",Preudhomme's Law of Window Cleaning: It's on the other side.,Tendency is to blame someone else.,Eccl. 3:19; Eccl. 9:11;,Bobby Laymon,Hold A Good Conscience In A Sinful World,107,,,
Music,An artistically decorated room brings pleasure to the eyes.,A room full of good music brings pleasure to the ears.,Eph. 5:19,"Oct 22, 1960 Aw Page 16",A Cleansed Earth--will You Live To See It?,49,,,
Music,"Hook-line Notice kind of 'spirit' it produces 1/10 of Bible is songs; many types, joy, dirge, lamentations, Songs of praise.","Music has a catchy phase, immoral hook-line Guard: other types of music","Job 12:11  Jas 5:13  2 Cor 4:3  6:14, 15",Assy Talk,A Cleansed Earth--will You Live To See It?,49,,,
Music,"Some feel music is not annoying unless the wall is moving Music themes: sex, drugs, violence, occult, adultery Should we glorify what God hates.","Wild music, world's view different from Christians","2 Pet 2:10, 13, 20, 22","Kingdom Unity Dist Assy  Uniondale, N.Y. June 23-26, 1983",A Cleansed Earth--will You Live To See It?,49,,,
"Music, Association,",'Music is a divine gift.' Quote: Lulu Rumsey Wiley in book 'Bible Music.' Other expressions: Music is a 'part of teenage metabolism.' Regarding heavy metal: 'Music to kill your parents by.' Quote: Radio consultant,"Any kind of music affects our moods, emotions, attitudes and our resultant behavior.  It simply affects different people in different ways..","Is 5:12; Eph 4:17, 18; 2co 4:4;","Apr 15, 1993 Wt Page 19-24",Choose Your Associates Wisely!,116,,,
"Music, Entertainment,",A cup of water cannot wash away a pile of mud.,"Likewise, an occasional innocent song does not change the overall spirit of a degrading album or band.","Eph 5:6, 11; Php 4:8; Jas 4:4; 1co 10:21, 22;","Jun 8, 1993 Aw Page 10",A Cleansed Earth--will You Live To See It?,49,,,
"Music, Entertainment,","If you care about your health, you likely shun foods that might hurt you even if they are tasty.","Unwholesome music, whether rock or any other style, is a threat to your mental health.  You wouldn't put garbage in your stomach. Why put it in your mind?",1co 15:33;,"Jun 8, 1993 Aw Page 5, 7",A Cleansed Earth--will You Live To See It?,49,,,
"Music, Entertainment,","Imagine this:  An acquaintance at work invites you to dinner in his home.  You accept.  As the evening passes, you learn a number of shocking facts about your host.  He has a sadistic nature, exhibits suicidal tendencies, uses vulgar language, and promotes Devil worship.  Would you be inclined to spend another evening in his company?  Further, what if this acquaintance recorded his twisted beliefs and attitudes that night and gave you the tape?  Would you expose yourself to repeated playing of it?  Not likely.","However, the fact is that millions today expose themselves in this way.  Many who listen to music adopt the thinking and behavior that it encourages.",1co 15:33;,"Jun 8, 1993 Aw Page 3",A Cleansed Earth--will You Live To See It?,49,,,
"Music, Entertainment,",It is like drinking a mixture of fruit juice and poison.  The fruit juice won't keep the poison from killing you.,"We cannot reason, I won't listen to the lyrics, but only the music A Christian cannot combine his life of sacred service to God with degrading musical entertainment.","Ecclesiastes 7:16-18; Eph 5:3, 4; Gal 5:19-23; 2co 6:14-17;","Jun 8, 1993 Aw Page 8",A Cleansed Earth--will You Live To See It?,49,,,
"Music, Entertainment,","Would a man appreciate it if his wife displayed a photograph of a former lover even if she claimed that she had no special feelings for him but that the picture was simply for decoration?  No, he would want it out of the house and out of her mind.","What if we take into our homes and hearts music that serves the purpose of Jehovah's Adversary?  Does it really make a difference if we claim, 'I'm only interested in the melody; I ignore the lyrics?'","Eph 5:6, 11; Php 4:8; Jas 4:4; 1co 10:21, 22;","Jun 8, 1993 Aw Page 11",A Cleansed Earth--will You Live To See It?,49,,,
"Music, Jokes,","You say, I don't listen to the lyrics, I just listen to it for the beat.  The lyrics just go in one ear and out the other.","A bullet can go in one ear and out the other, but look at the trail it leaves.",Gal. 1:6;3:1;5:7;,Theodore Jaracz Gb - Assembly Part,A Cleansed Earth--will You Live To See It?,49,,"Oct 24, 2000",
"Music, Singing, Songs, Language,",AN OLD Spanish proverb says: 'In music and medicine everybody knows a little.',"True, practically anyone can hum, sing or whistle a tune. Yes, music and appreciation for it are among mankind's natural gifts. The poet Longfellow went so far as to say: 'Music is the universal language of  mankind.'  It is one gift we can all use to praise Jehovah.",Eph 5:19;,W83 1/15 3,Hold A Good Conscience In A Sinful World,107,,1994/07/10,
"Music, Song, Singing, Songbook,","To really appreciate an appliance, all you have to see is an illustration of all the parts.  A 'blow-up' or order list of the various springs, washers, spacers, screws, pulleys, gears, armature, etc.  It helps on realize the detail and planning and hard work that is represented here, before a finished product could be made, even on the smallest appliance.","In the new Songbook after the words and music were finalized, the words were divided into their syllables and set on a linotype machine. At first it took an operator 8 1/2 hours to set just one song. Later a system was worked out by which he was able to set six songs in a workday of 8 1/2 hours, but this system placed considerable extra work on others, such as compositors and artists. Proofs of the words were then sent with the music manuscripts to the music producer, where the music itself was typed out to match the words, much as a typist types letters on a typewriter.  Next, the printed words were pasted between the lines of music and then the result was photographed. From these photographs zinc masters were etched and from these, in turn, 'mats' were pressed, which were used to cast the printing plates; after which the printing and binding were done. To provide better opacity, making it easier to read the notes, special paper was manufactured.    The new songbook, by reason of its great variety of powerful lyrics and beautiful melodies, gives  much cause for rejoicing.",Exodus 15:1;,W66 5/15 316,Jehovah--the Grand Creator,101,,1995/02/04,
"Music, Song, Singing, Voice, Appreciation,",Many musicians and composers agree that the most beautiful musical instrument is the human voice.,"How Jehovah must enjoy listening to humans singing, especially when they are singing songs of praise to Him.","1 Chron 5:13, 14;","May 1, 1994 Wt Page 9",Appreciating Marvels Of God's Creation,114,,1994/06/11,
"Music, Songs,",Hummingbirds never remember the words to songs. Learn the words to Kingdom songs.,We want to be songbirds.,Ps. 96:1;,Bobby Laymon,A Cleansed Earth--will You Live To See It?,49,,,
"Music, Songs, Singing, Sooth, Peace, Happiness,","'Music has charms to soothe a savage breast, to soften rocks, or bend a knotted oak.' Quote: William Congreve.","However, it is something that must be controlled.","Eph 5:18, 19;",Bobby Laymon,Lovers Of Pleasure Or Lovers Of God?,64,,1995/07/14,
Music;,'Music is the only language in which you cannot say a mean or sarcastic thing.'  Quote:  Lord Erskine.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Music;,'Music is the universal language of mankind.'  Quote:  Hwl.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Music;,'The musician who always plays on the same string is laughed at.'  Quote:  Horace.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Mystery;,'It is hard to say whether the doctors of law or divinity have made the greater advances in the lucrative business of mystery.'  Quote:  Edmond Burke.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Nagging, Wife, Self-control, Joy, Happiness,","Poet: 'My wife is like a glass of good wine, with a drop of kerosene in it. No matter how fine the grapes, care, aging, and bouquet, the bitterness spoils the flavor.' Make God's word your guide.",All these things are an enemy of happiness.,Prov. 29:11,"Jun 15, 1962 Wt Page 356",Serve Jehovah With A Joyful Heart,78,,,
"Nagging, Wife, Weeper,","When I was a young boy in Arkansas, growing up, we had a tin roof on our house.  Every time it would rain we would have leaks, and we would run and get pots and pans and put in under the drip.  Imagine trying to sleep with that constant, drip, drip, drip, near your bed, or maybe on your bed.",The Bible explains that a leaking roof and a contentious wife are comparable.,"Prov 27:15, 16; 31:30;",Willard Comstock,Do You Harbor Resentment Or Do You Forgive?,68,,1995/05/29,
Nagging; Marriage;,"Arab proverb:  'Three things make a house uninhabitable: tak (leak- age of rain), nak (a woman's nagging), and bak (bugs).'   Unhappy occupant could neither sit, stand, work or sleep in comfort.",A Contentious wife.,Prov. 27:15,"Sep 15, 1961 Wt Page 567",God Comes First In Successful Family Life,110,,,
Nagging; Marriage;,"Leaking roof on the day of a steady rain. Roofs were made of tree branches, canes, palm leaves, etc. Unhappy occupant could neither sit, stand, work or sleep in comfort.",A Contentious wife.,Prov. 27:15,"Sep 15, 1961 Wt Page 567",God Comes First In Successful Family Life,110,,,
Nakata,"Modern Day Evildoer Young man, barely 18 committed for double murder. Accepts truth.",Condemned man finds hope in Paradise,Matt. 27:44  Luke 23:39-43,"Oct 15, 1959 Wt Page 637-639 Also Aug 1, 1960 Wt Page 478",,,,,
Name,"Name children after those with beautiful names; delightful persons Many children named after Jehovah; not using full name but prefix to name, such as John, Joshua, etc.",Jehovah made a Beautiful name for himself.,Isa. 63:12-14  Exodus. 14:18,"Jul 1, 1990 Wt Page 21",What Kind Of Name Are You Making With God?,55,,,
"Name,","When you were born, your name was merely a 'label.'  All that was known was your length, weight, sex etc.","During your lifetime, your name takes on meaning. Are you kind, considerate, mild, or a heel.  Are you a craftsman?",Eccl. 7:1-4; Exodus. 33:12; Luke 22:42;,George Hoover,What Kind Of Name Are You Making With God?,55,,,
"Name, Achievements, Fame, Life, Popular, Writing, Pioneer, vanity, vain, ","Thomas Jefferson was quite a man.  He was born rich but died broke.  He owned slaves but tried to abolish slavery.  He wrote his own version of the Bible.  He wrote more than 25,000 letters by hand, was a violinist of professional caliber.  He could speak Latin, Greek, German, French, Italian, Spanish and English.  He was a lawyer, writer, governor, politician, statesman, revolutionist, architect and musician.  He invented a special kind of plow, a swivel chair, a folding chair, a central heating system.  He wrote the Declaration of Independence.  Was third President of the United States.","Yet with all his achievements, most of his works could be said to be in vain.  Serving the true God, Jehovah is what brings real happiness and a sense of accomplishment.",Ecclesiastes 12:13;,Bobby Laymon - American Essays By Dan Valentine,What Kind Of Name Are You Making With God?,55,,1997/05/12,2/4/2014
"Name, Character, Reputation,",'Character is much easier kept than recovered.'  Quote: Thomas Paine.,"What we do can reflect well on our Father, Jehovah, or can damage our relationship with him.",Prov. 27:11;,Bobby Laymon - Reader's Digest,What Kind Of Name Are You Making With God?,55,,1996/03/21,
"Name, Character, Reputation, Sins, Mistakes, Gossip,",'Character is much easier kept than recovered.'  Quote: Thomas Paine.,Maybe you became indignant when someone reproached your name.  The Bible acknowledges value of good name.  How far will you go to make a name?,Pr 22:1; Ge 34:25-30;,Bobby Laymon,What Kind Of Name Are You Making With God?,55,,1995/07/18,
"Name, Children, Discipline,",'Any child can tell you that the sole purpose of a middle name is so he can tell when he's really in trouble.'  Quote: Dennis Fakes.,"Parents first try to get the attention of their children, and then correct them.",Prov. 22:6;,Bobby Laymon - Reader's Digest,Parents--are You Building With Fire-resistant Materials?,104,,1996/03/22,
"Name, Death, Funeral, Persecution,",'Even the death of friends will inspire us as much as their lives. . . .' Quote: Henry David Thoreau. -1849.,Some make a bad name.  Judas--traitorous; Nimrod --rebellious; Cain--wrathful and jealous;  Are any of us making a name like that?   Others make a good name.  The righteous one has a good name with God.,Ecclesiastes 7:1;,Bobby Laymon,What Kind Of Name Are You Making With God?,55,,1995/08/05,
"Name, Everlasting, Book, Life,",How do we want our names written?  With indelible ink or indelible ink?,We should make every effort to have our names written with indelible ink in Jehovah's book of life.,Ecc 7:1;,William Osbeck C. O.,What Kind Of Name Are You Making With God?,55,,1994/08/24,
"Name, Honor,","February had thirty days until the time of Julius Caesar.  Caesar took one day off to add to the month named after him, July.  The emperor Augustus took another day off to add to August, the month named after him.","This shows the length people will go to make a celebrated name for themselves.  It is Jehovah we should honor, and His name we should sanctify.",Ps 83:18;,"Jan 8, 1971 Aw Page 26",What Kind Of Name Are You Making With God?,55,,1994/01/05,
"Name, Jehovah's Witnesses,","'What's in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet.' Quote: William Shakespeare. True, but how, in words, can you distinguish between the sweetness of the rose and, for example, that of the gardenia except",A name is a distinguishing mark of identification. by name?  Jehovah's Witnesses: Name has significance in itself. Jehovah's Witnesses are unique in modern days.,Rev. 3:14; 1:5; Luke 13:22; John 18:37;,"Dec 22, 1964 Aw Page 32",Make Jehovah Your Confidence,70,,,
"Name, Jehovah's Witnesses, Care, Territory, Water, Sow,","As a farmer must wait on the power of God to bring up the seed and make it grow, so showing the perseverance of a farmer in diligent attention to his crops, Jehovah's witnesses live up to the name.","Jehovah's witnesses plant, cultivate, water, watch over and care for their territory of witnessing.  They must also fight the religious tares and weeds which the clergy throw in among the crop of people of goodwill in the territory.",Ecc 7:1;,W50 5/15 151-2,What Kind Of Name Are You Making With God?,55,,1994/07/30,
"Name, Jehovah's Witnesses, Care, Territory, Water, Sow,","It is possible, as the apostle stated, to preach to others and yet become a castaway.","Christians must live their faith in their daily lives, being alert at all times to praise and honor God's name, both in season and out of season.",1 Cor 9:27; 2 Tim 4:2;,W50 5/15 152,Make Jehovah Your Confidence,70,,1994/07/30,
"Name, Jehovah,","Imagine some stranger came along and removed your father's name from your birth certificate, then perhaps inserted someone else's name instead.",Some have removed Jehovah's name from their translations of the Bible. Some have even replaced it with the names of gods they prefer to worship.  What is wrong with this?  How would the father who dearly loves his children feel about this? How would the children who dearly love their father feel about it also? How would you feel about it?,Jeremiah 23:27; Revelation 4:11,Mark Hanlon,What Kind Of Name Are You Making With God?,55,,1998/11/26,
"Name, Jehovah, Christendom, Trinity, Holidays,",An older church became disturbed that the God's name was displayed at the front of their building.  They painted over it.,Many have reacted in the same manner to other Bible truths.  Some have removed God's name from their Bibles.,2 Tim 3:16;,Brother Holden - Friends Of Peace District Convention.,Jehovah And Christ--are They Part Of A Trinity?,82,,1996/06/12,
"Name, Jehovah, Creator, Creation,","Some great names, such as Avicenna, Edison, Pasteur, Beethoven,  Gandhi, and Newton live on.  These names are connected with achievements, discoveries, and inventions of the ones who bore them.","However there is a name greater than all of them connected with achievements, discoveries, and inventions.  Jehovah!  The name literally means 'He Causes to Become.'  It reveals Jehovah to be the One who causes himself to become the fulfiller of promises.  There is no single word that  can fully describe God's divine nature.  But God chose for himself the greatest name, Jehovah, and it calls to mind all his attributes, qualities,  and purposes.",Ps 83:18; Mal 3:16;,"Nov 1, 1993 Wt Page 3, 5",Jehovah--the Grand Creator,101,,,
"Name, Jehovah, Gods, Prayer, Know,","Once there was a little boy who wanted to get the attention of his father, but his father had a number of friends over that weekend.   'Dad' the little boy called.... 'DAD!', but still no answer. So the little boy sat back and watched what the other people were doing.  Suddenly the little boy said: 'Mr. P-------?' That worked right away.  You see, most of the people visiting his father were fathers as well. By using his personal name, the little boy was able to identify to whom he wanted to speak.","It is the same with our prayers today. The Bible shows us that there are many gods. How do we get the attention of the true God?  It is by using his personal name, as the Bible shows...'",Ps. 83:18;,Peter Morgan,Prayers That Are Heard By God.,86,,1997/08/10,
"Name, Jehovah, Life,",The first thing you learn about a person is his name.,Many have not learned the first thing about Jehovah.,Ps. 83:18;,"Werner Nixdorf Feb 17, 1991",How Purposeful Is Your Life?,60,,,
"Name, Jehovah, Password,","In times past and present a password could be an effective means of protection.  It could get one past a sentry.  It can effectively lock out unwanted person.  People use them on computers, and in government security.",The name of Jehovah might be likened to a password.  Knowing Jehovah's name will help us enter into Jehovah's new world of righteousness.,Prov. 18:10; Rom 10:13,Bobby Laymon,What Kind Of Name Are You Making With God?,55,,1995/01/29,
"Name, Jehovah, Restoration, Facts, Bible,","'AFTER the name Jehovah has been omitted from Bibles for many years and maybe centuries, his modern-day witnesses are the only Christian religion to take a stand and restore the tetragrammaton.' Quote: The above words are from the book Jeov  dentro do Juda¡smo e do Cristianismo (Jehovah in Judaism and Christianity), by Brazilian writer Assis Brazil.","'The omission of the [divine] name has been completely corrected in Portuguese by the New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures.' How so? In that the name Jehovah has been restored to its rightful place in that Bible. The name Jehovah appears over 7,200 times in the New World Translation.",Ps 83:18,W99 3/1 32,,,,"Jul 5, 2000",
"Name, Nickname, Jehovah's Witnesses, Ridicule, Opposition,","Sometimes a person is given a nickname out of ridicule and it sticks.  In time the person may even come to accept it.  Example: I know a person who had a small eye, that looked like a chicken's eye.  They called him 'cockeye.'  He eventually accepted the name and painted it on his mailbox in neat letters, 'The Cockeye, ___ ____. [his name]","Jehovah's people did not fall into that trap.  Although ridiculed and called Russellites, Rutherfordites, Millennial Dawners they refused to accept the nicknames.  The Scriptural name designated by Jehovah God is the name they endorsed.","Isa 43:10, 12;",Bobby Laymon,What Kind Of Name Are You Making With God?,55,,1995/01/09,
"Name, Personality, Transforming, Adjust, Reputation,","It's been said, 'Personality is to a man what perfume and color are to a flower.'",We must work to put on the 'new personality' that is beautiful and pleasing to Jehovah.,"Col 3:12, 13;",Joseph Wengert D. O.,What Kind Of Name Are You Making With God?,55,,1995/05/29,
"Name, Pioneer, Gilead,","'What makes a name good or bad, is the person who wears it.' Example: Adam, Nimrod, Jezebel, Saul, Judas contrasted with Noah, Abraham, Ruth, Paul, and Timothy.","What kind of name will you have 10, 100, or even 1000 years hence--that of a quitter or a complainer, or that of a faithful missionary?  Focus on solutions and objectives rather than on problems.",Ecclesiastes 7:1;,"Dec 1, 1992 Wt Page 19  Jack D. Redford",Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,63,,,
"Name, Recall, Memory,","Magnet can draw things to the surface. Have him repeat it his name.  Look at his face when he says it. Learn what you can about him, personality, background. Write his name on paper.","Draw out fact about person to remember his name. Use it, and be determined to use it again.",Eccl. 7:1,"Mar 8, 1963 Aw Page 23",What's In A Name?,55,,,
"Name, Reputation,","(Name 15-20 brothers and sisters in the congregation) These are all names many of us recognize and we think of qualities connected with these names, don't we.  Note: Works even better in a congregation where you are not known well.",The question is:  What Kind Of Name Are You Making With God?,Eccl. 7:1;,David Berry,What Kind Of Name Are You Making With God?,55,,1998/07/26,
"Name, Reputation,","How would you like to receive a gift that would last a lifetime? One that would become more and more valuable?  Yet, it could not be bought with money.",Your Name - it is a gift for a lifetime.,"Eccl 7:1; Gal 5:22, 23;","Jun 22, 1968 Aw Page 23",What Kind Of Name Are You Making With God?,55,,,
"Name, Reputation,","If you were a violinist, you would be willing to give a lot of money for a genuine Stradivarius.  Then you would congratulate yourself for owning an instrument with that famous name.  Yet, stripped of the name, instrument value only fraction of its worth.","Clearly illustrates the value of a name.  A name can take on great meaning when attached to a certain person or object.  Can lose value, if tainted.  (see article for examples)","Eccl 7:1; Gal 5:22, 23;","Jun 22, 1968 Aw Page 23",What Kind Of Name Are You Making With God?,55,,,
"Name, Reputation,","Imagine looking in the window at the new babies.  You ask a couple what they named their baby, and they reply, 'Judas Nimrod.'",They would probably get a negative response.  Most parents try to start their child out with a good reputation; a good name.,Genesis. 34:30; Prov. 22:1,Chuck Bland,What Kind Of Name Are You Making With God?,55,,"Jan 29, 2001",
"Name, Reputation,","In ancient times perfumed oil on a person made his physical presence agreeable, sweet-smelling.",Is the effect of the mention of your name like that?  We can make our name sweet-smelling or foul-smelling.,Ecc 7:1; Ge 34:25-30; 2 Sa 10:6;,"Nov 1, 1971 Wt Page 646",What Kind Of Name Are You Making With God?,55,,1993/11/21,
"Name, Reputation, hospitality,","Just one name can mean the difference between being lost in a large city or not.  Some names open doors, while others close them. The right name can bring a bank loan, obtain an important permit. Put information in a newspaper, on radio or T.V. A mere name can set people to trembling, striking fear in their hearts, while another can wreathe smiles of joy and pleasant anticipation.",More to a name than meets the eye.,Ps. 83:18; 147:4; Dan. 8:16; 10:13; Rev. 12:9,"Mar 8, 1963 Aw Page 20",How Well Do You Know God?,1,,,
"Name, Reputation,",Who remembers the name of the person who won the Nobel 'Peace Prize' this year?  Perhaps the most sought-after prize ever.  Most don't remember.,Worldly names are usually short lived.,Genesis. 34:30; Prov. 22:1,Chuck Bland,What Kind Of Name Are You Making With God?,55,,"Jan 29, 2001",
"Name, Reputation, Advertisement,","Companies pay dearly to get a name established.  In 1973 television cost about $120,000 per minute.  In 1995 NBC's Stienfield, it cost about 1/2 million ($497,000)  for a 30 second slot of advertisement.  Other programs, 'Home improvement' and football also were in that range.  Companies put much time and effort to get a good name.",How much more so should we be concerned with making a good name.  Especially with Jehovah God.,Prov. 22:1;,George Hoover,What Kind Of Name Are You Making With God?,55,,1996/01/14,
"Name, Reputation, Alcohol, Anger, Sex, Morals,","TO STUDY a beautiful painting carefully can be a rewarding experience.  Looking closely, one will note how an artist used hundreds of brushstrokes to apply various pigments on a canvas.  Similarly, a good name is developed, not by one broad stroke of a brush, so to speak, but by many small acts over a period of time.  Yes, little by little our reputation is built up through the deeds that we perform.","One the other hand, one misplaced brushstroke can depreciate a painting's value.  So it is with our name.  All it takes is a little so-called foolishness--perhaps a violent outburst of anger, an immoderate indulgence in alcoholic beverage, or one sexually unchaste act--to sully a fine reputation.  How vital to strive to acquire a good name and work zealously to safeguard it.",Prov. 6:32; 14:17; 20:1; Rev. 3:5;,"Jul 1, 1999 Wt Page 32",What Kind Of Name Are You Making With God?,55,,1999/04/24,
"Name, Reputation, Book Of Life,","Julius Caesar, George Washington, Thomas Edison, Albert Einstein Jesse James; How much do you know about them?","Worked to make a name for themselves, but still little is known. Much better to have name in 'Book of Life.'","Eccl. 7:1; Pr. 22:1; Exodus. 32:31, 32;","Larry Punko C.O.   (entered Dec 8, 1991)",Are You Making A Good Name With Jehovah?,55,,,
"Name, Reputation, Book Of Life, Dedication, Baptism,","A man, (call him John) worked hard and faithful for a company for many years.  Then IRS found him embezzling from Company and on taxes.  Sent to prison.  What do people remember?  His faithfulness?  No!  That he is imprisoned for stealing? Yes!","We must continue in faithful course in making a good name, and not have blotted out of 'book of life.'","Eccl. 7:1; Pr. 22:1; Exodus. 32:31, 32;","Larry Punko C.O.   (entered Dec 8, 1991)",How Purposeful Is Your Life?,60,,,
"Name, Reputation, Book Of Life, Dedication, Baptism,","In Europe, a child was born, that parents no doubt proud of, and his name started to become famous in 1930's and 1940's.  Adolph Hitler. Solomon: started with good name; became an apostate.","We could start out with a good name, but must keep name in 'book of life.'","Eccl. 7:1; Pr. 22:1; Exodus. 32:31, 32;","Larry Punko C.O.   (entered Dec 8, 1991)",What Kind Of Name Are You Making With God?,55,,,
"Name, Reputation, Conduct, Association, Cleanliness, Holy, Gossip,",'What kills a skunk is the publicity it gives itself.'  Quote: Abraham Lincoln.,"When tempted to gossip about others, consider what name, or reputation, you may be establishing.  Having full share in field service while maintaining clean home and caring for children is noticed and appreciated by others.",1 Sa 17:55;,Bobby Laymon,What Kind Of Name Are You Making With God?,55,,1995/06/27,
"Name, Reputation, Conduct, Jehovah,","'He that filches from me my good name, robs me of that, which not enriches him, and makes me poor indeed.'  Quote: One of the characters in Shakespeare's famous play, 'Othello, the Moor of Venice.'","As has been noted, one's name might be likened to one's face - It is that by which one is known.  He gives it whatever quality it has by what he is, the life he leads, the things for which he stands.  A good name, that is a good reputation is something precious indeed.  To lose a good name makes one poor.",Exodus 20:16; De 19:16-21; Pr 22:1; Ecc 7:1; 1ti 3:7;,"Jul 1, 1971 Wt Page 387",What Kind Of Name Are You Making With God?,55,,1993/11/16,
"Name, Reputation, Dedication, Baptism,","Beautiful Mt. Hermon has snow on all year.  Melts and forms Jordon, and gushes down with beautiful droplets of spray shining in the sunshine.  Just a flash in the sunlight and they are gone. Expression: 'Flash in the pan.'","You and I are now shining in the sunlight as droplets of water. In short time no one would know we existed, unless we have our names in the 'book of life.'","Rev. 20:15; Eccl. 7:1; Pr. 22:1; Exodus. 32:31, 32;","Larry Punko C.O.   (entered Dec 8, 1991)",Life Does Have A Purpose,23,,,
"Name, Reputation, Dedication, Baptism, Book Of Life,","How many here know the names of their parents?  Do you know the name of all four grand-parents?  How about 8 great-grandparents, and where they are buried?  Favorite color, food, work, etc.?","If this system went on in 3 generations, no one would know we existed, unless our name is in the 'Book of Life.'","Eccl. 9:5, 6;","Larry Punko C.O.   (entered Dec 8, 1991)",How Purposeful Is Your Life?,60,,,
"Name, Reputation, Faith,",Just knowing the name of a medication does not cause one to put faith in it just for that reason.,"Likewise, the mere use of Jesus' name does not prove that one has faith in him.",John 20:31;,George Hoover,What Kind Of Name Are You Making With God?,55,,1996/01/14,
"Name, Reputation, Foolish,",A MAN who designs beautiful buildings makes a name for himself as an expert architect. A young woman who excels scholastically becomes known as a brilliant student.  Even a person who does nothing may make a name for himself as a sluggard.,"A good name is developed by many small acts over a period of time. All that is needed to spoil it, though, is one foolish act. A single incident of sexual misconduct, for example, can sully a fine reputation.",Prov. 22:1,"Sep 15, 2000 Wt Page 25",What Kind Of Name Are You Making With God?,55,,"Sep 12, 2000",
"Name, Reputation, Jehovah, Know,","Rightly, your name interests you and is important to you.  When it is mentioned, your ears perk up.  But beyond your given name, be it Otto, Nancy, Carlos or another, your 'name' can also imply your reputation.  It involves you as a person and what you have proved to be.","It this is so with humans, it certainly is even more true regarding the Creator of the universe.  He refers to his name as the 'memorial' of Him.  That name is connected with all that he has done and yet purposes to do.","Pr 22:1; Exodus 3:14, 15; Hos 12:5; Ps 135:13","May 1, 1978 Wt Page 13",How Well Do You Know God?,1,,,
"Name, Reputation, Result,",You may know someone who is a good cook or a good reader.  You know them by what they have done.,The same is true with Jehovah.  A good name comes after a good life.,Ecc 7:1;,Chuck Bland,WHAT KIND OF NAME ARE YOU MAKING WITH GOD?,55,,"Jan 29, 2001",
"Name, Superior, Almighty, Armageddon, Salvation, Fighting, Wars,","'Said the wind to the moon, 'I will blow you out!'   Quote: George Macdonald.","Almighty God made his name Jehovah known in confrontation with all   the pagan gods of Egypt, sixteenth century B.C.E.  Trying to outwit Jehovah would be even harder than the above.",Exodus 6:3; Ps 83:18;,Bobby Laymon,Jehovah And Christ--are They Part Of A Trinity?,82,,1995/08/07,
Name; Reputation;,"'A good name, like good will, is got by many actions and lost by one.'  Quote:  Lord Jeffery.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Name; Reputation;,'A person with a bad name is already half-hanged.'  Quote:  Proverb.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Name; Reputation; Character;,'A good name keeps its luster in the dark.'  Quote:  English.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Name; Reputation; Character;,'Good men must die but death can never kill their names.'  Quote:  Chinese.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Name; Reputation; Character;,'He who is known for an early riser may lie in bed until noon.' Quote:  Yiddish,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Name; Reputation; Character;,"'Life is for one generation, a good name is forever.'  Quote:  Japanese.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Name; Reputation; Character;,'Live so that your friends can defend you but never have to.'  Quote:  Arnold Glaslow.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Name; Reputation; Character;,'Nick names stick to people and the most ridiculous are the most adhesive.' Quote:  Tom Halburton,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Name; Reputation; Character;,'Sticks and stones will break my bones but names will never hurt me.'  Quote:  English.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Name; Reputation; Character;,A person with a bad name is already half hanged.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Name; Reputation; Character;,Character is simply habit long continued.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Name; Reputation; Character;,"Reputation is what men and women think of us, character is what God and angels know of us.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Name; Reputation; Character;,Team sports names:  The Ohio Wesleyan Battling Bishops; Idaho Vandals; Delaware Fighting Blue Hens; St. Olaf Oles; Swarthmore Little Quakers; Texas Christian University Horned Frogs;,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Name; Reputation; Character;,We may not expect a good whelp from a bad dog.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Name; Reputation; Character;,What can you expect from a pig but a grunt?,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Name; Reputation; Character;,You cannot make a silk purse out of a sow's ear.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Name; Reputation; Character; Funny;,Never eat in a restaurant named Mom's. Never play poker with a man named Doc. And never buy a car from a man named Frenchy.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Name; Reputation; Discernment;,'The beginning of wisdom is to call things by their right names.'  Quote:  Chinese.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Name; Signature;,'A signature always reveals a man's character and sometimes even his name.'  Quote:  Evan Esar.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Names, Light, Nicknames, Russell, Credit,","Brother Russell strongly made it known that he had never met a 'Russellite' and that there was no such thing as 'Russellism.'  Note: Lutheran was a nickname his enemies gave, which he adopted.  Baptists adopted the name outsiders gave them.  Methodist adopted a name given by an outsider.  Quakers was originally meant as an insult to Fox [the founder], who told an English judge to 'tremble at the Word of the Lord.'  The judge called Fox a 'Quaker.'","All credit went to Jehovah God.  Regarding epithets his enemies were prone to use.  Some had given nicknames such as Millennial Dawnist, and 'no hellers.'  Even the name they had taken, did not do them justice, 'International Bible Students.'  They were far more than just Bible students, and besides there were many others who were students of the Bible who had nothing in common.  They stuck to the Bible based name Jehovah had chosen.",Isa 43:10;,"May 15, 1995 Wt Page 17, 19;",What Kind Of Name Are You Making With God?,55,,1995/04/16,
"Names, Nicknames, Jehovah's Witnesses,","I once saw a man with a name tag on his uniform that said, 'Snake.'  I am sure that is not the name his mother gave him at birth, but someone else gave it to him, and he accepted it.","Jehovah's Witnesses have never accepted the name given to them by others, whether friend or foe.  We only accept the Scriptural name given by Jehovah himself.","Isa. 43:10, 12",Bobby Laymon,What Kind Of Name Are You Making With God?,55,,1997/12/20,
Narrow-mindedness; Opinionated;,'Dogmatism is puppyism come to its full growth.'  Quote:  Doug Jerrold.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Narrow-mindedness; Opinionated;,"'Faced with having to change our views or prove that there is no need to do so, most of us get busy on the proof.'  Quote:  J. Gailbreath.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Narrow-mindedness; Opinionated;,'Hard heads suffer much.'  Quote:  Albanian.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Narrow-mindedness; Opinionated;,'Hardening of the attitudes starts long before hardening of the arteries.' Quote:  William Marsteller,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Narrow-mindedness; Opinionated;,'He who is narrow of vision cannot be big of heart.'  Quote:  Chinese.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Narrow-mindedness; Opinionated;,'I can't stand intolerant people!' Quote:  Tore Adolfson,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Narrow-mindedness; Opinionated;,'If the only tool you have is a hammer you tend to see every problem as a nail.' Quote: A. Maslow.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Narrow-mindedness; Opinionated;,"'The fewer the facts, the stronger the opinion.'  Quote:  Arnold Glasgow.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Narrow-mindedness; Opinionated;,'The foolish and the dead alone never change their opinion.'  Quote:  Lowell.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Narrow-mindedness; Opinionated;,"'When people are least sure, they are often most dogmatic.'  Quote:  J. K. Gailbreath.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Narrow-mindedness; Opinionated;,'You can't slice anything so thin that it only has one side.'  Quote:  Arnold Glasgow.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Narrow-mindedness; Opinionated;,Ideas are a little like children....our own are wonderful.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Narrow-mindedness; Opinionated;,"My mind is already made up, so don't confuse me with the facts.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Narrow-mindedness; Opinionated;,No one has more to learn than the person who knows everything.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Narrow-mindedness; Opinionated;,"Some minds are like concrete, all mixed up and permanently set.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Narrow-mindedness; Opinionated;,Some people can't understand how others can blow their noses differently than they do.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Narrow-mindedness; Opinionated;,The foolish and the dead alone never change their opinions.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Narrow-mindedness; Opinionated;,The older a man gets the farther he walked to school as a boy.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Narrow-mindedness; Opinionated; Funny,"He is so narrow-minded, that if he fell on a pin it would blind him in both eyes.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Narrow-mindedness; Opinionated; Pride;,'Self-conceit may lead to self-destruction.'  Quote:  Aesop.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Nathanael, Flattery, Compliments, Deceitful,","A CROW having stolen a bit of meat, perched in a tree and held it in her beak.  A Fox, seeing this, longed to possess the meat himself, and by a wily stratagem succeeded.  'How handsome is the  Crow,' he exclaimed, in the beauty of her shape and in the fairness of her complexion! Oh, if her voice were only equal to her beauty, she would deservedly be considered the Queen of Birds!'  This he said deceitfully; but the Crow, anxious to refute the reflection cast upon her voice, set up a loud caw and dropped the flesh.  The Fox quickly picked it up, and thus addressed the Crow:  'My good Crow, your voice is right enough, but your wit is wanting.'",Moral: 'Beware of flatterers.',John 1:47; Ps 32:2;,Aesop's Fables - Bobby Laymon,Evidence Of God In The World Around Us,4,,1994/05/17,
"Nation, Jehovah's Witnesses,","Worldwide, Jehovah's Witnesses have become 'a mighty nation'.",More in number as a united global congregation than the individual population of any one of at least 80 self-governing nations of the world.,Is 2:2-4;,Jv 519  22,,,,1996/01/06,
"Nationalism, Flag, Respect, Gobitas, Eleanor Roosevelt,",'Nationalism's chief symbol of faith and central object of worship is the flag.' Quote: Catholic historian Carlton Hayes,This does not mean that Jehovah's Witnesses disrespect the flag. Generally they will respectfully stand for such ceremonies as long as they are not required to participate.  True respect is shown by obeying the laws of the land it represents.,Exodus 20:4-6; 1 John 5:21;,"Jul 22, 1993 Aw Page 16, 17;",What Does The Healing Of The Nations Accomplish?,111,,,
"Nationalism, Patriotism, Government,","'Nationalism is a mental disease of Western origin which seems to have infected the whole human race.' (Historian Toynbee) As shown, the two-horned beast (Western origin) promotes it. Rev. 13:11-17;",This disease has poisoned the thinking of people toward fellow humans.,Matt. 22:37-39; Luke 10:29-37; Mic. 4:3; 2 Cor. 4:4; Jas. 4:4;,"Sep 22, 1964 Aw Page 12, 13",What Does The Healing Of The Nations Accomplish?,111,,,
"Nationalism, Patriotism, World,",'The Last Ugly Ism.' Quote: weekly magazine Asia week. Speaking of the unchanging factors of hatred and bloodshed connected with nationalism.,"'If pride in being a Serb means hating a Croat, if freedom for an Armenian means revenge on a Turk ... then nationalism has already put on its ugliest face.'","John 13:34, 35;","Jan 8, 1993 Aw Page 7",'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
"Nationalism, Patriotism, World, Christendom,",'Patriotism ... has very largely superseded Christianity as the religion of the Western World.' Quote: British historian Arnold Toynbee in 1946.,"Men have trusted in men, rather than Jehovah.","John 11:48; Ps 146:3, 4;","Jan 8, 1993 Aw Page 7",'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
"Nationalism, Patriotism, World, Einstein, Satan, Patriotic",'Nationalism is an infantile disease.  It is the measles of mankind.'  Quote: Albert Einstein.,"Nearly everyone gets it at one time or another, and like a disease, it continues to spread.  Mankind needs to repent against taking part in Satan's government.",Mt 4:17; John 11:48;,"Jan 8, 1993 Aw Page 7",What Does The Healing Of The Nations Accomplish?,111,,,
"Nationalism, Peace, United Nations,","'Nationalism stands, like a roadblock, between us and our goal - the goal that we have to reach if we are to survive.' (Arnold Toynbee, British historian.)","In getting over this 'roadblock' we must first identify the originator and chief sponsor of nationalism, Satan.","Mt. 12:24; Dan. 10:13, 20; Isa. 10:8; 1 Jn. 5:19;","Mar 1, 1968 Wt Page 141",What Does The Healing Of The Nations Accomplish?,111,,,
Nationalism;,'Nationalism is a silly cock crowing on its own dunghill.'  Quote:  Richard Aldington.,"Mankind needs to repent, regarding such a spirit of nationalism.","Mark 1:14, 15;",Jk Quotes;,The Kingdom Of God Is Near,109,,,
Nationalism;,'Nationalism is an infantile disease. It is the measles of mankind.' Quote:  Albert Einstein.,"Nearly everyone gets it in their youth, and like a disease, it continues to spread.  Unlike the measles, it doesn't always go away.","Mark 1:14, 15;",Jk Quotes;,The Kingdom Of God Is Near,109,,,
Nations,Involuntary tools for destruction. of false religion,Not simply expression of political enmity,"Rev 18:5-8  Rev 17:17  Jere 51:12, 13",May 15 Wt P 6  1989,What Does The Healing Of The Nations Accomplish?,111,,,
"Nations, Governments, Kingdom, Armageddon",A collision that results in disaster is never anything to laugh about.  But this talk of colliding with God -- is it not something about which to laugh?  Is not the very idea ridiculous?,"When all the nations collide, head on, with God, the disaster will prove to be only on one side of the collision.  The other side will escape unhurt, and can have a happier future because of this oncoming collision.",Amos 4:12;,"Oct 15, 1971 Wt Page 612",The Kingdom Of God Is Near,109,,1993/11/21,
"Nations, Governments, Kingdom, Armageddon,","We human creatures are tied down to this earth and so are moving with the earth.  This terrestrial ball beneath our feet has a glorious future before it. However, is the present generation moving in the direction of its own eternal interests?  Many informed scientists, learned historians and farsighted statesmen say NO!","In spite of sincere efforts of well-intentioned persons who see disaster ahead, the movement of the mass of mankind has gained momentum and the direction of movement cannot even be swerved to a sidetrack.  Sooner or later mankind will have to enter into an accounting with God.",Amos 4:12;,"Oct 15, 1971 Wt Page 612",The Kingdom Of God Is Near,109,,1993/11/21,
"Nations, Governments, Kingdom, Armageddon, Sovereignty,","For a head-on collision, the two things involved have to be moving in the same path, but in the opposite directions.  Are God and the nations going in opposite directions?  On the same path?  What is that path?  That common point of dispute?  Is there any way to compromise?  Why have we reached the time for its settlement?  How will it be settled?","There is one issue on which each nation stands by itself.  That is, national sovereignty.  However, they are on the same path as Jehovah, except going the opposite direction.  There can be no compromise.",Amos 4:12;,"Oct 15, 1971 Wt Page 612",Do You Recognize Jehovah's Sovereignty In Your Personal Life?,75,,1993/11/21,
"Nations, Governments, Kingdom, Armageddon, Sovereignty, Domination,","It is interesting to note, time and again, how humans in a certain community can be in disagreement and in conflict with one another, but let a common adversary put in appearance and they will all unite against that one adversary.",Who has more of a right to domination of all the earth than God has?  Does universal sovereignty belong to man or to God.  They will all unite against God's Sovereignty.  God's Kingdom.,Amos 4:12;,"Oct 15, 1971 Wt Page 614",Do You Recognize Jehovah's Sovereignty In Your Personal Life?,75,,1993/11/21,
"Nations, Kingdom, Governments, Sovereignty, Confrontation, United Nations, Beast, Stone, Iron, Armageddon","As would any owner who cares for his property, God is not going to stand idly by and see the earth destroyed and made uninhabitable.  He would be remiss, to let such a thing happen.  Not acting in trueness.","Therefore, God cannot prevent this collision of himself will all the nations.  They want to go their own way, and God's purpose is unchangeable.",Ps 2:10-12; Re 11:18;,"Oct 15, 1971 Wt Page 626",Will You Escape This World's Destiny?,84,,1993/11/21,
"Nations, Kingdom, Governments, Sovereignty, Confrontation, United Nations, Beast, Stone, Iron, Armageddon,",The situation of the nations will be as if an ant planted itself firmly on the railroad track and defiantly shouted to the oncoming huge diesel-engine locomotive:  'Stop!  You can't run over me!  You just don't dare to do so!',"Crash!  comes the head-on collision!  See there the United Nations organization!  Will it be able to stand its ground and repel the divine onslaught?  Divine prophecy says No!  As stone smashes into iron, there is a deafening Bang!  Listen!  Something is being crushed!  Is it the stone that is being crushed?  No! but it is the stone crushing all the iron like contenders for world domination by human rulers.  Grinding them to powder.",Dan 2:44;,"Oct 15, 1971 Wt Page 623, 624;",Do You Recognize Jehovah's Sovereignty In Your Personal Life?,75,,1993/11/21,
"Nations, Kings, Satan, World,","Blessed are they who Go Around in Circles, for they Shall be known as Wheels.",Nations like to 'lord' it over one another.,"Matt. 5:47; 20:35; Rev. 13:1, 2; Matt. 4:8, 9; Mark 13:10;",Bobby Laymon,'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
"Nations, Kings, Satan, World,",Every dog has his day.,"Satan's lease for the earth is up and has been since 1914. He refuses to vacate, thus he will be evicted.","Matt. 5:47; 20:35; Rev. 13:1, 2; Matt. 4:8, 9; Mark 13:10;",Bobby Laymon,'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
"Nations, Kings, Satan, World,",Man's Law: For every action there is an equal and opposite government program.  (Newton's third law of gravity),Way man's government works.,"Matt. 5:47; 20:35; Rev. 13:1, 2; Matt. 4:8, 9; Mark 13:10;",Bobby Laymon,'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
"Nations, Last Days, Armageddon,",Nations are 'punch-drunk' This is a dangerous condition.,The nations of this system have been fighting for so many years they are in a 'shaky condition.' 'groggy' 'punch-drunk' almost 'paralyzed.',"2 Tim. 3:1-4; Rev. 16:14, 16; Matt. 24:3-14;","Jun 8, 1967 Aw Page 30",What Does The Healing Of The Nations Accomplish?,111,,,
"Nations, Power, Wisdom, Foolish,",'Might is right.' Jehovah sits in the theocratic center of the universe and has a clear view of everything. Foolish to nations that God would have people knocking doors,Nations view of power and who holds the greatest position.,Isa. 40:22; Jer. 10:6; 1 Cor. 1:18;,"J.C. Howard, Do Circuit Assy.",What Does The Healing Of The Nations Accomplish?,111,,,
"Natural, Disaster, Protection, Earthquake,","Let us say a person wants to limit his exposure to the sun (the natural event) to prevent getting skin cancer (the disaster).  Obviously, he cannot control the rising and setting of the sun.  Nor can he diminish the amount of sunshine reaching his environment.  But that does not make him helpless.  He can reduce his exposure.  He can stay inside during the hottest part of the day.  He can wear a hat and protective clothing.","Likewise, one can take preventive measures against natural disasters.  True, you cannot control the frequency or intensity of natural hazards, but that does not make you completely helpless.  You can take steps to increase your protection.",Jas 2:15;,"Jul 22, 1995 Aw Page 8",Follow The Course Of Hospitality,77,,1995/06/16,
Nature;,'I've always regarded nature as the clothing of God.'  Quote:  Alan Hovhaness.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Nature;,"'Nature never makes any blunders; when she makes a fool, she means it.'  Quote:  Jb.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Nature;,"'What I call God, and what fools call nature.'  Quote:  Robert Browning.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Nazarites, Pioneer, Auxiliary,","Nazarites practiced self denial, could not touch dead body, not eat or drink fruit of vine, had wear long hair that showed subjection and also made it public knowledge of his vow.","Do we have Nazarites today? It seems that we do. They would be full time workers at Bethel, Missionaries, special pioneers, regular pioneers, served short time even auxiliary pioneers",Rom 15:4,"Johnse Laymon Sep 8, 1965 Aw Pg 27",Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,63,,,
"Nebuchadnezzar,",Nebuchadnezzar was a drinking cup of Jehovah's rage. Babylon used as an executorial instrument.,"Jeremiah, by prophesying, passed the cup to the nations.","Jer. 25:15, 16, 17-26;","Oct 1, 1964 Wt Page 604-5",,,,,
"Nebuchadnezzar, Future, Prophecy,","As one might inquire about their livestock, so one might have asked about Nebuchadnezzar.  'Have you seen Nebuchadnezzar lately?' 'Yes, I saw him grazing about 10 miles to the East yesterday.' Why was he not replaced?  That is what usually would have happened under any government.  Persons would eagerly have replaced them.","Perhaps due to the exact fulfillment of the prophecy, the entire Babylonian kingdom believed that he would be restored.  Jehovah's Word will be fulfilled in every detail.",Da 4:25,Ken Austin,Is It Time For God To Rule The World?,20,,,
Necessity; Doing What's Needed;,'Necessity is the mother of 'taking chances'.'  Quote:  Mt.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Necessity; Doing What's Needed;,'Necessity turns a lion into a fox.'  Quote:  Persian.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Necessity; Doing What's Needed;,'Need makes the old wife trot.'  Quote:  Proverb.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Necessity; Doing What's Needed;,'Never take a stone to break an egg when you can use the back of your knife.'  Quote:  Scottish.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Necessity; Doing What's Needed;,"'Where necessity speaks, it demands.'  Quote:  Russian.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Necessity; Doing What's Needed;,"'Without death and decay, how could life go on?'  Quote:  John Burroughs.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Necessity; Doing What's Needed;,"Necessity is a hard nurse, but she raises strong children.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Necessity; Doing What's Needed;,Necessity is a powerful weapon.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Necessity; Doing What's Needed; Contentment;,"'How come if necessity is the mother of invention, all this unnecessary stuff gets invented?'  Quote:  General Features Corp..",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Necessity; Doing What's Needed; Contentment;,'Necessity has no law.'  Quote:  Bf.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Necessity; Doing What's Needed; Contentment;,'Our necessities are few but our wants are endless.'  Quote:  Jb.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Necessity; Doing What's Needed; Funny;,'It is folly to bolt a door with a boiled carrot.'  Quote:  English.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Need; Adjustment;,'When you are thirsty you welcome water.'  Quote:  Spanish.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Needs, Service, Publications, Conventions, Encouragement,","The year is 1492. On August 3, Christopher Columbus, using only the stars and a compass as guide, set out to discover the passage to India. Despite his claims, Columbus never did find the passage to India, but what he did discover, (at least from a European point of view), was the 'New World,' the North American continent, along with nearby island groups.  Even though it was a difficult journey, Columbus was over awed with the beauty and riches that he found in this 'New World.' But one thing is for sure, Columbus certainly would not have been successful if he lacked adequate provisions.  We too are on a journey. Living in this system of things for us is like going on an expedition or taking a journey through a savage and untamed land. Who can know what hidden pitfalls lie ahead?  Therefore, we too have need of a guide and adequate provisions to sustain us as we make our way through this troubled world.  JEHOVAH CARES FOR HIS FAITHFUL SERVANTS  And fortunately, we have just that--a guide and adequate spiritual provisions. How so? PSALM 34:15 tells us that,   'The eyes of Jehovah are toward the righteous ones, And his ears are toward their cry for help.'  Yes, Jehovah's caring eye is always upon his servants to guide them. (Ps 33:18) Jehovah does not forsake those in need materially. Yet Jesus always laid the greatest emphasis on spiritual matters before material things.  There are numerous examples where Jehovah provided spiritual encouragement to his servants.  COMMENTS.  Jesus enjoyed Jehovah's loving support, and on two occasions Jehovah sent angels to give Jesus ample spiritual provisions which he needed. (Mt 4:11; Lu 22:43)   Jehovah also provided spiritual encouragement to other men of faith.  But the question remains, 'Has he provided spiritually for us as well?'   SPIRITUAL PROVISIONS TO CARE FOR US  The answer is, most definitely!  The Publications are an excellent spiritual provision from Jehovah. For example, 1 year ago, (1995) we received the book, 'Knowledge That Leads to Everlasting Life.'   HAVE YOU NOTICED ANY POSITIVE EFFECTS FROM OUR RECENT GATHERINGS AT ASSEMBLIES?  AT THE KINGDOM HALL?","Yes, our journey through this system is much like the journey of Christopher Columbus. His voyage was trial some and difficult. Columbus constantly had to stiffen the resolve of his sailors with promises of land and riches.  On many occasions it was only his unflagging determination that kept the ships from turning back.  But alas! Their epoch-making voyage had reached its goal!  When Columbus first set foot on the island of Cuba five hundred years ago, he found the island so beautiful that he said: 'I would like to live here forever!'   Brothers, we have a once-in-a-life-time chance to go on an even greater adventure than Christopher Columbus did!  But to succeed, we too must have unflagging determination, and not fail in our journey because we neglected to stock up with adequate provisions and reserves.  Never do we want to lose hope and 'turn our ships around' prematurely. What a tragedy that would be!  Will we do that? Will we have unflagging determination?  We will if we trust in Jehovah.  PSALM 29:11 gives us reason to trust Jehovah: 'Jehovah himself will give strength indeed to his people. Jehovah himself will bless his people with peace.'  YES, LET US BE CONFIDENT IN HIM; BECAUSE JEHOVAH, OUR 'GOD OF PEACE,' CARES FOR US. AND HE WILL CONTINUE TO STRENGTHEN US AND BLESS US WITH PEACE OF MIND IN THESE TURBULENT TIMES.  AND JUST LIKE COLUMBUS, WHEN WE SET FOOT IN THE REAL NEW WORLD, THEN WE TOO WILL CRY OUT, 'I WANT TO LIVE HERE FOREVER!'",Psalm 34:15,1996 Messengers Of Godly Peace District Convention,Service Talk,200,,1999/01/02,
"Needs, Service, Publications, Conventions, Encouragement, speak consolingly, depressed, weak, ","We're out in the middle of a dark sea, in a life boat. Our ship, in flames, is sinking not too far away. The life boat, is filled with many people, all awaiting rescue by God's kingdom. The sinking ship pictures this system headed for doom. The life boat pictures our life saving organization. The dark sea pictures the spirit of the world, & leads right back to the sinking ship.  Sometimes, we see some in the life boat start to slip overboard, & others preparing to jump into the sea of their own free will. We also see spiritual men trying desperately to pull these ones back onto the life boat; trying to talk these ones into hanging on just a little longer, until help comes. Some don't listen, & jump overboard anyway. Sometimes they find their way back to the lifeboat, & sometimes they don't.","What about us? Where are we in this picture? Do we see ourselves in there trying to pull others back in the boat? Or are we in a sense helping them to jump by 'rocking the boat?'  Are we avoiding disaster by displaying true Mercy in the things we say & do to one another? Are we encouraging each other to stay in the life boat?  Do we make it easy for Qualified Spiritual Men to help us stay in that boat of life? Are we listening to their scriptural counsel and advice & maybe even taking time to encourage them for a change?  We can be a part of the solution by applying 1 THESSALONIANS 5:14: 'speak consolingly to the depressed souls, support the weak, be long-suffering toward all.'",1 Thessalonians 5:14,Bobby Laymon,Service Talk,200,,1999/01/02,1/18/2021
"Needs, Teaching, Questions, Comments, Answers,",Don't be like a doctor who writes a prescription without asking the patient any questions.,That is useless.,"Matt. 6:27, 28;",Bobby Laymon,Parents--are You Building With Fire-resistant Materials?,104,,"Feb 10, 2001",
"Negative, Boredom, Positive, Discouraged, Stress, Emotions, Persecution, Endurance,","[1] A jumbo jet may take aboard hundreds of passengers and tons of cargo.  How can such a heavy aircraft get off the ground?  Simply by means of lift.  When the plane hurtles down the runway, the air rushes over and under the curved wings.  This produces an upward force called lift.  When sufficient lift is generated, the craft can break free of the ground and fly.  Of course an overloaded plane cannot generate enough lift to become airborne.","We also can become overloaded.  Negative thoughts and feelings can weigh us down to the extent that it may seem difficult to get 'airborne.'  Are you weighed down, or have you experienced some barrier to your further spiritual development?",Psalm 38:4; Luke 21:34;,"Jul 15, 1995 Wt Page 21",Coping With Life's Anxieties,32,,1995/06/20,
"Negative, Boredom, Positive, Discouraged, Stress, Emotions, Persecution, Endurance,","[2] When an airplane takes off, maximum engine power is normally required as well as the undivided attention of the flight crew.  During takeoff, the engines gulp considerably more fuel than during any other part of the flight.","Similarly, to break free from negative thoughts and feelings requires maximum effort and concentration.  Getting started may be the most difficult phase, whereas progress becomes easier once momentum has been gained.",2 Peter 1:10;,"Jul 15, 1995 Wt Page 24",Coping With Life's Anxieties,32,,1995/06/20,
"Negative, Boredom, Positive, Discouraged, Stress, Emotions, Persecution, Endurance, Paradise, Earth,","[3] At times, an airplane leaves behind a rainy gray world, passes through a cloud layer, and flies into a sky full of bright sunshine.","We too can leave behind negative thoughts.  With divine help, we can break through the cloud layer, as it were, and bask in the bright, happy atmosphere of Jehovah's worldwide family of worshipers.",Psalm 68:19;,"Jul 15, 1995 Wt Page 24",Coping With Life's Anxieties,32,,1995/06/20,
"Negative, Positive, Attitude, Doubt, Discourage,",Unscalable wall. Like athlete who competes in high jumping.,Our attitude can weaken our performance.,Isa. 41:10; Mark 9:23;phil. 4:13; Jer. 1:6-8;,"Nov 15, 1962 Wt Page 675",How To Keep Spiritually Awake!,71,,,
"Negative, Positive, Doubt,","Road blocks, You must stop or detour, may even turn back.",Negative thoughts are like road blocks.,"1 Cor. 15:58; Phil. 3:13, 14; Rom. 12:2",Bobby Laymon,How To Keep Spiritually Awake!,71,,,
Negative; Attitude;,'The only way to amuse some people is to slip and fall on icy pavement.'  Quote:  Ed Howe.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Negative; Attitude;,Nobody ever puts out a sign that says 'Nice Dog'.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Negative; Attitude; Life;,Life is not a problem to be solved but a gift to be enjoyed.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Negative; Critical;,"'You may turn into an archangel, a fool, or a criminal, no one will see it.....But when a button is missing everyone sees that.'  Quote:  Erich Remarque.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Neglect, Mischief, Want, Need, maintenance,",'A little neglect may breed great mischief . . . for want of a nail the shoe was lost; for want of a shoe the horse was lost; and for want of a horse the rider was lost.'  Quote: Benjamin Franklin.,"It is unwise to neglect or take any provision for granted. If we are negligent, we will be unable to meet present trials and difficulties or those ahead.","Mal 1:6-8, 12, 13;",Bobby Laymon,Are You Content With Jehovah's Provisions?,22,,1995/07/17,
Neglect;,'A little neglect may breed great mischief.'  Quote:  Bf.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Neglect;,'He that thinks that he can afford to be negligent is not far from being poor.'  Quote:  Samuel Johnson.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Neglect;,'It is the neglect of timely repair that makes rebuilding necessary.'  Quote:  Richard Whately.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Neighbor Love,"When I was very young a friendly neighbor came by and brought me a bowl of corn flakes.  I had never tasted them before, and I never  forgot his kind gesture.  I got a taste of them and still like them.","If we give our neighbors a taste from God's Word, they may never forget it.",Ecc 11:6,Bobby Laymon,"Friendship With God, Friendship With The World -- Which Will You Choose?",79,,,
Neighbor;,'God save me from a bad neighbor and a beginner on the fiddle.'  Quote:  Italian.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Neighbor;,'Love your neighbors but don't tear down the fence.'  Quote:  Chinese.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Neighbor;,'Mix with your neighbors and learn what's going on in your own house.' Quote:  Yiddish,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Neighbors, Quarrel, Peer, Pressure,","A RIVER carried down in its stream two Pots, one made of  earthenware and the other of brass.  The Earthen Pot said to the  Brass Pot, 'PRAY keep at a distance and do not come near me, for  if you touch me ever so slightly, I shall be broken in pieces,  and besides, I by no means wish to come near you.'","Moral: ' Equals make the best friends.'  'Two powerful neighbors should be avoided, for if a quarrel occurs the weaker goes to the wall.'",Mt 5:24;,Aesop's Fables - Bobby Laymon,Why Christians Must Be Different.,123,,1994/05/17,
Nepotism;,'Nepotism proves that success is relative.'  Quote:  Frank Tiger.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Nervous, School, Timid, Relax,","Do your friends become you foes, just because they sit in rows.",Of course they do not.  So there is no real need to be nervous when speaking before friends.,"Ps 65:4; 84:2, 10;",School Guidebook  Page 66,,,,,
"Neutral, Employment, Conscience","We do not want other to commit violence or poison our bodies seduce us into immorality or into idolatrous promotion of things such as addictive drugs, for example in the manufacture, sale or","Therefore, we would not want to be employed in the manufacture, sale, promotion of harmfully addictive drugs, pornographic material, etc.",Rom 13:8-10;,Km Insert 9/76,Hold A Good Conscience In A Sinful World,107,,,
"Neutral, Love,","'The early Christians were ready to die for their faith ... since they believed in peace, they would not serve in Rome's imperial armies.' Quote: Eugene A. Collagen 'From the Old World to the New'",We must also maintain our neutral stand.,2ti 2:24; Ro 12:17-19;,"Apr 22, 1969 Aw Page 8","Friendship With God, Friendship With The World -- Which Will You Choose?",79,,,
"Neutral, World, War, Peace, Security, Kennedy,",'War will exist until that distant day when the conscientious objector enjoys the same reputation and prestige that the warrior does today.' Quote: John F. Kennedy.,"Rejecting the Devil's offer also meant Jesus declined any share in political and military affairs of the Jews.  When Jewish political zealots tried to involve him in efforts to gain independence from Rome, Jesus would not join with them.","John 6:14, 15;",Bobby Laymon,'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,1995/06/27,
Neutral;,'Neutral men are the Devil's allies.'  Quote:  Edwin Chapin.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Neutral;,"'Neutrality as a lasting principle, is an evidence of weakness.'  Quote:  Lajos Kossuth.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Neutrality,Car in neutral doesn't go in either direction.,Sometimes inclined to take sides in issues of government.,John 17:16  Rev 12:9  John 12:31,"Mar 15, 1989 Wt Page 21",,,,,
"Neutrality, Conscience, Justice, Inconsistence,","Two men were before the judge, [1] one a Nazi was found guilty because of war crimes, and not obeying conscience. [2] a Christian minister who, refused to enter military service, because of conscience, and was sentenced to prison.","One pronounced guilty because of not obeying conscience, and the other guilty, because of obeying his conscience. Inconsistent.",1 Pet. 3:16; Acts 23:1;,"Aug 8, 1967 Aw Page 4,5",Hold A Good Conscience In A Sinful World,107,,,
"New Covenant,","A man may contract with another to build him a house. The house is built according to specifications, payment is made & the contract fulfilled, but the benefits continue into indefinite future by reason of the use of the house.","The new covenant is nearing the end of its purpose to produce spiritual sons, but the benefits of the New Covenant will continue forever in the future.",Heb. 13:20;,Questions From The Readers 1980 Wt,,,,,
"New Creation, 144,000,","Suppose a new factory was coming into town, promising to create jobs for 1000 workers.  Would that be good news?  Think what it would do for the community, in the amount of cash flow.","Jehovah is going to create positions for 144,000 kings and priests.  Think of benefits flowing to billions of subjects. Jesus Christ was the first of a new creation.","2c 5:17; 1t 2:5, 6; Heb 9:15;","Bobby Laymon  (see Jan 1, 1993 Wt Page 5)",Jehovah--the Grand Creator,101,,,
"New Creation, Anointed; 144,000;","Now, we know that no one has to tell a normal person whether he or she is a man or a woman.  This difference, created and arranged by Jehovah, at first extremely small, results in the wide difference in makeup of the man and the woman. The man's heart and mind tend toward masculine things, such as mechanics, construction, and so forth; while the woman loves to dwell on feminine desires, such as home, clothing, decoration and the like. Neither can fully explain to the other his or her exact thinking, reasoning and feeling about matters. It is of God.","Similarly with the spirit-begotten 'little flock' and the 'other sheep.'  If God can, by the difference of one microscopic chromosome, bring about an amazingly different way of thinking and desire, just as surely he can impart the heavenly hope, way of thinking, desire and goal or drive to those whom he selects according to his will. By his spirit and Word he can implant that 'seed' that makes the individual a 'new creation,' with corresponding heavenly hopes. Consequently, those of the anointed Kingdom heirs are happy that they are chosen for so great a service and reward, just as a normal man is glad that he is a man and as a woman is glad that she is a woman. Each person is what God made him. The man or the woman does not have to be encouraged to 'find his or her place' among the sexes. It is God-ordained and cannot be changed, nor does the individual need anyone else to determine what he or she is.",2 Cor 5:17; 1 Pet 1:23;,W73 12/1 732,Jehovah--the Grand Creator,101,,1996/02/21,
New Interest In Truth,"Come into light, hard to see everything",Must progress at rate of each individual,Prov 18:12,Bobby Laymon,,,,,
New Personality,Transformation of butterfly from caterpillar,"Be transformed, put on beauty of truth","Rom 12:1, 2   Mal 3:16-18",Sam Herd ,"As Christians, We Care About Other People",15,,,6/28/2018
"New Personality,","Putting on new personality likened to a complete remodeling project May completely change look of building, but still same building. Takes a lot of hard work.  Hard to believe what it looked like before.  Some cracks may still come back without maintenance.",Apply to making changes by putting on new personality.  Also need for continued maintenance when old cracks appear.,Eph. 4:22-24,Joe Laymon,Are You 'marked' For Survival?,34,,,
"New Personality, Transform, truth,",Ever watch carver make something out of wood?  Say a wooden Indian. One was ask how do you do that? he said ' I just cut off everything that is not an Indian'. Every log has an Indian in it.,Every person has potential Christian in himself.  Must cut off every thing that is not a Christian. Bible and holy spirit are  our tools.,"Gal.5:19-21 1 Cor. 6:9-11, Col.3:5-10",Carl Brown,Is The Truth Transforming Your Life?,51,,,1/21/2025
"New World Order, Bush, Kingdom, Promise,","'Tonight, as I see the drama of democracy unfolding around the globe, perhaps--perhaps we are closer to that new world than ever before.'  (U.S. President George Bush - Sep 1991)","Jehovah's new world, is not a 'pie-in-the-sky' dream, but one that will satisfy all.","Ps 72:8; Dan 2:44; Re 14:1-3; 1co 15:50, 53;","Oct 22, 1992 Aw Page 3-11",'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
"New World Order, Government, Bush, Order,","In his speech in Montgomery, Alabama, entitled, 'The Possibility of a New World Order,' it was stated in conclusion, 'The new world facing us .... it's a wonderful world of discovery.'  Quote: George Bush, then president of the United States. (Apr 13, 1991)  Note:  George Bush spoke 42 times in public statements of a 'New World Order.'",World leaders speak about creating a new world order.  Can they make it come?  The new world under God's Kingdom is sure to come.,Titus 1:2;,"Oct 22, 1993 Aw Page 3",'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
"New World Order, Government, Clinton,","'Today, as an old order passes, the new world is more free but  less stable.'  Also stated, 'This new world has already enriched the lives of millions of Americans.'  Quote: Bill Clinton, in his inaugural address","God's Kingdom will rule over the new world, so this promised new world will not be of man's making.","Mt 6:9, 10;","Oct 22, 1993 Aw Page 5",'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
"New World, Earth, Paradise, Kingdom,","Take off old dirty clothes, clean up, then put on new - clean clothing.  (Without all of the above still not new nor clean) New ruler must have complete knowledge: Example DDT and effects. Interest of every person: ability to read hearts and minds.","The earth under God's Kingdom will not be a 'new system' or a 'new world order,' but it will be a 'NEW WORLD!'",Re 21:1-5;,Steve Koinivech,'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
"New World, Earth, Preparation, Cleanliness, Orderliness, House-sit,","Preparation for the new world order.  --  You have a project that will take you away from your home for some time.  You don't want to just leave your house unattended so you might decide to board it up.  Well, you realize that you can't do that because then everyone will know that the house is vacant and that would invite trouble from vandals.  So you decide that you want to hire a house sitter.  So you place an ad in the local newspaper and you get many responses from wonderful applicants.  You interview them and they all seem just right for the job; the right demeanor, the right attitude, well-groomed, friendly, trustworthy, intelligent, etc.  You are really stumped on whom you are going to choose to be your house sitter while you are gone.  A very good way of determining whom you should pick is to get their address and go to their home uninvited.  Imagine  you get to the home of one applicant and it's a dump.  Half the fence is missing and the other half needs repair.  The house is in desperate need of  a paint job.  You ring the doorbell and when the person comes out you notice that the dog is chasing around a chicken in the living room.  Beer cans and half-empty pizza boxes decorate the floor. The stench from it all sting your eyes and makes you gag.   When the homeowner realizes who you are they hide the sandwich they were eating though not noticing the slices of tomato falling onto a 'muck-green' carpet that makes you wonder what was the original color of the carpet.  They are evidently very embarrassed and explain: 'What a surprise.  I wasn't expecting you.  Oh, don't worry about this (pointing to his home), I will treat your  home much better than this.' How inclined will you be to hire this person to be your house sitter?  Remember when they showed up for the interview they were presenting a completely different image.  Now that you see them in their own natural setting, will you still see them the same?","Jehovah is taking applications for those who want to 'house-sit' his soon to be renovated beautiful planet  Earth.  How you show up in the Kingdom Hall will not be the judging factor.  It is how we are at home, work, play that constitutes whether or not we will be accepted.  We cannot expect  that we will change when we get to the new system.  We must be reflecting that way of living right now.  As we saw in the illustration, how inclined would you be to let someone preside over your home in your absence on a 'promise' that they will do a good job?  Can we expect Jehovah to do any differently?",Rev. 11:18;,Patti Gillison,A Cleansed Earth--will You Live To See It?,49,,1999/04/20,
"News, Media, Witnesses, Organization, Unity,",News items might be likened to an overview or a picture taken with a wide-angle lens;,"If instead, you used a zoom, or telephoto lens, you could see close-ups, many real-life experiences.  Include: men, once bossy, arrogant; now milder; women: once domineering or callous, who now help others.","Php 2:3, 4; Ro 12:3;","Apr 15, 1994 Wt Page 12",Serving With Jehovah's Unified Organization,3,,1994/03/23,
"News, Publicity, Media, Bad News,","A 10,000-ton pocket battleship, the Graf Spee, was the pride of the German fleet in 1939.  British cruisers tracked down and attacked the Graf Spee, forcing the ship to limp into the Uruguayan harbor of Montevideo for repairs.  A fierce rather one-sided battle seemed imminent.  A party of wealthy businessmen in the United States chartered a plane, at a cost of about $2,500 a head, to fly to Uruguay to witness the gory battle.","Adolf Hitler gave orders for the Graf Spee to be scuttled. Thousands  expecting to witness the spectacle of a fierce sea battle, saw and heard instead a deafening explosion that sent the Graf Spee to the bottom, scuttled by her own crew. The captain committed suicide with a gunshot to his head.  Why are people drawn to bad news?",Ge 1:31;,"Apr 15, 1996 Wt Page 5",Good News In A Violent World,85,,1996/05/25,
News; Newspapers;,'The man who reads nothing at all is better educated than the man who reads nothing but newspapers.' Quote:  Tj,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
News; Newspapers;,'The world really isn't any worse. It's just that the news coverage is so much better.'  Quote:  Changing Times.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
News; Newspapers;,"'When a dog bites a man that is not news, but when a man bites a dog, that is news.'  Quote:  Charles Dana.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Nightingale, Feeding Program, Provisions, Food, Slave, Appreciation,","Have you ever noticed young birds in a nest?  Always awake!  Always hungry!  They always think:  It's my turn!  That's my worm!  Parent bird has a feeding program to give each their food at proper time.  If they stay in the nest and the feeding program, one day those wobbly little legs will stand firm.  Grow up to be beautiful song bird.  Perhaps a warbler, a chickadee, or even the ultimate, according to many,  a nightingale.  They will become mighty; lift their wings up and will fly among Jehovah's creations.  (2)   Sometimes we see a young bird that has been thrown from the nest.  No longer in the feeding program, but now in the food chain, and among predators, he is almost certain to not make it.","We are worth more than sparrows, Jesus said.   We too are being cared for in this manner.  Jehovah has put us in a high place of security and on a feeding program unrivaled by anything in the world today.   Unlike Christendom, we have a fine spiritual feeding program. (Contrast those who fail to appreciate: Christendom)  We are getting our food at the proper time.  The right source.  (2)  Storms of life can throw us from the nest.  Must be determined as our brother are in Eastern Europe and attend meetings at the risk of their lives.  Brothers, Stay in the Nest!   Prepare for and enjoy the meetings.  Participate in the meetings.  Cultivate appreciation for other feeding occasions:  By staying awake, you will stand firm.  Grow mighty!  You will cry out joyously because of the good condition of the heart, and of His praises, 'You will sing like a nightingale.'",Isaiah 65:13-15; Amos 8:11; Matt 24:45-47; Ps 145:15; Matt 5:6; Ps 23:1-5;,Bobby Laymon; Assembly Part 5/28/95,Are You Content With Jehovah's Provisions?,22,,1995/05/29,
No; Can't Say No;,'All lay loads on the willing horse.'  Quote:  English.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
No; Can't Say No;,"'If he has no other burden, he'll take up a load of stones.'  Quote:  Malay.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
No; Can't Say No;,Whatever you are willing to put up with is exactly what you will have.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
No; Can't Say No; Funny;,'Double negatives are a no-no.'  Quote:  Bob Johnson.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
No; Can't Say No; Funny;,"It isn't whom you know, but whom you yes!",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Noah, Family, Flood,",How many families survived the flood?  Just one!,How many families will survive the end of this system of things?  Just one!  We are all part of a united happy family.,Genesis 7:13;,Joseph Wengert D. O.,The Flood Of Noah's Day Has Meaning For Us,6,,1995/05/29,
"Noah, Family, Flood,",Noah said it would rain.  The others laughed.  How can we tell who was right?  Those who were wrong were all wet.,Likewise we will tell the distinction between those telling the truth today and others.,Genesis 7:13;,Kenneth Welch,The Flood Of Noah's Day Has Meaning For Us,6,,1995/05/29,
"Noah, Large Fish, James Bartley, Prayer,","On February 1, 1891, James Bartley's ship, the whaler 'Star of the East,' was off the Falkland Islands.  When Bartley and a companion put out in a boat from the whaler and harpooned a sperm whale, the struck whale flicked over the boat with its tail.  The two men disappeared.  Afterward, when the whale was being cut up and its stomach was hoisted onto the deck, a movement was detected in the huge stomach.  Cutting it open, they found the Englishman Bartley inside, unconscious.  A dash of salt water revived him, but he was a raving maniac for two weeks after that.  The third week he came back to normal, but his skin that had been acted on by the whale's stomach juices always stayed blanched like parchment.","This experience demonstrates the perfect possibility of Jonah's experience.  Unlike Bartley, the prophet Jonah retained his consciousness and prayed to Jehovah in his temple.",Jonah 2:1-10;,You May Survive Armageddon Into God's New World.  Page 153,,,,"Feb 1, 2001",
"Noah, Walking,","Think of what a task this was.  Noah couldn't just go down to the local building supply,  and order 74 boxcars full of kiln dried lumber and marine grade plywood and a couple of tank cars full of pitch.   No, he no doubt spent years chopping and sawing and chiseling to shape the resinous cypress wood into a vessel the size of an ocean liner.","He could have thought, 'Seems like an awful lot of work, all this chopping and cutting and building.  Maybe I'll just wait until I see if it really looks like it's going to happen. Then I'll throw something together at the last minute, maybe something to save my family. No, we didn't end up with an account in the Bible about Noah's RAFT, or about how he and his family were such GOOD SWIMMERS. But he built the ark, of immense size.","Genesisesis 6:9, 22;",Jk,Are You Walking With God?,149,,"Apr 25, 2002",
"Noah, Walking,","When we think about Noah, the Bible describes Noah as one who walked with God and of course, the most immediate benefit we can think of to Noah, is that he did not have to walk around in the rain for forty days and forty nights!!!!   Can you imagine walking around a corner and meeting a billion of tons of water?","How did Noah avoid that collision?  He and his family concentrated on carrying out their God, given assignments.  And as Genesis 6:22 says, 'he did just so'.  Noah walked with God.  And in the case of Noah, this meant an assignment of awesome proportion.","Genesisesis 6:9, 22;",Jk,Are You Walking With God?,149,,"Apr 25, 2002",
Nobility; Government; Rulership; Kingdom; King;,'Noblesse oblige - Nobility carries its obligations.'  Quote:  Duc De Levis.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Noble-minded,"Human nature: to cling to, romanticize, perpetuate the familiar. People hate changes: view with suspicion and disdain whatever is novel or different. We can 'test' it with Bible as Beroeans did.",This human weakness can prevent us from being 'noble-minded',Acts 17:11,"Oct 8, 1960 Aw Page 4",,,,,
Not Cause Pain Or Make Jehovah Feel Hurt,"LITTLE BOY..DID SOMETHING THAT HURT, (He hurts too.) To gain good relationship we must not hurt Jehovah","Jehovah has feelings, we can hurt.",Ps 78:41,Bobby Laymon,Make Jehovah Your Confidence,70,,,
Not Designed For Independent Course,Plane or car operate themselves would crash.,Man cannot direct his own steps.,Jer 10:23,Creation Bk Page 190 Par 5,,,,,
"Notes, Attention, Listen,",A dull pencil is sometimes better than a sharp mind.,Take notes.,1 Ki 20:7;,Robert Schwarze,,,,1999/02/02,
Nuclear War;,'Idealists (optimists) maintain that all nations should share the atomic bomb. Pessimists maintain that they will.'  Quote:  Punch.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Nuclear, Doomsday Clock, Peace, Security, Armageddon,",The doomsday clock has in the last decade been turned back from 3 minutes before midnight back to 17 minutes before midnight.,In 1989 the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute noted: 'hope for peaceful conflict resolution is better founded than in any other year since the end of World War II.',"Joel 3:9; 1 Thess 5:3, 4; Rev 11:18;","Aug 1, 1994 Wt Page 6",Will You Escape This World's Destiny?,84,,1994/08/23,
"Nuclear, Weapons, Bombs, Peace, Security,","Twelve nations now have nuclear power.  They are: Belarus, Britain, China, France, India, Israel, Kazakhstan, Pakistan, Russia, South Africa, Ukraine, United States.","They are still counting.  Potential at time of writing: Algeria, Argentina, Brazil, Iran, Iraq, Libya, North Korea, South Korea, Syria, Taiwan.  The nations are sanctifying war.  God's kingdom will not reduce nuclear weapons.  It will completely eliminate them.",Ps 46:9; Joel 3:9;,"Aug 1, 1994 Wt Page 4",Will You Escape This World's Destiny?,84,,1994/08/23,
"Nuclear, Weapons, War, Fear, Security,","As the book The Transformation of War puts it, 'so immense is their power that they make conventional weapons look like a bad joke.'","As more and more nations acquire nuclear weapons, the possibility that someone will use them increases.","Isa 2:3,4","Apr 22, 1996 Aw Page 6",,,,1996/05/28,
"Number, Undetermined, Satan,",As 'the sand of the sea.' All who do not pass the 'final test' will be thrown into the symbolic 'lake of fire.',Means that the number is undetermined.,Rev. 20:7-15;,You Can Live Forever In Paradise On Earth. Page 182,How To Protect Ourselves From Satan's Snares,115,,,
Obedience,"Helping pen pigs, noticed one pig different;   One pig scrawny, stubby tail, thin, ugly, but obedient.","Then I noticed it was a dog.  The dog jumped into his lap, eat food from hand, occasionally go into house.  Jehovah gives many benefits to those obedient.",Rom 16:19;,Johnse Laymon,Keep Seeking God's Kingdom,44,,,
Obedience,"Make horse or mule obey, put bit in mouth, and bridle or halter to  guide.","Man, however has power to reason and understanding to obey.   Obedience comes from heart full of understanding and love for Jah.","Ps. 32:8,9","May 1, 1959 Wt Page 270",Keep Seeking God's Kingdom,44,,,
Obedience,"Mother tells child: Don't play in grass. (deep well, or snake)","Obedience for our benefit, even if we don't understand.",Ps. 19:7-11,Bobby Laymon,Keep Seeking God's Kingdom,44,,,
Obedience,"Tell Child, not to put finger in 'light socket'.","Obedience for our good, even if we do not understand why.",Ps. 19:7-11,Bobby Laymon,Keep Seeking God's Kingdom,44,,,
"Obedience, Choice, Foreknowledge, Free Will, Predestination, Wisdom,","Man can make a mechanical dog, wind it up, and watch it hop around, knowing exactly what it will do. It is void of will, restricted by mechanical design. It may entertain for a time, but is not nearly as enjoyable as a live dog. The live dog has a certain measure of choice, and when we exercise dominion over it and train it we derive pleasure from it.  The dog may be trained to do tricks, or render valuable service, such as that performed by a sheep dog. We are pleased because the dog does not obey us just because it has to, can do no  differently. It gives us pleasure when it obeys us out of free choice, thus showing attachment to us. But if it rebels against our training, such as sheep dogs sometimes do by turning killer, we have no pleasure in it and are forced to destroy it because it misused its power of choice.","In the same way man's proper use of free will brings pleasure to God. Jehovah had many creations without free will, such as the stars and planets, which mechanically obey his laws of motion and stay in their assigned orbits; and even lower animals, and especially insects, are  rather mechanical in action.",Ps. 35:27; 147:11; 149:4; Rev. 4:11,W53 6/1 348,What God's Rulership Can Do For Us,24,s,1994/05/13,
"Obedience, Choice, Foreknowledge, Free Will, Predestination, Wisdom,","So just as we prefer live dogs over mechanical ones, so Jehovah wanted live men with free moral agency instead of mechanical men.","Yes, Jehovah could have made a robot instead of a man, but it would have given him no more pleasure than a mechanical dog gives us.","Ezek. 18:23, 32; 33:11.",W53 6/1 348,What God's Rulership Can Do For Us,24,s,1994/05/13,
"Obedience, Commandments, Flesh, Sins, Progress,","What if you choose to obey only some of the traffic laws.  Suppose you decided not to speed, and also not to pass on bridges.  What would happen when you came to a red light or stop sign?  It could meant disaster.","Some choose to only avoid some of the works of the flesh.  Perhaps drunkenness, and fits of anger.  They still want to live with a person of the opposite sex, unmarried.",Gal. 5:19-21,Paula Hart,You Will Reap What You Sow,59,,"Apr 16, 2002",
"Obedience, Discipline, Law, Standards, Freedom,","Imagine standing atop a lofty mountain crag with feeling you are literally on top of the world.  The law of gravity severely restricts your every move.  A single misstep could be death. Yet, the same gravity prevents you from drifting into outer space.","Laws and obedience to them may limit our freedom, but they are for our good.  They do not make obedience undesirable. If we could suspend this law and float, think of fall sure to come","Eccl 12:1; Ps 36:9; 95:6, 7;","Oct 1, 1992 Aw Page 26, 29",Why Live By Bible Standards?,88,,,
"Obedience, Discipline, Law, Standards, Freedom,",Like learning a foreign language.,The habit of obedience can be learned when we are young.,Joshua 8:35; Pr 22:15;,"Oct 1, 1992 Aw Page 27",Why Live By Bible Standards?,88,,,
"Obedience, Dog, Bull,","Yes, a man will call to his dog and have the dog respond, but how many men respond to the words of God?",The men of that ancient nation did not remember their obligation to the One who created them. They did not have the good sense to obey God. Who today would want the Creator to speak of him as less sensible than a bull or an ass?,Is 1: 2-4;,W66 8/1 458,How Well Do You Know God?,1,,1994/05/13,
"Obedience, Grasshopper,","Suppose a grasshopper jumped on your shoulder, what would you do? Scream: 'get off'.  But, suppose he did, and you said, 'jump on this table,' & he did.  You said 'roll over' & he did.  'Jump back on my shoulder & he did.'","Obedience merits special consideration. Your son come in & says, 'There's a grasshopper on you. Hold still and I'll get him.' You say, 'Stop!'",Phil. 2:8;,"Ralph Walls, Heard By Scott Rudolph.",How Well Do You Know God?,1,,,
"Obedience, Law,","If a mother told her child not to play in the tall grass, but the child did not know why, should he obey anyway?  The mother may have seen a snake there, or a deep pit, covered over.","We should obey Jehovah's law, because he knows far more than we.","Ps. 19:7-11; 95:6, 7",You Can Live Forever In Paradise On Earth. Page 46,How To Express Love In A Lawless World,112,,,
"Obedience, Mildness, Refreshment,","Have you ever watched the powerful ocean waves beating relentlessly on the seashore?  Have you discerned any mercy, softness or warmth on their part?  They have worn away sand, rubbed rocks until smooth and round.  Chiseled out caverns and holes.  Yet obedient to many of God's laws.","In being obedient to others should we be like the sea?  Cold, hard, exacting, relentless and with never-ending drive, wearing away at one another and ultimately getting our way?",Job 38:8-11; Pr 21:13;2sa 12:1-14; Heb 13:17;,"Jul 15, 1970 Wt Page 432",Follow The Way To Life,45,,,
"Obedience, Mildness, Refreshment, Parents, Communication,","Some may have grown up where Father's word was a rigid law and he was as approachable as the cold, deep, powerful sea.  Others where every move was surrounded by, 'Don't do that.'  'Stop that.'  Just a never-ending barrage without any backing or reason.","Being like the sea will in time, with its abrasive power, wear down even the most devoted servant of God and produce a discouraged person that will just go along from day to day, year to year being indifferent to what is going on. 'What's the use, anyway?'",Job 38:8-11; Pr 21:13;2sa 12:1-14; Heb 13:17;,"Jul 15, 1970 Wt Page 432",Parents--are You Building With Fire-resistant Materials?,104,,,
"Obedience, Obey,","If a loving, very wise father refuses to eat poisonous mushrooms, this should be sufficient reason for his little boy also to loathe them. And if the father forbids the boy to eat them, then this is a double reason why an obedient boy who loves his father will despise them as food.","To the boy it is not just a matter of hating the consequences of getting sick if he disobeys his father. Rather, his obedience springs from a heartfelt love for his father.",Exodus 19:5;,W70 11/15 693,,,,1996/01/06,
"Obedience, Obey,","Like a rare jewel, obedience is hard to find in this twentieth-century world.  Even governments have tried many things to bring this desirable quality to the fore in their subjects.  Children sometimes obey only because it is enforced.","We must obey Jehovah, not because it is an enforced rule, but must be 'obedient from the heart.'",Ro 6:17; Jer 7:23; Ecclesiastes 12:13;,"Jul 15, 1970 Wt Page 426",Keep Seeking God's Kingdom,44,,,
"Obedience, Obey, Jesus, Endurance,","A SUPERHUMAN test of endurance!  Such a headline in a newspaper immediately attracts attention.  You wonder how you would fare under such a test, whether mountaineering, long-distance running, swimming, and so forth.","In truth, we are being invited to become involved in a SUPERHUMAN test of endurance.  We are involved!  This case concerns God's only-begotten Son, Christ Jesus.  Why was he tested?  What benefit could be obtained?  How are we running?","Heb 5:8, 9; 12:2","Sep 15, 1970 Wt Page 557",Glorifying God With All We Have,17,,,
"Obedience, Obey, Jesus, Endurance, Integrity, Loyalty,","Jesus 'went through the mill' as we say, with strong outcries and tears.  Jesus had always been obedient, but obedience had never been put to a severe test.  When in conflict with spirit creatures the 'prince of Persia' in Daniel's time, he was not subject to them, as when on earth, between these pressure groups.","Finally, Jesus was crushed to death between the upper and lower millstones of those pressure groups and of Rome.  However, he was not crushed or broken in spirit, or in integrity to Jehovah.",Dan 10:13; Jude 9; Mt 4:1-11; Heb 5:7; 12:2,"Sep 15, 1970 Wt Page 563",Glorifying God With All We Have,17,,,
"Obedience, Obey, Jesus, Endurance, Integrity, Loyalty,","Jesus was always true as steel, denoting loyalty and constancy.","But now it was tempered steel, tempered by fire.  Jesus had to learn by actual experience what it meant to be obedient.  We too must learn obedience.",Heb 5:7; Phil 2:5-11;,"Sep 15, 1970 Wt Page 563",Glorifying God With All We Have,17,,,
"Obedience, Obey, Joy, Happiness, Relationship, Baptism, Rules,",Does it sound like a 'prison term' when one decides to serve God.  Man would have it that way with his many rules and regulations.  His tendencies to make rules for everything.,"We must derive pleasure and joy from serving Jehovah.  His 'commandments are not burdensome.'  We must never become 'business Christians,' exacting obedience.",1 John 5:2-4; Titus 3:3-6; Mt 11:30;,"Jul 15, 1970 Wt Page 429, 430,",True Friendship With God And Neighbor.,100,,,
"Obedience, Obey, Joy, Happiness, Time, Baptism, Rules, Dates,",Are you hurriedly serving God because you have suddenly looked at the 'time clock?',"What will you do when this old system is gone and thousands of years lie ahead?  If you go to meeting because of urging from others, what will you do when they stop urging you.",1 John 5:2-4; Titus 3:3-6;,"Jul 15, 1970 Wt Page 429",Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,63,bl,,8/1/2015
"Obedience, Obey, Laws,","The Master Builder Jehovah, in answering Job out of the windstorm, compared the literal earth to a building.  Though the earth hangs upon nothing, it has, as it were, durable foundations that will not be made to totter.","The unchangeable laws governing the universe hold it firmly in place, and God's purpose toward the earth has remained unchanged.  On  the other hand, injustice and disobedience to God's law in effect tear down the foundations that give stability to the land, causing the  foundations of the figurative earth (the people and their established systems) to totter.",Job 38:4-7;job 26:7; 38:33; Ps 104:5; Mal 3:6;,It-1 867,,,,1996/01/06,
"Obedience, Obey, Listen, Age, Older, Example, Respect, Parents,","'The awful thing about getting old is not being listened to.' Quote: Albert Camus, French Novelist.",Children who do not respect their parents will likely find this respect lacking when they become old.,Exodus 20:12;,"Jul 8, 1995 Aw Page 6",Never Become Dull In Your Hearing,9,,1995/06/04,
"Obedience, Obey, Protection, Danger,",Have you ever played with matches?  It may seem like fun to watch the fire when you light a match.  But playing with matches can be dangerous.,"So obedience is a protection, isn't it?  Obeying just some of the time is not enough.  But if you always obey, it really will protect you.",Luke 21:20-22;,"Sep 1, 1970 Wt Page 520",How To Protect Ourselves From Satan's Snares,115,,,
"Obedience, Obey, Standards, Laws,",In the chemical fields certain laws are balanced and dependable. Oxygen produces rust on iron.  It causes decay on fallen trees. It is important in breathing.  Plants release it and men and animals breath it in.  These processes have been there since Jehovah set them in operation.,"Jehovah's rules are not changed to suit man.  Rather, man changes to comply with the fixed principles of creation.  Obedience to these set rules means life to the receiver.  Obedience cannot be bad.  Investigation is necessary to understand and comply.",Ro 6:17; Jer 7:23; Ecclesiastes 12:13;,"Jul 15, 1970 Wt Page 427",Why Live By Bible Standards?,88,,,
"Obedience, Obey, Submission, Subjection,","Lumps of clay; one is easy and pliable, other is hard and lumpy. Which one will you make the best vessel from?","We must be obedient, submissive, in Jehovah's hands.  Applies to wife's subjection to her husband also.",Rom. 9:21; Heb. 13:17; Eph. 5:1-33;,Bobby Laymon,Keep Seeking God's Kingdom,44,,,
"Obedience, Rechabites,","Do you remember when you went to school, how the other kids would try to get you to do something you knew your parents wouldn't approve of?",This is kind of like what happened to the Rechabites.  They were put under pressure to disobey.  We should be like them and always obey our parents and Jehovah.,Jer 35:6;,Tyrik Louis,,,,1996/02/22,
"Obedience, Sacrifice, Satan, Snares, World, Lure, Pioneer, Bethel, Gilead,","Imagine that you are at a baseball game. This is not just an ordinary game, it is the seventh game of the World Series.  It is the bottom of the 9th inning, and the score is tied.  There are runners on 1st and 2nd, no one is out, and it is your turn to bat.  You are the best batter on the team, you have the highest batting average, the most home runs, the most runs batted in.  The capacity crowd is cheering for a hit. As you stroll up to home plate, you look down to the third base coach, who looks into the dugout, and he flashes back the sign. The signal is to sacrifice!  He wants you to make an out in order to advance the other runners.  What will you do?","Instead of a baseball game, imagine it is a game for life. It is late in this system of things. The runners on base may be family, or interested ones. You may have the highest grades, the best job, etc. The crowd, the world, is cheering for you to make a hit.  As you stroll up to the plate and look for the sign, you look to the Faithful and Discreet Slave, who looks to Jesus.  The signal comes back for you to sacrifice, for you to subordinate interests in worldly pursuits so that you can advance the runners into the New World.  The pitch is delivered, what will you do?",1 Jo 2:15-17;,J.K.,How To Protect Ourselves From Satan's Snares,115,,1997/04/13,
"Obedience, Will, Obey,","Mother asked to get Jonathan apples for a pie.  Also got some yellow delicious, and tried to convince her they would make better pies, since they were sweeter.  Unsuccessful!","Jehovah's vast knowledge and experience and wisdom, make his way the best.  Do we do God's work, God's way. Noah, Moses, Jesus did it Jehovah's way.",Genesis. 6:22; Heb. 11:7; Numbers. 17:11; John 5:30; Heb. 5:6-9;,"Special One-day Assembly.  Dale Mitchell  (sep 22, 1991)",Keep Seeking God's Kingdom,44,,,
"Obedience, Will, Obey, World, Vanity,","Soviet Leader worked hard and became 'head' of the Soviet machine Everything I worked for all my life is wrong, meant nothing, & hanged himself. Some working to 'save the earth,' 'save the whales,' 'save the","What are we working so hard at?  Will it last? ozone,' or 'free the hostages,' 'free the POW's,' 'free sex,'","Eccl. 2:22, 23;","Special One-day Assembly. Dave Mcmann - Bethel (sep 22, 1991)",'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
"Obedience, Will, Obey, World, Vanity, Life, Purpose,","Lowly squirrel's purpose is to make a living, store up something, as a nest. Has a winter home and a summer home. Nest, and den. Eats variety of foods, berries, nuts, seed, etc. Knows how to save away, family oriented; quite a pension plan.","Do you lead a squirrel's life?  Are you satisfied with that? Most persons work for the same thing, as a squirrel does. Jehovah reveals real purpose of life.","Eccl. 12:13, 14; 2 Cor. 4:18; Ps. 49:19, 20;","Special One-day Assembly. Dave Mcmann - Bethel (sep 22, 1991)","Living, Not For Self, But To Do God's Will",8,,,
"Obedience, Will, Obey, World, Vanity, Loyalty,","A washing machine was made to wash clothes; a stove was made to cook on. Arnold J. Toynbee, studied history 60 years - left a 12 volume set. stated, 'Man's true end is to Glorify God.'",Man was made to do God's will.,"Eccl. 12:13, 14;","Special One-day Assembly. Dave Mcmann - Bethel (sep 22, 1991)",'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
Obedience;,'There are three ways to get something done. Do it yourself. Employ someone or forbid you children to do it.'  Quote:  Monta Crane.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Obedience; Circumcision,How long it took to resolve issue of circumcision.,Use Scriptures to reason on the above.,Acts 11:2;15:25-29;gal 5:1-3;1 Cor 7:18-20;phil 3:1-3;tit 1:10-13,Dch,Keep Seeking God's Kingdom,44,,1993/10/04,
Obey Body Of Elders,Little brother walking with circuit overseer (hands in pocket) Do you think Jehovah really cares about that.  No Does care whether I obey my parents or not.,Jehovah expects us to obey those in charge.,Eph. 6:1,Phil Kirkton,Respect For Authority Is A Safeguard For You,12,,,
"Obey, Listen, Name, Obedience, Submission, Subjection,","NINTH ending baseball game batter steps plate. A run would win the game, but the signal was bunt. Hit ball high and long the fielder went back, back jumped caught ball pocket. Player was fined because he disobeyed coach. Tried to make name for himself",Will we obey Jehovah or make name for selves.,Titus 3:3,B. Sales C.O.,Never Become Dull In Your Hearing,9,,,
"Obey, Obedience, Courage, Boldness, Shrink, Witnessing, Creation,","Have you ever been dived-bombed by a bird?  Some have watched individual large elephants unintentionally walk in the direction of a blacksmith plover's nest, only to be attacked by the birds.  The elephants usually oblige by making a detour.  Where do birds get such courage?","Christians can learn a lesson from this, even though they want to go beyond instinctive courage.  They are called upon to imitate their Master, Jesus Christ, who fearlessly obeyed God's commandments.",Heb 12:1-3; 10:39; Rev 21:8; Ps 103:12-14;,"Sep 15, 1994 Wt Page 25",Maintain Your Confidence Firm To The End,46,,1994/08/22,
"Obey, Obedience, Listen, Hear,","Consider the men in a symphony orchestra. The conductor might be a genius, but what good would that be if his men did not obey him? Musicians know only too well the importance of obedience, for their jobs depend upon their implicitly obeying the conductor, the notes and the first musician of their section! Is obedience important for them? It certainly is!","So, it is but to be expected that God in his Word, the Holy Bible, which he gave as a 'lamp to our feet and a light to our roadway,' should stress the importance of obedience in spiritual matters.  In fact, the word 'obey,' in its various forms, occurs more than 160 times in the Bible",Ps 119:105;,W77 3/15 163-4,How Well Do You Know God?,1,,1995/02/04,
"Obey, Obedience, Love, timing, ","A gauge, like a thermometer, to gage how much obedience we have.",We do! How well we keep His commandments.,"1 Jo. 2:3-6; Eph. 5:28, 33; 6:1, 2,; Ps. 15:1-5;","R. Bloom; Mar 3, 1991",How Well Do You Know God?,1,,,2/6/2021
"Obey, Obedience, Subjection,","Consider the men in a symphony orchestra. The conductor might be a genius, but what good would that be if his men did not obey him?","In fact, the word 'obey,' in its various forms, occurs more than 160 times in the Bible,",Ps 119:105;,W77 3/15 163,How Well Do You Know God?,1,,1994/10/24,
"Obey, Obedience, Subjection,",There are persons who refuse to acknowledge the authority of a court. The court exists. But they ignore its jurisdiction over them.,"Therefore, to say 'I believe that God exists' has real meaning only if one accepts God's Word, his authority in one's life. Do you?",Ps 119:105;,W73 8/1 451,Never Become Dull In Your Hearing,9,,1994/10/24,
"Obey, Obedience, Warnings,","When I was young, my Mom and Dad told me, 'Don't put your tongue to the well bucket on a cold morning.  The temptation was too much and I tried it.  Immediately I knew I had made a mistake.  I pulled the hide off my tongue.","Jehovah tells us, 'don't cheat, don't lie, stay away from adultery, treat  your wife or your husband with love and respect.'  He's eager to help us minimize the freezing horrors of life.  We must obey in order to find happiness.","Deuteronomy. 11:13, 14;",Bobby Laymon,Looking At Youths From Jehovah's Standpoint.,118,,"Feb 2, 2001",
"Obey, Obedience, Will, Works, Christendom,","If you were a father ... would you be pleased with a son who ignored your instruction to him, who did not listen to your counsel?","Many claim God as their Father, but few manifest real obedience.",Matt. 7:21;,"Jun 22, 1967 Aw Page 32",Religion's Role In World Affairs.,92,,,
Obey; Obedience;,'He that has learned to obey will know how to command.' Quote:  Solon,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Obey; Obedience;,'Obedience alone gives the right to command.'  Quote:  Rwe.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Obey; Obedience;,"'There are two kinds of men who never amount to much: those who cannot do what they are told, and those who can do nothing else.'  Quote:  Cyrus Curtis.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,12/13/2018
Obey; Obedience;,"'Wicked men obey from fear, good men from love.'  Quote:  Aristotle.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Obey; Obedience;,The only safe ruler is he who has learned to obey willingly.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Obey; Obedience;,"When someone demands blind obedience, you'd be a fool not to peek.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Obligation, Responsibility, Duty, Burden,","A father has an obligation to provide for his family materially. Failure to do so is tantamount to rejecting the Christian faith.  But is that obligation a burden for the Christian man? Not if he loves his family, for in that case he wants to provide for them.","Similarly, the work of preaching and disciple making is an obligation, a requirement, on which our very lives depend. Paul put it this way: 'Necessity is laid upon me. Really, woe is me if I did not declare the good news!'  However, our motive for preaching is love, not mere duty. Primarily we love God, but we also love our neighbors, and we know how important it is.",1 Corinthians 9:16; Compare Ezekiel 33:7-9;1 Timothy 5:8;,"Jan 15, 1997 Wt Page 23-24",,,,1996/12/23,
Observation;,'Observation - activity of both eyes and ears.'  Quote:  Horace Mann.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Obstacle, Improvement, Barriers, Trials,","In ancient times, a king had a boulder placed on a roadway. Then he hid himself and watched to see if anyone would remove the huge rock. Some of the king's wealthiest merchants and courtiers came by and simply walked around it. Many loudly blamed the king for not keeping the roads clear, but none did anything about getting the big stone out of the way. Then a peasant came along carrying a load of vegetables. On   approaching the boulder, the peasant laid down his burden and tried to   move the stone to the side of the road. After much pushing and straining, he finally succeeded. As the peasant picked up his load of vegetables, he noticed a purse lying in the road where the boulder had been. The purse contained many gold coins and a note from the king indicating that the gold was for the person who removed the boulder from the roadway.",The peasant learned what many others never understand. Every obstacle presents an opportunity to improve one's condition.,2 Thess 3:13;,Bobby Laymon,,,,1999/03/06,
"Obstacles, Stoppers, Hindrances, Growth,","Your car is in gear, and the engine is running, but it refuses to move forward.  A mechanical problem?  No, a large rock is lodged in front of one of the wheels.  Removing it is all that is necessary to get the car moving.","In a similar way, some who are studying the Bible with Jehovah's Witnesses have obstacles that can impede their spiritual progress.  For example, Jesus warned that such things as 'the anxiety of this system of things and the deceptive power of riches' could 'choke the word' of truth and hinder growth.",Matt. 13:22,"Aug 1, 2001 Wt Page 28",,,,"Jun 21, 2001",
Obstacles;,' But' is a fence over which few leap.'  Quote:  German.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Obstacles;,'Always do what you are afraid to do.'  Quote:  Emerson.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Obstacles;,'To turn an obstacle to ones advantage is a great step towards victory.'  Quote:  French.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Obstacles;,An obstacle is something you see when you take your eyes off the goal.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Obstacles; Effort; Endurance;,"'Over every mountain there is a path, although it may not be seen from the valley.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Obvious; Blindness;,'To see what is in front of one's nose requires a constant struggle.'  Quote:  George Orwell.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Offence, Anger, Touchy, Relationship, Hurt, Forgiveness, Resentment, Honor,",Artists have to be sensitive to sounds or colors as part of their profession.,"But being unduly sensitive, or touchy, in our relations with others is a form of selfishness that can rob us of our peace and prevent us from showing honor to others.",Eph 4:32;,W91 2/1 24,Do You Harbor Resentment Or Do You Forgive?,68,,1995/01/23,
"Offending, Forgiveness,","'Leave your gift there in front of the altar, and go away; first make your peace with your brother, and then, when you have come back, offer up your gift.'  Quote: Jesus Christ.","The worshiper has entered the Temple; he has passed through its series of courts; of the Gentiles, Women, Men, and beyond is the court of the Priests.  He is standing ready to have the priest lay his hands on animal's head, then he remembers...  Explain finding his brother in all that crowd.  (See article for details)","Matt 5:23, 24;","Feb 8, 1996 Aw Page 26, 27.",Do You Harbor Resentment Or Do You Forgive?,68,,1996/01/14,
Offense,"Accidentally cut yourself, would you keep stabbing the wound again Take offense: be displeased, pained, annoyed, wounded, hurt by the actions of others. Can build into hatred; blind the mind.","Taking offense, is the inflicting further damage.","Prov. 12:16; Genesis. 4:3-8; Esther 3:5; 7:10 Eccl. 7:8,9","Jul 22, 1960 Aw Page 3",Do You Harbor Resentment Or Do You Forgive?,68,,,
Offense,"Hit your finger, would you continue to bruise your other fingers? Take offense: be displeased, pained, annoyed, wounded, hurt by the actions of others. Can build into hatred; blind the mind.","Taking offense, is the inflicting further damage.","Prov. 12:16; Genesis. 4:3-8; Esther 3:5; 7:10 Eccl. 7:8,9","Jul 22, 1960 Aw Page 3",Do You Harbor Resentment Or Do You Forgive?,68,,,
"Offense, Grudge,","Man is offended when boss or other co-workers treat him wrongly.  Person is very upset, and upon arriving home informs his wife he is going to divorce her.  Wife complains that she didn't do anything to her husband, but husband still insists on divorce, even though he knows wife is very good to him. He states that his co-workers drove him to divorce her, that they made him mad and she is going to pay.","If others in Kingdom Hall upset us or offend us why take it out on Jehovah by quitting the meetings or service, why divorce Jehovah over what humans has done to us.  God is very good to us like wife.  He doesn't deserve it.",Prov 19:3;,Jim Breden,Do You Harbor Resentment Or Do You Forgive?,68,,1996/01/14,
"Offense, Resentment,","Man is offended when boss or other co-workers treat him wrongly.  Person is very upset, and upon arriving home informs his wife he is going to divorce her.  Wife complains that she didn't do anything to her husband, but husband still insists on divorce, even though he knows wife is very good to him.  He states that his co-workers drove him to divorce her, that they made him mad and she is going to pay.","If others in Kingdom Hall upset us or offend us why take it out on Jehovah by quitting the meetings or service, why divorce Jehovah over what humans has done to us.  God is very good to us like wife.  He doesn't deserve it.",Prov. 19:3;,Jim Breden,Do You Harbor Resentment Or Do You Forgive?,68,,1996/01/14,
"Old Age, Depression, Moods, Stress, Encouragement, Balance","Bad thoughts? Job wished he was dead. You can be depressed, unhappy, and still serve Jehovah faithfully. David lacked ability to experience pleasure (Ps. 38:6-8) yet didn't turn against Jehovah.","Jehovah doesn't judge us by what we think, but by our choice. Moses expected to fail; Aaron was even sent as mouth to console. Thinking as Job did?  Encourage: 'Try not to dwell on that!'","Job 6:8; Ps. 38:6-8; 94:18, 19;",Bro. Jim Howard (bethel Brother),Gaining Comfort In All Our Tribulations,105,,,
"Old Age, Depression, Moods, Stress, Encouragement, Balance",Motto: 'Expect nothing -- Appreciate Everything!' (written inside a Brother's Bible.) Try to be realistic.,"Love never fails, however people do.  What do we expect of ourselves? Of others?",1 Cor. 13:8; 1 Th 5:14,Bro. Jim Howard (bethel Brother),Gaining Comfort In All Our Tribulations,105,,,
"Old Age, Depression, Moods, Stress, Encouragement, Balance, Groan,",How realistic is it for Christians to get their reward now in Satan's system of things? Bad thoughts? Job had to make a covenant with his eyes. Tougher problem: He wanted to die. Job 6:8;,"It is possible to be strong spiritually, though depressed. May even be stronger than others that are happier. (Job was) Don't say, 'you mustn't think that way.' but 'try not to dwell..'","Rom. 7:21-25; Ps. 94:18, 19; 38:6-8;",Bro. Jim Howard (bethel Brother),Gaining Comfort In All Our Tribulations,105,,,
"Old Age, Depression, Moods, Stress, Encouragement, Balance, Groan,",Quote: 'Old age is not for sissies!'  (Art Linkletter) Try to be realistic.,"Physical imperfection is not as obvious in a young baby. Even in a 20-year-old, it is not always obvious. Shows much more as we get older.  Can bring on depression.","Ps. 34:17, 18; Prov. 12:25; Jas. 5:14, 15",Bro. Jim Howard (bethel Brother),Gaining Comfort In All Our Tribulations,105,,,
"Old Age, Depression, Moods, Stress, Encouragement, Balance, Groaning,",'Mile-by-Mile is a trial; Yard-by-yard is hard; Inch-by-inch is a cinch.' SET SMALL GOALS! Action is the greatest anti-depressant in the world.,SET SMALL GOALS; Depressed are immobilized. Help them to move! To get up! Do something anti-depressant. Don't lecture. encourage! Walk; move your body; set small goals.,"Ps. 34:17, 18; Prov. 12:25; Jas. 5:14, 15",Bro. Jim Howard (bethel Brother),Gaining Comfort In All Our Tribulations,105,,,
"Old Age, Depression, Moods, Stress, Encouragement, Balance, Groaning,","Someone sitting safely on the beach, giving word of advise to one drowning.  Must do more. Must help that one. They want to know that others care about them. Not like Job's comforters who came with pre-set theory.","Comfort can become an irritant, if not done properly. Listen, understand, be generous in commendation. Timing is important.","Ps. 34:17, 18; Prov. 12:25; Jas. 5:14, 15",Bro. Jim Howard (bethel Brother),Gaining Comfort In All Our Tribulations,105,,,
"Old Age, Depression, Moods, Stress, Encouragement, Balance, Groaning,","You stake up a tomato plant for support. It keeps supporting the plant day after day, week after week. Speak consolingly: It is vital that the depressed person have someone around who won't start lecturing, who will stay patient.",Greek word for 'support' the weak is Antekhesthe- (be you holding yourselves against),1 Th 5:14,"Bro. Jim Howard (bethel Brother) Apr 15, 1982 Wt Page 15",Gaining Comfort In All Our Tribulations,105,,,
Old Age;,'Old age is an incurable disease.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Old Age;,'Old men are twice children.'  Quote:  Greek.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Old Age;,"Old people have fewer diseases than youth, but their diseases never leave them.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Old Age; Age; Attitude;,'The trick is growing up without growing old.'  Quote:  C. Stengel.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Old Age; Attitude;,'By the time a person gets to greener pastures he can't climb the fence.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Old Age; Attitude;,'How old would you be if you didn't know how old you were?',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Old Age; Attitude;,"'Its not how old you are, but how you are old.'  Quote:  Marie Dressler.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Old Age; Attitude;,"'Man fools himself, he prays for long life and he fears old age.'  Quote:  Chinese.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Old Age; Attitude;,'My only fear is that I  may live too long. This would be a subject of dread to me.' Quote:  Tj,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Old Age; Attitude;,'The older you get the more important it is not to act your age.'  Quote:  Ashley Brilliant.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Old Age; Attitude;,'The spirit should not grow old.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Old Age; Attitude;,"Don't be like the young man who complains about having to get up in the morning, be like the old man who rejoices that he still can.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Old Age; Attitude;,"Don't complain about getting old, because when you stop, you're dead.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Old Age; Attitude; Forgetfulness;,"'I like my bifocals, my dentures fit just fine; my hearing aid is perfect, but Lord how I miss my mind.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Old Age; Death;,'I prefer old age to the alternative.'  Quote:  Maurice Chevalier.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Old Age; Death;,'Old age is an island surrounded by death.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Old Age; Learning; Attitude; Wisdom;,'It is always in season for old men to learn.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Old Age; Old Dog New Tricks;,"'Age does not depend upon years but upon temperament and health. some men are born old, and some never grow so.' Quote:  Tyron Edwards",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Old Age; Old Dog New Tricks;,"'Age....is a matter of feeling, not of years.'  Quote:  George Curtis.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Old Age; Old Dog New Tricks;,"'As one grows older, one becomes wiser and more foolish.'  Quote:  François Rochefoucauld.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Old Age; Old Dog New Tricks;,'At 20 years of age the will reigns; at 30 the wit; at 40 the judgment.'  Quote:  Bf.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Old Age; Old Dog New Tricks;,'Old age isn't so bad when you consider the alternative.'  Quote:  Maurice Chevalier.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Old Age; Old Dog New Tricks;,'The older I grow the more I distrust the familiar doctrine that age brings wisdom.'  Quote:  H.L.Mencken.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Old Age; Old Dog New Tricks;,'The woman who tells her age is either too young to have anything to lose of too old to have anything to gain.'  Quote:  Chinese.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Old Age; Old Dog New Tricks;,"If wrinkles must be written upon our brows, let them not be written upon the heart.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Old Age; Old Dog New Tricks;,Its never too late to be what you might have been.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Old Age; Wisdom; Experience;,'An old man's sayings are seldom untrue.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Old Age; Wisdom; Experience;,'It is good to follow the old fox.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Old Age; Wisdom; Youth;,"'Old age is like everything else, to make a success of it you've got to start young.'  Quote:  Felix Martin.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Old System, Priority, Balance, Last Days, Armageddon,",Can you imagine anyone mopping the deck of Titanic after it hit iceberg. This world hit iceberg in 1914. A ship sinks slowly at first.,Need to recognize where this system is headed.  Finally goes under all of a sudden taking anything near with it.,1 J 2:17,Don Mendenhall-d.O.,Ruining The Earth Brings Divine Retribution,106,,,
"Old, Feeble, Age, Sickness, Disease,","'Age makes us not childish, as some say; it finds us still true children.'  Quote: Goethe (1749-1832)","Too soon, we grow old and die, while even young at heart.",Is 65:20;,Wisdom Of The Ages,Communication--within The Family And With God,30,,,
"Old, Feeble, Age, Sickness, Disease,",'I've never known a person to live to be one hundred and be remarkable for anything else.' Quote: Josh Billings (1815-1885),"Age does not always mean great accomplishments.  Jesus Christ lived only 33 years on earth, yet accomplished more than any man who ever lived.  Contrast with Methuselah.",Ge 5:27; John 21:25;,Wisdom Of The Ages,Communication--within The Family And With God,30,,,
"Old, Feeble, Age, Sickness, Disease,",'Nature has appointed twilight as a bridge to pass us out of day into night.'  Quote: Thomas Fuller (1608-1661),Sickness often makes death seem more suitable.,"2ki 1:16, 17;",Wisdom Of The Ages,Communication--within The Family And With God,30,,,
Older Ones,"Crush cup; world treats older ones like that.  Crown of beauty, when found in way of righteousness.  Examples: Luke 2:36, 37  Ps 37:25  Ps 71:18",What is Jehovah's view of older persons?,Prov 16:31,Mike Hart,Communication--within The Family And With God,30,,,
Older Ones,Valuable Resource Experience of 87 year old encouraging elder.,We must take time to tap and draw on values they possess.,"Ruth 1:16, 17; 3:11 Job 12:12; Prov. 16:31","Feb 1, 1986 Wt Page 28, 29",Communication--within The Family And With God,30,,,
Older Ones In Congregation,Like 'gold mines' in congregation.,"Valuable treasures of knowledge, experience, capable to lead",1 Tim 5:17  1 Pet 5:1-3,Convention Talk,Respect For Authority Is A Safeguard For You,12,,,
"Older Ones In Congregation, Elderly,",Whiz by older cars on highway Moses-Joshua worked with 40 yrs Trained & capable to lead Israel.  Examine the medal and character in older cars.,"Do we do that to older ones in Congregation? Real value, classic, strong, tested, Many are real classics!",1 Tim 5:17  1 Pet 5:1-3,Convention Talk,Respect For Authority Is A Safeguard For You,12,,,
"Older Ones, Age,","Their beauty is like trees in full blossom, and they are like a warm fire on a cold night.","Their qualities like gold, have been refined by time & experience.","Ruth 1:16, 17; 3:11 Job 12:12; Prov. 16:31","Feb 1, 1986 Wt Page 28, 29",Communication--within The Family And With God,30,,,
"Older, Age, Life, Peace, Youth,","The time of old age may be like the late afternoon of a summer's day, when the shadows have grown long but the light still lingers, and there are still bird songs in the treetops and the twilight is peace.","In association with such older ones we often learn what the vital issues of life are.  They, like the earth, may be filled with treasures, unknown treasures still to be discovered and enjoyed. When young persons seek their company, they are enriched.",Le 19:32; 1sa 12:2; Ps 37:25;,"Sep 22, 1970 Aw Page 7",How Can Youths Cope With Today's Crisis?,113,,,
"Older, Aged, Support, Encourage, Depressed,","'Tis not enough to help the feeble up, But to support him after.' Quote: William Shakespeare. [1607-1608].","When natural disasters, persecutions, sickness plunge fellow Christians into need, individually we can feel the urge to assist; providing real comfort-not just words of consolation.  We need to support our brothers as long as there is a need.","Jas 2:15, 16;",Bobby Laymon,Follow The Course Of Hospitality,77,,1995/07/10,
"Older, Elderly,","'Honey, bring me an old rag you don't care much about!' Working on a dirty project. She brings a rag that was once your favorite towel. Served faithfully for many years. Now menial job. Many of these have served Jehovah faithfully for many years and are of great value in Jehovah's eyes.","How world views the elderly. No longer of value.  We should not view them lightly, but highly respect them.",Prov. 16:31,Bobby Laymon,Follow The Course Of Hospitality,77,,,
"Older, Progress, Age, Franz, Example, Single,","Frederick William Franz - Born Sep 12, 1893 in Covington, Kentucky Finished earthly course on Dec 22, 1993 at 99 1/2 years of age. Served Jehovah faithfully, and progressively right up to death.","He was understanding, encouraging, and patient toward everyone with whom he served and traveled.  Fine example to young and old.","Re 2:8, 10; 14:13; Mt 24:45-47; Heb 13:7;","Mar 15, 1993 Wt Pages 32, 31;",'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
"Money, Materialism, Contentment, Pioneer,",The commercial world has set up a merry-go-round that never stops.,"If we always demand to have the latest in everything, we will never be satisfied, since the latest is soon outdated, and a new state-of-the-art model appears.","1ti 6:9, 10;","Sep 1, 1993 Wt Page 13",Reach Out For The Real Life!,90,,,
Open-minded,Parachute: like mind; only functions if open,Not being biased,1 Pet. 1:13,Bobby Laymon,,,,,
Opera;,"'Opera is when a guy gets stabbed in the back and instead of bleeding, he sings.'  Quote:  Ed Gardner.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Opinion, Wisdom, Vision, Knowledge, View, Paradigm",'Every man takes the limits of his own field of vision for the limits of the world.' Quote: Arthur Schopenhauer.,We must keep our vision clear and sharp regarding the Paradise. Undue concern over material things can cause our vision to be blurred to the really important thing--life as approved servants of Jehovah.,1 Ti 6:17-19;,Bobby Laymon,Be Confident Of Divine Victory!,39,,1995/07/18,
Opinion; Ignorance;,'Nothing contributes more to a person's peace of mind than having no opinions at all.'  Quote:  G.C. Linchberg.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Opinion; Opinionated; Narrow-mindedness;,'Those who never retract their opinions love themselves more than they love truth.'  Quote:  Joseph Joubert.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Opinion; Viewpoint;,"'You can't always go by opinion.  A turkey, if you ask a turkey, should be stuffed with grasshoppers, grit and worms.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Opinionated, Self-willed, Personality, Friend, Enemy, Love, Hate,",There's more than one way to skin a cat.,"Work with brothers, not against them.",Mic. 7:5; Prov. 18:24; Luke 16:9; John 15:13-15; Prov. 14:20;,Bobby Laymon,"Friendship With God, Friendship With The World -- Which Will You Choose?",79,,,
Opinionated; Apathy;,'Nothing contributes more to a person's peace of mind than having no opinion at all.'  Quote:  G. C. Lichtenberg.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Opinionated; Stubborn;,'Stubbornness does have its helpful features. You always know what you are going to be thinking tomorrow.'  Quote:  Glen Beaman.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Opinions, Limping, Baptism, Improvement, Progress, Growth, Doubt,","'A man without decision can never be said to belong to himself; he is as a wave of the sea, or a feather in the air which every breeze blows about as it listeth.'","Indecision, under circumstances that demand decision, is a sign of a coward.","Jas. 1:6; 1 Ki. 12:28, 28; 19:18: 18:21 Josh. 24:15;","Aug 15, 1967 Wt Page 489",Keep Growing In Your Relationship With God,16,,,
"Opinions, Limping, Baptism, Progress, Growth, Doubt, Improve,",Doubts are like 'crippled thinking.' Jehovah put his finger right at the root of the trouble -- two opinions. (mental limpers),'How long will you be limping upon two different opinions?,1 Ki. 18:21; Jas. 1:6; Josh. 24:15;,"Aug 15, 1967 Wt Page 490",Keep Growing In Your Relationship With God,16,,,
"Opinions, Limping, Baptism, Progress, Growth, Doubt, Improve, Happiness,","Many are the persons who are afflicted by a physical limp, often through no fault of their own, accident or birth defect. Can it be rectified? Sometimes yes, but most often they have to make the best of it.",There is a mental limping that constitutes a graver handicap to progress and happiness. Limping on two different opinions. May it never be your misfortune to become its victim.,"1 Ki. 12:28, 29; 19:18; 18:21; Josh. 24:15;","Aug 15, 1967 Wt Page 489",You Can Find Joy In Serving God,103,,,
"Opinions, Limping, Baptism, Progress, Growth, Doubt, Improvement,",'Irresolution is a worse vice than rashness.  He that shoots best may sometimes miss the mark; but he that shoots not at all can never hit it.',Limping on two different opinions that many are affected with. Can we throw it off?,"1 Ki. 12:28, 28; 19:18: 18:21 Josh. 24:15;","Aug 15, 1967 Wt Page 489",Keep Growing In Your Relationship With God,16,,,
"Opinions, Limping, Progress, Growth, Doubt, Babylon, Christendom,",We should not have curiosity about or hankering after the nutrition less diet of Babylon the Great's religions.,"We need to eat spiritual food, and get our feet fixed firmly on the pathway to life.",Matt. 24:45-47; 1 Ki. 18:21; Jas. 1:6; Josh. 24:15;,"Aug 15, 1967 Wt Page 492",Religion's Role In World Affairs.,92,,,
"Opinions, Open-minded, Prejudice, Conceit,","'Science is the graveyard of ideas.' Quote from scientist. 'stiff in opinion' obstinate, or conceited.","Instead of holding opinions, opinionated person is enslaved by the","Jer. 7:4, 14; John 7:52; Acts 17:31, 32;","Feb 22, 1962 Aw Page 3",Does God Count You Personally Important?,26,,,
"Opinions, Open-minded, Prejudice, Conceit,","'Wise men change their minds but fools never do.' 'stiff in opinion' obstinate, or conceited.","Instead of holding opinions, opinionated person is enslaved by the","Jer. 7:4, 14; John 7:52; Acts 17:31, 32;","Feb 22, 1962 Aw Page 3",Does God Count You Personally Important?,26,,,
"Opportunity, Time, Future, Decisions,",'Yesterday is a canceled check; tomorrow is a promissory note; today is the only cash you have - so spend it wisely.' Quote: Kay Lyons.,We do not know what tomorrow will bring.  Peter urged: `Keep close in mind the presence of the day of Jehovah.'  This means that we should be fulfilling our Christian obligations every day.  'The day of Jehovah' comes like a thief; our own life might end tomorrow.,2 Pet 3:12; Ps 95:7-11;,Bobby Laymon,Decide Now For Divine Rulership,37,,1995/06/27,
"Opportunity, Zeal, Exert, Goals, Pioneer,","'If opportunity doesn't knock, build a door.'  Quote: Milton Berle.","Jehovah's people, through his holy spirit have worked hard to open up ways into countries where the Good News had not been preached.",Luke 13:24;,Bobby Laymon - Reader's Digest,Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,63,,1996/03/24,
Opportunity;,'A wise person will make more opportunities than he finds.'  Quote:  Salada.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Opportunity;,'Be cautious. Opportunity does the knocking for temptation too.'  Quote:  Al Batt.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Opportunity;,'Do not wait for extraordinary circumstances to do good; try to use ordinary situations.'  Quote:  Jean Paul Richter.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Opportunity;,'Plough deep while sluggards sleep.'  Quote:  Bf.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Opportunity;,"'Seize the opportunity by the beard, for it is bald from behind.'  Quote:  Bulgarian.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Opportunity;,'The opportunity that God sends doesn't wake up he who is asleep.'  Quote:  Senegalese.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Opportunity;,Gather ye rosebuds while ye may.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Opportunity;,God's best gift to us is not things but opportunities.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Opportunity;,Hoist your sail while the wind is fair.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Opportunity;,"If heaven drops a date, open your mouth.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Opportunity;,"In the orchard of opportunity, it is better to pick fruit than to wait for it to fall.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Opportunity;,Make hay while the sun shines.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Opportunity;,Strike while the iron is hot.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Opportunity;,The tide must be taken when it comes.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Opposites, Trials, Problems, Tests, Balance,",Every sweet has its sour; every evil its good. --Ralph Waldo Emerson,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Opposition, Persecution, Thinking, Witnessing, Christendom,","'Something rotten in Denmark!'  The Methodist minister asked, 'Who in the world gave you permission to fish in my fish baskets?' The brother quickly replied, 'Who gave you permission to put the fish into baskets?'",A reply to the above statement by a Methodist minister in Denmark when a young couple who lived in the church building accepted the truth.,Jer 16:16; Eze 47:10; Mt 4:19;,1993 Yb Page 81,Who Are Qualified As Ministers Of God?,81,,,
"Oppression, Depression, Stress, Confess, Sin, Repent, Groaning,","As a tree might lose life-giving moisture during a drought or in summer's dry heat. Bad people often suffer for pursuing a licentious course, not as divine punishment.","Anguish over his guilt reduced David's vigor, apparently causing him to suffer both mentally and physically.  Relief can come by confessing and receiving God's pardon.","Ps 32:3, 4; Pr 28:13; Ps 51","Sep 15, 1992 Wt Page 5",Gaining Comfort In All Our Tribulations,105,,,
"Oppression, Depression, Stress, Groaning,","A comedian tells about a man climbing a tree to shake a raccoon out, but it was a bob-cat.  They began fighting each other and finally he called down and said, 'Just shoot up here among us. One of us has got to have some relief.'","Sometimes a person who is depressed feels that way.  He feels he must do something, even if it causes him damage, to get relief. A trusted friend sometimes can comfort and console him.",Eccl 7:7; Judges 19:3; 1th 5:14;,Bobby Laymon ( Jerry Clower's Story),Gaining Comfort In All Our Tribulations,105,,,
"Oppression, Fraud, Government, Authority","Cloudburst, causing flashfloods, homes & cattle washed away. Greedy ruler, in debt, sweep away everything.",Poor man that comes into power; uses office to grab all he can.,Prov. 28:3,"Feb 1, 1962 Wt Page 86",Respect For Authority Is A Safeguard For You,12,,,
Optimist; Pessimist;,'A pessimist is a man who has been compelled to live with an optimist.'  Quote:  E. Hubbard.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Optimist; Pessimist;,'A pessimist is one who feels bad when he feels good for fear he'll feel worse when he feels better.'  Quote:  Anonymous.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Optimist; Pessimist;,'For myself I am an optimist--it does not seem to be much use being anything else.' Quote: Winston Churchill,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Optimist; Pessimist;,'The habit of looking on the bright side of every event is worth more than a thousand pounds a year.'  Quote:  Samuel Johnson.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Optimist; Pessimist;,"'The optimist proclaims that we live in the best of all possible worlds, and the pessimist fears this is true.'  Quote:  James B. Campbell.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Optimist; Pessimist;,"'There is no sadder sight than a young pessimist, except an old optimist.'  Quote:  Mt.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Optimist; Pessimist;,"'Two men look out through the same bars; one sees the mud, and one the stars.'  Quote:  Frederick Langbridge.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Optimist; Pessimist;,An optimist is a fellow who believes a housefly is looking for a way out.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Optimist; Pessimist;,"I am not afraid of tomorrow, I have seen yesterday and I love today.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Optimist; Pessimist;,Optimism is a cheerful frame of mind that enables a tea kettle to sing though its in hot water up to its nose.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Optimist; Pessimist;,"Pessimist: One who, when he has the choice of two evils, chooses both.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Optimist; Pessimist;,"The pessimist complains about the wind, the optimist expects it to change, the realist adjusts the sails.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Optimist; Pessimist; Attitude;,'A cynic is a person who smells flowers and looks around for a coffin.'  Quote:  H.L. Mencken.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Optimist; Pessimist; Attitude;,'An optimist stays up until midnight to see the new year in. A pessimist stays up to make sure the old year leaves.'  Quote:  Bill Vaughn.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Optimist; Pessimist; Attitude;,'Cheer up!  The worst is yet to come!'  Quote:  Philander Johnson.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Optimist; Pessimist; Attitude;,'Pessimism never won a battle.'  Quote:  Dwight Eisenhower.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Optimist; Pessimist; Attitude;,"I have a new philosophy, I'm only going to dread one day at a time.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Optimist; Pessimist; Attitude;,"If you count all your assets, you always show a profit.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Optimist; Pessimist; Attitude;,"When life hands you lemons, make lemonade.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Orbit, Chance, Evolution, Life, Earth, Planet, Bible, Science,","An astronaut comes back from orbiting the earth in a capsule of a few tons and is hailed as a hero. The scientists who devised the mechanism are lauded. What would they think if you declared that the thousands of pieces of metal just chanced to assemble themselves into a capsule and rocket, just happened to be filled with fuel, just happened to ignite when the man was accidentally in the capsule, and then the entire affair just chanced to go into orbit? They would dismiss you as a joker or a mental incompetent.","Yet, Jehovah put the earth, weighing an estimated six and a half sextillion tons, into perfect orbit with millions of living things on it, with no reentry problems, no worries over oxygen supplies, no need to squeeze food from a tube or to be concerned about how to get rid of body wastes. And we are asked to believe that this just happened by itself!",Job 26:7;,W64 10/1 587-8,The Earth Will Remain Forever,130,,"Jul 25, 2001",
"Order, Organization, Establishment,",WE WERE all born into an 'establishment.' By that word do we mean the system of things that exists here on our earthly globe? No! We mean an establishment of which our earth is just a very tiny part. We mean an establishment that extends away out into outer space.  So tremendously big is this establishment that it needs to be measured in units of distance called 'light-years.',"Who runs this staggeringly large establishment? It was already operating orderly before we humans came into existence. It does not need us to keep it running forever, hanging out there in space and working so harmoniously. Needless to say, it is too big for us, too far beyond our power of influence to reach.",Rom 1:18;,W72 11/1 645,Serving With Jehovah's Unified Organization,3,,1994/11/24,
Order; Custom;,"'Have a place for everything and keep the thing somewhere else; this is not advice, it is merely custom.'  Quote:  Mt.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Order; Orderliness; Universe;,'A place for everything and everything in its place.'  Quote:  Bf.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Order; Orderliness; Universe;,"'Don't agonize, organize!'  Quote:  Florence Kennedy.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Order; Orderliness; Universe;,'Good order is the foundation of all good things.'  Quote:  Edmund Burke.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Order; Orderliness; Universe;,'He that is everywhere is nowhere.' Quote: T. Fuller,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Order; Orderliness; Universe;,"'The universe is duly in order, everything in its place.' Quote:  Walt Whitman",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Orderliness;,'One of the advantages of being disorderly is that one is always making exciting discoveries.'  Quote:  A. Milne.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Organization,"Avoid:(1)Drift Away; (2)Draw Away; (3)Turn Away; (4)Fallen Away (1) No effort, neglect, miss meetings, think others drifting (2) By choice: secular job, problem upset you, lack of faith (3) Independent course",Satan subtle methods to get you out of truth. (4) Apostates Phil 1:15-18,"(1) Heb 2:2-4  (2) Heb 3:12, 13 (3) Heb 12:25 (4) Heb 6:4-6","Assembly Talk;   Sep 1, 1961 Wt Page 532",Serving With Jehovah's Unified Organization,3,,,
Organization,"City, no crime & corruption, immorality, virtue demanded; Would you make an effort to go there to live. Must study Bible & make full dedication to go there. No other way.",New World Society,Isa. 54:13,"Apr 22, 1960 Aw Page 24",Serving With Jehovah's Unified Organization,3,,,
Organization,"Family; happy, trust each other, know others mistakes, faults. Organization is like that.","Large, world-wide family.",Rom. 12:2; Prov. 19:22,"May 15, 1961 Wt Page 301",Serving With Jehovah's Unified Organization,3,,,
Organization,Fire Drill! Israelites left Egypt in above fashion.  Pictured great crowd of 20th century.  Must keep in line worldwide organizational arrangement.,"Helps one to act in orderly manner.  Not wild scramble.  None be trampled, all be preserved.",Exodus 12:37-51   Numbers 11:4,"Wt Sept 1, 1989 Page 14",Serving With Jehovah's Unified Organization,3,,,
Organization,In business organization assures that various parts of product being assembled will flow correctly down the assembly line and when it is completed will measure up to requirements and the process will not be stalled waiting for bolts or nuts.,"In congregation it assures that things will be done correctly at the time they should be, that will be orderly and will reflect our God of organization.",1 Cor. 15:33,"Johnse Laymon Dec 22, 1965 Aw Pg 9",Serving With Jehovah's Unified Organization,3,,,
Organization,"In the home, good Organization will mean that dishes will be hot for meal, and that whole meal won't be cold because family is late. Better organization. also means less time spent washing, ironing, cooking and housekeeping.","In congregation it assures that things will be done correctly at the time they should be, that will be orderly and will reflect our God of organization",1 Cor. 15:33,"Johnse Laymon Dec 22, 1965 Aw Pg 9",Serving With Jehovah's Unified Organization,3,,,
Organization,"Jet-liner with ultimate travel efficiency. Change course instantly VS 4-10  speed of lightening vs. 14 Rims full of eyes, so not going blindly. Go in any direction.  Awesome ice.","Jehovah's Celestial Chariot. Has ultimate, fast, awesome chariot. We must move in concert and keep pace. New World Society does not stand still",Ezek Chap 1,"Pure Language Dist. Assy. Mobile July 5-8, 1990 Bro. Eslinger",Serving With Jehovah's Unified Organization,3,,,
Organization,"Lived in city long enough to feel you are part of it.  Watched as buildings lost & replaced by new ones. Narrow streets widened. Saw city develop & progress, you have had a share in it & felt part of it.",We are part of a 'city like' organization. Jehovah's organization is a glorious habitation.,"Ruth 1:16, 17","Nov 1, 1959 Wt Page 668",Serving With Jehovah's Unified Organization,3,,,
Organization,Only one place to cross Jordan River into Promised Land. Could not have crossed 2 miles upstream; 3 miles downstream; Had to stay with Jehovah's organization. Likewise today.,Only one way to enter into New Order.,Josh. 3:11-13,Stan Landers (Branson),Into The New Order Under Christ's Leadership,56,,,
Organization,"Paul uses 3 illustrations of things organized together. 'fellow citizens of the holy ones' 'members of the household of God' Building stones, 'being harmoniously joined together.'","Jehovah uses an organization today.  Only when united in the congregation, not seeking isolation could they be 'God's temple.'","1 Cor. 3:16, 17; 6:19; 2 Cor. 6:16","Mar 1, 1961 Wt Page 140",Serving With Jehovah's Unified Organization,3,,,
Organization,Soldiers march and keep in step. (any out of step quickly seen) 'from a day when there were some doubts; to this day when the truth shines like the noonday sun.' Bro. A. P. Hughes.,We must keep in step with Jehovah's organization.,Matt. 24:45-47,"Apr 1, 1963 Wt Page 217",Serving With Jehovah's Unified Organization,3,,,
Organization,Tire out of balance.,"Doesn't work properly, Magnifies entire problem.",1 Cor. 14:33,Johnse Laymon,Serving With Jehovah's Unified Organization,3,,,
Organization,"Vault of heavens; stars; none out of place; all in orbit New World Society is special creation of Jehovah; each one has place arranged for individual. Elders, publishers, pioneers, Eph. 4:4-12",Find your place in New World Society. None out of orbit. Do not lose your place.,Genesis. 1:1; 2:1  Neh. 9:6  Ps. 8:3  Isa. 45:12,"Jul 15, 1958 Wt Page 433-446",Serving With Jehovah's Unified Organization,3,,,
Organization,"Weld, (car with solid body construction or spot welded?) Car, doesn't come apart on rough roads etc. We need to weld new ones to the organization.",Jehovah has welded anointed remnant into international organization.,"John 10:16; Rev. 7:9, 10, 15;","Wt Sept 1, 1989 Page 14",Serving With Jehovah's Unified Organization,3,,,
"Organization,",Like a brilliant diamond among ordinary rocks.,Jehovah's people stand out in the midst of a spiritually corrupt world.,"Gal. 5:22, 23; 5:20, 21; Mt 5:14-16;","Nov 1, 1991 Wt Page 30  (entered Dec 15, 1991)",Serving With Jehovah's Unified Organization,3,,,
"Organization,","Like ship sailing sea, Jehovah is captain, Jesus at Steering wheel, Faithful slave is rudder. Other ships at sea. Babylon the Great is a big vessel. Also 'rocks hidden below water.'  'Icebergs'",Must rely on Captain. From Jehovah's view he can see and warn of dangers.,Matt. 24:45-47,Bobby Laymon,Serving With Jehovah's Unified Organization,3,,,
"Organization,","Look at a well-cut, magnificent diamond, and what do you see? A jewel that is truly a thing of beauty.  Now, examine it through a microscope.  Likely there are scratches, cracks, inclusions, or other flaws.  Would you discard?  Step back & appreciate it.","Jehovah's earthly organization stands out in many ways.  But in this worldwide organization is made up of imperfect humans. We can find sinful tendencies, personalities flaws. Not discard.","1 Pet. 2:9; Jn. 10:16; Ro 3:23; 7:21; Gal 5:22, 23;","Nov 1, 1991 Wt Page 30  (entered Dec 15, 1991)",Serving With Jehovah's Unified Organization,3,,,
"Organization,",Missouri is known as the 'Show-me' state.,This is a 'Show-me' organization.  Exciting things are happening all the time.  Example: current increase.,Isa. 2:2-4;,Bobby Laymon  - Elder's School 1/98,Serving With Jehovah's Unified Organization,3,,1998/01/10,
"Organization,","Night time go outside and see a truck stop or lights from give evidence that it there. Open for business. Pillar of fire gave evidence, that Jehovah was leading them.",The light that comes from Jehovah's organization today shows that Jehovah is leading his people through it.,"Ro 12:1,2",C. Assembly J. Laymon,Serving With Jehovah's Unified Organization,3,,,
"Organization,","One outstanding feature of a diamond is its close-knit, strongly bonded atomic structure. Jehovah's Witnesses have risen above racial prejudice and national pride.",Jehovah's organization manifest an unmatched unity in doctrine and brotherhood.,1 Co 1:10; Jas 3:17;,"Nov 1, 1991 Wt Page 30  (entered Dec 15, 1991)",Serving With Jehovah's Unified Organization,3,,,
"Organization, Assignment, Contentment, Spiritual,",An astronaut takes up space.,"We don't want to be a spiritual astronaut.  Just taking up space! We need to find our place in Jehovah's arrangement, and do what we can.",Eph 4:11;,Jim Breden,How To Keep Spiritually Awake!,71,,,
"Organization, Beauty, Unity,","Have you ever looked at a single grain of sand? By itself, it isn't  beautiful at all, even kind of ugly. But put lots of grains of sand together and you get a beautiful beach.","We are like that. By ourselves we are imperfect, not so beautiful, but all of us together are a beautiful organization.",Isa. 52:7,Goldman Collection,Serving With Jehovah's Unified Organization,3,,"Jan 21, 2001",
"Organization, Chariot, Progress, Growth, Improvement,",Chariot moves in any direction but backward. Moves with the speed of lightning.,Can't go backward because there is a face in every direction.,"Ezek. 1:10, 11, 14","Mar 15, 1991 Wt Page 9",Serving With Jehovah's Unified Organization,3,,,
"Organization, Dedication, Baptism, Russell, Funeral, Van Amburgh,","'This great worldwide work is not the work of one person.  It is far too great for that.  It is God's work and it changes not. God has used many servants in the past and He will doubtless use many in the future.  Our consecration [dedication] is not to a man, or to a man's work, but to do the will of God, as he shall reveal it unto us through His Word and providential leadings.'","Comment: W.E. Van Amburgh, at brother Russell's funeral.","Lk 3:21, 22; Deuteronomy 5:8, 9; 1ch 29:10-13;","Mar 15, 1992 Wt Page 17",Serving With Jehovah's Unified Organization,3,,,
"Organization, Dedication, Baptism, Survival, Protection,","You are shipwrecked.  Now you see a lifeboat.  Is it a mirage?  You touch it.  It is real!  Now you are in it, but not much better off.  There is no protection from the hot sun.  Then you see a large ship.  They are waving.  You are taken on board, and are taken to the hole of the ship, where you find food and protection.",Stay in the hole of the ship.  Stay in the middle of the organization.,"Prov 3:1, 2;",Mark Semen - Friends Of Peace District Convention.,Serving With Jehovah's Unified Organization,3,,1996/06/12,
"Organization, Determination, Endurance,",The diamond is the hardest naturally occurring substance known to man.  The Bible refers to its use in scratching or engraving hard materials.,"Jehovah gave Ezekiel a diamond-hard determination, and he gives His people diamond like hardness in the face of great opposition.","Jer 17:1; Ezek 2:6; 3:8, 9;","Nov 1, 1991 Wt Page 31  (entered Dec 15, 1991)",You Can Find Joy In Serving God,103,,,
"Organization, Drift, Progress, Improve,","Have you ever tried to paddled up stream? Perhaps you were trying to reach a goal. You have to work hard to get there, do you stop paddling? No, as if you do that you just drift back.",We must keeping moving with the organization.,Heb. 2:1,Jim Kinkade,Serving With Jehovah's Unified Organization,3,,"Oct 30, 2001",
"Organization, Drifting, Progress, Improvement, Study,","'The great thing in this world is not so much where we stand as in what direction we are moving.'  Quote: Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr.",Jehovah's organization is constantly on the move.  Are we moving with it?,Ezekiel 1:19-21;,Bobby Laymon - Reader's Digest,Serving With Jehovah's Unified Organization,3,,1996/03/24,
"Organization, Faithful, Discreet, Slave, 144,000, Security, Peace, Joy,","Imagine that a violent storm has ravaged the area where you live.  Your home is destroyed, and all your possessions are lost.  Food is scarce.  The situation seems hopeless.  Then, unexpected relief supplies arrive.  Food and clothing are provided in abundance.  A new house is built for you.  Surely you would be grateful to the person who made these provisions available.","Something comparable is occurring today.  Like that storm, the rebellion of Adam and Eve caused great damage to the human race.  Mankind's Paradise home was lost.  Spiritually speaking, however, Jehovah God is now furnishing food, clothing, and shelter.",Matt 24:45-47;,Kl Page 160,Are You Content With Jehovah's Provisions?,22,,1995/06/16,
"Organization, Finding Contentment","Man on boat, floating through jungle. Only quicksand on either side, wild animals.","When the going gets hard, don't abandon Jehovah!",Matt. 24:45-47,Joe Laymon,Are You Content With Jehovah's Provisions?,22,,,
"Organization, Gideon,",Each star in it's place Gideon; Be right kind of soldier; loyal; obedient; strict compliance. Blow the horn; dash the water jars; What if the 300 treated lightly battle order; rushed the order?,Each one in it's place Jehovah takes interest in small sparrow. Jesus is greater Gideon.,1 Cor 14:33  Judges 7:21,D. Assy,Serving With Jehovah's Unified Organization,3,,,
"Organization, God Oriented, unity, united,","School of fish, move as whole, swerve right, left at same time. When fish change directions, a different group of fish heads the school. No continual leader. Rarely found elsewhere in animal kingdom.   Also, as they maintain movements as whole, there is constant movement within the school. Each fish maintains its distance from other fish.",We must be God-oriented; move with Jehovah's organization.,Ezek 1: ;1 Cor. 14:40,"Jan 22, 1962 Aw Page 8",Serving With Jehovah's Unified Organization,3,,,5/18/2014
"Organization, Good, Qualities, Upbuild, wickedness,","It's like that old car or truck that all of us have had at one time or  another. It left us more then once stranded.  The right tire would wobble at 50 mph and then there was the problem of the engine overheating at times. Yet when it came time to sell the old car  we didn't talk about all these negative things. We probably mention how great it was to have transportation, original paint job, transmission has never given us trouble despite 200,000 miles on the odometer. The reason why the positive things were stressed was it was valuable to us.       The same is true with our brotherhood, we are all 'damaged goods' none    are problem free. Without the need the ransom of Jesus none of us could    successfully stand before the judgment seat of God. It is of profit to    us to look and speak of the good qualities of each especially in the    home environment. It promotes peace, respect, honor, and Unity.","The same is true with our brotherhood, we are all 'damaged goods' none are problem free. Without the need the ransom of Jesus none of us could successfully stand before the judgment seat of God. It is of profit to us to look and speak of the good qualities of each especially in the  home environment. It promotes peace, respect, honor, and Unity. The brotherhood flourishes because of God's blessing. He blesses us  because we have the positive quality of love for him & each other.   Focusing on each others shortcomings only blocks our view of the many  good and upbuilding qualities our brothers have.",1 Pet. 5:9;,Steve Hashimuri,Serving With Jehovah's Unified Organization,3,,1999/10/29,4/1/2014
"Organization, Growth, Creation, Improvement, Advancement,","What is the largest living thing on our planet?  In 1992 some thought they had found it.  A giant fungus covering 30 acres in Michigan.  However the journal NATURE found a stronger contender: A stand of aspen trees in Utah, all clones, genetically identical. 47,000 trunks from single root system, covering 106 acres.  It 'can literally climb over mountains and across meadows.' Quote: Dr. Jeffry Mitten.  It is estimated to weigh about 13,000,000 pounds.  While individuals trees live about 65 years, the organism may be thousands of years old.","They largest living thing is Jehovah's organization, which cover the entire inhabited earth, and has been in existence for thousands of years.",Re 12:1-3;,"Aug 22, 1993 Aw Page 12",Serving With Jehovah's Unified Organization,3,,,
"Organization, Growth, Strength, Association, Meetings,","Brother had a beautiful large drawing of the inside of a cabbage - how it is viewed when you cut it in half. When you view it you see the CORE and the leaves growing outward from it. The tough leaves are on the outside; the tender ones, on the inside. Once in awhile you will see a leaf that looks rusty. This is because it no longer gets nourishment from the core.","He said that the CORE represented Jehovah's organization. The leaves were the publishers. The outer, tough leaves were the mature ones who had been in the truth many years. The leaves on the inside were the newer ones who were protected by the outer 'leaves'. The rusty leaves were those who stopped feeding from the 'food' coming from the CORE - they stopped associating, studying, etc. and so turned RUSTY.","Heb 10:24, 25;",Peter Morgan,Are You Content With Jehovah's Provisions?,22,,1997/08/11,
"Organization, Home, Truth, Own, Contentment, Place,","A man, living in Marshfield, Missouri, told how he had a trucker release his homing pigeon in Dallas, Texas.  In eight hours it flew back into its nest.  It had come home.",What about us?  Have we made the truth our own.  Do we always orient our lives around the truth.,Isa 60:8;,Bobby Laymon,Are You Content With Jehovah's Provisions?,22,,1995/06/12,
"Organization, Imperfection, Apostate","A diamond can look very beautiful.  It is precious, reflects light, enhances the appearance of one wearing it.  Put that same diamond under a microscope and you can see imperfections.","Same is true of visible organization.  To us it looks beautiful, precious.  Some have chosen to put organization under microscope and have noticed the imperfections and flaws due to human imperfection.  Has caused them to see value of what we have.  Should not be critical of Jehovah's earthly organization for it is evident that he is using to sanctify his name and proclaim good news.  Even though we know that there are imperfections we should be willing to overlook them, and look at the overall picture.",Ps. 133:1,Frank Barr,Serving With Jehovah's Unified Organization,3,,1993/11/30,
"Organization, Improve, Advance, Adjustment, Maturity, Study, Research,",'Stay with the procession or you will never catch up.' Quote: George Ade.,"It is like that with Jehovah's organization.  It is fast-moving.  It is difficult to get behind, and try to catch up.",2 Cor 13:5;,Bobby Laymon,Serving With Jehovah's Unified Organization,3,,1995/08/16,
"Organization, Independence,","If a hand or foot is cut from the human body the severed member perishes, or if it is kept inactive in a cramped position it goes to sleep, gets numb, loses its ability to move.","So it is with Jehovah's visible organization. All must associate together, get the life-giving spiritual food that God circulates to his people through the organization.  Don't amputate yourself from the organization and commit spiritual suicide.",John 15:1-8;,W50 1/15 26,Serving With Jehovah's Unified Organization,3,s,1994/10/25,
"Organization, Independence,","Pruned-off branches soon wither and die, being cut off from the  circulating, life-giving sap.","Jehovah's visible organization can use you, but can get along without you too. But you cannot get along without it.","Matt. 13:7, 22; Proverbs 6:6-11;",W50 1/15 26,Serving With Jehovah's Unified Organization,3,,1994/10/25,
"Organization, Isolation, Drift, Criticize, Fault, Meetings,","A man in a boat, was fishing several yards from other fishermen. Their boat kept getting closer and closer to his.  Finally he said, 'I believe your boat is drifting.'  They replied, 'No!  It is your boat that is drifting!  Ours is anchored.'","Sometimes, due to isolation, or other reasons, we may think that others are drifting, when in actuality, it is us.  Let us keep firmly anchored to Jehovah's organization.",Heb 2:1;,District Overseer,Serving With Jehovah's Unified Organization,3,,,
"Organization, Jehovah, Satan, Light, Darkness,","A beam of light will attract a man lost in the darkness. Today, as after the rebellion in Eden, and after the Flood of Noah's day, mankind has divided into two groups. Two Organizations.",Light from Jehovah shining in this dark world has attracted millions.,"Isa. 60:1,2,3;","Aug 15, 1991 Wt Page 18",Serving With Jehovah's Unified Organization,3,,,
"Organization, Joy, Happiness, Balance, Skills, Entertainment, Pleasure,","'Sometimes I organize my tools too much.  I have a place for each one and when I am working with them, I sometimes put them back in place, but then I need them again, and have to dig them out.'  Quote: Bradley Wagner.",Mere organized efficiency is not what Jehovah wants.  He also wants his servant to be happy.,Gal 5:22;,"Oct 1, 1994 Wt Page 13; Comment Bradley Wagner",You Can Find Joy In Serving God,103,,1994/11/13,
"Organization, Joy, Happiness, Balance, Skills, Entertainment, Pleasure,","If we go on vacation and have everything too well organized then we will not be flexible.  We may want to 'sleep-in' or visit something that was unplanned.  However, if we are not organized at all, then we may wander about, and miss out on joys we could have had.",Jehovah does not want his servants fanatically organizing things at the expense of their happiness.  God's servants must balance organizational skills and happiness.,Gal 5:22;,"Oct 1, 1994 Wt Page 13",You Can Find Joy In Serving God,103,,1994/11/13,
"Organization, Maturity, Impatient, Patience, Independence, Progress","Cocoon. Little boy brought home a caterpillar.' Put in jar & feed' father says, 'and it'll make beautiful butterfly. Fall came and it made a cocoon.' ' Dad! its moving, It won't be long and it will be a butterfly.' Boy said, 'I'll help it out a little,' and began to manicure with scissors. Out comes a butterfly, with no wings. He left them in sleeping bag.",Don't try to get ahead of Jehovah's organization.  Maturity cannot be rushed. Wait. Moral: Rush ahead & you'll pay.  Father will let you be independent.,2 John 9,Phil Kirkton Notes:,Serving With Jehovah's Unified Organization,3,,,
"Organization, Meetings,",Suppose a baby gets into a position that severs the umbilical cord.  What happens?  The baby will die.,"If we miss meetings, it is like severing the umbilical cord.  We die.","Heb. 10:24, 25;",Gary Wells D. O.,Serving With Jehovah's Unified Organization,3,,"Apr 23, 2002",
"Organization, Middle, Service Talk,","Jehovah's organization is on the move! Imagine it as one of those huge wagon wheels, like you see on the pioneers' wagons in western movies. Rolling along into the new system.  Now let's take a close-up look at just one of those huge wheels. There is a great difference in the circumference of the wheel's hub and its rim. Each one makes the same number of revolutions, but since the rim is so much larger, it actually covers a greater distance with each revolution.  Imagine yourself hanging on to that wheel somewhere, along one of the spokes. As it turns, you turn with it. If you're closer to the center of the wheel, to the hub, it's not so hard to hang on, even as the wheel spins around faster and faster. However, if you're close to the rim, the faster it goes, the more difficult it is to keep your hold (like one of those rides at the amusement park - the further away from the center you are, the greater the force).  As the wheel spins faster, those closer to the edge gradually tire out and lose their grip, and are flung out of the way. Those towards the center still keep hold, and stick with that wheel as the wagon goes through into the new system.","How does this apply to us?   Where are we within Jehovah's organization? Are we at the hub, right in the middle of the congregation keeping busy with theocratic activities, so we're not distracted by this world & lose our grip? Or are we towards the rim, wanting to keep as close to the edge of God's organization as possible, without actually stepping over into Satan's system? On the rim, it's so much harder to hold onto those spokes - it seems we travel much further, and there's more pressure on us, and Satan won't have to pull much to cause us to lose our grip and disappear off somewhere into his system. In the center, because we keep involved with theocratic pursuits, making sure the more important things are first, we are better equipped to stick close to the organization right on into the new system.    So to make sure we reach that goal, we need to put ourselves right in the middle of God's organization. Be at the meetings - participate. Regular field service. Regular, upbuilding association. Thorough study (prestudy and personal), and regular, sincere prayer. Don't be tempted to get closer to Satan's system - you're just making it harder for yourself to hold on. Put Jehovah at the center of our lives, and it will be a much smoother ride for us.",Heb. 10:24,Mark Hanlon,Serving With Jehovah's Unified Organization,3,,1998/11/26,
"Organization, Panic, Disassociate, Discipline, Provisions,","A friend asks you to go flying with them. You have never been in a small plane, so you are a little concerned. However, he is experienced and has been doing this for a long time, and says it will be great, so you agree.  You take off, and your stomach is in your throat. You get up and the view is magnificent. As you look around you are amazed at how beautiful it is, and you are so glad you have come. As you make a turn and head another direction, you see something white in front of the window. It goes by you, and it is a cloud. Then you notice there are more clouds coming.  Again, you start to get a little concerned. Now it starts to get thick. You didn't bargain for this, or agree to it, and you don't want to be here now. It gets so thick, you can't see anything! You've had enough and you want OUT. Where is the door? Oh - you can't do that, that would be crazy!  But, you didn't agree to this...  The pilot tells you that there is nothing to worry about. He has instruments and he knows how to read them. If you just have faith he can get you out of this. You can try to tell him what he should do, but you don't have the knowledge of the instruments. So, you are better off just waiting and allowing the pilot to handle the situation.","Don't panic...  Don't get out...    When we come into the truth, we have heard all of the wonderful promises of everlasting life, no pain, sorrow, sickness or death. It is like that scenery we were looking at when we first got up in that plane.  But, when things get a little rough, do we use the instruments provided to direct us? That includes the meetings, prayer, publications, the organization and the brothers. When that fails us, do we rely on the pilot, Jehovah, to know how to direct the situation? Or do we bail out?",John 6:68;,Mark Hanlon,Are You Content With Jehovah's Provisions?,22,,1998/11/26,
"Organization, Perfection, Faults, Resentment,","LOOK at a well-cut, magnificent diamond, and what do you see?   A jewel that is truly a thing of beauty.   Now examine that diamond through a microscope, and what do you see?   Likely there are scratches, cracks, inclusions, or other flaws.   Would you destroy or discard the diamond simply because of the way it looks under a microscope?  Of course not!  Just step away from the microscope, and you can still appreciate the beauty and extraordinary brilliance that makes it stand out among other gems.","In contrast, the religious, political, and business organizations of this world often display what the Bible refers to as the works of the flesh: 'enmities, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, contentions, divisions, sects, envies, drunken bouts, revelries, and things like these.' (Galatians 5:20, 21) Thus, like a brilliant diamond among ordinary rocks, Jehovah's people stand out in the midst of a spiritually corrupt world.-Matthew 5:14-16.","Gal 5:20, 21;",W91 11/1 30,Serving With Jehovah's Unified Organization,3,,1994/05/11,
"Organization, Progress,",'You never know when you're making a memory.'  Quote: Rickie Lee Jones.,"Many milestones in Jehovah's organization were just ordinary days at the time, but proved to be major turning points.",Dan 12:12;,Bobby Laymon - Reader's Digest,,,,1996/03/19,
"Organization, Progress,","To many, 'organization' has the connotation of a coldhearted machine that moves ahead for its own aggrandizement without consideration for its members. Organization is not progress of a few leading members but on the part of all.  Is 60:17;",This is not so with Jehovah's organization.,"1 Cor. 1:10; Isa. 43:5-7; 2:2, 4; Ps. 106:47; Matt. 24:31;","Jun 1, 1967 Wt Page 330",Serving With Jehovah's Unified Organization,3,,,
"Organization, Progress,","What father would sit his baby down before a big steak and tell him to eat it? It is this way with Jehovah's people, his organization.","However as the baby grew up he could eat heavy food. If he did something on unfamiliar ground, he might make a mistake, but could be corrected and learn from it.",Heb. 5:12-14;,"Jun 1, 1967 Wt Page 331",Keep Growing In Your Relationship With God,16,,,
"Organization, Progress, Growth, Improvement, Maturity, Elders, Appointment,","Parts of the human body do not stay infantile while the rest of the body grows. Each part grows together. All parts suffer together. You cannot move ahead, if you are not interested in others moving.","The organization should have the same care for one another. If one member suffers, the other does also. There should be no division.",1 Cor. 12:24-26; 1 Tim. 3:1;,"Jun 1, 1967 Wt Page 336, 340,",Serving With Jehovah's Unified Organization,3,,,
"Organization, Progress, Growth, Maturity, Improvement,","'Motion without commotion is the keynote.' Moving ahead is not a matter of going ahead of others, it does not mean replacing others and putting him out of a job. It means to move with, fill the needs of the organization.","Since Jehovah is the God of economy, He gets the greatest work accomplished with the least expenditure of energy.",Heb. 5:12; 1 Cor. 12:24-26; 1 Tim. 3:1;,"Jun 1, 1967 Wt Page 335",Serving With Jehovah's Unified Organization,3,,,
"Organization, Reasonable, Humble, Rigid, Flexible,","When a giant freight train is rolling toward an obstruction on the track, turning it is out of the question, and stopping is not much easier.  Some trains take more than a mile to stop after the brakes are applied.  Similarly, a supertanker may coast onward for another five miles after the engines are shut off.  Even in reverse it may plow on for 2 miles.","It is not God, but humans who tend to be rigid and inflexible, bound by their own imperfections.  Human organizations can be as unwieldy as freight trains.  Jehovah's organization can move at the speed of lightning, even making right-angle turns.","Ezekiel 1:1, 14-28; Jas 3:17;","Aug 1, 1994 Wt Page 9, 10;",Serving With Jehovah's Unified Organization,3,,1994/08/23,
"Organization, Reasonable, Humble, Rigid, Flexible, Parents, Jehovah, Chariot, Justice,","Jehovah never has his chariot like organization locked into some rigid, inadaptable standard of justice.",That chariot did not roll inexorably over the human family and all prospects for mankind's happy future.  Jehovah maneuvered his chariot with lightning like swiftness.,Genesis 3:15;,"Aug 1, 1994 Wt Page 11",Into The New Order Under Christ's Leadership,56,,1994/08/23,
"Organization, Reasonable, Humble, Rigid, Flexible, Parents, Jehovah, Names, Titles,","In the course of a day, a parent may be a counselor, a cook, a housekeeper, a teacher, a disciplinarian, a friend, a mechanic, a nurse -- the list goes on and on.  A loving parent shifts roles to benefit his children.","Jehovah likewise bears an impressive array of titles, such as Creator, Father, Sovereign Lord, Shepherd, Jehovah of armies, Hearer of prayer, Judge, Grand Instructor, Repurchaser.  He does this to carry out his loving purpose.",Isa 8:13; 30:20; 40:28; 41:14; Ps 23:1; 65:2,"Aug 1, 1994 Wt Page 11",Getting Marriage Off To A Good Start,27,,1994/08/23,
"Organization, Resurrection, Death, Sleep,","Picture Jehovah's earthly organization as a Train, moving steadily towards the New System......it never stops moving forward, but of course, isn't moving too fast for new ones to board it.  Never would we want to get off the train, as it is totally self-contained, everything we need is there.  None of us would want to be left behind.  What touched Bro. Ciranko (and all of us in attendance) was how our loved ones who've passed away fit into the illustration.","Instead of viewing them as leaving the train when they die, how  comforting it is to know they haven't left the train........they've just  moved to the 'sleeping cars'......YES, they are still with us on the  train....ever moving forward towards our destination.",Acts 24:15;,Bro. Ciranko D.O.,Into The New Order Under Christ's Leadership,56,,1997/03/12,
"Organization, Rules,",'Two dangers constantly threaten the world: order and disorder.  Quote: Paul Valery  (1871-1945),Rules that are not necessary are a danger to good organization.,1co 4:6;,Wisdom Of The Ages,Serving With Jehovah's Unified Organization,3,,,
"Organization, Service, Others, Surviving, Requirements,","Imagine surviving a shipwreck and finding yourself in the water, struggling to stay afloat. When you feel that you cannot make it any longer, a hand reaches out to you from a lifeboat. Yes, there are other survivors! In the lifeboat, you and the others take turns rowing to shore, picking up other survivors along the way.","Are we not in a similar situation? We have been pulled from the dangerous 'waters' of this wicked world into the 'lifeboat' of Jehovah's earthly organization. Within it, we serve side by side as we head for the 'shores' of a righteous new world. If the pressures of life should cause us to grow weary along the way, how thankful we are for the assistance and comfort of true Christian companions!    What about others honesthearted people who are still in the 'water'? We have an obligation to help them into Jehovah's organization, do we not?","Prov. 17:17;1 Timothy 2: 3, 4","Jan 15, 1997 Wt Page 22",,,,1996/12/23,
"Organization, Staying Close","Drift away, Draw Away, Fall Away, Throw Away, gave away, Turn away, Carried away, These have no dread of God. Act too smoothly to find out their error. They seduce others to follow them.","Sometimes we may think others are drifting, when it is really us.","Ps 36:1-3; Heb 2:1;3:12; 6:6; 10:35; 12:16, 25; 13:9;","Mar 15, 1989 Wt Page 16",Serving With Jehovah's Unified Organization,3,,,
"Organization, Truth,",Boy and Father walking through rough neighborhood.  Boy does not dare get too far away from his father.,We must stay 'side by side' with Jehovah's organization.,Matt. 24:45-47,Bobby Laymon,Serving With Jehovah's Unified Organization,3,,,
"Organization, Truth,",Just as we would not want our clothing styles to become too out of date.,We must keep abreast with Bible truths ... add eternity ...,Matt. 24:45-47,Bobby Laymon,Serving With Jehovah's Unified Organization,3,,,
"Organization, Truth,","No apple pie like Mom's apple pie.  Many substitutes, but just don't taste the same.","Same with Jehovah's organization.  No matter which way you slice it, you can tell the difference.",Matt. 24:45-47;,Al Larue,Serving With Jehovah's Unified Organization,3,,,
"Organization, Unity,","Duct tape is like the force.  It has a light side, and a dark side, and it holds the universe together.",We should be unity-holders.,"Micah 2:12, John 10:16;",Bobby Laymon,Serving With Jehovah's Unified Organization,3,,,
"Organization, Unity,",Set the cart before the horse. Keep things in proper perspective.,Obedience is important for things to run smoothly.,"Mic 2:12; 1 Cor. 1:10, 1 Cor. 15:40,",Bobby Laymon,Serving With Jehovah's Unified Organization,3,,,
"Organization, Unity, Cooperate, Variety,","Ancient contests were won by a team or lost by a team, not by one participant. It took javelin throwers, discus hurlers, wrestlers, jumpers, boxers and runners to make up a team.","The theocratic organization is a great team. Each of us is a small unit in it. One member cannot do without the others. 'For the body, indeed, is not one member, but is many.'",1 Cor 12:14-26;,W56 4/15 249,Serving With Jehovah's Unified Organization,3,,1994/07/30,
"Organization, Unity, Cooperate, Variety,",There are many parts to a vast machine. For it to operate without friction it must have lubrication.,Jehovah's spirit and resultant unity are to our organization what oil is to the machine.,1 Cor 12:14-26;,W56 4/15 250,Serving With Jehovah's Unified Organization,3,,1994/07/30,
"Organization, Unity, Cooperation, World, Aesop,","A FATHER had a family of sons who were perpetually quarreling  among themselves.  When he failed to heal their disputes by his exhortations, he determined to give them a practical illustration of the evils of disunion; and for this purpose he one day told  them to bring him a bundle of sticks.  When they had done so, he placed the faggot into the hands of each of them in succession, and ordered them to break it in pieces.  They tried with all their strength, and were not able to do it.   He next opened the  faggot, took the sticks separately, one by one, and again put  them into his sons' hands, upon which they broke them easily.  He  then addressed them in these words:  'My  sons, if you are of one  mind, and unite to assist each other, you will be as this faggot,  uninjured by all the attempts of your enemies; but if you are  divided among yourselves, you will be broken as easily as these  sticks.'","There is strength in unity.   Moral: 'If you would live together in unity, your enemies would be unable to harm.'  This is why Jehovah's organization is growing stronger and stronger.   We have true unity.  The world is divided.",Micah 2:12,Aesop's Fables - Bobby Laymon,Serving With Jehovah's Unified Organization,3,,,
"Organization, Unity, Dependent, Brothers,","On a tree, the leaves are many, but the root is one.  The leaves depend upon the root.",Jehovah's organization is like that.  It does not depend upon us for we are like leaves.  We depend upon it.,Mic 2:4;,Bobby Laymon,Serving With Jehovah's Unified Organization,3,,1995/08/16,
"Organization, Unity, Organized, Satan, Target,","One day a young boy was riding in a horse drawn buggy down a country lane with his father. The father turns to the little boy and says watch this as he takes the buggy whip and gently flicks a bee off a flower. Amazed, the little boy says,' Do that again.'  They start looking for a bee on a flower by the side of the road and shortly the father does it again.  Truly amazed, the little boy says, 'May I try it father?'  The father hands the little boy the buggy whip and they start looking on either side of the road at the flowers for a bee.  All of a sudden the little boy happens to look up and see a beehive with swarms of bees. Raising the whip, he prepares to strike.  Just in time the father looks up and sees what his young son is about to do. He quickly takes the whip and says, ' No son, we don't bother with those, they're organized.'","Moral of the story:  When we leave Jehovah's organization, or miss a lot of meetings, we are like that little bee sitting all alone on a flower that Satan can come along and flick off.  If we stay safe, within Jehovah's organization, Satan is less likely to try to pick us off, because he realizes that like that beehive, we are organized.",Micah 2:12;,Bobby Laymon,Serving With Jehovah's Unified Organization,3,,1999/02/15,
"Organization, Unity, Safety, Distractions,","Waldo was one of six new ducklings just born.  After a few weeks the mother duck decides its time to take her troop for a walk to a more secure pond. Part of the journey involved crossing a road that wasn't often visited by cars, but the remote possibility existed. So it was imperative that all the little ducklings stay close behind mommy, not being distracted. All the little ducklings were nervous and attentive and stayed very close behind mom, but Waldo had the tendency to be easily distracted by the things he saw around him. As mom was crossing the road, all the other ducks got safely across because they were focused on keeping up with mom. But Waldo, lagging far behind because of distractions, was Wham!, crushed by a speeding truck!","Stay close to Jehovah and his organization, and do not let the distractions of the world cause you to lose your focus, lag behind, and be caught unaware, thus jeopardizing your life!",Mic 3:12;,Peter Morgan,Serving With Jehovah's Unified Organization,3,,1997/08/10,
Originality;,'Originality is nothing but judicious imitation.' Quote:  Voltaire,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Originality;,'Originality is simply a pair of fresh eyes.' Quote: Thomas Higginson,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Originality;,"'This paper is both good and original, but the part that is good is not original and the part that is original is not good.'  Quote:  Samuel Johnson.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Ostentatious;,'Ostentation is the signal flag of hypocrisy.'  Quote:  Edwin Chapin.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Other Sheep, Great Crowd, Earth, Growth,","'It looks as if the 'great multitude' is not going to be so great after all.' Quote: Brother Rutherford to Fred Franz, who became the Society's fourth president.","The influx of the 'great crowd' was not as rapid as Brother Rutherford thought it would be.  Nevertheless, it has continued to grow.",Re 7:13;,Jehovah's Witnesses - Proclaimers Of God's Kingdom.  Page 171,Ruining The Earth Brings Divine Retribution,106,,,
"Outline, Notes, Talk,",The outline provided is a preparation tool.  It is not meant to serve as the notes from which you give your talk.  It is like a skeleton.,"You will need to put some flesh on it, as it were, give it a heart and breathe life into it.",1 Tim. 3:2;,Benefit Page 52,,,,"Apr 2, 2002",
"Outlook, Future",Look back at footprints; you cannot erase; only look. The future does not have to be like past. Examples of Israel 1 Cor. 10:6-11 Inexperienced do not learn from past but wise do.,Learn from the past.,Prov. 22:3; Ps. 119:105;,"Aug 1, 1958 Wt Page 451, 452",Your Future--how Can It Be Known?,19,,,
"Overconfident, Pride, Prosperity, Materialism, Adversity, Persecution, Poor,","'Adversity is sometimes hard upon a man; but for one man who can stand prosperity, there are a hundred that will stand adversity.' Quote: Thomas Carlyle.",Material prosperity and more leisure time often prove spiritually devastating.  Some who survived persecution later fell prey to other traps of Satan.  We dare not become overconfident.,1 Cor 10:12;,Bobby Laymon,How To Keep Spiritually Awake!,71,,1995/08/01,
Overkill;,"'If the sailors become too numerous, the ship sinks.'  Quote:  Arabic.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Oversight, Discernment, Elders,",'The eye of the master will do more work than both of his hands.' Quote: Franklin (1709-1790),Alertness and discernment is needed in the congregations.,Pr 27:23;,Wisdom Of The Ages,Make Jehovah Your Confidence,70,,,
"Oversight, Elders, Obey, Obedience, Listen, Hear,","The conductor of an orchestra, with spirit and enthusiasm, directs a large group in rendering a well-known symphony. All of these situations have one element in common: oversight or supervision, the oversight provided by a parent, a teacher, a conductor.","Oversight is exercised toward us at all stages of life, from the cradle onward. Oversight is a part of living. Really, one can escape most human oversight only by becoming a complete recluse, and that is not a desirable alternative.",Heb 13:17;,W72 8/1 456,Serving With Jehovah's Unified Organization,3,,1995/02/04,
Ozone Layer,Umbrella,"Protect from deadly gases, would you poke holes in it.",Re 11:18;,Awake,,,,,
Packrats;,"'If you keep a thing seven years, you are sure to find a use for it.'  Quote:  Scott.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Pagan Teachings,"Stream, appears clean, but source is in barn yard.","Apply to trinity, immortality, hell fire, holidays etc.",2 Tim 3:16,"Mar 15, 1989 Wt Page  18, 19",Why Live By Bible Standards?,88,,,
Pain,"Many pain-killers available at corner drugstore. Some curse God because of pain. Foolish. Job 2:9, 10 Pain is not unmixed evil: persons insensitive to pain, very unfortunate.","Relief is much needed by 'all creation...groaning...pain together' Reason: prove Satan a liar. Take comfort, pray to God for endurance.","Rom. 8:22; Rev. 21:3, 4","Jan 15, 1960 Wt Page 35",The Only Cure For Sick Mankind,62,,,
"Pain, Groan, Freedom, Life,","'Nothing begins, and nothing ends, That is not paid with moan; For we are born in other's pain, And perish in our own.' Quote: Francis Thompson.  -1893.",We all look forward to the glorious freedom of the children of God.,Rom 8:21;,Bobby Laymon,"Living, Not For Self, But To Do God's Will",8,,1995/08/16,
"Pain, Pleasure, Joy, Happiness,",'Pleasure is oft a visitant; but pain clings cruelly to us.' Quote: John Keats. -1818.,Scriptures foretold that in last days men would be 'lovers of pleasures rather than lovers of God'.  This adds many pains.,"2 Tim 3:1, 4;",Bobby Laymon,Lovers Of Pleasure Or Lovers Of God?,64,,1995/08/01,
"Pain, Pleasures, Masters,","Nature has placed mankind under the government of two sovereign masters, pain and pleasure...they govern us in all we do, in all we say, in all we think: every effort we can make to throw off our subjection, will serve but to demonstrate and confirm it. Quote: John Bentham.",Paul's counsel does not mean living in celibate marriage or leaving  one's mate to pursue preaching.  Christian should not devote self so fully to marriage that Kingdom interests are ignored.  Likely you know people who ignore virtually everything else to have a happy marriage and homelike.  Is this the outlook for one making Jehovah his stronghold?,1 Corinthians 7:29-31,Bobby Laymon,Are You Really Making Jehovah Your Stronghold?,18,,1999/01/02,
"Pain, Sorrow, Depression, Stress, Paradise, Earth,","JUST as we have forgotten the pain and sorrow we felt years ago when, as children, we may have scraped a knee.",Life then will be so delightful that the sorrows and evils of the past will not come to mind.,Isaiah 65:17; John 16:21.,Hp 139,True Religion Meets The Needs Of Human Society.,94,,1994/08/23,
"Pain, Suffer, Compassion, Grief,",The injury we do and the one we suffer are not weighed in the same scale.  Aesop,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Pain, Suffering, Cure, Healing, Groan,","'If we could be suspended in timeless space over an abyss from which the sounds of revolving earth rose to our ears, we would hear an elemental roar of pain uttered as with one voice by suffering mankind.' Quote: A French surgeon.","Today, unrelenting pain can devastate people's lives.  It steals their peace, joy, and livelihood, making life so miserable that some seek relief through suicide.",Ro 8:22;,"Jun 22, 1994 Aw Page 3",The Only Cure For Sick Mankind,62,,1994/06/25,
"Pain, Suffering, Cure, Healing, Groan,",'Pain is a more terrible lord of mankind than even death itself.' Quote: Albert Schweitzer,"One in 8 experience the terrible pain of osteoarthritis, the most common form of arthritis.  More have back pains.  Others have painful cancer and heart disease.  Millions suffer from headaches, earaches, hemorrhoids, and a multitude of other illnesses and injuries.  Americans spend $2.1 billion on nonprescription pain relievers alone.",Ro 8:22;,"Jun 22, 1994 Aw Page 3",The Only Cure For Sick Mankind,62,,1994/06/25,
"Pain, Suffering, Cure, Healing, Groan,","Rather than being a warning system for disease or injury, chronic pain has been likened to a 'false alarm' that just won't turn off.","'Unlike acute pain, chronic pain is not a symptom; chronic pain is not a warning signal.  There's no purpose at all to chronic pain. Quote: Pain expert Dr. Richard Steinbach; 'In chronic pain the pain itself is the disease.' Quote: Dr. John J. Bonica in The Management of Pain.",Ro 8:22;,"Jun 22, 1994 Aw Page 5",The Only Cure For Sick Mankind,62,,1994/06/25,
Pain;,"'Pain adds rest unto pleasure, and teaches the luxury of health.'  Quote:  Martin Tupper.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Pain;,"'Pain is life--the sharper, the more evidence of life.'  Quote:  Charles Lamb.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Paradigm, Government, Kingdom, Blame, World, Morals, Honesty, Peer Pressure,",Just as a locomotive cannot be turned off its rails and go across the country...,"The world, or system of things today has people 'locked' into a way of life that makes it very difficult for anyone to avoid going along with it.  It is the system that must be replaced.  It cannot be swerved to go in another direction, any more than a locomotive can.",Zep 2:3; 1co 10:13; Is 26:10;,"Oct 15, 1971 Wt Page 631",Why Christians Must Be Different.,123,,1993/11/21,
"Paradigm, Humble, Humility, Grasshoppers, Intelligence, Wisdom,","GRASSHOPPERS are not very smart. Their thoughts are not men's thoughts. If a man could give just a small part of his mental power to a grasshopper, that favored grasshopper would be far wiser than all the other grasshoppers combined. How high above grasshoppers are men!","But before any swell with pride, read what Isaiah says about Jehovah God: 'He sits over the round earth, so high that its inhabitants look like grasshoppers.'",Isa. 40:22;,W50 10/1 339,Does Your Thinking Agree With God's?,53,,1996/06/11,
"Jesus, Identifying, Messiah, Credentials,","IMAGINE that you are to meet with an important dignitary. The time and the place of your meeting are set. But there is a problem: You do not know what he looks like, and he will be traveling discreetly, without fanfare. How will you recognize him? It would help if you had a detailed description of him.","In the early part of the first century C.E., many Jews faced a situation like this. They were expecting the Messiah-the most important man who would ever live.  But how were faithful Jews to recognize him? Jehovah, by means of the Hebrew prophets, had painted a detailed written portrait of events surrounding the Messiah that would enable discerning ones to identify him unmistakably.",Daniel 9:24-27; Luke 3:15,Ip-2 Chap. 14 P. 194,Will You Be A Survivor Of The 'last Days'?,2,,"Feb 18, 2003",
"Awake, Watchman, Alert, Vigilant,",A Watchman who stays awake all night is more likely to spot a thief than is one who dozes from time to time.,How can a watchman stay awake?  Walking about is more conducive to alertness than sitting down all night.  Keep busy.,2 Pet 3:12;,"Jan 1, 2003 Wt Page 11",How To Keep Spiritually Awake!,71,,"Feb 18, 2003",
"Awake, Watchman, Alert, Vigilant,",'A sleeping man cannot guard his possessions.',The same is true in a spiritual sense.  We cannot safeguard our hope and faith if we fall asleep.,1 Thess. 5:6;,"Jan 1, 2003 Wt Page 17",How To Keep Spiritually Awake!,71,,"Feb 18, 2003",
"Awake, Watchman, Alert, Vigilant,","Although the slaves did not know the hour when their master would arrive, apparently they knew the night.",Bible prophecies clearly reveal that we are living in the time of the end; but they do not tell us the day or the hour of the end itself.,Matt 24:36; Zephaniah 1:14;,"Jan 1, 2003 Wt Page 18",How To Keep Spiritually Awake!,71,,"Feb 18, 2003",
"Awake, Watchman, Alert, Vigilant,","Reportedly, soldiers consider the hour before dawn to be the best time to catch an enemy unawares.","Similarly, at the late hour, when in a spiritual sense the world around us sleeps soundly, we might face our greatest struggle to stay awake.","Rom 13:11,12; Mark 13:32-37;","Jan 1, 2003 Wt Page 19",How To Keep Spiritually Awake!,71,,"Feb 18, 2003",
"Aright, Context, Distort, Understanding, Attention,","A THEATER critic for a newspaper once went to see a certain play. He did not much like it and afterward wrote: 'If triviality is what you happen to be wanting, by all means go and see this play.' Later, the promoters of the play published an advertisement that featured a quote from the critic's review. The quote was: 'By all means go and see this play'! The advertisement accurately noted the critic's words, but it lifted them out of context and thus grossly misrepresented his view.","That example illustrates how important the context of a statement can be. Taking words out of context can distort their meaning, just as Satan distorted the meaning of scripture when he tried to mislead Jesus.  On the other hand, taking the context of a statement into account helps us to get a more accurate understanding of its meaning. For this reason, when we study a Bible verse, it is always wise to look at the context and see the verse in its setting in order to understand better what the writer was talking about.",2 Tim 2:15;matt 4:1 -11,"Jan 1, 2003 Wt Page 27",The Kingdom Of God Is Near,109,,"Feb 18, 2003",
Paradise,A plant can grow in a hot house no matter what the temperature is outside.,We can grow in the spiritual paradise no matter how bad it is outside in the world.,Isa 11:6-9,Johnse Laymon,Serving With Jehovah's Unified Organization,3,,,
Paradise,"Nebuchadnezzar built paradise along Euphrates; in Babylon for wife Consisted of 5 terraces, each raised 50 ft. higher than previous. exquisite gardens with rarest & most beautiful plants Flowering fountains and tame animals.   Known as 'Hanging Gardens of Babylon' 1 or 7 wonders of ancient W.",Jehovah is greatest of all constructors of paradises.   Spiritual Paradise came into existence in 1919.,"Genesis. 2:8, 9  Rev. 2:7  Ezek. 36:10","May 1, 1959 Wt Page 275",Life Does Have A Purpose,23,,,
Paradise,"Paradise (describe 1.Beauty 2.Growth 3.Freedom 4. Good Health growth, encouragement, spiritual eyes, undesirable removed Grand private (2 paradises Spiritual now, literal in future BOTH will last forever",Apply to Spiritual paradise,Isa 35:1-10,Dick Jones,Life Does Have A Purpose,23,,,
"Paradise, Earth,",How do you find paradise?,Turn right and go straight.,Isa 30:21;,Bobby Laymon,Can You Live Forever?--will You?,35,,1997/05/12,
"Paradise, Earth,","Why is it you enjoy going into the garden or a park?  Why do you like to get out of the city into open country?  Why do you enjoy the majestically flowing rivers flowing in peace?  The hillsides with stately trees, flowers?  Why do you stand at awe at the mountains?  Stop spellbound at the music of birds?","It is because you were made to live in paradise!  No! You were never in paradise, but our first human father and mother were and you got your appreciation of paradise from them.  Paradise is a place to LIVE, to live forever, and not a place of death.  Adam and Eve were turned out of the original paradise after sinning in order that they might  die OUTSIDE.",Ge 1:26-28; 2:7-14;,"Apr 15, 1970 Wt Page 227, 240,",Can You Live Forever?--will You?,35,,,
"Paradise, Earth, Contentment,",A plant can grow in a hot house no matter what the temperature is outside.,We can grow in the spiritual paradise no matter how bad it is outside in the world.,Isaiah 11:6-9,Johnse Laymon,Are You Content With Jehovah's Provisions?,22,,,
"Paradise, Earth, Desires, Happiness,","'If we were to take a poll of the world population and consult humanity on the kind of world we would all like to live in, it is very likely that we could all agree on certain minimum requirements.'  Quote: Book, 'A Sane and Happy Life: A Family Guide.' by Abraham and Rose Franz Lau.  Eight requirements set out by these doctors below:",1. World without war.  2. World without hunger.  3. World without sickness.  4. A world with work to provide for their families.  5. It would be a world where man would enjoy freedom and justice for all.  6. With opportunities to develop his capacities and talents to the full.  8. A world with ample leisure to enjoy the good thing of life.,Mic 4:4; Ps 67:6; Is 33:24; Is 65:21-23; Deuteronomy 10:17; Exodus 20:8-11;,"Oct 22, 1993 Aw Page 5-8",Keep Growing In Your Relationship With God,16,,,
"Paradise, Earth, Hope, Faith, Kingdom,","Picture a savory steak or a delectable desert, suddenly hungry. Make the Kingdom highest priority.  Give motivation.","We can stimulate our spiritual appetite. for paradise, by putting ourselves there.",Rev. 21:1-5,Bobby Laymon,Ruining The Earth Brings Divine Retribution,106,,,
"Paradise, Earth, Kingdom, Bible, Promise, Creation, Persecution,","In his Word, the Bible, Jehovah God has painted a beautiful picture of what that life will be like in the Paradise earth so near at hand.",A hope that burns brightly in our minds and hearts will enable us to endure hardships in Satan's world.,Jer 23:20;,Kl Page 182,Bearing Up Under Persecution,57,,1995/06/16,
"Paradise, Earth, Kingdom, Satan, Devil, Promise, Creation,","Suppose a great artist has just completed a splendid painting.  He rightfully considers it to be very good - a masterpiece!  But overnight a jealous rival defaces it.  Understandably, this causes the artist great pain.  How eager he is to see the vandal locked up!  And you can imagine how the artist yearns to have his creation restored to its former beauty.","Like that artist, Jehovah created a masterpiece in preparing the earth and putting mankind upon it.  Adam and Eve were God's own children, and he loved them.  He envisioned a happy, glorious future for them.  Satan led them into rebellion, but God's creation was not damaged beyond repair.","Genesis 3:23, 24; 6:11, 12;",Kl Page 181,A Cleansed Earth--will You Live To See It?,49,,1995/06/16,
"Paradise, Earth, Kingdom, Utopia, Shangri-la,","Utopia is defined as: a condition, place, or situation of social or political perfection.",The 'New heavens and New earth' will be much more than a Utopia or a Shangri-la.  It will be a permanent creation.,2pe 3:13; Re 21:5,"Jan 1, 1993 Wt Page 8",Ruining The Earth Brings Divine Retribution,106,,,
"Paradise, Earth, Last Days, End, Armageddon, Forever,","'Anyone with half a logical mind can put together the cataclysmic events of the past few years and see that the world it at a historic threshold....It will change forever the way men live.' Quote: editor of the Miami, U.S.A., Herald.",According to learned men a great change is in the making.,2 Tim. 3:1-5; Matt. 24:3-14;,You Can Live Forever In Paradise On Earth. Page 15,Ruining The Earth Brings Divine Retribution,106,,,
"Paradise, Earth, Last Days, End, Armageddon, Forever,","'Civilization is going downhill.  Very definitely...In the past when civilizations went downhill, it was a relatively local phenomenon...Now, ...when civilization goes downhill, the whole planet goes down.'  Quote: American writer Lewis Mumford.",According to learned men a great change is in the making.,2 Tim. 3:1-5; Matt. 24:3-14;,You Can Live Forever In Paradise On Earth. Page 15,Ruining The Earth Brings Divine Retribution,106,,,
"Paradise, Earth, Peace, Desire,","On television, it told of a resort area on a remote island where you could pay $50,000 for a one-week vacation and have anything you want.","In Jehovah's righteous New World, we will be able to live forever in a paradise that goes far beyond any expectations today, and have all our desires fulfilled.","Ps 37:10, 11, 29;",Bobby Laymon,Can You Live Forever?--will You?,35,,,
"Paradise, Earth, Requirements, Purpose, Kingdom,","Suppose you owned a beautiful home, one that you recently renovated at great cost. Would you allow just anyone to live there? Of course not!  Any potential tenant would have to meet your requirements.","Similarly, Jehovah God has provided this earthly home for the human family. Under the rule of his Kingdom, the earth will soon be 'renovated' --transformed into a beautiful paradise. Jehovah will accomplish this.","Psalm 115:16; Matthew 6:9, 10;","Jan 15, 1997 Wt Page 18",The Kingdom Of God Is Near,109,,1996/12/23,
"Paradise, Earth, Truthful, Promises, Trust,","Imagine a weather forecaster whose predictions almost always come true.  If he predicts on the evening news that it will rain the following day, you do not hesitate to take along your umbrella.  His past record has won your confidence.","Now, how reliable is Jehovah's promise of a better life on a paradise earth?  What does the past record indicate?  He is a God of unfailing accuracy and truthfulness.","Joshua 23:14; Isa 55:11; Rev 21:5, 6; Footnote;","Nov 15, 1995 Wt Page 4",On Whose Promises Do You Rely?,61,,1996/01/14,
"Paradise, Eden, Earth,","AT ONE time in history, a remarkable phenomenon could be observed at the eastern entrance to the garden of Eden.  There, mighty cherubs stood guard, their ominous appearance making it clear that no one should dare to pass. Equally forbidding was the flaming blade of a rotating sword, which likely cast an eerie glow against the surrounding trees at night.  Intriguing as this might have been, any spectators stayed at a respectful distance.   Cain and Abel may well have visited the site many times. Born to Adam and Eve outside the garden, they could only speculate what it was like to live in Paradise, as their parents once did, with its well-watered, lush greenery and abundant fruits and vegetables. Now the little that could be seen of Eden would no doubt appear uncultivated and overgrown.   Adam and Eve had surely explained to their children why the garden was uncared for and why they had been banished from it.","How frustrated Cain and Abel must have felt! They could see the garden, but they could not enter it. They were so close to Paradise and yet so far from it. Imperfection had tainted them, and there was little Cain or Abel could do about it.  We actually have the opportunity of entering into paradise.  How should we feel?","Genesisesis 2:17; 3:6, 23; Genesisesis 3:24","Feb 1, 1999 Wt Page 20",A Cleansed Earth--will You Live To See It?,49,,1999/01/03,
"Paradise, Exert, Awake, Sleep, Activity, Earth, Cope,","In novels, we read of 'Utopia' (means-'no place'), 'Sangallo,' or the 'Lost Horizon.'  In the 'Lost Horizon' men struggled through snow until they found a crevice in the mountain that opened up into paradise.  We have many harsh elements that make life painful today.  Difficult to cope.  We have harsh biting winds.  Severe environments.","Likewise, mankind has crashed - groping through the snow.  The tendency is to lie down, go to sleep.  That's what the dead do.  We are living in the great 'snow job' of Satan.  We must keep alert in order to arrive in Jehovah's new world of righteousness.  We are well cared for - regardless of the environment.","Heb 12:2,3; Acts 4:12; John 14:6;",Brother Weigle - Bethel,How To Keep Spiritually Awake!,71,,1993/12/07,
"Paradise, Garbage, Earth, Kingdom, End, Last Days, Pollution, Ecology, Violence,","'Like a bird that has fouled its own nest -- man is fouling the only home he has, the earth.'",'We have the time -- perhaps a generation -- in which to save the environment from the final effects of the violence we have done it.  Quote: Prominent ecologist Barry Commoner.,Re 11:18;,"Apr 22, 1971 Aw Page 3",Ruining The Earth Brings Divine Retribution,106,,1994/01/09,
"Paradise, Garbage, Earth, Kingdom, End, Last Days, Pollution, Ecology, Violence,","Given your choice, where would you prefer to live -- on a garbage heap or in a gardenlike area?  We agree, the answer seems obvious.  It would be hard to find a person who would say he preferred the garbage heap.","Yet many men today fear that human society is actually making that very choice.  'We get richer and richer in filthier and filthier communities, until we reach a final state of affluent misery --[rich king] Croesus on a garbage heap,'  Quote: former Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare John W. Gardner.",Re 11:18;,"Apr 22, 1971 Aw Page 3",Ruining The Earth Brings Divine Retribution,106,,1994/01/09,
"Paradise, Golden Age, Utopias, Kingdom,","From the first century of our common era onward, 'no fewer than sixteen Roman emperors claimed that their reigns had reestablished the Golden Age.'  Quote: Encyclopedia of Religion","In the course of the centuries, thinkers of all kinds (whether believers or not) have described dozens and dozens of Utopias.  Few, if any of them, however, were taken seriously.  Only God's Kingdom will bring about a real ideal place or better world.",Ps 145:16;,"Apr 1, 1994 Wt Page 5",Keep Growing In Your Relationship With God,16,,1994/03/01,
"Paradise, Pollution, Earth,","The European tourist carefully picked his way through a litter of discarded bottles, cans, plastic bags, chewing-gum and candy wrappers, newspapers, and magazines.  Finding a spot in the sun, he wondered, 'Is this really paradise?'","Have you ever had a similar experience?  Why do people dream of paradise, but have no scruples about turning it into a veritable garbage dump?",Ecclesiastes 8:9; Jer 10:23;,"Feb 15, 1993 Wt Page 3",Ruining The Earth Brings Divine Retribution,106,,,
"Paradise, Promises, Earth, Hope, Faith,","Some may say, 'All of that sounds too good to be true,'  regarding the paradise earth.","But, no, 'the conditions existing now are too bad to continue.'","2 Tim 3:1-5, 13;","Sep 22, 1994 Aw Page 12",Ruining The Earth Brings Divine Retribution,106,,1994/08/22,
Paradise;,'Paradise is to believe in it.'  Quote:  Catelli Mendes.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Paradise; Earth;,'Everywhere is walking distance if you have the time.' Quote:  Steven Write,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Paradise; Earth;,'He that would enter paradise must have a good key.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Paradise; Earth;,"'Pity the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Paradyme, Help, Lift Up, Jehovah's Ways, Problems, Prayer,","If you put a buzzard in a pen, six to eight feet square and entirely open at the top, the bird, in spite of his ability to fly, will be an absolute prisoner.  The reason is, that a buzzard always begins a flight from the ground with a run of ten to twelve feet.  Without space to run, as is his habit, he will not even attempt to fly, but will remain a prisoner for life in a small jail, with no top.     The ordinary bat that flies around at night, a remarkably nimble creature in the air, cannot take off from a level place.  If it is placed on the floor or flat ground, all it can do is shuffle about helplessly, and no doubt, painfully, until it reaches some slight elevation from which it can throw itself into the air.  Then, at once, it takes off like a flash.  A bumblebee, if dropped into an open tumbler, will be there until it dies, unless it is taken out.  It never sees the means of escape at the top, but persists in trying to find some way out through the sides, near the bottom.  It will seek a way where none exists, until it completely destroys itself.","In many ways, there are lots of people like the buzzard, the bat, and the bee.  They are struggling about with all their problems and frustrations, not realizing that the answer is right there above them.   The Psalmist said: 'I shall raise my eyes to the mountains.  From where will my help come?  My help is from Jehovah.' Our best source of help is just above us, but we need to look up and ask.",Ps. 121:1;,Charles Graham,Prayers That Are Heard By God.,86,,1999/02/22,
"Pardon, Freedom, Slave, Release, Ransom, wickedness,","Imagine this. You have committed a crime and received the death penalty.  You are strapped to the electric chair and you know you only have seconds left to live. You think of what it will feel like to have the first volts of electricity surge through your body. You begin to sweat and you want so badly to run away, but you feel the bands around your wrists tighten as you try to get up. It is time. The official goes for the switch, as if in slow motion. Your stomach begins to knot and  you feel queasy. His hand is on the switch. Any second now and you squeeze your eyes tightly shut, then clench your fists and then... the phone rings. It is a full pardon from the governor. You are released and free to go.","That is what happens daily to us. Do we appreciate it? Each day we sin  and deserve the death penalty (Romans 6:23) But, Jehovah set us free  with a full pardon because of the ransom he provided of his Son. Do we  think about it daily?",Rom. 6:23;,Patti Gillison,"Living, Not For Self, But To Do God's Will",8,,1999/06/20,4/1/2014
"Paregoric, Strengthening Aid, Comfort,","What is the meaning of the word 'Paregoric'.  It once was used as a mild pain reliever developed in the 16th century.  It is a mild sedative that soothes and comforts. In Bible times, the word 'Paregoric' was a person that delivered statements or comforting messages of good news to the people in the market places.  Col. 4:10,11- Paul wrote of such men when he said, while in prison, 'my fellow captive sends you his greetings, and so does Mark....Only these are my fellow workers for the kingdom of God and these very ones have become a `strengthening aid' to me.' These ones were humans able to comfort other humans.  There was a need for Paregoric people at that time to give comforting aid to others.","There are all kinds of medicines out there to `cure' what ever ailments we have.  All them do the job but some are bitter, some are distasteful, some burn.  But there are certain Paregoric medicines that give us comfort when we are hurting.  We are a collection of imperfect humans.  How are we dealing with our imperfect brothers and sisters who are striving to serve Jehovah?  Are we harsh on them even when they are in the wrong or are we like those messengers of comfort to others in the congregation.  'By your fruits, you will recognize them' so says Mat. 7.  We are recognized as true witnesses by how we treat our brothers and sisters not by simply going to the kingdom hall. So there is a true need for 'Paregoric' people today.  We deliver messages of good news to people in the market place or wherever we may go.  But we also are strengthening aids to our brothers and sisters when we give words of comfort.  Are you a 'Paregoric' person?","Col. 4:10, 11;",Frank Reyes,Gaining Comfort In All Our Tribulations,105,,1998/12/11,
Parents,"Abandoned children concerned with education, welfare, needs etc. Average parents spend 37 seconds per day with children.  Satan will not limit himself to 37 second.",Jehovah interested in His children.   Advertising aimed at 12 year old Satan works on youth.,Eph. 6:1;,Assembly,Parents--are You Building With Fire-resistant Materials?,104,,,
"Parents, Children,","AUTHOR John Updike once wrote: 'Though the child be a sleek senator of seventy, and the parent a twisted hulk in a wheelchair, the wreck must still grapple with the ponderous scepter of parenthood.'","Parents should not be cast aside just because the children are grown up. 'Listen to your father who caused your birth,' says the Bible, 'and do not despise your mother just because she has grown old.'  This counsel is not directed only to children because a person whose mother has 'grown old' is likely an adult.",Prov 23:22;,G83 2/8 7,Parents--are You Building With Fire-resistant Materials?,104,,1996/01/18,
"Parents, Children,",Have the children stand up.  Then leave the room and go into the library.  Have the parents look around.,That's what could happen to our children.,1 Pe 5:8;,Joe Laymon,Parents--are You Building With Fire-resistant Materials?,104,,1996/08/27,
"Parents, Children, Building, Fire-resistant,","A building contractor may have at his disposal the finest blueprints and building materials available. But what would result if the contractor refused to follow the blueprints, perhaps even permitting foolish shortcuts to be taken or allowing inferior materials to be substituted for the quality ones? Would not the completed building be faulty, even dangerous to use? Suppose, though, that the contractor was conscientious and did his best to follow the blueprints and to use  quality materials. Would not the owner of the completed building now have a responsibility to maintain it in proper order? Would he not also have a responsibility not to tear out the quality materials and replace them with inferior ones?","In a figurative way, parents are involved in a construction work. They want to build into their children fine personalities. The Bible provides the best blueprint for this. The quality materials, 'gold, silver, precious stones,' are likened in the Scriptures to qualities such as strong faith,  godly wisdom, spiritual discernment, loyalty, and loving appreciation for almighty God and his laws.","1 Corinthians 3:10-13; Compare Psalm 19:7-11; Proverbs 2:1-6; 1 Peter 1:6, 7.",W88 5/1 3,Responsibilities And Rewards Of Parenthood,29,,1995/01/27,
"Parents, Children, Building, Fire-resistant,",Just as a wise contractor makes good use of a blueprint to guide the construction of a building to its successful completion....,"...You can use the Bible as your guide in raising your children to be responsible adults. True, the Bible was not intended solely as a manual for successful parenthood, but it does contain direct counsel to parents and children. It is also a treasure trove of principles that when applied can benefit you as a parent.","1 Corinthians 3:10-13; Compare Psalm 19:7-11; Proverbs 2:1-6; 1 Peter 1:6, 7. Deuteronomy 6:4-9;",W88 5/1 4-5,Responsibilities And Rewards Of Parenthood,29,,1995/01/27,
"Parents, Children, Growth, Improvement,","Many plant a garden and are careful to keep it weeded, clean, and watch the growth carefully.","Yet, we sometimes forget our children, and do not show the same loving attention to them.",Ps 127:3; 1t 2:7;,Robert Boettcher,Responsibilities And Rewards Of Parenthood,29,,,
"Parents, Children, Mind, Knowledge,","A child's mind is like a bank -- whatever you put into it, you get back in 10 years with interest. They will want to deposit good clean thoughts and just principles that will in the future bring dividends as godly men & women.",Loving parents will be concerned with what they allow to be poured into the minds of their children.,Matt. 6:25; 4:4; Luke 2:52;,"Nov 22, 1964 Aw Page 11",Parents--are You Building With Fire-resistant Materials?,104,,,
"Parents, Children, Mind, Knowledge,","The minds of young children should be viewed as a garden plot. Good seed should be sown and given opportunity to take root before being exposed to the ravages of weeds. Be careful of books, radio programs, television and select them",Parents should make sure children's companions are good ones. carefully.,Matt. 6:25; 4:4; Luke 2:52;,"Nov 22, 1964 Aw Page 11",Parents--are You Building With Fire-resistant Materials?,104,,,
"Parents, Children, Old, Aged",Little girl ask mother why grandma eats in wooden bowl when rest eat in good china?  Mother replied because hands shaky and might break good china. Little girl ask if mother would keep bowl until she grew up.,"Mother may be shaken at request, but it told her that her daughter would take care of her.",Matt.15:3-6,"Mar 22, 1991 Aw Johnse Laymon",Does Your Thinking Agree With God's?,53,,,
"Parents, Children, Rules, Laws, Harsh,","Parents do not have to go to the extreme of having rules like the Medes and Persians, which never changed. Punishment whether physical or otherwise must be just.",Parents should operate according to just laws set out in Bible.,Eph. 6:4;,"Nov 22, 1964 Aw Page 10",Parents--are You Building With Fire-resistant Materials?,104,,,
"Parents, Children, Study, Prime, Time, Tv, Television, Longfellow,","Television companies use the expression, 'Prime Time' to describe the time in the twilight of the evenings.  Why do they call it 'Prime Time'?  Who did they steal this time from?  What did families do at this time before television?  [Recite part of poem by Longfellow, called 'The Children's Hour.']                                                                      THE CHILDREN'S HOUR  Between the dark and the daylight,  When the night is beginning to lower,  Comes a pause in the day's occupation,  that is known as the Children's Hour.    I hear in the chamber above me  The patter of little feet,  The sound of a door that is opened,  And voices soft and sweet.    From my study I see in the lamplight,  Descending the broad hall stair,  Grave Alice, and laughing Allegra,  And Edith with golden hair.    A whisper, and then a silence:  Yet I know by their merry eyes  They are plotting and planning together  To take me by surprise.    A sudden rush from the stairway,  A sudden raid from the hall!  By three doors left unguarded  They enter my castle wall!    They climb up into my turret  O'er the arms and back of my chair;  If I try to escape, they surround me;  They seem to be everywhere.    They almost devour me with kisses,  Their arms about me entwine,  Till I think of the Bishop of Bingen  'In his Mouse-Tower on the Rhine!    Do you think, O blue-eyed banditti,  Because you have scaled the wall,  Such an old mustache as I am  Is not a match for you all!    I have you fast in my fortress,  And will not let you depart,  But put you down into the dungeon  In the round-tower of my heart.    And there will I keep you forever,  Yes, forever and a day,  Till the walls shall crumble to ruin,  And molder in dust away!    Quote: Henry Wadsworth Longfellow",This was 'Prime Time' because families spent time together.  Today many ignore children and watch television.,1co 3:10-15;,Larry Kinkade,Parents--are You Building With Fire-resistant Materials?,104,,1994/01/02,
"Parents, Children, Teach, Youth,",As a mother tailors clothes for children at different ages...,"Our studies, publications, must be tailored to suit child's needs at different stages of growth.",2 Ti 3:14; Pr 29:15; Ps 126:5 Judges 13:8;,"Divine Teaching Dist. Assy. July 1-4, 1993",Parents--are You Building With Fire-resistant Materials?,104,,,
"Parents, Discipline, Children","Children will be children, so parents must be parents.  Shows true love for children. Urge them to learn.  Discipline when necessary. Encourage curiosity about Jehovah.","It is necessary to discipline all children.  Should sit together at meetings Speaker is 46, Mother still sits right behind him.","Prov. 13:24; Duet. 6:6,7","Lovers Of Freedom Dist. Convention  Mobile, July 12-14",Parents--are You Building With Fire-resistant Materials?,104,,,
"Parents, Example, Teaching, Children,","A CRAB said to her son, 'Why do you walk so one-sided, my child?  It is far more becoming to go straight forward.'  The young Crab replied: 'Quite true, dear Mother; and if you will show me the straight way, I will promise to walk in it.'  The Mother tried in vain, and submitted without remonstrance to the reproof of her child.","Moral: 'Example is more powerful than precept.' If parents can't set the proper example, it is not likely that children will walk in the truth.",Eph 6:1-4;,Aesop's Fables - Bobby Laymon,Parents--are You Building With Fire-resistant Materials?,104,,1994/05/17,
"Parents, Family, Morals, Children, Future,","Animals give suck to their young, protect them until they can forage for themselves, and separate perhaps never to see them again, without further concern as to their future. Rightly so, because man was made in 'God's image.'","Human parents are not in the class with animals, but are concerned both with the present and future welfare of their children.",Eph. 6:4; Genesis. 1:27; Pro. 8:35; Ge. 12:1-3; Josh. 24:15;,"Feb 1, 1968 Wt Page 80",Family Life That Warms The Heart,5,,,
"Parents, Fire-resistant, Teaching,",IT IS certainly a pitiful sight when a beautiful house burns to the ground. How especially sad it would be if you had built it! To see all your time and effort go up in smoke would be painful indeed.,And yet this pain is nothing compared to the hurt felt by the Christian parent whose son or daughter abandons the truth for the things of the world. Little could be more painful than seeing one's child come to such spiritual ruin.,1 Cor 3:1-15;,W84 8/1 8,Parents--are You Building With Fire-resistant Materials?,104,,1994/06/04,
"Parents, Fire-resistant, Teaching,","We might compare it to preparing a soldier for battle. Others may train and equip him, but once he is out in the battle the soldier must put up a fight, using what he has learned. His very life depends upon it!","Similarly, the one teaching endeavors to build a genuine Christian, one able to resist the pressures and temptations of this system. At the same time, though, the student has a responsibility; he has to apply in his life what he learns.","Matthew 7:24-27; Philippians 2:12, 13.",W84 8/1 9,Parents--are You Building With Fire-resistant Materials?,104,,1994/06/04,
"Parents, Fire-resistant, Teaching,","WHEREAS you can make quick work of putting up a hut, you certainly cannot build a palace overnight.",The same is true of making disciples. It is no small task to build in others a deep appreciation for Jehovah and his standards. It takes considerable time and skill to produce such 'palaces.',Prov. 3:1;,W84 8/1 13,Parents--are You Building With Fire-resistant Materials?,104,,1994/06/04,
"Parents, Fire-resistant, Teaching, Jesus","Before you can put up a building, you must first lay the foundation.","So in the building work of making disciples, what is the foundation? Paul answers: 'No man can lay any other foundation than what is laid, which is Jesus Christ.' (1 Corinthians 3:11) Yes, the right foundation upon which we are to build is Jesus Christ",Ephesians 2:20-22 And 1 Peter 2:4-6.,W84 8/1 9,Parents--are You Building With Fire-resistant Materials?,104,,1994/06/04,
"Parents, Youth, Habit, Congregation, Marriage, T.V. Soaps,","Salt the cow to catch the calf.  Do you watch soaps, etc.","Parents, does Satan use you to influence youth in wrong ways.","Prov. 13:20; 18:1, Ps. 133:1; Jo. 15:15; Heb. 10:24, 25,",Jim Laymon,Parents--are You Building With Fire-resistant Materials?,104,,,
Parents; Children;,'We never know the love of a parent till we become parents ourselves.'  Quote:  Hwb.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Parents; Parenthood;,"'Children aren't happy with nothing to ignore, and that's what parents were created for.'  Quote:  Ogden Nash.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Parents; Parenthood;,"'How many hopes and fears, how many ardent wishes and anxious apprehensions are twisted together in the threads that connect the parent with the child.'  Quote:  Samuel Goodrich.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Parents; Parenthood;,'Parenthood remains the greatest single preserve of the amateur.'  Quote:  Alvin Toffler M.D..,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Parents; Parenthood;,"'Some parents are rude, but others have learned to keep still when the kids are talking.'  Quote:  Anonymous.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Parents; Parenthood;,'There are times when parenthood seems noting more than feeding the hand that bites you.'  Quote:  Peter De Vries.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Parents; Parenthood;,'We never know the love of parents until we become parents ourselves.'  Quote:  Henry Ward Beecher.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Parents; Parenthood;,"Don't let parents down, they brought you up.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Parents; Parenthood;,God could not be everywhere and therefore he made mothers.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Parents; Parenthood;,One of the biggest differences between parents and grandparents is the parents say 'no' better.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Parents; Parenthood;,Parents are patterns.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Parents; Parenthood;,Simply having children does not make mothers.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Parents; Security;,'The best security blanket a child can have is parents who respect each other.'  Quote:  Jan Bluestone.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Partial, Favor, Choose, Available,","If you were working on a car and needed a certain wrench, it would not mean you were partial to that wrench, but that it was the best suited for the job.","In like manner, Jehovah's choosing of individuals, or even the nation of Israel, does not mean he showed partiality.","Acts 10:34, 35;",Faye Rudolph,,,,,
"Partial, Racial, Ethnic, Prejudice, Generous,","'Today,' it is said, 'It's not WHAT you know, but WHO you know.'",Jehovah is not partial.  Jehovah is generous to all.,Acts 10:34;,Brother Haus (Memphis Circuit Assy),"As Christians, We Care About Other People",15,,1994/03/07,
"Partial, Racial, Organization, Welcome, Hospitality, Nations,","'As Europe's ethnic mix begins to change, some countries discover they are not as tolerant of foreign cultures as they once thought they were.'  Of the 18,000,000 'unwanted' refugees, 'the challenge they present to stable nations will not go away.'","Whatever develops in this regard, the Bible shows that God welcomes people of every nation--whether a natural born citizen, an immigrant, or a refugee.","Ac 10:34, 35; 17:6; Re 7:9, 14-17","Apr 15, 1992 Wt Page 7",Follow The Course Of Hospitality,77,,,
"Partiality, Death, Life, Dead, Soul, Immortal, Racial, Sorts, Upper crust, Rich, Poor,",'UPPERCRUST' = 'Just a few crumbs put together with a little dough.',"We don't have to feel inferior when witnessing to wealthy neighborhoods.  As one person put it, 'All you have to be able to tell them is that the dead are dead.'",2 Tim 3:16; Ecc 9:5;,Joe Bowling,Evidence Of God In The World Around Us,4,,1994/10/23,
"Partiality, Help, Compassion, Racial, Prejudice,","During a disaster, such as a flood, you see people on the roof  of their houses, sometimes in trees, and others are floating on debris.  Suppose you are rescuing them, but you notice the one on the roof is short, so you decide to leave him.  Another, struggling to pull himself up is fat, so you decide not to pick him up.  One of the many clinging to the trees is another race, so you leave him behind.","If we show partiality in service, or at the Kingdom Hall, this   is in actuality what we would be doing.  Jehovah is not partial.",Acts 10:34,Al Larue,"As Christians, We Care About Other People",15,,1993/10/31,
"Partiality, Prejudiced, Racial,","A man's wife called and asked him to pick up a ham.  At home his wife said, 'You didn't have the shank cut off.  It has to have shank cut off.  Mom always did.'  Check with her mom, (same thing) Grand mother (same) Why?  She had a small kettle and wouldn't fit.","Likewise, many are prejudiced, because parents was, and never knew the reason why.",Ac 10:34;,Monty Owens,"As Christians, We Care About Other People",15,,,
"Partiality, Racial, Greed, Love,","Great influenza epidemic of 1918 described as 'pandemic' meaning affecting all peoples. Many prescription being offered, but no cure. All human remedies have failed.",Worldwide incidence of race prejudice is 'pandemic' God's cure. Ps. 72:12-14,"Genesis. 4:3-8; 2 Tim. 3:1, 4; Acts 10:34, 35;","Jul 8, 1962 Aw Page 5","Friendship With God, Friendship With The World -- Which Will You Choose?",79,,,
"Participation, Meeting,","Walking into a Kingdom Hall no more makes you a Witness, than walking into a garage makes you a truck.",We need to get involved.  Participate.,"Heb. 10:23, 24;",Kim Laymon,,,,1998/11/25,
Parting; Absence; Saying Goodbye;,'Parting is such sweet sorrow.'  Quote:  Shakespeare.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Party;,'I am not a member of any organized party--I am a democrat.' Quote:  Will Rogers,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Passed Over Death To Life, Spiritual Dead, Resurrection,","Bridge -- from death to life. (see picture illustration page 712)  'The hour is coming and it is now, when the dead will hear the voice of the Son of God and those who have given heed will live.' John 5:25","Scripture below could not apply to those already dead, because Jesus said, 'it is now.' John 5:28 applies to literal resurrection.","John 5:25; 1 John 3:14; Matt. 8:21, 22; John 5:28;","Dec 1, 1964 Wt Page 712-720","Living, Not For Self, But To Do God's Will",8,,,
"Passover, Memorial,  Lord's Evening Meal",The Passover commemorated the deliverance of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt.,The Lord's Evening Meal would focus on a much greater deliverance -- that of redeemable mankind from enslavement to sin and death.,1 Cor 5:7; Eph 1:7;,"Mar 15, 1996 Wt Page 8",Observing The Memorial Of Christ's Death,998,,1996/02/13,
"Past, Experience, Mistakes, Future, Life, Bible,",The Bible is a window to the past. It permits you to see how some people brought trouble upon themselves by what they did and how others brought blessings upon themselves.,By looking at their lives you can be aided in planning your own. You can thus learn from the past.  The Bible provides the necessary counsel.,Ps 119:105;,W58 8/1 451,Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,1994/07/10,
"Past, Experience, Mistakes, Future, Life, Bible,","Your life's course is marked by what you have done, just as footprints in moist concrete indelibly mark the path you have taken. You can look back on your life markers, but all you can do is look; you cannot erase them or change them.",If you have lived foolishly and selfishly your life's course may be strewn with the wreckage of broken friendships and shattered marriages.  But the future does not have to be like the past. You do not have to repeat your mistakes or continue walking in the same course.,Ps 19:7; Ecc 12:13;,W58 8/1 451,Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,1994/07/10,
"Past, Future, Motivation, Activity, Pioneer, Zeal,","'The past should be a springboard, not a hammock.'  Quote: Ivern Ball.","Having worked out the will of the nations, we should serve Jehovah with renewed zeal.",1 Pet 4:3;,Bobby Laymon - Reader's Digest,,,,1996/03/18,
"Past, Future, Present,",'Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.' Quote: Spanish-American philosopher George Santayana.,"It seems that over the course of millenniums, mankind quickly forgets its own past, thus condemning itself to commit the same bitter errors over and over.","Genesis. 3:1-6; Ecc. 8:9; Phil. 2:15; Ps. 92:7; 2 Tim. 3:1-5, 13;","Aug 8, 1998 Aw Page 7",Your Future--how Can It Be Known?,19,,1998/07/10,
"Past, Mistakes, Sorrow,","'Yesterday's gone on down the river, and you can't get it back.' Quote: Larry McMurtry, Lonesome Dove.",There is no point in sorrowing over mistakes that can never be relived.  We must go on with life.,Luke 9:62;,Bobby Laymon - Reader's Digest,Life Does Have A Purpose,23,,1996/03/15,
"Past, Present, Groaning,",'There has never been an age that did not applaud the past and lament the present.'  Quote: Lillian Eichler Watson.,Mankind needs something different.  All are groaning and being in pain together until now.,Rom 8:22;,Bobby Laymon - Reader's Digest,Gaining Comfort In All Our Tribulations,105,,1996/03/19,
Past;,'The past always looks better than it was; its only pleasant because it isn't here.'  Quote:  Finley Peter Dunne.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Past; Experience;,"'The past should be a springboard, not a hammock.'  Quote:  Irvin Ball.",,,Jk Quotes;,Your Future--how Can It Be Known?,19,,,
Past; Future; Human Nature;,'Study the past if you would divine the future.'  Quote:  Confucius.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Patience,"A householder, who planted a vineyard; killed his slave. Has patience toward the wicked ones. Not a sign of weakness. Eccl. 7:8, 9",Jehovah is the great God of Patience,"Matt. 21:33-39; 2 Pet. 3:8, 9","Apr 1, 1961 Page 201","Mercy, A Dominant Quality Of True Christians",7,,,
Patience,"Crow & the Pitcher Crow almost dying of thirst, found pitcher with little water Unable to reach, break, or turn over.  Noticed some small pebbles Dropped pebbles into, one by one, raised water level, drank",Jehovah's patience will win out Moral: Patience will succeed when all else fails Moral: Necessity is the mother of invention,2 Pet 3:9,Aesop's Fables Page 34,"Mercy, A Dominant Quality Of True Christians",7,,,
Patience,"Crow at the Well.  Very dry, crow thirsty, found well with bucket, with only little water inside.  Dropped stones, raised level of water, quenched her thirst.","Where all else fails, patience will succeed.",2 Pet. 3:9,Aesop's Fables,"Mercy, A Dominant Quality Of True Christians",7,,,
Patience,"Do you hate to wait? Ever pace the floor; get nervous & fidgety? In a production-minded world, patience is at a premium and tempers are short.  World of much unhappiness.",We must be patient as Jehovah is,"Eccl. 7:8,9  2 Pet. 3:15  1 Jo. 2:16; Gal. 5:19, 20  Prov. 16:21","Nov 1, 1958 Wt Page 643","Mercy, A Dominant Quality Of True Christians",7,,,
Patience,"I watched my brother whittle out wooden chain. Thought: He's slow while really he was very patient. However Jehovah's day will come as a thief, ... pass away with a hissing noise.","Jehovah is not slow, but patient.",2 Pet. 3:9,Bobby Laymon,"Mercy, A Dominant Quality Of True Christians",7,,,
Patience,The walls of Jericho did not fall the first time around.   We must be courteous and patient and show love.,"We should not think we are going to break down wall-like barriers of religious. teaching & traditions, built up over the centuries the first time we speak aloud the message of truth.","Jas. 5:7, 8; Luke 21:19","Apr 1, 1961 Wt Page 205","Mercy, A Dominant Quality Of True Christians",7,,,
Patience,Tortoise & hare.,Keep enduring.,2 Pet. 3:8,Bobby Laymon,"Hare Went To Sleep, Tortoise Finished Race.",7,,,
"Patience, Armageddon, Time, Rebellion, Rule,","Suppose that you and I each have a horse. I tell you that my horse is faster than your horse, and you say, 'No way, my horse can beat yours any day.' What is the best way to determine who is right? Bible student says: Let them race. You say: Okay. So we set a date for a race. The grandstands are filled with people cheering for my horse and people cheering for your horse. It's time for the race to begin. BANG! The gun goes off. Around the track the horses go, neck in neck, nearing the finish line. Then, suddenly, I shoot your horse, and my horse goes on to pass the finish line. I won the race right? But, my supporters see you screaming, 'You cheated!' What would have been needed for the winner to be determined fair and square? Bible student says: You couldn't shoot my horse. We would have to finish the race. You say: Right. So more time would be needed in order for one of us to win the race.... to settle the question of which horse was faster. And how do you think the people in the stands would feel about me? No doubt, there would be much discussion and uproar about it. I would not be looked upon favorably and people would think that I did not have much confidence in my horse.",So Jehovah acted justly by not destroying Satan immediately. He allowed the needed time to prove who had the right to rule.,Ps 110:1;,J.K.,The Only Cure For Sick Mankind,62,,1997/04/11,
"Patience, Contentment, Waiting,",'Patience!  The windmill never strays in search of the wind.'  Quote: Andy J. Sklivia.,When it comes to faith we need to have a waiting attitude.,"Hab 3:17, 18",Bobby Laymon - Reader's Digest,What The Near Future Holds!,40,,1996/03/22,
"Patience, Endurance, Contentment,","A farmer does not go out one day and plant the seed and then come back the next week and harvest the crop. Instead, he has to build up the soil, fertilize it, plow it, harrow it, plant seed, cultivate and weed the ground and keep the birds away. Then perhaps he has trouble with a plague of bugs, so he has to spray the crop. Yet, after all that, he encounters drought, and the crop may be wiped out. Will the farmer give up and go to the city for a job or get other employment? Not if he is a real farmer. Instead, the next year he will go through the same thing again. He may plant a windbreak to hold down the dust. He may put in a deep well to get water to irrigate the land. But he does not give up. He has patience and keeps working until he finally receives the fruitage of his labors and reaps a crop, thanks to Jehovah's blessing.","A real Christian who wants to follow in Jesus' footsteps, shares the truths he has learned with others. He finds that, first of all, he must cultivate the ground. This can be done by setting a good example in the neighborhood as a Christian.  He exercises patience.  He does not give up.",Gal 6:9;,W61 4/1 204,You Can Find Joy In Serving God,103,,1994/07/30,
"Patience, Endurance, Contentment, Exert, Work,",A farmer is willing to work long hours to cultivate his ground so that it will bear a bountiful harvest.,"IN like manner we must study hard to be qualified to teach others, thus becoming productive ministers of the good news.",Gal 6:9;,W59 9/1 526,You Can Find Joy In Serving God,103,,1994/07/30,
"Patience, Endurance, Contentment, Growth, Progress,","The farmer sows his seed, but then he too has to wait. He cannot hurry matters much, if at all.  For some crops he has to wait several years.",His exercise of patience is set before Christians as an example for them by the disciple James: '  You too exercise patience.',"Jas 5:7, 8;",W70 12/15 739,You Can Find Joy In Serving God,103,,1994/07/30,
"Patience, Endurance, Self-control, Contentment, Tribulation, Persecution,","'They also serve who only stand and wait.'  Quote: English poet John Milton over three hundred years ago.  He had become blind in his 40's.  And had become frustrated by it, but as noted in the final line of the poem he came to realize that one can worship God by patiently enduring tribulation and calmly seeking available opportunities of service.","Likewise during persecution, we may be required to patiently wait on Jehovah.",James 5:8;,"Jun 15, 1995 Wt Page 11",Bearing Up Under Persecution,57,,1995/05/08,
"Patience, Endurance, Self-control, Maturity, Disassociate,",Child stamps his foot and refuses to do something. That would be childish.,Mature Christian does not stamp his foot; threaten stop serving God,"2 Pet. 3:10-15; Ps. 11:4, 5; Ps. 145:20;","May 1, 1963 Wt Page 263",Choose Your Associates Wisely!,116,,,
"Patience, Endure, Faith, Love, Peace",Patience is like the hardener that is put in epoxy glue or in body putty for filling in dents on a car.,"Some brothers at one time had faith, but don't anymore because they didn't have patience. They expected the end sooner.  Some may one time have had love but don't anymore because they didn't have patience. Some may once have been peaceable not anymore because they were not patient.",Heb 6:13-15 2pet.3:9,Johnse  Laymon,Maintain Your Confidence Firm To The End,46,,1994/09/28,
"Patience, Genius,",'Genius is nothing but a greater aptitude for patience.'  Quote: George Louis Leclerc de Buffon.,We do not show kindness and patience toward only our brothers.   Jesus illustrated showing of mercy to all.,Luke 10:29-37;,Bobby Laymon,"Mercy, A Dominant Quality Of True Christians",7,,1995/07/18,
"Patience, Instant, Money, Materialism,",'Having it all doesn't necessarily mean having it all at once.'  Quote: Stephanie Luetkehans.,"Today people want instant everything.  Instant coffee, instant credit, instant homes.  Patience is missing.",Heb 6:15;,Bobby Laymon - Reader's Digest,Getting Marriage Off To A Good Start,27,,1996/03/20,
"Patience, Judging, Understanding,","Back when an ice cream sundae cost much less, a boy entered a coffee shop and sat at a table.  A waitress put a glass of water in front of him.  'How much is an ice cream sundae?' 'Fifty cents,' replied the waitress.  The little boy pulled his hand out of his pocket and studied a number of coins in it.  'How much is a dish of plain ice cream?'  he inquired.  Some people were now waiting for a table, and the waitress was impatient.  'Thirty-five cents,' she said angrily.  The little boy again counted the coins.  'I'll have the plain ice cream.'  The waitress brought the ice cream and hurried away.  The boy finished, paid the cashier, and departed.  When the waitress came back, she swallowed  hard at what she saw.  There, placed neatly beside the empty dish, were two nickels and five pennies -- her tip.",We should never be too hasty in making judgment against someone.,Prov. 29:20;,Bobby Laymon,Follow The Way To Life,45,,1998/01/16,
"Patience, Justice",'Beware the fury of a patient man.'  Quote: John Dryden.(1680],"Apply to Jehovah's patience, coupled with justice, vengeance.",2 Pet 3:8-10,Bobby Laymon,"Mercy, A Dominant Quality Of True Christians",7,,,
"Patience, Kindness,","'Be patient with everyone, but above all with yourself.'  Quote: St. Francis de Sales.",Sometimes we are harder on ourselves than anyone else is.,Prov 11:17;,Bobby Laymon - Reader's Digest,Follow The Way To Life,45,,1996/03/22,
"Patience, Long-suffering, Attitude,",Consider the effect on a business when an employee persistently arrives late. Discernment might cause the owner to wait before he acts.  Train another employee; see if he will mend; see if it is a problem that can be solved or incurable bad attitude.,"Similarly, Jehovah exercises patience in the face of wrongdoing to allow time for working out a just solution; Give opportunity to change, with eternal benefits.","Prov. 14:29; 2 Pet. 3:15; Genesis. 6:5, 7;","Oct 1, 1991 Wt Page 4, 5","Mercy, A Dominant Quality Of True Christians",7,,,
"Patience, Pioneer, Gilead, Missionary, Evangelizing, Contentment,",'Patience in a moment of anger will spare you a hundred days of anguish.'  Quote: Chinese proverb used by Ulysses Glass.,"'Many think that patience indicates weakness or indecisiveness, but to Jehovah it bears the insignia of strength and purpose.  In effect, it coats other fine qualities with a varnish of permanence.  It makes faith desirable, peace long-lasting, and love unshakable.'  Quote: Ulysses Glass.",Prov 16:32;,"Dec 1, 1996 Wt Page 22,",Are You Content With Jehovah's Provisions?,22,,1996/11/06,
"Patience, Pride, Haughty, Appointments, Recommendations,",Do you sense your patience is running out like the last grains of sand in an hourglass?  Example: waiting for an appointment or reaching out for privileges in Jehovah's service.,"If that is so, then remember that much impatience is rooted in pride. Is it not true that the humble person finds it easier to wait calmly?",Ecc 7:8; Pr 15:33;,"May 15, 1994 Wt Page 22","Mercy, A Dominant Quality Of True Christians",7,,1994/07/09,
"Patience, Pride, Peace, Anger, Anguish,",'Patience in a moment of anger will spare you a hundred days of anguish.'  Quote: Chinese Proverb.,Patience promotes peace.  Family and friends will be grateful that you do not make an issue of their every lapse.,"James 5:10, 11;","May 15, 1994 Wt Page 23","Mercy, A Dominant Quality Of True Christians",7,,1994/07/09,
"Patience, Pride, Peace, Anger, Anguish, Personality,","Patience will, in effect coat other fine qualities with a varnish of permanence.","Patience enhances your personality.  It makes your faith durable, your peace long lasting, and your love unshakable.  Being patient will help you to be joyful while practicing kindness, goodness and mildness.","James 5:10, 11; Heb 6:12;","May 15, 1994 Wt Page 23","Mercy, A Dominant Quality Of True Christians",7,,1994/07/09,
"Patience, Self-control,","'Regardless of how much patience we have, we would prefer never to use any of it.'  Quote: James T. O'Brien.","Patience somehow goes against our sinful tendencies, but Jehovah is a God of patience.  We need to imitate him.",Heb 6:12;,Bobby Laymon - Reader's Digest,"As Christians, We Care About Other People",15,,1996/03/21,
"Patience, Self-control,","You are a living Bible. Everybody? Householders, new congregation, mates, brothers & sisters, Even Jehovah & Jesus. At times we fail to be patient with ourselves.",Be patient with everybody. Jah's patience can cause human impatience. Often a lack of knowledge leads to impatience.,"1 Th 5:14; Prov. 14:29; 16:32 2 Pet. 3:9; Jas. 5:7, 8",Philip Kirkton (bethel Notes) Leon Weaver-Gilead Graduation 1991,Coping With Life's Anxieties,32,,,
"Patience, Self-control, Anger,",'How poor are they that have not patience! What wound did ever heal but by degrees?' Quote: William Shakespeare. [1604-1605].,"The Bible urges us to 'speak consolingly to the depressed souls' Especially if depression recurs or is prolonged, patience and love are put to the test.  Will you continue to speak encouragingly, or will you give up, just ignoring the person?",1 Th 5:14;,Bobby Laymon,"As Christians, We Care About Other People",15,,1995/07/10,
"Patience, Wait, Wisdom,","You cannot speed up the days, seasons or years.  Nothing you or anyone else on earth can do can accelerate the revolution that the earth makes around the sun in 365 and 1/4 days.  The farmer sows his seed, but has to wait.  He cannot speed-up the seasons.","Jehovah God sets us an example in waiting patiently.  Jesus Christ likewise set a fine example in patience.  Likewise, David, when hunted like a dog.","Jas 5:7,8; 1pe 3:20; 2ch 36:15, 16; Heb 10:12, 13; Mt 28:18;","Dec 15, 1970 Wt Page 739",Acquiring A Heart Of Wisdom,73,,,
"Patience, Worry, Anxious, Anxiety, Stress,","When it comes to needed rain, the farmer cannot control matters. He can plant and try to keep the cultivated field comparatively free of weeds.","But his worrying about rain will not help him to have a better harvest. Undue worry could, in fact, rob him of a measure of strength and joy in doing his work. So the farmer simply has to show patience.","Jas 5:7,8;",W76 4/15 229,Gaining Comfort In All Our Tribulations,105,,1994/07/30,
Patience;,'A man who is master of patience is master of everything else.'  Quote:  George Seville.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Patience;,"'Be patient with everyone, but above all with yourself.'  Quote:  Sales.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Patience;,'Beware the fury of a patient man.'  Quote:  John Dryden.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Patience;,"'If you are patient in one moment of anger, you will escape a hundred days of sorrow.'  Quote:  Chinese proverb.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Patience;,'Patience and the mulberry leaf becomes a silk gown.'  Quote:  Chinese proverb.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Patience;,"'Patience is a good thing to exercise, but a bad thing to overwork.'  Quote:  Grit.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Patience;,'Patience is bitter but its fruit is sweet.'  Quote:  French.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Patience;,'Patience is the art of hoping.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Patience;,'Patience is the best remedy for every trouble.' Quote:  Titus Platus,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Patience;,'Patience is the companion of wisdom.' Quote:  St. Augustine,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Patience;,'Patience! The windmill never strays in search of the wind.'  Quote:  Andy Sklivia.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Patience;,'Sit on the bank of a river and wait; your enemy's corpse will soon float by.'  Quote:  Indian proverb.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Patience;,'Slow and steady wins the race.'  Quote:  Aesop.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Patience;,'The secret of patience is doing something else in the meanwhile.' Quote:  The Sun Dial,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Patience;,"Have patience with all things, but first of all with yourself.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Patience;,"Have patience, all things are difficult before they become easy.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Patience;,He that can have patience can have what he will.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Patience;,"In any contest between power and patience, bet on patience.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Patience;,Only those who have the patience to do simple things perfectly will acquire the skill to do difficult tings easily.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Patience;,Patience is merely the art of concealing one's impatience.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Patience;,Patience is the key to contentment.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Patience;,To know how to wait is the great secret of success.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Patience;,What can't be cured must be endured.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Patience; Endurance;,"'Enjoy what you can, endure what you must.'  Quote:  Goethe.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Patient, Anger, Temper, Self-control, Armageddon,",'Beware the fury of a patient man.' Quote: -John Dryden.,"Jehovah has exercised great patience, however he will show his anger at Armageddon.",2 Pet. 3:15; Rev 16:16;,Bobby Laymon,Decide Now For Divine Rulership,37,,1995/08/25,
"Patient, Poor,","'I am as poor as Job, my lord, but not so patient.' Quote: William Shakespeare.","We should develop qualities of patience, kindness and humility toward our brothers.",Luke 10:29-37;,Bobby Laymon,"Mercy, A Dominant Quality Of True Christians",7,,1995/07/10,
"Patriotic, Prejudice, Worship,",'Patriotism is your conviction that this country is superior to all others because you were born in it.'  Quote: George Bernard Shaw.,"Loyally, Jesus rejected the side of Satan and his world.  Jesus did not have the spirit of the world that is manifest in thirst for self-importance. We too need to imitate Christ by resisting worldly desire for personal prominence.",Mt 4:10;,Bobby Laymon,'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,1995/06/30,
"Patriotism, Government, Country, Worship, Service,",'Patriotism: The last refuge of the scoundrel.' Quote: Dr.  Johnson.,"In our day, people have carried on many forms of false worship.  There has been an idolizing of various forms of nationalism.  Some of these have been chosen as a last resort.",Mic 4:1-4;,Bobby Laymon,Are You Doing What God Requires Of You?,43,,1995/06/27,
Patriotism;,"'Patriotism is the last refuge of a scoundrel.'  Quote:  Dr. Samuel Johnson (1709-1784)  English author, lexicographer.",,,Bobby Laymon,,,,1996/03/05,
Patriotism;,"'The religion of Hell is patriotism, and the government is an enlightened democracy.'  Quote:  James Branch Cabell.",,,Bobby Laymon,,,,1996/03/05,
Patriotism; Nationalism;,''My country right or wrong!' is like saying 'My mother drunk or sober!''  Quote:  Chesterton.,"The spirit of nationalism, is strong, like the feelings toward one's mother.","Mark 1:14, 15;",Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Patriotism; Nationalism;,'You'll never have a quiet world till you knock the patriotism out of the human race.'  Quote: George Bernard Shaw.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Pattern, Model, Shadows, Type, Prophecy, Minor, Major, Last Days","Model of Mississippi River on 200 acre site at Jacksonville, Miss Molded of concrete, it is strong and durable with scale of one inch for every 2000 feet. Model can duplicate flood stage situation and tell what is going to happen.",Jehovah gave patterns of what is to come. $6.00 benefits for every $1.00 invested in flood control.,Rom. 15:4; 1 Cor. 10:10;,"Sep 8, 1963 Aw Page 13-15",Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,,
"Pause, School, Speaker,","Just as it is important for a driver to slow down in making a turn, so he doesn't lose anyone...","It is just as important for a speaker to pause in changing ideas in a public talk.  It gives the mind a chance to adjust itself, to recognize the change in direction and follow the development of the new thought.","2c 3:5, 6;","School Guidebook Page 120, 121",,,,,
"Pause, School, Speech,","Like when eating a meal, you stop after one course and rinse your mouth out, getting ready for the next course.",A pause prepares the speaker and the audience for what will come next.,1ti 4:16,David Herr,,,,,
"Pause, Speech,","'The notes I handle no better than many pianists.  But the pauses between the notes, ah, that is where the art resides.'  Quote: A famous musician.",It is similar with speaking.  Appropriate use of pausing will add beauty and meaning to your well-prepared material.,Luke 4:16-21,Benefit Page 97,,,,"Apr 13, 2002",
"Pause, Speech,","Just as you slow down when turning a corner, or pause when changing from one street to another.","When you are making a transition from one main point to another, a pause can give your audience an opportunity to reflect, to adjust, to recognize the change in direction, and to grasp more clearly the thought presented.",Luke 4:16-21,Benefit Page 98,,,,"Apr 13, 2002",
Peace,'Peace Epidemic' 'Peace is Busting Out All Over.' Man's mortality is an insuperable obstacle to his bringing lasting peace.,Newspaper headlines that startled readers,"Ps 146:3, 4  1 Th 5:3","April 1, 1990 Wt Page 3",Respect For Authority Is A Safeguard For You,12,,,
Peace,"Better to dwell. on roof, than with contentious wife. Today, there is no remote corner on this spacious earth to escape from troubles, dangers and evil effects of space age. Must seek peace & pursue it. Ps. 34:11-16","Would prefer refuge in remote corner, for peace sake.",Prov. 19:13; 21:9,"Dec 15, 1959 Wt Page 741",Respect For Authority Is A Safeguard For You,12,,,
Peace,"Karate, Judo Jesus did not flatten with Karate chop Did not slam them on their back Judo style",Jesus preached and practiced peace,Mt 5:9;,1965 Awake! ?,Respect For Authority Is A Safeguard For You,12,,,
Peace,"Quote: Albert Einstein; 'If I had only known, I would have been a locksmith.' In 1945 took tens of thousands of fire-bombs to destroy 235,000. in Dresden and Tokyo.  A few months later learned it could be",Regarding the atomic bomb. accomplished by 1 bomb. Atom bomb now looks like 'lady fingers' (small fire-cracker),"Eccl. 8:9, 11   Jere. 10:23","Nov 8, 1982 Awake! Page 10",What God's Rulership Can Do For Us,24,,,
Peace,Shake dust off your feet,Do not take their attitude to the next door or village,Luke 9:5  10:11,Jesus,Respect For Authority Is A Safeguard For You,12,,,
Peace,"The lion stretching himself out peacefully, with satisfaction.",Illustrated peaceful reign of Solomon.,"Genesis. 49:9,10;","Jul 1, 1962 Wt Page 393",Respect For Authority Is A Safeguard For You,12,,,
Peace,Two men with revolvers pointed....Is it peace?,Nations.,Luke 21:28,"Bro Salvador, Charles",Overcoming Fear Of The Future,108,,,
Peace,Wedge; Satan tries to get wedge in between Brothers,Satan angry since 1914,"Phil 4:6,7  Rom 12:3",Bobby Laymon,Respect For Authority Is A Safeguard For You,12,,,
Peace & Security,"Mice in Council Mice called council to do something about 'cat' Plan devised: Bell around cat's neck, be warned of all her moves Received with cheers & joy","Cry 'Peace' will be a false hope Wise old mouse, 'Plan is very clever, but who's going to bell the cat. Moral: Easier to make a suggestion, than carry it out",1 Th 5:3,Aesop's Fables  Page 16,Jehovah Is 'a Secure Height' For His People,151,,,
"Peace,","'Set a muzzle as a guard to my own mouth, as long as anyone wicked is in front of me.' At times peace must yield to what is more important, namely truth and righteous principles. Eccl. 3:8; Gen. 13:8-12; 14:14-16;","Restrain from saying things when annoyed, irritated, or angry.",Ps. 39:1; Prov. 15:1;,"Jul 22, 1963 Aw Page 3",Respect For Authority Is A Safeguard For You,12,,,
"Peace,","'Where there is no peace, there is Satan.'  Quote: Spanish Proverb.",Satan is the instigator of every vile thing.,John 8:44;,Brother Hall - Friends Of Peace District Convention.,,,,1996/06/13,
"Peace,","IMAGINE a house with a weak foundation, rotten beams, and a sagging roof.  Would you be inclined to move in and make it your home?  Probably not.  Even a fresh coat of paint would not change the fact that the house is not structurally sound.  Sooner or later, it will likely collapse.",Any peace originating in this world is like that house.  It is built on a weak foundation.,Ps. 146:3,"Sep 1, 2001 Wt Page 8",Global Peace--from What Source?,122,,"Oct 21, 2001",
"Peace,","The dead are peaceful, but not peaceable.  (R.I.P.)",We must be peace makers.,Matt. 5:9;,Larry Punko; C.O.,Respect For Authority Is A Safeguard For You,12,,,
"Peace, Advancement, Wars,","This generation has advanced to speedy automobiles, supersonic planes, and fast rockets.  Harnessed the atom, made laser beams, that will burn through diamonds. All recorded history has known only 292 years of peace, until","There has been no break-through in durable peace. April 14, 1963.  Estimated there had been 14,553 wars until that time.",1 Th 5:3; Ps. 46:9; Mic. 4:3,"May 22, 1964 Aw Page 5",Respect For Authority Is A Safeguard For You,12,,,
"Peace, Bethel,",Forty-nine nations at peace here at Bethel. Don't fear speaking up for what is moral.,Don't form clicks; Don't impute wrong motives.,"Ps. 91:1-3; Prov. 3:5, 6;",Phil Kirkton Notes;,Respect For Authority Is A Safeguard For You,12,,,
"Peace, Bomb, Security, War, Wicked, Science,","A West African proverb says: 'When elephants fight, the grass too will suffer.'","Likewise, the consequences of a nuclear war would not affect merely the combatants. In a recent essay in Foreign Affairs magazine, scientist Carl Sagan said that a nuclear war 'would imperil every survivor on the planet. There is a real danger of the extinction of humanity.'",1 Th 5:1-3;,G86 5/22 4,Does Your Hope Rest On Science Or The Bible?,80,,1994/06/27,
"Peace, Calm, Anxiety,","There once was a King who offered a prize to the artist who would paint the best picture of peace. Many artists tried.  The King looked at all the pictures, but there were only two he really liked and he had to choose between them.  One picture was of a calm lake. The lake was a perfect mirror for peaceful towering mountains were all around it.  Overhead was a blue sky with fluffy white clouds. All who saw this picture thought that it was a perfect picture of peace.  The other picture had mountains too. But these were rugged and bare.  Above was an angry sky from which rain fell, in which lightening played. Down the side of the mountain tumbled a foaming waterfall. This did not look peaceful at all.  But when the King looked, he saw behind the waterfall a tiny bush growing in a crack in the rock.  In the bush a mother bird had built her nest.  There, in the midst of the rush of angry water, sat the mother bird on her nest...  perfect peace.","Which picture do you think won the prize?  The King chose the second picture.  Do you know why?  'Because,' explained the King, 'peace does not mean to be in a place where there is no noise, trouble, or hard work.  Peace means to be in the midst of all those things and still be calm in your heart.  That is the real meaning of peace.",Phil 4:7;,Frank Reyes,Coping With Life's Anxieties,32,,1998/12/11,
"Peace, Competition, Organization, Cooperation, Unity, Failure,","Have you ever played on a team?  Baseball, basketball, football? We have competition between opposing teams.  We work with team members, although we may not see eye to eye on every issue.","We are all on the same team at the Kingdom Hall.  Jehovah is the coach.  Furthermore, we are on the 'winning team.'  If we 'miss' in basketball, we don't quit shooting.  We keep trying and will eventually 'hit.'",Ro 12:3; Pr 14:12; Pr 3:9-12;,Steve Carnifix,Make Jehovah Your Confidence,70,,,
"Peace, Contentment, Joy, Happiness,",A farmer who noticed that smoke was coming from the middle of his wheat field and went to examine the place and he indeed found that someone had started a fire. Now instead of putting it out he wanted everyone to see and show them what someone had started in his field. However as he picked up the fire for evidence and started carrying it out of the field he noticed that he was dropping sparks of fire and as he looked back he set his whole field on fire.,Sometimes it is better to just quietly put an end to things.,Rom 12:19;,Peter Morgan,You Can Find Joy In Serving God,103,,1997/08/12,
"Peace, Earth, Paradise, Everlasting, Life,","Those of us who travel quiet a lot are often asked, 'Where on earth would you like to live most?'  All the beautiful places you have seen come to your mind, and then the comment by Isaiah.","'My people will dwell in peaceful abiding places.'   It doesn't matter where on earth you live, the desired thing is to dwell in 'full confidence' and 'peaceful abiding places.'",Isa. 32:18;,"Phil Kirkton, Comment On Gilead Graduation.",Ruining The Earth Brings Divine Retribution,106,,,
"Peace, Forgiveness, Pass Over, Harbor, Grudge, Love,","IMAGINE yourself on a jet airplane speeding down a runway.  Looking out, you see near the runway an acquaintance making the rude gesture of childishly sticking her tongue out.  You know that she had been upset, and might have you in mind.  Or she might not be thinking of you at all.  Anyway, as the plane circles to gain altitude, you pass high over the woman, who now seems to be just a speck.  In an hour you are hundreds of miles away, and her offending gesture is long since behind you.","Similarly, many times it will help us to forgive if we try to be like Jehovah and wisely pass over the offense.  Will not the slight seem tiny ten year from now or two hundred years into the Millennium?",Prov. 19:11,"Oct 15, 1999 Wt Page 15, 16",How To Express Love In A Lawless World,112,,1999/12/06,
"Peace, Government, United Nations, Kingdom,","'The United Nations is like an organization of poachers, now turned game keepers.'",They do not have a good record in keeping the peace.,Jer 10:23;,Brother Hall - Friends Of Peace District Convention.,,,,1996/06/13,
"Peace, Happiness, Teaching, Divine,","'..Your peace would become just like a river, and your righteousness like the waves of the sea.'  Is 48:17, 18;","They would have enjoyed peace and prosperity as full, deep, and perennial as a river.  Moreover, their righteous deeds would have been as innumerable as the sea's waves.  Applying divine teaching will do the same.","Is 48:17, 18;","Feb 1, 1994 Wt Page 14;",Are You Doing What God Requires Of You?,43,,1994/03/21,
"Peace, Happy,",Do you know any boys who are always trying to act big and tough?  Do you like to be with them?  Or would you rather be with someone who is peaceable?,"The Great Teacher knows what kind of person God likes.  He said, 'Happy are the peaceable, since they will be called 'sons of God.''  That is the kind of person we want to be, isn't it?",Mt 5:9;,"Jun 15, 1971 Wt Page 372",Respect For Authority Is A Safeguard For You,12,,1993/11/16,
"Peace, Kingdom, Governments,","'Chasing the wind.' 'East wind' in Palestine would be a hot, dry wind.",Trusting in peace agencies of the world.,"Hos. 12:1; 7:11; Jer. 17:5, 7;","Jan 8, 1963 Aw Page 5",The Kingdom Of God Is Near,109,,,
"Peace, Last Days, World, Wicked,",'What has happened . . . is that the world is quietly but relentlessly being rent by a slow-motion disintegration.  Quote: Encyclopedia Britannica.,"Many countries whose structural and spiritual cohesion was taken for granted have been breaking apart . . . [into] tribes, clans, religious [sects], . . . city gangs, death squads, terrorist movements, guerrilla movements, and narrow and rabid self-interest groups.'",2 Tim 3:1-5;,W87 5/15 11,Will You Be A Survivor Of The 'last Days'?,2,,1995/06/20,
"Peace, Nations, Kingdom,","It is like the bad joke, 'The operation was a success, but the patient died.'",Likewise with any success the nations may have toward establishing true peace and security.  Any success will be short-lived.,1th 5:3,Bobby Laymon,The Kingdom Of God Is Near,109,,,
"Peace, Paradise, War, Armageddon,",'Mankind must put an end to war -- or war will put an end to mankind. Quote: John F. Kennedy.,"Mankind will never put an end to war, but Jehovah will.",Ps. 46:9;,Bobby Laymon,Religion's Role In World Affairs.,92,,1997/05/13,
"Peace, Paradise, War, Armageddon,",'One who brandishes a pistol must be prepared to shoot.'  Quote: Herbert Hoover.,It is as Jesus said.  We avoid weapons of war and war.,Matt 26:52; Ps. 46:9;,Bobby Laymon,Religion's Role In World Affairs.,92,,1997/05/13,
"Peace, Prayers, Nations, Clergy, Christendom, Life, Promises, Hope,","A flower arrangement is lovely to behold, but once the special occasion is over, the rootless flowers wither and their richness fades. The individual beauty of each flower and the splendor of the arrangement is soon lost. And the flowers are not meant to bear fruit.","The delegates prayed for peace, but they believe that human efforts would bring it about. Like a decorative flower arrangement, their prayer meeting was to be a beautiful display of their own efforts.  Did this summit meeting also end up as a 'flower arrangement' bearing no fruit?",1 Th 5:1-3;,W88 3/15 8,Prayers That Are Heard By God.,86,,1994/07/07,
"Peace, Return, Attitude, Witnessing,","Suppose you offered someone $1,000.00 and they handed it right back to you.  You haven't lost anything.  You still have your money.  The loser is the person refusing it.","In like manner, in offering the truth to people lose nothing if our peace we offer has to return to us.  Those refusing are the losers.",Matt. 10:13,Bill Thomas,Global Peace--from What Source?,122,,"Aug 26, 2001",
"Peace, Russia, Future, Changes,","A sign seen in Prague, Czechoslovakia, summed it up this way: 'Poland--10 Years; Hungary--low Months; East Germany--low Weeks; Czechoslovakia-l0 Days. And then, after a week of horror, Rumania--low Hours.'",So it goes with the peace movements created by man.  Jehovah is the only giver of true peace.,Dan 2:21;,"Jul 8, 1996 Aw Page 14;",Your Future--how Can It Be Known?,19,,1996/06/10,
"Peace, Security, Churchill, Disarmament, War,","'IT IS the greatest mistake to mix up disarmament with peace,' said Winston Churchill five years before the nations plunged into the second world war. 'When you have peace you will have disarmament,' he added.  Winston Churchill made his statement in 1934",What a paradox! Who is going to risk disarming until peace is ensured? But how can there be real peace while weapons are stockpiled for war? It is a situation from which politicians have never found a way out.,1 Th 5:1-5; Is 2:4;,W89 12/15 3,Respect For Authority Is A Safeguard For You,12,,1994/05/09,
"Peace, Security, Future,","'Tonight, as I see the drama of democracy unfolding around the globe, perhaps -- perhaps we are closer to that new world than ever before.' (U.S. President George Bush, Sept 1991)",Many are speaking optimistically about the future.,"1th 5:3; Ps 146:3, 4; Is 8:10;","Mar 1, 1992 Page 3",Your Future--how Can It Be Known?,19,,,
"Peace, Security, Government, Rule, Kingdom","Some liken the hope for peace to that illusory lake of water frequently seen as one speeds down a desert road.  The car never catches up to it.  The water always stays just a short distance down the road.  It is simply an illusion, caused by extreme heat near the surface of the ground.","Is the hope for lasting world peace also only a mirage, an illusion?  It something mankind was ever meant to seek, feel at times he almost had it, but never actually realize? Can man rule himself successfully, or is it only an illusion.",Dan 2:44,"Dec 22, 1968 Aw Page 5",Jehovah Is 'a Secure Height' For His People,151,,,
"Peace, Security, Government, Rule, Kingdom, Vision, Illusions,","Consider the moon.  Have you observed it when it was low on the horizon, perhaps between some trees & over a farmhouse?  Did it not appear unusually large?  Later at night, when high in the sky it looks smaller.  The houses, trees, terrain deceive the mind into making the moon look larger.","Appearances can also be deceiving when looking for human governments to rule successfully, or to bring about peace.  Illusions can happen in physical vision, and spiritual vision as well. (See article for other examples)",Dan 2:44; Jer 10:23;,"Dec 22, 1968 Aw Page 5",Jehovah Is 'a Secure Height' For His People,151,,,
"Peace, Security, Last Days,","Quote: 'A new world of freedom lays before us..., a world where peace endures, where commerce has conscience and where all that seems possible is possible.' (George Bush -- July 1990) Quotes from Mikhail Gorbachev, 'This generation of people on earth",Nations hope for world peace. may witness the advent of an irreversible period of peace in the history of civilization.' (May 1990),1 Th 5:3;,"Apr 15, 1991 Wt Page 3",Will You Be A Survivor Of The 'last Days'?,2,,,
"Peace, Security, Last Days,","The 'Crescendo' of a song builds louder and louder for all to hear.  It is near the end, and captures everyone's attention.",The cry of 'peace and security' is now building into a 'crescendo' and will end in sudden destruction.,1 Th 5:3;,Daniel Myers,Will You Be A Survivor Of The 'last Days'?,2,,,
"Peace, Security, Last Days, Tsunami","The sound of the surf had stopped! The sea was withdrawing, uncovering beach that they had never seen before. Many rushed to pick up the helpless fish.  Others ran the opposite direction. The 'tsunami' (seismic sea wave, caused by an undersea earthquake)","Peace and Security will be short-lived. left 159 dead, and destroyed 25 million in property. (60' high) In Hawaii 6:a.m. April 1, 1946.",1 Th 5:3;,"Jul 8, 1964 Aw Page 20 (greatest Wave 1,720' Page 23)",Will You Be A Survivor Of The 'last Days'?,2,,,
"Peace, Security, North, South, Pushing, Last Days,","Like two wrestlers striving for an advantage, King of North and South, have been 'pushing' for the last 45 years. Talk for peace and security is now being heard to an unprecedented degree.  Need to stay awake.",Recently the 'pushing' appears to have diminished.  In May 1989 Soviet foreign minister declared the Cold War over.,Dan. 11:5-43; 1 Th 5:3,"Sep 1, 1991 Wt Page 6",Overcoming Fear Of The Future,108,,,
"Peace, Security, Pioneer, Gilead, Depressed, Stress, Prayer, Groaning,","Do you feel cramped, closed in?  How can you escape to a 'Roomy Place?'  What is this 'roomy place?'",The 'roomy place' is a state of deliverance that brings peace of mind and security of heart.  What do we need deliverance from? Yourself- your own shortcomings.  External circumstances fueled by Satan.  How? Search for Jehovah's orders in all we do.  Prayer.,Ps 18:19; 118:5,"Jun 1, 1993 Wt Page 23, 24  (Ralph E. Walls)",Prayers That Are Heard By God.,86,,,
"Peace, Security, United Nations, Government, Kingdom,","Like a veneer, that hides what is truly underneath a good-looking piece of furniture. 'faithful slave' will continue to furnish timely warnings.","Whatever success the nations may have in establishing peace, it will be brief and only a veneer.",1 Th 5:3; Matt. 24:45-47;,"Sep 15, 1991 Wt Page 16",The Kingdom Of God Is Near,109,,,
"Peace, Security, Want, Abundance,","A COUNTRY MOUSE invited a Town Mouse, an intimate friend, to pay him a visit and partake of his country fare.  As they were on the bare plow lands, eating there wheat-stocks and roots pulled up from the hedgerow, the Town Mouse said to his friend, 'You live here the life of the ants, while in my house is the horn of plenty.  I am surrounded by every luxury, and if you will come with me, as I wish you would, you shall have an ample share of my dainties.'  The Country Mouse was easily persuaded, and returned to town with his friend.  On his arrival, the Town Mouse placed before him bread, barley, beans, dried figs, honey, raisins, and, last of all, brought a dainty piece of cheese from a basket.  The Country Mouse, being much delighted at the sight of such good cheer, expressed his satisfaction in warm terms and lamented his own hard fate.  Just as they were beginning to eat, someone opened the door, and they both ran off squeaking, as fast as they could, to a hole so narrow that two could only find room in it by  squeezing.  They had scarcely begun their repast again when  someone else entered to take something out of a cupboard, whereupon the two Mice, more frightened than before, ran away and  hid themselves.  At last the Country Mouse, almost famished, said to his friend:  'Although you have prepared for me so dainty a feast, I must leave you to enjoy it by yourself.  It is surrounded by too many dangers to please me.  I prefer my bare plow lands and roots from the hedgerow, where I can live in safety, and without fear.'",Moral: 'A humble life with peace and quiet is better than a splendid one with danger and risk.',Pr 15:17;,Aesop's Fables - Bobby Laymon,Respect For Authority Is A Safeguard For You,12,,1994/05/17,
"Peace, Security, War, Armageddon, Earth, Paradise,",(Display big question mark. '?' ) Many people looking into the future see nothing but this. Why? They are seeking peace and security from wrong direction.,"According to the Bible, the world will never find 'peace and security.","Luke 21:25, 26; 1 Th 5:3; Ps. 146:3, 4; Isa. 43:11; 1 Ki. 4:24","Aug 15, 1967 Wt Page 493",Jehovah Is 'a Secure Height' For His People,151,,,
"Peace, Strife, Problems, Trouble,","In times of war, farmlands produce no crops; used as battlefield. Works 2 ways; must not let what others say, stir us up. Must not do anything to needlessly stir up strife. 'count to ten'  'be patient' Rom. 12:18; Heb. 12:14",How can we produce fruitage while engaging in strife among selves.,"Matt. 13:23; Gal. 5:22, 23; Jas. 3:18; 2 Tim. 2:24, 25;","Aug 1, 1961 Wt Page 471",Respect For Authority Is A Safeguard For You,12,,,
"Peace, Stubborn,",'Be stubborn for peacefulness.',One good occasion to be stubborn.,1 Pet. 3:11,David Young,Respect For Authority Is A Safeguard For You,12,,,
"Peace, Un, Kingdom,","A whole fleet of ships have been launched in recent years. To survive stormy sea, ship must be seaworthy. quality construction Well designed, welded; Need for an experienced and capable crew. Direction of a capable captain.","These are 'peace-plan' ships, set in motion to bring world peace. How do the nations measure up? How does God's Kingdom measure up. (see article)",Isa. 17:12; Jer. 8:15;,"Feb 22, 1963 Aw Page 5-8",The Kingdom Of God Is Near,109,,,
"Peace, United Nations, Security, Kingdom,","Imagine if it were possible to go into a store and purchase peace for the nations.  Impossible! Man has failed to find a formula for peace, but continues to live under the gun.","Yet, there is a shop that has its avowed purpose the securing of peace -- The United Nations.  Yes! it is impossible, since true peace will only be obtained by God's Kingdom.",1th 5:3;,"Feb 22, 1968 Aw Page 11",The Kingdom Of God Is Near,109,,,
"Peace, Unity,",How many have taken the bridge across the Grand Canyon?  (There is no bridge),"Yet, we have seen greater gaps bridged by unity and peace.  We have seen persons from all nations united together, in unity, without competition.","Gal. 5:25, 26; John 10:16;",David Cohen  - Elder's School 1/98,Serving With Jehovah's Unified Organization,3,,1998/01/10,
"Peace, Unity, Elders, Change,","If you take 70 brothers and sister who think just alike and put them in one Kingdom Hall. It would be the most peaceful congregation on earth. No arguments, quarrels, personality conflicts, all would understand one another, and all would die at Armageddon.",Need to have cross-section of personalities. Help grow. Why? They see no need to change.,Mic. 2:12;,Joe Bounds,Respect For Authority Is A Safeguard For You,12,,,
"Peace, Unity, Partial, Impartial,",'All share the same earth under the same sky.'  Quote: Swahili Proverb.,"We should be peacemakers, instead of looking at each others faults.",Jas. 3:17;,Paul Allen C.O.  Elders School 12/97,Life Does Have A Purpose,23,,1998/01/10,
"Peace, War,",'Peace is much more precious than a piece of land.' Quote: An war al- Sadat.,To what extent are we willing to go for peace?  Are we willing to give up land or valuable property?,"James 4:1-4, 11;",Bobby Laymon,A Cleansed Earth--will You Live To See It?,49,,1995/08/16,
"Peace, War,",Say peace U.S. has 120 nuclear warheads aimed Moscow,Say entering period of strong prolonged peace,1 Th 5:3,"Jan 1, 1991 Wt Johnse Laymon",Respect For Authority Is A Safeguard For You,12,,,
"Peace, War, Armageddon,","Ominous cloud over earth, cloudburst may rain down nuclear destruction.",Climate of fearful expectation,Jer. 8:15; Luke 21:26;,"Feb 22, 1962 Aw Page 5",Ruining The Earth Brings Divine Retribution,106,,,
"Peace, War, Canaanite, Justice, Exclusive,",Imagine the community in which you live was without a reputable police force or militia to enforce the laws of the land.  Would that not lead to anarchy and violence of the worst kind?,"Similarly, Jehovah was compelled to act against the Canaanites because of their licentiousness and the real danger they posed to pure worship.  As a God of justice who exacts exclusive devotion, Jehovah could not allow these disgusting practices to disrupt the peace and security of innocent people.",Deuteronomy 5:9; Leviticus 18:25,"Nov 8, 1993 Aw Page 21",Respect For Authority Is A Safeguard For You,12,,,
"Peace, War, Kingdom, Future, Security, Armageddon,","""Sometime they'll give a war and nobody will come."" Quote: Carl Sandburg. US biographer & poet (1878 - 1967) ""The People""  (1936)","We look forward to that time, when war will be no more.","Isa. 2:3, 4;",Bobby Laymon,REAL PEACE AND SECURITY - WHEN?,176,,1995/08/16,
"Peace, War, Weapons,","In a way, it's one of the world's great miracles.  More than 2,000 miles of border between two great nations without a single fort, navy ship or soldier.  The border between the United States and Canada.  From the angry Atlantic, to the huge Pacific, across mountains, plains, farmlands, there is not one barricade separating the two nations.  In Europe, fortresses protect almost every mile between all the nervous nations - large and small - on the continent.  Much of the credit goes to a forgotten hero - Richard Rush.","In Jehovah's due time, there will be no forts, no barriers, navy ships or other guardians of the nation's peace.  It will all be like that from sea to sea.",Ps 72:8;,Bobby Laymon - American Essays By Dan Valentine,A Cleansed Earth--will You Live To See It?,49,,1997/05/13,
"Peace, Wicked, Growth, Happiness, Earth,","Just as weeds flourish over the sewer line, in like manner the wicked have flourished under Satan's environment.",There will be a change in the environment.,"Ps 72:7, 8;",Bobby Laymon,Keep Clean From Worldly Defilements,98,,1997/09/20,
Peace;,"'Every nation sincerely desires peace; and all nations pursue courses which if persisted in, must make peace impossible.' Quote:  Sir Norman Angell",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Peace;,"'It seems that everyone is smoking the pipe of peace, but nobody is inhaling.""  Quote:  Kansas Newspaper.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Peace;,"'May you have warmth in your igloo, oil in you lamp and peace in your heart.'  Quote:  Eskimo.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Peace;,'No one can have peace longer than his neighbor pleases.'  Quote:  Dutch.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Peace;,'Peace is rarely denied to the peaceful.'  Quote:  John Von Schiller.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Peace;,'Peace is won by war.'  Quote:  Latin.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Peace;,'The fact is that there are no historical precedents on how to maintain peace and stability and to ensure cooperation in a world of 160 nation states.'  Quote:  Lee Kwan Yew-Prime Minister Singapore.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Peace;,'We are going to have peace even if we have to fight for it.'  Quote:  Dwight Eisenhower.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Peace;,Even peace may be purchased at too high a price. 'Peace upon earth!' was said. We sing it and pay a million priests to bring it. After two thousand years of mass we've got as far as poison gas.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Peace;,Peace is such a precious jewel that I would give anything for it but truth.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Peace;,Peace: A period of cheating between two periods of fighting.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Peace;,"The alternative to peace is not war, it is annihilation.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Peace;,"To be enduring, a peace must be endurable.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Peace;,"You can have peace, or you can have freedom. Don't ever count on having both at once.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Peacefulness,"The Fisherman set his net, then tied stone to long cord to beat water on both side of net to drive fish into meshes. Man complained he was disturbing the stream & making unfit/drink","We must show consideration to others He said, 'I'm sorry, but by troubling water, I make a living' Moral: Live & Let Live.","Gal 5:22, 23",Aesop's Fables Page 44,Respect For Authority Is A Safeguard For You,12,,,
Peacemaker,"Soldier-well armed 7 Pieces of spiritual armor Satan not likely to attack strong points, but weakness",Peace-maker must be well armed.,Eph 6:11-18,Assembly,Respect For Authority Is A Safeguard For You,12,,,
"Pearl, Kingdom, Treasure, Clams, Pioneer,",What would you do with a clam over 3 1/2 feet across.  One species of the giant clam measured 43 inches by 29 inches and the shell alone weighed 579 1/2 pound.  A 14-pound natural pearl was taken from such a clam.,"Jesus likened the kingdom to a fine pearl.  Jesus knew where ever pearl, gold, silver, other valuable treasure lay, yet he chose the preaching of God's Kingdom as his career.  What an excellent example.",Mt 13:46;,"Sep 8, 1968 Aw Page 20",The Kingdom Of God Is Near,109,,,
"Peer, Youth, Conform, God, Separate,","'If there is any single, secular God for the teenager it is the God of conformity ... Being different for teens is a fate worse than death.' Quote: Newspaper columnist William Brown",Make no mistake - Satan wants to lead you to your ruin.  Many young ones out in the world will suffer the loss of their lives during the great tribulation.  We must not conform to these ones.,"1pe 4:3, 4; Eze 9:6;","Apr 15, 1993 Wt Page 15",Why Christians Must Be Different.,123,,,
People;,"'God must have loved plain people, he made so many of them.'  Quote:  Al.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Pep Rally, Sports, Cheerleaders,","In ancient Rome, frantic applause, shouting and cheering would fill the air.  During gladiatorial fights, 'spectators added their shouts of 'Kill! Hit! Strike!'  The ancient Edomites cheered on Babylonians plundering Jerusalem. 'Lay it bare! Lay it bear..'","Sports fanaticism is also alive and unhealthy today.  Slogans like 'Fight, team, fight!' Win, win, win.  And slogans are chanted over and over with near religious fervor.","1ti 4:8; Exodus 23:2; 1co 15:33; Ps 137:7; Ob 1:1,8,12; Eph. 4:29,31;","Feb 8, 1992 Aw Page 11-13",'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
"Perceptive Power, Right, Wrong, Trained, Decisions, Choices,","A seasoned gymnast on a chosen apparatus, such as rings or a balance beam, can perform split-second maneuvers that seem to defy gravity or other natural laws.  He has full control of his body members at all times, and he senses almost instinctively what moves he must make so that he can complete his routine successfully.  All of this is the result of rigorous training and incessant practice.","We too must be trained like a gymnast, spiritually speaking, if we want to be sure that the decisions and choices we make are always sound.  We must at all times have full control of our senses and body members.","Matt. 5:29,30, Heb. 5:12-14; Col. 3:5-10;","Aug 1, 2001 Wt Page 11",Decisions You Face--how Will You Make Them?,50,,"Jul 15, 2001",
"Perfect,",'Perfect circle' has no right angles; it is not a square and never could be. Perfection is not in the absolute sense. Perfectly round peg could never fit into a square hole perfectly. The 'covering cherub' was perfect by virtue of being God's,"Perfection is 'relative' and has limitations. creation, and fitting his assignment.","Deuteronomy. 32:3, 4; Ezek. 28:12-15; Phil. 2:6; Heb. 5:8, 9;","May 8, 1964 Aw Page 5, 6",A Clean People Honors Jehovah,14,,,
"Perfect,",A diamond may be 'perfect' for use in an electrical drill but not for an engagement ring.  It is perfect only in its sense of diamond hardness. Definition: Meeting supreme standards of excellence.,Perfection is 'relative' and has limitations. Most fail to discern the real meaning of perfection in Biblical or common usage.,"Deuteronomy. 32:3, 4; Ezek. 28:12-15; Phil. 2:6; Heb. 5:8, 9;","May 8, 1964 Aw Page 5, 6",A Clean People Honors Jehovah,14,,,
"Perfect,","Perfect ball bearing may go fine in an automobile, but for building a house they could never compare with ordinary cement blocks. Purpose governs perfection and determines its scope or its",Perfection is 'relative' and has limitations. limitations.,"Deuteronomy. 32:3, 4; Ezek. 28:12-15; Phil. 2:6; Heb. 5:8, 9;","May 8, 1964 Aw Page 5, 6",A Clean People Honors Jehovah,14,,,
"Perfect, Adam, Sin,",Even a perfect machine would suffer damage if misused or run on bad fuel. A perfect world is now drawing near.,A perfect man could suffer deterioration due to wrong thoughts.,"Jas. 1:14, 15; Isa. 46:11;","May 8, 1964 Aw Page 6, 7",The Only Cure For Sick Mankind,62,,,
"Perfect, Bible,",Earth at creation was 'very good' yet only a small part of it was gardenlike and the rest was left for man to subdue as a 'do-it-yourself' project. The Bible provides the true measuring rod for determining,Yet the earth satisfied Jehovah's perfect requirements. perfection.,"Genesis. 1:28, 31;","May 8, 1964 Aw Page 6, 7",Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,,
"Perfect, Complete, Imitate, Fault, Reasonable, Imperfect, Demanding, Blameless","A father would not expect of his young son what he would of a full-grown man, would he?  Nor would a potter expect the same quality when molding a vase from ordinary clay as he would when forming one from special refined clay.","Jehovah God, who is the Great Potter, takes into consideration the inherent weakness of his human servants.","Mic 6:6-8; Ps 103:13, 14; Is 64:8;","Sep 15, 1971 Wt Page 566",A Clean People Honors Jehovah,14,,1993/11/17,
"Perfect, Complete, Imitate, Fault, Reasonable, Imperfect, Demanding, Blameless","If we go around all the time examining everything with a high-powered microscope in our hand, then 'perfectly straight' lines would all show up wavy and ragged; 'perfectly clean' clothes, freshly laundered, would all reveal microscopic bits of foreign matter; a 'perfectly smooth' table top would appear to have little craters and valleys and resemble the moon's surface.","Yet if all these microscopic factors were eliminated, would it really make any difference to us in our use of these things?  So, while we could be dissatisfied with all these things as being 'imperfect,' why should we?  Likewise, such a demanding attitude toward our brothers would fill our lives with discontent and exasperation.  The Bible does not present perfection in such an impractical, unreasonable, demanding way, but in a sensible, realistic way.",Mt 5:48; 1co 13:10; Heb 5:14; Ps 18:23;,"Sep 15, 1971 Wt Page 565",A Clean People Honors Jehovah,14,,1993/11/17,
"Perfect, Complete, Imitate, Fault, Reasonable, Imperfect, Demanding, Blameless","Regarding the word, 'perfect'.  'Originally it is applied to a piece of mechanism, as a machine that is complete in its parts.'                  Quote: Albert Barnes, Bible scholar of the 19th century.","He continued, 'Applied to men, it refers to completeness of parts, or perfection, where no part is defective or wanting.'  Today, it is a matter of doing what you can do in service to God and your neighbor -- and doing it wholeheartedly.","Mic 6:6-8; Ps 103:13, 14; Is 64:8;","Sep 15, 1971 Wt Page 566, 568",A Clean People Honors Jehovah,14,,1993/11/17,
"Perfect, Earth, Boring, Dull,","Perfection will not require that every woman singer to be able to hit 'E' above high 'C' or that all men be able to sing tenor and bass equally well. Variety, change, contrast, all these are all compatible with",Perfection allows for countless variety. perfection and will surely abound in God's perfect world. Life will never be boring due to perfection.,"John 4:6, 7; Matt. 4:2; Luke 8:22-24;","May 8, 1964 Aw Page 8",Can You Live Forever?--will You?,35,,,
"Perfect, Errors,","If 99.9 percent is good enough, then: (1) Two million documents will be lost by the IRS this year.  (2) 22,000 checks will be deducted from the wrong bank accounts in the next 60 minutes.  (3) Twelve babies will be given to the wrong parents each day.  (4) 2,488,200 books will be shipped in the next 12 months with the wrong cover.  (5) 315 entries in Webster's Third New International Dictionary will be misspelled. (6) 107 incorrect medical procedures will be performed by the end of the day.",Jehovah is perfect.  No human is perfect.  Less than perfect can be 100 percent headache.,Deuteronomy. 32:4;,"Bobby Laymon  Source: Insight, Cited In The Working Communicator.",The Only Cure For Sick Mankind,62,,1998/05/12,
"Perfect, Jesus, Christ, High Priest, Melchizedek,","A person can be mature physically and yet not mature emotionally Or mature mentally and not mature spiritually. Jesus was perfected for a certain office and work, that of high priest. Heb. 5:7-10;","Likewise, Jesus Christ, though perfect, could be 'made perfect' Though perfect as spirit creature when coming to earth, required this training, education, testing, perfecting.",Heb. 5:9; 7:26; 1 Pet. 2:22; John 8:46,"Aug 8, 1964 Aw Page 27, 28",'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
"Perfect, Standards,","Shirts are advertised for '$2.99 each' with the notice '$5.99 if perfect.'  Is that a proper use for the word 'perfect?'  Some would say, 'No!  There is no such thing as a perfect shirt.'  Why?  Well they may think that a perfect shirt would not wear out, last forever perhaps.  But if the shirt was made from cloth that would not wear out, how could that cloth be cut?  If it could be cut, then it also could wear out.  And if it could not be cut it would be harder than diamonds.  How would that feel on your shoulders?","Yes, the advertisement's use of the word 'perfect' is correct.  Perfect is something that meets all requirements and measures up to the standards of excellence set.  Most persons have a very imperfect understanding of the word, 'perfect.'","De 32:4; Ge 1:31; Exodus 36:1, 2;","Aug 15, 1971 Wt Page 497",A Clean People Honors Jehovah,14,,1993/11/16,
"Perfect, Wisdom,","A synthetically produced commercial diamond, is perfect for use in an electric drill, but not, please note, for an engagement ring.","Perfection, is often used and spoken of in a relative or limited sense, limited to a certain sphere and not going beyond that.",Heb 5:8,W70 9/15 561,Love Identifies The True Christian Congregation,72,,1994/05/11,
"Perfect, Wisdom, Limitations, Exceptions,","They might say, 'There is no such thing as a 'perfect' shirt.' Why? Well, they may think that a 'perfect' shirt should have amazing qualities, perhaps never wear out, last forever.","But if the shirt was made from cloth that never wore out, how could that cloth be cut to begin with? If it could be cut, then it could also wear out. And if it could not be cut, then it would have to be harder than any other existing substance, harder than even diamonds. How would a shirt like that feel on your shoulders?",Heb 5:8,W71 8/15 497,Love Identifies The True Christian Congregation,72,,1994/05/11,
"Perfection, Cure, Kingdom, Earth,",What will take place might be compared to rehabilitating a disabled person under the guidance of a skilled therapist. During the course of his training a disabled person may make many mistakes; eventually come to the point of leading a useful life.,"The bringing of persons to FULL PERFECTION in body and mind will be a gradual process, requiring the application of Jesus ransom sacrifice, and obedience to direction of Kingdom administration.","Mt 6:9, 10;",Is This Life All There Is.  Page 139,The Only Cure For Sick Mankind,62,,,
"Perfection, Earth, Paradise, Understanding,","What would you say is the 'perfect' height for a man, the 'perfect' shape for a woman's face, or even the 'perfect' flavor for an apple pie? Your answer would, of course, represent only your own preference, your ideal.","What does this have to do with the Bible or with living on earth in perfection? Very much. For though these points seem simple, keeping them in mind can help us to understand many things in God's Word.",2 Cor 6:18;,W71 8/15 498,A Clean People Honors Jehovah,14,,1995/01/19,
"Perfection, Imperfections, Flaws, Variety, Organization, Integrity,","Jehovah's organization is like a bouquet. Some flowers alone have no scent, others are overpowering. But together, they have a beautiful odor.","Jehovah isn't looking for ones with a head full of knowledge. Instead, he is looking for those with a heart full of love.  Perfection and Imperfection have little to do with keeping integrity. Job, though imperfect, did. Adam and Eve, though perfect, didn't.",John 13:34;,Mark Hanlon,Serving With Jehovah's Unified Organization,3,,1998/11/26,
"Perfection, Sin, Weakness, Satan, Devil, Guilt,",There is no rose without it's thorns.,We must not expect perfection.,"Rom. 3:23; 14:12; Rom. 7:21-23; Genesis. 2:16, 17; 1 John 3:4-9;",Bobby Laymon,Hold A Good Conscience In A Sinful World,107,,,
Perfection;,"'Have no fear of perfection, you'll never reach it.'  Quote:  Salvador Dali.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Perfection;,"'When you aim for perfection, you discover it's a moving target.'  Quote:  George Fisher.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Perfection; Imperfection;,'A diamond with a flaw is better than a common stone that is perfect.'  Quote:  Chinese.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Perfection; Imperfection;,"'I am as my creator made me. And since He is satisfied, I am.'  Quote:  Minnie Smith.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Perfection; Imperfection;,'The only nice thing about being imperfect is the joy it brings to others.'  Quote:  D. Larson.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Perfection; Imperfection;,'The closest a man can come to perfection is when he fills out a job application form.'  Quote:  S. Randall.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Perfection; Imperfection;,"'Trifles make perfection, but perfection is no trifle.'  Quote:  Italian.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Perfection; Imperfection;,"'When an archer misses the mark, he turns and looks for the fault within himself. Failure to hit the bull's eye is never the fault of the target. to improve you aim-improve yourself.'  Quote:  Gilbert Arland.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Perfection; Imperfection;,Aim for perfection. Half right is always half wrong.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Perfection; Imperfection;,Bachelor's wives and old maid's children are always perfect.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Perfection; Imperfection;,Every bean has its black.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Perfection; Imperfection;,Every light has its shadow.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Perfection; Imperfection;,He that is lifeless is faultless.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Perfection; Imperfection;,"He who wants a mule without fault, must walk on foot.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Perfection; Imperfection;,No garden without its weeds.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Perfection; Imperfection;,"No land without stones, no meat without bones.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Perfection; Imperfection;,No larder but has its mice.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Perfection; Imperfection;,No rose without a thorn.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Perfection; Imperfection;,No silver without its dross.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Perfection; Imperfection;,No summer but has its winter.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Perfection; Imperfection;,No sun without a shadow.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Perfection; Imperfection;,Perfectionist: Someone who takes great pains and gives them to other people.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Perfection; Imperfection;,The best cart may overthrow.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Perfection; Imperfection;,The best cloth may have a moth in it.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Perfection; Imperfection;,The closest a man can come to perfection is to admit his mistakes.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Perfection; Imperfection;,The first breath is the beginning of death.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Perfection; Imperfection;,There are spots even in the sun.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Perfection; Imperfection;,"There are two perfect men, one dead and the other unborn.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Permissiveness, Discipline, Standard,","Did you ever play with a wind-up toy.  Sometimes they are hard to keep in line.  If you are not careful, they end up behind the refrigerator or furniture, and that is the end of that.  You might even line up books or something to keep them in line.","Permissiveness is like that.  An example is: Eli's greedy, sensual sons use their position at the tent of meeting to carry on vice and theft at the expense of Jehovah's pure worship.  Jehovah had to discipline them and bring pure worship back into line.","1sa 2:12-17, 22-25, 29;",Jerry Steel,Why Live By Bible Standards?,88,,1996/10/14,
Permissiveness;,If God had believed in permissiveness he would have given us the Ten Suggestions.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Persecution,Bird escaped from trap of baiters; trap is broken; we escaped. Experiences by August Peters.,Trainload of prisoners from concentration camp killed.,"Ps. 124:2, 3, 6-8","Nov 1, 1962 Wt Page 670",Bearing Up Under Persecution,57,,,
Persecution,Ivy wraps around oak.,"Persecution tries to choke our faith, faith must be strong.",John 15:20,Bobby Laymon,Bearing Up Under Persecution,57,,,
Persecution,"No German (WWII) could turn himself into Jew. Could & did become Bible student or Jehovah's Witnesses. Were beaten, tortured, starved, publicly hung. Numbers increase even during persecution.","Witnesses considered more dangerous, more hated than Jews.",Exodus. 19:5-8,"May 22, 1959 Aw Page 27",Bearing Up Under Persecution,57,,,
Persecution,"Scatter fire, & what happens?  Gets bigger.",Persecution caused spreading of Good News.,Acts 8:4   2:14-41,"Dec 15, 1989 Wt Page 11",Bearing Up Under Persecution,57,,,
Persecution,Words fell like spark in a forest.,Opposition from Paul's intense witness.,Acts 22:1-30,"Jun 15, 1990 Wt Page 23",Bearing Up Under Persecution,57,,,
"Persecution, Abuse,","'No other group of prisoners ... was exposed to the sadism of the SS-soldiery in such a fashion as the Bible Students were.  It was a sadism marked by an unending chain of physical and mental tortures, the likes of which no language in the world can express' Quote: Karl Wittig, a former German government official.","What Jehovah's Witnesses have faced in some lands are not merely prohibitions imposed on their public ministry, but efforts to stamp them out completely.","Acts 5:38, 39; Mt 5:10, 12; John 15:20;",Jehovah's Witnesses - Proclaimers Of God's Kingdom.  Page 553,Bearing Up Under Persecution,57,,,
"Persecution, Abuse, Hitler,",'Only against the Witnesses [in contrast to other religious groups] was the government unsuccessful.' Quote: Christine King,"Dr. King notes: 'The work [of preaching about God's Kingdom] went on and in May 1945 the Jehovah's Witness movement was still alive, whilst National Socialism was not.'","Acts 5:38, 39; Mt 5:10, 12; John 15:20;",Jehovah's Witnesses - Proclaimers Of God's Kingdom.  Page 553,Bearing Up Under Persecution,57,,,
"Persecution, Abuse, Hitler,","On Oct 7, 1934, Adolf Hitler with clenched fists declared regarding Jehovah's Witnesses: 'This brood will be exterminated in Germany!'","What Jehovah's Witnesses have faced in some lands are not merely prohibitions imposed on their public ministry, but efforts to stamp them out completely.  It was no idle threat.","Acts 5:38, 39; Mt 5:10, 12; John 15:20;",Jehovah's Witnesses - Proclaimers Of God's Kingdom.  Page 553,Bearing Up Under Persecution,57,,,
"Persecution, Adversity, Integrity, Loyalty,",'He knows not his own strength that has not met adversity.'  Quote: Ben Jonson.,"Adversity test our strength, loyalty, and integrity.",Job 23:10;,Bobby Laymon - Reader's Digest,Meeting The Test Of Christian Loyalty,48,,1996/03/24,
"Persecution, Adversity, Problems,","'The way I see it, if you want the rainbow, you've got to put up with the rain.'  Quote: Dolly Parton.",Not all is pleasant.  We have to expect some adversity in life.,Acts 14:22,J.K.,Bearing Up Under Persecution,57,,1997/04/11,
"Persecution, Adversity, Trials, Tests, Temptations,",'In a calm sea every man is a pilot.' Quote: John Ray. [1670].,At Armageddon no one can assume that he will easily pass through this period with no problems or trials.  Many will seek the protection of human organizations.  We must seek protection with Jehovah.,Rev 6:15-17;,Bobby Laymon,Are You Really Making Jehovah Your Stronghold?,18,,1995/07/14,
"Persecution, Attitudes, Mercy, Personalities, Transforming,","A precious stone may look dull, but it is good inside. When you rub it and grind it, it begins to shine. Even if the rough unpolished outside looks common, its value extends beneath the surface. On the other hand, though a whitewashing job may help the appearance of an old frame house, it takes very little rubbing before the old boards beneath begin to show.","So it is with people. Jehovah is not interested in those who look pious outwardly. When rubbed the wrong way, when they do not get their own way, or when they have to change, then you see what is inside of them. You see how irritable they can be, and the real person inside comes out. The more Christians who have the right heart are rubbed around, persecuted, reproached and oppressed, the more their integrity shines.",Hag 2:7;,"Apr 1, 1960 Wt Page3 210",Bearing Up Under Persecution,57,,1996/11/25,
"Persecution, Awake, Vigilant, Alert, Snare,","IMAGINE yourself resting in bed early one morning. You are drowsily wondering whether to get up immediately or to relax a few moments longer. But first, you turn on the radio for the early news. Suddenly, the newscaster startles you into full wakefulness. He announces: 'According to a government decree, the sect known as Jehovah's Witnesses has been banned throughout the country.' No more relaxing for you!","This, or something like it, has been the experience of Christians in some countries in modern times. Often, there have been warnings of what might happen. But sometimes the ban has been completely unexpected.",2 Tim 3:12;,W85 11/15 11,Bearing Up Under Persecution,57,,1995/01/19,
"Persecution, Bethel, Imperfection, Mistakes, Endurance,","Example: Brother Willi Diehl announced plans to marry Marthe and remain in full-time service.  The reaction?  No privileges other than regular pioneering.  He was not permitted to give talks, do rooming work, and no longer greeted by many.",This was not the Society's view but was a result of the misapplication of organizational guidelines.,Ps. 91:2; Ps. 16:6;,"Nov 1, 1991 Wt Page 29  (entered Dec 15, 1991)",Bearing Up Under Persecution,57,,,
"Persecution, Change, Attitude, Hatred,","A brother who used to be a profession wrestler commented:  You have to get the crowd to either love you or hate you.  It doesn't matter because it draws them.  One plays the role of a 'good' wrestler and the other a 'bad' wrestler.  However, a good one can turn bad with one act, and the other one 'good' and the crowd will change their attitude.  Their love and hate.",How well this illustrates how quickly things can change with this world.  Their tolerance can quickly change to hatred by one act as it did with Jesus.,Matt. 21:9; Mark 15:13-15;,Winston Hathcock,Bearing Up Under Persecution,57,,1999/04/24,
"Persecution, Clergy, Christendom, Kingdom News # 1,",'It was like pouring fuel on a fire.',Regarding the track Kingdom News No. 1.  'Religious Intolerance Pastor Russell's Followers Persecuted Because They Tell the People the Truth.' Below the heading 'Treatment of Bible Students Smacks of the 'Dark Ages'' were set forth the facts of the persecution and the ban that had begun in Canada.,"Matt 24:9, 13;",Jv 69-70  6 Norman Smith,Bearing Up Under Persecution,57,,1995/06/15,
"Persecution, Conscience, Obedience,","Experience: On Jan 7, 1940, Franz Reiter and five other young Austrians were executed by guillotine. Letter to his Mother: 'I will be executed tomorrow morning. I have my strength from God, the same as it always was with all true Christians away back in the past ...If you stand firm until death, we shall meet again in the resurrection.","We must obey God, rather than men.",Acts 5:29;,"Nov 1, 1990 Wt Page 23, 28",Bearing Up Under Persecution,57,,,
"Persecution, Danger, Fear, Courage, Timid,","'A timid person is frightened before a danger, a coward during the time, and a courageous person afterwards. Quote: Richter (1763-1825)",We must not allow fear of persecution to slow us down in declaring the good news.  Jehovah will strengthen us with Holy spirit.,Mt 10:18-20;,Wisdom Of The Ages,Bearing Up Under Persecution,57,,,
"Persecution, Danger, Fear, Courage, Timid, Faith,","'Courage is fire, and bullying is smoke.' Quote: Disraeli (1804-1881)",We must never waiver in our faith and conviction to Jehovah.,Da 3:18,Wisdom Of The Ages,Bearing Up Under Persecution,57,,,
"Persecution, Endurance,","'When the going gets tough, the tough get going.' Quote above made famous by Notre Dame coach Frank Leahy who had it in gigantic letters on locker room wall, so players would see it as they ran into field.","Our strength comes from Jehovah, not man.",Ps. 23:1,Bobby Laymon,Bearing Up Under Persecution,57,,,
"Persecution, Endurance,","Tank; easier to blow up than cave in. False brothers, some tired of waiting etc.",Satan attacks within the Christian congregation.,"2 Pet 2:1, 3",Bobby Laymon,Bearing Up Under Persecution,57,,,
"Persecution, Endurance, Growth,","C. T. Russell, first president of the Watch Tower Society, was once asked why he did not defend himself against reproach. He answered: 'If you stop to kick at every dog that barks at you, you'll never get very far.'","So we should not let remarks by determined opposers distract us from our service to God.  Let us concentrate on the work of true Christians, that is, evangelizing.  Don't kick the dog!",Psalm 119:69,W95 4/1 Page 27,Bearing Up Under Persecution,57,,1998/09/22,
"Persecution, Endurance, Growth,","Take a potato seed.  They chop it up and bury it.  It grows while under the ground.  It is out of sight.  Then one day it burst forth, a new plant ready to produce fruit.",They persecute us.  They chop us up and bury us.  We grow under ground.  We bring forth new fruit.,Acts. 4:13,Samuel Herd  - Bethel Speaker,Bearing Up Under Persecution,57,,1998/09/22,6/28/2018
"Persecution, Endurance, Jesus, Christ, Example, Devotion, Dedication,","No man's lips ever demanded of his followers such service as do the lips of Jesus Christ.  Prime Minister Winston Churchill warned his people to expect 'blood, toil, tears, and sweat.'","However Christ issued a darker warning.  His followers could expect to be persecuted, delivered up before courts, haled before kings and governors and some would be put to death.  Still, such persecution has not embittered them against God.","Luke 21:12-17; Mt 16:24, 25;","Aug 15, 1971 Wt Page 490",Bearing Up Under Persecution,57,,1993/11/16,
"Persecution, Endurance, Sin, Adam, Rebellion, Ransom, Jesus, Christ, wickedness,","When a boy breaks his leg while doing something his father told him to do for him, certainly the father is not to blame.  When the boy's physician father comes home to set the broken limb he may tell his son:  'This will hurt you, but in time the limb will heal and your leg will be as good as new.  You will not be a cripple because I was too tender to take care of you in your hour of need.  As the father sets them in place, the bones grate and crack.  The child screams and pleads with his father because of the pain but the father holds firm until the operation is completed.  He disregards the child's outcries and entreaties, not because he does not care for him, but because he does care for him.","Something similar happened in the beginning in the relationship between man and his God.  When the first human pair, Adam and Eve, willfully disobeyed God's law, they fatally injured themselves.  God expelled the rebellious couple from Eden.  God immediately, however made arrangements to repair the fracture.  Through Christ Jesus he made a way possible for man to gain everlasting life on a paradise earth.",De 32:5; Ro 6:23; John 3:16; Re 21:4;,"Aug 15, 1971 Wt Page 486",What Is Behind The Spirit Of Rebellion?,33,,1993/11/16,4/1/2014
"Persecution, Faith, Resurrection,","'If I am killed, I can die but once.  But to live in constant dread of death, is to die over and over again.'  Quote: Abraham Lincoln.",To worry needlessly about what may happen to us can cause us to die over and over again.,Rev 2:10;,Bobby Laymon,Bearing Up Under Persecution,57,,1997/05/13,
"Persecution, Fear, Courage,","If a tornado or other storm was coming, would you want to know?  Or would you say, I don't want to know.  What I don't know won't hurt me.  No!  By knowing in advance, we can prepare.  Prepare for food, water, board our house up, and locate flashlights.",We definitely know that persecution is coming.  We can take steps now to help bear up and brace ourselves.,2 Tim 3:12; Heb 10:32-34;,Jim Breden,Bearing Up Under Persecution,57,,1995/06/18,
"Persecution, Fear, Courage,","We are fleshly, and when we think of persecution, we think of physical things, like someone breaking our arms, or smashing our face.","Persecution can take other forms.  It can be our family, our jobs.  We should not torment ourselves with visions of excruciating pain.",1 Cor 10:13;,Jim Breden,Bearing Up Under Persecution,57,,1995/06/18,
"Persecution, Fear, Courage, Elders, Counsel,","I was watching an Olympic event, and I noticed that each time a girl did something just a little bit wrong, her coach would call her aside and talk to her.  None of them ever told them to 'mind your own business.'  They knew what they had to say was for their benefit.",It is the same with the elders.  They don't counsel because they enjoy it.  They do it for your benefit.  They are on your side.  They want you to win.,Heb 13:17;,Jim Breden,Bearing Up Under Persecution,57,,1995/06/18,
"Persecution, Fear, Courage, Prayer","When I was a kid I was afraid of the dark.  I would imagine all kinds of forms lurking about.  Sometimes I would ever get up and turn on a light, or look under the bed.  The next morning, I might even look for footprints.","That is what is frightening about persecution.  We don't know what is there.  We don't know what to expect.  We imagine situations that may never happen.  We must avoid frightening ourselves, but rely on Jehovah.",1 Cor 10:13;,Jim Breden,Bearing Up Under Persecution,57,,1995/06/18,
"Persecution, Fear, Courage, Prayer, Faith, Loyalty, Integrity,",We all know what a by-product is.  One dictionary says:  Something produced in the making of something else.  A side effect.,"Persecution is a by-product of faith.  It is not something we bring upon ourselves, but a side effect of our worship of Jehovah in this wicked world.  Jesus 'sandwiches' it in at Mark 10:30.","Mark 10:29, 30.",Jim Breden,Bearing Up Under Persecution,57,,1995/06/18,
"Persecution, Fear, Courage, Trust, Faith,","Things we know have a 'breaking point.'  Like this pencil for example.  Do we have a 'weak spot' or 'breaking point?'  Some say, 'I could take it myself, but I can't stand to see my mate or children suffer.'","With Jehovah's strength, we have no breaking point.  If Jehovah allows them to take our children, then we let Jehovah be our 'baby sitter.'  Who could be a better one.",1 Cor 10:13;,Jim Breden,Bearing Up Under Persecution,57,,1995/06/18,
"Persecution, Fear, Courage, Trust, Faith, Endurance,","An Olympic swimmer set out to swim the English channel.  It is 21 miles wide.  She was doing very well.  At the last minute, she decided that she couldn't make it.  She just couldn't go any farther.  The boat picked her up and she was just a few hundred yards from the shore.  She said, 'I could have made it, if I could just have seen the shore.'","We must never give up.  If we cannot endure on our own, Jehovah will make the way out, so we can endure it.  He will 'finish our training.'",1 Cor 10:13; 1 Pet 5:10;,Jim Breden,Bearing Up Under Persecution,57,,1995/06/18,
"Persecution, Fear, Courage, Trust, Faith, Endurance, Compromise,","To make sure something will work, sometimes we have to trouble-shoot it.  We have to put it to the test, so to speak.","We need to trouble-shoot ourselves.  If we notice a possible weakness toward fear of persecution, or compromise, we can work to strengthen that weakness.",Heb 10:39;,Jim Breden,Bearing Up Under Persecution,57,,1995/06/18,
"Persecution, Interrogation, Wisdom, Speech, Prayer,","Under interrogation, sister Miyo Idei was asked. 'Who is greater, Amaterasu Omikami (sun-goddess) or Jehovah?'","Calmly answered, 'At the very beginning of the Bible, it is written, 'In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth'",Genesis. 1:1; Matt. 10:19;,"Sep 1, 1991 Wt Page 12",Bearing Up Under Persecution,57,,,
"Persecution, Jehovah's Witnesses,","'When elephants fight, the grass too will suffer.' Sadly, the 2000 of Jehovah's Witnesses were a part of the grass that suffered.","Applied to war-torn Liberia, where 20000 people lost their lives and half of the country's 2.6 million were displaced.  Most of whom were not soldiers.",2 Cor. 1:9; Ps. 30:10; Rom. 14:8;,"Jan 1, 1992 Wt Page 27   (entered Dec 7, 1991)",Bearing Up Under Persecution,57,,,
"Persecution, Jehovah's Witnesses, Endurance, Nazi,",'Only against the Witnesses [in contrast with other religious groups] was the government unsuccessful.' Quote: Dr. Christine E. King,"Jehovah's Witnesses as a whole stood their ground, even though for hundreds of them, this meant enduring to the point of death.","2pe 1:5, 6;","Sep 15, 1993 Wt Page 15",Bearing Up Under Persecution,57,,,
"Persecution, Jehovah's Witnesses, Endurance, Nazi, Neutral,","'No other group of prisoners ... was exposed to the sadism of the SS-soldiery in such a fashion as the Bible Students [Jehovah's Witnesses] were.  It was a sadism marked by an unending chain of physical and mental tortures, the likes of which no language in the world can express.' Quote: Karl Wittig, German government official.",Thousands of Jehovah's Witnesses were unjustly arrested and thrown into concentration camps.  Why?  Because they dared remain neutral and refused to heil Hitler.,"2pe 1:5, 6;","Sep 15, 1993 Wt Page 14",Bearing Up Under Persecution,57,,,
"Persecution, Mark,","Badges are worn to let people know what you stand for, to what group you belong. Many badges can be picked up anywhere.",Not just anyone can wear Christian 'badge' of distinction. Unworthy ones quickly detected & exposed. It's absence makes one doubt the claim to be a follower.,2 Tim. 3:12; John 15:20;,"Dec 1, 1964 Wt Page 709",Bearing Up Under Persecution,57,,,
"Persecution, Nero,","'Guilty as they were, and deserving of exemplary punishment, they excited compassion, as being destroyed, not for the public welfare, but from the cruelty of one man.' Nero  Quote: Tacitus, Roman historian, who was no friend of the Christians.","'Mockery was added to death; clad in skins of beasts, [Christians] were torn to pieces by dogs; they were nailed to crosses; they were made inflammable, so that when day failed, they might serve as lights'  Quote: Tacitus",Acts 4:17-20; 5:27-32;,"Nov 15, 1993 Wt Page 9",Bearing Up Under Persecution,57,,,
"Persecution, Opposition, Adversity, Depression, Reproach, Hatred,","'If you stop to kick at every dog that barks at you, you'll never get very far.' Quote: C. T. Russell, first president of the Watch Tower Society.",We should not let remarks by determined opposers distract us from our service to God.,Ps 119:69; Luke 6:26;,"Apr 1, 1995 Wt Page 27",Bearing Up Under Persecution,57,,1995/03/16,
"Persecution, Prayer, Iron Gustav,","'Iron Gustav' now promised: 'Tomorrow every one of you will be happy to sign this letter, and no Jehovah will help you.  We prayed earnestly that night.  The next morning, 'no iron Gustav' showed up.  His motorcycle had crashed into brick pillars.","When we finally saw him again, he shouted at us: 'Your Jehovah did this to me!'  None of us doubted him for the moment.",Mt 21:22; Lk 6:12;,"Nov 22, 1992 Aw Page 18",Bearing Up Under Persecution,57,,,
"Persecution, Prison, Freedom, Happiness,",'Stone walls do not a prison make.  Nor iron bars a cage.' Quote: Richard Lovely.,We can look to Jehovah for comfort and help in all times of need.  Holy spirit has no barrier.,Ps 55:22;,Bobby Laymon,Gaining Comfort In All Our Tribulations,105,,1995/06/27,
"Persecution, Satan,","Starfish: Cut them in half, and you have twice as many, since they generate new parts. Often results in increase, when persecution starts. (oystermen employed a man to chop starfish in half. Multiplied.",Persecution is no way to reduce the number of Jehovah's Witnesses. 'Any weapon' Jehovah can use against Satan.,Isa. 54:17;,"Jun 8, 1964 Aw Page 19",Bearing Up Under Persecution,57,,,
"Persecution, Satan, Wicked, Wolf, Lamb, Aesop, Excuse,","WOLF, meeting with a Lamb astray from the fold, resolved not to lay violent hands on him, but to find some plea to justify to the Lamb the Wolf's right to eat him.  He thus addressed him: 'Sir, last year you grossly insulted me.'  'Indeed,' bleated the Lamb in a mournful tone of voice, 'I was not then born.'  Then said the Wolf, 'You feed in my pasture.'  'No, good sir,' replied the Lamb, 'I have not yet tasted grass.'  Again said the Wolf,  'You drink of my well.'  'No,' exclaimed the Lamb, 'I never yet drank water, for as yet my mother's milk is both food and drink to me.'  Upon which the Wolf seized him and ate him up, saying, 'Well! I won't remain supper less, even though you refute every one of my imputations.'",Moral: 'The tyrant will always find a pretext for his tyranny.'   Satan and his wicked cohorts also invent ways to persecute Jehovah's people.,2 Pe 5:8;,Aesop's Fables - Bobby Laymon,Bearing Up Under Persecution,57,,1994/05/15,
"Persecution, Testing, Sifting,",As threshing and winnowing separate wheat from chaff...,So these situations have served to identify those who are real Christians.  People associated had to manifest what was in their hearts.,Luke 3:17; 2ch 16:9;,Jehovah's Witnesses - Proclaimers Of God's Kingdom.  Page 618,Bearing Up Under Persecution,57,,,
"Persecution, Trials, Sorrow,","The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy. -- Martin Luther King, Jr.",Persecution can sometimes bring out the best in all of us.,"Matt. 5:10, 12;",Bobby Laymon,Will You Escape This World's Destiny?,84,,"Nov 19, 2001",
"Persecution, Unity,",We are not just one brave warrior out there in the battle.,We must maintain our oneness.  Our unity.,Philip 1:27-30;,Kenneth Haag C. O.,Bearing Up Under Persecution,57,,1995/05/29,
"Persecution, Variety, Adjust, Flexible,",'You cannot put the same shoe on every foot.' Quote: Publilius Syrus.,"Persecution comes in various forms, may or may not be physical.  There may be verbal abuse, ridicule, and insults.  Possibly even from one's own family.",Mt 10:34-36;,Bobby Laymon,Bearing Up Under Persecution,57,,1995/07/09,
"Persecution, Vessel, Treasure, Truth, Witnesses, Ministry,",Vessels in ancient times were often used as receptacles for valuables.,"What is this glorious treasure that Jehovah's Witnesses possess in frail, earthen vessels-themselves, as weakling creatures from the dust of the earth? This treasure is not merely the light that has shone into  their hearts. It is the ministry of that light, which ministry, or service, must be performed in their earthly bodies.",Luke 12:32; John 10:14-16; Revelation 7:9,W90 7/15 19,Bearing Up Under Persecution,57,,1995/01/19,
"Persecution, Victims, Jehovah's Witnesses,",'The principal victims of religious persecution in the United States in the twentieth century were the Jehovah's Witnesses.'  Quote: The book 'The Court and the Constitution' by Archibald Cox.,"Jehovah's Witnesses have the reputation of being a people who hold to their beliefs despite all manner of opposition, even death. [see additional Quotes - same source].",Mt 5:10-12;,Jehovah's Witnesses - Proclaimers Of God's Kingdom.  Page 10,Bearing Up Under Persecution,57,,,
"Persecution, War, Religion, Crusades, Worship, Confusion, Contradiction,","'Be my brother, or I will kill you.'  Quote: Sebastian Rocha Nicolas Chamfort.","The forced conversion by the churches of Christendom, reflects the above attitude.",Acts 3:19;,Bobby Laymon,Who Are Qualified As Ministers Of God?,81,,1995/07/18,
"Persecution, Witnesses, Determination, Faith, Endurance,","'I asked them: Is it possible to extinguish fire with petrol?' 'No, that would be impossible,' they responded.  Quote: Zebulon Nxumalo.","We explained that in a similar way, violence would only encourage violence and acts of revenge.","Is 6:11, 12; Mt 24:14; Mark 13:10;","May 8, 1993 Aw Page 10",Bearing Up Under Persecution,57,,,
"Persecution, Witnesses, Determination, Faith, Endurance,","'The harder they were pressed the more they compressed, becoming diamond hard in their resistance.  Hitler catapulted them into an eschatological battle, and they kept the faith ... Their experience is valuable material for all who study survival under extreme stress.  For survive they did.'  Quote: Journal 'Together'.",Jehovah's Witnesses should figure in the history of the 20th century as the most universally maligned and persecuted religious group on earth.  Their record is one of strict neutrality and unbending integrity.,"Is 6:11, 12; Mt 24:14; Mark 13:10;","May 8, 1993 Aw Page 5",Bearing Up Under Persecution,57,,,
"Persecution, Witnesses, Determination, Faith, Endurance,",We asked them (army leaders) how they would expect a trained soldier from their organization to react if he was captured and forced to compromise his position.  They said that such a person should be prepared to die for his convictions. Quote: Zebulon Nxumalo.,"They smiled as we commended them.  They had given us a golden opportunity to illustrate our case.  As supporters of God's Kingdom, we could not contribute to murder.  [they were released].","Is 6:11, 12; Mt 24:14; Mark 13:10;","May 8, 1993 Aw Page 10",Bearing Up Under Persecution,57,,,
Persecution;,"'If you think the world is against you, it doesn't necessarily mean it isn't.'  Quote:  John Peers.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Perseverance;,'Big shots are only little shots that keep shooting.'  Quote:  Dale Carnegie.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Perseverance;,'Consider the postage stamp; its usefulness consists of the ability to stick to one thing until it gets there.'  Quote:  Josh Billings.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Perseverance;,'Difficult things take a long time. The impossible takes a little longer.'  Quote:  Chaim Weizmann.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Perseverance;,'It is truly wise to keep in mind that no success or failure is necessarily final.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Perseverance;,'Man who say it cannot be done should not interrupt the man doing it.'  Quote:  Chinese.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Perseverance;,"'With ordinary talent and extraordinary perseverance, all things are attainable.' Quote:  T. Buxton",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Perseverance; Endurance; Service; Apathy;,'A chicken doesn't stop scratching just because the worms are scarce.'  Quote:  Anonymous.,"We too, when people show apathy, and no interest, keep on working our territory.  Jehovah will give the increase in time.",Matt 6:33;,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Perseverance; Failure, Experience;","Failure should be our teacher, not our undertaker.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Perseverance; Success;,"'If at first you don't succeed, you have plenty of company.'  Quote:  E. Pederson.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Perseverance;,The tree does not fall at the first stroke.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Personal Attention, Older, Children, elderly,","Furniture needs individual attention, both new and antique. There is a great wealth of furniture, that with some attention can be very useful again.",People and furniture are much alike; to be their best need attendance.,1 Tim. 4:16,"Feb 8, 1963 Aw Page 20",How Can Youths Cope With Today's Crisis?,113,,,
"Personal Study, Bible, Food, Spiritual,","A fireplace may feel very comfortable when lit, but if we don't supply it with more wood, the fire will go out. Likewise, personal study, if not done on a regular basis, may cause our spiritual 'fire' to go out. We start to forget.  It can be compared to Anorexia: Anorexia is caused by not eating on a regular bases. We may feel that we are fat, and start skipping meals. Anorexia does not happen overnight but gradually and when it happens it may be too late. We may want to eat, but the body no longer accept food and will not keep it down.","Again, it is the same with regular study habits: if not done on a regular bases, we will eventually thrust off any form of spiritual food.",Ps. 1:2; 1 Cor 14:20,Bobby Laymon - Internet,What God's Rulership Can Do For Us,24,,1997/11/25,
"Personal Study, Bible, Wisdom",Not many people enjoy just digging a hole. Hard work to dig hole.  If treasure is known it is not even considered to be work.  Don't think of inconvenience Personal study is hard work but if think of benefits will soon,Value of study despite the hard work it involves. realize a treasure exists.,Prov. 2:1-9; Eccl. 7:12,Frank Barr -C.O.,Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,,
"Personal Study, Drained, Zeal,","It can be likened to anorexia. Anorexia is caused by not eating on a regular basis. We may feel that we are fat and start missing meals. Anorexia does not happen overnight but gradually--and when it happens it may be too late for we are suddenly very sick. We may want to eat, but the body no longer accepts food and food will not stay down.","It is the same with study habits if not done on a regular basis.  A wood stove may feel very comfortable, but if we don't supply it with more wood, that stove will go out!  Personal study if not done on a regular basis may go out! We start to forget.",2 Tim 2:15,Bobby Laymon,Taking Time To Meditate On Spiritual Things,67,,"Jan 19, 2001",
Personalities,"Tools, each designed to do certain work; drill make fine hole etc. Story of tools:",Do not look at others in critical way.,1 Cor 12:12-26,"Nov 15, 1989 Watchtower Page 16","As Christians, We Care About Other People",15,,,
"Personalities, Build, Fire-resistant, Materials, Children,","You can build with cheap materials, or valuable materials. Must appeal to hearts, both our children's and our own. Use illustrations & questions. Fire: any test, peer pressure, fleshly temptation, materialism.","You can erect a superior kind of structure, one of outstanding value, or something that is makeshift, temporary and cheap. Reward: if work remains.","1 Cor. 3:12; 1 Pet. 1:6, 7; Deuteronomy. 6:6, 7;","Jul 1, 1991 Wt Page 26",How Can Youths Cope With Today's Crisis?,113,,,
"Personalities, Change, Self, Spanish,","'Although she dresses herself in silk, monkey she remains.' Bible says, 'Can a ... leopard change its spots.'",Persons noted for certain characteristics may find it difficult to change. Spanish expression.,Jer. 13:23;,"Sep 8, 1964 Aw Page 15","Living, Not For Self, But To Do God's Will",8,,,
"Personalities, Cooperation, Variety, Ministry,","When we work together in service, we are a team.  We are working together for the same purpose.",Then other issues become minor.  Then we can 'adjust our sails' to getting along with our brother and appreciate better why his personality is like it is.,"Prov 4:23; 23:12; Ps 94:14; Eph 4:23, 24; Col 3:13, 14;",Stan Landers,How Do You Fit Into The Kingdom Arrangement?,21,,1994/08/17,
"Personalities, Flaws, Imperfections, Complaint,",Some People Are Like Potatoes,"Some people are very bossy and like to tell everyone what to do, but of course they do not wish to soil their own hands. You might call that type Dick Tator.  Some people never seem to be motivated to participate. They are content to watch while others do. They are Speck Tutors.  Some people never do anything to help, but they are gifted at finding fault with the way others do things. They might be called Comment Taters.  Some people are always looking for ways to cause problems. They look for others to agree with them. You call them Aggie Taters.  Then there are those who always say they will, but somehow never get around to doing anything. They are Hezzie Taters.  Some people put on a front and act like they are someone they are not. They are Emma Taters.  Still, there are those who live what they talk. They are always prepared to stop what they are doing to lend a hand. They bring real sunshine into others' lives. You might call them Sweet Taters.",Rom. 5:18;,Mark Hanlon,,97,,1998/11/26,
"Personalities, Grudge, Resentment, Memories,",'Each of us is the accumulation of our memories.'  Quote: Alan Loy McGinnis.,We must not harbor bad memories but be forgiving.,Matt 6:14;,Bobby Laymon - Reader's Digest,Do You Harbor Resentment Or Do You Forgive?,68,,1996/03/22,
"Personalities, Name, Love, Sin, Motive, Heart,",'The measure of a man's real character is what he would do if he knew he would never be found out.' Quote: Macaulay (1800-1859),What is our motive?  What is in our hearts?,Jer 17:9,Wisdom Of The Ages,"Friendship With God, Friendship With The World -- Which Will You Choose?",79,,,
"Personalities, Name, Love, Sin, Motive, Heart, Character,",'Character is like a tree and reputation like its shadow.  The shadow is what we think of it; the tree is the real thing.' Quote: A. Lincoln (1809-1865),What is our motive?  What is in our hearts?,Jer 17:9,Wisdom Of The Ages,"Friendship With God, Friendship With The World -- Which Will You Choose?",79,,,
"Personalities, Transformed, Know, Friends,","'The meeting of two personalities is like the contact of two chemical substances: if there is any reaction, both are transformed.' Quote: Carl Gustav Jung.",We should find that kind of friends in Jehovah's organization.  Those that we truly blend in with.,1 Sam 18:1-4;,Bobby Laymon,Keep Growing In Your Relationship With God,16,,1995/08/16,
"Personalities, Variety, Organization,","There was a time when happiness prevailed. A new tool added meant great joy.  And then a rebel element came in and divided up the group.  A meeting was held to iron things out.  Brother hammer was presiding as chairman.  He was told to leave as he was too noisy and besides he let everything go to his head.  But he said: 'If I go, brother gimlet must go, he's insignificant... makes a little impression. And he's always  boring.'  Brother gimlet said: 'If I go, brother screw must go too. You have to turn him around to get anywhere, he never works alone and he's been around a long time.'  Brother screw said: 'If I leave brother plane must leave also.. Why? All his work is on the surface... No depth...very immature.'  Brother plane said: 'If that's the way you want it...brother ruler must go too. He's always measuring others, he's the only one that is right, and he never uses the Bible.'  'You talk about me,' said brother ruler, 'what about brother sandpaper? He's rougher than he ought to be, always rubbing people the wrong way. Trying to get the rough edges off of others, when He's rougher than he ought to be.'  Then there was brother saw... Always cutting people with his many teeth. Brother saw said he didn't do this all the time, it was only when someone was pushing him.  Brother level was very hard to please. Always judging the others work, either too high or too low.  Brother screwdriver & brother hatchet were criticized the most. One would start at the top and wouldn't quit until the other was down to nothing. The other one would whittle and slice until there was nothing left. It really made him happy to split up others.  Well, when the meeting was adjourned, no one was left to close with prayer. It didn't matter... in their condition prayer would not be heard.  Not being able to settle their dispute, a carpenter was called in to arbitrate the matter.  He never said a word, put on an apron and went to the workbench to make a speaker's stand. All the tools were watching. He used the screw, plane, sandpaper, ruler, saw, screwdriver, level, little gimlet, hatchet and big noisy brother hammer.  After the days work was over, brother saw arose and said 'Brothers, I perceive that all of us are laborers together with God...Sandpaper plays a rough part.. makes better publishers.  Gimlet----always boring holes.. gets to the bottom of a matter.  Plane-----His job is to keep things smooth in the congregation.  Saw-------Where would we be if we didn't have brother saw to cut us down to our proper size?  Hatchet---Always splitting things up, sharpening stakes, so that more congregations can be formed.","Yes, how many of us Christians are just like those tools, always fussing at others because they don't do things the way we think they should?    There was not one accusation against one of these tools that was not true- yet the carpenter used every one of them. And there was not a single place where he used one, that another could have taken his place!  How careful we should be, not to find fault with any of Jehovah's tools.",Rom 8:28;,Bobby Laymon,Serving With Jehovah's Unified Organization,3,,1997/09/24,
"Personalities, Variety, Organization, Association, Forgiveness, Meetings, Follow, Road,","Imagine that numerous vehicles are traveling alongside you on a road.  Not all are moving at the same speed, nor are all in the same condition.  Some have traveled many miles, but like you, others have just started out.  Regardless of these differences, however, all are traveling down the road.","It is similar with the individuals making up a congregation.  Not all develop Christian qualities at the same speed.  Furthermore, not all are in the same physical or emotional condition.  Some have just begun.  Yet, all are traveling along the road to everlasting life.  Therefore, look for the strengths rather than the weaknesses of those in the congregation.",1 Cor 1:10; 14:25;,Kl Page 164,Into The New Order Under Christ's Leadership,56,,1995/06/16,
"Personalities, Variety, Zeal,","TUGBOAT: Always dragging or pushing someone into the organization.  Always working hard.   BARGE: Always being pushed or showed by a tugboat.  I'm very useful but I lack initiative.  I'll help clean the Hall if I am asked.  SAILBOAT: Requires good weather.  Am I a fair weather publisher?  We are not always going to have good weather.  Persecution will come.  CANOE: I am easily upset.  BATTLESHIP: I stir up contentions and disturb the peace.  SUBMARINE: I stay out of sight.  I come to the surface for the Memorial and the visit of the circuit overseer.  RAFT: I drift along with the tide.  PLEASURE BOAT: I am always available for a good time.  SPEED BOAT: I come into the organization really fast, spending lots of time in the ministry and making all the meetings.  Gradually I run out of gas.  I stop attending meetings and sharing in the ministry.  FISHING BOAT: I always find delight in the ministry.  SHOW BOAT: I have the newest of everything, but I am shallow spiritually speaking.",Apply as necessary.,,Bobby Laymon,,,,1999/12/27,
Personality,Complete change.  Like caterpillar into a butterfly. So complete the Bible speaks of it as a change of personality.,Greek me ta mor pho'o (be transformed),"Romans 12:2  Col 3:9,10  1 Cor 6:9-11","April 1, 1990 Wt Page 16","As Christians, We Care About Other People",15,,,
Personality,Jehovah loves variety in personality.  Look at the different varieties in the animal kingdom he created.,We must learn to love and get along with the varied personalities of our brothers and sisters.,"Gal. 5:22, 23","Joe Larue (heard At Dist. Assy. In K.C. June 21-23, 1991)","As Christians, We Care About Other People",15,,,
Personality,Transformers; toys that convert from trucks to monsters etc.,We must transform our minds; make over.,"Rom. 12:1, 2;","Jun 1, 1960 Wt Page 330","As Christians, We Care About Other People",15,,,
"Personality,",How gemstones are made: round barrel with grinding paste. It turns around and around.  They say they are so bright that operators put on sunglasses.,Rubbing shoulders with brothers makes us beautiful.,Zeph. 3:9,"James Loy (west Plains) feb 10, 1991","As Christians, We Care About Other People",15,,,
"Personality,","Like radical surgery, cutting out the old, not patching it up, and putting on the new.",We must make radical changes for the better.,"Eph. 4:22-24; 1 Cor. 6:9, 10;","Lovers Of Freedom District Assy. Mobile July 12-14, 1991","As Christians, We Care About Other People",15,,,
"Personality, Bible, Behavior, Habits, Attitude, Self Control,",Mouth wired shut to avoid overeating. You are the raw material for what you want to be.  The new you must be built by changing the old you.,Not the best way to exercise self control. Bible is.,"Gal. 5:22, 23;","Jul 8, 1991 Aw Page 7",Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,,
"Personality, Bible, Behavior, Habits, Attitude, Self Control,","Personality changes induced by drugs to pacify, induce sleep, drugs to enliven, and to correct chemical imbalances in the brain Some causes violent nausea and vomiting, given to unacceptable prisoners as threat.",Not the best way to change personality.  Bible is! In the other the person's own wishes and self-control missing.,"Gal. 5:22, 23;","Jul 8, 1991 Aw Page 6",Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,,
"Personality, Bible, Law,","Two-sided mirror, that is magnified on one side. We want to see our self as we peer into the perfect law.","Our reflection should be magnified at this convention, so we can see and changes the flaws.","Eph. 4:22-24; 1 Cor. 6:9, 10; John 8:32; Prov. 1:5; Luke 8:18;","Lovers Of Freedom District Assy. Mobile July 12-14, 1991",How To Express Love In A Lawless World,112,,,
"Personality, Changes,",Strip off old paint and sand off rough wood to reveal new beauty.  To simply strip off paint not enough.  Need to go beneath the surface to make real improvement.  Same with putting on new personality.,A person is required to completely strip off old personality.  Changes must be complete.  New Personality not a veneer.,Eph. 4:22-24,D. Sinclair,"As Christians, We Care About Other People",15,,,
"Personality, Clay, Mold, Traits, Transforming,","All of Jehovah's creatures might be likened to clay vessels in a potter's workshop whom Jehovah God, as the Potter, can and does mold as he pleases.","But it is up to the individual piece of clay as a free moral agent and an intelligent creature to choose how he wants to react to Jehovah's patterns and pressures, either submitting to Jehovah and righteousness, or resisting Jehovah and hardening himself in wickedness. But once the creature has manifested his attitude, Jehovah may, can and does at times mold that one further and further, either toward honorable service or toward dishonorable use, as suits Jehovah's sovereign will and purposes.",Rom 9:21;,"Jun 15, 1965 Wt Page 362",Is The Truth Transforming Your Life?,51,,1996/11/25,
"Personality, Complaint, Mummer, Positive, Negative,","The dog howled all night long, and the next morning the neighbor asked the dog's owner why his dog howled all night.  'Oh! he's sitting on a burr,' he said.  'Why doesn't he move?' the neighbor asked.  'He would rather howl' was the answer.",Some persons are like that.  They had rather complain than take steps to remedy the problem.,1co 10:10;,Lilly Gump,How To Keep Spiritually Awake!,71,,,
"Personality, Earth, Paradise,","Some persons are 'as mean as a snake,' as 'cross as a bear,' today.","Many who were mean and hateful, like vicious animals, thus have become meek and peaceable.  Like obedient sheep, they are gathered into the Christian flock.","1 John 4:9-11, 20; Isa. 11:6-9;",You Can Live Forever In Paradise On Earth. Page 163,Ruining The Earth Brings Divine Retribution,106,,,
"Personality, Encourage, Depressed, Stress, Friend,","Brothers are like nuts: some are like pecans, easy to get into and understand; others like walnuts, harder, but worth the effort. Others are like hickory nuts, you have to keep after them to really understand them, but can eventually see the good, and learn to be their friends.",Requires work to show love to entire association of brothers.,Rom. 8:39,Joe Larue,Gaining Comfort In All Our Tribulations,105,,,
"Personality, Forgive, Emotions, Encourage, Depression, Blues, Moods,","'Everyone is a moon, and has a dark side which he never shows to anybody.'  Quote: Mark Twain.","We need to remember that all are born in sin and subject to moods of depression, loneliness and other emotions.",Rom 3:23;,Bobby Laymon,Gaining Comfort In All Our Tribulations,105,,1995/06/13,
"Personality, Friend, Enemy, Love, Hate,","Acquaintance: A person whom we know well enough to borrow from, not well enough to lend to.",Different levels of friendship.,Mic. 7:5; Prov. 18:24; Luke 16:9; John 15:13-15; Prov. 14:20;,Bobby Laymon,"Friendship With God, Friendship With The World -- Which Will You Choose?",79,,,
"Personality, Friend, Enemy, Love, Hate,",Admiration: Our polite recognition of another's resemblance to ourselves.,Why we are drawn to some as friends.,Mic. 7:5; Prov. 18:24; Luke 16:9; John 15:13-15; Prov. 14:20;,Bobby Laymon,"Friendship With God, Friendship With The World -- Which Will You Choose?",79,,,
"Personality, Friend, Enemy, Love, Hate,",Don't be angry because you can't make other people as you wish since you cannot make yourself as you wish to be.,We should not expect other to always please us.,Mic. 7:5; Prov. 18:24; Luke 16:9; John 15:13-15; Prov. 14:20;,Bobby Laymon,"Friendship With God, Friendship With The World -- Which Will You Choose?",79,,,
"Personality, Friend, Enemy, Love, Hate,",Every man's friend means a new life to him.,"Friendship is enriching, rewarding, refreshing,",Mic. 7:5; Prov. 18:24; Luke 16:9; John 15:13-15; Prov. 14:20;,Bobby Laymon,"Friendship With God, Friendship With The World -- Which Will You Choose?",79,,,
"Personality, Friend, Enemy, Love, Hate,",It is a small thing to accept people as they are. If you really love them you WANT them to be as they are.,Love covers a multitude of sins.,1 Pet. 4:8; Mic. 7:5; Prov. 18:24; Luke 16:9; John 15:13-15;,Bobby Laymon,"Friendship With God, Friendship With The World -- Which Will You Choose?",79,,,
"Personality, Friend, Enemy, Love, Hate,",You can't miss a friend you never had.,"Those who were never really true friends are those showing disregard to Jehovah, and his people.",Mic. 7:5; Prov. 18:24; Luke 16:9; John 15:13-15; Prov. 14:20;,Bobby Laymon,"Friendship With God, Friendship With The World -- Which Will You Choose?",79,,,
"Personality, Friend, Enemy, Love, Hate, Climber,",We always like those who admire us. We don't always like those whom we admire.,Sometimes the means people loses our respect for them.,Mic. 7:5; Prov. 18:24; Luke 16:9; John 15:13-15; Prov. 14:20;,Bobby Laymon,"Friendship With God, Friendship With The World -- Which Will You Choose?",79,,,
"Personality, Friend, Enemy, Love, Hate, Modesty,",Don't be more trouble than you're worth.,Even friends can cause trouble.,Mic. 7:5; Prov. 18:24; Luke 16:9; John 15:13-15; Prov. 14:20;,Bobby Laymon,"Friendship With God, Friendship With The World -- Which Will You Choose?",79,,,
"Personality, Friend, Enemy, Love, Hate, Preaching, Service,","One man's 'beef' is another man's 'bread.' We must not use them as a hindrance to preaching, Actually an asset.","Personalities are different, just as foods are.",Mic. 7:5; Prov. 18:24; Luke 16:9; John 15:13-15; Prov. 14:20;,Bobby Laymon,How Should You Serve God?,58,,,
"Personality, Friend, Enemy, Love, Hate, Salvation, World,",It takes all kinds to make a world.,Jesus came to save all sorts of persons.,Mic. 7:5; Prov. 18:24; Luke 16:9; John 15:13-15; Prov. 14:20;,Bobby Laymon,'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
"Personality, Friend, Enemy, Love, Hate, Wisdom, Discernment,",Your enemies will tell you your faults. Be discerning!,"We can learn from anyone, even our enemies.",Mic. 7:5; Prov. 18:24; Luke 16:9; John 15:13-15; Prov. 14:20;,Bobby Laymon,"Friendship With God, Friendship With The World -- Which Will You Choose?",79,,,
"Personality, Gilead, Pioneers, Bible,","'What do you see when you look into a mirror?' asked N. H. Knorr as he held up a large mirror.  It would be their reflection. But that reflection would be only of one's physical, or outward appearance.  Not what a person was really like on the inside.","Holding up a Bible, 'What do you see when you look into this book?'  'Does he see himself?  We listen to Jehovah God talk to us.  By taking truths to others we let them see what they are like",Jas 1:23-25; Ga 2:6;,"Oct 15, 1968 Wt Page 638",Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,,
"Personality, Gilead, Pioneers, Bible, Meek, Mildness, Anger,","By a person's literal breath, there is much evidence of his physical or emotional condition. (Alcohol test; flu, cold, condition of body, good teeth, good health, etc.) God's Word can effect changes.","Likewise, by what a person figuratively 'breathes out', that is what he gives vent to, is evidence of his personality, or inmost self.  Our breath should be for peace, mercy, love, desire to help",Pr 20:27; Ac 9:1;,"Oct 15, 1968 Wt Page 639",Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,,
"Personality, Growth, Maturity, Progress, Patience,",Growth in maturity from the spring planting to the harvest fruitage illustrates the point. The process is gradual and one that requires a great deal of effort and hard work on the part of the farmer.,"Some might conclude that this stripping off of the old personality and the replacing of it with a new personality is something that occurs suddenly and completely. Such a conclusion, however, is not according to the Scriptures or the facts.",Php 3:16; 2 Pet 1:5-7; Col 3:9;,W64 9/1 530,Into The New Order Under Christ's Leadership,56,,1994/07/30,
"Personality, Jealousy, Unity,","A circuit overseer gave a very interesting talk concerning 'Observe  Intently the Birds of the Field' based on Jesus' words in the Sermon on  the Mount -- Matt 6th chapter.  He discussed various ways in which we  benefit by observing the birds (other than as Jesus said by learning not  to be anxious over anything).  One example he gave was the blackcap -- a bird that migrates thousands of miles to return back to the original nest where it hatched.  He asked if any of us would be jealous that it had this marvelous ability.  Of course, we would not be -- we would view its abilities as evidence of Jehovah's creative power and wisdom.  Yet, as our CO pointed out, we do allow ourselves to feel jealousy over outstanding qualities we see in our brothers.  So, we should learn to be pleased and enjoy the marvelous qualities our brothers may show and, perhaps, learn from them rather than being jealous.  The next example he gave was of the eagle which is a disciplinarian.  A  female eagle was observed by a camera crew feeding her two young eaglets.  One, the female, was more aggressive at feeding time and would crowd her brother out from receiving any morsels (this was not the part we were supposed to draw a lesson from).  After observing this behavior in the female for several feedings, the mother literally whacked the young female out of the nest.  The camera crew observed the nest for a considerable period of time and noted that the young female learned her lesson.  She never again attempted to pre-empt her brother from receiving his feeding. Our CO applied this by reminding us that 'those whom he loves [Jehovah] disciplines.' But he also reminded us that Jehovah tries to discipline us as painlessly as possible.  If we are doing Bible reading we may obtain needed direction in this most private of settings if we read and apply what we learn.  If not by this means, then by means of the meetings where we may hear counsel we need and if we are wise to apply it that will correct matters.  If not, then Jehovah arranges for us to receive loving counsel from our spiritual shepherds.  Only after all these means have been unproductive may it become necessary for Jehovah to whack us out of the nest.  Then we were told about the persistence of the albatross.  The US Navy and Air Force wanted to turn the entire island of Midway (the albatross' breeding grounds) into a military base. The military didn't know it at the time, but they had taken on a formidable enemy. Despite being bulldozed and run over and having cannons shot at them, the albatross refused to leave and even built their huge nests right on the runways and caused problems for many planes trying to land or take off by getting sucked into the engines.  Finally, due to the persistence of the albatross, the military had to back off and only use half the island for its base -- leaving the rest of the island to the albatross.",As JW's we need to be persistent.  We have to be persistent to keep up our zeal for studying like we first had when we learned the truth -- we have to be persistent to continue in our ministry in the face of apathy and persecution and we even need to be persistent to continue in our love for one another when we realize that our brothers are not perfect either --they also have 'warts' on their personalities.,Matt 6:1-32;,Bobby Laymon,Service Talk,200,,1997/10/18,
"Personality, Jehovah's Witnesses, Babylon,","An oases in the barren wilderness of mankind. Only 'big trees of righteousness, the planting of Jehovah,' could bear such precious life-giving fruitage.","Jehovah's witnesses recognized as clean, honest people.",Isa. 61:3,"Sep 1, 1964 Wt Page 525",Make Jehovah Your Confidence,70,,,
"Personality, Jehovah's Witnesses, Babylon,","If all the former Babylonish thoughts, saying and deeds were in a book for all to read it would certainly tell a shocking story. Some had personalities of liars, thieves, killers, sodomites,","Babylonish fruitage is a disgrace to God, but can change. fornicators, prostitutes, dope addicts and drunkards. Instead of reading sickening story, let them see new personality.",Rev. 17:5; 18:4;,"Sep 1, 1964 Wt Page 525",Make Jehovah Your Confidence,70,,,
"Personality, Jehovah's Witnesses, Drunkard, Alcoholic, Tobacco,","'This is just the way I am. I can't change.' The weak crutch that the drunkard or alcoholic and tobacco and narcotic addicts lean on. What they mean is, 'I won't change.'",Same spirit and mental attitude Cain had. Same weak crutch. Cain was a 'I won't-turn man and plunged down course of violence.,Genesis. 4:6-8; Jude 11;,"Sep 1, 1964 Wt Page 529",Make Jehovah Your Confidence,70,,,
"Personality, Jehovah, Bible","'No two people are alike' various qualities, characteristics shape 'Who has come to know the mind of Jehovah ...' 'No man has seen God' John 1:18 Bible helps explain him.",Jehovah has a dynamic personality.,1 Cor. 2:16,"Apr 1, 1963 Wt Page 208",Make Jehovah Your Confidence,70,,,
"Personality, Light, Transformation,","Like radical surgery -- cutting out what was formerly a part of us, which is corrupting us. Like cancer, treatment must continue, to remove every trace, likewise we must continue to cultivate the new personality.","We must cut out our old personality and allow development of a whole new spirit to 'actuate our minds.' The old is likely to resurface, with pride, arrogance & selfishness","Eph. 4:18, 22-24; Genesis. 8:21; Rom. 7:21-25;","Aug 1, 1991 Wt Page 18",Is The Truth Transforming Your Life?,51,,,
"Personality, Love,","Insulated cover-alls; gives protection from cold, dirt, grime.","We must clothe ourselves with love, to be protected from world.",Col. 3:12-14,Tom Cisco,"Friendship With God, Friendship With The World -- Which Will You Choose?",79,,,
"Personality, Marriage, Forgiveness, Sex,",In most matters we need to at least be like glass.  While it may appear rigid it is flexible to a point. In a strong wind you can see large plates of glass bending in the wind.  If it didn't bend at all it would most definitely break.,In most matters of life we need to be like this.  Flexible at least to a point.  Especially in our marriage.  If we are too rigid we will break.,Eph. 5:21-29,Morris Phillips,Getting Marriage Off To A Good Start,27,,,
"Personality, Progress, Love,",Diamond in the rough; polish it and quality shows through.,People sometimes rub us the wrong way.  What shows through?,1 Pet. 4:1,Bobby Laymon,"Friendship With God, Friendship With The World -- Which Will You Choose?",79,,,
"Personality, Self-control, Bible, Behavior, Habits, Attitude,","Psychosurgery involves the physical removal or destruction of the brain tissue.  Once removed, that section of your brain can never function again, & any behavior it influenced will disappear. Thousands of such operations have been performed, especially on",Not the best way to change personality.  Bible is! people with dangerous sexual behavior.,"Gal. 5:22, 23;","Jul 8, 1991 Aw Page 6",Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,,
"Personality, Traits, Congregation, Organization,","Just as each child has his own personality, each congregation has distinctive traits.  A parent who teaches effectively does not simply recite moral precepts to his child.  He reasons with the child.  He takes into account the child's personality and the problems with which the child struggles.","In a similar way, teachers in the congregation endeavor to come to grips with the needs of the group to which they are speaking.  However, a good teacher will avoid using examples that could embarrass someone in the audience.",1 Tim. 3:2;,Benefit Page 48,,,,"Apr 2, 2002",
"Personality, Transform, Forever, Life, Organization,","A TRAVELER along a country road came upon what appeared to be an abandoned farm. Its owner was a lazy good-for-nothing God dishonoring fellow. The fields were overrun with weeds and the orchards bore only diseased fruit unfit to eat or even pick. 'What a sad and sickening sight!' groaned the stranger. However, upon rounding the bend in the road his depressed spirits were suddenly lifted as he came upon a very prosperous farm with fertile fields and lush orchards. Observing that every tree was loaded down with the finest fruit, the astonished traveler exclaimed: 'Look! Here is lovely, living beauty, resembling that of Paradise!'  In time the energetic farmer purchased his neighbor's neglected orchard and began a reclamation program. He worked hard cutting out the deadwood, stripping off all the sucker branches, fertilizing the root systems and watching over and protecting the trees against disease  and pestilence. In addition this God-fearing farmer gave thanks to his Grand Creator when the trees began to produce good fruit. People everywhere were struck with utter amazement as the fame of this spectacular transformation spread far and wide throughout the countryside. A wild orchard had been tamed through the hard work and watchful care of an industrious farmer whose efforts had been blessed by Jehovah.","Now, you may never have the opportunity of seeing such a radical change in a literal fruit-bearing orchard. But whoever you are, wherever you live or whatever language you speak, you only have to look around you to observe something far more wonderful taking place. For in reality this story of an orchard is only a small illustration of what is now occurring on a global scale in more than 190 countries and islands of the sea, among people speaking more than 160 different languages. Hundreds of thousands of these people are actually changing both their way of thinking and their conduct. They are transforming or making over the characteristics of their very personalities so they can live forever!","1 Cor 3:6, 7;",W64 9/1 520,Is The Truth Transforming Your Life?,51,,1994/07/30,
"Personality, Transformation,","'A merely fallen enemy may rise again, but the reconciled one is truly vanquished.' Quote: Schiller (1759-1805)","Through God's Word, we are helping transform personalities, to completely make over the mind.","Ro 12:2; 2co 10:4, 5;",Wisdom Of The Ages,Is The Truth Transforming Your Life?,51,,,
"Personality, Transforming, Jehovah's Witnesses, Joy,","THOSE PRODUCING delicious and noble fruit like this are as oases in the barren wilderness of human society. Of a truth, only 'big trees of righteousness, the planting of Jehovah,' could bear such precious life-giving fruitage as this!","Jehovah's witnesses are recognized as an upright, clean and honest people, a people of truth and integrity, holy men and women and children of faith, fidelity and courage.",Isa 61:3;,W64 9/1 525,Is The Truth Transforming Your Life?,51,,1994/07/30,
"Personality, Truth,","Traveler came upon what appeared to be an abandoned farm. Owner was a God-dishonoring person. Trees unkempt, fruit wormy, shook head in disgust. Went around bend in road and couldn't believe his eyes. Most beautiful orchard he had ever seen. Resembled a paradise.  Owner was a God-fearing man. Trees kept; fruit delicious.  In time industrious farmer bought rundown farm, soon changed it.",We have seen this many times in personalities.,Gal. 4:22-24; Col. 3:9-11;,"Sep 1, 1964 Wt Page 520",Conducting Ourselves Honestly At All Times,10,,,
Personality; Character;,'And what is a weed? A plant whose virtues have not been discovered.'  Quote:  Rwe.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Personality; Character;,'If God wanted me otherwise he would have created me otherwise.' Quote:  Van Goethe,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Personality; Character;,"'Make the most of yourself, for that is all there  is of you.'  Quote:  Rwe.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Personality; Character;,'Personality is to a man what perfume is to a flower.'  Quote:  Charles Schwab.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Personality; Character;,'Some persons are likeable in spite of their unswerving integrity.'  Quote:  Don Marquis.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Personality; Character;,'We are fast becoming what we are to be.'  Quote:  David Robertson.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Personality; Character;,A man should be like tea which shows its real worth when getting in hot water.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Personality; Character;,By constant self-discipline and self-control you can develop greatness of character.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Personality; Character;,Character is the result of two things: Mental attitude and the way we spend our time.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Personality; Character;,Characters do not change.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Personality; Character;,Good character like good soup is usually homemade.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Personality; Character;,The apple never falls far from the tree.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Personality; Character;,"The integrity of men is to be measured by their conduct, not by their professions.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Personality; Character;,The measure of a man's real character is what he would do if he know he would never be found out.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Personality; Character;,What can you expect from a pig but a grunt.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Personality; Character;,You are what you are when nobody is looking.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Personality; Character;,You cannot make a crab walk straight.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Personality; Character;,Your character will be what you yourself choose to make it.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Persuade, Reason, Teach,","In court cases, attorneys know the value of questions in cross examination. It is the best way to bring truth to light. Pitfalls to avoid: switching argument from issue to a man. Shifting ground; make sure they stay with subject.","Pointed questions expose a weak case, prepare for new view.",2 Cor. 5:11; Prov. 16:21,"Jul 8, 1963 Aw Page 24",Why Live By Bible Standards?,88,,,
"Persuasion, Persuade, Convince, Influence, Reason,","A little boy would not brush his teeth.  One day they went to a circus and he was impressed how the tightrope walkers held the rope with their teeth and the other one walked it.  He said, 'I want to grow up to be a circus performer.'  His father said, 'I don't think your teeth are strong enough.'  He began to brush his teeth.","To use the art of persuasion, we need to appeal to something that will appeal to them.  We must do that in the ministry.",2 Tim. 3:14; Luke 20:6;,Bobby Laymon,Is The Truth Transforming Your Life?,51,,"Feb 16, 2001",
"Persuasion, Persuade, Convince, Influence, Reason,","A person may see no need to stop using tobacco.  No amount of evidence against harmful effects will convince him.  However, you may point out that it is harmful to his grandchildren and you may be able to touch his heart.",We may be able to change a person's beliefs by argument or reasoning or entreaty to help him adjust to the truth.,2 Tim. 3:14; Luke 20:6;,Bobby Laymon,,,,"Feb 16, 2001",
Pessimist; Optimist;,'A pessimist is one who feels bad when he feels good for fear he'll feel worse when he feels better.'  Quote:  Anonymous.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Pessimist; Optimist;,"'In the long run, the pessimist may be proved right, but the optimist has a better time on the trip.'  Quote:  Dan Reardon.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Pestilence,"No recorded pestilence equaled the 1918-19 Spanish flu. An estimated 21,000,000 died throughout the world. 850,000 in United States alone.",Fulfillment of Bible prophecies.,Matt. 24:7-10,"Mar 22, 1960 Aw Page 19",,,,,
Pestilence,"Spanish Flu put 500,000,000 to bed; over 20,000,000 never got up.","Unequaled pestilence, before or since.",Luke 21:11,"Oct 15, 1961 Wt Page 628",,,,,
"Peter, Bible, Criticism, Doubt,","The winds and rains of higher criticism beat out in vain against the testimony of God's Word.  [Regarding 2 Peter]  Those who want to dispute it can find seeming gnats to strain out, but in doing so they swallow the camel of baseless doubt.","Jehovah God has seen to it that only authentic books and letters have become part of his Word, the Holy Bible.","Is 40:6, 8;","Feb 8, 1971 Aw Page 28",Respect For Authority Is A Safeguard For You,12,,1994/01/08,
"Pets, Animals, Cleanliness,","Remember, that for many animals, their tongue is their washcloth. They may use it for all parts of their body.  While they are equipped to handle the germs that they ingest, children are not. Do not kiss an animal!","Domestic cats infect some 3,300 expectant mothers a year with toxoplasmosis, resulting in a 15% fetal death rate. Quote: U.S. News & World Report.",Ro 5:12; 2p 2:12,"Jan 22, 1993 Aw Page 27",A Clean People Honors Jehovah,14,,,
Philosophy; Worldly Wisdom; Philosophers; Theories;,'A philosopher is a blind man in a dark room looking for a black cat that isn't there. A theologian is the man who finds it.'  Quote:  Anonymous.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Philosophy; Worldly Wisdom; Philosophers; Theories;,'First learn how to live then learn to philosophize.'  Quote:  Latin.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Philosophy; Worldly Wisdom; Philosophers; Theories;,"'Gray hair is a sign of age, not of wisdom.'  Quote:  Greek.",,,Jk Quotes;,Christian Separateness From The World--why Beneficial.,119,,,
Philosophy; Worldly Wisdom; Philosophers; Theories;,"'Oh Lord, if there is a lord, save my soul if I have a soul.'  Quote:  Renan.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Philosophy; Worldly Wisdom; Philosophers; Theories;,'Philosophy: Unintelligible answers to unsolvable problems.'  Quote:  H. Adams.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Philosophy; Worldly Wisdom; Philosophers; Theories;,'Skepticism is the first step on the road to philosophy.'  Quote:  Diderot.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Philosophy; Worldly Wisdom; Philosophers; Theories;,"'The economic and technological triumphs of the past few years have not solved as many problems as we thought they would, and in fact, have brought us new problems we did not foresee.'  Quote:  Henry Ford.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Philosophy; Worldly Wisdom; Philosophers; Theories;,'There is nothing so absurd or ridiculous that has not at some time been said by some philosopher.'  Quote:  Oliver Goldsmith.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Philosophy; Worldly Wisdom; Philosophers; Theories;,'Those who are called philosophers are not necessarily lovers of true wisdom.' Quote:  St. Augustine,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Philosophy; Worldly Wisdom; Philosophers; Theories;,A philosopher is a person who gives other people advice about troubles he hasn't had.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Philosophy; Worldly Wisdom; Philosophers; Theories;,Philosophy is unimportant answers to unintelligent questions.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Philosophy; Worldly Wisdom; Philosophers; Theories;,To err is human.....but to have a word processor that allows you to correct things without an eraser is divine.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Photo-drama Of Creation, Infidelity,",'I had almost been drawn into the quick-sands of infidelity and feel that I was saved by the 'Photo-Drama of Creation' which was shown here last summer.','I now have that peace which the world cannot give and which I would not part with for all its riches.',Matt. 24:14,"Jan 15, 2001 Wt Page 9",Appreciating Marvels Of God's Creation,114,,"Dec 17, 2000",
Pioneer,'Pioneers beget Pioneers.' Walk with wise persons.,"Best encouragement for pioneering is to work, talk with other pioneer.",Prov. 13:20,Bobby Laymon,Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,63,,,
Pioneer,"'Minister' is not a title, it is a description Opportunity to pioneer will soon be gone Test: Write down all the reasons why you can't pioneer. Answer: Go to Jehovah in prayer over each one of the reasons",Service should be chief aim in one's life,1 Th 4:1  Phil 3:16 Mark 13:10  Luke 13:23,Assy Talk,Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,63,,,
Pioneer,"Ben Franklin method of balancing reasons for and against. Divide page down middle, put 'pluses' on one side 'minuses' on others. Pray about reasons against.","We need to put in writing, reasons to pioneer, schedule etc. Reasons for found in July 1990 K.M.",Luke 14:28,Bobby Laymon,Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,63,,,
Pioneer,"Car pool, many join together, share expenses.   Are we supporting pioneering 'Cash Tray'.  Prayer spend day with?","Pool resources, so one family member can pioneer.",1 Tim 3:16 Phil 1:10 Mark 1:38,Needs Of Circuit,Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,63,,,
Pioneer,"Do You Have a Gift? Youths: education, youth, health, strength, fresh, open attitude. Older persons: retirement, financially stable, valuable experience Housewives: gift of organization. speaking, teaching, getting along","Today do not have 'gifts of spirit', but other gifts. Question: Can I really justify before Jehovah the fact that I am not a pioneer?",2 Tim. 1:6,"Nov 15, 1982 Wt Page 23  Mar 1993 Km Page 3",Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,63,,,
Pioneer,"Early settlers, let nothing stop them.","Pioneers, make career out of.",Matt. 6:33,Bobby Laymon,Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,63,,,
Pioneer,Eye trouble.  Not all can pioneer; perhaps some can.  Calculate expense.  Adjust employment;  Tighten belt.,"Keep eye simple.  Some entire families, like Noah, are pioneering.",Luke 11:34  Eccl 12:1; Luke 14:28,"Bro Jones, Charles (dick) Circuit Assy. Needs Of Circuit",Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,63,,,
Pioneer,"Farmer must adjust his work according to seasons, weather each day. Good pioneers will always adapt themselves to each new situation. When sunshine farmer can do one kind of work; hay, plowing, etc. When rain, find other suitable, needed work.","Pioneer & Missionary work requires constant adjustments. Pioneer too, must keep adapting, not neglecting Jehovah's work.",Ps. 90:12,"Sep 15, 1960 Wt Page 574   John Marcus",Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,63,,,
Pioneer,"Farmer, during lull in storm, rushes to haul all his crop in. As farmer is thankful for his opportunity, we should be thankful, Jehovah has given us private of helping in harvest.","Work is urgent, during this lull before Armageddon.","2 Pet. 3:9, 13  Heb. 10:23","May 8, 1960 Aw Page 8",Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,63,,,
Pioneer,"Heavy Brother test scaffold; says, 'go ahead, you can trust it' Construction work, very high up, but it holds the heavier person. We see how other brothers are trusting in Jehovah and pioneering.  It gives us faith to do likewise.",Sometimes we just have to trust in Jehovah.,Mal. 3:10,Paul Smith,Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,63,,,
Pioneer,"Heritage; Valuable table, other furniture, riches. Bethel, Gilead, Pioneer.",Greatest heritage you can bestow; desire to serve Jah full-time.,"Eccl. 11:9, 10","Oct 1, 1958 Wt Page 595",Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,63,,,
Pioneer,How could you describe how a banana taste? Apple? Orange? Impossible to describe to someone who never tasted one before.,Just have to taste pioneering to know.,Ps. 34:8  Mal. 3:10,Robert Schwarze,What Is Your Relationship With God?,87,,,
Pioneer,"Insurance Paying premiums in Jehovah's service Higher benefits, More of them Pio school, confidence in service",Benefits like job insurance-Get assistance from Jehovah,2 Cor 4:2  2 Tim 4:2,Paul Witt  1 Day Assy,Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,63,,,
Pioneer,Job: Show up every day at 8:15 and you will be fired.,1000 hours is a requirement.,"1 Cor 9: 15, 24, 26",Brother Punko (pioneer Mtg),Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,63,,,
Pioneer,"JUGGLER Pioneering and full time job. Trying to do too much. Going to drop something, probably pioneering.","NO MATTER HOW GOOD the juggler is, something is going to drop.",1 Cor. 15:58,Circuit Overseer (bro. Schroeder),Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,63,,,
Pioneer,"Keep Looking Forward, Never Backward Retain your vigor of youth for Jehovah's service.",Don't ever outlive your enthusiasm;,Heb. 6:11,"Sep 15, 1960 Wt Page 574   Maxwell Friend",Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,63,,,
Pioneer,"Keep vision on Kingdom; steer clear of materialism, anxieties. Find your happiness in being with you Christian brothers & sisters Never seclude yourself from God's people.",Keep seeking first the Kingdom,"Matt. 6:33; Heb. 10:24, 25","Sep 8, 1960 Aw Page 25 (Milton Henschel) Gilead Graduation.",Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,63,,,
Pioneer,"Little girl, invited to take candy from jar, but wouldn't. Store clerk then reached his hand in and gave the little girl a handful of candy.  Afterward, her mother ask her why she wouldn't take it herself.  She said, 'His hands are much larger than mine.'","Jehovah will reward us beyond anything we can do, or expect.",Prov. 3:5,"Pure Language District Assy. Mobile, Ala. July 5-8, 1990",Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,63,,,
Pioneer,"Man trapped in burning House; small opening; exert to get out Set-back, illness-must pick self up & exert vigilance again Must have desire; circumstances Pray for both.  Can change circumstances",Must exert to escape system of things,"Luke 13:23  Matt &:7, 8",1985 Dist. Assy.,Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,63,,,
Pioneer,Not born with pioneer spirit.  Should take on Kingdom responsibility.,"If children are brought up or raised around it, will effect them.",Eph 6:10-13  Mark 4:24,Al Frank. Divine Love Dist. Assy  1980,Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,63,,,
Pioneer,"Quote by Bro. Knorr: All of Jehovah's Witnesses are full-time ministers, however not all are full-time preachers. Should not worry about themselves, or anything, except preaching of Good News.",Matt. chap. 10 fully applies to full-time preachers,Matt 10:,"Oct 1, 1959 Wt Page 604",Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,63,,,
Pioneer,"Soldier, Bridge builder, went ahead of main army.",Pioneers have literally done so.,Matt. 6:33,1982 Wt March 15 Page 16,Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,63,,,
Pioneer,Song: Count Your Blessings Instead of Sheep,Full-time servant can do both.,Rev 22:17,1958 Wt,Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,63,,,
Pioneer,"Vocation is your job.  However your job is not necessarily your career.  Pioneering is our career.  We must stick with our career, regardless of other adjustments. Pioneering is not: Vocation (that's your job)","We may change our jobs, but not our career. Pioneering is not: Avocation (that's your hobby) Pioneering is not: Vacation (that's lack of work .. resting)",2 Cor 4:7-10;,"Bro. Sam Herd, Pioneer Meeting April 1989",Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,63,,,6/28/2018
Pioneer,When does a mammal become mature? When it produces others. Be positive. Don't talk about time. Talk good experiences.,Pioneers should encourage and produce other pioneers.,"Matt. 28:19, 20","Pioneer Meeting. Dec. 14, 1990 St. Louis. Bro. Larry Punko",Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,63,,,
Pioneer,"Would pioneer when he got 'everything straightened out' 'When he got completely straightened out, he was 6 feet under.'",Don't wait until everything is right to pioneer.,Mal 3:10,Fred Crownover,Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,63,,,
"Pioneer Service School,","Started in December 1977, a two-week course of training for pioneer ministers.","Information only: During the next 14 years, the number of pioneers increased more than fivefold - from 115,389 to 607,610.",Ps 110:3,Jehovah's Witnesses - Proclaimers Of God's Kingdom.  Page 113,Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,63,,,
"Pioneer Spirit, Variety, Organization, Participation, Prominence, Importance, Priority, Attitude, Position,","Whenever I'm disappointed with my spot in my life, I stop and think  about little Jamie Scott.  Jamie was trying out for a part in a school play.  His mother told me that he'd set his heart on being in it, though she feared he would not be chosen.  On the day the parts were awarded, I went with her to collect him after school.  Jamie rushed up to her, eyes shining with pride and excitement.  'Guess what Mum,' he shouted, and then said those words that will remain a lesson to me: 'I've been chosen to clap and cheer.'","We can all have a part in the preaching of the Good News.  If we cannot participate as much as others do, we can cheer them on.  We can have the pioneer spirit.",Col. 3:23;,Bobby Laymon,Why Christians Must Be Different.,123,,1998/01/16,
"Pioneer,","A nice acronym that symbolized what is required to be a successful pioneer. If you want to succeed as a pioneer or to work toward that as a goal, just S.I.T.","Simple Eye - don't allowed yourself to be distracted by many things.     Industrious - make the most out of what you have, whether it be your home, your car or your clothing.     Trust in Jehovah - Matthew 6:33 - we know what it says - take Jehovah at His word.",Prov. 3:5;,Mark Hanlon,Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,63,,1998/11/26,
"Pioneer,",Bridge builders.  No one is forcing them to change their way. They do it out of love for Jehovah & neighbor.,Bridging the culture gap.,Genesis. 12:1-3,"Jun 8, 1963 Aw Page 25-6",Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,63,,,
"Pioneer,",Don't be a 'Phantom' pioneer. (Remember: Only the 'Phantom' knows!),Let yourself be seen.  Meet with the group.  Don't be the only one that knows you are going in service.,Jer 20:9;,William Osbeck C.O.,Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,63,,,
"Pioneer,","Parents save for years to send their children to college for four or more years.  They make great sacrifices, to launch their son or daughter into a career for life.  ($35,647. at Purdue University. each year.  Florida State $28,327.)","Why not give your child one year of worry-free pioneering, and launch them in a rewarding career for life.",Mt. 7:11; 2 Cor 12:14; Mt. 6:19-21;,"Lori Herr   (entered Dec 19, 1991)",Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,63,,,
"Pioneer,","There have been pioneers in many fields; Medicine, Engineering, Architecture, Art, Early settlers.",Most important pioneering is type Jesus & Apostles did.,"Matt. 28:19, 20; Acts 1:8; Luke 8:1;",Bobby Laymon,Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,63,,,
"Pioneer, 1914, Warnings, Cost, Decisions, Future, Survivors, World","Would you jump from a train that was headed for certain destruction?  It might cost you some severe bruising; you might leave some of your possessions and the people on the train, but you would save your life.",What will it cost you to have the hope of living forever?  What will you have to pay?  The cost to you cannot be measured in money.,Acts 8:18-20; Lk 14:28-30;,"Oct 8, 1968 Aw Page 27",Decide Now For Divine Rulership,37,,,
"Pioneer, Advise,","You can test words, like you test food with your palate. Some do not realize that Satan is using them to discourage the pioneer ministry.  Jesus said, 'Get behind me Satan.' Rely on Jehovah; simplify life; Encourage family members also.","Some offer well-intended advise - not to pioneer.  Often it is someone who has not tried it himself, and 'does not permit others to do so' like Pharisees. (should give desire, at least)",Job 34:3; Mt. 23:13; Ps. 68:19;,Larry Punko C.O. Pioneer Meeting For Those Interested. 12-06-1991,Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,63,,,
"Pioneer, Anxiety, Stress, Problems, Duties, Burdens,",'God never built a Christian strong enough to carry today's duties and tomorrow's anxieties piled on the top of them.' Quote: -Theodore Ledyard Curler.,The world thinks everyone should climb the economic ladder.  Such thinking fills people's lives with many anxieties.  We cannot handle all those things and be serving Jehovah.,Matt 6:34;,Bobby Laymon,"Friendship With God, Friendship With The World -- Which Will You Choose?",79,,1995/08/25,
"Pioneer, Assignment,","'I felt like a tomato plant, that had been yanked up and thrown into the hot sun.' Quote: Rebecca Blankenship","Describing how she felt, when having to move from her assignment. They had to flee Liberia due to severe dangers and persecution.",Ro 1:8-12;,"Divine Teaching Dist. Assy.  Jul 1-4, 1993 (Memphis)",Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,63,,,
"Pioneer, Attitude,","Can't be thin-skinned and pioneer, must be alligator skinned. Satan and his demons.","Continual rebuff in service, jealousy sometimes from brothers.",Jas. 1:12;,"J.C. Howard, Do At Pioneer Mtg. 12-14-1990",Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,63,,,
"Pioneer, Auxiliary Pioneer,","Baskin-Robin Ice Cream (31 flavors) If you don't know you'll like, ask for sample. They will be happy to give you a taste.  Jehovah let's you taste by auxiliary pioneer.",Taste & See that Jehovah is good; try pioneering.,Ps. 34:8  Mal. 3:10,Johnse Laymon,Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,63,,,
"Pioneer, Auxiliary,","Not second-class citizens;  Support base: gives maintenance or material support, or other support for a cause.  Auxiliary = Giving assistance or support; helping, subsidiary; supplementary.",Auxiliary pioneers are not second-class citizens.  They are the support base for regular pioneers.,Numbers 6:21;,William Osbeck C.O.,Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,63,,,
"Pioneer, Auxiliary, Money, Financial","'Buy time, not stuff!'","With 'stuff' you have to stack, store, arrange, and maintain it.  With time, we simply have to use it in Jehovah's service and he will take care of the rest.",Eph 5:16; Mt 6:33;,Bill Osbeck C. O.,Are You Really Making Jehovah Your Stronghold?,18,,1994/02/13,
"Pioneer, Auxiliary, Prayer, Conventions, Cuties, Listen,","Have you ever noticed the 'corridor cuties' at the conventions?  They walk up and down the corridors during the sessions.  And, of course they have their share of the male 'corridor cruisers' as well.  But what happens when all the talks are over and its time for prayer?  Someone goes Sshhh... and they all stop and bow their heads.","When was Jehovah talking to us?  When were we talking to him?  It was during the sessions that Jehovah spoke to us by means of the Bible, and it was after that we spoke to Him.  Why weren't we listening when Jehovah spoke to us?  Some fail as pioneers because we are sick spiritually.  We weren't listening when Jehovah spoke to us.",2co 4:16;,Bill Osbeck C. O.,Never Become Dull In Your Hearing,9,,1994/02/13,
"Pioneer, Auxiliary, Time, Goals,","Remember the little train going up the hill.  'I think I can, I think I can.'",Think positively about the pioneer service.  Trust in Jehovah.  Read experiences with those contemplating pioneering and encourage them in the right way.,Jer 10:23;,Bill Osbeck C.O.,Is It Time For God To Rule The World?,20,,1994/02/13,
"Pioneer, Auxiliary, Time, Goals,","What if you were unemployed and suddenly found a job?  You had not been working at all, and suddenly you go from zero (0) to forty (40) hours a week.  Does that mean you will fail?  Is an unemployed person unfit for a full-time job?  He could be a good choice because of his desire to work.","What if someone wants to auxiliary pioneer and is only a 2 or 3 hour publisher?  Some brothers would turn it down.  Yet, that person may be a good choice for an auxiliary pioneer.  Why not flip over the application and discuss with him his schedule, and put it down in writing, etc.",Eph 5:16;,Bill Osbeck C.O.,Is It Time For God To Rule The World?,20,,1994/02/13,
"Pioneer, Auxiliary, Time, Goals, Rigid,","Did you ever teach or attend 'Home Schooling?'  It is very rigid!  It takes tremendous self-discipline!  One must be well motivated for it to work.  One must study several hours a day, when there is so much else to be done at home.",Consider that if you feel that 'pioneering is much too rigid' as some say.  It is not near as exacting as 'home schooling.',1pe 1:13;,Bill Osbeck C. O.,Is It Time For God To Rule The World?,20,,1994/02/13,
"Pioneer, Auxiliary, Time, Mind, Schedule, Goals,","Did you ever wear 'braces'?  What about on your teeth?  Or perhaps you broke an arm, leg, or finger?  What does a brace do?  It supports, straightens.  It gives structure.",We need to 'brace up our minds for activity.'  Make a schedule.  Make decisions and stay with them if reasonably possible.,1pe 1:13;,Bill Osbeck C. O.,Decisions You Face--how Will You Make Them?,50,,1994/02/13,
"Pioneer, Balance, Endurance,","The father's eyes beam as he waits with open arms for his daughter to take her first halting steps.  When she suddenly topples, he encourages her to try again.  He knows that she will soon gain her balance and strength.","In a similar way, a new pioneer minister may need time and encouragement before he or she attains the balance needed to succeed as a full-time Kingdom proclaimers.","Matt 23:23; Luke 14:27, 28;","May 15, 1996 Wt Page 29",Be Confident Of Divine Victory!,39,,1996/04/16,
"Pioneer, Bethel, Missionary, Materialism, Money, Fight,",The greatest heritage you can bestow upon your child is the desire to serve Jehovah full time.,Do not frustrate their entering the full-time service by encouraging them to work for large salaries so the family can now enjoy some of the finer things of life.,Prov 30:8; 1 Tim 6:10;,W58 10/1 595,Reach Out For The Real Life!,90,,1994/07/30,
"Pioneer, Bethel, Missionary, Time,","Better late, than never.  Two sons asked to work in vineyard.  Like two mentioned above, (Matt. 21) better late, than never.","Some delay, full-time service, Some promise, but don't. see Matthew 21:28-31.",Luke 12:8; 2 Cor. 4:7; Mal. 3:10; Ps. 34:10; 1 Cor. 15:58;,Bobby Laymon,Is It Time For God To Rule The World?,20,,,
"Pioneer, Bethel, Missionary, Time,",Haste makes waste.,Must take time to do things right.,Luke 12:8; 2 Cor. 4:7; Mal. 3:10; Ps. 34:10; 1 Cor. 15:58;,Bobby Laymon,Is It Time For God To Rule The World?,20,,,
"Pioneer, Bethel, Missionary, Time,","If you don't have time to do it right, how will you find time to do it over?",Incentive to do the job right,Luke 12:8; 2 Cor. 4:7; Mal. 3:10; Ps. 34:10; 1 Cor. 15:58;,Bobby Laymon,Is It Time For God To Rule The World?,20,,,
"Pioneer, Bethel, Missionary, Time,",The trouble with being punctual is that people think you have nothing more important to do.,"We must be punctual in preaching, because it is most important.  Sometimes people think pioneers have nothing better to do, and have all the time in the world.",Luke 12:8; 2 Cor. 4:7; Mal. 3:10; Ps. 34:10; 1 Cor. 15:58;,Bobby Laymon,Is It Time For God To Rule The World?,20,,,
"Pioneer, Bethel, Missionary, Time,",Time and tide wait for no man. Make opportunities to pioneer. Time is soon running out for this system.,Everyone has the same amount of time.  We must use it for good.,Luke 12:8; 2 Cor. 4:7; Mal. 3:10; Ps. 34:10; 1 Cor. 15:58;,Bobby Laymon,Is It Time For God To Rule The World?,20,,,
"Pioneer, Bethel, Missionary, Time,",Wasting time is an important part of living.,Wasted time can be 'bought out.',Eph. 5:16; Luke 12:8; 2 Cor. 4:7; Mal. 3:10; Ps. 34:10; 1 Cor. 15:,Bobby Laymon,Is It Time For God To Rule The World?,20,,,
"Pioneer, Bethel, Missionary, Time, Materialism,","Don't burn the candle at both ends. Almost anyone can make money, but you can't make big money and pioneer.",We cannot pioneer and serve other means wholeheartedly.,Luke 12:8; 2 Cor. 4:7; Mal. 3:10; Ps. 34:10; 1 Cor. 15:58;,Bobby Laymon,Reach Out For The Real Life!,90,,,
"Pioneer, Bethel, Missionary, Time, Problems, Persecution,",Good things come to him that waits. He acts at the time it will accomplish the most good for all.,We must wait on Jehovah to solve some problems.,Luke 12:8; 2 Cor. 4:7; Mal. 3:10; Ps. 34:10; 1 Cor. 15:58;,Bobby Laymon,Bearing Up Under Persecution,57,,,
"Pioneer, Bethel, Missionary, Time, World, Satan,","Take time while time is, for time steals away. What reasons can we give why we are not serving Jehovah more fully?",World is a thief of time. We must use it wisely now.,Eph. 5:16;Luke 12:8; 2 Cor. 4:7; Mal. 3:10; Ps. 34:10; 1cor. 15:58,Bobby Laymon,'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
"Pioneer, Bethel, Missionary, Time, Youth,",Opportunity knocks just once. Do not have regrets later because of not serving Jehovah now.,Youth never have the same opportunity to serve Jehovah again.,Eccl. 12: 1; Luke 12:8; 2 Cor. 4:7; Mal. 3:10; Ps. 34:10;,Bobby Laymon,How Can Youths Cope With Today's Crisis?,113,,,
"Pioneer, Bible Studies, Meetings, Invitation,","You would not teach your young child to hop on one leg first, before teaching him to walk.",Why invite your study to come to the public talk and leave right after.,"Heb 10:24, 25;",Mike Hart,,,,1996/05/03,
"Pioneer, Bible Studies, Terminating,",'The terminator!'  (based on movie),"Don't be like the terminator.  Bring to an end gently, with no slamming of doors or burning of bridges.  Interest may surface later.",1 Th 2:7;,Mike Hart,,,,1996/05/03,
"Pioneer, Career, Baby, Circumstances, Changes,",Suddenly you look up and see your baby out in the street.  You rush to get him.  Then your hat flies off.  Are you going to let that stop you from rushing out to save your child?  No!  It is probably not even going to slow you down.  That is your baby out there.,Pioneering is our baby!  We are going to constantly have changes in our circumstances.  Is it going to stop us?  No!  We are going to do all we can to save our baby.,Phil 1:9-11,"David Cohen, C. O.",Serve Jehovah With A Joyful Heart,78,,1998/02/14,
"Pioneer, Career, Employment, Discouragement, Joy, Depression,","If you have a dull job, much drudgery and no joy; How long are you going to work there?  You're going to quit that job. Don't let Satan use his wedge-shaped tool (discouragement) on you.",Pioneering is the same way.  We must work so as not to become discouraged. Last 6 months 16 started to pioneer.  Lost 11; only gained 5.,He 6:10-12; Pr 4:23; 23:12;,"Larry Punko, C.O.  Pioneer Meeting Jan 31, 1992",Serve Jehovah With A Joyful Heart,78,,,
"Pioneer, Career, Job,","You brothers and sisters are not 'rookies', but 'pro's'!","Not in the sense of being paid, but a pro makes a constant practice of what others do in a limited way.  You are pro's also in the sense that you can instruct and train others.  Have made a wise career choice in Jehovah's eyes.",Pr 22:29;,Joseph Wengert D. O.,Follow The Way To Life,45,,1994/04/22,
"Pioneer, Career, Service","Before pursuing a career be sure there is a demand in that field example want to be a teacher and you find that 10,000 teachers are unemployed in Mo. would you pursue it.","No unemployed pioneers, always plenty to do, worthwhile work",1cor 15:58,"Pioneer Meeting  Br Koinivech, D.O.",How Should You Serve God?,58,,,
"Pioneer, Career, Service","In choosing career ask what benefits do I get, consider retirement, vacation, health care, enjoyable work.","Pioneering has best benefits, rewards in seeing people learn truth, contentment in doing what should, everlasting life.",1cor 15:58; Mt 16:26,"Pioneer Meeting  Br Koinivech, D.O.",How Should You Serve God?,58,,,
"Pioneer, Career, Service,",Brother Russell said 3 stages in service   1. Want live forever 2. Then you learn to love Jehovah   3. Learn to love people.,Pioneers have to be at stage 3,Jn 3:16;,Pioneer Meeting Br Koinivech,How Should You Serve God?,58,,,
"Pioneer, Career, Service,","Doctor does not go to school to begin his practice, then stop but he continues learning, reading and applying what he learns",Pioneer made service his career to be successful he must keep learning and applying.  Become skillful at what he does.,Prov 22:29,Pioneer Meeting Br Koinivech,How Should You Serve God?,58,,,
"Pioneer, Career, Service,",Heb 6:10 told that Jehovah will not forget your work  Jehovah will not give you a gold watch and send you down the road!,"Brothers foolishly believe that their employer loves them, and he may tell him I don't know how I could get alone without you but let things slow down. Or his son need a job. You become ill!",Heb 6:10;,Pioneer Meeting Br Koinivech,Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,63,,,
"Pioneer, Career, Service,","Lawyer not go law school stop learning. Study court decisions but he continues learning, reading and applying what he learns.",Pioneer made service his career to be successful he must keep learning what Jehovah's will is.,Prov 22:29,J. Laymon,How Should You Serve God?,58,,,
"Pioneer, Career, Service,",Man wants to become baseball player?  But every time ball hit to him in face and every time come to bat strikes out. How long do you think he will want to be a ball player?,Pioneer made service his career.  To continue he must become skilled and be successful.,Prov 22:29,Pioneer Meeting Br. Koinivech D.O.,Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,63,,,
"Pioneer, Career, Service, Discouragement, Depression",Pioneer sister in Minnesota was discouraged did not know why.,Brother told her analyze and try to see why. After doing so she found she was worried because windshield wipers were bad on her car and winter was there.  Brothers bought and replaced. O.K.,Heb 6:10-12;,Pioneer Meeting Brother Marrow,Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,63,,,
"Pioneer, Career, Service, Discouragement, Depression",Some feel that Jehovah has given pioneers a special umbrella of protection for pioneers.,"Seems like heavy load.   Lots of negative thinking, we have personal needs, work hard, little appreciation.",Heb 6:10-12,Pioneer Meeting Bro. Marrow,How Should You Serve God?,58,,,
"Pioneer, Career, Service, Teaching,","Brother at Bethel learning to make bread, brother puts every thing together. So brother said to him now slow down and do it again. (can use anything we have been taught to do)","May show someone how to do something then we need to slow down and teach them. Pioneers need to do more then inform, need to teach.","Mt 28:19,20","Pioneer Meeting  Br Koinivech, D.O.",How Should You Serve God?,58,,,
"Pioneer, Career, Service, Teaching,","Teach them books of Bible, so they learn to find scriptures.",Noticed that no one who refuses to learn books of Bible have ever learned the truth.,"Mt 28:19,20",Pioneer Meeting  Br Koinivech,How Should You Serve God?,58,,,
"Pioneer, Career, Service, Teaching, Contribute, Gas. Money",Double your fist.  How much can Jehovah put into it?  Now open your hand.  How much can he put into it now?,"Open your hand to others who use their cars in service and Jehovah will fill it.  Pioneers should contribute gas money to publishers. It's not the amount, but the thought that counts.",Mt 7:12,Pioneer Meeting Bro. Koinivech D.O.,Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,63,,,
"Pioneer, Career, Service, Teaching, Meetings","How can you care for your studies when they come to meetings?  Be better to your Bible studies, and you will have better Bible studies.",Meditate on Matt  7:12.  What would you have liked for your conductor to have done for you? Pick up for first meeting.  If not be there when he arrives.  Sit with him help find scriptures.,Mt 7:12,"Pioneer Meeting Br Koinivech, D.O.",How Should You Serve God?,58,,,7/17/2025
"Pioneer, Change, Circumstances, Sickness, Health,","You are on a mountain with a beautiful valley.  There are red-tailed foxes, and birds.  Beautiful lake, like Yellowstone National Park.  You are where you want to be.  Suddenly a wind swoops down from the slope.  The sky darkens.  Quickly everything changes.  This is not the place to be.",Pioneering is like that.  You are where you want to be and things can change suddenly.  We have 3 storms bearing down on us.  1. Financial hardship.  2.  Poor health.  3.  Discouragement.,"John 14:27; Phil. 4:6,7;",Ron Whitlatch C.O.,Trust In The God Of All Comfort,143,,"Apr 13, 2002",
"Pioneer, Complacent,","Bro. Knorr quote: 'I just come and live with you for few days.' Response to wealthy rancher with fine home whom he was visiting. When asked, 'Don't you want these things?'",Must not become complacent because of life-style of others.,Mal. 3:14,"Larry Punko, C.O.  Oct 20, 1990 Pioneer Meeting.",Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,63,,,
"Pioneer, Discouragement, Joy, Depression, Satan, Groaning,",Discouragement is a thief.,It will rob you of joy and happiness.,He 6:10-12; Pr 4:23; 23:12;,"Larry Punko, C.O.  Pioneer Meeting Jan 31, 1992",Serve Jehovah With A Joyful Heart,78,,,
"Pioneer, Elders, Assist, Aid,",Would a congregation be concerned if all of a sudden it lost nine publishers?  All the elders would be up in arms. One pioneer does essentially the work of 9 publishers.,"When you lose a pioneer, you are not just losing one publisher.  You are losing NINE publishers.","Is 32:1, 2;",Steve Koinivech,Respect For Authority Is A Safeguard For You,12,,,
"Pioneer, Employment,",'Part-time Work for Full-time ministers.' Information only: Many suggestion on employment and proper attitude in obtaining. Approaches; Suggestions; List of jobs;,The Pioneer should go job-seeking in God's strength.,Ac. 18:1-3; 1 Cor. 9:6-23 Matt. 19:26; 24:14; Prov. 15:29;,"Dec 8, 1967 Aw Page 13-16",Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,63,,,
"Pioneer, End,",Father said to child 'Look at me when I talk to you.'  He wants his undivided attention.,Jesus said 'Look I am with you until conclusion of system.' He is using word 'Look' in similar manner to assure us of his backing.,"Mt. 28:19,20",M. Marrow Pioneer Meeting,Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,63,,,
"Pioneer, Expenses, Gas,",In ancient times the Israelites offered up burnt offerings at great expense.,"Although not the same, pioneers, at great expense cover large sections of territory.  We might consider the gasoline as burnt offering.",Matt 24:14;,Kenneth Haag C. O.,Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,63,,1995/10/07,
"Pioneer, Faith, Test, Endurance,","A medal's strength comes not from normal conditions, but stressful Extremes in temperature produces hardened desired conditions.","Our faith is tested under strained, heated conditions.","Jas. 1:2, 3, 12;","Larry Punko, C.O.  Oct 20, 1990 Pioneer Meeting.",Have Faith In The Good News,47,,,
"Pioneer, Faultfinding; Complaining; Gossip;",'Have you noticed that the knocker is always on the outside of the door?',Ask those on the inside about pioneering.,Mal 3:10;,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Pioneer, Gilead, Blessings, Wisdom,",Ninety-seven-year-old Jacob wrestled all night long with an angel all for the sake of a blessing. Urged not to dwell on negative things.,"It is never too early to begin this practice.  Those in fulltime service are certainly blessed, but blessings come only after much hard work.",Genesis. 32:24-32,"Dec 1, 1991 Wt Page 21; George Couch",Hold A Good Conscience In A Sinful World,107,,,
"Pioneer, Goals,","A hunter shooting at ducks from a blind, must aim ahead of the ducks in order to hit his target.  He has a moving target.","In like manner, a pioneer must aim ahead of his target or goal in order to hit it.",Mt 6:33;,Bobby Laymon,Taking Time To Meditate On Spiritual Things,67,,1993/11/11,
"Pioneer, Goals,",Don't get into a 'rut'. Get into the 'groove'. Set goals.,Rut is an accident someone made. Groove is deliberately made.,Phil. 3:14,"Larry Punko, C.O.  Oct 20, 1990 Pioneer Meeting.",Taking Time To Meditate On Spiritual Things,67,,,
"Pioneer, Goals, Gifts, Schedule","Are you an Indian Giver. If extra time is needed for something, need to buy out from some-thing less important than our service time.",Promised Jehovah 1000 hrs. Don't try to take some of that back.,"Eph. 5:15,16",Frank Barr,Pio. Mtg,67,,,
"Pioneer, Harvest, Diversify, Ministry, Witnessing,","For a farmer the happiest time, is the harvest time.  Especially a good harvest.  Some farmers have diversified their crops by planting winter wheat, rice, corn, cotton and other crops.  Harvesting many times during the year, instead of one.  To do this, they must know their equipment well, and what it will do.  Must know when to plant and when to harvest each crop.","Have you ever noticed how much the ministry is like farming?  We too, are in the happy time; The harvest time.   Like diversified farmers, we continue to plant, water, and harvest all the time.  Since Jehovah equips us for every good work, we should: Know our equipment.  Use all the possibilities of what we have.  Our timing must be finely tuned.  We will be able to harvest again and again.  	",John 15:8;,Bobby Laymon,Slave For The Master Of The Harvest,66,,1995/06/02,
"Pioneer, Heart, skill, art,","No material, whether Cabbage or Gold, asks us to be content with it the way we find it. We take it in hand, change it, put value into it. If you 'have half a mind to do it' you probably have half a heart.",We need to be skillful craftsmen in our work as pioneers. Most in world have no professional attitude.,Prov. 22:29 Isa. 40:20  Col. 3:22-24,"Apr 8, 1960 Aw Page 3, 4",Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,63,,,
"Pioneer, Heavy, Loads, Exert, Self-sacrifice,","A man had to make a journey to the market with a bag of cotton and a bag of sugar.  He had two donkeys and wondered which one to put the lighter weighing cotton on and which one to put the heavier weighing sugar on.  He decided to let the donkeys choose.  He led the donkeys into the barn and watched.  The one donkey nudged each bag with his nose and then went back to the bag of cotton and nudged it again.  The man reasoned that the donkey had chosen the bag of cotton and loaded it on his back.  Then he put the bag of sugar on the other donkey, and they got on their way.  As they went along the donkey with the sugar struggled under the load.  The sun was hot and the ground was hard. Oh,  how that bag of sugar weighed him down.  He wondered how much farther he could go.  On the other hand, the donkey with the cotton was having no trouble at all.   Often he would trot, and sometimes he would kick up his heels.  How happy he was that he was not burdened with the load of sugar like the other donkey.  Finally, they came to the river, and look, he bridge was out.  The only way to get to the other side was to swim.  So, into the river they went.  As the donkey with the bag of sugar swam through the water, what do you think happened?  Why, as he swam, he felt as if his load was getting lighter!  Why do you think that was so?  Well, as he swam the sugar began to dissolve, and the farther he swam, the lighter his load became.  Finally, he reached the other side, wet, but only slightly worn from the experience.  What about the donkey with the bag of cotton?  As he swam along, he felt that his load was getting heavier and heavier.  Why do you think that was so?  Well, as he swam the cotton began to absorb the water.  The more he swam, the heavier the bag of cotton became.  How the donkey struggled to keep his head above water, but to no avail.  Exhausted and now overburdened, he sank beneath the water, never to be seen again.","Some today hesitate to carry a heavier load.  Rather they choose to carry a lighter load.  Other make the choice to carry a heavier load, despite the burden it places on them now.  When this system ends, and the Great Tribulation comes, those who are used to carrying a light load may find that the additional weight of tests and trials are overwhelming.  Not having been built up by carrying a heavier load before, they find these tests weigh them down and they fall victim to the added burden.  Unable to keep their head above water, they sink under the additional weight.  Sadly, they don't make it to the other side and they lose out on everlasting life.  On the other hand, those who are used to carrying a heavier load, find that previous burdens seem light in comparison to the final tests that face them at the end of this system. They have been strengthened by taking on heavier responsibilities and now they can bear this one. When they get to the other side, they may be a little more worn from the experience, but how happy they will be that they made it!  How thankful they will be that taking on a heavier load before, helped them to endure this test now!  Now, their load is lighter, and their outlook for the future is bright.  So, how much better now to bear more in service to Jehovah.  Brother, be willing to take on greater responsibilities in the congregation.  All of us, take a look at our circumstances and see if we can take on a greater load in the preaching and teaching work.  Why would we want to take on such heavier loads?  Because we will be strengthened now for future trials, trials that we will more readily be able to bear up under!",Lam 3:27,Tim Moore,Renewing The Spirit Of Self-sacrifice,69,,1997/06/23,
"Pioneer, Help, Advise,","Would you ask a MAN what it is like having a baby? Never ask someone who has not pioneered himself, with possible exception being an elder.",Must go to the one who can help you. Another pioneer.,Eccl. 4:9; Rom. 1:12,"Larry Punko, C.O.  Oct 20, 1990 Pioneer Meeting.",Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,63,,,
"Pioneer, Humble, Pride",Have you heard the term 'spiritual giants?',Pioneers should be very careful that they don't appear to others in the congregation as spiritual giants unreachable to others.  Need to be like Jesus.,Phil 2:5,M. Marrow Pioneer Meeting,Into The New Order Under Christ's Leadership,56,,,
"Pioneer, Humble, Pride, Shine",Jesus shows if we keep eye simple body be bright reflect Jehovah's light.,Pioneers need keep eye simple focused in one direction. We need do as pioneer text book says Shine as Illuminators that means reflectors of Jehovah's light.,Mt. 6:22; Phil 2:15,M. Marrow Pioneer Meeting,Into The New Order Under Christ's Leadership,56,,,
"Pioneer, Imitate, Christ Jesus, Copy, Follow, Duplicate, Fax, intercom, ","In this world of technology, I'm often amazed at how we communicate.  The fax machine is one of those machines that intrigues me. You can send an exact duplicate of a document anywhere in the world that has a phone line and a fax machine. The receiving person doesn't get the original, but a close duplicate.","Our lives are the same way. We're like a fax machine. When we're growing in our relationship with Jesus, people see us as a copy of him. They don't see the original, but they can see what the original looks like. We can show Jesus wherever we are.",1 Pet. 2:21;,Mark Hanlon,Keep Growing In Your Relationship With God,16,,1998/11/26,2/9/2015
"Pioneer, Jewish, Conversion, Preaching, Discouragement, Studies,","Jesus could turn water into wine.  He could stop the wind and calm the waves and walk on water.  He could feed thousands with a few loaves and fishes. He could cure cripples, cleanse lepers, make the blind see and the deaf hear.  He could even raise the dead.",But he could not convert the Jewish nation.  He did not expect to. Isaiah foretold that he would be 'a stone of stumbling' for them. We should not be discouraged when people do not listen today.,Is 8:14;ro 12:2; Col 3:9; Pr 4:18;,"Jun 1, 1956 Wt 324",Bearing Up Under Persecution,57,,,
"Pioneer, Joy, Happiness,","Cloud; silver lining; always look on bright side; sunny side. The truth brings real happiness. We must love our work, getting positive results;",Pioneers should always find happiness in their service.,Rev. 1:3; Ps. 90:12; Matt. 6:33;,"Sep 15, 1960 Wt Page 574   Jack Redford",Serve Jehovah With A Joyful Heart,78,,,
"Pioneer, Last Days, Discouragement, Joy,","Read: 'In the last days critical times, hard to deal with, will be here, EXCEPT FOR PIONEERS.' We must know how to cope with discouragement.","Wrong!  Must be from 'Interpreters Bible!'  Pioneering is not for genteel, elite, but for hard workers.",2ti 3:1;,"Larry Punko, C.O.  Pioneer Meeting Jan 31, 1992",Serve Jehovah With A Joyful Heart,78,,,
"Pioneer, Manna, Prayer,","Jehovah provided manna. It was a miracle. The thing that shows it is, the fact it did not appear on seventh day.",Some feel Jehovah only maneuvers things. The day of miracles are gone.  If Jehovah wants to make manna again he will.  He will he answer your prayers.,Numbers 11:4-6,S. Koinivich Pioneer Meeting In Lebanon,Prayers That Are Heard By God.,86,,,
"Pioneer, Manna, Prayer, Attitude","A brother special pioneering in little town had to walk everywhere. Remembered special pioneer visited Bethel told how working large territory car quit running.  One day doing street work, man came up to them.  Admired determination; He took him to the show room.  Let pick out car.","Jehovah will give all needs bought. So he prayed for car, but never got one. Why? didn't need it! 50 dollars 35 for rent ate on rest. Car can be Liability not asset.",Phil 4:11-13,S. Koinivich Pioneer Meeting In Lebanon,Prayers That Are Heard By God.,86,,,
"Pioneer, Manna, Prayer, Attitude",After having miracle of manna Israel had bad attitude wanted meat. Jehovah could not help them. When gave meat acted greedy.,"If we have bad attitude, Jehovah cannot help us. If gave Ford to drive. I like Chevy. Chevy, want a new one. There is no pleasing person with bad attitude. Don't let a bad attitude develop",Numbers 11:4-6; 11:33,S. Koinivich Pioneer Meeting In Lebanon,Prayers That Are Heard By God.,86,,,
"Pioneer, Materialism,",'You can't have your cake and eat it too.',You cannot serve Jehovah full-time and expect to live as the world does.,Matt. 6:24,Don Kent,Are You Really Making Jehovah Your Stronghold?,18,,1998/07/22,
"Pioneer, Materialism, Bethel, Missionary, Expansion, Branch, Kingdom Halls, Kingdom,","In spite of all the building work going on, how many appealing letters have we received from the society asking the pioneers to quit pioneering and get full-time jobs?  How many brothers and sisters are they urging to work overtime on their full-time jobs?  How many youths have gotten letters asking them to work on after-school jobs?","None!  The organization is interested primarily in preaching the Good News of God's Kingdom, and putting it first.",Mt 6:33;24:14;,Joseph Wengert D.O.,Keep Seeking God's Kingdom,44,,1994/04/19,
"Pioneer, Materialism, Faith,","After 2 years of working after leaving pioneering, brother had $1.00 more than he did when he quit pioneering.  Now back on the pioneer ranks.","Brother tired of being poor, quit pioneering.",1 Cor. 9:24; Gal. 6:5; 2 Cor. 9:6,"Larry Punko, C.O.  Oct 20, 1990 Pioneer Meeting.",Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,63,,,
"Pioneer, Materialism, Money, Fight,","JUST AS a soldier trains, fights and wages relentless war against the enemy in order to gain victory...","...SO TOO,  we must fight materialism. The real enemy Satan the Devil is adroit and clever at tactical warfare. He has outflanked and outmaneuvered some by isolating them through their consuming desire for material things.",Prov 30:8; 1 Tim 6:10;,W58 10/1 595,Reach Out For The Real Life!,90,,1994/07/30,
"Pioneer, Ministry, Evening, Flexible,","Think of your ministry as mining for gold.  If one shaft is no longer producing, we dig in another direction.",Can we adjust our schedule to call in the late afternoon or early evening?,Acts 17:2;,"Pioneer Letter Dated Oct 2, 1995;",,,,1995/12/12,
"Pioneer, Ministry, Service, Attitude, Positive, Negative,","What's wrong with this grammar?  'I ain't go no Bible study.' Our very presence in the territory is a witness to everyone. We should always have positive attitude, about our service.",We can also be 'double negative' about the ministry.,Acts 20:20,"Pioneer Meeting Dec 14, 1990 At St. Louis. J.C. Howard.",Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,63,,,
"Pioneer, Missionaries, Name,","Abraham was told, 'Go your way out of your country and from your relatives ... to the country I shall show you.' Abraham was not interested in making a name for himself.",Those serving Jehovah today often move to where 'need is greater.',Genesis. 12:1-3;,Let Your Name Be Sanctified  Page 73,What Kind Of Name Are You Making With God?,55,,,
"Pioneer, Missionaries, Name,","Noah was told, 'Go your way out of your country and from your relatives ... to the country I shall show you.' Abraham was not interested in making a name for himself.",Those serving Jehovah today often move to where 'need is greater.',Genesis. 12:1-3;,Let Your Name Be Sanctified  Page 73,What Kind Of Name Are You Making With God?,55,,,
"Pioneer, Missionary, Bethel,","I heard the finest recommendation for pioneering I ever heard a few days ago.  It was, 'When I was a pioneer ... '      We hear that all the time don't we?  Quote: Joseph Wingert D.O.","You see, they never stop talking about it.  They are happy about that period of their life.  There are a lot of things they will never tell about, and you had better not bring it up either.  But they are happy about their pioneering.  Get a taste of it!  I have never heard anyone say, 'I'm sorry I did that!' regarding pioneering.",Mt 6:33;,Joseph Wengert D.O.,Glorifying God With All We Have,17,,1994/04/19,
"Pioneer, Missionary, Bethel, Materialism, Dedication, Baptism,","There are no 'if's', 'ands', or 'buts' about dedication.","Listen to the two questions at the baptism talk and see how many 'if's', 'ands', and 'buts' there are.",Mt 6:33;,Joseph Wengert D.O.,Will You Escape This World's Destiny?,84,,1994/04/19,
"Pioneer, Money, Happiness, Materialism, Joy,","'I am not to be envied. How can my wealth help me? I am sixty years old, and cannot digest my food. I would give all my millions if I could have youth and health.'  Quote: A pioneer of the steel industry, Andrew Carnegie.  Then, in a bitter tone he continued, 'I would gladly sell anything to have my life over again.'",Those who pioneer in the service of Jehovah are happy and would not trade their lives for anything.,Ecclesiastes 12:13;,W83 6/1 9,Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,63,,1995/06/06,
"Pioneer, Money, Happiness, Materialism, Joy,","'Money doesn't necessarily have any connection with happiness. Maybe with unhappiness.'   Quote: Multimillionaire, J. Paul Betty, an oil magnate.",Those who pioneer in the service of Jehovah are happy and would not trade their lives for anything.,Ecclesiastes 12:13;,W83 6/1 9,Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,63,,1995/06/06,
"Pioneer, Money, Happiness, Materialism, Joy, Politics,","Abraham Lincoln is one of the most admired politicians. He served as president at the nation's capital. Yet after he was assassinated, his own son, Tad, said of him: 'He was never happy after he came here. This was not a good place for him.'","Neither wealth, secular knowledge nor fame can assure satisfaction. Many dream of blazing a new path in the business, sports,  entertainment, political or science field. They chase after their dream and, if and when it is realized, end up saying disappointed: 'Is that  all there is?'",Ecclesiastes 12:13;,W83 6/1 9,Is This Life All There Is?,36,,1995/06/06,
"Pioneer, Money, Happiness, Materialism, Joy, Science,","'In war it serves that we may poison and mutilate each other. In peace it has made our lives hurried and uncertain. . . . It has made men into slaves of machinery who for the most part complete their monotonous long day's work with disgust.'  Quote:  One of the most respected scientists and pioneers in nuclear physics, Albert Einstein about modern science.",How about a career of pioneering in the science field?  Einstein expressed his bitterness at seeing his knowledge of the atom used for producing the atomic bomb.  Pioneering in the field of science does not bring happiness.,Ecclesiastes 12:13;,W83 6/1 9,Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,63,,1995/06/06,
"Pioneer, Money, Materialism, Balance,","Anton Koerber was privileged to represent Kingdom interests to government officials in Washington, D.C. He served as a pioneer for some time and was a circuit overseer in the 1950's. Some of his former business associates once approached him with a proposition that would enable him to clear a million dollars for himself. To do so, however, it would have been necessary for him to devote all his time to business affairs for about a year.","After praying for guidance and the spirit of a sound mind, he said: 'It is not possible for me to give up my wonderful privileges of serving Jehovah here for even just one year, no, not for all the money in the world.",Psalm 145:11-13;,W93 9/15 30-1,Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,63,,1995/06/05,
"Pioneer, Paradigm","New product, takes faith (see below) Man invented new method of photography, little box with glass Major companies rejected & scoffed.  Xerox now one of leading Co. Paradigm policies: Outsiders create new  Paradigms; new rules are","Mark of pioneer is courage and faith written at edge; At  Paradigm shift, you start back at zero. You can choose, shake off old restriction; choose now",Phil. 3:13,Bobby Laymon,Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,63,,,
"Pioneer, Preparation, Suggestions, Improvement, Growth, Skill,",Have you ever tried to use a dull knife?  It will wear you out.  If it cuts at all it will not be the smooth desirable cut you wish to make.  You can get hurt more easily with a dull knife than a sharp one.,"Likewise, when we become dull in the ministry.  We need to sharpen our skills by careful preparation.  We will find that our witnessing comes with greater ease, less effort, and will be more effective.",Php 4:9;,Stan Landers,Keep Growing In Your Relationship With God,16,,1995/06/12,
"Pioneer, Preparation, Suggestions, Improvement, Growth, Skill, Peace,",'People will pay good money for good advise!'  People go to seminars all the time to learn how to make money.  How to improve their health and other matters.,"Jehovah gives us advise on how to improve on all sorts of matters, and the advise he gives is free.  It will bring us peace.",Isa 48:17,Stan Landers,Respect For Authority Is A Safeguard For You,12,,1995/06/12,
"Pioneer, Prepare, Support Organizational Arrangements,",Some pioneers are like animals...rarely seen in the wild.,We need to support organizational arrangements.  Meet with the group.,Eph. 5:15-17;,Gregg Cazzell - Annual Meeting With Pioneers.,,,,"May 21, 2001",
"Pioneer, Prepare, Support Organizational Arrangements,","When we speak of pioneers I think of the old West.  You can go west and see tombstones, (some with dates on them) and bleached bones, of those who did not prepare well enough.","We too, could fail.  All that would be left is our pioneer picture and the date we started and ended pioneering.",Eph. 5:15-17;,Gregg Cazzell - Annual Meeting With Pioneers.,,,,"May 21, 2001",
"Pioneer, Problems, Satan,",'With a new pioneer every little thing is a big thing!',"Satan will try to increase our problems.  However, we will have new joys and exciting experiences as well.",Mt 6:33;,"Jul 1, 1956 Wt Page 393",How To Protect Ourselves From Satan's Snares,115,,,
"Pioneer, Problems, Zeal,","If you have a rock in your shoe, or an eyelash in your eye, what do you do.  You have to take time to take care of the problem and then you can get on with life.  If you don't you become irritated and then you begin to irritate those around you.","It is the same with pioneering.  If you have a problem, take time to solve it before you become an irritation to yourself and others.  Then get on with life.",1 Cor 15:28;,Kim Laymon,,,,1996/06/01,
"Pioneer, Publisher, Ministry, Zeal",Are you a dim bulb. Often a bulb that is about to go out will get dimmer and dimmer. We need to let our light shine brightly all the time. Don't be dim bulb.,The need to shine brightly no matter what our circumstances.,Matt. 5:16; 2 Co 4:6,Light Bearers Dist. Conv.-t. Copeland,Happy Though Hungry--how Can It Be?,31,,,
"Pioneer, Publisher, Territory, Contentment,",'Bloom where you are planted.',"Like a flower, we should accept any assignment from Jehovah.",1 Tim. 6:8;,Phil Kirkton; Bethel Notes.,Parents--are You Building With Fire-resistant Materials?,104,,,
"Pioneer, Quit, Bethel, Retire, Counsel, Endurance,","Bro. R. J. Martin, called to Bethel, finished his job, and reported he was going back into the field.  Bro. C. T. Russell said, 'How did you get here to begin with?' 'You sent me a telegram!' he said. 'Then, did you get a telegram asking you to leave?' Russell asked.","Bro. Martin stayed, and eventually became factory servant, with oversight over entire factory. Good counsel is beneficial. Stick with your assignment as pioneers.",Lk 9:62; 1 Tim. 6:20; 21;,"Feb 15, 1968 Wt Page 123",Evidence Of God In The World Around Us,4,,,
"Pioneer, Race, Footsteps, Service, Life, Endurance,","In 1864 the world's record for running a mile was four minutes and fifty-six seconds.  No one dreamed of running a mile in less than four minutes.  Even in 1923 when Paavo Nurmi ran it in four minutes and ten seconds, they said it could not be done.  But then in 1954 Roger Bannister of Britain ran it in 3:59.4.  Since then the race has speeded up even more, with eight new records.  Now the time for the mile is 3:51.1.","Everyone in Jehovah's service is running in a race for everlasting life, and their service is on a full-time basis, but some have accepted the challenge of the 'pioneer' service.  In this service the pace is stepped up, more ground is covered and it requires endurance. (Give figures)","Acts 16:9, 10; 1co 16:9;","Jun 1, 1971 Wt Page 334",How Should You Serve God?,58,,1993/11/11,
"Pioneer, Race, Footsteps, Service, Life, Endurance, Auxiliary,","A good runner will never enter a race without training first.  A good runner will get a good start, otherwise he may fall so far behind that he becomes discouraged.","The same principle applies to the pioneer ministry.  It is not easy to jump from a pace of ten hours a month as a congregation publisher to 90 hours a month on the pioneer track.  So it is good to build up your service first, and get an early start.","Acts 16:9, 10; 1co 16:9;","Jun 1, 1971 Wt Page 335",How Should You Serve God?,58,,1993/11/11,
"Pioneer, Race, Footsteps, Service, Life, Endurance, Auxiliary, Goals,",One pioneer said he felt he should be businesslike about his service.  In secular work he would have to be at the office at 9 a.m.,"So, as a pioneer he always got to the first door by 9 a.m., and he made a good pioneer.  Jehovah set the pattern for us.  'Jehovah ... rising up early and sending them.'","Jer 25:3, 4; Acts 16:9, 10; 1co 16:9;","Jun 1, 1971 Wt Page 336",How Should You Serve God?,58,,1993/11/11,
"Pioneer, Race, Footsteps, Service, Life, Endurance, Auxiliary, Goals,","Runners in a race, by getting a good start, can pace themselves by not having to come down on the homestretch at top speed, only to be exhausted at the start of the next lap.","Many pioneers like to get their time in early, leaving a few days at the end of the month for other things.  If you do this, then you will never come down the homestretch at the end of the month going at top speed, only to be exhausted at the start of the next lap the following month.  Getting a slow start in the service makes each month a race at the finish, with the pioneer often not even reaching his goal of hours.","Jer 25:3, 4; Acts 16:9, 10; 1co 16:9;","Jun 1, 1971 Wt Page 336",How Should You Serve God?,58,,1993/11/11,
"Pioneer, Race, Footsteps, Service, Life, Endurance, Auxiliary, Goals,","You may have seen a race where a runner starts out so slowly that even though he picks up speed as the race progresses, he still loses out.","Well, to be a good pioneer, it is important to get off to a good start and at a good pace; then you will not be disqualified and dropped from the Society's list for not reaching the goals.","Jer 25:3, 4; Acts 16:9, 10; 1co 16:9;","Jun 1, 1971 Wt Page 336",How Should You Serve God?,58,,1993/11/11,
"Pioneer, Race, Footsteps, Service, Life, Endurance, Materialism, Goals,",A good runner in a race knows what is that tires him out.  What gives him problems.  Is it the hurdles?  The long stretch?  He works on the part that needs attention.,"Every pioneer knows what it is that gives him problems.  There it is like a hurdle across his path.  Is it a lack of a partner?  Too many bills?  Schedule too crowded?  Too much extra work?  As a result the ministry suffers and the joy of service is diminished just as a runner tires during a long race.  Do not underestimate the importance of prayer.  Jehovah knows our needs and helps us when we seek his assistance.  Look to Jehovah to help you to pass the pitfalls and hurdles that stop others along the way.  You are not in the race to run the mile in four minutes, but you are in a race with the goal of everlasting life in view.  Do not let anything or anyone discourage you or turn you aside from this wonderful privilege of service.","Ps 145:18, 19; Pr 11:30;","Jun 1, 1971 Wt Page 338",How Should You Serve God?,58,,1993/11/11,
"Pioneer, Race, Footsteps, Service, Life, Endurance, Materialism, Goals,",Can you imagine a runner in a race reaching down and picking up a rock or a heavy load of some kind to carry?  This would slow him down and likely he would not endure to the finish.,"Some pioneers decide to pick up heavy loads to carry, trying to pioneer while buying a car or trailer, something that may not be really needed.  But it does not have to be that way.  Just do not pick up those extra weights.",Heb 12:1,"Jun 1, 1971 Wt Page 337",How Should You Serve God?,58,,1993/11/11,
"Pioneer, Race, Footsteps, Service, Life, Endurance, Materialism, Goals,","Can you imagine a runner in a race suddenly stopping to inspect a car that catches his eye, or pausing to gaze in a store window as he goes through town, only to let others pass him by?  No, but he looks straight ahead.  'Your own beaming eyes should gaze straight in front of you ..'","You can be sure that Satan will be out on the track, trying to slow you down.  He may put hurdles in your way, or pitfalls that have to be skirted or jumped, or he may try to get you off the course on a sidetrack through materialism.",Pr 4:25-27;,"Jun 1, 1971 Wt Page 337",How Should You Serve God?,58,,1993/11/11,
"Pioneer, Race, Footsteps, Service, Life, Endurance, Materialism, Goals,","Not everyone can pioneer, but you who can,   KEEP THE PACE, AND CONTINUE THE RACE.","The race is not for the swift, the young, the strong, but for all who trust in Jehovah.  It is not the speed but the endurance that counts in this race.  We encourage all who can, not only to start, but more importantly to stay in the wonderful service of our God Jehovah.",Is 40:28-31;,"Jun 1, 1971 Wt Page 339",How Should You Serve God?,58,,1993/11/11,
"Pioneer, Race, Footsteps, Service, Life, Endurance, Materialism, Goals, Career,","'You can usually find SOMETHING, if you are willing to do ANYTHING.'   Quote: Pioneer brother.  A pioneer needs to consider not just his 'income' but also his 'outgo.'",There is a large variety of work that pioneers can acquire skills in that enable them the endure.  (see list on para 13) Jesus did not have a car or even a bicycle to get around with and much of his territory was rural.  Paul did not worry about getting a racing chariot to help him in his travels.,"Mt 6:31, 32; Pr 20:4; Php 4:11-13;","Jun 1, 1971 Wt Page 337",Reach Out For The Real Life!,90,,1993/11/11,
"Pioneer, Race, Life,",You pioneers are pacesetters in the race for life.,"Pioneers are at the front of the ranks, setting the speed and endurance for others to imitate.",Heb 13:7;,Joseph Wengert D.O.,Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,63,,1995/06/03,
"Pioneer, Race, Life, Faithful,","In the race for life, some have already won.  It is like a relay race.  The baton has been passed on to us.",Some have passed away in death.  We are in the last lap.,1 Cor 9:24;,Joseph Wengert D.O.,Glorifying God With All We Have,17,,1995/06/03,
"Pioneer, Race, Life, Faithful, Endurance,","The race is not easy, like falling off a log.  It is more than a speed contest.  It is more like a marathon.  One must pace themselves.",One cannot be a flash-in-the-pan.  It requires endurance.  Also one must contend 'according to the rules.',1 Cor 9:24; 2 Tim 2:5;,Joseph Wengert D.O.,Glorifying God With All We Have,17,,1995/06/03,
"Pioneer, Self-sacrifice, Jesus, Materialism",Imagine the lower standard of living Jesus took when he came to earth. He had everything when he was in heaven. Gave it up because he had a self-sacrificing spirit.,Full-time ministry could mean a lower standard of living.,Phil 2:7,Light Bearers Dist. Conv.-j. Butler,Renewing The Spirit Of Self-sacrifice,69,,,
"Pioneer, Service, Goal, Elder, Servant, Kingdom,","Child may wish for a bicycle, or may work for a bicycle. Need to taste, feel, see a dream. 'Want so bad I can taste.'",Desire is the difference between goal and a wish.,1 Tim. 3:1-10,Bobby Laymon,How Should You Serve God?,58,,,
"Pioneer, Service, Ministry, Car",Two types of publishers. Some willing to take car. Others willing to let him.,Pioneers should be conscious of contributing for automobiles.,Mt 7:12,Don Mendenhall-d.O.,How Should You Serve God?,58,,,
"Pioneer, Service, Zeal, Self, Will,","Vitamins give 'minimum daily requirements' 'Under achievers' We must get second, third, and even fourth wind, keep going.",Most live their lives not exceeding the absolute minimum effort.,1 Cor. 15:58; Isa. 40:31,Bobby Laymon,"Living, Not For Self, But To Do God's Will",8,,,
"Pioneer, Service, Zeal, Self, Will, Resourceful,","Much attention given to wasted natural resources, and rightly so. Much more tragic than oil, lumber, food. If we examine our self we may find wealth of untapped resource that we should be using to Jehovah's praise.","How would Jehovah view it if we wasted resource of time, energy.",1 Cor. 15:58,Bobby Laymon,"Living, Not For Self, But To Do God's Will",8,s,,
"Pioneer, Strength, Power, Trust, Endurance,","Remember the energizer bunny?  It keeps on going, and going, and going.","That's what we want to do as a pioneer.  Keep on going, and going, and going.",Judg 16:28-30; Php 4:13;,Bobby Laymon,,,,1996/05/03,
"Pioneer, Time","Prudent housewife is selective. She shops, knows budget, quality. At best we can read very little.  Should be Bible. It is never this 'and' that, but this 'or' that.","We all have only so much time, strength, and means.",Prov. 13:16,"Mar 22, 1960 Aw Page 3",Is It Time For God To Rule The World?,20,,,
"Pioneer, Time,","Everyone has 720 hours a month. How do we spend it?  The national average for time spent in service is 10 hours per month (hpm).  If we go to every meeting, including traveling time, that's 40 hpm.  If we study and prepare for every meeting, that's 20 hpm.  If we work full time, we use 160 hpm for that.  If we do house work 10 hours a week, that's 40 hpm.  If we work on our yard & home an hour a day, that's 28 hpm.  If we sleep 8 hours a night, that's 240 hpm.  If we take 2 hours to just eat every day, that's 60 hpm.  If we just relax for an hour every day, that's 30 hpm.  If we watch TV for 5 hours a week, that's 20 hpm.    Sounds like all your time is used up, right?    WRONG!",Totals for above are 640 hours. That leaves 80 hours a month! What do you do with that time?,"Eph. 5:16, 17;",Mark Hanlon,Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,63,,1998/11/26,
"Pioneer, Time, Goal, Service, Excuse, Armageddon,","Excuses: Fall too rainy, Winter too cold, Spring too windy, Summer too hot, Armageddon too dead. Don't let weather stop you. Get time in early in day, early in week, early in month, early in service year.",Why we can't reach our goals.,Eccl. 11:1-6;,"Pioneer Meeting. Dec. 14, 1990 St. Louis. J.C. Howard",How Should You Serve God?,58,,,
"Pioneer, Trust, Faith, Jehovah, Man,","'Leap of Faith'  Little boy leaping off a chair into father's arms.  Takes great faith, but there is no way the father is going to let him hit the floor.","Pioneering is a leap of faith.  Strengthens faith, so that we make greater leaps of faith.  Jehovah, our father will not let us down.  We can go to new heights of faith.",Mal. 3:10; Ps. 34:8;,Joe Laymon,On Whose Promises Do You Rely?,61,,,
"Pioneer, Waste, Wisdom, Materialism,","We want to be like the Indian!  It is said that the white man would buy a horse for a large price, ride him a hundred miles and sell him to a Mexican for a fraction of the cost.  The Mexican would ride him 200 miles and sell him to the Indian for almost nothing.  The Indian would ride him 300 miles, then eat the horse.",As pioneers we must not be wasteful.  Use what 'valuable things' we have to the full in Jehovah's service.,"Pr 3:9; Php 4:11, 12;",Bradley Wagner,Reach Out For The Real Life!,90,,,
"Pioneer, Women, Service, Elderly, Endurance, Zeal, Determination,","Example: Grace Bloomsbury had first taste of pioneering in 1914. Many missionary sisters who in the 1940 were trained are still faithfully serving. Some like, Rosa Szumiga in France have been packing suitcases & traveling with husbands for 40 years.","Info: Still on pioneer list, though at time of this writing she is 104 years of age.",1 Pet. 3:3-6;,"Jul 1, 1991 Wt Page 17, 18,",Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,63,,,
"Pioneer, Work, Productivity, Busy, Sabbath, Rest, Zeal, Activity, Lazy,","That is not all that we can learn from the ant. Ants work hard by instinct. In fact, some ants are observed blindly following the trail that others left behind. They end up running in a circle, round and round, until they fall and die.","Do you sometimes feel that you are running in a circle, always busy and tired but never getting anywhere?   If so, it is time to examine the purpose of your hard work and assess the true value of your goals.",Ecc 12:13;,G90 6/8 25,"Living, Not For Self, But To Do God's Will",8,,1994/05/10,
"Pioneer, World, Persecution, Decisions, Future, Survivors,","If you were on a train headed for a crash, could you do anyone on it any good by staying with the train just because others refuse to leave?  All you would do is lose your own life.",So staying with this system as it heads toward its end will not benefit anyone.  It is very close to plunging into the chasm of Armageddon.,"2p 3:3, 4; Mt 10:36; Ps 49:7, 9; 1p 3:1, 2;","Oct 8, 1968 Aw Page 29",Decide Now For Divine Rulership,37,,,
Pioneer; Content; Endure;,"Like worm in apple; leave apple and in foreign environment; no food, will soon die, if doesn't get back into apple. Watch our environment: Don't marry someone without pioneer spirit. Guard habits that erode good health.","Must be encouraged to remain in pioneer work if possible. Don't over emphasize secular work. Watch lifestyle you can't afford. trips, etc.",Ps. 35:8; Mal. 3:10; Ps. 22:6; Isa. 41:14,"Pioneer Meeting. Dec. 14, 1990 St. Louis. Larry Punko",Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,63,,,
Pioneering,"Donkey and the Horse; Envied horse, nice saddle, not burdened Horse eats well, well treated, not beaten. War broke out, and horse wounded. Changed his mind & felt sorry for horse.","Don't envy people, seem happier, troubles you don't know about.",Matt. 6:33,Aesop's Fables,Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,63,,,
Pioneering,"Growth, Physical, rate of growth not same for all Pioneer service school speeds up growth Trees, grow few years, start producing fruit.  apply to young Set spiritual goals",Things we can do to speed up spiritual growth,Eph 4:13  Heb 6:1  Heb 5:14 2 Pet 3:18,Trust In Jehovah District Assy  1987,Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,63,,,
"Pioneering, Retire, Ministry,",A German proverb says: 'The one resting will rust.' Many persons 'resting' in retirement have kept themselves from 'rusting' by taking up the pioneer service.,"Consider, for example, a pioneer in West Berlin, Germany, who at the age of 86 asked his doctor if it would be wise to give up his pioneering. 'Don't quit,' was the doctor's reply. 'If you quit, you'll die.' So today at 92 our Christian brother is still in the pioneer service. He explains: 'I have doctor's orders not to stop pioneering.'",Ps 34:3; Mal 3:10;,W78 8/15 23,Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,63,,1994/07/10,
"Pioneering, Retire, Ministry, Money, Materialism, Anxiety, Stress,","Do you say, 'The spirit is willing, but the flesh is weak'? But is the spirit really willing?",Let us avoid using the weakness of the flesh as an excuse for the unwillingness of the spirit.,Ps 34:3; Mal 3:10; Mt 6:25-34;,W78 8/15 23,Reach Out For The Real Life!,90,,1994/07/10,
"Pioneering, Retire, Ministry, Money, Materialism, Anxiety, Stress,",Don and Earlene Steele wrote: 'We hesitated about going in the full-time pioneer ministry because we had the idea we wanted to have some kind of financial reserve. . . . we got rid of that idea and wrote the [Watch Tower] Society to say that we had saved up enough money to keep us going for at least two months! . . .,". . . we've managed, with Jehovah's help, to keep going, not for just two months, but for twenty-seven years.'  -The Watchtower, 1971, pp. 186-190.",Ps 34:3; Mal 3:10; Mt 6:25-34;,W78 8/15 22,Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,63,,1994/07/10,
"Pioneering, Retire, Ministry, Money, Materialism, Anxiety, Stress,",Paul Wrobel said: 'But now [in 1946] a physical ailment loomed up and seemed to prevent me from entering the full-time ministry. My doctor predicted that in two years I could expect a paralysis of my right hip. . . . I decided to use those two years in the full-time ministry and to do my best.,"In the meantime, twenty-seven years have slipped by!'  -The Watchtower, 1973, pp. 376-379.",Ps 34:3; Mal 3:10; Mt 6:25-34;,W78 8/15 22,Reach Out For The Real Life!,90,,1994/07/10,
Pioneers,"Visit pioneers (at their work place) & Bethel homes. Went to visit Samuel, took Ephod Some say, 'come home, you've done enough, relax with family' get a house, get a car, get a job","Working with, not discouraging faced every day with these pressures. Support Pioneers, take them a spiritual gift, at place of work.",1 Sam 2:19,Assembly Talk,Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,63,,,
"Pioneers, Attitude, Motive, Encourage, Discourage,","Once there was a man who worked for a construction company. He always tried to do exactly what his employer wanted. He arrived for work on time, and never took 'extended' morning tea or lunch breaks. One day after his morning break he got up and started work, picking up a large piece of timber to take to the worksite.  Some of the workers completely ignored him.  But some of the others started to give him a hard time.  Some said: 'Take it easy, come back here and sit with us. You don't need to do that now.' Others shouted: 'That's no way to carry a piece of timber by yourself, you need to balance it better!' Others thought he was just trying to impress the boss, and trying to make them look bad.","Our Pioneers, Ministerial Servants and Elders and others are trying to do what our employer, Jehovah God wants.  We can ignore, discourage, criticize, or impute wrong motives.  Or we can get up, reach out and help them carry the load.",Gal. 6:1-5;,Peter Morgan,You Can Find Joy In Serving God,103,,1997/08/11,
"Pioneers, Gilead, Missionary, Evangelizing, Happiness, Joy, Face,","'We have the greatest message on the face of the earth, and it's our face that shows it.'  Quote: Missionary in Estonia.",Our facial expression may open many doors and arouse interest.  People want to know what makes Jehovah's servants happy.  'So give attention to your face.'  People enjoy seeing happy people.'  Quote: Dan Sydlik.,Ps 16:8-11;,"Dec 1, 1996 Wt Page 22,",Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,63,,1996/11/05,
"Pioneers, Goals,","There was a very old man working away in the forest and he had  before him a large task of building a big log cabin. While he was cutting  down a tree a younger man came along and grasped the whole impact of what was happening, so he said, 'Mr. old man, don't you think that this is too big a task for someone your age to be starting out on?' The old man said that 'it would be if I thought about the whole project, but right now I'm just chopping down this tree and I can do that.' What was the old man's point?  He was saying that he had a philosophy that provided he reduced a task of any size down to singular units one day and one task at a time, then he could do it.  Jesus taught the same principle. (Matthew 6:34)","This illustration may be good to use to encourage pioneering. If we  think of 60 or 90 hours, then we may feel that the task is too large to  complete. Try setting a goal of 2-3 hours a day. You can accomplish  wonderful things.   The old man had a desire and carefully calculated how to carry out and achieve that desire. If he kept thinking about the plumbing, wiring, fences, paths, driveway, garage, garden, painting etc. then would the old man have started out on this task? He may have thought that he would die before completing it.  If we serve Jehovah one day at a time then no task is too large.  The old man did complete his log cabin. And you can reach your goals too!  Inch-by-inch.",Matthew 6:34,Bobby Laymon,Service Talk,200,,1998/04/05,
"Pioneers, Jehovah's Witnesses, Target, Satan,",As full-time ministers we are on the 'front lines.',We are especially targets of Satan and his demons.,2 Tim 4:5;,Gregory Cazzell,How To Protect Ourselves From Satan's Snares,115,,1995/06/03,
"Pioneers, Missionaries, Service, Assignments,",Each of us have a spiritual garden to cultivate.   Jehovah can be a wall of protection around your spiritual garden.,Jehovah's people worldwide are a spiritual garden sprouting righteousness and praise.  How you care for your spiritual garden will vitally affect your success in your assignment.,1co 3:9;,"Jun 1, 1992 Wt Page 21  (Curtis Johnson)",How Should You Serve God?,58,,,
"Pioneers, Sacrifice, Self-sacrifice,",Did you bring your daily sacrifice today?  You need one!,'Pioneers make sacrifices every day in order to stay in the full- time service.  Indeed all true Christians make sacrifices make sacrifices...' Quote: Watchtower magazine.,Ro 12:1,"Jan 15, 1993 Wt Page 16",Renewing The Spirit Of Self-sacrifice,69,,,
"Pituitary, Creation, Hormones, Communication, Body,","It is like a business executive whose office is a flurry of activity, with messages coming from and going to many departments. Also oversees other glands;",Pituitary is called the 'master gland'.  It sends messages to thyroid; sex glands; adrenals; influence growth of bone and muscle; controls how tall we will be.,1co 12:18; Ps 139:14;,"Apr 22, 1992 Aw Page 19",Appreciating Marvels Of God's Creation,114,,,
"Pity, Attitude, Pioneer,","Did you ever pass a cattle truck on the highway and look at the cow's faces?  They are saying, 'Get me out of here!  I know where I'm going.'  It's hard to look at them and think of steak or hamburger.  They are so pitiful.",Do we feel pity for people today as Jesus did?,"Mt 9:36-38; 28:19, 20;","Mike Hart - Pioneer Meeting. Jan 31, 1992","Mercy, A Dominant Quality Of True Christians",7,,,
"Pity, Empathy, Feelings",To Get desired effect from this Illustration It must be told verbally.  ( Read Script. call number and ask for dog Illustration.),To make audience understand how Jesus felt.,Matt. 9:36,Scott Rudolph  Please Call (417) 859-4051,,,,1996/08/19,
"Pity, Love,","A man had eight puppies and was unable to give them away or find them a home.  He came up with an idea.  He advertised, 'Seven beautiful puppies.  One ugly one.  All are free!'  When someone inquired, he would say, I only have the 'ugly' one left.  All the others are taken.  He found homes for all eight.",Jehovah has endowed us with the quality of pity.  We should especially have pity for those shown injustice by the lawless world of humankind.,Mt 14:14;,Scott Rudolph,Love Identifies The True Christian Congregation,72,,,
Places; Geography;,"'California is a fine place to live in, if you happen to be an orange.'  Quote:  Fred Allen.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Places; Geography;,'Hollywood is a place where people from Iowa mistake each other for movie stars.'  Quote:  Fred Allen.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Planet, Earth, Environment, Pollution, Ecology,","If a house has dry rot, painting the woodwork will not prevent its collapse.  Only a major structural reform can save it.","Similarly, there must be a restructuring of the way man uses this planet.  Mere damage control will not suffice.",Rev 11:18;,"Jan 8, 1996 Aw Page 12",Ruining The Earth Brings Divine Retribution,106,,1995/12/12,
"Planet, Earth, Environment, Pollution, Ecology,",Imagine what a typical home would look like if there were no disposal of garbage.,Our planet is just such a closed system -- all our waste must end up somewhere around the earthly home.,Ps 115:16,"Jan 8, 1996 Aw Page 7",Ruining The Earth Brings Divine Retribution,106,,1995/12/12,
"Planet, Earth, Environment, Pollution, Ecology,",It is hard to help an alcoholic who is convinced he does not have a drinking problem.,"Likewise, the first step in improving the health of the planet is to recognize the extent of the malady.",Rev 11:18;,"Jan 8, 1996 Aw Page 4",Decide Now For Divine Rulership,37,,1995/12/12,
"Planet, Earth, Environment, Pollution, Ecology,",Just as a bad tooth can affect our whole body...,...so damage to one particular natural resource can trigger a whole chain of environmental problems.  Everything is connected to everything else.,Ps 115:16,"Jan 8, 1996 Aw Page 6",,,,1995/12/12,
"Planet, Earth, Environment, Pollution, Ecology, Science,",The book 'Saving the Planet' compares our present situation to that of the doomed passengers on the crippled Titanic in 1912.,'Few are aware of the proportions of the potential tragedy.',Rev 11:18;,"Jan 8, 1996 Aw Page 13",Ruining The Earth Brings Divine Retribution,106,,1995/12/12,
"Planet, Earth, Environment, Pollution, Ecology, Science,","What we know is dwarfed by what we don't know.  'We still know relatively little about the abundance of life in tropical rain forests.'  Quote: Peter H. Raven, director of the Missouri Botanical Garden.","'Amazingly, we know more -- much more -- about the surface of the moon.'  The same is true regarding the atmosphere.",Rev 11:18;,"Jan 8, 1996 Aw Page 13",Jehovah--the Grand Creator,101,,1995/12/12,
Plans;,'It is bad plan that can't be changed.' Quote:  Syrus,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Plans;,'Its an ill plan that cannot be changed.'  Quote:  Latin.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Plans;,"'Plans get you into things, but you got to work your way out.' Quote:  Will Rogers",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Plans;,Nothing will ever be attempted if all possible objections must be first overcome.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Plans;,"Our grand business in life is not to see what lies dimly at a distance, but to do what clearly lies at hand.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Plans;,To think too long about doing a thing often becomes its undoing.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Planting, Harvesting, Preaching, Witnessing, Ministry,","A Bible student went to plant a large area in ground cover.  She had a large bucket and carefully planted it where she had loosened and prepared the soil.  It all died!  In carrying the bucket, two small twigs fell out onto hard packed soil where they walked.  A year later there are two large patches of ground cover.","The timing was right, but the soil apparently was not.  Her equipment was wrong because it was covered too deep.  Sometimes if we plant we get growth in unexpected ways.","1 Cor 3:6, 7;",Bobby Laymon,Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,63,,1995/04/17,
"Planting, Negative, Positive, Reap, Sower,","CONSIDER the fertile soil of a farmer's field. The farmer decides what crop he wants to grow and then plants the appropriate seeds. The fertile ground in which he plants and works then has no choice but to produce the very crop that the farmer has planted_ be it corn, wheat, barley or weeds.  The ground doesn't debate, challenge or try to change the seed; its only purpose is to produce the crop.  The land gives the farmer a choice. He can plant whatever he chooses.  The land doesn't care what he plants. It will simply return what is planted and it will return it in abundance. This is where we can draw a parallel to the human mind.  We, like the farmer, are also the planters of seeds. Our seeds, however, are of a psychological nature. In this case, these are the seeds of thought and behavior. The farmer plants his seed in the ground; we plant our seeds in the mind. The type of seeds that you plant determine the crop you grow.  If you plant seeds of negativism, self-doubt and apprehension you produce a life full of fear, frustration and helplessness. On the other hand, if you plant seeds that are positive, hopeful and strong, you'll harvest a much healthier and successful life.","The bottom line: We become what we think. What you do is a direct result of what you think. If you plant the right kind of psychological seeds then nurture, support and foster them, you will be setting the stage for opportunity and achievement.  Are you planting for success or are you planting for failure? What kind of farmer are you?",Gal. 6:7;,Bobby Laymon,You Will Reap What You Sow,59,,"Feb 12, 2001",
"Plants, Animals, Extinct, Creation, Earth, Paradise, Ecology,","Darwin's work, if alive today, would likely focus not on origins, but obituaries of the species.  In 1970 it was estimated that one species was dying per day; By 1990 the rate had risen to one per hour; 1992 a species was vanishing every 12 minutes.",Man is bringing the earth to ruin.,Re 11:18;,"Nov 22, 1992 Aw Page 28",Appreciating Marvels Of God's Creation,114,,,
"Play, Recreation, Pleasure,",Jehovah's service should be the 'cream' of our life and recreation the 'skimmed milk.',Jehovah should be first place.,2 Tim. 3:1-3; Matt. 6:33; 1 Tim. 4:8,David Herr,Lovers Of Pleasure Or Lovers Of God?,64,,,
"Pleasure, Greed, Images, Idolatry, monkey, ",Kind-a-like catching the African monkey.  Do you know how they catch this monkey?  They play on his greed.  They find where the monkeys are.  They have these mounds of clay and they drill a hole in the clay just so big that the monkey can struggle to put his hand in it.  At the end of this hole in the clay they dig out a bigger hole and put nuts and berries in it and then they back away.  The monkey gets closer to the mounds because it smells the nuts and berries and eventually it puts its hand in the hole. It reaches way in the back and grabs a big hand full because it is greedy wanting to get all it can when the monkey starts to pull his hand out its stuck.  Because with his hand full of berries he can't pull it back out the same hole. So the people just simple walk up to the monkey with their nets and even though the monkey sees them coming he will not let go because he is too greedy.  They throw the nets on him and then he lets go but it is too late he's caught in their nets.,"..Some today think that same way.  They feel that there is no hope for a better life, so lets get a hand full of life now.  Let's get all we can out of life now. We tell them Gods judgment is coming, but they don't let go and when they do let go it is too late.  They are caught in Jehovah's net.  You might say the moral of the story is we don't want to monkey around in this time of the end.",1 Tim. 6:10; Col. 3:5;,Jim Kinkade,Does God Approve Of The Use Of Images In Worship?,136,,"Oct 30, 2001",4/13/2014
"Pleasure, Happiness, Joy, Stress, Depression,","A man who takes pleasure in nothing is sick, morbid, unhealthy, and unbalanced. The Bible reveals that the highest and most satisfying pleasure man can enjoy is communion with his Creator.","So too, the one who desires and seeks only pleasure is unbalanced, mentally sick. (see extremes pleasure-seekers went to on page 7)",2ti 3:1-5; Ps 111:2; 112:1; J 17:21;,"May 22, 1968 Aw Page 6",Lovers Of Pleasure Or Lovers Of God?,64,,,
"Pleasure, Happiness, Joy, Stress, Depression, Faith, Groaning,","Man, 'Lacking any star to guide him, he goes off first in one direction and then in another, like a ship drifting at sea without rudder or compass.'  (columnist Walter Lippmann)","Without faith in God there is no way to understand the real purpose in life. Men turn to drugs, frustrations, depressions, berserk tendencies and suicides follow.",1co 15:32; 2ti 3:1-5; Ps 111:2; 112:1; J 17:21;,"May 22, 1968 Aw Page 8",Lovers Of Pleasure Or Lovers Of God?,64,,,
"Pleasure, Happiness, Joy, Stress, Depression, Groaning,","'I'm going to be happy if it kills me,' many say.  (In this fast paced world, it could do just that.)","Many try to force pleasures upon themselves.  New furniture, automobile, diamond ring.  They have come to believe that pleasure is a product that can be purchased.",Ro 1:20; Ac 20:35;,"May 22, 1968 Aw Page 5, 6",Lovers Of Pleasure Or Lovers Of God?,64,,,
"Pleasure, Leisure, Diminishing, Balance, Joy, Pleasure, Happiness,","There is a law that shows too much leisure time loses it's enjoyment.  It is called, 'the law of diminishing returns.'  An economic principle asserting that the application of additional units of any one input (labor, land, capital) to fixed amounts of the other inputs yields successively smaller increments in the output of a system of production. (Krippendorff)",We must exercise balance in all things.  To much relaxation diminishes the amount of joy and pleasure we get.,1 John 2:15-17;,"Bro. Wallace; Advance, Mo",Lovers Of Pleasure Or Lovers Of God?,64,,"Aug 20, 2001",
"Pleasure, Recreation, Adultery, Fornication, Snare, Satan, Desires, Sex,","A NUMBER of Flies were attracted to a jar of honey which had been  overturned in a housekeeper's room, and placing their feet in it, ate greedily.  Their feet, however, became so smeared with the honey that they could not use their wings, nor release themselves, and were suffocated.  Just as they were expiring, they exclaimed, 'O foolish creatures that we are, for the sake of  a little pleasure we have destroyed ourselves.'","Moral: 'Pleasure bought with pains, hurts.'  An adulterous affair may be pleasurable for the moment, but can destroy our life.",Pr 6:32;,Aesop's Fables - Bobby Laymon,A Godly View Of Sex And Marriage,13,,1994/05/15,
"Pleasure, Recreation, Moderation, Modesty,","Seasoning in food; In small amount it is delightful, but large doses can become sickening. When engaged in moderately, they add zest to living.",Human body is limited in amount of pleasure it can take in.,2 Tim 3:1-4,"Dec 15, 1962 Wt Page 742",Lovers Of Pleasure Or Lovers Of God?,64,,,
"Pleasure, Satan, Devil,","Imagine this: You are in a row boat.  As you come down this slow moving river, you see a chipmunk running back and forth on the bank.  You then notice a stump about 10 feet out in the water.  The chipmunk builds up speed, jumps to the stump, and gets an acorn on it.  Having finished his meal, he runs in circles trying to build up speed.  He jumps about 5 feet, lands in the water, and is snapped up by an alligator.  The alligator carefully places another acorn on the stump.","Satan is like the alligator.  He lures us into places hard to get out of.  He baits the trap.  He will have us running in circles, or jumping to our death. We are warned.  We are not ignorant of his designs.",1 Pet 5:8; 2 Cor 2:11;,Charles Francis,Service Talk,200,,1994/12/25,
"Pleasure, World, Recreation,","Try to swim in river like Mississippi, Arkansas, current very strong. Many think they will stay by edge. Before you know it they go out too far.  Many lose life every year.",Some think can get involved in pleasures of old world before know it swept away,2tim 3:4,Jim Breden,Lovers Of Pleasure Or Lovers Of God?,64,,,
"Pleasure, World, Recreation, Meetings,","'You are not alone, 61 million others decided not to go to church this Sunday. Sign in front of church. One sign: 'What's missing in C H _ _ C H.  Answer U R.","Four reasons why people not attend 1.sports recreation, and hobby activity difficult. 2. Social activities. 3. Work 4. Time for self 21 million died Spanish flue, epidemic pleasure also killing many.",2tim 3:4,Jim Breden,Lovers Of Pleasure Or Lovers Of God?,64,,,
"Pleasure, World, Recreation, Snare",Rabbit: When does he know when he is in a snare? When door closes on him. Then it is to late to do anything about it,We need to stay awake so we don't walk into one,2ti 3:4; Lk 21:34-36,Jim Breden,Lovers Of Pleasure Or Lovers Of God?,64,,,
Pleasure; Recreation;,'That man is the richest whose pleasures are the cheapest.'  Quote:  H. D. Thoreau.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Pleasure; Recreation;,"'We tire of those pleasures we take, but never of those we give.'  Quote:  J. Petit-Senn.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Pleasure; Recreation; Sin;,'Pleasure is the bait of sin.'  Quote:  Plato.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Pleasure; Recreation; Sports;,'In diving to the bottom of pleasure we bring up more gravel than pearls.'  Quote:  Honor de Balzac.,"Recreation can easily be overdone, and become harmful.",1 Tim 4:8;,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Pleasure; Recreation; Sports;,'It is pleasure that is the God of this world.'  Quote:  Gerard De Nerval.,People in this generation are certainly 'lovers of pleasures.',2 Tim 3:1-5;,Jk Quotes;,Reach Out For The Real Life!,90,,,
Pleasure; Recreation; Sports;,'Where does an ant die except in sugar?'  Quote:  Malay.,Too much recreation can be damaging to us.,1 Tim 4:8;,Jk Quotes;,Glorifying God With All We Have,17,,,
Pleasure; Recreation; Sports;,"Most pleasures, like flowers, when gathered, die.",Don't heap too much recreation together.  Use it sparingly.,Pro 25:27;,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Pleasure; Recreation; Sports;,To make pleasures pleasant shorten them.,One can easily have too much of a good thing.,Pro 25:27;,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Pleasures, Entertainment, Amusement, Relaxation, Zeal, Time, Pioneer,",'You can't live on amusement.  It is the froth on water--an inch deep and then the mud.' Quote: -George MacDonald.,"More time and thought is given to conforming to the ways of this system of things than to the transforming of people's minds and manners, something that is essential to gaining life.","Rom 12:1,2;",Bobby Laymon,Lovers Of Pleasure Or Lovers Of God?,64,,1995/08/25,
"Pleasures, Entertainment, Frugal, Rich, Poor,",'That man is the richest whose pleasures are the cheapest.' Quote: Henry David Thoreau.,Jesus accepted invitations to meals and banquets but kept his spiritual balance; he never became a 'lover of pleasure rather than a lover of God'.,"Luke 5:29; 19:5, 6; Joh 4:34;",Bobby Laymon,Lovers Of Pleasure Or Lovers Of God?,64,,1995/08/05,
"Pleasures, Last Days, 1914, Woes, Fear,",There may be disagreement about who it was that first dubbed this postwar period the Roaring Twenties. But there can be little disagreement about the appropriateness of the name. One definition of 'roaring' is: 'Marked by prosperity . . . especially] of a temporary  nature.',"That certainly fits the 1920's. They were years marked by prosperity and were characterized by an uninhibited search for pleasure, riches, and gratification. Long before the decade was over, however, danger signals indicated that the 'good times' were of only temporary nature.",2 Tim 3:1-5;,G87 3/8 12,Lovers Of Pleasure Or Lovers Of God?,64,,1994/10/17,
"Pleasures, World, System, Traps, Snares,","There is a mushroom, that when eaten is delicious.  Eight to Twelve hours later you start to have cramps and jaundice.  Of those eating it, 90% will result in death.","It is that way with this system of things.  It may seem pleasurable now, but this system will result in death.  Avoid the death-traps of this world.  The cramps will come later, and the pains, and the jaundice when we are tainted by this system.","2 Tim. 3:1, 4, 13; Jer 17:9, 10;",Loyal Smith,Lovers Of Pleasure Or Lovers Of God?,64,,1998/02/14,
Poise; Temper;,'Poise is the art of raising the eyebrows instead of the voice.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Politicians; Politics;,'An honest politician is one who when he is bought will stay bought.' Quote:  Simon Cameron,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Politicians; Politics;,"'I get no respect. The way my luck is running, if I was a politician I'd be honest.'  Quote:  Rodney Dangerfield.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Politicians; Politics;,"'It is harder to say why politicians are called servants, unless its because a good one is hard to find.'  Quote:  Gerald Lieberman.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Politicians; Politics;,'Nowadays a disgraceful background is no hindrance to seeking office.'  Quote:  Plautus.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Politicians; Politics;,"'Politicians are like mosquitoes. They were put here for a reason, but nobody knows what it is.'  Quote:  Joe Hickman.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Politicians; Politics;,"'Vote for the man who promises the least, he'll be the least disappointing.'  Quote:  Bernard Baruch.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Politicians; Politics;,Bumper Sticker: Be thankful only one of them can win!,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Politicians; Public Servant;,'If there is anything a public servant hates to do it's something for the public.'  Quote:  Kin Hubbard.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Politics,","Wrestling match between volatile personalities. Phrases such as: liar, demagogue, socialist, irresponsible, reckless, soft on Communism, fascist. 'biggest faker' and 'phoniest individual'",Politics have become 'one of the bitterest ever; ...dirtiest ever.,"Ps. 146:3, 4","Dec 22, 1964 Aw Page 20",'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
"Politics, Government,","Three-ring circus: describe 3 rings, elephants, donkeys, clowns. hands, toothy smiles. Put on eye-catching and ear-filling show.",Like politicians several weeks before the election. Outstretched,"Ps. 146:3, 4;","Jan 8, 1963 Aw Page 16",'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
"Politics, Government, Kingdom, Destruction, Unity, Thought,",An old saying is: 'Politics makes strange bedfellows.' Their 'one thought' is to oppose God's Messianic kingdom. Jehovah's 'one thought' will be carried out.,It is true because there is much rivalry in politics and generally very little unity. Only united in 'one thought.',Genesis. 11:1-9; Rev. 17:12-14;,"Mar 15, 1967 Wt Page 181, 183",Ruining The Earth Brings Divine Retribution,106,,,
"Politics, Government, Kingdom, Promises,",Promises: 'This will grow hair on a door-knob!'  'Eat anything you want and still lose weight!'  Coffee beans: 'Personally picked by Juan Valdes!',"World leaders, too, make big promises, but all have failed to produce the desired results.  Usually, if it sounds too good to be true, then it probably is.  However, not with Jehovah.",Ecclesiastes 8:9;,Steve Koinivech,The Kingdom Of God Is Near,109,,,
"Politics, Government, Morals, Official,","'I am not a politician, and my other habits are good, also.' Quote: Charles Farrar Browne.","Today, politics are part of Satan's world.  Because of meddling in politics we could make us a part of his world.",John 18:36,Bobby Laymon,The Messiah's Presence And His Rule,91,,1995/08/09,
"Politics, Humor,",What is the meaning of politics?,'Poly' means 'many.' and 'ticks' mean 'blood-suckers.',Rev 13:1-4;,Bobby Laymon,Into The New Order Under Christ's Leadership,56,,1994/10/29,
"Politics, Humor, Funny, Strange, Government, Kingdom,","In this job, you have only two choices: you are either funny deliberately or you are funny unintentionally.  -- Henry Kissinger",Jehovah will certainly hold them in derision.,Ps. 2:4;,Bobby Laymon,,,,"Nov 19, 2001",
"Politics, Man, Snare,",Speaking of cotton; 'Let everyone put it in their ears to keep from hearing campaign speeches.'  Quote: Will Rogers,"No matter what man promises, he is unable to bring it about. Trust must be in Jehovah.",Ps 146:3-5;,Bobby Laymon,'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
"Politics, United Nations, World, Change, Last Days,",Imagine putting a Band-aid on a chronic ulcer.,"That is what the United Nations is doing today.  In a world crying for peace, many political leaders are beefing up their armies and weapons.  An almost bankrupt United Nations is trying to cure the world's problems.",Ecclesiastes 1:4; 1c 7:31; 1th 5:3;,"Jan 8, 1993 Aw Page 6",'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
"Politics, World, Military,","'Early Christianity was little understood and was regarded with little favor by those who ruled the pagan world ... Christians refused to share certain duties or Roman citizens ... The would not hold political office.'  Quote: Book, 'On the Road to Civilization - A World History', A. K. Heckle & J. G. Sigman 1937","Jehovah's Witnesses, like early Christians, are no part of this world.",John 17:16; John 6:15; John 15:19;,Jehovah's Witnesses - Proclaimers Of God's Kingdom.  Page 673,'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
Politics; Absurdity;,"'In politics, an absurdity is not a handicap.'  Quote:  Napoleon Bonaparte.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Politics; Government;,'In politics the choice is constantly between two evils.'  Quote:  John Morley.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Politics; Government;,'Fool and their money are soon elected.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Politics; Humor;,'Everything is changing. People are taking the comedians seriously and the politicians as a joke.' Quote: Will Rogers,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Pollution,"Chernobyl of water industry. (rape of Western Europe's waterway.) A serious fire in Switzerland, chemical plant.  Water washed 10-30 tons deadly chemicals into Rhine. Effected for miles away.",Water pollution can be deadly.,Rev 11:18,"May 8, 1990 Awake! Page 6",Stand Still And See The Salvation Of Jehovah,41,,,
Pollution,"Disposable: Diapers, cameras, razors, plastic knives, fork, spoons Every plastic diaper made since 1961 is still there; they take about 500 years to break down.",Man has caused own garbage glut,Rev. 11:18,"Sep 22, 1990 Aw Page 6",Stand Still And See The Salvation Of Jehovah,41,,,
Pollution,NIMBY Syndrome Barges loaded with thousands of tons of toxic waste roam the seas looking for a 'back yard' on foreign shores,Not In My Back Yard,Rev. 11:18,"Sep 22, 1990 Aw Page 5",Stand Still And See The Salvation Of Jehovah,41,,,
"Pollution, Clean, Ecology, Ruin, Paradise, Earth,","'I think that I shall never see, A billboard lovely as a tree. Indeed, unless the billboards fall, I'll never see a tree at all.' Quote: Ogden Nash.","Jehovah will bring to ruin those ruining the earth.  All scenes will be unmarred, clean and beautiful.",Rev 11:18,Bobby Laymon,Ruining The Earth Brings Divine Retribution,106,,1995/08/16,
"Pollution, Cure, Kingdom, Science,","If you found someone was spraying a poisonous mist throughout your home, would you be concerned? Was also poisoning your daily food. Then you received a bill charging you for that service. Nuclear weapons; automobile tail pipes; etc.","Home, food, drink are being poisoned: You are paying for it! Culprit: Science;              Remedy: God's Kingdom",Rev. 11:18,"Sep 22, 1960 Aw Page 23, 24",The Only Cure For Sick Mankind,62,,,
"Pollution, Population, Ecology, Resources, Problems, Earth, Future,","'Suppose a farmer owns ten acres [4 ha] of land. If he has ten children and divides the land equally among them, each child will have an acre [about half a ha]. If each of those children has ten children and divides the land similarly, each of their children will have only one tenth of an acre [0.04 ha]. Clearly, these children will not be as well off as their grandfather, who had ten acres [4 ha] of land.'","This illustration highlights the relationship between a growing number of people and a finite earth with limited resources. As the population grows, many developing countries are struggling to cope with present population levels. Consider some of the problems.",Ge 1:26-28;,G93 2/22 4,Ruining The Earth Brings Divine Retribution,106,,1994/05/09,
"Pollution, Problems, Ecology,","'In arguing of the shadow, we forgo the substance.'  Quote: English author John Lyly.",Today's shadows over the rain forest and other problems are mere reflections of deeper problems.,Rev 11:18,"Mar 22, 1997 Aw Page 10",Will You Escape This World's Destiny?,84,,1997/03/10,
"Pollution, Ruin, Earth, Paradise, Trash, Graffiti,","For every prominent and flagrant example of large-scale environmental pollution, there are thousands of small-scale examples.  In some places graffiti are so commonplace that citizens have become 'graffiti blind,' hardly noticing them anymore. They are on subway cars, on the walls of buildings, and on telephone booths. No longer are graffiti confined to the walls of public toilets.","Litterbugs and graffiti 'artists' may be less dangerous polluters, but they nevertheless help rob planet Earth of its potential to be a paradise.",Rev 11:18;,W93 2/15 4,A Cleansed Earth--will You Live To See It?,49,,1995/01/23,
"Pollution, Water, Rivers, Ecology,",Man's use of streams is as a sort of sink into which to pour waste of all kinds.,"Today, however, more and more of the earth's streams are suffering from indigestion, becoming murky, scummy and foul-smelling.  They are being overloaded, taxed beyond their normal ability to purify themselves.",Rev 11:18;,"Apr 22, 1971 Aw Page 9",Act Wisely As The End Draws Near,38,,1994/04/30,
"Pollution, Water, Rivers, Ecology,","Ours has become a 'throw-away society,' with people using items a short while and discarding them.  Consider this partial list of what was thrown away in just one recent year in the United States.  250,000,000 tons of garbage.  7,000,000 automobiles; 20,000,000 tons of paper; 26,000,000,000 bottles and jars; 48,000,000,000 cans.",Only the paper and tin disintegrate fairly rapidly.  The rest is largely 'non-biodegradable.',Rev 11:18;,"Apr 22, 1971 Aw Page 12",Act Wisely As The End Draws Near,38,,1994/04/30,
"Poor, Contentment;","The next time you feel like complaining, just remember your garbage can eats better than do about 30 percent of the people of the world.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Poor, Rich, Poverty, Materialism, Kingdom, Kennedy","'If a free society cannot help the many who are poor, it cannot save the few who are rich.'  Quote: John F. Kennedy.","Well-meaning leaders propose more jobs, better wages, improved social programs, and land reform.  The solution does not lie with men.",Matt 6:33;,"May 1, 1995 Wt Page 3",The Kingdom Of God Is Near,109,,1995/04/07,
"Poor, Sickness, Cure, Disease,",A proverb spoken in Sierra Leone is: 'No poor person is sick.',"That is, since a poor person has no money for treatment, he is either well or dead.'  -Robert Landis, missionary in Africa.",Isa 33:24;,"Mar 22, 1991 Aw Page 8.",The Only Cure For Sick Mankind,62,,1997/06/26,
"Poor, Slave, Servant, Government,","A SHEPHERD, watching his Ass feeding in a meadow, was alarmed all of a sudden by the cries of the enemy.  He appealed to the Ass to fly with him, lest they should both be captured, but the animal  lazily replied, 'Why should I, PRAY? Do you think it likely the conqueror will place on me two sets of panniers?'  'No,' rejoined  the Shepherd.  'Then,' said the Ass, 'as long as I carry the panniers, what matters it to me whom I serve?'",In a change of government the poor change nothing beyond the name  of their master.,Ecc 8:9;,Bobby Laymon,How Should You Serve God?,58,,1994/05/29,
"Pope, Catholic, Christendom, Love, Hate, Shepherding,","'He was admired by many, feared by all, loved by none.' Said of a pope of the Roman Catholic Church in 'Vicars of Christ - The Dark Side of the Papacy,' by Peter De Rosa.",Never could it be said of Jehovah or Jesus what was said of this pope. His servants willingly serve him out of love.,"Luke 10:27, 28;","Oct 1, 1994 Wt Page 17 Para 8",Love Identifies The True Christian Congregation,72,,1994/11/27,
"Popular, Notoriety, Fame, Name, Pride,","A DOG used to run up quietly to the heels of everyone he met, and to bite them without notice.  His master suspended a bell about his neck so that the Dog might give notice of his presence wherever he went.  Thinking it a mark of distinction, the Dog grew proud of his bell and went tinkling it all over the marketplace.  One day an old hound said to him:   Why do you make such an exhibition of yourself? That bell that you carry is not, believe me, any order of merit, but on the contrary a mark of disgrace, a public notice to all men to avoid you as an ill mannered dog.'","Moral: 'Notoriety is often mistaken for fame.'   Some have made a name for themselves, but not for their benefit.",Ge 10:9;,Aesop's Fables - Bobby Laymon,What Kind Of Name Are You Making With God?,55,,1994/05/17,
Popularity;,'Avoid popularity if you would have peace.'  Quote:  Al.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Popularity;,'Avoid popularity; it has many snares and no real benefit.'  Quote:  William Penn.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Popularity;,"'Avoid popularity; it has many snares, and no real benefit.' Quote: William Penn",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Popularity; Follow The Crowd;,'Whatever is popular deserves attention.'  Quote:  James Macintosh.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Pornography, Adultery,",Well has it been observed that 'Pornography is intellectual rape or fornication.',Jesus Christ confirmed this in his Sermon on the Mount.  It is obvious there is a connection between pornographic material and 'sex crimes.',"Mt 5:27, 28; Ro 12:9, 10","Jan 1, 1978 Wt Page 3",Are You Really Making Jehovah Your Stronghold?,18,,,
"Pornography, Sex, Fornication,","A smoker, trying to kick the habit, will not increase his chances by spending time longingly watching other people smoke. Same rule applies to married persons too.",How unwise for a single person to arouse desires that he cannot satisfy!,1 Cor. 7:2-5; Heb. 13:4; 1 Th 4:3-7; 1 Cor. 13:5;,"Sep 8, 1991 Aw Page 18",A Godly View Of Sex And Marriage,13,,,
"Pornography, Sex, Fornication,","If one of your favorite foods is unavailable, you will probably not feel content if you constantly stare at pictures of it in magazines or books. If not allowed to eat it for health reasons will most likely lead to serious transgressions.",How unwise for a single person to arouse desires that he cannot satisfy!,1 Cor. 7:2-5; Heb. 13:4; 1 Th 4:3-7; 1 Cor. 13:5;,"Sep 8, 1991 Aw Page 18",A Godly View Of Sex And Marriage,13,,,
"Pornography, Sex, Violence, Television, Music, Movies,",'It just goes in one ear and out the other.',"A 'bullet' does the same thing.  It goes in one ear and out the other, but look at the damage in between.",James 4:2-4;,"'joyful Praisers Dist. Convention'  June 9-11, 1995; Kc, Mo; Robert Brown",You Will Reap What You Sow,59,,1995/06/12,
Positive Thinking,"People see same thing;  one have positive, other negative view.  Be like Caleb of old.  Change the subject to avoid negative thinking.",Trust in Jehovah;  Tell others positive thoughts.,"Numbers 13:28, 32","Dec 1, 1989 Wt Page 21, 22 Kenneth Flodin",How To Keep Spiritually Awake!,71,,,
"Positive, Attitude, Negative","There were two salesmen that were given an assignment.  They worked for a shoe company.  They were both asked to sell shoes to the Aborigines.  After arriving there the first salesmen's called back and said, 'Its terrible down here, no opportunity, they don't even wear shoes down here.'  The second salesmen's called in and said, ' Great opportunity here, plenty of business they don't even wear shoes here.' What was the different between the two sales people?  One looked at things in a negative light and probably was not successful.  While the other looked at things in a positive attitude and was probably successful.",The way we view things in life can either help you enjoy life more or cause you to have more stress in life.  Think positively.,Gal. 6:9;,Jim Kinkade,Trust In The God Of All Comfort,143,,"Oct 30, 2001",
"Positive, Negative,","Once there was a boy who always looked on the bright side and always expected the best.  He expected to like Brussels sprouts before he ever tasted them, for instance, and to like his teacher on the first day of school. Because he had such a 'sunny outlook' on things, he was rarely disappointed. But the boy's Father thought he wasn't realistic, so he decided to test him. One day he brought home MANY presents. All but ONE small one was for the boy's brother. The brother opened his gifts with glee, a train set, a toy robot, a cowboy outfit, even his OWN TV! Through all this, the boy smiled expectantly, confident the contents of his small box would equal the splendor of his brother's gifts. When it was his turn he ripped the box open to find only a pile of hay and some very smelly animal droppings.","To his Father's astonishment, the boy clapped his hands with joy and ran immediately to the backyard. 'Yippee!' he cried. 'There must be a pony here somewhere!'",Deuteronomy 12:12;,Peter Morgan,Finding Honor And Joy In God's Ministry,65,,1997/08/12,
"Positive, Negative, Attitude,","If you think you are beaten, you are; If you think you dare not, you don't.  If you like to win but think you can't; It's almost certain that you won't.  Life's battles don't always go to the stronger woman or man, But sooner or later, those who win, Are those who think they can.  Plaque on Arnold Palmer's (Golf Pro) wall.",We need to have faith and confidence.  Think positively.,Acts 5:28;,Bobby Laymon - Bits And Pieces,Christian Separateness From The World--why Beneficial.,119,,1998/01/08,
"Positive, Negative, Attitude,","Woman at John Hopkins University. who had amazing medical skills. They denied her a degree. Why? With enthusiasm she worked on corpses, but could not work on living patients. Could only see negative.",We must be most positive person in world.,Prov. 16:27,"Dec 22, 1961 Aw Page 3",How To Keep Spiritually Awake!,71,,,
"Positive, Negative, Attitude, Suffering, Persecution,",' I don't think of all the misery but of the beauty that still remains.'  Quote: Anne Frank.  The Diary of a Young Girl.',Any suffering we go through in this system will be made up for in the paradise earth.,Rom 8:18;,Bobby Laymon - Reader's Digest,,,,1996/03/19,
"Positive, Negative, Doubts, Fear, Decision, Bible,","Drop stones in bucket of water, displace an equal amount of water. Need to fill mind with Jehovah's Word. Eventually displace practically all negative thoughts, doubts, fears, and indecision.","A positive thought placed in mind, displaces a negative thought. Secret is in spaced repetition. Must regularly read Bible.",Rom. 12:2,Bobby Laymon,Overcoming Fear Of The Future,108,,,
"Positive, Negative, Hope,","Where there's a will, there's an Inheritance Tax.",There is usually two sides to everything.,"Rom. 8:24; Heb. 6:19,",Bobby Laymon,How To Keep Spiritually Awake!,71,,,
"Positive, Negative, Hope, Faith,","If the sky falls, we may hope to catch larks.",Need to look on positive side and show faith.,"Rom. 8:24; Heb. 6:19,",Bobby Laymon,How To Keep Spiritually Awake!,71,,,
"Positive, Negative, Stumbling, Progress, Experience, Mistakes,","'When life hands you a lemon, make lemonade'  'Rags to riches.' Newly-weds Ray & Chris Bancroft's didn't have much. When their bed- sheet ripped they had less. She turned it into a canvas, cutting it into 12 x 14 inch pieces, she painted yellow lemons on each inscribing above 'now familiar' quote.","Apply to set-backs in the truth;  We benefit by trials.  They began selling them.  Today Bancroft's Designs employs 60 artist, silk screeners, secretaries.",Jas. 1:12,The Eagle Nov 1990 Page 5,How To Keep Spiritually Awake!,71,,,
Positive; Attitude; Experience; Self-control,"'The world is full of cactus, but we don't have to sit on it.'  Quote:  Salada.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Positive; Attitude; Goals;,'He who keeps his face toward the sun will find that the shadows fall behind him.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Positive; Bright;,'Better a bald head than none at all.'  Quote:  Austin O'malley.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Positive; Bright;,"'When every bone in your body aches, be thankful you're not a herring.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Positive; Negative;,'Positive anything is better than negative nothing.'  Quote:  Elbert Hubbard.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Positive; Smile;,'All people smile in the same language.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Possibilities; Probabilities; Potential;,'Few men during their lifetime come anywhere near exhausting the resources dwelling within them. There are deep wells of strength that are never used.'  Quote:  Richard Byrd.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Possibilities; Probabilities; Potential;,"'Funny how people generally can do more than they think they can, and almost always do less than they think they do.'  Quote:  Anonymous.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Possibilities; Probabilities; Potential;,'If we did all he things we are capable of doing we would literally astound ourselves.' Quote: T. Edison,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Possibilities; Probabilities; Potential;,'It is better to undertake a large task and get it half done than to undertake nothing and get it all done.'  Quote:  Marshall Craig.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Possibilities; Probabilities; Potential;,"'Sometimes it is more important to discover what one cannot do, than what one can do.'  Quote:  Lin Yutang.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Possibilities; Probabilities; Potential;,'What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.'  Quote:  Rwe.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Possibilities; Probabilities; Potential;,"'When a man can put a limit on what he will do, he has put a limit on what he can do.'  Quote:  Charles Schwab.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Possibilities; Probabilities; Potential;,A man cannot be two places at once.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Possibilities; Probabilities; Potential;,If and An spoils many a good charter.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Possibilities; Probabilities; Potential;,"If ifs and ands were pots and pans, there'd be no trade for tinkers.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Possibilities; Probabilities; Potential;,"If my aunt had been a  man, shed have been my uncle.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Possibilities; Probabilities; Potential;,"Life is like a ten speed bike, most of us have gears we never use.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Possibilities; Probabilities; Potential;,Nothing comes of nothing.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Possibilities; Probabilities; Potential;,You can't get blood out of a stone.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Possibilities; Probabilities; Potential;,You can't:  Have your cake and eat it too.  Judge wine by it barrel.  Grow hair on a billiard ball.   Squeeze blood from a turnip.  Judge a book by its cover.  Make a silk purse out of a sow's ear.  Make cookies when you haven't got the dough.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Potential, Commend, Encourage, Ability, Elders, Training, Pioneer,","'There is something that is much more scarce, something finer far, something rarer than ability. It is the ability to recognize ability.' Quote: Albert Hubbard.",Elders should be able to spot potential and help others to cultivate the 'gift' that is in them.  Commendation and encouragement is required.,2 Tim. 1:6; 1 Tim 4:14;,Bobby Laymon,,,,1995/08/25,
"Potential; Ability; Flood,","'Professionals built the Titanic, amateurs built the Ark.'  Quote: Anonymous.  The Titanic was built by thousands of professional, with instruction from men, and it sank.  The ark was built by 8 amateurs, with instruction from Jehovah, and it floated.",Whose instruction will you follow in these last days?,Job 6:24;,Jk Quotes;,The Flood Of Noah's Day Has Meaning For Us,6,,,
Potential; Deeds;,"For of all sad words of tongue and pen, the saddest are these: 'It might have been!'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Potential; Effort; Ability; Resourceful,","'If only every man would make proper use of his strength and do his utmost, he need never regret his limited ability.'  Quote:  Cicero.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Potential; Gift;,'What we are is God's gift to us. What we become is our gift to God.'  Quote:  E. Powell.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Potential; Goals; Progress; Stepping Stone; Action;,"'The rung of the ladder was never meant to rest upon, but only to hold a man's foot long enough to enable him to put the other somewhat higher.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Potential; Life;,"'Make the most of yourself, for that is all there is of you.'  Quote:  Rwe.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Potential; Life; Living;,'Life is a great big canvass and you should throw all the paint on it you can.'  Quote:  Danny Kaye.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Potential; Life; Living;,'Life is like riding a bicycle. You don't fall off unless you stop pedaling.'  Quote:  Claude Pepper.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Potential; Life; Living;,"Life is like a ten-speed bike, most of us have gears we never use.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Potential; Old Dog New Tricks;,'It is never too late to be what you might have been.'  Quote:  George Elliot.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Potential; Positive;,'The morning hour has gold in its mouth.'  Quote:  English.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Potential; Vision; Possibilities;,"'If you only look at what is, you might never attain what could be.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Poverty, Darkness, Light,","'The world situation offers overwhelming evidence that poverty [is undermining] the cohesion of societies.  Over one billion people now live in absolute poverty, ... and this has fed the forces leading to violent strife.'  Quote: Former secretary- general of the U. N. Javier Perez de Cuellar.",We need spiritual light as never before.,Is 60:2,"Apr 1, 1993 Wt Page 9",,,,,
"Poverty, Disease,",It is given the code Z59.5  EXTREME POVERTY!,It is the world's biggest killer and the greatest cause of ill-health and suffering across the globe.  It is listed almost at the end of the International Classification of Diseases.  Z59.5 EXTREME POVERTY!,Isa. 33:24;,"Nov 22, 1997 Page 6",The Only Cure For Sick Mankind,62,,1997/11/11,
"Poverty, Government, Spending, Military, Kingdom, Housing, War,",Have you ever wondered how much is a TRILLION DOLLARS? The following was prepared by the anti-war organization SANE-FREEZE.  The U.S. government spent $1.4 trillion on the military from 1984 to  1987.,"For $1 trillion: You could build a $75,000 house, place it on $5,000  worth of land, furnish it with $10,000 worth of furniture, put a $10,000  car in the garage and give this to every family in Kansas, Missouri,  Nebraska, Oklahoma, Colorado and Iowa.    HAVING DONE THAT: You would still have enough money left to build a $10 million hospital and a $10 million library in EACH of the 250 cities and towns in that six-state region.    HAVING DONE THAT: You would still have enough money left to build 500 schools at $10 million each for the communities in the region.    HAVING DONE THAT: You would still have enough left of the original  trillion dollars to put aside, at 10% annual interest, enough money to  pay a salary of $25,000 per year for 10,000 nurses and 10,000 teachers,  and an annual cash allowance of $5,000 for every family in the six-state  region forever.   Why is there poverty?",Isa 65:22,Tim Moore,The Kingdom Of God Is Near,109,,1997/12/02,
"Poverty, Hungry, Hunger, Envy, Greed,",A German proverb warns: 'Envy eats nothing but its own heart.',"Of course, it is not necessarily wrong to seek better living conditions. But poverty is a trademark of Satan's corrupt system of things, and only God can-and will-correct the world's injustices.",Pr 14:30; Ecc 4:4;,G92 2/22 25-6,Why Live By Bible Standards?,88,,1994/07/10,
"Poverty, Paradise, Globalization, Home, Kingdom,","Like half a million other residents, Fatima, a resident of a large African city, lives in a huge cemetery.  And even the cemetery is getting crowded.  'Too many people moving in,' she complains, 'especially here in the tombs.'","To many people, poverty is a way of life.",Ps. 37:29; Luke 23:43;,"May 22, 2002 Awake Page 6",Life Does Have A Purpose,23,,"Aug 7, 2002",
"Poverty, Poor, Riches, Wealth, Materialism, Honesty, Integrity,","'Poverty is like being stuck in a deep hole, being able to see the light and people freely walking around, but not having the voice to shout for help or a ladder to climb out.'  Quote: A man in North Africa.",It is little wonder that poverty often brings feelings of depression and frustration!  Even servants of God may see the riches of others and begin to think that a life of integrity is not worthwhile.,Ps 73:2-13; Prov. 6:6-11;,"Sep 15, 1997 Wt Page 4",Evidence Of God In The World Around Us,4,,1997/08/30,
"Poverty, Positive, Negative, Attitude, Service,",If a farmer focused only on negative possibilities - the wind could blow away the seed or the rain could dampen his crop - he would fail to take necessary action.,"Similarly, by focusing only on negative feelings, you can paralyze all efforts to improve yourself.  There is a need to take action!","Eccl 11:4, 6; Ps 126:5, 6;","Jan 22, 1992 Aw Page 19  (entered Dec 23, 1991)",How Should You Serve God?,58,,,
Poverty;,'A man who has nothing can whistle in a robbers face.'  Quote:  Juvenal.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Poverty;,'He who knows how to be poor knows everything.'  Quote:  Jules Michelet.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Poverty;,"'I wasn't born in a log cabin, but my family moved into one as  soon as they could afford it.'  Quote:  Melville Landon.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Poverty;,"'Poverty is a wonderful thing, it sticks to a man after all his friends have forsaken him.'  Quote:  Hebrew Proverb.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Poverty;,"'Poverty is no disgrace, but tis a great inconvenience.'  Quote:  English.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Poverty;,'Poverty is the mother of crime.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Poverty;,'The greatest man in history was the poorest.'  Quote:  Rwe.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Poverty;,For many the ideal of poverty is a black and white television.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Poverty;,"He is not poor that has little, but he that desires much.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Poverty;,He that is down needs fear no fall.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Poverty;,The rich can't understand how the poor can be so happy.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Power, abuse, ","'The Greater the power, the more dangerous the abuse.'  Quote: Edmund Burke.",Apply to religion or government,Pro 29:2,"Awake Mar 8, 1990 Page 6",,,,,12/28/2016
"Power Life,","John Kennedy, most powerful man in world, pea-size piece of lead suddenly brought to end.",Power quickly takes a nose dive.,"Eccl. 2:15, 16;","Brandt Jones (oct 28, 1990)",Is This Life All There Is?,36,,,
"Power, Abuse, Government, Wicked,",'O! it is excellent To have a giant's strength; but it is tyrannous to use it like a giant.' Quote: William Shakespeare. [1604-1605].,Men who have power or authority are prone to abuse it.  Jehovah never misuses his power.  Both Jehovah and Christ have repeatedly shown their interest in benefiting others by their power.,Mr 1:40-42; Ac 14:15-17;,Bobby Laymon,Your Future--how Can It Be Known?,19,,1995/07/10,
"Power, Abuse, Governments, Kingdom,",'Every man who possesses power is impelled to abuse it.' Quote: Baron de La Brede et de Montesquieu.,Jehovah is not an abuser of power as men are.  He always uses it justly.  Many refuse to acknowledge the clear manifestations of Jehovah's power and majesty.,Rom. 1:20,Bobby Laymon,Glorifying God With All We Have,17,,1995/06/29,
"Power, Armageddon, Peace, Government, Problem, Solution,","Men today spend untold billions in search of the ultimate weapon. However, there is something more important than any ultimate weapon.  That is the ultimate position - the position of total control lies somewhere out in space.  Whoever gains that ultimate position gains control, total control, over the earth.","There is a power that already has the 'ultimate position,'  Not the ultimate position toward merely this tiny earth, but that toward all the planets, moons and suns of the immeasurable universe. The Creator of the universe, Jehovah God.",John 4:24; 1ti 1:17; John 1:18;,"Nov 1, 1958 Wt Page 661",Jehovah Is 'a Secure Height' For His People,151,,,
"Power, Creation, Wisdom, Almighty, Pride, Haughty, Science, Thoughts, Grasshopper,","Man's scientific achievements have inflated his ego; now he has a 'big head'. But it is not big to God, no bigger than the head of a grasshopper, and that is not very big. 'Have ye not known? . . .  It is he [Jehovah] that sitteth above the circle of the earth, and the inhabitants thereof are as grasshoppers.'","What does a grasshopper understand about the power of man? And what does man know about the power of God? 'Touching the Almighty, we cannot find him out: he is excellent in power.'-Job 37:23, AS","Job 37:23; Is 40:21, 22;",W53 7/1 391,Does Your Hope Rest On Science Or The Bible?,80,,1994/05/09,
"Power, Discipline,","Do you have power over something?  Have you had a dog or a  cat, perhaps at present or in the past.  Do you have power over it?  Can you lock it into a room?  Can you do good to it or destroy it?  It may even snarl at you when it is not pleased with what you are making it do, but it still has to do it.  It is difficult for many to have power and show love.",It is hard to not misuse-use power!  Jehovah has perfect balance  over His power.  It uses it for what is best for humankind.  He never misuses his almighty power.,Luke 17:10; Jer 10:12;,James Loy,Make Jehovah Your Confidence,70,,1993/10/24,
"Power, Discouragement, Endurance, Depressed, Encourage, Tired,","A person who stops eating will soon lose his strength, or power.","Accordingly, Jehovah gives us the power to go on by seeing to it that we are well fed spiritually.","Isa 65:13, 14;","Dec 1, 1995 Wt Page 17 Par 12",Are You Content With Jehovah's Provisions?,22,,1995/10/30,
"Power, Discouragement, Endurance, Depressed, Encourage, Tired,","Eagles are among the most powerful birds in the sky.  They can glide great distances without even flapping their wings.  With wings that may span over seven feet, 'the King of Birds,' the golden eagle, 'soars for hours over some mountain ridge, then rises in spirals until a dark speck in the sky.'  Quote: The Audubon Society Encyclopedia of North American Birds.","With the flight abilities of the eagle in mind, how comforting it is to know that Jehovah gives those trusting in him the power to go on, as if equipping them with the seemingly tireless wings of the soaring eagle.",Isa 40:29-31;,"Dec 1, 1995 Wt Page 14",Gaining Comfort In All Our Tribulations,105,,1995/10/30,
"Power, Energy, Creator, Jehovah,",Just as looking at the sun at mid-day would be disastrous to our eyes...,SO it would be devastating for us to see the tremendous Source of energy that created  not only our brilliant sun but also the countless other suns in the universe.,Exodus. 22:30;,"May 1, 1998 Wt Page 4",A Cleansed Earth--will You Live To See It?,49,,1998/04/22,
"Power, Energy, Tired,","JEHOVAH is limitless in power. And what dynamic energy resides in the things he created! The tiny atom--the very building block of all things-is so small that a single drop of water contains one hundred billion billon atoms.' All life on our globe depends on the energy generated by atomic reactions on the sun. But how much solar energy is needed to sustain earthly life? The earth receives only a minuscule fraction of all the energy that is produced by the sun. Nevertheless, the very tiny fraction of the sun's energy that falls on the earth is immeasurably greater than the total energy used in the world's industries.","Whether we think about the atom or turn our attention to the vast universe, we are impressed by Jehovah's awesome power.",Isa. 40:26,"Dec 1, 2000 Wt Page 9",On Whose Promises Do You Rely?,61,,"Dec 18, 2000",
"Power, Energy, Tired, Weary,","Because of creasing pressures, we may sometimes feel like an exhausted runner whose legs seem unable to carry him any farther.","But the finish line the race for life is just ahead, and we must not give up. Our Adversary the Devil, is roving about 'like a roaring lion,' and he wants to stop us.  Let us remember that  'Jehovah is our strength and ( shield,' and he has made abundant provision 'to give the tired one power.' -Psalm 28:7. 7",2 Chronicles 29:11;1 Peter 5:8,"Dec 1, 2000 Wt Page 10",,,,"Dec 18, 2000",
"Power, Energy, Tired, Weary,","While God has no limit in power, humans do tire out. Everywhere we go, we see tired people. They wake up tired, go to work or school tired, come home tired, and go to bed not merely tired but exhausted. Some wish that they could go somewhere and get a little badly needed rest.","As Jehovah's servants, we also get tired, for our life of godly devotion calls for vigorous exertion. And there are many other factors that drain us of strength.  Even though we are Christians, we are not immune to the problems experienced by people in general. (Job 14:1) Illness, financial reverses, or other difficulties common to life may cause discouragement, with its weakening effect. Added to these challenges are the trials peculiar to those persecuted for righteousness' sake.","Mark 6:30, 31; Luke 13:24; 1 Timothy 4:8","Dec 1, 2000 Wt Page 10",,,,"Dec 18, 2000",
"Power, Government, Science,",'Power tends to corrupt and absolute power corrupts absolutely.' Quote: John Emeriti Edward Dahlberg.,"As power had corrupted the previous World powers, the Roman Empire, like a crushing, devouring, fearsome beast, took over the Grecian Empire.",Daniel 7:23-25;,W88 5/15 24-6  Bobby Laymon,How Do You Fit Into The Kingdom Arrangement?,21,,1995/08/09,
"Power, Kingdom, Warning,",'Power intoxicates men.  It is never voluntarily surrendered. It must be taken from them.',Well applies to World Governments.,Ps. 2:1-6; Dan. 2:44;,Quote: James F. Byrnes (1879-1972)power-wisdom Of The Ages.,The Kingdom Of God Is Near,109,,,
"Power, Kingdom, Warning,","'Power, like lightning, injures before it's warning.'",Not so with God's Kingdom. Most extensive warning on earth.,Matt. 24:14;,Quote: Pedro Calderon (1600-1681)power-wisdom Of The Ages.,The Kingdom Of God Is Near,109,,,
"Power, Obedience, Authority, Governments, Kingdom,","'Power, like a desolating pestilence, pollutes whatever it touches.' Quote: Percy Bysshe Shelley.","Power corrupts those who have it.  However, power is temporary; a person may be replaced by rival; surely will end by death.","Ecclesiastes 2:15, 16;",Bobby Laymon,Is This Life All There Is?,36,,1995/07/18,
"Power, Prayer, Energy,","What does a camera, smoke detector and a calculator have in common?  Batteries.  They must have batteries to operate.","When we use prayer, we are connected to the most abundant source of energy in the universe.",Neh. 1:1-11;,Bobby Laymon - Heard On Talk #2 At Circuit Assembly.,,,,"May 22, 2001",
"Power, Strength, Wisdom, Modesty,",Have you ever considered the possibility of an ant the size of an elephant? Imagine the power it would have!  What damage would be done if grasshoppers were the size of horses?,"An ant can carry twice its own weight. And small though insects are (the biggest, the Atlas moth, is only 10 to 12 inches [25 to 30 cm] from wingtip to wingtip) they have enormous appetites. Why, in North Dakota grasshoppers caused $1,714,000 (U.S.) worth of crop and rangeland damage in just one year!",Ps 104:24;,G82 5/8 22,,,,1996/06/11,
"Power, Ultimate Weapon, Almighty, Armageddon, Bomb, War,","Man's mightiest explosions equal only a small fraction of the power exerted by an average earthquake. It is an admitted fact that the  greatest 'A' and 'H' bombs yet devised cannot even affect the weather. How much less the possibility that such adventures in nuclear fission can rock the earth on its axis! Why, even the noise of these giant 'firecrackers' is heard but a comparatively few miles away.","Speed enthusiasts of this fast-moving, supersonic-jet age seem to think they can outstrip Jehovah, outmaneuver, out fly and outrun his  scheduled timetable for the accomplishment of his divine purposes.  How idiotic, then, to think such explosions disturb the immeasurable expanse of the heavens above when they are never heard outside our immediate atmosphere! Obviously the foaming and agitation caused by  the social strife, racial riots, labor strikes and political revolutions that continually plague mankind are even less significant in the eyes of the Sovereign Ruler of the universe. Of a truth, none of man's novel experiments, none of his passing fancies and none of this century's social upheavals disturb the serenity and eternity of the great Jehovah God.",Is 40:22,W54 8/1 473-4,Your Future--how Can It Be Known?,19,,1994/05/09,
"Power, Ultimate Weapon, Almighty, Armageddon, Grasshopper, Gnats, Peace,","Gnats in the air may be annoying to be around, but they are most insignificant to the proper, divinely ordained rotation of the earth. A  few buzzing grasshoppers a thousand miles away never disturb your peace or cause you to take them into account in your daily affairs.","How much less do you suppose the crowing and croaking of today's boasting, bragging propagandists upset the purposes of the Almighty, who resides far above the confines of this mundane sphere? Remember, in his estimation the nations and all of earth's inhabitants 'are as grasshoppers.'-Isa. 40:22.",Is 40:22,W54 8/1 473-4,Will You Escape This World's Destiny?,84,,1994/05/09,
"Power, War, Weapons, Peace, Armageddon,",'Every Communist must grasp the truth: 'Political power grows out of the barrel of a gun.'  Quote: Mao Tse-tung.,"Jehovah is deserving of worship.  With every human victor in war, a new rulership is often as bad or  worse than the defeated one.",Rev 4:11;,Bobby Laymon,Be Confident Of Divine Victory!,39,,1995/08/16,
Power; Creation;,"Ant; suspended by hind legs; lifted weight 1,100 times body weight 150 lb. man would have to, while hanging high in air by his feet, hold in his teeth more than eighty-two tons!",Men have nothing to boast about regarding power.,Isa. 40:26,"Jul 15, 1961 Wt Page 424",Appreciating Marvels Of God's Creation,114,,,
Power; Self-control;,'Most powerful is he who has himself in his own power.'  Quote:  Seneca.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Powers, Abilities, Jehovah, Know, See,",Men today use X-rays and ultra-sound to see inside a mother's womb.,"Jehovah needs no X-ray equipment to see the growing embryo within the human womb.  He can see even without light rays, the deeds done in utter darkness.","Ps 139:1, 7-12; Heb 4:13; Pr 15:3; Ps 139:15, 16;","Mar 15, 1970 Wt Page 170",How Well Do You Know God?,1,,,
"Practical Jokes, Fun, Recreation, Consideration, Kindness, Racial, Ethnic,","SOME BOYS, playing near a pond, saw a number of Frogs in the  water and began to pelt them with stones.  They killed several of them, when one of the Frogs, lifting his head out of the water, cried out: 'PRAY stop, my boys: what is sport to you, is death to us.'","Moral: 'One man's pleasure is another man's poison.'  We need to give consideration to others with how we entertain ourselves.  Practical jokes, racial and ethnic remarks may be harmful to others.  It is a kindness on our part to avoid them.",Pr 26:19;,Aesop's Fables - Bobby Laymon,Follow The Course Of Hospitality,77,,1994/05/17,
"Practice, Belief, Worship, Knowledge,",'The gap between what we pretend to believe and what we actually practice seems to be widening.'  Quote: L. A. Times.,"Even with an explosion of knowledge, aspects of daily life are deteriorating.",James 3:15; 1 Tim 4:1;,Joseph Wengert D. O.,,,,1996/04/29,
"Practice, Preaching, Skill, Service,","If a doctor studied medicine but never practiced it, would you feel confident to have him operate on you? 'I've never operated before, but I would like to try on you.' The average person remembers more of what he does than what he",Regular participation in service will enlarge perceptive powers. sees or hears.,Heb. 5:14; Ps. 34:15; Luke 11:13; Jas. 1:5,"Jun 15, 1964 Wt Page 370",How Should You Serve God?,58,,,
"Practice, Preparation, Service, Study,",How would you feel about a doctor who continues to study but without practice?  Would you go to him for an operation?,"We must continually prepare ourselves, and practice what we learn",Jas. 1:22,Bobby Laymon,How Should You Serve God?,58,,,
"Practice, Regularity, Witnessing, Light, Service, Brain, Think,","'My horn quit blowing on my car, and I took it to a mechanic to look at.  He told me the terminals had become corroded.  I needed to blow my horn more often, so it would work better.","Perhaps we need to use our brain more often, and think...study ahead for each Bible Study, or part on the meeting.",Col 3:7-10; Pr 3:1-4; 19:8;,Light Bearers District Assembly (bill Bowen),How Should You Serve God?,58,,,
"Praise, Appreciation, Commendation,","A LITTLE PRAISE    'I got two A's' the small boy said,  His voice was filled with glee,  His father very bluntly said  'Why didn't you get three?'    'Mom, I've got the dishes done'  The girl called from the door.  Her mother very calmly said,  'DID you sweep the floor?'    'I mowed the grass' the tall boy said,  'And put the mower away'  His father asked him with a shrug,  'Did you clean off the clay?'    The Children in the house next door  Seemed happy and content  The same thing happened over there,  But this is how it went:    'I got two A's' the young boy said,  His voice was filled with glee,  His father proudly said 'that's great,  I'm glad you belong to me'    'Mom, I got the dishes done,'  The girl called from the door.  Her mother smiled and softly said,  'Each day I love you more.'    'I've mowed the grass,' the tall boy said,  'And put the mower away'  His father answered with much joy,  'You've made my happy day'    Children deserve a little praise  For tasks they're asked to do,  If they're to lead a happy life,  So much depends on you!               Author Unknown",How true the poem above.  We need to commend and praise our children.  They are an inheritance from Jehovah.,Ps. 127:3-5;,Bobby Laymon,Looking At Youths From Jehovah's Standpoint.,118,,1998/02/07,
"Praise, Commendation, Boasting,",'Praise can be your most valuable asset as long as you don't aim it at yourself.'  Quote: O. A. Battista.,"Any boasting should be in Jehovah.  We should encourage and commend our fellow worshipers, however.",Ps 105:3;,Bobby Laymon - Reader's Digest,Gaining Comfort In All Our Tribulations,105,,1996/03/21,
"Praise, Flattery,","Heat of melting pot & furnace test quality of silver & gold. Must bear praise without injury, remembering everything is from Jehovah.",Praise show quality of man's heart.,Prov. 27:21,"Feb 1, 1962 Wt Page 86",Evidence Of God In The World Around Us,4,,,
"Praise, Jehovah, Creator, Creation,",Men give praise to the man who invented the light bulb.,"How much more important to give praise to the one who created the sun, which does far more than give light.",Genesis 1:1;,Jerry Steel,Make Jehovah Your Confidence,70,,1994/06/11,
"Praises, Jehovah, Serving,",Should you be serving Jah?,"Are you breathing?  PSALMS 150:6 Every breathing thing-let it praise Jah. Praise Jah, you people!",Ps 150:6;,Robert Schwarze,What God's Rulership Can Do For Us,24,,1999/02/01,
Prayer,"'Grief's shared are halved, joys shared are doubled' Jehovah can quite easily get along without us, but we cannot.","We belong to Jehovah, either adopted son or grandsons.",Amos 3:7; John 15:15; Luke: 17:10,"Feb 15, 1963 Wt Page 113",Prayers That Are Heard By God.,86,,,
Prayer,"'Rev. _____ offered the most beautiful prayer ever offered to a Boston audience.'  Comment by newspaper. Prayer should be to God, not an occasion to preach publicly to obtain admiration of men.",Exactly what it was.  Offered to an 'audience.',"Mark 12:40; Matt. 15:8; Matt. 6:5,6;","Sep 15, 1964 Wt Page 559",Prayers That Are Heard By God.,86,,,
Prayer,"An audience with a king is a restricted privilege. Solomon asked Jehovah to hear foreigners Cornelius, was progressing toward dedication & was heard. ONLY baptized believers have unrestricted privilege of prayer","So is Prayer to the King of eternity. Afterward, he is in position to pray with holy spirit. Jude 20,21",Rev 15:3  Ps 65:2  Prov 1:7  1 Ki 8:41-43,"May 15, 1990 Wt Page 10-12",Prayers That Are Heard By God.,86,,,
"Prayer, isolation, ",Birds fly over iron curtain; checkpoint Charlie,No crisis or set of circumstances places us beyond divine help,Prov 18:10,Bro. Swingle,Prayers That Are Heard By God.,86,,,5/18/2014
Prayer,Can you count how many times you have prayed to Jehovah today?,Then you probably haven't prayed enough.,Dan. 11:32; Ps. 16:11;,"R. Bloom; Mar 3, 1991",How Well Do You Know God?,1,,,
Prayer,"Cracked record, repeats same thing over and over. Jehovah gives us endless variety in his Word and nature. Let us exercise care in talking to God, vary the thought content.",We can get into a rut with our prayers.,Matt. 6:7,"Feb 15, 1963 Wt Page 116",Prayers That Are Heard By God.,86,,,
Prayer,"Earthly kings regulate dress & manner of those entering presence. New approach in first century, through Jesus Christ. Must recognize way to approach Must be a dedicated, baptized Witnesses of Jehovah.",Who can come before 'King of Eternity'? What is required?,Rev 15:3  Ps 65:2,"May 15, 1990 Wt Page 10, 11",Prayers That Are Heard By God.,86,,,
Prayer,"Fabled genii of Aladdin's lamp. Ready to make wish come true.  Some pray on the horses, lottery, victory in sports contest.","Jehovah is not like the above genii. Person who think so, miss the purpose of prayer.",Jas. 4:3; Jas 5:16,"Jun 8, 1962 Aw Page 5",Prayers That Are Heard By God.,86,,,
Prayer,"Father knows what child needs, because of close relationship Ask for fish-serpent; egg-scorpion; bread-stone. force increased if we realize: bread of ancient times resembled flat, round stone.  Some kinds of serpents resemble fish.",Jehovah gives Holy spirit to those asking. There was a small white scorpion that resembled an egg.,Luke 11:11-13,"May 15, 1990 Wt Page 14",Prayers That Are Heard By God.,86,,,
Prayer,"Flounder; fish with eyes on top of head; feeds on bottom, looks up","We should always look upward, prayerfully look to Jah for protect","Ps. 55:1, 2, 22",Johnse Laymon,Prayers That Are Heard By God.,86,,,
Prayer,"Friend, live in home, able to help with any problem Temptations; Jas. 1:13-15 Extreme pressures; 'sentence of death' 2 Tim 4:17,18 Persecution; rulers, 1 Tim. 2:1, 2",What if you went the whole day without talking to that friend Heavy load 1 Thess. 5:25  Suffer from anxiety- financial worries. illness,1 Th 5:17,Pure Language Dist. Assy.,Prayers That Are Heard By God.,86,,,
Prayer,"Generic; Food, cleaning products, medicine & drugs. Just enough to get by. Our prayers to Jehovah should be 'first class'",Sometimes our prayers seem 'generic',"Matt. 6:9, 10",Robert Schwarze,Prayers That Are Heard By God.,86,,,
Prayer,"If before an earthly King, would you do nothing but talk? Take His advise. Speak with respect Not yawn or rush through",Prayer requires listening: Jehovah is King of Eternity,Jer. 10:10,"Nov 15, 1958 Wt Page 677-680",Prayers That Are Heard By God.,86,,,
Prayer,"If Someone gave you a large sum of money, would you express Thanks No part of large gift could be appreciated without: Sun; air we breathe; water to drink; vegetation; refreshing nights rest.",Little things often taken for granted. Do we thank Jehovah for small things?,Ps. 106:1; Col: 4:2; Phil. 4:6,"Oct 15, 1960 Wt Page 611",Prayers That Are Heard By God.,86,,,
Prayer,In a deep dark cave not even light can penetrate if there is no opening.,"Prayer can penetrate even the darkness of cave, under the earth.",Jonah 2:1;,Matt Roper,Prayers That Are Heard By God.,86,,,
Prayer,"Kite, Get up & don't pull it back down. When we worry about our prayers, we pull them back down.",Pray and leave matters in Jehovah's hands.,Rom. 11:20,Randy Stone C.O.,Prayers That Are Heard By God.,86,,,
Prayer,"Man and the Cart.  Man carelessly driving cart & became stuck in mud in country road.  Began to pray to get unstuck: nothing happened. Someone advised: whip your ox, lay your own shoulder to the wheel",We must work in harmony with our prayers. and it worked. 'Must work as hard as we pray' Moral: God helps those who help themselves.,2 Tim 2:15   2 Pet 3:14,Aesop's Fables Page 68,Prayers That Are Heard By God.,86,,,
Prayer,"Memorized poem, part should come from heart.","Memorized words come from head, not the heart.",Luke 11:13,"Bro Greer , Louis  ... Circuit Assy",Prayers That Are Heard By God.,86,,,
Prayer,"Missionary: Society sent machine Could not put one part into place, prayed, next morning he put it right into place",Can depend on prayer,Ps 25:14,"Kingdom Unity Dist Assy  Uniondale, N.Y. June 23-26, 1983",Prayers That Are Heard By God.,86,,,
Prayer,Physical Wall; giant obstacle; becomes only a hurdle. Life now back on course. (see 'a Mother's reflections' also.,Pray & reflection on God's word gave deep calm.,Phil 4:7  Ps 119:165,"April 22, 1990 Awake  Page 21-24",Prayers That Are Heard By God.,86,,,
Prayer,"Policeman, Doctor, Lawyer, usually consulted when in trouble. 'Be persevering in prayer, remaining awake in it with thanksgiving We will consider him our dearest & truest friend, to whom we enjoy talking as we walk with him.",We do not want to place Jehovah in that category.,Col. 4:2,"Feb 15, 1963 Wt Page 115",Prayers That Are Heard By God.,86,,,
Prayer,"Prayer is a supplement to; not substitute for; HARD WORK.  An earthly father expects his son to display a little initiative, using his mind, search out wise decisions. When Jehovah sees that we are not to be turned aside by hard work,","Prayer is no substitute for effort. blood, sweat, and tears, our prayers will be answered.","Jer. 10:10  Jas. 1:7, 8","Nov 15, 1958 Wt Page 677-680",Prayers That Are Heard By God.,86,,,
Prayer,Quote by 19th Century poet Alfred Tennyson 'More things are wrought by prayer than the world dreams of.',Jehovah is called the 'Hearer of Prayer.',Ps 65:2,"Jan 15, 1990 Wt Page 3",Prayers That Are Heard By God.,86,,,
Prayer,"Quote from John Bunyan, English Writer. 'In Prayer it is better to have a heart without words, than words without a heart.'",Sincerity of prayer,Matt 6:5-8,"May 15, 1990 Wt Page 13",Prayers That Are Heard By God.,86,,,
Prayer,"Quote: Puritan minister Thomas Brooks 'God looks not at the oratory of your prayers, how elegant they may be; nor at the geometry of your prayers, how long they may be not at logic of your prayer, how methodical they may be; but the",Sincerity of prayer sincerity of them he looks at.',Matt 6:5-8,"May 15, 1990 Wt Page 13",Prayers That Are Heard By God.,86,,,
Prayer,"Radar beams reach moon in 2.38-2.72 seconds. Jan 10, 1946 Prayers reach all the way to throne of Jehovah, countless light years away in instant of time. Wicked men may take away our Bibles, associate with Brothers, Our","Speed of light, nothing compared with speed of our prayers. Service, but can never take away our privilege of prayer",Phil. 4:6  Dan. 9:21,"Aug 15, 1958 Wt Page 502",Prayers That Are Heard By God.,86,,,
Prayer,Satan has arsenal of weapons against prayer. Prayer is needed to resist. Need to pray continually.,Satan is eager to destroy our relationship with Jehovah,"2 Cor 2:11  1 Pet 5:8, 9   Ps 141:8, 9  Deuteronomy. 7:3, 4,","May 15, 1990 Wt Page 19 Para 20",Prayers That Are Heard By God.,86,,,
Prayer,"Some gifted singers, talented musicians; still need instructions They observed he did not pray like the hypocrites. He urged them to pray privately, & he did so.",Jesus disciples came to realize they need instructions on prayer,Luke 11:1,"Oct 1, 1989 Wt Page 15",Prayers That Are Heard By God.,86,,,
Prayer,"Some gifted with fine singing voice, or natural talent as musician Even disciples said, 'Lord, teach us how to pray.' Luke 11:1 What can we learn from this example? How can we benefit from Jesus instruction on prayer?","To reach highest potential, even these need instruction.",Luke 11:1,"May 15, 1990 Wt Page 15",Prayers That Are Heard By God.,86,,,
Prayer,Son ask for fish; give snake- for egg; give scorpion Will get what we asked for and more,Jehovah just what we need,Luke 11:5-13,Jesus,Prayers That Are Heard By God.,86,,,
Prayer,"Talk to someone in vain.  Know they are not listening. Pray for safe arrival then break speed limits, or drink liquor? Pray for wisdom, then neglect personal study? Pray for unity, then act tactless, harsh, or perverse.",We must act in harmony with our prayer.,1 Pet. 3:7,"Feb 15, 1963 Wt Page 116",Prayers That Are Heard By God.,86,,,
Prayer,"Talking to each other is a basic requirement of friendship. We could drift apart though sharing the same roof, meals & beds.",Failure to talk would mean drifting apart.,Amos 3:7; John 15:15,"Feb 15, 1963 Wt Page 113",Prayers That Are Heard By God.,86,,,
Prayer,"Tattle-tale: Your prayers tell on you.  Reveal what sort of person Do they show you to be a happy servant, thankful for life, appreciative of his Word? Reveal how much you rely on God. Decorum (yawn or rush through)","Day after day, week after week, Jehovah knows what you are thinking Listen too. We do not rush away from the ones we love, do we?",Ps. 61:3  Prov. 18:10,"Nov 15, 1958 Wt Page 677-680",Prayers That Are Heard By God.,86,,,
Prayer,Tax collector & Pharisee praying in temple,"Move us to be humble, not self-righteous",Luke 18:9-14,Jesus,Prayers That Are Heard By God.,86,,,
Prayer,"Telephone Ask what we want, Never wrong number, Privilege can be taken away","Talk as long as you want, loud as you want, day or night",Luke 11:13,Trust In Jehovah District Assy. July 1987,Prayers That Are Heard By God.,86,,,
Prayer,Thanksgiving (Worldly holiday) Their thoughts are more on feasting and having a merry time than on many gifts God has given.,"Thanksgiving to God comes, not from stomach, but from the heart.",Ps. 69:30  Phil. 4:6,"Dec 1, 1959 Wt Page 708",Prayers That Are Heard By God.,86,,,
Prayer,"Throw shoe under bed, and it reminded this brother to pray When he had to get on his knees the next morning, he remembered that he should pray to Jehovah.",Reminded to pray in morning as well as at night.,1 Th 5:17,Carl Monks,Prayers That Are Heard By God.,86,,,
Prayer,"Titanic; Apr 14, 1912 at 11:40 PM struck iceberg; ignored warnings Unsinkable titanic sank, taking down 1,502 men, women & children Our 'sea' is strewn with icebergs, obstacles put there by Satan can easily cause us shipwreck.","Never assume there is smooth sailing & relax our vigilance 3 enemies: Devil, World, Our Flesh Need to be alert, watchful, vigilant. (not overconfident)",1 Pet 4:7,"Aug 15, 1958 Wt Page 497",Prayers That Are Heard By God.,86,,,
Prayer,"Two friends enjoy each other's company, delay in parting.",We must 'be persevering in prayer',Col. 4:2,"Feb 15, 1963 Wt Page 115",Prayers That Are Heard By God.,86,,,
Prayer,"Unlike Letter, Must wait for a response 1 Thess. 5:17 means 'prayerful attitude'",Prayers get immediate answer from Jehovah,Mark 13:4-30  1 Pet 4:7,Pure Language Dist. Assy.,Prayers That Are Heard By God.,86,,,
Prayer,Unrestricted privilege (membership in club etc) Cornelius' prayers only 'ascended as a remembrance before God.' Baptism gave him a wonderful closeness between him & Jehovah,Those dedicated & baptized have full privileges,Acts 10:1-44  Heb 11:6,"Jan 15, 1990 Wt Page 6",Prayers That Are Heard By God.,86,,,
Prayer,Widow & unrighteous Judge (got justice),Always pray and not give up,Luke 18:1-8,Jesus,Prayers That Are Heard By God.,86,,,
Prayer After Sin,"Like hitting self in head with hammer, then taking aspirin",Pray before sinning; Effects cause damage to oneself,"Matt. 6:9, 10",1989 Godly Devotion Assembly,Prayers That Are Heard By God.,86,,,
"Prayer,","'I don't know what I'm going to do!  I have tried everything, even prayer!'",Perhaps that's the problem.  We should pray first.,"1th 5:17; Ps 25:4, 5;",Steve Koinavich D.O.,Prayers That Are Heard By God.,86,,,
"Prayer,","'I have never felt the sensation of having my prayer answered,' said a woman in Hokkaido, Japan. People keep records of other important matters; why not prayers.","Having kept a record of the essence of her prayers, one day she looked through the notebook and realized that Jehovah had heard most of her prayers. Even the ones she had forgot. God cared.","Rom. 12:12; Ps. 62:8; Jas. 1:17; 2 Cor. 12:7-10; 1 Jo. 5:14, 15;","Sep 15, 1991 Wt Page 3 & 6",Prayers That Are Heard By God.,86,,,
"Prayer,","A boy may want a bicycle, however his father may not buy him one until he is old enough to ride it safely. Jehovah's servants do not get everything asked for. Being imperfect, they desire some things that would not be good for them.","Jehovah knows the best time to answer prayers. Knowing what is best for us, he grants what is needed at the most favorable time","Jas. 1:17; 2 Cor. 12:7-10; 1 Jo. 5:14, 15;","Sep 15, 1991 Wt Page 5",Prayers That Are Heard By God.,86,,,
"Prayer,","After a long ride through Germany, Poland, Ukraine, the drivers report: In a short time, a force of 140 brothers was on hand to unload the trucks. Before starting, they offered a PRAYER. When finished they PRAYED. Again, before taking leave, they offered a PRAYER to Jehovah.","Do we have such strong faith, and prayerful reliance on Jehovah?",Ro 12:12;,"Feb 1, 1993 Wt Page 22",Prayers That Are Heard By God.,86,,,
"Prayer,","Brother: 'I almost got bit by a mean dog today.'   D.O.: 'Did you pray?'  Brother:  'No, I ran.'",Prayer should be first;  Perhaps you could pray while running.,"1th 5:17; Ps 25:4, 5;",Steve Koinavich D.O.,Prayers That Are Heard By God.,86,,,
"Prayer,",Do close friends only discuss the big things in life?,"Praise = thanksgiving, gratitude,   Petitions = requests, daily needs  Supplication = Reveal the depth of faith, spirituality.",Eph. 6:18,Bro Larson; Doer Of God's Word District Convention.  June 2000,Prayers That Are Heard By God.,86,,"Jul 13, 2000",
"Prayer,","Even a fisherman has guidelines as to what he will accept.  The type of fish, appearance, length, even limits. For prayers to mean something to you, they must mean something to Jehovah.",Jehovah has guidelines that could make a person's prayers unacceptable.  Eight mentioned here.,"Mt 6:5,7; Lk18:9-14; Pr28:9; Mic3:4; Jas4:3 Is 8:19;43:8;jas1:6,7;",Chuck Dysart (see Reasoning Bk Page 293-4),Prayers That Are Heard By God.,86,,,
"Prayer,","Family member in the hospital.  They called the hospital room number and due to the lateness of the hour, the switchboard had already been shut down.  They said, 'We always pray together before going to sleep!'  The hospital turned the switchboard back on for their family prayer.",Do we appreciate prayer to Jehovah to that extent?  Quote: Ralph Blankenship Family,1th 5:17,"Divine Teaching District Assembly.  Memphis July 1-4, 1993",Prayers That Are Heard By God.,86,,,
"Prayer,",For a radio or T.V. to pick up right program they must be on the right channel.,"Our prayers must be to Jehovah God, through Christ Jesus.","Matt. 6:9, 10;",Johnse Laymon,Prayers That Are Heard By God.,86,,,
"Prayer,",Go often to the house of a friend; for weeds soon choke up the unused path.  Quote: Oliver Wendell Holmes,We should pray often to Jehovah.,1 Thess 5:17;,Tim Moore,Prayers That Are Heard By God.,86,,"Jun 10, 2002",
"Prayer,","God is not our servant!  Prayer should not try to obligate God, but it should be left up to him to act.  Religious leader sometime 'command' God to heal, etc.",Good examples of this proper attitude is with Jehoshaphat and Jesus.,2ch 20:10-12; Luke 22:42;,"Aug 15, 1970 Wt Page 484-5",Prayers That Are Heard By God.,86,,,
"Prayer,",How many times have you prayed today?,"If you can count the number of times, you probably are not praying enough.",1th 5:17;,Bobby Laymon,Prayers That Are Heard By God.,86,,,
"Prayer,","In many instances, prayer has become part of a nightly routine before going to bed and is given as little thought as brushing one's teeth, and opening the window.",How can one put their heart into such a prayer?  It is a mechanical repetition of memorized words.  Would it not have more meaning if spoken spontaneously from the heart?  If one would concentrate on what one says?,1ch 29:10-13; 2ch 20:10-12;,"Aug 15, 1970 Wt Page 483",Prayers That Are Heard By God.,86,,,
"Prayer,",Just as an upright person would not listen to a radio program that he considers immoral.,"Jehovah will not listen to our prayer, if we are not observing his commandments.","Pr. 28:9; 15:29; Isa. 1:15; 1 Jo 2:1, 2;",You Can Live Forever In Paradise On Earth. Page 228,Prayers That Are Heard By God.,86,,,
"Prayer,",Like pushing the 'Stop' button on an elevator -- a last resort in dire emergencies.,This is how many feel about prayer.  They only pray when they need help.,1th 5:17; Ps 25:14; Heb 11:6,"Sep 22, 1992 Aw Page 14",Prayers That Are Heard By God.,86,,,
"Prayer,","Suppose that your much loved father, living in another country encouraged you to telephone whenever you wished--free of charge. Would you not call often?  Would you not discuss your anxieties and express deep gratitude?  Not read from a book, or repeat self.","Prayer is a personal relationship that should be a great treasure to you.  Prayers should not be read, or repeating memorized words.","Mt 6:7; 9-13;7:7; Lk 11:2-4; Neh 1:6; Php 4:6, 7;","Jun 8, 1992 Aw Page 20",Prayers That Are Heard By God.,86,,,
"Prayer,",The way to a man's heart is through his stomach. Does not hear prayers of wicked.,"With Jehovah, the way to his heart is through his ears, prayers.",Ps. 66:19; Heb. 5:7; 1 Pet. 3:12; Mic. 3:4; Prov. 28:9; Rom. 12:12,Bobby Laymon,Prayers That Are Heard By God.,86,,,
"Prayer,","We might compare this to a gathering where a number of people are together talking.  You are there, listening to the others talk. (an observer) Then, someone turns to you, says your name, and directs his words to you. This arrest your special attention.","Similarly, God is always attentive to his people, however when we call upon his name, his attention is arrested and he focuses on us in a special way.  Can hear unvoiced petitions.",1 Ch. 16:9; Pr. 15:3; Ps. 145:18;,"Dec 15, 1991 Wt Page 14",Prayers That Are Heard By God.,86,,,
"Prayer,","We might liken the matter to that of a father whose son asks for a bicycle. The father know that if he buys a bicycle for that son, his other son would want one too.  Since one son may be too young, the father may decide not to buy at that particular time.","In a similar manner, in the light of his purpose and timing of matters, our heavenly Father decides what is truly best for us and for others.","Ps. 84:8, 11; Hab. 2:3; Lk. 18:1-7; Heb. 11:6;","Dec 15, 1991 Wt Page 15",Prayers That Are Heard By God.,86,,,
"Prayer,","When the brothers at Bethel got an ice cream freezer they tried it out, and had all the brothers waiting for ice cream.  Asking a brother to thank Jehovah, he prayed: 'Jehovah, thank you for the ice cream.'","Prayers should fit the occasion; some need to be simple, to point.",Neh. 2:4;,Bobby Laymon,Prayers That Are Heard By God.,86,,,
"Prayer, Anxiety, Concern, Problem,",'Any concern too small to be turned into a prayer is too small to be made into a burden.'  Quote: Corrie Ten Boom.,None of our anxieties are too small for Jehovah.  We need to go to him as a child does a father.,Ps 55:22;,Bobby Laymon - Reader's Digest,Prayers That Are Heard By God.,86,,1996/03/15,
"Prayer, Approachable,","Haughty rulers among men can only be reached through a multitude of influential agents. Jehovah is truly approachable. However, we should not pray for anything that runs counter to God.","Jehovah is not like that, 'in fact, he is not far off from each one of us.'","Acts 17:27; Ps. 34:15; Matt. 6:9; Jn. 16:23, 24;","Sep 8, 1867 Aw Page 27",Prayers That Are Heard By God.,86,,,
"Prayer, Armageddon, Courage,",Mother listen to children all day; but especially hear danger cry. We can have great courage if we know we're going to win.,Jehovah will especially hear & deliver during Gog's attack.,Ezek. 38:1-39:16,"Sep 15, 1990 Wt Page 20",Prayers That Are Heard By God.,86,,,
"Prayer, Bow,",In some lands it is customary to bow to people.,It is most proper to bow to the Greatest Person alive.  It is not always necessary however.  Posture is not the most important thing in prayer.,John 16:23;,W72 6/1 335,Prayers That Are Heard By God.,86,,1994/08/09,
"Prayer, Burden, Stress, Depression, Trust,","Some people just pretend to throw.  They have the ball in their hand and act like they are going to throw it, but don't let go.  That can get old pretty quick.  It doesn't do anyone any good.  It is a fake!","Some pray like that.  They pretend to 'throw their burdens on Jehovah' but don't let go.  Right away they are again worrying about them.  We must let go, if we are going to throw our burdens on Jehovah.",Ps. 55:22;,Joe Laymon,Prayers That Are Heard By God.,86,,1994/06/22,
"Prayer, Busy, Friend, Relationship, Listen, Study, Regular,","When presenting the Kingdom message to others, the reply is often heard: 'I'm too busy.' It is hard to fathom why people are too busy to listen to a Bible message.","However, on the other hand, do we find in our own course of action that we are saying in effect we are too busy to talk to God or to listen to his Word by a regular study of it? Be careful not to get caught in a whirlpool of activity that will stealthily drown your appreciation of communing with God. In other words, never let collapse that spiritual bridge to true understanding and friendship with Jehovah God.",Matt 24:39;,W72 6/1 338,True Friendship With God And Neighbor.,100,,1994/08/09,
"Prayer, Christendom, Kingdom,","'Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever, Amen.",Information: Though taken from 1 Chron. 29:11 those words could not correctly be said to God by anyone at Jerusalem in Jesus' day. Today Jehovah's Witnesses do not join in with religionist,"Matt. 6:9, 10; 1 Chron. 29:11;","Apr 15, 1964 Wt Page 234 Para. 21, 22.",Prayers That Are Heard By God.,86,,,
"Prayer, Christendom, Memorize,","'Now I lay me down to sleep, I pray the Lord my soul to keep; If I should die before I wake, I pray the Lord my soul to take.' Quote: The New England Primer.","For many, the most they know about prayer is the one taught long ago in a school primer.","Matt 6:9, 10;",Bobby Laymon,Prayers That Are Heard By God.,86,,1995/07/14,
"Prayer, Comfort, Priorities, Patience,","Some years ago I went to work a week at Bethel.  I walked to work several blocks, and it seemed to rain every day.  One day, as I was walking from work, the sky darkened, and you could hear the rain coming over the New York street noise.  I began to run as there was a building with shelter about a block away.  Not imagine this:  A mother pushing a baby carriage several feet behind me, began running also.  Then the baby began crying louder and louder.  She stopped and gently took the baby out and began comforting it and it stops crying.  Not being a mother, I could not understand, since we were so close to shelter, why didn't she wait until they were safe from the storm before comforting the baby?","Jehovah is like that.  Even though we are so close to the new earth, where our problems will be over, when we cry out desperately to him, he comforts us, even now.",2 Cor 1:4;,Joe Laymon,True Friendship With God And Neighbor.,100,,1999/04/20,
"Prayer, Communication,","'THE compulsion to communicate runs deep.' With that statement, the book 'Machines' began a chapter on the radio. By radio we can communicate with persons around the globe or even hear from astronauts in outer space.",But many persons ignore or misunderstand a more important type of communication with the spirit realm.  SPEAKING TO THE CREATOR!,"Ps 5:1, 2;",Hp 121  13,Prayers That Are Heard By God.,86,,1994/08/08,
"Prayer, Communication,","A person would not rush into the presence of an earthly king unannounced, ignoring all proper decorum.","So the one earnestly seeking God's attention in prayer will approach him in the proper spirit and manner. But this does not remove him far away, as a cold, distant God.",Acts 17:26-28;,W76 9/15 547,Prayers That Are Heard By God.,86,,1994/08/08,
"Prayer, Communication,",A transmitter and a receiver are necessary in radio communication. But what do we need in order to contact Jehovah in prayer?,"The first requirement is faith.  Also, a person must be attuned to God's moral standards and ways. Otherwise God will no more listen to him than an upright person would listen to a radio program that he viewed as morally repugnant.",1 Jo 3:22; Isa 1:15; Heb 11:6;,Hp 121-2  13,Build Your Faith In Man's Maker,54,,1994/08/08,
"Prayer, Communication,",Many have marveled at how the voices of astronauts on the moon were transmitted across hundreds of thousands of miles and were heard in all parts of the earth.  This was made possible by means of radio waves.,"This shows that it is by no means impossible for human creatures to communicate with the One who created the moon and all the stars spread across the immensity of space.  Yes, prayer directed to the Creator should appear all the more credible and desirable.",Ps 65:2;,"Jan 22, 1971 Aw Page 5",Prayers That Are Heard By God.,86,,1994/01/06,
"Prayer, Communication,","People can rob you of your possessions.  Opposers may take your Bible, or prevent you from attending meetings with fellow worshipers.","However, no one can rob you of prayer.  To overstate the value of prayer is impossible.  The Bible is man's greatest textbook on prayer.",Ps 65:2; 2 Tim 3:16;,"Mar 15, 1995 Wt Page 3",Prayers That Are Heard By God.,86,,1995/02/21,
"Prayer, Communication,",People in high station often delegate lesser work to other persons with fewer responsibilities.,"Jehovah, the 'Hearer of prayer,' has not delegated this office to any other person, not even to his own Son.  He listens!  He urges us to approach him in prayer.  Our supplications may even move Jehovah to do what he might not otherwise have done.",1 Thess 5:17; Ps 65:2; Heb 4:16; Jas 5:16; Isa 38:1-16,"Apr 1, 1995 Wt Page 14",Prayers That Are Heard By God.,86,,1995/05/21,
"Prayer, Communication,",The noted poet Alfred Tennyson wrote: 'More things are wrought by prayer than this world dreams of.',"How true! But if God's dedicated servants are to be heard, their prayers must be directed to Jehovah through Jesus Christ in faith, must be in harmony with the divine will and must be expressed in the right manner.",John 14:6; 1 John 5:13-15;,W84 5/1 12,Prayers That Are Heard By God.,86,,1994/08/08,
"Prayer, Communication, Answers, Reliance,",A CHIEF executive decides whether he will delegate a matter or will handle it personally.,"Similarly, the Sovereign Ruler of the universe has the option to determine the extent of his personal involvement in any matter. The Scriptures teach that God has chosen to involve himself personally in our prayers.",Psalm 66:19; 69:13.,W92 4/15 4,Prayers That Are Heard By God.,86,,1994/08/08,
"Prayer, Communication, Answers, Timing,","Though a boy asks for a bicycle, his father may not obtain one for him until the child is old enough to ride it safely.","Jehovah knows the best time to answer prayers.  Knowing what is best for them, he grants what is needed at the most favorable time.",Psalm 66:19; 69:13.,W91 9/15 5,Prayers That Are Heard By God.,86,,1994/08/08,
"Prayer, Communication, Appreciation,",Those with little faith may consider God as an absentee who has left mankind on its own. Or they may think that prayer is just a form of self-deception.,"However, there is far more to it than an emotional experience. You are not talking to yourself but are addressing the living heavenly Father, who can 'do more than superabundantly beyond all the things we ask or conceive.'",Eph 3:20;,W75 7/1 403,Prayers That Are Heard By God.,86,,1994/08/08,
"Prayer, Communication, Appreciation, Food, Good, Blessings,","We do not want to be like animals, unaware of the real Source and Provider of all good things.","One not giving thanks to God for his food is unappreciative, and cannot expect the full blessing of God.","1 Tim 4:4, 5;",W76 9/15 549,Prayers That Are Heard By God.,86,,1994/08/08,
"Prayer, Communication, Appreciation, Generously,","Doubtless you have asked someone to do something for you, and he responded in a reluctant way, or in a way that made you feel very small and unworthy, or foolish.","God will not reproach us for 'stupidity' or weakness. No, he gives generously, wholeheartedly, in a way that makes us happy that we asked.",1 Th 5:17;,W74 3/1 138,Keep Growing In Your Relationship With God,16,,1994/08/08,
"Prayer, Communication, Busy,","OUR hearts should be like the needle of a compass that, while temporarily deflected by outside influences, always reverts to pointing north.","WE should cultivate a proneness to prayer.  Then we will be making prayer a habit, heeding the command to 'pray incessantly.'",1 Pet. 4:7; 1 Thess. 5:17;,W63 2/15 115,How Well Do You Know God?,1,,1994/08/09,
"Prayer, Communication, Disfellowshipped, Harmony, Actions,","Of the more than 3,000,000 publishers of the good news last year, upwards of 37,000 were disfellowshipped for conduct unbecoming a Christian. That amounts to a ratio of about one in 80.","Quite likely, most of these individuals were praying at least now and then. But were they acting in harmony with their prayers? By no means!",1 Cor 10:12;,W87 7/15 15,How To Protect Ourselves From Satan's Snares,115,,1994/08/08,
"Prayer, Communication, Family, Marriage, Children,","A modern well-build house might even have an intercom system, so there could be music and even communication to everyone in the house.  Even conference calls to all in the house.","A spiritual house should have good communication, so that all can be informed.  Conference calls to Jehovah, as we speak to him as a group and individuals.",1 Cor 14:9;,Donald Wolkin,God Comes First In Successful Family Life,110,,1996/07/28,
"Prayer, Communication, Friends,",EVEN as two friends enjoy each other's company and delay parting.,WE will not only repeatedly turn to God but delight to linger in prayer. We will come not merely with petitions but with praise and thanksgiving.,Col 4:2;,W63 2/15 115,Prayers That Are Heard By God.,86,,1994/08/09,
"Prayer, Communication, Friends,","WE will not be placing Jehovah God in the role of a policeman, doctor or lawyer, one merely to be consulted when in trouble.","WE will consider him our dearest and truest friend, to whom we enjoy talking as we walk with him.",Col 4:2;,W63 2/15 115,Prayers That Are Heard By God.,86,,1994/08/09,
"Prayer, Communication, Model,",YOU might call this the Prayer of prayers.  It can appropriately be compared to a precious gem.,"Just like a precious stone, its value is very high. Diamonds, for example, are 120 times rarer than gold. The value of a diamond is enhanced by its various facets.    FACETS  These are obtained by careful cutting. The angles must be exact to give maximum brilliance.  Similarly, each facet of the Model Prayer shines with its own splendor.  DURABLE  'Diamonds are forever.' Did you realize that almost 2,000 years have passed since the Model Prayer came into existence? Its worth has not faded.",Mt 6:9-13;,W82 4/15 3,God Comes First In Successful Family Life,110,,1994/08/08,
"Prayer, Communication, Needs,","When did you last have another day just like yesterday?  Each day is different, and needs are different.","We need to talk to Jehovah daily, and express our needs for each day.",James 5:16;,Donald Wolkin,God Comes First In Successful Family Life,110,,1996/07/28,
"Prayer, Communication, Prayer Book, Sincerity,","If you have a child, would you like it if he spoke to you only with words that he read out of a book prepared by someone else? Or would you prefer that he speak from his own heart?","Jehovah God certainly prefers that we speak to him from our heart, not from a prayer book.",Mt 6:9-13; Ps 62:8;,W82 4/15 7,Prayers That Are Heard By God.,86,,1994/08/08,
"Prayer, Communication, Relationship,",A father rejoices at hearing his young child speak sincere words of gratitude.  A child who is loved wants to talk to his father.,The same is true when it comes to our relationship with God.  If we appreciate what we are learning about Jehovah we will have a strong desire to express ourselves to Jehovah.,Psalm 119:108;,Kl Page 151,Keep Growing In Your Relationship With God,16,,1995/06/16,
"Prayer, Communication, Relationship, Appreciation,",Prayer can be said to be a yardstick of our gratefulness for life.,Giving thanks to the Life-Giver aids us to count our blessings. There are many occasions daily to say 'Thank you' silently to our heavenly Provider. The grateful heart appreciates the small things as well as the big ones.,"Pa 145:16; 1 Th 5:17, 18;",W72 6/1 332,True Friendship With God And Neighbor.,100,,1994/08/08,
"Prayer, Communication, Relationship, Appreciation, Association,","One elderly brother who had been in the truth, active and busy for many years, when asked how he stayed faithful and true for so long replied to the effect that if you stay in the middle of a flock of sheep  you cannot get lost.",How foolish to wander off now to other pastures and think you can come back later if you choose to do so.  May our daily prayer be that we may also always be found in the midst of Jehovah's people. Never be too busy to pray like that.,Ps 95:6; Ecc 7:12;,W72 6/1 333,True Friendship With God And Neighbor.,100,,1994/08/08,
"Prayer, Communication, Relationship, Humility, Honesty,","Now, then, when you pray be aware that you are painting a vivid picture of yourself before God.   Your Prayers Tell on You!","Show respect in your conduct, pray with sincerity and conviction. Be honest. Be assured that true prayer never goes unanswered. Above all, be humble and appreciative of the privilege of prayer. Your prayers will not lie. They will tell the truth about you.",Matt 6:6-8;,W58 11/15 680,True Friendship With God And Neighbor.,100,,1995/01/27,
"Prayer, Communication, Relationship, Model,",What kind of relationship would it be if a child used the same words every time he spoke to his father?,"Jesus did not want us to chant the 'Model Prayer' or to repeat it over and over, reciting it without thinking about its meaning.  We should always think about our prayers.",Matt 6:7;,Kl Page 155,True Friendship With God And Neighbor.,100,,1995/06/16,
"Prayer, Communication, Sincere, Humble,","It has been said: 'God looks not at the oratory of your prayers, how elegant they may be; nor at the geometry of your prayers, how long they may be; nor at the arithmetic of your prayers, how many they may be; not at logic of your prayers, how methodical they may be; but the sincerity of them he looks at.' -17th-century English Puritan minister Thomas Brooks.",Prayers must be sincere from a humble heart to be heard by Jehovah.,John 14:6; 1 John 5:13-15;,W84 5/1 12,Prayers That Are Heard By God.,86,,1994/08/08,
"Prayer, Communication, Sincerity, Protection,","IT HAPPENED at a Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses.  A little girl continued to misbehave. The mother then signaled for the father to take over, and he did.  Realizing what was in store for her, the little girl cried out: 'O Jehovah, please help!'","But is this only amusing?  No!  It tells us something. The little girl knew the name of God the Creator, that it is Jehovah, something very few little girls know. She had been taught the value of prayer and that Jehovah can be appealed to for help in times of trouble.",Mt 6:9-13; Ps 62:8;,W80 6/1 16,Prayers That Are Heard By God.,86,,1994/08/08,
"Prayer, Communication, Sincerity, Protection, Standards, Requirements,","It is said that all soldiers in foxholes pray. Since most of them usually survive, those who do might conclude that God answered their prayers.","Many persons believe that God answers their prayers, even though their petitions do not meet divine requirements for prayer.",Mt 6:9-13; Ps 62:8;,W80 6/1 25-6,Prayers That Are Heard By God.,86,,1994/08/08,
"Prayer, Communication, Sincerity, Timing, Harmony, Action,","If gambling is a person's weakness, he could not pray for God to help him to stop and then visit racetracks or other such places where gambling is carried on.","For our prayers to be heard by God, we need to show him by our actions that we really mean what we say.",Mt 6:9-13; Ps 62:8;,Pe 228  27,Prayers That Are Heard By God.,86,,1994/08/08,
"Prayer, Communication, Speech,",SPEECH is the natural bridge to understanding and friendship between men.,"Prayer is the spiritual bridge to understanding and friendship between man and Jehovah God.  What a wonderful gift to man, this privilege of prayer! Day and night in any language you can speak to God.",1 Th 5:17;,W72 6/1 329,Resisting The Spirit Of The World,25,,1994/08/08,
"Prayer, Communication, Will,","Usually, a policeman would not help you to break the law, would he?","Likewise, God logically will not help you unless what you ask for is in harmony with his will. Otherwise, God would forever be contradicting  himself.",John 5:14;,G80 11/8 9,Prayers That Are Heard By God.,86,,1994/08/08,
"Prayer, Communication, Work, Employment, Busy, Pioneer,","If a husband and father worked hard to support his family but never spoke to them any more than he had to and never gave them expressions of endearment, his family might well conclude that his motive was sheer unpleasant duty instead of love.","And so it is with us.  If we fail to communicate with Jehovah, no amount of work will substitute.",Eph 3:12;,W63 2/15 114,Communication--within The Family And With God,30,,1994/08/09,
"Prayer, Daily Text,","Wind your watch in morning (Old time watch) absorbs knocks, jars Do your prayer indicate you know God? Can know him better by increasing regularity, closeness of prayer",Do you pray to Jehovah in morning as well as other times?,1 Th 5:17,Bobby Laymon,How Well Do You Know God?,1,,,
"Prayer, Danger, Elders, Holy Spirit,","A drowning man instinctively cries for help.  There is no hesitation.  When life is at stake, no one needs prompting to call for assistance.","When we are spiritually low, perhaps sinking into despair, we likewise turn to Jehovah in prayer and beseech him to guide us by his holy spirit.","Ps 3:4;4:1;5:1-3;17:1,6,17-19;39:12;55:22;php 4:6,7;","May 15, 1993 Wt Page 14",Prayers That Are Heard By God.,86,,,
"Prayer, David, Harmony, Work,",The basis of our prayers should be like a strong foundation on which a house is to be built; it should be there BEFORE the weight of the structure is laid upon it.,"David prayed for the 'counsel of Ahithophel to be turned into foolishness.' He did more than pray, however.  He contributed in a positive way toward the successful outcome of that prayer.  His contribution began long before the trials he faced.","2 Sam 15:11-15, 30, 31; 1 Sam 16:12, 13; Acts 13:22;","Sep 8, 1995 Aw Page 20, 21",Are You Really Making Jehovah Your Stronghold?,18,,1995/08/04,
"Prayer, Depression, Stress, Groan,",Weight too heavy to lift. How can you move it. Roll it.,We must roll our burden onto Jehovah and let him carry them.,Ps. 37:5;,Larry Punko; C.O.,Prayers That Are Heard By God.,86,,,
"Prayer, Determination, Will,","We used to (shake our fist) and say to the kid on the neighborhood block, 'Make me!'","We need to be determined, and say to Jehovah, 'Make me, do your will,' as David did.",Ps 25:4,William Osbeck C.O.,Prayers That Are Heard By God.,86,,,
"Prayer, Elders, Help, Depression, Stress, Financial, Business, Groaning,","When you pull the plug on the bathtub, the water quickly goes down the drain.","Have you ever watched your business go down the drain like that? Or your hopes?  In times of despair, we need to rely heavily on Jehovah, and the brothers.","Gal 6:1,2,5;","May 15, 1993 Wt Page 14  (mike Hart) Memphis Assy.",Prayers That Are Heard By God.,86,,,
"Prayer, Exert,","A CARTER was driving a wagon along a country lane, when the  wheels sank down deep into a rut.  The rustic driver, stupefied and aghast, stood looking at the wagon, and did nothing but utter loud cries to Hercules to come and help him.  Hercules, it is said, appeared and thus addressed him:  'Put your shoulders to the wheels, my man.  Goad on your bullocks, and never more PRAY to me for help, until you have done your best to help yourself, or depend upon it you will henceforth PRAY in vain.'","Moral: 'It is useless to expect our prayers to be heard if we do not strive as well as pray.'  It is a fable but the point is made:  We must work in harmony with our prayers, if they are going to be answered.  Sometimes 'self-help' is the best.",1 Cor 15:58;,Aesop's Fables - Bobby Laymon,Prayers That Are Heard By God.,86,,1994/05/15,
"Prayer, Faith, Work, Cooperate,","Just as the farmer must plow, sow, and cultivate, but also must look to God to give the sunshine and rain, so it is with our acquiring strong faith.",But let us never overlook that we must do our part. We must work at what we pray for. God will do his part if we do ours.,Matt. 7:7; 17:20; Matt. 5:45.,W77 4/15 240,Prayers That Are Heard By God.,86,,1994/07/30,
"Prayer, Freeness, Speech, Assignments, Parts,",It is like a flat tire.,We must have freeness of speech in our prayers and meeting parts.,1 Tim 3:13;,Bro. Erickson C. O. - Elders School 12/97,Maintain Your Confidence Firm To The End,46,,1998/01/10,
"Prayer, Friend, Relationship,",A friendship is not likely to last long if all you talk about is yourself.,"Likewise, our prayers should not be self-centered.  We should also express our love and concern for Jehovah and his interests.  We can request help from God, but also utter thanks and praise.",Ps 34:1; 95:2; John 17:3; Ps 65:4;,"Jul 1, 1997 Page 30",How Well Do You Know God?,1,,1997/06/23,
"Prayer, Friend, Relationship,","Have you ever accidentally overheard two people conversing?  No doubt it did not take you long to determine the nature of their relationship -- whether they were intimates or strangers, mere acquaintances or close, trusting friends.","In a similar way, our prayers can reveal our relationship with God.  We can be his friend.  We can enjoy real intimacy with him!  That is the most precious thing we imperfect humans could possess.  And Jehovah treasures our friendship.",Acts 17:27; Psalm 34:8; James 2:23;,"Jul 1, 1997 Page 27",True Friendship With God And Neighbor.,100,,1997/06/23,
"Prayer, Friend, Relationship,","When you are with a close friend, do you only discuss the big events in your life?  Do you not also share relatively minor concerns?","In a similar way, you can feel free to talk about any facet of your life with Jehovah, knowing that 'he cares for you.'",1 Pet 5:7; Phil 4:6;,"Jul 1, 1997 Page 30",True Friendship With God And Neighbor.,100,,1997/06/23,
"Prayer, Friend, Relationship,","You may daily greet or even converse with any number of people--neighbors, coworkers, bus drivers, and store clerks.  Still, this hardly means that you are really friends with such ones.  Friendship grows as you talk at length with someone, moving from superficial chatter to the expression of your inner feelings and thoughts.","In a similar way, prayer helps us draw close to Jehovah.  But adequate time must be devoted to it.  More is needed than a quick thank-you at mealtimes.  The more you talk to Jehovah, the more you are able to sort out your own feelings, motives, and actions.  As you pray, Jehovah becomes more real to you.",Ps 143:10; John 14:26;,"Jul 1, 1997 Page 27",True Friendship With God And Neighbor.,100,,1997/06/23,
"Prayer, Friend, Sovereign, Almighty, Equals,","THERE are expressions that we use in conversation between equals. Such expressions as 'Good afternoon,' and 'Give our love to...'","Such expressions as 'Good afternoon, Jehovah' and 'Give our love to Jesus' are not fitting, nor are humorous comments or even jokes in our prayers. Why?  When used in prayer, they suggest a lack of reverence and respect, and they give the impression that the one thus praying has forgotten his total insignificance in comparison with Jehovah.",Rom 14:21; Genesis 18:27; Luke 18:9-14;,W85 6/1 31,Prayers That Are Heard By God.,86,,1994/08/09,
"Prayer, Granted,",Child at table must ask & say 'please' and then 'thank you',We must ask Him for what we need and express appreciation.,Jas. 1:17;,"Feb 15, 1963 Wt Page 113",Prayers That Are Heard By God.,86,,,
"Prayer, Granted, Speech,","How easy for a young man to think 'I love you' yet how hard for him to bring himself to say this in so many words. How prone we are to express our apology in subdued manner or some gift, rather than to put it into words.","Our prayer should reach expression of gratitude not otherwise felt Prayer strengthens our feelings, gives higher degree of appreciate earnestness, devotion, gratitude, regrets, repentance.",Rom. 12:12; Eph. 6:18; Luke 18:1-8;,"Feb 15, 1963 Wt Page 114",Prayers That Are Heard By God.,86,,,
"Prayer, Grieve, Holy Spirit,","For a radio station to be heard, we must be on the right frequency.",It is the same in prayer!  We must be on Jehovah's frequency. We must be doing the things he approves.,"1co 1:10; 3:1-4, 16, 17; 1th 5:12, 13; Jude 16; Eph 4:17-29;","Sep 15, 1992 Wt Page 18 (comment Joe Gretsel)",Prayers That Are Heard By God.,86,,,
"Prayer, Growth, Progress,",We can't move into a new home and just go out and pray for flowers in the yard.  We have to plant them.,"Likewise, we must work in harmony with our prayers for spiritual growth.","2 Tim 1:6, 7; Prov 11:24; Isa 30:33;",William Osbeck C. O.,Evidence Of God In The World Around Us,4,,1994/08/24,
"Prayer, Habits, Weakness, Sin",If you have a headache do you take an aspirin when it begins or after it is over.,When begin to weaken and before we sin we need to ask Jehovah for help.,Ps. 37:5,Irma Parillo,Prayers That Are Heard By God.,86,,,
"Prayer, Hinder, Wife, Husband,",Have you ever come upon a 'road block'?  Or perhaps where the road is 'broken up' or 'cut into' so deeply that it is impassible.,"The Greek word used for 'hinder' means 'to cut into.'  According to Vine's Expository Dictionary, it 'was used of impeding persons by breaking up the road, or by placing an obstacle sharply in the path.'  Hence, the husband who fails to assign his wife honor could find that there is a 'roadblock' between his prayers and God's hearing.",1 Pet 3:7;,"Jul 15, 1995 Wt Page 20",A Godly View Of Sex And Marriage,13,,1995/06/20,
"Prayer, Holy Spirit, Trials, Depression, Stress, Generic, Groan,",A 'generic' prayer is sometimes all right!  Sometimes it is the only kind we know how to pray.  At times you may be so depressed that you are unable to put your feelings into words and may be able to beseech Jehovah with unspoken groaning.,"If we pray for holy spirit and let it do it's work!  'The spirit also joins in with help for our weakness...the problem of what to pray for as we need to we do not know, but the spirit pleads'","Ro 8:26, 27; Mt 10:19, 20; Acts 4:29-31;","Sep 15, 1992 Wt Page 16 Paragraph 11, 12",Prayers That Are Heard By God.,86,,,
"Prayer, Holy Spirit, Trials, Depression, Stress, Generic, Groaning,","Experience sister Maude Mills: When young, four men pulled her into their car, intending to rape her.  She tried to pray to Jehovah, but all she could think of if she had wings.  She prayed, 'Oh Jehovah! Wings and pin-feathers' over and over.","The men decided she was crazy and let her go.  Sometimes we can only beseech Jehovah with unspoken groaning, but the Holy spirit helps in our behalf.","Ro 8:26, 27; Mt 10:19, 20; Acts 4:29-31;","Sep 15, 1992 Wt Page 16 Paragraph 11, 12",Prayers That Are Heard By God.,86,,,
"Prayer, Hopeless, Faith,","'When you say a situation or a person is hopeless, you are slamming the door in the face of God.'  Quote: Charles L. Allen.",With Jehovah all things are possible.,Matt 19:26;,Bobby Laymon - Reader's Digest,,,,1996/03/21,
"Prayer, Humble, Attitude,",You will not stumble while on your knees.,Prayer humbles one with proper attitude.,"Matt. 6:9, 10; 1 Th 5:17;",Bobby Laymon,Into The New Order Under Christ's Leadership,56,,,
"Prayer, Humility, Jehovah, Pride,","In coming to God with petitions we come as beggars, not as customers.","We cannot bargain with God, for we have nothing to offer.",Mt 6:5; John 4:24; Pr 15:8 Ps 11:7; 1p 5:5;,"Aug 15, 1958 Wt Page 503",Make Jehovah Your Confidence,70,,,
"Prayer, Humility, Jehovah, Pride, Ransom, wickedness, ","Our prayers might be likened to long-distance telephone calls that a child, while away at school, makes to his father back home. The father is happy to make the arrangements and take care of all the expenses.","Our heavenly father has made all the provisions, he has taken care of all the expenses -- and do not think that it did not cost him something.  It did, the life of his only-begotten Son, and it makes his heart glad for us to call him in prayer for he loves us.",1th 5:18; Job 27:10; Ps 119:164;,"Aug 15, 1958 Wt Page 507",Make Jehovah Your Confidence,70,,,4/1/2014
"Prayer, Jehovah's Witnesses,","'Oh, no, not one of Jehovah's Witnesses.  Surely God didn't send me one of them!' (see article for more experiences) Sometimes the answer to prayers surprise us.","A lady from Illinois prayed for God to send someone to help her understand the Bible and learn the truth.  She could hardly believe her eyes, when Jehovah's Witnesses appeared.  She was reluctant, but listened and learned the truth.","Php 4:6, 7;","Aug 15, 1970 Wt Page 486",Make Jehovah Your Confidence,70,,,
"Prayer, Jehovah, Benefits, Earth, Paradise, Purpose,","A mistake often made by people who are selecting toys for children is that, instead of trying to determine what will please the child, they purchase what pleases them. Child ends up playing with the box.",Jehovah is not like that.  He knows what is best for us and answers our prayer in most beneficial way.,Rom. 8:26;,"Dec 8, 1967 Aw Page 22",How Purposeful Is Your Life?,60,,,
"Prayer, Jesus, Worship,",Just as a path leads to a goal...,...So Jesus is the 'way' that leads to God the Almighty.  Note: Every prayer is a form of worship.,John 14:6;,"Dec 15, 1994 Wt Page 23, 24;",Prayers That Are Heard By God.,86,,1994/11/09,
"Prayer, Jesus, Worship, Communication,","Paul compared the congregation to a 'body,' and Jesus Christ to the 'head.'  The 'head' supplies the members of the body with their needs by way of 'joints and ligaments.'","Likewise Jesus the 'head' supplies the members of the congregation with their needs by way of 'joints and ligaments,' or the means and arrangements for supplying his congregation with spiritual nourishment and direction.  Thus, there is no need to communicate directly with Jesus or pray to him.  We must pray to Jehovah.",Col 2:19; Eph 4:8-12;,"Dec 15, 1994 Wt Page 25",Prayers That Are Heard By God.,86,,1994/11/09,
"Prayer, Language, Gilead,","'When you find yourself praying to God in the new language, that is a sure sign that your are thinking it.' Quote: Brother N.H. Knorr to 20th Class of Gilead.","We must think when we pray.  Also, when one learns to think in a new language, it is a sure sign it is mastered.",Heb 13:5; 1ti 6:8;,"Apr 15, 1953 Wt Page 236",Prayers That Are Heard By God.,86,,,
"Prayer, Life, Death, Suicide, Sacred,","'We cannot tear out a single page of our life, but we can throw the whole book in the fire.' Quote: George Sand. -1837.","We don't want to throw our lives away.  Illness, depression, guilty conscience, feeling of unworthiness, lack of self-control, persecution, prejudice, day-to-day problems, worry about the future, and personality conflicts are heavy burdens to bear.  Why try to handle them alone? Accept Jehovah's help.",Ps 55:22;,Bobby Laymon,Coping With Life's Anxieties,32,,1995/08/01,
"Prayer, Life, Tongue, Speech, Language, Gossip,","Has there ever been a more joyful sound than a baby's first words? As the baby matures, the parents tingle with excitement as words with meaning are spoken.",How much more pleased is the heavenly Father to hear his earthly children express in words their appreciation for the gift of life. Prayers are music to his ears.,Mal. 3:16; Prov. 18:10; Rev. 5:13; Ps. 47:1;,"Sep 1, 1967 Page 528",Prayers That Are Heard By God.,86,,,
"Prayer, Model, Forever, Diamonds, Priority,",'Diamonds are forever.',"Did you realize that almost 2,000 years have passed since the Model Prayer came into existence? Its worth has not faded.","Mt 6:9, 10;",W82 4/15 3-4,Prayers That Are Heard By God.,86,,1994/05/11,
"Prayer, Mother, Wife, Child, Infant, Concern, Caring, Tender,",'A mother does not hear the music of the dance when her children cry.' Quote: Old German Proverb.,A mother has tender concern for her offspring.  Jehovah is even more tuned in to our cries for help.,Isa 49:15;,Bobby Laymon - American Essays By Dan Valentine,Prayers That Are Heard By God.,86,,1997/05/13,
"Prayer, Persevering, Loyalty,","Even as two friends enjoy each other's company and delay parting! We will not be placing Jehovah in the role of a doctor, policeman, or lawyer, one merely to be consulted in time of trouble.","We will 'Be persevering in prayer, remaining awake in in it with thanksgiving.  We will consider Jehovah as our dearest and truest friend, to whom we enjoy talking as we walk with him.",Col 4:2; 1pe 4:7; 1th 5:17;,"Feb 15, 1963 Wt Page 115",Prayers That Are Heard By God.,86,,,
"Prayer, Persistence, Keep On, Asking,","A boy wanted a dog. So he asks his father, 'Can I have a dog, dad? '   His dad looks at him, smiles, pats his head and says, 'Let me think about it.' A few days later, the boy again asks, 'Dad, can I have a dog? I'll feed it and take care of it...' His dad starts to think, 'Maybe he's serious. I'll have to think more about this.' The little boy persists in his request over the next few weeks.  One day the man hears a lot of noise coming from the basement. So he goes down to see what is going on. He finds his son busily pounding nails into some boards. 'What are you doing?' he asks.  'I'm making a house for my new dog,' the boy replies.  Moved by the boys persistence and expectant attitude, the man bought his son a dog.","It is similar with our prayers to God today. We may not get the things we ask for at the time that we ask for them. If we persist in prayer, and 'keep on asking', we can be sure that our Best Friend Jehovah will hear our prayer, provided that it is in harmony with his righteous ways and principles.",Matt 7:7;,Peter Morgan,Prayers That Are Heard By God.,86,,1997/08/11,
"Prayer, Pioneer,","Young Children; lose something, ask parents. Parents usually know where it is.  Maybe put it there.","If we lose joy, ask Jehovah.","Lk 11:11, 12;",Pioneer Meeting (mike Hart),Prayers That Are Heard By God.,86,,,
"Prayer, Pleadings, Requests,","A little shepherd boy was watching his sheep one morning. He began to think that he, too, would like to communicate with God. 'But what can I say?' he thought. He had never learned a prayer.  So on bended knee, he began to recite the alphabet - A, B, C, D, and so on to Z, repeating his 'prayer' several times.  A man passing by heard the boy's voice, and stopping to look through the bushes, saw the child kneeling with folded hands and closed eyes, saying, 'J, K, L, M, ...'  He interrupted the boy, asking, 'What are you doing, my little friend?'  The boy replied, 'I was praying, Sir.'  Surprised, the man said, 'But why are you reciting the alphabet?'  The child explained, 'I don't know any prayers, Sir. But I want God to take care of me and help me to care for the sheep. So, I thought if I said all I knew, He could put the letters together and spell all that I want to say and should say.'","That is basically true.   Remember that Jesus told us to have faith like a child. When you go to God in prayer, don't worry if you don't know what to say. He can put your thoughts and feelings together and send you the answer you need, even when you don't know what you need.",Rom. 8:26; Job 13:6;,Mark Hanlon,Prayers That Are Heard By God.,86,,1998/11/26,
"Prayer, Priority,","Did you ever notice how telephone conversations get priority.  You can be in line at a parts store with 3 others behind you, and suddenly the telephone rings.  The clerk will drop whatever he is doing and look up and check on the part for the person on the telephone.",The same is true with prayer.  Jehovah gives us priority when we speak to him in prayer.  He is never too busy to listen.  It is a unique privilege to be able to call on him at any time.,John 16:23;,Bobby Laymon,Prayers That Are Heard By God.,86,,1995/01/27,
"Prayer, Privilege, Help, Understanding,",Prayer is a remarkable privilege.  It is as if you began perusing a book on some deep subject by calling on the author for his help in understanding what you were about to read.  What a tremendous advantage that can be!,"The Bible's author, Jehovah, offers you that privilege.","James 1:5,6","Oct 1, 2000 Page 11, 12",Prayers That Are Heard By God.,86,,"Nov 25, 2000",
"Prayer, Problems,","Facing problems is ... A PRAYER.  A=Attitude (Jas 1:2)Not 'motor boating sinking' prayers or 'poor me' prayers, talking to self.  P=Pray for wisdom. (Jas 1:5) R=Research.  (Jas 1:5) Study; add to wisdom; consult the elders.  A=Act.  (Jas 1:22, 25) Do something!  If cleaning the garage is too much, try cleaning one shelf.  May be able to go on and do more.  Y=Yield.  Yield to Jehovah's way. (Jas 1:16, 17)  E=Endure.  (Jas 1:12) It may let up, but continue to pray.  Be future oriented.  If you were in a tunnel and corner after corner was black, you wouldn't stop just because you finally see a glimmer of light.  Keep praying.  R=Repeat.  Repeat the process over and over.","Draw up 1/2 sheet of paper with the slogan...'Facing problems is ... A PRAYER. ' on it (Vertical on the last two words)  and use it as a 'pass out' before the public talk.  Let each one observe and use for notes, etc.",Jas 1:5-25; John 14:6;,Robert H. Schwarze,Prayers That Are Heard By God.,86,,1994/10/23,
"Prayer, Problems, Communication,","Suppose you work for a large corporation and the president has a generous 'open door' policy.  He tells you, that you can talk to me any time you want.  There are only a few requirements:  (1) Stop at Mrs. ____, my secretary.  (2) You must come with a complete heart. (not dealing with another company)  (3) Have something to talk about.  (4) Remember, I am president. (He must consider what is best for all.  May not apply all your suggestions) (5) Communicate.","It is exactly the same with Jehovah!  He has an 'open door' policy.  (1) We must go through his secretary, Christ Jesus.  (2) We must have a complete heart with exclusive devotion.  (3) Have something to talk about.  (4) Remember, He is Jehovah!  (prayers may not be answered in the way we desire, but in accord with what is best for all.  (5) Communicate.  (speak your heart; not memorized speech)",Isa 1:5; John 14:6;,Robert H. Schwarze,Prayers That Are Heard By God.,86,,1994/10/23,
"Prayer, Progress, Pioneer,","'When in doubt, always!' (During short meeting, when someone asked if 'we should have a prayer')",Prayer is always appropriate.,"Prov. 3:5, 6; Mt. 6:33, 34; Col. 4:2,3; Ac 6:6;","Dick Ekstrom  (quote)   (entered Dec 7, 1991)",Prayers That Are Heard By God.,86,,,
"Prayer, Progress, Pioneer,","The prayer to resurrect Lazarus lasted only about 15 seconds; The model prayer about 20 seconds; (approximately) Example: Dog bounds out; you pray, 'Jehovah, help me!' Jehovah hears such prayers.","Prayers do not have to be long; However we should pray before opening any new area of activity.  Return visit, study, etc.","1 Cor. 2:9; Prov. 3:5, 6; Mt. 6:33, 34; Col. 4:2,3; Ac 6:6;",Larry Punko; C.O. Pioneer Meeting  12-06-1991,Prayers That Are Heard By God.,86,,,
"Prayer, Relationship,","'Brother Rutherford's prayer at morning worship ... endured him to me.  Though he had such a powerful voice, when addressing God he sounded just like a little boy talking to his daddy.  What a fine relationship with Jehovah that revealed!' Quote: Karl Klein, who became a member of the Governing Body",Our prayers and relationship with Jehovah are closely related.,"Luke 6:12;9:28, 29;",Jehovah's Witnesses - Proclaimers Of God's Kingdom.  Page 220,True Friendship With God And Neighbor.,100,,,
"Prayer, Relationship,","Is our relationship a warm, trusting, intimate one as of a son or daughter with a father who is respected and loved with all one's heart.  Or is it a mere speaking acquaintance as with a neighbor or a fairly good friend?",Our prayers will tell!,"Pr 15:8, 9;",School Guidebook  Page 78,Keep Growing In Your Relationship With God,16,,,
"Prayer, Relationship, Anxiety, Problems,","If you have a dear, close friend, is it not a pleasure to spend some time along with that one, talking freely about your anxieties and concerns, your hopes and joys?",Jehovah invites you to do the same with him.  He puts no time limit on how long you may talk with him in prayer--and he really listens.,Ps 65:2; 1 Thess 5:17;,"Jan 15, 1996 Wt Page 21",True Friendship With God And Neighbor.,100,,1996/01/06,
"Prayer, Relationship, Communication,","Do you pray like you are talking to a friend, or like you are writing a business letter?","Our prayers disclose whether or not we really know Jehovah. Are they heart-felt?  Or are they 'form-letter' type, or business like, as another business of the day.","Is 55:6, 7; Eph 4:32-5:1; Col 3:10;",Tim Gwilliams,True Friendship With God And Neighbor.,100,,,
"Prayer, Relationship, Humble,",What world ruler would accept our telephone calls or would express a personal interest in our problems?,"Jehovah is infinitely mightier than such men are.  Yet, he is humble -- more willing to deal with lowly, imperfect humans.",Ps 18:35;,"Jan 15, 1996 Wt Page 21",True Friendship With God And Neighbor.,100,,1996/01/06,
"Prayer, Relationship, Pioneer, Glass, Dedication, Baptism,","If a father worked hard to support his family but never spoke to them and never made expressions of endearment, his family might well conclude that his motive was one of unpleasant duty rather than love.  Quote: Ulysses Glass, school registrar","So it is with us.  We may be busy in God's service.  But if we do not pray, then we are merely dedicated to a work rather than of a loving heavenly father.","Mt 6:9, 10;","Jun 1, 1994 Wt Page 27",Keep Growing In Your Relationship With God,16,,1994/04/28,
"Prayer, Selfish, Greed,","A father is happy to see his children show unselfish concern for others. It makes his heart glad that they think of ones besides themselves; it is evidence that they are maturing, growing up. Not selfish to pray for oneself, but God's will primary importance",This concern is highlighted in the longest prayer of Jesus that is recorded in the Bible.,John 17:1-26; Luke 22:32; Luke 11:1-4;,"Feb 8, 1967 Aw Page 5",Prayers That Are Heard By God.,86,,,
"Prayer, Selfishness,","'I have never made but one prayer to God, a very short one: 'O Lord, make my enemies ridiculous.' And God granted it.'  Quote:  Voltaire Francois Marie Arouet.","Some pray for their enemies, but do it as above.  It would be better to pray that they might learn the truth.  Many were once part of Satan's world and enemies of God, but the truth has changed the lives of those who obey what they hear from God.",Eph. 4:17-19;,Bobby Laymon,Never Become Dull In Your Hearing,9,,1995/07/14,
"Prayer, Sickness, Comfort, Death, Honesty, Depression, Groan,","'Weeping in Ramah'  REFUSED to be comforted.  Apparently women and children captured, but about 5 miles outside of Jerusalem at Ramah, enemies decided they couldn't make it with the children and killed them before mother's eyes.","There are tears that cannot be comforted.  We can speak kind words, but only concerned with sons.  Even resurrection is of no comfort.  Jehovah perhaps will comfort them in time.",Jer. 31:15,"Tape: Chas Sinutko C.O.   (entered Dec 17, 1991)",Prayers That Are Heard By God.,86,,,
"Prayer, Sickness, Comfort, Death, Honesty, Groan, Sick,","Hezekiah, prayed to live.  Jehovah added 15 years to life. Jehovah ordered him to 'get his house-hold in order.'  Some brothers fail to face-up to their responsibilities in this regard. Makes their dying much harder on family.  Not naive about.",Not improper to pray for recover from illness with proper motive. Death wasn't kept from him.,2 Ki. 20:1-6;,"Tape: Chas Sinutko C.O.   (entered Dec 17, 1991)",Prayers That Are Heard By God.,86,,,
"Prayer, Slave, Appreciation,",'God is not a cosmic bell-boy for whom we can press a button to get things.'  Quote: Harry Emerson Fosdick.,"Prayer is not to be viewed as a means to get every whim, or to satisfy selfish personal needs.",Matt 21:22;,Familiar Quotations,Prayers That Are Heard By God.,86,,1995/06/25,
"Prayer, Sober, Awake, Sleep,","World is conscience of cholesterol. It can go undetected until it's too late.  Not being vigilant puts us in danger. be sober, awake.","Our channel of prayer can go the same way. Slowly choked till we have a spiritual heart attack.  When we have a spiritual emergency, will our lines be able to answer the call.",1 Pet. 4:7; Ps. 145:18; 1 Jo. 4:15;,Phil Kirkton Notes: Bro. Miller.,How To Keep Spiritually Awake!,71,,,
"Prayer, Soldiers, Organization, Faithful, Armor,",Loyal soldiers keep in touch with army headquarters and obey orders.,"As Christian soldiers, we need to keep in constant touch with our Sovereign, Jehovah God, through his great Commander in Chief Jesus Christ.",Eph 6:18; Isa 55:4; Mt 24:45-47;,"May 15, 1992 Wt Page 23",Serving With Jehovah's Unified Organization,3,,,
"Prayer, Speed,","On Jan 10, 1946, man first bounced radar signals off the moon and their extremely faint echo returned to him.  It took 2.38 second to travel to the moon's distance of 221,000 miles.","Man's radar beams may reach the moon with the speed of light, but what is that compared to our prayers reaching all the way to the throne of Jehovah, which, being far above the material universe, must be countless light years away.  How easy to get in touch w/J.","Php 4:6; Heb 11:6; Jas 1:6, 7; Mt 17:20;","Aug 15, 1958 Wt Page 502",Prayers That Are Heard By God.,86,,,
"Prayer, Stubborn, Steadfast, Faithful, Integrity, Loyalty,","'Being steadfast has nothing to do with being stubborn.' Quote: Mother of Simone Arnold Liebster, who prayed, Oh, 'Jehovah, keep my young girl faithful!' the night before she was taken to the penitentiary house.","We should always act as advised by the above.  'Always be polite, kind, and gentle, even when suffering injustice.  Never be obstinate.  Never talk back or answer insolently.  Remember, being steadfast has nothing to do with being stubborn.  It is going to be your schooling for future life.'",Gal 5:22-26;,"Sep 22, 1993 Aw Page 17",Prayers That Are Heard By God.,86,,,
"Prayer, Study,",Seven days without prayer (study) makes one weak.,"Pray often, every day.",1 Th 5:17,Bill Thomas,Prayers That Are Heard By God.,86,,,
"Prayer, Study, Reading, Bible, Regularity, Daily, Text,",IMAGINE that your doctor directed you to apply a certain ointment twice a day to eliminate a persistent rash.  Would your rash disappear if you applied the ointment only once or twice a month?  That is not likely.,"SIMILARLY, the psalmist gives us a 'prescription' for spiritual health.  Read God's Word 'in an undertone day and night.'  To enjoy the accumulative benefit, we need to follow the 'prescription.'","Ps. 1:1,2;josh. 1:8;","Sep 15, 1998 Page 21",How Well Do You Know God?,1,,1998/08/11,
"Prayer, Submission, Obedience, Hezekiah, Publish, Regularity, Endurance,","Remember the old fable about the hare and the tortoise? True, the hare darted almost out of sight but the tortoise won the race. But  wait! You know Jehovah's sure Word is better than any man-made fable. Why did Hezekiah win?","Was he swift? Was he strong? He won because he submitted himself to Jehovah, in prayer.  Hezekiah then accepted Jehovah's answer.  Haphazard training means lost races. Do not publish spasmodically. You will run with uncertainty if you do.  You cannot run in fits and starts. It is not just a burst of energy here and easing off there that wins",Ecc 9:11; Is 37:35;,W56 4/15 249,Prayers That Are Heard By God.,86,,1994/05/13,
"Prayer, Thanksgiving, Appreciation, Granted,","EVEN as a child at the dinner table is taught to ask for food and to say 'Please,' and after receiving it to say 'Thank you,' so with us.",We may not take God's goodness for granted. We must ask him for what we need and then express appreciation for what we receive.,Jas 1:17;,W63 2/15 114,Prayers That Are Heard By God.,86,,1994/08/09,
"Prayer, Thanksgiving, Appreciation, Relationship, Friend,","Consider for a moment how easy it is for a young man to think regarding a young lady, 'I love you!' and yet how hard it is for him to bring himself to say this in so many words!  Yet, when he does it strengthens the relationship.","So coming to God in prayer, speaking to him what is in our hearts and minds strengthens our gratitude or repentance, as the case may be.",Eph 3:12;,W63 2/15 114,Prayers That Are Heard By God.,86,,1994/08/09,
"Prayer, Time,","NO TIME   [POEM]    I came to pray, but not for long       for I have too much to do,  I have to hurry off to work       for rent will soon be due;  And so I said a hurried prayer        and then up off my knees,  My Christian duty now was done,       my heart could be at ease.  No time to preach the kingdom news,       No time to speak to those who sigh,  No time, too much to do,       That was my constant cry.  No time to give to those in need;       At last came time to die,  And so before Jehovah I came,       I stood with feelings of strife.  Within his hands he held a book,       It was the book of life.  Jehovah looked at me and said       Your name I cannot find,  I once was going to write it down,       But never found the time!",We must find time to pray.,1th 5:17;,Jim Breden,How To Keep Spiritually Awake!,71,,,
"Prayer, Unity, Organization,","In prayer, we should not be like the old man who prayed, 'God bless me and my wife, my son John and his wife; us four and no more.'","No, but let us take in the largest scope.  We want to pray for the sanctification of God's name, for the coming of his kingdom, and for his will to be done on earth.  And we want to remember the welfare of 'the entire association of our brothers' throughout the world.","1 Pe 5:9; Mt 6:9, 10;","Feb 22, 1971 Aw Page 28",Prayers That Are Heard By God.,86,,1994/01/08,
"Prayer, Vigilant, Awake,","Do you ever take pills?  Usually persons take pills at a certain time.  Maybe one in the morning, one at noon, and one in the evening.","Sometimes we get into the habit of praying like we take pills. At morning, noon, and evening.  It may be good to get into the habit of prayer, however, we should not limit ourselves to certain times as we would pills.",1pe 4:7; 1th 5:17;,Jim Breden,How To Keep Spiritually Awake!,71,,,
"Prayer, Vigilant, Warnings, Titanic, Devil,","It was 11:40 of the night of April 14, 1912.  With 2,207 souls aboard, the Titanic sailed full-speed on the North Atlantic.  Out of the darkness there loomed an iceberg, and in less than 3 hours the 'unsinkable' Titanic sank, taking down 1,502 men, women and children.  Cause: lack of vigilance.  Six warnings ignored.","We are, as it were, ship captains, sailing from this old world or system.  Right now, many have smooth sailing, and may have a tendency to relax our vigilance.  We dare not, because our sea is strewn by icebergs, put there by the Devil.  Cause shipwreck.",1pe 4:7;,"Aug 15, 1958 Wt Page 497",Prayers That Are Heard By God.,86,,,
"Prayer, Work, Exert, Improvement, Pioneer, Growth, Progress,","'No special qualification are needed to become a gardener, just an interest in plants.' Quote: Gardening expert Geoffrey Smith (Shrubs & Small Trees) [Further quote on page 23]","Similarly, no inherent special qualifications are needed for us to be God's fellow workers.  Just a genuine interest in people and a willingness to be used by God.","2c 2:16, 17; 3:4-6; Phil 2:13;","Mar 1, 1993 Wt Page 21",Prayers That Are Heard By God.,86,,,
"Prayer, Work, Exert, Improvement, Pioneer, Growth, Progress,","Looking at your backyard, where nothing appealing grows, you get on your knees and pray fervently to God to make beautiful flowers grow in your yard. What happens?  Nothing, of course.",What about spiritual growth?  You may have a keen desire to see things grow in a spiritual way; new disciples responding to the truth.  A gardener does not expect 'God to make it grow' without effort on the gardener's part.  The same with spiritual growth.,"1c 3:5-7, 8; Ge 1:11, 12, 29;","Mar 1, 1993 Wt Page 20, 21",Prayers That Are Heard By God.,86,,,
"Prayer, Worship,","PRAYER, without doubt, is the most common of all religious practices. The religious man, whether an Australian aborigine or a modern scientist, makes use of prayer. Hindu and African voodoo worshipers, Moslems and Jews, Catholics and Protestants, as well as the Christian witnesses of Jehovah, all pray.","In the library of a well-known New York City theological seminary there are 1,200 books on the subject. Especially in times of emergency do people start to pray.  General Eisenhower once observed, 'There are no atheists in fox holes.'",Prov 28:13;,W65 2/1 69,Prayers That Are Heard By God.,86,,1994/08/09,
"Prayer, Worship, God, Jehovah, Family, Marriage,",'The family that prays together stays together.' Role of Husband and Wife discussed.,Putting God first goes far beyond the above saying. Just practicing a religion is not the same as 'putting God first.',"James 1:27; Eph. 5:28, 29; Phil. 2:2-4; 1 Pet. 3:7;","May 15, 1991 Wt Page 5, 6",Family Life That Warms The Heart,5,,,
"Prayer, Youth, Children, Example,","A three-year-old was noted while praying to Jehovah, to say 'Watch over Wally.'  His parents assumed that Wally was an imaginary friend that he was praying for.  Finally after talking about it, they decided to ask him, and he said, 'Oh, the land where the persecution is going on.  Wally.'  Then it hit them, Malawi.","Children will imitate the example set by their parents, even in such intimate matters of prayer.  Jesus gave his disciples a 'model' on how to pray, and each time we pray, we are leaving a 'model' for our children.","Ro 2:21, 22;","May 15, 1994 Wt Page 12; Aug 1, 1984 Wt Page 17;",Parents--are You Building With Fire-resistant Materials?,104,,1994/01/02,
"Prayer, Youth, Children, Example,",Like the parent who smokes.,"It doesn't matter how much he tells his children, 'Don't smoke!' his example speaks louder than words.  When they start smoking, he may scold them, but what can he really do?  He does it himself.","Ro 2:21, 22;",Larry Kinkade,Parents--are You Building With Fire-resistant Materials?,104,,1994/01/02,
"Prayer, Youth, Experience,","Young ones can be taught how to pray, and God answers their prayers. An outstanding instance of this occurred during the Rwanda massacres. When a six-year-old and her parents had been readied by rebels for execution by hand grenade, the daughter prayed loudly and fervently that they might be spared for further service to Jehovah.","The would-be murderers were moved to spare them, saying, 'We cannot kill you because of this little girl.'",1 Peter 3:12.,W99 2/1 12,Prayers That Are Heard By God.,86,,"Jul 5, 2000",
Prayer-bold Persistence,Friend at midnight (insistent on getting food) Will get what we asked for and more,Must persist in prayer,Luke 11:5-13,Jesus,Prayers That Are Heard By God.,86,,,
Prayer;,"'God hears no more than the heart speaks, and if the heart be dumb, God will certainly be deaf.' Quote:  Thomas Brooks",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Prayer;,'No man ever prayed heartily without learning something.'  Quote:  Rwe.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Prayer;,"'Oh God, thy sea is so great, and by boat is so small.'  Quote:  Anonymous.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Prayer;,"A prayer, in its simplest definition, is merely a wish turned heavenward.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Prayer;,Ask God's blessing on you work but don't ask him to do it for you.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Prayer;,Prayer should be the key of the day and the lock of the night.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Prayer;,Seven prayer less days make one weak.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Prayer; Act In Harmony With,"David; Prayed, then worked to counter counsel of Ahithophel",Work in harmony with our prayers,1 Th 5:17,Public Talk,Prayers That Are Heard By God.,86,,,
Prayer; Meditation;,Prayer is when you talk to God; Meditation is when you listen to God.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Prayers, Communication,","Man was highly elated when on January 10, 1946, after extensive preparations, he first made contact with the moon by radar signals, their extremely faint echo returning to him 'after an interval of between 2.38 and 2.72 seconds.'","But what is that compared to our prayers reaching all the way to the throne of Jehovah, which, must be countless light-years away, and that in but an instant of time!",Prov 15:8;,W58 8/15 502,Prayers That Are Heard By God.,86,,1994/08/08,
"Prayers, Communication, Attitude,","In coming to God with petitions we come as beggars, not as customers.","We cannot bargain with God, for we have nothing to offer. Most fitting, therefore, is God's opposition to haughty ones and his granting of undeserved kindness to humble ones.",Matt. 6:5; John 4:24; Prov. 15:8; Ps. 11:7; 1 Pet. 5:5.,W58 8/15 503,Prayers That Are Heard By God.,86,,1994/08/08,
"Prayers, Communication, Attitude, Listen, Obey,","If you were to appear before an earthly king, would you do nothing but talk? Would you not listen to what he had to say? Certainly you  would.","Prayer is not all talking. Listening, too, is a part of prayer. Then when you kneel before Jehovah, the King of Eternity, listen.",Jer 10:10;,W58 11/15 677-8,Prayers That Are Heard By God.,86,,1994/08/08,
"Prayers, Communication, Attitude, Relationship,","We do not rush away from those we love, do we?","Those who keenly sense their privileges and responsibilities know the need of spending much time with Jehovah in prayer. They realize prayer makes better men, that it improves the heart attitude and mental appreciation for life. Prayer matures one to salvation.",Jer 10:10;,W58 11/15 678,Prayers That Are Heard By God.,86,,1994/08/08,
"Prayers, Communication, Bitterness, Hatred,","Prayer for others uproots bitterness and malicious thinking from our own minds, making room for upbuilding thoughts to flourish.","Praying for others inspires harmony, creates unity and cooperation.  If we pray for all the brothers, that means we will come to love brothers we find difficult to like right now. Our loving them does not mean just putting up with them, or being kind and polite to them.",2 Cor 9:14;,W58 11/15 679,Prayers That Are Heard By God.,86,,1994/08/08,
"Prayers, Communication, Christendom, Money, Peace,","PRAYER has become popular. There are now prayer hours, prayer days, prayer weeks, prayer months and prayer years. Widely acclaimed are the so-called 'Holy Years,' when a whole year, as in 1950, is set aside for 'special devotions and prayers, especially for world peace.'",Many prayers are aimed not only for praise but at the purse as well!,Mr 12:30;,W54 10/15 621,Prayers That Are Heard By God.,86,,1994/08/07,
"Prayers, Communication, Personality,","Now, then, when you pray be aware that you are painting a vivid picture of yourself before God.","Be honest.  Above all, be humble and appreciative of the privilege of prayer.  Your prayers will not lie. They will tell the truth about you.",2 Cor 9:14;,W58 11/15 680,Prayers That Are Heard By God.,86,,1994/08/08,
"Prayers, Incense, Petitions,",Jehovah GOD commanded his prophet Moses to have sacred incense prepared for use at Israel's tabernacle of worship. The divine formula called for a fourfold aromatic mixture.  (Exodus 30:34-38) It proved to be sweet-smelling indeed.  'The Law covenant into which the nation of Israel was taken provided for the burning of incense daily.,"Did the use of incense have special significance? Yes, for the psalmist sang: 'May my prayer be prepared as incense before you [Jehovah God], the raising up of my palms as the evening grain offering.' (Psalm 141:2) In the book of Revelation, the apostle John describes those around God's heavenly throne as having golden bowls full of incense. 'And,' says the inspired account, 'the incense means the prayers of the holy ones.'","Heb. 5:7; Exodus 30:7, 8","Jan 15, 1999 Wt Page 10",Prayers That Are Heard By God.,86,,1998/12/28,
"Prayers, Solitude, Loneliness, Boredom,",'Solitude is a good place to visit but a poor place to stay.'  Quote: Josh Billings.,"Sometimes we need solitude, but only when around people are we able to really fulfill our entire purpose in life.",Matt 14:13;,Bobby Laymon - Reader's Digest,Prayers That Are Heard By God.,86,,1996/03/24,
Preaching,Catching men alive (instead of fish).,Intense preaching work (full-time fishermen).,"Luke 5:10, 11",Jesus,How Do You Fit Into The Kingdom Arrangement?,21,,,
Preaching,"Ever have nursery rhyme, go over and over in your head. Foreshadowed Christendom today who enjoy being quoted by politicians & photographed with.","Isaiah's words like repetitious, child nursery rhyme to spiritual drunkard.",Isa. 28:10-13,Pure Language Dist. Assy,Who Are Qualified As Ministers Of God?,81,,,
Preaching,Grubstake (sponsor prospector looking for precious medal; gold),Jehovah is sponsoring the Preaching work.,"Matt 6:33, 34",Bobby Laymon,Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,63,,,
Preaching,"Kicked out front door, ease back in window experience.","Talking to relatives, don't want to hear.",John 10:14-16,"July 15, 1989 Wt Page 29",How Do You Fit Into The Kingdom Arrangement?,21,,,
Preaching,"Musical Fisherman; fishnet & clarinet. Played, thought fish would come to top.  Didn't Put away clarinet, spread fishnet, caught many poured them out, started jumping around.","Some people never do the predictable thing. When I played, you wouldn't dance, now that I've stopped you do",Jer. 16:16;,Aesop's Fables,Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,63,,,
Preaching,"President; Official car; came to home & personally commissioned you Must keep pace, be quick or ready to obey, as Ezek.",What happened to Ezek.  Ours is final witness to this system,Ezek 2:1-10,"Pure Language Dist. Assy. Mobile July 5-8, 1990 Bro. Eslinger",Serving With Jehovah's Unified Organization,3,,,
Preaching,"Reckless driver ignores warning, hits pig. (see points below) Speeding driver, meets woman coming around curve on wrong side. She shouts, 'Hey!' He shouts back, 'You!'. satisfied he had gotten last word, but insulted because she called him names.","People will realize, we were not insulting them but warning. He sped on, and hit the pig in middle of road, & realized TOO LATE, she was not insulting him, but warning him,",1 Cor 10:11,Bobby Laymon,How Do You Fit Into The Kingdom Arrangement?,21,,,
Preaching,Ripple Effect 13 persons now baptized.,Truth often spreads like ripples on the water-relatives & friends,Rev 14:6  Matt 13:41,"Oct 1, 1989 Wt Page 22",Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,63,,,
Preaching Good News,"SNAKE FIGHTING OTHER SNAKE. As long as they kept their mouth open were safe. As long as we keep preaching Good News Satan cannot swallow us down. As a boy, Daddy always said, 'Don't kill the good snakes!  They kill the poison ones.'",Keep speaking God's word with endurance.  As long as we keep our mouths open and preach the Good News Satan cannot swallow us down.,Rev 12:11,Bobby Laymon,Have Faith In The Good News,47,,,
Preaching Work,Hunting & fishing get up early.,"Fishing-describe bait, tackle, etc.",Jer 16:16,Bro Jones,How Do You Fit Into The Kingdom Arrangement?,21,,,
"Preaching Work, regularity, regular, service, report,",Irregularity on TV is terrible.  Many products sold to relieve,Irregularity in service is worse kind.,Luke 13:24,"Bro Punko, Larry",Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,63,,,
Preaching Work,"One thing Jehovah does not own.  Our right to express love You own that, and you can spend your time in any way you choose.",We are free moral agents.,Luke 13:24,"Bro Punko, Larry",Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,63,,,
Preaching Work,Pit Bulls locked together.,Superpowers & others involved in struggles.,"Luke 21:10, 11, 29, 32","Bro Salvador, Charles",Overcoming Fear Of The Future,108,,,
Preaching Work,"Spearhead, vanguard, pioneer our privilege and responsibility.",Taking lead in preaching.,"Acts 20:26, 27",Watchtower,How Do You Fit Into The Kingdom Arrangement?,21,,,
"Preaching Work, Territory,","Eagles fighting, allows sheep to peacefully do their work.  Also time for salvation  2 Pet 2:9.","Superpowers & others involved in struggles,","Luke 21:10, 11, 29, 32",Experience,How Do You Fit Into The Kingdom Arrangement?,21,,,
"Preaching Work, Territory,","Farmer knows: Some days only plow, others plant, Harvest come. Push hard, exert vigilance on door.","Continue to plant, water, we will reap!!!","Ps 126:5, 6  Eccles 11:6","Bro Punko, Larry",How Do You Fit Into The Kingdom Arrangement?,21,,,
"Preaching Work, Territory,","Hospital; clipboard on foot of bed; medical record; progress report Angel too, interested in heart condition, have to make accounting Recreate 80% not at home condition: angel writes Gracie didn't answer.  Watched old magazine left at home 2 men.  Know situation at","Angels keeping progress report of preaching. work. Gracie called Mabel, so Mabel didn't answer. Woman noticed son of witness, how well dressed. M on Garbage truck","Acts 8:26, 29  Rev 14:6  Matt 25:31, 32  Heb 1:14","Bro Punko, Larry",How Do You Fit Into The Kingdom Arrangement?,21,,,
"Preaching Work, Territory,",Over 100 million angels No children to get dressed & train They don't get discouraged. Jehovah wants us to exercise our right to express love.,Couldn't they do better than us?,Luke 13:24,"Bro Punko, Larry",How Do You Fit Into The Kingdom Arrangement?,21,,,
"Preaching Work, Territory,","Relief measure during disaster wouldn't abandon our area because some are finding more Don't decide when to quit, Jehovah decides when Women children, all work together.",Urgent-reach as many as possible as soon as possible extra ordinary human kindness.,2 Tim. 4:2,1988 Wt Feb,How Do You Fit Into The Kingdom Arrangement?,21,,,
"Preaching Work, Territory,","Relief measure during disaster wouldn't abandon our area because some are finding more.  Don't decide when to quit, Jehovah decides when. Women children, all work together.",Urgent-reach as many as possible as soon as possible.  Show  extra ordinary human kindness.,2 Tim. 4:2,1988 Wt Feb,How Do You Fit Into The Kingdom Arrangement?,21,,,
"Preaching, Acceptable Time, Salvation, Day, Favor, Good Will, Snow,","Have you ever admired a beautiful snowfall?  It blankets the earth, hiding all the flaws, and making it so attractive.  And think!  Had it been one degree warmer, it would have rained; one degree cooler, it would only have been cold and humid. The temperature was just right for this phenomenon called snow to occur.  Each flake is unique.  They stick together.","Jehovah is creating the circumstances that are just right for his purpose to be accomplished. Millions of people are now covering the earth with the good news.  Each single proclaimers is unique and beautiful, just like a snowflake. If they were by themselves, they would not hold firm together.",2 Cor. 6:2;,Bobby Laymon,Who Can Be Saved?,126,,"Feb 2, 2001",
"Preaching, Busy, Time, Service, Meetings, Study, Pioneer,","As a professional man such as a GP (general practitioner) has much to do, devoting as much as seventy hours a week to his practice.","Jehovah's Christian ministers have even more reason to be busy. We get tired, but must 'keep up the pursuit.' Example: Noah, Gideon, Everybody is in need of the kind of healing that they offer.",Genesis. 6:13-7:5; Matt. 24:37-39; Judg. 8:4;,"Jan 15, 1967 Wt Page 61",How Should You Serve God?,58,,,
"Preaching, Busy, Time, Service, Meetings, Study, Pioneer, Protect",Take a lesson from David. Apparently decided to stay home and 'take it easy.'  Should have been busy fighting. Can you not look back and see how at times having much to do may have kept you safe?,Made the most heinous mistake of his life.,2 Sam. 11:1; Ps. 51; 1 Cor. 15:58; Gal. 5:19-23; Phil. 4:8,"Jan 15, 1967 Wt Page 62",How Should You Serve God?,58,,,
"Preaching, Christendom, Babylon, Qualified,","How would you like to be given a job that you are not qualified to perform?  Imagine:  The materials you need are spread out before you, and the tools are at hand.  But you have no idea how to carry out the task.  Worse yet, this particular job is urgent.  People are counting on you.  How frustrating that would be!","Such a dilemma is not entirely imaginary.  Consider an example.  At times, one of Christendom's churches has attempted to organize and carry out a door-to-door ministry.  Such efforts have usually failed.  Why?  Christendom has not helped her adherents to qualify for the job.  Even the clergy are not qualified for that preaching work.","2 Cor. 3:5,6.","Feb 15, 2002 Wt Page 24",Who Are Qualified As Ministers Of God?,81,,"Apr 7, 2002",
"Preaching, Commission, Debt, Obligation, Pioneer, Light,",Imagine being in possession of a large sum of money!  We have been entrusted with it to pay off everyone we work with or know.  What a tremendous responsibility!,We feel like debtors to other people until we have given them the good news that God entrusted to us for that purpose.,"Ro 1:14, 15;","Jan 15, 1993 Wt Page 12",How Do You Fit Into The Kingdom Arrangement?,21,,,
"Preaching, Conviction, Persuasion, Warmth, Growth, Progress, Improvement,","With greenhouses heated by geothermal energy and artificial lighting, Icelandic farmers have been able to grow a great variety of fruits, vegetables, and other plants.","Likewise, the Witnesses, equipped with spiritual truth, the warmth of gentle persuasion, and the blessing of Jehovah's holy spirit, have been experiencing wonderful results in the Icelandic field.",John 10:14-16;,"Sep 15, 1993 Wt Page 28",Keep Growing In Your Relationship With God,16,,,
"Preaching, Courage, Danger, Boldness, Persecution,","Kid & the Wolf Kid (goat) standing on roof, spoke rudely to wolf. Wolf said, 'It is not you who insult me, but the place you stand Moral: It is easier to be brave when far away from danger.",Jehovah protects his people.,"Matt. 28:19, 20;",Aesop's Fables Page 20,Bearing Up Under Persecution,57,,,
"Preaching, Dedication, Baptism, Freedom, Babylon,",As a result of the great prison-breaking work now being directed by Christ Jesus ..,"Tens of thousands of men and women each year, more than a thousand a week on the average, are gaining their freedom from the prison houses of false religions.","Gal 5:1;2c 3:16,17; Heb 3:12; 11:6;","Jul 1, 1956 Wt Page 403",How Purposeful Is Your Life?,60,,,
"Preaching, Dedication, Baptism, Marriage,","It can be likened to a man who, in looking toward the future, plans to build a house. But even in constructing a home the man must sit down and count the cost, just as Jesus stated.","In weighing the matter of dedication an individual should count the cost of taking such a course and holding to it to the finish, and do so soberly and diligently.",Luke 14:28-30;,W58 8/1 470-1,Getting Marriage Off To A Good Start,27,,1994/08/09,
"Preaching, Difference, Zeal, Attitude, Personal Importance,","A friend of ours was walking down a deserted Mexican beach at sunset. As he walked along, he began to see another man in the distance. As he grew nearer, he noticed that the local native kept leaning down, picking something up and throwing it out into the water. Time and again he kept hurling things out into the ocean.  As our friend approached even closer, he noticed that the man was picking up starfish that had been washed up on the beach and, one at a time, he was throwing them back into the water.  Our friend was puzzled. He approached the man and said, 'Good evening, friend. I was wondering what you are doing?'  'I'm throwing these starfish back into the ocean. You see, it's low tide right now and all of these starfish have been washing up onto the shore. If I don't throw them back into the sea, they'll die up here from lack of oxygen.'  'I understand,' my friend replied, 'but there must be thousands of starfish on this beach. You can't possibly get to all of them. There are simply too many. And don't you realize this is probably happening on hundreds of beaches all up and down this coast. Can't you see that you can't possibly make a difference ?'  The local native smiled, bent down and picked up yet another starfish, and as he threw it back into the sea, he replied, 'Made a difference to that one !'","Jehovah views each one of us as being personally important.  How do we view others.  Each one of us can make a difference.  True, we may be in a minority, but our efforts can count.","2 Pet. 3:9; Mark 14:8, 9;",Bobby Laymon -  Internet,Does God Count You Personally Important?,26,,1997/11/25,
"Preaching, Disciples, Baptism, Example, Jesus,",Sometimes a very close friend will move away.  On parting he will give you some kind words of advise.  You tend to remember those words and apply them because of his sincerity.,Jesus on departing left parting words for his friends.  These words are found at Matthew chapter 28 and Acts chapter 1.,"Matt 28:19, 20;",Joe Laymon,The Kingdom Of God Is Near,109,,1995/03/10,
"Preaching, Efficiency, Publisher, Pioneer, Stress, Depression,","Machines are usually started off, when new, at comparatively low speeds. Then gradually stepped up to maximum speed as time goes on. The safe peak is the tempo at which the worker can continue indefinitely without undue mental or physical strain. When machines are constantly operated too fast, they wear out.",Basis to expect each worker to gradually to build up his efforts.,Eccl. 4:4;,"Dec 1, 1964 Wt Page 708",Gaining Comfort In All Our Tribulations,105,,,
"Preaching, Good News, Dedication, Baptism, Blood, Territory,","Good News comes with a challenge. Have guests come? That is good news, but with it a challenge: Extra work. Unemployed found a job. Good News! but challenge: Hard work to hold that job.",Challenge to conduct ourselves worthy of Good News. Wife presented her husband a first-born son. Good News! with challenge: responsibility.,"Phil. 1:27, 28; 1 Pet. 2:12; Genesis. 9:3-6; Leviticus. 17:11-13;","Mar 1, 1964 Wt Page 158",Have Faith In The Good News,47,,,
"Preaching, Heart, Meek,",Physician needed by ailing people. Tax collectors and sinners were more worthy of message than the religious leaders.,Jesus' answer to complaining Pharisees.,Matt. 9:12;,Bobby Laymon,Acquiring A Heart Of Wisdom,73,,,
"Preaching, Hours, Organization,","In 1992 Jehovah's Witnesses spent 1,024,910,434 hours preaching the good news of Jehovah's Kingdom.","It would have taken one man 115,000 years to spend that much time, preaching day and night.",Mt 24:14;,"Jan 1, 1993 Wt Page 16",Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,63,,,
"Preaching, Hours, Time, Obligation, Appreciation,","Imagine that someone you don't know has been given you $168 every week since the day you were born. This individual has been depositing $168 EVERY week, week after week, month after month, and year after year, thereafter. You don't know who this person is, but you are certain that he has to love you enough to be doing this for you. Now you are old enough, and this person comes into your door and tells you; 'Hi, I'm the one that has deposited the $168 every week since you were born' You are so happy to meet this person that you realize that saying 'Thanks' doesn't seems enough for what he has done. But now he says; 'I am going to keep on depositing $168 every week into your bank account no matter what, but, would you be kind enough to give me $10 a month from now on?' What would you do? Most probably you'll say; 'You deserve more than those $10 bucks, I'll definitely give you more than that.'","Well, Jehovah God has been given us 168 hours of life every week since we were born ... would you be kind enough to give him more than 10 hours of service every month? Certainly...preaching is an obligation bestowed on all dedicated individuals.",Ps 36:9,J.K.,How The Kingdom Of God Affects You,42,,1997/04/13,
"Preaching, House To House, Teaching, Service","'People find it easier to remember teaching at their doorstep than at the church step.' Quote by Catholic: 'There they go, just like the Jehovah's Witness But the J.W. are effective, aren't they? I'll bet you can go into",Jehovah's Witnesses know the importance of doorstep discussions. any K.H. in the state (Rhode Island) & find congregations filled with former Catholics.',"Isa. 2:1-4; 60:8, 22; Matt. 24:14; Acts 20:20;","Jan 15, 1991 Wt Page 10",Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,63,,,
"Preaching, House-to-house,","The branches that were not bearing fruit were taken away, as it were, and the ones that remained were pruned so that they might bear more fruit to God's praise.",Some refused to go from door-to-door.  They were removed from positions.  The year 1928 saw a 53% increase in public praise to Jehovah.,John 15:1-10;,Jehovah's Witnesses - Proclaimers Of God's Kingdom.  Page 564,How Do You Fit Into The Kingdom Arrangement?,21,,,
"Preaching, House-to-house, Informal, Waste,","A farmer does not pour out all his seed in one spot, but he scatters it.","And a wise man does not pour out all he knows on one person and on one occasion. Just a little at a time may be enough.  A sentence or two may be sufficient, then pause and see what response you get.",John 4:7-26;,Km 12/77 3,Never Become Dull In Your Hearing,9,,1994/07/31,
"Preaching, Joy, Happiness,","Enjoy waterslide?  More you do, more you enjoy","More we preach, more we enjoy","Matt. 10:7  28:19, 20",Bobby Laymon,Finding Honor And Joy In God's Ministry,65,,,
"Preaching, Joy, Pioneer,","Since apostle's day, the only thing that has changed is the clothing we wear.  The message perhaps a little.  The joy is the same; the reaction from the householder; objections;","You never hear anyone say, 'I'm so happy I didn't go out in service today.'","Neh 8:10-12; 12:43; 1th 2:19, 20; 3:9, 10; Philemon 1:4-7;",Gary Breux D.O. (pioneer Meeting 10-16-92),Serve Jehovah With A Joyful Heart,78,,,
"Preaching, Judge, Partial, Return Visit, Literature, Placement, Spirit,",Even an experienced farmer cannot always accurately judge the soil merely by looking at it. Sometimes he must have it analyzed.,"Similarly, the minister cannot judge the results of placements at the door just by the appearance of the obtainer. Even the experienced publisher is often wrong. So we must call back to check on the seed.  Holy spirit determines the result.","John 7:24; Matt. 13:3-9, 18-23;",W52 4/15 229,What Is Behind The Spirit Of Rebellion?,33,,1994/07/30,
"Preaching, Listening, Help, Assistance, Ministry,","As the flood waters started to get higher and higher, many people started to leave their home. Others had to be evacuated, but one man did not want to leave his home. The water started to come in the house, and some people came by in a small boat. They called out to him and said, 'Come in the boat. We have room!' But he called back, 'Don't worry, I have faith in God. He will help me, you'll see!' Soon he had to go up to the second floor as the waters were getting higher. Then a larger boat came by, but he again refused the help offered to him, stating that he was putting his trust in God. 'He will help me, you'll see!' It was not long before he found himself up on the roof, and a helicopter came to help, but again he refused, stating the Almighty would help him and that he trusted in him.  Well, during the night he drowned and ended up at the gates of heaven. There he started to complain and wonder why the God who he had trusted in had not come to his aid. 'Well,' God said, 'First I sent you a small boat, then a larger one and finally a helicopter, but you refused all the help that I sent you, so I could not do anything else but to let you die.'","Many people we meet in the ministry fail to see that Jehovah is sending us to them over and over again, and yet they refuse the help that God is sending them. May we always see the help that Jehovah gives us through the faithful and discreet slave and our local congregation of loving brothers and sisters.",Isa. 65:1,Bobby Laymon - Internet,Finding Honor And Joy In God's Ministry,65,,1999/02/16,
"Preaching, Literature,","Little boy trying to lift large stone, ask for help We have something Jesus & Apostles did not: printed literature",We need to ask Jehovah for help,"Luke 8:1  9:1, 2",Convention Talk,Renewing The Spirit Of Self-sacrifice,69,,,
"Preaching, Meetings, Bad Weather, Dress,",Mail deliverers go out in all types of weather to deliver messages of much lesser importance than the message of life of which we are entrusted.,Bad weather should not interfere with meetings & service. Bad weather can be countered ahead of time by determination and dressing properly.,"Matt. 6:33; Prov. 3:13, 18;","Jun 15, 1964 Wt Page 371",'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
"Preaching, Meetings, Study, Prayer,","WHEN a jet is attempting to land on an aircraft carrier, it increases its power and speed rather than cut back on the power and speed.  Why?  If the plane misses the cables that stop the plane it has to have enough  power to take off again and make another attempt.  We are surrounded by the rough 'sea' of humanity and are rapidly approaching a landing on the new world.","Now is not the time to slow down, cutting back on our ministry, personal study, meeting attendance, and prayer.  We need to increase our output, speeding up giving it the full throttle, as we prepare to land in the new system.  Why? When we've missed landing in the new world (it's taking too long by our reckoning) we need the extra power (that our dedication to these tasks gives us) to take off and make another attempt.",Rev13:1,Bobby Laymon,Service Talk,200,,"Feb 12, 2001",
"Preaching, Ministry, Return Visits",Both fishers and fish benefit from spiritual fishing Need to let down our spiritual nets at all times Work territories when most are at home Jesus can fill net even in unproductive waters.,Encouragement to continue in ministry.,Matt 13:47-50,"Lovers Of Freedom Dist. Conv., Mobile July 12-14",How Do You Fit Into The Kingdom Arrangement?,21,,,
"Preaching, Missionary, Pioneer,",Although prospectors often camped out there in the gold fields of Australia back in 1937...,We were prospectors of a different sort.  We were searching for people who were precious to God.  We found true treasure.  Milton Gibb proved to be just one of the many precious treasures for whom I have spent so many years prospecting.  Quote: Florence Widdowson; approaching 100 years of age.,Mt 13:44; Zech 4:10; Is 43:10-12;,"Jan 1, 1994 Wt Page 28-31",How Do You Fit Into The Kingdom Arrangement?,21,,1993/11/26,
"Preaching, Motivation, Love, Hard, Difficult, Distasteful,",How many here have ever changed a baby's diaper.  Was it pleasant?  Why did you do it?  What motivated you?,"The preaching work is not always pleasant, but we do it.  Why?  We are motivated by love.","Matt. 24:9, 14; Mark 10:29, 30; Heb. 6:10;",Chuck Bland,RENEWING THE SPIRIT OF SELF-SACRIFICE,69,,"Apr 5, 2001",
"Preaching, Neighbors, Minister, Home, House, Clean",What does your home look like? Perpetual yard sale? Do people come up and ask you how much this costs? Why is there no prices on any of your things?,Do we practice what we preach?,Phil. 2:15,Light Bearers Dist. Conv.-k. Mallorne,A Clean People Honors Jehovah,14,,,
"Preaching, Obligation, Skill, Talent, Work, Orderly,","If you can't learn to do it well, learn to enjoy doing it badly.",We are under obligation to preach the good news.,1 Cor. 9:16-18; Heb. 6:11; Col. 3:23; Prov. 18:9; 22:29;,Bobby Laymon,Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,63,,,
"Preaching, Orient, Progress, Obstacles, Determination,","How would you describe today?  The heat was torrid.  (Or cold and frigid)  I noticed young plants that looked almost dead.  But they are not dead.  Perhaps doormat, but a little rain, sunshine, and tender care they come to life.","The preaching of the good news has sometimes been like that.  In the Orient, and other parts of the world.  However they have literally come to life.",Matt 24:14,Joe Laymon,Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,63,,1997/07/29,
"Preaching, Privileges, Humility,","Man walks out one day, as he's walking hears voice say...'Sir O Sir' looks about, sees no one, starts to walk on, hears voice again 'Sir' He looks down and sees a rock, the rock begins to preach to about God Kingdom, Man becomes angered by what he hears throws rock as hard as he could, as he starts to walk on, hears another voice say 'O Sir' looks down beside where first rock was and there is another, it say's 'as my companion was saying...'","Jehovah doesn't need us to do the preaching work, let's us show our love and appreciation to him by doing it.  Also humbling to know that we can be replaced by a rock.",Luke 19:40,Scott Rudolph,,,,1996/08/11,
"Preaching, Ready, Set, Go,","Let us be like the shy seven-year-old girl in Australia who went with her mother to the store. She had heard at the Kingdom Hall how important it is for all to preach, so she put two Bible brochures in her bag. While her mother was busy at the counter, the little girl disappeared. When her mother looked for her, there she was offering a brochure to a lady! The mother went over to apologize for any annoyance her daughter might have caused the lady. But the lady had graciously accepted the brochure. When the mother again was alone with her daughter, she asked her how she got the courage to approach a stranger. 'I just said, Ready, Set, Go! And I went!'","We all need a spirit like that of the Australian girl, especially in order to approach strangers or even officials with the good news. We may fear rejection. Let us not forget what Jesus said: 'Do not become anxious about how or what you will speak in defense or what you will say; for the holy spirit will teach you in that very hour the things you ought to say.'","Luke 12:11, 12.",W98 6/15 21,Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,63,,"Apr 23, 2002",
"Preaching, Rescue, Survivor,","When a disaster strikes, such as a flood, hurricane, earthquake, mud-slides, fire, then all available forces go into operation for rescue work.  They work around the clock, as long as there is hope of finding survivors.","Our preaching work is an unprecedented rescue operation, the most extensive and widely publicized declaration ever to be carried out on the earth!","Matt 24:14; 25:31-46; Eze 33:1-9; 1 Tim 2:3,4;","Sep 15, 1994 Wt Page 12 Para 14",Will You Be A Survivor Of The 'last Days'?,2,,1994/10/30,
"Preaching, Seed, Service,","Seeds that sprouted: Seeds found in Canada's frozen waste, thought to be thousands of years old, (older than the sequoias in California) are growing into normal healthy plants, indistinguishable from ordinary plants.",Some Kingdom seeds are planted and sprout later.,Eccl. 11:4-6;,"Dec 8, 1967 Aw Page 31",Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,63,,,
"Preaching, Separating, Last Days, Generation,","At the end of a day it would take a shepherd part of the day to separate a literal flock of sheep from goats.  Perhaps several minutes, or a few hours, depending on the number and cooperation of help involved.",It would take longer for the earth to be separated into the two classes of sheep and goats.  Jesus foretold a generation. We must do all we can as light-bearers.,Mt 25:31-33; Re 7:9-17; Mal 3:1-5;,Light-bearers District Assembly,Will You Be A Survivor Of The 'last Days'?,2,,,
"Preaching, Service, Kingdom, Pioneer,","A MISER sold all that he had and bought a lump of gold, which he  buried in a hole in the ground by the side of an old wall and went to look at daily.  One of his workmen observed his frequent visits to the spot and decided to watch his movements.  He soon  discovered the secret of the hidden treasure, and digging down, came to the lump of gold, and stole it.  The Miser, on his next visit, found the hole empty and began to tear his hair and to make loud lamentations.  A neighbor,  seeing him overcome with  grief and learning the cause, said, 'PRAY do not grieve so; but  go and take a stone, and place it in the hole, and fancy that the gold is still lying there.  It will do you quite the same service; for when the gold was there, you had it not, as you did not make the slightest use of it.'","Moral: 'To a miser what he has is of no more value than what he doesn't have.'  Likewise, the treasure of kingdom is only good if we use it.   Make good use of the sacred service we have.",Matt. 24:14;,Aesop's Fables - Bobby Laymon,Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,63,,,
"Preaching, Service, Lazy,",Jehovah will not help you through the first door.  You have to make it out your own door yourself.,Jehovah will help you at the second door.,"Acts 20:20; Isa. 51:3, 11;",D. Olson  Bethel Family,Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,63,,,
"Preaching, Service, Success, Contentment, Will, Adjust,","An old shoe is more comfortable. Preach to all: Rich, poor, slums, fine homes, etc.",Sometimes we must get out of our comfort zone.,Matt. 24:13; Heb. 12:3; Gal. 6:1; 1 Cor. 15:58; Heb. 13:5;,Bobby Laymon,Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,63,,,
"Preaching, Service, Tired, Endurance,",Like dancing with a gorilla; He grabs you and wants to dance. Do you dance until you get tired. No! you dance until he gets tired  We must keep enduring in the preaching work.,"We don't preach until we are tired, but until Jehovah says it is enough.","Isa. 6:11; Matt. 24:14; 28:19, 20;",Johnse Laymon,Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,63,,,
"Preaching, Service, Zeal,","It is one thing to be enlightened, and quite another thing to be an illuminator.","We must not only know the truth, but tell it to others.",Matt. 5:14-16;,Lover Of Freedom District Assembly.,How Should You Serve God?,58,,,
"Preaching, Sound, Listen,","There is a question that some people pose and it is, 'If a tree fell down in the middle of the woods, and no one was around to hear it, would it make a sound?'  Most here would probably say YES based on logic.  But the answer is NO.  It would not make a sound.  Because in order to make a sound you have to have two parts: 1.  Something to generate the sound.  2. Someone to hear it.  Without both it is incomplete.","Could you be incomplete? See you have heard the commands in the Bible and have knowledge of the Bible, but are you going to talk about it.  Go out and find people that will listen. Hopefully you are making a strong sound in the preaching.",Rom. 10:14;,Jim Kinkade,Are You Walking With God?,149,,"Oct 30, 2001",
"Preaching, Sponsors, Good News,","Mother orders rice for a two-year-old at a restaurant.  The two-year-old does not like the food, and tells the waiter, 'you are fired.' He did not hire, nor can he fire the waiter.","Likewise, our neighbor may not like our message, but he did not hire us; neither can he fire us.  Jehovah is the one who strengthens us.   Jehovah started and maintains this work.","Isa. 40:28, 29",Ronald Sturgeon; Doer Of God's Word District Convention.  June 2000,Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,63,,"Jul 13, 2000",
"Preaching, Study - Education - Reading - School-","'To educate a man is the art of arts, for he is the most complex and mysterious of all creatures'.  Quote - Gregory","Must overturn reasoning & lofty things, and bring every thought into captivity.","2 Cor. 10:5, 6; Isa. 50:4; Isa. 54:13; John 6:45; Deuteronomy. 4:5; Acts",Bobby Laymon,Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,63,,,
"Preaching, Teaching, Objections, School,","Did you ever drive down a newly graded dirt road and notice how many rolling stones are uncovered.  Each trip reminds you of them until someone stops and removes them, one at a time, they will forever hinder progress.","In preaching, we can 'gather out the stones of stumbling' in people's mind.  This must be done tactfully in order to not close the mind, but if real progress is to be made, it is a necessary step.","Ac 24:5, 6, 10, 12, 13",Qm Page 200,Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,63,,,
"Preaching, Teaching, Service, Pioneer, Fish, Dragnet,","The common expression, 'You poor fish!' is not found in the Sacred Scriptures. (see article for complete discussion of dragnet) Includes Christians as well as Christendom. (page 686 paragraph","However, the Holy Bible does use real fish to picture men. 6)","Eccl. 9:12; 1 Ki. 4:32; Amos 4:1, 2; Luke 5:10;","Nov 15, 1967 Wt Page 684",Why Live By Bible Standards?,88,,,
"Preaching, Teaching, Speaking, Theocratic Ministry School,","'Aaron 1, 2, 3, 4' Aaron 1; The testimony card Aaron 2; The Phonograph Aaron 3; The Loudspeaker outfit.",Jehovah has assisted the brothers by providing different 'Aarons' Aaron 4: The Theocratic Ministry School.,Exodus. 4:10-18; Luke 18:27;,1991 Yearbook Page 154-157,Why Live By Bible Standards?,88,,,
"Preaching, Teaching, Studies,","It takes a lot of work to make costly perfumes; It takes some 1,400 to 1,700 pounds of flowers (about 7,000,000 jasmine flowers to obtain two pounds of 'absolute,' very concentrated perfume,]) costing about $9,000 per pound in France.","Likewise, it takes much searching, watering, returning, to produce a sweet-smelling Witness for Jehovah.",2 Cor. 2:15; Eph. 5:2; Genesis 8:21;,"Oct 8, 1991 Aw Page 14",Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,63,,,
"Preaching, Territory,","Contractor hires one with experience, not a novice Angel don't get discouraged. Don't have car trouble.  Children.  Mates. Opposed relatives Jehovah gives us opportunity to show love & humility.","Why does Jehovah use us, when angels could do much better job.",1 Cor 1:28-31,"Bro Punko, Larry",How Do You Fit Into The Kingdom Arrangement?,21,,,
"Preaching, Territory,","Dew, cover land, very gently, yet thoroughly in Palestine, life giving during dry seasons.",Coverage of our territory especially by youth.,Ps 110:1-3,"Bible (complete Discussion Oct 1, 1962 Wt Page 606)",How Do You Fit Into The Kingdom Arrangement?,21,,,
"Preaching, Territory,",Diamonds; literally picked up from surface of ground Some actively sought out Jehovah's Witnesses. Man unearthed 153-carat gem while planting sweet potatoes One woman found a massive diamond while washing clothes in stream.,"Some new disciples, easily picked up from surface of ground.",Isa 65:1,"Mar 15, 1990 Wt Page 21",How Do You Fit Into The Kingdom Arrangement?,21,,,
"Preaching, Territory,",Diamonds; literally picked up:  others locked deeply in stone. Experiences in source material.,Requires skill & patience to find gems & disciples.,"Matt 28:19, 20 Isa 65:1","Mar 15, 1990 Wt Page 21, 22",How Do You Fit Into The Kingdom Arrangement?,21,,,
"Preaching, Territory,",Dog beg for food evening witnessing.,Others need what we have.,1 Cor 3:9  1 Jo 2:17,Nov 74 Km,How Do You Fit Into The Kingdom Arrangement?,21,,,
"Preaching, Territory,","Fishing Where? territory; transportation? meet with brothers; Tackle? Book bags; Line? all sizes hook? presentation Bait? Books, literature.  Stringer? Keep them alive, keep adding.","Fishing for men with HH records, RV & BS  Fresh fish box? Kingdom Hall Set hook? dedication & baptism.","Matt 4:19  Jer 16:16  Luke 5:4-11  Prov 24:11, 12",Dick Jones,How Do You Fit Into The Kingdom Arrangement?,21,,,
"Preaching, Territory,",How important would other matters be if your house were on fire? A far more serious situation faces every living person.,Preaching work of utmost importance.,Matt. 6:33,"Oct 8, 1960 Aw Page 32",How Do You Fit Into The Kingdom Arrangement?,21,,,
"Preaching, Territory,",In debt to those in territory. Paul felt this way to those in his day. World bought at great cost. With the blood of Jesus.,We need to go in service regularly so that we don't go into debt.,"Rom. 1:14, 15",Km June 1977,How Do You Fit Into The Kingdom Arrangement?,21,,,
"Preaching, Territory,",Light shine Worked banned in 1/5 of countries or restricted Auxiliary pioneer Set aside time on regular basis to share light.,"Not put out, may go directional, controlled where caution needed Let it shine all the time.","Matt 28:18  5:14-16  10:16, 17",Watchtower,How Do You Fit Into The Kingdom Arrangement?,21,,,
"Preaching, Territory,","Open door still open, no one can close.",1919 Jesus opened door to kingdom preaching work.,Rev 3:8,"Apr 1, 1989 Wt Page 12",How Do You Fit Into The Kingdom Arrangement?,21,,,
"Preaching, Territory,","Search out.  Lose something, Look same place 3 times, and find not at home, growing problem June 85 KM, try different door.","Same territory, same house, then find sheep.",Matt 10:11,Sam Herd,How Do You Fit Into The Kingdom Arrangement?,21,,,6/28/2018
"Preaching, Territory,","The Lion, the Bear, and the Fox. Lion & Bear joined up to search for food.  Found warm fawn & began to fight over how divided.  Wise fox slipped in and carried away the food, while they fought & injured one another.","Be wise and preach, while other fight. Moral: Discretion is the better part of valor.","2 Tim 4:1, 2",Aesop's Fables Page 69,How Do You Fit Into The Kingdom Arrangement?,21,,,
"Preaching, Territory,","Timber Line; Get out of your car and start climbing up mountain. Climb higher and higher, little growth, then come to timber line.  Some territories very conducive to growth.  Are we working unpopular territories?",Faithful slave's efforts to develop territory. Watch for growth. How about seldom worked territories?,Matt 24:14,Service Talk,Service Talk,200,,,
"Preaching, Territory,","Tractor Pull (gentle power for hayride, tremendous power w/needed Must never be ashamed of GN Sometimes we have to be 'cautious as serpents.' Matt 10:16 Sometimes need more power to work 'Seldom Worked Territories.'","Paul became weak to weak, yet Good News is, 'God's Power'.","Rom 1:16  1 Cor 9:22, 23","Jan 1, 1990 Wt Page 11",How Do You Fit Into The Kingdom Arrangement?,21,,,
"Preaching, Time, Ministers, Christendom, Jehovah's Witnesses,","In 1992 Jehovah's Witnesses spent 1,024,910,434 hours preaching the Good News.  This was accomplished by 4,472,787 publishers.","If one person preached non-stop, day and night it would take him 16,141 years to log that many hours.  He would have had to preach from 110,982 B.C.E. until August 30, 1992 to accomplish that.",John 14:12;,"1993 Yearbook Page 40, 41",Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,63,,,
"Preaching, Truth, Service, Teach, Boast, Christendom, Publisher,",Actions speak louder than words. Not like religious leaders.,We must become doer of God's word.,"Luke 12:8; Heb. 13:15; Rom. 10: 9, 10, Acts 20:20; Ps. 68:11",Bobby Laymon,How Should You Serve God?,58,,,
"Preaching, Truth, Service, Teach, Boast, Love, Christendom,",Practice what you preach.,Do not be like the hypocrites of Jesus' day.,"Matt. 23: 1-8; Luke 12:8; Heb. 13:15; Rom. 10: 9, 10, Acts 20:20;",Bobby Laymon,How Should You Serve God?,58,,,
"Preaching, Truth, Service, Teach, Boast, Love, Publisher,",A trick to catch the old one.,We can use person's reasoning against them in service.,"Luke 12:8; Heb. 13:15; Rom. 10: 9, 10, Acts 20:20; Ps. 68:11",Bobby Laymon,How Should You Serve God?,58,,,
"Preaching, Truth, Service, Teach, Boast, Love, Publisher,",Don't burn your bridges behind you.,"Leave a way out of any situation. Repair bridges, rather than burn them.","Luke 12:8; Heb. 13:15; Rom. 10: 9, 10, Acts 20:20; Ps. 68:11",Bobby Laymon,How Should You Serve God?,58,,,
"Preaching, Truth, Service, Teach, Boast, Love, Publisher,","If you have a choice make it, if you have a chance take it.",Don't put things off.,"Luke 12:8; Heb. 13:15; Rom. 10: 9, 10, Acts 20:20; Ps. 68:11",Bobby Laymon,How Should You Serve God?,58,,,
"Preaching, Truth, Service, Teach, Boast, Love, Publisher,",It is the truth that hurts worse.,Truth hurts when we do not love righteousness.,"Luke 12:8; Heb. 13:15; Rom. 10: 9, 10, Acts 20:20; Ps. 68:11",Bobby Laymon,How Should You Serve God?,58,,,
"Preaching, Truth, Service, Teach, Boast, Love, Publisher,","Lot's of people know the answer, but don't know the question. Important part of teaching.",We must be able to ask the right question.,"Luke 12:8; Heb. 13:15; Rom. 10: 9, 10, Acts 20:20; Ps. 68:11",Bobby Laymon,How Should You Serve God?,58,,,
"Preaching, Truth, Service, Teach, Boast, Love, Publisher,",No prophet is accepted in his own country.,Applied to Jesus Christ.,"Matt. 13:57; Luke 12:8; Heb. 13:15; Rom. 10: 9, 10, Acts 20:20;",Bobby Laymon,How Should You Serve God?,58,,,
"Preaching, Truth, Service, Teach, Boast, Love, Publisher,",The world is too dangerous for anything but truth; too small for anything but brotherhood.,Truth is most important thing on earth today.,"Luke 12:8; Heb. 13:15; Rom. 10: 9, 10, Acts 20:20; Ps. 68:11",Bobby Laymon,How Should You Serve God?,58,,,
"Preaching, Truth, Service, Teach, Boast, Love, Publisher,",To give is better than to receive.,More happiness in giving.,"Acts 20:35; Luke 12:8; Heb. 13:15; Rom. 10: 9, 10, Acts 20:20;",Bobby Laymon,How Should You Serve God?,58,,,
"Preaching, Truth, Service, Teach, Boast, Love, Publisher,","You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make him drink. As Jesus said, 'Do not give what is holy to dogs.' If students are not humble, do not waste time and money.",We should not throw our pearls to swine. Matt. 7:6,"Luke 12:8; Heb. 13:15; Rom. 10: 9, 10, Acts 20:20; Ps. 68:11",Bobby Laymon,How Should You Serve God?,58,,,
"Preaching, Truth, Service, Teach, Boast, Love, Publisher, Time,",You can't make water run up hill. We can waste our time on some. Wicked will not learn righteousness.,Isa. 26:10,"Luke 12:8; Heb. 13:15; Rom. 10: 9, 10, Acts 20:20; Ps. 68:11",Bobby Laymon,How Should You Serve God?,58,,,
"Preaching, Truth, Service, Teach, Boast, Love, Territory,",Gold is where you find it.,Do not prejudge the house-hold or territory.,"Luke 12:8; Heb. 13:15; Rom. 10: 9, 10, Acts 20:20; Ps. 68:11",Bobby Laymon,How Should You Serve God?,58,,,
"Preaching, Truth, Service, Teach, Boast, Love, Territory, story, ",No story is old as long as there are ears that haven't heard.,Good news is still Good news.,"Luke 12:8; Heb. 13:15; Rom. 10: 9, 10, Acts 20:20; Ps. 68:11",Bobby Laymon,How Should You Serve God?,58,,,4/7/2014
"Preaching, Truth, Service, Teach, Illustrations, Pictures, Example,","'What the eyes see, make a firmer impression on the brain than what the ears hear.'",Value of illustrations.,"Luke 12:8; Heb. 13:15; Rom. 10: 9, 10, Acts 20:20; Ps. 68:11",Bobby Laymon,Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,63,,,
"Preaching, Truth, Service, Teach, Reminders, Name, Jehovah,",Xerox does it again and again and again and ...  (Advertisement for their product.),We need to have reminders again and again and again.   We need to keep preaching again and again about Jehovah's name.,"Luke 12:8; Heb. 13:15; Rom. 10: 9, 10, Acts 20:20; Ps. 68:11",Bobby Laymon,How Should You Serve God?,58,,,
"Preaching, Truth, Service, Teach, Territory, Publisher,",Silence is golden. In most cases speaking up for Jehovah is 'golden.',"Sometimes true, but not always. There is a time to speak.","Eccl. 3:1; Heb. 13:15; Rom. 10: 9, 10, Acts 20:20; Ps. 68:11",Bobby Laymon,How Should You Serve God?,58,,,
"Preaching, Truth, Service, Teach, Territory, Publisher,",The tongue is mightier than the sword.,The tongue can be a healing or great injury.,"Luke 12:8; Heb. 13:15; Rom. 10: 9, 10, Acts 20:20; Ps. 68:11",Bobby Laymon,How Should You Serve God?,58,,,
"Preaching, Truth, Service, Teach, Territory, Publisher, World,",No news is good news. We must not let their attitude affect our preaching.,World's view of Good News.,"Luke 12:8; Heb. 13:15; Rom. 10: 9, 10, Acts 20:20; Ps. 68:11",Bobby Laymon,'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
"Preaching, Variety, Adapt, Door-to-door,","A FISHERMAN skilled in music took his flute and his nets to the seashore.  Standing on a projecting rock, he played several tunes  in the hope that the fish, attracted by his melody, would of  their own accord dance into his net, which he had placed below.   At last, having  long waited in vain, he laid aside his flute, and  casting his net into the sea, made an excellent haul of fish.   When he saw them leaping about in the net upon the rock he said: 'O you most perverse creatures, when I piped you would not dance,  but now that I have ceased you do so merrily.'","That's what we must do in our spiritual preaching work.  If one method doesn't work we need to try another.   Sometimes it is helpful to just go back to the basics, like the door-to-door ministry.",Acts 20:20;,Aesop's Fables - Bobby Laymon,How Do You Fit Into The Kingdom Arrangement?,21,,1994/05/17,
"Preaching, Warning, Grasshopper,","Grasshopper & Ant.   Ant stored food, grasshopper sang;   Winter; asked ant for food, 'Why didn't you gather?' Now that it's winter, why not dance?","Think about serious times in advance, not only of playing",Eccl. 12:1,Aesop's Fables,How Do You Fit Into The Kingdom Arrangement?,21,,,
"Preaching, World, Armageddon, Territory,",Crossroads. Which way to go? There is a choice; must turn for hope and protection at this hour of crisis.,All humanity is at the crossroads. Most taking wrong road.,Rev. 11:18; Dan. 2:44; Ps. 37:34,"Nov 8, 1961 Aw Page 9",'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
"Preaching, Zeal, Determination, Urgency,",A coal mine exploded.  Many are trapped below in a limited pocket of air.  Are the workers going to get tired and finally give up.  No!  They are going to keep on until they reach every one.,We must never give up in our preaching.  We must try to reach every person.,"Acts 13:47; 1 John 5:3; 2 Cor 5:14, 15;","L. C. Cotton, Bethel Brother",,,,1995/10/16,
Preaching- Appearance,"Social-Shorthand 'Dress for business, not for party, casual get-together, or sports event.' (Newspaper columnist).",tells surrounding population what we are.,"1 Tim 2:9, 10","June 15, 1989 Wt Page 18",How Do You Fit Into The Kingdom Arrangement?,21,,,
"Preaching- Peace, Territory,","Like Bird on shoulder, flies to house-holder If unfriendly, should we be disturbed begin to behave in like manner?","Be warm, friendly, respectful; let know we have genuine interest","Matt 10:12, 13","June 15, 1989 Wt Page 18",How Do You Fit Into The Kingdom Arrangement?,21,,,
Preaching;,'The minister's brain is often the poor-box of the church.'  Quote:  Edwin Whipple.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Preaching; Clergy;,'He charged nothing for his preaching and it was worth it too.'  Quote:  Mtg.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Preaching; Example;,'Best of all the preachers are the men who live their creeds.'  Quote:  Edgar A..,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Preaching; Example;,"'None preaches better than the ant, and she says nothing.'  Quote:  Bf.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Preaching; Follow; Footsteps; Imitate;,"As they get used to walking the way Christ walked, it becomes progressively easier for them.","By means of the Kingdom-preaching work, people today are being urged to stop walking in their normal way, in ignorance of God's purposes, in darkness mentally, motivated by insensible hearts seeking unprofitable goals. They are being encouraged to conform to the perfect example of Christ, 'walking in union with him,' thus 'bringing every thought into captivity to make it obedient to the Christ.' (Colossians 2:6, 7; 2 Corinthians 10:5) People willing to meet this challenge are stabilized in their faith.","1 Peter 2:21, 22; 2 Corinthians 5:21",W88 5/1 11,'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,1998/11/03,
Preaching; Follow; Footsteps; Imitate;,"On a crowded beach, there may be several sets of footprints in the moist sand, and some trails of footprints may cross the one we are following. Many sets of footprints may, at least superficially, look alike.","How vital it is to be certain that we are following the correct ones! Otherwise we may be betrayed into going in the wrong direction. In a spiritual sense, this could have serious consequences. The danger in following footsteps that may look right but that in reality are not is shown in the proverb that warns: 'There exists a way that is upright before a man, but the ways of death are the end of it afterward.'-Proverbs 16:25.","1 Peter 2:21, 22; 2 Corinthians 5:21",W88 5/1 12,'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,1998/11/03,
Preaching; Follow; Footsteps; Imitate;,"We cannot follow literal footsteps without keeping a close eye on where we are stepping. If our eyes wander-focusing on things going on around us or on other things-we are bound to make a misstep sooner or later. Unless we pay undivided attention and concentrate intensely, we will stray from the footsteps we should be following. Thus, there is always the need to be on guard, especially when sudden noises or other unexpected distractions might take our mind off the task at hand.-Compare Job 18:10, 11.","In a figurative way, this is also true of those who are following in Jesus' footsteps. Jesus warned his followers to pay close attention to themselves, lest their hearts 'become weighed down with overeating and heavy drinking and anxieties of life.' (Luke 21:34) Satan uses these daily distractions to cause us to take our eyes from Jesus' footsteps. He is quick to catch us off guard by taking advantage of unexpected circumstances, such as opposition, illness, or financial setbacks. To ensure 'that we may never drift away,' we must 'pay more than the usual attention to the things heard,' in other words, keep our eyes more closely focused on Christ's footsteps than ever before.-Hebrews 2:1; see also 1 John 2:15-17.","1 Peter 2:21, 22; 2 Corinthians 5:21",W88 5/1 11-12,'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,1998/11/03,
Preaching; Follow; Footsteps; Imitate; Apostates;,"Other sorts of so-called good news-in reality, counterfeit footprints-fail to fit into that pattern of truth.","They pervert it, throwing the picture out of focus. Rather than clarifying basic Bible truths and principles, they contradict them. Instead of encouraging us to greater activity in Jehovah's service, they argue in favor of slowing down. Their message is not positive and does not glorify Jehovah's name and organization; it is negative, faultfinding, and critical. Most certainly, these are not the footsteps we want to follow.","1 Peter 2:21, 22; 2 Corinthians 5:21",W88 5/1 13,'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,1998/11/03,
Preaching; Follow; Footsteps; Imitate; Lagging;,"Because of imperfection, every Christian will make a misstep from time to time. The divergence may be small, scarcely noticeable to others. Or it may be such an obvious missing of the mark that it will be seen by all.","In either case, how comforting to remember Paul's honest admission: 'For the good that I wish I do not do, but the bad that I do not wish is what I practice. Miserable man that I am!' (Romans 7:19, 24) Of course, these words are not to be viewed as an excuse for doing wrong. Rather, they are an encouragement to devoted Christians struggling with imperfections, helping them to persist in their endeavor to meet the challenge of walking in Jesus' perfect footsteps.","1 Peter 2:21, 22; 2 Corinthians 5:21",W88 5/1 14,'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,1998/11/03,
Preaching; Follow; Footsteps; Imitate; Lagging;,"Failing to keep a proper pace, however, could also mean slowing down, lagging behind.","Thus, when God's Word indicates that changes must be made in our lives, do we act without delay? Or do we argue that since God is patient, we can put off making such changes until later, hoping that it may be easier then? True, Jehovah is patient. But this is not in order that we may be lax about making needed adjustments. Rather, 'he is patient with you because he does not desire any to be destroyed but desires all to attain to repentance.' (2 Peter 3:9, 15) How much better, then, to imitate the psalmist who said: 'I hurried up, and I did not delay to keep your commandments.'-Psalm 119:60.","1 Peter 2:21, 22; 2 Corinthians 5:21",W88 5/1 13-14,'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,1998/11/03,
Preaching; Follow; Footsteps; Imitate; Lagging;,Lagging behind could also involve Kingdom preaching.,"The time allotted to accomplish this separating work is necessarily limited. (Matthew 24:34) As the available time draws to a close, we can expect Jesus to speed up the work.","1 Peter 2:21, 22; 2 Corinthians 5:21",W88 5/1 14,'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,1998/11/03,
Preaching; Follow; Footsteps; Imitate; Lagging;,"The longer we persevere in following in someone else's footsteps, the more habitual his way of walking will become for us. If, though, we become complacent, sooner or later we will make a misstep.","Thus, when following in Jesus' figurative footsteps, we must recognize the danger of becoming overconfident, carelessly relying upon our own strength and abilities, feeling that we have mastered his perfect way of walking. Peter's experience recorded at Luke 22:54-62 serves as a timely warning. It also emphasizes the truthfulness of 1 Corinthians 10:12, which says: 'Let him that thinks he is standing beware that he does not fall.'","1 Peter 2:21, 22; 2 Corinthians 5:21",W88 5/1 14,'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,1998/11/03,
Preaching; Follow; Footsteps; Imitate; Misstep;,"In our race for life, no one should feel impelled to resign. This race is like a marathon, a race of endurance, not a hundred-yard dash. The slightest misstep on the part of a sprinter will in all probability cost him the race. But the marathon runner, even if he stumbles, has time to recover and finish the course.","So when some personal misstep makes you cry out, 'Miserable man that I am!' remember that you still have time to recover. You still have an opportunity to get back into step with your Leader, Jesus Christ. No reason for despair! No reason to give up! Be determined, with divine help, to meet successfully the challenge of 'following closely in Jesus' footsteps.'-1 Peter 2:21.","1 Peter 2:21, 22; 2 Corinthians 5:21",W88 5/1 15,'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,1998/11/03,
Preaching; Follow; Footsteps; Imitate; Patience;,"When we walk, the length of our stride is determined in part by the speed at which we walk. Generally, the faster we walk, the longer our stride; the slower we walk, the shorter. Thus, it will be easier for us to follow in someone's literal footsteps if we adjust our pace to agree with his.","Likewise, in order to walk successfully in the figurative footsteps of our Leader, Jesus Christ, we must maintain his pace.     Not keeping pace with Christ could mean one of two things. Either we try to go faster, running ahead of 'the faithful and discreet slave' that Jesus is using to accomplish Jehovah's purpose, or we lag behind in following that 'slave's' direction. (Matthew 24:45-47) As an example of the first, some Christians have in times past become impatient about doctrinal or organizational changes or refinements that they felt were necessary and overdue. Becoming disgruntled because they felt things were not moving quickly enough, they withdrew from Jehovah's people. How foolish and how shortsighted! Often the very thing that upset them was later changed-in Jehovah's due time.-Proverbs 19:2; Ecclesiastes 7:8, 9.","1 Peter 2:21, 22; 2 Corinthians 5:21",W88 5/1 13,'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,1998/11/03,
Preaching; To Relatives,Medicine; give measured doses;  not all at once; might kill See experiences in source,"Soundness of mind, wisdom, and discernment required, be refreshing","Prov 15:2, 28","Feb 15, 1990 Wt Page 25-27",Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,63,,,
"Preaching; To Relatives, Territory,",Seed to Blossom takes time (describe) See experiences in source.,Do not give up hope that seeds of truth will blossom in hearts.,1 Tim 1:11  Rev 22:17  John 7:38,"Feb 15, 1990 Wt Page 25-27",How Do You Fit Into The Kingdom Arrangement?,21,,,
"Preaching; To Relatives, Territory,","Well of Wisdom How refreshing cup of cold water, but nobody dream of pouring a bucketful of water over his head. Awaken curiosity, then witness in measured doses.",Does not force water out but wait for right moment.,"Prov 15:2, 28","Feb 15, 1990 Wt Page 25-27",How Do You Fit Into The Kingdom Arrangement?,21,,,
"Preaching; To Relatives, Territory, Persecution,","Cold water.  Water in form of chilled drink is refreshing, but who likes to be caught in blizzard or hailstorm? We must be particular conscious, when witnessing to relatives.","Water saturates the soil & causes growth, but flood may be disaster Do not drown with words; risk of preaching too much.",Prov 10:11  25:25  Isa 52:7,"Feb 15, 1990 Wt Page 25-27",Bearing Up Under Persecution,57,,,
"Preaching; Variety Of Hearts, Territory, Adapt,",Sower; seeds fell on 4 types of soil.,"We must sow seed, and promptly cultivate.",Luke 8:5-15,Jesus,Acquiring A Heart Of Wisdom,73,,,
"Preaching; Variety Of Methods, Territory,","Lighting a lamp; not cover with vessel, but on a lamp stand.",Let our light shine.,Luke 8:16  11:33-36,Jesus,How Do You Fit Into The Kingdom Arrangement?,21,,,
"Preaching; Variety Of Methods, Territory, Adapt,","Young Children playing. Played flute, did not dance; wailed, but Faithful slave have used every known method to reach people Photo-drama; radio, testimony cards, house to house etc",Varied ministry of John & Jesus;,Luke 7:31-35,Jesus,How Do You Fit Into The Kingdom Arrangement?,21,,,
"Precaution, Preparation,","The owner of the sheep ranch is interviewing a number of individuals for the job of sheep herder, and is asking questions about their experience and qualifications for the job. The other applicants have many years of experience and letters of recommendation but when the owner interviews Jose and asks, 'What are your qualifications?' Jose in his broken English, has only one reply, 'I sleep well on a stormy night'.  'What kind of a recommendation is that?' asks the owner. 'My sheep may be in need of help at that time. Certainly no time to be sleeping.' The owner, for some reason, decides to hire Jose in spite of what appears to be poor qualifications. Perhaps, he feels sorry for him, or perhaps he feels that he will work for less pay.","Later, he finds out that Jose was by far the best applicant for the job and that what he meant by the expression 'sleep well on a stormy night,' was that he always took care to see that the sheep were well protected and fed in case a storm should come. He had already taken the necessary precautions so that if a storm would occur, he would not have to worry about rushing out into the storm to take care of them.",Prov. 24:27;,Bobby Laymon,God Comes First In Successful Family Life,110,,1999/02/18,
"Predictions, Prophecy, Future, Bible,",'He who could foresee affairs three days in advance would be rich for thousands of years.' So says a Chinese proverb.,"People do want to know what tomorrow will bring, and many would gladly pay a great deal for dependable information of that kind. The Bible contains true predictions for the future.","2pe 1:20, 21;","May 15, 1993 Wt Page 3",Your Future--how Can It Be Known?,19,,,
"Predictions, Responsibility, Warning,","Weathermen predict hurricanes, blizzards, tornadoes, etc., does this mean that the weathermen or the T.V. station or Radio station that  broadcast the report are responsible for what happens, since they predicted it?  Do we curse them or thankful that we have time to prepare for future?","God is not responsible for disasters on the earth just because He foretells the future, it is not an act of God.  Most persons are thankful when weathermen accurately predict disasters, do we thank God for His warnings so we can prepare or do we blame God. If we blame God we actually show more respect to worldly weathermen, than to God.","Isa.42:9,",Jim Breden,Acts Of God -- How Do You View Them?,93,,1996/01/14,
"Predictions, Ridiculers,","As horse-drawn traffic increased in the 19th century, one man predicted that European cities would eventually suffocate in manure.","There are many predictions, true and false.  However, Jehovah's will prove true.","Luke 19:43, 44; 2 Pet. 3:10;","Jun 1, 1998 Wt Page 3, 4",,,,1998/07/12,
"Predictions, responsibility","Weathermen predict hurricanes, blizzards, tornadoes, etc., does this mean that the weathermen or the T.V. station or Radio station that broadcast the report are responsible for what happens, since they predicted it?  Do we curse them or thankful that we have time to prepare for future?","God is not responsible for disasters on the earth just because He foretells the future. It is not an act of God.  Most persons are thankful when weathermen accurately predict disasters, do we thank God for His warnings so we can prepare or do we blame God.  If we blame God we actually show more respect to worldly weathermen, than to God.","Isa.42:9,",Jim Breden,Acts Of God -- How Do You View Them?,93,,1996/01/14,
"Prejudice, Hate, Hatred, Love, Blind,","'Hatred is blind, as well as love.' Quote: -Thomas Fuller.","Social ills: racial prejudice , violence, religious hatreds, political and other forms of corruption, and crime of all sort are rampant today. Those who hate do not try to see the issue.","Mt. 24:8, 12;",Bobby Laymon,The Only Cure For Sick Mankind,62,,1995/08/25,
"Prejudice, Partial, Racial,","Look at the back of your hand. That color has caused war, violence Christians must look at the inside, Same on inside.",The world is not a brotherhood because they look at the outside.,"2 Cor. 6:11-13; 1 John 4:20, 21; Rom. 13:8","Phil Kirkton Notes: Bro. Bentley, C.O.","As Christians, We Care About Other People",15,,,
"Prejudice, Racial, Persecution, Partiality,","'Prejudice, n. a vagrant opinion without visible means of support.' Quote: Ambrose Bierce.  The Devil's Dictionary [1906].","The world is partial regarding racial, national, and social differences; does it influence us?",Rom 3:23,G89 4/8 9-11; Bobby Laymon,"As Christians, We Care About Other People",15,,1995/08/09,
"Prejudice, Racism, Partial,","Edward R. Murrow, a journalist who became famous during World War II and later was director of the U.S. Information Agency, stated that 'no one can eliminate prejudices--just recognize them.'",Does this statement ring true? Is it impossible to eliminate discrimination and racism? How does God feel about prejudice?,Proverbs 24:23; 28:21; James 3:17; Leviticus 19:15;,"Jun 1, 1996 Wt Page 4;",,,,1996/05/28,
"Prejudice, Racism, Partial,","REPORTEDLY, scientist Albert Einstein once said that in this sad world, it is more difficult to overcome a prejudice than to split an atom.",Does this statement ring true? Is it impossible to eliminate discrimination and racism? How does God feel about prejudice?,Proverbs 24:23; 28:21; James 3:17; Leviticus 19:15;,"Jun 1, 1996 Wt Page 4;",,,,1996/05/28,
"Prejudice, Stumble, Selfishness,","People with cataracts on their eyes have cloudy, fuzzy vision.  This in turn affects their judgment; they often stumble, fall and hurt themselves.","In like fashion some people's mental vision is beclouded by figurative cataracts, by prejudice caused by self-interest or some other emotional factor.  If you act on such judgments you also could stumble, fall and hurt yourself.  We often meet people with fuzzy vision as Paul did on Mars Hill.","John 7:50-52; Is 9:1, 2; Mt 4:13-17;","Jun 1, 1971 Wt Page 323",Meeting The Test Of Christian Loyalty,48,,1993/11/10,
Prejudice; Racism;,'A fox should not be on the jury at a goose's trial.' Quote:  Thomas Fuller,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Prejudice; Racism;,'A great many people think they are thinking when they are merely rearranging their prejudices.' Quote:  William James,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Prejudice; Racism;,'Its never too late to give up our prejudices.' Quote: Thoreau,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Prejudice; Racism;,'Prejudice is being down on something you're not up on.'  Quote:  Anonymous.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Prejudice; Racism;,"'Prejudice, n. a vagrant opinion without visible measure of support.'  Quote:  Ab.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Preparation,Building house; skeleton; then dress it up gather all material first put it all in a 'nutshell'.   Theme; tie entire talk together,"Preparing outline same way, 'If in doubt, leave it out' If it's not in the skeleton, it won't be in the finished product",Luke 1:3,Bobby Laymon,"As Christians, We Care About Other People",15,,,
"Preparation,",How do you prepare a knife to cut.  You sharpen it.,"How do you prepare the 'two edged sword' of God's word.  You also sharpen it, by preparation.",He 4:12; Pr 27:17;,Scott Rudolph,"As Christians, We Care About Other People",15,,,
"Preparation, Enthusiasm, Participate, Pioneer,",P.E.P. (Three sisters with charts with these words on them.),"After turning over they spelled out words; Preparation, Enthusiasm, Participate.  Used on Pioneer meeting.",John 17:3; Mark 13:10;,Dan Morley,"As Christians, We Care About Other People",15,,,
"Preparation, Illustrations,","We get out of anything, what we put into it. Greatest teacher on earth helps us to see this point. Became famous for making illustrations. He gives us food for thought, doesn't he?",It takes efforts to get results.,Mark 4:21-34;,Phil Kirkton Notes:,"As Christians, We Care About Other People",15,,,
"Preparation, Meetings, Prepare, Participation,","Imagine you have been invited to a picnic with several of your friends. Your 'host' has asked that each one of you bring a covered dish. One person was asked to bring hamburgers, another pork chops, another mashed potatoes, another bread, etc.  You all arrive at the designated time and place. Imagine the look of horror on the host's face when one persons shows up with a cow, another a pig, another a sack of potatoes, another a bag of flour, and so forth.  How many would have benefited from what everyone brought to the picnic? No one could enjoy the meal, because no one took the time to prepare the food.","Jehovah has invited each one of us to five picnics every week. He also has asked that we prepare the food he wants us to bring, and has lovingly provided all the ingredients we need to do so.  How much will we benefit from the meetings if we don't take the time to prepare for them?","Heb. 10:24, 25;",Mark Hanlon,God Comes First In Successful Family Life,110,,1998/11/26,
"Preparation, Prepare,",Can you imagine taking a raw chicken or hamburger and putting it a child's mouth?,"In effect, that is what you are doing if you present spiritual food unprepared to your Bible Study.","Matt. 5:6,7;",Brother Krouse - Pioneer Day,,,,"Apr 13, 2002",
"Preparation, Relationship, Pioneer,","'When you are thirsty, it is too late to dig a well!'","We must prepare now for our relationship with Jehovah, while we can.",Ro 11:33,Joseph Wengert D. O.,True Friendship With God And Neighbor.,100,,1994/04/22,
"Preparation, Satan, World, Spiritual War, Study,",A 'hole' in armor does not heal itself.,A weakness does not go away on its own.  We must diligently work to overcome any weakness that we have.,Jer. 10:23; Eph. 6:11-18; 2 Cor. 13:5;,"Lovers Of Freedom District Assy. Mobile July 12-14, 1991",'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
"Preparation, Satan, World, Spiritual War, Study,","Imagine a soldier going into battle with blanks in his rifle. Family study, Prayer, Meeting attendance, Field Service, Makes a lot of noise but is of no real value.",Like going into service unprepared.,Jer. 10:23; Eph. 6:11-18; 2 Cor. 13:5;,"Lovers Of Freedom District Assy. Mobile July 12-14, 1991",'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
"Preparation, Schedule,","Would not think of adding water to cola, but would add ice. Crystallize by putting thoughts into writing, also schedules. Getting up talks, other matters, goals, etc.","We must crystallize our thinking, then becomes very useful.",Dan. 12:4,Bobby Laymon,"As Christians, We Care About Other People",15,,,
"Preparation, Study, Prevention,",No use crying over spilled milk. Things are easier mended before they go too far.,Must act before it is too late.,Heb. 6:1-3; 2 Tim. 2:14; John 6:45; Eccl. 12:11-13; Acts 17:1,Bobby Laymon,"As Christians, We Care About Other People",15,,,
"Preparation, Study, Prevention,","When you turn your back on trouble, it doesn't go away.",Some troubles must be faced.,Heb. 6:1-3; 2 Tim. 2:14; John 6:45; Eccl. 12:11-13; Acts 17:1,Bobby Laymon,"As Christians, We Care About Other People",15,,,
"Preparation, Study, Prevention, Aid, Assist, Help,","Its easy to wreck a train, but better to stop it. Meeting attendance, personal study.",It is better to help someone before it goes to far.,Heb. 6:1-3; 2 Tim. 2:14; John 6:45; Eccl. 12:11-13; Acts 17:1,Bobby Laymon,"As Christians, We Care About Other People",15,,,
"Preparation, Study, Prevention, Armageddon.","The mouse that has but one hole is quickly taken. We can not 'out-smart' our enemy, but look for direction from Jehovah, for whom no avenue is closed.",We must constantly look to Jehovah for way out.,Heb. 6:1-3; 2 Tim. 2:14; John 6:45; Eccl. 12:11-13; Acts 17:1,Bobby Laymon,Ruining The Earth Brings Divine Retribution,106,,,
"Preparation, Study, Prevention, Decision, Blood, Assemblies.","Don't close the stable door after the horse has been stolen. Blood issue among these, but so are holidays, type of employment, even going to assemblies.   Where we are going to live.",Many decisions must be made prior to day of action.,Heb. 6:1-3; 2 Tim. 2:14; John 6:45; Eccl. 12:11-13; Acts 17:1,Bobby Laymon,Keep Growing In Your Relationship With God,16,,,
"Preparation, Study, Prevention, Justice, Mercy, Judging, Elders","An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.   Jehovah dealt differently with Cain than with Adam and Eve. For the first time he called on a human to repent, thus trying to prevent death.",It is easier and better to stop a matter while small.,"Ge 4:5-15; Ge 18:21, 22; 19:1","Jul 1, 1992 Wt Page 9","Mercy, A Dominant Quality Of True Christians",7,,,
"Preparation, Suggestions, Improvement, Growth, Skill, Fate,","Grecian mythology represented the control of men's destiny by three goddesses: Clotho (spinner), who spun the thread of life; Lachesis (disposer of lots), who determined the length of life; and Atropos (inflexible), who cut life off when the time expired.","Sometimes we act like that.  When going to the door, we say, 'I will just wing it!'  We don't prepare properly, and leave everything to fatalism.",Isa 48:17;,Stan Landers; It-1 859; G85 7/8 16,,,,1995/06/12,
Preparation;,'Dig a well before you are thirsty.'  Quote:  Chinese.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Preparation;,'It is thrifty to prepare today for the wants of tomorrow.'  Quote:  Aesop.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Preparation; failure, prepare, ","By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,2/4/2014
Preparation;,Deal with the big while it is still small.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Preparation;,Prepare for the difficult while it is still easy.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Preparation;,There is no substitute for a genuine lack of preparation.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Prepare, Variety, Adjust, School, Adapt,","When you shop for a new T.V. today, you will find that most model have 'closed caption' for the hard of hearing.  If you can't hear the voice all you have to do is push a button and the words will appear written out on the screen, under the picture.  Someone put some planning and ingenuity into this concept.","This well illustrates our need to be adaptable in the field ministry, and in our talks from the platform.  If we see that we are not getting through, we must do something different.  Sometimes this calls for careful thought and ingenuity.",2ti 4:5;,Bobby Laymon,"As Christians, We Care About Other People",15,,1993/10/20,
"Prepared, Preparation, Literature, Tracts, Magazines,",Did you ever try to do a job with improper tools?  Maybe the wrench slipped off and you skinned your knuckles.  We need to be prepared by having the proper tools.,"In like manner, the literature we have all fit a particular purpose.  We need to have and make use of all of it.",2co 10:4;,Paul Smith,Renewing The Spirit Of Self-sacrifice,69,,1994/04/19,
Preparing The Way,"Pennsylvania Turnpike, valleys, mountains, tunnels.  Had to be proposed, approved, surveyed.  Land owners softened, prepare way.","John the baptizer, prepared the way for Jesus.",Mark 1:1-15,Bobby Laymon,"As Christians, We Care About Other People",15,,,
"Preparing, Heart,","When preparing to study, you lay out such things as your Bible, whatever publications you plan to use, a pencil or pen, and perhaps a notebook.  But do you also prepare your heart?",The Bible tells us that Ezra 'prepared his heart to consult the law of Jehovah and to do it and to teach in Israel regulation and justice.',Ezra 7:10;,Benefit Page 27-28,,,,"Apr 2, 2002",
"Presence, Invisible, Christ, Jesus","Like a wife coming home and seeing her husbands lunch box, clothes etc.  She knows he is home even if she doesn't see him.",Jesus Christ presence is unseen although we can have faith in it.,Matt 24:3;,J.K.,The Messiah's Presence And His Rule,91,,1997/04/12,
"Presence, Last Days, Sign,","Have you ever been outside and heard an airplane or helicopter.  You hear the noise, but you can't see it because it is behind the clouds.  You know it is there.","The same is true regarding Christ's presence.  The sign is clear regarding his presence, and soon coming at Armageddon.",Matt 24:1-14;,Charles Francis,The Messiah's Presence And His Rule,91,,1994/12/25,
"Presence, Messiah, 1914, Russell,","IT WAS Friday, the second day of the month of October of the year 1914. Into the dining room of the headquarters staff of the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society at 124 Columbia Heights, Brooklyn, New York, U.S.A., stepped the president of the Society. It was just about seven o'clock in the morning. Before going to his place at the head of the dining-room table, he paused. To get the undivided attention of the Bethel family members seated at the dining tables, he clapped his hands. Then, with a positive voice, he made reference to the opening words of verse 3 of the song entitled 'Our King Is Marching On!' as found on pages 162, 163 of the songbook Hymns of Millennial Dawn, saying, 'The Gentile Times have ended, for their kings have had their day.'",Satan's time is up!  It is time for them to vacate.,"Rev 12:9, 10;",W83 5/15 16,The Messiah's Presence And His Rule,91,,1994/10/30,
"Presence, Parousia, Christ, Coming,","'Mandela is coming! Mandela is coming!' sang the children of Soweto, South Africa.  While still in prison, he waged an unrelenting crusade to abolish apartheid.  His 27 years of imprisonment had not 'diminished his presence.'","His release from prison well illustrates the difference between a coming and a presence.  It is similar with Christ Jesus.  His presence in kingly power would be felt many years, before his 'coming on the clouds of heaven' to execute judgment.",Mt 24:30;,"May 8, 1993 Aw Page 26",What The Near Future Holds!,40,,,
"Presence, Sign, Invisible,","Airplane goes behind a cloud, becomes invisible. We know plane is there but unable to see with eyes.",Jesus foretold his return would be invisible.,Rev. 1:7; Eph. 1:18;,Johnse Laymon,What The Near Future Holds!,40,,,
Present;,'Let others praise ancient times. I am glad that I was born in these.'  Quote:  Ovid.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Present;,Good ole days start with good new days like today.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Present;,"I recommend you to take care of the minutes, for the hours will take care of themselves.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Present; Last Days;,"'In times like these, it helps to recall that there have always been times like these.'  Quote:  Paul Harvey.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Presentation, Service, Conversation, Pioneer, School, Speech,","Conversation is like a game of tennis with 2 players.   One player hits the ball, and the other knocks it back to him. Some player make game too difficult, by knocking out of range.","That is what we want our conversations to be like in door-to-door ministry.  However don't knock the ball out of range by asking too difficult a question.  Don't make too easy, become bored.","Lk 10:25, 26, 35, 36;",Gary Breaux D.O.  (pioneer Meeting),How Should You Serve God?,58,,,
"Presiding Minister, Overseer, Servant, Control,",Young Man wants be presiding minister,Has he considered added responsibility of making weighty decision and exercising self-control.,"Matt. 20:26,27 1 Tim. 3:1-7","Mar 22, 1965 Aw Page Johnse Laymon",How Should You Serve God?,58,,,
"Presses, Moving, Ice, Snow,","Unable to move big cylinders of 'battleship' press. Hooked truck to the skid and dragged it to new location. March 1, 1922 by Brother Lloyd Burch.",INFO: Two inches of snow fell unexpectedly during night.,"Ps. 90:16, 17;","Jul 15, 1964 Wt Page 444",,,,,
Pressure,"Cockle burr under saddle blanket; kick, buck, hurt everyone around God's servants have long endured internal pressures",Must act with wisdom,"Ps. 90:10, 12  Eccles 7:7",Bobby Laymon,Acquiring A Heart Of Wisdom,73,,,
"Pressure, Stress, Meetings, Balance,","A deep sea diver, as he submerges deeper and deeper under the water, feels increased pressure. How does the diver compensate for the additional pressure that is coming from the outside on his suit? Does he open the face mask to let some water in to relieve the pressure? No, he must increase the air pressure on the inside to compensate.","When put under great pressure, our first tendency might be to miss a meeting or skip one day in service in order to relieve that pressure. But, just the opposite is required. If we feel ourselves being pressured by this system of things, we need to take time for EXTRA study, prayer, and service in order to BALANCE the pressure we are feeling.",Luke 6:12;,Bobby Laymon,Coping With Life's Anxieties,32,,"Jan 19, 2001",
Pressures,"Eating Chicken, someone has to get short end.  Not all breast etc. Ate so many wings, thought all chicken had a genetic defect. Can live on wings.","In congregation, someone ends up being shorted.",James 1:12,"Mark Morrow (bethel Brother) June 20, 1990",Are You Content With Jehovah's Provisions?,22,,,
"Pressures, Stress, Patience, Enduring, Faith, Persecution,","Above every overcastting cloud, there is the blue sky.  Wherever there are shadows, there is light. If there is no pressure, there's no diamonds.","So when times are hard, we can always look forward to better times and better things ahead.",Gal. 6:9;,Bobby Laymon,Bearing Up Under Persecution,57,,"Feb 12, 2001",
Presumptuousness,"The Country Maid & her Milk-pail Walking along with pail of milk on head, thought how she would sell & buy eggs; hatch eggs, sell chickens & buy new dress & hat. All boys would want for partner, but I will toss by head and.....",Dishonor will follow presumptuous one Tossed head and milk spilled. Moral: Don't count your chickens before they hatch.,Prov 11:2  1 Cor 10:12,Aesop's Fables,,,,,
Prevention;,'A danger foreseen is half avoided.' Quote:  Thomas Fuller,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Prevention;,'Keeping from falling is better than helping up.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Prey, Paradise, Greed, Materialism, Power, Governments, Kingdom,","' Experience declares that man is the only animal which devours his own kind; for I can apply no milder term to the governments of Europe, and to the general prey of the rich on the poor.'  Quote: Thomas Jefferson.","Imagine living in Paradise, where you enjoy meaningful work,   unpolluted air and food, and where neither humans with beastly traits nor animals will prey upon you.  You see no jails, no homeless persons, and joy of resurrection replaces anguish of burial.","Rev 21:3, 4;",Bobby Laymon,Reach Out For The Real Life!,90,,1995/07/18,
Pride,"Fighting Cocks & the Eagle Fought long & hard over possession of a dunghill. One badly beaten, other flew to top, flapped & crowed, announce his victory.  Heard by passing eagle, who swooped down & got",Pride goes before a fall Other came out of his corner & took possession of the dunghill,Prov 16:18  Ps 59:12  Isa 14:11,Aesop's Fables Page 40,Getting Marriage Off To A Good Start,27,,,
Pride,"Leopard & the Fox Leopard proud of spots, 'Wondered why lion thought greater than he was.  Had nothing to do with other beasts of forest. Fox told, 'Brains are better than beauty'",Don't think more of yourself than what you ought to think Moral: Beauty is only skin deep,"Ro 12:3, 10;",Aesop's Fables  Page 9,Getting Marriage Off To A Good Start,27,,,
"Pride, Conceit, Association,","In Thoughts of Gold in Words of Silver, pride is described as 'an ever-defeating vice. It eats up a person, leaving very little to admire.'","Is it any wonder that no one feels at ease around a proud person? In fact, the price of pride is often a dearth of true friends.",Prov. 16:18,W99 2/1 5,,,,"Jul 5, 2000",
"Pride, Conceit, Association,",Pride can have many faces.,"Pride that springs from nationalism, from racism, from class and caste distinctions, from education, wealth, prestige, and power. In one way or another, pride can easily creep up on you and corrode your personality.",Matthew 23:5-7,W99 2/1 5,,,,"Jul 5, 2000",
"Pride, Conceit, Association,","The Spanish proverb is true, 'Tell me who you walk with and I will tell you who you are.'","If you prefer to associate with people who are slovenly, lazy, uncouth, and foulmouthed, then you will become like them. Their attitudes will rub off on you, and like them, you will lack self-respect.",Matthew 23:5-7,W99 2/1 5,,,,"Jul 5, 2000",
"Pride, Haughty, Humble",The difference between God and a doctor is God doesn't think he is a doctor.,Do not become puffed up with pride.,,Johnse Laymon,,,,1997/04/10,
"Pride, Haughty, Humble",The little boy followed mother into store watched as got bundle of bananas.  He eyed the one much longer then others watched what sack it went in.  He watched as mother took them out and put them on counter. What do you think happened.,If we put ourselves above others we are the first to get peeled.,Rom. 12:10;,Johnse Laymon,Finding Honor And Joy In God's Ministry,65,,1997/04/10,
"Pride, Humility,","Deer & his Antlers; admiring in water, looked down on skinny legs Hunters appeared, strong legs, thought were ugly saved his life. Until beautiful antlers got caught in branches.  Don't know our own strengths and weaknesses.",Strong points can sometimes can be our weakness.,"Eccl. 7:16, 17;",Aesop's Fables,Into The New Order Under Christ's Leadership,56,,,
"Pride, Humility, Ambition, Modesty,",'No bird soars too high if he soars with his own wings.' Quote: William Blake.,"Not being high-minded will prevent us from harboring resentment.  Are we quick to take offense because of pride, taking ourselves too seriously?",Ecclesiastes 7:9;,Bobby Laymon,Do You Harbor Resentment Or Do You Forgive?,68,,1995/08/25,
"Pride, Humility, Humble,","A bird on the ground is beautiful, or near the ground.  It is a joy to observe, and learn from.  But when it flies, the higher it gets, the smaller it gets.","Pride is like a bird.  As a person gets higher and higher, the smaller he becomes in the eyes of the beholder. (Humble: comes from humus in Latin, meaning 'dirt')",Pr 16:18; Nu 12:3;,Gary Breaux (d.O.),Into The New Order Under Christ's Leadership,56,,,
"Pride, Humility, Humble, Grasshopper, Exalt, Lowliness,",Pride blinds one to the fact that even the most exalted human is but as a grasshopper compared with the Creator and that entire nations are as but drops that fall from an emptied bucket and as the fine dust that collects on the balances.,"Yes, pride violates all sense of proportion and fitness of things. It shows itself to be entirely without understanding as to the creature's relationship to his Creator. 'The fear of Jehovah is the start of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Most Holy One is what understanding is.'","Prov. 9:10; Isa. 40:15-17, 22, 23.",W60 7/1 388,Into The New Order Under Christ's Leadership,56,,1994/05/09,
"Pride, Humility, Humble, Grasshopper, Exalt, Lowliness, Fools, Knowledge, Wisdom",The fools who do not gather in accurate knowledge now are like the proverbial grasshopper who took the easy course in times of plenty and did not look to the future. Suddenly comes the winter and calamity for the unprepared.,"'Go to the ant, you lazy one; see its ways and become wise. . . . it prepares its food even in the summer; it has gathered its food supplies even in the harvest. How long, you lazy one, will you keep lying down?'-Prov. 6:6-9.",Pr 6:6-9;,W58 5/15 311,Into The New Order Under Christ's Leadership,56,,1994/05/09,
"Pride, Humility, Think Before Speaking, Peace, Mouth, Gossip,","We don't want to be like the frog!!  The frog was cold in the winter and wanted to go south with the birds but he did not have wings.  But he was talking with his bird friends about how he wanted to go south for the winter with them and he came up with an idea and that was, 'maybe if you two birds put a stick in between you beaks one on each side of the stick, and I hold on with my mouth to the stick when you fly I'll hang on and go south with you.  (PICTURE THIS IN YOUR MIND) It worked the frog was smiling.  And all the animal kingdom was so impressed, what a brilliant idea they said, who thought of that?  The frog opened his mouth and said I did.  Then he fell down to his death.","Pride and not thinking before the matter killed the frog.  You see if the frog had though about it before he opened his month he could have saved his life.  If some one does something to offend you or upset up set you, you should first think about, ask yourself:  Am I overly sensitive, maybe after a few days go by you see it was not that big of a deal any way.  The first thing we may want to do is tell other people about it, open the mouth, but that can cause a disruption of peace in the congregation.",Eccl. 3:7;,Jim Kinkade,Live With Soundness Of Mind In A Depraved World.,138,,"Oct 30, 2001",
"Pride, Humility, Wait, Haughty,","TWO GAME COCKS were fiercely fighting for the mastery of the farmyard.  One at last put the other to flight.  The vanquished Cock skulked away and hid himself in a quiet corner, while the conqueror, flying up to a high wall, flapped his wings and crowed exultingly with all his might.  An Eagle sailing through the air pounced upon him and carried him off in his talons.  The vanquished Cock immediately came out of his corner, and ruled henceforth with undisputed mastery.",Moral: 'Pride goes before destruction.',Pr 16:18;,Aesop's Fables - Bobby Laymon,Into The New Order Under Christ's Leadership,56,,1994/05/17,
"Pride, Love, Marriage,","'Generally in life it is not this AND that, but this OR that.' You can have love and take pride in some person, but can't be of a proud mental disposition. Reason: Pride is a form of selfishness, whereas love is the very","Pride and love simply do not mix: you have to take your pick. opposite, an expression of unselfishness.",Prov. 16:18; 2 Th 1:4,"Dec 22, 1962 Aw Page 3","Friendship With God, Friendship With The World -- Which Will You Choose?",79,,,
"Pride, Love, Marriage,",'Hell has no fury like a woman spurned.' More than 1 young person has become a crotchety old bachelor or fussy old spinster because of having picked pride instead of love. Mother may neglect children for sake of career.,Pride and love simply do not mix: you have to take your pick.,Prov. 16:18; 2 Th 1:4,"Dec 22, 1962 Aw Page 4","Friendship With God, Friendship With The World -- Which Will You Choose?",79,,,
"Pride, Love, Marriage, Divorce,","Poet: 'Pride makes women hard and cruel, and it makes her too a fool.  For with all her bag of tricks, love and pride she'll never mix.'",Usually woman who suffers because she chooses pride over love.,Prov. 16:18; 2 Th 1:4,"Dec 22, 1962 Aw Page 4","Friendship With God, Friendship With The World -- Which Will You Choose?",79,,,
"Pride, Right, Wrong, Haughty",Even a stopped clock is right 2 times a day.,"Do not get puffed up with pride when you are right, you may be wrong next time.",Prov.16:18,Johnse Laymon,,,,1994/12/12,
"Pride, Saving Face, Competition, Materialism, Money,","CAN you see a connection between committing hara-kiri and 'keeping up with the Joneses'? Or between going deeply in debt for a lavish religious ceremony, and refusing to admit defeat in an argument?",The connection is that each of these things is probably motivated by a desire to save face.  [see article for closer details],1 John 2:15-17;,W80 9/15 3,Reach Out For The Real Life!,90,,1994/09/13,
"Pride, Saving Face, Suicide, Sins, Holidays, Materialism,","'Redeem your honor by committing hara-kiri.' (suicide) Not long ago such 'face saving' practice was an every day occurrence in the Orient. 'Saving face' brings disturbance, disunity, spiritual suicide.","This kind of suicide may be out of fashion nowadays, but 'saving face' continues to be practiced.","1 Pet. 4:4; Gal. 1:4; Eph. 4:22-24; Rom. 12:1, 2;","Feb 15, 1967 Wt Page 125",Reach Out For The Real Life!,90,,,
"Pride, Self, Thrill, Life,","Men want to climb the highest mountain, travel at highest speed. God has not given man life to waste. We should use all our theocratic assets to serve Jehovah. Life is a great theocratic asset.",Pride and personal gratification leads men to risk life.,Prov. 12:28; 1 Pet. 4:3-7; Matt. 4:5-7; Matt. 22:21,"May 1, 1963 Wt Page 271",Is This Life All There Is?,36,,,
"Pride, Success, Contentment, Puffed Up.",When success turns your head it often leads you looking in the wrong direction.,We must not become puffed up with pride.,"1 Cor. 4:6, 18, 19; 5:2; 13:4; Col. 2:18; 1 Tim. 3:6; 6:4;",Bobby Laymon,You Can Find Joy In Serving God,103,,,
"Pride, Thoughts, Humility, Lowliness, Mind, Wisdom, Grasshoppers,","GRASSHOPPERS are not very smart. Their thoughts are not men's thoughts. If a man could give just a small part of his mental power to a grasshopper, that favored grasshopper would be far wiser than all the other grasshoppers combined. How high above grasshoppers are men!","But before any swell with pride, read what Isaiah says about Jehovah God: 'He sits over the round earth, so high that its inhabitants look like grasshoppers.' (Isa. 40:22, Mo) How high above men is God! 'My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.' (Isa. 55:8,",Is 40:22; 55:8;,W50 10/1 339,Into The New Order Under Christ's Leadership,56,,1994/05/09,
Pride;,'With so many roosters crowing the sun never comes up.'  Quote:  Italian.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Pride; Boasting; Selfishness; Egotism; Narrow-mindedness; Opinionated;  bragging; Self-interest;,"'A man who prides himself in his ancestry is like the potato plant, the best part of which is underground.' Quote:  Spanish",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Pride; Boasting; Selfishness; Egotism; Narrow-mindedness; Opinionated;  bragging; Self-interest;,'Acorns compare their height with each other.'  Quote:  Japanese.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Pride; Boasting; Selfishness; Egotism; Narrow-mindedness; Opinionated;  bragging; Self-interest;,'Affectation is a greater enemy to the face than small pox.'  Quote:  English.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Pride; Boasting; Selfishness; Egotism; Narrow-mindedness; Opinionated;  bragging; Self-interest;,"'And so we plow along, the fly said to the ox.'  Quote:  H. Longfellow.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Pride; Boasting; Selfishness; Egotism; Narrow-mindedness; Opinionated;  bragging; Self-interest;,"'Before most people start boasting about their family tree, they usually do a good pruning job.'  Quote:  O. A. Battista.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Pride; Boasting; Selfishness; Egotism; Narrow-mindedness; Opinionated;  bragging; Self-interest;,'Everyone thinks that all the bells echo his own thoughts.'  Quote:  German.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Pride; Boasting; Selfishness; Egotism; Narrow-mindedness; Opinionated;  bragging; Self-interest;,'Get someone else to blow your horn and the sound will carry twice as far.' Quote:  Will Rogers,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Pride; Boasting; Selfishness; Egotism; Narrow-mindedness; Opinionated;  bragging; Self-interest;,'He that climbs high falls heavily.'  Quote:  German.,,,Jk Quotes;,Jehovah's Eyes Are Upon Us,74,,,
Pride; Boasting; Selfishness; Egotism; Narrow-mindedness; opinionated;  bragging; Self-interest;,'He was like the cock who thought the sun had risen to hear him crow.'  Quote:  G. Elliot.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Pride; Boasting; Selfishness; Egotism; Narrow-mindedness; opinionated;  bragging; Self-interest;,'He who stands on tiptoe does not stand firm.'  Quote:  Lhotse.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Pride; Boasting; Selfishness; Egotism; Narrow-mindedness; Opinionated;  bragging; Self-interest;,'If three people say you are an ass....put on a bridle.' Quote:  Spanish,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Pride; Boasting; Selfishness; Egotism; Narrow-mindedness; Opinionated;  bragging; Self-interest;,"'If you are all wrapped up in yourself, you are overdressed.'  Quote:  K. Halverson.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Pride; Boasting; Selfishness; Egotism; Narrow-mindedness; Opinionated;  bragging; Self-interest;,'Ingratitude is form of pride.'  Quote:  Martin.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Pride; Boasting; Selfishness; Egotism; Narrow-mindedness; Opinionated;  bragging; Self-interest;,'Snobs talk as if they had begotten their own ancestors.'  Quote:  Herbert Agar.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Pride; Boasting; Selfishness; Egotism; Narrow-mindedness; Opinionated;  bragging; Self-interest;,'Talk to a man about himself and he will listen for hours.'  Quote:  Ben Disraeli.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Pride; Boasting; Selfishness; Egotism; Narrow-mindedness; Opinionated;  bragging; Self-interest;,'The big drum sounds good from far off.'  Quote:  Persian.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Pride; Boasting; Selfishness; Egotism; Narrow-mindedness; Opinionated;  bragging; Self-interest;,"'The bigger a man's head, the worse his headache.'  Quote:  Persian.",,,Jk Quotes;,Jehovah's Eyes Are Upon Us,74,,,
Pride; Boasting; Selfishness; Egotism; Narrow-mindedness; Opinionated;  bragging; Self-interest;,"'The fly sat on the axle of the chariot wheel and said, 'What a dust do I raise!'.'  Quote:  Francis Bacon.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Pride; Boasting; Selfishness; Egotism; Narrow-mindedness; Opinionated;  bragging; Self-interest;,"'The frog tried to look as big as the elephant, and burst.'  Quote:  African.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Pride; Boasting; Selfishness; Egotism; Narrow-mindedness; Opinionated;  bragging; Self-interest;,'The man who lives by himself and for himself is apt to be corrupted by the company he keeps.'  Quote:  Charles Parkhurst.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Pride; Boasting; Selfishness; Egotism; Narrow-mindedness; Opinionated;  bragging; Self-interest;,'You cackle often but never lay an egg.'  Quote:  Danish.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Pride; Boasting; Selfishness; Egotism; Narrow-mindedness; Opinionated;  bragging; Self-interest;,Being wrapped up in yourself makes for a pretty small package.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Pride; Boasting; Selfishness; Egotism; Narrow-mindedness; Opinionated;  bragging; Self-interest;,"Don't brag, it isn't the whistle that pulls the train.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Pride; Boasting; Selfishness; Egotism; Narrow-mindedness; Opinionated;  bragging; Self-interest;,Even a family tree has to have some sap.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Pride; Boasting; Selfishness; Egotism; Narrow-mindedness; Opinionated;  bragging; Self-interest;,"He who blows his own horn the loudest, does it because he's usually in a fog.",,,Jk Quotes;,Jehovah's Eyes Are Upon Us,74,,,
Pride; Boasting; Selfishness; Egotism; Narrow-mindedness; Opinionated;  bragging; Self-interest;,No one can boast of his modesty.,,,Jk Quotes;,Jehovah's Eyes Are Upon Us,74,,,
Pride; Boasting; Selfishness; Egotism; Narrow-mindedness; Opinionated;  bragging; Self-interest;,One of the hardest secrets for a man to keep is his good opinion of himself.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Pride; Boasting; Selfishness; Egotism; Narrow-mindedness; Opinionated;  bragging; Self-interest;,"Temper is what gets most of us in trouble, pride is what keeps us there.",,,Jk Quotes;,Jehovah's Eyes Are Upon Us,74,,,
Pride; Selfishness; Egotism; Self-interest;,'An empty vessel gives a greater sound than the full vessel.'  Quote:  John Lily.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Pride; Selfishness; Egotism; Self-interest;,'Boasting is not courage.'  Quote:  African.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Pride; Selfishness; Egotism; Self-interest;,'Egotists are always me-deep in conversation.'  Quote:  L. Peter.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Pride; Selfishness; Egotism; Self-interest;,'He who does not enjoy his own company is usually right.'  Quote:  Joseph Barry.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Pride; Selfishness; Egotism; Self-interest;,'He who loves to laugh has teeth that are white.'  Quote:  Russian.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Pride; Selfishness; Egotism; Self-interest;,'It's not the hen that cackles the loudest that lays the biggest egg.'  Quote:  Scottish.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Pride; Selfishness; Egotism; Self-interest;,'Never be boastful; someone may pass who knew you as a child.'  Quote:  Chinese.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Pride; Selfishness; Egotism; Self-interest;,'Noise proves nothing. Often a hen who has merely laid an egg cackles as if she has laid an asteroid.'  Quote:  Mt.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Pride; Selfishness; Egotism; Self-interest;,'Nothing is as hard to do gracefully as getting down off your high horse.'  Quote:  Frank Jones.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Pride; Selfishness; Egotism; Self-interest;,"'One nice thing about egotists, they don't talk about other people!'  Quote:  Lucille Harper.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Pride; Selfishness; Egotism; Self-interest;,'Pride is said to be the last vice a good man gets clear of.'  Quote:  Bf.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Pride; Selfishness; Egotism; Self-interest;,"'Some men never feel small, but these are the few men who are.'  Quote:  Chesterton.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Pride; Selfishness; Egotism; Self-interest;,'The big drum beats fast but does not realize his hollowness.'  Quote:  Malay.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Pride; Selfishness; Egotism; Self-interest;,'The graveyards are full of people the world could not do without.'  Quote:  E. Hubbard.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Pride; Selfishness; Egotism; Self-interest;,'The harder you fall the higher you bounce.'  Quote:  American.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Pride; Selfishness; Egotism; Self-interest;,'The nail that sticks out is hammered down.'  Quote:  Japanese.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Pride; Selfishness; Egotism; Self-interest;,'The noisiest drum has nothing in it but air.'  Quote:  English.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Pride; Selfishness; Egotism; Self-interest;,'The personal pronoun 'I' should be the coat of arms of some people.'  Quote:  D. Rivarol.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Pride; Selfishness; Egotism; Self-interest;,'The secret of my success is that at an early age I discovered I was not God.'  Quote:  O. W. Holmes.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Pride; Selfishness; Egotism; Self-interest;,"'The turtle lays a thousand eggs with out anyone knowing, the hen lays one egg and the whole country is informed.'  Quote:  Malay.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Pride; Selfishness; Egotism; Self-interest;,"'There is perhaps no one of our natural passions so hard to subdue as pride.  Beat it down, stifle it, mortify it as much as one pleases, it is still alive. Even if I had completely overcome it, I should probably be proud of my humility.'  Quote:  Bf.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Pride; Selfishness; Egotism; Self-interest;,'There was a one who thought himself above me and he was above me until he had that thought.'  Quote:  E. Hubbard.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Pride; Selfishness; Egotism; Self-interest;,'There's a lot to be said for the person who doesn't say it himself.'  Quote:  Maurice Switzer.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Pride; Selfishness; Egotism; Self-interest;,"'When a proud man hears another praised, he feels himself injured.'  Quote:  English.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Pride; Selfishness; Egotism; Self-interest;,"'Yourself first, others afterwards.'  Quote:  Chinese.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Pride; Selfishness; Egotism; Self-interest;,"A man's body is extremely sensitive, pat him on the back and his head swells.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Pride; Selfishness; Egotism; Self-interest;,Every horse thinks his own pack the heaviest.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Pride; Selfishness; Egotism; Self-interest;,Every time he looks in the mirror he takes a bow.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Pride; Selfishness; Egotism; Self-interest;,God wisely designed the human body so that we can neither pat our own backs or kick ourselves too easily.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Pride; Selfishness; Egotism; Self-interest;,He is unworthy to live who live only for himself.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Pride; Selfishness; Egotism; Self-interest;,He that falls in love with himself will have no rivals.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Pride; Selfishness; Egotism; Self-interest;,"If we could see ourselves as others see us, we'd never speak to them again.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Pride; Selfishness; Egotism; Self-interest;,"It is equally a mistake to hold one's self too high, or to rate one's self too cheap.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Pride; Selfishness; Egotism; Self-interest;,"Pride is tasteless, colorless, and size less. Yet it is the hardest thing to swallow.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Pride; Selfishness; Egotism; Self-interest;,Pride is the mask of one's own faults.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Pride; Selfishness; Egotism; Self-interest;,Self-preservation is the first law of nature.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Pride; Selfishness; Egotism; Self-interest;,The best medicine you can take is yourself.....with a grain of salt.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Pride; Selfishness; Egotism; Self-interest;,The bigger a man's head the easier it is to fill his shoes.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Pride; Selfishness; Egotism; Self-interest;,The shoemaker's son always goes barefoot.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Pride; Selfishness; Egotism; Self-interest;,The trouble with an inferiority complex is that the people that ought to have one never do.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Pride; Selfishness; Egotism; Self-interest;,Those who think they know it all are very annoying to those of us who do.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Pride; Selfishness; Egotism; Self-interest;,"When every one takes care of himself, care is taken of all.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Pride; Selfishness; Egotism; Self-interest;,When they came to put horseshoes on the horse the beetle stretched out his leg.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Pride; Selfishness; Egotism; Self-interest; Sins; Faults;,The greatest of all faults is to be conscious of none.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Priests, Types, Shadows,","You might hang on to an advertisement for a product you desperately need, but would you not discard it once you procured that product?","The duty of priest, and other types were symbols pointing to better things, 'heavenly things.'  Once those 'heavenly things' arrived, the symbols were no longer needed.",Heb 8:5,"Oct 8, 1993 Aw Page 27",,,,,
"Princes, Paradise, Children, Family, Marriage, Home, Youth, Dating",'The youth of a nation are the trustees of posterity.' Quote - Disraeli.,Our youth have opportunity of becoming 'princes in all the earth',Ps. 45:16; 2 Tim. 2:22; Prov. 22:6; 23:13; Deuteronomy. 6: 4-8; Eph. 5:22,Bobby Laymon,Family Life That Warms The Heart,5,,,
"Principle, Laws, Bible, Obey, Obedience, Reminders,",Jehovah's laws might be likened to a stop sign.  Jehovah's principles are like a yield sign.,"Both accomplish the same purpose, however principles are not as rigid and are more flexible.  Requirements touched every facet of life: one's thoughts, motivations, relations with fellowmen.",Mr 12:28-31;,Al Larue,Are You Doing What God Requires Of You?,43,,1995/07/29,
"Principles, Laws, Bible, Scriptures, Reminders,","Jehovah's laws might be likened to an open end wrench.  His principles might be likened to an adjustable wrench, or crescent.","Whereas laws usually fit only a specific situation, principles can be applied and used in a variety of circumstances.  Smoking for example.",Ps. 119:105;,Bobby Laymon,Evidence Of God In The World Around Us,4,,1995/07/28,
"Principles, Laws, Obedience, Obey, Listen,",Never ! never! put a question mark where Jehovah has put a period.,We must obey.,Jer. 35:13;,Bobby Laymon,How Well Do You Know God?,1,,1998/12/25,
Principles; Confidence; Integrity;,'An empty bag cannot stand upright.'  Quote:  Benjamin Franklin.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Printing, Publishing, Literature, Meps","'We have nothing but praise for the enterprise, initiative and insightfulness of the Watchtower people.  There are few today either ambitious enough or courageous enough to undertake such an application, especially virtually from scratch.' Quote: Seybold Report on Publishing Systems.","In 1979, a group of Jehovah's Witnesses began to design and build the Multilanguage Electronic Phototypesetting System.  They developed the software required for processing material in 186 languages.","Ps 110:3; Mt 28:19, 20;",Jehovah's Witnesses - Proclaimers Of God's Kingdom.  Page 596,Renewing The Spirit Of Self-sacrifice,69,,,
"Priorities, Attitude, Thinking, Paradigm, Atmosphere, Environment,","'Little things affect little minds.' Quote: Benjamin Disraeli, Earl of Beaconsfield -1845.",People's minds are on unimportant things.  Activities and lives of many persons who profess belief in God give no evidence of serious concern about his requirements.,Tit 1:16;,Bobby Laymon,Are You Doing What God Requires Of You?,43,,1995/08/01,
"Priorities, Kingdom, Self, Work, Education, Skill, Employment,",A skillful artist knows how to create depth.  The details in the foreground are given greater prominence than those in the middle ground and background.,It is much the same with our priorities in life.  Some of them merit more prominence than others.,Matt 5:3; 6:33;,"Aug 22, 1994 Aw Page 6",God Comes First In Successful Family Life,110,,1994/09/07,
"Privacy, Kindness, Consideration, Manners, Concern, Hospitality, Liberties,","A LION, fatigued by the heat of a summer's day, fell fast asleep  in his den.  A Mouse ran over his mane and ears and woke him from  his slumbers.  He rose up and shook himself in great wrath, and  searched every corner of his den to find the Mouse.  A Fox seeing him said:  'A fine Lion you are, to be frightened of a Mouse.'  ''Tis not the Mouse I fear,' said the Lion;  'I resent his familiarity and ill-breeding.'",Moral: 'Little liberties are great offenses.'  We must respect the privacy of others.  Not take liberties with others because of their hospitality and kindness.,Pr 25:17;,Aesop's Fables - Bobby Laymon,Follow The Course Of Hospitality,77,,1994/05/17,9/9/2014
"Probably, Promise, Positive, Definite,",'A pinch of probability is worth a pound of perhaps.'  Quote: James Thurber.,Jehovah speaks in a positive way about us inheriting the earth.,Zeph 2:3;,Bobby Laymon - Reader's Digest,Can You Live Forever?--will You?,35,,1996/03/24,
"Problems, Cope, Coping, Destiny, Last Days,","'Whether we wish it or not we are involved in the world's problems, and all the winds of heaven blow through our land.' Quote: Walter Lippmann.  -1889-1974.","As Christians, we are living in the last days.  These are 'critical times hard to deal with.'  Coping with them requires reliance on Jehovah.",2 Tim. 3:1-5;,Bobby Laymon,Coping With Life's Anxieties,32,,1995/08/16,
"Problems, Coping,",'Don't be like a jigsaw Christian .','Every time they're faced with a problem they go to pieces.',Matt. 6:33;,Bobby Laymon,Coping With Life's Anxieties,32,,1999/02/18,
"Problems, Coping, Anxiety, Adversity, Decisions,","'Problems are only opportunities with thorns on them.'  Quote: Hugh Miller, Snow on the Wind.","The Bible frowns on indecisiveness.  We must be whole-souled to Jehovah, fully living up to our decision to serve him even with problems.","Jas 1:7, 8;",Bobby Laymon - Reader's Digest,Decide Now For Divine Rulership,37,,1996/03/20,
"Problems, Coping, Satan, Devil, Lion,","Johnny visit zoo.  He loves to watch the animals.  The lions, gorillas, bears.  He leans forward.  A little more.  Falls.  He falls right into the lion's den.  On the right is a large male lion.  On his left is a pride of lions.  No one needs to tell him he needs help.","Today, we are not in the woods with the lion.  We are in the cage with the lion.  Satan the Devil.  World has problems.  Clinton has his problems.  Some think God is going to step in and help.",1 Pet 5:8;,Robert Schwarze,Is It Time For God To Rule The World?,20,,1999/02/01,
"Problems, Coping, Worry, Worries,","According to the National Bureau of Standards, a dense fog covering seven city blocks to a depth of 100 feet is composed of something less than one glass of water. That is, all the fog covering seven city blocks 100 feet deep could be, if it were gotten all together, held in a single drinking glass; it would not quite fill it.","This can be compared to the things we worry about. If we could see into the future and if we could see our problems in their true light, they wouldn't blind us to the world -- to living itself -- but instead could be relegated to their true size and place. And if all the things most people worry about were reduced to their true size, you could probably stick them all into a water glass, too",Matt. 6:31;,Bobby Laymon,Coping With Life's Anxieties,32,,1999/02/18,
"Problems, Coping, Worry, Worries,","An average person's anxiety is focused on:  40% -- things that will never happen  30% -- things about the past that can't be changed  12% -- things about criticism by others, mostly untrue  10% -- about health, which gets worse with stress  8% -- about real problems that will be faced",Worry does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow; it empties today of its strength.,Matt. 6:31;,Bobby Laymon,Coping With Life's Anxieties,32,,1999/02/18,
"Problems, Coping, Worry, Worries,",Every evening I turn all my worries over to God.,He's going to be up all night anyway.,Matt. 6:31;,Bobby Laymon,Coping With Life's Anxieties,32,,1999/02/18,
"Problems, Coping, Worry, Worries,","For worriers, the Scots have a proverb: 'What may be, may not be.'","When you worry, which do you worry about, what might happen or what might not happen? Whichever, turn it around, to relieve anxiety. That's common advice in Scotland.",Matt. 6:31;,Bobby Laymon,Coping With Life's Anxieties,32,,1999/02/18,
"Problems, Coping, Worry, Worries,",Jehovah is a help in trouble.,In worry you are on your own.,Matt. 6:31;,Bobby Laymon,Coping With Life's Anxieties,32,,1999/02/18,
"Problems, Coping, Worry, Worries,",One man decided to put a marble in a vase for each worry during the year.,"At the end of the year he had quite a collection of marbles, but he couldn't remember what worry even one of them represented.",Matt. 6:33;,Bobby Laymon,Coping With Life's Anxieties,32,,1999/02/18,
"Problems, Coping, Worry, Worries,",Worry is a thin stream of fear trickling through the mind.,"If encouraged, it cuts a channel into which all other thoughts are drained.",Matt. 6:31;,Bobby Laymon,Coping With Life's Anxieties,32,,1999/02/18,
"Problems, Coping, Worry, Worries,",WORRY is like a rocking chair.,It give you something to do but doesn't get you anywhere.,Matt. 6:31;,Bobby Laymon,Coping With Life's Anxieties,32,,1999/02/18,
"Problems, Coping, Worry, Worries,",Worry is wasting today's time to clutter up tomorrow's opportunities with yesterday's troubles.,Worry often gives a small thing a big shadow.,Matt. 6:31;,Bobby Laymon,Coping With Life's Anxieties,32,,1999/02/18,
"Problems, Coping, Worry, Worries,",Worry pulls tomorrow's cloud over today's sunshine.,Follow Jesus' advice.,Matt. 6:31;,Bobby Laymon,Coping With Life's Anxieties,32,,1999/02/18,
"Problems, Decisions, Coping,",Some find the answer in a bottle; others in a pill; still others in a needle.,Where do you find the answers to life's problems?,2 Tim 3:1-5;,Joseph Wengert D. O.,Decisions You Face--how Will You Make Them?,50,,1996/04/29,
"Problems, Decisions, Petty, Grudge, Resentment,","Why make mountains out of molehills? Mole: a burrowing mammal, about 6 in. in length, that pushes the ground up 2-4 inches high. His hills are considered little more than nuisances.","A minor nuisance, but certainly no major problem, to get disturbed Examples: in article.","Jer. 17:9; Prov. 19:11; 1 Pet. 4:8; 1 Cor. 13:5, 7;","May 15, 1964 Wt Page 291",Do You Harbor Resentment Or Do You Forgive?,68,,,
"Problems, Hardships, Anxiety, Disappointment, Depression, Tests,","IN 1978 a huge storm in the North Atlantic buffeted the luxury ocean liner Queen Elizabeth 2. Waves the height of a ten-story building crashed down on the ship, making it bob like a cork. Furniture and passengers were thrown about as the vessel pitched wildly. Remarkably, only minor injuries occurred among the 1,200 passengers. Good engineering, materials, and construction kept the ship from breaking apart.   Centuries ago there was another ship in  the grip of a tempestuous storm. The apostle Paul and 275 others were on board.  Fearing that the ship would be broken to pieces by the intensity of the storm, the sailors apparently passed 'helps'--chains or ropes--under the ship from one side to the other to hold together the wooden planks that made up this merchant ship's hull. All the passengers on board were saved, though  the ship was not.--Acts, chapter 27.","Trials in life may sometimes make us feel as if we were on a ship in turbulent seas. Waves of anxiety, disappointment, and depression can sweep over us, testing our love to the limit. To weather such storms and avoid breaking apart, we too need some helps.",2 Corinthians 11:24-28; Acts 27:,"Oct 8, 1996 Aw Page 26",Gaining Comfort In All Our Tribulations,105,,1996/11/07,
"Problems, Hardships, Anxiety, Disappointment, Depression, Tests,","In Paul's day, when a ship encountered a turbulent storm, the survival of the passengers and the ship depended on the skill of the crew as well as on how well the ship held together.","It was no less so when the apostle encountered figurative storms.  Though Paul had weathered physical deprivation, imprisonment, and torture, the severest storms that challenged his spiritual and emotional stability and his ability to continue to love came from within the Christian congregation.   Paul must have felt as if he were being pulled apart, like a ship in the grip of a tempest.",2 Corinthians 11:24-28; Acts 27:,"Oct 8, 1996 Aw Page 26",Are You Content With Jehovah's Provisions?,22,,1996/11/07,
"Problems, Haste, Patience, Rush,","At times we may realize that our brother has something against us. We can rush to him and try to solve the problem before we get the facts, or be like the fellow who took the night job at the dynamite factory. He said, ' Sometimes it is better to curse the darkness, than light the wrong candle.'","It is better to get the facts first. This will illuminate matters, so that we can tell the difference between wicks and fuses!!",Prov. 20:5;,Bobby Laymon,Make Jehovah Your Confidence,70,,1999/02/18,
"Problems, Imperfection,","Derives' Old Typing Dilemma: If you hit two keys on the typewriter, the one you don't want hits the paper.","Imperfection,","2 Cor. 11:26; 2 Tim. 3:12; Heb. 13:6; Jas. 1: 6, 7;rev. 2:10;",Bobby Laymon,Coping With Life's Anxieties,32,,,
"Problems, Imperfection, Doubts,","Fifth Law of Applied Terror: If you are given an open-book exam, you will forget your book.",Imperfection.,"2 Cor. 11:26; 2 Tim. 3:12; Heb. 13:6; Jas. 1: 6, 7;rev. 2:10;",Bobby Laymon,A Cleansed Earth--will You Live To See It?,49,,,
"Problems, Kingdom, Solutions, Decisions, Suffering, Cure,","'What do you do when someone in the family has malaria?'  'I give them medicine, of course.'  'You see, that is the logical thing to do when you are suffering; you take medicine.  But suppose we had the right 'medicine' to remove all suffering and solve all problems here on earth.  Would we not prefer to stay here & solve our problems, rather than die and leave our loved ones?","Obviously, man does not have the ability to solve all his problems. Only Jehovah has the right cure for all the illnesses of mankind.",Is 33:24; Re 11:18;,Our Problems - Who Will Help Us Solve Them?  Page 8,The Only Cure For Sick Mankind,62,,,
"Problems, Kingdom, Solutions, Decisions, Suffering, Cure, Earth,","Think of this colony.  When it was first built, it was a very fine colony, was it not.  Look at it today.  So many tenants have moved in who do not care.  They have broken the streetlights, thrown garbage wherever they like, smashed the windows, and stolen taps so that water is wasted, and made the roads muddy.","Likewise with the earth.  If the bad tenants were removed and the facilities repaired, could we not enjoy living here?  This is what God has promised to do to the whole earth.",Re 11:18;,Our Problems - Who Will Help Us Solve Them?  Page 8,The Only Cure For Sick Mankind,62,,,
"Problems, Mental, Stress, Sorrow, Friends,",'A sorrow shared is but half a trouble.'  (An English proverb),"Do not allow hostile feelings to build up.  Share them with an trusted friend.  Where discretion is needed, would it not help to find a mature Christian in whom you can confide.",Prov. 12:25; 16:24;,"Oct 22, 1992 Aw Page 21",Gaining Comfort In All Our Tribulations,105,,,
"Problems, Persecution, Trouble, Fear, Danger, Doubts,","A lot of things are just hard, not impossible.",With Jehovah's help we can succeed.,"2 Cor. 11:26; 2 Tim. 3:12; Heb. 13:6; Jas. 1: 6, 7;rev. 2:10;",Bobby Laymon,Bearing Up Under Persecution,57,,,
"Problems, Persecution, Trouble, Fear, Danger, Doubts,",Don't burn your bridges ahead of you. We must be determined to stand fast.,"Don't give in to persecution, before it reaches you.","2 Cor. 11:26; 2 Tim. 3:12; Heb. 13:6; Jas. 1: 6, 7;rev. 2:10;",Bobby Laymon,Bearing Up Under Persecution,57,,,
"Problems, Persecution, Trouble, Fear, Danger, Doubts,",Every cloud has a silver lining. Jehovah rewards those who endure.,Persecution will not last forever.,"2 Cor. 11:26; 2 Tim. 3:12; Heb. 13:6; Jas. 1: 6, 7;rev. 2:10;",Bobby Laymon,Bearing Up Under Persecution,57,,,
"Problems, Persecution, Trouble, Fear, Danger, Doubts,","Groundless alarms always outnumber the dangers. We should work, like the birds, but without worry.",Worry will add nothing to our lifespan.,"Matt. 6:27; 2 Cor. 11:26; 2 Tim. 3:12; Heb. 13:6; Jas. 1: 6, 7;rev",Bobby Laymon,Bearing Up Under Persecution,57,,,
"Problems, Persecution, Trouble, Fear, Danger, Doubts,","If you save for a rainy day, you're sure to have one. Don't be anxious about what you will speak, Jesus said.",Don't try to plan ahead for persecution.,"Matt. 10:19; 2 Cor. 11:26; 2 Tim. 3:12; Heb. 13:6; Jas. 1: 6, 7",Bobby Laymon,Bearing Up Under Persecution,57,,,
"Problems, Persecution, Trouble, Fear, Danger, Doubts,","If your heart fails you, do not climb at all.",Fear of man can cause one to lose out on many experiences.,"2 Cor. 11:26; 2 Tim. 3:12; Heb. 13:6; Jas. 1: 6, 7;rev. 2:10;",Bobby Laymon,Bearing Up Under Persecution,57,,,
"Problems, Persecution, Trouble, Fear, Danger, Doubts,",It's always quiet just before a storm. Satan is looking for any chance to disrupt unity of Jehovah's people.,Storms of persecution can break out any time.,"2 Cor. 11:26; 2 Tim. 3:12; Heb. 13:6; Jas. 1: 6, 7;rev. 2:10;",Bobby Laymon,Bearing Up Under Persecution,57,,,
"Problems, Persecution, Trouble, Fear, Danger, Doubts,","Leave fear behind, if you want to get ahead.","We must boldly press on under persecution, dangers, etc.","2 Cor. 11:26; 2 Tim. 3:12; Heb. 13:6; Jas. 1: 6, 7;rev. 2:10;",Bobby Laymon,Bearing Up Under Persecution,57,,,
"Problems, Persecution, Trouble, Fear, Danger, Doubts,",Let sleeping dogs lie. Some things are best left alone.,Do not purposely stir up trouble.,"2 Cor. 11:26; 2 Tim. 3:12; Heb. 13:6; Jas. 1: 6, 7;rev. 2:10;",Bobby Laymon,Bearing Up Under Persecution,57,,,
"Problems, Persecution, Trouble, Fear, Danger, Doubts,","Remember, a kite rises 'against', not 'with' the wind.","Even persecution helps to strengthen, grow.","2 Cor. 11:26; 2 Tim. 3:12; Heb. 13:6; Jas. 1: 6, 7;rev. 2:10;",Bobby Laymon,Bearing Up Under Persecution,57,,,
"Problems, Persecution, Trouble, Fear, Danger, Doubts,",Tears are only rain that make love grow.,"Persecution, when past can make one strong, determined.","2 Cor. 11:26; 2 Tim. 3:12; Heb. 13:6; Jas. 1: 6, 7;rev. 2:10;",Bobby Laymon,Bearing Up Under Persecution,57,,,
"Problems, Persecution, Trouble, Fear, Danger, Doubts,",The coldest part of the day is just before sunrise.,Persecution is temporarily.,"2 Cor. 11:26; 2 Tim. 3:12; Heb. 13:6; Jas. 1: 6, 7;rev. 2:10;",Bobby Laymon,Bearing Up Under Persecution,57,,,
"Problems, Persecution, Trouble, Fear, Danger, Doubts,",The darkest hour is just before dawn.,Jehovah is always there.,"2 Cor. 11:26; 2 Tim. 3:12; Heb. 13:6; Jas. 1: 6, 7;rev. 2:10;",Bobby Laymon,Bearing Up Under Persecution,57,,,
"Problems, Persecution, Trouble, Fear, Danger, Doubts,",The darkest spot is just below the candle.,We can depend on Jehovah at our darkest hour.,"2 Cor. 11:26; 2 Tim. 3:12; Heb. 13:6; Jas. 1: 6, 7;rev. 2:10;",Bobby Laymon,Bearing Up Under Persecution,57,,,
"Problems, Persecution, Trouble, Fear, Danger, Doubts,",The quickest way to get out of trouble is through it.,Some problems must be met head-on.,"2 Cor. 11:26; 2 Tim. 3:12; Heb. 13:6; Jas. 1: 6, 7;rev. 2:10;",Bobby Laymon,Bearing Up Under Persecution,57,,,
"Problems, Persecution, Trouble, Fear, Danger, Doubts,",There is no fire without some smoke. Many have become servants of Jehovah because of persecution of his servants.,Others see when we bear up under fiery persecution.,"2 Cor. 11:26; 2 Tim. 3:12; Heb. 13:6; Jas. 1: 6, 7;rev. 2:10;",Bobby Laymon,Bearing Up Under Persecution,57,,,
"Problems, Persecution, Trouble, Fear, Danger, Doubts,",Today's teardrops are tomorrow's rainbows.,"Persecution, Hard times are only temporary, and will make us a better person.","2 Cor. 11:26; 2 Tim. 3:12; Heb. 13:6; Jas. 1: 6, 7;rev. 2:10;",Bobby Laymon,Bearing Up Under Persecution,57,,,
"Problems, Persecution, Trouble, Fear, Danger, Doubts,",Trouble comes in three's.,"It seems when Satan strikes, he keeps striking.","2 Cor. 11:26; 2 Tim. 3:12; Heb. 13:6; Jas. 1: 6, 7;rev. 2:10;",Bobby Laymon,Bearing Up Under Persecution,57,,,
"Problems, Persecution, Trouble, Fear, Danger, Doubts,",You cannot get rid of danger without danger.,Some difficulties must be faced.,"2 Cor. 11:26; 2 Tim. 3:12; Heb. 13:6; Jas. 1: 6, 7;rev. 2:10;",Bobby Laymon,Bearing Up Under Persecution,57,,,
"Problems, Persecution, Trouble, Fear, Danger, Doubts, Conscience,","The harder one works, the softer one's bed.",Hard work is rewarding;  A good conscience is a soft pillow.,"2 Cor. 11:26; 2 Tim. 3:12; Heb. 13:6; Jas. 1: 6, 7;rev. 2:10;",Bobby Laymon,Conducting Ourselves Honestly At All Times,10,,,
"Problems, Persecution, Trouble, Fear, Danger, Doubts, Last Days.","The harder the storm, the sooner its over.",Jehovah will soon cut short this system of things.,"Matt. 24:23; 2 Cor. 11:26; 2 Tim. 3:12; Heb. 13:6; Jas. 1: 6,",Bobby Laymon,Bearing Up Under Persecution,57,,,
"Problems, Persecution, Trouble, Fear, Danger, Doubts, Prayer,","The darker the night, the brighter the stars.",Jehovah will help us no matter how dark.,"2 Cor. 11:26; 2 Tim. 3:12; Heb. 13:6; Jas. 1: 6, 7;rev. 2:10;",Bobby Laymon,Bearing Up Under Persecution,57,,,
"Problems, Persecution, Trouble, Fear, Danger, Doubts, Resentment,",Nothing forces one to dwell on the thing that disturbs him.,Bitterness can be caused by dwelling on bad things.,"2 Cor. 11:26; 2 Tim. 3:12; Heb. 13:6; Jas. 1: 6, 7;rev. 2:10;",Bobby Laymon,Bearing Up Under Persecution,57,,,
"Problems, Persecution, Trouble, Fear, Danger, Doubts, time, Pioneer","Time changes everything. Neither life nor death should make up quit serving Jehovah. Some start in youth, in school, later marry, get pregnant, have children, sickness, economic problems.",Must be determined to never quit serving Jehovah. Continue to pioneer.,"2 Cor. 11:26; 2 Tim. 3:12; Heb. 13:6; Jas. 1: 6, 7;rev. 2:10;",Bobby Laymon,Bearing Up Under Persecution,57,,,
"Problems, Personality, Transform, Mind, Thoughts",Problems we face cannot be solved at the same level of thinking we were at when we created them.,Must transform our minds over to get truth.  Our thinking must be different or we will not change our life or lifestyles.,Rom.12:2,Jim Breden,"Living, Not For Self, But To Do God's Will",8,,1996/02/18,
"Problems, Prayer, Communication, Relationship, Appreciation, Action, Harmony,",An earthly father expects his son to show initiative when given a task and come to him when he needs help.,God's guidance is a supplement to and not a substitute for action on our part.  God expects his people to come to him mainly with problems they cannot solve themselves.,Ecc 7:12;,W72 6/1 333,Family Life That Warms The Heart,5,,1994/08/08,
"Problems, Satan, Solution, Churchill, Confidence, Crush","Eleven years ago Winston Churchill took off on a flight of pretentious oratory and said the Allies look ahead to 'when we shall have finally beaten down Satan under our feet.' He not only borrowed this from the Bible but edited it, substituting the Allies for God.","Only God will crush Satan underfoot. (Rom. 16:20) Ten years later Churchill had not walked all over Satan and was not nearly so confident of handling matters, for he said: 'A fearful question confronts us: Have our problems got beyond our control?' They always were and always will be. Satan is the cause of present woes, and only Jehovah can eliminate that cause.",Rom 16:20;,W54 11/15 680,How To Protect Ourselves From Satan's Snares,115,,1994/05/09,
"Problems, Solutions, Decisions, Bible, Kingdom, Contentment,","Imagine for a moment that you need a home for your family and money is no object.  You look at various houses.  Real-estate salesmen try to accommodate your wishes, but the home you have in mind remains elusive.  You have in mind the contentment and well being of your family.  Now envision the happiness when at last you find the house of your dreams.","Just as you would spend time looking for a new home, why not examine the Bible to see a solution to your problems?  Just as we need to weigh facts when making decisions about a home, so we need to reason soundly on what we read in God's Word.  Everlasting life is even more important than finding a home.",John 17:3;,"Aug 15, 1994 Wt Page 5",The Kingdom Of God Is Near,109,,1994/07/29,
"Problems, Trials, Cope, Anxieties,","When we stand next to one of these big Super - Tankers tied up to the wharf, it is HUGE!....... GIGANTIC! But then if we take an airplane trip and observe that same Super-Tanker, it is very small and insignificant.","Our Problems and Trials sometimes appear MOUNTAIN-LIKE, GIGANTIC, because we are so close to them. But if we try to see our Problems and Trials from a distance... from Jehovah's Perspective.... our MOUNTAIN-LIKE, GIGANTIC problems will pale into insignificance.",Jer 10:23;,Peter Morgan,Coping With Life's Anxieties,32,,1997/08/10,
"Problems, Wait, Test,","You've heard, 'Something's going on, not right at Kingdom Hall.' What if you had been an elder then? Young Samuel waited on Jehovah to handle situation. Jehovah permits wrong doing to continue for a time-to test us.",Eli's sons.  Jehovah permitted adultery for while.  test.,1 Sam 2:22,"Mark Morrow (bethel Brother) Jun 20, 1990",Coping With Life's Anxieties,32,,,
"Problems, Water, Pollution, Earth, System, Coping,","The predicament seems to echo what the Queen said to Alice in the children's story 'Through the Looking Glass': 'You see, it takes all the running you can do, to keep in the same place.  If you want to get somewhere else, you must run at least twice as fast as that!'","Any gains or solution to problems are offset by population growth, and other factors, so there is no real progress in today's world.  This applies to pollution as well as other problems.",Rev 11:18;,"Aug 22, 1997 Aw Page 6",Will You Escape This World's Destiny?,84,,1997/07/22,
Problems; Solution; Sullivan; Coping; Wait;,"Thomas J. Sullivan, was the overseer. He always reminded us younger ones, 'When problems are presented, be sure to get all the facts before suggesting a solution.' (Proverbs 18:13) With a twinkle in his eyes, he would add: 'What is your hurry? Give Jehovah an opportunity. See what his spirit does about it.'",Learn to wait on Jehovah.,Prov. 18:13;,W88 3/1 11-12,How Can Youths Cope With Today's Crisis?,113,,1998/11/02,
Procrastination; Action; Talk Is Cheap; Baptism;,'The shortest is doing.'  Quote:  English.,"Some may mistakenly feel that it is not necessary to be baptized, claiming that they have insufficient knowledge and will wait for a more favorable time. Remember, it is not baptism that obligates one; it is knowledge.","Matt 28:19, 20;",Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Procrastinate,","'Indecision is the thief of time and procrastination is its best accomplice. Spanish word 'manna' means tomorrow, and has come to be used internationally. Quote: Edward Young [1742-1745].","Not only stealing time, but losing out on much enjoyment. Just waste of time to procrastinate.","Jas. 4:17; Rom. 13:11, Acts 20:31; Eph. 5:15-17;","Nov 22, 1963 Aw Page 3, 4",,,,,
"Procrastinate, Waiting,","'If you wait, all that happens is that you get older.'  Quote: Leonard Nimoy.","We must work while there is time, before the great tribulation breaks out.",John 9:4;,Bobby Laymon - Reader's Digest.,,,,1996/03/15,
Procrastinate; Idleness;,'The street of by and by leads to the house of never.' Quote:  Spanish,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Procrastination, Urgent, Act,",Do you take the bull by the horns?  What does that mean?  Cowboys are depicted as tough rugged individuals on T.V. and in movies.  And a sport is not consider worthy in less there is usually some danger in it.  What these cowboys would do is challenge steers by wrestling them.  Young male bulls that are frisky.  They did not grab them by the legs or neck but by the horns.  With skill and strength they where to bring the bull to its knees without getting hurt.  That is taking the bull by the horns.,"Today we use that term to apply to taking care of a problem right away, and just getting it done.",1 Chron. 28:10;,Jim Kinkade,Do You Share God's View Of Life?,148,,"Oct 30, 2001",
Procrastination;,'Manana is often the busiest day of the week.' Quote:  Spanish Proverb,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Procrastination;,'Procrastination means never having to say you're sorry.' Quote:  Tone Epstein,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Procrastination; Delay;,'By the street of Band By one comes to the house of never.'  Quote:  Proverb.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Procrastination; Delay;,"'Do not put off until tomorrow what can be put off till the day after tomorrow, just as well.'  Quote:  Mt.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Procrastination; Delay;,"'Don't do anything before you have to, if tis important....someone will nag you.' Quote:  T. Kelly",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Procrastination; Delay;,"'Everything comes to him waits, among other things death.'  Quote:  Francis Bradley.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Procrastination; Delay;,'Fools look to tomorrow; wise men use tonight.'  Quote:  Scottish.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Procrastination; Delay;,"'He slept beneath the moon, he basked beneath the sun, he lived a life of going to do, and died with nothing done.'  Quote:  James Albery.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Procrastination; Delay;,'One today is worth two tomorrows.'  Quote:  Bf.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Procrastination; Delay;,'Procrastination is the art of keeping up with yesterday.'  Quote:  Don Marquis.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Procrastination; Delay;,"'Putting off an easy thing makes it hard, and putting off a hard thing makes it impossible.'  Quote:  George Lorimor.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Procrastination; Delay;,'The street of by and by leads to the house of never.' Quote:  Spanish,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Procrastination; Delay;,'Tomorrow is often the busiest day of the week.' Quote:  Spanish,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Procrastination; Delay;,All of us are going to do better tomorrow and we would too if only we started today.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Procrastination; Delay;,Nothing makes a person more productive than the last minute.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Procrastination; Delay;,One of these days is none of these days.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Procrastination; Delay;,The lazier a man is the more he plans to do tomorrow.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Procrastination; Delay;,"While the grass grows, the horse starves.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Procrastination; Vow;,"Quotes: showing folly from above word, meaning 'tomorrow' Germans: 'Tomorrow, tomorrow, but not today! is what lazy people say.' English: 'Procrastination is the thief of time.'",Weakness of imperfect man America: 'Never leave that till tomorrow which you can do today',"Prov. 19:2; 6:6-11; Eccl. 5:4, 5; Prov. 3:27, 28","Feb 22, 1961 Aw Page 3",,,,,
"Prodigal, Forgiveness, Repentance, Mercy, Sympathy, Tender, Loving,","'A certain man had two sons.  And the younger of them said to his father, 'Father, give me the part of the property that falls to my share.' Then he divided his means of living to them.  Later, after not many days, the younger son gathered all things together and traveled abroad into a distant country, and there squandered his property by living a debauched life.  When he had spent everything, a severe famine occurred throughout that country, and he started to be in need. He even went and attached himself to one of the citizens of that country, and he sent him into his fields to herd swine.  And he used to desire to be filled with the carob pods which the swine were eating, and no one would give him [anything].   'When he came to his senses, he said, 'How many hired men of my father are abounding  with bread, while I am perishing here from famine!  I will rise and journey to my father and say to him: 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you.  I am no longer worthy of being called your son. Make me as one of your hired men.''  So he rose and went to his father.  While he was yet a long way off, his father caught sight of him and was moved with pity, and he ran and fell upon his neck and tenderly kissed him.  Then the son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy of being called your son. Make me as one of your hired men.'  But the father said to his slaves, 'Quick! bring out a robe, the best one, and clothe him with it, and put a ring on his hand and sandals on his feet.  And bring the fattened young bull, slaughter it and let us eat and enjoy ourselves,  because this my son was dead and came to life again; he was lost and was found.' And they started to enjoy themselves.   'Now his older son was in the field; and as he came and got near the house he heard a music concert and dancing.  So he called one of the servants to him and inquired what these things meant.  He said to him, 'Your brother has come, and your father slaughtered the fattened young bull, because he got him back in good health.'  But he became wrathful and was unwilling to go in. Then his father came out and began to entreat him.  In reply he said to his father, 'Here it is so many years I have slaved for you and never once did I transgress your commandment, and yet to me you never once gave a kid for me to enjoy myself with my friends.  But as soon as this your son who ate up your means of living with harlots arrived, you slaughtered the fattened young bull for him.'  Then he said to him, 'Child, you have always been with me, and all the things that are mine are yours; but we just had to enjoy ourselves and rejoice, because this your brother was dead and came to life, and he was lost and was found.''  Quote: Jesus Christ.","How beautifully Jesus described the forgiving disposition of his heavenly Father! To think that the great Creator of the universe would accept a repentant sinner in such a sympathetic, tender manner! Yet Jesus, who knew the Father best, showed by this touching illustration that that is exactly how the Father treats those who have a change of heart and come 'home' to serve him.",Luke 15:11-32;,W63 7/15 422,"Mercy, A Dominant Quality Of True Christians",7,,1996/01/15,
"Profanity, Curse, Speech,",'Do not allow the dirt of profanity to soil your speech.',"Try to be a person who knows the clean thing to say, and who says it graciously!","Leviticus 24:10-16; Eph 5:3, 4; 1co 6:9, 10;","Dec 8, 1992 Aw Page 29",A Clean People Honors Jehovah,14,,,
Profanity;,Geordie Howe-Hockey star: All pro athletes are bilingual. They speak English and profanity.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Profession;,"'Professional men, they have no cares; whatever happens, they get theirs.'  Quote:  Ogden Nash.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Prognosticator, Lazy, Service, Token,",Like a trash can that is fully packed.  Nothing comes out.,"A prognosticator will find his life fully packed.  He will be late for meetings, his life will be complicated, anxiety, token service.  Because he always puts off getting things done.","He 12:5, 6; Pr 18:1;",Steve Koinivech,How Should You Serve God?,58,,,
Progress,Bicycle keeps balance with forward movement (no reverse) can't stop.,We can rest (coast) but must go on & progress in some measure,Gal 6:4,Bobby Laymon,Keep Growing In Your Relationship With God,16,,,
Progress,"CHILD'S GROWTH, EASIER FOR SOMEONE ELSE TO SEE WANT OUR CHILDREN TO GROW, HELP FAMILY MEMBERS & OTHERS TO GROW",OUR GROWTH SHOULD BE MANIFEST TO OTHERS,"Gal 5: 22, 23",Bobby Laymon,Keep Growing In Your Relationship With God,16,,,
Progress,"Father not give his baby a steak to eat Baby must be started out on milk, soft food, Stomach would not digest",Must not expect too much from children or students,Heb 6:1,Wt,Keep Growing In Your Relationship With God,16,,,
Progress,"Rock for hammer, hammer perfect, then along comes nail gun.","New order, great strides made",Isa 65:20-,Bobby Laymon,Keep Growing In Your Relationship With God,16,,,
Progress,"Small girls in high heels; make-up etc. (eager, rush things) Our progressing should be spiritual All should REVOLVE around the KINGDOM Moses good example.  Heb 11:24-26",To what extent should your progress be manifest Joshua--Had to step into Moses' shoes.,"1 Tim 4:15  Matt 13:45, 46","Herd, Samuel ",Keep Growing In Your Relationship With God,16,,,6/28/2018
Progress,"Stone to iron, iron to copper, silver, gold",Improvement foretold regarding Jehovah's organization,Isa 60:17,Bible (watchtower 1967),Keep Growing In Your Relationship With God,16,,,
"Progress, Advance, Ministry, Service,",'Begin where you are. But don't stay where you are.',We all need to be making progress in our ministry. Are we at the same place as last year.  Make progress a matter of prayer.,Prov. 15:14 Jas. 1:5,Mar 1991 K.M.; Johnse Laymon,Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,63,,,
"Progress, Advancement, Improvement, Satisfaction, Goals,",'To be satisfied with yourself is a sure sign your progress is about to stop.',We must continue to strive for improvement.,Matt 24:45-47;,Joseph Wengert D. O.,,,,1996/04/29,
"Progress, Busy, Lazy, Zeal, Time, Waste, Pioneer,","Years ago we used to see 'No Loitering' signs up around town. Most of these have come down, because people don't care, or can do little about it.  In fact, some wanted to put these signs back up but was threatened by the Civil Liberty Union (CLU) because it discriminated against freedom of choice.","Jehovah is still concerned about 'No Loitering' or wasting time, being slow in movement, etc.",Ro 12:11;,William Osbeck (c.O.),Is It Time For God To Rule The World?,20,,,
"Progress, Change, Improvement, Adjustment, Personality,","'People are the common denominator of progress.  So ... no improvement is possible with unimproved people, and advance is certain when people are liberated and educated.' Quote: Economist John K. Galbraith","Man must have a positive outlook toward the future, and not place trust in men, but in Jehovah God.","John 11:48; Ps 146:3, 4;","Jan 8, 1993 Aw Page 7",Keep Growing In Your Relationship With God,16,,,
"Progress, Courage, Confidence, Persecution,",'Behold the turtle.  He makes progress only when he sticks his neck out.' Quote: James B. Conant (1893-1978),"We must be courageous, and boldly press on in the truth.  We can have confidence in Jehovah to help us in times of special need.",Pr 3:5;,Wisdom Of The Ages,Bearing Up Under Persecution,57,,,
"Progress, Endurance, Race, Satan,",We must keep in the race; keep moving; never stop.  A moving target is hard to hit.,When we stop we are a perfect target for Satan the Devil.,"Phil. 3:14, 15; Heb. 12:1-3; 2 Tim. 4:7,8; 2 Pe 3:11, 12;","Comment At Wt Study. Nov 1, 1991 P.18   (entered Dec 15, 1991)",How To Protect Ourselves From Satan's Snares,115,,,
"Progress, Growth, Improve, Study, Dedication, Baptism, Compare, Gifts,","Jehovah is like a father whose son comes to him with gifts.  Over the years, the gift may vary depending on the son's age and means. The father is happy to receive whatever heartfelt gifts his son gives him.  He does not compare it with other children.","Likewise, Jehovah readily accepts our wholehearted service in accord with our spiritual growth.  Of course there is no point in comparing our utmost with that of others.",Gal 6:4; 2pe 3:14;,"Apr 15, 1993 Wt Page 30",How Purposeful Is Your Life?,60,,,
"Progress, Growth, Improvement,","A healthy child too soon outgrows his clothes, sending parents on quest to obtain larger-size apparel.",Number of publishers increase caused new buildings to be built.,Isa. 60:22; 1 Cor. 3:6,1991 Yearbook Page 25,Keep Growing In Your Relationship With God,16,,,
"Progress, Growth, Maturity,",At a Dallas Shopping Center- As hundreds of shoppers watched- A young woman- 24 years old- Sat- Staring into space- on a revolving platform- Only her eyes moved- then- Five hours and 43 boring minutes later- She rose slowly- and tried to smile- She had just beat the Guinness World's Record for sitting still!,Maybe- Some of us- Are trying to beat that record- Maybe we've been sitting still- for too long- Maybe it's time we took stock- and moved ahead.,"Heb 6:1, 2;",Dch,Keep Growing In Your Relationship With God,16,,1993/10/03,
"Progress, Growth, Maturity, Improvement,","Biggest tomato; don't eat, want friends to see 1 in 3 baptized in last 5 years Are we moving with organization? Garden not growing, check, see what's wrong.","We rejoice at spiritual growth Disease, pests, can quickly kill garden.  May go to expert. gotten away from baby-like reasoning?","1 Cor. 13:11  Gal 6:4, 5","Pure Language Dist. Assy July 5-8, 1990",Progressing From Basics To Maturity,16,,,
"Progress, Growth, Maturity, Improvement,",Career ladder not for Christians.,"We should not try to make progress at expense of others, or try to hold back others.","Matt. 20:20-23, 24-28; Rom. 12:3;",Scott Cisco (5-26-1991),Love Identifies The True Christian Congregation,72,,,
"Progress, Growth, Patient, Maturity,","'Not to go back is somewhat to advance, And men must walk, at least, before they dance.' Quote: Alexander Pope. -1733-1738.","Constantly add to your knowledge of God and your appreciation of his  ways.  Sometimes your advancement may not be as rapidly as you wish, but keep going forward, never backward.  If you fall, get up, and go again.","Pr 25:4, 5;",Bobby Laymon,Keep Growing In Your Relationship With God,16,,1995/07/14,
"Progress, Growth, Perfection, Change, Goal, Improve,",Snake has to shed it's skin in order to grow.  If it does not shed it could not grow.,We cannot grow without change. We must make changes in our life. Can't be perfect.  Nothing prevents us from working at it. May have to do some serious shedding. No pain no gain!,Jas 4:11,S. Carnifix,A Cleansed Earth--will You Live To See It?,49,,,
"Progress, Growth, Pioneer, Evangelizer, Bible Brown,","William R. Brown (Bible Brown) first went to Africa in 1923. With his wife & daughter evangelized in Gambia, Ghana, Liberia, Nigeria and Sierra Leone.","Today, in the lands where he led the way, almost 200,000 Africans have dedicated their lives to their Creator. His constant use of the Bible earned him the title, 'Bible Brown'",2ti 4:5; Mt 9:35; 20:28; 2ti 3:16;re 14:7;,"Sep 1, 1992 Wt Page 32",Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,63,,,11/28/2013
"Progress, Growth, Study, Dedication, Baptism, Conventions,",Just as eating a sumptuous meal once in a while does not relieve a person of the daily need to take in regular meals ...,"A deep but onetime search into the Bible does not nullify the daily need to take in spiritual food.  Occasional assemblies, or study before baptism should not prevent one from continuing to study God's Word.","Mt 16:24; 2pe 1:10; John 3:16, 17; 1 John 4:9-11; Ps 34:8;","Apr 15, 1993 Wt Page 29",How Purposeful Is Your Life?,60,,,
"Progress, Growth, Utmost, Dedication, Baptism, Improvement,","For a three-year-old boy, running an errand may be the best he can do to help his mother, but as he grows older, he will be able to do more.",Likewise with our spiritual growth - what was formerly our utmost may no longer be such.  We are moved to do more for Jehovah. Increased appreciation fuels our willingness to do more.,"Mt 16:24; 2pe 1:10; John 3:16, 17; 1 John 4:9-11; Ps 34:8;","Apr 15, 1993 Wt Page 28",How Purposeful Is Your Life?,60,,,
"Progress, Improve, Attitude, Study- Education - Reading - School","' The important thing is not so that every child should be taught, as that every child should be given the wish to learn'. Quote - Lubbock",Attitude is the important thing.,Isa. 50:4; Isa. 54:13; John 6:45; Deuteronomy. 4:5; Acts 22:3,Bobby Laymon,Do You Recognize Jehovah's Sovereignty In Your Personal Life?,75,,,
"Progress, Improve, Maturity, Artist, Patience,",'Every artist was first an amateur.'  Quote: Ralph Waldo Emerson.,Christian growth from spiritual childhood to adulthood affects your  relationship with God.,1co 3:1-4;,Bobby Laymon - Reader's Digest,Keep Growing In Your Relationship With God,16,,1996/03/21,
"Progress, Improve, Study - Education - Reading - School",'The school is not the end but only the beginning of an education'.  Quote - Coolidge,School is just the beginning of education.,Isa. 50:4; Isa. 54:13; John 6:45; Deuteronomy. 4:5; Acts 22:3,Bobby Laymon,Do You Recognize Jehovah's Sovereignty In Your Personal Life?,75,,,
"Progress, Improve, Study - Education Reading- School",'I have never let my schooling interfere with my education'. Quote  - Mark Twain,School is just be beginning of education.,Isa. 50:4; Isa. 54:13; John 6:45; Deuteronomy. 4:5; Acts 22:3,Bobby Laymon,Do You Recognize Jehovah's Sovereignty In Your Personal Life?,75,,,
"Progress, Improvement, Check-up,","May have confidence in your bank and it manager, but you do have to check your bankbook periodically. Otherwise could wind up bankrupt.",Need to check from time to time to see how we are doing in the truth. Don't neglect to check-up once in a while.  Otherwise could wind up spiritually bankrupt.,2 Cor 13:5;,J.K.,Maintain Your Confidence Firm To The End,46,,1997/04/13,
"Progress, Improvement, Goals,","'If you don't try to be better, you won't be as good.' We must constantly set new goals, and try to improve on whatever we are doing in Jehovah's work.","It is human nature to regress, rather than progress.",Ro 5:12;,Fred Tracy; C.O.,Taking Time To Meditate On Spiritual Things,67,,,
"Progress, Improvement, Goals, Zeal, Exertion,","To reach the goal we must at times run with the wind, other times, against it--But we must certainly run, not walk, nor stand still.","Our life-style should manifest appreciation of the URGENCY of the  times.  Would be a mistake selfishly to pursue personal pleasures,  feeling that there is plenty of time to correct course",Luke 4:7;phil. 3:14; Heb. 12:1;,Bobby Laymon,Live With Soundness Of Mind In A Depraved World.,138,,"Nov 19, 2001",
"Progress, Improvement, Materialism, Simple, Pioneer, Balance,",Such forward movement is a real protection against falling. It might be compared to riding a bicycle. Those who have tried to balance a bicycle that has slowed down practically to a standstill appreciate the importance of forward momentum.,"Similarly, as long as you are moving ahead at a good pace in a routine of spiritual activity, you are protected from losing your balance and falling.",Php 3:16;,W89 7/15 12,Reach Out For The Real Life!,90,,1994/06/04,
"Progress, Improvement, Maturity, Apply, Organization,","The first electric light was so dim that a candle was needed to see its socket.  One of the first steamboats took 32 hours to chug its way from New York to Albany, a distance of 150 miles.  Wilbur and Orville Wright's first airplane flight lasted only 12 seconds.   And the first  automobiles traveled 2 to 4 miles per hour and broke down often.  Carriages would pass them with their passengers often shouting, 'Get a horse!'  But look at what these inventions are capable of today.",Jehovah's organization has progressed from small beginnings in modern times.,Zech 4:10;,Bible Illustrator,Serving With Jehovah's Unified Organization,3,,1995/05/20,
"Progress, Improvement, Maturity, Growth, Habits, Sins,","The cheerful girl with bouncy golden curls was almost five. Waiting with  her mother at the checkout stand, she saw them: a circle of glistening  white pearls in a pink foil box. 'Oh please, Mommy. Can I have them?   Please, Mommy, please!' Quickly the mother checked the back of the little foil box and then looked back into the pleading blue eyes of her little girl's upturned face. 'A dollar ninety-five. That's almost $2.00.    If you really want them, I'll think of some extra chores for you and in  no time you can save enough money to buy them for yourself. As soon as Jenny got home, she emptied her penny bank and counted out 17 pennies.  After dinner, she did more than her share of chores and she went to the neighbor and asked Mrs. McJames if she could pick dandelions for ten cents. At last she had enough money to buy the necklace.  Jenny loved her pearls. They made her feel dressed up and grown up.  She wore them everywhere--kindergarten, the neighbors, even to bed. The only time she took them off was when she went swimming or had a bubble bath.  Mother said if they got wet, they might turn her neck green.  Jenny had a very loving daddy and every night when she was ready for bed, he would stop whatever he was doing and come upstairs to read her a story. One night when he finished the story, he asked Jenny, 'Do you love me?' 'Oh yes, Daddy. You know that I love you.' 'Then give me your pearls.' 'Oh, Daddy, not my pearls! You can have Princess--the white horse from my collection. The one with the pink tail. Remember, Daddy? The one you gave me. She's my favorite.' 'That's okay, Honey. Daddy loves you. Good night.'  And he brushed her cheek with a kiss.  About a week later, after the story time, Jenny's daddy asked again, 'Do you love me?' 'Daddy, you know I love you.' 'Then give me your pearls.' 'Oh Daddy, not my pearls. But you can have my baby doll. The brand new one.  She is so beautiful and you can have the yellow blanket that matches her sleeper.' 'That's okay. Sleep well. God bless you, little one.  Daddy loves you.' And as always, he brushed her cheek with a gentle kiss.   A few nights later when her daddy came in, Jenny was sitting on her bed with her legs crossed Indian-style. As he came close, he noticed her chin was trembling and one silent tear rolled down her cheek.   'What is it, Jenny?  What's the matter?' Jenny didn't say anything but lifted her little hand up to her daddy.  And when she opened it, there was her little pearl necklace.  With a little quiver, she finally said, 'Here, Daddy. It's for you.' With tears gathering in his own eyes, Jenny's kind daddy reached out with one hand to take the dime-store necklace, and with the other hand he reached into his pocket and pulled out a blue velvet case with a strand of genuine pearls and gave them to Jenny. He had had them all the time. He was just waiting for her to give up the dime-store stuff so he could give her genuine treasure.","Jehovah, our heavenly Father, is like that.  What are you hanging on to?",Heb. 6:1;,Yvonne Westphahl,Keep Growing In Your Relationship With God,16,,1998/05/08,
"Progress, Increase, Growth, Reach Out, Pioneer,","Did you ever drive in a deep rut.  They can be comfortable, because you don't have to steer.  We may prefer driving in a rut, not putting forth the effort to get out of it.  However, ruts can be dangerous also because you are no longer in control.",A spiritual rut can also be comfortable.  It is easy to stay in the same routine.  We may need to get out of the spiritual rut if we are going nowhere and take control of our lives.  Perhaps we can steer it in ways to give more time in Jehovah's service.,Titus 2:14;,"May 15, 1998 Wt Page 26",Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,63,,1998/04/28,
"Progress, Knowledge, Organization,",It's much easier to 'Keep Up' than to 'Catch Up.'  Quote: An elder of over 50 years in the truth.,We need to stay abreast of Jehovah's organization.,Heb 12:1;,Bobby Laymon,Serving With Jehovah's Unified Organization,3,,1997/03/31,
"Progress, Learning, School, Maturity, Life,",Which surgeon has not been back to school?,"Likewise, we, as persons who want to be skilled in saving lives, must keep learning.  Jehovah keeps instructing us in the way of life.",John 17:3;,Bobby Laymon,How Well Do You Know God?,1,,1995/01/24,
"Progress, Literature, Improvement,",Picked cotton by hand; now better tools.,"We are in Harvest or ingathering, have better tools.",Luke 24:32,Bobby Laymon,Keep Growing In Your Relationship With God,16,,,
"Progress, Maturity, Advancement, Organization,","Alexander the Great wept because, 'there are no more worlds to conquer.' We will never be bored, having nothing to do.","In Jehovah's organization, there are always new horizons.",1 Cor. 15:58; 1 Tim. 3:1-10; Heb. 6:1;,Bobby Laymon,Serving With Jehovah's Unified Organization,3,,,
"Progress, Maturity, Life, Growth,",As an artist finds it advantageous to step back and survey the overall effect of his artistic production.,You too will gain by taking a good look at the overall picture of your way of life.  Where does it lead? What impression do you get? Is it well planned? Are food and clothing and shelter your primary concerns?,Matt 6:33;,W68 3/1 138,Follow The Way To Life,45,,1995/01/23,
"Progress, New Light, Literature,","When you get a new dress or new suit, how do you feel.  Fresher, perhaps happier. Unlike a new pair of shoes, which sometimes we would rather wear the old ones, new truths are always beneficial and better for us.",Same with new information in K.M. or other publications.,Matt. 24:45-47;,Bobby Laymon,Renewing The Spirit Of Self-sacrifice,69,,,
"Progress, Personality, Transforming, Changes, Faith,","Making the changes in our personality necessary to become a worshiper of Jehovah can be likened to the restoration of an old automobile. When you first find the car it's rusty and dull. So you sand and putty and paint and polish... and the car looks GOOD! But, when you look inside, the interior is faded and torn and the dash cover is missing. So you re-upholster and clean and refurbish.... and now the car looks GOOD, inside and OUT! But when you turn the key, nothing happens. When you raise the hood, the engine is covered in oil, spark plug wires are missing, the distributor cap is cracked. So you begin to clean, and replace and overhaul. Now your car looks good AND runs well also!","Putting on the Christian personality takes WORK. Sometimes progress is slower than we would like. But as long as progress is being made, eventually we can accomplish those necessary changes. But can you just drive your restored car without ever waxing the exterior or cleaning the upholstery or changing the oil? No. If neglected, with time the automobile will revert to it's original condition. Putting on the new personality is much the same. Many of us have made tremendous changes to become acceptable worshipers of Jehovah. But if we do not maintain that Christian personality; by personal study, meeting attendance, personal application of counsel and field service; we could also be in danger of reverting to our old and useless personality.",Eph 4:25;,Peter Morgan,Is The Truth Transforming Your Life?,51,,1997/08/10,
"Progress, Pioneer,","Bicycle; pedal, then rest, must pedal again or stop.  Could be like spies in promised land, miss out.  Be like Joshua and Caleb.","We all slow down, but must be encouraged to go again.",Heb 3:15-19,Mike Hart,Keep Growing In Your Relationship With God,16,,,
"Progress, Retire, Quit, Ministers,",You can start late in life to serve Jehovah- but you cannot quit early.',"Those in Jehovah's service never retire, as ministers of   Christendom do.","Ro 8:38, 39;",Dch,Who Are Qualified As Ministers Of God?,81,,1993/10/03,
"Progress, Security, Government, Kingdom,","'The more we search for an alibi, the more we discover that unhappiness on earth is man-made.  Our key weakness is that we have not solved the problem of self-government.' Quote: a prominent editor, David Lawrence, (U S News & World Report)","Man's rulership has not resulted in peace, contentment, and eternal life, but just the opposite.","Jere. 10:23; Prov. 16:25; Matt. 4:8, 9; John 16:11; Eccl. 8:9",The Truth That Leads To Eternal Life. Page 70,The Kingdom Of God Is Near,109,,,
"Progress, Security, Government, Kingdom,","Is it really progress when men send rockets to the moon, and yet cannot live together on earth?  Have homes equipped with every convenience, only to have families torn apart by divorce and delinquency?","Man's rulership has not resulted in peace, contentment, and eternal life, but just the opposite.","Matt. 4:8, 9; John 16:11; Eccl. 8:9",The Truth That Leads To Eternal Life. Page 69,The Kingdom Of God Is Near,109,,,
"Progress, Service, Joy,","There are runner and walkers. (Walker will eventually overtake Runner) Avoid comparisons  Gal 6:4 leads to rivalry, jealousy, envy.","We should be joyful in our service, and enjoy.",Isa 65:14  1 Jo 5:3,"Bro Hollinger, Mel  May 6, 1990",Serve Jehovah With A Joyful Heart,78,,,
"Progress, Studies, Publications,",Don't let a baby go!  Let him become a full-grown man. Treat your studies as you want to be treated.,"Study two publication with your Bible student.  The recommended ones are 'Live Forever,'  'United in Worship,' 'True Peace and Security.'",Mt 7:12;,"Pioneer Meeting  Jan 31, 1992",Keep Growing In Your Relationship With God,16,,,
"Progress, Success, Improvement, Maturity, Increase,",The road to success is always under construction. Quote: Lily Tomlin.,One trusting in Jehovah avoids frustration that comes from failure of material security; will reside in spiritual security and be undisturbed by calamity; will lie down in peace.,Ps. 4:8; Pr. 1:33;,Bobby Laymon,Coping With Life's Anxieties,32,,1999/01/02,
Progress;,'A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step.'  Quote:  Chinese.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Progress;,'Everything that can be invented has been invented. -'  Quote:  Director Of Us Patent Office 1899.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Progress;,'I have found some of the best reasons I ever had for remaining at the bottom simply by looking at the men at the top.'  Quote:  Frank Colby.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Progress;,"'I walk slowly, but I never walk backwards.'  Quote:  Al.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Progress;,'Is it progress if a cannibal uses a knife and fork?'  Quote:  Stanislaw Lec.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Progress;,"When you're through improving, your through.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Progress; Adjustment; Effort;,'We cannot become what we need by remaining what we are.'  Quote:  Max Depere.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Progress; Advancement;,'In skating over thin ice our safety is in our speed.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Progress; Effort;,"'Be not afraid of going slowly, be afraid only of standing still.'  Quote:  Chinese.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Progress; Growth;,'Whatever isn't growing wears out.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Progress; Persistence; Effort;,"'Inch by inch, day by day, step by step, all the way piece by piece, bit by bit, little by little, you're there! If you can't climb a mountain, then climb a hill, that's much better than standing still! Just remodel your basic scheme; Don't give up till you reach your dream and little by little you're there!  Good things that are here to stay didn't get done in just one day. Once you start you're on your way, so keep on going. If you can't make a million, don't draw a blank! Just keep filling you piggy bank! You'll have only yourself to thank, when little by little you're there! Every rose was once a bud, one small rain-drop starts a flood, acorns planted in the mud will grow you know. If you can't walk a mile take one long stride, move along with a sense of pride, step by step till you're satisfied, and little by little you're there!'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Progressing, Preaching, Organization, Pioneer,","SAVING STRING, Everyone used to have large ball of string. Wealthy business man wanted to hire someone that could get things done. Considered 2 men.  Gave both a wrapped gift. One unwrapped neatly, folded paper, saved string; other tore package open.","Not waste time on worthless things, Time to Preach Both showed appreciation.  Which one did he hire. Last one. This is not the day for saving string.","1 Cor 9:26, Matt. 24:14; Matt. 6:33;",Brother Stone. C.O.,Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,63,,,
Promise,Convince child you would keep your word God's promise gave Abraham faith. Rom 4:20 Fulfillment of promise  Rev 21:1-5,"Oath, Vow, Promise, Keep repeating, Warranty","Heb 6:17,18  Josh 21:45  1 Ki 8:56",Kevin Babbs,On Whose Promises Do You Rely?,61,,,
Promise,Warranty on appliance Jephthah-good example  Jud 11:30 Ps 15:1-5  Guest in tent,"Jehovah's Oath, Covenant, Promise",Eccl 5:4-6  Zech 8:17,Kevin Babbs,How Purposeful Is Your Life?,60,,,
"Promise, Earth, Paradise, Houses,","'The fate of the architect is the strangest of all. How often he expends his whole soul, his whole heart and passion, to produce buildings into which he himself may never enter.'  Quote: Johann Wolfgang von Goethe.",In Jehovah's new earth this will not be the case.  Jehovah is 'the happy God'.  He wants his servants to be joyful.,"Isa 65:21, 22;",Bobby Laymon,Serve Jehovah With A Joyful Heart,78,,1995/07/18,
"Promise, Truth, True, Debt, Faith,","'A promise made, is a debt unpaid.' Quote: Robert William Service.",Jehovah feels that way about his promises.  Dependability of God's promises serves as reason for us to have faith.,"Jos 21:43, 45; 23:14;",Bobby Laymon,Build Your Faith In Man's Maker,54,,1995/08/16,
"Promised Land, Earth, Paradise,","Suppose a friend told you that he purchased for you-as a gift--a brand new house amid beautiful, quiet surroundings. 'What does it look  like?' you would wonder. No doubt you would be eager to see this house for yourself, to walk through and inspect each room. After all, this is your new home!  Let us walk through some of the rooms, so to speak, inspecting some distinct characteristics.","In 1473 B.C.E, Jehovah bequeathed to the nation of ancient Israel a new home--the Promised Land, a strip of territory measuring about 300 miles from north to south and 35 miles wide, on an average.'  We can learn about the paradise earth from this example.",Isa 11:9;,"Aug 15, 1996 Wt Page 3",A Cleansed Earth--will You Live To See It?,49,,1996/07/16,
"Promised Land, Judah, Canaan, Archaeology,","The land under King Solomon (about 10,000) sq. miles was the stage for dramatic events.","The variety and extremes that are found in this geographic area are easily visualized, and beneficial for us to know today.","De 34:4; 1ki 4:24, 25; Josh 23:14;","Sep 15, 1968 Wt Page 558",Does God Count You Personally Important?,26,,,
"Promises,","Everyone was quiet as the emperor entered the room.  Asked about attitude in life.  'If you want to progress in this life, make a lot of promises, but don't  keep any of them: (see outline #61)",Common view.  'sons not be sent to fight in a foreign war.'  Never the less entered the war.  NY Times. 'read my lips',Prov. 12:22;,Robert Schwarze,On Whose Promises Do You Rely?,61,,1999/02/01,
"Promises, Death, Taxes, Constitution, Government, Kingdom,",'Our Constitution is in actual operation; everything appears to promise that it will last; but in this world nothing is certain but death and taxes.'  Quote: Benjamin Franklin.,Political promises lose credibility when future well-being is promised.  We cannot depend on the promises of men.,Prov 20:25;,Bobby Laymon,On Whose Promises Do You Rely?,61,,1995/07/18,
"Promises, Oath, Vows, Debts, Money, Obligation,",'Words pay no debts.' Quote: William Shakespeare. [1601-1603].,Governments and politicians today make many promises with no intention of keeping them or because they are powerless to do so.,"Ps 146:3, 4;",Bobby Laymon,On Whose Promises Do You Rely?,61,,1995/07/10,
"Promises, Paradise, Earth, Dreams, Gifts,",'Because God's gifts put man's best dreams to shame.' Quote: Elizabeth Barrett Browning.  -1850.,"Men's promises are dreams.  Jehovah's are gifts.  They will be brought in.  In effect, any promise made by Jehovah is a covenant, as it is  certain to be carried out.  People who are false to agreements are classified with those disapproved by God.","Ro 1:28, 31, 32;",Bobby Laymon,On Whose Promises Do You Rely?,61,,1995/08/01,
Promises; Vows;,'A promise made is a debt unpaid.'  Quote:  Robert Service.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Promises; Vows;,'Better a friendly denial than unwilling compliance.'  Quote:  German.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Promises; Vows;,'Better deny at once than promise long.'  Quote:  Danish.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Promises; Vows;,'He is as good as his word and his word is no good.'  Quote:  Sumas MacManus.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Promises; Vows;,'Promises and pie-crusts are made to be broken.'  Quote:  John Swift.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Promises; Vows;,'Vows made in storms are forgotten in calms.'  Quote:  English.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Promises; Vows;,"'Who promises much and does little, dines a fool on hope.'  Quote:  German.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Promises; Vows;,He loses his thanks who promises and delays.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Promises; Vows; Politicians;,The politician's bumper sticker usually lasts longer than his promises.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Property;,"'It is preoccupation with possession, more than anything else, that prevents men from living freely and nobly.'  Quote:  Bertrand Russell.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Property; Possession;,'Mine is better than ours.'  Quote:  Bf.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Prophecies,Who said 'Bildad' is dead?,Show modern fulfillment,Rom 15:4,Bro Duty,Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,,
Prophecy,Ever been late?  list problems of being late (hungry) history would have had Jesus born in 39 CE Appointed time would have ended in 1934 CE Simply be confused,Those relying on sources other than Bible (archaeologists) Insight of God's people directly associate with relying on his word,"Isa 65:13, 14","Mar 15, 1989 Wt Page 16, 17",Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,,
Prophecy,Timer on washing machine,Each event comes in prescribed order,Eccles 3:1-5,Bobby Laymon,Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,,
Prophecy,Typewriter antitype is final result.,Type and antitype.,Heb. 8:5,Bobby Laymon,Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,,
"Prophecy, Bible, Future,","Do you know of any human today that can accurately foretell events almost two thousand years in advance, or, for that matter, twenty years ahead?  What about three days?",Any reasonable person must agree that these writings are of superhuman origin.,Mt 24: Lk 21: Mark 13: 2 Ti 3:  Re 6:,"Apr 15, 1970 Wt Page 243",Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,,
"Prophecy, Earth, Armageddon, United Nations,",Those trying to bring about new order without God's kingdom have taken hold of a wild beast. Jehovah foreknew the very line of thinking these world leaders would pursue and foretold this very thing.,"It is no ordinary wild beast, but is a monstrosity having seven heads and ten horns. U.N. is same old image as the 'League' dressed in new name.","Rev. 17:6-8; 13:14, 15;","Feb 15, 1967 Wt Page 120, 121, 122,",Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,,
"Prophecy, Faith, Invisible, Creation, Seeing,","TINY dust particles float unseen in the air.  But then a shaft of sunlight streams through the window, and what had been invisible can suddenly be seen.  The penetrating beam of light unmasks the particles to human vision.","In like manner, events from God's Word are being seen clearer than ever before.  We can now see more than our literal eyes can see.",Dan 12:9,"Aug 22, 2000 Awake Page 3",Your Future--how Can It Be Known?,19,,"Jul 31, 2000",
"Prophecy, Future,","I have never been to a fortune teller, but when you hear of  predictions they make they are quiet ambiguous or vague.  It is a kind of 'hit or miss' thing, which can be interpreted in various ways.","Not so, God's Word, the Bible.  Jehovah tells in precise terms  what the future will hold, and it is not a 'hit or miss' situation.  It   always comes true.",Is 42:9;,Bobby Laymon,Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,1993/10/31,
"Prophecy, Future,","Jehovah's Word speaks out centuries ahead of human scientist, and proves to be 100% accurate. The prophet Isaiah had not traveled around the earth. He had not been up in a space ship looking down at the round earth, but",Regarding the shape of the earth. Jehovah gave him the earth's shape.,Isa. 40:22;,"May 1, 1963 Wt Page 265",Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,,
"Prophecy, Future, Bible, Light, Understanding, Patience, Truth,",Like a jigsaw puzzle. Start with the outside border and gradually we piece together the picture. Do we give up because we can't find a certain piece of the puzzle? We wait until the edges are filled in.,It is the same with the truth.  We wait patiently until Jehovah fills in the missing pieces.  We learn the truth progressively.  We see the picture more and more clearly as time goes by.,Ps 119:105;,J.K.,Your Future--how Can It Be Known?,19,,1997/04/11,
"Prophecy, Future, Prediction,","'If you can look into the seeds of time, And say which grain will grow and which will not, Speak.' Quote: William Shakespeare. [1605-1606].",We can often note sensible evidences of interest in what the future holds and how it will affect us.,Isa 14:24;,Bobby Laymon,Your Future--how Can It Be Known?,19,,1995/07/10,
"Prophecy, Last Days, 1914, Woes, Fear,","'Not only had the war changed the map of Europe and set off revolutions that destroyed three empires, but its direct and indirect effects went far beyond that in almost every field.","'The fundamental insecurity that characterized the time was especially noticeable in the economic field. Here the war had brutally destroyed a complex, flexible and well-balanced system with strict laws and steady values. . . . Neither in this field was it possible to return to 'the normal.'' -V„rldshistoria-Folkens liv och Kultarr (Stockholm; 1958), Vol. VII, pages 421, 422.",Matt 24:7-14;,Su 29  3,Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,1994/10/17,
"Prophecy, Last Days, 1914, Woes, Fear,","As the New York Times Magazine of May 2, 1965, observed: 'Most historians now agree that . . . it was not the organized festivities of 1900 but rather the organized hostilities of 1914 that decisively concluded a chapter in human history.'",Fulfilled Prophecy Testifies that 1914 was a marked year in Bible prophecy.,Matt 24:7-14;,W67 2/15 102,Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,1994/10/17,
"Prophecy, Last Days, 1914, Woes, Fear,","Bertrand Russell, the philosopher, not long ago declared: 'Ever since 1914 the world has been reeling drunkenly toward disaster.'",This system of things truly became unbalanced in 1914.,Matt 24:7-14;,W54 12/1 711,Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,1994/10/17,
"Prophecy, Last Days, 1914, Woes, Fear,","Humanity finally lost its balance, never to recover it to this day.' -General Charles de Gaulle, speaking in 1968 (Le Monde, November 12, 1968).",Fulfilled Prophecy Testifies that 1914 was a marked year in Bible prophecy.,Matt 24:7-14;,Su 29  3,Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,1994/10/17,
"Prophecy, Last Days, Armageddon, Bible,","Like the rising bubbles of a boiling trough or fermenting dough, no one knows where the next outbreak is coming.",Both Bible chronology and prophecy identify this generation as a climactic one.,"Mt 13:24-30, 36-43;","May 1, 1970 Wt Page 271",Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,,
"Prophecy, Predictions, Science, Future, Technology,","'Everyone acquainted with the subject (Edison's light bulb) will recognize it as a conspicuous failure.' Quote: Henry Morton, President of the Stevens Institute of Technology.",Man cannot accurately predict the future.  Only Jehovah can do this.,"Dan 2:21, 22;",Bobby Laymon,Your Future--how Can It Be Known?,19,,1995/06/29,
"Prophecy, Sixty-nine Weeks, (69)","If you had a map that pointed to a treasure lying buried '50 rods East of the well in the town park,' you might find the directions puzzling, if you did not know how long a rod was or where the well was located. Would you seek out these 2 facts?","Daniel's prophecy only asks us to find two pieces of information The starting point, and how long the 69 weeks are.",Da 9:25,"Oct 1, 1992 Aw Page 11",Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,,
"Prophecy, Time, Earth, Armageddon,",Is there a sliding scale? Is there a timetable for it? Is the time for its establishment unalterable set?,"The answer is the difference between 'blood, sweat and tears,' and pleasurable work; between wearing oneself out with frustration, and refreshing, upbuilding activity. between life & d",Ps. 127:1; Hab. 2:13; Hag. 1:6;,"Feb 15, 1967 Wt Page 120",Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,,
"Prophecy, United Nations, Image, Idol, Earth, Paradise,","'Image', 'Counterfeit', 'abortive attempt' to establish God's new system in the earth.' Mistaken by God's timetable; Kingdom already established in heaven.","It will not be brought by military force, nor by power, but 'by my spirit.'",Zech. 4:6;,"Feb 15, 1967 Wt Page 124",The Kingdom Of God Is Near,109,,,
Prophecy; 1914; Preaching;,"Back on August 30, 1914, the New York World, in its magazine section, said, 'The terrific war outbreak in Europe has fulfilled an extraordinary prophecy.' It went on to state: 'For a quarter of a century past, through preachers and through press, the 'International Bible Students' [Jehovah's witnesses] . . . have been proclaiming to the world that the Day of Wrath prophesied in the Bible would dawn in 1914.","''Look out for 1914!' has been the cry of the hundreds of traveling evangelists who, representing this strange creed, have gone up and down the country enunciating the doctrine that 'the Kingdom of God is at hand.''  Why did they point forward to 1914-the very year historians now say was the 'turning point' of modern history-as a marked date? Bible prophecy led them to do so.",Matt 24:9,G73 10/8 17,,,,1999/01/12,
Prophet (not Always Appreciated),"Apes and the Travelers.   One travelers always spoke truth, the other always lied.  King of apes, asked what sort of king he seemed to be and of those around him.  Liar said,  'A most mighty king, and worthy companions.   Truth speaker said, 'a most excellent ape, and others excellent apes.   Flew into great rage and tore him to bits.",Dangerous to speak the truth to tyrants.,Matt 7:6,Aesop's Fables Page 46,Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,,
Prophet; Prophet Not Accepted In Own Territory;,"'If you keep on saying things are going to be bad, you have a good chance of being a prophet.'  Quote:  Isaac Singer.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Prophet; Prophet Not Accepted In Own Territory;,'New faces have more authority than accustomed ones.'  Quote:  Euripides  426 B.C..,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Protection, Backfire, Snare, Trap, Safety, Scheme, Freedom,","A family of three - father, mother, and small daughter - were at home in Sydney, Australia, when the house caught fire.  They tried to jump through the windows, but these were barred.  Because of the security bars, the firemen could not save them.  The mother and father perished in the smoke and flames.  The daughter later died in the hospital.","How sad that measures taken to protect, sometimes backfire and are the cause of death.  What a blight on a 'free' society when people feel safe only when cooped up like a prisoner in their own homes!  Also, apply to Satan's schemes backfiring.","Matt 7:13, 14;","Sep 1, 1995 Wt Page 3",What The Near Future Holds!,40,,1995/07/25,
"Protection, Danger, Elders, Congregation, Meetings, Orderly, Complain,",Is like a shelter belt around a homestead. Protects the home from bitter winds. Adds warmth in winter. Adds cool for summer. Some foolishly cut them down and loose these benefits.,Don't cut down congregation arrangement. Don't cut down the elders or others who take the lead. They too are like a shelter belt.,"Isa 32:1, 2; Heb 10:34, 34;",J.K.,Are You Content With Jehovah's Provisions?,22,,1997/04/11,
"Protection, Freedom, Organization,",At the big top at the circus and the Ring Leader makes an announcement that the lion has escaped from his cage. Everyone needs to get to safety as quickly as possible. Where would the safest place for you to be?      In the cage!,"The bars are not restrictions, but Jehovah's loving protection, as expressed in his divine principles and commandments.",Zech 2:8;,Peter Morgan,Serving With Jehovah's Unified Organization,3,,1997/08/11,
"Protection, Persecution, Courage, Lion, Confidence,","THE Bible sometimes uses the lion as a symbol of courage and confidence.  Especially when challenged, the lion shows it deserves its reputation of 'the mightiest among the beasts.'","It is to the lion's fearlessness that Jehovah God likens his determination to protect his people.  Jehovah thus assures his servants of his active care, particularly in the face of adversity.","Isaiah 31:4, 5","Jul 15, 1996 Wt Page 32",Bearing Up Under Persecution,57,,1996/06/23,
"Protection, Prayer,","Bubble quickly burst, disappears. We are not living in a bubble.",Jehovah gives unfailing support & tireless watch care.,1 Chron. 29:10-13; Exodus. 20:4-6,"Sep 15, 1990 Wt Page 20 (Sheila Smith)",Prayers That Are Heard By God.,86,,,
Proverb,"A kernel of corn, which, though a small thing in itself, has the potential to expand and increase until it can furnish food for millions. In ancient time, books were few, life & manners should be compress-",A large amount of wisdom wrapped in the fewest possible words. said into fewest words possible & committed to memory.,Prov. 1:1-3,"Mar 15, 1961 Wt Page 186",Follow The Way To Life,45,,,
Proverb,"Precious diamond, though tiny in size, may constitute a fortune. Even a child of little strength can conceal & carry a diamond. It diamond's value was in iron, it would take strength of many men to carry it around.",A large amount of wisdom wrapped in the fewest possible words.,Prov. 1:1-3,"Mar 15, 1961 Wt Page 186",Follow The Way To Life,45,,,
"Proverb, Meddle, Interfere, Fights, Wars, Content, Simple, Quarrel,","'As one grabbing hold of the ears of a dog is anyone passing by that is becoming furious at the quarrel that is not his.'   Quote:  The spirit-inspired writer, in the Bible book of Proverbs.","It simply means mind your own business!    If a man sees a quarrel or a dispute between persons he may be able to bring peace, especially if he has the authority to do so and if the disputants are agreeable to listen and to reason on his counsel. But the proverb speaks of the man who becomes involved in the controversy that is not his. He may have started out to mediate but he becomes emotionally stirred up and takes sides. He is like a man who has grabbed a strange dog by the ears. If he lets go, the dog will leap at him and do him injury. If he holds on, he has both hands full and can do nothing else. Likewise, if the person getting mixed up in affairs not his own tries to extricate  himself from the quarrel, he is likely to have trouble from both parties. If he holds on he cannot attend to his own rightful responsibilities, and, besides, he only makes the controversy worse. The thing he should really be attending to-his own business-he cannot get done. He will have cause to regret his involving himself in other people's business.-1 Pet. 4:15.",Pr 26:17; 1 Pet 4:15;,W76 6/1 350,Reach Out For The Real Life!,90,,1994/05/13,
"Proverb, Sage, Illustration, Wisdom,",Cold hands mean a warm heart.,Outward appearances are not always correct.,"Prov. 1:6; 1 Sam. 24:13; Prov. 26:7, 9; 1 Ki. 4:32; Job 13:12",Bobby Laymon,Acquiring A Heart Of Wisdom,73,,,
"Proverb, Sage, Illustration, Wisdom,","What you don't know, won't hurt you.",False: Not knowing the truth can cause everlasting injury.,"Prov. 1:6; 1 Sam. 24:13; Prov. 26:7, 9; 1 Ki. 4:32; Job 13:12",Bobby Laymon,Your Future--how Can It Be Known?,19,,,
"Proverb, Sage, Illustration, Wisdom, Desires,",Feed a cold and starve a fever.,We must feed good desires and starve bad ones.,"Prov. 1:6; 1 Sam. 24:13; Prov. 26:7, 9; 1 Ki. 4:32; Job 13:12",Bobby Laymon,Acquiring A Heart Of Wisdom,73,,,
"Proverb, Wisdom, Illustration, Knowledge, Bible","A proverb may be likened to a kernel of corn, which, though a small thing in itself, has the potential to expand and increase until it can furnish food for millions.","So it is with proverbs that are precious with mental and moral wisdom; they are small enough to be carried about and retained by the weakest memory, yet priceless in their instructive value.",Prov. 1:1-4;,W61 3/15 186,Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,1994/05/11,
"Proverb, Wisdom, Illustration, Knowledge, Bible,","A proverb is like a precious diamond, which, though tiny in size, may constitute a fortune. Even a child of little strength can conceal and carry a diamond around. But if the diamond's value were in iron or some other baser metal, it would take the strength of many to transport it from place to place.","So it is with proverbs that are precious with mental and moral wisdom; they are small enough to be carried about and retained by the weakest memory, yet priceless in their instructive value.",Prov. 1:1-4;,W61 3/15 186,Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,1994/05/11,
Proverb;,'Don't quote your proverb until you bring your ship into port.' Quote:  Gaelic,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Proverb;,'There are plenty of maxims in the world; all that remains is to apply them.'  Quote:  Blasé Pascal.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Proverb;,Desist from enumerating your fowl prior to their emergence from the shell.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Proverb; Funny;,The early worm should read the proverbs.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Proverbs, Complaint, Quarrelsome, Mummer, Zulu",'There he goes burning the horn again.' (Zulu Proverb),Applied to a cantankerous and quarrelsome person.  The acrid smell of a horn burning in the communal fire is extremely unpleasant to all in the immediate vicinity.,1co 10:1-10;,"Mar 8, 1992 Aw Page 25","Friendship With God, Friendship With The World -- Which Will You Choose?",79,,,
"Proverbs, Load, Burden, Responsibilities, Zulu",'No elephant ever found its trunk too heavy.' (Zulu proverb),Carrying one's own load is deemed a virtue by most people. You should face your responsibilities squarely.,Ga 6:5;,"Mar 8, 1992 Aw Page 25",Follow The Way To Life,45,,,
"Proverbs, Obey, Obedience, Action, Listen,",'The nation that is richest in proverbs (Spain) is the one that has proved itself the least wise in action.'  Quote: Joseph Jacobs.,"Millions hear the written and spoken word, but only a few really listen or get the sense of it.",Heb 5:11;,Bobby Laymon,Never Become Dull In Your Hearing,9,,1995/06/27,
"Proverbs, Simple, Concentration, Zulu,","'You cannot chase two antelope at once.'  (Zulu proverb) While you concentrate your energies on one buck, the other will get away.  The lesson: Tackle one thing at a time.",Trying to handle too many things at once can be counterproductive.,"Mt 6:22, 33, 34; Lk 11:34;","Mar 8, 1992 Aw Page 25",Reach Out For The Real Life!,90,,,
"Proverbs, Speech, Complaint, Rumor, Gossip, Zulu,","'Do not speak of the rhino if there is no tree nearby.' (If one encountered a rhino on a rampage in a wilderness area, a tree to climb would be most useful)  Zulu proverb",We must guard our tongue at all times.,Jas 3:1-12;,"Mar 8, 1992 Aw Page 25","Friendship With God, Friendship With The World -- Which Will You Choose?",79,,,
"Proverbs, Strife, Anger, Resentment, Envy, Jealousy,","Eastern cities often depended on a reservoir for their water supply. A tiny hole in the bank or dam confining a large body of water can  have great consequences. If the tiny trickle is not stopped, the force of the water becomes ever stronger, until everything is washed away. From a small beginning comes a terrible flooding.",So with strife. If anger is given the smallest vent it can burst into a flood of angry words and deeds that may even culminate in someone's death. Before any discussion takes that turn it is better to leave the subject or the other person and thereby strengthen the bonds of peace.,Prov 17:14;,W61 9/15 567,Follow The Way To Life,45,,1995/06/05,
"Proverbs, Stubborn, Hardheaded, Obstinate, Zulu,","'While he was being cooked, a stone was also being cooked, and the stone was ready first.'  (Zulu proverb)",A quaint way of summing up a hardheaded person.,Ro 12:10;,"Mar 8, 1992 Aw Page 25",Follow The Way To Life,45,,,
"Proverbs, Two Masters, Headship, Subjection, Humility, Zulu,",'As disastrous as putting two bulls in the same corral.' [or the same enclosure]  (Zulu Proverb),The effect when two masters try to run one household.,1pe 3:1-3;,"Mar 8, 1992 Aw Page 25",Into The New Order Under Christ's Leadership,56,,,
Providence; World;,'God hangs the greatest weight upon the smallest wires.'  Quote:  Francis Bacon.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Providence; World;,"'The longer I live, the more convincing proofs I see of this truth, that God governs in the affairs of man; and if a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without his notice, is it probable that an empire can rise without his aid?'  Quote:  Bf.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Provision, Household, Family, Foster, Abuse,","When children are taken to a foster home, something is wrong.  The father is not providing, or the children are being abused.  Maybe they have become orphans.  The parents are suspect.","It is the same spiritually.  When children are not being fed spiritually, something is wrong.  Jehovah looks to the parents.",1 Tim 5:8;,1997 'faith In God's Word' District Convention; Jack Vinson,Parents--are You Building With Fire-resistant Materials?,104,,1997/06/12,
Provisions,When we stop eating we are sick.  We are going to die. King had to read God's word daily.,Satan wants us to get away from the table.,"Jas 1:17  Matt 24:45  Deuteronomy 17:18, 19","Bro Punko, Larry At Standing Firm Circuit Assy. April 29, 1990",,,,,
"Provisions, Bible, Spiritual Food, Slave, 144,000, Anointed,","IF YOU stop breathing air, you will die in a few minutes. If you stop drinking water, you will die in a few days. If you stop eating food, you will die in a few weeks.","If you stop feeding on Jehovah's spiritual provisions, then when you die you will be dead forever. Jehovah provides the air, water, and food that all living creatures need.  The desire of most living things is fulfilled by the material provisions. But this is not true of human creatures.",Ps 145:16; Mal 3:10; Mt 4:4,W87 10/1 10,Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,1994/06/03,
"Provisions, Faithful Discreet Slave,","Smell aroma? steak, turkey, pizza Takes SOMEONE to make delicious.  Faithful & Discreet Slave Food not too late.  Not hot or cold, but just right. Watchtower Revelation Bk. like meat dish. (can't wolf, must chew",All enjoy good meal and say 'thank you!' to cook. Live Forever (rice & potatoes) special. food for children. Great T. K.M. (bone & muscle matter) Something sweet (Insight Book),Jas 1:17  Matt 24:45,"Bro Punko, Larry At Standing Firm Circuit Assy. April 29, 1990",Have Faith In The Good News,47,,,
"Provisions, Spiritual, Assemblies, Meetings, Attention, Listen, Hungry,",Have you ever noticed a mother feeding a young baby.  'Bingo!' It is asleep!  Just like that!,Could this apply to us?  Are we not really hungry?  Do we show proper respect for Jehovah's table. How do we behave at meetings?  Assemblies?,Matt 15:32;,Dave Pfister,Happy Though Hungry--how Can It Be?,31,,1995/08/13,
"Provisions, Truth, Abundance, Literature, Appreciate,","Did you ever get a drink out of a fire hydrant?  There is so much water, you barely touch it.  You can't even make a dent in it.","Likewise with Jehovah's spiritual provisions.  We get a new magazine every week.  We have the Kingdom Ministry, Meetings, Assemblies each year, Insight book, booklets, brochures, tracts, It's like drinking from a fire hydrant.","Heb 10:24, 25; Is 65:13;",Jim Breden,Are You Content With Jehovah's Provisions?,22,,,
"Provoked, Anger, Wrath, Forgive,","'I was angry with my friend: I told my friend, my wrath did end. I was angry with my foe: I hid my wrath, my wrath did grow.' Do something to end your wrath before the sun sets.",'Go lay bare his fault between you and him alone.',Matt. 18:15; Prov. 17:27; Matt. 5:7; Jonah 4:1-11;,"Jun 8, 1964 Aw Page 4 (quote By Poet Over 100 Years Ago)",Do You Harbor Resentment Or Do You Forgive?,68,,,
"Psalms, Memory Aid, Repeat, Repetition, ","Did you ever have a song stuck in your head?  You repeat it over and over.  Did you ever hear a song, and start humming along?  Did you ever hear a song and it took you back to a particular time and place?   Songs have that ability and more.",Jehovah gave us the gift of music and song.  It should not be surprising that those recorded in His word have all the mentioned features and more.,Psalm 150; Ps. 41:13,Bobby Laymon,,,,"Aug 3, 2001",1/14/2014
Public;,'If there's anything a public servant hates to do its something for the public.'  Quote:  Kin Hubbard.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Public;,'The trouble with the public is that there is too much of it; what we need in a public is less quantity and more quality.'  Quote:  Don Marquis.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Public;,'The people are to be taken in very small doses.'  Quote:  Rwe.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Publication,Herman the Mouse insignificant as some had considered Herman. Note: tell story of Herman saving the day.,Do we sometimes think of some publication as small and insignificant.,Prov. 1:20;,Ted Posey,,,,,
"Publications, Change, Knowledge Book,","'I don't like changes!'  How many feel that way?  The first time I saw a microwave oven, I thought, 'I will never have one of those in my house.'  Well, we finally bought one, and it can heat or cook in a fraction of the time a conventional oven can.  If both our ovens were to go out at the same time, we would probably buy a microwave oven first.","We felt that way about changes to the 'Live Forever' book, and now the 'Knowledge' book.  But now we can see that with the 'Knowledge' book you can conduct studies 'microwave style.'",John 17:3;,Kim Laymon,,,,1996/12/07,
"Publications, Literature, Bible, Tracts,","Contractor hires carpenters, Foreman, with tools. Would we use only the hammer? Only Bible?  Principal tool. Jehovah has given us all the tools we need. Foreman= Faithful Slave, overseeing work.",We must know our tools and make good use of each one at right time,"Matt. 28:19, 20; 24:45-47;",Scott Rudolph,Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,,
"Publications, Literature, Bible, Tracts,","Nail so small you can carry it in your pocket. Can come back later and drive it in. With enough licks, you can build a house. Without a nail, a pile of lumber is nothing.",Placing a tract is like setting a nail.,"Matt. 28:19, 20",Scott Rudolph,Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,,
"Publications, Ministry, Return Visits, Study, Bible",Societies publications are like eye glasses. Glasses are of no use if they misrepresent things.,Help us to see Bible clearer without changing it.,Mt. 24:45-47;,Circuit Assembly,Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,,
"Publications, Spiritual Need, Bible,","We often say, 'I'm hungry!' Then we start looking for food. Keep your 'spiritual cupboard' well stocked. Have a well-regulated spiritual diet.","Spiritual hunger may not be as obvious, but it is just as real.",Matt. 5:3,"Feb 8, 1964 Aw Page 31",Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,,
"Publisher,","'Just a publisher' is a demeaning term. Comment by Ray Horton, C.O.; 'A letter with a 20 cent stamp made me a circuit overseer. Another letter with a 20 cent stamp could end my service as a circuit overseer. My dedication and baptism made me a publisher.'","We don't want a clergy-laity class. Don't say, 'just a publisher'",Matt. 5:14;,Jim Thompson,,,,,
"Publisher, Congregation, Humility, Pride, Envy, Competition,","Cream rises to the top, but milk carries the most weight.",Kingdom publisher is key to the preaching work.,"Matt. 23:12; Gal. 5:26; Luke 12:15; Prov. 16:5, 18; Gal. 5:26",Bobby Laymon,Into The New Order Under Christ's Leadership,56,,,
"Publisher, Preaching, Service,","A car gets 'high-centered' and will not move. Must avoid becoming self-centered, or hung-up on trivial. Sometimes it takes only a little push.",Must get publishers moving again.,Matt. 24:14,Al Larue,Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,63,,,
"Publisher, Progress, Growth, Maturity, Improvement,",Become a 'Double-Digit' publisher.,"Strive to maintain at least a 10 hour average.  It may be 20, 50, or 90, but try to be a 'Double-Digit' publisher.",Ps. 69:9;,"David Cohen, C. O.",Jealousy--proper And Improper,76,,1998/02/14,
"Publisher, Zeal, Regular, Attitude,","You can try to light a wet piece of wood, and no matter what you do, it will not burn.  Some wood, like pine, redwood, fir will burn hot, very fast, then they are gone.  Then there is wood that takes a long time to start, but burns longer and give heat and coals which can start other wood burning. (hardwood, etc)","We do not want to be like wet wood, in which nothing can light a fire, nor to be hot one moment and burned out the next. Instead, we desire to be like the hardwood that keeps on giving warmth, and can start others.","Ps 69:9; Is 42:13; Jn 2:17; Re 3:15, 16;",Bradley Wagner,Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,63,,,
"Publishers, Preaching, Service,",'Yo-yo publisher'  'Roller-coaster publisher',"Not steady, but goes up and down.",1 Cor. 15:58,Bobby Laymon,Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,63,,,
Punctuality,"Even stork keeps appointments, ant knows how to get things done. We too must know our appointed time, while not being rigid or fanatical, be time conscious. Know what we have to do, but when we have to do it.",Therein lies a secret of being punctual and getting things done.,Jere. 8:7  Prov. 6:8,"June 15, 1990 Wt Page 29",,,,,
Punctuality,Overseer called 'Armageddon' by closest friends. late arrivals are rude arrivals,"Why? 'We know he's coming, but only God knows when!'",Eccl. 10:1  Ps 40:17; 70:5  Matt 24:36,"June 15, 1990 Wt Page 26, 27",,,,,
"Punctuality, Time, Late,",'Dost thou love life? Then do not squander time; for that's the stuff  life is made of.' Quote:  Benjamin Franklin. -1746.,"When we waste time, we waste life.",Eccl. 10:1  Ps 40:17; 70:5,"June 15, 1990 Wt Page 28",,,,,
Punctuality;,'The surest way to be late is to have plenty of time.'  Quote:  Leo Kennedy.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Punctuality; Promptness;,'Better late than before anybody else has invited you.'  Quote:  Ab.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Punctuality; Promptness;,'He who is late may gnaw the bones.' Quote:  Yugoslav.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Punctuality; Promptness;,'I owe all my success in life to always having been a quarter of an hour beforehand.'  Quote:  H. Nelson.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Punctuality; Promptness;,'If you're there before its over you're on time.'  Quote:  James Walker.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Punctuality; Promptness;,"'Laugh and the world laughs with you, be prompt and you dine alone.'  Quote:  Gerald Barzun.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Punctuality; Promptness;,'Men count up the faults of those that keep them waiting.'  Quote:  French.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Punctuality; Promptness;,"'Punctuality is something that if you have it, there's often non one around to share it with you.'  Quote:  Hilda Baker.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Punctuality; Promptness;,'The trouble with being punctual is that nobody is there to appreciate it.'  Quote:  F. Jones.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Punctuality; Promptness;,'This is the earliest I've ever been late.' Quote: Yogi Berra.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Punctuality; Promptness;,He that rises up late must trot all day.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Punctuality; Promptness;,Nothing give a man more leisure time than being punctual.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Punctually, Tardiness,",'Better late than never' University of Wisconsin analysis: Average person spends 3 years of life just waiting for tardy people or just waiting.,Not nearly as good as 'Better never late',"2 Cor. 6: 3, 4","Jun 8, 1961 Aw Page 3, 4",,,,,
Punishment; Sins; Justice;,"'We are not punished for our sins, but by them.'  Quote:  Elbert Hubbard.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Punishment;,"'It is as expedient that a wicked man be punished as that a sick man be cured by a physician, for all chastisement is a kind of medicine.'  Quote:  Plato.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Punishment;,'Many a man spanks his children for the things his own father should have spanked out of him.'  Quote:  Don Marquis.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Punishment;,'Punishment is a sort of medicine.'  Quote:  Aristotle.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Punishment;,He hurts the good who spares the bad.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Pure Language,"New language, requires diligent effort; years to speak like native.  Different races do not think in same way. 3000 tongues spoken today. Must have clean lips to speak pure language.","Same with Pure language of truth. 'Body language' way of life must be in agreement e.g. facial expression, gestures, contention all part of language.",Zeph 3:9,"Pure Language Dist. Assy July 5-8, 1990",Keynote Address: A Pure Language For All Nations,44,,,
"Pure Language, Conduct, Speech,","'Use it or Lose it.' Years ago, some of us learned a foreign language.  We may recall some words in that tongue but have lost our command of it because we have not put it to use. Personal study, meetings, ministry, etc.","We must use the pure language regularly, or lose the ability. Example: Shibboleth vs. Siboleth; life or death matter.","Zeph. 2:1-3; 3:8, 9","May 1, 1991 Wt Page 19",A Clean People Honors Jehovah,14,,,
"Pure Language, Conduct, Speech,",Students may learn a new tongue by using the grammar method or the spoken-language method. The principle textbook used is the Bible. To learn a language you associate what you are learning with what you already know.,"Both methods are used in speaking the pure language. Spoken-language pupils try to repeat teacher's sounds, word patter.","Zeph. 2:1-3; 3:8, 9","May 1, 1991 Wt Page 15",Keep Seeking God's Kingdom,44,,,
"Pure Language, Conduct, Worship, Speech,","A language is not spoken just with words; tone of voice; facial expressions; gestures are also important. They may reflect what we truly are inside, conveying messages that words alone do not.","We must root out jealousy, contentions, fits of anger.","Gal. 5:19-23; Eph. 4:31, 32; Zeph. 3:9;","Apr 1, 1991 Wt Page 25",A Clean People Honors Jehovah,14,,,
"Pure Language, Siboleth, Shibboleth, Speech, Christendom,","Gileadite used the password 'Shibboleth' which had an initial 'sh' sound. The men of Ephraim betrayed themselves, because they were unable to speak it.",Speech can be a life or death matter. What Christendom's clergy teach may sound close to the pure language to those not well acquainted with Bible truth. But it will prove fatal.,"Judg. 12:5, 6;","May 1, 1991 Wt Page 19",Religion's Role In World Affairs.,92,,,
"Pure Language, Worship, Truth,","Takes great effort to learn new language.  Milestone, learn to think We are not forever comparing the old with the new and struggling to make a choice.",Milestone is when we learn to think in 'pure language' of truth,Zep. 3:9,"Apr 1, 1991 Wt Page 25, Para 22; Roy Crabb (district Assembly)",Keep Seeking God's Kingdom,44,,,
Pure Language; Define;,"Definition for pure language: 'The correct understanding of the truth about God and his purpose for the earth and man, as contained in the Bible ... When someone learns to speak the pure language, then his way of thinking, his speech, and his conduct",Information only are centered in the recognition of God as the only true God.',Zeph. 3:9;,"Jul 8, 1991 Aw Page 14",Keep Seeking God's Kingdom,44,,,
"Purpose, Bible, Message, Harmony, Mind, Sacred Secret, Gulf, Bridge,","A composer of music conceives in his mind a masterpiece, a symphony, with its various parts, its deep harmonies and themes, building up to a glorious climax. But how is he to convey the message of that symphony to those desiring to hear it? How to bridge the gulf? First, he puts it all down in writing, the written score. Then he arranges for the appointment of a conductor, who himself must have the spirit of music and must be well trained, so that, after a thorough study of the written score, its every note and bar, he can fully enter into the mind of the composer and catch his spirit and therefore be enabled to faithfully interpret every passage of that symphony.  Still the gulf is not bridged! Under the direction of the conductor and leader comes the orchestra, that select and highly trained and organized body of musicians, each with his instrument (an orchestra is of no good without instruments) and each thoroughly familiar with the music after diligent study and practice. At last comes the night of the concert. We see the brilliantly lit auditorium packed out and the audience waiting there, silent, tense, expectant. And as the music pours forth and finally rises to a breath-taking, thrilling uplift of exultant melody, the spirit of the whole audience rises in full response to the spirit of the composer. The gulf is bridged!","In applying this illustration, the Creator has conceived in his mind a glorious purpose, which, for our benefit, he has caused to be recorded, namely the written Word. He has appointed a Conductor, who, by close study and training in obedience under test, is fully qualified to be 'an  interpreter, one among a thousand'; his own beloved Son, who is specially blessed with 'the spirit of wisdom and understanding'. Under this Interpreter and Leader, there has been built up an organized body of devoted followers, who, by complete dedication of themselves to Jehovah, are blessed with his spirit and who, by study and training, learn to have 'the mind of Christ'.",1 Cor 2:16; Job 33:23; Isa 11:2;,W52 8/15 499,Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,1994/08/10,
"Purpose, Bible, Message, Harmony, Mind, Sacred Secret, Gulf, Bridge, Prophecy,",A word of warning about that bridge. Do not attempt to span the gulf by building a private bridge of your own!,"As in the giving of prophecy in the first instance 'no prophecy of Scripture springs from any private release', so likewise, in gaining the proper understanding of prophecy in its fulfillment, we need to submit ourselves both to God's spirit and his organization, Zion; for it is only the 'children of Zion' that are 'taught of Jehovah'.","2 Pet 1:20; Isa 54:13; Isa 30:20, 21;",W52 8/15 500-1,Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,1994/08/10,
"Purpose, Bible, Message, Harmony, Mind, Sacred Secret, Gulf, Bridge, Prophecy,","It is not on the number of instruments that an orchestra depends for quality, but on the richness of tone.","Paul did not cry out about all the truths he had learned as piling sky-high, but he exclaimed: 'Oh the depth of God's riches and wisdom and knowledge!'",Rom 11:33;,W52 8/15 501,Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,1994/08/10,
"Purpose, Change, Trials, Problems, Cope, Anxiety,","In the frigid waters around Greenland are countless icebergs--some little and some gigantic. If you'd observe them carefully, you'd notice that sometimes the small ice floats in one direction while their massive counterparts flow in another. The explanation is simple. Surface winds drive the little ones; whereas, the huge masses of ice are carried along by deep ocean currents.","When we face trials and tragedies, it's helpful to see our lives as being subject to two forces--surface winds and ocean currents. The winds represent everything changeable, unpredictable, and distressing, propelled by Satan and his worldly system of things.  But operating simultaneously with these gusts and gales is another force that's even more powerful. It is the sure movement of Jehovah's wise and sovereign purposes, the deep flow of His unchanging love, running deeper and surer than the surface turmoil. We are wise to let this force guide and propel us forward.",Prov. 15:17,Bobby Laymon,Coping With Life's Anxieties,32,,"Jan 21, 2001",11/15/2014
"Purpose, Creation",Mosquito: a small insect designed by God to make us think better of flies.,All of God's creation have a purpose.,Psalms 104:24,Scott Rudolph,Appreciating Marvels Of God's Creation,114,,1996/08/09,
"Purpose, Design, Creation,",'The striving to find a meaning in one's life is the primary motivational force in man.' (Psychiatrist Viktor Frankl),"Jehovah created humans to fulfill a purpose, and man was endowed with an instinctive need for this purpose to be realized","Eccl 2:8, 11;","Apr 22, 1992 Aw Page 5",How Purposeful Is Your Life?,60,,,
"Purpose, Design, Creation,","Humans design and make things.  They make jet airplanes.  They make oil refineries.  They make electric power plants, and myriad of other things of greater or lesser complexity.  But humans do not design and build without a reason.  Everything has a purpose.",It is the height of unreason to believe that we were 'wonderfully made' and then left rudderless and without purpose.,Ps 139:14;,"Apr 22, 1992 Aw Page 5",How Purposeful Is Your Life?,60,,,
"Purpose, Earth, Promise, Word, Bible,",A ball does not come back unless it hits the wall and bounces. Jehovah's word accomplishes what he sent it to do.,Jehovah's word does not return unless it accomplishes what he said,Isa. 55:11,Bobby Laymon,How Purposeful Is Your Life?,60,,,
"Purpose, Earth, Promise, Word, Bible,","Rain and snow do not return to heavens unless the saturate the ground and cause the seed to sprout, making it produce.",Jehovah's word is just that sure.,Isa. 55:8-13;,"Jul 1, 1964 Wt Page 409",How Purposeful Is Your Life?,60,,,
"Purpose, Goals,",'I can teach anybody how to get what they want out of life. The problem is that I can't find anybody who can tell me what they want.' Quote: Mark Twain,Why are we here? Where are we going? Is it possible that          infinitesimally small and unimportant creatures such as we are could make a difference and have any meaning?,Isa. 40:26;,Bobby Laymon,Life Does Have A Purpose,23,,1999/01/02,
"Purpose, Happiness, Carter, Materialism,",'We've discovered that owning things and consuming things does not satisfy our longing for meaning .. Piling up material goods cannot fill the emptiness of lives which have no confidence or purpose.' Quote: Former U.S. president Jimmy Carter.,More and more people are wondering: What is the purpose of life? Who are we? What is our purpose?  Where is true happiness found?,Is 14:7,What Is The Purpose Of Life? Page 4,How Purposeful Is Your Life?,60,,,
"Purpose, Happiness, Materialism,","'A baffling number of rich people insist they are not happy. Polls suggest a terrible pessimism has infected North America .. Is anybody happy out there?  If so, what's the secret?' Quote: Canadian writer Harry Bruce","Many doubt that life has a purpose when they see living conditions have become more difficult.  More than 1 billion ill or mal- nourished, etc.","Re 21:3, 4;",What Is The Purpose Of Life? Page 4,How Purposeful Is Your Life?,60,,,
"Purpose, Jehovah's, Good News,","Ant on RR track, trying to stop the train. Does not force truth on anyone.  Titanic, life boats only one-half filled.","No one can stop Jehovah's purpose, or His word being fulfilled.","1 Jo 2:17  Isa 28:18  Ps 19:10, 11",Trust In Jehovah District Assy. July 1987,Have Faith In The Good News,47,,,
"Purpose, Life, Happiness, Earth, Paradise, Everlasting, Death,","Is it reasonable that God's only purpose for man is to spend twenty years growing up, another twenty or thirty gaining knowledge or experience, then begin to suffer and then die?",Among God's blessings in New World will be endless life.,"Rev. 21:4, 5; Isa. 25:8;",The Truth That Leads To Eternal Life. Page 7,Is This Life All There Is?,36,,,
"Purpose, Life, Happiness, Earth, Paradise, Everlasting, Death,",Why should man's life be so short when even a turtle may live to the age of 200 years. A tree far longer.,"God made man to live, not to die.","Rev. 21:4, 5; Isa. 25:8;",The Truth That Leads To Eternal Life. Page 7,How Purposeful Is Your Life?,60,,,
"Purpose, Life, Will, Work, Satisfied,",What if you started a new job and the boss told you to move a pile of dirt to the other side of a wall.  You did it and the next day he asked you to move it back.  The third day he wanted it moved to the place it was the day before.  How long would you work there?  The pay is good but you see no purpose in your work.,Man does not like to work without purpose.  Everything Jehovah made has a purpose.  What is the purpose of our lives?,Isa 40:26; Heb 3:4;,Ryan Funderbird,Life Does Have A Purpose,23,,"Aug 26, 2001",
"Purpose, Materialism, Employment, Career, Pioneer, Service,","'What are we doing this for?  I don't know anyone who wished on his deathbed that he had spent more time at the office.' (Investment superstar, Peter Lynch)","A career in secular work, after a while, does not satisfy the need to have a purpose in life.  Jehovah's work does.","Eccl 2:8, 11;","Apr 22, 1992 Aw Page 6",How Purposeful Is Your Life?,60,,,
"Purpose, Materialism, Employment, Career, Pioneer, Service,","A researcher finds the pursuit of knowledge frustrating when his life nears its end, with so many unanswered question. A man who has spent his life building a fortune finds that, eventually, he has to leave it to others.","A career in secular work, after a while, does not satisfy as even wise King Solomon found out. (see Scripture)","Eccl 2:18, 19;","Apr 22, 1992 Aw Page 6",How Should You Serve God?,58,,,
"Purpose, Paradise, Earth, Eden, Model, Shadow,",The garden of Eden was a model.,It showed what the earth would become.  It reflected God's purpose for our planet.,"Ge 1:26, 28; 2:8, 22-24; Re 11:18;","Apr 22, 1992 Aw Page 8",How Purposeful Is Your Life?,60,,,
"Purpose, Preaching, Evangelizing,","Let it all be illustrated by the farmer and his field. He carefully plows, harrows, packs and tends the ground, working it into a good seedbed. Then he plants the wheat. Does he plant wheat because he could not think of anything else to plant, or did he plant wheat because he happened to have seed on hand? No, he has a definite purpose in mind.","We find that Jehovah, the greatest farmer, has prepared all things very well, sent out cultivators, sower, tenders of the field and harvesters. Now, how should we respond?",Prov 12:11;,W66 6/15 363-4,How Purposeful Is Your Life?,60,,1994/07/30,
"Purpose, Preaching, Evangelizing, Harvest, Happiness, Joy,","THERE is no happier time for the farmer than the time of harvest. What is more beautiful in his sight than a field of golden grain ready to be gathered into the storehouse? It means nourishment, life, happiness, a time of prosperity not only for him but also for the city dwellers. The harvesting of the crop is also hard work, but it is done with a light heart.","AS regards human history, this is the time of harvest. Although conditions may make things look the blackest, actually a time of prosperity, physical and spiritual nourishment and happiness such as the earth has never known is near at hand, for it is God's harvest time. It makes us happy to know this.","Mt 13:37, 38;",W66 6/15 372,Slave For The Master Of The Harvest,66,,1994/07/30,
"Purpose, Progress, Organization, Unity, Earth, Paradise, Joy,",Jehovah's purpose can be likened to a wonderful painting. It conveys to us the hope and prospect of living forever in a new system. But we may say this painting has not received its last touch.,"We do not yet understand everything, but should we lose our joy? While we did not always have the same degree of understand as we do now, were we dying of thirst or starving?",Ps. 23:1-3;,"May 15, 1964 Wt Page 305",Serving With Jehovah's Unified Organization,3,,,
"Purpose, Science, Creation, Wisdom,","'Between a living cell and the most highly ordered non-biological system, such as a crystal or a snowflake, there is a chasm as vast and absolute as it is possible to conceive.  I am dazzled ... Every molecule seems miraculously contrived for its task.' Quote: Molecular biologist Michael Denton","A close examination of flowers, insects, mammals, etc. shows the Divine wisdom of creation.","Is 55:12, 13;",What Is The Purpose Of Life? Page 7,How Purposeful Is Your Life?,60,,,
"Purpose, Science, Creation, Wisdom,","When we see a painting, we accept it as evidence that a painter exists.  When we read a book, we accept that an author exists. When we see a house, we accept that a builder exists.  When we see a traffic light, we know that a law-making body exists.","We may not know everything about the people, but we do not doubt they exist.  Similarly, the evidence of the existence of a Supreme Designer can be seen in the design, order, complexity of living things on earth.",Ro 1:20;,"What Is The Purpose Of Life? Page 7, 8",How Purposeful Is Your Life?,60,,,
"Purpose, Science, Life, Jehovah, Bible, Creation,","If you were to visit a machine designer and saw him working on a complicated piece of machinery that you did not recognize, how could you find out what it was for?  The best way is to ask the designer.","What, then of the magnificent design we see around us?  From the smallest cell to the vast universe.  Surely, the Designer could tell us why he designed such things.","Ps 37:11, 29;",What Is The Purpose Of Life? Page 6,How Purposeful Is Your Life?,60,,,
"Purpose, Time, Death,","'Time goes, you say?  Ah no!  Alas, Time stays, we go.'  Quote: Henry Austin Dobson.  -1875.","Why are we here?  Serious people wonder what real purpose in life is. Is it simply to go through a cycle much like the animals, to be born, eat, work, have offspring, grow old, and die, or is there a more noble reason for our existence?",Ecclesiastes 1:4;,Bobby Laymon,How Purposeful Is Your Life?,60,,1995/08/09,
"Purpose, Universe, Science,","'In the contemplation of man himself ... of his place in the universe, we are little further along than when time began.' Quote: Editor Vermont Roister",Many are still struggling for the purpose of life.,Is 11:6-9;,What Is The Purpose Of Life? Page 5,How Purposeful Is Your Life?,60,,,
Purpose;,'A man without a purpose is like a ship without a rudder.'  Quote:  Thomas Carlyle.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Purpose;,"'Great minds have purposes, others have wishes.' Quote:  Washington Irving",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Purpose;,"'The good man is the man who, no matter how morally unworthy he has been, is moving to become better.'  Quote:  John Dewey.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Purpose; Faith; Courage; Compromise; Direction;,'You have got to stand for something or you're gonna fall for anything.',,,Jk Quotes;,FACING THE FUTURE WITH FAITH AND COURAGE,166,,,
Putting God First,Receipt : Have common ingredient like sugar w/o fat.,Apply to Family Life; other things.,Deuteronomy 6:1-9;,Joe Laymon,"Living, Not For Self, But To Do God's Will",8,,,
Putting God First,"Tool misplaced.  Must put God first in all things.  Children, Wife,",Wasn't there because I didn't put it there.,Mt 6:33;,Bobby Laymon,"Living, Not For Self, But To Do God's Will",8,,,
Puzzles,Puzzles hard to work (Rubik's Cube) but there is a solution Only few steps from being solved at any point. Manufacture often prints instructions; Jehovah has done so.,"Human Governments are puzzle, but not to Jehovah God.",Dan. 2:44,Scott Rudolph,What God's Rulership Can Do For Us,24,,,
Qualities,"Gold; apparently endless durability; imperishable; gold bowl may be crushed or dinted, but its color and surface remain. 'immortal' metal; gold was first choice of artists of every age. endures: every detail of workmanship & decoration clear, buried.",Gold - Fire Resistant material. Most malleable; 1 ounce can extend 100 sq. feet. The one medium of exchange that has remained universally acceptable,Genesis. 2:10-12,"Apr 8, 1959 Aw Page 20, 21",Parents--are You Building With Fire-resistant Materials?,104,,,
"Qualities,","Plant a Theocratic Vegetable Garden 5 rows each:    I.      START WITH PEAS:          Prayer          Preparation          Promptness          Perseverance          Politeness    II.     THEN SQUASH:          Squash gossip          Squash loose conduct          Squash jealousy & envy          Squash materialism & competition.          Squash complaining                                                                                   III.    THEN PLANT SOME TURNIPS:          Turnip for the Bible Book Study          Turnip for the Ministry School and Service Meeting          Turnip for the Public talk and Watchtower Study    IV.     FINALLY, PLANT SOME LETTUCE:          Lettuce be faithful          Lettuce be unselfish          Lettuce keep putting up with one another          Lettuce keep loyal          Lettuce be truthful          Lettuce accept counsel.","If you follow this plan closely, this may prove to be a 'Victory Garden' for us all.","Gal. 5:22, 23;",Bobby Laymon,Service Talk,200,,1998/04/05,
"Qualities, Publishers, Christians, Zeal, Dependable,","Some Christians are like wheel barrows_______..       not good unless pushed.  Some are like canoes_______________.       they need to be paddled.  Some are like kites________________       if you don't keep a string on them they fly away.  Some are like kittens_______________.       they are most content when petted.  Some are like footballs______________..       you can't tell which way they will bounce next.  Some are like balloons______________..       full of air and ready to blow up.  Some are like trailers_______________.       they have to be pulled.  Some are like neon lights_____________..       they keep going on and off.  Some minds are like concrete____________.       All mixed up and firmly set.  Some are like a good watch_____________       open faced, pure gold, quietly busy and full of good works.",What Kind of Christian are you.,1 Pet 4:2-4;,Bobby Laymon,Why Christians Must Be Different.,123,,1998/04/05,
"Quality Of Life, Personally, Important,","Mole, has little quality of life.  Blind, cannot appreciate a cold watermelon on hot summer day,","God has given humans better quality of life, He cares for us.",James 4:8;,Gary Diburgo,Does God Count You Personally Important?,26,,1996/04/01,
Quality;,"'Better to complete a small task well, than do much imperfectly.'  Quote:  Plato.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Quality;,'I think there is only one quality worse than hardness of heart and that is softness of head.' Quote:  Theodore Roosevelt,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Quality;,'In the race for quality there is no finish line.'  Quote:  David Kearns.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Quality;,'It is the quality of our work which will please God and not the quantity.'  Quote:  Ghandi.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Quality;,"'Many individuals have, like uncut diamonds, shining qualities beneath a rough exterior.'  Quote:  Juvenal.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Quality;,'Quality is never an accident; it is always the result of intelligent effort.'  Quote:  John Ruskin.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Quality;,'The best is the cheapest.'  Quote:  Bf.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Quality;,Often it is easier to do a good job than to explain why you didn't.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Quality; Haste;,"People forget how fast you did a job, but remember how well you did it.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Quantity, Quality, Christendom,","The largest fruits and vegetable are not always the most tasty. Composers like Schubert, Mozart, Bizet & Mendelssohn, all died in 30's but look what a legacy they left behind. (Hank Williams 29) Methuselah's 969 years are his only claim to distinction.",Mere numbers are not proof of true worship.,"Matt. 24:12; Matt. 7:13, 14; 1 Jo. 5:19; Rev. 12:9;","Jun 22, 1963 Aw Page 3",Religion's Role In World Affairs.,92,,,
Quarrel;,"'He that blows the coals in quarrels he has nothing to do with, has no right to complain if the sparks fly in his face.'  Quote:  Bf.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Quarrel;,'I never take my own side in a quarrel.'  Quote:  Robert Frost.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Quarrel;,"'Those who in quarrels interpose, must often wipe a bloody nose.'  Quote:  John Gay.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Quarrel;,'When chickens quit quarreling over their food they often find that there is enough for all of them. I wonder if it might not be the same with the human race?'  Quote:  Don Marquis.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Quarrels, Disagree, Unity, Satan","The Leopard and the Three Bulls.   Leopard spent much time watching bulls to catch as prey. They seemed to enjoy each others company and stuck together. Leopard began to spread evil reports of one to other, created  jealousy, they fed apart. Each in turn was easy prey for him.",Satan watches for chance to divide brothers or congregation.   Moral: The quarrels of friends are opportunities of their foes.,Micah 2:12   1 Cor 12:25,Aesop's Fables,How To Protect Ourselves From Satan's Snares,115,,,
Quarrels;,In quarreling the truth is always lost.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Questions, Teaching,",Some questions are like icebergs.  The most substantial part lies hidden beneath the surface.  An underlying issue is often more important than the question itself.,Find out the reason an inquirer asked the question.  What is the real issue.,"John 16:12; Acts 1:6,7;",Benefit Page 66,,,,"Apr 2, 2002",
"Questions, Teaching, Pioneer,",'Many things are lost for want of asking.'  Quote: English proverb.,Asking questions is part of the art of teaching.,2 Tim 4:2;,Bobby Laymon - Reader's Digest,,,,1996/03/21,
Questions;,'A fool may ask more questions in an hour than a wise man can answer in seven years.'  Quote:  English.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Questions;,"'As a general rule, the most successful man in life is the man who has the best information.'  Quote:  Ben Disraeli.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Questions;,'Better to ask ten times than to go astray once.' Quote:  Yiddish,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Questions;,'Every why has a wherefore.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Questions;,'He must be very ignorant for he answers every question he is asked.' Quote:  Voltaire,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Questions;,'He who asks a question is a fool for five minutes. He who does not ask a question remains a fool forever.'  Quote:  Chinese.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Questions;,'He who is afraid to ask is ashamed of learning.'  Quote:  Danish.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Questions;,"'I had six honest serving men, they taught me all I knew, their names were Where and What and When and Why and How And Who.'  Quote:  Kipling.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Questions;,"'I was gratified to be able to answer promptly, and I did. I said I didn't know.'  Quote:  Mt.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Questions;,"'If you are reluctant to ask the way, you will be lost.'  Quote:  Malay.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Questions;,'Judge a man by his questions rather than his answers.' Quote:  Voltaire,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Questions;,'Many things are lost for the want of asking.'  Quote:  English.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Questions;,'No man really becomes a fool until he stops asking questions.'  Quote:  Charles Steinmetz.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Questions;,'No question is so difficult to answer at that to which the answer is obvious.'  Quote:  Gbs.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Questions;,"'That must be wonderful, I have no idea of what it means.'  Quote:  Moliere.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Questions;,'To ask is no sin and to be refused is not calamity.'  Quote:  Russian.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Questions;,A man may lose his goods for want of demanding them.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Questions;,A prudent question is one half of wisdom.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Questions;,Ask a silly question and you'll get a silly answer.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Questions;,Ask no question and hear no lies.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Questions;,Asking dumb questions is easier than correcting dumb mistakes.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Questions;,"He that cannot ask, cannot live.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Questions;,It is not every question that deserves an answer.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Questions;,Never answer a question until it is asked.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Questions;,The biggest idiot can sometimes ask the questions the smartest man can't answer.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Questions;,The only dumb question is the one not asked.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Questions; Gossip;,Inquire not what boils in another's pot.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Quiet;,'The good and the wise lead quiet lives.'  Quote:  Euripides.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Quiet;,'Very often the quiet fellow has said all he knows.'  Quote:  Kin Hubbard.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Quotation;,'He presents me with what is always an acceptable gift who brings me news of a great thought before unknown. He enriches me without impoverishing himself.'  Quote:  Rwe.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Quotation;,'I didn't say I didn't say it. I said that I didn't say that I said it. I want to make that very clear.'  Quote:  George Romney.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Quotation;,'You could compile the worst book in the world entirely out of selected passages from the best writers in the world.'  Quote:  Gilbert Chesterton.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Quotations; Funny;,"Horace Greeley did not say 'go west young man'. He said, 'Its the first door on the left, kid.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Race For Life,"HOUND & HARE The hound was chasing the hare, but finally quit and lay down panting.  The other hounds chided him and said, 'did you let that hare get the best of you?  He said, 'look at it this way.  I was running for my supper. He was running for his life.",WHAT ARE WE RUNNING FOR?,Phil. 3:12-14,Aesop's Fable,"Living, Not For Self, But To Do God's Will",8,,,
"Race For Life, Running, Contest, Endure, Persevere, Champion, Role Model,","In the ancient games, champions enjoyed widespread admiration. Poets wrote about them, and sculptors made statues of them. Historian Vera Olivia says that they 'bathed in glory and enjoyed immense popularity.' They also served as role models for a Younger generation of champions.","Who is the 'champion' setting the finest example for Christians? Paul answers: 'Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, as we look intently at the Chief Agent and Perfecter of our faith, Jesus. For the joy that was set before him he endured a torture stake, despising shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.' (Hebrews 12:1, 2) Yes, if we are to be victorious in our race for eternal life, we need to look intently to our Exemplar, Jesus Christ. This we can do by regularly reading the Gospel accounts and meditating on ways in which we can imitate him. Such study will help us appreciate that Jesus Christ was obedient to God and proved the quality of his faith by his endurance. As a reward for his endurance, he received the approval of Jehovah God along with many wonderful privileges. -Philippians 2:9-11.     Of course, Jesus' most outstanding quality was his love. 'No one has love greater than this, that someone should surrender his soul in behalf of his friends. (John 15:13) He gave deeper meaning to the word 'love' by telling us to love even our enemies. (Matthew 5:4348) Because he loved his heavenly Father, Jesus found joy in doing the will of his Father. (Psalm 40:9, 10; Proverbs 27:11) Our looking to Jesus as our Exemplar and as the one who sets the pace for us in the strenuous race for life will also move us to love God and our neighbor and to find real joy in our sacred service. (Matthew 22:37-39; John 13:34; 1 Peter 2:21) Keep in mind that Jesus does not ask the impossible. He assures us: 'I am mild tempered and lowly in heart, and you will find refreshment for your souls. For my yoke is kindly and my load is light.' -Matthew 11:28-30.   Like Jesus, we need to keep our eyes on the prize that is reserved for all who endure down to the end. (Matthew 24:13) If we contend according to the rules, if we put off every weight, and if we run with endurance, we can be confident of victory. The goal in sight beckons us onward! It renews our strength because of the joy that it infuses in us, a joy that makes the road ahead of us easier to tread.","Heb. 12:1,2;","Jan 1, 2001 Wt Page 28-31",Service Talk,200,,"Dec 17, 2000",
"Race For Life, Running, Contest, Endure, Persevere, Competition,","IMAGINE yourself in a sports stadium jammed with excited people. The athletes march onto the field. The crowd roars as their heroes come into view. Judges are on hand to enforce the rules. As the events get under way, shouts of triumph mix with cries of disappointment. deafening applause greets the victors!","You are attending, not a modern sporting: event, but one held some 2,000 years ago on the Isthmus of Corinth. Here, every two years from the sixth century B.C.E. to the fourth century C.E., the famous Isthmian Games were held. For many days the event captured the interest of all of Greece. The games were more than simple athletic contests. Athletes were symbols of military preparedness. The winners--idolized as heroes--received crowns made of tree leaves. Gifts were lavished upon them, and the city gave them a large pension for life.","1 Cor 9:24, 25","Jan 1, 2001 Wt Page 28-31",Service Talk,200,,"Dec 17, 2000",
"Race For Life, Running, Contest, Endure, Persevere, Hope, Heavenly, Earthly,","Today, the great majority of Christian runners are not anointed by God to be his spiritual sons and do not have a heavenly hope. they are not running for the prize of immortality. However, God also places a matchless prize before them. It is everlasting life in perfection on a paradise earth under the Kingdom of heaven.","Whichever prize a Christian runner has his eye on, he should run with greater determination and vigor than any runner in an athletic contest. Why? Because the prize will never fade: 'This is the promised thing that he himself promised us, the life everlasting.'--l John 2:25.   With such an incomparable prize before the Christian runner, what should be his view of the enticements of this world? It should be that of Paul, who said: '1 do indeed also consider all things to be loss on account of the excelling value of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord. On account of him I have taken the loss of all things and I consider them as a lot of refuse.' In line with this, how hard Yawl ran! 'Brothers, I do not yet consider myself as having laid hold on it; but there is one thing about it: Forgetting the things behind and stretching forward to the things ahead, I am pursuing down toward the goal for the prize. (Philippians 3:8, 13, 14) Paul ran with his eyes fixed firmly on the prize. So should we.",1 Jo. 2:25,"Jan 1, 2001 Wt Page 28-31",Service Talk,200,,"Dec 17, 2000",
"Race For Life, Running, Contest, Endure, Persevere, Long Distance,","Not all ancient foot races were short sprints. One race, called do'likhos, went for about two and a half miles. It was a demanding test of strength and endurance. According to tradition, in 328 B.C.E., an athlete named Ageas, after winning this race, set off and ran all the way to his home city, Argos, to announce his victory. That day, he ran approximately 70 miles!","The Christian race is also a long distance run that tests our endurance. Enduring in this race to the end is needed to gain Jehovah's approval and the prize of everlasting life. Paul ran the race in such a way. Near the end of his life, he was able to say: 'I have fought the fine fight, 1 have run the course to the finish, I have observed the faith. From this time on there is reserved for me the crown of righteousness.' (2 Timothy 4:7, 8) Like Paul, we have to run 'to the finish.' If our endurance wanes just because the race is somewhat longer than we expected at first, we shall fail to gain our reward. (Hebrews 11:6) What a tragedy that would be, seeing that we are so close to the finish line !","2 Tim 4:7,8","Jan 1, 2001 Wt Page 28-31",Service Talk,200,,"Dec 17, 2000",
"Race For Life, Running, Contest, Endure, Persevere, Requirements, Strict,","The entry requirements for the ancient games were very strict. A herald would present each athlete to the spectators and shout: 'Is there anyone who can accuse this man of any crime? Is he a robber or wicked and depraved in his life and manners?' According to Archeology Greaca, 'no person that was himself a notorious criminal, or [closely] related to any such, was permitted to contend.' And breaches of the games' rules were heavily penalized by barring the violators from the contests.","This fact helps us to understand Paul's statement: 'If anyone contends even in the games, he is not crowned unless he has contended according to the rules.' (2 Timothy 2:5) Similarly, to run in the race for life, we must meet Jehovah's requirements, complying with his lofty moral standards as they are set out in the Bible. However, the Bible warns us: 'The inclination of the heart of man is bad from his youth up.' (Genesis 8:21) Thus, even after entering the race, we have to be careful to keep on contending according to the rules in order to continue having Jehovah's approval and gain everlasting life.   The greatest aid to act in this way is love for God. (Mark 12:29-31) Such love will make us want to please Jehovah and act according to his will.--l John 5:3.",2 Timothy 2:5;,"Jan 1, 2001 Wt Page 28-31",Service Talk,200,,"Dec 17, 2000",
"Race For Life, Running, Contest, Endure, Persevere, Rewards, Prize,","Winners in ancient Greek athletic contests were given wreaths that were usually made of the leaves of trees and were adorned with flowers. In the Pythian Games, winners received a crown made of laurel. In the Olympian Games they got crowns of wild olive leaves, while in the Isthmian Games they were given crowns made of pine. 'To excite the ardor of the combatants,' notes one Bible scholar, 'the crowns, the rewards of victory, and palm branches, lay, during the contest, full in their view, on a tripod, or table, placed in the stadium.' For the winner, wearing the crown was a mark of great honor. On his return home, he rode triumphantly in a chariot into the city.","Having this in mind, Paul asked his Corinthian readers: 'Do you not know that the runners in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may attain it.... Now they, of course, do it that they may get a corruptible crown, but we an incorruptible one.' (1 Corinthians 9:24, 25; 1 Peter 1:3, 4) What a contrast! Unlike the fading crowns of the ancient games, the prize awaiting those who run the race for life to the finish will never perish.  Unlike crowned athletes, Christians can look forward to an imperishable prize been made manifest, you will receive the unfadable crown of glory.' (1 Peter 5:4) Could any prize this world offers compares with immortality, the prize of incorruptible life in heavenly glory with Christ?","1 Corinthians 9:24, 25; 1 Peter 1:3, 4","Jan 1, 2001 Wt Page 28-31",Service Talk,200,,"Dec 17, 2000",
"Race For Life, Running, Contest, Endure, Persevere, Weighted, Sin, Materialism,","In the ancient games, runners were not weighed down by clothes or equipment. 'At foot-races,  the combatants used to appear quite naked,' says the hook The Life of  The Greeks and Romans. Wearing no clothes gave the athletes agility ease of movement, and deftness. There was no wasted energy resulting from unnecessary weight. Paul likely had this in mind when he wrote to the Hebrew Christians: 'Let us also put off every weight and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.'--Hebrews 12:1.","What type of weight can hinder us in the race for life? One would be the desire to accumulate unnecessary material things or to maintain a costly lifestyle.  Some may look to wealth for security or see it as a source of happiness. Such excess 'weight' may slow a runner down to the extent that, eventually, God may not really matter very much to him. (Luke 12:16-21) Everlasting  life may come to seem like a distant hope. 'The new world will come someday,' a person may reason, 'but in the meantime we might as well take advantage of what this world offers.' (1 Timothy 6:17-19) Such a materialistic out look can very easily sidetrack one from the race for life or Prevent one from even starting it.",Heb. 12:1,"Jan 1, 2001 Wt Page 28-31",Service Talk,200,,"Dec 17, 2000",
"Race For Life, Running, Endurance,","'Do you not know that the runners in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may attain it.'","THE Bible likens our quest for everlasting life to a race.  The comparison is an apt one because a race consists of a start, a set course, and a finish line, or goal. So it is with the process of our  spiritual progress toward life. The important thing, however, is to stay in the race until the finish line is reached. Are you doing this?",1 Cor 9:24;,W92 8/1 13,,,,1996/01/15,
"Race, Confidence, Certainty, Faith, Life, Endurance, Doubt, Persecution,","Can you imagine runners in a race discussing, 'I'm not sure we should be here.'",We cannot run in the race for life with uncertainty.,"1 Cor 9:26, 27;",Joseph Wengert D.O.,Glorifying God With All We Have,17,,1995/06/03,
"Race, Distraction,",A distracted runner can miss the finish line.  He might go in the wrong direction.,"Likewise, if we become distracted, we can miss out on life.","Heb 12:1, 2;",Brother White - Friends Of Peace District Convention.,,,,1996/06/12,
"Race, Endurance, Training, Effort,","A baseball player, in spring training, works and works and works, training hard to be in shape for the season.  Then when the baseball season begins, does he sit back and relax, not doing any training, but just showing up for the games?  NO, he MUST continue to work hard to keep in shape, or he will soon be out of the game.  So it is constant effort.  And if he is a really serious athlete, wanting to make sure he lasts through the season, he will even train during the off season.  An athlete does more than just the physical training, he also makes sure that he has a good regular diet.  How often does an athlete serious about his physical body, skip a meal?","We can not afford to take ANY time off during the off season.  We must make sure that we are always working hard to be able to last for the whole race.  How often do we, being concerned about our spiritual  health, skip a meeting?","Heb 12:1,2",Bobby Laymon,Finding Honor And Joy In God's Ministry,65,,1997/03/18,
"Race, Life, Endurance, Baptism, Pioneer, Cooperation, Dedication,","In the race, how long did you sign up for?  The 50 yard dash?  Some are excellent sprinters.  They really burn up the track at first, but give out in long race.",We must endure.  Stay in the race until it's finished.,Heb 12:1;,Joseph Wengert D.O.,Glorifying God With All We Have,17,,1995/06/03,
"Race, Life, Endurance, Baptism, Pioneer, Cooperation, Dedication, Persecution,","Some in the race for life are fine runners.  However, they cannot hurdle.  In this race we must be both.",There will be a time when we will have to hurdle as well as race.  There will be obstacles to overcome.,"Heb 12:1,2;",Joe Laymon,Bearing Up Under Persecution,57,,1995/06/03,
"Race, Life, Endurance, Baptism, Pioneer, Dedication, Persecution,","In the race for life, some are not real speedsters.  Yet, they are still running smoothly.  They are still moving.","If you can't run, walk!  If you can't walk, crawl!  If you can't crawl, wiggle!  Keep moving.  If you are not moving, you are dead!",Heb 12:1;,Joseph Wengert D.O.,Glorifying God With All We Have,17,,1995/06/03,
"Race, Life, Endurance, Pioneer, Prejudice, Impartial,","In a race, it is not open to all persons.  You usually must be in top shape physically.  You have to meet all kinds of qualifications.","The race for life is open to all kinds of people.  Young, old, blind, crippled.  None has an advantage over the other.  There is no 'inside track' for anyone.",Heb 12:1; Gal 5:26;,Joseph Wengert D.O.,Glorifying God With All We Have,17,,1995/06/03,
"Race, Life, Endurance, Pioneer, Prejudice, Impartial, Unity,","In a worldly race, what happens when one falls.  The others are happy to see it.  They quickly leave him behind.","In the race for life, we brace that one up.  We try to help him finish the race.  We hope that it is not, 'too little, too late.'",Heb 12:1; Gal 5:26;,Joseph Wengert D.O.,Glorifying God With All We Have,17,,1995/06/03,
"Race, Life, Endurance, Pioneer, Unity, Obedience, Obey, Instruction,","In a worldly race, some disqualify themselves.  Usually it is because of drugs.  Some have 'jumped the gun' and won nothing.  Others might tend to take 'short-cuts.'  (cutting across)  They win nothing.  Some might run twice as fast, but in the wrong direction.","If we are not careful, we can disqualify ourselves in the race for life, by not contending according to the rules.  We must not 'run ahead.'  There are no 'short-cuts.'  We must follow directions.",2 Tim 2:5,Joseph Wengert D.O.,Glorifying God With All We Have,17,,1995/06/03,
"Race, Life, Endurance, Pioneer, Zeal,","During a race in the world, sometimes spectators get real excited.  They might get up and want to run along with the runners.  In the world, this is against the rules.","In the race for life, getting into the race is encouraged.  There is nothing in it for spectators.",Heb 12:1;,Joseph Wengert D.O.,Glorifying God With All We Have,17,,1995/06/03,
"Race, Life, Endurance, Winning, Pioneer, Unity, Cooperation,","Are we [pioneers] the only one in the race?  No!  It is like a track-meet.  There are many events.  We are all on the same team.  Some not qualified for all events of the race.  One is a pole vaulted, but cannot throw the discus.",The entire congregation must work together in unity.  We are on the same team.,Heb 12:1;,Joseph Wengert D.O.,Glorifying God With All We Have,17,,1995/06/03,
"Race, Nationality, Color,",Laundry is the only thing that should be separated by color.,Apply to partiality.,Acts 10:34;,Bobby Laymon,Are You Doing What God Requires Of You?,43,,1998/12/25,
"Race, Urgent, Exert, Gilead, Missionary, Pioneer, Problems, Faith,",'Runners do not slow down as they near the goal.' Quote: U. V. Glass.,'With the New Order so near the graduates should now put every ounce of strength into the race.',"Heb 12:1, 2;",W72 11/15 702,The Kingdom Of God Is Near,109,,1994/06/27,
Race;,'Why would we have different races if God meant us to be alike and associate with each other.'  Quote:  Lester Maddox.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Races, Partial, Racial,","If you had a white horse, black horse, spotted horse, which would you think the most of?  The most obedient! Color does not matter.",All races are equal in Jehovah's sight.,"Acts 10:34, 35; 17:26; Rev. 7:9, 14-17;",Bobby Laymon (see Pe Page 237),"As Christians, We Care About Other People",15,,,
"Races, Racial,","Horses, white, black, red, spotted",Best-liked horse is one most obedient.,Ac 10:34;,Bobby Laymon,"As Christians, We Care About Other People",15,,,
"Races, Racial, Boldness, Courage,","The professor was troubled by racial prejudice and blamed God for the racial problems that exist, feeling that he was the one who created the different races. After a lengthy discussion that seemed to go nowhere, Seriki finally mustered up courage to speak, and he politely interrupted the conversation. Noticing that the professor's house was decorated with a tasteful choice of colors, Seriki asked the professor, 'Why didn't you make your whole house the same color?'","'You must think that I'm crazy!' retorted the professor. Seriki replied: 'No, but why should we expect God to make everything and  everybody the same color?' The point was clear. That simple illustration proved effective, and a good witness was given by the once  timid Seriki.","1 Thessalonians 2:2; Ac 10:34, 35;","Nov 1, 1989 Wt Page 15","As Christians, We Care About Other People",15,,,
"Racial,","Colorblind People who see what others are inside, not just the color of their skin.",Jehovah's Witnesses can see through camouflage,Rev 7:13  21:3-5,"July 1, 89 Wt Page 14","As Christians, We Care About Other People",15,,,
"Racial, Ethnic, Hatred, Prejudice, Bias,","'All men clearly belong to one species, being alike in all the fundamental physical characters.  Members of all groups may intermarry and actually do.' Quote: L.C. Dunn, professor of zoology at Columbia University.","Biologically speaking, there is no such thing as a superior or an inferior race, a pure or contaminated race.","Acts 17:26; Acts 10:34, 35;","Aug 22, 1993 Aw Page 9","As Christians, We Care About Other People",15,,,
"Racial, Ethnic, Hatred, Prejudice, Bias,","'Man's Most Dangerous Myth!'  According to anthropologist Ashley Montagu, many people believe the 'physical and mental traits are linked .. with rather pronounced differences in mental capacities.","Thus, many believe that certain races are superior intellectually and others are inferior.  However, Montagu calls such thinking 'man's most dangerous myth.'  Other experts agree. (See article for slave trade, etc.)","Acts 17:26; Acts 10:34, 35;","Aug 22, 1993 Aw Page 4","As Christians, We Care About Other People",15,,,
"Racial, Ethnic, Wars, Hatred, Witnesses,","'The winds of freedom have rekindled the embers of hatred ... The collapse of the old order has left the field open for all kinds of new initiatives, some of them extremely chaotic - and violence thrives in a vacuum.' Quote: Federico Mayor, director general of UNESCO","Religious, ethnic, and cultural hatred are thriving in the world today.  People have learned distrust and hatred.  Jehovah's Witnesses are different.","Is 54:13;1 John 4:8; John 13:34, 35; 1co 13:4-8;","Sep 8, 1993 Aw Page 31","As Christians, We Care About Other People",15,,,
"Racial, Partial, Prejudice, Evolution,","Ladder with rungs at different heights.  Some argue that non-whites are not fully human. See page 5 'Wild man: Four-footed, mute, hairy.'",People argued that Colonial people were on lower rung of ladder than whites.,"Acts 17:26; Luke 10:27; John 13:35; 1 Cor. 1:10; Acts 10:34,35;","Dec 8, 1990 Aw Page 7",Are You 'marked' For Survival?,34,,,
"Racial, Prejudice, Friend,",The expression 'skin deep' is used to describe something that is shallow or unimportant.,Skin color is just that; it is only skin-deep.  The color of a person's skin in no way reflects his personality or inner qualities.  More important is whether the person fears God.,"Song Of Solomon 1:5, 6; Mt 22:16;","Dec 1, 1992 Wt Page 5",Follow The Course Of Hospitality,77,,,
"Racial, Prejudice, Friend, Standards,","A standard is something by which one is judged.  It should be fair, comparing 'Apples to apples' as the saying goes.","Skin color, education, money, ethnic background--these have become the standards by which many people judge or, rather prejudge another person.",Ps 84:11; Lk 2:14; Eph 5:1;,"Dec 1, 1992 Wt Page 4",Why Live By Bible Standards?,88,,,
"Racial, Truth, Joy, Buddhist,","'You were very nice and kind white people when I became to know you...Yet, I was yellow with a fence around my heart.  When I took off the fence around my heart, you became my good friends.  Later when I opened my heart wide you became my best friends.  You were white outside, but ...your hearts were colorless.'","A Buddhist who learned the truth, speaking in broken English, in a letter of appreciation.  She commented, 'You are no longer 'you people' but 'my people.''",Zech 8:23; Ruth 1:16;,1993 Yb Page 58,Serve Jehovah With A Joyful Heart,78,,,
Radical;,"'If a man is right, he can't be too radical; if he is wrong, he can't be too conservative.'  Quote:  Jb.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Rage, Anger, Meetings,","If you loan your neighbor your sail boat, and he ruined the sails, would you divorce your wife?","Yet some get angry with others in the congregation, and leave Jehovah.",Prov 19:3;,Stan Landers,How To Keep Spiritually Awake!,71,,1994/08/17,
"Rage, Armageddon, Gog,",Have you ever walked across a pasture and a big bull starts snorting at you?  He begins to paw the ground and throwing dirt up over his body.  He begins snorting more and more.  That could get dangerous.,"When Gog trespasses upon Jehovah's territory, Jehovah's 'rage will come up into' his nose.  The climax of the 'great tribulation' will be imminent!","Eze 38:18, 19;","Al Larue - See Apr 1, 1997 Wt Page 15 Par 7.",Are You Really Making Jehovah Your Stronghold?,18,,1997/05/18,8/18/2017
"Rain Forests, Ecology, Pollution, Ruin, Earth,","In 1844, Greek scholar Konstantin von Tichendorf spotted 129 sheets of an ancient manuscript in a wastebasket in a monastery.  Tichendorf walked away with the priceless leaves, and they now form part of the Codex Sinaiticus--one of the world's most famous Bible manuscripts.",That treasure was rescued in time.  The rain forests--whose true worth is also frequently ignored--are rarely so fortunate.  'It's one of the great tragedies of all history.'  Quote: Al Gore.,Rev. 11:18;,"May 8, 1998 Aw Page 6",Ruining The Earth Brings Divine Retribution,106,,1998/04/07,
"Rain Forests, Ecology, Pollution, Ruin, Earth,",Putting a rain forest to the torch is like burning a library to heat a home--without checking the contents of the books.,"In recent years scientists have begun to study these 'books,' the vast store of information locked up in the rain forests.  They make fascinating 'reading.'",Rev. 11:18;,"May 8, 1998 Aw Page 6",Ruining The Earth Brings Divine Retribution,106,,1998/04/07,
"Rainbow, Light, Prism, Christendom, Newton, Science,","When Isaac Newton discovered that white light could be split by a prism, he stated six colors.  (Some physicist still discount Indigo).","The church objected, as six is an evil number, and made him say that God's most beautiful sign to man must have been seven colors, as seven is a holy number.  However, 'The New Encyclopedia Britannica' (1987), states that the common rainbow has colors  'Of Violet, Indigo, Blue, Green, Yellow, Orange, And Red.'",Ge 9:13-16;,G89 4/22 30,,,,1996/01/27,
"Ransom, Active, Inactive, Memorial, Growth, Maturity, Progress, Exert, Spirit,","LAST year when two seeds sprouted and grew in a Washington, D. C., greenhouse it created a sensation in botanical circles.  They were lotus seeds from a Manchuria peat bog, and said by some to be 50,000 years old.  The atomic clock showed they were around 1,000 years old.  For 1,000 years these seeds had lain idle, unproductive. Had they been properly planted shortly after their maturity by now the seeds descended from them would number many billions. But due to their idleness only the two original seeds existed last year.","It is as Jesus said: 'Most truly I say to you, Unless a kernel of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains just one kernel; but if it dies, it then bears much fruit.'-John 12:24, NW.  Only if we remain active will we bear fruit by Holy spirit.","John 7:24; Matt. 13:3-9, 18-23;",W52 4/15 229,Act Wisely As The End Draws Near,38,bl,1994/07/30,8/1/2015
Ransom,"Annulment of marriage; or agreement 'Jesus, whose course of righteousness annuls the bad effects of Adam's sin.'",Ransom does away with Adam's sin.,"Rom. 3:20, 24; 5:18","Aug 1, 1990 Page 23","Living, Not For Self, But To Do God's Will",8,,,
Ransom,During 1930 's kidnapping was popular crime. source of easy money. Does not have to be money.  Sometimes prisoners of war need a ransom.,Mankind as whole are in captive state.,Rom. 5:12,"Feb 1, 1958 Wt Page 68","Living, Not For Self, But To Do God's Will",8,,,
Ransom,"Indian-giver; gives something, then takes it back.","If Christ took back his human body, would make him Indian-giver.",Heb 10:12-14,Al Larue,"Living, Not For Self, But To Do God's Will",8,,,
Ransom,"Pulled from burning car, at risk of person's life.",Jesus saved us with cost of own life; should change our outlook.,John 3:16,Bobby Laymon,"Living, Not For Self, But To Do God's Will",8,,,
Ransom,Statutory fine paid on behalf of guilty person by willing individual.,This is what Jehovah has done for us.,"Isa 53:4, 5  John 10:17, 18",Sept 15 Wt 1989  Page 5,"Living, Not For Self, But To Do God's Will",8,,,
Ransom,"Want Family? No children: could adopt Would not indiscriminately adopt everyone. Only those obedient, and wanted loving family.",Jesus Christ can adopt the human family,"Isa. 9:6, 7",Bobby Laymon,What God's Rulership Can Do For Us,24,,,
"Ransom,","On March 31, 1970, a jetliner was hijacked near Mount Fuji in Japan.  Vice-minister of transportation, Shinjiro Yamamura volunteered to risk his life in behalf of the 120 hostages, and the hijackers released all and accepted him as hostage.",This may help us to see how one man could give his life as a ransom in exchange for many.  Hostages had no other way out. Outside help was needed. Ransom had to satisfy certain conditions.,Mt 20:28; Ro 5:12; 1ti 2:6; Ps 49:6-8;,"Jun 15, 1992 Wt Page 4-6","Living, Not For Self, But To Do God's Will",8,,,
"Ransom, Corresponding, Memorial,",Every male firstborn out of Egypt could have been required to serve Jehovah at his temple. Instead he took the Levities in 'place of all the firstborn.' However they were 273 excess firstborn. Only by paying a ransom could they be excused from temple services.,Show the 'exact' correspondences of the ransom. The foreshadowed ransom had to be the exact equivalent of Adam.,Numbers. 3:39-51; Ps. 8:4-8; Heb. 10:1-4;,"Feb 15, 1991 Wt Page 12","Living, Not For Self, But To Do God's Will",8,,,
"Ransom, Corresponding, Memorial,",The cover of the ark corresponded in shape to the ark itself. Price must be exact. Jesus is the last Adam. 1 Cor. 15:22,"Ransom (ko'pher) always denotes equivalent, or correspondences.",Genesis. 6:14; Ps. 65:3; Deuteronomy. 19:21; Exodus. 21:28-32; 1 Cor. 15:22,"Feb 15, 1991 Wt Page 12","Living, Not For Self, But To Do God's Will",8,,,
"Ransom, Corresponding, Memorial, Adam,",Imagine a large factory with hundreds of employees. A dishonest factory manager bankrupts the business; the factory closes its doors. Hundreds now out of work and unable to pay their bills. A wealthy benefactor pays off company's debt and reopens factory.,"Ransom for millions of his defendants, but not for Adam. Brings relief to families & creditors. Does original manager benefit. No! He is in prison & permanently out of work.",Heb. 2:9; 2 Cor. 5:21; 1 Pet. 2:24;,"Feb 15, 1991 Wt Page 13; Feb 15, 1999 Wt Page 16;cl Page 143","Living, Not For Self, But To Do God's Will",8,,,
"Ransom, Corresponding, Memorial, Adam,","Not taking money out of one pocket and putting it in another the Ransom is not a pointless, mechanical exchange. The ransom was not so much a physical exchange as a legal transaction. Jehovah insisted that a ransom be paid even at great cost to himself.",Ransom is paid to Jehovah who also makes it available.,"Genesis. 22:7, 8, 11-13; Heb. 11:17; Jas. 1:17;","Feb 15, 1991 Wt Page 14","Living, Not For Self, But To Do God's Will",8,,,
"Ransom, Example, Jesus,","'A good boss would not ask an employee to do something he would not do himself.' As such, he would not be some cold, detached bureaucrat. (WT)",Jesus was willing to come to earth & suffer as a man.,"Heb. 2:10, 18; 4:15; John 19:30;","Feb 15, 1991 Wt Page 15; Quote By Al Larue.",'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
"Ransom, Jesus, Paid, Source, wickedness,",As gem cutter does not view a 'diamond in the rough' as we would.  He sees it after it has been cut and polished.,"Jehovah views us that way.  No need for us to be weighed down with feelings of inadequacy.  Jehovah does not view us solely in our damaged, imperfect state; he knows what we can be when the restorative powers of Jesus' ransom sacrifice are fully applied (190 2/15 23)  If we err, we need to repent and pray for forgiveness on the basis of the ransom (Ac 3:19; 1Pe 3:21; 1Jo 1:9)",Ac 3:19; 1pe 3:21; 1jo 1:9,Bobby Laymon,Why Mankind Needs A Ransom,125,,"Apr 18, 2000",4/1/2014
"Ransom, Jesus, Paid, Source, wickedness,","Like a water sprinkler, with its millions of streams of spray.  They can all be stopped by cutting them off at the source.","Since Jesus exactly corresponded to Adam, not necessary to sacrifice millions of individual humans to correspond to each individual offspring of Adam (Ro 5:19; 1 Corinthians 15:21, 22) Jesus made it possible to nullify the death sentence upon Adam's offspring (Heb 2:9) The destructive power of sin was thus cut off at its source",Heb. 2:9,Johnse Laymon,Observing The Memorial Of Christ's Death,998,,"Apr 18, 2000",4/1/2014
"Ransom, Job,","Ransom found for Job, so that his flesh became fresher than in youth. He returned to the days of his youthful vigor. Lived 140 years after this. Foretaste of new system.","Info: Ransom, (apparently from cattle).",Job 33:24-28; 42:8; 10-17;,"Feb 15, 1991 Wt Page 31","Living, Not For Self, But To Do God's Will",8,,,
"Ransom, Life,","Large factory  manager bankrupts business by dishonesty. Hundreds out of work marriage mates, children, creditors, suffer because of his corruption.  Then along comes wealthy benefactor who pays company's debt and brings relief to employees.  Does the original",Adam sold us into sin Jesus bought us out. Adam prison of death manager get to share. No he is in prison out of job permanently,Heb. 2:9,"Feb 15, 1991 Wt Page....Johnse Laymon","Living, Not For Self, But To Do God's Will",8,,,
"Ransom, Love,","People will go to great lengths, and take many risks to get home. They will travel thru rain and snow, often floods, etc, in order to be with their family.","Jesus longed to be with his Father.  He will willing to undergo pain and death, because of his love for the human race, and love of his Father, Jehovah.",Pr 8:31; John 17:5;,Bradley Wagner,"Friendship With God, Friendship With The World -- Which Will You Choose?",79,,,
"Ransom, Love, Jehovah, Jesus, Care, Concern, Memorial,",'When you care enough to send the very best!'  (Hallmark card advertisement),"Actually, Jehovah is the only one to 'send the very best.'",John 3:16;,Bobby Laymon,"As Christians, We Care About Other People",15,,1995/06/14,
"Ransom, Memorial,","A bull that gores a person to death. The owner who knew the bull's reputation could cover (or pay) with his life.  If he was only partly responsible, he would need a 'ko'pher' or cover for his error. Appointed judges could appoint a ransom or redemption price.","Ransom denotes an equivalent, correspondences, covering.",Deuteronomy. 19:21; Exodus. 21:28-32;,"Feb 15, 1991 Wt Page 12","Living, Not For Self, But To Do God's Will",8,,,
"Ransom, Memorial,","Balance Scale, weight must be exact on both sides. Jesus was the perfect equal of Adam.",Jesus was the only man who ever lived that was equal to Adam.,"1 Tim. 2:5, 6; Exodus. 21:23; Ps. 49:7; Luke 1:32; 3:38; 1 Cor. 15:45","Pe Book Page 62, 63","Living, Not For Self, But To Do God's Will",8,,,
"Ransom, Memorial, Christendom,",Christendom's lost doctrine.  Gregory of Nyssa and others argued the ransom had been paid to Satan the Devil.,"Christendom, through its unanswered questions have lost meaning of the ransom. Some taught Christ's death satisfied divine justice but not as a ransom. (Sampling of redemption theories. page 7)","Mark 10:45; 2 Cor. 5:14, 15; 1 Cor. 15:3; Jer. 8:9;","Feb 15, 1991 Wt Page 4, 5.",Religion's Role In World Affairs.,92,,,
"Ransom, Memorial, Elders,",Any gift deserves an expression of appreciation.  Especially is this true of a gift that fortifies us to keep serving Jehovah.,Christ Jesus is the finest gift we could receive.  Elders are also gifts.,3ph 4:8-15;,"Nov 15, 1996 Wt Page 12",,,,1997/01/11,
"Ransom, Memorial, Love, wickedness, ","A little girl whose parents had died lived with her grandmother and  slept in an upstairs bedroom.  One night there was a fire in the house and the grandmother perished while trying to rescue the child.  The fires spread quickly, and the first floor was engulfed in flames.    Neighbors called the fire department, then stood helplessly by, unable  to enter the house because flames blocked all the entrances.  The little  girl appeared at an upstairs window, crying for help,  just as word spread among the crowd that firefighters would be delayed a few minutes because they were all at another fire.  Suddenly, a man appeared with a ladder, put it up against the side of the house and disappeared inside.  When he appeared, he had the little girl in his arms.  He delivered the child to the waiting arms below, then disappeared into the night.  An investigation revealed that the child had no living relatives, and weeks later a meeting was held in the town hall to determine who would take the child into their home and bring her up.  A teacher said she would raise the child.  She pointed out she could  ensure her a good education.  A farmer offered her an upbringing on his farm.  He pointed out that living on a farm was healthy and satisfying.  Others spoke, giving their reasons why it was to the child's advantage to live with them.  Finally, the town's richest resident arose and said, 'I can give this child all the advantages that you have mentioned here, plus money and everything money can buy.'    Throughout all this, the child remained silent, her eyes on the floor.  'Does anyone else want to speak?' asked the meeting chairman.  A man came forward from the back of the hall.  His gait was slow and he seemed in pain.  When he got to the front of the room, he stood directly before the little girl and held out his arms.  The crowd gasped.  His hand and arms were terribly scarred.  The child cried out, 'This is the man who rescued me!'  With a leap, she threw her arms around the man's neck, holding on for dear life,  just as she had that fateful night.  She buried her face on his shoulder and sobbed for a few moments.  Then she looked up and smiled at him.  'This meeting is adjourned,' said the chairman.","This is the kind of love Jehovah and his son have for the human race.  'No one has love greater than this, that someone should surrender his soul in behalf of his friends.'",John 15:13;,Bobby Laymon,,,,1998/01/16,4/1/2014
"Ransom, Memorial, Sin, Corruption, Death, Jesus,","What does the ransom involve? You might think of it this way: Suppose you had a computer but one of its electronic files was corrupted by an error (or virus) that someone had planted in an otherwise perfect program. That illustrates the effect of what Adam did when he deliberately disobeyed God, or sinned. Let us continue the illustration.","Whatever copies you might make of the corrupted electronic file would be affected. However, all need not be lost. With a special program, you could detect and purge the corrupting error from your files and computer. Comparably, mankind has received a 'virus,' sin, from Adam and Eve, and we need outside help to wipe it out. (Romans 5:12) According to the Bible, God provided for this cleansing through Jesus' death. It is a loving provision from which we can benefit.-1 Corinthians 15:22.",Rom. 5:12; 1 Cor. 15:22;,Ct Page 156-157,Observing The Memorial Of Christ's Death,998,,"Feb 8, 2001",
"Ransom, Memorial, Undeserved Kindness, Love,","If you deliberately destroyed a new car, would the warranty be valid?  What if the dealer, out of undeserved kindness gave you another one in it's place.","Jehovah gave a second Adam, out of undeserved kindness.","1 Tim. 2:5, 6; Exodus. 21:23; Ps. 49:7; Luke 1:32; 3:38; 1 Cor. 15:45",Bobby Laymon,How Should You Serve God?,58,,,
"Ransom, Ministry, Pioneer, Devotion, Dedication, Baptism,","I bought a truck once for $60.00.  It leaked oil, water, and gasoline.  It had rust and dents on it.  I didn't expect much, because I didn't give much for it.  Had I paid thousands of dollars, I would have demanded much.",Much has been given for us.  We have been 'entrusted with the good news.'  Jesus said that much would be demanded of us.,Luke 12:48; 1 Thess 2:4;,Bobby Laymon  Km 3/95 Page 1,Glorifying God With All We Have,17,,1995/03/10,
"Ransom, Sacrifice, Earth, Paradise,",Farmer has an old barn.  He patches it up but he still has an old barn and it will still need repairs.,With Christ's ransom in the new world we will not need repairs anymore.,Matt 20:28;,Johnse Laymon Assembly Notes,"Living, Not For Self, But To Do God's Will",8,,1994/07/28,
"Ransom, Sacrifice, Gift, Jesus, Memorial, Appreciation,","Someone gives you the finest gift money can buy.  For example, a beautiful Rolex watch.  It has a pamphlet telling of how it has taken months to make this watch and check it, so it gives you accurate time. It comes with a guarantee and instructions.  It will last a life time if handled correctly.  You take very good care of it.  However, in time you become careless (hold out watch and drop it, and pretend to trample it) .","The same is true regarding Jesus' ransom sacrifice.  We can lose appreciation for it, by disregarding Jehovah's requirements.  We can 'trample' on it, if not careful.",Heb. 10:29;,Al Larue,Renewing The Spirit Of Self-sacrifice,69,,1994/06/24,
"Ransom, Satan, Sacrifice, Price, Memorial,","A boy watched A man with a cage full of birds.  When asked where he got them, he said,  'I lure them with crumbs, pretend I'm their friend and then when they are close, I net them.  'And what are you going to do with them now?'  The man grinned, 'I'm going to prod them with sticks, and get them really mad so they fight and kill each other. Those that survive, I will kill.  None will escape.' 'Can I buy those birds?' the boy asked.  'Well,' I'll let you have the lot, birds, cage, and all for ten dollars (pounds) and that jacket you're wearing.'  The boy paused, but paid the price.","We are like those birds.  Jesus Christ, paid for your release, your freedom from Satan's trap, with His own life.  It was very precious.  The door is open, and anyone whom Satan has deceived and caged, can be set free.",Luke 1:37,Bobby Laymon,How To Protect Ourselves From Satan's Snares,115,,"Jan 17, 2001",
"Ransom, Sin,",Would you give up your dearest one in behalf of persons most of whom showed little or no interest in you?,"Yet Jehovah had his pure and faithful Son, his beloved Firstborn, come to earth to face contempt, shame and death in order to provide relief for humankind.",Rom 5:8;,Hp 104-5  11,"Living, Not For Self, But To Do God's Will",8,,1994/07/29,
"Ransom, Sin, Memorial,",What does the ransom involve? You might think of it this way: Suppose you had a computer but one of its electronic files was corrupted by an error (or virus) that someone had planted in an otherwise perfect program.,"That illustrates the effect of what Adam did when he deliberately disobeyed God, or sinned. Let us continue the illustration. Whatever copies you might make of the corrupted electronic file would be affected. However, all need not be lost. With a special program, you could detect and purge the corrupting error from your files and computer. Comparably, mankind has received a 'virus,' sin, from Adam and Eve, and we need outside help to wipe it out. (Romans 5:12) According to the Bible, God provided for this cleansing through Jesus' death. It is a loving provision from which we can benefit.-l Corinthians 15:22.",Rom. 5:12; 1 Cor. 15:22;,"Ct Page 156, 57",Observing The Memorial Of Christ's Death,998,,1998/11/17,
"Ransom, Survival, Bought, Memorial,","Suppose you send your child to the store with $2.00 for 10 lbs of sugar.  On the way he stops to play and loses the money.  When he gets to the shop, will the shopkeeper give him the sugar?  No! of course not.  He stands there crying, knowing the whole family will suffer because he lost the money.  A kind gentleman takes pity on him and gives him $2.00.  This is given to the shopkeeper for the sugar and your family is able to use it.","Our problems started when Adam & Eve misused their free will and disobeyed God.  They lost perfection, their home, and the right to continue on earth forever.  Jehovah provided the exact price that had been lost, paving the way for us to live forever.",Lk 19:10;,"Our Problems - Who Will Help Us Solve Them?  Page 27, 28",Are You 'marked' For Survival?,34,,,
"Rapture, Anointed, Resurrection, Remnant, Heaven","Interrupt this program special news report: Boeing 747, 256 persons crash on approach to Chicago's O'Hare killing all on board. Moments before crash aircraft flight engineer reported both pilot and copilot disappears. Similar reports of sudden disappearances coming from all over world.",This could happen with the common teaching of the rapture.  What does the Bible really teach?,"1th 4:13-17; Ro 6:3-5; 8:17; 1co 15:50, 51, 52;",Steve Hattabaugh,"Living, Not For Self, But To Do God's Will",8,,,
"Reach Out, Progress, Growth, Improve,",A diamond polisher knows that one blemish can mar the whole diamond.,"Likewise, by neglecting a weak facet of our personality, we can spoil our spiritual appearance.  Worse still, a serious weakness could lead to our spiritual downfall.",Prov. 8:33,"May 15, 1998 Wt Page 26",Service Talk,200,,1998/04/28,
"Reach Out, Progress, Growth, Improve,","After being cut and polished, a diamond is placed in a setting that enhances its reflective qualities.","Similarly, Jehovah can use us in different settings, or assignments, if we 'put on the new personality which was created according to God's will in true righteousness and loyalty.'",Ephesians 4:20-24,"May 15, 1998 Page 24",Service Talk,200,,1998/04/27,
"Reach Out, Progress, Growth, Improve,","Cutting diamonds takes confidence that results from exact knowledge, since once a part of the rough diamond is cut away, it usually is lost. Expensive material--sometimes  as much as 50 percent  of the uncut stone--has  to be cut away to produce the desired shape.",We too need confidence resulting from accurate knowledge in order to shape our personality and to progress spiritually. Especially must we have confidence that Jehovah will empower us.,"Exodus 3:11, 12; 1 Kings 19: 1-4","May 15, 1998 Page 24",Service Talk,200,,1998/04/27,
"Reach Out, Progress, Growth, Improve,","Diamond polishers experience something similar with stones they call naats. These are really two stones melted into one during the diamond's formation. As a result, naats have two conflicting growth patterns that make cutting according to the grain very difficult.","In our case, we find the 'grain' of the willing spirit battling against the 'grain' of the imperfect flesh. Sometimes, we may feel inclined to give up the struggle altogether, rationalizing that imperfections in our personality are not important anyway.  'After all,' we may say,' my family and friends still love me.'",Matthew 26:41; Galatians 5:17,"May 15, 1998 Page 26",Service Talk,200,,1998/04/27,
"Reach Out, Progress, Growth, Improve,",Diamonds are considered precious.,"The  same is true of those now becoming associated with the worldwide family of Jehovah's  worshipers. In fact, God himself calls them  the 'desirable,' or 'precious,' things of  all the nations.",Haggai 2:7,"May 15, 1998 Page 27",Service Talk,200,,1998/04/27,
"Reach Out, Progress, Growth, Improve,","Diamonds are the hardest naturally occurring substance on earth. Hence, it takes  one diamond to cut another. This may remind Bible students of the proverb that says: 'By iron, iron itself is sharpened. So  one man sharpens the face of another.'  (Proverbs 27:17)","How is a person's face  'sharpened'?  One individual may succeed  in sharpening the intellectual and spiritual state of another, just as a piece of iron can  be used to sharpen a blade made of the same metal. For instance, if we should become depressed over some disappointment, another  person's encouragement can be very uplifting. Our sad countenance can thus change  for the better, and we can be enlivened for renewed zealous activity.",Proverbs 27:17; Prov. 13:12;,"May 15, 1998 Page 26",Service Talk,200,,1998/04/27,
"Reach Out, Progress, Growth, Improve,",Just as a diamond in its natural state rarely sparkles like a gem.  It may be a slow process that requires hard work.,"We might need to rid ourselves of some lingering weakness, adjust our attitude toward assuming responsibility, or even exert ourselves to get out of a spiritual rut. But we can make progress if we really want to, since Jehovah God can give us 'the power beyond what is normal.'",2 Corinthians 4:7; Philippians 4:13.,"May 15, 1998 Page 24",Service Talk,200,,1998/04/27,
"Reach Out, Progress, Growth, Improve,","Just as imperfections, such as foreign minerals, have to be removed from a rough diamond to make it a sparkling gem....",...so attitudes 'belonging to the world' need to be discarded in order that our new personality may shine through.,Galatians 4:3.,"May 15, 1998 Page 25",Service Talk,200,,1998/04/27,
"Reach Out, Progress, Growth, Improve,","Some diamonds suffer from 'tension' created at their formation and need to be handled carefully. With help from an instrument called a Polari scope, however, the polisher can locate the tension and can work on the stone successfully.","Perhaps we suffer from an internal tension, or personality flaw, because of our background or a traumatic experience. What can we do? First, we need to admit the problem to ourselves and determine to overcome it to the extent possible. We should certainly unburden ourselves before Jehovah in prayer, possibly also seeking spiritual help from a Christian elder.-","Psalm 55:22; James 5:14, 15","May 15, 1998 Page 25",Service Talk,200,,1998/04/27,
"Reach Out, Progress, Growth, Improve,","The diamond polisher seeks to capture the fire within the diamond. This is done by arranging the facets so that they cause the so-called rainbow effect. Inside the diamond the multicolored light reflects back and forth, producing the fire that makes diamonds sparkle.","Similarly, God's spirit can be like a 'fire' within us.",L Thessalonians 5:19; Acts 18:25; Romans 12:11.,"May 15, 1998 Page 26",Service Talk,200,,1998/04/27,
"Reach Out, Progress, Growth, Improve,","TRUE worth can be difficult to recognize. Such is the case with diamonds. Although a polished diamond sparkles, a rough diamond merely glows dimly. Nevertheless, in the depths of the rough diamond lies the unmistakable promise of a beautiful gem.","Christians resemble rough diamonds in many ways. Though we are still a long way from perfection, we do have an underlying worth that Jehovah values.  Like diamonds, all of us have our own distinct qualities. And each one of us can make further spiritual progress if that is our heartfelt desire. Our personalities can be polished, so that they shine more brightly to Jehovah's glory.",1 Corinthians 10:31.,"May 15, 1998 Page 24",Service Talk,200,,1998/04/27,
"Reach Out, Progress, Growth, Improve,",UNLIKE many precious diamonds that are kept in bank vaults and are rarely seen...,"OUR spiritual worth can shine brightly. And as we regularly polish and manifest our Christian qualities, we glorify Jehovah God. Jesus exhorted his followers: 'Let your light shine before men, that they may see your fine works and give glory to your Father who is in the heavens.'",Matthew 5:16,"May 15, 1998 Page 27",Service Talk,200,,1998/04/27,
Reading,"Weight lifter does not practice with feathers. Light reading; television, comics, sports, radio listening are feather-weight habits.",Reading & Study requires certain amount of hard effort & practice.,Prov. 22:6; Deuteronomy. 17:19,"Nov 8, 1960 Aw Page 3, 4",Happy Though Hungry--how Can It Be?,31,,,
"Reading, Association,",Like having a conversation with men of breeding who lived in the past.  A selective conversation in which the author expresses only his most noble thoughts.,"There is a need for caution, however.  Not all writers are worth 'conversing' with, nor are all their thoughts really 'noble.'",1co 15:33;,Questions Young People Ask  Page 283,Choose Your Associates Wisely!,116,,,
"Reading, Library, Books, Literature, Study,","To desire to have many books, and never to use them, is like a child that will have a CANDLE burning by him all the while he is sleeping.  Quote:  Henry Peacham in The Complete Gentleman [1622]",Our literature is of no value unless we study and use them.,2 Tim 2:15;,Bartlett's Familiar Quotations,,,,1995/05/20,
"Reading, School, Concentration,","Force your eyes to consume the words as a nurse does when  insisting that the child open its mouth and take the spoon.  When your mind pushes reading matter away, pull it back with your hand.",Immerse your mental processes in the stream of words until your intellect swims in comprehension.,"Proverbs 3:21, 22;",G82 8/22 25,,,,1996/06/11,
"Reading, School, Progress,","NO ONE would be satisfied with an automobile that had just one working gear. If a car had only a low gear, it would not move fast on a level highway. If it had only a high gear, it would have trouble on steep inclines.","To be a good reader, you also need to be able to 'shift gears.'  You would not read the Bible or Shakespeare at the same speed as you would read a newspaper or the comics, would you?",1 Tim 4:13;,G84 8/22 10,,,,1996/06/11,
"Reading, School, Progress,","Perhaps you read just to enjoy yourself, not worrying about speed. If that is the case, you might be compared to a 'Sunday driver,' unconcerned about where he is going or when he arrives.","Driving like that may be delightful, but not every day is Sunday. And not all our reading is leisure.  Some of it may be for educating ourselves, for broadening our horizon, or as part of our work.",1 Tim 4:13;,G84 8/22 10,,,,1996/06/11,
"Reading, School, Teaching,",Did you know that 50% of the teaching in the congregation is done by reading.,"We must become good readers.  We teach with reading, not only in the congregation, but at the doors and on Bible studies.",Ac 13:15; 1ti 4:13;,William Osbeck C.O.,Why Live By Bible Standards?,88,,,
"Reading, School, Words,","In the English language there are over 1,000,000 words. More than a million words.","The average adult uses only 30,000 to 60,000. Imagine what we're missing.","Proverbs 3:21, 22;",G82 8/22 26,,,,1996/06/11,
"Reading, School, Words, Thinking,","When the meaning of a word is hidden, think of it as a kernel encased in a shell. We crack the shell, we extract the nut and find that it is rich, delicious and nutritious.",Words are rewarding that way. Don't throw one away before you crack the mystery of its meaning. Learning a new word excites imagination. It inspires similes-you find yourself saying 'It's like this' or 'It's like that-like a diamond scintillating light in many directions.' Every new word lights up the intellect in some area never quite reached before.,"Proverbs 3:21, 22;",G82 8/22 26,,,,1996/06/11,
"Reading, Scriptures, Bible,","Lifting weights: Very small weights lifted over and over can build muscles.  Give tone, round out.","Reading 'well-known' Scriptures again and again likewise can build knowledge, and solidify them in our hearts and minds.","Mt 24:14; 28:19, 20; 2ti 3:16;",Scott Rudolph,Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,,
Reading;,'No entertainment is so cheap as reading nor any pleasure so lasting.'  Quote:  Mary Montagu.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Readjust, Counsel,","Salt can enhance the flavor of food, making it appealing.","If your counsel is to be palatable, it must be presented 'with graciousness, seasoned with salt.'",Col. 4:6;,"Jan 15, 1999 Wt Page 22",Are You Content With Jehovah's Provisions?,22,,1998/12/28,
"Readjust, Counsel,","The Greek word rendered 'readjust' is related to a term that pertains to the resetting of a dislocated bone in order to prevent further damage. According to lexicographer W E. Vine, it also suggests 'the necessity for patience and perseverance in the process.' Imagine the gentleness and skill required to avoid inflicting unnecessary physical pain.","Similarly, a counselor needs to exercise great care so as to avoid hurting the one being counseled. This is difficult enough when someone requests counsel. When your counsel is not requested, even greater skill and tact are required.",Col. 3:12;,"Jan 15, 1999 Wt Page 22",How To Express Love In A Lawless World,112,,1998/12/28,
"Readjust, Counsel, Discipline","Even with the best of ingredients, however, food can be prepared badly or be thrown on a plate in an unattractive heap. That does not improve anyone's appetite. In fact, it may be hard to swallow even one unpalatable mouthful.","When giving counsel, it is important to choose the right words. The wise man Solomon said: 'As apples of gold in silver carvings is a word   spoken at the right time for it.'",Proverbs 25:11,"Jan 15, 1999 Wt Page 23",Are You Content With Jehovah's Provisions?,22,,1998/12/28,
"Readjust, Counsel, Discipline","Giving counsel in a tactless, insensitive way can be as damaging as attacking someone with a weapon.","'There exists the One speaking thoughtlessly as with the stabs of a Sword,'",Proverbs 12:18,"Jan 15, 1999 Wt Page 23",Are You Content With Jehovah's Provisions?,22,,1998/12/28,
"Readjust, Counsel, Discipline","Imagine how you would feel if you were invited to a meal but your host treated you in a cold, disdainful manner! You certainly would not enjoy the meal.  Indeed, 'better is a dish of vegetables where there is love than a manger-fed bull and hatred along with it.'","Likewise, even the best counsel can be difficult to accept if the counselor manifests a dislike for the one he is counseling or belittles and embarrasses him. However, love, mutual respect, and trust will make counsel easier to give and to take.",Proverbs 15: 17; Colossians 3:14.,"Jan 15, 1999 Wt Page 23",,,,1998/12/28,
"Readjust, Counsel, Discipline","It is obvious that food  may not be appreciated by someone who has lost his appetite. Perhaps he has recently had a large meal, or he may be sick. Force-feeding someone who does not  want to eat is neither wise nor acceptable.","As Solomon said, a word of counsel should be 'spoken at the right time for it.' Timing is so important if counsel is going to be successful!",Proverbs 12:18; 25:11;,"Jan 15, 1999 Wt Page 23",Respect For Authority Is A Safeguard For You,12,,1998/12/28,
"Readjust, Sin, Conscience, Restore,","Imagine yourself in a nice warm home looking out the picture window. The warm home pictures Jehovah's organization, the loving congregation, and His principles and protective way of life.  Inside this loving home it is cozy, safe, and warm. The fire is always going (likened to spiritual food at the right time and warm association that keeps us properly encouraged and sheltered from the world). But as you gaze out that picture window (in effect, looking at what the world has to offer, distracted from what is truly important) you notice it is snowing quite a bit--everything is covered in the stuff, light glistening off the snow... and it looks like fun (worldly temptations). The other kids are sledding, throwing snowballs, making snowmen, and snow forts (yet more worldly temptations abound). Boy, does it really look like a lot of fun!  (And this is one of Satan's biggest tricks. . . making all that is  wrong look right by making it appear like fun . . . But boy is there a  price to pay!)  You watch out that picture window until you can't take it anymore (improper thoughts become fertile, giving way to sin) . . . you just have to go out in the snow and try it. You bundle up and head  outside. You sled, maybe even make a snowman and throw snowballs. Sure, maybe you're having fun, but as the day wears on (coming of the end of the system is close) you realize being outside is not that much fun anymore. Why? Well, someone hit you in the side of the face with a snowball. (That hurts--play in the world . . . you get hurt). And some snow got past your scarf and down your neck. Your feet are numb, water sloshing around in your boots. Your hands are like icicles inside your soggy gloves.  Your face and lips are chapped, your nose is running--feels like a cold coming on. (Spiritual armor is breaking down . . . you've been away too long and too exposed to the world.) You realize  that the warmth you had is missing. Why? Because you're cold, chilled to the bone, and wet and you are outside of the warm house, looking in. Is it possible you could get back in that house again and get the warmth back? How is it that everyone outside still seems to be having fun? (They're probably callous . . . after all, they've been in the world and don't know any better.)  Hopefully you haven't stayed outside too long!","(Damage like frostbite could be likened to the damage to our conscience.  Sometimes, it is hard to reverse the damage done by the cold. . . same is true of sins. Even if forgiven by Jehovah, you do not  forget!) You've been out in the cold for a while. Will the people in the house let you back in? Certainly not in those wet messy clothes! You need their help to get those clothes off and get warm again. (Parallel with repentantly admitting the wrong doing prayerfully to Jehovah, approach the elders especially if serious wrong doing is involved, and getting the necessary and appropriate counsel and encouragement from the elders to get back on spiritual track.)  By sticking to Bible standards (and staying inside the house, avoid looking out that window!), an individual can save themselves from experiencing all of the problems (the cold of this world and all associated with it) in the first place.",Gal. 6:1;,Goldman Collection,Service Talk,200,,"Jan 19, 2001",
"Readjustment, Counsel, Advise, Elders, Bible,","Christians are like ships in the ocean. By means of navigational devices--gyro compasses, radar, satellite signal receiver & even ordinary sextant, they are guided to destination. Readjust similar to 'repairing' nets.","We must continue to be readjusted, by God's word. 'This is the way. Walk in it, you people.' Isa. 30:21 Like ship, some adjustments may be very small, but mean much.",2 Pet. 3:14;,"Nov 1, 1990 Wt Page 29, 30",Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,,
"Real, Relationship, Acquaintance, Friend, Person","Munich, August 3, 1998, International Convention, talk of Brother Daniel Sydlik.  During the talk sister Wendy Behrens (from the Bahamas, now living in Hamburg) tells her little 7-year-old girl Vanessa: 'Do you see brother Sydlik? He is one of the brothers that will rule with Jesus in heaven!'  After a while she sees Vanessa writing a lot and asks: 'What are you doing?'  Little Vanessa answers: 'I'm writing a letter to Jehovah for brother Sydlik to take along.'",Is Jehovah also such a real person to us?,Ps. 23:1-4,Yvonne Westphahl,How Well Do You Know God?,1,,1998/10/13,3/19/2019
Reality;,'A theory must be tempered with reality.'  Quote:  Nehru.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Reality;,'Facts are facts and will not disappear on account of you likes.'  Quote:  Nehru.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Reality;,'I accept reality and dare not question it.' Quote: Walt Whitman,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Reality; fantasy,",'My greatest enemy is reality. I have fought it successfully for 30 years.'  Quote:  Margaret Anderson.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,4/26/2014
Reap What You Sow; Life; Living;,"'The game of life is a game of boomerangs. Our thoughts, deeds, and words return to us sooner or later with astounding accuracy.'  Quote:  Florence Shinn.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Reap, Fruitage, Heart,",Sow all the tomatoes you want and you never get a watermelon. The mouth will speak what is in the heart.,You will reap what you sow.,"Gal. 6:7, 8;",Larry Punko; C.O.,You Will Reap What You Sow,59,,,
"Reap, Sow,","'Jimmy, the turnip farmer.'  In Ash Grove, Missouri, a man planted his field with fescue.  He and his neighbors began to notice that turnips came up instead.  Representatives of the seed company even came out and could not figure out what had happened.  To his embarrassment, he began to be called, 'Jimmy, the turnip farmer.'  He later found out that a neighbor had sneaked into his prepared field and sowed turnip seeds.",We always reap what we sow.  No matter how badly we want it to turn out the other way.  It is the same spiritually.,Gal. 6:7;,Dan Morley,You Will Reap What You Sow,59,,1999/07/19,
"Reap, Sow,","In Iowa, a farmer planted 20 acres of beans.  A few months later he went out and what he had grown was 20 acres of corn.  But here is what was really strange!!  On each stalk there were potatoes.",Know that is not true.  You know the law.  Why don't we realize all the laws of Jehovah.,Gal. 6:8;,Robert Schwarze,You Will Reap What You Sow,59,,1999/02/01,
"Reap, Sow, Consequence, Outcome, Result, Impact","It's been said, 'If you're going to dance, you have to pay the fiddler.'","Those smoking are a target for lung cancer.  Homosexuals are a catch for AIDS, etc.",Gal 6:7;,Willard Comstock,Is The Truth Transforming Your Life?,51,,1993/11/14,
"Reap, Sow, Misled, View, Attitude,","After sowing his field with oats, when the time comes for the young blades to begin sprouting it is too late for the farmer to wish he had planted wheat instead.  No amount of wishful thinking will change his crop into something else. (Farmer well knows that)","An unchangeable law of nature is at work, and it underscores the force of Paul's words in the book of Galatians. The purpose for which we sow is as important as the seed itself. (sow with view)","Ga 6:7,8; Ge 1:11;","Sep 1, 1968 Wt Page 521",You Will Reap What You Sow,59,,,
"Reap, Sow, Movies, Tv, Television,","You plant a garden, watch a small corn shoot come up, develops an ear, observe it ready to pick.  Pull back the husk and it sort of squeaks when you open it.  Ready for the hot water.  It is really a joy when watched from a small sprout.  (additional application, must guard lest a worm would be there)",We knew all along it was going to be corn.  It is an undeniable principle that 'you will reap what you sow.',"Genesis 1:11, 12; Gal 6:7, 8;","Sam Merriman; Oct 15, 1996 Wt Page 12 Para 11;",You Will Reap What You Sow,59,,1996/11/25,
"Reap, Sow, Sin, Consequences,",Like throwing a stone in the water. The ripples seem to go on endlessly.  This affects everything in its path.,"Same with wrong that we do. It affects family, friends and congregations not to mention Jehovah.  We can call it the ripple affect or reaping what you sow.",Gal 6:7;,J.K.,You Will Reap What You Sow,59,,1997/04/13,
"Reap, Sow, Spiritual, Fleshly,","Farmer buying seed, is concerned about purity of seed.  Package sometimes clearly marked with % of purity.  Otherwise you may sow clover and end up with crab grass of other undesirable results at harvest, when fruit becomes known.","As Christians, we are like a handful of seed.  (mixed)  Which ones will you sow?  We cannot afford to wait until the harvest to know what we sow.",Ga 6:7;,"Scott Rudolph   (entered Jan 5, 1992)",You Will Reap What You Sow,59,,,
"Reaping, Sow, Flesh, Spirit,","After having sown his fields with oats, when the time comes for the new blades to begin sprouting it is too late for him to wish he had planted wheat instead. No amount of wishful thinking on his part will change his crop into something else. No! The farmer is bound to reap what he has sown.","An unchangeable law of nature is at work, a law that originated with the Creator of all living things.  Likewise, we will reap what we sow.","Genesisesis 1:11, 12; Gal 6:7, 8;",W68 9/1 521,What Is Behind The Spirit Of Rebellion?,33,,1994/07/30,
"Reaping, Sow, Flesh, Spirit, Association,","'They just go in one ear and out the other,' a young Christian might say. But, beware!","As information goes in one ear and out the other it passes through the mind, and, on its way, small seeds of unclean thoughts can take root and later germinate into improper sexual desire.","Genesisesis 1:11, 12; Gal 6:7, 8;",W68 9/1 523,Choose Your Associates Wisely!,116,,1994/07/30,
"Rearing, Children, Parents,","SUCCESSFUL gardening requires much more then scattering some seed on the ground and then returning a few months later for the harvest. Much hard work is involved in preparing the soil, sowing the seeds, and watering and nurturing the plants so that they can grow to maturity","This process could well illustrate the truthfulness of Proverbs 22:6, which says: 'Train up a boy according to the way for him; even when he grows old he will not turn aside from it' Indeed, parental training is a major factor in successful child rearing.   In today's permissive world, however, many parents fail to heed this counsel. When they follow conventional wisdom that children must learn to handle problems on their own, their children are often left to fend for themselves. Such a course leaves young ones vulnerable to the harmful influence of unprincipled and unscrupulous individuals.",Proverbs 13:20,"Feb 1, 1999 Page 32",Parents--are You Building With Fire-resistant Materials?,104,,1999/01/03,
"Reason, Creation, Instinct, Wise, Wisdom,","You can go down to a computer store, such as Best Buy and buy a computer with the software already loaded.  You don't have to do a thing to program them.","Animals are like that.  They are already instinctively wise.  Humans go beyond that.  Cows are not wondering, 'How did I get here?'  Only humans on earth have the power to reason.",Prov 30:24;,"Kenneth Haag, C. O.",Jehovah--the Grand Creator,101,,1996/03/15,
"Reason, Discernment, Thinking, Wisdom,","Cow able to see things around, knows no more than her ancestors.","Man has great superiority, because of ability to reason",Deuteronomy. 6:7; Eph. 6:4,"Feb 1, 1962 Wt Page 73",Acquiring A Heart Of Wisdom,73,,,
"Reason, Television, Association, Minds, Entertainment, Tv,",'What bothers me about TV is that it tends to take our minds off our minds.'  Quote: Robert Orben.,A person doesn't have to even think to watch television.  It does not require our power of reason.,Rom 12:1;,Bobby Laymon - Reader's Digest,,,,1996/03/21,
"Reason, Warnings, Laws, Teaching, Standards,","We might illustrate this by comparing Jehovah's laws to 'No  Trespassing' signs. While such a sign is in itself a warning, would you not agree that when the sign contains the reason for the warning obedience comes more readily? For example, if the sign says 'No Trespassing-High Voltage,' then the would-be trespasser, recognizing the possibility of personal danger, is more inclined to heed the warning.",It is similar with God's laws. Do not simply tell your student what the Bible says is right and what is wrong; help him to see why a particular course is wise or foolish. Reason with him on how obedience to God's laws will benefit him. Help him to see the consequences of disregarding those requirements. The Bible itself does this at times.,"Proverbs 22:24, 25; 23:4, 5; 24:15, 16, 19, 20",W84 8/1 11,Why Live By Bible Standards?,88,,1994/06/04,
Reason;,"'He that will not reason is a fool, he that cannot reason is a fool; and he that dares not reason is a slave.' Quote:  William Drummond",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Reason;,'It is much easier to do and die than to reason why.'  Quote:  G. Kennedy.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Reason;,'Man has received direct from God only one instrument wherewith to know himself and to know his relation to the universe--he has no other--and that instrument is reason.'  Quote:  Leo Tolstoy.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Reason;,"'Many are destined to reason wrongly; others, not to reason at all; and others, to persecute those who do reason.'  Quote:  Voltaire.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Reason;,'Nothing is every accomplished by a reasonable man.'  Quote:  American.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Reason;,'Reason is the enemy of faith.'  Quote:  Ml.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Reason;,"'Reason is the wise man's guide, example the fool's.' Quote:  Welsh",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Reason;,'Reason-the Devil's harlot.'  Quote:  Ml.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Reason; God;,"'I do not feel obliged to believe that the same God who has endowed us with sense, reason, and intellect has intended us to forego their use.'  Quote:  Galileo.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Reason; Problems; Stress; Coping; Materialism;,You see two men swimming.  One has an anvil under his arm.  The other is reaching out his arm for a rope.  Which one is using his power of reasoning.,"In today's system of things, which man are we like.  Are we struggling with unnecessary burdens, or are we reaching out for the real life.","Rom 12:1, 2;","Kenneth Haag, C. O.",Coping With Life's Anxieties,32,,1996/03/15,
"Reasonable, Humble, Rigid, Flexible, Balance,","'THE reasonable man' -- English journalist Sir Alan Patrick Herbert dubbed him a mythical figure.  Indeed, it may seem at times that there are no reasonable people left.","However, Christians are admonished, 'Let your reasonableness become known to all men. The Lord is near.'  Greek word means 'reasonableness' or 'yieldingness.'",Php 4:5;,"Aug 1, 1994 Wt Page 15",Family Life That Warms The Heart,5,,1994/08/24,
"Reasonable, Knowledge, Discernment, Wisdom, Language,","Have you ever attempted to learn a new language?  If so, you will no doubt agree that it is hard work.  After all, more is involved than simply learning new words.  Proficient use of a language also requires mastering its grammar.  You must perceive how words relate to one another and how they combine to form complete thoughts.","It is similar with our taking in knowledge of God's Word.  More is involved than simply learning isolated Scripture texts.  We must also learn the Bible's grammar, as it were.  We need to grasp how scriptures relate to one another and how they serve as principles we can apply daily.",2 Tim 3:17;,"Jun 15, 1995 Wt Page 18",Acquiring A Heart Of Wisdom,73,,1995/05/17,
Reasonable;,'Man is a reasoning rather than a reasonable animal.'  Quote:  Alex Hamilton.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Reasoning Book,"Tool box many occasions, school, work, informally be familiar with each one","Prov. 22:6; 23:13; Deut. 6:4-9; 2 Tim. 2:22; 2 Tim. 3:14, 15;",Acts 2:11  Ps 139:17,Bobby Laymon,,,,,
"Reasoning Book, Ministry, Service, Return Visits",Don't be a creature of habit in field ministry. Use new introductions Find points of agreement. Keep positive conversation. Reasoning Book can help keep us from becoming a creature of habit.,Develop art of conversation.,Prov. 12:18,Pioneer Day,How Should You Serve God?,58,,,
"Reasoning, Ability, Image, Likeness, Creation,","When they slaughter cows they use a gun that shoots a little lead about this far.  The cows just line up ones walks over and they kill it and then the next one walks up and so on.  You would think, if you were a cow a few cows back you would catch on to what is going on, and you would make a break for it; you would look for an escape route.","But they don't and it is because they don't have the power to reason, or plan for the future.  It is what separates us from the animal's kingdom.",Genesis. 1:26,Jim Kinkade,The Origin Of Humans--does It Matter What You Believe?,133,,"Oct 30, 2001",
Rebellion,Push button on radio or car shift. One in the other out,"If not corrected, will rise again and again.",2 Pet 2:2,Bobby Laymon,What Is Behind The Spirit Of Rebellion?,33,,,
"Rebellion,","The 'Head of the Hogs' got together with the other farm animals in a meeting about the poor conditions on the farm.  They concluded they lived laborious lives, with poor food, and in a miserable condition.  The would rebel.  The cows went un-milked; fruit unpicked; and conditions were worse than before.",That is what happens when people rebel.  Satan is behind the spirit of rebellion.  We must rely on God's kingdom for relief.,"1 Sam 15:22, 23; Eph 2:2,3; Numbers 16:23;",Doug Brown,What Is Behind The Spirit Of Rebellion?,33,,1996/09/08,
"Rebellion, Sin, Domination, Sovereignty, Walk, Know, Enoch,","The way to not have a collision course with someone is to walk along with them.  Not on the same path, but alongside.","Enoch, 'kept walking with the true God.'","Ge 5:21-24; Jude 14, 15;","Oct 15, 1971 Wt Page 616",What Is Behind The Spirit Of Rebellion?,33,,1993/11/21,
Rebellion;,'He who draws his sword against the prince must throw away the scabbard.'  Quote:  English.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Rebellion;,'Rebellion against tyrants is obedience to God.'  Quote:  Bf.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Rebellion;,'Resistance to tyrants is obedience to God.'  Quote:  Bf.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Rebellion;,Rebellion: A system devised to replace one form of tyranny with another.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Rebellion; Obedience; Independence;,"'Resist much, obey little.' Quote:  Walt Whitman",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Rebuke, Reprimand, Counsel, Discipline, Balance,","If an elder's ministry before the congregation were likened to a piece of music, then rebuke and reprimand would be like a single note that fits into the whole.  That note is in its place.  Imagine a song containing only that one note, repeated over and over again.  It would quickly grate on our ears.","In a similar vein, Christian elders try to round out their teaching and imbue it with variety.  They do not limit it to the correcting of problems.",Luke 17:3; 2 Tim 4:2;,"Aug 1, 1997 Wt Page 18",,,,1997/09/13,
"Recommend, Grudge, Harbor,",You can't hold a man down without staying down with him. -- Booker T. Washington,When we hold a grudge we hold ourselves down also.,Ps. 103:9,Bobby Laymon,Do You Harbor Resentment Or Do You Forgive?,68,,"Nov 19, 2001",
"Recreation, Children, Family, Marriage, Home, Youth, Dating,",All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.,Families should plan recreation together.,2 Tim. 2:22; Prov. 22:6; 23:13; Deuteronomy. 6: 4-8; Eph. 5:22-33;,Bobby Laymon,Family Life That Warms The Heart,5,,,
"Recreation, Entertainment, Play,","'A little madness in the Spring, Is wholesome even for the King.' Quote Emily Dickinson (1830-1886)",Relaxation and entertainment have their place in Jehovah's arrangement.,Eccl 3:4,Wisdom Of The Ages,Appreciating Marvels Of God's Creation,114,,,
"Recreation, Party, Rest, Tire,",Party-hardy until you can hardly-party!,World's view of recreation.,"Phil 4:15, 16;",Sam Merriman,You Will Reap What You Sow,59,,1996/11/25,
"Recreation, Play, Work, Entertainment,",'If families play together ...','... they are more likely to stay together.',1ti 1:11; Gal 5:22; Mr 6:30-32; Ps 126:1-3;,"Sep 1, 1993 Wt Page 20",Appreciating Marvels Of God's Creation,114,,,
"Recreation, Pleasure, Moderation,","Small amount of spice in stew is pleasurable, Too much is not.",Too much recreation takes the joy out of it. Must be in moderation,1 Tim. 4:8,David Herr,Lovers Of Pleasure Or Lovers Of God?,64,,,
"Recreation, Sports, Balance, Dancing, Games, Parties,","Food is good, but if we eat too much we become gluttons.","So, too,   with some forms of recreation, such as dancing, playing games, having parties, or similar activities.  Many times it is not what is done, but the way it is done and the company in which it is done.","1co 6:9, 10;",Family Life Page 154,Appreciating Marvels Of God's Creation,114,,1994/03/22,
Recreation; Entertainment; Vacations;,"'This summer one third of the nation will be ill-housed, ill-nourished, and ill-clad. Only they call it a vacation.'  Quote:  Joseph Salak.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Refining, Testing, Endurance, Persecution, Adversity,",Are you willing to be refined as gold in a smelter and have the dross taken off so that there remains only pure gold?,"Some have gone through the processing and received a final 'well done, good and faithful slave.' Others are still being refined, as Malachi said they would be.","Mal 3:3, 4;",W58 1/1 10,Bearing Up Under Persecution,57,,1994/06/03,
"Refining, Trial, Persecution, Tests,","One lady proposed to visit a silversmith and report to them on what he said about the subject.  She went accordingly, and without telling the object of her errand, begged the silversmith to tell her about the process of refining silver.  After he had fully described it to her, she asked, 'But, Sir, do you 'sit' while the work of refining is going on?'  'Oh, yes, madam,' replied the silversmith.  'I must sit with my eyes steadily fixed on the furnace, for if the time necessary for refining be exceeded in the slightest degree, the silver will be injured.'  The lady at once saw the beauty, and comfort, too, of the expression, 'And He shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver.'","God sees it needful to allow His children to experience hardships, though some can seem and feel fiery like a furnace.  His eye is steadily intent on the work of purifying, and His wisdom and love are both engaged in the best manner for us.  He will not let us be tested beyond what we can endure.  Before she left, the lady asked one final question, 'When do you know the process is complete?'  'Why, that is quite simple,' replied the silversmith.  'When I can see my own image in the silver, the refining process is finished.'",Malachi 3:3,Bobby Laymon,Bearing Up Under Persecution,57,,"Feb 26, 2001",
Reformation; Parents;,'To reform a man you must begin with his grandmother.' Quote:  Victor Hugo,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Refreshment, Tired, Burden, Loaded, Pharisees, Clergy, Law, Tradition,","'A man who overloads a horse is, nowadays chargeable before the law.  What of a man who loaded 613 commandments on 'the people of the land' who had no religious training; and then, having done nothing to help them, condemned them as godless.''  Quote: A commentary on Pharisees behavior.","The real burden was not the Mosaic law, but the mass of traditions imposed on the people.",Matt 23:4; Luke 11:46;,"Aug 15, 1995 Wt Page 14",Are You Content With Jehovah's Provisions?,22,,1995/07/18,
"Refreshment, Tired, Burden, Loaded, Purpose, Toiling, Laboring, Attitude,","It might be likened to a man digging for a hidden treasure and one digging ditches in a labor camp.  They are doing similar hard work.  With one, the task is eagerly undertaken, but with the other, it is an endless drudgery.",What makes the difference?  It is the purpose of the work or the lack of purpose.,Matt 23:4; Luke 11:46;,"Aug 15, 1995 Wt Page 15, 16;",You Will Reap What You Sow,59,,1995/07/18,
"Refreshment, Tired, Burden, Loaded, Toiling, Laboring,","A cool shower at the end of a hot and humid day, or a good night's sleep after a long and tiring journey--oh, how refreshing!",So it is when a heavy burden is lifted or when sings and transgressions are forgiven.,Matt 11:29; Prov. 25:25; Acts 3:19;,"Aug 15, 1995 Wt Page 17",Follow The Course Of Hospitality,77,,1995/07/18,
"Refreshment, Tired, Burden, Loaded, Toiling, Laboring, Help, Prayer,","Consider what a farmer would do when he wanted to change jobs for his animals, say from plowing a field to drawing a cart.  He would first remove the plow and then attach the cart.  It would be absurd for him to hitch both the plow and cart to the animals.","Likewise, Jesus was not telling the people to put his load on top of the one they were already carrying.  Jesus was offering the people a choice.  Would they rather go on carrying the heavy load they had, or would they put that down and accept what he was offering?",Phil 4:19; Isa 65:24; Prov 10:22;,"Aug 15, 1995 Wt Page 20",You Will Reap What You Sow,59,,1995/07/18,
"Refreshment, Tired, Burden, Loaded, Toiling, Laboring, Help, Prayer,","It is not unlike a toddler leaning on the handlebar of his stroller, thinking that he is pushing it forward, but in reality, of course, it is the parent who is doing it.","As a loving Father, Jehovah God is well aware of our limitations and frailties, and he responds to our needs through Jesus Christ.",Phil 4:19; Isa 65:24; Prov 10:22;,"Aug 15, 1995 Wt Page 20","As Christians, We Care About Other People",15,,1995/07/18,
"Refuge, Lie, Clergy, Christendom, Trust, United Nations,",The need for a refuge in this time of mounting world trouble is something that is agreed upon by men of all kinds.  Some look to money.,Clergy support and advocate the United Nations.,"Isa. 28: 15-17; Ps. 62:8, 9; 2 Cor. 1:19, 20; 1 Pet. 2:6;","Feb 8, 1967 Aw Page 3",On Whose Promises Do You Rely?,61,,,
"Refuge, Titanic, Salvation, Security, Survival, Organization,","The Titanic, a British passenger liner, struck an iceberg off southern Newfoundland on the night of Apr. 14-15, 1912, and sank. The ship, the largest and most luxurious built up to that time, was on its maiden voyage from Southampton to New York, carrying more than 2,200 people; about 1,500 were drowned.  Some however were rescued.","We might liken the large 'rescue' effort now taking place to the Titanic.  [1] The Titanic = The sinking system. [2] Lifeboats = Jehovah. [3] One overreaching. = Jesus, assisting others to get in.  [4] Life jacket = Spiritual security provided by organization and elders.  Isa 32:2; [5] Oars, = oars of survival.  Our preaching is to save lives.","Isa 32:1, 2;",William Osbeck C. O.,Will You Be A Survivor Of The 'last Days'?,2,,1995/01/17,
"Refugees, Judgment, Partial, Differences, Justice,",The influx of refugees and immigrants has been likened to two streams that have flowed side by side into wealthy countries for years.,"However, increasingly strict immigration laws have blocked the stream of economic immigrants.  Thus, they have become a part of the refugee stream, and this stream has overflowed to create a flood.",Numbers 35:15; Deuteronomy 24:17;,"Aug 22, 1996 Aw Page 6","As Christians, We Care About Other People",15,,1996/07/24,
"Refugees, Persecution, Justice, Comfort,","WHAT is it like to be a refugee? Try to imagine you are living in peace, but suddenly your whole world changes.  Overnight neighbors become enemies.  Soldiers are coming who will loot and burn your home.  You have ten minutes to pack and flee for your life. You can take only one small bag, since you will have to carry it for many miles What will you put in it?  You leave amid sounds of gunfire and artillery. You join others who are also fleeing. Days pass; you shuffle along hungry, thirsty, and unbelievably tired.",This is the experience of millions today.  According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) 27 million people worldwide have fled war or persecution. An additional 23 million people are displaced within their own countries.,"Exodus 1:7, 12;","Aug 22, 1996 Aw Page 3",Gaining Comfort In All Our Tribulations,105,,1996/07/24,
"Regrets, Remember, Memories,","A CHARGER, feeling the infirmities of age, was sent to work in a mill instead of going out to battle.  But when he was compelled  to grind instead of serving in the wars, he bewailed his change of fortune and called to mind his former state, saying, 'Ah!  Miller, I had indeed to go campaigning before, but I was barbed from counter to tail, and a man went along to groom me; and now I cannot understand what ailed me to prefer the mill before the battle.'  'Forbear,' said the Miller to him, 'harping on what was of yore, for it is the common lot of mortals to sustain the ups and downs of fortune.'",Moral: 'It is an aspect of all happiness to suppose that we deserve it.',Neh 13:14;,Aesop's Fables - Bobby Laymon,Observing The Memorial Of Christ's Death,998,,1994/05/17,
"Regular, Assist,",I bought a dumb bell one time and lifted it about once a month.  It didn't help.  Then I began to lift it daily and saw results.,"The publisher that suffers most -- goes out in service once a month.   He offers the magazines.  We can assist him to become regular and make return visits, start studies.",Acts 20:35,Ray Horton,Renewing The Spirit Of Self-sacrifice,69,,1999/04/24,
"Regularity, Preaching, Zeal, Exert, vigorously, House-to-house,","What kind of harvest could a farmer who was spasmodic in caring for his crops expect to have, a farmer who worked only when it suited his convenience or when he had the inclination?","So also in the Christian ministry. It takes regularity. It means setting a goal to share in the Kingdom witness regularly each week, at least ten hours each month-in the distribution of Bible magazines, in the  house-to-house preaching with the Bible and especially in regularly conducting Bible studies with persons of goodwill in their homes.",Acts 20:20;,W62 9/1 532,How Do You Fit Into The Kingdom Arrangement?,21,,1994/07/30,
Relationship,"Dog, Man's best friend.","Negative; Jehovah is our best friend 'A friend in need, is a friend indeed!' Real friendships blossom during hardships.",Prov 17:17,"Assembly (see May 8, 1961 Aw Page 23)",True Friendship With God And Neighbor.,100,,,
"Relationship, Drift, Shrink, Draw Away, Favor, Marriage, Dedication, Baptism,","Mom and Pop were driving along in the old pickup truck, when they noticed the young couple that sped past them.  They were sitting really close together.  Mom said, 'Why don't we sit close like that any more?'  Pop replied, 'I haven't changed my position.  I'm sitting right where I always did.'","If your position or relationship with Jehovah has grown farther apart, then it is not because Jehovah has changed.  Could it be that we have drifted away from him.","Mal 3:6; 2 Cor 6:17, 18;",Donna Kelso,True Friendship With God And Neighbor.,100,,1994/06/25,
"Relationship, Hearts, Free Will,","How delightful and uplifting it is when you are invited to come to someone's home for the first time, opening the way for a closer  friendship. The invitation itself puts new heart into you, and you feel like a different person.","Well, in these 'critical times hard to deal with,' Jehovah is extending the most appealing invitation.  No one is compelled to respond. As mentioned earlier, the choice is yours.",2 Tim 3:1;,W71 7/15 445,True Friendship With God And Neighbor.,100,,1996/01/06,
"Relationship, Intimacy","Reminds me of a story of an older couple in a pick up truck going down a country road, and a young couple in a new truck passing by them, and they're sitting right next to each other.  The old women turns to her husband and says, 'we use to sit like that.  What happened?'  He turns to her and says, 'I don't know I haven't moved.'","Stay close to Jehovah.  If we are not as close, who moved?","Heb. 13:5,6; Mal. 3:6;",Jim Kinkade,Should Christians Keep The Sabbath?,134,,"Oct 30, 2001",
"Relationship, Jehovah, Love,",An infant can sense the love of a caring parent.,"The closer we draw to Jehovah, the more we will sense his love for us.",Jas. 4:8,Johnse Laymon,Keep Growing In Your Relationship With God,16,,,
"Relationship, Sincerity, Religion, Worship, Christendom,","You may believe one color is more pleasing to the eye and it would not make any difference in your welfare. But if you believed you could fly, and jumped out of an airplane to prove it, that would make a difference.",We must be careful to believe what is true where our life is concerned. Our relationship with God makes a big difference.,"Genesis. 5:5, 11; 2 Pet. 3:5, 6; Matt. 24:37-39; 1 John 2:17;","Jan 15, 1964 Wt Page 35, 36",Keep Growing In Your Relationship With God,16,,,
"Relatives, Preaching, Teaching, Service,","Andrew, a disciple of John the Baptist, was thrilled when John introduced him to Jesus Christ, 'the lamb of God.' Andrew quickly found his own brother, Simon Peter, saying, 'We have found the Messiah.'","Ever since, zealous disciples of Christ Jesus have been telling their relatives the good news. (See experience) 24 now Kingdom publishers.",Jn. 1:35-42;,"Nov 8, 1967 Aw Page 20",How Should You Serve God?,58,,,
"Relatives, Witnessing","Witnessing to relatives is like a refreshing glass of water if in small amounts, but if you took bucket of water and dumped over head, would have adverse affect.","When witnessing to worldly relatives, give a little at a time, refresh them but don't drown them.",Matt 24:14;,Gary Diburgo,Are You Content With Jehovah's Provisions?,22,,1996/04/01,
Relatives;,'One's own relation are always the worst.'  Quote:  Norwegian Proverb.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Relatives;,Distant relatives are the best kind and the further the better.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Relatives;,God gives us relatives. Thank God we choose our friends.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Reliance On Jehovah,Sunflower follows sun across the sky.,Look to Jehovah at all times.,Ps 119:105,Bobby Laymon,Make Jehovah Your Confidence,70,,,
Religion,"'Inward religion, ... is like a tree without fruit, useless; and the outward show of religion, without inward sincerity, is like a tree without heart, lifeless.' Quote: English Clergyman Ralph Veining (see pt 1)",Deserves Destruction.,Matt. 7:17,"Jul 15, 1958 Wt Page 427",Religion's Time Of Judgment,83,,,
Religion,'Men will wrangle for religion; write for it; fight for it; die for it; anything but live for it.'  Quote: clergyman Charles Caleb Colton.,Must be a 'way of life',Prov. 3:1-6,"July 1, 1958 Wt Page 400",Religion's Time Of Judgment,83,,,
Religion,"'Religion should be the rule of life, not a casual incident of it' Quote: Disraeli.",Our worship should be a way of life.,"Mark 12:29, 30, 33;",Johnse Laymon,Religion's Time Of Judgment,83,,,
Religion,"Beautiful bubble, glistening with many colors, but empty.","Religious ceremonies Try to probe further, it just disappears.",Matt 7:15-20,"Awake Mar 8, 1990 Page 12",HAS BABYLON'S JUDGMENT HOUR ARRIVED?,155,,,
Religion,Birds of prey don't sing,Christendom's flock do not have true happiness,Rev 1:3,Bobby Laymon,HAS BABYLON'S JUDGMENT HOUR ARRIVED?,155,,,
Religion,"By their fruits you will recognize them.  Leaves like outward show, False religions fruit has been rotten for centuries","Tree may be in doubt, but if has peaches, apples, no longer doubt",Matt 7:15-20,"See Awake Mar 8, 1990 Page 12",Religion's Time Of Judgment,83,,,
Religion,"Counterfeit, art, jewels, money (anything good) fused false religion with true",Satan produced counterfeit religion,"2 Cor. 11:14, 15",Dan Sydlik (governing Body),HAS BABYLON'S JUDGMENT HOUR ARRIVED?,155,,,
Religion,"Glasses of water, one with poison would you taste? Test in some other way. Drink what you know is pure.",True & false religion.,Joh 17:17,Bobby Laymon,Religion's Time Of Judgment,83,,,
Religion,"Needle in Haystack.  Apply scriptures to each religion, see what's left","Not too hard, burn haystack, sift ashes",Ps 83:18 Jo 13:35  17:6 17:17,Bobby Laymon,Religion's Time Of Judgment,83,,,
Religion,"Sow the Wind, Reap the Whirlwind",Christendom deserved plagues,Hos 8:7 Isa 2:4  Matt 7:15-20,"Awake Mar 8, 1990 Page 9",Religion's Time Of Judgment,83,,,
Religion,Test your Religious Knowledge,Info: Complete Magazine on above,2 Cor. 13:5,"Apr 22, 1961 Aw",Religion's Time Of Judgment,83,,,
Religion,Wolves in Sheep's Clothing,Beware of false religion,Matt 7:15-20,"Awake Mar 8, 1990 Page 12",Religion's Time Of Judgment,83,,,
"Religion,",Would you be happy to drink a glass of poisoned water because someone assured you that most of what you were drinking was water?,"Most religions do teach that persons should not steal, lie and so forth.","2co 11:14, 15;",Reasoning Book Page 323,Religion's Time Of Judgment,83,,,
"Religion, Babylon, Christendom, United Nations,","'Karl Marx referred to religion as the opium of the masses.  But that statement cannot be quite right because opium is a downer, it lulls people into a stupor.  No, religion is more like crack cocaine.  It unleashes tremendous violence and is a very destructive force.'  Quote: A commentator.",That writer is not quite right either.  False religion is both stupefying and destructive.,Rev 18:4;,"May 1, 1997 Wt Page 17",Religion's Role In World Affairs.,92,,1997/06/15,
"Religion, Babylon, Churches,",Did Jehovah tell Noah to go to the Ark of his choice?,There is only one true religion.,John 8:32;,Bobby Laymon,Religion's Role In World Affairs.,92,,"Feb 10, 2001",
"Religion, Babylon, Trinity, Holidays, Hell, Immortal Soul, Fool,","'You can fool all the people some of the time, and some of the people all the time, but you cannot fool all the people all the time.'  Quote:  Abraham Lincoln.","That has been the plight with false religion.  Yet they have not succeeded in fooling Jehovah's people, whom he has enlightened.",Ps. 32:8;,Bobby Laymon,Jehovah And Christ--are They Part Of A Trinity?,82,,1995/09/07,
"Religion, Caste, Prejudice, Classes,",Seventy-eight persons died in floodwaters when they refused to share the same rope to pull themselves from their trapped bus to safety. The reason?,"They 'belonged to two different high-caste communities,' says a Reuters report from New Delhi, India.  Jehovah teaches impartiality.",Deuteronomy. 1:17;,G73 9/8 30,Religion's Role In World Affairs.,92,,1999/01/11,
"Religion, Change, Babylon, Christendom, Conversion, Dedication, Baptism,","Perhaps you say to yourself, 'I'm too old to change my religion.'  But are you too old to go to a doctor when you are ill?","If you value life, then it is not too late to change.  Think of Suba Sesay, of Port Loko, Sierra Leone.  He changed his religion when he was 107 years of age!  He said, 'If it pleases Jehovah God to overlook my past life and accept me, why should I feel too old to change.'","John 3:19, 20; Acts 26:14; Re 21:8;","Jan 8, 1971 Aw Page 28",Religion's Time Of Judgment,83,,1994/01/05,
"Religion, Change, Conversion, Babylon, Christendom, Dedication, Baptism","A bridled horse or a loaded donkey must perform the will of its master.  It is useless for the animal to balk or kick against the spurs or goad, for it is inevitable that the will of the master shall be done.","Anyone who balks at taking the course clearly marked out for true worshipers of God only makes more difficulty for himself, and risks loss of life.",Acts 26:14;,"Jan 8, 1971 Aw Page 28",Religion's Time Of Judgment,83,,1994/01/06,
"Religion, Choice, Children, Train, Parents,","From the moment a child is born and through his adolescence, parents make choices for their child.  Children will often choose junk food over nutritious food.  Why?  Because at an early age, they are unable to make sound judgments on their own.  Would it be wise for parents simply to allow their children free rein in the matter?  Parents make choices regarding food, clothing, grooming, and morality.",The Bible emphasizes the importance of instilling religious beliefs in children from birth.,Prov. 22:6;,"Mar 8, 1997 Aw Page 26",Parents--are You Building With Fire-resistant Materials?,104,,1997/02/17,
"Religion, Choice, Children, Train, Parents,","Simply telling a child to eat something because it is nutritious does not mean that the child will enjoy it.  Thus, a wise mother knows how to make these essential foods as appetizing as possible in order to appeal to the child's taste and ability to digest it.","Similarly, a child may at first balk at religious instruction, and a parent may find that trying to reason on the matter does not work.  Therefore, wise parents make religious instruction palatable by presenting it in a way that appeals to the child, taking into consideration his ability to absorb it.",Eph. 6:4;,"Mar 8, 1997 Aw Page 27",Parents--are You Building With Fire-resistant Materials?,104,,1997/02/17,
"Religion, Christendom,","If two persons were arguing over which is the true religion, and asked you to sit as 'judge' to determine who was right, would you want to do so?","Few subject are so controversial as religion.  Nonetheless, all of us are definitely involved.  This is not a subject that we can personally avoid.","Acts 25:18, 19; Col 1:9, 10; Jas 1:26; 2:26;","Apr 15, 1978 Wt Page 5, 6;",Religion's Time Of Judgment,83,,,
"Religion, Christendom, Babylon,","'We have fallen into a 'supermarket Catholicism.' People are picking and choosing among what suits them as if our doctrines were cans of vegetables.'  Quote: Catholic priest Joaquin Ortega, deputy secretary of the Roman Catholic bishops conference in Spain.",Many Catholics are worried that what may be termed 'progressive steps' are really going backward.,Rev 18:4;,"Jun 22, 1990 Aw Page 6",True Religion Meets The Needs Of Human Society.,94,,1996/02/18,
"Religion, Christendom, Babylon,","Regarding Carl Marx's remark about religion being the 'opium of the people,' someone said that it is more like 'crack cocaine' because opium is a downer.","Actually it is both, because it is both an 'upper' and a 'stupidities.'","Jer 51:15, 25;",Mark Snelson - Friends Of Peace District Convention.,Religion's Time Of Judgment,83,,1996/06/13,
"Religion, Christendom, Babylon, Practice,","Religious 'practice a la carte,' one magazine called it.  A Catholic magazine referred to it as 'religious window-shopping.'","The variety of religious beliefs is such that young people can pick ideas to suit their tastes.  In Europe about 33 percent of young people believe in lucky charms, 40 percent believe that fortune-tellers can predict the future, and 27 percent believe that the stars influence people's lives.","2 Tim 4:3,4;","Aug 8, 1998 Aw Page 13",Religion's Time Of Judgment,83,,1998/07/10,
"Religion, Christendom, Bible, Ministers,","A little boy picked up a dust-covered Bible and asked his mother: 'Is this God's Book?'  'Yes,' replied his mother.  Then the boy said: 'Well, hadn't we better take it back, because we never use it?'",The growing lack of respect for God's Word today.,Jn 17:17; 1th 2:13;,"Aug 15, 1968 Wt Page 483",Who Are Qualified As Ministers Of God?,81,,,
"Religion, Christendom, Churches,","If you were the captain of a ship, would you not be alarmed if you saw both your crew and your passengers abandoning ship?","In many countries church membership is declining each year. Attendance is down, and clergymen are leaving.",Re 18:4;,"Apr 22, 1970 Aw Page 7",True Religion Meets The Needs Of Human Society.,94,,,
"Religion, Christendom, Faith, Devotion, Racial, Nationalism,","It seems that with most people religion is like beauty -- only skin deep.  It is a veneer that quickly peels off under the pressure of racism, nationalism, and economic insecurity.","Rather than serving as a positive influence toward the civilizing of mankind, religion has fanned the flames of rabid patriotism and in blessing the armies of two world wars and many other conflicts.","Mt 7:15, 16;","Jan 8, 1993 Aw Page 10",Glorifying God With All We Have,17,,,
"Religion, Christendom, Faith, Truth, Witnessing, Relationship,","Parents eagerly await the first words their baby utters.  When they hear a repeated syllable amid the gurgling, perhaps 'Mama' or 'Dada,' their hearts swell with happiness.  Quickly they share news of this with friend and neighbor alike.  Babies respond best to people they know.  When mother cuddles baby, a broad smile usually results.  Yet, the touch of a visiting relative can trigger tear, even a stubborn refusal to be held.  If this continued, parents would be concerned.","Similarly, many adults hesitate to discuss their religious beliefs openly with someone who is not a longtime acquaintance.  The consequence is that they allow a barrier to come between them and those who talk about the Creator.",2 Pet 2:5;,"Apr 1, 1995 Wt Page 4",Keep Growing In Your Relationship With God,16,,1995/03/16,
"Religion, Christendom, Organization.",'Most people don't believe in organized religion.' Quote: Warren Satterfield,'So they join a disorganized religion.',Eph. 1:10;,Warren Satterfield,Serving With Jehovah's Unified Organization,3,,,
"Religion, Christendom, Search, Immortality,",A drowning person will snatch at a straw. In doing so he has been deluded by illusion of immortality.,In his search for God mankind have clutched at straws.,Acts 17:27; Isa. 65:1;,Mankind's Search For God. Page 52,Religion's Time Of Judgment,83,,,
"Religion, Christendom, Worship, God,","Many bottles in medicine cabinet.  Would you take them blindly or in the dark, if you realized that some contained poison?",Religion is like that! More poison ones than healthy ones.,Eph. 4:4-6;,Bobby Laymon,Religion's Time Of Judgment,83,,,
"Religion, Christendom, Worship, God, Bible,","Needle in haystack; we can find, but might need magnet. God's word can draw out the truth from the false.",God's word is like a magnet. It can divide true from false.,Heb. 4:12;,You Can Live Forever In Paradise On Earth. Page 184 Bobby Laymon,Religion's Time Of Judgment,83,,,
"Religion, Christendom, Worship, God, Bible,","Needle in haystack; we can find, but might need to burn haystack and sift the ashes.  God's Word helps us to set fire to false teaching. Matches are: Jehovah's name; God's Kingdom; Respect for God's Word; Love for Brothers; No part of the world;",God's word is like a fire. It can divide true from false.,Heb. 4:12;,You Can Live Forever In Paradise On Earth. Page 184 Bobby Laymon,Religion's Time Of Judgment,83,,,
"Religion, Church, Babylon,",There are generally 3 reasons why people attend church:,"Hatch, Match, Dispatch.  (Baptism, married and death)",Rev. 18:4;,Bobby Laymon,Jehovah And Christ--are They Part Of A Trinity?,82,,"Feb 10, 2001",
"Religion, Conversion, Truth, Disciple, Witness, Bible, Humility,","You are in a car, traveling for the first time to a certain place. You have a road map, but have not taken the time to check it carefully. Someone told you the road to take and you believed him. He was wrong, and someone points out the way, on your map.","If from your Bible you find you are traveling the wrong road religiously, will you be willing to change?","Gal. 1:13, 14; Acts 2:36, 40; Prov. 14:12;",You Can Live Forever In Paradise On Earth. Page 32,Religion's Time Of Judgment,83,,,
"Religion, Dedication, Baptism,","Like background music.  Pleasant to listen to, doesn't interfere commitment: Pledge or agreement to do something in future dedication: makes doing of God's will most important thing in life. Can have many commitments, but one dedication.","People make a commitment, not dedication devote oneself exclusively to service or worship.",Mark 12:30,"Mar 15, 1988 Wt Para 12-14 Study Art. #1",Religion's Time Of Judgment,83,,,
"Religion, Drugs, Hallucinations,","'Hallucinations, Fantasies, illusions, a sense of well-being.'  It makes one unaware of what is going on.  Note: The opium poppy is the source for OPIUM, MORPHINE, HEROIN, and CODEINE. These drugs are called narcotics.  Some drugs supposedly have a high potential for abuse and no currently accepted medical use, including heroin.","You may think I'm speaking about drugs.  No!  I'm speaking about religion.   'Religion is the opium of the people.' Quote: Karl Marx, German philosopher.  Have you ever thought of what 'opium' is?  It's similarity to religion?",Re 18:1-4;,Bobby Laymon,True Religion Meets The Needs Of Human Society.,94,,1994/03/08,
"Religion, Earth, Population, Christendom,","During the last 200 years the world's population has grown from 1 billion to some 5 1/2 billion.  Some estimate that by the year 2025 (30 years from now) it will probably pass 8 billion.  And by the year 2050 it will be nearly 10 billion!  Where are all these people going to live?  What will it be like?  But the book, '5,000 Days to Save the Planet' says we only have 4,000 days to save the planet.",Can the world's Religions save humanity?  The spiritual needs are not being met.  Morality is not taught.  Peace is not promoted.  Family guidance is lacking.  Those facts make it clear!  World's religions have failed!,"Mt 24:21, 22;",Mark Morrow,True Religion Meets The Needs Of Human Society.,94,,1994/04/11,
"Religion, Effect, Babylon, Ministers,","'Much of our current boom in religion,' declared Presbyterian minister John E. Burkhart, 'is nothing more than spiritual aspirin.","It doesn't cost much, doesn't do much, won't hurt much, and isn't worth much.'",Rev. 18:4,"Aug 1, 1957 Wt Page 452",Who Are Qualified As Ministers Of God?,81,,"Dec 12, 2000",
"Religion, Faith, Doubts, Beliefs, Babylon, Christendom,","'When 'faith' contains everything, it contains nothing.  And when freedom never needs to be defined, it is weakened.'  Article in Svenska Dagbladent.",Private religion falls short of satisfying the spiritual needs of people.,"Acts 2:42,46","Apr 22, 2002 Aw Page 9",Religion's Time Of Judgment,83,,"Mar 31, 2002",
"Religion, Faith, Doubts, Beliefs, Babylon, Christendom,","Should we view religion as a mere buffet, picking and choosing beliefs that appeal to us?",Private religion falls short of satisfying the spiritual needs of people.,"Acts 2:42,46","Apr 22, 2002 Aw Page 9",True Religion Meets The Needs Of Human Society.,94,,"Mar 31, 2002",
"Religion, Fruit, Rotten, Worship,","What if you bit into a rotten piece of fruit.  It would make you sick.  What if there was a fruit market where you bought fruit and it was always rotten.  What if you had to look closely to find the rotten place?  What if occasionally you got rotten fruit, yet there was a market where the fruit was always fresh and never rotten?  Where would you shop?","The same could be said of religion.  Some of it is obviously rotten.  Other religions you have to examine them more closely.  Yet, why stay with these when true religion always produces fine fruit?",Luke 6:43-45,Joe Laymon,Religion's Role In World Affairs.,92,,,
"Religion, Fruits, Worship,","'By their fruits you will recognize them' Trees and leaves may be deceiving, but fruit is unmistakable. Rotten tree gets cut down and thrown into the fire.",Good religion produce good fruits.,"Matt. 7:16, 17;",Bobby Laymon,Religion's Time Of Judgment,83,,,
"Religion, God, Knowledge, Durant, Christendom, Worship,","'The greatest question of our time is not communism versus individualism, not Europe versus America, not even the East versus the West; it is whether men can live without God.'  Quote: Historian Will Durant.","To live a successful life, we must know Jehovah and heed His counsel.",Prov. 3:1-6;,"Jul 22, 1994 Aw Page 11",Religion's Time Of Judgment,83,,1994/06/25,
"Religion, Lies, Christendom, Babylon, Hell, Trinity,",'PEOPLE often forget they have brains when it comes to a topic such as hell.',"Oh, many persons will ponder on financial or other matters, but when hell is the subject they seem to prefer that someone else do the thinking. They may even push all hope of reasoning aside and declare, as one hell-fire believer did, that if he did not think the Bible taught a literal, red-hot, soul-scorching hell he would throw his Bible into the ash can.",Prov. 1:2-5;,W55 2/1 68,Jehovah And Christ--are They Part Of A Trinity?,82,,1995/01/28,
"Religion, Lies, Christendom, Babylon, Hell, Trinity, Name,","When I was young, and in school, another young man painted a mouse, and instead of painting it gray, painted it blue.  He never lived it down, and has continued to be called, 'Mousy,' by all those knowing him.  Although it was only a mouse, people knew and disliked it being painted wrong.","The God-dishonoring teachings of scheming, selfish religious leaders have painted God in wrong colors and have pictured him as an unloving, unjust God, taking cruel delight in man's death and revengefully arranging for sinful man to undergo untold agony of suffering for all time after his bodily death. To this day the religious systems of Christendom have not publicly renounced their unchristian teachings of a fiery purgatory and of a blazing hell of endless torture  for human souls after the death of the body.",1 Jo 4:18;,W55 1/15 52-3  Bobby Laymon,Jehovah And Christ--are They Part Of A Trinity?,82,,1995/01/28,
"Religion, Prayer,","'Religion is in the heart, not in the knees.' Douglas Jerrold.",Serve Jehovah with heart full of wisdom.,Rom. 10:10,Johnse Laymon,Religion's Time Of Judgment,83,,,
"Religion, Service, Compassion, Caring, Consideration,",'There is no higher religion than human service.  To work for the common good is the greatest creed.' Quote: Albert Schweitzer.,"There is no greater service than that rendered by Jehovah's organization.  By means of this chain of reunification, both the anointed remnant and the great crowd are unitedly rendering sacred service to Jehovah.",Matt 5:14;,Bobby Laymon,Serving With Jehovah's Unified Organization,3,,1995/06/30,
"Religion, Sin, Christendom,","One well-known cleric said: 'Why sin?  Why suffering?  Why the devil?   These are questions I want to ask the Lord when I get to heaven.' -- U.S. News & World Report, May 3, 1993",Clergymen themselves do not know the answers to simple Bible questions.,Ro 5:12; 2co 4:4;,Bobby Laymon,True Religion Meets The Needs Of Human Society.,94,,1994/04/11,
"Religion, Trinity,",Teller in bank learns only how to tell true currency don't have to study false religion,"If we know truth, automatically know false religion",John 8:44,Km School,Jehovah And Christ--are They Part Of A Trinity?,82,,,
"Religion, Truth, Baptism",Most religions are like music; it is pleasant to listen to but it doesn't interfere with anything you want to do.,Truth is different when you dedicate self to Jehovah get baptized Give Jehovah Wholesouled devotion,"Rom 12:1,2  Amplified Bible  Dedication",Divine Teaching Convention,Religion's Time Of Judgment,83,,,
"Religion, Truth, Baptism, Roots, Foundation, Study","Brother visited rain forest noticed lot of trees fallen down. Ask why.  It was explained that it gets so much rain that it is not needed for the roots to run deep, so when storm comes it is easily knocked over.",New ones need to become deeply rooted in truth.,Titus 1:9,Divine Teaching Convention,Religion's Time Of Judgment,83,,,
"Religion, Truth, False, Babylon, Christendom, Bible,",We can see the clear color contrast of traffic lights for blocks ahead.  Sometimes we speed up and stop in accordance with these colors.,The truth should be as sharp and clear to us as the colors on a traffic light.,"Ps 26:1; Php 4:8; John 15:8; Ps 139:1,2;",Bro Williamson (Memphis),Is The Truth Transforming Your Life?,51,,1994/03/07,
"Religion, Truth, Indifference, Joy,",'Religious difference is not nearly as serious as religious indifference.'  Quote: Agnes Dawson.,"Some may lose their joy because the people are not interested in message.  Natural to want quick results.  Not always realistic, however, in a world condemned by Jehovah.","Ezek. 3:17,19",Jk Quotes;,Serve Jehovah With A Joyful Heart,78,,,
"Religion, Unity, Christendom, Interfaith,","'They have dug up many wonderful baked-clay cylinders out of the ruins of Babylon and other ancient cities, but there are some not yet found ... They have not found any which speak of Moses and Joshua having called a 'Parliament of Religions,' of Moabites and Ammonites, and Edomites'  Quote: Zion's Watch Tower Sep 1893.",The Bible does not encourage interfaith movements.,2 Co 6:14-17;,"Feb 1, 1994 Wt  Page 30",Religion's Time Of Judgment,83,,1993/12/31,
"Religion, Wars, Persecutions,",'Difference of religion breeds more quarrels than difference of politics.' Quote: Wendell Phillips.,"Under symbol of a great harlot, world empire of false religion is responsible for shedding blood, taking sides in numberless wars.",Rev. 17:3-6;,Bobby Laymon,Religion's Time Of Judgment,83,,1995/08/05,
"Religion, Worship,",'By their fruits you will know them.',"True religion ought to produce better persons--better husbands and fathers, better wives and mothers.",Matt. 7:20;,The Truth That Leads To Eternal Life. Page 15,Religion's Time Of Judgment,83,,,
"Religion, Worship,",Are all forms of worship like roads up to a mountain peak?  All going to the same place?,Or do many of religion's mystic roads leading to calamity. Like a pathway to a precipice?  A cliff.,1 Cor. 8:5; Phil. 3:19; Ps. 51:5;,"Jan 1, 1992 Wt Page 3   (entered Dec 7, 1991)",Religion's Time Of Judgment,83,,,
"Religion, Worship, Approved,","If you have a cat, you might know that they sometimes have a rather unpleasant habit of bringing dead birds and mice as 'gifts' for their owners. Even though the cat thinks it's a tasty morsel, and probably expects its owner to be pleased and grateful for the offering, more than likely you know what the response will be. For the cat, the 'present' is something attractive, delicious. For the owner, it is disgusting, even nauseating.","We may like our religion, but we should examine it carefully to be sure our Owner, God, will find it to his liking!",Col 2:18;,Peter Morgan,True Religion Meets The Needs Of Human Society.,94,,1997/08/11,
"Religion, Worship, Babylon,",'We had it first!' Many like to boast.  Babylon had it first! Concepts: Trinity; Consciousness after death; Magic; The Clergy-laity concept; 'Mother of God' concept; Magic,Regarding ever so many religious concepts Babylon can well boast.,Rev. 18:1-4,"Apr 22, 1964 Aw Page 12-15",Religion's Time Of Judgment,83,,,
"Religion, Worship, Children, Bible Study,","Father played ball with his son, but never taught him the rules of the game.",It is the same with religion.  It is not true with Jehovah's Witnesses.,2 Cor. 4:6;,Bobby Laymon,Religion's Time Of Judgment,83,,"Nov 18, 2001",
"Religion, Worship, Christendom, Wisdom,",An African proverb says: 'You do not dip both hands into the food bowl just because you are hungry.',"Such an eating habit is both discourteous and hazardous - especially if you do not know what is in the bowl!  Yet, many choose their religion, not on the basis of thoughtful examination, but on the basis of sentiment or family tradition.  Religion should be an informed, intelligent choice.",Rom 12:1;,"May 1, 1994 Wt Page 4",Religion's Time Of Judgment,83,,1994/06/11,
"Religion, Worship, Exclusive, Devotion, Jehovah, Christendom,",'A dog can't carry two bones?' Quote: Angolans proverb.,One cannot profess two religions at the same time.,Ps 83:18,1993 Yb  Page 8,Glorifying God With All We Have,17,,,
"Religion, Worship, God, Christendom,",Religion 'a la carte.' (French word meaning a separate price for each item on the menu.),Many are just putting a religion together that is comfortable for themselves.,Ps. 14:2;,"Apr 1, 1991 Wt Page 9",Religion's Time Of Judgment,83,,,
"Religion, Worship, God, Jehovah,","If a construction engineer warned you that your house was in danger of collapsing due to a faulty foundation, would you not take the steps necessary to protect yourself and your family?","In religion, as other things, it is a human failing to neglect vital matters. Your religion affects your life now and in the future.",1 Tim. 4:8,"Apr 22, 1964 Aw Page 3",Make Jehovah Your Confidence,70,,,
"Religion, Worship, God, Jehovah,","If a doctor advised you that continuing to cater to some bad habit would cut your life short, would you not do something about it?","In religion, as other things, it is a human failing to neglect vital matters. Your religion affects your life now and in the future.",1 Tim. 4:8,"Apr 22, 1964 Aw Page 3",Make Jehovah Your Confidence,70,,,
"Religion, Worship, God, Jehovah,","In Noah's day there must have been hundreds of religions.  How many survived?  Only those who worshiped who?  Likewise in Lot's day, there must have been hundreds of religions.  How many survived?  They worshiped who?",Today there are hundreds of religions.  How many will survive? They must worship who?  Only those who worship Jehovah! (See Live Forever Book page 193),1 Pet. 3:20; Eph. 4:5;,Bobby Laymon,Make Jehovah Your Confidence,70,,,
"Religion, Worship, God, Jehovah, Bible, Authority,",A weak foundation means a weak building. is strong authority. Religion's authority: Tradition; men long dead are laying their 'dead hand' on the living.,"In religion a weak authority means a weak foundation. The Bible Psychology: tries to explain why people act, think and feel. Science theories; Human Philosophies;",2 Tim. 3:16;,"Apr 22, 1964 Aw Page 7-10",Respect For Authority Is A Safeguard For You,12,,,
"Religion, Worship, Intelligence, Forever, Thoughts,","Even primitive tribes have their religion; but what is the religion of, say, a dog or an ape?",Man was obviously made to think and reason on a plane far above animals. He has a moral sense and appreciation of spiritual values that animals lack.,Ge 1:27;,W84 8/15 5,Religion's Time Of Judgment,83,,1994/05/13,
"Religion, Worship, Needs,","YOU NEED FOOD. You need water. You need air. You need some measure of shelter and protection from the elements. These are needs not only of every human but also of countless billions of other living creatures on this planet. There is one need, however, that is unique to humans. What is it?","Canadian sociologist Reginald W. Bibby wrote: 'People have needs that only religion can address' And in its February 2000 issue, the journal American Sociological Review printed contains an article that said: 'Spiritual concerns will probably always be part of the human outlook.'",John 17:3,"Apr 22, 2002 Aw Page 3",True Religion Meets The Needs Of Human Society.,94,,"Aug 7, 2002",
"Religion, Worship, Opium,","'Religion is the opium of the people.' Quote by Lenin, the father of Red Russia.  Quote: Karl Marx, German philosopher",Believed that religion was an invention of the Rulers to keep the masses in subjection.,Rev. 17:9-14,"Jun 22, 1964 Aw Page 9  Also, Dec 1, 1991 Wt Page 3",True Religion Meets The Needs Of Human Society.,94,,,
Religion;,'Religion is what keeps the poor from murdering the rich.'  Quote:  Napoleon.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Religion;,"'You will be careful, if you are wise, now you touch men's religion, or credit, or eyes.'  Quote:  Bf.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Religion; Christianity; Hypocrisy;,'A religion that would be small enough for our understanding would not be large enough for our needs.'  Quote:  Arthur Balfour.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Religion; Christianity; Hypocrisy;,"'All denominations of Christians have really little difference in point of doctrine, though they may differ widely in external forms.'  Quote:  Samuel Johnson.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Religion; Christianity; Hypocrisy;,"'Every man, either to his terror or consolation, has some sense of religion.'  Quote:  James Harrington.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Religion; Christianity; Hypocrisy;,'Every religion is good that teachers man to be good.' Quote:  Thomas Paine,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Religion; Christianity; Hypocrisy;,'I have asked you for a moral and spiritual restoration in the land and give thanks that in Thy sovereignty thou hast permitted Richard M. Nixon to lead us at this momentous hour of our history.'  Quote:  Billy Graham cracker.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Religion; Christianity; Hypocrisy;,"'Measure not men by Sundays, without regarding what they do all the week after.' Quote: Thomas Fuller",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Religion; Christianity; Hypocrisy;,'Religion is caught not taught.'  Quote:  Dean Inge.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Religion; Christianity; Hypocrisy;,'Religious difference is not nearly as serious as religious indifference.'  Quote:  Agnes Dawson.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Religion; Christianity; Hypocrisy; Truth;,"'If the work of God could be comprehended by reason, it would no longer be wonderful, and faith would have no merit if reason provided proof.'  Quote:  Poop Gregory I.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Religion; Christianity; Hypocrisy; Truth;,'Irreligious men are often suited for godly missions.'  Quote:  Hasidic Saying.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Religion; Christianity; Hypocrisy; Truth;,"'When a man is freed of religion, he has a better chance to live a normal and wholesome life.' Quote:  Sigmund Puke Freud",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Religion; Christianity; Hypocrisy; Truth;,Religion: discovering truth and believing it.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Religion; Clergy; Hypocrisy;,'A bad man is worse when he pretends to be a Saint.'  Quote:  Francis Bacon.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Religion; Clergy; Hypocrisy;,'A man is accepted into a church for what he believes and turned out for what he knows.'  Quote:  Mt.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Religion; Clergy; Hypocrisy;,"'Even religion is concerned about productivity. One church now has an Express Confession, for people with eight sins or less.'  Quote:  Bob Orben.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Religion; Clergy; Hypocrisy;,'I found Christ while watching Monday Night Football.' Quote:  Terry Bradshaw,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Religion; Clergy; Hypocrisy;,'Most of my friends are not Christians but I have some that are Anglicans or Roman Catholics.'  Quote:  Dame Rose Mccally.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Religion; Clergy; Hypocrisy;,"'Most people have some form of religion, at least they know which church they're staying away from.'  Quote:  J. Erskine.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Religion; Clergy; Hypocrisy;,'One religion is as true as another.'  Quote:  Robert Burton.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Religion; Clergy; Hypocrisy;,'Religion is all bunk.' Quote:  Tae,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Religion; Clergy; Hypocrisy;,'Religiously indifferent adults do not generally have zealous and responsive children.' Quote: 11/8/89 G. P 22.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Religion; Clergy; Hypocrisy;,'The best of all the preachers are the men who live their creeds.'  Quote:  Edgar Guest.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Religion; Clergy; Hypocrisy;,'The threat of a neglected cold is for doctors what the threat of purgatory is for the priests.......a gold mine.'  Quote:  Nicholas Chamfort.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Religion; Clergy; Hypocrisy;,'There is nothing so fatal to religion as indifference.'  Quote:  Edmund Burke.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Religion; Clergy; Hypocrisy;,Religion: Insurance in this world against fire in the next.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Religion; Faith; Truth;,'Religion: a great perhaps.'  Quote:  Francois Rabelais.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Religion; Hypocrisy;,'Being a Episcopalian interferes neither with my business nor my religion.'  Quote:  John Bangs.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Religion; Hypocrisy;,'Most of us spend the first six days of each week sowing wild oats; then we go to church on Sunday and pray for a crop failure.'  Quote:  Fred Allen.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Religion; Hypocrisy;,"'You can change your faith without changing Gods, and vice versa.'  Quote:  Stanislaw Lec.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Religion; Hypocrisy; Clergy;,'Bad herdsman ruin their flocks.'  Quote:  Homer.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Religion; Hypocrisy; Clergy;,'It is the test of a good religion whether you can joke about it.'  Quote:  G .K. Chesterton.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Religion; Hypocrisy; Clergy;,"'So far as religion of the day is concerned, it is dammed fake. Religion is all bunk.' Quote:  Tae",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Religion; Hypocrisy; Clergy;,'The church has always been willing to swap off treasures in heaven for cash down.'  Quote:  Robert Green Ingersoll.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Religion; Hypocrisy; Clergy;,'The worst scoundrels make the best preachers.'  Quote:  German.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Religion; Hypocrisy; Clergy;,'Things that re holy are revealed only to men who are holy.'  Quote:  Hippocrates.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Religion; Hypocrisy; Clergy;,No penny no pardon.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Religion; Hypocrisy; Clergy;,No penny no paternoster. (priest will not do duties without payment),,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Religion; Hypocrisy; Clergy;,The devil gets up to the belfry by the vicar's skirts.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Religion; Hypocrisy; Clergy; Christendom; Christian;,'A good schoolmaster is worth a thousand priests.'  Quote:  Robert Ingersol.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Religion; Hypocrisy; Clergy; Christendom; Christian;,'Christianity is a battle not a dream.' Quote:  Wendell Phillips,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Religion; Hypocrisy; Clergy; Christendom; Christian;,"'Don't be agnostic, be something.'  Quote:  Robert Frost.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Religion; Hypocrisy; Clergy; Christendom; Christian;,"'Hood an ass with reverend purple, so you can hide his two ambitious ears and he shall pass for a cathedral doctor.'  Quote:  Ben Johnson.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Religion; Hypocrisy; Clergy; Christendom; Christian;,"'If men are so wicked with religion, what would they be without it?'  Quote:  Bf.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Religion; Hypocrisy; Clergy; Christendom; Christian;,"'If you want to see black-hearted people, look among those who never miss their prayers.'  Quote:  Chinese.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Religion; Hypocrisy; Clergy; Christendom; Christian;,'Many have quarreled about religion who have never practiced it.'  Quote:  Bf.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Religion; Hypocrisy; Clergy; Christendom; Christian;,'Men never do evil so completely and cheerfully as when they do it form religious conviction.'  Quote:  Parmenides Of Elea 485 B.C..,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Religion; Hypocrisy; Clergy; Christendom; Christian;,"'Most people are bothered by those passages of Scripture they do not understand, but the passages that bother me are those I do understand.'  Quote:  Mt.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Religion; Hypocrisy; Clergy; Christendom; Christian;,'Nobody talks so constantly about God as those who insist that there is no God.'  Quote:  Heywood Brown.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Religion; Hypocrisy; Clergy; Christendom; Christian;,"'Our hope of immortality does not come from any religions, but nearly all religions come from that hope.'  Quote:  Robert Ingersol.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Religion; Hypocrisy; Clergy; Christendom; Christian;,'Praise the Lord and pass the ammunition.'  Quote:  Howell Foggy-Chaplin On The Cruiser New Orleans During Pear.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Religion; Hypocrisy; Clergy; Christendom; Christian;,"'Prisons are built with stones of law, brothels with bricks of religion.' Quote: W. Lake",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Religion; Hypocrisy; Clergy; Christendom; Christian;,'The church is always trying to get other people to reform; it might not be a bad idea to reform itself.'  Quote:  Mt.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Religion; Hypocrisy; Clergy; Christendom; Christian;,'The devil lurks behind the cross.' Quote:  Spanish,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Religion; Hypocrisy; Clergy; Christendom; Christian;,'The trouble with some of us is that we have been inoculated with small doses of Christianity which keeps us from catching the real thing.'  Quote:  Leslie Weather head.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Religion; Hypocrisy; Clergy; Christendom; Christian;,'There is no wild beast so ferocious as Christians who differ concerning their faith.' Quote: William Lecky,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Religion; Hypocrisy; Clergy; Christendom; Christian;,"'To swallow and follow, whether old doctrine or new propaganda, is a weakness still dominating the human mind.'  Quote:  Charlotte Gilbert.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Religion; Hypocrisy; Clergy; Christendom; Christian;,'Whatever you are be a good one.'  Quote:  Al.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Religion; Hypocrisy; Clergy; Christendom; Christian;,"'Whenever God erects a house of prayer, the devil always builds a chapel there, and twill be found upon examination, the latter has the largest congregation.'  Quote:  Dan Defoe.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Religion; Hypocrisy; Clergy; Christendom; Christian;,"A honey tongue, a heart of gall.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Religion; Hypocrisy; Clergy; Christendom; Christian;,Bells call others but themselves enter not into the church.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Religion; Hypocrisy; Clergy; Christendom; Christian;,Fine words dress ill deeds.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Religion; Hypocrisy; Clergy; Christendom; Christian;,Paul's will not always stand. (St. Paul's Cathedral-London.),,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Religion; Hypocrisy; Clergy; Christendom; Christian;,Scratch the Christian and you find a pagan spoiled.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Religion; Hypocrisy; Clergy; Christendom; Christian;,The friar preached against stealing and had a goose up his sleeve.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Religion; Hypocrisy; Clergy; Christendom; Christian;,The nearer the Church the farther from God.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Religion; Hypocrisy; Clergy; Christian;,'A Christian is a man who feels repentance on Sunday for what he did no Saturday and is going to do on Monday.' Quote:  Thomas Ybarra,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Religion; Hypocrisy; Clergy; Christian;,'The true Christian in all countries is a pilgrim and a stranger.'  Quote:  G. Santana.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Religion; Hypocrisy; Clergy; Christian;,'To die for a religion is easier than to live it absolutely.'  Quote:  Jorge Luis Borges.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Religion; Hypocrisy; Clergy; Worship; Christian; Christendom;,'A religion without mystery must be a religion without God.'  Quote:  Jeremy Taylor.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Religion; Hypocrisy; Clergy; Worship; Christian; Christendom;,'A true Christian never questions what he has been told to believe.'  Quote:  S. R. Chamfort.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Religion; Hypocrisy; Clergy; Worship; Christian; Christendom;,'All religions are founded on the fear of the many and the cleverness of the few.'  Quote:  M. H. Berle.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Religion; Hypocrisy; Clergy; Worship; Christian; Christendom;,"'And if in the bottom of Pandora's box Christianity were to be found, my word I should not be surprised.'  Quote:  George Moore.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Religion; Hypocrisy; Clergy; Worship; Christian; Christendom;,'Being an Episcopalian interferes neither with my business or my religion.'  Quote:  J. Bangs.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Religion; Hypocrisy; Clergy; Worship; Christian; Christendom;,"'Christianity is a missionary religion, converting, advancing aggressive, encompassing the world; a non-missionary church is the bands of death.'  Quote:  Fred Muller.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Religion; Hypocrisy; Clergy; Worship; Christian; Christendom;,"'Christianity might be a good thing, if anyone ever tried it.'  Quote:  Gbs.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Religion; Hypocrisy; Clergy; Worship; Christian; Christendom;,'Christians and camels receive their burdens kneeling down.'  Quote:  Ab.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Religion; Hypocrisy; Clergy; Worship; Christian; Christendom;,"'Christians have burned each other, quite persuaded, that all the apostles, would have done as they did.'  Quote:  Lord Byron.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Religion; Hypocrisy; Clergy; Worship; Christian; Christendom;,"'Don't stay away from church because there are so many hypocrites, there's always room for one more.'  Quote:  R. Adams.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Religion; Hypocrisy; Clergy; Worship; Christian; Christendom;,'Every day people are staying away from church and going back to God.'  Quote:  L. Bruce.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Religion; Hypocrisy; Clergy; Worship; Christian; Christendom;,"'Every Stoic was a Stoic; but in Christendom, where is the Christian?'  Quote:  Rwe.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Religion; Hypocrisy; Clergy; Worship; Christian; Christendom;,"'For 2,000 years Christianity has been telling us; life is death and death is life; it is high time to consult the dictionary.'  Quote:  Remy Gourmont.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Religion; Hypocrisy; Clergy; Worship; Christian; Christendom;,"'Give me chastity and self-restraint, but do not give it yet.' Quote:  St. Augustine",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Religion; Hypocrisy; Clergy; Worship; Christian; Christendom;,'Give the clergy your sympathy; don't give them anything else.'  Quote:  B. Joliette.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Religion; Hypocrisy; Clergy; Worship; Christian; Christendom;,'Going to church doesn't make you a Christian any more than going to the garage makes you a car.'  Quote:  L. Peter.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Religion; Hypocrisy; Clergy; Worship; Christian; Christendom;,'He who is near to the church is often far from God.'  Quote:  French.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Religion; Hypocrisy; Clergy; Worship; Christian; Christendom;,'I have not read much of anything else lately except the gospel of St. John.....the popular interpretation of Christianity makes me sick.'  Quote:  Edward Robinson.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Religion; Hypocrisy; Clergy; Worship; Christian; Christendom;,"'I was brought up in a clergyman's household, so I am a first-class liar.' Quote:  Sybil Thorndike",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Religion; Hypocrisy; Clergy; Worship; Christian; Christendom;,"'If a man cannot be a Christian in the place where he is, he cannot be a Christian anywhere.'  Quote:  Hwb.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Religion; Hypocrisy; Clergy; Worship; Christian; Christendom;,'If the thunder is not loud the peasant forgets to cross himself.'  Quote:  Russian.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Religion; Hypocrisy; Clergy; Worship; Christian; Christendom;,"'If there is no hell, a good many preachers are obtaining money under false pretenses.'  Quote:  Billy Sunday.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Religion; Hypocrisy; Clergy; Worship; Christian; Christendom;,"'In all ages hypocrites called priests, have put crowns upon the heads of thieves, called hings.'  Quote:  R. Ingersoll 1884.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Religion; Hypocrisy; Clergy; Worship; Christian; Christendom;,"'Its an interesting view of atheism, as a sort of crutch for those who can't stand the reality of God.' Quote:  Tom Stoppard",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Religion; Hypocrisy; Clergy; Worship; Christian; Christendom;,"'Men will wrangle for religion, write for it, fight for it, die for it, anything but live for it.'  Quote:  Charles Colton.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Religion; Hypocrisy; Clergy; Worship; Christian; Christendom;,"'Most people wish to serve God, but in a n advisory capacity only.' Quote:  Sunday Express",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Religion; Hypocrisy; Clergy; Worship; Christian; Christendom;,'Never put your corn to dry in front of the door of the man of prayer.' Quote:  Spanish,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Religion; Hypocrisy; Clergy; Worship; Christian; Christendom;,'Nothing is lasting that is feigned.'  Quote:  English.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Religion; Hypocrisy; Clergy; Worship; Christian; Christendom;,'One should not go into churches if one wants to breathe pure air.'  Quote:  Nietzsche.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Religion; Hypocrisy; Clergy; Worship; Christian; Christendom;,"'Science without religion is lame, religion without science is blind.'  Quote:  Albert Einstein.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Religion; Hypocrisy; Clergy; Worship; Christian; Christendom;,'Scratch the Christian and you find the pagan....spoiled.'  Quote:  Israel Angwill.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Religion; Hypocrisy; Clergy; Worship; Christian; Christendom;,'That old law about and eye for an eye leaves everybody blind.'  Quote:  Mlk.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Religion; Hypocrisy; Clergy; Worship; Christian; Christendom;,'The church has always been willing to trade off treasures in heaven for cash down.'  Quote:  Robert Ingersoll.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Religion; Hypocrisy; Clergy; Worship; Christian; Christendom;,'The clergyman is expected to be kind of a human Sunday.'  Quote:  S. Butler.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Religion; Hypocrisy; Clergy; Worship; Christian; Christendom;,'The first time I shook hands with Oral Roberts my whole right side went sober.'  Quote:  Phil Harris.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Religion; Hypocrisy; Clergy; Worship; Christian; Christendom;,'The last Christian died on the Cross.'  Quote:  R. W. Nietzsche.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Religion; Hypocrisy; Clergy; Worship; Christian; Christendom;,"'The trouble ain't that people are ignorant, its that they know so much that ain't so.'  Quote:  Josh Billings.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Religion; Hypocrisy; Clergy; Worship; Christian; Christendom;,'The worst blow mankind ever experienced was the introduction of Christianity.'  Quote:  Adolph Hitler.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Religion; Hypocrisy; Clergy; Worship; Christian; Christendom;,"'There are 200 million poor in the world who would gladly take the vow of poverty if they could eat, dress and have a home like I do.'  Quote:  Bishop Fulton Sheen.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Religion; Hypocrisy; Clergy; Worship; Christian; Christendom;,'There are many persons who look on Sunday as a sponge to wipe out the sins of the week.'  Quote:  Hwb.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Religion; Hypocrisy; Clergy; Worship; Christian; Christendom;,'There are many preachers who don't hear themselves.'  Quote:  German.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Religion; Hypocrisy; Clergy; Worship; Christian; Christendom;,'There can be no happiness if the things we believe in are different from the things we do.'  Quote:  F. Stark.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Religion; Hypocrisy; Clergy; Worship; Christian; Christendom;,'There is nothing in Christianity or Buddhism that quite matches the sympathetic unselfishness of an oyster.'  Quote:  H. H. Munro.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Religion; Hypocrisy; Clergy; Worship; Christian; Christendom;,'They are not all saints that use holy water.'  Quote:  English.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Religion; Hypocrisy; Clergy; Worship; Christian; Christendom;,"'Too many of us hear without heeding, read without responding, confess without changing, profess without practicing, worship without witnessing, and seek without sharing.'  Quote:  Arthur Ward.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Religion; Hypocrisy; Clergy; Worship; Christian; Christendom;,'Watch the faces of those who bow low.'  Quote:  Polish.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Religion; Hypocrisy; Clergy; Worship; Christian; Christendom;,"'We have just enough religion to make us hate, but not enough to make us love one another.'  Quote:  J. Swift.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Religion; Hypocrisy; Clergy; Worship; Christian; Christendom;,'What a blessed piece of hypocrisy it is to smile when one does not feel like it.'  Quote:  J. A. Holmes.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Religion; Hypocrisy; Clergy; Worship; Christian; Christendom;,'What religion is he? He is an Anythingarian.'  Quote:  J. Swift.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Religion; Hypocrisy; Clergy; Worship; Christian; Christendom;,'What you do speaks so loudly that I cannot hear what you say.'  Quote:  Rwe.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Religion; Hypocrisy; Clergy; Worship; Christian; Christendom;,A man without religion is like a fish without a bicycle.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Religion; Hypocrisy; Clergy; Worship; Christian; Christendom;,A man without religion is like a horse without a bridle.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Religion; Hypocrisy; Clergy; Worship; Christian; Christendom;,"Attend Your Church, the parson cries: To church each fair one goes; the old go there to close their eyes, the young to eye their clothes.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Religion; Hypocrisy; Clergy; Worship; Christian; Christendom;,He that will enter into Paradise must have a good key.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Religion; Hypocrisy; Clergy; Worship; Christian; Christendom;,It is easier to fight for one's principles than to live up to them.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Religion; Hypocrisy; Clergy; Worship; Christian; Christendom;,Pretended holiness is double iniquity.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Religion; Hypocrisy; Clergy; Worship; Christian; Christendom;,Religion is the last refuge of human savagery.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Religion; Hypocrisy; Clergy; Worship; Christian; Christendom;,The greatest service that could be rendered the Christian peoples would be to convert them to Christianity.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Religion; Hypocrisy; Clergy; Worship; Christian; Christendom;,The notion of the Trinity of Gods has enfeebled the belief in one God. A multiplication of beliefs acts as a division of belief; and in proportion as anything is divided it is weakened.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Religion; Hypocrisy; Clergy; Worship; Christian; Christendom;,The wicked fears God only when it thunders.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Religion; Hypocrisy; Clergy; Worship; Christian; Christendom;,There is not even enough religion in the world to destroy the world's religions.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Religion; Hypocrisy; Clergy; Worship; Christian; Christendom;,"We use religion like a trolley-car, we ride on it only while it is going our way.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Religion; Hypocrisy; Clergy; Worship; Christian; Christendom;,When the fox preaches beware of your geese.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Religion; Hypocrisy; Clergy; Worship; Christian; Christendom; Agnostic;,'Agnosticism is the philosophical dry rot of the modern world.'  Quote:  F. Abbot.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Religion; Hypocrisy; Clergy; Worship; Christian; Christendom; Agnostic; Atheist;,'Atheism is rather in the life than in the heart of man.'  Quote:  Francis Bacon.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Religion; Hypocrisy; Clergy; Worship; Christian; Christendom; Funny,"'If I was two-faced, would I be using this one?'  Quote:  Al.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Religion; Hypocrisy; Clergy; Worship; Christian; Christendom; Pride;,Oh for a pin that would puncture pretension.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Religions,"Crumbled into many sects & denominations 270 new ones daily, 5 per week","20,780 distinct denominations",Eph 4:13,"Sept 8, 1989 Awake  Page 25",Religion's Time Of Judgment,83,,,
Religions,"Large family, but don't speak to each other",Christendom,1co 13:1-3;,"Sept 8, 1989 Awake  Page 26",Religion's Time Of Judgment,83,,,
Religions,"Owned all stores in town, except one.",Satan owns all religions except one,1 Cor 14:33   Genesis 2:9; 3:17-19,"Sept 8, 1989 Awake  Page 26",Religion's Time Of Judgment,83,,,
Religions,Trailed blood across the earth,Many wars kindled by religion,Rev 18,"Sept 8, 1989 Awake  Page 27",Religion's Time Of Judgment,83,,,
"Religious Freedom, Security,","Freedom of religion is like part of the foundation of a building.  Other freedoms--civil, political, cultural, and economic--are built upon it.","If the foundation is undermined, the whole edifice suffers.  If other freedoms are to be protected, religious freedom needs to be safeguarded first.",Acts 24:10-13;,"Jan 8, 1999 Aw Page 5",Slave For The Master Of The Harvest,66,,1998/12/14,
Religion; Hypocrisy; Clergy;,'A clergyman is one who feels himself called upon to live without working at the expense of the rascals who work to live.' Quote:  Voltaire,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Religion; Hypocrisy; Clergy;,'A Sunday school is a prison in which children do penance for the evil conscience of their parents.'  Quote:  Mencken.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Religion; Hypocrisy; Clergy;,'It was as necessary to me as honey to the bee or hell to the Christians.'  Quote:  Mencken.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Remedy, Cure, Kingdom,",'There are some remedies worse than the disease.' Quote: Publilius Syrus.,"The real remedy will come from Jehovah, not man or his institutions.",Ps 3:8; Jer 10:23;,Bobby Laymon,Coping With Life's Anxieties,32,,1995/07/09,
"Remembering, Memory, Writing,",'Remembering is a dream that comes in waves.'  Quote: Helga Sandburg.,Memory cannot always be depended upon.,Exodus 34:1;,Bobby Laymon - Reader's Digest.,,,,1996/03/13,
"Reminders, Improvement, Progress, Growth, Focus, Balance,",You sisters:  Would you take your glasses off to put on your makeup?  It could be dangerous.,"Likewise, we need to keep in focus spiritually.",Jas 1:22-24;,Frank Barr  C.O.,Never Become Dull In Your Hearing,9,,1994/03/20,
"Reminders, Improvement, Progress, Growth, Focus, Balance, Blind,","Do you have a blind spot.  Cars sometimes have a 'blind spot' that can be dangerous.  Smokers have a blind spot.  400,000 die in the U.S. each year because of tobacco and yet they keep on smoking.",We could have a blind spot.  We may not see ourselves as Jehovah sees us.  We forget what Jehovah says.  We need reminders.  We forget the consequences of 'reaping.',"Gal 6:7, 8;",Frank Barr  C.O.,You Will Reap What You Sow,59,,1994/03/20,
"Reminders, Improvement, Progress, Growth, Focus, Balance, Humble,",Do you know of any organization on earth today that tells you to be humble?  I don't know of any other.,Jehovah's organization teaches us and continually reminds us to be humble.,Ps 19:7,Frank Barr  C.O.,Never Become Dull In Your Hearing,9,,1994/03/20,
"Reminders, Laws, Circuit Needs, Profile,","Prisons keep a profile on criminals to tell how they operate; their personality traits, etc.",What if Jehovah keeps a profile on you?  How would it read?  Would it show some of the qualities mentioned in James?,James 1:22-24;,Frank Barr,Never Become Dull In Your Hearing,9,,1994/03/20,
"Reminders, Principles, Standards, Zeal,","We are like 'leaky vessels!'  A leaky vessel must continue to be refreshed, or else it will be an 'empty vessel.'",We need reminders to keep us thinking and acting according to Jehovah's way.,2 Pe 3:4;,Mel Hollinger,A Cleansed Earth--will You Live To See It?,49,,,
"Remnant, 144,000, Remaining Ones,","Bolt of cloth, what is left over is called a remnant.","Remaining ones of 144,000 properly called remnant.",Isa. 10:20; 37:31,Bobby Laymon,,,,,
"Remnant, 144,000, Remaining Ones,",Definition of remnant 'The true servants of Jehovah.' Dictionary of 1902 by Mariano Velazquez da la Cadena. A New dictionary of the Spanish and English languages.,Information only.,Isa. 10:20; 37:31,"Dec 1, 1963 Wt Page 744",,,,,
Repentance,'Fruits that befit repentance.' What are these fruits: About face or 'turn around' Acts 3:19 Witnessing about God's name & kingdom. Rom. 10:10,Very apparent that there is no such thing as 'death-bed' repentant Forgiving others. Matt. 6:12; 18:22,Luke 3:8; Jas. 2:26,"Jul 1, 1960 Wt Page 399",How Purposeful Is Your Life?,60,,,
Repentance,Barren Fig Tree,For 3 years Jesus preached to Jews & they remained unfruitful,Luke 13:6-9,Jesus,How Purposeful Is Your Life?,60,,,
Repentance,Caught red-handed; blood on hands.,Keep 'clean from the blood of all men.',"Acts 20:25, 26","Nov 1, 1959 Wt Page 650",How Purposeful Is Your Life?,60,,,
Repentance,More endurable for Sodom (suffered everlasting destruction) than Corazon Jesus used hyperbole,We too are in judgment period (time to die  Eccles 3:),Luke 10:12-15,Jesus,How Purposeful Is Your Life?,60,,,
Repentance,Winnowing shovel; in hand to clean up threshing floor,Urgent to live up to dedication,Luke 3:17,John The Baptizer,How Purposeful Is Your Life?,60,,,
"Repentance, Government, Crime, Prisons, Kingdom, Punishment, Remorse, Honesty, Disfellowshipped,",In times past prisons were called penitentiaries because those sent there were supposed to become penitent.  Meaning: feeling of remorse; expressing sorrow for misdeeds and sins.  But now they are letting them back onto the streets.  There is no remorse;  They go out and commit greater crimes.    (penùiùtenùtiaùry)  A prison for those convicted of major crimes.  Some called 'reform schools.'  No longer reform people.,"Our Kingdom government is different.  When individuals are disfellowshipped, we do not let them back in until they are no longer a threat to society.","Ps 72:7, 8;",Don Mendenhall D.O.,Respect For Authority Is A Safeguard For You,12,,1994/03/07,
"Repentance, Mercy, Cities Of Refuge, Bloodguilty, wickedness, ","Jewish tradition informs us that the roads to the cities of refuge were made very broad and even, so that there would be no impediments in the way, and they were constantly kept in good repair.","Jehovah is a God of Mercy and Justice. He does not desire any to be destroyed.  Yet, no ransom for the bloodguilty.","2 Pet. 3:9; Numbers. 35:11-34; Deuteronomy. 19:1-3, 8-10;","May 15, 1973 Wt Page 304","Mercy, A Dominant Quality Of True Christians",7,,,4/1/2014
"Repentance, Pride, Self, Humility, Foolish, Mistake, Opinions,","'THE foolish and the dead alone never change their opinion.' At least, so said writer J. R. Lowell.","Be that as it may, it is a very common human failing to stick to an opinion unreasonably or to refuse to admit when we are wrong.",Prov 16:18;,W78 8/1 3,"Living, Not For Self, But To Do God's Will",8,,1994/09/13,
Repentance-urgent,Ax already at root of tree,"Produce fruit, or get chopped down","Luke 3:9, 9",John The Baptizer,How Purposeful Is Your Life?,60,,,
Repentance;,'True repentance is to cease from sinning.'  Quote:  Ambrose Of Milan.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Repentance;,'Confession is good for the soul only in the sense that a tweed coat is good for dandruff- it is a palliative rather than a remedy.'  Quote:  Peter De Vries.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Repentance;,"'He reminds me of the man who murdered both his parents and then when the sentence was about to be pronounced, pleaded for mercy on the grounds that he was an orphan.'  Quote:  Al.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Repentance;,"'No matter how far you have gone on a wrong road, turn back.' Quote:  Turkish",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Repentance;,"The thief is sorry he is to be hanged, not that he is a thief.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Repentance; Change;,'Confession of our faults is the next thing to innocence.' Quote:  Syrus,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Repentance; Change;,'It is foolish to lay out money for the purchase of repentance.'  Quote:  Bf.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Repentance; Change;,"Though no one can go back and make a brand new start my friend, anyone can start form now and make a brand new end.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Repentance; Change;,"Your mind, put your mental machinery in order and good health will follow automatically.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Reporting, Time, Regularity, Obedience,","I figure most people here go to the doctor or dentist on regular bases. Once a year maybe twice a year.  It is a good thing to do. Because as we are learning preventive care is very important.  Because they are able to catch problems far enough in time they can help treat it, even prevent it from in time becoming a life threatening problem.",In a spiritual sense it is much like a regular reporting of our field activity for the months.,Ezek. 9:11;,Jim Kinkade,Serve Jehovah With A Joyful Heart,78,,"Oct 30, 2001",
Reproach; Persecution; Theophilus; Witnesses; Endurance;,"'You call me a Christian, as if this were a damning name to bear, I, for my part, avow that I am a Christian, and bear this name beloved of God, hoping to be serviceable to God.'  Quote: Theophilus of Antioch.","Jehovah's Witnesses, likewise bear reproach, and are spoken of badly, but continue in service to Jehovah.","Acts 11:20, 21;","Mar 15, 1996 Wt Page 28;",,,,1996/02/19,
"Reproduction, Wife, Husband, Family, Children, Pain, Suffer, Groaning,","'If nature had arranged that husbands and wives should have children alternatively, there would never be more than three in a family.' Quote: -Laurence Houseman.","Due to the sin of the first couple, great pain is experienced in childbirth.",Ge 3:16;,Bobby Laymon,God Comes First In Successful Family Life,110,,1995/08/25,
"Reproduction, Wife, Husband, Family, Children, Pain, Suffer, Groaning, Twins,","'There is [sic] two things in life for which we are never fully prepared, and that is--twins.' Quote: -Josh Billings.","Children, regardless whether they are twin or not, are a large responsibility.  Yet they are a large reward, when properly instructed.",2 Tim 3:15;,Bobby Laymon,Responsibilities And Rewards Of Parenthood,29,,1995/08/25,
"Reputation, Character, Know, Name,",'Reputation is what men and women think of us; character is what God and angels know of us.'  Paine (1737-1809),"We must strive to build a good standing with Jehovah, to have our names inscribed on the 'book of life.'",Eccl 7:1; Re 3:5;,Wisdom Of The Ages,How Well Do You Know God?,1,,,
"Reputation, Character, Know, Name, Personality,",'Character is not cut in marble; it is not something solid and unalterable.  It is something living and changing...' Quote: George Eliot (1819-1880),We must constantly strive to put on the 'new personality.',"Eph. 4:22, 23; Eccl 7:1; Re 3:5;",Wisdom Of The Ages,How Well Do You Know God?,1,,,
"Reputation, Name,",A man's name to him is the sweetest sound in any language.,"Let us keep it sweet, by actions.",Eccl. 7:1; Mal. 3:16; Ps. 72:17; Rev. 22:4; Rev. 3:5;,Bobby Laymon,What Kind Of Name Are You Making With God?,55,,,
"Reputation, Name,","It's better to lose your reputation for awhile, than to lose your self-respect.",A good reputation will outlive lies.,Eccl. 7:1; Mal. 3:16; Ps. 72:17; Rev. 22:4; Rev. 3:5;,Bobby Laymon,What Kind Of Name Are You Making With God?,55,,,
"Reputation, Name, Boast, Talks,",Every ass loves to hear himself bray.,We must be on guard regarding our motives.,Eccl. 7:1; Mal. 3:16; Ps. 72:17; Rev. 22:4; Rev. 3:5;,Bobby Laymon,What Kind Of Name Are You Making With God?,55,,,
"Reputation, Name, Conscience,",Never free a caged tiger. Must stay within bounds of God's Word and conscience.,"Those sinning against conscience, can do irreparable damage.",Eccl. 7:1; Mal. 3:16; Ps. 72:17; Rev. 22:4; Rev. 3:5;,Bobby Laymon,Hold A Good Conscience In A Sinful World,107,,,
"Reputation, Name, Creation,",A weed is no more than a flower in disguise.,Jehovah made all things 'pretty in its time.',Eccl. 3:11;,Bobby Laymon,Appreciating Marvels Of God's Creation,114,,,
"Reputation, Name, Prejudice, Partial,",A rose by any other name would smell as sweet.,Avoid making partial distinctions.,Eccl. 7:1; Mal. 3:16; Ps. 72:17; Rev. 22:4; Rev. 3:5;,Bobby Laymon,What Kind Of Name Are You Making With God?,55,,,
Reputation;,'Associate with men of good quality if you esteem your own is reputation; for it is better to be alone than in bad company.'  Quote:  Gw.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Reputation;,'Many a man's reputation would not know his character if they met on the street.'  Quote:  Eh.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Reputation; Conduct;,'The reputation of a thousand years may be determined by the conduct of one hour.'  Quote:  Japanese Proverb.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,J,,1/21/2025
Reputation; Honor;,"'The louder he talked of his honor, the faster we counted our spoons.'  Quote:  Rwe.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Reputation; Industrious;,"'Many a person gets a reputation for being energetic when, in truth, he is just fidgety.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Research, Talks, Preparation,","After wheat is harvested, the grain needs to be removed from the chaff.","So it is with the fruitage of your research.  Before it is ready for use, you need to separate what is valuable from what is superfluous.",John 17:17,Benefit  Page 38,,,,"Mar 13, 2002",
Resentment,"Depriving self of life's beauty, sunshine, preferring to stand in dark shadow of disturbed mental attitude. Cain; Esau; Joseph's ten half brothers; Saul all harbored resent Actually playing God.","Grudge; causes one to toss away contentment. stifles tenderness, compassion, affection & mercy dwells on the injury, going over it again and again","Genesis. 4:3-8; 27:41; 37:19, 20  1 Sam. 20:31","Mar 22, 1959 Aw Page 3, 4",Do You Harbor Resentment Or Do You Forgive?,68,,,
"Resentment, Anger, Hatred,","Display stuffed cat.  Explain: Husband runs over his wife's cat and kills it.  She responds, 'I know you did that on purpose.'  She is very angry!  However, they agree to bury the cat.  A few months later, something entirely different upsets her and she responds, 'And you killed my cat, too!'  Pull out dead cat, or what's left of it.  A year or so later, something else happens regarding money.  She again mentions the cat.  Dug up what is left.","The point is:  Is she harboring resentment, or is she being forgiving.  What about us.  How many times do we keep digging up a dead cat?  Each time it smells worse.","John 13:34, 35;",Bobby Laymon,Do You Harbor Resentment Or Do You Forgive?,68,,1994/06/13,
"Resentment, Curses, Grudges, Complaint, Mummer, Gossip,","'Curses are like young chickens, they always come home to roost.'  Quote: Robert Southey.  [1810].","Hatred will come home to us.  We need to regulate our thinking and conduct by love.  Ignoring law of love leads to treating others on fleshly basis, resulting in hatred and contentions.","Ga 5:14, 15, 26;",Bobby Laymon,You Will Reap What You Sow,59,,1995/07/18,
"Resentment, Forgiveness, Grudge, Bitter, Life,",'The fire which seems extinguished often slumbers beneath the ashes.' Quote: Pierre Corneille. [1644].,"Remaining angry because of the sin of another breaks down human relationships, 'stirs up contention'.  It is like a fire that is still smoldering.",Pr 29:22;,Bobby Laymon,Do You Harbor Resentment Or Do You Forgive?,68,,1995/07/14,
"Resentment, Forgiveness, Harbor,","I had a neighbor, easy going type guy, who dearly loved cats.  One day, one of his cats darted across the street in front of me and, wham, I hit it and killed it instantly.  I felt bad, should I just hide it or tell him?  Well, I picked up the cat and carried it to his front door, rang the bell, he  opened it, and there I stood with his favorite cat lying dead in my hands.  I was at a loss for words and finally just said, 'I'm sorry that I hit your cat, he just came out of nowhere and......'  He looked at me, looked at the cat and said, I knew it had to happen one of these times, and what's done is done.  I offered to bury the animal, I even offered to find him another cat.  He said, No, this cat could never be replaced.  I told him that I was sick to my stomach, and he told me to just go my way and not think about it, what is done is behind us now,  just get on with your life and I will do the same.  I left, and after getting home, I watched as my neighbor took the cat, carried it out into the backyard, tenderly laid it on the grass, dug a little grave and carefully buried it, .....all except the tail??!!!  He returned to the house and that was that.  Days went by, weeks went by, a month went by, and when I would look over into his yard, there was that cat's tail on top of the ground, just as when he buried it.  Finally, I went over and knocked on his door and asked,  'I see you buried your cat in the backyard.  Is everything going OK for you since his death?  Yes, everything is fine. Life goes on you  know.  I then continued with, May I ask you a very personal question?  sure, I don't mind  well, I noticed that you buried everything except the cat's tail.  Is that a small reminder for you of your dear cat  yes, it is.  Here, let me show you why I did that.  He and I walked out to where the cat was buried. He then looked me square in the eyes and said, 'The next time you come over here and complain about some problem you have with me or the way that I live my life, I am going to reach down and grab that cat's tail and pull him up out of the ground and hold it up and say back to you, do you remember when you killed my cat      The brother went on to say, doesn't this present a most disgusting picture in your mind, brothers and sisters?","Well, this is what it is like every time we dig up the past and then wave it in the face of our brother or sister, husband, wife, child, or whoever.  What is done is done, it is buried, leave it in the ground, all of it!  Don't dig up the past, it hurts everyone, including the person digging it up, because it kindles old wounds.",Jas. 3:2,Marilyn Caicedo - Internet,Do You Harbor Resentment Or Do You Forgive?,68,,1998/07/25,
"Resentment, Forgiveness, Harbor,","Resentment is a heavy burden to carry in life.  It is like a heavy stone, or even a 'monkey on your back,' that is there constantly.","When we harbor it, it consumes our thought, robs us of peace, and stifles our joy.  Prolonged anger, like jealousy, can have a detrimental effect on our physical health.",Prov. 14:30;,"Dec 1, 1997 Wt Page 17",Do You Harbor Resentment Or Do You Forgive?,68,,1997/11/11,
"Resentment, Forgiveness, Harbor, Hurt,","Physical injuries may range from minor cuts to deep wounds, and not all require the same degree of attention.  A deep wound may heal over but there is a scar for life.  At least until the end of this system of things.","It is similar with injured feelings--some wounds are deeper than others.  When a wound is very deep, we may not succeed in completely erasing it from our mind, at least not in this system of things.  In time, however, we can forgive in the sense of ceasing to harbor resentment--not excusing what happened to them, but refusing to be consumed with anger.  Leaving the matter squarely in Jehovah's hands.",Rev. 21:4,"Dec 1, 1997 Wt Page 18,  20",Do You Harbor Resentment Or Do You Forgive?,68,,1997/11/11,
"Resentment, Government, Farmers, Satan,","Work at Cross-purposes. (Contrary to another purpose you have) Governments; lending to some, and win hatred of those oppressed. Farmer; avoid food surplus and let land lie idle. Farmer still farm productive land, and let poor land lie idle.",Many cross-purposes at work in modern society. Satan; too smart to work deliberately at cross-purposes with self. Matt. 12:26; Heb. 2:4;,Genesis. 3:1-19; 1 Tim. 2:14;,"May 22, 1962 Aw Page 3",How To Protect Ourselves From Satan's Snares,115,,,
"Resentment, Harbor, Forgiveness, Grudges","Harboring resentment can be likened to blowing up a balloon.  [have balloon with you, but not blown up] The more air you put in it the more pressure it puts on the inside, and the thinner the skin becomes.  When there is no air, the skin is thick and there is no danger of it's popping.","Harboring resentment is similar.  It puts pressure from within, and you become thin-skinned.  And anything the person does, that you are harboring resentment against, gets under your skin and causes more pressure.  Any of us can let ourselves be blown up like a balloon, or cause someone else to be blown up like a balloon.  'We are all sinners.'  Humans are inclined to minimize their own shortcomings, but blow others up like a balloon.  (Blow up and let out balloon as needed.)  Jehovah does not harbor resentment.  He does not get blown up.  He is not thin-skinned. (Stick with pin while not inflated, and nothing happens.  You no longer can blow it up. Showing that if we immediately let resentment out, there is no danger of bursting.)   (Blow up and let go; showing how we can fly off the handle.  Have another balloon handy, since you lost that one.)  Instead of going to person, they get puffed up, and go whining to other people.  (At this point, pinch the balloon's neck and make it whine, by letting air out.) Blow up balloon and it gets bigger and bigger and audience thinks it is going to pop. (At one point, you stick the balloon with a pin and burst it, showing what can happen when resentment gets so great)  Look at the size of this pin.  It is very small, but if we are harboring resentment, it doesn't take anything to blow us up, and it may blow us right out of the truth.  We simply must not allow resentment to grow;  we cannot become thin-skinned with our brothers.  The next time you feel yourself being blown up, STOP!",1 Co 13:1-8; Jas 3:2;,Johnse Laymon & Joe Laymon,Do You Harbor Resentment Or Do You Forgive?,68,,,
"Resentment, Joy, Grudge, Harbor, Bitter,","Resentment is a heavy burden to carry; it can consume our thoughts, robbing us of peace.","Waiting for an apology that never comes can only get more and more frustrating.  In effect, we are allowing the offending person to control our emotions.  We must let go.  Not only for their benefit, but also for our own, so we can get on with life.",Prov 20:19;,"Jun 8, 1995 Aw Page 11",Do You Harbor Resentment Or Do You Forgive?,68,,1995/05/07,
"Resentment, Joy, Grudge, Harbor, Bitter,","Suppose you confide a deeply personal matter to a trusted friend, and you later learn that he divulged it to others, to your great embarrassment or hurt.  You talk to him; he is sorry; he apologizes and asks for forgiveness.  Do you forget what happened?  Likely not; you would no doubt be very cautious about confiding in him in the future.","Yet, you do forgive him; you do not continually rehash the matter with him.  You do not harbor resentment, nor do you gossip about it with others.  You may not feel as close to him as before, but you still love him as your Christian brother.",Prov 20:19;,"Jun 8, 1995 Aw Page 11",Do You Harbor Resentment Or Do You Forgive?,68,,1995/05/07,
"Resentment, Joy, Grudge, Harbor, Bitter,","When a wound is deep, we may never succeed in completely putting what happened out of mind.  However, we can be comforted by the assurance that in the coming new world, 'the former things will not be called to mind.'","Likewise with spiritual wounds.  We may still remember them, but they will not cause us the deep hurt we now feel.",Prov 28:13; Rev 21:4; Isa 65:17;,"Jun 8, 1995 Aw Page 11",Do You Harbor Resentment Or Do You Forgive?,68,,1995/05/07,
"Resentment, Marriage, Brood, Problems,",Mushrooms seem to come up and grow overnight.  They can be especially poisonous.,"When kept over night, problems are like mushrooms.  They grow into larger ones.  Often with poisonous results.  They should be solved quickly.",Eph 4:26,Bobby Laymon,A Godly View Of Sex And Marriage,13,,,
Resignation;,"'For after all, the best thing one can do when it's raining is to let it rain.'  Quote:  Hwl.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Resisting Satan, Snares","It's hard enough to walk a tight rope, but try doing it with someone throwing stones at you.",It's hard enough to try and lead a good Christian life with the pressures of the world against us.  But Satan is constantly makes it harder by putting snares and temptation in our way.  Our meetings and our personal study is like our stabilizer bar that helps us keep our balance.,"1 Tim. 6:9,10 , 1pet 5:8,  2tim 1:13",Scott Rudolph,,,,1996/09/15,
Resolution;,'Either I will find a way or I will make one.'  Quote:  Philip Sidney.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Resolution;,'Resolve to perform what you ought; perform without fail what you resolve.'  Quote:  Bf.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Resourceful, Innovative, Telephone, Street, Business, Witnessing,","It is the application of Romans 10:14 in reverse.  'How, in turn, will they hear without SOMEONE TO PREACH?'","Today we might say, 'How will we preach without SOMEONE TO HEAR?'  We must go where the people are.",Rom 10:14;,"Joseph Wengert, D. O.",,,,1996/05/03,
"Respect, Husband, Wife, Marriage, Elders, Servants,","Some were sucking lollipops. The lad was only ten years old, standing upon the conductor's podium with a hundred trained musicians, every one a trained virtuoso, before him. They showed their disgust by frowns, defiant facial gestures.","Respect for Jehovah, (Should be earned by Mates, Elders, etc.) Not for long: the lad lifted his baton and disregard turned to respect. Music of Maazel is still greatly respected.","2 Pet. 2:11; Job 29:7-10, 25; Job 29:12, 14, 17; 31:5-40;","Mar 15, 1964 Wt Page 163, 164",How Should You Serve God?,58,,,
"Respect, Spirituality, Love, Help, Assistance, Balance,","Flight attendant explains if you need to wear the oxygen mask, and if you have a child with you, first put that mask on yourself, then help the child. Why? Because if we work with the child first and yet we're having difficulty breathing, we may be in no position to help that child.","We are in no position to love our neighbors, love our brothers and sisters, unless we have first learned how to love and respect ourselves.",1 Tim 4:16;,J.K.,Does Your Thinking Agree With God's?,53,,1997/04/11,
"Respect, Subjection, Wives, Marriage,","Bumper sticker: 'All men are idiots, and I married their king.'","With this kind of attitude, how would the children feel?  Could a wife like that respect her husband.",Eph 5:33;,Bobby Laymon,A Godly View Of Sex And Marriage,13,,1994/09/12,
Respect;,'He who wants a rose must respect the thorns.'  Quote:  Persian.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Respect; Dignity; Honor;,'Eagles do not hunt flies.'  Quote:  Latin.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Respect; Dignity; Honor;,"'I don't know what a scoundrel is like, but I know what a respectable man is like, and it's enough to make one's flesh creep.'  Quote:  J. De Maistre.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Respect; Dignity; Honor;,'Men are respectable only as they respect.'  Quote:  Rwe.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Respect; Dignity; Honor;,'The elephant is not afraid of mosquitoes.'  Quote:  Family Motto Of The Malatestas (Italian).,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Respect; Dignity; Honor;,"'The porcupine, whom one must handle gloved may be respected but is never loved.'  Quote:  Art Guiterman.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Respect; Dignity; Honor;,Honor is but an empty bubble.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Respect; Dignity; Honor;,The eagle does not catch flies.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Respect; Value; Purpose; Pride; Humility;,'What we must decide is how we are valuable rather than how valuable we are.'  Quote: Edgar Z. Freedenberg.,What do you do well in the congregation.  Work on that and you will become more valuable.,Eph 4:11;,Bobby Laymon - Reader's Digest.,Does God Count You Personally Important?,26,,1996/03/12,
"Responsibilities, Burdens, Obedience,","A PEDDLER drove his Ass to the seashore to buy SALT.  His road home lay across a stream into which his Ass, making a false step, fell by accident and rose up again with his load considerably lighter, as the water melted the sack.  The Peddler retraced his steps and refilled his panniers with a larger quantity of SALT than before.  When he came again to the stream, the Ass fell down on purpose in the same spot, and, regaining his feet with the  weight of his load much diminished, brayed triumphantly as if he had obtained what he desired.  The Peddler saw through his trick and drove him for the third time to the coast, where he bought a cargo of sponges instead of SALT.  The Ass, again playing the fool, fell down on purpose when he reached the stream, but the sponges became swollen with water, greatly increasing his load.  And thus his trick recoiled on him, for he now carried on his back a double burden.","Do we have the attitude of trying to get out from under our Christian responsibilities?  Or do we try and work them out?  With children, we either spend time with them now, or we spend time later, trying to get them out of trouble.",Jonah 1:3;,Charles Francis [Denny],Responsibilities And Rewards Of Parenthood,29,,1994/12/25,
"Responsibilities, Obey, Assignments, Envy, Contentment,","Donkey carrying salt, envied other carrying sponges which were much lighter. Finally master listened and loaded him down with sponges.  Came to a stream, and it dissolved the salt, and lightened the load of others, but burdened him down.",Contentment with our assignment is necessary.,1 Cor. 12:4-11;,Bobby Laymon,You Can Find Joy In Serving God,103,,,
"Responsibility, Buck, Religion, Christendom,",Today we hear such expressions as 'Carry the can' and 'Passing the buck.',This refusal to accept responsibility is especially to be seen in the field of religion. The leaders of Christendom have refused to accept the responsibility of teaching the people the Word of God and as a result religious illiteracy is widespread.,Mt 7:21;,W63 2/1 94,,,,1996/01/20,
"Responsibility, Buck, Religion, Family","The world has coined a phrase, 'passing the buck,' which means passing responsibility on to others instead of accepting it.","In the family, parents flee the responsibility to teach and train their children properly.  Therefore, children grow up like useless weeds.",Le 18:4;,W62 3/15 175-6,Family Life That Warms The Heart,5,,1996/01/20,
"Responsibility, Dedication, Baptism, Survival, Witnessing, World,","You are a survivor of a ship wreck.  You are struggling to stay afloat, and then a hand reaches out.  You are in a life boat.  You take your turn rowing, picking up others.",We have all been ship-wrecked in this system of things.  Our Christian companions are a delight to our souls.  There is a great need to help others who are sinking.,Matt 24:14;,Robert Norman - Friends Of Peace District Convention.,Renewing The Spirit Of Self-sacrifice,69,,1996/06/12,
"Responsibility, Elders, Bible, Staff,","Responsibility attached to staffs of tribal heads. Gen. 38:25 These helps are like spiritual rod for us. Isa. 38:6;1 Tim 2:4-6; Paul stressed not knowing everything, but to be correct. see 1 Cor. 8:2,3;","We too are recognized world-wide by our teaching of God's Word. Be humble; you'll know that Jehovah is supporting your hand. Jesus spoke by authority of God's Word. Matt. 7:28, 29","Ps. 37:23, 24;  (staff) Zech. 8:4 Ps. 23:4; 1 Cor. 4:6;",Philip Kirkton (bethel Notes) U. Glass-Gilead Grad 1991,Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,,
"Responsibility, Friends, Know, Appreciation, Independent,","Adam and Eve wanted to enjoy the comforts and security of their cozy Paradise home without being willing to pay the rent. Resulted in breakdown of most precious friendship with our parents, and Creator.","All of us, some to a greater degree than others, have inherited this unappreciative and independent spirit.",Ge 8:21;,"Jun 1, 1992 Wt Page 24",How Well Do You Know God?,1,,,
"Responsibility, Worth,","Responsibility, the high price of self-ownership.  -- Eli Schaefer",We have responsibilities in Jehovah's organization.,Matt. 25:23;,Bobby Laymon,Serving With Jehovah's Unified Organization,3,,"Nov 19, 2001",
Responsibility;,'Everybody lays his load on the willing horse.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Responsibility;,'Responsibility educates.' Quote:  Wendell Philips,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Responsibility;,'Responsibility is the price of greatness.' Quote: Wc,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Responsibility;,'The buck stops here.'  Quote:  Harry Truman.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Resurrection,",'I want to come back as me.'  Quote:  Ed Koch.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Rest, Groaning, Pain, Justify, Works,","REST. What a sweet and lovely word! Living in today's fast-paced and hectic world, most of us would agree that a little rest is most welcome. Young or old, married or single, we may feel hard-pressed and exhausted simply from day-to-day living. For those with physical limitations or infirmities, each day is a challenge. As the Scriptures say, 'all creation keeps on groaning together and being in pain together until now.'  A person who is resting is not necessarily lazy. Rest is a human need that must be met.","Now is the time for us to prove that our lives are centered around the will of Jehovah God. Instead of seeking to justify ourselves before God and advance our own interests, it is now time for us to `rest from our own works' and wholeheartedly serve Kingdom interests. By doing that and by remaining faithful to our heavenly Father, Jehovah, we will have the privilege of enjoying the benefits of God's rest now and forever.",Hebrews 4:10; Romans 8:22,"W98 7/15 14, 19",,,,"Aug 3, 2000",
"Rest, Kings, Governments, Fame, Popular, Life, Materialism, Wealth, Money,","'Kings are like stars-they rise and set, they have the worship of the world, but no repose.' Quote: Percy Bysshe Shelley.","Jehovah is 'changing times and seasons.'  As for the world powers, it is true that they have no rest.",Dan 2:21,Bobby Laymon,Your Future--how Can It Be Known?,19,,1995/07/18,
"Rest, Relaxation, Health, Wisdom, Balance, Consistency, Pioneer,","'Early to bed and early to rise, makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise.' Quote: Benjamin Franklin.",Rest and relaxation are necessary.  We don't want them to be the sole things in our lives however.,Mark 6:31;,Bobby Laymon,Lovers Of Pleasure Or Lovers Of God?,64,,1995/07/17,
"Rest, Relaxation, Stress, Depression.",'Going in circles!' After the wind. Be interested in people. Jehovah will use us to reach their heart.,Better to have a handful of rest than a double handful of hard work.,"Eccl. 4:6, 9, 10.",Philip Kirkton (bethel Notes),Gaining Comfort In All Our Tribulations,105,,,
Rest; Sleep;,"Sleep - Death without dying, living but not life.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Rest; Sleep;,Sleep is that golden chain that ties health and our bodies together.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Rest; Sleep;,Sleep is the half of time which heals us.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Rest; Sleep;,Take rest. A field that has rested gives a bountiful crop.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Restore, Earth, Healing, Kingdom,","In 1883 the Indonesian volcanic island of Krakatau erupted in a gigantic explosion that was heard almost 3,000 miles away.  Nearly five cubic miles of matter was hurled into the sky, and two thirds of the island disappeared under the sea.","Nine months later the only sign of life was a microscopic spider.  Today the whole island is covered by exuberant tropical vegetation, which is host to hundreds of species of birds, mammals, snakes and insects.  Human damage can also be undone by Jehovah.",Isa 35:1; Ps 72:16; Ps 98:8;,"Jan 8, 1996 Aw Page 14",,,,1995/12/12,
"Restrictions, Rules, Guides, Requirements, Commandments, Bible,","Imagine you are taking a plane flight to a beautiful island resort. As the plane lands and you step down, you are met by a guide who has retrieved all your luggage for you. He tells you, 'Take your luggage and carry it with you. Follow me closely, and I will show you how to get to Paradise.'  So you pick up your suitcases and carry them one under each arm, and one in each hand, and begin following your guide. He also has a great deal to carry as he leads you away from the landing field and into the dense rain forest.  As you walk along, feeling your burden getting heavier, you begin to pay more attention to the fences along either side of the walkway. They are high and narrow, and the jungle presses in against them. You gradually become frustrated with the fences. If they weren't so narrow, you would not have to turn sideways from time to time to fit through with all your luggage. You would love to stop a while and sit in the shade of those forest trees, but the fence prevents you from getting close to them, and your guide insists you must keep moving along.  You are tiring quickly, when you hear a rustle nearby in the bushes. Looking closely, you see a pair of bright, golden eyes peering out at you. At the sound of the low, hungry growl, you jump back and press yourself against the other fence.  Your guide looks back, 'Quickly, you must move quickly. We are almost there!'  With new-found energy, you hurry off after him, pulling yourself and your luggage into a tight bundle, so you avoid touching those fences. Suddenly glad they're there, you no longer have a desire to stop anywhere or venture any further into the forest than you already are. You now realize that, rather than restrict you, those fences are there for your protection!  Then the jungle suddenly disappears, and gives way to a beautiful, huge, park like setting, with lovely buildings scattered here and there. You breath a sigh of relief as you follow your guide to the reception area. As you look back, you can't see the danger that you know was outside those fences - so close just a short time ago. In fact, the fences themselves seem so insignificant now. Finally, you're there, safe and sound.","We are all on a trip to Paradise. Jehovah, through his Word and his organization, has provided fences for our protection, and guides to help us find our way. We also have burdens to carry through the rest of this system. It is easy for us to peer through those protective fences and see what offerings Satan has out there for us, and view the boundaries Jehovah provides as restrictions. It may seem so easy, so inviting, to just rest a while in his system - to take a break. But Jehovah, his angels, and our guides are all there urging us forward - keep moving, don't stop. There may be pleasures on the other side of that fence, but there are also many dangers, which may cost us our lives. Just press forward - we're almost there - and soon too, we can sigh in relief, knowing that finally, we'll be in Paradise, safe and sound in Jehovah's care.  Would we ever want to do without those fences?",Mark 3:9;,Mark Hanlon,Into The New Order Under Christ's Leadership,56,,1998/11/26,
"Results, Patience, Reward, Transforming,","Take a block of ice that's been frozen to minus fifty degrees centigrade, and start heating it.  For some time, nothing happens.  Lots of energy for no visible result.  Suddenly, at zero, it melts.  Water!  Keep heating.  Again, lots of energy and no excitement.  Then, at around one hundred degrees centigrade, bubbles and steam!  It boils!  The principle?  IT'S POSSIBLE TO PUT LOTS OF ENERGY INTO SOMETHING - example. a block of ice, a prayer, our ministry - YET IT SEEMS LIKE NOTHING IS HAPPENING.  ACTUALLY, YOUR ENERGY IS ALREADY PRODUCING CHANGE, BUT YOU JUST  CAN'T SEE IT.  CONTINUE TO PUT THE ENERGY IN AND YOU WILL SURELY SEE A TRANSFORMATION.","Application --- As we take part in preaching the Word of God, do we do it just to render time for our 'obligation' and make known to others that we are still spiritually healthy? Doing so will eventually make us think that nothing would really ever change, that the paradise on earth we're telling to the people would just like be a fantasy.  But as we do our share in fulfilling the prophecy in Matthew 24:14, we know that we are making a change.  Jehovah in His appointed time will turn all these faithful efforts to reward.  Rather than demanding instant results, may we keep unwavering in our faith and wait until Jehovah Himself pronounces the conclusion of this system.  And until then, when we least expect it, Jehovah would make the change.  Let us, therefore, keep on putting energy in whatever we do as we put first the Kingdom of God in our life.","James 5:7,8;",Bobby Laymon,Service Talk,200,,"Feb 11, 2001",
Results; Output;,"'It has been my observation and experience, and that of my family that nothing human works out well.'  Quote:  Don Marquis.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Results; Output;,'Results! Why man I've gotten a lot of results. I know several thousand things that won't work!' Quote:  Tae,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Resurrection,"House destroyed in storm ... house can be built back, but out of other materials.","Jehovah can and will resurrect dead souls, but use new materials.",Acts 24:15;,Bobby Laymon,"Living, Not For Self, But To Do God's Will",8,,,
Resurrection,"House, burned down, can reconstruct with different materials.","Jehovah will resurrect with same memory, capabilities etc.",Acts 24:15,Bible Publication,"Living, Not For Self, But To Do God's Will",8,,,
Resurrection,"If Henry Ford wanted a model-T Ford car, how would he get it? He would go to Good Year Rubber Company and order 5 tires to a certain specification; He would then go to Bethlehem Steel Company and tell them how he wanted the fenders, hood, body of his car.",Jehovah will not pick up used parts to resurrect persons but will re-create them from new materials. See 'Live Forever book page 174',1 Cor. 15:35-44; Luke 20:38; John 5:29;,Johnse Laymon At Kingdom Ministry School,"Living, Not For Self, But To Do God's Will",8,,,
Resurrection,Jehovah has a memory bank far more marvelous than that of any man made computer.,Jehovah will have no problem bringing back all who deserve resurrection.,Acts 24:15,"Jan 1, 1979 Wt Pg 8","Living, Not For Self, But To Do God's Will",8,,,
Resurrection,Live and Learn; Die and forget it all. Jehovah's servants have hope of living forever.,Like many worldly sayings this one is proved to be false.,Rev. 20:13  Luke 12:15,"Mar 15, 1960 Wt Page 189","Living, Not For Self, But To Do God's Will",8,,,
Resurrection,"Never forget a face. Memorial tombs, unique to New World Translation Definition of mnemeion & taphos.  Creator does not forget life patterns of thousands of millions.",Jehovah will never forget those in his memory.,"John 5:28, 29","Apr 1, 1990 Wt Page 10","Living, Not For Self, But To Do God's Will",8,,,
Resurrection,So strange; the mention of it broke up a public lecture.,It is not strange to those who believe the Bible,"Acts 17:32,33;","Jul 8, 1961 Aw Page 27","Living, Not For Self, But To Do God's Will",8,,,
"Resurrection,","Hundreds of millions of galaxies, each galaxy containing hundreds of millions of stars.  Yet God knows each star by name.",It will not be difficult for God to remember all who have died and come under Christ's ransom provision.,Ps. 147:4; Matt. 19:26;,The Truth That Leads To Eternal Life. Page 109,"Living, Not For Self, But To Do God's Will",8,,,
"Resurrection,","If a friend described how he saved a person from drowning, we do not ask him to prove that he actually did all the things he described.  To require this would show a lack of confidence and trust.  This would not be no basis for building and maintaining a friendship.","Obviously, then, we would not refuse to accept God's promise of a resurrection without first having every detail clarified.  We could not be counted as His friend.  God accepts as his friends only those who exercise faith, who trust His word.",Heb 11:6,Is This Life All There Is?  Page 177,"Living, Not For Self, But To Do God's Will",8,,,
"Resurrection,",Suppose you wake up one morning and the billions of the dead are resurrected in one night.  Think of the mass confusion.,The Bible shows that Jehovah is a God of order.  He will resurrect mankind in an orderly fashion.,Acts 24:15;,Dick Butterfield,The Resurrection--victory Over Death!,132,,"Apr 7, 2002",
"Resurrection,","We do not have all the answers.  If you were invited to a banquet, you would not ask the one extending the invitation: 'Where will all the people sit?  Will there be enough food?  Will you have enough serving utensils and dishes?'  This would be an insult.  Like saying: 'First convince me I will enjoy it.'","In the resurrection, we do not expect every detail to be spelled out for us.  Having the invitation and knowing the source should be sufficient for one to have confidence that things will go well.",Heb 11:6,Is This Life All There Is?  Page 177,"Living, Not For Self, But To Do God's Will",8,,,
"Resurrection,","When you are in a very deep sleep, you do not know what is going on around you, do you?  And when you wake up you do not know how long you have been sleeping, until you look at a clock.  You can wake someone up, who is sleeping, if you call in a loud voice.","Since death is like a deep sleep, this means that the dead cannot do anything.  However, Jehovah has given Jesus the power to raise the dead.","John 11:10-14; John 5:28, 29;","Nov 15, 1970 Wt Page 697","Living, Not For Self, But To Do God's Will",8,,,
"Resurrection, Body,","If your house burned down, could you build it again?  Yes! but out of new materials.","Jehovah will resurrect, not the same body, but the same person that died.  He will a new physical body to those who will live on earth.  A new spiritual body to those going to heaven.",1 Cor. 15:35-44; Luke 20:38;,You Can Live Forever In Paradise On Earth. Page 174,"Living, Not For Self, But To Do God's Will",8,,,
"Resurrection, Body, Anointed,","Paul reasons that animals come in many different types of bodies. In addition, he contrasts heavenly angels with flesh-and-blood humans, saying: 'There are heavenly bodies, and earthly bodies.' There is also great diversity in the inanimate creation. 'Star differs from star in glory,' said Paul, long before science discovered such celestial bodies as blue stars, red giants, and white dwarfs.","In view of this, is it not reasonable that God can provide appropriate spirit bodies for resurrected anointed ones?",1 Corinthians 15:39-41,W98 7/1 19-20,,,,"Aug 3, 2000",
"Resurrection, Body, Seed, Anointed,","The World Book Encyclopedia says: 'When a seed begins to germinate, it absorbs large amounts of water. The water causes many chemical changes inside the seed. It also causes the seed's internal tissues to swell and break through the seed coat.' In effect, the seed dies as a seed and becomes an emerging plant. 'God gives it a body' in that he set in place the scientific laws governing its development, and each seed receives a body according to its kind. (Genesis 1:11)","Similarly, anointed Christians first die as humans. Then, at God's appointed time, he brings them back to life in entirely new bodies. As Paul told the Philippians, 'Jesus Christ . . . will refashion our humiliated body to be conformed to his glorious body.'  They are resurrected in spirit bodies and live in the spirit realm.","Philippians 3:20, 21; 2 Corinthians 5:1, 2;1 John 3:2",W98 7/1 19-20,,,,"Aug 3, 2000",
"Resurrection, Body, Soul,","If a man dies and is buried, by process of decay his body is reconverted into organic chemicals that are absorbed by, say, an apple tree.  Persons eat the apples of that tree. The elements, the atoms of that original person, now are in many persons.",In the resurrection it is obvious that the same atoms cannot be in the original person and all the others at the same time.,1 Cor 15:35-39;,W54 5/1 282,"Mercy, A Dominant Quality Of True Christians",7,,1995/01/19,
"Resurrection, Death,","A person can videotape his last will and testament, and after he dies his relatives and friends can see and hear him, in effect, as he explains how his estate is to be handled. A hundred years ago, such a thing was unthinkable. And to some people now living in remote parts of the world, the 'miracle' of video recording is beyond comprehension. personality in a newly formed body?","If scientific principles established by the Creator can be used by humans to reconstruct such a visible and audible scene, should not the Creator be able to do far more? Is it not reasonable, then, that the One who created life is capable of resurrecting a person by reproducing his","1 Cor. 15:13-15 John 11:41, 42; 12:9-11, 17-19","May 1, 1990 Wt Page 5 Para. 4","Living, Not For Self, But To Do God's Will",8,,,
"Resurrection, Death,",Jehovah can remember the names of all the stars.,He can easily remember every detail to resurrect.,Isa. 40:26,Johnse Laymon,"Living, Not For Self, But To Do God's Will",8,,,
"Resurrection, Death,",Just as a man can go forward or backward in a car.,Jehovah can reverse death.,John 5:28,Johnse Laymon,"Living, Not For Self, But To Do God's Will",8,,,
"Resurrection, Death,","We all like to go first class, do we not?  Use insight and reasoning which will help you remain faithful.",It will assure you a 'first-class-ticket' into Jehovah's new world.,Acts 17:31;,"Bill Nomkes; Bethel Elder;  Elder's School 11/23, 24 At St. Louis",What Happens When We Die?,127,,"Nov 26, 2001",
"Resurrection, Death, Enemy,","Men are able to record on film or videotape the image, voice and mannerisms of a person.","Cannot God do much more? His memory is far more expansive than any film or tape, so he can perfectly re-create those he wants to resurrect.",Ps 147:4;,Hp 119-20  12,Does God Count You Personally Important?,26,,1994/08/23,
"Resurrection, Death, Life, Hope, Faith, Funeral, Depression, Groaning,","Great sadness is not usually experienced when a dear friend goes on a journey, for we expect to see him again. 'We never really have to say, 'Good-bye!'  Just, 'So long for now, I'll be seeing you.'  (Quote by Joe Laymon, from Bethel)",The deep grief that loss of a loved one causes may be somewhat lessened if we look upon the death of a faithful Christian in a similar way.  He will be awakened.,"Job 14:13-15; John 5:28, 29; Rev. 20:11-13; 1 Cor. 15:58;","Oct 1, 1991 Wt Page 16",What Happens When We Die?,127,,,
"Resurrection, Earth, Teaching,","With 3% resurrected each year (20 billion) could be resurrected in less than 400 years. Ample time would be allowed and ample help would be available to train and discipline each one, they in turn could train others.",Showing that the dead could be resurrected without overwhelming the survivors on the earth.,Rev. 20:11-15;,"Sep 1, 1967 Wt Page 524",Ruining The Earth Brings Divine Retribution,106,,,
"Resurrection, Experience,","While trying to retrieve a ball near a high-voltage electric transformer, our 12-year-old son, Kolya, received a severe electric shock. Over 70 percent of his body was burned. In the hospital, he turned to me and asked: 'Will we be able to go together again to the island?' (He was speaking of an island we used to enjoy visiting.)","'Yes, Kolya,' I said, 'we'll go to that island again. When Jesus Christ raises you to life, we surely will go to that island.' Semiconscious, he kept singing one of his favorite Kingdom songs, one that he liked to play on his trumpet in the congregation orchestra. Three days later he died, confident in the hope of the resurrection.  I am delighted that my surviving children are serving Jehovah faithfully. And I am looking forward to God's new world when I can again see Anna, Nadia and her daughter, as well as Kolya. When he is resurrected, I will keep my promise to take him to that island that we enjoyed so much together many years ago.",Acts 24:15,W99 3/1 28,Your Future--how Can It Be Known?,19,,"Jul 5, 2000",
"Resurrection, Faith, Hope, Integrity, Loyalty,","Those walking tight ropes, or working in high places often have a safety net, in case they fall.  It prevents them from death. It is a source of strength to them, should they fall.","The resurrection is like a safety net.  Because of it, Jehovah can, without lasting harm to his faithful servants, let Satan go to the limit in trying to prove his malicious charge, 'Everything a man has he will give in behalf of his soul.'",Job 2:4;,United In Worship  Page 70 Para 2,"Living, Not For Self, But To Do God's Will",8,,,
"Resurrection, Funeral, Luther,",'It must follow that they who lie in the graveyard and sleep under the ground do not sleep as profound as we do on our beds.  For it may happen that ... you must be called ten times before you hear once.  But the dead will hear at the first calling of Christ.' Quote: Martin Luther,Among the originals of Martin Luther.,Ecc 9:5;,"Jun 1, 1956 Wt Page 331",What Happens When We Die?,127,,,
"Resurrection, Life,","It is said that we do not have one single cell that we had seven years ago in our bodies.  However, you can check your fingerprints and they are the same as they were the day you were born. You are still the same person.","In the resurrection, Jehovah will not use the same molecular material, but we will be the same person.  We will have the same memory, personality, voice, mental growth, appearance to some extent.  Our fingerprints will no doubt be the same.",Lk 7:11-17; John 5:28;,Ken Austin,Is This Life All There Is?,36,,,
"Resurrection, Memory, Judgment,","Man cannot even count the stars, there are so many; nor can he see them all even with the 200-inch telescope. Yet God not only counts them but names them and remembers their name.",This is truly something that reveals to us how easy it will be for God to remember those worthy of a resurrection.,Ps 147:4;,W58 6/1 327,Religion's Time Of Judgment,83,,1994/07/08,
"Resurrection, Memory, Judgment, Life, Pattern,","One worthy of receiving a resurrection from the dead will not be like those persons who, after an accident or shock of some kind, awaken or respond with a case of amnesia, a loss of memory, not even knowing who they are.","No, but in the resurrection one awakening from the sleep in death will know who he is and will possess all his memories. It will be as if one merely went to sleep and woke up. Thus the last conscious thought or observation will connect up with the opening thought.",John 5:28;,W58 6/1 328,Religion's Time Of Judgment,83,,1994/07/08,
"Resurrection, Memory, Judgment, Life, Pattern,","What is this life pattern God retains in his memory? It is the life-long record of the creature, a record made by the thoughts he thought, the experiences he had, the knowledge he stored up. So the life pattern results from one's memories and mental abilities. The life pattern includes all intellectual growth and characteristics that make up one's personality. This is what God faithfully reconstitutes in the resurrection.","We may be assured, then, that in the resurrection one will retain his personal identity, though having a body of different atoms.  This is what makes the same person in the resurrection-the life pattern.",John 5:28;,W58 6/1 328,Religion's Time Of Judgment,83,,1994/07/08,
"Resurrection, Memory, Life, Important, Personally,","Today, humans can record the voices and images of men and women on videotape and can replay these recordings after the individuals die.","Surely, then, our almighty Creator can record the details of any individual and resurrect the same person, giving him or her a newly formed body.",Joh 11:25;,Kl Page 85,Does God Count You Personally Important?,26,,1995/06/15,
"Resurrection, Name, Life, Book,",Even on magnetic tape men can preserve voices and pictures. Our record with God is what counts.,What can Jehovah do in keeping records? Even in own memory.,Prov. 10:7,"Apr 15, 1963 Wt Page 242",Is This Life All There Is?,36,,,
"Resurrection, Ransom,",'You can't have your cake and eat it too',Apply to ransom; Jesus cannot take back his body.,"John 6:51, 54, 55","Apr 15, 1963 Wt Page 237 Para 13","Living, Not For Self, But To Do God's Will",8,,,
"Resurrection, Ransom,","Toilets in heaven; both private and public; for men & women. 'Whatsoever enterenth in at the mouth goeth into the belly, and is cast out into the draught.' For the first time, now and forever, Jesus (whom they say is God)",If there is a resurrection of dead bodies. will have to use a heavenly toilet. He never had to do that before!,Matt. 15:17,"Apr 15, 1963 Wt Page 238 Para 15","Living, Not For Self, But To Do God's Will",8,,,
"Resurrection, Sadducees,","They didn't believe in a resurrection, so they were 'sad-you-see'",Memory aid to distinguish from Pharisees who did believe in resurrection.,Acts 23:8; Matt. 22:23; Mark 12:18; Luke 20:27;,Bobby Laymon,"Living, Not For Self, But To Do God's Will",8,,,
"Resurrection, Sleep, Dead, Death","A person is put to sleep for an operation.  Does not feel anything.  When you wake up have same personality.  If in a sleep night; a year; 1,000 years; 5,000 years you will wake up with the same personality.",We need to make real changes now. Those who did are ahead of any who may be resurrected as unrighteous.,"John 11:11, Acts 24:15",J. Laymon,"Living, Not For Self, But To Do God's Will",8,,,
Resurrection-to Heaven,Break hole in wall- then others can leave trapped house.,"Jesus opened way for 144,000 to follow.",Rev 14:1-3,Bobby Laymon,"Living, Not For Self, But To Do God's Will",8,,,
Retaliation; Revenge;,The only people to get even with is those who help you.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Return Visit, Feeding, Preaching, Service,","Suppose you are invited to lunch, and it is a food you have not learned to like yet.  Instead of letting you help yourself, the host piles your plate high with this dish.  How will you feel? Will you ever learn to like it?  How much better, small portions.","We have the same challenge on return visits.  They have not learned to like spiritual food yet.  We must offer it in small amounts, and let appetite develop. (tell of side dishes, etc.)","Mt 28:19, 20;","Bro. Brannon (Robertsdale, Al) Aug 92 Km",Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,63,,,
"Return Visit, Pigeons, Records,","Carrier pigeons have been used to send messages since the time of Christ; even during the two world wars, the communications corps kept these pigeons in mobile lofts. Today homing pigeons are still maintained by thousands of racing enthusiasts and regularly entered in races over distances of up to 800 km (500 mi) or more. The homing pigeon can fly at an average speed of 72 km/h (45 mph).  Considerable research has been done on the homing instinct of racing pigeons. European scientists have emphasized the navigational importance of the Sun and olfactory cues for homing birds. American research suggests that pigeons may also use the natural geomagnetic field or polarized light in the sky for directional information. In 1978 it was discovered that pigeons can see ultraviolet-light patterns. Certain biological questions remain, as, for example, how carrier pigeons of Pacific islands navigate during the night.",We want to be like the Carrier pigeons.  We must have an instinct for going back.  Good records are needed.,Acts 15:36;,Tom Batty,,,,"May 6, 2000",
"Return Visit, Pioneer, Service, Ministry, Attitude, Study",We are looking for people who have the three H's:  Honest;  Humble;  Hungry;,To come into the truth a person must have all three.  For example a person could be Honest and Humble but if they are not hungry they have no desire to learn the truth.,Mt. 5:3,Frank Barr,How Should You Serve God?,58,,1993/11/30,
"Return Visit, Pioneer, Service, Ministry, Service Talk,",To have a successful return visit you need to have the three R's.  Right person;  Right place;  Right time;,"Two of the three is not enough.  For example it might be the right person and the right place, but if they have company it probably is not the right time.",Matt 24:14;,Frank Barr,Service Talk,200,,1993/11/30,
"Return Visit, Preaching, Evangelizing,","Commenting on an earlier trip of a similar nature, one local newspaper had called those taking part 'swallows.' Apparently, this was to suggest that they were there only for the summer and would soon fly away.","But those 'swallows,' or others like them, will return to help honest-hearted people to get an accurate knowledge of the Bible's marvelous promises. In fact, some who took part in earlier witnessing trips have now settled permanently in Donegal.",Acts 15:36;,W86 5/15 31,Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,63,,1994/06/04,
"Return Visit, Quality,",It is like going fishing.  We don't want to just drop a hook.  We should know what kind of fish are available.  What attracts them.,"It is like that with return visits.  We must give thought, meditation to what we are doing.  What kind of person we are calling on.  Their interests.",2 Tim. 4:5;,Bro. Bailey C. O.  Elders School 12/97,,,,1998/01/10,
"Return Visit, Rekindle, Interest,",When I was a boy in Arkansas I was sent into the woods to find where old pine trees had decayed and all that was left was the part that was very rich with resin. We would split them into small pieces and use them to start fires. We called them kindling.,Sometimes in door to door work we start a fire. When we return we want to rekindle interest.  We use the same material that started or caught interest in the first place.,Acts 15:36,Johnse Laymon Jan 1992 K.M. Introduction R. V.,,,,,
"Return Visit, Shepherding Calls,",Tailor makes clothing to fit the person.,Return visits should be tailored to fit the individual and the interest they had on our first visit.  Also shepherding calls should be tailored to fit each individual.,Acts:15:36,Johnse Laymon Jan 1989 K.M. Pg. 8,"Mercy, A Dominant Quality Of True Christians",7,,,
"Return Visits, Bible Studies,","Would a farmer or gardener be truly satisfied if he continually planted and, after all his efforts, never took the time to reap?  Hardly.","Likewise, a follow-up ministry is necessary.  Do you regularly schedule time to make return visits?  Start Bible studies?",Rom. 12:11,4/98 Km Page 3 Para 6,,,,1998/04/22,
"Return Visits, Ministry, Plant, Water,","If you plant seeds in your garden, and they sprout, but you never return to cultivate, clean and water them, they don't have a chance.  Even if the seed did grow, and you never returned, you would get no benefit as a result of their fruitage.","It is likewise in service.  Return visits are necessary in order to help the seed we plant to continue.  They don't have a chance without help.  Also, we get the benefits of seeing their fruitage.",1 Cor. 3:6-9;,Paul Smith,,,,1997/08/08,
"Return Visits, Opportunities, Talk,","Panning for gold is hard work.  When panning for gold, imagine standing out in the cold water, swirling the pan around, getting rid of all the other materials.  Then when the gold only is left in the pan, throwing it away also.  Or wasting your time looking for 'fool's gold.'  Note: Panning is the classic method used by the forty-niners and is immortalized in story, art, and song.  The sand and gravel are suspended in moving water;  the much heavier metal sinks to the bottom and is separated by hand. You swirl the mixture in a pan rapidly enough to carry the water and most of the gravel and sand over the edge while the gold remains on the bottom.","We can do this in our preaching work by going through the motions, yet never following up on the real 'golden opportunities' by making return visits and conducting Bible studies.  Or wasting our time on persons like 'fool's gold' that will not pan out.",2 Tim 4:5;,Joe Laymon,Service Talk,200,,1994/10/02,
"Return Visits, Progress, Pioneer,",'Don't water dead stumps!'  Did you ever see a dead stump come to life?  If there is: 'No commitment-no involvement!' 'No involvement-no commitment!',"We can do that by making the same call week after week, when the call is unproductive.  We must call on those willing to become involved.",Mt 13:5-9;,William Osbeck C.O.,Keep Growing In Your Relationship With God,16,,,
"Return Visits, Urgency, Waste,",'It's but little good you'll do a-watering the last year's crops.' Quote:  George Eliot.,"Be zealous in house-to-house work and making return visits.  Be concerned with improving one's effectiveness, by calling back quickly while the interest is there.  Plant and water for God to make it grow.",1 Cor. 3:5-7;,Bobby Laymon,Prayers That Are Heard By God.,86,,1995/08/07,
"Return Visits, Watering, Preaching,",Have you ever worked in the hay field?  You come in and you are really thirsty.  Someone gives you a little glass (present a 3-4 ounce cup) of water.  You don't want that small amount of water.  You want lots of water.  You may even turn on the garden hose and drink from it.,It is the same way with making return visits.  Those thirsty for the truth need a lot of water.  We must return again and again in order to satisfy  their thirst.,Acts 15:36;,Ron McGlaughlin,Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,63,,1994/08/06,
"Return, Disfellowshipped, Mercy, Love, Salvation, memorial, ","The family was enjoying a delightful outing in the woods.  Peter strayed away, chasing a squirrel.  Suddenly, the sky darkened and rain began to fall. Everyone headed for the car, but Peter.  The ground seemed to disappear under his feet. Father found, rescued.","Some who used to be among God's people have fallen into the deep hole of this system, and are desperately trying to crawl out. Jehovah is merciful and ready to 'lower a rope' and help them.","De 4:31; Is 44:21,22; 2co 1:3; Jas 5:11; Mal 3:7;","Aug 1, 1992 Wt Page 28 (see Article For Additional. Applications)","Mercy, A Dominant Quality Of True Christians",7,,,1/28/2015
"Return, Visits, Smile, Joy, Depression, Discouragement,","A brother had worked alone for many years in a territory where little interest was found, and almost no literature could be placed.  While visiting with the circuit overseer, he encouraged him.  Call back on 'smiles!'","The brother took note of this, and began to make return visits on those who were pleasant and smiled at him.  He would say, 'When I was here before I noticed you had a nice smile.  Let's talk about that.'",Acts 15:36;,Brik Huntington,Prayers That Are Heard By God.,86,,1994/11/06,
"Revelation, Progressive, Maturity,","Like the watering of a tender plant. Too little water will not sustain it, and the plant will gradually wither and die.  Too much water will be beyond the ability to absorb, and might hinder it's growth.","Man's mind also needs gradual feeding and changing. Jehovah does not reveal too much at one time, but reveals what is needed. Peter's new info was of immediate. use. Acts 10:20","Amos 3:7; Prov. 4:18; Ps. 103:14; John 16:12, 13;","Jun 15, 1964 Wt Page 360",Keep Growing In Your Relationship With God,16,,,
"Revelation, Progressive, Maturity,",We are thankful for the progression of the seasons gradually so that our bodies are not shocked by sudden changes in temperature.  Gradual so man's body is able to adapt itself to the change.,"Man's mind also needs gradual feeding and changing, as too little will keep it weak spiritually, too much will not be absorbed, and can be shocking.","Amos 3:7; Prov. 4:18; Ps. 103:14; John 16:12, 13;","Jun 15, 1964 Wt Page 360",Keep Growing In Your Relationship With God,16,,,
"Revelation, Progressive, Maturity, Time,",Most people keep abreast with clothing styles through the years. They take in knowledge and make the required adjustments. Not a matter of being out of date with one's fellowman. Matter of being out-of-date with Supreme Sovereign.,How much more important to keep abreast with revealed truth. Can add eternity to our life-span.,"Eph. 5:15-17; Col. 1:9, 10; Heb. 2:1; 2 John 8, 9; Exodus. 12:21-23;","Jun 15, 1964 Wt Page 366",Is It Time For God To Rule The World?,20,,,
"Revelation, Prophecy, Future,","Time travel; Men have dreamed of, written about, enacted on film of going to different times. But have been unable to accomplish it.","Jehovah's sent Apostle John into 'Lord's Day.' Into time. John not only saw, but came back to his own day, and lived to tell about it.",Rev. 1:10,Bobby Laymon,Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,,
"Revenge, Resentment, Gossip, Name, Reputation,","'Don't throw stones at your neighbors', if your own windows are glass.' Quote: Benjamin Franklin.","When tempted to gossip about others, consider what name, or     reputation, you may be establishing.",Titus 2:3-5;,Bobby Laymon,What Kind Of Name Are You Making With God?,55,,1995/07/17,
"Revenge, Satan, Weakness, Sin, Imperfection, Devil, Flesh,",Two wrongs do not make a right.,Revenge belongs to Jehovah.,Deuteronomy. 32:35; Matt. 10:28; 1 Pet. 5:8; Jas. 1:13-15; Rom. 5:12; Pro,Bobby Laymon,Hold A Good Conscience In A Sinful World,107,,,
Revenge; Retaliation;,"'Before you plot revenge, dig two graves.'  Quote:  Chinese.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Revenge; Retaliation;,'Blood cannot be washed out with blood.'  Quote:  Persian.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Revenge; Retaliation;,'No revenge is more honorable than the one not taken.' Quote:  Spanish,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Revenge; Retaliation;,'Revenge is a dish that should be eaten cold.'  Quote:  English.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Revenge; Retaliation;,"'Revenge is often like biting a dog, because the dog bit you.'  Quote:  Austin O'Malley.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Revenge; Retaliation;,'To take revenge is often to sacrifice oneself.'  Quote:  African.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Revenge; Retaliation;,The only people to get even with are those who helped you.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Reward;,"'He that does good for good's sake seeks neither paradise nor reward, but he is sure of both in the end.' Quote:  William Penn",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Reward;,'He who wishes to secure the good of others has already secured his own.'  Quote:  Confucius.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Rewards, Promises, Faith, Appreciation, Security, Future,","Considerate parents look for ways to reward their child who willingly does chores around the house out of love for the parents.  The parents may provide more than just the necessities of life, rewarding the child with a special gift.  At times the gift may even be money to put in the bank to provide future security for the child.","Thus, God is not like people who have no appreciation or consideration for those who do things out of love or loyalty.  He also will provide future benefits and security for those with faith in him.",Heb 11:6;,"Dec 8, 1994 Aw Page 18",Build Your Faith In Man's Maker,54,,1994/10/31,
"Rich, Life, Beauty, Death, Materialism,","'BEAUTY vanishes; beauty passes,' observed the poet Walter De la Mare.","James wrote: 'Like a flower of the vegetation he [the rich man] will pass away. For the sun rises with its burning heat and withers the vegetation, and its flower drops off and the beauty of its outward appearance perishes. So, too, the rich man will fade away in his ways of life.'","Jas 1:10, 11;",Bobby Laymon,,,,1996/01/06,
"Rich, Poor, Ambition,",'The old story of the ant and the grasshopper - the ant that you can step on and the grasshopper you can't catch.'  Quote: Finley Peter Dunne.,The world is like that today.  People step on those in their way and race to out-do others.,1 Pet. 5:6;,Bobby Laymon,Act Wisely As The End Draws Near,38,,1995/08/16,
Rich; Abstinence; Exercise; Health; Contentment;,"'The only way for a rich man to be healthy is by exercise and abstinence, to live as one were poor.'  Quote:  William Temple.",Keep life-style simple and wholesome.  A simple life is best.,1 Tim 6:6-8;,Jk Quotes;,Coping With Life's Anxieties,32,,,
"Riches, Contentment, Materialism, Simple,","'A little house well filled, a little field well tilled, and a little wife well willed, are great riches.' Quote: Benjamin Franklin.","There is a spirit in man that has needs beyond material things.  Unless these needs are met, no contentment, no joy results.  Needs of body and spirit must be met.  There must be a balance.",Matt 4:4; 5:3; Prov 14:30;,Bobby Laymon,You Can Find Joy In Serving God,103,,1995/07/17,
"Riches, Life, Fame, Name, Pioneer,","Only three Presidents have left estates over a million dollars.  They were: John F. Kennedy, Franklin Roosevelt and Herbert Hoover.  They all had their money before moving to the White House.  Thomas Jefferson died in debt, owing $40,000.  James Monroe died penniless.  U.S. Grant was so impoverished he pawned some of his Civil War souvenirs.  William Harrison died deeply in debt, and Abe Lincoln left an estate of $110,000.","Whatever the fame of the world is, it is short-lived.  However the riches Jehovah gives last forever.",Prov 10:22;,Bobby Laymon; American Essays By Dan Valentine,Are You Really Making Jehovah Your Stronghold?,18,,1997/05/13,
"Riches, Life, Materialism, Happiness,","American billionaire H. Ross Perot told Harvard business school students: 'If you make a lot of money, if you go out and buy a lot of stuff-it's [going to] break. . Things just don't mean happiness.' Quote: (Fortune, September 11, 1989, p. 50)","Others, too, know real life does not result from possessions or riches.",Eccl 2:17;,Bobby Laymon,Reach Out For The Real Life!,90,,1996/06/23,
"Riches, Money, Materialism, Snare,","Though some snares used by hunters are designed to catch any animal that chances to pass a certain place, other snares lure animals by means of deceptively appealing bait.","To many humans, riches are like that.  The Bible encourages us to 'be content with sustenance and covering.'","1 Tim 6:8,9; Matt. 13:22;","Jan 15, 1998 Wt Page 17",Resisting The Spirit Of The World,25,,1997/12/08,
"Riddles, Wisdom,","WHEN one does not know what it is, then it is something; but when one knows what it is, then it is nothing.  What is it?  A riddle.","In today's highly pragmatic society, people tend to view riddling as child's play, but in ancient times the riddle 'was a test of wisdom.'","Prov. 1, 5, 6;","Oct 1, 1999 Wt Page 26",Acquiring A Heart Of Wisdom,73,,1999/11/02,
"Ridicule, Shyness, Pioneer, Speaking, Silence, Satan, Devil,","One thing that is interesting about an alligator.  His jaws have tremendous strength in closing, crushing its victims, with powerful force.  However, it has little power opening its jaws.  It can be held shut by tying a string around its jaws, or a rubber band.","We too have a powerful message from our mouths.  The message of God's kingdom.  However, Satan tries to muzzle our mouths through intimidation, ridicule or other ways.  We must never let that happen, but keep opening our mouths with the powerful message, which Satan will be unable to silence.  We too are powerful when doing what Jehovah created us to do.",Ps 40:8;,Joe & Bobby Laymon,Make Jehovah Your Confidence,70,,1995/07/17,
Ridicule;,'Ridicule is the language of the Devil.' Quote:  Thomas Carlyle,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Right Road; Truth;,"Its easy to tell if you are on the right road, its uphill.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Right, Wrong, Sincerity, Belief, Religion,","A YOUNG child often does not know the difference between right and wrong. He may take a bottle from the medicine cabinet and consume its contents, thinking it is candy. But it may be poison. The child believes he is getting what he wants, but he is wrong, with tragic consequences.","Does their believing such make it so? No, it does not change what is wrong into what is right.",Rom 10:2;,W64 2/15 101,How Purposeful Is Your Life?,60,,1995/06/05,
"Right, Wrong, Sincerity, Belief, Religion,",There are persons in mental institutions who believe all kinds of fanciful things that are not true. They have deluded themselves to the  point where they sincerely believe their daydreams. Some have even imagined themselves to be great world leaders like Napoleon.,"Does their believing such make it so? No, it does not change what is wrong into what is right.",Rom 10:2;,W64 2/15 101,How Purposeful Is Your Life?,60,,1995/06/05,
Right;,'Right wrongs no man.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Right; Correct;,'Be always sure you're right then go ahead.'  Quote:  Davey Crockett.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Right; Correct;,'Being right does not depend on having a loud voice.'  Quote:  Chinese.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Right; Correct;,"'It may not be right, but if it pleases, think it so.'  Quote:  Latin Proverb.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Right; Correct;,'The right to do something does not mean that doing it is right.' Quote:  William Safire,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Right; Correct;,There is no right way to do the wrong thing.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Right; Effort;,' It takes less time to do a thing right than it does to explain why you did it wrong.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Righteous, Chaste, Endurance, Judgment,","'Resolved, never to do anything which I should be afraid to do if it were the last hour of my life.'  Quote:  Jonathan Edwards.","Bible acknowledges value of good name.  How far will you go to make a name?  Some devote whole life to making a name for themselves in  politics, business, theater, sports, science.",Pr 22:1;,Bobby Laymon,What Kind Of Name Are You Making With God?,55,,1995/07/17,
"Righteous, Important, Little, Small, Faithful,","Some two hundred years ago, one of the founding fathers of the United States wrote, in a vein similar to others before him:  'For the want of a nail the shoe was lost,  For the want of a shoe the horse was lost,  For the want of a horse the rider was lost,  For the want of a rider the battle was lost,  For the want of a battle the kingdom was lost-  And all for the want of a horseshoe nail.'","This incident certainly states a valid principle, namely, that little things are not to be neglected just because they are little. They can at times be very important. Jesus Christ, the Son of God, made a similar point when he said: 'The person faithful in what is least is faithful also in much, and the person unrighteous in what is least is unrighteous also in much.'-Luke 16:10.",Luke 16:10;,W79 2/15 28,Does Your Thinking Agree With God's?,53,,1994/06/03,
"Righteous, Overmuch, Excess, Wicked, Life,","I have the tendency to have the philosophical that 'If one helps a little bit, two will be better.'  Aspirin for example. Apply to prescription drugs, even clothing styles etc.","We must guard against becoming righteous overmuch, or wicked, or foolish overmuch.","Ecc 2:15; 7:16, 17; Lk 10:27;",David Berry,Is The Truth Transforming Your Life?,51,,,
"Righteous, Unrighteous, Judgment, Correct,","There are two classes of people, the righteous and the unrighteous. The classifying is done by the righteous.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Righteousness,'There is never a 'Right Way' to do a 'Wrong Thing!',We must do Jehovah's things!  We must do them Jehovah's way.,1sa 15:22;,Dch,Happy Though Hungry--how Can It Be?,31,,1993/10/03,
Righteousness,Man can live for more than a month without food; few days w/o water.   Blood is 92% water; muscles 75%; bones 22%; teeth enamel 2% water. Need 6-8 pints water daily.,Righteousness is a proper and vital food for heart & mind.  As natural man craves food; spiritual man thirsts for righteousness. Righteousness must never be a cloak. Must be part of one's thinking.,Matt. 4:4; John 6:63; 7:37; 6:35  Matt. 5:6,"Jan 22, 1960 Aw Page 3, 4",Happy Though Hungry--how Can It Be?,31,,,
"Righteousness, Armor,",A soldier's breastplate protected a vital physical organ - the heart.,"In our God-given spiritual armor, then, righteousness protects our heart.  The heart is a fitting symbol of what we are inside. our feelings, thoughts, and desires.",Eph. 6:14; Jer 17:9; Ps 45:7;,"May 15, 1992 Wt Page 21",Happy Though Hungry--how Can It Be?,31,,,
"Righteousness, Peace,",Joyous time when two old friends meet after long parting. Moral uprightness will be everywhere.,"'loving kindness and trueness, they have met each other; righteousness and peace -- they have kissed each other.'","Ps. 85:10, 11;","Oct 8, 1964 Aw Page 27",Happy Though Hungry--how Can It Be?,31,,,
"Rights, Duties, Lawful,",'To have a right to do a thing is not at all the same as to be right in doing it.'  Quote: G. K. Chesterton.,Many things are lawful but morally wrong.,1 Cor 6:12;,Bobby Laymon - Reader's Digest,,,,1996/03/19,
Rights;,"'No man has a right to do what he pleases, except when he pleases to do right.'  Quote:  Charles Simmons.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Risk; Faith;,'Don't be afraid to take a big step if one is indicated; you can't cross a chasm in two small jumps.'  Quote:  William Lloyd George.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Road; idea,Do you appreciate being on the road to life?,"Things needed on trip; map, compass","Mt 7:13, 14;",Dch,Follow The Way To Life,45,,1993/10/04,
"Robot, Cybernetics, Creation,",Do you like going to a zoo?  There you may chuckle at seeing a mother baboon groom her baby.  Would you expect to see anything similar at an automobile plant?  Hardly!,"Yet, the principles used by the mother baboon, has much in common with modern machines.  Called cybernetics. (See Article)",Ps 139:14; 1co 12:28;,"Aug 8, 1992 Aw Page 21",Appreciating Marvels Of God's Creation,114,,,
"Rod, Discipline, Youth, View,",The individual pieces of a jigsaw puzzle make little sense. It is only after fitting them together that one can see the whole picture.,"Likewise, 'the rod' is just one piece of the puzzle. To see the full picture, we must fit 'the rod' in with other Bible principles related to discipline.",Prov. 22:15,"Bob Swingle - Sep 8, 1992 Awake.",Looking At Youths From Jehovah's Standpoint.,118,,"Apr 16, 2001",
"Rooted, Firm, Determined, Stabilized, Truth,","Have you ever tried to pull a dandelion from a crack in the sidewalk?  It is really hard, and you may not be able to get it all.",We want to become stabilized in the truth in that same way.  Be firmly rooted in the truth.,"Col 2:6, 7;",1997 'faith In God's Word' District Convention; Christopher Warner.,Maintain Your Confidence Firm To The End,46,,1997/06/12,
"Routine, Pattern, Habit,","Ever get into a bad rut, hard to extricate yourself. (ice storm)  Bible study, preaching, meetings,",Jehovah's servants have a fine routine by which to make spiritual progress.,Phil. 3:13-16;,"Mar 15, 1991 Wt Page 12",,,,,
Rule Or Ruin,Fox without a tail.  Tried to convince other foxes they would  be better off without their tail.  Misery loves company.,Satan wants everyone else to suffer along with him.,Luke 4:2-8  1 Jo 5:19  Rev 12:9,See Creation Bk Page 193.  (fable),,,,,
"Rule, Kingdom, Straight Edge,","Rule comes from Latin word (regular) which means straight-edge, rule, or from (re'gere) meaning to lead straight; to guide; Government (Latin - guberna're) = to steer, to guide, to govern, to act as helmsman, a pilot.",What right-minded person does not want rule?,Mt 6:10;,"Oct 15, 1968 Wt Page 616",The Kingdom Of God Is Near,109,,,
"Ruler, Kingdom, Government, Nations, Dominated, Frogs,","THE FROGS, grieved at having no established Ruler, sent  ambassadors to Jupiter entreating for a King.  Perceiving their  simplicity, he cast down a huge log into the lake.  The Frogs  were terrified at the splash occasioned by its fall and hid  themselves in the depths of the pool.  But as soon as they  realized that the huge log was motionless, they swam again to the top of the water, dismissed their fears, climbed up, and began squatting on it in contempt.  After some time they began to think themselves ill-treated in the appointment of so inert a Ruler, and sent a second deputation to Jupiter to PRAY that he would set  over them another sovereign.  He then gave them an eel to govern  them.  When the Frogs discovered his easy good nature, they sent  yet a third time to Jupiter to beg him to choose for them still another King.  Jupiter, displeased with all their complaints, sent a Heron, who preyed upon the Frogs day by day till there were none left to croak upon the lake.","Mankind was not content with Jehovah as king.   They have chosen for themselves various forms of government, yet none have proved satisfactory.  They have been dominated to their own injury.",Ecc 8:9;,Aesop's Fables - Bobby Laymon,Decide Now For Divine Rulership,37,,1994/05/17,
Ruler; Government;,'No man can be a good ruler unless he has first been ruled.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Rulership, World, Problems,","Two engineers were assigned to the Amazon basin.  Everyone was going barefoot.  They tried to live like the natives.  There was poisonous snakes and spiders.  One called up and said, 'Get me out of here!  Take me home!'  The other called and said, 'Forget the engineer assignment.  We have a new job.  Send me all the shoes you can get.'","We are all living among the problems of Satan's world.  Sometimes we want to call up and say, 'Send me home!'  However, we cannot escape.   We must make the best of our assignment.  There is a tremendous need to spread the Good News!",Rom 2:4;,Lonnie Roper,What God's Rulership Can Do For Us,24,,1996/01/28,
Rulership; Government;,Few men are fit to wear a crown.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Rules, Foolish, Principles, Law,",Every fool can make a rule and every fool will mind it. -- Henry David Thoreau,It is better to not have many rules.  We should obey laws and principles.,Eccl. 7:16;,Bobby Laymon,,,,"Nov 19, 2001",
"Rules, Regulations, Authority, Guidance, Bible, Jehovah's Way, Habits, Stubborn, Change,","An old sailor repeatedly got lost at sea, so his friends gave him a compass and urged him to use it. The next time he went out in his boat, he followed their advice and took the compass with him. But as usual he became hopelessly confused and was unable to find land. Finally he was rescued by his friends.  Disgusted and impatient with him, they asked, 'Why didn't you use that compass we gave you? You could have saved us a lot of trouble!'  The sailor responded, 'I didn't dare to! I wanted to go north, but as hard as I tried to make the needle aim in that direction, it just kept on pointing southeast.'","That old sailor was so certain he knew which way was north that he stubbornly tried to force his own personal persuasion on his compass. Unable to do so, he tossed it aside as worthless and failed to benefit from the guidance it offered.  Is that not similar to living within the will of Jehovah? As Christians we must rest upon God to sustain us, and upon the breath of his Spirit to empower us. Yet within his moral boundaries, we each have the opportunity and responsibility to determine our course.  So many times we chaff at the boundaries, the restrictions, and the limitations in the Christian life we have chosen. We willingly ignore guidelines designed to assist in successfully avoiding moral disaster and Jehovah's disfavor. Perhaps the following might illustrate the value in simply DOING IT JEHOVAH'S WAY.",Acts 21:14;,Mark Hanlon,Respect For Authority Is A Safeguard For You,12,,1998/11/26,
"Rules, Rigid, Flexible, Jesus, Pharisees,","'For Jesus, people meant more than most rules.  For the Pharisees, rules meant more than people.'","For themselves, the Pharisees would break their Sabbath traditions to lead their bull to water.  But for the common people, they would not yield one bit!",Matt 23:4; Luke 14:5;,"Oct 15, 1994 Wt Page 18",'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,1994/09/09,
"Rules, Variety, Gifts, People,","Examine the variety of people in the world today.  They vary in habits and customs; they do things in different ways, at various speeds.  Yet, they are permitted by Jehovah to learn the truth. He does not try to make robots out of them.","Allow people to be people.  To be themselves, not distorting their true Scripturally trained personalities.  Not smothered by conforming to shortsighted man's likes or dislikes.  This fills the congregation with color, variety, and refreshing qualities.","Mt 19:13, 14; 1pe 2:16;","Jul 15, 1970 Wt Page 431",Renewing The Spirit Of Self-sacrifice,69,,,
"Rumor, Gossip, Lie,",Rumor bears the same resemblance to truth as a broken mirror does to a whole one. (Usually travel with great speed.) Rumor: Nero set fire to Rome in 64 CE. To counteract he spread one of his own. Caused persecution of Christians.,"Definition: a story or statement talked of as news without proof. Global scale: Apr 13, 1964 it was flashed that Nikita Khrushchev was dead.","Eph. 4:25, 29;","Sep 1, 1964 Wt Page 515, 516",What Kind Of Name Are You Making With God?,55,,,
Rumor; Gossip;,'A rumor is about as hard to un-spread as butter.'  Quote:  Changing Times.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Rumors, Tomatoes, Gossip,",Robert Gibbon Johnson was one of the bravest men of his time.  He was one of the first men in the United States to eat a raw tomato.  This took place on a hot afternoon in August of 1820.  The startled audience gasped and waited for Johnson to die.  He didn't.  Tomatoes had been grown only as ornamental fruit in the U.S. and were known as love apples and believed to be poisonous.,"Today, one can give a person a bad reputation by starting gossip or a rumor which is untrue or partially true.  We, too, need to be brave and put an end to gossip and rumors.",1 Tim 5:13;,Bobby Laymon; American Essays By Dan Valentine,A Cleansed Earth--will You Live To See It?,49,,1997/05/12,
"Russell, Creeds, Traditions, Bible, Adventist, Christendom, Skeptic,","As a youth, Charles T. Russell was active in Church work, but the unreasonableness of traditional dogmas led to his becoming a skeptic.  He discarded the dogmas of church creed and, with them, the Bible.","Encouraged by what he heard one evening at an Adventist meeting, he began a systematic study of the Scriptures.  What he saw unfolding was the inspired Word of God.",2ti 2:15;,Jehovah's Witnesses - Proclaimers Of God's Kingdom.  Page 122,Religion's Role In World Affairs.,92,,,
"Russell, Creeds, Traditions, Bible, Christendom, Trinity,",'More Bible and less hymn-book theology would have made the subject clearer to all.  The doctrine of the trinity is totally opposed to Scripture.'  Quote: Watchtower July 1883,"The Watchtower, courageously, for the benefit of all lovers of truth, laid bare the pagan roots of this central doctrine of Christendom.  Sir Isaac Newton & Henry Grew were among those who had earlier rejected the trinity as unscriptural.",1j 5:7; John 1:1;,Jehovah's Witnesses - Proclaimers Of God's Kingdom.  Page 125,Jehovah And Christ--are They Part Of A Trinity?,82,,,
"Russell, Example, Hatred, Opposition, Persecution, Opposers,","'If you stop to kick at every dog that barks at you, you'll never get very far.'  Quote: C. T. Russell.",We should not let remarks by determined opposers distract us from our service to God.,Ps 119:69;,"Apr 1, 1995 Wt Page 27",Bearing Up Under Persecution,57,,1995/05/21,
"Russia, Unrest, Politics, Changes, Government, Turmoil, Earthquake, Future,","BETWEEN 1987 and 1990, earthquakes measuring 6.9 or higher on the Richter scale shook parts of Armenia, China, Ecuador, Iran, the Philippines, and the United States. Some 70,000 people were killed and tens of thousands more were injured, while hundreds of thousands were left homeless. Damage ran into the billions of dollars.","Still, none of these temblors jolted as many people, or did so as severely, as another earthquake that rocked the world at the same time. It was a political earthquake, one that put an end to an era. By doing so, it changed the future for millions.",Dan 2:21;,"Jul 8, 1996 Aw Page 12;",Your Future--how Can It Be Known?,19,,1996/06/10,
"Rutherford, Literature, Publications,","To pay his way thru school, Rutherford sold encyclopedias from house to house.  It was not an easy job - there were many rebuffs. One occasion he almost died when he fell into an icy stream while calling on farms.  He promised himself, if anyone ever came to his office selling books, he would buy them.","True to his word, he accepted three volumes of 'Millennial Dawn' from two colporteurs who appeared at his office early in 1894. He read them and learned the truth.","John 10:14, 15",Jehovah's Witnesses - Proclaimers Of God's Kingdom.  Page 67,Renewing The Spirit Of Self-sacrifice,69,,,
"Sabbath, Traditions,",'Mountains hanging by a hair.' Quote: Encyclopedia Judaica,Referring to the fact that many Jewish teaching have very little Scriptures and many rules.  Especially regarding the Sabbath.,"Exodus 16:4, 5, 22-25; Heb 4:4-11;","Feb 15, 1993 Wt Page 27",,,,,
Sacred Secret,"Contrast: How different from secrets of false religion Not a whisper of understanding Truth is a roar, thunder.",Mystic trinity remain hidden; Truth given widest publicity.,1 Tim 3:16  1 Pet 2:21,"Jan 15, 1990 Wt Page 15",,,,,
"Sacred Secret, Administration,","At convention, we do not linger at door with sign 'Administration' Jehovah's administration is all important.",Most do not like to be involved in that kind of responsibility.,"Eph. 1:9, 10;","Jul 1, 1964 Wt Page 398",The Kingdom Of God Is Near,109,,,
"Sacred Secret, Administration,","Even a child, especially a little girl, love to have a secret and at the right moment, to whisper it into the ear of her best friend, keenly watching to see that no other child is within earshot. May not mean much to grown-ups.",Jehovah's secret is sacred and embodies his whole purpose.  It is something of real importance.,"Eph. 1:9, 10;","Jul 1, 1964 Wt Page 398",The Kingdom Of God Is Near,109,,,
"Sacred Secret, Prophecy, Future,",'NOTHING is so burdensome as a secret.'  Quote: French Proverb.  Could this explain why we feel good when we know a secret but sometimes frustrated when we cannot talk about it?,"Yet, Jehovah is a revealer of secrets.  Through his prophets and revealed truths he has made 'sacred secrets' unfold.",Dan 2:28;,"Jun 1, 1997 Wt Page 3, 7-11;",Your Future--how Can It Be Known?,19,,1997/06/17,
"Sacrifice, Balance, Extreme, Over-righteous,",Back in 1906 Brother Russell found it necessary to caution: 'self-sacrifice does not mean sacrificing others.',"It does not mean failing to make reasonable provision for one's wife, dependent children, or elderly parents so that one can be free to preach to others.","1co 9:27; Ecclesiastes 7:16, 17;1ti 5:8;",Jehovah's Witnesses - Proclaimers Of God's Kingdom.  Page 294,Renewing The Spirit Of Self-sacrifice,69,,,
"Sacrifice, Drink Offering, Extra, Elders, Pioneers, Meetings, Talks,","Did you ever go into a fine restaurant, where they don't have cooks.  They have chefs.  You order a fine meal and when they bring it there is something green on it.  What is that?  It's parsley.  Do you eat it?  Most don't.  Does it do any good?  Yes!  It garnishes the meal.  It makes it appealing and pleasing to the eyes.","The 'drink offering' might be likened to the parsley.  It was never offered by itself.  It was wine, poured out over the offering.  It enhanced and garnished the offering.  Whose sacrifice was Paul trying to improve?  He mentions 'YOU' (in plural) meaning the congregation.  When you go the extra mile, you make the entire congregation look good.  It doesn't hurt your own sacrifices any either.",Phil 2:17;,Joseph Wengert,"Living, Not For Self, But To Do God's Will",8,,1995/05/29,
"Sacrifice, Offering, Law","When you came to this meeting did you bring a sheep or a goat, or a bull or maybe a pigeon or a dove?",There was a time when the law required this. Jesus fulfilled law principles of law apply. Christians are required to make a living sacrifice of themselves.,Leviticus 1:1-12; Ro 12:1; Mk 12:30;,"J. Laymon  (see Feb 1, 1992 Wt Page 26)",Renewing The Spirit Of Self-sacrifice,69,,,
Sacrifice;,"'In this world it is not what we take up, but what we give up that makes us rich.'  Quote:  Hwb.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Sadness, Depression, Debt,","'The first rule of holes; when you're in one, stop digging.'  Quote: Molly Ivan.","Try a change of pace, or something that will relieve your depression.",Prov 17:22;,Bobby Laymon - Reader's Digest,Gaining Comfort In All Our Tribulations,105,,1996/03/24,
"Safety, Freedom, Security, Peace, Paradise,","Peace might be likened to the dew.  The dew is heavy in the morning, but as the sunlight hits it, it immediately starts to evaporate.  In a few hours it is gone.","Likewise, in the past we had a measure of safety and security, but now, freedom and peace is evaporating like the morning dew.  In God's new system, he promises us peace like a river.",Isa 48:18;,"Sep 1, 1995 Wt Page 3",What The Near Future Holds!,40,,1995/07/25,
"Safety, Reminder, World, Standards, Bible,","Builders of such structures as bridges recognize the need of providing for a margin of safety.  The structure must be made strong enough not only to support the maximum loads expected but to have an extra 'margin of safety' for unexpected strains that it might have to bear.  Example: The Brooklyn bridge was built when there was only horses and buggies and street cars.  There were no automobiles, semi trucks, etc.  Yet, it continues as one of the world's strongest bridges.","Yet builders were not the first to provide a 'margin of safety.'  Jehovah, through his written Word has given us laws and principals that provide, not only for our safety, but situations beyond normal, when we carefully follow its instructions.  We need to be reminded of his standards.",Heb 4:12;,"Mar 8, 1971 Aw Page 16",Why Live By Bible Standards?,88,,1994/01/08,
Safety;,"'A ship in harbor is safe, but that is not what ships are built for.'  Quote:  John A. Shedd.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Safety;,'It is better to be safe than sorry.'  Quote:  American.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Safety;,'The trodden path is the safest.'  Quote:  Legal Maxim.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Salt, Responsibility, Endurance, Peace,","'Salt, to be sure, is fine, But if even the salt loses its strength, with what will it be seasoned? It is suitable neither for soil nor for manure, People throw it outside. Let him that has ears to listen, listen.'   Quote: Jesus Christ.","So Jesus shows that even those who have been his disciples for some time must not weaken in their determination to continue. If they do, they will become useless, an object of ridicule to this world and unfit before God, in fact, a reproach upon God. Hence, like strength less, contaminated salt, they will be thrown outside, yes, destroyed.  Thus, figurative salt makes what one says easier to accept. Having such salt will help preserve the peace.","Luke 14:34, 35;",Gt 84,,,,1996/01/15,
Salvation,"Bait in trap, animal caught, often bait untouched. Explain snare, with bait safely out of reach. At Jehovah's battle we will stand and watch. Rather be home? No we will follow instructions.",We have this kind of protection as Jehovah's people,2 Chron  20:1-24,Bobby Laymon,Stand Still And See The Salvation Of Jehovah,41,,,
Salvation,Big Brother; you stand back & he protects Obedience is KEY,We have this kind of protection as Jehovah's people,2 Chron  20:1-24,Bobby Laymon,Stand Still And See The Salvation Of Jehovah,41,,,
Salvation,"Burning building, run back into",Must remain in saved condition.,Matt 24:13,Sept 15 Wt 1989  Page 7,Stand Still And See The Salvation Of Jehovah,41,,,
Salvation,"If a doctor were to tell you, that you would die in 6 wks, would you leap for joy? Would you have a celebration? Would the arrival of your last day, be happiest of your life?",It is Natural to want to keep living,"Rom. 5:12  John 5:28, 29;","Mar 1, 1960 Wt Page 132",Stand Still And See The Salvation Of Jehovah,41,,,
Salvation,Invisible shield Obedience is KEY,We have this kind of protection as Jehovah's people,2 Chron  20:1-24,Bobby Laymon,Stand Still And See The Salvation Of Jehovah,41,,,
"Salvation, Helmet, Hope,",A soldier's helmet protected his head and thus the brain - the organ of neural coordination and of thought.,"The Christian's hope of salvation is likened to a helmet because it protects the mind.  If we constantly feed our mind on God's Word, our hope will remain bright and clear.",Eph 6:17; Ro 7:18; 12:2;,"May 15, 1992 Wt Page 22",Stand Still And See The Salvation Of Jehovah,41,,,
"Salvation, Life, Grateful, Appreciation, Ransom, Sacrifice, Blessing, Dedication, Baptism,","We might liken this to a person who has been the recipient of many blessings and wants to do something in return for his benefactor to show his appreciation. The psalmist felt that way and stated it in these words: 'What shall I repay to Jehovah for all his benefits to me? The cup of grand salvation I shall take up, and on the name of Jehovah I shall call. My vows I shall pay to Jehovah, yes, in front of all his people.'","On establishing a basis for this belief in God and his provision for salvation through his Son, Christ Jesus, the learner now desires to know what the next step for him is in order to ensure coming under the benefits of the provision by God.",Ps. 116:12-14,W68 5/15 302,Renewing The Spirit Of Self-sacrifice,69,,1994/05/07,
"Salvation, Mercy, Kingdom, Time, Snare, Devil,","Many of us had even reached a critical point in life, perhaps a dead end, an impossible situation, with no way out, or so it seemed. Like birds caught in a snare and at the mercy of the trapper, such have been unable to help themselves, facing almost certain death or at least total frustration and loss of desire to live. They were, they felt, beyond any help.","But then, at the right time for them, Jehovah stepped into the picture.  The results were astonishing! Eyes and ears were opened to things hitherto unseen and unheard, wonderful spiritual things!  A whole new vista of life and usefulness opened up on the basis of the glowing promises of a new order.",Isa 49:8; 2 Cor. 6:2;,W73 5/15 297-8,Reach Out For The Real Life!,90,,1995/01/27,
"Salvation, Name, Grasshoppers,",How important to us is the salvation of grasshoppers? We are as grasshoppers in God's sight.,"The salvation of creatures? No, but for the sake of Jehovah's great name.  So we must make God's thoughts our thoughts, if we are to see in clear focus and true perspective Jehovah's destructive acts at the end of judgment periods. If we persist in tenaciously clinging to the self-centered human view that focuses on creature salvation and leaves Jehovah's vindication in the hazy, out-of-focus background, we may find the Scriptural teaching a hard saying unwelcome to our ears,  and be offended and stumbled by it.-Isa. 55:8, 9; John 6:60, 66","Isa. 55:8, 9; John 6:60, 66",W52 6/1 334,Stand Still And See The Salvation Of Jehovah,41,,1994/05/09,
"Salvation, Survival, Ark, Noah, Pioneers, Gilead Graduates,","Modern day ark is being build and loaded today. You'll see ones change their lives, dedicate themselves to Jah. What a blessing. Ark was a privilege from Jehovah. Noah was God's fellow worker.",In last 4 years 1 million have entered the modern-day ark.,"Isa. 2:2; Matt. 28:19, 20;",Philip Kirkton (bethel Notes) Max Larson,Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,63,,,
"Sanctified, Vindicated, Name, Jehovah","A group may be charged with bad, name needs vindicating Sanctify: make sacred, or holy set apart. Vindication connected with justice. Jehovah sanctified firstborn of Israel later Levi Prayed : name sanctified not Vindicated","Word vindicate: free from guilt , dishonor, negligence, exonerate",Matt.6:9  Numbers.3:13 Exodus.29:44 Joel 1:14,"Feb 22, 1965 Aw Page 27; Johnse Laymon",Make Jehovah Your Confidence,70,,,
"Sanctified, Vindicated, Name, Jehovah","Scientific experiment may be said to vindicate a book or theory Sanctify: make sacred, or holy set apart. Vindication connected with justice. Jehovah sanctified firstborn of Israel later Levi Prayed : name sanctified not Vindicated","Word vindicate: free from guilt, dishonor, negligence, exonerate does not mean persons who have theory is sanctified or made holy",Matt.6:9  Numbers.3:13 Exodus.29:44 Joel 1:14,"Feb 22, 1965 Aw Page 27; Johnse Laymon",Make Jehovah Your Confidence,70,,,
"Sanctified, Vindicated, Name, Jehovah, Archaeologist,","Archaeologist by findings, have vindicated Bible history proved not full myths or fiction","These ones have not believed that book is holy or a sanctified book.  They are interested in vindicating Bible history, not the believe divine Revelation.",Matt.6:9  Numbers.3:13 Exodus.29:44 Joel 1:14,"Feb 22, 1965 Aw Page 27; Johnse Laymon",Make Jehovah Your Confidence,70,,,
"Sanctified, Vindicated, Name, Jehovah, Armageddon",God and name will be vindicated in minds of enemies by his great act at Armageddon,But it will be sanctified or held sacred only by those who know and love Him.,Matt.6:9  Numbers.3:13 Exodus.29:44 Joel 1:14 Rev: 16:16,"Feb 22, 1965 Aw Page 27; Johnse Laymon",Make Jehovah Your Confidence,70,,,
"Sarcasm, Abuse, Parents, Children,","'Sarcasm I now see to be, in general, the language of the Devil; for which reason I have, long since, as good as renounced it.' Quote: Scottish historian and essayist Thomas Carlyle","The constant criticizing and belittling of a child's appearance, intelligence, competence, or value as a person is particularly damaging.  The child feels hurt, but everyone is laughing and he learns not to trust his feelings.",Pr 12:18;,"Feb 8, 1993 Aw Page 9",Parents--are You Building With Fire-resistant Materials?,104,,,
"Sarcasm, Insults, Speech, Language,",Just as a dog uses his sharp incisor teeth to tear flesh off a bone. English word for 'sarcasm' is derived from a Greek verb that literally means 'to tear flesh like dogs.',A sarcastic person can strip another of his dignity.,"Gal. 5:15; Prov. 26:18, 19; 29:20; Prov. 10:19;","Sep 22, 1991 Aw Page 18",A Clean People Honors Jehovah,14,,,
Satan,"Avalanche: Often more dangerous than snow itself is the blast of air that pushes ahead of it: And along both sides everything is sucked to destruction by the vacuum that follows.                                           Note: Snow falls in almost every part of the world, but since it seldom reaches the ground, vast numbers have never seen it.",Satan's world carries all to destruction.,1 Jo 5:19,"Feb 8, 1959 Aw Page 17",How To Protect Ourselves From Satan's Snares,115,,,
Satan,"Cat & the Mice Cat, feeble with age, not able to hunt, devised plan catch mice Suspended self to peg by hind legs, thinking be mistaken for bag or dead cat. Old mouse, 'Seen many bag, but never with cat's head","We must be wise to Satan's tricks Another said, 'I would not trust you if you were stuffed w/straw Moral: Old birds will not be caught with chaff.",2 Cor 2:11,Aesop's Fables Page 38,How To Protect Ourselves From Satan's Snares,115,,,
Satan,"Decoy, looks like ducks, even to ducks, but deadly.",Satan often employs substitutes.,2 Cor. 11:14,Bobby Laymon,How To Protect Ourselves From Satan's Snares,115,,,
Satan,Escaped Convict Whole community gripped with fear; go into hiding Hear everything; house settling etc. Some refuse to believe.,Satan on loose.,L Jo 5:19  1 Pet 5:8,Bill Thomas,How To Protect Ourselves From Satan's Snares,115,,,
Satan,Evil tricks Don't be swallowed up by being overly sad.,Many battles lost; soldiers entered battle already demoralized.,Job 25:4-6  John 8:44  Eph 6:10-13,"Feb 15, 1990 Wt Page 22",How To Protect Ourselves From Satan's Snares,115,,,
Satan,Fighting large rattlesnake in swamp.,Don't fight Satan on his terms.  Rely on Jehovah.,1 Pet 5:8,Bobby Laymon,How To Protect Ourselves From Satan's Snares,115,,,
Satan,"Fox and the Monkey danced, pleased crowd so well, appointed King.  Fox envied, led to piece of meat in trap. 'king should take it' monkey approached carelessly and ensnared.",Satan easily misleads proud world rulers Those with simple minds think they can rule.,1 Jo 5:19,Aesop's Fables  Page 23,How To Protect Ourselves From Satan's Snares,115,,,
Satan,"Having an ax to grind. Little boy played hooky, met man who needed help to grind ax. He turned grindstone, got blisters, and weary; but man kept flattering, so he worked. Then in end, man gave him strong rebuke.","Having a secret or selfish purpose. for playing hooky, and told him to be off to school. Absalom, also used flattery, ax to grind. 2 Sam. 15:1-6",Genesis. Chap 3; Job Chap 1 & 2; Ezek Chap 23; Matt. Chap 4,"Sep 22, 1958 Aw Page 3, 4",How To Protect Ourselves From Satan's Snares,115,,,
Satan,Like fisherman keeps trying until he gets a strike.,"If one bait doesn't work, tries another.",1 Pet 5:8,Circuit Overseer,How To Protect Ourselves From Satan's Snares,115,,,
Satan,Masked man blinded minds of unbelievers.,Satan 'masks' himself as angel of light,2 Cor 4:4  11:14,"Awake Mar 8, 1990 Page 21",How To Protect Ourselves From Satan's Snares,115,,,
Satan,Nonexistence is favorite cover of criminals.,Pretending not to exist has been one of Satan's most successful deceptions.  Men have put him in mankind's cluttered closet of myths and legends.,Matt. 12:24; Eph. 6:12; 2 Pet. 2:4; 1 Pet. 5:8,"Aug 1, 1961 Wt Page 453",How To Protect Ourselves From Satan's Snares,115,,,
Satan,Not always like a lion; Sometimes like a worm.,"Worms his way into our time, other affairs.",2 Pet 5:8,"Pure Language Dist. Assy July 5-8, 1990",How To Protect Ourselves From Satan's Snares,115,,,
Satan,"Nuclear arsenal, enough to destroy many times over. Satan will use any weapon in his arsenal of temptation. We are not ignorant of Satan's designs, but neither is he unaware of our weaknesses.","Worse arsenal, Satan's arsenal of temptations.","2 Cor 2:11  1 Pet 5:8, 9  Ps 141:8,9 1 Cor 7:39","Oct 1, 1989 Wt Page 19",How To Protect Ourselves From Satan's Snares,115,,,
Satan,"Pitfalls (Describe) Tongue, Recreation, Sexual immorality, Materialism.",Elders and others can fall into these.,Jam 3:1-13,Sept 15 Wt 1989  Page 13,How To Protect Ourselves From Satan's Snares,115,,,
Satan,Satan had (eye) 'I' trouble. God's word tells what a killer pride is.,Satan is the very personification of pride.,"Isa. 14: 13, 14; Matt. 4:8, 9","Bobby Laymon (see Dec 22, 1959 Aw Page 3",How To Protect Ourselves From Satan's Snares,115,,,
Satan,"Trojan Horse (According to legend, large wooden horse) Large wooden horse filled with Greek soldiers, left outside gates of Troy.  Taken into city at night, and soldiers emerged, and let Greek armies into the city and Trojans suffered defeat.","Satan tries to penetrate organization, work from within.",Jude 4   Matt 13:24,Bobby Laymon,How To Protect Ourselves From Satan's Snares,115,,,
Satan,"Turtle and Eagle.  Turtle wanted to fly like eagle, made bargain to take him up dropped over rocks, tasty meal.",Don't fly too high on an enemy's pin feathers.,1 Pet 5:8,Aesop's Fables,How To Protect Ourselves From Satan's Snares,115,,,
Satan,Would you rather be in the woods with lion or in a cage with lion?,"Satan ousted 1914, and since that time we have been in a cage with him.",Rev. 12:12,Johnse Laymon,How To Protect Ourselves From Satan's Snares,115,,,
Satan,Wrestling; many who watch say it is a fake. Must put up hard fight.,Satan is real;  We have a for-real struggle with Satan,Eph 6:11,Bobby Laymon,Meeting The Test Of Christian Loyalty,48,,,
Satan & Demons,Jump into yard with a bad dog,"Moving into demon possessed house, or defying Satan ourselves",Draw Close To God,Watchtower,How To Protect Ourselves From Satan's Snares,115,,,
Satan & Demons,Kingdom divided against self cannot stand Satan's house will fall,Must be fully on Jehovah's side of issue as Jesus was,Luke 11:15-23,Jesus,How To Protect Ourselves From Satan's Snares,115,,,
Satan & Demons,Must bind strong man before plundering house Satan's house will fall.,Jesus is stronger than Satan.,Luke 11:15-23,Jesus,How To Protect Ourselves From Satan's Snares,115,,,
Satan The Devil,"Afraid of the dark, monster outside window, only your imagination If men are the devils, why do most show concern for families.","Some persons, put Devil in same category.",2 Cor 4:4  Rev 12:9,"Jan 8, 1990 Awake! P. 12",How To Protect Ourselves From Satan's Snares,115,,,
Satan The Devil,"Blind spot in driving car, Dangerous surplus food rots, they pollute earth's environment arm for mutual annihilation WHO has blinded the minds of these?  2 Cor 4:4",Something blocks view of people in seeing Satan's involvement,2 Cor 4:4  Rev 12:9,"Jan 8, 1990 Awake! P. 12",How To Protect Ourselves From Satan's Snares,115,,,
Satan The Devil,"Boss of organized crime drugs, prostitution, theft, gambling, smuggling, and so forth without revealing himself to all his underlings. Uses organization, control far more than could do personally",Satan oversees many illegal operations,2 Cor 4:4  Rev 12:9 2 Cor 2:11,"Jan 8, 1990 Awake! P. 13",How To Protect Ourselves From Satan's Snares,115,,,
Satan The Devil,"Masses of people, treated as herds of cattle.  Uses an organization to control far more, than he could personal","Satan turns a few at the head of the herd, majority will follow",2 Cor 4:4  Rev 12:9 2 Cor 2:11,"Jan 8, 1990 Awake! P. 13",How To Protect Ourselves From Satan's Snares,115,,,
Satan's Wicked Influence,Octopus humans desperately need to be rescued death sentence unjust systems of imperfect human rulership,Reached out to embrace entire human family,1 Jo 5:19,"Mar 1, 1989 Wt Page 21 Para 11",How To Protect Ourselves From Satan's Snares,115,,,
"Satan,",Satan keeps moving around.  We must be like a boxer.  A boxer studies every move and all his opponent's tactics.,"We must be like a boxer.  We must know his every move, so that we are not overwhelmed.",Eph 6:10;,Wm. Osbeck,How To Protect Ourselves From Satan's Snares,115,,1993/12/07,
"Satan, 1914, Lease, Destruction, Devil,","When a person's lease on a house is up, it is time for him to vacate.  If he doesn't, then in due time he will be forced to vacate.","Satan's lease for the earth was up in 1914.  Their kings had their day.  Since Satan refuses to vacate the earth, the Warrior King, Christ Jesus will see that he is evicted.",Ps 110:1-6;,Bobby Laymon,The Messiah's Presence And His Rule,91,,1994/10/30,
"Satan, Advertising, Youth, Commercial,","Large animals bear, wolf, cat family.  Deer-Who do they prey on?  The very young and inexperienced.  Commercial world aims at 12 year olds.  By doing so they get the rest of us.",Satan preys especially on young.,1 Pet. 5:8,"Service Meeting At Brooklyn, N.Y.",How To Protect Ourselves From Satan's Snares,115,,,
"Satan, Authority, Devil, Demons, Future,","If you ever watched a 'puppet show' you see the movement of the puppets.  However, someone has to be hidden somewhere to 'pull the strings' to make them move.",Satan is the one 'pulling the strings' for the authorities of this world today.  He will not continue to exist.,"Rev 12:9; 13:1, 2; Dan 3:16-18;","Comment On July 1, 1994 Wt Page 20; Susan Osbeck C.O. Wife.",Respect For Authority Is A Safeguard For You,12,,1994/08/23,
"Satan, Bargain, World, Compromise, Loyalty, Peace, Tests, Persecution,","THE ASS and the Fox, having entered into partnership together for their mutual protection, went out into the forest to hunt.  They had not proceeded far when they met a Lion.  The Fox, seeing imminent danger, approached the Lion and promised to contrive for him the capture of the Ass if the Lion would pledge his word not to harm the Fox.  Then, upon assuring the Ass that he would not be injured, the Fox led him to a deep pit and arranged that he should fall into it.  The Lion, seeing that the Ass was secured, immediately clutched the Fox, and attacked the Ass at his leisure.","Moral: 'Those who compromise the loyalty of others will find that they are not benefited themselves.'  Those who compromised their faith in Hitler's concentration camps and other tests, lost out on the reward themselves.",Re 2:10;,Aesop's Fables - Bobby Laymon,'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,1994/05/15,
"Satan, Children, Family, World,","It is a tug of war.  With Satan pulling one hand of our child and we pulling the other.  Internet, music, cellular phone, etc.",Read Deut. 6:5-9 and replace YOU with your name each time.,Deuteronomy. 6:5-9,"Elder's School 11/23, 24 At St. Louis",Parents--are You Building With Fire-resistant Materials?,104,,"Nov 26, 2001",
"Satan, Crafty, Religion, Worship,",Like baseball player; more fun pitching to more than one person. Many have a warped view of God.,Some feel it is more fun 'pitching to more than one god.,Matt. 7:21-23; Phil. 3:19; Jas. 1:26,Scott Rudolph,Who Is Your God?,52,,,
"Satan, Crafty, Religion, Worship,",Numbers trick: pick any number; double it; add 2; divide it by 2; subtract the original number; the answer is 1.,"Out of the thousands of religions, Satan works it out so all are worshiping the same god.  Satan. Only 2 Gods being worshiped: Jehovah and Satan.",2 Cor. 4:4; Rev. 4:11;,Scott Rudolph,Who Is Your God?,52,,,
"Satan, Death, Sin,",Poison comes in brilliant colors.,Satan pretties things up to make them tempting.,"1 Jo. 2:15-17; Eccl. 9:5, 10; Ezek 18:4; Acts 17:31; 24:15;",Bobby Laymon,Hold A Good Conscience In A Sinful World,107,,,
"Satan, Death, Sin, Life, Resurrection, Loyalty,",You can only hang once.,Satan only need one opportunity.,"Genesis. 1:27-31; Eccl. 9:5, 10; Ezek 18:4; Acts 17:31; 24:15;",Bobby Laymon,Hold A Good Conscience In A Sinful World,107,,,
"Satan, Demons,",Satan is a serial killer.  He is a mass murderer.,The entire human race has suffered from his crime.,1 Jo 5:19;,Doug Rader,Jealousy--proper And Improper,76,,1996/01/14,
"Satan, Demons,","Tear down spider web, but don't destroy the spider, what will happen? He builds back. Satan will be completely destroyed after 1000 year reign.",That's what happened to Satan at the flood. He built back.,Rev. 20:10,Johnse Laymon,How To Protect Ourselves From Satan's Snares,115,,,
"Satan, Demons, Death,","'White teeth, black heart,' says the African proverb. And God's Word says: 'Satan himself keeps transforming himself into an angel of light.'",You know that it is not uncommon for a bad person to be friendly to those he wants to deceive and cheat.,2 Corinthians 11:14.,Sp 18,What Happens When We Die?,127,,"Sep 1, 2001",
"Satan, Demons, Death,","Just as a spider web holds fast a fly, millions of people are held fast by superstition and falsehood.","They fear the dead. They fear the demons. They worry about curses, omens, charms, and fetishes. They are bound by beliefs and traditions based on the lies of Satan the Devil. God's servants are ensnared by none of these things.","Eccl 9:5, 10;",Sp 24,What Happens When We Die?,127,,"Sep 1, 2001",
"Satan, Demons, Devil, Christendom,","If you owned all the stores in town but one, would you care where I shopped at?  Not as long as it wasn't at the one not owned by you.",Go to the Church of your choice. Satan doesn't care.  Just don't go to the Kingdom Hall.,1 John 5:19,Bobby Laymon,Religion's Role In World Affairs.,92,,,
"Satan, Demons, Image, Sin, Flesh,","An image is the reflection of an object or a source.  Thus, humans were created to be a reflection of God's glory.  The first human pair, created in perfection, were well equipped for this role.  Like mirrors polished to a high finish.","However, they allowed that high finish to be tarnished when they deliberately chose to disobey.  They could no longer reflect God's glory to that degree.  Satan and his agents are doing everything they can to tarnish our reflection of the glory of God.","Rom 7:21-24; 8:6, 7; Rom 7:25;","Jun 15, 1994 Wt Page 12, 17;",How To Protect Ourselves From Satan's Snares,115,,1994/08/23,
"Satan, Demons, Temptation, World, Materialism, Disfellowship,","In a game of Checkers or Chess, each player sits and tries to maneuver how he can trap, or remove you from the game.",Satan and his demons sit and try to figure out how they can maneuver you.  To remove you from Jehovah's service if possible.,"Job 1:11; 2:4, 5;",William Osbeck (c.O.),'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
"Satan, Devil","A thief is not born a thief.  He may have come from a good family, having honest parents and law-abiding brothers and sisters. His own desire for what money can buy may have caused him to become a thief.","Satan, one of God's spirit sons made himself a devil in the same way. Devil means 'slanderer' and Satan means 'resister.'","Jas. 1:14, 15; Deuteronomy. 32:5;","You Can Live Forever In Paradise On Earth. Page 18, 19",How To Protect Ourselves From Satan's Snares,115,,,
"Satan, Devil",Boxer studies video of person he is going to fight. He learns his moves so can avoid his blows,Need to study Satan's moves.   What he uses so we can avoid being caught off guard,2 Cor. 2:11,Rusty Truit,How To Protect Ourselves From Satan's Snares,115,,,
"Satan, Devil,",'It is the enemy whom we do not suspect who is the most dangerous.'  Quote: Fernando Rojas (1465?-1541?),"Satan tries to persuade people that he doesn't exist, making him more dangerous than ever.",2co 4:4,Wisdom Of The Ages,How To Protect Ourselves From Satan's Snares,115,,,
"Satan, Devil,",'Master Psychologist',Satan the Devil is the 'Master Psychologist.  He tries to figure out what you are thinking and uses it against you. He strikes at what your 'excitement' or 'weakness' is.,1pe 5:8;,William Osbeck C.O.,How To Protect Ourselves From Satan's Snares,115,,,
"Satan, Devil, 1914, Lame Duck,","A 'Lame Duck' president, when displaced from office may try to take advantage of the short time to extract from the land all the ill-gotten gains that he can before he loses all power.","Since 1914, Satan is a 'Lame Duck'.  How is he behaving?  Like a corrupt president, he tries to get everything he can out of this old system.  He is not after money, but human lives.","Re 12:12; Ps 110:1, 2, 6;","Oct 1, 1992 Wt Page 17, 18",How To Protect Ourselves From Satan's Snares,115,,,
"Satan, Devil, Chagas, Kissing Bug, World,","Chagas disease is spread by an insect, known as the kissing bug. During the night it drops on the face of its victim. The bite is painless, but it deposits its infected feces on the victim.  The victim may never know he has been bitten.","Satan is very subtle, and he can influence us in such ways that we don't realize that we are infected with the spirit of the world.",2ti 3:1-5; 1 John 2:15-17;,"Nov 22, 1992 Aw Page 13",'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
"Satan, Devil, Demons,","Imagine a dictator who enslaved everyone on the earth and then one-by-one he murdered them all. We do not like our lives to be completely taken out of our hands. 40,000 children die each day from malnutrition",This is what Satan has done.,Rom. 5:12; Rev. 12:12; 2 Cor. 3:11; Dan. 2:44; Luke 23:43;,"Lovers Of Freedom District Assy. Mobile July 12-14, 1991",The Only Cure For Sick Mankind,62,,,
"Satan, Devil, Demons,",Satan is the 'Great Pretender.',He makes it seem like he doesn't really exist.,"Re 12:9, 12;",Wm. Osbeck  C.O.,How To Protect Ourselves From Satan's Snares,115,,1993/12/07,
"Satan, Devil, Demons,","When they fed into a computer the phrase, 'Out of sight, out of mind, the answer came back: 'Invisible insanity!'",Those who do not believe in the existence of Satan are like that.  He wants us to think he doesn't really exist.,"Re 12:9, 12; Eph 6:10;",Wm. Osbeck  C.O.,How To Protect Ourselves From Satan's Snares,115,,1993/12/07,
"Satan, Devil, Demons, Anger, Rage,",Like an angry swarm of bees.,Satan and his demons vent their rage on the restless masses of mankind.,Isa 57:20;,"Dec 15, 1994 Wt Page 14 Para 2",Good News In A Violent World,85,,1994/11/09,
"Satan, Devil, Demons, Cross, Idols, Images, Earth, Paradise, Armageddon,","Often set a day to 'clean house.' Determine if pictures or calendar have pagan symbolisms. Painting with cross, etc.",We must clean house religiously speaking.  Jehovah is going to clean house with the earth.,"Acts 17:29-31; Exodus. 20:4; Deuteronomy. 4:15-19; 7:25, 26;","Jul 1, 1964 Wt Page 392-395",The Only Cure For Sick Mankind,62,,,
"Satan, Devil, Demons, Deceived, Snare,","'WHY SHOULD there always be this fear and slaughter between us?'  said the Wolves to the Sheep.  'Those evil-disposed Dogs have  much to answer for.  They always bark whenever we approach you  and attack us before we have done any harm.  If you would only  dismiss them from your heels, there might soon be treaties of  peace and reconciliation between us.'  The Sheep, poor silly  creatures, were easily beguiled and dismissed the Dogs, whereupon  the Wolves destroyed the unguarded flock at their own pleasure.","Satan will try any tactic to cause us to let our guard down, so he can attack.",2 Th 2:9;,Aesop's Fables - Bobby Laymon,How To Protect Ourselves From Satan's Snares,115,,1994/05/17,
"Satan, Devil, Demons, Designs,","A CAT, hearing that the Birds in a certain aviary were ailing  dressed himself up as a physician, and, taking his cane and a bag  of instruments becoming his profession, went to call on them.  He  knocked at the door and inquired of the inmates how they all did,  saying that if they were ill, he would be happy to prescribe for  them and cure them.  They replied, 'We are all very well, and  shall continue so, if you will only be good enough to go away, and leave us as we are.'","Moral: 'A villain may disguise himself, but he will not deceive the wise.'  We are not ignorant of Satan's devises.",2 Cor 2:11;,Aesop's Fables - Bobby Laymon,How To Protect Ourselves From Satan's Snares,115,,1994/05/17,
"Satan, Devil, Demons, Last Days, World,","Would you rather be in the woods with a lion, or in a cage with a lion?","Satan has now been 'hurled down' to this earth.  He is a roaring lion, and he is trapped.  We are, as it were, in a cage with him and his demons.",Rev. 12:10; 1 Pet. 5:8; Dan. 2:44; Rev. 17:14;,You Can Live Forever In Paradise On Earth. Page 68 Johnse Laymon,'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
"Satan, Devil, Destruction, Gehenna, Fire,",The Bible likens the ultimate destruction of Satan to the incineration of garbage.,"What a powerful symbol!  Imagine, destruction likened not simply to some small incinerator with only limited capacity but to a whole lake of fire, consuming and removing from existence everything that is evil and contaminated.",Rev 20:10;,"Nov 1, 1997 Wt Page 7",A Cleansed Earth--will You Live To See It?,49,,1997/09/26,
"Satan, Devil, Discouragement, Race, Endurance, Depressed, Encourage, Tire,","When a runner knows that he is near the end of a long race, he does not give up.  His body may be at the limit of its endurance--exhausted, overheated, and dehydrated--but so near to the finish is no time to stop running.","We are in a race for the prize of life, and we are very near the finish line.  Now is not the time for us to stop running.","1 Cor 9:24; Phil 2:16; 3:13, 14;","Dec 1, 1995 Wt Page 13 Par 18",Gaining Comfort In All Our Tribulations,105,,1995/10/30,
"Satan, Devil, Discouragement, Sleep, Awake, Depressed, Encourage, Tire,","A lion hunts in various ways.  Sometimes it will ambush its prey at water holes or along well-used paths.  But sometimes, says the book 'Portraits in the Wild,' a lion 'simply takes advantage of a situation--for example, coming upon a sleeping zebra foal.'","Like his counterpart in the animal kingdom, Satan sometimes tries an ambush.  Persecution or opposition.  At other times the Devil simply takes advantage of a situation.  He waits until we get discouraged or grow weary, and tries to capitalize on our low emotional state.  We must not become easy prey.","Rev 12:12, 17;","Dec 1, 1995 Wt Page 9",Gaining Comfort In All Our Tribulations,105,,1995/10/30,
"Satan, Devil, Earth, Woe, 1914, Danger,","If someone wanted to kill you, and he could convince you that he didn't exist, would he have a better chance of killing you?",Many persons today do not even believe that Satan exists.,2 Cor. 11:14,You Can Live Forever In Paradise On Earth. Page 22,Ruining The Earth Brings Divine Retribution,106,,,
"Satan, Devil, Earth, Woe, 1914, Danger,","Modern-day crime leaders put on a front of being respectable, but behind the scenes, do very wicked things. His schemes for misleading people often appear innocent, even beneficial.","Satan, likewise 'keeps transforming himself into an angel of light.'",2 Cor. 11:14,You Can Live Forever In Paradise On Earth. Page 22,Ruining The Earth Brings Divine Retribution,106,,,
"Satan, Devil, Ecology, Pollution, Ruin, Science, Earth,","Imagine that in a large factory, the proud, unprincipled manager overhears the owner say that he will not be promoted but, rather, that he will be dismissed in a few months.  Embittered and spiteful, he uses lies, bribes, and all sorts of underhanded tricks to get a number of workers to create havoc. They cause machines to fail, production to slow, and products to be faulty--yet in such a clever way as to avoid blame. Meantime, honest employees, oblivious to what is really going on, try to make repairs; but the harder they try, the worse things get.","This world's crooked 'manager' has schemed similarly against mankind and the earth. But in this instance we need not remain 'ignorant of his designs,' for the Bible tears away his cover and reveals an embittered spirit creature--Satan the Devil--an angel who became a megalomaniac and craved to be worshiped.  Like the crooked factory manager, this 'father of the lie' also employs an arsenal of underhanded methods to vent his anger.",2 Cor 2:11; 4:4; Genesis 3:15; Rom 16:20;,"Jul 8, 1987 Aw Page 10",Ruining The Earth Brings Divine Retribution,106,,1997/06/16,
"Satan, Devil, Ecology, Pollution, Ruin, Science, Earth,","Perhaps man is like the driver of a runaway train. He has a console crammed with electronic wizardry and monitors telling him everything that is happening, but he cannot stop the train!","This ruining of the earth is occurring at a time when science and technology seem capable of little short of miracles; micro-transmitters and satellites keep tabs on endangered species, rain-forest destruction is measured from outer space, and air pollution is measured in parts per million.",Rev 11:18;,"Jul 8, 1987 Aw Page 9",Ruining The Earth Brings Divine Retribution,106,,1997/06/16,
"Satan, Devil, Eyes, Heart, Understanding, Wisdom, Desire,",I notice that many of you are wearing glasses.  Why?  Does it make you more glamorous or handsome?  Vision is considered the most precious of all our senses.,Satan can use our eyesight to tempt us.  Consider Eve's example:  He caused her to look at the fruit in a different way.  Satan showed Jesus all the kingdoms of the world.  Advertising slogans and schemes.,Genesis. 3:6;,Dale Hartley,Is There Really A Devil?,131,,"Nov 18, 2001",
"Satan, Devil, Influence,",The influence of enchained Satan on mankind will be no greater that that of a prisoner in a deep dungeon.,He 'will not mislead the nations anymore.',Rev 20:1-3;,"Nov 15, 1997 Wt Page 7",How To Protect Ourselves From Satan's Snares,115,,1997/11/11,
"Satan, Devil, Last Days, 1914,","In times past people would crowd into a telephone booth to see how many could get in.  However, they did not stay in there very long because of the cramped conditions.","Satan is, as it were, confined to a telephone booth.  He is crowded and knows his time is short.  The real problem is:  We are in there with him.","Rev 12:9, 12;",William Osbeck C. O.,Is It Time For God To Rule The World?,20,,1994/08/24,
"Satan, Devil, Lies, Deceive, Collusion, Devious, Honest, Fraud, Literature,","'Oh, what a tangled web we weave, When first we practice to deceive!'  Quote: Sir Walter Scott.",False religion deceives in many ways.  Foolhardy to expose ourselves to association with such ones through their literature.  Such literature is poisonous and designed to deceive.,"2 Cor. 11:13-15; Titus 3:9, 10;",Bobby Laymon,Choose Your Associates Wisely!,116,,1995/07/18,
"Satan, Devil, Light","Pirates would move light from lighthouse out in water.  Ships would run aground or crash into rocks, and they would plunder them.",Satan acts like angel of light or pretends to do good to get people looking in wrong direction then fleeces or plunders them,2 Cor. 11:14,Rusty Truit,How To Protect Ourselves From Satan's Snares,115,,,
"Satan, Devil, Meetings, Unity, Habit, Congregation, Nation, World,",'A house divided cannot stand.',"Applies to Satan, but to congregation as well, and nations.","Mark 3:25; Prov. 13:20; 18:1, Ps. 133:1; Jo. 15:15; Heb. 10:24, 25",Bobby Laymon,'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
"Satan, Devil, Sin,","Serpents, to most people are repulsive.  An air of mystery and inscrutability surrounds them.  Their sly and sinuous movements and the deadly power of poison fangs and crushing coils only add to this impression.","How fitting that the great arch-deceiver, Satan, first appeared under the figure of a seductive serpent!  Many cults idolized the serpent.","Ge 3:4, 5; Re 20:1-3;","Jan 22, 1968 Aw Page 17",The Only Cure For Sick Mankind,62,,,
"Satan, Devil, Snare, Courage, Secure,",'The fly that doesn't want to be swatted is most secure when it lights on the fly swatter.'  Quote: G.C. Lichtenberg.,"Opposers called upon to 'kiss the son,' Jesus Christ, in order to make peace.  Majority will stubbornly refuse and be broken by the iron scepter of the enthroned Lord Jesus.",Ps 2:9-12;,Bobby Laymon,Overcoming Fear Of The Future,108,,1995/06/27,
"Satan, Devil, Snares, Temptations, Local Needs,","The world we live in is controlled by Satan and his demons, and the mass of humankind is constantly restless and in turmoil.  Spiritually, we are in a peaceful zone, untouched by the troubles the rest of mankind suffers.  But physically we are buffeted about along with the rest.  Should we expect, as Jehovah's people, that we should be protected from difficulties in this system?  Consider the following story, and see if really we shouldn't hope for the opposite.  A number of fishermen sit along a pier, dropping their lines into the ocean. Each one has a different technique, and a different type of bait. And each one is taking in his catch.  The water is crystal clear, and they can see almost to the ocean floor.  They watch the schools of fish swimming about there, waiting in anticipation for one to take the bait offered.  There are so many fish there, the men can almost take their choice.  Every so often, someone will pull his line out of the water, not because he has a catch, but because he doesn't want that particular fish that's swimming in his area.  Perhaps it's too small, perhaps the preparation isn't worth the work on that one, perhaps its flesh is poisonous, or maybe it just doesn't taste that good.  After this one swims by, he lowers his line again, waiting for another, more desirable fish to approach.  Beneath the surface of the water, the fish swim about peacefully.  One goes along, happy in his little routine of finding food, when a plump, juicy worm abruptly appears in front of him.  Not being one to pass up an opportunity like this, he takes a huge bite, and suddenly is jerked forward!  Then the battle is on - no matter how much the little fish fights against the tug of the line, he's slowly reeled in, powerless to succeed against the trap.  He's caught.  Two other fish swimming close by see what happens.  One darts away quickly, not to return.  The other heads off also in another direction, but continues swimming around the general area.  Above him, he sees the glimmer of an insect on top of the water.  Wary, he considers the fate of his companion, turns away to go a little distance, turns back to look again.  What a dilemma!  Is it trouble?  But it's so shiny and pretty!  How could something so beautiful be harmful?  Carefully approaching, his eyes are on that glimmer on the surface.  Slowly moving along towards it, he's unaware of the net dropping down behind him, and he's trapped!  Further along, one of the smaller fish is swimming about.  He saw something that looked tasty ahead, but as he approached, it was lifted away.  He swam around a little in the area, and every time he approached the morsel, it was taken away from him.  No matter how long he stayed around, he couldn't get to it.  Finally, he ignored it and looked for something else to eat - it wasn't a temptation to him any longer.","In the sea of humanity, we are the fish.  The fishermen are Satan and his demons.  The bait, all sorts of worldly vices - greed, immorality, violence, persecution, designed to tempt and ensnare us.  There they sit, looking down at us all wondering about.  Each one sets his trap, laying out his bait.  Jehovah's people are, of course, the 'desirable catch' they're seeking.  When they see us approaching their temptations, they smile with anticipation, waiting for us to fall into their snares.  Not wanting to waste their time with people of the world, they don't worry about tempting them at all - they already have these ones.  It's Jehovah's people they concentrate on.  So we see our friends undergoing persecution, resisting or giving in to temptations.  Some are taken away from us by these snares.  Do we take heed when this happens, and avoid the same traps?  Do we run away, only to walk into another one somewhere else?  Do we see the traps they're setting as a snare for us?  Or are we like the little fish they didn't want to catch because they already have us, and would rather spend their time concentrating on others.  Do we have peace while the rest of Jehovah's people are in turbulence?  We might see temptations and persecution all around us - in the congregation, with our friends, or with ourselves.  But rather than getting discouraged by this, remember - the fishermen only set the bait for the ones they still want to catch.  They don't worry about those they already have, and they don't worry about the little, insignificant ones.",1 Pet. 5:8,Patti Gillison,Service Talk,200,,1999/06/20,
"Satan, Devil, Table, Cook, Immorality, Association, Materialism, Spiritism,","Whose in the kitchen?  If the demons have a table with their food, they also have a cook, right? So you know who that is. So I start imitating the great wicked fry cook cooking up some tempting dishes, on his menu are immorality (maybe that's where the expression 'what a dish' came from), bad association, materialism with all the fixings, and a popular dish here of spiritism.","Sometimes they smell so good and it might even taste good for a second, but the aftertaste is deadly once it goes down it  kills you.  So stay away from his spicy foods, and don't drink the water.",1 Cor. 10:21;,Dennis Dunn,Service Talk,200,,1999/04/20,
"Satan, Devil, War In Heaven, Earth, Woe,",If you had two neighbors you didn't like and you spent all your time throwing rocks at their houses.  Then one neighbor moved. What could you now do?  Spend ALL your time tormenting the one who is left.,"Similar with Satan, since thrown down to the earth.  He can no longer reach the angels, so spends more time causing woe to earth.",Rev. 12:7-12;,You Can Live Forever In Paradise On Earth. Page 22. (r. Schwarze),Ruining The Earth Brings Divine Retribution,106,,,
"Satan, Devil, War In Heaven, Earth, Woe, 1914,",What happens when you get an animal cornered.  He fights. 'knowing he has a short period of time.',Satan has been cornered on the earth since 1914 and is causing all the damage he can.,Rev. 12:7-12;,You Can Live Forever In Paradise On Earth. Page 22. (b. Laymon),Ruining The Earth Brings Divine Retribution,106,,,
"Satan, Discouragement,","Having a Garage Sale; One tool priced too high to sell.  Discouragement:  Wedge-shaped tool, pry inside conscience. Some tools marked malice, hatred, jealousy etc.  sold some.",Still has tool DISCOURAGEMENT and uses it...Most valuable,Luke 13:24,"Bro Punko, Larry",How To Protect Ourselves From Satan's Snares,115,,,
"Satan, Environment, Desensitize, Television, Movies, Music, Defilement","Our neighbor had a pet raccoon, named Rascal,  who was very destructive.  He raided the neighbors' hen houses, opened fruit jars, broke into their smokehouse where the meat was kept.  Our neighbor  was forced to put his pet in a cage.  He knew Rascal would go crazy if he just imprisoned him all at once, so he built the cage with Rascal helping, going in and out.  He would pull and tear at the wire and wood frame of the cage.  When the cage was finally finished, Rascal went inside and he shut the door. Rascal was so familiar with the cage that even though he was now imprisoned, he didn't mind. The cage was now his home.","Satan can do that to us.  He can make us insensitive to what is really going on in our lives.  He can gradually introduce us to an environment, so we accept it without question.  Don't let Satan make a 'Rascal' out of you!",1 Pet. 5:8;,Bobby Laymon,How To Protect Ourselves From Satan's Snares,115,,"Jan 26, 2001",
"Satan, Eve, Tempted,","Some skilled persons can speak words with their lips nearly shut making it appear as if a nearby animal or a dummy is talking. In Eden, Satan used the serpent.",How much easier for a superhuman invisible person to do this.,Genesis. 3:1-6; Numbers. 22:28; Rev. 12:9; 2 Cor. 11:3;,The Truth That Leads To Eternal Life. Page 57,How To Protect Ourselves From Satan's Snares,115,,,
"Satan, Evil, Lure, Snare,","'If one is plotting evil, He always uses pleasant words.  When a hunter sees the game, He sings a sweet song to lure it.  Quote: Nagarjuna (c. 100-200 A.D.)",Satan uses desirable things to lead us into his trap of sin and death.,1 John 2:15-17;,Wisdom Of The Ages,How To Protect Ourselves From Satan's Snares,115,,,
"Satan, Excuses, Tyrant, Wicked,","A CAT caught a Cock, and pondered how he might find a reasonable  excuse for eating him.  He accused him of being a nuisance to men  by crowing in the nighttime and not permitting them to sleep.   The Cock defended himself by saying that he did this for the  benefit of men, that they might rise in time for their labors.   The Cat replied, 'Although you abound in specious apologies, I  shall not remain supper less'; and he made a meal of him.","The wicked, like Satan will find reason to mistreat Jehovah's people. 'I have seen the wicked a TYRANT And spreading himself as a   luxuriant tree in native soil.   And yet he proceeded to pass away, and there he was not; And I kept seeking him, and he was not found.'","Ps 37:35, 36;",Aesop's Fables - Bobby Laymon,How To Protect Ourselves From Satan's Snares,115,,1994/05/15,
"Satan, Gog, Magog, Armageddon,",Cheese- Mousetrap- We're the Cheese.,Satan will be lured into a trap by Jehovah.,"Eze 38:8, 9;",Dch,How To Protect Ourselves From Satan's Snares,115,,1993/10/04,
"Satan, Guilt, Discourage, Demoralize,","How many battles have been lost because soldiers entered the fight already demoralized. Satan may try to encourage the feeling that you are worthless in God's eyes, as Bildad tried to do to Job.",Do not let Satan demoralize you.  Being aware of Satan's designs should stimulate you to fight all the harder to do what is right,Job 25:4-6; John 8:44; Eph 6:10-13; 2co 2:11;,"Feb 15, 1990 Wt Page 22",How To Protect Ourselves From Satan's Snares,115,,,
"Satan, Kingdom, Armageddon,","We often see a situation where a change of administration is made and the people supporting the new ruler, by vote, hope he will bring about better conditions. But, after a while complaints arise",Christ Jesus will remove mankind's chief disturber and establish righteous conditions earth wide.,Rev. 12:9; 2 Cor. 4:4; John 12:31; 14:30;,"Jul 15, 1967 Wt Page 444",The Kingdom Of God Is Near,109,,,
"Satan, Lies, Devil, Manslayer, Death, Sin,",A criminal tries to cover his tracks.,This has also been true of the one responsible for a crime that has resulted in the death of billions.  He has maneuvered things to shroud human death in mystery.  Jesus Christ identified this criminal.,"John 8:31, 40, 44;",Kl Page 55,How To Protect Ourselves From Satan's Snares,115,,1995/06/15,
"Satan, Lies, Devil, Manslayer, Death, Sin, Adam, Eve,",Criminals often have accomplices.,"Although Eve was deceived, both she and Adam supported Satan's scheme to rule the human race.  In effect, they became his accomplices.",Rom 6:16; 1 Tim 2:14;,Kl Page 57,How To Protect Ourselves From Satan's Snares,115,,1995/06/15,
"Satan, Life, Race, Self,","There was a fox and a rabbit. Naturally, the fox fancied the rabbit for a bit of a meal, so he hid, waiting for the rabbit to come by, which is what eventually happened.  The fox jumped out of his hiding place, and said with a smile, 'Good afternoon, Dinner!'  Without a word, the rabbit turned and was away in a blinding flash.  The fox, not to be done out of his plan so easily, immediately gave chase. The rabbit ran as he had never run before. He ran under fences, he ran through bushes, he ran in and out of hollow logs, he even ran through the culvert under the road.  The fox ran right behind the rabbit, so close that several times the rabbit felt the fox's hot breath on his tail.  Eventually, the fox began to tire out, and consequently gave up the chase. But the rabbit ran until he was well out of sight, and then he ran a little further. Without a doubt, the rabbit was also very tired. In fact, he had never been so tired in all his life.","But you see, the rabbit was running for his life - the fox was only running for his next meal.  So, next time you feel tired out, remember that Satan is running for a meal, but you are running for your life!",1 Cor. 9:24;,Mark Hanlon,"Living, Not For Self, But To Do God's Will",8,s,1998/11/26,
"Satan, Light, Darkness, Decoys,","To those at sea during the hours of darkness, any light is a welcome sight.  In times past, fires were lit on the rocky cliffs of England to indicate where refuge from storms could be found.  Ships' crews were grateful to be guided by these lights into safe harbors.  Some fires, though, were decoys.  Instead of finding a harbor, many vessels were misled and were wrecked on the rocky shoreline, where their cargoes were stolen.","In this deceptive world, we must be careful not to be drawn to decoy lights that can lure us to spiritual shipwreck.",2 Cor. 11:13-15,"Mar 1, 2002 Wt Page 11",How To Protect Ourselves From Satan's Snares,115,,"Apr 13, 2002",
"Satan, Lion, Devil,","The devil will try to stop us from serving Jehovah.  He is after you. Just like the lion that is chasing a rabbit for a meal.  After asking this lion who had been chasing this rabbit for almost 10 minutes. When he finally just gave up and sat there they asked the lion why he quit chasing the rabbit.  He replied, ' I'm just running for a meal, he is running for his life.'",Satan is like that lion looking for a meal. We are running for are very lives.  1 Peter 5:8  We are like that rabbit we are running for our life. It involves are spiritual and physical life.  We must endure.,1 Peter 5:8,Jim Kinkade,How To Protect Ourselves From Satan's Snares,115,,"Oct 30, 2001",
"Satan, Loyalty, Brothers, Unity, Love, Hate,","In the Gulf War, many of the soldiers fighting were not killed by the enemy, but by 'friendly fire'. That is, they were shot on by their own side, who mistook them for the enemy.","Do you see any parallels within the Christian congregation? Sometimes Satan disguises matters, so our friends look like our enemies. In that way, we start to attack our Christian brothers and forget who our REAL enemy is. So whenever we are tempted to say something unkind about a brother we should ask: whose purpose will our comments really serve?",Rom 12:10;,Peter Morgan,Love Identifies The True Christian Congregation,72,,1997/08/11,
"Satan, Lure, Attractions, World, Poison,",Blue ringed octopus of Australia. Most poisonous creature of the seas. Flash on the beaches like a neon light hoping to attract an unwary prey. In most cases its sting is fatal.,Satan is like that.  He is always trying to attract someone by the flash of the world.,1 Jo 2:15-17;,J.K.,'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,1997/04/11,
"Satan, Lure, Attractions, World, Poison, Associations, Imitation,",Like black oyster harvesters. They plant a plastic bead in an oyster and replace it in its environment. The oyster proceeds to coat the plastic with its mother of pearl and viola a black oyster. Genuine through and through? No!,Not everyone is as pure as he seems.  Worldly associates are like that.  Look good outside.  Inside not the real thing.,1 Jo 2:15-17;,J.K.,'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,1997/04/11,
"Satan, Materialism, Greed, Selfish, Pride,",People will buy anything that's one to a customer.,Satan uses many tricks to get us involved.,"Eph. 5:3-5; 1 Tim. 4:12; 5:1, 2; 2 Cor. 9:11; John 13:35",Bobby Laymon,Reach Out For The Real Life!,90,,,
"Satan, Mimic, Habits, Counterfeit, authentic, real,","Light bulb on pond, bugs fly to it, and see reflection of light in the water; fly into the water and are quickly taken by fish. Tries to imitate God's Kingdom; be an archangel; like God; etc.",Satan mimics good things.  Quickly leads you into a trap.,2co 11:14;,Bobby Laymon,The Only Cure For Sick Mankind,62,,,
"Satan, Patience,","Give a calf enough rope, and he will hang himself. We too, must be patient and wait on Jehovah to correct matters.",Jehovah let Satan play out his scheme to his own ruin.,Job 1:12,Bobby Laymon,How To Protect Ourselves From Satan's Snares,115,,,
"Satan, Problems, Unity, Fights,",Little girl with 2 kittens; She kept pinching their tails.  Who did they fight?  They could not believe the little girls would do that.  They would slap at each other.  Soon became 'sore-tailed tom-cats.,Sometimes we forget that it is Satan that keeps pinching our tails and makes us slap at our brothers.  That is what Satan wants. See quote in below WT on paragraph 19.,1 Pet. 5:8,"Johnse Laymon & Bobby Laymon (nov 15, 1992 Wt Page 22)",The Only Cure For Sick Mankind,62,,,
"Satan, Rationalize,","Fox & grapes; couldn't reach; 'they were sour, anyway.'",People who can't get something decide they didn't really want it.,Prov. 22:13,"Aesop's Fables (see Jun 8, 1962 Aw Page 3, 4)",How To Protect Ourselves From Satan's Snares,115,,,
"Satan, Snake, Serpent, Devil, Preaching,","If we have ever seen a snake on the wild life stories, then we may remember seeing what happens when two snakes come in contact with each other. They will hiss and keep their mouth open as wide as they can. They move from side to side as they wait for an opportunity to strike. As soon as one tires out and closes his mouth the other snake strikes and it is all over for the other snake.","Well Satan is pictured as the great snake in the Bible and he is ready to strike at any time. But as long as we keep our mouths wide open in the preaching work and stay closely associated with God's People he cannot strike. So as we have the time left favorable for preaching, let us not tire out, and lose our hope in the snares of Satan's Old system!",Rev 12:17;,Peter Morgan,How To Protect Ourselves From Satan's Snares,115,,1997/08/14,
"Satan, Snares, Devil, Demons,","Fish lures are not real, but they fool the fish.  There is no way they could benefit the fish, even if they broke the line and took it. The only purpose is to catch the fish.",What Satan shows us is not benefit to us personally. There is no spiritual food in what Satan offers.,2 Cor. 2:11;,Johnse Laymon,How To Protect Ourselves From Satan's Snares,115,,,
"Satan, Snares, Evidence,","A housewife found a spider web on her ceiling, but she was not convinced there was a spider in the house.  After a weekend vacation she came back and found other webs on her ceiling, and other places in the house, but she was still not convinced she had spiders.","People are like that regarding Satan.  They see evidence all around, but are unconvinced that Satan exists.  If there is a web, there is a spider.",1 Pet. 5:8,Joe Bounds,How To Protect Ourselves From Satan's Snares,115,,"Apr 23, 2000",
"Satan, Snares, Misery, Groaning,","A FOX caught in a trap escaped, but in so doing lost his tail.   Thereafter, feeling his life a burden from the shame and ridicule  to which he was exposed, he schemed to convince all the other  Foxes that being tailless was much more attractive, thus making  up for his own deprivation.   He assembled a good many Foxes and  publicly advised them to cut off their tails, saying that they  would not only look much better without them, but that they would  get rid of the weight of the brush, which was a very great  inconvenience.  One of them interrupting him said, 'If you had not yourself lost your tail, my friend, you would not thus  counsel us.'","Moral: 'Misery loves company.'  Almost worked but, older fox said, 'I think you would not have advised us to part with ours if you had chance of recovering your own tail.  Satan would like to cause all the misery he can before his final destruction.",Rev 12:12,Aesop's Fables - Bobby Laymon,How To Protect Ourselves From Satan's Snares,115,,,
"Satan, Sow, Reap, Clean, Holy,",Seeds Mis-Packaged.,What you sow is what you reap- even if you are fooled.,"Job 4:8;ps 126:5; Pr 22:8; Hos 8:7; Gal 6:7, 8;",Dch,You Will Reap What You Sow,59,,1993/10/04,
"Satan, Spiritism, Trap, Snare, Tempt, Desires, Demons, Devil,","Just as a hunter uses a variety of baits to lure animals into his trap, so wicked spirits encourage various forms of spiritism to bring humans under their control.","Some of these forms are divination, magic, looking for omens, sorcery, binding with spells, consulting mediums, and inquiring of the dead.",Psalm 119:110;,Kl Page 111,How To Protect Ourselves From Satan's Snares,115,,1995/06/16,
"Satan, Spiritism, Trap, Snare, Tempt, Desires, Jesus, Demons, Devil,",Satan set a trap for Jesus when he went into the Judean wilderness.,"However, Jesus rejected the Devil's bait and did not get caught in his trap.  Jesus faced other wicked spirits during his ministry on earth.",Luke 4:1-13; 8:26-34; 9:37-43;,Kl Page 108,How To Protect Ourselves From Satan's Snares,115,,1995/06/16,
"Satan, Spiritual Food, Meetings, Neglect, Conventions,",Have you heard of the new diet pill?  It sends a signal to your brain that you are not hungry.  It gives a message that you don't need food.,Satan is like that.  He sends a message that we don't need the meetings.  We don't need spiritual food.  We don't need to attend the assemblies or conventions.,"Heb 10:24,25;",Al Larue - May 1997 Km Insert.,Are You Content With Jehovah's Provisions?,22,,1997/05/18,
"Satan, Temptation, Devil,",Did anyone ever ask you to do something wrong?  Did they say it would be fun.  Did they dare you?  Do they usually do this for your benefit?,One day Satan talked with Jesus Christ and tried to tempt him.  What should we do when tempted?  Who is behind it?,Lk 4:1-13;,"Jan 15, 1971 Wt Page 38",How To Protect Ourselves From Satan's Snares,115,,1993/11/08,
"Satan, Temptations,","Satan is the best fisherman, ever!  How long will you fish with a bait that don't work?  Not long!  And Satan doesn't either.  But if I get a nibble, I will leave that bait on longer.","If Satan sees that we are 'nibbling' at his bait, he will leave it on, and may even make it more tasty.  If we are not nibbling, he will change the bait.",Eph 4:1-3;,Jim Breden,How To Keep Spiritually Awake!,71,,,
"Satan, Victimized, Advertising,",Skin Cream = Soap With Hope. (Soap with perfume) Cost more. Other victimizing phases: 'As much as' 20% more mileage. could be 1% 'Better than' what? Better than none? 1000 years ago?,Helps women stay younger. Key word is 'helps'. not 'makes',1 Jo. 2:16,"Larry Punko, C.O.",How To Protect Ourselves From Satan's Snares,115,,,
"Satan, Wickedness, Issue,",A man having a large family is accused by one of his neighbors of many false things about the way he manages his household. Example: 'they only stay with him to obtain food and material things.',"How might the father answer these charges?  If he simple used violence against the accuser, this would not answer the charges. It might suggest that they were true. Permit own family to ans.",Job 1:1- 2:5;,The Truth That Leads To Eternal Life. Page 67,How To Protect Ourselves From Satan's Snares,115,,,
"Satan, World,","What is a lure?  Did you ever taste one?  Did you ever smell of one?  A lure is simply what the name implies.  Just to lure. There is no food value, what-so-ever!","That's what Satan offers.  The things of the world may look good, but that is as far as it goes.  There is no spiritual food value, no life-giving nutrition at all.",1jn 2:15-17;,Joe Bounds,'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
"Satan, World, Fads, Materialism, Employment, Pioneer,","Kaleidoscope: a tube-like instrument containing loose bits of colored glass reflected by mirrors, so that beautiful symmetrical patterns appear as the instrument is rotated.","Satan has provided a kaleidoscope of ever-changing fads and fashions of the world.  Styles, entertainment, foods, health or exercise, recreation, trips, gadgets, secular work.",1 John 4:1; Mt 6:22-25; 1 John 2:15-17;,"Aug 1, 1992 Wt Page 10, 11 ( Warren Satterfield's Comment)",'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
"Satan, World, Jesus, Kingdom, Offer,","If I offered you the 'Brooklyn Bridge' for a favor to me, what would you say?  'You don't own the 'Brooklyn Bridge.'",Jesus made no such reply to Satan when offered Kingdoms of this world.  Satan did own 'kingdoms of the world.',"Matt. 4:8, 9; John 12:31; 14:30; 16:11; 2 Cor. 4:4;",You Can Live Forever In Paradise On Earth. Page 17,'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
"Satan, World, Spiritual War,","You are on the battlefield, in the middle of the war zone; there will be no prisoners; if you lose, you die. Satan knows your weak spot.  You have got to know what it is.",We are not pretending! The enemy want to tire us out and deliver the death stroke.,Jer. 10:23; Eph. 6:11-18; 2 Cor. 13:5;,"Lovers Of Freedom District Assy. Mobile July 12-14, 1991",'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
"Satan, Youth, Inexperience,","Satan and his demons love to fish at Bennett Springs. Fish = young or inexperienced; Stream = world. Fishermen = Satan Everyday new fish released; easiest caught.  Bell rings, steam full of lures. Experienced fish stay far away from lures.","Satan's lures come in all sizes and colors, but experience tells us to stay as far away as possible.","Lk 16:10; 1pe 5:8, 9;",Scott Rudolph,How Can Youths Cope With Today's Crisis?,113,,,
Satan; Deceiver;,Hold up a sponge that is shaped and painted to look like a rock.  Work it into your discussion.  Then throw it toward the audience.,Satan is like that.  He is not always what he appears to be.,1 Pet 5:8;,Forrest Barber And Carl Brown,How To Protect Ourselves From Satan's Snares,115,,1996/03/04,
"Satan; World, Euphemism, Attitudes, Defilement, Morals, Transform, Personality, Clean, Holy,",Satan's world is so defiled that gradually people have even changed the way they described the filth-  What used to be called MODESTY- is now called a SEX HANG-UP.  What used to be called DISCIPLINE- is now called UNHEALTHY REPRESSION.  What used to be called DISGUSTING- is now called ADULT.  What used to be called MORAL IRRESPONSIBILITY- is now called being FREED UP.  What used to be called CHASTITY- is now called NEUROTIC INHIBITIONS.  What used to be called SELF-INDULGENCE- is now called SELF-FULFILLMENT.  What used to be called LIVING IN SIN- is now called A MEANINGFUL RELATIONSHIP.  What used to be called PERVERSION- is now called ALTERNATE LIFE-STYLE.  What used to be called DEPRAVITY- is now called CREATIVE SELF-EXPRESSION OR ART.  What used to be called KILLING AN UNBORN BABY- is now called CHOICE.,People's changing view of morals.  It has been said- that false euphemisms- can Deform the Mind- Destroy the Heart- and Betray the Conscience-  Have we been affected by this- Or are we still aware of how depraved this world has become?,Ro 12:2;,Dch,Resisting The Spirit Of The World,25,,1993/10/10,
"Satan; world, Clean, Holy,","Lion drink you down, must remain solid.",We must avoid getting our self into a condition that can easily  be taken by Satan.,"1 Pet 5:8,9",Dch,Resisting The Spirit Of The World,25,,1993/10/04,
"Satanism, Demons, Rock Music, Heavy-metal, Devil, Spiritism,","'If we already grant the premise that pornography might motivate a child molester...,' Quote Carl Raschke","' ...why not entertain the thought that lyrics that scream kill, mutilate, maim, torture, obliterate might actually spur someone with a deranged brain to perform precisely those acts?'","Rom 6:16; John 17:15, 16;","Sep 22, 1994 Aw Page 8",A Cleansed Earth--will You Live To See It?,49,,1994/08/22,
"Satanism, Demons, Rock Music, Heavy-metal, Devil, Spiritism,","'You might say heavy metal rock is to self-styled Satanism what gospel music is to Christianity.'  Quote: Carl A. Raschke, director of Denver Institute of Humanity.",'Very few people get converted to Christianity just by listening to gospel music on the radio.  But heavy metal is a very powerful reinforcement.  It legitimizes the nasty stuff the kids are already into.',"Rom 6:16; John 17:15, 16;","Sep 22, 1994 Aw Page 6",A Cleansed Earth--will You Live To See It?,49,,1994/08/22,
"Saved, Salvation,",If you were in a flash flood and knew you were about to drown.  Would  you not be screaming with all your might for someone to save you. Being in the middle of those raging waters are you saved?   Of course not!  When someone comes along who could save you.  Are you saved just because he is standing on the bank of the river?  Of course not!  If he throws you a life line with a life ring on it are you saved?  Of course not!  If you grab that ring and he holds the other end of the line are you  saved?  Of course not!  If he pulls you into and up on the shore are you saved?  Yes you are!,"Well, that's the same with each of us spiritually.  We today are living in the raging river and we are now seeing the signs of the beginning of the greatest flash flood.  This is a flood that we will not be able to save ourselves from.  Jesus Christ with the direction of his father Jehovah has come upon the bank of his river.  Are we calling out to him for help? Has He saved us at this point?  Of course not!  Has he thrown us a life ring in the form of His Bible and it's teachings?  Of course He has!  If we catch it will we be saved?  Of course not!  If He uses His teachings and His Word the Bible and it enters our hearts and we apply those teachings will we be saved?  Remember Zephaniah 2:3 'PROBABLY'.  When will we known for sure?  When we reach the shore of  the new earth (2 Peter 3:13)",Matt 24:13; Zech 2:3;,Steve Hashimuri,A Worldwide Brotherhood Saved From Calamity.,121,,1999/10/29,
"Saved, Salvation, End,","House on fire, see door, and say, 'I'm saved' but door falls on.  'He that endures to the end will be saved.' Many claim to be saved, but will be destroyed.",To be saved means that you survived the worst thing that could have happened to you.,Matt. 24:13,Robert H. Schwarze,Stand Still And See The Salvation Of Jehovah,41,,,
"Saved, Salvation, End,","Two brother, alike in all respects; arrested, and asked to sign declaration against their faith.  One did & one did not. Both later killed. Which one was saved?",'He that endures to the end will be saved.',Matt. 24:13,Bobby Laymon,Stand Still And See The Salvation Of Jehovah,41,,,
"Saving Seats, Convention, Assembly, Love,","When we save a seat FOR someone, we are also saving a seat FROM someone. We must do all things 'for God's Glory.'",The same principle applies to taking too much food or literature.,Phil. 2:2-4; 1 Cor. 10:31;,"Lovers Of Freedom District Assy. Mobile July 12-14, 1991","Friendship With God, Friendship With The World -- Which Will You Choose?",79,,,
"Savior, Jesus, Jehovah,","Drowning person is thrown a rope or an inner-tube.  He could say he was saved by the rope or inner-tube, however, it was really the person who threw it to him that was chiefly responsible.","Jesus is the instrument of salvation, but Jehovah is Savior.",Isa. 43:11;,Bobby Laymon,Make Jehovah Your Confidence,70,,,
"Sayings, Proverbs,","Collection of saying and how they got started. Barking dogs don't bite; snake in the grass; killing two birds with one stone; beauty's but skin-deep; Out of sight, out of mind; pins and needles; pin it on you; pin money; you could have heard a pin fall.",Giving insight to the saying.  One could have heard a fly take wing; kiss of death; I'm from Missouri; Needle in haystack; Adam's apple;,Pr 16:24;,"Aug 8, 1962 Aw Page 13, 14",Follow The Way To Life,45,,,
"Sayings, Proverbs,","Collection of saying and how they got started. strike while the iron is hot; a stitch in time, saves nine; an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure; Don't count your chickens before they are hatched; Don't bargain for fish which are still in the water.",Giving insight to the saying.  Don't cry 'herrings' until they are caught. Don't reckon your eggs before they are laid.,Pr 16:24;,"Aug 8, 1962 Aw Page 13, 14",Follow The Way To Life,45,,,
Scandal;,"'Everybody says it, and what everybody says must be true.'  Quote:  James Fennimore Cooper.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Schedule, Preaching, Excuses, Reasons,","In the summer time it is too hot to preach, in the winter time it is too cold to preach, in the spring it is too rainy, in the fall it is too windy, and at Armageddon your going to be too dead to preach, so we have to preach SOME time!",Make a schedule and stick to it.,Genesis 6:22;,J.K.,How The Kingdom Of God Affects You,42,,1997/04/13,
"Schedule, Time,","'If you do the crime, you must do the time.'","Pioneers could say, 'If you sign the line, you must do the time.'",2 Tim. 4:5;,Mike Hart - Pioneer Day.,,,,"Apr 12, 2002",
"Schedule, Time,","The Vikings of ancient times sometimes would take a city.  They would build a catapult that would throw a large boulder against the wall, hoping to knock down the wall or leave a gaping hole in it.  Then when they came out of the hole, archers would bend the bow and pick them off.  (Some were so skilled they could hit an apple on top of your head.)",Is your schedule like the catapult or the archer.  Do you look at the 840 hours and try to knock it out all at once.  Or do you zero in like the skilled archer and pick one target at a time.  Go out with congregation.  Engage in Sunday service?,2 Tim. 4:5;,Mike Hart - Pioneer Day.,,,,"Apr 12, 2002",
School - College - Youth - Education - Pioneer,'A college education has spoiled a lot of young fellows who would have been good plumbers'.,"Many after finishing college have found that it is difficult to find work they have trained to do. May hesitate to do menial work. Why not make your career the pioneer ministry.   Jehovah accepts workers, whether they have a college degree or not.",Ecc. 12:1,Johnse Laymon,How Can Youths Cope With Today's Crisis?,113,,,
"School, Abundance, Wordy, Timing,",'Trying to fill a night case with a wardrobe large enough for overseas travel.',That is like trying to fill our listeners with great volumes of speech.  Know when the time is up and then stop.,Pr 17:27; Eccl 5:3;,Qm Page 84,,,,,
"School, Abundance, Wordy, Timing,",Do not 'tread a wordy path' or 'beat around the bush',"No matter how reasonable your discussion may be or how much good it would accomplish, it will be ineffective and irksome to the point of causing the initial interest to be spoiled.",Pr 17:27; Eccl 5:3;,Qm Page 84,,,,,
"School, Audience,",Like a mirror.  If you frown in a mirror it will frown back at you.  Laugh and it laughs;,"Your audience will respond like a mirror.  If you are nervous, they will be nervous, stirred with zeal, they will be stirred with zeal, etc.","2co 3:5, 6;",Bobby Laymon,,,,,
"School, Coherence, Logical,",Talk is plane trip; you are in charge; transfer at Dallas from flight 702 to flight 943.  You lose 10 persons in the transfer.  How would you feel?,"All our transitions must be smooth, and coherent, which we can accomplish through good connecting words.  (also, in addition to, moreover, likewise, etc.)",1co 14:40;,Sg Page 149,,,,,
"School, Common Ground,","Armies concentrate on establishing a 'beachhead.'  From this common ground, they can establish other fixed points.",Establishing a 'common ground' are like taking a beachhead. From there we can move on to other fixed points.,Ac 17:23; Pr 13:15; 2ti 2:25; Mt 10:16; Pr 17:27; Eccl 5:3;,Qm Page 84,,,,,
"School, Common Ground,","Find their 'responsive chord,' and then play on it.",This will help you to speak well and carry the listener along to the theocratic goal.,Pr 13:15; 2ti 2:25; Mt 10:16; Pr 17:27; Eccl 5:3;,Qm Page 84,,,,,
"School, Common Ground,",We may feel in the morning that we have a hundred things to accomplish during the day.  We can do only one thing at a time and do it effectively.,The same goes for instructing someone in God's Word.  Meet them on their own ground.  To impress a little truth at first is better than none at all.,Pr 13:15; 2ti 2:25; Mt 10:16; Pr 17:27; Eccl 5:3;,Qm Page 84,,,,,
"School, Convince, Reason, Facts, Summary,","Have you ever watched a courtroom scene?  If none other, on movies or television.  The use a an effective summary is always employed to tie everything together.","In like manner, some kind of summary is usually essential to convincing argumentation.  It is the final appeal to reason, enhancing appreciation for the arguments used.  It is not simply a restatement of the facts, but ties all the points together.","Ecclesiastes 12:13, 14",School Guidebook Page 156,,,,,
"School, Convince, Reason, Statistics,",Remember the man who could not swim and who drowned in a stream that averaged only three feet in depth.  He forgot about the ten-foot hole in the middle.,"Likewise, statistics can be misleading.  Speakers must use caution when using them, because they can boomerang with devastating results.  We must reason with them.",Acts 17:22-31,"School Guidebook Page 155, 156",,,,,
"School, Convincing Argument, Reason,","You are like a lawyer, trying to convict the jury, that your case is based on facts.  He asks questions; presents facts; The greatest is God's word.",The jury is your audience.  Will they be convinced?,Is 43:10-12;,Sg Page 155,,,,,
"School, Enthusiasm, Warmth, Feeling","Picture in your mind a deer grazing quietly in a little clearing. Though relaxed in appearance, there is latent power in his slender legs that can send him bounding away in tremendous leaps at the least hint of danger.","We too, can be constantly on the alert, even when not speaking with enthusiasm.",Ro 12:11; Ac 18:25; Job 32:18-20,School Guidebook Page 165,,,,,
"School, Enthusiasm, Warmth, Feeling",Think of the warmth of a fire on a cold winter night.,"If we have warmth and feeling, our audience will be drawn to us like we are drawn to a fire on a cold winter night.",Ro 12:11; Ac 18:25; Job 32:18-20,School Guidebook Page 165,,,,,
"School, Face, Gestures, Smile,","'Money talks' is a common expression, meaning that money speaks without a mouth.  It accomplishes things without saying a word. (a long face and sour or dead-pan expression does not fit the Good News)","So, let your face 'talk.'  For the face to talk it is necessary to look directly to the one being spoken to, and since it is the first point of contact, usually judged by.",Ps 19:14;,Qm Page 82,,,,,
"School, Face, Poise,","'To stay on track.'  If you were a train and something loomed up threatening to derail you, what would you do.  Keep right on track.  Think and act coolly and collectedly; it will be calming to you and the other person.","You may be accused of having a 'one track mind,' but if it the 'Kingdom' track, all is well.  Remaining serene and unruffled in the face of opposers, shows the right spirit, & wisdom.",1pe 1:13; Pr 12:16; Heb 12:14;,Qm Page 83,,,,,
"School, Grooming, Shoes,","Did you ever see a car that was washed and shined, however the whitewall tires were still dirty.  It distracts from the otherwise pleasant appearance.","In like manner, if a person is well-groomed, yet does not clean and polish his shoes, it will distract from his otherwise well-groomed appearance.",2ti 3:16;,Fred Crownover,,,,1993/12/22,
"School, Logical, Coherent,",A talk is somewhat like building a house.  No builder would try to erect the walls without first laying the foundation.  Nor would he lay all the pipe for the plumbing after he had plastered the walls.,"So it should be in building a talk.  Each part should contribute its share in constructing a solid and compact whole, each in order, each adding to the part it follows and preparing the way.",2ti 1:13;,School Guidebook Page 152,,,,,
"School, Logical, Coherent, Main Points, Key Ideas,",How could you manage if a contractor built you a two-story house and left out the staircase?,"Just so, a talk with certain essential points omitted could not possibly be logical and coherent in development.  Something is lacking and some of the audience will be lost.",2ti 1:13;,School Guidebook Page 153,,,,,
"School, Ministry",Pantry with Many Ingredients.  May have to 'go out' for other ingredients; other publications,Use only what is needed.,2 Ti 3:16;,Bobby Laymon,Happy Though Hungry--how Can It Be?,31,,,
"School, Nervousness, Speech, Speaking, Conversation, Pitch, Pace,",Imagine playing a musical instrument that only has one note! It does not take long to tire a person out. (children with a whistle),Your voice is your instrument.  If your delivery is 'one-note' monotone--you will tire your listeners.,"1ti 4:15, 16;","Jul 22, 1992 Aw Page 21- 24",A Clean People Honors Jehovah,14,,,
"School, Nervousness, Speech, Speaking, Conversation, Pitch, Pace,","When you throw a ball in a game of catch, you look to see if it is caught.  If not, you throw the next one in a different manner.","Each thought in your talk is a separate 'throw' to the audience. A 'catch' is indicated by their response--a nod, a smile, an attentive look.  Maintain good eye contact; make sure ideas caught","1ti 4:15, 16;","Jul 22, 1992 Aw Page 21- 24",A Clean People Honors Jehovah,14,,,
"School, Nervousness, Speech, Speaking, Conversation, Shy,","'A speech is a voyage with a purpose, and it must be charted,' said Dale Carnegie. 'Eat, sleep, and breathe' your subject. Turn it over in your mind during all odd moments of the day. Think over it for seven days; dream over it for seven nights.'","'The person who starts nowhere, generally gets there.' To get somewhere you must be well prepared.  The 'gift of gab' is no gift to your audience.","1ti 4:15, 16;","Jul 22, 1992 Aw Page 21- 24",,,,,
"School, Nervousness, Speech, Speaking, Conversation, Shy,","'Sure, I still get butterflies before every performance,' said a longtime actress, 'But over the years, I've managed to teach them to fly in formation.' #1 Fear: Speaking before a group, ahead of flying and death.",Two types of nervousness; one stems from lack of preparation. The other is a more positive anxiety.  It is good for you it helps you do your best.,"Jer 1:6; Exodus 4:10,13; Jer 20:9","Jul 22, 1992 Aw Page 21- 24",,,,,
"School, Nervousness, Speech, Speaking, Conversation, Shy,","Don't label yourself!  'I'm too shy,'  'I'm too young,' 'I'm too self-conscious.' Jeremiah said, 'I am but a boy,' but later 'it proved to be like a burning fire shut up in my bones; and I got tired of holding in'","Labels often become self-fulfilling prophecies, closing the door to opportunities that challenge shyness.","Jer 1:6; Exodus 4:10,13; Jer 20:9","Jul 22, 1992 Aw Page 21- 24",,,,,
"School, Nervousness, Speech, Speaking, Conversation, Shy,",Think of yourself as a messenger who is simply delivering a telegram.,"The messenger gets little attention.  The spotlight is on the message.  Likewise in speaking before an audience.  The spot light is on the message, not on you.","Jer 1:6; Exodus 4:10,13; Jer 20:9","Jul 22, 1992 Aw Page 21- 24",A Clean People Honors Jehovah,14,,,
"School, Outline,",An outline is like a skeleton.  A skeleton can be reconstructed to tell what a person looked like.,"An outline is a bare skeleton, striped of descriptions and illustrations, yet held together by smooth binding and connecting words.",Eccl 5:2; Job 38:2;,Qm Page 114,,,,,
"School, Outline, Accurate Statement,","Hunting: Saw movement of what might have been a deer.  I looked at it in the scope of my gun, and saw an outline.  It was one of a man.  I could have hurt someone.","We must be sure before we 'shoot' our mouth off as well, as misleading statements can be damaging.",1co 4:6;,"Al Larue (Sg Pages 44, 110)",,,,,
"School, Poise, Composure,","Just as a doctor looks for symptoms of illness, so your counselor will notice signs that point unmistakably to lack of composure.","And just as the good doctor will work on the cause of your illness rather than the symptoms, so your counselor will endeavor to help you overcome the real causes of lack of confidence and poise.",Ga 1:10; Exodus 4:10-12; Jer 1:8;,School Guidebook  Page 182,,,,1993/11/25,
"School, Speaking, Mind, Thinking, Talk, Speech, Nervous",'The mind is a marvelous thing!  It starts working in the womb and doesn't stop until you get up to give a talk.',We all get nervous when giving a talk.  Keep on practicing and you will do well.,"Exodus 4:10, 11;",Joseph Wengert D. O.,,,,1995/05/29,
"School, Speaking, Teaching, Talks,",'The road to success as a speaker is 'always under construction!'',We must constantly work to improve our speaking ability.,Titus 1:9;,"Kingdom Ministry School Dec 22, 23, 1994",,,,1994/12/25,
"School, Speech, Breath,","Just as a volume setting is important on a radio or television, so is breath control essential for a singer or speaker.",Control of the 'diaphragm' by breathing from the abdomen instead of the chest is very important.,Col 4:6; 1pe 3:15; Is 50:4; J 14:26;,Qm Page 68,,,,,
"School, Speech, Breath, Relax,","A relaxed or open throat might be compared to a chimney.  If we turn the damper in the chimney and shut off the air current and there is fire below.  The room gets filled with smoke, making us cough.","If we tighten our throats when speaking, soon our voices will suffer from strain and we cough.  Result: hoarse, raspy, shrill and unmusical voice.  Let us not clog up our chimney.",Col 4:6; 1pe 3:15; Is 50:4; J 14:26;,"Qm Page 68, 69",,,,,
"School, Speech, Breath, Relax,","If you blow up a balloon, pinch the neck and then let air out through the neck, the rubber vibrates, producing sound.  So, when you speak, the folds or cord in your larynx come firmly together.","So when you speak, the folds or cords in your larynx come firmly The faster they vibrate and the higher the tones of sound. On the other hand, the more relaxed they are, the lower the tones.",Col 4:6; 1pe 3:15; Is 50:4; J 14:26;,Sg Page 64-65,,,,,
"School, Speech, Breath, Relax,","We do not try to force food into our mouth through nearly clenched teeth, do we?  It would be difficult to eat that way.","Contrariwise, why try to force words out of your mouth through locked jaws.  If we do not open our mouths wide when speaking, the best use is not obtained from our voices.",Col 4:6; 1pe 3:15; Is 50:4; J 14:26;,Qm Page 69,,,,,
"School, Speech, Breath, Relax, Resonance, Volume,","A great mass of air may be making a pleasant whispering sound of wind in the trees above, but, being without resonance, it is not heard as far as the little birds.","For our voice to carry, we must develop resonance.  Volume alone will not produce good speech.",1co 14:16;,Qm Page 70,,,,,
"School, Speech, Breath, Relax, Resonance, Volume,","As a blacksmith pounds a piece of iron lying on the ground it is noisy, all right, but its sound does not carry far.  But if he places it on an anvil, the anvil becomes a kind of sounding board and the ring can be heard at a greater distance.","The voice, like a musical instrument, is more resonant and pleasant, and can be acquired, with practice.",Col 4:6; 1pe 3:15; Is 50:4; J 14:26;,Qm Page 70,,,,,
"School, Speech, Breath, Relax, Resonance, Volume,",Just as a stringed instrument vibrates freely when no obstructing weight is placed upon it...,"Relaxation of our body: throat, and facial muscles, enables the sound box of our bodies to vibrate freely.",Col 4:6; 1pe 3:15; Is 50:4; J 14:26;,Qm Page 70,,,,,
"School, Speech, Breath, Relax, Resonance, Volume,","Like 'wind chimes' that ring loudly.  But hold them in your hand and ring them.  They are greatly muffled. A very beneficial exercise to this end is HUMMING, not singing, of tunes.  With lips barely touching, relaxed facial muscles,","The voice must be projected out of the throat, to make it reverberate against the roof of the mouth, the teeth, the nasal and sinus cavities.",Col 4:6; 1pe 3:15; Is 50:4; J 14:26;,Qm Page 69,,,,,
"School, Speech, Breath, Relax, Resonance, Volume,","The beautiful carrying quality of resonance can also be heard in the songs of little birds.  For instance, the little dove.  Its call is not high pitched; it is low; it is soft.  But it carries an amazing distance through the woods and over the fields.","Resonance is an essential quality of good voice, and it can be acquired, even if one is young or small in stature.",Col 4:6; 1pe 3:15; Is 50:4; J 14:26;,Qm Page 70,,,,,
"School, Speech, Breath, Relax, Resonance.",Think of your body as a sounding board similar to the sounding board of a musical instrument. Resonance is the most important single quality of one's voice.,"The human voice is produced in the larynx or upper part of the windpipe by the vibration of its vocal cords.  It reverberates against the bony structures of chest, head, giving resonance.",Col 4:6; 1pe 3:15; Is 50:4; J 14:26;,Qm Page 69,,,,,
"School, Speech, Conclusion,",'A 'bird's eye' view.  Knowing what to do next.,An effective conclusion should accomplish that.  A summarizing conclusion can accomplish that.  Warning: Also the driest and dullest of all types of conclusions.,"Ge 44:30-34; De 30:19, 20; Dan 4:27;",Qm Page 30,,,,,
"School, Speech, Conclusion,",'Do not let the tail wag the dog.',A conclusion should be brief and in proportion to the talk.,"Mt 7:24; Dan 2:44, 45; Josh 24:14, 15;",Qm Page 32,,,,,
"School, Speech, Conclusion,",'In a nutshell' Jesus often used this type of conclusion.,"An illustrative conclusion, bringing back previous points, presents the burdens of a speech in a 'nutshell.'","Mt 7:24; Dan 2:44, 45; Josh 24:14, 15;",Qm Page 32,,,,,
"School, Speech, Conclusion,",'No one may be called a 'finished speaker' unless he has effectively finished his speech.' Conclusions are remembered first and stay in the minds of listeners longest.,A well-planned introduction; an informative body of a talk; and by a weak conclusion he spoils the whole thing.,"Ge 44:30-34; De 30:19, 20; Dan 4:27;",Qm Page 30,,,,,
"School, Speech, Conclusion,",A carpenter doesn't drive a nail in flush and then keep pounding on it.  He drives it in flush and STOPS!  That's it!,"Conclusions should be delivered with conviction, deliberation and conclusive finality like driving in of a nail, hitting it on the head.","Eccl 12:11; Mt 7:24; Dan 2:44, 45; Josh 24:14, 15;",Qm Page 32,,,,,
"School, Speech, Conclusion,","A plane doesn't come in uncertainly, and circle around and around for a safe landing.  Perhaps landing and taking off again right away.","Talks should likewise not boringly end several time, circling around and around; One talk should have but one ending.","Mt 7:24; Dan 2:44, 45; Josh 24:14, 15;",Qm Page 32,,,,,
"School, Speech, Conclusion,","A speech is like a journey on an airplane.  One that runs out of fuel, before it lands.","Without a conclusion, listeners are left in mid-air. Instead of reaching the goal and concluding the thought journey by a happy landing.  The pilot bails out; deserts passengers.","Ge 44:30-34; De 30:19, 20; Dan 4:27;",Qm Page 30,,,,,
"School, Speech, Conclusion,","Just as a hunter can overshoot his target, and bring nothing home for lunch...","Many good talks are spoiled by overshooting the mark, that is by the speaker's continuing after he has finished.",Eccl 12:13; Mt 7:28;,Qm Page 20,,,,,
"School, Speech, Conclusion, Body,","Trying to fit a long dog into a short container, might mean cutting the tail off the dog.","If the body of the talk is too long, you have cut the tail off the dog.  There is no conclusion.","Eccl 12:11; Mt 7:24; Dan 2:44, 45; Josh 24:14, 15;",Qm Page 32,,,,,
"School, Speech, Confidence, Poise,","A poised person is like a high diver just before he springs into action.  He walks out to the end of the board, perfectly calm, quiet, steady, but ready to act instantly, a picture of purposeful self-control.",Poise is complete control of one's thinking before speaking or acting.  It literally means balance.  Outwardly it indicates you have the situation well in hand.,"Ac 13:16; J 19:5; Jer 1:7, 8;",Qm Page 76,Maintain Your Confidence Firm To The End,46,,,
"School, Speech, Confidence, Poise,","We can take a lesson from a cow.  When passing a cow, you might stare at it and it, in turn, will look at you with an unwavering directness.  Why?  Because it is not worried about what you think of it.  It is interested in you.",This complete unselfish consciousness can become your own experience when you turn your interest to your listeners and the message you have to convey to them.  They you will forget yourself,"Ac 13:16; J 19:5; Jer 1:7, 8;",Qm Page 77,Maintain Your Confidence Firm To The End,46,,,
"School, Speech, Confidence, Poise, Overbearing.","Many regard the self-assured business executive, the supercilious career woman, or the sophisticated socialite as examples of poise. Some books and study courses recommend this lofty and affected attitude as effective, as it puts others on the offensive.","Should such an overbearing manner which lowers another's dignity be a worthy aim?  Real poise brings accord and peace. If you are uncomfortable, your audience will be uncomfortable.","Ac 13:16; J 19:5; Jer 1:7, 8;",Qm Page 77,Maintain Your Confidence Firm To The End,46,,,
"School, Speech, Delivery, Attitude, Emergencies,","Like a captain of a ship. Crying infants, hecklers, persons trying to disturb meetings, sleepy persons in audience, outside noises, etc.","A speaker should always be mentally and emotionally ready for all emergencies with calmness, dignity and effectiveness.","Gal 5:23; 6:1; Eph. 4:1, 2; Col. 3:12; 1ti 6:11; 2ti 2:23-25;",Qm Page 79,,,,,
"School, Speech, Delivery, Attitude, Overbearing, Club, Truth,",We must not use the truth as a club for hammering it into the heads of people.  Never try to force the truth into their minds.,"Avoid shaming, embarrassing them.  Remain cheerful. Harsh words may antagonize at least a part of the audience, reacting on the speaker himself, lessening his ability to master difficulties.","Gal 5:23; 6:1; Eph. 4:1, 2; Col. 3:12; 1ti 6:11; 2ti 2:23-25;",Qm Page 79,A Clean People Honors Jehovah,14,,,
"School, Speech, Delivery, Face,","'Money talks,' meaning that money speaks without actually having a mouth.  The good news should make us happy and radiant. Friendliness often begets friendliness.","So let your 'face talk.'  If you are happy, inform your face. A long face and a sour or 'deadpan' expression does not fit the good news.",Ps 19:14; Eccl 8:1;,Qm Page 82,A Clean People Honors Jehovah,14,,,
"School, Speech, Fear, Anxiety, Moses,","How would you feel if you were called upon to address, at a joint session of Congress, the American president, his cabinet, House of Rep. and the Senate, and full gallery of the public. You have never given a public speech before.","If you can imagine how you would feel, then perhaps you can sympathize with Moses, who was sent by Jehovah to the royal court of Egypt to speak to the mighty Pharaoh & his counselors.","Exodus 6:29, 30; 7:1-3;",Qm Page 33,Overcoming Fear Of The Future,108,,,
"School, Speech, Fear, Preparation,",Have you ever watched a person labor under a serious handicap? We must not consider our brothers as terrifying 'mental giants.',When a speaker is not sufficiently prepared he is laboring under a serious handicap.  Fear assails him from every side.,"Is 30:16, 17;",Qm Page 35,Overcoming Fear Of The Future,108,,,
"School, Speech, Fear, Preparation, Conversational,","Put yourself in a position of reading a letter from a mother to her son who is blind.  You would not endeavor to exhibit your abilities, your excellent diction, superior voice qualities.  The message will strike deeper chords than you could ever reach.","Once the idea is in mind, speak to your audience simply, conversationally, directly, in a manner that is completely natural to you and hence most effective.",Jer 20:9,Qm Page 39,Overcoming Fear Of The Future,108,,,
"School, Speech, Fear, Preparation, Conversational,","Suppose you are conversing about the Bible with an interested person.  You are talking in your everyday style of speech and another person enters, then another, and another.  Finally the room is filled. You might speak louder, but maintain same manner.","You would speak to a large audience just as one in your living room.  Like everyday 'living room' conversation, make use of your entire speaking body.",Jer 20:9,Qm Page 40,Overcoming Fear Of The Future,108,,,
"School, Speech, Fear, Preparation, Join, Enroll,",Name something you do that you don't prepare for.  You prepare to brush your teeth; put your shoes on; go to bed; go to work.,How much more should one prepare for informative speech.,Ps 103:14; Pr 29:25; Ps 111:10;,Scott Rudolph,Overcoming Fear Of The Future,108,,,
"School, Speech, Fear, Preparation, Join, Enroll,",Some are afraid to learn to swim; ride in a car; on a plane; on an elevator; an escalator; a horse; bicycle; and so never learn. Look at what joy they miss.,"Fear is a mental condition!  It makes one a slave.  Some are afraid to go to a door with the Kingdom message, and look at the joy they miss.",Ps 103:14; Pr 29:25; Ps 111:10;,Qm Page 36,Overcoming Fear Of The Future,108,,,
"School, Speech, Gestures,","Do you want proof that the body speaks?  When you beckon to someone, what do you say to him?  By this gesture you are calling him to come near you.  When you wave good-bye, it's understood. A man rolls up his sleeves and menacingly shakes his fist!","The body can speak, and sometimes more eloquently than the mouth.  We must not merely read the Scriptures, but live the Word of life.",Ps 103:11;,Qm Page 48,,,,,
"School, Speech, Gestures, Shy, Self-conscious,","Some will make a sweeping gesture with their hands and with a facial expression of helplessness and say, 'I simply cannot gesture, gestures are something foreign to me.'","Some are under the impression that gestures are not natural for them.  However, all in Jehovah's army can use their body to glorify and praise God.",Ps 103:11;,Qm Page 48,,,,,
"School, Speech, Gestures, Shy, Self-conscious,","You hurled rocks when you were a boy, did you not?  Why be afraid to come out of your shell of reserve now.  When you describe the most stupendous and glorious event-the end of Satan and his wicked rule?  (Show with entire body-over the head hurls)","In merely making a slight motion from the wrist you belittle and minimize this most stupendous and colossal struggle. This mighty fighter, holding in two hands the dragon, filled with fury....",Re 12:9,Qm Page 49,,,,,
"School, Speech, Gestures, Shy, Self-conscious,","You never studied how to smile, how to laugh, how to be indignant, did you? Problem lies in fact that a student is shy, or self-conscious.","Since gestures are part of your inward condition, impulses, thoughts, and emotions, heart and mind, we should not try to copy someone else, nor use same ones over and over.",1co 3:8; Gal 6:4;,Qm Page 50  Sg Page 132,,,,,
"School, Speech, Illustrations,",Grafting of wild olive branches into the garden olive tree. Illustrations will hold attention and interest.,Explains how Gentiles' being accepted at the expense of unfaithful Israel.,"Ro 11:17, 18; Mt 13:24;",Qm Page 29,,,,,
"School, Speech, Impromptu, Extemporaneously,","Record on track, If it gets off, it is hard to get back on.","Our speech should not be memorized, like a record on track, but come from the heart.",1ti 3:13;,School Guidebook.  Page 59,,,,,
"School, Speech, Impromptu, Extemporaneously,","You approach a householder and begin to give a prepared presentation. (Outline fixed, but not memorized.) Then the house-holder raises some unforeseen objection.  Because of your training you are equipped to offer some comment or explanation.",The first is extemporaneously speaking.  The second is impromptu.,1ti 3:13;,School Guidebook.  Page 59,,,,,
"School, Speech, Introduction,","A funnel is used to guide liquid into an opening, such as a bottle.  Using a large funnel to fill a small bottle will make the liquid spill all over the bottle and the surroundings.",The introduction should be brief and in proportion to the length of the talk.  It must be well planned.,"Lk 1:1, 2; Ge 1:1",Qm Page 25,,,,,
"School, Speech, Introduction,","A magnifying glass can catch the scattered rays of the sun and focus them in one spot.  Even burning a hole. The first sentence must be arresting, even electrifying. (See 7 types in article)",A good and effective introduction should serve like a magnifying glass to catch the scattered interests and thoughts of an audience and bring them into common focus.,Ge 1:1;,Qm Page 23,,,,,
"School, Speech, Introduction, Body,","An army may gain a beach-head, yet the conquest is not over yet.  From this vantage point the army marches on and conquers farther.","An introduction is a mental beach-head, yet the conquest is far from over.  From this vantage point the body of the address marches on and conquers the mind of the audience.",Ac 17:22-24;,Qm Page 25,,,,,
"School, Speech, Introduction, Body,",Just as a body without breath is dead.... The 'body' is the meat of the talk.  It must live!,"So a spiritless, disjointed, incoherent, irrelevant body of talk is also lifeless.  We must make a talk live by illustrations and concrete facts.",Jas 2:26; Ac 17:22-24;,Qm Page 26,,,,,
"School, Speech, Introduction, Noah, Preaching,","The sounding of an alarm when a ship is sinking, the ensuing darkness, confusion and hysteria on the ship; but coolheaded and warmhearted ones of the crew assisting those who accept help to the lifeboats.",Noah's preaching as an illustration of our present day work.,2pe 2:5; Mt 24:27;,Qm Page 24,Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,63,,,
"School, Speech, Preparation, Natural, Conversational,","Who would like a speaker wearing a mask, even a mask handsomer than his own face?","Use no disguise in your voice.  Be your own everyday, natural conversational, sincere and unaffected self.  Do not become artificial, oratorical and bombastic.","2ki 8:11; Lk 4:20, 21;",Qm Page 43,"As Christians, We Care About Other People",15,,,
"School, Speech, Preparation, Outline,",An architect who wishes to construct a good house; must follow carefully-laid-out plans.  He must follow a carefully made blue-print.  Follow certain basics of good building.,"Likewise, a good speaker must follow a careful outline or blueprint and certain basics of good speech.",Ac 13:15; 1ti 4:13;,"Qm Page 40, 41","As Christians, We Care About Other People",15,,,
"School, Speech, Preparation, Pause,",A popular beverage company used to advertise it product: 'It's the pause that refreshes!',The most forceful method of achieving contrast is by having pauses that refreshes in one's speech.  It creates expectation; Prepares listeners by suspense.,"2ki 8:11; Lk 4:20, 21;",Qm Page 42,"As Christians, We Care About Other People",15,,,
"School, Speech, Preparation, Poise,","Did you ever see someone so un-poised they looked uncomfortable? A speaker like this produces uneasiness and discomfort, and you want to see him end his talk, that he might sit down and find relief from his misery.  They will absorb little of his message.","A speaker that is at ease, puts his audience at ease.  His appeal will come not only from the head but from the heart.",Mt 18:2-5;,"Qm Page 43, 44","As Christians, We Care About Other People",15,,,
"School, Speech, Preparation, Reading,","We know the effects of music on people.  A soothing melody can lull one into a state of languor and sleep, while a moving, lilting waltz makes one feel like dancing.  A march makes one feel like standing up and marching in step.","Good speaking and reading is as much an art as music.  It moves you to act, just as a stirring march, or a lilting waltz.",1ti 4:13;,Qm Page 44,Happy Though Hungry--how Can It Be?,31,,,
"School, Speech, Preparation, Reading, Audience,",A responsive audience is like a mirror; it will reflect the reader's feelings.,"People cannot be stirred to action by ideas expressed in a self-conscious and inhibited manner.  Read with warmth, and occasion fire.  Spirited; full of life, vim and vigor.",1ti 4:13;,Qm Page 45,Happy Though Hungry--how Can It Be?,31,,,
"School, Speech, Preparation, Reading, Sense Stress,",'Sense stress can be replaced by non-sense.',Placement of emphasis on the wrong word confuses the meaning or changes the meaning.  Emphasis is the key to meaning.,Lk 23:43;,Qm Page 46,Gaining Comfort In All Our Tribulations,105,,,
"School, Speech, Sense Stress, Modulation,","'Variety is the spice of life,' it has been said. There is such great variety in voices to the extent there are no two voices identical. In addition, each has great ranges, with variety of pitch, tempo volume. (Give talk full flavor)",All of Jehovah's creations are pleasantly and perfectly seasoned with delightful variety.  There is nothing monotonous in all of Jehovah's creation.,John 7:46; Ac 4:31; Job 6:25; Pr 25:11;,Qm Page 54  School Guidebook Page 163,Gaining Comfort In All Our Tribulations,105,,,
"School, Speech, Sense Stress, Modulation,","Good interesting speech follows the same rules as good music. No music would be considered good, but outright poor, if all the notes were played in the same tempo, same volume prevailed throughout; most notes played on the same tone level.","If modulation is of such importance in songs and music, how much more important is it in our spiritual songs of praise to Jehovah",John 7:46; Ac 4:31; Job 6:25; Pr 25:11;,Qm Page 54,Gaining Comfort In All Our Tribulations,105,,,
"School, Speech, Sense Stress, Modulation,","It holds true in art, such as music and painting.  The real artist does not paint all parts of a picture in the same color, but he brings out lights and shades, does he not? Too little stress, speech rendered hazy and vague.","So it is in speech.  You cannot vocally give importance to a thought, unless you first have one.  Perceive in your mind that the thought is important.  Color your idea! Give shades!",John 7:46; Ac 4:31; Job 6:25; Pr 25:11;,Qm Page 52,Gaining Comfort In All Our Tribulations,105,,,
"School, Speech, Soft, Voice, Volume,",Did you every bounce a soft basketball?  You have to throw it twice as hard to get it to bounce as high as a fully inflated one.  Also get closer to object.,"Similar with a soft voice.  You must exert twice as much effort to get the sound waves bouncing off the walls.  If using a microphone, must get closer to.",Is 52:8; Ac 2:14;,Bobby Laymon,,,,,
"School, Speech, Talks, Zeal, Enthusiasm,","'If you don't put fire in your talk, put your talk in the fire.' Quote: Maxwell Friend.","Have zeal, enthusiasm.",1 Tim. 4:13;,"Phil Kirkton, Bethel Notes",,,,,
"School, Speech, Warmth, Feeling, Action, Conclusion.","Often a talk takes on the form of a tape recording.  The speaker mounts the platform, turns on his vocal machine and starts thinking of other things besides his speech.","He fails to live what he is speaking.  He fails to speak words fresh from his heart.  Read the above passage over and over, and picture in your mind.  Action: 3,000 were baptized.",Ac 2:14-37;,Qm Page 56,,,,,
"School, Speech, Warmth, Impromptu,","Extemporaneously speaking is not cast in a rigid die from which a person cannot depart, as in reading from a manuscript.",Preparation of a speech can be a 'cold' and intellectual process but in speaking before an appreciative audience this material 'warms up'  New ideas rush into the mind of the speaker.,Ac 2:14-37;,Qm Page 58,,,,,
"School, Speech, Warmth, Impromptu,",We must avoid giving a 'canned' speech.,Our speech should be more like a 'heart-to-heart talk.',Ac 2:14-37;,Qm Page 59,,,,,
"School, Speech, Warmth, Progress, Settings,",One of the main characteristics that distinguish men from beast is the ability to communicate ideas.  The most common is by oral speech.,Men trade ideas with those around him.  It is fitting that we compare various methods of speaking in order to use the best under any circumstances.,Col 4:6; 1pe 3:15; Is 50:4; J 14:26;,Qm Page 61,Keep Growing In Your Relationship With God,16,,,
"School, Timing, Common Ground, Wordy, Material,",'Like trying to pour a pot full of liquid into a cup.  It would prove too much a burden to carry or contain it all.,So no matter how reasonable or how good your discussion may be it will simply run into one ear and spill out the other if you have too much material.,Pr 17:27; Eccl 5:3;,Qm Page 84,,,,,
"School, Voice, Resonance, Relax,","If one places a weight on the soundboard of a violin, the sound is deadened;  it must be free to vibrate.","So, too, with the bony structures of our body.  Our entire body becomes a sounding board.  We must learn to relax and not deaden by becoming tense.","Exodus 4:10, 11;",School Guidebook  Page 67,,,,,
"School, Voice, Resonance, Relax,",The tone of a violin string changes when it is tightened or loosened.,"When you relax the vocal cords, the tone lowers.  So the thing to do is to relax the throat muscles.","Exodus 4:10, 11;",School Guidebook  Page 67,,,,,
Science,"List of 51 scientific facts; show Bible wrong. (1861) Years have gone by and not one word of the Bible has been changed, but science has changed: there is not one man of science today who holds one of those 51 facts.",The Bible always wins out.,"Rom 4:3, 4","Apr 22, 1959 Aw Page 7",Does Your Hope Rest On Science Or The Bible?,80,,,
"Science,","'The Chinese were the world's first masters of science.  Long before the Europeans, they knew how to use the compass, make paper and gunpowder, and print with movable type.' Quote: Time magazine Arab scientists made valuably contributions, especially to Math.",Example of Hindu-Arabic numerals and the value over Roman numerals Subtract LXXIX from MCMXCIII.  Stumped?  Perhaps 79 from 1993 would be somewhat easier.  Answer = 1914.,Genesis 1:1,"May 8, 1993 Aw Page 19-21",Does Your Hope Rest On Science Or The Bible?,80,,,
"Science, 21st Century, Fear, Last Days,","Nine, eight, seven, and counting!  Counting down for a rocket launch?  No! The number of years that are still remaining before humanity is thrust into the uncertainties of the 21st century.",Men are living in fear and expectation of the future.,Lk 21:26;,"Jun 22, 1993 Aw Page 21",Overcoming Fear Of The Future,108,,,
"Science, 21st Century, Fear, Last Days, Ecology, Pollution,","'If we keep on our current course of environmental exploitation, the question is not will modern society survive the next century, but will it disappear with a BANG or a whimper?' Quote: The book '5000 Days to Save the Planet'","Science has not found the answers to man's problems, but have actually made the worse.",Ecclesiastes 8:9;,"Jun 22, 1993 Aw Page 21",Ruining The Earth Brings Divine Retribution,106,,,
"Science, Adam, Zoology,","'No one knows who first discovered fire, invented the wheel, developed the bow and arrow, or tried to explain the rising and setting of the sun'     Quote: World Book Encyclopedia But discovered they were, and the world has not been the same since.","Adam was the first to practice zoology.  He was commissioned to give the animals names.  To assign appropriate names required that he carefully study their characteristics and their habits. Today, we call that science, zoology.",Genesis 2:19;,"Apr 22, 1993 Aw Page 20",Does Your Hope Rest On Science Or The Bible?,80,,,
"Science, Atoms, Space, Universe, Stars, Knowledge, Creation,",'I ask you to look both ways. For the road to a knowledge of the stars leads through the atom; and important knowledge of the atom has been reached through the stars.' Quote: Sir Arthur Stanley Edenton.,Small as well as great creations reflect Jehovah's wisdom of creation.  They all work together.,Rom 1:18;,Bobby Laymon,Jehovah--the Grand Creator,101,,1995/08/16,
"Science, Bible, Ecology, Earth, Pollution, Evolution,",'Science is always wrong - it never solves a problem without creating ten more.'  Quote: George Bernard Shaw.,How do you feel? No doubt you have been both delighted and frightened by what science has done and promises to do.  Can you rest your hope for the future on science or the Bible?,Ps 31:14; 146:3;,Bobby Laymon,Does Your Hope Rest On Science Or The Bible?,80,,1995/06/30,
"Science, Bible, Life,","After noting man's scientific and technical advances, an editor of The Wall Street Journal wrote: 'In the contemplation of man himself, of his dilemmas, of his place in this universe, we are little further along than when time began.",We are still left with questions of who we are and why we are and where we are going.',Ps. 14:1;,Ct Page 5,Does Your Hope Rest On Science Or The Bible?,80,,"Feb 7, 2001",
"Science, Bible, Life, God,","'The more science progresses,' comments Religion and Atheism, 'the less room there seems to be for God. God has become a Displaced Person.'","Many focus on science, dismissing religion and 'God' as irrelevant.","Ps. 10:4,11;",Ct Page 7,Does Your Hope Rest On Science Or The Bible?,80,,"Feb 7, 2001",
"Science, Bible, Life, God,","The day after man landed on the moon, theologian Karl Barth was asked about this technological triumph. He said: 'It solves none of the problems that keep me awake at night.'","Today man is flying in space and speeding along in cyberspace. Still, thinking people see the need to have a purpose, something that gives meaning to their life.","Ps. 10:4,11;",Ct Page 9,Is This Life All There Is?,36,,"Feb 7, 2001",
"Science, Commerce, Advertising, T.V.","Wants you to buy everything, so you can have a garage sale in the spring.",We need to 'wake up' to system's designs.,"1 Cor. 15:33, 34, 1 Tim. 6:6-8; Phil. 1:9-11; Mic. 6:8",Larry Punko; C.O.,Does Your Hope Rest On Science Or The Bible?,80,,,
"Science, Einstein, Motive,",'The unleashed power of the atom has changed everything save our modes of thinking and we thus drift toward unparalleled catastrophe.'  Quote: Albert Einstein,"Many problems created by the 'magic' of science is not because of faulty knowledge, but by runaway technology motivated by selfish interests.",Gal 5:19-23; 2ti 3:1-3;,"Jun 8, 1993 Aw Page 21",Does Your Hope Rest On Science Or The Bible?,80,,,
"Science, Facts, Bible,","'Science is facts; just as houses are made of stones, so is science made of facts; but a pile of stones is not a house and a collection of facts is not necessarily science.' Quote: Henri Poincare.",We need to learn more from creation than FACTS that may awe us;  we should learn what creation reveals about the Creator.  His principal attributes are reflected in his works.  Creation manifests his power.,Jer 10:12;,Bobby Laymon,Appreciating Marvels Of God's Creation,114,,1995/06/30,
"Science, Humility, Ignorant, Weakness,",'The greatest single achievement of science in this most scientifically productive of centuries is the discovery that we are profoundly ignorant; we know very little about nature and we understand even less.' Quote: Dr. Lewis Thomas,"Even if we spent all the remaining years of our normal life span seeking knowledge, we might just become more aware of how short life is and see more that man's use of knowledge is limited.","Ecc 1:13, 14; 12:12; 1ti6:20;","Aug 15, 1993 Wt Page 12",Into The New Order Under Christ's Leadership,56,,,
"Science, Jehovah, God, Evolution,","'A man who does not believe in a Creator would have to have more faith than one who does [believe in a Creator.]'  Quote: Professor David Block, an astronomer at Johannesburg's University of the Witwatersrand.",It is possible to be a scientist and believe that there is a God.,Ps 14:1;,"Apr 22, 1994 Aw Page 29",Does Your Hope Rest On Science Or The Bible?,80,,1994/03/21,
"Science, Progress, World,",Science makes a car that goes 200 miles per hour and forgot to put brakes on it. Nuclear power; pesticide; etc.,"Many modern inventions, do more harm than good.","1 Cor. 1:19, 20;",Larry Punko; C.O.,'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
"Science, Religion,","'Science without religion is lame, religion without science is blind.' Albert Einstein.",Scientific discoveries can induce a reverential attitude in some scientists.,Genesis. 1:1;,"June 8, 2002 Aw Page 4",Does Your Hope Rest On Science Or The Bible?,80,,"Aug 7, 2002",
"Science, Religion, Government,","John B. Noss points out in his book man's Religions:   'All  religions say in one way or another that man does not, and cannot, stand alone.  He is vitally related with and even  dependent on powers in Nature and Society external to himself.  Dimly or clearly, he knows that he is not an independent center of force capable of standing apart from the world.'","So religion satisfies a basic human need, much as food  satisfies our hunger.  We know that eating indiscriminately  when we are hungry may stop the pangs of hunger;  in the long  run, however, it will damage our health.  To lead a healthy  life, we need food that is wholesome and nutritious.     Likewise,  we need wholesome spiritual food to maintain our spiritual  health.  That is why the Bible tells us: 'Not by bread alone  does man live but be every expression of Jehovah's mouth.'  -  Deuteronomy 8:3.",Deuteronomy 8:3;,Bobby Laymon,True Religion Meets The Needs Of Human Society.,94,,1994/04/11,
"Science, Religion, Government,","The book, '5,000 Days to Save the Planet' was published in 1990.  Since that time, conditions have continued to deteriorate.  The time left to save the planet according to their deadline now hovers near the 4,000 'desk calculator' day mark.  And by the dawn of the 21 century, unless something extraordinary happens in the meantime, the figure will have dwindled to some 1,500 days.  If things are out of control today, what will violent crime, sexual immorality, environmental disasters going to be like in the year 2000?  If it continues to escalate at the present rate human society as we know it could face disasters unimaginable!",Mankind now desperately needs guidance to survive!  Humanity needs Divine Guidance.  Something more than the mighty political rulers can offer.  Read Jeremiah 10:23,Jer 10:23;,Mark Morrow,True Religion Meets The Needs Of Human Society.,94,,1994/04/11,
"Science, Religion, Government,","The New Encyclopedia Britannica says: 'As far as scholars have discovered, there has never existed any people, anywhere, at any time, who were not in some sense religious.'","So religion satisfies a basic human need, much as food  satisfies our hunger.  We know that eating indiscriminately  when we are hungry may stop the pangs of hunger;  in the long  run, however, it will damage our health.  To lead a healthy  life, we need food that is wholesome and nutritious.  Likewise,  we need wholesome spiritual food to maintain our spiritual  health.  That is why the Bible tells us: 'Not by bread alone  does man live but be every expression of Jehovah's mouth.'  -  Deuteronomy 8:3.",Deuteronomy 8:3;,Bobby Laymon,True Religion Meets The Needs Of Human Society.,94,,1994/04/11,
"Science, Religion, Worship, God,","Would you build on shifting sands of desert, or beach as foundation?  Perhaps stood at water's edge, and felt sand drift from beneath your feet.",It is dangerous to build religious faith on shifting sands of scientific theory and speculation.,Matt. 7:27;,"Apr 22, 1964 Aw Page 9",Religion's Time Of Judgment,83,,,
"Science, Spiritual, Righteousness, Power,",'Our scientific power has outrun our spiritual power. We have guided missiles and misguided men.'  Quote: The late civil rights leader Martin Luther King.,"Only Almighty God, whose name is Jehovah, can provide an international authority with the power and ability to meet the challenges of the 21st century.",Ps 83:18;,G93 6/22 22,Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,1996/01/27,
"Science, Technology,","'Vice-Admiral Hyman Rickover, whose development work made him known as the father of the U.S. nuclear submarine, warned man ... that unbridled use of technology 'may become a Frankenstein destroying its creator.''  Quote: Melbourne Herald","Properly controlled, the products of science can be a help to man.  But the question many are asking is whether science has gotten out of control.  They wonder if the bad effects will eventually outweigh the benefits.",Ecc 8:9;,"Dec 22, 1970 Aw Page 3",Does Your Hope Rest On Science Or The Bible?,80,,1993/11/01,
"Science, Technology, Bible,","Some consider the Bible to be 'camel-train technology,' when compared with modern-day technology.",Those who bow to 'higher education' are like those bowing down to the 'sun' in Ezekiel's day.,Eze 8:16; 9:4;,Joe Laymon,Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,,
"Science, Technology, Education,","'What are we going to do?' said Baby Tiger to Mama Tiger in the jungle, 'Here comes a hunter, and he has five rifles, three special sighting scopes, and devices to allow him to see in the dark!'  'Hush!' answered Mama Tiger and she taught her cub how to sneak up from behind and pounce.  The hunter was never heard from again.","All of which goes to prove that technology may be fine, but it will never be a substitute for a good basic education.",Ps. 37:3;,Bobby Laymon - Bits And Pieces,Does Your Hope Rest On Science Or The Bible?,80,,1998/01/08,
"Science, Trust, Man, Jehovah, Bible,","'Here is the world, sound as a nut, perfect, not the smallest piece of chaos left, never a stitch nor an end, nor a mark of haste, or botching, or a second thought; but the theory of the world is a thing of threads and patches.'","Jehovah created the earth in such a manner that it could never be improved, yet scientific theories have become complete chaos. Quote: Emerson (1803-1882)","Ps. 146:3, 4;",Wisdom Of The Ages,Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,,
"Science, Trust, Man, Jehovah, Bible,","'Reason is a very light rider, and easily shook off.' (Swift 1667-1745)","Science is constantly changing, and old ideas are soon put aside.  The Bible, however remains unchanged.","Ps. 146:3, 4;",Wisdom Of The Ages,On Whose Promises Do You Rely?,61,,,
"Science, Trust, Man, Jehovah, Bible,",'Science commits suicide when it adopts a creed.' (Thomas Huxley 1825-1895),"Many scientific theories are likely to be proved wrong, thus casting a bad light on science.","Ps. 146:3, 4;",Wisdom Of The Ages,On Whose Promises Do You Rely?,61,,,
"Science, Trust, Man, Jehovah, Bible,","'Science has been seriously retarded by the study of what is not worth knowing, and what is not knowable.' (Goethe 1749-1832)",Men waste valuable time and money on useless studies.  They have not come to know Jehovah.,"Ps. 146:3, 4;",Wisdom Of The Ages,On Whose Promises Do You Rely?,61,,,
"Science, Trust, Man, Jehovah, Bible,",'Science is always wrong.  It never solves a problem without creating ten more.'  Quote:  G. B. Shaw (1856-1950),The Bible speaks truth and solves problems.,Ps. 119:105;,Wisdom Of The Ages,On Whose Promises Do You Rely?,61,,,
"Science, Truth,","'You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.' Quote: Jesus Christ","Truth in any field of activity can set people free.  Scientific truth, for example, has freed people from many false ideas, such as the earth is flat, the earth is the center of the universe, that heat is a fluid called caloric, that foul air causes epidemics, and that the atom is the smallest particle of matter.",John 8:32,"Apr 8, 1993 Aw Page 6",Does Your Hope Rest On Science Or The Bible?,80,,,
"Science, Universe, Space, Creation,","'Man will always turn his attention to Nature in order to penetrate its mystery and discover its secret, a secret that will never come out of a laboratory.'  Quote:  The French writer Robert Lenoble  (An Outline History of the Idea of Nature)","More than half of the Frenchmen polled by the Catholic daily La Croix-whether they were believers or atheists-agree with this and admit that 'science will never be able to give a sufficient explanation of the universe, since a lot of things belong to the philosophical or the religious field.'","Job 28:12, 14, 21;",W88 3/1 5-6,Does Your Hope Rest On Science Or The Bible?,80,,1994/07/08,
"Science, War, Technology,","'Around the world today, laboratories supported by almost limitless resources are feverishly pushing their research in the development of physical and bacteriological weapons which overnight could turn this planet into a gigantic slaughterhouse.' Quote:  Dr. Raymond B. Fosdick.",Much of science is harmful to mankind.,Rev 11:18;,W57 7/15 419,Does Your Hope Rest On Science Or The Bible?,80,,1996/01/06,
"Science, World, Technology, Survival,","When a ship is sinking, the wise thing to do is to work for survival, not to be distracted by the technological marvels of the ship.",This system of things is sinking.  The wise person will seek Jehovah.,Zep 2:3;,"Nov 22, 1969 Aw Page 8",'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
"Science, Worship, Devotion, Destruction, War, Weapons, Frustration, Last Days,",'But I have seen the science I worshiped and the aircraft I loved destroying the civilization I expected them to serve.'  Quote: Charles A. Lindbergh Jr.,"The ability to build atomic bombs and complicated technology for the arsenals of modern superpowers is awesome, but does it give mankind a reason for living? No!  It merely increases the likelihood of men destroying themselves.",Ps 146:3;,Bobby Laymon,Does Your Hope Rest On Science Or The Bible?,80,,1995/06/27,
"Science, Worship, Idol,","'They are just like everybody else ... Some are dedicated, some unscrupulous, some sharp as a whip, others dull as dishwater. I've known some of the great names of science, men who have done tremendous good for the world.  And while I've known no scientist who's been in jail, I've known some who richly deserve to be.'","Even if most scientist are honest, this is still no reason to put them or their activity upon a pedestal.  Above Quote: British-born scientist Edward Bowen.","Ps 118:9; 146:3, 4;","Jun 22, 1993 Aw Page 22",Does Your Hope Rest On Science Or The Bible?,80,,,
Science; Technology;,'He that invents a machine augments the power of man and the well-being of mankind.'  Quote:  Hwb.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Science; Technology;,"'It will free man from his remaining chains, the chains of gravity which still tie him to this planet. It will open to him the gates of heaven.' Quote:  Werner Von Braun",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Science; Technology;,'Men have become tools of their tools.'  Quote:  Henry D. Thoreau.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Science; Technology;,"'The universe, as far as we can observe it, is a wonderful and immense engine.'  Quote:  George Santana.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Science; Technology;,'We have grasped the mystery of the atom and rejected the Sermon on the Mount.'  Quote:  Omar Bradley.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Science; Technology;,"Every great scientific truth goes through three stages: First, people say it conflicts with the Bible. Next they say it had been discovered before. Lastly they say they always believed it.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Science; Technology;,Science is the refusal to believe on the basis of hope.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Scrolls, Bible,",Length example: Luke estimated to have been 11 inches high and 31 or 32 feet long. See article for more info on length etc.,Benefit of Codex or book form.,2 Tim. 4:13; Rev. 5:5;,"Feb 1, 1963 Wt Page 86",Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,,
"Search, God, Adventure, Jehovah,","Marco Polo, early European traveler who lived in China 17 years. At journey's end he called for his tattered clothes to be brought ripped them open to let loose a flow of rubies, sapphires, garnets diamonds and emeralds.",Greatest adventure can be made by all: Search for God. His book aroused interest later by Christopher Columbus and resulted in the discovery of America. (see other examples),"Prov. 2:2, 4, 5;","Mar 22, 1964 Aw Page 25, 26",Make Jehovah Your Confidence,70,,,
"Search, Individual, United, Organization, Efforts, Success, Depressed,","A former policeman likened our collective, worldwide ministry to what policeman do when searching for evidence. They form a line, side by side, locking arms together (i.e...'shoulder to shoulder'). They all look down at their feet, scan carefully, then collectively, they all take one step forward, then repeat the process until the entire search area has been meticulously combed.  In such a process, not all actually find the sought-after evidence, right? In fact, only a few may find pieces of the puzzle.  Yet, results were possible ONLY because of the collective efforts of all......had not all been connected together, had there been gaps in the chain, how could they be sure they found all the evidence? Yes, all in the line are equally important.","Of course it takes little imagination to make application of this  illustration.......not all of us find many pieces of evidence, or  interested ones......we may go for stretches without finding evidence at our feet.......yet we all serve shoulder to shoulder, do we not? It is  because of our COLLECTIVE efforts that we can 'fully accomplish our  ministry'.  Naturally, the more time we are able to spend in the ministry, the greater the chances are that we will find 'evidence'.....we can also do much to enhance our search abilities.....practice and application of the suggestions from 'Mother'.",Matt 10:11;,Brother Ciranko D. O.,Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,63,,1997/03/14,
"Search, Jehovah, Seek, Urgency, History, Zeal, Will, Self,",Now is not the time to sit on the fence or be lukewarm. The pages of history are turning faster than man can read them. Now is the time for zeal and action.,We must take action now to identify ourselves with Jehovah.,Matt. 12:30; Luke 9:26,"Apr 1, 1991 Wt Page 10","Living, Not For Self, But To Do God's Will",8,s,,
"Secret, Confidential, Elders,",'A secret is your prisoner if you keep it.  You are it's prisoner if you tell it.'  Quote: Chinese Proverb,Things that should be kept secret can bring much heart-ache if we don't keep a confidence.  We can end up being a slanderer as Satan is.,Pr 11:13; 20:19; 25:9;,Wisdom Of The Ages,Maintain Your Confidence Firm To The End,46,,,
"Secret, Gossip, Speech, Talk, Rumor,",Don't tell your friend anything you don't want your enemy to know.,Secrets have a way of getting out.,"1 Tim. 5:12, 13; 1 Pet. 4:15; Jas. 3:3-10; 1 Th 2:5;",Bobby Laymon,What Kind Of Name Are You Making With God?,55,,,
Secret;,'A secret is something you tell one person at a time.' Quote:  The Buzzar,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Secret;,"'Women can keep a secret just as well as men, but it takes more of them to do it.'  Quote:  George Marsh.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Secret;,A secret is your slave if you keep it; your master if you lose it.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Secret;,You have become a mature person when keeping a secret gives you more satisfaction than passing it along.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Secrets; Gossip;,'None are so fond of secrets as those who do not mean to keep them.'  Quote:  C. C. Colton.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Secular Work, Family, Marriage, Home, Housework,","A man may work from sun to sun, but a woman's work is never done. Man may come home and relax, but wife comes home from secular job and has housework to do.",Man's feelings toward wife working.,2 Tim. 2:22; Prov. 22:6; 23:13; Deuteronomy. 6: 4-8; Eph. 5:22-33;,Bobby Laymon,Family Life That Warms The Heart,5,,,
"Secure Height, Protection,","Have you ever worked in a place of great height?  Perhaps a telephone pole, a construction project.  Did you desire protection?  Perhaps a safety belt, or rope, or a net under you.'",We have such a secure height in Jehovah.,Ps. 94:22;,Johnse Laymon,Jehovah Is 'a Secure Height' For His People,151,,"Jan 6, 2002",
Security,"Roller-coaster ride, (afraid leave tracks, but got aboard) Through Organization, Elders, cong. arrangements","Jehovah leads in 'tracks of righteousness' Safety, Secure",Ps 23:1-4,Sept 15 Wt 1989  Page 15,Jehovah Is 'a Secure Height' For His People,151,,,
"Security,",We need not Enron security....,but genuine security.,Heb. 13:5;,"Gary Wells, D.O.",,,,"Apr 12, 2002",
"Security, Bible,",'Do Not Disturb'.   Do world conditions make you feel like hiding?,"Security is found, not in place of seclusion, but God's Word.",2 Tim. 3:16,"Feb 8, 1962 Aw Page 31",Jehovah Is 'a Secure Height' For His People,151,,,
"Security, Cities Of Refuge, Protection, Organization,","Literal City of Refuge, offered protection for both Israelites and alien residents.","Antitypical city offers its powerful protection, not only to spiritual Israelites, but to other sheep as well.",Numbers. 35:15; Heb. 9:15; John 10:16;,"Aug 15, 1967 Wt Page 499",Serving With Jehovah's Unified Organization,3,,,
"Security, Cities Of Refuge, Protection, Organization, Forgiveness,","The unintentional manslayer in Israel did not flee abroad, leaving his country, but headed for city of refuge, belonging to non priestly Levities.",The provision of salvation is closely connected with Jehovah's organization.,Acts 2:47; Eph. 4:3-6; Numbers. 35:15; Heb. 9:15; John 10:16;,"Aug 15, 1967 Wt Page 499",Serving With Jehovah's Unified Organization,3,,,
"Security, Comfort, Peace, Anxiety, Worry,","Arnold was a child who loved his stuffed toy tiger.  Everywhere he went, he dragged it along with him--at play, to the dinner table, to his bed.  For him, the tiger provided comfort, security.  One day, there was a crisis.  Tiger was missing.  As Arnold cried, his mother, father, and three older brothers scoured their large house to find the tiger.  One of them eventually discovered it in a drawer.  Evidently, Arnold had put it there and then had promptly forgotten where it was.  The tiger was returned, and Arnold wiped away his tears.  He felt happy and secure again.","How fine it would be if all problems could be solved that easily--as simply as finding a toy tiger in a drawer!   For most people, however, questions of security are far more serious and complex than that.",Psalm 146:3-6;,"May 15, 1996 Wt Page 3",Jehovah Is 'a Secure Height' For His People,151,,1996/04/16,
"Security, Heights,","As a contrast, think of what humans do.  What do you think would happen if you put on some grubby work clothes,  went to the airport,  flew to Washington D.C.....got off the plane,  went to the white house,  knocked on the gate and said,  'Hi, I'd like to see the President!'   What do you think would happen?    Even if they told him you were here,  do you think you would get to see the President of the United States,  probably not,  he might even look out the window, see how you were dressed,   I'm not meeting with him!  Or how about flying to London,  going to Buckingham Palace,  and telling one of the guards,  'Hi,  could I chat with the Queen for a few minutes?' What do you think would happen?","And what is so amazing, despite his exalted position, Jehovah is not aloof.",Isaiah 57:15,Jk,Jehovah Is 'a Secure Height' For His People,151,,"Apr 25, 2002",
"Security, Heights,",Our sun is a small star.  We are in the Milky Way galaxy. One galaxy has 2 - 4 hundred billion stars just like our sun.  Yet there are 50 billion galaxies!!!!,"No one can stand against him,  not only because of his own inexhaustible power but he also commands the power of all the heavenly forces.",Isaiah 40:2;,Jk,Jehovah Is 'a Secure Height' For His People,151,,"Apr 25, 2002",
"Security, Heights,","What do all of these things have in common?  The highest mountain in Noah's day,  The ancient Jewish stronghold of Masada,  Hitler's eagles nest, Mount Everest?   They are all heights, that haven't proven to be secure!  Anybody that ever stayed too long on any of those places died!","Throughout history, people have sought out high places for protection and security.  The city of Jerusalem was built on a mountain as a protection.  Jews later thought that by going to the mountain fortress of Masada they would be secure.  For centuries  people in the land of Tibet in the Himalayas felt secure among the highest peaks in the world.   But man has gone higher than that for security.  They have gone into space, at first thinking they could prevent nuclear holocaust from that great height, and since they have ascended to the moon and have their sights set on Mars.  All of this in the effort to find some kind of security for the future.  Do we need to look to the heavens to find our secure height?   We certainly do, but not the physical heavens, we need to look to a person that the Bible calls 'a secure height'.  That is Jehovah God. Because there is no height that is higher, or more secure than him.",Ps. 83:18;,Jk,Jehovah Is 'a Secure Height' For His People,151,,"Apr 25, 2002",
"Security, Heights, Prayer, Angel,","One angel executed 185,000 in one night.  So would Jehovah God have the power to execute vengeance today?","Myriads of myriads (10,000 x 10,000 = 100 million angels, and if each of them can do what that one angel did, that would mean that the entire earth's population could be wiped out in  = 7.5 seconds!!!! This account demonstrates that Jehovah is capable of acts of vengeance in behalf of his people.","2 Kings 19:35,37;",Jk,Jehovah Is 'a Secure Height' For His People,151,,"Apr 25, 2002",
"Security, Heights, Prayer, Approach,","In contrast, to human rulers, what has Jehovah, the highest one in the universe done?  He has installed a hot line to each one of us!  Any time, night or day, we can approach Jehovah God in our personal prayers and he guarantees that he will listen to us.  It doesn't matter how were dressed, which side of the tracks we're from, how we grew up, etc.","So, here the mightiest person in the universe demonstrates that he is concerned about his people, as individuals and as a group.  As a result we, Jehovah's people have faith, that he can deliver upright needy ones, change their state, and satisfy their proper needs and desires.  Jehovah God is aware of the hardships and suffering that his people are enduring in this system of things.",Isaiah 57:15,Jk,Jehovah Is 'a Secure Height' For His People,151,,"Apr 25, 2002",
"Security, Insurance, Confidence, Faith,",Often people think of accumulating a nest egg in the hopes that it will ensure the more comfortable life when they are older.,"Jesus, however, identified a more secure form of insurance. Its value is inestimable, it will never fail! He explained: 'This m everlasting life, their taking in knowledge you, the only true God, and of the one whom you sent forth, Jesus Christ.'-John 17:3.",John 17:3; Matt. 6:19-21;,"Feb 22, 2001 Aw Page 10",Maintain Your Confidence Firm To The End,46,,"Mar 31, 2001",
"Security, Peace,",Even in the animal world there is a built-in desire for security. Birds build their nests in the most disguised or difficult-to-approach places. Squirrels store nuts for use during the colder part of the year. Cats about to give birth investigate every cupboard in the house to search for a protected nook in which to nourish their young.,"The question that faces all of us today is, Where can we look for security? Animals base their sense of security instinctively on material things. But what about man? Does our security lie in material things, making us no better than animals?",1 Thess 5:3;,W80 9/1 4,Jehovah Is 'a Secure Height' For His People,151,,1996/01/06,
"Security, Protection, Help, Father, Child, Organization,",A child can find security in fathers arms but where can father find it.,David found it in his God who to Israel like a shepherd and the Israelites were a flock of sheep that He cared for and took care of.,23 Psalm,"Johnse Laymon Sep 8, 1965 Aw Pg 5",Serving With Jehovah's Unified Organization,3,,,
"Security, Refuge, Peace, Stronghold, Congregation, Inner Room, Height,","Have you ever been in a basement, or storm cellar during a severe storm.  There is a special feeling of protection and security there.","The congregation likewise serves as a shelter, a protective refuge where you can feel secure.",Titus 3:3; Gal 6:2;,Kl Page 167,Are You Really Making Jehovah Your Stronghold?,18,,1995/06/16,
"Security, Safety, Protection, Spiritual, Height,","Picture a parent bird hovering aloft over its young and casting a shadow upon them. As long as the young ones down below see that they are in the shadow of their parent above, they know that they have its attention and are protected, safe from predatory birds.","Thus, the Almighty One is likened to a mighty bird and those who are in the 'secret place' of spiritual security knows he can detect any danger that comes near.","Ps. 91:1, 2; Ps. 17:8; Isa. 31:4, 5;","Dec 1, 1974 Wt Page 727, 728",Jehovah Is 'a Secure Height' For His People,151,,,
"Security, Safety, Protection, Spiritual, Trap, World,","'He himself will deliver you from the trap of the bird catcher, from the pestilence causing adversities.' Yet, a trap is still set for them by a 'bird catcher. Symbolic bird catcher is Satan; Trap: Satan's earthly organization.","In fulfillment, Jehovah God did break the trap in which the anointed remnant of spiritual Israel was caught. Satan tries to catch Jehovah's worshipers and hold them as victims",Ps. 91:1-3; 124:1-8;,"Dec 1, 1974 Wt Page 732",'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
"Security, Safety, Protection, Spiritual, Trap, World, Babylon,",Usually a person or creature walks into a trap without knowing it. Generally the trapper sets out some bait to lure the creature and to trigger the trap by nibbling at the 'bait',"Bait: Selfish attractions of the world, its promising opportunities for wealth, fame, position and power. Since 1918 we have come out of Babylon, must keep avoiding 'trap'",1 John 2:15-17; Ps. 91:1-3;,"Dec 1, 1974 Wt Page 733",'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
"Security, Safety, Protection, Trap, World,",The 'great eagle' 'With his pinions he will block approach to you and under his wings you will take refuge.  His trueness will be a large shield and bulwark.',"A fine compassion is thus drawn between Jehovah God and the 'great eagle,' the king of the birds, the lord of the skies, the monarch of the air!","Ps. 91:4, 7; Exodus. 19:4; Deuteronomy. 32:11, 12; Rev. 12:6, 14;","Dec 15, 1974 Wt Page 752",'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
"Security, Safety, Protection, Trap, World, Nationalism, Height,","'Pestilence causing adversities.' goes along with 'bird catcher's trap. This figurative 'pestilence' is bred, cultured, within that selfish organization.  It has fanned up fanatical patriotism, religiously fervent gestures to national symbols and emblems,","Nationalism rages like a tempest throughout the earth. burdensome taxation, international rivalries etc.",Ps. 91:3;,"Dec 1, 1974 Wt Page 734",Jehovah Is 'a Secure Height' For His People,151,,,
"Security, Trust, Materialism, Sowing, Reaping, World, System,","A farmer cannot sow seeds from plants that are weeds and hope to reap a crop of wheat. Similarly, if he sows wheat, he will not reap a crop of weeds.","Thus, if we sow trust in the material benefits that this system now offers, we will reap disappointment when it goes off into destruction. If we sow trust in God, we will reap the rewards he gives, both now and in his new order.",Gal 6:7;,W77 4/1 203,'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,1994/07/30,
Security;,'Its an old adage that the way to be safe is never to be secure. Each one of us requires the spur of insecurity to force us to do our best.'  Quote:  Harold Dodds.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"See, Attitude, Understanding, View, Light, Spiritual, Focus, Study, Meetings,","Good physical eyesight is a blessing.  In fact, most people would say that few things they possess are more precious.","For Christians, however, there is a kind of eyesight that is of greater value than even good physical eyesight.  We might call it 20/20 vision of a spiritual kind.",2 Cor 4:18;,"Feb 15, 1996 Wt Page 27;",,,,1996/02/05,
"Seed, Jesus, Messiah,",Like the unfolding of a beautiful flower...,...Additional information about the 'seed' was progressively revealed.,"Revelation 14:3, 4; Galatians 3:16, 26-29;",W84 2/15 5,,,,1996/01/06,
"Seed, Planting, Knowledge, Preaching,","How many ways can you think of to scatter seeds?  Jehovah showed creativity and resourcefulness in doing so.  Some seeds like the maple parachute down, boring gently into cervices.  Others, like the dandelion float softly through the air like white cotton candy clouds, to anywhere the wind blows.  Others like beggar lice and cockleburs hitchhike a ride to unknown places.  Some seeds drop to the ground and don't sprout until scorched by a forest fire.   One of the best ways is to lay off a row and gently place the seeds in and cover them.  Then they can be cared for and watered. The rule is:  There is no rule to the manner or method of spreading seed.","Some of these seed, like the maple may go right into a crevice, a place just waiting to accept it.  Others may blow in the wind, gently affecting many.  Some may be like the beggar bean, it will stick with a person, though he may not know it.  For others, it may be like the pine tree, it will take pressures, adversity to make it take growth.    	",Ecclesiastes 11:6,Bobby Laymon,,,,1996/06/27,
"Seed, Promise, Jesus, Kingdom, Earth,","'Suppose I told you I had planted a mango seed in your garden.  You go outside and look and don't see anything, not even a disturbance of the soil.  Would you believe me?'  'No! I would be doubtful.' Suppose after some time a plant begins to grow.  You realize that someone is quietly watering the plant when you are not at home.  Years pass.  You begin to recognize that it truly is a mango tree.  Then, one day you see it is filled with blossoms.  Now what would you feel?  'I would know that what you said was true, and be excited about fruit.'","Long ago Jehovah planted a 'seed' of hope that one day he would solve all our problems and restore peace and happiness to the human race.  We were not present when the promise was made or planted the 'seed.'  Nor were we present when he kept 'watering' it by repeating and enlarging upon it, giving more details over the centuries.  Even though we did not see all this, we can today see the fully grown tree with blossoms on it.  So we can be sure the fruit will come.","Ge 3:15; Mt 24:3, 12; 2ti 3:1-3;",Our Problems - Who Will Help Us Solve Them?  Page 10-12,Ruining The Earth Brings Divine Retribution,106,,,
"Seed, Sower, Persecution, Hearts, Soil, Endurance, Anxieties, Riches,","'Look! A  SOWER went out to sow; and as he was sowing, some [seeds] fell alongside the road, and the  birds came and ate them up.  Others fell upon the rocky places where they did not have much soil,  and at once they sprang up because of not having depth of soil. But when the sun rose they were scorched, and because of not having  root they withered.  Others, too, fell among the thorns, and the thorns came up and  choked them.  Still others fell upon the fine soil and they began to yield fruit,  this one a hundredfold, that one sixty, the other thirty.'  Quote: Jesus Christ.","'The seed is the word of God,' Jesus says, and the soil is the heart. Of the seed sown on the hard roadside surface, he explains: 'The Devil comes and takes the word away from their hearts in order that they may not believe and be saved.'  On the other hand, seed sown on soil with an underlying rock-mass refers to the hearts of people who receive the word with joy.  However, because the word cannot take deep root in such hearts, these people fall away when a time of testing or persecution comes.  As for the seed that fell among the thorns, Jesus continues, this refers to people who have heard the word. These ones, however, are carried away by anxieties and riches and pleasures of this life, so they are completely choked and bring nothing to perfection.  Finally, as for the seed sown on fine soil, Jesus says, these are the ones who, after hearing the word with a fine and good heart, retain it and bear fruit with endurance.",Matt 13:3-8;,Gt 43,,,,1996/01/15,
"Seeing, Appreciation, Creation, Discernment,","Did you ever see a bird fly?  Before you answer, 'Of course,' let us define more exactly what we mean by 'see.'  When people see a bird, they see a beautiful array of feathers; a cat sees a meal; a farmer might see spring approaching.",Seeing can mean much more than just receiving an image on the retina of the eye.  We must see with appreciation and understanding.,Eph 1:18; Re 1:7;,"Sep 8, 1970 Aw Page 16",Appreciating Marvels Of God's Creation,114,,,
"Self Control, Love, Joy, Peace, Long-suffering, Kind, Good, Faith, Mild","The trouble with letting off steam is, it only gets you into more hot water.",Self-control.,"Gal. 5:22, 23; Jo. 13:35; Phil. 3:1, 4:4; Mic. 6:8; Tit. 3:2;",Bobby Laymon,Serve Jehovah With A Joyful Heart,78,,,
"Self Esteem, Ideals, Models, Pattern, Example, Goals,","IDEALS: If some people lived up to their ideals, they would be stooping.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Self Examination, Benefit, Learning","When we read in Society's publications and refers, that WE should do this or WE should do that.  Who is the we that their speaking to?  Do WE look at our brother?","Turn W upside down and it spells ME, that is who we should be applying information to.",Isa. 48:17,Scott Rudolph,,,,1996/08/11,
"Self Pity, Pout, Depressed, Groaning,","Man had no shoes, then met man who had no feet. King Ahab's feeling took very grim turn. petty, ridiculous.  Refused to take 'no' for an answer","Self pity: excessive, unbalanced concern for self Makes loving concern for others dwindle.",1 Ki 21:4  Acts 20:35,Assembly Talk,Gaining Comfort In All Our Tribulations,105,,,
"Self Pity, Sorrow, Trials, Endurance,","When you see posters of crippled children, do you not feel sorry for them? Better to take inventory of blessings you possess and be thankful for these.","Self-pity is natural, but excessive sorrow can rob us of joy. Excessive self-pity is unloving and unkind.","Matt. 9:36; 22:39; Numbers. 11:5, 6, 11-15; Acts 20:35;","May 8, 1964 Aw Page 3, 4",You Can Find Joy In Serving God,103,,,
"Self Sacrificing, Spirit, Pioneer,","Rolf was a valued employee. When he decided to work part time and expand his ministry, his employer readily cooperated.  For years he enjoyed pioneer service.  His position changed.  He was so capable he was offered manager's position and tempting salary.",His boss concluded: 'I see that I can't compete with your conviction.  Roth also had another quality--the spirit of self- sacrifice.,"Ro 12:1; Mal 1:8, 13; Le 22:19, 20;","Feb 1, 1992 Wt Page 25",Renewing The Spirit Of Self-sacrifice,69,,,
"Self Willed, Foolish, Study, Teach, Convince, Habits, Heart,","'Convince a fool against his will, He will have the same opinion, still!'","We cannot force persons to accept the truth, if their heart is no inclined to believe.",Ps 14:1,Evelyn Perkins,"As Christians, We Care About Other People",15,,,
"Self, Pride, Humility, Confidence, Joy,","If I am not for myself, who will be for me? And if I am only for myself,  what am I? And if not now--when? --Hillel",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Self, Sin, Pride, Love,",'The woman whom you gave..' instead of 'my dear wife..',Men have become 'lovers of themselves'.,Genesis. 3:1-12; 2 Tim. 3:3,"Mar 15, 1963 Wt Page 163","Living, Not For Self, But To Do God's Will",8,,,
"Self, Sin, Pride, Love, Lazy,","Narcissus, 'a beautiful youth of Greco-Roman mythology who fell in love with his own image, died of unrequited love, and was turned into the flower narcissus.' (Webster) 'I'm worth it'  'I feel pretty'.","Movie stars and others suffer from narcissus. Actor looks in mirror and sings, 'I believe in you.'  Wife who lets her husband wait on her.",2 Sam. 14:25; 15:4,"Mar 15, 1963 Wt Page 164",The Only Cure For Sick Mankind,62,s,,
"Self, Will, Slavery, Freedom, Independent,","Imagine a man, born in slavery, raised under tyranny, with threat of death held over him. He is abused, mistreated, and forced to do hard labor.  Then a wealthy man, seeing his plight determines to buy him and set him free.  He does so, however due to the demanding nature of the owner, he has to pay much more than the slave would ever be worth.  But he does it! How will he use his new-found freedom?  Life of luxury?  Will he live for self?  Perhaps becoming a slave owner himself?  (Many one-time slaves have done that) He tries all this, but he is not happy.  He thinks!  I'm not really free.  I was bought with a price.  He then goes to this one, and says, 'Look!  I'm yours.  What can I do to serve you.  And is given a valued position, with increasing responsibilities in the house-hold of his master.  He feels good about it.","We are that slave!  We have been born into slavery, with the threat of death hanging over us.  Now, due to Jehovah God's mercy and the high price he paid, we have been set free.  Will we use this freedom as the world does?",Ro 7:14,Bobby Laymon,"Living, Not For Self, But To Do God's Will",8,,1993/10/31,
"Self, Will, Zeal, Service, Pioneer,",We can learn something from a runner who puts on a final burst of speed near the finish of a race.,"We, like Jesus, can step up our activity in the final part of this system.",Mt. 21:1-27; Mk 11:1-15; Lk 19; Jn 11,May 1974 Km Page 3,"Living, Not For Self, But To Do God's Will",8,,,
Self-control,Angry words are like bullets. Sometimes that damage cannot be repaired. A moment of anger can reap a lifetime of regret.,"Once fired, they cannot be pulled back, speed on to do damage.","Prov. 16:32; 15:1, 18","Jun 8, 1959 Aw Page 3, 4",Coping With Life's Anxieties,32,,,
Self-control,"Carry peanuts in pocket ...wouldn't eat, although loved them.",Helped develop control in small things.,Luke 16:10,W69 8/1 462,Coping With Life's Anxieties,32,,,
Self-control,Quote: 'If religion does nothing for your temper it has done nothing for your soul.,Reactions tell on religion.,Prov. 14:17,"Sep 22, 1961 Aw Page 3",Coping With Life's Anxieties,32,,,
Self-control,Simmering volcano. Try mild answer; it will keep blood pressure down.,"Do we explode with abusive speech, tantrums, etc.","Prov. 16:32; 15:1, 18","Jun 8, 1959 Aw Page 3",Coping With Life's Anxieties,32,,,
"Self-control, Anger,",It does not pay to give an offender a 'dose of his own medicine.' One of the main ways to avoid being victimized by an act of crime is to control yourself. Example: start a fight; leave keys in car; victim of a loan,'A word causing pain makes anger to come up.' shark; victim of confidence game or 'get-rich-quick' scheme.,Pr 15:1; 17:14; 26:17;,"Jan 8, 1968 Aw Page 20",Coping With Life's Anxieties,32,,,
"Self-control, Anger, Mildness, Wisdom,","'As a city broken through, without a wall, is the man that has no restraint for his spirit.'  Prov. 25:28",Satan can come in and take over if we lose self-control.,Prov. 29:11; Prov. 25:28; Eccl. 10:4; Prov. 15:1; 2 Tim. 3:1-3;,"Jun 1, 1963 Wt Page 323",Acquiring A Heart Of Wisdom,73,,,
"Self-control, Anger, Mildness, Wisdom,",Do you own an automobile? Must exercise self-control in driving it Every waking moment and perhaps sleeping moments our words and actions come within the purview of self-control.,"We own a tongue, we must exercise self-control in everything.",Prov. 29:11; Prov. 25:28; Eccl. 10:4; Prov. 15:1; 2 Tim. 3:1-3;,"Jun 1, 1963 Wt Page 323",Acquiring A Heart Of Wisdom,73,,,
"Self-control, Anger, Temper","Work at not developing the fly syndrome.  There was a fly that saw a chunk of baloney on the front porch of a house. He started eating it just stuffing himself. So much he could not fly. He would flap his wings but could go no where, so he saw a old broom and he thought I'll climb up to the top of the broom handle and jump off.  So he got up there jumped off and buzz straight to the bottom.  Splat! On the ground died.        How much better it is to use self-control when it comes to controlling your verbal or physical violence.","Moral of the story, ' Don't fly off the handle when your full of baloney!  How much better it is to use self-control when it comes to controlling your verbal or physical violence.",Gal. 5:23;,Jim Kinkade,How To Conquer Evil With Good.,117,,"Oct 30, 2001",
"Self-control, Balance, Speech, Eating, Sex,","Automobile: It has four wheels that enable it to move, a powerful engine that can turn those wheels, and brakes that can stop them. However, disaster results if there is no one to decide where wheels go, how fast, and when they stop.",The importance of self-control is well illustrated by above. There must be controlled use of our bodies.,"2 Pe 1:5, 6; 2 Ti 3:1-5;","Nov 15, 1991 Wt Page 9   (entered Dec 22, 1991)",A Godly View Of Sex And Marriage,13,,,
"Self-control, Balance, Speech, Eating, Sex,","Charles Blondin, in 1859 crossed Niagara Falls on a tightrope 1100 ft. long and 160 ft. above water.  Later: blindfolded, in a sack, trundling a wheelbarrow, on stilts, carrying a man on his back. Once turned somersaults on stilts on a rope 170' high.","Even more important and challenging is self-control.  It has been defined as 'restraint over one's own impulses, emotions, or desires.'","2 Pe 1:5, 6; 2 Ti 3:1-5;","Nov 15, 1991 Wt Page 8   (entered Dec 22, 1991)",A Godly View Of Sex And Marriage,13,,,
"Self-control, Balance, Speech, Eating, Sex,","Describing the virtuosity of the late famed pianist Vladimir Horowitz, one musician said, 'For me the fascinating thing was a sense of complete control ... the sense of an unbelievable energy being harnessed.' 'eight decades of flying finger. perfect control",Even more important and challenging is self-control.  It has been called 'the acme of human achievement.',"2 Pe 1:5, 6; 2 Ti 3:1-5;","Nov 15, 1991 Wt Page 8   (entered Dec 22, 1991)",A Godly View Of Sex And Marriage,13,,,
"Self-control, Balance, Speech, Eating, Sex,","What the apostle Paul said about love, might be said of self- control.  No matter how eloquent we may be as public speakers, no matter how much knowledge and faith we have, no matter what works we may be doing to benefit others.","Unless we exercise self-control, all of that is in vain.","1 Cor 13:1-3; 1 Cor 9:24, 25; 10:12;","Nov 15, 1991 Wt Page 9   (entered Dec 22, 1991)",A Godly View Of Sex And Marriage,13,,,
"Self-control, Elder,","The young Dutch prince, William of Orange (mid-16th century) was on a hunting trip with King Henry II of France.  The king revealed plans to wipe out all the Protestants in France and the Netherlands.  William maintained self-control; foiled the plot.",Elders can benefit themselves and the congregation by having self-control.  Without can do much harm. Became known as 'William the Silent.',"Tit 1:7,8; Ac 20:28; 1 Ti 4:16;","Nov 15, 1991 Wt Page 19   (entered Jan 5, 1992)",Respect For Authority Is A Safeguard For You,12,,,
"Self-control, Endurance, Determination, Sports,",'Every man taking part in a contest exercises self-control in all things.' Sports were spoken of in the New Testament,"They do it that they may get a corruptible crown, but we an incorruptible one.'","1 Cor. 9:24, 25; Phil. 3:14; 2 Tim. 2:5; 1 Pet. 5:4; 1 Tim. 4:8;","Aug 22, 1991 Aw Page 4   Nov 15, 1991 Wt Page 8",A Godly View Of Sex And Marriage,13,,,
"Self-control, Fight, Pioneer,","Right after age 35 my body turned on me.  It started to hoard like a hamster.  I either had to buy new clothes, or go on a diet.  I decided to diet.  I had to learn to like diet cola.  A sister offered me 'cherry cheese cake.'  I warred with self-control.  Has Satan pulled out 'cherry cheese cake' on you?","Pioneering is a lot like going on a diet.  We must exercise self-control in all things.  Areas of self-control are: Rest; eating right; work; money;  Remember KIS (Keep it simple)  Unlike eating cherry cheese cake and having our clothes altered, pioneers can lose their goal.",1 Cor 9:25;,Greg Cazzell,,,,1996/05/03,
"Self-control, Fruits, Spirit, Mildness,",To the rare and precious genuine pearl one might liken the quality of self-control.,In these 'last days' how uncommon it is! How many are 'without self-control'!,2 Tim. 3:1-3.,W67 7/1 393,What Is Behind The Spirit Of Rebellion?,33,,1994/05/07,
"Self-control, Gideon,",Difficult to take a fortified city. 'a brother transgressed against...more than a strong town' Gideon and Ephraim: Judges 8:1-3 (mild answer stops rage),To regain a friend you injured is more difficult.,Prov. 18:19,"Jun 8, 1959 Aw Page 3, 4",Coping With Life's Anxieties,32,,,
"Self-control, Gluttony, Desire, Sin,","A leading Christian minister who was very fond of peanuts said that he carried them in his pocket but did not eat them, for the purpose of developing self-control.",By controlling his fondness for peanuts he was being helped to exercise self-control in other matters.,"Gal 5:22, 23;",W69 8/1 462,Does Your Thinking Agree With God's?,53,,1994/07/29,
"Self-control, Gluttony, Desire, Sin,","The value and need of self-control might be illustrated by a motorcar. Its engine may have as little as 35 or as much as 400 horsepower. But important as is the production of power by this engine, equally important is its being controlled, for of what value would a motorcar be if you could not control the speed or the direction in which it traveled? It would be an instrument of death!","Even as the forces of inanimate creation, if not restrained, can cause much harm-witness thereto tornadoes, hurricanes, tidal waves and lightning-so also with the mental, emotional and physical powers with which our Creator has endowed us; if not controlled, they can cause much harm.-Prov. 25:28.","Gal 5:22, 23;",W69 8/1 457,Hold A Good Conscience In A Sinful World,107,,1994/07/29,
"Self-control, Gluttony, Desire, Sin, Venereal, Disease, War,","It is said that during World War I more soldiers were incapacitated because of venereal disease than by enemy bullets, and one recent report regarding the present Vietnam war stated that more than 25 percent of the troops had become infected in the same way.",Lack of self-control can be harmful and even deadly.,"Gal 5:22, 23;",W69 8/1 458,Hold A Good Conscience In A Sinful World,107,,1994/07/29,
"Self-control, Kingdom, Friends,","A genuine pearl is rare and keenly desired. In 1947, a week's catch of 35,000 oysters were opened with only 21 pearls. Of this number only 3 were of gem quality, suitable for commercial use. Christians must work hard to develop this quality.","Self-control, in these last days, is like a fine pearl. How uncommon it is.","2 Tim. 3:1-3; Gal. 5:22, 23;","Jul 1, 1967 Wt Page 393",The Kingdom Of God Is Near,109,,,
"Self-control, Kingdom, Persecution, Endurance,","'A Pentagon study of the problem brought forth a red-faced conclusion: Those few Jehovah's Witnesses ...withstood to a man the scientific, psychological efforts to convert them to Communism--better than a number of patriotic West Pointers.'","Self control is one of the qualities needed for endurance. Quote: Richard Matheson, 'God is a Millionaire.'","2 Tim. 3:1-3; Gal. 5:22, 23; 1 Th 5:17; Rom. 12:12; 1 Pet.4:7","Jul 1, 1967 Wt Page 394",Bearing Up Under Persecution,57,,,
"Self-control, Kingdom, Persecution, Endurance,","Do you wish to gain the prize at the Olympic games? Consider: You must observe a strict regiment; live on food you dislike; exercise in both heat and cold; drink nothing cooling; take no wine; may get broken arms, foot put out of joint; swallow dust.","Christians are like runners in a race, and must exercise strict self control at all times.","1 Cor. 9:24-27; 2 Tim. 2:5; 2 Pet 1:5, 6; Isa. 42:14; Ps. 62:11;","Jul 1, 1967 Wt Page 399",Bearing Up Under Persecution,57,,,
"Self-control, Temper, Anger, Resentment,",'The best remedy for a short temper is a long walk.'  Quote: Jacqueline Schiff,"We should not be quickly angered by another's course, but try to put it out of our mind, think of Jehovah's creations, etc.",Ecc 5:2; 7:9;,Bobby Laymon,Coping With Life's Anxieties,32,,,
Self-control;,'A prudent man is like a pin....his head prevents him from going to far.'  Quote:  Mandel.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Self-control;,"'Abstinence is a good thing, but it should always be practiced in moderation.'  Quote: Anonymous.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Self-control;,'Before being the master of others you should be the master of yourself.'  Quote:  Jose Ortega.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Self-control;,'Deny self for self's sake.'  Quote:  Bf.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Self-control;,"'Feelings are kept under control by the wise, but are served by fools.'  Quote:  Latin.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Self-control;,"'Half our mistakes in life arise from feeling where we ought to think, and thinking where we ought to feel.'  Quote:  John Churton Collins.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Self-control;,'He who hesitates is sometimes saved.'  Quote:  James Thurber.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Self-control;,"'I'll not willingly offend, nor be easily offended; What's amiss I'll strive to mend, and endure what can't be mended.'  Quote:  Isaac Watts.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Self-control;,"'If you are patient in one moment of anger, you will escape a hundred days of sorrow.'  Quote:  Chinese.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Self-control;,'No man is free who cannot control himself.'  Quote:  Pythagoras.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Self-control;,'Self conquest is the greatest of all victories.'  Quote:  Felix Frankfurter.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Self-control;,"'What lies in our power to do, it lies in our power not to do.'  Quote:  Aristotle.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Self-control;,Always behave like a duck......keep calm and unruffled on the surface but paddle like the devil underneath.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Self-control;,He who conquers others is strong; he that conquers himself is mighty.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Self-control;,Two things a man should never be angry at: what he can help and what he cannot help.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Self-discipline; Self-control;,'He gets a double victory who conquers himself.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Self-importance, Pride, Humble, Honor, Proud, Exalted, Submit,","Don't be like the gnat.  Lion and gnat.   Lion claim to be the king so the gnat taught him a lesson.  He kept biting him in and around his nose. The lion kept pawing at his own face until he was bleeding and gave up, than the gnat flew away.  How proud he was teaching the lion a lesson as he flew into the spider web.",Be careful not to have an unbalanced view of self-importance. It can be the death of you.,Mic. 6:8;,Jim Kinkade,Why Submit To God's Rulership Now.,120,,"Oct 30, 2001",
Self-improvement;,'People seldom improve when they have no other model but themselves to copy after.'  Quote:  Oliver Goldsmith.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Self-pity, Anger, Sulk, Pout, Dejected, Positive, Negative,",Some like to cook in a crock-pot.  You can put something in it early in the morning and let it stew all day.  Perhaps even all night.,"Some of us have dispositions like this.  We develop self-pity and let it keep stewing and stewing.  We have crock-pot attitude Need for positive, up-building attitudes.",Jonah 4:3;,"Bob Moloski C.O. Service Talk.   (entered Dec 20, 1991)",How To Keep Spiritually Awake!,71,,,
Self-respect;,"If you don't like yourself, you can't like other people.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Self-righteous,Don't count chickens before they hatch.,Don't be too sure.,1 Cor 10:12,Fable,Happy Though Hungry--how Can It Be?,31,,,
"Self-sacrifice, Generosity, Unselfishness, Comfort,","How many have a favorite chair?  If may be very comfortable.  One that you like to sit in and study, or watch T.V.  Is it worn?  Does it need work?  Others may not view it as we do.  It may need some renewing.","Likewise, in spiritual things we need to be careful of comfort.  We can be comfortable with something that really needs some attention.  Our spiritual outlook may need some renewing.",Numbers 11:31; Mal 1:14; Heb 12:2,Gene Thorn,Renewing The Spirit Of Self-sacrifice,69,,1995/04/16,
"Self-sacrifice, Generosity, Unselfishness, Comfort, Elders,","Have you seen the cartoon that some of the brothers have?  It shows the elders in a 'short' meeting, while the sister are waiting outside, with cobwebs built around them.  One even shows them as skeletons.",Having the spirit of self-sacrifice does not mean sacrificing others when it is beyond our control.  We need to be thoughtful and show the fruitage of the spirit.,"Gal 5:22, 23;",Gene Thorn,Renewing The Spirit Of Self-sacrifice,69,,1995/04/16,
"Self-sacrifice, Ransom, Endurance, Abortion,","SHE was just a stray, short-haired, nameless cat (later called Scarlett because of the burns) with five kittens, trying to make it on the mean streets of East New York. She had set up housekeeping in a dilapidated abandoned garage subject to many suspicious fires. She scoured the neighborhood for scraps of garbage that would make it possible for her to nourish her growing brood.   All of this was about to change at 6:06 on the morning of March 29, 1996. A suspicious fire quickly engulfed the garage. The cat family's home was in flames. Ladder Company 175 responded and soon had the blaze under control. David Giannelli, one of the firemen, heard the cries of the kittens. He found three of them just outside the building, another one three quarters of the way across the street, and the fifth on the sidewalk. The kittens were too young to have escaped on their own. Giannelli noticed that each kitten's burns were progressively more severe, some having waited longer for rescue as the mother cat carried them out one by one.   The account in the New York Daily News of April 7, 1996, gave this report on the mother's whereabouts and care: 'Giannelli discovered mama keeled over in pain in a nearby vacant lot, and the sight broke his heart. Her eyelids were swollen shut from the smoke. The pads of her feet were badly burned. There were horrible scorch marks on her face, ears and legs. Giannelli found a cardboard box. Gently he placed the mama cat and kittens inside.' She couldn't even open her eyes,' said Giannelli. 'But she touched them one by one with her paw, counting them.''  When they arrived at the North Shore Animal League, it was touch and go. The account continued: 'Drugs to combat shock were used. An intravenous tube filled with antibiotics was hooked up to the brave feline. Antibiotic creams were gently spread on her burns. Then she was placed in an oxygen-tank cage to help her breathe as the entire animal league staff held their breaths ... Within 48 hours, the heroine was sitting up. Her swollen eyes opened and doctors found no damage.'","What an example of self-sacrifice.  How much more concern we should have for humans.  Also,  Scarlett touched the hearts of people  around the world. It makes you wonder if the hearts of the millions of mothers today who dispose of their children while still in the womb or shortly after birth, through abuse, are not disturbed by Scarlett's example of the bond between a mother and her babies.   Stop and reflect. Take a moment to see in your mind's eye this courageous mother, with her natural fear of fire, going into the smoke-filled, burning building to rescue her crying babies. To go in once to carry out her tiny helpless kittens would be incredible; to do it five times, each time with the pain of additional burns to her feet and face, is unimaginable!  More  than 6,000 people from as far away as Japan, the Netherlands, and South Africa called to inquire about Scarlett's condition. Some 1,500 have offered to adopt Scarlett and her brood. One kitten later died.",John 3:16;,"Sep 22, 1996 Aw Page 24, 25; David Cohen C. O.",Renewing The Spirit Of Self-sacrifice,69,,1997/09/30,
"Self-sacrifice, Zeal, Pioneer, Evangel, Bible Brown,",William R. 'Bible' Brown left his home in the West Indies to spearhead the preaching work in West Africa.  Accompanying him were his wife and daughter.  He eventually moved to Nigeria where the preaching work was beginning to bear fruit.,"Today (1992) over 187,000 publishers serve in Sierra Leone, Liberia, Ghana, and Nigeria.  Territories pioneered by 'Bible' Brown.  He was richly blessed for his self-sacrificing course.2013 Yearbook: Sierra Leone 2,030 publishers; Liberia 6,340 publishers; Ghana 113,896 publishers; Nigeria 344,342 publishers.Total= 466,608 publishers where he pioneered.",Ro 12:1; Mk 12:30; Mt 6:33; 16:24;,"Feb 1, 1992 Wt Page 27",Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,63,,,11/28/2013
Self-sacrifice;,'Self-sacrifice enables us to sacrifice other people without blushing.'  Quote:  Gbs.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Self-sacrifice; Funny;,He's as self-sacrificing as a candle.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Self-sacrificing, Ransom,","When you think of an object that is self-sacrificing, you may think of a candle.  It gives off light and warmth and hope.  However, it is completely consumed in the process.","Christ Jesus was as self-sacrificing as a candle.  He was completely consumed in doing Jehovah's will.  He gave his time, energy, to provide us light and in the end gave his life.  Are we self-sacrificing?",John 3:16;,Bobby Laymon,Renewing The Spirit Of Self-sacrifice,69,,1997/07/09,
Self-sufficiency;,'God gives milk but not the pail.'  Quote:  English.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Self-sufficiency;,"'God gives, but man must open his hand.'  Quote:  German.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Self-sufficiency;,'god tempers the wind to the shorn lamb.'  Quote:  English.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Self-sufficiency;,'God will provide....if only God would provide until he provides.'  Quote:  Jewish.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Self-worth, discouragement, pioneer, service, ministry",Postage Stamp.  Have you ever felt small and unimportant. Just remember the postage stamp. Sticks to job until it is done.,"Small, unimportant- Sticks to the job until it gets done.",Luke 16:10,Frank Barr,How Should You Serve God?,58,,,
"Selfish, Greed, Materialism,","A PEASANT had in his garden an Apple-Tree which bore no fruit but  only served as a harbor for the sparrows and grasshoppers.  He  resolved to cut it down, and taking his axe in his hand, made a  bold stroke at its roots.  The grasshoppers and sparrows entreated him not to cut down the tree that sheltered them, but  to spare it, and they would sing to him and lighten his labors.   He paid no attention to their request, but gave the tree a second  and a third blow with his axe.  When he reached the hollow of the  tree, he found a hive full of honey.  Having tasted the honeycomb, he threw down his axe, and looking on the tree as sacred, took great care of it.",Self-interest alone moves some men.  Greed can take many forms.,Eph 4:19;,Aesop's Fables - Bobby Laymon,Reach Out For The Real Life!,90,,1994/05/17,
"Selfish, Love, Personality, Fruits Of Spirit,",There is one kind of fish Jehovah doesn't want us to catch.,Selfish.,"Nu. 11:4, 34; Ps. 10:3; 106:14; Pr 18:1;",Bill Thomas,"Friendship With God, Friendship With The World -- Which Will You Choose?",79,,,
"Selfish, Loyalty, Faithful, Sex,",It is so easy to go selfishly 'from admiring to desiring.',We must guard our very thoughts and feelings.,Matt 5:28; Prov 5:15;,"Mar 15, 1996 Wt Page 19",A Godly View Of Sex And Marriage,13,,1996/02/13,
"Selfish, Ungrateful, Ingratitude,",'Ingratitude is treason to mankind.'  Quote: James Thomson.,We let our brothers down when we are ungrateful.,Numbers 13:34;,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Selfish; Marriage,Like wedge.,Deeper driven wider gap split marriage.,Eph. 5:22-33,Johnse Laymon,God Comes First In Successful Family Life,110,,,
"Selfishness, Manners, Politeness, Kindness, Communication,",'Selfishness is such a horrible thing that we invented politeness to conceal it.'  Quote: Philosopher Arthur Schopenhauer.,"Today, many believe that polite means 'weak' and that putting others first is wimpy.","Mt. 7:13, 14;","Jul 22, 1994 Aw Page 4",Follow The Course Of Hospitality,77,,1994/06/25,
"Selfishness, Manners, Politeness, Kindness, Communication,",'The problem has reached the point where common decency can no longer be described as common.'  Quote: A big-city newspaper.,Manners are deteriorating so rapidly in these last days of the system.,"Mt. 7:13, 14; 2 Tim 3:1-5;","Jul 22, 1994 Aw Page 4",Follow The Course Of Hospitality,77,,1994/06/25,
"Selfishness, Self-control, Greed, Materialism,","Dog & His Reflection, piece of meat in mouth, looked larger Let go of meat & plunged into water Lost what he had.",Be satisfied with what you have,1 Cor. 9:27; Mt. 15:19;,Aesop's Fables,Reach Out For The Real Life!,90,,,
Selfishness;,'Selfishness is the greatest curse of the human race.' Quote: William E. Gladstone,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Selfishness;,He is unworthy to live who lives only for himself.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Selfishness; Self-interest;,'A man who is always satisfied with himself is seldom satisfied with others.'  Quote:  Rochefoucauld.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Selfishness; Self-interest;,'He who lives only to benefit himself confers on the world a benefit when he dies.' Quote:  Tertullian,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Selfishness; Self-interest;,"'My donkey is dead, let no more grass grow.'  Quote:  Greek.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Selfishness; Self-interest;,'No man limps because another is hurt.'  Quote:  Danish.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Selfishness; Self-interest;,'The man who lives by himself and for himself is likely to be corrupted by the company he keeps.'  Quote:  Charles Parkhurst.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Selfishness; Self-interest;,"A man is called selfish, not for pursuing his own good, but for neglecting his neighbor's.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Selfishness; Self-interest;,"Destroy selfishness through selfless service, charity, generosity and love.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Selfishness; Self-interest;,"He is a slave of the greatest slave, who serves nothing but himself.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Selfishness; Self-interest;,Selfishness is the greatest sin. It constrains the heart. It separates man from man. It makes him greedy. It is the root of all evils and sufferings.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Selfishness; Self-interest;,"The man who lives for self alone, lives for the meanest mortal known.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Selfishness; Self-interest;,"When you see a man who is sad, you know that he is probably thinking about himself.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Sense Stress, Main Points, School, Highlights,","People go to the mountains on their vacations; or the valleys or seashore.  Most do not choose a terrain that is completely flat, where nothing stands out, because there is nothing to remember, to photo, etc.","When sense stress is lacking, nothing stands out.  There are no peaks in your talk.  There is nothing to remember.  There must be highs and lows.",Eph 6:19;,School Guidebook  Page 160,Gaining Comfort In All Our Tribulations,105,,,
"Sense Stress, Pace, Modulation, School,","Speech is like a river with its main current, rapids, depths, shallows, and peaceful moments.  At times, it appears to stop completely.","The main current of your talk should be a moderate pace.  Minor points, narrations, most illustrations will allow you to speed up. Weightier arguments, climaxes, main points call for slower deliver",Eph 6:19,School Guidebook  Page 161,Gaining Comfort In All Our Tribulations,105,,,
"Sense Stress, Speaking,","Like a person just beginning to learn a musical instrument, he may hit the notes too hard.","Likewise, an inexperienced speaker may speak too loudly or hit words too hard.  With added practice, however, the individual 'notes' will simply become part of 'music' that is beautifully expressive.",Neh 8:8,Benefit Page 104,,,,"Apr 16, 2002",
"Sensitive, Touchy, Cranky, Irritable, Sin, Peace,",Artists have to be sensitive to sounds or colors as part of their profession.,"Being unduly sensitive, or touchy, in our relations with others is a form of selfishness that can rob us of peace.",Eccl. 7:9;,"Feb 1, 1991 Wt Page 24",Hold A Good Conscience In A Sinful World,107,,,
"Sensitive, Touchy, Organization,",In the story of the 'Princess and the Pea' she could feel the pea through the mattress.  They kept stacking on mattresses but she could still feel the pea.,"Are we like that.  Perhaps too sensitive to be comfortable in Jehovah's organization.  We perhaps need to relax, have a sense of humor.",Ps 37:5;,Bobby Laymon,Serving With Jehovah's Unified Organization,3,,1997/05/05,
"Separate, World, Babes, Badness,","Picture a small life boat in the vast ocean.  There is no land in sight, only this tiny vessel and the ocean.  It is in the ocean, but no part of it.  It must remain no part of it.","Likewise, we are in the world but no part of it.  We are constantly exposed to it and all its environment.",Genesis. 6:5; Ps. 92:7,Maurice Smith - Assembly Part,'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,"Oct 24, 2000",
"Separate, World, Beneficial, Different,","Did you ever play with balloons?  Did you ever have a balloon filled with helium?  It will separate itself from the others.  It goes upward.  It is usually protected better than the others.  It doesn't get under your feet.  We don't untie it and let the air out, like we might the other ones.  If it gets out, we know what happens.",Likewise with us!  We are like the balloon filled with helium.  Our thoughts should be upward.  We must separate ourselves from the world.  It is beneficial for us because Jehovah will protect us.,John 15:19;,Bobby Laymon,Christian Separateness From The World--why Beneficial.,119, ,1998/02/14,5/19/2018
"Separate, World, Different,","My wife separates my clothing.  It is really beneficial for me, because if she didn't my socks would probably bleed onto my shirts.  Things would get dingy and look unclean.","If we get too close to the world, it is the same way.  Their conduct, actions soon become part of us.",John 15:19;,Kim Laymon,Christian Separateness From The World--why Beneficial.,119, ,1998/02/14,5/19/2018
"Separate, World, No Part, Clean, Holy,","Did you ever eat spaghetti sauce?  Have you ever dropped some of it on your clean shirt or blouse?  Do you display it or do you try to clean it up?  You clean it up, because it renders your clothing unsuitable.","Likewise, with the world.  Any part of this world renders our Christian garments unsuitable.",1 John 2:15-17;,"'joyful Praisers Dist. Convention'  June 9-11, 1995; Kc, Mo; Robert Brown",A Clean People Honors Jehovah,14,,1995/06/12,
"Separating, Sheep, Goats,",While it may take part of a day to separate the sheep from the goats in a literal flock...,The earth-wide separating of people who are free moral agents takes much longer.  This is because the separation is based on each individual's course of action.,Mt 24:14; 25:31-33;,"May 1, 1993 Wt Page 19",,,,,
Servants,"Ever ask someone to write letter of recommendation? Write on What? Work cannot be erased; on hearts. 'fleshly tablets' Great crowd are 'letters'  We are the 'pen' or human instrument he uses to write, inscribed by 'active force'",We have letters of recommendation; not written on tablets. Speaks more plainly than hand-written letter by us or any organization.,2 Cor. 3:1-3,"Jul 15, 1990 Wt Pages13-15",,,,,
Servants; Minister;,'The measure of a man is not the number of servants he has...but the number of people he serves.',"In this Jesus Christ became a servant to all.  Not only on earth, but heaven as well.",Matt. 20:28;,Jk Quotes;,Finding Honor And Joy In God's Ministry,65,,,
"Serve, Opinions, Bible,","How do you get from here to Washington D.C.?  Show a road map.  You determine the shortest and most direct way.  However, not everyone would agree on what is the shortest distance, of the fastest way of getting there.",There are many opinions as to how one should serve God.  Opinions vary as to how we should serve God.  We have a roadmap.  It is the Bible.,Psalm 14:12;,Robert Schwarze,How Should You Serve God?,58,,1999/02/01,
Service,"Anyone can carry a gun into the woods; that doesn't make him hunter. Learns to recognize every sign of game, interpret signs properly. Hunter does not sit dreamily in the shade, gun against tree. Only novice walks around until game jumps in front of him.","We must employ same techniques in search for hidden truths, Bible Can track down his prey. Many a tenderfoot has become a skilled hunter after applying himself diligently.",Jer. 16:16,"May 1, 1961 Wt Page 270",How Should You Serve God?,58,,,
Service,"Astronomer say the tail of a comet is made up of such little particles of matter that only sunlight needed to push them out of the way from the head as they approach the sun.  Though 1 million miles long, all particles could be packed in ordinary suitcase.",Jehovah's Witnesses; few in number; reflect light to all looking.,Eph. 4:22-30,"Sep 1, 1959 Wt Page 529, 530",Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,63,,,
"Service, gauge, ","Barometer-gauges what we cannot see Noah, good example",Our field service is a good 'barometer' of our faith in Jehovah,2 Pet 2:5,Convention Talk,Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,63,,,2/6/2021
Service,Build Silver Bridge for your enemies,"Give a way out, when asking questions.",Col. 4:6,Bro Punko   (pioneer Mtg),Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,63,,,
Service,"Could a track team win if Captain ran, but others refused? Christians are likened to runners. God uses those willing to participate. Everlasting life is a wonderful prize; Spectators will not obtain.","Christians are not spectators, but participants. Participate to win God's approval and life.","2 Tim. 2:3-5; Heb. 12:1, 2;","Nov 1, 1960 Wt Page 645",How Should You Serve God?,58,,,
Service,Court cases: Many thrown out for lack of evidence.,If arrested for being Christian. Would there be enough evidence to convict you.,Matt 24:14,Bobby Laymon,Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,63,,,
Service,CPR Coronary Pulmonary  Recitation Thousands alive today because of,Stimulate Interest,Luke 21:31-33,Joe Laymon,Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,63,,,
Service,E.S.P. (Some brothers & sisters have it.) 'they think they do.' Jehovah's spirit works when we go to doors. Experience: Sister attempted to go past house.  D.O. asked about When did Jehovah apply his spirit.,"Can tell if person is home by just driving by the house. Went to house, neighbor, came out, told where she had moved to, Bible study resumed.",Acts 1:8,Bro Punko  Circuit Assy,Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,63,,,
Service,Eraser   Erase: 'Truth is a front door message!',"Use side door, outside, waiting, sales, eating etc.",Acts 16:13  17:17,Bro Punko   (pioneer Mtg),Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,63,,,
Service,"Farmer does not plant seed one day, and harvest crop next week. Must build up soil; fertilize it; plow it; harrow it plant seed, cultivate and weed it; keep birds away; spray because of bugs. encounters drought, crop may be wiped out. Will he give up and",Farmer exercises patience & endurance. We are dealing in lives. move to the city? Not if he is a real farmer. Keeps working until he finally receives fruitage of his labors.,"Jas. 5:7; Matt. 28:19, 20;","Apr 1, 1961 Page 204",Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,63,,,
Service,Felt obligated to do something for someone We should go in service because feel obligated World bought with Jesus' blood Therefore we should inform what this means,We're obligated to preach to others about God's kingdom,Rom. 1:14,Roy Crabb,How Should You Serve God?,58,,,
Service,Four kinds of soil (explanation of Jesus illustration) road; eaten by birds; does not get sense of it rocky places; accepts; turned away by tribulation or persecution thorns; anxiety of system choke the word,"seed fell: road, rocky places, thorns, fine soil. fine soil; get sense & bear fruit. What kind of soil am I?","Matt. 13:3-8, 18-23","Aug 1, 1990 Page 18",How Should You Serve God?,58,,,
Service,"Gasoline Engine (Spirit-fired engine) Jo 3:34 Not give spirit by measure-no limit Don't use it, lose it. Symptom-miss meetings, service, late report, prayer","Symptoms of running out of gas Like leaky bucket, 'Keep getting filled with spirit' 4 cylinder engine, 1 plug missing; get spiritual tune-up","Mark 13:11 Fuel; Luke 11:13 Father Gives, Ask  Luke 12:12","Bro Punko, Larry",Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,63,,,
Service,"Love light? Why turn light off when you leave the room. Turn light off to (1)economize  (2) no one to appreciate in room. We are entrusted with greatest Light in the world. Matt 6 Why leave OUR light on in THEIR house at OUR expense, when","Do not waste literature on those not interested. there is nobody home, point to head) UP HERE.",Matt 7:6,Bobby Laymon,How Should You Serve God?,58,,,
Service,Man hanging from tree Now studying,Wants attention,Luke 19,Bro Punko   (pioneer Mtg),How Should You Serve God?,58,,,
Service,"Plant seed, bore fruit later experience: lady rude, asked her to just read Heb 13:2 after he left. Read, realized attitude, and came into truth. looked up brother years later.","Some seed not see results for many years Some seed may bear, and we won't ever know, in this system.",Heb 13:2,"Bro Hollinger, Mel  May 6, 1990",Serve Jehovah With A Joyful Heart,78,,,
"Service, pioneer, ransom, ","Ransom (way out) One can find way out of pioneering if he wants to Could be job; some illnesses; This 'ransom' is acceptable to men, but may not be to Jehovah. Anyone can find a way out of exerting themselves.","Quit pioneering because of children, leave Bethel, Faithful did not accept release by 'some ransom.'",Heb 11:35,Bro Howard  (pioneer Mtg),Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,63,,,4/1/2014
Service,"Sign: Urgent need for workers; Excellent benefits, Housing, Food. Never have to look for work, plenty to do.",Jehovah's work most secure on earth.,"Matt 6:33,  24   Jo. 4:34",Rick Sallee,Slave For The Master Of The Harvest,66,,,
Service,"Smell the sweet fragrance: Flowers; Incense; Triumphal Procession Perfumed incense signified two things: more secure life for victorious soldiers; death to those executed at end of procession. We are like pleasing incense to Jehovah, being led by him.","Highest Honor: Ancient practice of victory processions. We are authorized to be Human Perfumers, not by men, but by God. Odor of death to opposers.",2 Cor. 2:14,"Jul 15, 1990 Wt Pages10-15",Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,63,,,
Service,"Some persons are like electricity; seek way of least resistance. Man is benefited by activity; not inactivity. Jumper can develop body, striving for greater heights.  What was once difficult, becomes easy.",Brace up your minds for activity.,1 Pet. 1:13,"Jun 15, 1959 Wt Page 355",Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,63,,,
Service,"Sowing seed Not knowing, different forms witnessing, street, tract, business etc 142 Books by taxi driver","Spreading knowledge, some will take root","Prov 15:7  Eccles 11:6  Matt 12:34, 35  Col 4:3",Trust In Jehovah District Assy. July 1987 Jack Thomas,How Should You Serve God?,58,,,
Service,"Sowing with tears We are sowing with tears today.  Hardest time in human history We will reap, as Israelites did.","Return from Babylon, actually cried, ground so hard (70 years)","Ps 126:5, 6",Bro Howard  (pioneer Mtg),Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,63,,,
Service,"Sponge absorbs Lay sponge on dry surface, and it leaves it wet. We should leave the truth every where we touch base.",Truth overflows like full sponge.,1ti 4:15;,Bobby Laymon,Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,63,,,
Service,"Sticks floating on sea, appear large at distance, turn out nothing","Door to door work, looks like great obstacle, but ease right into",Acts 20:20,Aesop's Fables,Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,63,,,
Service,"Storm Warning; frequency increases as draws near. (Hugo, 1989)","Our Message gets more pointed, and repeated more.",Mt 24:14;,Wt,Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,63,,,
Service,"Taste & See Try it all.  Don't be afraid of it.  Then you will be able to experience Jehovah's goodness in a way that you never experience. Never be choosy.  Never say, 'I don't like this.' Taste it.",Taste everything offered to you in your assignment,Ps 34:8,"June 1, 1990 Wt Page 27 Bro Barr, John  Governing Body",How Should You Serve God?,58,,,
Service,"Throw something valuable away?  Dig through trash, coffee grounds Be discerning about if true interest is shown",We can throw valuable literature away by using unwisely.,Matt 7:6,Bobby Laymon,Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,63,,,
Service,"Valuable Precious Commodity buried by home. Delight to dig. Pressures induce us to beg off. Flimsy excuses Luke 14:18 Use reasoning book: right tool, even rock breaks.",We have a treasure in earthen vessels; ministry; not beg off.,"1 Cor. 4:1, 7",Pure Language Dist. Assy 1990 July 5-8,How Should You Serve God?,58,,,
Service (constant),Fudge-stir constantly; What happens if you neglect for few second. Pay constant to selves & teachings because other lives involved,"Must be aglow with spirit, In service constantly.",1 Tim 4:16,Bro Punko,Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,63,,,
Service (planning For),Blue Print (Mall),Takes much fore thought to make project work,Exodus 25:9;,Lee Hawkins,How Should You Serve God?,58,,,
Service (sharing In All Features),"Desert (if we only eat desert, will only get fat & sluggish) However without desert, meals would become boring","Just conducting studies, no H to H work, makes fat & lazy",Col. 3:23,Bro Punko (pioneer Mtg),Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,63,,,
Service Averages,Not like 'body odor' (going to talk about it),Must realize there is a problem to help solve it,Heb 5:12;,Howard Schwarz  May 1982,Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,63,,,
Service To Jehovah,"Arab & the Camel Arab loaded down his camel & looked across the level plain. Master asked, 'Do you want to go uphill or downhill?' Camel, 'Why do you ask?  Is the level way across plain shut up?'","No use to pretend, we MUST serve Jehovah to get life. Moral: What use is there to pretend there is a choice when there is none.",Deuteronomy 30:15-20,Aesop's Fables Page 43,How Should You Serve God?,58,,,
"Service,",It is like saying I am not going to kiss my wife this month.,When we spend a month without service to Jehovah.,Matt 24:14,Bro. Gene Shalkoski D.O.,,,,"Jun 25, 2000",
"Service, Anointed, Advertise,","Even as the doors of Jerusalem's temple were opened and repaired 'Advertise, Advertise, Advertise, the King and his kingdom. (Cedar Point, Ohio in 1922)","... So now (In 1919) Christ offered the anointed remnant an open door to service, 'which no one can shut.'","2 Chron. 29:10, 11, 18, 19; Rev. 3:8;","Mar 1, 1968 Wt Page 146",How Should You Serve God?,58,,,
"Service, Bible Studies, One House, Territory, Attitude,",A Christian minister called almost continuously for some fifteen years on one house.,"Experience: [1] Lady, eventually baptized. [2] Moved, new study; [3] Studied with several young persons; were baptized. [4] Later, Lady, made dedication.[5] Now, new tenants; and Studying also.",Eccl. 11:4-6;,"Jun 1, 1968 Wt Page 330",How Should You Serve God?,58,,,
"Service, Busy, Work, Immorality, Morals, Pleasure, Balance,",King David led strenuous active life. It was when he decided to take it easy got into trouble,While he was relaxing when he should have been at war he saw Bath-sheba.  Committed immorality.  Be balanced in pleasure.,2 Sam. 11:1 2 Cor. 15:58,"Johnse Laymon Aug 22, 1965 Aw Pg 27",Lovers Of Pleasure Or Lovers Of God?,64,,,
"Service, Busy, Work, Immorality, Morals, Pleasure, Balance,",King David led strenuous active life. It was when he decided to take it easy got into trouble.,While he was relaxing when he should have been at war he saw Bath-sheba.  Committed immorality.  Be balanced in pleasure.,2 Sam. 11:1 2 Cor. 15:58,"Johnse Laymon Aug 22, 1965 Aw Pg 27",Lovers Of Pleasure Or Lovers Of God?,64,,,
"Service, Dedication, Depression, Pioneer,","Life is often what you make it. Make friends, love the service, Be determined to stick it out.  Allow time to adjust. 'The blessing of Jehovah is what makes rich.'","'If a problem comes up, go out in service.'",Prov. 10:22,Philip Kirkton (bethel Notes) Dan Sydlik -Gilead Graduation 1991,How Should You Serve God?,58,,,
"Service, Door, Pioneer,","What is the largest door you have ever seen?  Did you ever notice the water towers in some cities?  With a little imagination, they look like a door knob.  Big door knob .. big door!  Right?  How would you brothers like to explore a place with a door that big?  There is a way you can do it.",Presently the greater number of those serving as pioneers in this country are sisters. What a joy it would be for the congregation if more brothers could join the ranks of full-time servants!,Ps 68:11; 110:3;,Bobby Laymon  See July 1996 K.M. Page 3.,,,,1996/07/02,
"Service, Doubt, Fear,","Drugs, alcohol, fear, worry, doubt are all de-motivators. Build faith in Jehovah, His Word, and de-motivators disappear.",Things we must avoid.,Phil. 4:8,Bobby Laymon,How Should You Serve God?,58,,,
"Service, Employment,","Mom: 'You pick more berries, when stay in one place.' Blackberries looked bigger elsewhere, but soon discovered Mom was right.  You pick more in one place, and get less chiggers. Same with secular work, stay in one place, instead of always Quote: Artie Laymon","Work interest, instead of constantly looking for more. Changing jobs.",Luke 10:7,Bobby Laymon,How Should You Serve God?,58,,,
"Service, Encouragement, Service Talk, Personalities.","Encourage: Meanings= 1. comfort  2. heartening  3. Incentive 4. urging. Write 4 meanings down, & have audience hold up number of fingers to fit.  You ask questions: Which fits, Discussion of Schedule with pioneer? Discussing children? Meeting attendance;",'Giving is an antidote to depression.'  It really doesn't matter how they answer the above.  It shows the variety of personalities and scope of help in the congregation.,Rom 12:9-14;,William Osbeck (c.O.),How Should You Serve God?,58,,,
"Service, Fear, Locust","The sky darkens, and an eerie sound increases in volume to a deafening roar. A smoke like cloud descends. What is it? An army of millions of locusts coming to bring complete desolation on the land!  Would you be frightened?","This scene described by the prophet Joel has a fulfillment today in the preaching work of God's anointed servants and their companions, the great  crowd.",Joel 2:9,Km 11/98 Page 3 Bobby Laymon,,,,"Feb 20, 2001",
"Service, Fishing,","'If you are too busy to fish, you're too busy.'",Apply to spiritual fishing.,Jer 16:16; Mt. 4:19;,"Warren Satterfield (comment On Jun 15, 1992 Wt Page 16)",Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,63,,,
"Service, Hate, Street Work,","Brother & Sister invited you to huge banquet, and some food came around that you didn't especially like. Out of appreciation would you taste it anyway.",We should taste all that Jehovah offers us.,Mal. 3:10;,"Matt Roper Feb 24, 1991",What Is Your Relationship With God?,87,,,
"Service, Irregularity, Regular, Publisher, Kingdom, First,","Suppose you went in to your boss and said, 'I may not be in much for the next few months.  In fact I may miss as much as 30 days at one time.  But, don't worry about me.  I will be back in for work, but I just don't know how regular I will be.'  Would your boss agree with that arrangement?  I know mine wouldn't.",And yet some go 30 days without reporting in for field service.  Is that really putting God's Kingdom first?  And would you think about going in to work and then not clocking in.  Yet some neglect to report field service.  They need to re-examine their attitude.,"Heb 13:15, 16; 1co 15:58;","Danny Stewart - Blytheville, Ar",Act Wisely As The End Draws Near,38,bl,1994/03/07,8/1/2015
"Service, Literature, Book bag, Dress, Grooming,","All a prospector needed, to be 'fitted out', was a mule, shovel, and a few food items.","We need to be 'fitted out' (see reference Bible) for every good work. In our case we need to prepare; have literature, well groomed, etc.",2ti 3:17;,Circuit Assembly,Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,63,,,
"Service, Meetings, Talk, Gossip, Association,","Living in a Theocratic Vegetable Garden.  Everyone it seems is talking about a garden.  For many of us, after the snow melts, after the sun begins to shine, and the weather begins to warm, we go outside and start digging in the ground, playing in the dirt, Yes, we call it planting our gardens.  When you see a plant in your garden start to grow, when it begins to flower, when it actually begins to bear fruit, how do you feel? There's no feeling quite like that, is there? Such growth is a cause for rejoicing.","I.  Have you ever thought of Jehovah as having a garden?  Gen.  2:8-10,15  B.  We are part of his garden, growing together.          1.  Think of some of the vegetables we need to have in our spiritual garden.    II.     WHAT ABOUT TURNIPS:  B.  May not regard very highly.  However during harsh winters they have been lifesavers for many.  1.  During persecution and imprisonment they have sustained life.  2. What are some of these TURNIPS?  a.  Turnip for the Bible Book Study.  We have made improvement.  b.  Turnip for the Ministry School and Service Meeting.  Training vital for life.  c.  Turnip for the Public talk and Watchtower Study.  d.  Turnip for Service.  COMMEND:  C.  Proverbs 18:1  1.  All of this helps us to keep spiritual balance.  Be well nourished.    III.  ANOTHER SPIRITUAL VEGETABLE IS SQUASH:    A.  Of what value is it?  1.  Squash gossip.  1 Tim. 5:13 We get to know our brothers and sister quite well when working with them.  Speak kindly about them.  2.  Squash digging for information on others.  Avoid asking questions about matters that do not concern you.  Like why isn't he an elder?  Ministerial servant?  	Pioneer?  3.  Squash loose conduct   What we think and talk about.  4.  Squash jealousy & envy.	The way we relate experiences.  5.  Squash materialism & competition.  6.  Squash complaining.		Numbers 11:1                                                                                IV.     FINALLY, PLANT SOME LETTUCE:  1.  Lettuce be faithful.    2.  Lettuce grow up.  Eph. 4:15;  Take out territory; be responsible.  Make decisions.  3.  Lettuce be unselfish.  Using what we have.  Automobile, sharing calls, going out of our way for others.  4.  Lettuce keep putting up with one another.  5.  Lettuce keep loyal.  6.  Lettuce be truthful.  Don't have to put on a pretense with our brothers.  7.  Lettuce accept counsel.  Use suggestions from organization.    V.  Result of living in a theocratic garden.  A.  We want to be Turnips; Squash; Lettuce; in Jehovah's Spiritual vegetable garden.  1.  How do you think Jehovah feels when he sees we are flowering?  2.  Producing fruit?  3.  Results:  4.  Isa. 60:21, 22; Jer. 31:12","Genesis.  2:8-10,15",Bobby Laymon,Service Talk,200,,1998/04/22,
"Service, Mid-week, Service, Book Study, Time,",Would you pick up a child by his head? No!  By his feet? No! By his middle? Yes.,Apply to picking up in Kingdom Service.  Support the Mid-Week activity.  Buy out time.,"Luke 19:16  Matt 28:19,20",Joe Laymon,How Should You Serve God?,58,,,
"Service, Ministry, Goal, Appreciation, Pioneer,","TO ACHIEVE any worthwhile goal, we must be prepared to pay a price.  To become a doctor takes years of study and determination, as well as money.  A successful gymnast has spent most of his youth working on difficult routines.  A skilled pianist can similarly look back on years of dedicated practice.","THERE IS, however one goal that brings returns far in excess of any price that has to be paid.  What is that?  It is the privilege of being a servant of the Most High, Jehovah God.","1 Tim 4:8; Php 3:7, 8; Ps 116:12;","Sep 1, 1994 Wt Page 29",Getting Marriage Off To A Good Start,27,,1994/08/23,
"Service, Ministry, Jesus, Resurrection, Children, Women",After resurrection Jesus arranged 11 apostles meet him on a mountain in Galilee others heard about meeting and 500 assembled.,"It was to these 500 told all authority heaven and earth given me, go make disciples. Think men women and children given this commission",Matt. 28:18-20,"May 1, 1991 Wt Page ? Johnse Laymon",Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,63,,,
"Service, Ministry, Pioneer,","Children are said to 'Eat, Sleep and Drink' sports for example.","We need to 'Eat, Sleep and Drink' Jehovah's service.","2co 4:1, 7; Mt 13:36;",Tony Copeland,Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,63,,1994/03/07,
"Service, Ministry, Practice","Father and son are in service together.  The son commends his father for the way he handled the door.  He said 'I hope that some day I do that well. Father asked his son who is best at basket ball.  You or I.  Son replies, 'You are father.' The father asked, 'Why?' The son said, 'you are older.'  Father asked, 'Who is best, your mother or you? Son says, 'I am.'  Why she also is older then you. Son said, 'I practice more.'",Point to get from this is if we practice presentations in reasoning book and K.M. we will improve.,Eph 6:1-3;,Johnse Laymon Assembly Notes,Decisions You Face--how Will You Make Them?,50,,1994/07/19,
"Service, Ministry, Preaching,",In Jesus' time fishermen fished at night. Do we work in evenings?  Are we willing to study at night?,We must go when the fish are there.  Fish when we can find them.,Jere 16:16;,"Lovers Of Freedom District Assy. Mobile July 12-14, 1991",Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,63,,,
"Service, Ministry, Preparation",Are you a 'bubbling' brook or a 'babbling' brook,When go to door does truth bubble out so plain and simple or do you babble on and never really make your point.  Preparation is the key.,Rom. 10:10,Johnse Laymon,How Should You Serve God?,58,,,
"Service, Ministry, Sunday","Have you ever watched two children fighting over a toy?  Say a toy truck?  Finally, mother speaks.  Truck belongs to Johnny!  Johnny plays with it a while then walks off and leaves it in the driveway to be stepped on run over or rust away.  You wonder did he really want the toy very bad?",In illustration Johnny is us.  Mother is the Supreme Court of United  States.  The toy is Sunday field service.  Sunday service was the first thing that brought real opposition.  Witnesses were thrown in jail so often they brought their tooth brushes with then in service. Mother spoke!  The Supreme Court ruled.  Now Sunday service has become like a toy we don't want.,Matthew. 24:14,Johnse Laymon,Service Talk,200,,1994/01/11,
"Service, Ministry, Token,","Token is coin you can use on bus or video machine, but try using it at McDonalds and they will tell you we don't take tokens.","Jehovah doesn't take tokens- wants exclusive devotion, Satan takes tokens, just one act of devotion was fine.",Matt. 4:9,Johnse Laymon,Glorifying God With All We Have,17,,,
"Service, Name, Jehovah, Kingdom,","Fruit tree, fully bearing fruit.  Limbs have to be propped up from all the weight.  Is the owner pleased?",Is Jehovah pleased when we go on bearing much fruit?,John 15:16;,Bobby Laymon,Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,63,,,
"Service, Odor,","Odor, Fresh bread cooking, coffee brewing, popcorn Smell nearer true pleasure than beauty or art Used car, make smell new; like Christendom, try to copy truth Odor can lead to death or life","We have an odor, no soap can take away, perfume can cover",2 Cor Chapter 2,"Joe Larue (see 1958 Awake) Also Mar 22, 1961 Aw Pages 9-11",How Should You Serve God?,58,,,
"Service, Odor, Return Visits,","When we call on interested person, it is like we open a picnic lunch to them.  Did you ever smell a picnic lunch.  It is delicious, isn't it?","When we come back, perhaps they have all they want, and it is no longer a sweet-smelling odor to them.  It is to us, but they no longer have an appetite.",2co 2:14-16;,Bradley Wagner,Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,63,,,
"Service, Penny, Appreciation,","How do you view a penny?  Do you pick it up? Do you ignore? Roman 'penny' or literally denarius was worth about 17 cents in England or American money in King James day. Penny: privilege of being a member of spiritual Israel; something  for their use on earth, not up in heaven.","Bible illustrates how to make grateful use of a penny. First laborers, (Jews) wanted more pay than symbolic 'penny.'",Matt. 20:9,"Jan 15, 1967 Wt Page 41-50",How Should You Serve God?,58,,,
"Service, Persistence, Again,","There is a lady who holds the world record for selling the most Girl Scout cookies. Her motto is 'SW-SW-SW- SW'. It means, 'Some will, some won't, so what, someone's waiting.'",'We must call again and again',2 Thes 3:13; 2 Cor. 4:1;,Bobby Laymon,Finding Honor And Joy In God's Ministry,65,,1998/12/25,
"Service, Personality, Friend, Enemy, Love, Hate,",Treat a friend as a person who may someday become your enemy; An enemy as a person who may someday become your friend.,That person may come into the truth.,Mic. 7:5; Prov. 18:24; Luke 16:9; John 15:13-15; Prov. 14:20;,Bobby Laymon,Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,63,,,
"Service, Personality, Friend, Enemy, Love, Hate, Attitude,",A stranger is only a friend you've never met.,We should imagine there is a friend behind each door.,Mic. 7:5; Prov. 18:24; Luke 16:9; John 15:13-15; Prov. 14:20;,Bobby Laymon,Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,63,,,
"Service, Pioneer,","New bike, child polishes, protects, alas newness wears off. Must never take the truth for granted.",Newness must never wear off our service to Jehovah.,1 Tim 1:12  Heb 6:11,Bro Hart  Pioneer Part Circuit Assy,How Should You Serve God?,58,,,
"Service, Pioneer, Gilead, Endurance, Exert,","(Picture Narrow door) What does the narrow door mean to you? We must put forth painful effort to succeed. Phil. 3:12, 13 was written after 30 years of missionary service. We have 3 enemies. Flesh, World, Satan.","Our privilege is not 'easy'. It requires exertion. Suppress, don't cater to fleshly tendencies. Some go back to world not because its hard to serve Jah, but because they get tired.","Luke 13:24; 1 Jo. 2:5; 5:3; Luke 13:23, 24; 1 Cor. 9:26, 27",Philip Kirkton (bethel Notes) C. Barber-Gilead Grad 1991,How Should You Serve God?,58,,,
"Service, Pioneer, Wave, Ministry, Increase,","That if you are following the line of the sun moving across the  earth, we can compare it to a wave at a football game.  As that line  moves, brothers and sisters are getting up and starting to preach,  while others at a different location are just going to bed.",Each time the wave passes around the earth in 1996 there were 1004.3 lives saved.  (using the number baptized from the yearly report)   'Catch the WAVE'!!  At the end of the day it is so encouraging to think.. 'we have a thousand more brothers today'.,Ps 110:3;,Bobby Laymon,Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,63,,1997/03/08,
"Service, Pioneering, Dedication, Baptism,",Spiritual Bank Account.   Satan & others rob us of spiritual riches.  Cause us to lose our joy.  Could become spiritual bankrupt.  Ways to prevent our spiritual bank account from bankruptcy.,"Build up by service, RV's, Bible Studies, Prayer,  Illustrate with hours in service worth $20.00 each; RV worth $40.00 each.  Bible study each week is a Bonus of say, $100.00 for each one.  How much are you putting into your spiritual bank account?",Matt 6:19-21,Bobby Laymon,Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,63,,,
"Service, Preaching,",'Hands on training'  OJT (On the Job Training) We should be alert to train and help others.,Giving practical help while out in service.,Luke 8:1; 9:1;,"Paul Smith; Bobby Laymon; See May 1991, Km",How Should You Serve God?,58,,,
"Service, Preaching, Elders, Counsel, Help,","Purpose: not to HANG, but to HELP.","When conversing with persons at the door, we want to try to help as many as possible.",Mt 9:36;,"Divine Teaching Dist. Assy.  Jul 1-4, 1993 (Memphis)",How Should You Serve God?,58,,,
"Service, Publisher,","What kind of publisher are you? Canoe, will go about anywhere, anytime, but they have to be paddled; Sail boat, only goes when the wind goes. They're off and running, then they're stopped. Tugboat goes no matter what! rain or shine, wind, calm, they are taking other with them.","Some publish Good News like that. stop and go, stop and go. self-propelled, always there. Always dependable. Carrying and taking along others.",Matt. 24:14,Bradley Wagner,Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,63,,,
"Service, Publisher, Faithful, Regular,","Ocean Liner - Goes to certain places on schedule - back and forth.  We do not want to be like an ocean liner. If calls are not productive, get new ones.","Some publishers have the same old calls they have been making for years.  Be like the tugboat, steady, rain or shine, helping others.  Faithful.",Acts 20:20,Bradley Wagner,Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,63,,,
"Service, Publisher, pioneer, Bethel, Missionary, Time,","Love will creep in service, where it cannot go.",Love will find a way to increase.,Luke 12:8; 2 Cor. 4:7; Mal. 3:10; Ps. 34:10; 1 Cor. 15:58;,Bobby Laymon,How Should You Serve God?,58,,,
"Service, Record, Report,","Why did Little Bo Peep, lose her sheep? Should keep good records, and report our service properly.",She didn't keep a house-to-house record.,Ezek. 9:11; Acts 15:36,Johnse Laymon,Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,63,,,
"Service, Self, Truth, Personality, World, Double Standard,","Is being in the truth like having a wooden leg to you? You can take it off and mingle with the world any time you want. You can strap it back on and go to the meetings, conventions etc. Our devotion must be genuine.","Appearance of being in truth, but faking someone out.",Rom. 12:2;,Bill Thomas,Why Live By Bible Standards?,88,s,,
"Service, Shy, Inadequate,",'The woods would be a very quiet place if the only birds singing were the ones that sang the best.',Do you feel inadequate for field service? If you do think about this.,Matt 21:16;,J.K.,Finding Honor And Joy In God's Ministry,65,,1997/04/13,
"Service, Sunday, Regularity, Pioneer, Reap,",The world is 'Sunday -- go to meeting folks!',We don't want to be like that.  Sundays are for field service too.,Acts 5:42;,Samuel Brown; D.O.,You Can Find Joy In Serving God,103,,1997/05/12,
"Service, Time, Television,",If Jehovah gave you as much time this week as you gave him last week- How much time would you have?,How much time do we spend in service?  How much at other  activities?,Eph 5:15-17;,Dch,How Should You Serve God?,58,,1993/10/03,
"Service, Token, Attitude, Best,","Token service!  'That's good enough!'  which means it will slide by.  Sometimes people will say, 'That's good enough for government work.'",Nothing is 'good enough' when it comes to Jehovah.  We must give him our very best.,Mal 3:10,Joseph Wengert D. O.,Glorifying God With All We Have,17,,1994/04/22,
"Service, Witnessing, Light,","The sun is a source of light.  The moon is reflected light.  At times the moon is only a 'quarter' moon, or 'half' moon.","We are more like the moon than the sun.  We reflect the light from the source of light, Jehovah.  Do we sometimes let things get in the way, so we don't reflect full light?",Is 60:2; Pr 6:23; Ac 13:47; Mt 5:14;,Light Bearers District Assembly,How Should You Serve God?,58,,,
"Service, Youth, Different,",Two men in the desert; Strange looking rocks; One picked up few.  He was both happy and sad:,Happy he had picked up some diamonds.  Sad he didn't get more of them.  Do all we can in preaching.  Youth is like that.  We need to spend as much as possible in serving Jehovah.,2 Pet 3:9,Bobby Laymon,How The Kingdom Of God Affects You,42,,,
"Service-informal Witnessing, Text, Daily,","Reservoir-Ever thought of yourself as a reservoir?  It stores up water. We would be of no value to Jehovah, if failed to give freely. Take in every day: daily text; Bible reading; WT & Aw KM 5 Mtg circuit & d Assy","Reservoir would be no value if didn't distribute to those in need Storing in large reservoir Tap this knowledge, by witnessing; never become stagnant","Matt 10:19, 20",Assy Talk,How Should You Serve God?,58,,,
Service; Absence; Return Visit; Regularity;,"'Seldom seen, soon forgotten.'  Quote: Anonymous.",How often does Jehovah and Christ Jesus see you in service.,Ac 5:42,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Service; Produce; Growth;,"If you had to be a tree, what kind would you be. Not easy being tree: big one, get cut down; little, in way; diseases, insects, bag-worms, frigid winters, summer droughts.  Best to be fruit tree, depend on Owner to protect, prune, clean, cultivate, water. Married like Mulberry tree (male & female) produce fruit together.",Christians must endure and continue producing fruit.,"Col. 1:5, 6  John 14:12  Luke 8:15  21:34-36  Ps. 1:3",Bobby Laymon  See Aug 1990 Km Insert,Keep Growing In Your Relationship With God,16,,,4/16/2017
Service; Territory; Studies;,"Move to territory with 100,000. Make 1 disciple, cut work in half. What Jehovah's witnesses are constantly doing.",Important to conduct Bible studies.,"Matt. 28:19, 20",Warren Satterfield,How Should You Serve God?,58,,,
Service; Variety,He that is not against you is for you.,"Not quickly condemn brothers efforts, feel we have only way.","Luke 9:49, 50",Jesus,How Should You Serve God?,58,,,
"Setbacks, Sin, Depression, Guilt, Conscience, Groaning,","'Guilt lets us do it again.' 'Guilt lets us do it again.  When we've paid the price for our crime, we're free to do it again as long as we're willing to pay the price. The price? More quilt.",Guilt may be a convenient escape to allow us to do same thing over,Prov. 18:14; Prov. 24:10;,"Apr 8, 1991 Aw Pages 14, 15.",Gaining Comfort In All Our Tribulations,105,,,
"Setbacks, Sin, Depression, Guilt, Conscience, Groaning,","If you were walking up a flight of stairs and slipped back one or two steps because of stumbling, would you reason, 'I'll just have to start over.' Exaggerated guilt saps you of the strength needed to resume the",Why apply this false reasoning to the fight against bad habits.  Do not let temporary setback turn into full-scale avalanche,Prov. 18:14; Prov. 24:10;,"Apr 8, 1991 Aw Pages 14, 15.",Gaining Comfort In All Our Tribulations,105,,,
Sex,"Man should not approach hunger for physical food with greediness of pack of wolves, or gluttony of swine in a sty. Proper preparation of food & thanksgiving to God. Marital Due include: proper preparation, good manners, moderation,","So too, in enjoyment of intimate marital relationship. consideration for others, need for pleasant surroundings to the extent that circumstances permit.",1 Cor. 7:3 Eph. 5:20; Leviticus. 20:18; Eph. 5:25; 1 Pet. 3:7;acts 20:35,"Aug 22, 1960 Aw Page 27,28",A Godly View Of Sex And Marriage,13,,,
"Sex, Adultery, Fornication, Marriage, Husband, Wife, Wedding, Divorce,",'The sin ye do by two and two ye must pay for one by one.'  Quote: Rudyard Kipling.,"Jehovah provided the sexual drive to function properly in its place. Because young and single persons feel this drive, it is fitting for us to consider God's view of fornication, homosexuality, and masturbation, things common among many youths.  God specifically forbids Fornication.",1 Thess 4:3-5;,Bobby Laymon,A Godly View Of Sex And Marriage,13,,1995/06/27,
"Sex, Fornication, Adultery, Marriage, Divorce, Contentment,",'Sensual pleasures have the fleeting brilliance of a comet; a happy marriage has the tranquility of a lovely sunset.' Quote: Ann Landers.  American journalist.,"By discouraging 'covetous sexual appetite,' the Bible helps Christians to avoid or break masturbation habit.    Problem is not so much Physical as mental.  As a person learns to control thinking, not dwelling on sensual ideas, he can overcome problem.",1 Th 4:5;,Bobby Laymon,A Godly View Of Sex And Marriage,13,,1995/06/27,
"Sex, Fornication, Chasteness, Adultery, Prostitute,","'Babes as to badness.' We should become like 'newborn infants' as to unclean sexual desire. We should be full-grown men and women in understanding what sex is about, and self-control.",Newborn infant boys and girls do no know what sex is about.,1 Cor. 14:20; 1 Pet. 1:22-2:3;,"Nov 15, 1964 Wt Page 696",A Godly View Of Sex And Marriage,13,,,
"Sex, Fornication, Chasteness, Adultery, Prostitute, Holy,","A public towel on which any man can wipe his hands on. What self-respecting man who believes in good health and hygiene would want to wipe his hands on a dirty public towel by marrying a girl who makes a harlot of herself, a prostitute, available","A Christian girl should not make herself like a public towel. to the dirty hands of any whoremonger, any symbolic 'dog.'",1 Cor. 12:23-25; Rom. 1:24; Genesis. 1:26-28;,"Nov 15, 1964 Wt Page 693-4",A Godly View Of Sex And Marriage,13,,,
"Sex, Immorality, Fornication, Adultery, Flirt, Dance,","'Toying' with sexual immorality. Dancing: Would you appreciate it if someone hugged your wife for five minutes at a time? Flirt: Usually indulged in to build up one's ego, or pleasure.","Indicates that one may not at first intend to engage deliberately in fornication, adultery, but knowingly or unknowingly, one is engaging in activity that easily leads to such.","Eph. 5:3, 4; Ps. 97:10; Jer. 17:9; Rom. 12:2; Col. 3:9, 10;","Mar 1, 1964 Wt Page 154",A Godly View Of Sex And Marriage,13,,,
"Sex, Marriage,",Sex is not the 'pivot' on which a successful married life turns.,"'Generally speaking, if all the other relationships in the marriage are good, if there are love, respect, good communication and understanding, then sex will seldom be a problem.'",Eph 5:28-30;,"Jul 8, 1993 Aw Page 11  Page 62 Family Life Happy Book.",A Godly View Of Sex And Marriage,13,,,
"Sex, Marriage, View,","I notice that quite a few of you are wearing glasses.  Have you ever taken a little oil and rubbed it on your glasses?  It gives you a distorted view, doesn't it.  Or if it's like my glasses, when I take them off, I almost have no view at all.",The world has a distorted view of sex and marriage.  Or they may have no view at all.  What we need to get is Jehovah's clear view on sex and marriage.,"Genesis 1:27, 28; 2:24;",Wayne Freeman,A Godly View Of Sex And Marriage,13,,1997/12/20,
"Sex, Morals, Eyes, Desires, Covenant",Sometimes we take a picture and it is not worth processing.  We would not spend the money especially to enlarge it.  It is unsuitable.,Our eyes are cameras.  Job made a covenant with his eyes not to process undesirable pictures of virgins.  He was a married man.  We need to picture our sisters as spiritual persons.  Not as sex objects.,Job 31:1;,John Hughes,A Godly View Of Sex And Marriage,13,,1994/04/19,
"Sex, Reap, Sow, Misled, View, Attitude,","'They just go in one ear and out the other.' regarding sexual conversations. 'Do not be misled.'  One sowing in this manner will indeed reap in like manner, along with 'corruption from his flesh.'","Beware! As information goes in one ear and out the other it passes through the mind, and, on its way, small seeds of unclean thoughts can take root and later germinate into improper desires.","Ro 8:6-8; Ga 6:7,8; Ge 1:11; Ga 5:19;","Sep 1, 1968 Wt Page 523",A Godly View Of Sex And Marriage,13,,,
"Sex, Reap, Sow, Misled, View, Attitude,","Actually the grains of seed the farmer sows are very small, and when they fall to the ground they become practically invisible.","Likewise, in connection with improper sexual desires.  The seed may be small and sown almost indiscernible to others, possible even to ourselves.   Romantic novels, picture-story-type magazines, television, etc. can grow into full mature plants with unwanted results.","Ga 6:7,8; Ge 1:11; Ga 5:19;","Sep 1, 1968 Wt Page 523",A Godly View Of Sex And Marriage,13,,,
Sexual Immorality,"Would you take a chance and drink from a water well if it might be poison?   Our mate is like a well, should only drink from a well we know is safe.","Having sex with outside  of marriage is dangerous, persons could have  V.D.  Aids  not only loose spiritual life but physical life also.",Prov.5:15-17,Scott Rudolph,,,,1996/08/11,
"Sexual Immorality, Jesting, Jokes,","Boarding Plane, 'We take jokes seriously.' Person may enjoy joke at other times.  Can be charged of violating Public Law 709, passed in 1956 of falsely reporting a bomb on an aircraft. $1000. fine 1 yr. in",Jehovah takes sexual immorality seriously. prison or both. (much more now),Eph 5:4,"Johnse Laymon (see Jul 22, 1961 Aw Page 8)",A Godly View Of Sex And Marriage,13,,,
"Shame, Creation, Requirements, Responsibilities, Preaching, Service","Mimosa Pudica (shame brier) If plant is touched, the leaves will quickly fold, droop on the leafstalk, the stalk also drooping. Has often been studied, but its movements is still not fully understood.","We should be sensitive to doing God's will. Some fold hands likewise, and not accept responsibility, especially. in preaching work.",Ps. 104:24,"Jan 22, 1964 Aw Page 10",Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,63,,,
"Share, Sharing, Greed, Wastefulness, Joy",'To get the full value of joy you must have somebody to divide it with.' Mark Twain.,Share the joy an item gave you  by passing it on to another.,"Luke 3:11; Rom. 12:13; 2 Cor. 8:14,15; 1 Tim. 6:18;","Aug 22, 2002 Awake Page 11",Do You Share God's View Of Life?,148,,"Aug 7, 2002",
"Sharing, Giving, Possession, Generous, Selfish, Close-fisted, Happiness,","Did you ever watch two young children wanting to play with the same toy? One has the toy in his hands. The other tries to take it away, but the first noisily refuses to let go. It is 'his' toy, and he is determined to keep it that way.","But the child and his toy? It is his possession, but if he does not share it, he will have no playmates. He will be happier if he shares his possessions. Christians are not to forget 'the sharing of things with others.' The rich are admonished 'to be liberal, ready to share.' In such sharing there is great happiness",Isaiah 65:21; Micah 4:4;hebrews 13:16; 1 Timothy 6:18; Acts 20:35.,G87 3/22 23,"As Christians, We Care About Other People",15,,1994/05/13,
"Sharpen, Improve, Preparation, Dull, Study, Personal Study,","A young man approached the foreman of a logging crew and asked for a job. 'That depends,' replied the foreman. 'Let's see you fell this tree.' The young man stepped forward, and skillfully felled a great tree. Impressed, the foreman exclaimed, 'You can start Monday.' Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday rolled by, and on Thursday afternoon the foreman approached the young man and said, 'You can pick up your paycheck on the way out today.' Startled, the young man replied, 'I thought you paid on Friday.' 'Normally we do,' said the foreman. 'But we're letting you go today because you've fallen behind. Our daily felling charts show that you've dropped from first place on Monday to last place today.' 'But I'm a hard worker,' the young man objected. 'I arrive first, leave last, and even have worked through my coffee breaks!' The foreman, sensing the young man's integrity, thought for a minute and then asked, 'Have you been sharpening your axe?' The young man replied, 'No sir, I've been working too hard to take time for that!'","THE APPLICATION? Our lives are like that. We sometimes get so busy that we don't take time to 'sharpen the axe.' In today's world, it seems that everyone is busier than ever, but less happy than ever. Why is that? Could it be that we have forgotten how to stay sharp? There's nothing wrong with activity and hard work. But God doesn't want us to get so busy that we neglect the truly important things in life, like taking time to pray, to read and study Scripture, or to listen to 'the still small voice of God.'  We all need time to relax, to think and meditate, to learn and grow. If we don't take time to sharpen the axe, we will become dull and lose our effectiveness.",2 Tim. 2:15;,Peter Morgan,Service Talk,200,,1999/02/16,
"Sheep, Ehud, Moses, Joshua, Protection, Shepherd,",NOT without good reason do the Scriptures liken the people of God to sheep.,"Sheep need to be led, to be protected and fed. When the people of Israel first became Jehovah's nation, God provided a shepherd for them in Moses, who led, protected and fed them for forty years. Alter Moses' death Joshua carried on.",Judg 2:18,W67 8/1 476,How To Protect Ourselves From Satan's Snares,115,,1994/05/07,
"Sheep, Elders, Care, Compassion, Shepherding, Survival,","Most animals have the strength and instincts needed to search out food and elude creatures that prey upon them, but a sheep is different.  It is vulnerable to predators, offering little in the way of a defense.  Without a shepherd, a sheep is fearful and helpless.  Without him there is little chance of survival.","Because of these characteristics, the Bible uses sheep figuratively to depict innocent, abused, or defenseless people.  His life is not an easy one. (See article)",1pe 2:25; John 10:11;21:15-17; Acts 20:28; Eze 34:1-10;,"Sep 15, 1993 Wt Page 20","Mercy, A Dominant Quality Of True Christians",7,,,
"Sheep, Lion, Meekness, Mussolini, Power, Meek,",'It's better to be a lion for a day than a lamb for a hundred years.' Quote: Benito Mussolini (one-time dictator of Italy),"Like Mussolini, many people would object to being classed as lambs and sheep.  David delighted to come under the love and care of the Great Shepherd, Jehovah God.","Ps 23:1, 2; 95:7; Lk 12:32; John 10:14-16, 27, 28;","Jan 15, 1993 Wt Page 32",,,,,
"Sheep, Protection, Unity, Association, Meetings, Listen,","A flock may be scattered across a meadow when grazing, but each sheep keeps in contact with the group as a whole.  Thus, when the animals feel insecure or frightened, 'they can hurriedly gather together,' states the book (Everything for the Sheep). If sheep run away to escape danger, they do so as a flock, stopping at times to reassess the situation. 'Fleeing in stages allows lambs and weaker  animals to keep up. The herd even offers them special protection.'","True Christians today are not scattered among the denominations and sects of Christendom. Instead, they are gathered into one flock. Each Christian feels a personal attachment to this flock of God, and this contributes to the unity of the organization of Jehovah's Witnesses. Whenever a crisis occurs--whether it is serious illness, warfare, or natural disaster--where does each worshiper seek guidance and protection? In Jehovah's organization, which offers spiritual security.",John 10:27;,"Jul 15, 1996 Wt Page 21",Serving With Jehovah's Unified Organization,3,,1996/06/23,
"Sheep, Shepherd, Voice, Elders,","The modern shepherd has a wonderful memory, which retains the name of every sheep, sometimes several hundred.  Each shepherd trains his sheep to come at his call, to go in order, in twos or fours, in squares and circles.  One from the outer circle of a thousand will come when its name is called by its shepherd.","Spiritual shepherds should get to know the sheep that well, and build confidence in the flock.  It is Jehovah's flock.",John 10:2-5; Pr 27:23;,"Jan 22, 1970 Aw Page 26",Respect For Authority Is A Safeguard For You,12,,,
"Shephelah, Buffer, Principles, Law, Sin,","The Shephelah served as a buffer zone, a barrier that in Bible times separated God's people from their ancient enemies. Any army invading from the west would have to get through the Shephelah before it could move against Jerusalem, the capital city of Israel.","Satan the Devil is 'seeking to devour' God's servants, but often he must first penetrate a strong buffer zone-their adherence to Bible principles, such as those regarding bad associations and materialism.  Compromise of Bible principles is often the first step toward committing serious sin.  So keep that buffer zone secure. Follow Bible principles today, and you will not break God's laws tomorrow.",1 Peter 5:8; 1 Corinthians 16:99; 1 Timothy 6:10,"Aug 15, 1996 Wt Page 5",,,,1996/07/16,
Shepherd,No one want to go to Doctor who cuts out the appendix every time.,Shepherding calls should not follow some preset outline but should be tailored to meet needs of individual.  From 'Book Study' level.,1 Peter 5:2,S. Koinivich - Elders Meeting In Lebanon,"Mercy, A Dominant Quality Of True Christians",7,,,
"Shepherd, Policeman, Problems,","Policeman goes around looking for things to write you up on such a double-parking, speeding, headlight out, etc.",We don't want to be spiritual policemen trying to busybody into brothers lives trying to find or invent reasons to write up our brothers.,1 Peter 5:2,M. Morrow,Coping With Life's Anxieties,32,,,
"Shepherd, Sheep, Elders,",'Without a shepherd sheep are not a flock.' Quote:  Russian Proverb.,"By rejecting Jehovah's organization, such ones are rejecting the  protection of the Fine shepherd, who has but 'one flock'.",John 10:16;,Bobby Laymon,Serving With Jehovah's Unified Organization,3,,1995/08/16,
"Shepherd, Weak, Counsel, Discipline, Elders,",Do you believe in 'survival of the fittest?',"Some elders seem to. Those who cause problems or are hard to deal with are let go, to do more harm.","Isa 32:1,2",S. Koinavich,Evidence Of God In The World Around Us,4,,,
"Shepherd, Weak, Mercy,",Is it easier to pick up 100 pounds from a table or from the floor?,We wait until brothers get all way to floor before we begin to help them.  We wait until inactive or not attending meetings. Help them when they stop commenting.  When hours drop.,Ac 20:28;,S. Koinavich,"Mercy, A Dominant Quality Of True Christians",7,,,
"Shepherding Call, Meeting Attendance, Association, Zeal, Fire,","A member of a certain Kingdom Hall, who previously had been attending meetings regularly, stopped going. After a few weeks, an elder decided to visit  him.  It was a chilly evening. The elder found the brother at home alone, sitting before a blazing fire. Guessing the reason for the elder's visit, the brother welcomed him, led him to a big chair near the fireplace and waited.  The elder made himself comfortable but said nothing. In the grave silence, he contemplated the play of the flames around the burning logs. After some minutes, the elder took the fire tongs, carefully picked up a brightly burning ember and placed it to one side of the hearth all alone.  Then he sat back in his chair, still silent. The host watched all this in quiet fascination.  As the one lone ember's flame diminished, there was a momentary glow and then its fire was no more. Soon it was cold and 'dead as a doornail.'  Not a word had been spoken since the initial greeting. Just before the elder was ready to leave, he picked up the cold, dead ember and placed  it back in the middle of the fire. Immediately it began to glow once more with the   light and warmth of the burning coals around it.","As the elder reached the door to leave, his host said, 'Thank you so much for your visit and especially for the fiery sermon. I shall be back at the Kingdom Hall next meeting.'",Prov. 26:20;,Bobby Laymon,Why Christians Must Be Different.,123,,"Feb 11, 2001",
Shepherding The Flock,Fight fire with fire; Or with cool water + a fit of anger.  Within Jehovah's organization fighting 'fire with fire' is wholly out of place.,"Counseling should never be done in a  belligerent way or with a fit of anger. Rather the congregation uses cool, refreshing water of truth.","Pro. 15:1, 18","Feb 1, 1960 Watchtower","Mercy, A Dominant Quality Of True Christians",7,,,
"Shepherding, Kingdom Hall, Food, Meetings, Associations","When summer comes, it is time for a Navajo shepherd to move his or her flock to a sheep camp.  This summer home for the sheep, chosen for its proximity to green pastures and a good water source, helps the flock to thrive.","In a figurative sense, a Kingdom Hall can be likened to such a camp -- a spiritual pasturage and a source of waters of truth.  People who come can find spiritual nourishment that makes them spiritually healthy and strong.","Heb 10:24, 25;","Aug 15, 1997 Wt Page 24, 25;",Are You Content With Jehovah's Provisions?,22,,1997/07/22,
Shepherding; Elders;,"'Speak to the animals regularly.  They get used to the voice, which reassures them.  Visit the sheep in the pasture often.'  Quote:  (Everything for the Sheep.  Handbook on How to Keep Them Properly.)","Personal contact is therefore necessary if a trusting relationship is to exist between the shepherd and the sheep, in the Christian congregation.  Call on them at home.  NOTE: See article for box on suggestions for Shepherding Calls.","1 Sam 17:34, 35; 1 Pet 5:8;","Mar 15, 1996 Wt Page 26;",,,,1996/02/19,
Shepherding; Elders;,"In many places it is possible to observe how shepherds attend to a flock.  They lead, protect, and provide for the sheep.","This is of interest to Christian elders, since their work includes shepherding activities.",Acts 20:28;,"Mar 15, 1996 Wt Page 24;",,,,1996/02/19,
Shepherding; Elders; Satan;,In ancient times lions and other wild animals put flocks in danger and preyed upon individual sheep.  Shepherds had to provide protection.,"Well, Satan the Devil 'walks about like a roaring lion, seeking to devour someone.'  He wrathfully wages war not only against Jehovah's earthly organization as a whole, but also against each individual servant of God.","1 Sam 17:34, 35; 1 Pet 5:8;","Mar 15, 1996 Wt Page 24;",How To Protect Ourselves From Satan's Snares,115,,1996/02/19,
"Shepherds, Elders, Sheep, Protection,","In the Middle East, shepherds would watch his sheep closely. When he found a new-born lamb he put it in the folds of his aba, or great coat, since it would be too feeble to follow its mother. When his bosom was full, he put the lambs on his shoulder, or in a bag or basket on the back of a donkey, until able to follow .",Jehovah used such a touching scene in pastoral life to help us appreciate his loving concern for his people at stated in Isaiah.,"Is 40:10, 11;","May 8, 1970 Aw Page 19",How To Protect Ourselves From Satan's Snares,115,,,
"Shepherds, Elders, Trends,","Elders should be 'fire inspectors,' not 'firefighters.'",Elders should try to stop a situation before damage is done.,Eph 4:13;,"Kingdom Ministry School Dec 22, 23, 1994",,,,1994/12/25,
"Shepherds, Oversight, Elders, Cooperation, Unity, Organization,","In an orchestra the collective talents of a group of artistic people are properly coordinated through wise oversight, and the result is a pleasure-a pleasure to those who are individually making a contribution to the listening pleasure of others.","Oversight that is loving, properly controlled, and faithfully administered takes into consideration the feelings of those in one's charge. This in turn can make submission, cooperation, and acceptance of oversight a real pleasure.",Eph 1:10;,W72 8/1 456-7,"Living, Not For Self, But To Do God's Will",8,,1995/01/23,
"Shield, Faith, Doubt, Missiles, Satan,","This large shield as used by soldiers was actually a great oblong made of two layers of wood, covered with canvas and then with hide. It was a real protection for a soldier in battle, as it would ward off blows as well as flaming darts-arrows or spears tipped with pitch and shot flaming at the enemy. A soldier could crouch behind his great shield and be protected from these missiles.","Today the shield of faith is of greatest importance. Just as a soldier between battles would examine his protective shield for any weaknesses, so a Christian must continually examine and strengthen his faith so that he does not lose his protection in time of need.",Eph 6:10-20; Is 59:17;,W55 6/1 338-9,How To Protect Ourselves From Satan's Snares,115,,1994/07/25,
"Shield, Faith, Doubt, Missiles, Satan, Schemes,","A shield consisted of two layers of wood covered with canvas and then with hide. Now, missiles or arrows tipped with pitch and then set ablaze were used not only to burn up engines of war but they were intended also to stick in wooden shields and set them afire, obliging soldiers under enemy attack to throw away their shields. Now a shield covered with hide would not catch fire. It deflected the burning arrows.","So when Satan lets fly his 'burning missiles' at the true Christian, his faith is not some wooden shield that catches fire, burns up and leaves him defenseless. No, a well-grounded faith deflects the burning missiles and prevents their inflicting a mortal spiritual wound.",Eph 6:10-20; Is 54:17;,W54 8/1 456,How To Protect Ourselves From Satan's Snares,115,,1994/07/25,
Short-lived Repentance,Dew that early goes away.  Simple-minded dove without heart. Sought aid from Egypt and Assyria.,Must produce works befitting repentance.,"Acts 26:20  Hos. Chap. 6, 7","Mar 1, 1989 Wt Page 15",How Purposeful Is Your Life?,60,,,
"Shyness, Teasing, Humor, Serious, Jokes,","The German proverb, 'Was sich liebt, das neckt sich,' means, 'The one loved is teased.'","Learn not to take yourself too seriously, even to be able to laugh at yourself on occasion. One young man who had prominent ears would smilingly tell others that when he was born his parents were not sure whether he would walk or fly. Your own humor can relax you. Remember, too, that not all teasing is necessarily malicious; it may show affection.",Luke 19:1-10;,W75 4/1 199,Hold A Good Conscience In A Sinful World,107,,1994/07/10,
"Sick, Older Men, Elders, Prayer,","A drowning man instinctively cries for help. There is no hesitation. When life is at stake, no one needs prompting to call for assistance.","When spiritually low, perhaps sinking into despair, we likewise turn to Jehovah in prayer and beseech him to guide us by his holy spirit.  We seek comfort from the Scriptures.","Psalm 3:4; 4:1; 5:1-3; 17:1, 6; 34:6, 17-19; 39:12; Psalm 55:22; Philippians 4:6, 7; Romans 15:4",W93 5/15 14,Prayers That Are Heard By God.,86,,1994/09/29,
"Sick, Older Men, Elders, Prayer,","When we become sick, we rest in order to give the body's recuperative powers opportunity to act.  But if our sickness persists, we wisely seek qualified medical help.",Should we not also do the same if we become spiritually weak?,James 5:14;,W93 5/15 14-15,Prayers That Are Heard By God.,86,,1994/09/29,
"Sickle-cell Anemia, Disease, Cure,","Imagine a country that depends on imported food to feed people living in rural villages.  Trucks drive to the capital city where they are loaded with food.  They leave the city along major highways, but as they enter the rural areas, the roads narrow.  If everything goes well, the trucks reach their destination, drop off their food, and then return to the city to collect more food for the next delivery.  If many of the trucks break down, however, the food spoils and other trucks are blocked from passing.  Then the people in the villages have little to eat.","In like manner, the red cells in the blood travel to the lungs where they pick up a supply of oxygen--food for the body.  They then leave the lungs and travel swiftly through major arteries to all parts of the body.  Eventually, the roads become so small that the red cells can move only in single file through tiny blood vessels.  It is there that they deposit their load of oxygen, which feeds the cells of the body.  A normal red blood cell is round like a coin and moves through the smallest blood vessels quite easily.  But in people who have sickle-cell anemia, the blood cells break down.  They lose their round shape and take the form of a banana or a sickle--a farmer's implement.  These sickle blood cells get stuck in the small veins of the body, like a truck in the mud, blocking other red blood cells from passing.  When the flow of blood to a part of the body is reduced, the oxygen supply is cut off and the result is a painful crisis.","Rev 21:3,4;","Oct 8, 1996 Aw Page 22;",The Only Cure For Sick Mankind,62,,1996/11/07,
Sickness,"Little matter, 'Survive OVER ground or UNDER the ground. Death is only a temporary inconvenient.",Keep serving Jehovah no matter what,"1 Pet. 5: 6, 7",Pure Language Dist. Assy.,The Only Cure For Sick Mankind,62,,,
"Sickness, Cure,",The art of medicine consists of amusing the patient while nature cures the disease. Quote Voltaire 1694-1778,"Actually, it is Jehovah who will cure all man's sickness.",Is 25:8,Wisdom Of The Ages,The Only Cure For Sick Mankind,62,,,
"Sickness, Cure, Diseases, Remedy, Kingdom","'He who cures a disease may be the skillfulness, but he that prevents it is the safest physician.' Quote: Thomas Fuller (1608-1661)","Jehovah will eliminate all disease, and all cause of it.  He will provide complete prevention.",Is 33:24,Wisdom Of The Ages,The Only Cure For Sick Mankind,62,,,
"Sickness, Cure, Diseases, Remedy, Kingdom","'Men worry over the great number of diseases, while doctors worry over the scarcity of effective remedies.' Quote: Pien Ch'iao B.C. 225","Jehovah's kingdom will end all worry, and that which causes it.","Re 21:3, 4",Wisdom Of The Ages,The Only Cure For Sick Mankind,62,,,
"Sickness, Cure, Diseases, Remedy, Kingdom",'Some remedies are worse than the disease.' Quote Publilius Syrus (42 B.C.E.),"Jehovah's kingdom will end all worry, and that which causes it.","Re 21:3, 4",Wisdom Of The Ages,The Only Cure For Sick Mankind,62,,,
"Sickness, Cure, Diseases, Remedy, Kingdom, Death,","'As long as men are liable to die and are desirous to live, a physician will be made fun of, but he will be well paid.' Quote: La Bruyere (1645-1696)",Jehovah has put 'time indefinite' in the heart of mankind.  Man does not want to die.,Eccl 3:11,Wisdom Of The Ages,The Only Cure For Sick Mankind,62,,,
"Sickness, Cure, Diseases, Remedy, Kingdom, Science,","'Before thirty, men seek disease; after thirty, disease seeks men.'  Chinese Proverb",Disease and dying soon catch up with mankind.  Medical science is helpless to stop it.,Ro 5:12,Wisdom Of The Ages,The Only Cure For Sick Mankind,62,,,
"Sickness, Cure, Diseases, Remedy, Kingdom, Science,","'By medicine life may be prolonged, yet death will seize the doctor too.'  Quote Wm. Shakespeare 1564-1616","Man, no matter how desperate, can prevent death.","Ps 49:7; Ps 118:9; 146:3, 4",Wisdom Of The Ages,The Only Cure For Sick Mankind,62,,,
"Sickness, Cure, Diseases, Remedy, Kingdom, Science,",'Medicine is a science of uncertainty and an art of probability.' Quote: William Osler (1849-1919),"Jehovah will eliminate all disease, and all cause of it.  He will provide complete prevention.",Is 33:24,Wisdom Of The Ages,The Only Cure For Sick Mankind,62,,,
"Sickness, Cure, Medicine, Science,",'He's the best physician that knows the worthlessness of the most medicines.'  Quote B. Franklin (1706-1790),We know the only cure will be through Jehovah's kingdom.,Is 33:24,Wisdom Of The Ages,The Only Cure For Sick Mankind,62,,,
"Sickness, Earth, Paradise, Kingdom, Pain, Aspirin,","Each year Americans make some 27,000,000 pounds of aspirin, enough to fill four 100-car freight trains, enough for the 16 billion five-grain tablets Americans swallow each year. Plus an even greater amount for children's aspirin and Buffering,","No resident will say, 'I am sick.' APC tablets, Coricidin, and Alka-Seltzer. (made from coal tar) 5 million tons (1992 T.V. Source) each year. discovered 1889",Isa. 33:24; Rev. 21:1-4;,"Jun 8, 1964 Aw Page 31",The Only Cure For Sick Mankind,62,,,
"Sifting, Improvement, Progress, Refining, Growth, Testing,","The ancient refiner skimmed off the impurities, or dross, from silver and gold. Then the gift could be one of purity, and righteousness.","Likewise, Jehovah allows testing and sifting to refine his people. (See article for years of theocratic change: e.g. 1972 = not one elder, but a body of elders, etc.)",Mal 3:3;,"Jun 15, 1987 Wt Page 17",Keep Growing In Your Relationship With God,16,,,
"Sign, End, World, System, Kingdom,","Jesus gave one sign, but it was like a 'Stop' sign. It takes 4 letters to make a sign. Not any one event marks Jesus' presence, but all taking place in one generation.",Sign Jesus gave must be present in its entirety.,Matt. 24:3 See Chapters 24-25.,Johnse Laymon,'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
"Sign, Last Days, 1914, Composite,","Fable from Indostan, India: Six blind men went to see an elephant. 1. touched his side; elephant is like a wall. 2. touched his tusk; like a spear. 3. touched his trunk; like a snake. 4. touched his knee; like a tree. 5. touched his ear; like a fan. 6. touched his tail; like a rope. Disputed long & loud; none gave correct picture",A similar problem arises when it comes to identifying the sign of Christ's return.  We will jump to the wrong conclusion if we base our decision on skimpy knowledge.  We must have the complete picture.,Mt 24:3-14; Luke 21; 2t 3:1-5; 2p 3:3;,"Mar 22, 1993 Aw Page 5",Will You Be A Survivor Of The 'last Days'?,2,,,
"Sign, Last Days, Warning, Generation, Armageddon, Urgency, Awake,","When the bell rings on the railway platform, does it mean that the train is coming tomorrow?  Do we settle down and doze off to sleep? No, we pick up our bags and stand ready because we know the train will be coming onto the platform shortly.","So Jesus was saying that the generation of people who saw the warning sign would be the same generation that would see the complete end of this wicked system.  Some who were alive then, would still be alive when the end came.","Mt 24:34, 38, 39; Lk 21:34-36; 2pe 3:3, 4;",Op 15,How To Keep Spiritually Awake!,71,,,
"Signposts, Wisdom, Knowledge, Wealth, Conduct,",Then Ulysses Glass counseled on the need of watching one's course of action.  'You will be as signposts to others...','...make sure that your words and actions always point in the right direction.',1 Pet 5:3;,W55 5/1 270,Acquiring A Heart Of Wisdom,73,,1994/07/10,
"Signs, Heavens, Fear, Last Days, Flight, Airplane,","Until this 20th century the heavens have been the domain of the birds and flying creatures, with the exception of some kites, balloons and dirigibles sent aloft by men.  On Dec 17, 1903 with the first successful flight, man began to invade the heavens.","Jesus predicted, 'fearful sights and from heaven great signs.' Examples: Big Bertha cannons; ICBM's; soft landing on the moon; Man is trying to outdo the lighting bolts of the heavens.","Lk 21:11, 25-27; Ge 1:20-23;","Dec 15, 1968 Wt Page 750",Overcoming Fear Of The Future,108,,,
"Signs, Last Days, End, Armageddon,","Today we are going to talk about signs.  It is good to know how to read signs.  They can help us.  Some signs have words on them.  There is another kind of sign.  They may have no words.  Some of them tell us about changes in the weather.  Clouds cover the sun, the wind blows, lightning flashes.  It is not hard to read that sign.","The Great Teacher gave his followers a sign.  A sign when he would come again, invisibly.  Most people only see the trouble, they don't read the sign.  If only they knew what it meant.  We can help them.",Mt 24:3-22; Lk 21:5-36;,"Jul 1, 1971 Wt Page 406",Overcoming Fear Of The Future,108,,1993/11/16,
"Signs, Last Days, Kingdom, Weather,",Weather changes are carefully noted each day by multitudes of persons all around the globe. The Bible's information will give us protection from the greatest storm of all time. Day of Jehovah's anger.,"Yet, these same individuals pay little attention to sign of times.",Luke 21:7; Matt. 24:3;,"Nov 15, 1965 Wt Page 677, 679,",The Kingdom Of God Is Near,109,,,
"Silence, Quiet, Happiness, Solitude, Loneliness,",'For words divide and rend;  But silence is most noble till the end.' Quote: Algernon Charles Swinburne.,"A person must be alone with his thoughts, not distracted by TV, music, and so forth.  We should seek out quiet times and places, perhaps at night.  Isaac walked alone in early evening to meditate.",Ge 24:63; Ps 63:6;,Bobby Laymon,Taking Time To Meditate On Spiritual Things,67,,1995/08/09,
"Silence, Speaking, Boldness, Courage, Discernment,","How many times have you lamented, 'I wish I had not said that'?  Yet, you may remember other occasions when you failed to speak out.  In retrospect, you may have thought, 'I wish I had said something.'","The Bible says there is 'a time to keep quiet and a time to speak.'  Here, then, lies the problem--deciding when to speak and when to keep quiet.",Ecclesiastes 3:7; Rom 7:19; James 3:2;,"May 15, 1996 Wt Page 21",Follow The Way To Life,45,,1996/04/16,
Silence; Speech; Gossip;,"One thing about silence, it can't be repeated.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Silence; Wisdom;,If a man keeps his trap shut the world will beat a path to his door.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Simple, Brief, Answers, Comments, Wisdom, Publications, Books, Literature,","Pr  15:23  A man has rejoicing in the answer of his mouth, and a word at its right time is O how good!    Pr  24:26  Lips will he kiss who is replying in a straightforward way.    Pr  25:11 As apples of gold in silver carvings is a word spoken at the right time for it.    Ec  12:10 The congregator sought to find the delightful words and the writing of 	correct words of truth.    Isa  50:4 The Sovereign Lord Jehovah himself has given me the tongue of the taught ones, that I may know how to answer the tired one with a word.    Other Sources    The wisdom of nations lies in their proverbs, which are brief and pithy.  Quote:  William Penn.    Words are, of course, the most powerful drug used by mankind.  Quote: --Kipling  (1865-1936)    To write simply is as difficult as to be good.   Quote: --Somerset Maugham (1874-1965)    That writer does the most, who gives his reader the most knowledge, and takes from him the least time.   Quote: --Colton (1780-1832)    One kind word can warm three winter months. Quote:  --Japanese Proverb.    Men of few words are the best men.  Quote:  --William Shakespeare.    It is in books the chief of all perfections to be plain and brief.    If you be pungent, be BRIEF; for it is with words as with sunbeams - the more they are condensed the deeper they burn.  Quote: Robert Southey.    Make the same use of a book that the bee does of a flower: she steals sweets from it, but does not injure it.    Brevity is the soul of wit.  Quote: William Shakespeare    There's a great power in words, if you don't hitch too many of them together.  Quote: --Josh Billings    It is my ambition to say in ten sentences; what others say in a whole book. Quote: --Nietzsche    Never be so brief as to become obscure.   Quote: --Tryon Edwards    BREVITY is the best recommendation of speech, whether in a senator or an orator. Quote: --Cicero    The more you say, the less people remember. The fewer the words, the greater the profit.     BREVITY is a great charm of eloquence.  Quote: --Cicero    The word is half his that speaks, and half his that hears it.   Quote: Montaigne  (1533-1592)    Words, like eyeglasses, blur everything that they do not make more clear.  Quote: --Joubert (1754-1824)    One great use of words is to hide our thoughts.  Quote: --Voltaire (1694-1778)    Great literature is simply language charged with meaning to the utmost possible degree.  Quote: --Ezra Pound (1885-1972)    A powerful agent is the right word.  Whenever we come upon one of those intensely right words in a book or a newspaper the resulting effect is physical as well as spiritual... Quote:  --Mark Twain (1835-1910)    Obscurity in writing is commonly an argument of darkness in the mind.  The greatest learning is to be seen in the greatest plainness.  Quote: -John Wilkins (1614-1672)     A word too much always defeats its purpose. Quote: --Schopenhauer (1788-1860)    Actions are the first tragedies in life, words are the second.  Words are perhaps the worst.  Words are merciless.  Quote: Oscar Wilde (1856-1900)    Water and words...  Easy to pour...  Impossible to recover.  Quote: --Chinese Proverb    Use words sparingly,  then all things will fall into place.  A tornado does not last a whole morning.  A downpour of rain does not last a whole day.  Quote: Lao-Tzu (fl. B.C. 600)    Do not say a little in many words but a great deal in a few.  Quote: -Pythagoras (B.C. 582-507)    When words are scarce they're seldom spent in vain.  Quote: --Shakespeare (1564-1616)    It is in books the chief of all perfections to be plain and brief. Quote:  --Joseph Butler (1692-1752)     If you be pungent, be brief; for it is with words as with sunbeams - the more they are condensed the deeper they burn.  Quote: --Robert Southey (1774-1843)    An orator or author is never successful till he has learned to make his words smaller than his ideas.   Quote: Emerson (1803-1882)    A book should be luminous, but not voluminous. Quote: Bovee (1820-1904)    One merit of poetry few persons will deny:  it says more and in fewer words than prose.    Quote: Voltaire (1694-1778)    O!  many a shaft, at random sent,  Finds mark the archer little meant!  And many a word, at random spoken,  May soothe or wound a heart that's broken!  Quote: Walter Scott (1771-1832)    God wove a web of loveliness, of clouds and stars and birds,   but made not anything at all so beautiful as words.  Quote: Anna Hempstead Branch (1874-1937)",Many comments from the Bible and other sources that show the wisdom of being brief in our answers and words.  (SCROLL DOWN),Proverbs 25:11,Bobby Laymon,,,,1995/10/12,
"Simple, Confusion, Oriented, Pioneer,","'We're never single-minded, un-perplexed, like migratory birds.' Quote: Rainer Maria Rilke.","Keeping our life-style simple and wholesome, we can avoid anxiety to a greater degree.",1 Ti 6:6-8;,Bobby Laymon,Coping With Life's Anxieties,32,,1995/08/16,
"Simple, Contentment, Provisions, Pioneer,","'If you have a garden and a library, you have everything you need.'  Quote: Cicero.",In today's world man's needs are in the hundreds.  There is a need to simplify our lives for we are living in the time of the end.,Matt 6:33;,Bobby Laymon - Reader's Digest,The Kingdom Of God Is Near,109,,1996/03/21,
"Simple, Exert, Goals, Activities,",'Who begins too much accomplishes little.'  Quote: Proverb.,"In planning associations, it is not good to invite too many.  Not obligated to invite those given to excesses.  Keep gatherings to reasonable size, and see that Jehovah is honored.","2 Th 3:6, 7; 1 Cor 14:25;",Bobby Laymon,Lovers Of Pleasure Or Lovers Of God?,64,,1995/06/30,
"Simple, Eye, Life, Bible, Focus, Study,",When you first look through a pair of binoculars things are never in focus.  You have to adjust the little knobs until you finally get it just right.  Now it is in focus!,"It is the same with our lives.  Things are never in focus at first, but as you bring situations into focus with the Bible, then you finally get it right.  Keep your eye simple.",Eph 5:15-17;,1997 'faith In God's Word' District Convention; Jack Vinson,Do You Recognize Jehovah's Sovereignty In Your Personal Life?,75,,1997/06/12,
"Simple, Greed, Covet, Gambling, Selfishness, Generous, Pioneer,","'To the person who seizes two things, one always slips from his grasp!' Quote: African Proverb. (Swahili)","We read of shocking figures on greedy profits made by men today who are regarded as TV stars of the 'Electric Church'.  Those greedy persons will come to their end, however they will lose all.",Rev 18:3;,Bobby Laymon,Finding Honor And Joy In God's Ministry,65,,1995/08/16,
"Simple, Kingdom, Vision, Pioneer,",The human eye is not like that of a housefly or a crab.  We do not have multiply vision.  We can't look at 2 things at the same time and keep both in focus.  Also we need light to focus.  Our eyes are not like radar or like bats that can see in the dark.,There is a need to keep our eyes simple.  To focus on God's Kingdom.,Mt 6:22-24;,Don Mendinghall D.O.,Reach Out For The Real Life!,90,,1994/03/07,
"Simple, Kingdom, Vision, Pioneer, Materialism, Money, Anxiety,",We can't stand on two different horses going in different directions.,We must keep our eyes and goals simple and going in one direction.  This way we will avoid needless anxiety.,Mt 6:22-24;,Don Mendinghall D.O.,Coping With Life's Anxieties,32,,1994/03/07,
"Simple, Materialism, Money, Work, World,","Fisherman, 1 pole in water put more poles in water; Keep busier. Why? Catch more. Why?  Open stores.   Sell   Why? Then you can sit back and relax and really enjoy yourself.",World tries to get you involved why?  Already doing that.,Matt 6:33,Bobby Laymon,'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
"Simple, Peace, Joy, Happiness","Figurative streams running through the mind, turning it fresh and beautiful, and lovely. One who allows his mind to dwell on simple things finds tranquility.","Simple thoughts, simple words, simple pleasures; colorful, Flat colorless existence denies everything bright and smiling is not simple but wretched.","Matt. 8:20; Phil. 4:8,9; Matt. 5:37; 1 Cor. 2:1-5;","Aug 8, 1962 Aw Page 3",Serve Jehovah With A Joyful Heart,78,,,
"Simple, Peace, Joy, Happiness","Flower is a flower, swallow is a swallow, rock is a rock. When a man of modest means lives as a man of modest means, it can be said he appreciates simplicity. Much better than being 'double minded'",Simplicity is unpretentious living.,"Matt. 8:20; Phil. 4:8,9; Matt. 5:37; 1 Cor. 2:1-5;","Aug 8, 1962 Aw Page 3",Serve Jehovah With A Joyful Heart,78,,,
"Simple, Peace, Joy, Happiness,","Watch children at play; its the simple things that make happiest. An old box, block of wood, hammer, they will play for hours. Riches & elegance may not be in the power of all, but simplicity, goodness and straightforwardness are. There is beauty!","Adults too, find deepest pleasure in simple things.","Matt. 8:20; Phil. 4:8,9; Matt. 5:37; 1 Cor. 2:1-5; 1 Tim. 6:6-8","Aug 8, 1962 Aw Page 4",Serve Jehovah With A Joyful Heart,78,,,
"Simple, Simplicity, Brief,","Did you ever buy a printer, or copy machine.  You get a large manual, which no one reads.  In recent years you get a large sheet of paper that says: 'Getting Started' in English, Spanish and French.  It condenses the entire manual into about 5 small steps.  That is what people read.  Manufactures have learned that simplicity is best.",We have learned this also true in the ministry.  Simplicity is best.,Matt. 4:17; 10:5-7,Joe Laymon,,,,"Apr 19, 2001",
"Simple, Speech, Communication,","Politicians use 'double-talk'; Religious leaders use high- sounding words; Commercial world paints confusing picture so that one cannot believe; Scientist, doctors, lawyers talk over people's heads; mates don't talk; youths speak a language all their own.","We should speak in a manner that is understandable, and simple.","Mt 7:28, 29","Dec 1, 1968 Wt Page 719",Reach Out For The Real Life!,90,,,
"Simplicity, Pleasures, Rich, Contentment, Happiness,",'A man is rich in proportion to the number of things which he can afford to let alone.'  Quote: Henry David Thoreau.,"Already have 'fruit in way of holiness': have clean conscience; are protected from effects of alcoholism, drugs, and immorality; gain rich family life; have true friends.","Romans 6:22, 23;",Bobby Laymon,"Living, Not For Self, But To Do God's Will",8,,1995/08/07,
Simplicity;,"'Everything should be made as simple as possible, but not simpler.'  Quote:  Albert Einstein.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Sin,"'Poor Writer Blames His Pen'  'Passing the Buck' Aaron; 'calf came on out' Ex. 32:22, 24 Adam: 'woman whom you gave me' 'she gave me fruit' Eve: 'serpent deceived me and so I ate'","Be a Man, Shoulder Responsibility. Admit mistakes; avoid excuses. King Saul: 'people had been dispersed ...you did not come' How different David & Peter. 1 Ch. 21:17 Ps. 51; Luke 22:62","1 Cor. 16:13; Gal. 6:2, 5;","Oct 15, 1959 Wt Page 626-627",Hold A Good Conscience In A Sinful World,107,,,
"Sin, hate, ",Abhor something: Don't even want to smell; stinks.,Hate what is bad.,"Ps. 139:21, 22","Pure Language Dist. Assy July 5-8, 1990",Hold A Good Conscience In A Sinful World,107,,,7/3/2025
Sin,"Computer program with flaw or bug.  Every copy will not work. Jehovah has provided the 'last Adam' who replaces, in effect the original Adam. 1 Cor 15:45","Man has not been able to isolate or correct, inherent flaw.",Rom 5:12,"April 22, 1990 Awake  Page 8",Hold A Good Conscience In A Sinful World,107,,,
Sin,"Constant War going on all the time in our bodies. By the end of 1000 years we will have won. If we keep trying to be perfect, expect perfection from ourselves, we will be depressed.","If we are not fighting, we have lost. Imperfection WILL come out. Eccl. 7:21, 22",Rom. 7:15-20,Jerry Thompson,Love Identifies The True Christian Congregation,72,,,
Sin,Defective pattern children reflected what parents had.,Everything produced also defective.,Ps 51:5  Rom 5:12,Creation Bk Page 192 Par 9,"Living, Not For Self, But To Do God's Will",8,,,
Sin,Domino Effect Whole human race falling.,Only Christ Jesus could stop.,"Rom. 3:23; 5:12, 14",Bobby Laymon,What God's Rulership Can Do For Us,24,,,
Sin,"Dropped 's' off 'sin', so the word in now 'in' Everyone may be doing it, but they will be annihilated forever.","New morality, the old immorality.",Ps 92:7  Luke 13:34  1 Cor 11:1,Trust In Jehovah District Assy. July 1987,Hold A Good Conscience In A Sinful World,107,,,
Sin,"Employee in factory is thief! All come under suspicion Could any prove their innocence, devotion, loyalty to Jehovah.",Adam sinned; Human race came into suspicion.,Job 2:2-5,Scott Rudolph,What God's Rulership Can Do For Us,24,,,
Sin,"Ever been stung, or bit by serpent. What is the antidote or remedy for the 'sting producing death?' Doctor first diagnoses the trouble, before prescribing remedy. Sin: Miss one's road; miss the mark.",'The sting producing death is sin' Remedy: destruction of one chiefly to blame for sin. 1 Jo 3:8,1 Cor. 15:56,"Nov 15, 1959 Wt Page 677","Living, Not For Self, But To Do God's Will",8,,,
Sin,"Jehovah is ultimate dictionary. 'sin is lawlessness' Hate: malice; love less; dislike intensely or avoid, loathe. Examples: Jehovah, Jesus,","Not man's view of sin, but Jehovah's that really counts Phinehas Num. 25:7",1 Jo. 3:4,"Pure Language Dist. Assy July 5-8, 1990",Hold A Good Conscience In A Sinful World,107,,,
Sin,"Mirror; can be sharp and clear or foggy, hazy. The more we know Jehovah, the more we can reflect Jehovah's glory",Sin mars our reflection of Jehovah,2 Cor. 3:18,Bobby Laymon,How Well Do You Know God?,1,,,
Sin,"Pandora's Box (Greek mythology) Pandora's, according to mythology, first female, who brought along a box, (Pandora's Box) out of which emerged all the world's ills.","Sin entered into world through Adam, unlike mythology.",Rom 5:12,Bobby Laymon,"Living, Not For Self, But To Do God's Will",8,,,
Sin,"Someone hated your wife, how would you feel toward them. Sin is trying to kill us all.  Rom. 6:23",Hate what is bad.,"Ps. 139:21, 22 Rom. 6:23","Pure Language Dist. Assy July 5-8, 1990",Hold A Good Conscience In A Sinful World,107,,,
Sin,"Time to 'Pay the Piper'.  The party is over when musician has to be paid. Postponement, may lull us into thinking can escape payment. Cannot have pleasures of one choice & rewards of another.",The time will come to pay for worldly pleasures & luxuries.,"Eccl. 11:9   1 Cor. 3:13  1 Tim 5:24, 25  Gal 6:7, 8.",Bobby Laymon,Hold A Good Conscience In A Sinful World,107,,,
Sin,"Young man in trouble; In jail, large fines; You desire to help. Cannot bring him into own household and jeopardize your own family Can't pay his own fine, too high, beyond reach. Ask friend to help, who is willing to pay high price.",Jehovah's position with human race. Jesus is that friend.  Willing to speak in our behalf.,"Ps. 49:6-9  Heb. 5:8, 9;  1 Jo. 2:1, 2;",Mike Jones,What God's Rulership Can Do For Us,24,,,
Sin -traits Of,Weeds  remove before too large.,Remove sinful traits before too ingrained.,Jas. 1:14,Kevin Babbs,Hold A Good Conscience In A Sinful World,107,,,
"Sin,","'The canker which the trunk conceals is revealed by the leaves, the fruit, or the flower.'  Quote Metastasis (1698-1782)",Sin will manifest itself sooner or later.,"1ti 4:24, 25;",Wisdom Of The Ages,Hold A Good Conscience In A Sinful World,107,,,
"Sin,",Like interwoven threads of a fabric designed by Satan.,"Regarding how one sin can lead to another. In David's case, desiring Bath-sheba, adultery, murder, leading to calamity.",2sa 11:1-27; 12:1-23;,"Mar 15, 1993 Wt Page 8",Hold A Good Conscience In A Sinful World,107,,,
"Sin, Adam, Eve, Inclination,","(Hold you Bible right side up.)  Now, if I drop it this way, the natural thing is for it to fall in this direction.  (Turn it over)  Now, if I drop it this way, the natural inclination is for it to fall like that.","Adam was like this.  (Show first view)   It was his natural inclination to do things right but he purposely went the wrong way.  Now we are all like this (second view).  No matter how hard we try, it is our natural inclination to go wrong.",Rom 5:12;,Carl S. Monks,,,,1996/05/20,
"Sin, Adam, Eve, Inclination,","Iron has a tendency to rust.  When iron is exposed to moist air or a caustic environment, its corrosion is greatly accelerated.","As decedents of Adam we have inherited an inclination toward badness.  We need to avoid exposure to the 'air' of Satan's world, with its vile entertainment, rampant immorality, and negative bent of mind.","Eph 2:1, 2;","Jun 15, 1996 Wt Page 22",,,,1996/07/28,
"Sin, Adam, Eve, Perfect, Perfection, Freedom, Free Will, Choice,","If you made a machine, say an automobile, you would make it so that it always went in the direction you turned the steering wheel, would you not? So, then, should not the first human pair have been like that in order to be perfect?","No. Why not? Because they were not made to be machines, to perform like machines. God, the Maker, purposed that they should exercise free moral agency, that is, be able to make personal moral decisions, choose between right and wrong, between obedience and disobedience.  Remember, the Maker sets the standards and requirements, his will governs.","Genesis. 1:28; 2:8;ex. 36:1, 2; 39:32, 42, 43; Exodus. 40:16, 33-38",W71 8/15 499,Hold A Good Conscience In A Sinful World,107,,1994/07/07,
"Sin, Associations, Unforgivable,","Once a cucumber becomes a pickle, it can never go back to being a cucumber again!",The same is true regarding some sins in life.  One cannot go back.,Heb. 6:4-6,Bobby Laymon,,,,"Jan 19, 2001",
"Sin, Bitter, Blame, Accuse,","Our acts make or mar us, we are the children of our own deeds. Quote: Victor Hugo (1802-1885)",We often bring calamity upon ourselves and blame Jehovah.,Pr 19:3;,Wisdom Of The Ages,Hold A Good Conscience In A Sinful World,107,,,
"Sin, Charges, Complaints,","The receptionist at the headquarters of the WT Society was once approached by a stranger who began to hurl intemperate charges against a Christian Witness.  The receptionist, himself a Christian Witness, interrupted the speaker, saying: 'I do not intend to listen to such talk.  If you have a complaint against anyone, go to him directly, as commanded by Jesus.",Going to the person directly shows wisdom and obedience to God.,Mt 18:15-17,"Dec 15, 1968 Wt Page 740",Hold A Good Conscience In A Sinful World,107,,,
"Sin, Clean, Dirty, Defiled,","Take a clean glass of water and put a spoonful of dirt into it.  What do you have?  Murky water.  However, put it under a clean tap and keep running clean water into it and eventually you get just a residue, but mostly clean water.","Adam became contaminated in just that way.  Add water, and you get more murky water. If our glass is always under the clean tap, eventually we will have a clean heart. If our glass is frequently under the dirty tap, our heart will bubble over with dirtiness. Satan owns the dirty tap.  What is this tap of pure clean water?   Jehovah is the source of the clean water.","James 3:11; Rev 7:9, 10; Ps 119:110;",Bobby Laymon,Keep Clean From Worldly Defilements,98,,1997/04/07,
"Sin, Confession, Forgive","Imagine a court of law that keeps acquitting a persistent lawbreaker just because he say's,' I'm sorry' and follows a certain ritual.",Catholic priest almost always tell people your sin's are forgiven no matter if they are sorry or not.,Ecc. 8:11,"Mar 15, 1991 Wt Page 6; Johnse Laymon",Do You Harbor Resentment Or Do You Forgive?,68,,,
"Sin, Confession, Forgive",Like black board with a lot of writing.  Take eraser and make it go away.,Do catholic priest own the eraser or ability to forgive sin?,Ps.32:5,"Mar 15, 1991 Wt Page 3 Johnse Laymon",Do You Harbor Resentment Or Do You Forgive?,68,,,
"Sin, Conscience, Faithful, Trend, Gradual, Start,","'Little strokes, Fell great oaks.'  Quote: Benjamin Franklin.",The conscience can be abused and rendered an unsafe guide.  It can gradually be defiled.  Majority today have distorted view of what constitutes sin.,"Titus 1:15, 16;",Bobby Laymon,Hold A Good Conscience In A Sinful World,107,,1995/07/17,
"Sin, Crooked, Ways,","When spaghetti comes from the maker, it is all very straight.  You can roll it around on the table.  But, what happens when you put it into boiling water?  It comes out all crooked and tangled up.","That is the way it is with mankind.  Jehovah made us straight, but Satan introduced sin, and we have become all twisted and tangled up.","Eccl. 7:9; Deuteronomy. 32:4, 5;",Hector Hernandez,How To Protect Ourselves From Satan's Snares,115,,"Apr 5, 2001",
"Sin, Cure, Death,","What if doctors told you had a terrible disease, and needed medical treatment right away. Would it help to convince yourself that you are not sick?",If you have a weakness need to admit it like Paul did and ask Jehovah to help you.,Rom7:21-23,J. Laymon,The Only Cure For Sick Mankind,62,,,
"Sin, Death,",'If all of us who have sinned were put to death -- there would not be many of us left.'  Quote: Andrew Johnson.,None are without sin.,Rom 3:23;,Bobby Laymon,"Living, Not For Self, But To Do God's Will",8,,1997/05/13,
"Sin, Death,",IMAGINE that you suffer from a disease that will surely claim your life unless you have surgery. How would you feel if the price of the operation was far beyond what you could afford? What if even the combined resources of your family and friends could not pay for it? To be confronted with such a life-threatening dilemma would be frustrating!,"This illustrates a situation that has developed with regard to the human race. Our first parents, Adam and Eve, were created perfect. They had the prospect of living forever and of fulfilling God's purpose: 'Be fruitful and become many and fill the earth and subdue it.' (Genesis 1:28) However, Adam and Eve rebelled against their Creator. (Genesis 3: 1-6) Their disobedience brought sin not only upon Adam and Eve themselves but also upon their unborn offspring.  Sin is thus like a disease that has infected each one of us, for the Bible states that 'all have sinned.' This condition has life-threatening consequences. indeed, 'the wages sin pays is death.'","Deuteronomy 32:4;job 14:4,  3","Feb 15, 1999 Page 13",Slave For The Master Of The Harvest,66,,1999/03/05,
"Sin, Death,","Some accuse manufacturers of building into products, 'metal fatigue' so products will break down and need to be replaced.",Our genetic system has imperfection and death built into it as result of Adam's sin.,"Ps 90:10; Ro 5:12, 14; Ps 89:48;","Apr 1, 1992 Wt Page 7",The Only Cure For Sick Mankind,62,,,
"Sin, Death, Adam,","In a sense, this can be likened to a computer program in which there is a flaw, or bug. Unless the bug is isolated and corrected, the program will not work properly, and the results may be disastrous.","Man has not been able to isolate, much less correct, the inherent flaw that results in the malfunctioning of our human bodies, resulting in aging and death. However, man's Creator, Jehovah God, has made arrangements to correct it. What is his solution?",Ro 5:12;,G90 4/22 8,The Only Cure For Sick Mankind,62,,1994/05/07,
"Sin, Death, Adam, Imperfection,",Think of what happens when a baker bakes bread in a pan that has a dent in it.  A mark will show on all the bread that is baked in that pan.,"Adam became like that pan, and we are like the bread. He became imperfect when he broke God's law. All his children receive the same mark of sin or imperfection.",Rom 5:12; Job 14:4,You Can Live Forever In Paradise On Earth. Page 74,The Only Cure For Sick Mankind,62,,,
"Sin, Death, Fleshly, Ransom, Memorial, Adam, Eve,","It was as though our first parents had squandered a vast fortune, plunging themselves into a pit of debt.","Adam and Eve passed that debt on to their offspring.  When we get sick or say something hurtful that we wish we could take back, we are experiencing the effects of our inherited debt - human imperfection.",Rom 7:21-25; Rom 6:23;,Kl Page 64,"Living, Not For Self, But To Do God's Will",8,,1995/06/15,
"Sin, Death, Fleshly, Self,","A boy with a dirty face may claim that he is clean, and may be convinced otherwise only after he looks into a mirror.","The ancient Israelites were like such a boy when they received God's Law through His prophet Moses.  The Law made it plain that sin existed.  Like the boy looking into a mirror, by using the Law to look at themselves, the Israelites could see that they were unclean in Jehovah's eyes.",Rom 7:7-12;,Kl Page 58,"Living, Not For Self, But To Do God's Will",8,,1995/06/15,
"Sin, Death, Fleshly, Self, Adam, Eve,","Like an inscription carved in stone, sin was deeply engraved into the genes of our first parents.","Thus, they could produce only imperfect offspring.  Since all their children were conceived after Adam and Eve sinned, their offspring inherited sin and death.",Ps 51:5; Rom 5:12;,Kl Page 58,"Living, Not For Self, But To Do God's Will",8,,1995/06/15,
"Sin, Death, Inherit,","A human father who loses the title to his home, because of not making payments on the mortgage, cannot give it in his will to his children as an inheritance. Just so, Adam could not bestow upon his offspring the right to life that he had forfeited.","Therefore, it was not the fault of Adam's offspring that they, including us, were all born sinners, born without the right to life. Accordingly, God sent his Son to the earth to sacrifice his perfect human life so as to ransom mankind and in this way make it possible to give the opportunity to live forever to any of Adam's family who would exercise faith in this divine provision. At the same time, by this means Jehovah God would vindicate himself as being able to carry out his purpose to have a global earthly paradise filled with perfect people.",Rom. 5:12,W74 3/15 190,What Happens When We Die?,127,,"Oct 30, 2001",
"Sin, Death, Inherit,",A man today who willfully engages in immoral conduct and contracts a venereal disease or who suffers chromosome damage as a result of drug addiction will bring forth defective children. His lack of caring about the suffering this brings his offspring cannot rightly be charged to God.,"Nor can our first father's lack of caring and its consequences be charged to God. Showing where the blame rests, the inspired writer tells us: 'See! This only I have found, that the true God made mankind upright, but they themselves have sought out many plans.'",Eccl. 7:29,G74 10/8 13,What Happens When We Die?,127,,"Oct 30, 2001",
"Sin, Death, Life, Birth,","'Our birth is nothing but our death begun, As tapers waste the moment they take fire. Quote: Edward Young.  [Note: Sabers=slender candle, or waxed wick.]","Since all of us were in Adam's loins, he sold us with himself into slavery to sin.  Due to sin, we begin to die almost at birth.","Ro 5:12, 18;",Bobby Laymon,"Living, Not For Self, But To Do God's Will",8,,1995/08/25,
"Sin, Death, Old Age, Older, Clothing - Styles - Dress - Women","'By the time a man has enough money to buy good clothes, he doesn't look good in them any more'.","Ravages of growing old, sin, death.","Eccl. 12:1-7; Mic. 6:8; 1 Pet. 3:3, 4; Eph. 5:28; Titus 2:1-3",Bobby Laymon,Is This Life All There Is?,36,,,
"Sin, Death, Satan, Grief,",What if some dictator enslaved every person on earth and murdered them all?,"In effect, that is what happened to mankind when our first parents rebelled against God and became enslaved to the Devil's oppressive rule.  'Death has ruled as king.'","2co 4:4; Ro 5:12, 14;","Apr 1, 1992 Wt Page 6",The Only Cure For Sick Mankind,62,,,
"Sin, Death, Sickness, Adam,",The situation could be likened to that of a couple today who have a genetic defect that they pass on to their children.,"We inherited the defect of sin, for we all stem from an imperfect first pair.",Job 14:4;,Hp 104-5  11,Is This Life All There Is?,36,,1994/07/29,
"Sin, Death, Suffering, Sickness, Age,","Parents have passed on to their children the imprint of nearly 6,000 years of sin and death.",This has been through both heredity and environment.,Rom 5:12;,W64 9/1 521-2,Is This Life All There Is?,36,,1994/07/30,
"Sin, Deception,",'An evil gain equals a loss.',Sins and fine works will be found out.,"1 Tim. 5:24, 25",Quote: Publilius Syrus (42 B.C.),"Living, Not For Self, But To Do God's Will",8,,,
"Sin, Deceptive Power","Large quality of material only takes a little hardener. (such as putty for body repair work) It is deceptive, because you may think of it as a little thing. May even believe that Jehovah doesn't even notice it.","A little sin hardens on, and causes loss of faith.",Heb. 3:13;,Bobby Laymon,The Only Cure For Sick Mankind,62,,,11/10/2015
"Sin, Desire,",Quicksand can pull you down into it if not counter-acted immediately. 'each one is enticed by his own desire.',Wrong desire is like quicksand that can pull you down.,"Jas. 1:14, 15","Aug 1, 1963 Wt Page 475","Living, Not For Self, But To Do God's Will",8,,,
"Sin, Disease, Ransom,",IMAGINE that you suffer from a disease that will surely claim your life unless you have surgery. How would you feel if the price of the operation was far beyond what you could afford? What if even the combined resources of your family and friends could not pay for it? To be confronted with such a life-threatening dilemma would be frustrating!,"This illustrates a situation that has developed with regard to the human race. Our first parents, Adam and Eve, were created perfect.  They had the prospect of living forever and of fulfilling God's purpose: 'Be fruitful and become many and fill the earth and subdue it.' (Genesis 1:28) However, Adam and Eve rebelled against their Creator. (Genesis 3:1-6) Their disobedience brought sin not only upon Adam and Eve themselves but also upon their unborn offspring.  Sin is thus like a disease that has infected each one of us, for the Bible states that 'all have sinned.' This condition has life-threatening consequences. Indeed, 'the wages sin pays is death.' (Romans",Deuteronomy 32:4,W99 2/15 13,Observing The Memorial Of Christ's Death,998,,"Jul 5, 2000",
"Sin, Disease, Ransom,",The Hebrew word translated 'ransom' literally means 'to cover.',"To atone for sin, the ransom must precisely fit that which it is supposed to cover.  Adam's perfect human life.",Rom. 5:12;,W99 2/15 14,Observing The Memorial Of Christ's Death,998,,"Jul 5, 2000",
"Sin, Disease, Ransom, Cover","'Imagine a large factory with hundreds of employees. A dishonest factory manager bankrupts the business; the factory closes its doors. Hundreds are now out of work and unable to pay their bills. Their marriage mates, children, and, yes, creditors all suffer because of that one man's corruption! Then along comes a wealthy benefactor who pays off the company's debt and reopens the factory.","The cancellation of that one debt, in turn, brings full relief to the many employees, their families, and the creditors. But does the original manager get to share in the new prosperity? No, he is in prison and thus permanently out of his job! Similarly, the cancellation of Adam's one debt brings benefits to millions of his descendants but not to Adam.'",Rom. 5:12;,W99 2/15 15-16,,,,"Jul 5, 2000",
"Sin, Disease, Ransom, Cover","IT IS as if we have a life-threatening disease and cannot afford to pay for the surgery that can cure it. In such a situation, would we not be grateful if someone interceded for us and covered the cost?","This is precisely what Jehovah has done! He has made provision to redeem us from sin, once and for all time. Yes, he is willing to give to us that which we could never afford on our own. How? 'The gift God gives,' Paul wrote, 'is everlasting life by Christ Jesus our Lord.'",Rom 6:23;,W99 2/15 14-15,Observing The Memorial Of Christ's Death,998,,"Jul 5, 2000",
"Sin, Disobedience, Obey, Separate,","When two magnets are held close together they will pull closer to  each other. That's what having as a good relationship with  Jehovah is like. On the other hand, if the magnets are pulled apart,  there comes a point when the magnets are no longer attracted to  one another.",Sin acts as the separator between Jehovah and us.  Pretty soon there is no more attraction.,Isa. 59:2;,Bobby Laymon,True Friendship With God And Neighbor.,100,,"Feb 2, 2001",
"Sin, Faithful, Obedience, Persecution,","Imagine two faces; Jehovah on one side, and Satan on the other. We will make one of them smile.  Which will it be.",We must be wise and make Jehovah's heart rejoice by bearing up under trial and persecution.,Pr 27:11,Ron Funderbird,Bearing Up Under Persecution,57,,,
"Sin, Forgive","A poet long ago said,  'To err is human; to forgive is divine. As much as this saying is used it is not altogether true. To forgive is Godlike but Adam did not have to err. Jesus became human and did not sin",We want to be very careful.  Not get feeling going to sin may begin to practice. Noah may have got drunk once but he learned from it and never did it again.,"Genesis1:31, Deuteronomy. 32:4","Feb. 22, 1967, Awake Pg. 3",Hold A Good Conscience In A Sinful World,107,,,
"Sin, Forgive,","'To err is human; to forgive, divine.' As much as that saying is quoted, it is not altogether true. We do have an obligation to strive against a tendency to err. We must especially guard against 'practicing' sin.","To forgive may be Godlike, but to be human does not necessarily mean to err.  Our first parents, though human, did not have to err.",Genesis. 1:31; Deuteronomy. 32:4; 1 Pet. 2:22; Genesis. 8:21; Rom. 5:12;,"Feb 22, 1967 Aw Page 3",The Only Cure For Sick Mankind,62,,,
"Sin, Forgive, Mercy, Loving Kindness, Grace,","One rainy afternoon I was driving along one of the main streets of town, taking those extra precautions necessary when the roads are wet and slick.  Suddenly, my son Matthew spoke up from his relaxed position in the front seat.   'Mom, I'm thinking of something.' This announcement usually meant that he had been pondering some fact for a while and was now ready to expound all that his seven-year-old mind had discovered.  I was eager to hear.  'What are you thinking?' I asked.","'The rain,' he began, 'is like sin and the windshield wipers are like God, wiping our sins away.'  After the chill bumps raced up my arms I was able to respond.  'That's really good, Matthew.' Then my curiosity broke in.  How far would this little boy take this revelation?  So I asked...  'Do you notice how the rain keeps on coming?  What does that tell you?'   Matthew didn't hesitate one moment with his answer: 'We keep on sinning, and God just keeps on forgiving us.'",Rom. 6:23,Steve Hashimuri,,,,"Apr 12, 2001",
"Sin, Heart, Readjust, Mildness, Counsel, Discipline,","The heart of a genuine Christian might be likened to a spiritual garden yielding fine fruitage.  Love, Joy, etc.","Yet, every Christian desiring to maintain the garden of his heart as a place pleasing to his heavenly Father must wage a vigorous, ongoing battle against the weeds of inherited sin.","Ga 5:22, 23;","Nov 15, 1992 Wt Page 26",Hold A Good Conscience In A Sinful World,107,,,
"Sin, Heart, Readjust, Mildness, Counsel, Discipline, Elders,",As a good doctor checks from time to time to see if a bone he has set is still properly aligned...,So elders should try to determine whether Scriptural counsel is being applied.  Is further help needed?  Should counsel be repeated?  Jesus repeated counsel on many occasions.,Mt 20:20-28; Mr 9:33-37; Lk 22:24-27; John 13:5-17;,"Nov 15, 1992 Wt Page 29",Hold A Good Conscience In A Sinful World,107,,,
"Sin, Heart, Readjust, Mildness, Counsel, Discipline, Elders,",What does it mean to readjust?  To 'bring into proper alignment.' The same word is used for mending nets.  It also applies to setting a person's broken limb.  A doctor does this carefully to avoid causing his patient unnecessary pain.,"Likewise, helping a brother or sister to come into proper spiritual alignment requires care, tact, and compassion. (Greek word- an'thro pos)","Ga 5:22, 23; 6:1, 2;","Nov 15, 1992 Wt Page 26",Hold A Good Conscience In A Sinful World,107,,,
"Sin, Holy, Conscience,","Inner voice that condemns you if you do something wrong.  Perhaps no crime has been committed, but an uncomfortable feeling lingers and weighs heavily on your mind.","This is your conscience working, and the Bible refers to it. Today, most people's conscience is dead, and the inner voice is silent.","Ro 2:14, 15","Nov 1, 1992 Wt Page 4",Hold A Good Conscience In A Sinful World,107,,,
"Sin, Holy, Conscience,","Politicians in Japan who have been involved in scandals consider themselves 'purified' when they are reelected by the voters. Thus, no real correction is made, and similar scandals may occur. (The New York Times)","Many people, especially in the Orient, have no concept of inherited sin as taught in the Bible.  Western attitude is also changing. Labeling conscience as a 'guilt trip' to be avoided.","Ge 3:1-5, 16, 19; Ro 5:12","Nov 1, 1992 Wt Page 3",Hold A Good Conscience In A Sinful World,107,,,
"Sin, Holy, Conscience, Standards,","Sinful mankind's situation may be compared to a person with a fever.  Sin may be compared to the virus that causes the symptoms, while the disturbed conscience is comparable to the uncomfortable fever.","Just as breaking the thermometer does not change the fact that the patient has a fever; throwing away moral standards, ignoring the conscience, does not blot out the sin itself.",Jer 6:14; 8:11; Ge 8:21;,"Nov 1, 1992 Wt Page 6",Why Live By Bible Standards?,88,,,
"Sin, Holy, Conscience, Standards, Rituals, Buddhist, Nirvana,","Like telling a sick man with a fever to die in order to find relief.  Nirvana: said to mean 'blowing out', the extinguishing of all passion and desire.","Nirvana is considered to be very difficult, even impossible.  Does this sound like it will help someone with a troubled conscience.","Jer 6:14; 8:11; Ge 8:21; Is 1:18, 19;","Nov 1, 1992 Wt Page 6",Why Live By Bible Standards?,88,,,
"Sin, Holy, Conscience, Standards, Rituals, Confucian,","By taking antipyretics a feverish person may cause his fever to subside, but the virus is still in the system.","The same is true with the Confucian way of dealing with evil through education.  On the surface, it may help people to turn away from evil, but does not rid persons of inborn sinful inclination.",Jer 6:14; 8:11; Ge 8:21;,"Nov 1, 1992 Wt Page 6",Why Live By Bible Standards?,88,,,
"Sin, Holy, Conscience, Standards, Rituals, Shinto,","A person may apply an ice pack to relieve his fever, but it does not remove the cause of the fever.  The virus.",That is like trying to relieve twinges of conscience by going through the motions of Shinto purification rituals.,Jer 6:14; 8:11; Ge 8:21;,"Nov 1, 1992 Wt Page 6",Why Live By Bible Standards?,88,,,
"Sin, Illness, Cure, Flesh,","'Today, psychiatrists do not look at sin as sin, but as an illness.'  Examples: drunkenness; child abuse; sexual addictions; and many others.","Today, people deny or ignore the reality of sin.  This has produced a generation of people with a badly distorted sense of right and wrong.","Pro 30:13, 14; Deuteronomy 32:5, 20;","Jun 15, 1994 Wt Page 13; Comment Faye Rudolph",Resisting The Spirit Of The World,25,,1994/08/23,
"Sin, Immune, Pride, Humility,","An eagle perched on a block of ice just above Niagara Falls. The swift current carried the ice and its majestic passenger closer to the edge of the great precipice. The cries of the other birds and animals warning the eagle of danger that lay ahead were to no avail. 'I have great and powerful wings,' he boasted.  'I can fly from my perch at any time. I can handle it.' Suddenly the edge of the falls was only a few feet away. The torrent of water rushed the block of ice over the great falls.",The eagle spread his powerful wings to mount up over the impending doom only to discover too late that his claws had become frozen to the cake of ice. Do I have to say more? None of us is immune to the consequences of sin.,Rom. 5:12;,Bobby Laymon,"Living, Not For Self, But To Do God's Will",8,,"Jan 21, 2001",
"Sin, Imperfection,","Maybe you have made mud pies in a pan.  What will happen to the mud pies if you make a dent in the pan?  Do you know?  The same mark will show on all the mud pies you make in that pan, won't it?","Adam was like that pan.  He became imperfect when he broke God's law.  It was as though he received a dent or a bad mark.  So when he had children, what would they be like?  All his children would receive this same mark of imperfection.",Mr 2:1-12; Ro 5:12;,"Nov 1, 1970 Wt Page 652",What God's Rulership Can Do For Us,24,,,
"Sin, Imperfection, Progress, Maturity, Organization,",Suffering from incurable disease. How keen your interest would be in following up all latest medical discoveries. Out mind should be geared to one thing.,We are all dying of incurable disease of inherited imperfection.,Matt. 6:33; Prov. 4:18; Ps. 119:105;,Johnse Laymon,The Only Cure For Sick Mankind,62,,,
"Sin, Inclination, Desires,",The eyes might be likened to the windows of the heart.,It is out of a wicked heart that many wicked things issue forth.,Mark 7:20-23;,"Jun 15, 1996 Wt Page 19",A Godly View Of Sex And Marriage,13,,1996/07/28,
"Sin, Judicial,",Most of roots usually hidden.,"Sins, covered over; Look below the surface.",Rom. 6:23,Bobby Laymon,Hold A Good Conscience In A Sinful World,107,,,
"Sin, Madness, Anger, Resentment, Mental, Depression,","'When we remember we are all mad, the mysteries disappear and life stands explained.'  Quote: Mark Twain.",We need to take into account that we are all made of dust and descendants of sinful Adam.  We need to except forgiveness.,"Rom. 3:23, 24;",Bobby Laymon,Do You Harbor Resentment Or Do You Forgive?,68,,1995/06/13,
"Sin, Marking, Ruin,",Have you noticed that once cellophane tears easily once the original resistance is broken.  It will go in just about any direction.,"Likewise with sin.  Once the restraint is taken away, it is easy to keep sinning, in all directions.",Genesis. 4:7;,Bobby Laymon,"Living, Not For Self, But To Do God's Will",8,,"Feb 6, 2000",
"Sin, Marking, Ruin, Discipline,","Did you ever have a gravel hit your car windshield?  What does it do?  It leaves a little ping.  If not stopped, it can become a running crack in almost any direction, causing the windshield to need replacing.  Some insurance companies pay you to get that ping fixed before it is too late.","When a person is on a sinful course it is like that.  The elders may notice the defect, and give counsel.  Perhaps a 'marking talk' is given.  If that defect continues to run its course, disaster is ahead.",2 Thessalonians 3:14,Bobby Laymon,,,,"Feb 6, 2000",
"Sin, Materialism, Greed, Money, Recreation, World, Satan, Devil, Demons,","National Geographic aired a special one night about how eagles catch fish in lakes. They fly high above the water but their eyesight is so good they can spot fish in the water below. When they see one they fold back their wings and aim directly for the water, going as fast as 130 mph. When they reach the water they spread their wings, reach out their talons, grab the fish, and begin flying back to the shore.  On this TV special, they showed film of a very unusual occurrence. An eagle made a dive for a fish and grabbed it in its talons. But the fish was much larger than the eagle realized. As it began to fly to the shore you could see the strain on the eagle's face. It was not going to make it back to the shore with this huge fish. It then tried to drop the fish, to let go of it. But the talons of the eagle had dug into the flesh of the fish so deeply that it could not pull them out. It struggled but to no avail.  Slowly the eagle descended into the lake and drowned, unable to  let loose of its catch.","Many times in life we grab on to something that can be dangerous.  We feel we have control and can stop holding on any time we like.  It becomes a habit and one day we try to get out and discover that we no longer have a hold on it but it has a hold on us. 'So then, because we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also put off every weight and the sin that easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.' (Hebrews 12:1)",Heb. 12:1;,Goldman Collection,How To Protect Ourselves From Satan's Snares,115,,"Jan 21, 2001",
"Sin, Mind, Battle, Defense, Satan, Devil,",Consider this: A successful military defense often involves several lines of defensive bulwarks.  No successful general would feel that any one of these is unimportant and should be given up without a fight.,"In a Christian's fight against sin, there are several lines of defense as well.  The first step toward sin is the cultivation of a wrong desire in the mind.  Thus, the first line of defense is to refrain from cultivating the desire - to control one's thinking.  It is because of this link between thought and action that the Bible warns us about.","Jas 1:14, 15;","Jun 8, 1994 Aw Page 21",How To Express Love In A Lawless World,112,,1994/05/02,
"Sin, Mind, Thoughts, Relationship, Cleanliness,","Imagine that you had a cherished friend or a close relative who was particularly sensitive to dirt or dust.  Would you stop inviting your friend into your home, unwilling to do the extra cleaning that your house would require?  Would love not more you to make the needed extra effort to keep things clean?",Jehovah's sensitivity to our innermost thoughts is shown at Ps 44:21: 'He is aware of the secrets of the heart.'  Paul said we are accountable for those thoughts.  Job acknowledged man's responsibility to God for his thoughts.,"Ps 44:21; Heb 4:13; Ps 10:4; Pr 6:16, 18; Job 1:5; Exodus 20:17;","Jun 8, 1994 Aw Page 21",True Friendship With God And Neighbor.,100,,1994/05/02,
"Sin, Mistakes, Grammar, Error, Trends,","$18,500,000. failure due to omission of a hyphen(-)in a computer. The hyphen was missing from the coded mathematical instructions. July 22, 1962 spacecraft Mariner I launched from Cape Canaveral, Florida. (veered off course and had to be destroyed)",Man's shortcomings.,Rom. 5:12,"Sep 22, 1962 Aw Page 29",The Only Cure For Sick Mankind,62,,,
"Sin, Mistakes, Not Caring, Knowing,","A passenger in an airplane might pay no attention when the stewardess explains the use of life jackets or of the plane's oxygen supply. If, as a result, the passenger failed to make use of these provisions in an emergency and lost his life, it would not be simply because he didn't know. Rather, he didn't care to know.","Some mistakes come from just 'not knowing.' But not all do. Many mistakes are because of not caring.  So not all wrongs can be chalked up to simple error. Willful ignorance is often the cause. Worse, a person may do what he knows is wrong-excusing himself for one reason or another.",Rom. 5:12,Yy Page 13,,,,"Oct 26, 2001",
"Sin, Murderer, Cure,","When Adam sinned, he became a murderer.  In what sense?","In that he would pass on his sinful condition--and hence death--to all his descendants.  At this very moment, our bodies are deteriorating, steadily moving toward the grave.",Ps. 90:10;,"Feb 15, 1999 Wt Page 14",The Only Cure For Sick Mankind,62,,1999/03/06,
"Sin, Omission, Work, Activity,",We can commit a sin of omission - not of committion.,That is what the wicked slave did with the mina.  He failed to work.  It wasn't that he committed himself to stealing.  Yet he was called 'wicked.',Luke 19:22-24;,William Osbeck C. O.,Never Become Dull In Your Hearing,9,,1994/08/24,
"Sin, Overlooking, Hidden, Conscience, Friend, Confession,","Overlooking wrong acts or unscriptural thinking has been likened to trying to ignore a toothache.  Grin and bear the pain all you like, the cavity won't go away. Indeed, you merely allow decay to spread.","Similarly, sin is a decaying, corrupting force. Unchecked, corruption invariably begets further corruption. (Galatians 6:8) In other words, unless an erring friend receives help-perhaps in the form of firm Scriptural discipline-he or she may plunge yet deeper into wickedness.- Ecclesiastes 8:11.    Why, neglecting to do so could even make you 'a sharer in his sins'! (1 Timothy 5:22; compare Leviticus 5:1.) It could call into question your own loyalty to God and to his righteous standards.-Psalm 18:25.",Galatians 6:8; Ecclesiastes 8:11.Galatians 6:1;1 Timothy 5:22; Compare Leviticus 5:1;psalm 18:25.,G88 9/8 20,Hold A Good Conscience In A Sinful World,107,,1994/05/07,
"Sin, Perfection, Adam, Death, Sickness,","A piece of fine machinery, when not used properly, according to the maker's instruction, will develop weaknesses and, in time, break down.","Similarly, as a result of ignoring the instructions of their maker, Adam and Eve lost their perfection. Their bodies began to break down and finally ceased to function.",Genesis. 3:16-19; 22-24; 5:5; 2 Pet. 3:8;,The Truth That Leads To Eternal Life. Page 31,The Only Cure For Sick Mankind,62,,,
"Sin, Perfection, Adam, Death, Sickness,",Just as a perfect piece of machinery cannot be produced from an imperfect mold.,"So Adam in his imperfection could not produce perfect children, free from sin.",Rom. 5:12; Job 14:4; Ps. 51:5;,The Truth That Leads To Eternal Life. Page 32,The Only Cure For Sick Mankind,62,,,
"Sin, Perfection, Adam, Death, Sickness,",People who ignore God's laws often get diseased in the sex organs and the children born to such 'unclean' parents may be born physically or mentally damaged because of the sins of their parents.,"Our first parents became 'unclean' imperfect, subject to sickness, and finally death.  They could pass on to their off- spring only what they themselves had: sickness and death.",Rom. 5:12; Job 14:4; Ps. 51:5;,"The Truth That Leads To Eternal Life. Page 32, 33",The Only Cure For Sick Mankind,62,,,
"Sin, Practice,","Like a piece of wood in a pond, a Christian can 'float' on the  surface of sin and not get too wet.","But, just as wood that is in the water for too long gets waterlogged and sinks to the bottom, so also does the Christian who spends too much time in sin.",John 8:11;,Bobby Laymon,,,,"Feb 12, 2001",
"Sin, Reap, Judgment, Armageddon, Paradise, Modesty,","What goes up, must come down. Either way it is an undeniable law of Jehovah.",World's way of saying: 'We reap what we sow.',Gal. 6:7; Prov. 9:10; 15:33; 2 Tim. 3:15; Jas. 1:5; Col. 2:3; Prov,Bobby Laymon,You Will Reap What You Sow,59,,,
"Sin, Reap, Sow,","Take a black board and drawing a line down the middle. The left side can be the clean side, illustrating the clean, pure condition of youths who have a good relationship with Jehovah. The right side of the board can be used to illustrate the effects of sin. As you name each sin that is a common snare for youths today--fornication, drugs, lying, living a double life, etc.--you can make a chalk mark or X on the right side of the black board.  Erase, and explain, like the smear on the blackboard our mistakes can follow us the rest of our lives or until this system ends.","Now point to the blackboard. It is all up to you. You can have a life  like this... (point to the clean side of the blackboard on the left), or  you can end up with a life like this...(point to the smeared side of the  blackboard on the right). The residual effects of sin can be long  lasting. It is something all of us need to think about when we find  ourselves in the heat of temptation.",Heb. 11:25; Gal. 6:7,Bobby Laymon,You Will Reap What You Sow,59,,"Jan 18, 2001",
"Sin, Reflect,",Defective mirror mars reflection of oneself.,Sin mars our reflection of Jehovah.,"Isa. 55:8, 9; Eph. 4:32; 2 Cor. 3:18","R. Bloom; Mar 3, 1991",How Well Do You Know God?,1,,,
"Sin, Righteous, Heart,","'The line separating good and evil passes not through states, nor between political parties either--but right through every human heart.'  Quote: Aleksandra I. Solzhenitsyn.",That is why we need to guard the heart.,Prov 4:23; Rev 7:9;,Bobby Laymon - Reader's Digest,Follow The Way To Life,45,,1996/03/22,
"Sin, Satan, Devil,","An oyster fisherman, on opening the shell of an oyster, discovered a  live fish three and a half inches long, but there was no sign of the oyster. Evidently the fish had entered the open shell and had been trapped by its closing. Once inside it proceeded to devour the oyster!","How like certain forms of sin. They enter the life through the door of a careless will. Once inside their eviction is most difficult and soon they are holding dominion over the whole man, and eventually destroy his relationship with God.",Proverbs 4:23,Steve Hashimura,How To Protect Ourselves From Satan's Snares,115,,1999/10/29,
"Sin, Satan, Devil, Temptation,",A person in someone else's home may see money lying on a table. The possibility of his taking this money is there but he should not even consider it.,Satan did not dismiss the idea of using the human pair for his own purpose.  He made himself a Devil.,"Jas. 1:14, 15;","The Truth That Leads To Eternal Life. Page 57, 58",How To Protect Ourselves From Satan's Snares,115,,,
"Sin, Satan, Temporary Enjoyments,","I want you to imagine your favorite Baskin & Robbins Ice Cream flavor. Now I'm not only going to give you a gallon of that flavor with a large soup spoon to eat it, but I'm also going to give you any and all the toppings you like most--including the best Whip Cream that money can buy. However, please bear in mind that I'm also going to kill you once you've finished eating it!","Some persons although knowing they'll die for partaking of what Jehovah hates, continues to eat from Satan's temporary table of death.  Never think (even for a moment) that the so-called delectable treats being passed out by Satan are worth losing life over!",Heb. 11:25,Bobby Laymon,How To Protect Ourselves From Satan's Snares,115,,"Jan 19, 2001",
"Sin, Self, Personality,",'It is as hard to see one's self as to look backwards without turning round.' Quote: Thoreau (1817-1862),It is difficult to see one's own mistakes.  We must carefully examine ourselves in the light of God's Word.,Gal 6:1; 1co 4:4;,Wisdom Of The Ages,"Living, Not For Self, But To Do God's Will",8,,,
"Sin, Slaves,",Rope in a tug of war. (rope has no choice which way it goes.),"Man is not like a rope in a tug of war.  He can help the side he wants to win by leaning in the right direction, getting a firm foothold and pulling away from the enemy with all his might.",Rom. 7:21-23; Gal. 5:16;,"Feb 8, 1964 Aw Page 28",Serving With Jehovah's Unified Organization,3,,,
"Sin, Thoughts, Feeling, Romance,","Be careful of thoughts, thoughts create feelings, feelings create actions. Job not attentive with romantic thoughts.",Be careful of the eyes.,Matt. 5:28; Job 31:1; Eph. 4:28;,Phil Kirkton Notes;,Hold A Good Conscience In A Sinful World,107,,,
"Sin, Transforming Power,","An oyster fisherman, on opening the shell of an oyster, discovered a live fish three and a half inches long, but there was no sign of the oyster. Evidently the fish had entered the open shell and had been trapped by its closing. Once inside it proceeded to devour the oyster!","How like certain forms of sin. They enter the life through the door of a careless will. Once inside their eviction is most difficult and soon they are holding dominion over the whole man, and eventually destroy his relationship with God.",Proverbs 4:23,Dennis Dunn,"Living, Not For Self, But To Do God's Will",8,,1999/10/15,
"Sin, Weakness, Satan, Devil, Guilt,",It is a double pleasure to deceive the deceiver.,Satan the great deceiver will be deceived by Jehovah.,"Ezek. 38:16, 19; Rom. 3:23; 14:12; Rom. 7:21-23; Genesis. 2:16, 17;",Bobby Laymon,How To Protect Ourselves From Satan's Snares,115,,,
"Sin, Weakness, Satan, Devil, Guilt,",Murder will out. Some sins manifest later.,Sinners will not be able to hide from Jehovah.,"1 Tim. 5:24, 25; 14:12; Rom. 7:21-23; Genesis. 2:16, 17; 1 John 3:4-9;",Bobby Laymon,How To Protect Ourselves From Satan's Snares,115,,,
"Sin, Weakness, Satan, Devil, Guilt,",The thread break where it is weakest.,Satan will make every attempt to find our weakness.,"Rom. 3:23; 14:12; Rom. 7:21-23; Genesis. 2:16, 17; 1 John 3:4-9;",Bobby Laymon,Hold A Good Conscience In A Sinful World,107,,,
"Sin, Wickedness, Permission, Suffering,",Have not parents who truly love their children permitted them to undergo a painful operation to correct some problem?,Jehovah also has good reasons for temporarily permitting humans to suffer.,Job 1:6-8;,You Can Live Forever In Paradise On Earth. Page 100,"Living, Not For Self, But To Do God's Will",8,,,
"Sin, World, Bible, Sickness, Death, Disease,","Miracle drug, if taken according to manufacturer's direction are no side effects. Responsible for violence, breaking down of human body, and eventually death.",Following World's direction leads to disastrous side-effects.,Job 14:4; Rom. 5:12; Ps. 146:4;,Bethel Carpenter,The Only Cure For Sick Mankind,62,,,
"Sin, Wrong, Association,","How many have played chess?  How many have played checkers. Playing with person, who makes series of superior moves.  You are still playing, but see you are in trouble.  He continues to make superior moves, and you have to 'King' him. You are still in the game, but see you have to make a change, or lose. Perhaps you should never have accepted the challenge in 1st place.","With sin, the time to make a change is as soon as you see trouble.",Gal. 6:1,Bill Thomas,Hold A Good Conscience In A Sinful World,107,,,
"Sincerity, Worship, Religion, Christendom,","Builders of super liner Titanic were sincere in feeling that the ship was virtually unsinkable. Yet on its maiden voyage in 1912 it struck an iceberg and quickly sank, with great loss of life. Her designers no doubt sincerely believed in the ship's ability","Sincerity is not enough for religion to be pleasing to God. to withstand damage, but this sincerity did not prove to be enough.","Genesis. 3:5, 6; 1 Ki. 18:25-29; Exodus. 20:3; Deuteronomy. 7:9-11;","Jan 1, 1964 Wt Page 3, 4.",Religion's Time Of Judgment,83,,,
"Sincerity, Worship, Religion, Christendom,","How pleasing if an employee did not do the work assigned to him but took it upon himself to perform other work not delegated to him. Would the employer be happy. NO! He was hired to do a specific job. The worker might be sincere in walking off his assignment, but that would not be pleasing to his employer.",Sincerity is not enough for religion to be pleasing to God.,"Genesis. 3:5, 6; 1 Ki. 18:25-29; Exodus. 20:3; Deuteronomy. 7:9-11;","Jan 1, 1964 Wt Page 3, 4.",Religion's Time Of Judgment,83,,,
"Sincerity, Worship, Religion, Christendom,","In the 1960's a drug called thalidomide was introduced that proved effective in inducing sleep. It was introduced in all sincerity. Later discovered it was responsible for babies being born deformed. Lacking limbs, ears. Deformities in eyes, throat",Sincerity is not enough for religion to be pleasing to God. intestines. Quickly removed from market; governments banned.,"Genesis. 3:5, 6; 1 Ki. 18:25-29; Exodus. 20:3; Deuteronomy. 7:9-11;","Jan 1, 1964 Wt Page 3, 4.",Religion's Time Of Judgment,83,,,
Sincerity;,"'The secret of success is sincerity, once you can fake that you've got it made.'  Quote:  Jean Girardeau.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Sincerity;,'What's the use of running if we are not on the right road?'  Quote:  German.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Sincerity;,'You can be sincere and still be stupid.'  Quote:  Charles Kettering.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Sincerity;,Always do right. This will gratify some people and astonish the rest.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Sincerity;,The most exhausting thing is being insincere.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Sincerity; Critics;,'She ran the whole gamut of emotions from A to B.'  Quote:  Dorothy Parker Of Kate Hepburn.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Sincerity; Purpose;,"If you don't know where you are going, any road will get you there.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Sinful Tendencies, Satan, World,","In Bible times, cities were protected by walls. Wooden gates were often covered with metal, to resist damage. Enemy soldiers would attack weakness of the gates, leading to defeat of the city.","Jehovah knows our individual points of vulnerability.  Satan, too, may have observed some sinful tendency. If we deny we have sinful tendencies, we make ourselves more vulnerable.","Heb. 4:13; 1 Pet. 5:8; Jas. 1:14, 15;","Aug 15, 1991 Wt Page 30",'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
"Sing, Songs,","Our voices are a thing of great beauty and a pleasure to Jehovah. As today, apparently the Israelites had a tendency to be lax when singing praises to Jehovah.","This is appreciated by the many, many reminders in God's Word, to 'sing to Jehovah.' To do so, we need to come on time, and stay for closing song. Songs teach: They harmonize with talks.",Acts 16:25; Ps 96:1; 2 Ch 5:13;,"Divine Teaching District Assembly.  Memphis July 1-4, 1993","Living, Not For Self, But To Do God's Will",8,,,
Singing,"Man won right to sing in church; sang badly, took to court",We have the right to sing badly on strong legal grounds,Eph 5:19;,Johnse Laymon,"Living, Not For Self, But To Do God's Will",8,,,
"Singing, Music, song",North Caroline supreme court 1873 ruled that all Americans have right to sing in their churches. this came about when William Linklaw who attended Robertson County Methodist Church had such a terrible voice that the rest of cong. refused to sing along.,"So if you can't sing try - You're on strong legal ground. thanks- Church minister resigned not stand noise. County court told him stop singing.  Supreme court said had right sing, even badly.","Ps. 96:1,4",Johnse Laymon; American Essays By Dan Valentine,A Cleansed Earth--will You Live To See It?,49,,,
"Singing, Praise,","You pioneers sing beautifully, but not loud enough.",We will give you one more chance at the end of this meeting and if you don't do better we will take the singing away.,Eph. 5:19;,Gene Shalkoski D.O. - Annual Meeting With Pioneers.,,,,"May 21, 2001",
"Singing, Song, Happy, Joy,","CAN you picture a world without song? Never again to hear the happy singing of children or the sweet voice of the nightingale or the bellbird? No more to hear the magpie's infectious chuckle or the throaty laughter of a kookaburra? Happily, this will never be. But such contemplation highlights one of God's many gifts to man: the gift of song.","Why does singing bring pleasure and joy to us? For one thing, Jehovah himself enjoys and is pleased with songs of praise by his creatures. Can you picture the occasion when all the angels shouted for joy at the magnificence of Jehovah's earthly creation? Or can you imagine standing spellbound among the shepherds on the autumn night of Jesus' human birth, thrilling to the sound of a vast host of angels singing: 'Glory in the heights above to God'?-Luke 2:13, 14; Job 38:7.","Luke 2:13, 14; Job 38:7.",W87 12/1 25,Serve Jehovah With A Joyful Heart,78,,1994/06/03,
Single - Marriage - Subjection,'Some men have good opinions of themselves - other men - are married'.,"Wives be careful about putting husbands down, especially when he doesn't take lead in family.  Commend him when he does.",Eph.5:22,Johnse Laymon,God Comes First In Successful Family Life,110,,,
"Single, Family,",You may choose a one-room house.,"This is like living a simple, single life, but it stills needs to be maintained.  We can do this with study, meeting attendance and service.",Ps 32:8;,Donald Wolkin,God Comes First In Successful Family Life,110,,1996/07/28,
Singleness,"Fifth wheel.  Heart longs for a counterpart complement, counterpart, something fitting.",Feeling of some single persons around married couples.,Genesis 2:22-24,"Nov 1, 1989 Wt Page 18",Glorifying God With All We Have,17,,,
Singleness,Single person can make mistake w/o him knowing it.,Rewards of singleness.,1co 7:38;,Johnse Laymon,Glorifying God With All We Have,17,,,
Singleness,Single person have to leave home to get into fight.,Rewards of singleness.,1co 7:38;,Johnse Laymon,Glorifying God With All We Have,17,,,
"Sinning,",What is the best thing about banging your head into a brick wall.  It feels so good when you stop doing it.,That's how it is with breaking Jehovah's laws.  It feels so good when you stop doing it.,Isa 55:7,Ken Woods,,,,1995/12/22,
"Sinning, Morals, Sick",'The sin of this century is the loss of all sense of sin.' (Pope Pius X11 over 40 years ago.) [1992],"The attitude toward sin is changing.  Many cast aside all awareness of sin, labeling the voice of conscience a 'guilt trip' to be avoided.",Ps 14:3; 51:5;,"Nov 1, 1992 Wt Page 4",The Only Cure For Sick Mankind,62,,,
"Sins, Guilt, Honesty, Armageddon,","Some will be headed off at the pass. Like Western movies, some caught red-handed, some shot while fleeing, some injured, other appear to get away. Where do they always get caught?  Always headed off at the pass.","Some appear to get away with sinning, but will not escape Armageddon.  They will be headed off at the pass.",Rev. 16:14-16; 1 Tim 5:24;,"Brother Horton, C.O.",Jehovah's Eyes Are Upon Us,74,,,
"Sins, Hidden Sins, Conscience,","There is an old saying that goes like this: 'It isn't the mountain ahead that wears you out, it's the grain of sand in your shoe.'  Many a man, worried for fear he would not be able to cross a mountain, has had to stop some miles before he crossed the foothills because he had not taken time to clean out his boots.","That has been the source of failure in many Christian lives. Eager to avoid the big sins, your life may outwardly be one of extreme piety, but if there are hidden imperfections--little pebbles in your shoe--these will cause failure in your Christian life.",Heb. 4:12;,Goldman Collection,Conducting Ourselves Honestly At All Times,10,,"Jan 22, 2001",
"Sins, Hidden,",'Sins committed in the dark are seen in Heaven like sheets of fire.'  -Chinese proverb,It is true that Jehovah sees all things.,1 Pe 3:12;,G89 7/8 21,Hold A Good Conscience In A Sinful World,107,,1994/07/10,
"Sins, Hidden, Revealed, Works, Judicial,","A GOATHERD had sought to bring back a stray goat to his flock.   He whistled and sounded his horn in vain; the straggler paid no attention to the summons.  At last the Goatherd threw a stone, and breaking its horn, begged the Goat not to tell his master.   The Goat replied, 'Why, you silly fellow, the horn will speak though I be silent.'","Moral: 'Do not attempt to hide things which cannot be hid.'  Sins have a way of coming out, sooner or later.   We must pray and work so as to not practice sins.","1 Tim 5:24, 25;",Aesop's Fables - Bobby Laymon,Hold A Good Conscience In A Sinful World,107,,1994/05/15,
Sins; Errors; Broad Road;,'The reason the way of the transgressor is hard is because its so crowded.'  Quote:  Kin Hubbard.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Sins; Errors; Mistakes;,'Never love unless you can bear with all the faults of man.' Quote:  Thomas Campion,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Sins; Errors; Mistakes;,"'None but the well-bred man knows how to confess a fault, or acknowledge himself in an error.'  Quote:  Bf.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Sins; Errors; Mistakes;,"'To error is human, to refrain from laughing, humane.'  Quote:  Lane Olinghouse.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Sins; Errors; Mistakes;,"'When you have faults, do not fear to abandon them.'  Quote:  Confucius.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Sins; Errors; Mistakes;,Error continues to be error even if its accepted by the majority.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Sins; Errors; Mistakes;,"Sin lies only in hurting other people unnecessarily. All other 'sins' are invented nonsense. (Hurting yourself is not sinful, just stupid.)",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Sins; Errors; Mistakes; Failure;,'A man who has committed a mistake and doesn't correct it is committing another mistake.'  Quote:  Confucius.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Sins; Errors; Mistakes; Failure;,'Adam ate the apple and our teeth still ache.'  Quote:  Orlando Battista.,,Romans 5:12,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Sins; Errors; Mistakes; Failure;,'An error doesn't become a mistake until you refuse to correct it.'  Quote:  Orlando Battista.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Sins; Errors; Mistakes; Failure;,'An error is a mistake when we refuse to admit it.'  Quote:  Marilyn Von Savant.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Sins; Errors; Mistakes; Failure;,'Error is always in a hurry.'  Quote:  English.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Sins; Errors; Mistakes; Failure;,'Everyone has his own devil and some have two.' Quote: Swedish,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Sins; Errors; Mistakes; Failure;,'Everything that irritates us about others can lead us to an understanding of ourselves.'  Quote:  Carl Jung.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Sins; Errors; Mistakes; Failure;,'Experience is the name everyone gives to his mistakes.'  Quote:  Salada.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Sins; Errors; Mistakes; Failure;,'From the errors of others a wise man corrects his own.' Quote: Syrus,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Sins; Errors; Mistakes; Failure;,'God defend me from myself.' Quote:  Spanish,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Sins; Errors; Mistakes; Failure;,'He is always right who suspects that he makes mistakes.' Quote:  Spanish,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Sins; Errors; Mistakes; Failure;,"'He's no failure, he's not dead yet.' Quote:  William Lloyd George",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Sins; Errors; Mistakes; Failure;,'I have never met a man who has given me as much trouble as myself.'  Quote:  D. Moody.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Sins; Errors; Mistakes; Failure;,"'I may have my faults, but being wrong ain't one of them.'  Quote:  Jimmy Hoffa.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Sins; Errors; Mistakes; Failure;,'Its hard to notice your own faults....except as you spot them in  others.'  Quote:  Frank Clark.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Sins; Errors; Mistakes; Failure;,'Its human to make mistakes and some of us are much more human than others.' Quote: A. Brilliant.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Sins; Errors; Mistakes; Failure;,"'Learn from the mistakes of others, you cannot live long enough to make them all your self.'  Quote:  Martin Vanbee.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Sins; Errors; Mistakes; Failure;,'Let your faults die before you do.'  Quote:  Seneca.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Sins; Errors; Mistakes; Failure;,'Man was created a little lower than the angels and has been getting a little lower ever since.'  Quote:  Josh Billings.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Sins; Errors; Mistakes; Failure;,'Men are apt to prefer a prosperous error to an afflicted truth.'  Quote:  Jeremy Taylor.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Sins; Errors; Mistakes; Failure;,'Mistakes are a fact of life. It is the response to the error that counts.'  Quote:  Nikki Giovanni.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Sins; Errors; Mistakes; Failure;,'Other men's sins are before out eyes; our own are behind our backs.'  Quote:  Seneca.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Sins; Errors; Mistakes; Failure;,"'sin is not hurtful because it is forbidden, but it is forbidden because it is hurtful.'  Quote:  Bf.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Sins; Errors; Mistakes; Failure;,'Sin only exists where it is recognized.'  Quote:  Michael Servin.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Sins; Errors; Mistakes; Failure;,'Sin the root of sorrow.'  Quote:  Chinese.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Sins; Errors; Mistakes; Failure;,'The greatest hero is he who can overcome himself.'  Quote:  Danish.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Sins; Errors; Mistakes; Failure;,'The reason the way of the transgressor is so hard is because it is so crowded.'  Quote:  K. Hubbard.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Sins; Errors; Mistakes; Failure;,"'To get maximum attention, its hard to beat a good big mistake.'  Quote:  Gazette.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Sins; Errors; Mistakes; Failure;,'To know ourselves diseased is half our cure.'  Quote:  A. Pope.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Sins; Errors; Mistakes; Failure;,"'When all men say you are an ass, it is time to bray.'  Quote:  Danish.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Sins; Errors; Mistakes; Failure;,"'When I make a mistake, its a beauty!'  Quote:  Fiorello La Guardia.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Sins; Errors; Mistakes; Failure;,'You can't act like a skunk without someone getting wind of it.'  Quote:  Lorene Workman.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Sins; Errors; Mistakes; Failure;,"A man may make many mistakes, but he is not a failure until he starts blaming someone else for them.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Sins; Errors; Mistakes; Failure;,Don't ever be afraid to admit you're wrong. Its like saying you're wiser today than you were yesterday.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Sins; Errors; Mistakes; Failure;,Few blame themselves until they have exhausted all other possibilities.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Sins; Errors; Mistakes; Failure;,"Forget your mistakes, but remember what they taught you.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Sins; Errors; Mistakes; Failure;,"If I had my life to live over again, I'd make the same mistakes sooner.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Sins; Errors; Mistakes; Failure;,"If  mankind profits from his mistakes, we have one glorious future ahead of us.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Sins; Errors; Mistakes; Failure;,"If you won't admit you've been wrong, you love yourself more than truth.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Sins; Errors; Mistakes; Failure;,"Justifying a fault, doubles it.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Sins; Errors; Mistakes; Failure;,"Keep yourself from the opportunity, and God will keep you from the sin.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Sins; Errors; Mistakes; Failure;,Make mistakes of yesterday your lessons for today.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Sins; Errors; Mistakes; Failure;,Most of us are willing to admit our faults...especially those we think you'll notice anyway.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Sins; Errors; Mistakes; Failure;,Sin is the root of sorrow.,,Romans 5:12,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Sins; Errors; Mistakes; Failure;,"To err is human, but when the eraser wears out before the pencil, you're carrying it a little too far.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Sins; Errors; Mistakes; Failure;,"To err is human, to blame it on the other guy is even more human.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Sins; Errors; Mistakes; Failure;,"To fall into sin is human, to remain in sin is devilish.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Sins; Errors; Mistakes; Failure; Action;,'Only he who does noting makes a mistake.'  Quote:  French.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Sins; Errors; Mistakes; Repentance;,Repentance is good but innocence is better.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Sins; Errors; Mistakes; Self-control;,"Conquer thyself. Till thou hast done this, thou art but a slave; for it is almost as well to be subjected to another's appetite as to thine own.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Sins; Errors; Mistakes; Stupidity;,"'Sin and dandelions are very much alike. To get rid of them is a lifetime fight, and you never quite win it.' Quote:  William White",,Romans 5:12,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Sins; Errors; Mistakes; Stupidity;,'There is no sin except stupidity.'  Quote:  Oscar Wilde.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Size, Nations, Jehovah's Witnesses, Growth, Improvement, Population,","Worldwide, Jehovah's Witnesses have become 'a mighty nation.'",Jehovah's Witnesses have more in number as a united global congregation than the individual population of any one of at least 80 self-governing nations of the world.,Is 60:22; Mic 4:7;,Jehovah's Witnesses - Proclaimers Of God's Kingdom.  Page 519,Make Jehovah Your Confidence,70,,,
Skepticism;,'Believe nothing and be on you guard against everything.'  Quote:  Latin.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Skepticism; Doubt;,'Great intellects are skeptical.'  Quote:  Nietzsche.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Skill,"Village Blacksmith...forged strong chain, fastened to anchor.. Chain saved lives of all in the boat, during severe storm. Use our teaching skills to save lives.",By teaching Bible help people to build life-saving chain.,Prov 22:29  Ps 119:10,"June 1, 1990 Wt Page 26 Bro Wisegarver, Vernon",Follow The Way To Life,45,,,
"Skill, Adversity, Persecution,",A professional is a person who can do his best at a time when he doesn't feel like it.  Anyone can hold the helm when the sea is calm.,How well do we do when the chips are down?,Matt. 13:21;,J.K.,Bearing Up Under Persecution,57,,1997/04/11,
"Skill, Gossip, Tongue, Preaching, Speech, Talks,",'A sharp tongue is the only edge tool that grows keener with constant use.' Quote: Washington Irving. -1820.,We can show concern for other's feelings by controlling our tongue.  We need to be careful lest we expose others faults.,Pr 15:4;,Bobby Laymon,"As Christians, We Care About Other People",15,,1995/07/18,
"Skill, Improve, Growth, Progress, Depressed, Elders,","Remember the postal worker.  He was commended for separating the mail.  Worker replied, 'I'm going to do a lot better when I learn to read!'","Elders have been doing a good job, but now we should do better since we have 'learned to read.' by attending the Kingdom Ministry school.  The school are teaching us how to read.",1 Tim 4:16,Johnse Laymon,Are You Content With Jehovah's Provisions?,22,,1994/12/18,
"Skill, Revelation, Progressive, Maturity, Time,","Would you trust your life in a serious operation to a doctor who had never practiced surgery? No, you would want one with the utmost knowledge and skill.","We too must progress in knowledge and becoming skilled in doing Jehovah's will. Life is involved, and more important, magnifying of God's Name.","2 Tim. 4:5; Phil. 1:9, 10; 1 Tim.. 4:16","Jun 15, 1964 Wt Page 368",Is It Time For God To Rule The World?,20,,,
"Skill, Talent, Variety, Adapt, Service,","Garment -- one size fits all.  Did you ever see one?  Wear one? Hospital gown, etc., not very comfortable, nor greatest in appearance.  Not too many sold.","We should be adaptable in our ministry, not trying to make one 'garment fit all,' as it were.",2 Tim. 2:15;,Bobby Laymon,Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,63,,,
"Skill, Talent, Work, Orderly,",Doing nothing is the most tiring job in the world. You can't stop to rest.,"Hard, righteous work is rewarding.",Prov. 21:25;heb. 6:11; Col. 3:23; Prov. 18:9; 22:29; 1 Th 4:11,Bobby Laymon,Follow The Way To Life,45,,,
"Skill, Talent, Work, Orderly,",Easier said than done.,"If we cannot show how to do it better, it is better not to complain.",Heb. 6:11; Col. 3:23; Prov. 18:9; 22:29; 1 Th 4:11;,Bobby Laymon,Follow The Way To Life,45,,,
"Skill, Talent, Work, Orderly,",Idle hands are the devil's workshop.,Be busy in Jehovah's work. 1 Cor. 15:28,Heb. 6:11; Col. 3:23; Prov. 18:9; 22:29; 1 Th 4:11;,Bobby Laymon,Follow The Way To Life,45,,,
"Skill, Talent, Work, Orderly,","If its worth doing, its worth doing right. We must do Jehovah's work whole-souled.",Good work is a credit to it's master.,Heb. 6:11; Col. 3:23; Prov. 18:9; 22:29; 1 Th 4:11;,Bobby Laymon,Follow The Way To Life,45,,,
"Skill, Talent, Work, Orderly,","If you want something done quickly, give it to the busiest person you know.","Busy persons get things done, because they are orderly.",Heb. 6:11; Col. 3:23; Prov. 18:9; 22:29; 1 Th 4:11;,Bobby Laymon,Follow The Way To Life,45,,,
"Skill, Talent, Work, Orderly,","It takes no longer to do it right, than it does to do it over. Applies to talks, service, and secular work and all other areas.",Haste makes waste. We must do the best we can.,Heb. 6:11; Col. 3:23; Prov. 18:9; 22:29; 1 Th 4:11;,Bobby Laymon,Follow The Way To Life,45,,,
"Skill, Talent, Work, Orderly,","Out of the ordinary things are done by 'oddballs' and leaders. Told Paul his letters were too strong, presence too weak, and his speech is contemptible.",Jehovah sees the heart. 2 Cor. 10:10,Heb. 6:11; Col. 3:23; Prov. 18:9; 22:29; 1 Th 4:11;,Bobby Laymon,Follow The Way To Life,45,,,
"Skill, Talent, Work, Orderly,","The greater the difficulty, the more glory in overcoming it. We will be rewarded for enduring difficulties.",Jesus endured a torture stake.,Heb. 12:2;heb. 6:11; Col. 3:23; Prov. 18:9; 22:29; 1 Th 4:11;,Bobby Laymon,Follow The Way To Life,45,,,
"Skill, Talent, Work, Orderly, Creation","By the work, we know the workman.",Jehovah's works praise him. Rev. 4:11;,Rom. 1:20; Heb. 6:11; Col. 3:23; Prov. 18:9; 22:29; 1 Th 4:11;,Bobby Laymon,Appreciating Marvels Of God's Creation,114,,,
"Skill, Talent, Work, Orderly, Elders, Servants,",The one who says it cannot be done should never interrupt the one who is doing it.,We should support those doing Jehovah's work.,Heb. 6:11; Col. 3:23; Prov. 18:9; 22:29; 1 Th 4:11;,Bobby Laymon,How Should You Serve God?,58,,,
"Skill, Talent, Work, Orderly, Goals,",No man can ever rise above that at which he aims.,We should have both short-range and long-range goals.,Heb. 6:11; Col. 3:23; Prov. 18:9; 22:29; 1 Th 4:11;,Bobby Laymon,Taking Time To Meditate On Spiritual Things,67,,,
"Skill, Talent, Work, Orderly, Honesty, Employment,","Remember, money is valuable because someone exchanged work for it. Must exchange hard work for our means of living.",We must not cheat our employer.,Heb. 6:11; Col. 3:23; Prov. 18:9; 22:29; 1 Th 4:11;,Bobby Laymon,Conducting Ourselves Honestly At All Times,10,,,
"Skill, Talent, Work, Orderly, Obey,",The early bird gets the worm.,We must be ready to obey Jehovah.,Heb. 6:11; Col. 3:23; Prov. 18:9; 22:29; 1 Th 4:11;,Bobby Laymon,Follow The Way To Life,45,,,
"Skill, Talent, Work, Orderly, Pioneer, Time,",Make hay while the sun shines.,"Like farmer, we must work Jehovah's work, while there is time.",Heb. 6:11; Col. 3:23; Prov. 18:9; 22:29; 1 Th 4:11;,Bobby Laymon,Is It Time For God To Rule The World?,20,,,
"Skill, Talent, Work, Orderly, Service,",Idle hands make evil deeds.,Satan uses those who are not busy in Jehovah's work.,Heb. 6:11; Col. 3:23; Prov. 18:9; 22:29; 1 Th 4:11;,Bobby Laymon,How Should You Serve God?,58,,,
"Skill, Talent, Work, Orderly, Service, Pioneer,","Well done is better than well said. Good to talk about pioneering, service, but better to do.",We must work whole-souled to Jehovah.,Heb. 6:11; Col. 3:23; Prov. 18:9; 22:29; 1 Th 4:11;,Bobby Laymon,Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,63,,,
"Skill, Talent, Work, Orderly, Youth, Lazy,",Wishbone is no substitute for backbone.,We must show industriousness down to the end.,Heb. 6:11; Col. 3:23; Prov. 18:9; 22:29; 1 Th 4:11;,Bobby Laymon,How Can Youths Cope With Today's Crisis?,113,,,
"Skill, Wisdom, Ability, Pioneer, Angels,",'I like to think of us as sickles in the hands of angelic reapers.'  Quote: Gilead Graduate,"'The sharper our skills, the more work those angels can use us to do.'",Re 14:6;,"Jun 1, 1994 Wt Page 27",Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,63,,1994/04/28,
Skill; Confidence;,'Skill and confidence are an unconquered army.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Skill; Excellence;,Hit the ball over the fence and you can take your time going around the bases.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Sky, Creation,","We have a marvelous roof over our head.  The sky!  Across the sky's broad highway parade clouds of every size and description. Fluffy clouds, billowy clouds, fleecy clouds, white pillar, wavy, rolling.  An estimated 44,000 thunderstorms each day, some 1,800 in action at any given moment.  Then 'my rainbow' Jehovah says.",Worshipers of Jehovah refer to this marvelous roof as 'the wonder- full works of the One perfect in knowledge.'  'the wonderful works of God.',"Job 37:14, 16; Ge 9:11-16;","Apr 8, 1970 Aw Page 17",Appreciating Marvels Of God's Creation,114,,,
"Slander, Gossip, Speech, Lies, Ridicule, Falsehood, Faith,","'For slander lives upon succession, Forever housed where it gets possession.'  Quote: William Shakespeare.","Ridicule, slander, bitter words, sarcasm, falsehood are all quenched by the large shield of faith.  We can enliven our own faith by helping others.","Luke 10:5, 6;",Bobby Laymon,How To Protect Ourselves From Satan's Snares,115,,1995/07/09,
Slander; Gossip;,"'A slander is like a hornet; if you can't kill it dead the first time, better not strike at it.'  Quote:  Jb.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Slander; Gossip;,"'Slander, like coal will either dirty your hand or burn it.'  Quote:  Russian.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Slave, Servant, Friends,","If someone suggested that you become a slave, how would you react? What would you say if someone admitted he was a slave and said he really enjoyed it?","The slavery recommended in God's Word is altogether different what people think of.  Consider the attitude of God's son, Jesus Christ.","Ps 40:8; Heb 10:5-7; Php 2:7, 9;","Jan 15, 1970 Wt Page 61",How Should You Serve God?,58,,,
"Slave, Servant, Friends,","The idea of a lasting friendship is a good one you may think, but the suggestion of being a slave is a bitter pill to swallow. When one thinks of slavery, one generally associates it with oppression.","The slavery recommended in God's Word is altogether different than what people think of.  Consider the attitude of God's son, Jesus Christ.","Ps 40:8; Heb 10:5-7; Php 2:7, 9;","Jan 15, 1970 Wt Page 61","Living, Not For Self, But To Do God's Will",8,,,
"Slave, Servant, Friends, Bible,",'That Bible you use is your crutch.  Your thoughts are not your own; they come from that book!'  A man accused a Christian minister.,"The minister brought to the man's attention the library of books covering some of the walls of his home.  The minister tactfully pointed out that this man's ideas were the thinking of philosophers that he was constantly quoting.  The issue today is not whether you want to be a slave or not.  No, for you are a slave regardless of what you do.","Ro 6:16, 22, 23;","Jan 15, 1970 Wt Page 62",How Should You Serve God?,58,,,
"Slave, Servant, Friends, Obedience, Obey, Relationship,","It is like a father strolling along the beach with his son.  They are playing and laughing together; climbing the sand dunes, and the son says, 'Daddy, am I your friend?'  'Yes, son, of course we are friends.'  Later the son doesn't want to go home, and father says, 'You had better obey if you know what's good for you!'  But Daddy, I thought we were friends.'  Yes, agrees the father, 'We are friends as long as you do what I say.'","So it is with friendship as Christians with God and Christ.  The marvelous relationship we have is due to obedience.  This friend ship we never want to lose.  But remember, it is slavery that provides true friends.","John 15:14; Ro 6:16, 22, 23;","Jan 15, 1970 Wt Page 62",True Friendship With God And Neighbor.,100,,,
"Slavery, Prejudice, Racial, Persecution,",'No man can put a chain about the ankle of his fellow man without at last finding the other end fastened about his own neck.' Quote: Frederick Douglass.,"When we are equally fair and understanding with all persons, we show we agree with God; we want ALL to gain salvation.","Ac 10:34, 35;",Bobby Laymon,Decide Now For Divine Rulership,37,,1995/08/05,
"Slaves, Missionary, Pioneer, Evangelizer, Service,","'Be Slaves to All Persons.'  The apostle Paul was a successful missionary.  What was his secret?  He made himself a slave to all.  Quote: Robert Pevy, formerly a missionary in the Orient.","'A Gilead graduate with that attitude will not view the missionary service as a kind of career move, a stepping-stone to more important positions in the organization.  A missionary goes to his assignment with just one motive--to serve, for that is what slaves do.'",1 Cor. 9:19-23,"Dec 1, 1997 Wt Page 21",Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,63,,1997/11/11,
"Slaves, Servants, Baptism, Dedication, Ransom, Master,","Think about people with whom you come in contact.  In one way or another, is not each one of them serving a master?  Some slave for riches.  Others diligently pursue their careers or serve themselves by making the fulfillment of their own desires paramount in life.  Still others serve false gods.","But you have chosen to serve Jehovah, the true God.  No one else shows as much kindness, compassion, and love.",Matt 6:24; 1 Ki 18:21;,Kl Page 177,"Living, Not For Self, But To Do God's Will",8,,1995/06/16,
"Sleep, Awake, Zeal, Survival, Last Days,","They sleep to survive; woodchuck, ground squirrel, bears, reptiles. Ground squirrel has normal heartbeat of 360 a minute. Drops to 3 per minute. Temperature drops from about 96.8 F. to about 37.F.","We cannot do that, we must stay awake to survive. Our survival depends on our being awake to the vital issues of our times.",1 Th 5:1-5; Luke 21:33,"Nov 22, 1962 Aw Page 17, Also Sep 22, 1963 Aw Page 32",Are You 'marked' For Survival?,34,,,
"Sleep, Rest, Relaxation, Pioneer, Schedule,","'The organism will not forget the hours of sleep that a person owes it.  On the contrary, it will always remember and will suddenly present a bill that can be translated into lapses of memory, concentration problems, and slow thinking ability.' Quote: Neurologist Rubens Reimao.","'Insomnia may seem productive to many people, but the consequences of denying the body hours of sleep will end up being rather unproductive.'",Ecclesiastes 4:6; 7:16; Mic 6:8;,"Jan 8, 1995 Aw Page 29",Coping With Life's Anxieties,32,,1994/12/06,
"Sleep, Rest, Relaxation, Refreshment, Pioneer,",Sleep may be compared to a night crew that comes in to get things repaired and cleaned up for the next day.,"Rest is essential for God's servants.  Body parts relax and get rest, counteracting the wear and tear of the day's activity.",Prov 3:21-24;,"Jun 8, 1995 Aw Page 18",Make Jehovah Your Confidence,70,,1995/05/07,
"Sleep, Sin, Transform,","As a jet airliner soars through the skies, its engines provide a powerful thrust to keep it airborne.  When it lands, it may be traveling over 100 miles an hour.  He applies the wheel brakes. It is not enough.  So the pilot reverses the thrust.  The same power that moved him forward, helps him change directions.","Likewise, sometimes it is necessary for the mind to change directions.  At bedtime, when on wrong thoughts, etc.  Sometimes reading, praying, hobbies, recreation can change our mental direction.","2ti 3:16, 17; Ps 4:8; 23:3","Jan 8, 1969 Aw Page 15",Is The Truth Transforming Your Life?,51,,,
"Sleep, Survival, Alert, Awake, Spirituality,",Many persons will declare they have not slept a wink during a period when an observer will have witnessed their snoring slumber The person who claims he has not slept a wink all night is usually mistaken.  He has fallen into a light sleep for short,"Also, a person can think he is awake spiritually, and be sleeping. periods, and has no awareness of any break in his consciousness.",1 Cor. 10:12; 1 Th 5:1-5;,"Dec 8, 1967 Aw Page 12",How To Keep Spiritually Awake!,71,,,
Sleep;,'Sleep is the twin of death.'  Quote:  Homer.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Sloth, Shepherds, Lazy,",The sloth is a slow-moving animal.  It has been observed that some sleep up to 83% of the time.,"Elders don't want to be sloth-like, but actively assisting, and protecting the flock of Jehovah.","Rom 12:11, 12; Ezek 34:11-16;","Kingdom Ministry School Dec 22, 23, 1994",,,,1994/12/25,
"Slow, Decisions, Lie, Truth, Satan, Hasty,",The man who is slowest in promising is most sure to keep his word.,Slowness is beneficial in making decisions.,Jas. 1:19; Prov. 14:29; 16:32; 1 Jo. 5:19; Rev. 12:12;,Bobby Laymon,How To Protect Ourselves From Satan's Snares,115,,,
"Slowly, Fast, Swiftly, One Hour, religion, role,","There is a saying, 'The wheels of the gods turn slowly.'","This is not true with Jehovah.  When Jehovah swings into action it will be swiftly, as in 'one hour.'",2 Pet. 2:3; 3:9; Rev. 18:10;,Bobby Laymon,Religion's Time Of Judgment,83,,"Jan 20, 2001",
"Smile, Joy, Happiness","Costs so little, yet creates much. It is priceless, but it is only valuable when someone gives it away. No one is so rich they can live without it, or so poor it won't help. It can warm the coldest heart, lighten the darkest day. If I don't have time for","A smile. a smile, I wish you would leave me one of yours. No one needs it worse than the person who doesn't have it.","Gal. 5:22, 23",Bobby Laymon,Serve Jehovah With A Joyful Heart,78,,,
"Smile, Joy, Happiness, Contentment, Facial Expressions,","Let's conduct a little science project.  Here on the front of your face is your eyebrows.  Below that is your eyes.  Next down is your nose, which has two holes, pointing down.  (Good thing, if in a rain storm) Just under that is your mouth.  With your mouth you can transmit a message without a sound.  A SMILE!",Jehovah's people should have happy facial expressions.  Because of our joyful service to Jehovah.  We should also 'cry out joyfully.',Isa 65:14; Gal 5:22; Ps 100:1-5;,Stan Landers,Serve Jehovah With A Joyful Heart,78,,1994/08/28,
Smile; Countenance;,'A man without a smiling face must not open a shop.'  Quote:  Chinese.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Smile; Countenance;,"'If you haven't seen your wife smile at a traffic cop, you haven't seen her smile her prettiest.'  Quote:  Kin Hubbard.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Smile; Countenance;,'The most powerful thing you can do to have influence over others is to smile at them.' Quote:  The Lacy Institute,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Smile; Countenance;,'Wear a smile and have friends. Wear a scowl and have wrinkles. What do we live for if not to make the world less difficult for each other?'  Quote:  George Eliot.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Smile; Countenance;,A hearty laugh and a sunny smile combine to produce the cheapest and best medicine known anywhere in the world.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Smile; Countenance;,A smile goes a long way but it usually comes back home.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Smile; Disposition;,Most smiles are started by another smile.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Smile; Happiness; Disposition;,'A smile is an inexpensive way to improve your looks.'  Quote:  Charles Gordy.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Smiles, Happiness, Joy, Attitude,","Perhaps you never stop to think  How much a Smile can do,  A smile can make a moment bright,  Or help a dream come true.  A Smile is like a priceless gift  That can be passed along,  It makes a burden lighter too,  And often right from wrong.  A Smile can say, 'I understand'  Or simply, 'I'm your friend.'  A sincere Smile can sometimes  Bring a quarrel to an end.  A Smile cannot be bought or sold,  Or lost, or thrown away.  So why not keep some Smiles on hand,  To share day after day?",Might be good on a talk or part.,,Tim Moore,Finding Honor And Joy In God's Ministry,65,,1998/02/15,
Smoking,"'Spinsterettes', added to 'coffin nails' & 'cancerettes.'  Many single men want a woman that does not smoke.","Cigarettes have forced lot of women to remain single, or spinsters.",2 Cor. 7:1,"Mar 22, 1962 Aw Page 23",Is The Truth Transforming Your Life?,51,,,
Smoking,Strangling her baby.  Woman grabs tiny throat again & again (see article),Describes what happens to unborn child.,2co 7:1;,"Jan 8, 1990 Awake! P. 25",Is The Truth Transforming Your Life?,51,,,
"Smoking,","'If Jehovah had wanted us to smoke, he would have put smokestacks on us.' Quote: Young brother Brown to his father, who started smoking.","Father quit, and is now an elder in the congregation at Nevada, Missouri.",2co 7:1;,Jim Rima,Is The Truth Transforming Your Life?,51,,,
"Smoking, Addiction, Habit, Tobacco, Alcohol, Drugs,","'THE easiest thing I ever did.' That's how Mark Twain, the famous writer, described giving up smoking. 'I ought to know,' he added, 'I've done it a thousand times.'","Yes, the real challenge is not in stopping, it's in not starting again. Millions of smokers quit-perhaps for a day, or even a week or several months-but then they start again.",2 Cor 7:1;,G81 3/8 13,Is The Truth Transforming Your Life?,51,,1995/06/13,
"Smoking, Addiction, Tobacco, Habit,","In the 1940's London was a city under siege.  German fighter planes and flying bombs rained down terror and destruction.  Tethered by long cables, thousands of large balloons floated overhead.  Their purpose was to discourage low-level air raids and hopefully snag a few flying bombs in midair.  The balloon barrage, ingenious as it was, met with minimal success.","Cigarette companies have likewise found themselves under siege.  So in an attempt to fend off their attackers, the tobacco companies have launched some defensive balloons of their own.  However, they appear to be filled with a lot of hot air.",2 Cor 7:1;,"May 22, 1995 Aw Page 8",Evidence Of God In The World Around Us,4,,1995/05/07,
"Smoking, Addiction, Tobacco, Habit, Drugs,",Smoking is a 'gateway' drug.  Quote: A 13 year-old smoker.  See article: 'Killing Millions to Make Millions.',Most people start smoking before doing drugs.,2 Cor 7:1;,"May 22, 1995 Aw Page 11",Evidence Of God In The World Around Us,4,,1995/05/07,
"Smoking, Cigarettes,","'Bullets, germs and viruses are killers,' stated New York State Commissioner of Health, Hollis S. Ingraham.","'But for Americans, cigarettes are more deadly than all of them put together. Nothing is as lethal as cigarettes. Nothing kills as slowly and painfully as a cigarette.'",2 Cor. 6:1;,"Jun 22, 1967 Aw Page 23",Is The Truth Transforming Your Life?,51,,,
"Smoking, Demons, Worship, Religion, Disfellowshipped, Drugs,",Have you ever seen anyone disfellowshipped for demonism?  I don't remember anyone.  Maybe we just didn't recognize it.,"Maybe they were disfellowshipped for smoking.   There is a close connection between smoking, drugs, and demonism.  (Explain)  Maybe we just didn't recognize it.",Gal 5:19-21,Don Mendinghall D.O.,How To Protect Ourselves From Satan's Snares,115,,1994/03/20,
"Smoking, Drugs,","'Of two evils, choose the lesser one.'  Smoking is a choice, but a bad one.","Each year smoking kills almost 400,000 Americans; that is more than 1,000 each day.  Accounting for more than 1 of 6 deaths in the United States.",2co 7:1;,"May 8, 1992 Aw Page 13",Is The Truth Transforming Your Life?,51,,,
"Smoking, Drugs, Advertising,","A new brand of cigarettes appeared on the market in a stark black box emblazoned with a white skull and crossbones. The brand's name: DEATH In a short time the manufacturer claims to have sold 25,000 packs.","Hopes to appeal to young who are too naive to fear death. Warning on the pack: 'If You Don't Smoke, Don't Start. If You Smoke, Quit.'",2 Cor. 6:1;,"Oct 8, 1991 Aw Page 29",Is The Truth Transforming Your Life?,51,,,
"Smoking, Habits, Death, Health, Drugs,","'In 14 century Europe, the Black Death killed about 25 million people or one of every four.'  'New data indicate that if people continue smoking at current rates, cigarettes will kill 10 times that many; at least 250 million or one of every five people now alive in developed countries.  Quote: American Health magazine","'At least 1/3, and probably more - of all smokers die from it.'  Quote: Dr. Richard Peto, professor of England's Oxford University  Most will have shortened their lives 23 years.",2 Co 7:1,"Nov 22, 1993 Aw Page 29",What Does The Healing Of The Nations Accomplish?,111,,1993/11/10,
"Smoking, Habits, Drugs, Advertising,","'Smokers are addicts.  Tobacco companies are pushers.  Smoking stinks.'  'Second hand smoke will kill 50,000 non-smokers this year.  Smoking stinks.'  'Buy now.  Pay later.' (under the symbol of a cigarette pack.) In Spanish a sign states.  'Me muero por fumar.'  It is a play on words that can be read two ways.  'I am dying to smoke' or I am dying because of smoking.'  The half-skull-half-face photo makes the idea clear.",Truthful advertising to try to shock the public into quitting smoking.,2 Cor 7:1;,"Jan 8, 1995 Aw Page 32",Is The Truth Transforming Your Life?,51,,1994/12/03,
"Smoking, Life, Breath,","A lighted cigarette is a veritable poison factory. Each year there are some 2.5 million tobacco-related deaths. It is felt that as many as 200 million, now under age 20 will eventually be killed by smoking.","It spews out some 4,000 different chemical compounds. Forty- three of which are cancer causing. Smoking: the single most preventable disease in our society.",Acts 17:25; 2 Cor. 7:1; Prov. 27:12;,"Aug 8, 1991 Aw Page 16, 17",Is The Truth Transforming Your Life?,51,,,
"Smoking, Life, Breath,","In China: smoking was punished by decapitation; Russia: smokers flogged, nostrils were slit; sent to Siberia; Persia: tortured, impaled and/or decapitated.  Cruel punishment indeed! Hazards of smoking. (see article)","However, in their own way, smokers are cruel to their own bodies.",Acts 17:25; 2 Cor. 7:1; Prov. 27:12;,"Aug 8, 1991 Aw Page 16, 17",Is The Truth Transforming Your Life?,51,,,
"Smoking, Life, Breath,",Would you not feel offended if you gave someone an expensive gift and he or she threw it away? Forty-three chemicals in cigarettes are cancer-causing. One thimble-full of nicotine (60 cigarettes) could kill grown man.,"Jehovah gives us 'life and breath.' Imagine how he feels when we misuse that gift, by smoking.",Acts 17:25; 2 Cor. 7:1; Prov. 27:12;,"Aug 8, 1991 Aw Page 16, 17",Is The Truth Transforming Your Life?,51,,,
"Smoking, Prayer, Timing,","One smoker prayed in the morning and at night for strength, and after weakening and taking a smoke, he would pray to Jehovah in order to tell Him that he was sorry for what he had done.","A Christian friend asked him:  'Isn't the time that you really need God's help the moment you are reaching for a smoke?'  When he man began praying at that moment, he gained the help to stop smoking!",2 Co 7:1,"Feb 1, 1981 Wt Page 11",Does God Count You Personally Important?,26,,1994/04/15,
"Smoking, Tobacco, Drugs, Addiction,",'Your car has a warranty; your TV has a warranty; your watch has a warranty.',"Your cigarette does too.'  However, as chronically ill smokers can testify, the only warranty is that 'smoking is harmful to health.'",2 Cor 7:1,"Jan 22, 1996 Aw Page 20",Is The Truth Transforming Your Life?,51,,1996/01/10,
"Smoking, Tobacco, Love, Kindness, Neighbor, Drugs, Sin,","Consider fornication as an example:  It is a practice that may seem enjoyable for a time.  And when practiced, a person's craving for sex with a variety of partners can be as strong as any urge for a cigarette.","Yet fornication is breaking God's law, and willful, unrepentant practicers of fornication will not be favored with God's gift of everlasting life.  Neither will those who continue to smoke.",Jas 2:8; Heb 13:4; Ro 6:23;,"Feb 1, 1981 Wt Page 10",Evidence Of God In The World Around Us,4,,1994/04/15,
"Smoking, Tobacco, Love, Kindness, Neighbor, Drugs, Sin,","In answer to smokers who claim the freedom to smoke in the presence of others:  'If he feels he must smoke and that by objecting I am depriving him of his freedom, then would he be willing to bear with me if I feel I must kick him in the groin and that by objecting he would deprive me of my freedom.   Your freedom to smoke ends where my lungs begin.'  Quote: Dr. Isaac Asimov","No question about it, kicking someone in the groin, spitting in his face, or throwing garbage on his property is not consistent with neighbor love.  Neither is smoking.  It is infringing on the rights of others - hurting them rather than loving them.  Yes, smoking is a sin.",Jas 2:8;,"Feb 1, 1981 Wt Page 8",Love Identifies The True Christian Congregation,72,,1994/04/15,
"Smoking, Tobacco, Love, Kindness, Neighbor, Drugs, Sin,",Would it be showing love to your neighbor willfully to throw garbage onto his property or to spit in his face?  Of course not!,"It would be a violation of the 'kingly law.'  'When someone smokes in my presence, his vice is not private.  His foul emanations find their way into my lungs and bloodstream.  His stench becomes my stench and clings to me.  And, he raises my chance of heart disease and lung cancer.'  Quote: Isaac Asimov, in an editorial in Cancer News.",Jas 2:8;,"Feb 1, 1981 Wt Page 8",Why Live By Bible Standards?,88,,1994/04/15,
"Smoking, Tobacco, Love, Kindness, Neighbor, Drugs, Sin, Suicide,","'Today there can be no doubt that smoking is truly slow-motion suicide.'  Quote: Joseph Califano, former U.S. Secretary of Health, Education and Welfare.","Even if one smokes or chews in private, he is killing himself.",2 Co 7:1,"Feb 1, 1981 Wt Page 9",Is This Life All There Is?,36,,1994/04/15,
Smoking;,'Much smoking kills live men and cures dead swine.'  Quote:  George D. Prentiss.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Smoking;,"'To cease smoking is the easiest thing I ever did, I ought to know because I've done it a thousand times.'  Quote:  Mt.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Smoking;,"'Tobacco is a filthy weed, that from the devil does proceed, it drains your purse, it burns your clothes, and makes a chimney of you nose.'  Quote:  Benjamin Waterhouse.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Smoking;,About the only beneficial thing in smoking is that it repels gnats and mosquitoes.,Which only proves you don't have to be big to be smart.,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Smoking; Statistics; Health; Funny;,It is now proved beyond doubt that smoking is one of the leading causes of statistics.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Smoldering Wick, Discourage, Encourage, Build, Depression, Mercy,",A common household lamp of the first century C.E. was a small pitcher like earthenware vessel with a loop handle.  It was usually filled with olive oil.  A wick made of flax drew the oil up to feed the flame.  A 'smoldering wick' would be one about to go out.,"Jesus did not crush a figurative bruised reed or extinguish a symbolic smoldering wick.  His loving, tender, compassionate words did not further discourage and depress suffering people.  His comments had an uplifting effect.",Matt 11:28:30; 12:20; Is 42:3;,"Nov 15, 1995 Wt Page 21, 22",Gaining Comfort In All Our Tribulations,105,,1996/01/14,
"Snare, Last Days, Armageddon,",A snare is triggered to snap in on its victim in a fraction of a second before he can escape. Animals sometimes effect an escape; chew off limb and free themselves.  (No escape from snare mentioned above),"To have that day to suddenly be upon us in an instant like a snare means to be caught beyond all chance to work ourselves loose, and means death for us.","Lk 21:34-36; Mt 24:38, 39, 48-51;","Dec 15, 1968 Wt Page 755",Ruining The Earth Brings Divine Retribution,106,,,
"Snare, Satan, Demons,","Now, a snare is not something that its victim walks into with open eyes.  It is well hidden.  Suddenly, without warning, the trap is sprung, and the unsuspecting victim is then too far into it to escape without help.","So with Satan's snare, the individual is caught unawares.  More seriously, however, he may actually be caught in the snare and still not be aware of it.  He may even unwittingly serve Satan's purposes, being deceived into thinking he is doing right.",2 Tim 2:24-26;,"May 22, 1971 Aw Page 9",How To Protect Ourselves From Satan's Snares,115,,1994/05/01,
"Snare, Trap,","Different types of snares, rabbit gum; box with trigger, box with stick holding up with string on stick, rope on ground when something steps in jerked into tree, steel traps used a lot around here, pits dug and covered brush catch tigers,","Satan has many traps, pride, sex, tobacco, fear of man, apostasy all will kill you.",1 Pet 5:8,M. Parker,,,,,
"Snare, Trap, Armageddon, End, System, World, Survival, Bird catcher, Satan,",It has long been discerned and agreed to that the symbolic 'bird catcher' is Satan the Devil.,"Away back in the issue of March 1, 1904, of the Watch Tower, the article entitled 'Under His Wings!' said regarding 'the snare of the fowler,' that this was 'the deceptions of Satan, in which all those not protected shall stumble.'",Ps 91:3;,W74 12/1 732,How To Protect Ourselves From Satan's Snares,115,,1995/01/27,
"Snare, Trap, Armageddon, End, System, World, Survival, Self-sacrificing,","A snare closes in on an unsuspecting animal when the animal walks heedlessly in the pathway of danger. So, too, this system's end will come suddenly, when most people do not expect it.","Such people could include some who have started on the 'road leading off into life,' but who have allowed themselves to become absorbed in worldly pursuits, and have strayed too far in the wrong direction.",Matt 7:14;,W78 8/1 19,How To Protect Ourselves From Satan's Snares,115,,1995/01/27,
"Snare, Trap, Armageddon, End, System, World, Survival, Self-sacrificing,","An animal about to be caught in a snare may be unaware that he is even near danger, when suddenly he is hopelessly caught.","The Bible is not warning us of a make-believe situation. It is real, and will take place exactly when and as it should. God has a time to destroy this system of things. But some get impatient and lose faith because things do not happen as they anticipate and God's action seems to delay.",Luke 21:34-36;,W74 1/15 56-7,How To Protect Ourselves From Satan's Snares,115,,1995/01/27,
"Snare, Trap, Armageddon, End, System, World, Survival, Self-sacrificing,","HUNTERS know the need to conceal their traps in order to catch animals off guard. Before the unwary victims know it, the trap snaps upon them or they are held tight by a snare. Some traps are baited, and many are the animals that have been caught because they let a tempting morsel resting between the steel jaws of a trap cause them to put aside caution.","God's adversary, Satan the Devil, has created a system motivated by selfish desire, and this system is filled with traps and snares in which a Christian can easily be fatally caught if he is not continually on the alert.",Ps 119:110;,W75 8/15 499,How To Protect Ourselves From Satan's Snares,115,,1995/01/27,
"Snare, Trap, Armageddon, World, Survival, Satan,","Usually a person or creature walks into a trap without knowing it. Generally, the trapper sets out some bait to lure the unsuspecting creature within range of the trap and to trigger the trap by nibbling at the bait.","The 'bird catcher' Satan the Devil is a great Baiter. What bait does he use to lure people into his visible worldly organization, to become victimized in it as in a trap? The bait is the selfish attractions of this world, its promising opportunities for selfishly gaining wealth, fame, position and power.",Ps 91:3;,W74 12/1 733,How To Protect Ourselves From Satan's Snares,115,,1995/01/27,
"Snares, Temptations, Local Needs, Upset, Congregation, Organization, Angry,","You have the task of doing the weekly family shopping.  For those who have a spouse who takes care of this, just stretch the imagination and pretend it's your job.  Do you have a favorite place to go to get your groceries?  Perhaps they have the greatest variety, the freshest produce, the best service, or the most comfortable atmosphere.  This is where you like to go to get the food that will sustain your family for the next week or so.  Now, you're walking down one of the aisles, minding your own business, putting things in your trolley as you go.  Suddenly, you're pushed hard from behind - another careless shopper stepped back, without looking to see who was there, ran into you, pushed you, AND stepped on your toes!  Ouch!  The pain and anger rise as you watch them walk away, leaving you to nurse your wound.  Did they even realize they'd hurt you?  If so, did they turn around and apologies profusely?  Does it even matter?  What are you going to do - get angry at the owners of the establishment?  Go away and vow never to return to do your shopping here?  Find somewhere else that isn't so nice to do your shopping, or just stop doing it at all?","Of course not! And yet, in a spiritual way, this is exactly what some of us, and our friends, may do! We need to take in spiritual food just as we need physical food, and the kingdom halls are our favorite places to go for this.  The service is second to none, the food is certainly the  freshest and most nourishing on offer anywhere in the world!  The atmosphere is always welcoming.  But sometimes, we get our toes stepped on by others.  They may do or say something that upsets us.  Do they even realize the pain they've caused?  If they do, do they show regret and try to make amends?  Does it even matter?  What are we going to do - get angry at Jehovah and the rest of the brothers for what's happened?  Go away determined not to return for our spiritual feeding?  All because some brother or sister, who happens to be as imperfect as we are, unknowingly hurt us in some way!  May that never be the case!  May we be more determined to approach Jehovah, the Giver of Comfort, and draw closer to our friends who can help us, in particular the one who may have injured us in the first place.  We should never be like those who choose to look around for a 'better' congregation, or avoid the meetings altogether, because of  something someone else did or said, that they didn't like.  Romans 8:38, 39 - 'For I am convinced that neither death nor life nor angels nor governments nor things now here nor things to come nor powers nor height nor depth [nor toes stepped on nor words carelessly uttered] nor any other creation will be able to separate us from God's love that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.'","Rom. 8:38, 39",Patti Gillison,Service Talk,200,,1999/06/20,
"Solitude, Prayer, Peace, Happiness,","A life without solitude is like a family that parties morning, noon and night, seven days a week. Solitude allows a person to catch up, see where he's been, and know where he is going. Necessary reflection.","Company is good, but there is a time to 'shut the door.' Allows us to count our blessings, Pray to Jehovah. Much more than frenzied world with telephones, sleeping pills etc.",Ecclesiastes. 3:1-5;,"Oct 22, 1964 Aw Page 3, 4",Prayers That Are Heard By God.,86,,,
Solitude;,"'I have a great deal of company in the house, especially in the morning when nobody calls.'  Quote:  Hdt.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Solitude;,"'I would rather sit on a pumpkin, and have it all to myself, than be crowded on a velvet cushion.'  Quote:  Hdt.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Solutions,","God gave burdens, also shoulders. -- Yiddish Proverb",Jehovah does not place unbearable burdens on his children.,1 Cor 10:13;,Bobby Laymon,Bearing Up Under Persecution,57,,"Nov 19, 2001",
"Son, Ransom, Jesus, Christ, Appreciation","A wealthy man and his son loved to collect rare works of art. They had everything in their collection, from Picasso to Raphael. They would often sit together and admire the great works of art.  When the Viet Nam conflict broke out, the son went to war.  He was very courageous and died in battle while rescuing another soldier. The father was notified and grieved deeply for his only son.  About a month later, just before Christmas, there was a knock at the door.  A young man stood at the door with a large package in his hands. He said, 'Sir, you don't know me, but I am the soldier for whom your son gave his life.  He saved many lives that day, and he was carrying me to safety when a bullet struck him in the heart and he died instantly. He often talked about you, and your love for art.  The young man held out his package. 'I know this isn't much.  I'm not really a great artist, but I think your son would have wanted you to have this.'  The father opened the package. It was a portrait of his son, painted by the young man. He stared in awe at the way the soldier had captured the personality of his son in the painting. The father was so drawn to the eyes that his own eyes welled up with tears. He thanked the young man and offered to pay him for the picture. 'Oh, no sir, I could never repay what your son did for me. It's a gift.' The father hung the portrait over his mantle. Every time visitors came to his home he took them to see the portrait of his son before he showed them any of the other great works he had collected.   The man died a few months later. There was to be a great auction of his paintings. Many influential people gathered, excited over seeing the great paintings and having an opportunity to purchase one for their collection.  On the platform sat the painting of the son. The auctioneer pounded his gavel.  'We will start the bidding with this picture of the son. Who will  bid for this picture?'  There was silence. Then a voice in the back of the room shouted. 'We want to see the famous paintings. Skip this one.'  But the auctioneer persisted. 'Will someone bid for this painting? Who will start the bidding? $100, $200?'  Another voice shouted angrily. 'We didn't come to see this painting. We came to see the Van Gogh's, the Rembrandts. Get on with  the real bids!'  But still the auctioneer continued. 'The son! The son! Who'll take the son?'  Finally, a voice came from the very back of the room. It was the long-time gardener of the man and his son. 'I'll give $10 for the painting.'   Being a poor man, it was all he could afford.  'We have $10, who will bid $20?'  'Give it to him for $10. Let's see the masters.'  '$10 is the bid, won't someone bid $20?'  The crowd was becoming angry. They didn't want the picture of the son.  They wanted the more worthy investments for their collections.  The auctioneer pounded the gavel. 'Going once, twice, SOLD for $10!'    A man sitting on the second row shouted. 'Now let's get on with the collection!'  The auctioneer laid down his gavel. 'I'm sorry, the auction is over.'  'What about the paintings?' 'I am sorry. When I was called to conduct this auction, I was told of a secret stipulation in the will. I was not allowed to reveal that stipulation until this time.  Only the painting of the son would be auctioned.  Whoever bought that painting would inherit the entire estate, including the paintings.  The man who took the son gets every thing!'","God gave his son 2,000 years ago to die on a cruel torture stake.  Much like the auctioneer, His message today is, 'The son, the son, who'll take the son?' Because you see, whoever takes the Son gets everything.",John 3:16;,Bobby Laymon,Observing The Memorial Of Christ's Death,998,,1999/02/05,
"Song, Sing,","Everything stops during prayer; why not during songs. Beat up, bloody, put in darkest part of dungeon, feet in stocks, sitting on nasty floor. Tough  situation. What were they doing? complaining? Singing the blues? 'Praying & praising God with song.","Don't view songs as an intermission, but part of our worship. So loud in middle of night they woke up prisoners. They didn't have song books with them. Do you know songs by heart?",Acts 16:22-25,Phil Kirkton Notes; Talk By Bro Bentley.,"Living, Not For Self, But To Do God's Will",8,,,
"Song, Singing, Praise, Appreciation,",Did you ever listen to just a bass fiddle?  It doesn't sound too good just by itself.  How about a drum.  It can be pretty annoying.  But put them with the rest of the band and it adds greatly to the musical harmony.,"This is how it is when we sing praises to Jehovah.  We may not be able to sing well by ourselves.  But when the voices blend together, think how it sounds to Jehovah.",Eph 5:19;,Al Larue,Appreciating Marvels Of God's Creation,114,,1994/07/21,
"Songs, Music, Advertisement, World, Satan, Devil,","'The Devil hath not, in all his quiver's choice, An arrow for the heart like a sweet voice.' Quote: George Noel Gordon. -1824.","The world under Satan's control, use every form of advertisement and entertainment to trap people.  These include vulgar jokes, suggestive music and dancing, and profanity.  Why let world dictate to us what is enjoyable, desirable, or praiseworthy?",Jas 4:1-4;,Bobby Laymon,A Cleansed Earth--will You Live To See It?,49,,1995/07/18,
"Songs, Singing, Praise, Music,","WHEN our first father, Adam, became conscious as a living soul, a veritable concert poured into his ears. There, in that beautiful garden of Eden, was a resident orchestra of colorful birds whose tuneful warbling and cheerful chirpings filled the air. What music Jehovah God had composed for man's listening pleasure!   By means of these melodious chirpings territorial claims were announced and mates were attracted.",Even more wonderful is the fact that Jehovah God in his infinite wisdom and prudent economy also designed this practical function to bring joy to humans.,"Genesis 1:21, 23;",W84 3/15 20,Jehovah--the Grand Creator,101,,1995/02/04,
"Songs, Singing, Youth, Parents,","A song can cheer the heavy heart,  Can bring Jehovah praise;  A song can lighten daily loads,  And help us walk God's ways","Yes, songs have power.  Parents have the obligation to pay attention to the type of power youths are getting from the music they hear.","Php 4:8; 1ti 4:16; Mt 15:19; Jas 1:14, 15;","Jul 1, 1971 Wt Page 403",Jehovah--the Grand Creator,101,,1993/11/16,
"Sorrow, Regrets, Disappointments, Past, Encouragement, Progress, Advance,","'For of all sad words of tongue or pen, The saddest are these: 'It might have been!' Quote: John Greenleaf Whittier. -1856.","Jehovah has given us guidelines for successful living that will keep us in the bounds of his favor and headed in the right direction while giving us a full life with no regrets.  Those who serve Jehovah, never have to quote those words above regarding their course in life.",Pr 4:10-13;,Bobby Laymon,Follow The Way To Life,45,,1995/08/01,
Soul,Blue is not green; neither is yellow green; yet one could not have green without both blue and yellow.,'Dust' plus the 'breath of life' makes up 'living soul',Genesis. 2:7,"Dec 22, 1960 Aw Page 27","Come, You Who Thirst For The Truth!",89,,,
Soul,"Body as skeleton, houses the soul.",Christendom's view of soul.,Genesis 2:7  Ezek 18:4,Joe Larue,"Come, You Who Thirst For The Truth!",89,,,
Soul,"Soul of fat man thought to be fat; thin man; thin soul. Others think of it as a little bird. Little invisible man about size of thumb that corresponds in shape, proportion and complexion with man. Man is a living soul.",View of Soul,Eccl. 12:7  Genesis. 2:7,"Mar 15, 1960 Wt Page 182","Come, You Who Thirst For The Truth!",89,,,
Soul,There is a lot of difference in being 'given' a pig & 'becoming' a pig.,Man 'became' a living soul,Genesis. 2:7,Isabel Fulmer,"Come, You Who Thirst For The Truth!",89,,,
"Soul, Being, Adam, Life,","Although there is life in the baby when born, it sometimes does not begin to breathe right after birth.  The doctor finds it necessary to spank the child to make it start breathing.","So too, the life in Adam's cells had to be sustained by the breathing process in order for Adam to carry on as a living person.",Genesis. 2:7;,The Truth That Leads To Eternal Life. Page 38,"Come, You Who Thirst For The Truth!",89,,,
"Soul, Body, Spirit, Creation,","This outcome may be likened to the magazine you are now reading. Paper, inks, and glue make up this journal. But separately these items are uninteresting. Only if they are combined will you have a magazine.","So the physical body, the breath, and the life-force are of little value without one another. But combined, they make up a living soul. Thus, Adam 'came to be' a living soul.",Ge 2:7;,G87 3/8 27,Appreciating Marvels Of God's Creation,114,,1994/05/07,
"Soul, Christendom,",Being something is quite different from having something. No one will contest the fact that being a dog is different from having a dog!,"Likewise, being a soul is not the same as having a soul.",Ge 2:7; 1 Co 15:45;,W86 8/1 5,"Come, You Who Thirst For The Truth!",89,,1994/05/13,
"Soul, Dead, Funeral, Comfort,",The dead who are sleeping in the grave are as safe as a baby in its mother's womb.,"The glorious day of the resurrection will come, as all of Jehovah's promises must be fulfilled.  Those asleep are soon to be 'born,' brought back to life on a paradise earth!","Isa 55:10, 11; Job 14:14, 15;","Aug 1, 1996 Wt Page 8",What Happens When We Die?,127,,1996/07/16,
"Soul, Death,","It is like water made of two gases, hydrogen and oxygen. By combining these two gases in correct proportions, water is formed. Extract one of the gases from the compound, and the water ceases to exist.","In like manner, a soul is made up of two components.  Dust and breath of life.  Take away either and the soul no longer exists.",Genesis. 2:7,Vi 12,What Happens When We Die?,127,,"Oct 30, 2001",
"Soul, Death,","This outcome may be likened to the magazine you are now reading. Paper, inks, and glue make up this journal. But separately these items are uninteresting. Only if they are combined will you have a magazine.","So the physical body, the breath, and the life-force are of little value without one another. But combined, they make up a living soul. Thus, Adam 'came to be' a living soul.",Genesis. 2:7,G87 3/8 27,What Happens When We Die?,127,,"Oct 30, 2001",
"Soul, Death, Funeral,","What happens to the soul when we die ?  Let's illustrate this with a sandwich. You have two things: two slices of bread and one slice of cheese. If you join the two things, the bread on the outside and the cheese in the middle, it becomes a sandwich.    Now, what if you do the inverse: separate the bread to one side and the cheese to other side? What happens to the sandwich? Where does it go? It disappears! This is so because the sandwich only existed while the bread and the cheese were together. Now, being separated, the sandwich is no more.","When God created the man, what happened? He took two things: the dust from the ground and the breath of life. He joined the two things, the dust and the breath, and 'man became a living soul.'    Now, at death, the inverse happens: the dust goes back to the ground and the breath (or spirit) goes back to God. (Psalms 146:4) What happens to the soul? Where does it go? It disappears! This is so because the soul only existed while the dust and the breath were together. Now, being separated, the soul is no more.",Genesis 2:7; Ps 146:4;,Bobby Laymon - From Internet,What Happens When We Die?,127,,1997/11/25,
"Soul, Death, Life,",A man may say that his dog 'lost its life' when it was hit by a truck.  Does this mean that this animal's life left its body and continued existing?  No!  It is merely a figure of speech.,The same is true when we speak of a man as 'losing his life.' We do not mean his life exists independently of the body.,Ge 35:18; 1ki 17:21; Acts 20:10; Job 33:22;,Is This Life All There Is?  Page 43,Is This Life All There Is?,36,,,
"Soul, Einstein, Science, Hell,",'I cannot believe that God plays dice with the cosmos.'  'I cannot accept any concept of God based on the fear of life or fear of death.'  He 'could not accept the doctrine of 'immortality of the soul.' Quote: Albert Einstein.,"From all reports, Einstein was of gentle disposition, and it is understandable that he could not believe in the God of theology. A God that eternally tortures souls in a fiery hell. The Bible agrees with Einstein.",Eze 18:4; Is 53:12;,"Aug 1, 1955 Wt Page 451",Does Your Hope Rest On Science Or The Bible?,80,,,
"Soul, Immortal, Mortal, Christendom,","Do you believe as the poet Longfellow wrote: 'And in the wreck of noble lives, something immortal still survives'?  Or as Shakespeare wrote: 'and her immortal part with angels lives'?","What they wrote is only their person opinion.  What the Bible says is what counts. Your soul is you, and the hope for the dead is a resurrection.",Eze. 18:4; Leviticus. 23:30; Lk 6:9; Ge. 2:7; Mt. 15:9; Ps. 146:4;,"Jan 1, 1968 Wt Page 5, 6;",Religion's Role In World Affairs.,92,,,
"Soul, Immortality, Doctrines, Christendom,",'One of the proofs of the immortality of the soul is that myriads have believed it--they also believed the world was flat.'  Quote: Mark Twain.,"No matter how many believe a lie, it will not make it the truth.",Rom. 3:4;,Bobby Laymon,"Come, You Who Thirst For The Truth!",89,,1995/06/13,
"Soul, Life,","Just as a man who becomes a doctor, is a doctor. By putting together the breath of life and dust from the ground the man 'became' a living soul.",'the man came to be a living soul.',Genesis. 2:7; 1 Cor. 15:45;,You Can Live Forever In Paradise On Earth. Page 72,"Come, You Who Thirst For The Truth!",89,,,
"Soul, Life,",You put together the body and the engine of an automobile and you have a car.  It becomes a car.,Jehovah united the dust from the ground and the breath of life and it became a soul.,Genesis. 2:7; 1 Cor. 15:45;,You Can Live Forever In Paradise On Earth. Page 72,"Come, You Who Thirst For The Truth!",89,,,
Soul;,'One of the proof of the immortality of the soul is that myriads have believed it--they also believed the world was flat.'  Quote:  Mt.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Sound; Contentment;,"Sound health is the greatest of gifts; contentedness, the greatest of riches; trust, the greatest of qualities; enlightenment, the greatest  happiness.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Sovereign, Almighty, Jehovah, Grand, Creator",Have you ever seen Superman on television?  (Of course this is Hollywood) He is how much above the average man?,"The word Sovereignty means 'super' 'above.'  Jehovah is as much higher than the average gods as Superman is above the average man.  He is super above them.  New Heritage Dictionary: [Middle English sovereign, from Old French, from Vulgar Latin *superanus, from Latin super, above. See uper.]",Heb. 11:6; Rev. 11:15;,"Gary Wells, D. O.",Jehovah--the Grand Creator,101,,"Apr 25, 2002",
"Sovereignty, Jehovah, Battle, Confidence, Victory,",Goliath strode forth in defiance of the God of Israel.,"Similarly, in this 20th century the totalitarian political system of government has come to the fore, challenging Jehovah's sovereignty and trying to bully his servants into worshipful submission to the State.",1 Sam 17:10; Rev 16:14-16;,W89 1/1 19,Stand Still And See The Salvation Of Jehovah,41,,1994/06/04,
"Sovereignty, Rulership, Kingdom, Challenge, Loyalty, Integrity,","THE battle lines were drawn very early in human history. Rebellion broke out in the spirit realm as well as in the human realm, and the rightness of the Creator's sovereignty was challenged!","This produced a moral issue that involved the question, Will those yet loyal to Jehovah God uphold his rulership by keeping their integrity to him?  Satan the Devil has falsely claimed that Jehovah's worshipers serve Him only for selfish advantage and not out of love.",Ge 3:1-15; Luke 22:31;ex 9:16;,W86 1/15 26,Do You Recognize Jehovah's Sovereignty In Your Personal Life?,75,,1994/09/13,
"Sow, Activity, Reap, Habit, Character, Transforming, Destiny, Pioneer,","'Sow a thought, and you reap an act; Sow an act, and you reap a habit; Sow a habit, and you reap a character; Sow a character, and you reap a destiny.' Quote: Anonymous.","This is so true of human life.  We need to guard our thinking, habits, character and personality.","Galatians 6:7,8;",Bobby Laymon,You Will Reap What You Sow,59,,1995/08/16,
"Sow, Reap,","First came W. Wilkinson, who stressed that you reap what you S-O-W.","By means of the Spirit, the Organization and the Word.",Gal 6:7;,W65 1/15 51,You Will Reap What You Sow,59,,1996/06/11,
"Sow, Reap,","Springtime is delightful. It marks end of cold, snowy winter and time for planting, planting what? Rice? corn? Well it is all according to what you want to reap.",This is true spiritually speaking. We will reap what we sow.,"Gal6:7,8","Apr 8, 1991 Wt Pg 3  Johnse Laymon",You Will Reap What You Sow,59,,,
"Sow, Reap, Association",A young child may say he can listen to bad language not harm him it goes in one ear and out the other.,"Information that goes in one ear and out the other goes through the brain and unclean thoughts can take root and grow like seed planted.  What you sow, you will reap.","Gal 6:7,8","Sep 1, 1968 Wt Page 523 Johnse Laymon",You Will Reap What You Sow,59,,,
"Sow, Reap, Association",Man planted large field of cantaloupes. When went to sell found no market for them.  He should have looked down the road to see if there would be a market before he planted them. Perhaps another crop would have been better.,We need to look down the road & see where our planting will lead Robert frost 'The Road Not Taken'.,"Gal 6:7.8 Genesis1:24,25",Johnse Laymon,You Will Reap What You Sow,59,,,
"Sow, Reap, Association",May sow oats in the field. After sowing new blades come up. May wish you had sown wheat. All wishing in worlds will not change.,Need look down road before begin planting Robert frost wrote poem 'The road not taken'.  We need look down each road as far as we can to see where will lead before we take it.,"Gal 6:7,8, Ge 1:24,25",Johnse Laymon,You Will Reap What You Sow,59,,,
"Sow, Reap, Marriage",Happiness is what young married couples would like to reap. means careful planting.,"What if bought lots of furniture on credit might start marriage off with many material possessions, but extreme high payments & spend all your time working.  May reap unhappiness.","Gal6:7,8","Apr 8, 1991 Wt Pg 3  Johnse Laymon",You Will Reap What You Sow,59,,,
"Sow, Reap, Resentment, Advance,",View brothers life according to flesh cause jealousy if passed over regarding advancement.,Sow with regard to spirit and it's fruitage.,"Gal 6:7,8",J. Laymon,You Will Reap What You Sow,59,,,
"Sow, Reap, Service, Ministry","One can become a slave to figures, and goals, they may draw to him as a person. This is sowing to the flesh to get praise fleshly persons.",Sowing to the spirit gets Jehovah's attention. Working to please him.,"Gal 6:7,8 Luke 21:1-4",J. Laymon,You Will Reap What You Sow,59,,,
Sow. Reap,"'Some people  spend six days sowing wilds oats, and then go to church to pray for a crop failure'","We can be sure whether good or bad, we will reap what we sow.","Gal 6:7,8",J. Laymon,You Will Reap What You Sow,59,,,
Space,Like field growing only one ear of corn. Finding life on other planets is 'age-old dream',Earth is privileged part of Jehovah's creation,Isa 40:22-26,"Apr 8, 1990 Awake  Page 4",Are You 'marked' For Survival?,34,,,
"Space, Armageddon, War Of The Worlds,","On the night of Oct. 30, 1938, there was panic in widely scattered parts of the U.S. Persons rushed from their home, only partially clothed; other leaped into cars and raced wildly through the streets. (panic caused by Orson Welles radio dramatization)",Excitement about life on other planets; or widespread war.,"Ps. 36:9; Job 38:4, 7; Dan. 9:22-25; Neh. 2:1-8; Matt. 3:13-17;","Nov 1, 1967 Wt Page 645",'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
"Space, Creation, Solar, Science, Wisdom, Universe,","If you could drive through space at 65 miles an hour it would take 163 years to reach the sun.  The next-nearest star, is of the Alpha Centauri System and more than 4 light years away.  It would take 52 million years driving at 55 mph to reach it.",The expanse is telling of the work of Jehovah's hands and of his great wisdom.,"Ps 19:1, 2;",Bobby Laymon,Does Your Hope Rest On Science Or The Bible?,80,,,
"Space, Earth, Paradise,","Speaking of the first pictures sent back by the 'Hubble' space telescope, and their view of the earth, the astronauts said, 'There were no boundaries.  We felt like we were citizens, not of a country, but of the planet.'",That is the way Jehovah intended the earth to be.  He made it for man to live forever in peace.,Ps 37:29; 115:16,Bobby Laymon,Ruining The Earth Brings Divine Retribution,106,,1994/01/05,
"Space, Life, Planets, Creator, Science,","Like children at the edge of the sea, they cannot imagine the marvels that exist beyond the reach of their limited knowledge. Thus, scientist are looking too low.  A  much higher form of life does exist, and has already contacted man.","Intelligent life, much older and wiser than man, has something important to tell us.","Jas. 3:17; Rev. 1:1; 14:19; 21:1-4; 22:6, 7;","Sep 8, 1964 Aw Page 5-8",Does Your Hope Rest On Science Or The Bible?,80,,,
"Space, Science, Universe, Creation,",'The universe is the language of God.' Quote: Lorenz Oaken.,"Jehovah speaks to us through his creations.  For example, orderliness and intelligence are manifest in design of the universe.",Rom 1:20;,Bobby Laymon,Evidence Of God In The World Around Us,4,,1995/07/18,
"Space, Universe, Creation, Distance, Angels,","'I don't pretend to understand the Universe -- It's a great deal bigger than I am.'  (Thomas Carlyle, 1795-1881) The most distant stars now detected are over TEN BILLION light years away.  NOTE: Angels would have to be older.","One hundred years later, we understand much more, but we still don't know.",Ge 1:1; Is 40:22;,"Mar 22, 1992 Aw Page 9",Appreciating Marvels Of God's Creation,114,,,
"Space, Universe, Creation, Distance, Angels,","'The solution of Rubik's cube, requires an intelligence.' (Quote: Physicist Fred Hoyle)","Likewise, the origin of the universe.",Ge 1:1; Is 40:22;,"Mar 22, 1992 Aw Page 10",Appreciating Marvels Of God's Creation,114,,,
"Space, Universe, Creation, Distance, Angels,","'This most beautiful system of the sun, planets, and comets could only proceed from the counsel and dominion of an intelligent and powerful being.'  (Isaac Newton)",Regarding the order and harmony of the universe.,Ge 1:1; Is 40:22;,"Mar 22, 1992 Aw Page 10",Appreciating Marvels Of God's Creation,114,,,
"Space, Universe, Creation, Distance, Angels,","What is a whisper, compared to a mighty clap of thunder?","The more men know about the universe, the scantier our knowledge appears, and the smaller our own place in it becomes. It is a sobering lesson, expressed by Job.",Job 26:14;,"Mar 22, 1992 Aw Page 11",Appreciating Marvels Of God's Creation,114,,,
"Space, Universe, Creation, Distance, Angels, Newton,","'I seem to have been only like a boy playing on the seashore, and diverting myself in now and then finding a smoother pebble or a prettier shell than ordinary, while the great ocean of truth lay all undiscovered before me.' Quote: Sir Isaac Newton.","The more men know about the universe, the scantier our knowledge appears, and the smaller our own place in it becomes.",Job 26:14;,"Mar 22, 1992 Aw Page 11",Jehovah--the Grand Creator,101,,,
"Space, Universe, Milky Way, Creation,","Its shape has been likened to two fried eggs placed back to back but, of course, on a far grander scale.  The misty tapestry we call the Milky Way is really an edge view of our own galaxy. If we could see  it from afar, it would look much like a giant pinwheel.","Traveling at the speed of light, it would take 100,000 years to cross our galaxy. The sun, situated toward the outer edge of the galaxy,  takes 200 million years to complete its orbit around the galactic center.",Ge 1:1;,G92 3/22 7,Appreciating Marvels Of God's Creation,114,,1994/05/07,
"Space, Universe, Science, Creation, Stars, Vastness,","'Put three grains of sand inside a vast cathedral, and the cathedral will be more closely packed with sand than space is with stars.'  Quote: Sir James Jeans.",We are part of a vast universe consisting of thousands of millions of galaxies.  Each galaxy may contain thousands of millions of stars.,Isa 40:26;,Bobby Laymon,Life Does Have A Purpose,23,,1995/06/27,
"Spanish Flu, Killer, Disease, Pestilence, Last Days, End,","Imagine a killer so deadly, it killed more people in a few months of a single year, than died in WWI.  Had it continued its mathematical rate of acceleration, civilization would easily have disappeared from the earth within a matter of a few more weeks.  [See article for startling details.]",The flu of 1918 and 1919 was the greatest influenza epidemic to hit the earth in recorded history.  The greatest killer of all time.  This fact is a strong indication that this system is very near its complete end.,"Mt 24:3, 8;","Mar 8, 1971 Aw Page 3-6",Will You Be A Survivor Of The 'last Days'?,2,,1994/01/08,
"Speaker, Speech, School, Talk, Preparation,",'Only the prepared speaker deserves to be confident.'   Quote: Andrew Carnegie.,We should be well prepared in giving Bible talks.,1 Tim 4:13;,G93 4/22 16,Keep Growing In Your Relationship With God,16,,1995/06/06,
"Speaking, Ability, Understanding, Heart, Know,","An old man and a young man were on the same platform before a vast audience of people.  A Special Program was being presented. As a part of the program each was to repeat from memory the words of the 23rd Psalm. The young man, trained in the best of speech technique and drama, gave in the language of the ancient silver-tongued orator the words of the Psalm. 'The Lord is my shepherd.....' When he had finished, the audience clapped their hands and cheered, asking him for an encore so that they might hear again his wonderful voice.  Then the old gentleman, leaning heavily on his cane, stepped to the front of the same platform, and in feeble, shaking voice repeated the same words - 'The Lord is my shepherd......'  But when he was seated no sound came from the listeners. Folks seemed to pray.  In the silence the young man stood to make the following statement: 'Friends,' he said, 'I wish to make an explanation. You asked me to come back and repeat the Psalm, but you remained silent when my friend here was seated. The difference? I shall tell you. I know the Psalm, but he knows the Shepherd!'","We may have ability, and knowledge of speech, and words, but if we fail to know Jehovah, then it won't mean much.  It doesn't come from the heart.  We must know the shepherd.","1 Cor 13:1,2; Ps 23:1-6;",Tim Moore,How Well Do You Know God?,1,,1997/06/23,
"Speaking, Preparation, Impromptu, Informal,","A musician meditating on a theme, hears the notes in his head before writing them down on paper.","In the same way, we must hear the 'notes' in our mind about what we want to say, and how we want to express it.",1 Tim. 4:13-15;,"Oct 8, 1991 Aw Page 16","As Christians, We Care About Other People",15,,,
"Speaking, Public, School, Talks,","A fine talk might be likened to a fine meal. 1. A fine meal should be nourishing, full of vitamins, nutrients.  2. It should be easily digested.  3. It should be tasty; give pleasure.","The same should be applied to a fine talk.  1. It should be nourishing, full of facts; 2. Should be easily digested, or understood, easy to follow.  3. It should be tasty, give pleasure to the hearers.",1t 4:13;,"Sep 22, 1968 Aw Page 24",,,,,
"Speculation, Danger, Safety, Speed, Associations, Warnings, Meditation,",'In skating over thin ice our safety is in our speed.' Quote: Ralph Waldo Emerson. -1841.,"Speculation is like 'thin ice.' For meditation to be beneficial and faith-strengthening, one must avoid speculation.  Speculation results in conclusions unsupported by factual evidence.  There is danger in such speculation and we should swiftly remove ourselves from dangerous thinking.",Col 2:8;,Bobby Laymon,Taking Time To Meditate On Spiritual Things,67,,1995/08/01,
Speech,"Donkey in Lion's suit Donkey found lion's suit, went scaring all the small animals Started to roar like lion, brayed like a jackass",Our speech will give us away.,Jas. 2:5,Aesop's Fables,A Clean People Honors Jehovah,14,,,
Speech,"Flame of match, easily put out by puff, can turn forest, inferno. Can transfer peaceful crowd into destructive, unreasonable mob. Forest fire leaves blackened scar that requires many years cover. Even new trees do not remove blackened, twisted stumps.","Tongue: change happy marriages into cold ruins, ruin good reputation Bad feelings left by damaged reputation remain as bleak tokens of harsh words.","Jas. 3:5, 6;","Jan 8, 1960 Aw Page 3",A Clean People Honors Jehovah,14,,,
Speech,"Muzzle, on dog, or animal (describe).",Takes real determination when others telling dirty jokes etc.,"Ps 39:1  Jam 1: 14, 15  Ps 11:7; Prov 27:11","Nov 1, 1989 Wt Page 14",A Clean People Honors Jehovah,14,,,
Speech,"Pleasant like honeycomb Those who build others up through speech are remembered by Jehovah for salvation. Mal. 3:16, 17 It was Jesus' conversation that always built up those around him.",The tongue can cause pain or healing.,Prov. 16:24,"Jun 1, 1960 Wt Page 339-340",A Clean People Honors Jehovah,14,,,
Speech,"Quote (see below) 'A wise old owl lived in an oak, the more he saw the less he spoke the less he spoke, the more he heard: Why can't we all, be like that bird?'",Wisdom thinks before speaking,Prov. 25:15,Magazine Article - Bobby Laymon,A Clean People Honors Jehovah,14,,,
Speech,"Quote (see below) I'm careful of the words I say, to keep them soft and sweet. I never know from day to day, which ones I'll have to eat.",Season words with salt.,Col. 4:6,Magazine Article - Bobby Laymon,A Clean People Honors Jehovah,14,,,
Speech,Spring that bubbles forth sweet water on a summer day. Does not fly into rage and speak without thinking. Speak with dignity.,Desire should be to fill our hearts to speak well.,1 Sam. 16:7; Rev. 2:23; Matt. 23:1-17; Gal. 5:16-26,"Jun 1, 1960 Wt Page 335",A Clean People Honors Jehovah,14,,,
Speech,Stabs of a sword,The tongue can cause pain or healing.,Prov. 12:18,"Jun 1, 1960 Wt Page 339",A Clean People Honors Jehovah,14,,,
Speech,"Substitutes: sugar, saccharin, also bad (causes cancer) gosh, gosh, gee, darn, dog gone",Speech substitutes should be avoided,Matt 5:34-37,Assy Talk,A Clean People Honors Jehovah,14,,,
"Speech,","'Speech is the magic thread that binds friends, families, and societies together...we make sounds that inspire love, envy, respect--indeed any human emotion.' (Hearing, Taste and Smell)",Our tongue is much more than an organ for swallowing or tasting. It is part of our ability to share what we are thinking and feeling.,"Jas. 3:5, 9, 10; Eph 4:29;","Aug 15, 1992 Wt Page 10",A Clean People Honors Jehovah,14,,,
"Speech,",Endless gushing of water from a large pipe.,Like words pouring out of mouth of talkative person.,Eccl. 10:14,"Nov 1, 1962 Wt Page 643",A Clean People Honors Jehovah,14,,,
"Speech,",Have you ever played the game; 'Who can be quiet the longest'? Speech is one of the 'perfect presents' from Jehovah God.,Quickly appreciate the value of speech.,Jas 1:17; Ge 1:27-30; 2:16-20; Eccl 12:9-11;,Bobby Laymon,A Clean People Honors Jehovah,14,,,
"Speech, Chairman,",A chairman is a host.,"He should consider himself such, being on the alert that the proper courtesies are extended.",Ro 6:23;,Qm Page 88,A Clean People Honors Jehovah,14,,,
"Speech, Conversation, Theme, School,","In a song, the melody does not always appear in the same form. Sometimes only a phrase or two of the melody occurs, occasionally a variation on the theme used, but, in one way or another, the composer skillfully weaves his melody in and out of the composition until it permeates the whole.",So it should be with the theme of a talk.  The key words or theme idea repeated is like the recurring melody of a composition. Synonyms of these words or central theme idea gives variation.,Col 3:23,School Guidebook Page 135,,,,,
"Speech, Conversation, Upbuild, School,","William Gillette, the actor, related:  As a young man he lived in a boardinghouse with many people, and was studying stenography. He would take down complete conversations, and 'Years later, I went over my notebooks, and found that in four months of incessant conversation no one had said anything that made any difference.'","We, as Christians, have a responsibility to try to reward our hosts by conversation that is enlightening and upbuilding.",Col 4:6,G73 11/22 15,A Clean People Honors Jehovah,14,,,
"Speech, Conversation, Upbuilding, School,","'Good talk is like good scenery -- continuous, yet constantly varying, and full of the charm of novelty and surprise.' Quote: author Randolph S. Bourne","Indeed, people find great delight in good scenery.  Similarly, those who develop the art of conversation derive great pleasure and benefit from it.  Good talk is like good scenery!  Both make a delightful impression on the mind.","Ecclesiastes 3:1, 7; Ps 145:2;","Mar 22, 1975 Aw Page 10",A Clean People Honors Jehovah,14,,,
"Speech, Conversation, Upbuilding, School,","If the air becomes laden with smog, even the most beautiful scenery can lose appeal.","Comparably, a good conversation can become unappealing, even distressing, if it is not kept on a high plane.  A friendly conversation is no show-off with verbal blockbusters.  Should be warm and upbuilding.","Ecclesiastes 3:1, 7; Ps 145:2;","Mar 22, 1975 Aw Page 11",A Clean People Honors Jehovah,14,,,
"Speech, Conversation, Upbuilding, School, Questions,","'You start a question and its like starting a stone from on top of a hill; away the stone goes, starting others.' Quote: Poet, Robert Louis Stevenson.","Comparably, a thoughtful query may bring a prompt response and open the way for pleasant conversation.  Therefore, to open a conversation, or to keep it going, why not use choice questions. Note: Avoid questions that are controversial.","Job 16:5; Ecclesiastes 3:1, 7; Ps 145:2;","Mar 22, 1975 Aw Page 11",A Clean People Honors Jehovah,14,,,
"Speech, Conversation, Upbuilding, School, Time, Witnessing,",Conversation is a 'two-way street.',"It's essential elements are talking and listening.  Use empathy, try to understand the speaker's viewpoint, perhaps even entering imaginatively into his situation.",1c 9:20-22;,"Mar 22, 1975 Aw Page 12",Is It Time For God To Rule The World?,20,,,
"Speech, Conversation, Upbuilding, School, Time, Witnessing,","It is futile, even inconsiderate, to try speaking at any length with a cook when smoke is pouring from her kitchen.  The urgent matter of the moment is that burning cauliflower or flaming steak.","The Bible makes it clear, when it says, 'For everything there is an appointed time...a time to keep quiet and a time to speak.' A person may be meditating, reading a book, or adding long columns of figures.  Then, 'Silence is Golden.'","Job 16:5; Ecclesiastes 3:1, 7; Ps 145:2;","Mar 22, 1975 Aw Page 10",Is It Time For God To Rule The World?,20,,,
"Speech, Curse Words, Conduct, Goals, Selfish,","If with a great deal of ingenuity and skilled workmanship you produced a beautiful ornamental vessel and later found it being used as a garbage receptacle, how would you view such an abuse? Observe that the way of God and that of this crooked generation",Consider God's position: He made us for his own purpose. His will. lead in opposite directions.,Isa. 42:5-8; Eph. 4:29; Jas. 3:11; Ps. 107:20;,"Mar 1, 1964 Wt Page 148, 149",Taking Time To Meditate On Spiritual Things,67,,,
"Speech, Discretion, Gossip, Talk, Lies, Honesty,",'The closed mouth swallows no flies.'  Quote: Spanish proverb.,It is easy to talk too much.,Tit 2:3-5,Bobby Laymon,What Kind Of Name Are You Making With God?,55,,1995/01/23,
"Speech, Gossip, Personality, Friend, Enemy, Love, Hate,","Your friend has a friend and your friend's friend has a friend, so be discreet.","Guard your tongue, even with friends.",Mic. 7:5; Prov. 18:24; Luke 16:9; John 15:13-15; Prov. 14:20;,Bobby Laymon,"Friendship With God, Friendship With The World -- Which Will You Choose?",79,,,
"Speech, Grammar, Talks, Public, Preparation, School,",'The difference between the right word and the almost right word is the difference between lightning and the lightning bug.'  Mark Twain.,"Some words strike like lightening.  Others offer a soft warm glow of comfort and peace.  We should be concerned with speaking delightful words, and words of wisdom.",Prov. 12:18; Col 4:6; Ecc 12:10;,Bobby Laymon,Keep Growing In Your Relationship With God,16,,1995/06/13,
"Speech, Growth, Maturity, Improvement,",Children grow each day!  Do you parents brush aside growing a little each day along with your children?,"Do you look up new words?  It is like learning a new language. Remember, with time and regular training, speechless babies grow up to be talking adults.",Jas 1:25;,"Dec 1, 1968 Wt Page 722",Keep Growing In Your Relationship With God,16,,,
"Speech, Illustrations, Body Language,",In everyday speech we often use bodily parts in a figurative sense. 'He risked his neck' 'My own bone and flesh' etc. 'have their ears tickled' 2 Tim. 4:3; 'not a single hair of your heads will by any means perish.' Luke 21:18; 'gird up your hips',The Bible makes figurative use of 'body parts' and 'gird up your loins' 1 Ki. 18:46; Ex. 12:11; 'My very intestines are in a ferment.' Lam. 1:20; 2:11;,Rom. 16:4; Genesis. 29:14; 49:8; 2 Sam. 5:1; 2 Sam. 22:41; Isa. 8:8,"Jun 15, 1967 Wt Page 380",,,,,
"Speech, Joy, Happiness, Satisfaction, Contentment,","Accomplishments, whether in constructing a house, sewing a dress planting corn, or playing a musical instrument, bring a feeling of satisfaction and contentment.","How much more so, when you explain God's kingdom to someone and he gets the sense of it, and acknowledges the truth.",Pr 15:23; Is 55:11;,"Dec 1, 1968 Wt Page 717, 718",Serve Jehovah With A Joyful Heart,78,,,
"Speech, Kindness, Firmness, Authority,",'Speak softly and carry a big stick; you will go far.' Quote:  Theodore Roosevelt.,Achieving a happy family life we need to try to be understanding and tactful.,"Pr 16:21,23,24; 17:1",Bobby Laymon,Follow The Way To Life,45,,1995/06/30,
"Speech, Kindness, School, Voice, Conversational, Talks,","You can tell a baby in a kind voice, 'You sure are homely.'  'You really have long ears.' and the baby will love it.","When conversing with others, HOW YOU SAY IT, is very important.",Ps 133:1,"Kingdom Ministry School Dec 22, 23, 1994",Communication--within The Family And With God,30,,1994/12/25,
"Speech, Outline, Extemporaneous,","When a baby falls everyone rushes to pick it up.  It keeps falling again and again.  Soon, even the mother stops picking it up.",It is like that in our speaking.  When we stop babying ourselves then we learn to use an outline.,1 Thess. 1:5;,"Gene Shalkoski, D.O.; Elder's School 11/23, 24 At St. Louis",,,,"Nov 26, 2001",
"Speech, Outline, Extemporaneous,","When one first walks without a crutch he may stumble around a little bit, but soon masters the art.",In speech we need to have the idea in mind and the natural style will more then compensate for anything we might miss.,1 Thess. 1:5;,"Gene Shalkoski, D.O.; Elder's School 11/23, 24 At St. Louis",,,,"Nov 26, 2001",
"Speech, Rotten, Curse, Critical, Complain, Negative,","You observe a man get impatient and then outright furious. Finally he explodes, and you see a putrefied fish come out of his mouth.  You then see stinking, decayed fruit tumble out, splashing all nearby.  Who is he?  How terrible is it was us!","Yet, such an image could fit if we 'let rotten saying proceed out of our mouth.'","Eph 4:29; Ro 12:9; Heb 1:9; Ps 10:7; 64:2-4; Pr 16:27; Jas 4:11,12","Aug 15, 1992 Wt Page 11","Friendship With God, Friendship With The World -- Which Will You Choose?",79,,,
"Speech, School, Curse, Language,",How would you like to live in a dumpster like you use for garbage?,"We do, due to the fact we are surrounded by filthy language today.  We must be on guard, as to not become contaminated by it.",Col 4:6; Eph 4:29; Zech 3:9;,Steve Carnifix,A Clean People Honors Jehovah,14,,,
"Speech, School, Voice, Violins, Counterfeit, Copies, authentic, real,","Attempts have been made to copy violins by famous masters of the past such as Amati, Stradivari, Guarneri.  Some have succeeded as far as appearance is concerned, but when played, alas, their 'voices' give them away.","In public speaking, it is not our goal to copy other speakers, but we can learn from them, and imitate their faith.",Heb 13:7;,"Feb 22, 1971 Aw Page 20",,,,1994/01/08,
"Speech, Silence, Gossip,","'I have often regretted my speech, never my silence.'  Quote: Publilius Syrus.",'A good conscience' encompasses all areas of life.  Guides one seeking neutral employment.  Directs to personal conduct and speech.,"Acts 24:14, 16; Heb 13:18; Isa. 2:4;",Bobby Laymon,Hold A Good Conscience In A Sinful World,107,,1995/07/09,
"Speech, Silence, Gossip, Service, Minister, Preaching,","'Speech is silver, keeping silent is golden.' (Swiss inscription) 'There is a time to speak' Principle also applies in the Christian ministry.",There are times when keeping silent in not golden.,"Eccl. 3:1, 7; Isa. 58:1; Prov. 13:3; 17:28; Matt. 23:1-38;","Mar 22, 1964 Aw Page 3, 4",Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,63,,,
"Speech, Stutter, Silence, Time,","'Speech Is Silver, Silence Is Golden'     This old proverb is said to be of Oriental origin. The Hebrew equivalent is: 'If a word be worth one shekel, silence is worth two.'","A wise man of ancient times expressed it concisely: 'For everything its season, and for every activity under heaven its time: . . . a time for silence and a time for speech.'-Ecclesiastes 3:1, 7,  The New English Bible.   We need to know when to speak and when to be silent.","Ecc 3:1, 7;",G86 11/8 23-1,Is It Time For God To Rule The World?,20,,1994/05/13,
"Speech, Talks, Speaking, Tongue, School, Teaching,","A symphony is made up of various movements, carefully built up, forming a balanced contrast, beautifully and harmoniously expressed, and well modulated throughout, free from dull repetition.","Well, exactly the same things can be said as regards preparing and giving a talk on the truth.  The more you appreciate God's Word in its composition, also the Society's literature, the more you get out of it for yourself and for helping others.",Jas 1:25;,"Jul 15, 1971 Wt Page 444",Stand Still And See The Salvation Of Jehovah,41,,1993/11/16,
"Speech, Tongue, Curses,","The habit has become as difficult to break as an alcoholic, drug or tobacco habit.  Persons accustomed to vulgar words feel they have been 'tongue-tied.'","Bad habit, brings dishonor not only to the one addicted to it, but to Jehovah God, the Creator of the tongue.",Exodus. 20:7; Ps. 94:4; 2 Cor. 5:20; Phil. 2:15; 1 Pet. 2:9; Matt 9:14,"Sep 1, 1967 Page 536",Do You Harbor Resentment Or Do You Forgive?,68,,,
"Speech, Tongue, Encouragement, Stress, Depression, Groaning, Sickness,",As a medical doctor is useless unless he knows how to effect a cure or some improvement.,"Likewise, unless one knows how to pass along to those in need of it the 'good word' he is, in effect tongue-tied. So to have control of the tongue, means to use it effectively.",Prov. 12:25; Isa. 50:4; Jas. 5:16; 2:14-26; Prov. 12:18; 25:11;,"Sep 1, 1967 Page 538",Gaining Comfort In All Our Tribulations,105,,,
"Speech, Tongue, Gossip,","A match--How insignificant and small it is. Yet it can set a forest afire, causing millions of dollars of damage.","The tongue is a little member, yet makes great brags.",Jas. 3:5; 10-18;,"May 15, 1964 Wt Page 304",Do You Harbor Resentment Or Do You Forgive?,68,,,
"Speech, Tongue, Gossip, Slander,",He missed an invaluable opportunity to hold his tongue.  -- Andrew Lang,We must at all times guard our tongue when with wicked.,Ps. 34:13;,Bobby Laymon,Do You Harbor Resentment Or Do You Forgive?,68,,"Nov 19, 2001",
"Speech, Tongue, Self-control, Gossip, Teaching,","A motto that has decorated many offices reads like this: 'Don't open your mouth before putting your mind in gear.' Men sent to arrest Jesus were so impressed with his manner of teaching, grace or charm having poured through his lips, they","Do you think, before you speak? forgot their mission.","1 Pet. 3:15; Phil. 2:14-16; John 7:46; Matt. 13:15, 16;","Sep 1, 1967 Page 530",Do You Harbor Resentment Or Do You Forgive?,68,,,
"Speech, Violence, Associations, Pure Language,","'Bozo' (the story of a real elephant) did the usual things a well-trained elephant would do; tricks; stand on boxes; pick up objects;  Then one day he went berserk.  Manager planed public execution:  Man in turban asked for 2 minutes.  Whispered in ear, and elephant calmed down.  Man said, 'He's an Indian Elephant.'",We are also affected by the language we hear.  What we subject our ears to can make us violent.  We must guard our associations and listen to the 'pure language' of truth.,"Zep 3:9; Ps 1:1, 2; 39:1; 1pe 2:15;",William Osbeck C.O.,Choose Your Associates Wisely!,116,,,
"Speech, Words, Talk, Gossip,","Words are, of course, the most powerful drug used by mankind.  -- Rudyard Kipling","Words can have a powerful not only on our lives now, but in the future.",Matt. 12:37;,Bobby Laymon,How To Conquer Evil With Good.,117,,"Nov 19, 2001",
"Speech, Words, Wisdom, Bible","'As apples of gold in silver carvings is a word spoken at the right time for it.'    Quote: Proverbs 25:11  This may denote carved work, such as an engraved silver tray with fruit of gold on it.  This verse could refer to presents given to a ruler.  (Gift - fit for a king) Impressively beautiful, indeed!","There is a similar beauty in appropriate, dignified, timely words, whether written or spoken.  They are delightful, encouraging, and beneficial in many ways.  Especially is the Bible like the above.",Pr 25:11;,"Jan 15, 1994 Wt Page 32",Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,1993/12/20,
Speech;,'A closed mouth gathers no feet.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Speech;,'A loose tongue often gets into a tight place.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Speech;,'A  man is hid under his tongue.'  Quote:  Arabic.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Speech;,'A man never becomes an orator if he has anything to say.'  Quote:  Finely Dunne.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Speech;,'All the fun's in how you say a thing.'  Quote:  Robert Frost.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Speech;,'Be sure your conversation generates more light than heat.'  Quote:  Salada.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Speech;,"'Birds are entangled by their feet, men by their tongues.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Speech;,"'Blessed is the man, who having nothing to say, abstains from giving wordy evidence of the fact.'  Quote:  G. Elliot.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Speech;,"'Buffaloes are held by cords, man by his words.'  Quote:  Malay.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Speech;,'By inflection you can say much more than your words do.'  Quote:  Malcolm Forbes.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Speech;,'Conversation would be vastly improved by the constant use of four simple words: 'I do not know.'   Quote:  A. Maurois.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Speech;,"'Do not say all that you know, but always know what you say.'  Quote:  Claudia's.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Speech;,"'Drawing on my fine command of language, I said nothing.'  Quote:  Robert Benchley.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Speech;,'Eloquence is logic on fire.'  Quote:  Lyman Beecher.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Speech;,"'From listening comes wisdom, from speaking comes repentance.'  Quote:  Italian.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Speech;,"'Gentlemen, you have just been listening to that Chinese sage, 'Oh too Long.'  Quote:  W. Rogers",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Speech;,'Half a brain is good enough for him that says little.'  Quote:  Italian.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Speech;,'He can compress the most words into the smallest ideas of any man I ever met.'  Quote:  Al.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Speech;,'He who hesitates is interrupted.'  Quote:  F. Jones.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Speech;,'He who knows most speaks least.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Speech;,"'I don't care how much a man talks, if he only says it in a few words.'  Quote:  Jb.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Speech;,'I guess only those who are doing it ever say they hope they aren't butting in.'  Quote:  F. Clark.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Speech;,'I've never been hurt by anything I did not say.'  Quote:  Calvin Coolidge.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Speech;,'If you don't say anything you won't be called upon to repeat it.'  Quote:  C. Coolidge.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Speech;,"'If you want others to have a good opinion of you, say nothing.'  Quote:  Pascal.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Speech;,'If you want to be liked be quiet.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Speech;,'Is it possible that animals have less worries since they live without speech?'  Quote:  Ellas Canetti.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Speech;,'It is a good answer which knows when to stop.'  Quote:  Italian.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Speech;,'It is bitter fare to eat one's own words.'  Quote:  Danish.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Speech;,"'It is difficult to remain silent, but worse to speak.'  Quote:  Aristophanes.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Speech;,'It usually takes a person longer to say what he thinks than to tell what he knows.'  Quote:  Construction Digest.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Speech;,'Least said soonest mended.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Speech;,'Let thy speech be better than silence or be silent.'  Quote:  Dionysius The Elder.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Speech;,'Nobody has a right to speak more clearly than he thinks.' Quote:  Sydney Harris,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Speech;,"'Once a word has been allowed to escape, it can never be recalled.'  Quote:  Horace.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Speech;,'Say well or be still.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Speech;,'Silence never makes mistakes.'  Quote:  Hindi.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Speech;,"'Skillful listening is the best remedy for laziness, loquaciousness and laryngitis.' Quote:  W. Ward",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Speech;,"'Sometimes silence is not golden, its just yellow.'  Quote:  C. Coolidge.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Speech;,"'Speak clearly, if you speak at all; carve every word before you let it fall.'  Quote:  Owh.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Speech;,'Speech is the image of actions.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Speech;,"'Talk low, talk slow, and don't say much.'  Quote:  John Wayne.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Speech;,"'That which is brief, if it be good, is good twice over.' Quote:  Spanish",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Speech;,'The difference between the right word and almost the right word is the difference between lightning and the lightning but.'  Quote:  Mt.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Speech;,'The flowering moments of the mind drop half their petals in our speech.'  Quote:  Owh.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Speech;,"'The heart of a fool is in his mouth, but the mouth of a wise man is in his heart.'  Quote:  Bf.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Speech;,"'The horn cannot be twisted, the ear can.'  Quote:  Malay.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Speech;,'The less you talk the more you're listened to.'  Quote:  A. Van Buren.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Speech;,'The most valuable of all talents is that of never using two words when one will do.' Quote:  Tj,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Speech;,'The thoughtless are rarely wordless.'  Quote:  Howard Newton.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Speech;,"'There's a great power in words, if you don't hitch too many of them together.'  Quote:  Jb.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Speech;,"'They always talk who never think, and who have the least to say.'  Quote:  Matt Prior.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Speech;,'Think with the wise but talk with the vulgar. common people)'  Quote:  Greek.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Speech;,'To speak without thinking is to shoot without taking aim.' Quote:  Spanish,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Speech;,'Too much talk will include errors.'  Quote:  Burmese.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Speech;,'Two things indicate weakness: to be silent when it is proper to speak and to speak when it is proper to be silent.'  Quote:  Persian.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Speech;,'We make more enemies by what we say than friends by what we do.'  Quote:  John Collins.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Speech;,"'When all other forms of communication fail, try words.' Quote: A. Brilliant.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Speech;,"'When I think over what I have said, I envy dumb people.'  Quote:  Seneca.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Speech;,"'When you have nothing to say, say nothing.'  Quote:  C. C. Colton.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Speech;,'Words are of course the most powerful drug used by mankind.'  Quote:  Runyard Kipling.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Speech;,'You ain't learning nothing when you're talking.' Quote: Sign In Lbj's Office,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Speech;,'You dig your grave with your teeth.'  Quote:  English.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Speech;,"A fool may talk, but a wise man speaks.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Speech;,A good word costs no more than a bad one.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Speech;,A lot of people don't have much to say and that is fine. The trouble with some of them is you have to listen a long time to find it out.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Speech;,A man who knows what he is talking about can afford to use words everyone can understand.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Speech;,A sure-fire formula for making a good speech: have a good beginning and a good ending and keep them as close together as possible.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Speech;,"A wise man has long ears, bug eyes, and a short tongue.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Speech;,An ounce of 'keep your mouth shut' beats a tone of explanation.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Speech;,"An ox is taken by his horns, a man by his the tongue.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Speech;,Deliver your words not by number but by weight.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Speech;,"Do not save your loving speeches for your friends till they are dead. Do not write them on their tombstones, speak of them now instead.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Speech;,"Do not say a little in many words, but a great deal in a few.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Speech;,"Handle carefully, for words have more power than atom bombs.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Speech;,"He who thinks by the inch, but talks by the yard needs a kick of the foot.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Speech;,If people listened to themselves more often they would talk less.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Speech;,It is especially difficult to remain silent when you have nothing to say.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Speech;,It is surprising how many persons will agree with you if you keep your mouth shut.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Speech;,Its a good idea to keep your words soft and sweet. You never know when you'll have to eat them.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Speech;,Its alright to hold a conversation but you should let it go now and then.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Speech;,"Its not so bad if you mind goes blank, if you always remember to turn off the sound.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Speech;,Let not your tongue cut your throat.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Speech;,Much talking is the cause of danger.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Speech;,"One dog barks at his shadow, a hundred bark at his sound.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Speech;,One way to stop people from jumping down your throat is to keep your mouth closed.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Speech;,Quiet people aren't the only ones who don't say much.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Speech;,Silence is the means of avoiding misfortune.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Speech;,"Slight is the merit of keeping silence on a matter, on the other hand serious is the quilt of talking  on things whereon we should be silent.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Speech;,Some folks would rather be wrong than quiet.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Speech;,"Speech is silver, silence is golden.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Speech;,Talking and eloquence are not the same: to speak and to speak well are two things.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Speech;,"The bird is known by his note, the man by his words.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Speech;,The first rule of public speaking is to speak up. The second is to sit down.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Speech;,"The talkative parrot is shut up in a cage. Other birds, without speech, fly freely about.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Speech;,The tongue is like a sharp knife......it kills without drawing blood.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Speech;,The trouble with a guy who talks too fast is that he often says something he hasn't thought of yet.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Speech;,"Three things never return; the past, the neglected opportunity and the spoken word.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Speech;,"To make a speech immortal, you don't have to make it everlasting.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Speech;,To say nothing often reflects a fine command of the English language.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Speech;,To speak kindly does not hurt the tongue.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Speech;,"When I hear a man preach, I like to see him act like he's fighting bees!",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Speech;,"When you talk, you repeat what you already know; when you listen, you often learn something.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Speech;,Words must be weighed not counted.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Speech;,Words: A careless word may kindle strife; a cruel word may wreck a life; a bitter word may hate instill; a brutal word may smite and kill; a gracious word may sooth the way; a joyous word may light the day; a timely word may lesson stress; a loving word may heal and bless.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Speech; Action;,"'Suit the action to the word, the word to the action.'  Quote:  William Shakespeare.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Speech; Clergy;,Clergyman: I've lost my briefcase! Traveler: I pity your grief.             Clergyman: My sermons were in it!  Traveler: I pity the thief!,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Speech; Commendation; Tact;,Gentle words fall lightly but have great weight.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Speech; Conversation;,'Though conversing face to face their hearts have a thousand miles between them.'  Quote:  Chinese.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Speech; Deceit;,A smooth tongue often hides sharp teeth.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Speech; Discretion;,"'When you have spoken the word, it reigns over you. When it is unspoken you reign over it.'  Quote:  Arabian.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Speech; Enthusiasm;,"When you heart is on fire, some sparks will fly out of your mouth.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Speech; Enthusiasm;,You can survive on dry toast.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Speech; Facts;,"'Not speech, but facts convince.'  Quote:  Greek.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Speech; Gossip;,'To speak of 'mere words' is like speaking of 'mere dynamite'.'  Quote:  C. Déclassé.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Speech; Heart;,'What the heart thinks the tongue speaks.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Speech; Heart;,Words are the voice of the heart.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Speech; Humor;,If I had kept my mouth shut I wouldn't be here. (sign under a mounted fish),,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Speech; Listen;,Half of conversation is listening.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Speech; School; Pause; Words;,"'The right word may be effective, but no word was ever as effective as a rightly timed pause.'  Quote:  Mark Twain.","We can see this when a mother says, 'Now listen here!' and then pauses until she has his undivided attention.",2 Ki 8:11;,Bobby Laymon,,,,1996/03/12,
Speech; Silence;,"'A wise old owl sat on an oak; the more he saw the less he spoke, the less he spoke the more he heard. Why aren't we like that wise old bird?'  Quote:  Edward Richards.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Speech; Silence;,"'He cannot speak well, that cannot hold his tongue.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Speech; Silence;,"'He had occasional flashes of silence, that made his conversation perfectly delightful.' Quote: Sydney Smith",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Speech; Silence;,"'Not only to say the right thing in the right place, but far more difficult, to leave unsaid the wrong thing at the tempting moment.'  Quote:  George Sala.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Speech; Silence;,'Silence gives consent.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Speech; Silence;,"'Silence is foolish if we are wise, but wise if we are foolish.'  Quote:  Charles Caleb Colton.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Speech; Silence;,'Silence is health.' Quote:  Spanish,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Speech; Silence;,'Silence is one of the hardest arguments to refute.'  Quote:  Jb.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Speech; Silence;,"'Speech is power. Speech is to persuade, to convert, to compel.'  Quote:  Emerson.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Speech; Silence;,'Still waters run deep.'  Quote:  English.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Speech; Silence;,'The most important thing in communication is to hear what isn't being said.'  Quote:  Peter Drucker.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Speech; Silence;,'The silent dog is the first to bite.'  Quote:  German.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Speech; Silence;,'There are times when silence has the loudest voice.'  Quote:  Leroy Browlow.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Speech; Silence;,'Very often the silent fellow has said all he knows.'  Quote:  Kin Hubbard.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Speech; Silence;,'Well-timed silence has more eloquence than speech.'  Quote:  Salada.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Speech; Silence;,A close mouth catches no flies.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Speech; Silence;,"Choose silence of all virtues, for by it you hear other men's imperfections and conceal your own.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Speech; Silence;,"Listening to what people say is easy, listening to what people are thinking takes a little more concentration.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Speech; Silence;,More have repented of speech than of silence.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Speech; Silence;,"Most of us know how to say nothing, few of us know when.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Speech; Silence;,Silence is the genius of the fool and one of the virtues of the wise.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Speech; Silence;,Silence seldom does harm.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Speech; Silence;,Sometimes silence makes the best conversation.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Speech; Silence;,Talking comes by nature; silence by understanding.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Speech; Silence;,The more you say the less people remember.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Speech; Silence;,Those who know do not talk. Those who talk do not know.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Speech; Silence;,You have not converted a man because you have silenced him.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Speech; Silence; Self-control;,"If you keep your tongue prisoner, your body may go free.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Speech; Silence; Tact;,"'Silence is not always tact and it is tact that is golden, not silence.'  Quote:  Samuel Butler.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Speech; Talk Is Cheap;,'Talk does not cook rice.'  Quote:  Chinese.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Speech; Talk Is Cheap;,"A superior man is modest in his speech, but exceeds in his actions.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Speech; Talk Is Cheap;,Big talk doesn't compensate for small accomplishments.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Speech; Tongue;,'A sharp tongue is the only edged tool that grows keener with constant use.' Quote:  W. Irving,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Speech; Tongue;,'Let a fool hold his tongue and he will pass for a sage.' Quote:  Syrus,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Speech; Tongue;,"'My tongue swore, but my mind was still un-pledged.'  Quote:  Euripides.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Speech; Tongue;,"'Speech is the mirror of the soul: as a man speaks, so he is.' Quote:  Syrus",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Speech; Tongue;,"'The body pays for a slip of the foot, gold pays for a slip of the tongue.'  Quote:  Malay.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Speech; Tongue;,'The tongue of man is a twisty thing.'  Quote:  Homer.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Speech; Tongue;,"Nature has given to men one tongue, but two ears that we may hear from others twice as much as we speak.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Speech; Tongue;,Samson slew a 1000 men with the jawbone of an ass.  Everyday people do themselves in with the same weapon.,,Proverbs 31:32,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Speech; Tongue;,"The human tongue is a deadly weapon, whether it is sharp or blunt.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Speech; Tongue;,"Under the tongue, men are crushed to death.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Speech; Tongue; Women;,"Why is the word tongue, feminine in Greek, Latin, Italian, Spanish, French, and German?",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Spirit,Electricity; controlled force; can do many things Worked to shape the earth,Holy Spirit can perform great variety of things.,"Genesis. 1, 2  Ps. 143:10 Numbers. 11:17",Trinity Brochure 1989 Page 20,What Is Behind The Spirit Of Rebellion?,33,,,
Spirit,"Fire: Can both warm & destroy 'Blow gently, as on a spark you are trying to bring to life' Show respect 'Blow gently & keep alive the fire of Jehovah's spirit.'",Sometimes we encourage & sometimes intimidate,1 Th 5:19,"Dec 1, 1989 Wt Page 17 Bro Dan Sydlik",What Is Behind The Spirit Of Rebellion?,33,,,
Spirit,Like Breath,Can blow hot or cold,"Matt. 10:19, 20  Acts 4:24, 25; 28:25  Heb 2:2",Bobby Laymon,Jehovah--the Grand Creator,101,,,
Spirit,"Radio Waves Some say spirit speaks, other texts show it was humans or angels.",Holy spirit transmitted messages to persons far away,"Matt. 10:19,  20   Acts 4:24, 25  28:25  Heb. 2:2",Trinity Brochure 1989 Page 22,What Is Behind The Spirit Of Rebellion?,33,,,
Spirit,"Refer to the Bible as speaking, or teaching a doctrine, but we don't really believe that it does.  Bible personalizes other things such as wisdom, death, and sin.",Some scriptures personalize holy spirit Isa. 63:10.,"Prov. 1:20, Rom.5:17,21",Johnse Laymon,What Is Behind The Spirit Of Rebellion?,33,,,
Spirit,"Switch off light, bulb returns to darkness; Does the current returning to circuit retain shape of bulb?",God's spirit does not retain imprint or personal identity of person,Eccles. 12:7,"Jun 8, 1959 Aw Page 7",What Is Behind The Spirit Of Rebellion?,33,,,
Spirit Of World,"DINING, NON SMOKING AREA, SMOKE DRIFTS OVER DETECT A WHIFF OF WORLDS AIR COMING YOUR WAY, SHUN IT TREAT IT AS DEATH-DEALING POISON BREATH IN RIGHT AIR FROM JEHOVAH'S WORD, AND ASSOC.","ALLOW VACUUM TO DEVELOP IN SPIRITUALITY, FOUL 'AIR' RUSH IN LOVE WHAT IS PURE, CLEAN, AND RIGHTEOUS HATE WHAT IS BAD","Eph 2:2   Jas 1:14, 15","Sept 15, 1987 Wt Par 16, 17",'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
"Spirit,","Electric power in lines.  When you don't pay your electric bill they turn it off.  Does it literally go back to the power plant? Jehovah can send spirit into another person or animal, just as electric power company can use power anyway they please.",Jehovah again has full authority over spirit at death.,Eccl. 12:7,Bobby Laymon,What Is Behind The Spirit Of Rebellion?,33,,,
"Spirit, Death, Life, Return,",In a certain country the control of the railroads or the transfer of a business might be shifted from the hands of private enterprise to those of the government.  All the records may remain where they are.,The return of something does not require actual movement.  So it is with the life-force.  At death no actual movement from the earth to the heavenly realm need occur.,Eccl 12:7; Mal 3:7; Ps 31:5; Luke 23:46;,Is This Life All There Is?  Page 52,What Is Behind The Spirit Of Rebellion?,33,,,
"Spirit, Force, Active, Holy,","As an illustration, one might compare the spirit to another invisible force, electricity, which may be used to make various types of machines operate-causing stoves to produce heat, fans to produce wind, computers to solve problems, television sets to produce figures, voices and other sounds.",Yet electric current never takes on any of the characteristics of the machines in which it functions or is active.,"Ps 146:3, 4;",It-2 1025,What Is Behind The Spirit Of Rebellion?,33,,1994/10/24,
"Spirit, Force, Active, Holy,","Even as the fragrant scent of animal sacrifices was spoken of as being 'smelled' by God (Ge 8:20, 21), whereas such scent undoubtedly remained within earth's atmosphere.",An actual and literal transmission of some force from this planet to the heavenly presence of God is not necessarily required.,Job 34:14; Luke 23:46,It-2 1025-6,What Is Behind The Spirit Of Rebellion?,33,,1994/10/24,
"Spirit, Force, Death,",Just as electricity does not take on the features of the equipment it powers...,The life force does not have any of the characteristics of the creature it animates.,"Ps 104:29; Ecc 12: 1, 7; Ps 36:9; Acts 17:28;",Kl Page 82,Act Wisely As The End Draws Near,38,,1995/06/15,
"Spirit, Gravity, Gilead, Missionary, Pioneer, Problems, Faith,","Fred W. Franz, called attention to a fact of scientific wisdom, namely, the law of gravity, a force that exerts itself throughout the physical universe.","Then he pointed out that Jehovah's holy spirit is a far more powerful and all-pervading force. One can have full assurance that this force operates just as powerfully in the most remote, isolated territory as it  does in one's homeland, where one may have been surrounded by Christian brothers.-Ps. 139:7.",Ps 139:7;,W71 5/1 287-8,What Is Behind The Spirit Of Rebellion?,33,,1994/06/27,
"Spirit, Grieving,","Wings of aircraft designed for smooth flow of air over surface of the wings.  Ice can build up, and slow down the flow.  It can become dangerous.  Above sound barrier even the wings can slow down plane, so some are swept back.","In like manner the flow of Holy Spirit can be slowed down by doing things that grieve the spirit.  We need to do all we can to increase the flow, and not hinder in any way.",Eph 4:30;,Matt Roper,What Is Behind The Spirit Of Rebellion?,33,,,
"Spirit, Growth, Organization, Progress, Improvement, Maturity,","Just as a tree grows slowly but solidly, and can even push up concrete paving blocks in its way. Many times Jehovah forewarns, and forearms his Witnesses before an emergency arises.","So, Jehovah's organization has its life from him and grows with the irresistible power of his spirit.",Matt. 24:45-47; Isa. 42:9;,"Jun 1, 1967 Wt Page 332, 333",Serving With Jehovah's Unified Organization,3,,,
"Spirit, Growth, Organization, Progress, Maturity, Endurance,","'Fair-weather disciples.' Are we willing to humble ourselves and be molded for life by the Creator, Jehovah God?  Or maintain a spirit of self-determination and divide ourselves off from his Word?","Jesus knew that some would be, and it was time for them to reveal their true colors.",John 6:53; 16:22; Luke 22:28;,"Jun 1, 1967 Wt Page 334",What Is Behind The Spirit Of Rebellion?,33,,,
"Spirit, Holy, Active Force,","'Power' might be likened to the energy stored in a battery, while 'force' could be compared to the electric current flowing from such battery.","'Force,' then, more accurately represents the sense of the Hebrew and Greek terms as relating to God's spirit, and this is borne out by a consideration of the Scriptures.","Jer 23:28, 29;",It-2 1020,What Is Behind The Spirit Of Rebellion?,33,,1994/10/24,
"Spirit, Holy, Active Force, Creation,","God's word or message must be carried out, the fulfillment of that word produces an action like that of fire on straw and like that of a forge hammer in smashing the crag.","God's Word therefore plays a forceful part in predicting adverse judgment, and since God's word or message must be carried out, the fulfillment of that word produces an action like that of fire on straw and like that of a forge hammer in smashing the crag.","Jer 23:28, 29; Isa 40:12, 13, 25, 26; Ge 1:1;",It-2 1022,Appreciating Marvels Of God's Creation,114,,1994/10/24,
"Spirit, Holy, Active Force, Creation,","We can turn matter into energy.  Burning an object.  Makes heat, light, and other gases.","However, we cannot reverse the process.  We cannot take energy and convert it into mass.",Ge 1:1;,David Herr,Appreciating Marvels Of God's Creation,114,,1994/10/24,
"Spirit, Holy, Responding, Listen, Hear, Ministry,","How many time-saving devices we have.  Some of us drive home in the rain, press a button, and the garage door goes up.  We decide to watch television while in our easy chair.  We press a button and the picture snaps on.  We flick it again and change channels.  We send out a signal and the television receives power and goes to work.  It saves many steps.","Have you ever thought of yourself as being a remote controlled device.  Jehovah sends out his energy, his spirit, and we respond to the preaching work, or whatever he wants done.  How would he feel if we were defective, or sluggish in responding.  Do we 'snap to it,' as it were.",Acts 1:8;,Bobby Laymon,Renewing The Spirit Of Self-sacrifice,69,,1995/09/27,
"Spirit, Life Force,","Might be likened to the electric current of a car's battery. That current can ignite the fuel to make the engine produce power cause headlights to shine, sound the horn, cause the radio to produce voice and music.","The spirit is simply the life force that enables the person to be alive. It cannot hear, think, speak, or feel.","Genesis. 2:7; Eccl. 3:19; Genesis. 6:17; 7:15, 22;",The Truth That Leads To Eternal Life. Page 39,What Is Behind The Spirit Of Rebellion?,33,,,
"Spirit, Religion","Like spirited race horse and old gray mare.  The old gray mare is ready to move at feeding time, but race horse is ready any time.","Serving with spirit means just that.  We are ready with truth any time.  Not like the old gray mare, ready only feeding time.","John 4:23,24",Johnse Laymon - Mike Marrow C.O.,"Come, You Who Thirst For The Truth!",89,,1994/01/26,
"Spirit, Return,","Suppose I borrowed some money from you, but didn't see you for a period of time.  I saw your wife (spouse) one day, and paid the money back to her.  She did not give it directly to you but put it into your checking account at the bank.  Could you say I never repaid the loan.  The money was back under your authority.","In the same way, Jehovah's spirit returns to him.  He can now use it in any way he would like to.  He can put it into another person or animal, or cause others operations of His spirit.",Eccles 12:7,"Carl Monks, Sr.",What Is Behind The Spirit Of Rebellion?,33,,,
"Spirit, Return, Resurrection, Funeral, Death,",God's spirit is like the spark in the spark plug.  It leaves the body and no longer supplies the spark of life.,"Just as an engine may run on for a few seconds, sometimes the body can be revived, such as in a drowning accident, but once the spirit has truly return to God, the only hope is the resurrection.",Ecclesiastes 12:7;,Forrest Barber,What Happens When We Die?,127,,1995/08/19,
"Spirit, Self-sacrifice,","Think of a vintage vehicle that sits gleaming in a showroom or museum. Imagine the attention to detail, the thousands of hours spent in restoring it to its present condition, perhaps because someone saw it rusting away under a tree and could see its potential.  Or perhaps it is a beautiful piece of antique furniture, or a building such as the Stanley Theater. In the latter case, Jehovah's people saw its potential, and spent many hours on its restoration.","Now, if people can do that for material things, are we prepared to put that amount of time and effort into our own spirit, to create a refined, self-sacrificing attitude in ourselves?",Phil 2:5-8;,Peter Morgan,Renewing The Spirit Of Self-sacrifice,69,,1997/08/10,
"Spirit, Self-sacrifice,","When you think of an object that is self-sacrificing, you may think of a crayon.  It is useful in making beautiful colors and paintings.  Yet, it is used up in the process.  However, there is always a little left that is not used up.",In contrast: Christ Jesus was completely self-sacrificing.  He was as self-sacrificing as a candle.,Phil 2:5-8;,Bobby Laymon,Renewing The Spirit Of Self-sacrifice,69,,1997/08/10,
"Spirit, Self-sacrifice, Self, Will,","Imagine you own an old classic, restored to original, you really look after it -- only driving it in fine weather, and keeping it garaged the rest of the time. You're proud of fact that when you drive it around, it makes heads turn. Then the day comes when you need a lot of cash urgently, and you regretfully decide to sell your car. A man comes and looks it over , says it'll do fine, hands you the needed cash, and you hand him a receipt and ownership papers.  About a week later, to your horror you see your new owner driving the car-converted to a taxi! Bolted on to the roof and the trunk are a sign and luggage rack . Great stickers are attached to the doors advertising the taxi company. Every day, you watch your car (oh, that's right, it's not yours anymore, but you still feel it IS yours) quite rapidly wear out because of stream of people hopping in and out day and night. Can you go up to new owner and demand that he stop abusing your former pride-and-joy, telling him that you didn't spend the best years of your life on it just so that he could use it for a taxi? No. You don't own it anymore. You don't have the authority to tell the new owner how to use what he bought. You sacrificed that right when you received payment for it. And as far as new owner is concerned, letting the car sit in garage most of its life was a waste. Why not make it pay for itself?","Prior to our coming into the truth, basically our lives centered around us. We really looked after ourselves. But when we dedicated our lives to Jehovah, we learnt what Jesus said in Matthew 16:24. We can't center our lives around ourselves anymore. Everything that we are, everything that we have, now belongs to Jehovah. We no longer have the authority to say what we would like to do. We can't stay in the garage every time it rains.  Jehovah is our new Owner, and we are like that taxi. Like Christ Jesus, who did God's will non-stop, we go out rain or shine, because we have promised to continually follow Jesus. Like a taxi, which will sometimes go from house to house and at other times pick people up from a taxi rank, or even by a wave in the street, we encounter streams of people as we spend as much time as possible in the house-to-house and informal witnessing work.  As a result, while we may feel a little worn out at times, we are assured that we are glorifying our Creator, our new Owner, Jehovah God.",Mr 1:38; Joh 4:6-30,Peter Morgan,Renewing The Spirit Of Self-sacrifice,69,s,1997/08/10,
"Spirit, Soul, Christendom,","'Let us take an illustration from nature -- the air we breathe; it is composed of oxygen and nitrogen, neither of which is atmosphere or air; but when the two combine, as they do in proper chemical proportions, the resulting thing is atmosphere.' Quote: Watchtower 1903","Just so with soul.  God speaks to us from this standpoint, of our being each a soul.  He does not address our bodies nor our breath of lives, but he does address us as intelligent beings, or souls. (In harmony with Watchtower of April 1881)",Ge 2:17; Eze 18:20;,Jehovah's Witnesses - Proclaimers Of God's Kingdom.  Page 127,Religion's Role In World Affairs.,92,,,
"Spirit, Spiritual Man,",Like trying to describe colors to one born blind.,Physical man cannot see spiritual things.,1 Cor. 2:13,"R. Bloom; Mar 3, 1991",How Well Do You Know God?,1,,,
"Spirit, Sword, Flesh, War, Power, Persecution,","IT IS reported that the sword-wielding Napoleon Bonaparte said: 'There are two powers in the world-the sword and the spirit. But, in the  long run, the spirit always wins out.'","Evidently dictator Adolf Hitler did not believe that observation made by a hardened warrior. By the power of the 'sword' he set out to conquer the world. But the persecuted Christian witnesses of Jehovah, came forth triumphantly with unbroken spirit. The spirit of God in them won out after twelve years of Hitler rule.",Isa 2:4;,W74 12/1 721,Bearing Up Under Persecution,57,,1995/06/05,
"Spirit, Tongue,","'If easy everybody would do it.' Endure trials; superior strength, as Samson. Judges 14:6) Helped heal sick, raise dead, speak in tongues, prophesy etc.","Holy spirit helps us to have, 'Power Beyond Normal.'",2 Cor. 4:7,Trinity Brochure 1989 Page 21,What Is Behind The Spirit Of Rebellion?,33,,,
"Spirit, Truth,","'SPIRIT'  Is not speaking of holy spirit, but the motivation.  Likened to thoroughbred race horse.  It is always ready for the race, any time, any where, to any place.  Compared to the old grey mare.  It is ready if food is involved.","Jesus Christ was always ready to give a witness.  Anytime, anywhere, any place.  Even to the Samaritan woman at the well.  He worshiped with 'spirit and truth.'  So do millions of Jehovah's Witnesses today.",John 4:23,Bobby Laymon,True Religion Meets The Needs Of Human Society.,94,,1994/04/11,
"Spirit, World, Air, Poison, Bhopal, India, Accident,","On a cool December night in 1984, something shocking happened in Bhopal, India.  In that city, there is a chemical plant, and on that December night, a valve malfunctioned in one of the gas storage tanks.  Suddenly, tons of methyl isocyanate began pouring into the air.  Carried by the wind, this deadly gas swirled into houses and over sleeping families.  Those who died numbered into the thousands, and many more were maimed.  It was the worst industrial accident up to that time.","People grieved!  But lethal as it was, the gas released there killed far fewer people than are killed spiritually by a 'gas' that people all around the world breathe in every day.  The Bible calls it 'the spirit of the world.'",1co 2:12;,"Apr 1, 1994 Wt Page 14",Resisting The Spirit Of The World,25,,1994/03/01,
"Spirit, World, Air, Poison, Bhopal, India, Accident, Disfellowship,","During the disaster in Bhopal, one Witness of Jehovah was wakened by sirens and by the acrid smell of the poisonous gas.  Without delay he roused his family and rushed them out into the street.  Pausing for just a moment to sense the wind direction, he battled his way through milling crowds and led his family to the top of a hill outside the city.  There they were able to fill their lungs with fresh, clean air that blew from a nearby lake.","Is there an elevated spot where we can go for refuge from the poisonous 'air' of this world?  The Bible says there is!  This 'mountain of Jehovah' is the only location on this planet free from the suffocating, poisonous spirit of this world.  There, Jehovah's spirit flows freely.  The death-dealing air of Satan still swirls around us.  We must be on guard and never drift downhill, back into the world, perhaps to be choked spiritually.  Yet, each year about 40,000 are disfellowshipped.","Is 2:2, 3;","Apr 1, 1994 Wt Page 15, 16",Resisting The Spirit Of The World,25,,1994/03/01,
"Spirit, World, Air, Poison, Bhopal, India, Accident, Disfellowship,","What could a person do if he found himself in an area polluted with poisonous gas?  He could either put on a gas mask attached to a clean air supply, or he could physically remove himself from the area.  The way to avoid Satan's air combines these methods.","As far as possible, we try to remove ourselves physically from anything that would enable the spirit of the world to affect our thinking.  Also, we act wisely if we hook up to a spiritual fresh-air supply.  We fill our spiritual lungs, as it were, by regular meeting attendance, personal study, Christian activity and association, and prayer.  In this way, if any of Satan's air leaks into our lungs, God's spirit strengthens us to reject it.",Ps 17:1-3; Pr 9:9; 13:20; 19:20; 22:17;,"Apr 1, 1994 Wt Page 18",Resisting The Spirit Of The World,25,,1994/03/01,
"Spirit, World, Exert, Endurance, Walk, Determination, Destruction, Armageddon,","THE man battled against the fierce wind. Straining with each step, he unfalteringly walked forward. Why all the effort? Why did he not merely turn around and walk with the wind? Because a short distance behind him loomed a deep dark chasm. He had no choice if he wanted to live. No wonder he struggled to walk against the wind.","Today, like a vicious wind, the 'spirit of the world,' under the direction of Satan, is attempting to sweep all mankind in a course that will inescapably lead to a 'chasm' of destruction, at the expression of God's wrath. (1 Cor. 2:12; Eph. 5:6) To avoid such wrath requires that a Christian, as it were, 'walk against the wind.' He must struggle if he is to walk as a 'child of light.",Eph 5:8,W79 6/1 10,'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,1994/06/03,
"Spirit, World, Poisoning, Atmosphere,","On September 12, 1990, an explosion occurred in a Kazakhstan factory.  Dangerous radioactivity was released into the atmosphere, threatening the health of the 120,000 local inhabitants, many of whom took to the streets in protest against the deadly poison.  As more information came to light, they discovered they had been living in a poisonous environment for decades.  Over the years, 100,000 tons of radioactive waste had been dumped in an unguarded, open-air site.  Although the danger was on their doorstep, nobody had taken it seriously.","Spiritually speaking, we can also be poisoned by invisible contamination.  And like those unfortunate people in Kazakhstan, the majority are unaware of this life-threatening hazard.  The Bible identifies this pollution as the 'spirit of the world,' which is orchestrated by none other than Satan the Devil.",1 Cor. 2:12;,"Oct 1, 1997 Wt Page 25, 26;",Resisting The Spirit Of The World,25,,1997/11/22,
"Spiritism, Demons,","Would you put your hand to a stove to see if it was hot enough to burn you?  If you were thirsty and saw a dark-colored bottle containing some sort of liquid, would you drink some of it, hoping it would do you good?  'That's unreasonable,' you say.","Well, it is the same with spiritism in its many forms and variations.  Not only is such involvement unreasonable, but it is also dangerous.  (See articles for those 'taunting' the demons instead of opposing them.  Also those hard to get rid of)",Deuteronomy 18:10-12; Ga 5:19-21;,"Jun 8, 1970 Aw Page 5",What Is Behind The Spirit Of Rebellion?,33,,,
Spiritistic Practices,"Try to catch rattlesnake  What happened to me in Air Force and Kermit Kruger.  Tried to catch a large rattlesnake for several hours, not knowing what we were getting involved in.  It got dark, and we had the snake between us and our car.  A professional snake-catcher happened along and caught it.",Becoming involved or interested in occult can be like that.  People don't know how dangerous it really is.,James 4:7,Bobby Laymon,What Is Behind The Spirit Of Rebellion?,33,,,
"Spiritistic Practices, Demons,",Jump into yard with bad dog,Try to fight Satan on own terms or ground,Deuteronomy 18:10-12  Isa 8:19,Bobby Laymon,What Is Behind The Spirit Of Rebellion?,33,,,
"Spiritual Arctic, Cool, Zeal, Association, Head, Heart, Balance, Meetings, Service,","There was a man in the Arctic in 50ø below zero degree weather. He felt pretty sure of himself since he had lived in this area for quite some time. He decided to make a journey on foot alone. During the time he was walking, there was an area which deep snow had formed a blanket of warmth over the river underneath. The man not knowing this, stepped on the snow and his foot went through to the river. Now he knew he was in terrible trouble. His feet were all wet and there was a chance he could get frost bite on his feet and freeze to death there in this extreme weather. The man found some fire wood and twigs and proceeded to build a fire. The only trouble was, the wind kept blowing out the matches, one after another. Finally, he was down to his last match. He knew this one had to work or he would surely die out there in the cold.        It worked and he got the fire really going well. He heaved a sigh of relief and began to take off his shoes and socks and put them by the fire to dry them and get warm. What he didn't realize was that he had built this fire under a tree covered with snow. as the heat reached the branches the snow began to melt and a large pile of snow fell and dowsed his fire. The man panicked.  He knew he had to get back to his cabin miles away soon or he would freeze to death. He began to run as fast as he could to reach the warmth of his cabin before he froze to death. soon he became very tired and slowed down and finally became drowsy and went to sleep there in the snow and died.","The man made four big mistakes.  What were they?  We could make the same mistakes spiritually.        The spiritual temperature of Satan's system is about 50ø below zero. Isn't it? The cabin can be likened to the new system, warm and safe. We have to get there. Our lives depend on it.         Isaiah 60:1,2 tells us God's people enjoy light. The world is in darkness. Light gives off heat. Touch a lit light bulb and see if it isn't true. Darkness is usually coldest part of the day. The Bible tells us Jehovah is light and it also tells us Jehovah is love. So you might say that love is spiritual heat. In the world the love of the greater number has cooled off and become cold. Stay where there is love not cold.         Ephesians 5:15 tells us to walk wisely to reach the spiritual cabin. There is wisdom in learning from our mistakes. The man in our story made four big mistakes, we said. Let's examine each one.         Number 1.... He went out alone in the blizzard. It's a law in the Arctic for a man never to go out into the weather alone. Every mistake he made could have been avoided or at least made better had he not gone alone. Perhaps his companion might have known there was a river there or have noticed the tree with snow over the fire or even have helped block the wind so they would have conserved matches. If he had been with a partner perhaps he would not have panicked so easily. The companion could have encouraged him not to stop, carried him a while or even cuddled with him a while to warm themselves and continued on and made it safely. ( Ecclesiastes 4:9 ) Do we stay away from the meetings? It's a law. ( Hebrews 10:25 ) Do you want to be with the ones cooling off? This could include some who have served Jehovah in the past, but are now cooling off. We hope the answer is no.         Number 2.... He was working in the wrong place, under the tree with the snow over head, when he built the fire. Are we working in the wrong place? Which should we work on the head or the heart? Is the head or the heart more vulnerable? Head knowledge is not enough. Those cooling off have head knowledge. We can rationalize when the going gets tough and leave Jehovah. WE must love Jehovah or we will compromise. Work on the heart.         Number 3.... He ran instead of conserving energy. Some in the congregation will run and then stop. They will auxiliary one month and turn in a small report the next month. Or they become irregular. e should be regular at meetings, service and study. Regular means every week. Start small in service and build up. Be balanced. Jehovah is not erratic. He is steady. ( James 1:17 ) Not a variation. Constant. ( 1 Corinthians 15:58 )         Number 4.... He stopped and became inactive. If you keep moving you will keep warm. We cannot stop going to meetings, studying, or going out in service or we will put out the fire of the spirit. We need to stir up a fire in our selves and others. To build our fire the fuel is studying. Holy spirit ignites it, like a match. Constant and regular refueling is necessary. Watch your personal life and your association. ( Proverbs 18:1 ) If you try it alone you will be selfish and against all practical wisdom will break forth.","Eph 5:15; Isaiah 60:1,2",Bobby Laymon,Service Talk,200,,1998/04/05,
"Spiritual Body, Fat,","You have a physical body. You also have a spiritual body. Physical body, not have to ring bell twice.  You are ready to eat. Nothing wrong with being spiritually fat.",How well are you feeding your spiritual body.,1 Cor. 15:44,"James Loy (west Plains) feb 10, 1991","Friendship With God, Friendship With The World -- Which Will You Choose?",79,,,
"Spiritual Food, Appreciation, Meetings,","Do you remember precisely what you ate six months, or even six weeks, ago?  Probably not.  Still, whatever you ate provided the nourishment you needed to sustain you.  And you have likely eaten similar food since.","The same is true of spiritual food provided at our Christian meetings.  Perhaps we do not recall every detail of what we have heard at the meetings.  And similar information has likely been provided more than once.  Still, it is spiritual food, vital for our well-being.  Our meetings always supply good spiritual sustenance, served at an appropriate time.","Matt. 24:45-47; Heb. 10:24, 25;","Mar 1, 2002 Wt Page 16",Human Creation's Groaning--when Will It End?,141,,"Apr 16, 2002",
"Spiritual Food, Appreciation, Meetings,","Young children can be choosy about food, and some may need constant encouragement to eat.","Likewise, some in the congregation are choosy, needing to be encouraged to eat spiritual food.  It is loving to provide that encouragement so they can develop into healthy mature individuals.",Eph. 4:13; Heb. 5:14;,"Mar 1, 2002 Wt Page 16",Keep Growing In Your Relationship With God,16,,"Apr 16, 2002",
Spiritual Fruit,"Lions got lions, dogs got dogs, monkey got monkeys, fruit, fruit. Everything must produced according to kind; even vegetation. Jehovah has secured the perpetuation on earth of that very first genuine kind of witnesses, from Bible times.",Jehovah's Witnesses subject to same law and must reproduce accord False religion keeps producing counterfeit. Matt. 23:15,"Genesis. 1:11-13, 20, 21, 24, 25","Dec 1, 1959 Wt Page 724, 5",What Is Behind The Spirit Of Rebellion?,33,,,
Spiritual Man,Frog in Well; Visit by frog from sea. How big is your home? It is very large. Is it as big as this board Much bigger! How much bigger? It would make millions of your well. Nonsense! Nonsense! You are a deceiver and a falsifier. Get out of,Materialistic minded people say 'nonsense!' to spiritual things. my well. I want nothing to do with frogs like you. Only spiritual eyes can understand deep things of God.,"Isa. 55:8, 9; 1 Cor. 1:25","Jan 8, 1960 Aw Page 5",What Is Behind The Spirit Of Rebellion?,33,,,
Spiritual Man,"Pick out 1 spiritual person & 2 physical persons (see Scripture) 'want of heart' = lack of spiritual backbone. Of three above, which one are we?",Ask questions; what kind of neighborhood? did young man know?,"Prov 7:6-10, 21, 22",Bro Punko,What Is Behind The Spirit Of Rebellion?,33,,,
Spiritual Man,"S is for Personal Study - John 17:3  P is for Prayer. Spiritual people pray a lot.  Romans 12:12 they are               more interested in others than they are themselves.  I  is for Interest in others not self. Phil 2:4  R is for Real care for your family.  I  is 'I' help others. Acts 20:35. Fleshly people are stingy. Spiritual              people give materially, to the worldwide work, to the Bethelites             when they come to visit at our District Conventions, to their local          KH and to the KH building fund.  T is for the Temptations that must be avoided. We do not handle filth.           Psalm 97:10, Spiritual people cannot touch dirt.  U is for Up-building Utterances. Spiritual people always keep things up!  A is for Avoid Disputes - Matt. 5:23,24. Spiritual people are                           peacemakers and peace pursuers.  L is for Love of Service.  Jesus spent a full day in service, even when           he was tired.    Using the word 'Spiritual' he used this formula. Brother Ciranko said he has had this taped to his refrigerator for the last 30 years.",Use as a service talk.  Develop according to needs.,1 Cor 2:13,Brother Ciranko,Service Talk,200,,1998/03/17,
Spiritual Man,"Study-Hear noise; water pipe burst Spiritual man get God's mind on every matter Spiritual man will have study, even if must re-schedule it. Consider same on 1. Prayer 2. Personal Study 3. Conversation",Contrast what spiritual man & Physical man might do. 4. Field Service 5. Immoral Temptations.,"Rom 8:5-8, 12, 13",Bro Punko,What Is Behind The Spirit Of Rebellion?,33,,,
"Spiritual Man,","'Are we a spiritual or a physical man/'  1Cor2:13 describes spiritual and physical members of the Christian congregation.  All professed to be  anointed Christians but some were physical not spiritual.  Today an example of a physical man versus a spiritual man in the congregation would be 'a physical man doesn't have time to read the Watchtower but he does have time to read the Sunday newspaper.'    And a physical man leaves his magazines in the wrappers but a spiritual man reads them the same day that they come in the mail.' A physical man misses meetings occasionally to meet worldly appointments or obligations, but a spiritual man knows the value of receiving Jehovah's spirit and of gathering together.'    Remember, Jehovah only has spiritual friends.    Remember Lot and Abraham, 2 brothers in the Truth.  One was a spiritual man, which one?  When there arose a property dispute between the two Abraham let Lot choose.    Abraham, a spiritual man was willing to lose material possessions rather than lose a friend.  Lot chose the prime area, it was like the Garden of Eden.  When it came time  to leave, Lot delayed.  His son-laws, were not spiritual men. What does that tell you about his daughters? When 2 angels came to tell him to 'get out', he kept lingering.  The angels became urgent, and he kept lingering.      Abraham didn't need any coaxing.  When the angels brought out Lot his wife showed that she was not spiritual.  As Abraham looked over at the area that Lot inhabited, knowing of the coming destruction, he most likely prayed for his brother Lot.  It may have been the prayers of the righteous Abraham that were heard by Jehovah and the Angels kept up their urging. Showing that the prayers of the righteous for their brothers are heard by Jehovah.","Remember, Jehovah only has spiritual friends.  Brothers, remember that Spirituality is a work in progress.  Spiritual people discern 'what the father is doing'. Bible reading is the only way we can behold the face of God.",1 Cor 2:13,Bobby Laymon,Service Talk,200,,1998/03/17,
"Spiritual Man, Physical, Life, Resurrection, Loyalty,",You can't get blood out of a turnip.,Physical man cannot get to know spiritual things.,1 Cor. 2:11-16; Ezek 18:4; Acts 17:31; 24:15;,Bobby Laymon,"Living, Not For Self, But To Do God's Will",8,,,
"Spiritual Man, Physical, Mature,","With bananas you can pick them before they are ripe, or wait until they are ready.  There may be some things you can do to speed up their maturity, but it is not the same quality.","With spiritual men, we must to be careful not to pick too soon.  It can cause damage.",1 Tim. 5:22;,"Gene Shalkoski D.O.  Elder's School 11/23, 24 At St. Louis",,,,"Nov 26, 2001",
"Spiritual Man, Physical, World, Fleshly,","A physical man says, 'Look how short that dress is.' Our thinking should be re-oriented.",The spiritual man turns his head.,1 Cor. 2:11-16;,Johnse Laymon,'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
"Spiritual Person, Physical Person.",Our parents made us a physical person. Must become 'rooted' in the truth.,Only you can make yourself a spiritual person.,"Jas. 1:22-25; Eph. 3:16, 17; 1 Pet. 1:10-12;","Larry Punko C. O. Visit.  12-03-1991   (entered Dec 7, 1991)",What Is Behind The Spirit Of Rebellion?,33,,,
"Spiritual, Faith,",Some make a fetish (passion or preoccupation) of physical health.,"In truth, spiritual health is far more important.","Php 4:6, 7;","Jan 15, 1994 Wt Page 28",What Is Behind The Spirit Of Rebellion?,33,,1993/12/20,
"Spiritual, Meetings, Prayer, Service, Study","There are basic ingredients that go in almost all cakes.  Flour, Sugar,  Milk, Eggs.  They are in most all cake mixtures.  Could you image a cake with out sugar?   It would taste bad.  It would not be right. There is missing something.   PAUSE  It just like in Jehovah's organization there are all different types of individuals.","...But, If you are missing just one or two basic ingredients that make a spiritual person, you will be discouraged easily, disheartened, and you will become distasteful to others and Jehovah.  Lets look at five main ingredients that make up a spiritual person.",Deuteronomy. 5:12;,Jim Kinkade,Should Christians Keep The Sabbath?,134,,"Oct 30, 2001",
"Spiritual, Physical, Fleshly, Oriented, Compass, Standards,","A spiritual person is God oriented. To orient a map, you need a compass. Adjust the compass to the North. Set the map to agree to compass-the way things are on the face of the earth. There is a magnetic North. Science can't totally figure it out.","The map is God's Word. The compass is holy spirit. Without holy spirit you can't understand God's Word (without compass you can't orient a map). If a person doesn't orient himself with Jehovah he is a fleshly man, not spiritual. (1Co. 2:14) The physical person doesn't receive the spirit of God because holy spirit is not there. (1Co. 2:16). We can get to know Jehovah's thinking and Christ's if we are spiritual, through holy spirit. Jesus explains about Jehovah through the Scriptures. He learned about Jah and did his will. He followed exactly what he was told to do!","1 Cor. 2:14, 16;",Peter Morgan,Taking Time To Meditate On Spiritual Things,67,,1997/08/10,
"Spiritual, Strong, Mature,",Not become strong on poor diet.,We need to feed ourselves spiritually to be spiritually strong.,Heb. 5:12-14;,Johnse Laymon,What Is Behind The Spirit Of Rebellion?,33,,,
"Spiritual, Study, Examine, Apply,",With binoculars you can pull something up and examine it closely.  You can zoom in on one feature and see the details.  You can even watch unobserved from a distance.,"We want to examine God's Word with spiritual binoculars.  Zoom in on it.  Get the details.  The world cannot see the things we are examining, because they are not spiritual.",1 Cor 2:13-15;,1997 'faith In God's Word' District Convention,Be Confident Of Divine Victory!,39,,1997/06/10,
"Spiritual, Wealth, Materialism, Truth, Selfish, Unselfish, Gracious, Generous,","A wise woman who was traveling in the mountains found a precious stone in a stream. The next day she met another traveler who was hungry, and the wise woman opened her bag to share her food. The hungry traveler saw the precious stone and asked the woman to give it to him. She did so without hesitation.  He knew the stone was worth enough to give him security for a lifetime. But, a few days later, he came back to return the stone to the wise woman. 'I've been thinking,' he said. 'I know how valuable this stone is,  but I give it back in the hope that you can give me something even more precious. Give me what you have within you that enabled you to give me this stone.'",Sometimes it not the wealth you have but what's inside you that others need.  The truth is like that.  People need spiritual things more than material wealth.,Rev. 22:17;,Scott Rudolph,"Come, You Who Thirst For The Truth!",89,,1998/05/13,
Spirituality,A healthy child will soon outgrow his clothing,If there is a lack of spiritual growth indicates bad health,1 Cor.3;6,Johnse Laymon,What Is Behind The Spirit Of Rebellion?,33,,,
"Spirituality,",Formula for spirituality.,"S is for Personal Study - John 17:3   P is for Prayer. Spiritual people pray a lot. Romans 12:12 they are more interested in others than they are in themselves.   I is for Interest in others not self. Phil 2:4   R is for Real care for your family.   I is 'I' help others. Acts 20:35. Fleshly people are stingy. Spiritual people give materially, to the worldwide work, to the Bethelites when they come to visit at our District Conventions, to their local KH and to the KH building fund.   T is for the Temptations that must be avoided. We do not handle filth. Psalm 97:10, Spiritual people cannot touch dirt.   U is for Up-building Utterances. Spiritual people always keep things up!   A is for Avoid Disputes - Matt. 5:23,24. Spiritual people are peacemakers and peace pursuers.   L is for Love of Service. Jesus spent a full day in service, even when he was tired.",Phil 2:4,Mark Hanlon,Service Talk,200,,1998/11/26,
"Spirituality, Alert, Awake, Knowledge, Discern, Last Days,","There can be more than meets the eye.  A city dog can go into the woods, come across a skunk, and see only a little black and white kitty to play with.  By bitter experience it learns differently and the next time, it is more than a black and white kitty, yet that is all that meets the eye.","Similarly, a man may see that upon this generation have come unprecedented wars, famines, pestilences, earthquakes, fears, anxieties.  But if his vision ends there, if he does not see in these things Jesus presence, he is spiritually blind.",Mt 13:13-15; Mt 24:1-22;,"Aug 15, 1953 Wt Page 486",How To Keep Spiritually Awake!,71,,,
"Spirituality, Hunger, Spirituality,","Besides the threat of spiritual starvation, there is another danger we need to be aware of the type of food that we eat may itself be contaminated. Taking in teachings infected by dangerous demonic ideas can poison us just as easily as can eating physical food that has been tainted with germs or toxins. (Colossians 2:8) It is not always easy to spot poisonous food. 'Food,' says one authority, 'may sometimes appear quite wholesome and yet harbor pathogenic bacteria.'","So we do well to examine the source of our figurative food, bearing in mind that some literature, such as apostate writings, may be infected by the introduction of unscriptural teachings and philosophies. Some food manufacturers even use misleading labeling to deceive their customers as to the contents of their product. We certainly can expect Satan, the great deceiver, to do the same. Make sure, therefore, that you get such figurative food from a reliable source, so that you stay 'healthy in the faith.'","Titus 1:9, 13;",W97 4/15 29,How To Protect Ourselves From Satan's Snares,115,,"Nov 1, 2001",
"Spirituality, Hunger, Spirituality,","Food is also needed 'to produce heat and energy.' Food provides the fuel for our bodies to function well. If we eat poorly, we will have little energy. Lack of iron in our diet can leave us feeling tired and lethargic. Is that how you feel at times when it comes to spiritual activity?","Do you have difficulty discharging the duties that come with being a Christian? Some who profess to be followers of Jesus Christ become weary in well-doing, and they lack stamina for Christian works.","James 2:17, 26",W97 4/15 29,Human Creation's Groaning--when Will It End?,141,,"Nov 1, 2001",
"Spirituality, Hunger, Spirituality,","In extreme cases one may become like a young woman who suffers from anorexia nervosa. She convinces herself that she needs little food, that she is perfectly well, despite the fact that she is wasting away physically. In the end she loses all desire to eat.","'It is a dangerous condition,' says a medical reference work. Why? 'Although the patient seldom literally dies of starvation she becomes severely under-nourished and may succumb to what should be trivial infection.'",Prov. 26:15;,"W97 4/15 30, 31",Who Is Like Jehovah Our God?,145,,"Nov 1, 2001",
"Spirituality, Hunger, Spirituality,",One of the greatest deceptions that Satan has employed over the centuries has been that of convincing people that they do not need to read the Bible and take in accurate knowledge from it. He uses an age-old tactic adopted by invading armies to subdue enemy cities deprive them of food and starve them into submission.,But he has carried this tactic a stage further. He deceives those he is 'besieging' into starving themselves while they are surrounded by a mountain of wholesome spiritual food. No wonder so many fall prey to his attacks!,Ephesians 6:10-18;,W97 4/15 29,How To Protect Ourselves From Satan's Snares,115,,"Nov 1, 2001",
"Spirituality, Hunger, Spirituality,","Think of this, though: We could starve to death at a banquet! Surrounded by food, we can still end up seriously undernourished if we do not actually rouse ourselves to eat some of it. Proverbs 26:15 provides this literal description: 'The lazy one has hidden his hand in the banquet bowl; he has become too weary to bring it back to his mouth.'",What a sad situation! We can likewise become too lazy to exert ourselves in personal study of God's Word and Bible publications designed to help us take in spiritual food. Or we can become too weary to prepare for or participate in the meetings of the Christian congregation.,Prov. 26:15;,"W97 4/15 30, 31",Who Is Like Jehovah Our God?,145,,"Nov 1, 2001",
"Spirituality, Hunger, Spirituality, God, Belly,","Thomas Adams, a 17th-century preacher, said of people in his time: 'They have digged their graves with their teeth.'","In other words, what they ate killed them.  Make sure that what you eat spiritually does not kill you. Seek out good spiritual food supplies.","Php 3:18, 19; Isaiah 55:2, 3;","W97 4/15 30, 31",Who Is Like Jehovah Our God?,145,,"Nov 1, 2001",
"Spirituality, Progress, Materialism, Balance,","Hence, we can profitably examine our lives. Are we preoccupied with achieving secular success at the expense of making spiritual progress? Are we going up in the world but going down in the congregation? Remember Paul's counsel: 'That statement is faithful. If any man is reaching out for an office of overseer, he is desirous of a fine work.'",A sense  of responsibility in the congregation says more about our spirituality than a promotion at work. A careful balance has to be kept so that our employers are not allowed to take us over as if we were dedicated to them and not to Jehovah.,Mt 6:33;,Dch;w93 9/1 P14 Par16,Reach Out For The Real Life!,90,,1993/10/09,
"Spirituality, Thirst, Desire, Truth, Study,",Have you noticed how a baby animal searches eagerly for its mother's nipple and how contented a human baby is when feeding at its mother's breast?,"We should have the same desire for the word of the truth. 'For the sincere Christian, to study God's word is not a labor but a delight, for he knows that therein his heart will find the nourishment for which it longs.' Quote: Greek scholar William Barclay.","1pe 2:2,3; 1sa 2:20, 21;","Sep 1, 1993 Wt Page 17",What Is Behind The Spirit Of Rebellion?,33,,,
"Spirituality, Truth,",'Our spirituality is 'thicker than blood.',"Comments by Ralph Blankenship, who raised 4 sons and 1 daughter in the truth.  All sons are elders, all have pioneered.  1 is a missionary in Liberia.","De 31:12, 13","Divine Teaching District Assembly.  Memphis July 1-4, 1993",What Is Behind The Spirit Of Rebellion?,33,,,
"Spirituality, Heeding Counsel","If we owned a levee, we realize water will seek weakest spot.  What if neighbor or friend pointed out flaw or weak spot in levee, we have two choices, fix it or wait for levee to break and flood area.",What about our spiritual levee's?  Some may have flaw in spiritual levee.  If elder or friend point out flaw we have two choices.  Fix it or let problem or weakness get bigger.,Prov 3:12;,Jim Breden-Scott Rudolph At Licking,Resisting The Spirit Of The World,25,,1996/02/13,
"Spite, Grudge, Anger, Resentment, Attitude, Personality,","There is a saying, 'You can measure a man by the size of the things it takes to upset him.'","How do you measure up?  No matter what the physical size is, the person who refuses to become upset by minor annoyances or offenses is a person of true stature.",Mr 12:31; Ro 12:17-21;,"Oct 1, 1971 Wt Page 579","Mercy, A Dominant Quality Of True Christians",7,,1993/11/17,
"Spite, Grudge, Anger, Resentment, Attitude, Personality, Maturity,",A child is not only small in body but also immature in mind and emotions.,So when adults act in a similar childish way they show how small they are emotionally.  They are not grown up in a complete sense; they are not really 'big.'  We should forgive in 'a large way.',Mr 12:31; Mt 5:44; Luke 6:31; Is 55:7;,"Oct 1, 1971 Wt Page 579",Keep Growing In Your Relationship With God,16,,1993/11/17,
"Sports, Balance, Recreation,","When people go to the beach to enjoy the sun, what happens if they get too much?  They suffer a painful sunburn.","Sports can be excellent relaxation and fun, yet they should not be an end in themselves.  A little is good, but overexposure can be harmful.",1 Tim. 4:8; Phil. 4:5; Gal. 5:26; Matt. 22:39;,"Aug 22, 1991 Aw Page 10",Appreciating Marvels Of God's Creation,114,,,
"Sports, Running, Religion, Athletes, Worship, Gods, Idols, Conversion,",'A woman jogger likened her running experience to a conversion. The wife of a runner said: 'Tom used to be a Methodist. Now he's a runner.',"In his book on running, Joel Henning said: 'It is indeed a form of worship, an attempt to find God.' Bob Anderson, editor of On the Run, declared: 'Someone once said, 'For humanity to survive, it will have to invent a new religion.' The religion has been invented. It is the religion of the runner.'",1ti 4:8,G80 12/22 14,Religion's Time Of Judgment,83,,1994/05/07,
"Sports, Violence, Associations,","'It's not whether you win or lose, it's how you play the game. Soccer game in Lima, Peru on Sunday May 24, 1964.  Ended with 328 dead, and well over 1000 injured. In places the corpses were six deep, crushed by the stampeding","Many players and fans are sore losers. (Potential battlefield) mob.  Worst sporting event tragedy known in history. Set fires to cars and buses; stoned the police, 50 buildings.",Gal. 5:26,"Aug 8, 1964 Aw Page 17",Choose Your Associates Wisely!,116,,,
Sports; Competition;,"'To be GOOD in sports, you have to be BAD.  Or so many athletes, coaches and sports fans believe.'  Quote: Psychology Today.","One professional football player describes his everyday self as 'soft-spoken, considerate and friendly.'  But on the playing field, he goes through a Jekyll-and-Hyde transformation.  He says: 'I'm mean and nasty then ... I'm so rotten.  I have a total disrespect for the guy I'm going to hit.'",Col 3:12;,"Mar 22, 1996 Aw Page 22;",Resisting The Spirit Of The World,25,,1996/02/24,
"Sports; Racing; Drugs; Addiction, Gods;","'The stock-car driver is like a god in his own little kingdom. What is danger next to that?' So explains a driver as to why he faces the dangers of this popular sport. Last year 45 million people watched races between these modified, commercially produced cars, making it the second-largest audience-drawing professional sport. A Wall Street Journal report notes that 'stock-car crowds are among the most unruly and boisterous of sporting crowds.'","Sports can be addictive.  Says an ardent fan: 'Racing gets into your blood and it gnaws away at you. Some people get high on drugs. Me, I get high on the stock cars.'",1 Tim 4:8;,G73 9/8 30,,,,1999/01/11,
"Spotless, Awaiting, Clean,",Picture a little boy dressed for the meeting.  While he is waiting he becomes bored and spots a mud puddle.  You know how boys are.  The mother doesn't notice until finally they reach the Kingdom Hall.,We have washed our robes in the Lamb's blood.  How we be found finally by him?  The 'great crowd' must keep their 'robes' white by not getting spotted with worldliness and thus losing their Christian personality and identification as Jehovah's approved witnesses.,2 Peter 3:14,Joe Laymon,Keep Close In Mind The 'fear-inspiring Day'!,153,,"Apr 7, 2002",
Spring;,'Spring is when you feel like whistling even with a shoe full of slush.'  Quote:  Doug Larson.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Stability, Bible Reading, Personal Study,",On your car you have a stabilizer bar.  If you did not have one your car would shake all over the road.,We must become stabilized in our lives by means of Bible reading and personal study.,Col. 2:7;,Maurice Smith - Annual Meeting With Pioneers.,,,,"May 21, 2001",
"Standard, Beauty, Paradise, Earth, Creation, Creator",Parks and gardens have standards.  Some places on earth are daily inspected for cleanliness and beauty.  There is a standard of beauty they must live up to.,As time passes those paradisiacal parts of the earth will grow and merge until the entire globe meets the standard of beauty set by the Creator back in the garden of Eden.,Isa 65:21;,Kl Page 184,Can You Live Forever?--will You?,35,,1995/06/16,
"Standards,",'Man's accomplishments in establishing standards pale into insignificance when compared with the standards in nature.,"The constellations, orbits of the planets, atomic structure of elements, downward course of rivers, classifying the fish, plants, birds or animals, etc.",1 Co 14:33; 1 John 5:3;,"Mar 15, 1970 Wt Page 172",Why Live By Bible Standards?,88,,,
"Standards, Bible,","Have you ever been confused because of a lack of standards? One recent car model (1980 Chevrolet) listed 49 different carburetors for one car.  Autos, bicycles, household items, computers, often purposely make items different because of greed.","The Bible has a standard for righteousness.  It is unchanging, because it complies with the righteousness of the unchangeable God, Jehovah.","2t 3:16, 17",Bobby Laymon,Why Live By Bible Standards?,88,,,
"Standards, Bible,","There are a number of standards recognized all over the world.  A wave goodbye;  Thumbs up or thumbs down; The white flag of surrender; The green light, go; the red light stop; A red flare for help; SOS, The skull and crossbones.",The Bible has many standards that are universal.  They are beneficial to all races of men.,Isa. 48:17;,Bobby Laymon And Scott Rudolph,Why Live By Bible Standards?,88,,"Mar 26, 2001",
"Standards, Bible, Truth,","Standards are necessary in almost every form of human activity. A housewife, for example, uses measuring cups or spoons when she bakes.  In industry there are standards of size and shape, accounting, testing, safety, and sanitation, and so on. Define: to remove conditions that lead to controversies. (Encyclopedia Britannica)","As this is true in industry and home, so it is true with religious teachings.  A standard of religious truth is necessary to determine what is true and what is false.  The Bible is that standard.",Acts 17:11; 2t 3:16,"Sep 8, 1968 Aw Page 3",Why Live By Bible Standards?,88,,,
"Standards, Bible, Truth,","Think of the Bible as a 'legal document' that had to be carried out in logical order, step by step.  Each step would logically follow another, but could not be taken out of order.",This will help us to see God's permission of wickedness.  It will give us confidence in future fulfillment of all things foretold in God's Word.,"Acts 17:11; 2t 3:16; Heb 5:8,9; 12:11; Jas 1:2-4;",Glenda Richardson,Why Live By Bible Standards?,88,,,
"Standards, Bible, Universal, Unity,",Mankind have worked feverishly to develop the metric system so there will be a universal standard of measurement.,Jehovah's standards have always been of universal benefit.,Isaiah 48:17;,Bobby Laymon,Why Live By Bible Standards?,88,,"Mar 19, 2001",
"Standards, Bible, Weights,","In the days of King Henry I of England (1100-1135), one yard was taken to be 'the distance from the tip of the King's nose to the end of his outstretched thumb.' How accurate were the yardsticks of King Henry's subjects? An audience with the monarch was presumably the only way to be sure.","What about changes in family and moral standards? The effect of such changes can be far more damaging.  Current reports of family breakdown~ promiscuous sexual behavior, and widespread child abuse appall many and confirm that we live in an age of falling standards. One-parent families, children brought up by 'parents' of the same sex, and the horrific sexual abuse of children under the care of local authorities are all results of people turning their backs on accepted standards.",2 Tim 3:1-5,"Jun 1, 2001 Page 3",Why Live By Bible Standards?,88,,"May 26, 2001",
"Standards, Bible, Weights, Change","A first-time visitor to Africa was intrigued by the sight of a man standing bolt upright at the side of the road. He noticed that every few minutes, the man shuffled his feet and moved ever so slightly to one side while still standing erect. Only later did the visitor realize why the man moved as he did. He was, in fact, trying to keep in the shade of a telegraph pole. The shadow was moving slowly as the afternoon sun shifted position.","LIKE that shadow cast by the sun, human affairs and standards are ever shifting and changing. By contrast Jehovah God, 'the Father of the celestial lights,' is unchangeable. 'With him,' wrote the disciple James, 'there is not a variation of the turning of the shadow.' James 1:17)",Mal 3:6;,"Jun 1, 2001 Page 4",Why Live By Bible Standards?,88,,"May 26, 2001",
"Standards, Proverbs, Negative, Progress, Say something good, ","'If you can't say something good about someone, don't say anything at all.'  Quote:  Worldly Proverb.",How could you find something good to say about the Devil.  Jesus did not find anything good to say about the Pharisees.  Worldly thinking can prevent progress in the truth and cause us to be offended when false religion is discussed.,Rom 10:3;,Bobby Laymon,Why Live By Bible Standards?,88,,1996/05/30,9/18/2014
"Standards, Requirements, gauge, timing, ","On railroad tracks, there is a standard gauge for the tracks.  Wonder what would happen if a worker suddenly decides to widen out the track just a couple of inches?  Would there be any danger from that?  Or perhaps make it a couple of inches narrower.  Two inches isn't much!",Jehovah also has standards for our benefit.  It is when we leave those requirements that we are in danger.,"Isa. 48:17, 18; Prov 3:1,2;",Bobby Laymon,Why Live By Bible Standards?,88,,1998/09/16,2/6/2021
"Standards, Requirements,","There used to be a small town in Arkansas (Morrilton) which had its only stoplight upside down, with the red on top.  Persons who were color blind and others had a hard time obeying it.",Jehovah has standards that are there for our protection.  We need to be familiar with them.,Ps. 14:1-3,Clint Morris,Why Live By Bible Standards?,88,,1998/09/16,
"Standards, Sin, Endurance, Persevere, Fear,","Experienced mountaineers realize that once at the summit, they are only halfway.  They still have to descend safely.","Similarly, those fearing God need both to reach God's standards and then to persevere in living by them.",Luke 21:19; James 1:4;,"Oct 8, 1995 Aw Page 23",Why Live By Bible Standards?,88,,1995/09/18,
"Standards, Sin, Perfection, Demanding, Allowance, Weakness,",Consider the problems of learning to drive a car.  It takes constant vigilance and time to drive well enough to pass a driving test.  Of course we still have to work at driving well enough after getting a license.  As we gain experience we hone our skills.  But there are no perfect drivers!,"Happily, God makes allowance for our failings.  He is not unreasonable, demanding what we cannot deliver, nor does he keep finding fault.  He understands our frailties and weaknesses.",Psalm 103:10-14;,"Oct 8, 1995 Aw Page 23",Why Live By Bible Standards?,88,,1995/09/18,
"Standards, Trust, Weights,","Would you trust a merchant who uses two sets of weights, only one of which is accurate?  Certainly not.","Likewise, 'a cheating pair of scales is something detestable to Jehovah, but a complete stone-weight is a pleasure to him.'",Prov. 11:1; 20:10;,"Jun 1, 2001 Page 5",Why Live By Bible Standards?,88,,"May 26, 2001",
"Standards, Trust, Weights, Witnesses, Conduct,",'I've learned a lot more about why Jehovah's Witnesses come knocking on our door...,"...And I don't think I've seen 25,000 people so well dressed and so well behaved all together in one place at the same time.'  T.V. Reporter.",Isa. 48:18;,"Jun 1, 2001 Page 6",Why Live By Bible Standards?,88,,"May 26, 2001",
Standards; Morals;,The nice thing about standards is that there are so many of them to choose from.,The Bible is not like that.  It's standards are widely accepted on its own merits.,2 Timothy 3:16;,Jk Quotes;,Why Live By Bible Standards?,88,,,
Standing Firm,Concrete walls stay firm.  They keep standing.  Stay awake look to organization for answers Regularity,Even concrete needs reinforcement.  Steel rebar etc.,Rom 1:11  1 Cor 16:13,"Bro O'Brien, Tim  Standing Firm 1 Day Assy. Apr 29, 1990",Maintain Your Confidence Firm To The End,46,,,5/21/2014
"Standing, Reputation, Name,",Everyone has a standing with someone.  How do you look in the eyes of your employer?  How about your neighbors?  What about the eyes of Jehovah?,"Do we know our standing?  Although we cannot please everyone, we can be pleasing to God.",Ecclesiastes 11:9; 12:14; 1 Thess 4:1; Gal 1:10; Rom 13:14;,Joseph Wengert D. O.,What Kind Of Name Are You Making With God?,55,,1995/05/29,
"Standing, Reputation, Name, Distinction, Wicked, Righteous,","Did you ever see a picture that was fuzzy on the screen.  Then suddenly it was being brought into wide, vivid focus.","Today it is that way with the righteous and the wicked.  Those serving God and those who have not served him.  Those who say they have a family member who is a 'Witness.'  Ask them: 'Has it had a good affect on their life?'  They may not admit it to you, but sometimes it takes that second look, after all the dust has cleared, to convince them.",Mal 3:18;,Joseph Wengert D. O.,What Kind Of Name Are You Making With God?,55,,1995/05/29,
State;,"'The church must be reminded that it is not the master or the servant of the state, but rather the conscience of the state.'  Quote:  Ml King Jr..",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Statistics, Facts, Science, Mathematics, Numbers,","'Statistics are like a bikini.  What they reveal is suggestive, but what they conceal is vital.' Quote: Aaron Lowenstein.",Sometimes numbers do not tell everything.  We have to look at motives and other reasons for actions.,Jer 17:9;,Bobby Laymon,You Will Reap What You Sow,59,,1995/06/27,
"Statistics, Numbers, Lies,","'Torture numbers, and they'll confess to anything.'  Quote: Gregg Easterbrook.",We need to be careful in trusting statistics.  They can be manipulated to prove falsehoods.,Ps 119:29;,Bobby Laymon - Reader's Digest,Conducting Ourselves Honestly At All Times,10,,1996/03/22,
Statistics;,"'He uses statistics as a drunken man uses lamp-posts, for support rather than illumination.'  Quote:  Andrew Lang.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Statistics;,'Statistics: figures used as arguments.'  Quote:  Leonard Louis Levinson.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Statistics;,'Torture the numbers and they'll confess to anything.'  Quote:  Greg Easterbrook.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Statistics;,"Daily Reporter-Greenfield, IN Saturday 1/1/92  Where Wealth Congregates: Religious Groups ranked by median annual household income in 1989.  Jewish                $36,700  Unitarian              34,800  Agnostic               33,300  Episcopalian           33,000  Eastern Orthodox       31,500  Congregational         30,400  Presbyterian           29,000  Buddhist               28,500  Hindu                  27,800  Disciples of Christ    27,800  Roman Catholic         27,700  No religious pref.     27,300  Church of Christ       26,600  Lutheran                25,900  Christian Scientist    25,800  Mormon                 25,700  Methodist              25,100  Muslim                 24,700  Seventh Day Adventist  22,700  Jehovah's Witnesses    20,900  All households         28,900",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Statistics;,"From book 'An Average Day In The United States':  10501 new Americans are born  5937 die  6567 couples marry  3197 divorce  1994 babies are born to unwed mothers  8838 become teenagers  10951 turn 40  6000  turn 65  35    turn 100  548 enter the country illegally  2239 pounds of cocaine are brought into the US  224 pounds are seized by DEA  290 drug-related emergency room incidents  56061 drive after alcohol  133 die in auto accidents  71 are alcohol related  3 are killed accidentally by handguns  1 is child under 15  24 die of aids  1 is injured by lightning  - children watch 3« hours of TV and see 5 beer commercials,    33 acts of violence and 38 sexual references  735000 are homeless each night  $ 3,673,973 spent on vitamins  $10,410,959 spent on potato chips  4110 start smoking  877 die from smoking  3477 abortions are performed  183 people receive face-lifts  225 nose jobs  16 new tanning salons are listed in Yellow Pages  34932 Bibles sold by Christian Book Stores  4 Earthquakes more than 2.5 on Richter scale  3 government officials are indicted  11800 homes are burglarized  2433 cars are stolen  1704 people are robbed  3786 people are assaulted  49 people are murdered  126 are raped  3562 rifles are purchased  2 people are murdered with a rifle  3014 shotguns are purchased  3 people are murdered with shotguns  3836 handguns are purchased  21 people are murdered with handguns  1658 people visit Graceland - Elvis  4 Call to speak with Elvis  875 calls are made to Norman Vincent Peal's Dial-A-Prayer  623 new members join the Mormon church  20 of girls and 5 of boys in NE have considered suicide  78 or girls 74 of boys in 12th grade have had sexual relations  In one day:  125 new books are published  28,000 people are arrested across US for liquor related incidents  4250 women have an abortion  600 Americans try to kill themselves, 70 succeed  100 rules and regulations are issued by the Federal Government  5,500 Americans die each day",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Statistics;,Statistics prove that trains are not afraid of automobiles.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Stealing, Faithful, Sinning, Habits,",'The man who removes a mountain begins by carrying away small stones.'  Quote: Anonymous.,Habits start with small beginnings.,Luke 16:10;,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Stealing, Honesty, Selfishness,",'75 percent of all employees steal everything from money to merchandise.  It's like a big iceberg -- we see only the tip.'  Quote: A West Coast merchant.,"Stealing is a type of selfishness that takes on many forms, shoplifting and employee theft being but two of them.",Luke 16:10; Mark 12:29-31;,"Nov 22, 1970 Aw Page 27",Conducting Ourselves Honestly At All Times,10,,1993/11/01,
"Stealing, Rob, Dishonest,","The argument that a person who is disadvantaged has the right to steal.  This would be much like saying that an athlete of inferior build has the right to take banned drugs in order to win.  Even if he does win, he has used dishonest means.  Others will rightly feel that he has taken away their victory by illicit methods.","So, too, with the thief.  He takes what belongs to others in a dishonest way.  His disadvantaged position does not justify the means.","Prov. 6:30, 31;","Nov 8, 1997 Aw Page 19",Conducting Ourselves Honestly At All Times,10,,1997/10/09,
Stealing; Thief; Robbery; Perspective;,He that steals an egg will steal an ox.,"Faithfulness in small things, promotes faithfulness in larger things.",Luke 16:10;,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Stomach, Chemical, Science, Creation,","Would you like to take a tour of one of the most interesting chemical plants in the world?  If will not take long.  Perhaps 10 or 15 minutes.  This chemical plant is completely automated, and has a highly efficient self-maintenance system.","This unusual chemical plant is located in your own abdomen.  It consist of a tube close to 30 feet long, and well has it been termed 'the tube of life.'  [see article for vivid details]",Ps 136:14; 100:3,"Mar 22, 1971 Aw Page 16",Does Your Hope Rest On Science Or The Bible?,80,,1994/01/08,
"Strength, Adversity, Trials, Challenges, Conflicts, Storms,","The ancient Vikings built ships that were renowned for their strength and ability to withstand the storm of cold northern seas. The planks which went into the keel were important, but most important of all was the mainmast, for it was the strength of this that meant surviving the  storm or being lost at sea. George Sanchez explains the secret of their unusual strength, saying, 'They had learned it wasn't good enough to simply find any tree of the right height and circumference [for a mast].  Instead, they searched for trees with the correct dimensions that had  grown on sites exposed to the storms blowing in from the open sea. Because the trees from exposed areas had withstood the buffeting of rough weather over the years, they were stronger and more flexible than trees from sheltered sites.'","Did you notice that the ancient Vikings found that the masts with the greatest strength were the ones that had weathered the storms? The fact of the matter is that conflict, trials, adversity, and challenges in our lives....and our rising above these to still 'grow' and stand tall, makes us more valuable.  Its not so much the storm, as to how we survive it.  Its a refining and purifying of the individual to have endured trials, and overcome the 'storms'.  Even Christ 'learned obedience by   the things he suffered' (Heb. 5:8).  May we also rise to the full height of our Christian potential as full grown 'trees', tried and tested.","Heb. 5:8; James 1:3,4;",Dennis Dunn,Service Talk,200,,1999/02/15,
"Strength, Stronghold, Energy, Persecution, Bearing Up,","Picture a father and his little boy walking in a grocery store. The little boy is carrying the basket and as they walk up and down the aisles, the father takes things off of the shelves and places them in the basket. Sometimes he explains what he's putting in, other times he doesn't. A woman is watching this and feeling very sorry for the little boy because he has to carry such a heavy load. Unable to hold her tongue any longer, she bends down and to the boy says, 'My, that basket looks heavy. Maybe you better let your father carry it for you.' The boy smiles up at her and says confidently, 'No, my father loves me and knows just how much I can carry. When I can't handle anymore, he'll take over.'","When our load seems unbearably heavy, remember that Jehovah knows exactly how much we can carry and if we have faith in Him, He will 'take over' when we can't handle anymore.",1 Cor 10:13;,Goldman Collection,Are You Really Making Jehovah Your Stronghold?,18,,"Jan 22, 2001",
"Strength, Weakness, Overconfidence,","With 16 watertight compartments in its hull, the luxury liner Titanic was considered unsinkable. On its maiden voyage in 1912, it carried only about half the number of lifeboats needed. The ship struck an iceberg and sank, with the loss of over 1,500 lives.","This account teaches us that strengths, when not balanced by wisdom, modesty, and humility, can easily become weaknesses or liabilities. This is sobering, for in one way or another, every one of us has certain strengths, or gifts, and we want these to be an asset and a source of joy to ourselves and others, especially to our Creator. Indeed, we ought to put to full use any gift of God we may have but at the same time regulate it so that it remains a valuable asset.",2 Chronicles 26:15-21; Proverbs 16:18,W99 12/1 26,Maintain Your Confidence Firm To The End,46,,"Nov 18, 2001",
Strength;,Better a castle of bones than of stones. courage and loyalty of people stronger defense than walls of stone.),,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Strength;,Strength grows stronger by being tried.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Strength; Power;,'The strength of a man consists in finding out the way God is going and going that way.'  Quote:  Hwb.,"To do so we must tap into the thoughts of Jehovah, and draw strength and thinking ability from Him.",Isa 40:28-31; Isa 55:8-11;,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Strength; Wisdom;,Wisdom is better than strength.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Stress, Anxiety, Depression, Encourage, Cure,","'Beginning in the middle of the 14th century, the plague rampaged through Europe, killing a quarter of the population. But today, six  centuries later, Europe and the West are facing a less dramatic but equally devastating and more insidious epidemic.'  The South African newsmagazine 'To The Point'","Today's disease manifests itself in many forms, but all are rooted in a single poison: stress. Dubbed the 'Twentieth Century Killer,' stress arises mainly from the psychological demands of life.'",Luke 21:34;,G80 10/8 3,The Only Cure For Sick Mankind,62,,1994/09/14,
"Stress, Anxiety, Depression, Encourage, Cure,","Stress has been likened to a dangerous virus that has infected modern man. You probably have noted its symptoms, even felt them yourself-The knot of tension in your stomach. The splitting headache caused by the pressures of life. The feeling that 'you're going to explode,' that you 'just can't take it anymore.' The constant exhaustion.",But this 'infection' is not one that you can fight with antibiotics or have cut out on an operating table. Nor does the remedy lie in pills.,Luke 21:34;,G80 10/8 3,The Only Cure For Sick Mankind,62,,1994/09/14,
"Stress, Anxiety, Pressure,","When a diver goes down deep into the ocean he has a life-line that reaches up above.  If that line gets cut, he will not live long enough to suffocate from breathing.  He will die immediately from the pressure.  The life-line prevents the pressure from crushing him.","We are in Satan's world, and it does no good to complain about the pressure.  We do have a means of coping with the stress, because of our life-line from above.  If that gets severed, we will be crushed immediately from the pressure.","Phil 4:12, 13;",Faye Rudolph,Coping With Life's Anxieties,32,,1997/11/19,
"Stress, Anxiety, Worry, Depression,","For a violinist to make music, the strings on his instrument must be taut--but only to a degree.  If they are too tight, they will snap.  but if the strings are too loose, they will produce no sound at all.  The proper amount of tension lies somewhere between the two extremes.","It is similar with stress.  Too much can be harmful.  However, you need some stress.  For example, imagine that while crossing a street, you suddenly notice that a car is speeding toward you.  It is stress that enables you to get out of harm's way--quickly!",2 Tim. 3:1-5; Ps. 34:19; 2 Tim. 3:12;,"Mar 22, 1998 Aw Page 6, 7",Coping With Life's Anxieties,32,,1998/02/23,
"Stress, Depression, Anxiety, Endurance, Pioneer, Missionary, Groaning,",Life is like a hill.  We all have our 'ups' and 'downs' in life. Do not expect perfection from imperfection.  Keep your hope burning brightly.,Anybody can handle the ups.  It is how you handle the downs that will determine whether you endure in the missionary service,Jas 1:2-4;,"Jun 1, 1992 Wt Page 22 ( Jack Redford)",Gaining Comfort In All Our Tribulations,105,,,
"Stress, Depression, Anxiety, Groaning,","How much weight can you carry? 100 pounds? 200 pounds? For how long can you carry it.  We are in a race for life. [1]Too much work. [2]Too many pleasure trips, or frequency of them, or entertainment, T.V. etc.","Paul's words indicate that a Christian at times may place needless loads on himself. Not necessarily involve serious sins, but make errors in judgment.  Complicate his life.","Heb. 12:1; Eph. 5:15-17; Phil. 4:5; Ga. 6:4, 5; Luke 10:40","Oct 15, 1991 Wt Page 22",Gaining Comfort In All Our Tribulations,105,,,
"Stress, Depression, Work,",Stress has been likened to a dangerous virus that has infected modern man.,"You probably have noted its symptoms, even felt them yourself - The knot of tension in your stomach. The splitting headache caused by the pressures of life. The feeling that 'you're going to explode,' that you 'just can't take it anymore.' The constant exhaustion.",Ecc 1:3,G80 10/8 3,Gaining Comfort In All Our Tribulations,105,,1994/05/06,
"Stress, Elders, Tender, Merciful,","THE OAKS presented a complaint to Jupiter, saying, 'We bear for no purpose the burden of life, as of all the trees that grow we are the most continually in peril of the axe.'  Jupiter made  answer:  'You have only to thank yourselves for the misfortunes to which you are  exposed:  for if you did not make such excellent  pillars and posts, and prove yourselves so serviceable to the carpenters and the farmers, the axe would not so frequently be laid to your roots.'","Sometimes those who are most helpful are the ones taken advantages of.  Elders for example who are loving and caring are those who are often called upon, even when they are over-burdened already.  As the saying goes, 'If you want something done, give it to a busy man.'  However, we desire to be of service to our brothers.",Heb 13:17;,Aesop's Fables - Bobby Laymon,Gaining Comfort In All Our Tribulations,105,,1994/05/17,
"Stress, Encourage, Persecution,","If everything is coming your way, you're in the wrong lane.","Jesus said, 'Woe, whenever all men speak well of you.",Lk 6:26;,Bobby Laymon,Bearing Up Under Persecution,57,,,
"Stress, Future, Wisdom, Understanding, Depression, Worry, Anxiety,",'Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards.'  A 19th century philosopher.,"Although we can learn from failures, our present actions form our future.",Ps 25:17; Rom 12:11; Prov 21:5;,"Sep 8, 1994 Aw Page 15",Happy Though Hungry--how Can It Be?,31,,1994/08/23,
"Stress, Pressure, Weakness,","Take a wire several inches long.  Push on it and show how it can take much stress in that direction.  Pull on it, and it can with-stand even greater stress.  However, put side pressure on it and it easily gets bent out of shape.  In some directions it cannot with-stand much pressure.","We are like that.  Every person has a weak point.  It is good to know our weakness, and those of our brothers and sisters and protect one another.","John 13:34, 35;",Bradley Wagner,Gaining Comfort In All Our Tribulations,105,,,
Stress;,"'Do not anticipate trouble, or worry about what may never happen. Keep in the sunlight'  Quote:  Bf.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Stress;,'It ain't no use putting up your umbrella until it rains.'  Quote:  Alice Rice.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Stress;,'The time to relax is when you don't have time for it.' Quote:  Sydney Harris,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Stress; Complaining;,Don't cry before you are hurt.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Stress; Complaining;,Stop worrying about the potholes in the road and celebrate the journey.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Stress; Fear; Ignorance;,We fear things in proportion to our ignorance of them.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Stress; Worry;,'Worry give a small thing a big shadow.' Quote:  Swedish,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Stress; Worry;,"We often hear of people breaking down from overwork, but in nine out of ten they are really suffering from worry or anxiety.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Stronghold, Dependence, Trust,","A school bus with children skidded off the mountainside.  The rescue team decided to send someone light down on the end of a rope to secure the bus by a cable.  They selected a young boy.  He responded, 'I will do it on one condition!  That my father is on the other end of the rope.'","Today, the attitude is, 'I don't trust anyone.'  However, Jehovah is one you can tie the rope to.  He can be your stronghold.","2 Sam. 22:2, 3;",Larry Melton,Are You Really Making Jehovah Your Stronghold?,18,,"Mar 26, 2001",
"Stronghold, Organizations, Caught,","There are so many issues one can be caught up in today.  The world has become like a giant dragnet, bringing up all sorts of fish.  Issues such as abuse of children, abortion, trees, whales, wild horses, buffalo, water supply, gun control, drunk drivers, the homeless and many more.","We can get caught up in these issues,  and hold meetings, give talks, raise funds, and none of it would make any difference.  We need to trust in Jehovah as our stronghold in all matters.",Prov. 18:10;,Bobby Laymon,Are You Really Making Jehovah Your Stronghold?,18,,"Mar 26, 2001",
"Stronghold, Refuge, Jehovah, Joy,",Just as a person may run into a fortified place to survive some calamity....,"UPRIGHT DAVID, when pursued by King Saul, took refuge in Jehovah.  Jehovah is an incomparable stronghold.  Define: Stronghold = A fortified place, one of security or survival.",Neh 8:10; Ps 18; Superscription.,"Jan 15, 1995 Wt Page 10, 11.",Are You Really Making Jehovah Your Stronghold?,18,,1994/12/14,
"Stronghold, Strength, Weakness, Sins, Power, Pioneer,","A little boy is working in the rock garden with his Daddy. The father tells him that if he needs any help moving the rocks, he is right across the garden. Just call him. The little boy does fine for a while but then the rocks get too big. But he wants to show the Dad how big he is so he struggles and sweats and strains and pants and puffs and doesn't get very far. The Dad looks up and sees him continually struggling. 'Son,' the father says 'You are not using all your strength.' The little boys looks shocked but tries all the harder, with every ounce of strength he has he tries to get that rock in to his wagon. Puff, pant, strain, struggle, sweat, tears and hardly any progress. 'Son, you are not using all your strength!' the boy says 'Yes I am Daddy, I am using everything I have.' the Dad answers 'No son, you are not using me!'",Are we really using all we have.  Are we relying on Jehovah or ourselves?  Are we really making Jehovah our stronghold?,2 Sam 22:2;,J.K.,Are You Really Making Jehovah Your Stronghold?,18,,1997/04/13,
"Struggle, Endure, Waste, Anxiety, Frustration,",'The bird that flutters least is longest on the wing.'  Quote: Cowper (1731-1800),"Cannot cope with world problems though human ingenuity.  We can win  the struggle by gaining calmer, healthier life now.",Jer 10:23;,Bobby Laymon,Coping With Life's Anxieties,32,,1995/08/01,
"Studies,",A baby born and lives about a year and then dies. One of the most heart-rending things that can happen to parents. Happens millions of time each year. Some of these deaths could have been prevented.,Don't let your babies (studies) die on you.,John 17:12;,"Pioneer Meeting. Dec. 14, 1990 St. Louis. J.C. Howard",,,,,
"Studies, Rut, Groove, Direction, World, Sin, Progress, Pioneer,",A rut takes you in a direction you do not want to go.  A groove directs you.  Keeps you from going from right to left. Try direct and indirect approach to studies. New Bible Studies will keep you in the pioneer work.,We don't want to get into a rut with Bible studies that are unproductive.  Must be constantly alert to start new ones.,"Mt 9:36-38; 28:19, 20;","Mike Hart - Pioneer Meeting. Jan 31, 1992",'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
"Studies, Stress,","'If they're sheep, they'll keep.' Al LaRue's version is: ('If they're not, they'll rot.')",Applied to missing studies during pre-assembly work or other necessary duties.,1 Cor. 15:58,"Lillian Rima As Told By Nick Kovalak, D.O.",Gaining Comfort In All Our Tribulations,105,,,
"Studies, Teaching,","Every fall, forest fires consume thousands of acres of woodland.  How do they start?  Usually from one little spark.","By using good teaching methods, and teaching something each time, we can ignite a spark that may turn into a grand witness.  Start that spark!",John 16:12;,Ervin Scharff  - Annual Meeting With Pioneers.,,,,"May 22, 2001",
"Studies, Truth, Service, Teach, Boast, Love, Preaching, Sow","The time of reaping is always longer than the time of sowing, because we reap more than we sow.",It takes a lot of time to develop and hold good studies.,"Luke 12:8; Heb. 13:15; Rom. 10: 9, 10, Acts 20:20; Ps. 68:11",Bobby Laymon,Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,63,,,
Study,'Get what you pay for' Never casual attitude about meetings.,Study must cost us something--must make ourselves study,Eph. 5:15-17,"Pure Language Dist. Assy July 5-8, 1990","As Christians, We Care About Other People",15,,,
Study,"Babies are cute, lovable, but must grow. We must grow in spiritual sense as well",Don't be a baby.  Act you age!,Eph. 5:15-17  Ps. 19:1-11,"Pure Language D.A. July 5-8, 1990",Does God Count You Personally Important?,26,,,
Study,"Babies know they're hungry; children have to be told, come & eat. Must develop appetite for spiritual food.","With spiritual food, we can forget & do without. there lies danger",Eph. 5:15-17  Ps. 19:1-11,"Pure Language D.A. July 5-8, 1990",Does God Count You Personally Important?,26,,,
Study,"Destitute beggar who is painfully aware of his need physical food Most do youths do little to fill spiritual need. Asked 100 questions about the Bible, the average could answer only 17. 7 out of 10 could not name the 4 Gospels.",You must be constantly aware of your need; spiritual food.,Matt. 5:3  John 17:3,"Sep 22, 1990 Aw Page 21","As Christians, We Care About Other People",15,,,
Study,"Food we don't like, eat a little each time, develop appetite Reflect Appreciatively on all Jehovah has done, is doing, & will do in your behalf. Heart be moved to learn about him.",With time & effort you can develop spiritual appetite for Bible.,1 Pet 2:12  Ps 25:4,"Mar 1, 1990 Wt Page 13","As Christians, We Care About Other People",15,,,
Study,"Gas truck, runs out of gas, while carrying many gallons. Must continually renew own faith, by study.","We may preach the good news, but allow own faith to weaken.","Ps 1:1, 2",Johnse Laymon,"As Christians, We Care About Other People",15,,,
Study,"Great safeguarding & salvaging of costly buildings making fireproof.  Some have 3 Hr. fire resistant.  Community burned; building remained, somewhat tarnished, but structurally sound. (fire resist of 4 hrs)","Every lover of truth will come into fire; all desire to come through fire-proof materials proved their worth, & extra labor & cost justified themselves.",1 Cor 3:10-15,Bobby Laymon,Parents--are You Building With Fire-resistant Materials?,104,,,
Study,"Huge Buffet-Everything you can imagine-have every last item menu We are NOT TAKING opportune time, but BUYING OUT. We are expected to be good readers. Jesus did not say, 'I heard someone say' but 'It is written.'","We have 48 Mag. year, plus all other (name some)",Eph. 5:15-17  Ps. 19:1-11,"Pure Language D.A. July 5-8, 1990",Does God Count You Personally Important?,26,,,
Study,"Hungry for fish? venison? steak? Cultivate by prayer for knowledge, understanding & wisdom service stimulates interest in study",Hungry for God's Word,1 Pet 2:2 Matt 7:7  Jo 6:45,1974 Jul Km,"As Christians, We Care About Other People",15,,,
Study,"Loss of Spiritual appetite.  Ate something made sick or poisoned. Perhaps; nervous tension, lack of companionship, exercise, or fresh air. Eat with rest of Christian family.","Try large portions of God's word, to cleanse you. Matter of life or death.",Matt. 6:25-34,"Jul 15, 1959 Wt Page 428","As Christians, We Care About Other People",15,,,
Study,"MEALTIME; Not a 'filling station' but a 'Service Station' Cover points over and over again; dress, parties, grooming, school problems, etc. Points for Field Service.",Just as you eat over and over and over (see point 1),Ps. 127:3  Eph. 6:4  Col. 3:23  Deuteronomy. 6:4-7,Bobby Laymon,"As Christians, We Care About Other People",15,,,
Study,Nest egg,Provide spiritual nest egg,"1 Tim 4:8  Eph 5:15, 16",Bobby Laymon,"As Christians, We Care About Other People",15,,,
Study,"Renew circuits (keep dust free etc.) large corporation have maintenance men to constantly keep up machinery, rebuild.",Must constantly renew circuits of our mind,"Heb 2:1  3:12  6:11, 12  2 Pet 2:20-22","Dec 1, 1989 Wt Page 13","As Christians, We Care About Other People",15,,,
Study,Reverse gear (go backward) No honorable substitute for personal study No honorable substitute for service,"Stop studying, reverse process of coming into truth.",1 Tim 4:7  Heb 5:12,Bro Punko   (pioneer Mtg),"As Christians, We Care About Other People",15,,,
Study,"Spiritual Yoga: World thinks it needs time just to do nothing Yoga position in front of T.V.?? Tempted: To sweep mind clean- Remember, what Satan can do to cleared mind.",Be Careful! We don't practice yoga,Josh. 1:8  Jo. 17:3,"Pure Language D.A. July 5-8, 1990",Does God Count You Personally Important?,26,,,
Study,There is a law: Give people time for lunch at work. Don't be too tired to study and attend meetings.,"Should be Christian law to study, take in spiritual food.",Josh. 1:8  Jo. 17:3 Prov. 3:13-18  1 Pet. 4:15,"Pure Language D.A. July 5-8, 1990",Does God Count You Personally Important?,26,,,
Study,"Weight lifter does not practice with feathers. Light reading; television, comics, sports, radio listening are feather-weight habits. Learn to read well so you can listen to God well",Reading & Study requires certain amount of hard effort & practice.,Prov. 22:6; Deuteronomy. 17:19,"Nov 8, 1960 Aw Page 3, 4","As Christians, We Care About Other People",15,,,
Study - Education - Reading - School - Pioneering,"' When the school room door is closed, it is not really the end of anything - it is the start of everything'. Quote - Hunter",Time to start new career possibly full time ministry,Isa. 50:4; Isa. 54:13; John 6:45; Deuteronomy. 4:5; Acts 22:3,Bobby Laymon,Do You Recognize Jehovah's Sovereignty In Your Personal Life?,75,,,
Study - Education - Reading- Education,'It is only the ignorant who despise education'. Quote- Syrus.,Wisdom is cherished among wise.,Isa. 50:4; Isa. 54:13; John 6:45; Deuteronomy. 4:5; Acts 22:3,Bobby Laymon,Do You Recognize Jehovah's Sovereignty In Your Personal Life?,75,,,
Study - Education - Reading- School - Infant - Teach,'The education of the human mind commences with the cradle'. Quote: Cogan,Timothy taught from infancy.,2 Tim. 3:14; Isa. 50:4; Isa. 54:13; John 6:45; Deuteronomy. 4:5; Acts 22:,Bobby Laymon,Do You Recognize Jehovah's Sovereignty In Your Personal Life?,75,,,
"Study, Apply,",'Action without study is fatal. Study without action is futile' Quote: Mary Beard (1876-1958),We must apply what we learn.,Heb 5:14;,Wisdom Of The Ages,"As Christians, We Care About Other People",15,,,
"Study, Assignments, School, Talks, Time, Organization, Growth, Improve,","Each journey starts with the first step. Do it NOW! The present moment is golden.  Once lost, it cannot be regained. 'God...will himself finish your training.' Every meeting, every assignment has something to promote progress.","When you receive an assignment, start your mind to working, put something down on paper, the load lightens, the subject shapes up in your mind.",1 Pet. 5:10; Prov. 24:30-34;,"Jun 1, 1967 Wt Page 338",Is It Time For God To Rule The World?,20,,,
"Study, Bible Studies, Teach, Assist, Helping,","Organization is like ship in the ocean;  The Ship is Jehovah's Organization; The Captain is Jesus,  the Rudder is the faithful slave.  It's floating on the sea of mankind.",Studies are still in lifeboat but need to get into the boat for real safety.,"Matt. 28:19, 20",Bobby Laymon,Follow The Way To Life,45,,"Feb 10, 2001",
"Study, Bible,",Can you imagine eating being out of date?,No less is true of spiritual food.  Will never be out of date.,2 Tim. 3:16;,Bobby Laymon,Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,,
"Study, Bible,",Dig for hidden treasure. We would keep digging.,We must search for understanding from God's Word.,Prov. 2:3-5;,Bobby Laymon,Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,,
"Study, Bible,","Told to dig deep hole. Unless you are naturally inclined to do hard work, you would not look forward to it. But what if you are told there is a treasure in ground. Wouldn't you do it anyway?",We have a treasure in God's word to dig for.,Prov. 2:4;,Johnse Laymon,Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,,
"Study, Bible, Joy,","'For the sincere Christian, to study God's word is not a labor but a delight, for he knows that therein his heart will find the nourishment for which it longs.'  Quote: Greek Scholar William Barclay.",The quality of the study is more important than the amount of material covered.  Make the Bible come alive.  Help your children to visualize the areas and features of Palestine.  Help all to do personal research.,"1pe 2:2, 3;","Sep 1, 1993 Wt Page 17",Serve Jehovah With A Joyful Heart,78,,,
"Study, Bible, Research, Knowledge, Focus;",Housewife went to supermarket for meat and vegetables for the family diner. Instead she came home with soap and cereals because there happened to be a bargain in these.,Stick to your subject in study. Apply you mind to business at hand,Acts 17:11; Col. 3:10,"Nov 1, 1963 Wt Page 664",Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,,
"Study, Comments, Watchtower, Spice, Pioneer,","Like adding onions to a stew.  Really spices it up. 'Pay attention, how you LISTEN.'  Not how you 'HEAR'",Additional background information or Scriptural information at the Watchtower study.  Pioneers encouraged to do this.  Also write down all illustrations; note explanations in ref. Bible.,Lk 8:18;,Larry Punko  Pioneer Meeting  (6/13/92),"As Christians, We Care About Other People",15,,,
"Study, Compare, Research,","Have you ever watched people select fruit?  Most observe its color and size to determine its ripeness.  Some people smell the fruit.  Others touch it, even squeeze it.  Still others weigh it, putting one piece in each hand to detect which is heavier with juice, evaluating differences, remembering previous selections and comparing what they now see with what they already know.  A tasty reward awaits them because they give careful attention to the matter.","Of course, the rewards for studying God's Word are far greater.",Prov. 3:15,Benefit Page 27,,,,"Mar 13, 2002",
"Study, Cultivating, World,",Like trying to coax a child to eat something nutritious in the midst of plenty.,"The world has so many enticements, that little interest is found in real spiritual food.",2jn 2:15-17,"Aug 1, 1968 Wt Page 470",'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
"Study, Dig, Bible,","Hezekiah dug a tunnel from the spring of Gihon all the way to the Pool of Siloam.' Averaging 6 feet in height this tunnel was 1,749 feet long.  Just imagine it--a tunnel almost a third of a mile long, cut through rock!","Jehovah's thoughts, contained in the Bible, are life-sustaining.  That is why personal Bible study is essential. But opportunity for study and the resulting knowledge, will not simply flow to you. You may have to 'dig tunnels,' such as through our hard-packed daily routine, to make room for it.","Proverbs 2:1-5; Ephesians 5:15, 16","Aug 15, 1996 Wt Page 6",,,,1996/07/16,
"Study, Faith, Meetings, Assemblies,","A description of food, no matter how well described, in no way can be compared to the tasteful eating of it.","The same is true with study; We must experience it first hand; make the truth our own, to build faith.",2 Tim. 2:15; Pr. 4:7;,"Apr 1, 1968 Wt Page 209",Have Faith In The Good News,47,,,
"Study, Faith, Meetings, Assemblies,","Study is like travel; You may listen to someone else's report, look at the pictures, and hear with interest the details, but it is not the same as being there to feel the experience.","The same is true with study; We must experience it first hand; make the truth our own, to build faith.",2 Tim. 2:15; Pr. 4:7;,"Apr 1, 1968 Wt Page 209",Have Faith In The Good News,47,,,
"Study, Faith, Prayer, Service, Pioneer,","Gas truck, runs out of gas, while carrying many gallons. Must continually renew own faith, by personal prayer, personal study, participation in holy ministry. If fuel truck runs out of gas, how will anyone get fuel?","We may preach the good news, but allow own faith to weaken.","Ps 1:1, 2; Rom. 15:16",Johnse Laymon,How Should You Serve God?,58,,,
"Study, Faith, Worship, Hope,",Hope and fear are inseparable.,Hope must be made stronger through study.,1 Cor. 1:9; Gal. 5:22; Heb. 11:1; Ps. 37:25; Josh. 23:14;,Bobby Laymon (wisdom Of The Ages..Quotes),Have Faith In The Good News,47,,,
"Study, Growth,","Not light study, like a brief shower, but deep study, like a steady rain.",A steady rain promotes growth.,2 Pet. 2:2; Ps 34:8,Kenneth Dorrell; Doer Of God's Word District Convention.  June 2000,,,,"Jul 13, 2000",
"Study, Growth, Foundation, Faith, Pioneer, Missionary, Gilead, Larson,",'What is the value of a good foundation?'  We are like a building that needs a deep foundation in solid ground in order to stay stable in an earthquake.  Quote: Max Larson.,"'By studying diligently, we can develop a closer relationship with Jehovah and can base our faith on deep knowledge so that we can stay stable in times of hardship.'",2 Tim 2:15;,"Dec 1, 1994 Wt Page 25",Build Your Faith In Man's Maker,54,,1994/10/25,
"Study, Habits,","A wood stove may feel very comfortable but if we don't supply it with more wood, that stove will go out! It can be likened to Anorexia: Anorexia is caused by not eating on a regular basis. We may feel that we are fat and stop missing meals. Anorexia does not happen overnight but gradually and when it happens it may be too late, we are suddenly very sick. We may want to eat, but the body does no longer except food and will not stay down.",Personal study if not done on a regular basis may go out! WE start to forget.,2 Tim 2:15;,Peter Morgan,Keep Growing In Your Relationship With God,16,,1997/08/11,
"Study, Habits, Knowledge,","When you were a child, did you learn to walk confidently overnight?  It took months of repeated falls.  Now you enjoy walking with little effort.  If you are a housewife, your first attempts at cooking were likely frustrating and not very successful.  But what a calamity for your family if you had given up trying.  If you play a musical instrument, your first tries and the constant practice were likely not very enjoyable.  But by persisting you became proficient enough to enjoy it.","So too with study habits.  You cannot expect to improve them without hard effort, particularly at first.  But in time, good study procedures will become easier, even habitual.",Luke 11:9-13;,"Feb 1, 1971 Wt Page 70","As Christians, We Care About Other People",15,,1993/11/08,
"Study, Knowledge, Bible, Geography, Know,","Children at school often memorize the names of rulers, or presidents of a land.  Some have the title, 'father of the country.'","How much more important to know about Jehovah.  Also, learn the names and history of Bible lands such as Egypt, Canaan, Arabia, Babylon, etc.  What about persons such as Abraham, Moses, Noah?",Ecclesiastes 12:1,"Feb 15, 1970 Wt Page 115",How Well Do You Know God?,1,,,
"Study, Knowledge, Wisdom,","If someone told you to dig a deep hole in the ground, but that you definitely would not find anything of value, would you enjoy the digging?  But what if you were guaranteed to find all the gold and silver needed to assure you financial security?  Your digging would be much more enjoyable.  (Experience: In basic training, we dug up tulip bulbs 6 feet deep and replanted them on the other side of the building 6 feet deep. Not enjoyable.)",What about the riches that Jehovah God has promised.  Such riches are far greater than anything that gold or silver can buy.,"Ps 37:11, 29; Pr 2:3-5;","Jan 15, 1971 Wt Page 60",Acquiring A Heart Of Wisdom,73,,1993/11/08,
"Study, Meditation","Eating, Digesting","Must take time, eat every day, like day's text","Phil 4:8, 9   1 Pet 3:14","Paul Smith,  Circuit Assy",Taking Time To Meditate On Spiritual Things,67,,,
"Study, Meditation,",When you go to a banquet house and you eat and eat and eat.  Pretty soon you start to swell.,"Likewise, when you study God's word, and you keep taking it in and meditating on it, pretty soon you will start to swell spiritually.",Mt 4:4; Heb 5:14;,"Brother Martin House (miller Congregation) Comment On Oct 1, 1993 Wt Page 17 Par 9",Evidence Of God In The World Around Us,4,,1993/11/21,
"Study, Meditation, Concentration, Read,",Bible reading without meditation is like a shower that passes quickly and soon dries up--momentarily refreshing but with no lasting benefits.,Meditation is like a steady rain that sinks in and stimulates growth.,"Prov. 4:20-22; Ps. 8:3, 4; Prov. 14:6;","Feb 1, 1984 Wt Page 28",Taking Time To Meditate On Spiritual Things,67,,,
"Study, Meditation, Concentration, Read,",Does your mind seem to 'slip out of gear' when you read? Paying attention to Jehovah's sayings are a life-or-death matter.,"Try shorter periods, 'pay attention.'",Prov. 4:20-22;,"Feb 1, 1984 Wt Page 28",Taking Time To Meditate On Spiritual Things,67,,,
"Study, Meditation, Concentration, Read,","Have you ever examined a tiny wild flower and marveled at its symmetry and beauty, or looked up at the stars and felt thrilled with their glory? Why not let your mind settle on such wholesome thoughts.","These are simply forms of meditation that can enhance your reverence for our Creator, Jehovah, and make you glow with gratitude and appreciation.","Ps. 8:3, 4; Prov. 14:6;","Feb 1, 1984 Wt Page 28",Taking Time To Meditate On Spiritual Things,67,,,
"Study, Meditation, Concentration, Read,","Have you ever watched a cow chewing the cud, or ruminating, as it is called. (ruminate also means to meditate) A cow cannot ruminate on an empty stomach. Seemingly disconnected thoughts will begin to organize themselves.","Likewise, we cannot meditate with empty minds. Hence a study of the Bible has value. The more you study, the more spiritual thoughts you have to 'chew.'","Ps. 8:3, 4; Prov. 14:6;","Feb 1, 1984 Wt Page 28",Taking Time To Meditate On Spiritual Things,67,,,
"Study, Meditation, Concentration, Read, Television, Associations,","Am I allowing myself to consume too much spiritual 'junk food?' Early Christians memorized as much of the Bible as possible. Have you endeavored to commit at least key scriptures to memory. Matt. 24:14; Gen. 3:15; Rev. 21:3, 4; Ps. 83:18; John 17:3","Romantic novels, and T.V. and radio soap operas. 2 Tim. 3:1-5.","Ps. 8:3, 4; Prov. 14:6; Acts 7:2-53;","Feb 1, 1984 Wt Page 28",Taking Time To Meditate On Spiritual Things,67,,,
"Study, Meditation, Prayer, Baptism",One definition of student is 'one enrolled in school' but number one definition 'one who studies.',Are we just baptized or are we a true student of God's Word,Heb. 5:14,John Denola,Taking Time To Meditate On Spiritual Things,67,,,
"Study, Meditation, Prayer, Service",There was a ship just 20 miles from Titanic but radio not tuned in,"We need be tuned in through prayer, study , meditation Not be used if not in service",Heb. 5:14,John Denola,How Should You Serve God?,58,,,
"Study, Meetings,","Like music: Professional said, 'I go one day without practice and I know it.  One week without practice and the experts know it.  Two weeks without practice and everybody knows it.",We can easily drift away without study.,1 Tim. 4:16;,Larry Punko; C.O.,"As Christians, We Care About Other People",15,,,
"Study, Meetings, Appetite, Preparation,","'When on vacation I saw this show where the trainer put a fish on a seal's nose, and wouldn't let him eat it.  It really whetted it's appetite, and then he snapped his fingers and the fish was gone in about 1 second.'","That is how we should prepare for the meetings; for service, so we can whet the appetite for more.",1 Co 9:21-23;,Paul Smith,"As Christians, We Care About Other People",15,,,
"Study, Persistence, Caution, Opposed Mate, Preparation,","A 26-year-old brother from Minnesota recalls that his mother would study with him, and together they prepared for the meetings and field service. They hid their publications in the dried cereal boxes, knowing that the opposed father never ate dried cereal.",Those secret study periods proved their worth as they prepared the son for full-time service both as a regular pioneer and at Bethel.,2 Tim 3:16;,Km 2/79 7,"As Christians, We Care About Other People",15,,1994/07/08,
"Study, Personal, Buy Out, Time, Hunger,","A hungry man may go for a drive, and temporarily take his mind off food.  However, the drive doesn't fully satisfy, and the hunger will return.","It is likewise regarding our personal study of God's Word.  We may occupy our minds with other things, but the need is still there.  Why not put it first?",1 Cor 7:31;,"Kenneth Haag, C. O.",,,,1996/11/16,
"Study, Preparation,","Can you enjoy a good meal without preparation? As any chef or cook will tell you, a lot of work goes into preparing a delicious meal.  Yet, it may be consumed in half an hour or less.","On the other hand, the benefits of personal study can last a lifetime. Personal study can become an acquired taste when we see the progress we can make.",1 Timothy 4:13-16,W98 6/15 13,God Comes First In Successful Family Life,110,,"Jul 31, 2000",
"Study, Preparation,","Preparing meal, take shortcuts, light snack, sandwich, junk food. In teaching others, we prepare many spiritual meals. What a difference from hasty snack and preparing fine meal for a family of friends.","Short-cuts do not produce strength-producing spiritual meals. Sometimes we have to urge people to eat. Prov. 24:13, 14","Isa. 54:13; Ps. 133:1, 3; 2 Tim. 2:2;","Sep 1, 1962 Wt Page 522","As Christians, We Care About Other People",15,,,
"Study, Preparation,","Think of the miners who for centuries dug for silver and gold in Bolivia, Mexico, South Africa, and other countries. They worked hard, using picks and shovels, to excavate the rock from which they would get the precious metals. They valued gold so much that in one mine in California, U.S.A., they excavated 367 miles [591 km] of tunnels, reaching a vertical depth of about one mile [1.5 km] just to find gold.","Yet, can you eat gold? Drink gold? Will it sustain you in a desert if you are dying of hunger and thirst? No, its value is artificial and arbitrary, changing from day to day as reflected in the international markets. Nonetheless, men have died for it. Now how much effort is it worth to get spiritual gold, 'the very knowledge of God'? Think of it, the very knowledge of the Sovereign Lord of the universe, his organization, and his purposes! In this regard, we can use spiritual picks and shovels. Those are Bible-based publications that help us to dig into Jehovah's Word and discern its meaning.",Proverbs 2:1-5; Job 28:12-19,W98 6/15 13,God Comes First In Successful Family Life,110,,"Jul 31, 2000",
"Study, Regular, Comfortable,","A wood stove may feel very comfortable but if we don't supply it with more wood, that stove will go out!",Personal study if not done on a regular basis may go out! WE start to forget.,1 Cor. 10:12;,Bobby Laymon,Why Live By Bible Standards?,88,,1999/02/16,
"Study, Regular, Comfortable,","It can be likened to Anorexia: Anorexia is caused by not eating on a regular basis. We may feel that we are fat and stop missing meals. Anorexia does not happen overnight but gradually and when it happens it may be too late, we are suddenly very sick. We may want to eat, but the body does no longer except food and will not stay down.",It is the same with study habits if not done on a regular basis.,1 Cor. 10:12;,Bobby Laymon,Why Live By Bible Standards?,88,,1999/02/16,
"Study, Search, Bible, Peer, Look,","Sister putting on face: Telephone rings, and older sister reminds her of appointment to take her to doctor.  Appointment in 10 minutes.  Grabs coat and rushes out.  Knows what she looks like but forgets.  Later notices one eyebrow here and none there.",We cannot afford to forget what we look like.  We must peer into God's Word and make changes.,Jas. 1:22-25;,"Larry Punko C. O. Visit.  12-03-1991   (entered Dec 7, 1991)",Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,,
"Study, Search, Bible, Peer, Look,","We can look into a mirror and it tells us what we look like.  If we have scar, blemish, hair out of place, etc.  Mirror will not tell us if we are a murderer, liar, dishonest.",God's word will tell us what we are spiritually speaking.  How we need to make changes.,Jas. 1:22-25;,"Larry Punko C. O. Visit.  12-03-1991   (entered Dec 7, 1991)",Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,,
"Study, Search, Bible, Research, Peer, Look,",Banker looks at thousands of bills each day.  Then he notices a slight 'hair' difference.  Then he begins to peer at it.  Is it counterfeit?,We need to 'peer' into God's Word.  When we read the Bible we need to be able to epitomize what we read.  Not have to read over and over again.,Jas. 1:22-25;,"Larry Punko C.O. Visit 12-04-1991   (entered Dec 7, 1991)",Why Christians Must Be Different.,123,,,
"Study, Search, Bible, Research, Peer, Look,","Look at stars or into a mirror.  Or can study them through telescope or gaze intently at face. To peer means to look with intently.  Search. Look at your face, see a scar or blemish, then you begin to peer.","Are you a person who looks, or do you peer?  Apply to God's Word.",Jas. 1:22-25;,"Larry Punko C.O. Visit 12-04-1991   (entered Dec 7, 1991)",Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,,
"Study, Search, Bible, Research, Peer, Look,","We lose our keys, and begin to look at the grass.  We see something, and we stoop to look sideways.  We 'peer' or look closely. Many don't know the elementary things.  8 baptisms mentioned.","Peer means: to stoop to look sideways, look closely. Search. Can you name them?  'laying on of hands' Do we still believe in that?  Yes!","Jas. 1:22-25; Heb. 5:11, 12; 6:1, 2;","Larry Punko C.O. Visit 12-04-1991   (entered Dec 7, 1991)",Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,,
"Study, Search, Bible, Research, Peer, Look, Television,",Many use T.V. Guide to determine study time.  Try to work it in between shows.,"We you study the Watchtower like that, are you looking or are you 'peering?'  Perhaps allowing 30 minutes to study.  Can you look up all the scriptures?  Read all the footnotes?  etc.","Jas. 1:22-25; Heb. 5:11, 12; 6:1, 2;","Larry Punko C.O. Visit 12-04-1991   (entered Dec 7, 1991)",Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,,
"Study, Service, Faith, Health, Spiritual, World,","Prevention is a big factor in maintaining good physical health. Nutritious food, proper exercise, and general care of the mind and body are vital. Natural defenses against disease are stronger in a healthy body.","Similarly, to maintain spiritual health, it is vital to follow the diet God prescribes and to appreciate the nourishing spiritual 'food at the proper time' provided through 'the faithful and discreet slave.' Rejecting the spiritual junk food of this world.","Matthew 24:45-47; Hebrews 10:24, 25 ;1 Corinthians 15:58",W89 10/1 19,'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,1994/06/04,
"Study, Spiritual, Food, Meditation,",Steak and then cake Example: Better to not schedule T.V. viewing on a night for family study.  Gives a chance to meditate.,Spiritual things first ... not dull appetite.,Matt. 6:33;,Bobby Laymon,Taking Time To Meditate On Spiritual Things,67,,,
"Study, Teach, Preach, Dedication, Baptism,","'An older brother I knew used to be a peddler, however not a 'peddler of the truth.'  He sold products, and one he sold was called 'STP'.'","Asked what it meant, he replied, 'Study, Teach, and Preach. As 'light-bearers' that is what we need to do.","J 12:46; Mt 5:14; 9:35,36; 28:19, 20;",Light Bearers District Assembly (David Berry - Baptism Talk),Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,63,,,
"Study, Teach, Preach, Dedication, Baptism, Light,","In ancient times lamps could really brighten up a dark night.  They had a 'wick', 'oil', and gave off 'gas or air.' The wick wasn't supposed to burn.  Must not get low, or it would damage the wick.","You are the wick;  Oil is God's Word; Air is the Holy Spirit. We must be 'aglow' with the spirit.  If we don't take in God's word, we can burn out.",Ro 12:11; 2co 2:18; Ro 10:10;,Light Bearers District Assembly (David Berry - Baptism Talk),Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,63,,,
"Study, Thinking, Wisdom,","'People fall into 2 groups; those who think for themselves and those who do not. True knowledge is not to impress, or for ego, To reflect the supreme intelligence of its Creator, Jehovah God.","There is 'New Class' who pretend to think. 'Eggheads' Person can 'blindfold' mind for purpose of taking in wisdom, and be 'puffed up' with knowledge.",John 17:3  1 Cor. 8:1,"Jul 8, 1958 Aw Page 9-11",Does Your Thinking Agree With God's?,53,,,
"Study, Worship,","'Establish one in your own home with your own family, or even a few that may be interested.  Read, study, praise and worship together, and ... the Lord will be in your midst -- your teacher.' Quote: Watch Tower early 1881","We should be having Bible studies in our own home, and with those on the outside.","Mt 28:19, 20;",Jehovah's Witnesses - Proclaimers Of God's Kingdom.  Page 237,"As Christians, We Care About Other People",15,,,
"Study, Youth, Bible, Studies,","When we buy a new suit or dress, what do we do before we ever wear it to a meeting or in public?  We must have it tailored to fit us.","Bible studies must be tailored to fit the needs of ourselves and our families.  Must build faith, deal with needs.  Be meaningful Up to family head to do this.",1th 5:21; Heb 11:1;,Al Larue (km 5/92 Page 1),How Can Youths Cope With Today's Crisis?,113,,,
Study; Meditate;,The word 'study' is not found in the New World Translation of the Bible!,"However, the idea is certainly there.","2 Ti 2:15; 1 Pe 2:2, 3;",Bobby Laymon,,,,1996/01/20,
"Stumble, Fall, Recovery, Faithful, Loyalty,","Did you ever slip on the ice, and it wasn't your fault?  Did you get up?","Yet, some stumble over something someone does, and they stop serving Jehovah.  Some make a 'little' mistake--then others make the 'big' mistake of stop serving Jehovah.",Ps. 119:165;,Ron Whitlatch C. O.,Meeting The Test Of Christian Loyalty,48,,"Mar 1, 2001",
"Stumble, Faults, Grudges, Resentment,","Have you ever slipped on a patch of ice or tripped over a step? What did you do next?  Did you say: 'It's not my fault that I am lying here.  It's the ice [or the step] that is to blame, so I will not get up again?'  More likely, you stood up and walked away","It is the same with spiritual problems.  If we stay stumbled, insisting on blaming someone else, our situation becomes more and more our fault.",Gal 6:1,"Apr 15, 1990 Wt Page 26-28",Meeting The Test Of Christian Loyalty,48,,,
"Stumble, Life, Sins,",Member of body causing you to stumble?  Cut it off.,It is better to do without something if it causes you to lose your life.,Matt. 5:28-30;,Bobby Laymon,Meeting The Test Of Christian Loyalty,48,,,
"Stumble, Ministry, Conduct, Grooming, Cleanliness,","There was once a man sitting in front of a large office complex with many people coming and going. The man was completely blind. However at night he would put a lantern beside him. One man that came out of the office stopped and asked him if he was indeed blind. The man said, 'yes'. 'Then why do you have a lantern beside you?' he said that it was so people would not stumble over him.",We also should make sure that people do not stumble over us!,Isa 1:16;,Peter Morgan,A Clean People Honors Jehovah,14,,1997/08/11,
"Stumble, Mistakes, Forgiveness,","'Fall seven times, stand up eight.'  Quote: Japanese proverb.",We must let nothing stumble us and cause us to leave Jehovah's organization.,Prov 24:16;,Bobby Laymon - Reader's Digest,Follow The Way To Life,45,,1996/03/15,
Stumbling,"Baby falls many time, but gets up. Some of Jesus disciples left off following him because of stumbling","Do we stay down, or get up and go on?","John 6:53, 54  Prov 24:16",Bobby Laymon,Meeting The Test Of Christian Loyalty,48,,,
Stumbling,"Physician, cure yourself many widows; sent to one etc.",No prophet accepted in home territory.,Luke 4:23-27,Jesus,Meeting The Test Of Christian Loyalty,48,,,
Stumbling,"Rafter in own eye, can't see clearly straw in Brothers eye.",Don't criticize others.,"Luke 6:41, 42",Jesus,Meeting The Test Of Christian Loyalty,48,,,
"Stumbling, Fall,","Baby learning to walk, takes a few steps, trips and falls. Cries as it grabs a chair and pulls itself up again and starts and stumble again.","We may stumble, but we must get up and keep trying.",Ps. 119:165; Prov. 24:16;,Johnse Laymon,Meeting The Test Of Christian Loyalty,48,,,
"Stumbling, Resentment, Forgive, Love,",Ever stumble? Probably wasn't a large thing they did.  Small toy etc. Your stumbling block is probably some personal petty action that reflected the thinking of an imperfect individual. It was not Jehovah or Christ who moved the person to do the thing.,Spiritual stumbling not usually over some great moral offense.  What if angels took viewpoint they couldn't associate with us?,"Jas. 3:2; Matt. 18:21, 22; John 13:1; Rom. 14:21","Jan 15, 1963 Wt Page 35","Friendship With God, Friendship With The World -- Which Will You Choose?",79,,,
"Stumbling, Stepping, Imperfections, Faults,","Child tries to walk, but stumbles.  What does he do?  He gets up and tries again. Righteous will 'certainly get up, but wicked will be made to stumble by calamity.",We must do the same spiritually.,Pr. 24:16; Ps. 119:165;,Larry Punko C.O. 12-05-1991,Meeting The Test Of Christian Loyalty,48,,,
"Stumbling, Stepping, Imperfections, Faults,","George & Bill (2 Ministerial Servants) loved to fish.  Fished together many years.  George noticed bill rubbing nose one day, got irritated, and started to push out of boat.  Bill pushed George asked why: 'That annoying habit of pulling your ear.'","Whatever annoying habits others have, we have them too. Peter, member of G.B. had imperfection and became published in all cong. & now in over 2,000 languages.  Didn't get upset.",Lk. 6:42; Gal. 2:11-14; 2 Pet. 3:15; Rom. 8:37-39;,"Larry Punko C.O. 12-05-1991   (entered Dec 7, 1991)",Meeting The Test Of Christian Loyalty,48,,,
"Stumbling, Stepping, Imperfections, Faults,","Sister with ingrown toe nail.  Has surgery, and still numb she goes shopping, then meeting. (1st in 2 wks) Brother Eager steps on Sister Sore toe's toe.  Later tells pioneer sisters she won't be coming back to meetings.","What is this 'day that will show it up.'  It is a test showing what we are built of.  Could our personality be burned up? With close relationship with Jehovah, nothing can stumble us.",1 Cor. 3:11-15; Luke 17:1; Eccl. 7:9; Pr. 19:11;,"Larry Punko C.O. 12-05-1991   (entered Dec 7, 1991)",Meeting The Test Of Christian Loyalty,48,,,
"Stumbling, Stepping, Imperfections, Faults,","Special oyster farm in Texas.  Open them and put a silica into shell, it begins to build on this irritation, and one years later there is a pink pearl.   The only place in the world that grows pink pearls.",Do I have the brains of an oyster?,Ps. 119:165;,"Larry Punko C.O. 12-05-1991   (entered Dec 7, 1991)",Meeting The Test Of Christian Loyalty,48,,,
"Stumbling, Stepping, Imperfections, Faults,",Stone there against the wall.  One brothers gets on it and puts a light bulb in fixture.  Another comes along and trips over it.  One uses it for 'stepping stone' and the other 'stumbling' Stumbled because 'disobedient to the word.',"Jesus was the Chief stepping stone, also stumbling stone. Some say Jehovah put him there, so its Jehovah's fault. Little problems good-shows us what is inside of us.",1 Pet. 2:4-8;,"Larry Punko C.O. 12-05-1991   (entered Dec 7, 1991)",Meeting The Test Of Christian Loyalty,48,,,
"Stumbling, Stepping, Imperfections, Faults,","Two kinds of people, really.","Those who want to be perfect and those who do not want to be perfect, because they already are.",Lk. 6:42;,"Larry Punko C.O. 12-05-1991   (entered Dec 7, 1991)",Meeting The Test Of Christian Loyalty,48,,,
"Stumbling, Unity, Divisions, Attacks, Satan, Devil,",'Divide and conquer' is one of Satan's wily tactics.,"It is so easy to let human imperfections--other people's and our own--work their way into our hearts and minds and become obstacles, stumbling blocks. Satan well knows this human weakness. We must, therefore, be quick to cover over such sins with intense love for one another and not 'allow place for the Devil.'",Ephesians 4:25-27,"Apr 15, 1999 Wt Page 22",How To Protect Ourselves From Satan's Snares,115,,1999/03/18,
Stumbling; Gossip;,"THE world's largest circus packed out Madison Square Garden in New York city. Now came the evening's most breath-taking act. Toward one side two bicycle riders are balancing themselves on a cable that stretches across the Garden high above the crowd. A pole reaches from one rider to the other, resting on their shoulders, and a chair rests on the pole, balanced on its rungs. A man steps out, sits upon the chair balanced on the pole and then a girl climbs upon his shoulders. The two bicycle riders now pedal out to the center of the Garden as several score men with a tightly stretched net move to keep directly under them. As they reach the center the man seated on the chair rises to stand on it and the girl raises herself to stand on his shoulders and then she waves to the crowd below, which keeps holding its breath, for the act is not yet over. Now the girl sits down on the man's shoulders, the man down on his chair, and the riders pedal back to the side, where one by one they leave the perilous cable and where chair, pole and bicycles are lifted off amid the thunderous applause of the crowd.","Today we are living in critical times hard to deal with. Keeping our spiritual balance might well be likened to what was required of those circus performers. With Satan having great rage because he knows his time is short, he is doing all he can to cause us to stumble, to become offended, to fall into sin and lose out on salvation. If ever the advice to 'keep working out your own salvation with fear and trembling' was important, it is now. Since this is so, Christians must be oh so very careful, lest they serve the Devil's purpose by causing others to stumble, and so causing, not merely some physical injuries, but spiritual ones that could result in everlasting death.-Phil. 2:12.    It is so easy to stumble others. It can be done by what we say or how we say it, by what we do or how we do it, and it can even be done by our failing to speak when we should or failing to act when we should.","Phil. 2:12; Matt. 13:41, 42; 18:6","Sep 1, 1961 Wt Page 540",What Kind Of Name Are You Making With God?,55,,,
Stupidity;,A sinner can reform but stupidity is forever.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Stupidity;,Never underestimate the power of human stupidity.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Stupidity; Funny;,'Never do anything stupid.'  Quote:  Ben Crenshaw.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Stupidity; Funny;,'The two most basic elements: Hydrogen and stupidity.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Styles - Clothing - Women - Peer Pressure,",'A man will buy anything he wants - but a woman will buy anything any other woman wants'.,"Do not let changing styles, and others likes and dislikes mold us into being like the world.","Mic. 6:8; 1 Pet. 3:3, 4; Eph. 5:28; Titus 2:1-3",Bobby Laymon,A Cleansed Earth--will You Live To See It?,49,,,
"Subjection, Marriage, Wife, Husband, Head,","A ship has a captain, and a ball team has a manager. A sailor does not dictate to the captain how to run the ship and the ball player does not tell the manager how to run the club. Both will listen to suggestions, in fact encourage them.",Subjection in practice. A good wife will never tell her husband what to do.,Eph. 5:22; 1 Cor. 11:3; Col. 3:18;,"Dec 8, 1963 Aw Pages 15",God Comes First In Successful Family Life,110,,,
"Subjection, Submission, Headship, Family, Marriage, Congregation.","Piece of wood that is hard to work with, because it goes against the grain. Perhaps twisted during growth, injured, etc. When becomes usable, submitting to the carver, however can become a beautiful piece of furniture.",Being in subjection goes so much against the grain because of the course of rebellion of our first parents. All humankind must be in subjection to someone.,"1 Pet. 3:7; Eph. 5:25-33;1 Cor. 14:33, 40; Heb. 13:17;","May 15, 1980 Wt Page 5",A Godly View Of Sex And Marriage,13,,,
"Subjection, Submission, Headship, Family, Marriage, Congregation.",What is absolutely the best bargain you ever bought? Something you paid for!  Found it far more valuable than expected. Quote: 'women might realize fulfillment in the most intimate aspect of their marriage' by 'acceding to headship of husbands',"Submission will cost you something (may sacrifice your pride, one's preferences, means cultivating modesty and humility) but it is worth it. You will find it invaluable.","1 Pet. 3:7; Eph. 5:25-33;1 Cor. 14:33, 40; Heb. 13:17;","May 15, 1980 Wt Page 8",Family Life That Warms The Heart,5,,,
"Subjection, Superior Authorities, Experience, Attitude, Positive,","'This is a beautiful country.' Quote: John Brown. Remark as he rode to the gallows, seated on his coffin [December 2, 1859]",The proper attitude is important in order to be in subjection.  Christians must give attention to their attitude so that they can show respect for superior authorities.,Heb 12:1;,Bobby Laymon,Respect For Authority Is A Safeguard For You,12,,1995/08/01,
"Submit, Authority, Kiss, Anger, Armageddon, Peace, Contentment,",'Kiss and make up!' is what couples often do when they have had a problem.  The kiss is a symbol that all is peaceful again.,The nations are admonished to 'kiss the Son' in this time of the end before they perish at Armageddon.,Ps 2:12;,"Jul 1, 1994 Wt Page 25; Evelyn Perkins Comment.",Respect For Authority Is A Safeguard For You,12,,1994/08/28,
Succeed In Pioneer Ministry,"IF AT FIRST YOU DON'T SUCCEED, TRY AGAIN",JESUS RECOGNIZED HE COULD NOT SUCCEED W/O FATHER'S HELP,Mark 1:35  Luke 11:1  6:12,89 Wt  May 15 Page 21,Happy Though Hungry--how Can It Be?,31,,,
"Success, Bragging,","It is not the going out of port, but the coming in, that determines the success of a voyage.  -- Henry Ward Beecher","Likewise, our success depends on endurance.",Matt. 24:13;,Bobby Laymon,Act Wisely As The End Draws Near,38,,"Nov 19, 2001",
"Success, Contentment, Happiness, Complain,",A crippled man wants to be where he is not.,Contentment can mean either happiness or unhappiness.,Matt. 24:13; Heb. 12:3; Gal. 6:1; 1 Cor. 15:58; Heb. 13:5;,Bobby Laymon,You Can Find Joy In Serving God,103,,,
"Success, Contentment, Will, Adjust,","You can search the world over, and find what you're looking for in your own backyard.",Contentment.,Matt. 24:13; Heb. 12:3; Gal. 6:1; 1 Cor. 15:58; Heb. 13:5;,Bobby Laymon,You Can Find Joy In Serving God,103,,,
"Success, Independence, Tired, Pioneer, Ministry,",The secret to my success is: 'Early in life I discovered I was not God.'  Quote: Oliver Wendell Holmes.,That's what we need to realize in the ministry.  We tire out!  We can't do it all!  We must not try to do everything by ourselves.,Luke 11:13;,"Kenneth Haag, C. O.",Finding Honor And Joy In God's Ministry,65,s,1996/05/03,
"Success, Ministry, Compare, Countries, Bible Studies, Informal witnessing,",How do you measure success?  Suppose you caught a 94 pound catfish?  Or suppose it was a 3 pound bluegill.  Which would be better? Both are state records!,"Likewise, with Bible studies.  In parts of Africa some conduct as high as 19 Bible studies.  In Taiwan, it may be more like 2 Bible studies.  Numbers don't measure true success.",Matt. 24:14,Bobby Laymon  Heard At Pioneer Meeting.,Good News In A Violent World,85,,"Jul 31, 2000",8/5/2014
Success;,'Aim for service and not for success and success will follow.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Success;,"'If a equals success, then the formula is A equals X plus Y and Z, With X being work, Y play, and Z keeping your mouth shut.'  Quote:  Albert Einstein.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Success;,"'If at first you don't succeed, your running about average.'  Quote:  M. H. Alderson.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Success;,'Nothing slackens one like success.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Success;,'Success has made failures of many men.'  Quote:  Cindy Adams.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Success;,'The successful people are the ones who can think up stuff for the rest of the world to keep busy at.'  Quote:  Don Marquis.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Success;,'The very first step towards success in any occupation is to become interested in it.'  Quote:  Sir William Osler.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Success;,'Try not to become a man of success but rather try to become a man of value.'  Quote:  Ae.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Success; Informal witnessing,","'Young man, the secret of my success is that at an early age I discovered I was not God.'  Quote:  Owh.",As imperfect humans we are working with God. Our success depends on Jehovah. ,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,8/5/2014
Success;,All you have to do to succeed is to follow the advice you give others.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Success;,"If at first you succeed, try something harder!",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Success; Achievement; Work; Endurance; Common Sense;,"'Three essentials to achieve anything worthwhile are, first, hard work; second stick-to-itiveness and third common sense.'  Quote:  Tae.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Success; Failure; Experience;,'Man learns little from success but much from failure.'  Quote:  Arabic.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Success; Future;,'I'd rather be a failure at something I enjoy than be a success at something I hate.'  Quote:  George Burns.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Success; Goals; Progress; Growth; Informal witnessing,",'Every artist was first an amateur.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,8/5/2014
Success; Happiness; Life;,"'Six essential qualities that are the key to success: Sincerity, personal integrity, humility, courtesy,  wisdom, charity.'  Quote:  Dr. William Menninger.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Success; Ignorance; Confidence;,"'All you need in this life is ignorance and confidence, and then success is sure.'  Quote:  Mark Twain.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Success; Learning;,"'Once you have learned what to  unlearn, success will come, so work and wait.'  Quote:  Ron Hamilton.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Success; Life; Love;,"'The successful man is the one who has lived well, laughed often, and loved a great deal.'  Quote:  A. J. Stanley.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Success; Results;,'The house praises the carpenter.'  Quote:  Rwe.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Success; Speech;,"'If A equals success, then the formula is A equals X plus Y and Z, with X being work, Y being play, and z being keeping your mouth shut.'  Quote:  Albert Einstein.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Suffering,  Pain, Earth, Test, Tears,",Some have suggested that God meant for man to suffer and that the earth was designed as a valley of tears or a testing ground for those who will eventually gain life in heaven.,The Bible gives real solace.  It provides a consistent explanation for the existence of suffering and builds confidence that God will undo all the harm that  this temporary permission of suffering has caused.,"Acts 3:20,  21;","Feb 15, 1997 Wt Page 6",,,,1997/01/30,
"Suffering, Wickedness, Sin, Ransom, Patience, wickedness, ","If a person has cataracts impairing his vision, is it not true that he must wait until they have developed (ripened) sufficiently if an operation to remove them is to have the desired results?","The time that has elapsed, (though painful) has been needed to settle the issues that were raised in Eden.","Hab. 2:3; Zeph. 1:14; John 5:28, 29; Rev. 21:4 Isa. 65:17;","Reasoning From The Scriptures, Page 396",The Only Cure For Sick Mankind,62,,,4/1/2014
"Suffering, Wickedness, Sin, Ransom, Patience, wickedness, ","If some made the charge before the whole community that you abused your position as family head, and your children would be better off on their own, and they only obeyed you because of material benefits, what would be the best way to settle the matter?","That's what happened to Jehovah.  Would shooting the false accuser have put the charges to rest in mind of community? Children, in time would provide fine answer, whether good or bad.",Job 1:6-11; Genesis. 2:1-6;,"Reasoning From The Scriptures, Page 429",The Only Cure For Sick Mankind,62,,,4/1/2014
"Suffering, Wickedness, Sin, Ransom, Patience, wickedness, ",Is it not true that a loving parent may allow a child to undergo a painful operation because of beneficial results that can come from it?,"The time that has elapsed, (though painful) has been needed to settle the issues that were raised in Eden.","Hab. 2:3; Zeph. 1:14; John 5:28, 29; Rev. 21:4 Isa. 65:17;","Reasoning From The Scriptures, Page 396",The Only Cure For Sick Mankind,62,,,4/1/2014
Suffering;,"'How little it takes to make life unbearable: a pebble in the shoe, a cockroach in the spaghetti, a woman's laugh.'  Quote:  H.L.Mencken.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Suffering;,'I have suffered too much in this world not to hope for another.'  Quote:  Jean Jacques Rousseau.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Suffering;,"'If you suffer, thank God! It is  sure sign that you are alive.'  Quote:  Elbert Hubbard.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Suffering;,"'Suffering becomes beautiful when anyone bears great calamities with cheerfulness, not through insensibility but through greatness of mind.'  Quote:  Aristotle.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Suffering;,'The salvation of the world is in man's suffering.' Quote:  William Faulkner,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Suggestions, Pioneers, Ideas, Application,",Suggestions...,"...they won't work, unless you do!",2 Pet 1:3-5;,"Joseph Wengert, D. O.",,,,1996/05/03,
"Suicide, Death, Resurrection, Grief,","The tragic news of a suicide does not close a chapter in the lives of relatives and friends. Christendom has condemned suicide as 'a sin beyond redemption, just like apostasy and adultery.","It opens a chapter of mixed feelings of pity and anger, sorrow and guilt. 'resurrection of both the righteous and the unrighteous.'","Acts 24:15; Luke 23:39-43; Matt. 6:9, 10; Rev. 21:1-4;","Sep 8, 1990 Aw Page 22","Living, Not For Self, But To Do God's Will",8,,,
"Suicide, Depression, Groaning, Comfort,","Some have tried to blame suicides on the weather, on those damp dismal days. However, the sunniest months, namely, May and June carry the highest suicide rate. 8 out of 10 who attempt & fail are glad to be alive & won't repeat.","Now believed, suicides have more to do with a damp drizzly outlook in a person's heart than the outside weather.","Eph. 6:12; Rev. 12:9, 12; Ps. 34:8; 36:9; 37:11, 29; De. 30:19;","Nov 8, 1967 Aw Page 6",Gaining Comfort In All Our Tribulations,105,,,
"Sun, Creation,","Like a metal sheet hit with a hammer... Information about the sun: produces 240,000,000,000,000 horse power.  Blemishes come and go.  Sunspots.  Consumes 4 million tons of short hydrogen every second.  There is enough fuel to keep this up for billions of years.",The sun is constantly vibrating.  Why?,Ps. 19:1,"Oct 1, 1992 Aw Page 32",Appreciating Marvels Of God's Creation,114,,,
"Sun, Creation, Ocean,","There is a huge pump that is daily lifting from the oceans huge quantities of water.  If not refilled, the ocean would drop 39 inches of water a year.","The pump is the sun.  Annually it evaporates or pumps out of the ocean over 83,700 cubic miles of water.","Ps 104:24, 25;","Aug 22, 1969 Aw Page 23",Appreciating Marvels Of God's Creation,114,,,
"Sun, Creation, Perpetual,",Men have tried for centuries to invent something with perpetual  motion.  Perhaps an automobile that needs no gas.  Something that creates it's own energy.,"The sun is a giant nuclear furnace that continually perpetuates  itself.  We never have to throw a 'stick of wood' into its furnace to keep it going, for fear it will die out.",Ps 19:1;,James Loy,Appreciating Marvels Of God's Creation,114,,1993/10/24,
"Sun, Universe, Creation, Power, Gentle,","'The sun, with all those planets revolving around it and dependent on it, can still ripen a bunch of grapes as if it had nothing else in the universe to do.'  Quote: Galileo.",Jehovah knows how to direct his power in such a way that he can accomplish anything he desires.,2 Pet 2:9;,Bobby Laymon - Reader's Digest,Appreciating Marvels Of God's Creation,114,,1996/03/21,
"Sun, Water Cycle, Wisdom, Creation,","'But that lucky old sun, has nothing to do, but roll around the heaven all day.'   Quote: Words of a song.","In the cycle of the sun, the water cycle, we see that the sun is very busy.  All day long it draws up drops of water from the sea and distils rain from the mist.",Ecc 1:7; Job 36:27; 37:16;,"Jun 15, 1993 Wt Page 9",Appreciating Marvels Of God's Creation,114,,1993/12/30,
"Sun, Water Cycle, Wisdom, Creation, Sequoia, Tree,",Can you imagine a man sipping a drink from a 300 foot straw?,"The sequoia tree is 300 feet tall, 36 feet in diameter, bark 2 feet thick, roots spreading over 3 or 4 acres.  Its leaves take water from the roots, carbon dioxide from the air, and energy from the sun to manufacture sugars and give off oxygen.  A process that involves 70 chemical reactions.  The tree can draw up columns of water from the roots to the top of this 300 foot high colossus.  Much more water than is needed for photosynthesis.  The rest is given off into the air to water cool the tree.",Ecc 1:7; Job 36:27; 37:16;,"Jun 15, 1993 Wt Page 11",Appreciating Marvels Of God's Creation,114,,1993/12/30,
"Sunday, Service Talk,","What prompted the Society to start a 'Legal' department?  Why did our brothers, in times past, take their tooth brushes with them in service?  What is it that can help prevent families from losing their children to the world?  What valuable privilege could we be missing, that our brothers have fought and sometimes died for?  Opposition started on Sunday service:  1933 = 268 Arrests; 1934 = 340 arrests; 1935 = 478 arrests; 1936 = 1,149 arrests in United States alone.","Answer to all is: Sunday Service!  Why on Sunday?  Advantages & Disadvantages (Ask brothers for advantages)  1.  More at home.  2.  Relaxed.  3.  Stimulate others.  4.  Please Jehovah and Christ Jesus.  5.  Train children.  Good pattern.  6.  Other days, train in Magazine offer, but Sunday usually the offer.  Use the Bible.",Acts 5:42,Joe Laymon,Service Talk,200,,1994/04/28,
"Superior Authorities, Taxes, Life,","A wife might rightfully go to work for another man at his place of business. But if her employer required that she submit totally to him, in all areas, including the intimate details pertaining to married life, then his demands would be out of order.",Caesar cannot rightfully go beyond what is required. Employer cannot rightfully invade the area belonging to her husband. Same with man's relationship with God. Jas. 4:4,Matt. 19:6; Jer. 31:32; Isa. 54:5; Matt. 22:21; Rom. 13:1,"Jun 15, 1964 Wt Page 358",Respect For Authority Is A Safeguard For You,12,,,
"Superior Authorities, Taxes, Life,",Would you not be angry if another man demanded that your wife totally submit to him?  Would you not be angry and incensed if he demanded that your wife give her devotion and loyalty to him? In many countries iron-fisted governments demand total subjection.,To Whom do we belong?  God or Caesar? They feel the people belong to them.,Matt. 19:6; Jer. 31:32; Isa. 54:5; Matt. 22:21; Rom. 13:1,"Jun 15, 1964 Wt Page 357",Respect For Authority Is A Safeguard For You,12,,,
"Superior Authorities, Taxes, Life, Dedication, Baptism,","Just as a husband is angered by one who demands that his wife violate her marriage obligations.  If you want God's blessing, you must belong to him.",So God is angered at any who demand his servants violate their obligations to Him.,Matt. 19:6; Jer. 31:32; Isa. 54:5; Matt. 22:21; Rom. 13:1,"Jun 15, 1964 Wt Page 358",Respect For Authority Is A Safeguard For You,12,,,
Superstition;,'We are all tattooed in our cradles with the beliefs of our tribe.'  Quote:  Owh.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Superstition;,"Superstition, idolatry, and hypocrisy have ample wages, but truth goes begging.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Superstition,"Greenland; child dies, bury a live dog with; guide to other world Clergy doing nothing to free people from falsehoods. They are 'in fear of dark' themselves",Jehovah's people enlightened,Prov. 4:18-20,"May 15, 1958 Wt Page 305",,,,,
Superstition,I'm not superstitious ... but just to be on the safe side ... Examples: Americans wear over 10 million rabbits feet. 4 million 4-leaf clover purchased yearly Friday the 13th cost America 250 million each time in business loss.,"Facts show, superstition is not in word only. Black cats; walk under ladder; broken mirrors; knock on wood; They are leaving Jehovah. Isa. 65:11",1 Tim. 4:10,"Sep 8, 1960 Aw Page 21-24",,,,,
"Superstition, Bondage, Religion, Worship,",'Superstition is the religion of feeble minds.'  Quote: Edmund Burke.,People worship all sorts of gods.  Even superstition is a god they fear.,Exodus 20:2;,Bobby Laymon,Are You 'marked' For Survival?,34,,1995/07/18,
"Support, Elders, Congregation,",'Kick away the ladder and one's feet are left dangling.'  Quote:  Malay.,,,Jk Quotes;,Are You Content With Jehovah's Provisions?,22,,,
"Supreme, Dominance, Honor, Peace, Unity, War, Humility,","'There is a striving for supremacy among living creatures and 'this always applies when you put five boys [or] five cockerels [or] five canary birds [or] of five cichlid fish' together.'  Quote: Konrad Lorenz, a noted authority on animal behavior.","His conclusions are similar to what the Bible says.  On the other hand the Bible shows that certain things definitely can be learned by observing animals.  However, millions of people today are living together in peace and unity, without striving for supremacy, as Jehovah's Witnesses.",Php 4:19;,"Jan 22, 1971 Aw Page 3,4",Into The New Order Under Christ's Leadership,56,,1994/01/06,
Survival,Common in Ezekiel's time to put brand marks on slaves.,Man with writer's inkhorn.,Ezek. 9:4; Acts 2:21,"Apr 8, 1960 Aw Page 27",Are You 'marked' For Survival?,34,,,
Survival,Safety instructions; Fallout shelter etc. Jehovah's safety instructions are addressed to the meek of earth.,Jehovah has provided a safe place with safety instructions.,"Zeph. 2:2, 3;","Oct 15, 1960 Wt Page 628",Are You 'marked' For Survival?,34,,,
"Survival, Endurance, Armageddon,","ONE of the most renowned wonders of the modern world is the endurance of the giant sequoia trees of California. Practically exempt from disease and endowed with an almost endless life, some have been judged by their annular rings to have been thousands of years old. The oldest tree ever cut down for lumber is recorded to have lived for 3,148 years. Truly a record of endurance!","Since mankind is entering a most crucial period of history, qualities for survival are most urgently needed.   The world stands at the very threshold of a 'great tribulation' culminating in Armageddon, 'the war of the great day of God the Almighty.'   Endurance will be needed to survive this system of things and the war of Armageddon.","Rev. 16:14, 16; 19:11-21",W70 4/1 208,Ruining The Earth Brings Divine Retribution,106,,1994/06/04,
"Survival, Issue, Sovereignty, Bible, Standards, Obey, Obedience,",A ship on a stormy sea without a rudder.  There is not much chance of survival.,"Having failed to follow Jehovah's standards, mankind in general has become like a ship without a rudder, tossed about in a turbulent sea.","Jer 8:5, 6, 9;",Kl Page 77,Why Live By Bible Standards?,88,,1995/06/15,
"Survival, Mark, Forehead, Personality,","Completely remodeled Kingdom Hall.  It is so complete that it is hard to believe that it is the same one.  One wall was completely removed that used to develop cracks.  Rest rooms where the door used to be ... book room where the rest rooms were, etc.","Same with the 'new personality.'  The change is so complete, yet you can vaguely tell that it is the same person.  Like the wall the inherent weaknesses have been removed.  Also, like the new Kingdom Hall, maintenance has been regularly performed to keep it.",Eze 9:4,Joe Laymon,Are You 'marked' For Survival?,34,,,
"Survival, Mark, Forehead, Personality,","In playing with young son, one father took a suction cup off a toy basket ball goal, and was sticking it to his forehead, making the son laugh.  It formed a 'hickey' or mark on the forehead, that remained for more than a day.  Everyone noticed it, because it was prominently displayed on the forehead.","Ezekiel described such a prominent mark, that putting on the Christ-like personality would have.  It would be obvious to all that we are Jehovah's Witnesses.",Eze 9:4,Joe Laymon,Are You 'marked' For Survival?,34,,,
"Survival, Mark, Forehead, Personality,",We must not have a 'clip on' personality.,"The changes must be complete.  Hair, clothes, speech, habits must undergo permanent change.",Eze 9:4,Joe Laymon,Are You 'marked' For Survival?,34,,,
"Survival, Morals, Wicked, Good, Armageddon, Flood,","In a time of disaster, like a flood, the government gives us specific instructions for survival.  These are based on their knowledge of the exact situation and what they know is going to happen.  We would not sit at home and say, 'I am a good person, so I will not drown.'","God is going to bring a much greater disaster than a flood.  He is bringing a war, called Armageddon.  Being moral is just one basic necessity for survival.  God has other specific instructions. Those who follow God's instruction will be considered 'righteous.'",Re 16:14-16; Pr 2:20-22;,Our Problems - Who Will Help Us Solve Them?  Page 27,Are You 'marked' For Survival?,34,,,
"Survival, Winter, Armageddon,","People check the fuel supply, get their coat out of mothballs; Others prepare to 'fly South' for the coming winter. The chipmunk has been eating well, enlarging his subterranean rooms and passageways, particularly the bedroom. Hard work went into an","Action is needed for survival. (See article for animals) extra lining of warm leaves & patching weak spots, and pressing hard seeds under mattress.  His winter food supply.","Rev. 7:13-17; Ps. 145:15, 16;","Oct 22, 1967 Aw Page 15",Are You 'marked' For Survival?,34,,,
"Survival, Worship, Purpose, Life,",Watch birds & animals...basic purpose is survival.,We must find our key purpose in life. Worship Jehovah.,"Eccl. 12:13, 14; Ps. 49:19, 20;",Werner Nixdorf,Are You 'marked' For Survival?,34,,,
Survivors,"Inherited house; rotten, dilapidated; but some values in it. After 'flesh saved' can bring quick end to system of things.","Jehovah view of system; rotten, yet some good individuals","Ps. 37:10, 11, 29  Prov. 2:21, 22  Matt. 24:21, 22",Bobby Laymon; Chuck Dysart,Are You 'marked' For Survival?,34,,,
Suspicion;,'The less we know the more we suspect.'  Quote:  Jb.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Swear, Worry, Anxiety, Depression, Stress, Commend,",Hair: You cannot turn white or black. Let 'yes' mean yes. Quote: Jesus,We must not swear by things we cannot control.,Matt. 5:34-37,Bobby Laymon,Gaining Comfort In All Our Tribulations,105,,,
"Sweat, Blood, Hematidrosis, Grief, Jesus,",'Jesus sweat became as drops of blood falling to the ground.'  (Information only),This may have been what is known medically as hematidrosis.  It is rare but can occur in highly emotional states.,"Mt 26:38; Lk 22:42, 44;","Jun 15, 1993 Wt Page 18",Keep Growing In Your Relationship With God,16,,1993/12/30,
"Swindlers, Disaster, Thief, Stealer, Honesty, Volunteers","IMAGINE the scene. A storm has passed.  Destructive winds have ceased their terrible onslaught, and rushing waters no longer pose a threat. Wide-eyed survivors emerge from their shelters, while off in the  distance, tense and fearful evacuees return to survey the storm's aftermath. Roofs are gone from homes; trees are uprooted and lie sprawled atop rain-soaked exposed interiors. Power lines are down, making emergency calls and messages impossible. Some homes, once havens for happy families, are gone--damaged beyond repair. What was once a quiet and serene community is now a scene of destruction and despair.  The community rises to the occasion--full of determination to rebuild. Neighbor helps neighbor; some heretofore had not even known one another by name. Men share tools and expertise. Women feed the working crew while older children baby-  sit the young. From outside the community, caravans of crews with a willingness to help roll in--roofers, tree removers, carpenters, painters","With these, however, also come the swindlers, ready to exploit the survivors.  Huge down payments are demanded in advance of the repair work. Desperate homeowners hand over their money, only to find that the workers take off with it, never to be seen again. Roofers who 'guarantee' their work repair open seams shabbily, and these leak profusely at the first rain. On the pretense of renting heavy equipment for tomorrow's work, tree removers bilk victims of thousands of dollars in advance. Tomorrow never comes.   Add to the destruction and loss the heart break of homeowners who paid handsome premiums to insolvent or bogus insurance companies that now refuse to pay for dam-  ages incurred or whose offices are abandoned, the owners having fled. Those fortunate enough to have an insurance check in hand to cover damages find that all too often unscrupulous and unqualified contractors are there to fill the void when the few qualified ones are unable to handle all the work. As a result, shabby work is performed, much to the grief of the already distraught homeowners.  Victims of disaster are exploited again and again.",John 13:35;,"Sep 22, 1997 Aw Page 3",Love Identifies The True Christian Congregation,72,,1997/08/27,2/25/2015
"Symptoms; Doctors; SPIRITUAL HEALTH, ","Sign in Doctor's Office: To avoid delay, please have all your symptoms ready."," Yes, most people are concerned with their physical health, and that’s why Doctor’s offices are usually packed.  We to, Jehovah’s people are concerned with our physical health, but we are even more concerned about our spiritual health. So it is time for our annual checkup!! ",,JK,,,,,4/8/2014
"System, Organization, Progress, Spiritual Growth, Encouragement,","Where do you see yourself in this picture?  We're out in the middle of a dark sea, in a life boat. Our ship, in flames, is sinking not too far away. The life boat, is filled with many people, all awaiting rescue by God's kingdom. The sinking ship pictures this system headed for doom. The life boat pictures our life saving organization. The dark sea pictures the spirit of the world, & leads right back to the sinking ship.  Sometimes, we see some in the life boat start to slip overboard, & others preparing to jump into the sea of their own free will. We also see spiritual men trying desperately to pull these ones back onto the life boat; trying to talk these ones into hanging on just a little longer, until help comes. Some don't listen, & jump overboard anyway.  Sometimes they find their way back to the lifeboat, & sometimes they don't.",What about us? Where are we in this picture? Do we see ourselves in   there trying to pull others back in the boat? Or are we in a sense helping them by rocking the boat.,1 Thessalonians 5:14:,Bobby Laymon,Serving With Jehovah's Unified Organization,3,,1997/07/25,
"System, World, Government, Kingdom,","A man decided he wanted a certain make of car, but it was too expensive. But he kept thinking about it, reasoning if he could get one at a reasonable price, he could afford the cost. Eventually he sees one with some accident damage, going cheap. He examines the car, and decides he can do the work himself, at a reasonable cost. So he buys the car.  Later, on closer examination, he realizes the car is damaged more than he at first thought. There is serious structural damage, and the mechanics of the vehicle need much more repair. He can't do any of this work; it must go to a specialist for repair. He is financially stretched, and the project must be put on hold until a later date.","The car is like the system today. As Governments have come and gone, they haven't left too much visible damage - the system is still a going concern. But after taking a closer look, it's obvious there is serious structural damage, which can only be rectified by a skilled person with the correct tools.  That 'skilled person' is Jehovah, and the 'correct tools' is his Kingdom arrangement administered by his son Jesus Christ.",Ps 2:1-6;,Peter Morgan,What God's Rulership Can Do For Us,24,,1997/08/10,
"System, World, Satan, Devil, Kingdom,",You can't make a silk purse out of a sow's ear.,This system cannot be changed for the better.,"Rom. 3:23; 14:12; Rom. 7:21-23; Genesis. 2:16, 17; 1 John 3:4-9;",Bobby Laymon,'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
"System, Worry, Uncertainty, Confidence,",The only thing that is certain is uncertainty.,This system has it's share of uncertainties.,Prov. 9:10; 15:33; 2 Tim. 3:15; Jas. 1:5; Col. 2:3; Prov. 1:5,Bobby Laymon,Maintain Your Confidence Firm To The End,46,,,
Tact,T A C T  To Avoid Causing Trouble,SPELL OUT,Mt 7:12;,Bernie Boyce,Family Life That Warms The Heart,5,,,
Tact,Tact is like a sedative where otherwise very painful surgery can be performed but with less hurt.,We can be blunt and cause much pain or we can deaden pain with tact.,"Matt. 10:16 Prov. 12:8, 18",J. Laymon,Family Life That Warms The Heart,5,,,
Tact Or Tactfulness,I look at you and time stands still;  Your face would stop a clock.  Lack of tack associated with war,Same thing said; difference is tact,Matt 10:16  Prov 12:18,Assembly Part,Family Life That Warms The Heart,5,,,
Tact Or Tactfulness,To Avoid Causing Trouble.  TACT Lack of tack associated with war,What tact accomplishes,Matt 10:16  Prov 12:18,Assembly Part,Family Life That Warms The Heart,5,,,
"Tact,",The ability to jump into troubled water without making a splash.,Tact will help us to be kind and tactful when helping others.,Eph 6:1;,Bobby Laymon,Family Life That Warms The Heart,5,,,
"Tact, Attract, Attract, Kindness, Love,","Attract, not attack.",It's like giving the student the 'point' without 'sticking them with it.',Col. 4:6;,Bobby Laymon,Follow The Way To Life,45,,"Feb 10, 2001",
"Tact, Discernment, Speech, Gossip, Conversation, Communication,","'The real art of conversation is not only to say the right thing in the right place, but to leave unsaid the wrong thing at the tempting moment.'  Quote: Dorothy Neville.",Sometimes we must muzzle our mouth.,Ps 39:1;,Bobby Laymon - Reader's Digest,"As Christians, We Care About Other People",15,,1996/03/22,
"Tact, Discernment, Tender, Forgiveness, Apologize,",'People with tact have less to retract.'  Quote: Arnold H. Glasgow.,Mistakes are easier to prevent than to correct.,Eph 4:32;,Bobby Laymon - Reader's Digest,Into The New Order Under Christ's Leadership,56,,1996/03/21,
"Tact, Kindness, Gentle, Counsel, Commendation, Shepherds,",TACT = 'Stepping on shoes without taking the shine off of them.',"We should use the 'golden rule' in giving counsel. Shepherds are healers, not punishers.",Matt 7:12;,"Kingdom Ministry School Dec 22, 23, 1994",,,,1994/12/25,
"Tact, Polite, Consideration, Kindness,",'Tact is the art of making a point without making an enemy.' Quote: Howard W.  Newton.,Husbands must use tact in starting to assert headship.  Wife should avoid harping on what husband is failing to do.,Gal 6:9;,Bobby Laymon,Family Life That Warms The Heart,5,,1995/06/30,
"Tact, Thoughtful, Kindness,","'To disagree, one doesn't have to be disagreeable.'  Quote: Barry M. Goldwater.",We should show kindness and tact in our ministry.,Judges 1:24;,Bobby Laymon - Reader's Digest,How Should You Serve God?,58,,1996/03/24,
Tact;,'A skunk is better company than a person who prides himself on being 'frank'.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Tact;,'A tactless man is like an ax on an embroidery frame.'  Quote:  Malay.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Tact;,'Be kind and considerate to others depending somewhat upon who they are.'  Quote:  Don Jerold.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Tact;,'Diplomacy gets you out of what tact would have kept you out of.'  Quote:  Brain Bowling.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Tact;,'Discretion: Putting two and two together and keeping your mouth shut.'  Quote:  L. Levinson.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Tact;,'Do not use a hatchet to remove a fly from your friend's forehead.'  Quote:  Chinese.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Tact;,'Even the best needles are not sharp on both ends.'  Quote:  Chinese.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Tact;,'Good manners and soft words have brought many a difficult thing to pass.'  Quote:  Aesop.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Tact;,'He could charm a handkerchief out of a silkworm.'  Quote:  D. Rather.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Tact;,'He who says what he likes shall hear what he does not like.'  Quote:  English.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Tact;,'I must decline your invitation owing to a subsequent engagement.'  Quote:  Oscar Wilde.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Tact;,"'If indeed you must be candid, be candid beautifully.'  Quote:  Gibran.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Tact;,'Never cut what you can untie.'  Quote:  Jo Joubert.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Tact;,'One sprinkles the most sugar where the tart is burnt.'  Quote:  Dutch.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Tact;,'Poise: The art of raising the eyebrows instead of the voice.'  Quote:  S. Hungerford.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Tact;,'Soft words are hard arguments.' Quote:  T. Fuller,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Tact;,'Tact fails the moment it is noticed.'  Quote:  Edward Longstreet.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Tact;,'Tact is after all a kind of mind reading.'  Quote:  Sarah Jewett.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Tact;,'Tact is the ability to change a porcupine into a possum.'  Quote:  O. A. Battista.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Tact;,'Tact is the ability to describe others as they see themselves.'  Quote:  Al.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Tact;,'Tact is the art of convincing people that they know more than you do.'  Quote:  Raymond Mortimer.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Tact;,'Tact is the unsaid part of what you think.'  Quote:  Henry Van Dyke.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Tact;,'Tact: to lie about others as you would have them lie about you.'  Quote:  Oliver Herford.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Tact;,'Tact: Tongue in Check.' Quote:  Sue Dytri,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Tact;,'The eyes of the dead are closed gently. We also have to open gently the eyes of the living.'  Quote:  J. Cocteau.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Tact;,A dog will not howl if you beat him with a bone.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Tact;,Advice is like snow...the softer it falls the deeper it sinks into the mind.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Tact;,Diplomacy is the art of letting someone else have your way.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Tact;,Diplomacy: Lying in state.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Tact;,Gentle words fall lightly but they have great weight.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Tact;,In an argument a person is tactful when he says: I couldn't fail to disagree with you less!,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Tact;,No shoelace ever broke being untied.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Tact;,"Old AC spark plug commercial: 'Tough, but oh so gentle.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Tact;,Only when you can be extremely pliable and soft can you be extremely hard and strong.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Tact;,Tact is the ability to get a broad hint into a pea-sized brain.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Tact;,Tact is the ability to make a person see the lightning without letting him feel the bolt.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Tact;,Tact is the knack of making a point without making an enemy.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Tact;,Tact: Saying what you think and then getting out of range before it is understood.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Tact;,The person that always says just when he things at last gets just what he deserves.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Tact;,"When a small boy or girl hands you a flat gumdrop and you eat it, you have acquired that wonderful gift of tact.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Tact;,"You will be careful if you are wise, how you touch men's religion, or credit, or eyes.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Tact; Diplomacy;,'Diplomacy is to do and say the nastiest things in the nicest way.'  Quote:  Isaac Goldberg.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Tact; Facts; Counsel;,'Use soft words and hard arguments.'  Quote:  English.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Take For Granted,Manna; was a miracle (astonished by) but after 40 yrs became ordinary. Regarded as thing of little value. North American Bison roamed by millions. slaughtered ruthlessly.,Easy to take common place things for granted.,Numbers. 21:5; Ps. 105:2,"Jul 22, 1961 Aw Page 3",Be Confident Of Divine Victory!,39,,,
Talk - Illustration,"Get on platform to give talk with clown hat orange hair painted face, different shoes on feet, dyed jeans, would be original for public speaker, but is our goal to be original.","Our purpose in using illustrations are not to be original but it is to teach, so do not hesitate to use other peoples illustrations if it gets point across",Mt.13:13,Johnse Laymon,,,,,
Talk Is Cheap;,"'All mankind are divided into three classes: Those that are immovable, those that are movable, and those that move.'  Quote:  Arabian.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Talk Is Cheap;,'An ounce of practice is worth a pound of preach.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Talk Is Cheap;,'By his deeds we know a man.'  Quote:  African.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Talk Is Cheap;,'Deeds not words.'  Quote:  Latin.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Talk Is Cheap;,"'He who kills a lion when absent, feareth a mouse when present.'  Quote:  English.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Talk Is Cheap;,'Hidden music counts for nothing.'  Quote:  Latin.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Talk Is Cheap;,'Nothing is impossible for the person who doesn't have to do it.' Quote:  Weller's Law,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Talk Is Cheap;,'One good deed atones for a thousand bad ones.'  Quote:  Chinese.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Talk Is Cheap;,"'Talking is easy, action is difficult.' Quote: Spanish",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Talk Is Cheap;,'When the mouse laughs at the cat there is a hole near by.'  Quote:  Nigerian.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Talk Is Cheap;,"'Words are mere bubbles of water, but deeds are drops of gold.'  Quote:  Chinese.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Talk Is Cheap;,'Words gain credibility by deeds.' Quote:  Terrence,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Talk Is Cheap;,A little help is worth a great deal of pity.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Talk Is Cheap;,"Deeds are fruits, words are but leaves.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Talk Is Cheap;,The smallest good deed is greater than the grandest intention.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Talk Is Cheap;,"When all is said and done, there is usually more said than done.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Talk Is Cheap; Action;,Do-so is more important than say-so.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Talk Is Cheap; Deeds; Action;,'Give me a ready hand rather than the ready tongue.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Talk Is Cheap; Hypocrisy;,'As I grow older I pay less attention to what men say. I just watch what they do.'  Quote:  Andrew Carnegie.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Talk Is Check; Intentions;,'Fine words butter no parsnips.'  Quote:  English.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Talks, Illustrations, Prepare, Time, letter, preparation, too long, ","'I have made this letter longer than usual, because I lack the time to make it short.' Quote:  Blasé Pascal. [1656-1657].","Some fail to use illustrations because of not taking the time to think of one.  A good illustration will actually help you to say more, in less time.  also, comments can be too long, because of lack of preparation. ",Mt 13:34;,Bobby Laymon,How Should You Serve God?,58,,1995/07/14,2/5/2014
"Talks, Impromptu, Informal, Incidental,","You can sew without a pattern, but it takes experience, practice and sometimes it saves time because there is not the usual pin and unpin. An impromptu talk may be done on the spur of the moment, but…","One can give a good talk, but study must be there beforehand. preparation is there, and knowledge.",1 Tim. 4:13,"Jun 8, 1964 Aw Page 20",,,,,
"Talks, Preparation, Speech,","'What actually happens in speech, how the spark of perception kindles the spirit ... to become the spoken word, eludes our grasp.  Human speech is a secret; it is a divine gift, a miracle.' (Ludwig Koehler, an expert on words)",To Jehovah goes all the credit for this marvelous means of communication among intelligent creatures.,Jas 1:17,School Guidebook Page 5,"As Christians, We Care About Other People",15,,,
"Talks, Preparation, Speech,",Packing a lunch for your child; you don't put in the whole pantry but only what YOU DETERMINE he needs.  (Turkey sandwich or peanut butter; Go to fruit basket and take out an apple or banana then a little surprise; a tasty dessert.,"In preparing a talk, select 2 or 3 main points your audience can benefit from.  Speak truth!  Delightful words!  Keep it simple.  Have a little surprise.",Mt 13:52;,Bobby Laymon,"As Christians, We Care About Other People",15,,,
"Talks, Theocratic School, Preparation,","Like woman making cake; doesn't use everything in pantry, but only what she needs. We, like the woman, may have to go out for a certain ingredient.","We use only what material fits our talk, for the time we have.",1 Tim. 4:13;,Johnse Laymon,"As Christians, We Care About Other People",15,,,
"Tantrums, Children, Family, Marriage, Home, Youth, Dating,",There's no point in being grown up if you can't be childish sometimes.,World's view of throwing tantrums.,2 Tim. 2:22; Prov. 22:6; 23:13; Deuteronomy. 6: 4-8; Eph. 5:22-33;,Bobby Laymon,Family Life That Warms The Heart,5,,,
"Taoism, Worship, Religion, Faith, Works, Yin-yang,","In 1986 an elderly monk explained it like this: 'The teaching of Taoism is to keep quiet and to do nothing. Doing everything lies in doing nothing.' Taoism's strength has therefore been likened to water, which despite its softness benefits all creatures.","While trying to keep the yin-yang forces in balance, however, no attempt should be made to change their natural state forcibly. This, it is thought, would be counterproductive, a belief that encourages passivism.",Col 2:23;,G89 5/8 20,Religion's Time Of Judgment,83,,1994/05/07,
"Tartarus, Debase,",The English word 'debase' contains the noun 'base.'  Yet our use of the word does not mean that a literal base in some geographical location is involved in the act of debasement.,"Likewise the Greek verb rendered, 'throwing into Tartarus' need not be viewed as suggesting the existence of an actual place, but as suggesting a condition.","2pe 2:4; Jude 6; 1pe 3:19, 20;",Is This Life All There Is?  Page 85,,,,,
Taste;,'I would rather be able to appreciate things I cannot have than to have things I am not able to appreciate.'  Quote:  Eh.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Taste;,'No one ever went broke underestimating the taste of the American Public.'  Quote:  H.L.Mencken.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Tax;,'Never before have so many been taken for so much and left with so little.' Quote:  Van Panopoulos,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Tax;,'Read my lips. No new taxes!'  Quote:  George Bush.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Taxes,Caesar has minted coins; He has the right to ask for some of them. Caesar did not give us 'heart' and 'lives' We cannot give them back to him.,"Jehovah has minted lives: Can ask for dedication, devotion, lives.",Mark 12:14-17  John 5:29,"Jun 8, 1959 Aw Page 28",Conducting Ourselves Honestly At All Times,10,,,
"Taxes, Authority, Government,","If you owed someone $100. and you knew they were going to use it to have someone put to death, would you still owe the money? It is the authority that must take responsibility for how it uses the money.","Even if we disagree with use of taxes, we must still pay them.",Rom. 13:7; Matt. 5:41; 17:24-7; Ps. 94:2; Jere. 25:31;,"Nov 1, 1990 Wt Page 24 (kingdom Ministry. School In Ny)",Respect For Authority Is A Safeguard For You,12,,,
"Taxes, Authority, Government, Flag, Respect, Worship,","Terra, young Witness in Canada asked to spit on the flag. She refused. Another student, not a witness did. Teacher announced he had conducted a test. Terra was the one who showed proper respect.",We must show respect but not worship the superior authorities.,Rom. 13:5,"Nov 1, 1990 Wt Page 27  Also Jul 22, 1993 Aw Page 17;",Respect For Authority Is A Safeguard For You,12,,,
"Taxes, Caesar, Obedience, Obey, Governments,",'In this world nothing is certain but death and taxes.'  Quote: 18th century American statesman and inventor Benjamin Franklin.,"Unpleasant though the paying of taxes may be, this is an obligation that genuine Christians take very seriously.","Rom 13:7; Mark 12:14, 17;","Nov 15, 1994 Wt Page 26",Conducting Ourselves Honestly At All Times,10,,1995/01/08,
"Taxes, Caesar, Obedience, Obey, Governments,",'Taxes are what we pay for civilized society.'  Quote: American jurist Oliver Wendell Holmes.,"Many may not like to pay taxes.  Yet, they would undoubtedly like even less living in a land with no police or fire protection, no road maintenance, no public schools, and no mail system.","Rom 13:7; Mark 12:14, 17;","Nov 15, 1994 Wt Page 26",Conducting Ourselves Honestly At All Times,10,,1995/01/08,
"Taxes, Honesty, Subjection, Obedience, Obey,",'What is the difference between a taxidermist and a tax collector? The taxidermist takes only your skin.'  Quote: Mark Twain.,This is how the world views taxes.  We should be honest and pay our taxes.,Rom 13:1-8;,Bobby Laymon,Conducting Ourselves Honestly At All Times,10,,1995/06/13,
Teach,'Can't teach an old dog new tricks' False: must be smarter t/dog.,One is never too old to learn.,"Joel 2:28, 29","John Babb  (see Sep 15, 1958 Wt Page 547)",Why Live By Bible Standards?,88,,,
"Teach, Learn, Study, Improve, Advance, Growth, Study, Pioneer,",'To teach is to learn twice.'  Quote: Joseph Joubert Pensees [1842].,We benefit when we teach others.  The apostle Paul committed things he knew to faithful men who could carry on the work of the good news after his passing off the scene; tried to teach them EVERYTHING he knew.,Acts 20:19;,Bobby Laymon,Have Faith In The Good News,47,,1995/07/18,
"Teach, Preach, Service, Publisher,",Fisherman catches fish.,Jesus told apostles he would make them 'fishers of men'.,Matt. 5:13,Bobby Laymon,How Should You Serve God?,58,,,
"Teach, Train, Discipline, Children,","You can train a dog not to take something, but you cannot teach a dog that it is wrong to steal. Man's conduct is not 'locked-in' like an animal's conduct.",We must teach in such a way that our student understands why something is morally wrong.,Genesis. 3:1-7; Jer. 10:10;,"Mar 15, 1992 Wt Page 10  District Assembly. Mobile July 12-14, 1991",How Can Youths Cope With Today's Crisis?,113,,,
Teacher,Mediocre Teacher TELLS; Good teacher EXPLAINS; Superior teacher DEMONSTRATES; Great Teacher INSPIRES. Elder must impart info. in such a way that those hearing get sense Way you say it; choice of words,"Jesus is Greatest teacher Tell, explain, illustrate, repeat, emphasize, asking questions, drawing out, setting good example, listen, put ourselves out brothers.",Heb. 5:12-14,Fred Gump,Why Live By Bible Standards?,88,,,
"Teacher, Inspire,","'A master can tell you what he expects of you.  A teacher, though awakens your own expectations.'  Quote: Patricia Neal.","We should endeavor to be good teachers, so our student will be inspired to teach others.","Matt 28:19, 20;",Bobby Laymon - Reader's Digest,Show Respect And Love In Your Marriage,28,,1996/03/22,
"Teacher, Instructor,",'Better than a thousand days of diligent study is one day with a great teacher.'  Japanese proverb.,The greatest educator is Jehovah God.,Prov. 2:1-6;,"Mar 8, 2002 Aw Page 3",,,,"Jan 30, 2002",
"Teacher, Teaching, Elders, School, Qualified,",'A mediocre teacher tells; A fair teacher explains; An excellent teacher demonstrates; A great teacher inspires.',Elders and others should try to imitate Jehovah and Jesus in becoming 'great' teachers.,Titus 1:9;,"Kingdom Ministry School Dec 22, 23, 1994",,,,1994/12/25,
"Teacher, Teaching, Elders, School, Qualified, Bible,",'The best of foods still have to be prepared well!'  Even a good chef will recognize that one of the greatest essentials for preparing food is to make it attractive.,"Spiritual food likewise, must be well prepared.  Elders should work hard to make Jehovah's Word as attractive and enjoyable as possible.",1 Pet. 5:2;,"Kingdom Ministry School Dec 22, 23, 1994",,,,1994/12/25,
"Teacher, Teaching, Elders, School, Qualified, Hearts,",'To write on anything you need a point.',To 'write on hearts' we need a point.  We need specific material that makes a point.,Heb 4:12;,"Kingdom Ministry School Dec 22, 23, 1994",,,,1994/12/25,
"Teacher, Teaching, Elders, School, Thinking, Idea, Questions,",The director of an orchestra directs the flow of the music.  The individual players on the different instruments respond.,"Likewise, we do not do the thinking for the congregation; but by questions we help them think, so as to reach an accurate conclusion.",1 Pet. 5:2;,"Kingdom Ministry School Dec 22, 23, 1994",,,,1994/12/25,
"Teacher, Teaching, Elders, School, Watchtower, Idea, Questions,","Like a family reunion.  Each individual brings something to contribute to the meal.  It is something special, and all appreciate it.",So it is in our meetings:  We all should participate something toward the upbuilding of the congregation.,1 Pet. 5:2;,"Kingdom Ministry School Dec 22, 23, 1994",,,,1994/12/25,
"Teachers, Instructors, Kingdom,",Jesus likened each disciple to a learned man having a veritable treasure store from which to draw. Do we have such a store house of valuable things?,Jesus magnified their office and the importance of listening to their teaching.,Mt 13:52;,Insight Book,The Kingdom Of God Is Near,109,,,
"Teachers, Knowledge, Understanding, Education, Views, Variety, Religions,","'I have striven not to laugh at human actions, not to weep at them, nor to hate them, but to understand them.'  Quote: Dutch philosopher Spinoza.",Understanding the religious beliefs of another does not require that you accept or follow them.  To inform is not to proselytize.  We endeavor to inform teachers about views of Jehovah's Witnesses.,Matt. 7:12,Ed-e Page 2,"As Christians, We Care About Other People",15,,1995/06/13,
"Teachers, Knowledge, Understanding, Education, Youth, Skill, Trade, Work,",'He who does not teach is son a useful trade is bringing him up to be a thief.'  Quote: A common Jewish expression.,"In Bible times, education was held in high esteem.","Deuteronomy. 11:18, 19; Prov. 1:8; 31:26;",Ed-e Page 9,Family Life That Warms The Heart,5,,1995/06/13,
"Teachers, Knowledge, Understanding, Education, Youth, Variety, Religions,",It is better to have 'a well-made head rather than a well-filled head.'  Quote: Renaissance essayist Montaigne.,Education should help people become useful members of society.  It should help adapt to work habits and personal training.  It should help them to live.,Matt 4:4;,Ed-e Page 6,Family Life That Warms The Heart,5,,1995/06/13,
"Teachers, Teaching,",'Better than a thousands days of diligent study is one day with a great teacher.'  Japanese proverb.,Jesus Christ was the best teacher.  We can still spend days with him.,"Matt. 17:24-26; 13:34, 35;","Mar 8, 2002 Aw Page 3",Jesus Christ--earth's New Ruler.,140,,"Apr 13, 2002",
"Teachers, Teaching,","Do you recall a teacher who really impressed you at school?  Or if you are still a student, do you have a favorite teacher?  If so, why?",A good teacher instills confidence and makes learning a fascinating challenge.,"Matt. 17:24-26; 13:34, 35;","Mar 8, 2002 Aw Page 3",,,,"Apr 13, 2002",
Teaching,"'Seeing is Believing!' Must be an artist: Paint a Mental Picture; Simple thoughts usually call forth an image. example: TREE Abstract, such as: JUSTICE; causes mind to grapple until somehow you reduce it to mental picture. such as balance scales)","Thoughts are geared to sight; teach as Jesus; Knew mechanics If unable to form a picture, you may be confused; fail to understand Picture may be hazy; clear it up, by explaining further.",Matt. 13:34,Bobby Laymon,How Well Do You Know God?,1,,,
Teaching,Carbon Copy Indelible impress Jehovah's word & law on their hearts.,"Doesn't always turn out so well, could be a carbon of us.","Deuteronomy 6:6, 7  Eccl 11:6",Circuit Assy 9/24/83,Why Live By Bible Standards?,88,,,
Teaching,"Do not be like 'sucker' on a vine. Always taking in nourishment, but never producing fruitage. Takes study, congregation meetings, real effort.",Put forth real effort to be a good teacher.,1 Cor. 3:5-9; 1 Cor. 15:58,"Apr 1, 1961 Wt Page 206",Why Live By Bible Standards?,88,,,
Teaching,"Mental camera, (someone says rabbit you see picture of one.) We must borrow and use others mental camera, also allow them to paint, or take picture.  Use questions.","Importance of 'word pictures', 'illustrations.'",Matt. 13:34,Bobby Laymon,Why Live By Bible Standards?,88,,,
Teaching,"Now turn this situation around, what does it mean. opposite)",Many situations.,"Pr 6:4, 5;",Jack Thomas,Why Live By Bible Standards?,88,,,
Teaching,Question: Have you ever done that?  Are you going to do it again?,Many situations,Pr 12:15;,Johnse Laymon,Why Live By Bible Standards?,88,,,
Teaching (persuasion),"Wind and the Sun Dispute between North wind & Sun of which more powerful Test: see which can get cloak off back of traveler on road Wind tried to blast away, but he held more tightly.","We must remove barriers, use every art of teaching to persuade Then Sun chased clouds away & darted beams on head of traveler Threw off his cloak & headed for shade.",2 Cor 10:4,Aesop's Fables Page 48,Why Live By Bible Standards?,88,,,
Teaching Work,Hardened criminals need rehabilitation,Teaching program after Armageddon,"Rev 20:12, 13  Isa 65:21-23",Aug 15 1989 Wt Page 7,Why Live By Bible Standards?,88,,,
"Teaching, Absorb, Discernment,","It is said that when sniffing perfume, you can only correctly sniff 3 bottles.   They all start to smell the same.",The same is true regarding the teaching of God's word.  If we give them too much they can't absorb it all.  Be discrete.  Make God's Word a pleasure to them.,Mt 5:43-48;,Al Larue,"As Christians, We Care About Other People",15,,1994/04/22,
"Teaching, Art, Skill, Speaking, Talks, Illustrations, Questions,",Not a science.... It is an art.  Like a group of painters.  Not all use the identical strokes. But all use the same raw materials. Each paints a beautiful picture peculiar to him alone.,"So it is with a good teacher.  Each uses the same raw material.  The same talk outline, scriptures, Bible teaching, or prophecy.  Each paints a beautiful picture peculiar to him alone.",2 Tim. 1:6;,J.K.,Slave For The Master Of The Harvest,66,,1997/04/13,
"Teaching, Contrast, Context, School, Bible, Understanding, Knowledge, Wisdom,","'OK, pretend it's wintertime, and I walk down to the forest and come across a place with a large opening in it made out of rock. I look inside and I hear . . . '  (The students giggle at his imitation of a snoring bear.) 'What would I say I next see?   A bear, an ant, a monkey?'  'A bear,' says one student. 'He's in a cave and bears hibernate in caves.'","The teacher is pleased. 'Yes, you used the surrounding words to figure out that I would see a bear.  A good teacher is at work.  A man who not only knows his subject but also cares about his students.   A good Bible student will use the context to understand the meaning.",2 Tim. 3:16;,G86 3/8 13,Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,1994/05/10,
"Teaching, Disciples,",You can't teach an old dog new tricks.,"You can, but you must be smarter than the dog.","Matt. 28:19, 20",Bobby Laymon (heard From John Babbs),Make Jehovah Your Confidence,70,,,
"Teaching, Grasshopper, Scriptures, Bible, Authority,","One student can remember when his worldly friends and even his former church preacher scoffed at this method and said the witnesses 'jumped here and there through the Bible like grasshoppers, and that by such skipping about in the Bible one could prove anything'.",But this topical method of study was the reason that he had learned more through the witnesses in a month than he had from his former church organization in twenty years.,Mt 7:29,W50 4/1 101,Respect For Authority Is A Safeguard For You,12,,1994/05/09,
"Teaching, Instructing,","Are you a teacher? In a sense, we all are. Every time you give directions to a lost traveler, show a fellow worker how to perform a particular task, or explain to a child how to tie his shoes, you are teaching. Helping others in such ways brings a measure of satisfaction,  Does it not?","When it comes to teaching, true Christians have a unique responsibility. We are commissioned to 'make disciples of people teaching them.'","Matt. 28:19, 20","Sep 1, 2002 Wt Page 19",Use Education To Praise Jehovah,146,,"Aug 7, 2002",
"Teaching, Learning, Example, Experience,",'To teach is to learn.'  Japanese Proverb.,We learn by teaching others.,Rom 2:22;,Bobby Laymon,How To Keep Spiritually Awake!,71,,1995/06/27,
"Teaching, Learning, Knowledge, Wisdom,","'If you understand everything, you must be misinformed.'  Japanese Proverb.","Religious part of evil world is Babylon the Great, which is used by Arch-deceiver to blind and CONFUSE mankind.  Worldly wisdom makes some think they have all the answers.",1 Cor 8:2; Rev 18:2-4;,Bobby Laymon,Resisting The Spirit Of The World,25,,1995/06/27,
"Teaching, Listen,",Preach to me and I'm bored..... Teach me and I listen.... Involve me and I learn.,"Involve others in your teaching.  Ask questions, use illustrations.",2 Tim. 1:6;,J.K.,Slave For The Master Of The Harvest,66,,1997/04/13,
"Teaching, Listen, Gestures, Thinking, Questions, Illustrations, Pioneer,","1. Craftsman ----Uses His Hands!  2. Designer------Uses His Mind and Hands!  3. Artist--------- Uses His Hands, Mind and Heart!","What Kind of Teacher Are You?  We should endeavor to be an artist in teaching.  Use Gestures, Thinking, Questions, Illustrations, and visible aids.  Reach hearts!",2 Tim 4:2;,J.K.,Slave For The Master Of The Harvest,66,,1997/04/13,
"Teaching, Pioneer, Gilead, Missionaries,","As the Chinese proverb says: 'Give a man a fish, and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish, and you feed him for a lifetime.'",This is what missionaries of Jehovah's Witnesses endeavor to do.,Mal 3:10;,G87 3/8 7,Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,63,,1994/07/10,
"Teaching, Questions, Comments, Answers,","Don't shoot buckshot at a target!  First identify the bulls eye with questions, then shoot an arrow with the intention of hitting the bulls eye.",Buckshot is an aimless presentation.,"Matt. 6:27, 28;",Bobby Laymon,Parents--are You Building With Fire-resistant Materials?,104,,"Feb 10, 2001",
"Teaching, Questions, Viewpoint, School, Discernment, Encouragement,","'I keep six honest serving-men.  (They taught me all I knew);  Their names are What and Why and When,  And How and Where and Who. Quote:  Rudyard Kipling.","Use good teaching methods in family study.  Ask questions to get them to think and reason on what they learn.  Use viewpoint questions, such as 'How do you feel about this?'  Or 'How can you apply this counsel in your life?'  Such QUESTIONS can help you to determine what is in child's heart.",1 Pet 2:21; Prov. 23:13;,Bobby Laymon,Parents--are You Building With Fire-resistant Materials?,104,,1995/06/27,
"Teaching, Reasoning, Skill,","Carpenter doesn't just have one hammer, like me, but has many hammers.  (Demonstrate: points on abortion).","We must be skilled, using reasoning book, and other publications.",Acts 17:2,Mike Hart,Follow The Way To Life,45,,,
"Teaching, Righteous, Wars, Religion, Patience, Mildness, Humility, Tactfully,","At times, in years gone by, a nation has risen up in battle against another nation, carrying on a religious war, trying to make people change their religion. Inquisitions were carried on by religionists in different parts of the earth to make people believe like those in authority.  Religionists have tried to force Indians and others with different faiths into the faith of the persecutors.","Paul never used those methods, and neither did Christ Jesus have that in mind.  Early Christians used the simple method of teaching the truth, sitting down with people and tactfully, patiently, quietly and humbly telling them what God's Word has to say. Even those under evil influence can be taught the truth if they are instructed in mildness. Even those not favorably disposed toward the Bible, if approached tactfully, will listen to a minister of God.","2 Tim 2:24, 25;",W58 1/1 23-4,Religion's Time Of Judgment,83,,1994/06/03,
"Teaching, Sacrifice, Studies, Pioneer,",'The teacher is like the CANDLE which lights others in consuming itself.',"To be a good teacher, we must give of ourselves.",1 Cor 11:25-30;,Quotations,Renewing The Spirit Of Self-sacrifice,69,,1995/05/20,
"Teaching, Skilled, Qualified,",If you were going to a doctor for major surgery you would want to know: Is he skilled?  Is he qualified?,Teaching Jehovah's people is a life or death matter.  We must become skilled and qualified to teach.,1 Tim. 3:2; 4:16;,"Kingdom Ministry School Dec 22, 23, 1994",,,,1994/12/25,
"Teaching, Studies, Service",Do you expect babies to feed themselves? did you feed yourself when you were a baby?  Did your mother break-down food for you? We must break down food for new ones until they reach maturity.,We must become gentle 'nursing mother',1 Th 2:7,"Jun 1, 1962 Wt Page 340",Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,63,,,
"Teaching, Study, Learn, Gilead,","'If I've seen farther than others, it's because I have stood on the shoulder of giants.'   Quote: Sir Isaac Newton 'Walk with wise persons and you will become wise.'",We have Jesus & a great cloud of witnesses to follow as examples.,Prov. 11:2; Ps. 111:2; Rom. 7:21; Prov. 13:20;,"Phil Kirkton, Bethel Notes. Bro. U. Glass",Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,63,,,
"Teaching, Study, Learn, Gilead,",Watch with solar battery. Exposed 2 minutes and last 2 days in dark. Teaching is a learning experience.,You are well charged for 5 months. Not permanently.,Prov. 11:2; Ps. 111:2; Rom. 7:21;,"Phil Kirkton, Bethel Notes. Bro. U. Glass",Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,63,,,
"Teaching, Teacher, Instruct, Questions, Illustrations,",'The mediocre teacher tells.  The good teacher explains.  The superior teacher demonstrates.  The great teacher inspires.'  Quote:  William Arthur Ward.,"Jesus emphasized need of all these disciples to copy his example, and commissioned them to 'go and preach the good news of the kingdom.",Matt 10:1-10;,Bobby Laymon,Never Become Dull In Your Hearing,9,,1995/06/30,
"Teaching, Youth, Children, Example,","In putting together a toy, its easier to do it yourself, however its better to help the child do it.  Ask questions.  Help them think how it goes together.  Read instructions.",Same with study of God's word.  Get children to reason.  Ask questions.  Help them to learn to think.,"1co 3:10-13; 1pe 5:8; Ps 19:7-10; Pr 2:1-6; 1pe 1:6, 7;",Norman Smith,Parents--are You Building With Fire-resistant Materials?,104,,,
Teaching- Youth- Infants,' A Child's education should begin at least 100 years before he is born '  Quote- Oliver Wendell Holmes,One can never begin to young to teach children,2 Tim.3:15,Johnse Laymon,How Can Youths Cope With Today's Crisis?,113,,,
Teaching;,'The man who can make hard things easy is the educator.'  Quote:  Rwe.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Teaching; Learning;,"Knowledge increases in proportion to its use- that is, the more we teach the more we learn.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Teaching; Skill; Life; Fire-resistant,","Picture an old village blacksmith shop. Inside is a smith hard at work with his forge. He is welding together links of great chain that will someday hold anchor of a ship. Day after day, can hear him.  Each link is a masterpiece, mirror of how he thinks, believes.","Exert Yourselves Vigorously as God's Workmen. Years pass; smith is dead; Ship on high seas; storm raging. Every life on board now depends on the chain, each link. Only what we do for Jehovah will endure.",1 Cor. 3:10-15; 1 Pet. 1:17  2 Pet. 1:10,"Jul 15, 1959 Wt Page 431   Jun 1, 1990 Wt Page 26",Parents--are You Building With Fire-resistant Materials?,104,,,
Teaching; Teachers;,'A stone thrown at the right time is better than gold given at the wrong time.'  Quote:  Persian.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Teaching; Teachers;,'A teacher affects eternity; he can never tell where his influence stops.'  Quote:  Henry Adams.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Teaching; Teachers;,"'He who supplies another with a constructive thought, has enriched him forever.'  Quote:  Alfred Montapert.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Teaching; Teachers;,"'If you would thoroughly know anything, teach it to others.'  Quote:  E. Edwards.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Teaching; Teachers;,'Men learn while they teach.'  Quote:  Seneca.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Teaching; Teachers;,'One good schoolmaster is worth a thousand priests.'  Quote:  Robert Green Ingersol.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Teaching; Teachers;,'The man who can make hard things easy is an educator.'  Quote:  Rwe.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Teaching; Teachers;,"'To be good is noble, but to teach others how to be good is nobler, and less trouble.'  Quote:  Mt.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Teaching; Teachers;,'To teach is to learn twice.'  Quote:  French.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Teaching; Teachers;,"'What we want is to see the child in pursuit of knowledge, and not knowledge in pursuit of the child.'  Quote:  Gbs.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Teaching; Teachers;,'Who dares to teach must never cease to learn.'  Quote:  John Cotton Dana.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Teaching; Teachers;,"The archer strikes the target, partly by pulling, partly by letting go.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Teaching; Teachers;,The less you talk the more you are listened to.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Teaching; Teachers;,The object of teaching a child is to enable him to get along without his teacher.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Teachings, Bible, Standards, Study, Doubts,","Have you ever been on a diet?  Did you find yourself wanting something not on the diet, perhaps more tasty?",The same is true with a spiritual diet.  It takes self determination to keep on regular study habits.  Other teachings accomplish little or nothing.,Lk 24:38; Ps 1:2;,"Divine Teaching Dist. Assy.  Jul 1-4, 1993 (Memphis)",Why Live By Bible Standards?,88,,,
"Tears, Comfort, Endurance, Obedience, Contentment, Depression, Groan,","Tears are part of human heritage. Child, when pet dies, teens part of growing up.  Older - for much more heartbreaking reasons. 'made perfect' shows that perfection is not in absolute sense. Jesus became perfected in obedience by real tears.",Jesus learned obedience through 'tears'.  Could perhaps not have learned in another way.,Heb. 5:7;,"Tape: Chas Sinutko C.O.   (entered Dec 17, 1991)",Gaining Comfort In All Our Tribulations,105,,,
"Tears, Disfellowship, Endurance, Obedience, Contentment, Depression","Tears are part of human heritage. Child, when pet dies, teens part of growing up.  Older - for much more heartbreaking reasons. Peter shed the most bitter tears a human can shed.  Some of us will shed these kind of tears because of life course.",Discussion of worse 'tears of all.'  Worse than death. What gratitude: Peter could now vindicate Jehovah's name. Perhaps greatest time of Peter's life. AC 5:29;,Lk 22:54-62; Ac 5:29;,"Tape: Chas Sinutko C.O.   (entered Dec 17, 1991)",Gaining Comfort In All Our Tribulations,105,,,
"Tears, Pain, Paradise, Earth, Sorrow,","A little girl falls down and skins her knee; and comes running to her father.  What will he do?  Clean off the dirt, and bandage, and wipe her tears away with his hand.","But, who will wipe the tears off the father's face?  Jehovah has promised to wipe away the tears from all faces.","Re 21:3, 4;",Joe Laymon,Serving With Jehovah's Unified Organization,3,,,
"Technology, Science, Discovery, Ecology, Pollution,","'Look what I've found!' cries the little girl, holding a beautiful butterfly.  However, even with care, the little girl may damage the delicate wings of the butterfly.","Grownups also like to show off their most recent discoveries. However, unpleasant by-products of many discoveries has been the devastation of earth's fragile environment.",Re 11:18;,"Dec 22, 1992 Aw Page 17",Does Your Hope Rest On Science Or The Bible?,80,,,
Teenagers; Youth;,"'A youth with his first cigar makes himself sick, a youth with his first girl friend makes other people sick.'  Quote:  Mary Little.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Teenagers; Youth;,"'Adolescence is a period of rapid changes. Between the ages of 12 and 17, for example, a parent ages as much as 20 years.'  Quote:  C. Times.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Teenagers; Youth;,'Adolescence is perhaps nature's way of preparing parents to welcome the empty nest.'  Quote:  Karen Savage.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Teenagers; Youth;,"'I have to admit it, I'm not as smart as I used to be. Then again, you can't be a teenager all your life.'  Quote:  B. Orben.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Teenagers; Youth;,'It is the height of absurdity to sow little but weeds in the first half of one's lifetime and expect to harvest a valuable crop in the second half.'  Quote:  Percy Johnson.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Teenagers; Youth;,'Snow and adolescence are the only problems that disappear if you ignore them long enough.'  Quote:  Earl Wilson.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Teenagers; Youth;,"Adolescence is when a girl stops thinking about jacks and starts wondering about Tom, Dick, and Harry.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Teenagers; Youth;,"By the time a man realizes that maybe his father was right, he usually has a son who thinks he's wrong.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Teenagers; Youth;,"If you don't think girls are dynamite, try dropping one.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Teenagers; Youth;,"Since teenagers are too old to do the things kids do and not old enough to do thing adults do, they do things that nobody else does.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Teenagers; Youth;,Sound travels slowly. Sometimes the things you say when you kids are teenagers don't reach them till they're in their 40's.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Teenagers; Youth;,Telephone: An invention that allows teenagers to go steady without holding hands.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Teenagers; Youth;,The best substitute for experience is being sixteen.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Teenagers; Youth;,The old believe everything; the middle-aged suspect everything; the young know everything.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Teenagers; Youth;,The problems of the world have become so complex that even the teenagers don't have all the answers.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Teenagers; Youth;,There's nothing wrong with teenagers that reasoning with them won't aggravate.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Teenagers; Youth;,"When I was a boy of fourteen, my father was so ignorant I could hardly stand to have the old man around. But when I got to be twenty-one, I was astonished at how much he had learned in seven years.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Teenagers; Youth;,Wouldn't it be nice if life's problems could hit at eighteen when we know everything?,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Television,","Over a billion TV sets cover the globe.  50% more than 5 years ago.  In Japanese homes, TV sets outnumber flush toilets.  About 1/2 Mexican homes have a telephone, but just about every household has a TV.","The cultural, political and economic effects of this global television revolution are enormous.  It is feared the rest of the world will lose its appetite for reading as two generations of Americans already have.",2ti 3:1-4;,"May 8, 1993 Aw Page 28",Renewing The Spirit Of Self-sacrifice,69,,,
"Television, Entertainment,","'If you were offered one million dollars to give up television for life, would you do it?' Survey by: TV Guide magazine reported in International Herald Tribune.","Interestingly, 1 in every 4 Americans would not.  One half of those surveyed said they would give up TV for less.  One in four said he was willing to quit for as little as $25,000.",2ti 3:1-4;,"Apr 22, 1993 Aw Page 29",Renewing The Spirit Of Self-sacrifice,69,,,
"Television, Entertainment, Morality, Immorality, Adultery, Sex, Demons,",'T.V. has gone from infancy to adultery.',People are being led astray today by the teachings of demons.  Much of this comes into our homes through television.,1 Tim 4:1; Prov 14:15;,"Comment On July 1, 1994 Wt Page 9; Tim Thompson",A Godly View Of Sex And Marriage,13,,1994/08/23,
"Television, Entertainment, Tv, Morals, Sex,","In the fairy-tale land of TV land, sex has no consequences. One study revealed: Unmarried couples engaged in sex 4 to 8 times more frequently than married men and women.  Contraceptives are almost never referred to or used, but women seldom get pregnant. They rarely get diseases unless they are prostitutes or homosexual.",Large doses of such programming can really affect your behavior. 'God is not one to be mocked.',"Gal 6:7, 8;","Sep 8, 1993 Aw Page 14",A Godly View Of Sex And Marriage,13,,,
"Television, T.V.",'The third superpower' 'Box that changed the world',"Television's power has helped win elections, world leaders have used it to get international support; propaganda; Americans watch on the average, 7 hrs, 2 minutes. of television every day.",Rom. 12:2;,"May 22, 1991 Aw Page 2-4;",Renewing The Spirit Of Self-sacrifice,69,,,
"Television, T.V. Morals,","'A Master Seducer'   Lipstick company sales went from $50,000 yr. to $4.5 million yr.","Television can put an idea into hundreds of millions of minds instantaneously. (Newspapers- an idea in 10,000 in one day) T.V. also sells morals, or the lack of them. Is it selling you?",Rom. 12:2;,"May 22, 1991 Aw Page 4-6",Renewing The Spirit Of Self-sacrifice,69,,,
"Television, T.V. Sex, Violence, Speech, Commercials, Cleanliness, Holy,","Television goes to the edge with language, sex, violence, or subject matter, then, having gone to the edge, they take the edge off.","The public is always ready for a new edge, not being repelled.",Rom.12:2; 1 Cor. 15:33;,"May 22, 1991 Aw Page 7",A Godly View Of Sex And Marriage,13,,,
"Television, T.V. Time, Entertainment, Association,","There are basically THREE channels on television. UHF, VHF, OFF.",We don't use the third one nearly enough.  We need to restrict television watching.,"Eph. 5:15, 16,",Lover Of Freedom District Assembly.,Choose Your Associates Wisely!,116,,,
"Television, T.V.,","Do you realize what a robber of our intellect television can be? TV,  comes at us through our eyes and through our ears. It totally dominates our two major senses. It stages the action. It commands the whole field of attention. What thinking is done is done by it.","We don't need to think or care or wonder or question. We huddle before it, reduced to mental zombies, not exercising our own thinking abilities.","Proverbs 3:21, 22;",G82 8/22 24,,,,1996/06/11,
"Television, T.V., Boredom, Pleasures,",In one study children ages four and five were asked whether they would prefer to give up TV or their father.,One out of three decided that life would be more bearable without daddy!,2 Tim 3:1-5;,"Jan 22, 1995 Aw Page 5",Can You Live Forever?--will You?,35,,1994/12/15,
"Television, T.V., Violence, World, Youth,","By the time an average American youth is 14 years old, he will have witnessed 18,000 killings and countless other forms of violence, illicit sex, sadism, and crime simple by watching television.","Children are reeling from the bombardment of pressures from this world today.  They are being battered, verbally or sexually abused by their own parents, etc.",1co 15:33;,"Oct 15, 1992 Wt Page 6",'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
"Television, Tv, Entertainment, Youth,","The average child of 16, has seen more than 200,000 acts of violence and 33,000 murders on TV.",Information only,1co 15:33;,"Aug 8, 1993 Aw Page 29",How Can Youths Cope With Today's Crisis?,113,,,
"Television, Tv, Videos, Music, Satan, Snares, World, Sex,","Did you ever see a fisherman fish with a bare hook?  He usually dresses up that bare hook with bait, doesn't he.   Otherwise, it would not be attractive.","Satan also dresses up the hook he uses to catch us with.   It may be a song with a catchy tune, a video with a catchy preview, or introduction.   If we could see instead, the bare hook, it might not be attractive to us.",1pe 5:8;,Bobby Laymon,A Godly View Of Sex And Marriage,13,,1994/04/19,
Television;,'I hate television. I hate it as much as peanuts. But I can't stop eating peanuts.'  Quote:  Orson Wells.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Television;,"'Soap operas remain continuing proof that the taste of the American public should never be overestimated, and their continuing popularity is conclusive evidence that we are a nation of airheads.'  Quote:  Agnes Lind.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Television;,'Television enables you to be entertained in your home by people you wouldn't have in your home.'  Quote:  David Frost.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Television;,'Television is called a medium because it is neither rare or well-done.'  Quote:  Ernie Kovacs.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Television;,'Television is chewing gum for the eyes.'  Quote:  Frank Wright.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Television;,'Television is so desperately hungry for material that they're scraping the top of the barrel.'  Quote:  Gore Vidal.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Television;,'Television is the third parent.'  Quote:  Buckminster Fuller.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Television;,'The next generation will have eyes as big as cantaloupes and brains the size of a split pea; so much for the and so little for the mind.'  Quote:  Fred Allen.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Television;,'What bothers me about TV is it tends to take our minds off our minds.'  Quote:  Robert Orben.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Television;,Do you remember when the only thing that annoyed  you about television was the poor reception?,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Television;,I've watched TV grow from infancy to adultery.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Television;,"When the Roman Empire was falling apart, the people were kept busy with circuses. Now we have television.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Television;,Why should I worry about explaining the facts of life to my son? We have MTV!,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Temper, Anger, Split Personality,",Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde are not acceptable in the theocratic society of Jehovah's Witnesses.,Many like to deceive themselves & others into thinking they have an uncontrollable 'split personality.'  Gives them license to fly into fits of anger and provocation.,Matt. 12:30; 1 Cor. 10:21; 2 Pet. 2:22; Prov. 26:11;,"Sep 1, 1964 Wt Page 529",Coping With Life's Anxieties,32,,,
"Temper, Anger, Split Personality, Loose Conduct, Adultery,",Daytime and nighttime cannot be split up and intermixed to suit whims of anyone.,"If we have come out of darkness into His marvelous light, then as children of light we cannot conduct ourselves as children of darkness.",Rom. 13:12-14; 1 Pet. 2:9;,"Sep 1, 1964 Wt Page 530",Coping With Life's Anxieties,32,,,
"Temper, Self-control,","Temper is a valuable possession, don't lose it.",Practice self-control.,"Gal 5:22, 23;",J.K.,Are You Doing What God Requires Of You?,43,,1997/04/13,
Temper;,'We all boil at different degrees.'  Quote:  Rwe.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Temper;,"'Your temper is one of your more valuable possessions, don't lose it.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Temper; Anger;,'He that will be angry for anything will be angry for nothing.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Temper; Anger;,"'Little pot, soon hot.'  Quote:  English.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Temper; Anger;,"'Some people are like buttons, always popping off!'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Temper; Anger;,'We boil at different degrees.'  Quote:  Rwe.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Temper; Pride;,"'Temper is what gets us into trouble, pride is what keeps us there.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Temper; Reason;,'The tornadoes of temper quickly blow out the lamp of reason.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Temper; Self-control;,The person who loses his head is usually the last to miss it.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Temple, Resurrection, Death,","'Break down this temple, and in three days I will raise it up.'","Jesus was referring, not to the temple in Jerusalem, but was comparing his anticipated death and resurrection to the demolition and reconstruction of a building.",John 2:19-22; Mt 16:21;,"Aug 8, 1993 Aw Page 12 (footnote)","Living, Not For Self, But To Do God's Will",8,,,
"Temple, Tabernacle",If a person wants to build something say an airplane. What does he do? He makes a pattern or blueprint then perhaps a model then of the real thing.,Jehovah gave Moses a pattern how to make the tabernacle then they built it as a model but it really pictured Jehovah's great spiritual temple that came in existence in 29 C.E.,Exodus 29:32-43,Charles Francis,,,,,
Tempt; Temptation;,"'Great is the difference between a man's being frightened at, and humbled for his sins.' Quote:  Thomas Fuller",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Tempt; Temptation;,'It is easier to stay out than to get out.'  Quote:  Mt.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Tempt; Temptation;,'Most people want to be delivered from temptation but would like it to keep in touch.'  Quote:  Robert Orben.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Tempt; Temptation;,'Opportunity can often sway even an honest man.'  Quote:  Latin.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Tempt; Temptation;,"'Opportunity knocks, temptation nudges.'  Quote:  Bob Orben.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Tempt; Temptation;,'The only way to get rid of temptation is to yield to it.'  Quote:  Oscar Wilde.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Tempt; Temptation;,'Those who flee temptation usually leave a forwarding address.'  Quote:  Lane Olinghouse.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Tempt; Temptation;,"'What makes resisting temptation difficult, for many people, is that they don't want to discourage it completely.'  Quote:  Franklin P. Jones.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Tempt; Temptation;,Better shun the bait than struggle in the snare.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Tempt; Temptation;,"He that seeks trouble, never misses.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Tempt; Temptation;,He that would no evils do must shun all things that belong thereto.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Tempt; Temptation;,Repentance is good but innocence is better.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Tempt; Temptation;,Temptations unlike opportunities will give you many second chances.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Tempt; Temptation;,"Tis one thing to be tempted, another thing to fall.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Tempt; Temptation;,"What man's mind can create, man's character can control.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Tempt; Temptation;,Wild oats need no fertilizer.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Temptation, Desires, Sin, Self-control, Bible,",A mighty tide can pull you in and take you under. (under tow) We must browbeat our body. Be like a 'bully' to it. Bible is a secure anchor.,Community standards are not anchor enough to hold one.,"1 Cor. 9:27; 1 Cor. 6:9, 10; Phil 4:8; 1 Th 4:4","Jan 8, 1963 Aw Page 4",Hold A Good Conscience In A Sinful World,107,,,
"Temptation, Satan, Weakness, Sin, Imperfection, Devil, Flesh,","Beware my friend, nothing seems foul to those that win.",Satan has no boundaries.,Matt. 10:28; 1 Pet. 5:8; Jas. 1:13-15; Rom. 5:12; Prov. 16:18,Bobby Laymon,How To Protect Ourselves From Satan's Snares,115,,,
"Temptation, Satan, Weakness, Sin, Imperfection, Devil, Flesh,","Crime does not pay. Soon look for wicked, and he will not be. Ps. 37:9, 10;",Jehovah will simply not tolerate wickedness forever.,Matt. 10:28; 1 Pet. 5:8; Jas. 1:13-15; Rom. 5:12; Prov. 16:18,Bobby Laymon,How To Protect Ourselves From Satan's Snares,115,,,
"Temptation, Satan, Weakness, Sin, Imperfection, Devil, Flesh,",Familiarity breeds contempt. Be babes as to badness. 1 Cor. 14:20,Don't become familiar with the Devil's ways.,Matt. 10:28; 1 Pet. 5:8; Jas. 1:13-15; Rom. 5:12; Prov. 16:18,Bobby Laymon,Hold A Good Conscience In A Sinful World,107,,,
"Temptation, Satan, Weakness, Sin, Imperfection, Devil, Flesh,","Have you noticed that all you need to grow healthy, vigorous grass is a crack in your sidewalk?",Satan will attack any opening in our personality.,Matt. 10:28; 1 Pet. 5:8; Jas. 1:13-15; Rom. 5:12; Prov. 16:18,Bobby Laymon,How To Protect Ourselves From Satan's Snares,115,,,
"Temptation, Satan, Weakness, Sin, Imperfection, Devil, Flesh,","He must have a long spoon, that must eat with the devil. Must prefer not to find him.",Jehovah is not far from man if they search for him.,Matt. 10:28; 1 Pet. 5:8; Jas. 1:13-15; Rom. 5:12; Prov. 16:18,Bobby Laymon,How To Protect Ourselves From Satan's Snares,115,,,
"Temptation, Satan, Weakness, Sin, Imperfection, Devil, Flesh,","He who hits and runs away, lives to fight another day.",Satan keeps returning to tempt in different ways.,Matt. 10:28; 1 Pet. 5:8; Jas. 1:13-15; Rom. 5:12; Prov. 16:18,Bobby Laymon,How To Protect Ourselves From Satan's Snares,115,,,
"Temptation, Satan, Weakness, Sin, Imperfection, Devil, Flesh,","It is a foul bird, that flyeth his own nest.",Satan would like to ruin it for all.,Matt. 10:28; 1 Pet. 5:8; Jas. 1:13-15; Rom. 5:12; Prov. 16:18,Bobby Laymon,Hold A Good Conscience In A Sinful World,107,,,
"Temptation, Satan, Weakness, Sin, Imperfection, Devil, Flesh,",It is an ill wind that blows no man to good.,Satan is out to destroy all.,Matt. 10:28; 1 Pet. 5:8; Jas. 1:13-15; Rom. 5:12; Prov. 16:18,Bobby Laymon,How To Protect Ourselves From Satan's Snares,115,,,
"Temptation, Satan, Weakness, Sin, Imperfection, Devil, Flesh,",Misery loves company.,Satan would like to see others as himself.,Matt. 10:28; 1 Pet. 5:8; Jas. 1:13-15; Rom. 5:12; Prov. 16:18,Bobby Laymon,How To Protect Ourselves From Satan's Snares,115,,,
"Temptation, Satan, Weakness, Sin, Imperfection, Devil, Flesh,",Never fly aloft on an enemy's pin-feathers.,"Never play along with Satan's schemes, no matter what he offers.",Matt. 10:28; 1 Pet. 5:8; Jas. 1:13-15; Rom. 5:12; Prov. 16:18,Bobby Laymon  (Aesop Fables),Hold A Good Conscience In A Sinful World,107,,,
"Temptation, Satan, Weakness, Sin, Imperfection, Devil, Flesh,",No one is perfect.,"However, we must never use that as an excuse for sinning.",Matt. 10:28; 1 Pet. 5:8; Jas. 1:13-15; Rom. 5:12; Prov. 16:18,Bobby Laymon,Hold A Good Conscience In A Sinful World,107,,,
"Temptation, Satan, Weakness, Sin, Imperfection, Devil, Flesh,",Resisting temptation is easier when you think you'll probably get another chance later on.,We must avoid sin for the right reasons.,Matt. 10:28; 1 Pet. 5:8; Jas. 1:13-15; Rom. 5:12; Prov. 16:18,Bobby Laymon,How To Protect Ourselves From Satan's Snares,115,,,
"Temptation, Satan, Weakness, Sin, Imperfection, Devil, Flesh,","The bigger the man, the harder he falls. Once a perfect spirit creature.",Satan's fall will be the largest.,Matt. 10:28; 1 Pet. 5:8; Jas. 1:13-15; Rom. 5:12; Prov. 16:18,Bobby Laymon,The Only Cure For Sick Mankind,62,,,
"Temptation, Satan, Weakness, Sin, Imperfection, Devil, Flesh,",The grass is always greener on the other side of the fence.,Satan makes the world appear attractive.,Matt. 10:28; 1 Pet. 5:8; Jas. 1:13-15; Rom. 5:12; Prov. 16:18,Bobby Laymon,How To Protect Ourselves From Satan's Snares,115,,,
"Temptation, Satan, Weakness, Sin, Imperfection, Devil, Flesh,",The guilty dog barks first.,Guilty persons are quick to accuse others.,Matt. 10:28; 1 Pet. 5:8; Jas. 1:13-15; Rom. 5:12; Prov. 16:18,Bobby Laymon,How To Protect Ourselves From Satan's Snares,115,,,
"Temptation, Satan, Weakness, Sin, Imperfection, Devil, Flesh,",The road to hell is paved with good intentions.,Satan has a way of even deviating good motives. Example:  Sex with mate is not bad; it is wrong with others.,Matt. 10:28; 1 Pet. 5:8; Jas. 1:13-15; Rom. 5:12; Prov. 16:18,Bobby Laymon,How To Protect Ourselves From Satan's Snares,115,,,
"Temptation, Satan, Weakness, Sin, Imperfection, Devil, Flesh,",The thief always returns to the scene of the crime.,"Satan knows what works, and returns again and again.",Matt. 10:28; 1 Pet. 5:8; Jas. 1:13-15; Rom. 5:12; Prov. 16:18,Bobby Laymon,The Only Cure For Sick Mankind,62,,,
"Temptation, Satan, Weakness, Sin, Imperfection, Devil, Flesh,","They are weakest, who don't know their own weakness.",Satan strikes at our weaknesses.,Matt. 10:28; 1 Pet. 5:8; Jas. 1:13-15; Rom. 5:12; Prov. 16:18,Bobby Laymon,How To Protect Ourselves From Satan's Snares,115,,,
"Temptation, Sin, Immorality,","In small rowboat on swiftly flowing river; being pulled toward its falls. To avert disaster, we must strenuously row upstream against the strong current. We may not seem to be making much progress, but if we keep exerting ourselves vigorously we will",The struggle against sinful tendencies. not go over the falls. See picture in below article.,Rom. 7:15-25; 1 Cor. 9:27,"Dec 1, 1990 Wt Page 17",The Only Cure For Sick Mankind,62,,,
"Temptation, Sin, Motive, Preaching, Sacrifice, Pioneer,",'The last temptation is the greatest treason: To do the right deed for the wrong reason.' Quote: T. S. Eliot.,"Our motives must be right.  We must avoid sin, because we know Jehovah's feeling, and not because we are afraid of being caught.",Ps. 45:7;,Bobby Laymon,Is The Truth Transforming Your Life?,51,,1995/08/16,
"Ten Commandments, Law,","Back in 1912 the outdoor high-jump world record was 6'7'. Seventy five years later, in 1987 it was 7'11 1/2'  There must however be a limit to all high-jump records.  The champion who reaches this limit will end all high-jump records.  Might be said to be 'the end' of them.","The bar was put too high for Israel, but not for Christ.   God removed the 'bar' as it were giving Jews something better.",Exodus. 20:1-17; 31:18; 20:2; Rom. 10:4; Gal. 3:19;,"May 8, 1988 Aw Page 22, 23",How To Express Love In A Lawless World,112,,,
"Ten Commandments, Law, Covenant,","When a new government takes over a country, the constitution may be canceled, but the new constitution may keep many of the laws of the old one.","Similarly, the Law covenant came to an end, but many of the basic laws and principles were adopted into Christianity.","Heb. 8:7-13; Luke 22:20; Matt. 4:10; 1 Cor. 10:20-22; Eph. 6:1,2",You Can Live Forever In Paradise On Earth. Page 206,How To Express Love In A Lawless World,112,,,
"Tenderness, Kindness, Mercy, Forgiveness, Gentle,","A potter handles his clay vessels firmly yet delicately, ever mindful of their nature.","So, too, Jehovah, the Great Potter, tempers his dealings with us according to the frailty of our sinful nature.",Jere. 18:2-6; 2 Cor 4:7;,"Dec 1, 1997 Wt Page 11",Do You Harbor Resentment Or Do You Forgive?,68,,1998/01/10,
"Tenderness, Mercy, Persecution, Ridicule, Humility,",'Just pray for a tough hide and a tender heart.'  Quote: Ruth Graham.,"As Jehovah's servants we take a lot of abuse, but we must remain merciful and tender at heart.",2 Cor 1:3;,Bobby Laymon - Reader's Digest,Gaining Comfort In All Our Tribulations,105,,1996/03/18,
"Tension, Depression, Groaning, Comfort,",'Madison Avenue front' Causes: relations with others; personality clashes; injustices; heavy job requirements; unpleasant living conditions; Wives; Husbands; goals too high;,"Tense persons are self-disciplined, appear calm to the world. Remedy: Must isolate cause; then change schedule, whatever it takes.  Do not compete. Cooperate. Try not to be 'best' in everything",Matt. 6:30-33,"Jan 22, 1963 Aw Page 16",Gaining Comfort In All Our Tribulations,105,,,
"Territory, Apathy, Attitude, Service,","'The territory can be apathetic, but we cannot.'",We must be on guard that we don't adopt the world's thinking.,"Acts 1:8; Gal. 5:22, 23; 1 Tim. 6:17-19;",Mark Cook,How Should You Serve God?,58,,,
"Territory, Growth, Hardships, Pioneer,",As you drive through the mountains in the springtime you notice the dazzling blossoms of the dogwood and the redbud.  Their beauty is beyond description.  Then you notice something that is of special beauty and wonder.  Some of them are growing right on the cliff.  How did they get planted there?  How are they able to grow and blossom?  They are blossoming right where Jehovah planted them.  And what beauty!,"As pioneers, we need to grow and blossom in the territory that Jehovah has planted us in.  Despite the challenges and problems, most are continuing to do so.  There is no timberline in Jehovah's organization.  By trusting in Jehovah, we can become 'big tree of righteousness.'",2 Cor 10:15; Prov 3:5; Matt 6:33;,Bobby Laymon,Maintain Your Confidence Firm To The End,46,,1994/08/12,
"Territory, Growth, Progress,","What would you think of a farmer who repeatedly went out to plant seed in the plot of ground next to his home, but never got around to planting the fertile plot some distance away? Obviously he would get better results if he tried to grow crops on more of his land.","Yet it is sometimes like that when it comes to working territory. We may work in certain territories repeatedly, and yet other territories may not be worked.",Rom 15:23;,Km 5/82 7,Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,63,,1994/07/31,
"Territory, Joy, Search, Preaching, Endurance, Persevere, Determination,","If we were to misplace our keys, we might retrace our steps and search in the various places where we had been.  We might find them only after doing this repeatedly.",Let us similarly persevere in searching out sheep like ones.  What joy we have when they respond to the good news in often-worked territory.,Matt 10:11; Gal 6:10;,"Sep 15, 1994 Wt Page 18, Para 11;",Happy Though Hungry--how Can It Be?,31,,1994/11/04,
"Territory, Organization, Boundaries, Safety, Protection,","Did you ever notice how a rabbit runs around in circles?  This is because a rabbit has a territory about 4 or 5 acres in size.  However, he knows it well, and it is a protection for him.  He knows where the shade is in the summer.  He can find the warm places in the winter.  He knows where the food is.  Also the burrows, hollow logs and stumps.  He can find safety when pursued.  If he leaves his territory he is in danger.",We are like that in Jehovah's organization.  Our safety is assured only when we stay in the circle of Jehovah's organization.  (Or we can apply to knowing well our congregation territory),Psalms 65:4;,Bobby Laymon,Serving With Jehovah's Unified Organization,3,,1994/12/01,
"Territory, Pioneer, Adventure, Preaching, Evangelizer,",'There is a strange and unexplainable magic that pulls some men over mountains.' Quote: Benjamin Rush.,Likewise with pioneering.  Jehovah's holy spirit puts a desire in us to do what we can.  To preach where no one has gone before.  To open new territory.,Rom 15:23;,Bobby Laymon - American Essays By Dan Valentine,Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,63,,1997/05/14,
"Territory, Pioneers, Growth, Increase,","There is probably only one thing more beautiful in the spring than a dogwood tree in full bloom, and that is a dogwood tree in full bloom on the side of a cliff.  How awesome in that backdrop.  What a display of endurance!  Here is a dogwood tree in harsh territory, yet blossoming right were it was planted by Jehovah.  One cannot look at it without being struck with awe!  Even its roots are beautiful!","However, there is something equally beautiful that has to do with the spiritual planting of Jehovah.  It is the endurance and blossoming of you pioneer brothers and sister right in the territory where Jehovah has placed you.  You brothers and sisters are beautiful in the eyes of Jehovah.  Even your feet are beautiful as you carry the Good News in your territory.    Keep on enduring!  Keep holding on.  Like the dogwood on the cliff, you will doubly beautiful, for Jehovah will cause you to blossom on the soil, right where you are planted.","Heb 13:5, 6; Matt 6:33, 34; Matt 13:12; 2 Cor 8:7;",Bobby Laymon,You Can Find Joy In Serving God,103,,1994/11/08,
"Territory, Prayer, Gilead, Missionary, Pioneer, Problems, Faith, Education,","'Benefit by the example of a man who is seldom, if ever, spoken of as an example to imitate. This was a man of the tribe of Judah. What he did is mentioned in only two verses of the Bible. (1 Chron. 4:9, 10)  His name was Jabez, and he became 'more honorable than his brothers.' How? Because he called on the God of Israel: 'If you will without fail bless me and actually enlarge my territory and your hand really proves to be with me, and you really preserve me from calamity, that it may not hurt me,-.'","Jabez was not making a vow but was offering a heartfelt prayer. Was he seeking more territory at the expense of others? No, explained Franz, he was praying for the peaceful enlargement of his territory. According to ancient Jewish tradition, he said, Jabez wanted to establish a school and teach the worship of Jehovah God. He wanted to get disciples for God. Since his motive was good, the Bible says: 'Accordingly God brought to pass what he had asked.' So Jabez tried to cooperate with God, and Franz encouraged the graduating students to be like him, and, in effect, say: 'Oh, if you will without fail bless me and actually enlarge my territory,' enabling them to make more disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ!","1 Chron. 4:9, 10;",W73 11/1 647,Prayers That Are Heard By God.,86,,1994/06/27,
"Territory, Preaching, Need, Great, Pioneer, Missionary,",A fisherman that finds that his boat is in a location where the fishing is bad will move his boat to fishing grounds where the possibility of a catch is more promising.,As spiritual fishermen Jehovah's Witnesses today want to work where their efforts will be the most productive.,Acts 16:9;,"Feb 1, 1971 Wt Page 84",How Do You Fit Into The Kingdom Arrangement?,21,,1993/11/08,
"Territory, Service, Urgency, Armageddon,","'Storm watch' flashes across television screen. As it gets closer flashes more rapidly and become 'storm warning!'  The closer it is, the greater the warning. (Loud BEEP! BEEP! BEEP!)","As the end of this system draws ever nearer, we must cover our territory more and more effectively, and sound the warning.",2 Chron. 36:15; Jer. 7:13; Ezek. 9:11;,Al Larue,Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,63,,,
"Territory, Service, Urgency, Armageddon, Preaching,","What happens when you work your garden over and over, and water over and over?  More you work, the more it produces.","Same with territory; You cannot work a territory to 'death', but you work it to 'life.'",2 Chron. 36:15; Jer. 7:13; Ezek. 9:11;,Al Larue,Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,63,,,
"Territory, Unproductive, Service, Fishing,","Jesus filled the nets of the fishermen after they had worked all night. Professional fishermen fished at night, when the fish were there. and when they could catch the most fish.",Unproductive territory can become productive.  You may have to change your fishing methods. The fishing work is not over.,Luke 5:4-7; John 21:5-8; Matt. 24:14; Rev. 14:6; Isa. 60:22,"Lovers Of Freedom District Assy. Mobile July 12-14, 1991",How Should You Serve God?,58,,,
"Territory, Unproductive, Service, Fishing, Pioneers,","When a fisherman finds that 'local waters' are well-fished, he goes to deeper waters. There is no limit to one's catch in global waters. Many in early classes of Gilead are still serving.","Jesus gave the command to fish in 'global waters.' Number of Witnesses doubled during WWII. Now 536,000 regular pioneers.","Matt. 28:19, 20; Matt. 13:47; Luke 5:4-7; John 21:5-8; Matt. 24:14","Lovers Of Freedom District Assy. Mobile July 12-14, 1991",How Should You Serve God?,58,,,
"Territory, Witnessing, Zeal, Informal, Alternate,","A publisher approaches the territory servant and asks for a good  territory, as if they aren't all good territories.  The territory servant says that,  I have territory A and territory B.  In territory A you won't  find many people at home, you won't find many good return visits and  it's hard to start Bible studies.  Territory B on the other hand, there  are no not at homes, you place a lot of literature, you can make good return visits and conduct productive bible studies.  Which do you want? The publisher readily says territory B. The territory servant says you know what, it's already checked out to you in your name.  Where is it at?  He says, it's beside of you in line at the grocery store, it's pumping your gas at the gas station, it's sitting on a bench at the park as you walk by, it's at hospital waiting rooms, laundry mats, anywhere there are people.  Territory B is just that, wherever you can find people.  Are you taking advantage of territory B?  Did you know that is was even checked out to you in your name?","When the great territory servant Jehovah and his assistant Jesus along with his helpers, the angels ask you to turn in territory B, will you be able to say that you covered it?",Matt 24:14;,Robert H. Schwarze,,,,1997/09/25,
"Test, Guidance, Growth,","'Let's make coal the test.  You go and order some coal.' Quote: Brother Rutherford to Brother C. A. Wise in 1919. 'How many tons do you think I should order to make the test?' Wise 'Well, make it a good test.  Order 500 tons.' Rutherford.","When he applied to the authorities, he was granted a certificate to get 500 tons of coal.  Large sections of the basement of the Bethel Home were converted into coal storage.  It was taken as an unmistakable indication of God's will. Back to Brooklyn Oct 1919)",Ps 48:14;,Jehovah's Witnesses - Proclaimers Of God's Kingdom.  Page 578,Keep Growing In Your Relationship With God,16,,,
"Test, Problems, Unity, Satan, Adversity, Depression, Contentment, Groaning,",'It seems that half the brothers in the truth are there to test the other half.' Quote: A brother.,"Like early Christians, we suffer pressures from within.  We need to keep Jehovah's work foremost in mind.  [Word 'dangers' is used only 8 times in the Bible.  All at 2Co 11:26]",2ti 4:2; 2co 11:26;,Bobby Laymon,Gaining Comfort In All Our Tribulations,105,,1994/01/04,
Testing,Schoolteacher; in a position to properly test students. Both have responsibilities: teacher to be wise and just and loving subordinate: meet test to best of his ability.,There is a proper and improper testing.,Genesis. 22:1; Jas. 1:13; Mal. 3:10;,"Jul 22, 1961 Aw Page 28",,,,,
"Testing, Faith, Alert, Vigilant, Awake,",Sometimes we may pinch ourselves to see if something is real or we are dreaming.,"The Bible urges such a testing.  It tells us to keep testing ourselves.  In the coming battle of Armageddon, it may seem almost beyond belief that Jehovah will fight for us, and all we have to do is 'stand still and see the salvation of Jehovah.'",2 Ch 20:17; 2 Cor 13:5;,Bobby Laymon,Stand Still And See The Salvation Of Jehovah,41,,1995/01/31,
"Tests, Discipline, Love, Trials, Stress, Endurance,",Pearl caused by a grain of sand; Diamonds are formed by great pressure over long periods of time; Clay vessels formed and hardened by intense heat; Precious metals drawn out and tempered by fire.,"How do we respond to trials of endurance?  Do we become a beautiful vessel, or a 'cracked pot'?",Ro 12:9-13;,Gary Breaux (d.O.),"Friendship With God, Friendship With The World -- Which Will You Choose?",79,,,
"Tetragrammaton, Jehovah, Yahweh, Jhvh, Christendom,","It occupies the MOST EXALTED PLACE of Europe's religious buildings, church-goers look around and examine the carved works, frescoes, and murals that embellish walls and ceilings.  There is one that may be most puzzling. It occupies the MOST EXALTED PLACE.","It is the biblical proper name of Jehovah God, the Creator. It looks like 4 letters, but is very strange in brilliant sunburst either painted or sculptured.  What does it mean?",Ps 83:18; Mal 1:11;,"Oct 15, 1968 Wt Page 630",Make Jehovah Your Confidence,70,,,
"Text, Regularity,","They say vitamins are good for you.  But would you want to only take them once a year, once a week?",Likewise with the daily text.  We must do it on a regular basis.,Acts 17:11,Johnse Laymon,Serving With Jehovah's Unified Organization,3,,,
"Text, Regularity,","Walking is good for you if you do it daily.  If would be of little value if we only walked once or twice a year.  It is good for the heart after you have a heart attack.  Wouldn't it be good to walk before having a heart attack, as a preventive measure.",Likewise with reading the daily text.  But why wait until we have a spiritual heart attack.,Acts 17:11,Johnse Laymon,,,,,
"Text, Scriptures,",Is there anyone who does not need physical food on a daily basis? No. Anyone who misses his meals even for a day is viewed as being deprived.,"'Man must live, not on bread alone, but on every utterance coming forth through Jehovah's mouth.' (Matt. 4:4) Anyone who misses his meals even for a day is viewed as being deprived. Surely, then, if we fail to consider God's Word on a daily basis, we become deprived in a spiritual sense. Although small, this booklet can open the door to a gold mine of valuable information.",Mt 4:4;  Prov. 2:1-5,Examining The Scriptures Daily. Preface,,,,1994/01/01,
"Thankful, Appreciation, Gratitude, Granted,","AT A MISSIONARY HOME in West Africa, there once lived a watchdog named Teddy.  When someone threw teddy a piece of meat, he swallowed it immediately, without savoring, without chewing.  Panting under the tropical sun, he waited for the next morsel to be tossed his way.  When the meat was gone, he turned and went on his way.  Teddy never expressed the slightest gratitude for what he received.  No one expected him to.  He was, after all, just a dog.","AS TO gratitude, we often expect more of fellow humans than we do of animals.  Usually we are disappointed.  Many people snatch what they can from life and look for more.  This too is not surprising.  The Bible foretold that in the last days, men would be unthankful.  However, servants of God have a different spirit.","2 Tim. 3:1, 2; Col. 3:15;","Apr 15, 1999 Wt Page 15",You Can Find Joy In Serving God,103,,1999/03/18,
"Theme, Main Points, School,","Name of grocery store. Example: Consumers grocery. store of Lebanon Inside have aisles. Over aisles have signs: canned goods, cereals under canned goods have beans, corn, tomatoes, Cereals, corn flakes, cheerios, raisin brands, kicks,",Theme like name of store. aisles with labels like main points. things in them like secondary points,Php 1:10;,Johnse Laymon,Respect For Authority Is A Safeguard For You,12,,,
"Theme, Talk, School, Speaking, Illustration",The theme of our talk should be like the melody of a song.  They say that only 3 notes will bring back the melody of the whole song.,The theme of our talk should help recall the entire contents of our subject.  A good illustration will also help recall various points in a talk.,Mt 6:9;,Bobby Laymon,,,,,
"Theocracy, Government, Kingdom, Religion,","If you could afford a genuine diamond, would you buy an imitation?",Yet many have accepted man's government; man's religion; which is a poor imitation of the genuine article.,Is 33:22;,"Wayne Hughes (Memphis Circuit Assembly)  Jan 15, 1994 Wt Page 15;",Religion's Time Of Judgment,83,,1994/03/07,
"Theocracy, Organization, Government, Elders,","It may be a new word for many readers -- this word 'Theocracy,' but it is at least nineteen hundred years old.  Yes, it was used in the first century of our Common Era, and at that time it seemed to be a strange word.  [See article for arrangement for a body of elders]","It was coined by a historian, namely, Flavius Josephus of Jerusalem.  It means a 'rule of God.'","1pe 5:10, 11;","Nov 15, 1971 Wt Page 681; Also Mar 15, 1994 Wt Page 31",Respect For Authority Is A Safeguard For You,12,,1993/12/06,
"Theocracy, Theocratic, Authority, Obedience, Rules,","A man might claim to be democratic, take part in elections, and even be an active politician.  But if, in his general behavior, he flouts the spirit of democracy and all the principals it involves, can it be said that he is truly democratic?","Similarly, to be truly theocratic, a person must do more than submit to headship in a nominal way.  He must imitate Jehovah's ways and qualities.  He must really be governed by Jehovah and his son in every way.",Mt 11:28-30; Gal 6:5;,"Jul 1, 1994 Wt Page 26",Respect For Authority Is A Safeguard For You,12,,1994/06/27,
"Theocracy, Theocratic, Authority, Obedience, Rules,",Theocracy is rule by God; God is love.,Therefore theocracy is rule by love.,1 John 4:8;,"Jul 1, 1994 Wt Page 27",Respect For Authority Is A Safeguard For You,12,,1994/06/27,
"Theocratic Ministry School Overseer, Teaching,","The school overseer is like a general contractor, having many skilled persons working under him.  Carpenters, plumbers, roofers dry wall, landscape artists, painters, etc.  However, he must have a working knowledge of them all.  Know details, how fit.","The school overseer, likewise must have a 'working knowledge' of all aspects of speaking; see how they blend in, fit together, in harmony, in perfect balance.  None too weak or too strong.",1ti 4:16;,Bro. Glen Graff,Why Live By Bible Standards?,88,,,
Theology;,"'My theology, briefly, is that the universe was dictated but not signed.'  Quote:  Christopher Morley.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Theology;,'Theologians always try to turn the Bible into a book without common sense.'  Quote:  C. G. Lichtenberg.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Theory; Theories;,'A theory is no more like a fact than a photograph is like a person.'  Quote:  Ed Howe.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Theory; Theories;,"'In scientific work, those who refuse to go beyond fact rarely get as far as fact.' Quote:  Thomas Huxley",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Theory; Theories;,A little experience often upsets a lot of theory.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Things, World, View, Examine, Spiritual Health,",We go to a doctor and they take an x-ray to determine our health.  They look inside you.  They are looking for what?  Something that should not be in the picture.  They are looking for spots.,"We can look into ourselves.  There is a love that should not be there.  1 John 2:15.  Also, we should be without spot from the world.",1 John 2:15-17;,Kenny Welch  - Circuit Assembly Part.,'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,"May 22, 2001",
"Think, Humility, Humble, Listen,","There was a ship traveling in the middle of a pitch dark night in the ocean and it sees a light up ahead so the captain get on the CB and says you need to change coarse 10 decrees south. The reply comes back; no you need to change coarse 10 decrees to the south.  Instantly he gets upset and says I am the captain of this ship and you need to change coarse 10 degrees to the south.  The reply comes back no I am a first mate and you need to change your coarse 10 degrees.  He is furious he replies I am the captain of a battle ship and you will change your coarse 10 degrees.  The reply comes back no you will change your coarse 10 degrees I am a Lighthouse.  What if the captain was stubborn and continues his coarse, he would kill himself and his crew.  If the captain would have ask a question or two he would have more information. He could have prevented a misunderstanding and saved his dignity in front of others.",He could have prevented a misunderstanding and saved his dignity in front of others. Think before speaking.,Prov. 1:5;,Jim Kinkade,Jesus Christ--earth's New Ruler.,140,,"Oct 30, 2001",
"Think, Progress, Improve, Study - Education - Reading - School",'The aim of education should be to teach us rather how to think than what to think'. Quote - Beattie,"School is not the end, but the beginning of education.",Isa. 50:4; Isa. 54:13; John 6:45; Deuteronomy. 4:5; Acts 22:3,Bobby Laymon,Do You Recognize Jehovah's Sovereignty In Your Personal Life?,75,,,
"Think, Questions, Conversation, Pioneer, School, Speech,",Asking questions is like dropping a bucket into a big deep well. Help them to learn by discovery.,"Questions are a bucket to draw up water in the house-holder's mind.  If you bring up nothing, drop another bucket in. Get them to use their brain.","Lk 10:25, 26, 35, 36;",Gary Breaux D.O.  (pioneer Meeting),Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,63,,,
"Think, Reasonable, Actions,","'Think like a man of action, act like a man of thought.' Quote: Henri Louis Bergson (1859)",Exercise clear thinking ability.,Phil 4:5,Wisdom Of The Ages,,,,,
Think;,"'Some persons do first, think afterwards, then repent forever.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Think; Happiness;,'Oh the happiness of those who cannot think.'  Quote:  Alexander Pope.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Thinking Ability, Stability,","Thinking ability can help us to face another subtle pressure. When the wind drives the waves toward the beam, or the side, of the ship, it is known as a beam sea. In normal conditions, such a sea may slowly push the vessel off course. During a storm, however, a beam sea can cause the boat to capsize.","Similarly, if we succumb to the pressure to enjoy all that the wicked world has to offer, this materialistic life-style can push us off course spiritually.  Left unchecked, the love of the world could eventually cause us to abandon our Christian course altogether.",1 John 2:15; 2 Tim. 4:10;,"Aug 15 ,2002 Page 23, 24",Live With Soundness Of Mind In A Depraved World.,138,,"Jul 23, 2002",
"Thinking Ability, Stability, Adjustment,","We could be like a ship that steers just one degree from its proper course. Over a long journey, it could miss its destination by a huge distance.","Even if we are influenced only minimally by those who have abandoned the Christian course, it could hinder our spiritual progress and eventually put us in danger.  Thinking ability can help us to determine where we are in a spiritual sense and where we are going. Perhaps we recognize the need to have a fuller share in Christian activities.","Hebrews 3:12; Hebrews 6:11, 12","Aug 15 ,2002 Page  24",Live With Soundness Of Mind In A Depraved World.,138,,"Jul 23, 2002",
"Thinking, Abuse, Coping, Sound Mind, Unkindness, Gossip, Reaction,","It is somewhat like stubbing our toe.  When this happens, we might not think clearly for a minute or two. But after the pain subsides, we can reason and act normally.","Similarly, we should not react immediately to an unkind remark or action.   Instead, pause and consider the consequences of thoughtless retaliation.",2 Cor. 10:10-18;,"Aug 15, 2002 Page 22",Coping With Life's Anxieties,32,,"Jul 23, 2002",
"Thinking, Attitude, Adjustment,","Display a paper airplane: One of the definitions of attitude is: 'The position of an airplane in relation to the ground.' Pilot must be willing to change, due to storm warnings, drifting. What if airliner distracted by every beautiful horizon?","What is our relation toward people; parents; work?  Often need an attitude adjustment.  If we are willing to adjust our thinking to God's we will fly above the storm, and come in for a safe landing.",1 John 2:15-17; Lk 16:10; Mt 5:44-48; John 5:17;,Dale Crown hart,Does Your Thinking Agree With God's?,53,,,
"Thinking, Conscience",Chart (small round circle-God's) lopsided-ours; large-Satan's Whose circle are we in. Apply to children; job; associations; money etc. Does our thinking agree with God's?  Satan's is broad; Ours may be partly outside God's requirements.  Jehovah may allow things that an improperly trained conscience don't allow.  Satan allows all things.,Jehovah is molding our thinking,"Rom 12:1, 2",Bobby Laymon,Hold A Good Conscience In A Sinful World,107,,,
"Thinking, Humans, Weakness, Humble, Humility,","'Man is but a reed, the weakest in nature, but he is a thinking reed.'  Quote: Blasé Pascal. [1670].","However we need reliable guidance from a higher source.  The operation of the universe, balance of life processes, design in creation, reflect God's superior wisdom and thinking.","Pr 3:5, 6; Ro 1:20;",Bobby Laymon,Does Your Thinking Agree With God's?,53,,1995/07/14,
"Thinking, Idea, Counselors, Multitude, Advise,","If you have a penny and I have a penny and we exchange pennies, you still have one cent and I still have one cent.  But if you have an idea and I have an idea and we exchange ideas, you now have two ideas and I now have two ideas.","If we look at things from Jehovah's standpoint, we now have his thinking on matters.",Prov. 11:14;,Bobby Laymon - Bits And Pieces,Looking At Youths From Jehovah's Standpoint.,118,,1998/01/08,
"Thinking, Immorality, Sexual Desire, Sound Mind,","When the wind drives powerful waves toward the bow of a boat, the condition is described as a head sea. Sailors risk having their boat capsize unless they maneuver to meet the waves head-on.","We face a similar situation, living as we do in a world obsessed with sex. Every day, waves of sensual ideas and images head our way. We cannot ignore the effect they can have on our normal sexual desires. We must use thinking ability and meet the temptation decisively rather than just drift into dangerous situations.",Prov. 3:21-23,"Aug 15 ,2002 Page 21",Live With Soundness Of Mind In A Depraved World.,138,,"Jul 23, 2002",
"Thinking, Improvement, Principles, Laws, Standards, Improvements, Growth,","Many incredible 'flying machines' were made that never got off the ground, before the airplane was invented.  Men kept experimenting until their thinking matched God's to some degree.  By further experimentation, they have learned more about principles of flight, & come closer to Jehovah's thinking.",Unless our thinking agrees with Jehovah's our goals and efforts will never 'get off the ground.',"2ti 3:16, 17;",Bobby Laymon,Does Your Thinking Agree With God's?,53,,,
"Thinking, Knowledge, Thoughts, Teaching, Simple, Understanding,","Suppose a very learned professor offered to teach your child with out taking any fees?  Would you refuse, saying, 'He is much too advanced in knowledge;  My child could never understand all he knows'.  Of course not!  You would understand that however brilliant a scholar he is, if he is a good teacher, your child can be taught.  He can teach even kindergarten children so that they can grasp and understand.","So could not an all-wise God teach us, his children, what we need to know in simple language that we can understand?  The Bible says he does so.",Is 54:13;,Our Problems - Who Will Help Us Solve Them?  Page 23,Reach Out For The Real Life!,90,,,
"Thinking, Knowledge, Wisdom, Progress","'You can live a few minutes without air; a few days without water; a few weeks without food; a few years without thinking.' Quote: English scholar, Kent Ruth.","Most people do not think more 2 or 3 times a year. A person who thinks will observe the difference & know what time it is. Eccl. 3:1,7. Must love Jah with whole 'mind'","Prov. 2:10, 11; Heb. 5:14; 1 Pet. 1:13; Eccl.3:1, 7;",Philip Kirkton (bethel Notes) Jack Redford-Gilead Grad 1991,Acquiring A Heart Of Wisdom,73,,,
"Thinking, Life, Death,","'Men can live without air for a few minutes, without water for about two weeks, without food for about two months - and without a new thought for years on end.'  Quote: Kent Ruth.","We need reliable guidance from a higher source.  Operation of universe, balance of life processes, design in creation, reflect God's superior wisdom and thinking.","Pr 3:5, 6; Ro 1:20;",Bobby Laymon,Does Your Thinking Agree With God's?,53,,1995/06/30,
"Thinking, Manipulate, Squeeze, Mold, Control,",Have you ever felt manipulated by someone?  Perhaps the advertisement world.  Signs on highway.  Television.  Politicians.,"Today, much of a person's thinking is based on opinion and manipulation of others.  We must allow God to mold our thinking.","Prov 3:5, 6; 16:25;",Joe Laymon,Does Your Thinking Agree With God's?,53,,1995/06/04,
"Thinking, Memory, Brain, Neurons, Synapses,","Farm with cows, pigs, mules, dog & cat. Cows always took the same path, rain or shine or in danger of stepping in something.  (Sister said it was impossible to use the word cow and intelligent in same sentence.)  One day a tree fell down, they could not get around.  Finally one cow discovered she could go around it.  Pretty soon a path was worn deep around the tree.","Scientists tell us that in our brain has electrical or chemical signals travels from neuron to neuron, crossing many connections called synapses. 'A memory and pattern of thinking of some type is created.  Our memory is somewhat like that cow path.  But we can change that, considering we are more intelligent than a cow.  When we hear a new word like paradise, then we connect it to garden, park, and hear it again and again, in time, this creates a new pattern of thinking in us.  As we persist in taking in wholesome spiritual information, a new thought pattern is being built up, and the force actuating our mind is being made new.  We can do this regarding un-wholesome thoughts and replace them.",Philippians 4:8;,Bobby Laymon,Keep Clean From Worldly Defilements,98,,1997/04/07,7/27/2018
"Thinking, Mind, Sense, Knowledge, Wisdom,",'Common sense is not so common.' Quote:  Voltaire Francois Marie Arouet.,"Good sense, and reasonableness are merely reflections of Jehovah's ways.",Eph 5:1;,Bobby Laymon,How Well Do You Know God?,1,,1995/07/14,
"Thinking, Minds, Contaminate, Food, Spiritual, Study, Bible,","There is a saying that a person is what he eats.  Anyone, then, who wants to keep in good physical and mental health has to watch his diet.  Just as junk food, though tastily prepared with chemical additives, does not contribute to our continued physical health...","So, the propaganda of this world laced with demonic ideas is bad figurative junk food that will corrupt our minds.",Mt. 12:30; John 17:3;,"Jul 1, 1994 Wt Page 9",Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,1994/06/25,
"Thinking, Mold, Squeeze, Influence, Manipulate, Control, Humble, Humility, Persuasion","Take a soft piece of modeling clay.  You can do just about anything you want with it.  Squeeze it into a circle.  Roll it into a ball.  [2] You can drop it into the dirt, but it is hard to get the dirt out.  It is better to keep it clean in the first place.","We should be like that.  However, in whose hands should we be like clay?  Not humans!  Jehovah is the one to mold us.  [2] It is better to not become involved in the world in the first place.","Prov 3:5, 6; 16:25;",Joe Laymon,Does Your Thinking Agree With God's?,53,,1995/06/04,
"Thinking, Paradigm, Atmosphere, Environment, Human, Thoughts,","'All the thoughts of a turtle are turtles, and of a rabbit, rabbits.' Quote: Ralph Waldo Emerson. -1893.","It's true, our thinking is far below Jehovah's.  Might wonder: 'How can I get to know Jehovah?  Does he not say that his ways and thoughts are vastly higher than ours?'  Yet he invites us to know him.","Isa 55:8, 9;",Bobby Laymon,How Well Do You Know God?,1,,1995/08/01,
"Thinking, Prayer,","Compass, always points North. (may temporarily go off, comes back) May have to give attention to secular work, chores, school, but should swing back to Jehovah & Kingdom","Our hearts should be like needle of a compass, swing back to Jah.","Prov. 3:5, 6","Bobby Laymon (united In Worship Page 11)feb 15, 1963 Wt Page 115",Prayers That Are Heard By God.,86,,,
"Thinking, Problems Coping, Sound Mind, Unkindness, Gossip, Reaction,","When the wind drives the waves toward the stern of the boat, it produces what is known as a following sea.  The waves can lift the stern and carry it sideways.  This leaves the boat broadside to the direction of the waves and vulnerable to them.","We too could be susceptible to danger that comes from an unexpected direction.  We serve Jehovah 'shoulder to shoulder' alongside our many faithful brothers and sisters.  If one of them acts in an unchristian manner, it may seem like a breach of trust and may cause us deep distress.  Thinking ability can keep us from being thrown off balance.",Zeph. 3:9; 1 Kings 8:46;,"Aug 15 ,2002 Page 22",Live With Soundness Of Mind In A Depraved World.,138,,"Jul 23, 2002",
"Thinking, Promises, Blessings, Limitations, Stress,",Our Thinking vs. God's Promise.,Our thinking: It's impossible  God's promise: All things are possible (Luke 18:27)  Our thinking: I'm too tired  God's promise: I will give you rest (Matthew 11:28-38)    Our thinking: Nobody really loves me  God's promise: I love you (John 3:16)    Our thinking: I can't go on  God's promise: My grace is sufficient (2 Corinthians 12:19)    Our thinking: I can't figure things out  God's promise: I will direct your steps (Proverbs 20:24)    Our thinking: I can't do it  God's promise: You can do all things (Philippians 4:13)    Our thinking: I'm not able  God's promise: I am able (2 Corinthians 9:8)    Our thinking: It's not worth it  God's promise: It will be worth it (Romans 8:28)    Our thinking: I can't forgive myself  God's promise: I forgive you (1 John 1:9 and Romans 8:1)    Our thinking: I can't manage  God's promise: I will supply all your needs (Philippians 4:19)    Our thinking: I'm afraid  God's promise: I have not given you a spirit of fear (2 Timothy 1:7)    Our thinking: I'm always worried and frustrated  God's promise: Cast all your cares on me (1 Peter 5:7)    Our thinking: I don't have enough faith  God's promise: I've given everyone a measure of faith (Romans 12:8)    Our thinking: I'm not smart enough  God's promise: I give you wisdom (1 Corinthians 1:30)    Our thinking: I feel all alone  God's promise: I will never leave you or forsake you (Hebrews 13:5),Luke 18:27,Mark Hanlon,Service Talk,200,,1998/11/26,
"Thinking, Reading, Knowledge, Wisdom,",'Reading furnishes the mind only with materials of knowledge; it is thinking that makes what we read ours.'  Quote: John Locke.,Christians must use their power of reason.,Rom 12:1;,Bobby Laymon - Reader's Digest,Is The Truth Transforming Your Life?,51,,1996/03/18,
"Thinking, Thoughts, Desires, Dreams, Fantasy,","What is the pole, as it were, to which the needle of my mind's compass naturally swings?","Neither humans nor demons can read our thoughts, but God can. That being so, we want our very thoughts to be pleasing to him. So we do well to ask ourselves: What do I like to think about when not required to apply my mind to the work at hand?",Heb 4:13;,W86 3/15 21,Does Your Thinking Agree With God's?,53,,1996/06/11,
"Thinking, Wisdom, Discernment, Knowledge, Progress, Habit, Rote,",'Few people think more than two or three times a year.  I have made an international reputation for myself by thinking once or twice a week.'  Quote: George Bernard Shaw.,"Many things are done by habit or rote.  All of us at times feel unsure as to best course to take.  Human thinking often based on sentiment, guesswork, or limited experience.  Or perhaps not thinking at all.",Pr 16:25;,Bobby Laymon,Does Your Thinking Agree With God's?,53,,1995/06/30,
"Thinking, Wisdom, Knowledge, Foolish,",Each passing year piles higher the rubbish heap of man's broken promises and erroneous thoughts.,By getting the thoughts of God we can get wisdom that is higher and more reliable than man's. Jehovah's words will guide us in the right way and we can hold on to them with confidence: 'The words of the wise are like goads; and collections which are given by one teacher are like nails driven with a sledge.',"1 Pet. 1:25,; Eccl. 12:11, At.",W56 6/15 357-8,Does Your Thinking Agree With God's?,53,,1994/05/09,
"Thinking, Wisdom, Knowledge, Foolish, Conscience, Goads,","In ancient times goads, long sticks with iron points, were used to keep oxen moving in the right direction.","Wise words from God will keep us moving in the right way, and if we stray into wicked ways they will prick our conscience and cause us to change our course. Like nails sledged into a board, these wise words given by the one true God, Jehovah, will hold fast and support us, steady and stabilize us.","1 Pet. 1:25,; Eccl. 12:11, At.",W56 6/15 357-8,Does Your Thinking Agree With God's?,53,,1994/05/09,
"Thinking, Wisdom, Knowledge, Foolish, Grasshopper",A grasshopper would have more chance of outwitting a man. Jehovah's thoughts are infallible.,"Man's loftiest thoughts must always be light-years below God's thoughts, just as the earth is below the incomprehensible heights of the heavens. Only a vain fool would try to compete with God's thinking.",Is 55:9-11;,W56 6/15 357-8,Does Your Thinking Agree With God's?,53,,1994/05/09,
Thinking; Action; Deeds; Talk Is Cheap;,"'Thinking is easy, acting is difficult, and to put one's thoughts into action is the most difficult thing in the world.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Thirst For Truth,FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH PROBABLY BE COMMERCIALIZED TODAY,SEARCH FOR TRUTH,Rev 22:17,Johnse Laymon,"Come, You Who Thirst For The Truth!",89,,,
"Thorough, Refreshing, Preaching, Complete, Pioneer,","Each time the literal dew sweeps across the earth, the spiritual dewdrops are there as well, sweeping the earth with the good news.","In 1996 there were: Publishers 5,413,769; Hours spent 1,140,621,714; Bible Studies each month 4,855,030; Number baptized 366,579  With each new Dew fall there were 1004 new dewdrops.  (Witnesses of Jehovah.)","Ps 110:3; John 4:6, 14;",Bobby Laymon,Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,63,,1997/05/13,
"Thorough, Refreshing, Preaching, Complete, Pioneer,","Like the dew, the softer it falls, the more it sinks in and the longer it stays.  The more good is accomplished.","Our preaching needs to be thorough, gentle, refreshing but ever present.  You brothers and sisters are the refreshing dew drops that thoroughly cover the earth.  Continue to sparkle, refresh, and enliven the vegetation of the earth.  Preach -- Give a thorough witness.","Ps 110:3; John 4:6, 14;",Bobby Laymon,Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,63,,1997/05/13,
"Thorough, Refreshing, Preaching, Complete, Pioneer,","There's an expression: 'It blankets the earth like dew.'  Can you think of anything that is more thorough than the dew?  Not only does it fall on the grass and the roses, but rivers, oceans, mountain and valleys.  On the trees and housetops.   It is so tiny,  so refreshing,  yet so thorough.   No wonder Jehovah likens his people to the dewdrops.","No wonder Jehovah likens his people to the dewdrops.  Jesus at Jacob's fountain.  'Now Jesus, tired out from the journey' but not from preaching.  Like the dew that keeps working all day, Jesus kept preaching.","Ps 110:3; John 4:6, 14;",Bobby Laymon,Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,63,,1997/05/13,
Thorough; Detail;,'Beware of the man who won't be bothered by details.'  Quote:  F. Scott Fitzgerald.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Thoroughness;,'Leave no stone unturned.'  Quote:  Euripides.,"This expression alludes to an ancient Greek legend about a general who buried a large treasure in his tent when he was defeated in battle. Those seeking the treasure consulted the Oracle of Delphi, who advised them to move every stone.",,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Thought; Thinking; Meditation;,'A bird may land on your head but you don't have to let him make a nest in your hair.'  Quote:  Danish.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Thought; Thinking; Meditation;,'Be careful of your thoughts; they may become words at any moment.'  Quote:  Ira Gassen.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Thought; Thinking; Meditation;,"'By your won thoughts you make or mar your life, your world, your universe.'  Quote:  Allen.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Thought; Thinking; Meditation;,"'Cogito, ergo sum: I think, therefore I am.'  Quote:  Rene Descartes.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Thought; Thinking; Meditation;,"'Failures are divided into two classes. Those who thought and never did, and those who did and never thought.'  Quote:  John Salak.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Thought; Thinking; Meditation;,"'It isn't what people think that is important, but the reason they think what they think.'  Quote:  Eugene Ionesco.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Thought; Thinking; Meditation;,'Many people have played themselves to death. Many people have eaten and drunk themselves to death. Nobody ever thought himself to death.'  Quote:  Gilbert Highet.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Thought; Thinking; Meditation;,'No brain is stronger than its weakest think.'  Quote:  Masson.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Thought; Thinking; Meditation;,'Sooner or later false thinking brings wrong conduct.'  Quote:  Julian Huxley.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Thought; Thinking; Meditation;,'The actions of men are the best interpreters of their thoughts.'  Quote:  John Locke.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Thought; Thinking; Meditation;,'The soul of God is poured into the world through the thoughts of men..'  Quote:  Rwe.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Thought; Thinking; Meditation;,"'Think like a man of action, act like a man of thought.'  Quote:  Henri Bergson.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Thought; Thinking; Meditation;,"'Thinking is the hardest work there is, which is probably why so few engage in it.'  Quote:  Henry Ford.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Thought; Thinking; Meditation;,'To most people nothing is more troublesome than the effort of thinking.'  Quote:  James Bryce.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Thought; Thinking; Meditation;,'When policy fails try thinking.'  Quote:  American Business Maxim.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Thought; Thinking; Meditation;,"'Where all men think alike, no one thinks very much.' Quote:  Walter Lippmann",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Thought; Thinking; Meditation;,'Where does a fish begin to rot?  At the head.'  Quote:  Greek.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Thought; Thinking; Meditation;,A thought may take a man prisoner.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Thought; Thinking; Meditation;,"But far too numerous was the herd of such who think to little, and who talk too much.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Thought; Thinking; Meditation;,Change your thoughts and you change your world.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Thought; Thinking; Meditation;,It alright to have a train of thought if you have a terminal.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Thought; Thinking; Meditation;,"It may take some time to tame the mind, but each time you try it will come round to you in shorter time.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Thought; Thinking; Meditation;,Little wit in the head makes much work on the feet.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Thought; Thinking; Meditation;,Man becomes that of which he thinks.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Thought; Thinking; Meditation;,Second thoughts are always wiser.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Thought; Thinking; Meditation;,Solitude is the nest of thought.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Thought; Thinking; Meditation;,Some people get lost in thought because it's unfamiliar territory.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Thought; Thinking; Meditation;,The human brain is wonderful thing. It starts working the moment you are born and never stops until you stand up to speak in public.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Thought; Thinking; Meditation;,Thinking makes the man.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Thought; Thinking; Meditation;,Thought finds its way into action.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Thought; Thinking; Meditation;,"To act is easy, to think is hard.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Thoughts, Actions, Desires, Fantasy,",Watch your thoughts; they become words.  Watch your words; they become actions.  Watch your actions; they become habits.  Watch your habits; they become character.  Watch your character; it becomes your destiny.  Quote: Frank Outlaw.,We need to guard our thinking.,Jas 1:15;,Bobby Laymon - Bits And Pieces,,,,1998/01/08,
"Thoughts, Apostate, False, Christendom,","Just as one lights a CANDLE from the flame of another, so are false thoughts passed from person to person.",These false thoughts must not be taken in or they can become a flame.,James 3:5;,Quotations,How To Protect Ourselves From Satan's Snares,115,,1995/05/20,
"Thoughts, Heart, Motives,",'The actions of men are the best interpreters of their thoughts.'  Quote: John Locke (1632-1704),We do what we really want to do; what is really in our hearts.,Lk 6:45;,Wisdom Of The Ages,Acquiring A Heart Of Wisdom,73,,,
"Thoughts, Immoral, Desires, Sin,","When rust gets started, it can run rampant, and get completely out of control.",Letting immoral thoughts and desires run rampant is like allowing a 'rusting' of the heart.,"Matt 5:27, 28;","Jun 15, 1996 Wt Page 19",A Godly View Of Sex And Marriage,13,,1996/07/28,
"Thoughts, Mind, Prayer,","If we find ourselves in an unhappy frame of mind, we might well ask: What was I thinking about just before I suddenly became so downhearted?","Of course, we can switch off a bad television program, but wrong thoughts, when there, are not so easily dismissed. However, what a blessing it is that we can pray for God's help! By means of his holy spirit, or active force, Jehovah will gladly help us to keep our thoughts under control.  Actually, whether we are truly happy or not depends greatly on us. That is why we need to have our thoughts under control. Otherwise, unpleasant memories, silly fancies or even wicked promptings will soon gain the upper hand.",Psalm 94:19;,"Mar 1, 1983 Wt Page 6",Jehovah Is 'a Secure Height' For His People,151,,"Dec 29, 2001",
"Thoughts, Morals, Holy, Clean,",You wouldn't put garbage in your stomach.,Why put it in your mind?,Col 3:5;,G93 6/8 5,,,,1996/01/06,
"Thoughts, Past, Carryovers, Motives,",We drag our past around behind us 'like a tail.',"Any disquieting thoughts, wrong desires we develop during our childhood, or other times in life, can drag us down.  We can even have carry-overs from false religion.","Ps 139:23, 24; Ps 26:2; Pr 23:26;","Bro. Ray (miller, Mo Cong.) comment On Oct 1, 1993 Wt Page 20 Par 16, 17.",How Well Do You Know God?,1,,1993/11/21,
"Thoughts, Thinking, Desires, Wicked, Satan, Entertainment,","Suppose a bird landed on your head.  Let's go farther ... let us say a 'dirty bird' landed on your head.  Maybe a pigeon.  It is supposed to carry all sorts of diseases.  Would you let it sit there, and make a nest, or would you shoo it away?",Likewise with dirty thoughts.  Are you going to entertain them or shoo them away?,Gal 4:9-11;,1997 'faith In God's Word' District Convention;,How To Protect Ourselves From Satan's Snares,115,,1997/06/12,
"Thoughts, Ways, Higher, Understanding,",How much higher are the heavens than the earth?  No one knows.,How much higher are Jehovah's thoughts than man's thoughts.  We don't know.  We don't know how high Jehovah's thoughts are.,"Isa. 55:8, 9;",Theodore Jaracz - Gb - Assembly Part,How Well Do You Know God?,1,,"Oct 24, 2000",
"Threats, Warnings, Armageddon, Weapons, Nations,","SOME CRANES made their feeding grounds on some lowlands newly sown with wheat.  For a long time the Farmer, brandishing an empty sling, chased them away by the terror he inspired; but when the birds found that the sling was only swung in the air, they ceased to take any notice of it and would not move.  The Farmer, on seeing this, charged his sling with stones, and killed a great number.  The remaining birds at once forsook his fields, crying  to each other, 'It is time for us to be off to Lilliputian:  for this man is no longer content to scare us, but begins to show us in earnest what he can do.'","Moral: 'If words suffice not, blows must follow.'   The nations have been warned.  They have not listened!  Action will follow warnings!  When they see Jehovah's weapons they will become believers.",Eze 6:10;,Aesop's Fables - Bobby Laymon,What Does The Healing Of The Nations Accomplish?,111,,1994/05/15,
"Threshold, Earth, Kingdom,",Quote: 'Today the millions who worship Jehovah are also ON the threshold of a promised land - the new world.',"Illustrate the nearness of the New World, (not AT but ON)  See also July 15, 1997 WT page 19 para 17.",Deuteronomy 4:5-7; John 13:35; Is 65:14; Ac 5:29; 2 Co 4:7; 1j 5:3;,"Apr 1, 1992 Wt Page 13",Ruining The Earth Brings Divine Retribution,106,,,
Time,"'Time is a sort of river of passing events, and strong is its current; no sooner is a thing brought to sight than it is swept by and another takes its place, and this too will be swept away.'  Quote: Marcus Aurelius Antonius.",Bible contains description of Jehovah taking rulership through his Christ.  It is logical to look to Jehovah to find out when it is time for God to rule the world.,"Rev 11:15, 17;",Bobby Laymon,Is It Time For God To Rule The World?,20,,1995/07/09,
Time,Check late (upset balance of others...have to wait) Jehovah is perfect example of being on time 'Time is Money',"If not on time, affect others, parts, arrangements, appointments",Eccl 3:1,Bobby Laymon,Is It Time For God To Rule The World?,20,,,
Time,"Lamps burning in daytime; waste light in vain. Not count time, but make time count.",Must not waste time,Eph 5:15,Bobby Laymon,Is It Time For God To Rule The World?,20,,,
Time,"Leave store; have something you didn't have before; something missing.  Set Priorities World; job; recreation; should be: back burner Kingdom; should be: top shelf, bottom line.","That's what buying means, giving up something you value.","Eph 5:15-17  Matt 6:33  Heb. 10:24, 25","Pure Language Dist. Assy July 5-8, 1990",Is It Time For God To Rule The World?,20,,,
Time,"Lose track of time, 'like 'Rip Van Winkle', (sleeper) No matter how important or unimportant you feel, Jehovah knows thoughts and intentions of your heart. Nothing escapes his sight.","Jehovah does not lose track of things, as man frequently does",Prov. 19:21,"Aug 22, 1959 Aw Page 6, 7",Is It Time For God To Rule The World?,20,,,
Time,Not in 'rat race'; but in a 'sheep race' Enough time for T.V. but not for Bible reading.  Some gone 'overboard' on recreation.,"We are not 'killing time', but killing ourselves.","Eph 5:15-17  Matt 6:33  Heb. 10:24, 25","Pure Language Dist. Assy July 5-8, 1990",Is It Time For God To Rule The World?,20,,,
Time,"Person driving an automobile has only to neglect giving attention to a failing brake, and ruin can take place. Make time to live forever All have same amount of time.  Budget your time.",Just neglect God is enough; man does not need to commit serious sin,"Heb. 2:3; Acts 3:22, 23; Eph. 5:15, 16","Nov 22, 1960 Aw Page 5-7",Is It Time For God To Rule The World?,20,,,
Time,Time is Money,It is a valuable prized commodity. Without it nothing else can be enjoyed. Youth should use it in service of creator. Satan knowing his time is short is furious,Eccl 12:1; Rev 12:12,"Jan 1, 1969 Wt. Pg. 27",Is It Time For God To Rule The World?,20,,,
Time,"Time is money (see quote below) 'Time is really the only capital that any human being has, and the one thing that he can't afford to lose.'  Thomas Edison.","Time is a true value, or treasure.",Eph. 5:15-17,Magazine Article - Bobby Laymon,Is It Time For God To Rule The World?,20,,,
Time,When there is a shortage: Things cost more; example is groceries Matter of Life or death.,"Time left is reduced, going to cost more for time.","Eph 5:15-17  Matt 6:33  Heb. 10:24, 25","Pure Language Dist. Assy July 5-8, 1990",Is It Time For God To Rule The World?,20,,,
Time - End - Last Days,' Just because a fellow wears a watch doesn't prove he knows what time it is'.,"Everyone sees the sign of last days but don't discern the meaning. May be asleep; may have pushed off the alarm; may be involved in other things and lost track; may have set date, time & forgot.",2 Tim.3:1-5   Matt. 24,Johnse Laymon,The Kingdom Of God Is Near,109,,,
"Time,","See Time With Jehovah's Eyes  Try to see time with Jehovah's eyes  One day to Jehovah is as a thousand years - 2 Peter 3:8  Jehovah created Adam and Eve 6 days ago  The flood was here 4 days ago  Christ was here 2 days ago, and he became king in heaven just 2 hours ago","And in a few minutes, Armageddon will be over!  So, just wait a few minutes, and we will be in the new system!",2 Pet. 3:8;,Mark Hanlon,Does Your Thinking Agree With God's?,53,,1998/11/26,
"Time, 1975,","'Interestingly, the autumn of the year 1975 marks the end of 6000 years of human experience. What will that year mean for human kind? Will it be the time when God executes the wicked and starts off the thousand-year reign of his Son Jesus Christ? It very well","Info: could, but we will have to wait to see.'","Luke 21:28; Rev. 20:1, 2,","May 1, 1967 Wt Page 262",Is It Time For God To Rule The World?,20,,,
"Time, 1975, Millennium,",'Six thousand years of man's existence will end in the latter half of the year 1975.',"Info: Showing the Bible millennium is ahead of us, not behind.","Rev. 20:1, 2;","Apr 15, 1967 Wt Page 236",Is It Time For God To Rule The World?,20,,,
"Time, Appreciation, Devotion,","Imagine there is a bank which credits your account each morning with  $86,400. Carries over no balance from day to day, allows you to keep no cash balance, and every evening cancels whatever part of the amount you had failed to use during the day.  What would you do? Draw out every cent, of course!","Well, everyone has such a bank. Its name is TIME.  Every morning, it credits you with 86,400 seconds. Every night it writes off, as a lost, whatever of this amount you have failed to invest to good purpose. It carries over no balance. It allows no overdraft.  Each day it opens a new account for you. Each night it burns the records of the day.  If you fail to use the day's deposits, the loss is yours.  There is no going back. There is no drawing against  'tomorrow'. You must live in the present on today's deposits. Invest it so as to get from it the utmost in service  to Jehovah, to demonstrating love to our brothers and the yet-to-be-found new disciples, and in continuing in your growth to spiritual adulthood.  The clock is running. Make the most of today.",Eph. 5:14-17;,Bobby Laymon,Service Talk,200,bl,1998/04/05,8/1/2015
"Time, Calendar, Future, Prophecy,","A calendar today is a common household item throughout most of the world.  In fact, so common are calendars, that most people take them for granted.  Hang on kitchen, living room, bed room walls. Even Adam had some form of calendar.","Christians are aware today, that Jehovah God has his own calendar of events not governed by human systems of reckoning. However, in his Word, he does relate his actions and purposes to human measurements of time, for man's benefit.","Dan 2:21, 22; Ec 3:1-5;","Sep 22, 1968 Aw Page 12-15;",Your Future--how Can It Be Known?,19,,,
"Time, Count, Service, Productive, Pioneer,","'Shadow-Boxing' benefits who?  Only the boxer.  Not another boxer, nor the one watching.","In like manner, we should not be concerned with 'counting time' but making 'time count.'  Don't be 'door conscious' but be people conscious, as Jesus was.  Go find people.","1co 9:26; Mk 1:35, 38;",Gary Breaux D.O. (pioneer Meeting),How Should You Serve God?,58,,,
"Time, Count, Service, Productive, Pioneer,","Running in place, usually doesn't last long.  (Treadmill) There is no real sense of accomplishment.  Now if we can see things going by us, and we are making progress, we feel better.","In like manner, we should not be concerned with 'counting time' but making 'time count.'  Don't be 'door conscious' but be people conscious, as Jesus was.  Go find people.","1co 9:26; Mk 1:35, 38;",Gary Breaux D.O. (pioneer Meeting),How Should You Serve God?,58,,,
"Time, Employment, Priorities, First, Kingdom,","A small boy had two coins in his hands. One was for his use to purchase anything he wanted, while the other was to be placed in the contribution box. Well, as kids will do, he was sitting on the curbside, playing with the coins, when one of them fell from his hands, rolled down the street, and fell in the sewer grate. After a little reflection, he looked up, and said, 'Well, Jehovah, there went yours.'","Do we, when we are faced with demands on our time, tell Jehovah, 'Well, there went yours'?",Matt 6:33;,Peter Morgan,Renewing The Spirit Of Self-sacrifice,69,,1997/08/11,
"Time, Eternity, Forever, Paradise,",'Time is a river without banks.' Quote: Anonymous.,Time will flow on forever.  Will you be there?,1 Jo 2:17;,Bobby Laymon,Can You Live Forever?--will You?,35,,1995/08/16,
"Time, Evolution, Progress, Age, Older, Sickness,","'Time will rust the sharpest sword, Time will consume the strongest cord; That which molders hemp and steel, mortal arm and nerve must feel.'  Quote: Sir Walter Scott.","Many people see no meaning in their lives. We need to see that our hope is for the future, including the resurrection.  We are all conscious of time.  Our lives are so short.","Ps 103:15, 16;",Bobby Laymon,Is This Life All There Is?,36,,1995/07/18,
"Time, Futile, Waste, Opposers, Goats, Clergy,",Don't try to cut horns off a goat thinking that  it will make it a sheep.,A sheep will always respond like a sheep.  It will be evident.,Matt. 7:6;,Bobby Laymon,Decide Now For Divine Rulership,37,,"Feb 10, 2001",
"Time, Future",Like an arrow shot from bow not fly backward.,Sins and things never be reversed only Jehovah wipe out.,Isa.43:25,All Scriptures ...Inspired. Page 279; Johnse Laymon,Is It Time For God To Rule The World?,20,,,
"Time, Future",Time is like one way street traffic travels one way ever onward never in reverse,Sins and things never be reversed only Jehovah wipe out,Isa.43:25,All Scriptures Inspired. Page 279; Johnse Laymon,Is It Time For God To Rule The World?,20,,,
"Time, Future",Time is like waterfall always running in one direction never uphill.,Sins and things never be reversed only Jehovah wipe out.,Isa.43:25,All Scriptures Inspired...Page 279; Johnse Laymon,Is It Time For God To Rule The World?,20,,,
"Time, Future,","'The farther backward you can look, the farther forward you are likely to see.' Winston Churchill (1874-1965)",God's Word provides a sound basis for past and future.,Rom. 15:4; 1 Cor. 10:10;,(wisdom Of The Ages),Is It Time For God To Rule The World?,20,,,
"Time, Future, Kingdom, Prophecy, Bible,",In our daily lives we are often confronted with the need to know what time it is.  Is it time to: get up in the morning? go to work? eat? attend a meeting? go to bed?  Over and over we have the need to measure time.,"Jehovah sustains this need by giving us inspired prophecy and direction from His Word, the Bible.",Eccl. 3:1; Mt. 11:25; Jer. 25:11; 29:10;,"May 1, 1968 Wt Page 264",Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,,
"Time, Future, Past,","Time moves like traffic on a one-way street.  It moves relentlessly in that one direction, and no creature can reverse that process. We do not know where time began or where it is going through eternity","We cannot recover the past, for we can never go backward in time so as to eliminate the present as though it had never occurred. We always live in the present, not in the past.",Eccl. 3:1-3;,"May 1, 1968 Wt Page 267",Is It Time For God To Rule The World?,20,,,
"Time, Future, Past, Value,","The way the value of merchandise is often calculated is by the 'supply and demand.'  Example: during the pony express days it cost several dollars to send a letter that now cost a few cents. Few pony express rider, but the demand was great.","The supply of time for humans in this system is limited, but the demand for more time, an extended lifetime, is great. At best it is about 70-80 years.","Eccl. 12:1; 1 Cor. 7:29; Rev. 12:12, 17; Eph. 5:15-17;","May 1, 1968 Wt Page 273, 274",Is It Time For God To Rule The World?,20,,,
"Time, Future, Poison,","'Tobacco, coffee, alcohol, hashish, prussic acid, strychnine, are weak dilutions: the surest poison is time.'",Time must be used wisely.,Eph. 5:15-17;,(wisdom Of The Ages) Emerson (1803-1882),Is It Time For God To Rule The World?,20,,,
"Time, Future, Prophecy,","'The farther backward you can look, the farther forward you are likely to see.'  Quote: Winston Churchill.   (1874-1965)","Examine God's Word, and it's prophecy.",Dan. 2:44;,Bobby Laymon,Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,,
"Time, Future, Prophecy,",Did you ever go to sleep traveling and wake up later.  The first question is: Where are we?  Jehovah has set guide post so we can tell.,If we know where we are in the stream of time we can tell how much further it is.,"Jer. 52:31; Dan. 9:26, 27;",Scott Rudolph,Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,,
"Time, Future, Service,","'Enjoy the spring of love and youth, To some good angel leave the rest; For time will teach thee soon the truth, There are no birds in last year's nest.",Time must be used wisely.,Eph. 5:15-17;,(wisdom Of The Ages) Longfellow (1819-1892),Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,63,,,
"Time, Future, Service,","'Lost, yesterday, somewhere between sunrise and sunset, two golden hours, each set with sixty diamond minutes. No reward is offered, for they are gone forever.'",Time must be used wisely.,Eph. 5:15-17;,(wisdom Of The Ages) Lydia Sigourney (1791-1865),Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,63,,,
"Time, Future, Truth,",'Time Discovers truth.'  Seneca (B.C. 3-65 A.D.),Truth is proven by time.,Rom. 15:4; 1 Cor. 10:10;,(wisdom Of The Ages),Conducting Ourselves Honestly At All Times,10,,,
"Time, Future, Truth,","'Time, whose tooth gnaws away everything else, is powerless against truth.'    Thomas Huxley (1825-1895)",Truth is proven by time.,Rom. 15:4; 1 Cor. 10:10;,(wisdom Of The Ages),Conducting Ourselves Honestly At All Times,10,,,
"Time, Grief, Sighing, Sorrow, Happiness, Contentment, Wait,",'On the wings of time grief flies away.' Quote:  Jean de La Fontaine. [1668].,Speak about this time to others.  Tell the honesthearted about the time near at hand when tears of sorrow will be wiped away.,"Rev 21:3, 4;",Bobby Laymon,What Does The Healing Of The Nations Accomplish?,111,,1995/07/14,
"Time, Jesus, Talents, Gifts, Ministry, Abilities, Priorities, First,","With his perfect body he might have devoted his time to physical feats wherein he could certainly have excelled, a huntsman without a peer, an artist with unsurpassed skill; yes, whatever he had set his mind to he could undoubtedly have been the best. He was the only perfect man on earth.","But Jesus turned his back upon all these things, and his decision hinged around what he, with perfect perception, considered to be the most profitable use of time.",Matt 6:33;,W50 2/1 41,How Can Youths Cope With Today's Crisis?,113,,1995/01/27,
"Time, Last Days, 1914, Short Period, Urgency,",What did Satan know in 1914 according to Rev. 12:12;  What does he know is even shorter today.,"Yet, what has he convinced many of the brothers and sisters of?  That is a long way off.",Rev. 12:12;,"Bill Nomkes; Bethel Elder;  Elder's School 11/23, 24 At St. Louis",Trust In Jehovah's Saving Power,147,,"Nov 26, 2001",
"Time, Last Days, Kingdom, Jesus, Purpose, Christendom,",Time has not stood still since Jesus was born.  Time has not stood still since he died sacrificially and was resurrected and ascended to God's right hand.  Time has not stood still regarding God's purpose.,"Christendom may still think of Jesus in a manager, however he is 'subduing in the midst of' his enemies.  They are not dealing with a newborn babe, whose birthday the nations pretend to celebrate. They are dealing with God's Messianic King.","Ps 110:1, 2","Oct 15, 1970 Wt Page 625",The Messiah's Presence And His Rule,91,,,
"Time, Lazy, Honesty, Zeal, Work, Exert, Effort, Growth,","IN A competition or race it is quite natural for one to do his best. The artist who seeks to win a prize for his painting at an exhibition will most likely do his best, as will also a musician who is trying to win recognition or a prize at a music festival. The athlete, anxious to win the prize, is also most likely to exert his best powers.","But what about the many others? Unfortunately, more and more workers in office and factory, mothers and housewives in homes, and students in school are less and less concerned with giving their best. The trend is to be content with merely putting in time, giving only as much as is needed to get by.",1 Cor 9:24;,W67 9/1 515,Decide Now For Divine Rulership,37,,1995/01/23,
"Time, Leisure, Preaching, Pioneer,","It is an interesting and outstanding fact that in interviewing many persons, not one of them, after spending a few hours engaging in the preaching work, has said that he felt that he had wasted his time.","Thousands of others not interviewed, of Jehovah's Witnesses feel the same way.  How do you feel after a day in service?","Mt 11:29, 30; Ro 1:11, 12;","May 15, 1971 Wt Page 313",Is It Time For God To Rule The World?,20,,1993/11/10,
"Time, Life, Shadow, Pioneer,",'How slow the shadow creeps: but when 'tis past how fast the shadows fall.  How fast! How fast!' Quote: Hillarie Belloc. For a Sundial.,"Our life is like a shadow.  It quickly comes and goes.  Sometimes like a cloudy sky, it comes faster than normal.  King Hezekiah was healed and his life prolonged.  The shadow actually went backward.",2 Kings 20:9-11; Job 8:9;,Bobby Laymon,What Does The Healing Of The Nations Accomplish?,111,,1995/08/16,
"Time, Maturity,","'A man that is young in years may be old in hours, if he has lost no time.   Bacon (1561-1626)",We must use time wisely.,Eph. 5:15-17,(wisdom Of The Ages),Is It Time For God To Rule The World?,20,,,
"Time, Meetings, Employment, Schedule, Pioneer,","No one could object to the correctness of a person's sleeping eight hours a day.  But what if that eight hours came when he should have been working? It was the right time to go into Promised Land, but didn't know.",Christians should know not only what to do but when to do it. We want to do the right thing at the right time.,"Exodus. 3:15-17; Numbers. 13:31-33; 14:1-4, 28-34;","May 1, 1968 Wt Page 266",Is It Time For God To Rule The World?,20,,,
"Time, Meetings, Study, Service,","Have you heard the expression, 'found money?'  It refers to money you own but have misplaced or forgotten and then found it.  There is even an internet site, foundmoney.com people search to see if banks, governments, utility companies owe them money.",Have you ever found any time like that?  Time you had but was misusing ... Or had forgotten about?  'Found time' is even more valuable than 'found money.',Eph. 5:15-17,Bobby Laymon,,,,"Nov 28, 2001",
"Time, Money, Pioneer, Service, Witnessing,",We have two valuable items.  Time and money.,"We can count our money, but we cannot count our time.",Eph 5:15-17;,Richard Feller,How Should You Serve God?,58,,,
"Time, Organization, Balance, Pioneer,","Some kill it, buy it, keep it, waste it, for some it flies. Got it?  First priority should not be getting a: house, job, car, wife, etc Personal study.  Stick to a definite study time. Take advantage of time wasted.","Time is precious, it should not be squandered. Satan keeps people busy in non-essentials. Has this spirit caught me? Eph. 2:2",Eph. 5:15-17; Matt. 6:33; Eph 2:2;,Phil Kirkton Notes: Bro. David Smith,How To Express Love In A Lawless World,112,,,
"Time, Pioneer, Goals,","You buy an airline flight for 840 mile trip.  Suppose that plane flew 839 miles.  That would be a disaster.  Now there might be an emergency situation where the plane would land, get it fixed, and then take off again.","When we pioneer, we agree to go 840 hours.  What if we stop short of that.  It would be a disaster.  Now there may be times we have an emergency and we stop and fix the problem and then take off again.  But emergencies are rare.",Prov. 10:22,"Gary Wells, D.O.",,,,"Apr 12, 2002",
"Time, Priorities,","Car has knock; leave with mechanic to fix; come back and he has can of turtle wax, polishing hood.  Would you say he knows what he's doing.",We can waste valuable time doing non-essentials.,Eph 5:16,Johnse Laymon  & Bob Salvage,Is It Time For God To Rule The World?,20,,,
"Time, Priorities,",Do you have the time? Average man in U.S. spends 20 yrs working 20 yrs sleeping; 5 yrs shaving & Dressing; 5 yrs eating; one year on telephone; 3 Yrs just waiting & 16 yrs playing or relaxing.,There is a wealth of time to be bought out. These waiting and relaxing years; wealth of time to buy out. About 250 8 hr days in front of T.V. per family.,"Eph. 5:15, 16","Jan 15, 1959 Wt Page 35",Is It Time For God To Rule The World?,20,,,
"Time, Punctual, Consideration, Kindness, Promise, Meetings, Contentment,",'Punctuality is the politeness of kings.' Quote: Louis XVIII.,Are we obedient in matters now?  How about meeting attendance?  Are we on time?  Are we willing to accept God's timing and handling of matters?  He knows best time for end; no need to try to second-guess him.,"2 Pe 3:8, 9;",Bobby Laymon,Stand Still And See The Salvation Of Jehovah,41,,1995/06/27,
"Time, Punctual, Schedule,",When you make the statement; 'My but time flies' Remember that you are the Pilot.,We have the responsibility to govern our time to serve Jehovah.,Eph 5:15-17;,Lawrence Harris,Taking Time To Meditate On Spiritual Things,67,,1997/06/09,
"Time, Recreation, Sports,","When a ship is sinking, one's thoughts are not on recreation but on survival",So for Christians time for recreation must be limited in the interest of helping people flee to safety.,"Eph 5:15,16","Jan 1,1969 Wt. Pg. 27",Is It Time For God To Rule The World?,20,,,
"Time, Resources, Preaching, Urgency,","'Time: That which man is always trying to kill, but which ends in killing him.'  Quote: Herbert Spencer.","Time is valuable.  We can waste time, or it can waste us.  We need to spend it wisely by preaching the good news.  Indecisiveness robs us of time and opportunities.","Eph 5:15, 16;",Bobby Laymon,Decisions You Face--how Will You Make Them?,50,,1995/08/07,
"Time, Scale, Future, Patience,","JEHOVAH'S TIME SCALE --1,000 YEARS AS A DAY:",SIX 'DAYS' AGO: God created Adam and Eve. They disobeyed.  FOUR 'DAYS' AGO: The flood destroyed violent mankind.  TWO 'DAYS' AGO: Jesus walked the earth as Messiah.  ONE AND ONE-HALF 'HOURS' AGO: Jesus was enthroned as King of the Messianic Kingdom.  A FEW 'MINUTES' MORE AND THE NEW WORLD WILL BE HERE!,2 Peter 3:8,Bobby Laymon,Is It Time For God To Rule The World?,20,,1997/07/30,
"Time, Service, Appreciation,","Imagine that someone you don't know has given you $168 every week since the day you were born. This individual has been depositing $168 EVERY week, week after week, month after month, and year after year, thereafter. You don't know who this person is, but you are certain that he has to love you enough to be doing this for you, Now you are old enough, and this person comes into your door and tells you; 'Hi, I'm the one that has deposited the $168 every week since you were born' You are so happy to meet this person that you realize that saying 'Thanks' doesn't seems enough for what he has done.  But now he says; 'I am going to keep on depositing $168 every week into your bank account no matter what, but, would you be kind enough to give me $10 a month from now on?' What would you do?  Most probably you'll say; 'You deserve more than those $10 bucks, I'll definitely give you more than that'","Well, Jehovah God has been given us 168 hours of life every week since we were born...would you be kind enough to give in more than 10 hours of service every month?","Eph 5:15, 16;",Peter Morgan,Glorifying God With All We Have,17,,1997/08/10,
"Time, Sin, Habits,","The best defense is an offense.  Principle can be applied in continuing in right conduct in spite of the world, the flesh, and Satan.","History has testified time & again that the best defense is an attack, or an offense.",2 Sam. 5:6-9;,"Jan 8, 1964 Aw Page 3, 4",Hold A Good Conscience In A Sinful World,107,,,
"Time, Stanley Jones, Busy, Idle, Pioneer,","Stanley Jones, describing one of the biggest problems he faced in prison, said: 'I had so much time on my hands.'",His problem was exactly the opposite of that experienced by many of Jehovah's Witnesses. Most of us are chronically short of time.,1 Cor 15:58;,W83 11/1 21-2,Is It Time For God To Rule The World?,20,,1994/07/10,
"Time, Study, Reading, Buying Out,",IT HAS been said that 'to choose time is to save time.',A person who allots a specific amount of time things that need to be done will often get more out of his time.,Eccl. 3:1; Matt. 6:21;,"Oct 1, 2000 Page 18",Taking Time To Meditate On Spiritual Things,67,,"Nov 25, 2000",
"Time, Sympathy, Firmness, Justice, Wisdom, Love,","'A time for the head, and a time for the heart.' Examples of David, Prodigal son, Happy if we know the time for each.","A time to have sentiment, and a time to be firm.","Eccl. 3:1, 2; Luke 15:11-32; 1 Ki. 1:5, 6; 2 Sam 18:33;19:5, 6","Dec 1, 1963 Wt Page 739",Acquiring A Heart Of Wisdom,73,,,
"Time, Television, Thief, Entertainment, Wisdom,","If you go to the grocery store and take items and walk home without paying for them you are stealing.  No exchange took place.  There must be an exchange, a sacrifice.  Anything else is stealing.",Television is a thief of time.  It takes away valuable time while giving little or nothing of value in return.  It wastes time.  It steals time.,"Eph 5:15, 16;",Bobby Laymon,Acquiring A Heart Of Wisdom,73,,1994/06/25,
"Time, Universe,","Scientist have to be so precise in hitting the moon with a rocket it is like throwing up a grain of salt, and hitting it with a grain of pepper.",Shows Jehovah's perfect timing of all the stars and planets in the universe.,"Is 40:12, 20-23;","Bobby Laymon   (entered Jan 5, 1992)",Is It Time For God To Rule The World?,20,,,
"Time, Universe, Creation, Watches, Clock, Wisdom,","'What makes it tick?'  That is a question almost every little boy has asked, and quite a few girls.  The watch ticks an average of 18,000 times an hour.  That is five times a second, 300 times a minute, 432,000 times a day - about 13 million times per month. Tick caused by the 'escapement,' the heart and brains of the watch","What makes the universe tick?  Unlike the watch, mankind has not been able to unravel all the mysteries of the universe. Only it's Creator and His 'Helper' know 'what makes it tick.'",Ps 75:1; 79:13; 118:17;,"Jul 8, 1970 Aw Page 16",Appreciating Marvels Of God's Creation,114,bl,,8/1/2015
"Time, Urgency, Pioneer, Schedule,",'Time rode through my life a victor!  I barely held onto the reins' Quote: Unknown,"We must control time, and not let it control us.","Eph 5:15-17; Titus 2:13, 14;",William Osbeck C.O.,Is It Time For God To Rule The World?,20,,,
"Time, Value, Minute, Second, Hour, Millisecond,","'Today is a gift, that's why it is called the present.'  To realize the value of one year.  Ask a student who has failed a final exam.  To realize the value of one month: Ask a mother who has given birth to a premature baby.  To realize the value of one week: Ask an editor of a weekly newspaper.  To realize the value of one hour:  Ask the lovers who are waiting to meet. To realize the value of one minute:  Ask a person who has missed the train, bus or plane.  To realize the value of one second: Ask a person who has survived an accident.  To realize the value of one millisecond: Ask the person who has won a silver medal in the Olympics.",Time waits for no one.  Treasure every moment you have.  You will treasure it even more when you can share it with someone special.,Eph 5:15-17,Steve Hashimuri,Taking Time To Meditate On Spiritual Things,67,,1999/05/26,
"Time, View, Understanding, Wisdom, date, goals,","'The human understanding is like a false mirror, which, receiving rays irregularly, distorts and discolors the nature of things by mingling its own nature with it.'  Quote: Francis Bacon   [1620].","If one serves with date as goal, might worry, `What if it doesn't occur then?'  Can slowly erode confidence that victory will come at all.  We must depend upon Jehovah for true understanding.","1thes 5:3, 4;",Bobby Laymon,Be Confident Of Divine Victory!,39,,1995/07/09,
"Time, Walking, Materialism, Contributions, Money,","A small boy had two coins in his hands. One he could have to buy anything he wanted,  while the other was to be placed in  the contribution box.  Well, as kids will do, he was sitting on the  curbside, playing with the coins, when one of them fell from his  hands, rolled down the street, and fell in the sewer grate.  After a  little reflection, he looked up, and said, 'Well, Jehovah, there went your coin!'","'Do we, when we are faced with demands on our time, tell Jehovah, 'Well, there went yours'?",Matt. 6:33;,Jk,Are You Walking With God?,149,,"Apr 25, 2002",
"Time, Waste, Lazy, Pleasures, Leisure,",'We are condemned to kill time: Thus we die bit by bit' Quote: Octavo Paz.,We must bring a heart of wisdom in.  Use our time wisely to praise Jehovah.,Ps. 90:10;,Bobby Laymon,Acquiring A Heart Of Wisdom,73,,1995/08/16,
"Time, Wisdom,","We say, in fact we often sigh, 'Time simply flies.' The English poet Austin Dobson came closer to the truth when he noted in 1877: 'Time goes, you say?  Ah no!  Alas, time stays, we go.'","Since his death in 1921, Dobson has been gone for almost 80 years; time has continued.","Ps. 90:9, 10;","Oct 1, 1999 Wt Page 3",Acquiring A Heart Of Wisdom,73,,1999/11/02,
"Time, Work, Urgency, Armageddon, Life, Wisdom","When doing nothing some idly say: 'I'm just killing time.'  They do consume time but in time they are consumed.  Time passes on; we pass out.  We stop; time marches on.  It does not take time long to pass us - 70, 80 years.  A mere drop in time's stream.","However, in these last days, we do not have even this droplet of time, for Armageddon comes on apace.  If we are to march on with time instead of being out marched by it, we must get in step with the Bible and walk with God.",Ecc 1:4; Ps 90:10;,"Aug 1, 1955 Wt Page 475",Acquiring A Heart Of Wisdom,73,,,
Time;,'A hundred years hence we shall all be bald.' Quote:  Spanish,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Time;,'Americans have more timesaving devices and less time than any other group of people in the world.'  Quote:  Duncan Caldwell.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Time;,'Does thou love life?  Then do not squander time for that is the stuff life is made of.'  Quote:  Bf.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Time;,'Lost time is never found again.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Time;,'Short as life is we make it still shorter by the careless waste of time.' Quote:  Victor Hugo,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Time;,'The best way to pay for a lovely moment is to enjoy it.'  Quote:  Richard Bach.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Time;,'The day will happen whether or not you get up.'  Quote:  Jon Ciardi.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Time;,'The two most powerful warriors are patience and time.'  Quote:  Leo Tolstoy.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Time;,'There is no distance on earth as far away as yesterday.'  Quote:  R. Nathan.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Time;,'There is no fence or hedge around time that has gone. You can go back and have what you like if you remember it well enough.'  Quote:  R. Lewell.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Time;,'there is no such thing in anyone's life as an unimportant day.'  Quote:  A. Wolcott.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Time;,'Those  who make the worst use of their time are the first to complain of its shortness.'  Quote:  Jean La Bruyere.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Time;,'Time flies.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Time;,'Time has a wonderful way of weeding out the trivial.'  Quote:  Richard Ben Sapir.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Time;,'Time is a great physician.'  Quote:  Ben Disraeli.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Time;,'Time is file that wars and makes no noise.'  Quote:  English.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Time;,"'Time is great teacher, but unfortunately it kills all its pupils.'  Quote:  Hector Berlitz.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Time;,'time is money; the less we have of it to spare the further we make it go.'  Quote:  Jb.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Time;,"'Time is too slow for those who wait, too swift for those who fear,  too long for those who grieve, too short for those who rejoice, but for those who love, time is eternal.' Quote:  Van Dyke",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Time;,'time subdues all things.'  Quote:  Arabian.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Time;,'Time tames the strongest grief.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Time;,"'Time wasted is existence, time used is life.'  Quote:  Ed Young.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Time;,'Time will tell.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Time;,'There is a time to let things happen and a time to make things happen.'  Quote:  Hugh Prather.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Time;,'Upset diner to waiter: You say you're the same waiter who took my order? Somehow I expected a much older man.' Quote: Sunshine Magazine,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Time;,"'Wait for that wisest of all counselors, time.'  Quote:  Pericles.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Time;,'Yesterday's gone on down the rive and you can't get it back.'  Quote:  Larry McMurtry.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Time;,"'You can't turn back the clock, but you can wind it up again.'  Quote:  Bonnie Prudden.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,bl,,8/1/2015
Time;,A man with one watch knows what time it is. A man with two watches is never sure.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Time;,"Nature, time and patience are the three great physicians.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Time;,Nothing makes a man more productive than the last minute.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Time;,The less one has to do the less time one finds to do it in.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Time;,"The more sand that has escaped from the hourglass of life, the clearer we should see through it.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Time;,The time is always right to do what is right.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Time;,The time you enjoy wasting is not wasted time.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Time;,"Time is like money, the less we have of it the further we make it go.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Time;,Time cures all things.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Time;,Time heals all wounds.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Time;,"Time is a great healer, but its not much of a beauty parlor.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Time;,Time is a great healer.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Time;,Time is nature's way of keeping everything from happening at once.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Time;,Time is the ultimate tailor. It makes more alterations than any other.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Time;,Time is the wisest of all counselors.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Time;,Time tries all things.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Time;,"Time who tooth gnaws away at everything else, is powerless against the truth.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Time;,Time wounds all heels.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Time;,"When you sit with a nice girl for two hours, you think it's only a minute. But when you sit on a hot stove for a minute, you think it's two hours. That's relativity.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Time;,Why are there so many last minute details and so few last minutes?,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Time;,Why is there never enough time to do it right but always enough time to do it over?,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Time; Age; Experience;,'The years teach us much the days never knew.'  Quote:  Ralph Waldo Emerson.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Time; Compassion; World; Age;,"'Ours is an excessively conscience age. We know so much, we feel so little.'  Quote:  D. Lawrence.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Time; Funny;,A seminar on time travel will be held two weeks ago.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Time; Last Days;,"'This time, like all time, is a very good one if we but know what to do with it.'  Quote:  Rwe.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Time; Old Age; Age;,'The great comfort of turning 49 is the realization that you are now too old to die young.'  Quote:  Paul Dickson.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Time; Old Age; Age;,You know you're old when you've lost all your marvels.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Time; Old Age; Age; Heart;,"If wrinkles must be written upon our brows, let them not be written upon the heart.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Times, Last Days, Changes,","We have taller buildings, but shorter tempers; wider freeways, but narrower viewpoints; we spend more, but have less; we buy more, but enjoy it less.    We have bigger houses and smaller families; more conveniences, but less time; we have more degrees, but less common sense; more knowledge, but less judgment; more experts, but more problems; more medicine, but less wellness.    We spend too recklessly, laugh too little, drive too fast, get too angry too quickly, stay up too late, get up too tired, read too seldom, watch TV too much, and pray too seldom.    We have multiplied our possessions, but reduced our values.     We talk too much, love too seldom and lie too often.    We've learned how to make a living, but not a life; we've added years to life, not life to years.    We've been all the way to the moon and back, but have trouble crossing the street to meet the new neighbor.    We've conquered outer space, but not inner space; we've done larger things, but not better things; we've cleaned up the air, but polluted the soul;    we've split the atom, but not our prejudice; we write more, but learn less; plan more, but accomplish less.    We've learned to rush, but not to wait; we have higher incomes; but lower morals; more food but less appeasement; more acquaintances, but fewer friends; more effort but less success.    We build more computers to hold more information, to produce more copies than ever, but have less communication; we've become long on quantity, but short on quality.    These are the time of fast foods and slow digestion; tall men and short character; steep profits, and shallow relationships.     These are the times of world peace, but domestic warfare; more leisure and less fun; more kinds of food, but less nutrition. These are days of two incomes, but more divorce; of fancier houses, but broken homes.    These are days of quick trips, disposable diapers, throwaway morality, one-night stands, overweight bodies, and pills that do everything from cheer, to quiet, to kill.    It is a time when there is much in the show window, and nothing in the stockroom. Indeed it's all true. Think about it...read it again.",Improvement has often put us farther back than before.,2 Tim 3:1-5;,Bobby Laymon,Reach Out For The Real Life!,90,,1999/02/16,
"Timing, Talks, Health, Moderation,",To hold and fill to overflowing.  Is not as good as to stop in time.,Running overtime in talks.,"Prov. 14:30; Luke 21:34, 35;",Bobby Laymon (wisdom Of The Ages..Quotes),Are You Doing What God Requires Of You?,43,,,
"Tired, Endurance, Pioneer,","'When you tire of dancing with a gorilla, you can't quit.'  Quote: African Proverb.","Pioneering is like dancing with a gorilla.  When you get tired, you can't quit.",Ezek 3:18;,Jack Cobb,,,,1996/05/03,
"Tired, Exhausted, Meetings,","Today, people are adept at playing mind games.  Some are a whiz at it. However Satan is much more skilled at this than humans are.  Did you ever say, I'm too tired to go to the meetings.","This is one of Satan's mind games.  We are 'too tired' to go to work, but we go.  We are 'too tired' to go to a ball game, but we go.  We are 'too tired' to go to the movies, but we go.  We are 'too tired' to mow the grass, and take out the trash, but we do.  Then we say, I am 'too tired' to go to the meeting, and we don't.  Satan is playing a mind game with you.",2 Cor. 2:11;,Sonny Ikerd,Meeting The Test Of Christian Loyalty,48,,1998/11/03,
"Tired, Exhausted, Excuse, Meetings, Zeal,","Some miss meetings.  They say, 'I'm so tired.'  Do you know what my Dad said to me the first time I told him 'I'm tired?'  He said, 'You might as well get used to it, you're going to be tired the rest of your life.'","Being tired is no excuse for missing meetings and service.  Even Jehovah's son got tired, but continued in zealous service.",Gal. 6:9;john 4:6; Matt. 8:20;,Johnse Laymon,You Will Reap What You Sow,59,,1998/10/26,
Tobacco,"The Family that smokes together, Croaks together.","Use of harmful drugs, such as tobacco.",2 Cor. 7:1,Bobby Laymon,Evidence Of God In The World Around Us,4,,,
"Tobacco, Addiction, Snuff, Habits, Smoking,","'Tobacco is a nauseating plant that is consumed by only two creatures--a small green worm and man. The small green worm does not know any better.'  Quote: The magazine Aviation, Space, and Environmental Medicine.",But you do know better. So be smart--don't start.,2 Cor 7:1,"Apr 22, 1996 Aw Page 27",,,,1996/05/28,
"Tobacco, Clean, Drugs, Addiction,","'Tobacco is a filthy weed, That from the devil does proceed; It drains your purse, it burns your clothes, And makes a chimney of your nose.'  Quote: Benjamin Waterhouse.   [1754-1846]",It is obvious that tobacco is a pollution of one's body and clothes and the air.  This has been know for many years.,2 Cor 7:1,Bobby Laymon,Evidence Of God In The World Around Us,4,,1995/07/18,
"Tobacco, Smoking, Defilement,","Did you ever see a picture of a smoker's lung.  It is black, with perhaps part of it missing.",Can you say it does not defile the flesh?,2co 7:1; Ps 73:24;,Ken Austin,Is The Truth Transforming Your Life?,51,,,
"Tolerance, Balance, Prejudice, Racial, Narrow-minded, Imperfect,",TOLERANCE is like sugar in a cup of coffee. The right measure can add a touch of sweetness to life.,"But while we may be generous with sugar, we are often miserly with tolerance. Why?  'What comes naturally is ... prejudice.' So intolerance is not simply a character flaw that affects only a minority; being narrow-minded comes naturally to all of us because all mankind are imperfect.",Romans 5: 12.,"Jan 22, 1997 Aw Page 5",,,,1996/12/23,
"Tolerance, Balance, Prejudice, Racial, Narrow-minded, Imperfect,","TOLERANT men are never stupid, and stupid men are never tolerant.' Quote: Chinese Proverb.",Jehovah himself sets the best example of keeping to standards of tolerance.,Rom 9:22; 2 Pet 3:9;,"Jan 22, 1997 Aw Page 7",,,,1996/12/23,
"Tolerance, Balance, Prejudice, Racial, Narrow-minded, Imperfect,",Too little sugar in our coffee and we sense that something is missing: too much sugar and we have a sickeningly sweet taste in our mouth.,It is the same with tolerance.  Some develop a 'couldn't-care-less' attitude.  There are no standards at all.  Tolerance can lead to being open-minded; too much tolerance--apathy--to being empty-headed.,Romans 5: 12.,"Jan 22, 1997 Aw Page 6",,,,1996/12/23,
"Tolerance, Mercy, Patience, Endurance,","Imagine that there is a surgeon who violates basic principles of hygiene and who also inflicts great pain on his patients. If he worked in a hospital, would he not be removed swiftly? But there are some circumstances where extraordinary tolerance might be required. In an extreme. Emergency, perhaps on a battlefield, for example, might it not be necessary to tolerate surgeons' working in primitive and dangerous conditions, perhaps even using what would normally be considered inferior equipment and surgical instruments?","In a similar way, today God is patiently tolerating many things that he finds totally unacceptable. Although he hates wickedness, he is temporarily allowing it to continue. There are good reasons for his doing so. For one thing, this allows time for the crucial issues raised by Satan's rebellion in the garden of Eden to be settled once and for all time. These are issues that center on the rightness and rightfulness of God's way of ruling. Also, his patient endurance of wrong provides time and opportunity for those involved in badness to change.",Job 21:7-9;,"Oct 8, 2001 Aw Page 22","Mercy, A Dominant Quality Of True Christians",7,,"Sep 7, 2001",
Tongue,Jehovah gave us two ears and one mouth,Need to listen twice as much as we speak,Rev. 2:29,Richard Schroeder,Do You Harbor Resentment Or Do You Forgive?,68,,,
"Tongue,","Watching a powerful, wild stallion galloping free as the breeze is an inspiring sight.  So also is a powerful river a thing of beauty However, a wild stallion and an untamed river is of limited use to man.","So too, the tongue, unless tamed, can cause damage rather than be used for good.",Jas 3:5-10;,"Jan 8, 1970 Aw Page 15",Do You Harbor Resentment Or Do You Forgive?,68,,,
"Tongue, Gossip, Speech,",A car out of control can cause much damage. You don't know where it is going to go.,If we let our tongue run out of control it can cause untold damage,Jas. 3:1-12;,Johnse Laymon,Do You Harbor Resentment Or Do You Forgive?,68,,,
"Tongue, Gossip, Speech,",The rudder of a ship can guide you into open water or into rocks.,The tongue can do likewise.,Jas. 3:1-12;,Johnse Laymon,Do You Harbor Resentment Or Do You Forgive?,68,,,
"Tongue,  Speech, Anger,","'Do you bite your tongue,  or do you have a biting tongue?'  Quote: Anonymous.",Sometimes  there is a need  to say nothing.,Ps 26:4; 39:1;,Bobby Laymon,A Clean People Honors Jehovah,14,,1997/01/21,
"Tongue, Speech, Marriage, Harmony, Unity,","A couple were watching a team of mules pull together.  She said, 'If only we could be that united, and work together like that.'  He replied, 'We could if we only had one tongue between us.","If we do not guard our tongues, we can have many problems.  Not only in marriage, but other things as well.",Jas 3:5-8;,Lonnie Roper,Do You Harbor Resentment Or Do You Forgive?,68,,1995/03/20,
"Tongues, Gifts, Signs,",'The language was the vilest of the vile.',An instance where a man refused to interpret the speech of a woman who spoke in an unknown tongue.  What a contrast to the speaking in tongues that existed in the first century.,"1co 14:4-6, 12, 18;","Aug 15, 1992 Wt Page 6",Who Are Qualified As Ministers Of God?,81,,,
"Tongues, Spirit,",There are key building blocks in any structures.,The manifestations of the spirit were key building blocks in establishing the young Christian congregation.,Acts 2:1-41; 1co 13:8,"Aug 15, 1992 Wt Page 5",What Is Behind The Spirit Of Rebellion?,33,,,
Too Much Freedom,"Child; play in busy street, put hand on hot stove misuse of gift of freedom make own decisions w/o considering consequences.","Relative freedom is desirable, too much is not.",Genesis 3:5,"Creation Bk Page 190 Par 6,7","Living, Not For Self, But To Do God's Will",8,,,
"Torment, Hell, Babylon, Smoke,","When a house burns down, smoke keeps coming from the ashes for some time after the flames have died down, providing onlookers with evidence that there has been a destructive conflagration.",The 'smoke of their torment' will stand forever in that God's judgment of them will serve as touchstone if ever Jehovah's rightful sovereignty is challenged.,"Re 14:10, 11; Is 34:11, 12;",Revelation Climax Page 210,Ruining The Earth Brings Divine Retribution,106,,,
"Touchstone, Torment, Satan, Sovereignty, Stench,","There is a good man in the community, but a hater of him, that brings false charges. An investigation is made, facts assembled. From then on the wicked man's name is a stench in the nostrils of the people.","Should the issue of God's sovereignty come up in any place, it would be a reminder of Satan's rebellion, which is a stench in the nostrils of all those who love God's sovereignty.",Rev. 20:10,"Aug 15, 1967 Wt Page 508",Do You Recognize Jehovah's Sovereignty In Your Personal Life?,75,,,
"Tower, Responsibility, Disciple, Endurance, Count Cost, Pioneer,","'Who of you that wants to build a tower does not first sit down and calculate the expense, to see if he has enough to complete it? Otherwise, he might lay its foundation but not be able to finish it, and all the onlookers might start to ridicule him, saying, 'This man started to build but was not able to finish.''  Quote: Jesus Christ.","So Jesus is illustrating to the crowds who are following him that before becoming his disciples, they should be firmly decided that they can fulfill what is involved, even as a man who wants to build a tower makes sure before he begins that he has the resources to complete it.",Luke 14:28-30;,Gt 84,,,,1996/01/15,
"Toys, Play, Recreation, Children, World,","'A child may love a toy, but a toy cannot love a child.'",Children need loving attention that only parents can give.,Prov 29:21; James 3:17; John 17:3;,"Sep 8, 1994 Aw Page 10",Parents--are You Building With Fire-resistant Materials?,104,,1994/08/23,
"Toys, Play, Recreation, Children, World,",'All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.' So goes an old saying.  Play has always been an important part of children's lives.,"Nevertheless, today children's play has become big business.  Toyland is ruined not by children or by parents, but by manufacturers, retailers, advertisers, and clever marketing researchers.  [see article for dangerous and immoral toys]","Zech 8:5; Matt 11:16, 17;","Sep 8, 1994 Aw Page 3",Parents--are You Building With Fire-resistant Materials?,104,,1994/08/23,
"Toys, Play, Recreation, Children, World,","'Essentially a parent is the best toy yet devised,' says Dr. Magdalena Grey.","When parents play with their children, they help forge a close emotional bond and contribute to the growth of healthy attitudes and emotions.",Prov 29:21; James 3:17; John 17:3;,"Sep 8, 1994 Aw Page 10",Parents--are You Building With Fire-resistant Materials?,104,,1994/08/23,
"Toys, Play, Recreation, Children, World,","Appropriately, play has been called a 'child's work.'  Then toys can be said to be a child's tools.","'Play is the way children learn about the world ... Playing with toys reduces the world to child-size proportions, a world that a child can handle and control.'  Quote: Parents magazine.","Zech 8:5; Matt 11:16, 17;","Sep 8, 1994 Aw Page 4",Parents--are You Building With Fire-resistant Materials?,104,,1994/08/23,
"Tract, Bible Studies, Brochures,",It is said Dynamite comes in small packages. Dynamite in skillful hands can be used to loosen precious valuable metals so they can be mined and refined.,Tracts are dynamite.  Small but explosive. In skillful hands can start Bible studies making possible for those precious to Jehovah to be mined and refined.,Heb 4:12;,Joe Laymon,Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,,
"Tract, Literature,","'He found a Tract on the Track.' A railroad maintenance supervisor found one of our tracts wedged under a rail.  He read it immediately, then told his son-in-law 'Today I have found the truth!'  Both men ordered more literature.","Now, over a hundred of their descendants are active in the truth. This shows what can result from reading just one tract.",Ecclesiastes 11:6,"Jan 1, 1991 Wt Page 30  (see Jun 1993 Km Page 1)",Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,63,,,
Tracts,They say much more in less time.,Advantage of tracts.,John 17:17,"May 8, 1962 Aw Page 31",,,,,
"Tracts, Literature, Service,","'Don't shoot a shotgun at the public, but single out individuals as a target.'","Years ago we placed literature and tracts with everyone who would take them.  That is like shooting a shotgun.  Now we single out individuals who will read them, and are interested in them.",Ecclesiastes 11:6,Scott Rudolph Dec 1992 Km Page 8,Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,63,,,
"Tracts, Proverbs, Illustrations,","Like Proverbs, They say a 'lot in a little.'",They quickly give insight and understanding.,"Prov. 1:5, 6,",Bobby Laymon,Are You Content With Jehovah's Provisions?,22,,,
"Tracts, Reading,","The teacher asked the class, 'What do you like to read?' One little boy said, 'I like to read Westerns.' A small girl replied, 'I like romance stories.' And Johnny, 'What do you like to read?' she asked. 'Oh!  About one page!' he said.","This is why the tracts are so valuable.  Unfold them and they are about a page in length.  Just right, for a society that does not read much.",Mt 24:47;,Al Larue,Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,63,,,
"Tradition, Walking,","Ruts in which people in past walked, people refuse to break out of.  Retard progress.  Conflict with truth.",Traditions have paralyzing power.,Col. 2:8,"Sep 22, 1961 Aw Page 5",Are You Walking With God?,149,,,
"Tradition, Worship, Bible, Guidance, Authority,","Instead of serving from it place of vantage as a guide, it may take over the helm, leading one in the wrong direction.","Tradition blocks progress, letting the 'dead hand' guide the living .  Instead of checking tradition by reason, men often check reason by tradition.","Mark 7:9, 13;","Apr 22, 1964 Aw Page 7",Respect For Authority Is A Safeguard For You,12,,,
Tradition;,'It takes an endless amount of history to make even a little tradition.'  Quote:  Henry James.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Tradition;,"'Tradition does not mean that the living are dead, but that the dead are living.'  Quote:  Gilbert Chesterton.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Tradition;,'Traditionalists are pessimists about the future and optimists about the past.'  Quote:  Lewis Mumford.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Tradition; Bible; Christendom;,"Quote: 'I am well satisfied that if you let in but one little finger of tradition, you will have in the whole monster--horns and tail and all.'  Quote: Thomas Arnold, 19th century educator.",Tradition corrupts Bible teachings.,Mark 7:13; Matt. 15:3;,"Dec 15, 1961 Wt Page 764",Religion's Role In World Affairs.,92,,,
Tradition; Creeds;,"'Creeds grow so thick along the way, their boughs hide God.'  Quote:  Lizette Reese.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Traditions, Bible, Truth,",'Truth seekers should empty their vessels of the muddy waters of tradition and fill them at the fountain of truth - God's Word.' Quote: Vol 1 of Millennial Dawn,"'It is a common failure for people to believe doctrines because others did so, in whom one has confidence.'  The Bible is the infallible Word of God.","Mt 15:2, 3, 6; Mr 7:3;",Jehovah's Witnesses - Proclaimers Of God's Kingdom.  Page 54,Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,,
"Traditions, Custom, Holidays, Opinions, Trinity,",'No written law has ever been more binding than unwritten custom supported by popular opinion.' Quote: Carrie Chapman Lane Catt. -1859-1947,Religious leaders have turned their backs on God's Word and made his commandments of no effect by their traditions and vain philosophies.,Matt. 15:7-9;,Bobby Laymon,Religion's Time Of Judgment,83,,1995/08/16,
"Tragedy, Disaster, Discouragement, Encourage, Volunteers","The only survivor of a shipwreck was washed up on a small,   uninhabited island.  He prayed feverishly for God to rescue him,   and every day he scanned the horizon for help, but none seemed   forthcoming.  Exhausted, he eventually managed to build a little   hut out of driftwood to protect him from the elements, and to   store his few possessions.  But then one day, after scavenging   for food, he arrived home to find his little hut in flames, the smoke   rolling up to the sky.  The worst had happened; Everything was   lost.  He was stunned with grief and anger. 'God, how could you   do this to me!' he cried. Early the next day, however, he was   awakened by the sound of a ship, which was approaching the   island.  It had come to rescue him. 'How did you know I was   here?' asked the weary man of his rescuers. 'We saw your   smoke signal,' they replied.","It is easy to get discouraged, when things are going bad.  But, we shouldn't lose heart, because God is at work in our lives, even in the midst of pain and suffering. Remember, next time your little hut is burning to the ground, it just may be a smoke signal that summons the grace of God.",Gal. 6:9;,Steve Hashimuri,Maintain Your Confidence Firm To The End,46,,1999/06/18,2/25/2015
Training,"Work of a farmer; man who has never farmed would not dream of buying land and starting to farm without learning some of the methods and getting instructions first. Jesus recognize. need for training, sent apostles out by twos.","A period of study, congregation instruction & training necessary.","Matt. 28:19, 20","Apr 1, 1961 Page 204",Keep Growing In Your Relationship With God,16,,,
Training Children,"There is an exception to every rule Some point to Satan, Esau , and other rebellious children These are the exception.","Easier to live by exception, rather than rule",Prov 22:6,Sam Herd,How Can Youths Cope With Today's Crisis?,113,,,6/28/2018
"Training, Flexible, Adjust, Counsel, Humble, Meek, Willing, Leadership, Follow,","What is the smallest wrench you have in your home? Think of it for a moment.  Now then, how many nuts and bolts in your home do you have that that wrench would amply fit and tighten? You'd perhaps need to try it first to see if it would definitely fit them.  Okay, think of the largest wrench you have in your home.  Once again, how many nuts and bolts do you have that this wrench would fit and be able to suitably tighten? You can't be entirely sure can you?  Let's not take anything away from what these wrenches can do. If ever you have a small bolt that needs tightening, and the small wrench fits it, it would do the job perfectly. Likewise with the largest wrench you have, if it fits the job, it will do it.  But what if you find that the wrench is too big or too small for the job at hand? Then perhaps the most useful wrench in your toolbox would be the adjustable wrench.  No job in your home would be too small or too big for it. It wouldn't be fussy about just wanting to do the small things, nor would it have great ambitions in wanting to do just the big things.","No, that adjustable wrench would have every confidence in its owner's ability to give it the needed adjusting to fit the job at hand.  Now we must ask ourselves, 'Am I a small wrench, a big wrench, or an adjustable wrench with confidence in my owner's ability to train me for what is needed to be done?'",1 Pet 5:10;,Mark Hanlon,Bearing Up Under Persecution,57,,1998/11/26,
"Training, Growth, Advancement, Progress, Maturity, Children,","'The way a twig is shaped, so grows the tree.'","Supplying little ones Bible truths is important, but parental example is equally so.  Do your children see you studying? In service?",Ps 40:8;,"Dec 1, 1996 Wt Page 13;",Parents--are You Building With Fire-resistant Materials?,104,,1996/11/05,
"Training, Growth, Advancement, Progress, Maturity, Children,",How fine to see a sapling grow and become a stately tree that provides beauty and shade -- especially if planted and took care of it!,"Similarly, parents who care for children who grow up to be mature servants of God find great pleasure in them.","Prov 23, 24, 25;","Dec 1, 1996 Wt Page 10;",Parents--are You Building With Fire-resistant Materials?,104,,1996/11/05,
"Training, Growth, Advancement, Progress, Maturity, Children,","Saplings particularly need a constant water supply, as is indicated by how well trees grow beside a river.",Babes too will flourish spiritually if they are regularly provided the water of Bible truth.  Help the absorb the water of Bible truths. (See article),"Rev 22:1, 2; Deuteronomy 6:6-9; 11:18-21; Prov 22:6;","Dec 1, 1996 Wt Page 12;",Parents--are You Building With Fire-resistant Materials?,104,,1996/11/05,
"Training, Growth, Advancement, Progress, Maturity, Children,","Support stakes can train a young sapling to grow straight and strong.  A regular water supply is vital, and a sapling may need to be protected from pests.  Finally, pruning a tree helps to produce a tree of beauty.","A child does not automatically become 'righteous' and wise.  Great effort is needed to keep young ones from becoming a source of 'grief' and 'bitterness.'  Parents, what kind of training stakes are you?","Prov 17:21, 25;","Dec 1, 1996 Wt Page 10, 11;",Parents--are You Building With Fire-resistant Materials?,104,,1996/11/05,
"Training, Growth, Advancement, Progress, Maturity, Children, Molesting, Abuse, Vocabulary,",As saplings often need protection from dangerous pests...,"...In this evil system of things, little ones need protection from 'wicked men.'  Because of the extreme corruption of today's world, little ones need to know the proper and improper use of such body parts.",Ecc 7:12;,"Dec 1, 1996 Wt Page 13, 14;",Parents--are You Building With Fire-resistant Materials?,104,,1996/11/05,
"Training, Heart, Devotion,","A CIRCUS performer trying to teach her son the art of the trapeze noticed he had trouble getting over the bars. 'If you will just throw your heart over the bars,' she suggested, 'your body will follow.'","Similarly, those who are 'training up' their child to develop godly devotion must motivate the heart.  This is especially difficult during the teenage years.",Prov 4:23;,W85 8/15 22,Keep Growing In Your Relationship With God,16,,1994/07/29,
"Training, Parents, Children, Pampering,","THE MONKEY, it is said, has two young ones at each birth.  The  Mother fondles one and nurtures it with the greatest affection  and care, but hates and neglects the other.  It happened once that the young one which was caressed and loved was smothered by the too great affection of the Mother, while the despised one was nurtured and reared in spite of the neglect to which it was exposed.",Moral: 'The best intentions will not always ensure success.',Pr 29:21;,Aesop's Fables - Bobby Laymon,Parents--are You Building With Fire-resistant Materials?,104,,1994/05/16,
"Training, Sports, Athletes, Time, Preaching, Olympics, Service,","'I have spent a third of my life in the water.' Quote: Martin Lopez Zubero, who won the 200-meter backstroke. He estimates that he has swum 5,000 miles in just over a year.","Think of how Jehovah's views this, when there is all the Good News to be preached.  This course, unlike any Olympic event will bring lasting benefits.",Mt 24:14; 1ti 4:8; 1p 5:10; Heb 12:1,"Jan 22, 1993 Aw Page 22",Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,63,,,
"Training, Trials, Persecution, Injustice, Contentment,","Training for military service, or any other career requires extreme difficulty.  Some things you may not understand. [Look at trials as part of your training, and it may help.]","There may be some injustice, difficulty, or experience in your life, that to this day, you don't understand.  However, perhaps Jehovah saw some flaw in your personality, that no one else could.",1 Pe 5:10;,"Chas Sinutko, Jr.",Bearing Up Under Persecution,57,,,
"Training, Wait, Appointment, Elder, Patience,",Its like an doctor in training. He has to serve as an intern for a specific period of time and then he may qualify to be a full fledged doctor. Bypass the internship and say good bye to your doctorate.,"We cannot by-pass the training period. Have you ever thought: 'I am qualified now!' Maybe so, but we still need the training.  Ministerial servants and elders may at time feel 'they can do it' but humbly accept the training first.",1 Pet 5:10;,J.K.,Are You Content With Jehovah's Provisions?,22,,1997/04/12,
"Transform,","If a child is washed clean, then he gets dirty again, then he gets another bath.  He is constantly being transformed, until he gets the idea.","Likewise, Jehovah is constantly transforming us to be blameless in a dirty world.",1co 6:9-11;,Mabel Crownover,Is The Truth Transforming Your Life?,51,,,
"Transform, Effort, Habits, Customs,","How many here are right-handed?  How many left-handed?  What if you got your right/left hand injured and could you not use it?  Would you still eat?  Would you learn to use the other hand, even though it took great effort.",What about our life.  Would we make great effort to change habits that will mean our life.  Much more important.  Paul made such changes.,"Acts 15:1, 2",Hector Hernandez - Talk On School,Is The Truth Transforming Your Life?,51,,"Nov 16, 2000",
"Transform, Habit, Inherited, Sin, Personality, Nature, Exert,","A RAVEN saw a Swan and desired to secure for himself the same beautiful plumage.  Supposing that the Swan's splendid white color arose from his washing in the water in which he swam, the Raven left the altars in the neighborhood where he picked up his living, and took up residence in the lakes and pools.  But cleansing his feathers as often as he would, he could not change their color, while through want of food he perished.","Moral: 'Change of habit cannot alter Nature.'  It takes more than changing our habits, to please Jehovah.   We have to put on the new personality.  We have to make our minds over.",Ro 12:2;,Aesop's Fables - Bobby Laymon,Is The Truth Transforming Your Life?,51,,1994/05/15,
"Transform, Person,","In Romans 12:2, 'be transformed' comes from the Greek word  meaning 'metamorphosis.' When a caterpillar spins its cocoon, it  does not just loose some weight and grow wings. It literally turns  to liquid, then reforms. There is no trace of the caterpillar--it is a  completely new creature upon becoming a butterfly.","Likewise, when we make our minds over, we no longer think the same in any way.",Rom. 12:2;,Goldman Collection,Is The Truth Transforming Your Life?,51,,"Jan 22, 2001",
"Transformations, Personality, Changes,","A HORSE SOLDIER took the utmost pains with his charger.  As long  as the war lasted, he looked upon him as his fellow-helper in all  emergencies and fed him carefully with hay and corn.  But when  the war was over, he only allowed him chaff to eat and made him carry heavy loads of wood, subjecting him to much slavish  drudgery and ill-treatment.  War was again proclaimed, however,  and when the trumpet summoned him to his standard, the Soldier put on his charger its military trappings, and mounted, being clad in his heavy coat of mail.  The Horse fell down straightway under the weight, no longer equal to the burden, and said to his master, 'You must now go to the war on foot, for you have transformed me from a Horse into an Ass; and how can you expect that I can again turn in a moment from an Ass to a Horse?'",It takes time to put on the 'new personality.'  One must work at it.,"Eph 4:23, 24;",Aesop's Fables - Bobby Laymon,Is The Truth Transforming Your Life?,51,,1994/05/17,
"Transforming, Change,","A young child takes a glob of jelly-like substance and places it in a jar.  In a short time, he looks, and there are little creatures wiggling around.  They are tadpoles.  He watches them grow.  Small legs appear.  One day he looks in the container, and they are gone.  They have hopped out.","We, as Christians must go through a radical change like that.  The tadpole probably has no thought of ever getting out of the water, or hopping around.  We must make our mind over, and live differently.",Rom. 12:2;,Wain Ward,Is The Truth Transforming Your Life?,51,,1998/01/28,
"Transforming, Hypocrite, Double, Personality, Honesty,","'No man, for any considerable time, can wear one face to himself and another to the multitude without finally getting bewildered as to which may be the true.'  Quote: Nathaniel Hawthorne.","We should not be deceitful, or devious in our dealings.",Prov. 13:7;,Bobby Laymon - Reader's Digest,Conducting Ourselves Honestly At All Times,10,,1996/03/18,
"Transforming, Money, Materialism, Personality, Greed, Generous,",'Money changes people just as often as it changes hands.' Quote: Al Batt.,We must be content with what we have.  Learn to live modestly and appreciate what Jehovah provides.,Php 4:12;,Bobby Laymon - Reader's Digest.,,,,1996/03/13,
"Transforming, Truth, Change,","Experience: 'He was of a staunch Catholic family but asked many questions about such matters as smoking, watching pornographic films, and practicing the martial art of judo.  I showed him what the Bible had to say.'  Told by Jose Maglovsky.","'To my joyful surprise, the next day he called me over to watch as he broke his pipe and lighter along with his crucifix, destroyed his pornographic films, and shaved off his beard.  A changed man in a matter of minutes.  He also stopped practicing judo and asked to study the Bible with me.'","Rom 12:1, 2;","May 1, 1995 Wt Page 24",Is The Truth Transforming Your Life?,51,,1995/04/07,
"Translations, Education, Learning, Progress, Improvement, Skill,","'Only the educated are free.'  Quote: Epictetus, c. 100 C. E.","In their public ministry, the Witnesses use Bible translation that are available in hundreds of languages.","Matt. 28:19, 20","Dec 22, 2000 Aw Page 4",,,,"Dec 18, 2000",
"Translations, Education, Learning, Progress, Improvement, Skill,","'The Bible is the supreme guide in the art of living.'  Quote Thomas Tiplady, 1924.",It is no exaggeration to say that a Bible-based education can transform lives.,Ps. 19:7; 2 Tim. 3:16;,"Dec 22, 2000 Aw Page 10",Is The Truth Transforming Your Life?,51,,"Dec 18, 2000",
Travel;,"'In America there are two classes of travel: first class, and with children.'  Quote:  Robert Benchley.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Travel;,'The man who goes out alone can start today; but he who travels with another must wait until that other is ready.'  Quote:  Hdt.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Travel;,"'The traveler sees what he sees, the tourist sees what he has come to see.'  Quote:  Gilbert Chesterton.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Treason;,"'Write on my gravestone: Infidel, traitor; Infidel to every church that compromises with wrong; traitor to every government that oppresses the people.' Quote:  Wendell Phillips",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Treasures, Wealth, Service, Preach, Teach,","Earthly treasures are invaded by rust, moths, thieves. Our hearts will be with what we treasure.",Spiritual treasures are not subject to the above.,Matt. 6:20,Bobby Laymon,Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,63,,,
"Trees, Breeding, Life, Everlasting, Paradise, Earth,","Trees, and especially the conifers, have always outlived us. A breeder of 'plus' trees may not expect to see even one full-grown generation resulting from his years of hard work.  It takes much time.",The Bible points to the time when this will no longer be so. 'Like the days of a tree will the days of my people be.'  In fact his people will live forever.,"Is 65:22; Rev 21:3, 4;","Oct 22, 1992 Aw Page 27",Is This Life All There Is?,36,,,
"Trees, Creation, Symbols, Kingdoms, Rulers, Individuals,","'Poems are made by fools like me, but only God can make a tree.'  Quote: Poet Joyce Kilmer  Jehovah God has made trees of great variety, splendor, and usefulness.  Dwarfs and giants alike, they can be so beautiful that they defy description.  They also provide food, fuel, and shelter.  Men keep finding new uses for wood and trees.","Jehovah also uses trees!  In the Bible trees are sometimes used   figuratively to represent kingdoms, rulers, and individuals.  They picture, joy, peace, and fruitful conditions.  Also Life!",Is 65:22; Ps 1:1-3; Eze 31:1-18;,"Nov 15, 1993 Wt Page 32",Appreciating Marvels Of God's Creation,114,,1993/10/18,
"Trend, Gradual, Habit,",'The man who removes a mountain begins by carrying away small stones.'  Quote: Chinese proverb.,Small habits can become like mountains.  How much better to prevent them before they become ingrained.,Luke 16:10;,Bobby Laymon - Reader's Digest,What Is Your Relationship With God?,87,,1996/03/20,
Trends,"Grand Canyon, started as very small rut.",Bad trends must be stopped while small.,Heb 4:14-16,Mike Hart,Keep Growing In Your Relationship With God,16,,,
"Trends, Books, Literature, Freedom, Persecution, Hatred, Ethnic,","'Wherever they burn books they will also, in the end, burn human beings.' Quote: Heinrich Heine.  -1823.","Satan can throw the switch and cause the hatred built up over many centuries to explode into a fire-storm of blood-letting.  Small hatreds only disguise the deep inner ones, Satan has implanted.",1 Cor 10:13;,Bobby Laymon,Bearing Up Under Persecution,57,,1995/08/01,
"Trends, Emotions, Alert, Vigilance, Elders,","'He who helps early helps twice.'  Quote: Tadeusz Mazowiccki, prime minister of Poland.","By being alert, sometimes we can encourage our brothers to avoid anxiety that can cause emotional harm.",1 Th 5:14;,Bobby Laymon - Reader's Digest,Gaining Comfort In All Our Tribulations,105,,1996/03/24,
Trials,"Refined Gold; either becomes pure, or skimmed off and thrown away We must continue to refine ourselves, become pure.","Two types refining: personal, or organizational (disfellowshipped)","James 1:4, 12-15, 22","Scott Rudolph (#1 Talk Sep 13, 1990)",,,,,
"Trials, Adversity, Endurance,","When experiencing trials remember Jehovah did not remove the red sea, he made the way out for the Israelites to cross it.",Jehovah will help us endure our trials.,1 Cor 10:13;,Bobby Laymon,Bearing Up Under Persecution,57,,1998/12/25,
"Trials, Adversity, Persecution, Endurance, Transform, clay, ","There was a couple who used to go to England to shop in the beautiful stores.  They both liked antiques and pottery and especially teacups. This was their twenty-fifth wedding anniversary. One day in this beautiful shop they saw a beautiful teacup. They said, 'May we see that? We've never seen one quite so beautiful.' As the lady handed it to them, suddenly the teacup spoke.  'You don't understand,' it said. 'I haven't always been a teacup. There was a time when I was red, and I was clay. My master took me and rolled me and patted me over and over and I yelled out, 'let me alone, but he only smiled, 'Not yet.'  'Then I was placed on a spinning wheel,' the teacup said, 'and suddenly I was spun around and around and around. Stop it! I'm getting dizzy! I screamed. But the master only nodded and said, 'Not yet.'  Then he put me in the oven. I never felt such heat. I wondered why he wanted to burn me, and I yelled and knocked at the door. I could see him through the opening, and I could read his lips as He shook his head, 'Not yet.'  Finally the door opened, he put me on the shelf, and I began to cool. 'There, that's better,' I said. And he brushed and painted me all over. The fumes were horrible. I thought I would gag. 'Stop it, stop it!' I cried.  He only nodded, 'Not yet.' Then suddenly he put me back into the oven, not like the first one. This was twice as hot, and I knew I would suffocate. I begged. I pleaded. I screamed. I cried. All the time I could see him through the opening nodding his head saying, 'Not yet.'  Then I knew there wasn't any hope. I would never make it. I was ready to give up. But the door opened, and he took me out and placed me on the shelf. One hour later he handed me a mirror and said, 'Look at yourself.  And I did. I said, 'That's not me; that couldn't be me. It's beautiful. I'm beautiful. ''I want you to remember, then, he said, 'I know it hurts to be rolled and patted, but if I had left you alone, you'd have dried up.  I know it made you dizzy to spin around on the wheel, but if I had stopped, you would have crumbled. I knew it hurt and was hot and disagreeable in the oven, but I hadn't put you there, you would have cracked.  I know the fumes were bad when I brushed and painted you all over, but if I hadn't done that, you never would have hardened; you would not have had any color in your life. And if I hadn't put you back in that second oven, you wouldn't survive for very long because the hardness would not have held.  Now you are a finished product. You are what I had in mind when I first began with you.","Jehovah God knows what He's doing (for all of us). He is the Potter, and we are His clay. He will mold us and make us, so that we may be made into a flawless piece of work to fulfill His good, pleasing, and perfect will.  No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And Jehovah is faithful; he will not tempt you beyond what you can bear.",1 Corinthians 10:13,Bobby Laymon,Bearing Up Under Persecution,57,,1998/12/25,4/13/2014
"Trials, Depression, Persecution, Peace, Unity, Discouragement,",'It seems that half the people in the truth are there to test the other half.'  Quote: A brother suffering adversity,"We, as the apostle Paul are tested as to our integrity.  Satan   will use anything or anyone he can to test us.",James 1:12;,Bobby Laymon,Meeting The Test Of Christian Loyalty,48,,1994/01/04,
"Trials, Mistakes, Growth, Readjust, Correction, Discipline,","In the center of main street in Enterprise, Alabama, stands one of   the strangest monuments in the world.  It's a memorial to an insect!   Handsomely carved in stone is the likeness of a boll weevil.   In early  plantation days  almost everyone in the community raised cotton.  But as the years  rolled on, a serious pestilence infested the area in the form of a  small beetle that punctured the boll of the plant.  As a result,  it  became almost impossible to bring a season's growth to maturity.   George Washington Carver, along with several other scientists, became deeply concerned about the situation and began intensive studies to see if any substitute crop could be grown in that part of the country.  Raising peanuts was the answer, for they could be planted and harvested with very little loss.  In time, cotton gins were forgotten   in that region, and it became known as an outstanding peanut center of   the world.  Soon the farmers' profits far exceeded what they had earned from their best cotton yield. In the end, they realized that the destructive insect they had feared had actually triggered the research that brought them prosperity.","Jehovah often allows trials to unsettle our lives for a blessed purpose.  Perhaps we are trying to 'grow cotton' when we should be 'raising peanuts.'  If so, the delays and disappointments we experience are just the gracious 'boll weevils' sent to redirect us so that we will plant the crop of God's choosing!","Eph. 4:11, 12; 1 Tim 5:17;",Dennis Dunne,Are You Content With Jehovah's Provisions?,22,,1998/07/26,
"Trials, Persecution, Endurance, Determination, Progress,","If you've ever tried to water-ski, you know how the water seems to resist you before you get up on the surface. The boat's engine roars, your muscles strain, and the water does everything it can to keep you down. But if you know how to take advantage of the boat's power, you are lifted up and within a few seconds you are skimming over the surface of the same water that held you back at first.","Water-skiing provides an analogy to our Christian experience as we go through the deep waters of trial. We must learn to take advantage of Jehovah's power. At first there is great struggle and effort as we hang on with all our might to some promise of God. The weight of our own weakness seems almost unbearable. But like the water that lifts the skis, our difficulties challenge us to draw on God's supernatural power. The apostle Paul put it like this: 'However, we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the power beyond what is normal may be God's, and not that out of ourselves'.   Have we been willing to learn this spiritual truth? Have we viewed the deep waters of trial as an opportunity to realize the supernatural power that first lifts us up and then carries us over those same waters?",2 Cor. 4:7,Mark Hanlon,Bearing Up Under Persecution,57,,1998/11/26,
"Trials, Persecution, Tribulation,","A woman was visiting a rock store in Arizona.  She was looking through all the thin slices of agate, each different and unique in its beauty. As she was holding them up to the light, a sales lady walked over and said that I reminded her of another woman who had come in many months before. She proceeded to tell me this experience which has helped me through many of my times of trouble:","The first woman had said, 'I am just enjoying looking at these pieces of agate because I realize that it was by means of pressure and fire that these things of such incredible beauty were created. You see, I have been going through some very severe trials in my life, and by looking at these pieces of agate, I realize that it is by means of the pressures of life and the fires of tribulation that God will create something beautiful in me and for me.",James 1:4,Bobby Laymon,Bearing Up Under Persecution,57,,"Jan 17, 2001",
"Trials, Persecutions, Reversals,","The story goes that a blacksmith had been experiencing unusual reversals in his life, although he well known as a hard worker, diligent in all his efforts, and most considerate of others and generous to a fault. As A close friend sympathizing with him in some of his trials, said: 'It seems strange to me that so much affliction should pass your way, and of course, I don't want to weaken your faith in God or anything like that, but things seem to be getting steadily worse for you. I can't help wondering why that is.'  The blacksmith did not answer immediately, and it was evident that he had thought the same question before. But finally, he said 'You see here the raw iron which I have to make into horse's shoes. You know what I do with it? I take a piece and heat it in the fire until it is red, almost white with the heat. Then I hammer it unmercifully to shape it as I know it should be shaped. Then I plunge it into a pail of cold water to temper it.  Then I heat it again and hammer it some more. And this I do until it is finished.'  'But sometimes I find a piece of iron that won't stand up under this treatment. The heat and the hammering and the cold water are too much for it.  I don't know why it fails in the process, but I know it will never make a good horse's shoe.' He pointed to a heap of scrap iron that was near the door of his shop.' When I get a piece that cannot take the shape and temper, I throw it out on the scrap heap. It will never be good for anything.'","He went on, 'I know that God has been permitting the fires of affliction and I have felt His hammer upon me. But I don't mind, if only He can bring me to what I should be. And so, in all these hard things my prayer is simply this: Try me in any way you wish, Lord, only don't throw me on the scrap heap.'",James 1:2,Steve Whittington,Bearing Up Under Persecution,57,,1999/03/11,
"Trials, Pressure, Problems, Tribulations, Adversity, Persecution,","Picture a thin piece of agate rock held up to the light.  As you look at it you see the wonder of it. You see the awesome beauty of the swirls and striations. When I was visiting a rock store in Arizona, I was looking through all the thin slices of agate, each different and unique in its beauty.  As I was holding them up to the light,  a sales lady walked over to me and said that I reminded her of another woman who had come in many months before.  She proceeded to tell me this experience which has helped me through many of my times of trouble:  A woman came in and for a couple of hours was going through the many slices of agate, holding them up to the light to admire their beauty. Eventually the sales woman went over to her to ask if there was anything in particular she was looking for.  'No', said the woman, ' I am just enjoying looking at these pieces of agate because, I realize that it was by means of pressure and fire that these things of such incredible beauty were created.","You see, I have been going through some very severe trials in my life, and by looking at these pieces of agate, I realize that it is by means of the pressures of life and the fires of tribulation that God will create something beautiful in me and for me.'",2 Cor. 12:10;,Jim Breden,Bearing Up Under Persecution,57,,1999/02/15,
"Trials, Suffering, Affliction, Persecution,","'As threshing separates the wheat from the chaff, so does affliction purify virtue.' Quote: Richard E. Burton.",Trials often refine us and makes us more suitable for Jehovah's work.,Matt 20:20;,Bobby Laymon,Maintain Your Confidence Firm To The End,46,,1995/08/25,
"Trials, Training, Problems","Training, comes to finish, usually with test.  Allows situations to arise that are difficult to handle. Differences of opinions, personality, adjustments, Persecution",Jehovah will finish your training.,"1 Pet 5:10 Ecc. 7:21, 22","Dec 1, 1989 Wt Page  22 Jack Redford",Coping With Life's Anxieties,32,,,
Trials;,'Mighty rivers can easily be leaped at their source.'  Quote:  Publilius Syrus.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Trials;,'No hero without a wound.'  Quote:  Bulgarian.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Trials;,Trouble is the structural steel that goes into the building of character.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Trials; Adversity; Difficulty; Troubles;,'He who has come through the fire will not fade in the sun.'  Quote:  Hindu.,,,Jk Quotes;,Bearing Up Under Persecution,57,,,
Trials; Adversity; Difficulty; Troubles;,"A gem cannot be polished without friction, and man cannot be perfected without adversity.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Trials; Adversity; Difficulty; Troubles; Obstacles; Problems; Persecution;,'A path without obstacles probably leads nowhere.'  Quote: Anonymous.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Trials; Adversity; Difficulty; Troubles; Obstacles; Problems; Persecution;,'A smooth sea never made a skillful mariner.'  Quote:  English.,Some adversity can be useful.,Matt 5:11;,Jk Quotes;,Bearing Up Under Persecution,57,,,
Trials; Adversity; Difficulty; Troubles; Obstacles; Problems; Persecution;,'A stumble may prevent a fall.'  Quote: Anonymous.,"Occasional discouragement, in fact, may be a positive sign, indicating that we are not taking our service to Jehovah lightly.  Viewed from this standpoint, the one who never struggles with discouragement may not be as spiritually aware of his weaknesses as others are of theirs.",1 Co 10:13;,"Jk Quotes; W94 9/1 Par 8, 9;",Bearing Up Under Persecution,57,,,5/5/2025
Trials; Adversity; Difficulty; Troubles; Obstacles; Problems; Persecution;,'Adversity breaks the inferior man's will but only bends the superior man's spirit.'  Quote: Anonymous.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Trials; Adversity; Difficulty; Troubles; Obstacles; Problems; Persecution;,"'Adversity has the effect of eliciting talents which, would have lain dormant.'  Quote:  Horace.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Trials; Adversity; Difficulty; Troubles; Obstacles; Problems; Persecution;,'Adversity is the first path to truth.'  Quote: Anonymous.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Trials; Adversity; Difficulty; Troubles; Obstacles; Problems; Persecution;,'Adversity make men think of God.'  Quote:  Livy.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Trials; Adversity; Difficulty; Troubles; Obstacles; Problems; Persecution;,'Adversity strengthens character and makes us compassionate.'  Quote: Anonymous.,,,Jk Quotes;,Bearing Up Under Persecution,57,,,
Trials; Adversity; Difficulty; Troubles; Obstacles; Problems; Persecution;,'All things are difficult before they are easy.'  Quote:  John Norely.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Trials; Adversity; Difficulty; Troubles; Obstacles; Problems; Persecution;,"'By trying we can easily endure adversity, another man's I mean.'  Quote:  M. Twain.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Trials; Adversity; Difficulty; Troubles; Obstacles; Problems; Persecution;,'Difficulties are things that show what men are.'  Quote:  Epictetus.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Trials; Adversity; Difficulty; Troubles; Obstacles; Problems; Persecution;,'Difficulties show men what they are.'  Quote: Anonymous.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Trials; Adversity; Difficulty; Troubles; Obstacles; Problems; Persecution;,"'Difficulties strengthen the mind, as labor does the body.'  Quote: Anonymous.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Trials; Adversity; Difficulty; Troubles; Obstacles; Problems; Persecution;,'Every calamity is a spur and a valuable hint.'  Quote:  Emerson.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Trials; Adversity; Difficulty; Troubles; Obstacles; Problems; Persecution;,'Every path has its puddle.'  Quote:  English.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Trials; Adversity; Difficulty; Troubles; Obstacles; Problems; Persecution;,"'Fire is the test of gold, adversity of strong men.'  Quote:  Seneca.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Trials; Adversity; Difficulty; Troubles; Obstacles; Problems; Persecution;,'God gives almonds to those who have no teeth.' Quote:  Spanish,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Trials; Adversity; Difficulty; Troubles; Obstacles; Problems; Persecution;,"'Gold is tried by fire, men by adversity.'  Quote: Anonymous.",,,Jk Quotes;,Bearing Up Under Persecution,57,,,
Trials; Adversity; Difficulty; Troubles; Obstacles; Problems; Persecution;,'He knows not his own strength that hath not met adversity.'  Quote:  Ben Johnson.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Trials; Adversity; Difficulty; Troubles; Obstacles; Problems; Persecution;,"'I thank God for my handicaps, for through them I have found myself, my work, and my God.'  Quote:  Helen Keller.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Trials; Adversity; Difficulty; Troubles; Obstacles; Problems; Persecution;,'It is the first shower that wets.'  Quote:  Italian.,,,Jk Quotes;,Bearing Up Under Persecution,57,,,
Trials; Adversity; Difficulty; Troubles; Obstacles; Problems; Persecution;,"'Man is born unto trouble, as the sparks fly upward.'  Quote: Anonymous.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Trials; Adversity; Difficulty; Troubles; Obstacles; Problems; Persecution;,'Misery loves company.'  Quote: Anonymous.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Trials; Adversity; Difficulty; Troubles; Obstacles; Problems; Persecution;,'Misfortune arrives on horseback but departs on foot.'  Quote: Anonymous.,,,Jk Quotes;,Bearing Up Under Persecution,57,,,
Trials; Adversity; Difficulty; Troubles; Obstacles; Problems; Persecution;,'Nothing makes a man put his best foot forward quicker than to have his other one in hot water.'  Quote:  O. A. Battista.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Trials; Adversity; Difficulty; Troubles; Obstacles; Problems; Persecution;,'Out of the frying pan and into the fire.'  Quote:  Arab.,,,Jk Quotes;,Bearing Up Under Persecution,57,,,
Trials; Adversity; Difficulty; Troubles; Obstacles; Problems; Persecution;,'Real pain can alone cure us of imaginary ills.'  Quote: Anonymous.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Trials; Adversity; Difficulty; Troubles; Obstacles; Problems; Persecution;,'Set a stout heart to a steep hillside.'  Quote:  Scottish.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Trials; Adversity; Difficulty; Troubles; Obstacles; Problems; Persecution;,"'Settle one difficulty, and you keep a hundred others away.'  Quote:  Chinese.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Trials; Adversity; Difficulty; Troubles; Obstacles; Problems; Persecution;,'The drowning man is not troubled by rain.'  Quote:  Persian.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Trials; Adversity; Difficulty; Troubles; Obstacles; Problems; Persecution;,'The polished surface throws back the arrow.'  Quote:  Chinese.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Trials; Adversity; Difficulty; Troubles; Obstacles; Problems; Persecution;,'The world is full of troubles.'  Quote:  Arthur Rimbaud.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Trials; Adversity; Difficulty; Troubles; Obstacles; Problems; Persecution;,"'The worst is not always certain, but its very likely!'  Quote:  French.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Trials; Adversity; Difficulty; Troubles; Obstacles; Problems; Persecution;,'The worst is yet to come.'  Quote:  Alfred Lord Tennyson.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Trials; Adversity; Difficulty; Troubles; Obstacles; Problems; Persecution;,'There is no education like adversity.'  Quote:  Disraeli.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Trials; Adversity; Difficulty; Troubles; Obstacles; Problems; Persecution;,'Trouble brings experience and experience brings wisdom.'  Quote: Anonymous.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Trials; Adversity; Difficulty; Troubles; Obstacles; Problems; Persecution;,'Troubles: A bad situation that drifts away always gets worse.'  Quote:  Felix Rothay.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Trials; Adversity; Difficulty; Troubles; Obstacles; Problems; Persecution;,'What's too hard for a man must be worth looking into.'  Quote:  Kenyan.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Trials; Adversity; Difficulty; Troubles; Obstacles; Problems; Persecution;,"'When an elephant is in trouble, even a frog will kick him.'  Quote:  Hindu.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Trials; Adversity; Difficulty; Troubles; Obstacles; Problems; Persecution;,"'When you are down and out, something always turns up, and it is usually the noses of your friends.'  Quote:  Orson Welles.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Trials; Adversity; Difficulty; Troubles; Obstacles; Problems; Persecution;,'You can't have more bedbugs than a blanket full.' Quote:  Spanish.,Persecution also will come to an end.  There is a limit to it.,2 Cor 4:17;,Jk Quotes;,Bearing Up Under Persecution,57,,,
Trials; Adversity; Difficulty; Troubles; Obstacles; Problems; Persecution;,"The three things most difficult are: to keep a secret, to forget and injury, and to make good use of leisure.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Trials; Adversity; Difficulty; Troubles; Obstacles; Problems; Persecution;  wisdom;,'By suffering comes wisdom.'  Quote: Anonymous.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Trials; Adversity; Difficulty; Troubles; Obstacles; Problems; Persecution;  worry; Stress; Anxiety;,'The pain of the mind is worse than the pain of the body.'  Quote: Anonymous.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Trials; Adversity; Difficulty; Troubles; Obstacles; Quarrels; Persecution;,'Quarrels would not last long if the fault were on one side only.'  Quote:  La Rochefoucauld.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Trials; Adversity; Experience;,'No man is more unhappy than the one who is never in adversity; the greatest affliction of life is never to be afflicted.'  Quote:  Anonymous.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Trials; Adversity; Experience;,"'Prosperity is a great teacher; adversity is a greater. Possession pampers the mind, privation trains and strengthens it.' Quote:  William Haslett",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Trials; Afflictions; Troubles;,'By afflictions God is spoiling us of what other wise might have spoiled us.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Trials; Afflictions; Troubles;,"'Though all afflictions are evils in themselves, yet they are good for us, because they discover to us our disease and tend to our cure.'  Quote:  John Tillotson.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Trials; Experience;,'Calm waters do not make a good sailor.',,,Jk Quotes;,Bearing Up Under Persecution,57,,,
Trials; Experience;,'The things which hurt instruct.'  Quote:  Bb.,,,Jk Quotes;,Bearing Up Under Persecution,57,,,
"Trials; Persecution; Pressures; Bitter, Sweet,","The Bitter goes with the sweet. When God gives sweet, bitter does not automatically follow. Examples in article.","Everything in this system has measure of bitter, goes with sweet.",Prov. 10:22,"Feb 8, 1961 Aw Page 3",Bearing Up Under Persecution,57,,,
"Tribulation, Religion, End,","Man in rural territory awakened by thunder and lightning, walks outside.   Stars are shining; turns on T.V. News flash says religion is being attacked all over earth. As he sat there fear spread over faces because they knew only loyal ones survive.",Are we ready for that day or will we be in fear when it begins.,Rev. 18:4,J. Bounds,Act Wisely As The End Draws Near,38,,,
"Trillion, Economy, seconds, government,","What would be 1 trillion seconds ago?  It would be 29,000 B.C.E.  This gives you some idea how much a trillion is.","Yet, the national debt is about 4 trillion dollars.  In 1910 it was only 1.1 billion dollars.",Luke 21:25;,Morning News 10/14/92  (also 1992 World Almanac),What Does The Healing Of The Nations Accomplish?,111,,,
Trinity,"1 + 1 + 1, = 1 We cannot scientifically calculate the above, then we must calculate that 1/3 God (Father) 1/3 God (Son) 1/3 God (Holy Ghost = 3/3 or 1 God.","How does it add up to you?  (Apr 22, 1969 AW page 11)",Jo 5:19  14:28   20:17,"Mar 15, 1989 Wt Page 18;   Sep 15, 1962 Wt Page 555",Jehovah And Christ--are They Part Of A Trinity?,82,,,
Trinity,Delighted at something you made.  Deny Jehovah the greatest masterpiece of work in entire universe Only creative work all by himself PANTA Greek work meaning 'all',Jehovah created Jesus allows for exception here means 'all other.' 1 Cor 15:27,Col 1:15-17,Assembly,Jehovah And Christ--are They Part Of A Trinity?,82,,,
Trinity,Greatest 'snow' on earth.  Greatest mystery about trinity: How could ANYONE believe it at all.,"Distorts vision, blinds, wander in confusion, etc.",Ps 83:18,Bobby Laymon,Jehovah And Christ--are They Part Of A Trinity?,82,,,
Trinity,"Mistaken identity; sometimes harmless, could be charged with crime.  Do we accurately know difference, between Jehovah & Jesus.",Case of serious mistaken identity among Christendom.,Jo 1:1  Ps 83:18,Bobby Laymon,Jehovah And Christ--are They Part Of A Trinity?,82,,,
Trinity,Muddy up understanding (stir up) Textual critics now agree that insertion of 'God' is scribal error.,Use King James V. 'God was manifest in flesh'.,1 Tim 3:16,"Jan 15, 1990 Wt Page 12",Jehovah And Christ--are They Part Of A Trinity?,82,,,
Trinity,Some will argue that an egg in like the trinity; three parts but just one egg. The [1]shell; [2]white; [3]yoke; making up one egg.,Try hatching that egg and see if you get a three-headed chicken.,Mt 4:10;,Bobby Laymon,Jehovah And Christ--are They Part Of A Trinity?,82,,,
Trinity,"Stop in the name of the law. Means power or authority; 'name of holy spirit' recognizes the authority of the spirit, that it is from God and functions by divine will",In name of Holy Spirit does not mean a personal name.,Matt. 28:19,Trinity Brochure 1989 Page 22,Jehovah And Christ--are They Part Of A Trinity?,82,,,
Trinity,"Tom, Dick and Harry Does not say they are the equal in substance, power, eternity.","Mention of three together, do not mean they are same",Matt. 28:19,Trinity Brochure 1989 Page 23,Jehovah And Christ--are They Part Of A Trinity?,82,,,
"Trinity,","If the only opportunity one has to view some beautiful country scene is through a window, would it be wise to steam up the window, saying, 'It might as well be steamed up because we can't see the details anyway?'","The Bible and good sense show that our knowledge of God is necessarily limited.  Why steam it up more with converting God into a mysterious doctrine, such as the Trinity.",Jn 17:3; He 8:11; Ps 83:18;,"Mar 8, 1992 Aw Page 25",Jehovah And Christ--are They Part Of A Trinity?,82,,,
"Trinity, Babylon, Christendom, False,","If you were trying to teach that two persons are equal, what family relationship would you use to illustrate it?  Perhaps two brothers, or better still two identical twins.","However, in teaching us to view God as the Father and himself as the Son, Jesus, the Great Teacher, used the Father and Son relationship.  This describes one as older and having more authority.","John 14:28; Phil. 2:5, 6; Col. 1:13-15;","May 15, 1998 Wt Page 22",Jehovah And Christ--are They Part Of A Trinity?,82,,1998/04/28,
"Trinity, Christendom,",Twenty-one question and answers on the trinity teaching.  See article.,Information only.,Ps 83:18;,"Sep 8, 1994 Aw Page 11",Jehovah And Christ--are They Part Of A Trinity?,82,,1994/08/23,
"Trinity, Christendom, Lie, Brain, Flashbacks,","An eye doctor told of how, for a test, they gave a man a pair of glasses that made the world look upside down.  His brain and mind adjusted to it in time, and the world looked normal.  With his glasses off, the world looked upside down.","Trinitarians are like that.  They have looked at a lie so long they have become believers of it.  The Bible could straighten them out, but they look at it upside down also.",2 Th 2:11;,"Bobby Laymon (told By H.K. Campbell O D Of Marshfield, Mo)",Jehovah And Christ--are They Part Of A Trinity?,82,,,
"Trinity, Christendom, Nicene Creed,","Quote: H. G. Wells, 'By faith we said of that stuffed scarecrow of divinity, ... this is certainly no God.'","Regarding the trinity, and Nicene creed.",Ps. 83:18,"Jun 15, 1964 Wt Page 376",Jehovah And Christ--are They Part Of A Trinity?,82,,,
"Trinity, Confusion, Christendom, Active Force, Holy Spirit, Trinity,","God's imparting knowledge of his will to his servants by means of his holy spirit in times past may be likened to a newscast over the radio regarding a statement made by the chief of state. It would be correct to say that the radio said it, that a certain news commentator said it or that the chief of state said it. Such expressions are common and no confusion results.",But because God's Word at one place states that God said a certain thing and in another place that the holy spirit said it is taken by Trinitarians to argue that God and the holy spirit are members of a trinity or one God. Such a strained inference merely points up the weakness of the Trinitarian position.,2 Pet 1:21;,W57 7/15 435,Jehovah And Christ--are They Part Of A Trinity?,82,,1994/10/24,
"Trinity, Holidays, Tradition, Lie, Truth, False, Satan, Devil,",'It takes as much time and trouble to pull down a falsehood as to build up a truth.' Quote: Peter Mere Latham.,Jehovah is a God of truth; he hates falsehood.  He will expose lies and those promoting them.,Exodus 34:6; Pr 6:16-19;,Bobby Laymon,Decide Now For Divine Rulership,37,,1995/07/18,
"Trinity, Immortality, Hell,","'Same song, different verse!'","When Jehovah hears the songs and words of modern-day Trinitarians, does he consider it beautiful music, or does it sound like the same chorus he heard long ago in ancient Babylon?  Does he just say, 'That's the same song, just a different verse?'",Ps 83:18;,Bobby Laymon,Jehovah And Christ--are They Part Of A Trinity?,82,,1994/12/09,
"Trinity, Personality,","Like father, like son.  Son can never know everything his father does.","Son naturally develops traits of father, whether good or bad.",Mic. 7:5; Prov. 18:24; Luke 16:9; John 15:13-15; Prov. 14:20;,Bobby Laymon,Jehovah And Christ--are They Part Of A Trinity?,82,,,
"Trinity, Personality, Jesus, Jehovah,","On a personality analysis on the computer we entered information on Jehovah.  It came out amazingly accurate in many areas.  If we did the same on Jesus, it would have been identical.","This helps us to see how Jesus could say, 'if you have seen me you have seen the Father also.'  And 'I and the Father are one.'",John 10:30; 14:9,Bobby Laymon,Make Jehovah Your Confidence,70,,,
"Trinity, Truth, Lies, Error, Sin, Satan, Devil,",'Nothing is more damaging to a new truth than an old error.'  Quote: Johann Wolfgang von Goethe.,"The churches today turn from God and look to modern science, technology, intellectualism for light.  The turn to technology has resulted in pollution, arms race, new morality.",Eze 8:16;,Bobby Laymon,Are You 'marked' For Survival?,34,,1995/07/18,
Trinity; Facts; Proof;,'Facts are stubborn things.'  Quote: Alain Rene Lesage.,Those advocating the trinity and false teachings do not like facts.,John 14:28;,Bobby Laymon - Reader's Digest.,Jehovah And Christ--are They Part Of A Trinity?,82,,1996/03/12,
"Trivial, Important, Priorities, Kingdom, time,",'Time has a wonderful way of weeding out the trivial.'  Quote: Richard Ben Sapir.,In time all obstacles to Jehovah's government will be removed.,Dan 2:44; 1 John 2:17;,Bobby Laymon - Reader's Digest,,,,1996/03/19,1/18/2018
Trouble;,"'Borrow trouble for yourself if that is your nature, but don't lend it to your neighbors.'  Quote:  Runyard Kipling.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Trouble; Adversity; Trials; Problems;,'A loose tooth will not rest until it is pulled.'  Quote:  African.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Trouble; Adversity; Trials; Problems;,'A problem is a chance for you to do your best.'  Quote:  Duke Ellington.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Trouble; Adversity; Trials; Problems;,'He knows not his own strength who has not met adversity.'  Quote:  Ben Johnson.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Trouble; Adversity; Trials; Problems;,'He who rouses a sleeping tiger exposes himself to danger.'  Quote:  Chinese.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Trouble; Adversity; Trials; Problems;,'Misfortune when asleep are not to be awakened.'  Quote:  English.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Trouble; Adversity; Trials; Problems;,'Most problems precisely defined are already partially solved.'  Quote:  Harry Loraine.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Trouble; Adversity; Trials; Problems;,'Problems are opportunities with thorns on them.'  Quote:  Hugh Miller.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Trouble; Adversity; Trials; Problems;,'Put your troubles in a pocket with a hole in it.',,,Jk Quotes;,Are You Content With Jehovah's Provisions?,22,,,
Trouble; Adversity; Trials; Problems;,'Rain does not fall on one roof alone.'  Quote:  Cameroonian.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Trouble; Adversity; Trials; Problems;,'Some people are like tea bags. They don't know their own strength until they get into hot water.'  Quote:  Herb True.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Trouble; Adversity; Trials; Problems;,'The best way to escape from a problem is to solve it.'  Quote:  Brendon Frances.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Trouble; Adversity; Trials; Problems;,'Troubles are like babies. They only grow by nursing.'  Quote:  Jerrold.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Trouble; Adversity; Trials; Problems;,'You'll never find a better sparing partner than adversity.' Quote:  Walt Schmidt,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Trouble; Adversity; Trials; Problems;,A problem well-stated is half-solved.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Trouble; Adversity; Trials; Problems;,Earth hath no sorrow that heaven cannot heal.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Trouble; Adversity; Trials; Problems;,God makes all things good. Man meddles with them and they become evil.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Trouble; Adversity; Trials; Problems;,Gold is tried in the fire.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Trouble; Adversity; Trials; Problems;,Let sleeping dogs lie.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Trouble; Adversity; Trials; Problems;,Let your problems wait for a brainy day.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Trouble; Adversity; Trials; Problems;,Sorrow will pay no debt.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Trouble; Adversity; Trials; Problems;,The size of your troubles generally depend on whether they are coming or going.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Trouble; Adversity; Trials; Problems;,There can be no rainbow without a cloud and a storm.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Trouble; Adversity; Trials; Problems;,Wake not a sleeping lion.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Trouble; Worry;,"'She not only expects the worst, but makes the worst of it when it happens.'  Quote:  Michael Arland.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Trouble; Worry; Attitude; Positive;,"'If you don't learn to laugh at trouble, you won't have anything to laugh at when you are old.'  Quote:  Ed Howe.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Troubles; Adversity; Trials;,"'Adversity reveals genius, prosperity conceals it.'  Quote:  Horace.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Troubles; Adversity; Trials;,"'Forget the times of your distress, but never forget what they taught you.'  Quote:  Herbert Gasser.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Troubles; Adversity; Trials;,"'Kites rise highest against the wind, not with it.' Quote:  Winston Churchill",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Troubles; Adversity; Trials;,'Mishaps are like knives. They either serve us or cut us. We grasp them by the blade or the handle.'  Quote:  James Russell Lowell.,,,Jk Quotes;,Are You Content With Jehovah's Provisions?,22,,,
Troubles; Adversity; Trials;,"If you think a problem is bad now, just wait until we solve it.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Troubles; Crisis; Character;,"'Crises refine life, in them you discover what you are.'  Quote:  Allan Chambers.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Troubles; Imperfection; Personalities; Human Nature;,The trouble with people is their trouble with people.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Troubles; Worry; Anxiety;,'Men can learn a lot from fishing; when the fish are biting no problem is big enough to be remembered. (less problems in a congregation when all are busy preaching)'  Quote:  O. A. Battista.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Troubles; Worry; Anxiety;,"Never bear more than one kind of trouble at a time. Some people bear three: All they have had, all they have now, and all they expect to have.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Trust, Brothers, Confidence, Faith,",'The only way to make a man trustworthy is to trust him.'  Quote: Henry L. Stimson,We must have faith in our brothers to do the right thing.  This will build trust.  It will increase our confidence in them. We can place greater trust later on.,1ti 3:10; 1co 13:7;,Bobby Laymon,On Whose Promises Do You Rely?,61,,,
"Trust, Confidence, Materialism, Money",The motto 'In God We Trust' appears on money of the United States of America.,"Do they really trust in God, or in the money itself?  True Christians place their confidence in God, not in riches.",Eph. 5:5; Matt. 12:22;,"Aug 15, 1998 Wt Page 10",Maintain Your Confidence Firm To The End,46,,1998/07/10,
"Trust, Confidence, Mercy, Listen, Problems, Prayer, Communication,","Just think how small and petty your problems must seem in the eyes of God Almighty!  And who could be busier than he is?  Yet, you are most grateful that his ears are open day and night to your cry and that he never tires of listening to and answering your prayers, as trivial as they may be.","Do you therefore, in turn, make sure you are long-suffering and patient with your children and their problems.","Pr 21:13; Ps 34:15; Luke 18:7, 8;","Oct 1, 1971 Wt Page 591","Mercy, A Dominant Quality Of True Christians",7,,1993/11/18,
"Trust, Confidence, Witnesses,","Jehovah's Witnesses alone can truthfully say, 'In God we trust.'","In contrast with political nations, Jehovah's Witnesses are happy to be 'the nation whose God is Jehovah.'","Ps 33:12; 56:4,11;","Dec 15, 1993 Wt Page 12",On Whose Promises Do You Rely?,61,,1993/11/10,
"Trust, Confidence, Witnesses, Persecution, Compromise, Loyalty, Integrity,","A young Witness who had undergone horrible tortures felt he could take no more.  But another youth came stealthily to him through the shadows.  He whispered, 'Don't give up; I compromised and have not had any peace of mind since then.'",The young Witness renewed his resolve to stand firm.  We can have complete trust in Jehovah that he will help us overcome any and every effort by Satan to erode our integrity.,"Jer 7:3-7; 17:1-8; 38:6-13, 15-17;","Dec 15, 1993 Wt Page 13",Maintain Your Confidence Firm To The End,46,,1993/11/10,
"Trust, Encourage, Worry, Anxiety, Stress,","He that relies on another, dines ill and sleeps worse.","Trust in Jehovah, not in men.","Ps. 55:22;146:3, 4; Jas. 1:12; Rom. 15:2; 1 Th 5:14; Isa. 41:1",Bobby Laymon,On Whose Promises Do You Rely?,61,,,
"Trust, Faith,",'The only way to make a man trustworthy is to trust him.'  Quote: Henry L. Stimson.,Jehovah has entrusted us with the Good News of God's Kingdom.  We should fulfill that trust.,1 Thes 2:4; 1 Cor 9:17;,Bobby Laymon - Reader's Digest,,,,1996/03/19,
"Trust, Faith,",Never seen atheist in foxhole.,"When ones in false religion get sick, they start to go to church.  Opposite with Witnesses, some get ill or have a problem, some quit coming to meetings.  Is our trust in Jehovah as stronghold.",Prov.18:10;10:29,Jim Breden,Are You Really Making Jehovah Your Stronghold?,18,,1996/07/21,
"Trust, Faith, Doubt, Pioneer,",'Trust in God--but tie your camel tight.'  Quote: Persian proverb.,Out trust in God must be backed up by action and effort.,Prov 3:5;,Bobby Laymon - Reader's Digest,Keep Seeking God's Kingdom,44,,1996/03/21,
"Trust, Faith, Persecution,",'One on God's side is a majority.' Quote: Wendell Phillips.,Noah was one who built faith in our Maker.  He saw visible creation as we do.  Could see that God's word had come true.  He knew that Jehovah was on his side.,Ge 3:16-19;,Bobby Laymon,Build Your Faith In Man's Maker,54,,1995/08/05,
"Trust, Faith, Protection,","The adult eagle spreads out its wings, sometimes for hours at a time, in order to shade its tender nestling.  It sometimes carries its young on its wings to prevent its death.",Jehovah will give us the same loving protection if we trust in him. 'The way out' or 'a way to escape' involves learning to trust in Jehovah.,"L Corinthians 10:13; Psalm 55:6, 7",Bobby Laymon,,,,1996/05/20,
"Trust, Honesty,",'Trust not to rotten planks.'  Quote: English playwright William Shakespeare.,"Just as anyone would be foolish to walk on rotten planks on a bridge over a deep drop, we must consider our steps so that we do not misplace our trust.",Prov. 14:15; 17:17; Job 34:3;,"Feb 8, 1996 Aw Page 6",,,,1996/01/14,
"Trust, Honesty,","About two thousand years ago, Roman writer Phaedrus express the dilemma this way:  'To trust or not to trust is perilous.'","Either course has its dangers, especially in a world where deception and betrayal are so pervasive.  Yet we all need trusted friends who will support us in times of trouble.",Prov. 14:15; 17:17;,"Feb 8, 1996 Aw Page 4",Conducting Ourselves Honestly At All Times,10,,1996/01/14,
"Trust, Honesty,","Like a beautiful yet delicate flower, that can be easily uprooted and trampled underfoot.","Trust can and is being crushed underfoot, everywhere.",Prov. 17:17;,"Feb 8, 1996 Aw Page 3;",Conducting Ourselves Honestly At All Times,10,,1996/01/15,
"Trust, Honesty, Gullible,","'He that deceives me once, shame fall him; if he deceives me twice, shame fall me.'  Quote: Scottish proverb.",We should make a test of people's words and actions before we swallow them.  No one who is genuine will take offense if the check his credentials.,Job 34:3;,"Feb 8, 1996 Aw Page 6",,,,1996/01/14,
"Trust, Inheritance, Ministry, Lives, Urgency, Material,","A brother told how he had been entrusted with some pieces of gold by another brother.  At the time, gold was worth only $3.00 an ounce.  As time passed, the price of gold went to almost $300.00 an ounce.  He began to worry about the gold in his sock drawer.  How relieved he was when the brother asked for the gold.","Today, we are being entrusted with lives.  How much more concerned we should be than those entrusted with material things.",Luke 19:13-20;,Jack Jones - Bethel Speaker - Special Assembly Day.,Slave For The Master Of The Harvest,66,,1997/09/30,
"Trust, Jehovah, Faith, Reliance,",'With God you can go to the moon - without him you had better not walk out your front door.'  Quote: Proverb.,David did not try to match strength with his persecutors but relied on God.,Ps 18:2;,Bobby Laymon,Are You Really Making Jehovah Your Stronghold?,18,,1995/06/30,
"Trust, Jehovah, Man,","Tree planted by water, in parched land (SIMILE, 'LIKE' A TREE) Describe tree in wet season, then in dry season.","All else will fail, but Jehovah's people will be protected.",Ps 1:1-6,"June 1, 1984 Wt Page 18",On Whose Promises Do You Rely?,61,,,
"Trust, Jehovah, Man,",Ultimate weapon Nations trust in their weapons,No weapon will succeed against Jehovah,"Ps. 146: 3, 4;",Bobby Laymon,On Whose Promises Do You Rely?,61,,,
"Trust, Jesus, Kingdom","Many millions put their trust in Adolf Hitler, others in Communist such as  Peron, Trujillo and Batista only to be disappointment",One can trust Jesus. He has power and wants to make things better,Matt. 12:21 Matt. 28:18,"Johnse Laymon Jun 8, 1965 Aw Pg 5",On Whose Promises Do You Rely?,61,,,
"Trust, New World Order, Justice, Kingdom, Racial,",'New world disorder' was the expression used by a French writer in 'Le Monde' describing the prospects of the immediate future.,"Man's 'new world order' is vulnerable to the flaws of human nature -- ambition, lust for power, greed, corruption, and injustice.  God's new world will guarantee justice.","Re 11:18; De 32:4; Isaiah 54:13; Acts 10:34, 35;","Jan 8, 1993 Aw Page 13",'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
"Trust, Pioneers, Missionaries,","In a good marriage there is a fine trust built up over many years. That trust must be guarded, so that nothing destroys it.  Good words of endearment and encouragement build that trust.",The trust between Jehovah and his servants can be compared to the mutual trust in a fine marriage.  It must be guarded by holding dear 'the pattern of healthful words' in the Bible. Meaningful comments at meetings.  Should never become matter of course.,"2t 1:12, 13;","Dec 1, 1992 Wt Page 19  (john E. Barr)",On Whose Promises Do You Rely?,61,,,
Trust;,'I always prefer to believe the best of everybody-it saves so much trouble.'  Quote:  Runyard Kipling.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Trust;,'Settle one difficulty and you keep hundreds away.'  Quote:  Chinese.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Trust;,'To be trusted is a greater compliment than to be loved.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Trust;,"'While I see many hoof marks going in, I see none coming out. It is easier to get into the enemy's toils than out again.'  Quote:  Aesop.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Trust;,Put your trust in those who are worthy.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Trust; Distrust;,'Never trust a man who speaks well of everybody.'  Quote:  John Collins.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Trust; Distrust;,'The man who trusts men will make fewer mistakes than he who distrusts them.'  Quote:  Camilla De Cavour.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Trusting In Jehovah, Blessings","Little girl in store with mother, girl staring at candy jar, store clerk say's  you can have a handful, girl does nothing, clerk repeats himself,  girl still does nothing, finally clerk reaches in gives girl a big handful, she can hardly carry it.  later mother ask girl why didn't you reach in and get some?  Mommy his hands were bigger than mine!","Jehovah's hand are bigger than ours, if we wait on him he will bless us until there is no more want.",Mal.3:10 \ Isa.59:1,Scott Rudolph\ Heard From Brother Wall From Bethel.,,,,1996/08/11,
"Trusting, Man",Loose bow,Political measures will do no good,Hos 7:16,"Mar 1, 1989 Wt Page 15",On Whose Promises Do You Rely?,61,,,
Truth,Bankers spot counterfeit bills- Not by memorizing what they look like- But by knowing what the 'real' looks like.,We spot the truth in the same manner.  We do not need to study  all false religions.,John 8:44;,Dch,Who Are Qualified As Ministers Of God?,81,,1993/10/03,
Truth,"Credentials; Identify yourself: Badge; etc. 'No prophet ... to be raised up out of Galilee.' Though Jesus raised in Galilee, born in Bethlehem. Fail to search, or acknowledge Jesus' credentials.",Pharisees failed to search for Jesus' credentials in Bible. Tragic consequences; illustrate how vital to search and get whole truth.,"John 7:32, 45-52  Micah 5:2","Sep 15, 1990 Wt Page 4",Who Are Qualified As Ministers Of God?,81,,,
Truth,"Dark Cave, turn lights out, total darkness, literally feel dark.   Like mules, we can go blind in cave in time.",We were once in such darkness spiritually.,Acts Chapter 26,Roy Crabb,Resisting The Spirit Of The World,25,,,
Truth,Dew brings alive vegetation,So do we in using the waters of truth,Ps. 110:3,Oct. 1962 Km,Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,63,,,
Truth,Ever give something away; Later miss it?  Want it back?,"With Kingdom message; you give it away, but keep it forever.",Matt. 6:33,Bobby Laymon,Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,63,,,
Truth,Priceless Treasure in earthen vessels In ancient times earthen vessels used for safe preservation of valuables.,Vessel = humans  treasure = Ministry entrusted to Jehovah's slaves,"Jere. 32:14  2 Cor. 4:7  2 Tim. 2:20, 21","Sep 1, 1958 Wt Page 521",,,,,
Truth,"Seed that falls on good soil; sprout can withstand torrid heat, of the sun, buffeting of storms. Strong enough to crack rocks. Spiritual truth will be standing long after world and lovers are nothing but dust, and its beliefs are fantasies of the past.",Truth of God's word weathers heated opposition; demolishes false,John 17:17; Isa. 40:8,"Jul 15, 1960 Wt Page 419-20",Conducting Ourselves Honestly At All Times,10,,,
Truth,Truth may not be getting down into some hearts.,May need to get the rocks out of our hearts.,Sowing Of Kingdom Seeds-some Fall On Rocks,Carey Barber,Never Become Dull In Your Hearing,9,,,
Truth,"Truth, Whole Truth, and nothing but the Truth. Concerning Almighty God; His Son; Earth's destiny No short-cut for truth; must search. 1 Pet. 1:10",Should be our determination,John 17:3  Ps. 83:18,"Sep 15, 1990 Wt Page 5-7",,,,,
"Truth (revealed) Growth, Progress, Maturity, Improvement,","Walk through forest.  Parents reveal things as they come Disciples had special privilege Many secrets not revealed 2 seeds, Shiloh, Day and hour.  Amos 3:7",Jehovah progressively reveals to us Kingdom set up in 1914; Great crowd; Neutrality; Princes; Superior authority,"Deuteronomy 29:29 Rom 11:33, 34  Matt 13:10, 11",1985 Dist Assy (bill Bowen's Part),Keep Growing In Your Relationship With God,16,,,
Truth - Sacred Secret,"Cocoon, watched for many years, nothing happens; starts unfolding 6 Facets",Sacred secret started to unfold in 29 CE,1 Tim 3:16,"Jan 15, 1990 Wt Page 10-14",Are You Doing What God Requires Of You?,43,,,
Truth - Sacred Secret,Mysteries intrigue you? 6 Facets,"Grandest of all mysteries...locked up in God's Word, 1000's yrs.",1 Tim 3:16,"Jan 15, 1990 Wt Page 10-14",,,,,
Truth Is Of Utmost Importance,"Little boy, ran to huddle of elders, 'I have a baby sister'.   He felt this had priority over any other matter.   To him it did.","Our Bible studies, field service, family studies, should take  priority over other matters.",Phil 1:10;,Johnse,,,,,
"Truth,",Water Molecule with life-saving water of the Bible.  Note: Use a picture of a molecule.,In it's purest form with no impurities at all it cannot compare.,John 17:17; John 4:14;,Ted Posey,Why Live By Bible Standards?,88,,,
"Truth, Armor, Belt, Girdle,","In Bible times soldiers wore a leather belt up to 6 inches wide. This girdle helped to protect the loins.  When a soldier tightened his girdle, this signified his readiness for battle.","How fitting that divine truth is likened to a soldier's girdle! This well illustrates how we should keep God's Word of truth very close to us, as if girded by it.  Protects us from lies etc.",Eph 6:14;,"May 15, 1992 Wt Page 21",How To Protect Ourselves From Satan's Snares,115,,,
"Truth, Armor, Study,","A bullet-proof vest is of no value, unless you wear it.","Our spiritual armor, like the bullet-proof vest, is of no value unless we wear it at all times.",Eph 6:11-18;,Light-bearers District Assembly (June 1992),How To Protect Ourselves From Satan's Snares,115,,,
"Truth, Bible,",Fountain of Youth.  To it there is no limit or cost.,No water found on earth can satisfy like the water found in the Bible.,Re 22:17,Ted Posey,Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,,
"Truth, Bible, Christendom,",The twelve apostles did not want or have twelve different conclusions when they expressed the teachings of Christ. Why so many religions? Because they all want to teach their own conclusions.,There was only one conclusion to arrive at: The truth!,John 12:48-50; Acts 5:29;,"Jan 1, 1964 Wt Page 21",Religion's Role In World Affairs.,92,,,
"Truth, Bible, Good News",Treasure Chest.,Spiritual treasure chest.,Prov. 2:1-5,1991 Yearbook Page 118,Good News In A Violent World,85,,,
"Truth, Bible, Scriptures, Word,","If someone told you the truth for many years, would you suddenly doubt him when he said something new?  No!","God has told the truth throughout the Bible.  Should this not build your trust in what the Bible promises, such as its prophecies regarding a coming earthly paradise?",Titus 1:2;,Kl Page 21,Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,1995/06/15,
"Truth, Bible, Scriptures, Word, Knowledge, Dependence",An infant depends on nourishment from its mother and is insistent on having that need met.,"Similarly, we are dependent on knowledge from God.",1 Pet. 2:2; Ps. 1:1-3; 19:11;,Kl Page 22,Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,1995/06/15,
"Truth, Candor;",'Examine what is said not him who speaks.'  Quote:  Arabian.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Truth, Creator, Creation, Belief, Doubt, Faith,","ALL of us marvel at things that are designed well. It may be a nicely decorated room, a flower, or a computer. Good design appeals to people.",A line of reasoning is that design means the existence of a Designer.,Deuteronomy 32:4;,G82 10/8 3,Appreciating Marvels Of God's Creation,114,,1995/01/27,
"Truth, Creator, Creation, Belief, Doubt, Faith,","Since no law makes itself, every law requires an intelligent lawgiver to make the law. Hence a lawgiver far greater than a human watchmaker was needed to bring forth from earth's dust this multitude of different bodily forms of living creatures and then to set them living according to nature's amazing laws.","By still further laws this invisible Lawgiver arranged for them to reproduce, each one, copies of its own likeness. No family kinds can interbreed to establish a new kind, although varieties within a family kind are many. No, not one created kind came into existence by chance. An invisible Lawgiver, a mighty Creator, was at work.",John 8:44;,W59 10/1 586,Appreciating Marvels Of God's Creation,114,,1995/01/27,
"Truth, Creator, Creation, Belief, Doubt, Faith,","Though watches and clocks used for telling time are made of inanimate metal, no such timepiece is found by chance in the ground already made. No, a watchmaker is needed to make the parts out of minerals taken from the ground. When others use the watch, the watchmaker is not visible, but his work remains visible.","So it is with the making of the wondrous sea, air and land creatures that share man's habitation upon this globe. They are the visible proof of an unseen Maker. They each have a created purpose and make their contribution to earth's growing economy. Each living creature is equipped with instinct and a measure of intelligence.",John 8:44;,W59 10/1 585-6,Appreciating Marvels Of God's Creation,114,,1995/01/27,
"Truth, Credulity, Government, Kingdom, Subjects,","'You can fool all the people some of the time, and some of the people all the time, but you cannot fool all the people all the time.'  Quote: Abraham Lincoln.","Since we know the near future, should not be shocked by developments.  Temporary cry of peace and security will not deceive us.  World will be deceived but not dedicated worshipers of Jehovah.",1 Th 5:1-5;,Bobby Laymon,What The Near Future Holds!,40,,1995/06/27,
"Truth, Dedication, Love,","It is said, 'Some are willing to die for the truth, but are not willing to live for the truth.'","We must uphold the truth, doing all things whole-souled to Jehovah, and not to men.",Ro 14:8; Col 3:23;,Bobby Laymon,"Friendship With God, Friendship With The World -- Which Will You Choose?",79,,,
"Truth, Devotion, Whole-souled, Food,","'The heart should have fed upon the truth, as insects on a leaf, till it be tinged with the color, and show its food in every . . . minutest fiber.'  Quote: Samuel Taylor Coleridge.  [1818].","The truth truly has transforming powers.  We must let our lives be molded by it, rather than the world squeezing us into it's mold.",Romans 12:2;,Bobby Laymon,Is The Truth Transforming Your Life?,51,,1995/07/18,
"Truth, Evangelizing, Preaching, Growth, Pioneer,","The spreading of the Kingdom message was like an onrushing torrent of water.  For the most part, water courses through river channels although some overflows onto adjoining land; and if an obstruction blocks the way, the water finds an alternate path or builds up volume and pressure until it bursts over the top.","Using its regular channels, the Watch Tower Society assigned full- time minister - pioneers, special pioneers, and missionaries - to lands where little or no preaching work had been done.",1co 3:6;,Jehovah's Witnesses - Proclaimers Of God's Kingdom.  Page 475,Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,63,,,
"Truth, Evangelizing, Preaching, Growth, Pioneer, Deportation, Improve,","'The truth has no barrier whatsoever.  It is like a mighty river; dam it up and it will overflow the dam.' Quote: Mr. Houphouet-Boigny, who later became president of the Ivory Coast.","When threatened with deportation, Gabriel Paterson, was reassured by the above words, and encouraged by the official.  When the Catholic and Methodist interfered, he said, 'We like Jehovah's Witnesses and we want them to stay here in this country.'","Ro 13:3, 4;",Jehovah's Witnesses - Proclaimers Of God's Kingdom.  Page 478,Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,63,,,
"Truth, Everlasting, Forever, Progress, Understanding, Joy, Happiness, Kingdom,",The truth about Jehovah's revealed purpose can be likened to a wonderful painting. This painting conveys to us the hope and prospect of living forever in a new order.,"But we may say that this painting has not yet received its last touch. We do not yet understand everything. And as time goes by we may understand some things better. Because we do not see all the details  as yet, should this become a reason for us to lose our joy and try to find fault with the whole Word of God and his organization? No!",Ps 23:1;,W64 5/15 305,Can You Live Forever?--will You?,35,,1995/01/27,
"Truth, Facts, Bible, Doctrine, Trinity, Soul, Teachings,","'Everyone wishes to have truth on his side, but not everyone wishes to be on the side of truth.'  Quote:  Richard Whately.",We should pray for truth.  Ask Jehovah to examine us and teach us the truth on all matters.,Joh 8:32;,Bobby Laymon,"Come, You Who Thirst For The Truth!",89,,1995/06/13,
"Truth, Faith, Sheep, Meetings","Sheep nibble little here, little there.  Then go a way farther. Nibble on until they are lost from the flock.","Do not fall away from truth all at once.  Little overtime, miss a meeting here, meeting there, soon stray from flock.",Ro 6:13,Divine Teaching Convention,Keep Growing In Your Relationship With God,16,,,
"Truth, False, Bible, Christendom,","'Let the buyer beware' Government regulation: must tell what part of shoe is leather and what is man-made. William J. Whalen, Roman Catholic's statement about Judge","Fallen imperfect man will take liberties with the truth. Rutherford's statement, 'Millions Now Living Will Never Die.' Rutherford applied to 'great crowd'",Deuteronomy. 31:24-26; Mark 12:17; Acts 5:29; Luke 23:2,"May 15, 1963 Wt Page 294",Conducting Ourselves Honestly At All Times,10,,,
"Truth, False, Religion, Christendom, Search,","A man realized he had locked himself out of his apartment. He went to the manager and asked if he had a spare key. The manager said yes, but it was in a big bucket with hundreds of other keys, and the tenant would have to try the different keys until he found the right one. The tenant took the bucket of hundreds of unmarked keys to his front door. Key 1 did not work Key 2 did not work. KEY 3 WORKED! Did the tenant now have to try the hundreds of other keys? Of course not. He found the one that worked.","The point: Finding the truth is like unlocking a door. Once we have found it, is it necessary to investigate all the other religions for the purpose of seeing if another religion is possibly 'the truth'. Of course not. That would be like throwing our key away.",John 17:17,Mark Hanlon,Who Are Qualified As Ministers Of God?,81,,1998/11/26,
"Truth, Falsehood, Trinity, Hell, Purgatory,","'When you have eliminated the impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the truth' Quote: Sherlock Holmes","Religious errors such as hellfire, purgatory, transmigration of the soul, and supposed talking with the dead cannot be truth.",Rev. 22:17,Bobby Laymon,"Come, You Who Thirst For The Truth!",89,,1999/01/02,
"Truth, Famine, Water, Christendom, Provisions, Organization,","'Water, water, everywhere, but not a drop to drink.'  Quote: Samuel Taylor Coleridge.","It has almost come to that point on the entire earth today.  Only 2% of the total volume of earth's water is fresh and 2/3 of that consumable supply is frozen in polar and glacier zones, leaving less than 1% as liquid, fresh water.  Quote:  National Geographic publication.",Rev 11:18;,Bobby Laymon,Why Live By Bible Standards?,88,,1995/07/18,
"Truth, Freedom, Sin, Death, Ransom, Memorial,","In the United States, more than a million people are confined in prisons.  Of these, almost three thousand have been sentenced to die.  Picture yourself in that situation.  How would you feel?  The thought of such a prospect is grim indeed.","Yet, in a sense, all humans are in a similar circumstance.  As descendants of Adam, we are 'imprisoned' by a sinful condition.  We feel the effects of our confinement every day.  Each of us are under a death sentence.",Rom 3:23;5:12;6:23;7:23;,"Feb 1, 1997 Wt Page 4","Living, Not For Self, But To Do God's Will",8,,1997/03/10,
"Truth, Honesty, Sincerity,",'As scarce as truth is the supply has always been in excess of the demand.' Quote: Josh Billings (1815-1885),We should be willing to 'buy truth and do not sell it.',Prov. 23:23;,Bobby Laymon,Conducting Ourselves Honestly At All Times,10,,,
"Truth, Honesty, Sincerity,","'The greatest friend of truth is Time, her greatest enemy is Prejudice, and her constant companion is Humility. Quote by Colton (1780-1832)",'There is nothing hidden that will not be revealed.',"Mark 4:44; 8:17; 1 Tim. 5:24, 25;",Bobby Laymon,Conducting Ourselves Honestly At All Times,10,,,
"Truth, Insight, Honesty, Sincerity,",'No pleasure is comparable to the standing upon the vantage ground of truth.' Quote by Bacon (1561-1626),'You will know the truth and the truth will set you free.',John 8:32,Bobby Laymon,Conducting Ourselves Honestly At All Times,10,,,
"Truth, Insight, Honesty, Sincerity,","'Truth may be stretched, but cannot be broken, and always gets above falsehood, as oil does above water.' Quote by Cervantes (1547-1616)",Time will reveal truth.,"Mark 4:44; 8:17; 1 Tim. 5:24, 25;",Bobby Laymon,Conducting Ourselves Honestly At All Times,10,,,
"Truth, Insight, Honesty, Sincerity,","'Truth, like the sun, submits to be obscured; but like the sun, only for a time.' Quote by Bovee (1820-1904)",Time will reveal truth.,"Mark 4:44; 8:17; 1 Tim. 5:24, 25;",Bobby Laymon,Conducting Ourselves Honestly At All Times,10,,,
"Truth, Insight, Honesty, Sincerity, Christendom,","'A truth that's told with bad intent, Beats all the lies you can invent.'  Quote by William Blake (1757-1828)",2 John 1:7,Christendom Is A Deceiver Like Her Father.,Bobby Laymon,Conducting Ourselves Honestly At All Times,10,,,
"Truth, Insight, Honesty, Sincerity, Christendom,","'Sincerity is no test of truth - no evidence of correctness of conduct.  You may take poison sincerely believing it the needed medicine, but will it save your life?' Quote: Tryon Edwards (1809-1894)",We can be sincere and still be wrong.,Gal. 1:14;,Bobby Laymon,Conducting Ourselves Honestly At All Times,10,,,
"Truth, Knowledge,","'Truth, like a modest little flower in the wilderness of life, is surrounded and almost choked by the luxuriant growth of the weeds of error.'  Quote: The Watchtower's first issue--July 1879.","If you would find it you must be ever on the lookout. If you would see its beauty you must brush aside the weeds of error and the brambles of bigotry. If you would possess it you must stoop to get it. Be not content with one flower of truth. Had one been sufficient there would have been no more. Gather ever, seek for more.'",Ps 86:11,"May 15, 1996 Wt Page 15",,,,1996/06/29,
"Truth, Lie, Falsehood,","'So absolutely good is truth, truth never hurts the teller.' Quote: Robert Browning -1872.","Water of truth refreshes, and cleans from religious defilement, gives hope of eternal life.",Eph. 5:25-27; John 4:10-14;,Bobby Laymon,"Come, You Who Thirst For The Truth!",89,,1995/08/05,
"Truth, Lie, Falsehood,","'Truth exists, only falsehood has to be invented.' Quote: Georges Braque.",Truth is actually not far off.  All we have to do is search for it.,"Matt. 7:7, 8;",Bobby Laymon,"Come, You Who Thirst For The Truth!",89,,1995/08/16,
"Truth, Lie, Falsehood, Knowledge, Accurate, Trinity,",'It is better to know nothing than to know what ain't so.' Quote: Josh Billings.,"Many have a knowledge of the Bible, but it is not accurate.  For example the trinity, immortal soul, and hell fire teaching.",1 Tim 6:20;,Bobby Laymon,Jehovah And Christ--are They Part Of A Trinity?,82,,1995/08/07,
"Truth, Lie, Falsehood, Pioneer,",'Truth has no special time of its own. Its hour is now-always.' Quote: Albert Schweitzer.,Millions who have already accepted the invitation and acted upon it now share in extending it to still others.,Rev 22:17,Bobby Laymon,"Come, You Who Thirst For The Truth!",89,,1995/08/16,
"Truth, Lies, False, Christendom, Satan, Devil,","'Truth, crushed to earth, shall rise again.' Quote: William Cullen Bryant.","False religious teachings abound today.  However, truth will rise to the cause of righteousness.",John 17:17,Bobby Laymon,"Come, You Who Thirst For The Truth!",89,,1995/07/18,
"Truth, Lies, Falsehood, Liars,","'If truth stands in your way, you're headed in the wrong direction.'",Turn around.,Rev 21:8;,J.K.,How The Kingdom Of God Affects You,42,,1997/04/13,
"Truth, Lies, Falsehood, Liars,","'When you tell the truth, you don't have to remember what you said.'",'Always be truthful - it takes a fantastic memory to be a successful liar.',Rev 21:8;,J.K.,How The Kingdom Of God Affects You,42,,1997/04/13,
"Truth, Lies, Trust, Faith,",'He is as good as his word - and his word is no good.' Quote: Sumas MacManus.,"False religion began when Satan led the first pair to rebel against God and abandon true worship.  Satan misrepresented Jehovah as being against human interests.  To this day, false religion is based mainly on lies.",Ge 2:17; 3:1-7; John 8:44;,Bobby Laymon,True Religion Meets The Needs Of Human Society.,94,,1995/06/27,
"Truth, Life,","Acquiring knowledge is not instantaneous, it is like a puzzle where you follow some sort of logical order to put the puzzle together one piece at a time. First, you turn all the pieces face up. Next, work on the border. If a piece doesn't fit you leave it until the background is filled in later. Gradually all the pieces fit together.  As time passes the background picture you are working on gets clearer and clearer.","The same is with the truth--the more we work at it the clearer the truth becomes to us. It is no longer a puzzle, but becomes a beautiful new word picture.",Prov. 18:10,Bobby Laymon,Is The Truth Transforming Your Life?,51,,"Jan 17, 2001",
"Truth, Love, Salt, Tact, Harsh, Kindness,","Sodium is an extremely active element found naturally only in combined form; it always links itself to another element. Chlorine,  on the other hand, is the poisonous gas that gives bleach its offensive odor. When sodium and chlorine are combined, the result is sodium chloride--common table salt--the substance we use to preserve meat and bring out its flavor.","Love and truth can be like sodium and chlorine. Love without truth is flighty, sometimes blind, willing to combine with various doctrines. On the other hand, truth by itself can be offensive, sometimes even poisonous. Spoken without love, it can turn people away from the Kingdom message. When truth and love are combined in an individual, in our congregation, and in our preaching efforts, then we have what Jesus called 'the salt of the earth,' and we're able to preserve and bring out the beauty of our faith.",Ps. 85:10;,Goldman Collection,Does Your Thinking Agree With God's?,53,,"Jan 22, 2001",
"Truth, Modest, Humble, Credit, Russell, Boast, Bragging,","'Our work ... has been to bring together these long scattered fragments of truth and present them to the Lord's people - not as new, not as our own, but as the Lord's.  We must disclaim any credit even for the finding and arrangement of the jewels of truth.' Quote: C. T. Russell","Russell was quite modest about his accomplishments.  'The work in which the Lord has been pleased to use our humble talents has been less a work of origination than of reconstruction, adjustment, harmonization.' Quote: C.T. Russell","1ti 1:17; Re 5:13, 14;",Jehovah's Witnesses - Proclaimers Of God's Kingdom.  Page 48,Into The New Order Under Christ's Leadership,56,,,
"Truth, Money, Materialism, Honesty,","'When money speaks, the truth is silent.'  Quote:  Russian proverb.","People will resort to lies where money is concerned, even though they may speak truth in other matters.",Heb 13:18;,Bobby Laymon,Conducting Ourselves Honestly At All Times,10,,1995/01/23,
"Truth, Needs, Kingdom, Ministry, Preacher","If you were to go out and try to help everyone in your community what would be the way. It would be hard because everyone has different needs, one may need food, another a car, one a home, others friends, so what would you do?",There is a common Denominator that all need and that is the truth so the thing to offer them is the truth about God's kingdom.,John 8:32,J. Laymon,The Kingdom Of God Is Near,109,,,
"Truth, Organization, Loyalty,","If we have invested a large sum of money in something, we do not walk away and leave it.","Many of us have invested many years in the truth, and Jehovah's service.  How foolish to walk away!  If offended by someone, why take it out on the entire congregation.",Pr 19:3; Ge 2:15-17;,"Bessie Smith (comment: Nov 15, 1992 Wt Page 16 Para 14)",Are You Content With Jehovah's Provisions?,22,,,
"Truth, Own, Dedication, Baptism,",'Home is where you hang your heart.',"The truth is like that.  It is more than a place to hang your hat.  When we make the truth our own, we hang our heart there.",Rom 8:38;,Bobby Laymon,"Living, Not For Self, But To Do God's Will",8,,1995/08/04,
"Truth, Persecution,",No man thoroughly understands a truth until he has contended against it.  Quote: Ralph W.  Emerson.,Those who fought the truth have come out losers.,Zech 12:3;,Bobby Laymon,Bearing Up Under Persecution,57,,1997/05/18,
"Truth, Persecution,","Underground stream; water finds a way. Found Watchtower, detail outside camp. Put piece paper, WT, and another paper (sandwich) in dirty cement bucket.  Searched thoroughly. Told to take his bucket.",Truth in communist Hungary. (Other experiences),Matt. 24:14,"June 1, 1958 Wt Page 331",Bearing Up Under Persecution,57,,,
"Truth, Personality, Cost, Freedom,","Italian immigrant; Found 'Harp of God' for 1 cent. bought it; read.  So cheap that literally no one, child, pauper or invalid too poor.  At same time truth is so costly, that by far, most persons are not interested; Cost: Time; strip off & obtain new personality;","Truth can be the cheapest, yet most costly. popularity; materialistic ambitions; previous freedoms, habits; More than worth it: Reward is everlasting Life  John 11:26","Prov. 23:23  Exodus. 20:5  Heb 12:16  1 Pet. 4:3, 4 1 Tim. 6:6-11","Feb 1, 1959 Wt Page 67, 68","Come, You Who Thirst For The Truth!",89,,,
"Truth, Preaching, Witnessing, Service,","Scientist have developed a 'water saw' that can cut through hard wood and concrete faster than a metal saw. It sprays a jet as thin as a human hair at 3000 ft. per. second, or 3 times the speed of sound. Groove, so fine, there is almost no waste.","Truth is like water, that can penetrate and divide persons inner-most thoughts.",Heb. 4:12;,"Dec 22, 1967 Aw Page 30",Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,63,,,
"Truth, Prophecy,",Like a beautiful bouquet of flowers and buds.  One by one they bloom and show their beauty.,The truth is revealed gradually.  It gets lighter and lighter.,Prov 4:18;,J.K.,Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,1997/04/13,
"Truth, Relatives, Persecution,",Watering your relatives does not mean drowning them in it.,Many times we feel we can say anything to relatives.  Give them too much truth to soon.,1 Cor 3:6,Divine Teaching Convention,Bearing Up Under Persecution,57,,,
"Truth, Religion",Have you ever went into grocery store to buy box of cereal. How do you know which one to buy for your family.  Which one will give family the nutrition he needs.  (Hold up boxes of cereals),There are many religions in the world. Which one will give the spiritual nutrition needed.,"Rev. 18:4, Mt.7:13,14",Kevin Dabbs,"Come, You Who Thirst For The Truth!",89,,,
"Truth, Religion, Babylon, Counterfeit, authentic, real,","Detectives train themselves to recognize counterfeit money, however they don't surround themselves with samples of it, studying the confiscated handiwork of criminals.  No, instead they meticulously study 'the real thing', becoming so familiar with it, that any attempted 'copy' stands out as an obvious fraud.","And isn't that the way it should be with us and false religion?  We  don't need to become experts on all the varieties of false religion  that the great counterfeiter, Satan the devil, has produced.  Rather,  we need to meticulously study 'the real thing', the truth!  If we do,  all these other bogus 'copies' will stand out as the obvious frauds  that they really are.",John 8:44;,"Jack Leon, Retired Police Detective (now A Witness)","Come, You Who Thirst For The Truth!",89,,1997/03/18,
"Truth, Religion, Belief,","THE two men facing each other could scarcely have been more dissimilar.  One was a politician who was cynical, ambitious, wealthy, ready to do anything to advance his own career.  The other was a teacher who spurned wealth and prestige and was prepared to sacrifice his life to save the lives of others.  Needless to say, these two men did not see eye to eye!","On one matter in particular, they disagreed absolutely -- the matter of truth.  The men were Pontius Pilate and Jesus Christ.","John 18:37, 38;","Jul 1, 1995 Wt Page 3",Is The Truth Transforming Your Life?,51,,1995/06/04,
"Truth, Religion, Belief, False, Change, Transform,","'For centuries Christians and Jews alike believed that the book [of Genesis] had a single author.  In time this view was challenged, and eventually replaced by the belief that as many as five authors contributed to Genesis.  Then, in 1981, the results of a 5-year linguistic analysis of Genesis were published, stating that there is an 82 percent probability of single authorship, as originally thought.'","'Has the truth about the authorship of Genesis changed?  No.  Only our belief has changed.  The truth will not be changed by our knowledge or by our ignorance.'  Quote: V.R. Ruggiero in his book, 'The Art of Thinking.'","John 18:37, 38;","Jul 1, 1995 Wt Page 6",Is The Truth Transforming Your Life?,51,,1995/06/04,
"Truth, Religion, Belief, False, Change, Transform, Myth, Holidays,","'It is like finding out that trusted parents were, in fact, secret criminals.'","Learning the truth can be costly, but it is a treasure worth any price.  [1] It is disagreeable because it fails to support prejudice or myth.  It exposes beliefs sometimes as untrue.  [2] It may cost us acceptance of some who were former friends.",John 8:32; Rom 3:4; Rom 1:25; 1 Pet 4:4;,"Jul 1, 1995 Wt Page 8",Is The Truth Transforming Your Life?,51,,1995/06/04,
"Truth, Religion, Belief, False, Relativism, Bible,",The truth is like pure water.  Relativism is like murky water.,Let us leave the murky waters of relativism and examine what the Bible calls the pure water of truth.,"John 18:37, 38;","Jul 1, 1995 Wt Page 5",Does Your Hope Rest On Science Or The Bible?,80,,1995/06/04,
"Truth, Religion, Worship,",A man without religion is like a house without windows.,Many are content to be 'houses without windows' with little interest in letting religious light shine into their lives.,Matt. 4:4; John 4:23;,"Feb 1, 1991 Wt Page 3",Religion's Time Of Judgment,83,,,
"Truth, Road To Life, Pioneers,","Runners in race 4 minute mile, thought impossible (Roger Bannister 1st) Rise up early Jer 25:3, 4 Hurdles: opposition, materialism, lose studies, can't find interest.","Race is endurance  Ecc 9:11 Common Problems: health, sleep, TV, eating habits, personalities standard of living; view of music & entertainment (slow down).","Heb 12:1  Jer 25:3, 4  Prov 4:25-27",Convention Talk,Maintain Your Confidence Firm To The End,46,,,
"Truth, Sacrifices, Pioneers, Bethel, Missionaries, Evangelizing, Contributions,","Sometimes you see in movies of detectives who pay people for the truth in a matter.  'Buying the truth' in general may be a common practice, but especially should we do so when it comes to God's Word.","Many thousands of honest-hearted ones have made, and are making great sacrifices in order to 'buy truth.'",Prov. 23:23;,"Dec 15, 1997 Wt Page 8",Renewing The Spirit Of Self-sacrifice,69,,1997/11/11,
"Truth, Sacrifices, Pioneers, Bethel, Missionaries, Evangelizing, Contributions,","Sometimes you see in movies of detectives who pay people for the truth in a matter.  'Buying the truth' in general may be a common practice, but especially should we do so when it comes to God's Word.","Many thousands of honesthearted ones have made, and are making great sacrifices in order to 'buy truth.'",Prov. 23:23;,"Dec 15, 1997 Wt Page 8",Renewing The Spirit Of Self-sacrifice,69,,1997/11/11,
"Truth, Search, Treasure,","There is still gold to be found.  Retreating Confederate soldiers during the last days of the Civil war hid $500,000. in gold in the swamps of the Everglades.  It's never been found.  In 1864 Confederate soldiers buried some $250,000. in gold near the Vermont community before escaping to Canada.  It is still there somewhere.","Yes, there is gold to be found.  However, there is a greater treasure to be had.  It is learning the truth from God's Word.","Prov 2:4,5;",Bobby Laymon - American Essays By Dan Valentine,Follow The Way To Life,45,,1997/05/12,
"Truth, Service,",You are working at factory. You were trained by fellow employee Been doing job some time. One day foreman comes in watches you for while then walks up to you and said you're doing that all wrong. I'll show correct way. He does and then tells you this is owner wants you to do it. It's better way you make better product.,Mankind has done things their way for centuries then Jesus came and said there's a better way. Spent his life working for his father. Seeking first kingdom.,"John 4:34, Matt. 6:33,34",J. Laymon,How Should You Serve God?,58,,,
"Truth, Service, Harvest",Israelite after harvest did not go over again but remainder was left for poor to glean.,We are not in a gleaning work but a full fledge harvest.,John 4:35,J. Laymon,Slave For The Master Of The Harvest,66,,,
"Truth, Service, Slave, Self,",How would you like to work for years at a job and find that it was for nothing. Many came to America & went to work coal mines.  They bought things they needed at company owned store. They could never get out of debt. Ernie Ford sang song about it. (16 tons) said another day older deeper in debt. owe soul store.,What if someone offered pay off debt. We are all in world dying situation. Jesus bought us out. How do we feel about it. Showed new way working for heavenly father.,"John 4:34, Matt. 6:33,34",Johnse Laymon,Slave For The Master Of The Harvest,66,,,
"Truth, Service, Teach, Boast.","Those who can do, those who can't, teach.","We should not be boasting, but doing.",Jas. 1:22-27;,Bobby Laymon,How Should You Serve God?,58,,,
"Truth, Studies, Attitude, Positive, Holidays, Disfellowshipping,",Its like a cake.  Individual parts of it may not be so good by themselves.  The sugar may be too sweet.  The chocolate is actually bitter.  The flour doesn't taste so good.  However mix them and blend them altogether and you have a delicious recipe.,"The truth is like that.  Especially disfellowshipping, holidays, may be distasteful at first.  We try to give enough of each part of the truth to make it irresistible. They will want more and more of it.",Heb 4:12;,Linda Landers,Is The Truth Transforming Your Life?,51,,1995/04/30,
"Truth, Study, Disciples,","Like a chain, one link follows another.","Jehovah is using a spiritual chain of truth today.  We study with someone, they follow our example, and spiritual chain keeps growing.","Matt. 28:19, 20;",Bruce Hathcock,Keep Growing In Your Relationship With God,16,,,
"Truth, Study, Meditate,",Need to be like a small child that has a longing for milk it will cry for it until it gets it.,Need form longing for milk of God's word. not mean fundamental truth.,"1 Pet 2:2,3",M. Morrow,Taking Time To Meditate On Spiritual Things,67,,,
"Truth, Transform, Change, Improve, Life, Growth,","'Believe, if you will, that mountains change their place, but do not believe that man changes his nature.' Quote: Mohammed (570-632 A.D.)",Only the truth can affect deep-seated personalities.  It can change even the nature of men.,Ro 12:2; Is 11:5-7;,Wisdom Of The Ages,Is The Truth Transforming Your Life?,51,,,
"Truth, Transform, Change, Improve, Life, Growth,",'To change and change for the better are two different things.' Quote: German Proverb,The truth can transform us for the better.,Ro 12:2;,Wisdom Of The Ages,Is The Truth Transforming Your Life?,51,,,
"Truth, Transforming, Life,",How many have been on a diet of some kind?  How many have been on more than one?  The purpose is to transform something about our bodies.,"The truth can transform our lives, however we must stick to it, and realize it is a constant transformation, and not a one-time thing.",1co 6:9-11; Col 3:5-7; Is 11:6-9; Mic 6:8;,David Berry,Is The Truth Transforming Your Life?,51,,,
"Truth, Trinity,","Bank teller.  Doesn't study all counterfeit money, learns what true money is.","We don't have to study false religion.  Study truth, and you will automatically know what is bad",Jo 8:44,Bobby Laymon,Jehovah And Christ--are They Part Of A Trinity?,82,,,
"Truth, Watchtower, Exert,","'Truth, like a modest little flower in the wilderness of life, is surrounded and almost choked by the luxuriant growth of the weeds of error.'  The first issue of Zion's Watch Tower and Herald of Christ's Presence.",If you would find it you must be ever on the lookout. If you would see its beauty you must brush aside the weeds of error and the brambles of bigotry. If you would possess it you must stoop to get it.',John 17:17;,G89 12/22 19,Are You Content With Jehovah's Provisions?,22,,1994/07/10,
"Truth, Way Of","Forest, see path (explain how easier to walk) Hills & mountains are types of worship.",We have chosen better way.  Path,"Isa 2: 2, 3",Bro O Brien   Circuit Assy,,,,,
"Truth, Witnessing, Breath, Spiritual, Pioneers, Missionary, World,",As a person's physical breath can tell something about his physical and emotional state.  By what he gives vent to he reveals his inward self. Quote: F.W. Franz (46th class of Gilead),"Therefore, by what a person breathes out in expressing himself tells what kind of a person he is.  Jehovah can tell by what a person 'breathes' out what kind of individual he is.  Must reflect the qualities of God.",1 Cor 6:9-11; Eph 4:22-24;,"Oct 22, 1968 Aw Page 27",'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
"Truth, Witnessing, Service, Tact,","'The truth hurts!'  Truth, complied with, can effect your future for good.",It really does not hurt nearly so much as ignoring it or misrepresenting it does.,John 17:17;,"Mar 1, 1967 Wt Page 160",How Should You Serve God?,58,,,
"Truth, World,","Are we in the truth, or is the truth in us?  Eph 4:21 says, 'Just as truth is in Jesus.'","There is a danger of just being in the truth.  Those who had only a superficial understanding were easily and quickly swayed by others, in Paul's day, and the same is true today. We must have the truth in us!","Eph 4:14, 21; John 14:6; Col 2:3;","Mar 1, 1993 Wt Page 14, 15;",'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
"Truth, World, Holy, Cleanliness,","When our garment gets soiled or spotted, such as during a meal, we change it the first chance we have.  [ 'put away' indicates an action taken once for all time]",Should we not be equally concerned about any soiling of our spiritual state?,"Eph 4:22; Ro 13:12, 14; Eph 6:11-17; Col 3:8-12; 1th 5:8;","Mar 1, 1993 Wt Page 15;",A Clean People Honors Jehovah,14,,,
"Truth, World, Holy, Cleanliness, Mind, Transformation,",A person who gets up out of a mud puddle needs not only to take his dirty clothes but also to wash himself thoroughly before he puts on something fresh and clean.  Renewal must begin with a bath.  [if unchanged will sooner or later compel him to return to what he abandoned. example: smoking],"The mind, the center of perception and understanding is where the renewal must begin.  That is what Paul meant, 'You should be made new in the FORCE actuating your mind.' Defined: our own mental tendency and inclination.",Eph 4:23; Ecclesiastes 7:20; 1c 2:14; Col 1:21; 2:18;,"Mar 1, 1993 Wt Page 16;",A Clean People Honors Jehovah,14,,,
"Truth, Worship, Religion, Apostate,",No matter how good road may look would you want to travel that road with someone who had no regard for traffic laws. Or would you travel rougher road with someone who observed all the laws?,"If observing Bible rough road, broad road easier traveling but dangerous","Matt.7:13,14","Johnse Laymon Apr 22, 1965 Aw Pg.29",Religion's Time Of Judgment,83,,,
"Truth, Youth, Dedication, Baptism, Prayer, Own,",Home is just a house.  You have to make it a home!  We can form a longing for our home.  Homesick!  Cry for home!,"It's the same way with the truth!  You have to make it your own. We must form a longing for truth; understanding; see truth unraveling, unfolding.  Pray for the truth.","1pe 2:2,3;",Larry Punko,Prayers That Are Heard By God.,86,,,
"Truth, Youth, World, Association, Music, Videos, T.V. Television,","It is easy to follow the crowds.  Have you ever tried to walk into the assembly hall, while everyone else is walking out?  It is not easy.",It is not easy to avoid following the crowds to 'evil ends' today. Real effort must be made.,"Exodus 23:2; Ro 7:21; Exodus 33:2; Mt 7:13, 14;","Divine Teaching Dist. Assy. July 1-4, 1993 Ken Milliorn",'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
"Truth, Youth, World, Endurance, Music, Videos, T.V. Television,",What if you came back to your house and the Devil was sitting there in your house.  What would you do?,How much time do you spend with world's channels?  Have you invited Satan into your home? (Serving Jehovah is not 'a piece of cake.',"1 John 2:15, 16; 2co 13:5;","Divine Teaching Dist. Assy. July 1-4, 1993 Ken Milliorn",'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
"Truth, Youth, World, Endurance, Talk, Walk,","There's a worldly saying about 'Talk the talk, walk the walk.'","Youth, you can 'Talk the talk' of the truth, but can you 'Walk the walk' of the truth.  Can you live up to the truth.","1 John 2:15, 16;","Divine Teaching Dist. Assy. July 1-4, 1993 Ken Milliorn",'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
Truth- Learning It,Mountain climber-climbed the highest mountain of all. Discarded old equipment & purchased new.  Phil 3:8,Now helping others to become mountain-climbers.,"Isa 2:2, 2","Dec 1, 1989 Wt Page 28-30",Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,63,,,
"Truth-leaving, Music,","Darkness-how dark darkness becomes when one goes back to it. Heart would go bad backward lyrics in songs Black Oak Ark; Rolling Stones, AC-DC",We are walking in increasing light. Bethel removed records; 500 1st time. 2nd 1300 in garbage.,"Prov 4:18, 19",Assy Talk,How To Protect Ourselves From Satan's Snares,115,,,
Truth;,"'See everything, overlook a great deal, correct a little.'  Quote:  Pope John 23.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Truth;,"'To be persuasive, we must be believable, to be believable, we must be credible, to be credible, we must be truthful.'  Quote:  Edward R. Murrow.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Truth;,'When you want to fool the world tell the truth.'  Quote:  Otto Von Bismarck.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Truth;,The most dangerous untruths are  truths moderately distorted.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Truth; Conviction; Credulity;,'Convictions are more dangerous foes of truth than lies.'  Quote:  Nietzsche.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Truth; Facts;,'A belief is not true because it is useful.'  Quote:  Henry Amiel.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Truth; Facts;,'A thing is not necessarily true because a man dies for it.'  Quote:  Oscar Wilde.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Truth; Facts;,'All our enemies are mortal. (including Satan)'  Quote:  La Fontaine.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Truth; Facts;,'An old error is always more popular than a new truth.'  Quote:  German.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Truth; Facts;,"'And then, like a preacher for instance, they get a bunch of people to start following them and pretty soon he interested in protecting his following. That's the end of the truth. (for the performer and the artist)' Quote:  T-Bone Burnett",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Truth; Facts;,"'As scarce as the truth is, the supply has always been in excess of the demand.'  Quote:  J. Billings.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Truth; Facts;,"'Beauty is truth, truth, beauty.'  Quote:  John Keats.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Truth; Facts;,"'Beware of truth as you would fire, they both have the same properties. Nothing can resist them.' Quote: Valery",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Truth; Facts;,'Convictions are more dangerous enemies of truth than lies.'  Quote:  F. Nietzsche.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Truth; Facts;,'Digging for the facts is much better than jumping to conclusions. He that knows nothing is nearer the truth than he whose mind is filled with falsehoods.' Quote:  Tj,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Truth; Facts;,"'Every man is fully satisfied that there is such a thing as truth, or he would not ask any question.'  Quote:  Charles Sander Pierce.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Truth; Facts;,'Extensive interviews show that not one alcoholic has ever seen a pink elephant.' Quote:  Yale University Center Of Alcohol Studies,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Truth; Facts;,"'Facts are God's arguments, we should be careful to never misunderstand or pervert them.' Quote:  Tyron Edwards",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Truth; Facts;,'Facts are stubborn things.'  Quote:  Jared Elliot.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Truth; Facts;,'Facts speak for themselves.'  Quote:  Platus.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Truth; Facts;,"'Flattery makes friends, truth enemies.' Quote: Spanish",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Truth; Facts;,'Fraud and falsehood only dread examination. Truth invites it.' Quote:  Thomas Cooper,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Truth; Facts;,"'Get your facts first, then you can distort them as much as you please.'  Quote:  Mt.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Truth; Facts;,'Great men cling to truth as if their hearts had teeth.'  Quote:  Louis Danz.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Truth; Facts;,'Guile must wear clothes but the truth goes naked.'  Quote:  Scottish.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Truth; Facts;,'Humor plays close to the big hot fire which is Truth.'  Quote:  E. B. White.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Truth; Facts;,'I believe in the end truth will conquer.'  Quote:  John Wycliffe.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Truth; Facts;,"'I have never been sure I am right, but I'm also sure nobody else has this thing called truth.'  Quote:  Saul Alinsky.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Truth; Facts;,"'I speak truth, not all that I would like to, but as much as I dare to speak.'  Quote:  Montaigne.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Truth; Facts;,'I think the most important quality in a person concerned with religion is absolute devotion to the truth.'  Quote:  A. Switzer.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Truth; Facts;,"'If it is not true, it is very well invented.'  Quote:  Italian.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Truth; Facts;,'If you speak the truth have one foot in the stirrup.' Quote:  Turkish,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Truth; Facts;,"'If you tell the truth, you don't have to remember anything.'  Quote:  Mt.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Truth; Facts;,"'It has always been desirable to tell the truth, but seldom if ever necessary.'  Quote:  A. J. Balfour.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Truth; Facts;,'It is assumed that a dying man will tell the truth.'  Quote:  Latin.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Truth; Facts;,"'It is easier to perceive error than to find truth, for the former lies on the surface and is easily seen, while the latter lies in the depth, where few are willing to search for it.' Quote:  Von Goethe",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Truth; Facts;,'It is hard to believe that a man is telling the truth when you know that you would lie if you were in his place.'  Quote:  Mencken.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Truth; Facts;,"'It is man that makes truth great, not truth that makes man great.'  Quote:  Confucius.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Truth; Facts;,'It would be wrong to put friendship before truth.'  Quote:  Aristotle.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Truth; Facts;,"'Like all valuable commodities, truth is often counterfeited.'  Quote:  James Gibbons.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Truth; Facts;,'Many a true word is spoken in jest.'  Quote:  English.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Truth; Facts;,'Most of the change we think we see in life is due to truths being in and out of favor.'  Quote:  Robert Frost.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Truth; Facts;,"'Most writes regard truth as their most valuable possession, and therefore most are economical in its use.'  Quote:  Mt.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Truth; Facts;,'Not every truth is fit to be told.'  Quote:  Beaumarchais.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Truth; Facts;,'Nothing makes a man or body of men as mad as truth. If there is not truth in it they laugh it off.' Quote:  W. Rogers,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Truth; Facts;,'One must accept the truth from whatever source it comes.'  Quote:  Maimonides.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Truth; Facts;,"'Only the truth is never olden, truth alone is ever golden, on whatever plain thou pitches, ere the true man is the richest.'  Quote:  Forsythe Wilson.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Truth; Facts;,'Only truth is beautiful.'  Quote:  French.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Truth; Facts;,"'People don't ask for facts in making up their minds. They would rather have one good, soul satisfying emotion than a dozen facts.'  Quote:  Robert Keith Leavitt.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Truth; Facts;,"'Rumor travels faster, but it don't stay put as long as truth.' Quote: W. Rogers",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Truth; Facts;,'Say the truth and shame the Devil.'  Quote:  Bishop Latimer 1485 Burned For Heresy.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Truth; Facts;,'Some folks never handle the truth without scratching it.'  Quote:  Austin O'malley.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Truth; Facts;,'Speak the truth and leave immediately after.' Quote:  Yugoslav.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Truth; Facts;,"'Speak the truth:   Quote:  Anita L. McMahon - Ft. Wayne Paper.  What used to be called modesty is now called a sex hang-up.  Discipline is now called unhealthy repression.  Disgusting is now called adult.  Moral irresponsibility is now called being freed up.  Chastity is now called neurotic inhibitions.'   Self-indulgence is now called self-fulfillment.  Living in sin is now called a meaningful relationship.  Perversion is now called an alternate life-style.  Depravity is now called creative self-expression or art.  Killing an unborn baby is now called choice.  False euphemisms can deform the mind, destroy the heart and betray the conscience.    Quote:  Anita L. McMahon - Ft. Wayne Paper.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Truth; Facts;,'Stake life upon truth.'  Quote:  Juvenal-Roman Poet 60-140.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Truth; Facts;,'Statistics are human beings with the tears wiped off.'  Quote:  Paul Brodeur.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Truth; Facts;,'Statistics are no substitute for judgment.'  Quote:  Henry Clay.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Truth; Facts;,'Tell the truth and shame the Devil.' Quote: 16 Century.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Truth; Facts;,"'That has been believed by everyone, always and everywhere, has every chance of being false.'  Quote:  P. Valery.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Truth; Facts;,'The greatest homage we can pay to truth is to use it.'  Quote:  Rwe.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Truth; Facts;,'The greatest service of a leader is to destroy the enemy.'  Quote:  Seneca.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Truth; Facts;,'The highest compact we can make with our fellow is 'Let there be truth between us two forevermore.'   Quote:  Rwe 1860.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Truth; Facts;,'The love of truth lies at the root of much humor.'  Quote:  Robertson Davies.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Truth; Facts;,'The man who speaks the truth is always at ease.'  Quote:  Persian.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Truth; Facts;,'The pure and simple truth is rarely pure and never simple.'  Quote:  Oscar Wilde.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Truth; Facts;,'The truth is not always dressed for the evening.'  Quote:  Margaret Lewrth.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Truth; Facts;,"'The truth is often a terrible weapon of aggression. It is possible to lie, and even to murder, with the truth.'  Quote:  Alfred Adler.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Truth; Facts;,'The truth is so simple that it is regarded as pretentious banality.'  Quote:  Dag Hammarskjöld.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Truth; Facts;,'There are none so blind as they that won't see.'  Quote:  English.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Truth; Facts;,"'There are three sides to every story, yours, mine, and all that lies between.'  Quote:  Jody Kern.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Truth; Facts;,'There is more light than can be seen through a window.'  Quote:  Russian.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Truth; Facts;,'Time discovers truth.'  Quote:  Lucius Annaecus Seneca.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Truth; Facts;,'Torture numbers and they'll confess to anything.'  Quote:  Greg Easterbrook.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Truth; Facts;,'Truth and oil always come to the surface.' Quote:  Spanish,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Truth; Facts;,'Truth brings forth hatred.'  Quote:  Latin.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Truth; Facts;,"'Truth exists, only falsehood has to be invented.'  Quote:  George Braque.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Truth; Facts;,'Truth fears no trial.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Truth; Facts;,"'Truth forever on the scaffold, wrong forever on the throne.'  Quote:  J. R. Lowell.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Truth; Facts;,"'Truth gets well if she is run over by a locomotive, while error dies of lock-jaw if she scratches her finger.' Quote:  William Bryant",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Truth; Facts;,"'Truth is always exciting. Speak it, then. Life is dull without it.'  Quote:  Pearl Buck.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Truth; Facts;,'Truth is generally the best vindication against slander.'  Quote:  Al.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Truth; Facts;,'Truth is the cry of all but the game of few.'  Quote:  George Berkley.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Truth; Facts;,'Truth is the property of no individual but is the treasure of all men.'  Quote:  Rwe.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Truth; Facts;,'Truth never damages a cause that is just.'  Quote:  Gandhi.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Truth; Facts;,'Truth never grows old.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Truth; Facts;,'Truth or tact? You have to choose. Most times they are not compatible.'  Quote:  Eddie Cantor.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Truth; Facts;,"'Two and two continue to make four, in spite of the whine of the amateur for three, or the cry of the critic for five.' Quote:  Whistler",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Truth; Facts;,'We do not know truth without knowing its cause.'  Quote:  Aristotle.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Truth; Facts;,"'Whatever is only almost true is quite false, and among the most dangerous of errors, because of being so near truth, it is the more likely to lead astray.'  Quote:  Hwb.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Truth; Facts;,"'When a thing is funny, search for a hidden truth.'  Quote:  G. B. Shaw.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Truth; Facts;,'When money speaks the truth keeps silent.'  Quote:  Russian.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Truth; Facts;,'Ye shall know the truth and the truth shall make you mad.'  Quote:  Aldous Huxley.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Truth; Facts;,"Beware of a half-truth, you may have gotten the wrong half.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Truth; Facts;,Children and fools speak the truth.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Truth; Facts;,"truth is like a rubber band, if you stretch it too far it might slap you in the face.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Truth; Facts;,Hot air is no substitute for cold facts.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Truth; Facts;,Noting destroys the truth faster than stretching it.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Truth; Facts;,Only a sadistic scoundrel or a fool tells the truth on social occasions.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Truth; Facts;,Tell the truth and run.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Truth; Facts;,The language of truth is simple.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Truth; Facts;,The truth doesn't hurt unless it ought to.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Truth; Facts;,The truth of any proposition has noting to do with its credibility and vice versa.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Truth; Facts;,Truth and roses have thorns about them.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Truth; Facts;,"Truth exists for the wise, beauty for the feeling heart.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Truth; Facts;,Truth is mighty and will prevail.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Truth; Facts;,Truth may be blamed but cannot be shamed.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Truth; Facts; Cleanliness, Holy,",'The truth keeps the hand cleaner than soap.'  Quote:  African Proverb.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Truth; Facts; Good;,A good heart cannot lie.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Truth; Facts; Honesty;,'A radical is one who speaks the truth.'  Quote:  Charles Lindberg.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Truth; Facts; Honesty;,'Accuracy of statement is one of the first elements of truth; inaccuracy is a near kin to falsehood.' Quote:  Tyron Edwards,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Truth; Facts; Honesty;,"'Everyone wishes to have truth on his side, but not everyone wishes to be on the side of the truth.'  Quote:  Richard Whately.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Truth; Facts; Honesty;,"'Examine what is said, not him who speaks it.'  Quote:  Arabian.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Truth; Facts; Honesty;,'Facts are facts and will not disappear on account of your likes.'  Quote:  Nehru.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Truth; Facts; Honesty;,"'Men occasionally stumble over the truth, but most of them pick themselves up and hurry off as if nothing happened.' Quote:  Winston Churchill",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Truth; Facts; Honesty;,'Never tell the truth to people who are not worthy of it.'  Quote:  Mt.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Truth; Facts; Honesty;,"'Rather than love, than money, than fame, give me truth.'  Quote:  Hdt.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Truth; Facts; Honesty;,'Some people so treasure the truth that they use it with great economy.'  Quote:  R. Golnor.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Truth; Facts; Honesty;,'The truth is more important than the facts.'  Quote:  Flw.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Truth; Facts; Honesty;,"'When you want to fool the world, tell the truth.'  Quote:  Otto Von Bismarck.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Truth; Facts; Honesty;,All men wish to have truth on their side; but few wish to be on the side of truth.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Truth; Facts; Honesty;,Facts do not cease to exist because they are ignored.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Truth; Facts; Honesty;,Honesty is the first chapter in the book of wisdom.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Truth; Facts; Honesty;,"Silence is not always tact, and it is  tact that is golden, not silence.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Truth; Facts; Honesty;,"The color of the cow may be different, but milk is white.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Truth; Facts; Honesty;,"The greatest friend of truth is time, her greatest enemy is prejudice, and her constant companion is humility.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Truth; Facts; Honesty;,The heart must grow tranquil before the thought can become searching.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Truth; Facts; Honesty;,"There are truths which are not for all men, nor all times.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Truth; Facts; Honesty;,There is nothing so powerful as truth; and often nothing so strange.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Truth; Facts; Honesty;,"Truth comes home to the mind so naturally that when we learn it for the first time, it seems as though we did no more than recall it to our memory.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Truth; Facts; Honesty;,"Truth is a good dog; but always beware of barking too close to the heels of an error, lest you get your brains kicked out.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Truth; Facts; Honesty;,Truth lies wrapped up and hidden in the depths.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Truth; Facts; Honesty;,"Truth will be uppermost one time or another, like cork, though kept down in the water.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Truth; Facts; Honesty;,Unless we stand for something we will fall for anything. Quote: Peter Marshall.,"We must stand for truth, honesty, and integrity.",Rev 13:10;,Jk Quotes;,How Should You Serve God?,58,,,
Truth; Facts; Honesty;,"We know the truth, not only by reason, but also by the heart.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Truth; Facts; Honesty; Tact;,"'I praise loudly, I blame softly.'  Quote:  Russian.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Truth; Gossip;,'A truth that's told with bad intent beats all the lies you can invent.' Quote:  Will Durant,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Truth; Light;,"'Where there is much light, the shadow is deep.' Quote:  Von Goethe",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Truth; Lying;,"'Any fool can tell the truth, but it requires a man of some sense to know how to lie well.'  Quote:  Samuel Butler.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Truth; Lying;,'There is no worse lie than a truth misunderstood by those who hear it.' Quote:  William James,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Truth; Lying;,"Always tell the truth. If you can't always tell the truth, don't lie.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Truth; Reason;,'I have one request: may I never use my reason against truth.'  Quote:  Ely Wiesel.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Truth; Refreshing, Depression, Stress,","Woman, dying of cancer, burden crushes; second opinion perhaps you: lived in dread torment, guilt, sickness, severe depression, grief Matt 4:24  11:28,29.","When Jesus came people were weighed down, burden of sin.",Matt 23:4  15:1-9  Mark 7:2-5,"July 15, 1989 Wt Page 18",Gaining Comfort In All Our Tribulations,105,,,
Truth; Religion;,"'The strength of a man consists in finding out the way God is going, and going that way.'  Quote:  Hwb.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Truth; Religion;,"'Whatever a man seeks, honors, or exalts more than God, this is the god of his idolatry.' Quote:  William Ullathrone",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Truth; Superstition; Hypocrisy;,"'Superstition, idolatry, and hypocrisy have ample wages, but truth goes begging.'  Quote:  Martin Luther.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Truth; Tact;,"'Gracious to all, to none subservient, without offense he spoke the word he meant.'  Quote:  Thomas Aldrich.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Truth; Virtue, Power, Abuse;","'Anyone entrusted with power will lose it if not also animated with the love of truth and virtue, no matter whether he is a prince or one of the people.'  Quote:  Jean De La Fontaine.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Truths, Basic, Learning, Knowledge, Progress, Improvement,","WHEN a child starts attending school, among the first things he learns are reading and writing.  These vital subjects prepare him for more advanced material, such as social studies, science, and languages. If the child fails to get a thorough grasp of reading and writing, his whole future education is adversely affected.","Learning how to worship God is somewhat similar. When we study the Bible, we find that there are numerous basic truths, or principles, that have to be mastered. Once we have grasped these, we can go on to deeper matters","Heb 6:1, 2;",W88 10/1 26,Keep Growing In Your Relationship With God,16,,1994/06/04,
Trying;,"'Ah, but a man's reach should exceed his grasp, or what's a heaven for?'  Quote:  Robert Browning.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Trying; Effort;,'The mode in which the inevitable comes to pass is through effort.'  Quote:  Owh.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Trying; Effort;,'You can only find out by trying.'  Quote:  Greek.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Tv, Television, Association, Morals, Influence, Drugs, Sex,","'A few months before I was born, my dad met a stranger who was new to our small Tennessee town. From the beginning, Dad was fascinated with this enchanting newcomer, and soon invited him to live with our family. The stranger was quickly accepted and was around to welcome me into the world a few months later. As I grew up I never questioned his place in our family.  In my young mind, each member had a special niche. My brother, Bill, five years my senior, was my example. Fran, my younger sister, gave me an opportunity to play 'big brother' and develop the art of teasing. My parents were complementary instructors-- Mom taught me to love the word of God, and Dad taught me to obey it. But the stranger was our storyteller. He could weave the most fascinating tales. Adventures, mysteries and comedies were daily conversations. He could hold our whole family spell-bound for hours each evening. If I wanted to know about politics, history, or science, he knew it all. He knew about the past, understood the present, and seemingly could predict the future.  The pictures he could draw were so life like that I: would often laugh or cry as I watched. He was Like a friend to the whole family. He took Dad, Bill and me to our first major league baseball game. He was always encouraging us to see the movies and he even made arrangements to introduce us to several movie stars. My brother and I were deeply impressed by John Wayne in particular. The stranger was an incessant talker. Dad didn't seem to mind-but  sometimes Mom would quietly get up-- while the rest of us were enthralled with one of his stories of faraway places-- go to her room, read her Bible and pray.  I wonder now if she ever prayed that the stranger would leave. You see, my dad ruled our household with certain moral convictions. But this stranger never felt obligation to honor them. Profanity, for example, was not allowed in our house-- not from us, from our friends, or adults. Our longtime visitor, however, used occasional four letter words that burned my ears and made Dad squirm. To my knowledge the stranger was never confronted. My dad was a teetotaler who didn't permit alcohol in his home -not even for cooking. But the stranger felt like we needed exposure and enlightened us to other ways of life. He offered us beer and other alcoholic beverages often.  He made cigarettes look tasty, cigars manly, and pipes distinguished. He  talked freely (probably too much too freely) about sex. His comments were sometimes blatant, sometimes suggestive, and generally embarrassing. I know now that my early concepts of the man-woman relationship were influenced by the stranger, As I look back, I believe it was the grace of God that the stranger did not influence us more. Time after time he opposed the values of my parents. Yet he was seldom rebuked and never asked to leave. More than thirty years have passed since the stranger moved in with the young family on Morningside Drive. He is not nearly so intriguing to my Dad as he  was in those early years. But if I were to walk into my parents' den today, you would still see him sitting over in a corner, waiting for someone to listen to him talk and watch him draw his pictures.",His name? We always just called him TV.',1 Cor. 15:33,Steve Hashimura,Choose Your Associates Wisely!,116,,1998/01/08,
"Tv, Television, Time,","When you are through using the hair dryer, do you turn it off or leave it on?",Why not do the same when you are finished watching television.  Why leave it on?,"Eph. 5:15, 16",Monica Bland,Renewing The Spirit Of Self-sacrifice,69,,"Feb 11, 2001",
"Twilight, Truth, Dedication, Baptism, Adjustment, Progress,","What if darkness came suddenly each evening, as though a light switch had been turned off?  Would you miss the twilight?  The gradual changeover from day to night provides both plants and animals a time of adjustment.  Some plants slowly fold their leaves and flowers in twilight, seemingly to hide their frail parts from the night.","It is similar when one learns the truth.  We do not expect immediate changes from darkness to light.  As new ones progress toward baptism, they gradually adjust to increasing truth.",Pr 4:18;,"Mar 8, 1971 Aw Page 21, 22",Keep Growing In Your Relationship With God,16,,1994/01/08,
"Type, Prophecy, Antitype, Shadow, Christendom,","Just as the impression that is made on paper corresponds with the inked piece of type that is used by the printer.  In the Holy Bible, we note the use of the word 'type' or 'pattern'.","Modern Christendom had an ancient pattern to which she corresponds That ancient pattern is called the 'type' and Christendom is called the 'antitype.'  The antitype is the 'end result,' or finished product.",1co 10:11; Heb 8:5; 1pe 3:21;,"Dec 1, 1970 Wt Page 714",The Flood Of Noah's Day Has Meaning For Us,6,,,
"Type, Shadow, Model, Pattern,","On a typewriter, the 'type' is the moving part (the little arm that comes up and strikes the ribbon.)  The anti-type is the finished product.  The type comes first.",Jehovah set out typical representations of the 'high priest' 'spiritual temple' and other things to come.  These types were an image of the finished product.,Heb 8:5; 10:1; Le 21:10-13;,Bobby Laymon (see All Scripture Is Inspired Page 29),Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,,
Ugly; Ugliness;,'Better an ugly face than an ugly mind.'  Quote:  James Ellis.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Unbelieving Mate,"Rather 'see' a sermon than 'hear' one. Sister about to divorce; prayed; directed to elders, advised to tell husband her intentions; he listened; changed for better. Brothers: give advise, not opinions.",Don't try to ram truth down mate's throat.,"1 Pet 3:1, 2  Gal 6:10","Pure Language Dist. Assy July 5-8, 1990",Coping With Life's Anxieties,32,,,
Understanding Revelation,"An important key is verse Rev. 1:10 below. It applies primarily to 'the Lord's day,' which began when Jesus became King in 1914.",'By inspiration I came to be in the Lord's day.',Rev 1:1o,"Apr 1, 89 Wt Page 11",Follow The Way To Life,45,,,
"Understanding, Bible, Patience, Prophecy,","Learning Bible truths is like a puzzle. When you open the box the pieces don't fall together by themselves, you need to work at it.  And of course you won't get the full picture at first. If you find one piece that doesn't fit--do you shove it in anyway or do you set it aside until you are ready for it and make it complete the picture?","The puzzle is like learning Bible truths--it takes time and if you get a 'piece' that you don't understand, set it aside and wait until more of the picture is completed.  Understanding 'solid food' of the Bible doesn't come automatically. We need to rely on Jehovah for guidance and understanding.","Ps. 1:1, 2;",Goldman Collection,Does Your Hope Rest On Science Or The Bible?,80,,"Jan 21, 2001",
"Understanding, Kindness, Empathy,","A farmer had some puppies he needed to sell.  He painted a sign advertising the pups and set about nailing it to a post on the edge of his yard.  As he was driving the last nail into the post, he felt a tug on his overalls.  He looked down into the eyes of a little boy.  Mister,' he said, 'I want to buy one of your puppies.' 'Well,' said the farmer, as he rubbed the sweat off the back of his neck, 'these puppies come from fine parents and cost a good deal of money.' The boy dropped his head for a moment.  Then reaching deep into his pocket, he pulled out a handful of change and held it up to the farmer.  'I've got thirty-nine cents.  Is that enough to take a look?'  'Sure,' said the farmer.  And with that he let out a whistle, 'Here, Dolly!' he called.   Out from the doghouse and down the ramp ran Dolly followed by four little balls of fur.  The little boy pressed his face against the chain link fence.  His eyes danced with delight.  As the dogs made their way to the fence, the little boy noticed something else stirring inside the doghouse.  Slowly another little ball appeared; this one noticeably smaller.  Down the ramp it slid. Then in a somewhat awkward manner the little pup began hobbling toward the others, doing its best to catch up.... 'I want that one,' the little boy said, pointing to the runt.  The farmer knelt down at the boy's side and said, 'Son, you don't want that puppy.  He will never be able to run and play with you like these other dogs would.  'With that the little boy stepped back from the fence, reached down, and began rolling up one leg of his trousers.  In doing so he revealed a steel brace running down both sides of his leg attaching itself to a specially made shoe.","Looking back up at the farmer, he said, 'You see sir, I don't run too well myself, and he will need someone who understands.'   At times we all need someone who understands our circumstances.  The anointed brothers will have gone through every experience of humanity.",Prov. 1:5,Danny Proctor,Human Creation's Groaning--when Will It End?,141,,"Aug 27, 2001",
"Understanding, Knowledge, Perceptive, Morals, Changes, Transform,","When you take the garbage out do you hate to part with it?  Do you hold it close to your bosom and say, 'I hate to part with you?'",When the Bible says to 'repudiate ungodliness' do we hate to do that.,Tit 2:12; Phil 3:8;,Theodore Jaracz Gb - Assembly Part,Is The Truth Transforming Your Life?,51,,"Oct 24, 2000",
"Understanding, Knowledge, Wisdom, Accurate,",An auto mechanic has the ability to see into a matter.  He also has the ability to discern the problem and what it will take to fix it.,"We need to acquire knowledge, understanding and wisdom.","Eph. 4:11, 12;",Ron Whitlatch - C.O. - Assembly Part,Keep Growing In Your Relationship With God,16,,"Oct 24, 2000",
"Understanding, Knowledge, Wisdom, Organization, Bible,","Overcast sky gradually breaks up;  opening between clouds, more light;   Bible get brighter and brighter.","Passing clouds obscure some truths, but return in greater clarity.",Prov. 4:18,"Dec 15, 1962 Wt Page 762",Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,,
"Understanding, Now, Immediate, Urgency,","We lived down in Louisiana where there are a lot of swampy places.  There were a lot of snakes, and especially cottonmouths.  One day a mother looked out in the yard where her little boy was playing and saw something that didn't look right.  It was a snake coiling up, ready for a strike.  She said 'Come in here, NOW!'  She was not angry, but concerned.","Jehovah tells us to do things now.  Our Mother is saying do things 'NOW!'  The youngster obeyed immediately, and was safe.  Will we listen and do it now?",Prov. 3:5-7;,Kenny Welch  - Assembly Part,Will You Be A Survivor Of The 'last Days'?,2,,"Oct 24, 2000",
"Understanding, Scripture, Bible, Christendom, Clergy,",'Most people are bothered by those passages in Scripture which they cannot understand.  The Scripture which troubles me most is the Scripture I do understand.'  Quote: Mark Twain.,The clergy of Christendom have frightened many by misapplication of God's Word.,"2 Tim 3:16, 17;",Bobby Laymon,Does Your Hope Rest On Science Or The Bible?,80,,1995/06/13,
"Understanding, Sympathy, Kindness,","A store owner was tacking a sign above his door that read 'Puppies For Sale.' Signs like that have a way of attracting small children and sure enough, a little boy appeared under the store owner's sign.  'How much are you going to sell the puppies for?' he asked.  The store owner replied, 'Anywhere from $30 to $50.' The little boy reached in his pocket and pulled out some change.  'I have $2.37,' he said. 'Can I please look at them?'  The store owner smiled and whistled and out of the kennel came Lady, who ran down the aisle of his store followed by five teeny, tiny balls of fur. One puppy was lagging considerably  behind. Immediately the little boy singled out the lagging, limping puppy and said, 'What's wrong with that little dog?'  The store owner explained that the veterinarian had examined the little puppy and had discovered it didn't have a hip socket. It would always limp. It would always be lame.  The little boy became excited. 'That is the little puppy that I want to buy.'  The store owner replied, 'No, you don't want to buy that little dog. If you really want him, I'll just give him to you.'  The little boy got quite upset. He looked straight into the  store owner's eyes, pointing his finger, and said, 'I don't want you to give him to me. That little dog is worth every bit as much as all the other dogs and I'll pay full price. In fact, I'll give you $2.37 now, and 50 cents a month until I have him paid for.'  The store owner countered, 'You really don't want to buy this little dog. He is never going to be able to run and jump and play with you like the other puppies.' To this, the little boy reached down and rolled up his pant leg to reveal a badly twisted, crippled left leg supported by a big metal brace. He looked up at the store owner and softly replied, 'Well, I don't run so well myself, and the little puppy will need someone who understands!'",Sometimes we just need someone who understands.  Are there friends who are like that little boy and the puppy?,1 Th 5:14,Tim Moore,Gaining Comfort In All Our Tribulations,105,,1998/02/04,
"Understanding, Wisdom, Language, Perfect,",'Just write that Adam was like a ripe peach.  The Nama people will understand that he was perfect.',"Solution to problem when the Nama equivalent could not be found for the sentence, 'Adam was a perfect man.'  Show how an imparting of understanding was given.",Daniel 11:33,"Nov 15, 1992 Wt Page 24",Follow The Way To Life,45,,,
Understanding; Action;,'Furious activity is no substitute for understanding.'  Quote:  H. Williams.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Understanding; Knowledge;,'Whatever you cannot understand you cannot possess.'  Quote:  Von Goethe.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Understanding; Trinity; Mystery;,"'That must be wonderful, I have no idea what it means.'  Quote:  Moliere.","Apply to trinity, or false teaching.",,Jk Quotes;,Jehovah And Christ--are They Part Of A Trinity?,82,,,
Undeserved Kindness,Work and receive salary at end of week. What is owed is death God's gift is everlasting life.,Not undeserved kindness.  Owed.,Rom. 6:23,Larry Punko; Circuit Overseer. 10-16-1990,How Should You Serve God?,58,,,
Undeserved Kindness,"Young boy; abandoned, roamed street, lived in cardboard box, old couple took in. Still felt like orphan. Father decided to give an inheritance to children before death. Gave same to orphan.  That was undeserved kindness. Can demand nothing back from Jehovah.",We are like that orphan. Do we appreciate?,"Rom. 6:23; Eph. 2:8, 9; Ps. 103:10, 13; Eph. 3:8; 2 Cor. 5:14",Larry Punko; Circuit Overseer. 10-16-1990,How Should You Serve God?,58,,,
"Unevenly Yoked, Marriage, Dating,","When I was young, we had a middle buster that required three animals to pull it.  Once, we put a horse between two mules.  At first they seemed to do well.  At the end of the day, the horse developed severe cramps, all over it's body and we would rub the swelled places with hot towels, but still the horse rolled in pain most of the night.  We thought it was going to die.  Even though animals may be similar in size and strength, their gait is different.","The apostle Paul said: 'Do not become unevenly yoked with unbelievers.'  This should especially be kept in mind when choosing a marriage mate.  Jehovah wants us to be happy in our marriage and not be in severe pains.  In marriage those pains can last, not 24 hours, but for a lifetime.",2 Cor. 6:14; Deuteronomy. 22:10,Bobby Laymon,Getting Marriage Off To A Good Start,27,,"Jan 18, 2001",
"Unforeseen, Politics, Surprise, Armageddon,","'Dark Horse' From (1831) Political circles: candidate who was not in the running. Jesus on white horse, to many is a dark horse.",One who's ability is unknown and sometimes comes in first.,Ecc. 9:11,"Aug 8, 1962 Aw Page 13",Ruining The Earth Brings Divine Retribution,106,,,
"Un-forgiveness, Resentment, Selfish, Envy, Bitter,","These caustic emotions are like rust that slowly corrodes the body of a car.  The car's outside may appear beautiful, but under the paint a destructive process is taking place.","Likewise, when a person is unforgiving, the resulting conflict creates stress.  In turn stress can lead to serious illness.  Even more important, our refusing to forgive can also harm us spiritually.",2 Cor 2:7; Rom 12:19;,"Sep 15, 1994 Wt Page 5",Do You Harbor Resentment Or Do You Forgive?,68,,1994/08/22,
United Nations,Pot luck meal Made up of leftovers of previous world powers.,"Different food, 7 days, 8th day, pot luck, like world powers",Rev. 17:11,Bobby Laymon,What Does The Healing Of The Nations Accomplish?,111,,,
United Nations,Quilt-made of many scraps United Nations made up of scraps from other world powers.,"Made dress, Jacket, blouse, then quilt from scraps",Rev. 17:11,Bobby Laymon,What Does The Healing Of The Nations Accomplish?,111,,,
"United Nations, Government, Kingdom,",'The United Nations is like going down hill on a broken-down bike.',"Like a broken-down bike, that has been outgrown, what it has accomplished is 'too little, too late.'",Rev 17:11;,Mark Snelson,What God's Rulership Can Do For Us,24,,1996/06/12,
"United Nations, Government, Kingdom,",'The United Nations need a fitness program to get back into shape.'  Quote: Anonymous.,"It will never get back into shape, because its future is short-lived.",Rev 17:11;,Bobby Laymon,What God's Rulership Can Do For Us,24,,1996/06/12,
United Nations;,'The United Nations is our one great hope for a peaceful and free world.'  Quote:  Ralph Bunche.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
United Nations;,'This organization is created to prevent you from going to hell. It isn't created to take you to heaven.'  Quote:  Henry Cabot Lodge.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"United, Organization, Strong, Strength, Meetings,","Each one of us is as unique as a snowflake. A snowflake is a fragile delicate piece of art; they say no two look alike.  Sometimes when they are big you can catch one for a moment and than they're gone.  But when snowflakes get with other snowflakes they make big piles of snow.  Snow is tougher, the colder the conditions it gets the more frozen, and harder it gets, more united it becomes.","Each one of us are like snowflakes, individually unique and different in are own ways but together in Jehovah's organization we are united, we are stronger, tougher.  Staying close to Jehovah's organization keeps us strong against whatever conditions Satan may throw at us.",Heb. 10:24-25; 1 Cor. 1:10,Jim Kinkade,Serving With Jehovah's Unified Organization,3,,"Oct 2, 2001",
Unity,"A small family of wife, husband & children; hard to keep in unity. Unity maintained in spite of opposition. We must constantly pray for unity, rely on Jehovah.",Large congregation of Jehovah's people,Mic. 2:12,"Dec 15, 1960 Wt Page 748",Serving With Jehovah's Unified Organization,3,,,
Unity,Orchestra; one instrument out of tune; 1 member deliberately playing out.,True in cong where there is lack of dwelling together in peace.,"Ps 133:  Matt 18:15-17  5:23, 24",Watchtower,Serving With Jehovah's Unified Organization,3,,,
Unity,"People talk about their United States, United Nations, United Way,. People may unite for specific purpose Like flood, Storm, Earthquake, work side by side. When over go their on way.",Not united in same mind and same line thought.  Not walk name Jehovah forever.  Other uniting are short lived.,"Micah 2:5, 1cor 1:10",Divine Teaching Convention  S. Koinivich,Serving With Jehovah's Unified Organization,3,,,
Unity,"Sequoia tree-roots just below ground. intertwine & hold each other Group touring red-wood forest & guide explained the wide, shallow root system.  Farmer objected, saying he knew about plant and long tap roots etc.  Not the Sequoia trees the guide informed","Let us, Jehovah's people, hold each other up. him.  Roots are very shallow, but intertwine with fellow trees and withstand highest winds.  Otherwise unable to stand alone.",Micah 2:12,"Bro Lafranka (bethel Bro) Apr 29, 1990 1 Day Assy.",Serving With Jehovah's Unified Organization,3,,,
Unity,"What keeps material world together? (like speakers stand) History of Philippians: King Phillip was military genius. developed Phalanx. armed head to toe, 16 deep, with spears resting on soldiers in front.","Unity, cohesion, closely identified with earthly organization Moved as 'One Man' (many elements like gravity, etc keeps material world together)",Phil 1:27  (like 'one Man'),Bro Lafranka,Serving With Jehovah's Unified Organization,3,,,
"Unity, Body, Cooperation, Elders, Limelight,","It is the performer who enjoys the limelight. But when the show is over, notice the long list of credits on the screen-orchestra, conductor, sound technicians, cameramen, directors, producers, makeup artists, and many, many others. All are necessary to make the performance a success. All are supportive.","A similar situation exists in the Christian congregation. Some individuals are used quite prominently, but others play rather inconspicuous roles.  Should these ones feel, however, that they are somehow less important because they are not in the limelight? Should they be unduly disturbed if they do not attain prominence?  NO!","1 Samuel 30:24, 25",W86 9/1 28,'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,1995/01/23,
"Unity, Brotherhood, Purpose,",We're all in this alone. Quote: Lily Tomlin,"True brotherhood is rare and notable. More than blood ties are needed to form a true Brotherhood.  In recent years, bloody conflicts have taken place among  people of similar racial origin.  Is there a people among whom true brotherhood and love exist?",Ps. 133:1;,Bobby Laymon,A Worldwide Brotherhood Saved From Calamity.,121,,1999/01/02,
"Unity, Cooperate,",Two horses pulling against one another accomplish nothing.,"When we work as a team, we can accomplish much.",Micah 2:12;,Johnse Laymon,Serving With Jehovah's Unified Organization,3,,,
"Unity, Cooperate, Brothers, Humility, Congregation, Organization,","A brother who lost his thumb in a sawmill accident observed: 'I learned to live without my thumb, however, my thumb could not live without me.  We never found it.'  It was probably hauled off and used as horse litter as the sawdust was.","That's how it is with the congregation.  It can survive without us, however, we cannot live without the congregation.",1 Cor 12:14-21;,Ray Hayes C. O.,Serving With Jehovah's Unified Organization,3,,1995/08/13,
"Unity, Cooperation, Organization, Association, Variety, Gifts, Talents, Ability, Meetings,","A. D. Schroeder, the school's registrar, stressed the need of association. Christians are NOT LONE WOLVES, just interested in themselves.","The New World society is not just a dynamic religion serving Jehovah; it is a New World way of life. There are goodness, wholesomeness and beauty in all men of good will. Look for it. The result will be happiness, for you will enjoy their fellowship and they will enjoy yours.","Heb 10:24, 25;",W55 5/1 270,Serving With Jehovah's Unified Organization,3,,1994/07/10,
"Unity, Cooperation, Organization, Christendom,","'We must all hang together, or assuredly we shall all hang separately.'  Quote: Benjamin Franklin.",Jehovah's organization has a reputation of 'hanging together.'  'Other sheep' are brought into one flock with anointed one.,John 10:16;,Bobby Laymon,Serving With Jehovah's Unified Organization,3,,1995/07/17,
"Unity, Disaster, Earthquakes, Organization,","At times when it is known in a certain area that a thief is robbing the homes of the people, the neighbors will band together for their common good and keep a careful watch on one another's property.  Once the thief is apprehended or leaves the area, the people return to their own interests and cares.","On a larger scale, nations will often band together in a unified action when they are threatened by a common foe.  [see examples]  All this proves that the unity of these nations are only for a selfish purpose.  Jehovah's people do it for another reason.  To please Jehovah.",1co 1:10-13;,"May 15, 1971 Wt Page 298",Serving With Jehovah's Unified Organization,3,,1993/11/10,
"Unity, Family, Happy, Joy,",'Happy families are all alike; every unhappy family is unhappy in its own way.' Quote: Leo Nikolayevich Tolstoy.,To achieving a happy family life practice:  Try to be understanding and tactful.  Be forgiving.  Be loving.   Be faithful to mate.  Husband should provide well for family. wife cares well for family.  Train children well. Respect for older ones.,"Pr 17:9, 13; Pr 10:12; Pr 5:15-20; Pr 12:11; Pr 31:11, 12, 15, 26-28; Pr 13:24; 15:5, 20; 22:6,15; 2",Bobby Laymon,Follow The Way To Life,45,,1995/08/07,
"Unity, Forgiving, Firm, Hold,","Example picture yourself hanging on a cliff by one hand to a branch coming out of the cliff.  You've seen the cartoon where a person is hanging there for dear life, so picture yourself holding on by one hand, feet are dangling, you are down 200 feet. And here comes a rock climber and he doesn't see you.  In fact he steps on your hand.  He has those rock-climbing boots, its leaving an imprint on you hand.  Do you give up and let go.  Or do you grab hold even tighter.","Just because someone steps on your hand doesn't mean you let go of the truth, stop coming to meetings, give up on Jehovah. It really time to hang on tighter to the truth and the meetings.  When some one hurts you like that it may be time to say 'Hey, Brother or Sister you stepped on my hand.  You probably didn't realize it but you did.'  Chances are they didn't and you know that very rock climber may be the one who saves your life.  He could be the one to help you get safely up the cliff.  We never know when one of our follow Christians will be a lifesaver to us in time of need.  Keep working with one another.","1 Tim. 6:12, 19;",Jim Kinkade,Reach Out For The Real Life!,90,,"Oct 30, 2001",
"Unity, Formation, Geese, Encourage, goose, ","FACT 1: As each goose flaps its wings it creates an 'uplift' for the birds that follow. By flying in a 'V' formation, the whole flock adds 71% greater flying range than if each bird flew alone.   FACT 2: When a goose falls out of formation, it suddenly feels the drag and resistance of flying alone. It quickly moves back into formation to take advantage of the lifting power of the bird immediately in front of it.  FACT 3: When the lead goose tires, it rotates back into the formation and another goose flies to the point position.  FACT 4: The geese flying in formation honk to encourage those up front to keep up their speed.   FACT 5: When a goose gets sick, wounded or shot down, tow geese drop out of formation and follow it down to help and protect it. They stay with it until it dies or is able to fly again. Then, they launch out with another formation or catch up with the flock.","LESSON 1: People who share a common direction and sense of community can get where they are going quicker and easier because they are traveling on the thrust of one another.  LESSON 2: If we have as much sense as a goose we stay in formation with those headed where we want to go. We are willing to accept their help and give our help to others.  LESSON 3: It pays to take turns doing the hard tasks and sharing leadership. As with geese, people are interdependent on each other's skills, capabilities and unique arrangements of gifts, talents or resources.  LESSON 4: We need to make sure our honking is  encouraging. In groups where there is encouragement, the production is much greater. The power of encouragement (to stand by one's heart or core values and encourage the heart and core of other) is the quality of honking we seek.  LESSON 5: If we have as much sense as geese, we will stand by each other in difficult times as well as when we are strong.",Mic 3:2;,Peter Morgan,,,,1997/08/09,6/20/2025
"Unity, Harmony, Organization, Singing, Songs, Praise,","Ever sit in balcony at the assembly?  It sounds like one voice.  Must sound like that to Jehovah.  Jesus Christ, and no human, is our Leader and the one through whom we all approach Jehovah in worship.  No matter where we live, we look to God's Kingdom as the only hope for humankind. Holy spirit produces in worshipers of Jehovah qualities that are vital to Christian unity. All of us have the responsibility to preach the good news of God's Kingdom.",What is the effect when we really apply these truths in our lives?  It is like a melodious song; one voice in unison going up to Jehovah.,Ps 133:1,United In Worship Page 9,Serving With Jehovah's Unified Organization,3,,1994/02/23,
"Unity, Language, Peace,",It has often been said that music is an international language.  Proof of this is the folk music of the world.  Enjoyment of it is not confined to the land of its origin.,"Today, an international song is being heard around the world in hundreds of different languages.  It is the song about 'God's Kingdom.'  Are you joining the anointed remnant in this theme?",Re 14:1-3,"Mar 22, 1971 Aw Page 9",Good News In A Violent World,85,,1994/01/08,
"Unity, Marriage, Organization,",(Display a zipper; open and close it)  Did you notice how nicely each side complement each other.,We should be able to get along in unity in the same way.,Mic 2:12;,Bobby Laymon,Serving With Jehovah's Unified Organization,3,,1996/05/26,
"Unity, Organization,","An older gentleman and a great horseman one day took his grandson for a ride in his horse and buggy. As the were riding along they talked about the beauty of Jehovah's Creation. They a bee landed on the back of the horse. The older man said that he was able to take his whip and with a gentle snap he could whip that bee right off the back of the horse without ever touching the horse. 'Watch' he said, and then with the precision of a marksman he took his whip and snap the bee was gone without ever touching the horse or the horse ever knowing what happen. Next he seen a bee on a petal of a flower. 'Watch' he said and with a single snap of the whip he took the bee of the blower, without ever touching the flower. As they were riding along the boy noticed a bee-hive. 'Look grandpa, there a beehive, why don't you just whip them out of the tree?' 'O, no we can't do that' said grandpa. 'You see they are united and as a united group they are strong and courageous. We have better not try and touch them'.","And so it is with Jehovah's People. If we wonder away from the protection of the unity and love of Jehovah's organization we become week and vulnerable, but in a group, we are strong and very hard for Satan to attack.",1 Cor 1:10;,Peter Morgan,Serving With Jehovah's Unified Organization,3,,1997/08/11,
"Unity, Organization,","Have you ever been to the arch at St. Louis, Missouri?  Suppose they had taken both sides up to the top, and then they didn't match.  They wouldn't touch.  It would be a huge wasted effort.",We must all make an effort to maintain unity in this divided world.,Mic. 3:12;,Dale Hartley - Elder's School 1/98,Serving With Jehovah's Unified Organization,3,,1998/01/10,
"Unity, Organization,","Have you ever noticed how many bananas grow in a cluster? When they stay as a cluster they are strong and united as one. But what happens when one gets taken from that cluster? Well, the banana soon gets peeled and eaten.","And so it is in Jehovah's congregation. When we stay as one cluster we are strong, but when we drift away from the protection of that cluster, we can soon lose our strong spiritual protection from Jehovah. Before we know it we are eaten up by the great Lion that is ready to devour us.",1 Cor 1:10;,Peter Morgan,Serving With Jehovah's Unified Organization,3,,1997/08/11,
"Unity, Organization, Bible,","Unity has its basis in a book, disregarded by many, used as a 'good luck' charm by others and condemned by still others.  It is God's Word, the Holy Bible.",The Bible is filled with good news and it is that good news that is a uniting force for true Christians.,1co 1:10-13;,"May 15, 1971 Wt Page 300",Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,1993/11/10,
"Unity, Organization, Destruction, Armageddon,","They will see the shape of their old order dissolve, like a snowball thrown into a roaring furnace.","The unity of human society will disintegrate. The unity of human society will crumble, so that every man's hand will be against his brother.",Col. 3:14;,W75 12/15 Page 758,The Kingdom Of God Is Near,109,,1998/10/26,
"Unity, Organization, Meetings, Association,","The YAKS are an animal who have formidable horns.  When they are attacked, they do not panic.  They put the calves, young and weak ones in the center.  Then they take their stand in a circle.  All the wolves see is heads, horns, and hoofs.","What will we do when we are attacked by Satan?  We will take our stand, and YAK with our brothers and sisters.",Heb 10:23-25;,Brother Weigle - Bethel,Choose Your Associates Wisely!,116,,1993/12/08,
"Unity, Organization, Meetings, Association, Independent,","The apostle Paul likens congregation to the human body.  What a marvelous illustration!  Our limbs are interdependent, each joined to the rest of our body.",The same applies to the worldwide association of brothers.  We must not sever ourselves from the body of fellow Christians to live independently!,"1 Cor 12:12, 24, 25;","Dec 15, 1994 Wt Page 14 Par 7",You Will Reap What You Sow,59,,1994/11/09,
"Unity, Organization, Meetings, Zeal, Geese, Service Talk,","GEESE FACTS  Fact 1: As each goose flaps its wings, it creates an uplift for the bird following.  By flying in a 'V' formation, the whole flock increases the flying range by 71% over one bird flying alone.    Fact 2: Whenever a goose falls out of formation, it suddenly feels the drag and resistance of trying to fly alone, and quickly gets back into formation to take advantage of the lifting power of the bird immediately in front.    Fact 3: The geese in formation honk from behind to encourage those  up front to keep up their speed.","LESSONS:  LESSON 1: People who share a common direction and a sense of  community get where they're going more easily and more quickly because they're traveling on each other's thrust.    LESSON 2: If we have as much sense as a goose, we'll stay in formation with those ahead and we'll be willing to accept their help.  We'll also be willing to help those following behind.  This is only possible if we're associating at meetings. LESSON 3: We need to make sure our honking from behind is for encouragement and not for some other reason. NOTE: I HAVE FOUND IT VERY INTERESTING THAT JEHOVAH PUT THIS INSTINCT IN THE GEESE.  THEY DON'T QUESTION IT AS MAN DOES.  THEY JUST FOLLOW THEIR GOD GIVEN INSTINCTS.  LOOK HOW SIMPLE THEIR LIVES ARE.  JUST ANOTHER EXAMPLE OF THE WONDERFUL WISDOM OF JEHOVAH.",1sa 2:22-29;,Bill Osbeck C.O.,Service Talk,200,,1994/02/05,6/20/2025
"Unity, Organization.","A snowflake is one of the most delicate objects in the world, but look what they do when they stick together.",Jehovah's organization of united Kingdom workers.,Mic. 2:12; John 10:16;,Bobby Laymon,Serving With Jehovah's Unified Organization,3,,,
"Unity, Peace",The well-known writer Carl Sandburg wryly observed: 'There is one unity which the human family has now which perhaps it never had in such widespread fashion before. That is the unity of being in the wilderness together.',"The irresistible conclusion forced upon us is that there is about as much unity in this world as there is in a bagful of cats and dogs.  If this world is to make an exodus from this wilderness, if it is ever going to awake from its nightmare of disunity, if it is ever going to transform into reality its daydreams about unity,",Eph 1:10;,W54 11/15 677,,,,1996/01/06,
"Unity, Peace, Ethnic, Racial, Hatreds,","'Oh, East is East, and West is West, and never the twain shall meet.  Till Earth and Sky stand presently at God's great Judgment seat.'  Quote: British poet Rudyard Kipling.","These words of the poet remind us of the deep cultural differences that divide mankind, which contribute to the tribal, racial, and nationalistic hatreds that are exploding all around us today.  Figuratively, all peoples of earth are now gathered before the Judge and are accountable for the way they respond to his message of salvation.","John 5:22-24, 30; Mt 25:31-33, 46; Re 16:14-16;","Jan 1, 1994 Wt Page 3",What Does The Healing Of The Nations Accomplish?,111,,1993/11/26,
"Unity, Preaching, Organization, Cooperation,","'It takes a long pull; a strong pull, and a pull altogether.'  Quote: Charles Dickens.  Liken to a tug of war:",It takes 'team effort' and unity to accomplish the preaching work.,"1co 12:28, 29;",William Osbeck C.O.,Serving With Jehovah's Unified Organization,3,,,
"Unity, Respect, Organization, Cooperation, Enhance, Build, Encourage,","Why do we put earrings in our ears.  Personally, it doesn't bother me one way or another if a person wears them, or whether their ears are pierced or not.  We wear them because our ears are not particularly beautiful.  It enhances them.","Why not do the same thing for the benefit of a brother or sister in the congregation.  If something is not especially pleasing, find something that is.  Maybe something they said when we were down.  We can surround these with honor in the spirit of 1 Cor 12:23.",1 Cor 12:21-25;,Ray Hayes C. O.,Serving With Jehovah's Unified Organization,3,,1995/08/13,
"Unity, Strength, Organization, Cooperation,","The Sequoia trees of California tower as much as 300 feet above the ground.  Strangely, these giants have unusually shallow root systems that reach out in all directions to capture the greatest amount of surface moisture.  Seldom will you see a redwood standing alone because high winds would quickly uproot it.  That's why they grow in clusters.  Their intertwining roots provide support for one another against the storms.","By our world wide unity, Jehovah's people are able to stand firm in the storms of life, and the wicked acts of the Devil.",Mic 2:12;,Bartlett's Quotations,Serving With Jehovah's Unified Organization,3,,1994/09/07,
"Unity, War, Devil, Hatred, Ethnic, Violence, Religious, Peace, Satan,",'After a year of the Bosnian war I believe Satan pulls the strings.  This is pure madness.'  Quote: A businessman from Sarajevo.,"Although many do not believe the existence of Satan the Devil, the Bible does point to the existence of an invisible, superhuman person who has a profoundly negative effect on mankind's behavior.",Mt 4:1-11; John 12:31;,"Dec 22, 1993 Aw Page 5",How To Protect Ourselves From Satan's Snares,115,,1993/11/30,
"Unity, War, Devil, Hatred, Ethnic, Violence, Religious, Peace, Satan,","'If you scratch any aggressive tribalism, or nationalism, you usually find beneath its surface a religious core.  Religious hatreds tend to be merciless and absolute.'  Quote: Time magazine.  'Religion has been the banner under which the most hideous crimes have been perpetrated ... It unleashes tremendous violence and is a very destructive force.'  Quote: India Today.","Indeed, religion is usually part of the problem, not the solution.  However, one religious group with substantial numbers--has shown that religion can unite, not divide.",Is 2:2; Re 12:9; 1j 5:19;,"Dec 22, 1993 Aw Page 6",How To Protect Ourselves From Satan's Snares,115,,1993/11/30,
"Unity, War, Hatred, Ethnic, Violence, Religious, Peace, Cold, Hunger, Persecution,","'I am with my wife and two sons and do not have electricity and not enough firewood ... Machine-gun fire and explosions can be heard.  But in our hearts we are calm and warm because of the truth and because of our good relationship with Jehovah ... We beg you to keep on praying to Jehovah to help us persist and endure all these terrors, firm in faith.  We are praying for you!'  Quote: A brother from Sarajevo.","The peace of mind in knowing Jehovah warms the heart, and lessens the troubles in the world.",Is 2:2; John 17:16-21;,"Dec 22, 1993 Aw Page 13",Bearing Up Under Persecution,57,,1993/11/30,
"Unity, War, Hatred, Ethnic, Violence, Religious, Peace, Satan,",'It seems to me that you have come from another planet.  You have so much beauty and harmony that you bring a blessing.  It could be you are the children of God.  I think about this all the time.'  Quote: Note from a housekeeper on one of the boats during the convention in Kiev.,Regarding the unity of Jehovah's Witnesses.,Is 2:2; John 17:16-21;,"Dec 22, 1993 Aw Page 12",Serving With Jehovah's Unified Organization,3,,1993/11/30,
"Unity, War, Hatred, Ethnic, Violence, Religious, Peace, Satan,","'Usually when I lead a group, its disunity becomes manifest as soon as it leaves the airport.  This has not been true of Jehovah's Witnesses.'  Quote: A tour guide during the Moscow convention.  [see article for more quotes]",Regarding the unity of Jehovah's Witnesses.,Is 2:2; John 17:16-21;,"Dec 22, 1993 Aw Page 11",Serving With Jehovah's Unified Organization,3,,1993/11/30,
"Unity, War, Hatred, Ethnic, Violence, Religious, Peace, Satan,","Unity was well illustrated by an elderly Ukrainian Witness at the Kiev convention.  She pointed heavenward and said, 'Jehovah.'  Then extending her arms to form a circle, she held up a single finger.","'Her message was clear:  'We are all one, united through the divine teaching of Jehovah God.'",Is 2:2; John 17:16-21;,"Dec 22, 1993 Aw Page 7",How To Protect Ourselves From Satan's Snares,115,,1993/11/30,
"Unity, War, Hatred, Ethnic, Violence, Religious, Peace, Witnesses,","'Suffice it to say that if all the world lived by the [Bible] creed of the Jehovah Witnesses there would be an end of bloodshed and hatred, and love would reign as king.'  Quote: An editorial years ago.",The peace of mind in knowing Jehovah can be seen by honest-hearted person who are willing to look.,Is 2:2; John 17:16-21;,"Dec 22, 1993 Aw Page 13",Love Identifies The True Christian Congregation,72,,1993/11/30,
"Unity, War, Weapons, Hatred, Ethnic, Violence, Religious, Peace,",'People can be transformed into hating and killing machines without too much difficulty.  There is an attitude in the West that war is raging three hours from Venice only because Balkan people are fundamentally different from other Europeans.  That is a very dangerous mistake.'  Quote: UN official Jose'-Maria Monticule.,"'All too often, hate thy neighbor seemed the motto of 1992.'  The recent sieges, massacres, and rapes in the former Yugoslavia are only the more recent examples.  How many ethnic, religious, and sectional conflicts are in progress?  The New York Times listed a total of 48, in February 1993.",Mt 4:1-11; John 12:31;,"Dec 22, 1993 Aw Page 3, 4",Serving With Jehovah's Unified Organization,3,,1993/11/30,
"Unity, War, Weapons, Hatred, Ethnic, Violence, Religious, Peace,","'The ethnic map of prewar Bosnia, and indeed prewar Yugoslavia, was like a jaguar's skin.  The people were inseparably mixed.'  Quote: A leading Serb.",About 15% of marriages in Yugoslavia were between persons of different ethnic groups.  A similar situation of seeming unity had been created with the mixing of ethnic groups in the Soviet Union.,Mt 4:1-11; John 12:31;,"Dec 22, 1993 Aw Page 5",Serving With Jehovah's Unified Organization,3,,1993/11/30,
Unity;,"'A single arrow is easily broken, but not ten in a bundle.'  Quote:  Japanese.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Unity;,"'Snowflakes are one of nature's most fragile things, but just look at what they can do when they stick together.' Quote:  Vestal Kelly",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Unity;,'When spider webs unite they can tie up a lion.'  Quote:  Ethiopian.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Unity;,It is said a lion cub was killed by a single colony of ants.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Unity;,When many work together for a goal great things can be accomplished.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Universe, Creation,","'The more I examine the universe... the more evidence I find that the universe... must have known that we were coming.'  Quote: Freeman Dyson, in the book, 'Disturbing the Universe.",'It is not only that man is adapted to the universe.  The universe is adapted to man.'  Quote: The Anthropic Cosmological Principle.,Ps 115:16; Isa 45:18;,"Jan 22, 1996 Aw Page 12",Jehovah--the Grand Creator,101,,1996/01/27,
"Universe, Creation, Glenn, Space,","Regarding the 'orderliness of the whole universe about us,' former astronaut John Glenn noted that the only logical conclusion is that 'Some Power put all this into orbit and keeps it there.'","However, it does not take a highly trained professional or a great scientist to perceive this.","Ro 1:20; Ps 19:1, 2;",G89 11/22 9,Evidence Of God In The World Around Us,4,,1996/01/21,
"Universe, Creation, Thinking, Mind, Understanding,",'The universe is full of magical things patiently waiting for our wits to grow sharper.'  Quote: Eden Philpot's.  A Shadow Passes.,The universe is so vast that man will never understand all the works of Jehovah God.,Ecclesiastes 8:17;,Bobby Laymon - Reader's Digest,Jehovah--the Grand Creator,101,c,1996/03/20,
"Universe, Space, Creation,","A PRECISION watch inspires admiration for the skill and talent of its maker. But what about the universe that surrounds us? Can that reveal, at least to a degree, the personality of its Creator?","'The universe confounds me! I cannot imagine that such a 'clock' can exist without there being a Clockmaker.'  Quote: Voltaire, 18th-century French philosopher.",Ps 19:1-3;,W88 3/1 5,Appreciating Marvels Of God's Creation,114,bl,1994/07/08,8/1/2015
"Universe, Space, Creator, Understanding, Wisdom, Creation, Science,","One might well attempt to understand a picture while refusing to recognize that the artist had any purpose to express in painting it, or  indeed that there was any artist at all. . . . However, that would be futile.","Likewise, it is self-evident that no attempt to understand the universe can be successful which leaves Jehovah out of account.  Recognizing Jehovah is the beginning of wisdom.",Prov 1:7;,W62 7/15 447,Evidence Of God In The World Around Us,4,,1995/01/24,
Universe;,"'Put three grains of sand inside a vast cathedral, and the cathedral will be more closely packed with sand than space is with stars.' Quote:  Sir James Jeans",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Universe;,'The universe is but one vast symbol of God.' Quote:  Thomas Carlyle,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Universe;,'The universe is one of God's thoughts.'  Quote:  Johan Von Schiller.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Unrighteous, Appreciation, Jehovah,","Can you give the full name of your 8 great-grandparents?  No? My, what an unrighteous group you are because without any one of them, you would not even be here.",Jehovah is not unrighteous so as to forget us.  He remembers things that even we have forgot.,He 6:10;,Steve Koinavich D.O.,Make Jehovah Your Confidence,70,,,
Unselfishness;,"'If I were a godfather wishing a gift on as child, it would be that he should always be more interested in other people than in himself.'  Quote:  Compton McKenzie.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Unselfishness;,"Make it thy business to know thyself, which is the most difficult lesson in the world.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Upbuild, Critical, Attitude, Negative, Positive, Thinking, Organization,","'A good thing to remember, and a better thing to do. To work with the construction gang, and not with the wrecking crew.' QUOTE: Unknown.",It is far better to be upbuilding than to tear down.,Rom 14:19;,J.K.,Build Your Faith In Man's Maker,54,,1997/04/12,
"Urgency,",Isaac Asimov when asked what he would do if he only had six months to live: 'Type faster.',Jesus' command to 'seek first the Kingdom' applies with equal urgency today.,Matt. 6:33;,Bobby Laymon,Renewing The Spirit Of Self-sacrifice,69,,1999/01/02,
"Urgency, Armageddon, Presence, Day Of Jehovah,","Quote: 'From my earliest recollections more than 70 years ago, I have always felt a keen sense of urgency. Armageddon has always been, in my thinking, the day after tomorrow.' Lyle Reusch",We need to be 'keeping close in mind ...the day of Jehovah.',"2 Pet. 3:11, 12; Heb. 11:1; Rev. 16:14, 16;","Jul 1, 1991 Wt Page 23",Make Jehovah Your Confidence,70,,,
"Urgency, Awake, Vigilant, Alert, Urgent,",What do you think of when you think of calling 911?  Do you think about doing it later?,Now is no time to put off doing Jehovah's work.  We are living in the most urgent time of human history.,Pr 10:5,Roy Crabb,How To Keep Spiritually Awake!,71,,1994/04/20,
"Urgency, Comfortable, Relax, Exert,","A soldier in peacetime does not feel the tension and danger of battle. He may thus feel no urgency to be ready. If he is suddenly called into action, he may well be unprepared.","It is the same spiritually. If we allow our sense of urgency to slip, we can become unprepared to fend off attacks that may come our way.",2 Cor 13:5;,"Apr 15, 1999 Wt Page 20",Reach Out For The Real Life!,90,,1999/03/18,
"Urgency, Faith, Works, Zeal, Breaks,","You are aboard ship.  The captain takes you below and shows you the gaping hole water is rushing in through.  You notice the ship is leaning already.  The captain asks you to notify the passengers.  Would you mosey down the hall tapping on doors?  Would you casually stop for extended breaks?  No!  You would be running, excited, eager, zealous.",The Captain of the ship is Christ Jesus.  He wants all to know about the danger of this system of things.  It is sinking.  Are you working with urgency?,James 2:26;,1997 'faith In God's Word' District Convention; David Carey,Build Your Faith In Man's Maker,54,,1997/06/12,
"Urgency, Local Needs, Service Meeting, Book Study Talk,","The circuit overseer began with an illustration about a New Zealand  farmer. A river courses through the low-lying part of his farmland.  There have been a lot of rain warnings, and so from time to time he  strolls out to check his land and his stock. But then he gets a phone  call: there is a 3-metre wall of water on its way down the valley. The  farmer now races out to move his stock. No more dawdling. Now he has a  sense of urgency. Without that sense of urgency, there is no guarantee  he will get that task done.    We need the same sense of urgency. (Our circuit overseer then  discussed areas where our congregation had demonstrated this, along  with ways in which we could improve.) Consider periods in history when  a sense of urgency was needed. The destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah.  Leaving Egypt on the night of the Passover. The days of Noah. Urgency  in getting out of Babylon. In the first century, however, God's  servants were presented with the following statements: 'Keep looking.'  'Keep awake.' 'Keep on the watch.' Why? Jesus wanted to instill in his  disciples a sense of urgency. We look back and we might think, 'Why?  The end was still over 1900 years away. Wasn't it a bit of a waste of  time for them having a sense of urgency?'    The reason Jesus wanted to have a sense of urgency is revealed in Acts  1:8, when he said: 'You will be witnesses of me both in Jerusalem and  in all Judea and Samaria and to the most distant part of the earth.'  He was foretelling a work that had to be done. A sense of urgency  means an increased likelihood in getting the job done; it gives  motivation for accomplishing something. Especially was a sense of  urgency necessary in the first century. In mentioning Jerusalem, all  Judea and Samaria, Jesus knew that the special time of favor for the  Jews to have the good news preached to them was limited, that it would  end in 36 C.E. That same Christian urgency was needed before the end  of the Jewish system in 70 C.E. Jesus also knew that a sense of  urgency would be required because after 70 C.E. would come the  apostasy. So his disciples had to reach as many people and as far  afield as possible. Jesus knew the timetable, even though his  disciples didn't fully comprehend it.    The same is true today, as shown by Jesus' words in Matthew 13:27-30:  'The slaves of the householder came up and said to him, 'Master, did  you not sow fine seed in your field? How, then, does it come to have  weeds?' He said to them, 'An enemy, a man, did this.' They said to  him, 'Do you want us, then, to go out and collect them?' He said, 'No;  that by no chance, while collecting the weeds, you uproot the wheat  with them. Let both grow together until the harvest; and in the  harvest season I will tell the reapers, First collect the weeds and  bind them in bundles to burn them up, then go to gathering the wheat  into my storehouse.''    What does this tell us? The wheat were sown in the first century by  Jesus. The enemy sowed weeds. Even though the apostasy developed, all  through history true Christians have been in existence. Articles in  The Watchtower about certain individuals or groups keen to see God's  will done reveal that these had a real sense of urgency, even though  they were hundreds of years away from the end. All through time, a  sense of urgency has been instilled in minds and hearts of true  followers of Christ.    What about us? If we have a sense of urgency now, it will stop us from  becoming complacent and weary. Like the farmer who races out to move  his stock to higher ground, for us it is not a matter of whether we  lose stock, but whether or not we lose our life. A sense of urgency  protects us from over-involvement in this rotten system, protects us  from materialism. Without it, we could get sidetracked. Sports,  entertainment, pleasure can affect our meeting attendance, study,  field service. Think of the farmer. He's watching a game of cricket.  There are three over left, three runs to win. The phone call comes.  He's got only minutes to spare. Is he going to risk losing his 40 head  of cattle and 500 breeding ewes by fiddling around, trying to search  through his collection of videotapes for a blank tape to record the  remaining part of the game so he doesn't miss it? Of course not.    Does our ministry reflect our sense of urgency? Or are we sidetracked,  feeling that we can fit in our ministry when we've got spare time? The  farmer might go around his stock once a week, checking that all is  well. But when lambing season arrives, he will go around his stock at  least two or three times a day. He readjusts his schedule. He stops  doing the less important things. Are we making similar adjustments?  Making time for telephone witnessing, evening witnessing, going out on  Saturday afternoons? Having a sense of urgency will move us to do all  we can to get people home. Consider also how long it takes from when a  person starts to study until when he makes a decision to dedicate his  life to Jehovah and become baptized. On average, maybe six to 12  months. At some stage in the future, people won't have that time.    A sense of urgency will also move us to present the Kingdom message in  a nice clear and effective manner. Sometimes people on publishers'  magazine routes have never had a Bible message read to them. Yet there  are many who, after a long period of just receiving the magazines,  embraced the good news once they were shown the Kingdom message  clearly from God's Word. Our having a sense of urgency means not just  being involved in a 'paper delivery route.'    To cultivate a sense of urgency, we need to do something about it.  When the phone call comes, that farmer has to effectively carry out  his task. It's dark, so he needs to know the layout of his paddocks,  know where the stock are grazing, know the access routes and the  location of each gate. He will have his well trained dogs and any  capable farmhands with him. All his equipment needs to be in working  and good order. Likewise, we need to be well equipped. Things that  give us motivation. One of the most important things is our DAILY  BIBLE READING. God's Word doesn't say, 'You must mark your  Watchtower,' 'You must attend the Congregation Book Study,' or 'You  must enroll in the Theocratic Ministry School,' although there are  many principles that support these recommendations, such as the need  to give attention to our art of teaching and so forth. But it does  say, 'Read the Bible daily.' This is one of the most important things  we must do. Then along with that, our daily text. Our regular weekly  family study. What will happen if we neglect these things?    Back to our illustration: The farmer has a large torch with a powerful  battery and a halogen bulb, with it he can see half a mile. It's been  sitting on the shelf for three months. He picks it up, races out the  door, switches it on, and what happens? Fizz -- the beam falls flat.  He gets about two minutes' use out of it. Likewise, if we don't keep  ourselves charged up by daily reading from God's Word, when facing  final tests we will fall flat on our face. We will have no power, no  stamina, and no courage. So read the Bible every day.    Consider the benefits of having a sense of urgency. Jehovah has given  us all we need to keep it alive. Without a sense of urgency, we would  not be able to accomplish God's will. It is also vital in order to be  Wholesouled. If we have no sense of urgency, then something else is  sidetracking us. The amount of service we are able to accomplish  varies according to our circumstances, but ALL should have a sense of  urgency. Another benefit is that it gives us the ability to fend off  attacks by Satan to weaken our faith. Imagine if the farmer has had a  number of sleepless nights up to the evening he receives the phone  call. He is tired, but with that call, his sense of urgency takes over  and his tiredness vanishes. Satan tries to tire us out, but Jehovah  renews our strength -- if we have a sense of urgency.","We need to analyze whether we are displaying a sense of urgency in our  daily lives. Meditate on what you need to do. One of the best ways is  to consider whether we are really following Jesus' footsteps. This is  why attending the Congregation Book Study is so valuable. It is the  best meeting at this time to help us follow Jesus. Therefore, give  attention to your preparation and attendance. Think of the training  and preparation for all the NATO soldiers who have been sent into  Kosovo. They have to be prepared to face any situation, no matter how  unexpected that may be. We need similar training for the same reason:  to be prepared to face any situation, even if it should take us by  surprise. Jehovah equips us with what we need, and will help us guard  our sense of urgency. Without a sense of urgency we may fear the  arrival of God's day of judgment, not wishing it to come upon us. But  if we maintain a strong sense of urgency, we will be anticipating and  looking forward to the end of this system and what God's war will  bring, and afterwards will be able to look back with a feeling of  accomplishment, knowing that our sense of urgency helped us do as much as we could to fulfill our assignment.",Acts 1:8,Andre Mendes Da Costa,Service Talk,200,,1999/06/17,7/21/2025
"Urgency, Pioneer, Bethel, Missionary, Time,",The gambler has the most priceless of his possessions; Tomorrow.,Our work is urgent; we must preach while we have time for it.,Luke 12:8; 2 Cor. 4:7; Mal. 3:10; Ps. 34:10; 1 Cor. 15:58;,Bobby Laymon,Have Faith In The Good News,47,,,
"Urgency, Preaching, Lazy, Work, Busy, Ambition,",Men must brand while the iron is hot.,Preach while there is time.,"Heb. 6:11; Eph. 6:6; Prov. 19:24; Prov. 19:15, Prov. 22:13;",Bobby Laymon,Have Faith In The Good News,47,,,
"Urgency, Preaching, Lazy, Work, Busy, Ambition, Territory,",Men must sail while the wind serves.,Work Jehovah's work while there is still time.,"Heb. 6:11; Eph. 6:6; Prov. 19:24; Prov. 19:15, Prov. 22:13;",Bobby Laymon,Have Faith In The Good News,47,,,
"Urgency, Sacrifice, Pioneer, Zeal,","'You realize, Hans, that if you accept this assignment, you and your wife will get only a one-way ticket?'  Quote: Paul Kushner, Branch overseer in the Netherlands in 1962, to Hans Van Vuure.","The answer: 'We will go!'    Many have zealously accepted assignments in foreign lands, leaving family and friends, to spread the Good News in virgin territory.",Is 6:6-9,"Nov 1, 1993 Wt Page 26",Renewing The Spirit Of Self-sacrifice,69,,,
"Urgency, Time, Tardiness, Punctual, Truth,",'Better three hours too soon than a minute too late.' Quote:  William Shakespeare. [1600-1601].,We must not put off our worship to Jehovah.  Act with urgency.  Study with interested ones.  Comfort them with God's Word of truth.,"2 Cor. 6:1, 2;",Bobby Laymon,Gaining Comfort In All Our Tribulations,105,,1995/07/10,
"Urgent, Preaching,","If you saw your neighbor's house on fire, would you gently knock on the door?  Or would you beat on it?  Perhaps she is asleep.",Our message is one of urgency.  That is why we search carefully and try diligently to reach someone at every home.,Acts 20:24;,"Divine Teaching Dist. Assy.  Jul 1-4, 1993 (Memphis)",Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,63,,,
"Use, Action, Apply, Lazy, Active, Zealous","A Spanish philosopher tells about the Roman aqueduct at Segovia, in his native Spain. It was built in 109 A.D. For eighteen hundred years, it carried cool water from the mountains to the hot and thirsty city. Nearly sixty generations of men drank from its flow. Then came the present generation. One man said, 'This aqueduct is so great a marvel that it ought to be preserved for our children as a museum piece. We shall relieve it of its centuries-long labor.'  They did. They laid modern iron pipes. They gave the ancient bricks and mortar a reverent rest. And the aqueduct began to fall apart. The sun beating on the dry mortar caused it to crumble. The bricks and stone sagged and  threatened to fall. What ages of service could not destroy, idleness disintegrated.","USE IT OR LOSE IT! The Scripture in Hebrews 5:14 is quite familiar to us...that mature people have their perceptive powers trained through 'use'.  This implies constant attention to staying active with the spiritual tools and talents available to each of us.  But what happens when we slow down in the application of spiritual principles and guidelines in our lives, or become lazy and unproductive?",Hebrews 5:14,Lawrence Harris,Service Talk,200,,1999/02/15,
"Use, Action, Apply, Lazy, Active, Zealous","The great violinist, Nicolo Paganini, willed his marvelous violin to Genoa, the city of his birth, but only on condition that the instrument never be played. It was an unfortunate condition, for it is a peculiarity of wood that as long as it is used and handled, it shows little wear. As soon as it is discarded, it begins to decay.  The exquisite, mellow-toned violin has become worm-eaten in its beautiful case, valueless except as a relic.","The moldering instrument is a reminder that a life withdrawn from all service to others loses its meaning.  Good reasons then, to carefully consider the necessary actions listed in 2 Peter 1:5-8 that when applied, will 'prevent (us) from being either inactive or unfruitful regarding he accurate knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.'",2 Pet. 1:5-8;,Lawrence Harris,Service Talk,200,,1999/02/15,
"Vacation, Knowledge, Conventions, Assemblies, Preparation, Plan,","'Traveling, a man must carry knowledge with him, if he would bring home knowledge.'  Quote: Samuel Johnson.","If you have occasion to travel, prepare for your trip.  Read about your destination before you go.  Plan what to see, and decide what you want to do.",Prov 15:22;,"Jun 22, 1996 Aw Page 4",,,,1996/05/21,
Vacation;,"'This summer one third of the nation will be ill-housed, ill-nourished , and ill-clad. Only they will call it a vacation.'  Quote:  Joseph Salak.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Valuable, Individually, Important, Priceless, Cares,","A well known speaker started off his seminar by holding up a $20 bill.  In the  room of 200,  he asked, 'Who would like this $20 bill?' Hands started going up.  He said, 'I am going to give this $20 to one of you but first, let me do this.'  He proceeded to crumple the dollar  bill up.  He then asked, 'Who still wants it?'  Still the hands were up in the air.  'Well,' he replied, 'What if I do this?'  And he dropped it on the ground and started to grind it into the  floor with his shoe.  He picked it up, now all crumpled and dirty.  'Now who still wants it?' Still the hands went into the air.","'My friends, you have all learned a very valuable lesson.  No matter what I did to the money, you still wanted it because  it did not decrease in value.  It was still worth $20.  Many times in our lives, we are dropped, crumpled, and ground into the dirt by the decisions we make and the circumstances that come our way.  We feel as though we are worthless.  But no matter what has happened or what will happen, you will never lose your value in God's eyes.  To Him, dirty or clean, crumpled  or  finely creased, you are still priceless to Him.  Psalm 17:8 states that God will keep us,  'as the apple of His eye.'",Psalm 17:8,Patti Gillison,Does God Count You Personally Important?,26,,1999/06/20,
"Valuable, Individually, Important, Priceless, Cares,",THOUGHT:  The worth of our lives comes not in what we do or who  we are but by WHOSE WE ARE!,We belong to HIM.,Psalm 17:8,Patti Gillison,Does God Count You Personally Important?,26,,1999/06/20,
"Valuable, Priceless, Worth, Important, Ransom,","A speaker started off his seminar by holding up a $20 bill.  He asked, 'Who would like this $20 bill?'  Hands went up.  He crumpled the $20 bill up. He then asked, 'Who still wants it?' Still the hands were up in  the air.  He dropped it on the ground and started to grind it into the floor with his shoe. He picked it up, now all crumpled and dirty. 'Now who still wants it?' Still hands went into the air.","Many times in our lives, we are dropped, crumpled, and ground into the dirt by the circumstances that come our way. We feel as though we are worthless. But no matter what has happened or what will happen, you will never lose your value in God's eyes.",Ps. 17:8,Bobby Laymon,Does God Count You Personally Important?,26,,"Feb 2, 2001",
"Valuables, Money, Time, Resources,",'Remember that time is money.'  Quote: Benjamin Franklin.,"Bad living habits and failure of money to bring happiness, build up tensions, frustrations.  It is also a waste of time.","1 Ti 6:9, 10;",Bobby Laymon,Coping With Life's Anxieties,32,,1995/07/17,
"Value, Granted, Content,","Value is something that is highly regarded, of importance.  For example Diamonds are valuable.  They are rare and we as people put high importance and significance with them.  Now if they were as common as rocks out in the yard they would lose their value.  Supply and demand comes into the picture.  For instance would you pay five dollars for a single roll of toilet paper?  No. That crazy its just toilet paper.  However if you did not have any and you needed some right now, then,  five dollars might seem to be a bargain.","Many times we do we take things for granted.  They are not valuable to us until we need them, or we are without them.  How do we feel about Jehovah's spiritual provisions?",Mal. 1:6-13,Jim Kinkade,Are You Content With Jehovah's Provisions?,22,,"Oct 30, 2001",
"Value, Worth,","A PLAIN BAR OF IRON IS WORTH $5.00.  THIS SAME BAR, WHEN MADE INTO HORSESHOES IF WORTH $10.50.  IF MADE INTO NEEDLES, IS WORTH $4,285.00. IF TURNED INTO BALANCE WHEELS FOR WATCHES IT BECOMES WORTH $250,000.00.",THIS IS TRUE OF ANOTHER KIND OF MATERIAL---YOU.  YOUR VALUE IS DETERMINED.  BY WHAT YOU MAKE OF YOURSELF.,Prov. 13:20,Steve Hashimuri,What Kind Of Name Are You Making With God?,55,,1999/10/29,
"Values, Morals,",Thrown into trash can.,"No fault: fornication, divorce, child neglect.",Genesis 2:17; 3:5;,"Mar 22, 1989 Awake! Pages 3-9",What Kind Of Name Are You Making With God?,55,,,
"Vanity, Beauty, Falsehood, Modesty, Appointments, Appearance, Saul,","JUPITER DETERMINED, it is said, to create a sovereign over the  birds, and made proclamation that on a certain day they should all present themselves before him, when he would himself choose the most beautiful among them to be king.  The Jackdaw, knowing his own ugliness, searched through the woods and fields, and collected the feathers which had fallen from the wings of his companions, and stuck them in all parts of his body, hoping thereby to make himself the most beautiful of all.  When the appointed day arrived, and the birds had assembled before Jupiter, the Jackdaw also made his appearance in his many feathered finery.  But when Jupiter proposed to make him king because of the beauty of his plumage, the birds indignantly protested, and each plucked from him his own feathers, leaving the Jackdaw nothing but a Jackdaw.","Moral: 'Fine feathers do not make fine birds!'  Appearances do not always show a person to be the right one for appointment.  It is the heart and the personality that counts. 1 Sam 16:7 says, 'But Jehovah said to Samuel: 'Do not look at his appearance and at the height of his stature, for I have REJECTED him. For not the way man sees is the way God sees, because mere man sees what appears to the eyes;   but as for Jehovah, he sees what the heart is.'",1 Sam 16:7;,Aesop's Fables - Bobby Laymon,Meeting The Test Of Christian Loyalty,48,,1994/05/17,
"Vanity, Marriage, Wife, Husband, Divorce, Weddings, Bachelor,","If women couldn't do anything to improve their looks, they would be inconsolable.",Husbands must recognize and consider differences in wives.,Eph. 5:22-33; Heb. 13:4; Prov. 5:18-20; Mal. 2:16; 1 Cor 7:39,Bobby Laymon,God Comes First In Successful Family Life,110,,,
"Variety Of Brothers, Adapt,","Fox & the Crane Fox served in flat dish, crane couldn't eat. Crane served in tall, narrow jar, fox had trouble.",Different people do different things well.,1co 12:27-31;,Aesop's Fables,Are You Content With Jehovah's Provisions?,22,,,
"Variety, Brothers, Adapt,","Geodes. (State rock of Iowa) Geodes; plain-looking, opened up reveal a dazzling, crystallized inner beauty.","Person, plain-looking on outside, quiet & shy, inner beauty.",1pe 3:1-3;,"Nov 1, 1989 Wt Page 32",Are You Content With Jehovah's Provisions?,22,,,
"Variety, Discouragement, Personalities, Happiness, Joy, Contentment,","An ancient legend tells of a king who walked into his garden one day to find almost everything withered and dying.  Speaking to an oak near the gate, he learned that it was sick of life because it was not tall and beautiful like the pine.  The pine was upset, for it could not bear delicious fruit like the pear tree, while the pear tree complained that it did not have the lovely odor of the spruce; and so it went throughout the entire garden.  Coming to a pansy, however, the king saw its bright face full of cheerfulness. 'Well, little flower,' said the monarch, 'I'm glad to find at least one that is happy in this discouraging scene.'","'Your majesty, I know I'm of small account, but I decided you wanted a pansy when you planted me. If you had desired an oak or a pear tree, you would have put one in my place. Therefore I've determined to be the best little flower I can be!'  Are we content to serve Jehovah with what we have?",1 Tim. 6:8;,Mark Hanlon,Finding Honor And Joy In God's Ministry,65,,1998/11/26,
"Variety, Growth, Organization, Progress, Maturity, Endurance, Adapt, Improvement,","Jehovah supplies variety: Early in history we find a family with three children: One an expert with livestock, another a master musician and the third a fine tool smith. For this reason, God did not make us all alike.","Any society requires different talents, abilities, and variety of contributions.  We should learn to appreciate the wonderful variety of all our brothers and sisters.",Genesis. 4:19-22;,"Jun 1, 1967 Wt Page 334",Serving With Jehovah's Unified Organization,3,,,
"Variety, Growth, Progress, Congregation, Organization,","Like a forest. Santa Cruz California is found some of the tallest trees in the world. When flying overhead we see only one perspective. On the ground another. (different) Ravages of fire disease. Different sizes (some are giants some are small, some are saplings)",Similar in the congregation.  Some are spiritual Giants.  Younger ones just starting to mature.  Bible studies like saplings.,Heb 6:1;,J.K.,Keep Growing In Your Relationship With God,16,,1997/04/11,
"Variety, Personalities, Brothers, Hobby, Qualities,","Having a hobby may be a very human thing we use to relax, amuse or otherwise distract ourselves; doing something pleasurable and creative or productive at the same time.  We do not think of Jehovah in terms of having, or needing, a hobby.  But as we read the Bible we certainly get a glimpse of how he views certain things.  Take, for example, something many people find relaxing: gardening... What do we know about Jehovah's view of gardening as an enjoyable activity? - He planted the very first one and wanted it to be so big it would take the whole planet (Gen. 1:1;2:8-10,15) - He makes repeated references to having a garden he looks after (Isa. 51:3;61:11)- He takes an active part in providing that care (Isa. 5:7;58:11)- His Son, Jesus, made many comments and illustrations related to gardening (Mat. 13:39;15:13;20:1;21:33; John 4:35) - To Him, his faithful servants are part of the fruits of that garden (Isa. 60:21; Jer. 31:12 - His garden includes everything: from little tiny herbs to big fruit trees (Isa. 61:3; Rev. 22:1,2)  Let's look at our congregations and see what we find growing there...  Bro. Navel Orange: sweet, refreshing, always 'juicy' and with plenty of 'seeds' for all. Even his 'crust' or 'peel', which many overlook, can be made into preserves.  Bro. Red Beans: it took a lot of 'heat' for that brother to come to be what he is today- a great source of nourishment; protein, iron and fiber. Not everyone can 'digest' him fully but we love him.  Sister. Lettuce: some say she has no taste, is boring and gets easily bruised. But when she gets together with Sister. Tomato and Sister. Cucumber they really shine as a team.  Bro. Water Melon: you never hear him brag about his maturity; in fact, he looks very green.  Those that only know him a little, say he is all 'pale' inside and tasteless.  But if you really come to know him deep down inside you will find a very mature heart, very sweet, very red and with lots of seeds to share also.  Sister. Rice: she survives, actually thrives, where most others would drown. She is most productive when in 'deep water'.  She loves Bro. Red Beans; they make a lovely couple.  Brother Lemon: he is a cousin to Bro. Orange and they do look related. Many people are always comparing them and expect him to be more like Bro. Orange but he is different.  He is not really sweet but he has a gift for bringing out the best in others; he can make them come clean and, if you are sick, he can help you get well.  Sisters Rose, Orchid, Lily and others: they can brighten up a room just by being there.  They are cheerful, full of praise and delightful to be with.  Do be careful around Sister. Rose; she can be quite a thorn' if you are not careful around her.","What other fruits and vegetables do you recognize in your congregation? Do you see how even though they are all different, all are uniquely valuable?  And even what we see as their shortcomings may be just some aspect of their personality we need to learn to view the right way.",Isa. 51:3;61:11,Bobby Laymon,Service Talk,200,,1998/02/17,
"Variety, Personalities, Flaws, Critical, Perfection, Organization,","Imagine being at a country fair, watching an artist drawing portraits of people in caricature style. Think about the different kinds of artists.  A caricature artist can take a subject, say a beautiful woman, and create something that is grotesque. He does this by over emphasizing any imperfections. He will take the nose, eyes, teeth, lips or chin and blow them up out of all proportion, distorting them. Attention may be focused on the smallest of imperfections, maybe a spot, blemish, wrinkle or mole, accentuating these features.  On the other hand there is the fine artist who can paint or draw the same subject and create a thing of beauty. He looks at the eyes, cheeks, lips, and hair, and with masterful strokes, can capture attractive and appealing features that emphasize elegance and pleasing qualities.","What kind of artists are we? What pictures do we create when we look at our brothers and sisters? Do we, like the caricaturist draw attention to and emphasize their imperfections, even the smallest of flaws, and blow them out of proportion? Maybe we distort some unintentional remark which may cause us to dwell on this, which, in turn, spoils the attractiveness of that person in our eyes.  On the other hand, do we look at those we associate with in the truth and capture their fine features, the pleasing personalities and qualities that transcend their imperfections? Seeing in them what Jehovah sees, something that is attractive, as we all battle to overcome sinful tendencies and cultivate Christ like personalities?",1 Pet. 4:8;,Mark Hanlon,Serving With Jehovah's Unified Organization,3,,1998/11/26,
Variety;,"'Sameness is the mother of disgust, variety is the cure.'  Quote:  Petrarch.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Variety; Vacation;,"'With me, a change of trouble is as good as a vacation.' Quote:  William Lloyd George",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Vengeance,"The Horse and the Stag Horse angry because stag trod all grass down in meadow.  He appealed to the man to help him chase down stag, and put to death. The man agreed, and they did so.  Horse thanked the man, but he said, 'Do not thank me.  I never knew until now how useful you were.  I will keep you for my slave.'",Revenge is never worth the price.,Deuteronomy. 32:35,Aesop's Fables,"Living, Not For Self, But To Do God's Will",8,,,
Vengeance By Jehovah,Boomerang,Traveling Merchants weaponry may come back in fiery holocaust,Rev 18:15-17,"June 1, 1989 Wt Page 24 (also Revelation Climax Page 263, 264",Make Jehovah Your Confidence,70,,,
"Vengeance, Sin, Injury, Forgiveness,",'If an injury has to be done to a man it should be so severe that his vengeance need not be feared.' Quote: Niccole Machiavelli.,Ongoing 'crushing' and 'afflicting' of God's people require his intervention soon.  There will be no 'second chance' for enemies to retaliate.,1 Thess 5:15;,Jk Quotes;,Jehovah Is 'a Secure Height' For His People,151,,,
"Verbal Abuse, Speech, Hearts, Children,","'Sticks and stones may break our bones, but words will break our hearts.'  Quote: Robert Fulgham.",Words can be very harsh on children.  They can be an abuse that will break their hearts.  Parents must be careful.,Prov. 12:18; Eph 6:4;,Bobby Laymon - Reader's Digest,How Can Youths Cope With Today's Crisis?,113,,1996/03/24,
"Vice, Greed, Pollution, Crooked, Crime, Sin,","'The tree born crooked, dies crooked.'  Quote: Portuguese proverb.","The roots of vices such as greed run deep in the fabric of human society, far deeper than the roots of Amazon trees run into the forest soil.  Human efforts alone cannot right this trait.",Ecc. 1:15;,"Mar 22, 1997 Aw Page 13",Is The Truth Transforming Your Life?,51,,1997/03/10,
Vices; Wickedness;,"'Men wish to be saved from the mischief's of their vices, but not from their vice.'  Quote:  Rwe.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Vices; Wickedness;,'There will be vice as long as there are men.'  Quote:  Tacitus.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Victory, Confident, Armageddon,","We hear of victory in war; victory in ball games; political campaign, etc.  We know what it means.  It means to win! To come off victorious.",But what about 'Divine Victory?'  What does it mean?  It means that Jehovah will come off victorious.  There is no chance of His losing.,"Re 6:2, 14; 19:11-21; Re 7:14-17; 21:3, 4; Phil 4:6, 7;",Daniel Myers,Be Confident Of Divine Victory!,39,,,
"Victory, Confident, Armageddon, Faith,","Did you ever notice a drive-way that was not paved.  After heavy rains, it slowly shows signs of washing away.  It erodes.  After a time the ruts can become severe.","Our confidence, our faith can erode away.  We must constantly maintain it, inspect it.  (See King Asia's example above)","2ch 14:11, 12; 16:2,3,7-9; Mt 24:42;",Daniel Myers,Be Confident Of Divine Victory!,39,,,
"Victory, Defeat, United Nations, Churchill, Last Days, Peace,","'The problems of victory are more agreeable than those of defeat, but they are no less difficult.'     Quote: Winston Churchill","No doubt one of the most difficult of these problems of victory would be the finding of a replacement for the defunct League of Nations. Even though some people may have been doubtful, Jehovah's Witnesses were certain that such a replacement would be found. In a discourse delivered at their 1942 convention in Cleveland, Ohio, the speaker said: 'Before Armageddon comes, the Scriptures show, a peace must come. . . . Those of a democratic mind hope for a United States of the world, a 'family of nations,' a 'world association' based on the  United Nations.' Referring to the prophecy of Revelation 17:8, he stated unequivocally: 'The association of worldly nations will rise again.'",Re 17:8;,G87 4/22 19,What Does The Healing Of The Nations Accomplish?,111,,1994/05/09,
"Victory, Patience, Confidence,","Take a large cardboard box and put it on a chair next to you. and everybody will wonder what is in it.  Continue on with the talk.  Near end you say, 'You probably wonder what's in this box.  Well, I'll tell you: nothing at all!  However there IS something written on it.' Then turn the box on its side, and it reads 'Godly victory'.","'It's with godly victory just like with this box. You were all eager to know what was inside, and it seemed to take a long time before you did.  But as you now know about the box, we can be assured godly victory will come when Jehovah decides it's time.  But there's something else written on the box.  I won't read it to you, but I want you to read it yourself and think about it!  Turn it over and step off the podium.  Now the only thing left up there is the box, showing the question 'Will you be there ?'.",Rev 6:2; 17:14;,J.K.,Be Confident Of Divine Victory!,39,,1997/04/13,
"Victory, Persecution, Salvation, Faith, Endurance, Fear, Churchill,","HIS words were enough to evoke fear in the bravest of persons. 'I have nothing to offer but blood, toil, tears and sweat,' newly appointed prime minister Winston Churchill told members of the British House of Commons.","He added, 'Victory at all costs, victory in spite of all terror, victory however long and hard the road may be; for without victory there is no survival.'  We must put a hard fight for the faith.",Jude 1:3;,G87 4/22 15,Maintain Your Confidence Firm To The End,46,,1994/05/09,
"Video, Organization, Behind, Appreciation,","(Hold up tooth pick)  Did you ever wonder how they make tooth picks?  How do they make the ends so sharp?  How do they hold them while doing it?  How do they make them so economically?  Also, some taste like vanilla or cinnamon.  How do they do that.  Or put them in a little plastic bag?  If we could visit a tooth pick factory, our appreciation would be enhanced.","It is that way with Jehovah's organization.  When we can see behind the scenes, it builds our faith.  The video, 'The Organization Behind the Name' is like that.  It helps to see the things unseen.",2 Kings 6:15-17;,Bobby & Joe Laymon,Serving With Jehovah's Unified Organization,3,,1997/04/18,
"Videos, Movies, Music, Parties, Gatherings, Association,","Philippians 4:8 states 'Whatever things are ... continue considering these things.' Would you say a video is a thing? Yes, of course! So let's read that Scripture again:","'Whatever videos are true, whatever videos are of serious concern, whatever videos are righteous, whatever videos are chaste, whatever videos are lovable, whatever videos are well spoken of, whatever virtue there is and whatever praiseworthy video there is, continue watching these videos.'",Phil. 4:8;,Goldman Collection,Keep Growing In Your Relationship With God,16,,"Jan 21, 2001",
"View, Flesh, wickedness, righteous, ","We don't see things as they are, we see them as we are.  -- Anis Nin","However, Jehovah sees us as we would be without sin.  He even declares some righteous.",Rom. 2:13;,Bobby Laymon,Why Mankind Needs A Ransom,125,,"Nov 19, 2001",4/1/2014
Viewpoint; Perspective; Opinion; Attitude;,'In the ant's house the dew is a flood.'  Quote:  Persian.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Viewpoint; Perspective; Opinion; Attitude;,'The fact that an opinion has been widely held is no evidence whatever that it is not utterly absurd.'  Quote:  Bertrand Russell.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Viewpoint; Perspective; Opinion; Attitude;,"'When a camel is at the foot of a mountain, then judge his height.'  Quote:  Hindu.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Viewpoint; Perspective; Opinion; Attitude;,"'When there is a lot of it around, you never want it very much.'  Quote:  P. Bracken.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Viewpoint; Perspective; Opinion; Attitude;,"'Whenever two people meet there are really six people present. There is each man as he sees himself, each man as the other person sees him, and each man as he really is.' Quote:  William James",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Viewpoint; Perspective; Opinion; Attitude;,"If a pickpocket meets a saint, he sees only his pockets.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Viewpoint; Perspective; Opinion; Attitude;,We do not usually see things the way they are we usually see thing as we are.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Vigilance, Confidence, Zealous, Problems, Exert, Urgency, Awake,",Right now many of us seem to have smooth sailing and so there may be a tendency to relax our vigilance.,"But we dare not do so, for our sea also is strewn with icebergs, obstacles put there by the Devil and his demons, the world and the flesh, which can easily cause us shipwreck, loss of integrity toward God.",Rev 12:12;,W58 8/15 497,How To Keep Spiritually Awake!,71,,1994/08/10,
Vigilance;,There are no permanent changes because change itself is permanent.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Violence, Domestic, Words, Sarcasm, Abuse,","Like water dripping on a rock, it seems harmless at first.  Walk down any street in America.  In every other home, some form of domestic violence will occur at least once this year.","Likewise, denigrating innuendoes may seem harmless at first.  But self-esteem is soon eroded.  With physical abuse, at least you can see the marks; with verbal abuse, it just makes you crazy.",Pr 12:18;,"Feb 8, 1993 Aw Page 3, 9",Coping With Life's Anxieties,32,,,
"Violence, Satan, Devil, Last Days, World, Armageddon,","Just as one could predict the course of a rock thrown from a cliff--downward, in harmony with the law of gravity. Men have been egged on to more and more violence.",So departing from God's laws could result only in a downward trend toward chaos.,Jer. 10:23; 8:9; Rev. 12:12; 1 John 5:19; 1 Pet. 5:8;,"Sep 1, 1967 Wt Page 518",The Only Cure For Sick Mankind,62,,,
"Violence, War, Blood, Hatred,",'No one need think that the world can be ruled without blood. The civil sword shall and must be red and bloody.' Quote: Martin Luther.,Today's violence uses sophisticated weapons instruments of mass destruction pose a threat not previously imagined.  Many believe that violence is necessary.,Jonah 3:8;,Bobby Laymon,Good News In A Violent World,85,,1995/08/25,
"Violence, Wars, Satan, Demons,","Into our vocabulary have come phrases reflecting the violence of this generation: 'germ warfare,' 'the Holocaust,' 'killing fields,' 'rape camps,' 'serial killers,' and 'the bomb.'  The news is bloated with stories of drugs, murder, bombing, psychopathic cannibalism, massacres, famine, and torture.","In his anger, Satan and his minions are intent on causing as much woe as possible before their imminent end.",Re 12:12;,"Feb 1, 1994 Wt  Page 7",How To Protect Ourselves From Satan's Snares,115,,1993/12/30,
Violence;,"'Be peaceful, courteous, obey the law, respect everyone; but if someone puts his hand on you send him to the cemetery.'  Quote:  Malcolm X.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Violence;,'Nothing good ever comes of violence.'  Quote:  Ml.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Violence;,"'There is a violence that liberates, and a violence that enslaves; there is a violence that is moral and a violence that is immoral.'  Quote:  Benito Mussolini.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Violence;,'Violence is American as cherry pie.'  Quote:  H. Rap Brown.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Violence;,It is forbidden to kill. Therefore all murderers are punished unless they kill in large numbers and to the sound of trumpets.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Virginity, Sex, Marriage, Chaste,","'I viewed my virginity like a diamond.'  Additionally, youths like Esther are not plagued by a guilty conscience. (See Article)",It is so 'valuable because it is so rare.',Eccl 12:1,Questions Young People Ask  Page 189,A Godly View Of Sex And Marriage,13,,,
"Virginity, Sex, Marriage, Chaste, Clean, Conscience,","'I viewed my virginity like a diamond, valuable because it is so rare.'","Youths like Esther are not plagued by a guilty conscience. 'There is nothing nicer than to have a good conscience toward Jehovah God,'  stated Stefan, a 19-year-old Christian.",Ecc 12:1;,Yp 188-9  23,A Clean People Honors Jehovah,14,,1994/05/12,
"Virtue, Chaste, Holy,","THERE is a saying, 'Virtue is its own reward.' That saying is well meant, for he who is virtuous with an eye to material reward is not really virtuous.","However, God's Word assures us that Jehovah God also rewards virtue, that is, goodness and right doing. In fact, the apostle Paul states that to please God we must believe not only that He exists but that He rewards those earnestly seeking Him.",Heb 11:6;,"Aug 8, 1971 Aw Page 27",A Clean People Honors Jehovah,14,,1996/11/25,
"Virtue, Faith, Worship, Hope,","If a man has faith and has virtue, then he has true glory and treasure. Wherever that man may go, there he will be held in honor.",These are enduring qualities.,1 Cor. 1:9; Gal. 5:22; Heb. 11:1; Ps. 37:25; Josh. 23:14;,Bobby Laymon (wisdom Of The Ages..Quotes),Have Faith In The Good News,47,,,
"Virtue, Integrity, Loyalty,","Likened to a strong metal such as iron, which by repeated heating and cooling can be tempered so as to become steel, making it not only stronger but also tougher, far less likely to crack under strain.","Virtue has inherent in it the thought of moral strength, manliness, as seen from English word 'virility' comes from the same Latin root.",2 Pet. 1:5; Phil. 4:8;,"May 15, 1968 Wt Page 291",What God's Rulership Can Do For Us,24,,,
"Virtue, Love, Joy, Peace, Long-suffering, Kind, Good, Faith, Mild, Self",Blushing is the color of virtue.,Virtue.,"Gal. 5:22, 23; Jo. 13:35; Phil. 3:1, 4:4; Mic. 6:8; Tit. 3:2;",Bobby Laymon,Serve Jehovah With A Joyful Heart,78,,,
"Virtue, Power, Abuse, Governments,",'The highest proof of virtue is to possess boundless power without abusing it.' Quote: Thomas Babington. -1843.,The same could be said regarding Christian freedom.  Abusing our freedom in Christ is also 'sowing with a view to the flesh'.,Ga 5:13;,Bobby Laymon,You Will Reap What You Sow,59,,1995/08/01,
"Virtue, Steal, Ten Commandments, Positive, Negative, Honesty,","A person may not steal because of having inherited great wealth, however such is a negative virtue, at best. Some may not steal because of not having an opportunity to do so.",Some persons consider themselves virtuous because they do not appear to be breaking any of the Ten Commandments.,2 Pet. 1:5; Phil. 4:8; Lk. 18:9-14; Mr. 10:17-22;,"May 15, 1968 Wt Page 291",Conducting Ourselves Honestly At All Times,10,,,
Virtue; Goodness;,'He who possesses virtue in abundance may be compared to an infant.'  Quote:  Lao-Tzu.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Virtue; Goodness;,"'Virtue is a state of war, and to live in it we have always to combat with ourselves.'  Quote:  Jean Rousseau.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Vision, Creation, View, Infinite, Grand,","'What you see, yet can not see over, is as good as infinite.' Quote: Thomas Carlyle. 1833-1834.","Creation's marvels reflect God's qualities.  The more we know of physical world, the more we are impressed.",Ps. 19:1;,Bobby Laymon,Appreciating Marvels Of God's Creation,114,,1995/08/01,
"Vision, Day Dream, Winner, Kingdom,",Martin Luther King had a vision; Bill Clinton had a vision; His opponent did not. The vision helped them come off victorious.,We must have a vision!  We must picture ourselves as winners! 'The brain doesn't know the difference between concrete and imagined situations.'  We will come off victorious.,Pr 28:19;,William Osbeck C.O.,The Kingdom Of God Is Near,109,,,
"Vision, Kingdom, Faith, Meetings, Service, Selfish, Everlasting,","The story is told of a couple who finally was able to build their dream house.  They had a nice big picture window with a beautiful view and they loved to sit and watch the birds, deer, wild turkeys!  However, they forgot to clean their window, and in time their view got dimmer.  As it got dirtier, all they could see was an image of themselves!","It we do not keep the view of God's Kingdom clear in our vision, it will become blurred.  Even dim.  We must do this through the meetings, study, and service.  If not, we may reach the point where all we think of is ourselves and lose out on the hope of everlasting life.",Heb 11:13;,Mia Pinnon,The Kingdom Of God Is Near,109,,1994/11/06,
Visit; Funny,'I've had a wonderful evening-but this wasn't it.'  Quote:  Gm.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Visit; Guests;,'Some people can stay longer in an hour than others can in a month.'  Quote:  Dean Howells.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Visit; Guests;,'Some people can stay longer in an hour that others can in a week.' Quote:  William Howells,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Visit; Guests;,'Treat your guest as a guest for two days; on the third day give him a hoe.' Quote:  Swahili,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Visits; Guests;,"'Visits always give pleasure....if not the arrival, the departure.'  Quote:  Portuguese.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Voice, Endurance, Gilead, Missionary, Pioneer, Problems","The human ear has the ability to distinguish even slight differences in the tone and quality of a sound. The Christian, knows the 'sound,' the exact 'tone' of the truth from God's Word-the voice of the Fine Shepherd.  Quote: U. V. Glass, Gilead instructor.",He counseled the students to be alert to reject false or counterfeit 'tones' that could decoy them from their true objective as missionaries.,John 10:2-5;,W76 5/1 287,Never Become Dull In Your Hearing,9,,1994/06/27,
"Vow, Debt, Installment, Promise,",'Put your brain in gear before you open your mouth.',"When making a vow to Jehovah, we need to not do so hastily.  Also when making a commitment.  A debt, buying a car, or anything that can affect us for months or years.  A 60 second decision could cost us for 60 months or longer.",Ecclesiastes 5:1-8;,Bobby Laymon,You Will Reap What You Sow,59,,1995/06/01,
"Vow, Promise, Harsh, Strict, Rigid, Flexible, Adaptable,",'The vow that binds too strictly snaps itself.' Quote: Alfred Lord Tennyson.,"We should be careful about what we vow, or promise.  With many, promise is made with idea that it will be kept if convenient. No wonder disillusionments, disappointments, deeply felt hurt, and even anger are added to the ills of humankind today.",Ps 15:2;,Bobby Laymon,On Whose Promises Do You Rely?,61,,1995/08/05,
Vow;,'A vow is a snare for sin.'  Quote:  Samuel Johnson.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Vow;,"'We must not promise what we ought not, lest we be called upon to perform what we cannot.'  Quote:  Al.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Vows, Promises,",'The check is in the mail!',"Convenient falsehoods, such as this may buy time with human creditors, however Jehovah and the angels are never deceived.","Ecclesiastes 5:5, 6; Heb 1:14;","Apr 8, 1993 Aw Page 24",On Whose Promises Do You Rely?,61,,,
"Vows, Promises,","Suppose someone owed you a large sum of money, but because of some misfortune found himself unable to repay you.  Which would please you more.  If he shrugged off the whole debt as impossible to repay or if he at least arranged to pay you small, regular amounts as he was able?","By the same reason, suppose a hasty vow to devote one's full time or other resources to proper Christian activities simply cannot be kept.  Should we not feel duty-bound to come as close as present circumstances allow?","Ecclesiastes 5:5, 6; Heb 1:14; 2co 8:12;","Apr 8, 1993 Aw Page 25",On Whose Promises Do You Rely?,61,,,
Vulgar;,"'Vulgarity is the conduct of other people, just as falsehoods are the truths of other people.'  Quote:  Oscar Wilde.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"W. R. Brown, Bible Brown, Pioneer,","As Brother Brown spoke, he would repeatedly say: 'Not Brown says, but the Bible says.'","Because of this, he came to be known as 'Bible Brown.'  As a result of his logical, Scriptural presentation, some prominent church members resigned and took up Jehovah's service.",Pr 3:9; 25:6; 1ti 1:17;,Jehovah's Witnesses - Proclaimers Of God's Kingdom.  Page 433,Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,,
Wage;,'Men who do things without being told draw the most wages.'  Quote:  Edward H. Stuart.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Wait, Patience, Materialism,","Jim Witness has a son, Jim Junior. Now, Jim Junior is 16 and about to leave school. He's keen to look for and finds a 40-hour-a-week job, which he feels is quite normal because that's what Dad works.  After a while on the job, Jim Junior gets a bulge in his pocket -- a wad of notes. But he doesn't want a wad of notes in his pocket. He wants a car.  So he buys one with the cash he's earned, but finds that he spends more time under the bonnet than he would like. After all, he would rather be out doing wheelies with his mates. So Jim Junior decides to get a more reliable car. But this is going to cost more than he has saved up, so with Dad's permission and help he raises finance to pay for a better car. Everything is going great. Then one day, Jim Junior's boss says, 'Work Saturdays.' Now young Jim starts to worry. 'If I don't work Saturdays, then I won't be able to repay my loan, and if I don't repay my loan, I'll have to sell my car, and I won't get as much as I paid for it . . .' So he agrees to work Saturdays.  Time passes. Then the boss comes to Jim Junior and demands that he work the occasional Sunday. In the end, young Jim can only spend about 2 hours per week in the ministry. Do you think that is all that Jim could do?  Can he honestly say to Jehovah: 'Two hours is all I can give you in the field'?","Didn't he start at the wrong end? In effect, Jim Junior said: 'I'll get myself set up with a good job, lock myself into finance, buy a good car, and give what is left to Jehovah.'  Learning to wait is one of the hardest lessons humans are ever called upon to accept. Little children are by nature impatient, and whatever catches their eye, they want it now! Often we don't grow out of that habit.",Matt 6:33;,Andre Mendes Da Costa; N Z Bethel,,,,1997/04/03,
"Waiting, Attitude, Security, Heights, Prayer, Persecution,","Like driving your car down highway and another car cuts you off and passes you like your standing still, and then speeds off.  Maybe at first you get upset, heated up, you'd like to chase after him.  Or maybe you get envious, you think, why should I drive the speed limit when no body else is?  You want to speed up.  But then you stop yourself self by thinking, wait a minute, what they are doing is wrong.   So why should I let their wrong behavior influence me.  Sooner or later it will catch up with them!","And then, sure enough, down the road, you see them pulled over by a policeman.  Now, of course,  you don't take any pleasure in seeing that person pulled over!!!  But  that's a reminder.  The wicked are not getting away with badness,  it catches up with them and it might be just a few miles down the road before it happens.  So we need to work at being content, while we wait on Jehovah to act.  As God's prophet Micah said at Micah 7:7    'but as for me, it is for Jehovah that I shall keep on the lookout. I will show a waiting attitude for the God of my salvation. My God will hear me.'",Micah 7:7,Jk,Jehovah Is 'a Secure Height' For His People,151,,"Apr 25, 2002",
Walk,"Inside the house we can walk barefoot. Outside .....be careful 'keep strict watch...HOW we walk.  Eph 5:15, 16",We must always be careful to walk in Jehovah's ways,Phil 3:16   1 Cor 10:6-11,"Sam Herd, Dist. Overseer",Are You Doing What God Requires Of You?,43,,,6/28/2018
"Walk, Jehovah, Fellow Workers, Prayer, Walking, Pioneer, Know,","Imagine a kangaroo and a flea hopping along together...!  When we walk with God, we are certainly going in the right direct. To do so, Jehovah must be very real to us.","We, puny, weak, imperfect humans, mere specks on a speck can and may walk with Jehovah.",Mic. 6:8; Genesis. 5:22; Mal. 2:4;,"Feb 15, 1963 Wt Page 105",How Well Do You Know God?,1,,,
"Walk, Jehovah, Fellow Workers, Prayer, Walking, Pioneer, Know,",Imagine an elephant and an ant walking side by side in a parade.,"We, puny, weak, imperfect humans, mere specks on a speck can and may walk with Jehovah.",Mic. 6:8; Genesis. 5:22; Mal. 2:4;,"Feb 15, 1963 Wt Page 105",How Well Do You Know God?,1,,,
"Walk, Kingdom, Relationship, Zeal,","If you were to walk two miles a day until age 65 you would have walked  nearly 50,000 miles in your lifetime.  Doctors say that walking is one the best forms of exercise.  Strengthens heart, aids in circulation,  builds muscles and contributes to all around better health.  Have you ever walked through a narrow, winding path through the woods.  If you have you know that their are many obstacles and distractions.  As you walk along there are often tree branches that stick out and poke at you.  Tree roots often cross the path that make you stumble.  Once when walking through a forest, I even slipped into some quicksand.  The point is that if you aren't careful, and constantly watching it is so easy to slip or stray.  To walk 50,000 miles in a persons lifetime would be a notable achievement.","While physical walking has many benefits, wouldn't it be of even greater benefit to say that we have walked in Jehovah's ways during our life.   As we have seen, seeking first the Kingdom involves more than just preaching God's Kingdom to others.  It also requires walking in its truth.  Over 100 times the Bible refers to walking in the ways of Jehovah.  That is the real exercise that keeps us happy and alive.  It is nice to see so many that others that we acquainted with are staying in shape by walking in the truth.  May have known some almost all of your life.  How does it make you feel when you look around and all of your life.  How does it make you feel when you look around and see them?  Do you remember how the Apostle John felt when he heard how his friend Gaius was doing?  Notice his own expression of joy in 3 John 3, 4.  When walking for exercise you can't walk for six months and expect see benefits for the rest of your life.  It needs to be something that you work at every day.  Sad to say, some that once walked in the truth have quit that program as well.  Perhaps some that you have studied the Bible with, children that you have seen grow up, or others that you have known well are no longer seeking first the Kingdom and walking in the truth.  Why is this?  The Apostle Paul mentioned some who had quit  walking in the truth at Philippians 3:18, 19.  Lets note together what  happened to them.   Note that the problem was that they had lost their spirituality.  Something had eroded it away so that instead of a spiritual person they  became too concerned with fleshly or physical things.  Paul also cited  the danger of becoming fleshly at 1 Corinthians 2:14 where he said that  'a physical man does not receive the things of the spirit of God, for  they are foolishness to him; and he cannot get to know them, because  they are examined spiritually.'  This experience was not unique to  Paul's day however.  Doubtless, like Paul, you too know many who have  strayed from the truth and slipped off the pathway to life.  It is so  easy to do.   When we are walking in the truth, Satan uses many branches, roots, and pits to cause us to lose our balance.  What are some of the things that he has used effectively?  Some of them start out so subtly.  Perhaps a person starts listening to music that contains debasing lyrics, or they may be watching movies with degrading scenes.  Some have even began indulging in pornographic literature and other material.  Once the process begins it is like quicksand sucking us in ever deeper.  Slipping off the  pathway of life can happen to any of us young or old.  These influences  are so widespread that we must always be alert to the danger of having  it spread into our personal or family life and even into the  congregations.  That means that we need to watch out not only for  ourselves, but parents as well as elders need to be constantly watching  to see if some are slowly slipping away from walking in the truth.  Just how can parents as well as elders be of assistance to younger ones  who are having trouble dealing with the pressures of Satan's world?  We encourage all, but especially parents and elders to note this  demonstration where an elder has noticed a problem with the children in  the family.  By keeping a close eye on your children as well as letting the elders  be of assistance, parents will be more successful in keeping their  children on path to everlasting life.  It would be the course of wisdom  to follow very closely Paul's suggestion at Ephesians 5:15, 16.  Note that he mentioned that we should look at how we use our time.  We  never seem to have enough of it, but we all have the same amount.  24  hours in a day, 1,440 minutes, 86,400 seconds in a day.  But what do  you do with your 1,440 minutes.  Are they spent mainly in physical  pursuits, or they bought out in order to serve Jehovah.  We know that  with physical walking there are benefits.  What of the benefits of  walking in the truth.  Colossians 1:10 mentions three.    Let us never stray from that road of life.  Jehovah helps us to stay on  it by providing information on the pitfalls, and dangers that Satan put  in our way.  It's as if our Grand Instructor, Jehovah illuminates the  road, saying: 'This is the way.  Walk in it, you people, in case you  should go to the right or in case you should to the left.'    To walk 50,000 miles in a persons lifetime would be a notable  achievement.  But to walk in the truth is so much more important.  We  cannot walk part of the time in the truth, but then pleasing ourselves  by taking detours to indulge in excessive recreation, or time-consuming  careers.  We could get lost on one of the byways, never to find  ourselves walking in the truth again.  But by walking in the truth you  are involved in an exercise program that can benefit you for all  eternity.",Col 1:10;,Joe Laymon,True Friendship With God And Neighbor.,100,,1994/03/06,
"Walk, Pioneer,","A person may walk 75000 miles to age 65 (The BEST exercise) Enoch, Noah & Levi walked in Jehovah's ways.",Many more benefits come from walking in Jehovah's ways,"1 Pet 4:3, 4","Sam Herd,",Are You Doing What God Requires Of You?,43,,,6/28/2018
Walking In Jesus Footsteps,"Follow in footsteps follow the leader same gait, same length of step when trail become mingled, know direction.",Watch closely how Jesus walked.,"Heb 12:1, 2",Watchtower 1987 Or 88,Are You Walking With God?,149,,,
Walking In Truth,Two roads on different road; Clean opened up in 1919; Highway of holiness.  It remains open.,"Loose conduct, lusts etc; vs. fruits of spirit.","Mat 7:13  1 Pet 4:3,4; Isa 35:8","June 1, 1989 Wt     Page  14",Follow The Way To Life,45,,,
"Walking In Truth, Pioneer,",Compass,Life center around pivotal point of serving Jehovah,Matt 6:33,Bobby Laymon,Life Does Have A Purpose,23,,,
Walking With Jehovah,"Physical benefits, aids heart, lungs, entire body.",Walking with God does same.,Zech 4:6,"Bro Greer , Louis  ... Circuit Assy",Are You Walking With God?,149,,,
"Walking,","Have you ever been walking and went around a corner and collided with someone?    Maybe you had some groceries or books in you arms, can be very startling.  But you know, a collision with that person would never  be possible if you were walking WITH that person!!___","None of us want to be on a collision course with God, and the only way to avoid that is to be walking with him.  What is so amazing is that Jehovah God, the Creator of the universe, invites us to go for a walk with him.","Genesis. 5:22, 24;",Jk,Are You Walking With God?,149,,"Apr 25, 2002",
"Walking,","If some prominent human asked us to take a walk with them that would impress us.  Maybe the president, or some well, known sports figure or entertainer.  We would feel somewhat honored or privileged.  But few prominent humans let common people get close to them, let alone walk with them for a while.",But Jehovah God invites us to walk with him.  What does it mean to walk with God?   What does it involve?,"Genesis. 5:22, 24;",Jk,Are You Walking With God?,149,,"Apr 25, 2002",
"Walking,","Literally, when someone asks you if you want to go for a walk with them and you accept, do you get up and say,  I'll go this way and you go that way!!   No,  ridiculous!","And so with walking with God, you have to go the same direction as he.  It means that Enoch and other men of faith conducted themselves in a way that gave evidence of strong faith in God. They did what Jehovah commanded them and regulated their lives in harmony with what they knew about him from his dealings with humankind.  They went the same direction as Jehovah God did.",2 Chronicles 7:17,Jk,Are You Walking With God?,149,,"Apr 25, 2002",
"Walking,","When someone asks you to go for a walk, what does that involve?   First you have to decide whether you want to and so you say OK!  But then what?  You have to get up, get off the couch, you have to exert some effort.   Because the person that ask you to walk with him, probably did not have in mind carrying you piggyback during the walk.","So to with walking with Jehovah God.  It will involve some effort.  In fact: The Bible uses the words  'walk' and 'walking' as an illustrative expression.  To walk means to follow a certain course of action, a certain course in life.  Notice  what it says about the man Enoch...","Genesis. 5:22, 24;",Jk,Are You Walking With God?,149,,"Apr 25, 2002",
"Walking, Example, Rocks,","Have you ever been walking along the road and accidentally kicked a rock? Gets your attention, you WALK up to it, kick it again...kind of fun, so as your walking up to it, you kick it again, and again, trying to keep it on the road, kick it again, you get kind of absorbed,  kick it again, this time though it goes off the road, down in the ditch, but by   now, enjoying it so much, you go out of your way to kick it, go down in the ditch, kick it again, try to kick it back up on the road, and after a while its just you and this rock.  There is potential for danger there! You might WALK out in the road to kick this rock, may not pay attention to what is coming!","Same thing can happen with us and the priority of doing Jehovah's will.  We're walking on the narrow road that leads to life. As we walk with Jehovah, something might catch our attention, it  might be something in itself harmless, something we enjoy, could be a hobby, could be recognition for our secular work, may really enjoy our secular work, or it could be some fine material things. But if we are not careful, our attention can become riveted on these things, we start pursuing them, just like that rock.  We may start pursuing these things, even if we have to go off that narrow road a little to do it.  Soon our mind and heart becomes focused on these things and as selfish pursuits increase, Kingdom interests decrease, doing Jehovah's will is no longer a priority. Then we find ourselves walking in the direction of that broad and spacious road which, of course is perfect for kicking rocks.",Matt. 6:33;7:13;,Jk,Are You Walking With God?,149,,"Apr 25, 2002",
"Walking, Exert, Determination, Polio, Sin, Disease,","Let me tell you a true story.  Once, there was a little girl who, because of the carelessness of her parents, got a disease.   The disease was polio.   The disease hit her hard and doctors told the parents and the little girl, as they told 1000's of others who had contracted the same disease,  that she would probably never walk.  But that little girl didn't accept that.  She didn't accept what the doctors said.  She had a desire to walk that was so strong, that she exerted great effort, she forced herself to exercise and little by little she got to the point that she could not only walk, but she could run.  In fact, she grew up and later went on to win a gold metal in the Olympics for running.","Now here is another true story.  About 6000 years ago, because of the carelessness of our parents, Adam and Eve, we all got a disease.  The disease was imperfection and sin.  And it looked very much like the offspring of Adam and Eve would never be able to walk again, with Jehovah God.  In fact, when it comes to walking with God, all humans are born lame.  Satan said that no one would be able to walk with God again. And, in fact, the majority of mankind have never been able to walk again.  But, there have been some, there have been a few that in spite of how that disease left them, have exerted themselves and  have been able to walk with God.  You can be one of those few.",Rom. 5:12;,Jk,Are You Walking With God?,149,,"Apr 25, 2002",
"Walking, Footsteps,","Have you ever watched a small boy walking with his father?  The little fellow imitates his father's every move, his face glowing with admiration; the father helps him along, his own face lit with love and approval.","Fittingly, Jehovah uses just such a picture to describe a life of faithful service to him.",Genesis. 5:24; 6:9;,"Jun 1, 1998 Wt Page 9",Are You Walking With God?,149,,1998/07/12,
"Walking, Footsteps, Built Up, Growth,","When we think of a building under construction, we think of not just the foundation but also the edifice that rises up in plain view, through much hard work.","Similarly, we have to do a lot of hard work to build qualities and habits that are Christ like.  Such hard work does not go unnoticed, even as Paul wrote to Timothy.",1 Tim. 4:15;,"Jun 1, 1998 Wt Page 11",What Is Your Relationship With God?,87,,1998/07/12,
"Walking, Footsteps, Rooted, Growth, Relationship,","The roots of a plant are hidden from view, but they are vital to the plant.  They give it stability and supply it nourishment.","Similarly, Christ's example and teaching affect us first invisibly, becoming embedded in our minds and hearts.  There they nourish and strengthen us.","1 Pet. 2:21; Matt. 13:20, 21;","Jun 1, 1998 Wt Page 10",Are You Walking With God?,149,,1998/07/12,
"Walking, Jehovah, Imitate, Humble,",The tiny atom obeys the same divine laws that govern universe. Walk with God.,"Regardless of how insignificant, we must be guided by His laws.",Mic. 6:8; 1 Pet. 1:16; Matt. 5:48;,"Feb 15, 1963 Wt Page 109",Are You Walking With God?,149,,,
"Walking, Jehovah, Imitate, Humble, Prayer, Pioneer","Little girl holding unto Father's hand as they wend their way home in a snow storm. Must not disagree, become careless. We want to reach 'home' in Jehovah's righteous new order.",We must hang on to Jehovah for our life.,Mic. 6:8; 1 Pet. 1:16; Matt. 5:48;,"Feb 15, 1963 Wt Page 112",Are You Walking With God?,149,,,
"Walking, Model,","Have you ever tried to literally walk in someone else's footsteps?   Maybe you noticed, it's not easy! In fact, it feels funny, abnormal,   unnatural, and takes a lot of effort. The length of Br. Shire's stride is different, the positioning of his feet is different! Angle of his step. Nothing against Br. Shire, but fortunately, for you or I it's just not that important to literally follow in Br. Shire's footsteps!","You can see from this that when we talk about walking as Jesus Christ did, even though it's  in a figurative way, it's not going to be easy.  Christ's way of walking was unique! He alone was a perfect man, 'one who did not know sin'. We are imperfect, sinful, we're born that way! Yet, because our teacher, our model is so good, we can become like him, we can walk as he did, even though imperfect.  That is what we are supposed to do. Notice how 1 Peter 2:21 makes this point.",1 Peter 2:21,Jk,Are You Walking With God?,149,,"May 1, 2002",9/24/2014
"Walking, Model, Pattern","Especially you sisters would be familiar with that word pattern. You might buy a pattern for a dress. If you follow that pattern, trace it out very carefully, cut it out exactly, then theocratically, the dress would come out exactly like you wanted. But, have you ever done that, you were sure you followed the pattern exactly and yet it still came out wrong? It is possible you had gained a couple pounds! But that probably didn't happen.  There is another possibility...since it was imperfect people that made the pattern in the first place, it is possible, perhaps rare, but very possible that the pattern itself was wrong.","That is the one thing we do not have to worry about with the model or   pattern that Jehovah God provided in Jesus. We can walk as Jesus did,   follow his as close as we want, with full confidence, because the pattern,   the model is perfect. He himself was patterned physically after Adam the  first perfect man, only Jesus remained that way. That is why the Bible is   able to call him the 'second Adam'. So then Jesus was able to do what he   said in Luke 6:40.  Yes, because our teacher is perfect, we can be perfectly instructed, and so become like our teacher.",Luke 6:40,Jk,Godly Wisdom In A Scientific World.,139,,"May 1, 2002",
"Walking, Model, Pattern","When you were in the second grade and your teacher was teaching the class how to do cursive writing (longhand). She might write letters or a sentence on a blackboard, then have one of the students come to the blackboard and copy it right underneath.","Watching the example above, and writing the same thing trying to do it exactly the same way. That is the literal meaning of that expression. Different translations say 'he left you an example to follow, or a pattern to follow. Notice how 1Peter 2:21 makes this point.  The Greek word there rendered 'model' literally means 'underwriting'.",1 Peter 2:21,Jk,Are You Walking With God?,149,,"May 1, 2002",
"Walking, Model, Pattern, Meeting Attendance, Christian,",Now to us! What is the true test of whether we are walking as Jesus Christ did? Is it if we claim to be Christian? Is it if we get baptized? Is it if we simply refrain from doing harm to others? Is it going to the Kingdom Hall once or twice a week?,"No, simply doing those things, we would be walking as Christendom does. And as far as going to the Kingdom Hall; just going to the Kingdom Hall doesn't make you a Christian any more than going to the garage make you a car!  In 1John 2, John tells us exactly what it takes to walk as Jesus Christ did. Notice 1 John 2:3-6.  So, by observing Jehovah's commandments in his Word, we give evidence of wanting to do as Jesus did.  Not the least of those commandments has to do with the preaching and teaching of the truth to others.  Jesus, our pattern, felt a great need to give a witness and teach those who were 'as sheep without a shepherd' as he said. He had the truth and he had compassion for those who didn't. He reminded his disciples that they had the truth too and so what should they do?",1 John 2:3-6,Jk,Why Christians Must Be Different.,123,,"May 1, 2002",
"Walking, Obedience,","Walking with God means following a certain course, just like you would follow a certain course if you were playing golf, or hiking to a beautiful spot on a mountain, engaged in a cross-country race.  If you get off the course, you are penalized or disqualified.","So, walking with God means we allow him to direct our steps in the way that he approves.   Is it a bad thing to stay on that course directed by God?  Is it restrictive?   Not at all, especially when you consider the alternative.   And what is the alternative?  It is a COLLISION!",2 Chronicles 7:17,Jk,Are You Walking With God?,149,,"Apr 25, 2002",9/24/2014
"Walking, Obedience, Collision,","Have you ever heard the saying:  'The more things change the more they stay the same'? That's not exactly true, things have gotten worse.   Another man put it this way:  'Man was created a little lower than the angels and he's been getting a little lower ever since!'",Wicked world today rapidly heading toward a real 'collision'.  It's described in,2 Peter 3:7,Jk,Are You Walking With God?,149,,"Apr 25, 2002",
"Walking, Serving, Privilege,","THE man had suffered in prison for years. Then he was summoned to appear before the ruler of the land. Events moved swiftly. Suddenly, the prisoner found himself in the service of the most powerful monarch then on the earth. The former prisoner was placed in a position of great responsibility and extraordinary honor. Joseph --the man whose feet were once bound with fetters--now walked with a king!",'Today humans have the opportunity to engage in the service of someone greater than Pharaoh of Egypt. The Supreme One of the universe invites all to serve him.,"Genesisesis 41:14, 39-43; Psalm 105:17, 18.","Nov. 15, 1998 Wt Page 10",Serve Jehovah With A Joyful Heart,78,,1998/12/26,
"Walking, Truth, World, Self, Riches, Materialism, Money, Road,","We cannot walk part of the time in the truth...but then pleasing ourselves by taking detours to indulge in excessive recreation, time-consuming careers, ...riches.  We could get lost on one of the byways, never to find the way back onto the 'cramped road.'","Let us never stray from that road.  Our Grand Instructor, Jehovah illuminates the road, saying: 'This is the way.  Walk in it, you people, in case you should go to the right or in case you should go to the left.'",Is 30:21; Mt 6:33; John 18:37;,"Dec 15, 1992 Wt Page 15",Are You Walking With God?,149,,,
"Walking, Unique, Peculiar,","Do you know someone who has a unique way of walking?  How about John Wayne?  If you are old enough you may remember Charlie Chapman, or Fred Sanford.  They all had a unique way of walking.",As Christians we have a unique way of walking.  We walk in the fear of Jehovah.  None can imitate our way of walking unless they are genuine Christians.,"Acts 9:31; Ps. 31:19,21; 33:18; 34:17, 9;","Gary Wells, D. O.",Are You Walking With God?,149,,"Apr 25, 2002",
Wants; Desire;,"'The stoical scheme of supplying our wants by lopping off our desires, is like cutting off our feet when we want shoes.'  Quote:  Jonathan Swift.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Wants; Desire; Contentment;,'Our necessities never equal our wants.'  Quote:  Bf.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Wants; Desire; Contentment;,"'The things that I can't have I want, and what I have seems     second-rate. The things I want to do I can't and what I have to do I hate.'  Quote:  Don Marquis.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Wants; Desire; Contentment;,'Want is a growing giant whom the coat of have was never large enough to cover.'  Quote:  Ralph W. Emerson.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"War, 1914, Last Days,",'The War That Will End War.' Quote: H. G. Wells. Title of book [1914],"That war did not end all wars, but ushered in the time of the end.  Now is a critical time as far as our fitting into the Kingdom arrangement is concerned.","Matt 25:31, 32;",Bobby Laymon,How Do You Fit Into The Kingdom Arrangement?,21,,1995/08/16,
"War, 1914, Last Days, Security,",'Nothing could have been more obvious to the people of the early twentieth century than the rapidity with which war was becoming impossible.  And as certainly they did not see it. They did not see it until the atomic bombs burst in their fumbling hands.' Quote: H.G. Wells.  The World Set Free [1914].,"The ability to build ATOMIC bombs and complicated technology for the arsenals of modern superpowers is awesome, but does it give mankind a reason for living? No!  It merely increases the likelihood of men destroying themselves.",Ps 146:3;,Bobby Laymon,Does Your Hope Rest On Science Or The Bible?,80,,1995/08/16,
"War, Blood, Hatred, Violence,","'Blood alone moves the wheels of history.' Quote: Benito Mussolini, Italian dictator.",Much of violence must have been caused by depraved angels and  their 'mighty' offspring.  Oppressive dictators and world leaders believe that violence is necessary and right.,Genesis. 6:4;,Bobby Laymon,Good News In A Violent World,85,,1995/08/25,
"War, Bomb, Peace, Einstein, Science, Atom, Ministry, Pioneer,","'In war it serves that we may poison and mutilate each other. In peace it has made our lives hurried and uncertain. . . . It has made men into slaves of machinery who for the most part complete their monotonous long day's work with disgust.'   Quote: Albert Einstein, about modern science.","Further, in a letter to a friend, Einstein expressed his bitterness at seeing his knowledge of the atom used for producing the atomic bomb.  How much more rewarding would a career in the ministry be?",Ecc 12:13;,W83 6/1 9,Does Your Hope Rest On Science Or The Bible?,80,,1994/05/10,
"War, Christendom,","'It is a weakness of perhaps all organized religion that the church follows the flag ... What war was ever fought in which God wasn't claimed to be on each side?' Quote: Editorial in the Sun of Vancouver, Canada.","The facts are all too evident.  Religion has been a supporter and, at times, even a promoter of wars.  Does God take sides when nations fight?  Does He favor one nation over another in time of war?",Is 2:4;,"Apr 22, 1993 Aw Page 4",Religion's Role In World Affairs.,92,,,
"War, Christendom,","'We have bred men for war, trained men for war; we have glorified war; ...Even in our churches we have put the battle flags ... With one corner of our mouth we have praised the Prince of Peace and with the other we have glorified war.' Quote: Protestant clergyman Harry Emerson Fosdick","The facts are all too evident.  Religion has been a supporter and, at times, even a promoter of wars.  Does God take sides when nations fight?  Does He favor one nation over another in time of war?",Is 2:4;,"Apr 22, 1993 Aw Page 4; W93 6/15 22",Religion's Role In World Affairs.,92,,,
"War, Christendom, Clergy, Love,","'Put your trust in God, my boys, and keep your powder dry!'  Quote: Valentine Blacker.",Injustices and inequities lead many priests and ministers of Christendom to protest and crusade for changes.  They are prone to take matters into their own hands.  Are we inclined to leave matters in God's hands.  How do we react to injustices now?,Isaiah 2:1-4;,Bobby Laymon,Stand Still And See The Salvation Of Jehovah,41,,1995/07/18,
"War, Christendom, Counterfeit, Christian, False,",No Christian can war against another Christian -- It would be like a man fighting himself!,"True Christians are brothers and sisters in Jesus Christ.  They would never, never intentionally hurt one another.",1 John 3:10-12; John 12:31; 17:16; 2co 4:4;,"Apr 22, 1993 Aw Page 6",Religion's Role In World Affairs.,92,,,
"War, Christendom, Counterfeit, Christian, False, authentic, real,","Not all people wearing blue oil-stained overalls are mechanics, even if they look like mechanics ... even if they say 'We are mechanics.'' Quote: Steve Whys all, staff writer for Vancouver Sun.",Just because a person says 'I am a Christian' does not mean he is one - just as a man who claims to be a mechanic may not be a mechanic.,1 John 3:10-12; John 12:31; 17:16; 2co 4:4;,"Apr 22, 1993 Aw Page 6",Religion's Role In World Affairs.,92,,,
"War, Christendom, False, Counterfeit,","'The Christian Churches are the finest blood-lust creators which we have and of them we made free use.' Quote: Frank P. Crozier, British brigadier general during WWI.",It is vital that we distinguish between true Christianity and the false.  Jesus provided a simple rule: 'By their fruits you will recognize them.',Mt 7:16; Is 2:4;,"Apr 22, 1993 Aw Page 5",Religion's Role In World Affairs.,92,,,
"War, Economics, Cars, Automobiles,","There were no Fords, Chevrolets, or Chrysler cars made during 1942, 1943, 1944, and 1945.  You won't find one on the road.","All the materials went toward the war effort, during WWII.","Joel 3:9, 10;",Samuel Lewis,Ruining The Earth Brings Divine Retribution,106,,1996/01/26,
"War, Marriage, Advice,",'Never advise anyone to go to war or to marry.'  Quote: Proverb.,Servants of Jehovah do advise persons according to the Bible principle.  True slave of God is not going to ignore command to 'marry only in the Lord'.,1 Cor 7:39;,Bobby Laymon,"Living, Not For Self, But To Do God's Will",8,,1995/06/30,
"War, Nations, Last Days, Armageddon,","'A Nice Little War.' Quote from Senator J.W. Fulbright, regarding the Vietnam war. 'A nice little war -- not too much killing but a big help to the economy.' (May 4, 1967 reported by Newsday, a Garden City, Long Island Daily)",Nations attitude toward war.,"2 Tim. 3:1-4; Rev. 16:14, 16; Matt. 24:3-14;","Jun 8, 1967 Aw Page 31",What Does The Healing Of The Nations Accomplish?,111,,,
"War, Peace",Quote ' Mankind must put an end to war- or war will put an end to mankind'.  John F. Kennedy,"Seeing this mankind must try to bring peace, but they will not be able to do it.",1 Th 5:3,Johnse Laymon,Ruining The Earth Brings Divine Retribution,106,,,
"War, Peace, Armageddon,",'There never was a good war or a bad peace.'  Quote: Benjamin Franklin.,"Unlike wars of the nations, 'the war of the great day of God the      Almighty' will be selective as to whom it destroys.  It will be a good war in the sense that it will destroy the wicked.",Re 16:14;,Bobby Laymon,Life Does Have A Purpose,23,,1995/07/17,
"War, Peace, Armageddon,","There never was a good war, or a bad peace.","Armageddon will be a good war in sense it will rid earth of it's enemies, and those ruining it.",Rev. 16:14-16; 11:18;,Bobby Laymon,Ruining The Earth Brings Divine Retribution,106,,,
"War, Peace, Mussolini,",Mussolini once said:  'War is to the man what maternity is to the woman.' He called perpetual peace 'depressing and a negation of all the fundamental virtues of man.',"In saying these words, Mussolini was simply mirroring the views of others who believe war is a necessity.",Isa 2:4;,G90 10/22 25,,,,1995/06/05,
"War, Peace, Security, Paradise, Armageddon,  Kennedy, Last Days,",'We have the power to make this the best generation of mankind in the history of the world - or to make it the last.' Quote: John F. Kennedy.,"'Holy acts of conduct' are vital; may mean adjusting one's way of life to meet the high standards of God found in his Word.  True, we are living in changing times, but it can be a 'time to live.'","2 Pet 3:3, 4; Matt 24:14;",Bobby Laymon,Will You Be A Survivor Of The 'last Days'?,2,,1995/06/27,
"War, Suffer, Hunger, Cure, Poor, Common People, Groan,",'When elephants fight it is the grass that suffers.' Quote:  African Proverb.,"In today's world, anyone prominent must worry about assassination, and kidnapping.   Many 'peaceful' citizens are hurt in cross fire of guerrilla actions, terrorist campaigns, civil wars.",Job 19:7;,Bobby Laymon,Good News In A Violent World,85,,1995/08/16,
"War, Victory, Struggle,","'IN WAR there are no winners,' remarked a former soldier who fought in World War II. 'There are only losers.' Many would agree with him. The cost of war is horrendous; the victors as well as the vanquished pay a terrible price. Even after an armed conflict has ceased, millions go on suffering from the ghastly wounds of war.","What wounds? War can decimate a population leaving large numbers of orphans and widows. Many survivors carry terrible physical wounds, along with Psychological scars. Millions may be left destitute or may be forced to become refugees. Can we imagine the hatred and grief that must linger in the hearts of those who survive such conflicts'",Isa. 1:15,"Jan 1, 2001 Wt Page 3",Religion's Role In World Affairs.,92,,"Dec 17, 2000",
"War, Violence, Armageddon, Peace,",'Let him go to war who knows not what war is.'  Quote: Spanish proverb.,"Even trained soldiers yearn for peace rather than war.  Doubtless, a world-wide opinion poll conducted among the public at large would reveal that an overwhelming majority prefer peace to war.",2co 4:4; Re 12:12;,"Jan 15, 1994 Wt Page 5",Ruining The Earth Brings Divine Retribution,106,,1993/12/20,
"War, Violence, Armageddon, Peace, Kusserow, Persecution,",'You must love your neighbor as yourself' and 'All those who take the sword will perish by the sword.'  Did our Creator have all this written down for the trees?'  Quote: Wolfgang Kusserow,"Many have been impelled by God's Word, as this 20-year-old man, even with death in view.  He was beheaded in 1942.  He was not the only one.",Mt 22:39; 26:52;,"Jan 15, 1994 Wt Page 5",Bearing Up Under Persecution,57,,1993/12/20,
"War, Violence, Armageddon, Plato,",'Only the dead have seen the end of war.'  Quote: Plato,The underlying causes of war are not easy to eradicate.,2co 4:4; Re 12:12;,"Jan 15, 1994 Wt Page 4",Ruining The Earth Brings Divine Retribution,106,,1993/12/20,
"War, Violence, Armageddon, Satan, Devil,","On December 24, 1914, a young British soldier named Jim Prince walked across no-man's-land to talk to a German infantryman.  'I am a Saxon.  You are an Anglo-Saxon.  Why do we fight?' the German man asked him.  Years later, Prince confessed:  'I still don't know the answer to that question.'","Only the Bible provides the answer, and the cause behind the violence stirred up.",2co 4:4; Re 12:12;,"Jan 15, 1994 Wt Page 5",How To Protect Ourselves From Satan's Snares,115,,1993/12/20,
"War, Violence, Napoleon, Satan, Armageddon,","War is described as, 'as business for barbarians.'  Quote: Napoleon. What forces bulldoze nations into this 'business of barbarians'?","Having spent most of his adult life in the military and nearly 20 years as supreme army commander, he experienced firsthand the barbarities of battle.",2co 4:4; Re 12:12;,"Jan 15, 1994 Wt Page 4",How To Protect Ourselves From Satan's Snares,115,,1993/12/20,
"War, Weapons, Armageddon, Hatred, Persecution,",'The tragedy of war is that it uses man's best to do man's worst.'  Quote: Harry Emerson Fosdick.,Often the brightest and promising young men and women are the victims of war.,Matt 26:52;,Familiar Quotations,Life Does Have A Purpose,23,,1995/06/25,
"War, Weapons, Einstein, Peace, Science,",Small wonder that Albert Einstein once said: 'The weapons of World War IV will be stone clubs.',That was one way of expressing the folly of war.,Ecc 8:9;,W57 10/15 611,Does Your Hope Rest On Science Or The Bible?,80,,1994/05/10,
"War, Weapons, Peace,","'A war, even the most victorious, is a national misfortune.' Quote:  Helmut von Molten. -1880.","One feature of the last days is unparalleled warfare.  Some 69,000,000 died in World Wars I and II.","Matt 24:3; Luke 21:10, 11;",Bobby Laymon,Will You Escape This World's Destiny?,84,,1995/08/01,
"War, Weapons, Violence,","'You can build a throne with bayonets, but you can't sit on it for long.'  Quote: Boris Yeltsin of Russia.",Those who live by the sword will perish by the sword.,"Prov 24:17, 18; Matt 26:52;",Bobby Laymon - Reader's Digest,You Will Reap What You Sow,59,,1996/03/15,
"War, Witnesses,",'Jehovah's Witnesses stand outside the 'establishment' and accept no responsibility to bless whatever the secular government decides to do.' Quote: The Roman Catholic St. Anthony's Messenger.,"Unlike people of other religions, Jehovah's Witnesses have truly beaten their swords into plowshares.",Is 2:1-4; John 15:19;,"Apr 22, 1993 Aw Page 7",Maintain Your Confidence Firm To The End,46,,,
"War, Witnesses, Himmler, Conduct,","'It is well-known that the (Jehovah's Witnesses) have characteristics incredibly positive for us.  Apart from the fact that they refuse military service and anything to do with war ..., they are incredibly reliable, do not drink, do not smoke; they are relentless workers and of rare honesty.  For them the spoken word stands'","Witnesses have won the respect of even some of their enemies. The above words were spoken by Heinrich Himmler, head of the Nazi SS, or Elite Guard, and during WWII was the second most powerful man in Germany, next to Adolf Hitler.","John 13:34, 35;","Apr 22, 1993 Aw Page 7",Maintain Your Confidence Firm To The End,46,,,
War;,"'A few years ago uranium cost $2 a ton, then someone found out it could kill people.'  Quote:  Purdue Engineer.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
War;,'A riot is a spontaneous outburst. A war is subject to advance planning.'  Quote:  Richard Nixon.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
War;,"'But in modern war, you will die like a dog for not good reason.'  Quote:  Earnest Hemmingway.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
War;,'Disarmament is like a party; no one wants to arrive until everyone else is there.'  Quote:  Changing Times.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
War;,'Do not needlessly endanger you lives until I give the signal.'  Quote:  D. W. Eisenhower.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
War;,"'I don't know whether war is an interlude during peace, or peace is an interlude during war.'  Quote:  George Clemenceau.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
War;,"'It is well that war is so terrible, we shouldn't grow too fond of it.'  Quote:  Robert E. Lee.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
War;,"'Never think that war, no mater how necessary, nor how justified, is not a crime.'  Quote:  Ernest Hemmingway.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
War;,'No one could ever meet death for his country without the hope of immortality.'  Quote:  Cicero.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
War;,'Older men declare war. But it is you that must fight and die.'  Quote:  Herbert Hoover.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
War;,"'So long as governments set the example of killing their enemies, private individuals will occasionally kill theirs.'  Quote:  Elbert Hubbard.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
War;,'The essence of war is violence. Moderation in war is imbecility.'  Quote:  John A Fisher.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
War;,'The first casualty when war comes is truth.'  Quote:  Senator Hiram Johnson.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
War;,'The grim fact is that we prepare for war like precocious giants and for peace like retarded pygmies.'  Quote:  Lester Pearson.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
War;,'The next world war will be fought with stones.'  Quote:  Ae.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
War;,'The tragedy of war is that it uses man's best to do man's worst.'  Quote:  Heft.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
War;,"'There is no warlike people, just warlike leaders.'  Quote:  Ralph Bunge-Diplomat.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
War;,'They make a desolation and they call it peace.' Quote:  Tacitus,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
War;,'Those who do not go to war roar like lions.'  Quote:  Kurdish.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
War;,'War is cruelty and you cannot refine it.' Quote:  William Sherman,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
War;,'War is hell.' Quote:  William Tecumseh Sherman,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
War;,'War is much to serious a matter to be entrusted to the military.'  Quote:  French.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
War;,'War is only a cowardly escape from the problems of peace.' Quote:  Thomas Mann,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
War;,'War is sweet to those who have not experienced it.'  Quote:  Erasmus.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
War;,'War is the science of destruction.'  Quote:  John Abbot.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
War;,"'When elephants fight, the mouse deer between them is killed.'  Quote:  Malay.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
War;,'When men create a desert they call it peace.' Quote:  Tacitus,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
War;,'You can no more win a war than you can win an earthquake.'  Quote:  Jeanette Rankin.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
War;,'You can't say civilization don't advance. In every war they kill you a new way.' Quote:  Will Rogers,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
War;,If war comes it will be from a failure of human wisdom.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
War;,"In war all suffer defeat, even the victors.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
War;,"Join the army, see the world, meet interesting people and kill them.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
War;,"One murder makes a villain, millions make a hero.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
War;,"War does not determine who is right, only who is left.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
War;,War is one of the few things people think they can prevent by preparing for it.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
War;,Who preaches war is the Devil's Chaplin.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
War; Laws;,'Laws are silent in times of war.'  Quote:  Cicero.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
War; Violence; Civilization;,'The next World War will be fought with stones.'  Quote: Albert Einstein.,Mankind is at the point of destroying themselves.,Rev 11:18;,Bobby Laymon,,,,1996/02/23,
"Warm, Loving, Approachable, Elders,",North wind claimed to be stronger and better than the sun. The sun said prove it.  North wind said:  See that traveler down there? I bet I can make his coat come off faster than you can! So he blew as hard as he could. No success. The sun then said: let my try.  He shone as brightly and as warmly as he could. In no time the traveler gladly took off his coat.  Quote: Aesop's fable.,A warm and pleasant approach always works better than a blustery harsh and cold one.,Rom 12:10;,J.K.,Family Life That Warms The Heart,5,,1997/04/12,
"Warmth, Kindness, Love, Open,","A young boy while visiting his Grandfather in the country, found a small land turtle and promptly attempted to examine it. The turtle just promptly, closed its shell like a vise. Where upon the boy seized a stick and tried in vain to pry the shell open. Observing the boys actions, the Grandfather quickly interrupted. 'That's not the way,' he said. 'Let me show you how.' Taking the turtle into the house, he set it on the hearth. In a few minutes the creature began to grow warm, stuck out it's head and feet and started to crawl.","'Turtles are something like people' said the old man. 'Never try to force a fellow into anything----Just warm him up a little ordinary human kindness, and more than likely he'll come your way.",Judges 1:24;,Peter Morgan,Are You Doing What God Requires Of You?,43,,1997/08/14,
"Warning, Acts, Disasters,","Property owner protects; alarms, smoke detectors etc. Disasters called Act of God; this one real.",All share common danger; Act of God is at hand.,Rev 11:18,Assembly,Decide Now For Divine Rulership,37,,,
"Warning, Judgment, Obedience, Discipline,","A mother has made a delicious chocolate cake that is to be eaten when visitors come later in the day.  If she leaves it on the table without saying a word to her children about when it is to be eaten, what will happen?  All of us were children at one time.  A little finger will sample the cake.  If mother has failed to give due warning she will have a weak case for discipline.  On the other hand, if she warned, she is entitled to take action.","Jehovah, in his justice, will not bring judicial action to this wicked system without warning.","Matt 24:7, 8, 14;","Aug 15, 1994 Wt Page 14",Ruining The Earth Brings Divine Retribution,106,,1994/07/29,
"Warning, Pompeii, Last Days, Delay,","Archaeological proof confirms that the inhabitants of Pompeii delayed too long.  Men and women were dug up who had gathered their valuables together, got as far as the city gate, and there collapsed under the stony hail, still clinging to their gold and precious things.","So too, in these 'last days' of the present system.  Many people, too busy with materialistic pursuits and 'anxieties of life,' put off studying God's Word.  Unwisely they delay flight from this doomed system of things.  Do not be one of them.",Luke 21:34-36,"Feb 8, 1971 Aw Page 20",Decide Now For Divine Rulership,37,,1994/01/07,
"Warning, Power, Prophecy, Bible,","Today men put 'black boxes' in aircraft to tell what happened, 'after-the-fact.'  They try to piece it all together.",Jehovah tells before it happens.  No need to search for the answer about what God's Kingdom will do.,Dan 2:44;,Bobby Laymon,The Kingdom Of God Is Near,109,,1996/07/20,
"Warning, Salvation, Preaching, Urgency,","What would be the best way to help a sleeping village that is imperiled by a dam that will soon burst?  Bailing water from behind the weakening dam?  Beautifying the doomed village?  No!  The villagers must be awakened, warned of the impending disaster, and helped to escape!","Those who are spiritually asleep today are in grave danger.  Since this system of things will be passing away soon, let us endeavor to preach with utmost urgency to all we can!","Luke 21:34-36; 2 Tim 4:2; 2 Pet. 3:11, 12;",Km 4/02 1,How To Keep Spiritually Awake!,71,,"May 6, 2002",
"Warning, Scoffers, Last Days, Armageddon, Ridiculers, Wisdom, Grasshopper,","If a grasshopper in a field could hear and understand the farmer speak of burning over the field he too might say, 'Ah, he said that back in my father's day, and nothing's happened yet.' But this skeptical insect would be overlooking the fact that what is two or three generations to a grasshopper is only a short time to a man.  How long does a grasshopper live?","Since the warning message has been proclaimed strongly in the world and especially in Christendom for the past fifty years, some have said, 'Oh, they've been saying we were in the last days since my father's time-before I was born!' Well, is fifty years too long to warn the nations? If God is truly concerned about mankind, would this be acting too slowly?",2 Pet. 3:8; Ps. 90:4; Isa. 40:22,W72 1/1 4; W72 1/15 37-8,Ruining The Earth Brings Divine Retribution,106,,1994/05/09,
Warnings,"Titanic: Apr 14, 1912 sank . Operator had received 6 warnings. Oddly, the more detailed a warning is, the greater the tendency to cast it aside as fantastic. Hurricanes; Pearl Harbor; Battle of the Bulge; Invasion of Poland.",Man's reluctance to heed warnings. Every warning is not a joke. The Good New includes warnings. We cannot take people by the hand & lead to safety.,2 Pet. 2:5; Matt. 24:39,"Feb 8, 1959 Aw Page 7, 8",Decide Now For Divine Rulership,37,,,
"Warnings, Angels, Preaching, Consideration, Mercy, Love, Humility, Personally,","Man can be painfully burned and temporarily blinded by a comparatively small sun nearly 93,000,000 miles away.  How could he possibly survive a visit from the 'Father of lights'?","Out of consideration for man's perishable frame of flesh Jehovah God sends his warnings by messengers in human form, messengers that the warned ones can comfortably listen to and question for details. Of this practice we read, at Jeremiah 7:13, 25, 28","Jer 7:13, 25, 28; Jas 1:17; Exodus 33:20;",W50 1/15 19,Does God Count You Personally Important?,26,,1994/05/09,
"Warnings, Armageddon,","Pompeii Destroyed by volcanic eruption in 79 A.D. Mother still holding their children. Men & women dug up, that had gathered their valuables together. Some got as far as city gate, still clinging to gold & precious things.","They delayed flight too long. Two young women at threshold of house, intending to go back and salvage some treasures. Neither courage, cool head, strength helped them.",Rev. 18:4,"Mar 8, 1960 Aw Page 20",Will You Escape This World's Destiny?,84,,,
"Warnings, Danger, Prophecy,","In February, 1963 a volcano on the Indonesian island of Bali gave an ominous warning.  It sent up a cloud of smoke and ashes and shook the ground with a quake. Had that warning been heeded it would have saved 1500 lives a",Millions are putting their lives in danger by ignoring a warning. month later.,"2 Pet. 3:4; Jer. 25:8, 9; 26:11; Zeph. 3:18;","Jun 8, 1964 Aw Page 5",Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,,
"Warnings, Disasters, Armageddon,","The quiet of the early morning hours on Sunday, May 18, was violently and suddenly shattered when a blast 2,500 times as great as the atomic bomb that fell on Hiroshima was heard and felt throughout southwestern Washington State and northwestern Oregon. Mt. St. Helens, about 45 miles northeast of the Portland-Vancouver area, had suddenly erupted.","The most tragic part of the Mt. St. Helens story is the fact that over a score of persons died and scores of others are missing. It is believed that many of those missing were simply vaporized by the tremendous heat from the initial explosion. It is reported that one man, some 15 miles from the heart of the blast, received third-degree burns and another one died due to the heat. Others died from inhaling excessive amounts of ash.",Luke 21:31-34;,G80 10/22 12,Will You Escape This World's Destiny?,84,,1994/06/27,
"Warnings, False Alarms, Last Days, 1914,","The story is told of a boy who watched the sheep of the villagers. For excitement, one day he cried, 'Wolf! Wolf!' when there was no wolf. The villagers rushed out with clubs to drive wolf away. He repeated it again, and again.  When the wolf really did come, they did not come. They had been fooled too often!","So it has become with those who proclaim the end of the world. Since Jesus' day, so many unfulfilled predictions have been made that many no longer take them seriously. (See examples)",Deuteronomy 18:20-22; Mt 24:23-26; 36-42; Ro 8:19;,"Mar 22, 1993 Aw Page 3, 4",Will You Be A Survivor Of The 'last Days'?,2,,,
"Warnings, Family, Spiritual, Faith, Meetings, Zeal, Joy, Doubts, Critical,","Most of us have seen a red light come on our automobile's dashboard. Maybe for oil pressure, engine temperature, brake system, low fuel, etc. We can avoid much trouble by giving the needed attention to these warning light signals; as soon as possible!",There is a Spiritual Dash Board Warning Lights System that each of us need to check on regularly. What are these Warning Indicators.  1. Increasing Problems In Family ---- Due To Lack Of Applying Bible Principles.   2. Lack Of Zeal And Joy In Ministry.   3. Lack Of Self-Control.   4. Loss Of Enthusiasm For The Truth.   5. Neglecting of Associating At Meetings.   6. Overly Critical Of Elders And Organization.   7. Harboring Serious And Continued Doubts.    Have you checked your dashboard lately?,1 Cor 13:5;,Peter Morgan,Service Talk,200,,1997/08/10,
"Warnings, Jehovah's Day, Predictions, Ridiculers,",'A watched pot never boils' is a saying that implies that simply waiting for an event seems to defer its occurrence.,"However, Peter recommends 'awaiting and keeping close in mind the presence of the day of Jehovah.'",2 Pet. 3:12;,"Jun 1, 1998 Wt Page 6",The Flood Of Noah's Day Has Meaning For Us,6,,1998/07/12,
"Warnings, Jehovah's Day, Predictions, Ridiculers,",The shepherd who repeatedly cried 'Wolf!' when there was no wolf found that his subsequent cry for help went unheeded.,"Similarly today, many disregard the imminence of Jehovah's day because they have heard countless warnings that have proved to be false alarms.",2 Cor. 11:14,"Jun 1, 1998 Wt Page 5",The Flood Of Noah's Day Has Meaning For Us,6,,1998/07/12,
"Warnings, Preaching, Service,","If a hurricane were approaching, would you not appreciate advance warning so that you could seek a place of safety?  We must know and act on the truth to 'get out of her.'","For similar reason, Jehovah's Witnesses give warnings about religious dangers.","Isa. 52:11; Matt. 7:13; Rom. 12:1, 2;","Apr 22, 1964 Aw Page 28",Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,63,,,
"Warnings, Preaching, Service, Babylon, Christendom,","If your house had caught fire, would you not appreciate a neighbor's knocking at your door to awaken you, enabling you to save yourself and your loved ones?","For similar reason, Jehovah's Witnesses give warnings about religious dangers. We must physically separate ourselves from false religion.","Isa. 52:11; Matt. 7:13; Rom. 12:1, 2;","Apr 22, 1964 Aw Page 28",Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,63,,,
"Warnings, Prophecy, History, Past, Future, Destruction,",Men say that history repeats itself.,"The history of past divine warnings and executed judgments will, for God's Word says so.",1 Cor 10:11;,W50 1/15 22,Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,1994/10/25,
"Warnings, Scoff,","On August 17, 1969 50,000 residents fled the Mississippi Gulf coast area.  Other scoffed at the warning.  The police chief, Jerry Peralta was making his final rounds.  He took the names of their nearest of kin.  They laughed at him.  A short time later the apartment was completely demolished, killing twenty persons.","Jehovah's Witnesses are concerned with people's lives.  They are only here to inform you, to warn you.  Do not laugh or scoff at this Christian warning.",Eze 33:11;,"Oct 15, 1971 Wt Page 611",Decide Now For Divine Rulership,37,,1993/11/21,
"Warnings, Sex, Marriage, Trespassing,","'No Trespassing' signs are a common sight.  Usually they are erected to protect the property or the privacy of the owner.  Sometimes a lawn, or for security reasons, or to protect a would-be trespasser from harm.  Do you obey 'No Trespassing' signs?","The Bible contains many 'No Trespassing' signs.  [see Scriptures]  In some lands a wedding ring is a common practice.  It is a 'No Trespassing' sign, showing that he or she belongs to someone else.","Exodus 19:12, 13; Ge 2:16, 17; 3:1-19; 1th 4:3-6; 1co 6:18;","Jan 8, 1971 Aw Page 3, 4",A Godly View Of Sex And Marriage,13,,1994/01/04,
"Warnings, ministry, service, Authority, Preaching,",When was the last time you saw a table saw with guard. Ten reasons why to use guard (hold up fingers) Could you sit idly by and watch someone cut off fingers without giving a warning.  Apply to preaching work.,"People often ignore warnings, think it won't happen to them.","Rom. 10:13, 14;",Kurt Milbrandt,Respect For Authority Is A Safeguard For You,12,,,
"Wars, Death, Killing, Armageddon","In an article in JAMA (Journal of the American Medical Association), those suffering 'man-made death' from war, political violence, and related privations are likened to 'the nation of the dead.'","This so-called nation's population now stands 'around one hundred million,' but 'real growth began in 1914.'   If 'war' is an armed conflict including one or more governments and causing a thousand or more deaths annually, then, the article notes, 'there have been 471 wars since about 1700, resulting in at least 101.6 million deaths. More than 90% of those deaths have occurred in the 20th century.'",Re 6:4,G89 1/22 29,Ruining The Earth Brings Divine Retribution,106,,1994/05/07,
"Wars, Minds, Thinking, Peace, Security,","'Since wars begin in the minds of men, it is in the minds of men that we have to erect the ramparts of peace.'  Quote: Charter of the UN Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization.",Jehovah's people have accomplished this.  They 'learn war no more.',Isa 2:2-4; 2 Cor 10:5;,"Jul 1, 1995 Wt Page 32",True Religion Meets The Needs Of Human Society.,94,,1995/06/04,
"Wars, Minds, Thinking, Peace, Security, Religion,",'PHYSICIANS are supposed to cure and not spread diseases.  Religious traditions are not supposed to spread hatred and violent conflict against one another.  They are meant to be forces of reconciliation.',"'...IN PRACTICE though, they have often functioned and still function as divisive forces.'  Quote: Dr. Seshagiri Rao.",Joel 3:9;,"Jul 1, 1995 Page 32",Be Confident Of Divine Victory!,39,,1995/06/04,
"Wars, Minds, Thinking, Peace, Security, Religion,","'The extent of present religious and ethnic conflict is beyond the borders of civilized conduct, possible beyond the borders of sanity.'  Quote: Jonathan Granoff, representing the Lawyers' Alliance for World Security.",The nations and religions are on a mad course of destruction.,Joel 3:9;,"Jul 1, 1995 Page 32",Be Confident Of Divine Victory!,39,,1995/06/04,
"Wars, Minds, Thinking, Peace, Security, Religion, Galbraith,",'More people have been killed in the name of religion than all the wars and natural disasters put together.'  Quote: John Kenneth Galbraith.,Regarding religion's role in war.,Joel 3:9;,"Jul 1, 1995 Page 32",Religion's Role In World Affairs.,92,,1995/06/04,
"Wars, Minds, Thinking, Peace, Security, Religion, Jehovah's Witnesses,","'How different the world would be if we all woke up one morning firmly decided not to take up arms again, ... just like Jehovah's Witnesses!'  Quote: A Catholic nun.",Jehovah's people have truly beaten their swords into plowshares.,Isa 2:4;,"Jul 1, 1995 Page 32",Be Confident Of Divine Victory!,39,,1995/06/04,
"Waste, Ecology, Wood, Fuel, Health,",'What goes under the pot cost more than what goes into the pot.'  Sometimes one child works full-time to scavenge for fuel.,"In parts of Central America and West Africa families pay as much as 30% of income for fuel wood.  They cut back on hot meals, and buy cheap foods, or less foods.  Fail to cook foods, & boil water.",Re 11:18;,"Dec 8, 1992 Aw Page 14",Ruining The Earth Brings Divine Retribution,106,,,
"Waste, Ecology, Wood, Fuel, Health,","It is as if the population has become a giant, forest-eating beast with an insatiable appetite, a beast that grows bigger and hungrier every day.",Fuel wood is thus being eaten up before it can be replaced.  Over a hundred million people in 26 countries are already unable to obtain enough fuel wood to care for basic needs.,Re 11:18;,"Dec 8, 1992 Aw Page 14",Ruining The Earth Brings Divine Retribution,106,,,
"Waste, Work, Zeal, Sacrifice, Recycle, Pioneer,","Example: Adams Akuetteh, of Ghana.  Worked zealously at the construction site.  Learned to straighten nails.  Each morning he would collect stray nails, straighten them and put them in piles.  Saved money for Society. (70 years old)","Are we happy serving Jehovah in menial work?  For 4 years he worked at this, now back in full-time ministry, waiting for new addition to branch, and his old job back.",J 6:12; Re 11:18;,"May 22, 1992 Aw Page 31","Living, Not For Self, But To Do God's Will",8,,,
"Watchful, Alert, Awake, Vigilance,","The owner of a warehouse containing many valuables is looking to employ a security guard. So he arranges to try out two applicants, and then watch them on a hidden security monitor.  As the night goes on, one guard thinks he hears a noise, so he goes out to check - but it was nothing. Later he sees some shadows and goes to investigate, but there was nobody there.  Then he sees a flashing light, but it turns out to be a long way in the distance. Meanwhile, through all of this night the other guard is asleep. Which guard do you think would be employed to care for all of the master's belongings? The one that is asleep, or the one that is in constant expectancy and investigates all the possibilities? Would you criticize this guard for being 'wrong' in his expectations, or commend him for his diligence?","Only Jehovah's Witnesses have been AWAKE regarding the presence of the Messiah, and the end of this system, pursuing all the possibilities. Only they are preaching the Kingdom in these last days. Jesus Christ has appointed the faithful and discreet slave over all his belongings. Appreciation",1 Thess 5:1-5;,J.K.,How To Keep Spiritually Awake!,71,,1997/04/11,
"Watchman, Alert, Vigilant, Awake,","The owner of a warehouse containing many valuables is looking to  employ a security guard.  So he arranges to try out two applicants, and then watch them on a hidden security monitor.  As the night goes on, one guard thinks he hears a noise, so he goes out to check - but it was nothing.  Later he sees some shadows and goes to investigate, but there was nobody there.  Then he sees a flashing light, but it turns out to be a long way in the distance.  Meanwhile, through all of this night the other guard is asleep.  Which guard do you think would be employed to care for all of the master's belongings?  The one that is asleep, or the one that is in constant expectancy and investigates all the possibilities?  Would you criticize this guard for being 'wrong' in his expectations, or commend him for his diligence?","Only Jehovah's Witnesses have been AWAKE regarding the presence of the Messiah, and the end of this system, pursuing all the possibilities.  Only they are preaching the Kingdom in these last days. Jesus Christ has appointed the faithful and discreet slave over all his belongings.",1 Thess 5:1-5,Bobby Laymon,The Messiah's Presence And His Rule,91,,1997/02/13,
"Watchman, Christendom, 144,000, Warning, Last Days","Watch dog has become a lap dog.  Only wants material gain, and not doing its duty.  Will not earn it's keep.  Master will get rid of it.",Christendom has failed to keep on the watch.  By contrast the anointed have been sounding the warning for more than 100 years. (Christendom only wants material gain and fame),"Eze 3:17; Is 2:11, 12; Eze 33:6, 7;",Bobby Laymon,Religion's Role In World Affairs.,92,,,
"Watchman, Warning, Prophecy, Disappointment, False,","If your house was on fire, how would you feel if the firemen failed to appear because they figured it might be a false alarm?  No, we expect such men to respond quickly to any sign of danger!","In a similar manner, the watchman class has spoken out as circumstances seemed to warrant doing so.",Acts 7:23-30;isa 53:8-10;,"Aug 15, 1997 Wt Page 15, 16;",Will You Be A Survivor Of The 'last Days'?,2,,1997/07/22,
"Watchman, Warning, Prophecy, Disappointment, False,",Remember:  It is a watchman's job to call out 'just what he sees.'  In Bible times a watchman would sound a warning even when the potential threat was too far in the distance to be clearly identified.  False alarms surely occurred back then.  But a good watchman would not hold back out of fear of embarrassment.,"The 'Watchman class' has been sounding the warning for many years.  As events develop, our understanding of prophecy has become clearer.  History shows that rarely, if ever, are divine prophecies fully understood before their fulfillment.  The watchman class has had to clarify its views from time to time.",Acts 7:23-30;isa 53:8-10;,"Aug 15, 1997 Wt Page 15, 16;",Will You Be A Survivor Of The 'last Days'?,2,,1997/07/22,
Watchtower,Look closely at some articles to see if your name is there. Train infant from day one.  Something may crush if you wait.,Food at the proper time.,Matt. 24:45-47,"Pure Lang D.A. July 5-8, 1990 Bro Bagee",Are You Content With Jehovah's Provisions?,22,,,
"Watchtower, Awake, Magazines, Literature,",What is it that sells magazines?  Is it what is inside or the cover?  It is the cover that sells.,"'Get the magazines out of your book bag.'  Indeed, if what you say does not catch the householder's interest, then perhaps their attractive cover illustrations will place the magazines for you.",1co 9:19-23;,"Jan 1, 1994 Wt Page 25",How To Keep Spiritually Awake!,71,,1994/02/19,
"Watchtower, Awake, Magazines, Literature, Living,","'When I became a Witness back in the 1950's, our approach in studying the Bible with people was basically doctrinal -- teaching them the truth about the Trinity, hellfire, the soul, and so forth.  But now, it seems, there are so many problems and difficulties in people's lives that we have to teach them how to live.' Quote: Traveling overseer","As Jude adjusted to changing circumstances, likewise the 'Faithful and Discreet Slave' class have continued to adjust articles so they touch people's lives.  (See article)","Jude 3, 4, 19-23; Mt 24:45-47;","Jan 1, 1994 Wt Page 21",How To Keep Spiritually Awake!,71,,1994/02/19,
"Watchtower, Awake, Tracts, Literature,",'The mind is a terrible thing to waste.' Quote: Television ad.,"The Watchtower, Awake! and other publications keep one informed on the Bible, the world, and many incidental items of interest. In witnessing with the magazines we are bringing all this to the people.",Eze 9:4;,Qm Page 182,How To Keep Spiritually Awake!,71,,,
"Watchtower, Courage, Stress, Discouraged, Hope, Faith, Depression, Groaning","'Courage...my Christian brother or sister, seeking with weary step to run the narrow way. Heed not the rugged course; it is all hallowed and sanctified by the blessed feet of the Master. Count every thorn a flower; every sharp rock a milestone, hurrying you onward to the goal.  Keep your eye fixed on the prize.'","Comment in 1st issue of July 1879, Watchtower.","Ps 72:14, 16; Is 65:21-23; Ps 145:14-21;","Mar 15, 1992 Wt Page 23",Bearing Up Under Persecution,57,,,
"Watchtower, Literature, Magazines,","To warn you of danger, to bring you glad tidings. That is how a watchtower serves. It is an elevated place for a wide-awake person with sharp vision. Since 1879 it has looked ahead to the future, not as an inspired prophet, but following the unerring prophecies of the Bible.",The Watchtower Magazines is so well named.,Isa. 21:8;,"Apr 8, 1964 Aw Page 31",Are You Content With Jehovah's Provisions?,22,,,
"Watchtower, Magazines, Awake!, Literature,","'The object is to place many copies.  They will do their own 'talking.''  Quote: Dec 1, 1956 Watchtower","Once inside the home, the magazines may 'talk' to others in addition to the person who accepted them from you.  'Get the magazines out of your book bag.  Let the colorful illustrations talk to people.  Examples in article:","Mt 24:14, 45;","Jan 1, 1994 Wt Page 24",How To Keep Spiritually Awake!,71,,1993/11/26,
"Watchtower, Magazines, Awake!, Literature,","For the past 114 years, The Watchtower, like a skillful lawyer, has established itself as a defender of Bible truth and doctrine.","It has won the confidence of millions of appreciative readers.  It still powerfully supports the ransom.  It continues to be the principal instrument of 'the faithful and discreet slave,' for giving spiritual food 'at the proper time.'","Mt 24:14, 45;","Jan 1, 1994 Wt Page 21",How To Keep Spiritually Awake!,71,,1993/11/26,
"Watchtower, Magazines, Faith, Bible","'The Bible is the book in the world I hated most, but since I read your magazine it is the book I like best.' Quote: An African man, writing to the Watch Tower Society's branch in South Africa.",The Watchtower helps focus on God's Word and builds appreciation for it.  It helps build faith.,Jas 2:26,"Mar 1, 1970 Wt Page 139",Are You Content With Jehovah's Provisions?,22,,,
"Watchtower, Magazines, Organization, Literature,","'The Watchtower has a circulation of five or six million, and it is read in developing countries.  It is not just a cheap tabloid.'  I thought to myself, 'How right you are.'  Quote by Communist officials offended by an article in the Watchtower.",Enemies often pay our organization a fine compliment. Told by Helmut Martin of East Germany. (1972),Ps 83:18,"May 1, 1992 Wt Page 29",Serving With Jehovah's Unified Organization,3,,,
"Watchtower, Magazines, Provisions, Slave,","God's word has power, (Woman sustained for 6 years by one WT) 63 year old lady received handful of old papers, magazines, from a relative. One Watchtower, which she read & appreciated. Tried six years to get others; told others about the one, and after 6 years was able to meet Jehovah's Witnesses.",Appreciating Jehovah's provisions learned contents by heart.,Heb. 4:12,"May 15, 1963 Wt Page 307",Are You Content With Jehovah's Provisions?,22,,,
"Watchtower, Style, Study,","Books have styles, just as do other things.  Some are pictures, commentaries, documentaries, etc.  Understanding the style helps to get the most benefit.","The Watchtower has basically two styles: [1] The commentary style, a verse-by-verse discussion. [2] Topical style, where there is an assembly of various texts bearing on one main subject.",2t 3:16;,Qm Page 155,Are You Content With Jehovah's Provisions?,22,,,
"Weak, Consideration, Survival, Evolution,","'SURVIVAL of the fittest'-the strong live at the expense of the weak. Cold and cruel? 'No, actually good and beneficial,' say proponents of the evolution theory, for they claim that this brings improvement. But even many of these persons were deeply shocked when they learned of the attempts of the Nazi Third Reich to implement this 'law' toward fellow humans that they viewed as weak or undesirable.","Is such a horrifying demonstration required to convince a person that the weak should be regarded kindly and not be oppressed or destroyed? Not among persons who have a sincere esteem for the Bible, for God's Word is much more than just passive or tolerant of the weak. It is sensitive to them. It directs that they be assisted, helped and supported.",Acts 20:35; 1 Thess. 5:14,W79 4/15 24,Will You Be A Survivor Of The 'last Days'?,2,,1994/06/03,
"Weak, Consideration, Survival, Evolution, Lowly, Kindness, Sickness,","HAVE you noticed that people frequently flock around wealthy persons and those who have prominent positions in social structures? On the other hand, they often avoid the impoverished, the sickly and those otherwise lacking power.",An experience of this type is related in Psalm 41. This psalm may be divided into three parts. First comes mention of the blessings that God extends to individuals who treat 'lowly ones' with consideration.,Ps 41:1-3;,W79 6/1 29,Follow The Course Of Hospitality,77,,1994/06/03,
"Weak, Elders, Assist, Aid,","'Weak does not mean wicked.' We do not believe in 'survival of the fittest' do we? Maybe they need help in finding work.  Not lazy, but just not good job hunters.  Good worker.",We must assist the weak.  Instead of a 'shadow' do we put on more heat?,"Is 32:1, 2;",Steve Koinivech,Gaining Comfort In All Our Tribulations,105,,,
"Weakness, Facing, Acknowledge, Admit, Sin, Confession,","'When you realize you're in a hole, stop digging.'  Quote: Old saying.","Are we willing to face up to our weaknesses, acknowledge them, and then work at conquering them?",Jer 17:9; Eph 6:11; Jas 1:19;,"Jon Charlsen; Comment On Aug 1, 1996 Wt Page 13; Para 15;",,,,1996/09/08,
"Weakness, Sin, Mind Block, Problem, Attitude,","Elephant story.  How do you train an elephant?  When young tie a metal band around foot, tie chain to something he cannot move.  As he gets older you put different bands on his foot, and when he is grown you tie the chain to a stake you hammer in the ground.  He could easily pull the stake out of the ground with his foot.  He is strong enough to but he won't because he has developed mind block that he is not strong enough to pull it up so he won't.",We could develop a mind block that we cannot over come some weakness but with Jehovah's help we can over come any problem.,"1 Cor  2:14-16; Heb 10:7; Isa. 55:8,9;",Jim Kinkade,Are You Walking With God?,149,,"Oct 30, 2001",
"Weakness, Vulnerable, Satan, Devil,","In Greek mythology, Achilles {uh-kil'-eez} was the strongest, swiftest, and most competent of the Greek heroes who fought in the Trojan war.  He was the son of the nymph Thetis, who dipped him as an infant into the River Styx and thus made every part of his body invulnerable--except the heel by which she held him.    According to several other traditions, Achilles died when wounded in his heel--his one vulnerable spot--by an arrow fired by Paris or Apollo.",What is our Achilles' heel today?  What is our weakness or vulnerable spot?  Satan is aiming for that.,Pro 27:11;,"Kenneth Haag, C. O.",How To Protect Ourselves From Satan's Snares,115,,1996/11/15,
Weakness;,'Our strength grows out of our weakness.'  Quote:  Rwe.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Weaknesses, Armor, Protection, Urgency, Disapproval,","When you notice that your hair is out of place or that your necktie is crooked, what do you do? You most likely straighten things out as soon as possible. Few people would simply leave them alone, feeling that such physical anomalies do not matter. Let us respond just as quickly when it comes to our spiritual weaknesses.","Physical blemishes may invite people's disapproving glances, but spiritual defects that are left uncorrected can result in Jehovah's disapproval.",1 Samuel 16:7,"Apr 15, 1999 Wt Page 22",How To Protect Ourselves From Satan's Snares,115,,1999/03/18,
Weaknesses; Imperfection; Error; Sin;,People who have no weaknesses are terrible; there is no way of taking advantage of them.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Wealth, Diamonds, Bible,","Largest ever found, priceless. Hope diamond, a huge stone of rare deep-blue hue. Fabulous necklace of ninety-four diamonds set in matched pairs. The Cullinan, largest gem diamond ever found in the world is the size of a man's fist. Presented to King Edward VII.","The Bible is one-of-a-kind.  Like a precious gem it has been handed down, passed from generation to generation without mold or rust.",Matt. 6:19,"Aug 22, 1962 Aw Page 22",Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,,
"Wealth, Diamonds, Bible, Wisdom,","Diamonds known for durability; hardest substance known. Diamond will shatter if hit in the right spot.  If diamond is heated hot enough, will simply disappear as carbon dioxide, a colorless gas.","God's word is more precious. (say, 'diamonds are forever') God's Word will endure forever.",Prov. 2:1-4;,"Aug 22, 1962 Aw Page 22",Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,,
"Wealth, Happiness, Money, Materialism, Joy,","'Measure wealth not by the things you have, but by the things you have for which you would not take money.'  Quote: Anonymous.","For example, the truth.  We would never sell it.",Prov 23:23;,Bobby Laymon - Reader's Digest,Finding Honor And Joy In God's Ministry,65,,1996/03/22,
"Wealth, Materialism, Money, Frustration, Life,",Story: British built computer size of earth and asked it the meaning of life. After much computing it answered '42'.  No one laughed. Only Bible supplies answer.,Man can find no satisfying answer to question either.,"Eccl. 12:13, 14","Brandt Jones (oct 28, 1990)",Is This Life All There Is?,36,,,
"Wealth, Materialism, Money, Life,",Solomon; richer than Donald Trump; 4000 piece orchestra;300 singer 700 wives; 300 concubines;,All is vanity. Wealth did not bring him happiness or life.,Eccl. 2:4-11,"Brandt Jones (oct 28, 1990)",Is This Life All There Is?,36,,,
Wealth; Riches; Debt; Material Things; Money;,' Things' are in the saddle and ride mankind.'  Quote:  Rwe.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Wealth; Riches; Debt; Material Things; Money;,'A full cup must be carried steadily.'  Quote:  English.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Wealth; Riches; Debt; Material Things; Money;,'A man can't get rich if he takes proper care of his family.'  Quote:  Navajo Saying.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Wealth; Riches; Debt; Material Things; Money;,'A man is rich in proportion to the things he can let alone.'  Quote:  Hdt.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Wealth; Riches; Debt; Material Things; Money;,"'If you have no money, be polite.'  Quote:  Danish.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Wealth; Riches; Debt; Material Things; Money;,'It is wrong to assume that men of immense wealth are always happy.'  Quote:  J. D. Rockefeller.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Wealth; Riches; Debt; Material Things; Money;,'Money is a good servant but a bad master.'  Quote:  French.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Wealth; Riches; Debt; Material Things; Money;,"'Prosperity is like a tender mother, but blind, who spoils her children.'  Quote:  English.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Wealth; Riches; Debt; Material Things; Money;,'Riches serve a wise man but command a fool.'  Quote:  English.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Wealth; Riches; Debt; Material Things; Money;,'The ass loaded with gold still eats thistles.'  Quote:  German.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Wealth; Riches; Debt; Material Things; Money;,'The larger a man's roof the more snow it collects.' Quote:  Yiddish,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Wealth; Riches; Debt; Material Things; Money;,'The rich get richer and the poor get poorer.'  Quote:  Andrew Carnegie.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Wealth; Riches; Debt; Material Things; Money;,'The rich would have to eat money but luckily the poor provide food.'  Quote:  Russian.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Wealth; Riches; Debt; Material Things; Money;,'To pretend to satisfy one's desires by possessions is like using a straw to put out a fire.'  Quote:  Chinese.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Wealth; Riches; Debt; Material Things; Money;,"'True, you can't take it with you, but then that's not the place where it comes in so handy.'  Quote:  Brendan Francis.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Wealth; Riches; Debt; Material Things; Money;,"'When you fortune increases, the columns of you house appear to be crooked.'  Quote:  Armenian.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Wealth; Riches; Debt; Material Things; Money;,'You can't take it with you.'  Quote:  Moss Hart.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Wealth; Riches; Debt; Material Things; Money;,A donkey laden with gold is still a donkey.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Wealth; Riches; Debt; Material Things; Money;,The reason most of us don't live within our income is because we don't consider that living.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Wealth; Riches; Debt; Material Things; Money;,"The treasure which are kept in coffers are not real, but only those which are kept in the soul.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Wealth; Riches; Debt; Material Things; Money; Giving;,"'Not he who has much is rich, but he that gives much.'  Quote:  Erich Fromm.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Wealth; Riches; Debt; Material Things; Money; Greed; Prosperity;,"'Abundance, like want, ruins man.'  Quote:  Bf.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Wealth; Riches; Debt; Material Things; Money; Greed; Prosperity;,"'Even if you can't take it  with you, it can sure brighten up the port of embarkation.'  Quote:  Cy Peace.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Wealth; Riches; Debt; Material Things; Money; Greed; Prosperity;,'Few rich men own their own property. The property owns them.'  Quote:  Robert Ingersol.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Wealth; Riches; Debt; Material Things; Money; Greed; Prosperity;,'I don't want to own anything that won't fit into my coffin.'  Quote:  Fred Allen.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Wealth; Riches; Debt; Material Things; Money; Greed; Prosperity;,'Money doesn't always bring happiness. People with ten million dollars are not happier than people with nine million dollars.'  Quote:  Hobart Brown.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Wealth; Riches; Debt; Material Things; Money; Greed; Prosperity;,'The love of evil is the root of all money.'  Quote:  American.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Wealth; Riches; Debt; Material Things; Money; Greed; Prosperity;,'The more you get the more you got to take care of.'  Quote:  Alice Doman.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Wealth; Riches; Debt; Money;,'Baker's Law: You do not want the one you can afford.'  Quote:  Scott Baker.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Wealth; Riches; Debt; Money;,'Everything in the world may be endured except continual prosperity.' Quote: Von Goethe,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Wealth; Riches; Debt; Money;,"'Fuel is not sold in a forest, nor fish on a lake.'  Quote:  Chinese.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Wealth; Riches; Debt; Money;,'He does not possess wealth that allows it to possess him.'  Quote:  Bf.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Wealth; Riches; Debt; Money;,'If you can actually count your money then you are not really a rich man.'  Quote:  Paul Getty.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Wealth; Riches; Debt; Money;,'Keep a thing seven years and its bound to come in handy.'  Quote:  Russian.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Wealth; Riches; Debt; Money;,'Live together like brothers and do business like strangers.'  Quote:  Arabic.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Wealth; Riches; Debt; Money;,'The use of money is all the advantage there is in having money.'  Quote:  Bf.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Wealth; Riches; Debt; Money;,'There must be more to life than having everything.'  Quote:  Maurice Sendak.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Wealth; Riches; Debt; Money;,"'With breathtaking rapidity, we are destroying all that was lovely to look at and turning America into a prison house of the spirit. The affluent society, with relentless single-minded energy, is turning our cities, most of suburbia and most of our roadways into the most affluent slum on earth.'  Quote:  Eric Severide.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Wealth; Riches; Debt; Money;,A man's true wealth is the good he endows in this world.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Wealth; Riches; Debt; Money;,A rich man can do nothing wrong.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Wealth; Riches; Debt; Money;,Bargain: A transaction in which each party thinks he has cheated the other.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Wealth; Riches; Debt; Money;,He is rich enough who lacks not bread.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Wealth; Riches; Debt; Money;,Much coin much care.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Wealth; Riches; Debt; Money;,The futility of riches is stated very plainly in two places: The Bible and the income tax form.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Wealth; Riches; Debt; Money;,There is no fortress so strong that money cannot take it.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Wealth; Riches; Debt; Money;,We work to become not to acquire.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Wealth; Riches; Debt; Money;,"Wealth consists not in having great possessions, but in having few wants.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Wealth; Riches; Debt; Money;,"When it is a question of money, everybody is of the same religion.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Wealth; Riches; Debt; Money; Borrowing;,Lend only what you can afford to lose.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Wealth; Riches; Debt; Money; Death;,Death pays all debts.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Weapons,"Sword; It is impossible to calculate lives they have taken. Man now uses deadlier weapons, but still uses sword as a symbol.",Still used as a symbol of all war weapons.,Isa. 2:2-4,"Apr 22, 1959 Aw Page 27, 28",Gaining Comfort In All Our Tribulations,105,,,
"Weapons, Bomb, Science,","'Ultimate Weapon' Atomic bomb compared to earth's crust like cow or horse that twitches or wrinkles its skin to rid itself of flies. Assam quake in 1950 equal to 1,100,000 atom bombs.","Jehovah will strike the 'deciding blow'. moderate rainstorm; equal to several hundred atom bombs per minute Jah launched giant star Betelgeuse, million times volume of sun.","Isa. 40:22-26; Ps. 147:4, 5","Aug 22, 1959 Aw Page 6, 7",Jehovah Is 'a Secure Height' For His People,151,,,
"Weapons, Land Mines, War, Terror, Pain,","Thousands of innocent men, women and children are maimed, and some killed, every month in more than 60 countries.  30,000 people have been maimed in Cambodia alone.  It is estimated that some 100 million remain buried.  They can be set off by a mere footstep.  One version cost only $3.00 (U.S.)  Another which propels 700 steel balls and kills up to 50 yards, costs only $27.00.  Forty-eight nations now sell 340 different types.  More are planted each day than are deactivated.",Only God's incoming new world will solve such problems.,Psalm 46:9;,"Aug 8, 1994 Aw Page 31",Good News In A Violent World,85,,1994/08/27,
"Weapons, Wicked,","Parade of Monsters 'A' Bomb in 1945 'H' bomb exploded Nov. 1, 1952. Elugelab Island at Eniwetok had vaporized. A mile-wide crater, 175 feet deep, was all that was left.",'Big Stick' of Man's government has produced misery See article for quotes by Albert Einstein; Thomas E. Murray.,Rev. 11:18,"Aug 22, 1959 Aw Page 4, 5",Ruining The Earth Brings Divine Retribution,106,,,
"Weapons, Ww1, War, Last Days, 1914, End,","'The twentieth century has been dominated by the machine gun, the tank, the B-52, the nuclear bomb and finally, the missile.  It has been marked by wars more bloody and destructive than those of any other age.'  Quote: Professor of history, Hugh Thomas.","Even after a proposed reduction in arms some 10,000 to 20,000 nuclear warheads will remain - more than 900 times the firepower used during World War II.",Matt 24:7; Rev 6:4;,Kl Page 100,Will You Be A Survivor Of The 'last Days'?,2,,1995/06/16,
"Weapons, Ww1, War, Last Days, 1914, End,",The lines making up a person's fingerprint form a pattern that cannot belong to any other individual.,"Similarly, the last days have their own pattern of marks, or happening.  These form a 'fingerprint' that cannot belong to any other time period.",Matt 24:3-14; 2 Tim. 3:1-5;,Kl Page 106,Will You Be A Survivor Of The 'last Days'?,2,,1995/06/16,
"Weapons, Ww1, War, Last Days, 1914, End, Armageddon, Tribulation,","Consider this:  If a fiercely destructive storm is impending, we take precautionary measures without delay.","Well, what the Bible foretells for this present system should move us to action.  We can clearly see that we are living in the last days of this world system.  The storm of Armageddon is approaching.","Matt 16:1-3; 2 Pet 3:3, 10-12; Luke 21:34-36;",Kl Page 107,Will You Be A Survivor Of The 'last Days'?,2,,1995/06/16,
Weather;,'Change of weather is the discourse of fools.' Quote:  Thomas Fuller,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Weather;,'Don't knock the weather; nine-tenths of the people couldn't start a conversation if it didn't change once and a while.'  Quote:  Kin Hubbard.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Weather;,"'If you don't like the weather in Arizona, just wait a few years.'  Quote:  Jk.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Weather;,"'If you don't like the weather in New England, just wait a few minutes.'  Quote:  Mt.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Weight, Diet, Gluttony, Attitude,","'Start your diet, not with your waistline, but between the ears.'","You must change the way you think about food.  This may call for some brutal honesty, but without it your diet is probably doomed from the start.",Pr 23:21;,"Jan 22, 1993 Aw Page 12",Is The Truth Transforming Your Life?,51,,,
"Weight, Diet, Gluttony, Attitude,","'Yo-yo' dieting.  (Losing weight, only to put it back on)",Like a 'yo-yo' it is only a sucker's game that serves no purpose other than enrich the diet hucksters that flourish in many countries.,Pr 23:21;,"Jan 22, 1993 Aw Page 13",Is The Truth Transforming Your Life?,51,,,
"Weight, Diet, Gluttony, Attitude,",Going through life with a 'ball and chain.'  Secret weapon: drink water.,"Carrying around an extra 50 or 60 extra pounds will literally weigh you down, and make you tired all the time.",Pr 23:21;,"Jan 22, 1993 Aw Page 14",Is The Truth Transforming Your Life?,51,,,
"Weight, Diet, Gluttony, Attitude,","The first battle may be over, but the real war has just begun.",Reaching your target weight is like winning a protracted battle. The trick is to think of your diet as a lifetime project. Get rid of old large clothes; get new wardrobe.  Make the change permanent.,Pr 23:21;,"Jan 22, 1993 Aw Page 14",Is The Truth Transforming Your Life?,51,,,
"Weight, Obligations, Simple,",A diver needs to put on a weight belt in order to dive successfully.  But if he puts on too many of such belts he finds himself too loaded down and will not be able to surface and will drown.,"So it's the same with us. if we get weighed down with too many unnecessary obligations, we find ourselves losing our spiritual balance which can lead to spiritual ' drowning'",Matt. 6:22;,Patti Gillison,Coping With Life's Anxieties,32,,1999/06/20,
"Weights, Advertisements, Materialism, Pioneer,",Advertisement tries to convince you that you need a 'Salad-Shooter.'  Then it comes out with a 'Super-Salad-Shooter.' Next there is a 'Super-Dooper-Salad-Shooter' that you just have to have.,"We must avoid taking on unnecessary burdens and weights. The snare of materialism gets tighter, tighter, tighter, We must shed distractions.",1jn 2:15-17;,Larry Punko,Reach Out For The Real Life!,90,,,
"Wheat, Darnel, Christendom, Apostasy,","The literal weeds of Jesus illustration are generally considered to be bearded darnel, which very much resembles wheat until maturity, which can readily be distinguished from wheat by its smaller black seeds.",Who were among 'the sons of the kingdom' during the centuries-long apostasy?  We cannot say for a certainty.  Only at 'the harvest' would a clear distinction be made between imitation Christians and the true 'sons of the kingdom.'  [see box for truth lovers],"Mt 13:24-30, 36-43;",Jehovah's Witnesses - Proclaimers Of God's Kingdom.  Page 44,Religion's Role In World Affairs.,92,,,
"Whole, Souled, Hungry,",Being whole-souled might be likened to two lions.  One has ate so much he is drowsy.  All he wants to do is sleep.  The other is very hungry.  Which one would be the best hunter?,"We want to be alert, even hungry, to help others apply Scriptures in their life.  Be whole-souled.",Matt 5:3; Col 3:13;,Johnse Laymon,Keep Seeking God's Kingdom,44,,1994/12/18,
"Whole, Strength, Worship, Zeal, Devotion, Determination, Whole-souled,","A BOY was stung by a Nettle.  He ran home and told his Mother,  saying, 'Although it hurts me very much, I only touched it  gently.'  'That was just why it stung you,' said his Mother.  'The next time you touch a Nettle, grasp it boldly, and it will be soft as silk to your hand, and not in the least hurt you.'","Moral: 'Whatever you do, do with all your might!'  'Whatever you are doing, work at it whole-souled as to Jehovah, and not to men,'",Col 3:23;,Aesop's Fables - Bobby Laymon,Glorifying God With All We Have,17,,1994/05/15,
"Whole-souled, Best, Work, Skilled, Employment, Service,","An artist who seeks to win a prize for painting will most likely do his best. The athlete, anxious to win is also likely to exert his best powers. Take an interest in your work and try to find pleasure in it.",Failing to do one's best is part of the moral sickness that afflicts the modern generation.,Matt. 24:12; Eccl. 9:10; Col. 3:23;,"Sep 1, 1967 Wt Page 515",Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,63,,,
"Whole-souled, Best, Work, Skilled, Employment, Service,","Quote: Abraham Lincoln; 'If I were to try to read, much less answer, all the attacks make on me, this shop might as well be closed...I do the very best I know how--the best I can; and I mean to keep doing so until the end.'","Doing one's best, helps one to weather unfair attacks. Paul did his best, preaching in untouched territory where others hadn't.",1 Cor. 9:18; 2 Cor. 10:15-17; Matt. 24:12; Eccl. 9:10; Col. 3:23;,"Sep 1, 1967 Wt Page 515-516",Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,63,,,
"Whole-souled, Love, Energies","A slave who has been sold may think of his new master, 'You have my strength, but not my mind.'","However, we should not think that way, but love Jehovah with all our vital force, exerting our energies, strength in the evangelizing work.",1 Tim 4:10;,"Kingdom Ministry School Dec 22, 23, 1994","Living, Not For Self, But To Do God's Will",8,,1994/12/25,
"Whole-souled, Work, Worship, Conventions,","'You can tell these men are working for nothing. Men who work for money don't work that hard.'  Heard from tent company representative, while brothers were erecting tents for Convention. Not altogether right. Love for Jehovah God and their fellow man,",We always need to work 'Whole-souled' for Jehovah. especially their fellow Christians caused them to work so hard. (see article for Greek word. psyche' and ek),Col. 3:23;,"May 22, 1964 Aw Page 3",Love Identifies The True Christian Congregation,72,,,
Wicked,Ant Hill; All the ants running in different directions. We must walk in Jehovah's ways.  Phil 3:16,Wicked men & impostors are organized for wicked works.,2 Tim 3:1,"Sam Herd, Dist. Overseer",A Clean People Honors Jehovah,14,,,6/28/2018
Wicked,Bug in house; quick to eliminate; go to about any length. We would not let bugs dictate to us how to live. We should not let world dictate to us how to live.,"Wicked has no place in Jehovah's new order, quickly eliminated","Rev 11:18   Jo 17:16   James 4:1-4, 11",Rick Sallee,A Cleansed Earth--will You Live To See It?,49,,,
Wicked,Smoke driven away; wax melts because of fire Jehovah will outclass man's nuclear weapons.,Wicked will perish from before Jehovah.,"Ps. 68:1, 2","Jul 1, 1990 Wt Page 26",Ruining The Earth Brings Divine Retribution,106,,,
Wicked,"Snail, slug, (put salt on, they melt away) Like we used to melt wood slugs around door of trailer.","Wicked will actually melt away, like a snail.",Ps 58:8  112:10,Bible (bobby Laymon),Ruining The Earth Brings Divine Retribution,106,,,
Wicked,"The Dog, the Cock, and the Fox Dog & Cock became friends and decided to travel together.  At nightfall the cock roosted in tree, & dog lay down beside. Fox heard cock crow at dawn, wanted for meal, praised voice & invited to sing together.  Came close, and dog got him.",The wicked lay traps for others and often get caught themselves.  Moral: Those who lay traps for others often caught themselves.,Prov 26:27,Aesop's Fables Page 67,Ruining The Earth Brings Divine Retribution,106,,,
Wicked,"The Old Woman and her Maids. The old widow had a practice of calling her 2 maids every morning at cock-crowing.  They disliked early-rising, and wrung cock's neck to ease their discomfort.  The old lady, missing her alarm, often arose much earlier, and aroused her maids. Moral: Too much cunning over-reaches itself.",The wicked will outsmart themselves,Prov 26:27  28:10,Aesop's Fables,Ruining The Earth Brings Divine Retribution,106,,,
Wicked Destroyed,"The Two Pots (clay & metal) Both floating down stream Be careful said the clay pot, if you bump me I'll be smashed Even though I'm not the one doing the bumping",Humble are in danger while wicked are in existence.,"Ps 37:10, 11",Aesop's Fables Page 17,A Cleansed Earth--will You Live To See It?,49,,,
"Wicked Slave, Unforgiving, Forgiveness, Debt, Harbor, Grudge, Resentment,","'That is why the kingdom of the heavens has become like a man, a king, that wanted to settle accounts with his slaves.  When he started to settle them, there was brought in a man who owed him ten thousand talents [=60,000,000 denarii].  But because he did not have the means to pay [it] back, his master ordered him and his wife and his children and all the things he had to be sold and payment to be made.  Therefore the slave fell down and began to do obeisance to him, saying, 'Be patient with me and I will pay back everything to you.'  Moved to pity at this, the master of that slave let him off and canceled his debt.  But that slave went out and found one of his fellow slaves that was owing him a hundred denarii; and, grabbing him, he began to choke him, saying, 'Pay back whatever you owe.'  Therefore his fellow slave fell down and began to entreat him, saying, 'Be patient with me and I will pay you back.'  However, he was not willing, but went off and had him thrown into prison until he should pay back what was owing.  When, therefore, his fellow slaves saw the things that had happened, they became very much grieved, and they went and made clear to their master all the things that had happened.  Then his master summoned him and said to him, 'Wicked slave, I canceled all that debt for you, when you entreated me.  Ought you not, in turn, to have had mercy on your fellow slave, as I also had mercy on you?'  With that his master, provoked to wrath, delivered him to the jailers, until he should pay back all that was owing.  In like manner my heavenly Father will also deal with YOU if YOU do not forgive each one his brother from YOUR hearts.'  Quote: Jesus Christ.","We are in a situation similar to that of the forgiven slave. On the basis of Jesus' sacrifice, Jehovah has forgiven a huge debt of sin on our account. Surely, then, we should be ready to forgive others. Jesus said that we should be ready to forgive 'up to seventy-seven times,' without limit.",Matthew 18:23-33;,Bobby Laymon,Do You Harbor Resentment Or Do You Forgive?,68,,1996/01/15,
Wicked Will Be Removed,Not place chickens and foxes in same coop.,"Paradise restored, God will not let vandals run loose.","Prov 2:21,22  Rev 11:18    1 Jo 2:15-17",Creation Bk  Page 196,Decide Now For Divine Rulership,37,,,
Wicked Will Be Removed,Not plant flower garden in patch of weeds.,Jehovah will not allow wicked to mar his beautiful creation.,"Prov 2:21,22  Rev 11:18  1 Jo 2:15-17",Creation Bk Page 196,Never Become Dull In Your Hearing,9,,,
"Wicked,","Tree, while small, has larger tree fall over it and bends it down.  It continues to grow, but twisted, and bent. Will never grow straight. Even in New System, some will refuse to change.",Wicked and their offspring are 'bad from their youth up.',Genesis. 8:21; Genesis. 6:5; Eccl. 1:15; 7:13;,Lee Hawkins,Parents--are You Building With Fire-resistant Materials?,104,,,
"Wicked, Apostates, Ungodly, Sinners,",They are like clouds deceptive in appearance. The farmer believes they will drop down much-needed rain. But these clouds prove to be waterless and are driven away by winds before they can drop down the needed moisture. They are valueless for increasing productivity of the crops.,"Such men are like fruitless trees, devoid of the fruitage of God's holy spirit. They do not bear fruit to the glory of God.  Such men are as wild as sea waves that stir up mire and dirt. Such men do not set a steady course by using the Bible as a compass, and so they are like wandering stars that have no set course.","Jude 1:12, 13;",W65 10/1 595,How To Protect Ourselves From Satan's Snares,115,,1994/07/30,
"Wicked, Cure, Armageddon,","As a doctor, to save the body, often must remove cherished limbs because of cancerous corruption, and is loved for his work when he is successful ...","So, God will remove corruption from the earth and will be loved for his righteous act because of the final outcome, namely, a righteous, peaceful, paradise earth, on which to live eternally.","Re 19:1, 2; Ps 145:20; Re 11:18","Apr 15, 1970 Wt Page 247",The Only Cure For Sick Mankind,62,,,
"Wicked, Favor, Righteous, Separation, Divide,","The scum that forms on molten metal or in the smelting furnace is a worthless waste product, something impure to be discarded. Thus a refiner separates such metal as gold or silver from the 'scummy dross.'","Similarly, Jehovah considers the wicked ones fit only for the slag heap and makes them cease, separating them from those of value who have his favor.",Ezek 22: 17-22,W87 3/15 24,Life Does Have A Purpose,23,,1994/06/04,
"Wicked, Honesty, Thieves, Trap, Snare, Punishment, Gangs, Associations,","Proverbs 1:17 states: 'It is for nothing that the net is spread before the eyes of anything owning wings.' Birds are naturally cautious and possess a keen sense of vision. Hence, were a person to spread a net in full view of a bird, he could not hope to trap it. His efforts would be in vain.","Similarly, those who live by theft and robbery are not actually getting by with anything. They are merely laying a snare for themselves, and all their scheming will eventually come to nothing.","Prov 1:17, 19;",W78 6/15 10,Follow The Way To Life,45,,1995/01/27,
"Wicked, Hospitality, Friends,","Sponge,",To sponge on good nature and kindness of others with no intention of paying back is wicked.,Ps. 27:21,"Feb 1, 1963 Wt Page 81",Follow The Course Of Hospitality,77,,,
"Wicked, Lie, Truth, Satan,","A liar will not be believed, even when he speaks the truth.",Speak truth.,1 Jo. 5:19; Rev. 12:12;,Bobby Laymon,Conducting Ourselves Honestly At All Times,10,,,
"Wicked, Lie, Truth, Satan,","The older a man gets, the farther he had to walk to school as a boy.",Some tales grow in size as they are told often.,1 Jo. 5:19; Rev. 12:12;,Bobby Laymon,Conducting Ourselves Honestly At All Times,10,,,
"Wicked, Mercy, Kindness, Ungrateful, Appreciation,","ONE WINTER a Farmer found a Snake stiff and frozen with cold.  He  had compassion on it, and taking it up, placed it in his bosom.   The Snake was quickly revived by the warmth, and resuming its natural instincts, bit its benefactor, inflicting on him a mortal  wound.  'Oh,' cried the Farmer with his last breath, 'I am rightly served for pitying a scoundrel.'","Moral: 'The greatest kindness will not bind the ungrateful.'  Those willfully wicked, even though shown favor, will 'act wickedly.'",Is 26:10;,Aesop's Fables - Bobby Laymon,"Mercy, A Dominant Quality Of True Christians",7,,1994/05/15,12/8/2019
"Wicked, Peace, Satan, Weakness, Sin, Imperfection, Devil, Flesh,",No rest for the wicked.,The wicked will bear the fruit of their labor.,"Isa. 57:20, 21; 1 Pet. 5:8; Jas. 1:13-15; Rom. 5:12; Prov. 16:18",Bobby Laymon,How To Protect Ourselves From Satan's Snares,115,,,
Wicked; Wickedness; Evil,"'A man does not sin bys commission only, but often by omission.'  Quote:  Marcus Aurelius.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Wicked; Wickedness; Evil,'All human evil comes from this: a man's being unable to sit still in a room.'  Quote:  Pascal.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Wicked; Wickedness; Evil,"'God bears with the wicked, but not forever.'  Quote:  Miguel Cervantes.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Wicked; Wickedness; Evil,"'He without benefit of scruples, his fun and money soon quadruples.'  Quote:  Ogden Nash.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Wicked; Wickedness; Evil,'Never give a sucker an even break.' Quote:  Texas Guinean,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Wicked; Wickedness; Evil,'No one becomes depraved all at once.'  Quote:  Juvenal.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Wicked; Wickedness; Evil,'None in a moment ever grew wholly vile.'  Quote:  Juvenal.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Wicked; Wickedness; Evil,'The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for the good to do nothing.'  Quote:  Edmund Burke.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Wicked; Wickedness; Evil,'The trouble these days is there's no arrest for the wicked.'  Quote:  Raymond Chicot.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Wicked; Wickedness; Evil,'There's small choice in rotten apples.'  Quote:  Shakespeare.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Wicked; Wickedness; Evil,Always put off until tomorrow the things you shouldn't do at all.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Wicked; Wickedness; Evil,No choice amongst stinking fish.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Wicked; Wickedness; Evil,No mischief but a woman or a priest is at the bottom of it.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Wicked; Wickedness; Evil,Rogues differ little. Each began first as a disobedient son.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Wicked; Wickedness; Evil;,'Even a pig would bite a bad man.'  Quote:  Greek.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Wicked; Wickedness; Evil;,'Evil is whatever does harm.'  Quote:  French.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Wicked; Wickedness; Evil;,'Evil never dies.' Quote: Sophocles,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Wicked; Wickedness; Evil;,'It is for the general good of all that the wicked should be punished.'  Quote:  Euripides.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Wicked; Wickedness; Evil;,'The sun also shines on the wicked.'  Quote:  Seneca.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Wicked; Wickedness; Evil;,"It is a sin to believe evil of others, but it is seldom a mistake.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Wicked; Wickedness; Evil;,"There are times when it would seem as if God fished with a line,  and the Devil with a net.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Wicked; Wickedness; Evil;,"Virtuous ten years, still not enough. Evil one day, too much already.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Wicked; Wickedness; Evil; Good;,'Evil is hill; each one gets on his own and speaks about someone else's.'  Quote:  African.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Wicked; Wickedness; Evil; Good;,'Good can exist without evil whereas evil cannot exist without good.' Quote: Thomas Acquires,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Wicked; Wickedness; Evil; Good;,'It is tempting to deny the existence of evil since denying it obviates the need to fight it.'  Quote:  Alex Carrel.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Wicked; Wickedness; Evil; Good;,'Some men are alive simply because it is against the law to kill them.'  Quote:  Ed Howe.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Wicked; Wickedness; Evil; Good;,'The world is white no longer and it will never be white again.'  Quote:  James Baldwin.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Wicked; Wickedness; Evil; Good;,'You cannot do wrong without suffering wrong.'  Quote:  Rwe.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Wicked; Wickedness; Evil; Good;,A few vices are sufficient to darken many virtues.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Wicked; Wickedness; Evil; Good;,Bad men hate sin through fear of punishment; good men hate sin through their love of virtue.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Wicked; Wickedness; Evil; Good;,"Between two evils, choose neither, between two goods, choose both.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Wicked; Wickedness; Evil; Good;,"Even by the falling of water-drops a water-pot is filled; the fool becomes full of evil, even if he gather it little by little.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Wicked; Wickedness; Evil; Good;,Evil exists to glorify the good.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Wicked; Wickedness; Evil; Good;,"He who does no good, does enough evil.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Wicked; Wickedness; Evil; Good;,"If you do what you should not, you must bear what you would not.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Wicked; Wickedness; Evil; Good;,"In whatever manner you fashion a wicked man, it is impossible to make his nature good.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Wicked; Wickedness; Evil; Good;,"Sin may open bright as the morning, but it will end dark as night.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Wicked; Wickedness; Evil; Good;,"The doer of evil becomes evil. One becomes virtuous by virtuous action, bad by bad action.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Wicked; Wickedness; Evil; Good;,"The evil man is like a pot of clay, easily breaking, but reunited with difficulty; whilst a good man is like a jar of gold, hard to break and quickly to be joined again.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Wicked; Wickedness; Evil; Good;,"The first lesson of history, is, that evil is good.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Wicked; Wickedness; Evil; Good;,The lives of the best of us are spent choosing between evils.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Wicked; Wickedness; Evil; Good;,The love of the wicked is more dangerous than their hatred.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Wicked; Wickedness; Evil; Good;,The only good is knowledge and the only evil is ignorance.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Wicked; Wickedness; Evil; Good;,The way to wickedness is always through wickedness.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Wicked; Wickedness; Evil; Good;,There are a thousand hacking at the branches of evil to one who is striking at the root.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Wicked; Wickedness; Evil; Good;,To see and listen to the wicked is already the beginning of wickedness.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Wicked; Wickedness; Evil; Good;,Vice is its own punishment and sometimes its own cure.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Wicked; Wickedness; Evil; Good;,Wickedness with beauty is the devil's hook baited.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Wicked; Wickedness; Evil; Good;,"You may wash charcoal with zeal, but you will not make it white.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Wickedness, Last Days, Armageddon,","When she entered her home, she quickly sensed that something was not right.  A quick glance confirmed her darkest suspicions -- The television, the stereo, some clothes, and items were missing. The thought: 'What if the intruders are still in the house?'",Jehovah's Day will come as a thief.  It will be at an hour that you do not think to be it.,"Mt 24:43, 44; Lk 12:39, 40; 1th 5:2;","Apr 8, 1992 Aw Page 28",Ruining The Earth Brings Divine Retribution,106,,,
"Wickedness, Pain, Suffering, Patience",Parents allow child to undergo painful operation.  Suffering will be erased from mind.,Long term benefits far outweigh temporary pain.,Isa 65:17,"Creation Bk  Page 196, 197",The Only Cure For Sick Mankind,62,,,
"Wickedness, Satan, Blame, Ecology, Earth,","An architect designs a beautiful yet functional building.  The workmanship is of the highest quality, and materials are the best.  The tenants, however, wreck and misuse the building.  Soon it needs extensive repairs.  Who is responsible?","So it is with mankind and the earth.  Jehovah is a God with whom there is no injustice.  Who, then is to blame for much of the trouble on the earth today?","Deuteronomy 32:4, 5; Re 12:9, 12; Jo 8:44; 2ti 3:1-5; Re 11:18;","Apr 8, 1992 Aw Page 28",The Only Cure For Sick Mankind,62,,,
"Wickedness, Virtue, Righteousness, Hate, Lawlessness,",'Wickedness is always easier than virtue; for it takes the short cut to everything.'  Quote: Samuel Johnson.,"Jehovah will sear all disguise away as by fire.  He will expose the wickedness of ungodly human society, showing it to be worthy of complete destruction.","2 Pet 3:7, 10;",Bobby Laymon,A Cleansed Earth--will You Live To See It?,49,,1995/07/18,
Wickedness;,"'God bears the wicked, but not forever.'  Quote:  Cicero.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Wickedness; Television;,'To see and listen to the wicked is already the beginning of wickedness.'  Quote:  Confucius.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Wife,"Beautiful woman pleases eyes, good woman pleases the heart.  If the former is a jewel, The latter is a treasure",Quite & mild spirit.,"1 Pet 3:3, 4",89 Wt May 15  P 19,'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
Wife,"Crown to owner.  Support husband.  Pioneer, Missionary work.",Spiritual goals.,"Prov 12:4  31:11, 12, 20",Watchtower,How Well Do You Know God?,1,,,
Wife,"Good clothing for self, not wife; hair styles, not for her. Not belittle her, degrade, come to her aid, give her dignity.",Must love wife as own body.,Eph. 5:28,Bobby Laymon,Meeting The Test Of Christian Loyalty,48,,,
Wife,"Horse or dog could be submissive.  Needs someone to complement him, work with, support, express appreciation.",More is required than submission.,"1 Pet. 3:1, 2",Bobby Laymon,Meeting The Test Of Christian Loyalty,48,,,
"Wife, Honor, Marriage, Communication,","How do you show honor to persons you know?  You usually speak well of them, do things for them, and consider their feelings, views and wishes.",The same is true in assigning honor to your wife.  Essential here is communication.,1 Pe 3:7; Eph 5:28;,"Jan 15, 1970 Wt Page 36",God Comes First In Successful Family Life,110,,,
"Wife, Honor, Marriage, Husband, Communication, Idea, Kindness, Gentle,",Conveying an idea to her husband might be likened to throwing a ball to him.,"She can toss it gently so that he can easily catch it, or she can fling it with such force that it injures him.  How much better it is when both mates avoid hurling accusations but, rather, speak in a kind and gentle manner!","Genesis 21:9-12; Matt 7:12; Col 4:6; 1 Pet 3:3, 4;",Kl Page 144,Communication--within The Family And With God,30,,1995/06/16,
"Wife, Honor, Marriage, Husband, Weaker Vessel,","In your house, let us say that you have a very useful container that is especially delicate.  Would you not treat it with great care?","Well, Peter used the term 'weaker vessel' in a similar vein, and this should move a Christian husband to manifest tender regard for his beloved wife.",1 Pet 3:7;,Kl Page 144,Family Life That Warms The Heart,5,,1995/06/16,
"Wife, Marriage",'He that speaks ill of his wife dishonors himself.' Quote Thomas Fuller.,Husband and wife are to be one should never say bad things about wife that would degrade her.,Prov.12:9,Johnse Laymon,God Comes First In Successful Family Life,110,,,
"Wife, Marriage,",'Behind every good man is a good woman.'  Quote: Winston Churchill.,It is better to say 'Beside ever good man.',Genesis 2:18;,J.K.,Getting Marriage Off To A Good Start,27,,1997/04/13,
"Wife, Marriage,",A good wife could be compared to a beautiful and precious piece of China. Very delicate. Some are priceless. Would you use that piece of china as a plaything for children? Would you use it as a dog dish? Of course not! You would surround it with loving care. Probably put it in a place of prominence such as a china cabinet. You would treat it with respect and special care.,That is how a husband should view his wife 'The Weaker vessel' The more fragile of the two.  Weaker Vessel: How? Inferior? No! Physical limitations? Yes! But this should not detract.,1 Pet 3:7;,J.K.,Getting Marriage Off To A Good Start,27,,1997/04/13,
"Wife, Marriage,",Adam was given a wife as a complement (something that completes or makes up a whole.),She was not a compliment.  (An expression of praise or admiration),Genesis 2:18;,"Al Larue (comment Oct 15, 1992 Wt Page 8)",God Comes First In Successful Family Life,110,,,
"Wife, Marriage, Communication,","'The most familiar complaint I hear from wives I counsel is, 'He won't talk to me,' and 'He doesn't listen to me.'","'And when I share this complaint with their husbands, they don't hear me either.' Quote: Marriage counselor.",Jas 1:19; Pr 15:22; 17:27;,"Oct 15, 1992 Wt Page 14",God Comes First In Successful Family Life,110,,,
"Wife, Marriage, Communication,","A puzzle, with one piece missing.  It will never be right.","In marriage, if communication is missing, it will never be right.",Jas 1:19; Pr 15:22; 17:27;,Bobby Laymon,God Comes First In Successful Family Life,110,,,
"Wife, Marriage, Family,","Might be compared to the timber that supports a house or building.  It is not always seen, but is very necessary.",The wife plays a very important supporting role in marriage.,Prov. 31:10-31,"Lovers Of Freedom District Assy. Mobile July 12-14, 1991",Family Life That Warms The Heart,5,,,
"Wife, Marriage, Health",'A good wife and health is a man's great wealth.'  Quote Old English saying.,Wife is more valuable then any thing.,Prov. 31:10,Johnse Laymon,God Comes First In Successful Family Life,110,,,
"Wife, Marriage, Honor,","A label that says, 'Precious. Delicate. Handle with care!",Husbands should treat their wives as if they wore that label.,1 Pet. 3:7;,"Feb 1, 1991 Wt Page 22",God Comes First In Successful Family Life,110,,,
"Wife, Marriage, Wedding,","If you treat your wife like a thoroughbred, she'll never turn out to be an old nag.",Show love and respect.,Eph 5:33;,Bobby Laymon,Show Respect And Love In Your Marriage,28,,1997/04/13,12/23/2015
"Wife, Mountain Goat, Rearing Children, Grace, Elegance,",'a charming mountain goat. '  Charming is not an adjective most of us would use to describe a goat.  We may think of goats as useful animals that will eat practically anything and that provide us with tasty meat and nutritious milk -- but we would hardly call them charming.,"How is a goat like a wife?  At Engedi you can still watch a female ibex gracefully pick her way down a rocky ravine as she follows a male goat toward the water.  The female ibex has to be tough as well as graceful.  Christian wives and mothers often have to rear their children under adverse circumstances.  Like the mountain goat, they show dedication and unselfishness in caring for this God-given responsibility.","Prov. 5:18, 19;","Oct 1, 2000 Page 30, 31 (see Article For Nice  Details)",Show Respect And Love In Your Marriage,28,,"Nov 25, 2000",
"Wife, Nag, Family, Marriage, Home, Youth, Dating,",Never under-estimate the power of a woman. Wives can be wise or foolish. Can 'tear' house down with own hands.,Wife can tear down well laid plans of husband.,Prov. 14:1; Prov. 21:9; 25:24; 23:13; Deuteronomy. 6: 4-8; Eph. 5:22-33;,Bobby Laymon,Family Life That Warms The Heart,5,,,
"Wife, Support, Encouragement, Marriage, Wedding,",The wife of a man who fears God is compared to a fruit-bearing vine. Why?,"A vine needs some kind of support, such as a pole. Likewise, in benefiting from the good support of her husband and in being the mother of his children, the wife is like a fruit-bearing vine, happy and content to carry out her duties in the innermost part of the home.",Ps. 128:1-6;,W80 4/1 28,God Comes First In Successful Family Life,110,,1994/06/27,
Wife;,"'I chose my wife, as she did her wedding gown, for qualities that would wear well.'  Quote:  Oliver Goldsmith.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Wife;,"'Teacher, tender comrade, wife, a fellow-farer true through life.'  Quote:  Robert Louis Stevenson.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Wife; Happiness;,"'All you need for happiness is a good gun, a good horse, and a good wife.'  Quote:  Daniel Boone.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Wife; Marriage;,"'Of all home remedies, a good wife is best.'  Quote:  Kin Hubbard.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Will, Desires, Hopes,","'Our bodies are our gardens, to the which our wills are gardeners.' Quote:  William Shakespeare. [1604-1605].",Must pummel our body to keep it clean.  Feeding mind on good things leaves no room for bad thoughts.,1 Cor. 9:27; Phil 4:8;,Bobby Laymon,How To Protect Ourselves From Satan's Snares,115,,1995/07/10,
"Will, Determination, Endure,",Where there's a will there's a way.,No WILL - No WAY.,John 14:13;,J.K.,,,,1997/04/11,
Will;,'Great souls have wills; feeble ones have only wishes.'  Quote:  Chinese.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Will;,'Where there's a will there's a lawsuit.'  Quote:  Addison Mizner.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Will;,'Where there's a will there's a way.'  Quote:  English.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Willingness, Zeal, Devotion, Dedication,","In Nigeria in 1977, the brothers faced a problem.  The electric power supply was far from dependable.  Until the Nigeria branch got its own generator, the factory workers would go back to work at any time, day or night, when the power came on.","With such a spirit, they never missed an issue of the Watchtower.",Ps 110:3;,Jehovah's Witnesses - Proclaimers Of God's Kingdom.  Page 590,Glorifying God With All We Have,17,,,
Willingness; Talk Is Cheap;,'Give me the willing hand rather than the ready tongue.'  Quote:  Giuseppe Garibaldi.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Wind, Creation, Cows, Moses, Red Sea,","'Where Cows Fly!'  On Jan 5, 1993 the fierce winds of the Shetland Islands came to the world's attention.  They took hold of the Braer, a 797 foot-long, 45,000 ton oil tanker, and slammed it against this rocky outpost of northern Scotland.  Within a week the wind and waves broke it into 4 pieces. (See picture)","Jehovah's power of natural resources can scarcely be imagined. In the Shetlands, cows, cars, humans, and cats can fly.  Cats always land on their feet, of course.  It reminds one of the wind that held back the Red Sea.",Exodus 14:21;,"Jun 22, 1993 Aw Page 31",Appreciating Marvels Of God's Creation,114,,,
"Wine, Drinking, Drunk, Wit, Wisdom,","'When the wine is in, the wit is out.'  Quote: English proverb.",Wine is a ridiculer.  A person looses his senses.,Prov 20:1;,Bobby Laymon - Reader's Digest,,,,1996/03/24,
"Wine, Mold, Creation,","'Where there is a noble mold, there is a wine of good quality, and where there is a wine of good quality, there is a noble mold.'  Quote: Hungarian winemakers' proverb.",Certain kinds of wine depend upon the mold that grows on the grape as well as in the cellars were the wine is aged.,1 Tim 5:23;,"Sep 8, 1995 Aw Page 26",,,,1995/08/04,
Winning;,"'For when the Great Scorer comes to write against you name, he marks not that you won or lost, but how you played the game.'  Quote:  Grantland Rice.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Winning;,The trouble with being a good sport is that you have to lose to prove it.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Wisdom,'A single year with a wise man is better than ten years of study.'  Quote:  Chinese.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Wisdom,'After the ship has sunk everyone knows how she might have been saved.'  Quote:  Italian.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Wisdom,"'All wish to possess knowledge but few, comparatively speaking, are willing to pay the price.'  Quote:  Juvenal.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Wisdom,'Effective knowledge is that which includes knowledge of the limitations of one's knowledge.'  Quote:  S. Hayakawa.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Wisdom,'Is not wisdom based on being well-informed?'  Quote:  Plato.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Wisdom,"'Knowledge is like money, the more he gets the more he craves.'  Quote:  Jb.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Wisdom,"'Life can only be understood backwards, but it must be lived forwards.' Quote:  Soren Kierkegaard",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Wisdom,'Mystery is the wisdom of blockheads.'  Quote:  Horace Walpole.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Wisdom,'No man was ever wise by chance.'  Quote:  Seneca.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Wisdom,'The foundation of genius belongs to Jove Jehovah).' Quote:  Virgil,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Wisdom,'The more we study the more we discover our ignorance.'  Quote:  Percy Shelly.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Wisdom,'The world is full of people that are not wise enough.'  Quote:  Fontaine.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Wisdom,An old goat is never the more revered for his beard.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Wisdom,Blindfold horse to lead from burning building God's servants have long endured internal pressures,"We must look to Jehovah, depend on His wisdom to lead us","Ps. 90:10, 12  Eccles 7:7",Bobby Laymon,Acquiring A Heart Of Wisdom,73,,,
Wisdom,Farmer tries to keep record of birth-time for cattle; difficult. Man has difficulty even getting near mountain goats.,Jehovah cares for wild animals at season of greatest need.,Job 39:1-4,"May 15, 1962 Wt Page 293-6",Appreciating Marvels Of God's Creation,114,,,
Wisdom,"Fox & Goat Fox fell into well, couldn't get out, goat came, asked about water Encouraged to jump down, fox asked to stand on hind legs, he would get out, then pull him out, He then ran off.",Wise person never starts anything w/o considering end result  Moral: Look before you leap,Pr 1:20;,Aesop's Fables Page 12,Acquiring A Heart Of Wisdom,73,,,
Wisdom,"Gold; apparently endless durability; imperishable; gold bowl may be crushed or dinted, but its color and surface remain. 'immortal' metal; gold was first choice of artists of every age. Pure gold cannot be weighed out in exchange for wisdom.",Wisdom cannot be bought or sold. After nearly 5000 yrs. gold is still only medium of exchange that is universally acceptable.,"Job 28:12, 15-17, 19, 28","Apr 8, 1959 Aw Page 20, 23",Acquiring A Heart Of Wisdom,73,,,
Wisdom,"If an iron tool become blunt; exert his own vital energies. Job when complete will not be as neat, will require more labor, sweat, extra effort. Bible is the tool we are authorized and commanded to work with.",It is an advantage to have a sharp tool.,Eccl. 10:10,"Nov 15, 1959 Wt Page 695",Acquiring A Heart Of Wisdom,73,,,
Wisdom,Jehovah knows what shoe we put on first; how we lie down; words on end of our tongue.,Jehovah knows us better than we ourselves.,"Ps. 139:3, 4, 14-16",Bobby Laymon,What God's Rulership Can Do For Us,24,,,
Wisdom,"Little boy on railroad track felt track tremble, looked up and saw train reasoned, not enough room for me and train","Used knowledge, discernment, and followed course of wisdom",Proverbs,Bobby Laymon (heard At Km School In Ny In 1967),Acquiring A Heart Of Wisdom,73,,,
Wisdom,"Man sued Columbia University in New York, for 'falsely professing to teach wisdom.' Judge ruled, 'Wisdom cannot be taught or even defined. dismissed case. Wisdom cannot be taught by any worldly institution of man.",Jehovah himself gives wisdom,Prov. 6:6-22,"Nov 15, 1959 Wt Page 685",Acquiring A Heart Of Wisdom,73,,,
Wisdom,"Reservoir, or source that wisdom comes from.",You can draw from the same source Solomon had.,Jas. 1:5;,"Aug 1, 1962 Wt Page 452",Act Wisely As The End Draws Near,38,,,
Wisdom,Some are wise and some are otherwise.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Wisdom,"Strange to many: Noah, building ark; strange to antediluvian Abraham's picking up and leaving native land; left puzzled expression on faces. Israelites in Egypt, sprinkling blood on side post & top of entrances. Jesus teaching shocking. John 6:60-69",God's wisdom different from man's.,"Genesis. 6:14, 22; 12:1; Exodus. 12:7","Oct 15, 1959 Wt Page 611",Acquiring A Heart Of Wisdom,73,,,
Wisdom,"Ten Commandments; only 120 Words in Hebrew text. Not called Ten Commandments in Hebrew, but 10 Words. 'All the bulk of the English and American law may be reduced to a few very grand principles ... enunciated by Moses.'",Reveal a wisdom and morality far above what man could have achieve,Exodus. 20:4-17,"Feb 1, 1961 Wt Page 73-",Acquiring A Heart Of Wisdom,73,,,
Wisdom,"Treasure hunting not confined to dreams, or children's storybooks Thousands of adults spend large sums in search of wealth. Buy electronic equipment, yet search is usually fruitless. Tramp through wild terrain, dive into deep, treacherous water.","This is a treasure that can be found and rewarding. Endure Great hardships. Those finding wisdom, can tell you where to find it.","Prov. 2:4, 5; #:13, 14, 18;","Jun 22, 1960 Aw Page 3, 4",Acquiring A Heart Of Wisdom,73,,,
Wisdom,"Why does Wisdom Hate Pride? Pride shows unsoundness of mind. It exalts oneself, takes oneself too seriously; One proud; knows own good points but imagines he has many that he does not have.","Wisdom concerned with fitness; knows value of order & harmony. Pride goes with education, achievement, fame, power, wealth. Pride puts barriers between us and neighbors; and Jehovah",Prov. 3:13; 8:13;,"Jul 1, 1960 Wt Page 387",Acquiring A Heart Of Wisdom,73,,,
"Wisdom, Action, Kindness,","'Act well at the moment, and you have performed a good action for all eternity.'  Quote: Lavater (1741-1801)","Wisdom is in making decisions, one at a time.",Ps 90:12,Wisdom Of The Ages,Acquiring A Heart Of Wisdom,73,,,
"Wisdom, Adapt, Change, Teach, Meek, Adjust, Opinion, Facts, Science,","'Every man has a right to his opinion, but no man has a right to be wrong in his facts.'  Quote Bernard M. Baruch.",Science base many of their opinions on mere speculation and theory.  We should base our thoughts solidly on God's Word.,Heb 4:12;,Bobby Laymon,Does Your Hope Rest On Science Or The Bible?,80,,1995/06/13,
"Wisdom, Adapt, Change, Teach, Meek, Adjust, Opinion, Foolish, Dead,",'The foolish and the dead alone never change their opinions.'  Quote: James Russell Lowell.,We should be wise and willing to adjust.  Even if it means changing beliefs taught by our parents and religious leaders.,1 Thess 5:21;,Bobby Laymon,Is The Truth Transforming Your Life?,51,,1995/06/13,
"Wisdom, Adapt, Change, Teach, Meek, Adjust, Opinion, Foolish, Dead,",'There are as many opinions as there are experts.'  Quote: Franklin Delano Roosevelt.,We should base our opinions on God's Word.,Rom. 3:4;,Bobby Laymon,Is The Truth Transforming Your Life?,51,,1995/06/13,
"Wisdom, Age, Older,","'Wisdom too often never comes, and so one ought not to reject it merely because it comes late.'  Quote: Felix Frankfurter.",Sometimes the truth comes late in life.  Those who are wise will accept it.,Ecclesiastes 12:1;,Bobby Laymon - Reader's Digest,,,,1996/03/18,
"Wisdom, Bible, Education,","Are you intelligent, but unintelligible?",Education is of little value if not used intelligently.,2 Tim. 3:7,"Jul 8, 1963 Aw Page 31",Acquiring A Heart Of Wisdom,73,,,
"Wisdom, Bible, Truth,","Why drink from only one well, when you have the choice of twenty.","Bible, as a source of wisdom, is many wells.",2 Tim. 3:16; John 17:17;,Bobby Laymon,Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,,
"Wisdom, Conduct, Manners, Life, Attitude, Ecology, Standards, School,","'All I really need to know I learned in kindergarten.' Quote: Robert Fulgham.  'Most of what I really need to know about how to live, and what to do, and how to be, I learned in kindergarten.  Wisdom was not at the top of the graduate school mountain but there in the sandbox at nursery school.     These are the things I learned:   Share everything.  Play fair.  Don't hit people.  Put things back where you found them.  Clean up your own mess.  Don't take things that aren't yours.  Say you're sorry when you hurt somebody.  Wash your hands before you eat.  Flush.  Warm cookies and cold milk are good for you.  Live a balanced life.  Learn some and think some and draw and paint and sing and dance and play and work every day some.     Take a nap every afternoon.  When you go out into the world, watch for traffic, hold hands and stick together.  Be aware of wonder.  Remember the little seed in the plastic cup.  The roots go down and the plant goes up and nobody really knows how or why, but we are all like that.     Goldfish and hamsters and white mice and even the little seed in the plastic cup -- they all die.  So do we.     And then remember the book about Dick and Jane and the first word you learned, the biggest word of all:  LOOK.  Everything you need to know is in there somewhere.  The Golden Rule and love and basic sanitation.  Ecology and politics and sane living.     Think of what a better world it would be if we all -- the whole world -- had cookies and milk about 3 o'clock every afternoon and then lay down with our blankets for a nap.  Or if we had a basic policy in our nation and other nations to always put things back where we found them and cleaned up our own messes.  And it is still true, no matter how old you are, when you go out into the world, it is best to hold hands and stick together.","It's the small decisions in life that show true wisdom.  Wisdom is not always in the higher levels of learning, but in the sandbox. Apply: Being unselfish; Don't pollute the earth; have regard for neighbor; stick close to others for support, etc.",Ps 90:12; Ecc 7:12; 9:11;,Bobby Laymon,Acquiring A Heart Of Wisdom,73,,,
"Wisdom, Congregation, Meetings,",Funnel directs flow. Must develop good spiritual habits.,The 'wisdom of God' is funneled through the congregation.,Eph. 3:10;,Larry Punko; C.O.,Acquiring A Heart Of Wisdom,73,,,
"Wisdom, Count, Days, Life,","A life expectancy of 70 years holds promise of some 25,550 days.  A person 50 years old has already spent 18,250 of them, and his 7,300 remaining hoped-for days seem few indeed.","If we learn to count our days to Jehovah's glory, we may be able to keep right on counting, for divine teaching imparts knowledge for life eternal.  Divine wisdom shows us how to count our days in a special way.",Ps 90:12,"Feb 1, 1994 Wt  Page 15",Acquiring A Heart Of Wisdom,73,,1993/12/31,
"Wisdom, Creation, Belief, Doubt, Atheist, Existence,","'To arrange a library or a stamp collection in an orderly way requires a plan, a measure of intelligence, and a certain amount of exertion. Were we simply to toss everything into the room with our eyes closed, hoping that chance would 'arrange things' for us, we would soon discover that this is not the way order comes into being. In fact, without our constant attention, things can easily get out of order again.","How much more so with the universe.  Jehovah is a God of order and is  a Living God.  He not only created the universe, but keeps it working.",Genesis 1:1;,G85 7/8 10,Evidence Of God In The World Around Us,4,,1995/01/19,
"Wisdom, Discernment,",For sound judgment would you go to a child? Older mature person?,The fountainhead of wisdom is Jehovah.,Prov. 2:6;,"Jun 1, 1962 Wt Page 323",Act Wisely As The End Draws Near,38,,,
"Wisdom, Discernment, Bible",Hidden treasure seldom found without diligent search. Men make mistakes in judgment; Jehovah never does.,Mere superficial reading of Scriptures in insufficient.,Josh. 1:8,"Jun 1, 1962 Wt Page 323",Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,,
"Wisdom, Endurance,","'It takes a licking, and keeps on ticking.'  Advertisement for 'Timex' watch.","If we learn to count our days to Jehovah's glory, we may be able to 'keep on ticking' or counting our days into eternal life.",Ps 90:12;,"Bobby Laymon (see Feb 1, 1994 Wt Page 15)",Acquiring A Heart Of Wisdom,73,,1994/03/24,
"Wisdom, Example, Aged, Older, Elderly,","Alexander von Humboldt, a 19th century German scientist, was well along in years.  A young lady asked him if he found growing old rather tedious.  'You're quite right, ' replied the learned man, 'But it is the only way of living for a long time.'","In the same vein, many brothers and sisters today set a fine example of accepting the adversities of old age in return for the honor of leading a long life.  This attitude was reflected by Abraham, Isaac, David, and Job.",Genesis 25:8; 35:29; 1 Chronicles 23:1; Job 42:17;,"Aug 1, 1994 Wt Page 29, 30",Coping With Life's Anxieties,32,,1994/08/24,
"Wisdom, Experience, Bible,",'A moment's insight is sometimes worth a life's experience.' Quote: Oliver Wendell Holmes. (1809-1894),God's Word gives insight.,Ps 119:105,Wisdom Of The Ages,Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,,
"Wisdom, Experience, Knowledge, Christendom,",'We should be careful to get out of an experience only the wisdom that is in it-and stop there; lest we be like the cat that sits down on a hot stove-lid. She will never sit down on a hot stove-lid again-and that is well; but also she will never sit down on a cold one any more.'   Quote: Mark Twain,One bad experience and some assume all worship is bad.  We need true wisdom from God's word.,Isa. 29:14,"Aug 22, 1958 Aw Page 24",Acquiring A Heart Of Wisdom,73,,,
"Wisdom, Experience, Twain,",Quote: Mark Twain.  'We should be careful to get out of an experience only the wisdom that is in it-and stop there; lest we be like the cat that sits down on a hot stove-lid. She will never sit down on a hot stove- lid again-and that is well; but also she will never sit down on a cold one any more.',Boundary of experience is connected with wisdom.,Isa. 29:14,"Aug 22, 1958 Aw Page 24",Acquiring A Heart Of Wisdom,73,,,
"Wisdom, Fool, Stupid,","'When an old dog barks, the others run,'                         Ý  Saskya Pandita (1182)",A wise man guides his own course of actions.                     Ý,"Pr 17:24, 25; 28:26;eccl 4:13",Wisdom Of The Ages,Act Wisely As The End Draws Near,38,,,
"Wisdom, Foolishness, Sense, Understanding,","AN ASTRONOMER used to go out at night to observe the stars.  One  evening, as he wandered through the suburbs with his whole  attention fixed on the sky, he fell accidentally into a deep  well.  While he lamented and bewailed his sores and bruises, and cried loudly for help, a neighbor ran to the well, and learning  what had happened said:  'Hark ye, old fellow, why, in striving to pry into what is in heaven, do you not manage to see what is on  earth?'","The nations are like that!  In seeking higher learning, they sometimes overlook the more important things.  The religious leaders of Jesus day were like that.","Mt 23: 23, 24;",Aesop's Fables - Bobby Laymon,What Does The Healing Of The Nations Accomplish?,111,,1994/05/17,
"Wisdom, Future,",'He who could foresee affairs three days in advance would be rich for thousands of years.'  Quote: Chinese Proverb,Intelligent persons would like to know the future.,2tim 3:16;,Wisdom Of The Ages,Your Future--how Can It Be Known?,19,,,
"Wisdom, Future,","'If a man take no thought about what is distant, he will find sorrow near at hand.'  Quote: Confucius (B.C. 551-479)",Intelligent persons would like to know the future.,"Ps 37:37, 38;",Wisdom Of The Ages,Your Future--how Can It Be Known?,19,,,
"Wisdom, Future,","'It is easy to see, hard to foresee.'  Quote: Franklin. (1706- 1790)",Jehovah knows the end from the beginning.,Is 46:10,Wisdom Of The Ages,Your Future--how Can It Be Known?,19,,,
"Wisdom, Future, Armageddon, Last Days, Vision,",'I know of no way of judging the future but by the past.' Quote: Patrick Henry (1736-1799),"Jehovah gave prophetic patterns in the past, so we can know the future.","Mt 24:37, 38; Lk 17:26, 27;",Wisdom Of The Ages,Your Future--how Can It Be Known?,19,,,
"Wisdom, Future, Armageddon, Last Days, Vision,",'The future is not in the hands of fate but in ours.' Quote: Jean Jules Jusserand. (1855-1932).,"By fleeing to God's kingdom, we can escape destruction.","Mt 24:37, 38; Lk 17:26, 27;",Wisdom Of The Ages,Your Future--how Can It Be Known?,19,,,
"Wisdom, Future, Armageddon, Last Days, Vision,","'The past cannot be changed, the future is still in your power.' Quote: Hugh White (1773-1840)","By fleeing to God's kingdom, we can escape destruction.","Mt 24:37, 38; Lk 17:26, 27;",Wisdom Of The Ages,Your Future--how Can It Be Known?,19,,,
"Wisdom, Future, Armageddon, Last Days, Vision,",'When clouds are seen wise men put on their cloaks.' Quote: Shakespeare (1564-1616),It is obvious that the storm-clouds of Armageddon are gathering.,Re 16:14-16;,Wisdom Of The Ages,Ruining The Earth Brings Divine Retribution,106,,,
"Wisdom, Future, Vision, Past, Cycles, Repeat,","'We are always looking into the future, but we see only the past.'  Quote: Anne Swetchine (1782-1857)",Our past affects us more than we know.  We keep repeating the same cycles as our parents.,Ps 44:1; 77:5; 143:5; Is 51:9;,Wisdom Of The Ages,Your Future--how Can It Be Known?,19,,,
"Wisdom, Future, Vision, Past, Humility,","'Man was created with two eyes, so that with one he may see God's greatness, and with the other his own lowliness.' Quote: Samuel Josef Agnon (1888-1970)",When compared with Jehovah we should be able to see that we are nothing.,"Ps 8:4, 5;",Wisdom Of The Ages,Into The New Order Under Christ's Leadership,56,,,
"Wisdom, Gossip, Speech, Talk, Rumor,",As it is characteristic of great wits to say much in few words So it is of small wits to talk much and say nothing.,You learn more by listening than talking.,"1 Tim. 5:12, 13; 1 Pet. 4:15; Jas. 3:3-10; 1 Th 2:5;",Bobby Laymon,Never Become Dull In Your Hearing,9,,,
"Wisdom, Head, Heart, Motives, Conscience, Sin, Knowledge, Pioneer,","'There is a wisdom of the head, and . . . a wisdom of the heart.' Quote: Charles Dickens.",We need a 'heart of wisdom' to make right decisions.  We need to get the knowledge of our head down into our hearts.,Ps. 90:10;,Bobby Laymon,Acquiring A Heart Of Wisdom,73,,1995/08/05,
"Wisdom, Humility, Study - Education - Reading - School","'The more educated a man, the less he knows he knows'. Chinese Proverb",True wisdom brings humility.,Isa. 50:4; Isa. 54:13; John 6:45; Deuteronomy. 4:5; Acts 22:3,Bobby Laymon,Into The New Order Under Christ's Leadership,56,,,
"Wisdom, Improve, Learning,","Piggy bank only get out what you put in.  We can be knowledgeable with other men's knowledge, but we cannot be wise with others men's wisdom.'","Must add to regularly, wisdom must become your own make truth your own.",Eccl 7:12  Ps. 40:8  Jere. 31:31,Bobby Laymon,Acquiring A Heart Of Wisdom,73,,,
"Wisdom, Insight, Knowledge, Listen, Association,","A single conversation across the table with a wise man, is worth a month's study of books.","Learn by observance, listening, association.",Prov. 9:10; 15:33; 2 Tim. 3:15; Jas. 1:5; Col. 2:3; Prov. 1:5,Bobby Laymon,Never Become Dull In Your Hearing,9,,,
"Wisdom, Insight, Knowledge, Preaching, Teaching.",Necessity is the mother of invention. We must strive to reach hearts.,We must be constantly alert to better methods in preaching.,Prov. 9:10; 15:33; 2 Tim. 3:15; Jas. 1:5; Col. 2:3; Prov. 1:5,Bobby Laymon,Acquiring A Heart Of Wisdom,73,,,
"Wisdom, Insight, Knowledge, Understanding,",He's a Fool that makes his Doctor his Heir.,Don't make opportunities for wicked acts.,Prov. 9:10; 15:33; 2 Tim. 3:15; Jas. 1:5; Col. 2:3; Prov. 1:5,Bobby Laymon (wisdom Of The Ages..Quotes),How To Protect Ourselves From Satan's Snares,115,,,
"Wisdom, Insight, Knowledge, Understanding, Christendom, World,",Imagination is more important than knowledge.,World's view of knowledge.,Prov. 9:10; 15:33; 2 Tim. 3:15; Jas. 1:5; Col. 2:3; Prov. 1:5,Bobby Laymon,'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
"Wisdom, Insight, Knowledge, Understanding, Emotion, Christendom,","BLISS is ignorance If we have Jehovah's spirit, we should act with more insight than ever before.",Conviction based on emotion is not real.,Prov. 9:10; 15:33; 2 Tim. 3:15; Jas. 1:5; Col. 2:3; Prov. 1:5,Bobby Laymon,Religion's Role In World Affairs.,92,,,
"Wisdom, Insight, Knowledge, Understanding, Experience.","Young men think old men are fools, Old men know young men are fool.",Experience gives knowledge.,Prov. 9:10; 15:33; 2 Tim. 3:15; Jas. 1:5; Col. 2:3; Prov. 1:5,Bobby Laymon,Follow The Way To Life,45,,,
"Wisdom, Insight, Knowledge, Understanding, Foolish, Modesty,",Fools rush in where angels fear to tread.,We must move cautiously in some situations.,Matt. 10:16; Prov. 9:10; 15:33; 2 Tim. 3:15; Jas. 1:5; Col. 2:3;,Bobby Laymon,Follow The Way To Life,45,,,
"Wisdom, Insight, Knowledge, Understanding, Gambling,",Horse sense is the thing a horse has which keeps it from betting on people.,Even horse-sense tells us the odds are against gamblers.,Prov. 9:10; 15:33; 2 Tim. 3:15; Jas. 1:5; Col. 2:3; Prov. 1:5,Bobby Laymon,Acquiring A Heart Of Wisdom,73,,,
"Wisdom, Insight, Knowledge, Understanding, Genius, Modesty,",A cat may look at a queen.,Do not put yourself up as judge against another.,Prov. 9:10; 15:33; 2 Tim. 3:15; Jas. 1:5; Col. 2:3; Prov. 1:5,Bobby Laymon,Life Does Have A Purpose,23,,,
"Wisdom, Insight, Knowledge, Understanding, Genius, Modesty,","A fool cannot learn anything from anybody, but a wise man can learn, even from a fool.",Wisdom is observant.,Prov. 9:10; 15:33; 2 Tim. 3:15; Jas. 1:5; Col. 2:3; Prov. 1:5,Jim Laymon,Acquiring A Heart Of Wisdom,73,,,
"Wisdom, Insight, Knowledge, Understanding, Genius, Modesty,",Absence makes the heart grow fonder.,"Not necessarily so. Sometimes, 'out of sight, out of mind.'",Prov. 9:10; 15:33; 2 Tim. 3:15; Jas. 1:5; Col. 2:3; Prov. 1:5,Bobby Laymon,Follow The Way To Life,45,,,
"Wisdom, Insight, Knowledge, Understanding, Genius, Modesty,","An investment in knowledge, pays the best dividends. (B. Franklin)",Value of knowledge.,Prov. 9:10; 15:33; 2 Tim. 3:15; Jas. 1:5; Col. 2:3; Prov. 1:5,Bobby Laymon,How Well Do You Know God?,1,,,
"Wisdom, Insight, Knowledge, Understanding, Genius, Modesty,",As well be killed for a sheep as a lamb.,"Satan will attack any of Jehovah's people, under any guise that will work.",Prov. 9:10; 15:33; 2 Tim. 3:15; Jas. 1:5; Col. 2:3; Prov. 1:5,Bobby Laymon,Parents--are You Building With Fire-resistant Materials?,104,,,
"Wisdom, Insight, Knowledge, Understanding, Genius, Modesty,",Be wise as serpents and harmless as doves.,Jesus words apply to many areas of life.,Matt. 10:16; Prov. 9:10; 15:33; 2 Tim. 3:15; Jas. 1:5; Col. 2:3;,Bobby Laymon,Follow The Way To Life,45,,,
"Wisdom, Insight, Knowledge, Understanding, Genius, Modesty,",Don't change horses in the middle of the stream.,Don't half do a job.,Prov. 9:10; 15:33; 2 Tim. 3:15; Jas. 1:5; Col. 2:3; Prov. 1:5,Bobby Laymon,Follow The Way To Life,45,,,
"Wisdom, Insight, Knowledge, Understanding, Genius, Modesty,","Every man takes the limits for his own field of vision, for the limits of the world.",We often set boundaries for ourselves and dislike it when other pass those boundaries.,Prov. 9:10; 15:33; 2 Tim. 3:15; Jas. 1:5; Col. 2:3; Prov. 1:5,Bobby Laymon,Why Live By Bible Standards?,88,,,
"Wisdom, Insight, Knowledge, Understanding, Genius, Modesty,",Fight fire with fire.,"Satan uses our weaknesses, we must be aware of his designs.",Prov. 9:10; 15:33; 2 Tim. 3:15; Jas. 1:5; Col. 2:3; Prov. 1:5,Bobby Laymon,How To Protect Ourselves From Satan's Snares,115,,,
"Wisdom, Insight, Knowledge, Understanding, Genius, Modesty,","FLASH!  Intelligence of mankind decreasing.  Details at ... uh, when the little hand is on the...","Knowledge perhaps increased, but wisdom decreased.",Prov. 9:10; 15:33; 2 Tim. 3:15; Jas. 1:5; Col. 2:3; Prov. 1:5,Bobby Laymon,Are You Doing What God Requires Of You?,43,,,
"Wisdom, Insight, Knowledge, Understanding, Genius, Modesty,","He thinks not well, that thinks not again. We must be open to suggestions.",Serious actions require serious thought.,Prov. 9:10; 15:33; 2 Tim. 3:15; Jas. 1:5; Col. 2:3; Prov. 1:5,Bobby Laymon,Follow The Way To Life,45,,,
"Wisdom, Insight, Knowledge, Understanding, Genius, Modesty,",Knowledge is a defense against error.,Knowledge helps us to act in wisdom.,Prov. 9:10; 15:33; 2 Tim. 3:15; Jas. 1:5; Col. 2:3; Prov. 1:5,Bobby Laymon,How Well Do You Know God?,1,,,
"Wisdom, Insight, Knowledge, Understanding, Genius, Modesty,",Men are most apt to believe what they least understand. 'Follow the thing heard.',Our faith must not be blind like that. Living faith.,Prov. 9:10; 15:33; 2 Tim. 3:15; Jas. 1:5; Col. 2:3; Prov. 1:5,Bobby Laymon,Have Faith In The Good News,47,,,
"Wisdom, Insight, Knowledge, Understanding, Genius, Modesty,",Safety lies in the middle course.,Modesty is usually between two extremes.,Prov. 9:10; 15:33; 2 Tim. 3:15; Jas. 1:5; Col. 2:3; Prov. 1:5,Bobby Laymon (wisdom Of The Ages..Quotes),Are You Doing What God Requires Of You?,43,,,
"Wisdom, Insight, Knowledge, Understanding, Genius, Modesty,","Set a thief to catch a thief. Often tables are turned on Apostates, Devil, and others who persecute Jehovah's people.",Jehovah will see that the wicked are caught in own cunning.,Prov. 9:10; 15:33; 2 Tim. 3:15; Jas. 1:5; Col. 2:3; Prov. 1:5,Bobby Laymon,How To Protect Ourselves From Satan's Snares,115,,,
"Wisdom, Insight, Knowledge, Understanding, Genius, Modesty,","Some things are better understood, and then forgotten.",We must be babes as to badness.,1 Cor. 14:20; 2 Tim. 3:15; Jas. 1:5; Col. 2:3; Prov. 1:5,Bobby Laymon,Keep Growing In Your Relationship With God,16,,,
"Wisdom, Insight, Knowledge, Understanding, Genius, Modesty,","That should be considered long, which can be decided but once. Jehovah has put 'live and death' before us.",Life or death decisions must be carefully made.,Deuteronomy. 30:15-20; Prov. 9:10; 15:33; 2 Tim. 3:15; Jas. 1:5; Col. 2:3,Bobby Laymon,Decide Now For Divine Rulership,37,,,
"Wisdom, Insight, Knowledge, Understanding, Genius, Modesty,","The first thought is usually best. However, matters must be thought through.",We must not devise plans to circumvent what is righteous.,Prov. 9:10; 15:33; 2 Tim. 3:15; Jas. 1:5; Col. 2:3; Prov. 1:5,Bobby Laymon,Follow The Way To Life,45,,,
"Wisdom, Insight, Knowledge, Understanding, Genius, Modesty,","The fool that eats until he is sick, must fast until he is well.",One extreme can cause another.,Prov. 9:10; 15:33; 2 Tim. 3:15; Jas. 1:5; Col. 2:3; Prov. 1:5,Bobby Laymon,Are You Doing What God Requires Of You?,43,,,
"Wisdom, Insight, Knowledge, Understanding, Genius, Modesty,",The third time is a charm.,"We must not give up, in doing Jehovah's work.",Prov. 9:10; 15:33; 2 Tim. 3:15; Jas. 1:5; Col. 2:3; Prov. 1:5,Bobby Laymon,Follow The Way To Life,45,,,
"Wisdom, Insight, Knowledge, Understanding, Genius, Modesty,",There's a time and place for everything.,'For everything there is an appointed time..' Prov. 3:1,Prov. 9:10; 15:33; 2 Tim. 3:15; Jas. 1:5; Col. 2:3; Prov. 1:5,Bobby Laymon,Follow The Way To Life,45,,,
"Wisdom, Insight, Knowledge, Understanding, Genius, Modesty,","Those who wish to appear wise among fools, among the wise, appear foolish.",Appearing wise is trait of world. Worldly wise.,Prov. 9:10; 15:33; 2 Tim. 3:15; Jas. 1:5; Col. 2:3; Prov. 1:5,Bobby Laymon,Follow The Way To Life,45,,,
"Wisdom, Insight, Knowledge, Understanding, Genius, Modesty,","Try to know something about everything, and everything about something.",We must not become wise in our own eyes.,Prov. 3:7; 9:10; 15:33; 2 Tim. 3:15; Jas. 1:5; Col. 2:3; Prov. 1:5,Bobby Laymon,Keep Growing In Your Relationship With God,16,,,
"Wisdom, Insight, Knowledge, Understanding, Genius, Modesty,",Words of wisdom are often spoken in wit. We should think how it will sound.,We should be careful not to offend with objectionable wit.,Prov. 9:10; 15:33; 2 Tim. 3:15; Jas. 1:5; Col. 2:3; Prov. 1:5,Bobby Laymon,Acquiring A Heart Of Wisdom,73,,,
"Wisdom, Insight, Knowledge, Understanding, Mind, Open,",A man's mind should be like a good Hotel. Open the year around.,We should have an open mind.,Prov. 9:10; 15:33; 2 Tim. 3:15; Jas. 1:5; Col. 2:3; Prov. 1:5,Bobby Laymon,Acquiring A Heart Of Wisdom,73,,,
"Wisdom, Insight, Knowledge, Understanding, Obedience, Obey,",'It is impossible to please all the world and one's father.'  Quote: Jean de La Fontaine,"We should be concerned with our Father, Jehovah, not the world.",2 Tim. 3:14; Prov. 9:10; 15:33; 2 Tim. 3:15; Jas. 1:5; Col. 2:3;,Bobby Laymon,Serving With Jehovah's Unified Organization,3,,,
"Wisdom, Insight, Knowledge, Understanding, Simplicity,",The obvious is something that is never seen until someone has expressed it simple.,Keep It Simple!,Prov. 9:10; 15:33; 2 Tim. 3:15; Jas. 1:5; Col. 2:3; Prov. 1:5,Bobby Laymon,Follow The Way To Life,45,,,
"Wisdom, Insight, Knowledge, Understanding, Teach, Questions,","To ask a sensible question, requires almost as much knowledge as to answer it.","Thinking is required to teach, ask questions.",Prov. 9:10; 15:33; 2 Tim. 3:15; Jas. 1:5; Col. 2:3; Prov. 1:5,Bobby Laymon,Keep Growing In Your Relationship With God,16,,,
"Wisdom, Insight, Knowledge, Understanding, World",AMAZING BUT TRUE... There is so much sand in Northern Africa that if it were spread out it would completely cover the Sahara Desert.,Example: Worldly wisdom.,Prov. 9:10; 15:33; 2 Tim. 3:15; Jas. 1:5; Col. 2:3; Prov. 1:5,Bobby Laymon,'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
"Wisdom, Insight, Knowledge, Understanding, World,",One can't proceed from the informal to the formal by formal means.,"Worldly knowledge, confusing.",Prov. 9:10; 15:33; 2 Tim. 3:15; Jas. 1:5; Col. 2:3; Prov. 1:5,Bobby Laymon,'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
"Wisdom, Justice, Knowledge, Judge,",Three blind men describing an elephant. One felt of the legs and said it was like a 'tree'; another felt of the tusk and said it was a 'horn'; the other felt of the tail and said an elephant is like a 'rope.',"Man's wisdom is limited by what he observes; Jehovah, however is 'all-seeing and knows the heart.",1 Sam. 16:7;,Bobby Laymon,Acquiring A Heart Of Wisdom,73,,,
"Wisdom, Kindness, Concern, Admire, Mercy,","'When I was young, I admired clever people.  Now that I am old, I admire kind people.'  Quote: Abraham Joshua Herschel.",We need to imitate Jehovah's kindness.  It produces mercy and good fruits.,"Gal 5:22, 23;",Bobby Laymon - Reader's Digest,"Mercy, A Dominant Quality Of True Christians",7,,1996/03/21,
"Wisdom, Knowledge,",'In seeking wisdom thou art wise; in imagining that thou hast attained it -- thou art a fool.',Must not be wise in our own eyes.,Prov. 3:7;,The Talmud (B. C.. 500? - 400? A.D.),Acquiring A Heart Of Wisdom,73,,,
"Wisdom, Knowledge,",Man's wisdom is like shifting sand.  It changes constantly.  Examples: bloodletting vs. blood transfusions.  permissive child rearing vs. discipline.,Jehovah's wisdom is sound and solid.  It is based on 'healthful words.',1 Tim 6:3;,"'joyful Praisers Dist. Convention'  June 9-11, 1995; Kc, Mo; Larry Maebus",Acquiring A Heart Of Wisdom,73,,1995/06/12,
"Wisdom, Knowledge, Decisions,",'Act well at the moment and you have performed a good action for all eternity.'   Lavater (1741-1801),"Little decisions can have important consequences, later on.",Ps 90:12;,Wisdom Of The Ages,Acquiring A Heart Of Wisdom,73,,,
"Wisdom, Knowledge, Decisions,",'It is well to think well; it is divine to act well.' Quote:  Horace Mann (1796-185),"Little decisions can have important consequences, later on.",Ps 90:12;,Wisdom Of The Ages,Decisions You Face--how Will You Make Them?,50,,,
"Wisdom, Knowledge, Relationship,","We will make them our relatives, members of our spiritual family. 'Say to wisdom: 'You are my sister,' and may you call understanding itself 'Kinswoman.''-Prov. 7:4.","Seeing, then, how knowledge, wisdom and understanding must be kept together, and how needful all three are to life and right conduct, we will try to make them an inseparable part of ourselves.",Prov 7:4; 14:6; Eph 6:17;,W57 11/1 664,Keep Growing In Your Relationship With God,16,,1994/09/29,
"Wisdom, Knowledge, Understanding, Boast, Humility,","'Man has hammered out little oasis of knowledge, have lighted a small lamp which illuminates a tiny spot in vast darkness.' Quote: Dr. Lee A. DuBridge, president of California Institute of Tech. Adults have no ground for boasting, how can children boast?","If all knowledge stuffed into one head, still be an ignorant man.",Prov. 3:7,"Aug 15, 1962 Wt Page 492",Acquiring A Heart Of Wisdom,73,,,
"Wisdom, Knowledge, Understanding, Gilead,","Gilead school teaches knowledge and understanding. It's what you learn after the school that counts. Must learn: deal peaceable; be able to say, 'I'm sorry.' be wary of trusting first impressions; realize that every problem","However, you must acquire wisdom. is complex, requiring a deepened understanding of circumstances before giving wise counsel. respect local brothers.",Pr. 15:28; 16:23; Jas. 1:19,"Dec 1, 1991 Wt Page 22; Jack D. Redford",Acquiring A Heart Of Wisdom,73,,,
"Wisdom, Knowledge, Understanding, Pioneer",Take a digital watch. It's owner may know how to make it function without knowing just how it actually works.,"We cannot know everything; Missionaries must not look down on those who, while not matching their depth of knowledge, know what is important - how to fear Jehovah.",Pr. 1:7; Mt. 6:22;,"Dec 1, 1991 Wt Page 22; Ulysses V. Glass",Acquiring A Heart Of Wisdom,73,,,
"Wisdom, Knowledge, Understanding, Pioneer,","Some have tunnel vision - being too focused on a few details to see the whole picture, while others, conversely, see only the peripheral issues and are ever distracted from key issues they need to address.",Must keep our eye simple.  The spiritual eye can be hampered just as the physical eye can.,Pr. 1:7; Mt. 6:22;,"Dec 1, 1991 Wt Page 22; Ulysses V. Glass",Acquiring A Heart Of Wisdom,73,,,
"Wisdom, Knowledge, Wealth,","Karl Adams, noted that just as wealth had to be used to be of value,",So the knowledge received must now be put to use to be of value.,John 17:3;,W55 5/1 270,How Well Do You Know God?,1,,1994/07/10,
"Wisdom, Life,",Unrighteous steward God's servants also need to use material assets wisely.,Use unrighteous riches to further kingdom interests.,Luke Chapter 15-16,"Mar 1, 1989 Wt Page 8, 9",Resisting The Spirit Of The World,25,,,
"Wisdom, Literature, Publication, Books, Appreciation,",Diamonds and other gemstones are valuable not only because of their beauty but also because of the high cost of finding them and mining them.,"The knowledge of Jehovah and Jesus Christ is of even more excelling value, and our publications are the only ones in the world that explain these spiritual riches in depth and with godly wisdom.  How can we demonstrate true appreciation for our literature?",Ro 11:33; Php 3:8;,Km 11/92 1,Appreciating Marvels Of God's Creation,114,,1994/05/11,
"Wisdom, Literature, Publication, Books, Appreciation,","We would not think of giving an expensive diamond to an infant, who could not comprehend its value.","Neither do we give valuable literature to individuals who have no appreciation for spiritual things.  Our generous giving of ourselves and our literature should be regulated by a discerning attitude. Is the householder willing to converse? Does he pay attention when we speak, respond to questions we ask, and follow along as we read from the Bible?",Heb 12:16;,Km 11/92 1,Appreciating Marvels Of God's Creation,114,,1994/05/12,
"Wisdom, Mother, Youth,","'No man ever told a woman she talked too much when she was telling him how wonderful he is.  You catch more flies with sugar, my dear than with vinegar.  When you differ with a man, even your younger brother, do it gently, not with fire in your eyes.' 'If you are patient in one moment of anger, you will escape 100 days of sorrow.'","Advise to a young woman, by her mother, that she never forgot. (See article for other useful and practical advise)",Eph 5:31;,"Mar 8, 1969 Aw Page 3, 4",How Can Youths Cope With Today's Crisis?,113,,,
"Wisdom, Organization, Provisions,","Man in Northland, blizzard, only house around, welcomed in by kind old gentleman; given hot coffee, beans, cornbread.  How he appreciated!  Later became disgruntled; cup cracked; same food; hole in wall; etc.","We have been invited into a loving, warn household.  We must never become discontent with what Jehovah is doing, and leave.",Ps 23:,Johnse Laymon,Are You Content With Jehovah's Provisions?,22,,,
"Wisdom, Personality,","Small, self-centered child, looking at trick mirror that makes him appear much bigger than he actually is. They close their eyes to reality and tries to convince himself that God does not exist.","Men, having gained some knowledge, consider selves very wise.",Ps. 14:1,"Feb 22, 1959 Aw Page 3",How Well Do You Know God?,1,,,
"Wisdom, Pioneer, Life, Ministry, Gilead, Missionary, Evangelizing,","IS A handful of grain of more value than a handful of diamonds? Is a tumbler of water more to be desired than a tumbler of pearls? Is a bottle of oxygen more to be treasured than a bottle of rubies? We can say neither yes nor no to these questions, because the circumstances a person is in determine his set of values. To a starving man, isolated in some remote part of the earth, a handful of grain would mean more than a handful of diamonds. A thirsty man in a parched desert would spurn a tumbler of pearls for a tumbler of water. And a man suffocating from pneumonia would treasure a bottle of oxygen above a bottle of rubies.","In each case the values are different from what would normally be the case, because life is at stake. Life means more than precious gems; for without life such things cannot be enjoyed. Therefore, when examining a treasure we should consider the reasons for its value and why we should set our heart upon it.   Since a person's evaluation of diamonds, pearls and rubies is completely changed by the circumstances he is in, is it not wiser to set your heart upon a treasure whose value never changes? A treasure that can mean eternal life? Jesus once said: 'For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.' (Matt. 6:21, NW) Now, where is your heart? Is it where his heart is?   on the glorious treasure of full-time service?",Mt 6:21; John 17:3;,W56 3/15 169,Life Does Have A Purpose,23,,1994/05/11,
"Wisdom, Satan, Dangers, Soundness, Mind,","A FOX one day fell into a deep well and could find no means of  escape.  A Goat, overcome with thirst, came to the same well, and seeing the Fox, inquired if the water was good.  Concealing his sad plight under a merry guise, the Fox indulged in a lavish praise of the water, saying it was excellent beyond measure, and encouraging him to descend.  The Goat, mindful only of his thirst, thoughtlessly jumped down, but just as he drank, the Fox informed him of the difficulty they were both in and suggested a scheme for their common escape.  'If,' said he, 'you will place your forefeet upon the wall and bend your head, I will run up your back and escape, and will help you out afterwards.'  The Goat readily assented and the Fox leaped upon his back.   Steadying himself with the Goat's horns, he safely reached the mouth of the well and made off as fast as he could.  When the Goat upbraided him for breaking his promise, he turned around and cried out,  'You foolish old fellow! If you had as many brains in your head as you have hairs in your beard, you would never have gone down before you had inspected the way up, nor have exposed yourself to dangers from which you had no means of escape.'",Moral: 'Look before you leap.'  We must always be alert to Satan schemes.   Godly wisdom will safeguard us from danger.,Pr 3:24-26;,Aesop's Fables - Bobby Laymon,How To Protect Ourselves From Satan's Snares,115,,1994/05/15,
"Wisdom, Some Need Only A Word","Archer and Lion Hunter with bow, all animals ran away except lion, stayed to fight.  Shot arrow into leg, 'this is my messenger.  Get acquainted with him.  Then I will come after you myself.  Lion ran despite fox's urging.","A word to wise is sufficient.  If messenger is this bad, I don't want to meet hunter.",Pr 1:1;,Aesop's Fables,Acquiring A Heart Of Wisdom,73,,,
"Wisdom, Strengths, Weaknesses, Speech, Zeal, Bubble, School,","You were given two ears and only one mouth.  We should listen twice as much as we talk.  Do not let the words flow un-channeled or in unnecessary detail.  Do not talk too much and say too little. Rather than say little with many words, say much with few.","'He who spares his words has true wisdom.' So count your words and you will make your words count. Bubble over with truth, yes; but do not babble. Remember, even silence can be eloquent at times. 'Even a fool is counted wise, if he keep silent-intelligent, if he close his lips.'-Prov. 17:27, 28, AT.  So while guarding against our weaknesses let us watch over our strengths, remembering: 'He who stands in awe of God shall avoid both extremes.'","Prov. 17:27, 28;",W54 7/15 420,Never Become Dull In Your Hearing,9,,1994/07/25,
"Wisdom, Stupidity, Dumb,",Half of being smart is knowing what you are dumb about. Quote:  Solomon Short.,"Adherence to God's Word and guidance provided by 'faithful and discreet slave' is course of wisdom.  Jehovah's word not only reveals our shortcomings, but also our strengths.",Mt 24:45-47; Ps 19:7,Bobby Laymon,Acquiring A Heart Of Wisdom,73,,1999/01/02,
"Wisdom, Time, Days, Decisions, Armageddon, Survival, Earth,","Man's days are limited.  A full life of 70 years amounts to only 25,550 days, and even with 'special mightiness' of 80 years it is only 29,200 days.  Moses' prayerful desire was for God to teach him wisdom to value and use each day in God's approved way.","As we count our days, Jehovah may give us the ability to count our days in a 'special way' in this time of the end.  We may be able to just keep on counting, right on into Jehovah's new world of righteousness.","Ps 90:9, 10; 12","Divine Teaching District Assembly.  Memphis July 1-4, 1993 Grizzle",Ruining The Earth Brings Divine Retribution,106,,,
"Wisdom, Understanding, Improvement,","Like a paper boy of old on the street, crying out 'Extra, Extra, Read all about it!",True wisdom wants to be found by us.  It keeps crying out!,Pr 1:20;,Bobby Laymon,Acquiring A Heart Of Wisdom,73,,1994/03/07,8/12/2015
"Wisdom, Understanding, Knowledge,","A little boy sees a skunk in his path.  He begins to think!  There is not enough room on this path for both of us.  If I continue, there is a good chance I will get sprayed by him.  He quickly got off the path and went around.","In doing so, he exercised knowledge, understanding and wisdom.  How?  When he saw the skunk he had knowledge that something else was present.  When he began to reason he showed he understood the situation.  Then he showed wisdom by taking action and getting out of harm's way.  We should do the same with other things.","Pr 2:2, 3;",Ray Skinner,Acquiring A Heart Of Wisdom,73,,,
Wisdom;,'Ah the insight of hindsight!' Quote:  Thurston Davis,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Wisdom;,"'All human wisdom is summed up in two words, wait and hope.'  Quote:  Alexander Dumas.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Wisdom;,'Be wisely worldly not worldly wise.'  Quote:  Francis Quarles.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Wisdom;,'Cleverness is not wisdom.'  Quote:  Euripides.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Wisdom;,'Each generation imagines itself to be more intelligent than the one that went before it and wiser than the one that comes after it.'  Quote:  George Orwell.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Wisdom;,'Every man is a volume if you know how to read him.' Quote:  William Channing,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Wisdom;,'He is a fool that cannot conceal his wisdom.'  Quote:  Bf.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Wisdom;,"'If you want people to think you wise, just agree with them.'  Quote:  Jewish.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Wisdom;,"'In matters of principle stand like a rock, in matters of taste swim with the current.' Quote:  Tj",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Wisdom;,'It requires wisdom to understand wisdom. The music is nothing if the audience is deaf.' Quote: Walter Lippmann,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Wisdom;,'It takes a wise man to recognize a wise man.' Quote:  Xenophanes,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Wisdom;,'No man is wise enough by himself.' Quote:  Titus Marcus Platus,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Wisdom;,'No one tests the depth of the river with both feet.'  Quote:  African.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Wisdom;,'The art of being wise is the art of knowing what to overlook.' Quote:  William James,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Wisdom;,'The beginning of wisdom is to call things by their right names.'  Quote:  Chinese.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Wisdom;,"'The heart of the fool is in his mouth, but the mouth of the wise man is his heart.'  Quote:  Bf.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Wisdom;,'The wise learn many things from their foes.'  Quote:  Aristophanes.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Wisdom;,'What is wisdom except a collection of platitudes?'  Quote:  Norman Douglas.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Wisdom;,'What is wisdom except a collection of platitudes?'  Quote:  Norman Douglas.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Wisdom;,'What the fool does in the end the wise man does in the beginning.'  Quote:  English.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Wisdom;,'Wisdom is only found in truth.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Wisdom;,'Wisdom is the reward you get for a lifetime of listening when you'd have preferred to talk.'  Quote:  Doug Larson.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Wisdom;,'Wisdom is what's left after we run out of our own personal opinions.'  Quote:  Cullen Hightower.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Wisdom;,A single conversation across the table with a wise man is worth a month's study of books.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Wisdom;,"A smart person learns something from everybody, even if they don't know anything.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Wisdom;,A wise man appears ridiculous in the company of fools.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Wisdom;,A word to the wise is usually unnecessary.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Wisdom;,A word too the wise isn't as good as a word from the wise.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Wisdom;,An open mind collects more riches than an open purse.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Wisdom;,"If a man has common sense, he has all the sense there is.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Wisdom;,It is easy to be wise after the event.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Wisdom;,Many persons think they are wise when they are only windy.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Wisdom;,Not by age but by capacity is wisdom acquired.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Wisdom;,The wonder of a single snowflake outweighs the wisdom of a million meteorologists.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Wisdom;,To look is one thing. To see what you look at is another. To understand what you see is a third. To learn from what you understand is still something else. But to act on what you learn is all that really matters.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Wisdom;,Too often a word to the wise is just enough to start an argument.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Wisdom;,"Where ignorance is bliss, it is folly to be wise.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Wisdom;,Wisdom comes from experience and experience from mistakes.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Wisdom;,Wisdom comes more from living than from studying.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Wisdom;,Wisdom is learning what to overlook.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Wisdom;,Years make us old people make us wise.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Wisdom;,"You may give a man office, but you cannot give him discretion.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Wisdom; Advice;,'To profit from good advice requires more wisdom than to give it.'  Quote:  John Collins.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Wisdom; Age;,'It is not white hair that engenders wisdom.'  Quote:  Menander.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Wisdom; Age;,'Long whiskers do not take the place of brains.'  Quote:  Russian.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Wisdom; Age;,'No man is wise at all times.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Wisdom; Age;,'No wise man ever wished to be younger.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Wisdom; Age;,'Wisdom doesn't necessarily come with age. Sometimes age just shows up all by itself.' Quote:  Tom Wilson,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Wisdom; Age;,A wise man may sometimes play the fool.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Wisdom; Age;,The brains don't lie in the beard.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Wisdom; Age;,Wisdom goes not always by years.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Wisdom; Age; Fools;,'There is no chance for old fools.'  Quote:  Cree Indian Proverb.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Wisdom; Common Sense;,'Common sense is the knack of seeing things as they are and doing things as they ought to be done.'  Quote:  Jb.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Wisdom; Common Sense;,'Common sense is very uncommon.'  Quote:  Horace Greely.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Wisdom; Common Sense;,Common sense is the least common of all the senses.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Wisdom; Contentment;,A wise man cares not for what he cannot have.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Wisdom; Experience;,Experience is the mother of wisdom.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Wisdom; Fools;,A barber learns to shave by shaving fools.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Wisdom; Fools;,Wise men learn more from fools than  fools do from wise men.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Wisdom; Fools;,Wise people think all they say; fools say all they think.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Wisdom; Humor;,A little nonsense now and then is relished by the wisest man.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Wisdom; Intelligent; Common Sense;,"'The intelligent man finds almost everything ridiculous, the sensible man almost nothing.'  Quote:  Johann Goethe.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Wisdom; Knowledge;,Knowledge comes but wisdom lingers.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Wisdom; Knowledge;,'Never mistake knowledge for wisdom. One helps you make a living and the other helps you make a life.'  Quote:  Sandra Carey.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Wisdom; Knowledge;,"We can be knowledgeable with other men's knowledge, but we cannot be wise with other men's wisdom.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Wisdom; Knowledge;,You can know a lot about something and not really understand it.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Wisdom; Learning; Common Sense;,'One pound of learning requires ten pounds of common sense to apply it.'  Quote:  Salada.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Wisdom; Mind; Fools;,"A wise man changes his mind, a fool never.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Wisdom; Optimist; Pessimist;,"An optimist is a person who sees a green light everywhere, while the pessimist sees only the red light. But the truly wise are color blind.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Wisdom; Silence;,It is better to let people wonder why you didn't talk than why you did.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Wisdom; Silence;,Wisdom often comes disguised as silence.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Wisdom; Silence; Tongue; Fools;,'Nothing looks so like a man of sense as a fool who holds his tongue.'  Quote:  German.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Wisdom; Understanding;,'What we do not understand we don not possess.'  Quote:  Goethe.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Wisdom; Wealth;,'Wisdom outweighs any wealth.' Quote:  Sophocles,,Job 28:18,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Wishers, Workers, Meetings, Contributions, Service,","Are We Wishers or Workers  Jesus gave an illustration that can help us be more productive.  Matthew 21:28-31  '28 What do YOU think? A man had two children. Going up to the first, he said, Child, go work today in the vineyard. 29 In answer this one said, I will, sir but did not go out. 30 Approaching the second, he said the same. In reply this one said, I will not. Afterwards he felt regret and went out. 31 Which of the two did the will of [his] father? They said: The latter.'  Did the first son, never intend to do it? (Response)  Doesn't say. But regardless, the lesson Jesus was teaching was that our works determine whether we are doing God's will or not.   Actually which scenario seems to you to be more likely or typical:  1) First son just said he would go out but never intended to.  2) First son said he would go out intending to (was his wish) but just didn't get around to actually doing the work.  Can we relate to the latter?  However in the final analysis, what Jesus said at 1 John 2:17 will prevail: 'Furthermore, the world is passing away and so is its desire, but he that wishes to do the will of God remains forever.' No it says '...he that does the will of God remains forever.'   Matthew 7:21 'Not everyone saying to me, Lord, Lord, will enter into the kingdom of the heavens, but the one wishing to do the will of my Father who is in the heavens will. No it says 'doing the will of my Father who is in the heavens will.'  Talk, promises, good intentions, and wishing, mean far less than working, ie. doing God's will  How many times have we had a good intention but never acted upon it?","We all have.   We were going to go visit that brother or sister in the hospital but...  We truly wanted to get out in service more but ...  We really should get to the meetings more regularly but...  We really agree that we need to do more personal study but...  Does this mean that we are liars and that we don't really wish those things? No! We are no more hypocritical than the Apostle Paul who confessed at Romans 7:18,19, 12-23 :18 For I know that in me, that is, in my flesh, there dwells nothing good; for ability to wish is present with me, but ability to work out what is fine is not [present]. 19 For the good that I wish I do not do, but the bad that I do not wish is what I practice.   21 I find, then, this law in my case: that when I wish to do what is right, what is bad is present with me. 22 I really delight in the law of God according to the man I am within, 23 but I behold in my members another law warring against the law of my mind and leading me captive to sin's law that is in my members.  We, like Paul explained, may genuinely wish to improve in a number of areas but our flesh is weak. And perhaps we find that our good intentions never go beyond that...never yield the Good Works that we wish.  Is there anything we can do about this? Yes and it begins with modesty  Christian Modesty: it-2 422 Modesty: 'An awareness of one's limitations; also chastity or personal purity.'  If we realize about ourselves that we are weak in certain areas and may need to do things to fortify our good intentions so that they become more than just `Wishes' good intentions...Works...  So once we modestly accept that, what can we do to fortify our resolves:  1) Again Modesty (Re-read definition) comes into play here. Is our wish realistic? Is our good intention really attainable?   For Example: We may after an honest appraisal decide that we need to improve in being more dependable or generous with respect to donating to the Societies world wide work and local expenses. But we need to be realistic. Perhaps we have been donating very little even skipping some months...does that mean we can decide to start setting aside $100.00-$200.00 per month for this purpose? That depends? Maybe. Perhaps more, but likely less. An honest, MODEST look at our financial limitations and abilities would be in order.  Same could be said about increasing our field service activity, time spent in personal study, or any other worthwhile goal. While not being self sparing, avoid setting immodest goals for ourselves that are in fact unreachable.  2) Be specific: Usually little good comes from declarations, however sincere, that are like this:  'I really need to do more in service'  'I really need to do more personal study'  'I should be more serious about contributing financially to our Kingdom Hall.  'I have got to be more regular in meeting attendance'  While any of these may be true, what's lacking with such declarations? (Response)  Outline exactly how you plan to make needed improvement, e.g.. 'I am going to go out in service every other Wednesday Morning from now on'; or 'I am going to donate $XX to the Societies World Wide Work and $XX to our local expenses, on the (1st 15th last) of every month from now on.'   (Optional re. Meeting attendance: Analyze why missing now and what we will do to resolve...)  3) Solemnize your resolve: That is, go on record somehow. Put it in writing and if appropriate share your resolve with someone else, a close friend perhaps several, a family member. And of course tell Jehovah in prayer what you intend to do and get his help.   Why? Simple. Because when we do that, we put pressure upon ourselves to follow through. How many have Regular or Auxiliary Pioneered? (Response) Did filling out an application promising to devote 60/month or 1000/year and having that announced before the congregation have any bearing on success? (Response)  So a case in point: Are we thinking we should Aux Pio. in April or May but well...  Commit! Fill out an application! Give Jehovah something to bless.  Another case in point: One family I know has a blackboard posted up on the wall at home. On it is written the day and time of the next family study and what will be discussed. That's what we're talking about. Which family is more likely to have their family study? The one that posts their commitment like that, or one that has only a loose verbal commitment?  In fact wasn't our public baptism a similar solemnizing of a decision we had already made?  The fact that we may as a result feel pressured into a course because we have made it 'official' in no way cheapens our sacrifice. Remember, we are the ones who willingly decided to go through with it and for all the right reasons. No one twisted our arm.   Conclusion: As Paul said, we are by nature weak. The good that we wish is not always what we practice.  But wishing to do God's will is not what will ultimately gain His approval. We must DO HIS WILL. It often requires us to 'Exert ourselves vigorously'.  1) Modestly evaluate where we need improvement and set modest, attainable goals  2) Be specific about your goal and how you will attain them.  3) Solemnize your resolve.  We all have areas in which we need to improve. Let us consider these seriously and then take the steps to implement those needed changes. Let us not be merely 'wishers' of what is right, but faithfully work and progress towards those worthy goals.","Romans 7:18,19, 12-23 :",Bobby Laymon,Service Talk,200,,1998/12/25,5/16/2025
"Wishes, Desires, Recreation, Joshua, Garth Brooks, Literature,","When Joshua Wood, who had acute leukemia, was asked by the 'Make A Wish' foundation, he replied about his wish:  'I want to go to New York.'  He was granted his wish to visit the headquarters of Jehovah's Witnesses.  Later invited to concert, and placed literature with Garth Brooks, country and western singer.","How refreshing when recreation is centered on spiritual things, and when a child is concerned about others.  What would you do if you had a wish?","Php 1:9, 10;","Jun 22, 1993 Aw Page 15-17;",Appreciating Marvels Of God's Creation,114,,,
Wisdom; Age;,"If you wish to succeed, consult three old people.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Wit; Humor;,"'Wit is the salt of conversation, not the food.' Quote:  William Haslett",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Witness, Bystander, Zeal, Zealous, Babylon, Christendom,","Do not be like the man who, when asked about his religious preference by a Catholic magazine, said: 'I guess I'm a Jehovah's Bystander.  I believe pretty much what Jehovah's Witnesses believe-but I don't want to get involved.'","However, every person on earth will soon be involved when Jehovah executes the false gods of this world and their worshipers.  There will be no bystanders then. There will only be those who are witnesses for the true God and those who are not.",Rev 18:4; Jer 10:11;,W88 2/1 20,Meeting The Test Of Christian Loyalty,48,,1995/04/17,
"Witness, Share, Service, Shout,","A mighty king who ruled over a large country wanted to make a great name for himself. One day the King sent forth a decree throughout his land that in 30 days all the people of the land were to gather in front of the palace. The people numbered over five million. At a given signal everyone was to shout at the top of their voice 'Long live the great king!' What a shout that would be! With 5 million voices the cry would be heard throughout the land.  One man really looked forward to it. He thought the shout would be something he would tell his children and grand children about. He decided he would just listen! That way he could concentrate on hearing just how loud it was, and then be able to describe it much better! The special day came and the king made the signal and the man listened for this great shout.  But nothing happened!.  It seems that everyone decided they would just listen too, the silence was so great you could hear a pin drop!",If everyone just listens no one will say anything. We now have the opportunity to send a great world wide shout of praise to our Creator. So don't just listen for that ongoing shout- Be part of it! Each one of us makes just a small contribution and yet we are NOT insignificant. Each one of us along with our 5.4 million brothers make a mighty witness.,"Ps 146:1,2;",Peter Morgan,Finding Honor And Joy In God's Ministry,65,,1997/08/11,
"Witnesses (Germany), Persecution, Hitler,","Hitler; 'This brood will be exterminated in Germany' Hitler jumped up with clenched fists and exclaimed above. Tried until 1945, but who is exterminated in Germany today. Additional note: East & West Germany reunited on Oct. 3, 1990.","Hatred voiced on Oct. 7, 1934.",Rev. 12:17,"Dec 15, 1961 Wt Page 745",Bearing Up Under Persecution,57,,,
"Witnesses, Belief, Doubt, Atheist, Astronaut, Space, Wisdom,","'I am the witness of no god!' An Associated Press dispatch dated Seattle, May 6, 1963 reported: 'Major Gherman S. Titov, the Soviet astronaut, proclaimed his disbelief in God today.  He said he saw 'no God or angels' during his seventeen orbits of the earth. 'Up to our first orbital flight by Yuri Gagarin no God helped build our rocket,' he said. 'The rocket was made by our people. I don't believe in God. I believe in man, his strength, his possibilities and his reason.'","The orbit of the astronauts was less than 200 miles above the earth. Do you realize how far in universal space that is? Compared to the size of the earth it is about the distance from the earth that the depth of a peeling would be to an apple. They were hardly out in universal space at all. It takes light a hundred thousand years to cross our galaxy, yet that is only a tiny part of the visible universe.","Isa 43:10, 12;",W64 2/15 104;  W66 7/15 437,Does Your Hope Rest On Science Or The Bible?,80,,1995/01/19,
"Witnesses, Cloud, Great Crowd, Other Sheep,","Cloud; meaning according to Greek word. Not nephele which is a detached and sharply outlined cloud, but nephos, a great mass of cloud covering the entire visible space of the heavens, and therefore without definite form, or",'So great a cloud of Witnesses' a single large mass in which outlines are not emphasized or distinguished.,Heb. 12:1,"Feb 15, 1963 Wt Page 126",Build Your Faith In Man's Maker,54,,,
"Witnesses, Growth, Youth, World,",'Jehovah's Witnesses compose the group that wins the greatest number of new members every year and has the largest crowd of youths.' Quote: The Swedish Pentecostal newspaper Dagan (The Day),"Many, yes the majority, of Christian youths today are standing up to the world's pressures.",1 John 2:14,"Apr 15, 1993 Wt Page 14",'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
"Witnesses, Persecution,","'Spiders; dislike light. Weave their snares in dark corners, then crawl away to the side until a victim begins to quiver in web. And they do find victims.' Called 'Apostles of the Powder Keg'.",Moscow's hatred for Jehovah's Witnesses. Quote:,Rev. 9:1-11,"Nov 1, 1961 Wt Page 658",Bearing Up Under Persecution,57,,,
"Witnessing, Faith, Care, Caution, Flexible, Past, Experience, Background,","Resting on a bench in a park I noticed one particular pigeon among many others walking nearby. That pigeon was limping: one of its legs was defective. I noticed that it was due to a string which someone very cruel had long ago wound around both pigeon's legs. One leg became crooked causing lameness. Both legs were still tightened with the string, but loosely so that the pigeon walked like a person wearing fetters. The sight of that poor creature tore my heart apart. I wanted  to help it by cutting off the string (it would have not, of cause, cured its crooked leg, but would have let its other leg free), BUT the pigeon would not let me approach.","That episode made me think of the following. Satan put fetters on people causing them lots of troubles and suffering, they can not do anything about it without help. Jehovah God sends them help through His servants, BUT they reject it. At the same time not all of them do not want any help, they are, like that pigeon, just suspicious for different reasons.  It may be due to their disappointment with their religion or to the influence of mass media spreading false information about us, etc.  Therefore we should be very careful in approaching them applying love and showing interest in them.  Faith is fragile - handle with care!","1 Cor. 9:22, 23;",Patti Gillison,"Mercy, A Dominant Quality Of True Christians",7,,1999/06/20,
"Witnessing, Good News, Increase, Growth, Language, Canary Islands","In the Canary Islands, the Guanches, are still living a primitive life.  They have developed a unique language consisting of whistles enabling them to converse with one another from ridge to ridge over distances of a couple of miles or more.  Although largely forgotten, this 'tele-whistle' technique is still used by elderly ones when they want to quickly pass on news items.","Jehovah's Witnesses have heard on more than one occasion the message, 'The Witnesses are here!' whistled from the hilltops.",Matt 24:14;,"Nov 22, 1994 Aw Page 19",Never Become Dull In Your Hearing,9,,1994/10/25,
"Witnessing, Informal,","In times past cities had a bucket brigade to fight fires.  They would pass buckets of water from one individual to the next, until the fire was doused.","We can do that with the truth.  By accepting the truth ourselves and passing it on down the line, many can come to the water of life.",Acts 1:8;,Bobby Laymon,Glorifying God With All We Have,17,,1994/08/22,
"Witnessing, Informal,","Years ago I was digging up small trees in my yard, when I noticed that a root of one tree went to another small tree, and on removing it, it's root went to yet another tree.  Now here is a cherry tree, which normally reproduce by seed, that was not content with that, and had went underground.","Now think!  What would happen if we would witness like that?  We would sow seeds abundantly in the regular way, from door-to-door.  But in addition, wherever we stood, we would send out runners of truth in  every direction, at every opportunity.  Let us be like the cherry tree, and Jehovah will give the reward by making it grow!","Rom 1:16; Acts 28:23, 30, 31; 2 Tim 2:15;","Joe Laymon, Johnse Laymon & Bobby Laymon",Life Does Have A Purpose,23,,1994/08/22,
"Witnessing, Informal, Joy, Christendom, Soul,","My dad would say, 'Well, it's Sunday.  Would you read a few verses for us?' handing our visitor a leather-bound book with 'Holy Bible' in gold letters on the front.  When they opened the book they found that none of the pages had any printing on them! Quote: George Brumley.","Dad would say, 'preachers don't know anything about the Bible.' Then he would get a copy of the Bible and read Ge 2:7 and explain about how man 'became' a living soul.","Genesis 2:7; Ecclesiastes 9:5, 10; Eze 18:4; Ro 6:23;","Dec 1, 1992 Wt Page 21",Are You Content With Jehovah's Provisions?,22,,,
"Witnessing, Preaching","May look at something like roller coaster and think ' I won't like it.'  But if you muster up the courage and try it, maybe friend who's rode it before talks you into it, and goes with you, maybe you'll find out you do like it after all.","Perhaps we look at a form of field service 'street witnessing'  'business territory'  and say 'I wouldn't like it'  maybe we just have not  tried it.  Maybe get someone who has to go with us, we might like it if we muster up the courage and try it.",1 Thess 2:2,Scott Rudolph,,,,1996/09/13,
"Witnessing, Publisher, Zeal, Dedication, Baptism,",Some have become like a wheel barrow publisher.,"They have to be pushed, and are easily upset.","Prov 3:1, 2;",Mark Semen - Friends Of Peace District Convention.,Renewing The Spirit Of Self-sacrifice,69,,1996/06/12,
"Witnessing, Relative, Modesty,","Witnessing to relatives is like a refreshing glass of water, if in small amounts, but if you took bucket of water and dumped over head, would have adverse affect.","When witnessing to worldly relatives, give a little at a time, refresh them; don't drown them.",Ps 23:1-3;,Gary Diburgo,Are You Content With Jehovah's Provisions?,22,,1996/04/01,
"Witnessing, Service, Study, Organization,","We are in his house; obey house rules, or we will be evicted.",Good conduct and manners.,Heb. 3:4,"Phil Kirkton Notes: Bro. Bentley, C.O.",Serving With Jehovah's Unified Organization,3,,,
"Witnessing, Sick, Hospital, Adversity, Persecution, Pioneer,",'A professional is someone who can do his best work when he doesn't feel like it.'  Quote: Alistair Cooke.,"Jehovah's people often accomplish the most good under adversity, such as under persecution, in the hospital or during other trying circumstances.","Dan 6:16; Heb 11:36, 37;",Bobby Laymon - Reader's Digest,,,,1996/03/18,
"Witnessing, Zeal, Jehovah's Witnesses,","'In recruiting converts and reclaiming lapsed members, nothing beats personal contact. This is achieved by the tactful, courteous, well trained doorbell apostle. The secret of the phenomenal success of St. Paul was his tireless use of the house-to-house method of recruiting converts. It is ironic that the apostolic method is now used by non-Catholic sects, especially Jehovah's Witnesses, whose numerous converts put us Catholics to shame.'-'The Monitor,' July 7, 1961.",What Others Have Said About House-to-House Witnessing.,Acts 5:42;,W79 7/15 20,Make Jehovah Your Confidence,70,,1994/07/08,
"Witnessing, Zeal, Jehovah's Witnesses, Pioneer,","'Their door-to-door canvass in pursuit of converts is intensive and never stops. . . . their zeal and self-sacrifice should give us pause.'  'Our Sunday Visitor,' June 3, 1962.  Quote:  Catholic priest John A. O'Brien.",What Others Have Said About House-to-House Witnessing.,Acts 5:42;,W79 7/15 20,Make Jehovah Your Confidence,70,,1994/07/08,
Wives,"Ox is submissive; Bull is not. have 'deep respect' support decisions not complain, criticize Pro. 27:15",Hormones make women different; 'weaker vessel',1 Pet 3:7,Convention Talk,"Mercy, A Dominant Quality Of True Christians",7,,,
"Wives, Family,","'Women feel while men think' Quote from woman psychologist. Points she made: All women like to work under a ceiling of authority. In short, they like to be bossed. (2) Women must feel that they are needed.",Women have different make-up than men. Men have more practical minds.,Eph. 5:22-25,"Aug 1, 1962 Wt Page 463",Family Life That Warms The Heart,5,,,
"Wolves, Apostates,","Just as wolves will cut off their intended victims from the main flock before attacking and devouring. Watchfulness and caution are essential to avoid becoming prey to greedy, wolfish men.",Human wolves would do the same. Often armed with 'smooth talk and complimentary speech.' Rom. 16:18;,"Matt. 7:15; Acts 20:29, 30; 2 Pet. 2:1-3; Jude 4; 1 John 2:18, 19","Nov 1, 1964 Wt Page 645",How To Protect Ourselves From Satan's Snares,115,,,
"Women - Gossip - Wives -committee - Elders, Confidential,",'The surest way to get a woman interested in something is to tell her it's none of her business'.,Elders not need tell just enough to get wife's attention and then tell her it is 'none of your business.',Prov.20:19,Johnse Laymon,A Cleansed Earth--will You Live To See It?,49,,,
"Women, Abuse, Respect,","The term 'domestic violence' may sound tame, but the behavior it describes is far from gentle.  In the U.S. between 2000 and 4000 women die every year from abuse.","Regarding rape: An assault may be over in moments, but felt for a lifetime.",Mt 7:12; 1pe 3:7; Eph 5:28;,"Jul 8, 1992 Aw Page 4, 5",Meeting The Test Of Christian Loyalty,48,,,
"Women, Good News, Army, Preaching, Pioneers,","Mrs. Mary Ludwig Hayes roamed the hot battlefield (Battle of Monmouth) bringing cool water to thirsty troops.  She gained the nickname, 'Molly Pitcher.'  Deborah Samson donned men's clothes and served three years as an infantryman in the 4th Massachusetts Regiment.  Disguise was discovered when she was wounded. Emily Geiger was a spy-courier for American forces.  When captured, she swallowed her messages and was allowed to go free.  During wars women have tilled the fields, made uniforms, provided arms and kept the home fires burning.  Women have served as spies, couriers and guerilla fighters behind enemy lines.",So it is in Jehovah's army.  Courageous women are at the forefront in preaching the good news.  (Give examples),Ps 68:11;,Bobby Laymon - American Essays By Dan Valentine,Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,63,,1997/05/13,
"Women, Liberation, Role, Marriage,","Nightingale that sulks in its nest because it is not as strong as a sea gull, instead of flying to a high branch and singing in gratitude for the unique gifts God has given it. Women have less physical strength, and need to accept that.",Women who will not accept their God-given role.,"1 Tim. 2:13; 1 Cor. 11:8,9; 1 Pet. 3:7","Jul 1, 1991 Wt Page 10",God Comes First In Successful Family Life,110,,,
"Women, Liberation, Role, Marriage, Submission,","Abigail: Example of refusing to follow her husband's bad course. Showing discretion, good sense, humility, and quick-mindedness, she prevented a situation that could have been disastrous.",Showing that a wife does not have to be blindly submissive.,1 Sam. 25:2-42;,"Jul 1, 1991 Wt Page 12 Para 16",God Comes First In Successful Family Life,110,,,
"Women, Liberation, Role, Marriage, Submission,",Sarah: How a godly woman can be at once submissive and helpful.,Apply to Christians today.,"Genesis. 21:9-13; 1 Pet. 3:5,6;","Jul 1, 1991 Wt Page 12 Para 15",God Comes First In Successful Family Life,110,,,
"Women, Liberation, Role, Marriage, Submission, Pioneer,","Miriam: prophetess, but privilege went to her head at one point. Failed to recognize authority Jehovah gave her younger brother Moses, and was punished for it. Apparently repented and was restored.",Example for women who may be given certain privileges of service.,"Exodus. 15:20, 21; Numbers. 12:1-15; Micah 6:4;","Jul 1, 1991 Wt Page 12 Para 17",God Comes First In Successful Family Life,110,,,
"Women, Liberation, Role, Marriage, Submission, Prejudice, Racial,","Rahab: Non-Israelite prostitute, who Jehovah accepted her faith backed up by works including a change of life-style. Rewarded with signal privilege of becoming an ancestor of Messiah.","Jehovah declared her righteous, giving the lie to the accusation that Jehovah is racially prejudiced and hard on women.","Matt. 1:1, 5; Heb. 11:31; Jas. 2:25;","Jul 1, 1991 Wt Page 12 Para 15",God Comes First In Successful Family Life,110,,,
"Women, Liberation, Role, Marriage, Submission, Treatment,","Jesus: Example of how men can have a warm, yet chaste relationship with women. Taught them deep spiritual truths. First revealed he was the Messiah to a woman. Didn't feel it was wrong to leave pots and pans to listen.","Brothers can learn from today.  Revealed truths about resurrection to Martha. How unlike Jewish religious leaders: considered them lazy, greedy,","John 4:7, 25, 26; Luke 10:38-42; John 11:20-27;","Jul 1, 1991 Wt Page 14",God Comes First In Successful Family Life,110,,,
"Women, Preaching, Good News, Service, Pioneer, Politics, World,","Men are largely interested in the politics of this world.  They prefer human politics and nationalism to the kingdom of God. Large part of the preaching work, carried on by faithful sisters.","If men, for the most part, will not celebrate the established kingdom of God, Jesus Christ has a 'large army' of women who will do so.",Ps. 68:11; Matt. 24:14; Rev. 14:1-5; Heb. 12:22-28;,"Nov 1, 1967 Wt Page 655",'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
"Women, Submission, Role,",Paul: Not anti-woman as some believe. Sent warm greeting to nine in closing chap. of Romans 'neither male nor female' (see other examples),Fine example to brothers today.,"Rom. 16:1-4, 6, 12, 13, 15; Gal. 3:27, 28; Acts 16:12-15, 40","Jul 1, 1991 Wt Page 16",Glorifying God With All We Have,17,,,
"Women, Weaker Vessel, Honor, Wives, Marriage,","A person has two useful containers.  One is sturdy, the other less so.  Is the second vessel somehow less valued because it is not as sturdy?  Actually, the less sturdy one is usually treated with more care and honor than the sturdier one.","Some believe that Peter's reference to women as 'weaker' implies that they are lesser persons.  However, Peter uses this term not to denigrate women, but to foster respect.",1 Pet 3:7;,"Oct 8, 1994 Aw Page 20",God Comes First In Successful Family Life,110,,1994/09/07,
Women;,There are only two ways to handle a woman and nobody knows either of them.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Women; Trust; Distrust;,"'On one issue at least, men and women agree: they both distrust women.'  Quote:  H.L.Mencken.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Women; Wives;,'A loving wife will do anything for her husband except stop criticizing and trying to improve him.'  Quote:  J. B. Priestly.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Women; Wives;,'A man never knows how to say goodbye and a woman never knows when to say it.'  Quote:  Helen Rowland.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Women; Wives;,"'A man's best fortune, or his worst, is his wife.' Quote:  Thomas Fuller",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Women; Wives;,'All married women are not wives.'  Quote:  Japanese.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Women; Wives;,"'Do not choose your wife at a dance, but in a field among the harvesters.'  Quote:  Czech.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Women; Wives;,"'Don't make your garden too big, if your wife tires easily.'  Quote:  Chinese.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Women; Wives;,'Every rose has its thorns; you never find a woman without pins and needles.'  Quote:  D. Jerold.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Women; Wives;,'He knows little who will tell his wife all he knows.' Quote:  Thomas Fuller,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Women; Wives;,"'He that loses his wife and a farthing, hath a great loss of a farthing.'  Quote:  Italian.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Women; Wives;,'I will be so polite to my wife as though she were a perfect stranger.'  Quote:  Robert Burdette.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Women; Wives;,'I'm not denying' the women are foolish; God Almighty made 'em to match the men.'  Quote:  George Eliot.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Women; Wives;,"'If you want to know what your wife is going to ask you to do next, try sitting down.'  Quote:  Miami Herald.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Women; Wives;,'Jewel of my home.'  Quote:  Greek.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Women; Wives;,"'Man once subscribed to the theory of male superiority, then woman cancelled his subscription.'  Quote:  Shannon File.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Women; Wives;,'Man's best possession is a sympathetic wife.'  Quote:  Euripides.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Women; Wives;,'My wife is too beautiful for words but not for arguments.'  Quote:  J. Barrymore.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Women; Wives;,"'Of all the rights of women, the greatest is to be a mother.'  Quote:  Lin Yutang.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Women; Wives;,'Of the all the home remedies a good wife is best.'  Quote:  Kin Hubbard.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Women; Wives;,'On of the best hearing aids a man can have is an attentive wife.'  Quote:  Groucho Marx.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Women; Wives;,'Only two things are necessary to keep one's wife happy. The first is to let her think she's having her own way. The second is to let her have it.'  Quote:  L. Johnson.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Women; Wives;,'The fear of women is the basis of good health.' Quote:  Spanish,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Women; Wives;,'The fingers of a housewife do more than a yoke of oxen.'  Quote:  German.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Women; Wives;,'The house does not rest upon the ground but upon a woman'  Quote:  Mexican.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Women; Wives;,'The most effective water power in the world is women's tears.' Quote: Wilson Mizner,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Women; Wives;,'When a man makes a woman his wife it is the highest compliment he can pay her and its usually the last.'  Quote:  Helen Rowland.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Women; Wives;,"'When women kiss, it always reminds me of prizefighters shaking hands.'  Quote:  H. Mencken.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Women; Wives;,"'Wife, mother, nurse, seamstress, cook, housekeeper, chambermaid, laundress, dairy-woman, and scrub generally, doing the work of six, for the sake of being supported.'  Quote:  Frances Dana Gage.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Women; Wives;,'Wife: A former sweetheart.'  Quote:  Ab.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Women; Wives;,'Woe to the house where the hen crows and the rooster keeps still.' Quote:  Spanish,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Women; Wives;,"'Woman: A strange animal who can tear through an 18 inch aisle in a crowded store, then goes home and knocks the doors off a 12 foot garage.'  Quote:  Cleveland Press.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Women; Wives;,'Women would be more charming if one could fall into her arms without falling into her hands.'  Quote:  Ab.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Women; Wives;,"'Women, melons, and cheese should be chosen by weight.' Quote:  Spanish",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Women; Wives;,"'You see, dear, it is not true that woman was made from man's rib; she was really made from his funny bone.'  Quote:  James Matthew Barrie.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Women; Wives;,'Your in-laws on you wife's side usually are.'  Quote:  Frank Jones.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Women; Wives;,A cheerful wife is the joy of life.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Women; Wives;,A good wife makes a good husband.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Women; Wives;,"A woman's advice may be a poor thing, but it is a fool  who does not take it!",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Women; Wives;,"A woman's advice may be a poor thing, but it is a fool who does not take it!",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Women; Wives;,A woman's tongue is the last thing about her that dies!,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Women; Wives;,"All are good lasses, but from whence comes the bad wives?",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Women; Wives;,An archaeologist is the best husband any woman can have. The older she gets the more interested he is in her.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Women; Wives;,Any woman who wants a little time to herself has only to begin washing dishes.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Women; Wives;,Keeping house is like stringing beads with no knot in the end of the string.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Women; Wives;,The house goes mad when women gad.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Women; Wives;,Try praising your wife even if it does frighten her at first!,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Women; Wives;,"Women are saints in church, angels in the street, and devils at home.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Women; Wives;,Women's styles change but their designs remain the same.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Women; Wives; Time;,A woman on time is one in nine.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Wonder;,"'He who can no longer pause to wonder and stand rapt in awe, is as good as dead; his eyes are closed.'  Quote:  Ae.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Word Is True,Ball - bouncing against wall.  Doesn't come back unless it  hits the wall.  That is what is was sent out to do.,Jehovah's Word does not return unless it has accomplished it's  purpose.,Isa 55:11,Bobby Laymon,On Whose Promises Do You Rely?,61,,,
Word Is True,"Snow, melts before returning to heavens",God's Word accomplish. what sent to do,Isa 55:11,Bobby Laymon,On Whose Promises Do You Rely?,61,,,
"Word, Zeal, Bible,",Jehovah's Word is likened in the Bible to a fire.,A few sparks of this fire kindled some of the dry tinder at Katima Mulilo. It was a great privilege to visit the group there and fan those flames. May Jehovah keep the fire of truth burning brightly in the Caprivi.,"Jer. 20:8, 9",G80 7/22 26,Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,1994/05/06,
"Words, Abusive, Speaking, Hurtful,",'Sticks and stones can break my bones but words can never hurt me.'  Quote: English Proverb.,The Bible disagrees with the above when it says that the tongue can be 'an unruly injurious thing ... full of death-dealing poison.',James 3:8; Ps 140:3;,"Oct 22, 1996 Aw Page 3",Family Life That Warms The Heart,5,,1996/11/07,
"Words, English, Language, School,",Language is a tool.  Try to use it with skill.,Remember a tool is your servant. Don't stop using tool because not used properly always.,Ecc. 12:10,"Jan 22, 1965 Aw Page 27 Johnse Laymon",A Clean People Honors Jehovah,14,,,
"Words, English, Language, Speech, Curse, School,",Carpenter learns to use tools right way,"Need to learn to use words, would be bad if some carpenters used their tools as badly as we use language.",Ecc. 12:10,"Jan 22, 1965 Aw Page 24; Johnse Laymon",A Clean People Honors Jehovah,14,,,
"Words, English, Language, Speech, Cursing, School,",Would you buy valuable gift and wrap it in toilet paper or throw it at person.,"Language is a valuable gift, bad speech is like wrapping in toilet paper or just throwing it at audience, hoping they catch it.  May not be embarrassed by it, but maybe you should be.",Ecc. 12:10,"Jan 22, 1965 Aw Page 24; Johnse Laymon",A Clean People Honors Jehovah,14,,,
Work,"Even if world is your oyster, you still have to open the shell.",Jehovah blesses effort.,2 Th 3:10-12,Bobby Laymon,Family Life That Warms The Heart,5,,,
Work,Just another cog in huge industrial wheel; one easily replaced Factory worker interview: 'What do you do?' 'I make C-28' 'What is C-28' 'I don't know' 'How long have you been working here? 'Ten Years' (10 years of total darkness),Job satisfaction will be one of fruits of New Order.,Isa. 65:22,"Apr 8, 1959 Aw Page 5",Coping With Life's Anxieties,32,,,
Work,"Vine grower & His Sons vine grower dying, told sons to find all in his vineyard They thought a treasure.  Completely dug up vineyard. Cultivated soil, and produced abundance of grapes",Hard work is man's greatest treasure made rich,Eccl,Aesop's Fables,Family Life That Warms The Heart,5,,,
Work,Your Dreams won't come true while you are in bed.,Must exert ourselves vigorously.,Luke 13:24,Mike Jones,Family Life That Warms The Heart,5,,,
"Work, Activity,",I like work; it fascinates me. I can sit and look at it for hours. I love to keep it by me; the idea of getting rid of it nearly breaks my heart.  -- Jerome K. Jerome,World's view of work by many.,Luke 13:24;,Bobby Laymon,Choose Your Associates Wisely!,116,,"Nov 19, 2001",
"Work, Activity, Creation,",'The work praises the man.'  Quote: Irish proverb.,Jehovah's works should cause us to praise him.,Rom 1:20;,Bobby Laymon - Reader's Digest,Jehovah--the Grand Creator,101,,1996/03/18,
"Work, Activity, Employment, Quality,",'Whatever is worth doing at all is worth doing well.'  Philip Dormer Stanhope.  Quote: (Earl of Chesterfield).,"Doing a job well, may mean finding one we can work at with a clear conscience.   That would especially be true if one is seeking neutral employment.",Is 2:4;,Bobby Laymon,Hold A Good Conscience In A Sinful World,107,,1995/06/30,
"Work, Activity, Pioneers, Christendom, Employment, Pioneer,",'I won't take my religion from any man who never works except with his mouth.' Quote: Carl Sandburg.,"Jehovah's people are not too good to work for a living, while preaching the good news.  Those now employed who make God's name (and purpose) their stronghold are benefited.  They do not use cutthroat competition tactics to get or hold prestigious jobs; willing to work hard with their hands.",1 Th 4:11; Pr 18:11;,Bobby Laymon,Are You Really Making Jehovah Your Stronghold?,18,,1995/06/30,
"Work, Activity, Service, Employment,",'The one at rest -- rusts'  German Proverb.,"We must keep busy, especially in God's service.",1 Cor. 15:58;,Mark Cook,How Should You Serve God?,58,,,
"Work, Attitude, Thinking, Ability,","'It doesn't take any longer to do it right, than it does to do it over.'",Our attitude toward work should be to do a job right in the first place.,Psalms 104:24; John 5:17;,Joe Laymon,Does Your Thinking Agree With God's?,53,,1995/06/04,
"Work, Attitude, Thinking, Ability,  Resourceful,",'Dreams don't come true in bed!',It takes activity actions to realize good from our work.,"Ecclesiastes 4:3:13, 22; 4:4-6;",Joe Laymon,Does Your Thinking Agree With God's?,53,,1995/06/04,
"Work, Busy, Activity, Dependable, Organization, Schedule","'The more we do, the more we can do; the more busy we are, the more leisure we have.' Hazlitt (1778-1830)","The better we are organized, the better we follow a schedule the more we will be able to accomplish.",1co 15:58;,Wisdom Of The Ages,Glorifying God With All We Have,17,,,
"Work, Busy, Industrious, Action, Exert, Zeal,","If you want a job done fast, give it to a busy person.  -- Anonymous",People who have good work qualities are in demand.,Prov. 22:29;,Bobby Laymon,Does Your Thinking Agree With God's?,53,,"Nov 19, 2001",
"Work, Education, Skill, Employment,",'White-collar purgatory.'  Quote: U.S. News & World Report.,"Quite a few college graduates have found themselves there!  Too young to retire, too old to be hired by another company.",1 Cor 7:31;,"Aug 22, 1994 Aw Page 5",Glorifying God With All We Have,17,,1994/09/07,
"Work, Employment, Magazines, Honesty, Attitude,",Large employer asked if he could advertise for help in the Watchtower.,"Jehovah's Witnesses, as a whole, enjoy their work, have a good attitude toward it, and are sought after as employees.",Eccl 3:13;,Dale Crownhart,Does Your Thinking Agree With God's?,53,,,
"Work, Employment, Materialism,",Imagine 2 hands full of hard work.  All you can hold is one hand full.  Or dropping one handful in order to pick up another.,Some try to hold down 2 jobs.  Others are constantly shifting from one job to another.  The Bible speaks of both situations. (See Scriptures below),"Ecclesiastes 4:5, 6; 6:9;",William Osbeck C.O.,Reach Out For The Real Life!,90,,,
"Work, Employment, Pioneer,","'All work is as seed sown; it grows and spreads, and sows itself anew.'  Quote: Thomas Carlyle. -1832.","Living things on earth reproduce after their kind.  Have you not seen this with animals and plants?  Farmers depend on this; when sow wheat seed, not expect rice crop. This is also true of human life.  You have no doubt seen effects of both good habits and bad ones on people's lives.","Gal 6:7, 8; Ecclesiastes 11:9; Ge 1:11, 12, 24, 25;",Bobby Laymon,You Will Reap What You Sow,59,,1995/08/01,
"Work, Entertainment,",'All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy.'  That statement is so familiar today that it is easy to forget just how true it is.,"It may do considerable worse things to Jack than make him dull. It can make him a workaholic, a compulsive worker to the exclusion of all else.",Ps 144:15; 1ti 1:11; Eccl 3:1-4;,"Nov 8, 1992 Aw Page 4",Does Your Thinking Agree With God's?,53,,,
"Work, Exert, Hard,",When we were growing up there were certain words we didn't use.  We got in trouble if we did use them.  We called them four-letter words.  We learned to avoid them. ,There are some four-lettered words that we  want to talk about.  One of them is 'work'.  The other is 'hard.'  'Hard work' or 'Work hard.'  April is a time to Work Hard and Exert Ourselves.,Col. 1:29;,Bobby Laymon,,,,"Mar 23, 2001",5/7/2025
"Work, Heart, Whole-souled, Construction,","'Folks who never do more than they are paid for, never get paid for more than they do.'  Quote: Spokesman for big business. Some offer music shows as rewards, etc.",What do you do with 'all your heart?'  See examples in Bible.,"2ch 31:20, 21; 32:1-27; Col 3:23, 24; Neh 4:6-17; 6:15; Pr 22:29;","Mar 22, 1969 Aw Page 3, 4",Keep Growing In Your Relationship With God,16,,,
"Work, Jehovah, Busy, Sabbath, Rest, Zeal, Activity, Lazy,","Have you ever seen an ant lying at ease basking in the sun? Rather, are they not always hustling energetically about their business?","Jehovah God the Creator works, and his work is perfect.   He may have entered upon a Sabbath after his work of creation relative to earth, but that this did not mean he became an idler in the universe.",John 5:17; Deuteronomy 32:4; Pr 6:6-8;,W50 11/1 404,Make Jehovah Your Confidence,70,,1994/05/10,
"Work, Love",When growing up 4 letter words were not to be used. They were offensive to the public. Today not offensive some can't carry on conversation without using them.,"We are going to use some 4 letter words. They may be offensive to some (work, hard, love) (hard work) (love hard work)",Ecc 3:13;,S. Koinavich,Does Your Thinking Agree With God's?,53,,,
"Work, Love, Yoke, Burden",Carpenters made yokes. They fit the yoke to the animals. There is a legend (emphasize Legend) that Jesus was the best yoke maker in all Galilee. What he was saying is my yoke fits best. (Jesus no doubt made yokes) His yoke fits you.,"Double Yoke; He invites you get under it with me. Do you think that your yoke doesn't fit. Wife subjection to husband required Child obey parents. Br Russell said elastic yoke WT April 15, 1916",Mt 11:29,S. Koinavich,"Friendship With God, Friendship With The World -- Which Will You Choose?",79,,,
"Work, Reputation, Procrastination, Name, Ministry, Goals,",'You can't build a reputation on what you are going to do.'  Quote: Henry Ford.,Work toward goals.  It takes hard work and zeal to accomplish our ministry.,1 Cor 15:58;,Bobby Laymon - Reader's Digest,What Kind Of Name Are You Making With God?,55,,1996/03/21,
"Work, Talents, Weeds, Virtues, Abilities,",'What is a weed? A plant whose virtues have not yet been discovered.' Quote: Ralph Waldo Emerson.  -1878.,All persons have abilities and talents.  None should be considered weeds.  We should strive to give feelings of individual worth and of belonging.  Work is valuable and fulfills a need.,Titus 3:14;,Bobby Laymon,Communication--within The Family And With God,30,,1995/08/01,
"Work, Teach, Learn, Play, Wisdom,","Basic flaw is confusing work with play. It may be more enjoyable to develop muscles by play than by work, but it is not more efficient. It takes work to develop knowledge.",To develop intellectual power efficiently takes more than play.,Ps. 111:10; Jer. 8:9; 10:23; Prov. 22:15;,"Feb 22, 1964 Aw Page 10",Build Your Faith In Man's Maker,54,,,
"Work, Teach, Learn, Play, Wisdom,","We used to go to school to learn arithmetic and our parents took us to the zoo. Now the teachers take them to the zoo, and the parents teach them arithmetic.",Most unfortunate is the child who is taught neither by parents or teachers.,Ps. 111:10; Jer. 8:9; 10:23; Prov. 22:15;,"Feb 22, 1964 Aw Page 11",Build Your Faith In Man's Maker,54,,,
Work; Effort;,'If you want a place in the sun you've got to put up with a few blisters.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Work; Effort;,"'Just as there are no little people, or unimportant lives, there is no insignificant work.'",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Work; Effort; Privilege; Success;,'I feel that the greatest reward for doing is the opportunity to do more.'  Quote:  Jonas Salk.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Work; Effort; Retirement; Laziness;,'It is better to wear out than to rust out.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Work; Employment;,'Each man's task is his life preserver.'  Quote:  George Emerson.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Work; Jobs; Progress; Leisure; Worry;,"'Jobs are physically easier, but the worker now takes home worries instead of an aching back.'  Quote:  Homer Bigart.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Work; Purpose; Attitude;,"Like the bee, we should make our industry our amusement.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Work; Responsibility;,'A good rest is half the work.' Quote:  Yugoslav.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Work; Responsibility;,'A pig that has two owners is sure to die of hunger.'  Quote:  English.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Work; Responsibility;,'About the only thing that comes to us without effort is old age.'  Quote:  Gloria Pitter.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Work; Responsibility;,"'As for me, prizes mean nothing. My prize is my work.'  Quote:  Katherine Hepburn.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Work; Responsibility;,'By labor fire is got out of stone.'  Quote:  Dutch.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Work; Responsibility;,"'By working faithfully eight hours a day, you may eventually get to be a boss and work twelve hours a day.'  Quote:  R. Frost.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Work; Responsibility;,'Cats love fish but do not want to get their feet wet.'  Quote:  Latin.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Work; Responsibility;,'Dividing 100% responsibility between two people gives each of them ten percent.' Quote:  Spell,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Work; Responsibility;,'Early to bed and early to rise probably indicates unskilled labor.'  Quote:  John Ciardi.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Work; Responsibility;,'Easy doesn't do it.'  Quote:  Al Bernstein.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Work; Responsibility;,'Elbow grease is the best polish.'  Quote:  English.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Work; Responsibility;,'Employment is natures physician and is essential to human happiness.'  Quote:  Galen.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Work; Responsibility;,'Everything comes to him who hustles while he waits.'  Quote:  E. Edison.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Work; Responsibility;,'Hard work never killed anybody.......but why take a chance.'  Quote:  C. McCarthy.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Work; Responsibility;,'He who considers his work beneath him will be above doing it well.'  Quote:  Alexander Chase.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Work; Responsibility;,'He who is being carried does not realize how far the town is.'  Quote:  African.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Work; Responsibility;,"'He who does a thing through another, does it himself.'  Quote:  Latin.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Work; Responsibility;,"'I do not like work, even when another person does it.'  Quote:  Mt.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Work; Responsibility;,"'If you want a thing well done, do it yourself.'  Quote:  Napoleon.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Work; Responsibility;,"'If you want work well done, select a busy man, the other kind has no time.'  Quote:  Hubbard.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Work; Responsibility;,'Labor: n. one of the processes by which A acquires property for B.'  Quote:  Ab.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Work; Responsibility;,'Many people quit looking for work when they find a job.'  Quote:  L. J. Peter.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Work; Responsibility;,'Mix work with leisure and you will never go mad.'  Quote:  Russian.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Work; Responsibility;,'Mountains will labor and give birth to a ridiculous mouse.'  Quote:  Horace.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Work; Responsibility;,"'My father taught me to work, but not to love it. I n ever did like to work, and I don't deny it. I'd rather read, tell stories, crack jokes, talk, laugh, anything but work.'  Quote:  Al.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Work; Responsibility;,'Nothing keeps a man's feet on the ground like having a little responsibility placed upon his shoulders.'  Quote:  Bellefontaine Examiner.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Work; Responsibility;,'One arrow does not bring down two birds.' Quote:  Turkish,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Work; Responsibility;,"'People need responsibility. They resist assuming it, but they cannot get along without it.'  Quote:  John Steinbeck.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Work; Responsibility;,'Roast pigeons don't fly into one's mouth.'  Quote:  D. Guggenheim.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Work; Responsibility;,'The cow of many is well-milked and badly fed.' Quote:  Spanish,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Work; Responsibility;,"'The highest reward for a person's toil is not what they get for it, but what they become by it.'  Quote:  John Ruskin.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Work; Responsibility;,'The only way to get rid of responsibilities is to discharge them.' Quote:  W. Robertson,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Work; Responsibility;,'The price of greatness is responsibility.' Quote:  Winston Churchill,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Work; Responsibility;,'The reason we have so many unsolved problems today is because we have so many unshared responsibilities.' Quote:  Val Palmer,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Work; Responsibility;,'The reward for work well done is the opportunity to do  more.'  Quote:  Jonas Salk.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Work; Responsibility;,'The reward for work well done is the opportunity to do more.'  Quote:  Jonas Salk.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Work; Responsibility;,'The world is full of willing people; some willing to work and the rest willing to let them.'  Quote:  Robert Frost.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Work; Responsibility;,'The world takes off its hat to those who put in more than 50% of their capacity and stands on its head for those few and far between souls who devote 100%.'  Quote:  Andrew Carnegie.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Work; Responsibility;,'There is no substitute for hard work.' Quote:  Tae,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Work; Responsibility;,'There is nothing so easy but that it becomes difficult when you do it with reluctance.' Quote:  Terence,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Work; Responsibility;,"'We work to become, not to acquire.'  Quote:  Eh.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Work; Responsibility;,'Work consists of whatever a body is obliged to do. Play consists of whatever a body in not obliged to do.'  Quote:  Mt.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Work; Responsibility;,'Work is not man's punishment; it is his reward and his strength and h is glory and his pleasure.'  Quote:  George Sand.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Work; Responsibility;,"'Work is the meat of life, leisure is the dessert.'  Quote:  Bertie Forbes.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Work; Responsibility;,"'Work spares us from three great evils: boredom, vice, and need.' Quote:  Voltaire",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Work; Responsibility;,'You can't catch a trout with dry breeches.' Quote:  Spanish,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Work; Responsibility;,'You must lose a fly to catch a trout.'  Quote:  G. Herbert.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Work; Responsibility;,A bad workman quarrels with his tools.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Work; Responsibility;,A nut easy to crack is often empty.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Work; Responsibility;,All I want is less to do and more time to do it. and more pay for not getting it done.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Work; Responsibility;,Hard work has never killed a man but it sure has scared a lot of them.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Work; Responsibility;,If it is to be it is up to me.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Work; Responsibility;,If you want a place in the sun you have to expect a few blisters.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Work; Responsibility;,"If you want your dreams to come true, don't sleep.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Work; Responsibility;,"Keep your eye on the ball, your shoulder to the wheel, your ear to the ground, not try to work in that position.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Work; Responsibility;,No dreams come true until you wake up and work.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Work; Responsibility;,Rest is sweet when one has earned it.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Work; Responsibility;,"Some people are like blisters, they never appear until after the work is done.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Work; Responsibility;,The average person puts only 25% of his energy and ability into their work.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Work; Responsibility;,The dictionary is the only place you'll find success before work.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Work; Responsibility;,The man who says it cannot be done should not interrupt the man doing it.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Work; Responsibility;,"The only thing wrong with doing nothing, is you never know when you're finished.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Work; Responsibility;,Why keep a dog and bark yourself. making use of those under your charge),,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Work; Responsibility;,"You can tell when you are on the right track, its usually uphill.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Work; Responsibility; Effort;,You go as if nine men held you.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Work; Responsibility; Humans; Purpose;,I go on working for the same reason a hen goes on laying eggs.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Work; Responsibility; Self-reliance;,"'Remember my son, if you need a helping hand, you'll find one at the end of your arm.'  Quote:  S. Levisohn.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Work; Success; Effort;,'Genius is 1% inspiration and 99% perspiration.'  Quote:  Te.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Workaholics, Work, Employment, Materialism, Balance,","Corporate martyrs, once dead, are treated as if they were mere 'throwaway goods.'","To the impersonal company, hardworking employees are only cogs in the wheels of their corporate mechanism, to be replaced when they are worn-out.  Their devotion to the company is a love that is unreturned.",Ecclesiastes 2:24;4:8; Pr 23:4;,"Jun 22, 1993 Aw Page 8, 9",Reach Out For The Real Life!,90,,,
"Workaholics, Work, Employment, Materialism, Balance,",Former breadwinners are looked upon as 'industrial waste' and (wet fallen leaves) by their families. Like wet fallen leaves that stick to a broom and cannot be shaken off.,Those 30 or 40 years of hard work can backfire.  The latter expression is used in Japan to describe retired husbands who have nothing to do but hang around their wives.  Viewed as nothing but a nuisance.,Ecclesiastes 2:24;4:8; Pr 23:4;,"Jun 22, 1993 Aw Page 7",Reach Out For The Real Life!,90,,,
"Workaholics, Work, Employment, Materialism, Balance,","Just as smoker hate to admit to dangers in smoking, and alcoholics to dangers in alcohol abuse.",Workaholics are loath to acknowledge the hazards of unreasonably long hours of work.  Death is not the only hazard.,Ecclesiastes 2:24;,"Jun 22, 1993 Aw Page 5",Reach Out For The Real Life!,90,,,
"Worker, Qualified, Action, Exert, Reaching Out, Position,","An illustration about an individual (Jose') applying for a job as a sheep herder. The owner of the sheep ranch is interviewing a number of individuals for the job and is asking questions about their experience and qualifications for the job. The other applicants have many years of experience and letters of recommendation but when the owner interviews Jose' and asks, 'What are your qualifications?' Jose' in his broken English, has only one reply, 'I sleep well on a stormy night'.  What kind of a recommendation is that? asks the owner. My sheep may be in need of help at that time. Certainly no time to be sleeping. The owner, for some reason, decides to hire Jose' in spite of what appears to be poor qualifications. Perhaps, he feels sorry for him or perhaps he feels that he will work for less pay.","Later, he finds out that Jose' was by far the best applicant for the job and that what he meant by the expression ' sleep well on a stormy night.' was that he always took care to see that the sheep were well protected and fed in case a storm should come. He had already taken the necessary precautions so that if a storm would occur, he would not have to worry about rushing out into the storm to take care of them.",1 Tim 3:1;,Peter Morgan,Reach Out For The Real Life!,90,,1997/08/12,
Works,"Two thieves; one robbing homes 2 yrs. Other for 1st time. Novice caught, witnesses called; proven to be thief; got 6 months First thief, decides to rob again, this time caught, and determine that he is a habitual thief. Convicted. longer sentence.","Sins and right works will be manifest, some now, some later. Had good reputation in community until now.  Lost. One cannot hide real way of life. Good or bad will become manifest","1 Tim. 5:24, 25","Jan 1, 1960 Wt Page 13.",'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
"Works,","What you sow, you will also reap.","Fruitage comes later, but it will come, either good or bad.",Gal. 6:7,Bible,You Will Reap What You Sow,59,,,
"Works, Busy, Witness, Good News, Odor, Flirt, Pioneer,","A butterfly comes out of a death-like state.  It crawls upon a leaf and the sun gets it moving.  Very soon they are pollinating plants.  FACTS: 1. Butterflies are hard for a bird to hit!  2. If they do, they spit them out because of the odor. (same odor as caterpillar) 3. Females don't care about the beautiful color of the male.  She is only interested in his flight pattern and dust and odor.","Humans too, are lifeless without the 'sun' from Jehovah's Word.  We need to get busy pollinating people.  Satan, demons and supporters are the 'birds!'   We can give off the wrong odor.  Example: A sister making herself attractive to a person in the world.  What kind of odor do we give off.  What is our motivating 'force?'","Heb 6:1, 2; Eph 4:22;",William Osbeck C. O.,Resisting The Spirit Of The World,25,,1994/08/24,
"Works, Dedication, Baptism, Repentance, Meetings,","Television evangelist plant persons in audience to pretend to repent, and they get many others to come forth, converting their lives.  Is that works?  How many calories do they burn, going up. That's not works!",Jesus indicated what works are involved at Mark 13:10; One meeting per week not works since Jehovah provides five.,Mark 13:10; Acts 26:20; Mt. 16:24;,"Larry Punko C.O.   (entered Dec 8, 1991)",Never Become Dull In Your Hearing,9,,,
"Works, Faith, Action,",'To talk goodness is not good...Only to do it is.'  Quote: Chinese Proverb,We must show faith by our works.,Jas 2:14;,Wisdom Of The Ages,Will You Be A Survivor Of The 'last Days'?,2,,,
"Works, Faith, Action, Deeds,","'A tree is known by its fruit; a man by his deeds. A good deed is never lost; he who sows courtesy reaps friendship, and he who plants kindness gathers love.'",We must show faith by our works. Basil (329-379 A.D),Jas 2:14;,Wisdom Of The Ages,Will You Be A Survivor Of The 'last Days'?,2,,,
"Works, Faith, Action, Deeds,",'How far that little candle throws his beams! So shines a good deed in a naughty world.'  Shakespeare (1564-1616),"As light-bearers, we can have far-reaching effects.",Mt 5:16;,Wisdom Of The Ages,Will You Be A Survivor Of The 'last Days'?,2,,,
"Works, Faith, Action, Deeds,",'Well done is better than well said.' (Franklin 1706-1790),Actions speak louder than words.,Mt 5:16;,Wisdom Of The Ages,On Whose Promises Do You Rely?,61,,,
"Works, Preaching, Endurance, Pioneer,","Two Sisters preaching the Good News! One has studies quickly come to KH and baptized. Second woman, just as zealous, for some reason, the people she studies with just do not learn truth. Her husband, notices her endurance, change in 2 yrs in truth, becomes interested, and the entire family comes into the truth.","Right works will be manifest, some now, some later.  Some produce works quickly, others produce fruit later.","1 Tim. 5:24, 25","Jan 1, 1960 Wt Page 13-15",Jehovah's Eyes Are Upon Us,74,,,
World,A 'plot' has many different meanings.  It can mean a piece of ground; The guidelines of a story; a chart; or secret plans.,"In like manner, the word 'world' has different meanings.  It can mean the human race; the part of the world alienated from God; the framework of this system.","John 3:16; 1 John 2:15-17; John 15:18, 19;",Aaron Carr,'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,1994/04/24,
World,"Air in Balloon, separates from air around. God's word keeps us separate from world's influence.","We must be in world, but no part of.","John 17:15, 16",Bobby Laymon,'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
World,Blackout during WWII;,World having a spiritual blackout.,Isa. 60:2,Bobby Laymon,'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
World,"Building condemned, going to demolish and build highway. You buy building, paint, decorate, make beautiful. They destroy it anyway Would be considered foolish; time, money, energy consumed, yet nothing lasting is gained.",Like person devoting all his time to worldly activities.,"Col. 4:5, 6","Jun 1, 1961 Wt Page 338",'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
World,"Fox & Lion Fox had never seen a lion, met one for 1st time, terrified. Second time, still afraid, but managed to hide his fear Third time, felt so brave, went up & started talking as if friend",Don't become familiar with world & it's ways Moral: Familiarity breeds contempt,1 Jo 2:15-17,Aesop's Fables  Page 15,'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
World,"House built on bad foundation, poor plans, defective materials",System must be tore down and replaced,"Eccles 1:14, 15  Matt 9:17",Peace & Security Book  Page 38,'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
World,"If mother, sends child to store, reminds to look both ways, - Is she overly restrictive. The reminders from God's Word and organization are given lovingly not as restrictions but for our protection.",Lovingly trying to protect child.  Same with Jehovah's reminders,1 Jo 2:15-17,"Oct 1, 1989 Wt Page 28",'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
World,"Infants, who never grow up Like Selfish infants, seem incapable of thinking of anyone else Infants playing with deadly toys. Never learned righteous principles.",People of world are actually moral infants who never grew up. Disarmament is not solution; need to grow up.,Mic. 4:3  Ps. 72:7,"Apr 22, 1958 Aw Page 16",'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
World,"Money down rat hole, bag full of holes",Investing money in system,Hag 1:6  Prov 10:22  Neh 10:39,"June 1, 1989 Wt Page 30",'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
World,"New Patches on old garments God will not simply adjust this system, no lasting benefit",Must not try to preserve or reform this system,"Eccles 1:14, 15  Matt 9:17",Peace & Security Book  Page 38  Jesus,'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
World,"Not put new wine in old wineskin God will not simply adjust this system, no lasting benefit",Must not try to preserve or reform this system,"Eccles 1:14, 15  Matt 9:17",Peace & Security Book  Page 38  Jesus,'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
World,Orchestra; directed by Satan; playing battle hymn 1.time of stress  2. degraded world  3. clergy  4. apostates 5. medical authorities  6. atheistic scientist 7. those who would have us compromise our neutrality.,"Jehovah's Witnesses under attack, ambush 8. Satan","2 Cor 4:3-6  Eph 4:17, 18  6:11, 12","Dec 1, 1989 Wt Page 12",'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
World,Rats leaving sinking ship,Investing money in system,Hag 1:6  Prov 10:22  Neh 10:39,Bobby Laymon,'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
World,Sick; If person acted like 'our civilization...remove him to an asylum for the mentally deranged.' Quote: Dr. Robert Lindner.,Symptoms of a world gone mad.,John 12:31; 2 Cor. 4:4; Rev. 12:9,"Mar 8, 1959 Aw Page 3",'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
World,"Sign of Jonah Wicked world looks for spectacular works Fail to see greatest preaching work ever, greater than Jonah & Christ Jesus did.",Jesus was sign to his generation (dead 3 days),Luke 11:29-32,Jesus,'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
World,"Throw ball, goes outside yard into unkempt field. Adam & Eve found selves in world","Easy to get back into well-kept yard, not so with world",Genesis 3:24,"Aug 1, 1989 Wt Page 22",'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
World - Marriage - Single,'The happiest married men are those that can live double and think single.',Worldly view.,Prov.5:l8,Johnse Laymon,'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
World Conditions;,"'Man has made his bedlam, let him lie in it.'  Quote:  Fred Allen.",,,Jk Quotes;,Christian Separateness From The World--why Beneficial.,119,,,
"World War I, Ww1, 1914, Last Days,","'Like men longing for a thunderstorm to relieve them of the summer's sultriness, so the generation of 1914 believed in the relief that war might bring.'  Quote: Ernest U. Cormons, Austrian diplomat.","People looked to the war as 'a purification, a liberation, an enormous hope'.",Matthew 24:3-14;,"Nov 8, 1994 Aw Page 6",'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,1994/10/06,
"World War I, Ww1, 1914, Last Days,","'The bullet that tore into his jugular sounded the initial shot in the most devastating slaughter mankind had known so far.  It set off the dynamics leading to World War II.  ... Many of the threads of the scene all around us were first spun along the Danube in the year and a half preceding the thrust of that pistol at the Archduke's head.'  Quote: Frederic Morton, in his book, 'Thunder at Twilight -- Vienna 1913/1914.'",The bullets fired in 1914 changed the world.  The shots still shake our world.,Matthew 24:3-14;,"Nov 8, 1994 Aw Page 5",'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,1994/10/06,
"World War I, Ww1, 1914, Last Days,","'The four years that followed, were, 'four years of the most intense and heroic effort the human race has ever made.'  When the effort was over, illusions and enthusiasms possible up to 1914 slowly sank beneath a sea of massive disillusionment.  For the price it had paid, humanity's major gain was a painful view of its own limitations.'  Quote: Graham Wallis, in 'The Proud Tower.'",The price paid for war is always far more than men expect.,Rev 6:4-8;,"Nov 8, 1994 Aw Page 9",'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,1994/10/06,
"World War I, Ww1, 1914, Last Days,","'The Great War of 1914-18 lies like a band of scorched earth dividing that time from ours.  In wiping out so many lives which would have been operative on the years that followed, in destroying beliefs, changing ideas, and leaving incurable wounds of disillusion, it created a physical as well as psychological gulf between two epochs.'  Quote: Barbara W. Tuchman, in the foreword to 'The Proud Tower.'",Regarding the effects of the Great War on future generations.  How it affected entire generation of thoughts and ideas.,Rev 6:4-8; Luke 21:10-24;2 Tim 3:1-5;,"Nov 8, 1994 Aw Page 9",'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,1994/10/06,
"World War I, Ww1, 1914, Last Days,",'The outbreak of World War I ushered in a twentieth-century 'Time of Troubles' ...Directly or indirectly all the convulsions of the last half century stem back to 1914.'  Quote: Historian Edmond Taylor.,"Historians attempt to explain why the shots in Sarajevo had such dire consequences.  How could two shots from a 'schoolboy' set the whole world afire and usher in a period of violence, confusion and disillusionment that has continued down to our day?  The Bible provides the answer.",Matthew 24:3-14;,"Nov 8, 1994 Aw Page 6",'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,1994/10/06,
"World War I, Ww1, 1914, Last Days, Churchill,",World war came disguised as a festival.  It was as if people were celebrating and cheering the arrival of the war.,"Even Winston Churchill said, 'War preparations have a hideous fascination for me.  I pray to God to forgive me for such fearful moods of levity.",Joel 3:9; Rev 6:4-8;,"Nov 8, 1994 Aw Page 6, 7;",'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,1994/10/06,
"World War I, Ww1, 1914, Last Days, Hope, Peace,","'Like a ghost that lingered past the appointed hour, the nineteenth century--with its essential orderliness, its self-confidence, and its faith in human progress--had tarried until August 1914.  ...Those who had expected peace to usher in a better world found their hopes betrayed in 1919.'  Quote: William K. Kingman, in 'The Year Our World Began.'","After people tried to 'pick up the pieces' of their lives, they began to see that the damage of the 'War' could not be undone.",Rev 6:4-8;,"Nov 8, 1994 Aw Page 11",'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,1994/10/06,
"World War I, Ww1, 1914, Last Days, Hope, Peace, Ww2, Churchill,","'In the Second World War every bond between man and man was to perish. ...The wholesale massacre by systematized processes of six or seven millions of men, women, and children in the German execution camps exceeds in horror the rough-and-ready butcheries of Genghis Khan, and in scale reduces them to pigmy proportions.'  Quote: Winston Churchill in 'The Gathering Storm.'","He continued, 'We have at length emerged from a scene of material ruin and moral havoc the like of which had never darkened the imagination of former centuries.'",Rev 6:4-8;,"Nov 8, 1994 Aw Page 11",'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,1994/10/06,
"World War, Hiroshima, Warnings, Disasters, Armageddon, 1914;","IT WAS clear and sunny over the Japanese city of Hiroshima on that fateful day-August 6, 1945.  As the city awakened, no one in his wildest imagination could have foreseen the devastation that broke out at 8:15 that morning.","What happened was described as a 'rain of ruin from the air, the like of which has never been seen on earth.'  Mankind had now entered a new age of warfare, opening a door to awesome means of mass destruction.",Luke 21:31-34;,G80 6/8 5,Will You Escape This World's Destiny?,84,,1994/06/27,
"World War, Hiroshima, Warnings, Disasters, Armageddon, 1914;","ON AUGUST 6, 1945, at 8:16 that morning, the people of Hiroshima were up and starting about their day. It was a warm, peaceful morning.","A fraction of a second later tens of thousands of people were charred, blasted and crushed to death. The center of a city of 340,000 inhabitants was simply flattened.",Luke 21:31-34;,G82 9/22 4,Will You Escape This World's Destiny?,84,,1994/06/27,
World War; 1914; Conclusion;,"'The war of 1914-1918 is sometimes called the First World War and sometimes the Great War. The second is the proper title, for it was a turning point of history. The Second World War, and the Cold War, are only the heaving's of the troubled earth as it tries to make a stable pattern out of the new emotions, new conditions, and new organisms thrown up by the Great War [of 1914-1918].'-John Masters, 'Fourteen Eighteen.'","The second is the proper title, for it was a turning point of history.",Matt 24:9,G73 10/8 17,Global Peace--from What Source?,122,,1999/01/12,
World War; 1914; Conclusion;,"'World War I was a significant milestone on the highway of world events. It marked the end of one epoch and the beginning of another.'-Colonel R. Ernest Dupuy, introduction to the book 'World War I: A Compact History.'","But what of the second world war, which ended in 1945 with atomic explosions? Does not this mark the real turning point for mankind? No! answer historians. And they show why not. Consider:",Matt 24:9,G73 10/8/17,Global Peace--from What Source?,122,,1999/01/12,
"World,",Did you ever notice the straight and narrow path gets the hardest wear along the edges.,Many try to see how close to world they can get,1 Jn. 2:15-17; 5:19;,J. Laymon,'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
"World,","Dog returning to own vomit, and sow that was bathed to rolling in the mire. Never go back to the world.","Condition of those leaving the truth, worse than before learning.",2 Pet. 2:22;,Bobby Laymon,'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
"World,",Get ready eat a dish and find maggots in it.,Bible tells us to repudiate world.   This is how we should feel about world,"Titus 2:12,13",Johnse Laymon,'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
"World,",Get ready take bite food in restaurant and find hair in food.,Bible tells us to repudiate world.   This is how we should feel about world.,"Titus 2:12,13",Johnse Laymon,'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
"World,","If you see something that looks like a duck; it walks like a duck; and it sounds like a duck; What would you say it is? Whatever it is, it is likely to get shot during duck season!",If you see a person that looks like the world; it walks like the world; and it sounds like the world; What would you say it is? That person is not a duck!  It is likely to go down with the world when it passes away.,Rom. 12:2; 1 John 2:15-17;,Scott Rudolph (bro. Brown At Dist. Assy. In K.C.),'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
"World,","It is like being in New York, and looking across the Hudson by night.  All you can see is the glitter of its beautiful lights. However, wait until morning, and you see the dirt, and garbage cans.  All the sparkle is gone.","The world is like that.  Satan causes us to see only the sparkle, because he is a god of darkness.  However, that would is passing away, along with all its dirt and garbage.",1 John 2:15-17;,"Divine Teaching District Assembly.  Memphis July 1-4, 1993",'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
"World,","Repudiate the world: Have you ever poured milk on your cereal and it looks like cottage cheese, and smells awful?",Bible tells us to repudiate world.  This is how we should feel about world.,"Titus 2:12,13",Mike Marrow,'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
"World,","Titanic when finished was a beautiful ship.  Had a beautiful spiral staircase, that went to upper deck.  Very wealthy were only ones who could go that high. Beautiful. Damaged on port side when it struck an iceberg.","World may appear beautiful, but is going down.",1 John 2:17;,"James Loy (west Plains) feb 10, 1991","Friendship With God, Friendship With The World -- Which Will You Choose?",79,,,
"World, Adventure, Trouble, Problems, Loyalty,",'Adventure is just a romantic name for trouble.'  Quote: Louis L'Amour.,This is especially true in the world today.  We need to stay loyal to Jehovah.,Mic 2:12;,Bobby Laymon - Reader's Digest,Meeting The Test Of Christian Loyalty,48,,1996/03/21,
"World, Air, Spirit, Pollution, Breathing,","A BREATH of fresh air! How refreshing after one's being in a stuffy room! Poisons spewed into the atmosphere are at alarming levels in many countries. Toxic fumes, radioactive dust, disease-causing germs, and certain viruses all travel by air. Life-sustaining air, so generously provided by our loving Creator, is becoming more and more death-dealing due to man's greed and carelessness.","As dangerous as air pollution is, however, there is an even more deadly form of polluted 'air.'  It is not contaminated air from the nuclear accident at Chernobyl (U.S.S.R.) or smog-filled air of Los Angeles, California (U.S.A.). No, we are in danger of breathing much more lethal 'air.'  It is the spirit of this world.","Eph 2:1, 2;",W87 9/15 10-11,'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,1994/06/04,
"World, Air, Spirit, Pollution, Breathing,","We might compare our situation to sitting in a restaurant having 'smoking' and 'no smoking' areas.   But what often happens when we are in the 'no smoking' section of a restaurant? Why, the smoke-saturated, filthy air drifts over, and we get whiffs of it! When this happens, do we find the polluted air enticing? Or do we not rather get away from it as quickly as we can?","But what do you do when whiffs of this world's 'air' come your way? Do you take immediate action to get away from this foul influence? If you stay there and breathe it in, you can be sure that your thinking will be affected. The longer you breathe in this 'air,' the more tolerance you build up for it. Moreover, in time the smell is not so repulsive.","Eph 2:1, 2;",W87 9/15 12,'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,1994/06/04,
"World, Associates,",WW = Worldly witnessing.,"When we spend our time with those on the fringe of things.  Movies, drinking, etc.",Prov. 10:22,"Gary Wells, D.O.",,,,"Apr 12, 2002",
"World, Association, Dedication, Baptism,","We've all seen pictures of the huge black or striped Marlin (sometimes called a Sailfish or Spearfish) and documented to reach 1,400 Pounds...and the grueling and exhausting duel between the strapped-in fisherman and the thrashing fish. As the huge fish starts to tire out, he will begin to surface, breaking water in a most dramatic way, shaking his head vigorously trying to throw the hook which could very well mean his eventual death. We might well consider why he does that. It has been said that the reason is that with the pressure under the water, he is unable to successfully sling his head back and forth, hoping to free himself by dislodging the hook. The water surrounding his head under the surface limits his ability to escape the line.","We might compare the Marlin's situation to many who for one reason or another find themselves 'hooked' by one form of worldliness or another. It might be a type of entertainment, or an attitude, perhaps negative association, or even pursuits that in themselves might not be wrong, but that do not encourage spiritual advancement. When one realizes that this attraction or pursuit is affecting his spiritual standing, he needs to take steps to lift himself out of the environment that restricts his 'throwing off' the 'hook'. Trying to free oneself of the potentially death-dealing pull, one needs to rise above the 'sea level' of this old world into the air above and vigorously war against the hook in an attempt to dislodge it. We cannot throw off bad things by remaining in the pressured surroundings of Satan's 'sea' where we can be held  almost immobile by his design.",Rev. 18:4;,Goldman Collection,'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,"Jan 21, 2001",
"World, Association; Satan; Environment, Clean,",Now- it's interesting- that James says that this environment- is 'animal' - we had mentioned how pigs- tend to become one- with their environment but- besides pigs- on that farm- we had some cats  barn cats- and they lived in close proximity- to the pigs- yet the cats stayed clean- if you've ever watched a cat- you know why- they're forever cleaning themselves so- if we're going to be animalistic- that's the animal to imitate- cleansing ourselves- perpetually- of any defiling practice- or mental attitude- just as James- went on to say- James 4:8 draw close to God- and he will draw close to you. cleanse your hands- you sinners- and purify your hearts- you indecisive ones.,Must continually work at staying clean.  Who do we imitate?,James 4:8,Dch,Resisting The Spirit Of The World,25,,1993/10/10,
"World, Associations,","Pond iced over. Dangerous to walk on, even with ropes around waist.","World may appear safe, but like thin ice.",Jere. 10:23 1 Joh 2:15-17,Stan Landers (Branson),Into The New Order Under Christ's Leadership,56,,,
"World, Associations, Fornication, Morals, Aposematic,","The word Aposematic (Ap-uh-se-MAT-ik) relates to the coloring that identifies how dangerous or inedible an animal or insect is and serves as a warning to predators that contact or ingestion could be poisonous.  Take the poison dart frogs for instance. Unlike most other kinds of frogs, they come in bright, bold colors, from hot yellow, bright orange and strawberry red, to deep blue-purple and green. Some have brightly colored stripes or splotches, others have numerous spots of flecks of color. Apparently they are among the most poisonous animals on earth. On being touched or chewed, they secrete poisons through tiny pores in the skin. If it were to be injected into a human or animal, it could easily prove fatal.","We could well be attracted by its glitz and glamour of the world and its colorful attractions. All the while, its Aposematic coloring is designed to draw us closer, to make it appear desirable and then, little by little, infect us with its death dealing poison if we try to taste it. Should we not then view the world as being Aposematic? As we look at its seemingly attractive practices that could lure us into bad association and immorality, should we not identify them as danger signs instead of something to be desired?","1 John 2:16, 17;",Bobby Laymon,Keep Clean From Worldly Defilements,98,,"Jan 19, 2001",
"World, Associations, Influence,",Take a deep breath and let it out.,"See how easily one is influenced.  When we obey someone, we are the slave of that individual because we obey him.",Ro 6:16;,Larry Punko,"Living, Not For Self, But To Do God's Will",8,,,
"World, Attraction, Association,","Many individuals are attracted to the world as flies are attracted to   fly paper. A fly can be removed from the paper, but will likely be badly  damaged, resulting in a shorter life (possibly death) for the fly.","If we are attracted to the old world and become stuck in its ways, it may be possible to be removed from Satan's sticky world, but likely the  person will be badly damaged and it could result in a shortened life  (or they may lose their life).",1 John 2:15-17;,Bobby Laymon,'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,"Feb 2, 2001",
"World, Awake, Alert,",Would you be busy painting a deck on a sinking ship?,The world is like that.  It works hard to maintain a system that is sinking.,Isa. 42:25; Matt 24:38;,Aaron Carr,How To Keep Spiritually Awake!,71,,"Nov 18, 2001",
"World, Bad, Hate,",Movie directed in such a way we take side with bad guys.,Applaud the bad guys in this world.,Rom 1:28-32,Bob Hartman 5/29/1982,'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
"World, Bad, Hate, Focus, Damaged, Inborn Sin,","You are trying to get up close for a good shot, and your foot slips.  You drop your camera.  It hits on the lens and damages the lens.  Now, it is out of focus and will not be able to get an accurate, complete picture of anything.",The world is like that.  It has a 'damaged lens' so to speak.  It is out of focus.  Sin is inborn.  Mankind was born with a disadvantage and cannot see the true picture.  Examples: Military decorates murderers; yet a Christian refuses to murder and is disgraced.  Advertising world seduces or conditions.  Adultery is an 'affair.',Isa. 5:20; Genesis. 8:21; Eph. 4:19; 2 Tim. 2:16; John 17:16; Ps. 97:10;,Ron Whitlatch C.O. - Circuit Assembly.,'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,"May 22, 2001",
"World, Baptism, Dedication, Association, Meetings,","A boat is in the water, but the idea is to keep the water out of the boat.  The idea is not to get the boat out of the water but to insulate it against the harmful effects of the water.","Likewise, at our dedication, we cannot get out of the world, but we can insulate ourselves from the harmful effects of the world by association with fellow Christians, reading God's Word, and faithful service to Jehovah.",1co 5:9-11;,Scott Rudolph,'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
"World, Brothers, Organization, Congregation,",Like Oasis in desert may be plenty of food such as olives.  Don't expect too much out of people.,Brothers may give you olives but don't expect them take pits out of them. Don't expect too much out of brothers,Ps. 133:1,John Denola,'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
"World, Business, Materialism, Survival, Pioneer,","The world of 'Big Business' is like a pyramid.  It has a B I G bottom, but a little top.","We can't all get to the top.  How much better to be content with the necessities, and serve Jehovah.  Exp: Brother in the lowest prison cell in Hiroshima, Japan.  He survived the blast.",Ps 119:105; Pr 22:6; 2 Ti 1:5;,Tim Quilliams,'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
"World, Career, Maxwell Friend, Conscience,","'I felt like a child that had gleefully rushed after a beautiful glittering soap bubble, and after his catching it the bubble burst.' Quote: Maxwell Friend.",Realizing a career as an actor would continue to have conflicts of conscience.,Jer. 20:9,"Apr 15, 1967 Wt Page 251, 252,",'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
"World, Career, Maxwell Friend, Conscience, Materialism, Pioneer,","'Eager to play a humble supporting role in being what the apostle Paul calls a 'theatrical spectacle to the world, both to angels and to men.'' Quote: Maxwell Friend.",Gave up materialistic desires and worldly aspirations as actor.,1 Cor. 4:9; Matt. 13:44;,"Apr 15, 1967 Wt Page 252,",'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
"World, Career, Maxwell Friend, Stumble, Materialism","'At times the thrilling ascent on God's Mountain has been very steep and hazardous.  True, I stumbled at times and got hurt.' Every change turned out for the better. Went through 'fire and water' with unfaithful brothers.",With the strong help of our merciful Mountain Guide I always got up again. Quote: Maxwell Friend.,Josh. 23:14; Ps. 92:12-15; Ps.66:12,"Apr 15, 1967 Wt Page 254, 255",'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
"World, Change, Death, Disaster, Materialism, Government, Kingdom,","Like actors on a stage, who enter from the wings to act their part and then swiftly disappear until the next scene.","The current form of world government is undergoing constant change Like a passing scene, the material goods and hard-earned possessions can be here today and gone tomorrow.  A flood, an earthquake, or other disaster can upend one's life in a flash.","1c 7:31, 35;","1993 Yb  Page 3, 4",'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
"World, Children, Sin,",Like a whirl-pool;,"If you get too close, it will pull you in.",2 Pet. 2:22;,Johnse Laymon,'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
"World, Children, Sin,","Like a woman who is sick and vomits; the neighbor comes in and gets some of the vomit on her finger, then smells of it, then taste it.  Why couldn't she just have asked what it was?",Some feel they have to experience the world. We do not have to taste the world to know what it is like. Ask those who have come out of it.,2 Pet. 2:22;,Johnse Laymon,'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
"World, Children, Sin, Survive, Exert, Busy,","Golfer swings at ball; misses, but almost demolishes an ant hill.  Swings again, and demolishes the other half of ant hill. One ant says to the other, 'If we want to survive, we had better get on the ball.'","If we want to survive, we had better 'get on the ball.'",Luke 13:24;,Johnse Laymon,Are You 'marked' For Survival?,34,,,
"World, Children, Sin, Survive, Exert, Busy,","Golfer swings at ball; misses, but almost demolishes an ant hill.  Swings again, and demolishes the other half of ant hill. One ant says to the other, 'If we want to survive, we had better get on the ball.'","If we want to survive, we had better 'get on the ball'",Luke 13:24;,Johnse Laymon,Are You 'marked' For Survival?,34,,,
"World, Christians,",To mix the two is like trying to mix oil with water.  It just cannot be done.,"Why not?  Because, as the apostle John tells us, 'the whole world is lying in the power of the wicked one.'  Christians cannot mix with the world.",1pe 4:4; 1 John 5:19; John 15:19; 1 John 2:15-17;,"Aug 15, 1970 Wt Page 495",'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
"World, Conscience, Blush, Embarrass,","'Man is the only animal that blushes, or has the need to.'  Quote: Mark Twain.","Due to the effects of sin, we have many reasons to be embarrassed.","Rom. 12:1, 2; 1 Cor. 6:9-11; 9:27; Titus 3:3;",Warren Satterfield,'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
"World, Cure, Protection, desensitized,",Aids destroys the immune system. What kills in most cases is almost any other disease that the body is no longer able to fight off. It could even be the common cold.,To become a victim of this world is even more critical than acquiring 'Aids.'  Even a short-term association with the world could infect us. Quickly our immune system breaks down and we become victims of this world as we cave into the world's ways.  Is it worth it?  The Christian congregation is Jehovah's provision for protection from this world.,"Rom 12:1,2;",J.K.,'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,1997/04/13,
"World, Danger, Devil, Satan",Brother Marrow told when young use to go on camping trips. Father warned them that not all creatures were friendly. One day they were chasing a frog and it jumped over a log and he followed.  He met one (had rattle snake rattler)  He separated himself very quickly.,"Satan is poisonous serpent. World is his domain.  We do not want be a part of any of Satan's  world.  Rattle snake warns.   Satan does not warn us, when we are getting dangerously close to his domain.","John 17:16, James 4:4, John 18:36,",Johnse Laymon - Mike Marrow,How To Protect Ourselves From Satan's Snares,115,,1994/01/25,
"World, Danger, System, Close,","There was a king ruler that was looking for a new chariot driver.  He interviewed three drivers, and asked them each ? How close can you come to the edge of the cliff at a full gallop and not fall over the edge?' the cliff had a 500 ft drop-off' The first driver said 'Sire, I can get within 3 cubits of the edge without going over.'  The second said 'Sire, I can come as close as 1 cubit and still not fall over the edge.'  The third said 'Sire, are your crazy? I am going to stay as far away from the edge of the cliff as I can'  The ruler used the third man as a driver.","We should not try to be close to the world, but stay as far away as we can.",John 15:19;,Peter Morgan,'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,1997/08/10,
"World, desensitized, Conscience,","When you first start working in a sewage treatment plant, you can't stand the smell.  After working there for some time you don't even notice. The world can de-desensitized.","In the same manner, the world has a desensitizing effect. The entertainment we choose, associations become second nature.","Rom. 12:1, 2; 1 Cor. 6:9-11; 9:27; Titus 3:3; Heb. 10:24, 25;",Warren Satterfield,'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
"World, Death, Sin, Life, Resurrection, Loyalty,",Today is the first day of the rest of the mess.,View of this system.,"Genesis. 1:27-31; Eccl. 9:5, 10; Ezek 18:4; Acts 17:31; 24:15;",Bobby Laymon,'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
"World, Destruction, Armageddon","Like a time bomb under our house, set to go off.  We do not have the skill to change it. Cannot get out of the house. We cannot literally get out of the world, but must be no part of.","This world's time bomb, set to go off in this generation.",1 John 2:17; John 17:16;,Johnse Laymon,'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
"World, Destruction, Exposure,","Water dripping on a large rock, will leave a trail in the rock.  Must not get to thinking, acting like the world.",Constant exposure to worldly things will influence more than you know.,1 John 2:17; John 17:16;,Johnse Laymon,'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
"World, Drugs, Music, Entertainment, Videos, Movies, Television,","When I was growing up, almost everyone kept 3 or 4 pigs in the back yard.  They had a big slop bucket, and everything went into that bucket.  Dish water, peanut hulls, rotten apples, banana peels, molded bread.  It was a disgusting mixture.  When it got nearly full, you would take it out toward the hog pen, and stop and mix a little hog food in with it.  You would start stirring all that garbage up and those pigs would start squealing.","The world takes a little garbage from music, some from videos, movies, television, add some drugs, tobacco and alcohol and mix it all up together and the young ones start squealing.  No matter how excited they get, it is just slop.  We must not be caught up in the garbage of this world.",2 Tim 2:22;1 John 2:15-17;,Johnse Laymon,Keep Clean From Worldly Defilements,98,,1998/10/26,
"World, End",When Titanic hit iceberg began to gradually sink,World has been sinking since 1914. Warning is being given,1 Pet. 4:7,John Denola,'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
"World, End, Armageddon, Tribulation,",Ship that is sinking?  Will you stay on or get off?,This world is now sinking.,1 John 2:17;,Bobby Laymon,'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
"World, End, Last Days,",Titanic has become a study as to how people react in times of crises. Many lifeboats left half empty because not believe ship could sink.,Many do not believe warning given to world.  Will we react and get on the only lifeboat.  Jehovah's Organization.,1 Pet. 4:7,John Denola  One Day Assembly,'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
"World, End, Last Days, Meeting",Not prepare meetings like not scraping off old paint from the house before repainting.,It will show up in your comments and action.,"Heb. 10:24,25",Johnse Laymon,'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
"World, End, Last Days, Meeting",Trying to save world is like painting over rust. Will show through. Also not prepare meetings.,"World is doomed.  Also if not prepare meetings like painting over rust, it shows through.","Heb. 10:24,25",John Denola  One Day Assembly,'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
"World, End, Last Days, Meeting",Would you want to be alone during crisis,We are living in time of crisis.  World is going down. Need to be at meetings.,"Heb. 10:24,25",John Denola  One Day Assembly,'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
"World, End, Last Days, Truth, Religion","Jesus likened religion to Broad road, and narrow road. Broad world is a toll road and it dead ends.",The toll you pay is your life.,"Mt. 7:13,14",John Denola  One Day Assembly,'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
"World, End, Truth, Religion, Hair, Music, Entertainment,",When one has been on desert long time may think see Oasis but just a mirage. No matter how much chase it is no benefit.,"Chasing the world is like chasing a mirage. With hair styles music, soap operas.","Col. 1:22,23",John Denola,'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
"World, Entertainment, Movies, Music, Satan, Devil,","'What's smarter, mice or rats?'  Take a count of opinions.  It is rats.  Because: if a mousetrap is introduced into a mouse's' environment, it will go right over to it, take the bait, and its family will jump on it too in an effort to get it loose and perhaps all get stuck.  A rat, however, will ignore everything new in its environment until it gets used to it, and only then it will go investigate it.  So to catch a rat, a trapper leaves the trap, then when the rat is used to it he baits it.  But introducing the bait (something new) into its environment causes the rat to ignore it all over again, until he gets used to it.  Then the trapper sets the trap and, after waiting for the rat to 'acclimatize' he catches the rat.","The point made is that Satan is catching people with this method today, by getting us used to an environment that is very bad, little by little--acclimatizing us to it so we get to thinking that what's in our environment (bad entertainment, immorality, etc.) is normal, and then!  He has us.  The speaker asked us to reflect on what we considered bad entertainment 20 or more years ago....",2 Cor 2:11,Steve Hashimuri,Resisting The Spirit Of The World,25,,1999/10/29,
"World, Faith, Kingdom, Materialism,",Bailing water out of a sinking ship with a teaspoon. If we are working for the perpetuation of this system of things we are not building on solid foundation.,"Investing money in system, is like paying lip service to God's kingdom, but giving our energetic support to the kingdoms of this world.",1 Jn 2:17; Jas. 4:4; Dan. 2:44; Matt. 7:24-27;,"Mar 15, 1989 Wt Page 15;  Apr 22, 1964 Aw Page 27;",'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
"World, Folly, Wisdom,","Law of libraries; There are no answers, only cross references.",World offers no real answers.,Eccl. 12:13;,Bobby Laymon,'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
"World, Freedom, Jehovah's Witnesses, Truth, Heart,","A man on life-giving oxygen;  He takes off his oxygen mask and smokes a cigarette. He knows the need for fresh air, but desires fleshly pleasure.","Do we cherish (hold dear, nurture, cling to) our Christian freedom?",Jer. 17:9; 1 Pet. 2:16; 2 Pet. 2:19; Prov. 4:20-22;,"Lovers Of Freedom District Assy. Mobile July 12-14, 1991",'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
"World, Freedom, Warnings, Truth, Heart,",A driver who ignores highway warnings; A sign says 'slippery when wet' with even a picture on it.  He has ignored it so many times with no bad consequences.  Slams on the brakes!  It is too late!,We cannot continue to ignore Jehovah's warnings.,Jer. 17:9; 1 Pet. 2:16; 2 Pet. 2:19; Prov. 4:20-22;,"Lovers Of Freedom District Assy. Mobile July 12-14, 1991",'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
"World, Freedom, Warnings, Truth, Heart,",Without God's laws we are like a ship without a rudder; an automobile without a steering wheel.,"Jehovah has given us laws for our benefit. When an inexperienced one listens to Jehovah he receives many benefits.  He gets wisdom, shrewdness, etc. Prov. 1:2-4;",Prov. 14:12; Jer. 17:9; 1 Pet. 2:16; 2 Pet. 2:19; Prov. 4:20-22;,"Lovers Of Freedom District Assy. Mobile July 12-14, 1991",'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
"World, Friends, Politics,",Would any sane man expect to travel east and west at the same time?  Or to be going up while going down? Or would he demand a bowl of soup that was both hot and cold? Of course not!,"Yet it is every bit as impossible to try to be friends of God and of this world, which is exactly what most professed Christians are trying.  Jesus made no such mistake when he was upon earth. Regarding himself and his followers he prayed: 'They are no part of the world just as I am no part of the world.'",John 17:16; 15:19.,W58 1/1 4-5,'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,1994/06/03,
"World, Glory, Kingdom, Life,","Stream flowing, sparkles, but flows on. Drops are thrown up and light pulled into. Really beautiful. Flashes like beautiful colors of the rainbow.",How fleeting the glory of the world is.,1 John 2:17;,Ted Posey,'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
"World, Godless, Appreciation, Honor,","'Instead of godless, let's invent a new word: less-God.  Less-God people want credit for believing ... while they keep Him in a box, letting Him out only on Sunday morning ...' Quote: Newspaper columnist","Every day we see people who go through life with no thought of God whatsoever.  Certainly, they give him no honor or thank him, 'life' that belongs to God; not bi'os, but zo-e' like zoo, zoology or the 'real life'.",Eph 4:18; Ro 1:21;,"Mar 1, 1993 Wt Page 11",'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
"World, Government, Tax",What if you hired someone and found that they were planning to use money you paid them on a prostitute?  Would you be right to withhold money just because you didn't agree with the way they were going to use it?,Money belongs to Caesar.  The government has the right to tax it.  Just because you don't agree with way it is being used does not cancel your debt.,"Rom. 13:1, 5,6",Johnse Laymon,Why Live By Bible Standards?,88,,1994/01/25,
"World, Greed, Advertisement, Lie, Wicked, Hypocrite,","Anything labeled 'NEW' and/or 'IMPROVED' isn't.  The label means the price went up.  The labels entitled 'ALL NEW', 'COMPLETELY NEW' 'GREAT NEW' means the price went way up!",Honesty in advertisement.,Matt. 23:13;,Bobby Laymon,'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
"World, Growth, Progress, Maturity,","Two seeds lay side by side in the fertile spring soil.  One wanted to grow.  The other was afraid to grow.  The first on put its roots down into the fertile soil, and began to grow upward.   A hen scratching around in the early spring ground for food found the waiting seed and promptly ate it.",Those of us who refuse to grow in Jehovah's organization...get swallowed up by the world.,Heb. 6:1,Bobby Laymon,Looking At Youths From Jehovah's Standpoint.,118,,"Feb 2, 2001",
"World, Hate, System, Bad,",'Mussolini made the trains run on time.'  (Regarding Benito Mussolini; Italian dictator 1922-1943 responsible for the death of millions of Jews & others),"Some would try to find good in anything, even the world. The world is so bad that it cannot be salvaged. We must not try to perpetuate this old system.",Ps. 97:10; 1 John 2:17; 1 John 5:19;,Bobby Laymon,'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
"World, Heart, Kingdom, Earth, Paradise,","'Remember the wife of Lot.' She became a pillar of salt. Do not be like Lot's wife:  Keep your eyes on what is ahead, on 'the real life' in God's righteous New World.",God saw where her heart was.  After she and her family escaped from Sodom she looked in a longing way at the things they had left behind.,Luke 17:32;,You Can Live Forever In Paradise On Earth. Page 253,'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
"World, Influence, Imitate,","As a speaker you look up at the ceiling for a few seconds.  You look at the audience, then glance up again at the ceiling.  Then ask the audience, 'How many looked up?'",We are all easily influenced.  We are all born imitators.  Who do we imitate?  We must be influenced for good and not for bad.,1 Cor 11:1;,Charles Francis [Denny],'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,1994/12/25,
"World, Influence, Resistance, Exert,",The only fish that swims downstream is a dead fish.,We must resist Satan's designs to take us down.,1 Tim. 5:8;,Bobby Laymon,How To Protect Ourselves From Satan's Snares,115,,"Feb 10, 2001",
"World, Inventions, Technology, Peace, Crime, Pollution, Science,","Modern man may boast that his inventions are wondrous--electrical devices, telecommunications, video, the automobile, jet travel, and computerized technology.  These have turned the world into one neighborhood!","But what a neighborhood!  Instead of peace, plenty for all, man is plagued by murderous wars, crime, terrorism, pollution, disease and poverty.  The rich grow richer, and the poor poorer.",Eccl 5:8; 2 Ti 3:1; Mt 24:9-13;,"Dec 15, 1992 Wt Page 8",Does Your Hope Rest On Science Or The Bible?,80,,,
"World, Kingdom","Lame Duck President. (Becomes that when new one elected) Kingdom of the 'son of his love.' President elected 2nd Tuesday of November, inaugurated Jan. 20 of following year. Begins selecting cabinet members immediately.",Can expect nations to accomplish little since 1914,Rev 11:18,Bobby Laymon,The Kingdom Of God Is Near,109,,,
"World, Last Days, Foundation, Environment, 1914,","If you were going to build a new house, would you select a neighborhood of crime and violence?  Further, would you fill the basement with all kinds of explosives?","The world's environment since 1914 has been one surrounded by violence, with explosive foundations, distrust.  What are you building on?",Re 12:12; 2 Tim 3:1-5; 1j 2:17;,Daniel Myers,Be Confident Of Divine Victory!,39,,,
"World, Law,","Berlin wall (see 65 Awake!)150 each day tried escape, guard dogs Some there were becoming enslaved all over again.","If you made it would you want to return, or rebuild.  Some after escaping from the world, want to reenter it.  Some released from under the law wanted back under it.","Gal Chap 3, 4",Bobby Laymon,How To Express Love In A Lawless World,112,,,
"World, Materialism, Joy, Self, Worship,",How many have tried to ride a dead horse?  (show of hands)  The horse is dead.  It stinks!  You can beat it and get nowhere.,"You may be riding a dead horse and not know it.  The world is dead.  It stinks!  It is rotten!  No matter how hard we try, we will never get anywhere in this system.",Lk 12:15; 1j 2:15-17;,Al Larue,Serve Jehovah With A Joyful Heart,78,,,
"World, Mirage, Happiness, Joy, Disappointment,","The children were blowing bubbles.  A little boy was running after them. In the sunlight, the bubbles were very beautiful, reflecting the light in a million colors.  He was amazed by their beauty, but when he touched them, they would burst.  After some time trying to catch them, he said, a little disappointed: 'They're empty!'","The world is like that.  Colorful, bright, beautiful to the eyes--and empty.",1 John 2:15-17;,Bobby Laymon,'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,"Feb 2, 2001",
"World, New Personality, Change,","Once cocoon has turned into beautiful butterfly, would he want to become a cocoon again.",Once one has put on new personality would never want to go back to old ways.  Would be like butterfly becoming cocoon again.,2 Pet 2:20-21,Bob Sales C.O.,'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
"World, No Part, Separate, Different,","Bottle of ink in ocean.  In ocean, but no part of. What would happen if ink became part of ocean? Very difficult to separate.","We are in World, but must be no part of.","John 17: 15, 16   1 Jo 2:15-17",Robert Schwarze,'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
"World, Old Order, System, Paradise, Hope, Faith, Pioneer,","The present order is like an old building whose foundations, supports and beams are all seriously fractured, decayed or corroded. Men may add lots of fresh paint or fancy decorations and new furniture, but nothing can give the rotted structure the strength it needs to remain standing for long.","No matter how much men may try to cover up and 'plaster over' the serious divisions that lie deep within human society as it is now structured, they cannot prevent the consequences pointed to in Jesus' words: 'A house divided against itself falls.'-Luke 11:17.",Luke 11:17;,W73 6/15 360,'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,1994/07/07,
"World, Organization, Youth, Local Needs, Content, Provisions,","This is one of my favorite illustrations that I use with the youths on occasion, especially with those that grew up with the protection of the truth. Often they fall prey to what they feel they are missing by being in Jehovah's care. This illustration helps us all see the importance of keeping close to the warmth of Jehovah's organization despite worldly temptations.  Imagine yourself in a nice warm home looking out the picture window.  (The warm home pictures Jah's organization, the loving congregation, & His principles and protective way of life.) Inside this loving home it is cozy, safe, and warm. The fire is always going (likened to spiritual food at the right time & warm association that keeps us properly encouraged/sheltered from the world). But as you gaze out that picture window (in effect, looking at what the world has to offer, distracted from what is truly important) you notice it is snowing outside, quite a bit, everything is covered in the stuff, light glistening off the snow... and it looks like fun (worldly temptations).  The other kids are sledding, throwing snowballs, making snowmen, and snow forts (yet more worldly temptations abound). Boy, does it really look like a lot of fun! (And this is one of Satan's biggest tricks...making all that is wrong look right by making it appear like fun... but boy is there a price to pay!)  You watch out that picture window until you can't take it anymore (improper thoughts, become fertile, giving way to sin)... you just have to go out in the snow and try it. You bundle up and head outside. You sled, maybe even make a snowman and throw snowballs. Sure, maybe you're having fun, but as the day wears on (coming of the end of the system is close, like the end of the day) you realize being outside is not that much fun anymore. Why? Well, someone hit you in the side of the face with a snowball. (That hurts. Play in the world...  you get hurt.) And some snow got past your scarf and down your neck. Your feet are numb, water sloshing around in your boots. Your hands are like icicle inside your soggy gloves. Your face and lips are chapped... your nose is running... feels like a cold coming on. (Spiritual armor is breaking down...  you've been away too long and too exposed to the world.) You realize that the warmth you had is missing. Why? Because you're cold... chilled to the bone...  and wet and you are outside of that warm house, looking in. Is it possible you could get back in that house again and get the warmth back? How is it that everyone outside still seems to be having fun? (They're probably callous...  after all, they've been in the world and don't know any better.) Hopefully you haven't stayed outside too long! (Damage like frostbite could be likened to the damage to our conscience. Sometimes, it is hard to reverse the damage done by the cold... same is true of sins. Even if forgiven by Jehovah, you do not forget!) You've been out in the cold for a while.  Will the people in the house let you back in? Certainly not in those wet messy clothes! You need their help (need to ask for their help) to get those clothes off and get warm again. (Parallel with repentantly admitting the wrong doing prayerfully to Jehovah, approach the elders especially if serious wrong doing is involved, and getting the necessary and appropriate counsel and encouragement from the elders to get back on spiritual track.) Of course, this illustration has multiple applications. By sticking to Bible standards (and staying inside the house, avoid looking out that window!), an  individual can save themselves from experiencing all of the problems (the cold of this world and all associated with it) in the first place.","Keep Warm, Avoid Frostbite!",1 John 2:15-17;,Steve Hashimura,Resisting The Spirit Of The World,25,,1999/02/15,
"World, Popular,","Would you win a Popularity Contest?  Do you want to be popular? What would have happened to Noah if he had thought more of public opinion than of God's opinion?  Lot? Would he have survived destruction. Jesus said, John 15:19 'world hates you.'",Public is fickle; Jehovah God is unchanging.,Ps. 5:12; Luke 6:26,"Nov 22, 1958 Aw Page 3, 4",'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
"World, Problems, Satan, Environment,",'A fish out of water.'  Do you feel like that?,"We are out of our environment.  We are in Satan's world,  A fish must be rescued if he continues to live.  Jehovah's hand is there to help us.",1 Tim. 4:1; 2 Thess. 2:2;,Samuel  Herd - Bethel Speaker,How To Protect Ourselves From Satan's Snares,115,,1998/09/22,6/28/2018
"World, Reenter, Sin, Fall Away, Recreation,","I have never had children, but I understand that one thing babies do is they dirty their diaper.  How does the parent know when the diaper is soiled?  Phwee!  You can tell by the aroma.  Also, some parents can tell simply by the way they move.  Now imagine you are changing the diaper and you peel it off, it is so full.  You clean up the child, and then reapply the same diaper you peeled off.  Would you do that to a child?","You would never do that to a child.  But, do we do it to ourselves by going back into the world.  We reapply that nasty diaper we have peeled off to ourselves.  Do you think no one knows?  They can tell by the aroma.  They can tell by the way we move.  Apply to: excessive recreation, etc.",2 Cor. 7:1;,"Gary Wells, D. O.",Keep Clean From Worldly Defilements,98,,"Apr 25, 2002",
"World, Resisting,",Two circular magnets on a pencil.  Show how they resist each other.  Turn them over later and show how they attract each other.,"Do you resist the spirit of the world, or attracted by it? If we have the spirit of the world, we cannot have God's spirit, because they are opposed to each other.",1c 2:12; Ga 5:19-21;,Scott Rudolph,Resisting The Spirit Of The World,25,,,
"World, Satan, Demons, Wicked,","Wolf & the Crane Wolf got bone caught in throat, and asked crane to remove for money.  She did, he laughed; 'Just be glad you got your head out of a wolf's mouth safe and sound.","Deal with nasty people, don't expect too much.",1 Pet. 5:8; 1 John 5:19;,Aesop's Fables,'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
"World, Satan, Sin,","Excited young man came into doctor's office. Had been treating small blemish with salve. Seemed to get better, then break out again. Doctor found he had an incurable disease.","The World is treating symptoms, not the disease.",1 John 2:17;,Johnse Laymon,The Only Cure For Sick Mankind,62,,,
"World, Science, Technology, Integrity, Loyalty, Pioneer, Contributions,","'We will 'borrow its goods, but not its gods'. Quote: From Watchtower.","Yes, we will use the inventions of this modern world to facilitate the preaching work, but will not copy its spirit, its motives, its selfishness and greed, its disregard of God's Word and deification of its own wisdom.",Mt 15:14; Mt 10:8;,"Nov 1, 1954 Wt Page 656",Does Your Hope Rest On Science Or The Bible?,80,,,
"World, Separate, Diamonds","A method once used to separate the diamonds involved mixing the ore with water and flowing the mixture over tables of grease. Diamonds are water-repellent, and they stuck to the grease while the unwanted material was washed away. At this stage the diamonds were rough. However, when cut and  polished, they reflected light in all directions.","Like water-repellent diamonds that are no part of the matter around them, Jehovah's people have been separated from the world.  When first drawn to the light, they may have lacked luster. But Jehovah's Word and spirit create within them a new personality, and they shine as illuminators in this world. It is because of Jehovah's righteousness that they are set on high and reflect the glorious light of Kingdom truth in all directions, not because of their own righteousness.",John 17:16,"Dec 15, 1995 Wt Page 27",Christian Separateness From The World--why Beneficial.,119,,1998/02/25,
"World, Separateness, Beneficial, Flu,","In 1918, The world caught the flu.  Around 500,000,000 persons went to bed sick.  In just a few months, over 20,000,000 to 40,000,000 of them died. Just think of that!  Spain,  then China and in the United States.  In Philadelphia, the dead were piled three and four deep in the corridors and rooms.  Railway repair shop was converted into a coffin factory.  Central African, villages of 300 to 500 families wiped out by the flu.  In Northern Persia in village after village there were no survivors. Eskimo villages in Alaska were wiped out to the last man and child. To the islands of the Pacific it went. In Tahiti, where 4,500 persons died in fifteen days, bodies were piled upon constantly burning pyres.  Western Samoa 7,500 out of a population of 38,000 perished from the plague.  At least a fifth of the human race endured the aches and fevers of flu.'  'In all history there had been no sterner, swifter visitation of death,' says 'Science Digest' of the 1918 Spanish influenza epidemic.  'In about four months' it had killed more than the four years of war.   'without parallel in the history of disease.'  In one year it killed more people than the bubonic plague, or Black Death.  It is believed that only two places on earth escaped the worldwide epidemic: St. Helena, an island of less than fifty square miles in the South Atlantic, and Mauritius, a small island in the Indian Ocean.  Their being separate from the rest of the world was a real protection during the greatest pestilence of human history.","Today the world is sicker than ever before.  To avoid being infected along with it, we must keep our distance, just as these remote islands were separate from the other nations.  Their being separate was a protection for them.  Likewise, our being separate from the world is beneficial.",John 17:16;,Joe Laymon; Bobby Laymon,Christian Separateness From The World--why Beneficial.,119,,1998/02/14,
"World, Sin, Bible, Sickness, Death, Disease,",As a precision piece of machinery will develop flaws and deteriorate if it is not operated according to the manufacturer's specification.  A perfect piece of machinery cannot be produced from imperfect mold.,Problems of breaking laws of man's Maker.  Adam & Eve could not produce perfect offspring.,Job 14:4; Rom. 5:12; Ps. 146:4;,"Jun 1, 1964 Wt Page 327",The Only Cure For Sick Mankind,62,,,
"World, Soundness, Mind, Vigilant,","Titanic; thought unsinkable. Those on board were SANE, but didn't have SOUNDNESS OF MIND. Most continued to dance. Satan wants us to do same.",Many think the world is unsinkable.,Titus 2:12; 1 Cor. 2:10-13,"Larry Punko, C.O. Oct 21, 1990",'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
"World, Struggle, Employment, System, Cities, Problems, Decisions,","'O, how full of briers is this working-day world!' Quote: William Shakespeare.","Today, as in Jesus' day, the world is a struggle.  Jesus knew that he had to struggle to be no part of the world alienated from God.  He pointed out that what he had accomplished was a victory.  His words prove that we will have to struggle, but we can be victorious too.",John 16:33;,Bobby Laymon,'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,1995/07/10,
"World, System,","Sailors are in a boat.  Although they are on the sea, they are not in contact with the water.","Disciples are like sailors.  We are in the world, but no part of it.  If things get a little rough, do we want to jump ship?  If so, we would lose all our protection, just like a sailor falling into the open sea.  We would be drowned by the world's influence.",John 15:19; 17:14-16;,Charles Francis [Denny],'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,1994/12/25,
"World, System, Courage,","Like a magnet with a powerfully attractive force, this world draws more and more into its orbit.",It takes great courage and endurance to resist its influence.,John 15:19; 1 Cor. 15:33; 1 Th 5:17; 1 Cor. 16:13;,"Jul 15, 1964 Wt Page 428",'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
"World, System, Earth, Paradise,",'Too old to change now.'  Have you heard that expression? A great change is due in our generation.  A change that will affect you.,Some feel that this world is too old -- that man's affairs have gone on so long that conditions can never really change.,Ps. 37:9-11; Rev. 21:1-5; Isa. 65:17;,"Jun 22, 1967 Aw Page 31",'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
"World, System, Kingdom,","Would you be painting a boat that is already 2/3 under water? There is 1/3 out of the water, and some would say it is not sinking.",Satan's system is sinking.  Why invest in this world when it is plain that it is already going down.,2ti 3:1-5; 1 John 2:15-17;,Ben Boettcher,The Kingdom Of God Is Near,109,,,
"World, System, Last Days, Armageddon, Friendship, Pioneer,","What would we think of a person who learns that the municipality in which he lives has condemned a building and is going to construct a highway after a demolition, but the individual buys the building, paints it, decorates it, makes it beautiful and spends a great deal of time in the repair work? Then the municipality comes along and destroys the building.","The individual working on that building would be considered foolish. But this is the kind of thing a person does who begins to devote all his time to worldly activities and fails to maintain his ministry. He may believe he is doing something constructive in his community, building up something good, but what is he building on? If he is building on the old-world foundation he is working on a structure that is condemned to early demolition.",1 Jo 2:15-17;,W61 6/1 338,'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,1994/07/07,
"World, Truth,","Narrow road, wide road",The narrow way found only by a few.,Matt. 7:13;,Bobby Laymon,'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
"World, Wicked, Satan, Demons,","A WOLF who had a bone stuck in his throat hired a Crane, for a  large sum, to put her head into his mouth and draw out the bone.  When the Crane had extracted the bone and demanded the promised  payment, the Wolf, grinning and grinding his teeth, exclaimed:  'Why, you have surely already had a sufficient recompense, in having been permitted to draw out your head in safety from the mouth and jaws of a wolf.'","Moral: 'In serving the wicked, expect no reward, and be thankful if you escape injury for your pains.'  We cannot expect any real reward from serving the world.  Be thankful that we can separate ourselves from it.",1 John 2:15-17;,Aesop's Fables - Bobby Laymon,'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,1994/05/15,
"World, Youth,","It's like rowing a boat on a turbulent sea.  You are in the water and surrounded by water, but to stay alive you try to keep as much of it as possible out of your boat!","Similarly, youths among Jehovah's Witnesses strive to keep the world's ungodliness from seeping into their lives.  This is not always easy.","J15:19; Exodus 20:4, 5; Lk 4:8; Is 2:4; Lk 10:27;","Jun 22, 1992 Aw Page 15",'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
"World, Youth, System, Hate, Bad, Movies","Notice large glob of vomit on street. Still hungry, but that is repulsive.  Keep looking at it and say, 'there's still some good chunks in it.' We can go too far in trying to see good in everything.",Some will try to see good in world. Must hate what is bad.,Ps. 97:10; 1 John 5:19;,Bobby Laymon,'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
World-generation Of Darkness,"Miners-get used to darkness, can't stand the light.  Satan's goal: keep world in darkness.  Luke 11:35: 'Perhaps the light in you is darkness'.","Involved in immorality, perversions, dishonesty.","Eph 6:11, 12  1 Cor 4:4  Zeph 1:14-18  Prov 3:1-5",Bob Hartman Assy Public Talk  1982,'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
World;,"'In the fight between you and the world, back the world.'  Quote:  Franz Kafka.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
World;,"'Our country is the world, our countrymen are mankind.' Quote:  William Lloyd Garrison",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
World;,'Our world is merely a practical joke of God.'  Quote:  Franz Austrian.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
World;,"'Sic transit Gloria mundi - Oh, how swiftly the glory of the world passes away!' Quote: Thomas Kempis",,,Jk Quotes;,Christian Separateness From The World--why Beneficial.,119,,,
World;,'Struggle has made mankind great.'  Quote:  Adolf Hitler.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
World;,'The end of the human race will be that it will eventually die of civilization.'  Quote:  Rwe.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
World;,'The world is ruled only by considerations of advantage.'  Quote:  Jon Von Schiller.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
World;,'The world wants to be deceived.'  Quote:  Sebastian Bryant.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
World;,'We can only change the world by changing men.'  Quote:  Charles Wells.,,,Jk Quotes;,Christian Separateness From The World--why Beneficial.,119,,,
World;,"Don't get involved in the rat race;, because even if you win, you're still a rat.",,,Jk Quotes;,Christian Separateness From The World--why Beneficial.,119,,,
World; Adventure; Beauty;,"We live in a wonderful world that is full of beauty, charm and adventure.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
World; Bible Prophecy; Future; Frustration;,Perplexed as a 'woodpecker in a petrified forest.'   Bible takes away frustration.,Frustration & disappointment of future.,Luke 21:28-35,"Feb 22, 1961 Aw Page 5-8",'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
World; Earth; Stubborn; Destruction; Collision;,"This world-not the planet Earth but the masses of mankind-goes stubbornly, blindly, on the road that can lead only to destruction.","Its course can only lead to a disastrous collision with God's heaven-powered government. Yet the majority prefer to ignore the foretold signs, minimize the dangers, and shut their ears to the warning now being sounded earth wide by those placing their full hope in God's promises. What, though, will you do?","Isa. 25:7, 8; Ps. 72:4-16",G73 10/8 29,How The Kingdom Of God Affects You,42,,1999/01/22,
World; Last Days; Armageddon;,Powder keg with burning fuse quickly nearing its end.,Any minute a war could start by accident.,"Rev. 11:18; Prov. 23:17, 18","Jul 8, 1961 Aw Page 5",'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
World; Wickedness;,'Believe everything you hear about the world; nothing is too impossibly bad.'  Quote:  Horne De Honoree.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Worldly Authorities Support,"Man traveling with a Lion.  Each was boasting, stone carving, with man killing a lion.  Presented as proof Lion said, 'If lions could carve stones, you would see all the lions winning.'",Boastful people often support their claims with questionable evidence.,1 John 5:19,Aesop's Fables,Respect For Authority Is A Safeguard For You,12,,,
"Worldly Influence,",WORLDLY INFLUENCE:  World can be like a light to a moth.,The very thing it wants so badly will also kill it.,1 John 5:19;,Bobby Laymon,'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,"Feb 10, 2001",
Worldly System,The reason is that the present system that perpetuates conditions that produce homeless children cannot be fixed. It is like a broken-down car that is beyond repair.,"Happily, though, a change is possible-but not by human hands. Only Almighty God has the capability and the wisdom to eliminate entirely what is hurtful on earth.  Jehovah will eliminate entirely what is hurtful on earth",Dan 2:44,"Jan 8, 1990 Awake! P. 9",'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
Worry,Worry is like treadmill.,It wears you but you don't get anywhere.,,Johnse Laymon,,,,,
Worry,Worry is like treadmill.,It wears you but you don't get any where.,,Johnse Laymon,,,,,
"Worry, Anxiety, Balance, Adjustment,","Heaven's way is indeed like the bending of a bow. When the string is high, bring it down. When it is low, raise it up.  When it is excessive, reduce it. When it is insufficient supplement it.",We need to be continually be readjusted.,Gal. 6:1; Ps. 55:22; Jas. 1:12; Rom. 15:2; 1 Th 5:14; Isa. 41:,Bobby Laymon (wisdom Of The Ages..Quotes),Gaining Comfort In All Our Tribulations,105,,,
"Worry, Anxiety, Frustration, Kingdom,",Death is nature's way of telling you to slow down.,Can be a result of living too fast.,"Matt. 6:33; Eccl. 9:5, 10; Ezek 18:4; Acts 17:31; 24:15;",Bobby Laymon,The Kingdom Of God Is Near,109,,,
"Worry, Anxiety, Future, Action, Pioneering, Missionary, Gilead,","'What Jesus forbids is, not wise thought for the future, but unwise worrying about it.'  Quote Daniel Sydlik.","'Action is one of the best cures for anxiety.  When we get anxious, it is good for us to start talking about the truth.'",Matt. 6:34; Luke 14:38;,"Dec 1, 1998 Wt Page 24",Coping With Life's Anxieties,32,,1998/12/11,
"Worry, Anxiety, Problems, Persecution, Trouble, Fear, Danger, Doubt",Don't cross your bridges until you get to them.,Don't worry about needless things.,"2 Cor. 11:26; 2 Tim. 3:12; Heb. 13:6; Jas. 1: 6, 7;rev. 2:10;",Bobby Laymon,Bearing Up Under Persecution,57,,,
"Worry, Anxiety, Stress,",Thirty minutes of worry use as much energy as eight hours of hard work.,We will live longer and feel better if we worry less.,"Ps. 55:22; Jas. 1:12; Rom. 15:2; 1 Th5:14; Isa. 41:10,13",Bobby Laymon,Gaining Comfort In All Our Tribulations,105,,,
"Worry, Anxiety, Stress, Depression, Isolation, Problems, Perspective,","When we worry, our house may become full of mirrors in which we continually look to see what a difficult time we are having.","When we are worrying about something, are we also inclined to be withdrawn from those around us? This is a natural reaction, but it should not be allowed to go on very long. Otherwise, the danger exists that, absorbed as we are with our problems, we will begin to find everyone around us troublesome.",Prov. 18:1;,W83 3/1 5-6,Gaining Comfort In All Our Tribulations,105,,1994/09/13,
"Worry, Anxiety, Stress, Health, Depression, Groaning,","A broken phonograph record, played over and over. When you do this do you realize what you are doing? You are ruining your health. 50/50 chance if you are ill that you are ill with E.I.I.","Worries played over and over in the back of your mind. (Emotionally induced illness) Experience: Note paid off in full, sickness ended.",Matt. 6:34; 1 Pet. 5:7;,"Jun 22, 1964 Aw Page 3;",Gaining Comfort In All Our Tribulations,105,,,
"Worry, Mistakes, Paradise, Future, Goal, Prize, Kindness, Depression,",Do not worry. Worry makes wrinkles (a beauty hint); 'a raisin is a worried grape.' Today is the tomorrow you worried about yesterday. Live one day at a time. Be cheerful; a depressed soul cannot express kindness to others.  Quote: Maxwell Friend.,"He observed that the best husband, the loveliest wife, the happiest family, the coziest home, etc., have not yet been seen, but will be in the new world. So there is no sense in looking back with regrets or spirit of frustration. Do not relive past blunders.",Rev 21:1-5;,W55 5/1 270,Follow The Course Of Hospitality,77,,1994/07/10,
"Worry, Stress, Anxiety,","The Scriptures frequently liken the life-span of humans to a journey, using expressions such as 'the way of sinners' and 'the path of uprightness.' (Ps. 1:1; 27:11)","Anxiety about daily needs cannot extend one's life even by a fraction, 'one cubit,' so to speak. Rather than benefiting people, undue worry can damage health and even shorten life.",Matt. 6:27,W78 10/1 25,Gaining Comfort In All Our Tribulations,105,,1994/05/07,
Worry;,"'A big worry drives out a small one, and since there's always a still bigger worry coming along, you have nothing to worry about.'  Quote:  Dublin Opinion.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Worry;,'Blessed is the person who is too busy to worry in the daytime and too sleepy to worry at night.'  Quote:  Leo Aikman.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Worry;,'Do not climb the hill until you get to it.'  Quote:  English.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Worry;,'For peace of mind I resign as general manager of the universe.'  Quote:  L. Eisenberg.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Worry;,'God never built a Christian strong enough to carry today's duties and tomorrow's anxieties piled on top of them.' Quote:  Theodore Culler,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Worry;,'How much have cost us the evils that never happen.' Quote: Tj,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Worry;,"'If you spend your whole day waiting for the storm, you'll never enjoy the sunshine.'  Quote:  M. West.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Worry;,"'Light cares speak, great ones are dumb.'  Quote:  Latin.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Worry;,"'Never bear more than one kind of trouble at a time. Some people bear all three; they have had, all they have now and all they expect to have.'  Quote:  Edward Hale.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Worry;,'Never hurry and never worry.'  Quote:  E. B. White.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Worry;,'Taint worth while to wear a day all out before it comes.'  Quote:  Sara Jewet.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Worry;,"'That's how life works. When you succeed in one thing, you find a whole new set of things to worry about.'  Quote:  Cathy Guswaite.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Worry;,'The reason why worry kills more people than work is that more people than work.'  Quote:  R. Frost.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Worry;,"'There is no use worrying about things over which you have no control, and if you have control, you can do something about them instead of worrying.' Quote:  Stanley Ellyn",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Worry;,"'To a weary horse, his own tail is a burden.'  Quote:  Czech.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Worry;,'Troubles are like babies; they only grow by nursing.'  Quote:  Jerrold.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Worry;,'What we anticipate seldom occurs; what we least expected generally happens.'  Quote:  Ben Disraeli.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Worry;,"'When we have done our best, we should wait the result in peace.'  Quote:  J. Lubbock.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Worry;,"'Worry affects the circulation, the heart, the glands, the whole nervous system. I have never know a man who died from overwork, but many who died from doubt.'  Quote:  Charles Mayo.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Worry;,'Worry amplifies a whisper into a shout.' Quote: W. A. Ward,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Worry;,'Worry often gives small thing a big shadow.' Quote:  Swedish,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Worry;,A day of worry is more exhausting than a week of work.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Worry;,Do not let what you cannot do interfere with what you an do.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Worry;,Don't tell me worry doesn't do any good. I know better. The things I worry about don't happen.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Worry;,"If some of the rest of the people don't start worrying soon, were going to quit too.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Worry;,"If you plant a tree, don't keep pulling it up by the root to see how its growing.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Worry;,Most worries are reruns.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Worry;,Nothing so bad that it might have been worse.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Worry;,"Of all the troubles great or small, the greatest are those that don't happen at all.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Worry;,"Things that never happen, worry us the most.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Worry;,Troubles are seldom as bad as the shadows they produce.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Worry;,Waste not fresh tears over old grieves.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Worry;,We experience moments absolutely free from worry. These brief respites are called panic.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Worry;,"Worry is like a rocking chair, it will give you something to do, but it won't get you anywhere.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Worry;,Worry is unbelief parading in disguise.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Worry;,"You can't change the past, but you can ruin a perfectly good present by worrying about the future.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Worry; Anxiety;,'A crust eaten in peace is better than  a banquet partaken in anxiety.'  Quote:  Aesop.,The Bible says it best.  'Better is a dish of vegetables where there is love than a   manger-fed bull and hatred along with it.'  'Better is a dry piece of bread with which there is quietness than a   house full of the sacrifices of quarreling.',Prov 15:17; 17:1;,Jk Quotes;,Follow The Way To Life,45,,,
Worry; Anxiety;,"'Do not anticipate trouble or worry about what may never happen, keep in the sunlight.'  Quote:  Bf.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Worry; Anxiety;,'Don't worry before it is time to do so.'  Quote:  Seneca.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Worry; Anxiety;,"'Drag you thoughts away from your troubles, by the ears, by the heels or any other way you can manage it. Its the healthiest thing a body can do.'  Quote:  Mark Twain.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Worry; Anxiety;,'God sends no more burdens than we can endure.' Quote:  Spanish Proverb.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Worry; Anxiety;,'He rises early that is to be hanged at noon.' Quote: Anonymous.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Worry; Anxiety;,'I have a new philosophy. I'm only going to dread one day at a time.'  Quote:  Charles Shultz.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Worry; Anxiety;,"'I'm an old man and have known a great many troubles, but most of them never happened.'  Quote:  Mark Twain.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Worry; Anxiety;,'If I knew what I was so anxious about I wouldn't be so anxious.'  Quote:  Mignon McLaughlin.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Worry; Anxiety;,"'If you see ten troubles coming down the road, you can be sure that nine will run into the ditch before they reach you..'  Quote:  Calvin Coolidge.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Worry; Anxiety;,"'It is not work that kills man but worry. Work is healthy, and you can hardly put more upon a man than he can bear, but worry is rust upon the blade. It is not the revolution that destroys the machinery, it is the friction.'  Quote:  Hwb.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Worry; Anxiety;,"'The bridges you cross before you come to them are over rivers that aren't there.  Quote: Gene Brown in Danbury, Conn., News-Times.",Worry and anxiety are often over situations that don't exist and will never happen.,Matt 6:25;,Bobby Laymon,Coping With Life's Anxieties,32,,1996/03/09,
Worry; Anxiety;,"'There is nothing that wastes the body like worry, and one who has any faith in God should be ashamed to worry about anything whatsoever.'  Quote:  M. Gandhi.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Worry; Anxiety;,'To carry care to bed is to sleep with a pack on your back.' Quote:  Thomas Halburton,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Worry; Anxiety;,"A centipede was happy quite until a frog, in fun, said, 'Pray, which leg comes after which?' This raised her mind to such a pitch she lay distracted in a ditch, considering how to run.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Worry; Anxiety;,Stop worrying about the potholes in the road and enjoy the journey.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Worry; Anxiety; Troubles;,'How much have cost us the evils that never happened!' Quote: Thomas Jefferson.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Worry; Anxiety; Troubles;,"'If you want to forget your troubles, wear tight shoes.' Quote: Anonymous.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Worry; Anxiety; Troubles;,'The misfortunes hardest to bear are these which never came.'  Quote:  James R. Lowell.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Worry; Fear;,"Never fear what will become of you, depend on no one.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Worry; Future;,'The mind that is anxious about the future is miserable.'  Quote: Anonymous.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Worry; Future; Calamity; Imagination; Positive; Negative;,'He who foresees calamities suffers them twice over.'  Quote:  Beilby Porteus.,We should look to the positive things in life.  Worry never helps.,Matt 6:27;,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Worry; Work; Activity;,'As a cure for worry work is better than whiskey.'  Quote:  Ralph Waldo Emerson.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Worship, Atheist, Know,","The person who sourly says, 'I do not worship anybody or anything!' is really a worshiper of himself.  He makes himself a human god, but due to his egotism he is unaware of that fact.","All persons are inclined to worship someone or something, even if it is one's own self.  It is good to know what one worships.",John 4:22;,"Nov 15, 1970 Wt Page 677",How Well Do You Know God?,1,,,
"Worship, Belief, Imitate, False,",Belief in a cruel God makes a cruel man. --Thomas Paine,"It is a fact that people become like the gods they worship.  Let us be like Jehovah, who is a God of love.",Ps 115:8;,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Worship, Faith, Bible,","'Daddy, What must I do to please you?' Would you think it logical if the father brushed the child aside without an answer.",Would not God be even more careful to show man how to please him?,"2 Tim. 3:16, 17;","Feb 1, 1964 Wt Page 69, 70",Paying Attention To The Prophetic Word,102,,,
"Worship, God, Choice, Decisions, World,","How many here like eating at a buffet?  You have a choice of about everything.  Salads, nuts, dressings, meat, vegetables, sweets, ice cream.  Sometimes it's hard to make a choice.","Satan has a buffet of things out there to detract from true worship.  He has all sorts of false religions, including worship of self, money, pride, sex, and power.  People can do all sorts of things to avoid worshiping Jehovah.","1 Jo 2:15-17; 2 Cor 4:3, 4;",Junior McMahan,Decide Now For Divine Rulership,37,,1994/11/28,
"Worship, God, Love, Good, Creation, Rain, Clouds, Drops, Weakness, Joy,","It is said that clouds hold over 100,000 tons of water.  What if drops of water fell from the sky the size of a car?","Jehovah took into account man's needs, weaknesses, and enjoyment when he created the earth and atmosphere.  He did not promise us everlasting life in a desert! No! But in a beautiful paradise earth!",Rom 1:20,Junior McMahan,Who Is Your God?,52,,1994/11/28,
"Worship, God, Love, Good, Smell, Hearing, Seeing, Eye, Nose, Creation,","Here's a little experiment.  You can take part if you want.  1. Hold your nose and take a deep breath.  What do you smell?  Nothing!  (This proves that man can live without the sense of smell.  But we enjoy the smell of flowers, food and other things.)  2.  Close your eyes.  What do you see?  Nothing!  (This proves that man can live without eye sight. We can live without the beautiful mountains, flowers, and scenery.)  3. Stop up your ears.  What do you hear?  Almost nothing! (This proves that man can live without hearing.  However, we enjoy a mockingbird singing its heart out, don't we.)",Jehovah is good.  He went beyond the necessary things to make life enjoyable for us.  Jehovah doesn't even have to talk to prove he exist and that he is a 'God of love!',Rom 1:20,Junior McMahan,Who Is Your God?,52,,1994/11/28,
"Worship, Honor, Praise, Religion,","If you wanted to show honor to a powerful ruler, likely you would be eager to serve him and do what would please him.","Surely, then, we want to please God.  Rather than please ourselves, we should make sure our religion pleases God.","John 4:23, 24;",Kl Page 45,A Clean People Honors Jehovah,14,,1995/06/15,
"Worship, Honor, Praise, Religion, Knowledge, Bible","If you knew that someone had deliberately poisoned your water supply, would you go on drinking from it.  Surely, you would take immediate action to find a source of safe, pure water.","Well, an accurate knowledge of God's Word equips us to identify true religion and to reject impurities that make worship unacceptable to God.",2 Cor 11:14;,Kl Page 47,What The Near Future Holds!,40,,1995/06/15,
"Worship, Idolatry, Honor, Name, Glory, Exalts, Humble, Idolatry","IDOLATRY - Whatever a man seeks, honors, or exalts more than God, this is the god of his idolatry. --William B. Ullathrone",,,Jk Quotes;,What Kind Of Name Are You Making With God?,55,,,
"Worship, Jehovah, Satan, Organization, Strict,",'There is no middle ground!'  There is just two sides; Jehovah's and the Devil's.  We must be 'one-sided.',"Some complain that Jehovah's requirements are too rigid, and Jehovah's Witnesses are too strict about their religion.  There are just two sides.  (See articles & Scriptures)","Mt 12:30; 1jn 5:19; Mt 7:13, 14; 2co 4:4;","Aug 22, 1970 Aw Page 5-8",Make Jehovah Your Confidence,70,,,
"Worship, Rats, Babylon, India,","Every day about 1000 worshipers and 70 tourists visit the Karni Mata temple in Deshnoke, India.  Why?  In that temple about 300 rats roam freely as devotees make their offerings to idols.  The rats 'are revered and their every need is tended to by doting worshippers.'  The temple priest and rats eat and drink from the same bowls as the rats.","Showing to what 'lows' Babylon the Great has sunk to in worship.  They think these are temple priests that have died, and have been reborn as rats.",Re 18:4,"Nov 8, 1993 Aw Page 29",Acquiring A Heart Of Wisdom,73,,,8/12/2015
"Worship, Religion, God,","The New Encyclopedia Britannica says: 'As far as scholars have discovered, there has never existed any people, anywhere, at any time, who were not in some sense religious.'",Human society today also needs divine guidance.,Jer 10:23;,"Jan 8, 1989 Aw Page 4;",Jehovah--the Grand Creator,101,,1994/03/22,
"Worship, Religion, God,","There are all kinds of 'isms' to worship.  There is Protestantism, Catholicism, Confucianism, Buddhism, Hinduism, atheism, animalism, agnosticism, and the list goes on.","However, you can add to that with others:  Meism, sportiesm, mallism, materialism.  (Add your own)","Matt 7:13, 14, 21-23;",Junior McMahan,Who Is Your God?,52,,1994/11/28,
"Worship, Requirements,",A well-known man offered you millions of dollars. A legitimate prize-giver. But you must follow the rules.  Would you be interested? Israel failed to do what Jehovah required.,"Jehovah is a 'prize-giver, but we must follow His rules.","Mic. 6:8 Matt. 7:21; Titus 1:16; Matt. 5:3; Jas. 2:19, 20.","David Perryman (Morrilton, Ar)  Mar 17, 1991 (at Searcy, Ar)",Are You Doing What God Requires Of You?,43,,,
"Worship, Search, Seek, Found,",Jehovah does not play 'Hide and Seek.'  Pages of History turning faster than man can read them. Acts 17:67 World events heading for climax.   Potential for millions more to find Jehovah.  Zeph. 3:8,"Jehovah will let himself be found, by those looking.",2 Chron. 15:2-4; Jas. 4:8  Prov. 1:23  29:26,"Apr 1, 1991 Wt Page 13; Pure Language Dist. Assy 1990 July 5-8",Keep Seeking God's Kingdom,44,,,
"Worship, Service, Preaching,","In shooting arrows, the center of the target is what you are aiming for.",The center of our target should be the worship of Jehovah.  It is what we should aim for.,"Ps 148:12, 13; Pr 22:6; 2ti 3:15;",William Osbeck (c.O.),How Should You Serve God?,58,,,
"Worship, Thirsting, Truth, Invitation,",(Show wedding invitation) I received this recently and it really made me happy. An invitation to share in someone's marriage. (Contrast written and oral invitation),We have an even greater written invitation from Jehovah himself to join in a worldwide event.,Rev. 22:17;,"Billy Robinson   (sep 8, 1991) See Dec 1, 1967 Wt Pages 727-733","Come, You Who Thirst For The Truth!",89,,,
"Worship, Thirsting, Truth, Knowledge, Wisdom,","A college education cost about $50000. today, and a private college around $200,000. Also persons pay out vast sums to Babylon the Great for religious knowledge.","True spiritual knowledge is free.  Jehovah provides water, bread wine and milk without cost, spiritually speaking.","Isa. 55:1, 2,; Rev. 22:17;","Billy Robinson   (sep 8, 1991)","Come, You Who Thirst For The Truth!",89,,,
"Worship, Witnessing, Zeal, Dedication, Baptism, Christendom,",Christendom has its ice cream socials and chicken dinners.,"Their worship is therefore as cold as ice cream, and as dead as the chicken.","Prov 3:1, 2;",Mark Semen - Friends Of Peace District Convention.,Renewing The Spirit Of Self-sacrifice,69,,1996/06/12,
Worship; Praise;,"'Even the most humble plant, set up by nature or good fortune, will lift its head to the heavens.'  Quote:  M. Cervantes.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Writing, Mail, Friendship, Communication, Warmth, Brotherhood,","'What a wonderful thing is the mail, capable of conveying across continents a warm human handclasp.'  Quote: Ranjan Bakshi.",How good it is to hear from our brothers in other countries and their faith.,Prov 25:25;,Bobby Laymon - Reader's Digest,,,,1996/03/19,
"Writing, Memory, Forget,",'Your memory is what you forget with.'  Quote: A circuit overseer.,Write things down.  Otherwise we can forget them.,Exodus 34:1;,Jack Skaggs Comment On W96 2/1 Page 11.,,,,1996/03/13,
Wrong;,'Two wrongs do not make a right.'  Quote:  English proverb.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Wrong;,'We ought never to do wrong when people are looking.'  Quote:  Mark Twain.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Wrong; Deeds; Evil;,'There is nothing so  useless as doing efficiently that which should not be done at all.',,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Ww1, War, Last Days, 1914, End,","'The most colossal, murderous, mismanaged butchery that has ever taken place on earth.'  Quote: Writer Ernest Hemingway, regarding WWI.",Fulfilling Jesus' prophecy regarding 'nation will rise against nation.',Matt 24:7; Rev 6:4;,Kl Page 100,Will You Be A Survivor Of The 'last Days'?,2,,1995/06/16,
Yearbook,'Worldwide Family Reunion',"Applied to yearbook, bringing together friends and family in 212 countries.",Isa. 2:1-4,"Jan 1, 1991 Wt Page 32",What Does The Healing Of The Nations Accomplish?,111,,,
Yearbook,"Do you know a hundred Bible texts? Using blackboards and simple illustrated sermons, many of the villagers know over 100 Bible texts. We can learn from our 'Daily text'",Example of nightly teaching in New Guinea,Ps. 1:1-3,"Apr 1, 1961 Wt Page 207 (from 1961 Yearbook Of J.W.)",What Does The Healing Of The Nations Accomplish?,111,,,
Yesterday; Worry; Past;,'Don't let yesterday use up too much of today.' Quote:  Will Rogers,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Yield, Stubborn, Humility, Subjection, Empathy,","The business world has a saying, 'The customer is always right.' It may at times be galling to the salesman or even the sales clerk, but this policy is followed for the sake of making a sale or keeping goodwill.",Is it not equally practical wisdom for members of a family or a congregation to be willing to yield when no principle has to be sacrificed?,Ecc 3:1-8; Ge 13:5-12; 1pe 3:1-7; Ac 20:35;,"Jan 22, 1968 Aw Page 3, 4",Into The New Order Under Christ's Leadership,56,,,
"Yield, Stubborn, Humility, Subjection, Empathy,","There is a simile, 'as stubborn as a mule.'  But the mule can be excused.  Not only has it not been blessed with reasoning ability even as the rest of the brute creation are not, but it is a hybrid, (offspring of male donkey & mare) w/o power reproduction.",The Creator endowed man with the power to reason and that indicates that at times he would be willing to yield.  'a time to yield and a time not to yield.' Ecc 3:1-8;,Ecc 3:1-8; Ge 13:5-12; 1pe 3:1-7;,"Jan 22, 1968 Aw Page 3, 4",Into The New Order Under Christ's Leadership,56,,,
"Yoke, Kindness, Dedication, Baptism, Tired, Groaning,",Some yokes today as in Jesus' day are lined with soft cloth so that the yoke does not chafe the necks of the oxen.  They might be called 'kindly yokes' because they show consideration and love.,"The Christian yoke is kindly because the yoke of dedication is voluntary and because it is lined with the love of God and Christ. Everyone, without exception, rich, poor, educated, uneducated, with ability, w/o ability, one with strength, weak can avail.",Mt 11:29; Ps 55:22; Mt 22:36-40; Ro 1:17,"Oct 1, 1970 Wt Page 593","Living, Not For Self, But To Do God's Will",8,,,
"Yoke, Kindness, Dedication, Baptism, World, Tired, Groaning,","As a carpenter Jesus no doubt made yokes for oxen and collars for people.  Such collars were often tailor made to fit around peoples necks and shoulders, with which they carried water and other supplies.","The oxen's yoke was involuntary, but the yoke Jesus proposed was voluntary.  He invited people to take his yoke upon them and become his disciples.  (literally - get under his yoke with him)",Mt 11:29; Ps 55:22; Mt 22:36-40; Ro 1:17,"Oct 1, 1970 Wt Page 592",How To Express Love In A Lawless World,112,,,
"Yoke, Kindness, Load, Burden, System, World, Tired, Groaning,","Everywhere you go, you see people that are tired.  They come home tired, go to bed tired, get up tired, and go to work tired. Their faces are lined with circles of exhaustion and their bodies often bent to the shape of the heavy burdens they bear.","'All creation ' is 'groaning together and being in pain together,' because the whole world is lying in the power of the wicked one.",Ro 8:22; 1 John 5:19; Re 13:16-18;,"Oct 1, 1970 Wt Page 590",'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
Youth,"Balance: You're trying to fit in, but trying not to fit in Don't want other to think you are an 'oddball.' Proper balance is real struggle; leaves you feeling insecure.","Frustration of youth, maintaining Jehovah's laws.",John 17:16,"April 22, 1990 Awake  Page 26",How Can Youths Cope With Today's Crisis?,113,,,
Youth,"House=human body calamitous days, old age   house, body    keepers, arms & hands men of vital energy, legs;  grinding women, teeth; windows, eyes doors, mouth;   grasshopper, don't hop around;","Serve Jehovah while young silver cord, spinal cord;  Golden bowl, brain;   jar, heart;",Eccles 12:1-7,"June 15, 1984 Wt Page 12, 13",How Can Youths Cope With Today's Crisis?,113,,,
Youth,"Know sports statistics, tell all about favorite music group. Far more important than knowing who won a ball game or learning names of musicians whom people will soon forget.","How much do they know about God. Easy to learn if interested. Some have been disappointed when their hero contacts AIDS or becomes involved in drugs, etc.","Isa. 42:5, 9  46:9, 10; Amos 3:7","Aug 1, 1990 Page 12",How Can Youths Cope With Today's Crisis?,113,,,
Youth,Use a crook to catch a crook Who are special targets of Satan? How does he deceive them?,We cannot afford to become like Satan,2 Cor 2:11  Eph 2:11,Convention Talk 10-27-1984,How Can Youths Cope With Today's Crisis?,113,,,
Youth - Teenager - Child,'The main trouble with youth is that it's practically over by the time you realize you've got it',"Christian youths use your strength wisely, realize your strength.",Ecc.12:1,Johnse Laymon,How Can Youths Cope With Today's Crisis?,113,,,
Youth - Teenager - Child -parents,'If all the teenagers were adults and all the adults were teenagers we'd still have a juvenile delinquency problem.',Sometimes parents are worse then children.  This is seen in the advice they give their children and the way they react when elders talk to their children.,Eph. 6:4,Johnse Laymon,Parents--are You Building With Fire-resistant Materials?,104,,,
"Youth,","'YOUTH, enthusiasm, and tenderness are like the days of spring. Instead of complaining . . . of their brief duration, try to enjoy them.' Quote: 19th-century German poet.",Those words of advice to you younger ones echo those written thousands of years earlier in the Bible.,Ecc 11:9;,W89 11/1 10,,,,1996/01/06,
"Youth, Childhood, Growth, Experience, Maturity,","'Childhood is the one prison from which there's no escape, the one sentence from which there's no appeal.  We all serve our time.' Quote:  P.D. James.","Today's youth are especially facing a time of crisis.  Their future is in jeopardy.  We live in a crucial time, comparable to turning point for better or worse of very sick patient.","2 Ki. 20:1, 2;",Bobby Laymon,How Can Youths Cope With Today's Crisis?,113,,1995/06/27,
"Youth, Children,","As a tree falls, so shall it lie.  As a boy lives, so shall he die, As a boy dies, so shall it be. Throughout the long age of eternity.",Youth must be trained to avoid calamity.,Prov. 22:6,Artie Laymon. (one Of Her Poems She Recites),How Can Youths Cope With Today's Crisis?,113,,,
"Youth, Children, Discipline, Con Artist,","'Children are great con artists,' says a youth center administrator.","'They deny they want rules, but if you break down the con, you find otherwise. The bedrock is that they think reasonable rules are a sign of love.'",2 Tim 3:15;,W82 10/15 19,Responsibilities And Rewards Of Parenthood,29,,1995/01/23,
"Youth, Children, Parents,","Did you ever have to move and turn over your Bible study to someone else?  Later you learned that one was baptized, and faithfully serving Jehovah.  You feel great, don't you?  But suppose you turned it over to someone, and checked back in a few months, and the person says, 'I just haven't been able to get out and see them.'  How would you feel?","That is how Jehovah must feel when we don't take care of our children and teach them.  Our children are on a 'loan basis' to us, but they really belong to Jehovah.","Ro 2:21, 22;",Larry Kinkade,Parents--are You Building With Fire-resistant Materials?,104,,1994/01/02,
"Youth, Children, Sex, Fornication, Teaching,","The story is told of the mother with an uninformed 13-year-old pregnant daughter.  When asked if she had explained the 'facts of life' to her daughter, she replied, 'Oh, no, I thought she was too young for that.'",Children need to be talked to; trained; informed;,Deuteronomy. 6:4-9; Eph. 6:4;,"Feb 15, 1967 Wt Page 100",A Godly View Of Sex And Marriage,13,,,
"Youth, Children, Study,","Let a child choose his food, and what would he be eating? Candy, ice cream, cake, soda pop and suchlike.  Of course, no wise parent would permit his child to subsist on such a diet but would require him to eat what is best for him.  Wholesome food.",Should not parents apply the same rule to spiritual food.  A well planned spiritual meal is just as essential.,2ti 3:15;,"Feb 22, 1968 Aw Page 7",How Can Youths Cope With Today's Crisis?,113,,,
"Youth, Children, Teaching, Learn, Education,",'Everything that I know now I have known since the age of six or seven: the age of reason.' Quote: Eugene Ionesco.,"Youth is the ideal time to begin to serve Jehovah.  All should seek joy and satisfaction in spiritual activities.  Have you made a disciple? There is no greater joy.  Proficiency in ministry brings deep satisfaction.  Make God's work the main course, relaxation the dessert.","Ecc 11:9, 10;",Bobby Laymon,Lovers Of Pleasure Or Lovers Of God?,64,,1995/06/27,
"Youth, Children, Teenagers,",Alexander Hamilton fanned flames American Revolution in teens Mozart famous musician at 13 Napoleon officer French Army 16 Longfellow full fledged college Professor at 19 Alexander the Great general of army conquered world at 16 Andrew Jackson fought against the British when 14.,Youth who set heart toward serving Jehovah will go far.,Ecc.12:1,Johnse Laymon,How Can Youths Cope With Today's Crisis?,113,,,
"Youth, Children, Training, Example, Commercials, T.V. Television,","Even a well-trained athlete needs a coach. Average American watches 32,000 commercials yearly. Bands named after male & female genitals. Best defense is a good offense.","Parents must keep training children, even when they are doing well.  Pay attention to tone of voice, moods, etc.",2co 11:3; 2ti 2:22; Eph 6:1-3; Pr 1:8; 2ti 3:14-17,Light Bearers District Assembly,How Can Youths Cope With Today's Crisis?,113,,,
"Youth, Churchill,","While only 17 years of age, Michael Davey, on two occasions, was able to give an extensive witness to Winston Churchill, Britain leader during WWII.",Jehovah will open up opportunities today for youths to serve Him and speak in behalf of His name.,Ecc 12:1;,"Dec 22, 1993 Aw Page 22, 23",How Can Youths Cope With Today's Crisis?,113,,1993/11/30,
"Youth, Conduct,",'It is good to be a Christian and know it...','...It is better to be a Christian and show it.',Eph. 6:1-3,Bob Swingle,Looking At Youths From Jehovah's Standpoint.,118,,"Apr 16, 2001",
"Youth, Conduct, Associations,","It has been said that, 'Friends are like the buttons on an elevator.  They can take you up or take you down.'",When we associate with Jehovah's people there are more 'up' buttons than 'down.',1 Cor. 15:33;,Bob Swingle,Looking At Youths From Jehovah's Standpoint.,118,,"Apr 16, 2001",
"Youth, Confidence, Attitude,",'The old believe everything; the middle-aged suspect everything; the young know everything.'  Quote: Oscar Wilde (1856-1900),We must avoid a know-it-all attitude.,1ki 12:10-12;,Wisdom Of The Ages,Does Your Thinking Agree With God's?,53,,,
"Youth, Danger, World,","Ever observe playfulness of Dolphins? They endlessly jump in water, summersault, surf waves, seem to smile at you, sparkle in their eyes.  Seem to have endless supply of energy. To us as onlookers they have no worries, no enemies. But they do. Their chief enemy has been described as having the appetite of a hog, the cruelty of a wolf, the courage of a bulldog, and the most terrible jaws afloat. That is how one reference work described  killer whales.  Killer whales are able to swallow dolphins whole. In the stomach of one Killer whale was found the remains of 13 dolphins. A killer whale also eats fish, squid, seabirds, even sharks and octopus but its favorite, its specialty is the dolphin.  The killer whale does not know the meaning of fear. No one prays on the killer whale. In short: The whole sea lies in the power of the killer whale.","Our youths today can be compared to dolphins. To adult onlookers they have an endless supply of energy , a sparkle in their eyes , no worries no enemies. Yet they do have worries, and a real enemy. 1 Pet 5:8 describes the Chief Enemy of youths today.  Yes Satan feeds on all sorts, all ages, but his favorite, his specialty is the Youth.   In short: The whole world is lying in the power of this wicked one.",1 Pet. 5:8;,Bobby Laymon,Looking At Youths From Jehovah's Standpoint.,118,,1998/12/25,
"Youth, Direction, Advice, Bible, Guide, Problems, Wisdom,","If you were traveling to an unknown location, wouldn't you try to get directions from someone who had already been there?  The question is, To whom should you turn for help?",Accepting parental guidance may be the quickest route to mature adulthood.,"Pr 4:1, 2; Job 12:12; Pr 18:1; Ecc 1:9; Job 5:7;","Dec 8, 1993 Aw Page 15",How Can Youths Cope With Today's Crisis?,113,,1993/11/30,
"Youth, Elderly, Age, Death, Reminders, Creator, Body, Dying,","Ecclesiastes describes this 'wintertime' of life in symbolic language-as when the sun, moon and stars darken, and the clouds  of afflictions appear and increase a person's troubles.  This time of life is also here called 'the day when the keepers of the house tremble, and the men of vital energy have bent themselves, and the grinding women have quit working because they have become few, and the ladies seeing at the windows have found it dark; and the doors onto the street have been closed, . . . and the grasshopper drags itself along.'","Do you grasp the illustration? The figurative 'house' is the human body. Its 'keepers,' or guardians, are the arms and hands, which, in old age, tremble. The legs-'the men of vital energy'-  in old age are bent, having difficulty in supporting the body. The teeth-'the grinding women'-are unable any longer to perform their function. They 'have quit working because they have become few.'  What about an old person's eyes? These 'windows' of the body 'have found it dark' due to dimming eyesight. 'The doors' of the mouth no longer open much to give expression of what is in the house or body. Indeed, due to infirmity, an old person may resemble a grasshopper as he drags himself along.  Then, as death approaches, 'the silver cord is removed, and the golden bowl gets crushed, and the jar at the spring is broken.' The 'silver cord' evidently means the spinal cord and the 'golden bowl,' the brain. The 'jar' stands for the heart, which receives the life-bearing blood and circulates it through the body. Old age affects all of these. Finally, a person returns in death to the dust.-Ecclesiastes 11:9-12:7.",Ecc 12:1-7;,W84 6/15 12-13; W77 12/15 745-6,Appreciating Marvels Of God's Creation,114,,1994/05/09,
"Youth, Entertainment, Faith,","As a single drop of water, can over a period of time erode a solid rock...",Entertainment can erode our faith.,2co 6:14; 1co 15:33;,Gary Breaux (d.O.),How Can Youths Cope With Today's Crisis?,113,,,
"Youth, Entertainment, School, Preaching, Work, Service,","Even a schoolboy who lives on a farm has to head for home to do chores his father has given him to do.  While it may call for self-denial, it is a protection for us.","So it is with a Christian, his heavenly Father has given him work to do, and responsibilities.",Rom. 1:25; 1 John 2:15;,"Sep 1, 1964 Wt Page 538",Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,63,,,
"Youth, Entertainment, Vanity,","'YOUTH, enthusiasm, and tenderness are like the days of spring. Instead of complaining . . . of their brief duration, try to enjoy them.' So wrote a 19th-century German poet.","Those words of advice to you younger ones echo those written thousands of years earlier in the Bible book of Ecclesiastes: 'Rejoice, young man, in your youth, and let your heart do you good in the days of your young manhood [or, womanhood], and walk in the ways of your heart and in the things seen by your eyes.' (Ecclesiastes 11:9a) So Jehovah God does not necessarily take a negative view of  what appeals to youthful desires. He wants you to enjoy to the full the strength and vigor of your youth.",Ecc 11:9; Pro 20:29;,Bobby Laymon,How Can Youths Cope With Today's Crisis?,113,,1994/07/10,
"Youth, Example, Discipline, Anger, Self-control.",If you discipline in anger: 'You are teaching by example NOT to have self control.',Discipline should always be with self-control.,"Pr 22:24, 25;",Larry Kinkade,Parents--are You Building With Fire-resistant Materials?,104,,1994/01/02,
"Youth, Family, Morals, Children, Responsibility,","Healthy young plants show a vigor of growth, roots digging deep into soil, leaves reaching ever higher & higher; glory to God. As long as the roots continues to collect mineral-charged water, & sun shines, plant develops steadily to maturity, fruitfulness.","Youth can learn much from observation of a plant.  As soon as a stoppage in supply of nutrients, the plant is transformed into litter. Youth cut off from God, lack moral fiber.",Pro. 4:1; 1 Cor. 13:11; Pro. 7:5; 2 Tim. 2:22; 1 Cor. 6:18;,"Feb 1, 1968 Wt Page 86",Family Life That Warms The Heart,5,,,
"Youth, Future,","The good news or the bad news--which do you want to hear first?  When asked this question, many opt to absorb the bad news first in hopes that the good news will linger in the mind.","In examining what is happening to young people, we will consider first the present state, and then the good news.",2 Pet 3:13;,"Dec 1, 1997 Wt Page 3",How Can Youths Cope With Today's Crisis?,113,,1997/11/11,
"Youth, Gangs, Respect, Disobey,","Youth today has abandoned solitude in favor of pack-running, of predatory assembly, of great collectivities that bury, if they do not destroy, individuality. Into these mindless associations the young flock like cattle.","The fee they pay for initiation is abandonment of self and immersion in the herd . . . This innovation can yield no social gain. For it is in solitude that the works of hand, heart and mind are always conceived. In the crowd, herd or gang, it is a mass mind that operates-a mind without subtlety, without compassion, uncivilized.'",Prov 1:14-19;,W56 11/1 644,How Can Youths Cope With Today's Crisis?,113,,1995/01/27,
"Youth, Health, Spirituality,","It's been said that 'breakfast is the most important meal of the day.'  It is at breakfast that we get a lot of protein.  It gets us off and running.  The other meals, though not as high in protein, have other important vitamins and beta carotene.","Likewise, in youth, it is a time to serve Jehovah.  It sets a good pattern for the future.  However, like the other meals, we need to continue in good spiritual health.",Ecc 12:1;,Mike Hart,Keep Growing In Your Relationship With God,16,,1997/09/30,
"Youth, Immorality, Morals, Children,","Willingness to flee, is usually the mark of a coward. Joseph fled from Potiphar's wife. Lot and family fled from Sodom. Christian's fled Jerusalem.",'Flee from desires incidental to youth.' Takes courage to take a stand for the truth.,"2 Tim. 2:22; Genesis. 39:11, 12; 19:20; Matt. 24:16","Jun 15, 1963 Wt Page 361",How Can Youths Cope With Today's Crisis?,113,,,
"Youth, Indifference, Obedience, Disobedience, Family,","When the family auto is wrecked and the passengers are in the hospital, it is too late to obey what your father said about traffic rules. Youthful indifference will almost certainly lead to trouble.","When a young girl ignores parents, and learns she is going to be mother to illegitimate baby, it is too late. Apply to school, cooking, punctuality, being messy, disorderly.",Prov. 1:5,"Sep 22, 1964 Aw Page 5",Family Life That Warms The Heart,5,,,
"Youth, Life, Age; Childhood;",'Childhood sometimes does pay a second visit to man; youth never.'  Quote:  Anna Jameson.,We are only young once.  We should try to live in a way that does not bring regrets.,Ecclesiastes 12:1;,Jk Quotes;,Is This Life All There Is?,36,,,
"Youth, Life, Experience, Training, Parents, Eagle,","THE majestic eagle makes a good parent. She takes an interest in her young, protects and feeds them. While her babies are little, she  places food right in their mouths. As her young ones mature, she teaches them to feed themselves. But to survive they must learn to fly. So she makes her young ones exercise their wings by playing a jumping game. And when they are ready, the eagle 'stirs up its nest.' It lures and nudges the reluctant fledglings to the edge of the nest. Some eaglets bravely attempt to fly. Less courageous ones are unceremoniously shoved into the air! The mother, however, is ready to swoop under them and even 'carry them on her pinions'-only to drop them again until they learn to fly.","Tragically, many young adults are not at all ready for their 'flight' into life.  They must be trained, directed, and gently nudged sometimes.",Deuteronomy 32:11.,G83 2/8 9,Jehovah Is 'a Secure Height' For His People,151,,1995/06/05,
"Youth, Life, Prime,",'No young man ever thinks he shall die.' Quote: William Hazlitt. -1821-1822.,"Young and old often question and reject age-old goals of mankind  Wealth has contributed to anxieties, not always satisfying.",Ecclesiastes 2:4-11;,Bobby Laymon,Is This Life All There Is?,36,,1995/07/18,
"Youth, Life, Trials, Endurance, Persecution, Anxieties, Problems,","'Life is like a box of chocolates.  You never know what you are going to get!'  Quote: From movie, 'Forrest Gump.'  In that box are big rich pieces of chocolate, filled with nuts and caramel.  These are usually right up front in plain sight.  Also, in that box are some pieces that are bitter sweet.","Life is like that.  When you are young, you think everything is just fine, juicy and sweet.  However, sooner or later, you will find that sometimes life can be bitter.  Hard to swallow.  We must learn to love and appreciate life while in our youth.  Eventually, the bitter will appear and it will be harder to serve Jehovah.",Ecclesiastes 12:1-8;,Tarik Lewis,Is This Life All There Is?,36,,1995/07/02,
"Youth, Life, World, Discipline, Train,","In Hiroshima, Japan, there is an impression of a body on a wall from the explosion of the atomic bomb.  The person was completely vaporized.  That is all that is left of them.  The impression.",The world will do that to our youth.  It will vaporize them if we do not train them and bring them up in the 'discipline of Jehovah.',Eph4:1-4; De 31:12; Exodus 22:22-24;,William Osbeck C.O.,How Can Youths Cope With Today's Crisis?,113,,,
"Youth, Love, Family, Goals, Organization, Example,","'Pride of Lions' is expression used to describe behavior of lions on nature shows.  When mother lion is not present, father looks after young.  If neither present, grandparents or other adults feed and cuddle the young.","We, as Jehovah's people must all look after our youth and encourage and help them.  Encourage toward spiritual goals. Never belittle them. Set fine examples.",1th 5:21; Heb 11:1; Neh 8:10; 1j 5:3;,Al Larue (km 5/92 Page 1),Serving With Jehovah's Unified Organization,3,,,
"Youth, Obedience, Sin,","'The excesses of our youth are drafts upon our old age, payable with interest, about thirty years after the date.' Quote: Colton (1780-1832)","Youth should remember Jehovah, because they will be required to account for it in the future.",Ecclesiastes 11:10; Eccl 12:1;,Wisdom Of The Ages,Hold A Good Conscience In A Sinful World,107,,,
"Youth, Obedience, Threats, Promises, Trust, Discipline,",Threats become a 'game of chance.'  Sometimes they are carried out; most of the time they are not.  The same with promises not kept.,"The child soon learns that the odds of the game are that the word of the parent is not dependable.  Children are often severely scolded about certain things, but on other occasions these same things are passed over without comment.  This destroys the confidence and trust in one's parents.","Ge 3:1-6; 2co 11:3; Eph 2:2; 6:1, 4;","Oct 1, 1971 Wt Page 588",Family Life That Warms The Heart,5,,1993/11/18,
"Youth, Pamper,","'Give to a pig when it grunts and a child when it cries, and you will have a fine pig and a bad child.'  Quote: Danish proverb.",Pampering a child will result in the child being a 'thankless one.',Pr 29:21;,Bobby Laymon,How Can Youths Cope With Today's Crisis?,113,,1993/12/01,
"Youth, Parents, Family,","Parents teach their children physical hygiene, good manners, how to work, and how to be generous and caring toward others.",How much more important that they also teach their offspring to be devoted servants of Jehovah.?,Pr 22:6;,"Jan 15, 1994 Wt Page 28",Family Life That Warms The Heart,5,,1993/12/20,
"Youth, Parents, Wisdom, Attitude,","'Oh, to be only half as wonderful as my child thought I was when he was small, and only half as stupid as my teenager now thinks I am.'  Quote: Rebecca Richards.","Children often view parents as out-dated, or old fogies.  Often when the child is older they begin to appreciate how much their parents did for them.",1 Cor 13:11;,Bobby Laymon,Parents--are You Building With Fire-resistant Materials?,104,,1995/06/30,
"Youth, Pioneer,","'I Want You!'  Uncle Sam slogan during WW11 & after Satan also want you.  Like Uncle Sam, to kill. Bulk of Pioneers under 25 yrs of age.",Jehovah wants you.,"Job 37:14  Eccles 11:9-10  12:1  Ps 148:12, 13  Ps 100:3",Bro Punko  Circuit Assy.,How Can Youths Cope With Today's Crisis?,113,,,
"Youth, Pioneer,","I'm not rich; I'm just a youth, with few possessions. Experiences from youth.",Youth have a magnificent resource- physical vigor.,Prov. 20:29  Rev. 2:9  Matt 6:19-21,"Jul 1, 1990 Wt Page 29",How Can Youths Cope With Today's Crisis?,113,,,
"Youth, Pioneer, Service, Decisions,",Have you heard the saying ' Get A life!' Need to ask what will I do with my life. You have freedom to choose. You already have a life. Don't throw away. Not like young Witness drinking had 2 girls in car had wreck killed In jail for manslaughter.  Life has been decided for him.,What they're saying is you may be breathing but you're not living.  We must learn to make our own decisions.,"Ps 148:12,13; Ecc12:1",M. Morrow,How Should You Serve God?,58,,,
"Youth, Protection, Restrictions, Teens,","From the time you were infants your parents have been protecting you from yourselves by forbidding you to play with knives, to put your finger into light sockets, to run into the street without looking both ways, and playing with bad companions.",Is it not possible that they can see things now by which you can hurt yourself that you cannot?,Col 3:20; Pr 4:1; Eph 5:23;,"Mar 1, 1970 Wt Page 154",How Can Youths Cope With Today's Crisis?,113,,,
"Youth, Remember, Young, Examples, Dewdrops,","Did you ever step out into the sunlight on a sunny morning and notice the sparkling dewdrops sprinkled around.  They are awesome as they reflect the light from the sun, and give life-giving moisture to plants.",Look around you!  Look at the youth sprinkled around among us.  They are like life-giving dewdrops in Jehovah's eyes.  More than 2000 of these young men and women are serving at Bethel.  Examples: Youths who gave their lives over blood issue.,Ps 110:3;,"'joyful Praisers Dist. Convention'  June 9-11, 1995; Kc, Mo; Stan Landers;",Renewing The Spirit Of Self-sacrifice,69,,1995/06/12,
"Youth, Respect, Honor, Authority,","The old adage, 'Children should be seen and not heard' meaning they should be present with elders, but not giving their opinion on matters,  has lost its meaning today.","Youths have much to say about how things are to be done today, and if the authorities do not agree, youths often take matters into their own hands and do what they want.  Have we lost perspective?  Could it be that instead of catering to youth, they should show respect?",Exodus 20:12; 21:15,"Jun 15, 1971 Wt Page 361",Respect For Authority Is A Safeguard For You,12,,1993/11/15,
"Youth, Respect, Honor, Authority, Hypocritical,",You cannot take as your motto: 'Do as I say but not as I do.',Young people can see through such a veneer of self-righteousness.,"Ro 2:21, 22; Col 3:21;","Jun 15, 1971 Wt Page 370",Respect For Authority Is A Safeguard For You,12,,1993/11/15,
"Youth, Responsibilities, Work, Employment, Pioneer, Bethel,","Ask a worldly youth about the future, and they often will give you a reply.  (college education; military service; type of employment, etc.)","Yet, ask some of the young Witnesses and they say, 'I don't know.'  Your life should have purpose.  You should be planning now for future.",1co 13:11; Ps 127:3; Ecc 12:1; Ps 119:9; Eph 6:1;,Larry Punko,How Can Youths Cope With Today's Crisis?,113,,,
"Youth, Responsibilities, Work, Employment, Pioneer, Progress,","Everyone loves a little fuzzy puppy.  They are so cute and playful.  However, there comes a time when even they grow up and must assume responsibilities.  Become a hunter, guard dog, or even a companion.","Youth, also must grow up and assume responsibilities.  What better way, than serving our Grand Master, Jehovah. A dog may obey a command, but we have a moral responsibility.",1co 13:11; Ps 127:3; Ecc 12:1; Ps 119:9; Eph 6:1;,Larry Punko,How Can Youths Cope With Today's Crisis?,113,,,
"Youth, Sex-drive, Teens,","Like permitting him to drive high-powered car on a busy highway without bothering to give him proper instructions on driving, and other people's rights.",The sex-drive is a powerful force. It should not be tested before they have not learned the rights & responsibilities of marriage. Do not count too heavily on their self-control & integrity.,"Prov. 9:17; 1 Cor. 6:9, 10;","Mar 1, 1964 Wt Page 141",A Godly View Of Sex And Marriage,13,,,
"Youth, Struggle, Life, Age, Death, Comfort, Conscience, Unworthy,",'Youth is a blunder; manhood a struggle; old age a regret.' Quote: Benjamin Disraeli. -1884.,We may feel unworthy of God's goodness because of bad conscience.  Others may feel unworthy because of previous bad way of life.  All should find comfort in prodigal son.  May feel regret and turn to doing God's will.,Luke 15:11-24; Matt.21:28-32;,Bobby Laymon,Gaining Comfort In All Our Tribulations,105,,1995/08/01,
"Youth, Training, Parents, Mistakes, Fear, Abuse,","It is said regarding the training of seeing-eye dogs for the blind, that the trainer must have unlimited patience.  All his lessons must be taught by affection and never by brutality.  When a dog learns well he is always rewarded by an approving pat, kind words and a little tidbit that he is specially fond of.  A mistake must never be let go by but must be corrected at once.","There are times when adults give more attention and care to the training of animals than their children.  If unlimited patience is required in training an animal, can anything less be expected in training a child?  If an animal needs to be taught by affection and never by brutality, what should we conclude about the children.  If an animal reacts to an approving word or deed, what should we expect in training children?  And if animals' mistakes must not go uncorrected, what is there to be said about mistakes children make.","Ro 2:21, 22; Col 3:21;","Jun 15, 1971 Wt Page 371",Family Life That Warms The Heart,5,,1993/11/15,
"Youth, Vows, Promises, Satan, Devil, Lies, Resolutions, Schemes, Speech,","'Of three things the devil makes a stew: lawyers' tongues, lovers' promises, and ungrateful children.'  Italian proverb.",Our tongues can make promises that Satan can use.  Be careful about what you speak.,Ecc 5:4-6;,Bobby Laymon,You Will Reap What You Sow,59,,1995/06/27,
"Youth, Wisdom, Experience, Communication,","Would you, if you are a boy, attempt to build a car engine by yourself without first trying to learn about mechanics form others, from persons with experience in that field?  Or would you, if a girl, try to make an evening gown without a pattern, without ever having read anything on sewing or even having seen anyone sew? No?",Then remember that human living is a lot more complicated than a car engine or an evening gown.  We all build on the knowledge and experience of others.  To do this we need communication.,2pe 3:13; Re 21:1-4;,"Sep 1, 1971 Wt Page 518",Communication--within The Family And With God,30,,1993/11/17,
"Youth, World,",Have you ever been lost in the woods?  After dark?  How many have been on a snipe hunt?  What is a snipe hunt?,"Many of the youths in the world feel they have been left 'holding the bag' of the world's problems.  Our youths have a different outlook, due to Jehovah's promises.","Eccl 12:1; 2ti 3:14, 15; Ac 16:1-3",Al Larue (km 5/92 Page 1),'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,,
"Youth, World, Bleeding Youth To Death,","I remember a CO using an illustration on how easy it is to trap a wolf.  Hunters simply sprinkle a little blood on the snow with razor blades imbedded  As the wolf licks the blood, the razors are so sharp, each lick slices the wolf's tongue which starts to bleed and he doesn't even realize he's eating his own blood, he keeps lapping it up until he has bled to death.","This seemed like such a gory illustration until he applied it to our youth.  He mentioned how Satan lures young ones into the world.  As they taste the world, they don't even realize that they will lose their life.",1 John 2:15-17;,Patti Gillison,'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,1999/06/20,
"Youth,- Love - Marriage - Divorce",'A poor man can fall in love just like a rich man - but not as often'.,"Money does not solve marriage problems, it may increase them.",1 Tim. 6:10,Johnse Laymon,"Friendship With God, Friendship With The World -- Which Will You Choose?",79,,,
"Youth,- Love - Marriage - Divorce, Maturity,",'The most dangerous juvenile delinquents are the ones over 40.',Must grow to maturity.,Heb. 6:1;,Johnse Laymon,"Friendship With God, Friendship With The World -- Which Will You Choose?",79,,,
Youth;,There is nothing wrong with the younger generation that twenty years will not cure.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Youth; Age;,"'You'll always stay young if you live honestly, eat slowly, sleep sufficiently, work industriously, worship faithfully, and lie about your age.'  Quote:  Life Today.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Youth; Age;,'Youth is that period when a young boy knows everything except how to make a living.'  Quote:  Carey Williams.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Youths,A recent survey- was made- of Middle Class American Executives- Regarding what was most important in their lives- in order of importance- They put Health and Fitness- Leisure Pursuits- Personal Investments- Estate Planning- All- Before their Relationship with Their Children,Different views of young people.,Ps 127:3-5;,Dch,How Can Youths Cope With Today's Crisis?,113,,1993/10/10,
"Youths,",One group of children- that has drawn much publicity in recent years- are  called- Trashed Kids- Push outs- Homeless Youth- Throw outs and Throwaways- They have been- rejected by their families- and told to 'Get Out-' Often with no money- and only the clothes they are wearing-'  An article in Parade Magazine- Went on to say: 'Some parents- who throw away their kids- never want- to see or hear- from them again.,Obviously- many adults today take a dim view of children.   How Do We View Our Youth?,Ps 127:3-5;,Dch,How Can Youths Cope With Today's Crisis?,113,,1993/10/10,
"Youths, Caring, Training,","Have you heard of 'gestation' period?  With humans its about 9 months.  For animals or insects it may be 2 weeks; 3 months, or longer for an elephant or larger animal.  Who ever heard of an animal or insect staying with its mother for a year.  Our children stay for 18-20 years with their Mom.",This is Jehovah's way of caring.  It is an opportunity to 'bring them up in the discipline of Jehovah.'  We must care for them in a loving way.  A child knows only one way to pass on abuse.,Eph4:1-4; De 31:12; Exodus 22:22-24;,William Osbeck C.O.,How Can Youths Cope With Today's Crisis?,113,,,
"Youths, Children, Listen, Example, Imitate,","Children have never been very good at listening to their elders, but they have never failed to imitate them. -- James Baldwin","Rather than by word, why not show children in deed what we want.",2 Thess. 3:9;,Bobby Laymon,Are You Walking With God?,149,,"Nov 19, 2001",
"Youths, Goals, Proverbs, Pioneer,",'Hitch your wagon to a star.' Quote: Ralph Waldo Emerson,"From the Creator of the stars, we can receive the finest training available today.  Proverbs written for youths. Set your goals high, with Jehovah.  'Hitch your wagon to a star!'","Pr 2:6, 7; Ro 11:33-36;",William Osbeck C.O.,Service Talk,200,,,
"Youths, Growth, Maturity,",In the book- 'The Day America Told the Truth' - It said that the growing up years of eleven to sixteen have changed so much - that it is accurate to speak of 'The End of Childhood in America'.,"Parents in the truth do not steal childhood away from their  young ones.  Jehovah knows there is a time for youth, and enjoyment from it.    Young people need time to grow - they need a childhood - to learn - and to be trained - in order to reach their full potential.",Ecc 11:9; 12:1; Ecclesiastes 3:1-4;,Dch,How Can Youths Cope With Today's Crisis?,113,,1993/10/10,
"Youths, Importance, Relationship, Loyalty, Demons,",A faithful Six-Year-Old- or a 16-Year-Old- Is far more precious to Jehovah- than those mighty angels- who left their own proper dwelling place- and became unfaithful- those angels no longer have any place in God's arrangement.,How is your relationship with Jehovah?,Ps 4:3; 18:25;,Dch,How Can Youths Cope With Today's Crisis?,113,,1993/10/10,
"Youths, Relationship, Own, Personally, Important,",Charles Foster- Says in His Book- Psychology for Life Today: 'It is recognized- that a human being wants more- than merely to eat and sleep-  He wants to be recognized- as a person- and he wants to feel- that he is successful'      He goes on- 'Certainly every individual- feels better- and works more efficiently- if he is able to succeed in something- and if he is able- to feel that his own place in the world is important',One thing that we have seen- among many- of our young people being raised by parents in the truth- is that there is often a feeling- of a lack of self worth- or a feeling good about themselves- from being in the truth.  Everybody- needs to have some sense of self worth- we're not talking about an inflated ego- or youthful pride- we're talking about feeling good- about being one of Jehovah's young Christian Witnesses      If our children don't find- that feeling of self worth- in the truth- as they should- as we should help them- they often begin- to look elsewhere,Ca 3:27; Ecc 11:9; 12:1,Dch,How Can Youths Cope With Today's Crisis?,113,,1993/10/10,
"Youths; Entertainment; Association, Rated, Television, Creation, Clean,",Have you ever noticed- that whenever people in the world- make something for other people to enjoy- It seems like it always has to be rated- Movies- and Videos- Have a rating- Television programs- Sometimes will contain a warning at the beginning- that the program may have material- not suitable for younger audiences- They are even discussing rating record albums according to the lyrics- books and magazines have to be divided- into categories for different ages- Some come in 'Plain Brown Wrappers' Due to their explicit sexual content- some places where people go- a person needs an I.D. Card to prove they are a certain age.,That is not true- With the things Jehovah God created!- Have you ever had to flash your I.D. to get into a zoo?- If you look up- at the heavens on a clear night- on the lower edge of the sky- do you see a warning: 'Some of This Material- May Not Be Suited- for Young Audiences?'  Why would we choose entertainment that Jehovah God would reject?,Ps1:1-3;,Dch,Resisting The Spirit Of The World,25,,1993/10/10,
"Youths; Goals, Involvement, World,",To illustrate- Have you ever been walking along a road- no particular destination- not rushed for time- and you're walking along and you accidentally kick a rock? Goes about 20 feet and stays on edge of the road- So you walk up to it you kick it again- This time on purpose! Walk up to it and kick it again! It starting to become fun! Walk up and kick it again! And this time it goes down into the ditch- but you're enjoying it so much you go out of your way to kick it! go down in the ditch try to kick it back up on the road! Kick it again!    After a while  you are totally absorbed! It's just you and this worthless rock! You'll just about follow it anywhere. It could be dangerous! It might go out in the middle of the road and you'll follow it to kick it again- Not paying attention to what's coming!,"The same thing can happen to us spiritually- If we don't make the truth our own- If we don't think about- what our destination is in the truth.  You see- as we are trying- to walk on the narrow road- that leads to life- As we walk- Something might catch our attention- It might be something we enjoy.  It may not in itself be wrong- it could be a sports activity or a hobby- a part-time job.  But if we're not careful- Our attention can become riveted on these things- We start pursuing them- Just like that worthless rock! and we may have to go off that narrow road- Just a little bit to do it- Perhaps having some association with those not in the truth  So then we start- to develop some of their desires- values and goals- and our Kingdom Interests decrease- and we find ourselves heading in the direction- of that broad and spacious road- which is perfect for kicking worthless rocks!  All of this- because of our not being really sure- of exactly where- we are going in the truth- Of what our proper place is in God's arrangement   Need for goals in the truth, or else we may 'Go Down the Road Kicking Rocks.'","Ecc 12:13, 14;",Dch,'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,1993/10/10,
"Youths; Goals; Asaph, Materialism,",Sometimes- it looks like those in the world have it made- Back in the days of the one of the Psalmists named Asaph- That's the way things looked to him  he recorded- In what is now the 73rd Psalm- He said- 'I came so close- to the edge of the cliff! My feet were slipping- and I was almost gone'  What was it that got to him? (Reading From the Living Bible)- Ps 73:3- 'For I was envious- of the proud and wicked'- (vs. 7) 'These Fat Cats have everything their hearts could ever wish for!'- (Vs 13) 'Why take the trouble to be pure? All I get out of it is trouble and woe...',"What changed his mind? He continues in verse 17- 'Then one day- I went into God's Sanctuary to meditate- and thought about the future of these evil men- What a slippery path they are on- suddenly God will send them sliding over the edge of the cliff and down to their destruction- an instant end to all their happiness!'  So- Just like Asaph- We don't want to be fooled by these 'Fat Cats' in the world- It is vital- for all of us to appreciate- that each one of us- are accountable to God.  NO matter how prosperous the wicked seem to be, they will not be  shown favor in Jehovah's Day.    1Truly God is good to Israel,                to those whose hearts are pure.        2But as for me, I came so close to the edge of the cliff!                My feet were slipping, and I was almost gone.        3For I envied the proud                when I saw them prosper despite their wickedness.        4They seem to live such a painless life;                their bodies are so healthy and strong.        5They aren't troubled like other people                or plagued with problems like everyone else.        6They wear pride like a jeweled necklace,                and their clothing is woven of cruelty.        7These fat cats have everything                their hearts could ever wish for!        8They scoff and speak only evil;                in their pride they seek to crush others.        9They boast against the very heavens,                and their words strut throughout the earth.        10And so the people are dismayed and confused,                drinking in all their words.        11'Does God realize what is going on?' they ask.                'Is the Most High even aware of what is happening?'        12Look at these arrogant people--                enjoying a life of ease while their riches multiply.        13Was it for nothing that I kept my heart pure                and kept myself from doing wrong?        14All I get is trouble all day long;                every morning brings me pain.        15If I had really spoken this way,                I would have been a traitor to your people.        16So I tried to understand why the wicked prosper.                But what a difficult task it is!        17Then one day I went into your sanctuary, O God,                and I thought about the destiny of the wicked.        18Truly, you put them on a slippery path                and send them sliding over the cliff to destruction.        19In an instant they are destroyed,                swept away by terrors.        20Their present life is only a dream                that is gone when they awake.        When you arise, O Lord,                you will make them vanish from this life.        21Then I realized how bitter I had become,                how pained I had been by all I had seen.        22I was so foolish and ignorant--                I must have seemed like a senseless animal to you.        23Yet I still belong to you;                you are holding my right hand.        24You will keep on guiding me with your counsel,                leading me to a glorious destiny.        25Whom have I in heaven but you?                I desire you more than anything on earth.        26My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak,                but God remains the strength of my heart;                he is mine forever.        27But those who desert him will perish,                for you destroy those who abandon you.        28But as for me, how good it is to be near God!                I have made the Sovereign LORD my shelter,                and I will tell everyone about the wonderful things you do.",Ps 73:1-28;,Dch,Reach Out For The Real Life!,90,,1993/10/10,
Youths; goals,No fun playing basketball without baskets.,Need goals in Truth.,1 Tim 3:1,Dch,How Can Youths Cope With Today's Crisis?,113,,1993/10/10,
"Zeal,","Sports fans, brave bad weather and all manner of inconveniences, often travel great distances and pay exorbitant prices to be admitted to the games.  They then cheer their teams to victory or console them in defeat.","What has happened to the zeal of Christians that stirred the hearts of men to: leave fathers & mothers, employment; climb trees; disown selves; overturned inhabited earth?",Lk 19:2-8; Ac 17:6; 2co 9:2;,"Aug 1, 1968 Wt Page 462",Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,63,,,
"Zeal,","When we rub our hands together we create friction, and they get hot.","We need to 'rub people together' in talking up the service, and together we can catch on fire with zeal for Jehovah. Be like the glowing coals at a marshmallow roast.",Ro 12:11; Pr 3:27;,William Osbeck C.O.,Service Talk,200,,,
"Zeal, Accomplishment, Work, Activity, Reality, fantasy,","'Work makes a wish a reality.'  We need to understand more where the boundaries between fantasy and reality are, and I suppose they are more blurred the younger you are.",We need to serve Jehovah with zeal.,Jas 1:8;,Glen Patton,Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,63,,1994/04/19,4/26/2014
"Zeal, Activity, Lazy, Pamper, Easygoing,",SOME persons are like electricity. They always seek the way of least resistance.,Anything that requires physical or mental effort they will avoid if at all possible. They prefer to do what is easy for them and not what is fatiguing or difficult. The less that is required of them the better they like it.,Luke 13:24;,W59 6/15 355,"Living, Not For Self, But To Do God's Will",8,,1996/01/18,
"Zeal, Activity, Preaching, Pioneer,",'A thing not worth doing isn't worth doing well.'  Quote: Anonymous.,Our preaching work is the most worth-while work on earth.,Luke 13:24;,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Zeal, Activity, Study, Children, Parents,",Did you ever take a stick and put it into the fire and stir it up.  Then you take a stick or coat-hanger and put a marshmallow on it and roast it over the fire.  It is an experience a child will never forget.,Personal study is like fuel.  We need to 'stir it up' like a fire.  Our children will never forget it.,"2 Tim 1:6, 7;",William Osbeck C. O.,Service Talk,200,,1994/08/24,
"Zeal, Age, Youth, Older, Habit, Busy, Pioneer,",'Growing old is no more than a bad habit which a busy man has no time to form.' Quote: Andre Maurois.,"Keeping busy and zealous in Jehovah's service keeps one young at heart, and out of trouble.",1 Cor. 15:58;,Bobby Laymon,,,,1995/08/25,
"Zeal, Ambition, Exert, Pioneer, Overwhelming, Busy,","I am only one, But still I am one. I cannot do everything, But still I can  do something; And because I cannot do everything I will not refuse to do the something that I can do. --Edward Everett",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Zeal, Belief, Worship, Prayer,",'One person with a belief is equal to a force of ninety-nine who have only interests.' Quote: -John Stuart Mill.,Those who truly believe in the truth will put their heart and soul into it.,2 Co 11:23-28;,Bobby Laymon,Have Faith In The Good News,47,,1995/08/25,
"Zeal, Bible, Preaching, Service, Holy, Clean, Jehovah, Worship,","'Keep it cold! Keep it hot! Keep it Clean!' For food to be healthy, and well preserved, the above rule applies. Luke-warm, room temperature contributes to botulism, streptococcal, and other bacteria.","Same could be said regarding God's Word, the Bible.  We must be concerned with being refreshingly cold, stimulating hot, and spotlessly clean.  Concerned with purity of worship.","2 Pet. 3:11, 14; Rev. 3:14-16;","Dec 22, 1967 Aw Page 20-23",A Clean People Honors Jehovah,14,,,
"Zeal, Busy, Ambitious, Exert, Happy, Joy, Pioneer,",No thoroughly occupied man was ever yet very miserable. --Lettia Landon,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Zeal, Busy, Doer, Vibrant","'Take it easy!'  is a very common expression.  In fact, so common is it that even bums and others who hardly ever raise a finger to work bid each other adieu with an encouragement to take it easy.",But why take it easy when life is far more enjoyable and healthier when the body and mind are vigorously active.,Rom. 12:11; Matt 7:21;,Bobby Laymon,Are You Doing What God Requires Of You?,43,,"Feb 6, 2001",
"Zeal, Busy, Industry, Ambition, Pioneer,","INDUSTRY - The more we do, the more we can do. --William Hazlitt",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Zeal, Determination,",'The difference between the impossible and the possible lies in a person's determination.'  Quote: Tommy Lasorda.,Our determination to serve Jehovah will carry us through difficult times as it did Jesus.,John 13:36,Bobby Laymon - Reader's Digest,'no Part Of The World'--in Imitation Of Christ,11,,1996/03/24,
"Zeal, Discretion, Soundness, Accurate, Knowledge,","A PIGEON, oppressed by excessive thirst, saw a goblet of water  painted on a signboard.  Not supposing it to be only a picture, she flew towards it with a loud whir and unwittingly dashed against the signboard, jarring herself terribly.  Having broken her wings by the blow, she fell to the ground, and was caught by one of the bystanders.",Moral: 'Zeal should not outrun discretion.'  Zeal must be according to accurate knowledge.,Ro 10:2;,Aesop's Fables - Bobby Laymon,Jealousy--proper And Improper,76,,1994/05/15,
"Zeal, Enthusiasm, Dedication, Witnessing, Pioneer, Attitude, Negative, Positive,","During the dark ages of Ireland and Greece there were men who kept the fires burning.  These fires were vital to life, because they warned the ships of the rocky shore.  These fires were trusted only to dedicated men who had to keep the fires burning all night long in all kinds of weather, including rain, sleet, snow, and storms.","Today, Jehovah has entrusted us the responsibility of 'keeping the fires burning' in zeal for his work.  We must endure with a positive attitude toward that important work.","1 Thess 5:19; Rev 2:2,4; 2 Tim 1:6, 7;",William Osbeck C. O.,Service Talk,200,,1994/08/24,
"Zeal, Enthusiasm, Exert, Witnessing, Pioneer, Keep the fires burning, ","TRUE STORY: A brother in Alaska was traveling with his aged father-in-law when the engine stopped.  The fuel gauge showed empty.  The temperature is 70 below.  (old-timers say it's worse at 72 below) However, at 70 below you only have 5 minutes.  He ripped the seats apart, spotted some trees, quickly got limbs and with seats started a fire.  All night long he did not go to sleep for fear the 'fire would go out.'  Fire is important to life in Alaska!  Next day someone saw them.",'Who will keep the fire burning' when it comes to witnessing?  It is up to each one of us to not let the fire go out.,"1 Thess 5:19; Rev 2:2, 4; Luke 10: ; 2 Tim 1:6, 7;",William Osbeck C. O. (experience Of His Father-in-law; Susan's Father),Service Talk,200,,1994/08/24,1/28/2015
"Zeal, Enthusiasm, Exert, Witnessing, Pioneer, Attitude, Negative, Positive,","Over 1900 years ago in Jerusalem they had a valley called Gehenna.  Faithful persons guarded the fires so they would not go out.  You can almost hear the cry, 'The fire's going out!'  These faithful 'throwers of sulfur' served Jehovah whole-souled.","Today, we are the 'throwers of sulfur' so the fires of Jehovah's Word does not go out.  We need to be careful to never douse the flame of Jehovah's spirit by being negative about the witnessing.","1 Thess 5:19; Rev 2:2,4; 2 Tim 1:6, 7;",William Osbeck C. O.,Service Talk,200,,1994/08/24,
"Zeal, Enthusiasm, Spirit, Witnessing, Preaching, Pioneer,",'Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm.' Quote: Ralph Waldo Emerson. -1841.,Jesus Christ is a perfect example of godly jealousy and zeal.  He showed enthusiasm in preaching and witnessing to God's name and kingdom.,Ps. 69:9;,Bobby Laymon,Jealousy--proper And Improper,76,,1995/08/01,
"Zeal, Enthusiasm, Whole-souled,",'Don't bunt.  Aim out of the ballpark.'  Quote: David Ogilvy.,Work with zeal and whole-souled for Jehovah.,Eph 6:6;,Bobby Laymon - Reader's Digest,Renewing The Spirit Of Self-sacrifice,69,,1996/03/21,
"Zeal, Exert, House, Witnessing",There's an old saying about fishing.  'They took the bait and ran.',Jesus did that with the Good News!  He took the bait and ran.  So did the apostle Paul.,Acts 20;20;,Al Larue,Have Faith In The Good News,47,,1996/09/08,
"Zeal, Exert, Pioneer, Zealous, Attitude,","As heat generally causes a substance to expand, so the Christian's zeal must create within himself and others the desire to expand in knowledge of God and in the ministry.","One's manner in service must not be slipshod, lackadaisical or indifferent, but alive with zeal. A Christian must impart faith; his words, love; his zeal, conviction.  By daily studying and meditating on God's Word, our fuel supply will not run out. We will have fuel to keep us 'aglow with the spirit.'",Heb 4:12; Jer 23:29; Rom 12:11;,W61 1/15 55,A Clean People Honors Jehovah,14,,1994/07/31,
"Zeal, Exert, Pioneer, Zealous, Reasonableness, Wisdom, Dignity,",His enwrapping himself with 'zeal as if a sleeveless coat' ...,"...BETOKENS that his zeal will carry him forward, not madly or insanely, but with dignity such as an ancient 'sleeveless coat'  imparted to its wearer.",Isa 59:17;,W80 11/15 26,Jealousy--proper And Improper,76,,1994/07/31,
"Zeal, Exert, Satan, Devil, Demons, Mislead, Relaxing, Casual, Urgency, Urgent,","Satan the Devil had three apprentice demons. He said to the first one, 'What method are you going to use in order to mislead mankind?'  He replied, 'I'm going to make everyone believe that there is no God, so they won't feel accountable for their actions.'  'That's a good idea - you are sure to mislead a few using that method,' Satan replied. He turned to his next apprentice and asked the same question.  The second responded, 'I'm going to make people think that there is no Devil. That way, they'll blame God for all the wickedness in the world!'  'That, too is a good idea,' said Satan. 'You are sure to mislead some, but not all.' Finally, he asked the third demon, 'And what are you going to do in order to mislead mankind?'  The third replied, 'I'm simply going to tell people to relax and to take things easy, and that there is no need to hurry.'",'Excellent!' replied the Devil. 'That will mislead millions!'   'Are we being misled into taking things easy? Thinking that Armageddon is years away? Relaxing into a routine of just going to meetings and spending token service in the ministry?',2 Cor. 2:11;,Mark Hanlon,How To Protect Ourselves From Satan's Snares,115,,1998/11/26,
"Zeal, Faith,","Imagine a fire that you depended on to warm, cook your meals, and you can see it going out.  It burns lower and lower.  You wouldn't think of snuffing it out, but would gently feed it and fan it back to life.",Our lives depend on our faith.  Are you losing zeal?  Fan it back to life.  Stir it up 'like a fire.'  Do what you must do to re-kindle and renew it.,2 Tim 1:6;,Joseph Wengert D. O.,,,,1996/04/29,
"Zeal, Jackson, Preaching,","Stonewall Jackson was a zealous person.  (Civil War General)  He was said to march his troops 50 miles per day, because he thought he was doing God's will.","How much more zeal should we display in the evangelizing work, since Jesus was the one who commanded us to preach.","Mt 24:14; 28:19, 20;",Lonnie Roper,Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,63,,,
"Zeal, Lazy, Busy, Ambition, Work, Effort, Exert, Pioneer,","Let him that would move the world, first move himself.  Quote: Socrates.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Zeal, Lazy, Busy, Ambition, Work, Effort, Exert, Pioneer,",The sleeping fox catches no poultry. --Benjamin Franklin,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Zeal, Lazy, Pioneer, Busy, Sleep, Meetings, Tired, Bored,","Do not most persons find some time for less essential things, such as secular work? shopping for food? reading the newspaper? listening to the radio? visiting friends? relaxing by some form of recreation? and perhaps even sleeping in some Sunday mornings?","But perhaps such ones are too tired to live forever, and prefer to sleep forever, in death, undisturbed by clanging alarm clocks or resurrections!","Matt. 13:7, 22; Proverbs 6:6-11;",W50 1/15 25,Can You Live Forever?--will You?,35,bl,1994/10/25,8/1/2015
"Zeal, Lazy, Tired, Ambition, Pioneer,",Sometimes it's just a matter of mind over mattress.'  Quote: Joseph Wengert.  D. O.,We have to make ourselves get out of bed and get going.,1 Cor 15:28;,Kim Laymon,,,,1996/06/01,
"Zeal, Ministry, Service, Pioneer,","One day an elephant and a flea became friends and as they would go from place to place, the elephant and the flea would go together, with the elephant doing the walking and the flea going along for the ride.  One day they came to an old wooden bridge and as they walked across, the bridge made all kinds of noises. As they came to the other side the flea said to the elephant, 'we sure made that bridge rumble!'","Are we having an elephant share in the ministry, or are we going along for the ride?",Ps. 69:9;,Mark Hanlon,Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,63,,1998/11/26,
"Zeal, Opportunity, Effort, Determination, Goals,","'If your ship doesn't come in, swim out to it.'  Quote: Jonathan Winters.","We have to make an effort in order to reach goals, or anything worthwhile in life.",Luke 13:24;,Bobby Laymon - Reader's Digest,Renewing The Spirit Of Self-sacrifice,69,,1996/03/21,
"Zeal, Organization,","More than 100 years ago, an untapped coal deposit in China caught fire, and it has continued to burn until recently.  The fire covered some two square miles and consumed 300,000 tons of coal annually.  Efforts to extinguish the huge fire have failed for many years.  However, fire fighters reportedly have finally succeeded in putting the fire out.  In order to douse the blaze, fire fighters used explosives to bore holes and then poured sand, stone, and water on the flames.","More than 100 years ago a fire was started among Bible students who were fired with zeal.  This fire has continued until now and although governments, religions, and others have tried to extinguish it, it continues to spread into all the earth.  (Give recent figures)",Luke 12:49;,"Aug 22, 1996 Aw Page 29",Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,63,,1996/07/28,
"Zeal, Organization,","You sometimes hear of a 'flash in the pan.'  It means something of short duration, or something that is not as promising as it seems.",Jehovah's organization has not been a so called 'flash in the pan.'  It continues to grow even after a hundred years of persecution.,"Is 2:2, 3;",Bobby Laymon,Serving With Jehovah's Unified Organization,3,,1996/07/28,
"Zeal, Pioneer, Gilead, Missionary, Increase,",Fire is something you can scatter and yet it will be increased. A 'star fish' another example:  You cut them in two pieces and they both grow.,'There exists the one that is scattering and yet is being increased.'  Gilead students were about to be scattered and would certainly promote increase.,Pr 11:24;,"Dec 1, 1992 Wt Page 20 (Theodore Jaracz)",Happy Though Hungry--how Can It Be?,31,,,
"Zeal, Pioneer, Service, Lazy,","A TRAVELER about to set out on a journey saw his Dog stand at the  door stretching himself.  He asked him sharply:  'Why do you stand  there gaping? Everything is ready but you, so come with me  instantly.'  The Dog, wagging his tail, replied:  'O, master! I am  quite ready; it is you for whom I am waiting.'",Moral: 'The loiterer often blames delay on his more active friend.'  We must find no excuse for lacking zeal in Jehovah's work.,1 Cor 15:58;,Aesop's Fables - Bobby Laymon,How Should You Serve God?,58,,1994/05/15,
"Zeal, Pioneers, Good News, Peace,","'Donegal has been invaded once again by a plague of pests more cunning than foxes or badgers. An army of men and women, some of them touring around on motor scooters, making a house-to-house call in town and country, leaving their free magazines.'","Concerning the activity of two young women Witnesses on a motor scooter:   A plague to some, but a gospel of peace to honesthearted persons!",Acts 14:4-6;,W77 7/1 413-4,Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,63,,1995/10/16,
"Zeal, Pioneers, Spirit, Discontinue pioneering, pulled from the race, removed, ","The thoroughbred horse loves to race.  Sad to say, the race horse may get injured and for it's own good is pulled out of the race. But, because the horse loves racing, it will race inside the circle with the other horses, even though it's injured, and they will race and even harm themselves because they love to race. It's not the fault of the horse that it loves to race. It's who he is. And for that reason, they will take the injured race horse and put him out to pasture so that he doesn't injure himself any further.  But, even though the horse is not racing it does not mean that he's not a thoroughbred race horse.","Pioneers are likened to the thoroughbred horse. A pioneer who has it in their heart loves pioneering. Sad to say that like the race horse it may get injured and for it's own good is pulled out of the race.  Pioneers are like that sometimes because of their love of pioneering they keep going, and even to the point of injuring themselves further. Some times it is necessary to take that injured pioneer off the list for a time to heal and recover,  rest.  So, the same way with some who have pioneered and have had to come off the list for a while to heal. Even though you are not pioneering that does not mean you are not a pioneer. Why? Because of  the love you have for it. It's who you are.",Ps 69:9;,Bobby Laymon,Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,63,,1998/04/05,2/11/2015
"Zeal, Positive, Negative, Attitude, Pessimism, Faith,",'Pessimism never won any battle.'  Quote: Dwight D. Eisenhower.,Faith in Jehovah is what wins the battle.,1 Sam 17:45;,Bobby Laymon - Reader's Digest,Are You Really Making Jehovah Your Stronghold?,18,,1996/03/22,
"Zeal, Self, Will,","Means 'boiling': hot or ardent with enthusiasm for Jehovah. Quote on Zeal of J.W. by Charles Braden: (see article) Bible examples: Jesus, Ezekiel, Jeremiah, Jehu were all of extra-ordinary zeal.","Must not allow to be 'dampened' by worldly indifference. Must keep replacing zeal, by Bible study.",Ezek. 2:4; Jer. 20:7-9; 2 Ki. 10:1-19; Ps. 69:9,"Jan 15, 1961 Wt Page 54","Living, Not For Self, But To Do God's Will",8,,,
"Zeal, Self, Will,","Men build monuments to humans; Abraham Lincoln, Geo Washington etc.  Quote from scholar: 'They inscribe the deeds of their heroes upon brass, but the glorious acts of Jehovah are written upon the sand, and the tide of time washes them from present memory.'","Need for us to make known Jehovah's mighty acts. Not really washed away, but unknown to multitudes. Let us zealously speak of God's mighty acts.",Exodus. 13:14-16  Ps. 145:12-21,"Sep 15, 1990 Wt Page 17","Living, Not For Self, But To Do God's Will",8,,,
"Zeal, Self, Will,","Minas, man of noble birth gave to slaves Man of noble birth=Jesus Slave=class of disciples from Pentecost 33 CE until now loss of mina=loss of privilege of ruling; failing to work.",Assets to make more heirs of kingdom citizens=Jews or Israelites other than Jesus' disciples.,"Luke 19:11-27  Matt 28:19, 20","Oct 1, 1989 Wt Page 8, 9","Living, Not For Self, But To Do God's Will",8,,,
"Zeal, Self, Will,","Zealous fisherman; carries gear in trunk, lures in hat or sun visor always ready to fish; zeal not dampened by rain; few nibbles keep him going.",We should always be ready to be 'fishers of men',Matt. 4:19,Bobby Laymon,"Living, Not For Self, But To Do God's Will",8,,,
"Zeal, Self, Will, Pioneer,","'Life is a short day; but it is a working day.  Activity may lead to evil, but inactivity cannot lead to good.'  Quote: by Hannah More. -1745-1833.",Use life for good.,"Eccles 12:13,14",Wisdom Of Ages,"Living, Not For Self, But To Do God's Will",8,,,
"Zeal, Service, Lazy, Happiness, Joy, Pioneer, Self, Will,","'Instead of a VIEWER, become a DOER.'",Whole-hearted service brings happiness to self & Jehovah,Jas. 1:25; Eccl. 3:22; Rom. 12:11; Josh. 14:7-11;,"Sep 8, 1962 Aw Page 4","Living, Not For Self, But To Do God's Will",8,,,
"Zeal, Service, Will, Self,",Is that your helmet under your arm?  Is that your sword on the floor?  PICK IT UP!  PUT IT ON!,It is dangerous to try to 'squeeze' into the new system.  We must be active warriors of Jehovah and Jesus Christ.,1 Cor. 9:26; 1 Cor. 15:58;,"Lovers Of Freedom District Assy. Mobile July 12-14, 1991","Living, Not For Self, But To Do God's Will",8,,,
"Zeal, Training, Obedience, Discipline,","If we do not train according to his rules, our spiritual muscles will be soft and flabby, and when we get out into the field of competition of religious ideas we shall not be properly conditioned.","We may return from the service with our untrained spiritual muscles battered by Satan and bruised by the persecutions we encounter, and the enemy may knock us out of effective victories that are the lot of the well-trained theocratic witness of Jehovah.",1 Cor 9:27; 2 Tim. 2:15; Rom. 12:2; Phil. 4:8; Ps. 1:2; Heb. 10:25.,W54 2/15 102,How To Keep Spiritually Awake!,71,,1994/10/25,
"Zeal, Training, Obedience, Discipline, Pioneer, Race,","SEVERAL years ago a heavyweight boxing champion knocked out his opponent, but he lost the title because he struck a foul blow.","Similarly, one who runs the Christian course must stay in the narrow and cramped lane that leads to life. He must not get out of line, must not waver or wobble or run uncertainly, because if he does get off the course marked out in the Bible he is disqualified, regardless of any burst of speed he might show in field service.",1 Cor 9:27;,W54 2/15 101,Why Live By Bible Standards?,88,,1994/10/25,
"Zeal, Urgency, Armageddon,","As a hurricane nears a populated area, the need to warn people of the impending danger becomes urgent.  The closer the hurricane comes, the more emphatic the warnings must be.  Why?  Because lives are at stake.",The same is true of the divine warning that we have been commissioned to sound before 'the storm wind' of God's righteous anger blows away all vestiges of this wicked world.,Prov. 10:25; Titus 2:11-14,Km 4/2000,,,,"Apr 13, 2000",
"Zeal, Urgency, Harvest, Preaching, Evangelizing, Pioneer,",A hardworking farmer well knows that a successful crop requires periods of extraordinary work at planting and harvest times. He is glad to work long hours and to exert himself strenuously when necessary.  He is not governed by any 'trade union' standard that requires only a minimum effort.,"If we are ardent in our desire to help others, we will give freely of our time and energies with no thought of what may be expected of us. When things need to be done, and we are given an opportunity to help, the unselfish giving of ourselves is a commendable evidence of zeal.",Titus 2:14;,W75 5/15 313,Slave For The Master Of The Harvest,66,,1994/07/30,
"Zeal, Whole, Dedication, Baptism,",Our service to Jehovah is like diving.  You don't dive half-way.  You go completely under the water.,"We should dive right into our service to Jehovah.  Don't hold back, but be Wholesouled.",Col 3:23;,Kenneth Haag C.O.,,,,1996/04/29,
"Zeal, Will, Self,",Self-starter; spark plug;,We like Jehu should be a self-starter; zealous for Jehovah,2 Ki. 9:15,Pure Language Dist. Assy.,"Living, Not For Self, But To Do God's Will",8,,,
"Zeal, Will, Self, aglow with spirit. ","Static electricity. Set off sparks when touch things. Woman could not hold her job. So much electricity she started 7 fires. Man spraying apple tree, got wet, dried out on way home but built so much electricity it set his pants on fire.",We should be charged up with the Good News. Aglow with spirit.,John 2:17,"Mar 8, 1961 Aw Page 16","Living, Not For Self, But To Do God's Will",8,s,,2/11/2015
"Zeal, Will, Self, Sacrifice,","Dead embers, or live coal Good preparation for field service; know what to say; know topic for conversation. Fan until flames again.",What to do to rekindle lost zeal.,Heb. 6:11,Johnse Laymon,"Living, Not For Self, But To Do God's Will",8,,,
"Zeal, Will, Self, Sacrifice,","Ever have heart-burn? We should have this burning desire to tell others. Only cure for heart-burn, caused from zeal is to preach, tell the Good News!",Zeal can build 'burning desire' in heart.,Jere. 20:9  Mal. 3:16,"Sep 15, 1990 Wt Page 17","Living, Not For Self, But To Do God's Will",8,,,
"Zeal, Witnesses, Love, Sacrifice,",Catholics Recommend Witness zeal. 'Their enormous zeal is their great strength' 'Their zeal and self-sacrifice should give us pause' Why they turn witnesses: warm brotherly community; Bible; lively.,Comments on Witnesses and their zeal. preaching; 'If they had found these things here they would not have looked elsewhere.' (Other quotes),John 13:35,"Mar 15, 1963 Wt Page 190",Renewing The Spirit Of Self-sacrifice,69,,,
"Zeal, Witnesses, Work, Kingdom,","'It would be difficult to find members of any other group who work as hard at their religion as do the Witnesses.' (The book, Dynamic Religious Movements) Ireland 29 cons. peaks; Japan 153; Mexico 78 in 80 months.","Both by word of mouth and printed page, both formally, and informally, Jehovah's Witnesses are announcing Jehovah's Kingdom",Mt 4:17; 24:14; 1ti 4:16;,"Mar 15, 1992 Wt Page 12",The Kingdom Of God Is Near,109,,,
"Zeal, Zealous, Shine, Pioneer, Light,","Some may remember a small generator that you could buy for a bicycle. This small generator would move over against the tire of the wheel and this in turn would give us light or illuminate the way for us. It is of interest that to make the light work we had to move, and the faster we would go the brighter the light became.",If we want to shine as illuminators we must be on the move in Jehovah's work!,Matt 5:16;,Peter Morgan,Do You Have The Evangelizing Spirit?,63,,1997/08/14,
"Zeal; Action; Obey; Obedience; Worship, Will, Self,","When would you follow a doctor advise?  When you have double pneumonia, or at the first symptom of a problem?",Pages of History turning faster than man can read them. Acts 17:67 There is a need for immediate action. We must search for Jehovah now!,Jas. 4:8  Prov. 1:26-29;,"Apr 1, 1991 Wt Page 10; Pure Language Dist. Assy 1990 July 5-8","Living, Not For Self, But To Do God's Will",8,,,
Zeal; Enthusiasm;,'Enthusiasm is infectious and so is the lack of it.'   Quote: Anonymous.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Zeal; Enthusiasm;,'Enthusiasm is the genius of sincerity and truth and accomplishes no victories without it.'  Quote: Anonymous.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Zeal; Enthusiasm;,'Enthusiasm is the mother of effort.'  Quote: Anonymous.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Zeal; Enthusiasm;,"'Enthusiasm, like the measles, mumps, and the common cold, is highly contagious.'  Quote:  Emory Ward.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Zeal; Enthusiasm;,"'Enthusiasm, the sustaining power of all great action.' Quote: Anonymous.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Zeal; Enthusiasm;,"'Fires can't be made with dead embers, nor can enthusiasm be stirred by spiritless men.'  Quote: Anonymous.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Zeal; Enthusiasm;,'I prefer the errors of enthusiasm to the indifference of wisdom.'  Quote: Anonymous.,"Enthusiasm is the life of a talk. If you are not enthusiastic about what you say, your audience certainly will not be. If it does not move you, it will not move them.",Rom. 12:11; Acts 18:25;,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Zeal; Enthusiasm;,'If you aren't fired with enthusiasm you will be fired with enthusiasm.' Quote:  Vince Lombardi.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Zeal; Enthusiasm;,'Nothing great was every achieved without enthusiasm.'  Quote:  Ralph Waldo Emerson.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Zeal; Enthusiasm;,"'Nothing is so contagious as enthusiasm; it moves stones, it charms brutes.'  Quote: Anonymous.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Zeal; Enthusiasm; Pace, speak slowly, ",'The speed of a runaway horse counts for nothing.'  Quote:  German Proverb.,We have good reason to be enthusiastic.  We have the truth.  It is not like a runaway horse.,Job 32:17-20;,Jk Quotes;,,,,,2/11/2015
Zeal; Enthusiasm;,"'The successful man has enthusiasm. Good work is never done in cold blood, heat is needed to forge anything. Every great achievement is the story of a flaming heart.'  Quote:  Zu Tavern.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Zeal; Enthusiasm;,"'Through zeal knowledge is gotten, through lack of zeal knowledge is lost.'   Quote: Anonymous.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Zeal; Enthusiasm;,"'When the heart is on fire, some sparks fly out of the mouth.'  Quote: Anonymous.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Zeal; Enthusiasm;,'Zeal is fit only for wise men but is found in fools.'  Quote: Anonymous.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Zeal; Enthusiasm;,'Zeal without knowledge is the sister of folly.'  Quote: Anonymous.,,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Zeal; Enthusiasm;,Experience shows that success is due less to ability than to zeal.,"As an organized body of dedicated Christians, Jehovah's Witnesses are 'zealous for fine works.' Zeal is 'eagerness and ardent interest in pursuit of something.' (Webster's New Collegiate Dictionary)",Mr 13:13;,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Zeal; Enthusiasm;,"He who possesses the source of enthusiasm, will achieve great things.","Jehovah's Witnesses are well known for their zeal in preaching. This truly makes them different. Some admire them for it, while others are annoyed by it.  However, Jehovah is well pleased with our enthusiasm for the truth.",Re 22:17;,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Zeal; Enthusiasm;,"Zeal is like fire, it needs both feeding and watching.",,,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Zeal; Enthusiasm; Talks; Speaker;,'Enthusiasm in our daily work lightens effort and turns even labor into pleasant tasks.' Quote: Anonymous.,"Surely if anyone has reason for speaking with a full heart, for speaking with earnestness, conviction, confidence, warmth, feeling and enthusiasm, it is the Christian public Bible speaker.",Job 32:17-20;,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
Zeal; Exert; Service; Pioneer;,"'All mankind is divided into three classes: those that are immovable, those that are movable, and those that move.'  Quote: Arabian Proverb.","We should not only be movable, but those who move others through our zeal.",Luke 13:24;,Bobby Laymon, DO YOU HAVE THE EVENGELIZING SPIRIT?,63,,1996/02/23,
"Zionism, Jews, Palestine,","False trail, animal doubles back, throw dog off. We thought the Jews would return to Palestine and be restored to God's favor. True 'Israel of God' understood in 1932. Once called 'Zion's Watchtower.'",Until 1932 Jehovah's witnesses had been following false trail.,"Gal. 6:16; Rom. 2:28, 29","Mar 15, 1963 Wt Page 178",Will You Be A Survivor Of The 'last Days'?,2,,,
"Secure, Strong, Exert,","Sometimes we think of something secure like a safe, strongbox.  We put valuable things inside.  Will the box open by itself?","In a similar manner, we must take steps to put ourselves in Jehovah's care.",Psalm 94:12;,John Krouse,Jehovah Is 'a Secure Height' For His People,151,,"Aug 8, 2002",
"Secure, Strong, Safety, Worry,",People today are worried about safety.  They worry about their health; take vitamins; put locks on doors; install alarms and cameras; they buy guard dogs and chain link fences.,The greatest security is in Jehovah.  How can we make Jehovah our security?,Isa. 63:9; Ps. 94:3-6;,John Krouse,Jehovah Is 'a Secure Height' For His People,151,,"Aug 8, 2002",
"Morals, Sex, Instant, Wait,",'Instant gratification takes too long.'  Carrie Fisher.,That is a prevalent attitude today.  People don't like waiting for anything.,2 Tim. 3:1-5,Bobby Laymon,,,,"Aug 15, 2002",
"Date, Time, Secure, Strong,",'Are we there yet?',Jehovah has set a date to deal with wicked people.  It is still the same.  It has not changed.  Sometimes we get impatient.,Ps. 94:3-6; 91:1;,John Krouse,Jehovah Is 'a Secure Height' For His People,151,,"Aug 8, 2002",
"Secure, Strong, Guarantee, Warranty, Promise,",We like products with a guarantee.  A warranty to cover damage.,Jehovah gives us a guarantee in the 94th Psalm.,Ps. 94; Acts 17:31,John Krouse,Jehovah Is 'a Secure Height' For His People,151,,"Aug 8, 2002",
"Obedience,","The fluffy, yellow hatchlings are busily pecking for food in the short grass, totally unaware of a hawk hovering high above.  Suddenly, the mother hen gives a tremulous, high-pitched warning call and spreads her wings.  Her chicks run to her, and in seconds they are safely concealed beneath her pinions.  The hawk aborts its attack.",The lesson?  Obedience saves lives.,Ps. 91:4;,"Oct 1, 2002 Wt Page 12",,,,"Sep 9, 2002",
Success;,'I climbed the latter of success only to find out it was leaning against the wrong building.'  Quote:  Bill Bright.,Sometimes success is not in the direction everyone thinks it is.,John 6:27;,Jk Quotes;,,,,,
"Heritage, Precious, Earth, Adam, Eve, Appreciation,",Imagine a couple that have inherited a vast heritage.  An estate with everything needed for a lifetime.  They decide to disinherit themselves.  There is no place to go.  They have no money.  They walk away from unlimited possibilities.,Adam and Eve failed to appreciate their precious heritage.  They walked away from it all.  How is our appreciation?,Genesis. 1:26;2:8; Psalm 150:6: Rev. 4:11;,Ronal Whitlatch C.O.,Ruining The Earth Brings Divine Retribution,106,,"Aug 8, 2002",
"Spirit, Death,",That spirit can be compared to the electric current that activates a machine or an appliance and enables it to perform its function.               7e,"Just as the current never takes on the features of the equipment it activates, the life force does not take on any of the characteristics of the creatures it animates. It has no personality and no thinking ability.",Eccles. 12:7,"Jul 15, 2002 Wt. Page 5",What Happens When We Die?,127,,"Aug 9, 2002",
"Children, Listen, Teacher,","When we miss a program on television, there are always the re-runs.  We can catch up on what we missed.",There are no re-runs on raising children.  Talk and listen.  Be a teacher.,Prov. 20:7,Bobby Laymon,Use Education To Praise Jehovah,146,,"Aug 8, 2002",
"Testing, Proving, Skill, Truth, Enduring, Preaching, Teaching,",People become familiar with a good composer.  They are familiar with his work and know the theme.  A good painter's work is well recognized.  A writer has a style of writing.,"Are people familiar with our art?  Are we good at it, and do we stick with it?  What happens when an artist doesn't stick with his work?",Php. 2:12; 2 Cor. 13:5;,Bobby Laymon,A Loyal Congregation Under Christ's Leadership,144,,"Aug 8, 2002",
"Trust, Bible,",People put their trust in various things.  Some go to self-help books.  Other consult their horoscope or call physic hotlines.,Jehovah's Witness have learned to trust God's Word.,John 17:17; 2 Kings 3:24-27;,Ron Bouse,Why You Can Trust The Bible,99,,"Aug 8, 2002",
"Hell, Justice, Penalty,",Suppose you ran a stop light.  There is a penalty.  A payment required.  Suppose you got life in prison.  Would you consider that unjust?  The penalty should fit the crime.,"The wages of sin is death, however some persons try to make more of it.  Are they showing Jehovah to be a God of justice?","Rom. 6:7, 23;",Charles Graham,Is Hell Really A Place Of Fiery Torment?,128,,"Aug 8, 2002",
"Death, View","Death casts a shadow over us as we go about our daily life, no matter how physically fit or rich we may be. It can strike the next time we cross a street or lie in bed. Such disasters as the terrorist attacks of September II, 2001, in New York City and Washington, D.C., bring us face-to-face with the fact that 'the last enemy,' death, gathers its victims from all walks of life and from all age groups, sometimes taking thousands in a matter of minutes.","Even so, death seems to fascinate people. Nothing would appear to sell more newspapers or draw more people to the television screen than reports of death, particularly death of large numbers of people in horrifying circumstances. People cannot seem to get enough of it, whether it is death by war, natural disaster, crime, or disease. This fixation with death finds its most puzzling expression in the raw emotions that greet the death of public figures and celebrities.",1 Corinthians 15:26,"Jun 1, 2002 Wt Page 3;",The Resurrection--victory Over Death!,132,,"Aug 8, 2002",
"Appreciation, Granted, Heritage,","A man needed a car.  He noticed an ad in the paper about an old ford that was for sale.  It was for $1500.00.  About all he could afford.  On inquiring about it the man took him to the barn and showed him a Ford Mustang, Shelby.  It had sat in the barn for many years and was in good shape.  He bought it.  He learned later it was valued in excess of $40,000.00",What is our heritage worth to us?  Do we lightly esteem it?  Are we like Esau who sold his birthright?,Heb. 12:15-17; Heb 6:13-18; Jer. 2:7;,Ronal Whitlatch C.O.,A Loyal Congregation Under Christ's Leadership,144,,"Aug 8, 2002",
"Fruitage, Disciples, Evangelizing,","WHAT, really, is the purpose of a grapevine? Long ago the Planter of the first grapevine asked his prophet Ezekiel about this, in these words: 'Son of man, in what way does the vine tree happen to be different from every other tree, the shoot, that has come to be among the trees of the forest? Is there taken from it a pole with which to do some work? Or do people take from it a peg on which to hang any kind of utensil? . . . Look! When it happens to be intact, it is not used for any work.' Clearly, then, the primary purpose of the grapevine is to bear fruit, the luscious grapes from which wine is made.","That it might bear fruit to the full, the grapevine is pruned every season.  What lesson, then, does this convey to us? Well, if any one of us is a 'branch' in the spiritual 'vine' and values his privilege, he will not want to get pruned off. So it behooves him to bear fruit--much of it!","Ezek. 15:1-5;  Judg. 9:13; John 15:2, 6;","Dec 15, 1978 Wt Page 22",Never Become Dull In Your Hearing,9,,"Aug 9, 2002",
"Neighbors, Manners, Tact,","'Neighbors, like family, are people in your life that you don't always get to choose.'","The relationships call for tact, a certain courtliness and tolerance.' Writer Marin Jackson.",Matt. 7:12,"Sep 1, 2002 Wt Page 5",True Friendship With God And Neighbor.,100,,"Aug 9, 2002",
"Spiritual, Dangers,",Spiritual dangers have no zip codes or time frames.,They can happen any where or any time.,Prov. 1:28-32,Bobby Laymon,Happy Though Hungry--how Can It Be?,31,,"Sep 1, 2002",
"Sin, Death, Penalty,","During the 15th and 16th century, murderers were penalized by having them lay on their face, and the dead body was strapped to their arms, legs and body.  They would carry this corpse around until their death.","In a similar way, all of us have Adam strapped to our bodies.  We are carrying around what he did until our death.",Rom. 5:12; 6:3;,Toni Miller,Is Hell Really A Place Of Fiery Torment?,128,,"Sep 3, 2002",
"Benefit, Granted, Value, Kingdom,","A brother wanted to buy a fiddle.  His uncle had one that was not only well crafted, but most of all it had the sound he loved.  When he pulled his bow across it, it sounded like a jet plane.  Each note was sharp and clear.  He gave a $120.00 Martin guitar for it.  Several professional musicians tried to buy it from him.  He decided to have it appraised.  It was not a copy, but an original of a highly prized musical instrument.  A genuine VOM.  Pronounced V-OM.   It's value: $85,000.00 in the late 1970's.   Since then, it has increased even more in value.","Sometimes we fail to recognize the true worth of something.  It is that way with the Kingdom of God.  We may have at first been attracted by the beauty of its message.  We loved the ring of truth.  As the years go by, we see its value becoming more important.  It's benefits keep increasing each year that goes by.","1 Cor 15:24, 28;",Bobby Laymon As Told By Gerald Townsend,How The Kingdom Of God Affects You,42,,"Aug 8, 2002",
"Self-sacrifice; Generous,","Did you ever watch a hen when she is nesting.  She will sit there for 21 days, and rarely leave it for food or water.  Unlike animals who carry their young with them and give birth, she is very self-sacrificing.  She will defend her chicks to her death.",We also must be self sacrificing.,Philippians 2:7,Todd Bell - Instruction Talk,Renewing The Spirit Of Self-sacrifice,69,,"Sep 11, 2002",
"Friend, Intimacy, Jehovah, Personally, Important, Prayer, away, distance,","There is a theory that you are only 5 persons away from anyone on earth.  For example, if you want to get close to a famous person, you know someone, who knows someone, who knows someone, who knows someone, who knows someone, who knows that person and could introduce you.","Whether true or not, we are acquainted with the most important persons in the universe.  Jehovah God and Christ Jesus.",Ps. 16:8;,Bobby Laymon,How Real Is God To You?,150,,"Sep 16, 2002",
"Respect, Authority, Rebellion,",I had a car once that had a lot of pushbuttons.  The radio stations set with pushbuttons.  Push one in and another comes out.  Also the transmission.  Push the reverse and all the other buttons came out.,"This well illustrates what a disrespect for authority will do.  You may suppress it in one place; on walk of life, and it will pop out somewhere else.",Proverbs 1:8,Bobby Laymon,Respect For Authority Is A Safeguard For You,12,,"Sep 18, 2002",
"Respect, Authority, Rebellion,","Do you remember when they first passed a law you had to wear seat belts?  Remember how we all complained, about how every time we had to buckle up.",Think how many lives have been spared by seat belts.  Many of our brothers and sisters.,Proverbs 1:8,Bobby Laymon,Respect For Authority Is A Safeguard For You,12,,"Sep 18, 2002",
"Respect, Authority, Rebellion,","In the early days of its life, a baby will often demand attention by crying or even by screaming. But a wise parent will discern what the baby's real needs are and not let a tantrum dictate.",Train the while they are young.,Eccles. 10:16,Bobby Laymon,Respect For Authority Is A Safeguard For You,12,,"Sep 18, 2002",
"Devil, Satan, Compromise,",'The Devil made me do it!',"However, the Devil failed to make Jesus compromise.","Matt 4:10,11; Jas 4:7;",Robin Clark,How To Protect Ourselves From Satan's Snares,115,,"Sep 23, 2002",
"Wisdom, Laws, Thankful, Appreciation, Feelings, Psalms,",Have you ever written to MODOT ant thanked them for the highways laws?  Have you ever thanked the government for the tax laws?,The Psalmist exhorts Jehovah's laws.  Almost every verse of the 119th Psalm tells us so.  Wisdom and understanding are built into God's Word.,Ps. 119:16;,Alan Finny,Acquiring A Heart Of Wisdom,73,,"Sep 23, 2002",
"Pornography, Morals,",Like a lethal fallout.  Nepal; Chernobyl.  We don't realize the detrimental affect until it is too late.,The addiction to pornography is harder than drugs.,Hab. 1:13;,Kenneth Schroeder,Are You Really Making Jehovah Your Stronghold?,18,,"Sep 23, 2002",
"Pornography, Morals, Internet,","It is like dropping your child off in New York City, and saying, 'I will pick you up in 10 hours.'",Don't allow children to use the Internet unsupervised.,Hab. 1:13;,Kenneth Schroeder,Are You Really Making Jehovah Your Stronghold?,18,,"Sep 23, 2002",
"Pornography, Morals, Internet,",It is more dangerous than a brown recluse spider.,"Pornography makes you shudder, shiver, as to what can happen.  It is intellectual rape.",Hab. 1:13;,Kenneth Schroeder,Are You Really Making Jehovah Your Stronghold?,18,,"Sep 23, 2002",
"Attitude, Aptitude, Willing, Assist,",'Life is 10% aptitude and 90% attitude.',It takes a willing attitude to serve others.,Jo 13:11;,Michael McLamb,Into The New Order Under Christ's Leadership,56,,"Sep 23, 2002",
"Honesty, Convention, Trust,","At the 'Divine Teachers District Convention' in 2001, Jehovah's Witnesses were given the keys and told to turn out the lights when they left.",Jehovah's people have built a trust throughout the world.  People see the distinction.,Mal. 3:18,Theodore Jaracz - Gb - Assembly Part,Trust In The God Of All Comfort,143,,"Sep 23, 2002",
"Youth, Dangers,","Picture a young wildebeest.  Then in the tall grass, a pair of lions.  In a flash, the lion is on its back.  It has selected the most vulnerable animal from the herd.","Just as the lion owns the Serengeti, Satan owns the world.  He knows what you like.  Music, movies, T.V.  Computer.  The safest place is with mother.  Mother is the organization.",1 Pet. 5:8;,Ken Welch,Looking At Youths From Jehovah's Standpoint.,118,,"Sep 23, 2002",
"Jesus, Michael, Christ, Role, Archangel,",Even humans are known in different roles.  Your Children may call you Mom.  Your husband may call you by your first name.  Others may refer to you as Mrs. ______.  Grandchildren may call you Grandma.,"Thus it is fitting that Jesus is referred to in different settings, according to the role and the person viewing him at the time.  The evidence indicates that the Son of God was known as Michael before he came to earth and is known also by that name since his return to heaven where he resides as the glorified spirit Son of God.",Dan. 10:13; 12:1; Jude 9,Toni Miller  See  Rs 218  Jesus Christ,Into The New Order Under Christ's Leadership,56,,"Sep 28, 2002",
"Success, Measure, Youths,","Suppose you have spent all day climbing a ladder.  No, all your life climbing a ladder.  We will call it the ladder of success.  You are almost at the top.  You are tired, exhausted, near the end.  You look around at the view, and then you notice:  The ladder is leaning on the wrong building.",Could a person do that?  What a disappointment!  Could a baptized Christian do that?  Even with good intentions?  Parents may put youth on wrong ladder.,Proverbs 3:27,Bobby Laymon,Looking At Youths From Jehovah's Standpoint.,118,,"Sep 24, 2002",
"Success, Measure, Youths, Informal witnessing,","People use different standards of measurements.  A pharmacist may use an eyedropper.  A housewife a teaspoon, or cup.  A farmer a gallon or bushel basket full.  Or distance can be measured by centimeter, inch, yard, or mile.  Time by seconds, minutes, hours or eternity.  But how do you measure success?","The world's success can be measured by the eyedropper; The inch; or it's longevity in seconds.  Just a flash in the pan.  How will we measure our success?   Be not in drops but by the gallons;  Go the distance. Not the inch, but mile upon mile.  The longevity of our success will not be measured in seconds; but for all eternity.",Philippians 2:9,Bobby Laymon,Looking At Youths From Jehovah's Standpoint.,118,,"Sep 24, 2002",8/5/2014
"Working, Building, Materialism,",Man and daughter building sand castle on beach.  Work of art.  Went back next day and it was gone.  Reality was it was a castle built of sand on the sand.  Also built in the surf line.  Perfect for building sand castles.,"Today's world is perfect for working and building.  Homes, careers, bank accounts, etc.  Do you think they realize it will soon all be washed away?  Man and his daughter were building for fun.  What kind of work can we perform that will bring gain.",1 Tim. 6:18;,Joe Laymon; Special Assembly Day,Reach Out For The Real Life!,90,,"Oct 5, 2002",
"Knowledge, Insight, Study, Dig, Treasure,","If you happened to dig up a precious gem, would you simply pocket it and walk away contented?  Or would you dig to see if there were more?","God's Word is full of gems and nuggets of truth.  No matter how many you have found, you can find more.  As you unearth a nugget of truth, ask yourself: 'What makes a treasure?  Does it give me deeper insight into Jehovah's personality or his purposes?  Does it offer some practical guidance that can help me follow Jesus' footsteps?",Rom. 11:33; Ps 57:1;,"Aug 15, 2002 Page 16",Why Take Refuge In Jehovah,142,,"Oct 5, 2002",
"Thinking Ability, Dangers, Pressures,","TOWERING waves are an awesome sight, but for sailors they spell danger. Those surging waters could cost them their lives.","In a similar way, God's servants might face mounting pressures that threaten to overwhelm them. You may have recognized that wave after wave of trials and temptations bear down on Christians. You certainly want to counter them decisively, being determined to avoid spiritual shipwreck.",1 Timothy 1:19,"Aug 15, 2002 Wt Page 21",Acquiring A Heart Of Wisdom,73,,"Oct 5, 2002",
"Thinking Ability, Dangers, Pressures,","When the wind drives powerful waves toward the bow of a boat, the condition is described as a head sea. Sailors risk having their boat capsize unless they maneuver to meet the waves head-on.","We face a similar situation, living as we do in a world obsessed with sex. Every day, waves of sensual ideas and images head our way. We cannot ignore the effect they can have on our normal sexual desires. We must use thinking ability and meet the temptation decisively rather than just drift into dangerous situations.",1 Timothy 1:19,"Aug 15, 2002 Wt Page 21",Acquiring A Heart Of Wisdom,73,,"Oct 5, 2002",
"Thinking Ability, Dangers, Pressures,","When the wind drives the waves toward the beam, or the side, of the ship, it is known as a beam sea. In normal conditions, such a sea may slowly push the vessel off course. During a storm, however, a beam sea can cause the boat to capsize.","Similarly, if we succumb to the pressure to enjoy all that the wicked world has to offer, this materialistic life-style can push us off course spiritually.  Left unchecked, the love of the world could eventually cause us to abandon our Christian course altogether. How can thinking ability come to our aid?",2 Timothy 4:10; 1 John 2:15,"Aug 15, 2002 Wt Page 24",Acquiring A Heart Of Wisdom,73,,"Oct 5, 2002",
"Thinking Ability, Dangers, Pressures, Warnings,","Sailors have to be sensitive to danger signs, especially when storms are brewing. If the temperature drops and the winds freshen, they batten down the hatches and prepare for the worst.","In like manner, we must prepare to face pressures of gale-force intensity as this wicked system nears its end. The moral fabric of society is unraveling, and 'wicked men advance from bad to worse.' Just as sailors regularly listen to weather forecasts, we must heed the prophetic warnings of God's inspired Word.",Psalm 19:7-11; 2 Timothy 3:13,"Aug 15, 2002 Wt Page 24",Acquiring A Heart Of Wisdom,73,,"Oct 5, 2002",
"Adjustments, Flexible, Shape, Affects, Adapt, Modesty, humility, ","If you visit the 'Missouri botanical gardens' you will notice the Bonsai trees.  They have the same elements of a large tree.  It can be any tree;  oak, ash, pine, cedar, maple.  They make certain adjustment to make them small. ",We too can make adjustments so we reach the desired affects.  We need to adapt to our ministry as Paul did.  We must not adapt to the world's standards.,1 Cor. 9:19-23,Sheldon Hunter ; Special Assembly Day,Why Christians Must Be Different.,123,,"Oct 5, 2002",1/28/2015
"Glorify, Magnify, Fine Works, Draws, Attract, Light, Darkness,",Have you ever sit around a campfire that is glowing brightly?  Did you notice it draws some of Jehovah's creatures.  They don't want darkness anymore than we do.,When we glow with fine works we attract others.  Those who love light will be drawn closer to Jehovah.,Matt 5:14-16; 1 John 15:8; Zech 8:23;,Michael Parker; Special Assembly Day,Reach Out For The Real Life!,90,,"Oct 5, 2002",
"Youths,","It has been said, 'Youth should be seen, not heard.'",Jesus felt youths should be both 'seen and heard.',"Matt 21:15, 16;",Joel Lattanzi; Special Assembly Day,Looking At Youths From Jehovah's Standpoint.,118,,"Oct 5, 2002",
"Family, Building,",Some brothers have built their own homes.  Even a simple house requires hard work.,Likewise building strong families requires hard work.,Acts 10:2; Prov. 22:6;,William Van De Wall; Special Assembly Day,God Comes First In Successful Family Life,110,,"Oct 5, 2002",
"Gossip, Speech, Attitude, Positive, Negative,","If you live in a town and you speak well of it, you will grow to like that town.  If you tear it down, you will lose your joy in living there.","Likewise, on the Congregation level.  We must speak well of it as Proverbs 11:11 indicates.",Prov 11:11,William Van De Wall; Special Assembly Day,What Kind Of Name Are You Making With God?,55,,"Oct 5, 2002",
"Unity, Congregation, Organization, Brotherhood,",Have you noticed one lone pine tree in a meadow?  What happens when a storm comes?  A lone pine tree cannot stand.  However put 99 other pine trees around it and you can stand in the middle and not feel the wind.,That is like the congregation.  We must stay in the middle to help us survive the storms of life.,Prov 11:11,William Van De Wall; Special Assembly Day,A Worldwide Brotherhood Saved From Calamity.,121,,"Oct 5, 2002",
"Appreciation, Growth, Global Family, Brotherhood,",Display a globe.  Describe where different countries are.  How many brothers are faithfully serving there.  Tell something about them.  They are working in unity around the globe.,"This theocratic structure was developed by Jehovah.  How do we feel about our brothers in the country of Georgia, Russia who are standing faithful?  How do we feel about our educational program that is second to none?  Our young brothers often go to the MTS and return home and their mothers don't even recognize them.  They have grown spiritually.",Ps. 145:16;,William Van De Wall; Special Assembly Day,Service Talk,200,,"Oct 5, 2002",
"Meetings, Association, Meals, Unity, Congregation, Organization, Brotherhood,",How do you feed?  Imagine: a mother eats while she is cooking; the children come home from school and grab a snack and run; then the husband comes home from work and eats.,What is wrong.  All get fed.  But where is the association?  The best part of spiritual meals is also the association.,Heb. 10:24,William Van De Wall; Special Assembly Day,Are You Content With Jehovah's Provisions?,22,,"Oct 5, 2002",
"Meeting, Attendance,","Perhaps sometime you have fed animals on a farm.  Did you notice that if you feed them at a certain place, the next day you will have no trouble getting them there.  The third day you can put up a barrier and they will break down the gate.",Are we like that at our feeding place?  Are we ready to take down the gate?,Isa. 1:3,Bobby Laymon,,,,"Oct 16, 2002",
"Attention, Distractions,","AUTO accidents claim the lives of some 37,000 people each year in the United States alone.  Experts say that many of these deaths could be avoided if drivers paid more attention to the road.  Some motorists are distracted by signs and billboards or by the use of their cell phone.  Also there are those who indulge in 'dashboard dining' - eating while they drive.","Nearly 2,000 years before the automobile was invented, the apostle Paul identified a type of distraction that was proving disastrous to some Hebrew Christians.  They needed to pay more than the usual attention to the things heard about Jesus.",Heb 2:1,"Sep 15, 2002 Wt Page 10",Maintain Your Confidence Firm To The End,46,,"Nov 2, 2002",
"Study, Time, Buy Out, Privacy, Meditate, Solitude, Stress,",We may feel as if the rush of daily events is sweeping us along like a twig in a swift stream.,"Really, we need to fight the current, as it were, and seek a small island of calm.  We cannot simply wait for an opportunity to study to present itself.  We must take control.","Eph. 5:15, 16;","Sep 15, 2002 Wt Page 14",Taking Time To Meditate On Spiritual Things,67,,"Nov 2, 2002",
"New Ones, Disciples,",New ones are gems; They need shine and polish.,Hag 2:7.  All can contribute to new ones.  A.  Be friendly  B.  Encourage  C.  Participate weekly in ministry.    D.  Help shape and polish them and they soon will be sparkling gems.  	,"Acts 18:24, 26; Hag 2:7;",Bobby Laymon,,,,"Nov 8, 2002",
"Problems, Solutions, Counsel,","If you keep pulling a dandelion out by it's leaves, you are not going to get very far.",We must get to the root of the problem.,Prov 20:5,Bobby Laymon,,,,"Nov 8, 2002",
"Truth, Pattern, Healthful Words, Guide, Outline,","The Greek word rendered 'pattern' literally refers to an artist's sketch.  Although not overly detailed, such a representation has well-defined boundaries so that a discerning viewer can perceive the overall picture.","Similarly, the pattern of truth that Paul taught Timothy and others was not designed to give a specific answer to every conceivable question.  Yet, this body of teaching provides sufficient guidance--an outline, as it were--so that honesthearted ones can perceive what Jehovah requires of them.",2 Tim 1:13,"Sep 15, 2002 Wt Page 16",Conducting Ourselves Honestly At All Times,10,,"Nov 9, 2002",
"Bible, Search, Examine, Truth, False, Religion, Christendom,",'Truth-seeker should empty their vessels of the muddy waters of tradition and fill them at the fountain of truth--God's Word.','And no religious teaching should have weight except as it guides the truth-seeker to that fountain.',Acts 26:9,C. T. Russell; The Divine Plan Of The Ages. Vol. 1  Page 12,True Religion Meets The Needs Of Human Society.,94,,"Nov 18, 2002",
"Religion, Darkness, Light,","'The continued misery and darkness of the world...is like that which enveloped Egypt, it has been a darkness that could be felt.'",The world continues in darkness.,"Isa. 60:2,3;",C. T. Russell; The Divine Plan Of The Ages. Vol. 1  Page 18,Human Creation's Groaning--when Will It End?,141,,"Nov 18, 2002",
"Bible, Truth, Purpose, Organization, Understanding,","'Even as a link is not  a chain, but several links united form a chain.'","'We obtain correct ideas of the whole plan by noting the distinctive features of each part, and thus we are enabled to divide rightly the Word of truth.'","Isa 11:9; Jer 31:34; 2 Tim 3:1, 13;",C. T. Russell; The Divine Plan Of The Ages. Vol. 1  Page 74,Life Does Have A Purpose,23,,"Nov 18, 2002",
"Creation, Evolution,","There are fish that can use their fins for a moment as wings, and fly out of the water, and frogs that can sing, they have never been known to change into birds; and though there are among brutes some which bear a slight resemblance to men, the evidence is wholly lacking that man evolved from such creatures.",No instance is known where one kind has changed to another kind.,Genesis. 1:25;,C. T. Russell; The Divine Plan Of The Ages. Vol. 1  Page 30,The Origin Of Humans--does It Matter What You Believe?,133,,"Nov 18, 2002",
"Bible, Survival, Banned,","'Today, while many of its foes slumber in death, and hundreds of volumes written to discredit it and to overthrow its influence, are long since forgotten, the Bible has found its way into every nation and language of earth.'","'..but still the book lives...The fact that this book has survived so many centuries, notwithstanding such unparalleled efforts to banish and destroy it, is at least strong circumstantial evidence that the great Being whom it claims as it Author has also been its Preserver.'",1 Pet 1:25,C. T. Russell; The Divine Plan Of The Ages. Vol. 1  Page 38,Did The Miracles Of The Bible Really Happen?,137,,"Nov 18, 2002",
"Bible, Study, Dig,",'The richest treasures of truth do not always lie on the surface.',"'The Bible is not a book to be read merely: it is a book to be studied with care and thought; for God's thoughts are higher than our thoughts, and his way than our ways.'",Isa 55:9,C. T. Russell; The Divine Plan Of The Ages. Vol. 1  Page 39,Does Your Hope Rest On Science Or The Bible?,80,,"Nov 18, 2002",
"Life, Miracle, Creation,","'We plant two seeds side by side; the conditions, air, water and soil, are alike; they grow, we cannot tell how, nor can the wisest philosopher explain this miracle.  These seeds develop organisms of opposite tendencies; one creeps, the other stands erect; form, flower, coloring, everything differs, though the conditions were the same'","'Such miracles grow common to us, and we cease to remember them as such as we leave the wonderment of childhood; yet they manifest a power as much beyond our own, and beyond our limited intelligence.'","Genesis 1:11, 12;",C. T. Russell; The Divine Plan Of The Ages. Vol. 1  Page 62,Did the Miracles of the Bible Really Happen?,137,,"Nov 18, 2002",
"Life, Miracle, Creation,","'When Columbus discovered the Orinoco river, some one said he had found an island.  He replied: 'No such river as that flows from an island.  That mighty torrent must drain the waters of a continent.''  NOTE: Orinoco: A South American river 1,500 miles long; flows into the South Atlantic.","So the depth and power and wisdom and scope of the Bible's testimony convince us that not man, but the Almighty God, is the author of its plans and revelations.",Heb 4:12;,C. T. Russell; The Divine Plan Of The Ages. Vol. 1  Page 63,Does Your Hope Rest On Science Or The Bible?,80,,"Nov 18, 2002",
"Prophecies, Work, Progressive, New Earth, Kingdom,","'As some ignorantly misjudge the skill and wisdom of a great architect and builder by his unfinished work, so also many in their ignorance now misjudge God by his unfinished work.'","'...but by and large, when the rough scaffolding of evil, ...has been removed, and the rubbish cleared away, God's finished work will universally declare his infinite wisdom and power; and his plans will be seen to be in harmony with his glorious character.'",Isa 14:24-27; 46:9-11,C. T. Russell; The Divine Plan Of The Ages. Vol. 1  Page 65,Life Does Have A Purpose,23,,"Nov 18, 2002",
"Bible, God's Word, Light, Progress,",'Only this one storehouse contains an exhaustless supply of things both new and old--meat in due season for the household.',"'We must walk in the light, continue to make progress, else the light, which does not stop, will pass on and leave us in darkness.  The difficulty with many is that they sit down, and do not follow on in the path of light.'",1 Pet. 3:15; 2 Tim 3:15-17;,C. T. Russell; The Divine Plan Of The Ages. Vol. 1  Page 25,Does Your Hope Rest On Science Or The Bible?,80,,"Nov 18, 2002",
"Purpose, Organization, Discipline,","'To an uninstructed and undisciplined mind, which can see only a little of the intricate machinery of God's plan, it appears like anarchy, confusion and failure, just as the whole, or even a part, of an intricate machine would appear to a child.  To its immature and untutored mind it is incomprehensible, and the opposite motions of its wheels and belts are but confusion.'","'But maturity and investigation will show that the seeming confusion is beautiful harmony, working good results.  The machine, however, was as truly a success before the child understood its operation as after.  So while God's plan is, and has been for ages, in successful operation, man has been receiving the necessary discipline, not only to enable him to understand its intricate workings, but also to experience its blessed results.'","Isa 11:9; Jer 31:34; 2 Tim 3:1, 13;",C. T. Russell; The Divine Plan Of The Ages. Vol. 1  Page 74,Life Does Have A Purpose,23,,"Nov 18, 2002",
"Ministry, Preaching, Mysteries, Fools, Materialism, Honor,","'Paul forsook a high station and social influence to labor with his hands, and to preach Christ, and the invisible crown for all believers who should walk in his footsteps.  This was so mysterious that some said, 'Paul, thou art beside thyself: much learning doth make thee mad.'","'And all who so follow in the Master's footsteps are, like Paul, counted fools for Christ's sake.'  'Then the mystery will have ended; Then they will see that we were not mad, nor fools; but that we chose the better part when we ran for the riches, honors and crown, unseen by them, but eternal.'",Acts 26:24;,"C. T. Russell; The Divine Plan Of The Ages. Vol. 1  Page 86, 87",Finding Honor And Joy In God's Ministry,65,,"Nov 18, 2002",
"Sin, Cure, Evil, Satan, Devil, Removal,","'Since sin is the cause of evil, its removal is the only method of permanently curing the malady.'",EVIL is that which produces unhappiness; anything which either directly or remotely causes suffering of any kind. --Webster,Rom 5:12;,C. T. Russell; The Divine Plan Of The Ages. Vol. 1  Page 117,The Only Cure For Sick Mankind,62,,"Nov 18, 2002",
"Sinner, Image, Likeness, Creation, Love, Intelligence, Moral, Conscience,","'A dog has some intelligence, but not to this degree, though he may learn that certain actions bring the approval and reward of his master, and certain others his disapproval.  He might steal or take life, but would not be termed a sinner; or he might protect property and life, but would not be called virtuous--because he is ignorant of the moral quality of his actions.'","'God could have made mankind devoid of ability to discern between right and wrong, or able only to discern and to do right; but to have made him so would have been to make merely a living machine, and certainly not a mental image of his Creator.'",Genesis 1:26;,C. T. Russell; The Divine Plan Of The Ages. Vol. 1  Page 119,Hold A Good Conscience In A Sinful World,107,,"Nov 18, 2002",
"Ransom, Jesus Christ, Savior, Salvation,","'As the entire race was in Adam when he was condemned, and lost life through him, so when Adam's life was redeemed by the man Christ Jesus, a possible race in his loins died also, and a full satisfaction, or corresponding price, was rendered to justice for all men.'",'He who thus bought all has full authority to restore all who come unto God by him.',"Rom 5:16, 17, 19; 2 Cor 5:14;",C. T. Russell; The Divine Plan Of The Ages. Vol. 1  Page 155,Observing The Memorial Of Christ's Death,998,,"Nov 18, 2002",
"Hell, Eternal Torture, Life, Sins, Doctrine, Inconsistent, Harmony, Contradiction,","'Some are so wedded to the idea of eternal torture, and so prize it as a sweet morsel, that they hold to it regardless of the Scriptures, and deliberately deny that Jesus paid the world's ransom price, though this  truth is taught on every leaf of the Bible.'",The theory of eternal torture is inconsistent with the statements that ' the LORD hath laid upon him the iniquity of us all.'  One of the teachings must be dropped as inconsistent.',1 Cor 15:3; John 3:16,C. T. Russell; The Divine Plan Of The Ages. Vol. 1  Page 159,Is Hell Really A Place Of Fiery Torment?,128,,"Nov 18, 2002",
"Earth, Population, Room, Resurrection,","'It is even claimed by some that the earth is one vast graveyard, and that if all the dead were awakened they would trample one upon another for want of room.'","'Our race began with one pair, but let us make a very liberal estimate and suppose that there were as many at the beginning as there are now; and, further, that there never were fewer than that number at any time, though actually the flood reduced he population to eight persons. Again, let us be liberal, and estimate three generations to a century, or thirty three years to a generation, though, according to Gen. 5, there were but eleven generations from Adam to the flood, a period of one thousand six hundred and fifty-six years, or about one hundred and fifty years to each generation.  Now let us see: six thousand years are sixty centuries; three generations to each century would give us one hundred and eighty generations since Adam; and fourteen hundred millions to a generation would give two hundred and fifty-two billions (252.000,000,000) as the total number of our race from creation to the present time. According to this liberal estimate, which is probably more than twice the actual number.    Where shall we find room enough for this great multitude? Let us measure the land, and see. The State of  Texas, United States. contains two hundred and thirty-seven thousand square miles. There are twenty-seven million eight hundred and seventy-eight thousand four hundred square feet in a mile, and, therefore, six trillion six hundred and seven billion one hundred and eighty million, eight hundred  thousand (6,6o7,180,800,000) square feet in Texas.   Allowing ten square feet as the surface covered each dead body we find that Texas, as a cemetery, would at this rate would hold 660,718,080,000 bodies... or nearly three times as many as our exaggerated estimate of the numbers of our race who have lived on the earth.  A person standing occupies about one and two-thirds square feet of space.  At this rate the present population of the earth (one billion four hundred million persons) could stand on an area of eighty-six square miles--an area much less than that of the city of London or of Philadelphia. And the island of Ireland (area, thirty-two thousand square miles) would furnish standing room for more than twice the number of people who have ever lived on the earth, even at our exaggerated estimate.  There is not much difficulty, then, in settling this objection. And when we call to mind the prophecy of Isaiah 35:1-6, that the earth shall yield her increase ; that the desert shall rejoice and blossom as the rose ; that in the wilderness shall waters break out, and streams in the desert, we see that God indicates that he has foreseen all the necessities of his plan, and will make ample provision for the needs of his creatures in what will seem a very natural way.'",Isa 35:1-6,"C. T. Russell; The Divine Plan Of The Ages. Vol. 1  Page 160, 161",A Cleansed Earth--will You Live To See It?,49,,"Nov 18, 2002",
"Origin, Sin, Fall, Adam, Restoration, Ransom, Salvation, Evolution,","Some claim, 'If Adam fell at all his fall was upward, and the more and faster we fall from his original state the better for us and for all concerned.'","They 'point us to the superior intelligence of this nineteenth century, and claim this as conclusive evidence that primeval man must have been in comparison, very lacking in intelligence, which they claim is the result of development.  From this standpoint, a restitution to a former estate would be far from desirable, and certainly the reverse of a blessing.'",Rom 5:12;,"C. T. Russell; The Divine Plan Of The Ages. Vol. 1  Page 161, 162",The Origin Of Humans--does It Matter What You Believe?,133,,"Nov 18, 2002",
"Perfection, Health, Cure, Paradise, Earth, Kingdom,",'Think of all the pictures of comparative health and beauty of human form and features that you have ever seen.','Know that perfect humanity will be of still surpassing loveliness.  The inward purity and mental and moral perfection will stamp and glorify every radiant countenance.  Such will earth's society be.',Rev 21:4,C. T. Russell; The Divine Plan Of The Ages. Vol. 1  Page 192,The Earth Will Remain Forever,130,,"Nov 18, 2002",
"Anointed, 144,000, Divine Nature,",'It is a gradual bending heavenward of that which naturally bends earthward.',"'Though the acceptance of the heavenly call and our consecration in obedience to it be decided at one particular moment, the bringing of every thought into harmony with the mind of God is a gradual work.'",Rom 12:2,C. T. Russell; The Divine Plan Of The Ages. Vol. 1  Page 198,How Do You Fit Into The Kingdom Arrangement?,21,,"Nov 18, 2002",
"Life, Beauty, Sin, Death, Cure,","'Just as the beauty of the diamond is dependent on the continued supply of sunlight, thus the glory and beauty of humanity are seen to be dependent on the continued supply of life.'","'When sin deprived humanity of the right to life, and the supply was withheld, immediately the jewel began to lose its brilliancy and beauty, and finally it is deprived of its last vestige in the tomb.  His beauty consumes away like a moth.'",Ps 39:11;,C. T. Russell; The Divine Plan Of The Ages. Vol. 1  Page 209,What Happens When We Die?,127,,"Nov 18, 2002",
"Anointed, 144,000, Hope,","'Thus to these embryo 'new creatures' old things (human desires, hopes, plans, etc.) pass away, and all things become new.'","'The embryo 'new creature' continues to grow and develop, as the old human nature, with its hopes, aims, desires, etc., is crucified.'",Rom 8:11,C. T. Russell; The Divine Plan Of The Ages. Vol. 1  Page 197,How Do You Fit Into The Kingdom Arrangement?,21,,"Nov 18, 2002",
"Spiritual Man,",Are you a spiritual mouse or a spiritual man?  Are you God oriented?,A spiritual man doesn't 'shoot from the hip.'  He lets God's Word do the talking.,"Gal 5:22,23;",Ron Whitlatch C.O. At Elder's School,,,,"Nov 24, 2002",
"Problems, Judicial,",Problems can be like a snowball.,"If not acted on promptly, they can quickly build up and become bigger problems.",Eph 5:25-29,Maurice Smith At Elder's School,,,,"Nov 24, 2002",
"Action, Responsibility,",'Step up to the plate.',Assume a responsible role.,Ps 68:19; 1 Tim 3:4;,Maurice Smith At Elder's School,Will You Be A Survivor Of The 'last Days'?,2,,"Nov 24, 2002",
"Book Study, Bible, Tight Grip, Rooted,",Have you ever dug up a plant.  The roots have a tight grip on the ground.,We must have the truth firmly rooted in our hearts.,Rom 6:17; Prov 4:4,Ken Welch At Elder's School,True Friendship With God And Neighbor.,100,,"Nov 24, 2002",
"Shepherds, Overseers, Elders,","Think of the dangers sheep face in their natural settings.  There are the wolves and wild dogs.  Poisonous plants, straying sheep.  Dangerous terrain.  The shepherd must be constantly alert to protect the sheep.  Any lost or damaged one will come out of his paycheck.","Likewise as shepherds, overseers today must be alert to danger on behalf of the sheep.  They will be held accountable for any loss or damage.",2 Tim 1:13,Ron Whitlatch C. O. At Elder's School,The Sacredness Of Life And Blood.,135,,"Nov 24, 2002",
"Theocratic Order, Organization, Submitting, Loyalty",Have you ever studied how an automobile functions?  Or perhaps a recipe; or a company?  Different parts work harmoniously together.,Also a family works in that way.  We are part of a large family; Jehovah's organization.  We must work together.,Mt 24:47,Ron Whitlatch C. O. At Elder's School,A Loyal Congregation Under Christ's Leadership,144,,"Nov 24, 2002",
"Mind, Protect, Danger, Theocratic Ministry School,",What can happen when ground water gets into a well?  It can contaminate the drinking water.  It must be cased up to keep ground water out.,That is how it is with our minds.  We must case them up to keep the water of truth pure and life-giving.  This is the purpose to the Theocratic Ministry School.  We can learn how to teach pure sayings of truth.,Prov 27:5;,Dave Pfister At Elder's School,Live With Soundness Of Mind In A Depraved World.,138,,"Nov 24, 2002",
"Public Talks, Speaking, Speech, Instruction,","We have learned a new phase:  'There is nourishment in a dry piece of toast.'  In essence, we can learn something from a dull talk, or one that lacks interest.  However, one cannot live on a steady diet of dried toast.",We need to be concerned about the quality of public talks.  They need to be interesting and instructive.,Prov 4:13;,Mike Hart At Elder's School,Looking At Youths From Jehovah's Standpoint.,118,,"Nov 24, 2002",
"Public Talks, Speaking, Speech, Instruction,","Sometimes you may get a compliment such as, 'that was a warm talk.'","That can also be translated as, 'not so hot.'",Prov 4:13;,Mike Hart At Elder's School,Looking At Youths From Jehovah's Standpoint.,118,,"Nov 24, 2002",
"Purpose, Life, Glorify,","Men have long sought a purpose to being alive.  They have traveled to the moon, and expounded the depths of the earth to find this.",Yet God clearly reveal the purpose of being alive; to serve and glorify Jehovah's name.,Rev 4:11; Ps 63:3;,Ron Whitlatch C. O. At Elder's School,Life Does Have A Purpose,23,,"Nov 24, 2002",
"Self, Purpose, Life, Glorify,",The world's focus is on 'self.',The Bible helps us to reflect and think on Jehovah's way.,"Ps 1:1,2; Ps 26:12",Ron Whitlatch C. O. At Elder's School,Life Does Have A Purpose,23,,"Nov 24, 2002",
"Involve, Commitment, Baptism, Marriage,",The difference between 'involvement' and 'commitment' is like an eggs-and-ham breakfast: the chicken was 'involved' - the pig was 'committed'.,"Apply to marriage, baptism, or other commitments.",Matt 16:24;,Bobby Laymon,,,,"Dec 2, 2002",
"Balance, Time, Recreation, Order,","Sometimes we see a sign that reads, 'This project is on time, on target, on budget.'",Do we balance our lives in such a fashion.  Do we keep recreation and other matters orderly in our lives.,Ecclesiastes 3:4,Bobby Laymon,You Can Find Joy In Serving God,103,,"Nov 24, 2002",
"Abuse, Religion, Christendom, Babylon, Abandon, Change Religion,","A SHIP is in the midst of a tempest. The crew, who are struggling desperately to save their vessel, are faced with a dramatic decision: either to stay aboard or to abandon ship and save themselves.","Did you know that this terrifying scenario is used as a theological illustration?  Theologians, especially Catholic scholars, often compare their church to a ship that is weathering a storm. They say that this ship, with Jesus or Peter at the helm, represents the only means of salvation. The position of the clergy is, 'Never abandon the ship. The church has been through serious crises before, but it is a ship that has weathered all of history's tempests.' Some say, 'Why abandon her? What alternatives are there? Why not stay and help steer her into calmer waters?'",Rev 18:4,W95 2/1 3,True Religion Meets The Needs Of Human Society.,94,,"Nov 25, 2002",
"Blessings, Maledictions, Inspection, Hearts, Examine,","UNSEEN under a coat of paint, rust can begin to corrode an implement made of iron. It may be some time before the rust becomes visible on the surface.","Similarly, the attitudes and desires of one's heart may begin to deteriorate long before this results in serious consequences or is even noticed by others. As we would wisely inspect an implement to see if it is becoming rusty, so a close inspection of our hearts and timely maintenance may preserve our Christian integrity.","Joshua 8:34, 35; Matthew 13:49, 50; 24:3",W96 6/15 17-18,Why Take Refuge In Jehovah,142,,"Nov 25, 2002",
"Signposts, Life, Road, Aids, Guidance,","IF YOU were traveling on an unfamiliar road or pathway, would you view signposts as a hindrance? Not likely! Surely you would view them as an aid to help you from straying off the route leading to your destination.","What, though, of traveling life's road? Can it be successfully negotiated without signposts? An ancient prophet of God acknowledged mankind's limitations in this regard. He said: 'I know, O LORD, that man's ways are not of his own choosing; nor is it for a man to determine his course in life.'_, The New English Bible.  Where, then, can the needed direction be found? The reliable source of such guidance is man's Creator, and the figurative signposts are to be found in the Bible. Jehovah, by means of his Word, says: 'Your own ears will hear a word behind you saying: 'This is the way. Walk in it, you people,' in case you people should go to the right or in case you should go to the left.'_.",Jeremiah 10:23; Isaiah 30:21;,W98 10/1 32,Basis For Confidence In The Bible's Divine Authorship.,124,,"Nov 25, 2002",
"Marriage, Family, Tools,","SUPPOSE you plan to build your own home. You purchase the land. With keen anticipation, you see your new house in your mind's eye. But what if you have no tools and no building skills? How frustrating your efforts would be!","Many couples enter marriage envisioning a happy family, yet possess neither the tools nor the skills needed to build one. Shortly after the wedding day, negative patterns develop. Fighting and bickering become a daily routine. When children are born, the new father and mother find themselves no more skilled at parenthood than they are at marriage.  Happily, however, the Bible can help. Its principles are like tools that enable you to build a happy family.  Let us see how.",Proverbs 24:3,Kl 140-1  15,Getting Marriage Off To A Good Start,27,,"Nov 25, 2002",
"Reading, Remember,","Our taking of information into the mind through reading may be compared to our taking of food into the stomach. In both instances we must be selective. The eater, even when just satisfying his appetite, is foolish to take into his stomach that which is indigestible or that which offers no real benefit to the body, or worse, may even poison him. For best results, for long-lasting benefits, food should be easily digested and assimilated by our bodies.","So, too, with our reading. Whether it is casual or serious reading, what we take in should be mentally digestible and it should be something that will lastingly benefit our minds. Obviously it is unwise to feed the mind on that which is untrue, godless or immoral, and which may therefore cause spiritual indigestion.  And why waste time reading material of little value? Just as we are selective in what we eat, so we should be in what we read.",Phil. 4:8,School Guidebook 20  4,True Friendship With God And Neighbor.,100,,"Nov 25, 2002",
"Examine, Bible, Self, Reflect, Flaws, Defects,",When you look into a mirror it reflects objects back to you as they are.,"When we examine ourselves in the mirror-like teachings of the Bible, the defects, or flaws, in our thinking are reflected back at us.",James 1:23;,"Dec 15, 2002 Wt Page 28",Are You Really Making Jehovah Your Stronghold?,18,,"Dec 7, 2002",
"Religion, Role","'All the world's a stage, and all the men and women merely players; they have their exits and their entrances, and one man in his time plays many parts...'","Shakespeare was not too far from being right when it comes to religion.  It is playing a current role on the world stage, but is about to make its final exit.",,William Shakespeare,Religion's Role In World Affairs.,92,,"Nov 30, 2002",
"Prayer,","The chief executive of a large corporation has many responsibilities. He decides which matters he will handle personally and which he will delegate to others. Similarly, the Sovereign Ruler of the universe has the option to determine which matters he will involve himself in and which he will delegate. Consider all that Jehovah has delegated to his beloved Son, Jesus. The Son has been given 'authority to do  judging.'  The angels have been 'made subject to him.' Jehovah's powerful holy spirit has been put at Jesus' disposal to help him to lead his disciples on earth.","Yet, when it comes to our prayers, Jehovah has chosen to involve himself personally.  That is why the Bible directs us to address our prayers only to Jehovah, do so in the name of Jesus.",John 15:26; 16:7; John 5:27;1 Peter 3:22,"Dec 15, 2002 Wt Page 16,17",Prayers That Are Heard By God.,86,,"Dec 6, 2002",
"Time, Days, Wisdom,","'Lost yesterday, somewhere between sunrise and sunset, two golden hours, each set with sixty diamond minutes.  No reward is offered, for they are gone forever!'  --Lydia H. Sigourney, American author (1791-1865).",We must not squander time.,Eph 5:15-17;,"Nov 15, 2002 Wt Page 20",Acquiring A Heart Of Wisdom,73,,"Jan 5, 2003",
"Human Body, Congregation, Need, Machine,","'People sometimes call the human body a machine--the most wonderful one ever built.  Of course, the human body is not a machine.  But it can be compared to one in many ways.  Like a machine, the body is made up of many parts.  Each part of the body, like each part of a machine, does special jobs.  But all the parts work together and so make the body or the machine run smoothly.","Yes, the human body has many parts, or members, and each one supplies something needed.  Not a single vein, muscle, or other body member of the Christian congregation is purposeless.  Similarly, each member of the Christian congregation can contribute something to its spiritual health and beauty.",1 Cor 12:14-26;,"Nov 15, 2002 Wt Page 9",,,,"Jan 5, 2003",
"Youth, Children, Clay, Rearing, Parents, Shaping, Molding,","IN THE hands of a skilled potter, a worthless lump of clay can be transformed into an attractive utensil. Few artisans make so much from so little. For millenniums, society has depended on the potter for cups, plates, cooking pots, storage jars, and decorative vases.","Parents too make an invaluable contribution to society by shaping the character and personality of their children. The Bible compares each one of us to clay, and God has assigned to parents the vital task of molding 'the clay' of their children.  Like creating a beautiful piece of pottery, transforming a child into a responsible and balanced adult is no easy task. Such a transformation does not happen by mere accident.",Job 33:6; Genesis 18:19,"Feb 15, 2003 Wt Page 23-27",Parents--are You Building With Fire-resistant Materials?,104,,"Jan 6, 2003",
"Youth, Children, Clay, Rearing, Parents, Shaping, Molding,","Potters like to work with clay that is sufficiently malleable to mold into shape yet is firm enough to hold the shape once it has been formed. After refining the clay, they prefer to use it within six months.","Likewise, the best time for parents to begin molding their child's heart is when it is most receptive and easily shaped.",2 Tim 3:15,"Feb 15, 2003 Wt Page 23-27",Parents--are You Building With Fire-resistant Materials?,104,,"Jan 6, 2003",
"Youth, Children, Clay, Rearing, Parents, Shaping, Molding,","The potter must do his work before the clay dries. To give himself extra time, he may add water to keep the clay moist and malleable.","Likewise, parents must work hard to prevent their teenager's heart from becoming unyielding. Their principal tool, of course, is the Bible, with which they can 'reprove, set things straight, and equip their child for every good work.'",2 Timothy 3:15-17,"Feb 15, 2003 Wt Page 23-27",Parents--are You Building With Fire-resistant Materials?,104,,"Jan 6, 2003",
"Youth, Children, Clay, Rearing, Parents, Shaping, Molding,","An earthenware vessel may look finished, but unless it has been fired in the kiln, it may be vulnerable to the very liquids it is designed to hold.","The Bible compares trials and difficulties to such a firing process, since they demonstrate what sort of people we really are. Of course, the Bible is speaking particularly of trials of our faith, but in a general way, the point is also valid as to other trials.  Surprisingly, some difficult trials young ones face may come from within the congregation.",James 1:2-4,"Feb 15, 2003 Wt Page 23-27",Parents--are You Building With Fire-resistant Materials?,104,,"Jan 6, 2003",
"Youth, Children, Clay, Rearing, Parents, Shaping, Molding,",In ancient Greece many vases bore the signatures of both the potter and the decorator.,"Comparably, in the family there are usually two who share in molding the children. Both father and mother share in shaping a child's heart, and figuratively your child bears both 'signatures.' Like a successful potter, and/or decorator, you can feel proud of your work in shaping a young person of worth and beauty.","Proverbs 23:24, 25; Ps 37:31","Feb 15, 2003 Wt Page 23-27",Parents--are You Building With Fire-resistant Materials?,104,,"Jan 6, 2003",
"Tithing, Money, Contributions,","National laws are not normally valid outside a country's borders.  For example, the law that obliges motorists in Britain to drive on the left does not apply to drivers in France.","Similarly, the law requiring tithing was part of an exclusive covenant between God and the nation of Israel.  Only the Israelites were bound by that law.","Exodus 19:3-8; Psalm 147:19, 20","Dec 1, 2002 Wt Page 4",,,,"Jan 19, 2003",
"Bible, Reading,",The Bible is like a lifeline...,...linking us to Jehovah.,"Josh 1:8; Psalm 1:1,2;","Dec 1, 2002 Wt Page 14",Happy Though Hungry--how Can It Be?,31,,"Jan 19, 2003",
"Meditate, Study,","Even as we set aside specific time each day for essential activities, such as eating and sleeping..........",.......we must likewise allow time each day to meditate on Jehovah's activities and dealings.,Deuteronomy 8:3; Matt 4:4;,"Dec 1, 2002 Wt Page 13",Taking Time To Meditate On Spiritual Things,67,,"Jan 19, 2003",
"Searching, Bible, Reading, Wisdom, Discernment, Understanding","This makes us think of the mining exploits of men who over the centuries have searched for the so-called precious metals silver and gold.  Men have killed for gold.  Others have spent a lifetime trying to find it.  What true value does gold have?  If you were lost in a desert and dying of thirst, which would you prefer: a bar of gold or a glass of water?","Yet, with what zeal men have sought gold, with it artificial and arbitrary value!  With how much more zeal we should seek wisdom, discernment, and understanding of God and his will!",Prov 2:4; Psalm 19:7-10; Prov 3:13-18,"Dec 1, 2002 Wt Page 15",Godly Wisdom In A Scientific World.,139,,"Jan 19, 2003",
"Study, Progressing,","Some reason: 'I do not need to study as seriously as the newer ones.  After all, look at the number of times I have been through the Bible and Bible publications over the years.'","This would be similar to saying: 'I do not really need to pay much attention to my diet now, for look at all the meals I have eaten in the past.'  How much better is it to maintain our spiritual health and strength.",Heb. 5:12-14;,"Dec 1, 2002 Wt Page 21",,,,"Jan 19, 2003",
"Bible, Sword, Trusty,","'Is my sword trusty, or is it rusty?'",We must maintain good habits of personal Bible study and thus resist the Devil.,Eph 4:22-24;,"Dec 1, 2002 Wt Page 23",,,,"Jan 19, 2003",
"Privacy, Eyes, Protection, Watchful,","To illustrate: While swimming at the beach, you may be under the ever watchful eye of a lifeguard. You do not view this as an invasion of privacy. In fact, his presence gives you a sense of security. You know that if you get in trouble, he will quickly be there to help you. Likewise, a mother constantly monitors her baby's every move. If she did not, she would be viewed as negligent.","Similarly, Jehovah God monitors our thoughts and actions because he has our best interests at heart.",2 Chronicles 16:9,"Jan 22, 2003 Aw Page 10",Jehovah's Eyes Are Upon Us,74,,"Jan 19, 2003",
"Ben Franklin, Career, Pioneer, Time, Balance, Ability, Accomplishments, Name, Fame, Talent, Skilled, Play,","Ben Franklin was a writer, a cartoonist, an inventor, a scientist, a diplomat, a farmer, a publisher, a linguist, a soldier, a statesman, a botanist, a zoologist, a politician, a storekeeper, a fire chief, a printer, a composer.  He started out with little formal education.  In addition, he founded the first hospital in America, he invented a day-light savings time, he started the first chartered fire insurance company in the United States.  Ben Franklin invented the rocking chair, bifocal eyeglasses, a stove that kept all the fireplace heat from going up the chimney, and a combination chair with a large desk-arm that is still used in colleges and high school classrooms.  Ben Franklin was the founder of the University of Pennsylvania, he started the Saturday Evening Post, he started the first public library in America... He invented the electric battery .. and drew the first newspaper cartoon.   In addition to all the above, he had time to be one of the first dreamers of freedom.  He signed the Declaration of Independence at the age of 70.  He was ambassador to France.   Despite all his accomplishments, Franklin didn't work all the time.","By a careful schedule of our time, we too can accomplish much in Jehovah's work, which is the most important career on earth today.",Ecclesiastes 12:13;,Bobby Laymon; American Essays By Dan Valentine,Into The New Order Under Christ's Leadership,56,,1997/05/13,
"Hunger, Malnutrition, Famine, Starvation, Homeless, Sick,","'I was hungry and you formed a committee to investigate my hunger.  I was homeless and you filed a report on my plight.  I was sick and you held a seminar on the situation of the underprivileged.  You investigated all aspects of my plight and yet I am still hungry, homeless and sick.'  --Author unknown.","ALTHOUGH agencies have made numerous efforts to stop malnutrition, achievements have fallen short of hopes.",Eccl 8:9,"Feb 22, 2003 Aw Page 5",Happy Though Hungry--how Can It Be?,31,,"Feb 15, 2003",
"Paradigm, Predictions, Prophecy, Future, Failure,","'Everyone acquainted with the subject (Edison's light bulb) will recognize it as a conspicuous failure.' Quote: Henry Morton, President of the Stevens Institute of technology.   Computers in the future may weigh no more than 1.5 tons' --- Popular Mechanics, forecasting the relentless march of science, 1949    'I think there is a world market for maybe five computers.' --- Thomas Watson, chairman of IBM, 1943    'I have traveled the length and breadth of this country and talked with the best people, and I can assure you that data processing is a fad that won't last out a year.' --- The editor in charge of business books for Prentice Hall, 1957    'But what...is it good for?' --- Engineer at the Advanced Computing Systems Division of IBM, commenting on the microchip, 1968    'There is no reason anyone would want a computer in their home.' --- Ken Olson, president, chairman and founder of Digital Equipment Corp., 1977    'This 'telephone' has too many shortcomings to be seriously considered as a means of communication.  The device is inherently of no value to us.' --- Western Union internal memo, 1876    The concept is interesting and well-formed, but in order to earn Better than a 'C', the idea must be feasible.' --- A Yale University management professor in response to Fred Smith's paper proposing reliable overnight delivery service.  Smith went on to found Federal Express.    'A cookie store is a bad idea. Besides, the market research reports say America likes crispy cookies, not soft and chewy cookies like you make.' --- Response to Debbie Fields' idea of starting Mrs. Fields Cookies    'We don't like their sound, and guitar music is on the way out.' --- Decca Recording Co. rejecting the Beatles, 1962    'If I had thought about it, I wouldn't have done the experiment. The literature was full of examples that said you can't do this.' --- Spencer Silver on the work that lead to the unique adhesives for 3M 'Post-it' Notepads    'So we went to Atari and said, 'Hey, we've got this amazing thing, even built with some of your parts, and what do you think about funding us?  Or we'll give it to you.  We just want to do it.  Pay our salary, we'll come work for you.' And they said, 'No.'  So then we went to  Hewlett-Packard, and they said, 'Hey, we don't need you.  You haven't got through college yet.' ' --- Apple Computer Inc. founder Steve Jobs on attempts to get Atari and H-P interested in his and Steve Wozniak's personal computer.    'Professor Goddard does not know the relation between action and reaction and the need to have something better than a vacuum against which to react. He seems to lack the basic knowledge ladled out daily in high schools.'  --- New York Times editorial about Robert Goddard's revolutionary rocket work, 1921    'You want to have consistent and uniform muscle development across all of your muscles? It can't be done. It's just a fact of life. You just have to accept inconsistent muscle development as an unalterable condition of weight training.' --- response to Arthur Jones, who solved the 'unsolvable' problem by inventing Nautilus     'Stocks have reached what looks like a permanently high plateau.' -- Irving Fisher, Professor of Economics, Yale University, 1929    'Everything that can be invented has been invented.' --- Charles H. Duel, Commissioner, U.S. Office of Patents, 1899    'Louis Pasteur's theory of germs is ridiculous fiction.' --- Pierre Pachet, Professor of Physiology at Toulouse, 1872    'The abdomen, the chest, and the brain will be forever shut from the intrusion of the wise and humane surgeon.' --- Sir John Eric Erickson, British surgeon, appointed Surgeon-Extraordinary to Queen Victoria, 1873    '640K ought to be enough for anybody.' --- Bill Gates, 1980",Some of the predictions made by men.,Isa 14:24;,Bobby Laymon,Your Future--how Can It Be Known?,19,,1997/11/25,
"Awake, Watchman, Alert, Vigilant, False Alarms, Warnings,","Imagine that a watchman suspects that a thief is planning to burgle the premises he is guarding. When night falls, the watchman listens intently for any noise that might betray the presence of the burglar. Hour after hour he strains his ears and eyes. It is easy to see how he could be deceived by a false alarm--the sound of a gust of wind in the trees or a cat knocking something over.","Something similar can happen to those who are 'eagerly waiting for the revelation of our Lord Jesus Christ.' The apostles thought that Jesus would 'restore the kingdom to Israel' soon after his resurrection. (Acts 1:6) Years later, Christians in Thessalonica had to be reminded that Jesus' presence was some time in the future. (2 Thessalonians 2:3, 8) Still, false alarms about the day of Jehovah did not make those early followers of Jesus abandon the path leading off into life.  In our day, disappointment over seeming delays in the coming of the end of this system of things should not cause us to drop our guard. An alert watchman may be deceived by a false alarm, yet he had better keep on the watch! That is his job. It is the same with Christians.","Luke 12:39, 40; 1 Corinthians 1:7;matthew 7:13","Jan 1, 2003 Wt Page 21",How To Keep Spiritually Awake!,71,,"Feb 18, 2003",
"Mildness, Pleasant,","WHEN the weather is mild, it is agreeable, enjoyable. When a person is mild, or mild-mannered, as we may say, it is a pleasure to be with him.","Yet, 'a mild tongue itself can break a bone,' observed wise King Solomon.  Mildness is a remarkable quality that combines pleasantness with power.",Proverbs 25:15,"Apr 1, 2003 Wt Page 15",How To Protect Ourselves From Satan's Snares,115,,"Feb 18, 2003",
"Mildness, Pleasant, Self Examination,",New clothes need constant care to keep them looking clean and presentable.,Peering into God's Word and meditating on the examples it contains help us to take a fresh and objective look at ourselves.,James 1:23-25;,"Apr 1, 2003 Wt Page 20",How To Protect Ourselves From Satan's Snares,115,,"Feb 18, 2003",
"Resurrection,","Imagine this scenario: You wake up to a beautiful day; look into the mirror; You look so young and healthy.  Should I try to gain a couple of pounds?  NO!  You step outside and  A couple of deer look up.  As you cross the bridge to your garden, you notice the strawberries.  They are so early, and large.  What can I do with those?  (You recall how Mom & Dad loved strawberry shortcakes.)  You notice couple of 'Princes.'  How are you?  Nice home, so much room; garden; food; health; best neighbors; There is nothing that would make me happier than I am right now.  That is why we came by:  Do you remember the cemetery where your parents are buried?  We have information that tomorrow morning at 11 o'clock 15 persons will be resurrected from that cemetery.  Your mother and father will be among them.  Can you be there?  Would you notify your brothers and sisters?  Can they stay with you?  Feast!  Could you prepare a tasty desert that your Mom and Dad would love?  Now how do you feel?  Will you get any sleep that night?",The resurrection will take place over and over again.  There will be tears of joy.,Joh 11:23-25;,Bobby Laymon,Your Future--how Can It Be Known?,19,,"Feb 19, 2003",
"joint effort, cooperation, unity,","Remember, too, that the disciple-making work is a group effort. No one individual makes a disciple, any more than one drop of rain nourishes a plant.","True, one Witness may locate an interested person and conduct a Bible study. But once that new one comes to the Kingdom Hall, the whole congregation helps him or her to recognize the truth. The warmth of the brotherhood shows the influence of God's spirit.","1Corinthians 14:24, 25",w01 7/1 p. 17, SERVING WITH JEHOVAH'S UNIFIED ORGANIZATION,3,,,
"Anger, Upset, Temper, Violence, Heart,","A Brother placed two identical jars on the table next to the Podium, both filled with a gold colored liquid in each.  He quoted 1 Samuel 16:7, ""But Jehovah said to Samuel:"" Do not look at his appearance and at the height of his stature, ......For not the way man sees is the way God sees, because mere man sees what appears to the eyes; but as for Jehovah he sees what the heart is.""  ""These jars came from the same factory, were made of the same materials, and can hold the same amount.  But they are different,""  he explained...then he upset one and out oozed honey.  He turned over the other, and vinegar spilled out.  ""When a jar is upset, whatever is in it comes out.""  Until the jars were upset, they looked alike.  The difference lay within, and could not be seen.  When they were upset, their contents were revealed.","Until we are upset, we put on a good front.  But when we are upset, we reveal our innermost thoughts and attitudes, for ""out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks"" (Luke 6:45). What if someone tipped you over today?  What would flow out?  Would you reveal the ""honey"" of self-control and patience, or the ""vinegar"" of  anger and sarcasm?  ""Above all things, have intense love for one another,  because love covers a multitude of sins.""",1 Peter 4:8,Vicky Smith,How To Protect Ourselves From Satan's Snares,115,,,
"Jesus, Christ, Messiah, Identifying, Credentials,","IMAGINE that you are to meet with an important dignitary. The time and the place of your meeting are set. But there is a problem: You do not know what he looks like, and he will be traveling discreetly, without fanfare. How will you recognize him? It would help if you had a detailed description of him.","In the early part of the first century C.E., many Jews faced a situation like this. They were expecting the Messiah-the most important man who would ever live.  But how were faithful Jews to recognize him? Jehovah, by means of the Hebrew prophets, had painted a detailed written portrait of events surrounding the Messiah that would enable discerning ones to identify him unmistakably.",Daniel 9:24-27; Luke 3:15,Ip-2 Chap. 14 P. 194Ip-2 Chap. 14 P. 194,The Messiah's Presence And His Rule,91,,"Mar 11, 2003",
"Memorial, Salvation, Disease, Cure,","Imagine that you suffer from an illness that is life-threatening.  Surgery can cure you, but the cost of an operation is far beyond what you can afford.  Now suppose a benefactor steps in and offers to pay for the operation.  Would you not be grateful for his life-saving gift? ","The Bible teaches that the first humans, Adam and Eve, passed on sin and death to all of their descendants.  In a sense, then each of us was born with a terminal illness--and none of us can afford the cure.  Yet, Jehovah God provided his Son, Jesus Christ, as a ransom to cover the cost of our sins.  Because of the life-saving gift, we have the opportunity to live forever in Paradise.",Psalms 49:7-9; Rom 6:23;,"Apr 8, 2003 Aw Page 32",The Only Cure For Sick Mankind,62,,"Mar 14, 2003",2/6/2018
"Meditation, Bible Reading,","We should not act as if we were hurried tourists who rush from one scenic spot to the next, filming everything but seeing little.","Instead, when studying the Bible, we want to take time to stop and enjoy the scenery, so to speak.  As we quietly reflect on what we read, the word of God affects our heart.  It touches our emotions and shapes our thinking.  It moves us to share our intimate thoughts with God in prayer.",Matt. 10:22; Luke 21:19;,"Feb 1, 2003 Wt Page 9",Taking Time To Meditate On Spiritual Things,67,,"Mar 15, 2003",
"Relationship, Attraction, Draws,","There is a correspondences between our relationship with Jehovah and the properties of a magnet.  One side of a magnet attracts metal objects while the other side has the opposite effect and repels them. The closer a metal object comes to a magnet, the greater the attracting or pulling power. The other pole has the opposite effect; it resists with a force equal to the objects distance from the magnet. This relationship and effect is proportionate to the objects proximity to the magnet.","It's the same way with Jehovah. He would like to draw everyone to him, so concentrate on his attracting power. James encourages us, at James 4:8, to ""draw chose to Jehovah and he will draw close to you.""  This attraction is mutual, similar to a magnet. The closer we come to him, the greater the attraction. Conversely, the farther away we are, the less the attraction or drawing power.  This attracting process is adversely affected when something is placed between the metal object and the magnet. Likewise, when anything comes between our relationship or worship of Jehovah, his closeness and drawing power is also impaired.",James 4:8,Tom Batty,Who Can Be Saved?,126,,"Mar 15, 2003",
"Babylon The Great, Harlot, Religion,","You have probably heard of ""Alexander the Great,""  who came to power and conquered the world in a few short years, and died at age 32 in the prime of life.  Have you heard of ""The Great Wall"" of China.  Built in the second century B. C. E. by mighty Ch'in dynasty.  It now is mostly in ruins and ineffective.  What about ""The Great War?""  It lasted 4 years, and ""The Great Depression"" of the 1930's.  Although great, they all came to an end.","You may or may not have heard of another ""Great"" that has far outlasted them all.  ""Babylon the Great!""  ""The Great Harlot.""  Is it possible that she too will come to her end?","Rev. 17:1,5, 17, 18;",Bobby Laymon & Joe Laymon,Has Babylon's Judgment Hour Arrived?,155,,3/31/2003,
"Race, Color, Neutrality,","When explaining Christian neutrality to his neighbors, Eugene often spoke of the bougainvillea, a climbing vine that thrives in warm climates. ""Here in Kigali,"" Eugene would explain, ""the bougainvillea produces red, pink, and sometimes white flowers. Yet, they all belong to the same family.","It is the same with humans. Although we may be of different races, skin color, or ethnic background, we all belong to the same family, the family of mankind.""",Matthew 22:21,W96 11/1 32,Religion's Role In World Affairs.,92,,4/1/2003,
"Know, Knowledge,","As an old Chinese saying puts it, ""among a hundred virtues, filial piety is the foremost.""",Surely it is proper that children know their father and honor their parents.  Do we not have all the more reason to know our Creator and his will?,Ephesians 6:1-3; Colossians 3:20;  Ecclesiastes 12:13,Pc P. 19,How Well Do You Know God?,1,,4/5/2003,
"Faith, Exercising, Confidence,","If a man wants to have enough faith or confidence in his ability to drive a car, he cannot just read an instruction manual or even go over the procedure in his mind and then drive off in a car, can he? No. He needs someone to help him to put into practice step by step the things he learned from the manual. In this way, after several driving lessons, he will develop enough confidence and can become a qualified driver.","It is the same with cultivating faith in God. Besides studying and meditating, you must put into practice, as soon as possible, the things you learn from the Bible. For example, since you have learned that God is an invisible spirit, do you appreciate that you cannot worship him through any idols or images? You have also learned that Jehovah is a loving heavenly Father. Then, are you willing to express your feelings for him in prayer to him?","James 2:17, 26",Pc P. 22,Have Faith In The Good News,47,,4/5/2003,
"Honest, Humble, Hungry,","Well has it been said that to cultivate genuine faith in God, we need to be honest, humble, and spiritually hungry. The hypocritical and selfish religious leaders in Jesus' day hardened their hearts so much that they were unable to exercise faith in Jesus. However, many among the lowly, common people readily gave ear to Jesus' teachings. The situation is no different today.","Why is an honest, humble, and teachable attitude so essential? It is because if a person is obsessed with his racial, cultural, or religious upbringing, it will greatly hinder him from taking in accurate knowledge of the Bible. In everyday life, if we are humble, open-minded, and willing to learn new things, we will certainly enhance the quality of our work and improve the condition of our life.","Luke 21:37, 38; John 8:43-47",Pc P. 23,Happy Though Hungry--How Can It Be?,31,,4/5/2003,
"Childhood, Human Right,","""Childhood is the most basic human right of children.""  --""The Hurried Child.""","It is a sad fact of life that for many young boys and girls, childhood is out of reach.  Childhood is lost by way, abuse, and many factors.","Genesis 33:13, 14;","Apr 22, 2003 Aw Page 3",Parents--Are You Building With Fire-Resistant Materials?,104,,4/5/2003,
"Childhood, Hurry, Youth, Lost,","""Kids who ought to move with the lunatic energy of youth now move with the high purpose of the worker bee.""  --Time Magazine","""Kids who once had childhoods now have curriculums.""",Ecclesiastes 12:1,"Apr 22, 2003 Page 5",Parents--Are You Building With Fire-Resistant Materials?,104,,4/5/2003,
"Drugs, Coping, Practice,","Have you ever watched a skilled soccer player? He is able to use his head and feet in ways that are nothing short of amazing! Yet, how did this player develop such skill? By years of practice. He learned to kick the ball, run with it, feint, and so on, until he became proficient at the game.","As with any other skill, the ability to cope requires practice.  Developing coping skills is very similar. It takes practice-experience!",Proverbs 1:22,Yp Chap. 34 P. 273,How Can Youths Cope With Today's Crisis?,113,,4/7/2003,
"Drugs, Coping, Practice, Association,","If you were trying to avoid catching a cold, would you not avoid close contact with infected people?","""In a similar way,"" states the book Adolescent Peer Pressure, ""if we are to prevent . . . drug abuse . . . , we need to maintain healthy balanced conditions and reduce exposure to harmful influences.""",Proverbs 13:20,Yp Chap. 34 P. 279,How Can Youths Cope With Today's Crisis?,113,,4/7/2003,
"Babylon,","North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia and the islands of the sea.",No one has escaped her clutches.  Like an iron hand she has reached out and grasped the planet earth in a death grip.,Revelation 18:24,Bobby Laymon,Has Babylon's Judgment Hour Arrived?,155,,4/12/2003,
"Future, light, paradise, earth, destination,","LIGHTHOUSES have saved an untold number of lives. To a weary traveler, though, a light seen in the distance does more than warn of dangerous reefs. It also announces that his destination is near.","Paralleling that, Christians today are nearing the end of a long journey, one that has led them through a bedarkened, spiritually dangerous world. In the Bible, mankind in general—the masses alienated from God—are likened to “the sea that is being tossed, when it is unable to calm down, the waters of which keep tossing up seaweed and mire.” (Isaiah 57:20) God’s people are surrounded by such an environment. Yet, they have a bright prospect of salvation, which is for them a figurative, reliable light. (Micah 7:8)",Micah 7:8;,"Oct 15, 2007 WT page 12",YOUR FUTURE--HOW CAN IT BE KNOWN?,19,1,1/4/2008,
"Time, Money, Resources, memorial,","Another familiar adage is, ""Time and tide wait for no man.""","Indeed, time flows relentlessly forward like a steady stream.  It cannot be reversed or saved; once it is gone, it is gone forever.  While we have it we need to make sure of ""the more important things"" to our eternal benefit and ""to God's glory and praise.""","Philippians 1:10, 11;","Aug 1, 2006 page 10",TAKING TIME TO MEDITATE ON SPIRITUAL THINGS,67,1,10/20/2006,
"Grief, death , coping, loss,","In a busy bookstore, an exasperated mother cries out to a salesperson:  ""You have a store full of books but nothing to help my child!""  The mother was seeking guidance to help her young son cope with the sudden death of a close family member.","This mother's concern was valid.  How distressing it is for a young child to face the reality of death!  As a parent, how can you help your child when such a loss is imminent or has already occurred?",1 Corinthians 13:11; John 11:11-14;,"Jul 1, 2008 page 18",The Resurrection-Victory Over Death!,132,1,6/26/2008,
"Paradise, earth, promise, history, accuracy, accurate,","LEGENDS of a golden age in which man was guiltless, lived in close communion with God, and was free from sickness and death can be found in the traditions of many peoples—among them Egyptians, Mexicans, Peruvians, and Tibetans. These legends also incorporate the concept of a fall into sin.","Although distorted and embellished, the legends have too many common elements to be coincidental. This has led many to the conclusion that the stories were derived from historical events. Indeed, the picture that emerges bears a remarkable similarity to what is found in the opening chapters of the Bible book of Genesis. There, however, we find, not the vague language of legend, but the specific details of accurate history.—2 Timothy 3:16.",Matthew 5:5;,g 5/08 p. 10,Jesus Christ-Earth's New Ruler,140,1,1/1/2011,
"Friends, companions, complain, pets, dogs, cats, horses,","""Flawless friends (i.e., those who never complain, are always loving, never have moods, are fixated on us, and never disappoint us) are known as pets.”","If we don’t want to end up with pets as our closest friends, we need to heed the apostle Peter’s advice to let ‘love cover a multitude of sins.’  Quote: Author Dennis Prager.",1 Peter 4:8.,Watchtower.org,TRUE FRIENDSHIP WITH GOD AND NEIGHBOR,100,1,1/3/2011,
"death, wish, forever, die, live,","It is said that a ""Death Wish"" is the only wish that always comes true, whether you want it to or not.",Most do not want to die.  We would prefer to live forever.,Ecclesiastes 9:5;,Bobby Laymon,CAN YOU LIVE FOREVER?--WILL YOU?,35,1,1/11/2010,
"Prophecy, accurate, prediction, forecast,","Imagine a weather forecaster who has a long record of being right -- every time.  If he predicted rain, would you carry an umbrella?","The Bible is filled with predictions, or prophecies.  Its record, as documented by history, is clear.  Bible prophecy is always right.",Isaiah 44:27-45:33;,Awake November 2007 Page 9,ACTS OF GOD - HOW DO YOU VIEW THEM?,93,1,10/8/2007,
"Unity, congregation, quarrels, disputes, harmony,","""If you're not part of the solution, you're part of the problem.""  Quote: African Proverb.","When problems arise, consider the above.",1 Corinthians 14:40;,Bobby Laymon,SERVING WITH JEHOVAH'S UNIFIED ORGANIZATION,3,,6/18/2006,
"Seeds, growth, harvest, plants, tracts,",No Plants; No Harvest!,Our job is to sow.  Do not hold back.  Carry seeds with you.  Keep tracts in your pocket or purse.,"Luke 8:5-8, 11;",Moe Dunn,,0,1,7/9/2013,
"Memorial, Observance, Evening Meal, 144,000,",Did you ever go to a wedding party?  Did you know if you were a member of the wedding party or a guest?,"Likewise, those who belong to the Bride of Christ know they are members of the wedding party.  Most others know they are guests.  They are not second-class citizens, but are blessed by Jehovah.",Romans 8:16;,Chuck Bland,,0,1,5/15/2007,
"Children, Handicapped, special needs, mentally retarded, disabled, encouragement,",Spectators along a marathon route traditionally offer runners bottles of water to sustain them.,Can you offer refreshment to parents engaged in the lifelong care of a special child?,Romans 15:4,April 2006 Awake page 26,,0,,5/22/2006,
"Bible, sword, truth, practice, use, experience, example,","""Is my sword trusty or rusty?""",Do we use it often?,Ephesians 6:17;,Jim Kinkade,"COME, YOU WHO THIRST FOR THE TRUTH!",89,1,7/9/2013,
"thinking, evolution, world, pressures, heart, mind,","EVERY day our bodies are at war. They must fight off a host of microbes, parasites, and viruses. Thankfully, most of us have inherited an immune system that protects us against such attacks and saves us from falling prey to numerous infectious diseases.","In a similar way, Christians must fight against unscriptural thinking and values and against the pressures that can destroy our spiritual health. (2 Corinthians 11:3) In order to resist this daily attack on our minds and hearts, we need to develop spiritual defenses.",2 Corinthians 11:3,*** w05 1/1 p. 23 How to Protect Your Children by Means of Godly Wisdom ***,,0,,1/27/2006,
"Fate, predestination, chance, luck,","Take, for example, the statement: ""The swift do not have the race."" You may recall or may have read about the famous, though bizarre, 3000-meter women's race in the 1984 Olympics held in Los Angeles, Califor­nia, U.S.A. Two runners, one representing Britain and the other representing the United States, were both hoping to win the gold medal. Halfway into the race, however, they collided on the track. One fell and was out of the race; the other was so disheartened that she finished seventh.","Was it fate that things turned out that way? Some may say so. But clearly it was the collision-an accident no one could have foreseen-that caused both of them to lose the race. Then, was it fate that they collide? Again, some may say so. Yet, commentators attributed the accident to the intense competition between two strong athletes running a close race, with each trying to dominate.",Ecclesiastes 9:11;,"Mar 1, 2009 WT page 5",,0,1,6/18/2009,
"Jesus Christ, Higher education, college, career, learn, teacher,","The person who had the finest education ever, was considered uneducated.  He was alive when education began.  How did he use his education?",He used his education to glorify Jehovah.,"John 7:15, 16; Isaiah 54:13; John 8:32;","Follow The Christ District Convention; Tulsa, OK Jun 1-3 2007",Use Education to Praise Jehovah,146,1,6/4/2007,
"Jesus Christ, Listen, Learn, expert, decisions, uncertain,","Have you ever been in a position where you know you need to do something, but don't know what to do?  Then an expert comes by, and helps you out.",Jesus Christ is the expert.  He knows best why and how to direct us.,"Acts 3:22, 23; Luke 9:23;","William Dorren;Follow The Christ District Convention; Tulsa, OK Jun 1-3 2007",,0,1,6/4/2007,
"Health, weigh down,",Gray hair or no hair.,Don't let health weigh you down.,Phillipians 4:6; Proverbs 15;15; Proverbs 3:21;,Robert Hendrix D. O.,Service Talk,200,1,1/7/2010,
"Heart, sickness, disease, cure, unchangeable, bitter, hatred,","A young man was on crutches everywhere he went on campus. He was a friendly, gregarious, and optimistic person and soon he had the respect and friendship of many of his classmates. A fellow student asked him what had caused his deformity.  ""Infantile paralysis,"" he replied.","""With a misfortune like that, how can you face the world so cheerfully?""  ""Oh,"" he responded with a smile, ""It's how you look at things, the disease never touched my heart.""  We must not allow the unchangeable things of Satan's world to touch our hearts.",Ephesians 4:17-19;,Bobby Laymon,REMAINING BLAMELESS AMID A CROOKED GENERATION,97,1,8/31/2009,2/17/2015
"Education, school, training, instruction, teaching, college,","In school we learned terms like good, better, best.  Regarding education from Jehovah we have the HIGHEST education available.","What are the colleges turning out.  What kind of fruit?  Hooking up!  Fornication!  Oral sex! 60-80 % of college students practice the above.  Godly education effects thinking.  Compare pioneer school, elders school, MTS, theocratic ministry school, etc.",1 Cor 2:14-16;,"Donald Amy, D.O.",,0,,5/21/2006,
"Demons, wicked, demonic, satanic, dominate, rebellion, shameless,","The demons did not operate secretly, like a criminal mastermind who conceals his identity and works his evil, cloaked in shadow. Rather, they openly acted in shameless rebellion against the arrangement of God.","Rebellious, perverted, superhuman in power and intelligence, these demonic angels exerted a ruinous influence on humans.  It is likely that they controlled and dominated human society.",Jude 6,"Jun 1, 2008 page 5",THE FLOOD OF NOAH'S DAY HAS MEANING FOR US,6,1,6/27/2008,
"DNA, body, wonderful, creation, repair, aging, old, young,","When a dog dies after living 10 or 20 years, it has probably done most of the things that dogs do.  It may have raised puppies, chased cats, buried bones, and protected its master.","But when a human dies after living 70 or 80 years, he has realized only a fraction of his potential.  If he enjoyed sports, he likely excelled at only one or two of them.  If he liked music, he probably mastered only one or two instruments.  If he loved speaking to people in their own tongue, he may have become fluent in only two or three languages.  He could have enjoyed much more if he had only lived longer.",Romans 5:12,May 2006 Awake! Page 7,,0,,5/22/2006,
"Endurance, tire, mount up, end, persecution, last days,","Remember Paganini … the famous violinist who was playing a concert where 3 of his strings broke, and he was down to only one. To the crowds' amazement, he continued to play on only one string!",So it is with us - we do not stop playing until Jehovah says the song is over!,Gal 6:9,Tom Batty,WILL YOU BE A SURVIVOR OF THE LAST DAYS?,2,1,6/9/2009,
"Complain, complaint, mummer, gossip,",I personally believe we developed language because of our deep inner need to complain.  --Jane Wagner,It is a human tendency to complain.,1 Timothy 5:13;,Bobby Laymon,A CLEANSED EARTH--WILL YOU LIVE TO SEE IT?,49,1,7/8/2008,
"Marriage, problems, endurance,",A trustworthy contractor would never start construction without first consulting a drawing.,"Similarly, we cannot succeed in building a happy marriage without carefully consulting God's blueprint for the project.",2 Timothy 3:16;,g06 July page 7,SHOW RESPECT AND LOVE IN YOUR MARRIAGE,28,,6/12/2006,
"Time, Money, Resources, memorial,",Time is money.  So goes a well-worn slogan.,"In reality, time is very different from money or other material things.  You cannot set aside time for future use as you can money, food, fuel or a number of other things.  Any attempts to save time by not using it is futile.","Eph 5:15, 16;","Aug 1, 2006 WT page 8",TAKING TIME TO MEDITATE ON SPIRITUAL THINGS,67,1,10/20/2006,
"Elderly, spiritual, older,",The world overlooks the elderly.  We look for them.,We also look to them for instruction and advise.,"Romans 8:5, 6;",Joseph Mazacek D. O.,,0,1,5/10/2010,
"Name, Jehovah, shy, hesitant,","Would you rather have a check with your name on it, or for the check to say, ""a man?""","Names are important!  If you are hesitant about using Jehovah's name, think about it.  What if no one ever used your name?",Psalm 83:18;,"Thomas McQuire;District Convention - Tulsa, OK  June 23, 24, 2006",WHAT KIND OF NAME ARE YOU MAKING WITH GOD?,55,1,7/2/2006,
"Memory, remember, improve, creation,Visualization, understanding, speech, forget,","Imagine what your life would be like if you remembered everything, whether important or trivial. Your mind would become filled with clutter, would it not? In fact, one woman who could recall practically everything that occurred in her life, “described her constant recall as ‘non-stop, uncontrollable and totally exhausting’ and as a ‘burden,’” says New Scientist magazine.","Thankfully, most of us do not have that problem because our mind, researchers believe, has the ability to weed out irrelevant or out-of-date information. “Efficient forgetting,” says New Scientist, “is a crucial part of having a fully functioning memory. When we forget something useful, . . . it just shows that this pruning system is working a little too well.”",Proverbs 7:3; 2 Timothy 3:16,g 2/09 29;,Service Talk,200,1,1/11/2010,
"Grief, death, dying, coping, resurrection, comfort, mourning,",There is an empty space where before there was a living human.  We need to adjust to life without that person. Grief may provide a necessary emotional release.,"Of course, not everyone grieves in exactly the same way. One thing, though, seems to hold true: Repressing your grief can be harmful mentally, emotionally, and physically. How, then, can you express your grief in healthy ways? The Bible contains some practical advice.",Proverbs 17:17;,w08 7/1 p. 5,The Resurrection-Victory Over Death!,132,1,1/7/2011,
"Gossip, slander, falsehoods, lying, lie,","Did you ever notice about gossip?  Even it's name hisses.  GOSSIP!  It comes from a snake.  It can topple governments and wreck marriages; ruin careers--and cause sleepless nights, heartaches, and indigestion.  It makes innocent people cry in their pillows.","Before you repeat a story, ask yourself: Is it true? Is it harmless?  Is it necessary? If it isn't, don't repeat it.",1 Timothy 5:13;,Bobby Laymon,WHAT KIND OF NAME ARE YOU MAKING WITH GOD?,55,1,8/31/2009,
"Prayer, request, petitions, shame, sin, blocked,","Airplane pilots know that if they get lost, they can communicate with air traffic controllers to get help.  What, though, if a lost pilot hesitates to contact the controllers because he is embarrassed that he got lost?  That could lead to disaster!","Similarly, the person who has sinned and is embarrassed to pray to God could suffer further harm.  Shame over sin should not stop one from speaking with Jehovah.  God invites us to do so.","Isaiah 55:6, 7; Psalm 119:58; Daniel 9:13","Sep 1, 2006 WT page 30",PRAYERS THAT ARE HEARD BY GOD,86,1,10/15/2006,
"sin, Adam, Eve, test, failure,","We have heard about the pan with a dent in it.  All the bread is dented.  Even if you mixed a different kind of bread and baked it, it would still have the dent.","Mankind has tried every means to rid himself of sin and death, but still comes out dented.",Deuteronomy 32:4,Bobby Laymon,THE ONLY CURE FOR SICK MANKIND,62,c,6/12/2006,11/10/2015
"Money, materialism, work, employment, Satan,",A prankster ties a long string to a $1.00 bill and laughs while others chase after it.,Satan is like that.  He loves to watch us chase money.,Ecclesiastes 7:12;,Marc Cash,HOLD A GOOD CONSCIENCE IN A SINFUL WORLD,107,1,9/14/2008,
"Association, companions, company,","Iron is a strong metal.  However, it must be kept clean to remain strong.  It can rust and become weak.  It is also attracted to magnetic force.",Our associations are like that.  We must keep them clean and be careful who we are attracted to.,Proverbs 27:17;,Larry Simmons,CHOOSE YOUR ASSOCIATES WISELY!,116,1,7/13/2008,
"transform, metamorphose, change, personality,","Have you ever noticed an ugly, creepy, crawly Caterpillar?  Yet it will change into a beautiful butterfly.",As Christians who put on the new personality we need to change like that.,Romans 12:2,"Donald Amy, D.O.",,0,,5/21/2006,
"Marriage, problems, endurance,","For a house to last and be safe, it must be well built.","Therefore, resolve to build your marriage with an eye to a lasting future.  Use durable materials, the kind that can withstand fiery test of your loyalty.  Value as gold such precious qualities as godly wisdom, generosity, discernment, fear of God, warmth, loving appreciation for God's laws, and genuine faith.",Ephesians 4:32;,g06 July page 8,SHOW RESPECT AND LOVE IN YOUR MARRIAGE,28,,6/12/2006,
"Christendom, clergy, Babylon the great, clergy-laity, all brothers, unity,","Most Reverend, Right Reverend, Father, Most Holy Father, Rabbi, His Eminence, His Excellency, His Holiness, His All-Holiness—these are some of the titles that distinguish the clergy of various religions from the laity. The separation of the clergy from the laity is common to many religions, but is the arrangement from God, or is it a human tradition? More important, does it have God’s approval?","God’s Word tells us that all Christians serve as God’s ministers and that none is above or beneath the other. “There was a very positive insistence on the absence of class” among early Christians, says religion writer Alexandre Faivre. That “absence of class” harmonizes with Jesus’ words to his followers: “All you are brothers.”—Matthew 23:8.","2 Corinthians 3:5, 6",g 8/09 p. 22,FALSE RELIGION'S END IS NEAR,96,1,1/7/2011,
"Ransom, Memorial, evening meal, debt, salvation,","How the ransom works can be illustrated by the situation of people who have been defrauded of all their savings by a corrupt bank and thus fell into debt. The owners of the bank are justly sentenced to years in prison. But what about the innocent victims? Reduced to poverty, they have no way out of their circumstances unless a kind and wealthy man takes over the bank and restores to the victims all their savings, relieving them of debt."," In like manner, Jehovah God and his beloved Son have purchased Adam’s offspring and canceled their debt of sin on the basis of Jesus’ shed blood. That is why John the Baptizer could say of Jesus: “See, the Lamb of God that takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29) The world of mankind whose sins are taken away includes not only the living but also the dead.",John 1:29,w10 8/15 p. 14 par. 11,Memorial of Christ's Death,0,1,1/1/2011,
"Persecution, faith, courage, Satan,","But you know, even if you get a black eye, the prescription still works. Getting a black eye doesn’t mean you need a new prescription.  If you somehow get a black eye, you don’t immediately throw away your glasses!  When you get a black eye, things might be a little blurry but you know its just temporary.  So you endure through it until it gets better.","So it is with persecution.  With  Faith and Courage we can endure.  Our brothers and sisters in modern times have faced persecution with full reliance upon Jehovah.  *** w03 9/1 p. 26 Jehovah Always Cares for Us *** Malawi. ban October 20, 1967",John 15:20,JK,FACING THE FUTURE WITH FAITH AND COURAGE,166,1,10/23/2006,
"Pioneers, service, discourage, geese, goose, honk, ","Are you smarter than a goose?  They often fly in ""V"" formation.  Why?  It gives them 71% greater flying distance than flying alone.  Sometimes a goose will get knocked out of formation.  They constantly honk.  If one is crippled, two will leave formation with him until he is able to return.",Sometimes we get knocked out of formation as pioneers.  We get discouraged.  Do we let the elders know?  Maybe we need to honk or be honked at by the elders.,Proverbs 1:5; 15:22;,Travis Brooks,,0,1,5/15/2007,6/20/2025
"Adoption, birth, emotions, negative, thinking,"," ""It's like living with a permanent disability. It's an ailment of the heart that can't be fixed.""—Robert.  THAT is how one man, who was given up for adoption at birth, describes his life. He continues: ""Practically every day of your life, your heart yearns to know answers to questions like, Who is my real family? Where are they living? Why did they abandon me?""", Your being adopted is evidence that someone loved you enough to take you in and care for you.  Jehovah has chosen adoption for his sons.,"Psalms 37:8; Romans 8:17, 24;",Society's Website,Human Creation's Groaning-When Will it End?,141,1,10/31/2006,
"Book of Acts,","JEHOVAH’S first-century witnesses were a people of bold and zealous action. They eagerly carried out Jesus’ commission: “Go . . . make disciples of people of all the nations.”  But how do we know that Christ’s early followers took that commission seriously? Why, the Bible book Acts of Apostles proves that they were zealous witnesses of Jehovah, truly on the march!","The book of Acts demonstrates that the work begun by God’s Son was carried on in faithfulness by Jehovah’s witnesses of the first century. Yes, under the power of God’s holy spirit, they witnessed zealously.","Matthew 28:19, 20.",w90 5/15 p. 24,,0,1,6/3/2008,
"spiritual vision, focus, eyes, direction,","THE disease progresses slowly. Initially, it reduces a person’s peripheral vision. Left untreated, it can spread toward the center of vision. Ultimately, it can cause complete loss of sight. What is it? Glaucoma—a leading cause of blindness.","Just as we can lose literal eyesight slowly and insidiously, we can lose an even more precious form of sight—our spiritual vision. Therefore, it is vital to keep spiritual matters in sharp focus in the center of our field of vision.",Eph. 1:18,w04 4/1 20,,0,,1/27/2006,
"money, people, possessions, materialism, discontent, content, satisified,","Money is seductive, and we can easily fall in love with it. However, the Bible warns that a person who loves riches will never be content.","Advertisers pressure us to be discontented with what we have. They want us to slave to gain money so that we can spend it on newer, better, bigger items.",Ecclesiastes 5:10.,w10 11/1 p. 4,ARE YOU CONTENT WITH JEHOVAH'S PROVISIONS?,22,1,12/27/2010,
"Bible studies; Decisions, decide, follow through, effort,","There are 5 birds on a wire.  Then 3 decided to fly.  How many are left on the wire?  There are still 5 because they just decided to fly, but didn't.","Are we like that?  Always making decisions, but never following through.  How about starting Bible studies.  Do you follow through?","Matthew 28:19, 20;","Charlie Allyn, C.O.",DECISIONS YOU FACE--HOW WILL YOU MAKE THEM?,50,1,5/15/2007,
"Associations, companions, friends,","Remember that like a sponge, we absorb the attitudes and ways of our close friends. Just as we cannot submerge a sponge in vinegar and expect it to fill with water …",...so we cannot associate with those who exert a negative influence and expect to absorb what is positive.,1 Corinthians 5:6.,lv chap. 3 p. 32 par. 14,CHOOSE YOUR ASSOCIATES WISELY!,116,1,2/28/2009,
"Satan, children, trap, danger, warnings,",Satan would like to reel in your children as a man reels in fish.,Various clubs and other organizations are designed to make young people fit in with Satan’s world. But Jehovah’s servants already belong to the only organization that will survive the end of this wicked system of things. So Christian youths should be encouraged to have “plenty to do in the work of the Lord.” (1 Corinthians 15:58)  Are you helping your children to ‘keep themselves without spot from the world’?,James 1:27,"Dec 15 2007, WT page14",HOW TO PROTECT OURSELVES FROM SATAN'S SNARES,115,1,1/5/2008,
"Envy,","As iron is eaten away by rust, so the envious are consumed by their own passion.   (Antisthenes)",Envy consumes.,Proverbs 28:22;,Kim Laymon,JEALOUSY--PROPER AND IMPROPER,76,1,6/26/2007,
"Marriage, problems, yoke, commitment, faithfulness,","Hence, your relationship with your spouse is not like a job that you can quit or an apartment that you can escape from by simply breaking the lease and moving out.","Rather, when getting married you made a solemn promise to stick with your mate, come what may. A deep sense of commitment conforms to what Jesus Christ stated nearly 2,000 years ago: ""What God has yoked together let no man put apart.""—Matthew 19:6.",Matthew 19:6;,Society's Web Site,GETTING MARRIAGE OFF TO A GOOD START,27,,5/30/2006,
"Discipline, peaceable fruit, righteousness, give up, discourage,","Just as fruit needs time to ripen, so time is needed for us to change our attitudes in response to the training that God provides. For example, if misconduct on our part should cause us to lose some privilege in the congregation, our willingness to wait for God will prevent us from getting discouraged and giving up.","The way discipline from Jehovah benefits us might be likened to the way fruit grows to maturity. Concerning discipline from God, the Bible says: “To those who have been trained by it it yields peaceable fruit, namely, righteousness.”",Hebrews 12:11;,w07 3/1 p. 19,WHAT IS YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD?,87,1,6/5/2008,
"Repentant, disfellowshipped, forgiveness, clean, morals, sins, weakness, Defilements,"," As a housewife scrubs even the hidden corners of her kitchen to keep her home clean and sanitary, a repentant person should work hard to clean up his thoughts and private actions. He must “return clear to Jehovah” by fulfilling God’s requirements and conforming to His standards.","A truly repentant person searches out his motives, desires, and habits.  He will examine areas of his life where he displays weakness, such as in his friendships with the opposite sex, his use of alcohol or tobacco, his use of the Internet, or his business dealings.","Read Lamentations 3:40, 41", jr chap. 6 pp. 74-75 par. 14,KEEP CLEAN FROM WORLDLY DEFILEMENTS,98,1,1/2/2011,
"Imitate, watchfulness, alert, coming, improvement, advance, student, teacher,","For instance, imagine a man taking his first archery lesson. He cannot shoot an arrow well enough to hit the target at all, but he takes more lessons and keeps on trying. To improve, he carefully studies the example of his instructor, who is an expert archer. The student pays attention to how his teacher stands, positions his arms, and uses his fingers on the bowstring. Little by little, the determined novice learns how much tension to apply to the string; he takes the wind into account, and he keeps on making an effort. By imitating what he sees his instructor do, he eventually aims his arrows so that they strike closer and closer to the center of the target.","Similarly, we keep on striving to improve as Christians by following Jesus’ instructions and imitating his perfect example.",Matt. 24:37-39; Heb. 4:15,w12 2/15 p. 3 par. 2,Jesus Christ-Earth's New Ruler,140,1,5/16/2013,
"Tired, worn, exhausted,","You are very tired and you call your boss, and say, ""Boss, I can't come to work today, I am tired.""  What word rhymes with tired?",Jehovah does not want us to tire out either.,Galatians 6:9;,"District Convention - Tulsa, OK  June 23, 24, 2006",HOW TO EXPRESS LOVE IN A LAWLESS WORLD,112,1,7/2/2006,
"Friendships, companion, mates, values, morals, strength, marriage, weddings,","“By iron, iron itself is sharpened. So one man sharpens the face of another.” (Proverbs 27:17) When two people bring ironlike moral strength to a friendship, they can help each other to grow, and the bonds of friendship between them will be stronger.","To begin with, we must have our own good values. We need to know what is right and wrong, good and bad, and hold firmly to high moral principles all the time. Another Bible proverb states:",Proverbs 27:17;,Watchtower.org,TRUE FRIENDSHIP WITH GOD AND NEIGHBOR,100,1,1/3/2011,
"Examine, promise, doubt,","If you received a message that could have a profound effect on your life, would you accept it at face value simply because it appeared to come from a good source?  Of course not.  You would check its source and test out its contents before you acted on it.","God has made it possible for you to do just that.  To ""make sure"" that the guiding lights, or beacons, that you follow are genuine.","1 Thessalonians 5:21; Acts 17:11; 2 Peter 1:19, 21; Proverbs 2:5",w06 7/1 6,MAINTAIN YOUR CONFIDENCE FIRM TO THE END,46,,6/7/2006,
"Religions, worship, faith, false, mislead, misled,","Some people say that different religions are like different roads leading up a mountain. To them, it does not matter which road they choose, since all roads lead to the same place. They reason that there is only one Almighty God, so all religions must ultimately lead to him.",The Bible is like a reliable road map that can help a person find the correct religious path,"Matthew 7:13, 14;",w09 8/1 p. 3,Does God Approve of the Use of Images in Worship?,136,1,1/7/2011,
"Salt Sea, Dead Sea,","It is the saltiest, the lowest, the deadest and, for some, the most healthful body of water on earth.","Over the centuries, it has been called the Stinking Sea, the Devil's Sea, and the Lake of Asphalt.  The Bible calls it the Salt Sea and the sea of the Arabah.  It is also know as the Sea of Sodom or the Sea of Lot.","Genesis 14:3; Joshua 3:16; 2 Peter 2:6,7;",Jan 2008 Awake! Page 25,,0,1,1/4/2008,
"anger, rage, self-control,","A guide commenting on the height of a mountain range in South America made this statement about a certain jagged volcanic mountain, ""This would have been our tallest if it had not blown its top.""",This can be said of many people who cannot maintain the composure of coolness.,Psalm 37:8;,Bobby Laymon,MAKE JEHOVAH YOUR CONFIDENCE,70,1,8/31/2009,
"Jehovah, all things to everyone, supreme, visualize, see, Bible prophecies,",Most of us use glasses today to see with.,Bible prophecies help us to see.  We need to visualize the truth.,"1 Corinthians 15:24-28; Revelation 4:10, 11; 20:7-10;",Chuck Bland - District Convention -Keep on the Watch,,0,1,9/4/2009,
"Renew, testing, maintenance, progress,",An Olympian athlete does not stop training because the next contest is 4 years away.  He keeps training every day.,We too must never stop training and maintaining our faith.,2 Cor 4:1-16,"Donald Amy, D.O.",,0,,5/21/2006,
"fanatic, overzealous, overmuch,",A fanatic is one who can't change his mind and won't change the subject.,"Jehovah's people are not fanatics.  We are zealous, but know when to move on.","Ecclesiastes 7:16, 17",Bobby Laymon,Live With Soundness of Mind in a Depraved World,138,1,10/24/2006,
"Rescue work, disaster, search, slow down, quit, speed up, active, call, again and again, preaching, witnessing, Volunteers","This Is a Rescue Work: Think of rescue workers at a disaster scene. Even though some may be searching in an area where few survivors are being found, they do not slack off and quit because their fellow workers are finding more survivors elsewhere.","Our rescue operation has not been called off yet. Each year, hundreds of thousands who want to survive “the great tribulation” are being found.","Rev. 7:9, 14;",km 12/98 p. 1 par. 3,,0,1,5/15/2013,2/25/2015
"Bible, contradict, disagree,",Have you noticed how doctors cannot agree?  Whether they talk about coffee or cancer they contradict one another.,"The Bible, although written by about 40 different persons from all backgrounds, never contradicts itself.","2 Timothy 3:16, 17;",Brother Stone at district convention,WHY YOU CAN TRUST THE BIBLE,99,1,9/14/2008,
"Improvement, progress, negative, positive, wise, unwise,","Trying to improve our characteristics might be likened to climbing a muddy, slippery slope.  Without something to hold on to, we could just slide backward.","However, with a firm grip on the counsel  found in the Bible as well as with  the help offered by God's earth wide congregation we can move forward.","Psalm 73:23, 24;",w08 3/15 24,HOW TO CONQUER EVIL WITH GOOD,117,1,5/11/2008,
"Future, positive, negative","Strange isn’t it.  While many think in the future we will be able to live on other planets, most don’t think we’ll ever figure out how to live on this planet.","Many people, including youths, think seriously about the future. And they try to be optimistic.But most today see the magnitude of mankind’s problems and become frustrated because they have absolutely no answers to mankind’s situation.",2 Peter 3:13,JK,,166,1,10/23/2006,
"Respect, honor,","Just as ocean waves can erode solid rock, a pattern of hurtful speech can weaken a family","Both troubled and successful families have disagreements. But successful families discuss matters without resorting to sarcasm, insults, and other forms of abusive speech. Family members treat one another as they themselves would like to be treated.",Matthew 7:12;, g 10/09 p. 6,SHOW RESPECT AND LOVE IN YOUR MARRIAGE,28,1,1/3/2011,
"Faith, courage, future,","A farmer is willing to invest thousands of dollars on seed, fertilizer, and equipment, spend hundreds of hours of work in preparing the soil and planting.  All because he has faith based on the stability of the natural laws governing sun, rain, growth, the natural laws he has seen and knows are there.  Even the bank has faith, because they lend him money based on the same things they know are going to happen.",	So what is our evidence for faith in the future?    The visible universe and its orderliness testify to an invisible Creator and the things that he wants done.,"Isaiah 40:25, 26",JK,FACING THE FUTURE WITH FAITH AND COURAGE,166,1,10/23/2006,
"riches, poor, poverty, prosperous,",The three richest people in the world are wealthier than the 48 poorest nations combined.,Illustrates the gap between the rich and poor.,Revelation 6:6;,May 2007 Awake page 3,,0,1,5/15/2007,
"Hezekiah, wrongdoing, abuse,",Many young ones have grown up among wrongdoing.  They have been robbed of their youth.  Robbed of their upbringing.,Hezekiah was like that.  His father was Ahaz.  His mother was an idol worshiper.  Yet he turned out to be pleasing to Jehovah.,1 Kings 18:3-7; 2 Chronicles 32:6-8;,Brother Jolly; 2010 District convention.,HOW CAN YOUTHS COPE WITH TODAY'S CRISIS?,113,1,8/12/2010,
"Bible, happy, God's Word, growth, prosperous,","HAVE you ever seen a countryside covered with luxuriant green trees? You will likely agree that it is a most pleasing sight. If you see many large, leafy trees, would you imagine that there is a drought in the area? On the contrary, you would know that there must be an abundance of water that keeps the trees alive and healthy.","Appropriately, the Bible compares those who are spiritually healthy to large, luxuriant trees. Note, for example, this beautiful passage from the first three verses of the first Psalm:","Psalm 1:1-3;Jeremiah 17:7, 8","March 1, 2009 WT page 16;",,0,1,6/18/2009,
"Marriage, respect, honor, communicate, console,","Did you ever have a classic car?  Suppose you are ready for a drive in it, and the tire is flat.  Do you kick the car and rough it up?  No!  You may even talk to it and lament about what a rough day it is having.",Wives are more important than a classic car.  We need to talk to them and console them.,"1 Peter 3:1, 5, 6;",Jacob Landis,SHOW RESPECT AND LOVE IN YOUR MARRIAGE,28,1,1/25/2011,
"Zeal, enthusiasm,","""Send a boy where he wants to go and you see his best pace.""  Quote: African Proverb.","Peaceful, just, and righteous conditions will be brought about by ""the very ZEAL of Jehovah of armies.""  Jehovah and Christ Jesus 'want' to bring these conditions about.",Isaiah 9:7;,Bobby Laymon,ACTS OF GOD - HOW DO YOU VIEW THEM?,93,,6/18/2006,
"Purpose, paradise, earth, kingdom, Adam, Eve,",Why do you enjoy walking in a park or strolling through a field of sweet-smelling flowers?  Why is it that your spirits soar when you see a beautiful lake or towering mountain with their peaks in the clouds?  Why do you stop to listen as birds sing their cheery songs in the treetops?  And why is it so pleasant to watch a graceful deer bo0unding along or a flock of sheep grazing in a meadow?,"There is one answer to all these questions.  We were made to live in Paradise!  That is where our first parents, Adam and Eve, began their life.  We got our desire to live in Paradise from them, and they got it from their Creator, Jehovah God.  He knew we would be happy in Paradise.",Isaiah 45:18; Jeremiah 10:12;,w06 5/15 3,LIFE DOES HAVE A PURPOSE,23,,5/30/2006,
"Submission, submit, marriage, wife,","Your husband decides you both will start in service on Sunday.  You are not really happy with it, but don't say anything.  You think, ""He likes to eat after the meeting on Sunday.  He really loves biscuits.  I will make a large batch of biscuits and he will get sleepy.  He won't want to go in service.",Submission is not about obeying when you agree on something.  It is about obeying when you disagree.,1 Peter 3:1;,Ron Funderburg,SHOW RESPECT AND LOVE IN YOUR MARRIAGE,28,1,5/26/2013,
"Envy, Jealousy,",History tells of a statue that was erected to celebrate the victory of the Grecian games. It so aroused the envious hatred of the rivals that one of them sneaked out at night to topple the statue. He found it so heavy he had to put quite an effort into rocking it back and forth. When he finally got it to topple it fell the wrong way and crush him to death.,This is the way of bitter envy.,Proverbs 28:24;,Kim Laymon,,0,1,6/26/2007,
"Direction, shortcut, guidance,",A one-way logging road is not a shortcut.,We cannot take shortcuts to Jehovah's new earth.  We must follow the course set by Jesus.,2 Corinthians 13:5; 1 Thessalonians 5:21;,Bobby Laymon,WHY YOU CAN TRUST THE BIBLE,99,1,6/4/2007,
"world, separate, protection, happy, happiness,","""The grass is always greener on the other side of the fence.""  That is the thinking of a cow.  However, there is a reason for the fence.  It is a protection.  There is a highway there.  It keeps rustlers out.  Cows can be noted and cared for inside the fence.","Sometimes with the world, we desire what is over the line or fence.  However, Jehovah has a reason we need to keep without spot from the world.",James 1:27James 1:27,Bobby Laymon,CHRISTIAN SEPARATENESS FROM THE WORLD -- WHY BENEFICIAL,119,1,10/15/2006,
"Knowledge, study, faith, meditate,","If you slept with a Bible under your pillow, would it fill your head with knowledge?","To gain faith, we need to read and absorb God's Word.  Meditate on it.",Hebrews 11:1;,"Frank Barr, C. O.",BUILD YOUR FAITH IN MAN'S MAKER,54,1,4/12/2011,
"Resurrection, death, memory, dead,","A person can videotape his last will and testament, and after he dies, his relatives and friends can see and hear him, in effect, as he explains how his estate is to be handled. A hundred years ago, such a thing was unthinkable. And to some people now living in remote parts of the world, the technology of video recording is so beyond comprehension as to seem miraculous.","If scientific principles established by the Creator can be used by humans to reconstruct such a visible and audible scene, should not the Creator be able to do far more? Is it not reasonable, then, that the One who created life is capable of re-creating it?",1 Corinthians 15:13-15;,Society's website,What Happens When We Die?,127,1,10/31/2006,
"Reasonableness,","Like a careful driver, a reasonable family member is prepared to yield.","The Bible says that “the wisdom from above is . . . reasonable.” (James 3:17) God himself does not demand perfection from imperfect humans, so why should a married couple demand it from each other?",James  3:17;, g 10/09 p. 7,SHOW RESPECT AND LOVE IN YOUR MARRIAGE,28,1,1/3/2011,
"Slip, error, tongue, mistake,","A slip of the foot you may soon recover, but a slip of the tongue you may never get over. --Benjamin Franklin",Much of our problems spring from the tongue.,James 3:5;,Bobby Laymon,DO YOU HARBOR RESENTMENT OR DO YOU FORGIVE?,68,1,10/24/2006,
"Baptism, delay, put off, procrastinate, accountable, obligation,",Would you refuse to apply for a driver's license simply because you were afraid that some day you might have an accident?  Of course not!,Neither should you hesitate to get baptized if you qualify.  It will be a protection for you.,"Romans 14:11, 12;",w06 7/1 29,DECIDE NOW FOR DIVINE RULERSHIP,37,,6/7/2006,
"Future, positive, negative","If you thought there was no tomorrow, what would you do?  •	Eat your weight in Hagen Das ice cream or chocolate?  •	Would you shop until you dropped?  •	Would you not bother to open your Bible or go to a meeting?","Do you see the danger for Christians?  Without hope of an eternal future, Christianity would be in vain.  	Nineteen  hundred years ago, that attitude was a threat to the early Christians.  And so the Apostle Paul and the Apostle Peter made it their aim to strengthen  the faith of their brothers and sisters.  How did they do it?",2 Peter 3:1-4;,JK,,166,1,10/23/2006,
"compare, comparisons, contentment, modesty,","""The fingers are not all of the same length.""  A saying in the African Gun language.","It would be folly to compare any one finger with another.  Your would not want Jehovah to compare you with another person, and he never will.  However, among humans the tendency to compare is widespread and can rob people of contentment.",Matthew 20:1-16;,w06 6/1 Page 14,ARE YOU CONTENT WITH JEHOVAH'S PROVISIONS?,22,,6/14/2006,
"Future, courage, positive, negative,","In a poll conducted by Newsweek in the United States, people were asked about their expectations for the next century. •	About 72 percent predict that a cure for cancer and aids will be developed. •	About 55 percent expect humans eventually to inhabit other places in the universe. •	and 64 percent of those surveyed predict that astronauts will walk on the planet Mars.","But when the same survey, turned toward the earth it was a more pessimistic note, •	73 percent of those interviewed foresee a wider gap between the rich and the poor, •	and about 50 percent anticipate more wars than in the past 100 years. •	About 70 percent think that man will not be able to eliminate world hunger.",2 Peter 3:1-4;,JK,FACING THE FUTURE WITH FAITH AND COURAGE,166,1,10/23/2006,
"Congregation, organization, perfection, imperfection, forrest, trees,","People say, ""You can't see the forrest for the trees.""  In a sense this is true.  When you look at it from a distance, it is strikingly beautiful! So green and lush! But, the closer you get to it, the more of its imperfections you can see. Some trees are fallen, others have few leaves left, some have dead branches, others are almost completely dried up. Yet, it is still the same forest you saw from a distance!  The same forest that was so strikingly beautiful!","The congregation is the same way. It is Jehovah's beautiful, lush arrangement. Once inside the congregation you may begin to notice some of its imperfections, but remember, the individual imperfections of people don't change the fact that the congregation is beautiful!  We must never say, ""I can't see the organization for the people.""",Proverbs 16:25;,Bobby Laymon,SERVING WITH JEHOVAH'S UNIFIED ORGANIZATION,3,1,8/31/2009,
"Marriage, commitment, solve problems, wedding,","After all, would you decorate an apartment if you knew that any day you might be moving out of it?","Why, then, expect your mate to work on a marriage that may not last? Determine that you will try earnestly to work toward solutions.  To restore love in your marriage, eliminate such threats from your conversations.",Matthew 19:6;,Society's Web Site,GETTING MARRIAGE OFF TO A GOOD START,27,,5/30/2006,12/23/2015
"graditude, granted, clergy, Babylon, Christendom, money,",Don't go around saying the world owes you a living. The world owes you nothing. It was here first.  --Mark Twain,The clergy think the world owes them a living.,Matthew 10:8,Bobby Laymon,FINDING HONOR AND JOY IN GOD'S MINISTRY,65,1,10/24/2006,
"Jehovah, defame, introduction,","Most people need an introduction.  Usually their name, something about them.","Jehovah should need no introduction.  However since his Name has been defamed, many do not know him.  Jesus is His publicity agent.  Always has been and always will be.  We have the same instructors as the angels.",Isaiah 45:18;,Ryan Stone; 2010 District convention,WHAT KIND OF NAME ARE YOU MAKING WITH GOD?,55,1,8/12/2010,
"Future, Courage, Faith","If someone built a clean, spacious, luxuriant home, with white carpet and white walls, white sofa, all white appliances.  What could you figure out?  If they invited you in, could you figure out how far in you would get if you had just changed the oil in your car and had black oil all over your shoes?     How far do you think they would let you go?  Look at the Creation here on the earth.   We see God’s power, orderliness, standards and beauty of the earth.","How far do you think he’ll let humans go?  	Is he doesn’t allow a star to be out of place, how long do you think he will let humans be out of line?   Just looking at the orderliness of creation inspires faith in his promises.","Psalm 19:1, 2;",JK,FACING THE FUTURE WITH FAITH AND COURAGE,166,1,10/23/2006,
"Association of brothers, sharing, contribute, rejoice, growth,","When people organize a search party to locate a lost child, only one member of the group may actually find the youngster. But when the child is reunited with his parents, everyone involved in the search rejoices. (Luke 15:6, 7)","Similarly, disciple-making is a team effort. All Christians share in searching for those who may become Jesus’ disciples. And when a new one starts to attend meetings at the Kingdom Hall, every Christian present contributes to building his appreciation for true worship. Thus, all Christians can rejoice that hundreds of thousands of new disciples are made each year.","1 Corinthians 14:24, 25","Nov 15, 2007 wt page 25",,0,1,1/4/2008,
"Creation, Adam, Eve, building blockes","The book Nanomedicine states that the human body is made up of 41 chemical elements. These basic elements-carbon, iron, oxygen, and others-are all present in the ""dust"" of the earth. To illustrate the enormity of the challenge, consider the NASA space shuttle, one of the most complex machines ever devised. This technological marvel contains a staggering 2.5 million parts. It took teams of engineers years to design and put it together.","Just as the space shuttle is carefully designed, so too is the human body.  Thus, as Genesis states, humans truly are formed"" out of dust from the ground.""",Genesis 2:7;,"Sep 1, 2009 WT page 12, 13;",JEHOVAH--THE GRAND CREATOR,101,1,9/2/2009,
"conscience, World, homosexual, closet, darkness,","Have you heard the term, ""coming out of the closet?""  It means letting the world know about your sexual perversion.",What are they doing in the closet in the first place?  Because it is something to be ashamed of.,"Romans 1:26, 27;",Sam Merriman,HOLD A GOOD CONSCIENCE IN A SINFUL WORLD,107,1,5/6/2008,
"religion, Babylon, Christendom","A SHIP is in the midst of a tempest. The crew, who are struggling desperately to save their vessel, are faced with a dramatic decision: either to stay aboard or to abandon ship and save themselves. Did you know that this terrifying scenario is used as a theological illustration?","Theologians, especially Catholic scholars, often compare their church to a ship that is weathering a storm. They say that this ship, with Jesus or Peter at the helm, represents the only means of salvation. The position of the clergy is, 'Never abandon the ship. The church has been through serious crises before, but it is a ship that has weathered all of history's tempests.' Some say, 'Why abandon her? What alternatives are there? Why not stay and help steer her into calmer waters?'",Rev 18:4,w95 2/1 p. 3,HAS BABYLON'S JUDGMENT HOUR ARRIVED?,155,,4/17/2003,
"Past, Future,",The past is like a copy and paste feature on a computer.,You can copy many events from the past and paste them almost precisely into the future.,Dan 2:44,Bobby Laymon,YOUR FUTURE--HOW CAN IT BE KNOWN?,19,,4/26/2003,
"Unity, Uniformity, Variety, Conscience,","Music composer have only a limited number of notes to work with, yet the possibilities for making beautiful music are endless.","Similarly, Christians make choices that are within the boundaries of godly principles.  However, they have a degree of latitude when making certain personal decisions.",1 Cor 8:4-13,"May 8, 2003 Aw Page 27",Serving With Jehovah's Unified Organization,3,,5/5/2003,
Volume,"A sister we know was new in the truth.  She spoke with a very soft voice.  She introduced herself at the door, ""Hello, I'm Wanda Apple.""  The lady replied, I'm sorry honey, but we have no apples.  Would an orange do?",We must learn to speak with good volume.,"Acts 14:9, 10",Bobby Laymon,,0,,5/8/2003,
"Tutor, Teacher, Law",A tutor of ancient times accompanied children to and from school.  He was generally not the teacher; he merely led the children to the teacher.,"Similarly, the Mosaic Law was designed to lead God-fearing Jews to Christ.  Once the Christian congregation was formed, therefore, the ""tutor"" -- the Law -- served no further purpose.",Rom 10:4; Gal 3:25;,"Mar 15, 2003 WT Page 21",,0,,5/9/2003,
"Truth, Liar, Honesty, Dishonesty,",Just as a person who starts gambling with small amounts is drawn into making bigger and bigger bets as he attempts to recover losses…,A liar soon finds himself enmeshed in a vicious cycle.,Ps 141:3;,"Mar 15, 2003 Wt Page 26",Conducting Ourselves Honestly At All Times,10,,5/9/2003,
"Mildness, Gentleness, Meek,","""Behind the gentleness there is the strength of steel.""  Bible scholar",,,,,0,,5/15/2003,
"Mildness, Gentleness, Meek,","""Behind the gentleness there is the strength of steel.""  Bible scholar",Jesus maintained mildness of temper when dealing with the shortcomings of his disciples and he patiently bore their weaknesses.,John 2:13-17;,"Apr 1, 2003 Page 20",Is The Truth Transforming Your Life?,51,,5/15/2003,
"Personality, Transform,",Just as an implant can mold and become a part of you…,God's word can mold and guide you.,James 1:21;,,,0,,5/15/2003,
"Life,","It is difficult to lengthen something.  What carpenter would not like to lengthen a piece of wood.  Or a housewife, stretch a hemline on a dress or pants leg?","How would you like to take the short 70 years of your life and lengthen it out to here...or here?  Beyond.  For man, to lengthen anything is difficult, but with Jehovah's help we can do just that.",Proverbs 9:11.,Bobby Laymon,Life Does Have A Purpose,23,,5/23/2003,
"Life,","While it is difficult to lengthen something, it is very easy to shorten something.",We can easily shorten our lives by not listening to wisdom.,Proverbs 9:11,Bobby Laymon,LIFE DOES HAVE A PURPOSE,23,,5/23/2003,
"Heart, Youth, Temptation,","Imagine that you are shopping for clothes.  While browsing, you catch sight of a garment that immediately appeals to you.  The color and style seem just right for you, and the price tag indicates that this is a real bargain.  But then you take a closer look.  Much to your surprise, you notice that the fabric is frayed at the edges, and the stitching is somewhat shoddy.  The garment, while attractive, is cheaply made.  Would you spend your money on such an inferior product?","Compare this to a situation that could confront you as a Christian youth.  At first glance, the things of this world--much like that garment--might seem highly appealing.  If so, do not hastily conclude that you are bad at heart and just not cut out to be a Christian.  After all, the Bible acknowledges that the world can be powerfully enticing--even to a person who wants to please God.",2 Tim 4:10;,"Apr 15, 2003 Wt Page 12",How To Protect Ourselves From Satan's Snares,115,,5/27/2003,
"Gift, Appreciation, Surprise,",Have you ever purchased a gift for a close friend and then watched you friend's face beam with surprise and appreciation upon receiving it?  You probably thought long and hard about what type of gift would be appropriate for that person.,"Now consider this question:  What kind of gift can you offer your Creator, Jehovah God?  At first, the very idea might sound absurd.  What does the Almighty need from a mere human?  What could you possible give him that he does not already possess?  The Bible answers at Proverbs 27:11.",Proverbs 27:11,"Apr 15, 2003 Wt Page 14",How To Protect Ourselves From Satan's Snares,115,,5/27/2003,
"Appreciation, Deed, Thanks,","HAVE you ever performed a kind deed for a friend and then received no expression of thanks? It can hurt deeply when a generous act is taken for granted or, worse yet, completely forgotten. How different it is, though, when we render wholehearted service to Jehovah! The Bible says: ""God is not unrighteous so as to forget your work and the love you showed for his name.""",Think about what that means. Jehovah would actually consider it an act of unrighteousness on his part--a sin--if he were to forget what you have done and what you continue to do in his service. What an appreciative God!,Mal 3:10,"Apr 15, 2003 Wt Page 17",,0,,5/27/2003,
"Waiting, Day Of Jehovah, Close In Mind,","PICTURE in your mind a family that is expecting guests for dinner. The set time for their arrival is rapidly approaching. The wife is busy putting the finishing touches on the meal. Her husband and their children are helping to make sure that everything is in order. Everyone is excited. Yes, the whole family is eagerly awaiting the arrival of the guests and is looking forward to a delicious meal and fine fellowship.","As Christians, we are waiting for something even more important. For what? Why, all of us are waiting for ""the day of Jehovah""! Until it arrives, we need to be like the prophet Micah.",Micah 7:7,"Jul 15, 2003 Wt Page 10",The Messiah's Presence And His Rule,91,,5/30/2003,
"Waiting, Day Of Jehovah, Close In Mind, Danger, Armageddon, Zeal, Lifesaving,","Our situation might be likened to that of individuals in a burning building. Would it be wise to run around frantically in order to retrieve material things from the blazing structure that is about to collapse? Instead, would it not be far more important to save lives-our own and those of our family and others occupying the building?","Well, this wicked system of things is rapidly heading for its collapse, and lives are at stake. Realizing this, surely we should put spiritual interests first and zealously concentrate on the lifesaving Kingdom-preaching work.",1 Timothy 4:16,"Jul 15, 2003 Wt Page 13",Have Faith In The Good News,47,,5/30/2003,
"Spotless, Clean,","Peter urges us to do our utmost to be found ""spotless."" Are we keeping our garments of Christian conduct and personality spotless, not tainted by the world? When we notice a spot on our clothes, we immediately try to remove it. If a favorite garment is involved, we are especially meticulous about cleaning it.","Do we feel the same way if our Christian garments become stained, as it were, because of some flaw in our personality or conduct?",2 Peter 3:14,"Jul 15, 2003 Wt Page 13",Christian Separateness From The World--Why Beneficial.,119,,5/30/2003,
"Unblemished, Spotless, Clean,","Peter also says that we are to be found ""unblemished."" How is that possible? A spot can generally be wiped off or cleansed away but not so a blemish.","A blemish indicates that something on the inside is wrong, at fault.","Philippians 2:14, 15; 2 Peter 3:14;","Jul 15, 2003 Wt Page 13",Christian Separateness From The World--Why Beneficial.,119,,5/30/2003,
"Preaching, Fishing, Witnessing, Best Time,",Fishermen go fishing when they can catch fish. Can we do something similar in our spiritual fishing work?,"Why not try evening witnessing and telephone witnessing, where that is legal? Some have found that parking lots, truck stops, gas stations, and stores are productive 'fishing grounds.'",Mark 1:16-18,"Jul 15, 2003 Wt Page 19",DO YOU HAVE THE EVENGELIZING SPIRIT?,63,,5/30/2003,
"Need Others, Association, Isolation, Dependence,","In the animal world, it is common to observe instinctive companionship.  Elephants move about in herds, carefully guarding their young.  Lionesses hunt together and share their food with the males.  Dolphins play together and have even protected other animals or swimmers in distress.","Among humans, however, social scientist have noted a tendency that causes growing concern.  There is a rapidly growing tendency for many to isolate themselves.  People want to 'live their own lives' and strongly resist having other 'invade their space.'",Ecclesiastes 4:9; Proverbs 18:1;,"Jul 15, 2003 Wt Page 3",Choose Your Associates Wisely!,116,,5/31/2003,
"Need Others, Association, Isolation, Dependence,","""Almost the whole of our actions and desires is bound up with the existence of other human beings.""  Albert Einstein.","Isolation 'is as significant to mortality rates as the habit of smoking, high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol, obesity, and the lack of physical exercise.'  --Journal Science.",Ecclesiastes 4:9; Proverbs 18:1;,"Jul 15, 2003 Wt Page 3",CHOOSE YOUR ASSOCIATES WISELY!,116,,5/31/2003,
"Love, Understanding, Intimacy, Cure,","A medical researcher wrote: ""Love and intimacy are at a root of what makes us sick and what makes us well, what causes sadness and what brings happiness, what makes us suffer and what leads to healing. If a new drug had the same impact, virtually every doctor in the country would be recommending it for their patients. It would be malpractice not to prescribe it.""","Yet, modern society, especially its media and popular role models, often places more emphasis on wealth, power, fame, and sex than on the human need for warm, loving relationships.",1 Corinthians 13:1,"Jul 1, 2003 Wt Page 3",LOVE IDENTIFIES THE TRUE CHRISTIAN CONGREGATION,72,,6/1/2003,
"Love, Understanding, Intimacy, Cure,","""Love is the elixir of life; love is life.""  --Living to Purpose, by Joseph Johnson, 1871.","Genuine love is more than just affection or sentiment.  It consistently acts in the very best interests of others, even if they do not fully appreciate it at the time.",1 Corinthians 13:1,"Jul 1, 2003 Wt Page 4",LOVE IDENTIFIES THE TRUE CHRISTIAN CONGREGATION,72,,6/1/2003,
"God's Spirit, Fruits, Qualities, Holy Spirit,","Just as timely rain on an orchard contributes to a good harvest,.…","...God's spirit can produce in receptive individuals qualities that the Bible describes as ""the fruitage of the spirit.""","Galatians 5:22, 23; Luke 11:9-13","Jul 1, 2003 Wt Page 6",Is the Trinity a Scriptural Teaching?,129,,6/1/2003,
"Spirit Of The World, God's Spirit, Fruits, Qualities, Holy Spirit,","Like wind that whips up dust and litter,…","...""the spirit of the world"" stirs up hurtful desires that corrode love and cater to the weaknesses of the flesh.",Galatians 5:19-21,"Jul 1, 2003 Wt Page 6",NO PART OF THE WORLD--IN IMITATION OF CHRIST,11,,6/1/2003,
"Friends, Know,","Jehovah has revealed himself to us. In any friendship we forge, the bond is based on truly knowing the other person, admiring and valuing his distinctive traits.","Consider what this means. If Jehovah were a hidden, unknowable God, we could never be close to him. Yet, far from concealing himself, Jehovah wants us to come to know him.  In his Word, the Bible, he reveals himself in terms we can comprehend-proof not only that he loves us but that he wants us to know and love him as our heavenly Father.",Isaiah 45:19,"Jul 1, 2003 Wt Page 10",HOW WELL DO YOU KNOW GOD?,1,,6/1/2003,
"Friends, Know,","Have you ever seen a small child point out his father to his friends and then say with innocent joy and pride, ""That's my daddy""?","God's worshipers have every reason to feel similarly about Jehovah. The Bible foretells a time when faithful people will exclaim:""Look! This is our God.""  The more insight we gain into Jehovah's qualities, the more we will feel that we have the best Father and the closest Friend imaginable.","Isaiah 25:8, 9","Jul 1, 2003 Wt Page 10",HOW WELL DO YOU KNOW GOD?,1,,6/1/2003,
"Shepherd, Elders, Sheep, Tenderness, Affection,","Few animals are as helpless as domestic sheep. The shepherd of Bible times had to be courageous to protect his sheep from wolves, bears, and lions.  But there were times when protecting and caring for the sheep called for tenderness. For example, when a sheep gave birth far from the fold, how would the shepherd keep the defenseless newborn lamb safe? He would carry it, perhaps for days, ""in his bosom""-the loose folds of his upper garment.","How, though, would a little lamb come to be in the shepherd's bosom? The lamb might approach the shepherd and even nudge his leg. It is the shepherd, however, who would have to bend over, reach out and pick up the lamb, and place it in the security of his bosom. What a tender picture of the willingness of our Great Shepherd to protect and care for his servants!",1 Samuel 17:34-36; John 10: 10-13,"Jul 1, 2003 Wt Page 11",WHO ARE QUALIFIED AS MINISTERS OF GOD?,81,,6/1/2003,
"Wisdom, Creation, Engineering,","Perhaps you have gazed in wonder at the beauty of a spider web. It is indeed a marvel of design. Some frail-looking strands are proportionately stronger than steel, tougher than the fibers in a bulletproof vest. What exactly does that mean?","Imagine a web enlarged in scale until it is the size of a net used on a fishing boat. Such a web would be so strong that it could stop a passenger plane in mid-flight! Yes, Jehovah has made all such things ""in wisdom.""",Psalm 104:24,Psalm 104:24,APPRECIATING MARVELS OF GOD'S CREATION,114,c,6/1/2003,
"Sin, Forgiveness, Remove,","Have you ever tried to remove a stain from a light-colored garment? Perhaps despite your best efforts, the stain remained visible. Notice how Jehovah describes his capacity for forgiveness: ""Though the sins of you people should prove to be as scarlet, they will be made white just like snow; though they should be red like crimson cloth, they will become even like wool.""  The word ""scarlet"" denotes a bright-red color.* ""Crimson"" was one of the deep colors of dyed material.","We can never through our own efforts remove the stain of sin. Yet, Jehovah can take sins that are like scarlet and crimson and make them while like snow or un-dyed wool. So when Jehovah forgives our sins, we need not feel that we bear the stain of such sins for the rest of our life.",Isaiah 1:18;,"Jul 1, 2003 Wt Page 17",DO YOU HARBOR RESENTMENT OR DO YOU FORGIVE?,68,,6/1/2003,
"Important, Personally, Details, Sparrow, Worth, Value,","In Jesus' day the sparrow was the cheapest of the birds sold as food. For one coin of small value, a buyer got two sparrows. But Jesus later stated, according to Luke 12:6, 7, that if a person spent two coins, he got, not four sparrows, but five. The extra bird was added in as though it had no value at all.","Perhaps such birds were worthless in the eyes of men, but how did the Creator view them? Jesus said: ""Not one of them [not even the one added in] goes forgotten before God."" Now we may begin to see Jesus' point. Since Jehovah places such value on a single sparrow, of how much greater worth is a human! As Jesus said, Jehovah knows every detail about us. Why, the very hairs of our head are numbered!","Matthew 10:29-31; Luke 12:6, 7;","Jul 1, 2003 Wt Page 16",DOES GOD COUNT YOU PERSONALLY IMPORTANT?,26,,6/1/2003,
"Disease, Sickness, Cure, Change, Personality,","A doctor once said, ""A disease does not destroy a person; rather, it changes him.""",These changes does not all have to be negative.  It can help us to better understand the health problems of other people and to sympathize with them.,2 Corinthians 12:7,"Jul 1, 2003 Wt Page 22",IS THE TRUTH TRANSFORMING YOUR LIFE?,51,,6/1/2003,
"Flood, Deluge, Noah, Log, Account,","EXPLORER Richard E. Byrd made five Antarctic expeditions from 1928 through 1956.  By keeping a diary and accurate logbooks, he and his teams were able to determine wind drifts, prepare maps, and obtain considerable information about the continent of Antarctica.","In effect, the Bible book of Genesis contains what might be called Noah's log of what took place from the beginning of the Flood until he and his family left the ark.",Genesis 7:1-3;,"May 15, 2003 Wt Page 3",THE FLOOD OF NOAH'S DAY HAS MEANING FOR US,6,,6/2/2003,
"Firm, Steadfast, Solid, Strong, Determined, Faith, Race, Stability,","If you had to travel through a stormy sea, what kind of vessel would you prefer?  Would you want a flimsy dinghy or a sturdy, well-built ship?  You would undoubtedly choose the ship, since it could more effectively negotiate the violent waves.","If we are faithful to Jehovah, he will always be there to help us maintain our stability.",Psalm 40:2;,"May 15, 2003 Wt Page 21",MAINTAIN YOUR CONFIDENCE FIRM TO THE END,46,,6/2/2003,
"Choices, Decisions, Coping, Life, everlasting,","PEOPLE have never before had such a wide array of choices.  For example, the clothes we wear, the food we eat and where we work and live are often a matter of choice.  In many parts of the world, choosing one's mate is also the norm.","The Bible, however presents a choice that surpasses all other choices--one that is open to all humankind.","Proverbs 11:19; John 17:3; Proverbs 12:28; Romans 6:23; Matthew 7:13, 14;","May 15, 2003 Wt Page 32",DECISIONS YOU FACE--HOW WILL YOU MAKE THEM?,50,,6/2/2003,
"Conscience, Guide,","""Let your conscience be your guide"" is often-heard advise.","But for our conscience to be a reliable guide, it needs to be properly educated in right and wrong, and we must be sensitive to its leading.",Luke 19:1-7;,"May 1, 2003 Wt Page 32",CONDUCTING OURSELVES HONESTLY AT ALL TIMES,10,,6/2/2003,
"Circuit Needs, View,","Where are you in the picture?  When we see a picture, who do we look for first?","As we discuss the needs of the circuit, look at yourself in the picture.",1 Corinthians 3:13;,Ron Whitlatch C.O.,,0,,6/11/2003,
"Tact, Helpful, Tactful,","""Be tactful, not tacky.""",Reply with dignity and respectfully.,1 Peter 3:15;,Robert Hendrix D.O.,FAMILY LIFE THAT WARMS THE HEART,5,,6/11/2003,
"Predestination, Power, Ability, Choice,",Suppose you have a beautiful singing voice.  Would you sing 24 hours a day?,Just because Jehovah has the power of predestination doesn't mean he uses it all the time.  Sometimes he just lets things work out without looking ahead.,1 John 4:8; Proverbs 15:9;,Lori Smith; Lacy Brooks;,ACTS OF GOD - HOW DO YOU VIEW THEM?,93,,6/11/2003,
"Baptism, Art, Reflect, Image,","Jehovah is a seasoned artist.  He has the correct balance of color, light, and signs his own name to his creation.  He wants us to draw a stick-figure next to his own glorious art, and then his work is complete.","At our dedication and baptism, we are agreeing to do that.  May we do our best to imitate the great artist.",Hebrews 6:10;,Day Ayres,WHAT GOD'S RULERSHIP CAN DO FOR US,24,,6/11/2003,
"Marriage,",Would you go to a doctor with only a 50% success rate for treating disease?,Only 50% make it in marriage.  Much of it due to a lack of preparation.,Ecclesiastes 4:9-12,Mike Hart,GETTING MARRIAGE OFF TO A GOOD START,27,,6/11/2003,
"Coast, Drift, Effort, Exert,",What happens when you coast.  You don't coast uphill.  You coast downhill.,That is what happens when we don't exert ourselves.,Hebrews 2:1,Robert Hendrix D.O.,TAKING TIME TO MEDITATE ON SPIRITUAL THINGS,67,,6/11/2003,
"Tired, Old, Productive,",Some in Jehovah's organization are tired.  Many have been at it for many years.  How does Jehovah view their work?,"David set a precedent. ""And who will listen to YOU as to this saying? For as the share of the one that went down into the battle even so will the share of the one that sat by the baggage be. All will have a share together.""  And it came about from that day forward that he kept it set as a regulation and a judicial decision for Israel down to this day.",1 Samuel 30:21-25,Guy Pierce Gb,HOW TO EXPRESS LOVE IN A LAWLESS WORLD,112,,6/12/2003,
"Tired, Old, Productive,","""I can't do what I used to do.""","""There is a trade-off.  I don't want to do what I used to do.""",1 Samuel 30:21-25,Guy Pierce Gb,HOW TO EXPRESS LOVE IN A LAWLESS WORLD,112,,6/12/2003,
"Convention, Assembly, Grateful, Appreciate, Glorify, Clean, Appearance,","Your family spend the day cleaning up the yard after a hard winter.  You are very tired, yet happy.  What's to eat?  You have a message on your answering machine.  Some friends have heard about what you are doing and arranged a back-yard barbeque.  Would you be grateful?  All you need to do is clean up and bring your family.",Jehovah has provided a large meal for us by means of this convention.  Are we not grateful?  We should honor Him by our appearance and action.  Would you leave before the meal is over?,"Psalms 95:6; 111:1,2; 100:4, 5; Revelation 4:11; Hebrews 2:1; Psalms 66:1,2;","Fredrick Cua; Give God Glory, District Convention At Kansas City, Mo. June 6-8, 2003.",A CLEAN PEOPLE HONORS JEHOVAH,14,,6/13/2003,
"Hunger, Appetite, Spiritual Food, Craving, Satisfied,","When a baby starts to cry, there is one of two possibilities.  Either it needs changing or is hungry.  That hunger woke it from a deep sleep, but in a few moments it can be satisfied.",Our hunger for spiritual food must never be satisfied.,Matthew 5:6;,Larry Melton,HAPPY THOUGH HUNGRY--HOW CAN IT BE?,31,,6/16/2003,
"Terrorism, Gog, Armageddon, Attack,","TERRORISM has been described by some as an attack on the world community, even on civilization itself.  Understandable, such a threat must be taken seriously.","On the other hand, of even greater consequence is another attack, to which the world community gives little or no attention.  What is it?  It is the attack by ""Gog of the land of Magog.""",Ezekiel 38:10-12,"Jun 1, 2003 Wt Page 17",WHAT THE NEAR FUTURE HOLDS!,40,,7/20/2003,
"Manners, Kindergarten,","Everything I Needed to know I learned in kindergarten....Share Everything, Play Fair, Don't hit people, Put things back where you found them, Clean up your own mess, Don't take things that aren't yours, Say you're sorry when you hurt somebody, Wash your hands before you eat, Flush, Warm cookies and milk are good for you, Live a balanced life, Take a nap every afternoon, When you go out in the world, watch out for traffic, hold hands and stick together, Be aware of wonder, All things die....So do we.  Remember the first word you learned-LOOK!  --from the book by Robert Fulgham",Some basic manners are learned early in life.,2 Tim. 3:15;,Bobby Laymon,Live With Soundness of Mind in a Depraved World,138,,7/21/2003,
"Suffering, Blame, Judgment, Futility, Vanity, Evil, Righteous,","Think of a judge who pronounces a just sentence upon a criminal.  The convict may suffer considerable while he serves out his sentence, but can he rightly blame the judge for being the cause of his suffering?  By no means!","Furthermore, Jehovah is never the source of wickedness.  He has made loving arrangement for faithful descendants of Adam and Eve to see the end of futility.",James 1:13; Romans 8:19-22,"Sep 1, 2003 Wt Page 11",Why Mankind Needs a Ransom,125,,7/21/2003,
"Trust, Obedient, Faith,","Think of a small child sitting in the backseat of a car, with his parents in front.  His father is at the wheel.  When difficulties arise during the journey--a question about the proper route or perhaps a problem with the weather or the condition of the road--how does an obedient, trusting child react?  Does he shout directions from the backseat, telling his father how to handle the car?  Does he question his parents' decisions or resist when they remind him to stay buckled up in his seat?  No, he naturally trusts his parents to handle such matters, imperfect though they are.","IN Jehovah, we have a perfect father.  Should we not trust in him implicitly, especially when we face challenging situations?",Proverbs 3:5; Isaiah 30:21;,"Sep 1, 2003 Wt Page 12",Trust in the God of All Comfort,143,,7/21/2003,
"Tolerant, Kindness, Doubt, Right,","""When in doubt, remember that the kind thing is the right thing."" --Milton G. Henschel, a longtime member of the Governing Body.",Always show kindness.,"John 13:34, 35;","Aug 15, 2003 Wt Page 31",TRUE FRIENDSHIP WITH GOD AND NEIGHBOR,100,,7/23/2003,
"Name, Funeral, Memorial, Reputation,","HAVE YOU ever read an obituary column in your local newspaper or seen a lengthy report on a deceased person's life and accomplishments? Did you ask yourself, 'What would people he saying about me?' How many ever think about how they will be remembered after their death?","Thus, the frank questions: What would people he saying about you today if you had died yesterday? What kind of reputation are you making for yourself? How would you like to be remembered by those who have known you and by God?",Ecclesiastes 7:1;,"Aug 15, 2003 Wt Page 3",WHAT KIND OF NAME ARE YOU MAKING WITH GOD?,55,,7/23/2003,
"Name, Funeral, Memorial, Reputation","The Scottish poet, Robert Burns 'wished that some power would give us the gift to see ourselves as others see us.'",Can you look at yourself objectively and say that you have a fine reputation with others and with God.,Ecclesiastes 7:1;,"Aug 15, 2003 Wt Page 3",WHAT KIND OF NAME ARE YOU MAKING WITH GOD?,55,,7/23/2003,
"Confidence, Trust, Faith,","Picture for a moment a little girl holding on tightly to the hand of her father while they walk through a storm. The girl well knows that her strength is limited, but she has confidence in her father.","We too must know our limitations hut have confidence in our heavenly Father. Flow can we maintain this confidence? For one thing, by keeping in mind why it is wise to stay close to God.  We thus have ample reason to hold on tightly to the hand of our heavenly Father as we walk with him through the stormy final leg of our journey to something far greater than the ancient Promised Land-God's righteous new world.",Micah 6:8;,"Aug 15, 2003 Wt Page 22, 23",MAINTAIN YOUR CONFIDENCE FIRM TO THE END,46,,7/23/2003,
"Everlasting Life, Present, Future, Life, Coping, Problems,",The present problems are 'like a bump in the road.',Compared to everlasting life.,John 17:3;,Bobby Laymon,LIFE DOES HAVE A PURPOSE,23,,7/23/2003,
"Available, Servants, Privilege, Sacrifice, Willingly, Pioneering,","Jehovah might be likened to a man building a house. The builder has a complete blueprint for the project, but he chooses building materials from those available locally.","Similarly, Jehovah has a project to accomplish today and is pleased to use his servants, who offer themselves willingly.","Psalms 110:1; 1 Corinthians 9:16, 17;","Aug 15, 2003 Wt Page 26, 27",RENEWING THE SPIRIT OF SELF-SACRIFICE,69,,7/23/2003,
"Fear, Demonism, Customs, Beliefs","Like a spider web that entangles and holds a fly or other creature that gets into it, so too there is a web of family and tribal traditions and rites that holds many people in the grip of fear.","They are afraid that, if they do not observe all these traditions, they will not receive the help of departed ancestors or that they will be harmed by other unseen spirits. They fear they will not be successful in having children or that their children will die, or that their cattle will sicken and die, that their farms will not produce or that their businesses will not be successful.",Acts 26:18,Us P. 38,THE BIBLE'S VIEW OF SPIRITISTIC PRACTICES,95,,7/30/2003,
"Jesus, James, Stone, Archaeological Evidence,","""Evidence of Jesus Written in Stone.""  So proclaimed the cover of Biblical Archaeology Review. (November/December 2002)  That cover featured a limestone box, an ossuary, that was found in Israel.","What made this one especially significant was an Aramaic inscription on one side.  Scholars acknowledged its reading: ""James, son of Joseph, brother of Jesus.""",Matthew 13:54-56; Luke 4:22; John 6:42;,"Jun 15, 2003 Wt Page 3",Jesus Christ-Earth's New Ruler,140,,9/1/2003,
"Life, Death, Sports, Dangerous, Thrills,","""Look at Life like you would look at Death.""  --Chinese Proverb",We should take life seriously and guard against harmful practices and thrills.,Deuteronomy 30:19,Bobby Laymon,LIFE DOES HAVE A PURPOSE,23,,9/1/2003,
"Good, Goodness, Attitude,","AFTER many cloudy and gray days, sunshine brings a welcome change.  Spirits soar, and people experience a good feeling.  Likewise, following long periods of blazing sunshine and dry weather, a shower of rain--even a cloudburst--provides refreshment and relief.","Our loving Creator, Jehovah, has built into earth's atmosphere this wonderful gift of weather.  Jesus drew attention to God's bounty and goodness when he taught.",Matthew 5:43-45,"Jun 15, 2003 Wt Page 17",HOW TO CONQUER EVIL WITH GOOD,117,,9/1/2003,
"Reputation, Name,","""If you have the reputation of being an early riser, you can sleep until noon.""",A reputation may not always be what it seems.,Genesisesis 24:25-30;,John Sees,WHAT KIND OF NAME ARE YOU MAKING WITH GOD?,55,,9/1/2003,
"Promises, Truth,",Deliberately making an empty promise is dishonest and might be likened to writing a check without having funds in the bank to cover it. But what rewards and blessings we receive for keeping our promises!,"One blessing for being trustworthy is a good conscience. (Compare Acts 24:16.) Instead of nagging feelings of remorse, we feel satisfied and at peace. Moreover, by keeping our word, we contribute to the unity of the congregation, which depends on mutual trust. Our ""truthful speech"" also recommends us as ministers of the God of truth.-2 Corinthians 6:3, 4, 7.","Acts 24:16;2 Corinthians 6:3, 4, 7","Sep 15, 1999 Wt Page 11",ON WHOSE PROMISES DO YOU RELY?,61,,9/3/2003,
"Pivotal Dates, Chronology,","It is easy to see the great value of pivotal dates.  Example:  Ask a woman when a certain event happened, and she will say, ""let me think.""  That happened the year before we were married.  Actually 11 months before, so it would have to be..........""  Or another event, she might say, that was 2 years after we were married""  or ""Let me see, that was the year our 3rd child was born.","Her marriage and the birth of children are pivotal dates.  From there she can calculate in both directions, because she knows these are absolute dates.",Daniel 5:30;,Monica Bland,,0,,10/2/2003,
"Trust, Confidence, Faith, Associations,",FOOD poisoning is very unpleasant.  A person who repeatedly experiences it needs to be more careful in his eating habits.  But to give up food entirely so as to avoid the risk of food poisoning is not a realistic option.  Doing so would cause more problems than it would solve.  Without food no one can survive long.,"In a similar way, to have one's trust betrayed is painful.  Repeated betrayal of trust might make us think carefully about our choice of associations.  Yet, to withdraw from people entirely so as to avoid the risk of being let down is not the solution.  That would rob us of our own happiness.",Proverbs 3:5;,"Nov 1, 2003 Wt Page 4",Trust in the God of All Comfort,143,,10/2/2003,
"Giving, Cultivate, Selfish, Take,","NO ONE is born with a giving spirit.  The natural inclination of an infant is to satisfy its own wants and needs, oblivious of the interest of even its caregivers.  In time, though, the child learns that the world does not revolve around him.","Others must be considered, and he must learn not only to take but also to give and share.  A giving spirit needs to be cultivated.",Hebrews 13:16; Romans 15:26;,"Nov 1, 2003 Wt Page 26",,0,,10/2/2003,
"Poor, Happy,","""No society can surely be flourishing and happy, of which the far greater part of the members are poor and miserable."" Quote: Economist Adam Smith in 18th century.",The truth of what he said is even more obvious today.  The difference between the haves and the have-nots has become even starker.,Eccl 7:12;,"Aug 1, 2003 Wt Page 3",HAPPY THOUGH HUNGRY--HOW CAN IT BE?,31,,10/26/2003,
"Truth, Knowledge,","Consider a man who designs and then builds his own house, laying every timber and driving every nail.  He will know that house inside and out and will possess an understanding of it greater than that of any observer.  People know about the things they design and make.","Similarly, the Creator knows all that there is to know about what he has created.",Acts 4:24;,"Aug 1, 2003 Wt Page 10",APPRECIATING MARVELS OF GOD'S CREATION,114,,10/26/2003,
"Truth, Knowledge, Revealer Of Truth,",Imagine a parent who has vast knowledge but who really speaks to his children.,"Are you not thankful that Jehovah is not like that?  Jehovah lovingly communicates with mankind, and he does it generously.",Isaiah 30:20;,"Aug 1, 2003 Wt Page 11",COMMUNICATION--WITHIN THE FAMILY AND WITH GOD,30,,10/26/2003,
"Humble, Meek, Bible For All, Old, Young, Male, Female,","When an author writes a book, he or she usually fashions it to appeal to a specific group of people.  Some books are written for the highly educated, others for children, still others for those in specialized fields.  While the Bible is easily available to all, it is meant to be understood and appreciated by a particular group of people.","Jehovah crafted it for the humble, the meek ones of the earth.  Such people can grasp the sense of the Bible, whatever their education, culture, station in life, or ethnic group.","1 Timothy 2:3,4;","Aug 1, 2003 Wt Page 15",DOES YOUR HOPE REST ON SCIENCE OR THE BIBLE?,80,,10/26/2003,
"Truth, Lies, Falsehood, Reputation,","An African proverb says, ""One falsehood spoils a thousand truths.""","If we get caught telling a single lie, others may doubt the truthfulness of anything we say in the future.","Revelation 21:8, 27; 22:15;","Aug 1, 2003 Wt Page 16",CONDUCTING OURSELVES HONESTLY AT ALL TIMES,10,,10/26/2003,
"Truth, Lies, Falsehood, Reputation,","A proverb says, ""A liar will not be believed, even when he speaks the truth.""","If we get caught telling a single lie, others may doubt the truthfulness of anything we say in the future.","Revelation 21:8, 27; 22:15;","Aug 1, 2003 Wt Page 16",CONDUCTING OURSELVES HONESTLY AT ALL TIMES,10,,10/26/2003,
"Tactful, Discern, Kindness, Care, Concern,","Just as sensitive fingers can perceive if something is sticky, soft, polished, hot, or hairy, so a tactful person can sense the feelings of other people and can discern how his words or actions affect them.",Doing this is not just a skill; it involves a genuine desire to avoid hurting others.,"2 Kings 4:17-20, 25-27","Aug 1, 2003 Wt Page 29",HOW TO PROTECT OURSELVES FROM SATAN'S SNARES,115,,10/26/2003,
"Tactful, Discern, Kindness, Care, Concern, Job, Employment,",One can become like the proverbial bus driver who was so concerned with arriving on time that he did not stop to pick up passengers.,Deep concern over one's job can cause one to fail to discern or recognize the needs of those he deals with.,"2 Kings 4:17-20, 25-27;","Aug 1, 2003 Wt Page 16",Trust in Jehovah's Saving Power,147,,10/26/2003,
"Handle God's Word Aright; Tools,","WORKERS need tools to help them get their jobs done. Just having any tool, though, is not enough. A worker needs the right tool, and he must use it in the proper way. If while building a shed, for instance, you wanted to fasten two boards together, you would need more than a hammer and nails. You would have to know how to drive a nail into wood without bending' the nail. Attempting to drive a nail into wood without knowing how to use a hammer would be very difficult, even frustrating. But tools handled properly help us to accomplish tasks with satisfying results.","As Christians, we have a work to do. It is a work of paramount importance. Jesus Christ urged his followers to 'seek first the kingdom.' (Matthew 6:33) How can we do that? One way is by being zealous in the Kingdom preaching and disciple-making work. Having our ministry firmly rooted in God's Word is another. Good conduct is a third way.","Matthew 24:14; 28:19, 20; Acts 8:25; 1 Peter 2:12","Nov 15, 2003 Wt Page 8",THE KINGDOM OF GOD IS NEAR,109,,10/26/2003,
"Handle God's Word Aright; Tools,","The Greek word rendered ""handing aright"" literally means ""straightly cutting"" or ""to cut a path in a straight direction.""  The same word could be used to describe plowing a straight furrow across a field.  A crooked row would certainly prove to be an embarrassment to a seasoned farmer.",We must have our minds on Jehovah's matters and not on worldly things.,"2 Timothy 4:2-4; Colossians 2:4, 8;","Nov 15, 2003 Wt Page 10",THE KINGDOM OF GOD IS NEAR,109,,10/26/2003,
"Decisions, Cope, Problems,","NOTHING is more difficult, and therefore more precious than to be able to decide,"" Napoleon Bonaparte, 19th-century Emperor of France.","You may agree On both counts, since people generally treasure being in control of their own lives. At the same time, they have learned that making decisions is sometimes far from easy.","Proverbs 1:5;Oct 15,","Oct 15, 2003 Wt Page 3",DECISIONS YOU FACE--HOW WILL YOU MAKE THEM?,50,,10/26/2003,
"Decisions, Cope, Problems,",Everyone today is faced with making a decision between life and death.,"Bible prophecy and chronology show that we are living in ""critical times hard to deal with"" and that ""the scene of this world is changing.""  The foretold change will climax in the destruction of a bankrupt human system,","Deuteronomy 30:19, 20.","Oct 15, 2003 Wt Page 6",DECISIONS YOU FACE--HOW WILL YOU MAKE THEM?,50,,10/26/2003,
"Decisions, Cope, Problems,","A man who decides to marry and raise a family may feel some-what inadequate, but making a commitment I serves as an incentive for him to do the best he possibly can. Likewise, a young person with a new driver's license may have some fear of having a traffic accident-especially if he is aware of statistics that show young drivers to be proportionately more accident-prone than older ones.  This knowledge however, can he beneficial, moving him to drive with greater caution. Refraining from gutting a license is by no means the solution!","What professional will claim that he knew at the beginning of his career what he knows today? Deciding to serve God simply requires a knowledge of basic Bible teachings and principles, coupled with a sincere desire to live accordingly. Do some delay their decision for fear that they may fail to live up to it? A reasonable concern about failure is involved in many human commitments.",Matthew 7:21;,"Oct 15, 2003 Wt Page 7",DECISIONS YOU FACE--HOW WILL YOU MAKE THEM?,50,,10/26/2003,
"Self-Control,","DURING a major campaign against drug abuse, young people in the United States were admonished: ""Just say no.""","How much better things would be if everyone would just say no not only to drug abuse but also to overdrinking, to unwise or immoral life-styles, to dishonest business practices, and to ""the desires of the flesh""!  Yet, who will claim that saying no is always easy?",Romans 13:14,"Oct 15, 2003 Wt Page 13",ACQUIRING A HEART OF WISDOM,73,,10/26/2003,
"Self-Control, Learning,","You have probably observed that in school one student learns more quickly' than another. Or on the job one person learns a new task more quickly than fellow workers. Similarly, some learn to manifest Christian qualities more quickly than others.",The important thing is to keep cultivating godly qualities in the best way we can.   This we can do by taking full advantage of the help Jehovah provides through his Word and congregation.,2 Peter 1:8;,"Oct 15, 2003 Wt Page 14",ACQUIRING A HEART OF WISDOM,73,,10/26/2003,
"Struggling, Understanding, Compassion,","Yet, remember, a struggling person is not a bad person.",Fellow Christians need our understanding and compassion.,Matthew 5:7;,"Oct 15, 2003 Wt Page 17",A Loyal Congregation Under Christ's Leadership,144,,10/26/2003,
"Marriage,","""They know exactly what a bad marriage is, but they are less sure of what a good marriage looks like.""  Study by the National Marriage Project.","""Some can only describe a good marriage as 'the opposite of my parents.'",1 Corinthians 7:27;,"Sep 15, 2003 Wt Page 3",GETTING MARRIAGE OFF TO A GOOD START,27,,11/8/2003,
"Marriage,","IMAGINE a house that has fallen into a state of disrepair.  The paint is peeling, the roof is damaged, and even the lawn lies untended.  Obviously, this building has weathered some severe storms over the years, and it has suffered from neglect.  Should it be demolished?  Not necessarily.  If the foundation is strong and the structure is stable, the house can likely be restored.","Does the condition of that house remind you of your marriage?  Over the years, severe storms, so to speak, may have taken a toll on your marital relationship.  A degree of neglect may be involved on the part of one or both of you.  Even if your marriage has reached this point, do not hastily conclude that it should be terminated.  Likely, your marriage can be restored.","Matthew 19:4-6; Ephesians 5:28, 29;","Sep 15, 2003 Wt Page 4",GETTING MARRIAGE OFF TO A GOOD START,27,,11/8/2003,
"Marriage, Commitment, Obligation,","Sometimes commitment is applied to something impersonal, such as a business agreement.  For example, a builder might feel obliged to fulfill the demands of a contract he has signed to construct a house.  He may not personally know the one who commissioned the work.  Still, he feels compelled to live up to his word.","Although marriage is not a cold business deal, the commitment involved includes obligation.  You and your mate have solemnly vowed before God and man to stay together, come what may.","Matthew 19:4-6; Ephesians 5:28, 29;","Sep 15, 2003 Wt Page 4",GETTING MARRIAGE OFF TO A GOOD START,27,,11/8/2003,
"Speech, Conversation,","""HUMAN speech is a secret; it is a divine gift, a miracle.""  Lexicographer Ludwig Koehler.",Sometimes we take this gift for granted.  Consider how great a treasure is lost when a stroke robs a loved one of speech.,James 1:17;,"Sep 15, 2003 Wt Page 10",COMMUNICATION--WITHIN THE FAMILY AND WITH GOD,30,,11/8/2003,
"Counsel, Discernment,","Some wells in Israel were very deep.  In Gibeon, archaeologists have discovered a reservoir some 80 feet deep.  It has steps, which enabled people to descend to the bottom in order to draw up water.",We need to draw up thoughts from the heart.,Proverbs 20:5;,"Sep 15, 2003 Wt Page 14",MAKE JEHOVAH YOUR CONFIDENCE,70,,11/8/2003,
"Appreciation, Praise, Prayer,",How happy parents feel when their child thanks them from the heart for something they have done for him!,Reflecting appreciatively on Jehovah's kindness and expressing our heartfelt gratitude for them is a fine way to improve the quality of our prayers.,"Revelation 4:10, 11;","Sep 15, 2003 Wt Page 17",PRAYERS THAT ARE HEARD BY GOD,86,,11/8/2003,
"Appreciation, Praise, Prayer,","If two friends face problems together, does not the bond of friendship between them become stronger?",The same is true when we lean on Jehovah and experience his help.,Proverbs 17:17; 2 Chronicles 14:11;,"Sep 15, 2003 Wt Page 17",PRAYERS THAT ARE HEARD BY GOD,86,,11/8/2003,
"Appreciation, Praise, Prayer,","How difficult it is to obtain an appointment to speak to an important government official, let alone become his friend.","Yet, the Creator of the universe encourages us to approach him freely in prayer, whenever we want or need to do so.",Psalm 37:5,"Sep 15, 2003 Wt Page 16",PRAYERS THAT ARE HEARD BY GOD,86,,11/8/2003,
"Mistakes, Sin, Advise, Forgiveness, Return, Draw Close,",What father would reject a son who humbly turns to him for help and advice after making a mistake?,"The parable of the prodigal son shows that regardless of how far we may have strayed, our heavenly Father rejoices when we return to him.","Luke 15:21, 22, 32; Isaiah 55:6,7; Psalm 55:1, 17;","Sep 15, 2003 Wt Page 20",DO YOU HARBOR RESENTMENT OR DO YOU FORGIVE?,68,,11/8/2003,
"Reliable, Promises, Trust, Faithful, Guarantee,","History is full of broken promises.  Nations have often failed to keep solemnly signed nonaggression pacts, thus leading their people into terrible wars.  Napoleon once observed: Governments keep their promises only when they are forced to do so, or when it will be to their advantage.""",What a difference there is between human and divine promises!  God's promises are completely reliable and trustworthy.,Isaiah 55:11;,"Sep 15, 2003 Wt Page 32",ON WHOSE PROMISES DO YOU RELY?,61,,11/8/2003,
"Death, Reasons,","In rural Africa where I grew up, we would not slaughter a hen until the chicks were grown. If we found that a cow was pregnant, we delayed slaughtering it until the calf was born and weaned. I could not understand why a loving God did not show the same consideration for humans.""","That was the experience of Abel, who was brought up as a Lutheran in South Africa. He recalls: ""The church teaches that everyone who dies is 'taken' by God. But I could not understand why a God of love would 'take' parents from their children.",Eccles 9:5;,"Dec 1, 2003 Wt Page 4",The Resurrection-Victory Over Death!,132,,11/10/2003,
"Belief, Worship, Knowledge, Faith,",Belief in God without accurate knowledge of the Bible is like a house of cards.,A little puff is enough to make it fall.,Hebrews 11:1;,"Dec 1, 2003 Wt Page 5",HAVE FAITH IN THE GOOD NEWS,47,,11/10/2003,
"Love, Ransom, Memorial, Appreciation,","Do you appreciate how great this love is?  Just imagine that you were drowning in a rushing stream and a man risked his life to save you. Would you forget him, or would you not be extremely grateful to him? Would you not be willing to do everything you could for him?","The love that God showed in providing his Son, Jesus Christ, as the ransom sacrifice is incomparably greater. When your heart is touched by God's love, you will he motivated to love and serve him wholeheartedly.","John 3:16; Romans 8:38, 39","Dec 1, 2003 Wt Page 6",Observing The Memorial Of Christ's Death,0,,11/10/2003,
"Fruits, Spirit, Acceptable, Command, Conscience,","Suppose your doctor advised you to eat more fruits and vegetables but to avoid pie, ice cream, and things like these. Would it be hard to determine on which list cake belongs?","Now look again at the fruitage of the spirit and the works of the flesh. To which list does the above-mentioned music album belong? It certainly bears no resemblance to love, goodness, self-control, or the other fruitage of the spirit.  Thus, we need to perceive, or discern, what is displeasing in Jehovah's eyes.",Galatians 5:19-23;,"Dec 1, 2003 Wt Page 22",HOLD A GOOD CONSCIENCE IN A SINFUL WORLD,107,,11/10/2003,
"Modesty, Importance, Name Dropping, Prominent,",Sometimes you hear people 'drop names' of important people to impress others.   People they know or have met.,It is noteworthy that neither James nor Jude appealed in their letters to their fleshly tie with Jesus so as to convince fellow Christians.  What a wonderful lesson of modesty we can learn from them.,Micah 6:8;,"Dec 15, 2003 Wt Page 8",WHY SUBMIT TO GOD'S RULERSHIP NOW,120,,11/10/2003,
"Taxes, Caesar, Obedience, Obey, Governments,","""IF I toil it is snatched away from me.""  --Babylon proverb, about 2300 B. C. E.",Resentment against taxes continues to smolder to this day.,Mark 12:17; Romans 13:1-4,Dec 8 2003 Aw Page 3,CONDUCTING OURSELVES HONESTLY AT ALL TIMES,10,,11/21/2003,
"Taxes, Caesar, Obedience, Obey, Governments,","""Taxes are what we pay for a civilized society.""  Inscription on the Internal Revenue Service building, Washington D. C.","GOVERNMENTS argue that taxes are a necessary evil--the price of a ""civilized society.""",Mark 12:17; Romans 13:1-4,Dec 8 2003 Aw Page 5,CONDUCTING OURSELVES HONESTLY AT ALL TIMES,10,,11/21/2003,
"Taxes, Caesar, Obedience, Obey, Governments,","""A good shepherd should shear his flock, not skin it.""  --Attributed to Tiberius Caesar.","When it comes to taxes, most people do not mind paying their fair share.  However, should you pay your taxes if you feel victimized by a system that seems burdensome, unfair, and overly complex.  The answer is Yes!",Mark 12:17; Romans 13:1-4,Dec 8 2003 Aw Page 8,CONDUCTING OURSELVES HONESTLY AT ALL TIMES,10,,11/21/2003,
"Insidiously, Evolution, Creation, Origin,","A small company starts outside of town.  In a few months they notice they have a small bucket of waste, that they don't know what to do with it.  They dump it into a creek flowing nearby.  The company grows.  In time they have a barrel of waste.  They dump it into the creek.  People in a small town begin to get sick.  Many of them die.  It has become a large problem.",In like manner the teaching of evolution has insidiously evaded mankind.  It has spread to all corners of the earth.,"Genesis. 1:27; Luke 3:28, 29",Tony Richey,The Origin of Humans-Does It Matter What You Believe?,133,,12/5/2003,
"Masturbation, Self-Abuse, Unclean,","""HABITS are like a soft bed-easy to get into but hard to get out of."" So goes one saying.","And how true this is of masturbation! One man who practiced it from the age of 10 till he was 43 years old confessed: ""This habit is more perturbing than the habit of smoking, which I gave up although it was not easy.""",1 Cor 7:36,G87 11/8 P. 18,,0,,12/9/2003,
"Unprepared, Wing It, Seat Of Pants, Conscience,","Fly by the seat of your pants.  The phrase means to embark upon a risky course of action without any preparation.  It may well be from WW1 or 2 air force slang.  The expression, ""to wing it,"" means much the same thing.","Satan tries to reprogram our Bible-based conscience so we are flying by the seat of our pants, so to speak.  This puts us on a collision course with Jehovah.",John 8:44,Bobby Laymon,,0,,12/11/2003,
"Emotional, Stress, Depression, Prayer, Help, Burden, Load, Heavy,",Imagine that you have a heavy bag of groceries to take to your apartment way up in a multistory building.  Would you struggle up the stairs if an elevator was nearby?  Of course not!,"Similarly, do not try to bear heavy emotional burdens alone when you can ask Jehovah to help you.  In fact, he invites you to call on him.",Psalm 68:19; 1 Peter 5:7; 1 Thessalonians 5:17,"Nov 1, 2003 Wt Page 16",PRAYERS THAT ARE HEARD BY GOD,86,,12/21/2003,
"Needs, Provisions, Wants, Desires,","HAVE you ever watched a sparrow or some other bird peck around in what appears to be mere dirt? You probably wondered what it could find to eat by pecking at the ground. In his Sermon on the Mount, Jesus showed that we can draw a lesson from the way Jehovah provides for the birds. He stated: ""Observe intently the birds of heaven, because they do not sow seed or reap or gather into storehouses; still your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth more than they are?"" (Matthew 6:26)","In marvelous ways, Jehovah provides food for all his creatures.  We too, need to be sensitive to needs of others.","Psalm 104:14, 21; 147:9; Matthew 6:26;","Feb 1, 2004 Wt Page 13","AS CHRISTIANS, WE CARE ABOUT OTHER PEOPLE",15,,12/22/2003,
"Human Rule, Weighed, Scene, World, Change,","The performers on stage-political, religious, and cultural icons-make their appearance, play their respective roles, and then leave the stage to others. This has gone on for centuries. In times past, a dynasty might rule for decades-even centuries-and changes were slow. Not so today, when the course of history can shift in the time it takes for an assassin's bullet to find its mark!","If the world is a stage and its leaders are the performers, then Christians are the spectators.",1 Corinthians 7:29; John 17:16; 1 Corinthians 4:9;,"Feb 1, 2004 Wt Page 18",Human Rule-Weighed In The Balance,154,,12/22/2003,
"Human Rule, Weighed, Scene, World, Change, Waiting,","If the world is a stage, then in the end, the curtain will fall, and the long-running drama will come to an end.  Thereafter, ""scene"" changes will begin to work on changes that will endure forever","When the changes are complete, the curtain will rise upon an earth-wide paradise.  How will you feel as you survey the scene?  Will you be moved to exclaim, ""I waited a long time for this, but it has been well worth the wait.",Revelation 16:14-16; 19:11-21; 20:1-3,"Feb 1, 2004 Wt Page 21, 22,",HUMAN RULE-WEIGHED IN THE BALANCE,154,,12/22/2003,
"Peace, Security, Change,","It is of interest, though, that Paul compared the sudden destruction following the cry of  ""peace and security!"" to the birth pang of a pregnant woman. Over a period of about nine months, an expectant mother becomes increasingly aware of the baby that is growing within her. She may be able to hear her baby's heartbeat or feel its movements in the womb. It may even kick her. The signs often become more and more pronounced until, one day, she feels a sharp pain, a pang, indicating that the hoped-for event-the baby's birth-has arrived.","Hence, however the prophesied cry of ""Peace and security!"" may be fulfilled, it will lead to a sudden, painful, but ultimately blessed event-the destruction of wickedness and the beginning of a new world system.",1 Thessalonians 5:3;,"Feb 1, 2004 Wt Page 21",HUMAN RULE-WEIGHED IN THE BALANCE,154,,12/22/2003,
"Doubt, Certain, Guaranteed, Trustworthy, Sure,","CERTAINLY!"" ""Sure thing!"" ""Guaranteed!"" You have no doubt heard such expressions many times. In our daily life, however, there is not much that we can be sure of. Life is so unpredictable that we often wonder if there is anything that we can be absolutely certain about. Doubt and uncertainty seem to be a part of life.","Uncertainty is synonymous with doubt, and one dictionary defines ""doubt"" as ""uncertainty of belief or opinion that often interferes with decision-making."" Furthermore, according to the book Managing Your Mind, uncertainty about something important is a major cause of anxiety and worry."" Doubt unresolved can lead to anxiety, frustration, and anger. Yes, worrying about what might or might not happen can harm our mental and physical health.",1 Corinthians 15:32; James 1:17;,"Feb 1, 2004 Wt Page 28",How Real Is God to You?,150,,12/22/2003,
"Age, Work, Weight, Excuse,","I am too heavy for light work, and too light for heavy work.",We can have an excuse for anything.,,David Ray,,0,,12/30/2003,
mold,"1. To search, right click SUBJECT field (or any field) and type the search word BETWEEN TWO ASTERISKS  *, then hit enter.      Example:    *faith*2. After you retrieve illustrations, use page down key to see each one.  OR…. Hit the datasheet button below, (third from left) and it will show you one line of all of the illustrations.After you retrieve, if you want to start an entirely new search, hit the clear button and then search again.  OR….if you want to continue to search synonyms for the original word, for example first ""war"", then ""conflict"", then ""fight"", it narrow the search results.3. You can search any field by placing the cursor in that field and following steps above.","4. You can view all subjects and quotes by just not entering anything and using the page down key.5.  To add your own illustration, hit add record, which unlocks the database, and simply fill in fields and hit save, which relocks the database.8. To add to or change an illustration that is already there, click unlock button, then change illustration and hit save which saves changes and relocks database fields.9. Buttons below:  Place mouse cursor on button without clicking and it will tell you the function of that button.",,,,,,,
"Personality, Strip Off,","I have tried to strip off wall paper.  Sometimes it will come off without much trouble, but usually you have to tear it off in 2-3 inch strips.  You are tempted to leave some of it, and paper over it.  That doesn't work.","When we learn the truth, we start striping off the old personality.  It sometimes takes years, to get it off.  We must keep working at it.",Col. 3:9,John Krouse,WHY CHRISTIANS MUST BE DIFFERENT,123,,1/25/2004,
"Empathy, Kindness,","""SO LONG as you can sweeten another's pain, life is not in vain,""  Helen Keller.","Keller certainly understood emotional pain.  At the age of 19 months, an illness left her totally blind and deaf.  But a compassionate teacher taught Helen to read and write in Braille and later, to speak.",1 Peter 3:8;,"Apr 15, 2002 Wt Page 24",,0,,1/28/2004,
"Attention, Empathy,","IMAGINE that you had the means to give every person in your life an expensive gift. How happy and appreciative they would be! Actually, you can give others a special gift, something they really need. It won't cost you a cent. What is it?","Your attention. Most people want attention and respond appreciatively when they receive it. To give quality attention, however, you must be an empathetic listener.",Proverbs 18:13;,"Dec 8, 1994 Aw Page 10",,0,,1/28/2004,
"Devil, Satan,",I bought a car port and put it at the end of my house fastened it down with stakes thought it was secure.  I got up one Sunday morning all was fine twenty minutes later.  I was looking at my car port stuck in the trees.  How did it get there?  Nobody around that I could see.  It was a big gust of wind.   Although you can't see the wind it is there.  We can see the results.,"Likewise, we can't see the Devil,  but we can see the results that come from the Devil.",Revelation 12:12;,Deryl Strohl,Is There Really a Devil?,131,,2/21/2004,
"Prayers,","Suppose when you were married, you gave your spouse a note that read, ""I love you.""  Each day you repeated the note exactly the way it was originally written.  In time it might lose its meaning.","In the same way, if we repeat our prayer exactly.",Matthew 6:7,Brother O'Neal,PRAYERS THAT ARE HEARD BY GOD,86,,2/21/2004,
Endurance,"A young woman went to her mother and told her about her life and how things were so hard for her. She did not know how she was going to make it and wanted to give up. She was tired of fighting and struggling. It seemed as one problem was solved a new one arose.  Her mother took her to the kitchen. She filled three pots with water. In the first, she placed carrots, in the second she placed eggs and the last she placed ground coffee beans. She let them sit and boil without saying a word.   In about twenty minutes she turned off the burners. She fished the carrots out and placed them in a bowl. She pulled the eggs out and placed them in a bowl. Then she ladled the coffee out and placed it in a bowl. Turning to her daughter, she asked, ""Tell me what do you see?"" ""Carrots, eggs, and coffee,"" she replied. She brought her closer and asked her to feel the carrots. She did and noted that they got soft. She then asked her to take an egg and break it. After pulling off the shell, she observed the hard-boiled egg. Finally, she asked her to sip the coffee. The daughter smiled, as she tasted its rich aroma.","The daughter then asked, ""What's the point, mother?"" Her mother explained that each of these objects had faced the same adversity-boiling water-but each reacted differently. The carrot went in strong, hard and unrelenting. However after being subjected to the boiling water, it softened and became weak. The egg had been fragile. Its thin outer shell had protected its liquid interior. But, after sitting through the boiling water, its inside became hardened. The ground coffee beans were unique, however. After they were in the boiling water they had changed the water. ""Which are you?"" she asked her daughter. ""When adversity knocks on your door, how do you respond? Are you a carrot, an egg, or a coffee bean?"" Think of this: Which am I? Am I the carrot that seems strong, but with pain and adversity, do I wilt and become soft and lose my strength? Am I the egg that starts with a malleable heart, but changes with the heat? Did I have a fluid spirit, but after a death, a breakup, a financial hardship or some other trial, have I become hardened and stiff? Does my shell look the same, but on the inside am I bitter and tough with a stiff spirit and a hardened heart? Or am I like the coffee bean? The bean actually changes the hot water, the very circumstance that brings the pain. When the water gets hot, it releases the fragrance and flavor. If you are like the bean, when things are at their worst, you get better and change the situation around you. When the hours are the darkest and trials are their greatest do you elevate to another level? How do you handle Adversity?  Don't tell JEHOVAH how big your storm is. Tell the storm how big your JEHOVAH is!",Matthew 24:13;,Tom Batty,Who Can Be Saved?,126,,2/28/2004,1/18/2018
"focus, sight, Glaucoma, disease, vision,","The disease progresses slowly.  Initially, it reduces a person's peripheral vision.  Left untreated, it can spread toward the center of vision.  Ultimately, it can cause complete loss of sight.  What is it?  Glaucoma-- a leading cause of blindness.","Just as we can lose literal eyesight slowly and insidiously, we can lose an even more precious form of sight--our spiritual vision.  Therefore, it is vital to keep spiritual matters in sharp focus in the center of our field of vision.",2 Corinthians 4:18; Matthew 22:37,"Apr 1, 2004 Wt page 20",JEHOVAH'S EYES ARE UPON US,74,,3/6/2004,
"Promises, Trust, Disappointments,","""His promises were, as he then was, mighty; but his performance, as he is now, nothing.""  --King Henry the Eighth, by William Shakespeare.","Some would say that Shakespeare's description also fits most of the promises they hear today.  Time and again, people are promised much but receive little.  Hence, it is not difficult to understand why they become skeptical of any promises.",Psalm 146:3; Proverbs 14:15;,"Jan 15, 2004 Wt Page 3",ON WHOSE PROMISES DO YOU RELY?,61,,3/6/2004,
"Thinking, In Tune,","On the old time radio and television stations, (before digital) you had to finely tune in the station or channel you wanted to hear.  It had to be clear.",It is like that with our thinking and God's.  We have the need to be finely tuned into God's thinking.  Make sure we have a clear channel.,Romans 11:34,Josh Walton; Beacon Hill Cong.,Does Your Thinking Agree With God's?,53,,3/6/2004,
"Treasure, Dedication, Study, Truths,","If you happened to dig up a precious gem, would you simply pocket it and walk away contented?  Or would you dig to see if there were more?","God's Word is full of gems and nuggets of truth.  No matter how many you have found, you can find more.  As you unearth a nugget of truth, ask yourself:  'What makes it a treasure?  Does it give me deeper insight into Jehovah's personality or his purpose.  Does it offer me some practical guidance.",Romans 11:33,"Aug 15, 2003 Wt Page 16",,0,,3/10/2004,
"Drift, Changing,","A ship adrift does not reach its destination.  If a captain is inattentive to wind and current, his ship might easily drift past a safe harbor and run aground on a rocky shore.","Similarly, if we are inattentive to the precious truths of God's Word, we might easily drift away from Jehovah and suffer spiritual shipwreck.  to suffer such loss, we would not necessarily have to reject the truth outright.",Hebrews 2:1,"Apr 1, 2004 Wt Page 11",,0,,3/12/2004,
"gossip, speech,",Have you ever tried to squeeze tooth paste back into the tube?,"That is like words spoken, and then we want to take them back.",1 Timothy 5:13,Bobby Laymon,TRUE FRIENDSHIP WITH GOD AND NEIGHBOR,100,,3/12/2004,
"Chastity, Holy, Pure,",,,,,,0,,3/27/2004,
"chastity, holy, pure, chaste, ","THE painting may have seemed old-fashioned. Perhaps it did not fit in with the decor of the house. At any rate, the owner evidently had little use for it. The picture wound up at a rummage sale, bearing a price tag of 29 dollars (U.S.). A few years later, though, it was found to be worth nearly a million dollars! Yes, it turned out to be a rare masterpiece.  Imagine the feelings of the former had undervalued this treasure!","Something similar often happens with chastity, an individual’s moral cleanness, or purity. All too many people today put a low value on their own chastity. Some regard it as an old-fashioned notion, one that does not fit in with a modern life-style. Thus, they give it up for a small return. Some trade in their chastity for a few moments of sexual gratification. Others sacrifice it in hopes of acquiring greater standing in the eyes of their peers or a member of the opposite sex.",Proverbs 13:20,"Feb 15, 2004 wt page 10",KEEP CLEAN FROM WORLDLY DEFILEMENTS,98,,3/27/2004,7/28/2018
"heart, chastity, safeguard","Well, an automobile, for example, is a valuable tool, even a lifesaver in an emergency.But if the driver does not control the car, constantly guiding the steering wheel, that same car may easily become a deadly weapon.","Similarly, unless you safeguard your heart, you will be at the mercy of your every inner desire and impulse, and your life course will veer into disaster. God’s Word says, “He that is trusting in his own heart is stupid, but he that is walking in wisdom is the one that will escape.” (Proverbs 28:26) Yes, you can walk in wisdom and escape disaster if you use God’s Word to guide you, much as you would consult a road map before beginning a trip.",Psalm 119: 105;Proverbs 28:26,"Feb 15, 2004 wt page 10",ACQUIRING A HEART OF WISDOM,73,,3/27/2004,
"chastity, pornography, fornication, chaste, ","A mother has washed and dressed her small boy in preparation for an important occasion. He asks if he can play outdoors before the family departs, and she agrees—on one condition. She says: “Don’t go anywhere near that puddle outside, If you get muddy, you will be punished.” Within minutes, though, she sees the boy teetering on his toes at the very edge of the puddle. He is not muddy—yet. Still, he is ignoring her warning not to go near the puddle, and trouble is almost sure to ensue.","Many youths and adults who should know better make a similar mistake. How so?  “In these times when so many have given in “to disgraceful sexual appetites,” an entire industry has arisen around the promotion of illicit sexual relations.",Proverbs 22:15,"Feb 15, 2004 wt page 12",KEEP CLEAN FROM WORLDLY DEFILEMENTS,98,,3/27/2004,7/28/2018
"Humble, humility, lesser, importance, personally, dedication, baptism, Indispensable,","We might think of our value like the little dot over the letter I.  In the Library of Congress, somewhere on a page near the middle is a letter I.   The dot on top of it represents you.  No one would miss it if it was gone.  We are highly dispensable.","That is how we are in the universe.  We are a speck on a speck on a speck on a speck, and less.  Yet, Jehovah the Creator of the universe has considered us, and drawn us to him.",Psalm 144:3,Brother Let; Governing Body,,0,,4/5/2004,
"goals, aspirations, dedication, baptism,","""Too Low They Build, Who Build Beneath the Stars.""  In the Library of Congress at the entrance of the Thomas Jefferson building.",Set your goals high.  Tie them in with Jehovah and everything will be successful.,Psalm 1:1-3;,Bobby Laymon,,0,,4/14/2004,
"procrastinate, put off, delay, baptism, pioneer,","""Tomorrow is said to be the busiest day of the year.""",Don't put off glorifying Jehovah.,Eccl. 5:4;,Dave Kibler,,0,,4/18/2004,
"Power, corrupt, absolute,","""Power tends to corrupt; absolute power corrupts absolutely."" So wrote English nobleman Lord Acton in 1887.","His statement has often been repeated, perhaps because so many people see it as undeniably true. Imperfect humans often abuse power, as history has confirmed again and again.",Ecclesiastes 4:1; 8:9,Cl page 44,,0,,5/4/2004,
"power, anger,","Imagine meeting a man so huge and powerful that you feel intimidated by him. However, in time you notice that he seems gentle. He is ever ready and eager to use his power to help and protect people, especially the defenseless and vulnerable. He never abuses his strength. You see him slandered without cause, yet his demeanor is firm but calm, dignified, even kind. You find yourself wondering if you would be able to show the same gentleness and restraint, especially if you were that strong!","As you come to know such a man, would you not begin to feel drawn to him? We have far more reason for drawing close to the almighty Jehovah.",Nahum 1:3; Psalm 78:37-41,cl page 45,,0,,5/4/2004,
"Name,  Jehovah, Causes to become,","Parents know how versatile and adaptable they must be in caring for their children. In the course of a single day, a parent may be called upon to act as a nurse, a cook, a teacher, a disciplinarian, a judge, and much more. Many feel overwhelmed by the wide range of roles they are expected to fill. They remark upon the absolute faith put in them by their little ones, who never doubt that Daddy or Mommy can make the hurt better, settle all disputes, fix any broken toy, and answer whatever question pops into their endlessly inquisitive minds. Some parents are humbled and occasionally frustrated by their own limitations. They feel woefully inadequate to fill many of these roles.","11 Jehovah too is a loving parent. Yet, within the framework of his own perfect standards, there is nothing he cannot become in order to care for his earthly children in the best possible way. So his name, Jehovah, invites us to think of him as the best Father imaginable.   Moses and all other faithful Israelites soon learned that Jehovah is true to his name. They watched in awe as he caused himself to become an unbeatable Military Commander, the Master of all natural elements, a peerless Lawgiver, Judge, Architect, Provider of food and water, Preserver of clothing and footgear-and more.",James 1:17,cl page 10,,0,,5/4/2004,
"Religion,","""DIFFERENT religions are simply different roads leading to the same goal.""","At first glance, this argument may seem plausible, since there is only one true God.  However different religious groups differ greatly from one another.","Isaiah 44:6; John 17:3; 1 Corinthians 8:5, 6;","Jun 1, 2004 wt page 5",,0,,5/16/2004,
"Fear, alert, awake,","Have you ever been driving along and suddenly the car starts swerving.  It's cold, but you didn't notice any freezing.  It is black ice.  You tense up.  There is fear.  You slow down, and begin to be more alert.  That fear is a protection for you.","In like manner, fear of Jehovah is a protection for you.  It makes you alert, and awake to what is happening around you.","Proverbs 7:1, 2; Psalms 26:12",Larry Kinkade,WHAT IS YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD?,87,,6/13/2004,
"Forgiveness, empathy, imperfect, mistakes,","A man and his wife stopped at a restaurant.  They ate a nice meal, and left.  After about 15 minutes, the wife noticed she had left her purse behind.  The husband was harsh and turned the car around to go back.  After a few minutes, he became more polite and even understanding.  As his wife got out to retrieve her purse, he said, ""Oh! Honey, would you mind getting my hat while you are in there?""","Realizing we all mistakes makes us more forgiving, and understanding.","1 Corinthians 13:4, 5",Larry Kinkade,WHAT IS YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD?,87,,6/13/2004,
"Faithful, least, stealing,",The person who will not steal a dime….,….would not steal a million dollars.,Luke 16:10,Larry Kinkade,WHAT IS YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD?,87,,6/13/2004,
"eyes,","Have you ever had the feeling that someone is watching you?  It makes you nervous.  For example, a woman who is being watched  by a man.  Maybe even stalking her.  When people are watching you, you wonder, ""What is their motive?""  In today's world it is usually not good.","However, with Jehovah it is different.  Jehovah is watching for a purpose for our good.",Deuteronomy 32:4; 1 John 4:8; Exodus 34:6;,"Brother Williams - Russellville, Ar talk",JEHOVAH'S EYES ARE UPON US,74,,6/13/2004,
"ways, path, straight, crooked, wicked, danger, resistance,","Did you ever see a straight river?  No, a river is always crooked and always run downhill.  It will go with the flow.  This is because it takes the path of least resistance.","However, we will climb the mountain.  We will learn Jehovah's way and walk in his path.  We will avoid the pitfall of following the path of least resistance.","Isaiah 2:2, 3","Frank Barr, C.O.  ""Walk With God"" District Convention",WHY LIVE BY BIBLE STANDARDS?,88,,6/13/2004,
"Walking, alone, load, burden, prayer, stronghold,","A father and his son were shopping for groceries.  The son was carrying most of the groceries.  A lady noticed, felt sorry for the little boy, and said, ""Maybe your father should carry some of those.""  The little boy said, ""My father knows how much I can carry.  When I get too much, he will take over.""","In like manner, Jehovah knows what we can carry.  When we get too much, he will take over.",Psalm 55:22;,"Frank Barr;  ""Walk With God"" District Convention",Are You Really Making Jehovah Your Stronghold?,18,,6/13/2004,5/23/2014
"Prayer,",Prayer is unlike medicine.,Prayer can work instantly.,Psalm 55:22,"Stuart Barnes;  ""Walk With God"" District Convention",PRAYERS THAT ARE HEARD BY GOD,86,,6/13/2004,
"Mature, honest, winning, thinking ability,","We don't want to be like the little boy who was caught cheating at a card game.  He said, ""I'm not cheating, I'm winning.""",The world has that attitude.  We must learn to be honest in all respects.  To be mature in our thinking ability.,Hebrews 5:14,"Don Eason;  ""Walk With God"" District Convention",CONDUCTING OURSELVES HONESTLY AT ALL TIMES,10,,6/13/2004,
"Faithful, least, unfaithful, small things,","We buy our watches because we expect one thing from them.  Accuracy in telling the time.  If you watch lost 2 seconds each hour we wouldn't think too much about it, but in a year it would be 81/2 hours off.",We too must be faithful in small things.  Example 4 Hebrews learned faithfulness in food and endured a much harder test.,Luke 16:10,"Joe Laymon;  ""Walk With God"" District Convention",DOES YOUR THINKING AGREE WITH GOD'S?,53,,6/13/2004,
"mountain, barrier, challenge, Language, foreign, Different language,","How do you view a mountain?  Some view it as a barrier.  It is a far as you can go.  Others view it as a challenge.  No matter how high, steep, or cold, they will scale it.",What about those speaking another language.  How do you view it?  Is it a barrier.  Or are you willing to take the challenge?,"Daniel 7:14; Matthew 28:19, 20;","Michael Wise;  ""Walk With God"" District Convention",,0,,6/13/2004,
"Baptism, Dedication,","Listen carefully!  Do you hear the footsteps?  They are from all the ones who have already begun walking, and are still walking with God.  They are still walking with God today, because the took the steps of dedication and baptism.",You are about to take your first step today.,"Amos 3:1, 3;","David Clark, C.O. ; ""Walk With God"" District Convention",WILL YOU ESCAPE THIS WORLD'S DESTINY?,84,,6/13/2004,
"Life, Sacred, Danger, Sports, Pride, Satan, Jesus, thrill, Dedication, Baptism,","What would be the ultimate thrill sport?  A bungee jump, with no cord?",This is what Satan tried to get Jesus to do.  However he respected life and refused the Devil's offer.,Matthew 5:5,"David Clark C. O. ; ""Walk With God"" District Convention",LOVERS OF PLEASURE OR LOVERS OF GOD?,64,,6/13/2004,
"Dedication, Baptism, force, free will,",What parent would push a child into a busy street?  RUN!!!,"Jehovah doesn't.  He wants all to serve out of love,",1 John 4:8;,"David Clark; C. O. ; ""Walk With God"" District Convention",,0,,6/13/2004,
"Senses, soundness of mind, balance, Courtship, Health Care, Business Affairs","An airplane might tip its wings after takeoff and to get on course.  But can you imagine flying to New York, tipped (/)  like this?","Likewise we need to be level-headed in 3 areas.  Courtship, Health Care, Business Affairs.",Matthew 24:36-39; 1 Peter 1:13;,"Mike Hart;  ""Walk With God"" District Convention",ACT WISELY AS THE END DRAWS NEAR,38,,6/13/2004,
"Soundness of mind, senses, Internet dating service,",Better to want something you don't have that to have something you don't want.,Avoid internet dating services.,"Deuteronomy 7:3, 4;","Mike Hart;  ""Walk With God"" District Convention",BE CONFIDENT OF DIVINE VICTORY!,39,,6/13/2004,
"End, Armageddon, Tribulation, Babylon's fall,","The end is so close, it is like the static before the lightening strikes.",Let us act quickly to avoid being in the wrong place.,"1 Timothy 1:9, 10;","Mike Hart;  ""Walk With God"" District Convention",MAINTAIN YOUR CONFIDENCE FIRM TO THE END,46,,6/13/2004,
"Time, Urgency, Urgent, balance,","Have you ever heard the expression, ""Come on, we haven't got all day?""  It means get moving.  We have things to do.",We all have the same amount of time.  We need to balance it properly.,"Eph. 5:15, 16;","Jesse Kent;  ""Walk With God"" District Convention",RELIGION'S TIME OF JUDGMENT,83,,6/13/2004,
"Time, Urgent, Urgency,",Like the little flea on the railroad track.,We need to get moving.,"Eph. 5: 15, 16;","Jesse Kent;  ""Walk With God"" District Convention",,0,,6/13/2004,
"peripheral vision, focus, tunnel vision, Kingdom,",Some of us see God's kingdom only with peripheral vision.  We see it on the edge.,We need to have tunnel vision regarding God's kingdom.,Matthew 6:33;,Bobby Laymon,THE KINGDOM OF GOD IS NEAR,109,,6/13/2004,
"Adjust, adjustment, flexible, Marriage,","Some people are employed as adjusters.  When a machine is not working properly, they adjust it and it runs smoothly.",Jehovah's people are adjusters.  We need to do all we can to make things work Jehovah's way.,Col. 3:23;,Bobby Laymon,GETTING MARRIAGE OFF TO A GOOD START,27,,6/13/2004,
"Protection, meetings, flock,","""Sheep in the middle of the flock, don't get lost.""",We must keep to the middle of the flock.,Isaiah 60:17;,"Robin Clark; ""Walk With God"" District Convention",SERVING WITH JEHOVAH'S UNIFIED ORGANIZATION,3,,6/13/2004,
"Light, protection, action,",Shining a light on a hole in the middle of the road does not remove the hole.,"Likewise, God's word will help us to avoid the pitfalls.",Psalm 119:105,"Robin Clark; ""Walk With God"" District Convention",ARE YOU CONTENT WITH JEHOVAH'S PROVISIONS?,22,,6/13/2004,
"Neutral, Neutrality, war, peace, politics,",I had a car once that got stuck in neutral.  It would not move forward or backward.  There were some anxious moments since it was not quite off the highway and other cars were whizzing by.  It was somewhat frustrating for others.,"Sometimes our neutral stand causes anxiety to ourselves, and may be frustrating to officials and even our neighbors.  What can we do to relieve this.  What does God's word have to say on the matter?","Mark 12:17;Acts 5:28, 29;Matt. 26:52;Isa. 2:2-4",Bobby Laymon,,0,,6/14/2004,
"Meetings, broken, hurt, Brotherhood,","If you have an accident and all broken up, the place to be is in the hospital.","In the same way, if you are broken in spirit, the place to be is at the meetings.","Hebrews 10:23, 24","Jay Edsall; ""Walking With God"" District Convention",ARE YOU CONTENT WITH JEHOVAH'S PROVISIONS?,22,,6/14/2004,
"Walking, companions, friends, relationship,",When a child takes it's first step it won't be alone.  The parents will walk right alongside him for protection.,"Likewise, walking spiritually we will not be alone.  Jehovah will be right with us for protection.",Jeremiah 10:23; Genesisesis 5:22;,"Ronald Azar; ""Walking With God"" District Convention",WHAT IS YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD?,87,,6/14/2004,
"Neutral, Neutrality","A few years ago, I had a car once that got stuck in neutral.  It would not move forward or backward.  That was frustrating, and it caused me some anxiety because it wasn't off the highway.  It was frustrating for others.  Sometimes our neutral stand as Jehovah's people causes anxiety to ourselves, and may be frustrating to others.  If we would just go one way or the other it would be O.K.",What does it mean to be neutral?  Why do we take such a stand?  What is it based on?  Why is it so important in this period of time?,John 17:16;,Bobby Laymon,,0,,6/30/2004,
"Trivial, questions, answers,","Sometimes people ask questions, -- trivial, just to see how different people will answer.  Morning news asked a trivial question --- Edna and I both got it right, but it was so trivial that neither of us could remember the question.  It wasn't that important.","However, as ministers we are often asked to answer questions that are important.  How will we answer?",Colossians 4:6,Bobby Laymon,,0,,7/14/2004,
"Armageddon, peace,","It has been said that only an attack from another planet will unify the human race.—The Age, Australian newspaper.","Whether that would bring together all the nations of the earth or not, Bible prophecy does speak of an impending crisis that will cause the nations of the world to band together. And the crisis will, indeed, be brought about by extraterrestrial forces.","Psalm 2:2; Acts 4:25, 26;","Aug 1, 2004 wt page 4",,0,,7/16/2004,
"humble, humility, proud"," In God’s eyes, all imperfect flesh is as green grass that grows for a time, then dries up and withers. Humans are like mere grasshoppers in a field.  Does one blade of grass have reason to be proud just because it is a little longer than other blades of grass? Does a grasshopper have cause to vaunt its prowess just because it can hop a little farther than other grasshoppers?","It is absurd even to think so. Thus, the apostle Paul reminded his fellow Christians: “Who makes you to differ from another? Indeed, what do you have that you did not receive? If, now, you did indeed receive it, why do you boast as though you did not receive it?”","1 Corinthians 4:7;Isaiah 40:6, 7, 22","Aug 1, 2004 wt page 12",ACQUIRING A HEART OF WISDOM,73,,7/16/2004,
"Humble, humility, proud, Rutherford,","At the 1919 Cedar Point, Ohio, U.S.A., convention of the Bible Students (known today as Jehovah’s Witnesses), 50-year-old J. F. Rutherford, who was then overseeing the work, gladly volunteered as a bellhop, carrying luggage and escorting conventioneers to their rooms.","On the last day of the convention, he electrified the audience of 7,000 with the words: “You are an ambassador of the King of kings and Lord of lords, announcing to the people . . . the glorious kingdom of our Lord.” While Brother Rutherford was a man of strong convictions, known for speaking out forcefully and without compromise for what he believed to be the truth, he was also genuinely humble before God, often reflecting that in his prayers at morning worship in Bethel.",1 Corinthians 4:7;,"Aug 1, 2004 WT page 12",ACQUIRING A HEART OF WISDOM,73,,7/16/2004,
"Humble, humility, proud","Consider the example of a zone overseer who was inspecting the operations of one of the branch offices of Jehovah’s Witnesses. In spite of a very busy schedule and a heavy load of responsibility, this overseer stopped to help a young brother who was struggling to adjust the settings on a stitching machine.  “I could not believe it!” the brother recounted. “He told me that he operated the same type of machine when he was a young man serving at Bethel, and he recalled how difficult it was to get just the right settings. He worked on that machine with me for some time even though he had so many other important things to do.","That really impressed me.” That brother, now an overseer at one of the branch offices of Jehovah’s Witnesses, still remembers that act of humility. May we never feel that we are too lofty to do humble things or too important to do menial tasks. Rather, we ought to gird ourselves with “lowliness of mind.”",Acts 20:19,"Aug 1, 2004 WT page 17",,0,,7/16/2004,
"Local Needs, Neutral, Neutrality, service talk","A few years ago, I had a car once that got stuck in neutral.  It would not move forward or backward.  That was frustrating, and it caused me some anxiety because it wasn't off the highway.  It was frustrating for others.  Sometimes our neutral stand as Jehovah's people causes anxiety to ourselves, and may be frustrating to others.  If we would just go one way or the other it would be O.K.  What does it mean to be neutral?  Why do we take such a stand?  What is it based on?  Why is it so important in this period of time?","I.  What does it mean to be neutral? A.  Page 269 in Reasoning book.  DA few years ago, I had a car once that got stuck in neutral.  It would not move forward or backward.  That was frustrating, and it caused me some anxiety because it wasn't off the highway.  It was frustrating for others.  Sometimes our neutral stand as Jehovah's people causes anxiety to ourselves, and may be frustrating to others.  If we would just go one way or the other it would be O.K.  What does it mean to be neutral?  Why do we take such a stand?  What is it based on?  Why is it so important in this period of time?  definition: Read		John 17:16  They are no part of the world, just as I am no part of the world.		1.	What will you say, ""Do you think we have a good president?""		2..	Do you think the United States should be involved in a certain country?		3.	Will you offer an opinion?		4.	Have to fight your opinions.  		5.	It is not a matter of not stating your opinion.  It is a matter of not having an opinion.		6. 	Miranda law, ""What you say can and will be held against you in a court of law.""	B.	Why do we take such a stand?		1.	Mark 12:17  Jesus then said: ""Pay back Caesar's things to Caesar, but God's things to God."" And they began to marvel at him.		2.	Think of our recent Drama at the District Convention. 		3.	What caused the Apostle Paul and others such persecution?		4.	Was it not because of their neutral stand in being ""no part of the world?""		5.	Likewise, in all nations, Jehovah's Witnesses are neutral as to the world's conflicts. 			6.	Do not share in such conflicts; we do not train for worldly conflicts.		7.	We 'obey God rather than men.			As Isaiah 2:4 says, ""And they will have to beat their swords into plowshares ... 				Nation will not lift up sword against nation, neither will they learn war anymore.""	C.	Why is the issue of neutrality so important at this time.		1.	Because of the perilous times we are living in.  2 Timothy 3:1		2.	Results: hard times and persecution for many.		3.	Will you be among those persecuted?  There is a test!  2 Timothy 3:12		4.  The situation will only get worse.  Verse 13.II.	A sobering question comes to mind.	A.	In so-called lands of freedom, are we as prepared to face the issue of neutrality as we 				should be?		1.	Are we as prepared as brothers in other countries such as Taiwan, Singapore, Korea, 					 The former Soviet Union, etc. Moscow		2.	Are we as prepared as we were in the United States during WWII, Korean war or 					Vietnam war years?		3.	We may not be!  		4.	Or suppose they reinstate the draft, as news reports indicate.		5.	They raise the draft age to include those in their 30's, 40's or older?		6.	They include both men and women?  (strictly investigate those who oppose)		7.	Will youths and parents be able to meet this issue with firmness and resoluteness?		8.	What if you face repeated prison sentences as in some countries?III.		The time to Decide is Now!  Before issues become worse.	A.	Are we truly neutral?  Do we think neutral?  Do our comments declare us to be neutral?			Our actions?		1.	Notice, this stand is not an option for Christians at 2 Corinthians 10:3,  For though we 				walk in the flesh, we do not wage warfare according to [what we are in the] flesh. 		2.	No amount of pressure can force true Christian neutrals to ""lift up sword"" against 					their fellowman. 		3.	Typical of their response when pressured to take part in the wars of the nations is 					what happened to one Witness in an African country.To get recruits for their guerrilla army, a terrorist group in this country kidnaps men and then gives them a choice: Serve in the terrorist army or be shot. One day they kidnapped one of Jehovah's Witnesses. The leaders, who had been drinking, gave him the choice. Putting before him two beer bottles, they pointed to one and said that it represented the government, the other their terrorist group. 'Which one are you for?' they asked him. The Witness thought for a moment, and observing other beer bottles nearby, he picked one up and set it right between the two, stating: 'This is where I am.' He added: 'I am neutral, since I am for God's Kingdom.' After this, he was beaten several times. Then he was forced to do slave labor in the guerrilla camp, never knowing whether they would shoot him or not. After eight months, he escaped when government forces attacked the camp.IV.	For God's Kingdom.  We are ambassadors and envoys for God's Kingdom.	A.	Imagine the dreadful situation if Christ's followers were to fight in opposing armies, 				trying to kill one another. 		1.	Such a scenario would be contrary to Christian principles. 		2.	Really, those who obey the God of the Bible would not harm anyone-not even their 					enemies.  Matthew 5:44 44 However, I say to YOU: Continue to love YOUR 					enemies and to pray for those persecuting YOU;		3.	Clearly, God does not put his blessing on modern carnal warfare between humans. 			4.	Being peaceable, true Christians advocate the peace that will be established 						worldwide under God's Kingdom.	B.	Be like my car!  When it comes to issues with the world, refuse to budge.		1.	However, go full-speed ahead for Jehovah's Kingdom.",,Bobby Laymon,Service Talk,200,,7/18/2004,
"Sacrifice, faith,","Some of our Christian brothers have paid for their faithfulness with their lives.  However, I believe that over the years, a person can also sacrifice his life little by little.  That is what Rosa and I have striven to do up until now, and that is what we are determined to do in the future.",Jehovah is well pleased with experiences like the above.,Hebrews 13:16,"Sep 1, 2004 wt page 25",RENEWING THE SPIRIT OF SELF-SACRIFICE,69,,7/22/2004,
"Problems, complain, murmur, sighing, wound, conscience, disagreements,","When at war, nations would rather wound or cripple an enemy than kill him.  Land minds and other weapons are designed to cripple, rather than kill.  When one is crippled, it takes several persons to care for his personal needs and thus puts out of actions several others for life.","Satan is like that.  If he can get someone wounded in their feelings and complaining or causing problems, he can pull the elders away from more important things, just to care for a person's wounds.",Numbers 11:1;,Bobby Laymon,"FRIENDSHIP WITH GOD, FRIENDSHIP WITH THE WORLD--WHICH WILL YOU CHOOSE?",79,,7/23/2004,
"last days, 1914","Early in August 1914, when war seemed certain, Sir Edward Grey, the British secretary of state for foreign affairs, stood at his office window in London and said: ""The lamps are going out all over Europe; we shall not see them lit again in our lifetime.""","In an effort to make those lights come back on, the League of Nations was put into operation in 1920. But the lights scarcely flickered.",Matthew 24:3,w93 1/15 8,,0,,8/5/2004,
"brain, creation, wonders, pornography, immoral,","Have you ever tried to remember a name but gave up?  After some time, you start thinking about it and remember it immediately.  Your brain has been at work all that time, but you didn't realize it.","It is that way with pornography.  You may see it and think you have forgotten it, but your brain has it in storage and can recall it unexpectedly, even if you do not want to.  We must avoid anything that is immoral.",Matthew 5:28,Bobby Laymon,YOU WILL REAP WHAT YOU SOW,59,,8/8/2004,
"Prejudice, race, hatred,","""Drive out prejudices through the door, and they will return through the window.""  --Fredrick the Great, King of Prussia.",Prejudice can incite people to violence or even to murder.,"Acts 8:3; 9:1, 2:26:10,11","Sep 8, 2004 Awake page 3, 4",DECIDE NOW FOR DIVINE RULERSHIP,37,,8/13/2004,
"Disciple, observe, teach, guide,","Think of the way a driving instructor teaches his students to observe the traffic laws.  The instructor may teach his students the rules of the road while in a classroom.  However, to teach his students how to obey those rules, he has to guide the students as they actually drive in traffic and struggle to put into practice what they have learned.","Likewise, when we study the Bible with people, we teach them Christ's commandments.  However we also need to guide the students as they endeavor to apply Christ's instructions in their daily lives and in the ministry.","John 14:15; 1 John 2:3; Matthew 28:19, 20;","Jul 1, 2004 wt page 15",FINDING HONOR AND JOY IN GOD'S MINISTRY,65,,8/15/2004,
"Disciple, observe, teach, guide, Christendom,","""We tend to proclaim our message from a distance.  We sometimes appear like people who shout advice to drowning men from the safety of the seashore.  We do not dive in to rescue them.  We are afraid of getting wet.""  --Bible scholar John R. W. Stott.","""Our failure to obey the implications of this command is the greatest weakness of evangelical Christians in the field of evangelism today.""","Matthew 28:19, 20;","Jul 1, 2004 WT page 15",DO YOU HAVE THE EVENGELIZING SPIRIT?,63,,8/15/2004,
"Disciple, observe, teach, guide,","Think of the student driver.  As the student moves through traffic with the instructor at his side, the student is learning not only by listening to his instructor but also by observing other drivers.  For instant, the instructor may point out a driver who kindly allows another to merge in front of him into traffic; or a driver who courteously dims his car's headlights; or a driver who kindly offers willing assistance to an acquaintance whose vehicle has broken down.","Similarly, a new disciple who travels on the road to life learns not only from his teacher but also from the fine examples that he sees in the congregation.  Examples: single parent with small children faithfully coming to the Kingdom Hall; downhearted soul who comes to meetings despite her struggle with depression; elderly widow who drives older ones to the meetings, etc.","Matthew 7:13, 14;","Jul 1, 2004 WT page 16",A WORLDWIDE BROTHERHOOD SAVED FROM CALAMITY,121,,8/15/2004,
"tested quality, faith,","I think of my faith somewhat like the airbag in my car.  I see signs that it is there and working, but it has never been tested to the fullest extent.",Those with the strongest faith are not necessarily the elders or the pioneers.  Some with the strongest faith are the single mothers who bring their children to the Kingdom Hall faithfully.  The sisters with unbelieving mates.  Those who have faced the blood issue with full confidence in Jehovah.  Those who have faced death in war torn areas.,James 1:1-4;,Joe Laymon,BUILD YOUR FAITH IN MAN'S MAKER,54,,8/15/2004,
"faith, tested quality,","Just as gale-force winds test the seaworthiness of a vessel,…",...storms of opposition will reveal any weaknesses in our ship of faith.,James 1:2-4,"Jul 15, 1999 WT page 16",,0,,8/15/2004,
"Snare, land mine, Satan, disfellowship,","A land mine is a sort of snare.  Many of these are designed to wound, not kill. Why? Because injured soldiers need assistance, and a soldier maimed by a land mine will slow down military operations—just what the enemy wants.  The United States government estimates that it take 47.3 other persons to support and care for a crippled individual.","Satan would like to kill us, however, he would also like to injury us.  Think what a ripple goes through the organization when one is disfellowshipped.  How discouraging to family members and others in the Organization.",1 Corinthians 5:6,Mike Hart; Jim Thompson,HOW TO PROTECT OURSELVES FROM SATAN'S SNARES,115,,8/29/2004,
"Snare, land mine, elders, judicial, disfellowshipped,","Some land mines go off immediately.  Others, when you step on it, you hear a click.  Then you know that your next move will blow you sky-high.  There is a way out however.  It takes at least 2 other persons who dearly love you.  Very carefully they can slide a machete between the trigger and your shoe sole.  Then put 2 heavy rocks on each end of the machete.  They have to love you very much.","Sometimes we get into a snare, where the very next move will cost our lives.  Sometimes the brothers in the congregation will meet with us judicially and spend much love and time to try to spring us from the trap.  Sometimes they are successful, but they have to love you very much.",1 Corinthians 5:6;,Mike Hart; Jim Thompson,HOW TO PROTECT OURSELVES FROM SATAN'S SNARES,115,,8/29/2004,
"irritate, child raising,",What irritates a child? Think about this sit hat ion. You have a work mate who is ill-tempered and impatient. Nothing about you pleases him. Lie seems to find fault with everything you say and do. He often rejects your work and makes you feel rejected as a person. Would that not irritate and dishearten yon?,"The same can happen to a child when his parents are constantly badgering him or correcting him in anger. It is trite that children need correction from time to time and that the Bible authorizes parents to give such. However, irritating a child by harsh, unloving treatment can cause emotional, spiritual, and even physical harm.",Ephesians 6:4;,"Nov 8, 2004 Aw page 27",PARENTS--ARE YOU BUILDING WITH FIRE-RESISTANT MATERIALS?,104,,10/22/04,
"discipline, children,","If raising children can he compared to building a house, then discipline is one of the construction tools.","When parents use it properly, they can build desirable qualities into the personalities of their children and equip them to face the trials of life.","Proverbs 23:24, 25","Nov 8, 2004 AW page 27",PARENTS--ARE YOU BUILDING WITH FIRE-RESISTANT MATERIALS?,104,,10/22/04,
"materialism, riches, choke, gradually,","In tropical forests, one may find the strangler fig.  It grows slowly as it surrounds the trunk or a host tree.  Little by little, the vine envelops it host with roots that get stronger and stronger.  The strangler fig's multiple roots eventually absorb most of the nutrients in the soil at the base of the tree, while its canopy deprives its host of light.  Finally, the host dies.","In a similar way, the anxieties of this system and the quest for riches and a comfortable life-style can gradually absorb more and more of our time and energy.  With our attention diverted to the things of the world, we might easily neglect personal Bible study and make it a custom to miss Christian meetings, thus being cut off from spiritual nourishment.  Materialistic goals now replace spiritual pursuits, and we finally become easy prey for Satan.","Matthew 13:18, 22;","Sep 15, 2004 WT page 12",HOW TO EXPRESS LOVE IN A LAWLESS WORLD,112,,11/6/2004,
"unity, organization, support,","When a nearby lion roars on the African savanna, antelope may react by running away at top speed until they are out of danger.  Elephants, however, provide an example of mutual support.  The book Elephants--Gentle Giants of Africa and Asia explains:  ""A means of defense that the typical herd of elephants commonly employs is to form a circle of their bodies, with the adults facing outward against the threat and the young animals protected inside the ring.""  Faced with such a manifestation of strength and support lions rarely attack even young elephants.","When threatened by Satan and his demons, we similarly need to stay together, shoulder to shoulder with our brothers who are solid in the faith.","Colossians 4:10, 11;","Sep 15, 2004 WT page 13",SERVING WITH JEHOVAH'S UNIFIED ORGANIZATION,3,,11/6/2004,
"Predestination, future,",Suppose you had great physical strength.  Would that make you feel inclined to lift every heavy object in sight?  Of course not!,"Likewise, having the ability to know the future does not compel God to foreknow or foreordain everything.  His use of foreknowledge is selective and discretionary.","Isaiah 46:9, 10;","Oct 1, 2004 WT page 12",,0,,11/6/2004,
"territory, complete,","""The quick brown fox jumped over the lazy dogs.""  This sentence uses all the alphabet.  It thus covers all the bases.",In working our territory we want to be like that.  Cover all the bases.  We want to be like the apostle Paul.,Romans 15:23,Bobby Laymon,,0,,11/23/2004,
"Parents, Children, experience, heart, Youths,","WHAT do you think is the most difficult challenge facing a ship’s captain? Is it crossing a vast ocean safely? Not usually. Most shipwrecks occur near the shore, not in the open sea. In fact, docking a ship can even be more hazardous than landing an airplane. Why?Before a captain can safely berth his ship, he has to avoid all the dangers that a particular port may pose. He needs to take into account underwater currents while steering clear of other ships. He must also skirt any sandbanks, rocks, or wrecks hidden underneath the water. And to make matters worse, this may be his first visit to the harbor.  To help overcome these problems, a wise captain may engage the services of a pilot who knows the local waters intimately. The pilot stands at the captain’s side on the bridge and gives expert direction. Together they consider the hazards and steer the ship through any narrow channels to the port.","The invaluable expertise of the pilot illustrates the priceless help available to Christian youths who have to chart a course through the difficult waters of life. What is this help? Why do teenagers need it?  Let us continue the illustration of the ship.  If you are an adolescent, you are somewhat like the captain of a ship in that you must eventually take responsibility for your life. And your parents have a role similar to that of a ship’s pilot as they try to guide you through some of the most difficult situations you will ever have to face in life. During the teenage years, however, you may find it hard to accept the advice your parents give you. Why is that?  The problem often lies with the heart. Your figurative heart may impel you to desire what is forbidden or to protest at any apparent denial of freedom. “The inclination of the heart of man,” the Bible says, “is had from his youth up.” (Genesis 8:21) Jehovah makes clear that you have a real challenge ahead of you. “Deceitful is the heart above all things, and dangerously wayward,” he warns. (Jeremiah 17:9, Rotherhain) In addition to harboring wrong desires, the heart can deceive a youth into thinking that he knows better than his parents, even though they have much more experience. There are",Genesisesis 8:21; Jeremiah 17:9,"Oct 15, 2004 WT page 20",LOOKING AT YOUTHS FROM JEHOVAH'S STANDPOINT,118,,12/5/2004,
"Feelings, dating, courting, arousal, puppy love, youths,","Pilots advise ship captains to give sandbanks that stretch beneath the waters a wide berth. Sandbanks are soft but also treacherous, since they constantly shift position.","Your parents will likewise want you to keep your distance from situations that might ensnare you emotionally. Parents know, for example, that feelings toward the opposite sex go deep can be difficult to define.  But once aroused, these feelings can cause you  to run aground.","Genesisesis 34:1,2, 19","Oct 15, 2004 WT page 21",LOOKING AT YOUTHS FROM JEHOVAH'S STANDPOINT,118,,12/5/2004,
"courting, dating, passion, desire, youths,","A ship has no brakes, so it takes a long time to stop.",Parents know that passion behaves similarly.  Passion can lead you to emotional and spiritual shipwreck.  Your parents may recognize when your heart has begun to mislead you in this area.,Proverbs 7:21-23;,"Oct 15, 2004 wt page 22",,0,,12/5/2004,
"courting, dating, passion, desire, youths,","A ship that lists is hard to maneuver, and if it lists too much, it can easily capsize.  Because of our imperfect nature, all of us lean toward the selfish and the forbidden.","Despite these tendencies, young ones can still reach port, as it were, if they carefully follow their parents' guidance.","Matthew 7:13, 14","Oct 15, 2004 wt page 23",,0,,12/5/2004,
"courting, dating, passion, desire, youths,","Parents can help you reject the idea that there is a middle road between the narrow one to life and the broad one to destruction. It is unrealistic to think that you can enjoy a little of what is wrong but not go all the way, that you can ""taste"" without swallowing.","Those who try to follow such a course are ""limping upon two different opinions""--serving Jehovah to a certain extent but also loving the world and the things in the world--and can easily capsize spiritually.","Matthew 7:13, 14; 1 kings 18:21; 1 John 2:15;","Oct 15, 2004 wt page 24",,0,,12/5/2004,
"accuracy, speech, truth, lying,",Accuracy of statement is one of the first elements of truth; inaccuracy is a near kin to falsehood.  Quote: Tyron Edwards,We should be truthful.,Eph 4:25,Bobby Laymon,,0,,12/15/2004,
"Contentment, satisfied, full, provisions,","It has been said that the way to feel content is do not dwell on what you don't have, but think about the blessings you do have.",In Jehovah's organization that does not apply.  We have everything.,Psalm 40:5,Joe Laymon,ARE YOU CONTENT WITH JEHOVAH'S PROVISIONS?,22,,12/16/2004,
"Last days, abuse, darkest period,","Many are learning the truth in the darkest period of human history.  Many have been abused physically, mentally, emotionally, sexually.  Money problems.  Some have problems with wicked spirits, others with repressed memories.  Enslaved to drugs, tobacco, alcohol, and unclean practices.",All of the are welcome and can find comfort and help in reconstructing their lives.  Some of the most effective preaching work is being carried on by these ones.,Psalm 126:6,Bobby Laymon,ARE YOU CONTENT WITH JEHOVAH'S PROVISIONS?,22,,12/18/2004,
"Change, advancement, progress,","""You can't step in the same stream twice.""   -- Zen wisdom","With Jehovah's organization, progress is like that.",Isaiah 60:22,Bobby Laymon,,0,,1/10/2005,
"accuracy, statement, truth,","Did you know the moon is made out of cheese?  That is what I heard.  Apparently it is true.  Now if I told you that in all seriousness, would you buy a used car from me?  Ruin one's credibility.  Likewise with the truth.   Information that is in complete harmony with the facts reflects well on you; the organization; and Jehovah God.","Before you tell someone the moon is made out of cheese, maybe you should check it out more.  Accuracy of statement is very important to our credibility as a person, the organization, and to Jehovah.",Proverbs 15:28,Bobby Laymon,,0,,1/27/2005,
"Help, comfort, guide, walk, progress","IMAGINE that you are hiking along a mountain trail. You are not alone, though, for a guide has offered to accompany you, and he is the best guide there is. He has far more experience and stamina than you do, but he patiently walks near you. He notices that you stumble occasionally. Out of concern for your safety, he extends his hand to help you over a particularly dangerous spot. Would you refuse his help? Of course not! Your safety is at stake.","As Christians, we have a challenging path to follow.  Must we walk that cramped road alone?  No, the Bible shows that the best Guide we could ever find, Jehovah God, allows humans to walk with him.",Matthew 7:14; Genesisesis 5:24; 6:9; Isaiah 41:13,"Dec 15, 2004 Wt page 17",CHOOSE YOUR ASSOCIATES WISELY!,116,,1/29/2005,
"tree, water, work, help, guide, organization, progress,","The tree here Is not merely a shade tree growing by chance next to a river. It is a fruit-bearing tree, deliberately “planted” in a chosen spot—“by streams of water.” How could one tree grow near more than one stream? Well, in an orchard of fruit trees, the owner might well dig irrigation ditches to bring water to the roots of his valuable trees. Ah, now the point comes Into focus!","If in a spiritual sense we flourish like than tree, it is because much work has been done in our behalf.  We are associated with an organization that brings the pure waters of truth right to us, but we must do our part.  We need to put ourselves in a position to soak up this precious water.",Psalm 1:1-3;,"Dec 15, 2004 WT page 21",SERVING WITH JEHOVAH'S UNIFIED ORGANIZATION,3,,1/29/2005,
"adjustments, readjust, counsel, Bible study, context,","As with a ship at sea, adjustments now can mean the difference between reaching the goal and suffering spiritual shipwreck.","Continual study of the Bible in its context helps us think ""God's thoughts.""","Matthew 16:22, 23;","Dec 15, 2004 WT page 24",,0,,1/29/2005,
"Progress, adjustments, advancement, organization, changes, preaching, speed,","When an accelerating car changes gear, it allows it to go even faster.","Often ""changing gears"" in the preaching work has speeded up the work to an even greater extent.",Zech 4:6;,"2005 Yearbook, page 150",SERVING WITH JEHOVAH'S UNIFIED ORGANIZATION,3,,1/29/2005,
"Heart, figurative heart, corrections, adjust,","Sometimes a heart surgeon must make corrections on a heart that is defective.  Not only is it necessary to see inside the heart, but must go inside.  Even though he does everything right, the heart sometimes stops.  If all fails he may reach into the chest cavity and massage the heart, bringing the patient back to life."," We brothers and sisters, have a more important than heart surgeons.  We are working to correct defects in the figurative heart.  Sometimes we have to reach it; touch it; massage it.  How can we do this, bringing life to our students?",Matthew 13:13-15,Bobby Laymon,,0,,1/30/2005,
"Witnesses of Jesus, Jehovah,","AT a marriage ceremony where you are invited as a witness.  Who are you a witness for? The Groom or the Bride?  Actually, you are witnesses of both the bride and groom.","In like manner, Christian Witnesses of Jehovah are also witnesses of Jesus Christ.  We are witnesses of the truth about both.","Acts 1:8; Isaiah 43:10, 12; Revelation 12:17;",Bobby Laymon,,0,,1/30/2005,
"Writing, teaching, accuracy, brief, clear, ministry,","""The A B C's of good writing and teaching are accuracy, brevity, and clarity.""  Quote: Ulysses Glass, Gilead instructor.",There are good teaching points for our ministry.,Ecclesiastes 12:10;Luke 1:3;,2005 Yearbook page 171,,0,,1/31/2005,
"Ambition, competition, advancement, progress, envy, jealousy,",People are like crabs that are caught in a large bucket with all their claws reaching for the top.,"When one is about to get somewhere, the other pull him back down.",Mark 15:10,Tina Bumgardner,JEALOUSY--PROPER AND IMPROPER,76,,2/8/2005,
"Jehovah, Name, roles,","Parents know how versatile and adaptable they must be in caring for their children. In the course of a single day, a parent may be called upon to act as a nurse, a cook, a teacher, a disciplinarian, a judge, and much more. Many feel overwhelmed by the wide range of roles they are expected to fill. They remark upon the absolute faith put in them by their little ones, who never doubt that Daddy or Mommy can make the hurt better, settle all disputes, fix any broken toy, and answer whatever question pops into their endlessly inquisitive minds. Some parents are humbled and occasionally frustrated by their own limitations. They feel woefully inadequate to fill many of these roles.","Jehovah too is a loving parent. Yet, within the framework of his own perfect standards, there is nothing he cannot become in order to care for his earthly children in the best possible way. So his name, Jehovah, invites us to think of him as the best Father imaginable.",Exodus 3:14,cl page 10,,0,,2/10/2005,
"Power, Jehovah, mistrust,","“Power tends to corrupt; absolute power corrupts absolutely.” So wrote English nobleman Lord Acton in 1887. His statement has often been repeated, perhaps because so many people see it as undeniably true. Imperfect humans often abuse power, as history has confirmed again and again.","For this reason, many mistrust the powerful and withdraw from them. Now, Jehovah has absolute power. Has it corrupted him in any way? Certainly not! As we have seen, he is holy, utterly incorruptible. Jehovah is unlike the imperfect men and women of power in this corrupt world. He has never abused his power, and he never will.",Ecclesiastes 4:1; 8:9,cl page 44,,0,,2/10/2005,
"Power, Jehovah, abuse,","Imagine meeting a man so huge and powerful that you feel intimidated by him. However, in time you notice that he seems gentle. He is ever ready and eager to use his power to help and protect people, especially the defenseless and vulnerable. He never abuses his strength. You see him slandered without cause, yet his demeanor is firm but calm, dignified, even kind. You find yourself wondering if you would be able to show the same gentleness and restraint, especially if you were that strong! As you come to know such a man, would you not begin to feel drawn to him?","We have far more reason for drawing close to the almighty Jehovah. Consider the full sentence that is the basis for the title of this chapter: “Jehovah is slow to anger and great in power.”  Jehovah is not quick to use his power against people, not even the wicked. He is mild-tempered and kind. He has proved to be “slow to anger” in the face of many provocations.",Nahum 1:3,cl page 45,,0,,2/10/2005,
"Sun, creation, power, warmth,","HAVE you ever stood near a fire on a cold night? Perhaps you held out your hands at just the right distance from the flames to enjoy the radiating warmth. If you leaned in too close, the heat became unbearable. If you stepped back too far, the cool night air closed in, and you felt chilled.","There is a “fire” that warms our skin by day. That “fire” is burning some 93 million miles [150 million km] away! What power the sun must have for you to be able to feel its heat from such a distance! Yet, the earth orbits that awesome thermonuclear furnace at just the right distance. Too close, and earth’s water would vaporize; too far, and it would all freeze. Either extreme would render our planet lifeless. Essential to life on earth, sunlight is also clean and efficient, not to mention delightful.",Ecclesiastes 11:7,cl page 47,,0,,2/10/2005,
"Power, protection, wicked, destruction, Armageddon,","Suppose that a man’s family was being attacked by a vicious animal and that the man jumped into the fray and killed the violent beast. Would you expect his wife and children to be repelled by this act? On the contrary, you would expect them to be moved by his selfless love for them.","In a similar way, we should not be repelled by God’s use of destructive power. His willingness to fight to protect us should increase our love for him. Our respect for his unlimited power should deepen as well. Thus, we can “render God sacred service with godly fear and awe.”",Hebrews 12:28,cl page 65,,0,,2/10/2005,
"Restoration, paradise, earth, new, parent,","A CHILD loses or breaks a beloved toy and lets out a plaintive cry. The sound is heartrending! Have you ever seen, though, how a child’s face lights up when a parent restores what was lost? To the parent, it may be a simple matter to find the toy or even to fix it. But the child is all smiles and full of wonder. What seemed to be gone forever has been restored!","Jehovah, the ultimate Parent, has the power to restore what his earthly children may view as hopelessly lost. Of course, we do not mean mere toys. In these “critical times hard to deal with,” we have to face losses that are far more serious.  Much of what people hold dear seems ever at risk—home, possessions, employment, even health.",2 Timothy 3:1-5,cl page 77,,0,,2/10/2005,
"Power, misuse, abuse,",“NEVER a power without the lurk of a subtle snare.” Those words of a 19th-century poet call attention to an insidious danger: the misuse of power.,"Sadly, imperfect humans all too easily fall prey to this snare. Indeed, throughout history “man has dominated man to his injury.”  The exercise of power without love has resulted in untold human suffering.  Is it not remarkable, though, that Jehovah God, who has unlimited power, never misuses that power?",Ecclesiastes 8:9,cl page 97,,0,,2/10/2005,
"care, congregation, elders, blood, precious,","A close friend asks you to care for a cherished possession. You know that your friend paid a high price for the item. Would you not treat it delicately, with great care?","Similarly, God has entrusted elders with the responsibility to care for a truly valued possession: the congregation, whose members are likened to sheep. Jehovah’s sheep are dear to him—so dear, in fact, that he purchased them with the precious blood of his only-begotten Son, Jesus Christ. Jehovah could not have paid a higher price for his sheep. Humble elders keep that in mind and treat Jehovah’s sheep accordingly.","John 21:16, 17)",cl page 102,,0,,2/10/2005,
"suffering, pain, sin,","Suppose you have a child who needs surgery to cure a life-threatening ailment. You realize that the operation will cause your child a degree of suffering, and this deeply grieves you. At the same time, you know that the procedure will enable your child to enjoy better health later in life.","Similarly, God knew—and even foretold—that his allowance of human rule would bring along with it a measure of pain and suffering.  But he also knew that lasting and meaningful relief would be possible only if he allowed all mankind to see the bad fruitage produced by rebellion. In this way the issue could be settled permanently, for all eternity.",Genesisesis 3:16-19,cl page 123,,0,,2/10/2005,
"law, courts, injustice, perfect,","“LAW is a bottomless pit, it . . . devours everything.” That statement appeared in a book published back in 1712. Its author decried a legal system in which lawsuits sometimes dragged through the courts for years, bankrupting those seeking justice. In many lands, legal and judicial systems are so complex, so rife with injustice, prejudice, and inconsistencies, that contempt for law has become widespread.","By way of contrast, consider these words written some 2,700 years ago: “How I do love your law!”  Why did the psalmist feel so strongly? Because the law he praised originated, not with any secular government, but with Jehovah God. As you study Jehovah’s laws, you may come to feel more and more as the psalmist did. Such a study will give you insight into the greatest judicial mind in the universe.",Psalm 119:97,cl page 128,,0,,2/10/2005,
"ransom, sacrifice, relief, sin, death,","Imagine that you live in a town where most of the residents are employed at a large factory. You and your neighbors are well paid for your labors and lead comfortable lives. That is, until the day the factory closes its doors. The reason? The factory manager turned corrupt, forcing the business into bankruptcy. Suddenly out of work, you and your neighbors are unable to pay the bills. Marriage mates, children, and creditors suffer because of that one man’s corruption. Is there a way out? Yes! A wealthy benefactor decides to intervene. He appreciates the value of the company. He also feels for its many employees and their families. So he arranges to pay off the company’s debt and reopen the factory. The cancellation of that one debt brings relief to the many employees and their families and to the creditors. Similarly, the cancellation of Adam’s debt benefits untold millions.","Only Jehovah could provide “the Lamb . . . that takes away the sin of the world.”  But God did not send just any angel to rescue mankind. Instead, he sent the One who could furnish the ultimate, conclusive answer to Satan’s charge against Jehovah’s servants. Yes, Jehovah made the supreme sacrifice of sending his only-begotten Son, “the one he was specially fond of.”",John 1:29,cl page 143,,0,,2/10/2005,
"Rescue, Indebted, ransom,","IMAGINE being trapped on a sinking ship. Just when you think that there is no hope, a rescuer arrives and pulls you to safety. How relieved you feel as your rescuer takes you away from the danger and says: “You are safe now”! Would you not feel indebted to that person? In a very real sense, you would owe him your life.","In some respects, this illustrates what Jehovah has done for us. Surely we are indebted to him. After all, he has provided the ransom, making it possible for us to be rescued from the clutches of sin and death. We feel safe knowing that as long as we exercise faith in that precious sacrifice, our sins are forgiven, and our eternal future is secure.",1 John 1:7; 4:9),cl page 158,,0,,2/10/2005,
"wisdom, future, eagle,","A golden eagle may weigh a mere ten pounds [5 kg], but its eyes are larger than those of a full-grown man. The eagle’s eyesight is amazingly keen, enabling the bird to spot tiny prey from thousands of feet aloft, perhaps even from miles away! Jehovah himself once said of the eagle: “Far into the distance its eyes keep looking.”"," In a similar sense, Jehovah can look “far into the distance” of time—the future!",Job 39:29,cl page 177,,0,,2/10/2005,
"Foreknowledge, future, predestination, free will,","If you had a singing voice of unparalleled beauty, would you then have no choice but to sing all the time? The notion is absurd!","Likewise, Jehovah has the ability to foreknow the future, but he does not use it all the time. To do so might infringe upon our own free will, a precious gift that Jehovah will never revoke.","Deuteronomy 30:19, 20",cl page 178,,0,,2/10/2005,
"study, wisdom, understanding, gradual,","When piecing together a large puzzle, perhaps we cannot at first find a particular piece or we cannot see how a certain piece fits in. Yet, we may have assembled enough of the pieces to grasp what the complete picture must look like.","Similarly, when we study the Bible, little by little we learn about the kind of God Jehovah is, and a definite picture emerges. Even if we cannot at first understand a certain account or see how it fits in with God’s personality, our study of the Bible has already taught us more than enough about Jehovah to enable us to see that he is unfailingly a loving, fair, and just God.",Hebrews 4:12,cl page 186,,0,,2/10/2005,
"Understanding, wisdom, intellectual, babes,",Clever humans can write books that only “wise and intellectual ones” can grasp.,But to author a book that can be understood only by those having the right heart motivation—that takes the wisdom of God!,Matthew 11:25,cl page 186,,0,,2/10/2005,
"sacred secret, wisdom, gradual,","We might think of the way a loving father responds when his little boy asks, “Dad, where did I come from?” A wise father provides only as much information as that little boy can grasp. As the boy gets older, the father tells him more.","In a similar way, Jehovah determines when his people are ready for revelations of his will and purpose.",Proverbs 4:18; Daniel 12:4,cl page 191,,0,,2/10/2005,
"Organization, flexible, yielding, adaptable, rigid,","A supertanker or a freight train might be awesome in terms of size and power. But can either one respond to sudden changes in circumstance? If an obstacle falls across the tracks in front of a freight train, turning is out of the question. Sudden stops are not much easier. A heavy freight train may take over a mile to stop after the brakes are applied! Similarly, a supertanker may coast onward for five miles [8 km] after the engines are shut off. Even if the engines are thrown into reverse, the tanker may still plow on for two miles [3 km]! It is similar with human organizations that are prone to rigidity and unreasonableness. Because of pride, men often refuse to adapt to changing needs and circumstances. Such rigidity has bankrupted corporations and even toppled governments.",How happy we can be that neither Jehovah nor his organization is anything like that!,Proverbs 16:18,cl page 205,,0,,2/10/2005,
"Value, Personal, importance, sparrow, hairs,","In Jesus’ day the sparrow was the cheapest of the birds sold as food. Notice that for one coin of small value, a purchaser got two sparrows. But Jesus later stated that if a person was prepared to spend two coins, he got, not four sparrows, but five. The extra bird was added as though it had no value at all. Perhaps such creatures were worthless in the eyes of men, but how did the Creator view them? Said Jesus: “Not one of them [not even the one added in] goes forgotten before God.”"," Now we may begin to see Jesus’ point. If Jehovah places such value on a single sparrow, of how much greater worth is a human! As Jesus explained, Jehovah knows every detail about us. Why, the very hairs of our head are numbered!","Luke 12:6, 7",cl page 241,,0,,2/10/2005,
"Restore, imperfections, value, Love,","People who love works of art will go to great lengths to restore badly damaged paintings or other works. When, for example, in the National Gallery in London, England, someone with a shotgun damaged a Leonardo da Vinci drawing worth some $30 million, no one suggested that since the drawing was now damaged, it should be discarded. Work to restore the nearly 500-year-old masterpiece began immediately. Why? Because it was precious in the eyes of art lovers.","Are you not worth more than a chalk and charcoal drawing? In God’s eyes you certainly are—however damaged you may be by inherited imperfection.  Jehovah God, the skilled Creator of the human family, will do what is necessary to restore to perfection all of those who respond to his loving care.",Psalm 72:12-14;Acts 3:21; Romans 8:20-22,cl page 246,,0,,2/10/2005,
"Empathy, pain, hurt,",What is empathy? One faithful elderly Christian said: “Empathy is your pain in my heart.” Is Jehovah really affected by our pain?,"We read regarding the sufferings of his people Israel: “During all their distress it was distressing to him.”  Not only did Jehovah see their troubles; he felt for the people. Just how intensely he feels is illustrated by Jehovah’s own words to his servants: “He that is touching you is touching my eyeball.”  How painful that would be! Yes, Jehovah feels for us. When we hurt, he hurts.",(Isaiah 63:9;Zechariah 2:8,cl page 248,,0,,2/10/2005,
"Compassion, tender, feelings, love,","IN THE middle of the night, a baby cries. Immediately, the mother wakes up. She does not sleep as soundly as she used to—not since her baby was born. She has learned to distinguish her infant’s different types of crying. Hence, she can often tell whether her newborn needs to be fed, cuddled, or otherwise tended to. But regardless of the reason for the baby’s crying, the mother responds. Her heart cannot let her ignore the needs of her child.","The compassion that a mother feels for the child of her womb is among the most tender feelings known to humans. There is, however, a feeling that is infinitely stronger—the tender compassion of our God, Jehovah. A consideration of this endearing quality can help us draw closer to Jehovah.",Exodus 33:19; Jeremiah 33:26,cl page 250,,0,,2/10/2005,
"Research, study, informative, interesting,","Do you like to look at the stars at night.  You can lay back and study them from a distance and enjoy them.  However, in time you may want to take a closer look by means of a telescope.  You are not satisfied with a look from a distance.",Likewise with the Bible.  We have the need to get closer.  In order to do this we must do research.  Example Hebrews 4:12.  Three footnotes and numerous cross-references.,Hebrews 4:12,Chuck Bland; be p. 231,KEEP GROWING IN YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD,16,,2/11/2005,
"hypnotism, magic, Spiritistic, demons,","Would you want to let another person control the life of your child, even for a short time?  Great harm could come to your child.",Jehovah does not want his children controlled by others.  Binding others with a spell or hypnotism would be like that.,Deuteronomy 18:10-12,Monica Bland,THE BIBLE'S VIEW OF SPIRITISTIC PRACTICES,95,,2/17/2005,
"Forgiveness, pass by, erase,",One scholar says that the Hebrew metaphor used at Micah 7:18 is “taken from the conduct of a traveler who passes on without noticing an object to which he does not wish to give his attention.,"The idea which it communicates is not, that God is unobservant of sin, or that it is regarded by him as a matter of little or no importance, but that he does not mark it in particular cases with a view to punishment; that he does not punish, but forgives].”",Micah 7:18;Judges 3:26; 1 Samuel 16:8, w99 10/15 p. 15,,0,,2/22/2005,
"Creation, homeless person, displaced,","“The more science progresses,” comments Religion and Atheism, “the less room there seems to be for God.",God has become a Displaced Person.”,Psalm 83:18,ct chap. 1,,0,,3/3/2005,
"space, problems, creation","The day after man landed on the moon, theologian Karl Barth was asked about this technological triumph. He said: “It solves none of the problems that keep me awake at night.”","Today man is flying in space and speeding along in cyberspace. Still, thinking people see the need to have a purpose, something that gives meaning to their life.",Jeremiah 20:23,ct 9,,0,,3/3/2005,
"Creation, Wisdom, efficiency, stability,","Indeed, two remarkable qualities of our sun and other stars are long-term efficiency and stability. Consider a simple illustration. We know that to run efficiently, an automobile engine needs a critical ratio between fuel and air; engineers design complex mechanical and computer systems to optimize performance.","If that is so with a mere engine, what of the efficiently “burning” stars such as our sun? The key forces involved are precisely tuned, optimized for life. Did that precision just happen?",Job 38:33,ct 18,,0,,3/3/2005,
"evolution, deterioration, thermodynamics,","As any homeowner has observed, when left to themselves, things tend to break down or disintegrate. Scientists refer to this tendency as “the second law of thermodynamics.” We can see this law at work daily. If left alone, a new automobile or bicycle will become scrap. Abandon a building and it will become a ruin.",What about the universe? The law applies there too. So you might think that the order throughout the universe should give way to complete disorder.,Genesisesis 1:1,ct 25,,0,,3/3/2005,
"evolution, fiction, undocumented, DNA, Protein,","One might depict this last act, which is undocumented, as a love story. Protein molecules and DNA molecules happen to meet, recognize each other, and embrace. Then, just before the curtain rings down, the first living cell is born.","If you were following this drama, you might wonder, ‘Is this real life or fiction? Could life on earth really have originated in this way?’",Psalm 36:9,ct 34,,0,,3/3/2005,
"brain, senses, sight, hearing, smell, taste, touch, creation,","Yes, you have five senses—sight, hearing, smell, taste, and touch.","Granted, some animals have keener night vision, more sensitive smell, or more acute hearing, but man’s balance of these senses certainly allows him to excel in many ways.",Psalm 94:9,ct 50,,0,,3/3/2005,
"Brain, computer,",“The performance of even the most advanced of the neural-network computers . . . has about one ten-thousandth the mental capacity of a housefly.”,"Consider, then, how much a computer fails to measure up to a human brain, which is so remarkably superior.",Psalm 139:14,ct 51,,0,,3/3/2005,
"brain, computer, creation,","What man-made computer can repair itself, rewrite its program, or improve over the years? When a computer system needs to be adjusted, a programmer must write and enter new coded instructions.","Our brain does such work automatically, both in the early years of life and in old age. You would not be exaggerating to say that the most advanced computers are very primitive compared to the brain. Scientists have called it “the most complicated structure known” and “the most complex object in the universe.”",Psalm 139:14,ct 51,,0,,3/3/2005,
"conscious, mind, memories,"," As creeks, streams, and rivers feed into a sea, so memories, thoughts, images, sounds, and feelings flow constantly into or through our mind.","Consciousness, says one definition, is “the perception of what passes in a man’s own mind.”  The mind has been described as “the elusive entity where intelligence, decision making, perception, awareness and sense of self reside.”",Psalm 139:14;,ct 63,,0,,3/3/2005,
"conscious, brain, mind,","For example, our vivid memories of past events are not mere stored facts, like computer bits of information. We can reflect on our experiences, draw lessons from them, and use them to shape our future.","We are able to consider several future scenarios and evaluate the possible effects of each. We have the capacity to analyze, create, appreciate, and love. We can enjoy pleasant conversations about the past, present, and future. We have ethical values about behavior and can use them in making decisions that may or may not be of immediate benefit. We are attracted to beauty in art and morals. In our mind we can mold and refine our ideas and guess how other people will react if we carry these out.",Psalm 139:14,ct 65,,0,,3/3/2005,
"Bible, know Jehovah,","We have probably found in daily life, however, that merely observing a person’s works may not really be enough for us to know him well. It would even be possible to misunderstand him if we did not gain a complete picture of him! And if that person has been misrepresented or maligned, would it not be good to meet him and hear his side? We might converse with him to find out how he reacts under different circumstances and what qualities he displays.Of course, we cannot have a face-to-face conversation with the powerful Creator of the universe.","Yet, he has revealed much about himself as a real person in a book that is available, in whole or in part, in more than 2,000 languages, including yours. That book—the Bible—invites you to get to know and cultivate a relationship with the Creator: “Draw close to God,” it says, “and he will draw close to you.” It also shows how it is possible to become his friend.  Would you be interested in that?",James 2:23; 4:8,ct 84,,0,,3/3/2005,
"point, specific, tact, kind,",The nurse comes in to give you a shot.  She is smiling.  Hopefully she won't throw the needle at you.  She is tactful.,"Eventually, you are going to get the point.",1 Thess 5:21,Mike Hart,,0,,4/11/2005,
"Love, imitate, relationship,","HAVE you ever seen a little boy trying to be like his father? The son may imitate the way his father walks, talks, or acts. In time, the boy may even absorb his father’s moral and spiritual values. Yes, the love and admiration that a son feels for a loving father moves the boy to want to be like his dad.","What about the relationship between Jesus and his heavenly Father? “I love the Father,” Jesus said on one occasion.   No one can possibly love Jehovah more than this Son, who was with the Father long before any other creatures came into existence. That love moved this devoted Son to want to be like his Father.",John 14:31; John 14:9,cl 290,,0,,4/12/2005,
"Introduction, getting started, praise, informally, Introduction, getting started","Getting Started: A shy seven-year-old girl heard at a meeting how important it is for all to preach. So when going shopping with her mother, she put two brochures in her bag. While her mother was busy at the counter, the girl offered a brochure to a lady, who graciously accepted it. When asked how she got the courage to approach the lady, this shy girl replied: “I just said, Ready, Set, Go! And I went!”",Sometimes we just need to get started.,,km 5/03 p. 1,,0,,7/28/2005,
"Value, personally important,","Take a $100.00 bill.  Crumble it up.  Would you still accept it?  What if I threw it in the floor, would you still want it?  Does it still have value.","We are all damaged goods, but we all have value.  Jehovah sees us as having value.",Luke 20:38;,Tom Batty,DOES GOD COUNT YOU PERSONALLY IMPORTANT?,26,1,1/9/2011,
"Gilead, Adam, Eve, Sin, appreciation, pioneer,","What if Adam had not sinned? Can you imagine life in perfection? Having a mate that never ever said the wrong thing, and us never thinking a wrong thought? Giving birth without increased pain, and living forever in perfect health-feeling good every day, and every encounter being sheer joy, and no calamities?","Some say, ""It was a sad thing when Adam sinned.""  If Adam and Eve hadn't sinned, we would not exist. There would have been no need for the flood, which reduced the population of childbearing couples.  We would have reached this population much earlier.  The population was again reduced at Babel.   Genesis 11 :6, 7.  Without sin there would be no worldwide work; Gilead school, and no missionaries.  Romans 8:18, 19 says, ""Consequently I reckon that the sufferings of the present season do not amount to anything in comparison with the glory that is going to be revealed in us.""","Romans 8:18, 19",Guy Pierce; Gilead Graduation,,0,,5/28/2006,
"Reasonableness, yielding, adapt, adjust, flexible, Marriage, honor,","Like a careful driver, a reasonable family member is prepared to yield.","God himself does not demand perfection from imperfect humans, so why should a married couple demand it from each other?",Philippians 4:5,Oct 2009 Awake page 7,SHOW RESPECT AND LOVE IN YOUR MARRIAGE,28,1,9/2/2009,
"Love, granted, affection,","Think of a campfire burning at night, drawing people to its warm, flickering flames. Unless those enjoying the fire supply it with fuel, it will go out.","Likewise, the wonderful bond of love in the congregation will weaken unless we as individual Christians work to strengthen it. How can we do so?  Appealing as it is, our brotherly love cannot be taken for granted.",Ephesians 5:2;,w09 11/15 p. 20 par. 4,,0,1,1/24/2010,
"Hope, Courageous, strong, faith, meditate,","When a little boy walks hand in hand with his father, he feels safe and secure.",The same is true of us as we walk with our heavenly Father.,"Isaiah 41:10, 13;","Oct 1, WT 2006 page 30;",TAKING TIME TO MEDITATE ON SPIRITUAL THINGS,67,1,10/20/2006,
"Entertainment, conscience, insistance,","If he were to do so, he would be like a driver on a highway who insists that all other drivers using the same road hold to the same speed that he prefers. Such a demand would not be reasonable.","A Christian with a more restrictive conscience should not insist that all in the Christian congregation conform to his narrower view on what is proper entertainment.  Out of Christian love, someone with a more confining conscience needs to respect fellow believers whose views on entertainment differ somewhat from his own but are still within the bounds of Christian principles. That way, he lets his “reasonableness become known to all men.”",Philippians 4:5; Ecclesiastes 7:16;,lv chap. 6 p. 73 par. 22 How to Choose Wholesome Entertainment,REMAINING BLAMELESS AMID A CROOKED GENERATION,97,1,2/28/2009,
"Speech, effort, work,","Just as a swimmer trying to swim upstream has to keep fighting the current, so we have to keep fighting the sinful tendency to misuse our tongue.","Bridling our tongue is therefore a real struggle. (James 3:2-4) Although we cannot gain perfect control of our tongue, we can keep working at making improvement in how we use it.",Genesis 8:21; Luke 6:45,lv chap. 12 p. 135 par. 6 Speak What “Is Good for Building Up”,"FRIENDSHIP WITH GOD, FRIENDSHIP WITH THE WORLD--WHICH WILL YOU CHOOSE?",79,1,2/28/2009,
"Spirit, Holy spirit, dedication, baptism, fruitage, walking, live, living,"," A farmer cultivates the land. Of course, sunshine and water are necessary; without such he cannot expect any harvest. We might compare holy spirit to sunshine. Holy spirit is needed for us to manifest the fruitage of the spirit. Yet, what would be produced without the farmer’s hard work? (Prov. 10:4)","Yes, how you cultivate the soil of your heart makes a difference in the quality and quantity of the fruitage of the holy spirit in you. So ask yourself, ‘Am I permitting holy spirit to produce its fruitage by working along with it?’","Gal. 5:22, 23",w10 3/15 pp. 15-16 par. 6,Are You Walking With God?,149,1,1/1/2011,
"Higher education, cost, student loans,","You want to buy a ticket to the ""Big Dance.""  How much will it cost?","Big dance is higher education.  Tuition costs; student loan, which make take many years with interest to repay; name other pitfalls; morals, leaving Jehovah.  Does not bring praise to Jehovah.",Phillipians 3:8;,"Follow The Christ District Convention; Tulsa, OK Jun 1-3 2007",Use Education to Praise Jehovah,146,1,6/4/2007,
"Rich, money, materialism, truth, paradise, hope,","""We are rich.  We just don't have any money.""",Comment to children by parents.,3 John 4;,Brother Hudson,,0,1,7/9/2013,
"Prayers, improve, goals,","Prayer is like a door that you can open at any time. However, many youths would say that they do not open the door as frequently or as freely as they should."," If that’s so in your case, don’t give up! You’ve already identified the challenge and set a goal. Now you just need a key to unlock the door. Consider some obstacles that you might face, along with suggestions on how to overcome them.  See article for locks and keys.",,g 11/08 p. 26 How Can I Improve in My Prayers?,PRAYERS THAT ARE HEARD BY GOD,86,1,2/28/2009,
"Worship, enjoyable, study, read, write,","If you want to play a sport well, you’ve got to learn the rules and practice the game. If you want to get fit, you need to exercise."," If you want to learn about your Creator, you need to study God’s Word.",2 Timothy 3:16;,g 7/08 p. 20,Use Education to Praise Jehovah,146,1,1/8/2011,
"Love, Jesus, example,","We enjoy talking about the things we love. When we speak about something dear to our heart, we become animated and our whole demeanor reflects enthusiasm and warmth. This is especially true when we talk about a person whom we love. Usually, we are eager to share with others what we know about that person. We praise, honor, and defend him.","We do that because we want others to feel as attracted to that person and his qualities as we are.  Before we can cultivate love for Jehovah in others, we must know and love him ourselves. After all, true worship is based on love for God.  Jesus set a perfect example.",Matt. 22:36-38,"July 15, 2009 Wt page 16",,0,1,6/15/2009,
"Values, creation, heavens, wonder, wisdom,","""Two things fill the mind with ever new and increasing wonder and awe - the starry heavens above me and the moral law within me.""Quote: Immanuel Kant 1724-1804, Prussic-German metaphysician and philosopher in 'Critique of Practical Reason (1788)",Man has a moral law of values implanted within him.  When coupled with Jehovah's creation it is wonderful.,Romans 2:14,Bobby Laymon,,0,,4/29/2006,
"Truth, worship, leave, disfellowship, dissociate,",Being in the truth is like being in the bath.  You can get out too soon.,We must remain in the truth.  Some pretend to be clean and leave the truth.,Ephesians 5:25-27;,Mark Cash,INTO THE NEW ORDER UNDER CHRIST'S LEADERSHIP,56,1,7/9/2013,
"friendship, loyal, lonesome, lonely,","""A person can be happy without a marriage mate, but it's difficult to be happy without a friend.""",Whether you are married or single the loyalty of a good friend will warm your heart and enrich your life.,Proverbs 17:17,"Sep 1, 2005 WT page 6",,0,,8/10/2005,
"Baptism, dedication, race,",The life of a Christian can be likened to a long-distance footrace.,Following Paul’s example will help us to run the race for eternal life successfully.,"2 Tim. 4:7, 8; Heb. 12:1",w08 5/15 p. 25 pars. 20-21,REACH OUT FOR THE REAL LIFE!,90,1,2/28/2009,
"Religions, worship, road to life,","Imagine that you are lost in a big city. You decide to ask for help. One person confidently tells you to go east. Another urges you to head west. Yet another suggests that you choose whatever direction feels best to you. Finally, a fellow traveler takes out a reliable map and shows you the correct route. He then gives you the map so that you can refer to it along the way. Would you not feel more confident of reaching your destination?","So, too, when it comes to choosing the right religious road, we need a reliable spiritual road map. Does one exist? Yes, it does. That map is the Bible, which declares: “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.”— King James Version.",2 Timothy 3:16,w09 8/1 p. 4,HOW WELL DO YOU KNOW GOD?,1,1,1/7/2011,
"forgive, ourselves,","The hardest person to forgive is ourselves.  We meet a person in service, and they say, ""There is no way I could ever get forgiveness.  I have been too bad.""  Do we just walk off, or do we try to convince them that Jehovah will forgive?","However, when it comes to ourselves, we seem to forget that.  Maybe it was a deliberate act and the time and we knew better, but we went ahead and did it.  Jehovah can pardon our sins.  Pardon is a wonderful thing.",Ezekiel 33:14-16; Psalm 25:18;,Charlie Allyn C.O.,Do You Share God's View of Life?,148,1,5/11/2008,
"attitude, positive, negative, witnessing,","One brother likens himself to a prospector. His motto is, “I look forward to striking gold sometime today.” Another brother has the goal “to meet one nice person each week and return within a few days to cultivate the interest.” Some publishers endeavor to share at least one scripture with each householder if possible. What realistic goal could you set for yourself?","The success of the house-to-house ministry does not depend solely on the response of people in the territory. True, the preaching work plays a vital role in the salvation of honesthearted ones, but it also serves other important purposes. The Christian ministry gives us an opportunity to demonstrate our love for Jehovah. (1 John 5:3) It enables us to avoid bloodguilt. (Acts 20:26, 27) It warns the ungodly that “the hour of the judgment by [God] has arrived.” (Rev. 14:6, 7) Above all, through the preaching of the good news, Jehovah’s name is being praised in all the earth. (Ps. 113:3)",Matthew 10:11-15;,w08 7/15 p. 11 pars. 15-16 Meeting the Challenges of the House-to-House Ministry,Service Talk,200,1,2/28/2009,
"Marriage, Respect, Love, knowledge, scar, irritate,",Do you have a scar?  Everyone has one somewhere.  Suppose you pick at it.  It gets worse.  Sometimes it becomes insensitive.,"That is how it is with our mate.  If we keep picking on some point, they become insensitive.",,Ephesians 5:33,SHOW RESPECT AND LOVE IN YOUR MARRIAGE,28,1,5/26/2013,
"Over confidence, world, disfellowship,","Some want the best of both worlds,",…but only one of those worlds will survive.,1 Corinthians 5:9;,Joseph Mazacek,,0,1,6/3/2009,
"Dedication, baptism, friendship, commitment, adoption, Family, cure,","In some ways, our situation is like that of a person who puts his life into the hands of a skilled surgeon who can set him free from a life-threatening condition -- an inheritance of sin.","Only if we entrust ourselves to Jehovah, on the basis of Christ's sacrifice, can we hope to escape the effects of sin and live forever.  Just as our confidence in a surgeon may grow as we learn of his reputation, so our trust in Jehovah will grow as we continue to study God's Word carefully.",John 3:16; 1 John 4:18;,"Jan 15, 2010 WT page 11",THE ONLY CURE FOR SICK MANKIND,62,,1/8/2010,11/10/2015
"Adversity, endure, survive, trust,","The Teide violet grows at an altitude of nearly 12,000 feet [3,700 meters] on the island of Tenerife off the coast of North Africa. Pico de Teide, the volcanic peak from which the violet gets its name, dominates the subtropical island. Its upper slopes seem devoid of vegetation. But in the spring, melting winter snows provide just enough water to allow these tenacious violets to revive and deck the throat of the volcano with a purple garland. Yes, this flower may appear frail and delicate, but it manages to survive and even thrive in this barren, hostile environment.","Like the Teide violet, you too can endure in the midst of adverse circumstances. The Bible has helped many of Jehovah’s Witnesses to do so even in the worst of times.","2 Timothy 3:16, 17;",*** g04 1/8 p. 25 Thriving in the Midst of Adversity ***,,0,,1/27/2006,
"light, shining, plugged in, lamp, roadway,","Show a small flashlight, then a large one like a car's headlight.  Good for different kinds of light.",God's Word is like that.  The Bible is a light that is always plugged in and keeps on shining.,Psalms 119:105,David Pfister,,0,1,7/9/2013,
"Adjustment, older ones, elderly, anxieties, problems,","A sailboat may be coursing along at full speed with the wind blowing in its sails. However, when the sailor at the helm encounters a fierce storm, he is forced to adjust the sails. He is not in control of the storm, but by making adjustments, he may remain in control of his sailboat.","In a comparable way, often we have no control over adverse stormlike circumstances that we encounter in life. But we can keep control of our life to the extent possible by adjusting the way we use physical, mental, and emotional resources. When we take into consideration our new circumstances, we will be helped to preserve our satisfaction and joy in God’s service.",Prov. 11:2,"w08 7/15 p. 31 Cultivate Reasonable Expectations, and Be Joyful",ACT WISELY AS THE END DRAWS NEAR,38,1,2/28/2009,
"Potholes, adversity, struggle, trust, faith,","On a recent trip to Angola, a official visitor noticed that his driver made no attempt to avoid the deep potholes and ruts.  In fact, his driver seemed to be avoiding those places where some repair work had been carried out-- those few holes that had been filled in. He asked, ""Why are you avoiding the smooth patches of road?""  ""Because,"" came his reply, ""That's where the land mines are.""","A Christian's life is one of struggles, and the rocky places in life are not to be avoided.  We must trust in Jehovah and keep going.",Acts 14:22;,Bobby Laymon,MAKE JEHOVAH YOUR CONFIDENCE,70,1,8/31/2009,
"Procrastinate; get around to it, wait, put off,",This is a tuit.  It is round.,"Did you ever say, "" I am going to do this when I get around to it.  Now you have one.",Isaiah 40:26; Daniel 2:21;,Robert Hernonos,,0,1,8/10/2009,
"Communication, adolescents, timid,","In the past, conversation with your child may have flowed like a two-lane highway.","Now, it seems, the road is blocked.",Proverbs 15:22,"Aug 1, 2008 WT page 10;",COMMUNICATION--WITHIN THE FAMILY AND WITH GOD,30,1,7/4/2008,
"Gilead, behind, clarification, understanding, truths, progress, growth, pioneer,","Progress could be illustrated by an overcast sky that is gradually breaking up. As the openings between the clouds grow, more and more light comes through.","Sometimes the truth may be seen, but then may seem obscure by misunderstanding, just as a passing cloud momentarily blocks the sun.  Later the truth returns with greater clarity when the misunderstanding is removed.  The Watchtower Library has publications dating back to 1950 when the New World Translation was published. In the index under ""dates"" there is a subheading, ""clarification of beliefs list dating back to the 1870's.  What will you do with this ""word behind you?""",Mt 13:52,Wallace Liverance; Gilead Graduation,,0,,5/28/2006,
"Divorce, marriage, forgive, forget,",Get off the battle field --the war is over.,"Some parents remain entangled in conflict long after the divorce. They, as one expert puts it, ""legally divorced but still emotionally betrothed combatants who have not been able to negotiate a truce with peace.""","Psalm 18:2; Matthew 28:19, 20; Hebrews 10:24, 25",Oct 2009 Aw page 21,SHOW RESPECT AND LOVE IN YOUR MARRIAGE,28,1,9/2/2009,8/22/2016
"Knowledge, learn, education, Missionary, pioneer","A camel stores food in the fat of its hump. Yet, it will not stop eating and rely on that emergency store.  Quote: Sam Herd.","Missionaries, likewise, should not rely solely on the information learned during Gilead School but should go on nourishing themselves spiritually.",John 17:3;,w09 9/1 p. 29,KEEP SEEKING GOD'S KINGDOM,44,1,1/1/2011,
"Independence, growth, maturity, experience,","Independence is not a door that your child simply walks through; it is a road that he or she travels, and it takes years to complete the journey.","With proper guidance, however, your child will likely emerge from adolescence as a responsible young adult with his or her ""perceptive powers trained to distinguish both right and wrong.""",Proverbs 22:15; Hebrews 5:14;,"May 1, 2009 WT page 11",HOW CAN YOUTHS COPE WITH TODAY'S CRISIS?,113,1,5/26/2009,
"missionary, pioneer, youthful vigor, strength, energy,","Just as a camel carries a rider across a desert, a missionary may have to “carry” a fellow Christian who is in spiritual difficulty.","That requires much energy, but the missionaries have youthful vigor.",Isaiah 40:29.,w09 9/1 pp. 29-30,KEEP SEEKING GOD'S KINGDOM,44,1,1/1/2011,
"Satan, Wrestling, combat,","We should never forget that when we dedicated ourselves to Jehovah, we stepped on the wrestling mat, as it were.","At least from dedication onward, each Christian is locked in combat. No wonder that Paul saw the need to urge Christians in Ephesus three times to “stand firm”!","Ephesians 6:11, 13, 14.",lv chap. 16 p. 186 par. 8 Oppose the Devil and His Crafty Acts,HOW TO PROTECT OURSELVES FROM SATAN'S SNARES,115,1,2/28/2009,
"Money, materialism, work, employment, Satan,",Have you seen a dog tick that is ready to fall off?  It is disgusting!,Satan wants you to become so stuffed you can't move spiritually.,1 Timothy 6:10; Ecclesiastes 7:12;,Marc Cash,Did the Miracles of the Bible Really Happen?,137,1,9/14/2008,
"Poem, I Stand Firm","In my faith, I will always stand firm,Though this world may taunt and cry;In my hope, I will always stand firm,For a beautiful, better time.In my love, I will always stand firm,Though this world repays with hate;Devoted, I will always stand firm,Though this world disloyal stays.From God's Word, flows the might of the strong,And the weak ones it powerful makes;In God's grace I will always stand firm--On my own I could never remain.With my life, I will even stand firm,And as I my last breath confer,You should with the dying gasp hear:I stand firm, I stand firm, I stand firm.",A poem by Franz Wohlfhart--imprisoned in Nazi camps from 1939-1945. Written when he thought that he would be executed like his father and his brother.,Exodus 14:13;,Bobby Laymon,BEARING UP UNDER PERSECUTION,57,1,8/31/2009,
"Load, burden, Instruction, directions, obedience, manual, listen, attention,",Suppose you tried to wear a backpack on your waist.  It would tire you out.  You would only be able to carry a fraction of the load possible if you followed instruction.,"Likewise, following Jehovah's instructions will not wear us out.  It will be a refreshing load that Christ Jesus will help us carry.","Matthew 11:29, 30;",Bobby Laymon,KEEP SEEKING GOD'S KINGDOM,44,,6/12/2006,
"Unity, fights, peace, conflicts, debates,",Don't build a wall…,Build a  bridge.,Micah 2:12;,Matthew Roper,YOU CAN ENJOY LIFE IN PEACE NOW - AND FOREVER,171,1,5/2/2011,
"Children, marriage, role, teaching, mold, train,","Did you ever play with 'Play dough?'  It is smooth and easy to shape it into whatever you want.  It will also retain that shape pretty well.  It is malleable.  However, they recommend you use it within 6 months for best results.","Young children are like that.  They need to be trained early in life.  Experts say, children know the world around them in 8 months time.",Proverbs 15:22;,Jacob Landis,SHOW RESPECT AND LOVE IN YOUR MARRIAGE,28,1,1/25/2011,
"Persecution, trials, simplicity, worship, truth,","Joe Brizalle, a faithful brothers for many years, was dying at age 85.  The doctor was pressuring him to take blood.  The doctor said, ""Do you want to die and go to heaven, or die and go to hell?""","Brother Brizalle said, ""It doesn't really matter, I have friends in both places.""","Ecclesiastes 9:5, 10",Joe Bowling,STAND STILL AND SEE THE SALVATION OF JEHOVAH,41,1,5/15/2007,
"religion, choice, worship, origin, source,","Most of us like to have a good selection to choose from when we go shopping.  When a market offers a variety of fruits and vegetables, we can select the ones that we most enjoy and that are good for us.  If a clothing store offers many affordable styles and colors, we can choose what best suits us.  Some choices we make are merely expressions of individual taste.","Others though, affect our well-being.  For example, our choice of religion.  There is a great variety from which to choose.  Just as prudent shoppers question the origin of their food, so we should question the source of religious doctrines.",1 Kings 12:28;,"March 1, 2007 wt page 3",TRUE RELIGION MEETS THE NEEDS OF HUMAN SOCIETY.,94,1,5/15/2007,
"Purpose, Why,","""Why Are We Here?","Nobel Prize winner and Nazi Holocaust survivor Elie Wiesel once called it ""the most important question a human being has to face.""   Over 3 millenniums ago, another man, who was noted for being a keen observer of life, had already identified the fundamental answer.",Eccesiastes 12:13;,"Oct 15, 2006 page 32",LIFE DOES HAVE A PURPOSE,23,1,10/20/2006,
"Love, agape, storge, eros, philia,","It has been said: ""We are shaped and fashioned by what we love.""","That is true. However, it is also true that we are shaped and fashioned by whom we love and by who loves us. As we are created in God's image, we have the ability to mirror God's love in our lives.  (see article for types of love)",1 John 4: 19; Gen 1:27;,"July 15, 2009 WT page 12",SHOW RESPECT AND LOVE IN YOUR MARRIAGE,28,1,6/15/2009,
"perfection, requirements, sin,",After Adam's sin the bar was lowered.," Jehovah remembers we are dust and born in sin.  However ""all things"" are not an option.",1 Corinthians 10:31;,Joseph Mazacek D. O.,CAN YOU LIVE FOREVER?--WILL YOU?,35,1,9/14/2008,
"Bible, value, valuable, experience,","This time the prisoner I shared a cell with was a German. One evening he began reading a little book-a Bible! It was then that he offered me the Bible for a week's bread allotment. ""Deal!"" I replied.","Although a week's ration of bread was a real sacrifice, I never regretted it. I began to learn the meaning of Jesus' words: ""Man must live, not on bread alone, but on every utterance coming forth through Jehovah's mouth.""",Matthew 4:4,"March 1, 2009 WT page 22",,0,1,6/18/2009,
"Peace, kindness, annoyances, new earth, paradise, peaceable,","A young lady was merrily describing a woman who had taken a seat by her in a crowded railway car and had crammed into the small space a bird cage, a basket of apples, and numerous bundles.  ""Why did you not tell her that she was encroaching upon your rights?"" asked her friend. ""Oh, it was not worthwhile to trouble about it; we had such a little way to go together,"" was the reply.","What a motto for life's journey. So many little annoyances are not worth noticing; so many small unkindness’s may be passed by silently because we have only ""such a little way to go together.""",Romans 12:18;,Bobby Laymon,GLOBAL PEACE--FROM WHAT SOURCE?,122,1,8/31/2009,
"Spirituality, worship, maintain, examine,",Did you ever have a zipper that would not stay up.  You keep checking the status on a regular basis.,"Likewise, our spirituality sometimes slips and we need to keep examining it.","James 1:22, 25;",Heard at District convention,Trust in the God of All Comfort,143,1,9/14/2008,
"World, Follow Satan, evil,","Imagine that a sign on the road says: “This Way to Follow Satan.” Of course, no Christian wants to follow a sign like that.",But even true Christians could start to “follow Satan.”,1 Timothy 5:11-15;,"July 15, 2011 WT page 15",RESISTING THE SPIRIT OF THE WORLD,25,1,4/19/2011,
"Marriage, communication, hearing, listening, rut,",Some couples get into a rut of hearing without listening and speaking without communicating.,"Warm and affectionate4 interaction is replaced by curt, cold routine.",1 Corinthians 7:28;,"Awake! July 2008 page 3, 4;",COMMUNICATION--WITHIN THE FAMILY AND WITH GOD,30,1,6/26/2008,
"Devil, Satan,",Should we be surprised by the confusion regarding Satan’s true identity? Not at all. To illustrate: A criminal might wipe his fingerprints from a crime scene so that he may conceal his identity and thus continue his illegal activity undetected.,"Similarly, Satan is a criminal mastermind who is content to operate behind the scenes, promoting moral corruption. Jesus clearly identified Satan as the one responsible for the evil state of human affairs. Jesus called Satan “the ruler of this world.”",John 12:31;,w09 10/1 p. 15,Is There Really a Devil?,131,1,1/3/2011,
"Interest, Return visits, cultivate, rekindle,","""Wood already touched by fire is not hard to set alight.""  Quote: African Proverb.",We need to try to return while there is interest.  Prayerfully try to help interested ones.,Acts 15:36;,Bobby Laymon,PRAYERS THAT ARE HEARD BY GOD,86,,6/18/2006,
"Marriage, Bible, map,","The most dependable and authoritative ""map"" for marriage is provided by the Originator of marriage -- Jehovah God.","His inspired Word, the Holy Bible, though, is not a magic charm.  Rather, it contains practical direction that married couples need to follow to enjoy a successful marriage.",Psalms 119:105;,Awake! July 2008 page 6,GETTING MARRIAGE OFF TO A GOOD START,27,1,6/26/2008,
"Faith, assured expectation, title deed,","The second expression at Hebrews 11:1, translated ""evident demonstration,"" carries the idea of producing evidence that contradicts that which only appears to be factual. For instance, the sun appears to revolve around the earth-rising in the east, moving through the sky, and setting in the west. However, evidence from astronomy and mathematics reveals that the earth is not the center of the solar system. Once you become familiar with that evidence and accept it as true, you have faith that the earth revolves around the sun-despite what your eyes tell you.","Your faith is not blind. On the contrary, it gives you the ability to see things as they really are, not merely as they seem to be.",Hebrews 11:1;,"May 1, 2009 WT page 3",BUILD YOUR FAITH IN MAN'S MAKER,54,1,5/26/2009,
"Giving, philanthropy, Salvation, Memorial, ransom, gifts, wickedness, ","The dawn of the 20th century saw an earlier so-called golden age of philanthropy. Such financial titans as Andrew Carnegie and John D. Rockefeller, Sr., decided to use their fortunes to help the needy. These benefactors saw that traditional charities, while feeding starving men or nursing sick children, did not address underlying causes.","The word “philanthropy” comes from a Greek word that means “love of mankind.” No one has greater love for mankind than our Creator.  Yes, Jehovah gave much more than mere money to free humans from the viselike grip of sin and death. He gave his precious Son as “a ransom in exchange for many.”",Matthew 20:28;John 3:16,g 5/08 p. 20,Memorial of Christ's Death,0,1,1/1/2011,4/1/2014
"Death, enemy, rescuer, ransom, hope,","IMAGINE that you are running away from a vicious enemy. He is much stronger and faster than you are. You know that he is merciless because you have seen him kill some of your friends. No matter how hard you try to outrun him, he keeps getting closer. There seems to be no hope. Suddenly, though, a rescuer appears at your side. He is far more powerful than your enemy, and he promises to help you. How relieved that makes you feel!","In a sense, you are being pursued by such an enemy. All of us are. As we learned in the preceding chapter, the Bible calls death an enemy. None of us can outrun it or fight it off. Most of us have seen this enemy claim the lives of people dear to us. But Jehovah is far more powerful than death.",1 Corinthians 15:26,bh chap. 7 p. 66 pars. 1-2 Real Hope for Your Loved Ones Who Have Died,,0,,1/26/2006,
"Memory, future, earth, past, time machines, ","“We all have our time machines. Some take us back, they're called memories. Some take us forward, they're called dreams.”  Quote: Jeremy Irons.",We want to remember the past as well as the future.,Isaiah 30:21;2 Peter 3:13;,Bobby Laymon,YOUR FUTURE--HOW CAN IT BE KNOWN?,19,,5/31/2006,5/4/2025
"Holy spirit, emergency,","Imagine a family member become sick in the middle of the night.  Would you awaken a doctor to as him for help?  Not if the patient has a minor complaint.  However, if he is having a heart attack, you would not be ashamed to call a doctor.  Why?  Because you face an emergency.  You realize that skilled help is absolutely necessary.","For us to stay alive spiritually, the help of God's spirit is absolutely necessary.  Not asking for it could be fatal.",1 Peter 5:8; Ephesians 3:14-16; Matthew 10:22; 24:13,"Dec 15, 2006 WT page 22",WHY LIVE BY BIBLE STANDARDS?,88,1,5/15/2007,
"temptation, trials, peer pressure,","Take a compass, and position it so that the needle points north. Now place a magnet at the side of the compass. What happens? The needle no longer gives an accurate reading. Instead, it is turned toward the magnet.","Your conscience is like that compass. If properly trained, it will point “north” and help you to make wise decisions. But harmful association, like a magnet, exerts a pull that can distort your moral judgment. The lesson? Try to avoid people and situations that may throw your moral sense off course!",Proverbs 13:20;,g 8/08 p. 27,HOW CAN YOUTHS COPE WITH TODAY'S CRISIS?,113,1,4/11/2010,
"Love, teacher, teach, Albert Einstein",Love is a better teacher than duty. --Albert Einstein,Christ Jesus taught out of love.  We should do the same.,John 3:16;,Bobby Laymon,Who Is Like Jehovah Our God?,145,1,6/27/2009,
"World, spirit, mind,","We must put a filter on our mind, striving to block out the world’s propaganda to the extent possible.","For example, when choosing entertainment, we refuse to let our minds be sullied by programs that glorify immorality or violence. We realize that God’s holy, or clean, spirit will not reside in a dirty mind. () In addition, we invite God’s spirit into our minds through regular Bible reading, prayer, meditation, and meeting attendance. And we work along with that spirit as we regularly share in the Christian preaching work.",Ps. 11:5; 2 Cor. 6:15-18,w08 9/15 p. 24 par. 20,RESISTING THE SPIRIT OF THE WORLD,25,1,2/28/2009,
"Wisdom, protection, inheritance,","A child may be told not to cross the street before looking both ways. Yet, some children do not obey. Why not? The consequences of being hit by a car may not have been explained often enough or in a manner that impresses the danger upon the child, overcoming the “foolishness” that could lead to an accident. Imparting wisdom takes time, as well as much patience.","But how valuable wisdom is! “Its ways are ways of pleasantness,” the Bible says, “and all its roadways are peace. It is a tree of life to those taking hold of it, and those keeping fast hold of it are to be called happy.”—Proverbs 3:13-18; 22:15.",Proverbs 3:13-18; 22:15,"*** w05 4/1 p. 14 par. 5 Parents, Protect Your Precious Inheritance ***",,0,,1/27/2006,
"Jesus Christ, Righteousness, lawlessness, Bible, instructions, alcohol, associations, entertainment, disfellowship,","A pilot flies into the clouds -- in a few seconds he has lost control.  He doesn't know which way is up.  On average it takes only 7 seconds for a pilot to do that without instruments.  However on this plane the instruments are there, but the pilot neglected becoming acquainted with them.","We have all we need to navigate in this system of things.  We just need to know how.  Jesus sets the pattern.  Regarding alcohol, associations, entertainment and all matters of life.",Hebrews 1:9; 1 John 3:4;,"Follow The Christ District Convention; Tulsa, OK Jun 1-3 2007",IS THE TRUTH TRANSFORMING YOUR LIFE?,51,1,6/4/2007,
"Preoccupation, future, joys integrity, blessings, happiness,","""A PREOCCUPATION with the future … prevents us from seeing the present as it is,"" noted one American philosopher.  Example: Children so preoccupied to become an adult that the miss the joys and benefits of childhood.","Even Jehovah's worshippers are not immune to this pattern of thinking.  We eagerly await a life free of sickness, old age, pain, and suffering.  This if good.  However, we do not want to become so preoccupied with future physical blessings that we are blind to our present-day spiritual blessings.",Proverbs 13:12; Proverbs 10:22;,w06 5/15 26,YOU CAN FIND JOY IN SERVING GOD,103,,5/30/2006,
"Happiness, joy, missionary, pioneer, service,","Gerrit Lösch, another member of the Governing Body, then presented the principal part of the program, “Be a Happy Missionary.” Many activities considered “fun” bring no real happiness, he noted.","Lasting happiness comes from doing God’s will, even though this is not always easy. The Gilead course was hard work but brought great satisfaction.  Several things contribute to making true Christians happy. They worship the happy God.  They live in a spiritual paradise, and the Bible promises that soon the earth will be a physical paradise. They have found the purpose of life—to serve Jehovah and praise him. Moreover, they are loved by Jehovah and Jesus.","Proverbs 14:13; Ecclesiastes 2:10, 11",w09 9/1 p. 30,SERVE JEHOVAH WITH A JOYFUL HEART,78,1,1/1/2011,
"Will, free will, teach me, conform, Jehovah's view,","WHEN traveling, have you ever used a computerized mapping system that allowed you to get an aerial view of your destination? Seeing things from that vantage point may have helped you to determine the best route to take.",Applying a similar principle can help us when we are making important decisions. Seeing things from the Creator’s elevated perspective will enable us to ‘walk in the way’ Jehovah approves.,Isa. 30:21,w12 11/15 p. 3 par. 1,,0,1,5/16/2013,
"Peace, spiritual paradise, contentment, safety, protection,","There once was a King who offered a prize to the artist who could paint the best picture of peace. Many artists tried.  There were only two he really liked.  One picture was of a calm lake like a perfect mirror with peaceful towering mountains all around it. It was a perfect picture of peace.  The other picture had mountains too; rugged and bare. Above was an angry sky from which rain fell, in which lightening played. Down the side of the mountain tumbled a foaming waterfall. This did not look peaceful at all.","But when the King looked, he saw behind the waterfall a tiny bush growing in a crack in the rock. In the bush a mother bird had built her nest. There, in the midst of the rush of any water, sat the mother bird on her nest--perfect peace.  Which picture do you think won the prize? The King chose the second picture. Do you know why? ""Because,"" explained the King, ""peace does not mean a place where there is no noise, trouble, or hard work. Peace means to be in the midst of all those things and still be calm in your heart. That is the real meaning ofpeace.""",Isaiah 32:18;,Bobby Laymon,GOOD NEWS IN A VIOLENT WORLD,85,1,8/31/2009,
"Love, endurance, persist, last days,","PICTURE yourself walking along a road on a stormy day. The sky becomes darker. Lightning starts to flash, thunder booms, then rain falls in torrents. You hurry along, desperately looking for a refuge. There, by the roadside, you see a shelter. It is sturdy, dry, and inviting. How you value that safe place!","We are living in stormy times. World conditions are going from bad to worse. But there is a secure shelter, a refuge that can keep us safe from permanent harm. What is it? Note what the Bible teaches: “I will say to Jehovah: ‘You are my refuge and my stronghold, my God, in whom I will trust.’”",Psalm 91:2.,bh chap. 19 p. 184 pars. 1-2 Remain in God’s Love,,0,,1/27/2006,
"Envy, jealousy,","Then there is  the fable of an eagle who was envious of another that could fly better than he could. One day the bird saw a sportsman with a bow and arrow and said to him, “I wish you would bring down that eagle up there.” The man said he would if he had some feathers for his arrow. So the envious eagle pulled one out of his wing. The arrow was shot, but it didn’t quite reach the rival bird because he was flying too high. The first eagle pulled out another feather, then another—until he had lost so many that he himself couldn’t fly. The archer took advantage of the situation, turned around, and killed the helpless bird.","We might make this application: if you are envious of others, the one you will hurt the most by your actions will be yourself.",Proverbs 28:24;,Kim Laymon,JEALOUSY--PROPER AND IMPROPER,76,1,6/26/2007,12/29/2018
"Marriage, problems, endurance, foundations,","Inevitably, storm like trials will lash at the foundation of your marriage.  This will test the underpinnings of your relationship with your spouse.","However, the sturdiest foundation on which to build a happy marriage is loyal commitment based on love.",Matthew 19:6,g06 July page 7,SHOW RESPECT AND LOVE IN YOUR MARRIAGE,28,,6/12/2006,
"Fear, dragons, mental, attitudes, opportunity, comfort zone, service, advancement, growth,","Centuries ago, when map makers ran out of the known world on their parchment, they would sketch a dragon at the edge of the scroll. This was a sign to the explorer that he was entering unknown territory at his own risk. Some explorers took this symbol literally and were afraid to venture outside the known and previously traveled areas.  Some explorers saw the dragon as a sign of opportunity.","Each of us has a mental map of our own world in our heads. This map contains the information that we use to guide us in our day-to-day activities. Like maps of long ago, our mental maps have dragons around the outer edge. These represent things that, forwhatever reason, we don't want to push beyond. It could be a fear of meeting new people, a fear of public speaking, a fear of being perceived as unworthy, or a fear of failure. Sometimes these dragons are valid. Sometimes however, they prevent us fromdiscovering new worlds of satisfied accomplishment that presently are lying dormant within ourselves.",2 Corinthians 4:7;,Bobby Laymon,DOES YOUR THINKING AGREE WITH GOD'S?,53,1,8/31/2009,
"Mistakes, Jonah, trust, obedience, prophet, negative, positive,","JONAH wished he could shut out the terrible sounds. It was not just the fierce wind, which was shrieking through the ship’s rigging; nor was it just the mountainous waves, which were thundering against the sides of the vessel, making her every timber creak and groan. No, far worse to Jonah were the shouts of those mariners, the captain and his crew, as they struggled to keep the ship afloat. Jonah felt sure that those men were about to die—all because of him!","When people think of the man Jonah, they often seem to focus on negative traits, such as his lapses into disobedience or even his hardheadedness. But there was far more to the man than that. Remember, Jonah was selected to serve as a prophet of Jehovah God. Jehovah would not have picked him for such a weighty responsibility had he been unfaithful or unrighteous.",Jonah 1:2;,w09 1/1 p. 25,PAYING ATTENTION TO THE PROPHETIC WORD,102,1,1/12/2010,
"Associations, friends,","Some Christians in the congregation may take longer to reach spiritual maturity, even as some fruit on a tree may take longer to ripen. Thus, in any given congregation, we find Christians who are at different levels of spiritual growth. (Hebrews 5:12–6:3)","Even within the congregation, we must be selective if our associates are to be spiritually upbuilding. Should this surprise us? Not really. Of course, we show patience and love to newer or weaker ones, for we want to help them to grow spiritually.",Hebrews 5:12–6:3;Romans 14:1; 15:1,lv chap. 3 p. 31 par. 12,CHOOSE YOUR ASSOCIATES WISELY!,116,1,2/28/2009,
"Problems, punishment, devil, adversity,Time and unforeseen occurrence",Consider the person who is unexpectedly caught in a rainstorm. Whether he will get a little wet or completely drenched may just depend on where he happens to be standing when the rain begins to fall.,"Similarly, in these “critical times hard to deal with,” negative conditions can quickly turn into a downpour of adversity.",2 Timothy 3:1-5,g 1/09 p. 29,HOW TO PROTECT OURSELVES FROM SATAN'S SNARES,115,1,1/10/2010,
"Jesus Christ, Faith and Discreet Slave, trust, appoint, guard,","If you were going away on a long trip and needed someone to guard you house and interests, who would you trust?",Jesus Christ knew those he could trust and safeguard his belongings.  We too should trust them with our interests.,Luke 22:28-30; Matthew 24:45-47;,"Darrell Barnes; Follow The Christ District Convention; Tulsa, OK Jun 1-3 2007",INTO THE NEW ORDER UNDER CHRIST'S LEADERSHIP,56,1,6/4/2007,
"Stress,","“When you spend some of your valuable time and energy on yourself, you are, in essence, filling your personal-resource bank. . . . Constantly giving means that you’ve got to be sure there’s something going back in as well, or you’ll risk becoming emotionally short-changed, if not actually bankrupt.”","In addition, the Bible helps one to develop qualities needed to cope with stress, such as “mildness of temper,” patience, and kindness. (Galatians 5:22, 23; 1 Timothy 6:11) More than that, the Bible offers hope—the promise of a coming new world in which all of the things that promote human misery will pass away! (Revelation 21:1-4)",Revelation 21:1-4,*** g05 2/8 p. 11 You Can Cope With Stress! ***,,0,,1/27/2006,
"equal, common ground, superior, attitude, peers,",I like pigs. Dogs look up to us. Cats look down on us. Pigs treat us as equals. Sir Winston Churchill,We like people we can find a common ground with.,1 Cor. 9:22,Bobby Laymon,,0,,4/3/2006,
"Vengeance, resentment, anger, hot,",“Vengeance is a dish best eaten cold”   English Proverb quotes,Let anger cool off.,Deut 32:35; Romans 12:19;,Bobby Laymon,DO YOU HARBOR RESENTMENT OR DO YOU FORGIVE?,68,1,8/10/2009,
"Compliments, praise, encouragement,","Compliments are like potato chips.  You get one, and you look for more.","When we compliment others for their efforts, they work harder to enhance their spirituality.  We are made in God's image.","Genesisesis 1:26, 27",Andre Hudson,,0,,5/21/2006,
"Marriage, wife, kindness, care,","Suppose you received a gift-wrapped package with a label that read: ""Handle With Care.""  How would you treat that package?  Surely you would take every precaution to avoid damaging it.",What about the gift of marriage?,Ruth 1:3-9; Proverbs 19:14,"Sep 15, 2006 wt page 20",SHOW RESPECT AND LOVE IN YOUR MARRIAGE,28,1,10/20/2006,
"Children, Handicapped, special needs, mentally retarded, disabled, encouragement,","Despite the challenges, the dark cloud of childhood mental disability can have a silver lining.","Most are not suffering.  Most are able to be happy, to enjoy the company of others, music, some sports, good food and friends.",Romans 15:4;,April 2006 Awake!,,0,,5/22/2006,
"lies, truth, false,","I have a higher and grander standard of principle than George Washington. He could not lie; I can, but I won't. --Mark Twain","Washington no doubt did lie, however, Jehovah cannot lie.",Titus 1:2;,Bobby Laymon,Jehovah Is 'a Secure Height for His People,151,1,10/24/2006,
"effort, requirements, heart, harvest,","Would it make sense to study vegetable gardening but never plant any seeds? Granted, we might gain a certain amount of knowledge about how to cultivate a garden, but we would never harvest anything!","Similarly, people who learn God’s requirements through a study of the Bible must allow seeds of truth to reach the heart in order for those seeds to sprout and move them to action.—Matthew 13:3-9, 19-23.","Matthew 13:3-9, 19-23",*** w05 4/15 p. 27 Does Your Faith Move You to Action? ***,,0,,1/27/2006,
"Envy,",Envy eats nothing but its own heart.           (German proverb),We must guard against envy.,Proverbs 28:22;,Kim Laymon,JEALOUSY--PROPER AND IMPROPER,76,1,6/26/2007,
"Momma, happy, contagious, happiness, family,","If Momma is happy, everyone is happy.","(The rest of the story)  If Daddy is happy, who cares.",1 Peter 3:1;,Ron Funderburg,SHOW RESPECT AND LOVE IN YOUR MARRIAGE,28,1,5/26/2013,
"Acts of God, Disasters, Miracles,","WHEN an earthquake shook the ground beneath their feet, some ancient people believed that an underground creature had stirred. It was also thought by many that thunder, lightning, and storms were evidences of conflicts among their gods.","To try to avert disaster, such people practiced religions that they hoped would appease those gods. True Acts of God: (1) It is always in harmony with God’s purpose; (2) God gives advance warning before acting; (3) he gives instructions to obedient ones for survival.",Deuteronomy 32:4,g86 8/8 p. 5,ACTS OF GOD - HOW DO YOU VIEW THEM?,93,1,12/11/2009,
"Children, Handicapped, special needs, mentally retarded, disabled, encouragement,",Though they may live in a smaller world than normal children….,"They often feel happier in their ""cottage"" than do normal children in their ""castle.""",Romans 15:4,April 2006 Awake page 27,,0,,5/22/2006,
"Conscience, trained conscience,","However, the conscience may in some cases be wrong. Why? Well, if a compass is placed near a metal object, it may be influenced to point in a direction other than north. And if it is used without an accurate map, the compass may be nearly worthless.","Similarly, if unduly influenced by the selfish desires of our heart, our conscience may point us in the wrong direction. And if it is used without the sure guidance of God’s Word, we may be unable to distinguish between right and wrong in many important matters. Really, in order for our conscience to work properly, we need the guidance of Jehovah’s holy spirit. Paul wrote: “My conscience bears witness with me in holy spirit.”",Romans 9:1,lv chap. 2 p. 17 par. 7,HOLD A GOOD CONSCIENCE IN A SINFUL WORLD,107,1,2/28/2009,
"Faith, wicked spirits, Satan, Devil, protection, demons,",The firmness of a wall depends very much on the strength of its foundation.,"In the same way, the firmness of our faith depends greatly on the strength of its base, which is accurate knowledge of God’s Word, the Bible. If we read and study the Bible daily, our faith will become strong. Like a strong wall, such faith will shield us from the influence of wicked spirits.",1 John 5:5.,bh chap. 10 p. 104 par. 16 Spirit Creatures—How They Affect Us,,0,,1/26/2006,
"Jesus, teacher, love, imitate,","IMAGINE how thrilling it must have been to hear Jesus teach! The Bible gives us glimpses of the impact he made on those who met him. For instance, Gospel writer Luke relates that people in Jesus' hometown ""began. . . to marvel at the winsome words proceeding out of his mouth."" Matthew reports that those who listened to Jesus as he taught in the Sermon on the Mount ""were astounded at his way of teaching."" And John observes that the officers who were sent to arrest Jesus returned empty-handed, saying: ""Never has another man spoken like this.""","Those officers were not mistaken. Jesus was unquestionably the greatest Teacher who ever lived. He taught with clarity, simplicity, and irrefutable logic. He skillfully used illustrations and questions. He adapted his teaching to those to whom he spoke, whether they were of high station or low. The truths he taught were easy to grasp yet truly profound. However, these things alone did not make Jesus the great Teacher that he was.  	A Key Quality-Love",Luke 4:22; Matt. 7:28; John 7:46,"July 15, 2009 Wt page 15",Jesus Christ-Earth's New Ruler,140,1,6/15/2009,
"Peter, doubt, fear, faithful, worry, unfounded,","Peter felt an unexpected weight as he started hauling in the nets. Incredulous, he pulled harder, and before long, he could see a great mass of fish wriggling within the mesh! Frantically, he motioned to the men in the second boat to come to help. As they did, it soon became apparent that one boat could not contain all these fish. They filled both vessels, and still there were too many—the boats started to sink under the weight.","This was no time for doubt or fear. Peter’s doubts about such practical matters as fishing were unfounded; his fears about his own faults and inadequacies were just as baseless. Jesus had a great work to do, a ministry that would change history. He served a God who “will forgive in a large way.” (Isaiah 55:7) Jehovah would take care of their needs, both physical and spiritual.","Luke 5:10, 11; Matthew 6:33;",w09 10/1 p. 23,COPING WITH LIFE'S ANXIETIES,32,1,1/3/2011,
"Materialism, money, work, pioneer,",Small boy that placed a $20.00 bill on the sidewalk with a string.  He would pull it away and leave them chasing it.,That is how working for the world is.,1 John 2:17;,Charlotte Blake.,,0,1,6/2/2009,
"Nursing Home, care, visits, attention, aid, respect, elderly, older ones,",A well-watered and cultivated plant will get more attention from others.,"Daniele, who has been visiting fellow Witnesses in nursing homes from some 20 years, observes, ""When the staff of a nursing home notice that a person has regular visits, he or she gets better care.""",Proverbs 17:22,"Apr 15, 2008 WT page 27, 28",FOLLOW THE COURSE OF HOSPITALITY,77,1,6/29/2008,
"Baptism, dedication,",We are in the calm before the storm.  Describe Noah and family during the last look at the ark before entering.  Thought they must have had.,We are in that situation today.  We are in the calm before the storm of Armageddon lets loose.,1 Peter 3:21; 2:2;,Daniel Ayers,,0,1,5/15/2007,
"Judge, fairness, righteous, kind,","JUSTICE. Fairness. Impartiality. Are you not drawn to such noble attributes? We humans have an innate need to be treated fairly. Sadly, justice often proves to be elusive in today’s world.","There is, however, a Judge who deserves our trust—Jehovah God. He always does what is right. This was made clear in a conversation that took place between Jehovah and Abraham, as recorded at Genesis 18:22-32.",Genesis 18:22-32;,w09 1/1 p. 24,JUDGMENT DAY-A TIME OF FEAR OR HOPE?,156,1,1/12/2010,
"Time, Money, Resources, memorial,","Time might be compared to a large, swift river.  It is ever flowing forward.  You cannot stop it, nor can you use every drop that flows by.  Centuries ago, people began building waterwheels on riverbanks.  With them, they harnessed energy from the flowing water to operate their grindstones, sawmills, pumps and hammers.","Similarly, you can harness time, not to save it, but to use it to accomplish good work.  To do so, however, you must contend with two principal time stealers - procrastination and its close relative, clutter.  Consider.",Eph. 5:15-17;,"August 1, 2006 WT page 8",Service Talk,200,1,10/20/2006,
"Mind, thoughts, attitude, thinking, transform,",It's an inside job.  Making the mind over.,It is actually the work of a lifetime.,Romans 13:11-14;,Frank Barr C.O.,IS THE TRUTH TRANSFORMING YOUR LIFE?,51,1,5/10/2010,
"Appreciation, glory, creation, mankind, humans, gift,","Does your dog enjoy a beautiful sunset?  Does he call over the other dogs to enjoy it with him?  Can he enjoy the 10,000 varieties of apples. It would take us 27 years to taste each variety.  Man has found over 200 ways to prepare them.",Beauty is a gift from Jehovah.  Who should be glorified?  He reserves that glory only to himself.,Isaiah 42:8; Psalm 83:18;,Joseph Mazacek D. O.,APPRECIATING MARVELS OF GOD'S CREATION,114,1,9/14/2008,
"hurt, Adam, Eve, obedience, obey, respect,",How would you feel if you raised and cared for a son or a daughter who then disobeyed you in a way that showed that he or she had no respect or love for you? That would cause you much heartache.,"Imagine, then, how hurt Jehovah must have felt when both Adam and Eve took a course of opposition to him.",Genesisesis 3:19,*** bh chap. 6 p. 63 par. 12 Where Are the Dead? ***,,0,,1/26/2006,
"Anger, Temper, rage, control,","A lot of us loose control when we get angry. We are kind of like the man who said, ""I'm so think, I can't mad straight.A man is never in worse company than when he flies in a rage and is beside himself.An angry man opens his mouth and shuts up his eyes. CatoAnger: an acid that can do more harm to the vessel in which it is stored than to anything on which it is poured. SenecaAnger begins with folly, and ends with repentance. H. G. Bohn Anger blows out the lamp of the mind. Robert Green IngersollAnger is as a stone cast into a wasp's nest. Malabar ProverbAnger is just one letter short of ""danger.""Anger is the refuge of the insecure. George R. KalistaAnger would inflict punishment on others, meanwhile, it tortures itself. Publius Syrus, 1009 C.E.Any person who can make his opponent lose his temper can defeat him whether it be in an athletic contest, debate, or personal encounter.Anyone who angers you conquers you.Before you give somebody a piece of your mind, be sure you can get by with what you have left!Everything becomes a little different as soon as it is spoken out loud. Hermann HesseGrow angry slowly. There's plenty of time.He that loses his head doesn't use it!He that loses his head is usually the last one to miss it.He who blows his stack adds to the world's pollution.He who can suppress a moment's anger may prevent a day of sorrow.He who has a sharp tongue usually cuts his own throat.Holding on to anger only gives you tense muscles. Joan LundenHot tempers lead to cool friends.Hot words never resulted in cool judgment.I know of no more disagreeable situation than to be left feeling generally angry without anybody in particular to be angry at. Frank Moor Colby, 1926If a small thing has the power to make you angry, does that not indicate something about your size? Sydney J. HamsIf you are patient in one moment of anger, you will escape a hundred days of sorrow. Chinese ProverbIn the midst of great joy, do not promise anyone anything. In the midst of great anger, never answer anyone's letter. Chinese proverbIt doesn't pay to say too much when you are mad enough to choke. For the word that stings the deepest is the word that is never spoke, Let the other fellow wrangle 'til the storm has blown away, then he'll do a heap of thinking about the things you didn't say. James Whitecomb RileyIt is easy to fly into a passion--anybody can do that; but to be angry with the right person to the right extent and at the right time and with the right objective and in the right way, that is not easy, and it is not everyone who can do it. Aristotle, 4th century B.C.It is impossible to defeat an ignorant man in argument. William G. McAdoo""Let anger alone and leave rage. Do not show yourself heated up only to do evil."" Psalm 37:8Life is thorny, and youth is vainand to be wroth with one we lovedoth work like madness to the brain. Samuel Taylor Colridge, 1816Little pots soon boil over!Maturity is the ability to think, speak and act your feelings within the bounds of dignity. The measure of your maturity is how spiritual you become during the midst of your frustrations.Men and pins are useless when they lose their heads.Men are like steel. When they lose their temper, they lose their worth.Men with clenched fists cannot shake hands.Never miss a chance to keep your mouth shut. Robert Newton PeckMen often make up in wrath what they want (lack) in reason.No one can be reasonable and angry at the same time.Nothing cooks your goose more quickly than a boiling temper.Nothing lowers the level on conversation more than raising the voice. Stanley HorowitzPeople who fly into a rage always make a bad landing.People who know the least always argue the most. Author UnknownQuarrels wouldn't last as long, if the fault was only on one side. UnknownRevenge has no more quenching effect on emotions than salt water on thirst. Walter WecklerSilence is one of the hardest things to refute. Josh BillingsSome people think they are big shots because they are always exploding!Speak when you're angry, and you'll make the best speech you'll ever regret.Swallowing angry words is much easier than having to eat them!Temper is a valuable possession, don't lose it.Temper makes iron stronger.Temper makes people weaker. George R. KalistaThe bare recollection of anger kindles anger. Publius Syrus, 1st century C.E.The best answer to anger is silence. Author UnknownThe best time for you to hold your tongue is the time you feel you must say something or bust. Josh BillingsThe best way to get rid of a hot head is to give him the cold shoulder.The greatest remedy for anger is delay. SenecaThe most important thing in an argument, next to being right, is to leave an escape hatch for your opponent, so that he can gracefully swing over to your side without too much apparent loss of face. Sydney J. HarrisThe size of a man is measured by the size of the thing that makes him angry. Author UnknownThe trouble with letting off steam is that it only gets you into more hot water.The worst-tempered people I've ever met were the people who knew they were wrong. MiznerThere is no old age for a man`s anger, only death. Sophocles, 401 B.C.To be angry is to revenge the fault of others upon ourselves. Alexander Pope, 1727To rule one's anger is well; to prevent it is still better. Tryon EdwardsYou can't get rid of your temper by losing it.You can't put things across by being cross.Your temper is like a fire--it gets very destructive when it gets out of control.""When a man is wrong and won't admit it, he always gets angry."" George WashingtonWhen you are right, you can afford to keep your temper. When you are wrong, you can't afford to lose it.",See various quotes above.,Psalm 37:8;,Bobby Laymon,FOLLOW THE WAY TO LIFE,45,1,8/31/2009,7/2/2025
"Reasonableness, control, rigid, over demanding, bossy,","One reference work notes that trying to control every aspect of an adolescent’s life “is the equivalent of performing a violent and exhausting rain dance to make it rain. There won’t be any rain, but you will get worn out.”","Successful parents display reasonableness when dealing with their children. Their discipline is not excessive, nor are they “hard to please.” (1 Peter 2:18) They grant freedoms to adolescents who demonstrate a sense of responsibility. They do not try to micromanage.",1 Peter2 :18;,g 10/09 p. 7,SHOW RESPECT AND LOVE IN YOUR MARRIAGE,28,1,1/3/2011,
"Bible, Accurate, authentic, genuine,",You might view the prospect of reading a book or even a magazine article as being a little like taking medicine:,"You know it is good for you, but you prefer to avoid it.","2 Timothy 3:16, 17;",Society website,,175,1,9/24/2009,
"Integrity, moral completeness, soundness, whole, faultless,",A young man loves a young woman whom he is going to marry. He would be foolish to expect her to be perfect.,"Yet, he would be wise to expect her to be wholehearted in her love for him, that is, to have romantic love for him alone. In a comparable way, Jehovah is “a God exacting exclusive devotion.”  He expects us, not to be perfect, but to love him wholeheartedly, giving worship to him alone.",Ex. 20:5,w08 12/15 p. 4 par 6,Service Talk,200,1,2/28/2009,
"Time, Money, Resources, memorial,","People often talk about saving time.  What happens if you sleep eight hours and try to save the rest of the day by doing nothing?  At the end of the day, the unused hours are gone forever.",Any attempt to save time by not using it is futile.,Eph. 5:15-17;,"Aug 1, 2006 wt page 8",TAKING TIME TO MEDITATE ON SPIRITUAL THINGS,67,1,10/20/2006,
"Happiness, Happy, joy, fulfillment, friends, work, food,","""The pursuit of Happiness"" is the right of all men.  That was the view of the framers of the Declaration of Independence of the United",,,,,0,,6/12/2006,
"Camel, missionaries, pioneers, service, equipped,","“Some consider the camel ugly,” began Samuel Herd, a member of the Governing Body, “yet it is perfectly suited to life in the desert.”","Similarly, the new missionaries have what it takes to succeed in their assigned territories. Five things will help them.1. Love for Jehovah.2. Stored knowledge of God’s Word.3. Love for people. 4. A willing spirit. (Psalm 110:3) 5. Youthful vigor.","Matthew 22:37, 38",w09 9/1 p. 29,KEEP SEEKING GOD'S KINGDOM,44,1,1/1/2011,
"Understanding, insight, 1 Corinthians,","Sometimes you hear about cold case files.  These are files that are basically closed because of lack of evidence.  Then new methods of understanding comes along and better forensics, DNA, or other evidence and they are reopened.",Many books of the Hebrew Scriptures were like that.  More understanding was needed.  The apostle Paul provides much of this in 1 Corinthians.  He magnifies and enlarges the Hebrew Scriptures for our understanding.,1 Corinthians 10:4;,Bobby Laymon,,0,1,9/10/2008,
"Family, happiness, marriage, wedding,","SUPPOSE you plan to build your own home. You purchase the land. With keen anticipation, you see your new house in your mind’s eye. But what if you have no tools and no building skills? How frustrating your efforts would be!","Many couples enter marriage envisioning a happy family, yet possess neither the tools nor the skills needed to build one. Shortly after the wedding day, negative patterns develop. Fighting and bickering become a daily routine. When children are born, the new father and mother find themselves no more skilled at parenthood than they are at marriage.  Happily, however, the Bible can help. Its principles are like tools that enable you to build a happy family.",Proverbs 24:3,kl chap. 15 p. 140 pars. 1-3,FAMILY LIFE THAT WARMS THE HEART,5,1,5/16/2013,
" Belonging to Jehovah, Undeserved Kindness, trust, confidence, study, learn, cure,","In some ways, our situation is like that of a person who puts his life into the hands of a skilled surgeon who can set him free from a life-threatening condition.","We all have a life-threatening condition—an inheritance of sin. Only if we entrust ourselves to Jehovah, on the basis of Christ’s sacrifice, can we hope to escape the effects of sin and live forever. (John 3:36) Just as our confidence in a surgeon may grow as we learn of his reputation, so our trust in Jehovah will grow as we continue to learn about him.",1 John 4:18;,w10 1/15 p. 11 par. 17,BASIS FOR CONFIDENCE IN THE BIBLE'S DIVINE AUTHORSHIP,124,1,1/8/2011,
"Harmony, discord, noise, Discord Among Brothers, resentment, unity,",One man gets nothing but harmony out of a piano; another gets discord. No one claims the piano is at fault.,"Harmony among the brothers is about the same. The discord is possible, but so is the harmony. Study to play it correctly, and it will give forth beauty; ignore the practice and application, refuse to correct the errors, and the result will not be pleasant.",1 Peter 4:8,Bobby Laymon,LOVE IDENTIFIES THE TRUE CHRISTIAN CONGREGATION,72,1,8/31/2009,
"Adolescents, children, parents,","Hard as it may be to accept, adolescents are no longer little children.  They are 'adults in training,' and parents are their teachers and their cheerleaders.",Parents have the power both to build and to destroy a child's self-confidence.  How can parents find the right balance?,"Isaiah 48:17, 18;",June 2008 Awake! Page 6,PARENTS--ARE YOU BUILDING WITH FIRE-RESISTANT MATERIALS?,104,1,6/27/2008,
"Traits, personality, improvement, new personality,","When we renovate an old house, it is not enough to paint the outside if there are rotten beams inside. Ignoring structural defects would only invite trouble later.","Similarly, a veneer of uprightness is not enough. We must get to the core of our personality and recognize problems that need to be solved. Otherwise, old personality traits are bound to resurface. Self-scrutiny, then, is a must. We need to identify undesirable traits and correct them. To that end, Jehovah has provided us with help.",2 Cor. 13:5,w08 11/15 p. 4 What Kind of Person Do You Want to Be?,Service Talk,200,1,2/28/2009,
"learning, teach, desire,","Personally I'm always ready to learn, although I do not always like being taught. Sir Winston Churchill",We need to be like David.,"Psalm 25:4, 5;",Bobby Laymon,OVERCOMING FEAR OF THE FUTURE,108,1,10/24/2006,
"Listen, attention, talk, Prophecy,","""One must talk little and listen much.""  Quote: African Proverb.",Most professed Christians have little interest in prophecy.  Bible shows even angels interested in future.,1 Peter 1:12;,Bobby Laymon,PAYING ATTENTION TO THE PROPHETIC WORD,102,,6/18/2006,
"Education, snare, trap, Satan,",Against this building is this ladder just a few feet away.  Your child starts climbing.  The wind is blowing and there are rungs missing from the ladder.  Do you feel your child is safe?,The challenges at a university are more challenging then when with us.  Is the risks involved worth the gain?  The draw can be very strong.,Isaiah 54:13,Chuck Bland,HOW CAN YOUTHS COPE WITH TODAY'S CRISIS?,113,1,6/3/2009,
"Gossip, lies, slander, feathers in the wind,","There is an old Jewish story that shows what harmful gossip does. A man told lies to many people about the wisest man in his village. Sometime later, the man who lied wanted the wise man to forgive him. So he asked the wise man: “What can I do to show you that I am sorry for what I said about you?” The wise man told him: “There is one thing you can do. Take a pillow full of feathers. Cut it open, and let the wind take the feathers.” The man did not know the reason for that, but he did what the wise man asked him to do. Later, he returned to the wise man and asked him: “Do you forgive me now?”","The wise man said: “First, go and find all the feathers.” The man said: “But that is very difficult. The wind blew the feathers everywhere. I cannot find them anymore.” Then, the wise man replied: “Just as the feathers went to many places, your lies went to many people. And just as you cannot find the feathers, you cannot make people forget what you said.” The lesson is clear. We cannot change what we say after we say it. And sometimes we cannot change the bad results of what we said. So before we say something bad about others, it is good to remember that our words are like feathers in the wind.",Matthew 12:30;,"July 15, 2011 WT page 15;","COME, YOU WHO THIRST FOR THE TRUTH!",89,1,4/19/2011,
"Fully equipped, Bible, inspired, inspiration, competent, distress, fear, worry, help, aid,",Like a boat in ancient times that was fitted out with everything needed for a voyage or of a machine that was capable of performing whatever was expected of it.,"Similarly, Jehovah through his Word provides us with all that we need to handle whatever may come our way.","2 Timothy 3:16, 17;","WT March 15, 2008 page 15",DOES GOD COUNT YOU PERSONALLY IMPORTANT?,26,1,5/11/2008,
"Isolation, alone, vulnerable, attack, protection, danger, Satan, snares,","When is a soldier most vulnerable to being attacked?  Not while he is on guard, or behind enemy lines.  It is when he is alone and off guard.",Likewise when we isolate ourselves we are vulnerable to Satan's attacks.,Matthew 6:6;,Mark Shepherd,HOW TO PROTECT OURSELVES FROM SATAN'S SNARES,115,1,9/14/2008,
"Devil, Satan, who made,","Imagine an accountant who sees an opportunity to manipulate records in such a way as to steal from his company for personal profit. He might quickly dismiss that wrong thought. If, instead, he dwells on this possibility, then the idea will grow in its appeal, and he is likely to carry it out."," If he does, he has, in effect, made himself a thief. If he lies about his crime, he becomes a liar too. In a similar way, by cultivating wrong desires and acting on them, the angel whom God created used his free will to engage in deception and rebel against his Father, thus making himself Satan the Devil.",Romans 16:20;,w11 3/1 p. 21,,0,1,5/14/2013,
"Self-condemning heart, imperfection, bad, sin, Good,","1. Digging for gold. Did the prospectors come home to their families and say: ""I dug 3,000 pounds of dirt today."" No! They were thrilled with finding three ounces of gold. But you cannot get to the gold without going through the dirt. It is that 1% that makes us all unique and valuable to Jehovah.2. Farmers plant acres and acres of wheat. Do they harvest for the straw and chaff--the volume of what they planted? No! Again, they work very hard to harvest and separate the 1% of valuable life-sustaining wheat from the rest which is not desired.","Jehovah wants us to avoid having a self-condemning heart and concentrate our best efforts on our 1%.  We, as imperfect humans, dealing with imperfection and problems we often create for ourselves, have the tendency to concentrate--almost exclusively--on the bad in us. In many cases this is even bred in us (for example parents constantly telling their children what they didn't do or didn't do right, thus making children feel worthless, whether intentional or not).  Obviously, because of imperfection, we're all about 99% bad, so finding something bad to concentrate on is not hard to do!  But it is that 1% that Jehovah sees and loves; it is that 1% that he wants us to concentrate on; it is that 1% that makes us unique in this world and that can ultimately save our very lives.Galatians 6:4 highlights that Jehovah does not compare us to others or to what we used to be able to do. He only looks to us for what we are individually and uniquely capable of doing--our individual potential. (See also Deuteronomy 24:16). Haggai 2:7 stresses that it is our obedience to Jehovah that makes us desirable and worthy of being collected.  Psalms 56:8 Shows us this is not easy. The ""tears"" referred to represent the writer's (and our) endurance, which truly matters to Jehovah. The ""collected tears of endurance"" are recorded in Jehovah's book…a record of our 1% good that is valuable to him. Perhaps we really did not feel we could make it to the meeting or service. Perhaps we feel unworthy. Maybe after we were there we still did not feel any better. We might think, ""well, if I don't feel like being there or don't want to be there, why go? Jehovah won't bless me due to my attitude."" Avoid making decisions for Jehovah--even when we must push ourselves hard to appreciate spiritual things due to the pressures and problems of life, to Jehovah, these are ""tears of endurance"" worthy of collecting in his book. (Some of us may need two or more ""skin bottles."" 1 Kings 14:10, 13 show that Jehovah looks very hard for the good. Here is an example of a family considered to be as worthless as ""urine and dung"" yet Jehovah found the good in the ""house of Jeroboam.""  Romans 10:15 shows that our declaring the good news makes us ""comely"" (beautiful) despite the 99% bad and ugly.  Eventually, our sins will be completely blotted out, we will become all good, and will soon experience seasons of refreshing, which Jehovah will give us if we now concentrate on that 1% that makes us good and desirable to him. (Acts 3:19)  In conclusion, avoid that self-condemning heart, remembering that Jehovah looks for the good. Remember your 1% for which Jehovah loves you dearly!",Galatians 6:5;,Bobby Laymon,Service Talk,200,1,8/31/2009,
"Associations, Saul, Paul, Conscience,","What could have affected Saul’s conscience? One thing may have been his close contact with others. Many of us have spoken on the telephone with a man whose voice sounds very similar to that of his father. To an extent, the timbre of the son’s voice may have been inherited, but he may also have been influenced by his father’s speech patterns.","Similarly, Saul may have been affected by close contact with Jews who hated Jesus and opposed his teachings. Yes, Saul’s associates may have influenced the voice he heard from within, his conscience.","John 11:47-50; 18:14; Acts 5:27, 28, 33","October 15, 2007 WT page 22",CHOOSE YOUR ASSOCIATES WISELY!,116,1,1/4/2008,
"Endurance, enthusiasm, Preaching, Zeal,",Success is the ability to go from one failure to another with no loss of enthusiasm. Sir Winston Churchill,"We do that when we ""shake the dust off,"" and continue preaching, unshaken ourselves.",Matthew 10:14;,Bobby Laymon,MEETING THE TEST OF CHRISTIAN LOYALTY,48,1,10/24/2006,
"Trap, birdcatcher, snare, caught,","The hens were starting to roost in a tall tree.  One hen was too high up, and began to come down one limb at a time.  It sat right beside another hen and gradually pushed the other hen to the edge of the limb.  The limb could no longer hold the two hens and the one on the end started flapping as it fell.  The other hen swooped down and carried it away.  It was an owl.  The owl could not carry the dead weight of the hen, so he kept her alive and let her wings help carry her away.","Just as the owl used an ingenious way to trap the hen, so Satan uses ingenious ways to trap people.  Satan is the Birdcatcher.  He uses different ways.  Entertainment; popularity; immorality; whatever works.","Psalm 91:2, 3;","District Convention - Tulsa, OK  June 23, 24, 2006",,0,1,7/2/2006,
"Jesus, influence, preaching, worldwide work, increase, organization,","“ALL that the gospels report of what Jesus said, in private and in public, he could have uttered in two hours,” wrote Bible translator Edgar Goodspeed. “Yet that little was so stirring, so moving and so penetrating that it is safe to say nobody else has influenced the world so much.”","When Jesus Christ completed his earthly ministry in the year 33 C.E., his followers numbered at least some 120 men and women. (Acts 1:15) Today, more than two billion people claim to be Christians. Hundreds of millions more recognize Jesus as a prophet. His teachings have indeed had an extraordinary influence on mankind.",Acts 1:15;,Society's Web Site,NO PART OF THE WORLD--IN IMITATION OF CHRIST,11,,5/30/2006,
"Exercise, sleep, awake, rest,",I have never taken any exercise except sleeping and resting.  --Mark Twain,Many feel the same way.,1 Timothy 4:8;,Bobby Laymon,ARE YOU MARKED FOR SURVIVAL?,34,1,10/24/2006,
"Exception, rule, counsel, discipline, sin, warning,","""Without EXCEPTION, there is always someone who thinks THEY are the exception.""",We must not think we are wiser than Jehovah.,"Galatians 6:7, 8;","James Barnes; District Convention - Tulsa, OK  June 23, 24, 2006",YOU WILL REAP WHAT YOU SOW,59,1,7/2/2006,
"Holy spirit, cultivate,","To obtain a good harvest, farmers also need to water their crops.","In order to cultivate the fruitage of the spirit, you need the waters of truth found in the Bible and available through the Christian congregation today.",Isaiah 55:1Isaiah 55:1,"March 15, 2010 WT",,0,1,1/5/2010,
"Peace, relationship, friendship,","If untreated, small cracks in the pavement can grow into dangerous potholes. Leaving personal differences unresolved can likewise be disastrous.",An unresolved personal difference could eventually cause a Christian to hate his brother.,1 John 4:20,w08 11/15 p. 17 “Pursue the Things Making for Peace”,TRUE FRIENDSHIP WITH GOD AND NEIGHBOR,100,1,2/28/2009,
"False lights, Alert, Dangers, Babylon the Great,","Back in the days of sailing ships, a particular danger was posed by wicked men who preferred moonless nights when sailors found it difficult to see the shore. These men might place lights along dangerous stretches of coast so as to trick ship captains into changing course. Those deceived might find their ships wrecked, their cargo plundered, and lives lost.","In a similar fashion, Satan, the deceptive “angel of light,” wants to rob God’s people of their relationship with Him. The Devil may use “false apostles” and apostate “ministers of righteousness” to deceive the unwary. (2 Corinthians 11:13-15) But just as an alert, experienced captain and crew were less likely to be fooled by deceptive lights, Christians “who through use have their perceptive powers trained to distinguish both right and wrong” are not misled by those who promote false teachings and hurtful philosophies.—Hebrews 5:14; Revelation 2:2.",2 Corinthians 11:13-15,"Oct 15, 2007 WT Page 14",Jesus Christ-Earth's New Ruler,140,1,1/4/2008,
"Difference, abilities, gifts,","""Different strokes for different folks.""",We should not try to make all the brothers uniform as the military does.  Neither make them to be just like us.,Micah 5:6;,Bobby Laymon,SERVING WITH JEHOVAH'S UNIFIED ORGANIZATION,3,1,4/19/2011,
"Integrity, moral completeness, soundness, whole, faultless,","PICTURE three scenarios: A boy is facing some of his schoolmates. They are trying to provoke him into losing his temper, perhaps to curse or to fight. Will he retaliate, or will he restrain himself and walk away? A husband at home alone is doing some research on the Internet. A box appears on his computer screen, advertising a lewd Web site. Will he be tempted and go to that site, or will he make sure that he avoids it? A Christian woman is conversing with a small group when the talk turns negative, becoming hurtful gossip about a sister in the congregation. Will she share in that, or will she try to change the subject?","Varied though those situations are, they have something in common. They all involve the struggle to keep integrity as a Christian. Do you have your own integrity in mind as you face your concerns, needs, and goals in life? On a day-to-day basis, people think about their appearance, their health, the challenges of making a living, the ups and downs of their friendships, perhaps even romance. We may give such concerns considerable attention. What, though, particularly matters to Jehovah as he searches through our heart?  It is our integrity.","Ps. 139:23, 24",w08 12/15 p. 3 pars. 1-2 Why Keep Your Integrity?,Service Talk,200,1,2/28/2009,
"Predestination, foreordained, foreknowledge, predetermine","Suppose that a government decides to set up a particular agency. It predetermines the agency’s functions, its powers, and its size. The agency finally goes into operation some time after it was set up, and its members issue a statement saying: “The government determined a number of years ago what our job would be. Now we begin the work assigned to us.” Would you conclude that the government must have predetermined some years earlier who the individual members of that agency would be? Surely not.","Similarly, Jehovah predetermined that he would set up a special agency to remedy the effects of Adam’s sin. He foreordained the class of people who would serve in that agency—but not the individuals. They would be chosen later, and the choices they would make in life would have a bearing on whether they were finally approved or not.","Isaiah 40:25, 26;",Society's Website,DELIVERANCE FROM A WORLD OF DARKNESS,162,1,10/31/2006,
"dangers, warnings, adultery, stealing,","""Whether the knife falls on the melon or the melon on the knife, the melon suffers.""  Quote: African Proverb.",There are some things you simple cannot do without harm to yourself.,Galatians 5:21;,Bobby Laymon,WILL YOU BE A SURVIVOR OF THE LAST DAYS?,2,,6/18/2006,
"Resentment, forgive, harbor",“Resentment is like taking poison and waiting for the other person to die.”  quote: Malachy McCourt,The only one we hurt is ourselves.,Luke 6:42,Bobby Laymon,DO YOU HARBOR RESENTMENT OR DO YOU FORGIVE?,68,1,5/11/2005,
"Cheat, lie, shortcuts, honesty, new earth,","A group of bikers were riding their bikes across the United States.  When working near Houston, Missouri I stopped at a small store outside of town.  A biker asked me which way I was going, and wanted to hitch a ride with me for about 50 miles to get ahead of the others.  I refused.",To get to the new earth there are no short cuts.  We must be honest in all things.,Proverbs 6:16;,Bobby Laymon,CONDUCTING OURSELVES HONESTLY AT ALL TIMES,10,1,1/7/2010,
"Holy spirit, Guidance,",Holy spirit is not a ghost.  It is not power stored up in a battery.,It could be rendered wind.  It is active and moving.  It's affects are powerful and not always invisible.,Psalm 143:10; John 16:13;,Robert Burdge C. O.,INTO THE NEW ORDER UNDER CHRIST'S LEADERSHIP,56,1,9/14/2008,
"pain, comfort, compassion, Empathy","""SO LONG as you can sweeten another's pain, life is not in vain,"" wrote Helen Keller. Keller certainly understood emotional pain. At the age of 19 months, an illness left her totally blind and deaf. But a compassionate teacher taught Helen to read and write in Braille and, later, to speak.","You have likely observed that in this selfish world, it is easy to 'shut the door of one's tender compassions' and ignore the needs of others. (1 John 3:17) Christians, however, are commanded to love their neighbor and to have intense love for one another.",Matthew 22:39; 1 Peter 4:8,http://www.watchtower.org/library/w/2002/4/15/article_01.htm,"MERCY, A DOMINANT QUALITY OF TRUE CHRISTIANS",7,1,10/24/2006,
"Satan, predator, protection,","As you walk along in a pleasant park, you notice a sturdy high fence blocking off part of the grounds. The landscape beyond the fence looks inviting. At first, you might view the fence as a needless restriction of your freedom. As you look through it, though, you notice a ferocious lion stalking prey on the other side!","Now you see the fence for what it is—a protection. Is there a dangerous predator stalking you right now? God’s Word warns: “Keep your senses, be watchful. Your adversary, the Devil, walks about like a roaring lion, seeking to devour someone.”",1 Peter 5:8.,lv chap. 17 p. 197 par. 4 “Building Up Yourselves on Your Most Holy Faith”,HOW TO PROTECT OURSELVES FROM SATAN'S SNARES,115,1,2/28/2009,
"thoughts, thinking, Bird's Nest",Some have said that they can't help it if a bad thought comes into their head.,"But if a bird lands on your head, you don't have to let it build a nest there!",Philippians 4:8,Bobby Laymon,DOES YOUR THINKING AGREE WITH GOD'S?,53,1,8/29/2009,11/1/2020
"family happiness, loyal, loyalty,","IMAGINE a house that has fallen into a state of disrepair. The paint is peeling, the roof is damaged, and even the lawn lies untended. Obviously, this building has weathered some severe storms over the years, and it has suffered from neglect. Should it be demolished? Not necessarily. If the foundation is strong and the structure is stable, the house can likely be restored.","Does the condition of that house remind you of your marriage? Over the years, severe storms, so to speak, may have taken a toll on your marital relationship. A degree of neglect may be involved on the part of one or both of you.",2 Samuel 22:26,w73 9/15 4,,0,,8/8/2005,
"Loyal, loyalty, marriage, faithful, trust,","IN SOME countries children love to tease a playmate by sticking burs onto his woolen pullover. The burs attach themselves to the wool, and whatever the playmate does—whether he walks, runs, shakes, or jumps—the burs cling. The only way to get rid of them is to pull them off one by one. To youngsters, that is all great fun.","Of course, not everyone appreciates burs on his clothes, but everyone is amazed at their ability to stick. A person who is loyal has a similar quality. The loyal one stays close to someone in an enduring relationship. He sticks faithfully to the duties and obligations of that relationship even when circumstances make it difficult. The word “loyalty” brings to mind virtues like trueness, allegiance, and devotion. However, while you might appreciate it when people are loyal to you, do you have the strength of character to be loyal to others?  If so, to whom should you be loyal?",Genesisesis 2:24; Matthew 19:3-9,"Sep 1, 2005 WT page 4",,0,,8/10/2005,
Resist Wrong Thinking,"A music instructor who had trained thousands, invited a select few to him home to play music.  One man, who did not play well, was also invited.  He asked, ""why me?""  The Instructor said there are many not invited, but I made sure the ones invited would not be critical of others.",What a fine example for Christians to adopt.  The article below reflects that thinking.,"Psalm 130:3, 4",w05 9/15 pages 26-28,Service Talk,200,,8/24/2005,
Governing Body,Existing Members,"Daniel Sydlik, Lloyd Barry,  C. W. Barber, J. E. Barr, G. Lösch, T. Jaracz, A. D. Schroeder, D. Sydlik, Samuel F. Herd; M. Stephen Lett; Guy H. Pierce; David H. Splane. Anthony Morris III, Geoffrey Jackson,",,,,0,,8/24/2005,
"Exert, humans, servants,","‘Why exert ourselves when God’s purpose will eventually be accomplished anyway?’ While it is true that Jehovah will achieve his purpose regardless of human endeavors, he is pleased to have individuals involved in carrying out his will. Jehovah might be likened to a man building a house. The builder has a complete blueprint for the project, but he chooses building materials from those available locally.","Similarly, Jehovah has a project to accomplish today and is pleased to use his servants, who offer themselves willingly.","Psalm 110:3; 1 Corinthians 9:16, 17.",w03 8/15 pp. 27,,0,,9/8/2005,
"Jesus Christ, authority, serious, power,","A man who was speeding was mailed a ticket for $100.00 fine, with a picture of his car enclosed.  He mailed back a picture of a $100.00 bill.  He then got a picture of handcuffs.  At that point he got serious and paid the fine.",All authority in heaven and earth has been given Jesus Christ.  We need to get serious about obeying him.,Psalm 2:12; Daniel 7:13; Matthew 28:18;,"Follow The Christ District Convention; Tulsa, OK Jun 1-3 2007",RESPECT FOR AUTHORITY IS A SAFEGUARD FOR YOU,12,1,6/4/2007,
"Prayers, communication, trust,","As children bring their broken toys with tears for us to mend,I brought my broken dreams to God because He was my friend.But then instead of leaving Him in peace to work alone,I hung around and tried to help with ways that were my own.At last I snatched them back and cried, ""How can You be so slow""...""My child,"" He said, ""What could I do? You never did let go.""","Sometimes we don't let go, but try to handle matter ourself.","Psalm 115:9, 10, 11;",Bobby Laymon,PRAYERS THAT ARE HEARD BY GOD,86,1,8/29/2009,
"Youth, restless, eager,",They have their engines running or racing.,Description of youth.,2 Timothy 2:2;,Matt Roper,HOW CAN YOUTHS COPE WITH TODAY'S CRISIS?,113,1,7/22/2008,
"Easy, least resistance, crowd, majority, popular, world,",Imagine that you are on a long journey  and suddenly do not know which  is the right way to go. You see that many  choose to go a certain way. It would be so  easy to follow them.,"But it is dangerous  to go a certain way just because many  other people go that way. Maybe they  are not going where you want to go. Or  maybe they are lost just like you. This example  helps us to understand the principle,  or lesson, that Jehovah wanted to  teach the Israelites in one of the laws  he gave them. Jehovah spoke to those  who were judges and witnesses in a legal  case. He warned them of the danger of  following after the crowd and of making  bad decisions only to please other people.",Read Exodus 23:2.,"July 15, 2011 WT Page 4",RESISTING THE SPIRIT OF THE WORLD,25,1,4/19/2011,
"Test, prove,",It is like a person with diabetes.  He has to keep testing himself.  There may be a need for adjustment on his treatment from day to day.,We need to keep testing our faith in the same way.,2 Corinthians 13:5,Sadie Bond,,0,,11/30/2005,
"truth, lies, deception,","""The truth can hurt you; Lies can kill you.""","We must speak the truth even though it hurts, because lives are involved.",John 8:44;,District Convention 2013;,"COME, YOU WHO THIRST FOR THE TRUTH!",89,1,7/9/2013,
"Memory,",“It's surprising how much of memory is built around things unnoticed at the time”Quote: Barbara Kingsolver,,,,,0,,5/31/2006,
"Family, burden, responsibility,","""A cow does not find its horns heavy""  A traditional saying from Zambia's Western Province.","In other words, the duty of looking after one's family should not be considered a burden.",Psalms 128:1-4,"2006 Yearbook page 251, 254",,0,,1/26/2006,
"Jesus, identify, detailed description,",Suppose you were asked to go to a busy bus depot or a train station or an airport to pick up someone you had never met before. Would it not help if someone gave you a few details about him?,"Similarly, by means of the Bible prophets, Jehovah gave a rather detailed description of what the Messiah would do and what he would experience. The fulfillment of these many prophecies would help faithful ones to identify him clearly.",Micah 5:2, bh chap. 4 p. 39 par. 6 Who Is Jesus Christ?,,0,,1/26/2006,
"Religion, counterfeit, identify, authentic, real,","In many lands, there is a problem with counterfeit money. If you were given the job of picking out such false money, how would you go about it? By memorizing every kind of counterfeit? No. Your time would be better spent if you studied real money. After you knew what real money looked like, you could recognize a counterfeit.","Similarly, when we learn how to identify the true religion, we can recognize those religions that are false.",Matthew 7:21-30,bh chap. 15 p. 144 par. 2 Worship That God Approves,,0,,1/27/2006,
"defense, unity, support, strengthening aid,","The book Elephants—Gentle Giants of Africa and Asia explains: “A means of defense that the typical herd of elephants commonly employs is to form a circle of their bodies, with the adults facing outward against the threat and the young animals protected inside the ring.” Faced with such a manifestation of strength and support, lions rarely attack even young elephants.","When threatened by Satan and his demons, we similarly need to stay together, shoulder to shoulder with our brothers who are solid in the faith. Paul acknowledged that certain fellow Christians proved to be “a strengthening aid” to him during his imprisonment in Rome.","Colossians 4:10, 11",w04 9/15 p. 13 pars. 15-16 “Go On Acquiring Power in the Lord”,,0,,1/27/2006,
"predetermine, predestination, 144,000, anointed,","Suppose that a government decides to set up a particular agency. It predetermines the agency’s functions, its powers, and its size. The agency finally goes into operation some time after it was set up, and its members issue a statement saying: “The government determined a number of years ago what our job would be. Now we begin the work assigned to us.” Would you conclude that the government must have predetermined some years earlier who the individual members of that agency would be? Surely not.","Similarly, Jehovah predetermined that he would set up a special agency to remedy the effects of Adam’s sin. He foreordained the class of people who would serve in that agency—but not the individuals. They would be chosen later, and the choices they would make in life would have a bearing on whether they were finally approved or not.","Romans 8:14-17, 28-30; Revelation 5:9, 10",*** w05 1/15 p. 6 Can You Control Your Destiny? ***,,0,,1/27/2006,
"Youth, guidance, parents,","WHAT do you think is the most difficult challenge facing a ship’s captain? Is it crossing a vast ocean safely? Not usually. Most shipwrecks occur near the shore, not in the open sea. In fact, docking a ship can even be more hazardous than landing an airplane. Why?  Before a captain can safely berth his ship, he has to avoid all the dangers that a particular port may pose. He needs to take into account underwater currents while steering clear of other ships. He must also skirt any sandbanks, rocks, or wrecks hidden underneath the water. And to make matters worse, this may be his first visit to the harbor.  To help overcome these problems, a wise captain may engage the services of a pilot who knows the local waters intimately. The pilot stands at the captain’s side on the bridge and gives expert direction. Together they consider the hazards and steer the ship through any narrow channels to the port.","The invaluable expertise of the pilot illustrates the priceless help available to Christian youths who have to chart a course through the difficult waters of life. What is this help? Why do teenagers need it?  Let us continue the illustration of the ship. If you are an adolescent, you are somewhat like the captain of a ship in that you must eventually take responsibility for your life. And your parents have a role similar to that of a ship’s pilot as they try to guide you through some of the most difficult situations you will ever have to face in life. During the teenage years, however, you may find it hard to accept the advice your parents give you. Why is that?The problem often lies with the heart. Your figurative heart may impel you to desire what is forbidden or to protest at any apparent denial of freedom. “The inclination of the heart of man,” the Bible says, “is bad from his youth up.” (Genesis 8:21) Jehovah makes clear that you have a real challenge ahead of you. “Deceitful is the heart above all things, and dangerously wayward,” he warns. (Jeremiah 17:9, Rotherham) In addition to harboring wrong desires, the heart can deceive a youth into thinking that he knows better than his parents, even though they have much more experience. There are good reasons, however, for you to seek your parents’ help when navigating the difficult teenage years.",Jeremiah 17:9,Watchtower.org,,0,,2/4/2006,
"Danger, Evangelizer, warning,","IT IS the task of volcanologists to make observations and to weigh the evidence and then to warn about coming volcanic eruptions. (Once Mount Fugen had erupted, the police had to keep people out of the danger zone.)","Similarly, Bible students observe the sign of ""the conclusion of the system of things"" and alert others to the impending danger.",Matthew 24:3,Watchtower.org,,0,,2/4/2006,
"Governing body members, anointed,","Information only:  See March 15, 2006 Watchtower.",C.W. Barber; J. E. Barr; S. F. Herd; M. S. Lett; G. Lösch; T. Jaracz; G. H. Pierce; A. D. Schroeder; D. H. Splane; D. Sydlik; Geoffrey W. Jackson; Anthony Morris III.,,w03 3/15 26,,0,,2/12/2006,
"Teach, teacher,","17th-century educator John Amos Comenius wrote: “To teach means scarcely anything more than to show how things differ from one another in their different purposes, forms, and origins. . .","Therefore, he who differentiates well teaches well.”",Romans 5:12;,be p. 58 Develop Ability as a Teacher,,0,1,5/15/2007,
"Fluent, fluency, speech,","Picture a stream of clear, sparkling water, flowing without effort over rocks below.  Its moving smoothly; gracefully; without hindrance.","Fluid; related to a fluent, polished speaker whose speech flows without effort.  Sometimes we hear the expressions: He has a silver-tongue; articulate; smooth spoken; eloquent;",Exodus. 4:10; 6:12,Bobby Laymon,,0,,3/6/2006,
"Patience, truth, Mormon, argue, wrangle,","A couple who moved into a Mormon territory began studying how they could trip up the Mormons in their doctrine.  Their circuit overseer noticed how they were reasoning and said, ""Don't try to slay the Mormon giant.""  ""Just teach the truth.""",So it is with us.  We do not have to slay a giant.  We do not have to wrangle or argue with people.  Just teach the truth.,John 17:17,Bobby Laymon,,0,,3/16/2006,
"light, darkness",Just as soft clay undergoes a transformation upon receiving an imprint from an emblem on a seal…The morning light causes the earth to transform itself.,Likewise the light of truth increases as the light progresses.,Job 38:12-14.,"Feb 15, 2006 Wt page 26",,0,,4/1/2006,
"Simple, simplicity, complicated,","All great things are simple, and many can be expressed in single words: freedom, justice, honor, duty, mercy, hope.  Quote: Sir Winston Churchill","Likewise, our service to Jehovah should  be kept simple with our eyes in focus.","Matthew 6:22, 23",Bobby Laymon,,0,,4/3/2006,
"Values, SPIRITUAL","Just as the ozone layer high above the earth shields us from harmful rays of the sun, sound moral principles help protect us by exposing the dangerous effects of materialism.","When properly applied, spiritual values benefit us physically, emotionally, and spiritually.","1 Timothy 6:9, 10.",*** w04 10/15 p. 5 Benefit by Pursuing Spiritual Values ***,,0,,4/29/2006,
"Practice,","""Practice makes permanent.""",Practicing the truth will make us permanent fixtures on the earth forever.,Psalm 37:29,Bobby Laymon,,0,,5/9/2006,
"Practice, habit, contributions, athlete,","""We learn by practice. Whether it means to learn to dance by practicing dancing or to learn to live by practicing living, the principles are the same. One becomes in some area an athlete of God.""Quote: Martha Graham (American Dancer, Teacher and Choreographer of modern dance, 1894-1991)",We learn to live by practice.,Luke 6:38,Bobby Laymon,,0,,5/9/2006,
"Personally, Important, care, Love,","Have you noticed how parents can tell things about their children.  They know details that no one else know, or sometimes care to know.  Their favorite color, ages, date  born, what foods they like, color of their eyes, hair, dress, etc.",Jehovah is like that.  We are personally important to him because we are his children.,Psalm 27:10,Bobby Laymon,DOES GOD COUNT YOU PERSONALLY IMPORTANT?,26,,5/18/2006,
"Devil, Paul Harvey,","By Paul HarveyIf I Were The Devil!I would gain control of the most powerful nation in the world;I would delude their minds into thinking that they had come from man's effort, instead of God's blessings;I would promote an attitude of loving things and using people, instead of the other way around; I would dupe entire states into relying on gambling for their state revenue;I would convince people that character is not an issue when it comes to leadership;I would make it legal to take the life of unborn babies;I would make it socially acceptable to take one's own life, and invent machines to make it convenient;I would cheapen human life as much as possible so that life of animals are valued more than human beings;I would take God out of the schools, where even the mention of His name was grounds for a lawsuit;I would come up with drugs that sedate the mind and target the young, and I would get sports heroes to advertise them;I would get control of the media, so that every night I could pollute the minds of every family member for my agenda;I would attack the family, the backbone of any nation. I would make divorce acceptable and easy, even fashionable. If the family crumbles, so does the nation;I would compel people to express their most depraved fantasies on canvas and movies screens, and I would call it art;I would convince the world that people are born homosexuals, and that their lifestyles should be accepted and marveled;I would convince the people that right and wrong are determined by a few who call themselves authorities and refer to their agendas as politically correct;I would persuade people that the church is irrelevant and out of date, the Bible is for the naive:I would dull the minds of Christians, and make them believe that prayer is not important, and that faithfulness and obedience are optional;I GUESS I WOULD LEAVE THINGS PRETTY MUCH THE WAY THEY ARE!","The TruthAccording to WorldNet Daily, this was written by Paul Harvey and copyrighted by WorldNet Daily in 1999.",1 John 5:19,Donald Amy D.O.,,0,,5/21/2006,
"Satan, Devil, Paul Harvey","The following is a 1993 article by the famous radio personality, Paul Harvey:If I were the devil...If I were the prince of darkness I’d want to engulf the whole world in darkness, and I’d have a third of its real estate and four fifths of its population. But I wouldn’t be happy until I had seized the ripest apple on the tree: thee.So I’d set about however necessary, to take over the United States. I’d subvert the churches first. I’d begin with a campaign of whispers. With the wisdom of a serpent I would whisper to you as I whispered to Eve, “Do as you please.” To the young I would whisper that the Bible is a myth. I would convince them that man created God, instead of the other way around. I would confide that what’s bad is good, and what’s good is square. And the old I would teach to pray after me, “our father which art in Washington...”And then I’d get organized: I’d educate authors in how to make lurid literature exciting so that anything else would appear dull and uninteresting. I’d threaten TV with dirtier movies, and visa versa. I’d peddle narcotics to whom I could. I’d sell alcohol to ladies and gentlemen of distinction. I’d tranquilize the rest with pills.If I were the devil I’d soon have families at war with themselves; churches at war with themselves; and nations at war with themselves; until each in its turn was consumed. And with promises of higher ratings, I’d have mesmerizing media fanning the flames.If I were the devil I would encourage schools to refine young intellect, but neglect to discipline emotions; just let those run wild, until before you knew it you’d have to have drug-sniffing dogs and metal detectors at every schoolhouse door.Within a decade I’d have prisons overflowing; I’d have judges promoting pornography. Soon I could evict God from the courthouse, then from the schoolhouse, and then from the houses of Congress. And in His own churches I would substitute psychology for religion and deify science. I would lure priests and pastors into misusing boys and girls—and church money.If I were the devil I’d make the symbol of Easter an egg, and the symbol of Christmas a bottle.If I were the devil I’d take from those who have, and give to those who want it, until I had killed the incentive of the ambitious. And what’ll you bet I couldn’t get whole states to promote gambling as the way to get rich.I would caution against extremes, and hard work, and patriotism, and moral conduct. I would convince the young that marriage is old fashioned—that swinging is more fun. That what you see on TV is the way to be. And thus I could undress you in public, and I could lure you into bed with diseases for which there is no cure.In other words, if I were the devil I would just keep on doing what he is doing.Paul Harvey, March 16, 1993","""Your country, the United States, has fast gone into darkness.  America the beautiful shall be cleansed by trial."" - Our Lady of the Roses, March 18, 1976 The following is a 1993 article by the famous radio personality, Paul Harvey:",1 John 5:19,Donald Amy D. O.,,0,,5/21/2006,1/18/2021
"Speech, tongue, Music,","Do you like music?  What instrument do you prefer?  In the hands of a professional music can be soothing, calming.  In the hands of others it can be an irritating noise.","Speech is like that.  We want our speech to be pleasant, soothing.",Psalm 139:4,Gregory Cline,,0,,5/21/2006,
"Children, Handicapped, special needs, mentally retarded, disabled,","One of the first things is to collect information about their condition.  It is much like charting the progress of a journey on a map, noting the distance traveled and the landmarks reached.",This will help your child to develop to the fullest extent.,Romans 15:4,Awake! April 2006 page 25,,0,,5/22/2006,
"DNA, body, wonderful, creation, repair, aging, old, young,","Consider what would happen if you used a photocopier to copy a document and then used the new copy to make the next copy.  If you did this repeatedly, the quality of the copies would deteriorate and eventually become unreadable.","Happily, the quality of our DNA does not deteriorate or wear out when our cells repeatedly divide.  Why?  Because our cells have many ways of repairing DNA copy errors.  If that were not true, mankind would long ago have become a pile of dust.",Psalm 139:14,May 2006 Awake! Page 5,,0,,5/22/2006,
"Meetings, association, organization,","It may be that when we were in the world, we were a lone wolf.  Now we are sheep, fat sheep from the rich spiritual food Jehovah provides.  However, we must not be lone sheep.","A lone wolf can take care of himself, but a fat sheep is vulnerable.  We need the association of Jehovah's organization.  The meetings.",Psalm 23:1,Rebecca Daily,ARE YOU CONTENT WITH JEHOVAH'S PROVISIONS?,22,,5/23/2006,
"knowledge, accurate, learning, instruction, action,","For example, a man may consider building himself a house. He might collect all the needed materials and deposit them at the building site—piling up bricks, bags of cement, window and door frames, roofing tiles, and so forth. But, unless he starts putting all the materials together according to a definite plan or design, they will remain just a heap of unrelated items serving no useful purpose.","And that is exactly how some people appear to accumulate knowledge, or at least items of information, including religious or Bible information, piling them up in their minds as an unrelated miscellany of ideas. It is only when the actual construction work begins on the building site that it is possible to determine whether the materials meet the required specifications and will fit properly into their place in the structure. Likewise with building up accurate knowledge in the mind. It is only when it is put to use that it benefits.","2 Timothy 3:6, 7;",Watchtower 1966 page 175,,0,,5/23/2006,
"Satan, Devil, Bait, temptations,","A fisherman uses a variety of baits to catch various kinds of fish. Similarly, wicked spirits use different forms of spiritism to bring all sorts of people under their influence.", Spiritism does for the demons what bait does for fishermen.  One type of bait used by the demons is divination.,Galatians 5:19-21,bh chap. 10 p. 100 pars. 10-11 Spirit Creatures—How They Affect Us,,0,,5/25/2006,
"Dress, grooming, appearance, soundness of mind, clean, cleanliness,","A Bethel Brother once observed:  If you see a man with a new suit and unpolished shoes, he probably stole the suit.  However, if you see a man with a new suit and polished shoes and clean appearance, he probably bought the suit.","It's true, Your personal appearance may influence how others view your Christian beliefs and the way of life that you represent.",1 Samuel 16:7,Joe Laymon,,0,,5/25/2006,
"Power, evangelizing, preaching, ministry, habits, goals, overturn, pioneer,","I would like to discuss something wonderful that you will accomplish in your assignments, something very powerful. Think of a 900-horsepower diesel bulldozer moving a massive boulder out of the earth.","You will accomplish something even more powerful. 2 Cor 10:4 says, ""For the weapons of our warfare are not fleshly, but powerful by God for overturning strongly entrenched things."" Likewise, you will uproot and overturn in minds and hearts of honest-hearted ones strongly entrenched reasoning's. For example: 1. False religious beliefs-Acts 17:2-4  2. Adherence to unscriptural traditions of men.  3. Jehovah will use you 10 overturn deeply ingrained bad habits- 1 Cor 6:9-11; 4. Embedded worldly goals, aspirations, and ambitions.",2 Cor 10:4,"Gilead Graduation, Stephen Lett",,0,,5/28/2006,
"Name, identity, Jehovah","Every person has the right to have a name.  In Tahiti, even an abandoned newborn whose father and mother are unknown is given a name.  The registry office designates a first and a last name for the abandoned child.","Yet, there is one person who in a sense has been denied this basic right, a right granted to virtually all humans.  Amazingly, he is ""the Father, to whom every family in heaven and on earth owes its name.""!","Ephesians 3:14, 15; Psalm 83:18","April 15, 2006 WT page 32",,0,,5/30/2006,
"weaker vessel, wives, wife, value, honor,","Consider the Tiffany lotus lamp.  This exquisitely fine lamp can indeed be considered  delicate.  Does the lamp's fragile nature diminish its value?  Far from it!  In 1997 the original Tiffany lotus lamp sold at an auction for 2.8 million dollars.  Its delicate makeup served to enhance its value, not diminish it.",Likewise assigning a woman honor as to a weaker vessel does not devalue or demean her.,1 Peter 3:7,w06 5/15 32,SHOW RESPECT AND LOVE IN YOUR MARRIAGE,28,,5/30/2006,
"Marriage, weddings, principles,",THE Bible shows that it was Jehovah God—who knows humans better than anyone else—who presided at the first marriage. He instituted marriage as the basic foundation of human society.," And in God's inspired Word, the Bible, we find various principles that can help guide us when planning a wedding.",Genesis 2:18-24,Society's web site,,0,,5/30/2006,
"Paradise, animals, peace, wicked,","DO YOU want to see the most dangerous creature in the world? Then look in a mirror! Yes, we, mankind, are earth's worst predator! We even kill each other on a massive scale.","To make the earth safe for wildlife, even in zoos—especially if they become a final refuge—war, mankind's plague, must be eliminated. Only 91 of the Berlin Zoo's 12,000 animals survived World War II. Many other zoos suffered similarly. In the recent war in the Balkans, courageous zoo staff evacuated many animals to safety; but hundreds of others, including deer, big cats, bears, and wolves, were killed.","Psalm 37:9, 10",Society's Web Site,RUINING THE EARTH BRINGS DIVINE RETRIBUTION,106,,5/30/2006,
"Modulation, Volume, practice,","The human voice is a marvelous musical instrument, capable of great variety. Properly used, it can give life to a talk, touch the heart, stir emotions, and motivate to action.","However, like a fine instrument, you will not be able to touch hearts, stir emotions without effort, practice and training.",Philippians 4:9;,Bobby Laymon,,0,,5/31/2006,
"Memory, Memorial,","“Memory is a way of holding on to the things you love, the things you are, the things you never want to lose.”",Memory is a gift from our Creator.,Luke 22:19;,Bobby Laymon,,0,,5/31/2006,
"Memory,","""Memory is a child walking along a seashore….""","""You never can tell what small pebble it will pick up and store away among its treasured things.""   Quote: Pierce Harris, Atlanta Journal",Genesis 9:16;,Bobby Laymon,,0,,5/31/2006,
"Memory, credit, debtors,","Creditors have better memories than debtors.  Quote:  Benjamin Franklin (1706 - 1790),",We tend to remember what we want to remember.,Job 19:14;,Bobby Laymon,,0,,5/31/2006,
"Pity, compassion, feeling,","“Compassion is sometimes the fatal capacity for feeling what it is like to live inside somebody else's skin. It is the knowledge that there can never really be any peace and joy for me until there is peace and joy finally for you too.”   Frederick Buchner quotes (American Author, b.1926)",Jesus felt pity or compassion for people.,"Matthew 9:35, 36",Bobby Laymon,,0,,6/3/2006,
"Trinity,","A schoolteacher explains a subject to his students. Afterward, the students differ on how to understand the explanation. How can the students resolve the matter? They could ask the teacher for more information. No doubt, learning additional facts would help them to understand the subject better.","Similarly, to grasp the meaning of John 1:1, you can look in the Gospel of John for more information on Jesus’ position. Learning additional facts on this subject will help you to draw the right conclusion.",John 1:1;,BH page 203,JEHOVAH AND CHRIST--ARE THEY PART OF A TRINITY?,82,,6/5/2006,
"guidance, guide, lights, Bible, Disaster, Satan, snares, false,","It was December 18, 1810.  Night was falling.  In stormy seas somewhere off the southeast coast of Scotland, the British Navy frigate HMS Pallas had lost its bearings.  Growing darkness and driving snow were making it more and more difficult for the crew to locate the beacons they needed to guide their ship to safety.  Imagine their relief when they finally saw lights and steered their ship toward them.  Sadly, though, these were not the guiding lights they needed.  They were in fact, workmen's fires burning near the coast.  The Pallas was driven onto the rocks and completely wrecked.  Eleven sailors drowned.  What a tragedy!","In the case of the Pallas, an error led to the disaster.  At other times, however sailors faced an even greater danger.  False beacon lights.  Such lights were put up to lure ships onto rocky shores so that the wrecks could be plundered, according to the book Wrecks, Wreckers and Rescuers.",2 Timothy 3:15-17,w06 7/1 4,HOW TO PROTECT OURSELVES FROM SATAN'S SNARES,115,,6/7/2006,
"Future, Planning, Directions, Travel, Career, Pioneering,","If you were traveling in an unfamiliar area, at some point you would likely need to ask for directions - even if you had a map.",You can do the same with planning your future.  Get the input of others.,Proverbs 20:18;,G06 July page 25,MAINTAIN YOUR CONFIDENCE FIRM TO THE END,46,,6/12/2006,
"Happiness, Happy, joy, fulfillment, friends, work, food,","To flourish, a flowering plant needs good soil, water and a proper climate.","Likewise, researchers recognize that certain conditions contribute to happiness.  These include physical well-being; good work; adequate food, shelter, and clothing; fulfillment of creative desires; and true friends.",1 Timothy 1:11;,w06 6/15 4,HAPPY THOUGH HUNGRY--HOW CAN IT BE?,31,,6/12/2006,
"Contentment, peace, happiness, sin, shortcomings, imperfections, last days,","You have no doubt seen a cat curled up and purring - a picture of obvious contentment.  How fine it would be to curl up like him and enjoy the same contentment!  For many, however, contentment is hard to find, and it is fleeting.  Why is this so?","Because we often blunder in our imperfection, and we must endure the shortcomings of others.  Furthermore, we are living in the ""last days.""",2 Timothy 3:1-5,w06 6/1 page 12,JEALOUSY--PROPER AND IMPROPER,76,,6/14/2006,
"Parents, Children,","""Psychologists can call off their century-long search for the key to rearing a good child - not because they've found it but because it doesn't exist.""  Time Magazine review of a book on child rearing.",There is no denying that peer pressure is a powerful force to be reckoned with.,Proverbs 13:20; 1 Corinthians 15:33;,w06 4/1 Page 8,PARENTS--ARE YOU BUILDING WITH FIRE-RESISTANT MATERIALS?,104,,6/15/2006,
"Monkey, world, imitate, looks, conduct,","The story is told about a man who had a pet monkey.  He dressed the monkey in pants, shirt, and hat.  He kept it safe in a cage while away.  Unknown to him the pet monkey learned how to open the gate of the cage.  One day in the man's absence, he opened the gate, took off his clothes and roamed the street with other wild monkeys.  A man captured him and another monkey, killed and ate them.  He happened to see the skin and knew immediately it was his monkey.  ""Why did you eat my monkey?""  he asked.  ""Well, it looked like all the other monkeys,"" was the reply.","Likewise, if we look and act like the world, we may well suffer destruction like the world.  So don't monkey around.",1 John 2:15-17;,Bobby Laymon,NO PART OF THE WORLD--IN IMITATION OF CHRIST,11,,6/16/2006,
"Resentment, Harbor, grudge, un-forgiveness,",Imagine drinking poison and waiting for the other person to die.,That is what harboring resentment amounts to.  It only hurts us.,Luke 15:11-32;,Johnse Laymon,DO YOU HARBOR RESENTMENT OR DO YOU FORGIVE?,68,,6/17/2006,
"Teacher, Learn,",A stream cannot rise above its source.  Quote: African Proverb.,We have the privilege of the two greatest teachers.  Jehovah and Jesus.,Isaiah 54:13; Luke 4:40;,Bobby Laymon,NEVER BECOME DULL IN YOUR HEARING,9,,6/17/2006,
"Insults, persecution, words,","""A cutting word is worse than a bowstring, a cut may heal, but the cut of the tongue does not.""Source: (African)",Christians are often persecuted with insults.,2 Corinthians 12:10;,Bobby Laymon,BEARING UP UNDER PERSECUTION,57,,6/18/2006,
"Truth, religions, deceived,","A businessman wants to know the truth when he is settling accounts. He does not let sentiment or prejudice blind him, otherwise he is likely to lose money. When we get married, we want to know the truth about our future partner. If we allow ourselves to be deceived, we will likely be unhappy later on.","Yes, if we do not know the truth about a matter, we invariably lose out in one way or another. This is also true with respect to religion. The problem is, many people for one reason or another are not inclined to discuss religious matters.",John 8:44,sm pp. 15-16 par. 1,,0,1,3/26/2008,
"Deliverance, system, wear,",Like water on a rock.,This system is designed by Satan to wear us down.,Jeremiah 1:19;,"District Convention - Tulsa, OK  June 23, 24, 2006",,0,1,7/2/2006,
"Pattern, organization, govern,","We all know what a pattern is.  Like a dress pattern.  It is a design.  Now, we can bring in additions.  We can enlarge, but all this must be in harmony with the original pattern.",Each part must be in the proper proportion.  Let us see how this is true regarding Jehovah's Congregation.  How it is organized and governed.  Page 21 of 'OD' book.,Hebrews 13:17;,Bobby Laymon,,0,1,7/13/2006,
"Increase, progress, growth, busy, activity, 10 Little Witnesses","10 little Witnesses standing in a line1 disliked the elders, Then there were nine.9 little Witnesses stayed up very late1 slept in on Sundays, Then there were eight.8 little Witnesses pleasing God in heaven1 chose the broad road And then there were seven.7 little Witnesses chirping just like chicks1 preferred debased music,So then there were six.6 little Witnesses seemed very much aliveBut one lost his interest Then there were five.5 little Witnesses going door to door1 stopped to rest a bit And then there were four.4 little Witnesses each Busy as a bee, but1 got his feelings hurt, Then there were three.3 little Witnesses unsure of what to do1 joined the worldly scene,Then there were two.2 little Witnesses, Our rhyme is nearly doneDiffered with each other,Then there was one.1 little Witness can't do much it's true,But then he started a bible study Then there were two.2 earnest Witnesses, each won just one moreThat doubled their number, and then there were four.4 sincere Witnesses worked early until lateEach won anotherSo then there were eight.8 splendid Witnesses If they double as beforeIn just so many Sundays,We'll have 1,024So in this little jingle, There is a lesson true... You can be part of their building --Or of the wrecking crew!",We can be part of the problem or the solution.,Matthew 24:14,Bobby Laymon,,0,1,7/25/2006,
"Prayer, Meditation,","A young Bethelite visiting his home congregation was asked to sit on the stage for a brief interview and to share some experiences with the audience during the Service Meeting. After a few comments he asked to share a really good illustration about prayer.  First he paused and looked down. Then he looked distraught. Then he looked sadly at the audience, almost with tears in his eyes. He looked down again and began clearing his throat. Then he looked up at the ceiling.  This went on for an excruciatingly long time, really getting to the audience.  He then broke into a big smile and asked the audience:""What went through your minds? Did you ask: ""What's wrong?  What's happening? What's going on?"" Or did you say: ""Please, just say something! Anything!""","Well, did you ever think that when we don't talk to Jehovah for awhile, he's wondering what's wrong? That he wants us to say something, anything!""  Friends, never forsake the privilege of prayer. Jehovah is waiting eagerly, to hear what you have to say.  A final thought:  Prayer - gives us the opportunity to speak to GOD.  Meditation - allows GOD to speak back to us.  Application - allows Jehovah to work in us!",1 Kings 8:28;,Steve Hashimura,PRAYERS THAT ARE HEARD BY GOD,86,1,8/8/2006,
"Glorify, rights, strong, weak, adjustments, stumble, offend, couscience,","While driving on a highway, we see ahead of us some children walking dangerously close to the road. Do we continue driving at the maximum speed allowed just because we have the legal right to do so? No, we slow down to avoid possible danger to the children.","At times, a similar willingness to slow down, or yield, is called for in our relationship with our fellow believers or others. We may be doing something that we have a perfect right to do. No Bible principles are being violated. Nevertheless, if we could offend others or harm those with a weaker conscience, Christian love will move us to act with caution. Maintaining unity and promoting Kingdom interests are more important than exercising our personal rights.","Romans 14:13, 15",w04 9/1 p. 12 par. 17,,0,1,8/30/2006,
"murmuring, complaining, corrosive,","Many types of metal have a natural tendency to rust.  If early signs of rust are ignored, metal can rust to the point that it can no longer serve its purpose.  Countless automobiles are scrapped, not because of the mechanical failure, but because the metal is so rusted that the vehicles are unsafe.  How can we apply this to murmuring?","Just as certain metals tend to rust, imperfect humans have a tendency to complain.  We should be on guard to detect any sign of this.  Even as moisture and salty air accelerate rusting, adversity makes us more inclined to murmur.  Stress can turn a minor irritation into a major grievance.",2 Timothy 3:1-5,"Jul 15, 2006 wt page 16",MEETING THE TEST OF CHRISTIAN LOYALTY,48,1,9/10/2006,
"Bible, education, answers,","An Asian proverb points to the answer. It says: ""If you plan for a year, sow seeds. If you plan for ten years, plant trees. If you plan for a hundred years, educate people.""","Indeed, when it comes to providing solutions that are long lasting, education is imperative because it develops a person's ability to make decisions that will improve his life.",2 Timothy 3:16,Bobby Laymon,,0,1,10/11/2006,
"Prayer, request, petitions,","If you were to request an audience with a ruler of your country, what kind of response would you get?  You might receive a polite reply from his office, but it is highly unlikely that you would be allowed to speak with the ruler himself.","However, with the greatest Ruler of all, Jehovah God, the sovereign of the universe, the situation is different.  We have access to him from any place we may be and at any time we may choose.  Acceptable prayers will always reach him.",Proverbs 15:29; Psalm 65:2,"Sep 1, 2006 wt page 27",PRAYERS THAT ARE HEARD BY GOD,86,1,10/15/2006,
"Changes, Rules, improvements, adjustments. Scene of the world has changed, ","Years ago, Chrysler Corporation had a slogan, ""The rules have changed.""  It no doubt help them sell many cars, because people took a second look.","Likewise, since learning the truth, ""The Rules have changed.""  We must be no part of the world.",John 6:15;,David Stamps,CHRISTIAN SEPARATENESS FROM THE WORLD -- WHY BENEFICIAL,119,1,10/15/2006,1/7/2015
"Questions, research, teaching,","""Ask a question and you're a fool for three minutes; do not ask a question and you're a fool for the rest of your life."" - Chinese Proverb",Learn to ask questions.  However don't badger persons to embarrassment.,Mark 12:35,Bobby Laymon,HOW WELL DO YOU KNOW GOD?,1,1,10/17/2006,
"Research, study,","MUMS - The bloom which appears as a single flower is actually hundreds of flowers called florets. Two kinds of florets are present in a single bloom, disk florets and ray florets.  	See may flowers in fall.  To really appreciate, must examine them closer.  	Petal; Stamen with antler and filament; Pistil with stigma and ovary.",It is similiar with God's Word.   	Do research to examine it up close and personal.  Many tools available.,2 Tim. 4:13,Bobby Laymon,KEEP GROWING IN YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD,16,1,10/19/2006,
"Conclusions, motives, facts,","HAS someone ever drawn the wrong conclusion about you, perhaps questioning your actions or motives, without having all the facts? If so, you likely felt hurt—and understandably so. From this, we can learn an important lesson: It is wise to avoid jumping to conclusions when we do not have the whole picture.","We do well to keep this lesson in mind when it comes to reaching conclusions about Jehovah God. Why is that? Because there are certain Bible accounts that may at first seem puzzling. These accounts—perhaps about the actions of some of God’s worshipers or God’s past judgments—may not contain enough details to answer all our questions. Sadly, some take exception to such accounts, even questioning whether God is righteous and just. Yet, the Bible tells us that “Jehovah is righteous in all his ways.”",Psalm 145:17;, w05 2/1 p. 23 pars. 1-2,,0,1,10/20/2006,
"Discouragement, weakness, sin, integrity, strengthen, aid,","Just as termites can cause a wooden house to topple, discouragement can undermine a Christian's integrity.","To counteract this danger, Jehovah provides us with support through our fellow servants of God.",Proverbs 24:10;,"Aug 15, 2006 wt page 24",DO YOU RECOGNIZE JEHOVAH'S SOVEREIGNTY IN YOUR PERSONAL LIFE?,75,1,10/20/2006,
"Human dignity, humiliation, indignity, concentration, camp, persecution,","""Every detail of camp life was another step down the stairway to humiliation and indignity.""  --Magdalena Kusserow Reuter.  Nazi Concentration Camp Survivor.","AS horrible as they were, the atrocities of the Nazi concentration camps during World War II were neither the beginning nor the end of the assualt on human dignity.","Proverbs 26:18, 19;","August 1, 2006 WT page 3",DOES YOUR THINKING AGREE WITH GOD'S?,53,1,10/20/2006,
"television, harmful,","Suppose you take a medication for the first time, and within hours you break out in hives.  In such a situation, it is easy to conclude that the medication caused your allergic reaction.  Sometimes, though, an allergy develops gradually.  When that is the case, linking the allergic reaction to a specific medication may prove much more difficult, since allergies have many causes.","Similarly, it has been difficult to prove that the violence shown on television causes crime and antisocial behavior.",1 Cor. 15:33;,October Awake! 2006; page 6,GOOD NEWS IN A VIOLENT WORLD,85,1,10/20/2006,
"optimist, future, pessimist, positive, negative, view, attitude,",How do you view things?  Do you tend to look at things through rose-colored glasses?  Or do you view things more like wearing dark glasses in a dingy room?  Would you consider yourself an optimist or a pessimist?  One famous writer had this view. He said “'Cheer up!  The worst is yet to come!'   He was a pessimist!  Quote:  Philander Johnson.But then a very prominent talk show host said: 'When I look at the future its so bright it burns my eyes.'  Quote:  Oprha Winfrey.,"So, 	While acknowledging the reality of crime, disease, pestilence, and war, some try to be optimistic.",2 Peter 3:1-4;,JK,,166,1,10/23/2006,
"Faith, courage, future,","	What will happen if I let go of this pen?   Are you sure about that?  We don’t gamble but would you be willing to give up your entire next years income on what will happen next? (Drop pen)  You weren’t worried, it was a sure thing.     (experience-scientific fact)","So it is with life and faith.  It is based on real evidence.  It can be based on thousands of years of experience.  You can see what is going to happen in the future, with faith based on evidence. Here is a practical example of faith based on experience:",Hebrews 11:1,JK,FACING THE FUTURE WITH FAITH AND COURAGE,166,1,10/23/2006,
Discipline,"THINK back to your childhood days. Can you recall your parents disciplining you? Most of us can. The apostle Paul used that as an illustration when commenting on discipline from God, as we read at Hebrews 12:9-11.","God's fatherly discipline, which can affect our spiritual lives, can take many forms. One is his arrangement to exclude from the Christian congregation a person who no longer wants to live by God's standards, or who refuses to do so. A person who is thus strongly chastised or disciplined may repent and turn around. In the process, the congregation of loyal ones are also disciplined in that they learn the importance of conforming to God's high standards.",Hebrews 12:9-11; 1 Timothy 1:20,http://www.watchtower.org/library/w/1988/4/15/article_01.htm,RESPONSIBILITIES AND REWARDS OF PARENTHOOD,29,1,10/24/2006,
"Dress, Grooming, clothes, naked,",Clothes make the man. Naked people have little or no influence on society. -- Mark Twain,Since Adam's sin we are judged by our dress.,Genesis 2:25,Bobby Laymon,NO PART OF THE WORLD--IN IMITATION OF CHRIST,11,1,10/24/2006,
"Debt, borrow, money, owe,","If you would know the value of money, go try to borrow some; for he that goes a-borrowing goes a-sorrowing. --Benjamin Franklin","Christians should, if possible, remain debt free.",Romans 13:8,Bobby Laymon,COPING WITH LIFE'S ANXIETIES,32,1,10/30/2006,
"predestination, foreknowledge, foreordain, future,",To illustrate: Suppose you had great physical strength. Would that make you feel inclined to lift every heavy object in sight? Of course not!,"Likewise, having the ability to know the future does not compel God to foreknow or foreordain everything. His use of foreknowledge is selective and discretionary. Clearly, false teachings, including predestination, do not glorify God.",Acts 2:23,w04 10/1 p. 12,OVERCOMING FEAR OF THE FUTURE,108,1,10/31/2006,
"Issue, Satan, accused,","Do you have a friend or a family member you are especially close to?  What if someone were to accuse you of maintaining that relationship purely for selfish reasons?  Would you feel hurt, perhaps even indignant?",That is precisely the accusation that Satan the Devil has brought against all who have a close relationship with Jehovah God.,Genesis 3:1-6;,"Nov 15, 2006 wt page 4",WHAT GOD'S RULERSHIP CAN DO FOR US,24,1,10/31/2006,
"earth, planet, disorder, pollution,","Let us use an example to illustrate why a God of order would allow disorder on earth. Imagine, if you will, walking into a forest and coming upon a house. As you inspect the house, you see that it is in disorder. The windows are broken, the roof has serious damage, the wooden porch is full of holes, the door is hanging on one hinge, and the plumbing does not work.  In the face of all these defects, would you conclude that no intelligent designer could possibly have designed that house? Would the disorder convince you that only chance could have produced the house? Or if you concluded that someone did design and construct it, would you feel that this person was not skilled and not thoughtful?  When you more thoroughly examine the structure, you see that it was originally put together well and gives evidence of much thoughtful care. But it was now simply run down and on the way to ruin. What could the defects and problems indicate? They could suggest that (1) the owner died; (2) he is a capable builder but is no longer interested in the house; or (3) he temporarily leased his property to unappreciative tenants.",The latter is similar to the situation regarding this earth.,Psalm 37:29,Society's website,The Earth Will Remain Forever,130,1,10/31/2006,
"accurate knowledge, worship,","Such ones could be compared to a hired painter who works hard to paint a house but uses the wrong colors because he fails to listen to the owner's instructions. The painter may be pleased with his work, but would it be acceptable to the owner?","If we are truly interested in pleasing God, should we not consider seriously the accuracy of what we believe about him?  What is acceptable to God regarding true worship?",Romans 10:2;1 Timothy 2:3;,Society Website,WHY DID JESUS SUFFER AND DIE?,161,1,10/31/2006,
"Cure, healing, Kingdom,",If we had the cure for cancer we would tell everyone.,"We DO have the cure for cancer, AIDS, and even death. People desperately need to hear. Our ministry is an extension of God's love. When you talk with someone they are face to face with a representative of Jehovah God.",Isaiah 33:24,Bobby Laymon,THE ONLY CURE FOR SICK MANKIND,62,c,11/1/2006,11/10/2015
"Safety, protection, rules, safeguard, road rage, idenity, Jehovah's witnesses, reminders,","""Only a fool breaks the 3 second rule.""  Quote: A safety rule that has been around for decades reminding persons to keep at least 3 seconds behind the driver in front of him.  Tailgating is the practice of driving on a roadway closely behind another vehicle which is illegal.",We too have reminders that safeguard us from harm.  Our idenity as Jehovah's Witnesses is a great safeguard.,Malachi 3:18;,Bobby Laymon,SAFEGUARD YOUR CHRISTIAN IDENTITY!,160,1,11/3/2006,
"Earth, planet, atmosphere, creation, creator,","The earth is positioned in space in what is called ""The goldilocks zone.""","The temperature is not too hot, nor too cold, but just right.",Isaiah 45:18,The Privileged Planet Movie,The Earth Will Remain Forever,130,1,11/7/2006,
"Patience, hasty, wait, hurry, impatience,","The early bird may get the worm, but it is the second mouse that gets the cheese.",Sometimes it is better to be patient and wait for the right time.,Ecclesiastes 7:8,Bobby Laymon,STAND STILL AND SEE THE SALVATION OF JEHOVAH,41,1,11/13/2006,
"Slave, Forgiveness, Satan, Devil,","There was a little boy visiting his grandparents on their farm. And he was given a slingshot to play with.  He practiced in the woods, but he  could never hit his targets.  Getting a little discouraged; he headed back for dinner. As he was walking back, he saw Grandma's pet duck. Just on an impulse, he let the slingshot fly. He hit the duck square in the head, and killed it. He was shocked and grieved.  In a panic, he hid the dead duck in a wood pile, only to see his sister watching.  Sally had seen it all, but she said nothing. After lunch that day Grandma said, ""Sally, let's wash the dishes.""  But  Sally said, ""Grandma, Johnny told me he wanted to help in the kitchen."" Then she whispered to him,  ""Remember the duck?"" So Johnny did the dishes.  Later that day, Grandpa asked if the children wanted to go fishing  and Grandma said, ""I'm sorry but I need Sally to help make supper."" But Sally just smiled and said, ""Well, that's all right because Johnny told me he wanted to help."" She whispered again, ""Remember the duck?"" So Sally went fishing and Johnny stayed to help.  After several days of Johnny doing both his chores and Sally's, he finally couldn't stand it any longer. He came to Grandma and confessed that he had killed the duck. Grandma knelt down, gave him a hug, and said, ""Sweetheart, I  know. I was standing at the window and I saw the whole thing. But I love you son. I forgave you. I was just wondering how long you were going to let Sally make you her slave.""","Whatever is in your past, whatever you have done that satan keeps throwing up in your face, remember - Jehovah was standing at the window and He saw the whole thing. He was just wondering how long you would let Satan make a Slave of you.   The Great thing about Jehovah is that He not only forgives you, but He forgets.",Romans 7:25;,Bobby Laymon,HOW TO PROTECT OURSELVES FROM SATAN'S SNARES,115,1,11/19/2006,
"Armageddon, idenity, name, reputation, association,","There was a farmer who raised sheep and had trouble with wolves stealing his sheep. He loved his sheep and didn't want to lose even one of them. One day the wolves came and the farmer quickly raised his rifle and POW! - killed every wolf he shot at. As he turned his rifle toward a shadow he saw a puppy wolf huddling besides a fence post shivering. The farmer felt sorry for him, picked him up, tucked him inside his coat and took him home. As time passed, the farmer grew to love the puppy wolf and took him everyday to help him tend his sheep. The sheep loved the puppy wolf too and thought of him as one of one of them. The puppy wolf learned to call the sheep by their names, just like the farmer did. It wasn't long before he grew to full size and the farmer trusted him to care for his sheep while he rode to town to buy supplies. Then one day the puppy wolf was running in the farmer's field and heard howling in the woods. He ran to the edge of the fence and watched as a pack of wolves approached. They seemed happy to see him although he didn't recognize them. One by one they told him of all the fun they were having, running anywhere they wanted, doing whatever they pleased...no one telling them what to do! They invited him to come on the other side of the fence with them. The Puppy wolf thought about the fence, and how he'd never been on the other side of it. The more he listened he began to wonder if he was missing out on something. It only took another minute and he dug under the fence and left with the pack. For three seasons he lived with the wolves. They had plenty to eat and did whatever they wanted. It was such fun and he was glad for the choice he made. But winter came and everyone became hungry and restless. It was cold, so cold, where they had to sleep. The puppy wolf began to think about the farmer and how he'd never slept cold and never felt hunger. Soon he heard the leader of the pack announce it was time to steal some of the farmer's sheep, so they could survive the winter. The puppy wolf loudly exclaimed, ""NO, they are my friends, don't hurt them"". But the leader said, ""You're one of us now, do as you're told!"" They all began to run fast toward the farmer's property. The puppy wolf reluctantly followed. Soon they arrived and began to dig under the farmer's fence. The farmer heard his sheep cry out so he grabbed his rifle and ran to shoot at the wolves. BANG! He killed one after another and soon was face to face with a wolf backed up against the fence post who cried out, ""Wait, don't shoot me. I'm the puppy you raised. I'm your friend. Don't you remember me?"" But the farmer looked at the wolf and saw how matted his coat was and how he smelled like the rest of the pack. He said to the wolf, ""I don't know you."" He raised his rifle and shot....BANG!!! The! wolf was dead!","""Brothers, when Armageddon comes and Jesus is doing his destruction work, will he recognize you""?",1 Corinthians 15:33;,Rhona Smith,SAFEGUARD YOUR CHRISTIAN IDENTITY!,160,1,12/1/2006,
"Organization,","One day a young boy was riding in a horse drawn buggy down a country lane with his father.The father turns to the little boy and says watch this as he takes the buggy whip and gently flicks a  [Image Removed] bee off a flower.   Amazed, the little boy says, ""Do that again."" They start looking for a bee on a flower by the side of the road and shortly the father does it again. Truly amazed, the little boy says, ""May I try it father?""  The father hands the little boy the buggy whip and they start looking on either side of the road at the flowers for a bee. All of a sudden the little boy happens to look up and see a beehive with swarms of bees.Raising the whip, he prepares to strike.  Just in time the father looks up and sees what his young son is about to do.  He quickly takes the whip and says, ""No son, we don't bother with those, they're organized.""","Moral of the story: When we leave Jehovah's organization, or miss a lot of meetings, we are like that little bee sitting all alone on a flower that Satan can come along and flick off.If we stay safe, within Jehovah's organization, Satan is less likely to try to pick us off, because he realizes that like that beehive, we are organized.",Hebrews 10:23-25,Rhona Smith,SERVING WITH JEHOVAH'S UNIFIED ORGANIZATION,3,1,12/6/2006,
"Urgency, awake, alert, vigilant, Armageddon, Jehovah's day,","A soldier in peacetime does not feel the tension and danger of battle.  Still, if as a result he feels no urgency to stay alert and is suddenly called into action, he may well be unprepared, with fatal consequences.","The same is true spiritually.  If we allow our sense of urgency to fade, we may be unprepared to fend off attacks that come our way and may be caught unawares when Jehovah's day finally arrives.",Luke 21:36; 1 Thessalonians 5:4,"Dec 15, 2006 WT page 18, 19.",KEEP CLOSE IN MIND THE FEAR-INSPIRING DAY!,153,1,12/11/2006,
"Apply, application, scriptures,","Thirsty - drinking fountain.  Water only ¼ inch long.  Will you quence your thirst?  So close, yet can't apply.  Need more force.","Same with teaching others the truth.  Waters of life must be forceful enough to reach, yet not slap them in the face.  We must apply.",Genesis 2:24; Matthew 19:3-6,Bobby Laymon,,0,1,12/15/2006,
"Preachers, Clergy, false religion, Babylon, water, truth, false teachers, trick, fool,","Imagine that on your journey, you go  through a desert and you get thirsty. In  the distance, you see a well. You think that you will find water in it, so you  walk toward it. But when you get to the well, there is no water. You are very disappointed!","We can say that the truth is  like water and that false teachers are like  wells with no water. People who think  that these teachers have the truth will be  disappointed. Through the apostles Paul  and Peter, Jehovah warns us about false  teachers.   Who are these false teachers? The  words of Paul and Peter tell us where  false teachers come from and how they  fool people.","Acts 20:29, 30; 2 Peter  2:1-3.",July 15 WT Page 10,FALSE RELIGION'S END IS NEAR,96,1,4/19/2011,
"Race, win, endure, finish,","In one marathon run in NY, a runner who was in the lead stumbled due to exhaustion and lost the lead. He ended up crawling across the finish line. One who interviewed him expressed lament that he'd lost the lead, and the runner said, ""Don't feel sorry for me! I wasn't running the race just to win, my goal was to finish - and I did finish!""","Likewise for us - it's a race, not a beauty contest! We're not worried about how good we look as we're running - our goal is just to finish the race.",Heb. 12:1,Tom Batty,,0,1,6/9/2009,
"False teachers, Preachers, Babylon, Apostates,","How do false teachers fool people? They do this in a very clever way. Apostates “quietly” bring their ideas into the congregation, like criminals who secretly bring things into a country. Apostates use “counterfeit words.” This means that they say things that make their false ideas sound true, like criminals who make false documents look real."," They try to get as many people as possible to believe their “deceptive teachings.” Peter also said that they like twisting the Scriptures. They explain Bible verses in the wrong way to make others believe their ideas.  Apostates do not care about us. If we follow them, we will leave the road to everlasting life.  The Bible tells us exactly what to do.","Romans 16:17; 2 John 9-11; 2 Peter 2:1, 3, 13; 3:16","July 15, 2011 WT page 11",RELIGION'S ROLE IN WORLD AFFAIRS.,92,1,4/19/2011,
"Direct approach, Bible studies, brief,","We often hear ""Get to the point!"" or ""Spare me the details."" It's fun to tell a story--to reveal the flow of events bit by bit, peek down a blind alley now and then, throw in some false leads, and finish with an unpredictable and memorable conclusion. This is how great novels, screenplays, and even some TV scripts are written.","When you have to deliver a message, especially to people who don't want to hear it, suspense isn't your friend--directness is.",Ephesians 3:3;,Bobby Laymon,,0,1,4/9/2008,
"Jehovah's Witnesses, Name, nicknames,","""It is not what you are called, but what you answer to.""  Quote: (African)",Jehovah's people have never accepted nicknames by worldly individuals.  We simple do not answer to such things.,"Isaiah 43:10, 12;",Bobby Laymon,GLORIFYING GOD WITH ALL WE HAVE,17,,6/18/2006,
"Appreciation, gift, kindness,","A mother finds a gift -- an inexpensive necklace -- on her table.  She could view the gift as of little value and toss it aside.  However, the accompanying card reveals that the gift is from her little girl, who spent all her savings to buy it.  The mother now sees the gift in a new light.  Perhaps with tears in her eyes, she embraces her child and expresses her heartfelt appreciation.","Being fully aware of our motives and limitations, Jehovah appreciates it when we give him our best, whether that is a little or a lot.",Luke 21:1-4;,"February 1, 2007 wt page 17",FINDING HONOR AND JOY IN GOD'S MINISTRY,65,1,5/15/2007,
"Birth, baby, death, disturbance,","IT WOULD be a crime to drive a person from his tent and sleeping bag on a cold Arctic night, making him endure the elements in his skimpy underwear.","Similarly, it is a crime that an infant is prematurely thrust from his warm, protective place in the womb before he is ready to face the outside world. But who or what is responsible for this heinous crime?",Isaiah 65:20;,g89 2/22 p. 10,,0,1,5/15/2007,
"Marriage, unbeliever,",Imagine you want to jump a ravine while sking.  You notice another person who jumps and seem to go soaring right over it with no difficulty.  Should you try it.  Maybe you need to look down and see how many did not make it.,"Some say I know someone who married out of the truth.  They made it just fine.  Maybe they need to look into the ravine, and see how many did not make it.",Proverbs 10:22;,Charlie Allyn; C.O.,,0,1,5/15/2007,
"Bible reading, study, meditate,","The Bible is not meant for speed reading. If our mind and heart are like a garden, what sort of garden would it be? Rocky and barren, or full of flowers and plant life?  Bible reading without meditation is like a rain shower. It passes quickly and dries up, refreshing to the mind, but just for a moment. There is no lasting benefit.","Bible reading with meditation, on the other hand, is like a steady rain that sinks into the mind and heart and stimulates spiritual growth.  What kind of Bible reading do you do?",Joshua 1:8;,Bobby Laymon,TAKING TIME TO MEDITATE ON SPIRITUAL THINGS,67,1,8/31/2009,
"Gift, blessings, rewards, pioneer, evangelizing, preaching,",“Each day comes bearing its own gifts.  Untie the ribbons.” – Ruth Ann Schabacker,Jehovah gives us gifts each day.  Satan sometimes keeps us from recognizing them.,Proverb 10:22;,Bobby Laymon,,0,1,5/28/2007,
"Love, Service, Return visits, persistence, endurance,","“Sometimes you put walls up not to keep people out, but to see who cares enough to break them down.”  Quote: Lizzie",We need to be persistence to see if there is real interest underneath.,Luke 11:8;,Bobby Laymon,,0,1,5/28/2007,
"Elderly, old, young, gray hairs,"," One Bethel speaker was talking about how all of the brothers and sisters are important in the congregation, but we never want to overlook the part the older ones play in keeping the congregation strong even when they aren't able do as much as they once could.   He pointed out that on a clock face there may be three hands – the second hand, the minute hand and the hour hand. He likened the second hand to the younger ones in the congregation. They have lots of energy and race around doing things, just as the second hand goes all the way 'round the clock face in just 60 seconds.  The minute hand is like those in the congregation who are a little older, even middle-aged. They don't have the energy of the young ones but still accomplish much, just as the minute hand moves slower than the second hand but still gets around the clo ck face once every hour.  The older ones in the congregation are like the hour hand, which moves a lot slower than the second hand or the minute hand but still gets around the clock face every twelve hours. They aren't able to do as much – quantity-wise – as they once did when they were young. But they keep moving along at their own pace. Each hand on the clock has its function. But then he asked, ""If you had no second hand on the clock, could you tell what time it is? Yes. If you removed the minute hand too and just had the hour hand, could you still tell the time? Yes, not as precisely, but you could make a pretty close guess. But if the clock had only the second hand could you tell the time? No.  How about if you had only the minute hand? No. Even if the clock had both the second hand AND the minute hand, could you tell what time it is? No, you need the hour hand.","So, even though the older ones may not be able to keep up the pace of the younger ones, they are very important to the spiritual health and stability of the congregation. They are encouraged to keep doing what they can, at the pace they are able to maintain, for the benefit and blessing of all in the congregation. For the congregation to be at its strongest spiritually, all our brothers and sisters, young and old, are needed.",Psalm 71:9; Leviticus 19:32,Betty Bounds,Service Talk,200,1,5/29/2007,
"Jesus Christ, pre-human existence, knows Father,","When you pioneer with someone a long time you get to know them pretty well.  Work with them for years, and you become well acquainted with them.","Jesus came to know Jehovah's thinking, feeling, personality, and reflected that in his coming to the earth.",Matthew 11:27; John 14:9-11;,"William Dorren; Follow The Christ District Convention; Tulsa, OK Jun 1-3 2007",,0,1,6/4/2007,
"Jesus, crowd, following, direction, guide,","In directing a friend to a destination, you might also warn them of misleading signs along the way.  Thus they can be alert.","Jehovah and Jesus Christ alert us to dangers not to follow.  ""Do not follow the crowd,"" for example.","Matthew 7:13, 14; Exodus 23:2; Proverbs 13:20;","Follow The Christ District Convention; Tulsa, OK Jun 1-3 2007",INTO THE NEW ORDER UNDER CHRIST'S LEADERSHIP,56,1,6/4/2007,
"Values, honesty, dishonesty, virtue, morals,","A popular legend says that he walked about in broad daylight with a lantern in a determined but vain search for a virtuous man.  His name was Diogenes, a philosopher who lived in Athens in the fourth century B.C.E.","Today, if Diogenes were alive, he would no doubt have to look even harder.","2 Timothy 3:16, 17;","June 15, 2007 WT page 3",CONDUCTING OURSELVES HONESTLY AT ALL TIMES,10,1,6/5/2007,
"information, direction, guidance, lamp, light, peace, happiness,",Can you recall an occasion when you had to ask someone for directions?  Perhaps you were close to your destination but were unsure of the last few turns.  Or it may be that you were completely lost and needed to change your course altogether.  In either case would it not be wise to follow the direction of someone who knew the area?  Such a person could help you reach your destination.,"For thousands of years, mankind in general has tried to navigate its way through like without divine help.  Left on their own, however, imperfect humans are completely lost.  They simply cannot find the road to true peace and happiness.",Isaiah 48:17; Psalm 119:105;,"May 1, 2007 WT page 14;",DECISIONS YOU FACE--HOW WILL YOU MAKE THEM?,50,1,6/16/2007,
"Lamentations, suffering, bitter, hardships, experience, compassion, deny, trials, faith,","WHEN faced with intense suffering, many people get bitter. Others going through the same or even worse experiences become more compassionate and tender in their feelings for fellow humans. Similarly, there are those who deny God’s very existence when subjected to prolonged hardships, while others pass through severe trials with unwavering faith in the Almighty. Why is this?  Often people become bitter and lose faith because they consider themselves too important and fail to recognize that they are sinful humans living in a world that ignores God’s law. They wrongly attribute to the Almighty the bad things for which men are to blame. Hence, they learn nothing beneficial from difficulties and, after experiencing relief, may show even more undesirable personality traits than they did formerly.","So that this does not happen to us, we should make it a point to profit from whatever may befall us. This requires having a right view toward human suffering. The Bible book of Lamentations is most helpful in putting this matter in the right perspective.",Lamentations 3:22-24.,w87 2/15 23,,0,1,6/19/2007,
"Envy, Jealousy, hate, love,","Too many people itch for things they aren't willing to scratch for. Love looks through a telescope - envy looks through a microscope. There are many roads to hate, but envy is the shortest of them all. “ Envy is counting the other fellows blessings instead of your own”",Short truths to the above.,Titus 3:3;,Kim Laymon,JEALOUSY--PROPER AND IMPROPER,76,1,6/26/2007,
"Angels, children that die, death, compassion, needs angels,","Did God somehow miscalculate the number of angels he needed? Impossible! Surely, Almighty God could never make such an error.","His work of directly creating millions of angels was a perfect accomplishment, and there was no shortage. (Daniel 7:10)",Daniel 7:10;,w09 3/1 p. 29,The Resurrection-Victory Over Death!,132,1,1/12/2010,
"Perspective, relative, in relation, problems, trials,","When we stand next to one of those big super tankers tied up to a wharf, it is  HUGE! ...Gigantic!  But then if we take an airplane trip and observe that same super tanker from 30,000 feet, it is very small and insignificant.","Our problems and trials sometimes appear mountain-like, gigantic, because we are so close to them. But if we try to see our problems and trials from a distance…from Jehovah's perspective…our mountain-like, gigantic problems will pale into insignificance.","Psalm 103:11, 12;",Bobby Laymon,ARE YOU REALLY MAKING JEHOVAH YOUR STRONGHOLD?,18,1,8/31/2009,
"Education, learning, training, right, wrong,","The education of a child might be likened to an exciting and challenging journey.  It is a journey that you and your children make together.  You give them encouragement and lovingly provide guidance, helping them to progress along the path of life.  There is so much for them to learn.","To be truly successful and happy in life, children must develop moral and spiritual values, learning to distinguish right from wrong.",1 john 5:19; 1 Timothy 4:1;,"May 15, 2007 Wt page 14",Use Education to Praise Jehovah,146,1,7/13/2007,
"Youth, elderly, old age,","You hear it said, ""You are only young once!""  Which may not be exactly true.","Perhaps it should be, ""You are only old once!""  We should make the best of it and serve Jehovah.","Psalm 92:13, 14;",Bobby Laymon,,0,1,7/16/2007,
"Conductor, Watchtower, Book study,",The conductor of a music concert does not play an instrument while conducting.  What would people think if he stops conducting and grabs an instrument and starts playing?,"Likewise, the conductor of the Watchtower study or book study does not start commenting.  His job is to conduct.  He leaves the comments to others.",1 Corinthians 14:40,Dale Hartley,,0,1,7/16/2007,
"Elderly, older ones, ability, aging, affect, example, modesty, limitations, run, skip, jump, hop, cannot fly, ","A Christian elder in West Africa visited an aged anointed brother and asked him, ""How are you doing?""  The brother responded, ""I can run, I can skip, I can jump, and I can hop.""  attempting to act out his words as he said them.  ""But, I cannot fly.""","His intent was understood, ""What I can do, I am glad to do, but what I cannot do, I do not do.'  The elder who made that visit is now in his 80's, and he fondly remember that brother's sense of humor and his loyalty.  Do we appreciate how our words and actions affect others?",Ecclesiastes 4:13; Proverbs 16:31;,"June 1, 2007 wt page 26;",ARE YOU REALLY MAKING JEHOVAH YOUR STRONGHOLD?,18,1,7/21/2007,1/6/2019
"Clock face, elderly, younger ones, importance, congregation,","One Bethel speaker was talking about how all of the brothers and sisters are important in the congregation, but we never want to overlook the part the older ones play in keeping the congregation strong even when they aren't able do as much as they once could. He pointed out that on a clock face there may be three hands – the second hand, the minute hand and the hour hand. He likened the second hand to the younger ones in the congregation. They have lots of energy and race around doing things, just as the second hand goes all the way 'round the clock face in just 60 seconds. The minute hand is like those in the congregation who are a little older, even middle-aged. They don't have the energy of the young ones but still accomplish much, just as the minute hand moves slower than the second hand but still gets around the clo ck face once every hour.  The older ones in the congregation are like the hour hand, which moves a lot slower than the second hand or the minute hand but still gets around the clock face every twelve hours. They aren't able to do as much – quantity-wise – as they once did when they were young. But they keep moving along at their own pace. Each hand on the clock has its function. But then he asked, ""If you had no second hand on the clock, could you tell what time it is? Yes. If you removed the minute hand too and just had the hour hand, could you still tell the time? Yes, not as precisely, but you could make a pretty close guess. But if the clock had only the second hand could you tell the time? No.  How about if you had only the minute hand?   No. Even if the clock had both the second hand AND the minute hand, could you tell what time it is? No, you need the hour hand.","So, even though the older ones may not be able to keep up the pace of the younger ones, they are very important to the spiritual health and stability of the congregation. They are encouraged to keep doing what they can, at the pace they are able to maintain, for the benefit and blessing of all in the congregation. For the congregation to be at its strongest spiritually, all our brothers and sisters, young and old, are needed.",1 Corinthians 12:12,Steve Hashimuri,Service Talk,200,1,7/23/2007,
"Midas, blessings, curse, heaven, treasures,","In Greek mythology, Midas (in Greek, Μιδας, often referred as King Midas) is popularly remembered for his ability to turn everything he touched into gold: the ""Midas touch"". Midas was king of Pessinus, a city of Phrygia.  After granting his wish he found it was a curse.  As his food became hard and rigid and his drink as well.  Even his daughter turned into a statue.",We need to store up treasure in heaven.,1 Timothy 6:17-19; 2 Chronicles 25:2;,Donald Amy; D. O.,Service Talk,200,1,5/15/2007,
"Truth, exciting, joy, happiness, Bible study, student,",Did you ever have a 'lightbulb' moment?,You see the students eyes light up and thoughts dancing around in their head.,Acts 18:25;Acts 18:25;,Bobby Laymon,RENEWING THE SPIRIT OF SELF-SACRIFICE,69,1,9/26/2009,
"Trinity, Questions,","He asked, Who sent the life of Jesus into Mary’s womb for nine months? Was the universe without a God during this time? When Jesus was born, how was he nourished? Did Jehovah suckle at the breast of a mere woman? When Jesus began to walk, was it at the moment of birth or did he first crawl as other children? Their simple minds could see the points made. They reasoned that Jesus would crawl first as other children do. Then, was Jehovah crawling on hands and knees while yet controlling the universe?","Neither the humble special pioneer nor the audience would have understood the grammar of John 1:1, but he knew how to “sound down” the truth into minds and hearts of learners.  Most of the audience shook their heads indicating rejection of the trinity and acceptance of the Bible truth that Jesus was the Son of God, sent to earth to do his Father’s will.",John 1:1;,yb70 pp. 168-169,Is the Trinity a Scriptural Teaching?,129,1,8/14/2007,
"Speech, positive, build up, destroy,","It is much easier to destroy a building than to put up a new one. That same principle of tearing down and building up applies to our speech. As imperfect humans, all of us have faults and shortcomings. King Solomon said: “There is no man righteous in the earth that keeps doing good and does not sin.” (Ecclesiastes 7:20)","It does not take much to identify another person’s faults and tear him down with cutting remarks. On the other hand, keeping our speech positive requires skill.",Psalm 64:2-4,"Nov 15, 2007 WT Page 15",A CLEAN PEOPLE HONORS JEHOVAH,14,1,1/13/2008,
"Earth, Paradise, youth, old, young,","Song written by Bob Dylan, ""I was so much older then I'm younger than that now.""",Doesn't make much sense in today's world.  In new world even those words will make sense.,"Revelation 21:3, 4;",Bobby Laymon,CAN YOU LIVE FOREVER?--WILL YOU?,35,1,8/22/2007,
"Evil, retaliation, get even, revenge, vengeance, tit-for-tat,","When a child is shoved by a sibling usually the child's first reaction is to shove back. Sadly, such tit-for-tat behavior is not limited to children.","Many adults act similarly.  When offended by someone, they want to get even.",Romans 12:17;,"July 1, 2007 WT page 22",DO YOU HARBOR RESENTMENT OR DO YOU FORGIVE?,68,1,8/26/2007,
"Preach, disciples, go, witnessing, pioneers, sentence,",What is the shortest sentence in the English language?  GO!,"Jesus combined it with even more powerful words at Matthew 28:19, 20.","Matthew 28:19, 20;",Bobby Laymon,INTO THE NEW ORDER UNDER CHRIST'S LEADERSHIP,56,1,8/26/2007,
"Growth, Progress, report, organization,",Do You remember your parents putting growth marks on the wall?  It was interesting to see last year's growth. There is hidden information in those growth marks.  How many new shoes.  New wardrobes.,Likewise with Jehovah's people we are interested in growth.  Organization is one of growth.  Isaiah 60:22.  What does last year's growth tell us?,Isaiah 60:22,Bobby Laymon,,0,1,9/20/2007,
"Witness, through, complete, reasoning,",How many acorns are on an oak tree?  Thousands!  What if every one of them sprouted and grew into an oak?  They won't.  Must crack that soil - crust.,"Likewise, we witness to thousands.  It will not penetrate unless we use reasoning.",Acts 17:2;,Bobby Laymon,,0,1,10/4/2007,
"number of languages, Bible, Information,","Information: As of December 31, 2006 the number of languages and dialects in which publication of at least one book of the Bible had been registered was 2, 426.",An increase of 23 over the previous year.,Hebrews 4:12,Awake November 2007 page 30,Did the Miracles of the Bible Really Happen?,137,1,10/8/2007,
"Trust, confidence, Bible, Shakespeare,","""Trust not to rotten planks.""  Quote William Shakespeare.  Indeed, before stepping onto the wooden planks of a boat, you would want to be sure that the wood was not rotten.",Millions place their trust in the Bible.  Is it worthy of trust or like stepping onto rotten planks?  See article!,Proverbs 14:15;,Awake! November 2007 page 3,WHY LIVE BY BIBLE STANDARDS?,88,1,10/8/2007,
"prudent, compassionate, cruel, kind,","""It is more prudent to be cruel than compassionate.""  Quote: Niccola Machiavelli.",Greed and egotism easily cut off the flow of compassion.,Genesis 19:16; Matthew 7:12;,"Dec 15, 2007 WT page 4",,0,1,11/19/2007,
"Hope, trust, cure, fear, future,","YOUR watch has stopped and appears to be broken. When it comes to getting it fixed, you face a profusion of choices. Advertisements for watch repair abound, all of them making confident claims, some of them contradictory. But what if you find out that a neighbor of yours is the ingenious man who designed that particular watch years ago? What is more, you learn that he is willing to help you, free of charge. Your choice would seem clear, wouldn't it?","Now compare that watch to your own ability to hope. If you find that you are losing hope—as many are in these troubled times—where will you turn for help? Any number of people claim to be able to fix the problem, but the countless suggestions can be confusing and contradictory. So why not go to the One who designed mankind with the capacity for hope in the first place? The Bible says that ""he is not far off from each one of us"" and that he is more than willing to help.",Acts 17:27; 1 Peter 5:7,Society's Website,DOES YOUR HOPE REST ON SCIENCE OR THE BIBLE?,80,1,10/31/2006,
"electronic games, danger, computers, video games, caution, violence, immoral,","Choosing to play violent or immoral games is like choosing to play with radioactive waste……The damaging effects may not be immediately obvious, but they are inevitable.","""No harm done.  It's not real.  It's only a game.""  Don't be fooled by such false reasoning.",Psalm 11:5; Calatians 5:19-21; Proverbs 20:11;,Jan 2008 Awake! Page 19,,0,1,1/4/2008,
"Persecution, We-don’t-do-such-things.","Grass does not remember the name of the Witness, whom he dubbed We-don’t-do-such-things. Researchers of Jehovah’s Witnesses identify the man as Joachim Alfermann. He was repeatedly beaten and humiliated, and then he was placed in solitary confinement. But Alfermann remained steadfast and refused to bear arms.","“I admired his incredible determination,” Grass noted. “I asked myself: How can he put up with it all? How does he do it?” After enduring prolonged efforts to break his integrity to God, Alfermann was finally sent to the Stutthof concentration camp in February 1944. Liberated in April 1945, he survived the war and remained a loyal Witness of Jehovah until his death in 1998.",Matthew 26:52,"Oct 15, 2007 WT page 32",BEARING UP UNDER PERSECUTION,57,1,1/4/2008,
"Unity, Peace, disaster, last days, end,",IS OUR world on the threshold of peace or on the brink of disaster? It seems that a case could be made for either view.,Is the world like a grenade ready to blow up?,2 Timothy 3:1-5,"Dec 1, 2007 WT page 3",WILL YOU BE A SURVIVOR OF THE LAST DAYS?,2,1,1/4/2008,
"Compassion, kindness, empathy,",A MAN in Burundi falls seriously ill with malaria. He urgently needs to be transferred to a hospital. But how? No car is available to take him.,"Two of his close friends come to his aid. They put him on a bicycle and push him for five grueling hours over mountainous terrain. They get him to a bus that takes him to the nearest hospital. A few days later, he is significantly better.","Matthew 5:46, 47","Dec 15, 2007 WT page 3",,0,1,1/5/2008,
"Happiness, happy, joy, contentment,","A GOOD recipe and a good cook make for a good meal! In a way, it is similar with happiness. It is not the result of a single factor, but many things in life come together to produce happiness. These include work, play, time with family and friends, and spiritual activities. But there are also more subtle factors, such as attitudes, desires, and goals in life.","Thankfully, we do not have to figure out the recipe for true happiness by ourselves. Why not? Because our Creator has given us a wonderful book of instruction, the Bible, which is now available in whole or in part in 2,377 languages and dialects—far more than any other publication in the world!",Matthew 5:3,G4 6/4 4,,0,1,1/10/2008,
"Sovereignty, rebel, rebellion, satan, kingdom,","What do we expect that a ruler would do when there was an outright rebellion in his realm? Those who are familiar with history can recall some such instances. Rather than ignoring the matter, usually a sovereign—even a benevolent ruler—would render judgment against the rebels, declaring them guilty of treason. Then the ruler might empower someone to subdue the rebel forces and restore peace.","Similarly, Jehovah showed that he was in full control of the situation when he took immediate action and pronounced judgment upon the rebels. He pronounced Adam and Eve unworthy of the gift of everlasting life, and He drove them out of the garden of Eden.","Genesis 3:16-19, 22-24","Dec 1, 2007 WT Page 22",DO YOU RECOGNIZE JEHOVAH'S SOVEREIGNTY IN YOUR PERSONAL LIFE?,75,1,1/13/2008,
"Satan, sovereignty, purpose, puppets,","Clearly, Nimrod and other self-appointed rulers were puppets in Satan’s hands. They and their supporters became part of Satan’s seed.","In spite of Satan’s efforts to produce human rulers, Jehovah’s purpose moves forward.",1 John 5:19,"Dec 1, 2007 WT page 23",HOW TO PROTECT OURSELVES FROM SATAN'S SNARES,115,1,1/13/2008,
"Everlasting life, purpose, meaning,",Many artists have a desire to improve their work in order to reach what they consider perfection in their art. The present life is too short for that.,"Even if an artist reaches the point where he is satisfied with his own work, by then he might no longer be able to produce as much as he could have when he was in his prime. But what if he had everlasting life? Think of all the possibilities to perfect his art!","1 Timothy 6:12, 19","Nov 15, 2007 WT Page 6",LIFE DOES HAVE A PURPOSE,23,1,1/13/2008,
"Friendships, maintaining, foundation of friends,","King Solomon wrote: “If somebody could overpower one alone, two together could make a stand against him. And a threefold cord cannot quickly be torn in two.”","The strongest friendships are founded on a love for Jehovah.   When Jehovah is the third cord in a friendship, that friendship will endure.",Eccl. 4:12,w09 10/15 p. 18 par. 3,TRUE FRIENDSHIP WITH GOD AND NEIGHBOR,100,1,1/3/2011,
"Time, urgency, wasting time, service,","""Your burning daylight.""  How many have heard this statement?  What does it mean?  You are wasting time.",We must avoid wasting time in service.  Go directly into territory so all can have a share.,Ephesians 5: 16;,Art Stroschein,,0,1,1/21/2008,
"Zealous, Time, waste, eternity, urgency, lazy, ambitious,","""As if you could kill time without injuring eternity.""  Quote: Henry David Thoreau",We must be zealous for the good news.,Matthew 24:14,Bobby Laymon,,0,1,1/24/2008,
"Children, Handicapped, special needs, mentally retarded, disabled, encouragement,","In some cases their minds may be like icebergs that lie largely below the surface, and their faces may not express their deep feelings.","Talk to them about their families and pastimes.  Speak to them according to their actual age, not as someone younger.  Use short sentences and give them time to think.",Romans 15:4,April 2006 Awake! Page 26,,0,,5/22/2006,
"Government, Qualified,","It is not difficult to ascertain who the best doctors, cooks, or shoemakers are. We simply view their work or their products. “With government, however, the situation is not so easy,” notes Professor Friedrich. The difficulty is that people disagree as to what a government should be and what it should do. Also, the goals of government are continually changing. Thus, as Friedrich says: “It remains quite uncertain as to who the elite is.”","For a ‘government by the best’ to be really the best, the elite would have to be chosen by someone with superhuman knowledge and infallibility in judging. The chosen would have to be individuals of unbreakable moral integrity, completely devoted to the immutable goals of their government. Their willingness to put the welfare of others before their own would have to be beyond doubt.  The Bible indicates that Jehovah God has chosen just such a class—his Son Jesus Christ and a few of his faithful followers—and has appointed them to rule over the earth for a thousand years. Not as fallible humans but as infallible immortal spirit creatures, Christ and his corulers will shower the earth with the blessings of lasting peace, security, and happiness, restoring humankind to perfection. Could any human government—even a ‘government by the best’—offer as much?","Luke 9:35; 2 Thessalonians 2:13, 14; Revelation 20:6",g90 9/8 p. 24,WHO IS QUALIFIED TO RULE MANKIND?,170,1,2/16/2008,
"Government, Qualified,","Suppose you go to a tailor with a piece of material and ask him to make you a suit. However, the suit he makes does not fit you. The tailor says that this is not his fault, but it is because of the poor quality of the cloth you gave him. So you buy the kind of cloth that he wants and go back to him. Again, the suit he makes for you does not fit. How many times would you go back to that tailor before you realized that the problem was not the cloth but the tailor himself?","The situation with mankind is similar. During the centuries, many different kinds of government have been tried by man. There have been kingdoms, sultanates, oligarchies, dictatorships and democracies. Just like a customer who keeps going back to the tailor with different material, man has tried all these different kinds of government. And not one of them has “fitted.”",Jeremiah 10:23;,sm p. 5 par. 1,WHO IS QUALIFIED TO RULE MANKIND?,170,1,2/17/2008,
"Angels, service","Angels in the Field ServiceAt morning worship with the Bethel family, Bro. Lett of the GoverningBody, made a few comments regarding our work of preaching and bearingwitness to others.  He made the point that we should not be discouraged by not-at-homes orthose who are not interested in our message. He mentioned that even if 80% of our visits were not-at-homes and 20% were not interested, we still have many reasons to be joyful. Primarily, because we are pleasing Jehovah. Also, we are fulfilling our responsibility to bear witness to others, thereby proving that Satan the Devil is a liar. Additionally, we are helping the angels determine the condition of people's hearts.  He then gave this example of a typical day in field service. At the first door we go to, after we knock, a woman peeks through the window, sees us, but doesn't answer the door. We mark it as a not-at-home, but the angels mark it as something else. They can see the condition of the woman's heart.  At the second door we knock at, no one is home since the husband and wife are both at work; but we leave a tract. That night when the couple gets home and sees the tract, a conversation begins. ""Those Witnesses were by our house today. They sure are persistent."" The angels are watching and make note of it. At the third door we knock at, no one answers. This is because the woman at the first house called her friend at the third house and warned her that we were coming. She says: Boy, those Witnesses sure are persistent.  They just don't give up."" We mark it as a not-at-home, but the angels mark it as something else. We knock at the fourth house and no one is home. However, a lady across the street sees us. The Witnesses had knocked at her door last week, but she didn't listen. She says to herself: ""Those Witnesses sure are persistent, but very well dressed. Even their children are well behaved.   Maybe I should listen to them the next time they knock at my door.""Again, the angels make note of it.  We knock at the fifth house, and again, no one is home. But a garbage truck passes by. The driver tells his co-worker: ""There go those Witnesses again."" The co-worker asks: ""Aren't they the ones that don't accept blood transfusions?"" ""Yes"", the driver replies. ""But look at how well dressed and well behaved their children are. I wish my children were the same."" The angels make a note of this.","So at just these five houses, there may have been five not-at-homesmarked down, but look how many conditions and reactions of the heart theangels were able to observe. Now imagine how many of these same scenariosthey observe being played out around the world each and every day. How important it is that we be in the ministry to help our angelic brothers to see behind the response we receive at the doors. .",Matthew 13:39;,Joel Roper,Service Talk,200,1,3/4/2008,
"atomic fire, Mount Carmel, test, ultimate weapon,","Professor A. Freeman, LL.D., in a letter to the editor of The Flame, said, ""Your mention of Mount Carmel in The Flame (May-June issue) reminds me of some facts revealed in the Bible Exhibition at Pembridge Road hall, Notting Hill Gate, London @.11, where there are thousands of Biblical exhibits.  Two of these, to my mind, prove once more how historically and scientifically correct is the Bible.  From New Mexico, in U.S.A., comes a blue transparent crystal.  Here the first test bomb (atomic) was exploded, and all over the area where these crystals.  I have a crystal found by the archaeologists which looked exactly like the one from New Mexico (and also those found after Hiroshima).  I had the two crystals examined by a noted analyst in London, and he declared they were exactly the same.  This stone bearing the crystal came from Mount Carmel, and was over 3,000 years old!  The crystals were embedded upon it.  In 1 Kings, chapter 18, we read that fire came down from heaven and destroyed the offering and the large altar stones.  The stone in my possession was  one of the fragments of the altar stones!  The same forces at work--made by God in the beginning and just discovered by man.  How true is the Bible!""  December 22, 1948 Awake! Page 19","""Blue transparent crystals found three thousand years later in the neighborhood of this fire test argue that it was atomic fire, channeled down without injury to the nearby onlookers, directly hitting the target.  So awesome was the sight that the people fell upon their faces and cried out: ""Jehovah is the true God!"" repeatedly.  He had answered by fire.",1 Kings 18:25-40;,"December 22, 1948 Awake! Page 19; NS page 144, 145; paragraph 27;",,0,1,3/9/2008,
"Sin, sinful, inclinations, habits, customs,","Some people say, ""Just follow your nature.""  Imagine visiting a country where they drive on the side of the road opposite to that you're accustomed to. You know it's the right thing to do, but it's going to feel unnatural. When other cars are driving toward you, you're going to feel uneasy, like you're on the wrong side of the road!","If we obey our nature and sin, we are being just as stupid as if we obeyed our nature in another land and drove on the wrong side of the road, just because it was more natural for us.",Romans 7:18-25;,Bobby Laymon,DELIVERANCE FROM A WORLD OF DARKNESS,162,1,8/31/2009,
"clergy, babylon, false claims, religions,","If someone who was without a single hair on his head claimed that he had a drug to make hair grow again, would you buy the drug from him? If the drug is really effective, then why is the man who is selling it still bald? As long as he stays bald, no one is going to buy his supposedly hair-restoring drug.","The case is similar to that of many of the clergy—and remember, we are speaking about the clergy of all religions. While what they say often sounds impressive, nevertheless, in their lives they do not live up to their own teachings. It is as if they were selling a hair-restoring drug but were bald themselves.",Matthew 23:4-8,sm pp. 12-13 pars. 13-14,,0,1,3/26/2008,
"Meetings, attendance, Thirst,","In a spiritual way, we have an abundance. We are richly provided for so that we do not go hungry or thirsty for spiritual things. Our five weekly meetings, organized by the faithful slave, provide us with the life-sustaining water of truth.  Really, we can compare our physical bodies need for water to our spiritual need for the meetings.  Did you know that about 70 percent of our total body weight is made up of water? So it is not difficult to see why we need plenty of water for our bodies to function in a healthy way.  A Harvard University experiment bears out the value of drinking water.  A small group of athletes was instructed to drink no water at all and asked to walk briskly at three miles an hour (5 km/hr). They kept going for about three and a half hours. Then their body temperature rose suddenly to about 102 degrees Fahrenheit (39 C). Soon after, they collapsed from exhaustion.  A second group followed the same routine, but they were allowed to drink water whenever they felt thirsty and as much as they wished. This group lasted about six hours and then experienced exactly the same reaction as the previous group.  Then a third group was tested. But this group was monitored closely and it was found that they lost about one cup of water every 15 minutes. By replacing this amount of water as it was lost, none of this group experienced the sudden rise in body temperature, nor did they reach the point of exhaustion. In fact, all in this group claimed they could have walked on indefinitely.  So it seems that natural thirst may not be an accurate barometer of our body's need for water.  We might need more than thirst dictates. Which group are we like?","1. Not drink anything (be like the world)? That would mean missing all meetings! We cannot survive that way.  2. Just drink whenever we get thirsty? Just come to the meetings when we feel like it? We may sometimes think that we can 'get away with' missing some meetings. 'I'm not that thirsty tonight' as it were. Remember that natural thirst may not be an accurate barometer of our need for water. We might need more than thirst dictates. If we trust our spiritual thirst, like those runners, we will eventually just collapse from exhaustion. 3. Drink at regular intervals. The last set of runners received just the right amount of water and what comment did they all make: all of them claimed that they could have walked on indefinitely. Yes, regularity is essential.  Christ, as head of the congregation, has seen to it that we receive the right amount of spiritual water from our meetings.  Let's not trust in our own 'thirst', let's trust in the direction we receive and we too can walk on indefinitely!","Hebrews 10: 23, 24",Melody Spradling,Service Talk,200,1,3/27/2008,
"Health care, warranty, broken, fixes, run-a-round,",The health care system worldwide is broken.  Proposed fixes abound depending on the government and politicians. How good is their guarantee?,How do they compare to God's kingdom?  Ever get the run-a-round?  Computer: warranty.  Software problem; no it's a hardware problem.  Pushed from one doctor to another.  You finally give up.,Matthew 15:30,Bobby and Joe Laymon,THE ONLY CURE FOR SICK MANKIND,62,1,3/28/2008,
"Rulership, government, belong,",If an elephant tried to step into your shoes would he fit?  Why?  Your shoes don't belong to him.,Neither can any man fit into and match long strides of the shoes of Jesus Christ and be qualified as Ruler of mankind.,Jeremiah 10:23,Bobby Laymon,,0,1,3/28/2008,
"Service Talk, Perceptive Powers, Spirituality, Safeguard,","Safeguard Your Spirituality by Training Your Perceptive Powers1. Listen to Jehovah. Many think they know the answers, but they don't even know the questions.2. Study regularly, study deeply. We can be desensitized by what we see and hear, thinking it isn't bad, i.e., x-mas songs. We hear them;  next thing we know the tune is running around in our head. In a short time we are humming them just as Satan wants.3. Do we spend pioneer time in front of the TV or computer, and token time in service? Psalms 119:37, 'Make my eyes pass on from seeing  what is worthless.'4. Jesus is countless billions of years old … and one day we will be  as old as Jesus is now, and he'll only be twice our age.5. The Bible is inspired of the Sovereign of the Universe. It's a  masterpiece, give it careful attention.6. The reasons some give for not being at the meetings is the very reason why they need to be there.7. Too busy because of the high cost of living, or living high?  You  can't put enough money in the bank to get through Armageddon.8. A couple of young brothers are going to a movie. When asked if it has bad language, they reply, 'yes, but we hear it all the time in  school.' …. Do we want to pay to hear more? It should hurt our ears.9. Every meeting is a holy, sacred occasion. Never be absent by choice.10. Some are slowly losing the sense of urgency. We are in the heart and heat of a universal emergency. All in heaven have their attention focused on earth and what we are doing.11. If we had the cure for cancer would we tell everyone? We DO have  the cure for cancer, AIDS, and even death. People desperately need to  hear. Our ministry is an extension of God's love. When you talk with  someone they are face to face with a representative of Jehovah God.","Apply to congregation.  “Solid food belongs to mature people, to those who through use have their perceptive powers trained to distinguish both right and wrong.”—Heb. 5:14.",Hebrews 5:14,Brother Guy Pierce of the Governing Body,Service Talk,200,1,4/7/2008,
History of Marshfield Congregation - Dedication talk,"Growth is an amazing thing.  A tiny seed  can grow slowly but solidly.  In time, it can even push up concrete paving blocks in its way.  Evenventually it will come to be a fruitful plant.  In the same way, tiny seeds of truth are planted, sometimes in foreign soil, and will begin to grow, pushing aside anything in their way.   After many years they can, grow into a fruitful congreation of worshipers of Jehovah.   Both physical and spiritual growth are to the credit of Jehovah God.  1 Cor. 3:7 Read.  I. Early beginnings.A. During the years prior to 1970 the Marshfield congregation did not exist.		1.	Unassigned territory was often worked by zealous publishers from Springfield and 					other congregations.  Nelson; Robinsons; Laymons; Myers; Monks;		Often this was during holidays such as Christmas and Thanksgiving.	B. In a letter written in 1964 the Society expressed its desire to see a congregation in 						Marshfield, Missouri.  In this letter, it was noted there was already one publisher 					living in Marshfield.  (That was sister Betty Feller)		1.	It would still be 13 years before there was enough interest for a congregation to be 					formed.		2.	However, there were already tiny seeds growing here and there.	C.	Marshfield had a local radio station at that time.  		1.	During the late 1960's and early 70's one of the Society's radio programs was being 					aired weekly.  It was entitled, ""All Scripture Is Inspired Of God.""		2.	People still listened to the radio and lot, and many remember and enjoyed the 							program.		3.	The growth was slow, but ""slow growth is good growth.""  It's solid growth.		D.	A few pioneer brothers and sisters would work some to the territory 1 day a week.  				1.	Interest was being found.		2.	Ernie Lawson and his wife, Jean were studying the Bible and began attending 							meetings in Springfield.		E.	Seemed slow; 'slow growth is good growth.  A lie can travel half way around the world while the 				truth is putting on its shoes.  Quote: Mark Twain (1835-1910)II.	A change in planting and watering.	A.	In 1975 three elders and their families made arrangements to move to Marshfield.  		Alan Johnstone, 		Bobby 	Laymon, 		Norman Smith.	B.	Work began to be organized to find enough interest for a new congregation.		1.	By early spring of 1976 the paperwork was sent to the Society.		2.	We had our first official meeting as a new congregation.		3.	On April 14, 1976, celebrate the Memorial of Christ's death.		4.	Possibly 25 in attendance.	C.	Some of the early ones:		1.	Lawsons; Hannah; Sandoz; Alma Thomas; Richard Feller family. Mable Allen; 						Rudolphs;West & Daily's; Dotson's;  				2.	Later came the Thomas's; Herrs's; Kirkton's. Bells; Crownovers; Crabbs; Vicky 						Smith, 	Sister Hollis;  Carr's; LaRue's; Whittingtons; Dusart; Fritz; Freeman 						Quinn; Hawkins; Jones; Brandon Kerr, Lewis; Manning;		3.	Interview Sister Laymon?  What are some early recollections of the Marshfield 						Congregation?	B.	With much effort we were able to build a Kingdom Hall, originally 32 X 48 feet.		1.	Since, have enlarged it quite a bit.III.	What about now?""Growth is the only evidence of life.""          John Henry Newman (1801-1890)Is there still evidence of life?		A.	Still continue to see increased fruitage.		1.	Have new cultivators.  Blands; Hernandez; Millers; Erwins; Bells; Hathcocks;		2.	Still very busy at sowing, planting, watering.	B.	Much work to be done.		1.	In short months ahead, in addition to preaching work there is a need to work on  our 					Kingdom Hall.		2.	Driveway; parking lot; feeding the visitors;		3.	Let us continue to work as peaceful workers alongside Jehovah, who, ""makes it 						grow.""		4.	1 Cor. 15:28Song 119 and prayer.",Dedication talk,1 Corinthians 3:7,Bobby Laymon,Service Talk,200,1,4/9/2008,
"Local Needs, Spiritual health checkup, service talk,","You have anxiety and go to the doctor for a checkup.  A good doctor will examine you thoroughly checking vital signs.  He will check your blood pressure, heart rate, breathing, pulse, eyes, ears, throat, reflexes and much more to determine your physical condition.  Sometimes the elders and others in the congregation are concerned and give the congregation a spiritual checkup.  Also the circuit overseer.  They check the vital signs.I.	Jehovah does this all the time.	A.	Jehovah sees what is impossible for man.		1.	Jeremiah 17:10 is an instance of this. 		2.	Often a visit to a medical doctor will mean a careful examination of how our kidneys 					are doing.		3.	Jehovah makes an examination, not as a medical doctor would, but in a judicial way.		4.	He looks, not at our purely physical state.		5.	He examines the moral and spiritual state as connected with those body organs.	B.	That's how the elders and traveling brothers try to see it.		1.	Are there moral or spiritual problems that might be hindering Jehovah's spirit?		2.	To protect the spiritual health of the congregation, elders need ""to exhort by the 						teaching that is healthful and to reprove those who contradict."" Titus 1:9, 2:1	C.	Suppose the doctor tells you your cholesterol is too high.  Prescribe pills.		1.	Next visit still high and finds you haven't taken prescription.		2.  	How would he feel?		3.	Sometimes we get spiritual prescription.		4.	What if we don't follow it?		5.	Acts 5:32 . . . Holy spirit, which God has given to those obeying him as ruler.""				6.	Obedience fills us with holy spirit.		7.	Disobedience causes us to lose holy spirit.II.	What are some of the vital statistics?		1.	Meetings for field service each day of the week. 		2.	Well supported.  Not just on weekends.		3.	Some midweek days have 20 and more publishers going out.		4.	Besides publishers we have 14 regular pioneers.		5.	Seven auxiliary pioneers.	D.	Attitude -- What kind do we want?		1.	We want the ""same mental attitude that Christ Jesus had.""  Romans 15:5, 6.		2..	Humility -- Willingness to work with all.						E.	Doctor -- Sometimes constant advise.		1.	Get more exercise.  Get rest.  Watch your diet.		2.	We have constants also.		3.	Physical activity is necessary for bodily health.		4.	Spiritual activity necessary for spiritual health. 		5.	The apostle Peter recognized this. ""Brace up your minds for activity."" (1 Pet. 1:13)		6.	Meeting attendance.		7.	Regular service.		8.	To maintain spiritual health, it is vital to follow the diet God prescribes.		9.	Spiritual ""food at the proper time"" provided through ""the faithful and discreet slave.""II.	Spiritual health is far more important than physical health. 	A.	The best physical health cannot bring God's gift of eternal life. 		1.	Threats to sound spiritual health may come from within us or from outside. 		2.	We must be aware of these threats to maintain faith and spiritual health.	B.	Results from checkup - Many that are 'healthy in the faith.' (Titus 2:2)","1.	To continue healthy in faith must put forth diligent effort and maintain constant 						vigilance. 		2.	Notice the prescription for good health at Acts 15:28, 29.		3.	When we have a spiritual checkup by the elders or traveling brothers.		4.	How nice it is to hear the words.  ""Keep up the good work.""		5.	""Good health to you!""",Jeremiah 17:10,Bobby Laymon,Service Talk,200,1,4/9/2008,
"Kingdom Hall Dedication,","         APPRECIATION FOR THE HOLY GOD, JEHOVAH, AND HIS HOUSE.  I. If the most high God of the universe was going to write one   sentence, what would he write?  Not a book, or a page, or a   paragraph.  One sentence!   A. We don't have to guess, because he did it. He wrote one sentence      where everyone could see it. On the priest's turban, on a shiny      plate of gold, blue string.  Read Ex. 28:36, 37      1. Ex. 39:30; Finally they made the shining plate, the holy sign         of dedication, out of pure gold and inscribed upon it an         inscription with the engravings of a seal: ""HOLINESS BELONGS to         JEHOVAH.""      2. Holiness and dedication connected together.   B. How appropriate, since we are dedicating a Kingdom Hall to      Jehovah.      1. Like an oasis in a parched land, the Kingdom Hall in each         community serves as a place of spiritual refreshment.         a. To this building come people of all walks of life to learn            of Jehovah.         b. Congregation, visitors, workers, new ones.      2. We are happy you could all be with us.   C. Did you see the beautiful sign out front?      1. Did it make you happy?  No, it goes beyond happiness, it gives         you joy doesn't it?      2. We see this with increasing frequency, don't we?      3. Hardly a community without a Kingdom Hall.         a. Jehovah is the God of growth.            Quote: John Henry Newman (1801-1890) Growth is the only                   evidence of life.         b. In the 1991 service year, 301,518 (826 day) worldwide.         c. A new Witness ever 104 seconds; 34 an hour.         d. 63016 Congregations. (2824 More) New congregation every            3 hours & 6 minutes.         e. Good growth ... slow growth.      4. Just as a tree grows slowly but solidly, and can even push up         concrete paving blocks in its way.         So, Jehovah's organization has its life from him and grows with         the irresistible power of his spirit.         Isa. 60:22  II. Since today we are dedicating this to the service and worship of the   holy God Jehovah, it is appropriate to highlight some points:   (NOT a house-warming, but a heart-warming occasion.)   A. What is a Kingdom Hall?  It's purpose, and why called a K.H.      1. Place of Worship; Educational and Learning center; Hub of all         activities of Jehovah's servants.  Clean, Holy, environment .         a. Reminds us of ISAIAH 6:3  And this one called to that one            and said: ""HOLY, HOLY, HOLY is Jehovah of armies. The            fullness of all the earth is his glory.""   B. Lev. 20:26      1. Helps all to learn about Jehovah's Grand purpose which centers         around Jesus, God's Kingdom.      2. Why called Kingdom Hall?         a. Learn to dance, go to Dance Hall; Union, Union Hall.            Kingdom; Kingdom Hall      3. Comment on 1975 Yearbook, page 167.  III. Not a New Arrangement.   A. Historically, Jehovah has always had a center for worship.      1. Tabernacle, Temples: Solomon, Zerubbabel, and Herod.      2. David especially looked with appreciation upon the House of         Jehovah.         PSALMS 27:4 One thing I have asked from JehovahÄ It is what I            shall look for, That I may dwell in the house of Jehovah all            the days of my life, To behold the pleasantness of Jehovah            And to look with appreciation upon his temple.         PSALMS 84:10 For a day in your courtyards is better than a            thousand elsewhere.   I have chosen to stand at the            threshold in the house of my God Rather than to move around            in the tents of wickedness.         PSALMS 122:1 I rejoiced when they were saying to me: ""To the            house of Jehovah let us go.""      3. Is this OUR feelings?         a. What is the ""house of Jehovah?""   B. To put God in a literal house, would be unscriptural.      1. It would also be demeaning to reduce the Creator to a size that         fits into a literal house.         a. 1 KINGS 8:27 ""But will God truly dwell upon the earth? Look!         The heavens, yes, the heaven of the heavens, themselves cannot         contain you; how much less, then, this house that I have built!         a. Nevertheless, God authorized buildings and placed his name         upon them to be called, ""house of God.""  With stipulations:      2. 1 KINGS 9:3, 6-9 (READ) Jehovah's answer.         a. Jehovah's favor hinged on their purity of worship.            Their ""Holiness"" as it does today.         b. Read 1 PETER 1:15, 16: but, in accord with the Holy One who            called you, do you also become holy yourselves in all [your]            conduct, because it is written: ""You MUST be HOLY, because I            am holy.""      3. What Happened?  EZEKIEL 8:9,10,13,16,18  IV. There is no physical temple now, so what is ""the House of God"" for      us to appreciate?   A. Temple is pictorial of a grand spiritual temple; not a physical      structure.  Not a Kingdom Hall.      1. Arrangement for us to appreciate the ""holy"" God, Jehovah and to         worship him on the basis of Christ's ransom sacrifice.   B. The literal temple is not important.  PEOPLE IMPORTANT.      1. Jehovah and Jesus become the temple for the 144,000. Rev. 21:22         And I did not see a temple in it, for Jehovah God the Almighty         is its temple, also the Lamb [is].      2. 144,000 become the temple thru which the spirit operates.      3. 1 PETER 2:5 you yourselves also as living stones are being         built up a spiritual house for the purpose of a holy         priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God         through Jesus Christ.  2:9 But you are ""a chosen race, a royal         priesthood, a holy nation, a people for special possession,         that you should declare abroad the excellencies"" of the one         that called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.      4. Our response to the direction of the ""faithful and discreet         slave"" provides a way to demonstrate that we look with         appreciation upon the ""house of our God.""         a. The greatest thing of value in this K.H. is YOU!   C. YOU are what give this building MEANING! APPRECIATION!      1. Example: You can change the sign to ""Funeral Home""         a. Not represent life, but death.      2. Driving along and see K. H.  It's Beautiful!      3. It's not the Kingdom Hall that is beautiful. It's the NAME,         Jehovah is the most beautiful name in the universe.         a. The building makes a beautiful ""backdrop"" for the beautiful            name.         b. Name gives a witnesses 24 hours a day-Hard to see name and            not say ""Jehovah""      4. Same with Witnesses in Territory, hard to see you and not say,         ""There's Jehovah's Witnesses.""      5. The world puts names on buildings to honor men.         a. George Washington for example, the most honored man in human            history.  Has state named after him, the Nation's capital,            image on National monuments, picture on currency and coins            alike. He has 32 counties named after him, 121 towns and 257            townships, 10 lakes, 7 mountains, 8 rivers, not counting            hospitals, schools, airports, streets.         b. Yet, where is George Washington, and of what benefit is it            to those who honor him?      6. YOU BROTHERS AND SISTERS are a living Witness to a Living God.         a. You are the ""light of the world.""         b. You must keep shining.  If that bulb goes out you replace            it, don't you?      7. Bible, Holy, Many think the ""book"" is holy, but it's the Holy         SCRIPTURES, what it says, not the pages, bindings, etc.         a. Likewise with the Kingdom Hall, it's not the building that            is ""holy"" but what is inside,         b. The Pure, undefiled worship of Jehovah!  V. How can we show that we look with appreciation on ""House of our God?""   A. Don't: Misuse it! Don't make it a house of merchandise, bringing      impure activities inside it.      1. In Nehemiah's day also.  Making sales of merchandise.  Like         David, Nehemiah proved to be a good example.         A. NEHEMIAH 13:16 And the Tyrians themselves dwelt in the city,            bringing in fish and every sort of merchandise and making            sales on the Sabbath to the sons of Judah and in Jerusalem.         B. Neh. 13:8, 10:39; Read …  (Page 658)      2. Good point made here.  Since it's Holy -- Dedicated to Jehovah,         we don't have any business doing our business at the K. H. It         belongs to Jehovah.         A. Incidentally, the parking lot's dedicated, too.   B. Do: Attend meetings, comment, sing, listen, prepare, pray,      associate and widen out.  Support financially, assist in upkeep,      1. ABOVE ALL: Share in it's life-giving work!   C. As we dedicate this building today, we do it not to a person on      earth.  Not to a Congregation, nor the Watchtower Bible & Tract      Society.  Not even to the ""Kingdom"" about which we preach.      1. We dedicate it to the GREATEST PERSON IN THE UNIVERSE!      2. To Jehovah and to His use, His Worship, Praise, and Service         for as long as he sees fit to use it.   D. DEDICATION PRAYER:   E. The Kingdom Hall is now dedicated to Jehovah.      1. May we keep it clean, bright, shining as an oasis in the         community.      2. Not what the world says is Holy, but what Jehovah says is         ""Holy.""         a. Our lives in worship is holy.         B. Israel had to be clean, holy to carry utensils of Jehovah            out of Babylon.      3. Early settlers of North America on their Journey Westward         1. May have seen what appeared to be a cloud on the horizon.            A. As they traveled on, the clear outline of a mountain               became apparent.            B. Had to start making adjustments.            C. Then trees, rocks, and shrubbery and the beautiful               landscape appeared.         2. As we get closer and closer to Jehovah's New World, we must            become more and more refined.            A. Isa. 35:8, 9 (Read)"," F. May we remember the ""one sentence"" that Jehovah had written for      all to see, on the shiny golden plate of dedication, and      eventually ""on the bells of the horse."" according to Zech. 14:20:      The one sentence:   G. ""Holiness belongs to Jehovah.""","Exodus 28:36, 37",Bobby Laymon,Service Talk,200,1,4/9/2008,
"LAWS VERSUS PRINCIPLES, local needs, service talk","""LAWS VERSUS PRINCIPLES, A CHRISTIAN'S VIEW""  1. ""The Christ did not please himself."" - Rom 15:32. ""You must love Jehovah your God with your whole heart and with your whole soul and with your whole mind."" - Matthew 22:37.3. ""All things, therefore, that you want men to do to you, you also must likewise do to them."" - Matthew 7:12.4. ""Friendship with the world is enmity with God."" - James 4:4.5. ""Whether you are eating or drinking or doing anything else, do all things for God's glory."" - 1 Corinthians 10:31.6. ""We, though, who are strong ought to bear the weaknesses of those not strong, and not to be pleasing ourselves."" - Romans 15:1.7. ""Let us always offer to God a sacrifice of praise, that is, the fruit of lips which make public declaration to his name."" - Hebrews 13:15.8. ""Let us consider one another to incite to love and fine works, not forsaking the gathering of ourselves together."" - Hebrews 10:24, 25.9. ""Man must live, not on bread alone, but on every utterance coming forth through Jehovah's mouth."" - Matthew 4:4.10. ""No one can slave for two masters."" - Matt. 6:2411. ""To obey is better than a sacrifice."" - 1 Sam. 15:2212. ""My Father is glorified in this, that you keep bearing much fruit and prove yourselves my disciples."" - John 15:813. ""Love is long-suffering and kind."" - 1 John 13:414. ""Bad association spoils useful habits."" - 1 Cor 15:3315. ""Whatever a man is sowing, this he will also reap."" - Gal 6:716.  Jehovah himself examines the righteous one as well as the wicked one, And anyone loving violence His soul certainly hates. (Psalm 11:5)17.	For the soul of the flesh is in the blood …  (Leviticus 17:11) I.  	""No-Brainer""-- anything that requires little thought.  Is the Sun hot?  Is a pope Catholic?  Is rain wet?  Many people prefer to go through like with a 'no-brainer' feeling.  However with Christians, Jehovah requires us to think.  Read 2 Cor 10:5When some learn the truth, they really struggle with everything.	A	Others just take the truth and go right on with it. They relax; they have learned principles.		1.	What is the difference?		2.	The first often try to live by rules--laws and expect everyone else to.  (make it hard)			a. Quick to run to elders if someone offends them for minor reasons.		3.	Others quickly get an understanding of principles.  Live easiers lives. 			4.	Jesus warned that only a few would grasp them and live by them. He said: ""Narrow is the gate 				and cramped the road leading off into life, and few are the ones finding it."" (Matthew 7:14)	B.	What are Bible Principles?		1.	Like building blocks assembled according to a pattern to form a building.		2.	False teaching show up; do not fit the pattern. 2 Tim. 1:13.	SPECIFIC LAW:  You must not eat blood.  Lev. 17:14 	(no brainer)	PRINCIPLES:  Life is in the blood.  Lev. 17:11Like a stop sign verus a yield sign.  Which is a no-brainer; and which one causes you to think?  Whis is best overall?		Princlples never subject to change.  Laws change.Should I pursue further education in order to get a better paying job?Would it be wise to accept a job promotion that has been offered?Should I go to a popular movie?I really like this new style of dress but it is a little immodest.  A brother or sister has done or said something that has hurt my feelings.Should I consider part-time employment so that I can spend more time in the ministry?Ought I spend extra time with worldly workmates to perhaps get to witness to them?Should I confront a brother in my congregation about his annoying mannerism?Should I attend a friend's wedding being held in a church?Should I sign up for basketball team at school?My job leaves me so exhausted I miss many meetings.  What should I do?I really like this worldly individual, should I get to know them better?Video in Home.  Medium.   Deut 18:10-12Ps 11:5  ViolenceCol 2:8  3:5  1 Cor 8:9-12; reason with the elder.W82 7/15 24 par 12, 1313 Consider the experience of a couple who were having a Bible study, attending meetings and approaching baptism. An elder in the congregation told the man of his having enjoyed a certain motion picture. The man replied, 'What! Do you go to see R-rated movies?' The elder tried to excuse his actions, saying that certain of these films (considered questionable even by the world) have value if the objectionable aspects are ignored. But it appears that the man was affected. After that he progressed more slowly than his wife. Had the elder reflected on texts such as Colossians 3:2-8, Ephesians 5:3-5 and Matthew 7:12, they might have affected his conscience and his conduct.—1 Corinthians 9:22, 25-27.","Jehovah does not want his people to be ""No-Brainers""  He wants us to be reasonable; to bring every thought into capitivity.",Rom 15:3,Bobby Laymon,Service Talk,200,1,4/9/2008,
"Writing, get to the point, brief, direct approach,","The five W's of writing are who, what, where, when and why; that's what people want to know on breaking news stories.  What journalists call ""anecdotal leads"" are like the drip, drip, drip of water torture to some readers, who want the facts fast and clean and don't want reporters ""to fluff it up,"" as an old rewrite man once put it.",Straight leads are most often seen on breaking news stories.  Why not apply the same principal to Bible studies.  The direct approach.  1. Who are you?  2.  What do you want?  3. Where do you want to conduct it?  4.  When do you want to conduct it?  5.  Why?,"Matthew 28:19, 20;",Bobby Laymon,,0,1,4/9/2008,
"Reflect, Glory, adjust, light,",Likely you have mirrors in your home.  Just need to be normally maintained.  Mirrors on your car may need more adjusting.,Sometimes we need to be adjusted so we reflect Jehovah's light more fully.,2 Corinthians 3:18;,Charlie Allyn C.O.,HOW WELL DO YOU KNOW GOD?,1,1,9/14/2008,
"Devil, Satan, methods,","""The devil doesn't wear squeeky shoes….","…he sneaks up on you.""",1 Peter 5:8;,Art Stroschein,HOW TO PROTECT OURSELVES FROM SATAN'S SNARES,115,1,4/13/2008,
"Foreknowledge, wisdom, foreordained, Did God Know That Adam and Eve Would Sin?",The ability to refrain from using foreknowledge can be illustrated with a feature of modern technology. Someone watching a prerecorded sports match has the option to watch the final minutes first in order to know the outcome. But he does not have to start that way. Who could criticize him if he chose to watch the entire match from the beginning?,"Similarly, the Creator evidently chose not to see how things would turn out. Rather, he chose to wait and, as events unfolded, see how his earthly children would conduct themselves.","Isaiah 46:9, 10;",w11 1/1 p. 14,,0,1,5/16/2013,
"Trinity,","Think again about the example of the schoolteacher and the students. Imagine that some still have doubts, even after listening to the teacher’s additional explanation. What could they do? They could turn to another teacher for further information on the same subject. If the second teacher confirms the explanation of the first one, the doubts of most students may be put to rest.","Similarly, if you are not sure what the Bible writer John was really saying about the relationship between Jesus and Almighty God, you could turn to another Bible writer for further information. Consider what was written by Matthew, for example. Regarding the end of this system of things, he quotes Jesus as saying: “Concerning that day and hour nobody knows, neither the angels of the heavens nor the Son, but only the Father.” (Matthew 24:36) How do these words confirm that Jesus is not Almighty God?",Matthew 24:36;,BH page 203,JEHOVAH AND CHRIST--ARE THEY PART OF A TRINITY?,82,,6/5/2006,
"Meetings, abandon, control, anxiety, security, eagle,",Have you ever dreamed you were falling?  Were you overwhelmed?  Feel out of control? Full of anxiety?  That you have lost your foothold and just can't hang on any longer?  Even abandoned?  Think how a baby eagle must feel when pushed out of the nest.,"As long as in the nest he is in his parents ""feeding program.""  Should he leave the nest on his own he is in danger.  Her becomes part of the ""food chain."" of predators.  Likewise, when we attend meetings and congregation activities we are in our Father's ""feeding program.""  Food at the proper time.  Should we stay away, we can easily become part of the ""food chain"" of this world's predators.","Philippians 4:6, 7",Bobby Laymon,Service Talk,200,1,5/2/2008,
"Conscience, world, pushing,","Have you ever been driving down the interstate highway, perhaps in St. Louis, and you can feel the wave behind you?  Pretty soon a semi is right on your bumper, trying to make you go faster. Will you continue to drive the speed limit or be intimidated to break it?",That is the way the world is with Christians.  They try to force them to run with them.,1 Peter 4:4;,Sam Merriman,HOLD A GOOD CONSCIENCE IN A SINFUL WORLD,107,1,5/6/2008,
"Family,",Do you know what the word FAMILY means? FAMILY = (F)ATHER (A)ND (M)OTHER (I) (L)OVE (Y)OU,At least it is a nice thought.,"Ephesians 3:14, 15;",Kristy Newport,FAMILY LIFE THAT WARMS THE HEART,5,1,5/6/2008,
"Peace, aid, help, guard, mind, fears, doubts, negative,",Like a garrison of soldiers assigned to protect a city from hostile invasion.,"The peace from God can guard our hearts and protect it from fears, doubts, and negative thinking.","Philippians 4:6, 7","WT March 15, 2008 page 13, 14.",GLOBAL PEACE--FROM WHAT SOURCE?,122,1,5/11/2008,
"Imperfection, heart, view,","Think of a house that is rundown -- the gutters are falling off, windows are broken, and ceiling panels are water damaged.  Most people might look at that house and conclude that it should be torn down; it is an eyesore.  But someone who has a completely different view might come along.  He may be able to look beyond the surface problems and see that the structure is sound and that the house can be restored.  He buys the house and with some work fixes the surface defects and improves it appearance.","Can we be like this person who worked to fix up or restore the house?  Rather than focusing on our brothers' surface defects, can we discern their good qualities and their potential for further spiritual growth?  Then we will come to view our brothers as Jehovah does.",Hebrews 6:10;,w08 3/15 27,LOVE IDENTIFIES THE TRUE CHRISTIAN CONGREGATION,72,1,5/11/2008,
"Associations Identity, recognize, know,","There was a farmer who raised sheep and had trouble with wolves stealing his sheep. He loved his sheep and didn't want to lose even one of them.  One day the wolves came and the farmer quickly raised his rifle and POW! - killed every wolf he shot at. As he turned his rifle toward a shadow.  He saw a puppy wolf huddling besides a fence post shivering. The farmerFelt sorry for him, picked him up, tucked him inside his coat and took him home.  As time passed, the farmer grew to love the puppy wolf and took him everyday to help him tend his sheep. The sheep loved the puppy wolf too and thought of him as one of them The puppy wolf learned to call the sheep by their names, just like the farmer did. It wasn't long before he grew to full size and the farmer trusted him to care for his sheep while he rode to town to buy supplies.  Then one day the puppy wolf was running in the farmer's field and heard howling in the woods. He ran to the edge of the fence and watched as a pack of wolves approached. They seemed happy to see him although he didn't recognize them. One by one they told him of all the fun they were having, running anywhere they wanted, doing whatever they pleased...no one telling them what to do! They invited him to come on the other side of the fence with them. The puppy wolf thought about the fence, and how he'd never been on the other side of it. The more he listened he began to wonder if he was missing out on something. It only took another minute and he dug under the fence and left with thepack.  For three seasons he lived with the wolves. They had plenty to eat and did whatever they wanted. It was such fun and he was glad for the choice he made. But winter came and everyone became hungry and restless. It was cold, so cold, where they had to sleep. The puppy wolf began to think about the farmer and how he'd never slept cold and never felt hunger.  Soon he heard the leader of the pack announce it was time to steal some of the farmer's sheep, so they could survive the winter.  The puppy wolf loudly exclaimed, ""NO, they are my friends, don't hurt them"".  But the leader said, ""You're one of us now, do as you're told!""  They all began to run fast toward the farmer's property. The puppy wolf reluctantly followed. Soon they arrived and began to dig under the farmer's' fence. The farmer heard his sheep cry out so he grabbed his rifle and ran to shoot at the wolves. BANG! He killed one after another and soon was face to face with a wolf backed up against the fence post who cried out, ""Wait, don't shoot me. I'm the puppy you raised. I'm your friend. Don't you remember me?""  But the farmer looked at the wolf and saw how matted his coat was andhow he smelled like the rest of the pack. He said to the wolf, ""I don't know you."" He raised his rifle and shot…BANG! !!","The wolf was dead!  The Brother giving the illustration said that there was silence in theAuditorium, and then the brother giving the talk said, ""Brothers, when Armageddon comes and Jesus is doing his destruction work, will he recognize you""?",Revelation 16:14-16,Joel Roper,Service Talk,200,1,5/18/2008,
"Jehovah's view, others, brotherhood, brothers, perfect, weakness, positive, negative,","We may be inclined to focus on our brothers' weaknesses.  In doing so, we are, in effect, using a camera with a lens that focuses on only a small area.","Jehovah's view, however, is through a wide-angle lens, which can take in a subject as well as its surroundings.  We may tend to zoom in on something we do not like, whereas Jehovah sees the whole person, including all of an individual's good qualities.  He can see what their potential to be is, once they reach perfection in the new world.  Also the progress they have already made.",Psalm 102:12;,"March 15, 2008 page 26",A WORLDWIDE BROTHERHOOD SAVED FROM CALAMITY,121,1,5/25/2008,
"Adjust, flexible, cope,",As we get older we may not be able to bend down and tie our shoes.  We adjust by buying shoes that are slip on.  Thus we cope.,"Likewise, as this system wears on, we need to make adjustments to get by.",Psalm 145:20;,Deryl Strohl,WILL YOU ESCAPE THIS WORLD'S DESTINY?,84,1,5/25/2008,
"Illustrations, simple, essential, Jesus",Did you ever forget your watch?  Did you miss it?  Did your arm feel naked without it?,"That is how a talk is when you forget to add an illustration.  Jesus always used illustrations.  Would not speak to them without one.  Like the watch, you forget how useful an illustration can be.",Luke 5:10;,Bobby Laymon,,0,1,5/29/2008,
"Armageddon, last days, urgency, urgent, earth,","A man was is in the mountains, it's night time, he wanders off the road and falls off a cliff. He grabs on to a tree root and holds on for dear life. He hangs there all night during this raging storm and every time his grip weakens, he grabs on tighter, his life hangs in the balance. His muscles ache and finally near dawn he feels his grip loosening and he thinks he cannot hold on another minute. Then the sun rises and he looks down and realizes that all during that stormy ordeal - HE WAS ONLY TWO FEET OFF THE GROUND.","Isn't it wonderful. The point being - we are right on the brink of  Armageddon and just when we feel we cannot hold on another minute in this darkened, terrible world - we could be only one day away from salvation.  We're only 'two feet off the ground.'",2 Peter 3:13;,Melody Spradling,The Real Armageddon--Why? When?,152,1,5/30/2008,
"Belong, rule, government, walking, steps,","Suppose you go out in the country and buy a cute little piglet, take him home with you, and do your level best to teach him how to fly. Show him films on birds flying, teach him how to flap his little legs, talk to him about aerodynamics, feed him bird food, and make him bunk in with the chickens for a month or two… Then take him up to the top of the barn and pitch him off with the command…fly, fly, fly little pig.  What'll happen?  Well it's obvious. He'll hit the ground like a brick. Why?? It does not belong to pigs to fly.",When will man be able to successfully govern himself?  Answer: When pigs fly…!!,Jeremiah 10:23,Melody Spradling,WHY LIVE BY BIBLE STANDARDS?,88,1,5/30/2008,
"Memory, moment, memorial,","“A moment lasts all of a second, but the memory lives on forever.”  Quote: Anonymous",Some memories we want to never forget.,Luke 22:19;,Bobby Laymon,,0,,5/31/2006,
"Book of Acts, life stories,","Do you like to read true-life stories?  They encourage, motivate, and inspire us.  The book of Acts is a nice example of this.  Luke gives an account covering the life, activity, and ministry of Jesus and his followers up to the time of Jesus’ ascension. What exciting times!","Conclusion:  You brothers and sisters also work very hard in getting the good news preached.  What if in the future Jehovah determined to write a true-life story of your life.  Would it be an account that would encourage, motive, and inspire us?  Would it magnify Jehovah?  Would it bear a resemblance to Jesus, Paul and other Christians as recorded in the book of Acts?",Acts 27:40;,Bobby Laymon,,0,1,6/3/2008,
"Good news, gospel, John, investment, Acts, pioneer, ","Imagine an intelligent person who buys land in a developing area, hoping to profit from his investment. Would anyone blame him for investing his money in this way? No. More likely, people would say he is acting wisely.  Many early Christians as well as modern-day Christians have done that.  The book of Acts introduces us to some of these such as Luke, Paul, Timothy etc.","How wise it is to invest into the future regarding God’s Kingdom.  Why not, then, be foresighted with regard to the Kingdom and invest, as it were, in the good news? Since accepting the good news means salvation, no other investment will bring better returns.",Romans 1:16,w92 12/15 p. 7,,0,1,6/4/2008,10/3/2023
"Atonement, ransom, blood, memorial, evening meal,","On Atonement Day, the high priest slaughtered a young bull, and in the Most Holy, he spattered some of its blood seven times before the cover of the Ark, thus representatively offering the blood before Jehovah. That offering was for the sins of the high priest and “his house,” the underpriests and the Levites.","Then the high priest took two goats. One he slaughtered as a sin offering “for the people.” Some of its blood too was sprinkled before the cover of the Ark in the Most Holy. Afterward, the high priest laid his hands on the head of the second goat and confessed the errors of the sons of Israel. Then he had the goat led off into the wilderness to carry away the nation’s sins in a symbolic way.","Leviticus 16:3-16, 21, 22;",w07 1/1 p. 23 par. 12,,0,1,6/5/2008,
"Wisdom, discernment, knowledge, thinking ability, experience, shrewdness.","When you make a cake you blend several ingredients together.  Flour, liquid, salt, sugar, flavor, then icing.  The blend makes a perfect cake.","Wisdom is indeed a blend of many things: knowledge, understanding (which includes discernment), thinking ability, experience, diligence, shrewdness (the opposite of being gullible or naïve [Pr 14:15, 18]), and right judgment. But since true wisdom begins with the fear of Jehovah God (Ps 111:10; Pr 9:10), this superior wisdom goes beyond ordinary wisdom and includes holding to high standards, manifesting righteousness and uprightness, as well as adhering to truth. Not all wisdom measures up to that superior wisdom.","Proverbs 1:2, 3, 20-22; 2:2-11; 6:6; 8:1, 5-12",it-2 pp. 1190-1191,Godly Wisdom in a Scientific World,139,1,6/11/2008,
"Research, insight, wisdom,","""Insight, untested and unsupported, is an insufficient guarantee of truth."" - Bertrand Russell",The Bible stands alone as truth.,Hebrews 4:12,Bobby Laymon,ACQUIRING A HEART OF WISDOM,73,1,10/17/2006,
"Adam, Eve, Test, fruit, temptation, loyalty,","Suppose you work at a new car lot.  The owner says, ""you can pick out any car on the lot for your own, except that one in the middle of the lot.  That one is mine.  Would you have any problem leaving that one alone.",This is comparable to what Jehovah told Adam and Eve.  They could eat any of the fruit except the one in the middle of the garden.,"Genesis 2:9, 17;",Chuck Bland,WHOSE VALUES TO DO YOU CHERISH?,165,1,6/14/2008,
"Prayer,","I ordered two apple trees.  One red delicious and one yellow delicious.  After planting them according to the label, I found the yellow delicious was red and the red one was yellow.  I didn't exactly get what I asked for but it worked out.","Sometimes prayer is like that.  We may be surprised with what we get, but it usually works out for the best, or sometimes better.",Matthew 7:7;,Johnse Laymon,PRAYERS THAT ARE HEARD BY GOD,86,1,6/19/2008,
"Husband, Wife, headship, own body, gossip,","Think about Paul’s words. Does a sane man ever intentionally injure his own body? When a man stubs his toe, does he beat it because it made him stumble? Of course not! Does a husband humiliate himself before his friends or gossip about his own shortcomings? No!","Why, then, would he give his wife a tongue-lashing, or worse, if she made a mistake? Husbands should consider not just their own interests but those of their wives.",1 Corinthians 10:24; 13:5,w07 2/15 p. 16 par. 14,,0,1,6/24/2008,
"Marriage, problems,","Just as rust can corrode metal under a coat of paint, a number of factors can eat away at a marriage.","To understand what can be done, we need to first examine some things that can go wrong.",2 Timothy 3:2-4;,Awake! July 2008 page 4,SHOW RESPECT AND LOVE IN YOUR MARRIAGE,28,1,6/26/2008,
"Future, instinctively wise, wisdom, purpose, plans, harmonize, experience","The bird known as Clark's nutcracker is a gray-white songbird that can be seen flitting through the forests of western North America.  It collects and buries as many as 33,000 seeds annually, storing them in some 2,500 different locations in preparation for the frigid winter months.  Indeed, this bird is ""instinctively wise"" in the way it makes provisions for the future.","Humans possess an even more remarkable ability.  Of all Jehovah's earthly creations, humans have an unsurpassed capacity to learn from past experiences and to allow these lessons to influence their plans for the future.  Jehovah God does not have limitations.  He knows the future.",Proverbs 30:24;,"Jul 1, 2008 wt page 11",YOUR FUTURE--HOW CAN IT BE KNOWN?,19,1,6/26/2008,
"Conscience, temptations, morals, balance,","Take a compass, and position it so that the needle points north.  Now place a magnet as the side of the compass.  What happens?  The needle no longer gives an accurate reading.  Instead, it is turned toward the magnet.","Your conscience is like that compass.  If properly trained, it will point ""north"" and help you to make wise decisions.  But harmful association, like a magnet, exerts a pull that can distort your moral judgment.  The lesson?  Try to avoid people and situations that may throw your moral sense off course!",Proverbs 13:20;,Awake! August 2008 page 27,HOW CAN YOUTHS COPE WITH TODAY'S CRISIS?,113,1,6/26/2008,
"Noah, News, warnings, destruction, salvation, flood,",MOST of us remember occasions when we heard important news. We remember details—not only where we were and what we were doing but also how we reacted.,"No doubt, Noah never forgot the day he received news from Jehovah God, the Sovereign of the universe. And what news could have been more important? Jehovah said that he had determined to bring to ruin “all flesh.” Noah was to build a gigantic ark for the preservation of him, his family, and animals of every kind.",Genesis 6:9-21,"Jun 1, 2008 wt page 4",THE FLOOD OF NOAH'S DAY HAS MEANING FOR US,6,1,6/27/2008,
"Understanding, children, communication, growth,","Suppose you were visiting a foreign land and you did not speak the native tongue.  No doubt communication would be difficult -- but not impossible.  For example, a phrase book could help you to learn the basic expressions of the language.  Or perhaps someone could translate for you so that you would be able to understand others -- and be understood by them.","Parents raising teenagers may sometimes feel that they are in a similar situation.  Much like a foreign language, the behavior of adolescents may be difficult -- but not impossible -- to comprehend.  The key is for parents to try to interpret just what is happening during this sometimes exciting, but often confusing stage of growth.",1 Corinthians 13:11; Hebrews 5:14;,June 2008 Awake! Page 4,PARENTS--ARE YOU BUILDING WITH FIRE-RESISTANT MATERIALS?,104,1,6/27/2008,
"Purpose, plan, determination, Holy spirit,","Imagine this: you are an artist; a right-handed artist and you break your hand.  Does this mean the end of your artistic work?  No! an artist's ability does not depend entirely in their hands, but in their eyes, heart, and complete picture in their brain.  They are so determined to paint they will devise ways to paint through other means.  Their teeth, feet, or other hand.","Jehovah's eternal purpose is like that.  It is set in concrete, so to speak.  It will move relentlessly on under the most powerful force in the universe; His Holy spirit.  Nothing can stop it.",Ephesians 3:11,Joe and Bob Laymon,,0,1,6/28/2008,
"Solomon, wealth, materialism, life, worthwhile, wisdom, satisfaction,","Imagine a man who seems to have everything.  He is a renowned statesman, one of the richest men on earth, and the greatest intellectual of his generation.  Despite all his accomplishments, however, in effect he still asks himself, ""What makes life worthwhile?""","Such a man really existed -- some three thousand years ago.  His name was Solomon and in the book of Ecclesiastes, we find his description of his search for satisfaction.",Ecclesiastes 1:13;,"Apr 15, 2008 WT page 21;",LOVERS OF PLEASURE OR LOVERS OF GOD?,64,1,6/29/2008,
"Conduct at Kingdom Hall; listen, Child training at meetings, KM, Kingdom ministry","SUGGESTIONS FOR CHILD TRAINING AT MEETINGS Acceptable meeting behaviorkm 5/88 1 - will he learn to listenkm 11/95 2 - exit and care for the needs of their youngstersw89 6/15 17 - Kingdom Hall is not the place for playkm 7/89 4 - number of times God's name, the Kingdom, or a certain Bible ...km 12/89 7 - suggesting that the parent take the child outw88 3/1 25 - children remain quiet during congregation meetingskm 2/88 7 - make noise, it is proper for the parents to take them outkm 9/81 1 - parents train their children to listen at home","km 5/88 1-2  Help Children to Benefit More From Meetings3 The first thing a child should learn from infancy is that he goes to the Kingdom Hall to listen. But if he is given things to keep him occupied, such as toys or food, or if he is allowed to play at his seat, will he learn to listen and appreciate why we attend meetings at the Kingdom Hall? Admittedly, some children are more attentive than others. However, when a child misbehaves, the wise parent will correct him and lovingly train him to listen, not by bribing him with candy or toys, but by applying the discipline of God’s Word.—Prov. 13:24; Eph. 6:4.w89 6/15 17  ""Behave in a Manner Worthy of the Good News""9 Can children be taught to show this kind of interest in people other than those of their own age? Some adults may feel that children need to go and play with their little friends after sitting for an hour or two listening at meetings. But the Kingdom Hall is not the place for play. (Ecclesiastes 3:1, 17) When a four-and-a-half-year-old boy was asked by his teacher how many brothers and sisters he had, he replied: “There are so many I can’t count them all.” Later, when his parents questioned him about this, the boy explained: “I don’t know how many brothers and sisters I have. When I go to the Kingdom Hall, there are so many.” To him, all who attend are his brothers and sisters.km 7/89 1-4  Meetings Benefit Our Children 3 Proper training at home will help children to appreciate the privilege of assembling with others to worship Jehovah. They should be helped to understand that obedience in this regard brings benefits. Even very young ones can be helped to understand that Christian meetings are for them too.—Ps. 133:1; Isa. 48:17; Matt. 19:14.4 It is helpful if children have their own Bible, songbook, and other study literature to use during the meetings. Parents should help younger ones prepare at least a part of the lesson for each meeting. (Heb. 10:23) This can be done in harmony with the child’s ability to understand and participate in the meetings.5 Some children are benefited by having special assignments during meetings. Very young children may enjoy noting the number of times God’s name, the Kingdom, or a certain Bible subject is mentioned and something said about it. Children who are a little older could be assigned to list the scriptures that are read or quoted. Whatever the assignment, the children will benefit the most if they are commended for their effort. They may also be given the opportunity later to comment on points learned or to relate how they enjoyed points presented at the meeting.km 12/89 7  Question BoxMaintaining order during the meetings is essential. Since we encourage parents to bring their children to the meetings, there will be some disruptions at times. But when children continue to be restless or unruly, an attendant should kindly offer assistance, perhaps suggesting that the parent take the child out of the auditorium for a time. If parents with young children sit where they can easily exit when necessary, caring for the needs of their small children can be done with little distraction.w88 3/1 24-5  Responsible Childbearing in This Time of the End7 Do husbands always realize that taking care of a baby or a young child often prevents their wives from getting full benefit from the Congregation Book Study, Kingdom Hall meetings, circuit assemblies, and district conventions? Such a situation can last for months, and even years, when baby follows baby. It is in the nature of things that the load, in this respect, falls mainly on the mother, rather than on the father. It has sometimes been observed that whereas some Christian men progress spiritually, even to the point of being assigned privileges in the congregation, their wives become spiritually weak. Why? Often it is because their young children prevent the wives from concentrating at meetings, doing deep Bible study, or sharing in a large measure in the witnessing work. Can fatherhood be called responsible if it permits such situations to develop?8 Fortunately, this is not always the case. Many Christian fathers do their utmost to share the load of looking after the children. They take their full share in seeing that their children remain quiet during congregation meetings. If their baby starts to cry, or their child becomes boisterous, they in their turn will take it outside for appropriate discipline. Why should mother always be the one to lose parts of the meetings? At home, considerate husbands help their wives with the chores and in getting the children to bed so that husband and wife can sit down to concentrate quietly on spiritual matters.km 2/88 7  Make Meetings More Instructive6 If we have small children and they are restless, we may want to sit near an aisle toward the rear of the Kingdom Hall so that they will disturb as few as possible. If they misbehave or make noise, it is proper for the parents to take them out of the main seating area of the Kingdom Hall. Otherwise, they will continue to interfere with the concentration of others who are trying to pay attention to the meetings.—Prov. 22:6, 15.km 9/81 1-4  Training Children in the Way of Life3 Obedience involves listening. Do you teach your children to listen? Are they required to attend meetings? Also, are they expected to pay attention? Some parents train their children to listen at home. They set aside a regular time to read to their children. During this time youngsters are required to sit still and pay attention. If this is done patiently, in time the children will develop the capacity to listen and concentrate on the spoken word and will not be so easily distracted during meetings. Again, parents must set the example, not being easily distracted themselves or looking around each time there is a minor disturbance during meetings. Additionally, youths enjoy meetings when they are prepared to participate. If a young one participates, giving an answer or two in his own words, doubtless he will pay closer attention and feel more rewarded. Having children look up Bible texts cited by the speakers will keep them alert and will be good training as well.w94 7/15 18 par. 1010 However, formal instruction by means of a regular Bible study with your children is also vital. Admittedly, “foolishness is tied up with the heart” of children. (Proverbs 22:15) Some parents say that their children can easily sabotage the family study. How? By acting restless and bored, by creating irritating distractions (such as fights with siblings), or by feigning ignorance of basic Bible truths. If this goes to the point of becoming a battle of wills, a parent’s will must be the strongest. Christian parents must not give up and let children dominate the household.—Compare Galatians 6:9.",Prov. 13:24; Eph. 6:4,Joe Laymon,Service Talk,200,1,7/4/2008,
"Communication, adolescents, timid,","Experts say that adolescents typically feel that they are always onstage before an imaginary audience, constantly under the glare of an unforgiving spotlight.","Rather than face the spotlight, self-conscious adolescents may pull the curtain down, so to speak, and retreat into a private world that parents cannot easily enter.",Proverbs 15:22;,"Aug 1, 2008 WT page 11;",COMMUNICATION--WITHIN THE FAMILY AND WITH GOD,30,1,7/4/2008,
"Remember, forget, forgot, reminders, recall,",A man noted for his wisdom once said:  “I hear and I forget. I see and I remember. I do and I understand.”  Quote: Confucius.,"There is a lot of truth in that.  How often have you heard something that you would like to remember but you forget?  We are more apt to remember something if we not only hear it but see it as well.  However, the best way to remember something is to do it or put it into practice or even explain it to someone else.  We are going to do all three of those things tonight with some important points that have been covered in the Watchtower in the last four months.",2 Peter 3:1;,Joe Laymon,,0,1,7/6/2008,
"Obey, obedience, instructions, protection,","Do you realize that in the Bible there are many instances of situations where Jehovah's people were given directions that made no sense from a human standpoint and seemed totally illogical?  For instance - Abraham sacrificing Isaac; Noah building an ark when there had never been rain;  Moses having the Israelites march out in battle formation and then marching back in the direction they left. Pharaoh thought they were crazy and then Moses led them to the Red Sea; Pharaoh thought he could kill them all as their backs were against the wall (sea).  Also Gideon; his army was whittled down to 300 men.  With torches and jars they went out to defeat the enemy.  And what about Jericho; for six days they marched around the city once and on the seventh day they marched seven times and then shouted.  Then there was Jehoshophat who was afraid when the Ammonites and others were coming to annihilate them.  He prayed, and Jehovah said put the singers and women and children in front of the armed forces and go and meet the enemy!  All of these situations were Jehovah's direction but they seemed foolish, illogical from a human standpoint. It seemed each time as if they would be killed.'","'Do you have the faith to follow the direction of the faithful and discreet slave in these last days even if you don't understand what they are asking and it seems as if you will die because the direction is illogical?  Will you quickly obey and trust the channel Jehovah is using?'  He told us to carefully meditate on that because we will be in a similar situation in the tribulation where we will think we are facing death, but we need to obey quickly the directions given.'","James 2:23; Genesis 18:17, 19;",Kim Laymon from Karrie Meadows,Service Talk,200,1,7/6/2008,
"Jehovah, pronunciation, Yahweh, three syllables,","“MONGREL,” “hybrid,” “monstrous.” What would cause Biblical Hebrew scholars to use such emphatic terms? At issue is whether “Jehovah” is a proper English pronunciation of God’s name. For over one hundred years, this controversy has raged. Today, most scholars seem to favor the two-syllable “Yahweh.” But is the pronunciation “Jehovah” really so “monstrous”?","A two-syllable pronunciation of the Tetragrammaton as “Yahweh” would not allow for the o vowel sound to exist as part of God’s name. But in the dozens of Biblical names that incorporate the divine name, this middle vowel sound appears in both the original and the shortened forms, as in Jehonathan and Jonathan.",Exodus 3:15,"Feb 1, 1999 Wt Page 30",Who Is Like Jehovah Our God?,145,1,7/8/2008,
"Language, funny, different languages, foreign,",English is a funny language; that explains why we park our car on the driveway and drive our car on the parkway.  --Author Unknown,Languages have different structures and formats.  To communicate with others we have to make adjustments.,Zephaniah 3:9,Bobby Laymon,,0,1,7/8/2008,
"Loyalty, Organization, iceberg,","Jehovah's organization can be likened to an iceberg.  The large part is invisible.  It represents Jehovah and Jesus and millions of angels.  Another part is just the tip and is made of almost 7,000,000.  That is us.","When we are loyal to the visible part that we can see, we are loyal to the entire organization.  We have to be concerned about the visible part sinking our ship.  Joshua and Caleb were punished because of the rest of the visible organization.  Never isolate yourself from Jehovah's organization.  Never jump off the iceberg.",Proverbs 18:1,Brother from South Africa,SERVING WITH JEHOVAH'S UNIFIED ORGANIZATION,3,1,7/11/2008,
"Associates, associations, companions, friends,","At one time doctors were not aware of radiation danger.  They did damage to themselves and their patients.  Today, when you get an x-ray they will cover you with a lead apron for protection.",The world's association is dangerous.  We need that kind of protection from the world.,Proverbs 13:20;,Larry Simmons,CHOOSE YOUR ASSOCIATES WISELY!,116,1,7/13/2008,
"Satan, Devil, snares,",Suppose I told you there is a serial killer outside the Kingdom Hall.  Would you believe it?,Satan the Devil is a serial killer of the worst kind.,1 John 5:19;,Matt Roper,HOW TO PROTECT OURSELVES FROM SATAN'S SNARES,115,1,7/22/2008,
"Rescue, help, preaching, witnessing, teaching,","In all rescue work the amount of time available for accomplishing good is limited. During times of disaster, men and women who engage in rescue operations willingly adjust their routine to give precedence to the work. They do not watch the clock to see when they should stop but keep right on going as long as their physical strength holds up and people need help.",Are you just as willing to forgo personal pleasures and desires to have the fullest share possible in the most important rescue operation today?,1 Corinthians 7:39;,w72 12/1 p. 726,The Real Armageddon--Why? When?,152,1,7/25/2008,
"understanding, discernment, 1 Corinthians,","Do you wear eye-glasses?  Don't replace eyes, but help focus on objects and see them more clearly.",1 Corinthinans are much like eyeglasses.  Paul helps us enlarge on and focus on things we did not understand completely.,1 Corinthians 10:4;,Bobby Laymon,,0,1,9/10/2008,
"Warnings, understanding, history, vengence, revenge, last days,","Today people say, ""Remember 911!""  When I was growing up it was, ""Remember Pearl Harbor!""  In my grandfather's day it was, ""Remember the Alamo!""","The apostle Paul urges us to remember days past, not for revenge, but as a warning and a lesson so we can survive in these last days in which we live.",1 Corinthians 10:11;,Bobby Laymon,,0,1,9/11/2008,
"Fate, responsibility, chance, free will, Predestination, choice,","Would you force a person to do something and then later blame him for having done it? Consider a father who in the morning locks the doors of the house in order to prevent his son from going outside. When he comes home that evening, he finds that his son has stayed home all day. Now, what if the father asks his son why he did not go outside, perhaps even punishing him for being lazy? Would that be just? What would you think of such a father?","‘That would never happen,’ you say. Yet, according to some, that is what God does. If good and bad are from God and he has written everything on our foreheads, as it were, why would he hold us responsible for doing bad? If what we do is what God has determined, why are we held accountable for our actions? Why must we answer to God for something about which we had no choice?","Ezekiel 18:21, 23",T-71 p. 2,,0,1,9/14/2008,
"Responsibility, fate, Predestination,","Turkish proverb, “Each mutton is hung by its own leg.”","That is, each one must answer for his own misdeeds.",Galatians 6:5;,T-71 page 3,,0,1,9/14/2008,
"Succeed, success, instant, progress,","""It took me 20 years to become an overnight success.""",Jesus was a success because he did his Father's will.  We can do the same way in being no part of the world.,Psalm 40:8;,Brother Joe Mesachek,NO PART OF THE WORLD--IN IMITATION OF CHRIST,11,1,9/14/2008,
"Holy spirit, powerful, force,",Think of the power of a powerful electro magnet.  The forces of the atom and an atomic bomb.,Holy spirit is the most powerful force in existence.,"1 Corinthians 2:10, 13;",Robert Burdge,RESISTING THE SPIRIT OF THE WORLD,25,1,9/14/2008,
"Blood, transfusion, abstain,",Suppose a doctor were to tell you to abstain from alcoholic beverages. Would that simply mean that you should not drink alcohol but that you could have it injected into your veins? Of course not!,"Likewise, abstaining from blood means not taking it into our bodies at all. So the command to abstain from blood means that we would not allow anyone to transfuse blood into our veins.","Acts 15:28, 29;",bh  p. 130 par. 13,The Sacredness of Life and Blood,135,1,9/20/2008,
"Literature, suggestions, watchtower, publications,",Have you ever bought something and never took it out of the box?  Perhaps it sat for days or weeks and you just never were inclined to use it.,"Sometimes we get gifts from Jehovah and never use them, or never use them to the full.",1 Thessalonians 4:1;,Bobby Laymon,,0,1,9/22/2008,
"Right, wrong, distinguish, philosophy, speech, warning,","Like an inflated balloon, it had the appearance of solidity, but there was no substance to it.","It would certainly be futile, even disastrous, to base one’s choice of right and wrong on something as insubstantial as “the philosophy and empty deception” of the world.",Colossians 2:8;,w01 8/1 p. 8 pars. 6-7,,0,1,10/15/2008,
"Organization, progress, change, Bible study, Service Meeting, Theocratic Ministry School.","The Ford Model T (colloquially known as the Tin Lizzie and also the Flivver) was an automobile produced by Henry Ford's Ford Motor Company from 1908 through 1927.  It is generally regarded as the first affordable automobile, the car that ""put America on wheels."" Some drawbacks, for example the crank that would fly out and break bones and teeth.  Those breaks called the T-fracture.  Only two forward gears.","Now some cars have 12 forward gears for smoothness.  Apply to some changes the organization has under gone in the last 100 years.  Applied to three meetings of Bible study, Service Meeting, and Theocratic Ministry School.",Philippians 3:16;,Chuck Bland,,0,1,10/17/2008,
"Serve, art, teaching, elders, Jehovah,",Went to nice restaurant.  Know the Chef.  Great food.  But the waiter dirtied it up.,'Elders are not the chefs! We are like waiters -- Jehovah is the chef -- has prepared the food for his spiritual table.  We should serve it in an appropriate and attractive manner.,Titus 1:9,Bobby Laymon,Service Talk,200,1,11/13/2008,
"Mercy,",You can take a large framing hammer and tear a house apart.  However you can take the same hammer and build a house.,The same is true of words.  We can tear down or build up.,Proverbs 18:21,Jack Richie,"MERCY, A DOMINANT QUALITY OF TRUE CHRISTIANS",7,1,11/17/2008,
"Loyalty, selfish desires,","Selfish desires are like land mines hidden under the road we walk on.  Even though we may have remained faithful to Jehovah under trying circumstances, we can fall victim to satanic traps or snares.","How vital it is that we cultivate heartfelt loyalty to Jehovah now, before test or temptations come upon us.",Proverbs 4:23;,"Aut 15, 2008 WT page 7",MEETING THE TEST OF CHRISTIAN LOYALTY,48,1,11/18/2008,
"Prayer, communication,","True friends do not communicate only when they need something. Rather, good friends are interested in each other, and their friendship becomes stronger as they freely express their thoughts, concerns, and feelings.","In some respects, the situation is similar when it comes to our relationship with Jehovah God.",James 4:8,bh chap. 17 pp. 165-166,PRAYERS THAT ARE HEARD BY GOD,86,1,11/22/2008,
"Cleanliness, Read Bible, understanding,","The story is told of an old man who lived on a farm in the mountains of eastern Kentucky with his young grandson.  Each morning, Grandpa was up early sitting at the kitchen table reading from his old worn-out Bible.His grandson who wanted to be just like him tried to imitate him in any way he could.  One day the grandson asked, ""Papa, I try to read the Bible just like you but I don't understand it, and what I do understand I forget as soon as I close the book. What good does reading the Bible do?"" The Grandfather quietly turned from putting coal in the stove and said,Take this coal basket down to the river and bring back a basket of water."" The boy did as he was told, even though all the water leaked out before he could get back to the house. The grandfather laughed and said, ""You will have to move a little faster next time,"" and sent him back to the river with the basket to try again. This time the boy ran faster, but again the basket was empty before he returned home. Out of breath, he told his grandfather that it was ""impossible to carry water in a basket,"" and he went to get a bucket instead. The old man said, ""I don't want a bucket of water; I want a basket of water. You can do this. You're just not trying hard enough,"" and he went out the door to watch the boy try again. At this point, the boy knew it was impossible, but he wanted to show his grandfather that even if he ran as fast as he could, the water would leak out before he got far at all. The boy scooped the water and ran hard, but when he reached his grandfather the basket was again empty. Out of breath, he said, ""See Papa, it's useless!""  ""So you think it is useless""? The old man said, ""Look at the basket.""","The boy looked at the basket and for the first time he realized that the basket looked different. Instead of a dirty old coal basket, it was clean. ""Son, that's what happens when you read the Bible. You might not understand or remember everything, but when you read it, it will change you from the inside out."" That is the work of God in our lives. To change us from the inside out and to slowly transform us into the image of His son.  Take time to read a portion of God's word each day, and remind a friend by sharing this story.",Hebrews 4:12,Tom and Tina Batty,KEEP CLEAN FROM WORLDLY DEFILEMENTS,98,1,11/23/2008,
"Grafting Wild Olive Branches, olive tree, productive, growth,","Lucius Junius Moderatus Columella was a Roman soldier and farmer who lived in the first century C.E. He is best known for the 12 books that he wrote on country life and farming. In his fifth book, he quotes this ancient proverb: “He who ploughs the olive-grove, asks it for fruit; he who manures it, begs for fruit; he who lops it, forces it to yield fruit.”","After describing trees that are thriving and yet fail to bear fruit, he recommends the following procedure: “It is a good plan to bore them with a Gallic auger and to put tightly into the hole a green slip taken from a wild olive-tree; the result is that the tree, being as it were impregnated with fruitful offspring, becomes more productive.”",Rom.11:17;,"May 15, 2011 WT page 24",,0,1,4/20/2011,
"Valuable, value, priceless, important,","Show $20.00 bill.  Would you like to have this?  Sure, its new and crisp.  Wrinkled it; threw down like waste paper;I ground it under my feet.  Would you still want it?","A very valuable lesson. Many times we are dropped; crumpled, and ground into the dirt We feel worthless.  No matter what has happened or what will happen, you will never lose your value in God's eyes.  To Him, dirty or clean, crumpled  or  finely creased, you are still priceless to Him.  How can we show how Jehovah feels.","2 Chron. 33:6, 12, 13",Bobby Laymon,,0,1,12/9/2008,
"romance, break up, split,",A breakup is like a painful cut …,"…It hurts, but in time it will heal.","Ecclesiastes 3:1, 4; Psalm 10:1; Proverbs 18:1;",Awake! February 2009 Page 19,,0,1,1/30/2009,
"Repentance, confessing, sin, forgiveness, heart,",You can sweep the dirt under the carpet but the house is still dirty.,We must be truly repentant from the heart.,Romans 10:10,Monica Bland,,0,1,4/14/2013,
"People, persons, love, things, materialism,","""The important things in life are not things.""",The important things in life are people.,John 3:16;,Bobby Laymon,STAND STILL AND SEE THE SALVATION OF JEHOVAH,41,1,9/15/2009,
"Name, Jehovah,","Let's imagine you don't have a name.  In fact, no one here has a name.  Your want to report your time and you call brother (no name) and say, ""Is that you?  This is me.  I want to report my time.""","We love our name.  Our parents spent a lot of time and thought in naming us.  Isn't it ironic that God is the only one in the universe that does not have a name?  At least, according to most religions.",Malachi 3:16,Jerry Hall,WHAT KIND OF NAME ARE YOU MAKING WITH GOD?,55,1,1/29/2009,
"Earth, address, location, Milky Way,","Our address often includes our country, city, and street.","By way of comparison, let's call the Milky Way galaxy earth's ""country,"" the solar system -- that is, the sun and its planets -- earth's ""city,"" and the earth's orbit within the solar system earth's street.""  The earth has a perfect ""address.""  (see article)",Job 26:7;Psalm 104:24;,Awake! February 2009 Page 4,The Earth Will Remain Forever,130,1,1/30/2009,
"Prayer, restricted privilege,",Human kings do not allow just anyone to enter into the royal palace unannounced. An audience with a king is a restricted privilege.,"So is prayer to the King of eternity. Of course, those approaching him through Jesus Christ with proper appreciation of God’s glorious majesty can expect to be heard. The King Eternal must be approached with a reverent, worshipful attitude. And those desiring to be heard must display “the fear of Jehovah.”",Proverbs 1:7.,w90 5/15 p. 11 par. 6,PRAYERS THAT ARE HEARD BY GOD,86,1,2/11/2009,
"Father, Judge, Friend, Hebrew Scriptures, roles,","A local judge may be best known by those who have faced him in court as a firm enforcer of the law. His children, on the other hand, may view him as the loving, generous father that he is. His close friends may find that he is an approachable man with a good sense of humor. The judge, the father, and the friend are all the same person. It is just that various aspects of his personality become apparent under different circumstances.","Similarly, the Hebrew Scriptures describe Jehovah as “a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abundant in loving-kindness and truth.” Yet, we also learn that “by no means will he give exemption from punishment.” (Exodus 34:6, 7) Those two aspects reflect the meaning of God’s name. “Jehovah” literally means “He Causes to Become.” That is, God becomes whatever is needed to fulfill his promises. (Exodus 3:13-15) But he remains the same God. Jesus stated: “Jehovah our God is one Jehovah.”",Mark 12:29.,"Sep 1, 2007 WT page 5",,0,1,1/4/2008,
"Honor, respect, lead,","IN SOME parts of the world, it is the custom for young children to honor adults by kneeling respectfully when in their company. In this way, they do not stand taller than those who are older. In these communities, it is also viewed as an act of disrespect for a child to turn his or her back to an adult.","Although respect is shown in different ways in various cultures, such displays of respect remind us of the Mosaic Law. This included the command: “Before gray hair you should rise up [in respect], and you must show consideration for the person of an old man.” (Lev. 19:32) Sadly, in many places it is no longer common to show honor to others. In fact, disrespect is the order of the day.",Leviticus 19:32,w08 10/15 p. 21 par. 1,FINDING HONOR AND JOY IN GOD'S MINISTRY,65,1,2/27/2009,
"Baptism, Dedication, race,","By taking this step, you enter a long-distance footrace in which the rewards are everlasting life and the joy that comes now from doing God’s will.","If you get baptized, this will be an excellent start in serving the true God. You will also bring joy to your family members who are already in the race and to your friends in the Christian congregation. Most important of all, you will make Jehovah’s heart rejoice. (Read Proverbs 23:15.)","Heb. 12:2, 3; Proverbs 23:15;","May 15, 2008 WT page 18;",WILL YOU ESCAPE THIS WORLD'S DESTINY?,84,1,2/28/2009,
"Creation, Creator, butterfly,","Using a brain that is about the size of the tip of a ballpoint pen, the monarch butterfly migrates as far as 1,800 miles [3,000 km] from Canada to a small patch of forest in Mexico. How does the insect find its way?","Consider: Monarch butterflies have a solar compass that is fixed to the position of the sun. But there is more. These insects also use a remarkably accurate circadian clock—a biological function based on the 24-hour day—to make corrections for the sun’s movement. Dr. Steven Reppert, a neurobiologist, says that monarch butterflies “have an entirely different way of building a circadian clock than the other insects and animals studied so far.”",Psalm 10:4; 14:1,g 11/08 p. 10,APPRECIATING MARVELS OF GOD'S CREATION,114,1,2/28/2009,
"Integrity; maintain,","A single brick may seem insignificant, but if we carefully place many of them together, we can build a fine home. So by continuing to add to our acts of obedience, we maintain our integrity.","We build integrity by obedience, so we maintain integrity by enduring in an obedient course. A single act of obedience may seem insignificant—a minor matter. Yet, such obedient acts add up over time. To illustrate:",Luke 16:10;,w08 12/15 p. 9 par. 11,Service Talk,200,1,2/28/2009,
"Obedience, commandments, joy, pleasing, satisfaction,","Just as a child is eager to win his father’s smile of approval, so we want to win Jehovah’s approval. (Psalm 5:12) He is our Father, and we love him. Nothing brings us greater joy or deeper satisfaction than knowing that we are living in a way that “gets approval from Jehovah.”","Our obedience, then, is not given begrudgingly; nor is it selective or conditional. We do not pick and choose, obeying only when it is convenient or when doing so presents little or no challenge. On the contrary, we are “obedient from the heart.” (Romans 6:17)",Proverbs 12:2.,lv chap. 1 pp. 9-10 pars. 10-11,Is Hell Really a Place of Fiery Torment?,128,1,2/28/2009,
"Clean, Cleanliness, Holy, undefiled",MOTHER prepares her little boy to go out. She makes sure that he is bathed and that his clothes are neat and clean. She knows that good hygiene is crucial to his health. She also recognizes that her son’s appearance reflects on his parents.,"Jehovah, our heavenly Father, wants his servants to be clean. His Word says: “With the one keeping clean you will show yourself clean.” (Psalm 18:26) Jehovah loves us; he knows that keeping clean is best for us. He also expects us as his Witnesses to reflect favorably on him. Indeed, our clean appearance and fine conduct will bring glory to, not reproach on, Jehovah and his holy name.",Ezekiel 36:22; 1 Peter 2:12;,lv chap. 8 pp. 86-87 pars. 1-2 God Loves Clean People,A CLEAN PEOPLE HONORS JEHOVAH,14,1,2/28/2009,
"Speech, Building up, Gift,","IF YOU were to give a loved one a gift, how would you feel if he deliberately misused it? Say that you gave him a car, and you later learned that he drove it recklessly, causing injury to others. Would you not be disappointed?","The ability to utter intelligible speech is a gift from Jehovah, the Giver of “every good gift and every perfect present.” (James 1:17) This gift, which sets the human family apart from the animal creation, enables us to convey not just our thoughts but also our feelings to others. Like a motor vehicle, however, the gift of speech can be misused. How it must disappoint Jehovah when speech is used recklessly, causing heartache and pain to others!",James 1:17,lv chap. 12 p. 133 pars. 1-2 Speak What “Is Good for Building Up”,"FRIENDSHIP WITH GOD, FRIENDSHIP WITH THE WORLD--WHICH WILL YOU CHOOSE?",79,1,2/28/2009,
"Sad, happy, child, children, parents,"," It has been said that, ""parents are only as happy as their saddest child.""  anon.",To some extent this is true.  We also suffer along with our children when they are harmed or upset.  Jehovah is a happy God and wants to see us happy.,1 Timothy 1:11,Joe Laymon,PARENTS--ARE YOU BUILDING WITH FIRE-RESISTANT MATERIALS?,104,1,3/31/2009,
"associations, company, companions, friends,","Suppose you have a nice clean white glove, and one that is very dirty.  You rub them together.  Will the dirty glove ever become clean?  No, the white one will become dirty.",Likewise with our associations.  Bad association will only harm us.  We will never help the bad one to become clean.,1 Corinthians 15:33,Chuck Bland,CHOOSE YOUR ASSOCIATES WISELY!,116,1,4/9/2009,
"Introduction, Introduce, speech,",It is like smelling the food before you taste it.,A proper introduction lets people smell the scripture before actually tasting it.,Psalm 34:8,Howard Erwin,,0,1,4/16/2009,
"elderly, older ones,","The Clock Face:   A Bethel speaker was talking about how all of the brothers and sisters are important in the congregation, “but we never want to overlook the part the older ones play in keeping the congregation strong even when they aren't able do as much as they once could”.He pointed out that on a clock face there may be three hands – the second hand, the minute hand, and the hour hand. He likened the second hand to the younger ones in the congregation. They have lots of energy and race around doing things, just as the second hand goes all the way 'round the clock face in just 60 seconds.  The minute hand is like those in the congregation who are a little older, even middle-aged. They don't have the energy of the young ones but still accomplish much, just as the minute hand moves slower than the second hand but still gets around the clock face once every hour.The older ones in the congregation are like the hour hand, which moves a lot slower than the second hand or the minute hand but still gets around the clock face every twelve hours. They aren't able to do as much - quantity-wise - as they once did when they were young. But they keep moving along at their own pace.","Each hand on the clock has its function.      But then he asked, ""If you had no second hand on the clock, could you tell what time it is? Yes.  If you removed the minute hand too and just had the hour hand, could you still tell the time? Yes, not as precisely, but you could make a pretty close guess. But if the clock had only the second hand could you tell the time? No. How about if you had only the minute hand? No. Even if the clock had both the second hand AND the minute hand, could you tell what time it is? No, you need the hour hand”.So, even though the older ones may not be able to keep up the pace of the younger ones, they are very important to the spiritual health and stability of the congregation. They are encouraged to keep doing what they can, at the pace they are able to maintain, for the benefit and blessing of all in the congregation. For the congregation to be at its strongest spiritually, all our brothers and sisters, young and old, are needed.",Leviticus 19:32,Joy Evans,Service Talk,200,1,4/26/2009,8/9/2016
"Meetings, notes, Noah,","Why take notes at meetings.  A little girl and her family were on their way to the Kingdom Hall.  Half way into the trip, the little girl all but shouted: ""STOP!  We have to go back home!""After settling down from the sudden outburst from the back seat, the father responded: Why? What's wrong, honey?""  "" Dad, we HAVE to go home now. We just HAVE to!""  Seeing the concern in her eyes, and a little tear forming in the corner, he said:""Okay, little one, we will.......we will. Can you please tell me why?""","With a brief sigh of relief, she exclaimed, ""Because I forgot my notebook..""  The father and mother smiled to each other.  ""Oh, I see. Well, that's okay. You can......""  ""No, it's NOT, Daddy!"" the little girl interrupted, choking back her tears that were beginning to well up in her eyes.  ""Don't you remember, Daddy?  The story of the people of Noah's day?  Remember, they took no notes and the flood came and swept them all away!""",Matthew 24:39;,Kim Laymon,THE FLOOD OF NOAH'S DAY HAS MEANING FOR US,6,1,5/8/2009,
"Wife, Marriage, Happy, happiness,","""Happy wife, happy life.""",If one's wife is not happy it can seriously affect the marriage.,Proverbs 27:15,Joy Evans,SHOW RESPECT AND LOVE IN YOUR MARRIAGE,28,1,5/9/2009,
"Blindness, understanding, cataracts, eye trouble, weakness, veil,","Cataracts is the main cause of blindness. How it works.  You don't become blind all at once, but your eyes get dimmer and dimmer.  It is almost so gradual you don't realize you are blind.  Others may realize it before you do.","Likewise, spiritual blindness is like having spiritual cataracts.  It is almost unnoticed by the person who has it.","2 Corinthians 4:3, 4;",Roco Pleasee,,0,1,5/26/2013,
"Upset, anger, sarcasm, love, appearance, heart,","A brother placed two identical jars on the table next to the Podium, both filled with a gold colored liquid in each.  He quoted 1 Samuel 16:7, ""But Jehovah said to Samuel:"" Do not look at his appearance and at the height of his stature, for not the way man sees is the way God sees, because mere man sees what appears to the eyes; but as for Jehovah he sees what the heart is."" ""These jars came from the same factory, were made of the same materials, and can hold the same amount. But they are different,"" he explained... Then he upset one and out oozed honey. He turned over the other, and Vinegar spilled out. ""When a jar is upset, whatever is in it comes out.""  Until the jars were upset, they looked alike. The difference lay within, And could not be seen. When they were upset, their contents were revealed.","Until we are upset, we put on a good front. But when we are upset, we reveal our innermost thoughts and attitudes, for ""out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks"" (Luke 6:45). What if someone tipped you over today? What would flow out?  Would you reveal the honey"" of self-control and patience, or the ""vinegar"" of anger and sarcasm? ""Above all things, have intense love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins.""",1 Peter 4:8,JAY KOSINSKI,Service Talk,200,1,5/11/2009,
"World, sinking, last days, end, Christian congregation,",This world under Satan is like a sinking ship.,"Jehovah has provided the Christian congregation as a ""lifeboat"" for his faithful servants.  As they head toward the new world they can have confidence in His promise.",Psalm 37:9,"Mar 15, 2009 WT page 15",INTO THE NEW ORDER UNDER CHRIST'S LEADERSHIP,56,1,5/22/2009,
"Harvest, focus, joy, sowing,",Jesus did not focus on the barren ground between the stalks of grain.  He focused on the harvest.,Can we likewise focus on the potential harvest in our assigned territory?  Can we sow with a view to reaping.  Jesus did not allow the unfavorable response of some to make him feel that his message we of no value.,"John 4:35, 36;","Jan 15, 2009 WT page 9",SLAVE FOR THE MASTER OF THE HARVEST,66,1,5/22/2009,
"Gift, fellow believers, brotherhood, preaching, proclaimers,",Which is more important?  Helping the brothers or the preaching?  Asking a question like that is somewhat similar to asking about a bird.  Which of his two wings is more important?  The answer is obvious.  A bird needs to use both wings in order to fly properly.,"Similarly, we need to share in both aspects of our service to God in order to be complete as Christians.  Preaching and building up fellow believers are responsibilities that complement each other.  Satan well knows that he needs to harm only one of our wing, so to speak, in order to ground us.","Romans 1:11, 12; 10:13-15; Colosians 3:14;","Jan 15, 2009 Wt page 14, 15;",A WORLDWIDE BROTHERHOOD SAVED FROM CALAMITY,121,1,5/22/2009,
"Thyroid, hormones, body,","Just as the accelerator controls the speed of a car's engine, …",…thyroid hormones regulate the rate of the body's metabolism.,Psalm 139:14,May 2009 Awake! Page 27,,0,1,5/22/2009,
"Gifts in men, imperfection, appreciation, flaws,",Gifts in Men is another gift.  You get a gift.  You notice in the outside wrapping paper there is a tear.  You become consumed and never appreciate what is on the inside.,Who originated the 'gifts in men.'  Look beyond the flaw and see the real gift.,Ephesians 4:8;,Joseph Mazacek D. O.,,0,1,5/25/2009,
"Faith, assured expectation, title deed,","At the time of the writing of the Bible book of Hebrews, the Greek term translated"" assured expectation"" was commonly used. It often appeared in business documents and carried the idea of a guarantee of future possession of something.","Therefore, one reference work suggests that Hebrews 11:1 could be translated: ""Faith is the title-deed of things hoped for.""",Hebrews 11:1,"May 1, 2009 WT page 3",BUILD YOUR FAITH IN MAN'S MAKER,54,1,5/26/2009,
"Love, Strong, living,","In many ways, it is helpful to think of the love in our heart as a living thing. Like a beautiful houseplant, love needs to be nourished and cared for if it is to grow and to thrive. Neglected, deprived of nourishment, it weakens and dies.",Jesus did not take his love for Jehovah for granted. He kept it strong and thriving throughout his earthly sojourn. Let us see how.  Think again of the incident when young Jesus spoke up at the temple in Jerusalem. Recall his words to his anxious parents: “Why did you have to go looking for me? Did you not know that I must be in the house of my Father?”,Luke 2:49,cf chap. 13 pp. 132-133 pars. 11-12,,0,1,5/28/2009,
"children, training, calmly, peaceful, environment,",An arrow is more likely to hit the target if the archer aims and releases it in calm conditions.,"Similarly, children are more likely to learn to love Jehovah if parents create a peaceful home environment. “The fruit of righteousness has its seed sown under peaceful conditions for those who are making peace,” wrote James. (James 3:18)",Galatians 6:7; Ephesians 5:33,w07 9/1 p. 29 par. 13,HOW CAN YOUTHS COPE WITH TODAY'S CRISIS?,113,1,5/29/2009,
"Ransom, sacrifice, wickedness, ",Like a mark through a postage stamp…,With one stroke Jehovah can invalidate and cancel Satan's scheme against further use.  He will!,Romans 5:18;,Bobby Laymon,SERVING WITH JEHOVAH'S UNIFIED ORGANIZATION,3,1,5/30/2009,4/1/2014
"Overseers, gifts in men",Someone gave you a gift.  Outside wrapping paper there is a tear.  Will we discard the gift or not appreciate it.,Look beyond the flaw and see the potential.   Who is 	the originator of the gift.  It is Jehovah.,Ephesians 4:8,Joe Mazacek D. O.,,0,1,5/30/2009,
"Hope, Satan, pessimism, distrust, despair, depression,","Satan, the ruler of this world, is a master at getting people to give in to negative thinking, pessimism, distrust, and despair.","Such thinking is as dangerous to a Christian as dry rot is to a wooden building. Happily, Jehovah provides a vital defensive tool—hope.",Ephesians 2:2,lv chap. 17 p. 202 par. 16 “Building Up Yourselves on Your Most Holy Faith”,JUDGMENT DAY-A TIME OF FEAR OR HOPE?,156,1,2/28/2009,
"pioneering, auxiliary, change, progress, personality,","Remember your first bicycle?  Maybe you haven't got it yet.  Trainer wheels coming off.  Off you went, faster than ever.   Mountain bike.  If you can do more you can perhaps pioneer and do more.",Like that in ministry.  Get going and progressing.  Knowledge is power.  We are empowering people.  Help put off the old personality or 'old man.'  Shift gears; pedal faster.,Eph 4:22,Charles Blake - Nixa,,0,1,6/2/2009,
"Satan, snares, trap, lures, bait,",Going fishing.  Favorite spot.  You have your favorite lure.  You are so proud of it.  Lures look like real fish.  They spend millions of dollars to look real.,"Satan has been hunting Jehovah's people for six thousand years.  He researches us.  He knows how to catch us.  If you can't see it, how do you know it is a trap.  Satan blinds us.",2 Corinthians 4:4;,Circuit assembly talk,HOW TO PROTECT OURSELVES FROM SATAN'S SNARES,115,1,6/3/2009,
"over confidence, confident,",Over confidence: You begin to think you are a legend in your own mind.,Lacks understanding of the nature and power of sin.  Tens of thousands are disfellowshipped and reproved due to overconfidence.  Divorces without proper reason.  Dating without chaperon.  Applies to all of us.,James 1:22; Proverbs 14:16; 1 Corinthians 10:10;,Joe Mazacek D. O.,,0,1,6/3/2009,
"Awake, wakefulness, alert,",Certified Public Accountant - CPA during tax season.  As it gets closer to tax time it is called crunch time.  During other time must use time wisely.,We need to 'wake from sleep.'  To what extent am I acting.  Not someone else.  Decrease of consciousness.  Keeping up; Bible study; publications;,Romans 13:11;,"Charlie Allyn, C.O.",HOW TO KEEP SPIRITUALLY AWAKE!,71,1,6/3/2009,
"Prepare, preparation, armor, wicked spirits, power,",Soldier forgot his sword.  Only brought his helmet.  Maybe he can use one arm here and one here.  Ridiculous.,Shows what a lack of preparation can do.,Ephesians 6:11,Jim Kinkaid,,0,1,6/4/2009,
"Faith, conquer, world, Satan,",Jesus was a king without a visible army.  Yet he conquered the world.,The only thing that can separate you from God's love is YOU.  Don't allow Satan to rent space in your head.,James 1:21; 4:4;,Joe Mazacek D.O.,HOW TO PROTECT OURSELVES FROM SATAN'S SNARES,115,1,6/4/2009,
"Preaching, rewards, benefits, joy,","Using our time, energy, and talents, not for self-advancement, but in the Kingdom-preaching and disciple-making work can be likened to making an investment.","Those who have done so have reaped rich dividends spiritually, as shown by the following experiences.",Proverbs 19:17,w07 8/1 p. 30 par. 15,GOOD NEWS IN A VIOLENT WORLD,85,1,6/6/2009,
"Confidence, faith,","If you have a situation, for example car trouble.  Who do you call?  A mechanic you know.He might be able to help you.","With any situation, why can you call on Jehovah.  He is an expert in any field.  He has the knowledge and ability to help.  He wants to help.",1 John 5:13,Chuck Bland,MAINTAIN YOUR CONFIDENCE FIRM TO THE END,46,1,10/19/2006,
"Forgiveness, long-suffering,","If you have an 8oz cup full of water, how long can you hold it? 5 min? 1 hr? A whole day? If you tried to hold it indefinitely, you would eventually suffer long-term internal damage. Because it's not about how heavy the cup is, it's about how long you hold it.","Same is true with forgiveness. It's not about the wrong that was done to you, it's about how long you'll hold it. Sometimes you can see the pain in people's faces when they're holding resentment. All they have to do is put it down and let it go. If we want to be theocratic, spiritually productive people, we have to put it down, and just let it go.  Granting forgiveness in no way condones the wrong. It just means that you are relinquishing the burden of resentment. You're saying you will no longer carry the resentment that came from their hurtful action.", Col 3:13,Tom Batty,DO YOU HARBOR RESENTMENT OR DO YOU FORGIVE?,68,1,6/9/2009,
"Reproof, discipline, hatred, hate,","“HE WHO brings a matter out in the open becomes an enemy of the people,” some say in West Africa. That was what happened to Olu when he accused his older brother of committing incest with his sister. “You are a liar!” screamed the brother. He then viciously beat Olu, drove him from the family house, and burned all Olu’s clothes.","The villagers supported the brother. No longer welcome in the village, Olu had to leave. Only after the girl was observed to be pregnant did the people realize that Olu had told the truth. The brother confessed, and Olu was restored to favor. Things could have turned out quite differently. Olu could have been killed.  Clearly, those who have no love for Jehovah are not likely to appreciate having their error brought to light. The sinful human tendency is to resist reproof and resent whoever gives it.",John 7:7,w97 8/15 p. 26,,0,1,6/11/2009,
"Bible, God's Word, Treasure,","DISCOVERIES of hidden treasures have often made headline news. For example, in 1922, after decades of painstaking work in a harsh environment, British archaeologist Howard Carter made a dramatic discovery. He found the nearly intact royal tomb of Pharaoh Tutankhamen, containing nearly 5,000 objects.","As spectacular as Carter's discovery was, most of the artifacts he found ended up in museums or in private collections. They may have some historical or artistic value, but they have little or no effect on our day to-day life. However, God's Word invites us to search for treasures that truly affect us. The invitation is open to everyone, and the reward is worth far more than any material treasure.",Proverbs 2:1-6,"Jul 15, 2009 WT page 3",Did the Miracles of the Bible Really Happen?,137,1,6/15/2009,
"Pornography, clean, cleanliness, holy, abhor, internet, defilements,","To pry apart pieces of magnetized metal, one needs a force that is stronger than the attraction holding them together.","Similarly, it takes strong effort to resist the lure of pornography.  (See examples in article.)",Psalm 97:10; Romans 12:9;,"June 15, 2009 WT page 15",KEEP CLEAN FROM WORLDLY DEFILEMENTS,98,1,6/15/2009,
"Water, earth, name, descriptive,","Some feel the earth was misnamed.  Instead of earth, it should have been called water.","After all the larger surface area is cover with water.  However, water is lifegiving in a spiritual way as well.",Revelation 22:17;,"Charlie Allyn, C. O.",TAKING TIME TO MEDITATE ON SPIRITUAL THINGS,67,1,6/17/2009,
"regularity, regular, irregularity, constant, circle, chain,",Sometimes we get letters urging us to pass them on.  Don't break the chain or circle or all kinds of bad things will happen to us.  If you are like me you pay little attention to them.,"There is a circle that we don't want to ignore.  Our regularity in service.  When we go for a whole month without service, we become irregular.  If we don't report for six months we become inactive.  There is real danger in breaking the circle of friendship and fellowworker with Jehovah.",Acts 20:20;,Charlie Allyn C. O. ; Bobby Laymon,SERVE JEHOVAH WITH A JOYFUL HEART,78,1,6/18/2009,
"Sermon on the Mount; sayings, Bible, Jesus, teachings, gems, precious,",One of the largest cut diamonds known today is the 530-carat Star of Africa.  It is truly a precious gem!,"Far more valuable, however, are the spiritual gems found in Jesus Sermon on the Mount.",John 3:34-36; Matthew chapters 5-7;,"Feb 15, 2009 WT page 10;",Jesus Christ-Earth's New Ruler,140,1,6/18/2009,
"Fate, predestination, chance, luck,","The driver of a massive garbage truck lost control of his vehicle. The truck jumped the curb, hitting a couple and a 23-year-old man walking on the sidewalk. According to a New York City newspaper report, the couple was killed on the spot and the young man was knocked unconscious. When he woke up and saw what had happened, his first thought was: 'I can't believe this is happening. Please, God, let me get through this.' He said, ""It wasn't my time to go.""","YOU have likely heard similar stories. When a person narrowly escapes a di­saster, people say, 'It wasn't his time,' but when someone dies in a freak accident, they conclude, 'His time has come' or 'It's the will of God.' Whether they attribute the outcome to fate, luck, destiny, or God, the rationale is basically the same. Many peo­ple believe that events in their life and the outcome are predetermined and that there is nothing they can do about it.",Ecclesiastes 3:1-9,"Mar 1, 2009 WT page 4",,0,1,6/18/2009,
"Honesty, lies, deceit, dishonesty,","Three high school senior boys, possessed by spring fever, played hooky from their morning classes. After lunch, the boys reported to the teacher that they had experienced a flat tire. The teacher smiled and said. ""Boys, you missed a test this morning.Take a seat apart from one another and get out a blank sheet of paper."" ""Here is your first question,"" she said calmly. ""Which tire was flat?"" - Author Unknown",Dishonesty will show itself up.,Revelation 21:8;,Words For All Occasions Page 214;,CONDUCTING OURSELVES HONESTLY AT ALL TIMES,10,1,6/19/2009,
"visualize, think, pictures, illustrations, earth, new world,","""I never think in words, only pictures"" - Thomas Alva Edison",We need to see Jehovah's beautiful new world ahead of us.,2 Peter 3:13;,Bobby Laymon,Jesus Christ-Earth's New Ruler,140,1,6/19/2009,
"autism, disabilities, sickness, retarded, children,","Despite the challenges, the dark cloud of childhood mental disability can have a silver lining. How?  Though they may achieve less and live in a smaller world than normal children, they often feel happier in their “cottage” than do normal children in their “castle.”","First, parents can feel comforted knowing that most such children are not suffering. Dr. Robert Isaacson writes in his book The Retarded Child: “Most are able to be happy, to enjoy the company of others, music, some sports, good food, and friends.”",Isaiah 33:24;,Society's website,THE ONLY CURE FOR SICK MANKIND,62,1,6/20/2009,
"Urgency, end, run, race, time, opportune,","What if you were watching a football game on TV and it was  the Trojans against the fighting Irish . . . And it's been a good game . . . And it's coming down to the last seconds and the Trojans get the ball ( then he stands like a football player) and then he starts running ( and he picks up his foot like he's going to take off) and you're glued to the TV - just waiting to see what will happen . . . And he makes it to the 30 then the 20 then the 10 yard line and he's at the one inch line and he stops.  The guy with the ball stops and start looking around for the game clock.  And he yells, how much time do I have left???  And you're staring at the TV in disbelief !!!!  What do you do?  You yell at the TV - IDIOT!!!  RUN!!!  RUN YOU IDIOT!!!(And Bro. Jackson is yelling this from the stage)","It was so hysterical - then he stops and says that's where you are.  This system is dying.  We're the event the universe is watching.  We're at the one inch line and some are stopping and looking around and wondering where we are in the stream of time.  ""IDIOT!!! RUN!!!Don't look at the time just run . . . Run . . . We're almost there. What's a 100 year slice from the pie of eternity?",Ruth 2:12; Hebrews 12:1;,Brother Jackson - one of the governing body,Service Talk,200,1,6/26/2009,
"Einstein, belief, science,",“Unquestionably. No one can read the gospels without feeling the actual presence of Jesus. His personality pulsates in every word. No myth is filled with such life.” Surprising?  Quote: Albert Einstein.,"Did Einstein believe in the existence of Jesus Christ?  The above quote says, ""Yes!""",John 3:16;,Bobby Laymon,Godly Wisdom in a Scientific World,139,1,6/27/2009,
"Jesus Christ, history, appreciating,","The noted 19th­century historian Philip Schaff was moved to state of this young man: ""Without writing a single line he set more pens in motion, and furnished themes for more sermons, orations! Discussions, learned volumes, works of art! And songs of praise! Than the whole army. Of great men of ancient and modern times.""","That remarkable young man was, of course, Jesus Christ.","Ezekiel 37:24, 25;","April 15, 2009 wt page 24",Jesus Christ-Earth's New Ruler,140,1,6/28/2009,
"Greed, covet, idolatry, images, covetousness, pleonexia,","The Greeks themselves defined it as insatiate desire, and said that you might as easily satisfy it as you might fill with water a bowl with a hole in it.",Pleonexia is basically the desire to have more. They defined it as the sinful desire for that which belongs to others. They defined it as the passion of acquisitiveness. It has been described as ruthless self-seeking.”,Col. 3:5;Philippians 3:19,g79 4/22 p. 6 “Me First”—Today’s Idolatry,Does God Approve of the Use of Images in Worship?,136,1,6/28/2009,
"discipline, reproof, disfellowship, readjust, mildness,","Just as a considerate doctor sets a broken limb carefully, to avoid causing needless pain and yet care for the problem.",Elders use mildness with firmness for divine standards to readjust erring ones.,Galatians 6:1; Acts 20:28;,"Nov 15, 2006 WT page 30",ARE YOU CONTENT WITH JEHOVAH'S PROVISIONS?,22,1,10/31/2006,
"conscience, environment,","The conscience can also be shaped by the general culture or environment in which one lives, just as one’s environment may lead someone to speak with an accent or in a dialect.","That must have happened with the ancient Assyrians. They were known for militarism, and their carved reliefs depict them torturing captives. The Ninevites of Jonah’s day are described as not knowing “the difference between their right hand and their left.”","Matthew 26:73;Nahum 2:11, 12; 3:1",w07 10/15 p. 22,,0,1,6/30/2009,
"materialism, technology,",American essayist Ralph Waldo Emerson (1803-1882) gave this poetic warning against rising materialism: “Things are in the saddle and ride mankind.”,"As the technological revolution got under way, a few farsighted men foresaw its dangers.",Matthew 4:4;,g81 12/8 pp. 10-11,,0,1,7/8/2009,
"body, care, health,","A house poorly cared for brings no credit to the architect or builder. A house that is run-down, unclean or that gives off offensive odors adversely affects all the surrounding neighborhood.",The same is true with us if we fail to care properly for ourselves physically.,1 Corinthians 12:12;,w72 7/1 p. 413,,0,1,7/9/2009,
"Race, endurance, winning, tire out, pain, sweat,"," When you prep for a race, there are things that you expect and prepare for - cramps, sweat, to be bumped by other runners, etc. But what if you saw someone running a marathon, and then he suddenly stopped, only 2 miles in. You ask him why he stopped running and he says, ""There was something starting to happen on my forehead ... I felt sweat running down, so I stopped. I signed up to run, but I didn't sign up for sweating!"" Or he says, ""I got bumped by another runner ... I said I would run, but I didn't plan to get bumped."" You'd say, that's ABSURD!"," So it is with us. We expect to sweat, feel the pain, get bumped, etc.  WE DON'T STOP  RUNNING. We don't tire out, we keep doing what is fine.",Ps. 40:28-31,Tom Batty,,0,1,6/9/2009,
"Give up, quit, discouragement, failure,","1. After Fred Astaire's first screen test, the memo from the testing director of MGM, dated 1933, said, ""Can't act! Slightly bald! Can dance a little!"" Astaire kept that memo over the fireplace in his Beverly Hills home.2. An ""expert"" said of Vince Lombardi: ""He possesses minimal football knowledge. Lacks motivation."" 3. Socrates was called, ""An immoral corrupter of youth.""4. When Peter J. Daniel was in the forth grade, his teacher, Mrs. Phillips, constantly said, ""Peter J. Daniel, you're no good, you're a bad apple and you're never going to amount to anything."" Peter was totally illiterate until he was 26. A friend stayed up with him all night and read him a copy of THINK AND GROW RICH.  Now he owns the street corners he used to fight on and just published his latest book: MRS. PHILLIPS, YOU WERE WRONG!5. Louisa May Alcott, the author of LITTLE WOMEN, was encouraged to find work as a servant or a seamstress by her family.6. Beethoven handled the violin awkwardly and preferred playing his own compositions instead of improving his violin technique.  His teacher called him hopeless as a composer.7. The parents of the famous opera singer Enrico Caruso wanted  him to be an engineer. His teacher said he had no voice at all and could not sing.8. Charles Darwin wrote, ""I was considered by all my masters and by my father, a very ordinary boy, rather below the common standard of intellect.""9. Walt Disney was fired by a newspaper editor for lack of ideas. Walt Disney also went bankrupt several times before he built Disneyland.10. Thomas Edison's teacher said he was too stupid to learn anything.11. Albert Einstein did not speak until he was four years old and didn't read until he was seven. His teacher described him as ""mentally slow, unsociable and adrift forever in foolish dreams.""  He was expelled from school and was refused admittance to the Zurich polytechnic School.12. Louis Pasteur was only a mediocre pupil in undergraduate studies and ranked 15th out of 22 in chemistry.13. Isaac Newton did very poorly in grade school. 14. The sculptor Rodin's father said, ""I have an idiot for a son.""  Described as the worst pupil in the school, Rodin failed three times to secure admittance to the school of art. His uncle called him uneducable.  15. Leo Tolstoy, author of WAR and PEACE, flunked out of college. He was described as ""both unable and unwilling to learn.""16. Playwright Tennessee Williams was enraged when his play ME, VASHA was not chosen in a class competition at Washington University where he was enrolled in English XVI.17. F.W. Woolworth's employers at the dry goods store said that he had not enough sense to wait upon customers. 18. Henry Ford failed and went broke five times before he finally succeeded.19. Babe Ruth, considered by sports historians to be the greatest athlete of all time and famous for setting the home run record, also holds the record for strikeouts.20. Winston Churchill failed sixth grade. He did not become prime minister of England until he was 62, and then only after a lifetime of defeats and setbacks. His greatest contributions came when he was a ""senior citizen.""21. Eighteen publishers turned down Richard Bach's 10,000 word story about a soaring seagull, JONATHAN LIVINGSTON SEAGULL, before Macmillan finally published it in 1970. By 1975 it had sold more than seven million copies in the U.S. alone.22. Richard Hooker worked for seven years on his humorous war novel, M*A*S*H, only to have it rejected by 21 publishers before Morrow decided to publish it. It became a runaway bestseller, spawning a blockbuster movie and a highly successful television series.",SO DON'T QUIT!!,Luke 18:1;,Bobby Laymon,Why Take Refuge in Jehovah,142,1,8/29/2009,4/7/2014
"Time, Children,","You will spend time with your children.  Either educating them and teaching them to serve Jehovah, or else you will spend time getting them out of trouble; bailing them out of jail; going to court.",Who do we want to tell us to spend time with our children.   Jehovah or a worldly judge.,Deuteronomy 6:4-9;,Bobby Laymon,,0,1,7/30/2009,
"Apostasy, lure, lullaby, sleep, drowsy, awake,",What do you think of when you hear a lullaby?  What is it's purpose.  To make you sleep.,The devil sings lullabies to cause us to fall asleep.,Eph 4:18; Luke 21:36;,Robert Burge C.O.,NEVER BECOME DULL IN YOUR HEARING,9,1,8/10/2009,
"Evolution, creation, origin, beginning,","Did you ever drive a car that was out of alignment?  You can still get there but it is harder, and uncomfortable.",Man's theory of evolution is not just out of alignment.  It is not drivable.,Genesis 1:1;,Jacob Landis,The Origin of Humans-Does It Matter What You Believe?,133,1,8/11/2009,
"Rap music, chaste, language, vulgar, violence,","An  Overseer was visiting  recently and had this interesting experience to relate. He said; ""I've heard a number of the friends say about rap music: Oh, I don't listen to those nasty words. I just like the beat.. In fact, I don't even KNOW any of the words."" He then asked the audience: ""Are YOU one of those people? If so, let me tell you about an experience I heard recently."" Here's what he told the Congregation: There was a young scientist who did an experiment with rats.  He taught all of them to go through a maze. After a while he decided to time them to see how long it would take the rats to get through, and, on average, he found that it took approximately ten minutes..He then decided to separate the rats into three groups and experiment with them for two weeks.The first group would act as the control group and so he did absolutely nothing to change their routine. For the second group, he put a speaker on top of the cage and for about ten hours a day, he played classical music.For the third group, he also put a speaker on top of the cage, but exposed them to rap music for ten hours a day. After the two week testing period, he examined the first group of rats and, again, had them go through the maze. As always, it took them just about ten minutes to go through.The second group, the ones exposed to classical music, went through the maze, but it only took them eight minutes. Hmmm. They shaved off two minutes. Interesting.Finally, he went to the third group of rats. The ones exposed to rap music.""How long do you think it took THEM to go through the maze?""  Would you believe that it took that third group of rats TWENTY MINUTES where originally, it had only taken them ten minutes. Apparently, the rap music slowed them down mentally - and the rats didn't know the words either! Do you know why they slowed down so much?  The audience sat quietly and listened. And the Circuit Overseer explained: We don't know. And the young scientist doesn't know either because he was unable to continue the experiment. He was forced to stop.  Why?  All the rats that had been exposed to the rap music for ten hours a day for two weeks all started to kill each other!  {A soft, collective gasp from the audience.}"," (We see that in the news every day, who needs experiments w/rats to prove it!)The Circuit Overseer concluded his talk with a thought provoking statement: ""Friends, consider carefully. Do you really think that such vulgar, crude, and profane rap music has no effect on you? And really, it doesn't matter if we're talking about music, TV, books, bad associations, or anything else that is vulgar, profane, or crude from Jehovah's point of view. Don't fool yourself into thinking that it has no effect on YOU!""",Phil 4:8;,Nova McClain,,0,1,8/16/2009,
"Scene, world, changing, balance, stable, unstable,",Giving all our time and energy to it is like investing our entire life’s savings in a house that is built in a flood zone. What an imprudent investment!,There is nothing permanent or completely stable in the present system of things.,1 Corinthians 7:29-31,w03 2/1 p. 6,,168,1,8/23/2009,
"Scene, World, Changing, accelerate, rapid, speed up,","Each day you look into a mirror.  You probably don't know it but your face has changed from yesterday.  The change was so slow you could not tell.  However, look at a picture taken 10 years ago and one taken today.  You notice the change!  Sometimes something speeds up the change.   It may leave scars or disfigurement.","The World is like that.  It changes so slow you don't notice, but it's there.  Then something happens that really accelerates the change, leaving lasting scars.  Terrorism; Tsunamis; Earthquakes; Pandemic diseases; droughts; flooding; tornados; hurricanes;",1 Corinthians 7:31,"Joe Laymon, Bobby Laymon",,0,1,8/24/2009,
"Above the Circumstances, sad, gloomy, sick, depressed,","A certain Christian, when asked how he was feeling, had a standard reply. He would say, ""Oh, all right I guess, under the circumstances."" One of his friends grew weary of this reply and detected a certain amount of self-pity in the gloomy answer and said quite candidly, ""Why are you always under the circumstances'? It's time you lived above them.""","Count your blessings, and you too can live above your circumstances. Ephesians 1:3 tells us, ""Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, for he has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in union with Christ.""  The Christian life is a life of victory, and by the kindness and power from Jehovah, we can be triumphant in every situation.",Ephesians 1:3,The Ministry Box,THE ONLY CURE FOR SICK MANKIND,62,1,8/25/2009,
"Procrastinate, doer, viewer, put off, Are You a Wagon Master or an Engineer, Plans,","There is an amusing story from General Stonewall Jackson's famous valley campaign. Jackson's army found itself on one side of a river when it needed to be on the other side. After telling his engineers to plan and build a bridge so the army could cross, he called his wagon master in to tell him that it was urgent the wagon train cross the river as soon as possible. The wagon master started gathering all the logs, rocks, and fence rails he could find and built a bridge. Long before daylight General Jackson was told by his wagon master all the wagons and artillery had crossed the river.  General Jackson asked where are the engineers and what are they doing? The wagon master's only reply was that they were in their tent drawing up plans for a bridge.","Are we a ""doer"", quick to get the job done, or do we spend unproductive efforts making the plan that never materializes?",James 1:22;,Bobby Laymon,,0,1,8/26/2009,
"Satan, crafty acts, protection,","Computer users take pains to prevent their equipment from becoming infected with malicious viruses that can destroy data, interfere with operation, and even take over the machine and use it in an attack on other computers. Should we be any less vigilant in protecting ourselves from Satan's ""crafty acts""?"," It would be a mistake to lower our moral and spiritual standards, perhaps thinking that we are strong enough to resist the effects of bad association, includingg when that association might be in the form of violent,immorall entertainment. Instead, we must protect ourselves and our children from the corruptinginfluencess of Satan's spirit.",Ephesians 6:11;,"September 15, 2009 WT Page 13;",HOW TO PROTECT OURSELVES FROM SATAN'S SNARES,115,1,8/28/2009,
"Conversation, speech, Echos, slander, gossip,","The real art of conversation is not only to say the right thing in the right place, but to leave unsaid the wrong thing at the tempting moment.","It isn't the things that go in one ear and out the other that hurt, as much as the things that go in one ear, get all mixed up, and then slip out the mouth.  Speak kind words and you will hear kind echoes.",1 Timothy 5:13;,Bobby Laymon,TRUE FRIENDSHIP WITH GOD AND NEIGHBOR,100,1,8/29/2009,
"Marriage, Singleness, Wedding,","""And they got married and lived happily ever after.""  Words like these bring to a close many a children's story.  Romantic movies and novels often transmit a similar message--that marriage means happiness at last!","A spiritual person does not see things in such black and white terms.  The Bible speaks of single men and women who had very rewarding lives.  Today, some Christians choose a life of singleness, whereas many others remain single because of circumstances.","Matthew 19:10-12; 1 Corinthians 7:34, 35;","Jun 15, 2009 WT page 25",SHOW RESPECT AND LOVE IN YOUR MARRIAGE,28,1,8/30/2009,
"Modesty, burden, load, hardships, age, circumstances, changes,",A donkey's master must decide how much the donkey can bear. How?  He begins loading the donkey with packs. First one then another then another and so on. The donkey will accept the packs until the master places one to many. The donkey will then shift under the load and all the packs will fall to the ground. The master then loads them all back on except the last one.  He occasionaly checks to see if he can still carry the load..,"Jehovah views you as an individual. Though he knows what you can bear, he will teach you your own limitations by offering you more and more to do. What is your part in this? You have a duty as a faithful servant to accept the ""packs"" as they are offered, and then to be modest enough to eventually say, ""I am carrying all I can right now, would you brothers mind helping me out?""",Galatians 6:5;,Bobby Laymon,YOU WILL REAP WHAT YOU SOW,59,1,8/31/2009,
"Offense, politeness, anger, upset, adversity, insult, rude,","If someone offered you some poison, would you drink the stuff right down?  If they offered you a herd of skunks, would you keep them close round?  If they offered you a railroad, would you lay and wait for trains?  If they offered you a cannon, would you blow out all your brains?  Or would you say: ""Excuse me, please, I'd really rather not!  I am totally contented with the things that I have got.""",You can do the same thing when they offer you offense.  It's as harmful as the other things and refusal makes good sense.,Ecclesiastes 7:9,Bobby Laymon,DO YOU HARBOR RESENTMENT OR DO YOU FORGIVE?,68,1,8/31/2009,
"Quarrel, fight, future, cooperate, argument,",A young lion and a cougar arrived at their usual water hole at the same time. They immediately began to argue about who should satisfy their thirst first. The argument became heated and each decided he would rather die than give up the privilege of being first.  They both looked up. Circling overhead was a flock of vultures waiting for the loser to fall.,"Quietly, the two beasts turned and walked away. The thought of being devoured was all they needed to end their quarrel.",2 Timothy 2:23;,Bobby Laymon,STAND STILL AND SEE THE SALVATION OF JEHOVAH,41,1,8/31/2009,
"Unfinished product, shaping, testing, training, judging, condemn,",Have you ever worked on a project that is still unfinished?  You keep improving it.  It may not be completely finished in this system of things.,"Be patient and remember that Jehovah is still working on all of us, and that he isn't finished with any of us as yet. Jehovah will keep helping us grow, until the task is finished.  How presumptuous it would be for us to judge and condemn God's, as yet, unfinished product.","Philippians 1:6;Philippians 2:12, 13",Bobby Laymon,A CLEANSED EARTH--WILL YOU LIVE TO SEE IT?,49,1,8/31/2009,
"Time, Jehovah's time,","Considering the Scripture at 2 Peter 3:8, ""One day to Jehovah is as a thousand years,"" thenJehovah created Adam and Eve six days ago, the flood was here four days ago; Christ was here two days ago; and he became king in heaven just two hours ago. And in a few minutes Armageddon will be over!","So, just wait a few minutes and we will be in the New World!",2 Peter 3:8;,Bobby Laymon,IS IT TIME FOR GOD TO RULE THE WORLD?,20,1,8/31/2009,
"Yielding, Reasonableness,"," When we drive an automobile, we see the need to yield to other drivers, such as when negotiating traffic circles, to make sure that everyone is safe and traffic flows smoothly.","How important it is for each of us to act in a reasonable way, yielding to Christ’s direction and being yielding in our dealings with other humans!  Benefits result when we are disposed to be yielding in a balanced way.",Phil. 4:5; Eph. 5:23;,"Mar 15, 2008 page 3",GLORIFYING GOD WITH ALL WE HAVE,17,1,9/2/2009,
"Holy spirit,",The Bible compares the holy spirit to water.,"When God pours out his spirit upon his servants, they become ""full of holy spirit,"" or ""filled with holy spirit.""",Isaiah 44:3,"Oct 1, 2009 WT page 5;",HOW TO KEEP SPIRITUALLY AWAKE!,71,1,9/2/2009,
"Marriage, paperless, living together first,","So to return to the opening analogy, it does make sense to try on a suit or a dress before buying it. However, the parallel to that is not living together.","Rather, it is taking sufficient time to get to know the person you are considering as a marriage mate. This vital but of¬ten overlooked step is one of many secrets of family success.",Ecclesiastes 4:12; Hebrews 13:4;,October 2009 Aw page 29,SHOW RESPECT AND LOVE IN YOUR MARRIAGE,28,1,9/2/2009,4/25/2014
"Urgency, last days, system,","You have an early appointment.  You set the alarm.  It goes off right on time, but you hit the snooze button.  You keep hitting it.  You miss your appointment.",There is no snooze button for this system of things.  It will go down at the exact time appointed.,"1 Timothy 4:16; 1 John 2:16, 17;",Mike Parker - District convention,WILL YOU BE A SURVIVOR OF THE LAST DAYS?,2,1,9/2/2009,
"Family worship night, gift, present, Bible study,",Jehovah has given us all a present in the Family Worship Night.,Don't give it to Satan.,Psalm 95:6;,Mike Parker - District convention,Does God Approve of the Use of Images in Worship?,136,1,9/2/2009,
"Reliance, trust in Jehovah, protection, salvation,","""When you are down to nothing, …","…Jehovah is up to something.""",Psalm 9:9;,Bobby Laymon,Trust in Jehovah's Saving Power,147,1,9/2/2009,
"Babylon, harlot, attack, tribulation, Armageddon, humiliated, joke,",Like a remote on a television set.  One push changes things.,What comes upon the harlot is almost unbelievable.  It is like she has been a joke all along.,Revelation 17:17;,Jason Arndt,HAS BABYLON'S JUDGMENT HOUR ARRIVED?,155,1,9/4/2009,
"Decisions, problems, choices, free will,",Hold up a couple of neckties.  Talk about them and why you decided to wear the one you have.  Each day we make decisions; some large and some small.,There are decisions of major consquence.  Let us talk about them.,"James 1:7, 8;",Darren LaSarge - Branson,DECISIONS YOU FACE--HOW WILL YOU MAKE THEM?,50,1,9/14/2009,
"Decision, procrastinate, put off,","Some people make a decision not to make a decision.  They always say, ""I want to think it over.""",Some things should not be put off.,"James 1:7, 8;",Bobby Laymon,DECISIONS YOU FACE--HOW WILL YOU MAKE THEM?,50,1,9/15/2009,
"Wisdom, knowledge, Bible, Organization, Creation,","""It's unsettling to be dubbed a Wisdom Keeper.  First you must firure out where you stashed the stuff.  Then comes the job of passing it on.""  Quote: Margaret Atwood - noted novelist.","Jehovah has a unique way of passing wisdom on through his Word, His organization and his creation.",Psalm 119:110;,Bobby Laymon,Godly Wisdom in a Scientific World,139,1,9/15/2009,
"equipped, competent, fitted out, distresses,",The original-language word rendered “completely equipped” literally means “having been fitted out.” This word could have been used in ancient times of a boat that was fitted out with everything needed for a voyage or of a machine that was capable of performing whatever was expected of it.,"Similarly, Jehovah through his Word provides us with all that we need to handle whatever may come our way. Accordingly, we can say, “If God permits it, I can take it, with his help.” God’s Word does not merely make us “competent” and “equipped for every good work.” It also enables us to deal with life’s distresses. It makes us “fully competent” and “completely equipped.”","2 Tim. 3:16, 17",w08 3/15 pp. 15-16 par. 17,ON WHOSE PROMISES DO YOU RELY?,61,1,9/23/2009,
"Bible, Accurate, authentic, genuine,",It would be hard to trust a book that is found to contain inaccuracies. Imagine reading a modern history book that dated the second world war to the 1800’s or that called the president of the United States a king. Would such inaccuracies not raise questions in your mind about the overall reliability of the book?,NO ONE has ever successfully challenged the historical accuracy of the Bible. It refers to real people and real events.,Matthew 27:1-26,Society Website,,175,1,9/24/2009,
"World, stinks, cool, sewer pond, septic tank,","A little boy was swimming in a sewer pond.  He got out and had stuff dripping from him, and he smelled really bad.  When asked about it he said: ""I know there is a lot of stuff down there I want to not get attached to and some of it stinks, but it is SO COOL.","That is how Satan convinces us about the world.  Oh! There is bad stuff on that show, and some of it stinks, but it is really COOL.",1 John 3:15-17;,Charles Molahan,RESISTING THE SPIRIT OF THE WORLD,25,1,9/26/2009,
"Building, Future, World is changing,",Are you building on a flood plane?,Today 50% in some area are gone.  Many of the jobs are gone also.  We need to build for the future.,"Matthew 24:8; Proverbs 3:5, 6;",Chuck Bland,YOUR FUTURE--HOW CAN IT BE KNOWN?,19,1,9/26/2009,
"Facts, truths, statistics,","Facts are stubborn things, but statistics are more pliable.  --Mark Twain",Beware of statistics that can be bent.,Matthew 16:6;,Bobby Laymon,"COME, YOU WHO THIRST FOR THE TRUTH!",89,1,10/24/2006,
"Disease, sickness, cure, kingdom, Ransom,","How Many Diseases Are There in the World?  According to scientist Raymond Francis, there is only one disease. However, there are 2 causes (deficiency and toxicity) and 6 pathways.  More than three out of four Americans have a diagnosable chronic disease.",Sin is the grand-father of all disease.  There is only one cure.  God's kingdom in the hands of Christ Jesus.,Isaiah 33:24;,Bobby Laymon,THE ONLY CURE FOR SICK MANKIND,62,c,10/1/2009,11/10/2015
"Job, employment, work,","The fisherman with the largest net is the one most likely to catch fish. So, too, your knowing how to increase the size of your “net” will improve your chances of landing a job. If you are looking for work only by responding to newspaper or Internet advertisements, the majority of available jobs may be slipping past your net. A good number of jobs are never advertised. How can you gain access to this hidden job market?","In addition to responding to advertisements, like Katharina you must set aside time each week to call on businesses that you think may have jobs you can do. Do not wait for them to advertise positions. If a manager says that he has no work, ask him if he knows where else you might look and specifically to whom you should speak. If he offers a suggestion, make an appointment with that company, stating the name of the person who referred you.",Col. 3:23,g05 7/8 pp. 4-5 Five Keys to Finding a Job,,0,1,10/2/2009,
"Sin, battle, two wolves, anger, jealousy, greed, love, joy, peace hope, kindness,","One evening an old Cherokee told his grandson about a battle that goes on inside people. He said, ""My son, the battle is between two wolves inside us all. ""One is Evil -  It is anger, envy, jealousy, sorrow, regret, greed, arrogance, self-pity, guilt, resentment, inferiority, lies, false pride, superiority, and ego. ""The other is Good -  It is joy, peace, love, hope, serenity, humility, kindness, benevolence, empathy, generosity, truth, compassion and faith.""","The grandson thought about it for a minute and then asked his grandfather: ""Which wolf wins?""  The old Cherokee simply replied, ""The one you feed.""",Romans 7:18-25,Ruth Bourbon,SERVE JEHOVAH WITH A JOYFUL HEART,78,1,10/13/2009,
"Youth, knowledge, counsel,",I am not young enough to know everything.  Quote:  Oscar Wilde,Youths often have a know-it-all attitude.,1 Kings 12:8,Bobby Laymon,LOOKING AT YOUTHS FROM JEHOVAH'S STANDPOINT,118,1,10/15/2006,
"Research, information, study, search, gathering, digging,",It is kind of like the drunk at the light post.  He is not using it for light.  He is using it for support.,"Research should be for enlightenment of truth, not to support some wrong or imagined idea.",John 17:17;,Bobby Laymon,,0,1,10/22/2009,
"resurrection, Cemetery, graves, sleeping places, funeral, memorial, immortality, soul, hope,"," The name is quite apt; it means “by the hollow.” The Christians, however, called them “sleeping places,” coemeteria, from which our English word cemetery is drawn.","The term “catacomb” is customarily used in reference to these underground labyrinths of burial, but that was not the original practice. Catacumbas referred to a valley on the Via Appia that was used for burial.  There is no thought of soul immortality in that term, but instead an expression of hope in the resurrection.","John 5:28, 29;",w57 11/1 p. 650,The Resurrection-Victory Over Death!,132,1,10/26/2009,
"Adultery, Beauty, looking, desires, Marriage, respect, love, spouse, mate, dating,","When you see a beautiful flower, it is a delight to the eyes.  However, you normally do not pick it and take it with you.","There are beautiful people on earth.  You see them.  You may even admire their beauty on passing.  However, you should not 'keep on looking' or take them with you.  Like a flower, their beauty will pass.  Love is long-lasting.",Matthew 5:28,Heath Bennett,SHOW RESPECT AND LOVE IN YOUR MARRIAGE,28,1,11/7/2009,
"Protection, help, trouble, growth,"," Do you know the legend of the Cherokee Indian youth's rite of Passage?   His father takes him into the forest, blindfolds him an leaves him alone. He is required to sit on a stump the whole night and not remove the blindfold until the rays of the morning sun shine through it. He cannot cry out for help to anyone.  Once he survives the night, he is a MAN.  He cannot tell the other boys of this experience, because each lad must come into manhood on his own.  The boy is naturally terrified. He can hear all kinds of noises. Wild beasts must surely be all around him . Maybe even some human might do him harm. The wind blew the grass and earth, and shook his stump, but he sat stoically, never removing the blindfold. It would be the only way he could become a man!  Finally, after a horrific night the sun appeared and he removed his blindfold.  It was then that he discovered his father sitting on the stump next to him. He had been at watch the entire night, protecting his son from harm.","We, too, are never alone.  Even when we don't know it, God is watching over us, Sitting on the stump beside us.  When trouble comes, all we have to do is reach out to Him.",Psalm 23,Sue Meaux,ARE YOU REALLY MAKING JEHOVAH YOUR STRONGHOLD?,18,1,11/14/2009,
"Pornography, desires, lust, clean, unclean, internet, chat rooms,","There are some things you can see, that you can't un-see.",Pornography for example.  It stays in your mind.,Job 31:1;,Bobby Laymon,RESISTING THE SPIRIT OF THE WORLD,25,1,11/25/2009,
"Fear, dread, courage, boldness,","""Whom a serpent has bitten a lizard alarms.""  Quote: African Proverb.","Jehovah's people must not shrink back in fear, but trust that Jehovah will deliver us.",Psalms 34:19;,Bobby Laymon,FACING THE FUTURE WITH FAITH AND COURAGE,166,,6/18/2006,
"Thoughts, Thinking, perspective, view, different, unconventionally, smart,","Thinking outside the box is to think differently, unconventionally or from a new perspective. This phrase often refers to novel, creative and smart thinking.  Based on a nine dot puzzle.  The puzzle is easily solved but only if you draw the lines outside of the confines of the square area defined by the nine dots themselves. Thus, the phrase ""thinking outside the box"" was born.",We need to think outside the box of human thinking and get Jehovah's thinking on matters.,"Isaiah 55:8, 9;",Bobby Laymon,DOES YOUR THINKING AGREE WITH GOD'S?,53,1,12/8/2009,
"Reminders, acts of Jehovah, idols, worship,","As one scholar put it: “They inscribe the deeds of their heroes upon brass, but the glorious acts of Jehovah are written upon the sand, and the tide of time washes them from present memory.”","Those acts are not really washed away, though they are unknown to multitudes. So in our house-to-house work, when conducting home Bible studies, and on other occasions, let us zealously speak of God’s mighty acts.",Exodus 13:14-16;,w90 9/15 pp. 16-17 par. 5,,0,1,12/11/2009,
"Acts of God, miracles,","As one scholar put it: “They inscribe the deeds of their heroes upon brass, but the glorious acts of Jehovah are written upon the sand, and the tide of time washes them from present memory.”","Those acts are not really washed away, though they are unknown to multitudes. So in our house-to-house work, when conducting home Bible studies, and on other occasions, let us zealously speak of God’s mighty acts.",Exodus 13:14-16,w90 9/15 pp. 16-17 par. 5,ACTS OF GOD - HOW DO YOU VIEW THEM?,93,1,12/11/2009,
"Acts of God, Disasters, Miracles, blame,","""Wars are not acts of God. They are caused by man, by man-made institutions, by the way in which man has organized his society. What man has made, man can change.""Frederick M. Vinson","Many blame God, when man is the guilty one.",Deut. 32:5;,Bobby Laymon,ACTS OF GOD - HOW DO YOU VIEW THEM?,93,1,12/11/2009,
"Bible, Word, Hearts,","A brother asked a house-holder what he thought about the Bible.  The reply, ""It's just words written on paper.""","The brother replied, ""Yes, what we need to do is get it off the paper and put it into our hearts.""",Hebrews 4:12;,Victor Peterson,Did the Miracles of the Bible Really Happen?,137,1,12/11/2009,
"Money, materialism,","“When I have money, I get rid of it quickly, lest it find a way into my heart.”  John Wesley quotes (English Evangelist, founder of Methodism. 1703-1791)",We must not covet money.,1 Timothy 6:10;,Bobby Laymon,,0,1,12/17/2009,
"enthusiasm, zeal, whole-souled,",“Catch on fire with enthusiasm and people will come for miles to watch you burn.” quote: John Wesley,We need to be zealously hot or refreshingly cold.,Revelation 3:15,Bobby Laymon,,0,1,12/17/2009,
"Destruction that is good, future, courage, faith,", Videos: high rise buildings leveled to make room for something better.  Perhaps a park or playground for children.  A destruction that is good!!,Jehovah is going to bring a destruction that is a good thing because it rids the earth of all those who do not want to live in peace here on the earth.  We have a solid hope for the future.,Matthew 24:20-22,Bobby Laymon,FACING THE FUTURE WITH FAITH AND COURAGE,166,1,12/19/2009,
"whole-souled, extra mile, ABCD, surpluss, abundance,","Have you heard of the ABCD Awards?  - ""Above and Beyond the Call of Duty.""","Jehovah God and Christ Jesus set the pattern in going, ""Above and Beyond the Call of Duty.""  Also the Apostle Paul.",1 Thess. 2:7-9,Bobby Laymon,RENEWING THE SPIRIT OF SELF-SACRIFICE,69,1,12/21/2009,
"Hell, torture, hellfire, hot,","Imagine your neighbor comes into your yard.  Fluffy bites him on the ankle for the third time.  You grab him by the collar, and hold him over the already hot barbeque until he roast to death.  Would you do that?",That is less torture than what people accuse Jehovah of doing.,"Ecclesiastes 9:5, 10;","Frank Barr, C. O.",Is Hell Really a Place of Fiery Torment?,128,1,12/23/2009,
"Sacrifice, ransom, life, Memorial,","Imagine you were a 12-year old boy traveling on the Titanic, the ship that struck an iceberg and sank in 1912. You try to jump into a lifeboat, but it is full. Then a man on the lifeboat kisses his wife, jumps back onto the deck, and puts you into the lifeboat. How do you feel?","Certainly you are grateful to him! You can understand how one boy who really had that experience felt.  Yet, Jesus did much more for you. He died so that you can gain endless life.  How did you feel upon learning what the Son of God did for you? (Read 2 Corinthians5:14, 15.) Likely you felt deep gratitude.",Acts 3:15; 5:31,"MARCH 15, 2010 WT",,0,1,12/26/2009,
"Satan, last days, expiration date,",Spoiled milk turns sour.  You should have checked the expiration date.,Satan has an expiration date.,Genesis 3:15;,Joseph Masachek D. O.,WILL YOU BE A SURVIVOR OF THE LAST DAYS?,2,1,5/17/2010,
"Armageddon, peace and security, wars, last days,",WE HAVE long heard that there is to be a war that will finally end all wars on this earth.,"Clearly, the world today with its 20 million soldiers on active duty and some 20 wars currently raging would have to change enormously for this promise to be fulfilled. Not surprisingly, the almighty God, Jehovah, would have to intervene in human affairs. This intervention on Jehovah’s part culminates in what the Bible calls Armageddon.—Revelation 16:14, 16.","Revelation 16:14, 16; Matthew 24:21;",w73 5/15 p. 293,REAL PEACE AND SECURITY - WHEN?,176,1,3/19/2010,
"Ransom, Memorial, sin, death,","Such ones can be likened to a sick man who was unaware of his illness. He may have had some symptoms, such as an occasional discomfort.  Yet, having no diagnosis of a specific disease, he might have imagined that he was basically in good health. The facts proved otherwise, however.  What if he got an accurate diagnosis of his illness?","Would he not be wise to seek and accept a known, proven, and effective treatment? Similarly, upon learning the truth about inherited sin,many have accepted the Bible’s “diagnosis” and have come to understand that God is offering the “cure.”  Yes, all who are alienated from the Father need to turn to the One who can “cure” them.—Eph. 4:17-19.",1 Corinthians 4:4; 4:4,"March 15, 2010 WT",The Resurrection-Victory Over Death!,132,1,1/5/2010,4/1/2014
"Governments, warranty, governments, promises, benefits,","Did you ever buy something with a warranty?  It probably said, ""limited warranty.""  Then it breaks!  What do you probably learn?  It's not covered in the warranty.","Human governments are like that.  They attempt to carry out some of the functions of what a good government would be like, but are limited.",Ec 7:20; Jer 10:23,Gavvy Teakell,,170,1,3/28/2008,
"Art, heart, materials, teaching,",ART FROM HEART,Art is an expression from the heart.,Hebrews 5:12;,Robert Hendrix D. O.,,0,1,1/7/2010,
"Dedication, baptism, friendship, commitment, adoption, Family,","To understand why, imagine a respectable father who shows kind interest in an orphaned youth and wishes to adopt him as a member of his own family. The father is known to be a good man. Still, before accepting the youth as his son, the man wants the boy to make a promise. So the man says, ""Before I accept you as a son, I need to know that you will love and respect me as your father."" Only if the youth is willing to make a solemn promise will the man admit him into his family.","Before someone who is alienated from God can become a member of God's family of approved servants, he first needs to make a solemn promise to Jehovah.  Is that not reasonable? Similarly, Jehovah accepts into his family only those who are willing to make a vow of dedication to him. The Bible says: ""Offer your very selves to him: a living sacrifice, dedicated and fit for his acceptance.","Rom. 12:1, 2","Jan 15, 2010 WT Page 5, 6",FAMILY LIFE THAT WARMS THE HEART,5,1,1/8/2010,
"Dating, relationship, mates, marriage,",Disregarding danger signs in a relationship is like ignoring the warning signals on your car’s dashboard,CHECK OIL,1 Corinthians 7:39;,g 1/09 p. 19,SHOW RESPECT AND LOVE IN YOUR MARRIAGE,28,1,1/10/2010,
"Cycles, earth, creation","IF A city’s supply of fresh air and water were cut and its sewers blocked, disease and death would soon follow.","Yet, our planet is a closed system—clean air and water are not shipped in from outer space, nor is waste matter rocketed out! So how does earth’s biosphere remain healthy and habitable? The answer: natural cycles, such as the water, carbon, oxygen, and nitrogen cycles, here explained and shown simplified.",Psalm 104:24,g 2/09 p. 8,JEHOVAH--THE GRAND CREATOR,101,1,1/11/2010,
"Future Predestined, death, omnisceint, present, past, foreknowledge and foreordination","They feel that from conception to death, we all follow a script already written in the mind of God. ‘After all,’ they say, ‘God is all-powerful and all-knowing, or omniscient, so surely he must know every detail about the past, the present, and the future.’",Many people believe that their life and future are predestined by a higher power.,Isaiah 46:10;,g 2/09 p. 12,YOUR FUTURE--HOW CAN IT BE KNOWN?,19,1,1/11/2010,
"Friends, playmates,","IT’S been said that little children need playmates, whereas adolescents need friends. What’s the difference?","A playmate is someone who keeps you company. A friend is someone who also shares your values.  Furthermore, the Bible states that “a true companion is loving all the time, and is a brother that is born for when there is distress.” That’s probably describing a deeper kind of friendship than you found at the playground!",Proverbs 17:17,g 3/09 p. 18,TRUE FRIENDSHIP WITH GOD AND NEIGHBOR,100,1,1/12/2010,
"Unchangable, Jehovah, shodows, steady,","SHADOWS created by the sun do not remain still. As the earth moves, the shadows are ever shifting and changing.","The Creator of earth and sun, however, does not change. (Mal. 3:6) “With him,” the Bible says, “there is not a variation of the turning of the shadow.” (Jas. 1:17) This fundamental truth about Jehovah is truly a source of comfort and strength for us, especially when we face difficult trials and challenges. Why?",James 117; Mal 3:6;,w08 9/15 p. 7 par. 1,,0,1,1/21/2010,
"Belling the Cat, Aesop Fables, Peace and security,","LONG ago, the mice had a general council to consider what measures they could take to outwit their common enemy, the Cat. Some said this, and some said that; but at last a young mouse got up and said he had a proposal to make, which he thought would meet the case. “You will all agree,” said he, “that our chief danger consists in the sly and treacherous manner in which the enemy approaches us. Now, if we could receive some signal of her approach, we could easily escape from her. I venture, therefore, to propose that a small bell be procured, and attached by a ribbon round the neck of the Cat. By this means we should always know when she was about, and could easily retire while she was in the neighborhood.”","This proposal met with general applause, until an old mouse got up and said: “That is all very well, but who is to bell the Cat?” The mice looked at one another and nobody spoke. Then the old mouse said: 	“IT IS EASY TO PROPOSE IMPOSSIBLE REMEDIES.”",1 Thessalonians 5:3;,Bobby Laymon,Real Peace and Security -- When?,178,1,1/24/2010,
"Love, attraction, affection,","Just as a magnet draws iron, so love draws Jehovah’s servants together in unity and attracts sincere ones to true worship.",The love of the true Christian brotherhood has no equal in human society.,"John 13:34, 35",w09 11/15 p. 20,,0,1,1/24/2010,
"real, authentic, counterfeit, false, valueless,","If someone offered to sell you a Rolex watch for a small amount, what would be your first question?  Is it real?  Is it authentic?",Likewise people want to know that about the Bible.,2 Timothy 3:16;,Joe Laymon,,0,1,2/1/2010,
"Mary, challenges, trials, struggle, economy,",Have you ever felt overwhelmed by an unexpected challenge or responsibility? Do you feel worn down by the daily struggle of making ends meet? Maybe you are among the millions who feel bewildered and afraid because they have had to leave their homeland as refugees. And who of us has not experienced deep pain and emptiness after losing a loved one in death?,"DID you know that Mary, the mother of Jesus, faced all those challenges? What is more, she met them successfully! What can we learn from her example?",Luke 1:26-33,w09 1/1 p. 3,,0,1,2/4/2010,
"Community, Jehovah's Witnesses, rescue,","When a rescue worker goes into a burning building, he doesn't look for clothing, computers, dishes.  He is looking for people.","Likewise, Jehovah's Witnesses are helping the community, because they concentrate on looking for people.  The most important things.",John 13:35;,Kim Laymon,"AS CHRISTIANS, WE CARE ABOUT OTHER PEOPLE",15,1,2/5/2010,
"Conscience, right, wrong, holidays, school,","A little Witness girl in school was told to draw a Santa. She told the teacher that her conscience did not allow her to do that. The teacher asked: ""Do you understand what the conscience is and how it works?""","The little girl said: ""I don't really know how to explain this, but I have a red light and a green light in my head, and right now the red light is flashing.""  It's just that simple!!!",Acts 23:1,Bobby Laymon,HOLD A GOOD CONSCIENCE IN A SINFUL WORLD,107,1,2/16/2010,
"Baptism, dedication, new personality,","Our making changes and progressing to the point of qualifying for baptism, though, is only a beginning. When presenting ourselves for water immersion, we are much like a piece of wood that has been carved into a basic shape. The object is identifiable, but much work remains to be done. The carver still needs to add the finer details in order to make the object beautiful.","At the time of baptism, we have the basic qualities required to be a servant of God. However, our new personality is still in its early stage. We must continue to enhance it by making adjustments.",Eph. 4:22-24,w08 11/15 p. 3,,0,1,2/16/2010,
"Dignified, dignity, well dressed, cleanliness, modesty, adornment, glory, honor,","WHEN asked to define the word “dignified,” ten-year-old Madison immediately replied, “Well-dressed.” What that young girl may not have known is that the Bible speaks of God as being ‘clothed with dignity.’ (Ps. 104:1)"," For humans, displaying dignity may sometimes involve being well-dressed. For instance, the apostle Paul desired that Christian women “adorn themselves in well-arranged dress,  In the Bible, the Hebrew word for “dignity” can also be translated “splendor,” “majesty,” “glory,” and “honor.”",Psalm 104:1,w08 8/15 p. 12 pars. 1-2,,0,1,2/27/2010,
"Prophecy, prophecies, Jesus, Salvation,","Imagine that many men who had never communicated with one another each brought a piece of marble into a room. If those pieces fit together to form a perfect statue, you would logically conclude that there must have been someone behind the scenes who had drawn the specifications and sent to each man his part."," Like each piece of the statue, every Messianic prophecy would provide a vital piece of information about the Messiah.",1 Corinthians 15:22,w09 12/15 p. 20 par. 3,PAYING ATTENTION TO THE PROPHETIC WORD,102,1,2/28/2010,
"World War I, promises, peace and security,","‘I promise you that this will be the final war—the war to end all wars.’—WOODROW WILSON, U.S. PRESIDENT (1913-21).","THOSE were the high expectations of one world leader at the end of World War I, about 90 years ago. That global conflict was so horrendous that the victors wanted—and needed—to believe that their many sacrifices would bring lasting benefits.",Isaiah 2:4;,w08 4/1 p. 3,REAL PEACE AND SECURITY - WHEN?,176,1,3/19/2010,
"Self, efforts, improve, trust,",Lift yourself up by your bootstraps.  The origin of this descriptive phrase isn't known. It refers of course to boots and their straps (laces) and to the imagined feat of a lifting oneself off the ground by pulling on one's bootstraps. Note: Some early computers used a process called bootstrapping which alludes to this phrase. This involved loading a small amount of code which was then used to progressively load more complex code until the machine was ready for use. This has led to use of the term 'booting' to mean starting up a computer.,Improve your situation by your own efforts.  This impossible task is supposed to exemplify the achievement in getting out of a difficult situation by one's own efforts.,"Proverbs 3:5, 6;",Bobby Laymon,REAL PEACE AND SECURITY - WHEN?,176,1,3/21/2010,
"War to end all wars, promises, veterans day, WWI, World War, 1918,","It was on the 11th hour, of the 11th day, of the 11th month, in 1918, the Armistice was signed by Woodrow Wilson, bringing to an end one of the bloodiest chapters in Mankind's history. WW1.","WOODROW WILSON, (28th PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES) said, ‘I promise you that this will be the final war—the war to end all wars.’ That day, the 11th day of November, has become known as ""Veterans Day,"" in honor of all the veterans.  Did not usher in a period of 'Real Peace and Security.'","1 Thessalonians 5:2, 3;","Joe Laymon, Bobby Laymon,http://computasaur.tripod.com/ww1/",REAL PEACE AND SECURITY - WHEN?,176,1,3/27/2010,5/31/2025
"Eleventh, 11th hour, last chance, last possible moment,",From the parable in the Bible where laborers hired at the eleventh hour of the twelve-hour workday were paid the same as those hired earlier.  World War I ended in 1918 when the armistice was declared on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month.,The last moment.,Matthew 20:6;,Bobby Laymon,REAL PEACE AND SECURITY - WHEN?,176,1,3/28/2010,
"Partakers, anointed, other sheep, Bread and wine, emblems,","Paul said to anointed Christians: “For as often as you eat this loaf and drink this cup, you keep proclaiming the death of the Lord, until he arrives.”  1 Cor.11:26","When does the Lord ‘arrive’?  When he comes to take the last of his anointed bride class to their heavenly home.  Clearly, the annual observance of the Lord’s Evening Meal is not to continue endlessly.  If, though, those who will live forever on earth were entitled to partake of the emblems, then this Memorial meal would need to continue forever.","John 14:2, 3;","March 15, 2010 WT Page 27 paragraph 16",Memorial of Christ's Death,0,1,3/30/2010,
"Peace and security, contentment, illusion, mirage,","When I was young people told me there was a pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.  I decided to get it.  The rainbow kept moving, and poof, it was gone.",Some think of peace and security like that.  It is something you can never catch up with.  A pie-in-the-sky hope.,1 Thess 5:1-5;,Bobby Laymon,REAL PEACE AND SECURITY - WHEN?,176,1,4/4/2010,
"Hospitality, kindness, compassion,",TO WALK down a lonely dark street in a strange neighborhood can be a disturbing experience. But it can be just as stressful to be in a crowd and not know anyone or be recognized.,"Indeed, an vital part of human nature is the need to be cared for, wanted, and loved. No one likes to be treated as a stranger or an outsider.  We want and need hospitality.***",Romans 12:13;,w96 10/1 p. 9 par. 2,FOLLOW THE COURSE OF HOSPITALITY,77,1,4/8/2010,
"Effort, progress, improvement, sacrifice,","A driver can direct his car to turn left or right but only if the car is moving. Similarly, Jesus directs us in expanding our ministry, but only if we are moving—if we are putting forth real effort to do so.","For instance, we may have been thinking for some time about serving as a pioneer or moving to an area where the need for Kingdom publishers is greater. However, it may well be only after we take definite steps to attain our goal that Jesus, through God’s spirit, will guide us.",Col. 1:18,bt chap. 16 p. 127 par. 6,RENEWING THE SPIRIT OF SELF-SACRIFICE,69,1,4/11/2010,
"Love, Mother's love, progress, advancement,","A NEWBORN baby nestles in his mother’s arms as she nurses him. The scene is one of tenderness and love. “When I first held my baby in my arms,” says a mother named Pam, “I felt an overwhelming sense of love and responsibility for this new life.”","It seems an obvious fact, but research has confirmed that a mother’s love profoundly influences her baby’s development.",ISAIAH 49:15;,w08 5/1 p. 8,PARENTS--ARE YOU BUILDING WITH FIRE-RESISTANT MATERIALS?,104,1,4/11/2010,
"Values, perspective,",“Values provide perspective in the best of times and the worst” Charles Garfield quotes,The truth is a stabilizing force.,Proverbs 23:23,Bobby Laymon,,0,,4/29/2006,
"Thinking ability, heart, beginning of thoughts,",Where does a fish begin to rot?  A Greek question.  At its head.  Are they really talking about fish or thinking.,Thinking can start in our head but come out in our speech and our heart.,Matthew 21:28;,Bobby Laymon,DOES YOUR THINKING AGREE WITH GOD'S?,53,1,4/15/2010,
"Aspirin, facts, information,"," Today, Americans alone consume 16,000 tons of aspirin tablets a year, equaling 80 million pills, and we spend about $2 billion a year for non-prescription pain relievers, many of which contain aspirin or similar drugs.","Aspirin can be used to fight a host of health problems: cerebral thromboses (with less than one tablet a day); general pain or fever (two to six tablets a day; and diseases such as rheumatic fever, gout, and rheumatoid arthritis. The drug is also beneficial in helping to ward off heart attacks. In addition, biologists use aspirin to interfere with white blood cell action, and molecular biologists use the drug to activate genes. The wide range of effects that aspirin can produce made it difficult to pinpoint how it actually works, and it wasn't until the 1970s that biologists hypothesized that aspirin and related drugs (such as ibuprofen) work by inhibiting the synthesis of certain hormones that cause pain and inflammation. Since then, scientists have made further progress in understanding how aspirin works. They now know, for instance, that aspirin and its relatives actually prevent the growth of cells that cause inflammation.",Isaiah 33:24;,Bobby Laymon,THE ONLY CURE FOR SICK MANKIND,62,1,5/2/2010,5/2/2025
"Convention, Assembly, Review, past, marriage,","""Let's look in our rearview mirror.""",When we learn we put it into our minds.  When we review it we keep it there.  Those married can review their wedding day.,Deuteronomy 6:7;,"Follow The Christ District Convention; Tulsa, OK Jun 1-3 2007",GETTING MARRIAGE OFF TO A GOOD START,27,1,6/4/2007,
"Solitude, quiet, peace, relax,","""Solitude is a good place to visit…","…but a bad place to stay.""",Deuteronomy 18:10-12,Joseph Mazacek D. O.,,0,1,5/10/2010,
"Bible, tight grip, life, Baptism, dedication,","Hold your Bible out in front of you.  Now grip it hard.  Grip it harder.  As hard as you can.  It would be difficult for someone to pull it away from you, wouldn't it?","That is the kind of grip we want to have on God's Word, by keeping it before us.",Colossians 2:15;,Kenny Welch,Baptism,0,1,5/10/2010,
"Paradise, live to see, put off, future, reality, fantasy,","A young boy and some older men ( in the early 1940's) were listening to Gene Autry on a battery operated radio.  One of the older men said, ""Some day, we will be able to see Gene Autry on the radio.""  They all said he was crazy.  In less than 10 years later, people started buying television sets.  It was not as long as they thought. A few years later they were watching in living color.","Likewise, we know there is going to be a paradise earth.  Many think it will be far into the future.  Not in our lifetime, but maybe in our grandchildren's time.  It is closer than we may dare to dream.  God's Kingdom is a reality.  We will soon be watching in living color.",Psalm 37:29;,Bobby Laymon; Todd Bell,A CLEANSED EARTH--WILL YOU LIVE TO SEE IT?,49,1,5/17/2010,4/26/2014
"Married couples, marriage, wedding, parents, Prisca and Aquila, Family worship night.",Milk and cookies; peanut butter and jelly; Prisca and Aquila; They are never mention apart in the Bible.  They are always together.,That is how married couples should be.  Pray together.  Support each other.  Worship Jehovah together.,"Romans 16:3, 4; Ecclesiastes 4:12;",Tim Manning,SHOW RESPECT AND LOVE IN YOUR MARRIAGE,28,1,5/17/2010,
"Mind, thinking,","Hitler had his troops marching with a ""goosestep.""  Many started doing that.",If we are not careful we can be walking in 'lockstep' with someone else's mind.,James 2:19;,Mike Reading,ARE YOU DOING WHAT GOD REQUIRES OF YOU?,43,1,5/23/2010,
"Meeting attendance, faithful, listen, learn,",The chairs are always at the meetings.  They are faithful attenders.,"However they never learn anything.  We can learn a lesson in two ways from the chairs.  Always attend the meetings, but listen and learn.","Hebrews 10:23, 24;",Art Stroschein; Rhona Smith;,,0,1,5/24/2010,
"Demonstrate Bible Study, show, assist, helper, Initial call,",Do not just tell them that you are a good cook and offer to come back with a meal; give them a taste right away!,"Rather than simply offering a study, why not take a couple of minutes to demonstrate the Bible study arrangement on the initial call?",Hebrews 4:12;,May 2010 KM,,0,1,6/1/2010,
"Trinity, Jehovah, Jesus, Questions,","IF JESUS IS GOD1.  Why is he called the ""firstborn of all creation""? Col. 1:15; Re 3:14	2.  Why did he say he did not come of his ""own initiative"" but was ""sent forth""? John 8:42	3.  Why did Jesus not know the ""day and hour"" of the Great Tribulation but God did? Mt 24:36      (Jesus is not mentioned in the King, James Version)4.   Who did Jesus speak to in prayer?  5.   How did he ""appear before the person of God for us""?  Heb 9:246.   Why did Jesus say ""the Father is greater than I am""?  John 14:28 ""7.   Who spoke to Jesus at the time of his baptism; 'saying "" ""this is, my son?' Matthew 3:178.   How could he be exalted to a superior position? Phil 2:9,109.   How can he be the ""mediator between God and man?  1 Ti 2:5 	10.  Why did Paul say that ""the head of Christ is God""?  1 Cor. 11:311.  Why did Jesus ""hand over the Kingdom to his God"" and  ""subject himself to God""? 1 Cor. 15:24,2812.  Who does he refer to as ""my God and your God""? John 20:1713. How does he sit at God's right hand? Ps 110:1; Heb.10:12,1314. Why does John say ""no man has seen God at any time""? John 1:1815. Why did people not die when they saw Jesus?  Ex 30:2016. How was Jesus dead and God alive at the same time?  Acts 2:2417. Why did he need someone to save him?  Heb 5:718. Who is referred to prophetically at Proverbs 8: 2-31?19. Why did Jesus say ""that all authority has been GIVEN to me in heaven and on earth""? Mt 28:18, 	Dan 7:13,14 (similar)",Questions to ask Trinitarians.,Psalm 83:18;,Frank Barr C. O.,JEHOVAH AND CHRIST--ARE THEY PART OF A TRINITY?,82,1,6/2/2010,
"Will, life, self, living, God's will,","You have heard it said, ""Today is the first day of the rest of your life.""  Some are young, older, and elderly.",What will you do with it.,Psalms 40:8,Bobby Laymon,"LIVING, NOT FOR SELF, BUT TO DO GOD'S WILL",8,s,6/4/2010,
"Elders, humble, humility, older men, resourceful, flexible,",Elders - an example how - Jehovah can do so much with so little.,Be flexible - work with Jehovah.,Hos 7:12; Hebrews 12:11,Frank Barr C. O.,SERVING WITH JEHOVAH'S UNIFIED ORGANIZATION,3,1,6/6/2010,
"Love, God's will, self, motivation, serve,","THE true value of an automobile is not determined solely by its appearance. A coat of paint may enhance its exterior, and a sleek design may attract a potential buyer; but of far greater importance are the things that are not readily seen—the engine that propels the vehicle, along with all the other devices that control it.","However, the true value of our service—collectively or individually—is not measured solely in numbers. A danger exists. Over a period of time, our service to God could become like a dutiful ritual. One Christian woman described it this way: “I would go out in service, go to meetings, study, pray—but I did it all on automatic control, never feeling anything.”","2 Corinthians 5:14, 15;",w95 6/15 p. 13 par. 1,"LIVING, NOT FOR SELF, BUT TO DO GOD'S WILL",8,s,6/7/2010,
"Grief, Sorrow, death, pain, crying,","“SORROW MAKES US ALL CHILDREN AGAIN—DESTROYS ALL DIFFERENCES OF INTELLECT. THE WISEST KNOW NOTHING.”—RALPH WALDO EMERSON, 19TH-CENTURY AMERICAN POET AND ESSAYIST.","THE sting of death not only pains but numbs most survivors—husband, wife, father, mother, son, daughter, or friend. The wise may ask questions but hear no comforting answers, and the strong may weep under the weight of grief but get no solace.",2 Samuel 18:33,G94 3/8 26,The Resurrection-Victory Over Death!,132,1,6/10/2010,
"Purpose, plan,","Imagine that two men are each preparing to take a trip by car.  One maps out a specific, detailed path to his destination.  The other has his destination clearly in mind, but he alswo knows many alternate routes.  He is prepared to adjust his course as necessary to deal with any contingency.","A plan might be compared to mapping out a detailed path, whereas a purpose may involve having in mind a goal but not necessarily one specific manner of reaching it.",Isaiah 55:11;,"Apr 15, 2010 WT page 7",LIFE DOES HAVE A PURPOSE,23,1,6/13/2010,6/5/2017
"Teaching, application, training, wisdom,","Did you ever teach someone to drive a car?  You don't just have them drive around the parking lot.  You get them on the road, in town, parking.  You make application.","Likewise in teaching, we must make application and show them at times.",Proverbs 4:7,Evan Evans - BE page 60,,0,1,6/18/2010,
"Integrity, individual, obey, obedience,","If integrity could be likened to a great mansion made of fine bricks, each act of obedience might be compared to an individual brick. A brick may seem insignificant, but each one has its place, its value. And when many are joined together, something of far greater worth is built up.","Further, integrity is a reward in itself.  When obedient acts are brought together, one added to the other, day after day and year after year, we build up the beautiful house of our integrity.",Proverbs 10:9;,cf chap. 6 p. 65 par. 24,TRUE FRIENDSHIP WITH GOD AND NEIGHBOR,100,1,6/30/2010,
"Goals, ambitions, ability,","""Shoot the Moon""  Aim high. It means set great goals for yourself, and try your best. Don't aim at easy-to-reach goals. Go for something that shows the best of your ability.","There is a great quote: ""Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you'll land among the stars.""This means, aim high, because even if you don't quite get where you're going, you'll get pretty close.",2 Peter 3:13;,Bobby Laymon,CAN YOU LIVE FOREVER?--WILL YOU?,35,1,7/1/2010,
"Endurance, trial, persecution, endure, attitude, hope, faith,","Two men are imprisoned in similar conditions but for very different reasons. One, a common criminal, begrudgingly serves his sentence with sad-faced compliance. The other, a true Christian imprisoned for his faithful course, stands his ground and keeps a positive attitude because he sees his situation as an opportunity to demonstrate his faith.","The criminal can hardly be considered an example of endurance, whereas the loyal Christian exemplifies this sterling quality.  In the Biblical sense, endurance involves steadfastness, keeping the right mental attitude and a hopeful outlook in the face of trials.",James 1:2-4;,cf chap. 7 p. 67 par. 5,BEARING UP UNDER PERSECUTION,57,1,7/8/2010,
"Education, lifetime, teaching, Organization,","	“If you are planning for a year, sow rice; if you are planning for a decade, plant trees; if you are planning for a lifetime, educate people”  Chinese Proverbs","That is what Jehovah's organization is doing earthwide.  We are educating people about the true God, Jehovah and Christ Jesus.","Matthew 28:19, 20;",Bobby Laymon,"LIVING, NOT FOR SELF, BUT TO DO GOD'S WILL",8,1,7/10/2010,
"Repent, repentance, forgiveness,","""Turn around, don't drown.""  This is what they say about low-water bridges.","No matter how far out you have come on a wrong course, turn around.",Acts 2:38;,Bobby Laymon,"LIVING, NOT FOR SELF, BUT TO DO GOD'S WILL",8,1,7/11/2010,
"Life, self, thanks, grateful, appreciation,",‘THANK you! I owe you my life!’ People saved from a burning house or from drowning have said that to their rescuers. And appreciative Christian youths have made such an expression to their parents.,"They were referring not simply to the physical life received from their parents but especially to the loving care and instruction that put the youths on the way to receiving “the promised thing that he himself promised us, the life everlasting.”",1 John 2:25;,w87 8/15 p. 10 par. 1 THANK,"LIVING, NOT FOR SELF, BUT TO DO GOD'S WILL",8,s,6/7/2010,
"Harvest, preaching, workers,","A FARMER faces a real challenge. Some months earlier, he plowed his fields and sowed seeds. He watched with great care as the first blades appeared, and he rejoiced as the plants matured. Now all his hard work is rewarded, for the time to reap has arrived. His dilemma is this: The crop is too abundant for him to gather it alone. To meet this challenge, he wisely decides to hire some workers and send them out into his fields. After all, there is only so much time to gather his precious crop.","2 In the spring of 33 C.E., the resurrected Jesus faces a similar challenge. During his earthly ministry, he sowed seeds of truth. Now there is a harvest to reap, and the crop is abundant. Many responsive ones need to be gathered as disciples. How does Jesus meet this challenge? On a mountain in Galilee, shortly before ascending to heaven, he gives his disciples a commission to find more workers, saying: “Go therefore and make disciples of people of all the nations, baptizing them . . . , teaching them to observe all the things I have commanded you.”—Matthew 28:19, 20.",John 4:35-38,CF Page 87,SLAVE FOR THE MASTER OF THE HARVEST,66,1,7/28/2010,
"Teachings, treasures, value, Word, motives,","You visit a favorite teacher in his home. He opens a desk drawer and pulls out a couple of letters—one of them yellowed with age, the other newer. They are letters that he received from his father—one of them decades ago when the teacher was but a boy, the other in recent times. His eyes gleam with pleasure as he tells you how much he values these letters and how the advice they contain has changed his life and could help you. The letters are clearly treasured by the teacher, holding a cherished place in his heart.  He shares them with you, not to boast or to profit in some way, but to benefit you and to convey to you a sense of their worth.","The Great Teacher, Jesus, had similar motives in sharing God’s truths with others. To him, those truths were treasures beyond price. He loved them, and he was eager to share them. He wanted all his followers, “every public instructor,” to feel that way. Do we?",Luke 6:45;,cf chap. 8 pp. 80-81 pars. 7-8,,0,1,7/30/2010,
"Security, association, safe, congregation,","WHILE on vacation, Joe and his wife were snorkeling on a tropical coral reef teeming with fish of all colors and sizes.  They swam a little farther out to admire the reef below. When the seabed dropped away into a blue abyss, Joe’s wife said, “I think we’re going out too far.” “Relax,” Joe replied. “I know what I’m doing.” Joe recalls wondering soon thereafter, ‘Where have all the fish gone?’ With horror, he saw the reason. Out of the deep blue, a shark was heading straight for him. There he was, completely at its mercy. When the shark was just a few feet away, it veered off and disappeared.","A Christian can become so enamored  with the attractions of Satan’s system of things—entertainment, work, possessions—that he does not realize that he is gettingdeeper into dangerous waters. “My experience made me think about the company we keep,” says Joe, who is a Christian elder.  Swim where it’s safe and enjoyable—in thecongregation!” Do not swim into deep water, where you may find yourself spiritually isolated and in peril. If ever you find yourself there, immediately head back to ‘safe water.’Otherwise, you might run the risk of being devoured spiritually.",Psalm 35:18;,June 15 WT page 6,CHOOSE YOUR ASSOCIATES WISELY!,116,1,8/1/2010,
"Funeral, death, everlasting, eternal, healing, resurrection, Helen Keller,","Death is no more than passing from one room into another. But there's a difference for me, you know. Because in that other room I shall be able to see. Quote: Helen Keller",The resurrection will guarantee a great improvement for many.,Revelation 21:4;,Bobby Laymon,A CLEANSED EARTH--WILL YOU LIVE TO SEE IT?,49,1,8/9/2010,
"Death, Life, Funeral, dead,","The life we enjoy is like the flame of a candle. When the flame is put out, it does not go anywhere. It is simply gone.","When a man dies, “his thoughts do perish.” We are mortal and do not survive the death of our body.",Psalm 146:4,bh chap. 6 pp. 58-59 par. 6,The Resurrection-Victory Over Death!,132,1,8/9/2010,
"Happiness, joy, examining, beauty, creation,",Happiness is not in catching the butterfly.,Happiness is examining and enjoying the beauty of creation.,Romans 11:33;,Brother Burris; District convention 2010,SERVE JEHOVAH WITH A JOYFUL HEART,78,1,8/12/2010,
"Calm, anger, explode,",It is like stepping on a car's brake pedal and gas pedal both at the same time.  That puts the car under extra stress and can cause damage.,Trying to remain calm on the outside while boiling with anger on the inside puts us under stress.  So do not bottle up anger and let it explode later.,"Romans 12:2; Ephesians 4:23, 24","Jun 15, 2010 WT page 24",IS THE TRUTH TRANSFORMING YOUR LIFE?,51,1,9/5/2010,
"photographic memory, perfection, imperfection, holy spirit, recall,","True, due to human imperfection, very few of us have a so-called ‘photographic memory’ that might enable us to remember everything we study.","But if we have made a serious effort in studying the Bible, we can rely on Jehovah’s spirit to bring to our mind Scriptural thoughts that will provide the guidance and encouragement needed to face various trials and the information required to defend our faith.","Matt. 10:19, 20;",w80 8/1 p. 9,,0,1,9/10/2010,
"Resurrection, memory, photographic memory, recall,",We even marvel at certain humans who have what we call photographic memories; how it amazes us that they can remember the things they want to!,"How much more marvelous is the mind of the Creator of our human brain, Jehovah God! The fact that there are many persons in the “memorial tombs” awaiting a resurrection poses no difficulty for God; for such persons are in the memory of God, and God’s memory is something marvelous.",Ps. 147:4,w58 6/1 p. 327,The Resurrection-Victory Over Death!,132,1,9/10/2010,
"Relationships, companions, perfect, imperfect, associations, friends,","It was the coldest winter ever -  many animals died because of the cold. The porcupines, realizing the situation, decided to group together. This way they covered and protected themselves; but the quills of each one wounded their closest companions even though they gave off heat to each other. After awhile they decided to distance themselves one from the other and they began to die, alone and frozen. So they had to make a choice: either accept the quills of their companions or disappear from the Earth.  Wisely, they decided to go back to being together.  This way they learned to live with the little wounds that were caused by the close relationship with their companion, but the most important part of it, was the heat that came from the others. This way they were able to survive.","The best relationship is not the one that brings together perfect people, but the best is when each individual learns to live with the imperfections of others and can admire the other person's good qualities.",1 Peter 4:8;,Glen Teakell,KEEP GROWING IN YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD,16,1,9/11/2010,
"Urgency, Good News, Preaching,","YOU have a document that needs a certain person’s attention by the end of the day. What do you do? You mark it “URGENT!” You are on your way to an important appointment, but you are late.  What do you do? You tell the driver, “Please hurry; it’s URGENT!” Yes, when you have a task that must get done and time is running out, you feel tense and excited. Your adrenaline begins to flow, and you work as fast and as hard as you can. That is urgency!"," For true Christians today, nothing is more urgent than preaching the good news of the Kingdom and making disciples of people of all the nations.","Matt. 24:14; 28:9, 20","December 15, 2010 WT",GOOD NEWS IN A VIOLENT WORLD,85,1,9/20/2010,
"Thoughts, thinking, understanding, differently,","HAVE you ever found it difficult to understand another person’s way of thinking? Perhaps you recently got married, and you feel that you have no way of fully understanding how your spouse thinks. Indeed, men and women think and even speak differently. Why, in some cultures, men and women actually speak different dialects of the same language!","However, the more you get to know others, the more opportunity you have to start to understand their way of thinking.  We should not, therefore, be surprised that our thinking is far different from that of Jehovah.","Isa. 55:8, 9.",October 15 WT 2010,DOES YOUR THINKING AGREE WITH GOD'S?,53,1,9/21/2010,
"Faith, feeding the Isralites, confidence, Armageddon, Great tribulation, provider, ","Feeding the Israelites.  So does anyone have questions about the oncoming Great Tribulation? This should set our minds at ease.  Moses and the people were in the desert, but what was he going to do with them? They had to be fed, and feeding 2 or 3 million people requires a lot of food!!!  According to the Quartermaster General in the Army, It is reported that Moses would have to have had 1,500 tons of food each day. Do you know that to bring that much food each day, two freight trains, each at least a mile long, would be required!  Besides, you must remember, they were out in the Desert, so they would have to have the firewood to use in cooking the food. This would take 4,000 tons Of wood and a few more freight trains, each a mile long, just for one day. And just think they were forty years in transit. And Oh, Yes! They would have to have water. If they only had enough to drink and wash a few dishes, it would take 11,000,000 gallons each day and a freight train with tank cars 1,800 miles long, just to bring water!  AND THEN ANOTHER THING:  They had to get across the Red Sea at night. Now, If they went on a narrow path, double file, the line would be 800 miles long and would require 35 days & nights to get through. So there had to be a space In the Red Sea totaling 3 miles wide ~ so that they could walk 5,000 abreast to get over in one night!  But then, there is ANOTHER PROBLEM….. ..each time they camped at the end of the day: A campground two-thirds the size of the state of Rhode Island was required, or a total of 750 square miles long…. Think of it! This much space just for camping!!(My favorite part)Do you think Moses figured all this out before he left Egypt ? I think not!! You see, Moses believed in Jehovah God and had Faith in Him! And Jehovah took care of these things for Moses!!","Now, do you think Jehovah has any problem taking care of all of your needs? May Jehovah continue to guide & protect you as you daily. Read His Word & apply His Principles in your life.",Proverbs 3:5;,Tom Batty,Service Talk,200,1,10/6/2010,11/29/2015
"Earth, parents, children, borrow, creation, environment,","""You don't inherit the earth from your parents.  You borrow it from your children.""","We need to protect the earth for future generations to come, including ourselves.",Matthew 5:7; Revelation 11:18;,Joe Laymon,Jesus Christ-Earth's New Ruler,140,1,10/26/2010,
"Light, truth, hiding,","Jesus spoke of lighting a lamp and putting it, not under a basket, but on a lampstand so that it would shine upon all those in the house. A common first-century lamp was an earthenware vessel with a wick that drew up liquid (usually olive oil) by capillary attraction to feed a flame. Often placed on a wooden or metal stand, a lamp would ‘shine upon all those in a house.’ People would not light a lamp and put it under a “measuring basket”—a large container having a capacity of about eight dry quarts. [9 L]","Jesus did not want his disciples to hide their spiritual light under a figurative measuring basket. So we must let our light shine, never permitting opposition or persecution to make us hide Scriptural truth or keep it to ourselves.",Matthew 5:14-16,w08 5/15 p. 5 par. 14 How Should We Treat Others?,WHY FEAR THE TRUE GOD?,163,1,2/27/2009,
"Blessings, effort, earnestly seeking, cooperation,","To what might we liken the effect of God’s blessing  on our efforts?  way that we enjoy food and derive vital  nourishment from it. He also provides the  food. We do not fully know how our food acquires  its nutrients, nor can most of us explain  how our bodies produce energy from  the food that we eat. We just know that the  process works and that we cooperate with it  by eating. If we choose to eat nourishing  food, the results are even better.","In like manner,  Jehovah sets the requirements for everlasting  life, and he gives us the help we need  to meet those requirements. Clearly, he does  much of the work and deserves the praise.  Still, we must cooperate with him, acting in  harmony with God’s will, to receive the  blessing.—Hag. 2:18, 19.  18 So pour your heart into every assignment.  Always look to Jehovah for success.   As you do, be assured that  “everyone seeking finds.” (Matt. 7:8)","Mark 11:23, 24","Sep 15, 2010 WT Page 11",,0,1,10/30/2010,
"Honesty, Reliance, Faithful,","A MOTHER and her little boy leave a store together. Suddenly, the child stops, a look of shock on his face. In his hand he is holding a small toy that he picked up in the store. He forgot to put it back or to ask his mother if she would buy it.","He cries out to her, distressed. She reassures him and takes him back into the store so that he can return the item and apologize. As he does so, the mother’s heart swells with joy and pride. Why?  Few things delight parents more than seeing that their children are learning the importance of honesty. And so it is with our heavenly Father, “the God of truth.” As he watches us grow to spiritual maturity, he is pleased to see us striving to be honest.",Psalm 31:5,lv chap. 14 p. 160 pars. 1-2 Be Honest in All Things,CONDUCTING OURSELVES HONESTLY AT ALL TIMES,10,1,2/28/2009,
" Jeremiah Did Not Quit, Discouraged, endurance, example, deliver, protection,","DO YOU ever get discouraged and feel like quitting?— Many do. Young Jeremiah did. However, he did not let what others said or did cause him to give up. Let’s talk about how Jeremiah was someone special to God, yet even he felt like quitting.","Before Jeremiah was born, the true God, Jehovah, chose him to be a prophet to warn the people that they were not pleasing God. Do you know what Jeremiah told Jehovah years later?— “I actually do not know how to speak, for I am but a boy.”  How do you think Jehovah answered Jeremiah?— In a kind but firm way, he said: “Do not say, ‘I am but a boy.’ But to all those to whom I shall send you, you should go; and everything that I shall command you, you should speak. Do not be afraid.” Why not? “I am with you to deliver you,” Jehovah said.",Jeremiah 1:4-8;,w09 12/1 p. 24,JUDGMENT DAY-A TIME OF FEAR OR HOPE?,156,1,1/8/2011,
"Bible study, impression, touch, fingerprints, lives, difference,","""Our fingerprints never fade from the lives we touch""","Your impact on people's lives can have profound effects that you don't realize.  You leave a deep impression when you study with people in the truth.  If true with people in general, how much more so when we touch them with God's Word.",Ecclesiastes 11:6;,Bobby Laymon,,0,1,11/28/2010,
"Disciples, joy, friendship,","We do well to remember that making a disciple is not like making a meal in which success or failure depends primarily on one person—the cook. Rather, making a disciple involves at least a three-way partnership.","Jehovah does the most important part, drawing the individual to him. (John 6:44) We and others in the congregation do our best to use the art of teaching to help the student progress.  And the student needs to act on what he learns. (Matt. 7:24-27)",Read 2 Timothy 2:15; John 6:44; Matthew 7:24-27;,w09 1/15 p. 11 par. 18,TRUE FRIENDSHIP WITH GOD AND NEIGHBOR,100,1,12/11/2010,
"Love, imperfection, skunk,","Three friends of the forest: Sammy the skunk, Danny the deer and Squeeky the squirrel.Sammy knew he had a problem.  People could not stand certain things about him.  He found a bar of soap and washed for an hour.  He then visited his friends.  After a while Squeeky (you know how squirrels are) moved suddenly and Sammy raised his tail and you know what happened.","We know we have problems, like Sammy, that will never be completely solved in this system.  We must do everything we can to lessen them, and put up with problems of others.",1 John 2:5;,Todd Bell,LOVE IDENTIFIES THE TRUE CHRISTIAN CONGREGATION,72,1,12/16/2010,
"symbolic trees, garden of Eden, right, sovereignty,","For instance, a judge may warn against the crime of acting in contempt of court. It is not the furniture, fixtures, and walls of the courtroom itself that the judge wants to protect from disrespect but the system of justice that the court represents. Various monarchs too have used the scepter and the crown as symbols of their sovereign authority.","What, then, did the two trees symbolize? Many complex theories have been put forward. The genuine answer, while simple, is quite profound.The tree of the knowledge of good and bad represented a privilege that is God’s province alone—the right to determine what is good and what is bad. (Jeremiah 10:23)",Jeremiah 10:23,Jan 2011 WT - Public,,0,1,12/24/2010,
"Watchtower study, conductor, answers, comments,","A Watchtower Study that is well-conducted is  like a bouquet of flowers that delights the  eye. Just as a large bouquet is made up  of many individual flowers, so a Watchtower  Study is made up of many different  comments. And just as the individual  flowers in a bouquet differ in size  and color, so the comments given during  the meeting vary in length and manner  of presentation. And where does the conductor fit in?","His occasional  comments are like  the few pieces of greenery  that are carefully added  to a bouquet. These pieces  do not dominate; rather, they serve to provide structure  and to unify the whole.  Similarly, the one who conducts  needs to keep in mind  that his role is, not to overwhelm,  but to complement  the expressions of praise  that are offered by the congregation.  Yes, when the  many diverse comments  given by the congregation  and the few well-placed remarks  made by the conductor  are skillfully put  together, they form a beautiful  bouquet of words that  will delight all in attendance.",1 Corinthians 14:26-33;,"Oct 15, 2010 WT Page 22, 23",,0,1,12/27/2010,6/25/2025
"contentment,",“Contentment makes poor men rich; discontent makes rich men poor.”—Benjamin Franklin.,"TRUE to that proverb, many have learned that contentment cannot be bought like merchandise. No wonder that contentment—an inward feeling of satisfaction—seems elusive in a world that fosters a desire for more possessions, greater achievements, or the life enjoyed by others!","Philippians 4:11, 12;",w10 11/1 p. 3,ARE YOU CONTENT WITH JEHOVAH'S PROVISIONS?,22,1,12/27/2010,12/1/2014
"Science, Atheism, faith, cause, information,","What is the only source of information that we know of? In a word, intelligence. Would chance accidents produce complex information, such as a computer program, an algebraic formula, an encyclopedia, or even a recipe for a cake? Of course not.","Yet, when it comes to sophistication and efficiency, none of these even begin to compare with the information stored in the genetic code of living organisms.",Hebrews 3:4,g 11/10 p. 5,JEHOVAH--THE GRAND CREATOR,101,1,12/27/2010,
"Devil, Satan, rid, relief, relieve, Why,","IF YOU could relieve the suffering of another person, would you? Relief workers often rush to a natural disaster to relieve suffering and to save the lives of total strangers. So one might ask, ‘Why wouldn’t God hurry to get rid of the Devil, the one who is responsible for untold human suffering?’  To help answer that question, you might visualize a prominent court case. The murderer, desperate to halt the proceedings, claims that the judge is dishonest in the way he presides over his own courtroom, and he even asserts that the jurors are being bribed by the judge. So countless witnesses are allowed to provide testimony.","The judge knows that the extensive proceedings will cause much inconvenience, and he would like to have the case concluded without undue delay. Yet, he realizes that to arrive at a judgment that will set a precedent for possible future cases, both parties must be allowed sufficient time to present their side of the dispute.  How does this illustration relate to a challenge the Devil—also called “dragon,” “serpent,” and “Satan”—hurled at Jehovah, “the Most High over all the earth”?",Revelation 12:9; Psalm 83:18,g 12/10 p. 10,Is There Really a Devil?,131,1,1/1/2011,
"Sword, Bible, Wielding, Sword of the Spirit, effectively, skillfully,",A soldier can wield his weapons effectively in warfare only if he has practiced and has learned to use them well. It is the same with the use of “the sword of the spirit” in our spiritual warfare.,"What will help us to ‘handle the word of truth aright’ in our ministry? Before we can clearly impart to others what the Bible says, we need to get the sense of it ourselves. This calls for our giving attention to the context of a verse or a passage.",2 Tim. 2:15;,w10 2/15 p. 11 pars. 7-8,Did the Miracles of the Bible Really Happen?,137,1,1/1/2011,
"Adam, Eve, Creation, real people, evolution, design,","Consider the NASA space shuttle, one of the most complex machines ever devised. This technological marvel contains a staggering 2.5 million parts. It took teams of engineers years to design and put it together."," Now consider the human body. It is made up of some 7 octillion atoms, 100 trillion cells, dozens of organs, and at least 9 major organ systems. How did this biological machine of mind-boggling complexity and superb structure come to be? By blind chance or by intelligent design?  How did those lifeless building blocks come together to form a living human?",Genesis 2:7;,w09 9/1 pp. 12-13,The Origin of Humans-Does It Matter What You Believe?,133,1,1/1/2011,
"Water, life,","According to an Uzbek saying, “if you run out of water, you run out of life.”","Some experts would say that those words seem more prophetic than proverbial. Each year about two million people die as a result of poor sanitation and contaminated water, and 90 percent of the victims are children.","Psalms 24:1,2;",g 1/09 p. 3,REACH OUT FOR THE REAL LIFE!,90,1,1/1/2011,
"Prayers, petitions,","Imagine, for example, that both sides in a soccer game pray to win. God can hardly be expected to respond to such conflicting prayers. The same can be said about modern-day warfare when opposing sides pray for victory.","Those who show contempt for God’s law pray in vain. Jehovah once felt compelled to say to hypocritical worshippers: “Even though you make many prayers, I am not listening; with bloodshed your very hands have become filled.” (Isaiah 1:15) The Bible says: “He that is turning his ear away from hearing the law—even his prayer is something detestable.”.",Proverbs 28:9;James 4:3;,w09 1/1 p. 30,PRAYERS THAT ARE HEARD BY GOD,86,1,1/1/2011,
"Parents, childfren, rules, obey, obedience,","Really, obeying your parents’ rules is like paying off a debt that you owe to a bank—the more reliable you are in making your payments, the more inclined the bank will be to extend credit to you."," Similarly, you owe your parents respect and obedience. The more obedient you are, the more likely your parents will be to extend greater freedom to you. (Luke 16:10) Of course, if you continually break the rules, do not be surprised if your parents reduce or even close down your “line of credit.”",Proverbs 1:8,w10 11/15 p. 3 par. 5,PARENTS--ARE YOU BUILDING WITH FIRE-RESISTANT MATERIALS?,104,1,1/2/2011,
"Birth, child, future, concern, Special birth,","A husband and wife awaiting the birth of a child think often about their future son (or daughter). What will he be like, and what will he do in life—his interests, career, and accomplishments? Your parents likely thought about those things.","It must have been similar with Jeremiah’s parents. However, his case was special. Why? The Creator of the universe was particularly interested in Jeremiah’s life and activities.—Read Jeremiah 1:5.  Yes, before Jeremiah was born, God used His foreknowledge. He took special interest in a boy who would be born into a priestly family living north of Jerusalem.",Jeremiah 1:9;,jr chap. 1 pp. 6-7 pars. 6-7,HOW CAN YOUTHS COPE WITH TODAY'S CRISIS?,113,1,1/2/2011,
"Holy Spirit, Person, trinity,","The Bible compares the holy spirit to water. When promising future blessings for his people, God said: “I shall pour out water upon the thirsty one, and trickling streams upon the dry place. I shall pour out my spirit upon your seed, and my blessing upon your descendants.”.","When God pours out his spirit upon his servants, they become “full of holy spirit,” or “filled with holy spirit.” Jesus, John the Baptist, Peter, Paul, Barnabas, and the disciples who were gathered together on the day of Pentecost 33 C.E. are all described as being full of, or filled with, holy spirit.—Luke 1:15; 4:1; Acts 4:8; 9:17; 11:22, 24; 13:9.Consider this: Could a person be ‘poured out’ on many different individuals? Would you say that one person could ‘fill’ a whole group of people? That defies logic. The Bible does refer to people becoming filled with wisdom, understanding, or even accurate knowledge, but it never describes anyone as being filled with another person.",Isaiah 44:3; Exodus 28:3; 1 Kings 7:14; Luke 2:40; Colossians 1:9;,w09 10/1 p. 5,JEHOVAH AND CHRIST--ARE THEY PART OF A TRINITY?,82,1,1/3/2011,
"Shem, two worlds, world passing, survival, destruction, Armageddon,","NOAH’S son Shem survived the end of one world, and he lived on into another one. Do you know why the first world Shem lived in was destroyed and how he and the rest of his family were able to live on into a second one?— Let’s talk about this.  Do you see why God destroyed that world?— The people were bad, and they thought about what was “bad all the time.” Jesus talked about this.","Think now about today’s world, which has been growing ever more wicked since Shem’s day. What will happen to it?   The Bible says that it “is passing away.” But note the promise: “He that does the will of God remains forever.” So if we do God’s will, we may be among those who survive into God’s new world. Then, with God’s help we can live on forever in happiness on earth!",1 John 2:17; Psalm 37:29; Isaiah 65:17;,"w09 10/1 p. 16,17",GOD'S NEW WORLD - WHO WILL QUALIFY TO ENTER?,174,1,1/3/2011,
"building trust, confidence, friendship, Friends, neighbor,","By reading and applying the Bible principles found in Awake! I learned that building trust and maturing is like a flight of stairs, not a door you immediately walk through.","To be given more freedom, I needed to prove myself to my parents. I had to finish my chores and do my school homework. Thank you for articles like this one.",Luke 16:10;,g 9/09 p. 29,Trust in Jehovah's Saving Power,147,1,1/3/2011,
"Teamwork, Marriage, happiness,","Successful couples respect God’s headship arrangement as outlined in the Bible.  Nevertheless, both husband and wife view their marriage in terms of “ours” and “we” rather than “mine” and “me.”"," When there is teamwork, husband and wife are no longer single at heart. They are “one flesh”—a Bible term that describes not only the permanence of the union but also its intimacy.—Genesis 2:24.",Ephesians 5:22-24,g 10/09 p. 5,SHOW RESPECT AND LOVE IN YOUR MARRIAGE,28,1,1/3/2011,
"Negative feelings, friendship,","Here is an amazing truth: Weak and sinful though we are, we can build a warm personal friendship with the Sovereign of the universe.","God has revealed himself in the Bible so that we can get to know him as a person. By reading the Bible regularly, we can learn about God’s appealing qualities. As we meditate on such knowledge, we will feel ever closer to Jehovah. We will see him more clearly for what he truly is—a loving, compassionate Father.",James 4:8;,w10 10/1 p. 20,TRUE FRIENDSHIP WITH GOD AND NEIGHBOR,100,1,1/3/2011,
"Friends, loneliness, healthy,","“LONELINESS is not an illness,” states the book In Search of Intimacy. “Loneliness is a healthy hunger . . . , a natural sign that we are lacking companionship.”","Just as hunger moves us to take in nourishing food, feelings of loneliness should move us to seek out good friends.",Proverbs 18:1,Watchtower.org,TRUE FRIENDSHIP WITH GOD AND NEIGHBOR,100,1,1/3/2011,
"conscience, compass, map, internal judge,","How can we make good use of the conscience? Consider an illustration. A hiker treks across a vast wilderness. There are no trails, no roads, no signposts. Yet, he steadily makes his way toward his destination. How? He has a compass. It has a fixed dial marked with the four primary directions and a magnetic needle that points reliably northward.","Without his compass, this hiker would be hopelessly lost. Similarly, a human without a conscience would often be hopelessly lost when trying to make moral, ethical, and righteous choices in life. Like a compass, though, the conscience has its limitations. If the hiker were to put a magnet near his compass, the needle would point away from north. Likewise, if we were to give the desires of our heart too much prominence, what would happen? Our selfish tendencies might well distort the conscience.  Furthermore, if the hiker did not have an accurate, reliable map, his compass would do him little or no good. Similarly, if we do not rely on the sure, unchanging guidance of God’s Word, the Bible, our conscience might be nearly useless.","Romans 2:14, 15; Jer. 17:9; Prov. 4:23",w09 8/15 p. 19 pars. 6-8,CONDUCTING OURSELVES HONESTLY AT ALL TIMES,10,1,1/4/2011,
"Knowledge, forgiveness, resentful, cleanse, annoyance, offended, pain, memories,","Imagine that you received an heirloom bowl or vase as a gift. If it became soiled or stained, would your immediate response be to throw it away? Not likely. You would probably put forth effort to clean it carefully, removing any spots or dirt and perhaps eliminating the stain. You want to behold its beauty, the way it gleams in the sunlight."," In like fashion, you can work hard to get rid of any lingering rancor or feelings of annoyance toward a brother or a sister who offended you. Fight the tendency to dwell on the painful words or acts. As you succeed in putting them behind you, you purify the image and memories you have in your heart of the one whom you have forgiven. With your heart cleansed of negative thoughts toward that one, you are more open to enjoy again the close friendship that had seemed lost for good.",Jeremiah 33:8;,jr chap. 12 pp. 152-153 par. 23,DO YOU HARBOR RESENTMENT OR DO YOU FORGIVE?,68,1,1/5/2011,
"death, dead, dying, loss, life, resurrection, comfort,","“People never get over a loss, they just get used to it,” stated Dr. Holly G. Prigerson.","“All his [Jacob’s] sons and daughters came to comfort him, but he refused to be comforted. ‘No,’ he said, ‘in mourning will I go down to the grave to my son.’ So his father wept for him.”",Genesis 37:35;,w08 7/1 p. 3,The Resurrection-Victory Over Death!,132,1,1/7/2011,
"God, Jehovah, real person, walk, holy spirit,","Like a father who extends his hand, God extends his holy spirit to accomplish his purpose","God can send his holy spirit, or power in action, to any place in the universe. Like a father who extends his hand to console and support his children, God extends his holy spirit to accomplish his purpose.",Psalm 104:30; 139:7;,w09 2/1 p. 5,Who Is Like Jehovah Our God?,145,1,1/7/2011,
"Why?, schoolroom massacre, comfort, violence, last days,",THE front page of the newspaper was all black. Across it was printed one word: “Why?”,"This was the question asked over and over again after a 17-year-old went on a shooting spree in Winnenden in southern Germany, killing 15 people and finally turning the gun on himself. Flags all over Germany were flown at half-mast, and news of this tragic event flashed around the world.",2 Timothy 3:1-5;,w09 12/1 pp. 9-10,WILL YOU BE A SURVIVOR OF THE LAST DAYS?,2,1,1/8/2011,
"Dedicate, contract, obligation, vow, commitment, Baptism, everlasting,","In Bible times, people benefited from having binding contracts in business and employment.  Today, the same holds true. For example, we benefit from having a binding written agreement, or written contract, before we begin a business venture or start working as an employee in a company.","Hence, if commitment enhances relationships such as friendship, marriage, and employment, how much more will making an unreserved dedication benefit you in your relationship with Jehovah! Let us now consider how people in the past have benefited from being dedicated to Jehovah God and how this was far more than just a commitment.","Matt. 20:1, 2, 8;",w10 1/15 p. 4 par. 7,CAN YOU LIVE FOREVER?--WILL YOU?,35,1,1/8/2011,
"Ransom, important, Memorial, Jesus, sin, forgiveness, personally important,",The ransom is not a blanket coverage.,"It will be applied individually to each one.  We will be brought back as same person, or dealt with individually.",Acts 24:15;,Tom BattyTom Batty,Memorial of Christ's Death,0,1,1/9/2011,
"Clean, holy, cleanliness, defilement, chaste, ","We may be ""fishers of men"" and catch the fish.","However, Jehovah is the one who ""cleans"" them.",Matthew 4:19; Jeremiah 16:16;,Bonnie Johnson,KEEP CLEAN FROM WORLDLY DEFILEMENTS,98,1,1/14/2011,7/28/2018
"Last Days, Death, funeral, life, loss, depression, spiritual routine, preaching, resurrection,","A lion tamer went into the cage with a few lions to do his normal routine at a circus. But on this particular occasion, the electricity went out during one of his acts. At first he panicked, because, of course he could not see, and also he remembered that lions could see in the dark. He felt at the mercy of these lions. He had only one option. He knew his routine, since he had done it many times before. He went ahead with his routine in the dark even though he did not know what the outcome was going to be. To his surprise when the lights came back on, all of the lions were in their places. Although the crowd no doubt thought that this was part of the act(which it wasn't), this trained lion tamer's life was spared because he stuck to his routine.","The moral of the story: Please do not let this brief period of darkness that you are experiencing to cause you to lose your focus. Don't change your spiritual routine. Pretty soon, the lights will be back on by means of the resurrection, and all of us will be in our places...in Jehovah's promised new world.",Acts 24:15;,Kim Laymon,The Resurrection-Victory Over Death!,132,1,1/16/2011,
"Sin, death, cure, kingdom, pandemics, diseases,","According to a recent estimate, one of the worst pandemics in human history was the Spanish influenza of 1918, which killed tens of millions of people. Other diseases are more lethal in a sense. While they may infect fewer people, they kill a higher percentage of the people they do infect.","However, what if we were to compare sin to such a pandemic? Recall the words of Romans 5:12: “Through one man sin entered into the world and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men because they had all sinned.” The infection rate of sin is 100 percent, since all imperfect humans sin. And what is the mortality rate? Paul wrote that sin brings death “to all men.”",Romans 3:23;,w09 9/15 p. 26 par. 3,THE ONLY CURE FOR SICK MANKIND,62,1,1/20/2011,
"Tempted, rebellion, spirit, world, Satan, Devil, Eve, temptation, convinced,","Have you ever been in the woods and saw some poison ivy?  Were you tempted to touch it?  Probably not, unless some dared you, or cited benefits of touching it.",That is what Satan did to Eve.  He convinced her it was for her good.,Genesis 3:1-5;,Joe Huitt,WHAT IS BEHIND THE SPIRIT OF REBELLION?,33,1,1/25/2011,11/17/2024
"Kingdom, cure, sick, vitamin K,","You go to the doctor with an incurable cancer.  He writes you a prescription.  It works.  You later go back paralyzed from the waist down.  He writes you a prescription.  It works.  Later you lose an arm in a accident, and he writes you a prescription.  It works.  Then you notice that all the prescriptions are the same.",That is how it is with God's Kingdom.  It is the one cure for all sicknesses and accidents.  We might call it Vitamin K.,Matthew 6:33; Isaiah 33:24;,Sue Meaux,THE ONLY CURE FOR SICK MANKIND,62,c,1/26/2011,11/10/2015
"Be Thankful, difficult times, grow, advancement, mistakes,","Be thankful that you don't already have everything you desire.If you did, what would there be to look forward to?Be thankful when you don't know something,for it gives you the opportunity to learn.Be thankful for the difficult times. During those times you grow.Be thankful for your limitations,because they give you opportunities for improvement.Be thankful for each new challenge,because it will build your strength and character.Be thankful for your mistakes. They will teach you valuable lessons.Be thankful when you're tired and weary,because it means you've made a difference.It's easy to be thankful for the good things.A life of rich fulfillment comes to those who are also thankful for the setbacks.Gratitude can turn a negative into a positive.Find a way to be thankful for your troubles, and they can become your blessings.",Mistakes and setbacks can be used for advancement when applied in the right way.,Psalm 51:13;,Bobby Laymon,TAKING TIME TO MEDITATE ON SPIRITUAL THINGS,67,1,8/29/2009,
"Zeal, zealous, urgent, urgency, hurry, excited,","YOU have a document that needs a certain person’s attention by the end of the day. What do you do? You mark it “URGENT!” You are on your way to an important appointment, but you are late. What do you do? You tell the driver, “Please hurry; it’s URGENT!” Yes, when you have a task that must get done and time is running out, you feel tense and excited. Your adrenaline begins to flow, and you work as fast and as hard as you can. That is urgency!","For true Christians today, nothing is more urgent than preaching the good news of the Kingdom and making disciples of people of all the nations.","Matt. 24:14; 28:19, 20;",w10 12/15 p. 7 pars. 1-2,DO YOU HAVE THE EVENGELIZING SPIRIT?,63,1,2/6/2011,
"Pioneering, pioneer, auxiliary pioneer, increased service,","""Back when I was pioneering""....?  Did you ever hear someone say that?  Maybe you have said it yourself.  Or perhaps you never had an opportunity to pioneer.  Now, you will have that chance.","During the month of April, 2011, something that has never been done before.  You can auxiliary pioneer for 30 hours.  Or if you can go more, then make it 50 hours.",Proverbs 21:5;,Bobby Laymon,DO YOU HAVE THE EVENGELIZING SPIRIT?,63,1,2/17/2011,
"Justice, scale, integrity,","IN ANCIENT times, objects were often weighed on a beam scale. It usually consisted of a horizontal beam, or bar, that pivoted on a peg at its center. A pan hung from each end of the bar. The object being weighed was put in one pan and a weight in the other. God’s people were to use honest scales and weights.","When the godly man Job was suffering under satanic attack, he said: “[Jehovah] will weigh me in accurate scales and God will get to know my integrity.” (Job 31:6) In that regard, Job mentioned a number of situations that could put an integrity keeper to the test. But Job actually passed the test successfully, as implied by his words recorded in Job chapter 31.",Prov. 11:1;,w10 11/15 p. 28 pars. 1-2,CONDUCTING OURSELVES HONESTLY AT ALL TIMES,10,1,2/20/2011,
"Aglow, spirit, daily, constant, regular, study, prayer, meetings, fire,","The word translated “aglow” literally means “boiling.” (Kingdom Interlinear) To keep a kettle of water boiling, we need a steady supply of heat.","Similarly, to “be aglow with the spirit,” we need a constant flow of God’s spirit. The way to have that is to use all the provisions that Jehovah makes to fortify us spiritually. That means taking seriously our family and congregation worship—being regular in personal and family study, in prayer, and in meeting with our fellow Christians. That will help us to have the “fire” to sustain the “boiling” that will keep us “aglow with the spirit.”",Acts 4:20; 18:25;,w10 12/15 p. 15 par. 17,,0,1,3/6/2011,
"Jehovah's name, label, future, guarantee, trust,","God’s name, Jehovah, is not a mere label. How so? That name means “He Causes to Become.”","Simply put, God has the love, power, and wisdom to become whatever he deems necessary in order to accomplish his purpose and fulfill his word. For example, he can become a Savior of the righteous, a Destroyer of the wicked, a Hearer of prayer, or a loving Father—whatever he chooses to become.","Isaiah 46:9, 10",g 5/08 9,,0,1,1/1/2011,
"Prayer, busy,","JEHOVAH never turns a deaf ear to the petitions of his faithful servants. We can be confident that he hears us. Even if millions of Jehovah’s Witnesses were to pray to God at the same time, not one would get a ‘busy signal.’","Confident that God heard his entreaties, the psalmist David sang: “O Hearer of prayer, even to you people of all flesh will come.”",Ps. 65:2;,w09 11/15 p. 3 pars. 1-2,PRAYERS THAT ARE HEARD BY GOD,86,1,4/5/2011,
"Memorial, follow Jesus steps closely,","Imagine you were in a group that had to cross a mine field and only one of your number knew how to make it through safely. Would you not follow his steps closely, perhaps even stepping in his tracks?","Similarly, our future security depends upon patterning our life after Jesus’ example. Doing so includes listening to and obeying him and cooperating with those who represent him.",1 Pet. 2:21,"May, 15, 2011  WT",Memorial,0,1,4/12/2011,
"Bible, Prayer, Faith, forgot, forget,",How many here have a cell phone?  A man went on a camping trip and forgot to take water.  He also forgot his cell phone.  He felt helpless.,We could do that spiritually.  The Bible is like water.  Prayer is like our cell phone.,James 2:17; 2 Chron 16:9,Frank Barr; C. O.,PRAYERS THAT ARE HEARD BY GOD,86,1,4/12/2011,
"Gossip, speech, talk, undo, forgive, slander,","An old Jewish tale well illustrates the consequences of spreading hurtful gossip. Told in various forms, the gist of the story is as follows. A man went about town slandering the town’s wise man. Later, the malicious gossiper realized his wrong and went to the wise man to ask for forgiveness, offering to do whatever was necessary to make amends. The wise man had one request: The gossiper was told to go and take a feather pillow and cut it open, scattering the feathers to the wind. Though puzzled by the request, the gossiper did as he was instructed and then returned to the wise man. “Am I now forgiven?” he asked. “First, go and gather all the feathers,” the wise man responded. “But how can I? The wind has already scattered them.”"," “It is as difficult to repair the damage done by your words as it is to recover the feathers.” The lesson is clear. Once spoken, words cannot be retrieved, and it may be impossible to undo the hurt they cause. Before spreading a bit of gossip, we are wise to remember that we are, in effect, about to scatter feathers in the wind.",Matthew 7:12;,"July 15, 2011WT page 19",,0,1,4/15/2011,
"Life, memorial, death, dying, wickedness, ","Life is like an onion: You peel it off one layer at a time, and sometimes you weep.","Thanks to Jehovah for providing a ransom for mankind, we can have life in abundance.",John 17:3;,Bobby Laymon,REACH OUT FOR THE REAL LIFE!,90,1,4/15/2011,4/1/2014
"Unleavened bread, Memorial wine, Additional comments, bread recipe,","UNLEAVENED BREAD1.	You might be interested to know: Last year 1 of every 364 persons on the earth attended the Memorial of Jesus death.  That was in 107,210 congregations.  We are privileged to be one of these. 2.	The bread was called the bread of affliction from their affliction in Egypt.  It was eaten along with roasted lamb and bitter herbs, symbolizing the bitterness as slaves in Egypt.  They stood as they ate, ready to march out.  This day of the year has been observed for 3524 years.  1513 + 33 (1546 years) as Passover.  Then for 1978 years as Memorial.  3.	You can make your own unleavened bread using the following recipe: Mix one and a half cups of wheat flour with one cup of water, making a moist dough. Then roll dough to wafer thickness. Place it in a baking pan and liberally fork it with small holes. Bake it in a hot oven until it is dry and crisp. 4.	The sister who made the bread used the same recipe used for 3524 years.5.	Such bread is appropriate because it does not contain leaven (yeast), which the Bible uses to represent corruption or sin. 6.	This bread was flat and brittle; it had to be broken to eatable size. Earlier, when Jesus miraculously multiplied bread for thousands of persons, he broke it in order to distribute it to them. (Mt 14:19; 15:36) Consequently, the breaking of the Memorial bread apparently had no spiritual significance.  7.	Some have asked: Can we eat and drink the emblems later?  Since the emblems in themselves are not sacred, after the celebration is over in the Kingdom Hall and the meeting dismissed, the bread and wine may be taken home and used at some other time as normal food.8.	Bethlehem  -- House of Bread -- ties in nicely with Jesus birth as bread symbolizes his body.Jesus was born in a stable and laid in a manger as his bassinet. (Luke 2:7, 12) But how honored Bethlehem was!  9.	Jesus said, “I am the living bread that came down from heaven; if anyone eats of this bread he will live forever; and, for a fact, the bread that I shall give is my flesh in behalf of the life of the world.” —John 6:51.10.	It is clear that Jesus used the bread and wine as symbols. The unleavened bread meant, or represented, his sinless body that would be sacrificed. The red wine signified his blood that would be poured out “in behalf of many for forgiveness of sins.”—Matthew 26:28. MEMORIAL WINE1.	Regarding the wine, Jesus used real wine, not unfermented grape juice.  2.	Red grape wine would be an appropriate symbol of Jesus’ shed blood. Some red wines are fortified with brandy or spirits or have spices and herbs added would not be appropriate.  Homemade red wine with no additives are suitable.  One of our brothers purchased the wine, which is Burgundy made from red grape juice with no additives.3.	Wine Making. In Palestine the grapes were gathered during August and September, depending on the type of grapes and the climate of the region.  After being picked, the grapes were placed in limestone vats, or troughs, where men usually crushed them barefoot, singing songs as they trod the winepress.  With such gentle crushing methods, the stems and seeds were not broken down, so that little of the tannic acid in the skins was released; this, in turn, made for a high-quality wine, one that was smooth and soft on the palate. 4.	Sometimes fine wine was produced by squeezing out just the center of the grape between the finger and thumb, and getting just the sweetest part of the grape.  Not crushing the skin.  May have been like the fine wine Jesus produced at his first miracle, of turning the water to wine.  5.	Fermentation begins within six hours after the crushing, while the juice is still in the vats, and slowly progresses for a period of several months. The alcohol content of the natural wines varies from 8 to 16 percent by volume.  6.	Grapes contain their own yeast for fermentation.  White powder on skins.  Only fruit that contains its own yeast.7.	During the aging period the wine was kept in jars or skin bottles.  These containers were probably vented in such a way as to allow the carbon dioxide gas (a by-product in the conversion of the sugars to alcohol through fermentation) to escape without admitting oxygen from the air to contact and react with the wine. As the wines were left undisturbed they gradually clarified, the dregs falling to the bottom, with an improvement in the bouquet and flavor.  Thereafter wines were usually transferred to other vessels.8.	Wine was not at first a part of the Passover meal but was added later, perhaps after the return from Babylonian exile. It was therefore on the table when Jesus celebrated the Passover the last time with his apostles and was conveniently used by him in instituting the Memorial of his death. 9.	Both Jesus and Luke spoke of medicinal value of wine as an antiseptic and mild disinfectant. (Lu 10:34) The Bible also recommends it as a curative remedy in cases of certain intestinal disturbances.  Paul counseled Timothy: “Do not drink water any longer, but use a little wine for the sake of your stomach and your frequent cases of sickness.” (1Ti 5:23) 10.	It is apparent that wine is one of the gifts included among Jehovah’s blessings to mankind. Wine “makes the heart of mortal man rejoice”; it puts the heart in “a merry mood.”",These are some comments I researched.,"Luke 22:19, 20;",Bobby Laymon,,0,1,4/17/2011,12/18/2024
"Willing Spirit, nursing mother, convince, persuade, cherish,","In many lands today, mothers have a legal obligation to care for their children. But surely most mothers do not do this just to obey the law, do they? No. They do it because they cherish their children.","Just as a nursing mother gladly makes huge sacrifices for her children, we should be willing to help others.","1 Thessalonians 2:7, 8; Matthew 22:39;",w00 11/15 p. 22,SERVE JEHOVAH WITH A JOYFUL HEART,78,1,4/17/2011,
"Listen, directions, help, trust, advice, dangers, warning,","IMAGINE this: You  need to travel somewhere,  but you need help  because you are not sure  of the way. You have a  friend who knows how to  get there. You trust him,  so you ask for his help. He gives you the  directions you need, and he also gives  you some advice to help you avoid dangers  on the way. For example, he warns  you that on the road there is a sign that  is not clear. A lot of people followed it  and got lost. Will you be happy to get  his warning and pay attention to it?"," In  a way, we are on a journey. Our journey  is a journey to everlasting life. Jehovah  is our friend, and he gives us the directions we  need to live forever.  And he also  warns us about dangers that can cause  us to disobey him.",Deuteronomy 5:32;,"WATCHTOWER JULY 15, 2011",Trust in Jehovah's Saving Power,147,1,4/19/2011,
"False teachers, apostates, preachers, clergy,","The warning from the Bible is like a warning from a doctor who tells you to avoid a person who has a disease that may spread to others. The doctor knows that if you get this disease, you will die. His warning is clear, and you will do what he says. The Bible says that apostates are mentally diseased and that they use their teachings to make others think like them.","Jehovah is like that good doctor. He clearly tells us to stay away from false teachers. We must always be determined to follow his warning. What must we do to avoid false teachers? We do not speak to them or invite them into our houses. We also do not read their books, watch them on television, read what they write on the Internet, or add our own comments about what they write on the Internet. Why are we so determined to avoid them? First of all, it is because we love “the God of truth.” So we do not want to listen to false teachings that go against the truth in God’sWord.","Psalm 31:5; John 17:17; 1 Timothy 6:3, 4","July 15, 2011 Wt; Page 11","COME, YOU WHO THIRST FOR THE TRUTH!",89,1,4/19/2011,
"Eye, focus, heart, contentment, material","For a literal eye to see clearly, it must function properly and be able to focus on what it is looking at.","It is no different with the eyes of the heart. Having a simple figurative eye means that we are single-minded in purpose. Rather than leading a life that is centered on material things and being consumed with taking care of only the physical needs of the family, we keep our eye focused on spiritual matters. This means that we remain content with our material provisions and give God’s service the first place in our life.",Matthew 6:33; Hebrews 13:5;,"May 15, 2011 WT page 12",FAMILY LIFE THAT WARMS THE HEART,5,1,4/20/2011,
"Purpose, goal, succeed, unexpected, flexible, adjust,","A person may desire to travel to a specific destination. Getting to that destination then becomes his goal, or purpose. He may have different options with regard to the means of transportation and the routes he can take. As he travels along his chosen route, he may be confronted with unexpected weather conditions, traffic congestion, and road closures, requiring him to take an alternate route. Yet, no matter what adjustments he needs to make, he will still have accomplished his goal when he arrives at his destination.","Jehovah has likewise shown considerable flexibility in working out his eternal purpose. Taking into consideration the free will of his intelligent creation, he readily adjusts the way he achieves his purpose. For example, let us consider how Jehovah accomplishes his purpose regarding the promised Seed. Originally, Jehovah told the first human pair: “Be fruitful and become many and fill the earth and subdue it.”",Gen.1:28,"May 15, 2011 page 21",LIFE DOES HAVE A PURPOSE,23,1,4/20/2011,
"Ransom, Memorial, Sacrifice, blood, white, Jesus' blood, crimson, sins, forgiveness,","“It is a singular fact, that [when] a scarlet or crimson object [is] viewed through a red glass in the light, the object appears white; so, though our sins be as scarlet or crimson, when we come where God will view them through the blood of Christ, they are accounted as white.” ( Watchtower July 1879, p. 6)",What a marvelous provision Jehovah has made for us through the ransom sacrifice of his dear Son!  This shows the effectiveness of Jesus' shed blood.,"1 John 1:6, 7; Isa 1:18;","Feb 15, 2011 WT page 24, 25,",Why Mankind Needs a Ransom,125,1,4/24/2011,
"Honesty, honest, dishonest, corrupt, lies,","LIKE the air we breathe, dishonesty is everywhere. People lie, overcharge, steal, do not repay debts, and boast of sharp business practices.","Living in this environment, we are often faced with situations that test our determination to be honest. How can we keep on resisting the tendency toward dishonesty?",Isaiah 33:22;,"April 15, 2011 WT page 6",CONDUCTING OURSELVES HONESTLY AT ALL TIMES,10,1,4/30/2011,
"Disfellowship, remove, interference, place, position,","A family member has a serious accident, and 911 is called.  The paramedics are working hard, trying to save their life.  It is one of the hardest things you will ever do, but the family needs to stand back and let the paramedics do their job.","Likewise, when a family member is disfellowshiped.  The elders are working hard, trying to save their life.  The rest of the family needs to get out of the way and let the elders do their work.",Hebrews 13:7;,Craig Cobb at elder's school.,REACH OUT FOR THE REAL LIFE!,90,1,5/1/2011,
"Theocracy, theocratic republic,",Theocracy - means God-ruled.  Iran claims to have a Theocracy.,However she has the wrong god.,2 Corinthians 4:4;,EldersElder's school,Jesus Christ-Earth's New Ruler,140,1,5/1/2011,
"Reading, Words, Education, repetition,","Read, Read, Read, Read, Read,",Five words that are vital for life.,Joshua 1:8;,Elder's school 2011,,0,1,5/2/2011,
"Love, animals, human, God's image,",Suppose you are stranded on a deserted island with only your dog.  You have one piece of bread and you drop it.,Does your dog love you enough to leave it alone?,"Genesis 1:26, 27;",Matt Roper,SHOW RESPECT AND LOVE IN YOUR MARRIAGE,28,1,5/2/2011,
"Sin, Adam, Eve, death, disobey, Eden, Apple, pair,",Some think the problem in the garden of Eden was the apple.,Actually it was a green pear.  Spelled: GREEN PAIR.,Genesis 3:1-6;,Dick Feller,HOLD A GOOD CONSCIENCE IN A SINFUL WORLD,107,1,5/18/2011,
"Obedience, laws, commandments, gravity, in tune,","I am going to give you these keys.  They are the purest of gold.  They are worth over a million dollars.  (Hold them out.  The person will automatically put their hand under the keys.  - drop them.)  What law made you put your hand under, not above the keys?  You are so in tune with the law of gravity, that you do it without thinking.",It is likewise with Jehovah's laws and ways.  We want to be so in tune with them that we do them without thinking.,Psalm 19:1;,Robert Schwarze,DOES YOUR THINKING AGREE WITH GOD'S?,53,1,6/2/2011,
"Life, breath, breathless, awesome, happy, happiness, joy,","Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the things that leave us breathless.",It is the quality of life that makes us happy.  We need to get a firm hold on the real life.,1 Timothy 6:19;,Beth Carpenter; Robert Schwarze;,SERVE JEHOVAH WITH A JOYFUL HEART,78,1,6/4/2011,
"Delegating, authority, responsibility, entrust,",Delegating has a longer history than has planet Earth.,"Jehovah created his only-begotten Son and then, using his Son as ""a master worker,"" made the universe.  When God created the first human couple, he told them to ""fill the earth and subdue it.""  The Creator charged humans with the work of expanding the Paradise of Eden to fill the whole earth.  We have a commission to preach the Good News.","Proverbs 8:22, 23, 30; John 1:3; Genesis 1:28;","Jun 15, 2009 WT page 28",Service Talk,200,1,8/30/2009,
"hope, kingdom, reality, architect, fantasy,","A brother, an architect, wanted to design his future home.  He couldn't decide if he wanted a home in the mountains, or the open plains, or a house by the sea.  He designed three houses.","We too need to keep the kingdom a reality.  Envision it, and help others to do so.",Isaiah 65:22;,Bobby Laymon,JUDGMENT DAY-A TIME OF FEAR OR HOPE?,156,1,7/9/2009,4/26/2014
"Commendation, counsel, encouragement, discipline,","""A Pat on the back is worth more than a kick in the britches.""",Commendation is a great way to encourage children and adults.,Revelation 2:8-11;,Tim Masterson,RESPONSIBILITIES AND REWARDS OF PARENTHOOD,29,1,6/16/2011,
"Conclusion, ending, summation, speech, talk,",Some have the conclusion of a blues song.,They just keep going on and on.,Eccl 12:13;,Bobby Laymon,,0,1,6/17/2011,
"Counsel, reproof, degree, discipline,","Make a nice 'counsel sandwich.'  Not too large, but small enough to get into their mouth, and tasty.",Counsel and discipline must be given to the proper degree.,Michael Landis,Elder's School,,0,1,5/2/2011,
"Balance, responsibilities, equal, more important things, decisions,",How do you handle all those responsibilities?,I Neglect them all equally.,Phil 1:9,Bill Dries C.O.,DECISIONS YOU FACE--HOW WILL YOU MAKE THEM?,50,1,5/28/2013,
"Worth, value, view, precious, Jesus, ransom, gift,","Jehovah could choose anyone he wanted to serve Him and He could probably choose individuals that are very self-disciplined, in good health, all types of  wonderful qualifications that would make most of us look bad in comparison. BUT He reads HEARTS. Out of all the people on this planet for some reason He chose you and me.  So compared to world leaders and movie stars and other famous accomplished people, by this system's standards, we are even more special. They can't even understand the basic bible truths, but look at you and me, think of what we can tell those people about His Word the  Bible that they just can't seem to understand.       In Jehovah's eyes we are very, very special. OK, so maybe you are reaping what you sowed earlier in life. Remember, even though David was forgiven of his sins, his family still suffered because of his disobedience. But look what he accomplished and think of the future he will have.        Look at it this way. You walk into an antique shop. And you are looking around and you see a small glass paper weight. You turn it over and the price tag is $1,000.00. So you walk up to the register and you offer the shop owner $10.00. You can imagine how he would react.  Now think of us. Jehovah PAID for you and me with the blood  of His Son's sacrifice, Jesus Christ. I wonder how much in monies Jehovah would put on us?PRICELESS!  YEAH, we are PRICELESS to Jehovah.         And you know that Jehovah would not pay the price if we weren't worth the price to Him. Now, how do you think Jehovah feels if we place a much smaller price tag on ourselves? He would be insulted. You are a very special person, priceless, chosen out of all  the world of mankind personally by Jehovah to know the truth and to serve the greatest person in the universe. And He did all of this while we are imperfect and not worthy of this honor. You keep on hanging in there. Remember Jehovah NEVER forgets his people and neither do we.","When you feel of little value, you might think of yourself as a hundred dollar bill. Would you accept a gift of a crisp new c-note? Of course! What if the bill were not new, but slightly used? Still, just as good, right? What if you found the bill in the mud? Still, worth a  hundred, right?  But what if it's tattered and smudged and the corners are missing? Is it worth any less? Not at all! Whether bright and new or battered and beaten, a hundred is still a hundred, and we are precious to Jehovah and our brothers, whether things are going fine or we have been through the mill.  It's not the outer appearance or the current condition  that determines worth, but what backs us up that gives us value. Our currency is backed by the First Universal Bank of Jehovah. Jehovah doesn't bother printing 100's; like your siblings, you are a kazillion dollar bill and remain just as valuable as ever, as long as you stay in circulation.  Just keep enduring, and one day we will all be in ""mint condition"".",2 Kings 1:14;,George Hoover,Service Talk,200,1,7/25/2011,
"Resentment, past, harbor, historical, forgive, forget, blot out,","I have a scar.  I remember how I got it.  I was only __ years old, but I still rememer how badly it hurt.  I can see it, but it doesn't hurt anymore.","Forgiveness is like that.  We don't always completely forget it, but it doesn't hurt anymore.  We get past the resentment and forgive.",Jeremiah 31:34; Jeremiah 14:10;,"Charlie Allyn, c. o.",DO YOU HARBOR RESENTMENT OR DO YOU FORGIVE?,68,1,5/11/2008,
"values, morals, Bible,","""If we are to go forward, we must go back and rediscover those precious values -- that all reality hinges on moral foundations and that all reality has spiritual control.""Quote: Martin Luther King, Jr. 1929-1968, Baptist civil-rights leader in the US",The Bible is the basis for true values and morals.,Isaiah 30:21,Bobby Laymon,,0,,4/29/2006,
"Protection, fear, confidence, trust,","A little boy may be fearful when he has to walk alone, but he is confident when he walks hand in hand with his father.","Likewise, if we trust in Jehovah with all our heart, he promises to 'make our paths straight' as we walk alongside him.","Proverbs 3:5, 6;",w06 04/01 Page 29,MAINTAIN YOUR CONFIDENCE FIRM TO THE END,46,,6/15/2006,
"Jesus Christ, Conventions, Assemblies, Adjustment, progress,","Did you ever have a watch that did not keep the correct time.  You constantly had to adjust it.  You might go to a reliable source, such as an atomic clock.",We constantly need adjustments.  The reliable source is Jehovah; Jesus Christ; God's Word the Bible.,Hebrews 13:7;,"Marlin McEntosh; Follow The Christ District Convention; Tulsa, OK Jun 1-3 2007",GETTING MARRIAGE OFF TO A GOOD START,27,1,6/4/2007,
"Disfellowshipping, local needs, service talk,","Imagine being awakened by the piercing blast of a car horn.  Hard to ignore; indeed, it startles you!Likewise, you hear the announcement, “So and so is no longer one of Jehovah’s Witnesses,” the action hopefully grabs the attention of every member of the flock. It disturbs their senses.  It cannot be ignored.  I.	How may this be a protection?  		A.	Why Disfellowshipping Is a Loving Arrangement.		1.	It Upholds God’s Name			a.	Jehovah is a holy God. ‘You must be holy, because I am holy.’” (1 Peter 1:15, 16)			b.	Does this mean –weakness -- he is automatically expelled from the congregation? 			C.	Not a coldhearted dictator. He is merciful and understanding. “All have sinned” Rom. 3:23			d.	God has arranged for spiritual help within the congregation 			e.	Short-term discipline for long-term results. Hebrews 12:11			f.	Hopefully, that is the way it will turn out, and often does.  			G.	'May hurt more than going into a concentration camp.' Quote by Bro. Knorr to Gilead graduates.			H.	[1] Kindness - Always!  [2] Firmness - Sometimes!  [3] Harshness - Never!	B.	What, though, if all efforts to restore him are unsuccessful? In other words, what if he stubbornly refuses to correct his sinful course?		2.	It Keeps the Congregation Safe			a.	“Quit mixing in company…” 1 Corinthians 5:11.			b.	Is this Bible law harsh and demeaning? Just consider this: c.	This protects the congregation’s good name.—Compare 1 Timothy 3:15.		3.	Protection for Individuals			a.	like the noisy blast of a car horn that wakes you up.			B.	 How may this be a protection?	C.	As her words indicate, disfellowshipping can move others to take stock of their conduct. 1 Corinthians 10:12.			d.	‘Are there any areas of my life in which I am spiritually vulnerable?’ 			e.	This highlights another important aspect of disfellowshipping. 			F.	It can move previously unrepentant sinners to take their first steps back to God.		4.	Return to God								a.	'I have often been adrift, but I have always stayed afloat.'  A faithful brother.		B.	Even if we should drift from the truth, we must return.","III.	Therefore, disfellowshipping is a loving arrangement because;1.	It upholds God’s holy name;2.	It protects the congregation from the corrupting influence of sin. 3.	It demonstrates love for the wrongdoer by encouraging him to repent and “turn around",Hebrews 12:11,Bobby Laymon,Service Talk,200,1,4/9/2008,
"Prayer, pray, communicate,","A young Bethelite visiting his home congregation was asked to sit on the stage for a brief interview and to share some experiences with the audience during the Service Meeting. After a few comments he asked to share a really good illustration about prayer. First he paused and looked down.? Then he looked distraught. Then he looked sadly at the audience, almost with tears in his eyes. He looked down again and began clearing his throat. Then he looked up at the ceiling.","This went on for an excruciatingly long time really getting to the audience.... He then broke into a big smile and asked the audience: ""What went through your minds? Did you ask: ""What's wrong? What's happening? What's going on?"" Or did you say: ""Please,just say something! Anything!""  Well, did you ever think that when we don't talk to Jehovah for awhile,he's wondering what's wrong?That he wants us to say something, anything!"" Friends, never forsake the privilege of prayer. Jehovah is waiting eagerly, to?hear what you have to say.",Romans 12:12;,Bobby Laymon,PRAYERS THAT ARE HEARD BY GOD,86,1,11/1/2006,
"Divine Education, Honesty, Experience,","A woman in India accepted a Bible study and in time qualified as an unbaptized publisher. One day while returning home from working on a Kingdom Hall construction project, she found on the ground near a bus station a gold chain worth eight hundred dollars (U.S.). Although of humble means, she took' the chain to the police station and turned it in.","The police officer there could not believe  his eyes! Later, another officer asked her  ""Why did you choose to turn in the chain? She explained, ""Bible teaching has transformed me, so I am an honest person now. Impressed, he said to the Christian elder who accompanied her to the station: ""There are over 38 million people in this state. If you can help ten people to become like this, woman, it would be a great achievement.  When we consider the millions of lives that have been improved by divine education, dc we not have abundant reasons to praise Jehovah.",Hebrews 13:18;,"Sept 15, 2009 WT Page 22 para 8",CONDUCTING OURSELVES HONESTLY AT ALL TIMES,10,1,8/28/2009,
"Tact, considerate, adapt, kind, apathy,","We may tell people they are open-minded, when actually they have a hole in their head.",We do not want to be so tactful that people miss the point.,Matthew 7:12;,"Joseph Masachek, D. O.",,0,1,5/17/2010,
"Power, death, die, almighty,","Thus, although not God's original purpose for humans, death has given Jehovah the opportunity to show that his power reaches even beyond the grave.","Indeed, Jehovah is ""God, the Almighty.""","John 5:28, 29","Jan 15, 2010 WT Page 27",The Resurrection-Victory Over Death!,132,1,1/8/2010,
"Ransom, memorial, death, evening meal,","Suppose you wreck your new car, while driving carelessly.  It is totaled.  You call the dealer and he says, ""I will make it good.""  He gives you another car, the same make and model.  It also is totaled.  He offers you another.  It is also totaled.  Would that be acceptable?","In like manner, man cannot provide a ransom for man.  We are all totaled.  It is not acceptable.",Matthew 20:28,Teressa Arndt,,0,1,5/26/2013,
"Teach, teacher, convince, believes, cares, skill, example,","A hallmark of a good teacher is that he loves what he teaches. He must believe that it is true, that it matters, and that it is valuable.","If a teacher cares about what he teaches, his enthusiasm will be evident, exerting a powerful influence on those whom he teaches. On the other hand, if a teacher does not truly appreciate what he teaches, how can he expect his students to value what they are hearing? Never underestimate your example as a teacher of God's Word. Jesus said: ""Every well-trained student will be like his teacher.""",Luke 6:40,"July 15, 2009 WT page 17",Is the Trinity a Scriptural Teaching?,129,1,6/15/2009,
"Miracles, Myths, facts, dogmatic, impossible, intercom, ","The World Book Encyclopedia defines a miracle as ""an event that cannot be explained through the known laws of nature.""","By that definition, a color TV, a cellular phone, or a laptop computer would have been considered miracles just a century ago! Does it make sense to be dogmatic and call something impossible simply because we cannot explain it according to present scientific knowledge?",Mark 4:39;,Society's Website,Did the Miracles of the Bible Really Happen?,137,1,10/31/2006,2/9/2015
"persuade, convince, teach,","If you would persuade, you must appeal to interest rather than intellect. -- Benjamin Franklin","We, as Christians must appeal to people's interests.",1 Corinthians 13:5,Bobby Laymon,FAMILY LIFE THAT WARMS THE HEART,5,1,10/30/2006,
"Gilead, pillar, protection, strength, pioneer,","The nation of Israel, when Jehovah protected them when they were leaving Egypt and while they were in the wilderness.  Exodus 13: 19-22 is the first reference to the pillar Jehovah used to guide them. Could we imagine an Israelite venturing off on his own? The pillar stood there to protect them from the Egyptians, and give the Israelites a guiding light all night long.","Another pillar is mentioned at 1 Tim 3:14, 15, ""that you may know how you ought to conduct yourself in God's household, which is the congregation of the living God, a pillar and support of the truth.""  Everything you have learned in the school has been solidly based on what has been published by that slave.",Exodus 13: 19-22,Lawrence Bowen; Gilead graduation,,0,,5/28/2006,
"Independent spirit, world, independence, flesh, weakness",We are 'spring-loaded' toward independence.,"The world is declaring independence constantly.  Why so many wars, conflicts, murders.",2 Samuel 6:2-9;,"Elder's school April, 2011",,0,1,5/1/2011,
"Searching, deep things, riches, truths,","We were like a man peering through the water at a coral reef. Unaided, he sees little of the beautiful things below the surface. But with the aid of diving goggles or a glass-bottomed boat, he is thrilled to see for the first time brilliantly colored corals, fish, sea anemones, and other fascinating creatures.","Similarly, when someone began to help us to understand the Scriptures, we had our first glimpse of “the deep things of God.”",1 Corinthians 2:8-10.,w07 11/1 p. 27 par. 1 Searching Into “the Deep Things of God”,,0,1,1/4/2008,
"Obedience, obey,","A FATHER looks out the window, watching his young son at play with some friends. Their ball bounces out of the yard and into the street. The boy looks longingly after it. One of his friends urges him to run out into the street to get it, but the boy shakes his head. “I’m not allowed to do that,” he says. The father smiles to himself.","Why is the father so pleased? Because he has instructed his son not to go out into the street alone. When the boy obeys—even though he does not know that his father is watching—the father knows that his son is learning obedience and is much safer as a result. That father feels as does our heavenly Father, Jehovah.","Proverbs 3:5, 6;",cf chap. 6 p. 56 pars. 1-2,,0,1,6/30/2010,
"Faith, courage, future,",Just like some people have trouble seeing up close.  We humans have a hard time dealing with the present and the near future .,"But we can fix that with the same prescription, faith and courage.",Hebrews 10:39;,JK,FACING THE FUTURE WITH FAITH AND COURAGE,166,1,10/23/2006,
"Faith, Courage, Future,",Not as one historian put it: 'You believe easily that which you hope for earnestly.',"Christian faith is real, not blind credulity.  (Heb 11:1)",Hebrews 11:1,JK,FACING THE FUTURE WITH FAITH AND COURAGE,166,1,10/23/2006,
"Stumble, reproof, disfellowshipped, discipline, counsel,","After you stumble, yes only thenCan you really begin again.It's viewing from the bottom floorYou see in life there's so much more.If first denied, your eyes then seeWhat's needed for the victory.It's learning from the things gone wrong,That teach you ways to make you strong.To fall helps you to understandThat things don't always go as planned.Sometimes you need to make a changeAnd shift things that need to be rearranged.It's only after feeling's lossYou understand what choices cost.If first you feel discord and painYou'll appreciate your upward gain.You've lost a battle, not the warSo many victories yet in store.Defeat is just a minor bendIn reaching triumph in the end.",A stumble often prevents a fall.  Don't give up.,"Isaiah 40:10, 11",Ministry Box,LIFE DOES HAVE A PURPOSE,23,1,8/25/2009,
"Organization, way, truth,","If you are climbing the 'corporate' ladder, be sure it is leaned against the right building.",The other buildings are coming down.,Revelation 18:4;,Monica Bland,SERVING WITH JEHOVAH'S UNIFIED ORGANIZATION,3,1,4/14/2013,
"Awake, alert, sleeping, drowsy, possessions, guard,","John kept his valuables at home, in the safest place in the house, he thought.  He hid them under his bed.   One night, however, while he and his wife were sleeping, a thief entered the bedroom, and you know what happened.  He quietly removed all of John’s valuables, including money.  He knew just where to look.", John will long remember that painful lesson:  A sleeping man cannot guard his possessions.,"1 Thessalonians 5:6, 8",w03 1/1 17 par. 1,,0,1,5/8/2013,
"Help, ask for help, assist, call for help, lamb, dangers, fallen, stumble,","In Scotland some young lambs were grazing in a pasture when one of them strayed to the side of a hillock and tumbled onto a ledge below. It was uninjured, but it was frightened and unable to climb back. So it started to bleat plaintively. Its mother heard it, and she too began to bleat until the shepherd came and retrieved the young lamb.","Notice the sequence of events. The lamb called for help, the ewe added her voice to its cries, and the alerted shepherd sprang into action to rescue it. If a very young animal and its mother can sense danger and immediately call for help, should we not do the same when we stumble spiritually or face unexpected dangers from Satan’s world? (James 5:14, 15; 1 Peter 5:8) We should, especially if we are lacking in experience either because we are young or because we are relatively new in the truth.","James 5:14, 15; 1 Peter 5:8",w02 3/1 p. 16 pars. 13-14,,0,1,5/8/2013,
"impossible, without faith, please Jehovah,","Moreover, without faith it is impossible to please [him] well, for he that approaches God must believe that he is and that he becomes the rewarder of those earnestly seeking him.",It is like counting the waves of the sea.It is like a blind man trying to describe color.,Hebrews 11:6,Bobby Laymon,,0,1,5/9/2013,
"Bible, Read God's Word the Bible Daily,",Read God's Word the Bible Daily!,That's such a nice expression.  Someone should write that on a prominent building somewhere.,John 17:17 Psalm 1:1,Joe Laymon,,0,1,5/14/2013,
"slavery, slaves, yoke, steward,","SOME 2,500 years ago, a Greek playwright wrote: “No one willingly wears the yoke of slavery.” Many today would readily agree with that statement. Slavery evokes images of people oppressed and in bondage, whose work and sacrifices bring benefits, not to themselves, but to those who own and dominate them.","Yet, Jesus indicated that his disciples would be humble servants, or slaves. There is nothing demeaning or oppressive, though, about this slavery involving true Christians. These slaves enjoy a position of honor, trust, and respect. Consider, for example, the comments Jesus made about one “slave” shortly before His death. Christ foretold that he would assign duties to a “faithful and discreet slave.”",Matt. 24:45-47;,w12 12/15 p. 9 pars. 1-2,SLAVE FOR THE MASTER OF THE HARVEST,66,1,5/14/2013,
"Repent, forgiveness, let go, mistakes, lies,",Mistakes don't get better with time.,"If you mess up, fess up.",Job 2:6;,Donald Rumfelt,,0,1,5/15/2013,
"earth, destroy, preserve, beautiful, tenents, residents,","Suppose you owned a beautiful home and allowed people to live in it for free. Some of the tenants lived peaceably with one another and took good care of your home. Others, however, made nothing but trouble, fought with one another, and abused the good tenants. They damaged your property and stubbornly refused to respond to your efforts to stop them.",What would you do to correct matters? Would you destroy your home? Not likely. You would probably evict the bad tenants and repair what damage had been done.Jehovah will act in a similar manner.,Psalm 37:9-11,"w11 03/1 8, 9.",,0,1,5/15/2013,
"Bible Reading, Word,",The value of regular Bible reading might be illustrated by a man who has had a heart attack and who decides to eat foods that are more nutritious. Would this regimen help him if he followed it only when he felt a sharp pain in his chest? No. He must consistently adhere to a healthy diet to gain the most benefit.,"Likewise, daily Bible reading will help you to “make your way successful.”",Joshua 1:8;,w10 7/1 p. 21,Did the Miracles of the Bible Really Happen?,137,1,5/16/2013,
"Kindness, goodness, spirit, refreshing, pleasant, atmosphere, interest, helpful, acts,"," Like a gentle breeze and a cool drink on a hot day, kindness and goodness are refreshing. Within the family circle, they contribute to a pleasant atmosphere. Kindness is an endearing quality that stems from genuine interest in others, an interest that is manifested in helpful acts and considerate words."," Goodness, like kindness, is a positive quality that is expressed in actions that benefit others. It is marked by a spirit of generosity. (Acts 9:36, 39; 16:14, 15) But goodness involves something more.  Moral excellence.","Ephesians 4:31, 32; 5:8, 9;",w11 4/15 pp. 24-25 par. 8,,0,1,5/17/2013,
"Refuge, dwelling, safe, silence, witness, testify, court, protection, Jehovah our dwelling,","“Imagine this: You are testifying in court against a global criminal organization. Its leader is a very intelligent, powerful, and ruthless liar and murderer. How would you feel when you stepped outside the court at day’s end? Safe? Hardly! Indeed, you would have good reason for requesting protection."," This scenario illustrates the situation of Jehovah’s servants, who boldly testify for Jehovah and fearlessly expose his vicious archenemy, Satan!  But has Satan been able to silence God’s people? No! In fact, we continue to thrive spiritually—a reality that can have only one explanation: Jehovah is still our refuge, “a real dwelling” for us, especially during these last days.","Isaiah 54:14, 17; Revelation 12:17;",March 15/2013 wt,,0,1,5/26/2013,
"Marriage, Respect, Love, knowledge,",Did anyone ever have to tell you how to breathe?  It just comes naturally.,We are going to talk about some things that don't come naturally.  How to have a happy family life.  How to show respect and love in your marriage.,Eph. 5:33;,Ron Funderburg,SHOW RESPECT AND LOVE IN YOUR MARRIAGE,28,1,5/26/2013,
"Think God’s Thoughts, windows, doors, influence, distractions",We have windows and doors into our mind.,Our eyes and our ears.,Romans 11:33;,"George Cook, DO",Live With Soundness of Mind in a Depraved World,138,1,5/26/2013,
"Insanity, silly, stupid, same, different, results, flexible, experiment, repeat,",Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.  Quote: Albert Einstein.,"Sometimes we do that in the ministry.  We should be more flexible, and follow suggestion by the slave.","Matthew 24:47, 48;",Monica Bland,,0,1,5/28/2013,
"Love, appreciation, obedience, faith, testimony,","The aspect of love was illustrated. A girl bakes a cake for her parents. Likely, the parents will be touched. Yes, however the cake turns out, what touches the parents is their child’s love, as shown by her generous act.","Similarly, when Jehovah looks at this new printery, he sees beyond the building and the machinery. Primarily, he sees it as an expression of love for his name.",Hebrews 6:10,w05 12/1 p. 12,LOVE IDENTIFIES THE TRUE CHRISTIAN CONGREGATION,72,1,6/4/2013,
"Love, worship, Jesus, house of father,","In many ways, it is helpful to think of the love in our heart as a living thing. Like a beautiful houseplant, love needs to be nourished and cared for if it is to grow and to thrive. Neglected, deprived of nourishment, it weakens and dies.","Jesus did not take his love for Jehovah for granted. He kept it strong and thriving throughout his earthly sojourn. Let us see how. Think again of the incident when young Jesus spoke up at the temple in Jerusalem. Recall his words to his anxious parents: “Why did you have to go looking for me? Did you not know that I must be in the house of my Father?” (Luke 2:49) As a young boy, Jesus evidently did not yet have any memory of his prehuman existence. Still, his love for his Father, Jehovah, was intense. He knew that such love naturally found its expression in worship. So there was no place on earth as appealing to Jesus as his Father’s house of pure worship. He longed to be there and hated to leave.",Luke 2:49;,cf chap. 13 pp. 132-133 pars. 11-12,LOVE IDENTIFIES THE TRUE CHRISTIAN CONGREGATION,72,1,6/4/2013,
"Watchman, dates, alarm,","If a watchman sounded an alarm and it was only the wind; would that warning make him an unfaithful watchman.  No, he was doing what he was supposed to do.  Sound the warning.","Likewise, Jehovah's people have sometimes sounded warnings about dates that did not materialize.  Does that make them unfaithful?  No!  They were telling people to 'keep on the watch.'","Proverbs 4:18; Luke 12:36, 40; Hab 2:3;",Keep on the Watch District Convention,,0,1,8/16/2009,
"Progress, advancement, adjustment, rocky, flexible.",The road to success is always under construction.  Quote: Lily Tomlin.,"Any progress requires some adjustments, perhaps hardshipsThe same is with the truth.  We need to be flexible, and not overly set in our ways.",Ecclesiastes 7:16,Bobby Laymon,,0,1,6/13/2013,
"Facts, blood issue, transfusions, Jehovah's Witnesses, statements,","When my brother, Johnse Laymon, was hospitalized for a heart valve transplant on June 12, 2013 a group of doctors visited the Intensive Care Unit.  Most were being trained as future doctors.  They came to my brothers room and someone said, ""This is one of Jehovah's Witnesses."" as it was written on all the charts.  Another said, ""They won't take blood transfusions.""","The instructor said, ""Yes, they do better than other patients for one of three reasons.  Either they are treated more carefully by the surgeon, or they are not bothered by complications of the blood transfusions, or its their religion.""  Apparently he had tried to figure it out.  What do you think?",Acts 15:20;,Bobby Laymon,The Sacredness of Life and Blood,135,1,6/13/2013,
"Gilead, Transform, change, adjustment, power, God's Word, Bible, pioneer,","This could be compared to the illustration of two caterpillars talking. When they observed a butterfly flying overhead, one caterpillar said, ""You'll never get me up in a dangerous contraption like that."" He didn't realize that soon, through metamorphosis, he would be transformed into a butterfly.","Oftentimes, when new ones are learning the truth, they say that they will never go house to house- ""I could never do that"" - or that they could never get up and give a talk in front of the congregation.  Through the power of Jehovah's spirit and his Word, they do. This is described in Rom 12:2, ""be transformed by making your mind over."" As your Bible students experience that miraculous transformation, it will bring you tremendous joy and satisfaction. Many marvelous, heartwarming, spiritually exhilarating experiences await you as you uproot, overturn, and roll out of the way strongly entrenched reasoning in the minds and hearts of meek ones that you will find in your assignments.",Romans 12:2,Stephen Lett; Gilead Graduation.,,0,,5/28/2006,
"Truth, lies, deception, Agnostic,","""The truth is: There is no truth.""",That statement is in itself a contradiction.,John 17:17;John 8:32;,Steven Cazzell,"COME, YOU WHO THIRST FOR THE TRUTH!",89,1,7/9/2013,
"Love, definition","""Love is the perfect expression of unselfishness.""",This is the kind of love Jehovah showed.,John 3:16;,W51 page 277,LOVE IDENTIFIES THE TRUE CHRISTIAN CONGREGATION,72,1,7/15/2013,2/7/2021
"Columbus Egg, thinking,","In the story, Christopher Columbus is dining with Spanish nobles who are trying to downplay his discovery of the West Indies. To the criticism, he replies by offering a wager to anyone who can make an egg stand on its tip. No one is able to achieve the feat, but when it is his turn, Columbus taps the egg at one end to flatten the tip, allowing the egg to stand.","Columbus, was a revolutionary thinker.  The point is: once you've seen it, anyone can do it.We can be trained by watching others, and letting them watch us.  Jehovah trains us by superior thinking.","Isaiah 55:8, 9.",Bobby Laymon,,0,1,8/27/2013,
"three h's, 3 h's, honest, humble, hungry,","The Bible Students (as Jehovah’s Witnesses were formerly called) used to say that in order to accept the truth, people need to have the three h’s. They need to be honest, humble, and hungry.","We cannot expect insincere people, those not honest, to respond favorably to the truth; nor can we expect arrogant or proud individuals to listen to the good news. Further, even if an individual has a measure of honesty and humility, it is not likely that he will take to the truth if he is not spiritually hungry.",Jeremiah 1:17-19,w91 9/1 29,CONDUCTING OURSELVES HONESTLY AT ALL TIMES,10,1,8/28/2013,
"Joy, happiness, meetings,","Grief can take care of itself, but to get the full value of a joy you must have somebody to divide it with. --Mark Twain",We need the meetings.,"Hebrews 10:23, 24;",Bobby Laymon,WILL YOU ESCAPE THIS WORLD'S DESTINY?,84,1,10/24/2006,
"Truth, Bible, effective use, aright, Sword,","The Bible is not a club with which to browbeat our listeners.  We should heed the apostle Peter’s admonition: “Sanctify the Christ as Lord in your hearts, always ready to make a defense before everyone that demands of you a reason for the hope in you, but doing so together with a mild temper and deep respect.”","“Handling the word of the truth aright” involves more than explaining Scriptural truths accurately. We should be careful that we do not use the Bible to intimidate people. Though we can use the Scriptures to defend the truth, as Jesus did when he was tempted by the Devil.","1 Pet. 3:15;Deut. 6:16; 8:3; 10:20; Matt. 4:4, 7, 10;",w10 2/15 p. 12 par. 11,"COME, YOU WHO THIRST FOR THE TRUTH!",89,1,1/1/2011,
"Gilead, school, memories, education, forget, remember,","“The School Has Ended.”Samuel Herd of the Governing Body highlighted why the students should remember their experience at Gilead School. Like a pleasant melody heard in the morning that stays with a person throughout the day, the precious memories of Gilead can help sustain the students long after the school has ended.","Brother Herd reminded the students that God’s memory is limitless. He has named each of the billions upon billions of stars in the universe, and he will never forget any of the stars. (Psalm 147:4) How much more will he remember the effort that the students put into their Gilead training! They have amassed “treasures in heaven,” and no one can steal the precious thoughts about those students that Jehovah has stored up in his memory.—Matthew 6:20.",Psalm 147:4;,145 class of Gilead,DO YOU HAVE THE EVENGELIZING SPIRIT?,63,1,10/17/2013,
"Tongue, speech, friends,","Sign in Italian restaurant: ""There is nothing better than old friends and aged wine.""",Jehovah is our oldest friend.  We need to honor Him with our tongue.,Psalm 145:1-3,Brother Higgs,,0,,5/21/2006,
"compassion, kindness,","Like the warm rays of the bright sun, ....","…compassion can sooth a distressed soul, lessen pain, and lift the spirits of an afflicted person.","Matthew 5:46, 47: 7:12;","December 15, 2007 Wt page 4",,0,1,11/19/2007,
"Pioneer, relief, support,",How do you spell relief?  P-I-O-N-E-E-R.,"Serving full-time, if possiby, brings relief from many of the world's problems.","Romans 1:11, 12;",Don Palmer,,0,1,1/7/2010,
"man direct his steps, man rule, governments, belong, balance,",A man buys a little pig.  He wants to teach him how to fly.  He feeds him bird seed. Puts him in a house with the chickens.  Tosses him into the air.  Drops him from a building.,When will man be able to rule himself?  When pigs fly!,Jeremiah 10:23;,George Cook DO,HUMAN RULE-WEIGHED IN THE BALANCE,154,1,5/28/2013,
"Paradise earth, Home,","The new world might be likened to the home port for which we are heading. With it so close now, what a tragedy it would be for one to lose Jehovah’s favor!","Some Christians, though, have allowed distractions to lure them away from Jehovah’s light so that their faith has been shipwrecked on what we might liken to treacherous rocks—materialism, immorality, or even apostasy. Yes, as in the first century, some today “have experienced shipwreck concerning their faith.”","1 Timothy 1:19; 2 Peter 2:13-15, 20-22","October 15, 2007 WT page 12",YOUR FUTURE--HOW CAN IT BE KNOWN?,19,1,1/4/2008,
"Beauty, Heart, emotions, thanksgiving, appreciation, Helen Keller,",The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched - they must be felt with the heart. Quote: Helen Keller,That is how we feel about Jehovah's gifts.,John 17:3;,Bobby Laymon,HAPPY THOUGH HUNGRY--HOW CAN IT BE?,31,1,8/9/2010,
"Integrity, moral completeness, soundness, whole, faultless,","IMAGINE that you are looking over the plans for a house. You marvel at the practicality of the design. You delight in thinking of the ways in which the house could benefit you and your family. Would you not agree, though, that those plans and any thought you might give them would do little good unless you actually built the house, moved in, and then maintained it?","Similarly, integrity may impress us as a vital quality that will do us and those we love a great deal of good. But thinking approvingly about integrity benefits us little unless we build and maintain our Christian integrity.",Ex. 20:5,w08 12/15 p. 7 pars. 1-2 Will You Hold Fast to Your Integrity?,Service Talk,200,1,2/28/2009,
"Rebellion, authority, obedience,","Imagine that you are a soldier in an army. The success, even the very survival of the army, likely depends on each soldier’s cooperation with, obedience to, and respect for the chain of command. If you were to undermine that organization by rebelling, all your fellow soldiers might well be placed in danger.","The Bible refers to God hundreds of times as “Jehovah of armies.” (1 Samuel 1:3) He is the Commander of a vast array of mighty spirit creatures. At times, Jehovah likens his earthly servants to an army. (Psalm 68:11; Ezekiel 37:1-10) If we were to rebel against the humans that Jehovah has put in authority over us, might we not be putting our fellow spiritual soldiers at risk? When a Christian rebels against appointed elders, others in the congregation may suffer as well.","1 Corinthians 12:14, 25, 26",lv chap. 4 pp. 39-40 par. 9 Why Respect Authority?,RESPECT FOR AUTHORITY IS A SAFEGUARD FOR YOU,12,1,2/28/2009,
"Building yourselves up, faith, You,","YOU are hard at work on a building project. The construction has been going on for some time and will continue well into the future. So far, the work has been challenging yet fulfilling. Come what may, you are determined never to give up or slack off, for the quality of your work will affect your life, even your future.","Why? Because the building under construction is you!The disciple Jude stressed the building work that we do on ourselves. When he urged Christians to “keep yourselves in God’s love,” he also revealed in the same passage the key to doing so: “By building up yourselves on your most holy faith.”  Let us focus on three aspects of the spiritual building project before you.","Jude 20, 21;",lv chap. 17 p. 196 pars. 1-2 “Building Up Yourselves on Your Most Holy Faith”,PARENTS--ARE YOU BUILDING WITH FIRE-RESISTANT MATERIALS?,104,1,2/28/2009,
"Secret, sacred, phantom,","""NOTHING is so burdensome as a secret.""  Or at least so claims a French proverb. Could this explain why we feel good when we know a secret but sometimes frustrated when we cannot talk about it?","Yet, over the centuries many people have welcomed secrecy, joining themselves together into secret groups in pursuit of a common goal.    However, the truth must not be kept secret.",Romans 10:10;,http://www.watchtower.org/library/w/1997/6/1/article_01.htm,TRUE FRIENDSHIP WITH GOD AND NEIGHBOR,100,1,10/24/2006,
"simple, answers,","Broadly speaking, the short words are the best, and the old words best of all. -- Sir Winston Churchill",Keep answers simple.,"Matthew 6:22, 23",Bobby Laymon,,0,,4/3/2006,
"tongue, self control, speech,","Remember not only to say the right thing in the right place, but far more difficult still, to leave unsaid the wrong thing at the tempting moment. --Benjamin Franklin",There is a time to speak.,Ecclesiastes 3:7,Bobby Laymon,KEEP GROWING IN YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD,16,1,10/30/2006,
"Resurrection, faith, courage, future, funeral,","The resurrection is such a sure thing, God considers them still alive!So, when it comes to our loved ones,  'We never really have to say, 'Good-bye!'  Just, 'So long for now,  or I'll be seeing you.'","The deep grief that loss of a loved one causes can be lessened, endured if we have that faith that gives us the spiritual vision to see what the near future really holds.",Luke 20:38;,JK,FACING THE FUTURE WITH FAITH AND COURAGE,166,1,10/23/2006,
"Christendom, Babylon, religion, faithful and discreet slave,","A father and mother need to go on a trip. They cannot take their children along, so they hire a babysitter. Their instructions to her are simple: “Take care of our children. Feed them, make sure they are clean, and keep them from harm.” When the parents return, though, they are shocked to see that their children are famished. They are dirty, sickly, and miserable. They are crying for the babysitter’s attention, but their cries go unheeded. Why? She is up on a ladder, washing the windows. Furious, the parents demand an explanation. The sitter replies: “Look at all that I did! Aren’t the windows clean? I made repairs to the house too, all for you!” Would the parents feel better? Hardly! They never asked her to do those jobs; they just wanted their children cared for. Her refusal to heed their instructions would infuriate them.","Christendom has acted like that babysitter. Jesus left instructions with his representatives to feed people spiritually by teaching them the truth of God’s Word and helping them to be spiritually clean. (John 21:15-17) Yet, Christendom has dismally failed to obey his direction. She has left people spiritually starved, confused by falsehoods and ignorant of basic Bible truths. (Isaiah 65:13; Amos 8:11) Even her attempts to better this world can hardly excuse her willful disobedience. After all, this world system is like a house that is slated for demolition! God’s Word makes it clear that Satan’s world system is soon to be destroyed.—1 John 2:15-17.",John 21:15-17,cf chap. 18 p. 186 par. 12 cf chap. 18 p. 186 par. 12,WHO ARE QUALIFIED AS MINISTERS OF GOD?,81,1,4/9/2008,
"World, separate, 144,000, anointed, memorial, personality,","The selection of these spiritual Israelites can be compared to diamond mining. When rich diamond-bearing ore is brought to the surface, it may yield only 1 carat (.007 ounce [200 mg]) per 3 tons of earth. A method once used to separate the diamonds involved mixing the ore with water and flowing the mixture over tables of grease. Diamonds are water-repellent, and they stuck to the grease while the unwanted material was washed away. At this stage the diamonds were rough. However, when cut and polished, they reflected light in all directions.","Like water-repellent diamonds that are no part of the matter around them, Jehovah's people have been separated from the world. (John 17:16) When first drawn to the light, they may have lacked luster. But Jehovah's Word and spirit create within them a new personality, and they shine as illuminators in this world. It is because of Jehovah's righteousness that they are set on high and reflect the glorious light of Kingdom truth in all directions, not because of their own righteousness.",John 17:16;,*** w95 12/15 p. 27 Righteousness Exalts a Nation ***,IS IT TIME FOR GOD TO RULE THE WORLD?,20,1,10/24/2006,
"sin, Adam, Eve, test, failure,","Have you ever ate at a smorgasbord, or buffet?  What if the host told you that you are welcome to eat anything on the buffet.  However, the food on that table will make you sick.    Would it be difficult for you to stay away from the table.  Of course not!",That is what Jehovah told Adam and Eve.  But he made the warning greater.  He told them they would die.,Genesis 2:17;,Bobby Laymon,THE ONLY CURE FOR SICK MANKIND,62,c,6/12/2006,11/10/2015
"Zealous, hatred, pornography, morals,","Our zeal in heeding God’s warnings can help us to develop a hatred for what is bad.  We need to abhor pornography in order to “break free from its powerful, magnetic pull,” as one Christian expressed it. To pry apart pieces of magnetized metal, one needs a force that is stronger than the attraction holding them together."," Similarly, it takes strong effort to resist the lure of pornography. But understanding how much damage pornography can do to us will help us to develop a loathing for it.",Ps. 97:10; Rom. 12:9,w09 6/15 pp. 14-15 par. 15,THE BIBLE'S VIEW OF SPIRITISTIC PRACTICES,95,1,1/2/2011,
"Dwelling, protection, security, Witness protection program,","Witness protection is protection of a threatened witness or any person involved in the justice system, including defendants and other clients, before, during and after a trial, usually by police. It is to keep them from being killed.","Jehovah’s servants, who boldly testify for Jehovah and fearlessly expose his vicious archenemy, Satan!  But has Satan been able to silence God’s people? No! In fact, we continue to thrive spiritually—a reality that can have only one explanation: Jehovah is still our refuge, “a real dwelling” for us, especially during these last days.  The greatest ""witness protection program"" on earth.",Revelation 12:17;,"March 15, 2013 WT",HOW TO PROTECT OURSELVES FROM SATAN'S SNARES,115,1,5/26/2013,
"Jesus, Messiah, credentials, qualifications, ambassador, identity, requirements,","When presenting himself to another government, an ambassador is expected to confirm his appointment with the proper credentials.","Jehovah had recorded well in advance the requirements of the Messiah.  It would be as if he came with documentation, or credentials, that would confirm his identity.",Hebrews 12:2,"Feb 15, 2006 wt page 5",,0,,4/1/2006,
"Weakness, Powerful, overwhelm,","YOUR weaknesses can overwhelm you. They cling like leeches. You may think that you will never overcome them, or you may feel inadequate, comparing yourself with others and deciding that you do not measure up.","How can you break out of such despair? Hard as it may be, you need to take your mind off your problems for a while. For example, you might consider Jehovah’s inspired questions to his faithful servant Job: “Where did you happen to be when I founded the earth? Tell me, if you do know understanding. Who set its measurements, in case you know, or who stretched out upon it the measuring line?”","Job 38:4, 5; Job 14:13",w08 6/15 p. 3 Powerful Despite Weaknesses,Service Talk,200,1,2/28/2009,
"Marriage, commitments, loyalty,",Marriage may not be a storybook romance…,"... but neither does it have to be a tragedy. While there will be times when you and your spouse will just have to put up with each other, there will also be occasions when you can put your differences aside and just enjoy being together, having fun, and talking to each other as friends. These are the times when you may be able to rekindle the love that has faded.",Ephesians 4:2; Colossians 3:13;,Society's Web Site,SHOW RESPECT AND LOVE IN YOUR MARRIAGE,28,,5/30/2006,
"Power, energy, Holy spirit, meetings, service, congregation, Bible,","Electric companies, and other commercial enterprises profit greatly from selling power.  Gas producing nations are the wealthiest around.","However, Jehovah gives power away.  With Jehovah’s help we will finish our work, for “he is giving to the tired one power.”",Isa. 40:29.,Bobby Laymon,Trust in Jehovah's Saving Power,147,1,1/1/2011,
"Successful marriage, kisses, touch, smile, flowers, I love you, neglect, granted,"," When you husbands give your wife a gentle kiss, a kind touch, and a warm smile, it says more than just “I love you.” It reassures her that she is special to you and that you need her. Give her a phone call or an electronic message and tell her, “I’m missing you” or “How is your day going?”"," If since your courting days, you have begun to neglect making such expressions, it is a practice well worth reviving. Continue to learn what touches your spouse’s heart.  Both verbal and nonverbal reassurances are essential.","Proverbs 31:1, 28, 29,",g 7/08 p. 8,GETTING MARRIAGE OFF TO A GOOD START,27,1,1/8/2011,
"Depression, satisfaction, proud, humble, haughty,",A man cannot be comfortable without his own approval.  -- Mark Twain,"We must be satisfied by comparing ourselves to past accomplishments, however never become haughty or proud.",1 John 3:20;,Bobby Laymon,COPING WITH LIFE'S ANXIETIES,32,1,10/24/2006,
"Hope, Courageous, strong, faith,",Genuine hope is like a bright light.  It helps us to see beyound present trials and to face the future with courage and joy.,Only Jehovah can give us a sure hope.,2 Timothy 3:16;,"Oct 1, 2006 wt page 26",DOES YOUR HOPE REST ON SCIENCE OR THE BIBLE?,80,1,10/20/2006,
"Water, life, precious, environment, balance,","Water has been called liquid gold, the oil of the 21st century.","Yet, nations are squandering the precious commodity to such a degree that their principal rivers have hardly anything left to pour into the sea.","Psalms 24:1,2;",g 1/09 p. 4,REACH OUT FOR THE REAL LIFE!,90,1,1/1/2011,
"Dedication, baptism, friendship, commitment, adoption, Family,",Many people devote their life to the pursuit of material wealth without attaining true happiness and genuine satisfaction.,"However, those who dedicate themselves to Jehovah find long-lasting happiness.  The honor of being ""God's fellow workers"" makes them happy, yet their dedication is not to a work but to our appreciative God. (1 Cor. 3:9) No one could be more appreciative of their self-sacrifice than he is.",Matt. 6:24,"Jan 15, 2010 WT page 7","LIVING, NOT FOR SELF, BUT TO DO GOD'S WILL",8,1,1/8/2010,
"Distinction, set apart, different,","In Israel, males were required to wear blue strings on the fringes of their garment.  Suppose you say, ""That doesn't match my eyes, or clothing?""  It was a requirement.","Likewise, Jehovah's people today are required to be different.",Malachi 3:18;,Brandon Gwilliams,WHY CHRISTIANS MUST BE DIFFERENT,123,1,5/26/2013,5/19/2018
"Convincing, persuade, persuasion, convince, con, sell, truth,",He or she could talk a bird right out of a tree.,"Some are better than others, but we need to convince people of the truth.",Acts 19:8,Bobby Laymon,"COME, YOU WHO THIRST FOR THE TRUTH!",89,1,1/2/2011,
"Money, materialism, wisdom,"," God’s Word encourages us to respect money, not to love it. Why should you avoid developing love for money? Consider this illustration: In the hands of a skilled chef, a sharp knife is a useful tool. But the same knife in the hands of someone inattentive or careless can cause serious harm."," If handled skillfully, money too can be useful. However, those who are “determined to be rich” often sacrifice friendships, family relationships, and even their relationship with God. As a result, they stab themselves “all over with many pains.”—Read 1 Timothy 6:9, 10.",Eccl. 7:12;,w10 11/15 p. 5 par. 11,Godly Wisdom in a Scientific World,139,1,1/2/2011,
"Sin, inherited,","Barring that natural expression of villainy which we all have, the man looked honest enough. -- Mark Twain",We were all born in sin.,Romans 3:23;,Bobby Laymon,HOW SHOULD YOU SERVE GOD?,58,1,10/24/2006,
"technology, science, dangers,",Apple - no longer means fruit to young ones; today means computer.  Mouse - at one time you would never want one in your house.  If you own a computer you can't live without a mouse.,Technology in its right place is great.  However it can and does pose dangers.,1 Corinthians 10:10;,Joe Mazacek,,0,1,6/3/2009,
"determination, firm, confidence, weak, immature,","""If you don't stand for something, you will fall for something.""  Quote: African Proverb.",Must hold FIRM to end either of this system or of our own lives,Matthew 24:13;,Bobby Laymon,MAINTAIN YOUR CONFIDENCE FIRM TO THE END,46,,6/18/2006,
"Materialism, work, striving after wind, spiritual things,","Over the years, paintings may get lost or destroyed.",That is not the case with the spiritual things we produce.,1 Corinthians 3:9-11;,"Apr 15, 2008 WT page 23, 24;",TAKING TIME TO MEDITATE ON SPIRITUAL THINGS,67,1,6/29/2008,
"Witnessing, fear of witnesses, affect of,","Like the old western movies.  There is going to be a gunfight.  People scatter, into the stores and men into the saloons.  Occasionally a head stick up.","Have you noticed how everyone scatters when Jehovah's Witnesses show up.  People run into their houses, or barns.  Even mocho men get in their pickup trucks and take off.  However, we are never wasting our time.  A witness is being given.",Ezekiel 3:17-19;,Charlie Allyn,,0,1,5/15/2007,
"Gilead, Behind, pioneer, history, adjustment,","The 120th class of Gilead has finished, so we could say that it is ""behind"" you. What are you going to do with it?  Divinely inspired advice is found at Isaiah 30:21, ""And your own ears will hear a word behind you saying: ""This is the way. Walk in it, you people.""","Jehovah calls out to us through his written Word and the faithful and discreet slave in the form of publications. They are behind you, just as Gilead is. That doesn't mean they are outdated. God's Kingdom of a Thousand Years has Approached (p. 344 #29) states, ""Apparently one generation of the ""slave"" class fed the next succeeding generation thereof.""",Isaiah 30:21;,Wallace Liverance; Gilead Graduation,,0,,5/28/2006,
"Anger, wrath, temper, mild, control,","Anger is never without Reason, but seldom with a good One.  -- Benjamin Franklin",Exercise self control.,"Genesis 4:5, 6;",Bobby Laymon,FOLLOW THE WAY TO LIFE,45,1,10/24/2006,
"Guide, Word, Bible, Safeguard,","SAILING solo on the open sea can be exhausting. The numbing effect of fatigue can easily push the mariner across a dangerous threshold, so that errors and wrong decisions are made. For this reason, he appreciates the value of a sea anchor. It allows a weary sailor to rest and recuperate without drifting dangerously. At the same time, the sea anchor forces the bow to point into the wind and waves and keeps the boat in its most stable position.","Just as sailors face numerous dangers at sea, Christians face the constant pressures of this world and feel the need for rest. In fact, once Jesus recommended to his disciples: ""Come, you yourselves, privately into a lonely place and rest up a bit."" (Mark 6:31) Today, some may take a few weeks to travel or have a weekend away to relax with their family. These moments can be refreshing and reinvigorating. How, though, can we make sure that we are spiritually safe at such times? What can serve as our spiritual sea anchor tohelp us resist drifting and maintain stability?Jehovah has generously made a provision available to us. It is none other than his Holy Word, the Bible. By reading it daily, we can stay close to Jehovah and never drift away from him. Its counsel can stabilize us and enable us to withstand the temptations of Satan and his world. Our maintaining a regular program of Bible reading, even when we are out of our routine, can serve to anchor us spiritually.","Joshua 1:7,8; Colossians 2:7",*** w00 8/15 p. 32 A Lesson From the Mariner ***,Service Talk,200,1,10/24/2006,
"compare, comparison, analyze, examine,",If you need a new car what do you do?  You go shopping and do research to compare the different models.,"Unlike shopping for a new car, we should not compare ourselves to others.",Gal 6:4,Rick Faulk,,0,,5/21/2006,
"Aid, support, help, brotherhood, friends, congregation,","There is a network of support groups throughout the world.  From alcohol, drug abuse, cancer and many others.  These can be of help when needed.",How do we view the congregation?  The congregation is the greatest support group in the world.  We can count on the brothers and sisters.,Proverbs 17:17;,Charlie Allyn c. o.,A WORLDWIDE BROTHERHOOD SAVED FROM CALAMITY,121,1,5/11/2008,
"goals, future, chance, unforeseen occurrences,",It is a mistake to try to look too far ahead. The chain of destiny can only be grasped one link at a time.  -- Sir Winston Churchill,We need to have both short range goals and long range goals that are reasonable.,"James 4:13, 14",Bobby Laymon,,0,,4/3/2006,
"Meetings, service, obedience,","You start to buy a new car and the salesman asks, ""Do you want wheels?""  Wheels are not an option.",Likewise with meetings!  They are not an option.,Hebrews 10:23; Revelation 19:20:17;,"Follow The Christ District Convention; Tulsa, OK Jun 1-3 2007",SERVING WITH JEHOVAH'S UNIFIED ORGANIZATION,3,1,6/4/2007,
"Study, Bible, Training, Preparation, goals,",Athletes often train hard for many months in order to reach their goal.,"similarly, reaching spiritual goals requires sacrifice and serious effort.","1 Timothy 4:7, 8, 10;","May 1, 2007 WT page 26",WHY DID JESUS SUFFER AND DIE?,161,1,6/16/2007,
"Friends, associates,","""When you know who his friend is, you know who he is.""  Quote: African Proverb.",People are identified by the company they keep.,1 Corinthians 15:33;,Bobby Laymon,"FRIENDSHIP WITH GOD, FRIENDSHIP WITH THE WORLD--WHICH WILL YOU CHOOSE?",79,,6/18/2006,
"Armageddon, valley of protection,","ON October 30, 1938, millions of people in the United States were listening to a popular radio program that featured theatrical plays. The performance that evening was an adaptation of the science fiction novel The War of the Worlds. Actors portraying news announcers described the landing of an invasion force from Mars that would cause widespread destruction on Earth. Although it had been announced that the radio program was a play, many listeners thought that the attack was real and became frightened. Some even took certain measures in an attempt to protect themselves from imaginary aliens.","2 Today there is a real war looming on the horizon. However, people are failing to respond to its approach. This war is foretold, not in a science fiction novel, but in God’s inspired Word, the Bible. It is the war of Armageddon—God’s war against this wicked system of things. (Rev. 16:14-16) In this war, God’s servants on earth will not need to defend themselves against aliens from another planet. Still, they will be awestruck by astonishing events and by the fear-inspiring display of God’s power.",Rev. 16:14-16,"Feb 15, 2013 WT page 17",,0,1,5/14/2013,
"Young, youth, peer pressure, questions, test, examine,","When I was young, there was a bad dog on my way to school.  I figured out another way, even though it was longer distance, to avoid the dog.",Likewise it is wise to avoid situations if there is a danger of peer pressure.,Proverbs 21:5;,Melvin Hood,HOW CAN YOUTHS COPE WITH TODAY'S CRISIS?,113,1,1/9/2011,
"Hope, Kingdom, home, house,","By ignoring the hope that Jehovah has given, the people have made the object of their trust a spider’s house: if they lean upon it, it will not stand.","How could even an organization of the brainiest men be the sponsors of a saving hope when “surely every man at his best estate is altogether vanity”? Thus the best house or organization that man could build would be, as a foundation for a saving hope, only a spider’s house.","Ps. 39:5, AS; Job 8:14, 15",w54 8/15 p. 496 par. 3,,0,1,7/9/2009,
"Friend, companion,","There is an even more important factor—the most fundamental one. Nearly 2,000 years ago, Jesus showed that the key to success in all human relations is unselfish love. He taught: “Just as you want men to do to you, do the same way to them.”","This teaching has come to be known as the Golden Rule. Yes, the only way to have real friends is to be an unselfish, giving friend yourself. In other words, to have a friend, be a friend. To be successful, friendship must be more about giving than about getting. We must be prepared to put our friend’s needs ahead of our own preferences and convenience.",Luke 6:31,Watchtower.org,TRUE FRIENDSHIP WITH GOD AND NEIGHBOR,100,1,1/3/2011,
"Friends, whole-souled, companions, confide,","""True friendship is felt, not said.""  ---Mariecris Madayag",It is nice to know we have someone to confide in.,Proverbs 17:17;,Bobby Laymon,,0,1,12/17/2009,
"Faith, Deliverance, promise, future, meditate,","Imagine you received a 'title deed' to property.  In your mind, could you not see the house, the grass, the trees?",Our faith is like a 'title deed' to meditate on in our minds.,Hebrews 11:1,"District Convention - Tulsa, OK  June 23, 24, 2006",BUILD YOUR FAITH IN MAN'S MAKER,54,1,7/2/2006,
"Starting Bible study, busy, world, Hesitate, friendship, relationship,","If you were asked to leap a wide stream in one bound, you might balk at the suggestion.  But if stepping stones were placed at regular intervals across it, you would likely be more inclined to attempt the crossing.","Likewise, a busy person may hesitate to study the Bible.  They may think that too much time and effort are involved.  By conducting a series of brief, informative discussions, you can use the Bible Teach book to lead the person into a regular study of God's Word.  Each return visit will become a stepping stone toward his friendship with Jehovah.",Luke 8:11-15;,"Jan 15, 2007 WT page 27",KEEP GROWING IN YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD,16,1,5/15/2007,
"start of love, like an appleseed, gradual, beginning of love for Jehovah,"," An apple seed is essential to the development of a fruit-bearing apple tree. If you wanted an apple, however, would you be content if someone merely handed you an apple seed?","Hardly! Similarly, a feeling of love for Jehovah God is only a start. The Bible teaches: “This is what the love of God means, that we observe his commandments; and yet his commandments are not burdensome.” (1 John 5:3) To be genuine, love for God must bear fine fruit. It must be expressed in actions.  As described in the Bible, love for God is much more than a feeling. In fact, although the feeling of love for Jehovah is essential, that feeling is just the beginning of real love for him.",Matthew 7:16-20,bh chap. 19 p. 186 par. 7,LOVE IDENTIFIES THE TRUE CHRISTIAN CONGREGATION,72,1,6/4/2013,
"Goodness, fruits of the spirit, good,","Picture a woman preparing fruit for her family, examining each piece as she slices it to make sure that it is sweet and ripe all the way through, without defect inside or out.","Similarly, the goodness produced by holy spirit permeates a Christian’s entire way of life. Goodness is moral excellence. It involves not just what we do but, more important, what we are.",Psalm 143:10;,"April 15, 2011 Page 25;",,0,1,4/30/2011,
"Daily text, examining the Scriptures daily, reminders,","Did you brush your teeth this morning?  Do you brush every day?  What if I told you I have a better idea.  Only brush your teeth 3 or 4 times a week.  Maybe brush a little harder, but it will work better.  Would you believe that?",Likewise with the daily text.  We need it each day.  Only 3 or 4 times a week is not as effective.,Ephesians 4:23;,Jason Arndt,,0,1,5/10/2010,
"Reading, Words, Education, repetition,","Reading is not always study, but …",Study always involves reading.,Joshua 1:8,Elder's School 2011,,0,1,5/2/2011,
"Sign, presence, kingdom,","Imagine you are traveling to see the ocean.  You may see road signs directing you along the way, but once you are at the shore, standing at the water's edge with the vast expanse of water stretching out to the horizon, would you expect to see a sign with a big arrow pointing ahead, emblazoned with the word ""Ocean""?  Why have a sign to point out what you can easily identify with your eyes.","Jesus described the sign of his presence, not to point out something that humans could see with their eyes, but to help them discern something that would occur in heaven.",Luke 17:20;,"Jan 1, 2008 WT page 8",THE MESSIAH'S PRESENCE AND HIS RULE,91,1,1/4/2008,
"Snare, trap, Satan traps,",Imagine having your feet jerked right out from under you and you are hanging upside down high above the ground.  Snares are used like that to catch unsuspecting animals and men.,"When in a snare, you have no control of your future.",Proverbs 29:25;,Jon Baker - District Convention,HOW TO PROTECT OURSELVES FROM SATAN'S SNARES,115,1,9/2/2009,
"Olive, Nature, contrary, unexpected, wild olive, unusual, prophecy,","Jehovah did something that many would view as totally unexpected. Paul describes what happened as “contrary to nature.” (Rom.11:24)How was this so? Well, it would seem unusual, even unnatural, to graft a wild branch onto a cultivated tree; yet, that is what some farmers did in the first century.","In a similar way, Jehovah did something extraordinary. From a Jewish viewpoint, Gentiles were incapable of producing acceptable fruitage. However, Jehovah made these very ones part of “a nation” that produced Kingdom fruitage. (Matt. 21:43) Starting with the anointing of Cornelius—the first uncircumcised Gentile convert—in 36 C.E., the opportunity was opened up to uncircumcised non-Jews to be grafted onto this symbolic olive tree.",Acts 10:44-48;,"May 15, 2011 WT page 25",PAYING ATTENTION TO THE PROPHETIC WORD,102,1,4/20/2011,
"Commandments, obedience, burden,","A close friend asks you to help him move to another residence. There are many boxes to be transported. Some of them are light enough for one person to carry comfortably, but others are heavy and require two people to lift them. Your friend selects the boxes he wants you to move. Would he ask you to pick up boxes that he knows are too heavy for you? No. He would not want you to hurt yourself by trying to carry them alone.","Similarly, our loving and kind God does not ask us to observe commandments that are too difficult to fulfill. (Deuteronomy 30:11-14) He would never ask us to carry such a heavy burden. Jehovah understands our limitations, for “he himself well knows the formation of us, remembering that we are dust.”",Psalm 103:14.,lv chap. 1 pp. 11-12 par. 14,Trust in the God of All Comfort,143,1,2/28/2009,
"Unevenly yoked, marriage, work, employment, service talk, local needs,","w89 11/1 22  Do Not Yoke Yourselves With Unbelievers What if you are attracted to someone who is studying the Bible and attending the meetings, although he or she is not yet baptized? We rejoice when anyone shows an interest in Bible truth. The question, though, is: Should you pursue your inclination? Frankly, the course of wisdom is to wait until some time after your friend is baptized and is making progress in displaying the fruits of God's spirit before you date. (Galatians 5:22, 23) It may not be easy to apply such advice, but by doing so you will demonstrate devotion to Bible principles; this will lay a fine foundation for true happiness in marriage. If your friend genuinely cares for you and is truly coming to love Jehovah, no doubt he (or she) will be willing to wait until both of you are ""in the Lord""—dedicated and baptized—before courting. Remember, too, that true love is not hurt by the passage of time.	D.	Many have chosen to remain single because of being unable to find a suitable mate.		1.	True, being single may be difficult for you, but the problems resulting from being 						unevenly yoked in marriage can be even more difficult! 		2.	Obeying God's counsel may require faith, self-control, and patience, but be assured 					that Jehovah knows and desires what is best for you. (1 Peter 5:6, 7) 		3.	Make it a matter of prayer, and then wait on Jehovah. (Psalm 55:22)	E.	Jehovah does not change.","1.	Despite the passing of time, Jehovah's view of marriage alliances for his servants 					has never changed.		2.	Obey Jehovah, the unchanging God. 		3.	Do not go against his will in matters relating to wedlock and risk your spirituality and 					life itself by becoming unevenly yoked with an unbeliever.","Galatians 5:22, 23",Bobby Laymon,Service Talk,200,1,4/9/2008,
"Friend, whole-souled, compassion,",A friend is someone who knows the song in your heart and can sing it back to you when you have forgotten the words.  Quote: unknown.,A friend can tell you things you don't want to tell yourself.  Quote: Frances Ward Weller,Proverbs 17:17;,Bobby Laymon,,0,1,12/17/2009,
"Creation, evolution, chance,","To illustrate: Place ten soccer balls in a straight line on a soccer field, each ball three feet [1 m] from the other. By kicking the first ball, try to make each ball hit the next one in line, so that all ten balls are hit. Furthermore, try to predict the final position of each ball. The probability of success is so remote that most people would likely regard the feat as impossible.","That being the case, how can anyone claim that the development of the human cell—involving processes far more complex than kicking soccer balls—could ever be achieved simply by chance? The most reasonable explanation is that a super intelligent Being created humans and all other forms of life on earth. Would this Being, who is the Creator, do such a thing without having a purpose? Of course not. He must have had a purpose, and that purpose is revealed and made understandable in the Bible.",Genesisesis 1:1,*** g05 11/22 p. 15 Science and the Bible Helped Me Find the Meaning of Life ***,,0,,1/27/2006,
"Jesus Christ, teacher, sermon on the mount,","Have you ever had a poor teacher?  One that could make 30 minutes seem like 3 hours?  By contrast, you may have had a teacher that time flew by, and they changed not only your thinking, but your life.","Jesus Christ was that kind of teacher.  In his sermon on the mount, probably no one was worrying about backache, or poor seats, or time.  They were glued to his teaching.","Luke 6:12, 13; Matthew 7:28, 29; Matthew chapters 5-7;","Follow The Christ District Convention; Tulsa, OK Jun 1-3 2007",KEEP SEEKING GOD'S KINGDOM,44,1,6/4/2007,
"Jesus Christ, Role models, examples, patterns, followers,","The role models of this world are sports heros, musicians, singers, actors, and famous people.","We have the perfect role model.   Christ Jesus,",Philippians 2:8; Daniel 1:8;,"Follow The Christ District Convention; Tulsa, OK Jun 1-3 2007",HOW TO PROTECT OURSELVES FROM SATAN'S SNARES,115,1,6/4/2007,
"Armor, Satan,","Soldier with his shield, but there are holes in it from a previous battle.","We must keep our armor in good repair.  Otherwise those ""burning missiles"" can get through.",Ephesians 6:11-18.,Howard Erwin,HOW TO PROTECT OURSELVES FROM SATAN'S SNARES,115,1,6/4/2009,
"Listen, Hear,","Two old acquaintances were walking down the street together renewing old times. ""Just a minute,"" said one, ""I think I hear something,"" and turning a loose paving stone over he liberated a cricket which was chirping merrily away.","""I learned a long time ago that people hear in life only what they want to hear.  As he finished speaking he let a silver half-dollar fall from his pocket to the sidewalk. Everyone within an amazingly large hearing distance stopped and looked around.  People hear what they want to hear.",Hebrews 5:11;,Bobby Laymon,NEVER BECOME DULL IN YOUR HEARING,9,1,8/31/2009,
"Integrity, complete, whole,","The idea of seeking and valuing that which is whole, or complete, is not strange. Imagine, for instance, a book collector who finds a precious volume after a long search, only to discover that it is missing several vital pages.","Disappointed, he may put it back on the shelf.",2 Chron. 16:9;,w08 12/15 pp. 3-4 par. 5 Why Keep Your Integrity?,Does God Approve of the Use of Images in Worship?,136,1,6/18/2009,
"Reading, Prayers, Meeting Attendance, Ministry, RPM's.",How is your RPM's?,R=Reading; P=Prayers; 2 M's =Meeting attendance and Ministry.,,,,0,1,4/12/2011,
"Speech, gossip, slander,","""He who talks incessantly, talks nonsense.""  Quote: African Proverb.",It is hard to talk all the time without gossip.,1 Timothy 5:13;,Bobby Laymon,WHAT KIND OF NAME ARE YOU MAKING WITH GOD?,55,,6/18/2006,
"Young, youth, peer pressure, questions, test, examine,","That, though, would be like hesitating to look at the fuel gauge on the dashboard of your car, fearing that the needle is pointing to “Empty”! If there is no fuel in the tank, you need to find out so that you can do something about it.","Similarly, it is best for you to address any lack of conviction you may detect in yourself.—Acts 17:11.‘How do I know that the Scriptures are inspired of God?’ (2 Tim. 3:16) ‘Why am I convinced that these are “the last days”?’ (2 Tim. 3:1-5) ‘What makes me believe that Jehovah’s standards are for my good?’—Isa. 48:17, 18.   You might hesitate to ask yourself such questions, fearing that you will not have the answers.",Acts 17:11,w10 11/15 p. 9 pars. 6-7,HOW CAN YOUTHS COPE WITH TODAY'S CRISIS?,113,1,1/9/2011,
"False stories, lies, misleading, guide, direction, Bible, e-mail experiences,","Have you ever downloaded a map from a website?  It is so quick and easy.  However when you attempted to follow it, the path was blocked by a snowdrift, or a bridge that was out.  The information contained nothing about local conditions.",False stories often end up in nothing.  Greek word for 'false stories' is myth.  Jehovah gives correct guidance.   Examples: trust your gut; e-mail experiences;,"1 Timothy 1:3, 4; 2 Peter 1:8;","Follow The Christ District Convention; Tulsa, OK Jun 1-3 2007",WHY YOU CAN TRUST THE BIBLE,99,1,6/4/2007,
"Trinity, Hell, immortality, soul, pagan, source, truth,","""The fact that an opinion has been widely held is no evidence whatever that it is not utterly absurd."" - Bertrand Russell",Many have opinions that sprang from pagan sources.,"Romans 4:3,4;",Bobby Laymon,"COME, YOU WHO THIRST FOR THE TRUTH!",89,1,10/17/2006,
"Belief, Atheist, believing, faith, trust, convinced, persuade,","There is a difference in 'believing God,' and 'believing in God.'",We must believe God.,Hebrews 11:6;,District Convention 2013,BUILD YOUR FAITH IN MAN'S MAKER,54,1,7/9/2013,
"God, view, Jehovah, prayer, godly fear,","We must never be like those described by an experienced anointed Christian: ""They think of God as a sort of celestial waiter,"" he said.","""When they need something, they want to snap their fingers and have him come.  And when they've got what they want, they would like him to go away.""  Such an attitude betrays a lack of Godly fear.",Psalm 25:14;,"Aug 1, 2006 page 23",PRAYERS THAT ARE HEARD BY GOD,86,1,10/20/2006,
"Holding hand, comfort, unafraid, content, protection, safe,","“HOLD my hand,” says a father to his young son as they get ready to cross a busy street. With his father’s strong hand wrapped around his tiny fingers, the boy feels safe, unafraid.","Have you ever wished that someone could take your hand and safely lead you through life’s uncertainties? If so, you may find comfort in the words recorded by Isaiah.","Isaiah 41:10, 13;",w12 1/1 p. 18,,0,1,5/15/2013,
"Revenge, vengeance, get even, forgiveness,","One commentator observed: “If you think ‘revenge is sweet,’ look into the faces of those who have lived on it for years.”","Indeed, how can a person be joyful if hatred and destructive feelings are bottled up inside of him?",Proverbs 14:30.,w09 9/1 pp. 21-22,DO YOU HARBOR RESENTMENT OR DO YOU FORGIVE?,68,1,1/1/2011,
"Affection, Hugs, kisses, children, parents, love, touch, feelings, discipline,","Do you like hugs?  Do you like affection?  “HUG them a lot!” said a professor of child psychiatry to a first-time mother who had just given birth to twins. She had asked him for advice on the best way to bring up her children. “Love and affection have to be shown in numerous ways,” the professor added, “such as by hugs and kisses, by expressions of warmth, understanding, happiness, generosity, and forgiveness and, when necessary, by reasoned discipline.","We should never assume that our children know that we love them.”  Tiffany Field, director of the Touch Research Institute at the University of Miami, Florida, U.S.A., seems to agree with the above recommendation. “Touch is as essential to the growth and well-being of a child as diet and exercise,” she asserts.","Daniel 10:9-11, 15, 16, 18, 19; Acts 20:36, 37;",g 12/09 p. 22,RESPONSIBILITIES AND REWARDS OF PARENTHOOD,29,1,1/8/2011,
"Kingdom, Value, granted, greed,",The goose that laid the golden eggs.  The owner decided to kill the goose and get all the wealth at the same time.,Sometimes materialism and other things blind us to the true value of God's Kingdom.,Eccles 5:10,Bobby Laymon,,0,,4/29/2006,
"Communication, adolescents, timid, barriers,","Imagine that you are driving on a long, straight highway.  For many miles, you have had to make only minor adjustments to your steering.  Then, suddenly, the road takes a sharp turn.  To keep you car on the road, you have no choice but to adjust your steering.","It is similar when your child becomes an adolescent.  For some years, your parenting methods have perhaps needed little adjustment.  Now, though, your child's life has taken a sharp turn, and you must 'steer into the curve' by adjusting your techniques.",Proverbs 25:11;,"Aug 1, 2008 WT page 11;",COMMUNICATION--WITHIN THE FAMILY AND WITH GOD,30,1,7/4/2008,
"Trust, confidence, judging, righteous,"," Doctors can now use specialized equipment and techniques to look at a patient’s heart while it is pumping, thus gaining information about its condition. Or they can examine the kidneys, which are doing the work of filtering blood.","Jehovah can do much more. He examines the figurative heart and assesses a person’s motives and the figurative kidneys, which reflect a person’s deepest feelings. He can thus verify what moved a person to act in a certain way and how he feels about his actions. When judging, Jehovah is never satisfied with the mere outward appearance of a matter. He looks beyond the obvious to get all the facts. He also assesses the motives of those involved.",Read Jeremiah 12:1a; 20:12;,jr chap. 12 pp. 147-149 par. 17,JUDGMENT DAY-A TIME OF FEAR OR HOPE?,156,1,1/2/2011,
"Memory, remember, improve, creation,Visualization, understanding, speech, forget,","WHY is it that some birds can remember months later the places where they stored seeds for the winter and squirrels can remember the locations where they buried nuts, but we may forget where we left our keys an hour ago?","Yes, many of us complain of a faulty memory. Yet, the human brain, though imperfect, has an amazing capacity to learn and remember. The secret is to make the most of what we have.",Proverbs 7:3; 2 Timothy 3:16,g 2/09 p. 26,Service Talk,200,1,1/11/2010,
"Balaam, Lure, Satan, Fornication,","THE fisherman goes down to his favorite spot. He has a particular kind of fish in mind. He selects a lure and casts his line into the water. Moments later, the line goes taut, the rod bends, and he reels in his catch. Smiling, he knows he has chosen the right lure.","Balaam gave much thought to a lure. Balaam professed to be a prophet of Jehovah, but he was really just a greedy man hired to curse Israel. However, through Jehovah’s intervention, Balaam was only able to bless Israel. Set on earning his reward, Balaam reasoned that perhaps he could induce God to curse his own people, if only they could be tempted to commit gross sin. With that goal in mind, Balaam cast the lure—the seductive young women of Moab.","Numbers 22:1-7; 31:15, 16; Revelation 2:14.",lv chap. 9 p. 97 pars. 1-2 “Flee From Fornication”,A GODLY VIEW OF SEX AND MARRIAGE,13,1,2/28/2009,
"Faith, assured expectation, title deed,","If you have ever bought an item from a reputable company and then waited for it to be delivered, you have exercised that type of faith. The sales receipt in your hand gave you reason for faith in the company from which you bought the item. In a sense, that receipt was your title deed, your guarantee that you would receive what you purchased.","If you had lost the receipt or had thrown it away, you would have lost the proof of your claim of ownership. Similarly, those who have faith that God will fulfill his promises are guaranteed to receive what they hope for. On the other hand, those who do not have faith, or who lose it, are not entitled to receive the things God promises.",James 1:5-8,"May 1, 2009 WT page 3",BUILD YOUR FAITH IN MAN'S MAKER,54,1,5/26/2009,
"Satan, Devil, rule, failure, last days, cure, illness, Kingdom,"," In 1991, the newspaper The European noted: “Is the world sick? Yes, indeed, but . . . Not by [an] act of God—the world’s illness was inflicted by its peoples.”  Satan’s entire world system—a product of his way of governing—has repeatedly and consistently failed over the centuries.","How true! Influenced by Satan, our first parents chose human rule over rule by Jehovah. They thereby set in motion a way of governing that was bound to fail. The pain and misery experienced by people worldwide are signs that human rule is afflicted by a dreadful illness.",Jeremiah 10:23;,w10 1/15 p. 28 par. 17,THE ONLY CURE FOR SICK MANKIND,62,1,1/8/2011,
"Perfect, Righteousness, Judging, viewpoint, distorted, imperfect, limited,"," So we should not expect that Jehovah would have to be restricted by a law he designed for imperfect judges. If he were, would that not be like forcing someone with perfect vision to wear eyeglasses that are designed to correct the vision of those with defective sight?","Jehovah could read the hearts of David and Bath-sheba and see their genuine repentance. Taking such a factor into consideration, he judged them accordingly, in a merciful and loving manner.",Gen. 18:25; 1 Chron. 29:17,"Oct 15, 2010 WT Page 11",,0,1,12/27/2010,
"Kingdom, future, faith, courage, trust,",Have you ever seen a bird holding a sign on a busy corner……will work for worms?," Jehovah will let us do it all ourselves if we want, but it doesn’t take a mental giant to figure out who would be a better provider.  Jesus said that Jehovah sees to it that the birds have enough to eat.  At Matthew 6:26  it says . . .Observe intently the birds of heaven, because they do not sow seed or reap or gather into storehouses; still YOUR heavenly Father feeds them. Are YOU not worth more than they are?",Matthew 6:26;,JK,FACING THE FUTURE WITH FAITH AND COURAGE,166,1,10/23/2006,
"Apology, forgive, humility, apologize,","""APOLOGIES are powerful. They resolve conflicts without violence, repair schisms between nations, allow governments to acknowledge the suffering of their citizens, and restore equilibrium to personal relationships."" So wrote Deborah Tannin, a best-selling author and sociolinguist at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C.","The Bible confirms that a sincere apology is often an effective way to repair a damaged relationship. For example, in Jesus' parable of the prodigal son, when the son returned home and offered a heartfelt apology, the father was more than ready to receive him back into the household.  Yes, a person should never be too proud to swallow his pride, apologize, and seek forgiveness. Of course, for sincerely humble individuals, apologies are not so difficult to make.",Luke 15:17-24,Society's Website,TRUE FRIENDSHIP WITH GOD AND NEIGHBOR,100,1,10/31/2006,
"Offense, slander, gossip, forgiveness,","An older lady was greatly offended by a younger one.  The younger one asked what she could do to make things as before.  She replied, I want you to do two things.  First, take the pillow off your bed and put a feather at each door in town.  She did this.  Next, she said, ""Collect the feathers and put them back into your pillow.""  The wind had carried them away.  The younger woman said, ""If this is a requirement, things will never be the same.""","""That's true,"" said the older woman. ""Never forget. Each of your words is like a feather in the wind. Once spoken, no amount of effort, regardless how heartfelt or sincere, can ever return.  Gossip is like that.  You may not always be able to completely make amends.",James 3:6;James 3:6;,Bobby Laymon,RESPECT FOR AUTHORITY IS A SAFEGUARD FOR YOU,12,1,8/31/2009,
"Future, guarantee, happy, joyful, Friendship,","You have just moved into what appears to be a sturdy and attractive new brick home. It is what you have always wanted. The future looks good! But within just a few years, the house develops serious structural defects and has to be demolished. Your heart is broken. But you are not alone. The same problems have developed in other houses in your area. Investigation reveals that the causes were architectural incompetence and flawed bricks.","LIKE that house, the world is in big trouble. Despite countless social and political experiments and almost miraculous advances in science and technology, the very fabric of society seems to be coming apart. In a number of lands, lawlessness and anarchy are already the order of the day.",1 John 2:17;,g 5/08 p. 4,OVERCOMING FEAR OF THE FUTURE,108,1,1/1/2011,
"Almonds, Missionary, pioneer, service, contentment, provisions,","Almonds were among the fine products that Jacob sent as a gift to an Egyptian ruler, noted Michael Burnett, a Gilead instructor.  Almonds pack much nutrition in a tiny bundle.",The students have chewed many spiritual almonds during their course. Among the lessons they should take with them are the importance of being content with Jehovah’s provisions and of learning to love their new environment.,Genesis 43:11,w09 9/1 p. 30,ARE YOU CONTENT WITH JEHOVAH'S PROVISIONS?,22,1,1/1/2011,
"loyalty, murmuring, complaining, prayer,",The tendency of metal to rust can be reduced by coating it with rustproof paint and quickly treating isolated spots of corrosion.,"In a similar fashion, if we detect in ourselves a tendency to complain, this can be kept under control if we give the matter prompt, prayerful attention.",Psalm 65:2,"Jul 15, 2006 wt page 17",,0,1,9/10/2006,
"Jesus Christ, Mind,","""You're putting me on.""  Usually means you're joking, or not telling me the truth.","The Bible however, uses the term in quite a different way.  ""Put on the Lord Jesus Christ.""",Romans 13:11-14;,Frank Barr C. O.,Jesus Christ-Earth's New Ruler,140,1,5/10/2010,
"Time, future, 17 Jewels,","Largest producer of fine watches in 1976.  Then in 1986.  Swiss watch replaced by quartz. Quartz watch was not invented in Japan, but in Switzerland.  Those who had the greatest opportunity to move into the future in watchmaking, blinked their eye and it was gone.",The finest watchmakers in the world could not stop time.,Daniel 2:44,Bobby Laymon,YOUR FUTURE--HOW CAN IT BE KNOWN?,19,1,5/15/2007,
"Marriage, Respect, Love, knowledge, kindness, warmth, force, gentle,","A young man found a box turtle and tried to open its shell.  He took sticks and tried to pry it open to no avail.  His father said, let me show you something.  He took the turtle in by the warm fire, and in a few minutes it stuck its head and legs out, and began moving.",Here is a lesson for husbands.  Don't try to force your wife to do anything.  Just be kind and warm to her and she will do what you want.,Ephesians 5:33;,Ron Funderburg,SHOW RESPECT AND LOVE IN YOUR MARRIAGE,28,1,5/26/2013,
"Appreciation, thankfulness, thanksgiving,",Feelings of thankfulness are like flowers.,They need to be cultivated to produce the best results.,Proverbs 15:28;,"Aug 1, 2008 WT page 13, 14",SERVE JEHOVAH WITH A JOYFUL HEART,78,1,7/4/2008,
"Associations, awake, sleep, alert, Armageddon,","Imagine a canoe and you are floating.  Slowly you get sleepy, and doze off.  Then you awake to hear the roar of a water fall.","Likewise, our associations can cause us to become drowsy, or sleepy.  We are not alert to the impending disaster.",1 Corinthians 15:33,David Stamps,CHRISTIAN SEPARATENESS FROM THE WORLD -- WHY BENEFICIAL,119,1,10/15/2006,
"Satan, self-willed, failure, doomed, devil, pride, blinded, destruction, bruised,","A sensible person generally refrains from embarking on an endeavor that is doomed to fail. If he insists on going ahead with his endeavor, he will be forced to recognize his error. History has proved many times over that it is useless to stand in opposition to the almighty Creator.","Satan, however, blinded by feelings of self-importance and pride, turned his back on Jehovah. Thus the Devil plunged headlong onto a path that could end only in disaster.",Proverbs 21:30.,w10 1/15 pp. 24-25 par. 5,HOW TO PROTECT OURSELVES FROM SATAN'S SNARES,115,1,1/8/2011,
"Train others, delegate,","Training takes time.  It takes 4 years to be a doctor.  Four more years of exensive training to be a brain surgeon.  However, Gideon trained 300 warriors in a short time, with Jehovah's help.",Greater Gideonn trained others.  We must be alert to train others.,Judges 7:17; Luke 8:1,Andy Darden,,0,1,1/7/2010,
"Anger, upset, unreasonable","Getting angry can sometimes be like leaping into a wonderfully responsive sports car, gunning the motor, taking off at high speed …",...and then discovering the brakes are out of order.,Psalm 37:8;,Bobby Laymon,JEHOVAH'S EYES ARE UPON US,74,1,8/31/2009,
"compassion, cruel, greed, egotism, prudent,",Many appear to live by the creed ascribed to Niccolò Machiavelli—it is more prudent to be cruel than compassionate. Greed and egotism easily cut off the flow of compassion.,"As a result, many put themselves first, even at the cost of other people’s feelings or interests. Male sports and entertainment heroes are often presented as “real men” (machos) who do not show gentle affection. Some political rulers behave similarly.","Matthew 5:46, 47; 7:12;","Dec 15, 2007 WT page 4",,0,1,1/5/2008,
"Discernment, decide, decisions, reasonable,",A baby will pick up almost anything and put it into its mouth.  Parents have to teach it to use discernment.,"Likewise, we need to teach our Bible students to use discernment about entertainment, dress, and the way to live.",Proverbs 2:1-6;,Glenn Teakell,DECISIONS YOU FACE--HOW WILL YOU MAKE THEM?,50,1,6/26/2009,
"Hope, promises, trust, confidence,","When you ask a dear friend for a favor, you may hope that he will help you out. Your hope is not without basis because you have faith in your friend—you know him well, and you have seen him act with kindness and generosity in the past. Your faith and your hope are closely related, even interdependent, but they are distinct. How can you have such hope in God?","God is the source of true hope. In Bible times Jehovah was called ""the hope of Israel.""  Any reliable hope that his people had came from him; thus, he was their hope. Such hope did not amount to mere wishing. God gave them a solid basis for hope. In dealing with them over the centuries, he built up a record of promises made and promises kept.",Jeremiah 14:8; Joshua 23:14,Society's Website,JUDGMENT DAY-A TIME OF FEAR OR HOPE?,156,1,10/31/2006,
"Holy spirit, tent, protection, persecution, trials,","Of course, a tent does not stop the rains from falling or the winds from blowing, but it does provide some protection from those elements.","Likewise, the shelter provided by ""the power of the Christ"" does not stip trials from befalling us or hardships from being brought against us.  Yet, it does give spiritual protection against the harmful elements of this world and the attacks of its ruler, Satan.","Revelation 7:9, 15, 16,","Dec 15, 2006 WT page 24;",BEARING UP UNDER PERSECUTION,57,1,5/15/2007,
"Gossip, speech, slander,","A fish out of water may stink a little while, but then it dies.","Likewise with gossip and often slander, it stinks for a while, but then goes away.","James 3:, 5-8;",Bobby Laymon,,0,1,5/15/2007,
"Meetings, world, absorb, gradual, strangler fig,","In tropical forests, one may find the strangler fig. It grows slowly as it surrounds the trunk of a host tree. Little by little, the vine envelops its host with roots that get stronger and stronger. The strangler fig’s multiple roots eventually absorb most of the nutrients in the soil at the base of the tree, while its canopy deprives its host of light. Finally, the host dies.","12 In a similar way, the anxieties of this system and the quest for riches and a comfortable life-style can gradually absorb more and more of our time and energy. With our attention diverted to the things of the world, we might easily neglect personal Bible study and make it a custom to miss Christian meetings, thus being cut off from spiritual nourishment. Materialistic goals now replace spiritual pursuits, and we finally become easy prey for Satan.","Matthew 13:18, 22",*** w04 9/15 p. 12 pars. 11-12 “Go On Acquiring Power in the Lord” ***,,0,,1/27/2006,
"Ruin, ruining, conservation, fishing, ecology, balance, earth, exploit,","Overfished oceans cannot be photographed as dramatically as bulldozed rain forests, but the devastation is just as real. A recent warning from the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization on overfishing said: “The situation is particularly grave and forbidding given that some 75 per cent of world fisheries are already being fully exploited, overexploited, or depleted.”","Fish are the main source of animal protein for a fifth of mankind. Therefore, the security of one of our most important foods is at stake. Fish are not uniformly abundant in the seas. In fact, as far as life is concerned, most of the open ocean is like a desert.",Revelation 11:18;,g 11/08 p. 20 Why the Nets Are Empty,RUINING THE EARTH BRINGS DIVINE RETRIBUTION,106,1,2/28/2009,
"Happiness, happy, missionary, Gilead, pioneers,","Gerrit Losch, another member of the Governing Body, then presented the principal part of the program, ""Be a  Happy Missionary."" Many activities considered ""fun"" bring no real happiness, he noted."," Lasting happiness comes from doing God's will, even though this is not always easy. The Gilead course was hard work but brought great satisfaction.  Several things contribute to making true Christians happy. They worship the happy God. (Psalm 33:12; 1 Timothy 1:11) They live in a spiritual paradise, and the Bible promises that soon the earth will be a physical paradise. They have found the purpose of life -- to serve Jehovah and praise him. Moreover, they are loved by Jehovah and Jesus.","Proverbs 14: 13; Ecclesiastes 2:10, 11","Sep 1, 2009 WT page 30",HAPPY THOUGH HUNGRY--HOW CAN IT BE?,31,1,9/2/2009,
"Death of a Parent, dying,","""When my dad died, I felt as if someone had cut a giant hole in my safety net. The one person who knew everything and who could fix anything in my life was no longer there.""  I try to imagine that my dad has just gone overseas on a trip and that one day he will come home, the exact date being unknown.","Oddly, when people said to me, ""Your dad will come back in the resurrection,"" that didn't encourage me at first. I felt, 'I want my dad back right now!' But the illustration of the overseas trip helped. It alluded to the resur¬rection, while enabling me to cope with the immediate loss.","John 5:28, 29",Oct 2009 Awake page 17,The Resurrection-Victory Over Death!,132,1,9/2/2009,
"Marriage, Draw close,","Imagine a cone-shaped mountain—wide at the base and narrow at the top. A man is standing at the foot of the northern slope while a woman is standing on the other side, at the foot of the southern slope. Both begin to climb. When both are still near the mountain base, a long distance separates them.","Yet, as each climbs higher and higher toward the narrow summit, the distance between them becomes less and less. Do you see the reassuring lesson in this illustration?  You and your spouse will draw closer together if you strive to draw closer to God. Why?",Psalm 25:4;,lv chap. 11 pp. 121-122 par. 3 “Let Marriage Be Honorable”,SHOW RESPECT AND LOVE IN YOUR MARRIAGE,28,1,2/28/2009,
"Marriage, mate, wedding,","When you buy an article of clothing, you likely seek someone else’s opinion as to whether the item suits you. You may not always agree with their opinion, but you would still expect close friends to tell you if they thought the garment was the wrong fit or style for you. You appreciate their comments, since they may help save you from wasting money.","How much more so, then, should you appreciate hearing your family’s opinion about your choice of marriage mate. Although you can exchange or discard a garment, Jehovah expects you to keep your spouse for life. (Matthew 19:5, 6)","Matthew 19:5, 6",*** g05 11/22 p. 22 Must We Have a Formal Wedding? ***,,0,,1/27/2006,
"Trust, entrusted, gift,",A trust is different from a gift.  With a trust you are caring for the interest of another person.  You do not have complete control.,We have been entrusted with a ministry.  This ministry is not ours but is Jehovah's.,2 Corinthians 4:7;,Donald Amy; D.O.,,0,1,5/15/2007,
"Creation, Designer, seen, unseen,","WHEN someone says, 'I believe only in what I can see,' he is not speaking literally. Actually, we all believe in things that we cannot see.","For example, at school you may have performed an experiment designed to prove the existence of a magnetic field. It may go like this: Sprinkle iron filings on a sheet of paper. Then place the sheet over the magnet. When the sheet is vibrated, as if by magic the iron filings bunch up near the magnet's poles and form into the pattern of the magnetic field. If you did that, could you actually see the magnetic field? No, but its effect on the iron filings is plain to see, giving you convincing proof that magnetism exists.",Romans 1:18;,Society's website,How Real Is God to You?,150,1,10/31/2006,
"Origin, source, Babylon, holidays,",Suppose you saw a piece of candy lying in the gutter. Would you pick up that candy and eat it? Of course not! That candy is unclean.,"Like that candy, holidays may seem sweet, but they have been picked up from unclean places. To take a stand for true worship, we need to have a viewpoint like that of the prophet Isaiah, who told true worshipers: “Touch nothing unclean.”",Isaiah 52:11,bh chap. 16 p. 159 par. 12 Take Your Stand for True Worship,,0,,1/27/2006,
"gifts in men, captives, unity, honor, glorify,",A victorious soldier might bring a foreign captive home as a slave to provide his wife help with chores.,"Similarly, Jesus’ victory over the world provided him with many willing slaves.  How did he use those captives, so to speak? “He gave some as apostles, some as prophets, some as evangelizers, some as shepherds and teachers, with a view to the readjustment of the holy ones, for ministerial work, for the building up of the body of the Christ, until we all attain to the oneness in the faith.”—Eph. 4:11-13.","Ps. 68:1, 12, 18;Ephesians 4:7, 8",w10 9/15 p. 18 par. 8,SERVING WITH JEHOVAH'S UNIFIED ORGANIZATION,3,1,1/1/2011,
"Happiness, Happy, joy, Hope, Everlasting life,","Hope is like an anchor.  Without that anchor, you will drift like a boat loose in a storm.","But if you are tied to that anchor, you will be secure in spite of the stormy problems you face.",Hebrews 6:19; Titus 12:2;,w06 6/15 6,DOES YOUR HOPE REST ON SCIENCE OR THE BIBLE?,80,,6/12/2006,
"Conscience,","A MARINER steers his ship through the waves of a vast ocean; a hiker treks across a lonely wilderness; an aviator guides his aircraft as it soars above layers of clouds that stretch from one horizon to the other. Do you know what these individuals have in common? Each in his own way might be in big trouble without a compass—especially if other modern technology is not accessible.  A compass is a simple instrument, usually just a dial with a magnetic needle that points northward. When it is working properly and especially when it is used in conjunction with an accurate map, it can be a lifesaver.","In some ways, it may be likened to a precious gift that Jehovah has given us—a conscience. (James 1:17) Without a conscience, we would be hopelessly lost. Used properly, it can help us find our way and keep to the right path in life. So let us consider what the conscience is and how it works.",James 1:17;,lv chap. 2 pp. 14-15 pars. 1-2,HOLD A GOOD CONSCIENCE IN A SINFUL WORLD,107,1,2/28/2009,
"Human dignity, humiliation, indignity, concentration, persecution, past, history,","""We must build a new world - a far better world - one in which the eternal dignity of man is respected.""  --U. S. President Harry Truman, San Francisco, California.  April 25, 1945.","Like many in the years following World War II, President Truman believed that man could learn from his past and realize ""a new world.""  Sad to say, modern history presents a different reality.",Genesis 3:1-5;,"Aug 1, 2006 WT page 4",YOUR FUTURE--HOW CAN IT BE KNOWN?,19,1,10/20/2006,5/4/2025
"New World Translation, Jehovah's name, New Testament, Greek Scriptures,","Like a judge who is called upon to decide a court case for which there are no living eyewitnesses, the New World Bible Translation Committee carefully weighed all the relevant evidence.","Based on the facts, they decided to include Jehovah's name in their translation of the Christian Greek Scriptures.  Note two compelling reasons: (see article)",Acts 15:14;,"Aug 1, 2008 WT page 22;",Trust in the God of All Comfort,143,1,7/4/2008,7/10/2023
"lending, banker, credit, owe, debt,","A banker is a fellow who lends you his umbrella when the sun is shining, but wants it back the minute it begins to rain.  -- Mark Twain",If possible avoid debts.,Proverbs 22:7;,Bobby Laymon,COPING WITH LIFE'S ANXIETIES,32,1,10/24/2006,
"Purpose, dedication, experience, meaning,","Consider the example of Teresa, who made television history in her country when she became the first African-American actress to star in her own one-hour drama series. Soon, however, she left all of that behind. Why? She said: “I am convinced that heeding the counsel of God’s Word is the best way to live.”","Teresa did not want to jeopardize her relationship with God by playing a role in a television series that exalted sex and violence. She stepped out of the public eye but embarked on a truly satisfying life, for she served as a full-time preacher of the good news of God’s Kingdom, trying to help others to gain a good relationship with God.","1 Timothy 6:12, 19","Nov 15, 2007 WT Page 7",LIFE DOES HAVE A PURPOSE,23,1,1/13/2008,
"Water, life, creation, appreciation,","""Suddenly, from behind the rim of the moon … there emerges a sparkling blue and white jewel, a light, delicate sky-blue sphere laced with slowly swirling veils or white, rising gradually like a small pearl in a thick sea of black mystery.""  Quote: Edgar Mitchell, astronaut, describing the earth as seen from space.","What gives our planet a hue of such brilliance that the astronaut was moved to wax poetic?  It is the water that covers nearly three quarters of the surface of the earth.  Actually, water not only makes our planet look beautiful; it also helps keep the creatures on earth alive.",John 4:14;,"Jun 1, 2008 WT page 12, 13;","COME, YOU WHO THIRST FOR THE TRUTH!",89,1,6/27/2008,
"patience, progress, growth,","Like farmers, Christians are cultivating things that often grow slowly—understanding of God’s Word, love for Jehovah, and a Christlike spirit. This calls for patience.","James wrote: “Exercise patience . . . , brothers, until the presence of the Lord. Look! The farmer keeps waiting for the precious fruit of the earth, exercising patience over it until he gets the early rain and the late rain. You too exercise patience; make your hearts firm, because the presence of the Lord has drawn close.” (James 5:7, 8) James was urging fellow believers to ‘exercise patience until the Lord’s presence.’ If the disciples did not understand something, Jesus patiently explained or illustrated matters.",Matthew 13:10-23; Luke 19:11; 21:7; Acts 1:6-8,"Nov 15, 2007 wt page 23",,0,1,1/4/2008,
"Death of a Parent, dying, comfort, hope, faith,",Maybe your grief comes in waves that seem to ebb and flow and then “crash ashore” at unexpected moments.,"This too is normal—even if it occurs years after your parent’s death. The question is, How can you cope with your grief—whatever form it takes?",John 11:35;,g 8/09 p. 11,The Resurrection-Victory Over Death!,132,1,1/7/2011,
"Adam, Eve, began to die, death, Original sin,","As a branch severed from a tree would, Adam and Eve began to swivel up and die.   Moreover, for the first time, they sensed an internal disharmony. They felt naked and tried to hide from God.","By asserting their independence, Adam and Eve irreparably damaged their relationship with Jehovah and inflicted sin’s imprint upon their organism, right to its genetic foundations.True, they lived for hundreds of years, but they began to die “in the day” of their sin,",Genesis 5:5;,g 6/06 p. 29,,0,1,5/14/2013,
"Respect, speech, disagreements, discuss, sarcasm, insults, abusive,","Just as ocean waves can erode solid rock, a pattern of hurtful speech can weaken a family.","What this means. Both troubled and successful families have disagreements. But successful families discuss matters without resorting to sarcasm, insults, and other forms of abusive speech. Family members treat one another as they themselves would like to be treated.",Matthew 7:12;,Oct 2009 Aw page 6,SHOW RESPECT AND LOVE IN YOUR MARRIAGE,28,1,9/2/2009,
"Family, unity, game plan, house rules, roles, marriage,",Imagine a football game.  The coach has a game plan to win.  The star player wants recognition and decides to do it his way.  He will probably lose the game for all.,The family is like that.  Each one has a role.  We must obey and work in unity with our role.,1 Peter 3:7;,Jacob Landis,SHOW RESPECT AND LOVE IN YOUR MARRIAGE,28,1,1/25/2011,
"Future, faith, courage, confidence, promises,",So what is the prescription that corrects our nearsighted view of the future. Jehovah fills our prescription for faith by giving us promises that correct our view of the distant future.  So if none of Jehovah’s promises fail – just what are his promises for the future?  What Scriptural truths help us to face the future with confidence?  What are some plain statements that correct our vision about the distant future?  Isaiah 45:18 ……READ,"God made the earth to be inhabited.  if that’s what he wants, whocan stop him?",Isaiah 45:18,JK,FACING THE FUTURE WITH FAITH AND COURAGE,166,1,10/23/2006,
"Direct approach, Bible studies, brief,","We often hear people say, ""Don't beat around the bush.""  If you beat around the bush, you don't say something directly to someone because you are worried about his/her reaction and don't want to upset him/her.  Definition:  Speak indirectly or evasively; not directly address the problem.  Explanation: Used when someone doesn’t say what he or she means.","However, we want people reaction about their interest in the Bible.  Why not use the direct approach?",Ephesians 3:3;,Bobby Laymon,,0,1,4/9/2008,
"Relationship, understand, wisdom, trapped, safeguard,","Take a houseplant.  If you don't do anything to it, it will die.",Likewise our relationship with Jehovah.  We must water and cultivate it.,James 4:8;,Mark Shepherd,WHAT IS YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD?,87,1,9/14/2008,
"Everlasting life, prize, sin, shortcomings, imperfections, thanks, gratitude, appreciation,","Envision someone who is hoping to win a prize by hitting a target with an arrow.  He has three arrows at his disposal.  He shoots the first one and misses by a yard.  He aims better with the second arrow but still misses by a foot.  With full concentration he lets the last arrow go and misses by only an inch.  It was so close, but a miss is a miss.","We are all like that disappointed archer.  Sometimes we seem to ""miss the mark"" by much.  Other times we come close but still miss the mark.  We are frustrated because we tried so hard, but it was still not good enough.  Now, let us go back to the archer.  He is slowly turning away, dejected because he really wanted that prize.  Suddenly the man in charge calls him back and hands him a prize, saying:  ""I want to give you this because I like you, and I saw how hard your tried.  Elated!  Everyone who receives from God ""the gift"" of everlasting life in perfection will feel this way.  Afterward, they will never miss the mark again.",Romans 6:23;,"w06 6/1 Page 12, 13;",FOLLOW THE WAY TO LIFE,45,,6/14/2006,
"Christ Jesus, The Messiah! God’s Means of Salvation, progressive, revealing,","One Bible scholar likened this process to the assembling of a statue made of individual pieces of marble. Imagine that many men who had never communicated with one another each brought a piece of marble into a room. If those pieces fit together to form a perfect statue, you would logically conclude that there must have been someone behind the scenes who had drawn the specifications and sent to each man his part.","Like each piece of the statue, every Messianic prophecy would provide a vital piece of information about the Messiah.  What, then, would be the likelihood that all the prophecies about the Messiah might be fulfilled by coincidence in one person? One researcher said that the odds that a person could fulfill all the Messianic prophecies by chance would be “so astronomical” that it must be ruled out. “Jesus—and only Jesus throughout all of history—managed to do it.”",1 Corinthians 15:22;,w09 12/15 p. 20 pars. 3-4,Jesus Christ-Earth's New Ruler,140,1,1/7/2011,
"Conscience, right wrong, fairness,"," Picture this: Some young children are waiting in line to use a swing. Then one child goes to the front, ignoring those waiting. Many respond, ‘That’s not fair!’ Now ask yourself, ‘How is it that even many children spontaneously show that they have a sense of fairness?’","Their doing that reflects their inner moral sense. Paul wrote: “Whenever people of the nations that do not have law do by nature the things of the law.” He did not say, “If ever,” as if it were something that rarely occurred. He said “whenever,” or “when,” suggesting what frequently occurs. That is, people “do by nature the things of the law,” meaning that they are moved by their inner moral sense to act in harmony with what we read in God’s written law. Our sense of fairness is an indication of our having a conscience.","Romans 2:14, 15;","Oct 15, 2007 WT page 21;",HOLD A GOOD CONSCIENCE IN A SINFUL WORLD,107,1,1/4/2008,
"Bible, accuracy, faith, courage, hope, future, reliable, authentic,","We could liken the Bible being reliable to this:If someone handed you a check for $100,000 would you trust it?  Would you try to cash it?  Your first thought probably is: That depends upon who signed the check.  Who is it from?  What if it is signed by Bill Gates?  Now you have faith.  You know he has the money and has probably never bounced a check.","Who has signed the Bible?  Who has his signature in the Bible over 7,000 times?  Jehovah God.  And he’s far more dependable than Bill Gates.  His very name means:  “He Causes to Become.”  In other words, he can cause himself to become, whatever is needed in order to fulfill his promises.",Exodus 3:14,JK,FACING THE FUTURE WITH FAITH AND COURAGE,166,1,10/23/2006,
"Gossip, feathers, slander, speech,","A man went about town slandering the town’s wise man. Later, the malicious gossiper realized his wrong and went to the wise man to ask for forgiveness, offering to do whatever was necessary to make amends. The wise man had one request: The gossiper was told to go and take a feather pillow and cut it open, scattering the feathers to the wind. Though puzzled by the request, the gossiper did as he was instructed and then returned to the wise man.   “Am I now forgiven?” he asked.","“First, go and gather all the feathers,” the wise man responded.  “But how can I? The wind has already scattered them.”  “It is as difficult to repair the damae done by your words as it is to recover the feathers.”  The lesson is clear. Once spoken, words cannot be retrieved, and it may be impossible to undo the hurt they cause. Before spreading a bit of gossip, we are wise to remember that we are, in effect, about to scatter feathers in the wind.",Proverbs 21:23,w11 7/15 p. 19,,0,1,5/15/2013,
"war, prison, neutral, korea, information,"," [Blurb on page 14]Korean Witnesses have spent 26,000 years in prison for refusing military service",Apply to talks on neutrality.,Acts 5:29;,g 12/08 p. 14,WHY SUBMIT TO GOD'S RULERSHIP NOW,120,1,2/28/2009,
"Honor, respect, lead,","Just as a plant can flourish and last only if it is rooted in good soil, so honor can be genuine and lasting only if it is rooted in heartfelt respect.","Since insincere honor does not grow out of genuine respect, it will wither sooner or later. No wonder, therefore, that Paul preceded his admonition to show honor with the clear-cut statement: “Let your love be without hypocrisy.”",Rom. 12:9; read 1 Peter 1:22,"Oct 15, 2010 WT Page 16;",FINDING HONOR AND JOY IN GOD'S MINISTRY,65,1,12/27/2010,
"Destination, last days, shipwreck,","In past centuries, a ship might navigate a wide sea safely only to be wrecked as it approached port. Often the most treacherous leg of the trip came as the ship neared land.","Similarly, for many the most dangerous period in human history is “the last days” of this present system of things. The Bible accurately describes these as “hard to deal with,” especially for dedicated Christians.",2 Timothy 3:1-5.,"Oct 15, 2007 WT page 12;",WILL YOU BE A SURVIVOR OF THE LAST DAYS?,2,1,1/4/2008,
"Earth, Kingdom, clean, ruining, pollution,","Before renovating a dilapidated house, you may first need to clear out the rubbish.","Similarly, Jehovah God will soon rid the earth of all the wicked, including those who see our planet, its natural assets, and even fellow humans as merely things to exploit in the interests of personal and corporate wealth.","Psalm 37:10, 11; Revelation 11:18;",Society's Website,The Earth Will Remain Forever,130,1,10/31/2006,
"Gilead, WOW, new truths, growth, understanding, appreciation, pioneer,","One sister has a ""wow"" list.  ""Wow"" is not an acronym, but stands for points she enjoyed in class. For example, she showed a woman 1 Cor 11:3 on head ship, and explained that the difference between Jesus and man is vast, but the difference between man and woman is only one chromosome.","Even so, it is God's arrangement for the man to be the head of the household. Val said, ""All men should really know this. Wow! This is really interesting."" See why it's called a ""wow"" list?",1 Corinthians 11:3,Mark Noumair; Gilead Graduation,,0,,5/28/2006,
"Difficulties, rough, hard, attitude, mental,","A man was limping along a country road. ""This road is too rough,"" he complained.  ""My foot aches so much, I can hardly walk.""  His friend replied. ""If you want to, we'll stop and rest.""The men sat down and the one man removed his shoe. A small pebble rolled out and fell to the ground.  The pebble was at fault, not the road.","We often blame the road when it's really just a pebble in our shoe?  The mental pebbles we put in our shoes make the job hard--not the job itself. Once we get rid of the mental obstacles, our whole attitude is different.  Next time the road looks rough to you, see if it isn't just a pebble.",Matthew 7:7;,Bobby Laymon,DECISIONS YOU FACE--HOW WILL YOU MAKE THEM?,50,1,8/31/2009,
"Earth, perfection, design, Jehovah, righteousness, perfect,","A man may design a knife to be used to carve meat. A customer may purchase the knife and use it, not to carve meat, but to commit murder. The fact that the knife was misused in no way disproves the existence of its maker.","Similarly, the fact that the earth has not been used in harmony with its intended purpose does not mean that it did not have a Creator.  The Bible teaches that God's work is perfect. With him ""there is no injustice; righteous and upright is he.""",Deuteronomy 32:4,Society's Website,IS GOD STILL IN CONTROL?,164,1,10/31/2006,
"Love, endurance, meetings,","If you were outside on a very cold night warming yourself by a fire, would you let the flames dwindle and then die out? No. You would keep adding fuel to keep the fire burning bright and hot. Your very life might be at stake!","As wood fuels a fire, so “the very knowledge of God” keeps our love for Jehovah strong.",Proverbs 2:1-5,bh chap. 19 p. 188 Remain in God’s Love,,0,,1/27/2006,
"Name, reputation, destroy, build,",To build may have to be the slow and laborious task of years. To destroy can be the thoughtless act of a single day.  --Sir Winston Churchill,Our name and reputation are like that.,Proverbs 22:1,Bobby Laymon,WHAT KIND OF NAME ARE YOU MAKING WITH GOD?,55,1,10/24/2006,
"Parents, children, family,",I used to wish my parents would get off my back…,Then I learned that my parents are the ones who have my back.,Galatians 4:16;,District Convention 2013District Convention 2013,RESPONSIBILITIES AND REWARDS OF PARENTHOOD,29,1,7/9/2013,
"Truth, lies, falsehood, deception,","TRUTH has been a controversial subject for ages. In the sixth century B.C.E., Greek poet Alcaeus said: “There is truth in wine.”",That implied that truth is revealed only after a person has overindulged in wine and perhaps is more eager to talk. First-century Roman Governor Pontius Pilate also reflected a warped view of truth when he cynically asked Jesus: “What is truth?”—John 18:38.  Conflicting attitudes about truth abound in our day.,EPH. 4:25;,w09 6/15 p. 16,"COME, YOU WHO THIRST FOR THE TRUTH!",89,1,1/2/2011,
"Sin, baptise, inherited sin,","Such ones can be likened to a sick man who was unaware of his illness. He may have had some symptoms, such as an occasional pain. Yet, having no diagnosis of a specific disease, he might have imagined that he was basically in good health. The facts proved otherwise, however."," What if he got an accurate diagnosis of his illness? Would he not be wise to seek and accept a known, proven, and effective treatment? Similarly, upon learning the truth about inherited sin, many have accepted the Bible’s “diagnosis” and have come to understand that God is offering the “cure.”",1 Corinthians 4:4; Romans 5:12;Eph. 4:17-19.,w10 3/15 pp. 11-12 par. 8,THE ONLY CURE FOR SICK MANKIND,62,1,1/1/2011,
"Rejoicing, light, sin, death, blanket,","Just think! Sin and death, which have weighed on mankind like a suffocating blanket, will be no more. How we long for the day when the benefits of Jesus’ ransom sacrifice are fully applied to obedient and faithful humankind!","Comparing sin and death to a “woven work,” or an “envelopment,” Isaiah says: “In this mountain [Jehovah] will certainly swallow up the face of the envelopment that is enveloping over all the peoples, and the woven work that is interwoven upon all the nations.” (Isaiah 25:7)","Revelation 21:3, 4;",w01 3/1 pp. 16-17 par. 22,HOLD A GOOD CONSCIENCE IN A SINFUL WORLD,107,1,1/9/2011,
Masturbation--How Serious Is It?  Local Needs,"I.  Growth is a remarkable phenomenon.  A time of change.Two seeds lay side by side in the fertile spring soil.  One wanted to grow.  The other was afraid to grow.  The first one put its roots down into the fertile soil, and began to grow upward.   A hen scratching around in the early spring ground for food found the waiting seed and promptly ate it.  Those of us who refuse to grow in Jehovah's organization…get swallowed up by the world.	A. Attitudes change, speech, habits, reasoning, discernment. 1 Cor. 13:111.   ISN'T it remarkable how the bodies of boys and girls develop? 		2,  They develop so that they can either father children or give birth to them.		3.	Along with this physical transformation of your body, there is usually a change in your 					attitude toward the opposite sex. 		4.	Boys develop a keen interest in girls, and girls in boys. 	B.	At the same time, you may wonder; have curiosity about your own rapidly changing body. 		1.	How should you satisfy this curiosity? 		2.	Should you experiment with your sex organs?  THESE thoughts have plagued many youths.		3.	Is there anything wrong with rubbing them in some way until the excitement is climaxed?  			4.	This practice is called masturbation. It is very common.		5.	Reportedly, some 97 percent of males and more than 90 percent of females have masturbated 				by the age of 21. 		6.	This practice has been blamed for all manner of ills-from warts and red eyelids to epilepsy 					and mental illness.II.	Why do people masturbate.	A .	""Tranquilizer.""One young woman's experience reveals what is undoubtedly the greatest reason why the habit can be so hard to break. She continues: ""Usually I masturbated to release pressure, tension, or anxiety. That fleeting pleasure was like the drink the alcoholic takes to calm his nerves.""		1.	Many resort to masturbation as an escape route from their physical and emotional 						discomforts--a sort of pacifier or tranquilizer.  		2.	Also, persons suffering from boredom, unemployed persons and prisoners, especially if 					they have been on drugs, often masturbate.		3.	Mentally deranged people are notorious masturbators. 		4.	Somewhat similarly, The Bremerton Sun (Washington) states that many mentally disturbed 					priests and nuns are chronic masturbators.		5.	Mothers and fathers who stroke the genitals of their fretful babies to keep them quiet are 					unwittingly encouraging them to become masturbators later on? III.	Is there danger or harm that results from masturbation?	A.	Many religious leaders encourage the practice. The United Presbyterian Church says, in part: ""We find no evidence for any theological, psychological or medical strictures against masturbation per se. . . . "" The Methodists produced a film. This movie shows explicitly how both males and females can masturbate.		1.	Medical authorities generally take the same position. 		2.	However, the greatest harm comes not from physical injury, but spiritual damage.	B.	The Bible's view of masturbation.		1.	The word 'masturbation' is fast becoming a household word, it is not in the Bible.		2.	However, God's word is, ""beneficial for teaching, for reproving, for setting things straight.""		3.	Since masturbation is not directly condemned in the Bible, does this mean it is harmless? 			4.	Absolutely not! 		5.	Though it is not classed with such gross sins as fornication, masturbation is surely an unclean habit. Ephesians 4:19		6.	You ""benefit yourself"" by strongly resisting this unclean habit. -Isaiah 48:17.If a person is used to satisfying his or her passions through masturbation, this develops the habit of thinking only of one's own pleasure and satisfaction. But in marriage there is need, especially on the part of the man, to show concern for the other person's pleasure and satisfaction as well. This very situation-husbands thinking of their own satisfaction and disregarding their wives' needs-is one of the greatest problems in marriage. Much of it stems from a premarital masturbation habit.		C.	Masturbation (like homosexuality) ignores or bypasses that natural arrangement. 		1.	It is one form of leaving ""the natural use of the female"" for ""one contrary to nature."" 				Romans 1:26, 27  Because the practice is one ""contrary to nature,"" the masturbator pays a mental penalty		2.	It can, and frequently does, lead into homosexuality.While it would not be wrong for a married couple to practice mutual masturbation.  God intended that sexual desires be satisfied in sexual relations--an expression of love between a man and his wife.		3.	The remaining part of God-given conscience that is inherent in all humans, therefore, makes 					itself heard in disapproving of such practice, causing an internal sense of guilt. 				Rom 2:14, 15		4.	The Christian apostle Paul's counsel is right to the point: ""God called us, not with allowance 					for uncleanness, but in connection with sanctification."" 1 Thess. 4:7 		5.	And again he writes: 2 Cor. 7:1. A masturbator may also tend to view the opposite sex as mere sex objects-tools for 				sexual satisfaction.		6.	(Colossians 3:5,6) Deaden, therefore, YOUR body members that are upon the earth as respects fornication, uncleanness, 				sexual appetite, hurtful desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. 6 On account of those things the wrath of God is coming.		7.	As we have seen, masturbation is indeed a ""hurtful desire."" 		8.	It is also ""uncleanness,"" for it is an immoral practice, and this explains why the masturbator 					generally is ashamed of himself and hides his repugnant act from the sight of others.IV.	Breaking the habit.""HABITS are like a soft bed--easy to get into but hard to get out of."" 	A.	And how true this is of masturbation! 		1.	One man who practiced it from the age of 10 till he was 43 years old confessed: ""This habit is more perturbing than the habit of smoking, which I gave up although it was not easy.""""When I gave in to [masturbation], I'd feel as if I were failing Jehovah God,"" wrote one youth. ""I got seriously depressed sometimes.""		2.	It is not only helpful but often advisable to seek the aid and encouragement of a Christian 					elder. 		3.	When a girl has the problem she may want to approach either an elder or a mature, respected 					Christian sister for help.-Titus 2:2-4.	B.	One young man admits: 'The root of my whole problem with masturbation boiled down to what I 				put in my mind.I would watch TV programs that included immorality and in some cases watch programs on cable TV that would show nudity. Such scenes are so shocking that they stay with you. They would surface again in my mind, providing the mental fuel needed to engage in masturbation.'		1.	Yes, often it is what one reads, watches, or listens to, as well as what one talks about or 					meditates on, that triggers masturbation. 		2.	As one 25-year-old woman confessed: ""I just couldn't seem to stop the habit. However, I used to read romance novels, and this contributed to the problem.""	C.	Above all, take the problem to your heavenly Father, Jehovah God in Prayer.When do you pray?  Before you sin.  To pray afterward is like hitting self in head with hammer, then taking aspirin.		1.	God is very merciful. ""For you, O Jehovah, are good and ready to forgive,"" said the psalmist. 					(Psalm 86:5) 		2.	When a Christian succumbs to masturbation, his heart is often self-condemning. Yet, the 					Bible states that ""God is greater than our hearts and knows all things."" (1 John 3:20) 		3.	God sees more than our sins. 		4.	The greatness of his knowledge enables him to hear with sympathy our earnest pleas for 					forgiveness. 		5.	Remember: You are certainly not the first or the only one who has faced this problem.		6.	Never feel that Jehovah God and his Son Jesus Christ have given up on you, or that you have 				committed the 'unforgivable sin.'		7.	If you sincerely keep working to overcome it, Jehovah will kindly and patiently help you to 					build up the needed strength so that you come off victorious.V.	Be determined.	A.	The apostle Paul states: ""I will not let myself be brought under authority by anything."" 1 Cor 6:12			1.	He was not going to let his desires become like a harsh master. 		2.	On the contrary, Paul wrote: ""I pummel my body [fleshly desires] and lead it as a slave."" (1 					Corinthians 9:27) 		3.	He got tough with himself! 		4.	A similar effort will enable anyone to break free from masturbation-regardless of how hard 					that is to do.","B. Masturbation is a childish way to react to problems. 1. One of the ""traits of a babe.""2.	It is a barrier to growth.  Spiritual growth.3.	In God's new world, growth will continue to be a cause of wonderment to mankind.4.	We will never stop growing!5.	1 Cor 16:13 Stay awake, stand firm in the faith, carry on as men, GROW mighty.",1 Corinthians 13:11,Bobby Laymon,Service Talk,200,1,4/9/2008,
"Teaching, learning, children, youth, Instruct, persuade,","A two-year-girl pickup up the telephone and dialed 911.  She said, ""Mommy Owee,"" ""Mommy Owee"" and saved her Mother's life.",She had learned a life-saving technique.  She had  been instructed.,Isaiah 30:20;,Elder's school 2011,HOW CAN YOUTHS COPE WITH TODAY'S CRISIS?,113,1,5/2/2011,
"Chance, value, investing, materialism, money,","""October: This is one of the particularly dangerous months to invest in stocks. Other dangerous months are July, January, September, April, November, May, March, June, December, August and February.""Quote: Mark Twain 1835-1910, American humorist and writer,",Money can fly away.  Its value is deceptive.,Ecclesiastes 5:14;,Bobby Laymon,,0,,4/29/2006,
"Bitterness, anger, resentment, trojan horse, heart,",A Trojan horse sits just outside the gate of your heart. Its name is bitterness. It is a monument to every attack you have endured from your fellow humans. It is a gift left by the people who have wronged you.  It is rightfully yours.,"But to accept the gift is to invite ruin into your life. You see, there is more to the horse than meets the eye. It is only a lure. The celebration is short-lived. Once inside the walls of your heart, it releases its agents of destruction. Its plot quietly unfolds from the inside out. To become a person of character, you must learn to recognize the Trojan horse of bitterness and never bring it inside.",Eph. 4:31,Bobby Laymon,DO YOU HARBOR RESENTMENT OR DO YOU FORGIVE?,68,1,8/31/2009,
"Death, dead, dying, coping, mourn, tears, resurrection, hope, faith,","Just as a severe physical wound takes time to heal, so it is with bereavement. Recovering from grief may take months, a few years, or even longer. But the acute pain you feel in the beginning will lessen in time, and life will gradually seem less bleak and meaningless.","Crying may also serve as an emotional release. “For everything there is an appointed time, even . . . a time to weep,” says the Bible.","Ecclesiastes 3:1, 4",w08 7/1 p. 5,The Resurrection-Victory Over Death!,132,1,1/7/2011,
"Resentment, past mistakes, pardon, harbor, forgive, forgiveness,","A man killed his neighbor’s cat. He took it to him and offered to bury it.  The man said he would bury it himself.  He watched as he buried it, all except the tail. ""May I ask,” why did you leave the tail out?  He looked him square in the eyes and said, ""The next time you come over here and complain about some problem you have with me or the way that I live my life, I am going to reach down and grab that cat's tail and pull him up out of the ground and hold it up and say back to you, ""Do you remember when you killed my cat?""","Doesn't this present a most disgusting picture in your mind? Well, this is what it is like every time we ""dig up the past"" and then wave it in the face of our brother or sister, husband, wife, child, or whoever. What is done is done, it is buried; leave it in the ground, all of it! Don't dig up the past; it hurts everyone, including the person digging it up, because it kindles old wounds.",ECCLESIASTES 7:1;,Bobby Laymon,DO YOU HARBOR RESENTMENT OR DO YOU FORGIVE?,68,1,8/31/2009,
"Adam, Eve, death, sin, dying, naked, disharmony, conscience,",As a branch severed from a tree begins to die.,"Adam and Eve began to die ""in the day"" of their sin.  True, they lived for hundreds of years they began to die on that day.  For the first time they sensed an internal disharmony.  They felt naked and tried to hide from God.  Their sin produced an upheaval within them, their consciences accusing them of wrongdoing.","Genesis 5:5; 3:7, 8;",g06 June 29,HOLD A GOOD CONSCIENCE IN A SINFUL WORLD,107,,6/12/2006,
"Molded, clay, potter, Are We Being Molded by Jehovah?,",Have you ever shaped clay on a potter's wheel? Too wet--it doesn't hold a shape; too dry--it falls apart. The clay has to be of the right consistency if it is to be molded by the potter. Are you the right consistency to be molded by Jehovah? Will you allow yourself to be molded?,"If you are to be successfully molded by Jehovah you need the following ingredients: heart condition, and attitude . Will you allow yourself to be enticed by your own desires, making you unfit to be molded?  () How do you respond to the molder's direction?  James 4:8 points out how we have to ""draw close to Jehovah"" in order to be molded by him. What Jehovah allows to befall us shapes our attitude toward Him, his son Christ Jesus, His Organization our brothers and sisters, and the commission to preach the good news of his kingdom.A small pilot light is the source of a roaring inferno when it starts the kiln to fire up the clay vessel. When we first took in knowledge of the Truth we were like that little pilot light, and soon it became the source of a deluge of Bible Truth that we shared with everybody--a roaring inferno.  The Theocratic Ministry School trained us to skillfully harness thatenergy so that we could preach with skill and become, for some, public speakers. The fire in a kiln also needs to be consistently producing the right amount of heat. At Ruth 1:16 we see she allowed herself to be molded. Others allowed themselves to be molded to become missionaries, pioneers, elders, ministerial servants, Christ Jesus. All allowed themselves to be molded. We need to beware that we do not regress and let the kiln and the pilot light to go out, making the potter's work of no use in our case.",James 1:13-15Proverbs 13:20,Bobby Laymon,Service Talk,200,1,8/25/2009,
"Memory, forget,",Our memory is like a muscle.,"The more we use it, the stronger it gets, even into old age.","Malachi 3:16; John 5:28, 29;",Awake! February 2009 Page 29,PAYING ATTENTION TO THE PROPHETIC WORD,102,1,1/30/2009,
"Living Together before marriage, wedding, fornication, morals,","So to return to the opening analogy, it does make sense to try on a suit or a dress before buying it.","However, the parallel to that is not living together. Rather, it is taking sufficient time to get to know the person you are considering as a marriage mate. This vital but often overlooked step is one of many secrets of family success.",Ecclesiastes 4:12, g 10/09 p. 29,GETTING MARRIAGE OFF TO A GOOD START,27,1,1/3/2011,
"Intentions, Tact, kindness, voice, speech, common ground,","""Do not call to a dog with a whip in your hand.""  Quote: African Proverb.",People can read our intentions as well.,Proverbs 13:7;,Bobby Laymon,,0,,6/18/2006,
"Contributions, donations,","  A 14-year-old girl wrote to the Cameroon branch of Jehovah’s Witnesses: “After buying my school supplies for the year, I was able to sell two of last year’s textbooks for 2,500 francs [$5, U.S.]. I am contributing this amount plus an additional 910 francs [$1.82, U.S.] from my savings.", I would like to encourage you to continue the fine work you are doing. Thank you for the Watchtower and Awake! magazines. They make us think seriously.”,Haggai 2:7-9,"November 1, 2007 WT page 18",,0,1,1/4/2008,
"Satan, Wrestling, combat,","Think of this comparison: If a soldier could be persuaded to desert and betray his army unit and join enemy forces, the enemy commander would be delighted. He might even parade the traitor as a trophy, so as to insult that soldier’s former army commander.","Similarly, if a Christian turned to spiritism, he would willingly and knowingly desert Jehovah and place himself directly under Satan’s command. Imagine what pleasure it would give Satan to parade that deserter as a trophy of war! Would any of us want to hand the Devil such a victory? Absolutely not! We are not traitors.","Ephesians 6:11, 13, 14.",lv chap. 16 pp. 187-188 par. 11,HOW TO PROTECT OURSELVES FROM SATAN'S SNARES,115,1,2/28/2009,
"Bible, accuracy, faith, courage, hope, future,",The accuracy of the Bible is astounding.  It is accurate on every subject that it even touches on.  For example:,Moon – Genesis 1:28Jews – circumcision on the 8th day  - the one day that both Vitamin K and prothrombin are at their highest levels.   Those are the blood clotting factors. The perfect day for an operation.,Genesis 1:28;,JK,FACING THE FUTURE WITH FAITH AND COURAGE,166,1,10/23/2006,
"Testing, adversity, persecution, discipline, disfellowshipped, trials,","At Pebble Beach, on the coast of California, stones are dashed against the rugged, ageless cliffs. This action goes on year after year. The result is round, polished stones that are collected by tourists as ornaments.  Near Pebble Beach is a quiet cove. Stones from here are unsought and unwanted. They have been spared the wear caused by the pounding waves. They have remained rough and unpolished.","When testing times come, we may be buffeted about; but the rough edges are knocked off of our lives. The friction of trials can cause wonderful features to be brought to the surface. Believers who understand the friction of trials will be able to face life's hard times.","James 1:3, 4;",Bobby Laymon,BEARING UP UNDER PERSECUTION,57,1,8/31/2009,
"Blood, Sickle-Cell Anemia, pain, paradise, Creation,","Imagine a country that depends on imported food to feed people living in rural villages. Trucks drive to the capital city where they are loaded with food. They leave the city along major highways, but as they enter the rural areas, the roads narrow.  If everything goes well, the trucks reach their destination, drop off their food, and then return to the city to collect more food for the next delivery. If many of the trucks break down, however, the food spoils and other trucks are blocked from passing. Then the people in the villages have little to eat.","In like manner, the red cells in the blood travel to the lungs where they pick up a supply of oxygen—food for the body.  Eventually, the ""roads"" become so small that the red cells can move only in single file through tiny blood vessels.   A normal red blood cell is round like a coin and moves through the smallest blood vessels quite easily. But in people who have sickle-cell anemia, the blood cells break down. They lose their round shape and take the form of a banana or a sickle—a farmer's implement. These sickled blood cells get stuck in the small veins of the body, like a truck in the mud, blocking other red blood cells from passing. When the flow of blood to a part of the body is reduced, the oxygen supply is cut off and the result is a painful crisis.",Ecclesiastes 12:6,Society's Web Site,JEHOVAH--THE GRAND CREATOR,101,,5/30/2006,
"discipline, reproof, disfellowship, readjust, mildness, comments,","A person who has been reproved, might be likened to a person recovering from an injury, which temporarily limits his activity.","For a time, very likely it would be beneficial for the repentant one to listen rather than comment at meetings.",Galatians 6:1; Acts 20:28;,"Nov 15, 2006 WT page 30",ARE YOU CONTENT WITH JEHOVAH'S PROVISIONS?,22,1,10/31/2006,
"Love, humility, affection, kindness,","Imagine that you and a friend are going to take a trip by automobile. Before you can begin your journey, you must put a key into the ignition and start the car’s engine.","The process of resolving personal differences is also started with a key. The key is humility. As shown by the following Scriptural example, that key allows those at odds with each other to begin applying Bible principles.  Waiting for the other person to show humility is not the solution when we too are holding the key in our hand.",James 4:10;,w09 11/15 p. 23 par. 16,,0,1,1/24/2010,
"Pioneer, burn out, quit, give up, pace,","Some are like a rocket when they start.  However, a rocket will end up as a burnt-out shell.",We must not burn out.  Pace yourself.,Galatians 6:9;,Robert Hendrix D. O.,Service Talk,200,1,1/7/2010,
"spirit, dominates, mental inclination, mindset, junk food,",Suppose you are on a diet.  Does a little healthy food cancel out junk food?  NO!,"Likewise, some spiritual food does not cancel out spiritual junk food.","1 Corinthians 2:12; Psalms 73:2, 3;","District Convention - Tulsa, OK  June 23, 24, 2006",WHAT IS BEHIND THE SPIRIT OF REBELLION?,33,1,7/2/2006,
"loyalty, loyal,","When a child learns to stick burs on someone's clothing, he will likely want to play the game over and over again.","The same can be said of a person who is loyal.  Why?  Because the more we practice loyalty, the easier it becomes.",Jeremiah 3:12;`,"Sep 1, 2005 wt page 6",,0,,8/10/2005,
"Sin, ransom, inherited, disease, cure,","That sin is like a terrible inherited disease from which no one can escape. Its consequence, death, is a curse.","Death is an enemy, not a friend.   How grateful we can be that Jehovah provided the ransom to rescue us from this dreadful enemy!",1 Corinthians 15:26,*** bh chap. 6 p. 63 par. 14 Where Are the Dead? ***,,0,,1/26/2006,
"Gilead, instruction, pioneers, Bethel,","Almonds were among the fine products that Jacob sent as a gift to an Egyptian ruler, noted Michael Burnett, a Gilead instructor. (Genesis 43:11) Almonds pack much nutrition in a tiny bundle.",The students have chewed many spiritual almonds during their course. Among the lessons they should take with them are the importance of being content with Jehovah's provisions and of learning to love their new environment.,Genesis 43:11;,"Sep 1, 2009 WT page 30;",,0,1,9/2/2009,
"Future, trust, count on, decisions,","You have arrived at a fork in the road. One sign says, “Invest your future in humans and their promises.” The other reads, “Trust in God and his Kingdom.”   Which way will you go?"," THE wise course is to trust in God. “The one listening to me,” he says, “will reside in security and be undisturbed from dread of calamity.”",Proverbs 1:33,g 5/08 p. 8,DECISIONS YOU FACE--HOW WILL YOU MAKE THEM?,50,1,1/1/2011,
"Conscience,","Like the compass that guides the traveler, your conscience will help you to make decisions that please your heavenly Father.",This is a sure way to keep yourself in God’s love.,Romans 9:1;,lv chap. 2 p. 24 par. 21,HOLD A GOOD CONSCIENCE IN A SINFUL WORLD,107,1,2/28/2009,
"War, Weapons, atomic, bombs,","I know not with what weapons World War III will be fought, but World War IV will be fought with sticks and stones. --Albert Einstein",War and weapons are a part of the sign of the last days.,Matthew 24:3-9,Bobby Laymon,WILL YOU BE A SURVIVOR OF THE LAST DAYS?,2,1,10/30/2006,
"Ability, value, worth, progress, growth, Individual,","A man is given one bar of iron to do with as he chooses. Now he has a choice to (1) keep the bar of iron; its value is $5.00; (2) take that bar of iron and have it made into horseshoes; its value now is $10.00; (3) have it made into needles; its value is not $3,000.00; (4) make it into delicate balance springs; its value now is $250,000.00.  It is all what you make of it, how we use what we have.",Being in the truth is much like that. It is what we do what we have. How we progress or what privileges we may have or the depth of our understanding--we could either be that bar of iron or balance springs. It is up to us.,Deuteronomy 6:5;,Bobby Laymon,KEEP GROWING IN YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD,16,1,8/31/2009,
"Daily text, examining the Scriptures, Warning, announcement,","Your radio comes on and wakes you up.  There is an announcement!  A tornado is bearing down on the community.  You take it seriously.  You may quickly gather us some food, but the most important thing is shelter.",We have heard the announcement!  We must take shelter by quickly finding shelter and getting spiritual food.,Revelation 14:6,"District Convention - Tulsa, OK  June 23, 24, 2006",,0,1,7/2/2006,
"Faith, hope, courage, future, preaching, sharing, recommend,","Now, if you were really pleased with the services of an optometrist or an optician, and someone else was looking for a good one to get them the right prescription, you would have no qualms about highly recommending the one you had found.",How much more so should you recommend to others the one who could give them a prescription for life!!  Present and future!  We want to share the  hope we have with all others for whom Christ died.  He paid a price so high that anyone that wants it has that kind of coverage.  We should want to help them to learn how they too can face the future with faith and courage.,"Ps 145:7, 11-13",JK,FACING THE FUTURE WITH FAITH AND COURAGE,166,1,10/23/2006,
"Resistance, holy spirit, forgiveness, hatred, grudges, jealousies, prayer,",The car was not giving the usual performance. It was thought to be the spark plugs. New ones made little difference. Then the garage mechanic discovered that the carbon-type lead wires had become hard and was therefore a non-conductor.,"In like manner, spiritual power cannot pass through someone filled with resentment. Lack of forgiveness, ill-will, hatred, grudges, and jealousies are non-conductors. Honestly seek to remove these hindrances to your being a channel of blessing to others.",Mark 11:25;,Bobby Laymon,HAPPY THOUGH HUNGRY--HOW CAN IT BE?,31,1,8/31/2009,6/25/2025
"Resurrection, faith, courage, future,","But when it comes to humans, the Creator remembers more than just names, he remembers the life patterns of thousands of millions of humans who have lived. That’s why Jesus used that term “memorial tombs”.","And how encouraging to know that God’s memory doesn’t fail!  He won’t have to say,  “Hmmm!  The face looks familiar”.  In fact, how sure is he resurrection of those who have died?",Luke 20:38;,JK,FACING THE FUTURE WITH FAITH AND COURAGE,166,1,10/23/2006,
"Hospitality, welcome, friends, visitors,","Fish and visitors smell in three days.  --Benjamin Franklin, Poor Richard's Almanack, 1736","Since this quality is needed, how can we improve our expressions  of HOSPITALITY? How far should our ""love of strangers"" extend?  Can we make sure our HOSPITALITY is sincere, not hypocritical?",Proverbs 25:17;,Bobby Laymon,FOLLOW THE COURSE OF HOSPITALITY,77,1,10/30/2006,
"House divided, divorce, problems,","Imagine that you have embarked on a long journey by car. It is inevitable that you will encounter problems along the way, including severe weather, traffic jams, and roadblocks. On occasion, you may even get lost. What will you do? Turn around and go back or find a way to overcome the obstacle and move forward?","On the day of your wedding, you embarked on a journey that was sure to bring its share of problems, for the Bible says that “those who marry will have pain and grief.”  The question is not whether problems will arise but how you will face them when they do. Can you find a way to overcome the obstacle and move forward? Even if you feel that your marriage is hopelessly lost, will you try to get help?—James 5:14.","1 Corinthians 7:28, The New English Bible",g 10/09 p. 20,SHOW RESPECT AND LOVE IN YOUR MARRIAGE,28,1,1/3/2011,
"Freedom, responsibility, life,","To illustrate, imagine that you have been given a car and a driver’s license. Exciting new freedom is before you, which can bring you great pleasure. Just think of the places you can go! However, your newfound freedom carries with it a sobering responsibility. While driving, you must obey the rules of the road and pay attention to traffic signals, speed limits, and warning signs. Does this responsibility rob you of your joy in driving? Not at all! In fact, it serves as a protection. There certainly is no joy in having an accident, is there?","It is similar with the freedom that your Creator, Jehovah God, has given you. As you grow to adulthood, he lets you choose how you will use your life. (Deuteronomy 30:19; Proverbs 27:11) What an awesome privilege that is! But that freedom carries with it serious responsibility.",Deuteronomy 30:19; Proverbs 27:11,*** g04 7/8 p. 8 “Keep Your Creator in Mind” ***,,0,,1/27/2006,
"Irritations, mild, anger, wise, wisdom, harsh, flexible, fire, rage, peace,","People say, ""Fight fire with fire.""  However is this really wise?  If a small fire broke out in your house, would you douse it with oil or with cool water?  Pouring oil on the fire would make matters worse, whereas dousing it with cool water would likely bring the desired result.","Likewise the Bible counsels us, ""An answer when mild, turns away rage, but a word causing pain makes anger to come up.""","Proverbs 15:1, 18;",w08 3/15 22,Godly Wisdom in a Scientific World,139,1,5/11/2008,
"meditation, thoughts, thinking, mental discipline,",Meditation is like speaking with yourself.  Have you found yourself doing that at times.  We need to speak with ourselves about Jehovah as the psalmist did.,"Unlike daydreaming (floating down a lazy river, or a car at idle, burning up gas) we need to use mental discipline.",Psalm 19:14;,Anthony Ibarra,,0,,5/21/2006,
"Independence, youth, children, parents,","Think of how you learned to walk.  At first, as an infant, you had to be carried.  In time, you began to crawl and then to walk.  Of course, becoming mobile can be dangerous for a small child.  Thus, your parents kept a close watch on you and may even have put up barriers to restrict you from hazardous areas, such as stairways.  Still they allowed you to move about on your own.","Attaining independence involves a similar process.  At first, parents, in effect, carry their small children.  They do this by making decisions for them.  Later, as their children demonstrate a degree of maturity, parents allow them to crawl, so to speak.  All the while, barriers are kept in place, and these protect youths from harm.  Independence is a gradual process.",Galatians 6:5;,June 2008 Awake! Page 8,PARENTS--ARE YOU BUILDING WITH FIRE-RESISTANT MATERIALS?,104,1,6/27/2008,
"Transformed, improvement, mind,","“ A product may be labeled or advertised as “improved,” but essentially it is still the same product. There might be just one new ingredient, and the packaging might be more attractive. ","Actually, being transformed involves more than making progress or improving.  Hence, the transformation that a Christian must make is not simply the putting away of harmful habits, unwholesome speech, and immoral conduct.”",Romans 12:2,". “The Watchtower (2013), September 15, 2013.”",,,,,
"Transform, mold, new personality,","“To make fine quality pottery, a potter uses high-grade clay. However, there are two things he needs to do. First, the clay needs to be washed to remove any foreign material or mineral contamination. Then, the clay must be mixed with the right amount of water and worked so that it will retain its shape after being molded under pressure.","Note that water is used both in cleansing the clay of impurities and in giving it the right consistency and pliancy for it to be made into a vessel, even a delicate one. Do we see the similar roles that God’s Word can play in our lives? It can help us to rid ourselves of our old way of thinking when we did not know God and to be transformed into something valuable in his eyes. (Eph. 5:26)”",Ephesians 5:26,"The Watchtower (2013), September 15, 2013.",,,,,
"enraged, Jehovah, angry, problems, relationship, mistakes, accidents, ","A car may be capable of traveling at a high speed. Imagine that a driver greatly exceeds the recommended speed limit when traveling around a sharp curve and he crashes. Should the manufacturer of the car be held accountable for the accident? No, of course not! ","Similarly, Jehovah has created us with free will. But he has also provided us with guidelines on how to make wise decisions. So why would we blame our Creator for our own mistakes?",1 John 5:19; Rev. 12:9; Pet. 5:8.,Aug 2013 WT Page 14,,,,,
"harvest, last days, kingdom, gathering, wheat class, sowing, growth, ","Just as a lookout point on a mountain provides a person with a sweeping view of his surroundings, so this parable gives us a panoramic view of developments that would occur during a period of some 2,000 years."," From our vantage point, what developments related to the Kingdom do we discern? The parable describes a time of sowing, growth, and harvesting. This article will focus mainly on the harvesttime.",Matt. 24:31; Rev. 7:1-4,July 2013 WT page 9,,,,,
"Marriage, wedding, communication, I'm sorry, I love you, apology, admit,","Good communication within marriage is like a stream that flows gently and peacefully through a garden. Being “humble in mind” plays a key role in keeping that stream flowing. (1 Pet. 3:8) “Humility is the quickest route to resolve a difference because it moves you to say, ‘I’m sorry,’” noted a brother who has been married for 11 years. ","Happily married for 20 years, an elder commented: “Sometimes the words ‘I’m sorry’ are more important than ‘I love you.’” He added: “One of the quickest shortcuts to humility is prayer. When my wife and I approach Jehovah together, we are reminded of our imperfection and God’s undeserved kindness. That subtle reminder helps me put things in proper perspective.”",1 Peter 3:8;,"May 15, 2013 WT  Page 17",,,,,
"Children, sensitive areas, thoughts, insight, discernment, hidden sins, ","“A person’s thoughts are like water in a deep well,” says the Bible, “but someone with insight can draw them out.” (Prov. 20:5, Today’s English Version)", Insight and discernment are especially needed when you are drawing your children out on sensitive topics.,Proverbs 20:5;,"May 15, 2013 WT Page 21;",,,,,
"Race, running, runner, contest, everlasting life, marathon, footrace,","As Christians, we are in a race—a symbolic footrace. Our focus must be on running to win. Our race is not a sprint in which speed is the key to victory. And it definitely is not a mere jog with frequent idle moments. Rather, it can be likened to a marathon wherein endurance is necessary for victory. ","The apostle Paul used the metaphor of a runner in a race in his letter to Christians living in Corinth, a city renowned for athletic contests. He wrote: “Do you not know that the runners in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may attain it.” The prize is everlasting life, either in heaven for anointed or on earth.",1 Cor. 9:24 1 Corinthians 9:25-27.,"March 15, 2013 WT page 3",,,,,11/17/2013
"race, active, marathon, everlasting life, ","It is not like getting on a bus that simply carries those on board to victory. We must run the race for life ourselves. As we do, “abundant peace” from Jehovah will be like wind at our back. ","The Bible describes participation in the race for everlasting life as active, not passive. We can be confident of his continued blessings now and unending blessings to come for all who finish the race.—Jas. 1:12.",Ps. 119:165,"March 15, 2013 WT Page 7",,,,,
"over confident, confidence, safety, checklist, danger, pilot, flying, routine, habits, faith","PILOTS who fly one of the most successful aircraft ever built have a preflight inspection checklist consisting of more than 30 items. If they do not carefully follow the checklist each time before takeoff, the pilots increase the possibility of a tragic accident. Do you know what type of pilot is especially urged to complete the checklist every time? It is the very experienced pilot! The seasoned pilot could easily become complacent and fail to carry out the preflight inspection in every detail.","Like a safety-minded pilot, you can use a type of checklist to make sure that your faith will not falter when you need it most. Whether you are newly baptized or you have been serving God for many years, regularly checking the depth of your faith and devotion to Jehovah God is essential. Failure to check on this regularly and diligently can lead to spiritual ruin. The Bible warns us: “Let him that thinks he is standing beware that he does not fall.”—1 Cor. 10:12.",1 Corinthians 10:12;,"March 15, 2013 WT Page 13;",,,,,
"Routine, checklist, checkup, examine, pattern, healthful words,",A pilot’s checklist reminds him that there is a routine for him to follow carefully before every flight. ,"We too can regularly check, or examine, ourselves and the routine we have been following since our baptism. Paul wrote to Timothy: “Keep holding the pattern of healthful words that you heard from me with the faith and love that are in connection with Christ Jesus.” (2 Tim. 1:13) Those “healthful words” are found in God’s Word. (1 Tim. 6:3) ",2 Tim 1:13; 1 Tim 6:3;,"March 15, 2013 WT page 14;",,,,,
"growth, maturity, progress, spiritually, ","We can compare our spiritual growth to the physical growth of a tree. A tree may grow to an amazing size, especially when its root system is deep or extensive. For example, some of the majestic cedars of Lebanon can reach the height of a 12-story building and have strong, penetrating roots and a trunk circumference of up to 40 feet (12 m). (Song of Sol. 5:15) After the initial growth spurt of such a tree stops, the tree still grows but not as noticeably. Year after year, the trunk widens and the roots go deeper and spread farther, producing a more stable tree. ","The same can be said of a Christian’s spiritual growth. During our initial period of Bible study, we may quickly grow spiritually and then get baptized. Those in the congregation happily notice our progress. We may even qualify as a pioneer or receive other privileges. In the following years, our continued spiritual growth may not be as noticeable. Nevertheless, we still need to grow in faith and knowledge “to a full-grown man, to the measure of stature that belongs to the fullness of the Christ.” (Eph. 4:13) Thus, we progress, as it were, from a tiny sprout to a mature Christian, a sturdy and well-developed tree. But our growth should not stop there. Our knowledge needs to broaden and our faith needs to deepen. Thus we become ever more anchored in the soil of God’s Word. ",Prov. 12:3,"March 15, 2013 WT Page 14",,,,,
"truth our own, family, safety, real dwelling, ","Brother George Gangas, who was a member of the Governing Body for a number of years, wrote: “When I am among [God’s people] I feel at home with my family, in a spiritual paradise.” Do you feel the same way?",We need to make the truth our own.  Our Brothers and Sister are our family.,Eph. 4:8-12,March 2013 WT page 22,,,,,
"Teach me, Jehovah's view, aerial view, elevated, picture, GPS, ","WHEN traveling, have you ever used a computerized mapping system that allowed you to get an aerial view of your destination? Seeing things from that vantage point may have helped you to determine the best route to take. ",Applying a similar principle can help us when we are making important decisions. Seeing things from the Creator’s elevated perspective will enable us to ‘walk in the way’ Jehovah approves. ,Isa. 30:21;,Nov 2012 WT page 3;,,,,,11/17/2013
"Forgiveness, road rage, emotions, anger, blame, understanding, open-mindedness, willing,","Many situations in life provoke negative reactions. While you are driving your automobile, for instance, suppose another car nearly collides with your vehicle. How will you react? You have read about episodes of road rage in which an individual became so angry that he attacked the other driver. As a Christian, however, you certainly would not want to do such a thing.","How much better it would be to take a moment to analyze matters. Perhaps you were partly to blame for what took place because you were distracted in some way. Or the other driver may have had a mechanical problem with his car. The point of this scenario is that we can lessen anger, disappointment, and other negative emotions with understanding, open-mindedness, and a willingness to forgive. “Do not hurry yourself in your spirit to become offended,” ",Ecclesiastes 7:9;,Nov 2012 WT Page 28,,,,,11/17/2013
"Example, imitate, Watchfulness, improve, practice, skill, progress,"," For instance, imagine a man taking his first archery lesson. He cannot shoot an arrow well enough to hit the target at all, but he takes more lessons and keeps on trying. To improve, he carefully studies the example of his instructor, who is an expert archer. The student pays attention to how his teacher stands, positions his arms, and uses his fingers on the bowstring. Little by little, the determined novice learns how much tension to apply to the string; he takes the wind into account, and he keeps on making an effort. By imitating what he sees his instructor do, he eventually aims his arrows so that they strike closer and closer to the center of the target. ","Similarly, we keep on striving to improve as Christians by following Jesus’ instructions and imitating his perfect example.",Matthew 26:41,"Feb 15, 2012 WT Page 3",,,bobby,,11/17/2013
"envy, jealousy, hate, possessions, material, wealth, ","Napoleon Bonaparte had it. Julius Caesar had it. Alexander the Great had it. Despite all their power and glory, these men harbored in their heart a trait that can poison one’s mind. All three envied someone else.","“Napoleon envied Caesar, Caesar envied Alexander [the Great], and Alexander, I daresay, envied Hercules, who never existed,” wrote English philosopher Bertrand Russell. Envy can plague anyone, regardless of how much wealth he has, whatever virtues he possesses, and how successful he is in life.","James 4:5; Gal 5:19-21,",Feb 15 WT 2012 page 15,,,bl,,11/17/2013
"Disasters, sugar pills, courage, positive, negative, joyful heart, countenance, stricken spirit, effects, situations, problems,","Medical researchers have long recognized the curative value of positive thinking. Many patients given sugar pills (placebos) have experienced relief of symptoms simply because they thought they were getting help. The opposite, called the nocebo effect, has also been demonstrated. Patients’ health deteriorated simply because they were told that a drug would have negative effects."," Constantly dwelling on situations we cannot change may only tear us down. On the positive side, Jehovah does not give us “sugar pills.” We need to focus on positive things. God’s Word tells us: “A joyful heart has a good effect on the countenance, but because of the pain of the heart there is a stricken spirit.” ",Prov. 15:13,"Oct 15, 2012 WT page 9",,,bl,,11/17/2013
"Spirit, mild, generous, gentle, considerate, mild-tempered, fruits of the spirit, ","In a field of sunflowers, each flower contributes its glowing face to the overall beauty of the flower patch. Are we one of the “flowers” that adds to the overall beauty of the congregation? ","Certainly, we should strive to be one. Let us now see what we can do to manifest a spirit that pleases God. Today, we do well to ask ourselves: ‘What kind of spirit do I show? How can I more fully manifest a spirit that pleases God? Can I improve in contributing to the overall positive spirit of the congregation?’",2 Tim. 4:22;Colossians 3:9-12;,"Oct 15, 2012 WT page 12",,,bl,,11/17/2013
"Armageddon, storms, refuge, dangers, safety, protection, name of Jehovah,","HAVE you ever had to take refuge from a rainstorm or a hailstorm by seeking cover under a bridge? A bridge might well offer you adequate shelter from a rainstorm or a hailstorm, but it would probably provide little protection from a tornado or a hurricane.","A different type of storm is approaching—one that threatens the very existence of the human race. It is a figurative “day of storm.” This “great day of Jehovah” will affect all mankind. However, we can find the refuge we need.  How can we do so during “the day of Jehovah’s fury” that is soon to begin?",Zephaniah 1:14-18;,"Jan 15, 2011 WT page 3",,,bl,,11/17/2013
"Armageddon, storms, refuge, dangers, safety, protection, name of Jehovah,","Soon the figurative hailstorm of Jehovah’s day will strike the earth. Human schemes will not be able to provide protection; neither will nuclear shelters nor wealth. Isaiah 28:17 points out: “The hail must sweep away the refuge of a lie, and the waters themselves will flood out the very place of concealment.”","Both now and during that future development, God’s people will find real security in their God, Jehovah. Zephaniah’s name, meaning “Jehovah Has Concealed,” points to this true source of concealment. ",Isaiah 28:17,"Jan 15, 2011 WT page 6, 7",,,bl,,11/17/2013
"Loyalty, Marriage, Mate, threats, trust, faith, flirting, love,","In some ways, loyalty is like a protective fence around the family home that keeps out unwelcome visitors and threats, providing a measure of security for those inside the home. ","A marriage without loyalty will not flourish. Flirtation, pornography, adultery, and other threats to a wholesome marriage can irreparably destroy marital trust. And when trust within a marriage breaks down, love begins to wither. Thus, when a husband and wife are loyal to each other, they can reside together safely and open their heart to each other, letting their love grow. Yes, loyalty is vital.  Jehovah told Adam: “A man will leave his father and his mother and he must stick to his wife.” (Gen. 2:24) ",Genesis 2:24;,"Jan 15, 2011 WT page 14",,,bl,,11/17/2013
"Singleness, single, gifts, cultivate, marriage, ","As with such gifts as musical or athletic talent, the gift of singleness has to be cultivated in order to realize its full potential. ","So how can single Christians today—whether brothers or sisters, young in age or up in years, single by choice or because of circumstances—make the most of their situation in life? Let us consider some encouraging examples from the early Christian congregation and see what we can learn.","Romans 8:38, 39;","Jan 15, 2011 WT page 18",,,bl,,11/17/2013
"Holy Spirit, power, ability, stability, ","Holy spirit might be likened to the electric current that energizes a rechargeable battery, whereas power is more like the latent energy that is then stored in the battery. ","The power that Jehovah grants to his servants by means of holy spirit gives each one of us the ability to fulfill our Christian dedication and, when necessary, to resist negative forces that are exerted upon us.",Micah 3:8; Colossians 1:29;,"Jan 15, 2011 WT page 22",,,bl,,11/17/2013
"Thousand years, 1000 years, peace, good, upbuilding, government, compassion, self-rule, pain, suffering, rulers,","CAN you imagine all the good that a powerful government under a just and compassionate ruler could do for its subjects in one thousand years? Wonderful events await the unnumbered “great crowd”—survivors of “the great tribulation,” which will bring a total end to the present wicked system of things.","During 6,000 years of human history, self-determination and self-rule have brought a tragic abundance of pain and suffering to mankind. The Bible long ago stated: “Man has dominated man to his injury.” (Eccl. 8:9) ","—Rev. 7:9, 14.—Rev. 7:9, 14.Rev 7:9, 14; Eccl 8:9;",w12 9/15 page 8,,,bl,,12/3/2013
"Theocratic Schools, Information, ","Theocratic Ministry School; Bethel Entrants School; Kingdom Ministry School, Pioneer Service School, School for Congregation Elders;School for Traveling Overseers and Their Wives;Bible School for Single Brothers;Bible School for Christian Couples;Watchtower Bible School of Gilead; School for Branch Committee Members and their Wives.Note: School for Christian Evangelizers:  Announced in November 2013.","For Details regarding the above school see the September 15, 2012 Watchtower Page 13-17.",Isaiah 50:4,"September 15, 2012 Watchtower Page 13-17.",,,bl,,11/17/2013
"Patience, waiting attitude, wait and see attitude, doubt, skeptical, wait-and-see, ","Something that interferes with our manifesting godly patience is a wait-and-see attitude. What does that mean? Well, a person who lacks confidence that the end is near might start to make alternate arrangements, so to speak, in case things do not work out as Jehovah said they would. In other words, he might be thinking, ‘I will wait and see if Jehovah really is true to his word.’ He might then try to make a name for himself in this world, to seek financial security instead of putting God’s Kingdom first, or to trust in higher education to secure a comfortable life now. ","Really, though, would that not be evidence of a lack of faith? Remember that Paul urged us to become imitators of those faithful ones who received promises from Jehovah “through faith and patience.” (Heb. 6:12) Jehovah will not allow this wicked system to exist any longer than is absolutely necessary according to his purpose. (Hab. 2:3) ",Hebrews 6:12; Hab 2:3;,"Sept 15, 2012 WT page 22",,,bl,,11/17/2013
"Parable, ten virgins, 10 virgins, talents, faithful, unfaithful, excuses, ","IMAGINE that a prominent official asks you to drive him to an important appointment. A few minutes before leaving to pick him up for the meeting, however, you realize that there is not enough fuel in your vehicle to make the trip. You need to rush off to purchase some. As you do, the official arrives. He looks around but cannot find you. He cannot wait, so he asks someone else to drive him. You soon get back and realize that the official has left without you. How would you feel?","Now imagine that you are the official and you have selected three capable men to handle some important business. You explain the assignment, and all three willingly accept. Yet, when you return a while later, you learn that only two of them have handled their task. What is more, the one who did not is making excuses. Actually, he did not even try. How would you feel?",Matthew 25:1-30;,Sep 15 2012 WT page 23;,,,bl,,11/17/2013
"Not knowing day or hour, last days, Parable, emergency, important, focus, awake, alert, clock, watch, schedule, disaster,distraction,","Some activities, such as working in a factory, visiting a doctor, or taking public transportation, require that we respect a schedule. In other activities, though, like fighting a fire or doing rescue work after a disaster has struck, watching the clock can be a distraction, or worse, a danger. Under such circumstances, it is far more important to focus on the work at hand than to keep to a schedule.","As the end of this system draws ever closer, the work of pointing to Jehovah’s provisions for salvation has never been more important. Staying awake as Christians does not mean watching the clock. In fact, there are at least five ways that we benefit from not knowing the exact day or hour when the end will come. First, our not knowing when the end will arrive allows us to reveal what is really in our heart. In fact, not knowing dignifies us, allowing us to use our free will in manifesting our loyalty to Jehovah.",Psalm 37:4;,"Sept 15, 2012 WT page 24",,,bl,,8/1/2015
"Busy, passing of time, involved, clock, absorbed, preaching work, ","The passing of time is relative. When we are busy and involved instead of watching the clock, time seems to fly by. ","Likewise, if we become absorbed in the exciting work Jehovah has given us to do, that day and hour may well arrive before we realize it. In this connection, most anointed ones have set a wonderful example.",Jas. 1:2-4; 4:8;,"Sept 15, 2012 WT page 25;",,,bl,,11/17/2013
"Paradise, new earth, new system, new world, aches, pains, infirmities, Kingdom, sight, hearing, smell, touch, and taste,","IMAGINE yourself in Paradise. Each morning, you awake feeling rested and eager to begin your day. You have no aches or pains. Any infirmities you once had are gone. All your senses—sight, hearing, smell, touch, and taste—function perfectly. Your energy is abundant, your work is enjoyable, your friends are many, and all your worries are gone. ","Such will be the blessings you can enjoy under God’s Kingdom. Christ Jesus, the appointed King, will bless his subjects and educate them in the knowledge of Jehovah.",Daniel 12:4;Revelation 21:1-5;,"Aug 15, 2012 WT page 3",,,bl,,11/17/2013
"Language, Kingdom, pure language, learn language, truth, conduct, close the gap,","Learn the language. Some human governments require that those applying for citizenship speak the dominant language of the country. Even after being granted citizenship, people may strive for years to master the new language. They may quickly learn the rules of grammar but may take some time to learn to pronounce the words correctly. ","Similarly, God’s Kingdom requires that its citizens learn what the Bible calls the “pure language.” What is that language? It is the truth about God and about his purposes as found in the Bible. We “speak” the pure language when our conduct is in accord with God’s laws and principles. Citizens of God’s Kingdom may learn basic Bible teachings quickly and get baptized. Even after their baptism, however, they must strive to “speak” the pure language better and better. In what way? Each of us needs to close the gap between what we know about Bible principles and what we practice.",Zephaniah 3:9;,"Aug 15, 2012 WT page 12",,,bl,,11/17/2013
"Internet, web sites, dangers, computers, warnings, bad associations, ",It would be like taking a powerful medicine without reading the warning label on the bottle.,"Social networking Web sites can expose a person to bad associations. (1 Cor. 15:33) Little wonder, then, that God’s organization has issued balanced warnings about the use of such sites. Have you read all the recent material published by the faithful slave about the use of social networking sites? How unwise it would be to use such sites without reading that material!* ",1 Corinthians 15:33;,"Aug 15, 2012 WT page 14;",,,bl,,11/17/2013
"borders, boundaries, barriers, Mexico, unity, nationalism, prejudice, multicultural and international,",It is as if God took a huge eraser and eliminated national borders. ,"The first part on the program exemplified the unity of Jehovah’s people. Baltasar Perla interviewed three fellow members of the Mexico Bethel family regarding the merger of six Central American branch offices with the Mexico branch. Because of this merger, the Bethel family in Mexico has become more multicultural and international. The influx of fellow believers from different lands has resulted in an interchange of encouragement. ",Micah 2:12;,"Aug 15, 2012 WT Page 16;",,,bl,,11/17/2013
"Satan, Devil, roaring lion, protection, victims, dangers, beware,","Since lions are stronger and faster than humans, we should not try to fight or outrun Satan in our own strength. We need Jehovah’s help. (Isa. 40:31) A lion hunts stealthily, so we must avoid the spiritual darkness in which Satan seeks his prey. ","Just as a lion kills a harmless antelope or a sleeping baby zebra, so Satan is merciless and would love to kill us. And after a lion has satisfied its hunger, the victims are often unrecognizable, just as “the final conditions” of Satan’s spiritual victims “become worse for them than the first.” (2 Pet. 2:20) So we need to take our stand against Satan and hold firmly to the Bible principles we have learned.—1 Pet. 5:9.","1 Peter 5:8, 9;","Aug 15, 2012 WT page 17;",,,bl,,11/17/2013
"Satan's snares, traps, devil, satan, dangers,","THE Devil stalks Jehovah’s servants. His goal is not necessarily to destroy them, as a big-game hunter kills prey. Rather, the Devil’s main goal is to capture his quarry alive and use the person as he sees fit. To catch prey alive, a trapper may use a snare of some sort. He may try to get the animal to come out into the open where he can capture it with a noose. Or he may use a hidden trap that has a trigger and takes the animal by surprise. ","The Devil uses similar snares to catch God’s servants alive. If we want to avoid being caught, we must be alert and heed warning signs indicating that one of Satan’s snares, or traps, is nearby. ",2 Timothy 2:24-26;,"Aug 15, 2012 WT page 20;",,,bl,,11/17/2013
"Satan's snares, traps, devil, satan, dangers, noose, ","An animal caught in a snare loses control over its freedom of movement. Similarly, a person who succumbs to fear and related pressure has given up at least some control of his life.","Let us consider the examples of two very different men who yielded to pressure and to fear and see what we can learn from their experience. The Roman Governor Pontius Pilate knew that Jesus was an innocent man and apparently did not want to harm him. In fact, Pilate said that Jesus had done “nothing deserving of death.” Nevertheless, Pilate condemned him to death.  Apostle Peter yielded but acted differently.",Proverbs 29:25;,"Aug 15, 2012 WT page 22;",,,bl,,11/18/2013
"TRAP THAT CRUSHES—EXCESSIVE GUILT, Satan, mercy, mislead, ransom,","Sometimes an animal trap consists of a heavy log or stone suspended over a path where prey often move about. An unwary animal hits the trip wire, causing the log or stone to fall, crushing the victim. Inordinate feelings of guilt may be likened to that heavy load that crushes. ","When thinking about a past mistake, we may feel “crushed to an extreme degree.”  Satan would like to have us conclude that we are beyond the reach of Jehovah’s mercy and are incapable of meeting His requirements.","Psalm 38:3-5, 8;","Aug 15, 2012 WT page 23;",,,bl,,12/8/2019
"MATERIALISM—THE TRAP THAT CHOKES, Satan, riches, ","In one of his illustrations, Jesus mentioned seed sown among thorns. He pointed out that a person may hear the word, “but the anxiety of this system of things and the deceptive power of riches choke the word, and he becomes unfruitful.”  ","Yes, materialism is one snare used by our enemy Satan.  When combined, two factors choke the word. One factor is “the anxiety of this system of things.” In these “critical times hard to deal with,” there is much that could make you anxious. (2 Tim. 3:1) Jesus spoke of the other factor—“the deceptive power of riches.” That element combined with anxiety can choke the word. The Bible acknowledges that “money is for a protection.” (Eccl. 7:12) ",Matt. 13:22,"Aug 15, 2012 WT page 25;",,,bl,,11/18/2013
"ADULTERY—A CLEVERLY CONCEALED PIT, loose conduct, trap, devil, satan, snares, immorality, sex, workplace, association,",Hunters who want to catch a strong animal may dig a pit on a path often traveled by the prey. The pit is usually camouflaged with a thin covering of sticks and soil. One of Satan’s most successful temptations resembles that type of trap. It is the sin of immorality.," A number of Christians have fallen into that pit by letting themselves get into situations in which compromise is all too easy. Some married Christians have succumbed to committing adultery after developing an improper romantic relationship. An improper romantic relationship could develop at your place of employment. In fact, a secular study revealed that more than half of adulterous women and nearly 3 out of 4 adulterous men had illicit relations with a workmate. ",Prov. 22:14; 23:27,"Aug 15, 2012 WT page 27;",,,bl,,11/18/2013
"enraged, anger, foolishness, complain, mummer, gripe, ","A poet once said: “Your arm’s too short to box with God.” We may never go so far as to vocalize a complaint against Jehovah. But Proverbs 19:3 says that a man’s foolishness “distorts his way, and so his heart becomes enraged against Jehovah himself.” ","Yes, a person can become enraged against God in his heart. This attitude could manifest itself in subtle ways. An individual could, as it were, hold a grudge against Jehovah. As a result, that person might withdraw from the congregation or not fully support arrangements for Jehovah’s worship.",Proverbs 19:3,Bob Laymon WT article,,,bl,,11/18/2013
"enraged against Jehovah, Never Become “Enraged Against Jehovah”","LET us say that you have been a happily married man for many years. But one day when you return home, you find that everything in your house has been turned upside down. The furniture has been smashed, the crockery shattered, the carpet ruined beyond repair. Your treasured home has become a disaster zone. Would you blurt out, “Why did my wife do this?” Or would you be more likely to ask, “Who did this?” No doubt the second question would immediately come to your mind. Why? Because you know that your cherished mate would not be the cause of such a wanton act of vandalism.","Today, we see mankind’s home marred by pollution, violence, and immorality. As Bible students, we know that Jehovah cannot possibly be the cause of all these problems. He created this planet to be a delightful paradise. (Gen. 2:8, 15) Jehovah is a God of love. (1 John 4:8) Our study of the Scriptures has helped us to identify the real cause of many of the world’s difficulties. It is none other than Satan the Devil, “the ruler of the world.”",John 14:30; 2 Cor. 4:4,w13 8/15 p. 10 par. 1 ,,,bl,,6/29/2025
enraged against Jehovah ,"If we have a trusted friend who does something that we might not at first understand or that we feel is unusual, will we be quick to accuse him of some wrongdoing? Or will we be inclined to give our friend the benefit of the doubt, especially if we have known that person for many years? ","If we deal with our imperfect friends in such a loving manner, how much more should we be inclined to trust our heavenly Father, whose ways and thoughts are much higher than ours!",Romans 9:20,Bob Laymon w13 8/15 ,,,bl,,11/18/2013
"Freedom, desires, appetite, trapped, slaves to sin, ","In a way, such individuals are like insects that crawl right into a bowl of honey. Driven by their appetite, they soon find themselves entrapped.Those who are enthralled by the world’s spirit and who indulge their fleshly desires may think they are free. ","The reality, however, is quite the opposite. Mountains of rules and regulations are necessary to curb their hurtful appetites and behavior. “Law is promulgated, not for a righteous man, but for persons lawless and unruly,” says Paul. (1 Tim. 1:9, 10) They also are slaves of sin, driven to do “the things willed by the flesh,” which is a cruel master. (Eph. 2:1-3) ","Jas. 1:14, 15; 2 Peter 2:18, 19;","July 15, 2012 WT page 10;",,,bl,,11/18/2013
"Light, dread, danger, obstacle, alerts, wisdom, action, discernment, knowledge, ","A literal light may reveal a danger or an obstacle on our pathway, but it does not remove it. We must act wisely on what we see. ","In a similar way, Jehovah reveals to us the basic meaning of world events. He alerts us to the dangers of this system of things. He provides us with Bible principles that always work, but we must apply what we learn. When we do, we can act with more wisdom than either our enemies or our teachers. ","Ps. 119:98, 99, 130; 27:1;","July 15, 2012 WT page 22;",,,bl,,11/18/2013
"Family, security, happiness, contentment, caring, warmth, together, common goal, safe haven, share, ","FAMILY. What does that word bring to your mind? Warmth? Happiness? Working together toward a common goal? A safe haven in which to grow, learn, and share ideas? ","Likely it does if you are part of a caring family. Jehovah himself is the Originator of the family. (Eph. 3:14, 15) He purposed that all his creatures in heaven and on earth enjoy a sense of security, mutual trust, and genuine unity.","Eph 3:14, 15;",July 15 2012 WT page 27;,,,bl,,11/18/2013
"Works of the flesh, fornication, adultery, loose conduct, cleanness, unclean, dirty, clean, marriage, wedding,",One who has attempted to glue two things together knows that both surfaces must be clean before a proper bond can be forged. Engaging in brazen conduct demonstrates total disregard for God’s righteous laws. Each of the other works of the flesh separates people from one another and from God. ,"Such conduct is completely out of harmony with the personality of Jehovah.Note how “the works of the flesh” breed disunity. Fornication separates the one practicing it from Jehovah and the congregation, and adultery can cruelly separate children from parents and innocent partners from marriage mates. Uncleanness affects a person’s unity with God and with those who love him.",Galatians 5:19-21;,"July 15, 2012 WT page 28;",,,bl,,11/18/2013
"giving, outgive Jehovah, generosity, secret,",Some have never learned the secret...,...You cannot outgive Jehovah.,Acts 20:35;,Joe Laymon,,,bl,,11/18/2013
"Life, voyage, journey, skillful direction, ","Life has been compared to a voyage. However, human wisdom has often proved to be of limited value in helping people to navigate through life successfully. Many have experienced shipwreck in the stormy waters of life. Why is that metaphor fitting?","In ancient times, traveling by sea was a challenge that required experience. It was an art usually learned at the feet of longtime sailors, perhaps a helmsman. (Acts 27:9-11) Many ancient paintings emphasize the importance of the helmsman’s role by portraying him as being larger than others. To venture out into the open sea, seafarers learned about stars, winds, and other points of reference. The Bible describes certain seamen as being “skilled,” using a term that can mean “wise.”—Ezek. 27:8; ftn.","Ps. 107:23, 27","June 15, 2012 WT page 30;",,,bl,,11/18/2013
"Skillful direction, prepare, jobs, promotion, employment, Bible principles, ","Like a strategist organizing a battle, we do well to anticipate potential dangers to our spirituality.  ","For example, you may have to decide whether to accept a new job or a promotion at work. You would logically consider pay, travel time to and from work, and other details. However, there are other points to keep in mind: Will the type of work be compatible with Bible principles? How might the hours, such as with shift work, affect my Christian activities?—Luke 14:28-30.",Prov. 22:3,"June 15, 2012 WT page 31;",,,bl,,11/18/2013
"Reflecting Glory of Jehovah, resemble, imitate, example, imitate Jehovah,","IN ONE way or another, all of us resemble our parents. Therefore, it is not surprising to hear someone say to a boy, ‘You are just like your father.’ A girl may be told, ‘You remind me of your mother.’ And children often imitate what they see in their parents. ","But what about us? Can we imitate our heavenly Father, Jehovah? Although we have not seen him, we can perceive his precious qualities by studying his Word, by observing his creation, and by meditating on the Scriptures and especially on the words and deeds of God’s Son, Jesus Christ.  It is possible for us to reflect Jehovah’s glory.",John 1:18; Rom. 1:20;,,,,bl,,11/18/2013
"Betrayal, disloyal, sign of the times, Delilah, Absalom, Judas Iscariot, Last days,","WHAT do Delilah, Absalom, and Judas Iscariot have in common? They were all disloyal—Delilah to the man who loved her, Judge Samson; Absalom to his father, King David; Judas to his Master, Christ Jesus. In each case, their deplorable actions wreaked havoc on others! But why should this be of concern to us?","""To betray” means “to give up to, or place in the power of an enemy, by treachery or disloyalty.” Such a lack of loyalty confirms that we are living in “the last days” when, Paul foretold, people would be “disloyal, . . . betrayers.”  Even though authors and screenwriters often dramatize and romanticize treacherous acts in literature and in the movies, in real life disloyalty and betrayal cause pain and suffering. Indeed, such acts are an ominous sign of the times!","2 Tim. 3:1, 2, 4","Apr 15, 2012 WT page 8;",,,bl,,11/18/2013
"Heart, complete heart, sum total of man, desires, emotions, thoughts, disposition, attitudes, capabilities, motivations, goals,","Think of an exquisite wall mosaic that is made up of a thousand closely set small pebbles. By stepping back to look at the entire mosaic, one sees that all the carefully placed pebbles together form a pattern, or picture.  Though God’s Word does not provide a dictionary definition of the word “heart,” it allows us to discern the meaning of that word. How? ","Similarly, if we were to step back and look at the many instances where “heart” is used in the Bible, we could discern that taken together these references form a pattern, or picture. What picture? Bible writers use “heart” to describe man’s entire inner self. It encompasses such aspects as our desires, thoughts, disposition, attitudes, capabilities, motivations, and goals. As one reference work states, it is “the sum total of the interior man.”",Deuteronomy 15:7; Proverbs 16:9; Acts 2:26;,"Apr 15, 2012 WT page 13;",,,bl,,11/18/2013
"Parable, bury my father, say good-bye, firmly set, cling, look back, plow, persevere, ","To make the lesson from Jesus’ brief illustration stand out clearly, let us add some color and details to this word picture. A field laborer is busy plowing. While plowing, though, he cannot stop thinking about his home where there are family, friends, food, music, laughter, and shade. He longs for them. After plowing a good stretch of land, the laborer’s desire for those pleasant things in life becomes so overwhelming that he turns around to look at “the things behind.” Though there is still much work to be done before the field is planted, the laborer is distracted and his work suffers. Of course, the laborer’s master is disappointed by the worker’s lack of perseverance.","Now consider a parallel with a modern-day situation. The farmer could represent any Christian who seems to be doing well but actually is in spiritual danger. For comparison’s sake, let us imagine a brother who keeps busy in the ministry. However, though attending meetings and sharing in field service, he cannot stop thinking of certain aspects of the world’s way of life that he finds appealing. Deep down in his heart, he longs for them. Eventually, after he carries out his ministry for several years, his desire for some things of this world becomes so overwhelming that he turns back and looks at “the things behind.” Though there is still much work to be done in the ministry, he does not keep “a tight grip on the word of life,” and his share in theocratic activities suffers. (Phil. 2:16) Jehovah, “the Master of the harvest,” is saddened by any such lack of endurance.—Luke 10:2.",Luke 9:51-61;,Apr 2012 WT page 15;,,,bl,,11/18/2013
"Heart, gradual, change, diminish zeal, little, unnoticed, difference, ","Imagine that you are reading a book by the light of a 100-watt bulb, but then the bulb fails. Since you are left in the dark, you immediately notice what happened and replace the burned-out bulb with a new one. Light fills the room again. The next evening, you are reading with the help of the same lamp. However, unbeknownst to you, someone replaced the new 100-watt bulb with a 95-watt bulb. Would you notice the difference? Probably not. And what if the next day someone put a 90-watt bulb in your lamp? Likely, you would still not notice it. Why not? The lamp’s light is diminishing so gradually that you are not aware of it. ","Similarly, the influences of Satan’s world may cause our zeal to diminish little by little. If that happens, it is as if Satan succeeded in reducing 100-watt heartfelt zeal for Jehovah’s service to something less. If not alert, a Christian may not even notice the gradual change.","Read Mark 4:18, 19;Matt. 24:42; 1 Pet. 5:8;","Apr 15, 2012 WT page 17;",,,bl,,11/18/2013
"Deadline, goal, advice, Brother Knorr, panicking, not always have me, ","One time when I expressed my concern about meeting a certain deadline for work, Brother Knorr smiled and said: “Don’t worry. Work!” Many times since then, when assignments pile up, instead of panicking, I set to work on one job after another and the work gets done, generally on time.  As told by Leonard Smith","Just before his death, Jesus told his disciples: “You will not always have me” with you. (Matt. 26:11) We other sheep are also aware that we will not always have Christ’s anointed brothers among us on earth. I count it, therefore, an inestimable privilege to have been closely associated for over 70 years with many of the anointed—gratefully holding on to the skirt of a Jew.",Matthew 26:11;,"Apr 15, 2012 WT page 21; ",,,bl,,11/18/2013
"Pioneer, full time service, pleasantness, joy, happiness,","How often in your life have you said something like this, ‘I wish I had not made the choice I did’? As told by Lois Didur","Well, after 50 years in full-time service, I cannot think of anything lastingly unpleasant that has come from being at Jehovah’s right hand. Let me tell you why.",Ps 83:18,"Mar 15, 2012 WT page 3;",,,bl,,11/18/2013
"Sleep, drowsy, awake, sleeping giants, spiritual sleep,","EVERY year, thousands die because they get drowsy or even fall asleep while driving a motor vehicle. Others lose their jobs because they do not wake up in time to go to work or because they fall asleep on the job. But spiritual drowsiness can have far more serious effects. It is in this important context that the Bible says: “Happy is the one that stays awake.”","As Jehovah’s great day approaches, mankind in general is sleeping in a spiritual sense. Even some of Christendom’s leaders have referred to their flocks as ‘sleeping giants.’ What is spiritual sleep? Why is it vital that true Christians keep awake? How can we help others to awake from such sleep?",—Rev. 16:14-16.—Rev. 16:14-16.Rev. 16:14-16;,"Mar 15, 2012 WT page 10;",,,bl,,11/18/2013
"Spiritual sleep, inactive, busy, pleasure, wealth, prestige, last days, ignoring Jehovah, morals, ","People who sleep are usually inactive. In contrast, those who sleep spiritually may be very busy—but not with spiritual matters. They may be frantically occupied with the daily anxieties of life or seeking pleasure, prestige, or wealth. With all this activity, they show little concern for their spiritual needs. People who are spiritually awake, though, realize that we live “in the last days,” so they are as active as possible in doing God’s will.",One way we can “sleep on” is by ignoring Jehovah’s moral standards. Another way we can “sleep on” is by ignoring the fact that Jehovah’s time to destroy the ungodly has approached. We must make sure that such ungodly individuals do not influence us to adopt their ways and attitudes.,"1 Thessalonians 5:4-8;2 Pet. 3:3, 4; Luke 21:34-36.","Mar 15, 2012 WT page 10;",,,bl,,11/18/2013
"Kindness, skill, awakened, awake, sleep, suddenly, gentle, ",Do you like to be awakened from a deep sleep? Many do not react well when awakened suddenly. A gentle approach is usually preferred. ,"The same is true regarding efforts to awaken people spiritually. For example, if someone reacts angrily to your visit, what is usually the best response? Kindly acknowledge his feelings, thank him for being frank, and calmly take your leave.  Your kindness may move such a person to react more positively the next time a Witness calls.",Prov. 15:1; 17:14; 2 Tim. 2:24,"Mar 15, 2012 WT page 13;",,,bl,,11/18/2013
"Urgency, maintain your sense of urgency, urgent, important, preaching, vital,","PEOPLE whose job it is to save lives usually work with a sense of urgency. For example, firefighters rush to an emergency call; they know that lives may be in danger.","As Jehovah’s Witnesses, we hope to help people to be saved. To that end, we take seriously our commission to preach the good news of the Kingdom. Of course, we do not dash about frantically. Then what did the apostle Paul mean when he gave the admonition: “Preach the word, be at it urgently”? (2 Tim. 4:2) How can we preach with urgency? And why is our work so urgent?",2 Tim. 4:2;,"Mar 15, 2012 WT page 15;",,,bl,,11/18/2013
"urgency, urgent, priorities, ","For example, imagine that after getting your test results back, your doctor called you into his office and earnestly said to you: “Look! Your situation is urgent. You have at most a month to do something about your illness.” ","You likely would not charge out of his office like a fireman on an emergency call. But you would probably get his recommendations, go home, and give serious thought to your priorities.  Having a sense of urgency also involves setting priorities.  ",Genesis 19:15;,"March 15, 2012 WT page 17;",,,bl,,11/18/2013
"Good old days, do not look back, memory, unreliable, minimize, problems, past, exaggerate, food, genocide, ","One distinct danger is a distorted view of the good old days. Our memory is not always reliable. We may unwittingly minimize the problems we had in the past and at the same time exaggerate the joys, making it seem that things were a lot better than they really were. This distorted recollection can cause us to long for the good old days. But the Bible warns us: “Do not say, ‘Why were the old days better than these days?’ for it is not wise to ask that.” (Eccl. 7:10, New English Translation) Why is this type of thinking so dangerous?","Unbelievably, though, within a short time of their miraculous deliverance, these same people began to grumble and murmur. About what? Food! They became dissatisfied with what Jehovah supplied and complained: “How we remember the fish that we used to eat in Egypt for nothing, the cucumbers and the watermelons and the leeks and the onions and the garlic! But now our soul is dried away. Our eyes are on nothing at all except the manna.” (Num. 11:5, 6) Yes, their viewpoint had become distorted—so much so that they even wanted to return to the land of their slavery! (Num. 14:2-4) The Israelites looked at the things behind and lost Jehovah’s favor.—Num. 11:10.",Eccl. 7:10;,"Mar 15, 2012; page 26;",,,bl,,11/18/2013
"refuse, loss, garbage, trash, bemoan, good old days, past, future, regrets, secular opportunities, ","Just as a person who throws away garbage, or trash, does not later bemoan his loss, Paul did not regret any of the secular opportunities that he had left behind. He no longer felt that they were worthwhile.  Sad to say, some look back on sacrifices they made in the past and view them as missed opportunities. Perhaps you had opportunities for higher education, for prominence, or for financial security, but you decided not to pursue them."," The apostle Paul gave up much to become a follower of Christ.  How did he feel about the things he had left behind? He tells us: “What things were gains to me, these I have considered loss on account of the Christ.” And why? He continues: “I do indeed also consider all things to be loss on account of the excelling value of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord. On account of him I have taken the loss of all things and I consider them as a lot of refuse, that I may gain Christ.”* (Phil. 3:7, 8) ",Phil. 3:4-6;,"Mar 15, 2012 WT page 27;",,,bl,,11/18/2013
"success, has beens, fame is fickle, disappointment, failure  ",Professor F. Dale Bruner writes of such treasures: “It is well known that fame is fickle. Last Saturday’s hero is next season’s has-been. This year’s financial success is next year’s bankruptcy. . . . [Jesus] loves human beings. He urges them to avoid the inevitable despair that comes with evanescent glory. It doesn’t last. Jesus does not want [his] disciples [to be] disappointed. ‘Every day the world turns over on someone who was just sitting on top of it.’” ,"Though most people would agree with those comments, how many allow the reality behind them to alter their approach to life? Will you? A person’s earthly treasure may be more than just money. In a sense, it could include any of those things that Solomon wrote about that have to do with being successful in the eyes of men—prestige, fame, or power. Jesus made a point similar to the one Solomon made in the book of Ecclesiastes—worldly treasures are not lasting. As you have likely seen in the world around you, all such treasures are perishable and can be easily lost.",Matt. 6:19-21;,"Dec 15, 2012 Wt page 7;",,,bl,,11/18/2013
"yoke, slavery, steward, trusted, demeaning, oppresive, cruel, honor, respect, slaves, ","SOME 2,500 years ago, a Greek playwright wrote: “No one willingly wears the yoke of slavery.” Many today would readily agree with that statement. Slavery evokes images of people oppressed and in bondage, whose work and sacrifices bring benefits, not to themselves, but to those who own and dominate them.","Yet, Jesus indicated that his disciples would be humble servants, or slaves. There is nothing demeaning or oppressive, though, about this slavery involving true Christians. These slaves enjoy a position of honor, trust, and respect. Consider, for example, the comments Jesus made about one “slave” shortly before His death. Christ foretold that he would assign duties to a “faithful and discreet slave.”",Matt. 24:45-47;,"Dec 15, 2012 Wt page 9",,,bl,,11/18/2013
"Abilities, Advancement, Growth, Mature, Progress, Improvement,","Each individual begins life as a single cell.  The cell takes in materials and converts them into the building blocks that it needs to grow.  Thus, the single cell grows 'FROM WITHIN.'  A newborn baby's first year is never matched in any other year in its life.","In spiritual growth, first of all a steady feeding program is needed.  Think of your first year in the truth.  You must admit that was phenomenal growth, all as a result of feeding on God's Word.","1 Ti  4:15; Mt 5:14; 12:34; Ps 1:1, 2;","Aug 1, 1992 Wt Page 11, 12",Happy Though Hungry--how Can It Be?,31,Admin,,11/18/2013
"attitude, positive, negative ","A bad attitude is like a flat tire, you can’t get very far until you change it.",reflect on God's Word. ,Ps. 119:105,Bob Laymon ,,,bl,,11/18/2013
"qualities, appreciate, ","Our appreciation for a new dish becomes deeper as we first smell its aroma, then savor each morsel of it, and finally prepare the dish ourselves. ","Similarly, we deepen our appreciation for a quality of Jehovah by getting acquainted with it, reflecting on it, and then imitating it in our own life. (Eph. 5:1) The objective of this article and the following two articles is to deepen our appreciation for God’s qualities that we may think of less often than his principal attributes. In the case of each, we will consider: What is its meaning? How does Jehovah demonstrate it? And how can we imitate Jehovah in showing this particular quality?",Eph 5:1,w13 6/15 page 11,,,bl,,11/19/2013
"gift of speech, misuse, ","IF YOU were to give a loved one a gift, how would you feel if he deliberately misused it? Say that you gave him a car, and you later learned that he drove it recklessly, causing injury to others. Would you not be disappointed?","The ability to utter intelligible speech is a gift from Jehovah, the Giver of “every good gift and every perfect present.” (James 1:17) This gift, which sets the human family apart from the animal creation, enables us to convey not just our thoughts but also our feelings to others. Like a motor vehicle, however, the gift of speech can be misused. How it must disappoint Jehovah when speech is used recklessly, causing heartache and pain to others!",James 1:17,Lv 133,,,bl,,11/19/2013
"Strength, power, right hand, safety, fear, comfort, security, reassuring message,","“HOLD my hand,” says a father to his young son as they get ready to cross a busy street. With his father’s strong hand wrapped around his tiny fingers, the boy feels safe, unafraid. Have you ever wished that someone could take your hand and safely lead you through life’s uncertainties? If so, you may find comfort in the words recorded by Isaiah.","Isaiah directed his words to Israel. Though God viewed that nation as his “special property,” it was surrounded by enemies. (Exodus 19:5) Did Israel need to fear? Jehovah used Isaiah to convey a reassuring message. As we examine those words, let us keep in mind that they also apply to God’s worshippers today.—Romans 15:4.","Isaiah 41:10, 13;","Jan 1, 2012 WT page 18",,,bl,,11/19/2013
"Patience, waiting, self-control,","Patience is a rare and precious quality. Though distressed and eager to speak her mind, Esther patiently waited for the right moment. We can learn much from her example, for all of us have likely seen wrongs that need to be put right."," If we seek to convince someone in authority to address a problem, we may need to imitate Esther and be patient. Proverbs 25:15 says: “By patience a commander is induced, and a mild tongue itself can break a bone.” If we wait patiently for the right moment and speak mildly, as Esther did, even opposition as hard as bone may be broken. Did Esther’s God, Jehovah, bless her patience and wisdom?",Proverbs 25:15;,"Jan 1, 2012 WT page 24",,,bl,,11/19/2013
"Not forget, suckling, compassion, pity, dependent, nursing mother, mercy, ","“Can a wife forget her suckling so that she should not pity the son of her belly?” At first glance, the answer seems obvious. How could a nursing mother forget her suckling? Her baby is completely dependent on her day and night—and it lets her know when it needs attention! But there is more to Jehovah’s question.  Sadly, though, not every mother has pity for the baby that longs to nurse at her breast. “Even these women can forget,” says Jehovah.","Why does a mother nurse her child and care for its every need? Is it just to quiet a crying baby? No. A mother naturally has pity for, or pities, “the son of her belly.” The Hebrew verb here translated “pity” is also rendered “show mercy.”  This Hebrew term can convey the idea of tender compassion for the helpless or vulnerable. A mother’s compassion for her suckling is one of the strongest emotions that we can imagine.",Exodus 33:19; Isaiah 54:10,"Feb 1, 2012 WT page 16;",,,bl,,11/19/2013
"Will the earth come to an end?  disaster, Armageddon, planet, predictions, ","Some believed that the earth would end on October 21, 2011. It did not. Thus, the prophecy of U.S. radio broadcaster Harold Camping rang hollow. He predicted that Judgment Day would come on May 21, 2011—a tremendous earthquake would roll across the globe, and five months later, on October 21, the earth would be annihilated.","The earth, however, will never come to an end. Earth’s Creator will not allow it. His Word states: “You have solidly fixed the earth, that it may keep standing.”",Psalm 119:90;,"Feb 1, 2012 Wt page 25;",,,bl,,11/19/2013
"Vessels, treasure, our fleshly bodies, earthen, gold, David Splane, Gilead, pioneers, ","The speaker explained that the “earthen vessels” refer to our fleshly bodies. He contrasted a vessel made of earth with one made of gold. Vessels of gold are not used often. Vessels made of earth, on the other hand, are meant for work. If we placed a treasure in a vessel of gold, we might focus as much on the vessel as on the treasure it contains. “You students don’t want to draw attention to yourselves,” said Brother Splane. “As missionaries, you want to direct people to Jehovah. You are modest earthen vessels.”David Splane","Continuing the analogy, the speaker said that in Bible times some earthen vessels were fire-resistant, and some had a tough glaze that prevented the vessel from chipping. The point? During the first months in their assignment, the missionaries will no doubt form a tough glaze. They will become less sensitive to criticism, less inclined to take offense. “You will discover that you are tougher than you think you are,” said Brother Splane. Jehovah has entrusted this treasure of the ministry, not to angels, but to earthen vessels. “That shows that Jehovah has confidence in you,” concluded the speaker.","2 Corinthians 4:1, 2, 5;","Feb 1, 2012 WT page 29;",,,bl,,11/19/2013
"Challenges, bigger trials, race with horses, Gilead, pioneering, running, Samuel Herd,","“How long and how fast can you run?” asked Samuel Herd of the Governing Body. Why raise that question with the students? The speaker drew a comparison between the experiences of the students and those of the prophet Jeremiah. That faithful man had a difficult time dealing with the challenges he was facing. But he had bigger trials ahead. So Jehovah asked him: “Because with footmen you have run, and they would tire you out, how, then, can you run a race with horses?”—Jeremiah 12:5.","Applying this point to the students, Brother Herd said: “You may feel that you have been running with horses because of all the exams you’ve had. But you have really been running with footmen, not with horses. In your assignments you will be racing with horses, or facing bigger challenges than you can imagine today. How will you fare? Gilead training has prepared you to run with horses and not tire out.” He encouraged the students to keep training themselves spiritually, to maintain a good routine of Bible study and prayer.",Jeremiah 12:5;,"Feb 1, 2012 WT page 29,",,,bl,,6/30/2017
"“Do Not Hold Yourself to a Few.” John Ekrann, self-sparing, selfish, picky, assignments, big or small, blessings, zeal, faith, Gilead,","The widow had only a small jar for oil. Elisha instructed her to collect other jars from her neighbors, saying: “Do not hold yourself to a few.” Through Elisha, Jehovah miraculously filled with oil all the jars that the widow collected. The widow then sold the oil and received enough income to pay her debts and support her family for a time.","What lessons could the future missionaries learn from this account? When the widow collected the extra vessels, she was not likely to have been picky. “She would have gathered any vessel that would hold oil,” said the speaker, “and probably the bigger the better.” Brother Ekrann then urged the students to take any and every assignment, big or small. “Don’t be picky,” he said. He also reminded the students that the amount of blessings the widow received was directly related to how much attention she paid to Elisha’s instructions. His point? The amount of blessings we receive is directly related to the amount of zeal and faith we demonstrate. “Don’t be self-sparing,” said the speaker.",2 Kings 4:1-7;,"Feb 1, 2012 page 31;",,,bl,,11/19/2013
"Spiritual qualities, chain, shipwreck, links, unbreakable attachment to Jehovah, weather any storm,","“Your work,” he said, “could be likened to that of a blacksmith.” In what way? A blacksmith welds together the links of a chain that can safely anchor a ship. Likewise, missionaries help Bible students build spiritual qualities needed for salvation.","The speaker associated the links in a chain with the eight qualities recorded at 2 Peter 1:5-8. Brother Sam Roberson said that if missionaries help their Bible students to see how Jehovah displays those qualities, those students are likely to develop an unbreakable attachment to Jehovah. They will weather any storm of adversity that might test their faith.",1 Timothy 1:19;,"Feb 1, 2012 WT page 31",,,bl,,11/19/2013
"Are all Christians, Christian, proof, prove, identification, number professing to be Christians,","A traveler is usually required to state his citizenship to a border official. He also needs to prove that he is who he claims to be by producing some identification, perhaps a passport. ","Similarly, a true Christian needs to do more than profess his faith in Christ. He needs to have additional identification. What would that be?HOW many Christians are there? According to the Atlas of Global Christianity, in 2010 there were almost 2.3 billion worldwide. But the same publication also indicates that those Christians belong to over 41,000 denominations—each with its own doctrines and rules of conduct. Faced with this bewildering array of “Christian” religions, it is understandable that some observers become confused or even disillusioned. They may wonder, ‘Are all who claim to be Christians really Christian?’",Acts 11:26;,Mar 2012 WT page 3;,,,bl,,11/19/2013
"Jehovah's Witnesses, signature, identity, The Bible is our signature,","Regarding Jehovah’s Witnesses, the New Catholic Encyclopedia states: “They regard the Bible as their only source of belief and rule of conduct.” ","Recently, a man in Canada interrupted one of Jehovah’s Witnesses as she was introducing herself. “I know who you are,” he said, pointing at her Bible, “by your signature.”",John 17:17;,"Mar 1, 2012 WT page 4",,,bl,,11/19/2013
"Neutrality, patriotic, nationalism, prejudice, ","Regarding Christian neutrality, the New Catholic Encyclopedia asserts: “Conscientious objection is morally indefensible.”"," An article in the Reformierte Presse states that a report by African Rights, a human rights organization, on the 1994 Rwandan genocide established the participation of all churches, “with the exception of Jehovah’s Witnesses.”",1 Peter 4:4;,"Mar 1, 2012 WT page 5;",,,bl,,11/19/2013
"Neutrality, patriotic, nationalism, Nazi Holocaust, cruelty, spoke out, Jehovah's Witnesses,","Discussing the Nazi Holocaust, a high-school teacher lamented that “no group or organization of regular citizens spoke out against the mass of lies, cruelty, and eventual atrocities.”"," After consulting with the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, he wrote: “I now had my answer.” He learned that Jehovah’s Witnesses stood firm in their beliefs in spite of the harsh treatment they received.",Psalm 37:29,"Mar 1, 2012 WT page 5;",,,bl,,11/19/2013
"Disasters, Love amount themselves, racial bias, prejudice, churchgoers,  ",A recent U.S. study found a strong link between religious people—most of whom identified themselves as Christian—and racial bias. Churchgoers in one land are often unaffiliated with those of the same denomination in another land and are thus unable or disinclined to help fellow believers when a need arises.,"In 2004, after Florida was hit by a string of four hurricanes in two months, the chairman of Florida’s Emergency Operations Committee checked to ensure that their supplies were being used properly. He said that no other group was as well organized as Jehovah’s Witnesses, and he offered to provide any supplies needed by the Witnesses. Earlier, in 1997, a relief team of Jehovah’s Witnesses with medicine, food, and clothing traveled to the Democratic Republic of Congo to assist their Christian brothers and others in need. Fellow Witnesses in Europe had donated supplies totaling a million dollars (U.S.).","JOHN 13:34, 35;","Mar 1, 2012 WT page 6;",,,bl,,11/19/2013
"Judging, appearance, clinical eye, character, personality, trustworthiness, ","WHILE sitting comfortably in his living room, a doctor was watching a television talk show that was hosting an Irish government minister. After carefully observing the minister’s face, the doctor noticed something that he thought gave indication of a tumor. He advised the minister to have it checked immediately.","The diagnosis turned out to be exactly right. That doctor had what is sometimes called a clinical eye, that is, the ability to make a good diagnosis by simply looking at a patient. Some, however, feel that they have a “clinical eye” when it comes to judging people’s character, personality, and trustworthiness.",1 Samuel 16:6-12;,"Mar 1, 2012 page 10;",,,bl,,11/19/2013
"The Former Things Will Not Be Called to Mind, memories, reflecting, pleasant times, plagues, painful memories, fade,","MEMORIES can be a blessing. Reflecting on pleasant times with loved ones can warm our heart. But in other cases, memories may seem more like a curse. Are you plagued by painful memories of hurtful past experiences? If so, you may wonder, ‘Will these sad memories ever fade from my mind?’ ",We find a most reassuring answer in words recorded by the prophet Isaiah. Jehovah purposes to cut off painful memories at their source. How so? By removing this wicked world with all its suffering and replacing it with something infinitely better. Jehovah through Isaiah promises: “Here I am creating new heavens and a new earth.” Understanding this promise can fill our hearts with hope.,Read Isaiah 65:17;,"Feb 1, 2012 Page 19;",,,bl,,11/19/2013
"Jesus, questions, opinion, wonder,","“Nearly everyone has a theory about who [Jesus] is. No matter the level of our faith or skepticism, we all find ourselves asking, ‘Who is this man?’”—AUTHOR STAN GUTHRIE.","PEOPLE are curious about Jesus. Books about him have become best sellers. Movies about him have become major box-office successes. Yet, questions about Jesus persist. People have varying opinions about who Jesus really was.",John 3:16,"Apr 1, 2012 Wt page 3",,,bl,,11/19/2013
"Second mile, willing, service, force, compel, ","In the first century C.E., Israel was occupied by the Romans. They did not hesitate to press men or animals into service or to commandeer anything else they considered necessary in order to expedite official business. For example, Roman soldiers obliged Simon of Cyrene to carry Jesus’ torture stake to the site of his execution. (Matthew 27:32) Such impositions were oppressive, highly unpopular, and bitterly resented by the Jews.","Just how far citizens could be compelled to carry a load is unknown. It is hard to imagine, though, that they would have been willing to go any farther than strictly required. So when Jesus urged his listeners to go the second mile, so to speak, he was telling them to perform without resentment those services that authorities legitimately demanded.—Mark 12:17.",Mark 12:17;,"Apr 1, 2012 wt page 9",,,bl,,11/19/2013
"discipline, disfellowshipped, repentance, conscience, regret,","“You have corrected me . . . like a calf that has not been trained.” (Verse 18) The people acknowledged that they deserved the discipline. After all, they had been like an untrained calf. ","This simile may mean that they had been like a bullock that would never have “felt the goad if he had not first rebelled against the yoke,” says one reference work.",Jeremiah 31:18;,"Apr 1, 2012 Wt page 11",,,bl,,11/19/2013
"Apocryphal gospels, falsehoods, Gospel of Judas, Gnosticism, contaminating influence, paganism, Greek philosophy, mysticism,","“THIS is big. A lot of people are going to be upset.” “This changes the history of early Christianity.” These dramatic statements came from scholars welcoming the publication of the “Gospel of Judas,” a text thought lost for over 16 centuries (shown above).","There is renewed interest in such apocryphal gospels. Some people claim that these texts unveil momentous events and teachings from Jesus’ life that were long kept hidden. But what are the apocryphal gospels? Can they really teach us truths about Jesus and Christianity that we cannot find in the Bible?In December 1945, near Nag Hammadi, in Upper Egypt, peasants chanced upon 13 papyrus manuscripts containing 52 texts. These fourth-century documents have been attributed to a religious and philosophical movement called Gnosticism. Mixing elements of mysticism, paganism, Greek philosophy, Judaism, and Christianity, the movement was a contaminating influence on some professed Christians.","1 Timothy 6:20, 21;","Apr 1, 2012 WT page 18;",,,bl,,11/20/2013
"Trinity, conversation with a neighbor, relationship,","If you wanted to teach me that two people are equal, what sort of family relationship might you use to illustrate the point?Samantha: I might use two brothers.Karen: Exactly—perhaps even identical twins. But Jesus referred to God as the Father and to himself as the Son. So, what message do you suppose Jesus was conveying?","Samantha: I see your point. Jesus is describing one individual as being older and as having more authority than the other.Karen: Exactly. Think about this: You came up with such a fitting illustration of equality, that of brothers or twins. If Jesus really were God, don’t you think that Jesus, as the Great Teacher, would have thought of the same comparison—or an even clearer example of equality?Samantha: Of course.Karen: But, instead, he used the terms “Father” and “Son” to describe his relationship with God.","Luke 3:21, 22;","Apr 1, 2012 WT page 20;",,,bl,,11/20/2013
"Human wisdom, proverbs, leisure, wise, wealthy, carpenters, farmers, and blacksmiths,","There was a time-honored proverb among the Jews. It asserted that only men of leisure could become truly wise, whereas tradesmen such as carpenters, farmers, and blacksmiths “cannot declare justice and judgment; and they shall not be found where parables are spoken.”","Later, Jesus exposed the emptiness of that proverb. As a boy, how often he had heard his adoptive father, humble carpenter though he was, teach effectively about Jehovah’s “justice and judgment”! No doubt, on countless occasions.","Luke 2:51, 52;","Apr 1, 2012 WT page 23;",,,bl,,11/20/2013
"Who sent the “star, King Herod, Satan, Devil, liar and the father of the lie, manslayer, Egypt, ","A good military commander sends his best soldier on a dangerous mission into enemy territory. Would he reveal to the enemy where to find that soldier? Of course not! Likewise, Jehovah sent his Son to this dangerous world. Would He reveal to wicked King Herod where His Son lay as a defenseless child? Never!","Who, then, sent the “star,” or starlike object? Well, who had the greatest interest in seeing the child Jesus put to death, preventing him from growing up and fulfilling his mission on earth? Who seeks to mislead people and promotes lies, violence, and slaughter? Jesus himself identified the “liar and the father of the lie,” the one who “was a manslayer when he began”—Satan the Devil.—John 8:44.",John 8:44;,"Apr 1, 2012 WT page 29;",,,bl,,11/20/2013
"Salt, lamp, attitudes, conduct, isolate, isolation, hermits, phantom, ","“You are the salt of the earth; You are the light of the world. . . .  Why did Jesus compare his followers to salt and light?Jesus’ words imply that his followers are like salt, not for just a small group, but for all of mankind. They are like light, not for a limited number of people, but for all who want to see clearly. By using those word pictures, Jesus made it clear that he did not want his followers to isolate themselves from society. Why not?","Note the following: Salt cannot preserve food if it is not mixed with a food item. A lamp cannot dispel darkness from a room if the lamp is kept away from that room. It is, therefore, no wonder that Jesus never commanded his disciples to move to an isolated corner of the earth to establish communities of believers. Nor did he encourage his followers to live insulated lives behind the walls of religious institutions. Instead, as salt needs to touch food and light needs to dispel darkness, so Christians need to have an impact on the lives of others.",Matthew 5:13-16;,"May 1, 2012 WT page 3;",Service Talk,200,bl,,11/21/2013
"Community, asset to society, Jehovah's Witnesses, preservative, message, Jesus teachings, love, peace, long-suffering, ","Salt is a preservative; it can prevent decay. Similarly, the message that Jesus instructed his followers to carry to people in all nations has a preserving influence. ","Those who accept and apply Jesus’ teachings protect themselves from the moral decay so prevalent today. In what way? They learn how to avoid practices that are harmful to health, such as smoking, and they develop such qualities as love, peace, long-suffering, kindness, and goodness. (Galatians 5:22, 23) Those qualities make them an asset to society. Christians who share this preserving message with their neighbors make a valuable contribution to their community.","Galatians 5:22, 23;","May 1, 2012 Wt page 8;",Service Talk,200,bl,,11/21/2013
"Light, community, society, enlightening message, lamp, reflectors, shine, fine works, visible,","What about the metaphor of light? Just as the moon reflects the light from the sun, so Christ’s followers reflect the “light” from Jehovah God. They serve as reflectors by means of the enlightening message they preach and the good works they do.—1 Peter 2:12.","A shining lamp placed upon a lampstand is clearly visible to all those around it. Similarly, the preaching activities and other fine works that true Christians perform should be clearly visible to those living around them.",1 Peter 2:12;Matthew 5:14-16;,"May 1, 2012 WT page 8;",Service Talk,200,bl,,11/20/2013
"Prophecy, Prophecy—A Perfect Record, HOW IS THE BIBLE DIFFERENT?, ","Ancient oracles were notoriously ambiguous and unreliable, and modern horoscopes are no better. Futurology is based on current trends and rarely even attempts to predict specific events centuries in advance.","In contrast, Bible prophecies are detailed and always come true, even if they tell “from long ago the things that have not been done.”—Isaiah 46:10.  “Bible prophecies are . . . so numerous as to make accidental fulfillment almost infinitely improbable.”—A LAWYER EXAMINES THE BIBLE, BY IRWIN H. LINTON",JOSHUA 23:14; Isaiah 46:10;,w12 6/1 p. 4,,,bl,,11/20/2013
"Bible, accurate, different writers, HOW IS THE BIBLE DIFFERENT?, ","WHAT DO YOU THINK? Would you expect a book written over a span of more than 1,500 years by some 40 different men to be totally harmonious? Or is the Bible unique?","Even contemporaneous records from ancient times often contradict one another. Books written by different men, in different places, at different times rarely harmonize completely. Yet, the Bible claims that all of its 66 books have but one Author—presenting a unified and harmonious message.",2 Timothy 3:16;,w12 6/1 p. 7,,,bl,,11/20/2013
"Bible, Trust, practical suggestions, good emotional and physical health, isolating, unique,","Would you trust advice on health issues from any other book completed almost 2,000 years ago? Or is the Bible unique?","Though not a medical guide, the Bible contains practical suggestions on good emotional and physical health. For example, it states that “a calm heart is the life of the fleshly organism.” (Proverbs 14:30) The Bible also warns: “One isolating himself will seek his own selfish longing; against all practical wisdom he will break forth.” (Proverbs 18:1) On the other hand, it states that “there is more happiness in giving than there is in receiving.”—Acts 20:35.",Proverbs 14:30; 18:1; Acts 20:35;,w12 6/1 p. 8,,,bl,,11/20/2013
"KNOWLEDGE can save life, oral rehydration solution, treating diarrhea. Prevent dehydration, treating diarrhea. (1) Prevent dehydration ","KNOWLEDGE can save life. When ten-month-old Nouhou fell sick, his mother—a community health worker in Niger—knew what to do. She prepared an oral rehydration solution for her son by mixing sugar, salt, and clean water. According to UNICEF, because of her “quick response and access to community health care, her child’s illness was cut short.”See note below: *** g95 4/8 p. 11 What Shapes Your Health—What You Can Do ***","Knowledge from the Bible can also save life. The first Bible writer, Moses, stated: “It is no valueless word for you, but it means your life, and by this word you may lengthen your days.” (Deuteronomy 32:47) Can the Bible really lengthen our days? In what way does it mean our life?*** g95 4/8 p. 11 What Shapes Your Health—What You Can Do ***If you cannot obtain prepackaged ORS, follow this simple recipe carefully: Mix one level teaspoon of table salt, eight level teaspoonfuls of sugar, and one liter (five cupfuls at 200 milliliters each) of clean water. Give one cupful for each loose stool passed, half that for small children. See the box on page 10 for more information on this matter.",Deuteronomy 32:47;,w12 6/1 p. 9,,,bl,,11/20/2013
"Humility, bow low, attracts, hope, faith, Jerusalem destroyed, dispair, authority, ","HUMILITY attracts. We usually feel drawn to those who have a humble spirit. Sadly, though, genuine humility is hard to find in today’s world—especially in those who have power or authority over others. What about Jehovah God, the most powerful Personage in the universe? Is he humble?","Jeremiah wrote Lamentations at a low point in Israel’s history. He had just witnessed something that pained him deeply—the destruction of his beloved Jerusalem by the Babylonians. Listen as Jeremiah speaks representatively for his people.Amid the sorrow, Jeremiah is filled with hope. He cries out to Jehovah: “Without fail your soul* [Jehovah himself] will remember and bow low over me.” (Verse 20) Jeremiah has no doubt. He knows that Jehovah will not forget him—or repentant ones among His people. ","Lamentations 3:20, 21;",w12 6/1 p. 14;,,,bl,,11/20/2013
"personal name, Jehovah,  “Sovereign Lord,” “God Almighty,” and “Grand Creator.” ","Undoubtedly, you like to be called by your personal name rather than by a title, such as “man,” “mister,” “madam,” or “woman.” A name helps to distinguish you as an individual. God is called by such titles as “Sovereign Lord,” “God Almighty,” and “Grand Creator.” ","But he has also given himself a name to help us to establish a personal relationship with him. In English, God’s personal name is Jehovah. Although many Bible translators have replaced God’s name with such terms as “God” and “Lord,” that name is found nearly 7,000 times in ancient Hebrew manuscripts of the Bible. Clearly, God wants his name to be known.",Isaiah 42:8; Genesis 15:2; 17:1; Ecclesiastes 12:1; Isaiah 12:4;,w12 6/1 pp. 16-17;,,,bl,,11/20/2013
"“Impossible!”—What Does It Mean?, possible with God, Titanic, Global news, moon mission, mars, ","THE Titanic, launched in 1912, was the largest and most luxurious ocean liner of its time. Because of its advanced scientific design, the vessel was considered “unsinkable.” What happened, of course, is history. On its maiden voyage, it struck an iceberg in the North Atlantic and sank, taking down with it some 1,500 of its passengers.","At the time, things were beyond the ability of man to do or even to foresee. Putting a man on the moon, sending a vehicle to Mars and controlling it from Earth, mapping the human genetic code, and seeing a news event as it happens across town or across the globe—these are realities now that may have been described as impossible even just 50 years ago. “The things impossible with men are possible with God.” (Luke 18:27) ",Luke 18:27;,w12 6/1 pp. 27-29;,,,bl,,11/20/2013
"possible, impossible, failure, circumstances, friends fail, not impossible with God, comfort, promise,","A good friend, perhaps a bank manager or someone in authority, tells you: “You must not worry. If you are ever in need of anything, just come to me.” No doubt you would be comforted by such a promise. ","But, sadly, humans often fail us. Perhaps your friend comes into circumstances that make it impossible for him to fulfill his well-intentioned promise. Should your friend die, then all his good will and ability to help would come to an abrupt end. On the other hand, none of the things that can happen to humans can have any effect on God. The Bible assures us: “Nothing is impossible to God.”",Luke 1:37;,w12 6/1 pp. 27-29,,,bl,,11/20/2013
"Stubborn, refused to obey, changed mind, Naaman, ",HAVE you ever been stubborn and refused to obey?  Perhaps you watched a TV program that your mother or father said you should not watch. You may have thought about it later and were sorry you disobeyed. ,"Naaman gets a terrible skin disease called leprosy. It makes him look awful, and it probably hurts a lot too. A little servant girl tells her mistress about a man named Elisha back in her home country. She says that he can heal Naaman.  He takes many gifts and travels with his soldiers to Israel. He goes to the king of Israel to let him know why he has come.  When he is told to bathe in Jordan, He is angry. So he gets stubborn and refuses to obey God’s prophet. He later changes his mind. ",2 Kings 5:1-19;,w12 6/1 pp. 30-31,,,bl,,11/20/2013
"Do you believe in God, Can God hear prayers? invisibility, sound waves, Hearer of prayers, intercom, ","You cannot see radio waves, but your cell phone clearly demonstrates the reality of those invisible waves that transmit voices; so you accept that such waves exist. ","Similarly, although we cannot see the Hearer of prayer, we can review available evidence that can give us the conviction that he must exist.",Hebrews 3:4;,w12 7/1 pp. 4-6;,,,bl,,2/9/2015
"Forgive, forget, act, punishment, hold against, sins, wipes out record, ","The words of Ezekiel 18:21, 22 paint a touching picture of the extent of God’s forgiveness. When Jehovah forgives our sins, he will never hold those sins against us in the future. Instead, he puts the sins of repentant ones behind him. (Isaiah 38:17) It is as if he wipes out the record of those sins.—Acts 3:19.","Thus, “to remember” can mean “to act.” Hence, when Jehovah says of a repentant sinner that his sins “will not be remembered against him,” He is saying that He will not thereafter act against the individual because of those sins, such as by accusing or punishing him.*","Ezekiel 18:21, 22;",w12 7/1 p. 18;,,,bl,,11/20/2013
"Miracles, healing, health, cure, promises, incurable disease, ","Consider this scenario: Imagine that you have an incurable disease. If you were to read a report in a reputable medical journal about a new medicine that might cure your sickness, would it not be worthwhile to expend at least a little time and energy to investigate the facts? ","Similarly, the Bible promises that soon some amazing miracles will occur. They will affect the lives of every living creature on this planet. Would it not be worth some of your time and energy to find out whether that promise is reliable?","Revelation 21:3, 4;",w12 8/1 pp. 3-4,,,bl,,11/20/2013
"Miracle, cure, paradise, surgery, sick world, confidence, doctor, wickedness, ","IF A surgeon was scheduled to perform a complicated procedure on you, how would you feel if you found out that he had never performed this type of surgery? No doubt you would be concerned. But what if, on the other hand, you found out that this doctor was the leading surgeon in his field and that he had performed hundreds of successful operations like the one you were about to have? Would you not have much more confidence that he could help you?","The sick world in which we find ourselves today needs drastic “surgery.” Through his Word, the Bible, Jehovah God has promised that he will restore Paradise to this earth. (2 Peter 3:13) But for that to happen, wickedness will first have to be removed, completely cut away.  All the woeful conditions that we see around us must be eradicated before a paradise can be reestablished. It will literally take a miracle for that to happen!—Revelation 21:4, 5.","Psalm 37:9-11; Proverbs 2:21, 22;",w12 8/1 pp. 8-10,,,bl,,11/20/2013
"Miracles, human accomplishments, all the facts, unbelievable, elephant walks on water, lies, truth,","A humorous story illustrates how easy it is to base an opinion on incomplete facts. John Locke (1632-1704) related this story about the Dutch ambassador and the king of Siam: While describing his country, Holland, to the king, the ambassador mentioned that at times it was possible for an elephant to walk on water. The king rejected the idea and felt that the ambassador was lying to him. However, the ambassador was merely describing something that was beyond the king’s personal experience. The king did not realize that when water freezes and becomes ice, it can support the weight of an elephant. This seemed impossible to the king because he did not have all the facts.Consider some modern accomplishments that may have been considered impossible just a few decades ago:","● An airplane can transport more than 800 passengers nonstop from New York to Singapore, traveling at a cruising speed of 560 miles per hour (900 km/h).● Video conferences can enable people on different continents to engage in face-to-face conversations.● Thousands of songs can be stored on a device smaller than a box of matches.● Surgeons can transplant hearts and other body parts.What logical conclusion can we draw from such facts? This: If humans can accomplish feats that just a few years ago seemed impossible, then surely the God who created the universe and all that is in it can perform amazing acts that we do not yet fully understand or cannot presently replicate.*",Genesis 18:14; Matthew 19:26;,w12 8/1 pp. 4-6;,,,bl,,11/20/2013
"Miracles, Bible, credibility, truth, false, lies, credible, true, ","IF YOU were told an amazing story, would not the credibility of the person telling the story affect whether you believe that story or not? Such credibility would involve not only the way the person told the story but also his personal record of truthfulness. After all, if over the years he had always told you the truth and had never deliberately lied to you, you would have good reason to believe what he now told you.",The same is true of miracles recorded in the Bible. None of us were alive when those events occurred. But we can determine if the Bible’s story is credible—if it has the ring of truth. How? Here are some factors that add credibility to Bible accounts of miracles.,Exodus 14:21-31; 19:16-19;,w12 8/1 pp. 7-8,,,bl,,11/20/2013
"Earth, Tenants, paradise, Kingdom, damage property, life miserable, wicked will be no more, ","Imagine you own an apartment building. Some of the tenants are good people—they take care of their apartment and try to be good neighbors. You’re glad to rent an apartment to them. But others are bad tenants; they damage the property and make life miserable for their neighbors around them. Now, if those bad tenants refused to clean up their act, what would you do?","Robert: I’d evict them.Marcus: That’s exactly what God is going to do to the bad people around us today. Look again at verse 10. It says: “The wicked one will be no more.” In other words, God will “evict” the people who make trouble for others. Then good people will be able to enjoy life on earth in peace. I realize that this idea of good people living forever on earth may be somewhat different from what you’ve been taught in the past.","Psalm 37:9, 10, 11, 29;",w12 8/1 pp. 21-23,,,bl,,11/20/2013
"Gilead, Champion of the truth, proof, pioneers, publishers, Gerrit Losch, ","Gerrit Lösch, a member of the Governing Body of Jehovah’s Witnesses, was chairman for the program and delivered the opening talk. He asked a thought-provoking question, “Are You a Champion?” He explained that Christians are champions of the truth, defending the entire body of Christian teachings. Upholding the truth involves not only teaching people the truth but also helping people to love the truth.","“How do we know we have the truth?” asked Brother Lösch. He noted that the proof is not found in the numbers of people who accept it. Though there are millions today who have accepted pure worship, there were only a few at Pentecost 33 C.E. He listed five ways by which we know we have the truth: (1) We remain in Jesus’ teaching, (2) we love one another, (3) we adhere to God’s high moral standards, (4) we remain neutral in the controversies of this world, and (5) we are God’s name people.",Matthew 25:14-30;,w12 8/1 pp. 28-31;,Service Talk,200,bl,,11/21/2013
"Gilead, Champion of the truth, proof, pioneers, publishers, Geoffrey Jackson,","Geoffrey Jackson of the Governing Body strolled to the lectern carrying a suitcase! The title of his talk was “Follow Through and Obey Direction,” based on Isaiah 50:5. Speaking prophetically of Jesus Christ, that verse says: “I, for my part, was not rebellious. I did not turn in the opposite direction.”Brother Jackson urged the students to be sensitive to the direction Jehovah gives through his holy spirit, the Bible, and his organization. In the parable of the talents, recorded at Matthew 25:14-30, each slave got the same amount, in a sense, because what the slaves received was according to their ability. They were expected to do their best. Two slaves were commended and were called “good and faithful” slaves. Faithfulness does not necessarily depend on results but on following through and obeying direction.","The third slave was called “wicked and sluggish” and “good-for-nothing.” What was his problem? He buried his talent. A talent was, not a coin, but a unit of weight the equivalent of 6,000 denarii, which would weigh 45 pounds (20 kg). That is about the weight a person is allowed in a suitcase when traveling internationally. It would have taken effort to bury anything the size of a suitcase. So the slave did something—he buried the talent—but that was not what he was directed to do. Similarly, a missionary may be busy—but busy doing what? Writing newsletters, surfing the Internet, socializing, or engaging in business? Such a person could be totally exhausted at the end of the day after engaging in such activities, but he did not do what he was directed to do. Brother Jackson concluded: “Always follow direction!”",Isaiah 50:5;,w12 8/1 pp. 28-31;,Service Talk,200,bl,,11/21/2013
"Gilead, Anthony Morris, doubts, singing, stormy times, pioneer, full-times service, ","“The Bible never links faith and doubt as belonging together,” he said. “Faith repels doubt.” Satan succeeded in planting doubts in the mind of a perfect woman, Eve, so he can plant doubts in our mind. “Feed your faith, and doubts will starve to death,” Brother Morris said."," He drew attention to the account of Peter, who “walked over the waters” but then, on “looking at the windstorm,” got afraid and started to sink. After catching hold of him, Jesus asked him: “Why did you give way to doubt?” (Matthew 14:29-31) “As busy as you missionaries will be in full-time service, others may be impressed at all that you do, as though you were walking on water, but when storms hit, do not give way to doubt.”Brother Morris continued, observing that while going through stormy times can be difficult, eventually the winds die down. As to hard times, he exhorted the students to consider what Paul and Silas did when jailed in Philippi. Acts 16:25 relates: “About the middle of the night Paul and Silas were praying and praising God with song; yes, the prisoners were hearing them.” Note this detail: They did not just pray, they sang. Their singing was loud enough for other prisoners to hear.",Acts 16:25;,w12 8/1 pp. 28-31;,Service Talk,200,bl,,11/21/2013
"Gilead, Pioneers, publishers, alert, prepared,  Michael Burnett, ","“You will need to be watchful,” Brother Burnett told the students. “You will have some dark discouraging days and will see the effects of the cold, loveless world. You need a plan of action.” ","He then reminded them that they should tackle challenging study projects in order to keep themselves spiritually watchful. Brother Burnett illustrated his point: “Each day, you pray to Jehovah because you want him to be your friend. So, let Jehovah, as your friend, talk to you every day through the pages of the Bible. The night is well along, so plan how you will use your days ahead, and in that way you will keep your eyes ahead of the night watches.”",Psalm 119:148;,w12 8/1 pp. 28-31,Service Talk,200,bl,,11/21/2013
"“Trained for the Work Ahead,” Mark Noumair, strong, firm, thorough study, organization, timbers, straight grain, professionals, pioneers,","Timbers that are firm do not warp, twist, or pull apart under pressure. The results of your training will be revealed as you work with your fellow brothers and sisters. Will the pressure cause you to pull away from godly principles, or will you hold firm, straight in line with what you learned from God’s Word? Something that is strong can carry a load. The strength of timbers lies in a tightly woven grain. Your strength is determined by the innermost fibers of who you are. Jehovah brought you here to make you strong, reliable, and trustworthy for the work ahead. "," God has done his part, so our prayer is that you do your part and allow your ‘Grand Instructor’ to finish your training.” “Since you are experienced ministers, why were you invited to the Watchtower Educational Center?” The answer: “Because you are professionals in your field. Many professionals take time off from work to attend classes to sharpen their skills. During the past five months, Jehovah has been making you ‘firm’ and ‘strong’ by a thorough study of his Word and organization so that you can carry the weighty responsibilities that come your way. ",1 Peter 5:10;,w12 8/1 pp. 28-31,Service Talk,200,bl,,11/21/2013
"dress, grooming, appearance, Judge, ","If we were to stand before a judge in court, we would likely give attention to our appearance out of regard for his position. “However, when we gather to worship him, our heartfelt desire is to show respect both for him and for our fellow worshippers. ","Likewise, the way we appear at meetings shows our esteem for “the Judge of all the earth,” Jehovah God, and for the place where we worship him.—Genesis 18:25.”",Genesis 18:25,Excerpt From: WATCHTOWER. “Jehovah’s Will (jl-E).” ,,,Admin,,11/20/2013
"Will power, strength, self-control, ","“Some believe that our willpower is very much like a muscle. The more we use it or exercise it, the stronger it becomes. If we seldom use it, it will weaken or wither. ","What, then, can help us to develop or strengthen our will to stick to and carry out the course we have decided on? Turning to Jehovah can help us.",Read Philippians 2:13;,"Watchtower (2013), September 15, 2013.",,,Admin,,11/24/2013
"Generous, generosity, uplifting, build up, encourage, ",“There is no exercise better for the heart than reaching down and lifting people up.”― John Holmes,We need to be alert for opportunities to encourage one another.,Proverbs 11:25;,Bob Laymon,,,bl,,11/24/2013
"Generous, generosity, giving, receiving, yourself, possessions, ",“You give but little when you give of your possessions. It is when you give of yourself that you truly give.”― Kahlil Gibran,We need to give of ourselves from the heart.,Proverbs 11:25;,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,11/24/2013
" action, blessings, compassion, generosity, giving, helping-others, kindness, life, success, gesture,"," “A kind gesture can reach a wound that only compassion can heal.” Quote: Steve Maraboli, Life, the Truth, and Being Free",Kindnesses can be expressed in both words and action.,"Proverbs 3:27, 28;",Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,11/24/2013
"benevolence, generosity, integrity, moral-courage, kindness, tender, misery, vengeance, consciences,", “When will our consciences grow so tender that we will act to prevent human misery rather than avenge it?”― Quote: Eleanor Roosevelt,"Men often seek revenge, but it belongs to Jehovah.",Romans 12:19,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,11/24/2013
"benevolence, charity, compassion, generosity, helping others, love,", “You have not lived today until you have done something for someone who can never repay you.” ― John Bunyan,"As Jesus said, ""you will be happy, because they have nothing with which to repay you. For you will be repaid in the resurrection of the righteous ones.”",Luke 14:13;,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,11/24/2013
"education, enduring-good, generosity, life, wise-advice, work, wisdom, ", “Give a bowl of rice to a man and you will feed him for a day. Teach him how to grow his own rice and you will save his life.”― Confucius,Gifts can sometimes can be the wrong ones.  Teach them the truth as well.,Matthew 24:14;,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,11/24/2013
"benevolence, charity, dogs, generosity, hypocrisy, pets, animals, cats, ",“I care not for a man's religion whose dog and cat are not the better for it.”  ― Abraham Lincoln,Jehovah wants us to take care of our pets and livestock.,Deuteronomy 25:4; ,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,11/24/2013
"appreciation, art, generosity, hobbies, time, ","“Because when you love something, you want to do it all the time, even if no one is paying you for it. At least that's how I felt about drawing.” ― Meg Cabot, All-American Girl",We need to be careful about hobbies because they can consume all our time.,"Eph. 5:15, 16;",Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,11/24/2013
"generosity, generous, happiness, appreciation, ","“Give what you have.  To someone, it may be better than you dare to think.”  ― Henry Wadsworth Longfellow","A gift, a card or memory is almost always appreciated.  ","Proverbs 3:27, 28;",Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,11/24/2013
"Generosity, make a difference, simple act, power of generosity, ways, people, places, times, ","“Do all the good you can, By all the means you can, In all the ways you can, In all the places you can, At all the times you can, To all the people you can, As long as ever you can.” ― Debbie Macomber, One Simple Act: Discovering the Power of Generosity",A statement on being generous.  ,"Proverbs 3:27, 28;",Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,11/24/2013
" generosity, give, giving, giving-away, giving-love, money, stewardship, time",“Money is not the only commodity that is fun to give. ,"We can give time, we can give our expertise, we can give our love or simply give a smile. What does that cost? The point is, none of us can ever run out of something worthwhile to give.”  Quote: Steve Goodier",Proverbs 3:27;,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,11/24/2013
"generosity, good-fortune, parables, peace, philosophy, sharing, generous, ","“It is said of the wild goose that it calls to its comrades whenever it finds food; this is the symbol of peace and concord in good fortune. A man does not want to keep his good luck for himself only, but is ready to share it with others."" ― Anonymous, Taoist ",We need to also share with others.,"Proverbs 3:27, 28;",Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,11/24/2013
"Righteousness and generosity, happiness, giving, sharing, caring, contentment, ","“Righteousness and generosity are inseparable. The person whose heart longs for God also longs to give to others.”― Dillon Burroughs, ",There is happiness and contentment in giving.,Acts 20:35;,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,11/24/2013
"generosity, patience, time, giving, rewards, returns, unseen, future, resurrection, waiting, ",“The return we reap from generous actions is not always evident.”  ― Francesco Guicciardini,Some rewards will only be seen after the resurrection.,Acts 24:15;,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,11/24/2013
"generosity, kindness, love, truth, angry, ill-natured, miser, liar, ", “Silence the angry man with love. Silence the ill-natured man with kindness. Silence the miser with generosity. Silence the liar with truth.”  ― Gautama Buddha,If we deal kindly with others they may be put to shame.,Matthew 7:12;,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,11/24/2013
"Jesus appearance, handsome, unbending integrity. gracious speech, ","The Scriptures say very little about Jesus’ physical appearance. As a perfect man, doubtless he was “handsome.” ","However, his outstanding handsomeness came from his faithfulness to Jehovah and his unbending integrity. In addition, Jesus used “gracious speech” when he preached the message of the Kingdom. (Luke 4:22; John 7:46) Do we personally endeavor to follow his example in our preaching work and try to use words that will touch people’s heart?​—Col. 4:6.”",Psalm 45:2. ,"Watchtower, February 15, 201",,,bl,,11/25/2013
"Dedication, baptism, commitment, marriage, paperless marriage, partners, ","Marriage is a relationship that requires a high level of commitment. It is a commitment, not to a contract, but to a person. Two people who merely live together without getting married can never enjoy real security; neither can their children. But partners who are committed to each other in honorable marriage have an impelling Scriptural reason for striving to resolve their difficulties with love when problems arise.","Today, the same holds true. For example, we benefit from having a binding written agreement, or written contract, before we begin a business venture or start working as an employee in a company. Hence, if commitment enhances relationships such as friendship, marriage, and employment, how much more will making an unreserved dedication benefit you in your relationship with Jehovah! Let us now consider how people in the past have benefited from being dedicated to Jehovah God and how this was far more than just a commitment.","Matt. 19:5, 6; 1 Cor. 13:7, 8; Heb. 13:4;",w10 1/15 pp. 3-7;,,,bl,,11/27/2013
"Dedication, baptism, commitment, universal family, ",Dedicating ourselves to God is a vital requirement for being accepted into his universal family. Let us see why.  None of us have a natural father who could pass on to us life as it should be—perfect life.  ,"We were not born as sons of God because when the first human pair sinned, the human race was separated from its loving Father and Creator. (Compare Deuteronomy 32:5.) From that time onward, the world of mankind has lived outside Jehovah’s universal family, alienated from God.",1 Tim. 6:19;,w10 1/15 pp. 3-7;,,,bl,,11/27/2013
"dedication, baptism, commitment, partners, relationship, adoption, orphaned youth, family,","Imagine a respectable father who shows kind interest in an orphaned youth and wishes to adopt him as a member of his own family. The father is known to be a good man. Still, before accepting the youth as his son, the man wants the boy to make a promise. So the man says, “Before I accept you as a son, I need to know that you will love and respect me as your father.” Only if the youth is willing to make a solemn promise will the man admit him into his family. Is that not reasonable? ","Similarly, Jehovah accepts into his family only those who are willing to make a vow of dedication to him. The Bible says: “Offer your very selves to him: a living sacrifice, dedicated and fit for his acceptance.”",Rom. 12:1;,w10 1/15 pp. 3-7;,,,bl,,11/27/2013
"Dedication, baptism, commitment, bridegroom, bride, love, pledge, promise,","A Christian bridegroom expresses his love by vowing to be loyal to his bride, come what may. It is a pledge to a person rather than merely a promise to do something. A Christian bridegroom understands that he could not have the privilege of living with his bride if he would not make a marriage vow."," In a similar way, we cannot fully enjoy the benefits of being a member of Jehovah’s family without making a vow of dedication. So we dedicate ourselves to God because, in spite of our imperfection, we desire to belong to him and are resolved to be loyal to him, come what may.",Matt. 22:37;,w10 1/15 pp. 3-7;,,,bl,,11/27/2013
"Does Our Planet Have an Expiration Date? Earth, last days, world, end, new earth,","Well, think for a moment about products on the shelf at a store. Some are labeled with an expiration date. Who set that date? Was it just an educated guess by the store manager? Of course not! The manufacturer determined the expiration date. We trust that date because the manufacturer knows his products better than anyone else. ",How much more so should we trust the Maker of our planet! His Word clearly states that he “solidly fixed the earth” to last forever. There is no expiration date—ever!—Psalm 119:90.,Psalm 119:90;,w10 1/1 pp. 22-23;,,,bl,,11/27/2013
"Ransom, pardon, conform, changes, repentance, attitude, behavior, sentence, forgive, forgiveness, punishment, discipline,","In some areas of the world, a high government official or judge can pardon a criminal who is serving a severe sentence. If the criminal willingly conforms to punitive orders and exhibits changes in his attitude and behavior, a judge or president may choose to pardon him by lessening his sentence or totally forgiving his sentence. This action may well be an expression of undeserved kindness.","In a similar manner, Jehovah can choose not to demand of all sinners the punishment they deserve. Rather, motivated by love, he can grant everlasting life to those who love him and conform to his standards. The Bible says: “God is not partial, but in every nation the man that fears him and works righteousness is acceptable to him.”—Acts 10:34, 35.","Acts 10:34, 35;",w10 1/1 p. 29;,,,bl,,11/27/2013
"Balance, work, play, workaholic, profession, obsession, emotional health, labors, employment, needs, bills to pay, ","“We should work to live, not live to work,” --Quote: a married man with 3 children.","Yes, balance is vital. Do not let your profession become your obsession. Protect your mental, physical, and emotional health by taking time to rest and enjoy the fruits of your labors. Balancing work with rest and leisure will also help you care for the needs of your family. But this is not easy, especially when you have bills to pay.",Ecclesiastes 4:6;,g 1/10 pp. 4-6;,,,bl,,11/27/2013
"Meals, food, cell phones, text messages, earphones, technology, table, television, TV, peaceful, intercom, ","YEARS ago in Western lands, many homes had a treasured ritual. The whole family gathered around a table, at least once a day, to have a meal. ","No interruptions were allowed. Nobody watched television, wore earphones, or sent text messages to friends. A peaceful environment provided an opportunity for those present to absorb wisdom, strengthen family bonds, and laugh together over daily happenings while enjoying wholesome food.",Proverbs 15:17;,g 1/10 pp. 13-15;,,,bl,,2/9/2015
"Bones, concrete, structure, body, flesh, steel, repair, strength, ","Bones can also take an incredible pounding. “[They] are constructed in exactly the same way that reinforced concrete is constructed,” states the institute. “The steel of reinforced concrete provides the tensile strength, while the cement, sand, and rock provide the compressional strength. However, the compressional strength of bone is greater than that of even the best reinforced concrete.” “We only wish we could mimic it,” said Robert O. Ritchie, a professor of materials science at the University of California, Berkeley, U.S.A.","Unlike concrete, bone is an essential part of countless living organisms. And it is dynamic. It is able to repair itself, respond to hormones that affect its growth and development, and even play a key role in the manufacture of blood cells. Also, like muscle, it slowly grows stronger as the load on it increases. Hence, athletes have heavier bones than do so-called couch potatoes.",Psalm 31:10;,g 1/10 p. 25;,,,bl,,11/27/2013
"Jehovah our Father, safe, secure, comfort, ","A young child feels safe, secure, and unafraid when walking hand in hand with his father. If you truly view Jehovah as your Father, you can take to heart the comforting words: “I, Jehovah your God, am grasping your right hand, the One saying to you, ‘Do not be afraid. I myself will help you.’” (Isa. 41:13) ","You can have the wonderful privilege of “walking” with God forever. (Mic. 6:8) Keep on doing his will, and you will experience the love, joy, and sense of security that come from viewing Jehovah as your Father.",Isaiah 41:13; Micah 6:8;,w10 2/15 pp. 3-5;,,,bl,,11/28/2013
"study habits, hit or miss, meditation, personal study, quality, regularity, ","Regularity—not a hit-or-miss approach—should mark our study habits. Our desire should be like that of the psalmist who sang: “Let the sayings of my mouth and the meditation of my heart become pleasurable before you, O Jehovah my Rock and my Redeemer.” (Ps. 19:14)","We are in a situation similar to that of Ezekiel. Today, many simply do not want to hear what the Bible says. If we are to persevere in speaking the word of God, it is important that we study the Scriptures in a manner that allows us to absorb their message fully.  How important it is that we take time to meditate on what we read, so that Bible truths sink deep down into the heart! Surely, we should strive to improve the quality of our personal study.*",Psalm 19:14; ,w10 2/15 pp. 5-9;,,,bl,,11/28/2013
"Heaven, beauty, pleasure, promise, 144,000, remnant, anointed,","For most of mankind, the old adage is true: Everyone wants to go to heaven, but nobody wants to die to get there. Why is that so?Heaven is usually imagined as a place of beauty and pleasure where people gain relief from suffering and are reunited with “departed loved ones.” ","If we were designed to die and go to heaven, would not more people look forward to it as much as a child looks forward to growing up or a youth looks forward to getting married? But most people do not want to die.  HOW attractive the prospect of going to heaven can sound! The hope of life after death is held in various forms by Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, members of Christendom’s churches, and even many who are not interested in religion. ",John 6:38;,w10 2/1 pp. 3;,,,bl,,11/28/2013
"A Place of Happy Activity, Heaven, anointed, 144,000, ","The Bible describes heaven as a hive of activity. It mentions hundreds of millions of faithful spirit creatures who live there. (Daniel 7:9, 10) Each of these spirit creatures has his own distinct personality. ","How do we know that? In all observable creation, no two living things are exactly alike, so we can be sure that in heaven, there is great diversity as well. Remarkably, all these heavenly personalities work together in unity, thus providing an admirable contrast to the earth today, where people rarely cooperate well.","Psalm 103:20, 21;",w10 2/1 pp. 4-5;,,,bl,,11/28/2013
"Regret, softened, punishment, privilege, obey, obedience,","A loving father may discipline an erring child, perhaps by withholding some privilege. But upon seeing that the child is truly sorry, the father decides to end the punishment.","Did you notice what moved God to feel regret, or change his mind? It was the change in attitude on the part of his people. Think of it this way: ",Judges 2:11-18;,w10 2/1 p. 21;,,,bl,,11/28/2013
"Regret, sorrow, mistakes, ","AS IMPERFECT humans, we all feel regret at times. For example, we may feel sorry after we realize that we have made a mistake. Curiously, the Bible says that Jehovah can feel regret. ‘But God is perfect,’ you say. ‘He does not make mistakes!’ In what way, then, does God feel regret? ","The answer can help us to understand something awe-inspiring: Jehovah has feelings, and our actions can affect his feelings. Consider the words recorded at Judges 2:11-18.",Judges 2:11-18;,w10 2/1 p. 21;,,,bl,,11/28/2013
"Imagination, worry, day dreams, daydreams, fantacy, Steven Lett, Gilead graduation, missionary, pioneers, KH construction,","“Use Your Imagination Wisely.” He first warned the graduates of four ways not to use their imaginations. The first three points were: (1) Do not imagine that material things can provide lasting protection; (2) avoid imagining immoral activities; and (3) refrain from excessive worry, imagining how bad tomorrow might be. (Proverbs 18:11; Matthew 5:28; 6:34) Regarding the third point, the speaker said that an excessive worrier piles yesterday’s anxieties on top of today’s and then reaches forward to bring tomorrow’s anxieties back to today. “That’s a heavy load to bear,” said Brother Lett. The fourth point? The class was cautioned not to imagine that their life was better before they took up their missionary assignments. Doing so would cause them to miss out on the joys available to them in their new locations. Talk: Stephen Lett, a member of the Governing Body of Jehovah’s Witnesses and chairman of the graduation program, spoke to the class on the above theme.","Brother Lett then encouraged the class to use their imaginations in four positive ways. He said: (1) Foresee situations that could be spiritually or physically dangerous, and avoid the calamity; (2) visualize the scenes you read in the Bible, and imagine that you are part of the event; (3) imagine that each person you speak to in your new assignment is a potential worshipper of Jehovah; and (4) develop empathy by imagining yourselves in the place of those to whom you preach.—Proverbs 22:3.",Proverbs 18:11; Matthew 5:28; 6:34;,w10 2/1 pp. 29-31;,Service Talk,200,bl,,11/28/2013
"Marriage, divorce, weddings, problems, pain, grief, ","“I Want Out!” The run-down house shows signs of neglect. Over the years, it has weathered many storms, not all of them successfully. Now the structure is fragile, and the collapse of the house seems imminent.","THAT picture describes the state of many marriages today. Have you ever felt that your own marriage may be heading in the same direction? If so, be assured that no couple is immune to problems. In fact, the Bible realistically acknowledges that those who marry are likely to have “pain and grief.”—1 Corinthians 7:28, The New English Bible.",1 Corinthians 7:28;,g 2/10 p. 3;,,,bl,,12/23/2015
"Divorce, saving the marriage, problems, life's anxieties, ","After assessing the damage to a house, the owners have a choice—either tear down the house or save it.","IS YOUR marriage at a similar juncture? Perhaps your spouse has betrayed your trust or recurring conflicts have sapped the joy from your relationship. If so, you might tell yourself, ‘We’ve fallen out of love’ or ‘We just aren’t meant for each other’ or ‘We didn’t know what we were doing when we got married.’ You could even be thinking, ‘Maybe we should divorce.’Before making a hasty decision to end your marriage, think. Divorce does not always end life’s anxieties. On the contrary, often it merely exchanges one set of problems for another.",Genesis 2:24;,g 2/10 pp. 4-8;,,,bl,,11/28/2013
"Bible and Divorce, break up, breakup, separating couples, fantasize, fantasy, wife of your youth, ","“Separating couples fantasize about the perfect divorce—the sudden and permanent passing of gray and stormy conflict, replaced by the cool, comforting breezes of serenity and congeniality.","But such a state is just as eternally elusive as is the perfect marriage.” It is important, then, to be fully informed and to approach the question of divorce realistically.",Malachi 2:13-16;,g 2/10 pp. 4-8;,,,bl,,11/28/2013
"Divorce, birthright, security, protection, family, separation, children of divorce, ",“My parents’ divorce took away from me every child’s birthright—the feeling of being secure and protected. ,"The world is a cold, scary place, but it seems to me that the family unit is a wall against it, where the child can come to feel nurtured and comforted. Shatter the family unit, and the protective wall crumbles too.”—Diane.",Genesis 2:24;,g 2/10 pp. 4-8;,,,bl,,11/28/2013
"Can Your Marriage Be Saved?, DIVORCE, marriage, problems, ","The owners acknowledge that their house is in poor condition, but they have decided to restore it.","WOULD you like to do the same with your marriage? If so, where can you begin? Try the following suggestions.1. Make a resolve.  Agree with your mate that you will work together to restore peace to your marriage. Try writing your decisions on paper. When both you and your spouse are committed, saving your marriage becomes a team project.—Ecclesiastes 4:9, 10.","Ecclesiastes 4:9, 10;",g 2/10 pp. 8-9,,,bl,,11/28/2013
"Dating, courtship, courting, morals, dangers, Lay Clear Ground Rules for Behavior,",To take liberties with each other or to be overconfident is like driving dangerously. It is too late to make resolutions about road safety when you are being pulled out of a wreck!,"Likewise there is danger in dating. “With those consulting together there is wisdom.” (Proverbs 13:10) Early in their relationship, prudent couples apply those words by agreeing on Scripturally appropriate expressions of affection and by being determined to stay within those limits. ","Proverbs 13:10; 22:3,",g 2/10 pp. 12-13;,,,bl,,11/28/2013
"Dating, Marriage, threefold cord, strength in marriage, Jehovah's blessing, happiness, ","Marriage is like a threefold cord, with God as the primary strand. “A threefold cord cannot quickly be torn in two,” says Ecclesiastes 4:12.","The same principle can apply to dating couples. Those who want God’s blessing on their relationship receive that blessing when they stay close to God individually. Says Psalm 1:1-3: “Happy is the man [or woman] that has not walked in the counsel of the wicked ones . . . But his delight is in the law of Jehovah, and in his law he reads in an undertone day and night . . . , and everything he does will succeed.”",Ecclesiastes 4:12; Psalm 1:1-3;,g 2/10 pp. 12-13',,,bl,,11/28/2013
"Honesty, stealing, lying, ",EVERYONE is honest some of the time; many perhaps most of the time. But how many people do you know who are striving to be honest all the time?,"Today, a lack of honesty prevails in numerous facets of life. Nevertheless, God’s view of honesty is well-known. For example, most people are familiar with the words of the eighth of the Ten Commandments: “You must not steal.” (Exodus 20:15) Many, however, feel that circumstances sometimes justify stealing or other forms of dishonesty. Let us consider three examples of theft that are commonly excused.",Exodus 20:15;,w10 3/1 pp. 12-14;,,,bl,,11/28/2013
"Poverty, crime, honesty, justified, stealing, Jesus' position, circumstances,",A Roman statesman once said: “Poverty is the mother of crime.” A poor individual might feel justified in stealing. Onlookers might agree.," What position did Jesus take on this issue? He was very compassionate in his dealings with the needy. “He felt pity for them.” (Matthew 9:36) Yet, he never—under any circumstances—condoned stealing. What, then, should a poor person do?",Matthew 9:36;,w10 3/1 pp. 12-14;,,,bl,,11/28/2013
"flying, bird, engine, power, fuel, ","How efficient is a bird’s “engine”? A measure of an aircraft’s efficiency is whether it can take off carrying sufficient fuel. When a Boeing 747 takes off for a ten-hour flight, roughly a third of its weight is fuel. Similarly, a migrating thrush may lose almost half of its body weight on a ten-hour flight. But when a bar-tailed godwit takes off from Alaska heading for New Zealand, over half its body weight is fat. Astonishingly, it flies for about 190 hours (eight days) nonstop. No commercial aircraft can do that.","Flight, especially takeoff, consumes a lot of energy. So birds need a powerful, fast-burning “engine.” A bird’s heart beats faster than that of a similar-size mammal and is usually larger and more powerful. Also, a bird’s lungs have a different, one-way-flow design that is more efficient than a mammal’s.",Job 12:7-9;,g 3/10 p. 5;,,,bl,,11/29/2013
"Seeing, eye, TV, Television, camera, inventions, ","YOUR eyes are like tiny television cameras. They convert images into electrical signals and transmit these signals along the optic nerve to the back of your brain, where the actual seeing takes place.","The eye is a marvel in miniature. Just an inch [24 mm] in diameter and one fourth of an ounce [7.5 g] in weight, it is ingeniously engineered. For example, it has separate systems for dim and bright lighting, so that 30 minutes after entering a dark room, your eyes may become 10,000 times more sensitive to light.",Proverbs 20:12;,g 3/10 p. 7;,,,bl,,11/29/2013
"Navigation, GPS, position, travel, accuracy, destination, address, Satellite navigation devices,",Today motorists in many countries navigate using relatively inexpensive devices linked to the Global Positioning System (GPS). You just key in your destination address. The device can show your exact position on its screen. Then it guides you to where you want to go. How does it work?,"Satellite navigation devices depend on about 30 satellites that each broadcast signals indicating the satellite’s position and the time to an accuracy of a few billionths of a second. Once your device has established contact with a few satellites, it accurately measures how long a signal takes to travel from the satellite to your receiver. With this information, it can determine your position. Can you imagine the complexity of the mathematics? In a few seconds, it computes the distances to three satellites, all thousands of miles away traveling in different directions at speeds of many miles per second.",Genesis 1:1;,g 3/10 p. 8;,,,bl,,11/29/2013
"animal and bird navigation, satellites, observing sun, landmarks, magnetic fields, distinctive smells, sounds,","Monarch butterflies from vast areas of North America migrate more than a thousand miles to a small area of Mexico. Even though they have never been to Mexico before, they find their way, often to the same trees where their great-grandparents roosted the previous year. Just how they do it still baffles researchers.","Whereas our automatic navigation devices may depend totally on satellites, many animals seem to be able to use various navigation methods—from observing landmarks and the sun to detecting magnetic fields, distinctive smells, and even sounds. Professor of biology James L. Gould writes: “Animals whose lives depend on accurate navigation are uniformly overengineered. . . . They usually come equipped with alternative strategies—a series of backups between which they switch depending on which is providing the most reliable information.” The sophistication of animal navigation continues to confound investigators.",Jeremiah 8:7;,g 3/10 p. 9;,,,bl,,11/29/2013
"Snake worship, images, creation, creator, approval, offensive, ","Suppose that an architect constructed houses and gave them to families to live in and enjoy. What if those families thanked and praised the houses rather than the architect? Would that not be foolish, as well as offensive to the generous architect? ","Similarly, worshipping animals rather than their Creator is offensive to God.  Clearly, those who wish to have God’s approval should heed the warning of the apostle John: “Little children, guard yourselves from idols.”—1 John 5:21.",1 John 5:21;,g 3/10 pp. 22-23;,,,bl,,11/29/2013
"Are All Parts of the Bible Still Relevant?, useful, outdated, too old, genealogy, accurate,","Suppose that you pick an apple from an apple tree. Once you have the apple, is the tree that produced it irrelevant? Not if you want more fruit! In some ways the Bible is like that apple tree. Certain parts of the Bible, such as the Psalms or the Sermon on the Mount, might seem to be readily accessible and especially “tasty.” While we may treasure those parts—as we might our favorite fruit—should we disregard the rest? What does the Bible itself say on the matter?","About the year 65 C.E., the apostle Paul wrote his second letter to Timothy, reminding him: “From infancy you have known the holy writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through the faith in connection with Christ Jesus.” Paul next stated: “All Scripture is inspired of God and beneficial for teaching, for reproving, for setting things straight, for disciplining in righteousness.” (2 Timothy 3:15, 16) When Paul wrote that “all Scripture is inspired of God and beneficial,” was he talking about just the New Testament?","2 Timothy 3:15, 16'",g 3/10 pp. 28-29;,,,bl,,11/29/2013
"The Man Who Changed the World, Jesus Christ, Michael, God's Son, Word of God, Chief Agent of Life,","Billions of people have lived and died on this earth. Most have left no footprint on the sands of time. A few, however, have influenced the course of history—and likely your everyday life.","There is, however, one man who stands out above all others. He is not known for any scientific discovery or medical breakthrough. Rather, this man of humble background who died nearly 2,000 years ago left behind a message—a powerful message of hope and comfort. When measured by the degree to which his message has affected the lives of people earth wide, many would agree that he truly is the man who changed the world.  That man was Jesus Christ. What message did he preach? And what effect can that message have on your life?",Matthew 7:28;,w10 4/1 p. 3;,,,bl,,11/29/2013
"Jesus Christ, Jesus Christ—The Reach of His Message, ",“Surely the most enduring testament to the sage from Capernaum is that he continues to hold hearts and minds in his gentle grasp.”*—AUTHOR GREGG EASTERBROOK.,"WORDS have power. Well-chosen words of wisdom can move hearts, inspire hope, and change lives. No man has ever been more powerful in word than Jesus Christ. One who heard Jesus give the now well-known Sermon on the Mount later wrote: “When Jesus finished these sayings, the effect was that the crowds were astounded at his way of teaching.”—Matthew 7:28.To this day, many of Jesus’ sayings are familiar to people the world over. Consider a few examples of sayings rich in meaning.“You cannot slave for God and for Riches.”—Matthew 6:24.“All things, therefore, that you want men to do to you, you also must likewise do to them.”—Matthew 7:12.“Pay back . . . Caesar’s things to Caesar, but God’s things to God.”—Matthew 22:21.“There is more happiness in giving than there is in receiving.”—Acts 20:35.",Matthew 7:28;,w10 4/1 p. 4;,,,bl,,11/29/2013
"What Jesus Taught About Himself, Jesus Christ, Messiah, ","“Jesus had no doubt whatever as to who he was, from where he came, why he entered our world, and what the future held for him.”—AUTHOR HERBERT LOCKYER.","BEFORE we can accept and put faith in the things Jesus taught, we need to know something about him. Who really was Jesus? Where did he come from? What was his purpose in life? In the Gospels—Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John—we can hear the answers from Jesus’ own lips, as it were.(See Article for interesting facts)",John 8:58,w10 4/1 p. 5;,,,bl,,11/29/2013
"Jesus, discernment, awareness, knowledge, sparrow, hair, ability, struggles, worries, worry, plagues, care for worshipers,",Jesus said that not a single sparrow can fall to the ground without Jehovah’s knowledge. Jesus added: “The very hairs of your head are all numbered.” (Matthew 10:29-31),"If Jehovah has the ability to take note that one sparrow is missing from a particular nest, how much more must he observe and care about each of his human worshippers? If each hair on our head can be numbered and noticed by Jehovah, then is there any detail about our life—our needs, our struggles, and our worries—that he cannot know?",Matthew 10:29-31;,w10 4/1 pp. 6-7;,,,bl,,11/29/2013
"God's Kingdom, close to Jesus' heart, ","WE LIKE to talk about things that matter to us, things that are close to our heart. As Jesus himself said, “out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.” (Matthew 12:34) ","Judging by the things Jesus spoke about during his ministry, we can conclude that the Kingdom of God was close to his heart.",Matthew 12:34;,w10 4/1 pp. 8-10;,,,bl,,11/29/2013
"Jesus Christ—His Message and You, Kingdom Message, Good News, better life, future, paradise, happiness,","JESUS CHRIST came to the earth primarily to give, not to receive. By means of his ministry, he gave a priceless gift to humankind—a message that revealed the truth about God and His will. ","Those who respond to that message can enjoy a better life now, as millions of true Christians can testify.* But at the core of the message Jesus preached is the most precious gift of all—the perfect life that he gave in our behalf. Our eternal welfare depends upon our response to this key aspect of his message.",JOHN 10:10;,w10 4/1 p. 11;,,,bl,,11/29/2013
"“Your Kingdom Will Certainly Be Steadfast,” ","IN THE course of history, many human rulers have been removed from office. Some have been voted out, while others have been forcibly deposed.","What about Jesus Christ, the King of God’s heavenly Kingdom? Can anything prevent him from ruling as God’s appointed King? The answer can be found in the words Jehovah spoke to King David of ancient Israel, as recorded in 2 Samuel chapter 7.",2 SAMUEL 7:1-16,w10 4/1 p. 20;,,,bl,,11/29/2013
"He Learned Forgiveness From the Master, Peter, Jesus, betrayal, disappointment, looked at Peter, prophecy foretold, failure, glance,",PETER would never forget that terrible moment when their eyes met. Did he see in Jesus’ gaze some hint of disappointment or reproach? We cannot venture so far; the inspired record says only that “the Lord turned and looked upon Peter.” (Luke 22:61) ,"But in that one glance, Peter saw the depth of his own failure. He realized that he had just done the very thing that Jesus had foretold, the one thing that Peter had insisted he would never do—he had disowned his beloved Master. It was a low point for Peter, perhaps the worst moment of the worst day of his life.",Luke 22:61;,w10 4/1 pp. 21-26;,,,bl,,11/29/2013
"Bible Canon, truth, Confident, apocryphal books, lies, falsehoods, ","“The church did not establish a canon of its choosing; it is more proper to speak of the church recognizing the books that Christians had always considered to be an authoritative Word from God.”  -- Ken Berding, an associate professor whose field of study is the Christian Greek Scriptures.","However, was it merely those humble first-century Christians who selected the canon? The Bible tells us that something far more important—and powerful—was at work.  According to the Bible, one of the miraculous gifts of the spirit that were given in the early decades of the Christian congregation was “discernment of inspired utterances.” (1 Corinthians 12:4, 10) So some of those Christians were given a superhuman ability to discern the difference between sayings that were truly inspired by God and those that were not. Christians today may thus be confident that the Scriptures included in the Bible were recognized as inspired.The apocryphal writings are quite different from the canonical writings.  (see article)","1 Corinthians 12:4, 10;",w10 4/1 pp. 26-29;,,,bl,,11/29/2013
"Jesus Learned to Be Obedient, Obey, Jesus, ",DO YOU sometimes find it hard to be obedient?—* It is not surprising if you do. Everyone at times finds it hard to obey. Did you know that even Jesus had to learn to be obedient?—,"Do you know whom all young ones should obey?— Yes, our father and mother. “Be obedient to your parents in union with the Lord,” the Bible says. (Ephesians 6:1) Who is Jesus’ father?— Jehovah God, and he is our Father too. (Matthew 6:9, 10) But if you said that Joseph was Jesus’ father and Mary was his mother, you would also be right. Do you know how they became his parents?","Ephesians 6:1;Matthew 6:9, 10;",w10 4/1 pp. 30-31;,,,bl,,11/29/2013
"Plan, purpose, success, flexible, detours, Holy Spirit’s Role in the Outworking of Jehovah’s Purpose, ","IMAGINE that two men are each preparing to take a trip by car. One maps out a specific, detailed path to his destination. The other has his destination clearly in mind, but he also knows many alternate routes. He is prepared to adjust his course as necessary to deal with any contingency."," In some respects, the different approaches of these two men illustrates the distinction between a plan and a purpose. A plan might be compared to mapping out a detailed path, whereas a purpose may involve having in mind a goal but not necessarily one specific manner of reaching it.  When it comes to carrying out his will, Jehovah has, not a fixed plan, but an unfolding purpose. (Eph. 3:11)",ISA. 55:11;,w10 4/15 pp. 7-11;,,,bl,,11/29/2013
"Turn Your Eyes Away From Worthless Things!, eyes, sight, dangers, internet, images, propaganda, evolution, entertainment, dress,","HOW precious our sight is! By means of it, we can instantly grasp our surroundings—in depth and in color. Our sight enables us to see beloved friends or unwelcome dangers. Through it, we perceive beauty, appreciate the wonders of creation, and receive evidence of God’s existence and glory.  And as a highly important channel of communication to the mind, sight plays a major role in our acquiring knowledge of Jehovah and building faith in him.—Josh. 1:8; Ps. 1:2, 3.","What we look at, however, can also be to our detriment. The link between our sight and our mind is so strong that what we see with our eyes can initiate or intensify ambitions and desires in our heart. And because we live in a depraved and self-gratifying world ruled by Satan the Devil, we are bombarded with images and propaganda that can easily lead us astray—even if we would give them only a quick glance. (1 John 5:19) It is no wonder, then, that the psalmist implored God: “Make my eyes pass on from seeing what is worthless; preserve me alive in your own way.”—Ps. 119:37.","Ps. 8:3, 4; 19:1, 2; 104:24; Rom. 1:20;Psalms 119:37;",w10 4/15 pp. 20-24;,,,bl,,11/29/2013
"Jehovah Wants You to Be “Safe and Sound, Kingdom Hall Construction, KH, safety, disaster, Assembly Halls, Branch facilities, Volunteers","WHEN the most dangerous event in history breaks out, Almighty God will make sure that all who have his approval “get away safe.” (Joel 2:32) But, in truth, Jehovah has always wanted to protect people from harm. Since “with [him] is the source of life,” he considers all humans as precious, worth protecting.—Ps. 36:9.  God’s faithful servants of old shared his view of life. According to Genesis 33:18,","We view building and maintaining Kingdom Halls, Assembly Halls, and branch facilities as a great privilege. The same can be said about the work we perform at disaster-relief projects. At all times, we want to carry out our work skillfully because incompetence, even in performing simple tasks, can be damaging to us and to others. (Eccl. 10:9) Indeed, by developing the habit of working safely, we can avoid injuries.   (See article for additional points)",Psalm 36:9; Genesis 33:18;,w10 4/15 pp. 29-32;,Service Talk,200,bl,,2/25/2015
"important things, planning, Schedules, goals, Time,","Suppose you’re going on a road trip. Each family member randomly throws his or her bags into the trunk of the car. It looks as though there won’t be enough room for everything. What can you do? You might start again, putting the biggest bags in first and fitting the smaller bags into the remaining space.","The same strategy can be used to manage your life. If you start filling up your time with smaller things, you risk not being able to fit in the important things. Make space for the big things first, and you’ll be amazed at how much more time you’ll have for the rest!",Philippians 1:10.,,,,bl,,11/30/2013
"Time, opportune time, Making Time for What Matters, more important things, accomplishments, time count, waste, busy,","“JUMPING around and splashing in the water doesn’t mean you’re swimming,” writes Michael LeBoeuf in his book Working Smart.","In other words, there can be a difference between just being active and really accomplishing something worthwhile. Look back at the past week. For what did you make time? For what were you too busy? Do you see a need to make more time for the things you really care about?",1 Corinthians 7:29;,g 4/10 p. 9;,,,bl,,11/30/2013
"Tainted Environment, good, evil, criminals, association, chameleon, ",The chameleon changes color to match its environment. ,"Similarly, those who make criminals their companions are more likely to adopt criminal characteristics. The Bible warns: “You must not follow after the crowd for evil ends.” (Exodus 23:2) On the other hand, frequent association with those who are honest, just, and morally upright promotes the doing of good.—Proverbs 13:20.",Exodus 23:2; Proverbs 13:20;,g 4/10 pp. 20-21;,,,bl,,11/30/2013
"The Kingfisher’s Beak, creation, wisdom, bullet train, ","Traveling at speeds of nearly 200 miles [300 km] an hour, the Japanese bullet train is one of the fastest in the world. In part, it owes its success to a small bird—the kingfisher. Why?","Consider: In pursuit of a tasty meal, the kingfisher can dive into water with very little splash. That fact intrigued Eiji Nakatsu, an engineer who directed test runs of the bullet train. He wondered how the kingfisher adapts so quickly from low-resistance air to high-resistance water. Finding the answer was key to solving a peculiar problem with the bullet train. “When a train rushes into a narrow tunnel at high speed,” Nakatsu explains, “this generates atmospheric pressure waves that gradually grow into waves like tidal waves. These reach the tunnel exit at the speed of sound, generating low-frequency waves that produce a large boom and aerodynamic vibration so intense that residents 400 meters [1,300 feet] away have registered complaints.”",Proverbs 6:6;,g 4/10 p. 29,,,bl,,11/30/2013
"Where is God, Jehovah, faulty thinking, not adjusted right, ","Imagine a small child who is upset because his father has gone to work. The child misses his father and wishes he would come home. The child feels abandoned. Throughout the day, he repeatedly asks, “Where is Daddy?”","We can readily detect the flaw in that child’s thinking. After all, at that very moment, his father is working to provide for the entire family. Could our thinking be similarly flawed when we cry out, “Where is God”?",PSALM 10:1;,w10 5/1 pp. 4-7;,,,bl,,11/30/2013
"The Damaging Effects of Sin, rebellion, underestimate, Adam, Eve, ","Imagine a house that has been a shambles for many years. The roof has caved in, the doors have fallen off their hinges, and the exterior has been vandalized. At one time, this house was in good condition—but no longer. Considering the extent of the damage that has occurred, restoration will be no small task; it will not take place overnight.","Now consider the damage that occurred to mankind some 6,000 years ago when an unseen spirit, Satan, induced Adam and Eve to rebel against God. Prior to that event, the first human couple enjoyed perfect health with the prospect of living forever along with future generations of their offspring.  When they sinned, however, it was as if Adam and Eve vandalized the human family yet to be born.Do not underestimate the damaging effects of that rebellion. The Bible says: “Through one man [Adam] sin entered into the world and death through sin.” (Romans 5:12) Besides bringing death, sin has impaired our relationship with our Creator and has affected us physically, mentally, and emotionally. As a result, our condition is similar to that of a run-down house. The righteous man Job realistically summed up our situation when he described man as being “short of days and full of trouble.”—Job 14:1",Genesis 1:28; Romans 5:12; Job 14:1;,w10 5/1 pp. 4-7;,Service Talk,200,bl,,11/30/2013
"Rebellion, sin, Adam, Eve, destroy, demolish, repair, ","After inspecting a damaged house, the owner must decide whether to restore it or to demolish it.","Immediately after the rebellion in Eden, Jehovah God announced his purpose to restore mankind. He said to the unseen spirit who was behind the rebellion: “I shall put enmity between you and the woman and between your seed and her seed. He will bruise you in the head and you will bruise him in the heel.”—Genesis 3:15.With those words, Jehovah promised to destroy the instigator of the rebellion in Eden. (Romans 16:20; Revelation 12:9) Furthermore, Jehovah foretold that a future “seed” would redeem mankind from sin.* (1 John 3:8) Those promises put on record a vital truth: God was going to repair, not demolish, his creation. But the restoration of mankind would require time.",Genesis 3:15; Romans 16:20; Revelation 12:9; 1 John 3:8;,w10 5/1 pp. 4-7;,Service Talk,200,bl,,11/30/2013
"Rebellion, sacrifice, restoration work, code of laws, worship, blueprints, animal sacrifices, foreshadowed,",An architect prepares blueprints that clearly set forth what the restoration work will accomplish.  ,"Jehovah God gave the Israelites a code of laws and designed a temple at which they were to worship him. The Bible says: “Those things are a shadow of the things to come.” (Colossians 2:17) Like blueprints, they represented something greater.For example, the Israelites offered animal sacrifices to obtain forgiveness of sins. (Leviticus 17:11) That practice foreshadowed a greater sacrifice that would be offered centuries later—a sacrifice that would provide mankind with true redemption.* The very layout of the tabernacle and temple at which the Israelites worshipped prefigured the steps that the future Messiah would take, from his sacrificial death to his ascension to heaven.",Col 2:17; Lev. 17:11;,w10 5/1 pp. 4-7,Service Talk,200,bl,,11/30/2013
"rebellion, restore, blueprints, restoration, rebuild, Jesus, Messiah, pattern, tragedy, ",When a house needs to be restored a builder is chosen who will follow the blueprints and perform the restoration.,"Jesus was the promised Messiah who would follow the pattern that was set by the Israelites’ sacrifices and would give his own life to redeem mankind. Indeed, John the Baptizer called Jesus “the Lamb of God that takes away the sin of the world.” (John 1:29) Jesus willingly accepted the assignment. He stated: “I have come down from heaven to do, not my will, but the will of him that sent me.”—John 6:38.",John 1:29; 6:38;,w10 5/1 pp. 4-7;,Service talk,200,bl,,11/30/2013
"Widows and Widowers—What Do They Need? How Can You Help?, caretaker,","In the dimly lit kitchen of her tiny apartment, Jeanne mechanically sets the table. After all, she must eat something. Suddenly, her eyes fix on the two plates in front of her . . . and she bursts into tears. Out of habit, she has set the table for two! It has been two years since her dear husband passed away.","FOR those who have not had the experience, it is impossible to understand the depth of the pain caused by the loss of a mate. In fact, the human mind only gradually accepts the terrible reality. Beryl, 72, could not accept the sudden death of her husband. “It felt unreal,” she says. “I could not believe that he was not going to walk through the door again.”",Psalm 68:5;,w10 5/1 pp. 8-12;,,,bl,,11/30/2013
"Widows, widowers, orphans, grief, death, die, pain, happy, unhappy, caretaker,","Following an amputation, individuals sometimes “feel” their lost limb. In a similar way, grief-stricken mates sometimes “see” their beloved one in a crowd or catch themselves making a casual comment to someone who is not there anymore!","Friends and family often do not know how to react in the face of such suffering. Do you know someone who has experienced the death of a mate? How, then, can you provide support? What should you know in order to help widows and widowers work through their grief? How can you help the bereaved gradually to regain a taste for life?",Psalm 68:5;,w10 5/1 pp. 8-12;,,,bl,,11/30/2013
"Widow, widower, death, grief, past, loyalty, deceased mate, worry, betrayal, caretaker,","“My wife and I,” he says, “were like two young trees that grew up intertwined. But then one tree died and was removed, leaving the other appearing deformed. It felt strange just to be on my own.” Paul, mentioned above, illustrates how difficult it is to avoid living in the past. ","Out of loyalty to a deceased mate, some refuse to let go of the past. Others worry that enjoying themselves might amount to a betrayal, so they refuse to go out or to meet other people. How is it possible to help widows and widowers gently to heal—to move on with their lives?","Ecclesiastes 3:3, 4;",w10 5/1 pp. 8-12;,,,bl,,11/30/2013
"Information, What is a Kingdom Hall? KH, worship, facts, name Kingdom Hall, teachings,","Why the name Kingdom Hall? Public gatherings at a Kingdom Hall focus primarily on the teachings of the Bible and its central message about “the kingdom of God,” the theme of Jesus’ ministry. (Luke 4:43) So the name Kingdom Hall, which was coined in the 1930’s, appropriately describes the purpose of these buildings—to promote true worship and serve as a hub for the preaching of the “good news of the kingdom.” (Matthew 24:14) ","Thus, Kingdom Halls are not used for social or commercial activities. Construction, operating costs, and support expenses are funded entirely by voluntary donations. A collection plate is never passed. Rather, there is a box in a fixed location for any who wish to make a contribution.Kingdom Halls serve the same purpose in all parts of the world, but they are built in a wide range of sizes and styles. The design varies according to the building materials available locally, the climate, and the financial circumstances of Jehovah’s Witnesses in the area. Some buildings are constructed from brick, wood, and stone. Others might be open-sided structures, with bamboo walls and thatched roofs.",Matthew 24:14;,w10 5/1 p. 31;,,,bl,,11/30/2013
"Why Honor the Elderly? older ones, endurance, ","ALONG the coast of California, U.S.A., is one of the world’s most photographed trees. It is known as the Lone Cypress. Reportedly, this tree is over 250 years old. Noted for its endurance, this beautiful tree has received attention in several ways. For instance, it has been fortified with supportive cables and with stonework around its base.","The Lone Cypress may remind us of the older Christians in our midst, who show remarkable endurance. One outstanding way that they do this is by proclaiming the good news. The prophet Joel foretold that “old men” would declare the Bible’s message.  Just think of the countless hours such ones spend earnestly helping others to learn about the “good news of the kingdom”! (Matt. 24:14) Some of these elderly Kingdom proclaimers have endured years of persecution or other difficulties. If a mere cypress tree is noted for endurance and is fortified with stonework and cables, how much more do the older ones among us deserve to be recognized and treated with dignity and honor!",w10 5/15 pp. 6-7,Joel 2:28-32; Acts 2:16-21;,Service Talk,200,bl,,11/30/2013
"Continue to Exercise Your Perceptive Powers, thinking ability, solid food, mature people, ",WHAT a delight it is to see a skilled gymnast make graceful movements with agility! The Bible encourages Christians to train their thinking ability even as a gymnast trains himself.,"In his letter to the Hebrews, the apostle Paul wrote: “Solid food belongs to mature people, to those who through use have their perceptive powers [Lit., “sense organs”] trained [like a gymnast] to distinguish both right and wrong.” (Heb. 5:14, ftn.) Why did Paul exhort the Hebrew Christians to exercise their thinking ability even as a trained gymnast exercises his muscles? How can we train our perceptive powers?",Hebrews 5:14;,w10 5/15 pp. 22-23;,,,bl,,11/30/2013
"sowing with a view to the spirit, harvest is great, beg the master, increase,","YOU are witnessing history in the making! A work spoken of by Jesus Christ is in full swing. “The harvest is great, but the workers are few,” said Jesus. “Therefore, beg the Master of the harvest to send out workers into his harvest.” (Matt. 9:37, 38) ","Jehovah God is answering such prayers in an unprecedented way. During the 2009 service year, the number of congregations of Jehovah’s Witnesses worldwide increased by 2,031, reaching 105,298. On average, 757 individuals were baptized each day!Such growth creates a need for qualified brothers to take the lead in teaching and shepherding in the congregations. ",GAL. 6:8;Eph. 4:11;,w10 5/15 pp. 24-28;,,,bl,,11/30/2013
"Pioneering, speaking, witnessing, declare, David, ",THINKING and speaking about a loved one can strengthen our bond with that person. The same is true regarding our relationship with Jehovah God. ,"As a shepherd, David spent many a night gazing at the starry heavens and meditating on their incomparable Creator. He wrote: “When I see your heavens, the works of your fingers, the moon and the stars that you have prepared, what is mortal man that you keep him in mind, and the son of earthling man that you take care of him?” (Ps. 8:3, 4)  As we share in the ministry, we think and talk about Jehovah. That in itself has positive effects. ","Rom. 11:17-26, 33;",w13 9/15 pp. 27-31;,,,bl,,12/1/2013
"Have We Lost the Sense of Sin? mistakes, attitudes, lust, gluttony, avarice, sloth, anger, envy, pride, ","NOT all that long ago, churchgoers regularly heard their preacher thundering from the pulpit against what is termed the “seven deadly sins”—lust, gluttony, avarice, sloth, anger, envy, and pride. More often than not, the preacher would describe the dire consequences of sin and urge his listeners to repent.","“Now,” says one writer, “most religious messages pass over the uncomfortable reality of sin to focus on ‘feel-good’ themes.” Newspaper columnists have observed the same trend. Following are a few comments from the press: ▪ “The old categories of sin, repentance and redemption are out and the therapeutic language of self-esteem and self-love are in.”—Star Beacon, Ashtabula, Ohio.▪ “The urgent sense of personal sin has all but disappeared.”—Newsweek.▪ “We no longer ask ‘What does God require of me,’ but rather, ‘What can God do for me?’”—Chicago Sun-Times.",Romans 6:23;,w10 6/1 p. 3;,,,bl,,12/2/2013
"Sin—What Has Changed? Adolf Hitler, Josef Stalin, sinners, evil, evildoers, sinful, modern thinking, changes, ","“THE idea of Original Sin—that we are all implicated in some terrible aboriginal calamity—does not sit well with the modern mind. But then neither does the idea of sin itself. . . . People like Adolf Hitler and Josef Stalin may have sinned, but the rest of us are victims of circumstance and maladjustment.”—The Wall Street Journal.","As the above quotation shows, the concept of sin appears to be in deep crisis today. But why? What has changed? As a matter of fact, what is this idea of sin that people today find so objectionable?  There are two aspects to the concept—inherited sin and personal sinful behavior. The first is something we possess, whether we like it or not, while the second is something we practice. Let us take a closer look at each aspect.",Romans 5:12; 6:23;,w10 6/1 pp. 4-7;,,,bl,,12/2/2013
"Seven deadly sins, sinners, evildoers, bad, good, ",“The culture celebrates what once it sanctioned [such as the so-called seven deadly sins]: ,"Parents encourage pride as essential to self-esteem; a group of self-rising French chefs has petitioned the Vatican that being a gourmand is no sin. Envy is the engine of tabloid culture. Lust is an advertising strategy; anger, the righteous province of the aggrieved. Most days I’d give anything for some sloth.”—Nancy Gibbs, in Time magazine.",Romans 5:12;,w10 6/1 pp. 4-7,,,bl,,12/2/2013
"We have outgrown sin, sinners, evildoers, good, bad, comfort zone, immorality, obey, obedience, modern thinking, attitudes,","“People say: ‘I have high moral expectations of myself and others, but I know we are all human so I’m looking for a batting average.’ ","We find a comfort zone of morality, a kind of middle-class middle level where we think we are doing well. We cut the grass. We don’t double-park. But we ignore the larger issues of sin.”—Albert Mohler, president of the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.",Romans 5:12;,w10 6/1 pp. 4-7;,,,bl,,12/2/2013
"Sin? “We have Outgrown That”, sinners, obedience, obey, good, bad, evildoers, modern thinking, attitudes, ",Sin? “We have Outgrown That!”  “One of the greatest obstacles of the church today is this very issue. ,"We no longer see ourselves as ‘sinners’ in need of forgiveness. Maybe sin used to be a problem, but now we’ve outgrown that. So while the church has a solution for the problem of sin, it’s a non-problem in the eyes of most Americans—at least not a serious problem.”—John A. Studebaker, Jr., religion writer.",Romans 5:12;,w10 6/1 pp. 4-7;,,,bl,,12/2/2013
"The Truth About Sin, All Fall Short, obedience, obey, evildoers, good, bad, ",COULD a sick man prove that he has no fever by breaking the thermometer? Of course not! ,"Similarly, just because many reject God’s view of sin, it does not mean that sin does not exist. His Word, the Bible, has much to say on the subject. Exactly what does it teach about sin?Some two thousand years ago, the apostle Paul expressed frustration over the fact that ‘the good that he wished he did not do, but the bad that he did not wish was what he practiced.’ (Romans 7:19) If we are honest, we have to admit that our personal situation is similar.",Romans 7:19;,w10 6/1 pp. 8-10;,,,bl,,12/2/2013
"So whatever happened to sin, disobedience, conscience, good, bad, evildoers, ",So whatever happened to sin? The fact is that nothing happened to it.  People just began calling it by other names in hopes that it would appear less serious than it is. ,"Many either dulled or ignored their conscience. All who desire God’s favor must resist such a tendency. As we have seen, the wages of sin is, not just a bruised ego or embarrassment, but death. Sin is a matter of life and death.","1 John 3:4, 8;",w10 6/1 pp. 8-10;,,,bl,,12/2/2013
“You Will Act in Loyalty”,FEW things can hurt us more deeply than being let down or betrayed by someone we trust. Such disappointments are all too common in this disloyal world. (2 Timothy 3:1-5) Is there anyone we can count on to remain completely loyal to us? Let us consider the testimony of King David of ancient Israel.,"During his lifetime, David experienced disloyalty at its worst. He was wrongly outlawed and persecuted by jealous Saul, Israel’s first king. Closer to home, Michal, David’s wife, did not remain loyal to her husband but, rather, “began to despise him in her heart.” (2 Samuel 6:16) Ahithophel, David’s trusted counselor, turned traitor and joined in a rebellion against David. The leader of this conspiracy? Why, none other than Absalom, David’s own son! Faced with such repeated betrayal of trust, did David give up and conclude that there is no one who is unbreakably loyal?We find the answer in the words of David recorded at 2 Samuel 22:26. A man of unshakable faith, David in poetic song says of Jehovah God: “With someone loyal you will act in loyalty.” David was confident that no matter how other humans might disappoint him, Jehovah would remain loyal to him.",2 SAMUEL 22:26;,w10 6/1 p. 26;,Service Talk,200,bl,,12/2/2013
"Is It Really Dishonest, honesty, lies, lying, cheating, stealing, punishment, taxes, tips, employment, ","Is It Really Dishonest? “Adjust your accident report a bit, and everything will be fine.”  “The tax authorities don’t have to know everything.” “The main thing is not to get caught.” “Why pay when you can get it free?”","YOU may hear expressions like these if you ask for advice on financial matters. Some people seem to have clever “solutions” for everything. The question is, Are those solutions truly honest?Dishonesty is so widespread today that people often view lying, cheating, and stealing as acceptable ways to avoid punishment, to make money, or to move ahead. Prominent members of society often set a poor example regarding honesty. In one European country, cases of fraud and embezzlement grew by over 85 percent from 2005 to 2006.",Hebrews 13:18;,w10 6/1 pp. 11-14,,8,bl,,12/2/2013
"Cheating on Exams, tests, studying, preparation, honesty, ","A high school student named Marta is getting ready for her final exams. Because her prospects for a decent job depend on her receiving high marks, she has spent hours studying. Some of her classmates have also prepared—but in a different way. They will be using pagers, preprogrammed calculators, and cell phones to cheat in order to achieve high grades. Should Marta do what “everybody” is doing to make sure that she gets good grades?","Because cheating is so commonplace, many feel that there is nothing wrong with it. “The main thing is not to get caught,” they reason. That reasoning, however, is unacceptable to true Christians. ",Hebrews 4:13;,w10 6/1 pp. 11-14;,,,bl,,12/2/2013
"Are You Running on Empty, Samuel Herd, personal study, Bible reading, Family Worship evening, Meeting attendance, meditation,","Suppose a friend picks you up to go on a 30-mile [50 km] trip. Riding in the passenger seat, you notice that the fuel gauge is on empty. You tell your friend he is just about out of fuel. He says not to worry; there is still a gallon [some four liters] in the tank. Soon, though, you run out of fuel. Is it worth it to ‘run on empty’ and take a chance on being stranded? How much better to keep a full tank! Figuratively, we need to keep a full tank, the fuel being our knowledge of Jehovah.","To that end, we need to fuel up and to do so regularly. There are four ways we do this. First, personal study, becoming familiar with the Bible by reading it daily. More than just reading words, we must understand what we read. Second, making good use of our Family Worship evening. Do we stop weekly and fill up or do we put only a little in our tank? Third, congregation study and meeting attendance. Fourth, quiet, undisturbed meditation, thinking about Jehovah’s ways.  ",Psalm 143:5;,w10 6/15 pp. 3-5;,,,bl,,12/2/2013
"Big congregation, Find Security Among God’s People, protection, Satan's world, entertainment, possessions, dangers,","WHILE on vacation, Joe and his wife were snorkeling on a tropical coral reef teeming with fish of all colors and sizes. They swam a little farther out to admire the reef below. When the seabed dropped away into a blue abyss, Joe’s wife said, “I think we’re going out too far.” “Relax,” Joe replied. “I know what I’m doing.” Joe recalls wondering soon thereafter, ‘Where have all the fish gone?’ With horror, he saw the reason. Out of the deep blue, a shark was heading straight for him. There he was, completely at its mercy. When the shark was just a few feet [a meter or so] away, it veered off and disappeared.","A Christian can become so enamored with the attractions of Satan’s system of things—entertainment, work, possessions—that he does not realize that he is getting deeper into dangerous waters. “My experience made me think about the company we keep,” says Joe, who is a Christian elder. “Swim where it’s safe and enjoyable—in the congregation!” Do not swim into deep water, where you may find yourself spiritually isolated and in peril. If ever you find yourself there, immediately head back to ‘safe water.’ Otherwise, you might run the risk of being devoured spiritually.",PS. 35:18;,w10 6/15 pp. 6-10;,Service Talk,200,bl,,12/2/2013
"Keep Conquering the Evil, controlling anger, vengeance, ","A GROUP of 34 of Jehovah’s Witnesses were traveling to a branch office dedication when mechanical trouble delayed their flight along the way. What was supposed to be a one-hour fueling stop turned into a 44-hour ordeal at a remote airport without adequate food, water, or sanitary facilities. Many passengers became angry and threatened the airport staff. But the brothers and sisters remained calm.","Eventually, the Witnesses arrived at their destination in time for the final part of the dedication program. Although tired, they stayed afterward to enjoy association with the local brothers. Later, they learned that their example of patience and self-control had not gone unnoticed. One of the other passengers told the airline, “If it had not been for the 34 Christians on the flight, there would have been a riot at the airport.”","ROM. 12:19, 21;",w10 6/15 pp. 15-19;,,,bl,,12/2/2013
"Gracious speech, vase, love, wives, treatment, kindness,","When you hold a precious and delicate vase, you must not grasp it too firmly, or it may crack. Even if repaired, the crack may remain visible. ","If a husband uses words that are too strong with his wife, he may hurt her. This might cause a lasting crack in their relationship. ",1 Peter 3:7;,w10 6/15 pp. 20-24;,,,bl,,12/2/2013
"Stress, anxiety, worry, health, challenge, David, ","More than 30 centuries ago, a battle-hardened soldier frankly admitted: “Trembling itself enters into me, and shuddering covers me.” (Psalm 55:5) This man knew stress. As a shepherd boy, he had faced up to a lion, a bear, and an intimidating warrior intent on killing him..","True, in itself stress is not bad. It can gear us up to meet a challenge. In life-threatening situations, stress has enabled people to perform feats they would never have believed they were capable of. When you had an important assignment, stress may have generated a surge of adrenaline that enabled you to carry out the task on time.*","1 Samuel 17:4-10, 23, 24, 34-36, 41-51;",g 6/10 p. 3;,,,bl,,12/2/2013
"Stress, What It Does to Us, anxiety, worry, challenge, ","What happens when you dash for a bus or a train? You can no doubt feel how your body responds by increasing your blood pressure and making your heart beat faster. Even if you miss your ride, your heart rate and breathing generally return to normal.","IF YOU are dealing with a long-term stressful situation, though, it may be different. Anxiety, muscle tension, increased blood pressure, and disturbed digestion may take longer to return to normal. More and more people find that the tension never goes away. For instance, many feel trapped in a dead-end job. How does stress affect your body and your health?","1 Samuel 17:4-10, 23, 24, 34-36, 41-51;",g 6/10 pp. 4-6;,,,bl,,12/2/2013
"stress, worry, anxiety, control, challenge, health, productive, enthusiastic, nerves, ","We might liken stress to a spirited horse. It can give us an enjoyable and exhilarating ride. However, if it goes wildly out of control, it can endanger our life. Similarly, stress in manageable doses can make life enjoyable and exhilarating, providing us with the stimulus to be creative, productive, enthusiastic, and healthy.","How, though, can we keep stress at manageable levels so that we can get the most out of our life? The following article discusses effective ways to control stress and our response to it.","Revelation 21:3, 4;Psalm 139:13-16;",g 6/10 pp. 4-6;,,,bl,,12/2/2013
"Keeping Stress Under Control, anxiety, worry, challenge, ","AS YOU are well aware, it is easier to put out a small fire than to extinguish a raging inferno. Similarly, small doses of stress are easier to control than large amounts of stress that have built up over a period of time. ","One medical doctor says that “it is crucial that we make the daily practice of stress management a priority in our busy lives.”*The aim of making a daily practice of stress management is twofold. First, it helps us to reduce the stressful triggers in life that can be reduced. And second, it helps us to control our response to the stresses that are unavoidable.",2 Timothy 3:1;,g 6/10 pp. 6-9;,,,bl,,12/2/2013
"The Cold Light of the Firefly, lightening bug, creation, wisdom, marvels,","In tropical and temperate regions, the firefly is recognized by the flashing light it uses to attract a mate. Interestingly, the firefly’s light is superior to the incandescent and fluorescent light produced by man. In fact, the next time you look at your electric bill, think of what this small insect can do.","Consider: An incandescent lightbulb emits only 10 percent of its energy as light; the rest is basically wasted, discharged as heat. A fluorescent bulb performs much better, emitting 90 percent of its energy as light. But neither of these is a match for the firefly. With very few ultraviolet or infrared rays, the light emitted by this insect is nearly 100 percent energy efficient!The firefly’s secret lies in the chemical reactions of the substance luciferin, the enzyme luciferase, and oxygen. Special cells called photocytes use luciferase to trigger this process, with oxygen as fuel. The result is cold light—so named because it produces virtually no heat. Horticultural and environmental educator Sandra Mason aptly remarked that lightbulb inventor Thomas Edison “must have been envious of fireflies.”",Genesis 1:3-5;,g 6/10 p. 15;,,,bl,,12/2/2013
"Information, JW.ORG, a unique website, internet,","READ the Bible in about 50 languages and Bible-based content in more than 500 languages.VIEW content in nearly 70 sign languages.NAVIGATE the site in hundreds of languages.LISTEN to audio dramas depicting exciting events in the Bible.SEE Bible events come to life in the form of illustrated stories.WATCH Bible dramas and videos that will help you to face life’s challenges.DOWNLOAD e-books, magazine articles, and audio files, every one of them free.RESEARCH a variety of topics using Watchtower ONLINE LIBRARY—the gateway to a wealth of information, available in over 100 languages.","FOR COUPLES“I want my family to succeed. My wife and I have gone through a rough patch lately, especially since we had children. We could use some help”THE BIBLE SAYS:“By wisdom a house is built up, and by discernment it is made secure.”—Proverbs 24:3.",Proverbs 24:3;,g 1/14 pp. 2-6 ;,,,bl,,12/2/2013
"The quest for independence, teenagers, growth, emotions, tug of war, micromanage, adult,","To become a responsible adult, your teenager must, in a figurative sense, gradually move from the passenger seat to the driver’s seat and learn to navigate life’s treacherous roadways. ","Of course, some teenagers want more freedom than they should have; on the other hand, some parents grant less freedom than they could. The tug-of-war that may result can create considerable turmoil for parents and teens. “My parents try to micromanage every aspect of my life,” complains 16-year-old Brad.* “If they don’t give me more freedom by the time I turn 18, I’m moving out!”","Deut 6:6, 7;",g 1/13 pp. 4-5 ;,,,bl,,12/2/2013
"Creation, The Bar-Tailed Godwit’s Navigational System,","THE bar-tailed godwit makes one of the most amazing migrations known to man. The bird’s 7,000-mile (11,000 km) journey can take more than eight days.","Consider: Researchers speculate that some types of birds use the earth’s magnetic field for navigation, as if they had a compass built into their brain. It is possible that the godwit additionally navigates by means of the sun by day and the stars by night. It seems that the godwit can also sense upcoming storm systems that could allow it to benefit from tailwinds. Still, the details of just how these birds make their incredible journey baffle experts. “I’ve been studying them 20 years,” says biologist Bob Gill, “and it’s still jaw-dropping to me.”",Psalm 148:10;,g 1/13 p. 16 ;,,,bl,,12/2/2013
"What Knowing God’s Name Involves, Jehovah's Name, Friend, ","DOES your name have a particular meaning? In some parts of the world, it is the custom to give a child a name that is full of meaning. The name chosen may reflect the parents’ beliefs and values or their hopes and dreams for the child’s future.","The practice of giving names that are rich in meaning is not new. In Bible times, personal names were usually given because of the meaning they conveyed. Names could indicate a person’s expected role in life. For example, when Jehovah told David about the future role of his son Solomon, He said: “Solomon [from a root meaning “Peace”] is what his name will become, and peace and quietness I shall bestow upon Israel in his days.”",1 Chronicles 22:9;,w10 7/1 p. 4;,,,bl,,12/3/2013
"Jehovah's Name, roles, important, meaning of Jehovah, I Will Become, innumerable roles,","To use a simple illustration: A mother may need to fill many roles each day in caring for her children—as a nurse, a cook, a teacher—according to the need that arises. It is similar with Jehovah, though on a more elevated level. In order to accomplish his loving purpose for mankind, he can become whatever he pleases, filling whatever role is needed. Knowing Jehovah by name thus involves understanding and appreciating his many roles.","What about the most important of all names—Jehovah? What does it mean? When Moses asked God about His name, Jehovah replied: “I shall prove to be what I shall prove to be.” (Exodus 3:14) Rotherham’s translation renders it: “I Will Become whatsoever I please.” Jehovah’s name reveals that he is a God of innumerable roles. ",Exodus 3:14;,w10 7/1 p. 4;,,,bl,,12/3/2013
"Information: Jehovah's name, removing from Bible, Hidden, omitting God's Name, Catholic, Protestants, Christendom,","Sadly, many churches that sponsor Bible translations pressure scholars into omitting God’s name from their translations of the Bible. For example, in a letter dated June 29, 2008, to presidents of Catholic bishops’ conferences, the Vatican stated: “In recent years the practice has crept in of pronouncing the God of Israel’s proper name.” The letter gives this pointed direction: “The name of God . . . is neither to be used or pronounced.” Furthermore, “for the translation of the Biblical text in modern languages, . . . the divine tetragrammaton is to be rendered by the equivalent of Adonai/Kyrios: ‘Lord.’” Clearly, this Vatican directive is aimed at eliminating the use of God’s name.","Protestants have been no less disrespectful in their treatment of Jehovah’s name. A spokesman for the Protestant-sponsored New International Version, published in English in 1978, wrote: “Jehovah is a distinctive name for God and ideally we should have used it. But we put 21⁄4 million dollars into this translation and a sure way of throwing that down the drain is to translate, for example, Psalm 23 as, ‘Yahweh is my shepherd.’”",Acts 2:34;,w10 7/1 pp. 4-8;,,,bl,,12/3/2013
"Bible, Bible reading, benefiting, study, Seven Steps to Beneficial Bible Reading, treasure, meditating, depression,","“Not only is the Bible the best-selling book of all time, it is the best-selling book of the year every year.”—TIME MAGAZINE.See article for many points on reading the Bible.","“I read the Bible sometimes, but I find it deadly boring.”—KEITH, A POPULAR MUSICIAN FROM ENGLAND.  IT IS ironic that many people have a Bible yet seem to gain little value from reading it. Others, though, treasure what they read in the Bible. For example, a woman named Nancy relates: “Since I began reading and meditating on the Bible early each morning, I feel ready to face whatever the day may bring. This routine has done more to relieve my bouts of depression than anything I have tried over the past 35 years.”",2 Timothy 3:16;,w10 7/1 pp. 19-21;,Service Talk,200,bl,,12/3/2013
"Prayer, relationship, prison, isolation, persecution, imprisoned witnesses, ",A brother who spent years in solitary confinement said: “I came to realize that the small rectangle of a cell could also be a universe when one enjoys an intimate relationship with God.” ,"Yes, having a close relationship with Jehovah gave these two Christians the strength needed to cope with isolation. (Ps. 9:9, 10) Their persecutors could separate them from family, friends, and fellow believers, but the imprisoned Witnesses knew that their opposers could never isolate them from Jehovah.—Rom. 8:35-39. How important it is, then, that we use every available opportunity to strengthen our relationship with Jehovah! (Jas. 4:8)",Rom. 8:35-39;,w10 7/15 pp. 12-15;,,,bl,,12/3/2013
"Have a Full Share in the Great Spiritual Harvest, action, ingathering, last days, preaching,","WHILE traveling through the region of Samaria at the close of 30 C.E., Jesus paused to rest at a well near the town of Sychar. There he said to his disciples: “Lift up your eyes and view the fields, that they are white for harvesting.” (John 4:35) Jesus was referring, not to a literal harvest, but to a spiritual ingathering of righthearted individuals who would become his followers. His words were, in effect, a call to action. There was much work to be done and only a brief space of time in which to accomplish it!","Jesus’ words about a harvest have special meaning for our day. We live at a time when the world field of humanity is “white for harvesting.” Yearly, millions of people receive the invitation to take in life-giving truths, and many thousands of new disciples are baptized. Ours is the privilege to take part in the greatest harvest of all time, under the supervision of the Master of the harvest, Jehovah God. Are you having “plenty to do” in this harvest work?—1 Cor. 15:58.",1 COR. 15:58;,w10 7/15 pp. 16-20;,Service Talk,200,bl,,12/3/2013
"What Do Many Fear? End, Last Days, Nuclear weapons, Climate change, ","“You don’t have to be a religious believer to think that we’re headed for disaster.”—STEPHEN O’LEARY, ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR, UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA.*","DO YOU agree with the above statement? This series of articles will review some of the reasons why people fear the future. But it will also show why you can be confident that life on earth will not end. There is good reason for optimism, despite the sobering facts you are about to read.The threat of nuclear war remains high. In 2007, the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists warned: “Not since the first atomic bombs were dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki has the world faced such perilous choices.” ",1 John 4:1;,w10 8/1 pp. 3-4;,,,bl,,12/3/2013
"They No Longer Fear the End, survival, last days, Armageddon, destruction, ","IN THE late 1970’s, Gary and Karen became convinced that the end of the world was near. So they moved out of the city into the country and decided to become completely self-sufficient. They wanted to survive.","To get the skills they would need, they bought books, attended classes and seminars, and spoke to as many people as possible. They planted a garden and 50 dwarf fruit trees. They stockpiled seeds and tools. They learned to grow and preserve food. A friend taught them to butcher and cure meat. Karen learned to identify plants and roots in the forest so that they could eat them if provisions ran out. Gary learned to make fuel out of corn, build a metal wood-burning stove, and construct a self-sufficient house.","Matthew 24:14;Matthew 6:9, 10; 2 Peter 3:11, 12;",w10 8/1 pp. 8-9;,,,bl,,12/3/2013
"Happiness, survival, breathe, drink, eat, purpose of life, every utterance, conscious of their spiritual need,","To survive, we need to breathe, drink, and eat, just as animals do. But to be happy, we have a need that animals do not have—the need for understanding the purpose of life. ","Only the Creator of life can fill that need. Thus, Jesus said: “Man must live, not on bread alone, but on every utterance coming forth through Jehovah’s mouth.” (Matthew 4:4) Those who are conscious of their spiritual need are happy because they draw close to Jehovah, “the happy God,” and he gives them something vital for happiness—hope.—1 Timothy 1:11.",Matthew 4:4;1 Timothy 1:11;,w10 8/1 pp. 16-17;,,,bl,,12/3/2013
"Lift Up Your Son, death, resurrection, hope, promise, pain, losses, dead, ",THE death of a child is among the most painful losses a human can experience. ,"Jehovah God has the power to undo such losses. We know that this is true because he empowered a few men in Bible times to resurrect the dead. One case, recounted at 2 Kings 4:8-37, involved the resurrection of a young boy by the prophet Elisha.",2 KINGS 4:8-37;,w10 8/1 p. 27;,,,bl,,12/3/2013
"Boasting, Bragging, Knowing Jehovah, Holy Name, Anthony Morris, Gilead Graduation,",“Go Ahead and Boast” Anthony Morris of the Governing Body encouraged the class to “go ahead and boast.” He said that there are appropriate and inappropriate kinds of boasting. ,"Inappropriate boasting involves bringing glory to ourselves. Appropriate boasting is described at 1 Corinthians 1:31: “He that boasts, let him boast in Jehovah.” Brother Morris said: “That’s something to brag about—to have insight and knowledge of Jehovah God. In fact, your greatest privilege—and mine—is to bear that holy name, to be one of Jehovah’s Witnesses.”—Jeremiah 9:24.Brother Morris concluded his talk, saying: “When you arrive in your assignment, you go ahead and boast. Boast in all that Jehovah is going to accomplish as he uses you to his everlasting glory.”",Jeremiah 9:24;,w10 8/1 pp. 28-31;,,,bl,,12/3/2013
"I do you no wrong, wages, complainers, compare, comparisons, murmuring, sidetrack, ","Some workers toiled all day. Others labored just one hour. Yet, they all received the same wage! Murmuring broke out among those who worked longer. To the complainers, the master of the vineyard said: “I do you no wrong. You agreed with me for a denarius, did you not? Take what is yours and go.” (Matthew 20:13, 14) ","The lesson? Do not compare yourself with others. “Negative comparisons will only rob you of joy,” said Brother Noumair. “Worse yet, they could cause you to leave your assignment, giving up a precious privilege of service.” The speaker reminded the class that Jesus is directing the spiritual harvest in our day and can do with his followers as he pleases. If Jehovah and Jesus decide to do something extra for others, they do you no wrong. Focus on what is yours, and never allow the “wages” of others to sidetrack you from the work Jehovah has given you to do.","MaTTHEW 20:13, 14;",w10 8/1 pp. 28-31;,,,bl,,12/3/2013
"Ransom, Memorial, Lord's Evening Meal, debt, hopeless, innocent victims, poverty, purchased Adam's offspring,","How the ransom works can be illustrated by the situation of people who have been defrauded of all their savings by a corrupt bank and thus fell into debt. The owners of the bank are justly sentenced to years in prison. But what about the innocent victims? Reduced to poverty, they have no way out of their circumstances unless a kind and wealthy man takes over the bank and restores to the victims all their savings, relieving them of debt."," In like manner, Jehovah God and his beloved Son have purchased Adam’s offspring and canceled their debt of sin on the basis of Jesus’ shed blood. That is why John the Baptizer could say of Jesus: “See, the Lamb of God that takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29) The world of mankind whose sins are taken away includes not only the living but also the dead.",John 1:29;,w10 8/15 pp. 12-16;,,,bl,,12/3/2013
"Ransom, Evening meal, Memorial, passover, cost, price, reaction, feelings,","The cost of the ransom can also be illustrated by an incident in the life of Jacob. Of all his sons, the one Jacob loved most was Joseph. Sadly, Joseph’s brothers envied and hated him. Yet, Joseph was willing to be sent by his father to see how his brothers were faring. At the time, they were shepherding Jacob’s flock some 60 miles [100 km] north of their home in Hebron. ","Imagine how Jacob felt when his sons returned with Joseph’s garment covered with blood! “It is my son’s long garment!” he exclaimed. “A vicious wild beast must have devoured him! Joseph is surely torn to pieces!” All of this had a great impact on Jacob, who mourned over Joseph for many days. (Gen. 37:33, 34) Jehovah does not react to situations exactly as imperfect humans do. Yet, meditating on this incident in the life of Jacob may help us to grasp, to some extent, how God must have felt when his beloved Son was mistreated and cruelly put to death as a man on earth.","Genesis 37:33, 34;",w10 8/15 pp. 12-16;,,,bl,,12/3/2013
"Jehovah gives gifts that keep on giving, generosity, unselfishness, Preaching, Kingdom Halls,","Some gifts keep on giving.  Creation, Ransom sacrifice. ","We give that kind of gifts when we support Jehovah's work.  Preaching, building of Kingdom Halls, etc.",Matthew 24:14;,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,12/4/2013
"Guard Against Being Deceived, windmills, dangerous, convinced in his own mind, humiliated,","DON QUIXOTE is a well-known fictional character created by 16th-century Spanish author Miguel de Cervantes in his classic novel by that name. In that novel, Don Quixote fills his mind with legends and fables about brave knights in glittering armor coming to the rescue of damsels in distress. Soon he begins to believe that he too is a noble knight. In one famous episode, he attacks a group of windmills that he sees as a band of dangerous giants. Convinced in his own mind that he is serving God’s interests by killing those giants, he ends up totally humiliated.","Don Quixote, of course, is only make-believe, but being deceived is seldom a laughing matter. Think, for example, about the alcoholic who believes that he can drink all he wants, only to end up ruining his health and wrecking his family life. Or consider the unfortunate soul suffering from anorexia who thinks that she is well-nourished and healthy but actually is slowly starving herself to death.Could any of us fall into the trap of being deceived? Sadly, the answer is yes. In truth, all of us are susceptible to such danger. And that includes the possibility of being deceived about our cherished religious beliefs—with potentially catastrophic consequences. Why is that so? How can you guard against being deceived?",Genesis 3:1-5;,w10 9/1 pp. 10-13;,,,bl,,12/4/2013
"“Your Leader Is One, the Christ,” commander, international congregation, anointed, other sheep,","CHRISTENDOM’S churches have human leaders, such as the pope of Rome, the patriarchs and metropolitans of the Eastern Orthodox churches, and the heads of other religions. ","Jehovah’s Witnesses recognize no human as their leader. They are not disciples or followers of any man. This is in line with Jehovah’s prophetic utterance concerning his Son: “Look! As a witness to the national groups I have given him, as a leader and commander to the national groups.” (Isa. 55:4) The international congregation of anointed Christians and their “other sheep” companions want no leader other than the one Jehovah has given them. (John 10:16) They subscribe to Jesus’ statement: “Your Leader is one, the Christ.”—Matt. 23:10.","Matthew 23:9, 10;",w10 9/15 pp. 21-25;,,,bl,,12/4/2013
"Loneliness in a World of Mass Connection, intercom, ","CELL-PHONE calls, text messages, e-mails, online social networks, chat rooms—there has never been a time when the means of communicating were so numerous and easy to come by. Yet, in this world of mass connection, many people—young and old—feel very lonely. Why?","In their book Loneliness—Human Nature and the Need for Social Connection, researchers John T. Cacioppo and William Patrick thoroughly address the subject of loneliness. They refer to a study that says that “increased Internet use can increase social isolation as well as depression when it replaces more tangible forms of human contact.”",Proverbs 18:1;,g 9/10 p. 3;,,,bl,,2/9/2015
"race for life, running, regimen, disciplined, athlete, immoral teachings, table of demons, mistakes, corrections,","A successful athlete also sticks to a regimen, remaining disciplined when it comes to his diet. It is similar with a true Christian. ","He doesn’t feed on immoral teachings, partaking of “the table of demons,” as the apostle Paul put it. Instead, he feeds on rich spiritual food provided by God in his Word, the Bible. (1 Corinthians 10:21) Moreover, when difficulties arise, a successful athlete stays positive. He admits his mistakes and makes corrections. “The way I am running is not uncertainly,” Paul wrote. “But I pummel my body,” he said, so as not to be disqualified.",1 Corinthians 9:24-27;,g 9/10 pp. 12-15;,,,bl,,12/4/2013
"Yurts—Mobile Homes of Central Asia, nomadic homes, tents, ","WHAT is soft and round and keeps you warm in winter but cool in summer? For nomadic peoples in parts of Central Asia, the answer is, A yurt! From the steppes of Mongolia and Kazakhstan to the mountains and valleys of Kyrgyzstan, these traditional dwellings were once a common sight.","A yurt is a round, tentlike structure that has decorative reed mats lining its walls. Its outer layers are sheets of felt made from sheep’s wool. Yurts are lightweight and easy to assemble, yet sturdy and comfortable during hot summers and cold winters. The Kirghiz call the yurt a gray house; the Kazakhs, a felt house; and the Mongolians, a ger, meaning “home.”",Genesis 4:20;,g 9/10 pp. 16-17;,,,bl,,12/4/2013
"From a Tiny Acorn to a Mighty Oak,","A tiny acorn, resembling a miniature egg in an eggcup, loses its hold on the tree and drops to the ground. Buried by a scurrying squirrel and then forgotten, the seed sprouts. In time, it becomes a majestic oak, the mightiest of Britain’s native forest trees.","Celebrated in history and myth, the oak can live more than a thousand years. Some reach 130 feet [40 m] in height! Old oaks are remarkable for their massive trunks and spreading boughs. While Britain has two native species of oak trees, worldwide there are about 450 varieties. What identifies them all is their seed, the tiny acorn.  Details in article.",Amos 2:9;,g 9/10 p. 18;,,,bl,,12/4/2013
"Kingdom songs, singing, “It May Well Be Just a Song”, alzheimer's disease, ","Juliana was a dear elderly Christian in the Philippines who had developed Alzheimer’s disease. She no longer recognized even her own children. Nevertheless, I would go to see Juliana whenever I was in the area.","Juliana was bedridden and would just stare out the window. It was hard to be with her, as she no longer remembered me. She looked at me with big eyes, but there was no life or spark of recognition in them. “Do you still think about Jehovah?” I asked. I told her an experience and asked some more questions, but there was no indication that she understood. Then I started to sing a song. What happened next was so heartwarming!Juliana turned her head, looked at me, and started to sing with me! Soon, I had to give up because I did not know all the words in the local Tagalog language by heart. But Juliana kept singing. She remembered all three stanzas. ","Psalm 96:1, 4;",g 9/10 p. 19;,,,bl,,12/4/2013
"How Can I Stop Being So Sad? sorrow, depression, stress, moods, blues, ","“When everyone else falls apart, I’m there to fix their problems and make them feel better. But then—and this is the part that few people see—I go home to my room and cry.”—Kellie.*","“When I’m down, I isolate myself. If I get invited somewhere, I come up with an excuse not to go. I do a good job at hiding my sadness from my family. They think I’m fine.”—Rick.HAVE your thoughts ever been similar to those of Kellie or Rick? If so, don’t hastily conclude that there’s something wrong with you. The fact is, everyone gets sad now and then. Even faithful men and women of the Bible did.",Proverbs 17:17;,g 9/10 pp. 20-22;,,,bl,,12/4/2013
"Breathing, breath, air, life, Amazing Hemoglobin Molecule—A Miracle of Design, Creation, marvels,","BREATHING—what could be more natural? Most of us rarely give it a thought. Breathing, however, could not keep us alive if it were not for the human hemoglobin molecule, a complex molecular masterpiece designed by our Creator. ","The hemoglobin that is inside each of our 30 trillion red blood cells transports the oxygen from the lungs to the tissues throughout the body. Without hemoglobin, we would die almost instantly.  How do hemoglobin molecules manage to pick up tiny oxygen molecules at the right time, hold them safely until the right time, and release them at the right time? Several amazing feats of molecular engineering are required.",Genesis 2:7;,g 9/10 pp. 26-28;,,,bl,,12/4/2013
"Trust, confidence, honesty, counterfeit, false, fake, drugs, A Widespread Crisis of Confidence,","In West Africa, a 12-year-old boy lies in a hospital bed—the victim of a fake antimalarial drug that his mother bought at a legitimate drugstore. “For 15 years we have been finding false medicines on the market,” says a hospital physician.*","IN TODAY’S world, virtually everyone’s trust has been betrayed at one time or another. Even the global economic plight is largely the result of what the French newspaper Le Monde calls “a widespread crisis of confidence.”","Psalm 146:4, 5;",g 10/10 p. 3;,,,bl,,12/4/2013
"People You Can Trust, Honesty, cheat, steal, keys, locks, dream, trustworthy, ","Santiago, a taxi driver in Argentina, did not have to debate what he would do. When a bag was left in his taxi, he simply returned it to its owner. Santiago’s gesture may seem ordinary, except for the fact that the bag contained more than $32,000!",CAN you imagine a world filled with trustworthy people? How different life would be! You could leave your child in the hands of a babysitter without fear. You would need neither keys to your home nor locks on your doors. Is that merely a dream?,Hebrews 13:18;,g 10/10 pp. 6-9;,,,bl,,12/4/2013
"Promises, trustworthy, confidence, Word, Bible, rain, ","God’s promises are so trustworthy that he compares his word to the rain. (Isaiah 55:10, 11) Indeed, what could prevent rain from falling, soaking the soil, and causing vegetation to grow? Nothing! In the same way, nothing can prevent the fulfillment of God’s promises.",“Not a promise failed out of all the good promise that Jehovah had made . . . It all came true.” (Joshua 21:45) Do we too have good reasons to trust in God?,Isaiah 55:10; Joshua 21:45;,g 10/10 pp. 6-9;,,,bl,,12/4/2013
"Honesty, trust, trustworthy, dishonest, steal, lie, money, HONESTY REWARDED,"," Lucio, one of Jehovah’s Witnesses in the Philippines, could have become dishonest. He found $27,500 in an old filing cabinet in an office that he was asked to clean. The office—and the money—belonged to his boss, who was away on a business trip. “It was the first time I had ever seen a dollar!” Lucio says.","When his boss returned, Lucio handed him the money. What was the result? “I was given more responsibility,” Lucio says. “In fact, my boss gave me a room where my whole family could stay. Even though life throughout the Philippines is hard, I really feel that because we have adhered to his laws, Jehovah God has cared for us.”",Joshua 21:45;,g 10/10 pp. 6-9;,,,bl,,12/4/2013
"HONEST SCALES, honesty, honest, lie, lying, steal, ","Moïse’s stall is well-known in a market in Douala, Cameroon, where he sells fish. “I called my little shop The Scales,” he says, “because my scales are among the few in the whole market that have not been tampered with. I know that people test me out regularly. If they ask me for a kilo of fish, I give it to them. ","They always find a way to have the bag weighed elsewhere. When they do, they find that they have what appears to be more than a kilo! Then they know that I have not tried to deceive them! Many people say to me, ‘We come to you because you are honest.’”",Joshua 21:45;,g 10/10 pp. 6-9;,,,bl,,12/4/2013
"Creation, Meet the Alpine Marmot, wisdom, Creator, ","A loud whistle pierced the air. It sounded like a boy whistling to a friend—but was much louder. The whistle echoed across the mountainside, giving little indication of its source. Then I noticed a small furry rodent dart into a nearby burrow. A quick look at my guidebook confirmed that I had just seen and heard an alpine marmot.","DURING the next few days, I became familiar with these furry rodents. I learned which rocks they preferred for sunning themselves, where their principal burrows were located, and how they survive in the harsh environment above the tree line. The marmot adds charm to the alpine meadows, and its family cooperation testifies to the wisdom of the Creator.—Psalm 50:10",Job 12:7;,g 10/10 pp. 10-12;,,,bl,,12/4/2013
"Armageddon, Preaching, Jehovah's Witnesses, warnings, Babylon, “Mayday! Mayday! Mayday!”—The Call That Saves Lives, ","Fire and smoke engulfed the fishing vessel! Every person on board was in serious danger. “Without the captain making the Mayday call, the ‘Nautical Legacy’ would never have been found,” said a Coast Guard official. The Canadian Coast Guard responded quickly and was able to save the entire crew.*","“MAYDAY! Mayday! Mayday!” Those words heard over the radio announce a life-threatening emergency and are a call for immediate assistance. Is the Mayday call effective? In 2008, the U.S. Coast Guard went on more than 24,000 rescue missions. They saved 4,910 lives—an average of 13 lives per day—and assisted more than 31,000 people in distress.  Every day, Jehovah's Witnesses are sounding a like call.  Urging people to leave the sinking ship of this system.",Revelation 18:4;,g 10/10 pp. 27-28;,,,bl,,12/4/2013
"Prayer, pray, communication, prayer rugs, rosary beads, prayer wheels, icons, prayer books, Need,","AROUND the world, in every culture and religion, people pray. They pray when alone; they pray in groups. They pray in churches, in temples, in synagogues, in mosques, at shrines. They may use prayer rugs, rosary beads, prayer wheels, icons, prayer books, or prayers written on small boards that they hang on racks.","Prayer sets humans apart from all other life on this earth. Granted, we have much in common with the animals. Like them, we need food, air, and water. Like them, we are born, we live, and we die. (Ecclesiastes 3:19) But only humans pray. Why?  Perhaps the simplest answer is that we need to. The Bible shows that we were made with an appetite for such things. (Ecclesiastes 3:11) Jesus Christ once said: “Happy are those conscious of their spiritual need.”—Matthew 5:3.",Ecclesiastes 3:11; Matthew 5:3;,w10 10/1 p. 3;,,,bl,,12/4/2013
"Prayer, pray, needs, communication, guidance, wisdom, answers, questions, knowledge, comfort, loss, decisions, forgiveness,","Consider: Have you ever yearned for guidance, wisdom, or answers to questions that seem beyond the reach of human knowledge? Have you ever felt in need of comfort when wounded by a terrible loss, of guidance when faced with an agonizing decision, or of forgiveness when crushed by guilt?","According to the Bible, those are all valid reasons to pray. The Bible is the most reliable book on this subject, and it contains a record of the prayers of many faithful men and women. They prayed for comfort, for guidance, for forgiveness, and for answers to the hardest of questions.","Psalm 23:3; 71:21; Daniel 9:4, 5, 19; Habakkuk 1:3;",w10 10/1 p. 3;,,,bl,,12/4/2013
"Prayer, what about? misunderstood, twisted, rote, model prayer, 4 What About?","IT HAS been called the most widely repeated of all Christian prayers. Whether that is true or not, Jesus’ model prayer—sometimes called the Lord’s Prayer or the Our Father—is certainly among the most misunderstood. Millions of people utter its words by rote every day, perhaps often during the day. But Jesus never intended for the prayer to be used in that way. How do we know?","Just before relating that prayer, Jesus said: “When praying, do not say the same things over and over again.” (Matthew 6:7) Did Jesus proceed to contradict himself by laying down a set of words to be memorized and repeated? Surely not! Rather, Jesus was teaching us what to pray about, and he was giving us a clear set of priorities to keep in mind when praying. Let us take a closer look at what he said. The prayer is recorded at Matthew 6:9-13.(Details in article)",Matthew 6:9-13;,w10 10/1 pp. 7-8;,,,bl,,12/4/2013
"Pray, prayer, gifts, grateful, gratitude, ","Well, let us say that you have a child who receives a gift. Would you teach him that it is enough to feel grateful? Or would you teach him to express his gratitude? When we put important feelings into words, we bring them into focus and even strengthen them. Does the same hold true when it comes to speaking to God? Absolutely! Consider some examples.","Prayers of thanks. When we thank our Father for the good things that come our way, we focus on our blessings. As a result, we may feel more grateful, happier, more positive.—Philippians 4:6.Prayers for forgiveness. When we ask God for forgiveness, we strengthen our conscience, deepen our repentance, and intensify our awareness of the seriousness of sin. We also find relief from the burden of guilt.Prayers for guidance and wisdom; Prayers of distress; Prayers for the well-being of others in need; Prayers of praise;",Philippians 4:6;John 11:41;,w10 10/1 p. 10;,,,bl,,12/4/2013
"How Can You Combat Negative Feelings? Joy, happiness, power scanty, energy, troubled, despair, hopelessness, ","DO YOU ever struggle with negative feelings? Really, who does not? Our times are marked by economic hardship, pervasive violence, and wanton injustice. Not surprisingly, countless people are plagued by overwhelming sadness, excessive guilt, and a sense of personal worthlessness.","Such feelings can be dangerous. They may undermine our confidence, paralyze our ability to reason, and rob us of joy. The Bible says: “Have you shown yourself discouraged in the day of distress? Your power will be scanty.” (Proverbs 24:10) We need our power, our energy, in order to keep going in this troubled world. Therefore, it is essential to keep negative feelings under control.*The Bible provides some strong defenses against negative feelings. Jehovah God, the Creator and the Sustainer of all life, does not want you to give out under the weight of despair or hopelessness. (Psalm 36:9) So let us consider three ways in which his Word can help us to combat negative feelings.",Proverbs 24:10; Psalm 36:9;,w10 10/1 pp. 19-22;,,,bl,,12/4/2013
"Who Has Come to Know the Mind of Jehovah, thinking, unity, harmony, understanding, thoughts, higher, ","HAVE you ever found it difficult to understand another person’s way of thinking? Perhaps you recently got married, and you feel that you have no way of fully understanding how your spouse thinks. Indeed, men and women think and even speak differently. However, the more you get to know others, the more opportunity you have to start to understand their way of thinking.","We should not, therefore, be surprised that our thinking is far different from that of Jehovah. Through his prophet Isaiah, Jehovah told the Israelites: “The thoughts of you people are not my thoughts, nor are my ways your ways.” Then, illustrating this fact, Jehovah went on to say: “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so my ways are higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.”","1 COR. 2:16; Isa. 55:8, 9;",w10 10/15 pp. 3-7;,,,bl,,12/5/2013
"Building Projects Require Love, Loyalty, and Faithfulness, RBC, Construction, shine, Kingdom Halls, branches, disasters, Volunteers","Although some volunteers may not give outstanding talks from the platform, at Kingdom Hall building projects they shine like stars. These dear ones put their heart into the work, and their talents come out. The result is always a beautiful building to be used in the worship of Jehovah.","I have been asked, “What are the most important qualities for a volunteer on a Kingdom Hall project?” From my experience, a person must first of all love Jehovah and his Son as well as the brotherhood. (1 Cor. 16:14) Second, loyalty and faithfulness are needed. When things do not go the way we want them to go—and this will happen—a loyal person will continue to support the theocratic arrangement. Faithfulness will move him to volunteer for future projects.",1 Corinthians 16:14;,w10 10/15 pp. 29-31;,,,bl,,2/25/2015
"Is It Possible to Be Content, contentment, happy, joy, inward feeling of satisfaction, elusive, desire,","""Contentment makes poor men rich; discontent makes rich men poor.”—Benjamin Franklin.  TRUE to that proverb, many have learned that contentment cannot be bought like merchandise. ","No wonder that contentment—an inward feeling of satisfaction—seems elusive in a world that fosters a desire for more possessions, greater achievements, or the life enjoyed by others! Have any of the following affected you?• Advertisers bombard you with the message that contentment is only one more purchase away.• Competition at work or at school encourages you to measure your worth against what others are able to do.• People lack appreciation for what you do for them.• Friends make you envious of what they have.• Your fundamental questions about life go unanswered.","Philippians 4:11, 12;",w10 11/1 p. 3;,,,bl,,12/5/2013
"Love People, Not Money and Possessions, Challenge, pressure, Contentment, satisfaction, discontent, money, bigger, better, items,","WHAT IS THE CHALLENGE? Advertisers pressure us to be discontented with what we have. They want us to slave to gain money so that we can spend it on newer, better, bigger items. ","Money is seductive, and we can easily fall in love with it. However, the Bible warns that a person who loves riches will never be content. “A mere lover of silver will not be satisfied with silver, neither any lover of wealth with income,” wrote King Solomon.—Ecclesiastes 5:10.",1 Timothy 6:10;Ecclesiastes 5:10;,w10 11/1 p. 4;,,,bl,,12/5/2013
"Resist the Urge to Compare Yourself With Others, ","We may like to compare ourselves with others—sometimes with those who have less than we have, often with those who are stronger, wealthier, or more talented than we are. ","Either way, the effect is negative. We mistakenly assume that a person’s worth is determined by what he has or what he is able to do. We may also stir up feelings of envy and a spirit of competition.—Ecclesiastes 4:4.WHAT CAN YOU DO? Try to see yourself as God sees you. Allow his view to influence your sense of self-worth. “Mere man sees what appears to the eyes; but as for Jehovah,* he sees what the heart is.” (1 Samuel 16:7) Jehovah gauges your worth, not by comparing you with some other human, but by reading your heart, examining your thoughts, feelings, and intentions. (Hebrews 4:12, 13)",Galatians 6:4;Ecclesiastes 4:4;,w10 11/1 p. 5;,,,bl,,12/5/2013
"Religious group, organized religion, Should I Join a Religious Group, Dedication, Baptism, ",“He who is near the church is often far from God.”  French proverb.  Are you cautious about joining a religious group because you are appalled by the hypocrisy and disunity of churchgoers and even the clergy? ,"Does God really say that those who want to worship him acceptably must belong to an organized religion?’ The short answer is yes. Why can we be so sure? And will just any religious organization do?  Consider Jesus’ example. Did he belong to an organized religion? When he was young, Jesus joined with his Jewish family and others who had the custom of going to the temple in Jerusalem to engage in organized worship. (Luke 2:41-43) As a grown man, Jesus joined with his fellow Jews in worshipping God at the local synagogue. (Luke 4:14-16) When speaking to a woman from a different religious background, Jesus said: “We worship what we know.” (John 4:22) Jesus here clearly identified himself as belonging to the Jewish form of religion.",Luke 4:14-16;,w10 11/1 p. 31;,,,bl,,12/5/2013
"Creator, creation, Faith, belief, atheist, science, doubt, universe, ","Imagine this: An archaeologist sees a rough stone that is more or less square. He may attribute that shape to chance, which would be reasonable. But later he finds a stone that is perfectly formed in the shape of a human bust, down to the finest details. Does he attribute this item to chance? No. His logical mind says, ‘Someone made this.’ ","Using similar reasoning, the Bible states: “Every house is constructed by someone, but he that constructed all things is God.” (Hebrews 3:4) Do you agree with that statement? “The more we get to know about our universe,” writes Lennox, “the more the hypothesis that there is a Creator God, who designed the universe for a purpose, gains in credibility as the best explanation of why we are here.”",Hebrews 3:4;,g 11/10 pp. 4-6;,,,bl,,12/5/2013
"Wisdom for the Tongue, Gossip, mistakes, struggle, control, self-control, ","‘IF ONLY I could take back what I said!’ Have you ever said that to yourself? Yes, we all struggle to control our tongue. We can tame virtually any animal, the Bible says, “but the tongue, not one of mankind can get it tamed.” (James 3:7, 8) ","So should we just resign ourselves to defeat? No! Consider some Bible principles that can help us to gain more control over this small but powerful body member.● “In the abundance of words there does not fail to be transgression, but the one keeping his lips in check is acting discreetly.” (Proverbs 10:19)  (see article for more examples)","Proverbs 10:19;James 3:7,8;",g 11/10 p. 19;,Service Talk,200,bl,,12/5/2013
"Visions of the Spirit Realm, angels, Jehovah, good, bad, helpful, evildoers, demons, Satan, Devil, ","GAZE intently into the sky as long as you like, but you will not see a spirit person. Listen, but you will not hear one. Yet, you may be sure that spirits exist. Highly intelligent and powerful, they have distinct names and personalities. Some do us good; others want to harm us. All are interested in us.",The true God himself is a Spirit. (John 4:24) He has a unique name that distinguishes him from the many false gods. His name is Jehovah.  ,Psalm 83:18,w10 12/1 pp. 4-6;,,,bl,,12/6/2013
"He Knows “the Heart of the Sons of Mankind,"" prayer, challenges, problems, plagues, struggles, overwhelmed, Solomon, ","WHO of us has not felt overwhelmed by life’s challenges and problems? At times, it may seem that there is no one who can truly grasp the struggles we face or the deep pain we feel. Yet, there is someone who fully understands our feelings—Jehovah God. We can find comfort in the words of Solomon found at 2 Chronicles 6:29, 30.","Solomon is offering a prayer at the inauguration of the temple in Jerusalem in 1026 B.C.E. In his prayer, perhaps ten minutes in duration, Solomon extols Jehovah as a God of loyalty, the Fulfiller of promises, and the Hearer of prayer.—1 Kings 8:23-53; 2 Chronicles 6:14-42.  Whatever the case, God-fearing ones need not carry their burdens alone.  Psalm 55:4, 22;","2 CHRONICLES 6:29, 30;",w10 12/1 p. 11;,,,bl,,12/6/2013
"Did People in Bible Times Really Live So Long, life, forever, perfection, Adam, Seth, Enosh, Kenan, Jared, Methuselah, and Noah,","JEANNE LOUISE CALMENT died on August 4, 1997, in her hometown in southeast France. She was 122 years old!  Advancements in science, health care, and other fields of endeavor are helping people today to live longer. Still, not many individuals reach or surpass the century mark. That may be why the longevity of those who do so sometimes makes the news, as happened in the case of Madame Calment.","The Bible relates that in ancient times people lived much longer, in some cases almost one thousand years. Is that true or believable? Did people in Bible times really live that long? And should it matter to us today?  The Bible book of Genesis speaks of seven men who lived more than 900 years, all of them being born prior to the Flood of Noah’s day. They were Adam, Seth, Enosh, Kenan, Jared, Methuselah, and Noah. Soon all traces of sin and imperfection will be gone, and people will not have to degenerate and die.—Isaiah 33:24; Titus 1:2.",Genesis 5:5-27; 9:29;,w10 12/1 pp. 12-14;,,,bl,,12/6/2013
"Your Consideration Will Be Appreciated, single parents, fatherless boy, responsibility, children, ","“Expect nothing; appreciate everything.” Kathleen, a single parent who brought up three children, says she will never forget this sage advice,","Like Kathleen, many single parents recognize the personal responsibility they have to raise their children. Therefore, they do not expect others to do for them what they must do for themselves. Nevertheless, there is no doubt that they appreciate any assistance they receive. You can contribute to their well-being and your own happiness by showing consideration for single parents, confident that Jehovah God “will reward you for what you have done.”—Proverbs 19:17,",Proverbs 19:17;,w10 12/1 pp. 22-24;,,,bl,,12/6/2013
"Paradise, new earth, purpose, fill the earth, subdue, permanent home, planet, beautiful, ","Just as a couple would enlarge their home when they have more children, so our first parents were expected to expand Paradise beyond the borders of Eden as the human family grew. God told them: “Fill the earth and subdue it.”—Genesis 1:28.","Our Creator’s purpose, then, was for humans to live and bear children in Paradise here on earth. They would live forever in an earthly garden with no need for any cemeteries. The earth was to become the permanent home for all mankind. No wonder the natural features of our planet bring us so much delight! We were created to live on a beautiful earth.",Isaiah 55:11; Genesis 1:28;,w10 12/1 p. 25;,,,bl,,12/6/2013
"A Secret You Can Tell Others, sacred, Kingdom, holy, clean, special, ",HAVE you ever been told a secret?  There is one I would like to tell you. In the Bible it is called “the sacred secret which has been kept in silence for long-lasting times.” (Romans 16:25) At first only God knew “the sacred secret.” Let’s see how God saw to it that this secret became known to many.,"To begin with, do you know what “sacred” means?— The word means holy, clean, or very special. So the secret is called the sacred secret because it is from God, who is holy. Who do you think wanted to know this special secret?— Angels did. The Bible says: “Into these very things angels are desiring to peer.” Yes, they wanted to understand this holy secret.—1 Peter 1:12.  When Jesus came to earth, he talked about the sacred secret and began to explain it. ",1 Peter 1:12; Romans 16:25;,w10 12/1 pp. 30-31;,,,bl,,12/6/2013
"Be Zealous for True Worship, Urgent, harvest, preaching, hurry, ","YOU have a document that needs a certain person’s attention by the end of the day. What do you do? You mark it “URGENT!” You are on your way to an important appointment, but you are late. What do you do? You tell the driver, “Please hurry; it’s URGENT!” Yes, when you have a task that must get done and time is running out, you feel tense and excited. Your adrenaline begins to flow, and you work as fast and as hard as you can. That is urgency!","For true Christians today, nothing is more urgent than preaching the good news of the Kingdom and making disciples of people of all the nations. (Matt. 24:14; 28:19, 20) Quoting Jesus, the disciple Mark wrote that this work must be done “first,” that is, before the end comes. (Mark 13:10) That, of course, is the way it should be. Jesus said: “The harvest is great, but the workers are few.” A harvest cannot wait; it must be brought in before the season is over.—Matt. 9:37.",MATT. 9:37;,w10 12/15 pp. 7-11;,Service Talk,200,bl,,12/6/2013
"Reap Blessings Through God’s Spirit-Guided King, last days, end of system, great tribulation, ","“IN A world that is in chaos politically, socially and environmentally, how can the human race sustain another 100 years?” That is what astrophysicist Stephen Hawking asked in 2006. ","Such statements come as no surprise to Jehovah’s servants. The Bible tells us that humans were not created to govern themselves. (Jer. 10:23) Jehovah alone is our rightful Sovereign. An article in the journal New Statesman observed: “We have not abolished poverty or constructed world peace. On the contrary, we seem to have achieved exactly the opposite. It is not as though we haven’t tried. We have tried everything from communism to the pure market; from the League of Nations to nuclear deterrence. We have fought too many ‘wars to end war’ to believe that we know how to end war.”",Isaiah 11:2;,w10 12/15 pp. 16-20;,,,bl,,12/6/2013
"Singing, Kingdom songs, Charles T. Russell, history, music, ","One evening in 1869, C. T. Russell was returning home from work when he heard singing coming from a basement hall. Brother Russell entered the dusty, dingy hall and found that religious services were being held there. He sat down and listened. He later wrote that what he heard that night “was sufficient, under God, to re-establish [his] wavering faith in the divine inspiration of the Bible.” Notice that it was the singing that initially attracted Brother Russell to the meeting.","At that time in his life, he had despaired of ever finding the truth about God. So he had decided to devote himself to his business interests, reasoning that if he made some money, he would at least be able to address the physical needs of people even if he could not help them spiritually. ",Proverbs 4:18;,w10 12/15 pp. 20-24;,,,bl,,12/6/2013
"Never Too Late to Serve God, elderly, older ones, progress, growth, baptism, congregation book study, ","There was something unique about this mother and daughter—their ages. They were 107 and 83 years old respectively!  In Málaga, southern Spain, a mother and her daughter, both named Ana, got baptized on December 19, 2009. They were among the 2,352 people who took that step in Spain during 2009. ","What led them to baptism in symbol of their dedication to Jehovah? In the early 1970’s, a neighbor used to invite Ana—the daughter—to attend the Congregation Book Study held at the home of the Witness. Ana would attend from time to time. However, because of her secular work, Ana did not progress further.",Luke 2:36-38;,w10 12/15 p. 25;,,,bl,,12/6/2013
"Why Doesn’t God Get Rid of the Devil, suffering, “dragon,” “serpent,” and “Satan”, hurry, urgent, court case, ","Relief workers often rush to a natural disaster to relieve suffering and to save the lives of total strangers. So one might ask, ‘Why wouldn’t God hurry to get rid of the Devil, the one who is responsible for untold human suffering?’ IF YOU could relieve the suffering of another person, would you? ","To help answer that question, you might visualize a prominent court case. The murderer, desperate to halt the proceedings, claims that the judge is dishonest in the way he presides over his own courtroom, and he even asserts that the jurors are being bribed by the judge. So countless witnesses are allowed to provide testimony. The judge knows that the extensive proceedings will cause much inconvenience, and he would like to have the case concluded without undue delay. Yet, he realizes that to arrive at a judgment that will set a precedent for possible future cases, both parties must be allowed sufficient time to present their side of the dispute. How does this illustration relate to a challenge the Devil—also called “dragon,” “serpent,” and “Satan”—hurled at Jehovah, “the Most High over all the earth”? Who really is the Devil? And what accusations has he made against Jehovah God? Also, when will God get rid of him?",Revelation 12:9; Psalm 83:18;,g 12/10 pp. 10-11;,,,bl,,12/6/2013
"Creator, Create, The Amazing Process of Childbirth, baby, cervix, appointed time, time for birth, ","THE nine-month wait is finally over, and the baby so longed for is about to be born.* The expectant mother’s cervix has remained firmly shut, keeping the fetus safely in the womb. But now her cervix thins, softens, and relaxes. The miracle of birth begins.","The entire process of labor and birth reminds us of the words of the Bible: “For everything there is an appointed time, even a time for every affair under the heavens.” That includes “a time for birth.” (Ecclesiastes 3:1, 2) You will surely agree that this series of biochemical and physical events, which all occur within just a few hours, eloquently points to design on the part of our Creator, whom the Bible calls “the source of life.”",Psalm 36:9; Ecclesiastes 11:5;,g 1/11 pp. 16-17;,,,bl,,12/6/2013
"Greater knowledge and experience, parents, fun, dangers, teenagers, youths, enjoyment, recreation, life, lifeguards,","If you had a choice, likely you would prefer to swim at a beach that is manned by lifeguards. Why? Because while you’re in the water having fun, your awareness of danger is very limited. But the lifeguards have a better vantage point from which to spot hazards.","Similarly, because of their greater knowledge and experience, your parents may be aware of dangers that you do not see. Like the lifeguards on the beach, your parents’ goal is, not to spoil your fun, but to help you avoid dangers that could rob you of enjoyment in life.","Proverbs 7:1, 2; ",g 2/11 pp. 10-12;,,,bl,,12/6/2013
"Safety Tips for the Elderly, older persons, falls, safety, dangers, afraid, physical activity, ","A GIRL skates around an ice rink. Suddenly she slips and falls. Seconds later she is on her feet again, suffering no more than a little embarrassment. An elderly lady trips and falls in her home, fracturing her hip. She undergoes surgery and spends months in rehabilitation. Now even more afraid of falling, she avoids physical activity and grows weaker.","Even though old age often brings physical challenges, you can take practical steps to enhance your personal safety and the quality of your life. For one thing, you can strive to maintain reasonable health and strength. For another, you can make your home safer.(see article)",Ecclesiastes 12:5;,g 2/11 pp. 13-15;,,,bl,,12/6/2013
"Are Science and the Bible Compatible, understanding, wisdom, precision, intelligence, power, creation, ","“The significance and joy in my science comes in the occasional moments of discovering something new and saying to myself, ‘So that’s how God did it!’”—HENRY SCHAEFER, PROFESSOR OF CHEMISTRY.","SCIENCE does much to help us understand the natural world, revealing a level of order, precision, and sophistication that points, in the eyes of many, to a God of infinite intelligence and power. In their view, science reveals not just details of the natural world but also facets of the mind of God.","Romans 1:20; Psalm 19:1, 2;",g 2/11 pp. 22-23;,,,bl,,12/6/2013
"Where Science Is Limited, Bible answers, universe, abundance of life, evil, suffering, good, bad, questions, ","A scientist may be able to describe every molecule in a chocolate cake, but will his analysis reveal why the cake was made or for whom? For answers to questions like that—which most people would regard as the more important ones—he needs to consult the person who baked the cake.  Why is there a universe? Why does our planet have an abundance of life, including intelligent life? If God truly is almighty, why does he permit evil and suffering? And is there hope beyond the grave?","Has God answered those questions? Yes, in the pages of the Bible. (2 Timothy 3:16) ‘But how,’ you may ask, ‘can I be sure that the Bible really is from God?’ From a scientific point of view, what the Bible says about the world around us must harmonize with scientific fact, for God does not contradict himself. Does the Bible reflect such harmony? Consider a few examples.","Romans 1:20; Psalm 19:1, 2; 2 Timothy 3:16, 17;",g 2/11 pp. 22-23;,,,bl,,12/6/2013
"Creation, The Bacterial Flagellum, DNA, microorganism, evolution, science, ","It has been compared to a powerful outboard motor attached to a boat. Even under a powerful microscope, it appears tiny and insignificant. What is the bacterial flagellum?","Attached to the cell wall of bacteria, the flagellum rotates, enabling the microorganism to go forward, stop, move in reverse, and change direction. It is estimated that half of all known bacteria are equipped with variations of flagella. The publication The Evolution Controversy states: “The bacterial flagellum includes a rotary motor that spins around at speeds of 6,000 to 17,000 rpm. Even more remarkable, it can change direction in as little as a quarter turn, and then spin 17,000 rpm in the other direction.” ",Romans 1:20;,g 2/11 p. 24;,,,bl,,12/6/2013
"Keep Yourself Moving, exercise, health, cure, medication, physical exercise,","“If exercise were a pill, it would be the most widely prescribed medication in the world.” (Emory University School of Medicine)"," Of all the things we can do for our health, few are more generally helpful than physical exercise.",Phil 4:8;,g 3/11 p. 6;,,,bl,,12/6/2013
"Pain, persecution, mob, insults, avoid retaliating, suffering, inflict pain, carry cross, fasten to stake, ","Imagine you see an admired friend being reviled and struck by an enraged mob. You notice that your friend endures the attack with a calm, peaceful spirit, not striking back or returning insults. If you wanted to imitate your friend, would you start striking and insulting yourself? Of course not! That would be imitating the actions of the mob. You would simply try to avoid retaliating if you came under a similar attack.","Clearly, then, Christ’s followers are not expected to inflict pain on themselves as if they needed to mimic the enraged mobs that tormented and sought to kill Jesus. (John 5:18; 7:1, 25; 8:40; 11:53) Instead, when they suffer persecution, they are to imitate the calm, peaceful way Jesus endured hardship.—John 15:20.","John 5:18; 7:1, 25; 8:40; 11:53;",g 3/11 pp. 10-11;,,,bl,,12/6/2013
"Death, dying, grave, died, passed away, departed, no longer with us, awkward, euphemisms, discomfort, gentlest, sadness,","In English, instead of saying that someone “died,” people will say that he or she “passed away,” “departed,” or “is no longer with us.”DEATH is awkward for most people to discuss, regardless of their culture or religion. Some languages provide a number of euphemisms to ease the discomfort. ","Yet, even the gentlest of terms can do little to soften the intense sadness that is often felt by those who have lost a loved one. For some, grief is so heavy that they simply cannot accept the reality of what has happened.","Ecc 9:5, 10;",g 4/11 pp. 4-5;,,,bl,,12/6/2013
"Sandcastle Worm’s Glue, Creation, Creator, surgeons glue, adhesive, superior, complicated adhesion problems,","Surgeons repair broken bones with the help of pins, plates, and screws, but those tools are too cumbersome for use on smaller bone fragments. Until recently, researchers were baffled about how to develop an adhesive that could solidify in the wet environment of the human body. They found a possible solution by studying the sandcastle worm!","Consider: The sandcastle worm makes its tubular underwater home out of particles of sand and shell. Each particle is bonded to the next with a dab of glue that is manufactured by a gland in the worm’s thorax. This glue is superior to currently used man-made adhesives. It contains a unique set of proteins that when combined cause the glue to solidify under water—and quickly! The sandcastle worm has been called a master mason, and for good reason. Russell Stewart, of the University of Utah, says that this little animal has solved “complicated adhesion problems.”",Romans 1:20;,g 4/11 p. 26;,,,bl,,12/6/2013
"Is God Omnipresent, place of dwelling, distributes energy, angels, holy spirit, everywhere, location, heavens, ","To understand the pervasive effect of God’s holy spirit, picture the sun. It is at a specific location but distributes energy to a vast portion of the earth. Similarly, Jehovah God has a place of dwelling. But he can perform whatever his will is anywhere in the universe. ","Furthermore, Jehovah can use his holy spirit to perceive what is happening anywhere and at any time. God also has under his control an organization of spirit creatures called angels. The Bible indicates that those spirits may number into the hundreds of millions—perhaps billions or more.* (Daniel 7:10) ",2 Chronicles 16:9; Daniel 7:10;,g 4/11 pp. 28-29;,,,bl,,12/6/2013
"Wonderfully Made, human body, ability, abilities, envy, animals, Creation, creativity, curiosity, imagination, and ingenuity,","WHEN you reflect on the remarkable abilities of various animals, do you sometimes feel a twinge of envy? Perhaps you wish that you could soar like an albatross, swim like a dolphin, see like an eagle, or run like a cheetah.  Yes, animals have some amazing abilities. But so do we! Indeed, the human body has been described as the perfect machine. ","Of course, we are much more than a machine. We have creativity, curiosity, imagination, and ingenuity—qualities that move us to devise machines that enable us to do virtually anything we set our minds to. We can fly, even beyond the speed of sound; navigate above or below the surface of vast oceans; gaze some 14 billion light-years into space; peer into the living cell; and design medicines, therapies, and technologies that help us diagnose and treat diseases.Even with little or no external assistance, healthy, well-trained humans are capable of doing astonishing things. At the Olympic Games, for example, gymnasts, high divers, ice-skaters, skiers, and others perform amazing feats with a level of agility, artistry, creativity, and grace that leave audiences enthralled.",Psalm 139:14;,g 5/11 p. 3;,,,bl,,12/7/2013
"Creation, The Human Hand, fingers, muscles, tendons, bones, wisdom, intelligence, activities, work, play, ","Our hands are beautiful instruments of amazing precision. With them we can thread a needle or swing an ax, paint a portrait or play the piano. Our hands are also highly sensitive. Even a brief touch may reveal whether a substance is fur, paper, skin, metal, water, or wood. Yes, our hands are much more than implements for grasping and manipulation. They are also a source of knowledge about our world. And they are a means of conveying warmth and affection. Why is the human hand so adept, so expressive, so sensitive, and so versatile? The reasons are many. Consider four.","1. Our two hands have a total of more than 50 bones, about a quarter of all the bones in the body. The intricate assembly of the parts of the hand—the bones, the joints, the ligaments—gives the human hand extraordinary flexibility.2. The hand has an opposable thumb mounted on a saddle joint, an ingenious configuration of two saddle-shaped surfaces at right angles to each other. This joint, along with the associated muscles and other tissues, gives the thumb amazing flexibility and strength.3. Three sets of muscles control the hand. The two most powerful sets—the extensors and the flexors—are in the forearm and operate the fingers by means of tendons. How bulky and unwieldy the hand would be if these muscles were located in it! The third set, much smaller, which does lie within the hand, gives the fingers precision of movement.4. Your fingers are, in effect, living sensors—the fingertips having about 2,500 receptors in just one sixth of a square inch (1 sq cm). Moreover, the receptors are varied, each kind having its own function, enabling you to feel texture, temperature, wetness, vibration, pressure, and pain. As a result, the human finger is the most sensitive touch sensor known.",Psalm 139:14;,g 5/11 pp. 4-7;,,,bl,,12/7/2013
"Creation, The Human Ear, loudness, pitch, tone, direction, frequency, vibrations, protection, loud noise, wonderfully made,","There are whistles a dog can hear, but humans cannot.  Although some animals can hear sound frequencies beyond the range of human hearing, the combination of a human’s ears and brain is a formidable one, say audio experts. Our hearing enables us to determine loudness, pitch, and tone and to approximate the direction and distance of a sound source.  (see article for details)","The frequency range of a healthy human ear is roughly 20 to 20,000 hertz, or cycles of sound oscillation per second. The most sensitive region is in the 1,000 to 5,000 hertz range. Moreover, we may be able to detect a change of just one hertz from, say, 440 hertz to 441 hertz.  Indeed, a healthy ear is so sensitive that it can detect sounds when the vibration, or to-and-fro movement. But what if your ears are suddenly struck by a deafening sound? In that event, they have a built-in protective mechanism in the form of muscle action that adjusts the ossicles to reduce the force of the sound. Your auditory system also helps you to detect a sound source. ","Romans 1:20, Psalm 139:14;",g 5/11 pp. 4-7;,,,bl,,12/7/2013
"Creation, Eyes, The Human Eye, design cameras, scanners, and computers, compatible software, 3D, patterns, shapes, seeing,","People who can see well gain approximately 80 percent of their information about the world through their eyes, according to some researchers.  In combination with our brain, our eyes enable us to see in full color, to track moving objects and images smoothly, to recognize patterns and shapes, and to see in three dimensions. Furthermore, we can see in varying degrees of light.","Engineers often design cameras, scanners, and computers, along with compatible software. But the degree of integration and the level of sophistication attained are vastly inferior to those of our sensory system. Ask yourself, ‘Is it reasonable to attribute our vastly superior living sensory system to blind chance, as evolutionists do?’ An ancient servant of God named Job knew little about the human body compared with what we know today. Even so, he felt impelled to say to God: “Your own hands have shaped me.”—Job 10:8.",Job 10:8; Romans 1:18; Psalm 139:14;,g 5/11 pp. 4-7;,,,bl,,12/7/2013
"Creation, The Human Brain, YOUR AMAZING BRAIN, nerves, feel, hear, see, smell, baffled, puzzled, memory, fill in, cat,","“There is no hint in your brain as to how you see the words you are now reading,” said scientist Gerald L. Schroeder.  How does your brain feel, hear, see, and smell? Scientists are baffled. With astonishing efficiency, the brain decodes the streams of signals pouring in through the nerves from the sense organs. ","Moreover, it links these signals with details stored in its memory. Thus, a certain smell may immediately trigger the brain to retrieve a long-forgotten experience or event. And if you see just a small part of something familiar—the tip of your cat’s tail, for example—your brain will fill in the missing details so that you know your cat is nearby.","Matthew 15:30; Mark 8:22-25; Luke 7:21, 22;",g 5/11 pp. 4-7;,,,bl,,12/7/2013
"Love, Inner Gifts That Elevate Us, conscience, creation, music, painting, belief in God, purpose of life, funerals, afterlife, forever, ","A 50-YEAR-OLD construction worker was waiting for his train at a New York City subway station. Nearby, a young man stumbled to the edge of the platform and fell onto the tracks just as a train was coming. Making a split-second decision, the construction worker leaped onto the tracks and held the other man down as the train passed safely over them both.","What causes a human to put the welfare of another—even a total stranger—before self?  Does such behavior reflect the notion that humans are simply highly evolved animals? Or does it suggest that we are a higher creation? Think about that as you reflect on the following questions:● Why do we have a conscience, an inner sense of right and wrong?● Why do we feel awe when we reflect on the wonders of creation?● Why do we enjoy music, painting, poetry, and other art forms? After all, they are not essential for our survival.● Why do people of virtually every culture manifest a desire to commune with a higher being?● Why do we ask: ‘Why am I here?’ ‘What is the purpose of life?’● When someone dies, why do we engage in various ceremonies and rituals?● And why is belief in an afterlife virtually universal? Is our inborn desire to live forever just an evolutionary hoax?",Genesis 1:27;,g 5/11 pp. 8-9;,,,bl,,12/7/2013
"Creation, ant, commander, ruler, prepares, wise, wisdom, harvest, honey ant, ","“Go to the ant,” says the Bible, “see its ways and become wise. Although it has no commander, officer or ruler, it prepares its food even in the summer; it has gathered its food supplies even in the harvest.” (Proverbs 6:6-8) How true these words, for ants are indeed cooperative, highly organized, and industrious! And how amazing that these hardy desert dwellers manage to produce such a sweet delicacy in such inhospitable surroundings!","Honey ants are one of the most unusual of the more than 10,000 known ant species. Unlike bees, which store honey in honeycombs, honey ants store nectar inside the living bodies of worker ants called repletes. The ant colony draws upon these living “honey pots” during lean times.  But what about the aphids? Are they the losers here? Not at all. For one thing, the ants leave them adequate nectar. For another, the ants protect the aphids from parasites and predators. Yes, both ants and aphids are winners in this symbiotic partnership called mutualism.",Proverbs 6:6-8;,g 5/11 pp. 10-11;,,,bl,,12/7/2013
"Creation, speech, lips, precious vessels, Love, Lips Precious Vessels, gold, corals, thoughts, expressions, goodness, kindness,","“There exists gold, also an abundance of corals; but the lips of knowledge are precious vessels,” wrote King Solomon of old. (Proverbs 20:15) Gold has always been highly valued, and in Solomon’s day, corals too were prized. Yet, our lips can be even more precious than these. How? Not because of their physical appearance, but because of the thoughts they express.","Precious lips radiate goodness, kindness, and love. And as “lips of knowledge,” they speak the truth about God as recorded in the Bible. Yes, this ancient book is filled with wisdom and truth about our Creator, as well as excellent advice for life.—John 17:17.",Proverbs 20:15; 19:3; 26:23-26; John 17:17;,g 5/11 p. 19;,,,bl,,12/7/2013
"Will Humans Ruin This Earth, planet, poor tenants, pollution, deforestation, and exploitation but also morally and spiritually through violence, bloodshed, and sexual immorality.Earth, poor tenants, new earth, pollution, deforestation, and exploitation but also morally and spiritually through violence, promise,","From outer space, planet Earth looks like a beautiful blue-and-white jewel. But closer inspection reveals that our home is in trouble. Why? The answer is simple: Humans have been poor tenants. What is more, they are ruining the earth not only literally by means of pollution, deforestation, and exploitation but also morally and spiritually through violence, bloodshed, and sexual immorality.",This sad state of affairs was foretold some two thousand years ago in amazing prophecies recorded in the Bible. (2 Timothy 3:1-5; Revelation 11:18) The Bible also foretold that God—not any human—will fully correct matters.,Revelation 11:18; 2 Timothy 3:1-5;,g 5/11 p. 32;,,,bl,,12/7/2013
"World Without Terrorism Possible, Book That Can Change the Heart, Bible, terrorists, partial, tribe, race, or color,",“WE NEED to be struggling . . . for hearts and minds.” That was the conclusion reached after a 20-year review of the personality profiles of so-called terrorists.  But what can change the hearts and minds of people who have been deeply involved in violent and vengeful activity?,"“I concluded,” Hafeni said, “that it is people themselves who are responsible for tribalism, nationalism, and racial prejudices. I came to realize that the Bible’s message can change people’s thinking and that the most important thing in life is having a good standing with God. This is more important than fighting in behalf of people of a particular tribe, race, or color.”","Acts 10:34, 35; Matthew 26:52;",g 6/11 pp. 6-9;,,,bl,,12/7/2013
"Jehovah's Witnesses, neutral, WWI, war, nonviolent Christian neutrality, Francis Ferdinand, learned war, heroes, churches,","“We have bred men for war,” he wrote. “We have made warriors our heroes and even in our churches we have put the battle flags.” Fosdick concluded: “With one corner of our mouth we have praised the Prince of Peace and with the other we have glorified war.” prominent clergyman, Harry Emerson Fosdick, denounced professed Christian leaders for not teaching their members to follow Jesus’ example.","For instance, back in 1914, ethnic pride moved Gavrilo Princip to assassinate Archduke Francis Ferdinand, heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne. Princip was a member of an organization called the Black Hand, which, according to its constitution, preferred “revolutionary struggle rather than . . . cultural striving” in pursuing its goals. The assassination sparked war between so-called Christian nations, leading to World War I and the death of millions of combatants who claimed to follow Jesus, the “Prince of Peace.”—Isaiah 9:6.  In contrast, a sociological study published in 1975 stated: “Jehovah’s Witnesses have consistently maintained their stand of nonviolent ‘Christian neutrality’ through two major world wars and the subsequent military clashes of the ‘Cold War’ period.”",Isaiah 9:6;,g 6/11 pp. 6-9;,,,bl,,12/7/2013
"Jehovah's Witnesses, neutral, principles of Jesus Christ, war, fairness, peace, justice, protection, violence, death, terrorism,","‘If people put into practice the principles of Jesus Christ, the world today would look completely different. We would not need a Security Council, nor would there be terrorist attacks, and violence would be banned.’—A former prime minister of Belgium","As heavenly King, Jesus will ‘be fair with everyone, and there will be peace.’ He will protect his subjects “from cruel and violent deaths.”—Psalm 72:7, 14, ","Psalm 72:7, 14; Luke 23:42, 43;",g 6/11 pp. 6-9;,,,bl,,12/7/2013
"Tongue, speech, witness, Your Speech Matters, inner person, heart, window into person, words, kindness, ","Following their polite conversation—and not knowing that the microphone was still on—the prime minister calls the elderly woman he just met bigoted and complains that his staff should have kept her away. The nation gasps at his characterization of the woman. With his reputation tarnished, the prime minister loses his bid for reelection just eight days later.","NO HUMAN can perfectly control the tongue. (James 3:2) Still, the above experience reveals that words matter. Your reputation, your career, and even the success or failure of your relationships with others center on how you speak.  But did you know that your words do even more? The Bible explains that your speech is actually a window into the inner person, revealing who you really are. Jesus said: “Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.” (Matthew 12:34) Since your words reflect the feelings, thoughts, and emotions that make you unique, it is important that you analyze your speech patterns closely.",Matthew 12:34; James 3:2;,g 6/11 pp. 10-11;,,,bl,,12/7/2013
"Speech build up those around you, mirror, adjustments, correction, utterance, salt, gracious, hearing,","By correcting the flaws you see in a mirror, you become more presentable to others and you feel better about yourself. The same benefits await you if you improve your speech by looking into the mirror of God’s Word.","“Let your utterance be always with graciousness, seasoned with salt, so as to know how you ought to give an answer to each one.” (Colossians 4:6) Do you try, even in difficult situations, to make what you have to say gracious and easier for others to hear?",Ephesians 4:29; James 1:23-25;,g 6/11 pp. 10-11;,,,bl,,12/7/2013
"Job, friend, marriage mate, success, first impression, tasting food, job interview, ",IMAGINE that you’re tasting a certain food for the very first time. How long does it take for you to figure out if you like it? One bite may be all that’s required to determine whether you’ll ever eat that food again—or even finish the portion that’s in front of you.,"Something similar happens when you meet another person for the very first time. In just a moment, you form an impression about that person. And here’s a sobering thought: In the same amount of time, that person forms an impression about you.Are you looking for a job? a friend? a marriage mate? Your success may depend on the first impression you make. Let’s look at three areas in which you may need to brush up on your social skills so that the impression you leave with others is a good one.",Proverbs 10:19;,g 6/11 pp. 26-28;,,,bl,,12/7/2013
"All his ways are justice, human solutions, suffering, pain, tribulation, trials, loyal, ","Human solutions to suffering can be compared to putting a bandage on a gunshot wound. While the bandage might mask the problem, it does little to address the underlying issue and even less to end the suffering of the victim."," (Deuteronomy 32:4) God is fair and impartial in everything he does. “He will guard the very way of his loyal ones,” but he will also “repay tribulation to those who make tribulation” for the righteous. (Proverbs 2:8; 2 Thessalonians 1:6, 7) Impartially, “he does not take the side of rulers nor favor the rich over the poor, for he created everyone.” (Job 34:19, Today’s English Version) God also knows the best way to heal mankind’s suffering.","Proverbs 2:8; 2 Thessalonians 1:6, 7;",g 7/11 pp. 6-7 ;,,,bl,,12/7/2013
"How to Prevent Car Accidents, safety, driving, travel, ","TIRES squealing, metal crunching, glass shattering, people screaming . . . These sounds are perhaps familiar to anyone who has been involved in a car accident. ","The Population Reference Bureau reports that worldwide “an estimated 1.2 million people are killed in road crashes each year, and as many as 50 million are injured.”  Yet, attention to safety and plain common sense can help you avoid many accidents. Let us see how.",2 Timothy 3:1-5;,g 7/11 pp. 10-11;,,,bl,,12/7/2013
"Creation, From Bark to Bottle—The Story of Cork, trees, ","Can you imagine a tree bark that plays a crucial role in the making of engines, cricket balls, baseballs, and champagne—a bark that was used thousands of years ago by fishermen and elegant ladies alike and that has even been used in outer space? More amazing is the fact that this unique bark can fill all these needs without the tree being felled!","CORK is the outer layer of the bark produced by the cork oak tree. But this is no ordinary bark. It is light, fire resistant, and elastic.The cork oak generously produces its resilient bark year after year. Unharvested, the bark can grow to be ten inches (25 cm) thick—a useful overcoat for protecting the tree against heat, cold, and forest fires. If harvesters strip the bark, the cork oak gradually grows another coating within about ten years.",Romans 1:20;,g 7/11 pp. 18-20 ;,,,bl,,12/7/2013
"Social Networking, facebook, google+, internet, responsibility, computers, cyberspace, chat rooms, ","In some ways, using the Internet can be compared to driving a car. As you’ve probably noticed, not all who have a license are responsible drivers. In fact, many people have got into horrific accidents because of their carelessness or neglect.","It’s similar with people who use the Internet. Some “drive” responsibly; others recklessly. If your parents have allowed you to have a social networking account, they are trusting you to navigate a particularly tricky part of cyberspace. So, what type of “driver” have you shown yourself to be? Have you demonstrated that you “safeguard practical wisdom and thinking ability”?—Proverbs 3:21.",Proverbs 3:21;,g 7/11 pp. 24-27;,,,bl,,12/7/2013
"Social network, internet, privacy, discreet, foolish, home address, e-mail address, school, times, photos, viewpoints, likes,","To illustrate, suppose you had in your possession a large amount of cash. Would you display it for everyone to see as you walked down a public street with your friends? That would be foolish—you’d be asking to be robbed! If you’re smart, you’ll hide your cash where it can’t be seen.","Think of your personal information as your cash. With that in mind, look at the list below and check off the items that you would not feel comfortable advertising to a complete stranger.․․․․․ my home address․․․․․ my e-mail address․․․․․ where I attend school․․․․․ the times when I am at home․․․․․ the times when nobody is at home․․․․․ my photos․․․․․ my viewpoints․․․․․ my likes and interests","Ephesians 5:15, 16; Philippians 1:10;",g 7/11 pp. 24-27;,Service Talk,200,bl,,12/7/2013
"The Gift of Music, songs, lullabies, romantic serenades, pop, country, rock, inspirational melodies, ",CAN you imagine life without music? No soothing lullabies. No romantic serenades. No lively pop songs. No stirring symphonies. And no inspirational melodies. Most would consider that a dull and unappealing prospect.,"Yes, music appeals to virtually the full range of human emotions. It soothes and excites us, uplifts and inspires us. It moves us to ecstasy and reduces us to tears. Moreover, because music speaks straight to our heart, it has power. Why are we so moved by music? The answer is really quite simple: Music is a beautiful gift from God. (James 1:17) As such, it should be treasured, it should be wholesome, and it should be available to all—young and old.","James 1:17; Genesis 4:21; 1 Kings 10:11, 12;",g 8/11 p. 3;,,,bl,,12/7/2013
Will You Make Wise Choices,"“My parents’ music is totally boring,” complains 17-year-old Jordan.* “My son’s music is full of angst and anger,” laments his mother, Denise.  WHY do parents and teens often clash over music? One factor is that tastes may change as people grow older. Another is that music itself changes. Thus, what is popular today may be out of style tomorrow.","Whatever the case, music influences us. Have you noticed how music affects your emotions? When King Saul of ancient Israel felt troubled, soothing music calmed him. (1 Samuel 16:23) In some ways, songs can be like the people we associate with. Some bring out our positive emotions, such as happiness and love. Others dredge up bad feelings, such as anger and hatred.—Proverbs 13:20.",Proverbs 13:20,g 8/11 pp. 6-9;,,,bl,,12/7/2013
"Social networking, internet, computers, YOUR FRIENDSHIPS, privacy, invitations, friends, selective,","If you owned a brand-new car, would you allow just anyone inside? ","If your parents allow you to have a social networking account, you face a similar decision with regard to whom you will invite—or accept—as a friend. How selective will you be?",1 Corinthians 15:33;,g 8/11 pp. 10-13;,,,bl,,12/8/2013
"Privacy, social networking, bank account, credit card, internet, risks,","Like driving a car, having a bank account, or using a credit card, social networking has its share of risks. What are some of these?","PRIVACY. Many youths don’t understand the consequences of putting too much information online. Indicating where they live, where they attend school, or when they’re at home or away could compromise the safety of your family.",1 Corinthians 15:33;,g 8/11 pp. 10-13;,,,bl,,12/8/2013
"Association, social networking, dangers, chat rooms, ","`When your children were younger, you taught them to look both ways before crossing the street. Now that they’re older, teach them how to be safe online. ","Read the information on privacy issues that appeared in last month’s “Young People Ask” article. Also see Awake! of October 2008, pages 3-9. Then discuss this material with your teen. Strive to instill “practical wisdom and thinking ability” with regard to online safety—Proverbs 3:21.",Proverbs 3:21;,g 8/11 pp. 10-13;,,,bl,,12/8/2013
"Associations, social networking, posts, internet, dangers, soundness of mind,","Just as a car can be wrecked if driven carelessly, ...",...your reputation can be ruined if you post indecent pictures and comments online.,1 Corinthians 15:33;,g 8/11 pp. 10-13;,,,bl,,12/8/2013
"Associations, social networking, internet, friends, dangers, cyberspace, ",Would you pick up a stranger just because he needed a ride?,"Why, then, accept as an online friend someone you don’t know?",1 Corinthians 15:33;,g 8/11 pp. 10-13;,,,bl,,12/8/2013
"Wisdom for Heart and Health, Bible reading, Family worship, cure, intelligence, understanding, free of charge, ",“A calm heart is the life of the fleshly organism.”—PROVERBS 14:30.“A heart that is joyful does good as a curer.”—PROVERBS 17:22.● Those simple but profound statements were spoken by King Solomon of Israel about three thousand years ago.* But are they true? What does modern medicine say?,"Why was the wisdom of Solomon—not to mention that of the other Bible writers—so far ahead of its time? The answer is simple. “God continued giving Solomon wisdom and understanding in very great measure.” (1 Kings 4:29) What is more, that wisdom is recorded in plain language so that all can benefit. And it comes free of charge!  Why not make regular Bible reading a part of your life? ",Proverbs 14:30;17:22;,g 8/11 p. 29;,,,bl,,12/8/2013
"Why Save Rather Than Spend, economy, recession, ","“SAVING is a bore,” many say. “Buying clothes, electronic gadgets, and such things is fun.”","Whether you have been affected by the decline in the world’s economy or not, you can benefit from considering ways you can save as well as ways you can spend wisely. Note the advice of an authoritative source that has helped millions of people through the centuries to cope with their financial problems.",Matthew 25:27;,g 9/11 pp. 4-6 ,,,bl,,12/8/2013
"The Greater happiness, Money, giving it away, spending, saving, meals, friends, family, ","Chris Farrell, in his book The New Frugality, says that savings are “a means of supporting spending.” He recommends: “One of the most valuable and sensible things you can do with your money is give it away.”* Farrell adds: “When you think about what matters most, it’s usually relationships, experiences, and the sense of making a difference, not money and possessions.”","Michael Wagner, an economist, seems to agree. In his book, Your Money, Day One, aimed at motivating youths to save, he states: “When you take it upon yourself to help those who are less fortunate, that kindness and generosity will come back to you in a variety of positive ways, but most rewarding is the feeling you will experience in your heart by helping your fellow man.”  The Bible acknowledges that giving results in happiness. As discussed earlier, the Bible contains sayings that can help you manage your resources wisely. Now, consider seven more of these wise sayings.  Money can be given away in the form of gifts or hospitality such as preparing meals for friends and family.",Acts 20:35;,g 9/11 pp. 7-8 ,,,bl,,12/8/2013
"Fisherman, fishing, fishers of men, preaching, 3 problems, witnessing, Jehovah's witnesses, ","FISHERS—whether humans or birds—have three fundamental problems to solve: (1) find fish, (2) approach them, and (3) capture them.",The same might be said of the preaching work.,"Jeremiah 16:16; Matthew 28:19, 20;",g 9/11 pp. 12-13 ,,,bl,,12/8/2013
"I did not die, death, funerals, resurrection, ","“Do not stand at my grave and cry, I am not there. I did not die.”Do you know this poem? Have you heard it sung? During the last few decades, this poem has brought comfort to people around the world. It has been attributed to different poets over the years. Some have even claimed that it is a Navajo burial prayer. In English it is known, not by its closing lines mentioned above, but by its first line: “Do not stand at my grave and weep.”","The poem became a major hit song in Japan a few years ago, but it also caused a lot of confusion. The Japanese often visit their family’s grave to pay respects to relatives presumed to be still alive there. As a result of this song teaching otherwise, many have asked, “Just where are the dead?”  Although all consciousness ends at death, our Maker, who is even aware of each sparrow that dies, lovingly remembers us. (Matthew 10:29-31) As he has promised, he will resurrect us, yes, bring us back to life. He will call us forth from the sleep of death.—Job 14:13-15; John 11:21-23, 38-44.","Job 14:13-15; John 11:21-23, 38-44;",g 9/11 p. 15 ,,,bl,,12/8/2013
"True Friends, social network, meaningless contacts, internet, chat room, challenges, encourage,","‘I AM surrounded by friends but have no friends.’ That’s how 21-year-old Shayna describes the experience of being around a lot of people but not feeling particularly close to any of them. That feeling might be especially common among those on a social network. “You could have a huge ‘friends list’ and look popular and awesome,” says 22-year-old Serena, “but in reality that list might be full of meaningless contacts.”*","Which would you rather have—hundreds of contacts or a few genuine friends? Although both have advantages, a true friend can help you through challenges and can even encourage you to be a better person. (1 Corinthians 16:17, 18) Use the following criteria to help you determine who among your acquaintances might already be displaying the qualities of a true friend.","Proverbs 17:17;1 Corinthians 16:17,18;",g 9/11 pp. 19-21 ,,,bl,,12/10/2013
"Tatars—Their Past, Present, and Future, not partial, ","FROM childhood I had heard the saying: “Scratch a Russian and you find a Tartar [Tatar].” I always considered myself Russian, but not long ago my relatives told me that my grandfather was a Tatar.* When I tell my friends this, some say that they too have Tatar roots.","It has been interesting for me to learn about famous Tatars and their achievements in art, sports, and other areas. For example, ballet master Rudolf Nureyev, who had a profound impact on dance, was born into a Tatar family in Russia. About seven million Tatars live in the countries of the former Soviet Union. Let me tell you what I have learned about Tatars.",Revelation 7:9;,g 9/11 pp. 24-27 ,,,bl,,12/10/2013
"Most Powerful Learning Machine in the Universe, Baby's brain, center of universe, bubble bursts, tantrums, anger, terrible twos, ","A BABY’S brain has been called “the most powerful learning machine in the universe,” and for good reason. An infant enters the world primed to absorb all the sights, sounds, and sensations that surround him.","Above all, the infant is intrigued by other humans—their faces, their voices, their touch. The book Babyhood, by Penelope Leach, states: “Many studies have been made of the sights which interest an infant most, the sounds which attract and hold his attention, the sensations he most clearly seeks to repeat. All of these are most frequently and readily available in the form of an adult care-taking human being.” No wonder parents play such a vital role in the child’s development!  About age 2 parent shifts roles from caretaker to instructor, the bubble bursts and tantrums begin.  No longer the center of the universe.",1 Corinthians 13:11;,g 10/11 pp. 4-6 ,,,bl,,12/11/2013
"TANTRUMS, Terrible twos, demands, throw things, children, behavior, Challenges, exasperating, ","“During the ‘terrible twos,’ a child expects to get what he wants. Our son had this problem. If his demands weren’t met, he would throw things. This was our first child, so we had no prior experience with tantrums. It didn’t help when others told us that this kind of behavior should be expected.”—Susan, Kenya.","If you are the parent of a preschool child, you likely face challenges. For example, how should you deal with the tantrums? How can you teach your child right from wrong and give balanced correction? Note how some parents have dealt with these issues.  “At the age of two, our daughter would lie on the floor, scream, cry, kick . . . It was exasperating!",James 5:12;,g 10/11 pp. 7-9 ,,,bl,,12/11/2013
"Tantrums, terrible twos, yes mean yes, no mean no, changing minds, not consistent, children, exasperating,","“If my employer constantly changed what was required of me on the job, I would be irritated. Children are no different. They find security in knowing the rules and knowing that the rules won’t change. They also need to know the consequences of disobedience and that these won’t change either.”—Glenn, Canada.","“When a child knows that his parents are united and that they cannot be manipulated, he has security. He knows what to expect, whether he is obedient or disobedient.”—Damaris, Germany.“To my wife and me, consistency also involves keeping our word when we promise our daughter something nice. This way she learns that she can rely on our promises.”—Hendrick, Germany.",James 5:12;,g 10/11 pp. 7-9 ,,,bl,,12/11/2013
"Inheritance, children, investment, squander, training, fire resistant material, growth, 20 year project, exasperating,","As with any inheritance, you have a choice: You can either make a wise investment, or you can squander it.","I’m learning that every stage of a child’s growth is unique, and I need to be a part of my daughter’s life at each stage because once that opportunity passes, you can’t get it back.  The Bible says that children are “an inheritance from Jehovah” and “a reward.” (Psalm 127:3) To me, those words show that a child is a precious gift.",Psalm 127:3;,g 10/11 pp. 7-9 ,,,bl,,12/11/2013
"Adolescence—Preparing for Adulthood, children, growth, changes, adapt, adjustments, ","IMAGINE that you have just traveled from a tropical island to the Arctic Circle. As soon as you step off the plane, you realize that you are in an icy climate. Can you adapt? Yes, but you will need to make a few adjustments.","A similar situation confronts you when your children become adolescents. Overnight, it seems, the climate has changed. The boy who once would not leave your side now prefers the company of his peers. The girl who once could not wait to tell you about her day now gives only clipped replies.  Must you resign yourself to such an icy distance? No, not at all. You can stay close to your children as they go through adolescence. First, though, you need to understand just what is happening during this fascinating yet sometimes turbulent stage of growth.",1 Corinthians 13:11;,g 10/11 pp. 16-20 ,,,bl,,12/11/2013
"Child, adolescent, values, changes, make his own, growth, puberty, adulthood, maturity, ","To illustrate, imagine that you are moving from one home to another and that you are taking your furniture with you. Will it be easy to find a place for each piece in the new home? Likely not. But one thing is certain, you will not throw away any item that you view as precious.","Your adolescent faces a similar situation as he prepares for the time when he will “leave his father and his mother.” (Genesis 2:24) True, that day may be a long way off; your adolescent is not yet an adult. In a sense, though, he is already packing. Throughout the teen years, he is examining the values he has been raised with, and he is deciding which ones he will take with him into adulthood.*  But do not conclude that your adolescent is out to overturn your values. He may just be struggling to make your values his own, to find a place for them in his life. ",Genesis 2:24;,g 10/11 pp. 16-20 ,,,bl,,12/11/2013
"Peer pressure, temptations, strength, weakness, yes yes, no, no, who am I, ","Just as a chain is only as strong as its weakest link, ...",...your identity can quickly change for the worse if you let your shortcomings get the upper hand.,Romans 3:23;,g 10/11 pp. 26-28 ,,,bl,,12/11/2013
"Goals, destinations, plans, success, happiness, foolish, costly, circles, somewhere, direction, purpose, ",Consider: Would you get into a taxi and tell the driver to drive around the block repeatedly until his car ran out of fuel? That would be foolish—and costly! Goals keep you from traveling in circles with your life. You have somewhere to go and a plan of how to get there.,"When you have goals, your life has direction and purpose. You’re also more likely to avoid people and situations that could hinder you from accomplishing what you’ve set out to do.Bible example: Paul wrote: “The way I am running is not uncertainly.” (1 Corinthians 9:26) Rather than drift through life letting things happen to him, Paul set goals and then lived in accord with them.—Philippians 3:12-14.",1 Corinthians 9:26; Philippians 3:12-14;,g 10/11 pp. 26-28 ,"service talk, meeting for field service",200,bl,,8/5/2014
"Identity, strength, goals, tree, who am I, powerful storms, ","In the end, which would you rather be like—a fallen leaf that gets blown around by every mild breeze or a tree that withstands even powerful storms? ","Strengthen your identity, and you’ll be like that tree. And that will help you answer the question, Who am I?",Daniel 1:8;,g 10/11 pp. 26-28 ,,,bl,,12/11/2013
"adapt, adjust, growth, give, flexible,",A rubber band that has lost its stretch is not valuable at all. ,"Likewise when we become rigid, or quit growing, we lose our value to ourselves and others. ",Hebrews 6:1,Bob Laymon ,,,bl,,12/12/2013
"The Pressure to Be Dishonest, honesty, cheat, lie, steal, corrupt, business, rewards, short term, ","“Honesty in business is a relic of the past, and those who try to practice it are doomed to failure.”—Stephen, U.S.A.DO YOU agree with that grim assessment?","Admittedly, dishonesty often brings rewards—at least in the short term. As a result, those who try to be honest are subjected to intense pressure in the following areas.",Micah 6:8;,g 1/12 pp. 4-5,,,bl,,12/12/2013
"honest, dishonest, profit, lie, cheat, steal, excuse, minimize, justify, cutting corners, competitive, bribe, favor, behavior, self-image,","Journal of Marketing Research reports: “People behave dishonestly enough to profit but honestly enough to delude themselves of their own integrity.” To ease their internal struggle, people excuse, minimize, or justify dishonesty in a variety of ways.For example, dishonesty may be described in terms that sound less morally offensive. Lying or cheating becomes “cutting corners” or “being competitive.” A bribe may be described as merely “a favor” or “an expediting fee.”","Yet, those who engage in dishonesty often see themselves as honest. How do they reconcile their self-image with their behavior? Others excuse questionable behavior by relaxing their definition of honesty. Tom, who works in the financial industry, observes: “People’s perception of honesty has more to do with what they can get away with legally than with what is actually the truth.” David, a former business executive, says: “Although dishonesty is frowned upon when exposed, it is viewed as acceptable if you can get away with it. People who get away with it are considered smart for their ‘creativity.’”",2 Corinthians 8:21; James 1:22;,g 1/12 pp. 4-5,,,bl,,12/12/2013
"Honesty Is Practical, cheat, steal, lie, morals, ","IS IT necessary to resort to dishonest practices to succeed in business? The answer is no. In fact, dishonesty is frequently self-defeating. ","Why? Because of what has been called “the integrity edge.” Integrity generates trust, an essential ingredient for long-term success. “Bread gained by falsehood is pleasurable to a man, but afterward his mouth will be filled with gravel.”—Proverbs 20:17.",Proverbs 20:17;,g 1/12 pp. 6-7,,,bl,,12/12/2013
"Honesty, dishonesty, cheat, steal, delay, cover over, invoice, sins become manifest, ","‘Sometimes the invoice is delayed, but it will always arrive.’ In other words, dishonest activity will eventually bring problems in one way or another. ","We turned down many questionable business opportunities. Many of the companies participating in these activities later disappeared, and some individuals were prosecuted. Our company avoided such tragedies.”",1 Corinthians 3:12;,g 1/12 pp. 6-7,,,bl,,12/12/2013
"The Woodpecker’s Shock-Absorbing Head, Creation, durability, tough, power, design, evolution, creation, ","A g-force measuring between 80 and 100 is strong enough to give you a concussion. Yet, the woodpecker sustains a g-force of about 1,200 as it drums its bill against tree bark. How does this bird perform his task, evidently without even getting a headache, much less a concussion?","Consider: Researchers have discovered four structures of the woodpecker’s head that make it shock-absorbent:1. A strong yet flexible bill2. A hyoid—a structure of bone and elastic tissue that wraps around the skull3. An area of spongy bone in the skull4. Little space for cerebral-spinal fluid between the skull and the brainEach of these elements absorbs mechanical shock, allowing the woodpecker to strike a tree at a rate of up to 22 times per second with no injury to the brain.Inspired by the woodpecker’s head, researchers have developed a casing that can withstand a g-force of up to 60,000. Their success may lead to, among other things, better protection for aircraft flight recorders, which currently can withstand a g-force of only about 1,000. Kim Blackburn, an engineer at Cranfield University in the United Kingdom, says that what has been discovered about the woodpecker’s head provides “a fascinating example of how nature develops highly advanced structures in combination to solve what at first seems to be an impossible challenge.”What do you think? Did the woodpecker’s shock-absorbing head come about by chance? Or was it designed?  Romans 1:20;",Romans 1:20;,g 1/12 p. 19,,,bl,,12/12/2013
"Words, speech, gossip, slander, lies, thoughtlessness, think, brain in gear, ","“Once you squeeze toothpaste out, you can’t put it back in the tube. ","The same is true with our words. Once we say something hurtful, we can’t take it back.”—James 3:2;",James 3:2;,g 1/12 pp. 21-23,,,bl,,12/12/2013
"Jehovah, The Creator Gives Man a Paradise, earth, new world, perfect, beautiful garden, Opening words, Genesis, ","THEY have been called the most famous opening words ever written. “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” (Genesis 1:1) With that simple, majestic sentence, the Bible introduces us to the Person who is the central figure throughout the Holy Scriptures—the almighty God, Jehovah. ","The Bible’s first verse reveals that God is the Creator of the vast physical universe, including the planet we live on. The verses that follow explain that in a series of long periods, figuratively called days, God went on to prepare our earthly home, bringing into existence all the wonders of our natural world.  God creates the physical universe and life on earth; he creates a perfect man and woman, settles them in a beautiful garden, and gives them commands to obey",Genesis 1:1;,bm section 1 p. 4,,,bl,,12/13/2013
"How We Can Know There Is a God, cares, maker, creation, design, creator, faith, belief, worship, knowledge, wisdom,","Look around your home. Tables, chairs, desks, beds, pots, pans, plates, and other eating utensils all require a maker, as do walls, floors, and ceilings. Yet, those things are comparatively simple to make. Since simple things require a maker, is it not logical that complex things require an even more intelligent maker?","ONE way to determine whether there is a God is to apply this well-established principle: What is made requires a maker. The more complicated the thing made, the more capable the maker must be.",Isaiah 40:26;,dg part 3 pp. 4-9,,,bl,,12/13/2013
"Our Awesome Universe, space, Creator, creation, maker, ","A watch requires a watchmaker. What of our infinitely more complex solar system, with the Sun and its planets revolving around it with split-second precision century after century? What of the awesome galaxy we live in, called the Milky Way, with its more than 100 billion stars? Have you ever stopped at night to gaze at the Milky Way? Were you impressed? Then think of the incredibly vast universe that contains untold billions of galaxies like our Milky Way! Too, the heavenly bodies are so reliable in their movements century after century that they have been compared to precision timepieces.","If a watch, which is relatively simple, implies the existence of a watchmaker, surely the infinitely more complex and awesome universe implies the existence of a designer and maker. That is why the Bible invites us to ‘raise our eyes high up and see,’ and then it asks: “Who has created these things?” The answer: “It is the One [God] who is bringing forth the army of them even by number, all of whom he calls even by name. Due to the abundance of dynamic energy, he also being vigorous in power, not one of them is missing.” (Isaiah 40:26) Thus, the universe owes its existence to an invisible, controlling, intelligent power—God.",Isaiah 40:26;,dg part 3 pp. 4-9,,,bl,,12/13/2013
"Design, builder, Creator, creation, house, earth, universe, space, ","If you went into a fine house and found that it was generously stocked with food, that it had an excellent heating and air-conditioning system, and that it had good plumbing to supply water, what would you conclude? That it all just came about by itself? ","No, you would surely conclude that an intelligent person designed and made it with great care. The earth was also designed and made with great care in order to provide what its inhabitants need, and it is much more complex and well-supplied than any house.",Genesis 1:1;,dg part 3 pp. 4-9,,,bl,,12/13/2013
"Body, creation, Creator, cooperation, types of food, energy, mixture, wonderfully made, engineer, chance, evolution, ","Think, too, of the way that all the intricate body organs cooperate without our conscious effort. For example, we put many different types of food and drink into our stomachs, yet the body processes them and produces energy. Try putting such a variety of things into the gas tank of an automobile and see how far it goes! Then there is the miracle of birth, the producing of an adorable baby—a copy of its parents—in just nine months. And what about the ability of a child just a few years old to learn how to talk in a complex language?","Yes, the many amazing, intricate creations in the human body fill us with awe. No engineer could duplicate those things. Could they be merely the workings of blind chance? Surely not. Instead, when considering all the wonderful aspects of the human body, reasonable persons say, as did the psalmist: “I shall laud you [God] because in a fear-inspiring way I am wonderfully made. Your works are wonderful.”—Psalm 139:14.",Psalm 139:14;,dg part 3 pp. 4-9,,,bl,,12/13/2013
"Creator, misuse, bad, evildoer, perfect, imperfect, blame, maker, creation, clay, dust, ","An airplane can be used for peaceful purposes, as an airliner. But it can also be used for destruction, as a bomber. Its being used in a death-dealing way does not mean it had no maker.","Similarly, the fact that humans have so often turned out bad does not mean they did not have a Maker, that there is no God. Hence, the Bible correctly observes: “The perversity of you men! Should the potter himself be accounted just like the clay? For should the thing made say respecting its maker: ‘He did not make me’? And does the very thing formed actually say respecting its former: ‘He showed no understanding’?”—Isaiah 29:16.",Romans 1:20; Isaiah 29:16; Deut 32:4;,dg part 3 pp. 4-9,,,bl,,12/13/2013
"Directing our steps, heart, treacherous, desperate, inexperienced person, compass, unknown, dangers, jeopardy, lean on Jehovah,","Would it not be foolhardy for an inexperienced person to set off alone, without a skilled guide and not so much as a compass, hiking deep into an uncharted wilderness? Not knowing how to survive inhospitable conditions in the wild and not having the expertise to find his way safely to his destination, he would be putting his life in jeopardy. ","So, too, the person who thinks he can direct his course through this wicked world without allowing God to show him the right way is placing his life in grave danger. The only chance we have of traversing this system of things successfully is to make the same prayerful request to Jehovah that David did: “Let my steps take hold on your tracks, in which my footsteps will certainly not be made to totter.” (Ps. 17:5; 23:3) How is it possible to receive such guidance?",Jer. 10:23;Jer. 17:9; Matt. 15:19;,*** w11 12/15 p. 15 par. 9 Why Be Guided by God’s Spirit? ***how*** w11 12/15 p. 15 par. 9 Why Be Guided by God’s Spirit? ***how*** w11 12/15 p. 15 par. 10 Why Be Guided by God’s Spirit? ***why*** w11 12/15 p. 14 par. 8 Why Be Guided by God’s Spirit? ***Jehovah that David *** w11 12/15 p. 14 par. 8 Why Be Guided by God’s Spirit? ***Jehovah that David *** w11 12/15 p. 14 par. 8 Why Be Guided by God’s Spirit? ***Jehovah that David w11 12/15 page 14;,,,bl,,12/16/2013
"Satan, devil, reminders, conscience, worry, temptation,",When the devil reminds you of your past...,Remind him of his future.,Revelation 12:12;,Bob Laymon,,,bl,,12/19/2013
"Errors, forgiveness, imperfections, mistakes, mercy, compassion,","We could make another comparison:  Compare it to a child and his parent.  Let’s say a mother told her little boy, who was dressed for the meeting that he could go outside for just a little bit if he didn’t play and didn’t get dirty and stayed only a few minutes because it was cold out. But then a few minutes later, the doorbell rings.  The mother opens the door and the boy crying, he is wet, he’s shivering, he’s filthy, mud all over his face and hands and clothes.  What would that mother do?  Would she say “I told you to be careful,  I told you not to get dirty, so just stay out there in the cold, until you get clean!  Now it obviously was the boy’s fault that he got dirty.  He obviously disobeyed his mother.  Yet, what would that mother do? She would bring him in, she would make sure he got warm, then start helping him get cleaned up.  She knows he’s just a kid.  And so her heart would go out to him, even though he did some dump stuff. When it comes to imperfection, we are all just little kids. And so Jehovah, our loving father does the same things for us. ","Jehovah knows we are dust, knows we are imperfect, has same attitude toward his servant as a loving parent.",,jk,"Mercy, a Dominant Quality of True Christians",7,jk,,12/8/2019
"Maturity, Growth,  Progress, ","What do you want to be when you grow up?  That may sound like a silly question if you're an adult. But ask a little child that question and you'll get all kinds of responses!  Fireman, Doctor, Nurse, etc.  Yes and even a little child realizes that to be any of those things you have to be grown up. Maturity is the key to all of those little hopes!  ","The desire or urge to grow is implanted in every living thing here on earth, and in every earthly creation, reaching maturity is the key to a meaningful and productive life. A fruit tree bears delicious fruit after it is mature, animals are able to reproduce beautiful offspring upon reaching maturity, and man, upon reaching maturity in several ways can live a meaningful and satisfying life.Maturity",,JK,Keep Growing in Your Relationship With God,16,jk,,4/8/2014
"government, world, kingdom, RULERSHIP, ","""Civilization has reached the point where the very continuance of the human race depends on the formation of world government.""  Toynbee",Wisdom of world government,,JK,Jesus Christ—Earth’s New Ruler,140,jk,,4/8/2014
"Good News, Preaching, Missionaries, government, DIFFERENCE, EVANGELIZING, ","""The missionaries taught us to say grace, and while we had our heads bowed they stole the land!""  Saying in remote island.",Difference between Christendom and true Christians when it comes to preaching.,,JK,Do You Have the Evangelizing Spirit?,63,jk,,4/8/2014
"Conformity, Different, Follow the Crowd, no part of the world, ","Trumpet in a herd of elephants, crow in a the company of roosters, and bleat in a flock of sheep"".  Proverb",,,JK,Why Christians Must Be Different,123,jk,,4/8/2014
"Prayer, Repetition, Rosary, ",""" Hi, Jim, how you doing, hows the family?     "" Hi, Jim, how you doing, hows the family?  "" Hi, Jim, how you doing, hows the family?     "" Hi, Jim, how you doing, hows the family?"" Hi, Jim, how you doing, hows the family?     "" Hi, Jim, how you doing, hows the family?","Repetition of prayers-talking to the most intelligent person in the universe, do you think he likes to hear the same words over and over?",,JK,Prayers That Are Heard by God,86,jk,,4/8/2014
"Conditions, World, Conduct, War, unity, harmony, ","Imagine, a symphony orchestra playing beautiful music, exactly the way it was meant to be played. Then all of a sudden, a violinist stands up and starts playing something else, any thing he wants, the tuba and the French horn do the same thing, the drummer, changes to what he feels like playing at the moment!  What would it sound like?  If the conditions we see in the world right now, were translated into music, what do you think it would sound like?","Cannot blame Creator or deny his existence if humans misuse of his designs. Creator designed hand, man misuses it.   If in orchestra, violin player hits the trombone player with his violin, does that mean that the composer does not exist?",,JK,Does Your Thinking Agree With God’s?,53,jk,,4/8/2014
"Bible, Authenticity, Truth, Scriptures, Prophecy, Standards, Promises, ","If you received a typewritten letter from a friend, and he told you that in just a few days he was going to give you 50,000 dollars, would you believe it?  Well, he was a friend who had never lied to you before, so you could believe that what he said was true. But, how do you know the letter was really from him? Could you be sure that your good, trustworthy friend was the one who really wrote the letter?","That situation well illustrates the way we could view the Bible. The Bible has promised some outstanding things.... promised that the earth would become a paradise, that persons would have perfect health and never grow old, that our dead loved ones will be brought back to life right here on the earth! But can we really have confidence in what the Bible says? How do we know the Bible is really from God, who can bring these things about? That is an important thing to find out since there are many who think that the Bible does not have divine authorship.",John 17:17;,JK,On Whose Promises Do You Rely?,61,jk,,4/8/2014
"Christians, Persecution, Opposition, hatred, different, ","Mother of one who was studying: ""You can be anything except one of Jehovah's Witnesses!""  ",True Christians would be hated.,,JK,,,jk,,4/8/2014
"Earth, Creation, Wisdom, self-sufficient, replenish, perpetuates,","God made earth so as to become paradise. Self-sufficient - to illustrate, if you had a car that would make gas as you drove it. Buy another car to help use the extra gas produced, go shopping more this week to use the gas.  Earth perpetuates and replenishes itself. Oxygen - trees.",Mankind is ruining the earth.  ,REV 11:18,JK,Ruining the Earth Brings Divine Retribution,106,jk,,4/8/2014
"Reputation, Works, Jehovah's Witnesses, faithful,","What does it take for someone to get a reputation? Is it just one action? Or is it a course of action?  For example, I'll mentions some names, what comes to your mind?  Jesse James ...... Thomas Edison, Mark Twain .... Those persons have both good and bad reputations don't they?  How did they get their reputations? They persevered, and over a period of time gained a reputation. In contrast, what do you think when you hear the name Jim Rhodes?  From Indiana, and he was in the same line of work as Jesse James. Only he robbed a bank in a town and caught just 3  or 4minutes after he did it.  Your see, he just wasn't in that line of work long enough to get a reputation!!  ",Jehovah's Witnesses have a reputation. Over a long period of time they have become renown for fine works!,ECCL. 7:1;,JK,What Kind of Name Are You Making With God?,55,jk,,6/9/2025
"I love you but... eraser,","I love You, BUT....",BUT is like a big eraser. ,Eph 4:25,Dale Crownhart ,,,bl,,12/29/2013
"Temptation, honesty, ",Honesty only knocks once.,Temptation will always give you a second chance.,2 Timothy 3:1-4,Dale Crownhart,Conducting Ourselves Honestly in all Things,8,bl,,12/29/2013
"Snare, Traps, Satan, Bait, ","Men have used all kinds of traps and snares on animals. Some traps act quickly, like a mouse trap, the mouse may just get to lick the cheese once before its all over.  Other traps are different, they let the victim eat all of the bait, when its done, it looks up and finds itself in a cage! ",Its that second kind of trap that Satan the Devil uses many times against Jehovah's people.  Satan uses whatever works.,1 PETER 5:8;,JK,How to Protect Ourselves From Satan’s Snares,115,jk,,4/8/2014
"Grudge, Forgiveness, Offence, Harbor resentment, ","""To carry a grudge is like being stung to death by one bee!""",,,JK,"Do You Harbor Resentment, or Do You Forgive?",68,jk,,4/8/2014
"Gradualism, Easy, Gentle, Abrupt, step, small changes, SATAN, SNARES,","Illustration:  Secretary wanted to play a trick on her boss.  Each morning, when coming to work 15 min. early, turned his chair down just one turn. Fraction of inch.  For several months.  End of 6 or 7 months, sitting like this:  (Hands above head) She had to tell him she was playing a trick, but he didn't notice.","One of the ways Satan tricks us is by gradualism.  Gradually he makes bad things seem not so bad.  Things obscene 20 years ago, now common. ",,JK,How to Protect Ourselves From Satan’s Snares,115,jk,,4/8/2014
"Manners, Behavior, Acceptable, Standards, Principles, change, ","13th cent. ""A number of people gnaw a bone and then put it back in the dish-this is a serious offense.""  Refrain from falling upon the dish like a swine while eating, snorting disgustingly and smacking the lips.""  14th cent. ""You should not poke your teeth with your knife, as some do; it is a bad habit.""  15th cent. ""Do not put back on your plate what has been in your mouth."" ""Do not chew anything you have to spit out again.""  16th cent. ""If you cannot swallow a piece of food, turn around discreetly and throw it somewhere."" ""To lick greasy fingers or to wipe them on your coat is impolite. It is better to use the tablecloth.""  World's standards not good enough.",Worldly standards of manners and right and wrong change.  Jehovah's Principles never change.,,JK,,,jk,,9/9/2014
"Science, Future, Progress, Technology, Problems, Bible standards, ","  But in spite of all of the good things that modern science and technology has enabled man to do, there is a sinister side of science that has created many problems and dangers.   Henry Ford, made this comment: ""The economic and technological triumphs of the past few years have not solved as many problems as we thought they would, and in fact, have brought us new problems we did not foresee.""",Science has not made real progress. ,,JK,,,jk,,4/8/2014
"Rating, Television, Creation, Entertainment","  Have you ever noticed something?  Whenever men make s something for other people to look at, it seems like it always has to be rated.  Movies, have a rating.  Television programs sometimes will contain a warning at the beginning that the program may have material not suitable for younger audiences.  Books and magazines have to be divided into categories for different ages.  Some places where people go,  a person needs an i.d. to prove you are certain age.   ","That is not true with the things Jehovah God created!   Have you ever had to flash your i.d. to get into a zoo?   If you look up at the heavens on a clear night, on the lower edge of the sky do you see a warning: ""some of this material may not be suited for young audiences?   Is it only mature adults that are allowed to take a hike or enjoy a beach? Jehovah's creation not need rating for age or content.",,JK,,,jk,,4/8/2014
"burden, troubles, fears, reveal, ","Indian Proverb:   ""Walk a mile in the other man's moccasins""   That's because when you get done you are a mile away and have his moccasins!!!! ","If you reveal your problems to just anyone, you may have more problems. instead, ""Throw your burden on Jehovah, And he will sustain you. Never will he allow the righteous one to fall.""",psalm 55:22,jk,,,bl,,12/29/2013
"Government, Kingdom, Rule, Imperfection, failure, ","There are certain things that men have experimented with for many years trying to master.  For example:    1. Perpetual motion machine; for decades tried to make a machine that After started would keep running on its own power. After years of trying, Man is no close now than he ever has been.    2. Creating life in a test tube. After decades of testing, no closer now Than he ever has been.    3. Turning energy into matter. Can turn matter into energy, burn log, But can not turn energy into matter as Jehovah god did in creating.  After Decades, no closer.    4. But there is something else that man has experimented with for 6000 Years, governing himself, ruling over himself, and after many, many Experiments, man is no closer now than he ever has been, to being able to Govern himself.  In fact, some of his greatest experiments have failed",Man cannot govern himself,Jeremiah 10:23;,JK,,,jk,,4/8/2014
"Good, Bad, Darkness, Light, Imperfection, Sin","Physically, there is only one way to remain in the light and that is to avoid being in darkness.   Light and dark are opposites!  When you walk into a dark room and turn on the light switch, the darkness disappears.  They can't both be in the same place at the same time. Spiritually it is the same way!    At 2 CORINTHIANS 6:14 it emphasizes that we should avoid everything having to do with darkness.  READ.........",Cant be practicing good and bad at the same time.,2 CORINTHIANS 6:14;,JK,,,jk,,4/8/2014
"Clean, Light, Darkness, Dirty, Defiled, Bright, ","Did you ever stop to think, that there is a real connection between being clean, or cleansed, and being bright.  This is very evident if you have ever seen laundry detergent commercials!  They guarantee that their product will make your clothes so clean, that whether they are white or colors, they'll be brighter.   Now if you looked at your wash at night, when its dark, you wouldn't be able to discern how clean your wash is.  Darkness hides dirt and dinginess.  But, in the light!  it becomes very evident whether or not something is very clean, whether it is bright.",Bright light of the truth from the Bible reveals what is good and what is bad.,,JK,,,jk,,4/8/2014
"Defilement, Evil, Badness, World, Satan's World, Snares, ","Yes, the world's defilement has reached the saturation point, just like a sponge - full of water - can't get any more in.",Satan's system is full of badness.,,JK,,,jk,,4/8/2014
"Clean, Cleanliness, Standards, ","We need to figure out what is clean and what isn't.  In the real world, whether you are clean enough  depends on where you want to go.  For example, if wanted to go out to eat.  There are some place you  could go where cleanliness wouldn't matter, there are no standards.  A owner of a hot dog stand out on the street would probably serve a bum, who hasn't washed for weeks.  But the owner of a nice inside restaurant would have a different standard of cleanliness.",If we want to go to the new world have to meet Jehovah's standards.,,JK,,,jk,,1/1/2014
"Clean, Standards, Defilements, ","But now, Keeping Clean!   THAT is what it is all about for a Christian.  We could compare keeping clean from this world's defilements to trying to walk through a barnyard with out getting dirty. If you are really careful, you can do it.","It the same with Christians.  We`ve been cleaned up.  But we have to walk through Satan's defiled world, with its prevalence of greed, drunkenness, excessive entertainment, sports, tobacco use, drug use, just to mention a few dirty things. And if we're CAREFUL we can stay clean in the midst of all the stuff around us.",,JK,,,jk,,1/1/2014
"Spirit of the World, Independence, Selfishness","Eve fell victim to spirit of independence.   That same spirit is very much alive today and is the earmark of Satan's system.    ""Do your own thing""   ""pull your own strings""   ""nobody's going to tell me what to do""  ""look out for number 1"", ""pull your own strings"",  On the cover of one book it stated:""Revolutionary new techniques for getting your own way!""  are all expressions that reflect a desire to not to have to go by anyone else'sstandards.   If we come to have that spirit again, it could lead us back to unclean practices.",We want someone to tell us what to do. Jehovah.,,JK,,,jk,,10/18/2014
"Prayer, Temptation, Trials, Trouble"," We need to realize the value of praying to Jehovah BEFORE we get into trouble.Illustration:  Used to be when they have full service gas sations they would put a cord dinger at entrance of gas station, not at exit. So they can do something about the customer.",We need to pray to resist temptation before we get into trouble.,,JK,,,jk,,1/2/2014
"Fornication, unclean, unity, separate, laws, relationship, ",One who has attempted to glue two things together knows that both surfaces must be clean before a proper bond can be forged. ,"Fornication separates the one practicing it from Jehovah and the congregation, and adultery can cruelly separate children from parents and innocent partners from marriage mates. Uncleanness affects a person’s unity with God and with those who love him. Engaging in brazen conduct demonstrates total disregard for God’s righteous laws. Each of the other works of the flesh separates people from one another and from God. Such conduct is completely out of harmony with the personality of Jehovah.",Galatians 5:19-21,w12 7/15 pp. 28-29,,,bl,,1/2/2014
"Jehovah, meaning of name, versatile, adaptable, caring, fix, answer, limitations, ","Parents know how versatile and adaptable they must be in caring for their children. In the course of a single day, a parent may be called upon to act as a nurse, a cook, a teacher, a disciplinarian, a judge, and much more. Many feel overwhelmed by the wide range of roles they are expected to fill. They remark upon the absolute faith put in them by their little ones, who never doubt that Daddy or Mommy can make the hurt better, settle all disputes, fix any broken toy, and answer whatever question pops into their endlessly inquisitive minds. Some parents are humbled and occasionally frustrated by their own limitations. They feel woefully inadequate to fill many of these roles.","Jehovah too is a loving parent. Yet, within the framework of his own perfect standards, there is nothing he cannot become in order to care for his earthly children in the best possible way. So his name, Jehovah, invites us to think of him as the best Father imaginable. (James 1:17) Moses and all other faithful Israelites soon learned that Jehovah is true to his name. They watched in awe as he caused himself to become an unbeatable Military Commander, the Master of all natural elements, a peerless Lawgiver, Judge, Architect, Provider of food and water, Preserver of clothing and footgear—and more.",Psalm 9:10;James 1:17;,cl chap. 1 pp. 6-15 ,,,bl,,1/6/2014
"Parents, Father, proud, pride, Daddy, warm, happy, tender, strong, hurt, rejoice, ","Have you ever seen a small child point out his father to his friends and then say with innocent joy and pride, “That’s my daddy”? God’s worshipers have every reason to feel similarly about Jehovah. The Bible foretells a time when faithful people will exclaim: “Look! This is our God.” (Isaiah 25:8, 9) The more insight you gain into Jehovah’s qualities, the more you will feel that you have the best Father imaginable.","This Father is not cold, aloof, or distant—despite what some austere religionists and philosophers have taught. We would hardly feel drawn to a cold God, and the Bible does not portray our heavenly Father that way. On the contrary, it calls him “the happy God.” (1 Timothy 1:11) He has feelings both strong and tender. He is “hurt at his heart” when his intelligent creatures violate the guidelines that he provides for their well-being. (Genesis 6:6; Psalm 78:41) But when we act wisely according to his Word, we make his “heart rejoice.”—Proverbs 27:11.","Isaiah 25:8, 9;",cl chap. 1 pp. 6-15 ,,,bl,,1/6/2014
"Avoid self-pity. loneliness, friends,","“Loneliness is like quicksand. The more you wallow in it, the harder it is to get out of it. If you let it consume your thinking, soon you’ll have a full-fledged pity party that no one else wants to go to.”—Erin.","The Bible says: “Love . . . does not look for its own interests.” (1 Corinthians 13:4, 5) The fact is, when we focus too much on ourselves, we become less compassionate and are therefore less likely to attract friends. (2 Corinthians 12:15) Let’s face it: When your success is measured by how others act, you are setting yourself up to fail! Really, statements such as “No one ever calls me” and “No one ever invites me anywhere” put your happiness in the hands of others. Isn’t that giving them a little too much power?","1 Corinthians 13:4, 5",jw.org,,,bl,,1/9/2014
"loneliness, friends, association,"," A starving person will eat almost anything. In a similar way, people who are starved for friends could look for friendship in all the wrong places. They could even become easy targets for manipulators, thinking that such relationships are normal and that they shouldn’t expect anything better.","The Bible says: “The one walking with the wise will become wise, but the one who has dealings with the stupid will fare badly.” (Proverbs 13:20)",Proverbs 13:20,jw.org,,,bl,,1/9/2014
"examine ourselves, appearance, doer, hearer, inner person, correct, defects,","Just as we can use a mirror to check our physical appearance, so we can use the Bible to check our inner person and correct any defects we might find.  However, only if we use it properly will a mirror help us with our appearance. ","For example, if we just glance at a mirror, we might fail to notice a small but significant blemish. Or if we look into a mirror from an angle, we might see the image of someone else. Similarly, to use the Bible to see a defect, such as selfishness, we should do more than read it casually or use it to see someone else’s faults.",James 1:22-25;,w14 3/15 pp. 7-11,,,bl,,1/9/2014
"examine, correct, adjustment, mirror, focus, ","We should beware of focusing only on areas in our life in which we are doing well, ignoring aspects that we need to work on. This would be like using a mirror to admire our new clothes while not noticing some dirt on our face. ","Even if we might not be as self-satisfied as Saul became, we should definitely work to avoid any tendency that may lead to the same bad course. If we receive counsel, let us take care not to justify our actions, minimize the problem, or shift the blame. Rather than be like Saul, it is much better to be open to counsel.",Psalm 141:5;,w14 3/15 pp. 7-11,,,bl,,1/9/2014
"examine, change, adjust, flaws, correct, positive, negative, discouragement, selfishness,","James did not stress how quickly the man fixed the problems he detected or even that he was able to correct every blemish; rather, James says that the man ‘continued in the perfect law.’ (Jas. 1:25) He remembered what he saw in the mirror and kept working to improve. ","When we look carefully at ourselves in the mirror of God’s Word and see flaws, even evidences of selfishness, we might become discouraged. Yes, keep a positive view of yourself and a balanced view of your imperfections. (Read Ecclesiastes 7:20.) Continue to peer into the perfect law, and work to maintain your spirit of self-sacrifice. Jehovah is willing to help you, as he has helped so many of your brothers who, although imperfect, can and do have God’s favor and blessing.",James 1:25;Ecclesiastes 7:20;,w14 3/15 pp. 7-11,,,bl,,1/9/2014
"Internet, warnings, association, threats, protection, ","Human governments may provide health alerts regarding foods and medicines. Obviously, not all foods and medicines are bad. But if a specific product poses a threat, the government may issue balanced warnings to protect its citizens. If the government did not do so, it would be guilty of negligence. ","Similarly, God’s Kingdom issues timely warnings about specific moral and spiritual dangers. For instance, the Internet has become a useful way to provide communication, education, and entertainment. God’s organization makes use of the Internet and accomplishes much good with it. However, many sites on the Internet are morally and spiritually dangerous. Web sites that promote pornography pose an obvious threat to the spiritual health of Kingdom citizens. For decades, the faithful slave class has warned us about such sites. How grateful we are for these spiritual health alerts!",1 Corinthians 15:33;,w12 8/15 pp. 11-15 ,,,bl,,1/22/2014
"Bible, accurate, translations, errors, correction, ","The situation could be likened to that of a teacher who asks 100 students to copy a chapter of a book. Even if the original chapter was later lost, a comparison of the 100 copies would still reveal the original text. While each student might make some errors, it is highly unlikely that all the students would make exactly the same ones. ","Similarly, when scholars compare the thousands of fragments and copies of ancient Bible books available to them, they can detect copyist error and determine the original wording.",2 Timothy 3:16,appendix NWT,,,bl,,1/27/2014
"temporary residents, foreigners, unity, partial, neutral, international, borders, national, Jehovah's Witnesses, Ted Turner,","In a selfish and nationalistic world, it is refreshing to find individuals who can and do look beyond national borders. The founder of the television network CNN, Ted Turner, comments about his work with a number of talented individuals from various nations: “I came to see those from other countries not as ‘foreigners,’ but as fellow citizens of the planet.”","In lands around the globe, only Jehovah’s Witnesses have adopted God’s way of thinking as a group. By learning to see things as Jehovah does, they have been able mentally and emotionally to break down national barriers. Instead of treating members of differing national groups with distrust, suspicion, or even outright hatred, they have learned to cherish the variety of characteristics and abilities of these groups as something beautiful. Have you reflected on this accomplishment and how it has benefited you personally in dealing with others? ",Acts 10:34,"w12 12/15 4:2, 14, 15",,,bl,,2/4/2014
"Preparation, foresight, prepare,  ",“Give me six hours to chop down a tree and I will spend the first four sharpening the axe.” Abraham Lincoln,We need to prepare for life.,Proverbs 20:18;,BL,,,bl,,2/4/2014
"Preparation, fail, failure, ","“By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.” ― Benjamin Franklin",Preparation is the key to success.,Ezra 7:10Ezra 7:10;,bl,,,bl,,2/4/2014
"Need of God, conscious of spiritual need, vacuum, learn, ","There is a God shaped vacuum in the heart of every man which cannot be filled by any created thing, but only by God, the Creator, made known through Jesus.  Quote Blaise Pascal","Man's desire to learn in inborn, especially about Jehovah and Jesus.",Matthew 5:3,BL,,,bl,,2/7/2014
"quiet, solitude, relaxation, concentrate, quietly wait, contentment, expectation,quietly wait quietly wait contentment, miseries, plagues, healing,quietly wait ",All men's miseries derive from not being able to sit in a quiet room alone. Quote: Blaise Pascal,We need time to relax and reflect which is a healing process.,Habakkuk 3:16;,bl,,,bl,,2/7/2014
"heart, reasons, treacherous, good, bad, evil, righteous,",The heart has its reasons of which reason knows nothing.  quote: Blaise Pascal,"People tend to do what their heart wants to do, whether good or bad.",Jeremiah 17:9,,,,bl,,2/7/2014
"Faith, belief, doubt, convinced, determined, choice, light, shadows, darkness, Noah, flood,",In faith there is enough light for those who want to believe and enough shadows to blind those who don't.  quote Blaise Pascal,As in Noah's day most chose to not believe.,Matthew 24:39;,,,,bl,,2/7/2014
"righteous, sinners, falsehood, hypocrisy, light, darkness, belief, contrast, self righteous, humility,",There are only two kinds of men: the righteous who think they are sinners and the sinners who think they are righteous. quote Blaise Pascal,We must be humble and admit we are sinners.,1 John 1:6;,,,,bl,,2/7/2014
"War, peace, quarrell, boundaries, race, partial, justice, stupidity, ","Can anything be stupider than that a man has the right to kill me because he lives on the other side of a river and his ruler has a quarrel with mine, though I have not quarrelled with him?  quote: Blaise Pascal","The reason for killing are many, but unjustified.",Psalm 46:9;,,,,bl,,2/7/2014
"Reputation, speak well of, humility, pride, ",Do you wish people to think well of you? Don't speak well of yourself.  quote Blaise Pascal,Jesus Christ never spoke well of himself.  It was his Father he glorified.  May we do likewise.,John 8:15;,,,,bl,,2/7/2014
"Holy wars, religious conviction, evil, hate, ",Men never do evil so completely and cheerfully as when they do it from religious conviction. quote: Blaise Pascal,Jehovah will bring an end to holy wars and those who promote them.,Revelation 18:4;,,,,bl,,2/7/2014
"Kind words, commendation, counsel, encourage, ",“Kind words don't cost much. Yet they accomplish much.”  ― Blaise Pascal,That is something we all can do.,Proverbs 3:27;,,,,bl,,2/7/2014
"Betrayal, friendship, ","“I lay it down as a fact that if all men knew what others say of them, there would not be four friends in the world.” ― Blaise Pascal",As Christians we cannot be like that.  We must be open and honest with each other.,Proverbs 18:24;,,,,bl,,2/7/2014
"Falsehood, truth, honesty, conviction, doubt, betrayal, sacrifices, buy truth,","“Truth is so obscure in these times, and falsehood so established, that, unless we love the truth, we cannot know it.”― Blaise Pascal",We must be willing to make sacrifices for the truth.,Proverbs 23:23;,,,,bl,,2/7/2014
"belief, religion, faith, worship, origin, attractive,",“People almost invariably arrive at their beliefs not on the basis of proof but on the basis of what they find attractive.”― Blaise Pascal ,People want to believe what they WANT to believe.,"EcclesiastesEcclesiastesEcclesiastesEcclesiastesEcclesiastesEcclesiastes 12:13, 14;",,,,bl,,2/7/2014
"Love of neighbor, hate, widen out, ","“When one does not love too much, one does not love enough.”  ― Blaise Pascal ",We need to continue to widen out and love all our spiritual family.,"1 John 4:20, 21;",,,,bl,,2/7/2014
"Anxiety, worry, stress, little things, strange disorder, unbalanced,","""Man's sensitivity to the little things and insensitivity to the greatest are the signs of a strange disorder.”  ― Blaise Pascal",Stress and anxiety are harmful to our spiritual and physical health.,Matthew 6:25;,,,,bl,,2/7/2014
"Little things, worry, stress, anxiety,","“Little things comfort us because little things distress us.”  ― Blaise Pascal, Pensées and Other Writings ",Small words and listening can dispel fears and doubts.  ,1 Thess. 5:14;,,,,bl,,2/7/2014
"permit wickedness, evil, conquer, loving God,",There are three levels of living:     To return evil for good. That is devilish.    To return evil for evil. That is human.    To return good for evil. That is divine.,Christians are not to return evil for evil. But sometimes our minds tell us we need to get even. Vengeance belongs to Jehovah.,"1 Peter 3:8,9;",BL,,187,bl,,2/24/2014
"Loving God, permit wickedness, evil, good,","I heard of a lady that went to the doctor. The doctor examined her and then got a serious look on his face. She asked him what was wrong and he said, “I hate to tell you this, but you have rabies.” Well, she got out a notebook and started to make out a list. He said, “What are you doing? Making your will?” ","She said, “No, I’m making a list of people I’m going to bite.”  That’s the human nature in us. But the Bible says that we are not to return evil for evil.",1 Peter 3:8-9 ,BL,,187,bl,,2/24/2014
"WHY WOULD A LOVING GOD PERMIT WICKEDNESS, evil, ","Would you say there is more than enough wickedness to go around?  Mention recent example.  Young girl, kidnapped, raped and murdered and body cut up and stuffed in trash bags.",Doesn't matter what form it comes in.  Anything that makes you suffer and be distressed.  Was there ever a time when wickedness did not exist?  Who decides what is wicked and what is not.,Genesis 1:31; 2 Peter 3:7;,BL,,187,bl,,2/24/2014
"Why would a loving God permit Wickedness, evil, ","Obviously, it is difficult to swim against the current of this world’s low moral standards. But it is possible. Many people desire assistance to understand and apply the Bible. ","That is why Jehovah’s Witnesses conduct free home Bible studies with millions worldwide. Each week, multitudes are learning what the Bible really teaches. As a result, they are drawing close to their Creator and building happier lives.",James 4:8;,BL,,187,bl,,2/24/2014
Why Does God Permit Wickedness?,"That question is not a new one. Some 3,600 years ago, a loyal servant of God named Job asked: “Why is it that the wicked themselves keep living?” (Job 21:7) Troubled by the evil deeds of his countrymen, the prophet Jeremiah of the seventh century B.C.E. asked: “Why is it that the way of wicked ones is what has succeeded, that all those who are committing treachery are the unworried ones?” (Jeremiah 12:1) YOU do not have to look far to see that evil and suffering abound. Wars kill civilians as well as soldiers. Crime and violence are commonplace. Perhaps you have recently been a victim of prejudice or injustice. In view of what you have seen and experienced, you have very likely asked, ‘Why does God permit wickedness?’","Both Job and Jeremiah knew that God is righteous. Yet, they wondered why there was so much wickedness. Perhaps you too are puzzled by this. Some people blame God for wickedness and suffering. Others wonder: ‘If God is all-powerful, just, and loving, why does he not put an end to evil and suffering? Why has he allowed evil to continue until our day?’ The following article considers answers to these and other vital questions.",Jeremiah 12:1 Job 21:7;,,,187,bl,,2/24/2014
"Why does God permit Wickedness?  Patience, repentance, ","MY brother while living had great patience.  He would whittle out a chain with a wooden ball in a cage.  It would take weeks.  I thought, ""Why is he so slow?""  He had patience that I did not have.","If the allowed time has already proved Satan wrong, why does God permit wickedness to continue? Jehovah is showing patience “because he does not desire any to be destroyed but desires all to attain to repentance.” (2 Peter 3:9) God’s will “is that all sorts of men should be saved and come to an accurate knowledge of truth.” (1 Timothy 2:4) May you use the remaining time to study the Bible and ‘take in knowledge of the only true God and of the one whom he sent forth, Jesus Christ.’ (John 17:3) Jehovah’s Witnesses will be happy to help you gain that knowledge so that you too can join the millions standing firm on the victorious side.",2 Peter 3:9; 1 Timothy 2:4;,BL,,187,bl,,2/24/2014
"Do You Believe in What You Cannot See, why does God Permit Wickedness, ","A man may design a knife to be used to carve meat. A customer may purchase the knife and use it, not to carve meat, but to commit murder. The fact that the knife was misused in no way disproves the existence of its maker. Similarly, the fact that the earth has not been used in harmony with its intended purpose does not mean that it did not have a Creator.","The Bible teaches that God’s work is perfect. With him “there is no injustice; righteous and upright is he.” (Deuteronomy 32:4) God gives good gifts to man, but some of the gifts have been misused, causing untold suffering. (James 1:17) God will bring an end to suffering, however. Thereafter, “the meek ones themselves will possess the earth, . . . and they will reside forever upon it.”—Psalm 37:11, 29. This sincere man learned that the existence of wickedness does not in itself prove that God does not exist. To illustrate:","Psalm 37:11, 29;",w00 6/15 p. 28,,187,bl,,2/24/2014
"Why does a God of Love permit wickedness, ","MANY persons ask questions prefaced with the words, “If there is a God, why . . . ” Some of such questioners are merely wanting to ridicule those who believe in the existence of God. However, many others are deeply disturbed and are searching for answers to bolster their faltering faith. Probably the most frequently recurring question of this kind is, “If there is a God, why does he permit wickedness?”","It is true that God permits it. But there are many people on earth who not only permit it; they also perpetrate it. They declare wars; drop bombs on women and children; scorch the earth, causing famines; and spread sickness and death by polluting air and water and soil—both in wartime and in peacetime. Not only do they foster wickedness internationally and nationally, but they also inflict hardship on themselves individually.They overeat and become obese, over drink and get cirrhosis of the liver, smoke and suffer lung cancer, practice adultery and sodomy and contract venereal diseases, drive recklessly and kill scores of thousands annually, greedily pursue money and possessions and, in so doing, create stresses that cause ulcers and heart attacks—on and on the list continues.",Gal 6:7;,w78 7/15 p. 4, Why Would a Loving God Permit Wickedness?,187,bl,,5/9/2025
"Why would a loving God Permit Wickedness, evil,","Then, when they do reap the woeful harvest of their wicked sowing, they moan and groan and raise the bitter lament: ‘Why me, God? Why me?’ But why not? “Whatever a man is sowing, this he will also reap.” (Gal. 6:7) Their reaction is exactly as Jehovah foreknew it would be: “A man’s own folly wrecks his life, and then he bears a grudge against the LORD.”—Prov. 19:3, The New English Bible.","Such persons do not really want the elimination of wickedness; they want only the elimination of the penalties for wickedness. They want promiscuity without venereal disease, smoking without lung cancer, heavy drinking without liver trouble, reckless driving without accidents, and so forth. They want to sow evil but not reap it. They want to pluck apples from weeds and gather grapes from thistles.",Gal. 6:7;,, Why Would a Loving God Permit Wickedness? Why Would a Loving God Permit Wickedness?,187,bl,,5/9/2025
"Why does a loving God Permit Wickedness, evil,","As any gardener knows, weeds must go before flowers can flourish.",All wickedness will end when God ends all workers of wickedness. In so doing he shows love to those who want to live in peace and righteousness.  ,"Psalm 37:10, 11; Proverbs 2:21, 22",g86 9/22 p. 7, Why Would a Loving God Permit Wickedness?,187,bl,,5/9/2025
" He Permits It, But Who Practices It? Why does God Permit Wickedness, ","God does not permit wickedness in the sense of issuing a permit to practice it; But it is not only nations and industries and other powerful groups that inflict suffering upon millions of helpless victims but individuals victimize other individuals. Crime soars to new highs as people murder, rape, rob and assault other people.  Then there are those millions who victimize themselves. ","He does allow man to misuse his freedom of choice and cause it. Ecclesiastes 7:29 interestingly comments: “God made the race of men upright, but many a cunning wile have they contrived.”—Moffatt’s translation.",Ecclesiastes 7:29;,g81 4/22 p. 5, Why Would a Loving God Permit Wickedness?,187,bl,,5/9/2025
" If God Is Love, Why Does He Permit Wickedness? Have You Ever Wondered—","THIS is a valid question, and it deserves an answer. But before it’s answered we should enlarge our view of wickedness and its permission. It’s not realistic to limit the question to God’s role in the matter. What about the role of humans? Many who object to God’s permission of wickedness are persons who not only permit it but practice it themselves.","And when their practices of wickedness bring down upon their heads its penalties, why do they wail in protest, “Why me, God?” As much as to say that if it’s someone else who is the victim, it’s all right. This tendency of people to shift the blame to God is noted in the Bible: “A man’s own folly wrecks his life, and then he bears a grudge against the LORD.”—Prov. 19:3, “New English Bible.”Self-interest results in famine in many lands. Love of money makes industry pollute the environment, greatly increasing disease and deaths. By declaring wars men kill millions and maim millions more. By sowing social injustices and economic inequities people reap a bumper crop of crime. Their “new morality” ruins marriages, breaks up families and spreads venereal diseases. Overeating, they become obese and impair their health. Overdrinking, they get cirrhosis of the liver. Their heavy smoking is an invitation to lung cancer.",Proverbs 19:3;,g80 1/22 p. 3, Why Would a Loving God Permit Wickedness?,187,bl,,5/9/2025
"WHY WICKEDNESS PERMITTED UNTIL NOW?  If God Is Love, Why Does He Permit Wickedness? ","When a father gives to his son a possession or a responsibility, he is naturally interested in seeing how his son will care for what he has received. In like manner, Jehovah God made man the earth’s caretaker. Man failed, disobeyed God, and thereafter Satan raised the challenge that God could not put persons on earth who would remain faithful to God.","That this issue existed is shown by God’s words to Satan relative to Job: “He worships me and is careful not to do anything evil.” Satan answered challengingly: “Would Job worship you if he got nothing out of it? You have always protected him.” Satan was permitted to do his worst, short of killing Job, but could not break Job’s integrity to God. (Job 1:6-12; 2:1-10, “Good News Bible”) God has allowed Satan time to prove his challenge, even until now.",Job 1:6-12; 2:1-10;,g80 1/22 p. 4, Why Would a Loving God Permit Wickedness?,187,bl,,5/9/2025
WHY DOES GOD PERMIT WICKEDNESS? What Is God’s Purpose for Mankind?,"AT SOME time in your life, you may have asked: ‘If God exists, why does he permit suffering?’ or, ‘If suffering exists by God’s permission, why for such a long time?’ Questions of this nature are difficult to resolve, especially when related to the Holocaust, which perhaps more than any other single occurrence has become the ultimate symbol of human suffering. In their efforts to find an explanation, some deny the existence of God, whereas others deny the existence of evil. Are such conclusions realistic? Does a satisfying answer exist? ","Some assert that questions of this nature should not even be asked. However, faithful prophets, such as Habakkuk, did not feel it improper to make such inquiries. Habakkuk asked God: “How long, O LORD, shall I cry out and You not listen, shall I shout to You, ‘Violence!’ and You not save? Why do You make me see iniquity why do You look upon wrong?”.Unfortunately, there are those who are unable to accept any answer, regardless of whether it is right or wrong. Cruel events and man’s brutality have impeded their capacity for impartial analysis. So the person seeking an answer must honestly evaluate his own disposition as well as the reasonableness of the explanation given.","Habakkuk 1:2, 3;",wi p. 16, Why Would a Loving God Permit Wickedness?,187,bl,,5/9/2025
Putting the Blame Where It Belongs  What Is God’s Purpose for Mankind?,"God is not, and never has been, a party to man’s crimes. However, certain religious teachings convey that idea, making the matter even more complicated. ","For instance, beliefs affirming that this world is a testing ground for a future life and that through death God “takes” loved ones, even small children, make it appear that he is personally responsible for accidents, crimes, and disasters. The same can be said concerning the doctrines of predestination and fate. There are also those who try to explain the Holocaust in terms of ‘divine punishment for the worldliness of the European Jews’ or as ‘God’s way to make the world realize the need for a Jewish State.’ Many may find such rationalizations not only unacceptable but also offensive.Do not such beliefs malign God? Is it not man, rather than God, who has been responsible for all the injustices committed throughout the centuries?  It is as historian Arnold Toynbee stated: “Human beings are unique in being able to be wicked, because they are unique in being conscious of what they are doing and in making deliberate choices.” So man’s misuse of his own free will has resulted in untold suffering. Then why did not God create him in such a way that he could not harm his fellowman?",Ecclesiastes 8:9,wi p. 16 , Why Would a Loving God Permit Wickedness?,187,bl,,5/9/2025
"Why would a God of love permit wickedness, Why Does God Allow Suffering? ***","The teacher in our illustration knows that the rebel and the students on his side are wrong. But he also knows that allowing them the opportunity to try to prove their point will benefit the whole class. When the rebels fail, all honest students will see that the teacher is the only one qualified to lead the class. ","Why, though, has Jehovah allowed suffering to go on for so long? And why does he not prevent bad things from happening? Well, consider two things that the teacher in our illustration would not do. First, he would not stop the rebel student from presenting his case. Second, the teacher would not help the rebel to make his case. Similarly, consider two things that Jehovah has determined not to do. First, he has not stopped Satan and those who side with him from trying to prove that they are right. Allowing time to pass has thus been necessary. In the thousands of years of human history, mankind has been able to try every form of self-rule, or human government. Mankind has made some advances in science and other fields, but injustice, poverty, crime, and war have grown ever worse. Human rule has now been shown to be a failure.Second, Jehovah has not helped Satan to rule this world. If God were to prevent horrible crimes, for instance, would he not, in effect, be supporting the case of the rebels? Would God not be making people think that perhaps humans can govern themselves without disastrous results? If Jehovah were to act in that way, he would become party to a lie. However, “it is impossible for God to lie.”",Hebrews 6:18; Jeremiah 10:23;,bh chap. 11 pp. 111-112 pars. 14-16,WHY WOULD A LOVING GOD PERMIT WICKEDNESS?,187,bl,,5/9/2025
"Fire Resistant Materials, Codes, Build, Standards","What do you think the result would be, if in a large group of people like this, someone rushed in at the back and screamed:  ""Fire!"" It probably wouldn't happen here, but in most places it would cause complete panic, every man for himself! People have been trampled to death in situations like that. Why? Because people know just how destructive fire can be. In fact, as a result of situations like that there have  come to be building and  manufacturing codes for everything from houses to toasters, to children's pajamas! Requiring that these products be fire-resistant...able to withstand exposure to heat!  Well, did you know that Jehovah God has found it necessary to provide the same type of building code for Christians? ",Jehovah has codes.  Need to build with fire-resistant materials.,,JK,,,jk,,3/11/2014
"Accountability; Responsibility, ","Once upon a time, there were two men who had bank accounts. They were both personal friends of the banker. The first man was careful to always keep his account in good condition, he didn't spend money on things he knew couldn't afford to have, and when by mistake he overdrew his account, he quickly corrected it. he did not take advantage of the fact that the banker was a personal friend of his, no, he know that he would still have to render an account.  The second man also was a personal friend  of the banker, but he was different, he would frequently overdraw large sums from his account and he didn't do much to correct it. it wasn't just a matter of a mistake once and a while, no he would spend money on things that he couldn't afford, in fact he was using funds he didn't even have to do things that were illegal. He reasoned that the banker was a personal friend of his, he could get by with it, the banker would never call him to account.  Of course the banker had his own integrity to think about, also, he was concerned about the bank and the rest of the customers, so he did audit all accounts.   The first man remained at ease and happy. The second man ended up losing everything he had.","  Every person on earth will render an account, not to a human banker, but to Jehovah God.  Our discussion here deals with those who are friends  of the banker, so to speak, true Christians, as the two men we just talked about.  Now unlike a human banker, who might suspect something is wrong simply by looking at a poor bank account, notice what Jehovah god is able to do, as mentioned in Hebrews 4:13 Read......  What does that mean?  Well, when it comes time to render an account, Jehovah has all the facts, he has a complete, entire knowledge of our situation. He can read hearts. To what degree negligence,willful.",,jk,,,jk,,3/12/2014
"Heart, Disease, Association, Friends","If someone has a disease that you have not had, what do you do? You stay away from them. If somebody has the mumps, measles, chickenpox, pink eye, you don't associate with them, you won't go over to their house, because if you do, its very likely you'll catch what they have. In a sentence, we should avoid bad association like the plague! ","Through bad association we can contract something far more dangerous than physical diseases, we can contract attitudes and conduct that could cause our spiritual death. Physical disease may affect the body, but spiritual disease will affect our hearts.",,jk,,,jk,,3/11/2014
"Sin, Conscience, Forgiveness, Transgression, ","There's an old saying: ""He that conceals his disease cannot expect to be cured.""  Well, that saying is based on a Bible principle. ","Proverbs 28:13 Read......  ~~~Did you ever have a small sharp stone in your shoe? If we were to hide a transgression of God's law in our heart it will be just like having a small, sharp stone in your shoe. Wherever you go your conscience will be pained by it, and the longer you carry it the more painful it will become. but think of the pleasant relief you feel when you finally stop and take off that show and empty out the stone, so to when we put aside our pride and confess our transgression, it will be a big relief to our conscience.",,jk,,,jk,,3/11/2014
"Decisions, Right, Wrong, ","About 50 years ago a man was driving across the country, and he came to a fork in the road that wasn't on his map. Both roads looked pretty bad. There was a sign there in the middle that said *""Choose which rut you take carefully, you'll be in it for 20 miles!"" .", In that case the consequences for that man not being able to distinguish both right and wrong was 40 miles of extra driving. The consequences for a worshiper of Jehovah not being able to distinguish right from wrong are far more serious.,,jk,,,jk,,3/12/2014
"Approval, Approved, Standards, ","This is my toothpaste!   It says on the tube that it has been approved by the American Dental Association. This is some aspirin.  It has the Good Housekeeping seal of approval.  etc.  The makers of these products obviously thought it was valuable to have the approval of those organizations. But if you are like me, you buy this toothpaste or aspirin because its on sale!  How many of us really, first thing, look for the approval of some organization on the products we buy! No, we're simply not that concerned with their approval.","However, I would guess that most everyone here today is interested in one particular seal of approval. Its the one identified for us by Jesus at John 6:27......",,jk,,,jk,,3/12/2014
"Entertainment, Satan, World, Apostate, Association","Supposed someone turned apostate, and they were disfellowshipped from  he congregation.... would you talk to a person like that?   Why, no you say,  we're not supposed to talk to someone disfellowshipped,  especially an  apostate!!    But..... suppose they wrote you a letter..... would you read their letter?   Supposed they wrote a book.... would you read theirbook?   Supposed they put on a TV program?   Would you watch it?    It they made a video,  would you watch that?","   The point is that Satan the Devil has been disfellowshiped from Jehovah's organization.   He is the greatest apostate in the universe!!   So do we read the books, watch the TV programs,  the movies that he is obviously the author or inspirer of?",,jk,,,jk,,3/15/2014
"Marriage, wedding, preparation, marriage of the lamb, anointed, rejoicing, glory,","IT ALWAYS takes time to prepare for a wedding. But we will focus on a very special wedding—a royal one at that. Just imagine! It has been in preparation for about 2,000 years. Now the time is rapidly approaching when the bridegroom will be united with his bride. Soon, joyful music will fill the King’s palace, and heavenly throngs will sing out: “Praise Jah, because Jehovah our God, the Almighty, has begun to rule as king! Let us rejoice and be overjoyed and give him glory, because the marriage of the Lamb has arrived and his wife has prepared herself.”","“The Lamb” whose marriage will be a cause for joy in heaven is none other than Jesus Christ. (John 1:29) How is he dressed for the wedding? Who is his bride? How has she been prepared for marriage? When does the wedding take place? This marriage will cause joy in heaven, but will those who hope to live forever on earth join in that rejoicing? ","Rev. 19:6, 7;",w14 2/15 pp. 8-12 ,,,bl,,12/23/2015
"Resurrection, joy, happiness, new earth, promise, funeral, memorial, ","A POOR widow hugs her boy, her only child. She cannot believe her eyes. Just a short time earlier, she had cradled his lifeless body in her arms in a tender embrace. Now the woman looks at her resurrected son and thrills to his smile. “See,” says her houseguest, “your son is alive.”","That dramatic resurrection took place almost 3,000 years ago. You can read about it in 1 Kings chapter 17. The houseguest is God’s prophet Elijah. And the mother? She is an unnamed widow living in the town of Zarephath. The resurrection of her son was one of the most faith-strengthening events in her life. As we focus on her, we will learn some weighty lessons.",1 Ki. 17:1-9;,w14 2/15 pp. 13-15 ,,,bl,,3/15/2014
"Protector, provider, safety, protection, parent, guardian, ","One brother remembers a specific incident that occurred when he was just a young boy. He and his father were returning home from the field service when their path took them across a stream. A heavy downpour that morning had caused the brook to flood. The only way to cross the water was to jump from one large stone to another. Going ahead of his father, the boy lost his footing on one of the stones, tumbled into the flooding water, and went under twice. How grateful the boy was that his father quickly grabbed him firmly by the shoulder and saved him from drowning! ","Our heavenly Father delivers us from what might be viewed as raging torrents of this wicked world and from its ruler, Satan. Jehovah is certainly the best Protector anyone could ever hope to have.  A loving father not only provides for his children but also seeks to protect them. He would naturally try to rescue them if they were in danger. ",w14 2/15 pp. 16-20 Matt. 6:13; 1 John 5:19;,w14 2/15 pp. 16-20 ,,,bl,,3/16/2014
"Friendship, relationship, genetic heritage, God's image, creator, reason, develop, grow, improve, progress,Friendship, relationship, God's image, personality, genetic heritage, ","“LIKE father, like son” is an oft-repeated phrase. Indeed, many children closely resemble their parents. After all, both the father and the mother contribute to their child’s genetic heritage. Jehovah, our heavenly Father, is the Giver of life. (Ps. 36:9) And we, his human children, resemble him to some extent. Being created in his image, we have the ability to reason and draw conclusions and develop and maintain friendships.—Gen. 1:26.","Jehovah can be our best Friend. Such friendship is based on God’s love for us and our faith in him and his Son. Jesus stated: “God loved the world so much that he gave his only-begotten Son, so that everyone exercising faith in him might not be destroyed but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16) ",John 3:16; Psalm 36:9;,w14 2/15 pp. 21-25 ,,,bl,,3/16/2014
"Friendship, communication, association, best friend, hearer of prayer, ",Social networking and text messaging are very popular in this age of Internet and telecommunications technology. ,"By comparison, though, how do we individually rate our personal communication with our best Friend, Jehovah? True, he is the “Hearer of prayer.” (Ps. 65:2) But how often do we take the initiative to speak to him?  Friendship deepens when good communication exists. ",Ps. 65:2,w14 2/15 pp. 21-25 ,,,bl,,3/15/2014
"REFRESHED BY THE WATER OF TRUTH, relatives, Witnessing, discreet, persuasive, ","Jesus once described the message of truth as being like water that imparts everlasting life. (John 4:13, 14) We want our relatives to be refreshed by drinking the cool, clear water of truth. Surely, we would not want them to choke because too much water was being forced on them too quickly. ",Whether they feel refreshed or choked may depend on how we explain our faith to them. The Bible says that “the heart of the righteous one meditates before answering” and that “the heart of the wise one gives his mouth insight and adds persuasiveness to his speech.” How can we apply this counsel?—Prov. 15:28; 16:23.,"John 4:13, 14; Prov. 15:28; 16:23;",w14 3/15 pp. 3-6 ,,,bl,,3/15/2014
"Self-sacrifice, selfishness, love, alert to dangers, gradual, tendencies, ","Selfishness may be compared to rust that develops on iron. If an iron object is exposed to the elements, it might begin to rust. The real danger lies in ignoring the rust, allowing it to develop to the point of causing structural damage or failure. ","Similarly, though we cannot presently eliminate our imperfection and selfish tendencies, we must be alert to the dangers involved and continue to fight such tendencies. (1 Cor. 9:26, 27) How can we recognize signs of selfishness in ourselves? And how can we to a greater degree cultivate our spirit of self-sacrifice?","1 Cor. 9:26, 27;",w14 3/15 pp. 7-11 ,,,bl,,3/15/2014
"USE THE BIBLE TO CHECK FOR SELFISHNESS, mirror, correction, faults, ourselves, others, defects, ","Just as we can use a mirror to check our physical appearance, so we can use the Bible to check our inner person and correct any defects we might find. (Read James 1:22-25.) However, only if we use it properly will a mirror help us with our appearance."," For example, if we just glance at a mirror, we might fail to notice a small but significant blemish. Or if we look into a mirror from an angle, we might see the image of someone else. Similarly, to use the Bible to see a defect, such as selfishness, we should do more than read it casually or use it to see someone else’s faults.",James 1:22-25;,w14 3/15 pp. 7-11 ,,,bl,,3/16/2014
"Mirror, Bible, Carefully, examine, problem, correction, forgets, remember, action, effort, ","To illustrate, we could read God’s Word regularly, even daily, and still not see traces of selfishness that actually are developing in us. How is that possible? Consider this: In James’ example of the mirror, the problem was not that the man failed to look carefully. James wrote that the man “looks at himself.” Here, James used a Greek word that denotes scrutiny or careful consideration. ","So in this case, what was the man’s problem? James continued: “He goes away and immediately forgets what sort of person he is.” Yes, he turned away from the mirror without acting on what he saw. In contrast, the successful man not only “peers into the perfect law” but also “continues in it.” Instead of leaving the perfect law of God’s Word behind, he persists in following its teachings. Jesus made a similar point when he said: “If you remain in my word, you are really my disciples.”—John 8:31. Therefore, to be successful in fighting traces of selfishness, you must first read God’s Word carefully. ",John 8:31;,w14 3/15 pp. 7-11 ,,,bl,,3/16/2014
"mirror, examine, checkup, self-satisfied, procrastinate, justify, doers, hearers, ","We could use a mirror to admire our new clothes while not noticing some dirt on our face. Even if we might not be as self-satisfied as Saul became, we should definitely work to avoid any tendency that may lead to the same bad course. ","If we receive counsel, let us take care not to justify our actions, minimize the problem, or shift the blame. Rather than be like Saul, it is much better to be open to counsel.—Read Psalm 141:5.  We should beware of focusing only on areas in our life in which we are doing well, ignoring aspects that we need to work on. ",Psalm 141:5;,w14 3/15 pp. 7-11 ,,,bl,,3/15/2014
"Bible, mirror, flaws, mistakes, selfishness, discouragement, James, positive, negative, balance, ","When we look carefully at ourselves in the mirror of God’s Word and see flaws, even evidences of selfishness, we might become discouraged. If that ever happens to you, reflect on the successful man in James’ illustration. James did not stress how quickly the man fixed the problems he detected or even that he was able to correct every blemish; rather, James says that the man ‘continued in the perfect law.’ (Jas. 1:25) ","He remembered what he saw in the mirror and kept working to improve. Yes, keep a positive view of yourself and a balanced view of your imperfections. (Read Ecclesiastes 7:20.) Continue to peer into the perfect law, and work to maintain your spirit of self-sacrifice. Jehovah is willing to help you, as he has helped so many of your brothers who, although imperfect, can and do have God’s favor and blessing.",Ecclesiastes 7:20; James 1:25;,w14 3/15 pp. 7-11 ,,,bl,,3/15/2014
"USE THE BIBLE TO CULTIVATE A POSITIVE VIEWPOINT, test, negative, compare, replacement, improve, progress, ","Do you like tests?  You might hesitate to take a test, especially if you feel that you might fail.  However there is a test we should not shy away from, mentioned in God's Word.  “Keep testing whether you are in the faith.” (2 Cor. 13:5) The result can be like opening the curtains to let the sunshine into a dark room.","When you use God’s Word to test yourself to see “whether you are in the faith,” you will be seeing yourself more as God sees you. Jehovah’s view of us is more important than ours, and his thinking is much higher than ours.  Of course, we must also compare our lives with the entire scope of Christian teaching. We cannot pick and choose which parts we will follow.— He examines his worshippers, not to condemn them, but to find their good qualities and to help them. This can help you to replace any idea that you are worthless to God with a Bible-based assurance: You are precious in Jehovah’s eyes. ","Jas. 2:10, 11.Isa. 55:8, 9; James 2:10, 11;",w14 3/15 pp. 12-16 ,,,bl,,3/15/2014
"Distress, discouragement, joy, encourage, focus, loneliness, prayers, positive, negative, ","The psalmist felt “like a solitary bird on a roof,” as if he had only his troubles for company. (Ps. 102:7)"," If you ever feel that way, pour out your heart to Jehovah as the psalmist did. The prayers of the oppressed one—your prayers—can help you as you battle negative thoughts. Jehovah promises that “he will pay attention to the prayer of the destitute; he will not despise their prayer.” (Ps. 102:17) Trust that promise.  Ask God to hear your prayer not only so that you may experience some relief from your distress but also “so that the name of Jehovah will be declared.”—Ps. 102:20, 21.","Ps. 102:20, 21;",w14 3/15 pp. 12-16 ,,,bl,,3/15/2014
"Prayer, communication, facts, personal,","Jehovah's limitless memory is not like that of a computer that impersonally stores data about individuals. Although the Bible says that Jehovah God knows everything, it also shows that he is not interested in merely collecting facts about his worshippers. (Psalm 139:6; Romans 11:33) ","In fact, God is keenly interested in our innermost thoughts because he wants us to draw closer to him. (Psalm 139:23, 24; James 4:8) That is why Jesus encouraged his followers to pray, even though his Father well knows our basic needs. (Matthew 6:6-8) The more we share our thoughts with our Creator, the more we will draw close to him.",Psalm 139:6; Romans 11:33;,w14 4/1 pp. 4-7,,,bl,,3/16/2014
"Prayers, needs, not answered, requests, confidence, faith,","For good reason, caring parents do not always give their children what they ask for when they ask for it. ","In like manner, God may not respond to our requests in the way we think he should or at the moment we expect. But we can be confident that our Creator, like a loving father, will respond to our genuine needs at the right time and in the right way.—Luke 11:11-13.  God responds to our genuine needs.",Luke 11:11-13;,w14 4/1 pp. 4-7,,,bl,,3/16/2014
"Prayer, request, answers,","Imagine that you have a young son who asks you for a bicycle. Will you automatically grant his request? If you feel that he is not yet responsible enough to ride a bicycle, you might decide to postpone the purchase."," In time, however, you may grant his request when you know that doing so would be in his best interests. In like manner, God may grant the proper “desires of [our] heart” in due time if we keep praying.—Psalm 37:4.",Psalm 37:4;,w14 4/1 pp. 4-7,,,bl,,3/16/2014
"temptation, desires, sin, yielding, endurance, immorality, consequences, adultery, ruin, relish,","“I CAN resist anything except temptation.” This famous quip well describes how some people view temptation—deep down they relish it. Yet others regard temptation as a persistent foe that they would dearly love to defeat. What do you think? When faced with temptation, should you yield or resist?","Of course, not all temptations lead to big problems. Sneaking that extra cookie, for example, will hardly ruin your life. But yielding to other enticements—especially those leading to sexual immorality—can bring tragic consequences. The Bible warns: “Anyone committing adultery . . . is lacking good sense; the one who does so brings ruin on himself.”—Proverbs 6:32, 33.","Proverbs 6:32, 33;",w14 4/1 pp. 10-12,,,bl,,3/16/2014
"temptation, desires, erotic material, pornography, internet, attractive woman, looking, prayer,",Imagine you glimpsed the blinding flash of a welder’s torch. Would you keep on staring at it? Of course not! You would turn away or shield your eyes to protect your sight. ,"Likewise, if you glimpse erotic imagery—in print, on the screen, or in the flesh—quickly look away. Protect your mind from being infected. A former pornography addict, Juan, says: “When I see an attractive woman, I often feel the urge to take a second and a third look. So I force my eyes to look away, and I tell myself: ‘Pray to Jehovah! You absolutely need to pray now!’ After I pray, the impulse soon fades.”—Matthew 6:9, 13; 1 Corinthians 10:13.Consider, too, the faithful man Job, who said: “I have made a covenant with my eyes. So how could I show improper attention to a virgin?” (Job 31:1) Why not make a similar resolve?","Matthew 6:9, 13; 1 Corinthians 10:13;",w14 4/1 pp. 10-12,,,bl,,3/16/2014
"Faithful in small matters, importance, growth, vow, dedication, Robert Wallen, Nathan Knorr, Judge Rutherford,","On one occasion, Brother Knorr spoke to me about the need for caring for what might be called small matters. To illustrate, he told me that when he was the factory overseer, Brother Rutherford would call him on the phone and say: “Brother Knorr, when you come over from the factory for dinner, bring me some pencil erasers. I need them at my desk.” Brother Knorr said that the first thing he did was go to the supply room, get the erasers, and put them in his pocket. Then at noon he would take them to Brother Rutherford’s office. ","It was such a little thing, but it was useful to Brother Rutherford. Then Brother Knorr told me: “I like to have sharpened pencils on my desk. So please have them there each morning.” For many years, I made sure his pencils were sharpened.",Luke 12:26; 16:10;,w14 4/15 pp. 13-16 ,,,bl,,3/17/2014
"Jehovah's eyes, ears, cameras, watching, punishment, cares, welfare, surveillance, concern,","IN MANY countries, surveillance cameras are increasingly used to monitor the flow of traffic and to capture images of accidents. If cameras record a hit-and-run accident, the recorded images can help the authorities to find and arrest the driver who fled the scene. Indeed, with electronic eyes everywhere, it is becoming more difficult for people to escape the consequences of their actions.","However, should the widespread use of surveillance cameras in any way remind us of our loving Father, Jehovah? The Bible does say that his eyes “are everywhere.” (Prov. 15:3) But does this mean that he is constantly scrutinizing what we are doing? Does God watch over us merely to enforce his laws, with punishment in mind? (Jer. 16:17; Heb. 4:13) Not at all! Jehovah observes us primarily because he loves each one of us and is interested in our welfare.—1 Pet. 3:12.",Jer. 16:17; Heb. 4:13;,w14 4/15 pp. 27-31 ,,,bl,,3/17/2014
"Patience, waiting attitude, delays, irritation, hurt, feelings, trials, suffering, he cares, concerns, way out,","Suppose you are driving a car on a highway and get stuck in traffic. You do not know how long the delay will continue. If you get irritated and try to find another route, you might get lost. You could end up taking more time to reach your destination than you would had you patiently remained on course. ","Similarly, if you stick to the paths outlined in God’s Word, in time you will arrive at your destination. Jehovah may hold off from intervening in our trials because he wants us to receive vital training. (Read 1 Peter 5:6-10.) No, God does not cause trials. (Jas. 1:13) “Your adversary, the Devil,” is causing most adversities. Yet, God can use a difficult situation to help us grow spiritually. He sees our suffering, and “because he cares” for us, he will make sure that it will continue only for “a little while.” Do you appreciate Jehovah’s watchful care when you suffer trials, confident that he will provide a way out?—2 Cor. 4:7-9.",1 Peter 5:6-10; 2 Corinthians 4:7-9;,w14 4/15 pp. 27-31 ,,,bl,,3/17/2014
"Future, predictions, prophecy, Nineveh, analysts, accuracy, correctly, ","Well, if you found a weather forecaster to be accurate every day for a long time, you would be impressed. Likely you would pay attention to what he said about the weather tomorrow. ","In a similar way, if you were to learn that God has foretold events with a perfect rate of success, you would surely be interested in what he foretells about your future. A rebuilt wall in Nineveh, a city formerly desolated. A rebuilt wall in the ruins of ancient Nineveh",Zephaniah 2:13-15;,w14 5/1 pp. 4-7 ,,,bl,,3/17/2014
"Prophecy, future, prediction, true, accuracy, foretell, inspired, ","HUMAN BONES WILL BURN: Who would be so daring as to announce—300 years in advance—the exact name and specific ancestry of a man who would burn human bones on an altar, as well as the name of the town where the altar would be located? If such an unusual prediction came true, it would surely make the forecaster famous. ","God’s spokesman announced: “A son named Josiah will be born to the house of David . . . , and he will burn human bones” on an altar in the town of Bethel. (1 Kings 13:1, 2) About three centuries later, a king named Josiah—not a common Biblical name—came from the family lineage of David. Exactly as foretold, Josiah had “bones taken from the graves and burned them on the altar” located in Bethel. (2 Kings 23:14-16) How could anyone foretell such specific details unless guided by a superhuman source?","1 Kings 13:1, 2; 2 Kings 23:14-16;",w14 5/1 pp. 4-7 ,,,bl,,3/17/2014
"Prophecy, world power, overthrow, accuracy, prophet, future, prediction, strategy, Cyrus, Babylon, gate, dry up rivers, ","THE END OF AN EMPIRE: It would be amazing if a person could successfully predict the name of a man—long before his birth—who would organize the overthrow of a major world power, even indicating the unusual strategy that he would employ. ","God announced that a man named Cyrus would launch the conquest of a nation. This Cyrus would also free Jewish captives and support the reconstruction of their holy temple. Additionally, God foretold that Cyrus’ battle strategy would include the drying up of rivers and indicated that gates would be left open, facilitating the conquest. (Isaiah 44:27–45:2) Were the many details of God’s prophecy fulfilled accurately? Historians agree that this conquest by Cyrus actually occurred. Cyrus’ army employed the tremendous engineering feat of diverting one of Babylon’s waterways—in effect, drying up rivers. What is more, the army entered the city through gates that had been left open. Cyrus thereafter freed the Jewish people and declared that they could rebuild their temple in Jerusalem. That was unusual, for Cyrus did not worship the God of the Jews. (Ezra 1:1-3) Who but God could have predicted the details of those historical events?",Isaiah 44:27–45:2;,w14 5/1 pp. 4-7 ,,,bl,,3/17/2014
"Future, reliable, accuracy, prophecy, prediction, changes, outcome, protection, safety, forecast, storms, ","If you have advance knowledge of an approaching hurricane, you can take lifesaving action. Is there a reliable forecast involving your future and that of your loved ones?","You can respond similarly to Bible prophecy. God has announced that huge worldwide changes will come soon. This future is quite different from what many so-called experts forecast. You might think of it this way: The story of this world has an overall plot. It has already been written, and you can preview the finale. God declares: “From the beginning I foretell the outcome, . . . I say, ‘My decision will stand, and I will do whatever I please.’” (Isaiah 46:10) ",Isaiah 46:10;,w14 5/1 pp. 4-7 ,,,bl,,3/17/2014
"Name, personal touch, Jehovah's name, identity, vague, ","Think of it this way: We didn't need to know Moses’ personal name. We could have known him simply as the man who parted the Red Sea or the man who received the Ten Commandments. Likewise with Noah—why know his name? He could have just been referred to as the man who built an ark and saved his family and the animals. For that matter, even Jesus Christ could have been known simply as the one who came from heaven and died for our sins. Right?","But God made sure that we knew the personal names of those individuals. There’s nothing that adds that special touch like a personal name. Even though we have never met Moses, Noah, or Jesus, just knowing their name makes these men more real to us.",Psalm 83:18;,w14 5/1 pp. 8-10 ,,,bl,,3/17/2014
"Trinity, superior, twins, relationship, Jehovah, God's son Jesus, ","We might ask the householder: “If you wanted to teach me that two people are equal, what type of family relationship would you use to illustrate the point?”  The person may mention siblings—even twins. If he does, we could point out how natural that comparison seems to be. Then we might ask: “If you and I could come up with this illustration so readily, would not Jesus—the Great Teacher—have thought of the same comparison?","We can mention that both God and Jesus used a family reference when describing their relationship. God referred to Jesus as his Son, and Jesus spoke of God as his Father. (Luke 3:21, 22; John 14:28)   Instead, he spoke of God as being his Father. Jesus thus portrayed God as being older and having more authority than he had.”","Luke 3:21, 22; John 14:28;",w14 5/15 pp. 6-10 ,,,bl,,3/17/2014
"Hell fire, punishment, children, crime fit punishment, Use Satan to punish, employ, unreasonable, ","“Imagine that your child has become very rebellious and is doing many bad things. How would you react?” Likely, the parent would say that he would correct his child. He might repeatedly try to help the child stop doing what is bad. (Prov. 22:15) At this point, we might ask the parent what he would do if the child rejected all efforts to help him. Most parents would say that eventually they would have no choice but to punish the child. ","We could then ask, “What if you found out that an evil person had influenced your child to become so rebellious?” No doubt, the parent would be angry with such a person. Driving home the point of the illustration, we might ask the parent, “Knowing that an evil individual had influenced your child, would you ask that person to punish your child for you?” The answer, of course, would be no. Clearly, then, God would not use Satan to punish the very same people who have been influenced by the Devil himself to do bad things!",Prov. 22:15;,w14 5/15 pp. 6-10 ,,,bl,,3/17/2014
"Golden rule, kindness, empathy, impressed, treatment, love, ","A FEW years ago, a Christian couple in Fiji were sharing in a campaign to invite people to the Memorial of Christ’s death. It began to rain as they were speaking to a woman outside her home. The brother handed the woman an umbrella while he shared one with his wife. The couple were delighted to see the woman present on the night of the Memorial. She admitted that she did not recall much of what the Witnesses said during their visit. But she was so impressed by the way they treated her that she just had to attend the Memorial. What contributed to such a fine reaction? The couple had followed what is often called the Golden Rule.","What is the Golden Rule? It is the counsel Jesus gave when he said: “All things . . . that you want men to do to you, you also must do to them.” (Matt. 7:12) How can we apply that rule? Basically, by taking two steps. First, we should ask ourselves, ‘If I were in the other person’s shoes, how would I want to be treated?’ Then, we need to follow through, accommodating the other person to the extent possible.—1 Cor. 10:24.",Matthew 7:12;,w14 5/15 pp. 11-15 ,,,bl,,3/17/2014
"Golden rule, respect, personal property, suspicious, strangers, reproach, stumbling, conduct, local needs, ","In today’s crime-filled world, many householders are suspicious of strangers. (2 Tim. 3:1-5) We should avoid adding to such suspicion. For example, suppose we approach a house and knock on the front door. If no one answers, we could be tempted to look through the window or walk around the property, searching for the householder."," In your area, would that most likely disturb the householder? What might his neighbors think? True, we should be thorough in our preaching work. (Acts 10:42) We are eager to spread a positive message, and our motives are good. (Rom. 1:14, 15) Nevertheless, we wisely avoid doing anything that could unduly disturb people in our witnessing territory. The apostle Paul wrote: “In no way are we giving any cause for stumbling, so that no fault may be found with our ministry.” (2 Cor. 6:3) When we show respect for the home and property of those in our territory, our conduct may attract some individuals to the truth.—Read 1 Peter 2:12.",1 Peter 2:12;,w14 5/15 pp. 11-15 ,Service Talk,200,bl,,3/17/2014
"Golden Rule, politeness, straightforward, tactful, courtesy, purpose clear, conversation, questions, kindness,","Imagine that one day we receive a phone call but do not recognize the caller’s voice. He is a stranger, but he asks a question about the types of food we prefer. We wonder who the caller is and what he really wants. Out of politeness, perhaps we might briefly converse with him, but then we would likely indicate that we prefer to end the conversation. On the other hand, imagine that the caller identifies himself, lets us know that he works in the field of nutrition, and kindly tells us that he has some helpful information. We would probably be more receptive. After all, we appreciate it when people are straightforward yet tactful when approaching us. How can we extend the same courtesy to those we meet in our ministry?","In many territories, we need to make the purpose of our visit clear to the householder. True, we have valuable information the householder does not have, but suppose we did not really introduce ourselves and merely began our presentation abruptly with a question like this: “If you could solve any problem in the world, what would it be?” We know that the purpose behind such a question is to find out what is on the person’s mind and then direct the conversation to the Bible. However, the householder might wonder: ‘Who is this stranger, and why is he asking me this question? What is this all about?’ So we should try to put the householder at ease. (Phil. 2:3, 4) How can we do so?","Phil 2:3, 4;",w14 5/15 pp. 11-15 ,,,bl,,3/17/2014
"Order, organization, galaxies, universe, planets, stars, numbers, names, clusters, superclusters, peace, family,","Regarding stars, the Houston, Texas, Chronicle reports on a recent study suggesting that there are “300 sextillion of them, or three times as many as scientists previously calculated.” The report adds: “That is a 3 followed by 23 zeros. Or 3 trillion times 100 billion.” The stars are organized into galaxies, each containing billions or even trillions of stars, as well as many planets. Most galaxies are further organized into groups called clusters and into larger superclusters.","Like the righteous spirit creatures in heaven, the physical heavens are superbly organized. (Isa. 40:26) Therefore, it is logical to conclude that Jehovah would organize his servants on earth. He wants them to maintain good order, and that is vitally important because they have so much important work to do. The splendid record of faithful service established by Jehovah’s worshippers past and present provides powerful evidence that he has been with them and that he is “a God not of disorder but of peace.”—Read 1 Corinthians 14:33, 40.","1 Corinthians 14:33, 40; Isa 40:26;",w14 5/15 pp. 21-25 ,SERVING WITH JEHOVAH'S UNIFIED ORGANIZATION,3,bl,,2/5/2016
"Moving ahead, Jehovah's chariot, organization, stick close, purpose, Pryce Hughes, 1914; loyalty,","Brother Pryce Hughes, who resolutely stuck to God and kept in step with His organization, once wrote: “I am so thankful that I have lived in the knowledge of Jehovah’s purposes from those early days just prior to 1914 . . . If one thing has been most important to me, it has been the matter of keeping close to Jehovah’s visible organization. My early experience taught me how unsound it is to rely on human reasoning."," Once my mind had been resolved on that point, I determined to stay by the faithful organization. How else can one get Jehovah’s favor and blessing?”  Our life depends on doing Jehovah’s will, loving him, obediently listening to his voice, and sticking to him.","Deut. 30:19, 20;",w14 5/15 pp. 26-30 ,,,bl,,3/17/2014
"Pioneers, pilgrims, growth, dedication, baptism, waiting, missionaries, evangelizing spirit, progress, quotes,","George Young called on Sarah Ferguson, and The Watch Tower reported: “The sister came to the parlor, and for a time was speechless. Taking hold of the hand of Brother Young, and looking earnestly into his face, finally she remarked: ‘Are you a really live Pilgrim?’” She and some of her children were soon baptized. ","In fact, she had been waiting for 25 years to be baptized! The August 1, 1924, Watch Tower mentioned that 50 were baptized in Brazil, mostly in Rio de Janeiro.  Today we have hundreds of thousands in the pioneer work all over the earth.",Matthew 24:14;,w14 5/15 pp. 31-32 ,,,bl,,3/17/2014
"Tobacco, smoking, cost, habits, addictions, cleanliness, information, ","“A smoker costs a private employer . . . an extra $5,816 a year compared with a nonsmoker,” says a New York Times report. According to data collected by researchers at Ohio State University, the estimated average additional cost resulted from smoking breaks, higher health-care expenses, and absenteeism. Another factor was lost productivity, likely caused by the withdrawal effects of nicotine addiction.",God's Word helps people overcome costly habits.,2 Corinthians 7:1;,g 2/14 p. 3 ,,,bl,,3/17/2014
"Time, How to Invest Your Time Wisely, Prioritize, Be Organized, important things, levelers, equalizer, ","In a sense, time is a universal leveler, because the powerful and rich have no more of it than do the lowly and poor. Furthermore, neither the rich nor the poor can accumulate time. Once it is gone, it is gone forever. ","The course of wisdom, then, is to make good use of the time we have. How? Consider four strategies that have helped many people to invest their time wisely.",Philippians 1:10;,g 2/14 pp. 6-9 ,,,bl,,3/17/2014
"time, organize, plan time wisely, Think ahead, planning ahead, productivity, wisdom, sharpen you ax, ","“If an iron tool is dull and one does not sharpen its edge, he will need to exert much effort,” says Ecclesiastes 10:10, adding: “But wisdom helps to achieve success.” ","The lesson? Sharpen your ax, as it were, by planning ahead so that you can make the most effective use of your time. Set aside or eliminate nonessential tasks, which do little more than consume time and energy. If you find that you have time on your hands because you have caught up on your work, why not move on to a job that is scheduled for later? By thinking ahead, you increase your productivity, like a wise workman who sharpens his ax.",Ecclesiastes 10:10;,g 2/14 pp. 6-9 ,,,bl,,3/17/2014
"Time, Wisdom, Procrastination and indecision, clouds, wind, reaping, perfection, uncertain, decisions, research, shrewd,","“The one who watches the wind will not sow seed, and the one who looks at the clouds will not reap.” (Ecclesiastes 11:4) The lesson? Procrastination is a thief of both time and productivity. A farmer who waits until conditions are perfect may never sow seed or reap his harvest. ","Similarly, we could allow life’s uncertainties to make us indecisive. Or we may feel that we have to wait until we have every scrap of relevant information before making a decision. To be sure, important decisions warrant research and deliberation. “The shrewd one ponders each step,” says Proverbs 14:15. But the reality is that many decisions involve some uncertainties.—Ecclesiastes 11:6.",Ecclesiastes 11:4;,g 2/14 pp. 6-9 ,,,bl,,3/17/2014
"Time, Perfection, standards, righteous overmuch, Perfectionism, reasonable, modest, humble, humor, laugh, mistakes,","“The wisdom from above [or from God] is . . . reasonable,” says James 3:17. Of course, high standards are commendable! Sometimes, though, we might set standards so high that we invite disappointment and even failure. A person learning another language, for example, must be prepared to make mistakes, aware that he will learn from these. ","A perfectionist, however, would likely shudder at the thought of saying something incorrectly—an attitude that would impede his progress. How much better to be modest in our expectations! “Wisdom is with the modest ones,” says Proverbs 11:2. Moreover, the modest and humble do not take themselves too seriously and can usually laugh at themselves.",James 3:17; Proverbs 11:2;,g 2/14 pp. 6-9 ,,,bl,,3/17/2014
"Balance time, hard work, Workaholics, Balance work and recreation. ","“Better is a handful of rest than two handfuls of hard work and chasing after the wind.” (Ecclesiastes 4:6)  Workaholics often deprive themselves of the fruitage of their “two handfuls of hard work.” They simply have no time or energy left. The lazy, on the other hand, opt for “two handfuls” of rest and squander precious time. ",The Bible encourages a balanced view: Work hard and enjoy the rewards. Such rejoicing is “the gift of God.”—Ecclesiastes 5:19.,Ecclesiastes 4:6;5:19;,g 2/14 pp. 6-9 ,,,bl,,3/17/2014
"Do not scrimp on sleep. investment in time, concentration, memories, deprivation, accidents, errors, irritability, rest, relaxation,","Sleep is a wise investment in time.  “I will lie down and sleep in peace,” said a Bible writer. (Psalm 4:8) Most adults need about eight hours of sleep a night to gain the full physical, emotional, and cognitive benefits. ","Concerning the latter, sleep is a sound investment of time because it aids in concentration and consolidates memories, thus fostering learning. Sleep deprivation, however, impedes learning and contributes to accidents, errors, and irritability.",Psalm 4:8;,g 2/14 pp. 6-9 ;,,,bl,,3/17/2014
"Time, desires, daydreams, fantasies, Set realistic goals, advertising, easy credit, contentment, ",“Better to enjoy what the eyes see than to wander after one’s desires.” (Ecclesiastes 6:9) ,"The point? A wise person does not let mere desires take the reins of his life, especially desires that may be unrealistic or impossible to satisfy. Hence, he is not seduced by clever advertising or easy credit. Instead, he learns to be content with what he can actually attain—“what [his] eyes see.”",Ecclesiastes 6:9;,g 2/14 pp. 6-9 ,,,bl,,3/17/2014
"Constantine, astrology, divination, occult, paganism, ","While professing to champion Christianity, Constantine kept one foot in paganism. For example, he practiced astrology and divination—occult activities that the Bible condemns. He continued to honor the sun-god by featuring the deity on coins and promoting the sun-god cult. (Deuteronomy 18:10-12) On the Arch of Constantine in Rome, he is shown sacrificing to pagan deities."," A result of Constantine’s alliance with the bishops was a religion with tenets that were part Christian, part pagan. It could hardly have been otherwise, since the emperor’s goal was religious pluralism, not the pursuit of religious truth. He was, after all, the ruler of a pagan empire. To please both religious camps, he adopted a stance of “conscious ambiguity in his acts and government in general,” wrote one historian.",Deuteronomy 18:10-12;,g 2/14 pp. 12-13 ,,,bl,,3/17/2014
"Stress, problems, burdens, prayer, reactions, attitudes, ","One of my dad’s favorite sayings is, ‘Life is 10 percent what happens and 90 percent how you react to it.’ My dad isn’t perfect—he does get stressed-out at times. But he never lets a problem defeat him. He’s a good role model for me in handling stress.”","When a problem arises, his first response is usually ‘How can we fix this?’ or ‘What’s the best solution to this problem?’ ",Romans 15:1;,g 2/14 pp. 14-15 ,,,bl,,3/17/2014
"Crying, Tears, sorrow, happiness, sadness, suffering, comfort, language, ","Crying is a powerful nonverbal language. “There are few other ways to say so much in such a brief interval,” explains the book Adult Crying. Tears provoke reactions. For example, most of us find tears of sadness difficult to ignore because they alert us that someone is suffering. In response, we may try to comfort or help the one who weeps.","Some experts believe that crying provides a useful outlet for our emotions and that systematically holding back tears may damage our health. Others argue that the physical or psychological benefits of crying have not been scientifically verified. Nevertheless, surveys estimate that 85 percent of women and 73 percent of men reported feeling better after crying.",John 11:35,g 3/14 pp. 12-13 ,,,bl,,3/17/2014
"Correction, Counsel, advise, adjustment, Discipline, ",A person who dismisses correction is like a pilot who ignores direction from the control tower. ,The result can be disastrous.,Ecclesiastes 7:9;,g 4/14 pp. 4-5 ,,,bl,,3/17/2014
"Correction, discipline, counsel, adjustment, humility,",The correction that hurts the most may be the correction that you need the most.,We all need correction.,Psalm 141:5;,g 4/14 pp. 4-5 ,,,bl,,3/17/2014
"Suicide, discouragement, depression, hard-pressed, perplexed, change,","Suicide has been called “a permanent solution to a temporary problem.” As hard as it may be to believe, a distressing circumstance—even one that seems beyond your control—may well be temporary. In fact, it can change for the better unexpectedly.—See the box “Their Circumstances Changed.”","Even if that does not happen, it is best to tackle your problems one day at a time. “Never be anxious about the next day,” Jesus said, “for the next day will have its own anxieties. Each day has enough of its own troubles.”—Matthew 6:34.",2 CORINTHIANS 4:8;,g 4/14 p. 7 ,,,bl,,3/17/2014
"Suicide, despair, depression, lonesome, alone, worry, gradual, obstacles, problems, ","REMEMBER THIS: You cannot scale a mountain in a single step; however, you can take on the challenge one step at a time. The same is true of most obstacles you face, no matter how mountainlike they might seem to be.",WHAT YOU CAN DO TODAY: Talk to someone—perhaps a friend or a family member—about your situation. That person may be able to help you view your situation in a more balanced way.—Proverbs 11:14.,Proverbs 11:14;,g 4/14 p. 7 ,,,bl,,3/17/2014
"Bible's message, Suicide, depression, discouragement, hope, future, change, ","REMEMBER THIS: Although your emotions may toss and turn like a boat on a turbulent sea, the Bible’s message of hope can be like an anchor that keeps you stabilized.",WHAT YOU CAN DO TODAY: Start investigating what the Bible teaches about a genuine hope for the future.,"Revelation 21:3, 4;",g 4/14 p. 9 ,,,bl,,3/17/2014
"Racism, partial, common stock, race, prejudice, ","WHAT EXPERTS SAY The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) states that “all human beings belong to a single species and are descended from a common stock.”—Declaration on Race and Racial Prejudice, 1978.","WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS God created two humans, Adam and Eve, and he said to them: “Be fruitful and become many, fill the earth and subdue it.” (Genesis 1:28) Thus, Adam and Eve came to be the father and mother of all humankind. Later, when a flood wiped out most of the earth’s population, four couples survived—Noah and his wife along with their three sons and their wives. The Bible teaches that all of us descended from Noah’s sons.—Genesis 9:18, 19.",Genesis 3:20;,g 4/14 pp. 14-15 ,,,bl,,3/17/2014
"Creation, butterfly's wings, wisdom,","THE wings of a butterfly are so fragile that even the weight of specks of dust or drops of moisture could make flying difficult. Nevertheless, the wings stay clean and dry. What is the butterfly’s secret?",Overlapping scales on a butterfly’s wing.  The butterfly’s wing has minute overlapping scales.  Engineers are seeking to copy the wings’ texture in order to make high-tech coatings for industry and medical equipment that are resistant to dirt and water.What do you think? Did the butterfly’s wing come about by evolution? Or was it designed?,Genesis 1:1,g 4/14 p. 16 ,,,bl,,3/17/2014
"Creation, discovery, new species, appreciation, information, ","According to the World Wildlife Fund, between 1997 and 2011, many new species of plants and animals, including the ruby-eyed pit viper (Trimeresurus rubeus), were identified in the Greater Mekong, a region that spans Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, Vietnam, and the province of Yunnan, China. Of the species discovered in 2011 alone, there were 82 plants, 21 reptiles, 13 fish, 5 amphibians, and 5 mammals."," Of the species discovered in 2011 alone, there were 82 plants, 21 reptiles, 13 fish, 5 amphibians, and 5 mammals.",Psalms 104:25;,g 5/14 p. 3 ,,,bl,,3/17/2014
"stress, anxiety, Stress—Keys to Managing It, crying, tears, pressure, illness, mental, emotions,","“I felt like a mouse running on a treadwheel and getting nowhere. I often worked 16-hour days with rarely a weekend off. I felt angry because I only ever saw my little girl asleep. Stress was making me sick.”—Kari, Finland.","KARI’S experience is not unusual. According to a mental-health charity in the United Kingdom, 1 in 5 British workers said that stress had made them physically ill during their career, and unmanageable pressure had caused 1 in 4 to cry while at work. Prescriptions for antidepressants saw an unprecedented rise during one recent year of economic recession.",Ecclesiastes 9:11;,g 5/14 pp. 4-7 ,,,bl,,3/17/2014
"Stress, Bible, managing, worry, anxiety, alcohol, drugs, practical tried and tested wisdom from the Bible,","“Stress is to the human condition what tension is to the violin string: too little and the music is dull and raspy; too much and the music is shrill or the string snaps. Stress can be the kiss of death or the spice of life. The issue, really, is how to manage it.”Stress in itself is not necessarily harmful. The American Psychological Association.","To help them “cope” with chronic stress, some people turn to alcohol, drugs, or tobacco. Others begin abnormal eating patterns or sit passively in front of a TV or computer—habits that do not address the underlying problem but may, in fact, exacerbate it. How, then, can we learn to manage stress effectively?  Many people have been able to manage life’s stresses by applying the practical advice found in the Bible. Could its tried-and-tested wisdom help you? Consider that question in the light of four common causes of stress.",Ecclesiastes 9:11;,g 5/14 pp. 4-7 ,,,bl,,3/17/2014
"Internet, on line, dangers, research, information,",The fact that some people have auto accidents does not make it wrong to drive a car. ,The same principle applies to the use of the Internet. Your teenager needs to learn to “drive” it cautiously.,Philippians 1:10;,g 5/14 pp. 8-9 ,,,bl,,3/17/2014
"Internet, benefits, dangers, judgment, teenagers, parents, children,","Navigating the Internet, like driving a car, requires good judgment—not just technological ability. Your guidance as a parent, therefore, is crucial. ","After all, it is as Internet-safety expert Parry Aftab observes: “Kids know more about technology. Parents know more about life.”",Philippians 1:10; Proverbs 3:21;,g 5/14 pp. 8-9 ,,,bl,,3/17/2014
"Meditation, comprehension, memory, relating facts, assemble, coherent, pattern, structure, mechanics,","Thus, just as a carpenter turns raw materials into an attractive building, meditation enables us to “assemble” facts into a coherent pattern or structure.  Meditation also helps us to improve our comprehension and memory.","When we study an aspect of creation or a certain Bible topic, we learn many interesting facts. But when we meditate on those facts, we see how they relate to one another and to what we have learned in the past. ",Proverbs 16:23;,g 5/14 pp. 14-15 ,,,bl,,3/17/2014
"Power corrupts, mistrusts, abuse, holy, ","“Power tends to corrupt; absolute power corrupts absolutely.” So wrote English nobleman Lord Acton in 1887. His statement has often been repeated, perhaps because so many people see it as undeniably true. Imperfect humans often abuse power, as history has confirmed again and again. (Ecclesiastes 4:1; 8:9) ","For this reason, many mistrust the powerful and withdraw from them. Now, Jehovah has absolute power. Has it corrupted him in any way? Certainly not! As we have seen, he is holy, utterly incorruptible. Jehovah is unlike the imperfect men and women of power in this corrupt world. He has never abused his power, and he never will.”",Ecclesiastes 4:1; 8:9;,Close to Jehovah (cl-E),,,bl,,3/20/2014
"smoking, tobacco, habits, addictions,","“Unlike epidemics that send doctors racing to discover a cure, this scourge is eminently curable; the solution is well-known. ","Dr. Margaret Chan, director-general of the World Health Organization, stated: “The tobacco epidemic is entirely man-made, and it can be turned around through the concerted efforts of governments and civil society.”",1 Corinthians 7:1,"Watchtower, June 1, 2014",,,BL,,3/20/2014
"smoking, tobacco, addiction,","“The first cigarette seemed like a harmless snowball,” he said. “But over the years it amounted to a huge avalanche. One time when I ran out of cigarettes, I was so frustrated that I collected all the stubs from an ashtray, scraped the tobacco together, and rolled a cigarette with a scrap of newspaper. In hindsight, I can see that it was really shameful.” ","How did he break the degrading habit of smoking? “The crucial factor was the desire to please Jehovah,” he said. “Jehovah’s love for mankind and the hope he provides gave me the strength to break this addiction once and for all.”",2 Corinthians 7:1,"Watchtower, June 1, 2014, p 4",,,Bl,,3/20/2014
"Mistakes, humility, humble, forgiveness, maturity,","“It takes courage to admit a mistake, but that’s how you gain peoples’ trust. They see that you’re honest. ","By admitting a mistake, you turn something bad into something good.”  Also, it opens the way for Jehovah to forgive us.",Proverbs 28:13;,jw.org,,,bl,,3/27/2014
"mistakes, look back, mirror, lesson, maturity, humble, humility, forgiveness,",Dwelling on past mistakes is like staring in the rearview mirror while driving a car.,"Focusing on the past will only leave you feeling worthless and make you powerless to face the challenges ahead.  Instead, why not take a more balanced view?  “Look back at your mistakes, and learn from them so that you don’t repeat them. But don’t dwell on them so much that they pull you down.""",Romans 3:23; 1 John 1:8,jw.org,,,bl,,3/27/2014
"mistakes, error, learn, lesson, forgiveness, humility, humble,","“When runners fall, they let go of their pride and use their strength to get up. That’s what you need to do when you make a mistake. ","When you learn from your mistakes and use your strength to recover from them, you become a better person.”",Romans 3:23; 1 John 1:8,jw.org,,,bl,,3/27/2014
"APPROVAL, STANDARDS, ","This is my toothpaste!   It says on the tube that it has been approved by the American Dental Association. This is some aspirin.  It has the Good Housekeeping seal of approval.  etc.  The makers of these products obviously thought it was valuable to have the approval of those organizations. But if you are like me, you buy this toothpaste or aspirin because its on sale!  How many of us really, first thing, look for the approval of some organization on the products we buy! No, we're simply not that concerned with their approval.","However, I would guess that most everyone here today is interested in one particular seal of approval. Its the one identified for us by Jesus at John 6:27......  Jesus received Jehovah's seal of approval. And more than any thing else, we too want God's approval.",,JK,,,jk,,4/1/2014
"UTMOST, BEST, WHOLEHEARTED, PROGRESS, FIRE RESISTANT MATERIALS","There's an old saying ""The house praises the carpenter.""  That means that you can look at the results of something that is done, and tell what went into it.  For example, if you looked at a nice-looking home from a distance, you might assume that the carpenter was very good....yet you really might not be able to tell how good he was unless you looked close at his work, behind just the surface appearance.  What type of materials did he use, did he try to get by cheaply, skimp on quality?  Maybe the material was excellent but the way he used his tools and measured and put it together was sloppy.  You look closer, you look underneath and behind, youcould tell if he was a carpenter with nothing to be ashamed of.","It's the same with our doing our utmost.  If we look deeper than just if we attend the meetings or not, or go in service or not, what would be found in our case?  People in Christendom attend church every week for years without missing, but you look deeper and there is nothing spiritually solid underneath. (they're building with toothpicks)",,JK,,,jk,,4/1/2014
"DISCIPLINE, AUTHORITY, CHILDREN, 3 R's,","Remember this oldie but goodie?  school days, school days, good old golden rule days, reading and riting and rithmatic, taught to the tune of a hickory stick.  Do you remember when you went to school?  Was it anything like the song describes?  Oh you probably learned the reading, riting and rithmatic, but what about the hickory stick?  Well I hate to say it, but unless its been about 20 years since you've been to school, you probably never saw the proverbial stick used in the schoolroom. ","No, it's Satan system and he has made discipline unpopular, parents are discouraged from administering discipline, authorities are not permitted to administer discipline.  What has been the result?  Well, the results in young children can be seen by just waiting around in a grocery or discount store for a few minutes.  Soon you will see children, even little ones who are screaming, whining,spoiled,mouthy,disrespectful of their parents and others and you will also see a parent who is embarrassed, frustrated, and doesn't know what to do!",,JK,,,jk,,4/3/2014
"DISCIPLINE, COUNSEL, CORRECTION, EXPERIENCE, ","""Long whiskers do not take the place of brains.""","We never should get the feeling that because of long years in the truth no one can tell us anything and we don't need any correction. How though do brothers having responsibility receive discipline? Well, the very best WAY is to give it to ourselves, that is recognize where counsel from the Bible or the publications applies to us and correct ourselves. That's the best way. But, we're all imperfect, so what if we fail to see some area where we need correction, well, then we might get the correction the second best way, and that is from someone else.",,JK,,,jk,,4/1/2014
"DESIRES, FLESHLY, EVIL, TEMPTATION, IMPERFECTION"," ""When face with a choice of two evils, most men take both!""","   Now,  which kind of desires do you think  come more naturally to us as imperfect humans?    Yes, due to our being imperfect and due to the fact that this world is getting dirtier and filthier morally,  fleshly desires constitute a formidable enemy to all of Jehovah's people.","Galatians 5:16, 24.",JK,,,jk,,4/1/2014
"ENTERTAINMENT, APOSTATE, TV, BOOKS, SATAN,","Supposed someone turned apostate, and they were disfellowshipped from  he congregation.... would you talk to a person like that?   Why, no you say,  we're not supposed to talk to someone disfellowshipped,  especially an apostate!!    But..... suppose they wrote you a letter..... would you read their letter?   Supposed they wrote a book.... would you read their book?   Supposed they put on a TV program?   Would you watch it?    If they made a video,  would you watch that?"," The point is that Satan the Devil has been disfellowshiped from Jehovah's organization.   He is the greatest apostate in the universe!!   So do we read the books, watch the TV programs,  the movies that he is obviously the author or inspirer of?   Are we absorbing material and impressions that he would like us to absorb?   Now, not all TV programs or movies are bad,  but, we can recognize Satan's signature, his earmarks, things that he would like to promote.   We have to be careful!",,JK,Service Talk - Local Needs,200,jk,,4/3/2014
"STUDY, APPETITE, ACQUIRED TASTE, ","Did you ever have a real appetite for something?  A craving?  perhaps a Big Mac Attack?  Or a Chocolate fit?   Perhaps some of you sisters, pickles and ice cream?","When you develop an appetite for something, that's what you want!   We need to develop a sustained appetite for spiritual things and there is only one way to do that, and that is to develop good study habits,  setting our minds on wholesome things.",,JK,,,jk,,4/1/2014
"URGENCY, PROGRESS, MINISTRY, ","Ever hear this old saying: ""There's a time to let things happen and there's a time to make things happen!""","  What do you think?  In view of the time period we're living in, in view of the need people have for the truth if they're going to survive, when it comes to our ministry, is it a time to let things happen? or is it a time to make things happen?  When it comes to service activity, do you think we should just let things fall where they may, play it by ear, so to speak? or is there really something we can do about how effective we are and what we're able to accomplish?",,JK,,,jk,,4/1/2014
"ENTANGLE, PROGRESS, DISTRACTIONS, ","Have you ever been entangled in something, or seen something entangled?  Regardless of what it is that's entangled, it  just about always means trouble!  Entanglements always impede progress, they slow you down. For example, ever try taking one clothes hangar out of a bunch of hangars? Maybe you were in a hurry!  What happens?  Or you sisters, ever do some sewing or knitting and the thread or yarn was all tangled up?  Slows you down, doesn't it?  Bible account, Absalom's hair got entangled in a branch of a tree, it slowed him down!"," So you can literally get entangled, and that will slow you down.  But there are other ways to get entangled. Dictionary: entangled means to get involved in something that complicates or obstructs.  This is the way the Scriptures use the word entangles in the one place its found in the Bible. Notice Hebrews 12:1 Read......",Hebrews 12:1,JK,,,jk,,4/1/2014
"REFUSE, SUCCESS, PROGRESS, KINGDOM FIRST, GARBAGE","Refuse=Garbage Let me ask you a personal question! How do you personally feel about garbage? Did you ever have to take out the garbage? I know its a touchy subject but, what was it like? Do you remember it as a sad time? The family all brings their garbage from the different rooms, put in a big garbage bag....put the little tie on...start to carry it out and the family gathers at the screen door, they wave goodbye, holding back tears, on the way out to the garbage can by the street you hold the garbage close, cuddle it, put it in the garbage can, the emotion almost too much for you to take, turn, start to walk away, turn back and wave...Is that the way it is when you get rid of garbage?     Ridiculous!!!!",And Paul referred to worldly success and pursuits as garbage when compared to progress in the truth.,PHILIPPIANS 3:8,JK,field service,,jk,,8/5/2014
"TIME, LIFE, SCHEDULE, KINGDOM FIRST, DISTRACTIONS,"," When something is filled with one thing it can't be filled with something else! Every once and a while I drink  a cup of coffee or tea. Do you use cream and sugar in your coffee? I use cream and sugar in my tea or coffee. What happens though, sometimes, person serving it fills the cup so full with coffee you can't get the cream or sugar in! Principle=when something is filled with something it can't be filled with something else! ","When we examine the lives of persons like Jesus, or the Apostle Paul, we notice something that must have made it a lot easier for them to resist  worldly entanglements. Their lives were filled with theocratic activities.That would help us too. It's the same principle when it comes to what we fill our lives with.  A life filled with theocratic activities safeguards one from worldly things.  There is little room for outside interests. There is so much wholesome activity we can get involved in, and then we spend less time on non-essential, day-to-day affairs.",MATTHEW 6:33,JK,,,jk,,4/1/2014
"UNITY, BROTHERHOOD, ASSOCIATION, ","Old expression: ""Birds of a feather will flock together."" "," That sounds so easy. Almost sounds automatic. But while that may be true in the case of most birds, its not necessarily true of doves. No its not automatic with them. Doves have to be taught to flock together. Of course, we're referring to the doves mentioned in Isa. 60:8 Read......  These doves are really persons coming into the truth, joining the worldwide brotherhood. And even  ones who are seeking the truth, don't flock together on their own, but these new ones have to be taught to flock together, taught to become part of our worldwide brotherhood.",Isaiah 60:8,JK,,,jk,,4/8/2014
"UNITY, BROTHERHOOD, BROTHERLY LOVE, FRIENDS, FRIENDSHIPS, ","  Here we are in ____________I. You know you could walk out of here, get a ride to the airport. At the airport you could catch a plane to New York. At New York you could catch another  plane to Lagos, Nigeria. At Lagos, you could get a much smaller plane to the capital of Chad, a country right in the middle of Africa. At the capitol of Chad, N'Djamena, you could hire a jeep and drive to a remote village where there was a congregation of JWs, locate the home of a Witness, walk up and say ""Hi, I'm one of Jehovah's Witnesses!"" and what do you think would happen?  You'd be welcomed, invited in, you could talk about Jehovah and his purposes, you could go to their meetings, with them, and you could even accompany them in field service. ","Yes, Jehovah's people are a real brotherhood!",,JK,Friendship With God and Neighbor ,,jk,,1/8/2015
"COUNSEL, CORRECTION, HUMILITY, REPROOF","There is an old Albanian Proverb *""Hard heads, suffer much!"" ","In other words, a person who won't be counseled can't be helped. (Proverbs 19:21) We need to be responsive to counsel and discipline from Jehovah God given through his arrangements.",,JK,,,jk,,4/3/2014
"ARMAGEDDON, GREAT TRIBULATION, WARNING, DISASTER, Volunteers","IN 1980 in the state of Oregon, there was a disaster that captured whole world's attention.  The authorities in the state, knew ahead of time that it would probably happen, although they didn't really realize the full extent of it. They warned hundreds of people that they should act wisely without delay. Now, in that case, acting wisely without delay meant that they would get off Mt. St. Helens. There were quite a few who did not act wisely, they didn't get off of the mountain, or perhaps they were right on the edge of it. Result was they lost their lives.","There is a disaster in the future that we know about. The Bible speaks of it. It's a much greater disaster affect whole earth. And we are much more sure of this disaster than the authorities in Oregon were of the eruption of Mt.St. Helens. In fact, representatives of God's Kingdom have been warning and helping multitudes of people to act wisely without delay.",,JK,,,jk,,2/25/2015
"MINISTRY, SKILL, EFFECTIVENESS, ","Once upon a time there was a man who once a week would take a walk down by the river. One day while walking along the bank, he heard some screaming, saw a man struggling in the water, drowning....there was no one else there...he looked all around for something to throw the man, tried to throw a big piece of wood in for the man to grasp onto, but it didn't work...finally, although he wasn't that good of a swimmer, he jumped in, swam to the man, grabbed hold of each other, both almost drowned, but with much difficulty made it out of the river. The man was a hero and even received an award from the community!There was another man. He saved 4 people in one day from drowning. He didn't get any awards. He was a volunteer life-guard. He had taken training in how to save people...how to necessitate them. In fact, he was in a club of volunteer lifeguards where they would have contests to sharpen their skills at getting to people quickly and helping them. He had received awards for his hard work in sharpening his skills.","A question----Which one of those men would you want to help you if you were having difficulty in the water?  The hero? Or the volunteer?  Seems obvious, for that hero, saving somebody was just incidental to his being near the river, saving people wasn't his profession, it was a sideline, he happened to be at the right place at the right time.The second man's actions though were deliberate. Even though he was a volunteer, his main work was trying to save people from drowning, his being near the water was planned, with a view to saving lives. That was his profession.Which way of saving lives do you think was the most dignified? Which man, would you say, was fully accomplished in his ability to save lives?When it comes to our ministry, which also has to do with saving lives, which one of those men are you like?",,jk,,,jk,,4/3/2014
"TRUTH, MINISTRY, INFORMAL WITNESSING, WATER, ","Along the southern border of Michigan,on the west edge of the state, there's some real good farm land. There is one small area that is noted for it's wells. The water-clean -pure-plastic jugs-people-Not just regular wells, they artesian wells. That is they flow out of the ground on their own. Several farms have these wells on them. Water comes surging right up out of the ground. But the interesting thing is that these wells never stop flowing-summer-droughts-dry spells, winter, they flow all the time. These artesian wells should remind us of someone...us...Notice Prov.18:4...","Do you see the connection? Yes, the Bible likens the truth to life-giving waters. We have the truth,so what should we be like? A spring or well that is continually flowing. always ready to impart the truth to others. Are we alert to opportunities to witness at all times? at other times besides our organized group activity? Are we ready to witness informally?",Proverbs18:4,JK,,,jk,,4/1/2014
"KNOWLEDGE, THINKING ABILITY, MIND, HEART, ","Knowledge comes into our minds and hearts through our 5 senses . Our senses are sort of like pipelines to our minds thought which can come all sorts of information. But, its not as if we have no control over these pipelines, no we have control over what enters into our minds and hearts, just as if there was a valve there. Just like you can turn a valve to stop the flow of water through a pipeline, so we can control the flow of information and knowledge into our minds and hearts."," Now, are we a person who takes anything that comes down the pipeline? Or do we have our hand on that valve, ready to shut off the flow of information if we see that it is contaminated or polluted?Satan tries to send things down the pipeline that will harm us, he does that through television shows, through books and magazines, through use of VCR's. A flood of worldly thinking, informational sewage, aimed at, gumming up, short-circuiting, messing up our thinking ability so that we displease Jehovah God.",Proverbs 1:7,jk,,,jk,,4/3/2014
"GOD, FEAR, APPROVAL, LOVE, ","Have you ever heard the expression, ""you can't please everybody!"" While that may be true, it sure is a natural thing for humans to want to please others. A young child will pick the first crop of dandelions and give them to his mother, just to please her, or an employee might work extra long or extra hard to please his boss. History records that people have done just about anything to please human rulers or kings!  And what about a new husband? He might ear or wear things he never thought of before just to please his new wife!  The point is, we humans try to please those we love or whose approval we desire. Pleasing other humans, though is usually short-lived, and can have little to do with our lasting future.","But pleasing God is our most worthwhile goal, isn't it? And pleasing God does have an affect on our future, its vital to our lasting future as Ps. 147:11 Says: Read......",Psalms 147:11,JK,,,jk,,4/2/2014
"PREPARATION, DETERMINATION, ","  There is an old English proverb, goes this way:*""It is folly to bolt your door with a boiled carrot!"""," In other words, when preparing, you have to do enough to get the job done.  We need to be resolute, determined ahead of time, to be affected only by godly fear. Have we thought ahead? Have we prepared our minds and hearts?  There are situations that can arise suddenly that might test our godly fear, where we might be inclined to tremble at men, where we might, if not protected by godly fear, be tempted to compromise.",,JK,,,jk,,4/2/2014
"PARENTS, CHILDREN, FAMILY, ",How many in the audience are now or ever  have been parents?  Raise your hand!  How many in the audience are now or ever have been children?  Raise your hands!  Did you notice something?  Everybody here has had some experience at being either a parent or a child!," You know, after six thousand years of experience of humans being parents and children, you would think by now it would be all figured out and most families would be happy!  Yet, as one man put it, *""Parenthood remains the greatest single preserve of the amateur.""",,JK,,,jk,,4/3/2014
"BIBLE, STUDY, SPIRITUALITY, HEALTH","There's something in this bag that has struck terror into the hearts of both men and women.It can be scary, because it can reveal so much about our lifestyle, our balance, our imperfections.   it seems to be especially carry to people in the United States.    What is it?  (pull out weight scale) The bathroom scale! Why does this instrument make people feel so uneasy?  Because it reminds people that they're not as concerned about their physical health and fitness as they should be.  And, the simple fact is, when it comes to physical food, most will tend to eat toooooo  much.","There's something else in the bag. It too has scared some, because it reveals so much about our lifestyle, our balance, our imperfections.it to seems to be especially scary to worldly people. What is it?  (pull out the Bible) the Bible. Why could this instrument make a person feel uneasy?  Because it reminds people that they're not as concerned about their spiritual health and fitness as they should be.And, the simple fact is, when it comes to spiritual food, most will tend to eat toooooo  little.",,JK,,,jk,,4/2/2014
"EDUCATION, ENTERTAINMENT, CREATION, ","Have you ever noticed something? Whenever men makes something for other people to look at, it seems like it always has to be rated. Movies, have a rating. Television programs sometimes will contain a warning at the beginning that the program may have material not suitable for younger audiences; Books and magazines have to be divided into categories for different ages.  Some places where people go, a person needs an I.D. to prove you are certain age.	","That is not true with the things Jehovah God created!  Have you ever had to flash your I.D. to get into a zoo?  If you look up at the heavens on a clear night, on the lower edge of the sky do you see a warning: ""some of this material may not be suited for young audiences?  Is it only mature adults that are allowed to take a hike or enjoy a beach?  No, because Jehovah God had all humans in mind, the enjoyment and education of old and young when he did his work here on the earth. ",,JK,,,jk,,1/23/2021
"Times, seasons, clocks, prophecy, internal clocks, atomic, time zones, faith,","In the physical world, precise timing can be seen on a microscopic as well as on a macroscopic scale. Atoms vibrate at consistent rates. International time-standard clocks regulated by atomic vibrations are accurate to 1 second in 80 million years. The movement of planets and stars is also precisely timed. Their predictable positions in the sky have been used to mark the seasons and to navigate. ","Jehovah—the Maker of these reliable “timepieces”—is indeed “vigorous in power” and deserves our praise.  Precise timing can be observed in the world of biology. The life cycles of many plants and animals are regulated by internal clocks. Many birds instinctively know when to begin their migration. (Jer. 8:7) Humans too have internal clocks, usually governed by the 24-hour cycle of day and night. After a traveler crosses several time zones by airplane, it may take days for his body to reset these clocks. Truly, the many examples of timing manifest in creation demonstrate the power and wisdom of the God of “times and seasons.”  Yes, the Great Timekeeper is all-wise and all-powerful. We can have faith that he is able to accomplish what he wills!",Read Isaiah 40:26; Psalm 104:24;,w12 5/15 pp. 17-18,,,bl,,4/3/2014
"WORK, LAZY, SOCIAL PROGRAMS, INDUSTRIOUS, MATERIALISM, MONEY,","My Dad worked hard all his life.  He used to say: ""There is only a dollars difference between the man who works and the man who don't work  ...  The man who don't work has the dollar.""",We need to direct our work to where it will accomplish the most good.  In Jehovah's service.,Colossians 3:23Col 3:23;,Jim Laymon,,,bl,,4/3/2014
"Unity, organization, United, love, sweetness,",We are like peanut brittle. All of these nuts are held together by sweetness.,Are you helping to sweeten the pot?,Micah 2:12,,SERVING WITH JEHOVAH'S UNIFIED ORGANIZATION,3 ,bl,,2/5/2016
"Goals, ambition, desires,",A goal without a plan is just a dream.,We must work toward our goals.  Turn them into realities.,1 Corinthians 11:1;,David Martin DO,,,bl,,4/3/2014
"Skillful direction, goals, guidance,","It has been proven that on a cloudy day and you are lost, it is impossible to walk straight.  You will walk in large circles.",This is why we need light from Jehovah.  He will make our paths straight.  He will help us to use His word skillfully.,Proverbs 3:5;,Jim Kinkaid,,,bl,,4/3/2014
"Peaceful, contentment, sheep, dogs, danger, innocent.","Have you ever seen a sign that says, ""Beware of the dog?""  Sometimes dogs are dangerous.  Have you noticed all the signs that say, ""Beware of the sheep?""  ","No! you have probably never seen a sign like that in your life because sheep are peaceful animals.  We want to be peaceful and innocent like sheep, in service and at all times.",Matthew 5:43-45;,Jason Arndt,,,bl,,4/3/2014
"Witnessing, record, service, house to house, ",A brother wrote this notation on a house to house record.  WACO.    (Meaning:)  WE AIN'T COMING OUT!,That is how some respond to the house to house message.,Acts 20:20;,David Martin DO,,,bl,,4/3/2014
"Creation, obedience, visible, ","Imagine a driver who ignores a sign that says, ""Detour -- Turn Left.""  A police officer gives him a ticket, but he argues that he did not see the sign.  His words carry little weight because the sign is in plain view.","Likewise, Jehovah's the Creator, left his imprint on all creation.  That ""sign"" is in plain view.  There is no excuse for ignoring it.",Romans 1:20;,Bob Laymon ,,,bl,,4/4/2014
"JESUS, MODEL, EXAMPLE, WALKING, ","(follow the mic adjuster onto stage trying to follow in his footsteps)  Have you ever tried to literally walk in someone else's footsteps? Maybe you noticed, it's not easy! In fact, it feels funny, abnormal, unnatural, and takes a lot of effort. The length of Br. Shira's stride is different, the positioning of his feet is different! Angle of his step-Nothing against Br.Shira, but fortunately, for you or I it's just not that important to literally follow in Br. Shira's footsteps!","You can see from this that when we talk about walking as Jesus Christ did, even though it's  in a figurative way, it's not going to be easy.Christ's way of walking was unique! He alone was a perfect man, 'one who did not know sin'. We are imperfect, sinful, we're born that way! Yet, because our teacher, our model is so good, we can become like him, we can walk as he did, even though imperfect.",,JK,,,jk,,4/4/2014
"DIFFERENT, NOAH, WORLD, ","Did you ever hear this expression?   Something 'sticks out like a sore thumb!""   What does that mean?    Well,  to illustrate........if a person had a sore thumb, it would really be noticeable wouldn't it?    Not only because its a thumb, not with the rest of the fingers, but because its sore, its probably bandaged!   So its noticeably different than the rest.     Now if we were to use my hand as a symbol of the world before the flood,who do you think the thumb would represent?         Noah","    That world back there was worse than we can imagine, there were fallen angels, their giant offspring,  everywhere you would look you would see violence, contention, immorality, division, strife.     Noah just didn't fit in. He was a worshiper of the true God, Jehovah.We are told just how different Noah was in HEBREWS 11:7..........................",,JK,,,jk,,4/4/2014
"YOUTH, PARENTS, OBEDIENCE, COACH, RULES","You might think of it this way, in a sporting activity or game, there's a coach or a trainer that helps the athlete so that he can do well in the    event, and he works with person, pushes the athlete, at times it can be     grueling, but that's part of the training.   But now when it comes to the rules of the game,  the coach doesn't make them up, and neither does  the athlete.  They are established by a higher authority,  the coach is merely training the person so that you he compete according to the rules.","That's exactly what your parents are doing, they are training you and teaching you at times they may push, it can be grueling, but that's part of the training.  And when it comes to the commands and principles to follow, its Jehovah's word that establishes These.....that is  these right rules of conduct, that should serve as guidelines to direct our steps.",,JK,,,jk,,4/4/2014
"APPROVAL, STANDARDS, ","This is my toothpaste!   It says on the tube that it has been approved by the American Dental Association.    This is my  aspirin.  It has the Good Housekeeping seal of approval.  This is my can opener, it also has the Good Housekeeping seal of approval.  The makers of these products obviously thought it was valuable to sell these products, to have the approval of those organizations.    Really though, How many of us, first thing, look for the approval of some organization on the products we buy!   If you are like me,  you buy this toothpaste or aspirin because its on sale!    No, we're simply not that concerned with their approval.","  I would guess though, that most everyone here today is interested in one particular seal of approval. Its the one mentioned by Jesus at JOHN 6:27......Read......",JOHN 6:27,JK,,,jk,,4/4/2014
"YOUTH, MATURITY, IMMATURITY","There's an old saying:       ""You're only young once, but you can be immature for the rest of  your life!""",That can happen if a young person never becomes responsible! ,,JK,,,jk,,4/4/2014
"YOUTH, WORLD, ADVICE ","Worldly youth would tell you your ""really living"" when you can selfishly do what you want, when you get drunk, commit fornication, use drugs. ","Yet a lot of YOUNG people who have ""really lived"" are now ""really sick"", ""really  depressed"", ""really dead""!",,JK,,,jk,,4/4/2014
"YOUTH, AGE, OLD AGE, CALAMITY, ","If you are young, you've got your health, you've got your strength, your vitality, you have the beauty of youth!  No wonder many YOUNG people feel almost immortal.  That is the vanity of youth.   But, if you don't think those calamitous days are coming,  Take a look to your right or your left.  Look at your parents!  Look at your grandparents!  Do you believe that at one time, they looked justlike you?   They did!",Ecclesiastes 12:1,Ecclesiastes 12:1,jk,,,jk,,4/4/2014
"LOAD, BURDEN, STRAW, RESPONSIBILITY","The straw that broke the camel's back,  you know the story, it wasn't really the straw that broke the camel's back, it was the heavy burden that was placed upon him, before the straw!  And finally, that straw, the last straw, that last unnecessary burden, did the camel in!!","It is this straw that Jehovah protects us from.  Jehovah is aware of how much we can take, and he never asks us to carry more than is necessary.",,JK,,,jk,,6/28/2016
"MATERIALSIM, LOAD, BURDENS, DISTRACTIONS,"," Imagine a cross country runner, looks down and sees a shiny rock, ""I think I'll carry this along with me"", then he sees a shinier one he likes, then a bigger rock, how far could he run with that load of rocks?   ","Could it be that we have been slowed down by picking up a lot of shinny rocks?  If we weren't careful, we could be picking up rocks, weights we don't need, especially now.  What might these unnecessary burdens be?    1 Timothy 6:9,10      READ","1 Timothy 6:9,10",JK,,,jk,,4/4/2014
"BE RICH IN GOOD WORKS, HELPFUL, GREED, CLOCK WATCHER, LAZY, COMMERCIAL,","As for doing a day’s work, man’s motto is, “Do as little as you can and watch the clock.” ","The spirit of helping the poor has been lost. The spirit of helpfulness is nearly forgotten.  When the earth yields its increase there are no thanks to God for it, but commerce grabs the controls and either boosts or lowers prices according to its own interest. It is a fearful thing to be entwined in this great commercial organization which has no heart and to get the feel of its selfish, grasping, possessive atmosphere. It is better to ask the Lord to ‘give us this day our daily bread’ than to do as the rich of the religious, political and commercial world do. They are laying up “treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal”.—Matt. 6:19.",Matthew 6:19;,w50 1/1 p. 5 par. 9,,,bl,,3/12/2015
"SOUND INVESTMENT, WEALTH, SECURITY,",IT IS not the accumulation of this world’s wealth that brings security. It is the accumulation of good works. ,"That is what makes one rich toward God, and the “poor of this world” can accumulate this treasure more rapidly than the rich if they are “rich in faith”. Furthermore, those who are poor in this world’s goods do not have to spend so much time caring for that which they possess. One who puts his trust in money has very little security, especially in these days. ",1 Timothy 6:6-10;,w50 1/1 p. 8 par. 1,,,bl,,4/4/2014
"WARNINGS, ARMAGEDDON, BABYLON, FLOOD, SODOM,","JEHOVAH God never strikes without warning. Did he deluge the first world in watery destruction without warning? Did he burn out depraved Sodom and Gomorrah in a fiery downfall without warning? Did the Almighty take Egypt unawares as he sent wave after wave of destructive plague through the land? When Jehovah maneuvered the overthrow of Israel and Judah by foreign invasions, were the victims unwarned? Mighty Babylon that ruled like a glamorous queen over peoples and nations, should she have been surprised and caught flat-footed when enemy hosts took her by storm? And what of the desolation that struck Jerusalem during the first century A.D., did that blow fall without warning? ","To each one of these questions the facts shout the answer, No!  This is not to say that Jehovah God personally visits the earth to deliver a warning. That in itself would spell destruction for man, for if he can be painfully burned and temporarily blinded by a comparatively small sun nearly 93,000,000 miles away, how could he possibly survive a visit from the “Father of lights”? (Jas. 1:17; Ex. 33:20) Out of consideration for man’s perishable frame of flesh Jehovah God sends his warnings by messengers in human form, messengers that the warned ones can comfortably listen to and question for details. Of this practice we read, at ","Jeremiah 7:13, 25, 28: ",w50 1/15 p. 19 pars. 1-2,,,bl,,4/4/2014
"FINAL WITNESSES, HISTORY, DIVINE WARNINGS, JUDGMENTS,","MEN say that history repeats itself. The history of past divine warnings and executed judgments will, for God’s Word says that “it all happened to them by way of warning for others, and it was written down for the purpose of instructing us whose lot has been cast in the closing hours of the world”. (1 Cor. 10:11, Moffatt) ","Did not Jesus say as much when he spoke of his second presence in these “last days”?—“As it was in the time of Noah, so will it also be in the time of the Son of Man. Men were eating and drinking, taking wives and giving wives, up to the very day Noah entered the Ark, and the Deluge came and destroyed them all. As it was also in the time of Lot; they were eating and drinking, buying and selling, planting and building; but on the day that Lot left Sodom, it rained fire and brimstone from the sky and destroyed them all. Exactly so will it be on the day that the veil is lifted from the Son of Man.” ",Luke 17:26-30;,w50 1/15 p. 22 par. 1,,,bl,,4/4/2014
"PEDDLER, FINAL WITNESS, RETURN VISITS, FOLLOW UP, HOME BIBLE STUDY,","Book peddlers have completed their work with the distribution of their wares, but not so the minister placing Bible helps. In his wielding of the “sword of the spirit” he does not make one thrust in the form of a book placement and then sheathe the truth-sword, but follows through by making a stab for a home Bible study. ","He is zealous to revisit those willing to hear him again on these vital subjects. (Acts 15:36; 17:32, An Amer. Trans.) And on such revisits he conducts Bible studies free of charge. Jesus taught in homes and revisited homes where there was special interest. (2 Cor. 2:17, An Amer. Trans.) Like Paul, Jehovah’s witnesses today can say this because they do not stop with the placement of literature in the homes of the people.",2 COR 2:17;,w50 1/15 p. 24 par. 11,,,bl,,4/4/2014
"FINAL WITNESS, LAZY, SLEEPY, ZEALOUS,","Too tired; too sleepy; too busy; But perhaps such ones are too tired to live forever, and prefer to sleep forever, in death, undisturbed by clanging alarm clocks or resurrections!","“You sluggard, how long will you sleep? When will you rise from your slumber? ‘Let me sleep for a little, a little! let me fold my hands for a little, to rest?’ yes, and poverty will pounce on you, want will overpower you.” ",Proverbs 6:6-11; (Moff.),w50 1/15 p. 25 par. 18,,,bl,,4/4/2014
"ORGANIZATION, PRUNED OFF, SEVERED, DISFELLOWSHIPPED, SPIRITUAL SUICIDE, ","Jehovah’s visible organization can use you, but can get along without you too. But you cannot get along without it. Fruitless ones are eventually pruned off and never missed as new ones are grafted in. Pruned-off branches soon wither and die, being cut off from the circulating, life-giving sap. ","Likewise, if a hand or foot is cut from the human body the severed member perishes, or if it is kept inactive in a cramped position it goes to sleep, gets numb, loses its ability to move. The blood in which is the life fails to circulate to those parts, fails to bring in new food supplies and carry off waste matter. So it is with Jehovah’s visible organization. All must associate together, get the life-giving spiritual food that God circulates to his people through the organization, get the new truths that take away old ideas and the admonition that keeps down queer personal ideas, all of which keeps us fresh and strong and active, seeing eye to eye and fighting shoulder to shoulder. Don’t become a withered branch or a paralyzed foot. Don’t amputate yourself from the organization and commit spiritual suicide.",John 15:1-8.,w50 1/15 p. 26 par. 22,,,bl,,4/4/2014
"TIME, ROAD TO LIFE, HABITS, LOVER OF PLEASURES,",The traveler on life’s way can ill afford to waste his time on excursions away from the narrow though more difficult road. He may find some day that he has traveled too far; habits may have such a firm grip upon him that the remaining time will prove too short to extricate himself and return to the path of life. Do not allow yourself to be enticed into being a ‘lover of pleasures more than a lover of God’ like those from whom Christians are advised to turn away. ,"It is well to keep constantly in mind that the pattern which our individual lives follow, the way we use our time, is largely determined by habits we have formed, whether good or bad. Usually the course that seems most difficult, when carefully examined, proves to be the best. It is a broad way that Satan constructs to lead his followers to death. ",2 Tim. 3:4,w50 2/1 pp. 38-39 par. 22,,,bl,,4/4/2014
"TIME, SYMPATHY, INVOLVING OTHERS, DISRUPTION, INJURY, COMPLAIN, ",The Devil is not content to let the injured one brood about the matter. He is greedy for our time. Sympathy is required; others must be told; the time of others must be consumed. ,"An unwary person, hearing this tale of abuse, may be prone to take sides in the difficulty and what was once a trivial matter may sweep through the congregation like a conflagration, disrupt the orderly and profitable service of God and give rise to charges and countercharges, publicly aired before all. Fortunately, this is not the usual thing among witnesses for God, but if there is a possibility of its happening, time-conscious, profitable servants do well to keep themselves forewarned.",PROVERBS 19:2;,w50 2/1 p. 42 par. 9,,,bl,,4/4/2014
"EVILDOER, THIEF, FORGIVENESS, TRUST, CONFIDENCE, DEATH-BED REPENTANCE,","If a man asked your forgiveness for stealing your money, you might decide not to press charges. But would you trust him to run your business or to take care of your family? You would reserve such responsibilities only for those in whom you had the utmost confidence.","Likewise, those who are given the hope of life in heaven must provide a solid basis for confidence that they will uphold God’s righteous standards when they rule over mankind. (Revelation 2:10) The evildoer, though apparently sincere in his last-minute plea, provided no such basis.",Revelation 2:10;,w13 3/1 p. 9,,,bl,,4/4/2014
"PRAYERS, SAINTS, BURDENS, ","Imagine your child has some earnest request to make of you. You have carefully nurtured your relationship with him, and you have always been approachable. Nevertheless, because of his unfounded fear of your reaction, he asks someone else to pass on the request to you. How would you feel? What if he makes a practice of communicating with you only through this other person and there is every indication that he intends to continue doing so? Would you be happy with that arrangement? Of course not! ","Loving parents want their children to approach them directly and to feel comfortable asking for what they need.God wants us to approach him directly in prayer even if we are burdened down by personal shortcomings. He does not assign others to hear our prayers. The Bible urges us: “Throw your burden upon Jehovah himself, and he himself will sustain you.” (Psalm 55:22) Rather than depending on the intercession of saints or anyone else, we would do well to develop a positive view of Jehovah God.",PSALM 55:22;,w13 6/1,,,bl,,4/4/2014
"FREEDOM FROM DEATH, NEW EARTH, RANSOM, RELEASE, MEMORIAL, SLAVERY,","Since most people like to keep away from pawnshops, it may be fitting to describe man’s present condition in this way. If someone leaves a watch at the pawnshop, the only way to get that watch out of the pawnshop again is by paying over the money value of the watch. Thus it is possible to free the watch. ","Today, mankind, like that watch, is tied up to pawnshop-like slavery to imperfection, leading to death, just as a watch might in time deteriorate and become useless in the pawnshop. Like the watch, mankind cannot buy itself out of this miserable state. However, someone from the outside can pay over the price of release of mankind, just as with the watch. It was the forfeit of Adam’s perfect human life that brought man into slavery to death. Hence another perfect human life must be paid over to release man from the power of death.",HOSEA 13:14;,w59 6/1 p. 332 par. 34,,,bl,,4/4/2014
"SPIRITUAL MATURITY, DISCERNMENT, GROWTH, ","A YOUNG child needs help and guidance. The parents who are concerned with the welfare of the child are always ready to give the needed help and advice as the growing child faces new situations. At first the parents have to make decisions on behalf of the child: what is good or what is bad; what to eat or what not to eat; when to sleep or when to play; where the child can go in safety and what places to avoid as dangerous; what literature is within the child’s scope and beneficial for its upbringing and what would tend to confuse or would be bad for spiritual and moral growth. But as the child progresses in years the wise parent trains his child to think for himself, to discern what is good and bad, wise and foolish. Then as adulthood in years is reached so also is mental maturity.","Our illustration of the child well applies to the growth to Christian maturity of a person newly coming to a knowledge of the truth. At first he needs help in how to study God’s Word, the personal help and guidance of a mature Christian. He needs to be fed. But the wise instructor will train his student to think and reason things out for himself so that he can soon begin to feed himself and grow in powers of discernment. Just as the evidence of true adulthood is in demonstrating adult understanding and appreciation, so Christian maturity is demonstrated by one’s powers of spiritual discernment, the ability to arrive at right decisions, keenly discerning right from wrong on the basis of Bible principles. ",Heb. 5:13 to 6:1;,w59 8/1 pp. 463-464 pars. 1-4,,,bl,,4/4/2014
"COMPROMISE NEVER ALLOWED, FEAR JEHOVAH, ","Two people are in a court fight. The one injured is called the plaintiff. He asks full payment of damage. The wrongdoer, called the defendant, denies it. He claims he owes nothing. The defendant offers to settle, maybe half of the caused damage. To save trouble the plaintiff abandons things he knows are right. He reduces his claim. Finally a price is agreed upon. A compromise is reached!","This custom of compromise or coming to terms by abandoning things that are right to save trouble is not permitted in Jehovah’s court of supreme justice; it is prohibited by penalty of death. Christians should never compromise just to save trouble. They should stay loyal to the supreme law of their God regardless of consequences. Remember Jesus’ words: “For whoever wants to save his soul [for instance, by compromise] will lose it; but whoever loses his soul [for being loyal] for my sake will find it.”—",Matt. 16:25; REVELATION 21:8;,w59 8/15 pp. 501-502 pars. 8-9,,,bl,,4/4/2014
"WALKING IN NAME OF JEHOVAH, FEW IN NUMBERS, LIGHT SHINE, UNITY, HARMONY, COMET, CREATION,","Astronomers say the tail of a comet is made up of such little particles of matter that only the pressure of sunlight is necessary to push the tail out away from the head as the comet approaches the sun. Though this tail may extend a million miles through space, all the particles that make it up could be packed in an ordinary suitcase. ","In Jehovah’s earthly arrangement the guiding force of his Word and spirit is what brings his servants into line for the accomplishment of his will. Even though they may seem few in numbers and insignificant, still they reflect the light of truth to all those looking for it. Among Jehovah’s servants we do not find one with one way of serving or believing and another with a different belief, any more than we find a comet with 258 tails, one to correspond with each religion. Jehovah’s people all enjoy unity and harmony, having come to a oneness of understanding and purpose with Christ, their heavenly Head and Leader.",ACTS 20:20;,w59 9/1 p. 529 par. 12,,,bl,,4/4/2014
"TRUTH, CHANCE, UNSEEN MAKER, CREATOR, ORIGEN, ","Though watches and clocks used for telling time are made of inanimate metal, no such timepiece is found by chance in the ground already made. No, a watchmaker is needed to make the parts out of minerals taken from the ground. Man, the watchmaker, then fits the parts together according to certain mechanical laws for the operation of its many wheels, which move the hands to indicate time. When others use the watch, the watchmaker is not visible, but his work remains visible. ","So it is with the making of the wondrous sea, air and land creatures that share man’s habitation upon this globe. They are the visible proof of an unseen Maker. They each have a created purpose and make their contribution to earth’s growing economy. Each living creature is equipped with instinct and a measure of intelligence. All these operate according to designed sets of implanted laws.",ROMANS 1:20;,w59 10/1 pp. 585-586 par. 6,,,bl,,4/4/2014
"RESURRECTION, BODY, RECREATES, MEMORIAL TOMBS, ALL THINGS NEW, ","It may have been your experience in wartime that your house that you loved very much was burned down. However, you could easily have the same house rebuilt, for the pattern of all its beloved details is very clear in your memory. Surely, then, God who is the originator of memory can re-create men whom he has kept in his memory because he loved them. (Isa. 64:8) This is why the Bible uses the expression “memorial tombs.” When it comes God’s due time to bring the dead to life again, he will perform that miracle, just as he performed a miracle in creating the first man, only this time he will perform it many times over.—Gen. 2:7; Acts 24:15.","However, resurrection does not mean bringing the same chemical elements together again. It means that God recreates the same person, with the same personality. He brings a new body forth from the earthly elements, and in that body he places the same characteristics, the same distinctive qualities, the same memory, the same life pattern that the person had built up until the time of his death.",Gen. 2:7; Acts 24:15;,w59 6/1 pp. 333-334 pars. 39-40,,,bl,,4/4/2014
"KNOWLEDGE, DEMONS, SPIRITUALISM, FEAR, TRUTH SETS FREE, ","In one village a gale broke off some branches of a large tree that was believed to be inhabited by spirits and was regularly worshiped. Although the road was blocked, not one villager would dare touch a branch for fear of being struck dead by the juju. So what did they do? They sent for Jehovah’s witnesses to clear away the branches because they knew the juju had no power over them.","Likewise, when juju processions pass through villages, terrorizing the population, Jehovah’s witnesses calmly walk by in the road, while others flee to their homes in terror. It has been recognized throughout the villages that the juju has no power over Jehovah’s witnesses. Truly Jesus said: “You will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”—John 8:32.",JOHN 8:32;,w58 5/15 p. 313 par. 9,,,bl,,4/4/2014
"BALANCE, CONFIDENCE, EFFORT, TRAINING, DISTRACTIONS, WALKING NARROW ROAD,","MANY have been the circus-goers who have sat in awed silence while a tightwire performer went through his act high above their heads. He moved about on a thin wire as surely as if he were walking on the ground. It required effort and many years of training for him to develop this keen sense of balance. It is a skill that had to be worked on, and it continues to demand close attention. While walking his wire he has his mind on what he is doing. He does not permit it to wander to other things, but rather he concentrates on keeping his balance.","This circus performer well illustrates the Christian who is walking the narrow way of Christian integrity. Jesus spoke about this way when he said: “Narrow is the gate and cramped the road leading off into life, and few are the ones finding it.” (Matt. 7:14) The dedicated Christian is one of those few. To stay on that narrow road he must develop good mental and spiritual balance, just as the tightwire performer must develop good balance to stay on his wire. As one slip can be disastrous for him, so can it be for the dedicated Christian",MATTHEW 7:14;,w58 6/15 p. 369 pars. 1-2,,,bl,,4/4/2014
"OVERCONFIDENT, VIGILANCE, TITANIC, PRAYERS, ","It was 11:40 of the night of April 14, 1912. The world’s largest ocean liner with 2,207 souls aboard was sailing full speed ahead on the North Atlantic. She was hailed as “man’s proudest engineering achievement.” Indicative of the confidence her owners had in her was her name, the “Titanic,” meaning “of enormous magnitude, force and power.” This liner reputed to be unsinkable, was on the fifth day of her maiden voyage. Then out of the darkness there loomed an iceberg and before her course could be sufficiently changed she received a large gash in her side. In less than three hours the “unsinkable” Titanic sank, taking down with her 1,502 men, women and children to a watery grave.","What caused that terrible tragedy? Lack of vigilance due to overconfidence! Six warnings had been received by her wireless operator, one of these even giving the exact location of the very iceberg the Titanic struck! Why did her captain keep sailing full speed ahead in spite of such warnings? Because of his great trust in his ship’s unsinkability. Truly a forceful illustration of the folly of overconfidence!",1 Pet. 4:7;,w58 8/15 p. 497,,,bl,,4/4/2014
"RACE, RUNNING, PRIZE, ","RUN, running, race—these are words you probably have noticed many times in your reading of the Bible, especially the epistles of the apostle Paul. Why does he frequently use words pertaining to a foot race? ","Because a race well illustrates the course that is set before a Christian; because running expresses movement, action, going forward; because running is one of the most forceful, striking words the apostle could use to express the efforts a Christian must put forth to win the prize of everlasting life in God’s new world.",1 Cor. 9:24;,w58 9/15 p. 560,,,bl,,4/4/2014
"MATERIALISM, MONEY, FRUITS OF THE KINGDOM,","What does a farmer do when he sees that the weeds are crowding out the crops on which his livelihood depends? The farmer will get into the field and fight for the very life of his crops and he will use every means available to him to root out and cut down the weeds so his crops might grow and bear fruitage. Further, if the weeds grow too high they can shade out the crop that is growing up. ","So too if we permit materialism to grow up alongside the true fruitage of God’s Word in our hearts, then it can easily be shaded out by materialism. Just as the farmer fights for the life of his crop, so we as Christians should fight for the fruits of the Kingdom ministry and not allow the weeds of materialism to choke them out or stunt their growth. Pull up materialism by its roots, exposing it to the scorching light of God’s Word and thereby cause it to wither away and die.","Mark 4:18, 19;",w58 10/1 p. 583 pars. 7-8,,,bl,,4/4/2014
"THEOCRATIC ORGANIZATION, UNITY, PROGRESS, MATERIALISM, EXPERIENCE, ","A young teen-age brother may be quite intelligent, get good grades in school and feel that he has the answers to many problems. However, because he lacks experience and has not dealt with the problems of life to any great degree, he can go off on a tangent. His father, a mature, well-qualified man, recognizes this, sits down with his son and gives him practical wisdom that will aid the boy to make right paths for his feet. ","This is how the organization should be viewed—as an “older man” full of wisdom, maturity, good judgment, sound balance and discernment.  These sound principles that the father has learned by a progressive application of Jehovah’s Word can be of great value to the son in making a success out of life and not leaning on his own understanding. ","Jer. 17:9, 10Jer. 17:9, 10JEREMIAH 17:9,10;",w58 10/1 pp. 597-598 par. 4,,,bl,,4/4/2014
"LAW INTO HEART, PURIFY HEART, HARDENS HEART,","THE seeds of certain desert plants seem to have an intelligence of their own. They will not sprout until a rainfall of at least half an inch, and preferably more. The seeds and the soil around them are just as wet after a tenth of an inch of rain as they are after two inches, yet the seeds refuse to sprout after the lighter rainfall. But how can a dormant seed measure rainfall? It is just as soaked in a thimbleful of water as it is when thrown into a lake. Why does it not sprout when thoroughly soaked by the lighter rainfall? How can it measure the amount? How does it know to wait for more? Also, these seeds seem to know the direction from which the water comes. ","When enough rain has fallen and soaked down into the soil they will sprout, but if the water soaks up from below they refuse to germinate. How can they tell the direction? And why should it make a difference? The answers to these questions illustrate part of the process of getting God’s law on your heart. If we sincerely want Jehovah’s law on our heart it can be written there. How?To write, a clean surface is needed, and an eraser may be needed to remove previous writing. To add new writing over the old would cause conflict and confuse. Hearts alienated from Jehovah are scribbled over with wrong writing. Of man before the Flood Jehovah said: “Every inclination of the thoughts of his heart was only bad all the time.” After the Flood the heart of fallen man still needed cleansing: “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately corrupt.” But the account goes on to show that Jehovah will heal the heart of those that want it. Many have made their hearts hard, calloused to sin, untouchable by pity, impenetrable by goodness, insensitive to appeals. The writing on such hearts is like that on Judah’s: “The sin of Judah is written with a pen of iron; with a point of diamond it is engraved on the tablet of their heart.” Inasmuch as “he who hardens his heart will fall into calamity,” “why should you make your heart unresponsive just the way Egypt and Pharaoh made their heart unresponsive?” Rather, why not pray: “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and put a new and right spirit within me”? Such a heart presents a clean surface for the writing of Jehovah’s law.—","PSALM 34:8; Gen. 6:5, NW; Jer. 17:9, 14, 1; Prov. 28:14, RS; 1 Sam. 6:6, NW; Ps. 51:10, RS.",w57 2/1 p. 85,"SERVICE TALK, LOCAL NEEDS,",200,bl,,4/4/2014
"SOUL, DEATH, DIES, HOPE, ","“When you separate water into its constituent parts, hydrogen and oxygen, where does the water go?” Or again, when you rob a candle’s flame of oxygen, where does the flame go? A moment ago the process of combustion united the material on the wick with oxygen and there was flame. Where is the flame now? ","The answer in both illustrations is “nowhere.” It takes hydrogen and oxygen to make water; separate them and the water ceases to exist. It takes combustible material and oxygen to make flame; separate them and the flame ceases to exist. It takes body and breath of life to produce soul; separate them and the soul ceases to exist. Is it hard to accept that when a man dies there is no life left over and surviving somewhere? Do you still ask, “Where did the life go?”  ",EZEKIEL 18:4; 20;,w57 6/15 p. 359 ,,,bl,,4/4/2014
"MATERIALISM, MONEY, TREASURES, UNDERSTANDING,","Today a man having property valued at one hundred thousand dollars is required to pay approximately four thousand dollars a year in taxes, or more than three hundred dollars every month. He can’t take his property to heaven with him if he is a member of the body of Christ. What is he going to do with it? Even if he is a Jonadab, it is questionable that he would be able to preserve it through Armageddon. ","Therefore, why spend all this time, energy and money trying to preserve something that he cannot take into the kingdom of God? That time and energy and mammon could be used in the Kingdom service and be converted into treasures in heaven for that property owner. Otherwise, he is wasting that much effort. ",MATTHEW 10:5-10;,w50 5/1 pp. 135-136 par. 28,,,bl,,4/6/2014
"PROBLEMS, TRIALS, BUILDING, GROWTH, STORMS, PERSONAL CRISES, THREATS, ENDURANCE,","Storms are sure to threaten one’s building work. Not just the impending storm of Armageddon that is hovering on the world’s horizon but, more presently, the storms of personal difficulties and crises that arise in the life of each individual builder. ","These put to the critical test his foundation, his adherence to a course of obedience. Will his hopes and prospects for the future be able to weather these storms of a personal nature and, ultimately, the storm of Armageddon? Or will they be dashed to pieces, perhaps bringing spiritual ruin or literal destruction to him as well? This will depend on how deeply into his heart the truths communicated through God’s Son have penetrated, and whether or not his heart has moved him to put those truths to work in his life.",Matthew 13:18-23;,w69 3/1 p. 137 par. 2,,,bl,,4/6/2014
"FAITHFULNESS, ENDURANCE, SOUNDING DOWN TRUTH, TEACHING, QUESTIONS, WHY,","We might then use an illustration, perhaps of three persons in a country where an official ban is placed on such preaching of the good news of God’s kingdom. Of the three persons, one stops his preaching immediately. The second is arrested and thereafter agrees to cease all preaching. The third is also arrested, but when finally released he keeps on preaching by whatever means he can. “Now,” we might ask the student, “which one would you say is proving himself a true Christian, one like the apostles were?” ","The answer, of course, is the last one; but after such answer we might inquire, “Why do you say so?”  True, the answer to the question based on this illustration is quite obvious, yet it may cause the person to search his own mind and heart on the matter, thinking of what he would do under similar circumstances. Posing a problem from real life is very useful. It aids persons to consider seriously just how they would apply Bible principles in their lives and what their future course will be. ",Ps. 119:33-37;,w69 3/1 pp. 148-149 pars. 24-25,,,bl,,4/6/2014
"DECISIONS, MARRIAGE, SINGLENESS, WEIGHT, TEMPTATION,","If you had decided to go on a diet to lose weight, would it be reasonable for you to surround yourself at each meal with rich, fattening foods that were not included in your diet? Would it not be reasonable just to have the food before you that was recommended for that meal so that you would not lose the joy of that food by looking at other food that you should not at that time have? The same would be true with the single person who had decided to remain so.","If he had made this decision for a certain time period, then within that time he reasonably would refrain from trying to be with one of the opposite sex. He would certainly not be dating or allowing himself continual association of this kind, as this would create desire that he is trying to keep subdued.  It is a true statement that whatever a person is interested in, this he will talk about. ",1 Cor. 7:37,w69 3/15 p. 178 pars. 19-20,,,bl,,4/6/2014
"BIBLE, KNOWLEDGE, AUTHENTIC, BEAUTIFUL, WRITERS, RAINBOW, COLOR, SIMPLE,","It was an easy matter for Jehovah to pick men from among shepherds, farmers, fishermen and tentmakers, or to choose one who was a priest, king, prophet, physician or tax collector, to write at His dictation. Whether the writer was schooled in the courts of Pharaoh or was just an “unlettered and ordinary” man in scholastic training, was unimportant to the Great Author.  ","This colored the pages of the Bible with a beautiful rainbow of individual writing traits and a diversity in styles—songs, prayers, prose, poetry—while at the same time superb oneness in theme and unity in purpose was maintained throughout.Thus the Bible, reflecting as it does the mind and will of Jehovah, far surpasses anything mere men could author. It is written in simple, easy-to-understand language that can be translated into practically any tongue. Scholars admire it as a masterpiece of simple, yet powerful, descriptive words like “God,” “man,” “life,” “death,” “fire,” “ice,” “sing,” “cry,” “stop,” “run.”",Acts 7:22; 4:13,w69 4/15 p. 248,,,bl,,4/6/2014
"ENDURANCE, PERSECUTION, TRIBULATION, JOYFUL, ","The world’s view of endurance can well be illustrated by the experience of a man on a life raft. Such a man is thrown into the situation against his will. He is at the mercy of the elements. He may endure because of a stubborn desire to live. He may survive a long ordeal of scarcity of food and water and may be rescued from the raft in time, but he is so weak that he must be fed and taken care of by others, perhaps for some time. He himself can help no one else. It is a joyless experience, a mere undergoing of sufferings with determination, waiting for the end of the ordeal to come.","Where, then, is a Christian’s endurance different? Well, he starts on his course voluntarily, knowing where he is aiming and why he must endure. He also knows that he has Jehovah God at his side. He does not despair; he is not starved as he goes along, because he is spiritually fed. Instead of getting weaker like the man on the raft, he keeps getting stronger because he knows that he is pleasing God. He is helping others to endure. His interest in others occupies him so that he thinks little of any hardships he may undergo. He is spiritually built up. As he endures, he gets stronger instead of weaker. His destination is sure, not a matter of doubt, and he is happy. Knowing where he is going and why, he is able to endure with joy because it is evidence that he is on the right course and is a token of God’s approval of him. ","2 Thess. 1:4, 5;",w69 6/15 p. 362 par. 6,"service talk, local needs,",200,bl,,4/6/2014
"BIBLE, NOT PARTIAL, UNITY, UNITED, BROTHERHOOD, ","CAN you imagine a world of mankind in which the Asiatic, the Negro and the “white man” all delight to call one another “brother”? Can you imagine a world with just one religion? A world with all men united in a loving bond of worship of the one God who created heaven and earth? ","The most widely distributed and most widely read book of all history tells of this glorious prospect. It is a very ancient book, and at the same time the most up-to-date.  This book of practical wisdom was compiled entirely by Orientals. However, its message is not just for Asiatics of the Near or Far East, but also for Africans, for Europeans, for Americans—for all mankind! As stated in this book: “God is not partial, but in every nation the man that fears him and works righteousness is acceptable to him.” This book is the Holy Bible.","Eph. 4:5, 6;",w69 7/1 p. 389,,,bl,,4/8/2014
"TRUTH, SACRIFICES, SIMPLICITY, BIBLE,","When people buy something, they do not like to get cheated but like to get a quality product at the best possible price. But before making that final selection, they appreciate talking to one who is an authority on the subject. If, by reason of his training and experience, he is an expert in this field, then his knowledge is invaluable. Especially is this true if he is a close friend and thus you can really trust him. Generally speaking, there is no substitute for such a source of information.",Much more is this so with respect to the truth of God’s Word. There are some still out in the world today who are concerned for their everlasting lives. Our really knowing the truth and being able to answer their questions and explain simply and clearly what God has done and will yet do will be convincing. ,JOHN 8:34;,w69 7/15 p. 434 pars. 12-14,,,bl,,4/6/2014
"TRUTH, SIMPLICITY, SIMPLE, BIBLE, HEALTH, ","When our health is involved, we want to know our true condition. We want the simple truth presented to us in a way that we understand. Only then can we begin to arrange for the treatment that will bring about recovery or improvement. Here we want to talk to one who is an authority in this field. We want someone who knows and whom we can trust.",Much more is this so with respect to the truth of God’s Word. There are some still out in the world today who are concerned for their everlasting lives. Our really knowing the truth and being able to answer their questions and explain simply and clearly what God has done and will yet do will be convincing.,JOHN 8:34;,w69 7/15 p. 434 pars. 13-14,,,bl,,4/6/2014
"SELF-CONTROL, ANGER, RESTRAINT, ","The value and need of self-control might be illustrated by a motorcar. Its engine may have as little as 35 or as much as 400 horsepower. But important as is the production of power by this engine, equally important is its being controlled, for of what value would a motorcar be if you could not control the speed or the direction in which it traveled? It would be an instrument of death!","The problem of self-control arises because we are capable of using wrongly as well as rightly, wisely and lovingly, the various gifts and faculties with which Jehovah God has endowed us, since we are not bound by instincts as is the brute creation but are free moral agents created in the image and likeness of God. Even as the forces of inanimate creation, if not restrained, can cause much harm—witness thereto tornadoes, hurricanes, tidal waves and lightning—so also with the mental, emotional and physical powers with which our Creator has endowed us; if not controlled, they can cause much harm.",Prov. 25:28;,w69 8/1 pp. 457-458 pars. 4-5,,,bl,,4/6/2014
"BANKRUPTCY, BROKEN BENCH, CREDITOR, PLEDGE, LAWS, JUSTICE, MERCY, ","The very origin of the term “bankruptcy.” It comes from Italian words meaning “broken bench,” referring to the practice during the Middle Ages of breaking up the benches or counters of a merchant who failed to pay his debts. Even more severe, under the Roman law of the Twelve Tables, as a last resort the creditors could cut the debtor’s body into pieces, each taking a proportionate share.","What a contrast were the merciful laws Jehovah gave to Israel! When loans were made to fellow Hebrews who had grown poor, no interest was charged. (Lev. 25:35-38) If a creditor went to collect a pledge for a debt, he could not dash into the house and seize whatever he wanted; rather, the debtor provided the pledge. The creditor could not take the man’s hand mill or grindstone; those were needed to sustain life. And if his garment was taken as a pledge, it had to be returned at night so he could sleep in it and keep warm.","Deut. 24:6, 10-13; Ezek. 18:5-9;",w68 4/1 p. 223,,,bl,,4/6/2014
"COMMENDATION, THANKS, APPRECIATION, DISAPPOINTMENTS, NEGATIVE, ENCOURAGE,","The value of fine words can be illustrated by the experience of a hardworking mother of five children. Diligently she labored to keep her house and the clothes of her family neat and clean and, what is more, she cooked very good meals. But did her family ever think of giving her a compliment because of how clean she kept their home and for the tasty meals she prepared day after day? No. When she once brought this to their attention, they replied: “O Ma, you should know that so long as we don’t complain, everything is just fine!”","How typical of many, many families! Yet how thoughtless, how unwise and how unloving! Life is so full of things that tend to depress or discourage. “Time and unforeseen occurrence befall” all of us; we become victims of circumstances over which we may have little or no control. (Eccl. 9:11) Disappointments and personal failings have a tendency to produce negative thinking. How much appreciated, then, is the word of commendation whenever it can be given! So, look for opportunities to commend instead of harping on weaknesses and shortcomings.",ECCL. 9:11;,w68 6/15 p. 355,,,bl,,4/6/2014
"ABSOLUTE DATES, HISTORICAL, MEASURING TIME, SIGNPOSTS, ","An English traveler, visiting a historic place on the continent of Europe, left his hotel one morning and slowly walked through the woods, stopping briefly at the scenic spots and the refreshing pools along the way. Sometime during the afternoon he crossed a stream and followed the path over the mountain. Toward the close of the day the question of how far he had traveled came to mind. He remembered that earlier during the day the distances between the places where he stopped were clearly marked in meters on the signposts, but after crossing the bridge the signposts were discontinued. To learn how far he had come, it was not enough for our traveler to go back and translate from meters to feet the recorded distances on the early part of his journey. He must first of all measure back from his present position, over the mountain and across the bridge, to the last-recorded marker. Once this distance was determined, the rest would be comparatively easy, if he would but trust the figures on the signposts.","So too in determining where mankind is on the pathway of time, it will not solve the problem simply to translate ancient calendars into present-day systems. One must first measure back in time across the gulf that separates the present from the ancient Biblical record of the past, to a stationary point in history, to a fixed date of the past, to an absolute date, if you please. Such a date must be one where sacred and secular historical events coincide and are linked in perfect agreement with current methods of measuring time distances. With such a date fixed in terms of the Gregorian yardstick we will know how far we have come from that point and where we are at present. Then from that pivot point we can also measure either forward or backward in dating other events of Bible history even though originally they were dated according to a different system.","1 Ki. 6:1; Ezek. 1:1, 2; 8:1; 20:1; 40;",w68 8/15 pp. 489-490 pars. 9-11,,,bl,,4/6/2014
"SOWING, REAP, MORALS, SEXUAL DESIRES, ROMANTIC NOVELS, WORLD,","Think back for a moment on the illustration of the farmer sowing seed in his fields. Actually the grains of seed he sows are very small, and when they fall on the ground they become practically invisible. Likewise, in connection with improper sexual desires. The seed may be small and sown almost indiscernibly to others, possibly even to ourselves. ","Today, from every direction the enticements to improper sexual desires crowd in upon us, and especially upon the teen-agers. “Romantic” novels, and particularly the cheap picture-story-type magazines, glamorize fornication and adultery under the guise of “true love,” the hero rescuing the heroine from an “unfortunate marriage,” and suchlike. Few films today can hope for success without somewhere in the script pandering to the perverted moral taste of the majority of cinemagoers. Schoolchildren, especially those at high schools, are exposed to the talk of their schoolmates, which often gravitates to sex and “adventures” with those of the opposite sex, real or imagined.",GAL 5:19;,w68 9/1 p. 523 par. 9,,,bl,,4/6/2014
"SOW, REAP, INFORMATION, UNCLEAN THOUGHTS, SEXUAL DESIRES, MIND, BOOKS, ","“They just go in one ear and out the other,” he might say. But, beware! As information goes in one ear and out the other it passes through the mind, and, on its way, small seeds of unclean thoughts can take root and later germinate into improper sexual desire. ","Certainly if one spends time with sexy books and allows the mind to toy with what one reads or sees in the way of sexy pictures, unclean thoughts are bound to be the result along with improper sexual desire. And such “sowing with a view to [the] flesh,” even though in the privacy of one’s mind, will in due time lead to those works of the flesh, “fornication, uncleanness, loose conduct.” “Do not be misled: God is not one to be mocked,” for one sowing in this manner will indeed reap in like manner, along with “corruption from his flesh.”",ROM 8:6-8;,w68 9/1 p. 523 par. 10,,,bl,,4/6/2014
"Why We Grow Old and Die, SIN, DEATH, ","The effect of sin upon them might be illustrated by what happens to a piece of fine machinery when it is not used properly, according to the maker’s instructions. The machine will develop weaknesses and, in time, break down. ","Similarly, as a result of ignoring the instructions of their Maker, Adam and Eve lost their perfection. Their minds and bodies began to break down, and finally ceased to function, in death. That is what disobedience and removal from God’s favor meant for them. (Gen. 3:16-19) After Adam had used up the tremendous vitality of his once-perfect body, he died at the age of 930 years. This was within the symbolic “day” of one thousand years that God had set.—Gen. 5:5; 2 Pet. 3:8.",Gen. 5:5; 2 Pet. 3:8;,w68 10/15 p. 615,,,bl,,4/6/2014
"MIRROR, BIBLE, MISSIONARIES, GODLY QUALITIES, ","“WHAT do you see when you look into a mirror?” This question set the theme of an address by N. H. Knorr, the Watch Tower Society’s president, on the morning of September 8, 1968. The occasion was the graduation of the 46th class of the Watchtower Bible School of Gilead in New York city.  Holding up a large mirror, the president asked the audience of 2,045 persons what they could see when they looked into it. It would be their reflection. But that reflection would be only of one’s physical, or outward, appearance. It would not reveal what a person was really like on the inside.","Then, the president held up an open Bible and asked: “What do you see when you look into this mirror?” When a person looks into this book, does he see himself? By reading the Bible, we listen to Jehovah God talk to us. We will thus see what Jehovah requires of us and can compare what we really are to God’s standards. How much better a Christian can see himself when peering into God’s Word than he can when looking into a literal mirror! The audience appreciated this fine illustration.","JAMES 1:23, 24;",w68 10/15 p. 638,,,bl,,4/6/2014
"YOUTH, PROBLEMS, CHILDREN, SEXUAL DESIRES, PARENTS, DRESS, GROOMING,","“The story is told of the mother with an uninformed thirteen-year-old pregnant daughter. When asked if she had explained the ‘facts of life’ to her daughter, she replied, ‘Oh, no, I thought she was too young for that.’”","The doctors then observed: “Too frequently, such parents send their ten- to twelve-year-olds to unchaperoned parties with ‘dates’ wearing silk stockings, high heels, adult-style clothes and lipstick, and then wonder how they get into trouble at fifteen years of age.” It is true that youngsters may at times pressure for freedom to do such things. However, as parents you must stand firm and enforce necessary rules. It is your responsibility to do so! And, really, your children will be grateful if you do.",EPH 6:4;,w67 2/15 p. 100,,,bl,,4/6/2014
"ELDERS, GIFTS IN MEN, GIFTS, MINISTERIAL SERVANTS, ","Have you ever picked out a gift for someone and wondered of they would like it?  You may have been very careful in selecting the gift,picking something real practical, they could use, hoping they would really appreciate it, hoping they wouldn't want to return it.","Christ Jesus has given gifts to the Christian congregation..... and Jesus is not an Indian Giver......he won't take these gifts back.....and we can't return them!   But, that's alright, because no one in their right spiritual mind would ever want to return such practical gifts.",Ephesians 4 8,JK,,,jk,,4/7/2014
"GIFTS IN MEN, GIFTS, BUSY, ELDERS","IF YOU WANT SOMETHING DONE WELL, GIVE IT TO A BUSY MAN, BECAUSE THE OTHER KIND HAS NO TIME.","In effect, that is what Jehovah God and Jesus Christ have done when it comes to taking care of and leading the Christian congregation.   They've given the task of oversight to BUSY MEN.     Busy doing what? For one thing,  busy trying to lead exemplary lives as Christians.",Ephesians 4:8,JK,,,jk,,4/7/2014
"ELDERS, LEAD, MINISTRY, ","      And when it comes to preaching activity, the elders don't just say to the flock: (ILL) ""Now go out there and get em!""  No, they personally schedule time to share in the field ministry.",,Hebrews 13:17,JK,,,jk,,4/7/2014
"SKILL, MINISTRY, SAVING, EFFECTIVE","  Once upon a time there was a man who once a week would take a walk down by the river. One day while walking along the bank, he heard some screaming, saw a man struggling in the water,  drowning.......there was no one else there......he looked all around for something to throw the man, tried to throw a big piece of wood in for the man to grasp onto, but it didn't work......finally, although he could hardly swim himself,  he jumped in, and got to the man, grabbed hold of each other, they both almost drowned, but with much difficulty made it out of the river. The man was a hero and even received an award from the community!   There was another man. He saved 4 from drowning people in one day . Only he didn't get any awards. He was a volunteer life-guard. He had taken training in how to save people......how to recessitate them. In fact, he was  in a club of volunteer lifeguards where they would have contests to sharpen  their skills at getting to people quickly and helping them. He had received awards for his hard work in sharpening his skills.","   A question........Which one of those men would you want to help you ifyou were having difficulty in the water?     It seems obvious, for that first man, saving somebody was just incidental to his being near the river, saving people wasn't his profession, it was a sideline, he happened to be at the right place at the right time.   The second man's actions though were deliberate. Even though he was a volunteer, his main work was trying to save people from drowning, his being near the water was planned, with a view to saving lives. That was his profession.   In the case of those two men, which way of saving lives do you think was the most dignified? Which man, would you say, was fully accomplished, was skillful in his ability to save lives?    When it comes to our ministry, which ALSO has to do with saving lives,which one of those men are you like?",,JK,,,JK,,4/7/2014
"YOUTH, EXPERIENCE, INEXPERIENCE, WORTHLESS THINGS, "," Once upon a time, there was an inexperienced knight had to go on a long journey.  So he tried to anticipate all the problems.  He carried a sword and armor in case he met someone unfriendly.  He carried an ax for chopping fire wood, a tent, blankets, pots and pans  and  oats for his horse.  He loaded on a shovel in case he had to do some digging, and water jug and cups. A large jar of ointment for sunburn and poison ivy,  He rode off clanking, gurgling, thudding and tinkling....... he was a moving junk pile. He came to a dilapidated bridge and when he was halfway across, the boards gave way and he and his horse fell into the river and drowned.  When he was getting his provisions for the trip, he had forgotten to pack a life-preserver."," What's the moral of that story for our young people?   You young persons, not yet having a lot of experience in life, might anticipate needing all kinds of things to benefit you as you go through life.  And much of what you would you might choose as the most important things in life, might not really be a need at all.Don't be like that knight we described in the beginning, by gettingdistracted and picking up in life a whole lot of things you just don't need. ",,JK,,,jk,,4/7/2014
"DEVIL, DECEPTION, SATAN, ","In the rain forest of South America there is a mysterious bird, mysterious because it is so secretive and little is known about his habits.  Its called the Bellbird.  Its called that because it has one of the loudest of all bird voices, a deafening metallic call like the tolling of a large bell which it monotonously repeats for long periods.   This bird is also known as the Bellbird of Death!   Travelers who are desperately lost in the jungle will suddenly hear a bell, tolling in the distance and believing they are nearing civilization, will follow the sound of that bird deeper into the rain forest, never to be seen again.That little bird might be called a master of deception.  But it doesn't MEAN to deceive people and harm them.  And, in fact, if a person knows about that bird before he goes into the rain forest he won't be fooled, and his life won't be endangered.","Well, have you noticed, in these last days, ""ITS A JUNGLE OUT THERE"".  There is a lot of deception.  Who is the chief instigator of all such deception?  Its not a little bird with an interesting call.......its an EVIL bird of prey.... its a VULTURE.....its a BUZZARD, that ENJOYS seeing persons led totheir death. We're not left in ignorance about this master of deception.  Notice what Jesus, our exemplar, said in 1 JOHN 5:19:    READ........",1 JOHN 5:19,JK,,,jk,,4/7/2014
"PROTECTION, ARMOUR, FIGHT, BATTLE, ARMOR,","But now imagine a modern day soldier who refused to wear any protective armor, who refused to keep in touch with headquarters, and who only fired blanks in his weapon, hoping the NOISE would scare off the enemy.  That would be laughable. His LIFE EXPECTANCY could be measured in SECONDS!",Its the same with us. Our life expectancy will be ZILCH if we don't get the sense of Ephesians 6:10-17 where it describes our fight and then what we need to protect ourselves and our families.,Ephesians 6:10-17,JK,,,jk,,4/7/2014
"TOUCHSTONE, PREACHING, EVANGELIZING, JUDGEMENT,","Why is the evangelizing work so important?   Because it is a touchstone.  What is a touchstone?   About a hundred years ago during the gold rush days, prospectors would carry a touchstone.  A hard black stone of jasper or basalt that was used to test the quality of gold or silver by the streak left on the stone by one of these metals.  The prospector could decide if something was precious, or worthless by the touchstone.","In these last days, the rush is on, so to speak!  And the evangelizing work is the thing that provides a TOUCHSTONE by which mankind is being judged.  We bring this touchstone in contact with people, and it becomes evident to Jehovah and the angels what people are made of.  Acceptance of the good news and obedience to it result in salvation; rejection and disobedience mean destruction.  This in itself should impress upon us the urgency of the work.",,JK,,,jk,,4/7/2014
"COOPERATION, BROTHERHOOD, FAMILIES, TEAMWORK","The highest mountain in the world is Mt Everest. It is 29,000 feet above sea level.  Temperature on that mountain can dip to many degrees below zero.   Many men have died trying to climb Mt. Everest, but in 1953 two men succeeded. there names were Sr. Edman Hillery, and Tenzing Norkay.   One of the reasons that attempt was successful was that Sir Edmond followed a basic principle.......When it comes to mountain climbing, there is a rule that no sane mountain climber ever breaks....you NEVER,...EVER...climb alone.  There are so many situations where a climber needs help, so many life threatening situations that to climb alone can mean sure death.","As we try to climb, to rise above this wicked system of things Satan is constantly placing obstacles before us. There is nothing he likes to see more than one of Jehovah's people plunge to a spiritual death.  What can we do to keep that from happening?.....    Its that same principle.   Just as mountain climbers are protected by climbing together...there is a Bible principle that can protect us also...  Turn to it with me ...its found at Ecclesiastes 4:9,10...READToday in the truth it is especially important for families to work to together as a team. ","Ecclesiastess 4:9,10",JK,,,jk,,4/8/2014
"MEETINGS, MATERIALISM, CONTENTMENT","What if a clergyman walked up to you and said.  ""I'll give you 50 thousand dollars if you will just quit going to your MEETINGS!  What would you say?  Would you accept that offer?  Why no, no amount of money could make you do that!  ","But now, how many in order to have a little extra, in order to have something they really desire materially, voluntarily work a lot of overtime, which causes us to miss MEETINGS.  You see, without thinking about it we might be putting a price tag on our spiritual privileges and duties. Is a new car worth about half of the MEETINGS that we would miss to get it? or I would give up 1/3 of the meetings in order to have a new  color TV or new furniture. Wouldn't it be  a much better thing for ourselves and our families to be content with what we have and place our efforts towards staying spiritually strong?",,JK,,,jk,,4/7/2014
"REMINDERS, STUDY, WISDOM,","I have in this box something, I suppose,  just about everyone here has in their home.  Its something, that even though it may irritate us at times,  very few of us can do without.   Its something that can bring out all kinds of emotions in us.  Because of this, we can be become confused, shocked, happy, dazed. What is in this box, can instill fear in people's hearts!!    What is it?  Its your alarm clock.","What is an alarm clock?   Simply put, its a reminder that rouses us up.Just like us, alarm clocks come in all shapes and sizes.  Some of them shock us  out of bed with an irritating buzz or ring.  Others gently arouse us by playing soothing music.  Others go on and off.....on and off....on and off to gradually get us up and going.  But all of them serve the same purpose...they are reminders. They remind us to get up and on with the days activity.  And, isn't it true that probably many times our alarm clock has saved us from getting into trouble, it might even have saved us from losing our job perhaps. So even though that alarm clock does its job when we're at our worst, sleepy and groggy, we still appreciate what it does, so we don't throw it away.Somewhat like an alarm clock, Jehovah has reminders that rouse us up and keep us up and going spiritually.",PSALMS 90:12,JK,,73,jk,,8/1/2015
"REMINDERS, MIRROR,CHANGE,","James used an excellent illustration to help us see the need to act, or to be roused up by those reminders.    James 1:22-24  READ  Now when some of us first get up in the morning after the alarm goes off and we take that first look at ourself in the mirror......we probably see something that could instill fear in man, woman or even the family pet.  Now after seeing ourself like that, do we just forget what we look like and head off to work, school or service?  No, we start immediately to work on how we look.","Well, when we take a good look at our self in the mirror spiritually and find ourselves spiritually messed up, we're experiencing problems, perhaps we're in difficulty because of failure to apply Bible principles, do we just forget about it and go about our life in that spiritually messed up condition.We hope not.  Each of us needs to take a close look at ourself from time totime to make sure we are the spiritual person we should be.",James 1:22-24,JK,,,jk,,4/7/2014
"REMINDERS, COUNSEL, MARRIAGE, MARITAL PROBLEMS, WISDOM,","You can imagine someone being awakened by the alarm.   But now can you imagine this person jumping out of bed, running over to the mirror, looking at himself, seeing what he looks like and then going back and smashing the alarm clock to smithereens, blaming it for how he  looks?   Why that would be ridiculous wouldn't it.","But, some do that when it comes to Jehovah's reminders.  Some people end up blaming Jehovah for their problems, oh perhaps not directly, but they blame the things Jehovah provides.  For example, some folks continue to experience problems, whether it marital problems, problems in dealing with their brothers and sisters, and whether they go to the elders, or the elders come to them, the elders give counsel, share reminders, they continue to have problems, go to the elders again.  Elders sometime spend hours sharing Jehovah's reminders with individuals.  Then these same ones complain that the elders never help them.  The elders don't care, they never give them attention and that's why they are having problems.  When in reality, they just aren't listening, they don't like the counsel they receive, they're not paying attention to the reminders in the counsel and so they are experiencing the truth of what Galatians 6:7,8    READ","Galatians 6:7,8",JK,,73,jk,,7/31/2015
"CHANGING, CHANGES, METAMORPHOSIS, PERSONALITY,","There is a strange....but very interesting change that takes place in some of Jehovah's creation that's called ...metamorphosis...   Through metamorphosis something as ugly as an old Caterpillar...which some consider just a hairy worm, is changed into a beautiful butterfly.","We don't undergo metamorphosis, but for some of us to become one of Jehovah's witnesses took some pretty remarkable changes on our part.  Then to become a regular pioneer took even more changes for many of us.",,JK,,,jk,,4/7/2014
"FOOD, SPIRITUAL FOOD,TEACH, TEACHING, BIBLE STUDIES, PIONEER,","Have you ever been entrusted with caring for somebody else's young child?  A very serious responsibility.  Part of caring for that child would include feeding them.  You probably would see to it that you had some nutritious food on hand. But, its not always an easy task.  Have You ever been taking care of a child and they refused to eat?  What do you do?    ""Well if you don't want to eat, fine, be that way.""  No that's not what we do.  It effects their health, their life.  They must eat.  So what do you do?  Make the food more appealing.  Maybe you eat some; ""HMMMM this is good.  Do you want some?""  Or maybe you pull out this special tool, guaranteed to help you make the food more appealing!  One of the greatest tools ever invented!! and Play airplane. ""Here comes the airplane!!!  errrrrommmmm , open wide!!!""   You keep trying to find a way to get that child to eat because you know it means their life.","Jehovah has entrusted us with an even more serious responsibility as God's fellow workers.  Especially as pioneers,  we have a share in feeding people spiritual food that can mean their life.  But sometimes like a stubborn child, the people in our territory don't want to eat that spiritual food.  Some refuse to open their mind like a child refusing to open its mouth.  Others may like an infant, may start taking it in and then spit it out.  It can be challenging to feed people this spiritual food about God's Kingdom.  Why keep trying?  Why not just say: Well if that's the way they want to be fine.""  It means their everlasting life.",,JK,,,jk,,4/7/2014
"CONTENTMENT, MATERIALISM, ","  ""One Honest John Hopkins, a Hedger and Ditcher, Although He Was Poor Did Not Want to Be Richer, for All Such Vain Wishes in Him Were Prevented, by a Fortunate Habit of Being Contented.""",,,JK,,,jk,,4/7/2014
"COMMENDATION, COMPLIMENT, ENCOURAGE, COMMUNICATION, APPRECIATION","Mark Twain once said:  ""I can live for two months on a good compliment!!""","Most of us feel real good when someone pays us a sincere compliment.  Everyone likes to be appreciated.  Everyone enjoys knowing that the things they do, do not go unnoticed.   For example, you SISTERS, how would you feel when, after a long day of cleaning, cooking and ironing your husband or one of your children says: ""Wow! the house really looks nice!""   or ""Boy, this is my favorite meal!""   You HUSBANDS want to be recognized and appreciated. After spending all day on the job, then coming home, and get out your 'honey-do' list, and do numerous household projects, how good it is to have family members show some appreciation.   Even the CHILDREN, maybe its a good report from school, or doing a chore around the home especially well, or doing an extra chore normally not required of them.  How encouraging it is for them to be noticed and appreciated.   Fine deeds deserve commendation, appreciation.",,JK,,,jk,,4/7/2014
"WIDOWS MITE, SERVICE, TIME, SMALL, ","Sometimes, though, we may feel that OUR contribution is insignificant.  We think, even though we are doing all we can, that it just isn't worth much.  But, we don't want to underestimate our service to Jehovah. The results of what might be considered insignificant can be powerful.  For example:Would you agree that a sneeze is rather an insignificant thing?  We all sneeze and think nothing of it!  During this talk, several have sneezed and no one has been unduly disturbed nor has the program been affected.Yet consider this experience.A man in Hamburg, Germany sneezed so loudly that his cat jumped out the third story window, landing on the head of a woman driving a convertible. The frightened woman almost ran over another cat then collided with a truck and the traffic jam lasted for three hours.  (11/8/62g)  All because of a sneeze!","Therefore, think of the impact we can make even with small increments of time.  If each witness worldwide spent reported just 10 minutes per day sharing in informal witnessing, that would amount to over 23,549,000 hours in one month.  In a year's time, that would amount to over a quarter of a billion hours, and that would be nothing to sneeze at!	",2 Tim 4:2-5;,JK,,,jk,,5/31/2014
"MINISTRY, CHANGE, IMPROVEMENT, PROGRESS, SKILL, ","The field we have to work in we could liken to the oil fields of Texas.   Oil fields, at first they would drill a well and the oil would just explode out of the ground, gush, out.  But then after a while, the more they worked the oil fields, they had to start pumping  it out of the ground, and then more recently they have to pump in salt water under high pressure to force the oil out of the oil fields.  The point is that as the oil fields changed, their  methods had to change in order to be productive.  And so it is with us.  We may have to personally change our methods to become more effective in our territory.",The field we have to work in we could liken to the oil fields of Texas.We change to meet the needs in the field,,JK,,,jk,,4/7/2014
"UNITY, BODY, BROTHERHOOD, CARING, HELP","In that verse we read, Paul did not say that Christians should stand firm as would a team, or a social club.  A bunch of individuals who happen to come together once in a while.  No, he stand firm as ""one man"".  What he was describing was real unity!  He many times likened the congregation to a human body!  Every one in congregation is not part of a team, but part of a BODY.","What an appropriate illustration!!    A your body is much more coordinated than any team could be!   So it means that we cooperate as with one another as members of a body would.  When you go to leave the assembly hall, what if one of your legs wanted to run and the other wanted to walk out of the assembly hall!!  Doesn't work that way with a body. The legs do not act independently but they accept signals from your brain.  And so we should cooperate with the body of Jehovah's people, be submissive to all the theocratic instruction that comes from the top down, so to speak. Also, Is there any member of your personal BODY you consider unimportant?  Could we cut something off, like our little finger or little toe??  Would that be okay with you?  On the contrary, What happens really when even those little parts of our body are threatened?  What happens for example when you hit the tip of your little finger with a hammer?    All of a sudden that little finger becomes the most important part of our BODY!!   The whole BODY jumps into action - the other hand comes over and grabs little finger, mouth yells out something, feet run to medicine cabinet!!   What does this teach us about our relationship to our brothers and sisters in the congregation?  We care for one another and draw close to our brothers and sisters, and provide help when its needed.",,JK,,,jk,,4/7/2014
"WATERS, PREACHING, GOOD NEWS, MINISTRY, ","You may remember reading in the Awake magazine, about a town in China, TURFAN, in the TAKLA MAKAN desert, one of the HOTTEST places on the FACE OF THE EARTH.  During the SUMMER MONTHS the TEMPERATURE commonly reaches 130 DEGREES in the SHADE!  RAINFALL is PRACTICALLY UNKNOWN, and because of the intense heat,  the little RAIN THAT DOES FALL, EVAPORATES BEFORE it ever TOUCHES the GROUND!  DESPITE this HOSTILE environment though, DESPITE the SANDSTORMS, the SIZZLING temperatures, the  city of Turfan is  a THRIVING AGRICULTURAL CENTER,  where beautiful LUSH FRUIT is being harvested.   Grapes, Apricots, Peaches, Apples, Melons, Wheat, Pomegranates.  How is it possible?    All because of a 2,000 YEAR-OLD TECHNOLOGY. An ANCIENT IRRIGATION SYSTEM that is one of mankind's most LONG-LASTING and INGENIOUS ENGINEERING WORKS! There is an UNDERGROUND LABYRINTH of MAN-made TUNNELS and WELLS that collect water running off from the SNOW-CAPPED MOUNTAINS some 50 MILES AWAY!   As the Awake said: ""this ancient technology is a marvel even in modern times as it maintains an oasis in one of the hottest driest places on earth"".  (g93 2/22 21)","Think of this parallel: SPIRITUALLY, the WORLD is a DESERT!  Think of the PARCHED, DRY, THIRSTING CONDITION that MANKIND EVERYWHERE is in. They are THIRSTING for the REFRESHING WATERS of TRUTH!   Today, just as in the first century there is an URGENT need for people everywhere to hear the GOOD NEWS.  They need to hear about the refreshing good news about God's Kingdom, by Christ Jesus!   And how is it that they hear?   How is this work carried out?     We have the technology!  It is an ANCIENT TECHNOLOGY, 2000 years old and this TECHNOLOGY allows the BRINGING OF LIVE-GIVING WATERS of TRUTH  down from the MOUNTAIN of JEHOVAH, right to the HOMES of people everywhere!   And as we look back to the roots of this technology, as we look at the accounts in the Bible concerning the ministry of the apostles and other early disciples, it motivates us to use the same methods.",,JK,,,JK,,6/5/2025
"PROBLEMS, TROUBLES, LITTLE THINGS, ","What problems usually get to us?  The big ones?   Ever hear the old saying?:  ""Its the little bit of things that fret and worry us. You can dodge an elephant, but you can't dodge a fly.""    or  “If a huge rock was in your way you could walk around it,  but take a little bitty rock, a pebble in you shoe, it drives you crazy!!!”","So as we talk about the problems you face, we're not going to talk about the big things; like floods, famine, and pestilence.  We know you can handle those things.  Those things are like the elephant.  Easy to see coming, and therefore, easier to dodge.  But we want to talk about some of the pesky little things.  Like that fly that can drive you crazy.",,JK,,,jk,,4/7/2014
"SUCCESS, SPIRITUALITY, ","How do you measure success?  In dollars and cents?  I have one million dollars in bank.  I must be successful?  Prominence; I'm well known in the community.  My picture is on a cereal box, I must be successful.  No-- this is no true measure of success.",How do you measure success?A CLOSE RELATIONSHIP WITH JEHOVAH.A DEEP LOVE FOR PEOPLE.BE A PROGRESSIVE TEACHER.,,JK,field service,,jk,,8/5/2014
"BIBLE, WORD, MINISTRY, USE, SCRIPTURES","They brought the patient into the operating room.  They administered the anesthetic.  The nurses and doctors gathered around the table.  The chief surgeon came into the room dressed in a cap, gown, and mask.  He positioned himself next to the operating table with the patient lying before him.  Heart surgery was his specialty.  He was a veteran of 100's of similar operations.  He then slowly reached down from beneath his gown and pulled out a chainsaw, started it up [Brrr, Brrr] and proceeded to start the surgery!! Problem?    Wrong tool for the job.  A chainsaw is a great tool, but not for heart Surgery.","We are like heart surgeons trying implant a Kingdom seed in the heart of people.  What tool do you use?  What tool have we been given?  	2Tim.2:15    READ         So, what tool have we been given to accomplish our ministry?  Bible.   Are we handling God's Word aright? Do we simply refer to the Bible?""I use the Bible. I have one in my bookbag.  I refer to it every time I'm out in service."" Do we simply refer to the Bible rather than reading right from it?	That's like saying: ""Did you know that you just won a million dollars?  Yea, the check is right here in my bookbag.  Oh, you can't see it, but believe me its right here.""  Do you believe it?  Not till you see it.  Referring to something is not proof.  Saying you can show it is not the same as showing it.  Having the right tool is not the same as using that tool.",2 Tim.2:15    READ ,JK,,,jk,,4/7/2014
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"BIBLE STUDIES, MEETINGS, ASSOCIATION, ORGANIZATION, ENVIRONMENT","Have you ever tried to grow tomatoes in March?   You can plant the tomato plant, you can water it and give it everything it needs, but it probably just won’t work.   In march the environment  just isn’t right for growing tomatoes.  The weather doesn’t cooperate.  And you would more than likely end up with a dead plant before it ever bore any tomatoes.Trying to bring our Bible students into the truth and have them become productive is just like growing tomatoes in March.  You can plant the seed,  you can give it enough water,  but  in Satan’s system the environment is just not condusive for persons to come into the truth and become productive.","You can grow tomatoes successfully in march if you get them into a good environment.   For a plant the perfect environment is a green house.  In a green house the environment is just right.You also can grow productive bible students in this system of things, if you get them into  a good environment.  What is the proper environment for out studies to grow  in so that they will become praisers of Jehovah?   They need to be under the protective environment of Jehovah’s spiritual green house,  they need to be directed to Jehovah’s organization.  And they need to be encouraged to associate with the congregation and to witness.  ",,JK,,,jk,,4/7/2014
"STUDY, MATURITY, PROGRESS, ADVANCEMENT, SPIRITUALITY","Did you hear about the young man who was bottle fed by his parents all his life, and when he turned 18 and moved out on his own within weeks after moving into his own apartment they found him dead.  Starved to death even though  the refrigerator and cupboards were full of food.  It seems he starved to death while trying to get a T-bone steak into his bottle.","Well, I just made that up.  But it illustrates something.  Every  parent  realizes that not only must you feed a child, but you also must teach them to feed themselves,  If they are going to live a normal, healthy life and not starve.    As strange as it may seem, spiritually, that illustration could come true.  Spiritually, a person could starve to death, although surrounded by food.We are surrounded by spiritual food, but are we doing what 1 Timothy 4:14-16 admonishes?","1Tim.4:15,16",JK,,,jk,,4/7/2014
"WORK, SMALL THINGS, ANTICIPATION, PREVIEW, ","Like the morning sun, we do not have to wait for it actually to rise for its penetrating beams to reveal everything in sharp outline. Before that, in anticipation, the welcome light of dawn gives an increasingly clear picture of the landscape before us.",That early work and message were in anticipation of a larger and more clearly defined pattern to be worked out after 1914. ,PROVERBS 4:18;,w67 4/1 p. 213 par. 5,,,bl,,4/7/2014
"SPIRITUAL FOOD, STUDY, PERSONAL STUDY, ","But unfortunately, some have not learned to feed themselves.   Some are bordering on becoming spiritually anorexic.You've heard of anorexia.   Its characterized by severe and prolonged inability or refusal to eat because of emotional conflict.  This condition leads to weight loss, low blood pressure,  drowsiness,  weakness,  irregular heartbeat,  even sudden heart failure.","Just as many in the world suffer from eating disorders like anorexia, some in the truth suffer from spiritual eating disorders, not unlike anorexia.  The symptoms:  Spiritual drowsiness, weakness, irregular activity, low zeal and spirit, disoriented using poor judgment, eventually figurative  heart failure.   The Awake last year talked about being  ALITERATE.  That means a person  can read but doesn't.   Thats like being anorexic.  A person can eat, may be surrounded by food, but fails to eat.",,JK,,,jk,,4/7/2014
"STUDY, ENTERTAINMENT, DEVIL, SPIRITUAL FOOD","Are you eating at Jehovah's table? Or are we partaking of things in entertainment etc. that the Devil puts out there?So there are two tables and a choice is involved.     You can answer one of two dinner invitations,  one is “Dinner is being served in the dinning room”  the other is more like Suuuueeeyyy!!!Its the difference between eating at an elegantly set table with the finest food, and a trough filled with slop.",Be careful as to entertainment. Be careful to continue to take in spiritual food from Jehovah's table and not the table of demons.,1 Corinthians 10:20-21,JK,,,jk,,4/7/2014
"REPUTATION, RECORD, WITNESS, NAME, ","what does it take for someone to get a reputation?  Is it just one action?  Or is it a course of action?  For example, when I mention some names, what comes to your mind?       Jesse James ...... Thomas Edison .……Al Capone…...Mark Twain ……..Abraham Lincoln    …..... Those persons have both good and bad reputations don't they?        How did they get their reputations?  They persevered in a certain course or way of life, and over a period of time gained a reputation, whether good or bad.         In contrast, what do you think when you hear this name Jim Rhodes?     He was from Indiana,  and he was in the same line of work as Jesse James.  Only he robbed a bank in a small town and was caught just 3  or 4 minutes after he did it.  Your see, he just wasn't in that line of work long enough to get a reputation!!    ",A reputation is built up over a period of time.  You and I are Jehovah’s witnesses and  Jehovah’s Witnesses have a reputation.  Over a long period of time Jehovah’s people have become renown for their sharing the good news of God’s kingdom.       What about us as an individual worshipper of Jehovah?  Have we built up a reputation as one who serves to further the good news?,,JK,,,jk,,4/7/2014
"REFINEMENTS, PROGRESS, ORGANIZATION, UNITY,  LEADS, PROPER TIME, PERFECTION, GRADUAL,",(CITE RECENT DEVELOPMENTS) Since 1938 there have been further refinements as the theocratic organization continues to grow toward perfection. ,"All this illustrates the fact that, though Jehovah purposes perfection for his organization, he does not try to correct all things at once. As they could endure it and as they needed it, as their hearts softened in response to his love, Jehovah brought them closer to him in his gentle, loving way.",Matt. 19:8; Mark 10:5;,w67 6/1 p. 332 par. 13,,,bl,,4/7/2014
"SPIRITUAL FOOD, STUDY, CORRUPT, IDEAS, ","You know, literally high-fat junk food, with many preservatives, many chemical additives, even though very tasty would not necessarily be very good for continued physical health.  In fact, if you ate only Twinkies, Ho Hos and Yoo Hoos, and eventually it could be  “Yoo Hoo!  Anybody in there?","Yet , it's the same way, spiritually.   So much of what is found in this world, are things laced with demonic ideas, its bad figurative junk food that will corrupt our minds.Debased music, pornographic literature, much that is presented on television as well as what can be found through computers, features immorality, violence, fantasies, and even the occult. And spiritually it could lead to “Yoo Hoo!  Anybody in there?",,JK,,,jk,,4/7/2014
"1914, WAR IN HEAVEN, KINGDOM, CONDITIONS, CRITICAL TIMES, LAST DAYS",Are you one of those people that remember where you were during important events?      Do you remember where were you in March of 1989 when the biggest storm in our lifetime hit our planet?  •	It interfered with the orbits of 5000 satellites.  •	It burned out power grids from Oregon to Pennsylvania and left Quebec in the dark.  •	It took out navigational equipment on ships and aircraft.    You may not remember that storm because during that storm not a single twig snapped not a drop of rain fell and no lightening bolt flashed across.  It was a silent storm.  It was a geomagnetic solar storm that occured 93 million miles away on the face of the sun and yet invisibly it wreaked havoc on our planet.,"    There is another invisible storm that got it's start also in the heavens 100 years ago, and I believe most of you hear know about it, even if it has largely gone unnoticed by most of the people on this planet.  In 1914 there was a battle in heaven and Satan was debased from heaven and since then he has invisibly been wreaking havoc here on the earth.  The effect has been exactly what Paul described, ""critical times hard to deal with"".The effects of that storm that started 100 years ago are easily seen.•	Over a billion people live in dire poverty that number increases by some 25 million each year.   •	Thirteen million children die each year from malnutrition and other causes resulting from poverty•	Millions of older persons die prematurely from various diseases•	Oppression by governments on their own and people and wars have killed 203 million people this century.•	International drug trafficking has become the worlds second most lucrative business after the arms trade.•	And as to values and morals, this system of things has be come to be past all moral sense.",,JK,,,jk,,4/7/2014
"OBEDIENCE, SECRET FORMULA, MOVING AHEAD, ORGANIZATION,","When we look at the universe we are amazed at its complexity. It puts us in awe. Yet we see so much orderliness. This led scientists to believe that there is some simple, basic formula underneath it. They found that all matter in the visible universe is composed of energy, and this relationship between energy and matter can be expressed by the simple formula E = mc2. The energy in a given piece of matter is equal to the mass times the speed of light squared. What, can we say, is the basic principle underlying the movement of Jehovah’s living organization?","Is there a “secret” formula for moving ahead with the organization? No. But there is a basic thing we must have.  It can be expressed in one word: OBEDIENCE. Loving obedience from the heart is all. This is the basic formula upon which the organization rests and operates. The power to move ahead comes by Jehovah’s spirit, which he showers on his organization according to its obedience to Him. This is not due to the efficiency of the members of the organization. The Bible gives us many fine examples of this. One is that of Gideon. ","Judg. 6:15, 16, 27; 7:20-22;",w67 6/1 p. 337 par. 8,,,bl,,4/7/2014
"EXPECTATION, END, DELIVERANCE, ARMAGEDDON,  GREAT TRIBULATION, ","A wife comes home and says to her husband, “Honey, guess what!!  We’re going to have a baby!!”   The doctor says its going to be due  November 15!!!“  They become excited.  They start planing and even changing their lives.  They call a carpenter and add another room onto the house and start furnishing it with baby things.  As the months go by, the wife starts feeling a little sick in the morning, once in awhile.  She start getting desires for strange things like peanut butter and pickle sandwiches.  She starts to get bigger.   They read books on baby care, maybe even take birthing classes.It gets to be close to the time.  Finally, November 15th arrives, they’re all ready.  But nothing happens!  no baby!!!  So, what do they do?"," The husband says, “Well, guess we aren’t going to have a baby after all”, starts turning the baby room in to a recreation room, buys a pool table.  The wife says, “Well, since we’re not going to have a baby, I guess I’ll signs up for that aerobics class I’ve been thinking about???”   No,  there is no question the baby is coming even though it didn’t come exactly when they thought it would.  They don’t go back to living like there is no baby.  In fact, as each added day goes by they are even more vigilant, more alert to the possibility that the baby could come today. That well describes the way we should feel about the end of this system of things and our deliverance.",Habakkuk 2:3,JK,,,jk,,4/7/2014
"WARRIOR QUALITIES, BRIDEGROOM, WAR, TRUTH,","The scene opens with the Commander sitting on a white horse. “And I saw the heaven opened, and, look! a white horse. And the one seated upon it is called Faithful and True, and he judges and carries on war in righteousness.” (Rev. 19:11) A horse implies warfare, for long ago God said: “Can you give to the horse mightiness? . . . from far off it smells the battle.” (Job 39:19, 25) The Bible also uses the illustration of a horse that is dashing into the battle. (Jer. 8:6) Whiteness symbolizes cleanness, purity. Jehovah is clean and that which is in harmony with his will must be clean. ","This means that the warfare that Jesus Christ fights is righteous, holy and in harmony with God’s will, necessary and beneficial to humankind. He is the Faithful and True Witness. On earth he proved his integrity to God. He said before Pontius Pilate: “Everyone that is on the side of the truth listens to my voice.” He spoke of himself to the apostles as “the way and the truth and the life,” and his loyalty was firm to his Father and his God to his very death. The war he prosecutes is a judgment against God’s enemies and, in view of their past record, the fight against them is certainly in righteousness.—John 18:37; 14:6.",John 18:37; 14:6;,w67 6/15 p. 377,,,bl,,4/7/2014
"BODY PARTS, FIGURATIVE, BIBLE, LANGUAGE,","IN OUR everyday speech we often use bodily parts in a figurative sense. For instance, we might say: “He risked his neck for him.” “He is my own bone and flesh.” “She was only tickling their ears.”","Such expressions add color to speech, often making it more vivid and alive. It tends to fix the idea better in the listener’s mind. How appropriate, therefore, that God’s Word the Bible should frequently use body parts in a figurative sense! In fact, in some form, each of the above expressions is used in the Bible.",Gen. 29:14; 2 Sam. 5:1;,w67 6/15 p. 380,,,bl,,4/7/2014
"COMPLAINING TONGUE, MUMMER, SPIRIT OF COMPLAINT, JOY, CONGREGATION,","Complaining has the same effect as putting sand into a well-oiled machine. It puts a damper on the joy of the congregation. It is as if a dark cloud has suddenly appeared on the horizon. It has the same effect on brothers as a contentious wife has on her husband, as recorded in Proverbs 21:19: “Better is it to dwell in a wilderness land than with a contentious wife along with vexation.”","Even if one is not stumbled or seriously affected spiritually by listening to a complaining tongue, due to his being mature and so recognizing it and putting it out of mind, still it is not pleasant to be around a complaining person. ",PROVERBS 21:19;,w67 8/1 p. 460 par. 14,,,bl,,4/7/2014
"LIMPING UPON TWO DIFFERENT OPINIONS, INDECISIVE, POSITIVE THINKING,","MANY are the persons who are afflicted by a physical limp, often through no fault of their own, perhaps through some accident or defect at birth. Can it be rectified? Sometimes yes, but most often they have to make the best of the situation and let positive thinking offset the physical handicap. But did you know that there is a mental limping that constitutes a graver handicap to progress and happiness? May it never be your misfortune to become its victim.","But just what is this mental limping? How does it affect one? Can those affected throw it off? How can they be assisted to do so? And is it possible that one may suffer from this handicap without discerning the source of his difficulty? These are a few of the inquiries we might ponder, with benefit to ourselves and possibly also to others we may be able to aid.First, consider the symptoms of this ailment. An almost continual state of hesitancy is one of the indications of mental limping. The person never seems to be able to make up his mind on any matter, be it ever so simple. Even when it is a question of deciding between two courses, and one of them is definitely proved to be undesirable, the irresolute person still seems to find a strong attraction toward going against his own better judgment. Strange, is it not?",1 KINGS 18:21;,w67 8/15 p. 489,,,bl,,4/7/2014
"TORMENTED DAY AND NIGHT FOREVER AND EVER, JAILER, HOLD ON LIFE, TOUCHSTONE, REBELLION, ","Say, for example, that a good man in a community has a family loyal to him. There is a wicked hater of him in the neighborhood who slanders him and lies about him, bringing his name or reputation into question in the minds of the townspeople. An investigation is made, the facts are assembled, and in the ensuing court case the one bringing the lying charges is fully shown up to be a slanderer and a thoroughly wicked person. In the original Greek the word translated “will be tormented” is the future tense of the Greek word basanízō. It means primarily “to rub on the touchstone, to put to the test, then, to examine by torturing (básanos), touchstone, torment.”—The Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words, Volume IV, page 141, by W. E. Vine, published by Oliphants Ltd., London, England.","From that time on that wicked man’s name, when mentioned in the community, would be like a stench in the nostrils of the people. They would say, “Oh, that liar and slanderer,” when his name was mentioned. Such a record and repeated mention of what he was exposed to be would be a torment or distress to his name and, if he had a family, this would result in torment for them to bear that name. So, should the issue of God’s sovereignty come up in any place, it would only be a reminder of Satan’s rebellion, which is a stench in the nostrils of all those who love God’s sovereignty. Such a challenger of Jehovah’s universal sovereignty would be put to death.",Rev. 20:10;,w67 8/15 p. 508,,,bl,,4/7/2014
"RESURRECTION, LIFE, DEAD LOVED ONES,","Let us, therefore, not as making a prophecy, but merely for the purpose of illustrating the point, start our calculation with the figure of a million Armageddon survivors. With even this small start, and with only, say, a 3-percent increase each year (a ratio of one resurrected for each thirty-three living on earth), the number of persons living would double about every twenty-four years. If twenty billion (twenty thousand million) are resurrected, it could be done in less than four hundred years. ","Ample time would thereby be allowed and ample help would be available for the training and disciplining of all, bringing the obedient ones to the point where they, in turn, could train others without any disturbance to the progress of that new order of things. With earth’s production and resources brought up to their potentiality and properly distributed and used for mankind’s benefit, there would be no food problem, as present-day economists envision.",ACTS 24:15;,w67 9/1 p. 524 ,,,bl,,4/7/2014
"FAMILY, BRIDEGROOM, WARFARE, PEACEFUL, FAMILY-REARING, TIMING,","TO BRING up children is a happy but heavy responsibility. It requires tender care, constant attention, the expression of much love, discipline, correction, family togetherness, association and participation in recreation. Therefore, when a man is at war it is hardly the time for him to give attention to raising a family. Nations generally recognize this and exempt men with families from military service unless the national situation becomes extreme. When a newly married man returns from war he is so happy to be with his bride and she with him. Their happiness is greatest because now they can work together, they can plan a home and begin carrying out the primary purpose of marriage—the bringing up of a family. It is something that God has provided.","Thereby every obstacle is removed to complete peace, so that there remains no threat to the bride. The Bridegroom has now established completely favorable conditions for his bride: “And I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the former heaven and the former earth had passed away, and the sea is no more.”—Rev. 21:1.  We of the human race are thankful that God has arranged things this way, for through it we have come to have life. In order that we might understand Jehovah’s purposes toward us God has used this very circumstance to illustrate for us what he is going to do for the human race. ",REV 20:11; 21:1,w67 9/15 p. 567,,,bl,,4/7/2014
"FISH, FISHHOOKS, NETS, CATCH MEN, ","THE common expression “You poor fish!” is not found in the Sacred Writings. However, the Holy Bible does use real fish to picture men. The famously wise King Solomon of Jerusalem, who in his three thousand proverbs spoke about cedar trees and hyssop, beasts and flying creatures, and other moving things and fishes, said: “Man also does not know his time. Just like fishes that are being taken in an evil net, and like birds that are being taken in a trap, so the sons of men themselves are being ensnared at a calamitous time, when it falls upon them suddenly.” ","Without fail the enemies of Jehovah God will be caught like unfortunate fish suddenly at a time on which they did not reckon.  To the oppressors of his people in the ninth century B.C.E., the prophet Amos said: “The Lord Jehovah has sworn by his holiness, ‘Look! There are days coming upon you, and he will certainly lift you up with butcher hooks and the last part of you with fishhooks.”’ (Amos 4:1, 2) ","Eccl. 9:12; 1 Ki. 4:32, 33;",w67 11/15 p. 684 par. 1,,,bl,,4/7/2014
"HEALING, PAIN, SICKNESS, GREATEST PHYSICIAN, BLOOD, RANSOM, ","Since God empowered his Son, Jesus Christ, to perform miracles of healing, not with drugs, medicine, or surgical operations, but instantaneously, stopping chronic blood flows, giving sight to the blind, making the deaf and dumb hear and talk, restoring the crippled, healing the lepers, even raising the dead, repairing the brain, God the Creator is the greatest Physician of them all. ","He knows more about the human body and its makeup and how to repair it and restore it and revitalize it than the most highly educated medic of today. He is the infallible, absolute Authority on the subject. Let Him speak! Let Him be heard! We all stand to learn and to benefit when He speaks. He now speaks to us through his inspired, unchanged written Word. What does it say?","REV 21:3, 4;",w67 12/1 pp. 715-716 par. 17,,62,bl,,4/7/2014
"PRINCIPLES, DECISIONS, GUIDE, PROBLEMS, ","“DECISIONS, decisions, decisions!” Have you recently uttered such words about the daily necessity of making decisions? Young or old, male or female, you regularly have to weigh the facts or factors in a situation and come to a conclusion, making a decision. Sometimes it is only a decision involving a minor adjustment in your speed or activity as you move down the road of life. At other times you face a major fork in the road and need to make a decision that will have a long-range effect on your life. In either case, on what is your decision based? ","Do you search out the Bible principles that apply and use these as a guide?  It is easy to see why many persons have difficulty when trying to make wise decisions. What do they have for a guide? They might try to employ a form of human logic, such as taking a human proverb or experience and using it as a guide to draw a conclusion about their particular problem. But how valid is the proverb? Or is the experience one that will really lead to a reliable conclusion in this situation? If such are faulty, then the decision is likely to be faulty too. When one’s decisions often lead to unhappy results, how understandable the refrain, “Decisions, decisions, decisions.”",PSALM 119:110;,w67 12/15 p. 762,,,bl,,4/7/2014
"PRINCIPLES, GRAY AREA, CLEAR-CUT, RULE BOOK, BIBLE, ","‘Ah,’ you may think, ‘we have the Bible as a rule book, and all we have to do is to look up the rule or law that applies.’ Yes . . . and no. It is true that there are a number of laws in the Bible that apply to Christians, such as those against murder, stealing and idolatry. (1 Pet. 4:15; 1 Cor. 10:14) On decisions involving conduct that is plainly either right or wrong from a Biblical standpoint, the Bible is a useful rule book. ","But most of the decisions we face in daily life seemingly do not involve such clear-cut issues; they are not either black or white, as it were, but, rather, they fall into a gray area.  At such times Bible principles can come to our rescue. Usually Bible principles come to one’s rescue because one prepared oneself in advance by learning these eternal principles, as a swimmer might put on an inflatable life preserver. Thus principles learned in advance are ready for use when needed, when a decision is necessary.",1 Pet. 4:15; 1 Cor. 10:14;,w67 12/15 pp. 762-763,,,bl,,4/7/2014
"MINISTRY, SEARCHING, PREACHING, LIFESAVING, ","* A few years ago in Michigan, a little girl got lost in the woods. Hundreds of people rallied and volunteered to help find her. They knew, that unless that child was found quickly, she would die from the cold and a from the wet.  So, what did they do?  Under the direction of the local sheriff, they all got arms length apart and formed a line, human chain, and they and swept the woods!* Each person arm to arm with the other, they walked forward in a straight line, they did this for a day and part of a night.  Then, suddenly, from down the line came a shout, ""They found the child!"" Now, if you were there, even though you didn't personally find that little girl, how would you feel?  My!  Just to have a part of saving a life!  What a wonderful feeling of joy!And when you drifted off to sleep that night , how contented you'd be. How satisfying, to know you had a part, in saving the life of that small child!","Now, if you were there, even though you didn't personally find that little girl, how would you feel?  My!  Just to have a part of saving a life!  What a wonderful feeling of joy!And when you drifted off to sleep that night , how contented you'd be. How satisfying, to know you had a part, in saving the life of that small child!And, so it is with the life-saving work we have been given to do.  Though, we personally might not find someone, how happy we are when someone is found!",,JK,,,jk,,4/7/2014
"PRINCIPLES, JUSTICE, STUMBLE, DECISIONS, ",A Justice of the United States Supreme Court once said: “There is hardly a question of any real difficulty before the Court that does not entail more than one so-called principle. Anybody can decide a question if only a single principle is in controversy.” ,"In this example associated principles might be: Do not stumble others needlessly. (Phil. 1:10) Do what is truly loving for your relatives and friends. (Matt. 22:39) If a wife or children are involved, there is the principle of subjection, to husband or to parents. (Col. 3:18, 20) Avoid bad associations; they spoil useful habits.—1 Cor. 15:33.",1 COR 15:33;,w67 12/15 p. 764,,,bl,,4/7/2014
"YOUTH, OLD AGE, YOUNG, ","Verse 1 said: ""before calamitous days come!""  Do you believe that?  Do you really believe that there will come calamitous times?  At your age, you might feel that that's pretty hard to believe. Yes, if you are young, you've got your health, you've got your strength, your vitality, you have the beauty of youth!  No wonder many young people feel almost immortal.  That is the vanity of youth.","But, if you don't think those calamitous days are coming?  Take a look to your right or your left.  Look at your parents!  Look at your grandparents!    Do you believe they looked just like you at one time?  They did!    And it happens fast!   One very older  man was asked:  When did you realize you were getting old?  He said, ""You know, I was thirty years old,  the next thing I knew, I was eighty!"" ",ECCL 12:1,JK,,,jk,,4/7/2014
"YOUTH, ASSOCIATION, DISEASE, FRIENDS, "," If someone has a disease that you have not had, what do you do? You stay away from them. If somebody has the mumps, measles, chickenpox, pink eye, you don't associate with them, you won't go over to their house, because if you do, it’s very likely you'll catch what they have."," In a sentence, we should avoid bad association like the plague!  Through bad association we can contract something far more dangerous than physical diseases, we can contract attitudes and conduct that will stunt our growth, could cause our spiritual death. Physical disease may affect the body, but spiritual disease will affect our hearts. We want to avoid association, in or out of the truth,  with those whose hearts lead them to wrong thinking and deeds. ", 2 Timothy 2:22,JK,,,jk,,4/7/2014
"POSITIVE, NEGATIVE, ATTITUDE, VIEW, OPPORTUNITY","A shoe company sent a salesman to another country to check into the potential for marketing their shoes there.  A few days later, the salesman reported back: ""i'm coming home, there is no market here! Nobody wears shoes!""So the company sent another salesmen to check out the situation.  Within a matter of hours the salesman enthusiastically calls back:  ""The market is ripe here, send more shoes!  Nobody owns shoes!""  ","Two different perspectives.  it all depends on how you choose to see it.  So, will we be positive or negative about making return visit or starting Bible studies?",,JK,,,jk,,4/7/2014
"COOPERATION, INDEPENDENTLY, GIVE AND TAKE, TRIFLES, WISDOM,","Illustrating the need for cooperation is the item that appeared in the New York Times, October 12, 1965, captioned, “Swiss Deport U.S. Citizen in Dispute over His Home.” He was deported because of getting involved in many disputes with the local authorities over petty things, such as insisting on building his home nine inches higher than the law permitted. The government held that he was a troublemaker, who either was unable or unwilling to adapt himself to local ways. Deported, he left behind his wife and four small children.","IT IS natural for man to love liberty. But it is not wise to act too independently. There must be a ‘give and take,’ for we need one another. The very circumstances of life call for cooperation on the part of all of us.  How foolish to make issues over trifles, making trouble for oneself and others! What caused him to act this way? Too much of an independent attitude. Obviously he lacked empathy; he was unable to put himself in the shoes of his Swiss hosts. He wanted everything his own way, and so was deported because he could not fit in, refusing to cooperate with the local authorities. It was an extreme case, which highlights a common human failing.",Eccl. 4:9-12;,w66 2/15 p. 99,,,bl,,4/7/2014
"LIFE, BIBLE, KNOWLEDGE, TRUTH",Ponce de Leon lived in the 1500s. This man spent a goodly part of his life searching for the refreshment that would come with finding the fountain of youth.  He never found it.  It didn’t exist. All he found was Florida!  He failed to realize that true refreshment and youth came from something he no doubt had in his possession already.  The Bible.,"Refreshment now and everlasting life in the future comes not from a mythical fountain of youth, but the fountain of truth!!  God’s Word.  When it comes to  knowledge that benefits, information that brings happiness, most people today are much like that explorer Ponce De Leon, searching for something that isn’t really there. ",,JK,,,jk,,4/7/2014
"ACCURATE KNOWLEDGE, USE, ACTION, ","A man may consider building himself a house. He might collect all the needed materials and deposit them at the building site—piling up bricks, bags of cement, window and door frames, roofing tiles, and so forth. But, unless he starts putting all the materials together according to a definite plan or design, they will remain just a heap of unrelated items serving no useful purpose. ","And that is exactly how some people appear to accumulate knowledge, or at least items of information, including religious or Bible information, piling them up in their minds as an unrelated miscellany of ideas. It is only when the actual construction work begins on the building site that it is possible to determine whether the materials meet the required specifications and will fit properly into their place in the structure. Likewise with building up accurate knowledge in the mind. It is only when we relate what we know, putting our knowledge together in a composite pattern, that we can discern whether our knowledge is accurate, harmonious and understandable, or whether it consists of inaccuracies, contradictions and possibly even falsehoods. Even if we have the right facts, if they are not understood in their proper relationship to one another, our understanding would still be faulty and could lead to our making bad decisions or arriving at wrong conclusions.",JOHN 17:3;,w66 3/15 pp. 175-176 par. 3,,,bl,,4/7/2014
"SPIRITUALITY, HEALTH, CONDITION, SYMPTOMS","There is a sign in one crowded Doctor’s office that reads:  “To avoid delay, please have all of your symptoms ready!!","Yes, most people are concerned with their physical health, and that’s why Doctor’s offices are usually packed.  We to, Jehovah’s people are concerned with our physical health, but we are even more concerned about our spiritual health.",,JK,,,jk,,4/7/2014
"PREACHING GOOD NEWS, EVANGELIZER, MAKING DISCIPLES, GREATEST WORK,","THERE is a joy in seeing a job well done. This is true whether the job is large or small, involves many persons or you alone, is completed quickly or extends over a long period of time. Noah and his family must have felt keen satisfaction in completing the ark on time; then herding the animals into it, finally sealing it shut before the rains came. Moses and the Israelites, in completing in its intricate details the tabernacle in the wilderness, must have felt that same thrill. Solomon and those who labored with him must have rejoiced when the magnificent temple was completed on Mount Moriah in Jerusalem in 1027 B.C.E., and the cloud, signifying God’s approval, filled it so that the priests could not enter.",Are you one who enjoys the thrill of true accomplishment? Then what if you were given the privilege of participating in the greatest work ever done on earth by man? In this you would associate with thousands of devoted men and women of all nations. You would engage in a work that is for the greatest possible good of righteous-minded persons. It is a work that started over nineteen hundred years ago and is now reaching its grand climax. It will be completed in this generation. An energetic lover of God would surely be interested in such a work.,1 Cor. 3:9;,w66 4/1 p. 201,,,bl,,3/12/2015
"LIGHT, TRUTH, STUDY, HOPE, ORGANIZATION"," A man is drifting in a  boat across the open sea.  It’s dark and stormy.  The boat is being tossed about.  He keeps drifting, no real direction in mind, with no real hope.  But then he spots a tiny little light on the horizon.  It’s the only visible light in this otherwise dark and dreary night.  He starts to row toward that light.  He takes a general heading toward the light.  As he pulls on the oars, he draws closer and the light becomes brighter.  He starts to recognize it as a lighthouse.  It signals land, a safe harbor, home.       He keeps pulling at the oars, straining at the oars.  He digs deep into the water and pulls and the boat draws closer and closer to the light, it keeps getting brighter.    He can start to make out the outline of the harbor, buildings, his own home on the sea.   As he draws closer he adjusts his heading, and takes a more direct route and he is filled with confidence he will make it, his sanctuary is near. ","Does that sound familiar?  It should.  Its really describing each one of us.  At one time we all part of this world,  wandering aimlessly, tossed about by this system of things.  But then Jehovah shined a light into our life.  The light of his truth.  It may have started out as a tiny light on the horizon.  We started heading toward that light.  We started studying God’s Word, digging deeper into it.  And the light got brighter and brighter.  As our understanding grew, the light got brighter and more defined, just like a lighthouse on the horizon, and it required us to make adjustments.  Change our direction and course of life to come into a relationship with Jehovah and gain hope of  Kingdom. ",,JK,,,jk,,4/7/2014
"COUNTERFEIT WORDS, LIES, FALSE TEACHINGS, EXPLOITED, SATAN, PLOT, ","WHEN word gets out that there is counterfeit money being circulated in a community, you immediately check the money you have on hand because you know it may mean considerable loss to you if you happen to have some of the counterfeit, and, worse, may involve you in a great deal of trouble if you should try to pass some of it. It may be such a skillful counterfeit that you have to go to your banker to identify it. ","Counterfeit words can be even more deceptive and damaging. You would have to go to a reliable source of true words and facts to detect the fraud.  The apostle Peter, one of the most intimate apostles of the Lord Jesus Christ, a short time before his own death wrote an inspired warning to the Christian congregation, telling them to keep on the watch, for, he said, there would be some from right among the Christian congregations who, with covetousness, “will exploit you with counterfeit words.” (2 Pet. 2:3) We can be sure, then, that not all that holds itself out to be Christianity is truly Christian and that the counterfeit is no weak and insignificant attempt but a deeply laid plot with strong power to deceive. ",2 PETER 2:3;,w66 4/15 p. 243,,,bl,,4/7/2014
"LIGHT, TRUTH, REVELATION, ORGANIZATION","But may wonder why does that light from Jehovah gradually becomes brighter.  Why doesn’t he just tell us up front all he wants us to know?   Why is it gradual?   We just couldn’t take itImagine if a person was suddenly put in front of light house light!   From dark night, to suddenly Exposed to  50,000 lamps of light.   It  would blind a person, drive them away.  Its like turning on a very bright light in a dark room.  First reaction is: “Turn it off.”  It hurts the eyes.  It repels.",Jehovah is leading us down road to life.  If he suddenly hit us with full understanding it may would shock us and drive us away. ,Proverbs 4:18,JK,,,jk,,4/7/2014
"TIME IS RUNNING OUT, LAST DAYS, GENERATION, ","TIME is running out! Running out for what? Running out for the present generation, for the present wicked system of things, for the way things are being done today. In other words, time is running out for the rule of this planet by selfishness, wickedness, injustice and violence. Why can we be certain of this?","We can be certain of it because the Creator, Jehovah God, is a just, wise and loving God. Although he has seen fit to tolerate these unrighteous conditions for more than 4,000 years, he will not always tolerate them, for “there is an appointed time, even a time for every affair under the heavens.” There is a time for him to tolerate such conditions and a time for him to put an end to them, and that time will be soon, even as we read: “Just a little while longer, and the wicked one will be no more.”—Eccl. 3:1; Ps. 37:10.",Eccl. 3:1; Ps. 37:10.,w66 6/1 p. 325,,,bl,,4/7/2014
"GOOD, BAD, HATE, RIGHTEOUS, STANDARDS","Have you ever heard the old saying about what it takes to be a good gardener?  Goes this way:To be a good gardener, it’s not enough to love flowers, you have to hate weeds!!","It’s the same principle when it comes to serving Jehovah.  Notice what is says in  Psalm 97:10Yes, spiritually:  To be a worshiper of Jehovah God, its not enough to love Jehovah and love what is good, you have to hate what is bad!!",Psalm 97:10,JK,,,jk,,5/20/2014
"DESIRE, THINKING, ENTERTAINMENT, EYES","Especially it seems, does what we watch, have an effect  our thinking, and our desires, if you don't think so, reflect on what happens at the start of a movie at the theater.     The music comes on, and you see a large tub of hot buttered, salted, popcorn appear on the screen, and then, an icy coke with droplets dripping down the side of the glass, what do you want?   You want to go to the concession stand and get some!!!!","The movie starts, and they start showing immorality, nudity, violence.  Now, as you watch these scenes what desires or feelings do you think are aroused in you?     Are you thinking “Wow, I could really use another bucket of popcorn and a coke!” ",,JK,,,jk,,4/7/2014
"PATTERN OF HEALTHFUL WORDS, UPBUILDING, ENCOURAGING, ","WORDS can pierce like a sword, killing friendships and stirring up trouble. Or they can be as pleasant as a honeycomb, imparting health and bringing friends closer together. “There exists the one speaking thoughtlessly as with the stabs of a sword, but the tongue of the wise ones is a healing.” And another Bible proverb says: “Pleasant sayings are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and a healing to the bones.”—Prov. 12:18; 16:24; Ps. 55:21.","It is a fact! Upbuilding, encouraging words truly contribute to one’s sense of healthful well-being. Particularly can words of sound spiritual counsel result in healing. If they cause a person to follow a wise, honorable course of life, spiritual and mental health is realized, not to speak of the improved physical health that often results from following godly principles.",1 Tim. 6:2-4; Prov. 4:20-22;,w66 6/15 p. 356,,,bl,,4/7/2014
"YOUTH, OPPORTUNITY, FULL-TIME SERVICE","Young ones have more opportunities in serving Jehovah than ever before.  It’s a great time to be young and in the truth.  But energy of youth is like a block of ice in the desert.  Having a block of ice in the desert would be great, but you better figure out what to do with it, because its not going to be around long.    ",Same with our opportunities in serving Jehovah.  The window of opportunity for young persons and all their energy is only there for so long.  Seize those privileges while you can.,Ecclesiasties 12:1,JK,,,jk,,1/10/2015
"GOALS, MATERIALISM, EDUCATION, GARBAGE, REFUSE, WORLD, ",He likened those things he gave up to “refuse”   ”garbage”,"Let me ask you a personal question! •	How do you personally feel about garbage? •	Did you ever have to take out the garbage? •	I know its a touchy subject but, what was it like?  •	Do you remember it as a sad time? •	The family all brings their garbage from the different rooms, put in a big garbage bag....put the little tie on...start to carry it out •	and the family gathers at the screen door, they wave goodbye, holding back tears, •	on the way out to the garbage can by the street you hold the garbage close, cuddle it, put it in the garbage can, the emotion almost too much for you to bear, turn, start to walk away, turn back and wave...Is that the way it is when you get rid of garbage?     Ridiculous!!!!      And Paul referred to worldly success and pursuits as garbage when compared to progress in the truth. ",Philippians  3:8,JK,,,jk,,4/7/2014
"SPIRIT OF GOD, GOALS, PLANTING, CULTIVATING, HARVEST, SATISFIED, ","Let it all be illustrated by the farmer and his field. He carefully plows, harrows, packs and tends the ground, working it into a good seedbed. Then he plants the wheat. Does he plant wheat because he could not think of anything else to plant, or did he plant wheat because he happened to have seed on hand? No, he has a definite purpose in mind. Some wheat he will use for food for his own household, some will be saved for seed yet another year, the rest he will sell so he can buy other necessities of life. The wheat seed planted will bring many returns if it grows and multiplies as it should. But if it develops into a scrawny, spindly-looking stock that produces just a little poor-grade wheat, then it is not going to make the farmer happy. He may not harvest it if it is not worth the work. ","We find that Jehovah, the greatest farmer, has prepared all things very well, sent out cultivators, sowers, tenders of the field and harvesters. Now, how should we respond? Proverbs 12:11 says: “The one cultivating his ground will himself be satisfied with bread, but the one pursuing valueless things is in want of heart.” Grow, produce, stay under the raining waters of truth and the growth-producing warmth of Jehovah’s spirit and produce a hundredfold to Jehovah’s honor.",PROVERBS 12:11;,w66 6/15 pp. 363-364 par. 21,,,bl,,4/7/2014
"ENTERTAINMENT, DEVIL, SATAN, APOSTATE, ","Supposed someone turned apostate, and they were disfellowshipped from the congregation. •	would you talk to a person like that?   Why, no you say,  we're not supposed to talk to someone disfellowshipped,  especially an apostate!!    •	But..... suppose they wrote you a letter..... would you read their letter?   •	Supposed they wrote a book.... would you read their book?   •	Supposed they put on a TV program?   Would you watch it?    •	If they made a movie or video,  would you watch that?","The point is that Satan the Devil has been disfellowshiped from Jehovah's organization.   He is the greatest apostate in the universe!!   So do we read the books, watch the TV programs and  the movies that he is obviously the author or inspirer of?   Are we absorbing material and impressions that he would like us to absorb?   ",,JK,,,jk,,4/7/2014
"WORLDLINESS, ASSOCIATION, ORGANIZATION","Being in the world but, in the truth,  being no part of it is like trying to get to safety in a lifeboat out in the middle of the ocean.  We would want to be crossing the ocean but we would not want to be part of the ocean.   Like a precious lifeboat, Jehovah has provided his organization.  To come into his organization means we have to leave the world.       In a lifeboat, Its not always smooth sailing, it is a rough ride, but it sure beats being in the ocean! ","If we return to this world it will chew us up and spit us out.       Yet there are some who return to the world.  Or worse, there are some witnesses that try to bring some of the world into Jehovah's organization.  That would be like someone drilling holes in your lifeboat!    ",,jk,,,jk,,4/7/2014
"HARVEST, HAPPINESS, WHEAT, SATISFACTION, LIGHT HEART, DARKNESS, BLACKNESS, ","THERE is no happier time for the farmer than the time of harvest. What is more beautiful in his sight than a field of golden grain ready to be gathered into the storehouse? It means nourishment, life, happiness, a time of prosperity not only for him but also for the city dwellers. The farmer and his helpers can view the harvest with a great deal of satisfaction, for much hard work has been spent in the field—first plowing, then planting—and a great deal of patience. The harvesting of the crop is also hard work, but it is done with a light heart.","As regards human history, this is the time of harvest. Although conditions may make things look the blackest, actually a time of prosperity, physical and spiritual nourishment and happiness such as the earth has never known is near at hand, for it is God’s harvest time. It makes us happy to know this. But how do we know? It will give you happiness to see the description of this harvest in the Bible and as you consider it you will see how clearly and beautifully it paints a picture exactly describing the wonderful things God is doing now and the things that he has in store for the earth in the very near future.",REVELATION 14:,w66 6/15 p. 372,,,bl,,4/7/2014
"HARVEST, HAPPINESS, SATISFACTION, STOREHOUSE, ","With every harvest there is a threshing and a treading. The Revelation describes this for us also and gives a preview of what is to happen after the fruitage of the harvest has all been gathered. What a harvest Jehovah God is accomplishing in his tremendous field, the world! With infallible accuracy the enthroned king Jesus Christ and the reapers, the angels, will gather in all the wheat. What blessing and happiness it is for those who assist in the harvest by preaching the Kingdom good news here on the earth, right in the field of God! What happiness for those now being gathered as they assist in the work with the prospects in mind of enjoying perfect life and everlasting happiness in the new order of things!","But above all, the Great Owner of the field and Master of the harvest has the greatest happiness of all in the accomplishment of his purpose and in bestowing everlasting life on those who hear the good news and prove themselves the right kind to be harvested into his storehouse of everlasting blessing.",REVELATION CHAPTER 14;,w66 6/15 p. 376,,,bl,,4/7/2014
"UNDERSTANDING, KNOWLEDGE, WISDOM, SKUNK, CAT,","To illustrate understanding:For example: Let’s say you’re walking along a path in the woods and through your eyes you take in knowledge, you see a black cat coming down the path towards you. And you analyze the knowledge and you discern that there is plenty of room for both you and the cat on the same path.But now as you get closer you get a better look at that black cat and you see he has a big white stripe down the middle of his back, from his head to his tail.",Now you know there is not enough room for both of you on the same path. And so it helps you to make a decision!!! I’d better get off this path!!!And that's what understanding is. Grasping the significance of what you discern and getting the sense of it.In this system of things we can get in to a lot more trouble than just being on the same path with a skunk!!! We could get into trouble that can cost us our everlasting life!,,JK,,,jk,,4/7/2014
"FEAR, JEHOVAH, CONDUCT, ","Its like when you were a child and you were told, “don't play with the ball in the house!!”  Later your mother said to you, ""Do you know who broke the vase?""  You said, ""Oh, no, I don't' know anything about it.""    But then your mother said: ""Well, wait till your father gets home, then we'll see.""   Then you said, ""You know I seem to remember something about it!!!!!""If had been thinking of father , if you thought of that fear of your father, in first place never would have disobeyed.  And you certainly wouldn't hide it or lie about it.    ","A fear of Jehovah; a proper reverence for Jehovah will arm us or protect us from being hypocritical.  Whereas if we find ourselves harboring wrong desires and attitudes and at times doing things we know displeases Jehovah, then we are lacking a proper fear of Jehovah. ",,JK,,,jk,,4/7/2014
"GOOD, BAD, HATE, AVERSION, ATTITUDES","Think of something really offensive, repugnant.  Your driving down the road and you pass by a flattened black and white animal, dead along side the road.  ""Ohhh."" A skunk.”Do you back up?   Do you say: ""I'm going to go back and take another wiff, see if its really that bad.""  No it's offensive to all your senses.  You want to get out of there as soon as possible.  ","In a similar way we must develop a similar aversion to what God says is bad.  We can claim a love for Jehovah, but we need to hate the attitudes that lead to hurting relationship with Jehovah.   ",Amos 515,JK,,,jk,,4/7/2014
"PARENTS, DISCIPLINE, PROTECTION, ENTERTAINMENT, FEAR OF JEHOVAH","Parents:  Do you let young ones buy that music CD; or rent those questionable movies?  Some parents say  ""Well, I tell them I'd prefer they watch something else, they just won't listen."" (sound wimpy)   What's missing?   Where is your hatred for what is bad.  	If your child brought home a roadkill deer that had been laying in the highway for the past week:  Would you say: ""I'd prefer you not bring that in the house.""  Or ""You'll have to keep that in your bedroom.""   No- you would throw it out of the house.  You'd kindly explain to them why;   but there would be no option or no negotiation.","Are we really guarding our family from dangerous influences?Now of course your child might say: ""Don't you trust me?""   Of course you don't trust them.  You don't even trust yourself to be exposed to such badness.  Its not a question of trust, it's a question of love.",,JK,,,jk,,4/7/2014
"STORY, BIBLE, HISTORY, PROPHECY, GOOD NEWS, KINGDOM, ","""An old story is often fresher than a new one""",Kingdom truths bear repeating. ,ACTS 17:20;,Bob Laymon ,,,bl,,4/7/2014
"MATURITY, GROWTH, STUDY, KNOWLEDGE, ","WORKING toward maturity is the most gratifying experience that a Christian can have. It is not an inherited quality, rather, it comes within the scope of Paul’s words at Ephesians 4:12, 13 as being the result of training or building up to reach full growth, the stature of a man: “Training . . . for the building up of the body of the Christ, . . . to the oneness in the faith and in the accurate knowledge of the Son of God, to a full-grown man, to the measure of growth that belongs to the fullness of the Christ.” ","Attainment of this goal requires acquisition of knowledge, and that means study. Personal study is undoubtedly one of the most favored avenues through which an individual can acquire maturity. It is satisfying and joyful.","Eccl. 7:11, 12;",w66 7/1 p. 392,,,bl,,4/7/2014
"SIN, CONSCIENCE, WARNING, ","A dog can be trained not to take certain things but he cannot be taught that it is wrong to steal. To appreciate moral principles requires reason, and reasoning is beyond the capacity of dumb brutes. It follows that if a man lets his conscience become calloused, seared, hardened, deadened, by repeated careless or willful excursions into sin and wrongdoing, he becomes like the dumb beast.","It is as though his moral warning signal no longer works because of his repeatedly violating it. As the apostle Peter warns, he will pay the price of God’s wrath for such wrongdoing.—2 Pet. 2:12, 13. The Creator has endowed you with a conscience by which you can judge between right and wrong. Lower animals do not have this faculty, just one of the many evidences of the great chasm that yawns between man and beast. ","2 Pet. 2:12, 13;",w66 7/15 p. 419,,,bl,,4/7/2014
"SIN, CALLOUSING EFFECT, CONSCIENCE, INDIFFERENCE, ",The callousing effect of sin might be illustrated by the effect of the tobacco habit. Because of the pleasure obtained from satisfying an acquired craving countless millions today keep on smoking cigarettes in spite of the ever-mounting evidence of how extremely harmful cigarette smoking is. ,"Among the latest such evidence, incidentally, is that given out by the American Cancer Society showing that the death rate from coronary disease in the United States among cigarette smokers is three times that of nonsmokers.—New York Times, May 9, 1966.  Yes, sin is like that. Those who by carelessness or willfulness let themselves get calloused by sin become indifferent to ever so many worthwhile things. ","1 Tim. 4:1, 2; Jer. 6:15; Prov. 30:20;",w66 7/15 p. 419,,,bl,,4/7/2014
"DEDICATION, OWE GOD, GOD'S IMAGE, OBEDIENCE, RESPONSE, ","Yes, a man will call to his dog and have the dog respond, but how many men respond to the words of God? The men of that ancient nation did not remember their obligation to the One who created them. They did not have the good sense to obey God. Who today would want the Creator to speak of him as less sensible than a bull or an ass?  Yet it would appear at times that some men do not do as well as the animals.","Was man made just to live, to eat, to laugh, to cry, to sleep, to work, to reproduce after his kind? Animals live, take in food, reproduce and sleep. Man was made for a higher purpose. He was given reasoning, intelligence.  In the history of the ancient nation of Israel there was a time when God spoke out about men, saying: “Sons I have brought up and raised, but they themselves have revolted against me. A bull well knows its buyer, and the ass the manger of its owner; Israel itself has not known, my own people have not behaved understandingly. . . . They have left Jehovah, they have treated the Holy One of Israel with disrespect, they have turned backwards.” (Isa. 1:2-4) ",ISAIAH 1:2-4;,w66 8/1 pp. 457-458 par. 6,,,bl,,4/7/2014
"PEACE, TRANQUILITY, UNDISTURBED, POSSESSION OF PEACE, CALM,","It has been well illustrated by the mother bird that sits on her nest of eggs in a tree during a thunderstorm, tranquil, undisturbed through it all. Clearly it is a peace of which the world knows nothing. That is why Jesus could say regarding it: “I leave you peace, I give you my peace. I do not give it to you the way that the world gives it. Do not let your hearts be troubled nor let them shrink for fear.” “I have said these things to you that by means of me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation, but take courage! I have conquered the world.” ","Yes, in spite of conditions that would ordinarily cause men to become troubled and shrink back in fear, in spite of tribulation, the true followers of Jesus Christ can have peace.The peace that is the Christians’ possession is further unique in that it is not dependent upon environment. Well has the apostle Paul described it as “the peace of God that excels all thought.” It is a calm condition of mind and heart, an inner state of quiet regardless of what may be taking place on the outside.",Phil. 4:7; John 14:27; 16:33;,w66 8/15 p. 489 par. 17,,,bl,,4/7/2014
"POSSESSION OF PEACE, TRANQUILITY, CALM, SERENITY, JUSTICE, ","PEACE! How pleasant the very sound of the word is because of its associations! Peace suggests calmness, serenity, tranquillity, freedom from friction and strife, from doubt and fear. No wonder that the promises of peace found in God’s Word are so comforting!","Delightful indeed is the picture of peace given by the prophet Isaiah: “In the wilderness justice will certainly reside, and in the orchard righteousness itself will dwell. And the work of the true righteousness must become peace; and the service of the true righteousness, quietness and security to time indefinite. And my people must dwell in a peaceful abiding place and in residences of full confidence and in undisturbed resting places.”—Isa. 32:16-18.",Ps. 85:8;,w66 8/15 p. 485,,,bl,,4/7/2014
"PEACE, MARITAL BLISS, POSSESSION OF PEACE, REWARD, JOY, CULTIVATE, ","This peace might be likened to marital bliss. A wedding is indeed a joyful occasion and opens up the way for marital bliss, but it does not permanently guarantee it, a mistaken idea that apparently many couples have. To have marital bliss a couple must continually work at it, give it thought, time and effort, manifesting maturity in all their relations. ","So also with those who have come into peaceful relations with God through repentance, conversion, faith in Christ’s ransom, dedication and baptism. They must continue to work at this peace in order to maintain it. It might, therefore, be said that the peace of God is a reward, even as Jehovah promised his ancient people peace if they met his conditions: “If you continue walking in my statutes and keeping my commandments and you do carry them out, I shall . . . put peace in the land, and you will lie down, with no one making you tremble; . . . and a sword will not pass through your land.”—Lev. 26:3-6.",Lev. 26:3-6;,w66 8/15 pp. 490-491 par. 25,,,bl,,4/7/2014
"PRESSURE GROUPS, RELIGION, PERSECUTION, HOSTILITY, NUMBER THREE, ","In Jesus’ time, the “three companions” of Job’s day represented all the teaching groups or sects of Judaism together with their retinues of disciples that should have been companions with Jesus in correctly upholding the Godship of Jehovah and the true teachings of the Bible. Instead, these false teaching agencies were employed to make bitter, violent doctrinal attacks upon Jesus. ","The number three, Biblically indicating emphasis, aptly illustrated the emphatic, all-out attack from all these leading sects of Jesus’ day that had become doctrinally defiled with Babylonish thinking. The statistics show that Jesus had some forty different skirmishes or word battles with these several pressure groups. There were two involving the Sadducees, two the party followers of Herod, five with members of the Sanhedrin, eight with the scribes, one indirectly referring to the Essenes (Matt. 19:12) and thirty-three involving the leading sect, that of the Pharisees. Satan now brought to bear his centuries-long-prepared pressure groups of hostility. This was to be a long, grueling ordeal that was to try to break down Jesus’ heart integrity toward Jehovah and to defeat Jehovah on the issue of Godship.",MATT 19:12;,w66 9/1 p. 535 par. 23,,,bl,,4/7/2014
"BLOOD, BLOODGUILTY, ","THERE are three ways of becoming bloodguilty before God. One of them is by committing murder, bloodshed. (Gen. 9:5, 6) Another is by drinking or eating blood, or by improper use of it. (Gen. 9:4; Acts 15:20, 29) The third way is by failing or refusing to warn those who we know are in danger of losing their lives through taking a course of action against God and his Word.In God’s law covenant with Israel the penalty for drinking blood was death. (Lev. 17:10, 14) ","On the other hand, water is essential for life. If, then, the sources of drinking water were turned into blood it would mean death for the drinkers thereof. This very thing happens, symbolically, in the third plague of Revelation, chapter 16. God uses the illustration to reveal the state of affairs as regards his principle on blood and what results to mankind from it. We read: “And the third [angel] poured out his bowl into the rivers and the fountains of the waters. And they became blood.” (Rev. 16:4) ","Acts 20:26, 27.",w66 9/15 p. 549,,,bl,,4/7/2014
"ROAD TO LIFE, EVERLASTING, ","In following this road we can compare ourselves to travelers in a foreign land. Seeing our goal on the horizon, we must fix our eye upon it as we walk toward it. If we take our eyes off the goal, we wander away from the road and get lost. If our hope for life is very strong, then we shall not be turned aside. ","Paul likens this hope to an anchor, saying at Hebrews 6:19: “This hope we have as an anchor for the soul, both sure and firm.” Like an anchor that safely holds a big ship and prevents it from drifting onto the rocks that could wreck it, so this hope of everlasting life anchors us firmly to Jehovah God and prevents us from ever drifting away from the road to life. But if the anchor begins to drag, the ship will be lost. So we must make sure that we never lose our anchor, our hope, and so expose ourselves to the shipwreck of our faith.",HEBREWS 6:19;,w66 10/1 p. 601 par. 5,,,bl,,4/7/2014
"MISSIONARIES, GIVE FREE, GIFTS, GRADUALLY, INFLATION, ","HOW refreshing in these days when prices are constantly rising to learn of missionaries who will give free of what they have! “You received free, give free” was the theme of the address by President N. H. Knorr to an audience of 2,023 on the occasion of the graduation of the 42nd Class of the Watchtower Bible School of Gilead in New York city, September 11, 1966.","President Knorr illustrated his point by reference to the things of creation. The clouds receive and give water free. So also the earth, the plant life and, finally, humans in a physical way take in nourishment and then give by way of growth, work and thought. In the same way the free gifts of Jehovah’s witnesses everywhere made possible the special missionary training received free by the graduating students, and now it is their turn to give free.The speaker cautioned the students that, while they were saturated with the truth, they must feed it gradually to truth-thirsty ones, not in a sweeping torrent, but like gentle rain that promotes fruitfulness. He also counseled the student body to keep filling themselves with the truth through regular study, so they may go on speaking the pure truth to those they contact in their missionary assignments. He reminded them that “the lip of truth” is what “will be firmly established forever.”—Prov. 12:19.",PROVERBS 12:19,w66 11/1 p. 671,,,bl,,4/7/2014
"RELEASE, CAPTIVES, DISASTER, HISTORICAL ILLUSTRATION, Volunteers","THE disaster that befell the Jewish nation in our first century was a historical illustration, on a small scale, of what it results in if the release as preached by Jehovah’s anointed ones is not accepted. The release is not just a getting out of a system of captivity, the restoring of the light of freedom to the eyes blinded by the religious darkness of a prison system. Release also includes an escaping from destruction with the prisonlike system of religious captivity. Such a destruction is approaching men of this generation, on a worldwide scale.",Nineteen centuries ago it was the Jews and circumcised proselytes whom Peter warned to get saved from that crooked Jewish generation. He was warning them of what befell their nation in 70 C.E. He was preaching to them more than just a release from the enslaving system of traditional Judaism.—Acts 2:40.,ACTS 2:40;,w66 11/15 p. 688 pars. 1-2,,,bl,,2/7/2018
"DEATH, SHEOL, HADES, GRAVE, ","Having in mind a woodchopper scattering chips and sticks of wood around, the psalmist David said: “As when one is doing cleaving and splitting on the earth, our bones have been scattered at the mouth of Sheol.” (Ps. 141:7) ","Instead of Sheol, the English Authorized Version uses the words “the grave,” and fittingly so, for bones are scattered at the mouth of the grave before burial.",Ps. 141:7,w65 1/15 p. 44 par. 2,,,bl,,4/7/2014
"TREASURES, ANSWERS TO BIBLE QUESTIONS, HOLY BIBLE, ","SOME treasure hunters seek gold or silver; some, precious stones, and some, hidden treasures. A more rewarding treasure hunt is the search in God’s Word, the Holy Bible, for accurate knowledge, that one may have true wisdom. ","So we are told at Proverbs 2:4, 5: “If you keep seeking for it as for silver, and as for hid treasures you keep searching for it, in that case you will understand the fear of Jehovah, and you will find the very knowledge of God.”The invaluable treasures of “the very knowledge of God” are for those who, like a persistent treasure hunter, are willing to seek them. Are you diligent in finding answers to your Bible questions? How can you improve your efficiency in doing so?","Proverbs 2:4, 5;",w65 2/15 p. 124,,,bl,,4/7/2014
"PRAISE, COMMENDATION, ENCOURAGEMENT, ","HOW a word of praise can brighten your day! It makes all your efforts seem worth while, and encourages you to continue to do what is praiseworthy. Fine benefits are realized when praise is not withheld.","Jesus Christ recognized the value of giving praise, for in an illustration he represented himself as the master who commended his slaves: “Well done, good and faithful slave!” (Matt. 25:21, 23) Jesus did not withhold praise from his followers when they had done well. Neither does Jehovah God withhold praise from his servants who are worthy of it. In due time, the scripture says, “each one will have his praise come to him from God.”—1 Cor. 4:5.","1 COR 4:5; MATT 25:21, 23,",w65 3/1 p. 131,,,bl,,4/7/2014
"PRAISE, ENCOURAGEMENT, LOVE, COMMENDATION, CONCEIT, ","After a delicious meal a dinner guest remarked to his friend that his wife was a good cook. The host smiled. “Sure,” he said, “I know it, but I’m not telling her about it.” ","Perhaps the man felt that a word of praise would make his wife conceited. Whatever the reason, the host noted that relations in that home were not as pleasant as in homes where appreciative expressions of praise were bestowed upon family members meriting commendation.A capable wife is deserving of praise, and that she should receive it is indicated by the proverb: “Her sons have risen up and proceeded to pronounce her happy; her owner rises up, and he praises her.” Knowledge that she is appreciated makes it easier for her to do her work and causes her to try even harder to please.—Prov. 31:28.",PROVERBS 31:28;,w65 3/1 p. 132,,,bl,,4/7/2014
"GREAT POTTER, REACTION, OBEDIENCE, FLEXIBLE, FREE MORAL AGENT, ATTITUDE, ","All of Jehovah’s creatures might be likened to clay vessels in a potter’s workshop whom Jehovah God, as the Potter, can and does mold as he pleases. ","But it is up to the individual piece of clay as a free moral agent and an intelligent creature to choose how he wants to react to Jehovah’s patterns and pressures, either submitting to Jehovah and righteousness, or resisting Jehovah and hardening himself in wickedness. But once the creature has manifested his attitude, Jehovah may, can and does at times mold that one further and further, either toward honorable service or toward dishonorable use, as suits Jehovah’s sovereign will and purposes.",JEREMIAH 18:6-8;,w65 6/15 p. 362 par. 7,,,bl,,4/7/2014
"MARRIAGE, MATE, WEDLOCK, WEDDINGS, ","FOR Adam, the first man, choosing a wife was no problem at all. She was made for him. Man had named the many animals, but for him “there was found no helper as a complement of him.” “Hence,” we are told in the Biblical account, “Jehovah God had a deep sleep fall upon the man and, while he was sleeping, he took one of his ribs and then closed up the flesh over its place. And Jehovah God proceeded to build the rib that he had taken from the man into a woman and to bring her to the man.” Just imagine Adam’s joy at this! He was moved to exclaim: “This is at last bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh. This one will be called Woman, because from man this one was taken.” No wonder man would stick to his wife. In her sinless state, this woman was his perfect complement.—Gen. 2:18-25.","Today, among imperfect humans, a problem facing some Christians is that of selecting a marriage mate. In this a devoted servant of Jehovah will wisely heed the apostle Paul’s inspired admonition that dedicated Christians should marry believers, thus marrying “only in the Lord.” (1 Cor. 7:39) This is Jehovah’s will for Christians who choose to wed.",1 Cor. 7:38;,w65 9/15 pp. 559-560,,,bl,,12/23/2015
"FIELD IS THE WORLD, CULTIVATION, PREACHING, ","DID you know that you are part of a field that is under cultivation? Whether you believe it or not, you are, just as certainly as you are part of the human family. This cultivation is not part of a selfish scheme in order to exploit you in some such sort of way as the imperial powers of this earth have made selfish gain out of the people whom they have subjected and governed as colonies. ","The cultivation that we will here examine is for our highest good for all time to come. It is God’s cultivation, which he sent his beloved Son to undertake and accomplish, sending him with the pure motive of love. The Son as a fellow worker with God described this work of cultivation by means of a parable.",Matt. 13:38;,w64 1/15 p. 41,,,bl,,4/7/2014
"UNFORGIVABLE SIN, FOREVER, WORLD, ","Jesus Christ said to his critics: “Whoever blasphemes against the holy spirit has no forgiveness forever [literally, to (for) the age], but is guilty of everlasting [aionian, agelong, perpetual, eternal] sin.” ","That would mean no forgiveness now or in any time to come, because of a sin that can never be wiped out. Later, when Jesus cursed the fig tree that gave the appearance of bearing fruit but that had produced none, what did he say to that tree? According to Matthew 21:19 he said: “Let no fruit come from you any more forever [literally, to (for) the age].” ",MARK 3:29;,w64 1/15 p. 44 par. 17,,,bl,,4/7/2014
"MEMORIAL, PARTAKERS, ATTENDEES, MEETINGS, REGULAR AT MEETINGS, ","Your being present at the Memorial might be illustrated by your being present at another’s wedding. You yourself are not getting married, but out of love and respect for the bridal couple and the invitation they have extended, you honor them with your presence. ","So with the Memorial of Christ’s death; all who love the Lord Jesus Christ and his bride, the members of his body, will want to be present. But do not make the mistake of concluding that all you need to do is to attend the Memorial of Christ’s death once a year. Apparently this is an easy mistake to make, for that is the only time many are seen at a Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s witnesses. Surely one turkey dinner with all the trimmings could not sustain you physically for a whole year, could it? So, too, Christians need to assemble regularly to be spiritually nourished, not only when there is a special spiritual feast, as at the Memorial of Christ’s death.","Luke 4:4; Heb. 10:24, 25;",w64 3/15 p. 171,,,bl,,4/7/2014
"SUBMIT, BELONG, OBEDIENCE, TOTAL SUBMISSION, WIFE, GOD AND STATE,","The illustration of a husband and a wife can again be applied to this situation. A wife might rightfully go to work for another man at his place of business. But if her employer required that she submit totally to him, in all areas, including the intimate details pertaining to married life, then his demands would be out of order and could not be complied with. The employer would be demanding what the wife could rightly give only to her husband.","This same principle applies to man’s relationship with God. God is the Creator. He gave man life and provided him with the things necessary to sustain life. He rightfully can require something in return, as a husband who provides for his wife requires certain things of her. While God permits human governments to exercise a measure of control over individuals, as an employer might over a man’s wife, He does not give such governments of men the right of absolute control, requiring submission even in those areas that belong only to Him.",MATT 19:6;,w64 6/15 p. 358,,,bl,,4/7/2014
"TOTAL SUBMISSION, WIFE, HUSBANDLY RIGHTS, BELONG, OBEY,","WOULD you not be angry if another man demanded that your wife totally submit to him? Would you not be incensed if he demanded that your wife give her devotion and loyalty to him instead of to you, her husband?","A man would be outraged at this invasion of his husbandly rights. A wife belongs to her husband. No other person has the right to disrupt the marriage bond. Jesus Christ gave emphasis to this when he said: “Therefore, what God has yoked together let no man put apart.”—Matt. 19:6.",Matt. 19:6;,w64 6/15 p. 357,,,bl,,4/7/2014
"YOUTH, PEERS, DESIRE, WORLDLY, GOALS, REAL LIFE, ","Worldly youth would tell you your ""really living"" when you can selfishly do what you want, when you get drunk, commit fornication, use drugs. Yet a lot of young people who have ""really lived"" are now ""really sick"", ""really  depressed"", ""really dead""!",,,JK,,,jk,,4/8/2014
"HEALTH, IMPERFECTION, DYING, CURE,","And remember, nobody in this system has perfect health.  In this system to say a person is in Good health only means they are dying at a slower rate than others.",When there are health problems how can we cope?   Answer?  “Do not let your hearts be troubled.”,,JK,,62,jk,,4/8/2014
"FAMILY, MARRIAGE, HUSBAND, WIFE, ","•	Most women like tree sap.•	They like it even better, when there are dead bugs in it.•	And they love it when it is petrified and cut and polished and called amber, a precious gem, and its set in gold! You see, things can take on a special beauty, when they’re put in the proper setting.Outside that setting it can lose much of it’s beauty.  Amber can just be old petrified tree sap with dead bugs in it.","Jehovah God himself, created the proper setting for each member of the family..Many times, problems, often times, big problems, occur when this principle, is neglected or ignored. There is an old Zulu proverb, “there is nothing so disastrous as putting two bulls in the same pen”.It means, that when two people try to run the same household, it’s like having two drivers in the same car, each with their own steering wheel.The only thing, more disastrous than that, would be a car, with no driver.",,JK,,,jk,,4/8/2014
"VANITY, APPEARANCE, PRIDE, ","If I went to a plastic surgeon to see what I could do about reclaiming my youth, he would probably say: “Mr. K, I”ve studied your case and I  think I can help.   I’ve made a list of a few things that I think would help you to look better and younger. (unfold 3’ list) Take this list of procedures and prices home and study it and let me know.”  Now if I said “Doc, I don’t need to study it!     Go for it!!!    Do it all!  Money is no object!!!     I want to be all that I can be!!!!What’s the word that would describe my attitude?    VANITY!!",,,JK,,,jk,,4/8/2014
"UNITY, CROSS ROADS, SITUATION, GOVERNMENT, PREACHING, RUIN, ANCIENT OF DAYS, ","MODERN man finds himself in a complex and difficult situation. He is at cross-purposes with himself. On the one hand, in the last half century he has learned how to harness the forces of God’s creation in a way and to a degree undreamed of in previous generations, or only dimly guessed at. Tremendous advances in means of communication and of travel, advances in the world of mechanics, also in the realms of medicine and of science—these have opened the door to wonderful possibilities. ","On the other hand, by those same means, under the direction and stimulus of ambitious and ruthless men, the door has also been opened to dreadful possibilities. Modern man can benefit himself in many ways hitherto unknown, but he also has within his grasp the means to just about ruin the earth and its inhabitants. Men are proud of their achievements, but at the same time, as foretold, “men become faint out of fear and expectation of the things coming upon the inhabited earth.” Self-assuming, headstrong men, are forced to admit that these are “critical times hard to deal with.” What a contradiction!—Luke 21:26; 2 Tim. 3:1-5.  But when we turn our attention away from modern man to the Ancient of Days, the Creator, what a contrast!",Eph. 1:9-12;,w64 7/1 p. 396,,,bl,,4/8/2014
"BUSY, FULLY ACCOMPLISH MINISTRY, WORK, IDLE, SERVICE, MINISTERIAL, RESPONSIBILITY, HAPPINESS,","BUSY AS BEES!  GOD has never left his people with nothing to do. He has put them to work, and as this comes as a commission from him it can properly be called ministerial work because it is in the nature of service rendered to him. ","Such work can therefore never be treated lightly, but should be viewed as a stewardship. It is a great privilege and brings much happiness, but it also carries a great responsibility. This should not deter us, for God well knows our imperfections and frailties, and in his undeserved kindness has made ample provision on our behalf.",2 TIMOTHY 4:2-5;,w64 7/1 p. 403,,,bl,,5/6/2014
"LOYALTY, STICK CLOSE, FAITHFUL, DEVOTION, ADHESIVE, TIGHT, PROBLEMS, ORGANIZATION,","LOYALTY means to be faithful, to stick close in unswerving obedience, with devotion so strong that it will act as a powerful adhesive, holding one tight and secure in all kinds of divisive troubles. ","Loyalty to God is shown by his people when they lovingly stick to him and his organization both when it is easy and when it is difficult, yes, as the old expression puts it, “through thick and thin.”","Ps. 86:1, 2;",w64 8/1 p. 464,,,bl,,4/8/2014
"FAITHFUL, LOYALTY, SMALL MATTERS, STICK TO, TIME, WISDOM,","Proving faithful in small matters can be very well illustrated by the clock. Whether small or large, very expensive with gold plating or just a cheap simple timepiece, they all do one thing, a very small thing. They measure off time in tiny fractions, seconds. It does the tremendous job of accurately keeping time and reporting it day or night, the year around, in small pieces at a time. No worries about next week or month, just the immediate second. When it has recorded and reported the second, it moves to the next one. ","We may not be as mechanical as a clock, but many times every day we have the responsibility and privilege of being faithful to Jehovah and his organization in small matters. If we take care of each one as it comes and each day do better, using the principles of God’s Word as working tools, these matters will soon be easily handled and we can go on to bigger ones and to more blessings from Jehovah God.","PSALM 86:1, 2; PSALM 90:12;",w64 8/1 p. 475 par. 16,,73,bl,,7/31/2015
"LOVE, CULTIVATE, JEHOVAH, GOD IS LOVE, NEVER FAILS,","LOVE is like a priceless gem, a diamond with many facets. It is beautiful any way you look at it. In fact, it has been said in verse: “Youth’s for an hour, Beauty’s a flower, But love is the jewel that wins the world.” Like a diamond with numerous reflecting surfaces, love has ever so many aspects, all good, all desirable, all touching and heartwarming. ","But, at first, love may be compared to an unpolished though precious stone. The latent ability to draw others, to bless them, to warm them, is there, in an unpolished state. How may we polish it to increase its luster? As Christians, how may we take this diamond in the rough, as it were, and make it glisten with resplendent beauty? Well, first we must shine the light of God’s Word upon the gem of love.",1 Cor. 13:8;,w64 8/15 pp. 495-496,,,bl,,4/8/2014
"PERSONALITY, STRIP OFF, MADE OVER, TRANSFORMED, JEHOVAH'S WITNESSES, PARADISE,","A TRAVELER along a country road came upon what appeared to be an abandoned farm. Its owner was a lazy good-for-nothing God-dishonoring fellow. The fields were overrun with weeds and the orchards bore only diseased fruit unfit to eat or even pick. “What a sad and sickening sight!” groaned the stranger. However, upon rounding the bend in the road his depressed spirits were suddenly lifted as he came upon a very prosperous farm with fertile fields and lush orchards. Observing that every tree was loaded down with the finest fruit, the astonished traveler exclaimed: “Look! Here is lovely, living beauty, resembling that of Paradise!”","In time the energetic farmer purchased his neighbor’s neglected orchard and began a reclamation program. He worked hard cutting out the deadwood, stripping off all the sucker branches, fertilizing the root systems and watching over and protecting the trees against disease and pestilence. In addition this God-fearing farmer gave thanks to his Grand Creator when the trees began to produce good fruit. People everywhere were struck with utter amazement as the fame of this spectacular transformation spread far and wide throughout the countryside. A wild orchard had been tamed through the hard work and watchful care of an industrious farmer whose efforts had been blessed by Jehovah!—1 Cor. 3:6, 7.  Now, you may never have the opportunity of seeing such a radical change in a literal fruit-bearing orchard. But whoever you are, wherever you live or whatever language you speak, you only have to look around you to observe something far more wonderful taking place. For in reality this story of an orchard is only a small illustration of what is now occurring on a global scale in more than 190 countries and islands of the sea, among people speaking more than 160 different languages. Hundreds of thousands of these people are actually changing both their way of thinking and their conduct. They are transforming or making over the characteristics of their very personalities so they can live forever!  These made-over personalities are known as Jehovah’s witnesses.","Col. 3:9, 10;",w64 9/1 pp. 520-521,,,bl,,4/8/2014
"PERSONALITY, CHANGES, STRIP OFF, FRUITS, ROTTEN, ","“BY THEIR fruits you will recognize them.” This proverbial truth is often quoted, but not everyone who repeats it knows he is quoting from Jesus’ famous Sermon on the Mount. In that Sermon by way of illustration the Great Teacher enlarged on this principle of truth, saying: “Never do people gather grapes from thorns or figs from thistles, do they? Likewise every good tree produces fine fruit, but every rotten tree produces worthless fruit; a good tree cannot bear worthless fruit, neither can a rotten tree produce fine fruit. Every tree not producing fine fruit gets cut down and thrown into the fire. Really, then, by their fruits you will recognize those men.” “A good man brings forth good out of the good treasure of his heart, but a wicked man brings forth what is wicked out of his wicked treasure; for out of the heart’s abundance his mouth speaks.”—Matt. 7:16-20; Luke 6:45.","These conclusions are therefore inescapable: rotten trees must first become good trees before they can produce good fruit; the man’s heart must first become good before his mouth can speak forth good things; incorrigible ones who resist and resent changing will be summarily burned up, annihilated. Furthermore, if such changes in personality and in one’s course of conduct were not possible, then Paul’s warning to the Galatians would have been meaningless, without purpose.","Matt. 3:8, 10;",w64 9/1 p. 526,,,bl,,4/8/2014
"JUDGMENT, SOUND MIND, ADJUSTMENT, FAULTY THINKING, ERROR, PERFECT STANDARD, BIBLE, MISTAKES,","Suppose we had a clock that was a poor timekeeper and was without means of regulation. But suppose also that we had access frequently to a chronometer of absolute correctness, which showed us that our clock lost thirty minutes every twenty-four hours. We could now learn to correct our clock by resetting it from time to time. Moreover, we could learn also how to estimate its error at any point in the day.","Likewise it is with our judgment in the various matters and affairs of our life. When we measure it with the perfect standard, we find that we are either too fast or too slow, too weak or too strong, in our mental and physical emotions. And while we are not able to match the perfect example of Jesus Christ, nevertheless we are enabled to regulate our thoughts and judgments so that they conform to the perfect standard to a remarkable degree.So it is by adjusting one’s thinking to harmonize with the perfect standard, which is God’s mind as it is expressed in the Bible and in the life of Jesus Christ, that an imperfect human can exercise soundness of mind.",ROMANS 12:2;,w64 10/1 p. 580,,,bl,,4/8/2014
"PROSPERITY, WEALTH, MONEY, GROWTH, EXPANSION, MATERIALISM, ","PROSPERITY is often erroneously measured in terms of financial worth, or of political and social success. Yet everyone should know that there can be no true prosperity without peace and prospect of life. Aptly, Jesus raises the question: “What benefit will it be to a man if he gains the whole world but forfeits his soul?” (Matt. 16:26) The answer is obvious. Favor and life from God are vital ingredients of true prosperity.","Measured correctly, then, there is no evidence of true prosperity among the nations of the world. No, not even among those nations that enjoy the highest living standards. Material success and increase of leisure time have produced a host of evils including adult and juvenile delinquency, an attitude of independence toward God from whom all things come, and selfish concentration upon materialistic aim, and fleshly pleasures. Add to the foregoing the precarious international situation, the latent dangers of which haunt both rich and poor.Where is true prosperity to be found? How is the society of Jehovah’s witnesses faring? Are they prospering?",MATTHEW 16:26;,w64 10/15 p. 619,,,bl,,4/8/2014
"JERUSALEM, BURDENSOME STONE, BOOMERANG, BACKFIRE, TURN THE TABLES, FUTURE,","A Boomerang is something that returns to you, but sometimes backfires on you. It may be meant for someone else, but returns to you causing damage.",The Bible is full of examples. See source below for examples in Bible.  w64 11/1 p. 657Jehovah has more in store for the future. ,ESTHER 6:13;,w64 11/1 p. 657 par. 50,,,bl,,4/8/2014
"EXPERIENCE, LEARN, LESSON, BOOMERANG, RICOCHET, BOUNCE BACK,","When I was young I shot my .22 with bird shot into a truck tire about 10 feet away.  It only took 1 shot and I learned, ""Don't do that.""","This was a lesson that some, like Pharaoh of Egypt never learned. ",Exodus chapter 14;,Bob Laymon,,,bl,,4/8/2014
"CHASTENESS, SEXUAL DESIRES, INFANTS, MORAL CLEANNESS, SELF-CONTROL, VIEW, FULL-GROWN,",Newborn infant boys and girls do not know what sex is about. They have no unclean sexual desires. Hence the apostle Peter says that Christians should “put away all moral badness.” We should become like “newborn infants” as to innocence in this regard. ,"We should be full-grown men and women as to understanding what sex is about and as to our moral self-control. The apostle Paul had this in mind when he wrote to the congregation in Corinth these words: “Brothers, do not become young children in powers of understanding, but be babes as to badness; yet become full-grown in powers of understanding.”—1 Cor. 14:20.",1 COR. 14:20;,w64 11/15 p. 696 par. 24,,,bl,,4/8/2014
"EFFICIENCY, CONSIDERATION, GRADUAL, SLOWLY, ELDERS, EXPECTATIONS, TRAINING, ","It is well known that when machines are continually operated at speeds beyond those for which they were built, the life of the machines is drastically shortened and costly repair bills make their appearance. This reminds us that machines are usually started off, when new, at comparatively low speeds, and then gradually stepped up to maximum speed as time goes on. The wise operator knows when he has reached the safe maximum speed. ","Though humans are not machines, the Christian overseer will see in this illustration the basis for expecting each worker gradually to build up his or her efforts to maximum efficiency, and will perceive when the safe peak of efficiency has been reached in each individual case. That safe peak is the tempo of production at which the worker can continue indefinitely without undue physical or mental strain.",LUKE 19:11-27;,w64 12/1 p. 708,,,bl,,4/8/2014
"FEAR OF MAN, RULERS, PERSECUTION, KILL THE BODY, MUSSOLINI, HITLER, STALIN, TRUJILLO, INFO,","WHO are those persons whom Jesus Christ tells his followers not to fear, in Matthew 10:28? They are all mortal men, just the same as we ourselves are. Politically or militarily or materially or religiously they may be strong, and may be worshiped as gods by the people under their control or command, but all the same they are mere men in a dying condition. They are unable to escape from the death that spread from the first human sinner Adam to all his offspring, including all of us on earth today. ","Where is Benito Mussolini, Fascist dictator from 1922 to 1943? He was executed and his corpse was abused by Italians in 1945. Where is Adolf Hitler, Nazi dictator from 1933 to 1945? He shot himself rather than be captured alive. Where is il Tedesco (The German), Pope Pius XII, the Concordat partner of the Catholic dictators Mussolini and Hitler and the vigorous pusher of Catholic Action? His coffin rests in a burial vault in Vatican City since October of 1958. Where is Joseph Stalin, Russian Communist dictator for twenty-nine years, under whom Jehovah’s witnesses languished in prisons and labor camps in European Russia and Asiatic Siberia? A brain hemorrhage killed him March 5, 1953. Where is Generalissimo Rafael Leonidas Trujillo, dictator of the Dominican Republic since 1930? He was assassinated by officers of his own army on May 30, 1961, ending a notorious era for the Republic.",MATTHEW 10:28;,w64 12/15 pp. 747-748,,57,bl,,4/8/2014
"GOOD NEWS, KINGDOM, RESPONSIBILITY, CHALLENGE, ","Along with good news there often comes responsibility. It presents a challenge. It calls on the receiver of the good news to act, to do something to show his appreciation for the good news so that he may fully benefit by it. The arrival of a firstborn is good news to the husband and wife, but by this miracle of birth they become father and mother. It calls for them to adjust their lives to the new situation and shoulder the responsibility of parenthood. The arrival of guests means work for the householder, though it is happy work, providing the needed hospitality. The springing up of a new crop in the farmer’s fields is a challenge to him. It requires his time and attention—scaring off the birds that might attack the new growth, hoeing out the weeds and watering the young plants. It spells hard work as he cares for the new crop until it grows to maturity and is successfully harvested. The good news of employment for the unemployed man brings with it responsibility. Now he has a contract of work to which he must be loyal in order to retain his job. The challenge to him is, Will he prove to be a good workman?",Likewise with the “good news of the kingdom.” The hearing of this good news is a challenge—it calls upon those hearing it to do something that will demonstrate they appreciate it. ,MATTHEW 24:14;,w63 1/15 p. 40 pars. 2-3,“Have Faith in the Good News”,47,bl,,4/8/2014
"HOLY BIBLE, PURPOSE, SPIRITUAL PROFIT, INSPIRED, ","MOST books today are written to sell, with financial profit to the authors and to the printers. The Bible was not written to be just the “best seller.” It is in fact the best seller today, it being thus far translated into 1,202 languages and being sold by the millions of copies every year, so that it has an unequaled circulation. This is all just as it should be. ","But the real purpose of the Bible is not the making of material profit, but the making of spiritual profit, which results in life everlasting in God’s glorious new order. So no other book can compare with the Bible in the benefits it gives to those who read it and live up to it. It is the most beneficial book on earth. Hence we ought to read it.","2 TIMOTHY 3:16, 17;",w63 11/1 p. 655,Does Your Hope Rest on Science or the Bible?,80,bl,,4/8/2014
"TIME FOR ALL THINGS, HEAD, HEART, WISDOM, JUSTICE, LOVE, ","“USE your head!” shouted the impatient mechanic to his helper, a newcomer on the job. “Have a heart! I’m trying hard to find work!” pleaded the unemployed debtor of the banker who threatened to foreclose the mortgage if payments on the interest were not at once forthcoming.","By expressions such as these is recognized the difference between the various faculties of the mind, such as reason, thinking, memory and volition on one hand, and affection, sympathy and pity on the other hand. While some situations obviously call for one or the other, in other situations one must choose. It calls to mind the principle long ago stated by a wise king: “For everything there is an appointed time, even a time for every affair under the heavens: . . . a time to love and a time to hate.” (Eccl. 3:1, 3) Yes, the Creator, having equipped us with such qualities as wisdom, justice, love and power, expects us to determine which situation requires the application of which quality. ","ECCL. 3:1, 3;",w63 12/15 p. 739,Godly Wisdom in a Scientific World,139,bl,,4/8/2014
"IDENTIFYING THE SPIRIT OF THE WORLD, MIND, ATTITUDE, ","The world today is made up of many kinds of people, of different races, of differing colors of skin, of many nationalities, speaking thousands of languages, following many sorts of customs, dressing differently, practicing many kinds of religion. Yet, can all these different peoples be possessing the one “spirit of the world”? The answer is Yes. ","What are we to understand by the expression “the spirit of the world”? Not a demon or an unseen, superhuman, supernatural spirit person that wields great influence over the world of mankind. It is the frame of mind, the inclination of the mind, the persistent tendency that controls the world of mankind. It moves the world to certain characteristic conduct, namely, to speak, to think and to take attitudes and viewpoints, and to decide and act in a certain way that follows a definite pattern. It results in a certain one kind of behavior, a uniform course of conduct. ",1 COR. 2:12;,w63 12/15 p. 745,Resisting the Spirit of the World,25,bl,,4/8/2014
"WORLD RULER, JESUS CHRIST, ","WHAT is more gentle and refreshing in its falling and forming than the dew? What is more mighty and courageous among the fierce beasts than the lion? What a contrast there is between the dew and the lion! So much so that one would hardly associate them together. Yet, for all their oppositeness, they can make a happy combination and a necessary combination. A wise and mighty king of ancient times once said: “The raging of a king is a growling like that of a maned young lion, but his good will is like the dew upon the vegetation.” (Prov. 19:12) ","In this corrupt world a king of righteous principles must be as courageous and fierce as a lion against the workers of wickedness. But he lets his good will and approval descend as softly and refreshingly as the dew upon his loyal subjects who are striving against wicked fellow men. The world of mankind needs desperately a king or ruler of that sort. Mankind will at last find such a ruler in the great King of the universe, the God who bears the distinguishing name Jehovah. In the Bible record of his faithful dealings with his chosen people while they were still in his favor, he said: “I shall become like the dew to Israel. He will blossom like the lily, and will strike his roots like [forest-covered] Lebanon.” (Hos. 14:5) ","Mic. 5:7, 8;",w62 1/15 p. 41,Jesus Christ—Earth’s New Ruler,140,bl,,4/8/2014
"LIGHT SHINE, MEASURE RELIGION, BIBLE, ACCURATE KNOWLEDGE,","I noticed the precision instruments for making accurate measurements on the table and asked, ‘Why don’t you measure this religion for accuracy, and see if it is genuine?’ ‘Measure it with what?’ was their answer. ‘With the Bible. It is a measuring rod, just as those instruments are that you see before you.’ ","One of the men had a strong desire for God’s truth and wanted to measure religion by the Bible. He began to attend all meetings, went in the field ministry regularly and witnessed to his family. The family is now an active part of Jehovah’s organization, and he is an appointed servant in it.”",MATTHEW 5:14-16;,w62 2/1 p. 87,Why Be Guided by the Bible?,169,bl,,4/8/2014
"MEMORIAL, LORD'S EVENING MEAL, SETTING, RELATIONSHIP, FRIENDSHIP, ","To illustrate, if you wanted to ask a special favor from an influential man, who replied, ‘Come and see me about it in my office,’ well, you would expect the matter to be discussed in a businesslike way. But if he said, ‘Come home and have dinner with us and we will talk about it then,’ why, you would feel at once that the battle was more than half won. ","Some of the richest and deepest truths were spoken by Jesus when with his disciples that last night, and in the closing prayer to his heavenly Father, recorded at John, chapter 17. That prayer and even its introduction in themselves show the very close relationship that Jesus himself enjoyed with his Father. He had been speaking to his disciples, looking at them as he talked; then he needed only to ‘raise his eyes to heaven’ and continue talking, but now speaking to his Father. It was as simple as that.—John 17:1.The very setting under which the words were spoken when Jesus invited his eleven faithful disciples to eat the loaf and drink the cup, all reclining at the same table, indicate a friendly and intimate relationship. ",JOHN 17:1;,w62 3/1 pp. 143-144,MEMORIAL OF CHRIST'S DEATH,,bl,,4/8/2014
"PROVING, TESTING, FAITH, PERSONALITY, HYPOCRITE, LOOK, DOUBT, ",WHEN was the last time that you took a good look at yourself? Were you satisfied with what you saw? What does your personality tell others about you? Are you a complex individual made up of so many different thoughts and feelings that it is difficult to say what your personality is really like? Are you a faithful Abraham one day and a doubting Thomas the next? Are you a submissive Sarah on Monday and a domineering Jezebel on Tuesday? or an energetic Paul on Wednesday and a world-loving Demas on Thursday? What are you really like?,"As far as other people are concerned, your personality, like your face, is always showing. But is what they see the real you, or are you acting the part of the hypocrite and letting some people see only what you want them to see? Is what they see or what you really are an honor to the great God Jehovah?  It is important that we look at ourselves to see what sort of persons we are. We do not want our appearance or personality to offend others. We enjoy the pleasure of good company and we desire others to enjoy our association with them. Therefore, we seek not to displease our friends or our God, who is our closest Friend. Such concern is proper, because it is an expression of our love of God and neighbor.—Matt. 22:37-39.",2 COR 13:5;,w62 3/15 p. 169,Meeting the Test of Christian Loyalty,48,bl,,4/8/2014
"SATAN'S SNARES, TESTING, MORALS, MONEY, PRESTIGE, ","Satan the Devil is employing every imaginable devilish device at his disposal to suck all mankind into a whirlpool of destruction with him. He has made prestige, money, possession, power and pleasure gods. ","Still another reason for the testing of ourselves is the fact that the moral bars are down in this world and the danger of slipping into immorality is ever present. This means we must take stock of our associations, because “bad associations spoil useful habits.”  They can cause us to slip into old-world ways of smoking, drunkenness, fornication and loose living. Therefore, we need to prove ourselves.",1 Cor. 15:33;,w62 3/15 p. 170,How to Protect Ourselves From Satan’s Snares,115,bl,,4/8/2014
"RESPONSIBILITY, PREACHING, JESUS CHRIST ROLE, ","IF A king decided to build a palace and it pleased him, not only to employ you in putting up the structure, but, in addition, to promise you a place to reside in it, how would you feel about that? What would you do? Why, you say, I would gladly and gratefully get down to work and do my best and talk to everyone with whom I came in contact about the goodness and generosity of that king.","Such a royal palace is prophetically spoken of in Psalm 29:9. It has been in course of construction for over nineteen hundred years. It is a house or temple that God himself builds, not with inanimate stones, but with living material, with people, men and women alike, taken from this earth. What is more, he has put the oversight of the building in the hands of the best, most skillful Master Worker, one who has unnumbered years in the service of this great Sovereign. This one is God’s own Son, Christ Jesus, who, in Proverbs 8:22-31, is referred to as God’s wisdom personified, and who says: “Jehovah himself produced me as the beginning of his way, the earliest of his achievements of long ago. . . . I came to be beside him as a master worker, and I came to be the one he was specially fond of day by day, I being glad before him all the time.”—Col. 1:15, 16; John 1:3.","Gal. 6:2, 5;",w62 6/1 pp. 335-336,Jesus Christ—Earth’s New Ruler,140,bl,,4/8/2014
"DEDICATION, BAPTISM, STRONG SPIRITUALLY, HELP, SAMSON, HOLY SPIRIT,","How can you be strong like Samson? Not in physical strength, but in spiritual strength, for that is what counts today. Remember, Samson received his strength from God and so can you. Samson was dedicated to God from the day of his birth; he was a Nazirite, set apart for God’s service. That he might carry out the work God had for him he was endowed with special strength.","If you would be strong like Samson, then you also must dedicate yourself to God to do his service. Obviously, before you could do so intelligently you would first have to take in knowledge of Jehovah God, his purposes and his will for you. You would also need to bring your life in line with God’s righteous requirements so that your dedication might be acceptable to God. As God’s spirit empowered Samson to carry out the work God had for him, so God today gives his holy spirit to those who dedicate themselves to him to do his will that they might carry out that will. ",Judg. 13:3-5;,w62 8/15 p. 484,,,bl,,4/8/2014
"PEACE, WISDOM, EYESIGHT, VISION OF FUTURE, SPIRITUAL FOOD, ","MATERIAL food has much to do with healthy eyesight, which permits us to see beauty and dimensions of a multitude of things, and to know what is going on around us. How satisfying is good food, but how much more so is the use of keen vision! How enjoyable it is to see near and far, to appreciate dimension, to see colors, action of machines, architecture, to watch people at work and play, to travel to see new things, to relax with a book and journey with the mind’s eye into the past or future, to other lands, or to fly, to swim, to relive youth and to be part of an adventure! Vision enables us to look at past and present wars and division and to pursue peace. Vision is wonderful equipment to use in suing for peace with Jehovah God, the Creator of eyes and Maker of food to sustain vision.","Even more than material food is essential to healthy natural eyesight, spiritual food is essential to spiritual vision. Just as it is necessary to come to a chosen place at a definite time day after day to eat physical food prepared by one appointed to prepare it, so we find we must eat spiritual food regularly, and it too at a chosen place, at a definite time, and served by someone recognized as taking the lead in this important meal.",Isa. 54:13;,w62 9/1 p. 520,,,bl,,4/8/2014
"WISDOM, KNOWLEDGE, SPIRITUAL FOOD, ","What would you think of a mother who allowed her daughter to grow up without teaching her how to prepare food and to cook a meal, or a father who neglected to teach his son how to work? Not much. These neglected children would always look back with regrets on the lack of teaching done by their parents. Food is to be eaten, but it must be prepared too. One must learn how to do it. In this there is pleasure.","So it is with spiritual food. Knowledge is too precious to keep to one’s self. It has to be used. Paul felt that way about it when he said: “Woe is me if I did not declare the good news!” (1 Cor. 9:16) Jehovah’s Word is a storehouse of knowledge. If we could only get it all in our mind. But wishing is not going to get it there; study, regular study, productive study and studying with the motive of using this wisdom is what will get it into our mind. Neither can we wishfully desire others to have it. No, knowledge has a companion. It is responsibility, to share that knowledge with others.",1 COR 9:16;,w62 9/1 pp. 529-530,,,bl,,4/8/2014
"HEART, STOREHOUSE, TREASURES, GIVING, GIFT, KNOWLEDGE,",Your heart is your storehouse. Get Bible treasures from Jehovah’s storehouse to fill yours. ,"Then give these riches to those teachable, meek neighbors of yours and watch the fulfillment of the blessing described at Luke 6:38 taking place upon you: “Practice giving, and people will give to you. They will pour into your laps a fine measure, pressed down, shaken together and overflowing. For with the measure that you are measuring out, they will measure out to you in return.”",LUKE 6:38;,w62 9/1 p. 531 par. 25,,,bl,,4/8/2014
"HEALTH, SPIRITUAL HEALTH, BONES, REPORT","Proverbs 15:30……READ…………    In the Scriptures the condition of the bones was used to describe or indicate the spiritual health of a person.        The reason is, that the bones are such a vital part of the body.  Not only do they hold us up, but the bones have marrow that produces blood, so fat bones, as used here, bones that were strong, had a lot of marrow, would indicate a healthy condition spiritually.  ","Well, you will be happy to know that as a circuit/congregation…….we have fat bones!!    And we’re getting fatter!!!That is, there are certain things that show we are healthy and we are getting stronger.  We are progressing.",Proverbs 15:30,JK,,,jk,,4/8/2014
"CHRISTIAN, CONDUCT, HYPOCRISY, SIN, CONFLICT, PRINCIPLES,","Around the turn of the century(1911) there was a man by the name of Ambrose Bierce, who was a writer.   He was a little ahead of his time in that he could see a lot of hypocrisy in the world and this impressed him so much he decided to write a dictionary and define the words, not as they normally were defined, but defined them according to what he actually saw in the world around him. Here's the definition he gave for the word ""Christian"": ""Christian: One who follows the teachings of Christ, in-so-far as they do not conflict with a life of sin!""","That definition would still hold up today wouldn’t it?  Yes, today, most people who profess to be Christian do not even know Bible principles let alone apply them in every aspect of their life.  Yet true Christians are encouraged in the scriptures to glorify Jehovah God in all aspects of their life. 1 Corinthians 10:31…..READ….. 	Therefore, whether YOU are eating or drinking or doing anything else, do all things for God’s glory.",	1 Corinthians 10:31,JK,,,jk,,4/9/2014
"COUNSEL, CORRECTION, GUIDANCE, ADJUSTMENTS, ","We need that counsel and correction every day.  We’re trying to get down narrow road to life.  Its narrow and cramped because we are in this system of things.  Trying to navigate that narrow road without doing personal study would be like driving a car on a narrow, curvy, dangerous road at night, without headlights on……………….. ","To keep centered on that narrow road to life, requires constant adjustments.  There is no cruise control, no auto pilot. We have to constantly adjust to stay on that road to life. ",PS 119:105;,JK,,,jk,,4/9/2014
"RIGHT, WRONG, CONDUCT, STUDY",You have to stop doing what is right to do what is wrong.  ,A Christian doesn't light up a cigarette while reading the Bible out loud.  A husband doesn’t get drunk while conducting a family study.  A wife doesn’t commit adultery while reading to the children.  A teenager doesn't look at pornography while praying to Jehovah.,,JK,,,jk,,4/9/2014
"FAITH, COLUMBUS, SCIENTIFIC FAITH, ","Columbus was no astronaut like those of today who have orbited the earth in outer space and have seen with their eyes the sphericalness of the earth. But by three main lines of argument drawn (1) from natural reasons, (2) from theories of geographers, and (3) from the reports and traditions of seagoing men, Columbus reasoned and discerned that our earth must be a sphere. For instance, he could see that the moon was round; that the eclipse of the moon was circular; that, when incoming ships rise up over the distant horizon, the masts of sailing vessels appear first and the hull last. In these ways there was demonstrated to him very evidently a real fact about the earth, though he had not seen it. Acting on this evident demonstration, he sailed due west and discovered the West Indies and South America. His faith triumphed.","However, Columbus’ faith was not a spiritual faith. It was just scientific. By it he served this materialistic world and its god. (2 Cor. 4:4) But chapter eleven of Hebrews gives historical illustrations of men who pleased the God of the new world, Jehovah, by their Scriptural faith. They all had faith in the coming of, not the so-called new world of America, but the new world under the promised Seed of God’s “woman.” Hebrews 11:3 says: “By faith we perceive that the systems of things were put in order by God’s word, so that what is beheld came to be out of things that do not appear.”",HEBREWS 11:3;,w62 12/15 p. 751,Build Your Faith in Man’s Maker,54,bl,,4/9/2014
"IMPERFECTION, WEAKNESS, TEMPTATION, ","Why do we need reminders?  Well, we know we should eat more vegetables too, but what happens?  Ever sit down in restaurant and say to self: “I’m just going to have a salad?”  Then you’re distracted by the big menu and end up eating greasy burger and fries.  Later, your feeling kind of bloated and thinking “why did I do that?”      ",Why?  Because we are weak fleshly humans.  We tend to do what appeals to flesh.  It pleases us for the moment.  That’s why we must be on guard about material things and entertainment.   Satan plays on our fleshly tendency.,,JK,,,jk,,4/9/2014
"MATERIALISM, TRAP, ","We can become-ensnared- in a materialistic life-stye, get in great debt, and then when we realize it we could be like the little mouse who said: “I’VE CHANGED MY MIND- I don't want the cheese, I just want to get out of the trap!""",,,JK,,,jk,,4/9/2014
"UNITY, COOPERATION, DIRECTION, ORGANIZATION, ","Have you ever seen a school of fish?  Perhaps on television?  There is nothing else in animal world that acts like a school of fish.  A school thousands and thousands of fish move as a one.  They swerve right or left at exactly the same time.  When a school of fish changes direction it does it almost instantly.   And what makes it so amazing, is that there is no visible leader.  Its as if all those tens of thousands of fish had one mind.  Jehovah God is the one who created those fish."," All of Jehovah's people, are just like those fish. All going exactly the same direction, all walking one way, all trying to do Jehovah's will.  As Paul exhorted that  ""YOU may be fitly united in the same mind and in the same line of thought""How is this accomplished?   Again Paul tells us at 1 Corinthians 2:16 …….READ",1 Corinthians 2:16,JK,,,jk,,4/27/2014
"BIG, LITTLE, SMALL, LARGE, COMPARISON, PLACE IN ORGANIZATION,","According to human standards a man is counted big if he weighs 200 pounds. Some men are counted “big” because of their skill in shooting satellites into space, where they orbit for a few weeks or months. Yet how small are man and his satellites when compared to this earth, which weighs six trillion billion (21 0’s) tons and which has made unerring orbit around the sun, traveling 58 thousand million miles a year, during all the years of its existence! Jehovah put the earth in orbit! However, the earth is small, too, compared to the expanse of the solar system—yes, just a pin-point in a system that measures more than seven thousand million miles across. Jehovah created the solar system! But how small is the solar system itself! For the earth’s sun is only one of the 200 thousand million stars that make up the galaxy called the “Milky Way.” So vast is the “Milky Way” that it takes a flash of light 100,000 years to cross from one side to the other. Jehovah set the “Milky Way” in place! But the “Milky Way” is small too. It happens to be just one of a fathomless expanse of billions of galaxies, light from the nearest of which takes two thousand million years to reach man’s telescopes on this earth. Jehovah created all those heavens!—Gen. 1:1.","Long before modern telescopes peered out into that immensity of space, the psalmist declared: “O Jehovah our Lord, how majestic your name is in all the earth, you whose dignity is recounted above the heavens!” Far loftier and more glorious even than all the breath-taking expanse of the material heavens, is the spirit realm and heavens of Jehovah’s own presence. What marvelous undeserved kindness has Jehovah displayed through his Son, in purchasing a few of mankind from the earth, to serve forever with his Son and King in the exalted “new heavens”—no, not in ugly space suits, but in the glorious, spiritual bodies of their resurrection, provided for exalted service in the brightness of the glory of Jehovah’s presence. What marvelous love does Find your place in God’s arrangement and stick by it! Stay close by his organization, the New World society, for there is nowhere else on earth that the joys of the real life can be found",GENESIS 1:1;,w61 2/15 pp. 113-114,,,bl,,4/9/2014
"TRUST, JEHOVAH, FAITH","This is a compass.  A compass can give you direction be cause a compass a will always return to pointing north, do the overpowering influence of the magnetism of the North pole.  There are things that can interfere with a compass temporarily, you can shake it, turn it, a car’s engine, electrical surges, other magnets, but that compass always eventually ends up pointing north. ","Implicit trust in Jehovah is like that.  No matter what happens in life, a faithful person, just like the arrow on that compass always returns right back to Jehovah.During the conclusion of the system of things, there are many things designed by Satan, the God of this system of things, that can interfere with our trust in Jehovah God and the doing of his will, primarily the important work of preaching and teaching the good news to others.",,JK,,,jk,,4/9/2014
"PATIENCE, TRAINING, STUDY, INSTRUCTIONS,",A man who has never farmed would not dream of going out and buying land and starting to farm it without learning something about the methods of farming and getting instructions first. ,"In like manner a period of study, congregation instruction and training are necessary before an individual can take up the ministerial service. Jesus recognized this need for training, and he sent his disciples out by twos so that they could profit by the association and helpful suggestions of each other.","MATT 28:19, 20",w61 4/1 p. 204,,,bl,,4/9/2014
"EFFORT, ENDURANCE, WORLD, PROGRESS","Have you ever paddled a canoe up river?  Imagine a fast moving river, trying to push your canoe through the water against the current. It takes effort but if you work at you can push your way upstream even at a pretty good pace.  But in a fast moving river like that, what would happen if you stopped paddling?  You would not just stand still in the water!  Almost immediately you would start drifting backwards, and it wouldn’t take long to start moving backward at a pretty fast rate.","The Scriptures compares this earthly human society to fast moving water. A sea of humanity. And just like a fast moving river that is seeking and rushing toward the lowest point it can,  Satan’s system is quickly moving like a river towards the great low sink of debauchery. Rushing towards a spiritual dead sea.	Jehovah provides an organization is moving ever forward, against the current, upstream in this wicked system of things.  Its almost like the ‘faithful and discreet slave’ knows the pace we need to keep and the effort we need o put forth in paddling upstream in this system of things.  That faithful save knows what it takes on this river to get to higher ground.",,JK,,,jk,,4/9/2014
"PATIENCE, SOW, REAP, QUIT, FRUITAGE,","A farmer does not go out one day and plant the seed and then come back the next week and harvest the crop. Instead, he has to build up the soil, fertilize it, plow it, harrow it, plant seed, cultivate and weed the ground and keep the birds away. Then perhaps he has trouble with a plague of bugs, so he has to spray the crop. Yet, after all that, he encounters drought, and the crop may be wiped out. Will the farmer give up and go to the city for a job or get other employment? Not if he is a real farmer. Instead, the next year he will go through the same thing again. He may plant a windbreak to hold down the dust. He may put in a deep well to get water to irrigate the land. But he does not give up. He has patience and keeps working until he finally receives the fruitage of his labors and reaps a crop, thanks to Jehovah’s blessing.","Spiritually speaking we do not say, ‘That is enough for me, I cannot be a teacher’? Not if he has really dedicated himself to Jehovah God and wants to serve him with all his heart, mind, soul and strength. The world is the field and the harvest is great; so there are plenty of opportunities to try again and show patience.","MATTHEW 28:19, 20;",w61 4/1 p. 204,,,bl,,4/9/2014
"PROGRESS, WORLD, DIVORCE, ","People trust in themselves, seek to make a name for themselves, boast in what they accomplish, trust in what they build up materially. Yet, in a practical way, in the most important things, they have made no progress at all. As one man said:•	Is it really progress when men send rockets to the moon, and yet can’t live together on earth?  •	Is it progress to have homes equipped with every convenience, but the families torn apart by divorce and delinquency?Or So, as another man said:""Is it progress if you teach a cannibal uses a knife and fork?""  Stanislaw Lec.",,,JK,,,jk,,4/9/2014
"SHEEP, PROTECTION, SAFETY, SHEPHERDS, TIMID, DEPENDENT, ","Unlike most domestic animals, sheep are timid and unable to defend themselves. This fact requires them to depend entirely upon their shepherd for protection from predatory animals. ","So too Christians trust in the Good Shepherd, Jesus Christ, and the Great Shepherd, Jehovah God. In Bible times when sheep were led back to their sheepfold in the evening, they had no reason to fear wild animals that might be lurking in the dark shadows of rocky valleys. Their shepherd was with them and ready to protect them with his sturdy staff and other weapons even at the cost of his life.",John 21:16;,w61 4/1 p. 216,,,bl,,4/9/2014
"SHEEP, WATERS OF TRUTH, PROTECTION, FEED, SHEPHERDS,","Although sheep can exist longer without water than most domestic animals, they should be within easy reach of it. Depending upon how hot the weather is, they will drink from one to four quarts of water every day. In Bible times shepherds would bring their sheep to water around noon, when the sun had become very hot. There in the shaded watering place the sheep were permitted to drink their fill and to rest on patches of green grass, contentedly chewing their cuds. ","Alluding to this, David wrote: “In grassy pastures he makes me lie down; by well-watered resting places he conducts me. My soul he refreshes.” (Ps. 23:2, 3) So too is the Christian refreshed by the waters of truth that his spiritual shepherds see that he receives.",PSALM 23:1-6;,w61 4/1 p. 216,,,bl,,4/9/2014
"CONSCIOUS OF SPIRITUAL NEED, MEDITATION, SHEPHERD, PROTECTION,",It is the custom of sheep to start feeding early in the morning and then to lie down during midday in a shaded place to regurgitate the food they have eaten that it might be thoroughly chewed. ,Similarly the Christian who is conscious of his spiritual need begins each day by feeding upon Scriptural truths. During the day he will bring back to mind what he has read that he might meditate upon it.,PSALM 23:,w61 4/1 pp. 216-217,,,bl,,4/9/2014
"SHEPHERD, SHEEP, STOMACH, COMPARTMENTS, REQUIRE TIME, PATIENCE, ","As an interesting feature of sheep it might be mentioned that the animal has a stomach with four compartments. The first two act as a storage place for the food eaten during the feeding periods. After the food has been regurgitated and chewed, it is swallowed a second time and passed into the third section of the stomach where considerable digestive action takes place. From there it moves into the true stomach and finally into the intestines. Because the intestines of sheep are often over one hundred feet long food requires three to five days to pass through them."," Like sheep, Christians require time to assimilate the heavier truths of God’s Word.",PSALM 23:,w61 4/1 p. 217,,,bl,,4/9/2014
"SHEPHERDS, FEED SHEEP, ELDERS, FOOD AT PROPER TIME, PROTECT,","The shepherds of Palestine do not take their sheep to distant pasture lands when spring comes and carpets the land with green grass. Instead, they pasture them near home and in grainfields as they are harvested. After the gleaners have finished working through a freshly harvested grainfield, the shepherd brings his sheep in to feed upon the dried blades of wheat and barley, succulent growths sprouting in the midst of the stubble and upon grain that the gleaners missed. When these nourishing pickings are gone the sheep are led to the more distant pasture lands. There the spring grass will, by then, have been dried to hay, providing well-preserved food for the sheep throughout the summer and fall months."," As these shepherds make certain that their sheep have a steady supply of food, so the undershepherds of the Christian congregation see to it that a steady supply of spiritual food comes to those under their oversight. In this way they obey Jesus’ command: “Feed my young lambs.”—John 21:15.",JOHN 21:15;,w61 4/1 p. 217,,,bl,,4/9/2014
"DISTRACTIONS, DEVIL, ",The world is so concerned about weapons of mass destruction!!But a greater danger for us is weapons of mass distraction!!Satan the Devil is a master at making weapons of mass distraction!!Distractions can cause our family to not hear the direction it needs to stay spiritually alive,We have a scriptural example of how easy it is to be distracted at Luke 10:38-42.....READ,Luke 10:38-42,JK,,,jk,,4/9/2014
"PRAYER, EFFORT, ","If lost at sea in a rowboat,  what do you do?  Pray and then start rowing toward where you think land might be!!."," So, when you face a dilemma or challenging situation, pray, but then do something.    Work along with our prayer. ",,JK,,,jk,,4/9/2014
"LANGUAGE, GOOD NEWS, LEARNING CURVE,"," (try to use chop sticks to pick up M & M’s)Have you ever tried to eat with chop sticks?“By the time I learn how to feed myself with chop sticks, I’ll be dead!!”Why?     Because I wasn't raised eating with chop sticks.","Many people haven’t been raised speaking English.By the time some people learn English – it could be too late for them too!  Why?  Rev.14:6,7 – says: An angel flies in midheaven declaring: “Fear God and give him glory because the Hour of Judgment by him has arrived.”",,JK,,,jk,,4/9/2014
"PERSONALITY, CLOTHE, DISCIPLINE","What does meditation have to do with clothing ourselves?Consider this, in the winter months when it is still dark when you get up, do you just grope your way to the closet, not turn on a light and grab anything in the closet to wear that day?  So what if the pieces don’t match or even clash!   Or, do you turn on light, and think, what am I going to wear?  What is appropriate?    Obviously you think about what you will wear.","But, sad to say, some people meditate more on what they put on for clothing, than on their personality.",Eph. 4:22-23,JK,,,jk,,4/9/2014
"THOUGHT, ATTITUDE, MOTIVATION, DISCIPLINE, MINDS,","A pecan turtle sundae!Creamy vanilla ice cream, luscious steamy fudge, carmel, and crushed, roasted pecans with whipped cream, and topped with a bright red cherry!Now if you keep meditating on that image, you will find there is only one way, to eradicate that thought.  You, must, have, the, pecan turtle sundae!We do, what we think!  We feel, how we think!.If you think of starving children in Sudan, you feel sad.If you think of a kitten, playing with a ball of yarn, you smile, you feel happy.","How we feel, is based on how we think, how we act, stems from how we think.So if we want to feel good, and do what is right, we need to discipline our minds.",,JK,,,jk,,4/9/2014
"CONDUCT, SPEECH, REPETITION, PROGRESS, REFLEX, NATURAL, ","To assist an athlete with a certain movement or skill, they’re often encouraged to repeat that movement or in their minds over and over and over again. Whether it’s a basketball players jump shot or a golf swing or a gymnast’s routine, with this repetitive thought along with repetitive practice, they’re able to hone that movement or skill so well that it becomes as natural as a reflex. ",Its the same with good conduct and speech were as natural as a reflex?,,JK,,,jk,,4/9/2014
"MEDITATION, STUDY, THOUGHT, THINKING ABILITY","No, we need to discipline ourselves to meditate productively.  To do that, first it involves taking in knowledge, scriptural education.It’s like a cow, have you ever watched a cow chewing its cud, or ruminating?Here is an interesting fact:  A cow, can't chew its cud if it doesn't have any cud to chew! ","A cow can’t ruminate on an empty stomach, and we can’t meditate with an empty mind.",,JK ,,,jk,,3/16/2025
"PARENTS, CHILDREN, TEACHING, HEART, THINK, MEDITATE, ","You know, there was a brother who had a parrot and so he taught the parrot to say, “praise Jehovah”Now, if that brother, had brought that parrot to the meeting, set it on a chair, and put microphone in front of it during the Watchtower Study, and it said, “praise Jehovah”, that would have been real cute, but would it have meant anything?","Obviously, with our children, we’re glad when they begin to answer, but  we don’t want them to just parrot things, we need to help them think, meditate so  they can answer from their heart, in their own words. ",,JK,,,jk,,4/9/2014
"TRUTH, STUDY, MEDITATION","Like driving your car down a very familiar highway a route you’ve taken many times. You can make the trip and not even remember how you got from here to there. Your weren’t paying attention.  It’s the same ole things. But, you throw in some construction, or a new building going up, or a brand new billboard then you pay attention.","Meditation injects new things, different ways of looking at Jehovah and his qualities and will and so helps us to examine, pay attention to ourselves and to our teaching as Paul wrote. ",,JK,,,jk,,4/9/2014
"HUNTERS, FISHERS OF MEN, SKILL, PERCEPTIVE POWERS, MINISTRY, ","Anyone can carry a gun into the woods, but that does not make him a hunter. The skilled hunter is intent on his objective, with eyes and ears alert, watching for any sign of quarry. He knows that otherwise he might go hungry or, worse, stumble into a lion’s den or step on a deadly snake. The successful hunter learns to recognize every sign of game, he learns to interpret these signs properly in their setting and he learns to use these signs to hunt down his quarry. ","Similarly, as the hunter’s skill is perfected in actual experience, and just as Jesus learned obedience in suffering, training our powers of discernment as Christian ministers is not the mere grasping of theoretical ideas. (Heb. 5:8) We must make an application in the field ministry of the choice wisdom gained from on high if it is to be practical and if it is to come to full fruition. Only in this way can it work to our own salvation and to the saving of those sought out.—1 Tim. 4:16.",JEREMIAH 16:16;,w61 5/1 pp. 270-271,,,bl,,4/9/2014
"PROPHET, GALILEE, SMUG PHARISEES, WISDOM, MEEKNESS, ","“GO NORTH for riches, go south for wisdom.” So advised a Jewish proverb in the time of Christ. Why was this proverb coined? Because, although Galilee in the north of Palestine was the most prosperous part of it, the temple, the Sanhedrin and the educated classes were to be found in the south, in Judea and Jerusalem.","The point of the proverb, however, was not altogether true. Yes, Galilee, with its many wealthy cities and flourishing towns, with its fertile soil and productive lake, abounded in material riches. But Judea and Jerusalem, in spite of their pretensions, could not lay claim to excelling in wisdom. Since we read in God’s Word that “the fear of Jehovah is the beginning of wisdom,” and that “he will cause the meek ones to walk in his judicial decision and he will teach the meek ones his way,” it was in Galilee, rather than in Judea, where true wisdom was manifested, for its people were far more meek and teachable, manifesting far more of the fear of Jehovah, which are prerequisites for divine wisdom.—Ps. 111:10; 25:9.",Ps. 111:10; 25:9,w61 5/15 p. 309,,,bl,,4/9/2014
"TIME, MONEY, LAZY, STINGY, SELFISH, GENEROUS, ","YOUR time or your money? Which do you prefer to give? The shiftless, lazy husband may prefer giving only his time. He sits around the house all day or visits with the “boys” while his wife takes in washing to support the family. But the tendency among more persons is to give money when one should be giving time.","Said a wise king: “For everything there is an appointed time, even a time for every affair under the heavens.” That being true, it follows that when it is the appointed time for us to give of our time we may not substitute for it with our money, or someone will most likely suffer. Such would be neither wise, just nor loving.—Eccl. 3:1.",ECCL 3:1;,w61 6/1 p. 325,,,bl,,4/9/2014
"TIME, MONEY, LAZY, STINGY, SELFISH, GENEROUS, WIFE, HUSBAND, COMPANION, SPORTS, HOBBIES,",Some years ago there was a prosperous lawyer in a large United States city. He enjoyed a good reputation and made his wife happy by his considerateness and liberality with his money. Then one day her happiness was shattered. Why? She learned that he was keeping a mistress in a downtown apartment. He gave his wife money but preferred to give his time to his mistress!,Even honest husbands are often likely to err in this respect. They work hard to provide their wives generously with all they need materially. But for relaxation or companionship they go to a tavern or a lodge or pursue some hobby in which their wives cannot share. They give money but not time.  1 Cor. 8:1.,1 CORINTHIANS 8:1;,w61 6/1 pp. 325-326,,,bl,,4/9/2014
"GOOD CHRISTIAN MANNERS, IMPORTANCE, APPEARANCE, ","Good manners therefore may well be likened to certain trace elements, such as cobalt, molybdenum, boron and the like, which play such a vital role in the health of plants, animals and man. They resemble the small amounts of flavoring extract and salt that a housewife uses in baking a cake and without which the cake could not possibly be a success. Good manners may also be compared to the oil and grease that keep machinery lubricated and running smoothly, and to the air in the tires and the cushions on the seats of our automobiles that help make travel a pleasure instead of a hardship. Many persons who are very careful about their appearance neglect their manners; yet their manners are more important than their appearance.","A Christian knows that the important things are knowledge of God’s Word, God’s holy spirit and engaging in pure worship. Compared to such basic and vital things, good manners may seem insignificant. However, they are important; for all the good a Christian may try to accomplish, he may undo by poor manners.",2 COR. 6:6;,w61 6/15 p. 362,,,bl,,4/9/2014
"ENERGY, ABILITY, DYNAMIC ENERGY, VIGOROUS POWER, STRENGTH, ATOM, SCIENTIST,","Like a little baby who is able to smash up a delicate watch but who is completely lacking in the mental and physical ability to assemble and restore such a timepiece, so it is with the atom-smashing scientists. ","They may trigger the explosion of a few atoms, but they are totally helpless in both mental and physical strength and ability, if called upon, to bring together and assemble the forces necessary to create just a single simple atom.",ISA 40:26;,w61 7/15 p. 427,,,bl,,4/9/2014
"HOLY SPIRIT, WIND, DYNAMIC ENERGY, VIGOROUS POWER, STRENGTH,","We cannot see the wind but we can certainly see what it does. We cannot see the wind that fills the sails of a boat, yet we see that the boat is driven over the water and we know that a powerful force is at work. Thus we see a visible, perceptible effect produced by an invisible force.  While the Bible writers use these words in several different senses, yet in all instances the basic characteristics of a blast of wind are conveyed, namely, invisibility and force.","To have a better understanding of what the Bible reveals about God’s holy spirit it is helpful to know the meaning of the Hebrew word ru′ahh and the Greek word pneu′ma, which are translated into English as “spirit.” Both of these words have the elementary meaning of “breath,” “blast” or “wind”; not just still, stagnant air, but rather air in forceful motion. ",Eph. 3:14-16;,w61 7/15 p. 429,,,bl,,4/9/2014
"HOLY SPIRIT, REMNANT, OTHER SHEEP, ANOINTED, GREAT CROWD, HANDICAP,",It is unthinkable that the God of justice would handicap one class by withholding his spirit while at the same time giving it in abundance to the other class. ,"Both classes, the “remnant” and the “other sheep,” face the same problems, do they not? Do not both classes have like responsibilities? Are not both partners in the same work under the same trying conditions? Both classes therefore have the same need for divine strength through holy spirit. Call to mind too how faithful men of old, although they were not of the anointed “church” class, nevertheless, were so filled with holy spirit that they were able to write inspired Scriptures. They were also able to pull down pagan temples, slay lions and bears, cure lepers, and even raise the dead. Likewise today those of the “other sheep” class are privileged to perform many powerful exploits with the help of Jehovah’s active force.",JOHN 10:16;,w61 7/15,,,bl,,4/9/2014
"PROGRESS, GOALS, WALKING","One old man made this comment, I walk slowly but I never walk backwards! ",He was evidently stressing the need to continue to progress. ,,JK,,,jk,,4/9/2014
"CONDUCT, WORLD, CONFORMITY, ENVIRONMENT","   Jesus said: “The lamp of the body is the eye. If, then, your eye is simple, your whole body will be bright .  What did he mean by that?","When it comes to having a simple eye and keeping our body bright, we can learn something from an creature called a chameleon.A chameleon is a lizard.  And chameleons have two amazing characteristics.1. They can change their color of their bodies so they blend in with their surroundings.   While that is an ability we might admire in a chameleon, it is the absolute worst thing we could do as a Christian!!  How so?Well we could, rather than our whole body being bright,  blend in with our surroundings, this dark in this system of things.  We could blend in with the background of the world when it comes to our recreational activities, our entertainment.  We do not want to be tempted to engage in unwholesome pleasures or recreation as the world does or even wholesome pleasures and recreation to excess as the world does!  ",,JK,,,jk,,4/9/2014
"FOCUS, EYE, GOALS, ",The chameleon has another amazing ability!  2.	 They have two eyes on their heads that can operate independently of each other!!  A chameleon can look ahead with one eye and look behind with its other eye.  It can focus on two things at the same time!!  Can you imagine what it looks like when it does that? ,"For us, not only is that impossible physically, but it is dangerous thing to try spiritually!    Notice what Jesus said at  Luke 9:62…….READ",Luke 9:62,JK,,,jk,,4/9/2014
"SIMPLE EYE, FOCUS, HOUSEFLY,","Do we really think we can focus on everything at once?  We weren’t made that way.Consider something that is made that way:  	A Housefly – A housefly can focus in all directions at the same time.  That’s why it’s so hard to catch, a fly, it can look in six directions at once.     Are you impressed?  Do you want to try and be like a housefly, focus on many things at once? Think for a moment -- just what does a housefly do?•	It can focus and land on your potato salad •	It also lands on some pretty disgusting things!•	It buzzes around garbage all day long!•	It has a lifespan of only 30 days!  •	And that’s if it doesn’t get swatted.  ",That’s what our life can be like if we don’t keep a simple eye!!,,JK,,,jk,,4/9/2014
"VALUE, CHOICES, SPIRITUALITY, MATURITY","When you were a 3 years old, what would you choose?  A shiny Nickel, or a tarnished old dime? The nickel is twice as big and it’s shiny!   You probably would have chosen the big shiny nickel!But as you've gotten older your values change, and your choice would change.",What is precious to a child is different than what is precious to and adult and what is precious to a spiritual person is different than what is precious to a person who lacks spirituality.,,JK,,,jk,,4/9/2014
"GOOD NEWS, MINISTRY, APPRECIATION, ","A few weeks ago there was a woman who said she had bought this old clock for 8 dollars. And it was ugly!  The hands on the clock were broken, the decorative details were missing, it didn’t work, the wood was faded and dark.  But, an expert who had studied clocks, appreciated who the maker was, appreciated how rare it was, appreciated that it couldn’t be found anywhere else, and he helped her to appreciate how much it was really worth. What its real value was.  It was worth $100,000 dollars.","Do  we really appreciate who the maker of our ministry is!  Jehovah GodDo we appreciate how rare our ministry is?  Nobody else will do it!  Do we appreciate how important it is.  It give people the chance for a better life now, and the opportunity for everlasting life.",PSALM 90:12;,JK,,73,jk,,7/31/2015
"MATERIALISM, RICHES, DESIRES, WORLD","The prevailing attitude of people in this system of things when it comes to material things and contentment is well described in a little poem that was written some time ago. Goes this way: ""I'd rather be handsome than homely..…….I'd rather be youthful than old..………If I can't have a bushel of silver..…….then I'll make do with a bushel of gold""!!!",Materialism is an earmark of Satan’s system of things.,,JK,,,jk,,4/9/2014
"URGENCY, MINISTRY, PROGRESS, GOALS, ","Ever hear this old saying: ""There's a time to let things happen and there's a time to make things happen!""","What do you think?  In view of the time period we're living in, in view of the need people have for the truth if they're going to survive, when it comes to our ministry, is it a time to let things happen? or is it a time to make things happen?  ",,JK,,,jk,,4/9/2014
"DELIGHT, PLEASING, OBEY, "," The scriptures use the expression to take exquisite delight in Jehovah, in obeying him. How could we illustrate exquisite delight?  Think of a child’s delight when he realizes that he has acted in a way that has his father’s approval.  ","For example:  A father tries to teach his infant son how to use a spoon. The little boy is sitting in highchair, he wants to take food with his hands and shove into his mouth, but his father says “No.”  Puts a spoon in his hand.  He guides and shows him how to take spoon and put food in his mouth.  Then he lets him try.  The little boy takes spoon, with his other hand puts some food on it, and food falls off.  So he tries again.  Puts food on spoon, lifts up to his mouth, opens his mouth and misses, he gets food into his eye!  He pushes it down his cheek and eventually it ends up in his mouth.  His father says: “Good job!”   And the boy, beams with delight.  He has found delight in pleasing his Father.  He gets so excited he throw his plate on the floor.     That’s exquisite delight!!It’s the same with us. We have find favor in Jehovah’s eyes and he expresses his pleasure with us.   And we are delighted in doing his will. ",,JK,,,jk,,4/9/2014
"HOLY SPIRIT ACTIVATES, GOD'S KINGDOM, CHRISTENDOM, ENERGY, POWER, LIGHT, ","We cannot see energy itself; yet, when it is put to use, we can easily see the results it produces. When Jehovah’s dynamic energy, though invisible, activates humans, we can readily recognize its effects. In this respect holy spirit from Jehovah has been likened to electricity, which may serve for illumination, or as a means of communication, or as a powerful force accomplishing great amounts of work. ",We cannot tell whether a person is filled with holy spirit by merely looking at him any more than we can look at copper power lines and tell whether they are “alive” or not. By merely looking at a battery one cannot tell whether it is charged or not.,"1 Cor. 2:9, 10;",w61 7/15 p. 433,,,bl,,4/10/2014
"BIBLE, HOLY SPIRIT ACTIVATES, GOD'S KINGDOM, CHRISTENDOM, ENERGY, POWER, LIGHT, ILLUMINATION, ","As electricity serves for illumination, so Jehovah’s spirit can give enlightenment and clarification of God’s Word in these dark times.  ","That understanding and direction come only by holy spirit is evident when we observe the confusion and general lack of understanding and direction manifest in this world’s various religious organizations. They are blind to the fact that God’s kingdom is the only hope for mankind. They cannot see that the King of that kingdom has been installed in office and is now reigning in the heavens. They do not see the rapid approach of destruction of the present Devil-ruled system of things. They do not see that the promised literal paradise is very near at hand. They are altogether blind to such heart-cheering truths, for only by Jehovah’s spirit are they revealed.",Ps. 119:105; Joel 2:28,w61 7/15 p. 433,,,bl,,4/10/2014
"HOLY SPIRIT, BIBLE, STRENGTH, POWER, ACTIVATED, INSTRUCTIONS, COMMUNICATION, ",Were it not for complicated electrical communication systems it would be impossible for commanding officers to maneuver great armies on a global scale. ,"Similarly in the warfare in which Christians the earth around are now deployed. Were it not for Jehovah’s spirit there would not be the continuous flow of instructions, nor would there be sufficient strength for the fierce hand-to-hand battles with the enemies.","2 Cor. 10:4-6; Eph. 6:11, 12;",w61 7/15 p. 433,,,bl,,4/10/2014
"HOLY SPIRIT, DO IMPOSSIBLE, ARK, NOAH, BEZALEL, KINGDOM HALL CONSTRUCTION, RBC, ",Huge machines driven by electricity produce what man in himself is not able to accomplish. In like manner Jehovah’s power can activate men to do what they could not otherwise perform.,"Under the guidance of God’s spirit Noah and his sons, even though they were not shipbuilders by trade or training, were most successful in constructing a huge storm-proof shelter. Later, when it came time to build a sacred tabernacle in a wilderness, we read: “See, Jehovah has called by name Bez′al·el the son of U′ri the son of Hur of the tribe of Judah. And he proceeded to fill him with the spirit of God in wisdom, in understanding and in knowledge and in every sort of craftsmanship and for designing devices, for working in gold and silver and copper, and in working of stones to set them and in working of wood to make ingenious products of every sort “ It was this same spirit of Jehovah that enabled an otherwise normal man named Samson to perform supernatural feats of strength.","Ex. 35:30-33; Judg. 13:25; 14:6, 19; 15:14;",w61 7/15 pp. 433-434,How to Keep Spiritually Awake,71,bl,,4/10/2014
"HOLY SPIRIT, FUTURE, BIBLE WRITERS, FLAW, INACCURACY, MISTAKES, PROPHECY, IMPOSSIBLE,","How were Bible writers able to record prophecy without a flaw of inaccuracy? The apostle Peter answers, saying: “For prophecy was at no time brought by man’s will, but men spoke from God as they were borne along by holy spirit.” ","Without this guiding force from Jehovah it would have been utterly impossible for Daniel to foretell 2,500 years in advance events in this twentieth century, but when borne along by divine power of foresight this prophet of Jehovah described the “cold war” now being waged between the Eastern and Western blocs of nations with as much realism as the headlines of our daily newspapers.—2 Pet. 1:21.",2 PETER 1:21;,w61 7/15 p. 434,,,bl,,4/10/2014
"LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR, NOT THE WORLD, DIFFERENCE, JEHOVAH'S WITNESSES, ","IT WAS in the dead of winter and the needy motorist was getting discouraged. For some time he had vainly appealed to passing motorists for help. Finally a truck driver came along and, seeing the plight of the motorist, played the role of the good Samaritan to him. But the helpful deed rankled deep in the breast of the needy motorist. Why? ","Because, as he himself put it: “My God! Of all those passing by, the one to stop and help should be one of the Watchtower people!” that is, one of Jehovah’s witnesses. The truck had the Watchtower name on it and was being driven by a member of the Brooklyn staff of that Society.Why do some feel antipathy to the Witnesses, while others speak so well of them? Why this difference of opinions? Because of the failure of some to distinguish, as do the Witnesses, between love of the world and love of neighbor. God’s Word plainly states that Christians are not to love the world, and just as plainly that Christians are to love their neighbors.","MATTHEW 19:19, ",w61 9/1 p. 517,True Friendship With God and Neighbor,100,bl,,4/10/2014
"LOVE NEIGHBOR, NOT THE WORLD, DIFFERENCE, DEMOCRATIC, REPUBLICAN, LOYALTY, ","To illustrate: In the United States there are two chief political parties, Republican and Democratic. A good and loyal Republican would certainly not make campaign contributions to the Democratic party, nor would he vote the Democratic ticket or assist the Democrats in their campaign against the Republicans. And should the Democrats be in office he would not fraternize with Democrats merely to get political favors. No, he would do none of these things, out of loyalty to his party. But that does not mean that he would not pay his taxes just because the tax office is run by Democrats. ","It does not mean that if he has a neighbor who is a Democrat he would not help him in case his house was on fire, just because he was a Democrat, or that he would not do necessary business with him, buying from or selling to him. Of course not! So he distinguishes between the Democratic political system of things and the individuals comprising that party who happen to be his neighbors. How can Christians love their neighbors and yet not be loving the world, which may be said to consist of their neighbors? In that they distinguish between a “world,” “system of things,” organization or arrangement and the individuals who comprise that system.—Luke 10:27; Gal. 6:10.",Luke 10:27; Gal. 6:10;,w61 9/1 pp. 517-518,,,bl,,4/10/2014
"JESUS AS KING, KINGDOM, WAITING PERIOD, DISTANT LAND, LONG TIME, LAST DAYS, RULERSHIP, ","To go to a distant land and then to return by the means of travel of nineteen hundred years ago, not by jet plane, would require a long time. By this point of the illustration Jesus indicated that it would be a long time from then before God’s kingdom would be actually put in power over our earth.  He had to go far beyond outer space and its planets and galaxies, namely, to heaven itself, to Jehovah God, who is the source of all ruling power.","As pictured by the “man of noble birth” in this illustration, Jesus Christ, who was the Son of the King of eternity as well as the descendant of King David, had to go to a “distant land” to secure for himself kingly power. As it is written: “There is no authority except by God.” (Rom. 13:1) From God as the source of rulership Jesus Christ would receive kingly power for mankind’s benefit. Benefit, indeed, because the setting up of his kingdom over mankind in the name of Jehovah God means the restoration of Paradise to our earth.",Luke 19:11-27;,w61 10/15 p. 618,,,bl,,4/10/2014
"Conversation Stoppers, urgency, importance, busy, prejudiced, ","Imagine that you know that a natural disaster is imminent. People will die unless they flee to safety. You go to a neighbor’s home to warn him, but he interrupts you, saying that he is busy. Surely, you would not quickly abandon your efforts to help him! ","Many in our territory turn us away, not realizing the life-saving value of our message. At the time of our visit, perhaps they are preoccupied. (Matt. 24:37-39) Or maybe they have been prejudiced by untrue rumors. (Matt. 11:18, 19) They might assume that we are no different from the religions that have produced bad fruitage. (2 Pet. 2:1, 2) If the householder initially is not interested, we should not be quick to give up.”",Matt. 24:37-39,"Kingdom Ministry, March 2014",,,Admin,,4/10/2014
"NEGATIVE, ATTITUDE, CRITICAL, ","Old Malayan Proverb that says:  ""Some people are like flies, they pass over a man's good parts and land on his sores!”","So, how do we view our brothers and sisters?  How do we view our marriage mate? How do we view our Parents?  How do we view the people in our territory?  Do we imitate Jehovah by looking for and appreciating the good. ",,JK,,,jk,,4/10/2014
"TEACHING, HEART, ",There is an old Chinese proverb: 'Teaching that enters the ears but not the heart is like dinner eaten in a dream.',"  Obviously, it is important to reach the heart when it comes to our teaching.",,JK,,,jk,,4/10/2014
"PROPHECY, TIMING, INVISIBLE RETURN, BIBLE'S TIME SCHEDULE, CHRONOLOGY, DATE, CALCULATE, WORLD WAR,","It was not merely accidental, it was not by mere miscalculation on the part of some maniac, that World War I broke out in 1914 and that the world has never been the same since then. It was because the “appointed times of the nations” ended in 1914. That year was God’s own chosen time to renew the kingdom of God over the earth and put his self-sacrificing Son Jesus Christ on the heavenly throne to rule mankind and to destroy the enemies of God and of man. ","By means of the Bible’s time schedule, together with historical chronology, we can calculate the date 1914 exactly, as being 2,520 years from Jerusalem’s destruction in 607 B.C. But even if we did not have the means to calculate the date, we have the visible evidences foretold by divine prophecy to prove the date.","Matthew chapter 24, Mark chapter 13 and Luke chapter 21",w61 10/15 p. 620,,,bl,,4/10/2014
"TRUST, FAITH, ATTITUDE, GOLIATH THE GAINT, DAVID, ","Think of David, he had godly devotion: He went to the battle lines of Israel  and everybody there had a big problem.  Goliath!!   The attitude of everybody there was: ""Goliath is too big to fight.""  But David had godly devotion and what was his attitude?""Goliath is too big to miss!""    Because he trusted Jehovah.","Again, Godly Devotion allows us to view  problems as opportunities the same way David did.  An opportunity to draw closer to Jehovah.",,JK,,,jk,,4/11/2014
"GOD'S KINGDOM, NO POLITICS, DEMONCRATS, REPUBLICANS, THEOCRACY, ","There are no politics in God’s kingdom. How, then, could there be any politics under God’s kingdom, which is a theocratic government ruled from the Top down and not from the people up?  The Ruler on the heavenly throne of God’s kingdom is not the choice elected by the Democrats or the Republicans, or by the Communists, or by the neutrals, or by any other national groups or party. Christ is the choice by the Most High God. ",So those who have united in preaching “this good news of the kingdom” everywhere have not only come out of 181 lands and political divisions but also left their politics behind them. They have not brought their national or local politics into the New World society of Jehovah’s witnesses.,"JOHN 17:14, 23;",w61 10/15 pp. 622-623,,,bl,,4/10/2014
"CREATION, RADAR, SONAR, PORPOISE, BATS, LEARNS, ","WHEN the atomic submarine Nautilus slid smoothly through Arctic waters on its historic trip under the polar icecap, it was guided by sound, not by sight. Sonar kept its crew informed of obstacles in the way, permitting the submarine to move about “blind” without danger of collision. By measuring the time required for echoes from sounds sent out to return to the boat, the sonar was able to keep the submarine informed on the distance of obstacles. Echo-ranging is an amazing discovery, but the idea did not originate in man’s electronic laboratories.","Long before man thought of using sound to locate underwater objects some of God’s creations were effectively using it for that purpose. The porpoise, for example, is an expert at detecting objects by echo-ranging. Scientific experiments have revealed that a blindfolded porpoise can swim unerringly around pipes and bars that are being moved through the water. ",JOB 12:7-9;,w61 11/1 p. 643,,,bl,,4/11/2014
"CREATION, BATS, SONAR, RADAR, ","A bat can fly in a dark room that is strung with wires or rods without striking them. By echo-ranging it can locate and catch with uncanny accuracy a tiny insect that is flying around in the dark. Despite the presence of loud background noise it can pick out its echo signals, although those signals may be 2,000 times fainter than the background noise. ","One species baffles man by doing what man cannot do—detect from the air by sonar fish swimming in the water. This ability astounds scientists. They have no idea how the bat does it and would like very much to learn its secret. The Scientific American said: Bats “have achieved their signal-to-noise discrimination with an auditory system that weighs only a fraction of a gram, while we rely on computing machines which seem grossly cumbersome by comparison.” Note too what was observed by National Geographic magazine: “Big ears detect the returning echoes, and a brain weighing a few hundredths of an ounce computes the data and controls the hunter’s speed and direction. . . . He can hear an echo from a target as tiny as a mosquito, recognize it in a split second, and swoop to the attack—a feat of nature that man, with all his electronic skill, must still hold in awe.”",REV 4:11;,w61 11/1 pp. 643-644,,,bl,,4/11/2014
"TRADITIONS, HOLIDAYS, RELIGIOUS LEADERS, CHRISTENDOM, ATTITUDES, PHARISEES, ","They said that the written law was like water, but the traditions were like wine. They said that God spent all day studying the written word and all night studying the oral traditions. Can you imagine it?","The traditions of the scribes and Pharisees made void God’s word, yet they thought so highly of these traditions that they became ridiculous.  Why should Jehovah and Jesus find joy in the traditionalists?  ","REVELATION 18:4; Matt. 23:4, 13;.”—Matt. 23:4, 13.",w60 4/1 p. 209,,,bl,,4/10/2014
"PERSONALITY, ATTITUDES, PIOUS, CHANGE, COUNSEL, DISCIPLINE, IMPROVEMENT, ADJUST, GLORY,","A precious stone may look dull, but it is good inside. When you rub it and grind it, it begins to shine. Even if the rough unpolished outside looks common, its value extends beneath the surface. On the other hand, though a whitewashing job may help the appearance of an old frame house, it takes very little rubbing before the old boards beneath begin to show. ","So it is with people. Jehovah is not interested in those who look pious outwardly. When rubbed the wrong way, when they do not get their own way, or when they have to change, then you see what is inside of them. You see how irritable they can be, and the real person inside comes out. When Jehovah gathers the precious things out of all nations he is interested in persons who are like precious stones. The more Christians who have the right heart are rubbed around, persecuted, reproached and oppressed, the more their integrity shines, the more brilliantly they reflect the glory of Jehovah and the more dazzling becomes their disproof of Satan’s lie that men will not hold their faith under test.—Hag. 2:7, AS.",HAG 2:7;,w60 4/1 p. 210,,,bl,,4/10/2014
"IMITATE, COPY, TEACHINGS, ILLUSTRATIONS, FOOTSTEPS, MODEL, ","Just as a builder carefully examines his blueprints for all details, so we must study Jesus’ ministry in order to copy it closely. We should strive to understand the people to whom we witness, see their need, make the message forceful and clear with appropriate illustrations, and show deep love for the sheep as Jesus did. ","We should be fearless in speaking the truth to all persons, and we should patiently assist the lowly ones. If we pay constant attention to both ourselves and our teaching, it will result in salvation for ourselves and those who listen to us.—1 Tim. 4:16.Jesus left “a model for you to follow his steps closely.” (1 Pet. 2:21) ",1 PETER 2:21; 1 TIMOTHY 4:16;,w60 4/1 pp. 211-212,,,bl,,4/10/2014
"CUSTOMS, ADAPT, ADJUST, STEALING, CHEATING, LYING, PERMISSION, LIVING NOW FOR NEW WORLD, HOSPITALITY, ","It is the custom in some village communities in some countries that a traveler passing through the village may help himself to some food, so he can proceed on his journey refreshed. This is a custom that is considerate and shows commendable hospitality. All the people of the community understand this custom where it is practiced, and it is not in any way looked upon as stealing, even when the traveler uses the food in the absence of the owner. ","This custom reminds us of the provision made for the stranger, the traveler or the poor person under the Jewish law. (See Leviticus 19:9, 10.) But customs change, and, though this custom is still practiced in some rural communities, it is not commonly practiced in large cities under conditions of modern civilization. So one has to adapt himself to the situation where he is. A safe guide to what is stealing and what is not stealing is to ask oneself: “Do I have the right to take this?” That is, “Do I have the permission of the owner of this food or this material to use it or take it away?” If it is something that is the property of one’s employer one might ask: “Would I take this if my employer were present and could see me take it?” If you find that the answer is “No” to any of these questions, then you know that it would be stealing to take the thing in question.","Leviticus 19:9, 10;",w60 5/1 p. 275,,,bl,,4/11/2014
"SPEECH, GOSSIP, SALVATION, PREACHING, GLORIFY GOD, TONGUE, HORSE,",It is time to keep check on thoughts and to govern our speech so we will not have a tongue like a runaway horse with the bridle dragging on the ground. We will not have a fiery tool of gossip that is like a burning match in a tinder-dry forest. ,"Rather, we shall be careful not to lose sight of the important preaching and teaching work. Our goal will be to imitate Jehovah and Christ in the use of our powers of thought and speech for the salvation of others. For this we ask Jehovah’s help in an effort to please the Life-giver, for we cannot accomplish everything by ourselves. Make this your prayer: “Let the sayings of my mouth and the meditation of my heart become pleasurable before you, O Jehovah my Rock and my Redeemer.”—Ps. 19:14.",PSALM 19:14;,w60 6/1 p. 340,,,bl,,4/10/2014
"BIBLE TRANSLATIONS, ANACHRONISM, MISDATING, COPIES, ACCURACY, ","To illustrate: No literary essay written before 1939 would refer to the war that began in 1914 as “World War I” because up to that time there had been only one world war. That war simply was known as “the World War.” Therefore, if it is claimed that an essay was written by one who died before 1939 and yet it contained the expression “World War I,” obviously such a claim would be questioned because of the anachronism.","However, it is possible that many years from now a copy of such an essay could have a reference to “World War I.” For instance,if it had been copied and reprinted time and again the expression “the World War” may have been changed to read “World War I,” either due to oversight or deliberately to avoid ambiguity. The presence of this anachronism in a copy many years hence therefore would not of itself prove that the original essay was not written by one who died before 1939.  Because very early manuscripts of the Christian Greek Scriptures have been discovered we can tell just what copyists’ errors crept in through the centuries and when. ",Judges 18:29; HEBREWS 4:12;,w60 6/1 pp. 349-350,,,bl,,4/10/2014
"TWO-EDGED SWORD, HEART, PSYCHOLOGY, TREACHEROUS, BIBLE, SECRETS, EXAMINING, PSYCHIATRISTS, ","Today there are countless contradictory schools of psychology, all striving to probe the human heart and lay bare its secrets. But none, nor all together, can compare with the Word of God in regard to this, for it was written by the One who made the human heart. ","What he thinks of the heart of fallen humankind his Word tells us: “The heart is more treacherous than anything else and is desperate. Who can know it?” Not the psychologists, nor the psychiatrists, but “I, Jehovah, am searching the heart, examining the deepest emotions.”—Jer. 17:9, 10, margin.",HEBREWS 4:12;,w60 6/15 p. 355,,,bl,,4/10/2014
"KINDNESS, SERMON WALKING, GENTLE, HELPFUL, RECOMMENDATION, ","“That is the first time I ever saw a sermon walking.” Christians, of all persons, must be walking sermons, their daily speech and conduct recommending themselves as God’s ministers. “In no way are we giving any cause for stumbling,” wrote the apostle Paul, “that our ministry might not be found fault with; but in every way we recommend ourselves as God’s ministers, by the endurance of much, . . . by purity, by knowledge, by long-suffering, by kindness.”—2 Cor. 6:3-6.","Kindness informs others as to whether we are imitating God or not; it has the power to give one a recommendation. This is even recognized by the world, as when a noted man went out of his way to carry a suitcase for an elderly lady in a railroad station; and an observer remarked: SEE ABOVE.",2 Cor. 6:3-6;,w60 6/15 pp. 367-368,,,bl,,4/11/2014
"LIGHT, DARKNESS, DECEIVE, ","Yes, one of the ways Satan misleads in this world’s darkness is he tries to appear as ""an angel of light"".You know, light can be used for bad purposes.   Light can be used to deceive.    For example,  hunters can illegally shine headlights or flashlights at deer.  It distracts and paralyzes them so they can be easily destroyed. ","That is the purpose of Satan and the demons, to deceive, to confuse, to distract.  To take advantage of the darkness.        And in the case of those already walking in the light, he can get us to slow down, or even paralyze us by making other things in this system look bright.        But we don't want to forget what  whose system it is.  Satan and his demons are really ""the world rulers of this darkness"".         ",,JK,,,jk,,4/11/2014
"SLEEP, AWAKE, ALERT,  DROWSY, ","The fact that we woke up and came into the truth is good. But we have to stay awake.  It reminds me of when I was a boy, ….not too long ago…. When I had to get up at 2:00 in the morning for a paper route. I would get up, get washed, dressed, get all ready to go and noticed I had a little extra time, so I would sit down on the couch to just to rest my eyes.  What do you think happened?  Fall asleep and be late.","Spiritually, we could do the same thing, be awake and then fall back asleep.Two things we need not to fall back to sleep.",,JK,,,jk,,4/11/2014
"SLEEP, AWAKE, ROTE, DANGER, DARKNESS, ","But it doesn't mean its impossible to do any activity while you are sleeping.  For example, sleepwalking.  People can walk in their sleep, but that is just as about as dangerous as walking in total darkness.","We could be one of Jehovah’s people and just be going through the motions, like someone who is sleepwalking.",,JK,,,jk,,4/11/2014
"MIRROR, REFLECT, GLORY OF JEHOVAH, ","If you are a dedicated, servant of Jehovah God, In the Bible you have been likened to sheep, salt, light, sand, trees, doves, moist clay, slaves, pots, and fish.  But, do you know the most beautiful thing you have been likened to in the Bible?  ","2 Corinthians 3:18……READ18 And all of us, while we with unveiled faces reflect like mirrors the glory of Jehovah, are transformed into the same image from glory to glory, exactly as done by Jehovah [the] Spirit.	Likened to mirrors.	Why is that the most beautiful thing you could be likened to?  Because as a mirror, you can reflect the glory of Jehovah!",2 Corinthians 3:18,JK,,,jk,,4/11/2014
"UNITY, CHRISTIAN CONGREGATION, NATIONALISM, RACES, LANGUAGES, DIVIDING FACTORS, IMPOSSIBLE,","Nationalism, races, religion, languages and many other dividing factors have been like rocks in the sea on which the ships of human international rulers have met their disaster sooner or later. For this sea, so full of undersea rocks and shipwrecks, the Christian congregation, young and inexperienced in international affairs, was now to set sail. In branching out and opening its doors to people of all nations, in meeting with all shades of pagan religion and philosophy, national pride, language barriers, racial, political and social controversies, could it maintain its achieved absolute unity? ","Could it do so without having to compromise as to its teachings and standards for membership? Could it still maintain its theocratic organizational setup unchanged, with a visible governing body at Jerusalem? Would it not have to break up into national groups with some form of self-government for each group and then join them somehow? Could it remain itself? If already the national Jewish church had been a wonder, it was a small one compared to the wonder of the international church, especially as seen on the historical background. What has been an unsolvable problem to human world builders till this day proved to be no problem to Christ Jesus, the Head of the Christian church. The Christians went to work at the very root of that which divides as well as unites, namely, the human mind. They started making over the minds of humble, Godfearing persons everywhere. Quite soon such believing persons in all nations experienced a change in personality as they started imitating their Head, Christ Jesus, and the result was amazing: All separating barriers vanished as people of the nations were incorporated in the body of Christ. To the local congregation at Colossae in Asia Minor Paul wrote: “Strip off the old personality with its practices, and clothe yourselves with the new personality which through accurate knowledge is being renewed according to the image of the one who created it, where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcision nor uncircumcision, foreigner, Scythian, slave, freeman, but Christ is all things and in all.” And to those of the church in Galatia: “You are all, in fact, sons of God through your faith in Christ Jesus. For all of you who were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor freeman, there is neither male nor female, for you are all one in union with Christ Jesus.”",Col. 3:9-11; Gal. 3:26-28;,w60 8/1 pp. 469-470,,,bl,,4/11/2014
"NORMAL LIFE, REAL LIFE, FOREVER, PARADISE, SICK, PAIN, OLD, WORRY, TEARS, FEAR,","Well, that may seem valid until you ask yourself, what is a normal life?  Is it possible to live a normal life in this system?  Sometimes we forget what is normal for humans! According to Jehovah God,Normal is living without ever getting sick,Normal is living without ever getting old,Normal is living without ever worrying about your children, without ever having fear! ","We are so far removed from what is normal, sometimes we think what is abnormal can be normal!!!!    Its just not possible to live a normal life in this system of things.  So why devote so much of our time to living a normal life when it just isn’t possible?So let's not get excessively involved in the normal pursuits of this world.  ",REVELATION 21:4;,jk,WHY WOULD A LOVING GOD PERMIT WICKEDNESS?,187,JK,,4/11/2014
"MARRIAGE, ADAM, EVE, CREATED, PARADISE, WIFE, MATE,","Imagine yourself as a normal man being awakened from a deep, dreamless sleep and being introduced to a perfectly beautiful virgin female of the same human family as yourself, the first one that you had ever seen! That was Adam’s experience. “Hence Jehovah God had a deep sleep fall upon the man and, while he was sleeping, he took one of his ribs and then closed up the flesh over its place. And Jehovah God proceeded to build the rib that he had taken from the man into a woman and to bring her to the man.”—Gen. 2:21, 22.","Jehovah God makes no mistakes. As an exact Scientist he commits no errors of judgment. He is no poor matchmaker. What, then, were the reactions of his human son to this introduction? God explained to Adam who this female creature was and how she had come into existence. ","Gen. 2:21, 22;",w60 11/1 pp. 650-651,,,bl,,4/12/2014
"LOVE NEVER FAILS, OIL, FRICTION, LIFE, MERCY, MERCIFUL, ","HOW far could an automobile travel without oil? Before long, friction generated by parts rubbing against each other would burn out vital segments of the engine. Oil is necessary to eliminate or at least minimize this friction.","In human relationships we need such an agent to eliminate or minimize the frictions generated in everyday life. Such an agent is love. Love, as taught in the Bible, is more than kind words, though these are essential too. Love expresses itself in unselfish acts of conduct. It is positive and active, not negative or inactive. It builds up; it does not tear down. Due to a lack of this love, the entire human race is shredded by the frictions of life. Society is heated to the explosion point by hatred, fear, divisions, strife, insecurity and distress of nations.",1 COR 13:8;,w60 12/1 p. 709,,,bl,,4/12/2014
"HOPE, ENDURANCE, DISCOURAGEMENT, VISION, ","For example, July 4, 1952 it was a very foggy morning and a woman began swimming the 21 miles from Catalina Island toward California coast. She was determined to be the first woman to do it.  Millions were watching on national television.  It was a dangerous trip. Several times sharks, had to be driven away with rifles, she was stung by jelly-fish many times, and the water was bone-chilling cold. More than fifteen hours later, numbed with the cold, in the thick fog, she asked to be taken out of the water. Later she found out she was only a few hundred yards from shore.What was it that defeated her?  It wasn't fatigue, it wasn't the sharks or the jellyfish. The fog obscured her goal and she got discouraged.","Right now,        we        are       close!Like that swimmer, we may have been in the truth a long time. We may have had to endure cold, fog, jellyfish, even sharks, spiritually speaking, that is, various trials to reach where we are now.",,JK,,,jk,,4/12/2014
"ENDURANCE, CLOSE, ALMOST, SHORTCOMINGS, NEAR, ","There’s a saying “Close only counts in horseshoes.”  That illustrates that in some cases being close isn’t good enough.   If a daredevil decided to jump the Grand Canyon on a motorcycle, it wouldn’t be good enough for the spectators to be able to say: “Well, he was close!”Just being close can be very discouraging.",He that endures to the end will be saved.,,JK,,,jk,,4/12/2014
"AGE, LIMITATIONS, HEALTH, WHOLESOULED, OLDER, ","Imagine if you had several children and one of them has had an accident and became lame in one leg.    As a parent, how would you feel if that child said:  “Mom, Dad, Do you love me as much as before, because I can’t do what I used to be able to do?  I can’t run and jump like my brothers and sisters. I can’t go out and play. You have to help me to do things.   Do you love me less than them?”     Any parent would know how to answer that question.","If you are limited in what you can do for Jehovah due to health or infirmities, think of that example.Jehovah feels the same way about his children who because of health or age can’t do as much",,JK,,,jk,,4/12/2014
"IMPERFECTION, RANSOM, DISCOURAGEMENT, FIXER UPPER, DRAWN,","Remember, Jehovah has drawn you to be one of his people.  We could illustrate it this way.  Have you ever bought a used car?Now, what did you do before you bought it? You checked it out.•	You kicked the tires, •	started the engine, •	took it out for a test drive•	You noticed the tires were bald, •	The oil pan leaks, and •	There’s a miss in the engineBut you still buy it because its worth the price, so it’s a fixer upper.You bring it home but your neighbor, says “What did you pay for that?  You got robbed!  It’s a piece of junk!”You say, I know what I bought;   it’s worth the price.  Later,  you’ve got it fixed up, it looks good, drives good, engine purrs like a kitten.  It proves the neighbor didn’t know what he was talking about. ","In that little story, Satan is the neighbor.When Jehovah paid the price and had Jesus die for you and drew you to him, he knew what he was getting, he knew what he bought, he knows your imperfections, your quirks, and your foibles.  He knew you were a fixer upper when he bought you!       We all need, 1000 years of fixing up!  But Jehovah still says you are worth the price he paid.  And when, and when you let him use you, when Satan sees you out purring along, proclaiming God’s kingdom and maintaining righteous conduct,  It proves he’s a liar.",,JK,,,jk,,9/15/2014
"SPIRITUALITY, WORLD, WEATHER, ","Have you ever been fooled by the weather?  You look outside, it doesn't look too good.  It looks coldr and gloomy.  So you try to dress for it.  And after just a half hour outside, you realize something, its below freezing.  The skin that’s exposed could almost get frostbite!    What you thought would be adequate clothing, just wasn't good enough, not sufficient for the conditions.","Spiritually, there isn’t any global warming going on!    This is a cold, dark, dangerous system and it’s getting worse.  What used to get us by is not enough.  You might say this world has gone from zero to 30 below spiritually.            Any area of our life not properly covered is in danger.  Just like literal frostbite, we can get frostbite spiritually.",,JK,,,jk,,4/13/2014
"PERSONALITY, UNITY, ","Now normally, when people show up at the same event with the same clothes on, that is considered a faux paw, or as the dictionary states it, “social blunder”.        Like 3 or 4 sisters coming here to the meeting with exactly the same dress on!Oooh!!   That would be bad!!","But spiritually, we  should all have the same thing on!  The new personality.",,JK,,,jk,,4/13/2014
"JESUS, CONDUCT, BUMPER STICKER, ","You know sometime you see a worldly religious bumper sticker that says in capital letters:  W W J D  It stands for  What Would Jesus Do?  But you can tell how serious they take it, when right next to it, you see the bumper sticker that says HONK IF YOU LOVE JESUS!","But for us, that question is real!!‘What would Jesus do in this situation?  What would he want me to do?",,JK,,,jk,,4/13/2014
"LANGUAGE, PREACH, ORIGINAL, ","(start by trying to use chop sticks to pick up M & M’s)Have you ever tried to eat with chop sticks?“By the time I learn how to feed myself with chop sticks, I’ll be dead of starvation!!”Why?     Because I wasn't raised eating with chop sticks.",Many people haven’t been raised speaking English.By the time some people learn English – it could be too late for them too!  Why? Well a basic principle in helping them is to recognize that they learn the truth more readily and best in there original language. ,,JK,,,jk,,4/13/2014
"GOD'S DECREE, DESTRUCTION OF NATIONS, SMASH, DASH, IRON SCEPTER, JESUS OUR RANSOM, ARMAGEDDON,","The scepters of ancient kings were made of wood, ivory or other materials. Some were made of iron, as this one was. The imagery here shows the ease with which Christ the King will destroy the nations beyond recovery.—Ps. 2:9.","So, then, what is the position of the nations today, together with all their armaments of war? God’s decree to the King will be carried out by him: “You will break them with an iron scepter, as though a potter’s vessel you will dash them to pieces.” ",PSALM 2:9;,w79 1/15 p. 6,,,bl,,4/13/2014
"SCHEDULE, TIME, KINGDOM FIRST","For example, in the world people spend between 4-6 hours a day watching TV.    Now maybe you feel pretty proud of yourself because you only watch TV 3 hours each day!   Let’s see, 3 hours a day, a month has 30 days!    That’s 90 hours a month!  You could be a TV pioneer?   Could you possibly use some of that time to keep up with your personal study and family worship?",,Matthew 6:33,JK,,,jk,,4/13/2014
"ALIENS, WORLD, ","If you were asked, what is, your status,  in this country, what would you say?    I am a citizen?           I am an immigrant?          I'm legal so leave me alone?   But how many of you would proudly say, I am an alien?","And, yet, according to the apostle Peter, that is exactly the way we should view ourselves.",1 Peter 2:11,JK,,,jk,,4/13/2014
"ALIEN RESIDENTS, TEMPORARY, WORLD"," Because, an alien resident, does not get overly attached, to what is only temporary.To illustrate:      When you check into a hotel room, do you, repaint the walls?, or do you buy new furniture?      Install a dishwasher?        Oh, you might spray some air freshener, or fluff the pillows, but you don't install a Jacuzzi, Why?      Because you know your stay is only temporary."," So, we must remember, that our stay in this dying world is only temporary, because, we are just passing through.  We are temporary residents.",,JK,,,jk,,4/13/2014
"MATERIALISM, POSSESSIONS, Lots wife","Would you be able to say good-bye to your belongings?    Why is that so important?We can learn something from wildlife about this. Illustrate:   Eagles can fly up to 30 mph, and can dive at speeds approaching 100 mph. They can spot a fish under water, up to one mile away.  Now a bald eagle can lift about five pounds.      But eagles have been observed drowning when they tried to lift a fish that was too heavy.   They were unwilling to let it go...and they died!   If they can't, in effect, 'say good-bye to their belongings'  it can cost them their life!","It's the same with us.  Could you say good-bye to your possessions?We might think: ""No problem!  When the end comes I'll gladly throw my money into the streets and be happy to say goodbye to my belongings!""    But that's like an eagle letting go of the fish when he's already under water!!!",,JK,,,jk,,4/23/2018
"MATERIALISM, END KINGDOM","   Would it be right for us to take a lot of time  that we could be using to help others gain life spiritually,  and spend it gaining more possessions?  Or getting ourselves more deeply involved in the schemes of this dying world?         If you were a passenger on the Titanic, right after it hit the iceberg, would you be talking to the Captain about an upgrade on you room?","     So, is it reasonable, for us to carry on affairs of life in this present system of things in such a way as to ignore the fact that this world will soon come to its end?",,JK,,,jk,,4/13/2014
"WHY HAS GOD PERMITTED WICKEDNESS, SOVEREIGNTY, ISSUES, ",Suppose a man having a large family is accused by one of his neighbors of many false things about the way he manages his household. Suppose the neighbor also says that the family members have no real love for their father but only stay with him to obtain the food and material things he gives them. How might the father of the family answer such charges?,"If he simply used violence against the accuser, this would not answer the charges. Instead, it might suggest that they were true. But what a fine answer it would be if he permitted his own family to be his witnesses to show that their father was indeed a just and loving family head and that they were happy to live with him because they loved him! Thus he would be completely vindicated.",Prov. 27:11; Isa. 43:10;,w69 1/15 p. 36,WHY WOULD A LOVING GOD PERMIT WICKEDNESS,187,bl,,4/13/2014
"SELF-GOVERNMENT, PLAY GOD, SATAN, MAN, PERMISSION, WICKEDNESS, ","Man’s attempt to ‘play God’ is a miserable failure. As a prominent editor said: “The more we search for an alibi, the more we discover that unhappiness on earth is man-made. Our key weakness is that we have not solved the problem of self-government.” The inspired Bible writer Jeremiah rightly said: “I well know, O Jehovah, that to earthling man his way does not belong. It does not belong to man who is walking even to direct his step. Correct me, O Jehovah.”—Jer. 10:23, 24; see also Proverbs 16:25.","True, there has been progress in a materialistic way. But is it really progress when men send rockets to the moon, and yet cannot live together in peace on earth? What good is it for them to build homes equipped with every convenience, only to have families torn apart by divorce and delinquency? Are wars, riots in the streets, destruction of life and property and widespread lawlessness something of which to be proud? Not at all! But they are the fruitage of rule that ignores God. Truly, as Ecclesiastes 8:9 says, “man has dominated man to his injury.”",JEREMIAH 10:23; PROVERBS 16:25; Ps. 127:1;,w69 1/15 p. 37,WHY WOULD A LOVING GOD PERMIT WICKEDNESS,187,bl,,4/13/2014
"DEDICATION, BAPTISM, NEW LANGUAGE, OCCUPATION, RESPONSIBILITIES, ","LIKE a man moving from one country to a new one, learning a new language and taking up a new occupation, so is the step of Christian baptism. The person making this move leaves this old system with its ties and allegiances and comes over into association with those of God’s spiritual nation, becoming part of the New World society of Jehovah’s people world wide. ","While still in the world, they are no longer a part of it, as they now recognize the power and authority of God’s heavenly government, his kingdom, in their lives. And instead of being divided nationalistically or linguistically, they now learn the “pure language” that all Jehovah’s people speak in common, the language of truth from the Scriptures. (Zeph. 3:9) Finally, they take on a new assignment of work, entering into the service of their Creator, making that the first interest in their lives.Are you ready for such a move?",ACTS 8:36;,w69 1/15 p. 46,,,bl,,4/13/2014
"GOOD NEWS, PREACHING, IMPARTIAL, ","Its would be easy to answer the question:      How do you show your concern for you husband or your wife, or your children, or grand children.  Or how do you show concern for grandpa or grandma?    Those people are related to you. They are all of your sort, you might say.  In the world, seldom do people ever show real concern for people who are not of their sort.  Or if concern is shown, it is because of a tax write-off, or for publicity."," But for us, Christians, we are motivated by Paul's words at 1 Timothy 2:3, 4 …………Read",1 Timothy 4:3-4,JK,,,jk,,4/13/2014
"REPUTATION, JEHOVAH, NAMES","When a married couple is expecting a baby, much thought goes into what name they will give to it.,  It is not just a matter if picking any name or whether the name sounds nice.      With some names there are reputations that seem to go with them.  For example, •	How many little girls do you know with the name Jezebel?•	Or, why do you suppose the names Adolph or Judas are not high on the list for little boys?         Is it that there is something wrong with the name itself?  No it is the reputation behind that name.      Reputation is important!     ","Reputation is important!        Since the Garden of Eden – Satan has been working extremely hard to attach a bad reputation  to the name of Almighty God.  He has defamed the personal name of the Most High, Jehovah and brought into question the rightfulness of his rule.  Because of this God’s Name Must Be Sanctified!",,JK,,,jk,,4/13/2014
"JEHOVAH, RELATIONSHIP, GOD, ","Because they do not know or use God's name they can't develop a friendship with him.The result is they have an impersonal and detached view of God.  He's the man upstairs, their copilot,  their pilot,  and as close as they come to thinking of him daily is either saying or texting    Oh My God!..",,,JK,,,jk,,4/13/2014
"NAME, FAME, DEVIL, SATAN, ","Many people want to be famous.  You've heard the expression some people will do anything to get their ""15 minutes of fame"".      That's what Satan the Devil wanted originally, but not just 15 minutes.  He wanted to be known by everyone, and worshiped by everyone.","Can you imagine how irritated Satan must be that no one knows what his name is?  He is stuck with just a couple of unflattering titles, Satan and Devil.     The one thing he wanted was for every one to know who he was and his name is not mentioned in the Bible even once!    Is it any wonder that Satan wants to hide God's name,  defame it in any way he can?",,JK,,,jk,,4/13/2014
"NAME, JEHOVAH, CLERGY, NICKNAMES, JEHOVAH'S WITNESSES, "," In modern times, the clergy of Christendom imitate their first century Jewish counterparts. They spurn God's name.    In fact, how have many religions today been named?  They have names that are 'nicknames' that other people gave them:LUTHERAN - was a nickname that enemies of Martin Luther gave his followers who then adopted it.BAPTISTS - adopted that nickname outsiders gave them because they practice baptism my immersion.METHODISTS - adopted that nickname give them by an outsider because of their methodical way of worship.QUAKER - the nickname Quaker was originally meant as an insult because their founder once told an English judge to 'tremble at the word of the Lord', so the judge called him a 'Quaker"".    In these last days while the clergy and most religious people do not want to be associated with God's name, have pulled away from it, true Christians have done just the opposite.  ","Christians today imitate their first century counterparts, they praise and honor God's name and are not afraid to use it and they are not afraid to take that name upon themselves.  We have not been tagged with our name, we have chosen it because it identifies who we are!",,JK,,,jk,,4/13/2014
"NAME, CHRISTIAN, CHRISTENDOM, BABYLON THE GREAT, RELIGIONS,","Many people in Christendom will go by the label 'Christian'!   But when you look at them, its like going to the zoo, looking at the cage that is labeled elephant and inside is an monkey!   ",Most so-called 'Christians' do not even come close to resembling what true Christians are supposed to be.  When it comes to being a Christian they are just monkeying around!!,,JK,,,jk,,4/13/2014
"ACTIVITY, MIND, FOCUS, ","It used to be just to start runners in races, but an expression that we have come to use to start everything from races to arm wrestling to pie eating contests is the expression:On your mark !    Get set !     GO!     That expression in effect is saying get ready, focus, and begin"," In effect, that is exactly what Peter was saying we should do at 1 Peter 1:13 ……READ   13 Hence brace up YOUR minds for activity, keep YOUR senses completely; set YOUR hope upon the undeserved kindness that is to be brought to YOU at the revelation of Jesus Christ.",1 Peter 1:13,JK,,,jk,,4/13/2014
"JESUS, EXAMPLE, IMITATE, IMPERFECTION, FOOTSTEPS, FOLLOW,","For hundreds, perhaps thousands of years, imperfect men have had the desire to fly like the birds.  No one thought it could be done.  But then the Wright brothers actually were able to fly.  Now even though they could never be as graceful and efficient as the birds, still they were able to fly!  How did they accomplish that?  They studied the birds, the principles they saw in the flight of birds. And although it wasn’t as graceful or efficient as the birds, they did it. And as advanced as human flight is today, is it as good and efficient as what the birds are able to do?  No.  But man can fly!","It is the same with imperfect men trying to imitate the example of Jesus Christ.   It can’t be done perfectly, but if we observe, and study and examine him, we will be able to imitate him in so many ways.One way we want to be sure and imitate him is in his way of teaching.",,JK,,,jk,,4/13/2014
"COMFORT, ENCOURAGEMENT, PLANTS, FRIENDSHIP,","House plants grow best when we pay attention to them.     That means watering them, touching them, putting them in places where they will receive good light.Some people even think that singing to plants is good!  We won’t go that far!The point is houseplants need people around them, people to notice if they are drooping at the edges, or if they are looking to dry, or getting too much water.  That’s why people have others come and take care of their plants when they go away for any length of time.  The more attention a plant receives, the better it will grow.","The more attention a plant receives, the better it will grow.In the household of God, we are sort of like those houseplants!  We need that attention too.Jehovah has put his Son in charge of His household and notice what it says in prophecy about Jesus.    Isaiah 50:4 As head of the Christian Congregation today he sees to it we get the comfort and encouragement we need.  And so, we thrive just like that well-cared-for houseplant.", Isaiah 50:4,JK,,,jk,,4/13/2014
"REPUTATION, ","You know, you don’t get a reputation for doing something by doing it just once.  Do you know anybody in your congregation that has a reputation •	for being a fisherman?      •	For being a good cook?  •	For always having a good joke to tell?    It takes a little time and experience to develop a reputation! •	You have to catch a lot of fish!  •	You have to cook a lot of good meals!   •	You have to tell a lot of good jokes to develop a reputation. ","Need to develop a good reputation with God, that takes time.",,JK,,,jk,,4/13/2014
"REFLECT, QUALITIES, IMITATE","Paul likened Christians to mirrors.Now, have you ever seen one of those mirrors, at a fun house or amusement park, or in front of a novelty store?  The kind that that distort your image?   It may make you look real fat, or skinny, or make your head look pointy, or maybe more pointy!    Or makes your feet look real big, like clown feet?","Well, because of our imperfection, to start out with, we are sort of like those mirrors when it comes to reflecting the qualities of Jehovah God.  But it does gets better. The scriptures encouragingly tell us that with work, we can reflect the qualities of Jehovah.",,JK,,,jk,,4/13/2014
"RECREATION, ENTERTAINMENT, SNARES, TRAPS","Men have used all kinds of traps and snares on animals. Some traps act quickly, such as a mouse trap, the mouse may just get to lick the cheese once, before its all over!  Other traps though let the victim eat all of the bait, then when its done, it looks around and finds itself in a cage, to then be destroyed!","While men trap animals, Satan the Devil tries to snare or trap Christians. He's not interested in our hides, he wants our hearts, our integrity, our faithfulness. For the next few minutes, we're going to consider a trap or snare that Satan uses, where he lets us eat and enjoy all of the bait!  The spirit and attitude of this world when it comes to recreation, ",,JK,,,jk,,4/13/2014
"MUSIC, ENTERTAINMENT, SNARE, TRAP","Has this ever happened to you? You're in a grocery store, or working in the house or garage, going along, humming a little tune, then all of a sudden you stop! Realize, that's a Christmas Carol! Now why would I be doing that!  I know the truth! Music is a captivating influence! Music has the power to affect our minds and our heart. We tap our feet to rhythmic beats, we will hum melodies, or even repeat lyrics without even thinking! ","The problem is that music, even beautiful music, can be used to float filthy, degraded thoughts into our hearts and our minds. We shouldn't underestimate the power of music, and let none of us think we're immune to the danger of degrading music! ",,JK,,,jk,,4/13/2014
"ENTERTAINMENT, RECREATION, DESIRE","It wasn't too many years ago, that if a person desired something ungodly for entertainment, he had to look for it, he had to search it out! Today, that is not true. Going astray in desires for ungodly entertainment is as easy as (QUOTE)""falling off a log"", but its much more harmful than falling off a log!","Yes, ungodly entertainment abounds today, and more than harmful, it is deadly, spiritually.",,JK,,,jk,,4/13/2014
"PLEASE, PROVERBS, DEVOTION","There are thousands of old, wise, proverbs that are supposed to help people to live better. There's an old Latin Proverb that says: (QUOTE) ""He labors vainly who endeavors to please everyone!""  In other words, its futile to try to please everybody! ","The Bible which has the wisest sayings, goes a step further, it narrows down the list of those we should worry about pleasing. The Bible says that ultimately we should only worry about pleasing one, Jehovah God.   And that is not just a wise thought that willhelp us live better. That is a thought, that will help us to live....period!!",,JK,,,jk,,4/13/2014
"WORRY, ANXIETY, TROUBLES, PROBLEMS","Have words like these ever brought you anxiety?-- Mrs. Smith, I'm afraid we're going to have to do some more tests, it seems a little more serious than we thought.-- Mr. Miller?  This the school principle. I'm sorry to tell you but the police picked up your son Johnny at school, he's gotten into some trouble, you'll have to go down to the police station.-- David, the company is downsizing, I'm sorry, but we have to dismiss you as of today, you can pick up your final paycheck!-- And here Mr. Smith is the hospital bill for your wife's illness, 35,000 dollars. Your  insurance will only pay 26,000 dollars so wewould appreciate it if you would submit the balance 9000 dollars as soon as possible!  By the way, the doctors will bill you separately!-- Honey, guess what, I'm pregnant with our 5th child!","Anxiety, Worry, Troubles........one of the trademarks of this system ofthings we live in. How can we to deal with these types of things?",,JK,,,jk,,4/13/2014
"WORRY, ANXIETY, TROUBLE, HAPPINESS, ","Men have come up with all kinds of advice to cope with anxieties, from the serious to the simplistic.-- DON'T CLIMB THE HILL UNTIL YOU GET TO IT.-- BE TOO BUSY TO WORRY IN THE DAYTIME AND TOO SLEEPY TO WORRY AT NIGHT!-- NO USE PUTTING UP YOUR UMBRELLA TILL IT RAINS!-- IF YOU WANT TO FORGET  YOUR TROUBLES, WEAR TIGHT SHOES.and of course-- ""DON'T WORRY, BE HAPPY!""","That all sounds very easy, but the fact is, we will have anxieties....... as Jesus said  ""each day will have its own anxieties.  Sufficient for each day is its own badness.""",,JK,,,jk,,4/13/2014
"CONTENTMENT, WORRY, MATERIALISM, RICHES, SIMPLE,",There is an Old Yiddish proverb:       THE LARGER THE MAN'S ROOF THE MORE SNOW IT COLLECTS.,"In other words the more you have, the more you have to worry about.Let your manner of life be free of the love of money, while you are content with the present things. For he has said: ""I will by no means leave you nor by any means forsake you.""  Those who understand and apply that counsel from Jehovah about being content have less worry.",,JK,,,jk,,4/13/2014
"LIGHT, DARKNESS, WORLD, ","If you had a pair of SPIRITUAL  GLASSES you could put on, and you were able to step back and look at the whole earth, what would it look like?  Whole globe would be dark, except for these little bright lights all over it, where the congregations of Jehovah's people are.   ","ISAIAH 60:2  says:  ""For, look! darkness itself will cover the  earth, and thick gloom the national groups; but upon you Jehovah will _ shine forth, and upon you his own glory will be seen.",ISAIAH 60:2,JK,,,jk,,4/13/2014
"WALKING, LIGHT, DARKNESS","Physically speaking, walking is good for you,.  Its exercise, it benefits the heart, lungs it’s healthful.  It’s also a way to get from here to there!   Walking is good.  The only way a person can get into trouble by walking is by not watching where he walks, or by walking in the dark and not where it is well-lighted.","It’s the same way spiritually.  Spiritually,  we can walk in the light or in the dark, we can watch where we walk, or not. We can walk the worlds way or in Jehovah’s way.  But, walking in Jehovah's way is beneficial and leads to life!",,JK,,,jk,,4/13/2014
"Preaching with angels and as angels.  Gerrit Losch, special privileges,","“Preaching the Kingdom With Angels and as Angels.” Gerrit Lösch, a member of the Governing Body, helped the students appreciate two special privileges that those who preach enjoy. ","First, they serve as God’s angels when they deliver his message of the good news of the Kingdom, for the Hebrew and Greek words used in the Bible for “angel” can also be translated “messenger.” Second, the students preach the good news under the direction of angelic spirit creatures, just as the disciple Philip did.—Acts 8:26-35.",Acts 8:26-35,jw.org,,,bl,,4/20/2014
"Joy, enthusiasm, meditating, prayer, fire of the spirit, thanks, MARK NOUMAIR, ","First, “always be rejoicing.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16) The students can gain joy—which will fuel their enthusiasm—by meditating on the blessing of being approved by Jehovah. Second, “pray constantly.” (1 Thessalonians 5:17) Prayer is like the oxygen that breathes life into a fire. We should lengthen our prayers, pouring out our heart to God. Third, “give thanks for everything.” (1 Thessalonians 5:18) A thankful heart warms our relationships with Jehovah and our brothers. “Maintain the warm feelings of appreciation,” said Brother Noumair, “as opposed to a cold spirit of criticism.”","Joy fuels enthusiasm, Prayer is like oxygen that breathes life into a fire, Thanks!  a thankful heart warms our relationship with Jehovah.",1 THESS 5:16;,jw.org,,,bl,,4/20/2014
"DISCIPLINE, PARENTS, CHILDREN, PLANTING, PRUNING, ","“Parental discipline may be likened to gardening. A gardener prepares the soil, waters and feeds the plant, and provides protection from pests and weeds. As the plant grows, the gardener may need to prune the plant in order to help it keep growing in the right direction. The gardener recognizes that a careful combination of various techniques will help him to produce a healthy plant. ","Similarly, parents care for their children in many ways. But at times they need to give discipline​—which, like pruning, may correct wrong inclinations early on and help their children to grow in the right direction. Pruning, however, must be done carefully, or a plant can suffer permanent harm. Likewise, parental discipline needs to be given with loving care.The God of the Bible, Jehovah, sets a beautiful example for parents in this regard. The discipline that he gives his obedient earthly worshippers is so effective and desirable that they actually come to ‘love discipline.’ (Proverbs 12:1) They “hold on to discipline” and “do not let it go.” (Proverbs 4:13) You can help your child to respond positively by imitating closely three” “key elements of God’s discipline: It is (1) loving, (2) reasonable, and (3) consistent.”",Proverbs 4:13; 12:1;,"Watchtower, July 1, 2014",,,bl,,4/21/2014
"KNOW GOD, KNOWLEDGE, INVISIBLE, ","“Compare our situation to that of a person who is blind from birth. Does his blindness completely prevent him from understanding the world around him? Not entirely. A blind person receives information in various ways that enable him to perceive the people, objects, and activities that surround him. “Vision isn’t in the eyes,” said one blind man. “It’s in the mind.”","In a similar way, although you cannot use your physical eyes to see God, you can use “the eyes of your heart” to see him. (Ephesians 1:18) Consider three ways that you might do so.”",Eph. 1:8;,"Watchtower, July 1, 2014",,,bl,,4/21/2014
"LIGHT, DARKNESS, SPIRITUAL, WORLD"," Nuclear fusion at the sun's core releases enormous amounts of energy, some of which reaches our earthly home as sunlight.  Without that life-sustaining light, we would not be here, for earth would be a lifeless planet.","With that in mind, consider Isaiah chapter 60, verse 2. There it was prophesied:  ""Look! darkness itself will cover the earth, and thick gloom the national groups.""  Of course, the darkness foretold here isn’t being experienced in a physical sense.  The sun, moon, and stars keep on shining.  But this prophecy is being fulfilled in a spiritual sense.  The world is shrouded in spiritual darkness.  So think how immensely valuable spiritual light is.",Isaiah 60:2,JK,,,jk,,4/21/2014
"SELFISHNESS, WORLD, SELF-SACRIFICE, ","In Greek Mythology there was a person named Narcissus. He was of surpassing beauty. One day he just happened to see his own reflection in a spring and he fell in love with himself. He became so enthralled with himself that he became incapable of loving others.   In fact, he didn't even get up to eat, he loved himself so much, he just pined away and died! ","Yet, in this world, that attitude of ‘me first’, ‘looking out for number one’, being self-absorbed, self-indulgent, self-sparing, sel-fish, is the norm. ",,JK,,,jk,,4/21/2014
"CONGREGATE, MEETINGS, ASSEMBLE","For thousands of years people have assembled together in large groups for many different reasons. They have assembled•	for wars, •	for sports activities, •	political rallies, •	concerts........ •	even visits of prominent religious leaders. 	Yet, little that is lasting comes from any of those activities. Not much in the way of real benefit.  Nothing to lofty about those things.","But, what is the noblest reason for people to assemble together?  What is the most important, the most beneficial reason for people to congregate?  I’m sure you feel as I do, It is to Give God Glory.",,JK,,,jk,,4/21/2014
"DRESS GROOMING, SHEEP",We are sheep and we have heard of a wolf going around in sheep’s clothing.  But why in the world would a sheep want to around in wolf’s clothing?,"So, being worldly in our appearance, wearing slipshod styles, low tops, short skirts, high slits, these things don’t bring glory to God.Yes, we want to glorify God by our conduct and our dress.",,JK,,,jk,,4/21/2014
"WALKING, LIGHT, PROTECTION","Now, when it comes to literal walking, the only way a person can get into trouble by walking is by not watching where he walks.  There are a lot of things that can making walking hazardous. •	Uneven ground, pitfalls•	Unexepected steps•	Unguarded heights, •	Quicksand, •	And of course you’ve heard the expression, Don’t walk in dark alleys!  In this system of things, Satan makes sure there are a lot of dark alleys to walk down. Satan and his agents place before us many pitfalls, many pressures, and deceptions to sidetrack us from the straight pathway of integrity.  ","What will help us to maintain integrity and keep walking with God without deviation, and avoid the hazards?  Spiritually Jehovah provides light, Spiritually He provides warning signs, Spiritually He provides guardrails, barriers, all in the form of timely counsel from ""the faithful and discreet slave"". (Mt 24:45)  ",pSALM 119:85,JK,,,jk,,9/24/2014
"OBEDIENCE, LAWS, PRINCIPLES, ","•	What if…… no one paid attention to traffic lights?  •	What if……. everybody refused to take a number or stand in line at the post office?   •	What if you didn’t follow the instructions on your prescription medicine?•	What if you ignored the sign that said beware of dog, or do not put hands inside the lion’s cage!  Or “DANGER High Voltage”?•	What if everybody fed the animals and walked on the grass?•	What if you decided to touch the black wire to the white wire in spite of what the instructions said.!  The results of any of those actions would be in the least confusion, harm, and at the worst, death. Can anyone rightly deny the need for obedience in everyday matters? ","Obedience means our life.  Especially so, our obedience to Jehovah.",,jk,,,jk,,4/21/2014
"OBEDIENCE, CREATOR, INVENTOR, ","As a person who invents a machine knows under what conditions and speeds that machine operates best, and knows what is the best oil to use to prolong its life.",in a much more complex way our Creator knows how to rule over us so we stay in a good condition and we last a long time.,,JK,,,jk,,4/21/2014
"GRATITUDE, THANKFULNESS, ",You were probably thankful to your parents when they gave you a box of crayons that had 64 colors! ,"Your eyes can detect over 350,000 shades of color!   How much more thankful should you be to your heavenly Father!•You’re probably happy when you smell the popcorn your mother or wife is making!•Yet, your nose can detect over 10,000 different scents and odors!!  And you can taste thousands of  varieties of food!",,JK,,,jk,,4/21/2014
"LAWS, PRINCIPLES, OBEDIENCE","Jehovah wants us to obey his laws because it benefits us!  That’s the way it is with all of his laws even the physical laws He’s put in place!  Who benefits from the law of gravity? Not Jehovah, He doesn’t need it!  We do!   Who benefits from the law of our body that says we must eat?  We do!    Is it hard to obey the law to eat? No!  We enjoy it.  ",We benefit from those physical laws.  Then what would we expect if we were to obey his moral laws?  We would benefit!  ,,JK,,,jk,,4/21/2014
"JUDGE, JESUS, JUSTICE, ","Have you ever heard of Judge Wapner or Judge Judy?  Those judges, while they might be sincere and try to be impartial they can only go by what they see and hear.So Judge Wapner or Judge Judy listen to the testimony, look at the individuals and try to discern,…….. but they can be fooled."," But Jesus Christ, as a judge is not impressed with which side of the tracks a person comes from, he can’t be bribed, and he has the ability to read hearts! ",Isaiah 11:3,JK,,,jk,,4/21/2014
"OBEDIENCE, NOAH, INSTRUCTIONS,","Noah was given detailed instructions for building the ark and gathering the animals.•	Noah might have had the tendency, as most of us would, to forget the instruction about bring the snakes on board!, or the rodents, or the alligators and he skunks!  But, he didn’t.•	Noah would have had a lot less work to do if he had not quite remembered the size the ark was supposed to be!   But, he listened, he paid attention. And he remembered.","When it came to the specific instructions he was given relative to building the ark, what did he do?",Genesis 6:22,JK,,,jk,,4/21/2014
"FORGIVENESS, CONSCIENCE, CLEAN"," And unlike humans, when 	Jehovah forgives us of them, he also forgets them.   It’s sort of like one of those toys you may have had when you were a kid.  A little gray tablet with clear plastic on top.   You could take something hard  like you fingernail and write anything you wanted on that tablet, but when you lifted the plastic it all would disappear, you have a clean slate.  ","When we pray to Jehovah God for forgiveness, in effect, he lifts the plastic.We have a clean slate. ",,JK,,,jk,,4/21/2014
"JEHOVAH, JESUS, PICTURE, REFLECTION",They say “a picture is worth a thousand words.”,"So when we read in the gospels about Jesus, the feelings he displayed and the way he dealt with others, we are in a sense seeing a living portrait of his father.  ",,JK,,,jk,,4/21/2014
"SELF-SACRIFICE, DEDICATION, BAPTISM, DISOWN","Lets say your car broke down, went completely kaput!  An a kind person helped you by saying “I have a car you can use, in fact you can have it”.  He puts the keys in you hand , gives you the title and and says “its yours”.  He gives you ownership of it!   You are grateful, but it seems every time you want to use the car, it’s gone!  You see, he kept a set of keys for himself!!!  Would you feel that you really had ownership?","When we disowned ourselves and turned ourselves over to Jehovah God and Jesus Christ, did we, in effect, keep a set of keys for ourselves?",LUKE 9:23,JK,,,jk,,4/21/2014
"GUIDANCE, HOLY SPIRIT, GUIDE","What does a guide do?  When you think of a guide, you might think of one of those Sherpa guides in the Himalayas.  They don’t just give you a map and some directions and say “Have a nice trip”!  No, They stay with you, they help with many things on that trip.",So the holy spirit was promised by Jesus to help us and guide us in many areas and many ways through the end of this dark system of things.,,JK,,,jk,,4/21/2014
"GOD, NATURE, CREATION, CREATOR","Seeing the precise, fine tuning of these forces, one scientist said: “All around us, we seem to see evidence that Nature got it just right”!","Now isn’t that something!  No matter how much conclusive evidence exists, scientists always have to use a euphemism, such as Nature, for the word God!",,JK,,,jk,,4/21/2014
"HOLY SPIRIT, GUIDANCE, GUIDE","You might think of God’s holy spirit as the wind filling our sails,  impelling us to move in the right direction. ",And what direction is that?   God’s spirit is preparing us for and moving us and guiding us to life in in a perfect new world!,,JK,,,jk,,4/21/2014
"PREACHING, SAVING, GOOD NEWS","This system is a burning building.  If we are devoted to God, we won’t be running around in this building trying to get out the material things out of the building!  We’ll will be trying to save the lives of our family and others in this system that is on fire and about to collapse. ","Well this wicked system of things is rapidly heading for its collapse, and lives are at stake.  Realizing this moves many to put spiritual interests first and zealously concentrating on the lifesaving",,JK,,,jk,,4/21/2014
"LIGHT, DARKNESS, KINGDOM, TRUTH","There are certain things that are not in the least bit compatible.  •For example,  light and darkness.   •Where there is light, there can't be darkness.  •When the sun comes up, the darkness and everything  associated with darkness… flees.",So it is with God' Kingdom!  When the Kingdom comes…..there are things that have to go.  ,,JK,,,jk,,4/21/2014
"KINGDOM, EARTH, WICKEDNESS","If an exterminator were hired to clean up a dirty restaurant, and he went to the kitchen at three in the morning and quickly flicked on the lights, what do you think he might see?   He would probably  figure out pretty quick what he needed to get rid of.  Not just bugs and vermin, but conditions that allowed those bugs and vermin!",Its similar to what Jesus the King of the Kingdom will have to do here on the earth.,,JK,,,jk,,4/21/2014
"HEART, GUARD","There are some pretty important things that need to be guarded.  •	The gold bullion at Fort Knox•	The very rare sapphire blue Hope Diamond at  the Smithsonian  in Washington DC.•	The Crown Jewels in the Tower of London.Those things are  guarded with armed guards, bullet proof glass, elaborate laser security systems.","Yet, according to Proverbs, more than all of those things our hearts need to be guarded!!",Proverbs 4:23,JK,,,jk,,4/21/2014
"HEART, INCLINATION, IMPERFECTION","Imagine you are assigned to  guard a criminal.  Now this criminal  not only wants to be free , that's his inclination, but  they tell you he is desperate and devious in his efforts to escape!   How alert, how vigilant would you have to be in guarding him","Don’t trust your own heart. Not only is I already inclined to be bad,  but  at times it is desperate, devious and treacherous! ",Proverbs 28:26,JK,,,jk,,4/21/2014
"FUTURE, OPTIMIST, OUTLOOK",Would you consider yourself an optimist?  I'll read the definition for you: One who has the inclination to put the most favorable construction upon actions and happenings; one who anticipates the best possible outcome. ,"Yes, according to that definition, Jehovah's Witnesses are optimists. Our outlook is optimistic. ",,JK,,,jk,,4/21/2014
"PREACHING, GOOD NEWS, MISSIONARY, CHRISTENDOM, CHURCHES","Many people hear the word preaching and it leaves a bad taste in their mouth, especially the way preaching has been done in Christendom. For example: in one island the there has come to be a saying: ""The missionaries taught us to say grace, and while we had our heads bowed they stole the land!""",,,JK,,,jk,,4/21/2014
"CHRISTIAN, DIFFERENT, WORLDLY, ","In today's world, the vast majority of persons do not want to be different, afraid to be different, so  they follow the old Malaysian Proverb: Trumpet in a herd of elephants, crow in a the company of roosters, and bleat in a flock of sheep"".",Christians want to be different.,,JK,,,jk,,6/24/2018
"WORLDLY, DRESS, GROOMING, IMPRESSION, CONDUCT","Old Malaysian Proverb: An ox with long horns, even if he does not butt, will be accused of butting.		","Christians will want to avoid even giving the impression (by dress and grooming) of being like the world, wrong conduct. ",,JK,,,jk,,4/21/2014
"HARMONY, EARTH, WORLD, WICKEDNESS, ","Imagine, a symphony orchestra playing beautiful music, exactly the way it was meant to be played. Then all of a sudden, a violinist stands up and starts playing something else, any thing he wants, the tuba and the French horn do the same thing, the drummer, changes to what he feels like playing at the moment!  What would it sound like?","If the conditions we see in the world right now, were translated into music, what do you think it would sound like?",,JK,,,jk,,4/21/2014
"CREATION, DESIGN, WICKEDNESS, ","If in orchestra, violin player hits the trombone player with his violin, does that mean that the composer does not exist?","Cannot blame Creator or deny his existence if humans misuse his designs. For example, the Creator designed the hand, man misuses it, does that prove there is no Creator?",,JK,,,jk,,4/21/2014
"BIBLE, AUTHORSHIP, INSPIRATION","If you received a typewritten letter from a friend, and he told you that in just a few days he was going to give you 50,000 dollars, would you believe it?  Well, he was a friend who had never lied to you before, so you could believe that what he said was true. But, how do you know the letter was really from him? Could you be sure that your good, trustworthy friend was the one who really wrote the letter?"," That situation well illustrates the way we could view the Bible. The Bible has promised some outstanding things.... promised that the earth would become a paradise, that persons would have perfect health and never grow old, that our dead loved ones will be brought back to life right here on the earth! But can we really have confidence in what the Bible says? How do we know the Bible is really from God, who can bring these things about?",,JK,,,jk,,4/21/2014
"RELIGION, CHRISTIAN, TRUTH, BIBLE,"," Trying to find out who are true Christians today might be like trying to find a needle in a haystack! Finding a needle in a haystack might be next to impossible, unless you perhaps had a very powerful magnet! A huge magnet, such as ones used to pick up thousands of pounds! Then finding a needle in that haystack could be come a lot easier. ",God wants people to find the truth. so he has provided a powerful magnet....the Bible. The Bible helps us to identify how true Christians worship God.,,JK,,,jk,,1/14/2015
"SPIRITUAL, MAN, WORLD","There are now 8 billion people on the earth. When we look at the earth's population, we tend to see it being made up of men and women, either male or female. ", When Jehovah God looks at the earth He sees Physical Men and Spiritual Men.,,JK,,,jk,,4/21/2014
"TRAP, SNARE, DEVIL, ","Men have used all kinds of traps and snares on animals. Some traps act quickly, like a mouse trap, the mouse may just get to lick the cheese once before its all over.  Other traps are different, they let the victim eat all of the bait, when its done, it looks up and finds itself in a cage! ",Its that second kind of trap that Satan the Devil uses many times against Jehovah's people.,,JK,,,jk,,4/21/2014
"YOUTH, GOALS, PROGRESS","Basketball - Big game - teams jump for ball - dribble to one end, go to shoot - forgot to put up baskets or goals - what would happen?  Dribble around, cant play till goals up - nothing to shoot for.","If we don't have goals we'll drift aimlessly.  If as a YOUNG person we don't have a goal, also can be dangerous. ",,JK,,,jk,,4/21/2014
"GOVERN, GOVERNMENT, RULE, RULERSHIP, ","There are certain things that men have experimented with for Many years trying to master.  For example:    1. Perpetual motion machine; for decades tried to make a machine that After started would keep running on its own power. After years of trying,Man is no close now than he ever has been.    2. Creating life in a test tube. After decades of testing, no closer now than he ever has been.    3. Turning energy into matter. Can turn matter into energy, burn log, But can not turn energy into matter as Jehovah God did in creating.  After Decades, no closer.","But there is something else that man has experimented with for 6000 Years, governing himself, ruling over himself, and after many, many.  Experiments, man is no closer now than he ever has been, to being able to govern himself.  In fact, some of his greatest experiments have failed miserably.",,JK,,,jk,,7/21/2016
"COMFORT, HELP, ","One time, United States president  was visiting Turkey. He was talking to some little children 6 or 7 years old.  He was so moved by their plight and needs, he wanted to do something for them, so he bought them a camel.  But, they didn't needs a camel.  They could not afford to feed a camel.  There was no practical use for a camel.  So as far as providing real comfort, it fell short.",The comfort Jehovah provides never falls short.,,JK,,,jk,,4/21/2014
"LOYALTY, MATERIALISM, OFFICE, ","There was a man, who had worked for the same company for 32 years.  At the 25 year mark, they  gave him a watch.   He had worked overtime whenever they asked. They depended on him. They  would call him in the middle of the night, and he would come.  He took his vacation when they  wanted him to, not when he wanted, and his employer said that he did work of 3 men.   Well,   after 32 years, with no notice, they simply told him.... He was no longer needed and he was to  clear out his office, that day!!!!    That man displayed loyalty, but it was not rewarded nor  was he shown loyalty in return.","Its obvious, loyalty is a quality that is sadly lacking in the world today. Many people have expressed that there is no one or nothing that you can really count on  anymore.  But there is true loyalty today, loyalty by and too Jehovah God.",,JK,,,jk,,4/26/2014
"IMPERFECTION, SUFFERING, ENDURANCE","Just like those professionals in the ambulance try to stablize the victim until they get him the hospital and surgery,"," Jehovah God stabilizes us in a spritual way, so we can make it until the time things are corrected on this earth.",,JK,,,jk,,4/21/2014
"LIFE, DEATH, OPINIONS, ADVICE, ","Men have come up with all kinds of opinions, advice and reflections on human life.  For example:Life begins at forty.Life is a pilgrimage.Life means strife.Life is sweet.Life is a dead end street.Life is a shadow.Life is an unanswered question.Life is what happens while you are making other plans.Life is the art of drawing without an eraser.Life is a tragedy for those who feel and a comedy for those who think.  andDon’t  worry too much about you life, you’ll never get out of it alive.","How many of those thoughts are true, is debatable, but one thing is true, all those men that said those things, were not in a hurry to to give up their life!!That would indicate that most people consider life, at least their own life, to be something precious.",,JK,,,jk,,4/26/2014
"GOD, FRIEND, WORSHIP, IMAGINE, FANTASY, REALITY, TRUE FRIEND, ","As a child, Did you ever have an imaginary friend or maybe you knew someone else who did.What's the difference between an imaginary friend and a real friend?   Well,  You can control an imaginary friend.   With an imaginary friend, you can make them do anything you want .","In Christendom there are many who have an imaginary friend in god.  And they can get him to do all sorts of things!  They can get him to bless a football team so they can go to the Superbowl, they can get him to bless an army so they can win a war- they can get him to approve of things like homosexuality and premarital sex. ",,JK,,,jk,,1/14/2015
"BUILD UP, PREPARE, SPIRITUAL GOALS, ","WHEN God’s people left Babylon in 537 B.C.E., Jehovah took an interest in their route to Jerusalem. He told them: “Clear the way for the people. Build up, build up the highway. Rid it of stones.” (Isa. 62:10) Imagine how some Jews may have gone about doing that. Advance parties may have built up the road, perhaps filling in gullies and smoothing out rough spots. Doing so would have been of help to their brothers who followed them on the route back to their homeland.","We might take that as an illustration of a path leading to spiritual goals. Jehovah wants all of his servants to move along that path without any unnecessary hindrances. His Word exhorts us: “Smooth out the course of your feet, and all your ways will be sure.” (Prov. 4:26) Whether you are young or not so young, you can see the wisdom of that divine advice.",Isa. 62:10;,w14 6/15 pp. 3-6 ,,,bl,,4/22/2014
"HELPFUL, USEFUL, ASSIST WEAKER, NECESSARY PART, DIGNITY,","Paul’s illustration highlights that all members of the Christian congregation are useful. Unlike Satan, who strips humans of their dignity, Jehovah views all of his servants, including those who seem to be weaker, as “necessary.” (Job 4:18, 19) That thought should help each of us to feel good about our role in the local congregation and about being part of the congregation of God’s people earth wide. Think of a time, for example, when you held out your arm to an elderly person who was in need of help. You may have had to adjust your pace. Did not providing assistance serve a useful purpose as well as make you feel good? ","Yes, when we respond to the needs of others, we experience the joy of caring for them, and we grow in patience, love, and maturity. (Eph. 4:15, 16) Our loving Father knows that a congregation that values all members, regardless of their limitations, reflects balance and love.","Job 4:18, 19;",w14 6/15 pp. 23-27 ,,,bl,,4/22/2014
"ABILITIES, GIFTS, SKILLS, PRECIOUS, SPEAKING, ORGANIZING, ","WHEN parents watch their children play, they are often amazed by the inborn abilities the young ones have. Can you confirm that from your personal experience? One child may appear to have natural agility or athletic ability, while a sibling seems more at ease with board games or some art or craft. But regardless of their children’s gifts, parents find pleasure in discovering their potential.","Jehovah too takes a keen interest in his earthly children. He sees his modern-day servants as “the precious things of all the nations.” (Hag. 2:7) They are precious particularly because of their faith and devotion. You may, though, have noticed that among fellow Witnesses today, there are many different talents. Some brothers are gifted at public speaking, whereas others excel at organizing matters. Many sisters have a knack for learning foreign languages and use them in the ministry, while others are outstanding examples of giving support to those who need encouragement or of caring for the sick. (Rom. 16:1, 12) Do we not appreciate being in the congregation with all such Christians?",Hag 2:7;,w14 6/15 pp. 28-32 ,,,bl,,4/23/2014
"FANTASY, REALITY, DAYDREAMS,  ","“Fantasy is a necessary ingredient in living, it's a way of looking at life through the wrong end of a telescope.”― Dr. Seuss ","How some see fantasy, ",,Bob Laymon,,,bl,,4/26/2014
"IMAGINATION, REALITY, FANTASY, ",“Imagination is everything. It is the preview of life's coming attractions.”― Albert Einstein,"Sometimes imagination is good, but we need to guard it doesn't consume all our time.","EPH 5:15, 16;",Bob Laymon,,,bl,,4/26/2014
"ARMAGEDDON, DESTRUCTION, ","When a big storm is building, like a typhoon or hurricane, they give it a name  “Andrew”, “Hugo”, “Diane”. .   And they call these destructive storms, acts of God. ","we are going to talk about a real act of God.  The ultimate destructive storm, and God himself has given it a name, Armageddon.",,JK,,,jk,,4/26/2014
"QUESTIONS, ANSWERS, FANTASY, TEACHING, ","“It's the questions we can't answer that teach us the most. They teach us how to think. If you give a man an answer, all he gains is a little fact."," But give him a question and he'll look for his own answers.”― Patrick Rothfuss, The Wise Man's Fear ",,BOB LAYMON,,,bl,,4/26/2014
"GREAT TRIBULATION, ARMAGEDDON, SIGN, WITNESSING, PREACHING, ","How big would you expect a sign on a highway to be if it announced that a bridge was out ahead?  Would it be the same size as the sign letting you know there is a bump in the road?     No, the bigger the danger, the bigger the sign.  ","And so, we we would expect that a sign, a warning  from God, in advance of Armageddon would be big enough that thinking people could see it easily.","MATTHEW 24:21, 22;",JK,,,jk,,5/26/2014
"ARMAGEDDON, SIGN, GREAT TRIBULATION, THIEF, UNANNOUNCED, ","You’ve probably gotten an  announcement card for a wedding, or a shower, or an anniversary that is coming up, but have you ever received a Hallmark Card from a thief, announcing when he is coming?    At the Hallmark store are the sections    Anniversary, Graduation, Burglary, Wedding?   No, a thief comes unannounced!!","When Jesus comes as an executioner, he will come unannounced. ",2 Peter 3:10,JK,,,jk,,5/31/2014
"HUMAN RULE, RULERSHIP, GOVERNMENT, QUALIFIED,","You are in great pain with appendicitis and have been rushed to hospital. They don't have any rooms available - so they put you on a bed in the hallway and you are told they will get back to you. But time goes by and nothing happens. The pain is intense,  but nobody seems to be solving your problem or easing your pain. Then the hospital janitor comes along the corridor and sees your discomfort. He puts down his mop and asks you about your problem. You tell him. He says that he would like to help and walks away. When he comes back - he has a surgeon’s white coat over his overalls and as he gets nearer to your bed you notice he has his pocket knife open!! Now – would you really want his help?  No, he’s not qualified and he hasn't been given that responsibility.His well-intended efforts could prove fatal.","Mankind’s governmental efforts, however well intended, are like a janitor with scalpel.",,JK,,,jk,,5/12/2014
"GOVERNMENTS, KINGDOM, ","Some people try with sports heroes.  “who was the better player, Babe Ruth or Sammy Sosa?”And inevitably, the argument can’t be settled, because they played in different time periods; different environments.",But since God’s Kingdom and these lightweight governments of man have ruled at the same time—we can compare them.,,JK,,,jk,,4/26/2014
"SIN, IMPERFECTION, FORGIVENESS, SUN,","How far is the earth from the rising sun? (93 million miles) How far is the earth from the setting sun? (93 million miles) So from the rising sun, to the setting sun, how far would that be? (186 million miles) , that's how far Jehovah has put our sins.","Psalm 103:8,14 says: “as far off as the sunrise is from the sunset, so far off from us he has put our transgressions”. ","Psalm 103:8,14",JK,,,jk,,4/27/2014
"JUDGEMENT, RELIGION","Maybe, you've heard it said, that we're all on different roads, but they all lead to the same place.  If you think about it, that doesn't even make sense, if your driving around town.  If you want to get to the mall, you've got to be on a road that goes there, if you want to come to the Kingdom hall , you  have to get on the right road, you can't just get in your car and start driving aimlessly and expect to get anywhere you want to go.","And so it is with the idea of universal salvation that everyone will be saved on judgment day, no matter what they believe or do. It doesn't make sense, and the Bible, doesn't teach it. ",,JK,,,jk,,4/27/2014
"MINISTRY, PROGRESS, ADVANCEMENT","Did Rembrandt ever say:  ""That's it.  I can't imagine being a better painter than I am right now.""  No. He was always looking to improve.  Consider Beethoven.  Some claim Beethoven's last symphony, his 9th, was his best.","Are we always improving as an artist?  Teaching is an art.  We all can make improvement.Paul used an interesting expression in Romans 11:13, he said he worked to ""GLORIFY his ministry."" He worked to glorify or in other words to adorn his ministry",,JK,,,jk,,5/12/2014
"EVERLASTING LIFE, FOREVER,",There is an advertisement on TV: “diamonds are forever”.   Unfortunately humans are only less than a hundred years!!,"But if we work hard to seek the Kingdom first in our lives, we will last long enough to enjoy that diamond.",Psalm 139:14,JK,,,jk,,6/20/2015
"NEW VIDEO, URGENCY, BIBLE STUDIES,",Imagine a monkey being chased by a huge snake.  He sees his way out.  A vine that will take him across the river.  He quickly swings across the stream... will he drop the first swing? or second? third? This is no time to monkey around.  ,"What about us.  We too are being chased by the urgency of the time.  When will we drop into a Bible study?  Are we swinging back and forth? We have a tool, a vine, to help us do that.  The NEW VIDEO FOR STARTING BIBLE STUDIES.  It has been tested and it works.  It is a result of Holy Spirit. Let us see how we can stop monkeying  around on Bible Studies.  ",Acts 13:48;,BL,,,bl,,5/1/2014
"CHANGE, SURPRISE, PROGRESS, ","""Hold onto your hat.""  What do you think about?  A big surprise?  A roller coaster ride?",Fast changes in Jehovah's organization.,Ecc 1:4;,BL,,,bl,,5/5/2014
"Standing, steadfast, determined,","""If you don't stand for something, you may end up falling for anything.""?  Quote by an anonymous writer. There are all kinds of things people stand up for.  Name local examples:  Gun rights, abortions, same sex marriage.","However, the greatest stand we can take is standing up for God.  Why?  Because we are all accountable to him.","Ro 14:10b, 12;",Bob Laymon,,172,bl,,5/20/2014
"BLESSING, BEST, QUALITY, WHOLE-SOULED,","""To fail to give Jehovah your best is to deprive yourself of Jehovah's blessing.""","(Genesis 49:25, 26) . . .He is from the God of your father, and he will help you, and he is with the Almighty, and he will bless you with the blessings of the heavens above, with the blessings of the deep below, with the blessings of the breasts and womb. 26 The blessings of your father will be superior to the blessings of the eternal mountains, to the desirable things of the enduring hills.. . .","Genesis 49:25, 26",Chuck Bland,,,bl,,5/26/2014
"TACT, KINDNESS, EMPATHY, ",Tact: Making a friend feel at home.....when you wish he was.,"“All things, therefore, that you want men to do to you, you also must do to them. This, in fact, is what the Law and the Prophets mean.",MATTHEW 7:12;,Chuck Bland,,,bl,,5/26/2014
"WEAKNESS, FRAIL, DISCOURAGED, STRENGTHEN, ASSIST, AID,","When a motorcyclist injured in a traffic mishap arrives at the emergency ward, do those on the medical team try to determine whether he caused the accident? No, they immediately provide the needed medical assistance. ","Similarly, if a fellow believer has been weakened by personal problems, our priority should be to provide spiritual assistance.—Read 1 Thessalonians 5:14.If we pause to reflect on our brothers’ circumstances, we may see their seeming frailty in a different light. Think of sisters who have been enduring family opposition for years. Some may be of humble appearance and look fragile, yet do they not demonstrate outstanding faith and inner strength? When you see a single mother regularly coming to meetings with her child or children, are you not impressed by her faith and determination? ",Read 1 Thessalonians 5:14,w14 6/15 pp. 23-27 ,,,bl,,5/26/2014
"A “SEAL” THAT BUILDS FAITH IN JEHOVAH, FOUNDATION, BELONG TO GOD, LOYAL, UNRIGHTEOUSNESS,","Paul’s word picture recorded at 2 Timothy 2:19 depicts a foundation with a message on it, as if imprinted with a seal. In ancient times, it was not uncommon to display an inscription on a building’s foundation, perhaps showing who built it or who owned it. Paul was the first Bible writer to use this particular illustration.* The seal on “the solid foundation of God” has two pronouncements. First, “Jehovah knows those who belong to him” and second, “Let everyone calling on the name of Jehovah renounce unrighteousness.” This reminds us of what we read at Numbers 16:5.—Read.","What lesson can we learn from the “seal” in Paul’s word picture? For those who belong to God, Jehovah’s values and principles can be summed up in two fundamental truths: (1) Jehovah loves those who are loyal to him, and (2) Jehovah hates unrighteousness. How is this lesson relevant to the issue of apostasy within the congregation?",2 TIMOTHY 2:19;,w14 7/15 pp. 7-11 ,,,bl,,5/26/2014
"JEHOVAH'S NAME, JEHOVAH'S WITNESSES, RESPONSIBILITY, RENOUNCE UNRIGHTEOUSNESS, APOSTASY, ","HAVE you ever seen the name Jehovah inscribed on a public building or on a museum artifact? Surely your reaction was one of keen interest and excitement. After all, God’s personal name occupies a special place in our worship—we are Jehovah’s Witnesses! On a global scale, no other group of people today is as closely associated with the divine name as we are. Yet, we know that the privilege of bearing God’s name comes with responsibility.","Using the divine name does not in itself bring us Jehovah’s favor. We must live in harmony with his moral standards. For that reason the Bible reminds us that Jehovah’s people must “turn away from what is bad.”  The apostle Paul clearly stated this principle when he wrote: “Let everyone calling on the name of Jehovah renounce unrighteousness.” (Read 2 Timothy 2:19.) As his Witnesses, we are indeed renowned for calling on Jehovah’s name. But how are we to renounce unrighteousness?",Ps. 34:14,w14 7/15 pp. 12-16 ,,,bl,,5/26/2014
"APOSTASY, ASSOCIATIONS, UNCLEAN, CONTAMINATED, HONOR, ","It is noteworthy that Paul followed his illustration of “the solid foundation of God” with another illustration. He wrote about “a large house” with “utensils not only of gold and silver but also of wood and earthenware, and some for an honorable use but others for a use lacking honor.” (2 Tim. 2:20, 21) He then admonished Christians to ‘keep clear of,’ or separate themselves from, the utensils that are used for a purpose “lacking honor.”","What is the meaning of this illustration? Paul’s metaphor compares the Christian congregation to “a large house” and individual members of the congregation to “utensils,” or household implements. In a house, some utensils may become contaminated by dangerous substances or unsanitary conditions. The householder will keep such implements separate from clean utensils, such as those used for cooking.Likewise, Jehovah’s people today, striving to live clean lives, should avoid intimacy with individuals in the congregation who persistently disregard Jehovah’s principles. (Read 1 Corinthians 15:33.) If this is true of some inside the congregation, how much more should we “turn away” from having close association with those outside the congregation, many of whom are ‘lovers of money, disobedient to parents, disloyal, slanderers, fierce, without love of goodness, betrayers, and lovers of pleasures rather than lovers of God’!—2 Tim. 3:1-5.",1 Corinthians 15:33,w14 7/15 pp. 12-16 ,,,bl,,5/26/2014
"JEHOVAH BLESSES OUR DECISIVENESS, MOVE AWAY, FRIENDSHIP, RELATIONSHIP, APOSTASY, SWIFTLY, ","The Bible makes specific mention of how decisively the Israelites acted when told to “get away from around the tents of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram.” The account says that “they immediately moved away.” (Num. 16:24, 27) There was no hesitation or procrastination. The scripture also alludes to the thoroughness with which they complied. They “moved away . . . from every side.” Loyal ones were not about to take any risks. Their obedience was not partial or halfhearted. They took a clear stand for Jehovah and against unrighteousness. What lessons can we learn from this example?","When it comes to protecting our friendship with Jehovah, we must act swiftly and decisively. This is the spirit behind Paul’s words when he admonished Timothy to “flee from youthful desires.” (2 Tim. 2:22) At the time, Timothy was already a grown man, possibly in his 30’s. Still, foolish “youthful desires” are not always restricted by age. When confronted with such desires, Timothy was to “flee” from them. In other words, Timothy was to “renounce unrighteousness.” Jesus conveyed a similar message when he said: “If your eye makes you stumble, tear it out and throw it away from you.” (Matt. 18:9) Today, Christians who take this counsel to heart deal decisively with spiritual threats, without hesitation or procrastination.",2 TIM 2:22;,w14 7/15 pp. 12-16 ,SERVICE TALK,200,bl,,5/26/2014
"JEHOVAH'S WITNESSES, NAME, PRIVILEGE, ","In the city of Pietermaritzburg, South Africa, a newspaper now called The Witness has been published for over 160 years. The name is fitting, since the purpose of a newspaper is that of reporting accurately on events that take place in the world. The founding editor of The Witness pledged that the newspaper would tell “the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.”","What a privilege it is to bear the name Jehovah, for he is “the King of eternity,” who says: “This is my name forever, and this is how I am to be remembered from generation to generation”! (1 Tim. 1:17; Ex. 3:15; compare Ecclesiastes 2:16.) In 1931, the name Jehovah’s Witnesses was adopted by the Bible Students. Afterward, many letters of appreciation were published in this journal. “The good news that we are ‘Jehovah’s witnesses’ has thrilled us, and filled us with renewed determination to be worthy of the new name,” wrote one congregation from Canada.",PSALM 83:18;,w14 7/15 pp. 23-27 ,,,bl,,5/26/2014
"CELL PHONES, RUDE, IMPOLITE, TEXTING, MANNERS,",Texting one friend while talking to another is like playing your favorite sport without adhering to the rules of the game.,"‘But these are my friends,’ you might say. All the more reason to be mannerly. Not that you have to become straitlaced and formal. But here is a fact of life: If you are unmannerly with your friends, sooner or later they will no longer be your friends.",MATTHEW 7:12;,g 7/14 pp. 8-9 ,,,bl,,5/27/2014
"BIBLE TRUTH, FIG, THISTLE, ",You need not be a botanist to distinguish a fig tree from a thistle;,"Likewise, you need not be an expert on religion to tell the true from the false. What are some of the fruits, or identifying features, of true religion?  WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS Illustrating how to identify those who practice true religion, the Bible says: “By their fruits you will recognize them. Never do people gather grapes from thorns or figs from thistles, do they?” (Matthew 7:16) ",MATTHEW 7:16;,g 7/14 pp. 14-15 ,,,bl,,5/26/2014
"BALANCE, SOUNDNESS OF MIND,","Regarding balance, one man stated this statistic: ""One in every four Americans is unbalanced. Look at your three closest friends, if they seem okay, you're the one.""","Satan uses things that seem not bad in themselves, fads, sports, involvement in other popular activities.  Or he will use things that are wrong that appeal to people, illicit sex, alcohol abuse, drug abuse, an independent spirit, to obsess people and distract them from how bad the world really is.",1 TIMOTHY 2:9;,JK,,,bl,,7/2/2016
"BALANCE, SOUNDNESS OF MIND, SATAN'S SNARES, GRADUAL, SLOWLY,","Secretary wanted to play a trick on her boss.  Each morning, when coming to work 15 min. early, turned his chair down just one turn. Fraction of inch.  For several months.  End of 6 or 7 months, sitting like this:                 She had to tell him she was playing a trick, didn't notice.","One of the ways Satan tricks us is by gradualism.  Gradually he makes bad things seem not so bad. Things obscene 20 years ago, now common.  Speak the TRUTH: - in Newspaper in Ft. Wayne, IN: What used to be called modesty is now called a sex hang-up.Discipline is now called unhealthy repression. Disgusting is now called adult. Moral irresponsibility is now called being freed up.Chastity is now called neurotic inhibitions. Self-indulgence is now called self-fulfillment. Living in sin is now called a meaningful relationship. Perversion is now called alternate life-style. Depravity is now called creative self-expression or art. Killing an unborn baby is now called choice.","(Isaiah 5:20) . . .Woe to those who say that good is bad and bad is good,. . .",jk,,,bl,,6/2/2014
"RIGHT, WRONG, SOUNDNESS OF MIND, FALSE EUPHEMISMS, SHOCKING, ","False euphemisms can deform the mind, destroy the heart and betray the conscience. QUOTE: Anita L. McMahon    ","Have we been affected or are we still aware of how depraved this world has become? The shocking violence......when we happen to see it on a newscast or in some program, does it still shock us?   Have you grown numb or cold to violence? Sexual immorality......as it is illustrated in entertainment, in music, in TV programs, book, do we still have a good sense of how wrong it is?   ",ISAIAH 5:20; ,JK,,,bl,,6/2/2014
"JEHOVAH'S WISDOM, WISDOM OF THIS WORLD, GODLY WISDOM, ","Isn't it true, most people in the world are impressed and boast of the great knowledge and material progress, and advanced technology of this world.  And it is impressive. Just the fact that you can take a little thing like this, (cell phone)  step outside and in a few seconds you can talk to someone on the other side of the earth!Jehovah God is Source of true wisdom As Proverbs 2:6 says:  READ",But the wisdom of the world is one-faceted.  (technology) (How precious would a diamond be with one facet?)  As for Jehovah himself gives wisdom; out of his mouth there are knowledge and discernment.,PROVERBS 2:6;,JK,,,bl,,6/2/2014
"JEHOVAH GOD IS THE SOURCE OF TRUE WISDOM, UNDERSTANDING, DISCERNMENT,","Do you agree with that?  Jehovah is the Source of wisdom. If you have studied the intricacies of creation you probably do.  But what about getting wisdom from God?   Why is that reasonable?  Consider a grasshopper:  How smart are grasshoppers?  Well, they hop around all day, eating leaves.  That’s their life.  Usually you find them stuck to the front grill of your car; that’s how smart they are.  Their thoughts are not men’s thoughts. ","Now, if you could give just a small part of your mental power to a grasshopper, that grasshopper would be far wiser than all the other grasshoppers combined.  You are so much smarter than a grasshopper!  But before you let that go to your head – “I’m smarter than a grasshopper.”  What does the Bible say?  Compared to Jehovah God, humans are like grasshoppers.  If a human could get some of God’s wisdom in him, that person would be far wiser than all other men that lack divine wisdom.  While it is not possible for us to project our mental power to grasshopper; it is possible for Jehovah to give us wisdom. That’s what Prov. 2:  said.  “Jehovah gives wisdom”  to us.  ",Proverbs 2:6  As for Jehovah himself gives wisdom; out of his mouth there are knowledge and discernment.,jk,,,bl,,6/3/2014
"WISDOM, DISCERNMENT, UNDERSTANDING, GRASSHOPPER, ","Do you need God’s wisdom?  “Oh, no, I’m doing just fine on my own.” “I’m pretty smart, I got things figured out.”  Imagine if you have two grasshoppers in a jar and you hear them talking:  “You hear them saying:  “Yea, we sure are wise.  We got this whole world figured out.  We’re the smartest things in this jar.”  ","How would that sound to you?  Silly.  Their just grasshoppers.  They think their little world inside that jar is all there is?  Remember, even the smartest grasshopper is still just a bug.  ",,JK,,,bl,,6/3/2014
"WISDOM, DISCERNMENT, DOG, ANIMALS, ",How do you feel as a parent when you’re child turns to his schoolmates for advice?   You would say:  “Why didn't you come to me?  Why didn't you ask me?”  ,"As humans, we’re God’s children; Are we going to turn to other children for advice?  Actually it’s worse than that?  Peter compared humans alienated from God to to unreasoning animals.  How would you feel if your child got all his advice from your pet dog?  “Johnny, why don’t you chew your food?  Who taught you to eat like that?”  “Well,    “Fido doesn't chew his food.”","(2 Peter 2:12) . . .But these men, like unreasoning animals that act on instinct and are born to be caught and destroyed, speak abusively about things of which they are ignorant. They will suffer destruction brought on by their own destructive course,",JK,,,bl,,6/3/2014
"MIRROR, GOD'S WORD, BIBLE, DOER, EMBRACE, READ AND ACT, DECEIVE SELF, ","What’s needed to benefit from God’s Word?   Four times it use the word “do”,” doer”, “doing”.  To embrace Jehovah’s wisdom, we must get sense of what we read and act upon it. But what is human tendency?  vs. 22 – “deceive self” Look in mirror of God’s Word and think: “I’m doing just fine.” After sleeping all night, have you ever gotten up in morning, looked in mirror and said:   “Ah, Perfection!” After sleeping all night, you get up, have you ever seen no need for adjustments? Some people are like that: Ever seen someone who is walking around and looks like they just got up in the morning?  Still wearing their pajamas, Hair all over, creases from pillow on side of face, sleep in corners of eyes, clothes all matted and wrinkled.  ","If that person thinks they look good, they are deceiving themselves. That what James said we can do:  vs. 22 – hear God’s wisdom and deceive ourselves. We may tell ourselves; “I’m looking good.......”  That is senseless. We must be Doers, Act on what we hear.Now we may not mean to deceive ourselves:  vs 24 –  ‘forget” Look in mirror; realize:  “Oh yea, here’s what Jehovah wants me to do, I've got some changes to make, I've got to make sure I improve in that part of my life."" Then what happens?  “forget”  -- we fail to improve, fail to benefit from God’s Wisdom.  Why?  vs.25 –“persists in it”  Consider a woman who looks in mirror first thing in morning; fixes hair, make up, and all the other things she needs to do.  Then she goes on with her day and never checks herself in a mirror the rest of the day.  At the end of the day, just before going to bed, she looks in mirror again and goes “Ahhhhh!  of every opportunity to check herself in the mirror.  She usually even carries a small mirror with her throughout the day.  Why?  Because if she keeps looking, persists in it, it only takes minor adjustments throughout the day to keep looking good.  So it is with us. Do we persist in looking in God’s Word?  We may have known what it says; but have we forgotten?  Have we checked ourselves lately?  Do we persist in making in little adjustments so that we keep looking good before Jehovah? We don’t want to get to the end of the Last Days... and end up shocked at what we see?  Remember, to survive, we have to look good to Jehovah!!!",James 1:22-24;,jk,Service Talk,200,bl,,10/18/2014
"OPPORTUNE TIME, SOUNDNESS OF MIND, BALANCE, TRAP, SNARE,","Consider Jesus words: (Luke 12:40) 40 You also, keep ready, because at an hour that you do not think likely, the Son of man is coming.” If we don’t learn to act on the counsel of God’s Word, we may think we can make a visit back into this system and get out in time. We might think that we can live the way the world does and then when we see something serious start to happen, we can jump right in there and start serving Jehovah like we should.  	","That kind of reminds you of what a mouse does.  Have you ever seen a mouse caught in a trap?  Have you noticed, mice are hardly ever caught right across their middle.  Its always caught by one leg or their nose.  Most mice think they can get the cheese before the trap closes.  It depends on its speed and it thinks it cannot get caught!  ","(Luke 12:40) 40 You also, keep ready, because at an hour that you do not think likely, the Son of man is coming.”(Luke 12:40) 40 You also, keep ready, because at an hour that you do not think likely, the Son of man is coming.”",jk,,,bl,,6/3/2014
"HOW WELL DO YOU KNOW GOD?, ",Could you imagine an elephant and an ant marching side by side in a circus parade?  Or a kangaroo and a flea hopping along together across the Australian outbush?  A man and a grasshopper jumping and playing together? Preposterous?  Of course!     ,"Yet the thought that we, puny, weak, imperfect humans, mere specks on a speck have been invited to walk with, and get to know Jehovah God,  the Sovereign of the whole universe, would be infinitely more preposterous were it not for the fact that he himself is responsible for the thought. ",JOHN 17:3,BL,HOW WELL DO YOU KNOW GOD,1,bl,,6/3/2014
"NAME, JEHOVAH'S NAME, "," ""The sweetest music in the world to another person is the sound of his own name."" Dale Carnegie.    ","If people feel that way, how much more should we give credit to the Creator of everything.",REVELATION 4:11,,,1,bl,,6/3/2014
"KNOWLEDGE, KNOW, REMEMBER,","Wife asked her husband, ""How do you remember all that about the Bible?""  He replied, ""I don't have to remember it, I know it.""  True knowledge becomes a part of us.  We can thus walk in the truth.","It may be we forget left and right occasionally.  We don't usually have to remember if we are male or female.  We want to know Jehovah so well that we know him, not just remember him.  It is part of our being.",JOHN 17:3;,BL,,1,bl,,6/3/2014
"JEHOVAH GOD, HAZY CONCEPT, DOUBT, ","Sas'quatch; 25 sightings in Missouri; more recent was August 2002 Greene county, near Lake Springfield.  It can be likened to the world's search for ""big foot.""  Is he really there?  Is it male or female?  Where does he live?  Is it really a man or an ape?  Should we fear him?  There is a hazy concept about it all.  ","People in general have this same ""hazy"" concept about God.  Does he really exist?  Where does he live?  Is he really a person?  Is he to be feared?  Only the Bible gives us the answers.  ",PSALM 83:18;,BL,,1,bl,,6/3/2014
"JEHOVAH CONDESCENDS, HUMBLE, ","""All the thoughts of a turtle are turtles, and of a rabbit, rabbits."" All the thoughts of man are based on imperfect human thinking.   To get better acquainted with a grasshopper, he would have to elevate his thinking to top level.  You would have to condescend about as low as you could go.  Similar with us and Jehovah.",Jehovah condescends in order to help men understand him.,"PSALMS 113:6; Isa 55:8,9",BL,,1,bl,,6/3/2014
"LOYALTY, ATTACHMENT, UNDESERVED KINDNESS, LOYAL LOVE,","Loyalty always includes principle, which only free moral agents, are able to exercise. Sometimes we think of animals as being loyal, or maybe even a grasshopper if it stuck with us, however this is false reasoning.  ","Therefore,  loyalty, integrity, love, uprightness and other related qualities do not apply below man.  They are qualities of worship.  It takes INTELLIGENCE to worship!",PSALM 4:3;,BL,,1,bl,,6/3/2014
"PRAYERS, FRIENDSHIP,","Our prayers might be likened to long-distance telephone calls that a child, while away at school, makes to his father back home.  The father is happy to make the arrangements and take care of all the expense.","Our heavenly father has made all the provisions.  He has taken care of all the expenses -- and do not think that it did not cost him something.  It did!  The life of his only-begotten son, and it makes His heart glad for us to call on him in prayer for he loves us.",JOHN 17:3;,BL,,1,bl,,6/3/2014
"KNOWLEDGE, EXPERIENCE, WISDOM,","A writer, Clarence Day,  once said, ""Knowledge is pretty thin stuff unless mixed with experience. ""  ","Jehovah rejected the Israelites for their lack of knowledge, that is, recognition and obedience.	","Hosea 4:1, 6",BL,,,bl,,6/3/2014
"KNOW, KNOWLEDGE. ","Someone asks you, ""Do you know George Bush?""  ""Yes!""  ""Does he know you?""  That is a different story.  ","Likewise with Jehovah.  Does Jehovah know you?  Many in past have claimed to know God, but he did not recognize them with approval.",JOHN 17:3;,BL,,1,bl,,6/3/2014
"KNOWLEDGE, KNOW,","Small, self-centered child, looking at trick mirror that makes him appear much bigger than he actually is. ",Adults also close their eyes to reality and tries to convince himself that God does not exist.,"PSALM 14:1,2;",BL,,1,bl,,6/3/2014
"KNOW, KNOWLEDGE, OBEY, FRIEND,","Grasshopper - hopping along with you.  Jumps on your shoulder.   ""Jump on my hand!  Roll over!  Stand on your hind legs!  You don't care about his size or color.  You take him home with you.  ","If someone says, ""Hold it, I'll squash that bug""  You say, ""Stop!  That bug is my friend.  He obeys me.",1Jo 2:3-6,BL,,1,bl,,6/3/2014
"SUBJECTION, SUBMISSION, HUMBLE, BARGAIN, ",Think of the best bargain you ever bought.  It cost you something.  ,"Subjection will cost you something, like humility, submission, but will be the best bargain you ever made.","Eph 6:1, 2",BL,,1,bl,,6/3/2014
"PRAYERS, PRIORITY, REQUESTS,",Have you ever been in an auto parts store waiting for a part and the phone rings.  They quit what they are doing and take the message from the phone while you wait for who knows how long.,Prayers are like a phone call - it gets priority.,"Ps 26:1, 2",bl,,1,bl,,6/3/2014
"PRAYERS, DON'T PULL BACK DOWN,",Kite!  Your work very hard to get it into the wind.  Immediately then you start to pull it down.  Foolish!  Get it up and then pull it back down.  ,When we worry about our prayers we tend to pull them back down.  Pray and leave matter in Jehovah's hands.,"Ps 26:1, 2",bl,,1,bl,,6/3/2014
"SPEND TIME WITH YOUR CHILDREN,","Suppose you could go to the dealers and buy a new pickup for $2,000.00  That would be a good deal!  I can tell you a better one.  ",SPEND TIME WITH YOUR CHILDREN.  In ten years it will prove to be far more valuable than anything else you can do.,1Ch 28:9,BL,,1,bl,,6/3/2014
"KNOW GOD, PREPOSTEROUS, JEHOVAH INVITES US, ","Preposterous?  Yes!  It is like an ant and an elephant marching side by side in a circus parade?  Or a kangaroo and a flea hopping along together across the Australian outbush?  A man and a grasshopper jumping and playing together?  However!Jehovah invites us puny, weak, imperfect humans, mere specks on a speck to walk with, and get to know Him, the Sovereign of the whole universe.","How well do you know God?When the executional forces strike at Armageddon, and start to smash you out, will Jehovah say, ""Stop! Don't hurt that one.  He obeys me!  He knows me and I know him.""",Isa 11:9,BL,,1,bl,,6/3/2014
"WARNING, SURVIVOR, DANGER, CAUTION, YIELD, SLOW, STOP,","A WARNING might be a traffic sign stating ""Slow,"" ""Caution,"" or ""Yield""; or it might be a flashing yellow light. It might be found on a container of medicine or poison. Heeding such warnings is no great inconvenience, and it may save your life.","However, in some cases it may mean a disrupting of plans or a loss of material possessions. Storm and hurricane warnings may require fishermen to return to shore or to stay in port and not work that day. Warnings may mean not only a disrupting of plans but an abandoning of home and possessions, or the putting up with the inconvenience of temporary shelters. Sometimes such warnings go unheeded, with resultant loss of life.","Luke 19:43,44",Bobby Laymon ,Will You Be A Survivor Of The 'last Days'?,2,bl,,6/9/2025
"PRIDE, WARNING, DANGER,","Sometimes pride or other things can cause us to not heed a warning.  A motorist was disturbed by a man on the road yelling, ""Pig!"" at him.  He sped up his car.  ","Upon rounding the curve, a large hog was in the road.  Had he not become offended and listened to the warning he could have avoided the accident.  The Jews allowed pride and preconceived ideas to cause them to miss the Messiah.",LUKE 3:15;,BL,,2,bl,,6/3/2014
"UNITY, UNITED, ORGANIZATION,","Sometimes see pictures of families huddling together, during times of storms such as Hugo or Katrina.  Or tornados here in the Ozarks.  ","The true beauty of a united family - provides protection from storms of life.  Coffee mugs: ""World's Greatest Dad.""",1 Timothy 1:11,BL,SERVING WITH JEHOVAH'S UNIFIED ORGANIZATION,3,bl,,2/5/2016
"UNITY, UNITED, ORGANIZATION, ASSOCIATION, ","A snowflake is one of the most delicate objects in the world, but look what they do when they stick together. ",We are serving with Jehovah's organization of united Kingdom workers.  Look at what happens when we stick together.,1 PETER 2:17;,BL,SERVING WITH JEHOVAH'S UNIFIED ORGANIZATION,3,bl,,2/5/2016
"HAPPY GOD, JOY, CREATION,","Jehovah is more than a God of order. He is also ""the happy God."" His happiness is seen in his creations. ","Playful kittens, beautiful sunsets, appetizing food, inspiring music, stimulating work,  show that he intended for us to enjoy life.  ",1 TIMOTHY 1:11;,BL,SERVING WITH JEHOVAH'S UNIFIED ORGANIZATION,3,bl,,2/5/2016
"UNITY, UNITED, HAPPY FAMILY, ANGELS, ","Family gathering  100 million; spend 1/2 hour with each one would take almost 6,000 years.   No doubt that he has spent time with them.   ","Together they make up a congenial, unified family.  Would you like to have a father like that?           ","DANIEL 7:9, 10;",JL,SERVING WITH JEHOVAH'S UNIFIED ORGANIZATION,3,bl,,2/5/2016
"FAMILY, HAPPY, WIFE, LIFE,","What's the saying?  ""Happy wife, happy life.  ",Jehovah wants all in his family to be happy.  To work together in true unity.,"Isaiah 54:1, 5, 6 ",BL,SERVING WITH JEHOVAH'S UNIFIED ORGANIZATION,3,bl,,2/5/2016
"SATAN, RUNAWAYS, DESERTERS, DISFELLOWSHIPPED, ",Some have left or runaway - didn't respect head ship - despised motherMight be likened to a single snowflake.  Isolated and in danger.,Satan and his seed are rebels; set up own organization ,John 8:42-44 ,BL,SERVING WITH JEHOVAH'S UNIFIED ORGANIZATION,3,bl,,2/5/2016
"TWO ORGANIZATIONS, JEHOVAH'S, SATAN'S, STRUGGLE, CHOICE,","Two organizations -- two families in a struggle. Tug of war!  We are like the rope, however the rope has no choice.  We do!","Natural Israel was Jehovah's earthly organization under the Law covenant for 1,500 years   Spiritual Israel has been Jehovah's visible organization under the new covenant for the past 1,900 years   (Galatians 6:15,16) ","Exodus 19:5,6",BL,SERVING WITH JEHOVAH'S UNIFIED ORGANIZATION,3,bl,,2/5/2016
"FAMILY BUSINESS, WORK, PRODUCE FRUIT,",Expected to work in Family Business .  What is that business?  Like a vine in Israel.  Sole purpose was to produce fruit.  Jesus is true vine and anointed are the branches.  ,Vine --- Their sole purpose it to produce much fruit.  A great crowd of other sheep join with the remnant to form Jehovah's visible 					organization today.,Ezekiel 15:1-5,bl,SERVING WITH JEHOVAH'S UNIFIED ORGANIZATION,3,bl,,2/5/2016
"HOLY SPIRIT, ORGANIZATION, STRENGTH, ",Perhaps you have made snowballs sometime in your life.  You may have added something to make them stick together better.  ,Jehovah has added Holy Spirit to strengthen his people. Think of the 'strength in unity' we have with Jehovah's Holy Spirit bonding us together.			,1 Corinthians 12:14-18,BL,SERVING WITH JEHOVAH'S UNIFIED ORGANIZATION,3,bl,,2/5/2016
"UNITED, ROLE CAST, UNIFORM, VARIETY, PERSONALITIES, ","Have you thought about when Jehovah sends his army of snowflakes?  It is said that no two snowflakes are alike, yet they stick together in unity.  Jehovah's people are like that.","Man-made organizations try to make all uniform, like mere robots . like Military role cast.  To unify means to consolidate, to bring into harmony those of a variety of personalities It is like well-coordinated human body  ",1 Corinthians 12:14-18,bl,SERVING WITH JEHOVAH'S UNIFIED ORGANIZATION,3,bl,,2/5/2016
"UNITED, FAMILY, COOPERATION, KINDNESS, TACTFUL, RUBS OFF, ","You hit your thumb with a hammer.  The mouth doesn't say, ""you stupid thumb"" but it come to your protection.  You may even put your thumb in your mouth.  Apply to congregation.","Married couple: Wife sees her patience, kindness, tactfulness, gentleness rub off on her husband. She copies her husband's determination, organization, steadiness. If it works at home it will work in the congregation.",1 Corinthians 12:14-18,BL,SERVING WITH JEHOVAH'S UNIFIED ORGANIZATION,3,bl,,2/5/2016
"BEARING FRUIT, HAPPINESS, EXPECTATIONS, PEOPLE BE PEOPLE, ","I have an apple tree in my back yard.  Sometimes I get a lot of apples, and another year I may not get any.  I am happy for what I get.  We should be that way with our brothers and not expect too much.  ","We must let people be people!  We should never let what someone cannot do, stand in the way of what they can do!  Unity means working together collectively with full cooperation.",1 Corinthians 12:14-18,BL,SERVING WITH JEHOVAH'S UNIFIED ORGANIZATION,3,bl,,2/5/2016
"ARGUMENT IN THE TOOL SHOP, UNITY,","Argument in the tool shop.  Hammer was told to leave as he was too noisy and he let everything go to his head.  ""If I go, auger must go, he's insignificant... makes a little impression and always boring.""  The gimlet said: ""If I go, screw must go too. You have to turn him around to get anywhere The screw said: ""If I leave plane must leave also.. Why? All his work is on the surface... No depth.  The plane said: "" ruler must go too. He's always measuring others.  What about the sandpaper? He's rougher than he ought to be, always rubbing people the wrong way.  Then there was the saw... Always cutting people with his many teeth. The saw said he didn't do this all the time, it was only when someone was pushing him.  The level was very hard to please. Always judging the others work, either too high or too low.  The screwdriver & hatchet were criticized the most. One would start at the top and wouldn't quit until the other was down to nothing. The other one would whittle and slice until there was nothing left. The light always tried to outshine other.  ","Then the carpenter, came in, took all the tools and made a beautiful piece of furniture.  How careful we should be, not to find fault with any of Jehovah's tools.  One member cannot do without the others.   ","Ephesians 4:2-6, 11-13;",BL,SERVING WITH JEHOVAH'S UNIFIED ORGANIZATION,3,bl,,2/5/2016
"RANSOM, ORPHANS, HAPPIEST FAMILY, ADOPTING, BUYING US BACK,","Technically speaking, the human race are like orphans.  Adam sold us out, from the happiest family in the universe.  ",Jehovah has made a provision for adopting us back as his children.  World's Greatest Dad.,MATTHEW 20:28;,BL,SERVING WITH JEHOVAH'S UNIFIED ORGANIZATION,3,bl,,2/5/2016
"ADOPTION, RANSOM, MEMORIAL,",If you want to adopt: Would not go to Walmart;  NO!  You would go to an Adoption Agency; 		,"Jesus Christ, the Ransomer, is the one means of human restoration.  As if by one stroke, we became castaways or orphans.Jehovah can reverse that.  ",Read Matthew 20:28;,bl,SERVING WITH JEHOVAH'S UNIFIED ORGANIZATION,3,bl,,2/5/2016
"RANSOM, FORGIVENESS, INVALIDATE, CANCEL SATAN'S SCHEMES,","Like a mark through a postage stamp, with one stroke Jehovah can invalidate and cancel Satan's scheme against further use.  ","He will!  Read Romans 5:18 So, then, as through one trespass the result to men of all sorts was condemnation, likewise also through one act of justification the result to men of all sorts is a declaring of them righteous for life.",ROMANS 5:18;,BL,SERVING WITH JEHOVAH'S UNIFIED ORGANIZATION,3,bl,,2/5/2016
"FAITHFUL AND DISCREET SLAVE,",It is said that sheep do not drink from running water.  Shepherd cups his hands and stops the water for his sheep.  ,"Sometimes we see water fly by, but are unable to grasp it.  Then a full-fledged article comes out.  Faithful slave cups hands, lovingly supplies food and drink.",MATTHEW 24:45;,BL,SERVING WITH JEHOVAH'S UNIFIED ORGANIZATION,3,bl,,2/5/2016
"WIPE TEARS FROM EYES, COMFORT, HAPPY,","Little girl, skinned knee;  Her father took her to a shady tree, sat her on his knee, and cleansed the wound.  Then he took his large hands and gently wiped her tears away.  She is happy because she is loved.  ","But ... who is going to wipe the tears from the father's eyes?   READ (Revelation 7:16,17)","(Revelation 7:16,17)",JL,SERVING WITH JEHOVAH'S UNIFIED ORGANIZATION,3,bl,,2/5/2016
"ORGANIZATION, UNITY, CRITICAL, APOSTATES, ","Some become critical, saying that Jehovah does not have an organization. That is a slippery slide of doubt!  Once you start, it is hard to stop.  Kick away 	the ladder and you are left dangling.",May say that loving one's fellowman is what really counts or that having a personal relationship with God is the really important thing or even that personally reading the Bible is sufficient. Or believing in God is enough.,"1 Timothy 1:19,20",bl,SERVING WITH JEHOVAH'S UNIFIED ORGANIZATION,3,bl,,2/5/2016
"APOSTATES, CRITICAL, EVIL SLAVE,",Apostates are like DDT.  Drop Dead Twice.  ,These ones are dangerous.  They keep on killing.,"1 Timothy 1:19,20",Bobby Laymon ,SERVING WITH JEHOVAH'S UNIFIED ORGANIZATION,3,bl,,5/1/2025
"ORGANIZATION, VIDEOS, BETHEL, JW.ORG, ","(Hold up tooth pick)  Did you ever wonder how they make tooth picks?  How do they make the ends so sharp?  How do they hold them while doing it?  How do they make them so economically?  Also, some taste like vanilla or cinnamon.  How do they do that.  Or put them in a little plastic bag?  If we could visit a tooth pick factory, our appreciation would be enhanced. "," It is that way with Jehovah's organization.  When we can see behind the scenes, it builds our faith.  The video, 'The Organization Behind the Name' is like that.  It helps to see the things unseen.",HEBREWS 10:23-25;,BL,SERVING WITH JEHOVAH'S UNIFIED ORGANIZATION,3,bl,,2/5/2016
"ORGANIZATION, NEED,","A brother who lost his thumb in a sawmill accident observed: ""I learned to live without my thumb, however, my thumb could not live without me.  We never found it.""  It was probably hauled off and used as horse litter as the sawdust was.  ","That's how it is with the congregation.  It can survive without us, however, we cannot live without the congregation.","HEBREWS 10:23, 24;",BL,SERVING WITH JEHOVAH'S UNIFIED ORGANIZATION,3,bl,,2/5/2016
"PRAYER, THROW YOUR BURDENS ON JEHOVAH,",Read Ps. 55:22  Sometimes we just pretend to throw.  We do not really let go.  That can get old pretty quick.  ,"We can do that in our prayers.  We must have confidence and let go, and leave it in the capable hands of our loving father.",Ps. 55:22,BL,SERVING WITH JEHOVAH'S UNIFIED ORGANIZATION,3,bl,,2/5/2016
"NEW WORLD, NEW EARTH, NEARNESS, LAST DAYS, ORGANIZATION,","You are traveling and you notice a cloud on the horizon.  As you get closer, you notice they are trees.  As you get closer yet, they begin to take shape and you can see the details.  ","As we get closer to the new world the outlines of the Beautiful New World becomes clearer.  This requires ""happy adjustments"" to widen fields of knowledge.  We won't mind because we will be part of Jehovah's unified organization or family.",REVELATION 21:1-5;,BL,,,bl,,6/3/2014
"THE ARK OF NOAH'S DAY, FLOOD,","This proportion of Length to  Width (6 to 1) is used by modern naval architects. It is estimated that such a vessel would have a displacement nearly equal the Titanic!  However the Titanic was (10 to 1) ratio.It required no steering;  was very stable, cannot be easily capsized.",The ark floated.  The Titanic sank.,MATTHEW 24:37-39;,BL,,,bl,,6/3/2014
"Noah, ark, lumberyard, tar, food,","Noah could not go to lumberyard and order 75 boxcars of kiln-dried lumber.  2 tanks of tar. Noah had to stockpile one year's food supply for his family and for the animals. Before the Flood came, the animals had to be gathered and brought inside. ",What a relief it must have been when everything was ready and Jehovah closed the door of the ark!,"Genesis 6:19-21; 7:5, 16",bl,,,bl,,6/4/2014
"FLOOD, NOAH, ARK, ANIMALS, PRESERVED,","""Many of these animals were perfectly fresh, whole and undamaged . . Suddenly they were all killed without any visible sign of violence and before they could so much as swallow a last mouthful of food, and then were quick-frozen so rapidly that every cell of their bodies is perfectly preserved.""","Bones of elephant, rhinoceros, hippopotamus, reindeer, horse, hog, bear, and many others.  ","GENESIS 6, 7;",BL,,,bl,,6/3/2014
"FLOOD, DELUGE, NOAH'S DAY, MYSTERIES, ANIMALS PRESERVED,","In the book, ""Earth's Most Challenging Mysteries"" it asks, ""What made rabbits run into the same cave as coyotes?  And an antelope with a wolverine and a grizzly?  ","""We want a cause that should kill the animals, and yet not break to pieces their bodies, or even mutilate them,... Howorth noted: ""What cause competent to do this is known to us, except rushing water on a great scale?""  Do you agree?",GENESIS 7:11;,BL,,,bl,,6/3/2014
"RAINBOW, FLOOD, DELUGE, NOAH,",How many have seen a rainbow?  A man gives a ring to his bride as a promise of faithfulness. ,Jehovah put a rainbow in the cloud as a promise to never destroy the earth by flood again.  ,Genesis 9:13,BL,,,bl,,6/3/2014
"FLOOD, FOSSIL RECORD, NOAH, ",Back in 1716 Johann Scheuchzer believed that the Biblical flood had a considerable effect on the Alps and their present shape.  ,"He also called attention to the fact that in the rocks of the high Alps (10,000 feet above sea level) one can find remains of seashells and other crustaceans pressed right into the stone formations.",GENESIS 7:11;,BL,,,bl,,6/3/2014
"FLOOD, NOAH, PRESSURE, MOUNTAINS,",Did you ever dive deep into water?  Did you feel the pressure? A diver can feel the pressure in his ears.  ,"Likewise, the water of the flood pushed up mountains. It has been estimated by some that water pressures alone were equal to ""2 tons per square inch,"" sufficient to fossilize plantlife quickly..  -See The Biblical Flood and the Ice",GENESIS 7:11;,BL,,,bl,,6/3/2014
"FLOOD LEGENDS, MYTH, STORIES, NOAH, DELUGE,","Hardly a nation on the earth does not have a legend about a global flood. Chinese character for ""ship"" is derived from the idea of ""eight persons in a vessel.""In the book Myths of Creation, Philip Freund estimates that over 500 Flood legends are told by more than 250 tribes and peoples.",What may we thus conclude?  There is no reason to doubt the Flood's  historicity.,GENESIS 7:11;,BL,,,bl,,6/3/2014
"INNER PERSONALITY, HEART CONDITION, ACTIVITIES,","Obviously, our inner personality is unseen—much as the core, or heart, of a tree cannot be seen. Still, as Jesus mentioned in the Sermon on the Mount, just as fruits reveal the condition of a tree, so our activities demonstrate the true condition of our heart.","Our zealous activities as Jehovah’s people show that we have, indeed, a deep desire to serve God with a complete heart. To check that our resolve to serve God is not weakening—that we are not letting our guard down—we need to peer regularly into our heart. How can we do that? ",Matt. 7:17-20. ,w12 4/15 3:5-7,,,bl,,6/9/2014
"HOW OLD IS JEHOVAH, FOREVER, NO BEGINNING, ",Drop a rock and wait for it to hit bottom.  It never hits.  Each second = 1000 yrs of Jehovah's life that has went by.,Jehovah is forever.,ISA 33:21 21; EXODUS 15:18;,DAVID NELSON - BETHEL SPEAKER.,,,bl,,6/9/2014
"HOW OLD IS JEHOVAH, FOREVER, NO BEGINNING, ","Go into a program in Microsoft, like Microsoft Word.  Hold down the zero in Microsoft, and sit there and hold it down as long as you want to. Keep holding it all day and night. ",Every 0 equals 1000 years that Jehovah has existed. Why did you quit too soon?,PSALM 90:2;,DAVID NELSON - BETHEL SPEAKER,,,bl,,6/17/2014
"PROTECTION, STRONGHOLD, STRENGTH,",Picture an ant on a railroad track with its feet dug in. It is going to stop the train.  It does not know what it is facing.,"We are like that, but with Jehovah we do not have to worry.  He is a shield and protection for us.",ISA 33:21 ,DAVID NELSON - BETHEL SPEAKER,,,bl,,6/9/2014
"JEHOVAH'S POWER, JEHOVAH'S THRONE, MADE OF FIRE, ","No human has ever seen Jehovah.  Daniel got probably as close as anyone else.  He saw Jehovah's throne and it was made of fire.  It was not on fire, but was actually made of fire.  IMAGINE THAT!","(Daniel 7:9, 10) . . .“I kept watching until thrones were set in place and the Ancient of Days sat down. His clothing was white like snow, and the hair of his head was like clean wool. His throne was flames of fire; its wheels were a burning fire. 10 A stream of fire was flowing and going out from before him. A thousand thousands kept ministering to him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him. The Court took its seat, and books were opened.","DANIEL 7:9, 10;",DAVID NELSON - BETHEL SPEAKER,,,bl,,6/9/2014
"WHOM CAN YOU TRUST? CONFIDENCE, TRUTH, PROMISES, POLITICIANS, GOVERNMENTS,","Whom can you trust?  Hitler lasted 11 years.  He promised a 1,000 year reign. Many politicians like to run on past performances.  That is like, VOTE FOR ME! I LIE LESS THAN MY OPPONENTS.","However, God cannot lie.  ","(Titus 1:2) . . .and is based on a hope of the everlasting life that God, who cannot lie, promised long ago; ",Gerrit Lösch -GB,,,bl,,6/9/2014
"DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SECRET AND SACRED SECRET, HOUSETOPS,","A secret is something that only one person knows or perhaps he reveals to a friend.  A sacred secret is a DOCTRINAL truth that is shouted from the housetops.MATT 13:10 So the disciples came and said to him: “Why do you speak to them by the use of illustrations?” 11 In reply he said: “To you it is granted to understand the sacred secrets of the Kingdom of the heavens, but to them it is not granted.  What I tell you in the darkness, say in the light, and what you hear whispered, preach from the housetops.","WHAT DOCTRINAL TRUTH ARE WE PREACHING FROM HOUSETOPS. 1.	JEHOVAH'S NAME, RANSOM, AND CHRIST JESUS. 2.	ISA 43:10 GROUP TO CARRY GOD'S NAME. 3.	KINGDOM. HEAVENLY GOVERNMENT. 4.	JESUS WOULD OPEN THRONE TO OTHERS. ROM 8:16, 17. REV 14:1 7:9 BEFORE5.	MT 13:31,32. ILLUSTRATION. MUSTARD TREE. PROTECTION. LEAVEN, GROWS. SPIRITUAL GROWTH. ",MATT 10:27,CHURCHILL EVANGELISTA - BETHEL SPEAKER,,,bl,,8/26/2014
"LIFE FULL OF DO'S AND DON'TS, DECISIONS, DETERMINATIONS,",LIFE FULL OF DO'S AND DON'TS.  Jehovah's Word is like that.  Some will inherit God's Kingdom and some will not.,"Unrighteous people will not inherit God’s Kingdom, sexually immoral, idolaters, adulterers, men who submit to homosexual acts, men who practice homosexuality, thieves, greedy people, drunkards, revilers, and extortioners will not inherit God’s Kingdom.Who Will Inherit God’s Kingdom? Those “Who Are Poor” (footnote: Beggars - SO BAD HE WILL DIE IF NOT HELPED)  Those Who “Become as Young Children” (Matthew 18:2-4) Those “Persecuted for Righteousness’ Sake” (Matthew 5:10) Those Who Help Christ’s Brothers (Matthew 25:34) Examples: TRANSLATIONS, KH CONST, PREACHING, FINANCE, SHEPHERDING, MEETINGS,ASSIST ANOINTED. ","1 COR 6:9, 10",SHAWN MANDRESS,,,bl,,6/9/2014
"WOULD YOU WAIT FOR THE DOCTOR TO CALL YOU, SPIRITUALLY SICK, NEED HELP, ELDERS,","If you were sick in bed with a fever, would you lay there and wait for the doctor to call you?  Or would you pick up the telephone and call the doctor?","In like manner, if you are spiritually would you wait until the elders call you, or would you take the initiative and go to them?  Would that not be the wise course?",PROVERBS 2:3;,CLAY MCSEKA - CONVENTION TALK 2014,,,bl,,6/9/2014
"PRAYER, FRIEND, NEED HELP, ","If you had a friend who only called you or came to see you when he needed help, what would your think of that friend?",Likewise with Jehovah.  Should we only pray for help when we need something?,PROVERBS 2:3;,CLAY MCSEKA - CONVENTION 2014,,,bl,,6/9/2014
"SIMPLIFY; STRENGTHEN SPIRITUALITY; MOVE TO WHERE THE NEED IS GREAT, NEW LANGUAGE, PROGRESS, ELDER, MINISTERIAL SERVANT;","If you have built castles in the air, your work need not be lost; that is where they should be. Now put the foundations under them.QUOTE: Henry David Thoreau.  ","Start bracing up your dreams:  SIMPLIFY YOUR LIFE; STRENGTHEN SPIRITUALITY; MOVE TO WHERE THE NEED IS GREAT, Learn a New Language (1 Corinthians 9:22,23) Reach Out to Be a Ministerial Servant (1 Timothy 3:12,13) Reach Out to Be an Elder (1Timothy 3:1,2; Titus 1:9; 2:1) Enroll as a Pioneer (Psalm 34:8; Mark 12:30) Attend the School for Kingdom Evangelizers (Isaiah 6:8; 54:13) ","Acts 16:9,10;",TONY KANISKI,,,bl,,6/9/2014
"NEW LANGUAGE, PROGRESS, GROWTH,","Do you want to swim?  There are two ways to get into the water.  Slowly, just an inch at a time, or JUMP IN.","There are two ways to start a new project. When learning a new language, it is better to learn it in small steps.  A brother relates how he learned Hindu, by just jumping into it, and suffered much stress from it.",1 CORINTHIANS 9:22;,GARY DEBIRGO - CONVENTION 2014;,b,,bl,,6/10/2014
"STUMBLE, CUT IT OFF, STOP, DEDICATION, BAPTISM,","What if someone gave you a car and said it is all yours, but they kept using it whenever they wanted to?","We might do the same in service to Jehovah.  We dedicate our lives to him, but keep using it anyway we want.",Mark 8:34-37;,CONVENTION TALK - 2014,LIVING NOT FOR SELF BUT TO DO GOD'S WILL,,bl,,6/10/2014
"SMART PHONE IN HAND. IS IT MAKING YOU STUMBLE, Enter the Kingdom Maimed, Lame, or One-Eyed ","Do you have a smartphone in your hand?  Is it making you stumble.  If so, it would be better to get rid of it.  It might be like cutting your hand off, but you can gain everlasting life.","(Mark 9:43) . . .“If ever your hand makes you stumble, cut it off. It is better for you to enter into life maimed than to go off with two hands into Ge·hen′na, into the fire that cannot be put out.",MARK 9:43;,CONVENTION SPEAKER - 2014,,,bl,,6/9/2014
Jehovah’s Organization—100 Years of Seeking First God’s Established Kingdom SOUND CARS; TESTIMONY CARDS,"If you are working in the garden, you have different tools that you use at appropriate times.  Those working as cultivators with Jehovah have used different tools at the times needed.  Example: NWT NOW IN 128 LANGUAGES.",OTHER TOOLS: PHOTO DRAMA; EUREKA DRAMA; SOUND CARS; TESTIMONY CARDS; PHONOGRAPH; VIDEOS; ,"Psalm 48:12,13; Luke10:1, 5-11;",Gerrit Lösch -GB,,,bl,,6/9/2014
"Stay on ‘the Highway of Holiness’ Into God’s Kingdom, ","Compare a modern day home, well cleaned vs a filthy city.  Which would you choose?  Jehovah foretold a 'Highway of Holiness' that His people are on.  Adam and Eve were on such a highway at one time but it ended.  It will not end today, but a person could get off this highway.",What could make one get off of this highway?  1.	Being lazy. 2.  Dating unbeliever. 3.  Losing temper  4. Taking of offense 5.	Entertaining fantasy.  6.  Materialistic attitude.  7.  Drifting.,"Isa 35:8, 9  8 ",CONVENTION 2014,,,bl,,6/9/2014
"LOST AND FOUND, CONVENTION, ",A brother lost $110.00 at the convention.  He went to lost and found department and there it was.,"He said, ""Oh Good!  Now I won't have to tell my wife.""",DEUT 22:3,Gerrit Lösch,,,bl,,6/10/2014
"GREED, NEED, SELFISH, RUIN, RESTORATION, REPLENISH, ","According to his secretary Pyarelal, Mohandas Gandhi, the late spiritual leader of India, observed: “Earth provides enough to satisfy every man’s need but not for every man’s greed.” ","God’s Kingdom will address the root cause of earth’s problems by bringing about a change in people’s hearts. The prophet Isaiah foretold that under Kingdom rule, people “will not cause any harm or any ruin” to one another or to the earth. ",ISA 11:9,"Sep 1, WT 2014 p 6",,,bl,,6/21/2014
"TASTE, SEE,",You go to Sam's Club. They have booths with samples. They hope you will taste and like. ,Jehovah likewise gives us samples of the truth. ,PS 43:8 ,VIC PETERSON,HAPPY THOUGH HUNGRY,,bl,,7/20/2014
"Sin, desires, ","If you take a jug of pure water and put a few drops of ink into it, it gradually become murky.  Eventually it will permeate the entire batch.","That is the way with sin.  When we give in a little, it contaminates our bodies and makes us more open to other sins.","James 1:14, 15",Heath Bennett,,,bl,,7/19/2014
"BRAIN, THINKING, THOUGHT PATTERN, SYNAPSES,",Field of tall grass. When you walk on it you leave a path. The more people who walk on it the more obvious it becomes.,Our mind is like that.  The more we think on truth the clearer it gets. Our brain forms a mind pattern. ,ROMANS 12:2,Caleb Moody,,,bl,,7/20/2014
"PREACHING, CONSIDERATION, PURPOSE CLEAR, PUT AT EASE, intercom, ","“Imagine that one day we receive a phone call but do not recognize the caller’s voice. He is a stranger, but he asks a question about the types of food we prefer. We wonder who the caller is and what he really wants. Out of politeness, perhaps we might briefly converse with him, but then we would likely indicate that we prefer to end the conversation. On the other hand, imagine that the caller identifies himself, lets us know that he works in the field of nutrition, and kindly tells us that he has some helpful information. We would probably be more receptive. After all, we appreciate it when people are straightforward yet tactful when approaching us. How can we extend the same courtesy to those we meet in our ministry?","In many territories, we need to make the purpose of our visit clear to the householder. True, we have valuable information the householder does not have, but suppose we did not really introduce ourselves and merely began our presentation abruptly with a question like this: “If you could solve any problem in the world, what would it be?”  “We know that the purpose behind such a question is to find out what is on the person’s mind and then direct the conversation to the Bible. However, the householder might wonder: ‘Who is this stranger, and why is he asking me this question? What is this all about?’ So we should try to put the householder at ease. (Phil. 2:3, 4) How can we do so?”",Matthew 7:12,"Watchtower, May 15, 2014",,,bl,,2/9/2015
"PATTERN, HABITS, PROPHETS, ZEPHANIAH, OPPORTUNE TIME, truth, ","Hunters may go into the field weeks before deer season.  They study the deer to know the pattern when the different deer come and go.  They take note of the bigger deer, and they know where to put their tree stands.  It assures them of a successful hunt.","We can learn much from patterns.  Patterns are good indicators. We can take as an example the pattern of the prophets.  Zephaniah for example.  He did not water down his message.  Imitate their courage,  Avoid family ties that can impact our worship in a negative way.  We can also examine the pattern of people we study with.  When is the best time to call on them.  In that manner we can be assured of a successful hunt for people deserving the truth.",James 5:10,Carl Brown on km part 7/28/2014,,,bl,,1/21/2025
"RETURN EVIL FOR EVIL TO NO ONE, RETALIATE, ","WHEN a child is shoved by a sibling, usually the child’s first reaction is to shove back. Sadly, such tit-for-tat behavior is not limited to children. Many adults act similarly. When offended by someone, they want to get even. ","Granted, most adults will not give a literal shove, but many will push back in subtle ways. Perhaps they spread harmful gossip about the offender or find ways to prevent him from succeeding. Whatever method is used, the intent is the same—to repay in kind, to retaliate.  Although the urge to get even is deep-seated, true Christians resist giving in to it. Instead, they strive to follow the apostle Paul’s admonition: “Return evil for evil to no one.” (Romans 12:17) ",Romans 12:17;,w07 7/1 p. 22 pars. 1-2,,,bl,,7/31/2014
"ANGER, FORGIVE FREELY, NEGATIVE REACTIONS, ","Many situations in life provoke negative reactions. While you are driving your automobile, for instance, suppose another car nearly collides with your vehicle. How will you react? You have read about episodes of road rage in which an individual became so angry that he attacked the other driver.","As a Christian, however, you certainly would not want to do such a thing.  How much better it would be to take a moment to analyze matters. Perhaps you were partly to blame for what took place because you were distracted in some way. Or the other driver may have had a mechanical problem with his car. The point of this scenario is that we can lessen anger, disappointment, and other negative emotions with understanding, open-mindedness, and a willingness to forgive. “Do not hurry yourself in your spirit to become offended,” ",Ecclesiastes 7:9,w12 11/15 p. 28 pars. 9-10,,,bl,,8/1/2014
"EVOLUTION, CREATION, CHANCE,",“Imagine that someone told you that there was an explosion at a printing plant and that the ink spattered onto the walls and ceilings and formed an unabridged dictionary. Would you believe it? ,How much more unbelievable is it that everything in the orderly universe came about as a result of a random big bang?”,GENESIS 1:1,JW.ORG,,,bl,,8/3/2014
"CREATION, EVOLUTION, DESIGN, CHANCE,","If you were walking through the forest and discovered a beautiful log cabin, would you think: ‘How fascinating! The trees must have fallen in just the right way to make this house.",Of course not! It’s just not reasonable. So why should we believe that everything in the universe just happened to come about?”,GENESIS 1:1,JW.ORG,,,bl,,8/3/2014
"GOD'S KINGDOM,","Go to restaurant. Looks good, but you are infected with bacteria. Something wrong. ","Like going to a church, and Kingdom never mentioned. Something wrong. Its like having a bad virus. ",MATTHEW 6:33,LARRY KINKAID,How the Kingdom of God Affects You ,42,bl,,8/3/2014
"ON THE CUTTING EDGE, TECHNOLOGY, PROGRESS, PHOTO-DRAMA OF CREATION,",We have always been on the cutting edge. ,"Codex form of the BIBLE. Radio, Motion pictures.  Computers, TABLETS, MEPS, INTERNET WITH JW.ORG",1 Corinthians 4:8,LARRY KINKADE,How the Kingdom of God Affects You ,42,bl,,8/4/2014
"LOVE FOR GOD, A NEED TO WORSHIP, BASIS FOR HAPPINESS, INNATE DESIRE TO WORSHIP,","“We should stand in awe, amazement and reverence to see the universality of man’s search for, and belief in, a supreme being.”—Man Does Not Stand Alone, by A. C. Morrison.","Why can we have deep love for God? Because he created us with a spiritual need and endowed us with the ability to express love. When our spiritual need is properly satisfied, our love for Jehovah grows and we have a sound basis for happiness. “Happy are those conscious of their spiritual need,” said Jesus, “since the Kingdom of the heavens belongs to them.” ",Matt. 5:3,w14 6/15 pp. 12-16 ,,,bl,,8/10/2014
"SHOW APPRECIATION FOR GOD'S ARRANGEMENT FOR SHEPHERDING HIS FLOCK, ELDERS, ORGANIZATION,","How we appreciate a shelter from a strong wind or from a chilling rainstorm! When the hot sun is beating down on us, we are grateful for the shade provided by a crag. These figures of speech help us to see that the elders provide needed spiritual help and refreshment. ","Christian elders are a provision from Jehovah, who always acts in our best interests. By obeying those taking the lead among us, we show how much we appreciate these “gifts in men” and give evidence of our love for God and for Christ, the Head of the congregation. The elders are “like a hiding place from the wind, a place of concealment from the rainstorm, like streams of water in a waterless land, like the shadow of a massive crag in a parched land.” (Isa. 32:1, 2) ",Acts 20:28; Eph. 4:8; 5:23; Heb. 13:17,w14 6/15 pp. 12-16 ,,,bl,,8/10/2014
"EXAMPLE, ROLE MODEL, ",Father walked around with his one hand in his pocket. Son did the same. ,We need to set good examples. ,HEBREWS 13:7,DOUG STROHL,,,bl,,8/10/2014
"LIFETIME WARRANTY, EARTH, LIFE,",A salesman said the power train has a lifetime warranty. That's  why I work here. SURE!,We truly have something with a LIFETIME WARRANTY. ,JOSHUA 21:45,JOE LAYMON,,,bl,,8/10/2014
"SUBTLE ATTACKS, FRONTAL ATTACKS, DIFFERENCE, SATAN'S SNARES, ","Frontal attacks are like a tornado that blows into town and destroys your house instantly. Subtle attacks are more like a colony of termites that slowly creep in and nibble away at the wood of your house until it collapses. With the latter, a person may not even be aware of the danger until it is too late.","Satan would like to destroy your relationship with Jehovah, whether with frontal attacks of persecution or by slowly nibbling away at your faith through subtle attacks. One of the most effective subtle tactics Satan uses is discouragement. The apostle Paul admitted to feeling discouraged at times.  Now, why would Paul—a spiritual “giant” who likely was a member of the first-century governing body—call himself a “miserable man”? Paul said that he felt this way because of his imperfections. He really wanted to do what was right, but he felt another force working against him. If you on occasion struggle with such feelings, do you not find it comforting to know that even the apostle Paul faced a similar challenge?",Read Romans 7:21-24,w14 9/15 pp. 12-16 ,,,bl,,8/11/2014
"PREPARE NOW FOR TRIBULATION, SATAN'S ATTACKS, FRONTAL AND SUBTLE, ",To illustrate: An army of soldiers will often go through a series of grueling drills long before there is even the threat of a battle.,"It is similar in Jehovah’s spiritual army. We do not know what our warfare may involve in the future. Therefore, would it not be wise to do some significant training during a time of relative peace? Paul wrote to the Corinthians: “Keep testing whether you are in the faith; keep proving what you yourselves are.”As we have seen, Satan has a number of “crafty acts” at his disposal. (Eph. 6:11) Each of us needs to follow the admonition found at 1 Peter 5:9: “Take your stand against him, firm in the faith.” To do that, we need to prepare our mind and heart, to train ourselves now to do what is right.  ",2 Cor. 13:5; EPH 6:11;,w14 9/15 pp. 12-16 ,,,bl,,8/11/2014
"WHY PEOPLE LEAVE THE TRUTH, DRAW AWAY, DISFELLOWSHIP, OUT OF TUNE, LISTEN, CHET ATKINS, ","Did you ever hear of Chet Atkins?  Greatest trumpet player in the world.  Oops!  Someone is saying he is the greatest GUITAR PLAYER IN THE WORLD.  Well, You know a brother that is ever bit as good as Chet Atkins was.  He knows all the notes, chords, strums, and he loves to play.  Tonight he is playing to a large audience.  He starts playing, and it just doesn't come out right.  He forgot to tune his guitar.  He knows how it should sound, he knows the bends, the slides, hammer on's, but he is out of tune.  It will never be right.","Sometimes we think a brother is the best speaker and teacher in the world.  In the past he has given some of the best talks and advice we ever heard.  However, he leaves the truth.  We exclaim, ""How can a brother with that much knowledge leave the truth?  I have always thought that if anyone made it, that brother would.  What happened?  He is no longer in tune with Jehovah's organization.  It knows the truth, he knows how it should sound, but it will not come out right.  He may say things like we have too many meetings.  We put too much emphasis on the preaching work.  Don't listen to him.  He is out of tune.",1 Timothy 4:1;,"Samuel Herd,  GB",Jehovah is Watching and Listening,,bl,,8/13/2014
"OUT OF STEP, NOT KEEPING UP WITH JEHOVAH'S ORGANIZATION, GOMER PYLE, CHANGES, ADVANCE,","Did you ever hear of Gomer Pyle? He played on the Andy Griffith show, and then was ""spun off"" to his own show, Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C. At the beginning of the show everyone was marching, smoothly, beautifully, except one person who was going up and down.  Guess who that was.  Gomer Pyle.  He went through life, out of step in one way or another.","Is it possible for us to do that in the truth?  We must stay in step with Jehovah's Organization. You can always tell when someone is out of step by the way he does things.  He does not advance with changes.  Slow to change to new terminology and improvements. Sometimes you still hear terms like 'back calls, incidental witnessing, maybe rendezvous, or some still giving long answers at Bible studies, and Watchtower study. Maybe slow to make adjustments in Theocratic Ministry School.",GALATIANS 2:14;,"SAMUEL HERD, GB",SERVING WITH JEHOVAH'S UNIFIED ORGANIZATION,3,bl,,2/5/2016
"OUT OF TUNE, LONG ANSWERS, NOT MAKING CHANGES, OLDER TERMS, BACK CALLS, INCIDENTAL WITNESSING, ","We have beautiful song to sing to Jehovah.  Did you ever get close to someone who could not carry a tune?  Like the person on both sides of you.  This person knows the tune, the words, and how it should come out, but just can do it.  Our maybe its us who just cannot stay in tune.",Sometimes we get out of tune with Jehovah's channel.  We have to practice and try very hard to overcome this habit.  It may be ingrained but we can make the adjustment.,1 Timothy 4:15,"SAMUEL HERD, GB",Jehovah is Watching and Listening,,bl,,8/13/2014
"JEHOVAH'S GREATNESS, HEAVENS CANNOT CONTAIN HIM, DWELLING, PRAYER, ","Something else about Jehovah's hearing our prayers.  Where does he dwell.  The Bible says 'may you hear from your dwelling place in the heavens; yes, may you hear and forgive.'  But where are the heavens?  Far beyond our universe.  Trillions of light years away.  But ""Look! The heavens, yes, the heaven of the heavens, cannot contain you,"" the Bible says.  He is much too large for even the heavens which he created, to contain him.",From that far distance Jehovah hears our prayers.  He can pick our prayers out and answer them.,"1 KINGS 8:27, 30",SAMUEL HERD GB,Jehovah is Watching and Listening,,bl,,8/13/2014
"PRAYER, FREQUENCY OF PRAYER, ","Suppose you have a little girl who is 4 years old, and she tells her Mother all the time, ""I love you.""  She will be out playing and all of a sudden she runs in the house and says to her mother, ""I love you.""  You also have a 7 year old son and he doesn't tell his Mom ""I love you."" very often.  Which one loves her the most. But then one morning your son climbs into his mother's lap, and says, ""Mom, I want you to be my mom forever.  I just love you so much.""  ","I wouldn't want to quickly scratch that son off the list.  Just because he doesn't talk as much.  We want to talk to Jehovah frequently, but some may not pray as much as others.  SOME PEOPLE PRAY OFTEN.  SOME PEOPLE PRAY ALL THE TIME.","MATTHEW 6:9, 10;",SAMUEL HERD GB,Jehovah is Watching and Listening,,bl,,8/13/2014
"REJOICE TO HAVE A PLACE IN JEHOVAH'S HOUSE, CONTENTMENT, SATISFACTION,","There is no place like home. It is a place of comfort and happiness.  You have a niche there, where you belong. You may have your own room, and you like for it to be called, ""Frank's room."" or Joe's room.  Maybe a favorite chair like Archie Bunker, and no meathead had better git in it. Jesus wanted to go home. John 14:12 ""I am going my way to the Father."" (John 14:28) . . .I am going to the Father, for the Father is greater than I am.  Read John 17:4, 5.  Jesus was not asking for a higher position.  He was just happy to return to where he was because he had a good home.  For a lack of a better word, 'Jesus was homesick.'  Jesus had a place in Jehovah's house.","Jehovah has assigned you a place in his house.  We need to rejoice in that position in Jehovah's house and be content.  The governing body, the angels, the traveling brothers, elders, pioneers, publishers all have a place in Jehovah's house. Do you get homesick for your home?  When you take a vacation, or get sick, are you anxious to get back?  Asaph was almost jealous of the birds who could spend more time at Jehovah's temple.  (Psalm 84:1-4) . . .How lovely your grand tabernacle is, O Jehovah of armies!  2 My whole being yearns, Yes, I am faint with longing, For the courtyards of Jehovah. My heart and my flesh shout joyfully to the living God.  3 Even the bird finds a home there And the swallow a nest for herself, Where she cares for her young Near your grand altar, O Jehovah of armies, My King and my God!  4 Happy are those dwelling in your house! They continue to praise you. (Selah)",Psalm 92:12-14,SAMUEL HERD GB  *** w12 8/15 p. 18 A Meeting Marked by Unity and Thrilling Plans ***content,REJOICE TO HAVE A PLACE IN JEHOVAH'S HOUSE.,,bl,,8/13/2014
"BUY OUT OPPORTUNE TIME, EXCHANGE, ","You go into a grocery store and being completely out of groceries, you stock up.  You feel really happy that you now have something that will save your life.  Then you realize there is something missing.  It is the money you once had, that you paid for the groceries with. Then you realize that what you bought was more important.","That is the way it is with time.  We trade time that is not so valuable, for time that will give us life.  We can feel good because we made a nice trade.","Ephanians 5:15, 16;",Earl Hopper,Are you Walking With God,149,bl,,8/17/2014
"SHEPHERDS, PARENTS, ","SHEPHERDS in ancient Israel led a rigorous life. They not only had to endure heat and cold but also had to protect their flocks from predators, both animal and human. Shepherds inspected the sheep regularly and treated any that were sick or injured. They gave special attention to the lambs because they were delicate and lacked the strength of full-grown sheep.—Gen. 33:13.","In some respects, Christian parents are like shepherds, displaying qualities that are valuable to literal shepherds. They have the responsibility to raise their children “in the discipline and admonition of Jehovah.” (Eph. 6:4) Is that an easy assignment? No! Children are faced with an onslaught of satanic propaganda as well as with their own imperfect inclinations. (2 Tim. 2:22; 1 John 2:16) If you have children, how can you help them? Let us consider three things you can do to shepherd your children—know them, feed them, and guide them.",GENESIS 33:13; EPH. 6:4;,w14 9/15 pp. 17-21 ,,,bl,,8/21/2014
"KNOW YOUR CHILDREN, PARENTS, SHEPHERD,",A good shepherd carefully examines each sheep to make sure that it is healthy.,"In a figurative sense, you can do the same for your children. The Bible says: “Know well the appearance of your flock.” (Prov. 27:23) To do this, you need to consider your children’s actions and also their thoughts and feelings. How can you accomplish that? One of the best ways is to have frequent conversations with your children.",PROVERBS 27:23;,w14 9/15 pp. 17-21 ,,,bl,,8/21/2014
"ADVISE, WARNINGS, BALANCE, COUNSEL, CHILDREN, POSITIVE, NEGATIVE, ",Suppose you went to a restaurant and discovered that the menu contained only warnings about food poisoning. You would likely leave that place and look for another restaurant. ,"Your children may react similarly if they come to you for advice but all you have on the “menu” is a list of stern warnings. (Read Colossians 3:21.) Instead, aim for a balanced approach. A young sister named Emily observes: “When my parents talk to me about dating, they don’t make the subject seem negative. They emphasize the joy of getting to know someone and finding a marriage mate. This has helped me to feel comfortable talking to them about it. In fact, I want to involve them in any relationship I have rather than hide it from them.”",COLOSSIANS 3:21;,w14 9/15 pp. 17-21 ,,,bl,,8/21/2014
"FEED YOUR CHILDREN, STRENGTHEN, SHEPHERD, DISTRACTIONS, DRIFT AWAY, GRADUALLY, ","A good shepherd knows that any one of his sheep could stray from the flock. Perhaps it is attracted by grass a short distance away and then to some a bit farther away, thus separating itself from the flock.","In a similar manner, a child could drift away gradually on a spiritually dangerous path, being tempted by harmful association or degrading entertainment. (Prov. 13:20) How can you help to prevent such a situation from developing?  When teaching your children, act quickly if you recognize potential weak spots. Work at fortifying Christian qualities that your children have but that may need to be strengthened.  The regular period for family worship is an excellent time for you to do that.",PROVERBS 13:20; 2 Pet. 1:5-8,w14 9/15 pp. 17-21 ,,,bl,,8/21/2014
"GUIDE YOUR CHILDREN, SHEPHERD, PARENTS, YOUTH, CHILDREN, ","A good shepherd uses a staff to direct and defend his flock. One of his primary goals is to guide his sheep to “a good pasture.” (Ezek. 34:13, 14) As a parent, do you not have a similar goal spiritually? ","You want to guide your children to serve Jehovah. You want your children to feel as did the psalmist who wrote: “To do your will, O my God, is my delight, and your law is deep within me.” (Ps. 40:8) Young ones who develop such appreciation will dedicate their life to Jehovah and get baptized. Understandably, they should take such a step when they are mature enough to make that decision and have a genuine desire to serve Jehovah.","EZEKIEL 34:13, 14;",w14 9/15 pp. 17-21 ,,,bl,,8/21/2014
"SIN, DEATH, SHROUD, EFFECTS OF SIN, DOME, ","Fittingly, the Bible refers to inherited sin and death as “the shroud that is enveloping all the peoples and the covering that is woven over all the nations.” (Isa. 25:7) This suffocating covering, or shroud, this intricate webwork of condemnation, entraps all people. ","So the fact is that “in Adam all are dying.” (1 Cor. 15:22) The question that naturally follows is, as expressed by Paul: “Who will rescue me from the body undergoing this death?” Could anyone?*—Rom. 7:24.  Yes, death inherited from Adam will at last be done away with. “The shroud” that entraps the entire human family will have been removed forever.—Isa. 25:7, 8.","ISAIAH 25:7, 8; 1 CORINTHIANS 15:22;",w14 9/15 pp. 23-27 ,,,bl,,8/21/2014
"RUIN THE EARTH, ECOLOGY, PLANET, RUINING, POINT OF NO RETURN, ","“A generation is going, and a generation is coming, but the earth remains forever.”—KING SOLOMON, 11TH CENTURY B.C.E.*To the ancient Bible writer, the fleeting nature of man stood in sharp contrast with the permanence of the earth. Indeed, for thousands of years, generations have come and gone, and yet the planet Earth has proved to be remarkably resilient and stable in its ability to host life—until now.","The years since World War II have been dubbed by some as the Great Acceleration. In a single lifetime, people have seen remarkable advances in transportation, communication, and other technologies, which have brought unprecedented economic changes. Many enjoy a standard of living once thought impossible. In the meantime, the earth’s population has nearly tripled. All of this, however, has not come without cost. Human activities are said to be pushing the earth beyond its natural cycles. In fact, some scientists say we have entered a new geological epoch called the Anthropocene—an age in which humans are making an increasingly notable impact on the planet.  The Bible foretold a time when man would ‘ruin the earth.’ (Revelation 11:18) Some wonder if we are living in such a time. How much further damage will be done? Is there a point of no return? Indeed, will man ruin the earth beyond repair?",Revelation 11:18;,w14 9/1 pp. 3-6 ,,,bl,,8/21/2014
"COCO COLA, ADVERTISING ,",A few years ago Coca-Cola had it's 100 anniversary.  What made Coca-Cola so large?  ADVERTISING!  What has made God's Kingdom so well known?  ADVERTISING!,We are still advertising God's Kingdom after 100 years!,Matthew 6:33,CARL BROWN,,,bl,,8/22/2014
"SATAN, DEVIL, LAST DAYS, SAFETY, PROTECTION, REAL,","Imagine that a group of criminals suddenly flooded into your city. Obviously, personal safety and neighborhood morals would decline. Now consider a similar scenario: Satan and his demons—real spirit beings who, like Satan, rebelled against God—are suddenly confined to the earth. What would result? ","Well, think about what you see on the news locally and internationally. ̇ Do you see an increase in senseless, violent acts, regardless of worldwide attempts to stop them? ̇ Do you see an increase in entertainment featuring spiritism, in spite of the concern of many parents? ̇ Do you see the environment being relentlessly destroyed, despite well-meaning efforts to save it? ̇ Does it seem that something is seriously wrong with society—that some force is pushing mankind toward disaster?",2 TIMOTHY 3:1-5; REV 12:9;,"WATCHTOWER OCTOBER 1, 2014 PAGE 5",,,bl,,8/23/2014
"SHOULD WE FEAR SATAN THE DEVIL, PROTECTION","It is very hard to detect. Colorless and odorless, it may catch its victims unawares. Perhaps over half of all deaths by poisoning worldwide may be traced to this single culprit: carbon monoxide. However, there is no need to panic. There are ways to detect that gas and to protect yourself. Many people wisely install warning monitors and then carefully heed any alarms.","Like carbon monoxide, Satan is invisible, very hard for humans to detect, and extremely dangerous. But God has not left us without help. You need not fear Satan if you take advantage of the following gifts God offers. The power of choice. James 4:7 tells us: “Oppose the Devil, and he will flee from you.” Although Satan is powerful, he cannot force you to do things that you do not want to do. You have a choice. First Peter 5:9 says: “Take your stand against him [the Devil], firm in the faith.” Remember, Satan left after Jesus firmly rejected the three temptations. (Matthew 4:11) You can likewise choose to resist Satan’s efforts.  Carbon monoxide is invisible and dangerous —as is Satan",JAMES 4:7,w14 11/1 page 6,,,bl,,8/23/2014
"AUTHORITY, SHEEP KNOW MY VOICE, ","A man has been married 21 years.  He is very sick.  There is an all night drug store not far away; it is near midnight, and this is a dangerous neighborhood.  He tells his wife, I am going to the drugstore.  ""Don't let anyone in except me.""  Ten minutes later she hears a knock at the door.  She says, ""Who is it?""  She hears HMMMM!!  1 locks goes click.  2nd lock goes click.  3rd lock goes click.  She opens the door.  Why?  She knows his voice.  He can't fool her.","My sheep know my voice.  We are not going to follow apostates. Is this God speaking?  That is what we want to know and follow.  Voice of GB.  Do we respond to voice of GB.  Imperfect men, but it is the channel Jehovah uses. Some ""like the old way placing magazines. asking for money.  Get into the swing.  Don't find fault.  Husbands have voices of authority.  You cannot make someone honor you.  Use proper tone of voice. ",John 10:2-5,"Samuel Herd, GB",,,bl,,8/24/2014
"GIANTS, FEAR, WALKING WITH FATHER, ","Johnny had a problem with a bully who takes his lunch money.  Afraid to tell his Dad, so he goes without lunch.  One morning his Father is going to walk Johnny to school today.  Now, let the bully step out and ask for his lunch money.  He does not have to fear because he is  walking with his Father.","Do we have a major fear in service that a hostile person is going to step out.  Could it be that we are not walking with God.  Noah was not afraid of those giants, neither should we be.  Some giants are a figment of the imagination.  Like the ones that 10 of the 12 spies say in Cannah.  Could they have seen the Nephilim?  They all died at flood.  People lie.  Fear will cause people to lie.  Elders called on a girl who was horrified that the brothers would ask her if there was anything she had done wrong.  Later found out that the girl was 2 months pregnant.  Joshua and Caleb said ""Do not fear them.""",Numbers 13:31,Samuel Herd GB,,,bl,,8/24/2014
"GIANTS, FEAR, IMAGINATION, ","Who killed Goliath?  With a sub-machine gun, right?  He was a war-machine.  David was not even a warrior.  Had faith.  Not afraid.  cut off his head.  That was not an easy task with the giant's own sword.  Did you sisters ever have to cut off a fish's head?  Not easy.  We have no giants.  Fictional giants.  Paul Bunyan, with ox named babe.  Jack the giant killer. ","We have a giant.  ""INFERIOR FEELINGS"" is it's name.  Some wear elevator shoes.  Makes wives wear flats.  Or we are ""OVERWEIGHT.""  Try to have a meal with friends without saying overweight.  We will never look like people on television.  They are about 15, 16 years old.  Let them put on an older person.  We have inferior feelings.  Another giant is ""COMMENTS AT MEETINGS""   A sister finally ventures to make a comment and she worries.  Her friend smiles.  But that is a smile of approval.  You take it wrong.  Don't let the giant grab a hold of you like that. I haven't been to KH lately.  ""NOBODY LIKES ME.""  I understand, because I am not a likable person.   She had that giant.  Big handsome King Saul.  Hid in the luggage.  Another giant is ""SICKNESS.""  How many have told you they never had a headache in their life?  Sickness is a part of sin.  How can we cope with it now.  2 Kings 20:1-3.  Hezekiah got sick.  was dying.  Jehovah gave him 15 years.  E·paph·ro·diʹtus was sick to point of death.  Is it proper to pray for recovery for sickness if it be God's will.  Yes. Do not talk about your sickness all the time.  Get your mind off that for awhile.  Best therapy is door-to-door.  Luke 6:26 ""SPEAK WELL OF""  or ""POPULARITY""  ""CONFORMITY""  Slay that giant. Last giant is ""LONELINESS""  Leading Cause is 'death of mate.'  Get a hold of yourself.  Don't be overwhelmed.  Help other people.  Look in of those lonely.  Jehovah will aid us to slay our giant.",2 KINGS 20:1-3; LUKE 6:26;,SAMUEL HERD GB,SERVICE TALK,200,bl,,8/24/2014
"DECISIONS, ",If you put things off you have already made a decision. ,"In fact, that man should not expect to receive anything from Jehovah;","James 1:6, 7; 1 KINGS 18:21; ",ROGER RAWLINGS,"Decisions you face, how will you make them?",,bl,,8/24/2014
"PERFECTION, PERFECT, ",Ever draw a straight line?  Look at it through a microscope.  Feel a coffee table.  It's smooth.  Look at it through a microscope.  ,"Job 1:8; blameless; Noah, faultless.  Did this mean they are without sin?  Where are they from.  Micah 6:7, 8; ","MICAH 6:7, 8;",DARRELL HOLMAN,,,bl,,8/25/2014
"PERFECTION, PERFECT, RIGHTEOUS OVERMUCH, ELDERS, ","Would a father expect the same quality from young son as an adult?  Would a potter expect the same quality from different pieces of clay?  Jehovah is ""remembering we are dust."" Jehovah does not expect more from us than we can give. Sometimes we do expect perfection out of elders.  They are in front of the congregation.  We could get critical, expecting perfection.  Use magnaflux to check cracks.  This magnifies cracks in critical area and puts them into limelight. "," Elders are just sheep in shepherds clothing.  Quit using your microscope.  Missionaries. Close quarters. Take off your spiritual binoculars.  Turn them around.  Things are far removed. Would it be right for elders to express perfection from others?  Faults and troubles I can see, but thank the Lord it isn't in me.  ",Romans 3:23;,DARRELL HOLMAN,,,bl,,8/25/2014
"PERFECTION, PERFECT, STANDARDS, ME, YOU, LAZY, BUSY, BULL-HEADED, INITIATIVE, FIRM, SLOW, CRITICIZE, ","Isn't it funny, when the other fellow does something that takes a long time he is slow.  When I do something that takes a long time, I am through. When the other person doesn't do something he is lazy; when I don't do it I'm busy.  When the other person does something without being told, he is overstepping his bounds.  When I do something without being told, it is initiative.  When a person is thinking strong he is a bull-head.  When I am thinking strong I am firm.",We should not think less of others that we do ourselves.  Don't set higher standards for others or criticize. ,MATTHEW 7:12;,DARRELL HOLMAN,,,bl,,8/25/2014
"PERFECT, PERFECTION, ADJUSTMENT, CHANGE, VARIETY, ","Let us say there are 70 personalities just like us to the congregation.  We all think alike.  All think they are all right.  We would all be destroyed at Armageddon. Why?  We would never see the need for adjustment, for change.  Variety helps us to make adjustments.","(Matthew 19:21, 22) . . .Jesus said to him: “If you want to be perfect, go sell your belongings and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come be my follower.” 22 When the young man heard this, he went away grieved, for he had many possessions.  Did he want to be perfect...went away grieved.  He could do exactly like the other disciples had done.  He could have met those standards as the other did.  Perfection: It is meeting the standards that we can meet.",Matt 19:16-21;,DARRELL HOLMAN,,,bl,,8/25/2014
Ministry; Not Apologetic,"If you saw your neighbor's house on fire, would you apologize for waking him to tell him his house is on fire?","We want to be respectful, but not apologetic for visiting people in their homes.  It is a commission to call at each home in our territory.",Matthew 10:11-13,Pioneer School 2014,,,cb,,8/27/2014
"SELF INJURY, CUTTING, HURT, CUT MYSELF, ","Why does the cutter resort to physical pain in an effort to relieve emotional anguish? To illustrate, consider what happens when you are in a doctor’s office about to get a shot. As the process begins, have you ever found yourself pinching your skin or perhaps putting pressure on it with your fingernail, just to distract yourself from the sting of the needle? ","What the self-injurer does is similar, although on a more serious level. To the self-injurer, cutting provides a form of distraction and a sense of relief from the sting of emotional anguish. And the anguish is so great that by comparison physical pain is preferable. Perhaps that is why one self-injurer described cutting as “medicine for my fears.”",PROVERBS 14:13; Ecclesiastes 7:7;,g 1/06 pp. 10-12,,,bl,,8/30/2014
"POTENTIAL, HELP, AID, EYE UPON HIM, PROGRESS, ADVANCEMENT, ","Just as an instructor watches an inexperienced rock climber attentively in order to help him find the best handholds, Jehovah is willing to guide us as we make spiritual advancement. Jehovah might also use fellow believers to help us reach our full potential. ","Yes, Jehovah notices the potential in each of his servants. He assured King David that he would always guide him, with ‘his eye upon him.’ (Read Psalm 32:8.) Do you see why that should be encouraging to us? Even though we may lack self-confidence, Jehovah can help us to go beyond our perceived limits and reach goals that we would not have imagined. ",PSALM 32:8,w14 6/15 pp. 28-32 ,,,bl,,8/31/2014
"REAL, ARTIFICIAL, JEHOVAH,",Have a favorite restaurant. Menu with picture of favorite food.  ,Picture is not enough. Same with how we view God. ,"PSALMS 19:1, 2",ALAN CAZELL,How real is God to you?,,bl,,8/31/2014
"BRAINS, EGGS, DEVIL EATS BRAINS, MIND, MENTAL ATTITUDE,",How many have ever ate brains and eggs.  If you are from the South you probably have.  They don't throw anything away on hogs.  Hog brains and eggs are good.  They don't make you any smarter.  Squirrel brains are really good.  You can eat them without eggs.  Cow brains are not that good.  ,"The Devil loves brains.  He eats them without eggs.  Romans speaks of them being empty-headed.  The Devil eats them without eggs.  How many people are on drugs?  It destroys family life.  How many are thinking right.  They think they are intelligent.  (Romans 1:21) . . .For although they knew God, they did not glorify him as God nor did they thank him, but they became empty-headed in their reasonings and their senseless hearts became darkened. ","Romans 1:21; 2 CORINTHIANS 11:3; EPH 4:18, 19; JOB 11:12;","JC HOWARD, DO",BRAINS AND EGGS,,bl,,9/5/2014
"FAITH, SAVED, ONCE, FALSE TEACHINGS, OTHER SORTS OF GOOD NEWS, ACCURSED, FALL AWAY, GALATIANS,","Saying ""once you have faith, you will always have faith.""","It's like saying, ""once saved, always saved.""  Both are errors in teachings.  The Galatians had some false ideas. ","GALATIANS 1:6, 7",Howard JC ,Firmly Set For The Defense of the Good News,,bl,,9/1/2014
"BOOK OF ACTS OF THE APOSTLES, TRAVEL, ACCURACY, ","Suppose that someone living in the year of 3014 discovered a detailed travel plan of someone, say Art Stroschein, written in 2014.  As he reads the places he visited in Colorado, Nevada, Arizona, [NAME PLACES] it is hard to recognize all the points of interest he mentions.  However, when he talks to someone who lived in that period, places become clearer.","The book of Acts of the Apostles were written 2,000 years ago.  Many of the landmarks are clearly recognizable, but not all.  Luke was noted for recording ""all things with accuracy.""  We can have confidence in Jehovah's inspired Word because it was written under inspiration.","ACTS 1:1, 2; LUKE 1:1-4;",GLEN TEAKELL,,,bl,,9/8/2014
"SATAN'S HATRED FOR US, DIVIDE, UNITE,","If Satan attacks us as a group, all he does is unite us against him.",What Satan tries to do is divide us.,HAB 1:1-4;,DAVID ALGAR,FACING THE TRIALS,,bl,,9/5/2014
"PROSPEROUS, RICH, WEALTHY BROTHERS, MATERIALISM, HAUGHTY, PROUD, BOASTERS, UNJUST,","A sister skimmed the milk and I came in.  How glad I was to know I was going to have cream for breakfast cereal.  I said, "" I would have been happy to just have the skim milk.  But how much better to get the cream!  She said, the cream is not for you.  It's for the cat.  What could a cat possible do to deserve the cream and leave me the skimmed milk?  The cat looked at me and seemed to smile.  It reminds me of the saying, ""He looks like the cat that has just licked the cream.""","The wicked are like that.  Their paunch is fat.  They seem to have no worries.  Sometimes even in their death they may not suffer like others, it seems.  (Psalm 73:7-9) . . .""Their prosperity makes their eyes bulge; They have exceeded the imaginations of the heart.  8 They scoff and say evil things. They arrogantly threaten oppression.  9 They speak as if they were as high as heaven, And their tongues swagger about in the earth.""  They are like fat cats that have just licked the cream. ",Psalm 73:7-9;,DAVID ALGAR,Facing the Trials,,bl,,9/6/2014
"DREAMS, IMAGINATION, REALITY, WICKED, DEATH, NO MORE, ","Do you dream?  Did you have a dream last night?  Don't shake your head.  You probably did.  Some dreams are so real that when you awake you are like running in bed, but not going anywhere.  However as the day goes on you can't even remember what the dream was about.  ","The wicked, although seeming indestructible and prosperous are like that. (Psalm 73:20) . . .Like a dream when one wakes up, O Jehovah, When you rouse yourself, you will dismiss their image.  The wicked ones will not even be remembered.","PSALM 73:20; PSALM 37:10, 11;",DAVID ALGAR,FACING THE TRIALS,,bl,,9/5/2014
"REASONING, UNDERSTANDING, INSTINCT, DECISIONS, DISCERNMENT, WISDOM, ","What does your dog do when he makes a decision?  Does he reason things out?  How does your cat make a decision?  What does your goldfish act upon?  What does your hamster act upon?  Is it not strictly by instinct?  Does your dog say, ""I will see you when you get home from work?""  Does he say, ""Oh, this coming Friday, I will be with some friends when you get home, so I will see you Saturday?""  Does your cat say, ""I love you when he comes purring around your legs?""  I like cats in their place, but I don't love cats.  Cats cannot love back.  People can love.","(Psalm 73:22) . . .I was unreasoning and lacked understanding; I was like a senseless beast before you.  Animals act on instinct, feelings and emotions.  That is the worse way to make a decision.  We need to reason.  We get to thinking, ""no one loves me.""  That is based on emotions.",PSALM 73:22; PSALM 32:9;,DAVID ALGAR,FACING THE TRIALS,,bl,,9/5/2014
"TIME, OPPORTUNITY, LIFE, CHILDREN, FAMILY, PROCRASTINATE, PUT OFF, YOUTH, UNEXPECTED EVENTS, TITANIC ",Think of the ladies on the TITANIC who turned down deserts on the fourth night out because they wanted to cut back.  They should have enjoyed it while they had the time.,"Some things in life have a time element attached.  We need to enjoy our family, our children, our service to Jehovah while we have the time.  Otherwise our window of opportunity can run out.  (Ecclesiastes 9:11) . . .I have seen something further under the sun, that the swift do not always win the race, nor do the mighty win the battle, nor do the wise always have the food, nor do the intelligent always have the riches, nor do those with knowledge always have success, because time and unexpected events overtake them all. ",ECCLESIASTES 9:11; JOHN 9:4;,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,9/21/2014
"FLIRTING,","""The game that interrupts marriage.""",Flirt with own mate. Flirting is not a game. ,EPH 5:28,ADRIAN HERRERA. ,Are You Really Making Jehovah Your Stronghold? ,18,bl,,9/8/2014
"STARVATION, STARVE, FOOD SHORTAGE, SPIRITUAL FAMINE, ","Picture in your mind a person who is starving to death.  The face is drawn, the eyes are like two glassy objects that do not blink. They just stare straight ahead.  The breathing is shallow; there is not enough strength to chase away the flies.  The muscles are gone and the skin hangs loosely on the bones.  We see this on TV quite often.  ",CONTRAST WITH CHRISTENDOM:  This is happening every day on a spiritual level.  Jehovah has promised to feed us.  The food is of the highest quality. We are spiritually fat and well fed.  ,"ISAIAH 65:1, 11, 12, 13; AMOS 8:11; ",FRANK BARTEL DO,Food At Proper Time,,bl,,9/8/2014
"FOOD AT THE PROPER TIME, RESPECT, APPRECIATION, SLAVE, STEWART, APPRECIATION FOR SPIRITUAL FOOD,","Years ago I learned a valuable lesson.  Never send a steak back to the kitchen.  Why not?  The chef will throw it onto the floor, and stomp on it, they put it back on and cook it some more and bring it back to you. You might say, ""that makes me sick.""  Yet, that's what often happens.","The faithful slave does not do that.  Neither the faithful Stewart.  They value God's word and spiritual food.  [A slave takes care of mundane things; A stewart is in a higher position.  However a slave might become a stewart by doing his job well.]  Others religious leaders do not have that respect for spiritual food, but they dirty it up and get people to eat it. ",MATTHEW 24:45-47;,DON BARTEL DO,FOOD AT PROPER TIME,,bl,,9/8/2014
"SPIRITUAL FOOD AT THE PROPER TIME, HARD TIMES, ",Today it may be difficult to have enough to have food for his family.  It is either buy food or gas or some other essential.,Never will that happen in Jehovah's family.  He always supplies what we need in a spiritual sense.,ISAIAH 72:16;,DON BARTEL DO,FOOD AT PROPER TIME,,bl,,9/8/2014
"SPIRITUAL FOOD AT THE PROPER TIME, STOCK UP, SUPPLIES, SCHOOLS,","When I was a boy my Mom would can tomatoes.  Hundreds of jars of tomatoes.  Also, peaches, beans, peas, apples, blackberries, muscadines, grape jelly and jams and preserves.  She had enough for the whole neighborhood.  When company would come, she would open up a jar of fruit or vegetables, or soup, sauce.  We had eggs and sometimes salt-pork or sugar-cured ham, and oatmeal for breakfast.  She would stock up, and we had plenty.",Jehovah has an organization like that.  We have a spiritual plenty stocked up for times of needs.  We have the school that are helping us stock up on spiritual food.  Young brothers and sisters are being trained for future needs.  ,MATTHEW 5:3;,BOBBY LAYMON,DO YOU APPRECIATE JEHOVAH'S PROVISIONS?,22,bl,,9/8/2014
"JEHOVAH, GROWTH, SMALL BEGINNINGS, SPIRITUAL GROWTH, DRAW, BAYNUN TREE, PLANTING SEEDS OF TRUTH,","When the truth reaches a receptive heart, it takes hold.  It may not seem like anything at all.  It is somewhat like a Baynun tree that grows in India, Hawaii, and other countries.  They may cover several acres.  However, when a little shoots drops down to take root, it is no larger than a hair.  That little hair soon become a strong support for the limb above it.  The growth is phenomenal.  ","The truth is like that.  It may be a small thing at first, but it grows rapidly in fertile soil.  The human heart.  Never sell Jehovah short when you plants seeds of truth.","1 CORINTHIANS 3:6, 7;",BOBBY LAYMON,,,bl,,9/9/2014
"MENTAL PERMAFROST, TAKING IN KNOWLEDGE, APPLY, PENETRATION, DEPTH, GROWING,","As an illustration, consider permafrost, the permanently frozen ground in the Arctic and in other regions where the average temperature is below freezing. The soil, rocks, and groundwater freeze into a solid mass, sometimes to a depth of 3,000 feet [900 m]. In the summer, thawing may occur in the surface soil (called the active layer). However, this thin layer of thawed soil is usually muddy because moisture cannot drain into the permafrost below. Plants that grow in the thin top layer are often small or stunted; their roots cannot penetrate the permafrost. ‘What,’ you may wonder, ‘does permafrost have to do with whether I am growing in knowledge of Bible truth?’","Permafrost well illustrates the situation of one whose mental powers are not actively involved with taking in, remembering, and using accurate knowledge. The person likely has the mental capacity to learn various subjects, including Bible truth. He studied “the elementary things of the sacred pronouncements of God” and may have qualified to be baptized, as did those Hebrew Christians. He might, though, not “press on to maturity,” to things beyond “the primary doctrine about the Christ.” Hebrews 5:12; 6:1. Visualize some of those Christians at meetings back then. They were present and awake, but were their minds involved in learning? Were they actively and earnestly growing in knowledge? Perhaps not. For the immature ones, any involvement in meetings took place in a thin active layer, as it were, while below was a frozen depth. The roots of more solid or complicated truths could not penetrate into this region of mental permafrost.  It could be similar with a Christian today. While present at meetings he may not use those occasions to grow in knowledge. What about actively sharing in them? For a new or young one to volunteer to read a scripture text or give a comment in the words of the paragraph may take considerable effort, reflecting a fine and commendable exercise of his capacity. But Paul showed that with others, in view of the time they had been Christians, they should advance beyond that initial stage of participation if they want to keep growing in knowledge.—Hebrews 5:14.  If an experienced Christian never progressed beyond simply reading a Bible verse or making a basic comment straight from the paragraph, likely his participation came from the top “active layer” of his mind. Meeting after meeting could pass with the depths of his mental potential remaining in a frozen state, to continue our illustration of permafrost. We should ask ourselves: ‘Is it that way with me? Have I let a kind of mental permafrost set in? How mentally alert and interested in learning am I?’ Even if we are uncomfortable with our honest answers, we can begin now taking steps to grow in knowledge.  Individually we can apply the suggestions in paragraph 8. No matter how long we have been associated with the congregation, we can resolve to press on to maturity and greater knowledge. With some that will mean preparing for meetings more diligently, perhaps reviving habits that were followed years ago but that slowly lapsed. As you prepare, try to determine what the key points are and to understand unfamiliar scriptures that are used to develop lines of reasoning. Look for any new angle or aspect in the study material. Similarly, during the meeting, try to apply within yourself suggestions mentioned in paragraphs 10 and 11. Strive to be alert mentally, as though keeping high the temperature of your mind. That will counteract any tendency for “permafrost” to set in; this conscious effort will also thaw any “frozen” condition that may previously have developed.—Proverbs 8:12, 32-34.","MATTHEW 13:5, 20, 21; ISAIAH 40:24; HEBREWS 5:14;",w93 8/15 pp. 15-16 pars. 16-21,GO ON GROWING IN KNOWLEDGE,,bl,,9/8/2014
"APPRECIATION FOR SPIRITUAL FOOD, DETAILS, NEVER SKIMPY, ","HOME 1.  A man comes home from work.  What are we having for supper, Honey?  We are having Filet Mignon, smothered with onions and mushrooms, butter and sour cream, for dessert we are having German Chocolate cake, fresh brewed coffee and ice cream.  He says, ""OH! NOT AGAIN! HOME 2.  We are having Pork Chops, smothered in gravy, some greens and fresh cornbread, and for dessert we're having your favorite, sweet potato pie with ice cream on top.  He says, ""OH! NOT AGAIN! HOME 3.  We are having Pasta tonight with some wonderful red sauce, Italian sausage and meatballs.  Fresh made garlic bread on the side we are having stuffed mushrooms, Inca palomata and for dessert we are having a special coffee and fresh cannolis.  You guessed it!  ""OH! NOT AGAIN! ","The Watchtower is the same every week, but the details are different.  How many remember the name of the Study article last week?  Count.  What was the Theocratic Ministry School last week?  What was our talks about tonight?  The food may be the same, but the details are different.  We need to appreciate the details. ",MATTHEW 24:15-17;,DON BARTEL DO,FOOD AT PROPER TIME,,bl,,9/8/2014
"DEATH IS NEAR, LIFE IS NEAR, FOREVER,",You hear people saying all the time that 'death is near.',Not for Jehovah's people.  'Life is near.',"PSALM 37:10, 11.",DON BARTEL DO,FOOD AT THE PROPER TIME,,bl,,9/8/2014
"MAKE THE TRUTH YOUR OWN, DIFFERENCE FROM KNOWING THE TRUTH, GOD ORIENTED,","Two people are drawn together; they meet and are getting to know each other. In time they make a commitment to each other and become engaged.  Later they marry and spend their lives together.  They have made their mate their own.Or, you are learning a Foreign language.  When does it become your own?  People who study languages say, ""It is when you begin to think in that language.""  Sometime you hear a brother giving a talk in your language and he stops, pauses and thinks.  He is having to translate it from his mother tongue.  He has not yet made your language his own.HOW TO TELL IF YOU ARE MAKING THE TRUTH YOUR OWN.  BELOW.","1. What drew you to the truth.  Paradise, people, future. (that's not wrong)  When we start telling others, we make it our own. (one woman said, ""I'm saved!""  What about the others on the street?  ""I don't care about them.  I'm saved.""  She had not made the truth her own.  ""Are we givers or takers?""2. In ancient times people faced the Sun to tell direction.  Became oriented.  Could tell North, South, East and West.  Are we truly God-oriented?  In tune with.  Forty thousand disfellowshipped each year.  They are not God-oriented.  How could a person enjoy fornication if he knew God was watching.  Would have to push God, Back, Back, Back. Joseph was God-oriented.  Gen 39:9  Hebrews 4:13; Do something and hide.  Same mentality. Hebrews 11:27 Moses was God-oriented.3. Do we truly submit to God's Sovereignty? We Inherited tendency to be morally independent from God.  Youth feel the truth is too restrictive.  Is it? If a person don't want to do what is right; I want to do what's wrong, then the problem is with me.  Ps 119: 9-11, 22, 45, ",MATTHEW 20:35; GENESIS 39:9;,DONALD AMY DO,MAKE THE TRUTH YOUR OWN,,bl,,9/9/2014
"GOD IS REAL, GOD-ORIENTED, HAPPY, REPLY, TAUNTING, ","A young man, about 3 year-old, would turn the meetings into a farce.  He would not settle down.  God was not real to him.  His parents were beside themselves to correct him.  The circuit overseer decided to try to help him see that God was real. When he would do something wrong, he would make a terrible face and say, ""Jehovah is unhappy.""  When he would do something good the circuit overseer would smile big, and say, ""That made Jehovah really happy.""","The parents joined in and kept that up all week long and by the end of the week he was completely a changed person.  When he was told to wear mittens when he went outside, he even asked, ""Does Jehovah wear mittens?""  He was starting to see Jehovah as a real person and to make him his own.","PROVERBS 27:11; PSALM 78:40, 41;",DONALD AMY,MAKE THE TRUTH YOUR OWN,,bl,,9/8/2014
"RESTRICTIVE, PROTECTION,","At the top of the WORLD TRADE CENTER.  (NO LONGER THERE)  There is a 10 foot fence with razor wire at the top, where you cannot look down.  This fence keeps you from the edge of the building.  Your are angry.  Someone has restricted my view.  Or you can look at it another way.  It is a protection.  It depends on my attitude.","But that is a bad illustration.  When it comes to walking away from the truth there is no 10-foot fence.  There is only an imaginary line to keep one from walking away into danger.  It could be more like a painted line around the top of that building.  Suppose we nudge closer to the line, then over more and more, then mooR.....AHHH.","PSALM 78:40, 41;",DONALD AMY DO,MAKE THE TRUTH YOUR OWN,,bl,,9/8/2014
"BORING, UNHAPPY, PARTICIPATE, JOIN, ENCOURAGE, BORE, GIVERS, NOT TAKERS, ",A young man sat like this (demonstrate) all during the meeting.  He looked even more bored when I gave my talk.  Afterward I asked his father if we could talk with him.,"He was about 6 feet and 3 inches tall.  I said, ""How was the meeting?  Pretty boring, HUH?""  ""YEAH!"" He said.  ""You know if I came here without a Bible, Songbook, or Bible study aid I would be pretty bored also.  What if it was a basketball game, would you be bored?""  Oh! no.  Why is that?  I would be out playing and making shots.  ""What if they put you on the bench?  Would that be boring?""  Oh Yes!  I would have to watch all the others play.  ""Well, that is your problem at the Kingdom Hall.  You need to get off the bench."" After that he told his elders, I want to get off the bench.  He started participating, became a pioneer, and joined the Ministerial Training school.  Now serving in Northern Indiana.  Elders are going to need someone to replace them. ",MATTHEW 13:12;,DONALD AMY DO,MAKE THE TRUTH YOUR OWN,,bl,,9/8/2014
"LIMELIGHT, PIONEERS, ELDERS, SUPPORT GROUP, ","Pioneers, Elders, are often in the limelight. What am I?  Chopped liver?  All publishers make up the tremendous support for those in limelight.(1 Samuel 30:24) . . .Who would agree with you on this? The share of the one who went down into the battle will be the same as the share of the one who sat by the baggage. All will have a share together.”Paul agrees: (1 Corinthians 12:16, 17) . . .And if the ear should say, “Because I am not an eye, I am no part of the body,” that does not make it no part of the body. 17 If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be?. . .","That is almost comical.  Imagine everything is one large ear.  It is running around with little tiny feet.  Or a big eye running around, with no ear to hear.(Acts 10:46, 47) . . .Then Peter responded: 47 “Can anyone deny water to prevent these from being baptized who have received the holy spirit just as we have?”  How much do you know about all the other apostles.  Peter stood out.  Were they less than Peter.  Peter, James and John were kind of in the limelight, but the others, because of their faithful service, they are all in the Kingdom of Christ.","1 SAMUEL 30:9, 22-25; COL 3:23, 24; ",Bartel Frank DO,Who Will Be In The Limelight,,bl,,9/8/2014
"LIMELIGHT, ELDERS, SERVANTS, PIONEERS, PROUD, GOD'S VOICE AND NOT A MAN'S. ASSISTANCE, SUPPORT, ","At the convention and assemblies you will see elders giving parts.  Are they the only ones working hard.  Think of all the demonstrations and rehearsals, setting up the stage, microphones, sound, cleaning, the rooming arrangements.  How about the writing department, and others at Bethel.  We are equal.  We all have people assisting us.","We have some that are not flamboyant or noisy, but they are well respected in the Congregation.  They stay in the background.  They are not like Herod mentioned below.  Moses waited 40 years, but look at what a man he came out to be.(Acts 12:22, 23) . . .Then the people who were assembled began shouting: “A god’s voice, and not a man’s!” 23 Instantly the angel of Jehovah struck him, because he did not give the glory to God, and he was eaten up with worms and died.",ACTS 12:21;,FRANK BARTEL,WHO WILL BE IN THE LIMELIGHT,,bl,,9/8/2014
"LIMELIGHT, SUPPORT, HUMBLE, SUPPORT, ASSISTANCE, NOT JEALOUS, ","How many here have heard of Nathan H. Knorr?; Milton Henschel?; Freddie Franz?; Roy Ryan?  WHAT?  You have never heard of Roy Ryan who served in the same position for 30 years, and died faithful.","He was not in the limelight.  Yet he was faithful.  Like those in heaven, of 144,000 only 12 have their names written on the gates.  Did the others care?  NO!  No one is better than anyone else.  In God's new world, all will be in the limelight, because all will have proven faithful to Jehovah and gain everlasting life.","Revelation 21:10, 12,",FRANK BARTEL DO,WHO WILL BE IN THE LIMELIGHT.,,bl,,9/8/2014
"JEHOVAH'S WAR, FIGHT, ARMAGEDDON, SATAN, ","The date was December 7, 1941 when the President of the United States declared war on the nation of Japan.  It became known as WWII.  Jehovah himself declared war on Satan the Devil, in the Garden of Eden.  (Genesis 3:15) This war involves everyone on earth.  It is still going on.  We must endure 'fire-missiles' from the Devil.  (see below)  In the near future Jehovah will again declare war. ","Paul recognized he was involved in this war. (Romans 7:21)  5. Points if we are going to win:  1.  ENDURANCE,  2.  ZEAL,  3.  SUBJECTS OF THE KINGDOM, 4.  OBEY ALL INSTRUCTIONS ON CHRISTIAN CONDUCT,  5.  RESIST CORRUPTING INFLUENCES.*** it-1 p. 170 Arms, Armor ***Among the Romans, darts were made of hollow reeds, and on the lower part, under the point, there was an iron receptacle that could be filled with burning naphtha. The dart was then shot from a slack bow, as projecting it from a taut bow would put out the fire. Endeavoring to extinguish such a missile with water would just increase the flame, and the only way to put it out was by covering the destructive projectile with earth.","GENESIS 3:15; ROMANS 7:21; JUDE 3; REVELATION 16:14, 16;",FRANK BARTEL DO,PUT UP A HARD FIGHT OF THE FAITH,,bl,,9/9/2014
"GLORIOUS ONES, APOSTATE, ATTITUDES, HUMILITY, JUDE, ADJUSTMENTS, CHANGE DIRECTION,","Turn around, don't drown.  (regarding low-water bridges)  Sometimes we need to change directions.  Jude changed directions.  He wanted to write about something, but changed his mind due to circumstances.  Jude verse 3. (Jude 8) . . .Despite this, these men too are indulging in dreams, defiling the flesh, despising authority, and speaking abusively of glorious ones. Who are the 'glorious ones?'  Jehovah is the most glorious one.  Jesus Christ is next most glorious.  The faithful angels are glorious ones.  Is that all?  The elders on earth are also glorious ones.  ","Apostates:  Some were not humble enough to go in service.  In 1979 tried to demolished our view of service.  Changed words.  Ministry School.  Took away things that suggested sacred service.  We too, may have to make adjustments to keep ourselves in God's love.","JUDE 8; 19, 20;25;","BOB LAYMON, Bartel Frank DO",Put Up A Hard Fight for the Faith,,bl,,9/14/2014
"JOHNNY APPLESEED, SOWING, HARVESTING, PITY,","How many have heard of Johnny Appleseed?  He did not care about harvesting the apples.  All he wanted to do was plant seed.  No concern to water or cultivate.  Even forgot where they were located.  It is sad but many of the brothers feel the same way.  They just want to plant, never returning to harvest.  Only roughly about 20% return to harvest the fruit.  How many Bible studies do we have?  Like Johnny Appleseed they have no pity.","That is why Jesus said the harvest is great but the workers are few.  Only those who have pity for people return to harvest.  They feel for their own family members, but not those in the field.  Jesus said:  (Matthew 9:37, 38) 37 Then he said to his disciples: “Yes, the harvest is great, but the workers are few. 38 Therefore, beg the Master of the harvest to send out workers into his harvest.”  Do you know any Johnny Appleseed brothers?  Many brothers are interested in the sowing, but they don't care about the harvest.","Matthew 9:37, 38;",Baxter William  Bobby Laymon,Harvest Witnessing Jesus Methods,,bl,,9/14/2014
"LIVING NOT FOR SELF, GOD'S WILL, INDEPENDENCE, MEISM, ","Expressions from 80's and 90's: you have to love yourself; do your own thing; be assertive; don't judge; your do your thing and I'll do mine; you do you and I'll do me; If it feels good do it; look out for #1; take me as I am; free will; take control; strut your stuff; Get it while you can, everyone else does. Take me as I am, My way or the highway, unbalanced view of independence",People want everything now.  They are lovers of themselves. These may be modern expressions but this spirit of self-will and independence go back to the Garden of Eden.  ,ROMANS 1:24-32; GENESIS 3:1-6; 2 TIMOTHY 3:1-5;,"MELVIN MALLET, CO, Bob Laymon ","LIVING NOT FOR SELF, BUT TO DO GOD'S WILL",8,bl,,9/14/2014
"ADVANCEMENT, TIED TO JEHOVAH, KEEP UP, LANGUAGE, JW.ORG, NEW TERMS, ","Imagine a little man on a high clift.  The ledge he is on is only a few inches wide.  What would happen if he slipped?  What is the most important piece of equipment he has?  Balance? Yes, but even more.  He has a rope you probably can't see from your distance.  It is secured to a large rock above and his body (not his neck) below.  He keeps that rope in good condition.  He replaces it quite often because his life depends on it.  ","What about us?  Are we tied securely to our rock, Jehovah?  Are we keeping up?  Is our equipment out-of-date?  (Do we still use terms like back calls, incidental witnessing, district conventions?) Some of our new terms: JW.ORG; QR CODE; QR READER; QR SCAN; PUBLIC WITNESSING; PUBLIC WITNESSING CARTS; DISPLAY TABLE; TABLET; SMART PHONE; REGIONAL OVERSEER; REGIONAL CONVENTION; LDC LOCAL DESIGN CONSTRUCTION; CHRISTIAN CONGREGATION OF JEHOVAH'S WITNESSES; FAITHFUL AND DISCREET SLAVE instead of branch or society. Braille notetaker files: (BRL) BRL: Braille Through Remote Learning; (2) Screen reader files: A screen reader is a computer program that audibly reads the text as it is displayed on a computer screen. Rich Text Format (RTF); EPUB; MOBI; (for Kindle) and PDF; NOTETAKER, BRL, Rich Text Format (RTF) MP3; MP4; AAC; “using display tables and mobile literature carts.”",ISAIAH 60:22;,BOBBY LAYMON,LOCAL NEEDS,,bl,,9/14/2014
"KNOWING, KNOWLEDGE, SENSITIVE, RELATIONSHIP, FRIENDSHIP, BOND, ATTACHMENT, INTIMATE, ","You are driving along in your car, and you start to say something, and your wife beats you to it.  How did she know what you were going to say.  She knows you.  ","John 17:3 YOU! Not taking in knowledge; but their coming to know you. Knowing Jehovah as a real person.  David said: (2 Samuel 22:3) . . .My God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, My shield and my horn of salvation, my secure refuge And my place to flee, my savior; you who save me from violence.That rock is immovable.  Are you tied to the rock?  Nothing can take us out of the truth.  ",JOHN 17:3; 2 SAMUEL 22:3;,PHIL HAYWORTH,How well do you know God?,1,bl,,9/14/2014
"INDEPENDENCE, SELF WILL, GOD'S WILL, GOOD AND BAD, CAUTIOUS, LOOK, TOUCH, EAT, LIKE GOD,","Why most cautious:  Have you ever tried sneaking up on a deer?  They are pretty cautious.  Probably tame in the ""Garden of Eden"" At least, from the woman's point of view, the serpent was the most cautious.  As she was examining the serpent, who was the serpent examining?  Acted cautious to the woman.  Is it really so?  ""may"" eat.  Where did she get ""you must not touch it?""  In verse 2:17 God had said you must not EAT it. There was only one other person present to tell her this.  Adam must have wanted to safeguard his wife and told her that.  To be on the safe side, don't TOUCH it.  Genesis 3:3","Eve already knew the difference between right and wrong.  Gen 3:5;  ""like God."" Nobody tells God what is good and bad.  Adam is telling her what she cannot TOUCH, and God is telling you what you CANNOT EAT.  Satan is telling her, you need to think for yourself.  YOU CAN BE LIKE GOD.  She fell, hook, line and sinker.  She was deceived, and people are still being deceived to follow a self-willed course of independence.",Genesis 3:1-6; ,MELVIN MALLET CO,LIVING NOT FOR SELF BUT TO DO GOD'S WILL,8,bl,,9/15/2014
"CONSEQUENTLY, PUNISHMENT, WARNINGS, INDEPENDENCE, SELF WILL, ","THREE ILLUSTRATIONS FOR CONSEQUENTLY:  1. (under 12) Mom told me to clean my room.  I did not.  Consequently, she took my games away, consequently, she took away my fun. consequently I have to go to bed early, consequently I can't watch t.v.2. (Teenager) Don't be alone with the opposite sex.  I didn't listen to this counsel, consequently I'm going to be somebody's Mommy.  Consequently I'm going to be somebody's Daddy.  Consequently I have a bad conscience now.  consequently I have to talk to my parents, consequently I have to talk to the elders, consequently others are going to find out.  3.  (Adults) The faithful slave says, Don't get so busy with life; trying to make it big; Don't let things keep you from meetings.  Don't spend all your time pursuing material things.  I did not obey.  Consequently we keep hearing the same things over and over. Consequently we lose our good standing with Jehovah.  Consequently, we could lose out on everlasting life as Adam and Eve did. READ GEN 3:6;","Eve saw the tree was good for food, so what?  That was not the issue.  Tree represented God's right to tell people what they could do.  She discovered something that was not even important.  Yes, the tree was good for food and that it was something desirable to the eyes, yes, the tree was pleasing to look at.  She had seen that tree many times before.  She knew its location.  How come she just realized that.  She saw a way for independence and she took it.  Adam like a little whipped pup ate some too.  She was now taking the lead.  She was now living for her self.  Independence. Really so?  That's what people try to do with us?  Do you have to go to all those meetings?  Don't you ever get to have fun.  Satan raised doubt. Who was telling the truth?  God said ""otherwise you will die.’” Gen 3:3; I look around everywhere and I don't see Eve.  Why?  She's dead.  she died. In Gen 3:5; ""For God knows"" Satan tried to put it on God's shoulders.  If you marry out of the truth, it's going to work out, they say.  2 Cor 11:3 ""seduced.""  deceived but seduced.  MEANS: charm, allure, make attractive, Devil made independence from God attractive.",GENESIS 3:1-6; 2 CORINTHIANS 11:3; ,MELVIN MALLET CO,Living not for self but to do God's Will,8,bl,,9/14/2014
"INDEPENDENCE, SELF-WILL, SMOKING, WORLD'S SPIRIT, DARKNESS MENTALLY, ","You go into a restaurant and there is a section marked ""NO SMOKING"": put me in no smoking section.  They make you walk thru the smoking section, you see the smoke; It's near the food.  You can smell the smoke.  What happens?  They seat you a few feet away in the NO SMOKING section. The smoke curls up and drifts right toward the no smoking section.  Smoke only knows one thing.  'go where there is no smoke.' ","The world is like that.  It only knows to do its own thing. The world is in darkness mentally. (Ephesians 4:17, 18) . . .So this is what I say and bear witness to in the Lord, that you should no longer go on walking just as the nations also walk, in the futility of their minds. 18 They are in darkness mentally and alienated from the life that belongs to God, because of the ignorance that is in them, because of the insensitivity of their hearts. (Ephesians 2:2) . . .in which you at one time walked according to the system of things of this world, according to the ruler of the authority of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience.","EPHESIANS 4:17, 18; ",BOB LAYMON,LIVING NOT FOR SELF BUT TO DO GOD'S WILL,8,bl,,9/15/2014
"INDEPENDENT THINKING, SELF-WILL, SELFISH, IMPROVEMENTS, ORGANIZATION, SATAN'S SNARES, BURDENSOME, ","Boy, prayed that Armageddon doesn't come until he gets his driver's license.  Think of that!  All people sick, dying, in pain together and here he is only thinking of himself.  That is the way the world thinks. Jehovah has lightened the load for us in many ways. 1 Jo 5:3; not burdensome.  ","District Conventions (REGIONAL) used to be 8 days; Circuit assemblies 3 days.  Watchtower study, you never knew when you were going home.  When the conductor got thru.  Our meetings have all improved.  1 Peter 5:8; don't think of as serpent anymore, but as a roaring lion.  Ready to devour.  Flock of sheep; big head to ground; ROAR! Stampede out of pen, and he has them.  I'll be better out there.  wrong.  Be aware of Devil's tactics.",1 JOHN 5:3; 1 PETER 5:8;,MELVIN MALLET CO,,,bl,,9/14/2014
"INDEPENDENCE, SELF WILL, JEHOVAH'S WILL, GROWTH, KNOW JEHOVAH, BAPTISM, DEDICATION, ","Couple on my left, getting married; They are deeply in love.  It is the happiest day of their life.  In 1 year, it has changed.  Not quite as close.  2 years, it has weakened more, 3 years they are ready to break up.  CONTRAST couple on my right.  Like the other couple they are deeply in love.  It is the happiest day of their life.  At the end of the first year,  their love and marriage has improved even more.  When the second year rolls around their bond has strengthened.  Likewise with each passing year they grow more secure and in love with each other.","We are united with Jehovah.  Our baptism was the 'Best day of our life.'  Will we grow closer?  (Psalm 40:8) . . .To do your will, O my God, is my delight, And your law is deep within me.",PSALM 40:8,Angelo Manera DO,LIVING NOT FOR SELF BUT TO DO GOD'S WILL,8,bl,,9/14/2014
"DEDICATION, BAPTISM, SELF, INDEPENDENCE,","You are walking along the road and you notice a large, happy crowd picking blueberries.  It really looks like fun and you join them.  At the end of the day they all line up to get paid.  You picked as many blueberries as the others.  You worked hard right along side them.  Do you get in line?  Do you expect to get paid?  No!  You did not have a contract with the owner.  You were just pleasing yourself.","Likewise, we must enter into a contract with Jehovah God in order to receive the reward.  That contract is dedication and baptism.",ROMANS 12:2,BOBBY LAYMON,Living not for self but to do God's Will,8,bl,,9/15/2014
"COUNSEL, GRADUAL, SIN, TOO FAR, ","Suppose you drive down a certain road every day.  There is an old building that has a certain lean, or tilt to it.  You see it each day and it always looks the same.  Then one day it is gone.  What happened?  All those years it leaned further and further and it fell.  It was so gradual that you didn't notice.  It would be very hard or impossible to erect that building again.Counsel is like a line drawn in the sand.  Don't cross that line.  It is very hard to get back.","When we ignore counsel we gradually lean or tilt a certain direction.  If we keep it up we will one day fall. It is very hard to rebuild our relationship with Jehovah, and those we have failed of our Christian family.(2 Timothy 2:22) . . .So flee from youthful desires, but pursue righteousness, faith, love, peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a clean heart.",2 TIMOTHY 2:2; 1 Cor 5:11;,Dallas Tieking,LIVING NOT FOR SELF BUT TO DO GOD'S WILL,8,bl,,9/15/2014
"LOVE, PUPPY LOVE, DEVOTION, SUN RISES AND FALLS, DIVORCE, RELATIONSHIP, MARRIAGE,",Some think the sun rises and falls on someone they fall in love with.  Some lose that first love with their companion.  Some lose that first love with God.,"We should feel even stronger with Jehovah.  Sun does literally rise and fall at Jehovah's command.   What went wrong?  What did they lose.  That first love.  (Revelation 2:4) . . .Nevertheless, I hold this against you, that you have left the love you had at first.",Rev 2:4; ,BOBBY LAYMON,ARE YOU CONTENT WITH JEHOVAH'S PROVISIONS?,22,bl,,9/16/2014
"CONTENTMENT, CONTENTED, JEHOVAH'S PROVISION, ","Even though we are in the truth, sometimes we are the most discontented people on the earth.  Let's take a man who works for a living.  He says, I hate this job.  I need to move on.  I want to be a foreman, or a boss.  I am tired of people telling me what to do.  Women may not always voice it but sometimes get to feeling life is passing me by.  I want a job; I want to make something out of my life; make some money of my own and have job security. I want to be important.  start a business. Young person; who am I; I want to find myself. I want to check out the world.",If we have a relationship with Jehovah we can be happy in it.  Jesus had 3 1/2 years to live and what did he choose.  He lived the life Jehovah handed him here on earth.,1 Corinthians 7:20-24,Charles Sinutko CO,ARE YOU CONTENT WITH JEHOVAH'S PROVISIONS?,22,bl,,12/1/2014
"CONTENTMENT, GOOD WIFE, JEHOVAH'S PROVISIONS, AGE OF DISCONTENT,",What man would throw out corals or diamonds into the street.  (DISCUSS POINTS FROM PROVERBS 31:,"Some wives worry that their husband is going to leave her; she becomes discontent.  Not if you are following the guidelines here.  The men leaving his wife and children are much less than women who leave their husbands and children.(Proverbs 31:10, 11) . . .Who can find a capable wife? Her value is far more than that of corals.  11 Her husband trusts her from his heart, And he lacks nothing of value.","Proverbs 31:10, 11; REVELATION 12:12;",Charles Sinutko CO,ARE YOU CONTENT WITH JEHOVAH'S PROVISIONS,22,bl,,9/16/2014
"HAPPINESS, CONTENTMENT, JEHOVAH'S PROVISIONS, HAPPINESS SYNDROME, JOY, ","Many today are caught up in the ""HAPPY WHEN"" syndrome.  Their happiness is conditional. I will be happy when .... I finish school,  I will be happy when ...go back to school; I'll be happy when I have kids; I'll be happy when my kids are grown and gone; I'll be happy when I start working; I'll be happy when I stop working (retire).  I will be happy when I...get married, or  I will be happy when ...divorced;  I will be happy when ...buy a new suit,  I will be happy when ...new car,  I will be happy when ...become a ministerial servant,  I will be happy when ...I become an elder, ","For those who say that, happiness and contentment will never come.  Happiness is not an OUTSIDE job; it's an INSIDE job.  At Matthew Jesus talks about happiness to those who: mourn; mild-tempered, hungering and thirsting for righteousness, merciful, pure in heart, peacemakers.  Jesus shows here that anyone can be happy.  It's not about people, but Jehovah.  We can be happy under any circumstance when we are serving Jehovah.",Psalm 37:1-33; MATTHEW 5:1-11,Andrew Simms,ARE YOU CONTENT WITH JEHOVAH'S PROVISIONS.  What does it take to be happy?  ,22,bl,,12/21/2014
"CONTENTMENT, HAPPINESS, HEART OF WISDOM, LIFE, DAYS, FUTURE, YESTERDAY, TODAY, PRESENT,","It has been said, “Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, today is a gift of God, which is why we call it the present.” ― Bil Keane  ","IT IS A GIFT FROM JEHOVAH!  Today, and everyday is a gift from Jehovah.  Be thankful we have it. Use it wisely.  Appreciate it, now and forever.","PSALM 37:9-11, 29;",BOBBY LAYMON,ARE YOU CONTENT WITH JEHOVAH'S PROVISIONS?,22,bl,,9/16/2014
"MEISM, SELF, INDEPENDENCE, WORSHIP SELF, ","I want you to do something.  Look down at your clothes, and find a speck.  Everyone has some specks on their clothing.  Can you pick it up.  Now suppose I took my speck and started worshiping it.  Would you think I am a little out of my mind?  ",We are but a speck.  Can you imagine us worshiping ourselves?  That is what Meism is. Actually the nations are but a drop in the bucket or the film of dust on the scales.,1 KINGS 19:,BOBBY LAYMON,LIVING NOT FOR SELF BUT TO DO GOD'S WILL,8,bl,,9/17/2014
"3 FORMS OF HATE; HOSTILITY, LOATHING, LESSER LOVE; INFORMATION, PATTERN, THREE FORMS OF HATE,","1. INTENSE HOSTILITY; 2. LOATHING HATE; 3. LOVE TO A LESSER DEGREE, with no intent to harm.  Strong dislike with no intent to harm.  Many people love everything.  They don't hate anything.  ""No dragons on my horizons.""  ""I'm a lover, not a hater."" That is a problem with some people. They are lovers, not fighters.  They have never had the fire-resistant material materials built into them.  They don't have 'fire-resistant' materials built in.  A little opposition they just melt.  They 'belly-up.'  We need to teach them hate.","They come to the meetings but leave before service meetings.  Why?  They are lovers.  They don't want to use sword of the spirit.  They are lovers.  They come to the Public talk, but leave before the Watchtower study.  Why?  They are lovers.  They don't want to use sword of the spirit.  They are lovers.  They don't want to fight.  (1 Corinthians 3:12) . . .Now if anyone builds on the foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, or straw.  We are building qualities.  Quality we neglected the most is HATE.  1.  	What do many churches teach on this point?2.	Why do you suppose they teach contrary to God's Word.3.	How do you suppose God feels about churches teach contrary to God's Word.4.	What do you think about Churches that teach contrary to God's Word.(Ecclesiastes 3:8) . . .A time to love and a time to hate; A time for war and a time for peace.",LUKE 14:26; 3:8; 1 CORINTHIANS 3:10-14; PROVERBS 6:16-19; PSALM 97:10;,William Baxter CO,Hate What Jehovah Hates,,bl,,9/18/2014
"WAITING, DIVINE REQUIREMENT, ","Can you imagine Abraham 100 years old, sitting in a tent on a rock, bouncing Isaac up and down?  How many here are 90 years old?  How many of you are pregnant?  Waiting is a divine requirement.  We have waited 6,000 years for Genesis 3:15 to be fulfilled.  Noah waited 120 years until the flood.  Abraham waited until he was 100 years old to have a child by 90 year old Sarah.  Abraham's seed waited 400 years to receive the Promised Land, and then didn't appreciate it.  Punished and had to wait 70 years to return to their land.  (That is a lifetime for you and me) Jacob waited 7 years for Rachael.  Worked hard.  Wedding day came.  He tricked him.  Had to work another 7 years.  Job was willing to wait in the grave for Jehovah's promise.",Waiting serves a beneficial purpose.  NAME SOME THINGS WE ARE WAITING FOR.  (New heaven and new earth; Armageddon; Destruction of Babylon the great;  JEHOVAH IS WAITING!  For the benefit of people Jehovah is waiting.  How many have learned the truth in last 10 years?  5 years?  When did the generation Jesus spoke of begin?  How many years have we been waiting for that 'generation' to end?  What do we know about that generation?  (we don't know the end)   Does that bother you?  Should not!,GENESIS 3:15; GENESIS 9:18; HEBREWS 6:15; MATTHEW 24:36;,David Biegler  CO,Can You Wait,,bl,,9/18/2014
"WAIT SILENTLY, COMPLAIN, MURMUR, WAITING, PATIENCE, SELF-CONTROL, WAITING ATTITUDE, ","Have you ever noticed that children can't wait.  You tell them, ""I will buy you a bike in 2 months when I get my bonus.""  Or ""I will buy you a nice necklace when I get my bonus in 2 months.""  That's the last time you will hear about it for 2 months.  Right?  They may even completely forget about it.  Wrong!  I don't think so.  You will probably hear about it every day.  They may have to wait, but they won't do it in silence.  Are there adults like that?","We have to wait a lot. Waiting is a Divine requirement.  HOW SHOULD ONE WAIT?  (Psalm 62:1) says, "". . .Indeed, I wait silently for God. My salvation comes from him.""  Are we like a child, complaining, murmuring, waiting impatiently, or are we silently waiting for Jehovah's promises.",Psalm 62:1; 2 PETER 3:13; ,BOBBY LAYMON,,,bl,,9/18/2014
"ADAM, EVE, SATAN, FALSEHOOD, LYER, DEVIL, LIE, ACCUSE, ACCUSATION, GOSSIP, ",Have you ever been around someone who is a finger pointer?   ,Who are they imitating?  Adam? Eve? Satan?  It could be any one of them.,Genesis 3:1-6;,Melvin Hood,,,bl,,9/19/2014
"INSIGNIFICANT, JEHOVAH'S ORGANIZATION, MOVING, PROGRESS,","Have you ever felt insignificant?  Like a fly on the wall?  Imagine a coal train with 100 cars. We are one of these cars.  We get unhooked from the ones in front of us.  We don't get there, then many are left behind.","That is why we need to stay in the truth and keep moving with Jehovah's organization.  Keep us with suggestions from the Faithful Slave.(1 Timothy 4:16) . . .Pay constant attention to yourself and to your teaching. Persevere in these things, for by doing this you will save both yourself and those who listen to you.",1 TIMOTHY 4:16;,SONNY IKERD,,,bl,,9/18/2014
"DOES GOD REQUIRE TOO MUCH, WORK, LABOR, PREACHING, SLAVE FOR THE MASTER OF THE HARVEST,","If you worked for an employer who required too much, would you invite a friend to apply for a job.  Probably not.  Jesus invited us to apply for work in the harvest.  Why?  The wages were good, and the labor was refreshing and future benefits and rewards are great.","(Matthew 11:28-30) . . .Come to me, all you who are toiling and loaded down, and I will refresh you. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am mild-tempered and lowly in heart, and you will find refreshment for yourselves. 30 For my yoke is kindly, and my load is light.”",MATTHEW 9:38; 11:28-30; ,BOBBY LAYMON,Slave for the Master of the Harvest,66,bl,,9/20/2014
"DOES GOD REQUIRE TOO MUCH, NECESSARY ITEMS, UNNECESSARY ITEMS, BOOK BAGS, CLOTHING, ","How much have you paid for non-necessary items.  What if you added up all the unnecessary items you have bought in your lifetime, how much money would that be?  Toys, electronic gadgets, cars, musical instruments, telephones, furniture you hardly use, clothing, shoes, the list could be long and expensive.","God never required his servants to have anything they didn't need, or cannot get enjoyments from.  We need literature bags, clothing fit for service, perhaps suitable transportation, or money to contribute to others.  Compare what is God requiring vs. what we ourselves require.  Does God require too much?",Matthew 11:28-30,BOBBY LAYMON,Slave for the Master of the Harvest,66,bl,,9/20/2014
"PRACTICE, DOES GOD REQUIRE TOO MUCH, SLAVE FOR THE MASTER, MIND, THINKING, ORGANIZE CALLS, TIME,",Violinist Nathan Milstein is said to have once asked his teacher Leopold Auer how many hours a day he should be practicing. Auer responded by saying “Practice with your fingers and you need all day. Practice with your mind and you will do as much in 1 1/2 hours.”,"Our service to Jehovah can be like that as well.  Sometimes we can use our minds; organize our calls, make time count, and accomplish more than hard work.",1 Corinthians 9:27,BOBBY LAYMON,Slave for the Master of the Harvest,66,bl,,9/20/2014
"DOES JEHOVAH REQUIRE TOO MUCH, SERVICE, ENJOYMENT, REFRESHMENT, STEWARDSHIP ENTRUSTED, ","Many of Jehovah's Witnesses really enjoy the service.  Others say, ""I DON'T LIKE IT!""One brother said, ""it's not natural, I will be glad when it's over, and I hope you get the last door.""","LIKING IT IS NOT A REQUIREMENT!  We need to do it anyway.(1 Corinthians 9:16, 17) . . .Now if I am declaring the good news, it is no reason for me to boast, for necessity is laid upon me. Really, woe to me if I do not declare the good news! 17 If I do this willingly, I have a reward; but even if I do it against my will, I still have a stewardship entrusted to me.","1 CORINTHIANS 9:16, 17;",BOBBY LAYMON,Slave for the Master of the Harvest,22,bl,,10/12/2014
"BENEFITS OF BEING JEHOVAH'S WITNESSES, FRIENDS, FREE FROM BABYLON, TRUTH, WAR, ",The world says if you have five friends that's a lot.  If you are one of JW and only have 5 friends you have a personality problem.  We have 7 million plus.  You can't buy friends.  ,"Benefits:  How much is it worth to be free from Babylon; To start with 10% of your money.  Holidays: We have learned they began in paganism.  Saved a lot of money by not having to celebrate them.  Free from worry: am I going to have to burn in hell forever?Knowledge to not take up arms:  We learned that it is not required, but is condemned in God's Word.  Think of parents and widows that are saved the heartache of loved ones being killed.  True friends.  They cannot be bought with money.  Clean conscience.  Sins blotted out.  Mistake; know how to get forgiveness.  Preaching, is best protection.  We know where we are in the stream of time.  ",ISAIAH 2:4;,Timothy Brooks DO,True Friendship With God and Neighbor,100,bl,,9/20/2014
"VIEW OF PREACHING WORK, JOY, DUTY, PRIVILEGE, CARL KLINE, ","""We should view the preaching work like a man kissing his wife.  It is both a duty and a privilege.""  Quote Carl Kline As told by Timothy Brooks, District Overseer","What a great duty and privilege we have in preaching the Good News of God's Kingdom.(Luke 1:41-44) . . .Elizabeth heard the greeting of Mary, the infant in her womb leaped, and Elizabeth was filled with holy spirit 42 and loudly cried out: “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruitage of your womb! 43 So how is it that this privilege is mine, to have the mother of my Lord come to me? 44 For look! as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the infant in my womb leaped for joy.",LUKE 2:10; MATTHEW 11:12; LUKE 1:41-44;,Timothy Brooks DO,You Can Find Joy in Serving God,103,bl,,9/22/2014
"PARADISE EARTH, SKILLS, BEAUTY, TALENTS. BENEFITS, JOYS, FUTURE, EXPLORE, ADVENTURE, LAZY,","If you could see a picture of yourself, say 300 years into the paradise earth.  What would you like to be?  A violinist, help Beethoven learn to play better.  Maybe a painter, and when Michelangelo comes back from the dead, you can give him a few tips on painting.  Maybe you would like to play a guitar.  You could sit down with Chet Atkins after his return and teach him how to play better.  What if you lost a child, and you could hold him in your arms once again.  What would that be worth?  ","So many good things will be going on in the new system of things that there just will not be any room for monotony. No one will be lazy. As we teach others, there will be unending new things to learn and to enjoy. (Isa. 11:9) Think of the fields to explore. Advanced knowledge of physics and chemistry will enable man to utilize fully the resources of this earth, and this without the pollution and disposal problems that face this present generation. Architects, planners and builders will be able to use their talents to the full. There will be time, too, to perfect skills in what today are termed the fine arts, and to enjoy these fully: The finest music, with no taints of immorality,",ISAIAH 11:9; 65:22;,w73 2/1 p. 79 par. 16,Overcoming Fear of the Future,108,bl,,9/20/2014
"OBEDIENCE, LIKE, LOVE, WANT TO PLEASE, IMPRESSION, PREACHING, CONDUCT, ","Let us say you are a young man in your later teens.  Your sister, almost your age has a beautiful young girl friend who visits all the time.  It is hard to keep your eyes off her.  Now, your sister asks you to run to the store and get her a bottle of shampoo.  You immediately say, ""Get it yourself.  Your lets are not broken.""  But let's reverse it.  The beautiful young lady friend asks you to get her a bottle of shampoo.  You would probably break your legs getting to the store and back.  Obedience depends on WHO ASKS.","How do you obey when Jehovah ask you to do something?  Through his written word he asks us to be obedient; preach the Word, have good conduct and many other things.  Do we obey or put him off.",ACTS 5:29;,BOBBY LAYMON,Whose Values Do You Cherish?,165,bl,,9/20/2014
"PREDICTIONS, EARTHQUAKES, CAUSING, BLAME, ","Some people say that since Jesus predicted the earthquakes, he is the cause of them.  That is no more so than the weatherman who predicts rain or stormy weather.  He can predict them but he does not cause them.  Although sometimes he gets the blame.","Jesus had foreknowledge.  There have been more earthquakes and great signs since 1914 than all the time before.  Some are caused by poor planning.  Despite having knowledge of the frequency of earthquakes, people choose to build and live in danger areas, thus increasing causalities.  Some houses are like matchboxes. (Matthew 24:7, 8) . . .For nation will rise against nation and kingdom against kingdom, and there will be food shortages and earthquakes in one place after another. 8 All these things are a beginning of pangs of distress.","MATTHEW 24:7, 8;",BOBBY LAYMON,“Acts of God”—How Do You View Them?,93,bl,,9/22/2014
"JUDGMENT, WEIGH, SCALES, ME′NE, ME′NE, TE′KEL, and PAR′SIN, WISDOM, LADY JUSTICE, ","We are familiar with bathroom scales and scales for weighing meat and other products.  In ancient time, scales were known for levers and weights.  There is also a scale of JUSTICE, that people are familiar with.  Lady Justice is most often depicted with a set of scales typically suspended from her right hand, upon which she measures the strengths of a case's support and opposition. She is also often seen carrying a double-edged sword in her left hand, symbolizing the power of Reason and Justice, which may be wielded either for or against any party.  Lady Justice has often been depicted wearing a blindfold. The blindfold represents objectivity, in that justice is or should be meted out objectively, without fear or favour, regardless of identity, money, power, or weakness; blind justice and impartiality.","Long before the modern era, Jehovah God used scales to symbolize justice.  An example is in the book of Daniel.  (Daniel 5:26-28) . . .“This is the interpretation of the words: ME′NE, God has numbered the days of your kingdom and brought it to an end. 27 “TE′KEL, you have been weighed in the balances and found lacking. 28 “PE′RES, your kingdom has been divided and given to the Medes and the Persians.”",DANIEL 5:8;,TERRY BRADSHAW,Human Rule—Weighed in the Balance,154,bl,,9/21/2014
"ACT OF GOD, UNFORESEEN OCCURRENCES, UNEXPECTED EVENTS, ","An example scenario could assume that an opera singer and a concert hall have a contract. The singer promises to appear and perform at a certain time on a certain date. The hall promises to have the stage and audio equipment ready for her. However, a tornado destroys the hall a month before the concert is to take place. ","Of course, the hall is not responsible for the tornado. It may be impossible for the hall to rebuild in time to keep its promise. On the other hand, it may be possible but extraordinarily expensive to reconstruct on such short notice. The hall would argue that the tornado was an act of God and excuses its nonperformance via impossibility or impracticability.",Ecclesiastes 9:11,BOBBY LAYMON,“Acts of God”—How Do You View Them?,93,bl,,9/22/2014
"ACT OF GOD, UNFORESEEN OCCURRENCES, UNEXPECTED EVENTS, ","A particularly interesting example is that of ""rainmaker"" Charles Hatfield who was hired in 1915 by the city of San Diego to fill the Morena reservoir to capacity with rainwater for $10,000. The region was soon flooded by heavy rains, nearly bursting the reservoir's dam, killing nearly 20 people, destroying 110 bridges (leaving 2), knocking out telephone and telegraph lines, and causing an estimated $3.5 million in damage in total. ","When the city refused to pay him (he had forgotten to sign the contract), he sued the city. The floods were ruled an act of God, excluding him from liability but also from payment.",ECCLESIASTES 9:11; ,BOBBY LAYMON,“Acts of God”—How Do You View Them?,93,bl,,9/22/2014
"ACTS OF GOD, UNEXPECTED EVENTS, ",WE CAN DEFINE ACTS OF GOD IN 1. LAW AND  2. IN BIBLICAL TERMS.3 CRITERIA:  1.  IN HARMONY WITH GOD'S PURPOSE.  2. PRECEDED BY ADVANCE WARNING.  3. ACCOMPANIED BY DIVINE DIRECTION FOR SURVIVAL.  ,EXAMPLE: NOAH'S DAY.  GENESIS 6:15  2 PETER 2:5; GOD'S PURPOSE PLUS ADVANCE WARNING.  THE ARK WAS A MEANS OF SURVIVAL.  DESTRUCTION OF SODOM AND GOMORRAH. ,ISAIAH 55:11; DEUTERONOMY 32:4; ,BOBBY LAYMON,“Acts of God”—How Do You View Them?,93,bl,,9/22/2014
"ACTS OF GOD, UNEXPECTED EVENTS, ","After a terrible storm, it seems that in spite of all the destruction, there is a feeling of refreshment and something good in the air.  ","After the ACT OF GOD at Armageddon, think how good it will feel in knowing that calamity will not rise up a second time.","PSALM 37:11-13, 29;  ISAIAH 35:1-6; ISAIAH 9:7;",BOBBY LAYMON,“Acts of God”—How Do You View Them?,93,bl,,9/22/2014
"PURSUE RIGHTEOUSNESS, GOOD, BAD, ","As a young man pursue young lady, he pays close attention to her.  He notices what she likes.  He tries to be near her.","In like manner, we need to pursue righteousness, become acquainted with it's ways.","Isa 5:20; Proverbs 15:9; 21:21; 2 Corinthians 1:8, 9; Leviticus 19:36;",BILL DRIES CO,,,bl,,9/29/2014
"Rightly Disposed for Everlasting Life, HEED WARNINGS, ","When Mount St. Helena erupted, a helicopter pilot looked down and saw a large mudslide coming down.  He flew ahead and tried to warn those below.  They laughed at him and waved him off.  They could not see the mudslide and took no precautions.","We are interested in warning those who are rightly disposed for everlasting life of the coming disaster at Armageddon.  Many, like the people at St. Helena fail to listen and act.""Rescue those who are being taken away to death, And hold back those staggering to the slaughter.""","PROVERBS 24:11; ACTS 13:48; REVELATION 16:14, 16;",Lewellen Lucas,,,bl,,9/30/2014
"DEATH, SICKNESS, NEAR DEATH, ","""I can smell my goose cooking but my popper hasn't come up.""  David Stamps ""It is better to be SEEN than to be VIEWED.""",An interview by Jim Kincaid at the Circuit Assembly.  Brother Stamps has severe cirrhosis of the liver and he is still fighting a long and hard battle with it.,ECCLESIASTES 9:5;,"David Stamps, David Kincaid, ",,,bl,,9/30/2014
"TACT, SPEECH, CAUTION, GOSSIP, OFFEND, ","""Speak your mind but ride a fast horse.""   ",It is best to think before you speak.,PSALM 34:13;,Sister Pfister,,,bl,,9/29/2014
"SALVATION, ARMAGEDDON, RIGHTEOUSNESS, SOUNDNESS OF MIND, ","""Get right or get left"".  ",We must live with 'soundness of mind.',Romans 7:21; 12:2;,Randy Avery,,,bl,,9/29/2014
"SOUNDNESS OF MIND, DEATH, DISASTER, ","Have you ever been driving along and hit a big pothole. It can completely throw you out of the road.  We need to get back onto the road, and in control.  There are also spiritual potholes we can hit with no warning.","Death can do that. Your best friend is gone.  We need to get back into control with our spiritual balance.  Attend meetings, go in service and spend time with our friends. ",Titus 2:12,Randy Avery,,,bl,,9/30/2014
"FLEEING FROM MATERIALISM, DEDICATION, BAPTISM, ","A couple goes into a jewelry store and he lets his fiancee pick out a wedding ring.  He has it wrapped nicely, pays for it, and then gives it to the clerk and says this is yours.  How would his fiancee feel?   ","How would Jehovah feel if we give Jehovah's time to our job, hobby or something else?",MATTHEW 6:32; 1 TIMOTHY 6:11;,Gary Divergo,,,bl,,9/30/2014
"FLEE FROM MATERIALISM, HIPPOPOTAMUS, MONEY, DECEPTIVE POWER, ","Just looking at it, it may not appear dangerous.  However, the hippopotamus is one of the most aggressive and unpredictable creatures in the world and, as such, ranks among the most dangerous animals in Africa.  Hippos are recognizable by their barrel-shaped torsos, enormous mouths and teeth, nearly hairless bodies, stubby legs and great size, adults average 1,500 kg (3,300 lb) and 1,300 kg (2,900 lb) for males and females respectively. Despite its stocky shape and short legs it can easily outrun a human, being capable of reaching 30 km/h (19 mph) over short distances. ","Money is like that. It may not appear dangerous, but that view is deceptive and dangerous.  ",1 TIMOTHY 6:11;,Gary Divergo,,,bl,,9/30/2014
"RANSOM, COVER, purchase, a reconciliation, a redemption, a propitiation, and an atonement, Equivalent","Have you ever tried to sleep under a blanket that was too short or too narrow?  It does not cover.  In the Hebrew Scriptures, the word for “ransom” (ko′pher) comes from a verb meaning “to cover.” ",Thus the ransom is sufficient to cover any sins that we may have committed.,Psalm 49:8; Daniel 9:24; Galatians 3:13; Colossians 1:20; Hebrews 2:17,JOE LAYMON,,,bl,,10/10/2014
"MIDDLE, HIGHWAY, SEXUAL RELATIONS, AUTHORIZED, ","It might be illustrated this way:  Did you ever notice the little crossovers in the middle of the highway?  Have you noticed the sign by them?  ""Authorized personnel only.""  It is wrong for some to use this crossover and OK for others.Some say that sex is the sin that was represented by the 'tree in the middle of the garden.'  That all sin is wrong.  ","(Genesis 2:24) . . .That is why a man will leave his father and his mother and he will stick to his wife, and they will become one flesh. So it is OK for a married couple to have sex, but wrong for authorized person to do so.  If sex is always a sin, then Jehovah would be a party to sin by telling them to reproduce and fill the earth.",GENESIS 2:17;,CARL BROWN ,,,bl,,10/10/2014
"TOOK NO NOTE, DAY OF JEHOVAH, ","Think of a date (give examples like baptism, marriage etc.)",There is a date in the future that is fear inspiring. ,2 PETER 3: 14; JOEL 2:11,RANDY AVERY,,,bl,,10/13/2014
"BLEMISH, INSIDE, SIN, HURTFUL DESIRES, ACNE,","As teenager, did you ever have a blemish come up.  You hate it.  However there is not much you can do about it.  The blemish is from within.","We must work on sins from within.(Matthew 15:19, 20) . . .For example, out of the heart come wicked reasonings, murders, adulteries, sexual immorality, thefts, false testimonies, blasphemies. 20 These are the things that defile a man; but to take a meal with unwashed hands does not defile a man.”","Matthew 15:19, 20; 1 TIMOTHY 6:9;",RANDY AVERY,,,bl,,10/12/2014
"SPOKESMAN, JESUS, POWER OF ATTORNEY, TRINITY, ","You can give someone power of attorney and they can do anything for you.  They can open a bank account, close an account, pay bills or decide your treatment in a hospital.","When Jehovah made Jesus his spokesman he gave him almost unlimited power.  Like the power of an attorney.(John 1:1) . . .In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was a god. ",JOHN 1:1,KENNETH GRABHER,,,bl,,10/14/2014
"GOOD FRUIT, BAD FRUIT, ASSOCIATION, APOSTATES, WASTE TIME, HARVEST, JESUS, ANGELS,",Have you ever watched squirrels pick up walnuts.  They don't bother with the bad ones.  One smell and they know.  They don't waste their harvest time.  They store and plant the good ones for the future.  What happens to the bad ones.  They just hang there or lay there and rot.  ,"What about us.  Are we that discerning and productive.  Jesus Christ and the angels are greatly concerned with the harvest.  Who are we hanging with?  Also with apostates, we quickly sniff them out and go to productive people.  (Matthew 9:37, 38) . . .Then he said to his disciples: “Yes, the harvest is great, but the workers are few. 38 Therefore, beg the Master of the harvest to send out workers into his harvest.”","Matthew 9:37, 38; 13:39;",Carl Brown,,,bl,,10/14/2014
"Debates, worthless time-consuming questions, Maturity, Grow up, ","How many angels can dance on the head of a pin?  ‘When is Armageddon coming?’ or, ‘Do you think man will ever live on Mars?’  'Can several angels be in the same place?'","(2 Timothy 2:23) . . .Further, reject foolish and ignorant debates, knowing that they produce fights. . .",2 Timothy 2:23;2 Pet. 3:18.,Ray Souza,,,bl,,10/14/2014
"NO TRESPASSING SIGNS, PROHIBIT, NOT TO EAT OR TOUCH, ","“NO TRESPASSING” signs are a common sight. Usually they are erected to protect the property or the privacy of the owner on whose place the “No Trespassing” signs appear. At times they are for the purpose of protecting a lawn. Government military installations often have “No Trespassing” signs for security reasons. Then again, a “No Trespassing” sign may be erected to protect a would-be trespasser from harm, as in the case of high-power electrical installations. He who fails to heed such signs might get into difficulty and might even harm himself.","For our own good the Bible contains what might be said to be many “No Trespassing” signs. For the first man Adam there was, in effect, a “No Trespassing” sign in regard to the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and bad, and Adam saw to it that Eve knew of the restriction. As Eve stated: “God has said, ‘You must not eat from it, no, you must not touch it that you do not die.’” Adam and Eve failed to heed that sign, with bad consequences to themselves and to their offspring. Yes, “by one man’s trespass many died.”","Gen. 2:16, 17; 3:1-19; Rom. 5:15; Ex. 19:12, 13;",g71 1/8 p. 3,,,bl,,10/14/2014
"EARTH, BANKRUPTCY, RUINING THE EARTH, PLANET'S FUTURE, ","There are different forms of bankruptcy.  ""spiritual bankruptcy""; ""moral bankruptcy""; ""intellectual bankruptcy"" and now the earth is threatened with environmental bankruptcy.  Inability to discharge all your debts as they come due.","The creation account in Genesis concludes with the words: “God saw everything he had made, and look! it was very good.”  Truly, the earth is far too precious to end up in environmental bankruptcy. We are comforted in knowing that our planet’s future rests safely in the hands of our loving Creator, Jehovah God. He promises: “The righteous will possess the earth, and they will live forever on it.” (Psalm 37:29) May you be counted among “the righteous,” who will call earth their eternal home.",Genesis 1:31; Psalm 37:29; Revelation 11:18;,w14 9/1 pp. 3-6 ,,,bl,,10/14/2014
"ZONE OF LIFE, BIOSPHERE, SUPPORT LIFE, LIVING THINGS, ENVIRONMENT, ","What is the “zone of life,” or biosphere? According to NASA, it is “the portion of Earth and its atmosphere that can support life.” Like the shell of an egg, the biosphere is a very thin layer, or zone, that encompasses our planet.   ","The biosphere consists of living things and the environment—the atmosphere, the land, and the oceans—from which they derive the energy and nutrients needed for life. For instance, plants capture solar energy and use it to convert carbon dioxide, water, and minerals into oxygen and food. Humans and animals take in oxygen and food and return carbon dioxide and other matter to the system. And the cycle repeats itself. Thus, the biosphere can sustain life indefinitely.",Jeremiah 10:12;,w14 9/1 pp. 3-6 ,,,bl,,10/14/2014
"ASSOCIATION, WORLD, ","Let's say its 10 degrees outside, but it is nice and warm here in the Kingdom Hall.  You say, ""I am going to warm up the outside temperature so it will be comfortable.  You open the door to the Kingdom Hall to let the warm air out.  What are you chances of warming the outside? ","Likewise with association with those in the world.  You say, ""I am going to associate with them and they will warm up and learn the truth.""  I could happen, but the chances would be next-to-nothing.",1 CORINTHIANS 15:33;,JOE LAYMON,,,bl,,10/17/2014
"VARIETY, PERSONALITY, DIFFERENCES, ",Have you noticed all the different colors on the trees in autumn?,They are like the personality in people. All are different and all are beautiful in their own way.,EPH 4:11,SONNY IKERD,,,bl,,10/17/2014
"PORNOGRAPHY, SMOKING, DEGRADES, CALLOUS, ",Pornography does to your mind what smoking does to your lungs. It pollutes you. It degrades something that God created to be a powerful and lasting bond between two people. (Genesis 2:24) ,"In time, it can even cause you to become callous to what is right and wrong. For example, some experts state that men who regularly view pornography are more likely to have a callous attitude toward violence against women.",GENESIS 2:24;,JW.ORG,,,bl,,10/25/2014
"COLLECTIONS, VALUABLE THINGS, ANOINTED, OTHER SHEEP, KINGDOM HALL DEDICATION","People will collect about anything.  Stamps, dolls, coins, books, art, even washing machines.  They also have a display where they can show them to others.  It is usually attractive.","Jehovah also collects something.  He collects faithful people.  He displays them at the Kingdom Hall, and in the house-to-house ministry.  Jehovah's people are beautiful in his eyes.",HAGGIA 2:7;,NATHAN HOBBS,,,bl,,10/25/2014
"LIFE, MATERIAL THINGS, PRIORITY, RANSOM, MEMORIAL OF CHRIST'S DEATH,",A policeman calls you and says that a friend of your has been involved in an accident while driving your new car.  What is the first question that flashes through your mind?,"Life is always more important than material things.  That is Jehovah and Jesus view on life, as seen by the ransom.",JOHN 3:16;,NATHAN HOBBS,,,bl,,10/25/2014
"PETROLEUM, JOHN PAUL GETTY, EVERLASTING LIFE, DEATH, STABILITY, HOPE, RELATIONSHIP, ","THERE is a liquid, that once it is let out of the bottle dissipates into thin air.  It is a valuable commodity, and most people think of it as plentiful.  That is not true, because it is so unstable.  What is it?  Petroleum. ",However there is something that is stable. Our relationship with Jehovah.  It is something we never want to take for granted.,"ECCLESIASTES 2:4-7; PSALMS 103:15,16;",NATHAN HOBBS,IS THIS LIFE ALL THERE IS?,,bl,,10/26/2014
"MIXED THOUGHTS, CONFUSION, RELIGION, SATAN, ",We were trying to listen to a football game last night and the radio was coming in at two different stations.  It was very confusing and we had to find another station.,"Today's religions are like that.  People are hearing different things from different religions, yet still they listen.",1 JOHN 5:19;,SONNY IKERD,,,bl,,10/26/2014
"QUICKLY ACT, DISASTERS, EARLY WARNINGS, LEANINGS, TEMPTATIONS, DRIFTING, DESIRES, Volunteers","“Early detection of disease may save a person’s life. Similarly, we can avert disaster if we quickly identify tendencies that could lead us into temptation. As soon as we discover such leanings, it would be wise for us to take immediate action​—before we are “caught alive by [Satan] to do his will.” ","What should we do if we notice that we have allowed our thinking and desires to drift away from what Jehovah requires of us? Without delay, we must humbly return to him, open our ears to his counsel, and listen to him with all our heart. (Isa. 44:22)”",2 TIMOTHY 2:26;,"The Watchtower, August 15, 2014",,,bl,,2/25/2015
"CREATION, EVOLUTION, LIFE, ","“Imagine that you’re walking through a dense forest. Every evidence of a human being is miles away. You then look down and see a toothpick on the ground. What is your conclusion? Most people would say, ‘Someone else has been here.’ ","If something as small and insignificant as a toothpick is evidence of intelligent life, how much more so is the universe and all that’s in it!”",HEBREWS 3:4,JW.ORG,,,bl,,10/28/2014
"INFORMAL WITNESSING, PREPARED, READY, ",Many people carry an umbrella in case it rains. Being prepared to defend your beliefs is like being prepared for a change in the weather. ,"The Bible says that you should be “ready to make a defense before everyone who demands of you a reason for the hope you have, but doing so with a mild temper and deep respect.” (1 Peter 3:15) Therefore, give attention to two factors—what you say and how you say it.",1 PETER 3:15,JW.ORG,,,bl,,10/28/2014
"HAPPY FAMILY LIFE, CREATOR,","Consider: If you were enjoying a tasty meal and wanted to learn its ingredients, whom would you ask? Logically, the person who prepared it.  ","Likewise, to discover the ingredients for a happy family life, we do well to look to Jehovah, the Originator of the family arrangement.​—Genesis 2:18-24",GENESIS 2:18-24;,BIBLE TRACT,,,bl,,10/28/2014
"DEATH, RESURRECTION, CONQUER, ","Jehovah hates death; he views it as an enemy. (1 Corinthians 15:26) He has a longing to conquer that enemy, to undo death by means of the resurrection. ","He yearns to bring back those who are in his memory and to see them live on earth again.​—Job 14:14, 15","JOB 14:14,15",TRACT,,,bl,,10/28/2014
"Meism, self, God's will, ","""Me, myself and I, that's all I got in the end."" Quote: Beyonce Knowles - Me Myself And I LyricsSounds almost prophetic.  ",The course of wisdom is Jehovah's way.  The rewards cannot be compared.,Romans 6:22;,Bob Laymon,,8,bl,,11/16/2014
"PRAYER, HEART, HEAD, SINCERE, PREPARE PRAYER, "," Do we pray from the top of our head or do we pray from the bottom of our hearts.  David's prayer was prepared as incense.  This was a 4 part composition. We need to prepare prayers, so they do not become rote.  It characterizes that man. ","We need to prepare prayers, so they do not become rote.  It characterizes that man. Child's prayer, and it is so simple, from the heart.  Like their answers.  Cannot understand parents not teaching prayer.","PSALM 41:1, 2; Ex 30:34-38",Bob Laymon ,,,bl,,11/20/2014
"PASSWORD, RIGHT WORD, BATTLE OF THE BULGE, SHIBBOLETH, SIBBOLETH, ","Battle of the Bulge.  IN WWII.  What happened in Belgium?  They got hold of the uniform of the Allied powers, and used trickery.  In retaliation the Allies made a series of passwords.  One was Brooklyn.  They also had to know the countersign which was Dodgers.  Brooklyn Dodgers.  Many died because they did not know the password.During the time of the Judges, (Chapter 12) they used passwords. Some had a dialectic peculiarity.  They could not sound the hard syllable of the word.  Please say Shib′bo·leth.” But he would say, “Sib′bo·leth,” as he was unable to say the word correctly.  They were not allowed to cross the Jordon, but were put to death. ",Passwords are often made of Acronyms.  The first letters of a phrase.  We have a password.  It is PASSThe 1st letter is P for PRAYER.  It should be prepared as incense.  The 2nd letter is A for ASSOCIATIONS.  We must MEET at the KH.The 3rd letter is S for STUDY.  DAVID IN MOVING THE ARK OF THE COVENANT.  Had to learn how to do it correctly.The 4th letter is for SERVICE.,JUDGES 12:1-6;,Brother Illingsworth.,,,bl,,11/17/2014
"PRESENTATIONS, TONE, GOOD NEWS, POSITIVE","Do you own, or have you ever owned a dog?   Does it make a difference,  to the dog, how you call them?    For example,  If you had a dog biscuit in your hand and said: ‘Here Rover,  Cmon boy! Cmon boy!’   Get the biscuit!       would that get a better response than “Rover!  You… Get… Over…. Here  and  Eat  This  Biscuit!!!!      You can imagine how the dog would respond!","Now we aren’t comparing people to dogs, but it could  illustrate that how you approach anything or anyone,  will have an affect on how they respond. Notice how Isaiah 52:7……Our presentations should declare the good news of peace, not the bad news of calamity.Be positive, the tone of our presentations has a lot to do with the response of those we preach to.",Isaiah 52:7,JK,,,jk,,11/18/2014
"REPUTATION, IDENTITY, ","What do you think when you hear this name  Jim Rhodes?     He was from Indiana,  and he was in the same line of work as Jesse James.  Only he robbed a bank in a small town and was caught just  3   minutes after he did it.      You see, he just wasn't in that line of work long enough to get a reputation!!    An identity, a reputation is built up over a period of time.",We build up a reputation with God.,,JK,,,jk,,11/18/2014
"IDENTITY, PROOF, CHRISTIAN","   You know if you go into a store and try to buy something and write a check, they usually ask you for some form of ID.  A drivers license, etc.  But for some things you need and want to do you need more than one form of ID.  For a passport to another country, many times you need 3 or 4 forms of Identification.   A birth certificate, social security number, picture.",  So it is with our identity as a Christian.  The Bible says we need more than just one form of ID.Granting people a license to live forever is a lot more important and so Jehovah does insist on proper ID.,,JK,,,jk,,1/14/2015
"YOUNG, IDENTITY, YOUTH, PARENTS, RELATIONSHIP, FRIENDSHIP, ",You can’t go to the license bureau and get a drivers license for someone else!!  You can’t have someone else go take a picture and get a passport for you.,"So, you young people cannot have the identity of a Christian simply because your parents are believers.  Your parents can’t get you your license to live forever.  You need to have a personal relationship with God.  You must come to love  Jehovah on your own. ",,JK,,,jk,,1/14/2015
"LAWS, PRINCIPLES, GRAVITY, FREEDOM, INDEPENDENCE, RESTRICTIONS","There are some who would not agree with that, they would say that if you kept the Bible's standards, if you kept the laws in the Bible,  it would restrict you, you wouldn't have any fun.  It that true?    Do following laws laid down by God restrict our freedom to enjoy life?Let's take as an example the physical laws Jehovah has put in force, for example the law of GRAVITY. Like it or not, its a law. Most common people cannot get out from under the law of gravity. If you jump up in the air for a second or so you might or if you take a plane trip you can defy gravity for a couple of hours or so. But otherwise we are constantly affected by that law of gravity.","So, how do you feel about gravity?  Do you go around chaffing, complaining about it. This stupid law, I don't know why we always have to be under it!!  No!   We don feel restricted because of the law of gravity!    We know that if we didn’t have it we would all be dead!!!  No, in fact that law makes it possible for us to enjoy life on the earth. See, there's an example of a law that gives us more freedom, to move around and enjoy life on this earth, not less freedom! ",,JK,,,jk,,11/18/2014
"FEAR, FEAR OF JEHOVAH",Now it is possible to lose a fear of something. That can be good. For example if you had  ALEK TO RO PHOBIA people might think you were a little silly.  Fear of Chickens!  We'd want to lose that fear!,But the fear of Jehovah is a fear we never want to lose.  We want to keep proving that we have that fear.  To do that we need to put Jehovah first in your life.,,JK,,,jk,,11/18/2014
"FAME, POSITION, POWER, REPUTATION",There are names of people we recognize readily……..Julius Caesar…… Albert Einstein….Henry Ford…….Jesse James……..John Lennon.  The fact that everybody knows who they are….. does that help them any?  ,"They are all dead!!  And there is no indication that God was impressed with who they were and what they did!!!	The fact is that fame fades, and it cannot give life to its possessors",,JK,,,jk,,11/18/2014
"HAPPINESS, JOY, HELP, ","Well there is an old Chinese Proverb that gives a clue to happiness.  It goes this way.   (See if you can tell which one of these things are true)•	If you want to be happy for an hour, take a nap.•	If you want to be happy for a day, go fishing.•	If you want to be happy for a month, get married.•	If you want to be happy for a year, inherit a fortune.•	If you want to be happy for a lifetime, help others.","Now as to which of those things are true, we are only sure of one, the last one….. If you want to be happy for a lifetime, help others.",ACTS 20:35,JK,,,jk,,1/14/2015
"DEATH, LENGTH OF DAYS, ADAM, EVE, SIN, ","Just as you are driving and you take your foot off the gas pedal, it will keep coasting for a time. Adam lived on for 900 years like coasting from what had been a perfect life. ","“Although he confirmed the death penalty and the effects of sin began immediately, he allowed Adam and Eve to produce children who could benefit from other provisions that He would make. Thus, from God’s standpoint, Adam and Eve died on the day they sinned, and they actually died within one “day” of 1,000 years.​—2 Pet. 3:8.”",2 Peter 3:8;,JOE LAYMON,,,bl,,11/23/2014
"FUTURE, HOPE, ANSWERS, EXISTENCE","Sort of like the story of the man in a train depot. He noticed a large crowd around a goat. He inquired about what was wrong.  They said the  goat ate his 'destination' tag.  We don't know how he got here, why he is here and what is worse, we don't know where he is going.","In general people in the world have no real idea of what the future holds or what the meaning of life is,",,JK,,,jk,,11/23/2014
"GUIDE, GOALS, BIBLE, COPE, PROBLEMS, ","Can you think of what all of these things have in common?Marriage counselors?Compasses?Menus?Light houses?Travel Agencies?    They all are forms of guidance that men have relied on.  Yet, isn’t it true that in spite of those efforts at guidance:Marriages have broken up!People have gotten lost in the woods!Many have sent their meals back! Ships have run aground and sunk!People have had terrible vacations!","When it comes to guidance, people need a guide that not only provides sound direction for life, but also points out the way to cope with problems for which there are no apparent solutions.Who and what could provide that kind of guidance?Jehovah God is the Creator.  So, if we could see  his ability to give guidance in creation then we could trust the guidance of the Bible which he authored.",,JK,,,jk,,1/14/2015
"PEACE, DEATH, ", R.  I.  P.   Those are letters that are put on many tombstones.  They are abbreviations for REST IN PEACE.  ,"Unfortunately, for millions today the only peace they will find in their life, is death.",,JK,,,jk,,11/25/2014
"Hypnotism, Magic, Spiritism, Demons","Would you want to let another person control the life of your child, even for a short time? Great harm could come to your child.",Jehovah does not want his children controlled by others. Binding others with a spell or hypnotism would be like that.,Deuteronomy 18:10-12,Monica,The  Bible's View of Spiritistic Practices,95,cb,2/17/2005,11/27/2014
"Money, Materialism",Pursuing material things ahead of kingdom interests is like pouring water into a sieve instead of a pitcher.,Put kingdom first.,"1 Timothy 6:9, 10",Monica personal study,0,0,cb,2/16/2013,11/26/2014
"Pivotal Dates, Chronology","It is easy to see the great value of pivotal dates. Example: Ask a woman when a certain event happened, and she will say, ""Let me think. That happened the year before we were married. Actually 11 months before, so it would have been...."" Or another even, she might say that it was the year our 3rd child was born.",Her marriage and the birth of her children are pivotal dates. From there she can calculate in both directions because she knows thses are absolute dates.,Daniel 5:30,Monica,0,0,cb,10/02/2003,11/26/2014
"Predestination, Fate, Jehovah's Personality",Believing that Jehovah would set Adam and Eve on a course of sin is like a parent buying a new car for his child and cutting the brake line.,Jehovah does not predetermine or foreknow every detail of everyone's life.,,Monica,0,0,cb,02/06/2012,11/26/2014
"TV, Television, Time, Association, ","When you are through using the hair dryer, do you turn it off?",Why not do the same when you are finished watching television? Why leave it on?,"Ephesians 5:15, 16",Monica,Renewing the Spirit of Self-sacrifice,69,cb,02/11/2001,11/29/2014
"Bible, Guidance, Car","If you found the original owner's manual in a classic car, would you think it was outdated, obsolete, or worthless? No. It would be very valuable.",The Bible is the original owner's manual for humankind.,2 Timothy 3:16,TMS in La Pine. OR,0,0,cb,06/25/2012,11/26/2014
Compassion,"Dwight Morrow once held a dinner party. One the guest list was Calvin Coolidge. After Coolidge left, Morrow told the remaining guests that Coolidge would make a good president. Others disagreed. They felt he was too quiet, lacked color and personality. No one would like him. Morrow's six-year-old daughter Anne spoke up, ""I liked him. She then displayed a finger with a small bandage around it. ""He was the only one at the part who asked about my sore finger."" Everyone laughed but Morrow ended the discussion by saying, ""And that is why he would make a good president..""",,,A Little Girl's Sore Finger by Mrs. Dwight W. Morrow,,0,cb,02/06/2012,11/26/2014
"Light, Dim, Anxiety, Seed, Morals, Zeal","reading a book by 100-watt light bulb. Bulb fails, immediately notice and replace. Conversely, someone replaces bulb with 95-watt. Would you notice the difference? Probably not. Next night, replace with 90-watt, etc. Likely not notice because light is diminishing gradually.","Influences of Satan's world cause our zeal to diminish little by little. As that happens, it is as if he succeeds in reducing 100-watt zeal for Jehovah's service to something less. We may not notice gradual change.","Mark 4:18,19",WT 04/15/2012 pg 17,,0,cb,06/25/2012,11/27/2014
"Blessing, Giving, Best",To fail to give our best to Jehovah is to deprive yourself of Jehovah's blessing.,,,Gary Wells-DO,,0,cb,05/24/2014,11/27/2014
Tact,Definition: Making a friend feel at home....when you wish he was.,,,Gary Wells-DO,,0,cb,05/24/2014,11/27/2014
"Change, Consequences, Mistakes",Definition of insanity: Doing the same thing and expecting a different outcome.,Be willing to consider your way of doing things is not the best way.,,Einstein quote,,0,cb,04/24/2013,11/27/2014
"Disciple, Salt, Light",Salt of the world and light of the world.,"Salt cannot preserve food if it is not mixed with the food item. A lamp cannot dispel darkness from a room if the lamp is kept away from that room. It is no wonder that Jesus never commanded his disciples to move to an isolated corner of the earth to establish communities of believers. Instead, as salt needs to touch food and light needs to dispel darkness, so Christians need to have an impact on the lives of others.",Matthew 5:13-16,WT 05/01/2012 pg 4,,0,cb,08/14/2013,11/27/2014
"Focus, Unity, Progress","If you are busy rowing the boat, you won't have enough time to rock it.",Working hard to do what we are suppose to be doing won't leave us any time to make problems for other people.,1 CORINTHIANS 15:58,Jay Merganthaler-comment during a WT study,,22,cb,01/01/2013,12/21/2014
"Glory, Fame, Earthly Treasure, Success",Professor F. Dale Bruner writes of such treasures: “It is well known that fame is fickle. Last Saturday’s hero is next season’s has-been. This year’s financial success is next year’s bankruptcy. . . . [Jesus] loves human beings. He urges them to avoid the inevitable despair that comes with evanescent glory. It doesn’t last. Jesus does not want [his] disciples [to be] disappointed. ‘Every day the world turns over on someone who was just sitting on top of it.’”,"Though most people would agree with those comments, how many allow the reality behind them to alter their approach to life? Will you?",Matthew 6:19-21,"WT 12/15/2012 pp 7,8 pars 13-15",,0,cb,,11/27/2014
"Heart, Personality, Conduct, Thoughts","You can sweep the dirt under the rug in the house, but the house is still dirty.","Must root out and totally change personality, habits, qualities, thoughts, feelings. Otherwise, they are lying in wait for an inopportune time to surface.","Ephesians 4:,22-24",Comment,,0,cb,07/22/2013,11/27/2014
"Income, Materialism","If your out go exceeds your income, then your upkeep will be your downfall.",Practical wisdom dictates we be realistic about what we spend.,,PSS 2007,,0,cb,04/27/2013,11/27/2014
Jesus,It would take more than a figure in history like Jesus to invent a Jesus.,"Could a group of men really coordinate their stories enough to compose a picture of Jesus, match history reports, and base their lives upon this information if he did not exist?",,DC,,0,cb,07/22/2013,11/27/2014
"Prejudice, Races, Brotherhood, Garden, Differences! Variety,","There are many varieties of roses. All beautiful. When you pick and put them together, they enhance the beauty of each other.",There are many varieties of people. Jehovah has picked and put together all kinds of different people. Together we enhance the beauty of each other.,Acts. 10:34,TMS talk in circuit MT_!,,22,cb,08/20/2013,12/1/2014
"Worry, Anxiety",Worry is like trying to move forward by rocking a rocking chair.,You expend a lot of energy but go nowhere.,Matthew 6:25,"WT 01/15/2013 p 24, par 10",,0,cb,01/01/2013,11/27/2014
"Prayer, Organization, Light, thoughts, speed, ","Speed of a stroke of lightning is 93,000 miles per second. Speed of thought, Jehovah's thought, is inconceivably faster.",We cannot fathom how fast Jehovah answers prayers and is ready to help us. Organization directed by Jehovah is inconceivably fast.,,Annual Meeting 2010,,0,cb,01/11/2011,11/29/2014
"Anointed, Adopted, Memorial, ","In an adoption, parents make the choice.","Our Father makes the choice of the 144,000.",Romans 8:16,"Memorial Talk in St Ignatius, MT",,,cb,04/14/2014,11/29/2014
"Dogs, Fleas, Association","If you lay down with dogs, you will wake up with fleas.",Do not be misled. Bad associations spoil useful habits.,Proverbs 13:20; 1 Corinthians 15:33,,,,cb,,11/27/2014
"Exercise, Service",Exercise is not enjoyable if only do once a month. You will be sore every time and not see any results.,Service only once a month will be a chore and you will not see any results in yourself or the territory.,Philippians 3:16,,,,cb,,11/27/2014
"Bible Writers, Progressive, Moses,",Why did not Jehovah just use one man to write the Bible?  Moses was faithful.  Why did he not let Moses write all the Bible?,The Bible was written progressively as needed.  It took over 1600 years to write.  Moses lived 120 years. Thus he used a variety of men to write the Bible.,"2 Timothy 3:16, 17;",Melvin Hood,,,bl,,12/8/2014
"Addiction, Alcohol, drugs, smoking, drinking, pornography, work; gambling; bad language; television; cell phones",Were you ever hit by a harmless snowball?  You just laugh it off and toss one back.  Let's  imagine that snowball caused a great avalanche.  You are now buried under such weigh that you cannot get out.  ,"That is how an addiction is.  It may start small and harmlessly, but end up burying you under such weight you cannot escape.  People get addicted because of anxiety, to help them relax. 			",Matthew 6:25,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,12/8/2014
"SICKNESS, FAITH, COURAGE, HOPE, PROMISE, CURE, ","""I haven't been sick in 500 years."" Conversation in the new earth. ",That is Jehovah's promise. ,ISA 33:24;,Joshua Laymon,WHAT CURE FOR SICK MANKIND ,62,bl,,5/23/2025
"APPRECIATE, EXPERIENCE, WORLD, ",“Some youths brought up by Christian parents may not see the stark contrast between our current spiritual paradise and Satan’s dark world. Some have even been tempted to see what life in the world is like. But would you run in front of a moving car just to find out how painful​—and possibly fatal—​that could be? Of course not! ,"Similarly, there is no need for us to experience the “decadent course of debauchery” in this world just to discover how excruciatingly distressing that can be.​—1 Pet. 4:4.”",1 PETER 4:4,"Watchtower, December 15, 2014.",,,bl,,12/10/2014
"DIFFERENT, TRAINING, DENY, ATHLETE, ","“To illustrate: Think of an Olympic athlete. He no doubt had to be different to get to that level. He likely had to deny himself many things that would consume his time and attention, limiting how much he could train. ","On the other hand, his being willing to be different from his peers would allow him to train more and to reach his goal.”",1 Timothy 6:197?,"December 15, 2014",,,bl,,12/10/2014
"WISDOM, KNOWLEDGE, UNDERSTANDING, DISCERNMENT,","“Wisdom is not the same as knowledge. Computers can store enormous amounts of knowledge, but it is hard to imagine anyone calling such machines wise. Nonetheless, knowledge and wisdom are related. (Proverbs 10:14) For instance, if you needed wise counsel on treating a serious health problem, would you consult someone with little or no knowledge of medicine? Hardly! So accurate knowledge is essential to true wisdom.","Jehovah has a boundless store of knowledge. As the “King of eternity,” he alone has been alive forever. (Revelation 15:3) And during all those untold ages, he has been aware of everything”",REVELATION 15:3,Close to Jehovah (cl-E).,,,bl,,12/11/2014
"APPRECIATION, GRANTED, ","MANY people have heard this thought expressed: ‘You don’t appreciate what you have until it’s gone.’ Have you sometimes felt that way? When one has had things from childhood, there is a tendency not to appreciate them fully. For example, a person who grows up in a wealthy household may take for granted many of the things he has. ",This can be the case with youths who because of a lack of experience may not yet fully discern what things in life are truly valuable.,1 CORINTHIANS 2:12;,w14 12/15 pp. 27-31 ,,,bl,,12/11/2014
"EXPERIENCE, YOUTHS, CONTRAST WITH WORLD, ",Some youths brought up by Christian parents may not see the stark contrast between our current spiritual paradise and Satan’s dark world. Some have even been tempted to see what life in the world is like. But would you run in front of a moving car just to find out how painful—and possibly fatal—that could be? ,"Of course not! Similarly, there is no need for us to experience the “decadent course of debauchery” in this world just to discover how excruciatingly distressing that can be.—1 Pet. 4:4.",1 PETER 4:4;,w14 12/15 pp. 27-31 ,,,bl,,12/11/2014
"RECOGNIZED, PROUD, THANKFUL, APPRECIATION, ODDS, ","Only about 1 in every 1,000 people alive today has an accurate knowledge of the truth, and you are one of them. Should that not give all of us, no matter how we learned the truth, cause for rejoicing?  A Christian sister said: “Students feel very proud just to be recognized by their teacher. How much more of a privilege it is to be known by Jehovah, the Grand Instructor!”","Gener says: “My hair stands on end when I think about it. Who am I to be known by Jehovah, the Owner of the universe?” (Ps. 8:4)",1 Corinthians 2:12,w14 12/15 pp. 27-31 ,,,bl,,12/11/2014
"HEARING, UNDERSTANDING, MEANING, ",A PERSON may hear the sounds of someone speaking to him. He may even note the tone of voice. But of what use would that be to him if he did not understand the meaning of the words being spoken? (1 Cor. 14:9) ,"In a similar way, thousands heard what Jesus was saying. He even spoke to them in a language that they could understand. However, not all of them understood the meaning of his words. For this reason, Jesus told his audience: “Listen to me, all of you, and understand the meaning.”—Mark 7:14.",MARK 7:14;,w14 12/15 pp. 6-10 ,,,bl,,12/11/2014
"KNOWLEDGE, WISDOM, UNDERSTANDING, DISCERNMENT","What is the difference between knowledge, understanding, and wisdom? It could be illustrated this way: Imagine you are standing in the middle of a road and a bus is coming toward you. ","First, you recognize that it is a bus—that is knowledge. Next, you realize that if you remain standing there, you will be hit by the bus—that is understanding! So you jump out of the way of the bus—that is wisdom! Little wonder the Bible emphasizes the need for us to “safeguard practical wisdom.” It means our very life!","Prov. 3:21, 22; 1 Tim. 4:16.",w14 12/15 pp. 6-10 ,,,bl,,12/11/2014
"MUSTARD GRAIN, GROWTH, EXPANSION, ","What is the meaning of Jesus’ illustration of the mustard grain? The grain itself represents the Kingdom message as well as what results from the preaching of that message—the Christian congregation. Like the mustard grain that is “the tiniest of all the seeds,” the Christian congregation had small beginnings in 33 C.E. However, within a few decades, the congregation grew rapidly. It expanded beyond all expectations. (Col. 1:23) This growth was beneficial because Jesus tells us that “the birds of heaven” were able to “find lodging among its branches.” These figurative birds picture righthearted individuals who find spiritual food, shade, and shelter within the Christian congregation.—Compare Ezekiel 17:23.","Why did Jesus use this illustration? He used the amazing growth of a mustard grain to illustrate the power of God’s Kingdom arrangement to expand, protect, and conquer all obstacles. Since 1914 the growth of the visible part of God’s organization has been phenomenal! (Isa. 60:22) Those associating with that organization have enjoyed wonderful spiritual protection. (Prov. 2:7; Isa. 32:1, 2) Additionally, the ongoing expansion of Kingdom interests has proved to be unstoppable, overcoming all opposition.—Isa. 54:17.What can we learn from the illustration of the mustard grain? Perhaps we live in an area where there are few Witnesses or where we do not see a lot of immediate results in our preaching work. Yet, remembering that the Kingdom arrangement can overcome all obstacles will strengthen us to endure. ","Matthew 13:31, 32",w14 12/15 pp. 6-10 ,,,bl,,12/11/2014
"LEAVEN, SPREAD, UNSEEN GROWTH, KINGDOM MESSAGE, ","What is the meaning of the illustration of the leaven? This illustration also refers to the Kingdom message and what it produces. “The whole mass” of flour represents all the nations, and the fermenting process pictures the spread of the Kingdom message by means of the preaching work. Whereas the growth of the mustard grain is clearly observable, the spreading of the leaven is initially unseen. It is not until some time later that the effects become evident.","Why did Jesus use this illustration? He was showing that the Kingdom message has power to spread pervasively and to cause changes. Not just change with regard to numbers but also change in the personality of those who accept this pervasive message.  Rom. 12:2; Eph. 4:22, 23. The effect of the preaching work is often seen years after the initial work has been done.  Additionally, we should not be discouraged if we do not at first see results from our work. We should never despise “the day of small beginnings.” (Zech. 4:10) The results may eventually turn out to be a lot greater and more wonderful than we had ever anticipated!—Ps. 40:5; Zech. 4:7.",Matthew 13:33;,w14 12/15 pp. 6-10 ,,,bl,,12/11/2014
"THE TRAVELING MERCHANT AND THE HIDDEN TREASURE, TRUTH, DIFFERENT WAYS, ","What is the meaning of the illustration about the traveling merchant and that of the hidden treasure? In Jesus’ day, some merchants would travel as far as the Indian Ocean to obtain the finest pearls. The merchant in this illustration represents righthearted people who go to great lengths to satisfy their spiritual needs. The “one pearl of high value” pictures the precious truth of the Kingdom. Having recognized the value of that pearl, the merchant was willing to sell “promptly” all the things he had so that he could buy it. Jesus also spoke of a man who was working in a field and found “hidden” treasure. Unlike the merchant, this man was not searching for treasure. But like the merchant, he was willing to sell “everything” in order to obtain the treasure.","Why did Jesus give those two parables? He was showing that the truth is found in different ways. Some people are searching for it and have gone to great lengths to find it. Others, although not searching for it, have found it—perhaps by having it brought to them. Whatever the case, each man recognized the value of what he had found and was willing to make huge sacrifices to get ahold of it.",Matthew 13:44-46,w14 12/15 pp. 6-10 ,,,bl,,12/11/2014
"THE SOWER WHO SLEEPS, GROWTH NOT ALWAYS SEEN, ","What is the meaning of Jesus’ illustration about the sower who sleeps? The man in the illustration represents individual Kingdom proclaimers. The seed is the Kingdom message that is preached to honesthearted ones. As in a normal routine of life, the sower “sleeps at night and rises up by day.” The growing process takes place over a period of time, from the initial planting to the final harvesting. During that period “the seeds sprout and grow tall.” This growth takes place “on its own,” gradually and in stages. ","In a similar way, spiritual growth occurs gradually and in stages. When an individual progresses to the point that he is motivated to serve God, he bears fruit in the sense that he dedicates his life to Jehovah and gets baptized.  Jesus helps us to realize that Jehovah is the one who makes the truth grow in the hearts of “rightly disposed” ones. (Acts 13:48; 1 Cor. 3:7) We plant and water, but we do not control the growth. We cannot force it or speed it up. Just like the man in the illustration, we do not know how the growth takes place. It often goes unnoticed by us as we go about our normal, daily activities. In time, though, the Kingdom seed may bear fruit. The new disciple then joins us in the harvest work, and we benefit from his assistance.—John 4:36-38.First of all, we have to admit that we have no control over the spiritual growth of a Bible student. Modesty on our part will help us to avoid the temptation to pressure or force a student to get baptized. We do all we can to assist and support the person, but we humbly admit that ultimately the decision to make a dedication belongs to that person. Dedication is something that must spring from a willing heart motivated by love for God. Anything less would not be acceptable to Jehovah.—Ps. 51:12; 54:6; 110:3.Second, understanding the lesson behind this illustration will help us not to be discouraged if we do not at first see results from our work. We need to be patient. (Jas. 5:7, 8) Even though the seed does not bear fruit, if we have done our best to help the student, we realize that this outcome is not a sign of unfaithfulness on our part. Jehovah allows the seed of truth to flourish only in a humble heart that is willing to make changes. (Matt. 13:23) So we should not judge the effectiveness of our ministry merely by the results. In Jehovah’s eyes the success of our ministry is not determined by the response of those whom we teach. Rather, he treasures our faithful efforts regardless of the results.—Read Luke 10:17-20; 1 Corinthians 3:8.Third, we do not always discern the changes that are taking place within a person. For example, a couple with whom a missionary had been studying approached him, asking to become unbaptized publishers. He reminded the couple that in order to qualify, they would have to stop smoking. Much to his surprise, they told him that they had quit several months before. Why did they quit? They had come to realize that Jehovah could see them smoking and that he hates hypocrisy. So their hearts motivated them to make a decision—either smoke in front of the missionary or stop altogether. Their newly developed love for Jehovah helped them to make the right decision. They had grown spiritually, even though the missionary had no idea of the change that had taken place.",Mark 4:26-29,w14 12/15 pp. 11-15 ,,,bl,,12/11/2014
"THE DRAGNET, WINDOW OF OPPORTUNITY TO RETURN, ","What is the meaning of Jesus’ illustration about the dragnet? Jesus likened the preaching of the Kingdom message to all mankind to the lowering of a large dragnet into the sea. Just as such a net indiscriminately catches large numbers of “fish of every kind,” our preaching work attracts millions of people of all kinds. (Isa. 60:5) The large number of individuals who attend our conventions and the Memorial each year is evidence of this fact. Some of these symbolic fish are “fine” and are gathered into the Christian congregation. Others, though, are found to be “unsuitable”; not all those gathered prove to be acceptable to Jehovah. A dragnet catches fish of every kind, and the fine ones are collected into a vessel.","Why did Jesus tell this illustration? The symbolic separating of fish does not refer to the final judgment during the great tribulation. Rather, it highlights what would happen during the last days of this wicked system. Jesus showed that not all those attracted to the truth will take a stand for Jehovah. Many have associated with us at our meetings. Others have been willing to study the Bible with us but are not willing to make a commitment. (1 Ki. 18:21) Still others are no longer associating with the Christian congregation.  Does this mean that those who have left the truth will never be allowed to return to the congregation? Or if someone fails to dedicate his life to Jehovah, will he be forever classified as someone “unsuitable”? No. There is still a window of opportunity for such ones before the outbreak of the great tribulation. It is as if Jehovah calls out to them: “Return to me, and I will return to you.” (Mal. 3:7) This fact is emphasized by another illustration given by Jesus, that of the prodigal son.—Read Luke 15:11-32.",Matthew 13:47-50.,w14 12/15 pp. 11-15 ,,,bl,,12/11/2014
"THE PRODIGAL SON, RETURN, REPENTANCE, COMPASSION, STRAYED FROM TRUTH,","What is the meaning of Jesus’ illustration of the prodigal son? The compassionate father in this illustration pictures our loving heavenly Father, Jehovah. The son who asks for his inheritance and then squanders it represents those who have strayed from the congregation. By leaving, it is as if they travel to “a distant country,” Satan’s world, which is alienated from Jehovah. (Eph. 4:18; Col. 1:21) Some later come to their senses, however, and make the challenging journey back to Jehovah’s organization. These humble, repentant ones are eagerly welcomed back by our forgiving Father.—Isa. 44:22; 1 Pet. 2:25.","In a very appealing way, Jesus illustrated that Jehovah wants straying ones to return to Him. The father in the illustration never stopped hoping that his son would return. When he caught sight of his son returning, even though “he was still a long way off,” the father acted quickly to welcome him back. What a strong incentive for those who have left the truth to return to Jehovah without delay! They may be spiritually exhausted, and the way back may seem to be embarrassing and difficult. But it is worth the effort—even the heavens will rejoice when they return.—Luke 15:7.  Never would we want to be so “overly righteous” that we refuse to welcome repentant sinners back. ",Luke 15:11-32.,w14 12/15 pp. 11-15 ,,,bl,,12/11/2014
"SELF, MEISM, SPIRIT OF THE WORLD, YOUTH, CONTRAST, ","Some researchers call them “Generation Me.” By the way they talk and dress, they give evidence of disdain for the older generation, whom they view as not “with it.”","What a contrast there is between young servants of Jehovah and youths of this world! Many who do not serve Jehovah lead a self-centered way of life, focusing only on what they want. That spirit is all around us. Thus, young servants of Jehovah find that it takes real effort to avoid it and to accept God’s view. Young ones who see the need to avoid that spirit and to work unitedly with all their brothers are to be commended. ",EPHESIANS 2:1-3;,w14 12/15 pp. 22-26 ,,,bl,,12/11/2014
Do You Know and Use God’s Name?,Can you think of any close friend of yours whose name you do not know? Likely not. ,"A Bulgarian woman named Irina rightly observed, “It is not possible to be close to God if you don’t know his name.” Happily, as mentioned in the preceding article, God wants you to draw close to him. Therefore, by means of the Bible, he has in effect introduced himself to you by saying: “I am Jehovah. That is my name.”",Isaiah 42:8.,w14 12/1 p. 4 ,,,bl,,12/11/2014
"DO YOU COMMUNICATE WITH GOD? PRAYER, READ THE BIBLE,","Whether in person or by phone, e-mail, video, or a letter, close friends communicate with each other as often as their circumstances allow. Thus, to be close to God, we need to communicate with him regularly. How, though, is this done?","We can speak to Jehovah by means of prayer. Prayer to God, however, is not the same as a casual conversation we might have with a peer. We have to recognize that when we pray, we are addressing our Creator, the Most High of the universe.  Of course, a close relationship will not last if one person does all the talking. Just as friends enjoy two-way communication, we should allow God to speak to us and we should listen to him when he does. Do you know how God speaks to us?  Today, Jehovah God “speaks” to us through his written Word, the Bible. (2 Timothy 3:16, 17) Why do we say so? To illustrate: Suppose you received a letter from a close ",1 John 5:14,w14 12/1 p. 5 ,,,bl,,12/11/2014
"DO YOU DO WHAT GOD ASKS? PLEASING GOD, ","“Whatever you would like, just say the word and I will be happy to do it.” You would probably hesitate to make such a statement to a total stranger or to a mere acquaintance. However, you would likely have no problem expressing such words to a dear friend. Close friends are naturally inclined to do for each other what is asked.","The Bible shows that Jehovah regularly does what he knows will bring pleasure to his worshippers. For example, King David, who enjoyed a close relationship with God, stated: “Many things you have done, O Jehovah my God, your wonderful works and your thoughts toward us. . . . They would be too numerous to recount!” (Psalm 40:5) More than that, Jehovah even does what is pleasing to those who do not yet know him, ‘satisfying them with food and filling their hearts with gladness.’—Acts 14:17.  Since Jehovah delights in doing what brings pleasure to others, it is only reasonable to expect that those who want to be God’s friends would do the things that make his “heart rejoice.” (Proverbs 27:11) 1. Know and use God’s name, Jehovah.2. Communicate regularly with him by praying and studying his Word, the Bible.3. Persistently do what pleases Jehovah.",PSALMS 40:5;,w14 12/1 p. 6 ,,,bl,,12/11/2014
"LIVING, REAL LIFE, “THAT’S LIVING!”","Archaeologists who unearthed Timgad’s (largest Roman settlement ever built in North Africa) remains were amused by a Latin inscription found at the forum. It reads: “Hunting, bathing, playing, laughing—that’s living!” One French historian said that this “echoes a philosophy that perhaps lacks ambition, but one that some will not fail to consider as the secret of wisdom.”","Actually, the Romans had been pursuing such a way of life for some time. The first-century Christian apostle Paul mentioned people whose philosophy of life was “Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we are to die.” Though they were religious, the Romans lived for the pleasure of the moment, with little thought of the ultimate meaning and purpose of life. Paul warned his fellow Christians to guard against such people when he said: “Do not be misled. Bad associations spoil useful habits.”","1 Corinthians 15:32, 33",w14 12/1 pp. 8-10 ,,,bl,,12/11/2014
"BORROWING MONEY, LENDING, OWING, ","“Borrowing is like a wedding; repaying is like mourning.”—A Swahili proverb.  Another Swahili saying gets to the heart of the matter. It says: “Borrowing and lending spoil a friendship.” Indeed, debts can put friendships and relationships in jeopardy. True is another African saying: “If you borrow a man’s legs, you will go where he directs you.” The idea is that one who is heavily in debt is no longer at liberty to do what he would like.","THIS saying is well-known to people in East Africa, and it undoubtedly reflects the sentiment of many in lands around the world. Is that how you feel about borrowing money from a friend or other sources? Though it might seem advisable at times, is it a good idea? What are the dangers and pitfalls of borrowing?Borrowing money can also endanger a person’s relationship with God. How? First of all, the Bible says that it is a wicked person who deliberately and knowingly refuses to repay his debts. (Psalm 37:21) It also makes clear that “the borrower is a slave to the lender.” (Proverbs 22:7) The borrower must realize that until the money is paid back, he is under obligation to the lender. ",PSALMS 37:21; PROVERBS 22:7;,w14 12/1 pp. 14-15 ,,,bl,,12/11/2014
"PRIDE, HUMBLE, ","Pride is like a rose bush.  It looks beautiful. But if a worm gets in there in the roots, it will bloom for awhile, but becomes dead.","If you want your figurative heart to live forever, you have to remain humble.",John 17:3;,Anthony Morris; GB 137th gilead class,,,bl,,12/13/2014
"WILL YOU DANCE WITH ME, WILL YOU DANCE WITH SLAVE GIRLS, HUMILITY, JOY, HAPPINESS, ",Will you dance with the slave girls.  With more responsibility it is a victory to do no harm. David rejoiced with his slave girls and danced with them.  It harmed no one. (David was about 37 years old when Jehovah's Ark was brought to Jerusalem.  He may have remember how Jehovah honored him when he was young.)  He took off his kingly robe and danced with his servants.,"You do no harm when you view yourself as a nobody.  A nobody does not hurt anybody.  When you think you are a somebody, you hurt everybody.(Those servants never forgot that.  Can you see them telling their children and grandchildren.  ""I danced with the King.""  When we show honor to those who are not as fortunate as us we imitate Jehovah.  This was not a one time thing.  Remember MEPHIBOSHETH. ",2 Samuel 6:14-20,Mark Noumair; 137TH CLASS OF GILEADMark NoumairMark Noumair Mark NoumairMark Noumair,,,bl,,12/13/2014
"OUR PLACE IN GOD'S ARRANGEMENT, GEESE, FORMATION, ENCOURAGE, KEEP GOING, FAITHFULNESS,","We need to remember God's creation.  The geese always fly in formation and they honk and encourage one another.  Just as geese fly in formation, so we must remember our place in Jehovah's arrangement, and encourage others to keep going in our migration from this old system into the new world.","7 Lessons.1. Jehovah feeds the geese wherever they are.  He also feeds us.2. They stay in formation.  We must remember our place and be faithful to it.3. Geese often honk to give encouragement; We want to be alert and encourage our brothers.4. When a goose tires out, 2 others will stay behind with him until he is well.  Jehovah sends elders to help us heal.5. Sound the warning; guard geese.  We must be alert to help others readjust.  Warning about Armageddon.6. Can fly over highest mountains; over 29,000 feet.  Jehovah can help us do anything.7. Geese are monogamous; they mate for life.  We must be faithful to our mate.",1 Corinthians 14:40;,STEVEN LETT; GB 137th Gilead Class,,,bl,,12/13/2014
"Gilead graduation, ",You are here to graduate but not from High School to College.  From Preschool to Kindergarten.  ,We have many things to learn in the future.,"Revelation 22:1, 2",Samuel Herd GB  137 Gilead Class,ARE YOU CONTENT WITH JEHOVAH'S PROVISIONS,22,Bl,,12/13/2014
"Growth, Transplant, Gilead Graduation, ","When you take a tiny houseplant and put it outside or in a larger container, you may think it is not going to make it.",There will be times in your life like that.  Your life may be more normal than your think.,1 Peter 5:10;,John Larson 137 Gilead Class,,,Bl,,12/13/2014
"APPRECIATION, TOOLS, WOODPECKER, PROVISIONS,","The woodpecker can pound his beak into wood at the rate of 22 times-per-second, and never get a headache.  He is well adapted for the work, and Jehovah has equipped him with the correct tools.","Not only has Jehovah trained us and given us the desire to preach the good news, but he has equipped us with the correct tools.  Some of these are JW.ORG and JW.BROADCASTING.  (mention others)",Isaiah 60:22;,Bobby Laymon,ARE YOU CONTENT WITH JEHOVAH'S PROVISIONS,22,Bl,,12/13/2014
"STRIKE THE TRUTH DOWN DEEP, RAILROAD SPIKES, HEART,",When I was a little boy we lived near the railroad track.  (On the other side of the track of course)  When laying rails there would be two men with large hammers.  They would strike the spike and the other would hit it again.  Several blows were required to make the rail tight so it would not wobble.,"We must strike the truth of God's Word down deep into our hearts, so that we can remain firm and safe.",1 THESS 5:21;,"Samuel Herd, GB 137th Gilead Class",,,Bl,,12/13/2014
"SEARCH FOR LOVE, JEHOVAH'S LOVE, PROTECTION, BIBLE,",Many today search for love in strange ways.  One way is on the internet.  It is not a safe place to look and I would not recommend it.  You are talking to people you have never seen or met.,"However, it is safe to love Jehovah, even though we have never seen him.  We can learn about him in the Bible.",1 JOHN 4:8;,Brother Samuelson's part; 137th class of Gilead.,,,Bl,,12/13/2014
"BLUE PRINTS FOR LIFE, INSTRUCTIONS, BIBLE,",Just as there are blue prints for constructing a building there are blueprints for life.  They are contained in Jehovah's word.,"(1 Peter 1:5-9) . . .who are being safeguarded by God’s power through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last period of time. 6 Because of this you are greatly rejoicing, though for a short time, if it must be, you have been distressed by various trials, 7 in order that the tested quality of your faith, of much greater value than gold that perishes despite its being tested by fire, may be found a cause for praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 8 Though you never saw him, you love him. Though you do not see him now, yet you exercise faith in him and are greatly rejoicing with an indescribable and glorious joy, 9 as you attain the goal of your faith, your salvation.",1 Peter 1:5-9;,Anthony Morris; GB 137th Gilead class,,,Bl,,12/13/2014
"DANGERS OF PRIDE, HUMILITY, HEROD, ","Herod's silver garment shined brightly in the sun.  The people kept saying, ""A god's voice.""",He was eaten up with worms.  That is the result of pride.,ACTS 12:21;,ANTHONY MORRIS; GB 137TH CLASS OF GILEAD,,,Bl,,12/13/2014
"CLOTHE YOURSELF WITH HUMILITY, ","When we get up in the morning, we need to clothe ourselves with the garment of humility.",The whole day will go better with you.,COL 3:12;,ANTHONY MORRIS; GB 137 GILEAD CLASS,,,Bl,,12/13/2014
"PRIDE, PROUD, HUMBLE, ","A man I once knew was arrested and one of the statements about him on his arrest record was, ""he lacked humility.""","He appealed and contested it with the words, ""I'm the most humble person I know.""",PROVERBS 16:18;,ANTHONY MORRIS; GB 137 GILEAD CLASS,,,Bl,,12/13/2014
"REBELLION, DEFIANCE, REBEL, ATTITUDE,","It is like squeezing a balloon. you squeeze it on one side, the air goes to another place. That is how rebellion is. It keeps popping up in unexpected places.","We must never rebel against Jehovah's organization. Instead of rebelling, those desiring to gain God’s approval as Christ’s followers are called upon to be obedient to those taking the lead inside the congregation.",Proverbs 17:11; Heb 13:17,Bob Laymon ,,22,bl,,12/21/2014
"WORK, BUSY, CHERISH WORKING WITH JEHOVAH, ATTITUDE, "," We told ourselves, ‘When faced with Jehovah’s winds of change, it is better to set your sails than to build barriers.’”  Jehovah’s Witnesses working on a construction project","Our greatest privilege—doing Jehovah’s work!  Because of branch mergers, some Bethelites are reassigned to serve in the pioneer work. ",1 CORINTHIANS 15:58;,w14 10/15 pp. 23-27 ,,22,bl,,12/21/2014
"ENCOURAGEMENT, COMFORT, ",Look at the brother sitting next to you.  Go ahead.  Sometimes all it takes to encourage one another is to look at you.   ,It is reciprocal.  Give encouragement and it will come back to you.  Boomerang.  Encouragement means hot.  French word core means hot.," Acts 10:35; Romans 1:11, 12",DON EMSHOFF,,,bl,,12/23/2014
"TEACHING OF GOD'S KINGDOM, JEHOVAH'S WITNESSES, EVANGELIZING, ","Historian H. G. Wells noted how remarkable it is that Jesus gave “enormous prominence . . . to the teaching of what he called the Kingdom of Heaven” and yet, said Wells, this teaching has “comparative insignificance in the . . . teaching of most of the Christian churches.”","Unlike those churches, Jehovah’s Witnesses put great emphasis on God’s Kingdom. Consider: Our main journal, which you are now reading, is published in 220 languages. Nearly 46 million copies of each issue are printed, making it the most widely distributed magazine in the world. And what is this journal’s principal message? Notice its full title: The Watchtower Announcing Jehovah’s Kingdom.*","MATTHEW 6:9, 19",w14 10/1 p. 3 ,,,bl,,12/23/2014
"PEOPLE PERSON, HELPING PEOPLE, LOVE FOR PEOPLE, ESPECIALLY FOND OF HUMANKIND,","Long before he came to earth, Jesus lived in heaven with his Father. The Father used the Son to bring everything into existence—from the mind-boggling heavens with their countless stars and galaxies to our beautiful planet and the wildlife that inhabits it. (Colossians 1:15, 16) Out of it all, though, Jesus became “especially fond of” humankind.—Proverbs 8:31.","Love for humans characterized Jesus’ ministry. From the very start, he made it clear that he had come to earth to “declare good news” to those in need. (Luke 4:18) But Jesus did more than talk about helping people. Time and again, he demonstrated his love for humans.","PROVERBS 8:31; COLOSSIANS 1:15, 16;",w14 10/1 pp. 4-7 ,,,bl,,12/23/2014
"MINISTRY, KINGDOM PREACHING, EFFORT, GOALS,",“Think of this: A driver can make his car turn left or right but only if the car is moving. ,"Similarly, Jesus may direct us in expanding our ministry but only if we are moving—if we are putting forth real effort to reach our goal.”",Ecclesiastes 11:4,w14 10/15 pp. 3-6 ,,,bl,,12/23/2014
"SATAN REAL, DEVIL, CRIMINALS, LAST DAYS, MORALS, ","Imagine that a group of criminals suddenly flooded into your city. Obviously, personal safety and neighborhood morals would decline. Now consider a similar scenario: Satan and his demons—real spirit beings who, like Satan, rebelled against God—are suddenly confined to the earth. What would result? ","Well, think about what you see on the news locally and internationally.• Do you see an increase in senseless, violent acts, regardless of worldwide attempts to stop them?• Do you see an increase in entertainment featuring spiritism, in spite of the concern of many parents?• Do you see the environment being relentlessly destroyed, despite well-meaning efforts to save it?• Does it seem that something is seriously wrong with society—that some force is pushing mankind toward disaster?","REVELATION 12:9, 12;",w14 11/1 pp. 4-5 ,,,bl,,12/23/2014
"HATRED, JOSEPH, PERSECUTION, ENDURANCE, “How Could I Commit This Great Badness?” CHALLENGES, YOUTH","JOSEPH breathed in the thick, warm air, noticing the scent of lotus blossoms and other water plants. He was being led by a caravan of traders now traversing the lowlands of the vast Nile delta. Picture a line of men leading their camels along a watercourse toward yet another Egyptian town, occasionally startling a wading heron or an ibis into flight. Joseph thought again of his home in the windswept highlands of Hebron, hundreds of miles away; he was in a different world now.  Imagine monkeys chattering and screeching from the tops of date palms and fig trees. To Joseph, the speech of the people they passed seemed hardly more intelligible. Perhaps he tried to pick up any words or phrases that he could. He might as well learn. As far as he knew, he would never see his home again.","Joseph was scarcely more than a boy—17 or 18 years old—yet he faced challenges that would daunt many grown men. His own brothers, consumed with jealousy because Joseph was their father’s favorite, had come close to murdering him. Instead, they had sold him to these traders. Joseph set a vital example for young people who serve God today. For instance, when they are in school, they may at times find themselves in an environment that feels strange and foreign, a world fascinated with the occult and bound up with a grim and hopeless outlook on life. If you are in that situation, remember that Jehovah has not changed. (James 1:17)","Genesis 37:2, 5, 18-28",w14 11/1 pp. 12-15 ,,,bl,,12/23/2014
"FOREIGN LANGUAGES, UNDERSTANDING, ","Imagine you are on an international flight that is having major problems. The captain is giving instructions, and the flight attendants are translating them into a few different languages. With your survival at stake, would you listen to the instructions in a language that is only somewhat familiar? Or would you listen to them in your native language?","The message we preach means life. That message can reach the minds of Chinese people in even an unfamiliar language because of their educational culture. But making Jehovah real in their hearts requires using both their mother tongue and the right teaching methods. We not only want them to receive a witness, but also to be touched to the heart and respond to the good news.","MATTHEW 28:19, 20;",CHINESE GROUP,,,bl,,12/23/2014
"VENGEANCE, REVENGE, GRUDGE, RESENTMENT, EARTHEN VESSELS, ","Even if someone has deliberately hurt us, let us not allow ourselves to be vessels in which resentment is stored. God has given us the privilege of being “earthen vessels” containing the treasure of the ministry. (2 Cor. 4:1, 7) Acid-Like resentment does not belong in such vessels!","Jehovah expects us to refrain from taking vengeance, and he wants us to avoid harboring a grudge. (Rom. 12:19) Were we to ignore divine laws and principles, the Devil would be delighted, and we might bring reproach on Jehovah. ",ROMANS 12:19;,w14 11/15 pp. 13-17 ,,,bl,,12/23/2014
"DO YOU FEEL CLOSE TO GOD, JEHOVAH'S FRIEND, RELATIONSHIP, ","“Having a close relationship with God makes you feel secure, complete, and stable. It feels like God is constantly looking out for your best interests.”—CHRISTOPHER, A YOUNG MAN IN GHANA.“God sees you in all your desolation, giving you more love and attention than you could ever ask for.”—13-YEAR-OLD HANNAH, ALASKA, U.S.A.“It is the most precious and calming feeling to know that you have a close relationship with God!”—GINA, A JAMAICAN WOMAN IN HER 40’S.","Christopher, Hannah, and Gina are not alone. Many people from all around the world are convinced that God views them as his friends. What about you? Do you feel that you are close to God? Or would you like to be close or closer to him? Perhaps you wonder: ‘Is it really possible for a mere human to have a close relationship with Almighty God? And if so, how?’",ISAIAH 41:8; JAMES 4:8;,w14 12/1 p. 3 ,,,bl,,12/23/2014
"LOST, COMFORT, LONELY, DEPRESSED, GOD CARES, STRAYING,","Jesus illustrated God’s care for us this way: “If a man has 100 sheep and one of them strays, will he not leave the 99 on the mountains and set out on a search for the one that is straying?” When we feel lost, Jehovah does not give up on us. ","The lesson? “Likewise, it is not a desirable thing to my Father who is in heaven for even one of these little ones to perish.” Every “one of these little ones” is precious to God. How does God “search for the one that is straying”? According to the scripture quoted at the outset, Jehovah draws people to him.",Matthew 18:12-14.,w14 8/1 p. 7 ,,,bl,,12/24/2014
"WHO MADE GOD, EVERLASTING TO EVERLASTING, NO BEGINNING,","Picture a father talking with his seven-year-old son. He says, “Long, long ago, God made the earth and everything in it, and he made the sun, the moon, and the stars.” The boy thinks about this for a few moments and then asks, “Daddy, who made God?”  “Nobody made God,” the father replies. “He has always existed.” ","That simple statement satisfies the child for now. As he grows older, however, the question continues to intrigue him. He finds it hard to comprehend how anyone could be without a beginning. Why, even the universe had a beginning. ‘Where did God come from?’ he wonders.  How does the Bible answer? Essentially, in much the same way as did the father in our example. Moses wrote: “O Jehovah, . . . before the mountains were born or you brought forth the earth and the productive land, from everlasting to everlasting, you are God.” (Psalm 90:1, 2) Likewise, the prophet Isaiah exclaimed: “Do you not know? Have you not heard? Jehovah, the Creator of the ends of the earth, is a God for all eternity”! (Isaiah 40:28) Similarly, the letter of Jude refers to God as existing “for all past eternity.”—Jude 25.","PSALM 90:1, 2;",w14 8/1 p. 15 ,,,bl,,12/24/2014
"EVERLASTING TO EVERLASTING, NO BEGINNING, JEHOVAH'S NATURE,","Could a grasshopper, which lives as an adult for only about 50 days, fathom our life span of 70 or 80 years? Hardly! Yet, the Bible explains that we are like grasshoppers in comparison with our Grand Creator. Even our ability to reason is dwarfed by his. (Isaiah 40:22; 55:8, 9) So it is not surprising that there are aspects of Jehovah’s nature that escape full human understanding.","Although the concept of an eternal God may be hard to grasp, we can see that it makes sense. If someone else had created God, that person would be the Creator. Yet, as the Bible explains, Jehovah is the one who “created all things.” (Revelation 4:11) Furthermore, we know that the universe at one time did not exist. (Genesis 1:1, 2) Where did it come from? Its Creator had to exist first. He also existed before there were any other intelligent beings, such as his only-begotten Son and the angels. (Job 38:4, 7; Colossians 1:15) Clearly, then, he existed alone first. He could not have been created; nothing was in existence that could have created him.",REVELATION 4:11;,w14 8/1 p. 15 ,,,bl,,12/24/2014
"Apes, Chimpanzee, Mistakes, experience, learn from, ","To keep apes in the enclosure, there are electric currents.  A large male ape will test the wires and others will observe.  Once he has been bolted, he never tries it again, and the others watching will not try it.  They are pretty intelligent.  However, a Chimp will try it over and over again thinking, now it is turned off, perhaps.  Also, the other Chimps learn nothing and each has to try it on his own.","We don't want to be like the Chimp, but learn from the mistakes of others.  The law of Jehovah is perfect,+ restoring strength.*+The reminder of Jehovah is trustworthy,+ making the inexperienced one wise.+",PSALM 19:7;,"Bill Dries, CO",,,bl,,12/28/2014
"LEARN FROM MISTAKES OF OTHERS, EXPERIENCE, DISCERNMENT,","Learn from others mistakes, you don't have time to make them all.",God's word teaches us in a way we don't have to make horrible mistakes.,PSALM 19:7,BILL DRIES; CO,,,bl,,12/28/2014
"VARIOUS FORMS OF LOVE, ",(LOUDLY)  I LOVE PIZZA!  I LOVE PIZZA!  But I also love my parents.  If it were not for them I would not be here.  I would not be able to eat pizza.,The love I have for Pizza is not the same type of love I have for my parents.,1 Corinthians 13:1-8;,LEVI BROWN,,,bl,,12/28/2014
"ANXIETY, WORRY, MATERIALISM, JEHOVAH WILL PROVIDE,","Have you ever seen a pigeon out on the highway, holding up a sign that says, ""I will work for food?""",NO!  Jehovah provides for the birds and he will provide for you too.,Matthew 6:33,BILL DRIES; CO,,,bl,,12/28/2014
"SPIRITUAL FOOD, DANGERS, AVOID, MEDICATION, DRUGS, ",Suppose you are all stressed out and someone tells you about a drug will fix everything.  It will make you feel like you are in Paradise.  It will calm your nerves and many wonderful things.  You start reading the many side-effects.  Among them are listed suicidal tendencies. Would you go ahead and take them?,Suppose you go into a restaurant and order some food and the instructions say:  May cause suicidal tendencies.  Would you eat it?  I don't thing so.  Compare to drugs.,2 Corinthians 7:1,Bill Dries; CO,,,bl,,12/28/2014
"GLORY, DISTRACTIONS, OVERSHADOWING, APPRECIATE, ","Do you remember when you last looked into the sky on a clear night and found yourself encompassed by thousands of stars? “The glory of the stars” is awe-inspiring. When viewed from the street of a well-lit city, though, how does the same sky appear? Why, city lights make it almost impossible for us to see the light emanating from distant stars! Is this so because the lights from roads, stadiums, and buildings are stronger or more beautiful than starlight? No! This happens because city lights are closer to us and they interfere with what we can perceive of Jehovah’s creation. ","Similarly, if the wrong kind of glory were too close to our hearts, it could prevent us from appreciating and seeking the enduring glory that Jehovah is willing to bestow.","1 Corinthians 15:40, 41"," w13 2/15 4:6, 8, 9",,,bl,,12/30/2014
"FOCUS, SPIRITUAL EYES,",Did you ever get something in your eyes?  It can throw them out of focus. ,The same can happen to your spiritual eyes. ,Ephesians 2:2,Dave Pfister,,,bl,,12/30/2014
"HOSPITALITY, KINDNESS, UNDERSTANDING,",There is no hospitality like understanding.  QUOTE: Vanna Bonta,Try to understand others situations.,"Matthew 7:10, 11;",Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,1/1/2015
"REGRETS, PROCRASTINATION, I WISH I HAD, PIONEERING, INVESTMENT, ACTION,","There is a disease going around called the ""I wish I had, disease.""","""I wish I had"" bought that property; ""I wish I had"" made that move to California; ""I wish I had"" started pioneering; or ""I wish I had"" stayed in the full-time service.  Don't catch the ""I wish I had"" disease, but take action now.",ROMANS 11:29;,"JOHNSE LAYMON, CARL BROWN,",,,bl,,1/3/2015
"AROUND TO IT, OR AROUND TUIT, PROCRASTINATION, PUT OFF DOING, PIONEERING, SERVICE,","You hear people say, I am going to clean up my property when ""I get around to it.""  I am going to get married when, ""I get around to it."" I am going to quit smoking when ""I get around to it.""  I am going to serve Jehovah more fully when ""I get around to it.""PASS OUT ROUND PIECES OF PAPER WITH THE WORDS, ""AROUND TUIT."" WRITTEN ON IT.","Now you have gotten your ""ROUND TUIT""  What are you waiting for?  Go to work.",1 KINGS 18:21;,"JOHNSE LAYMON, CARL BROWN,",,,bl,,1/3/2015
"Amusement, Entertainment",Think about the word amusement for a moment. Do you know what the word really means. The word “muse” means to think. When you put an “a” in front of a word it means the opposite. “Amuse” literally means “not to think.” An amusement is something you can do without thinking.,"We need to be very careful what we are exposing our minds to while we are being amused, because the tendency is to not think about it.",Proverbs 14:15,1998 District Convention,,,cb,,1/5/2015
"Empathy, Comfort","Do not believe that he who seeks to comfort you lives untroubled among the simple and quiet words that sometimes do you good. His life has much difficulty. Were it otherwise, he would never have been able to find those words. ~Rainer Maria Rilke ",At times we feel that others do not have troubles and that is why they do so well. This is generally not true and even rare.,1 Thessalonians 5:14,Rainer Maria Rilke (Austrian poet)Rainer Maria Rilke (Austrian poet),,,cb,,1/5/2015
"COLLEGE, UNIVERSITIES, HIGHER EDUCATION,","Even if you escape the fire, your still smell like smoke.","Like smoke can become easily and quickly saturated in your clothing, higher education can quickly work on your child's personality and spirituality.   ",Col 2:8;,"BROTHER MORRIS, GB",,,bl,,1/10/2015
"NAME FOR SELF, IDENTIFICATION, BE KIND, WORK HARD, PRESSURE, ","If I mention a name what do you think of? (let them answer)  Judas; a traitor.  Jezebel: a wicked woman.  But what if I mention ""a preacher of righteousness?"" you say Noah.  The evangelizer; Philip.  Son of Comfort?  Named Joseph but was called Barnabas.  You get the point.  Sara, Abraham's wife.  ","Jehovah made a name for himself in Egypt and other ways.  We want to make a good name for ourselves.  If we don't have a good name, we can change it.  Be kind; work hard; ","Ecclesiastes 7:1, 2; ",Brother Frank,,,bl,,1/11/2015
"INVISIBLE, BRAINS, ATHEIST, PRESSURE, ","Brother Frank told about his first time out with an anointed brother, Brother Peterson. who was in his 80's.  He talked to a young man and the young man said to him, ""Look old man, you can talk to me until you are blue in the face and you will never convince me there is a God.  I only believe what I can see.""  Brother Peterson said to him, ""You pretty well speak your mind.  Do you mind if I ask you a question?  ""No, go ahead.""  Brother Peterson said, ""Do you have any Brains?""  He said ""Come in old man.""  I would like to hear some more.",When under pressure don't give up.  Keep speaking the truth.,Proverbs 21:30;,Brother Frank,,,bl,,1/11/2015
"SEPARATE FROM WORLD, CHRISTIAN, HYPOCRITE, ","Often when we go from house to house we might meet someone that says, “I’m a Christian.”  They may have a cigarette in their hands.  Or they may be in an unscriptural marriage, or supporting the political parties of the world.  Or the wars of the world.  They may be acting in, or condoning a homosexual arrangement.","We have talked to persons that say that adultery is fine as long as both parties consent.  Yet when we bring out the Bible on the subject of God’s Kingdom they say, “I’m a Christian.”  If they can’t claim they are separate from the world, then they can’t claim they are a Christian.  The two go together.",JOHN 17:16;,BOBBY LAYMON,,119,bl,,1/14/2015
"separateness, protection, thoughts upward, ","Did you ever play with balloons?  Many kinds. Not weather balloons; or hot air balloons.  Toy balloons.  There are many sizes and colors, but many look alike.  You can SHAPE them. Squeeze them; let them go. Fill with water; Did you ever have a balloon filled with helium?  It will separate itself from the others.  It goes upward.  Others go downward. It is usually protected better than the others.  It doesn't get under your feet.  We don't untie it and let the air out, like we might the other ones.  If it gets out, we know what happens.",Which balloon would you say we are like?  We are like the balloon filled with helium.  Our thoughts should be upward.  We must separate ourselves from the world.  It is beneficial for us because Jehovah our owner will protect us.,John 17:16;,Bobby Laymon,,119,bl,,1/15/2015
"Morals, Restrictions, laws of gravity, beneficial, ",There are certain things that we just cannot do. Examples of this would be gravity. You cannot go to the top of a building and suggest that your civil liberties have been abused because you cannot walk across on the air from one building top to another! ,"However gravity is useful when pouring out a drink into a glass! Gravity actually helps us in so many examples.  Since the second we are born, we must breath, eat and drink to survive.   Do we say that this is an infringement to our rights of free choice because we are forced to breath, eat and drink! Are we being restricted? Clearly not. Clearly this is extended to moral standards to provide the benefits for our survival.","John 17:14, 15",Bobby Laymon,,119,bl,,1/28/2015
"Skill, beneficial, health, cure, ","Ask yourself this: Would you prefer to have a clinical operation carried out by a skilful surgeon or a person who hasnot even read The Manual (on surgery) thoroughly and repeatedly, that explains how to hold a scalpel, learn how to cutthrough muscle, block off blood vessels, nor perhaps this person has even carried out an operation! ",Thus skill (from repeated efforts of work) is needed to direct and guide people to The Truth through constant preaching/teaching when required and through our actions. will also build up our faith/fidelity/assurance that God is with us and we will receive His blessings.  It can also help our physical health – certainly our mental health – as medical doctors today will testify to documented records and audited reports utterly supporting this statement.,Psalm 19:7-11;,Bobby Laymon,,62,bl,,2/7/2015
"RESPONSIBILITIES, BLAME, PUNISHMENT, DECISIONS, TROUBLES","If you were able to kick the person responsible for most of your troubles in the backside, you would not be able to sit down for weeks.","It is true that we are often most responsible for our troubles.  Some blame God, some blame others.  Some are victims of circumstances.  ",Proverbs 19:3Proverbs 19:3;,Chuck Bland,"Decisions You Make, How will you face them.",,bl,,1/28/2015
"Cure, Government, Never learn, attracted, burn, consequences, ","Take the example of a child with a lighted match. The flame looks so nice and attractive as it flickers and grows along the match, but suddenly it burns your finger!","This is like other events and actions of real life. They all look so attractive and inviting, but letting it go through to the end, then we get burned and it hurts! Some people keep on doing it. They just never learn!",Jer. 10.23 ,Bobby Laymon,The Only Cure For Sick Mankind,62,bl,,1/28/2015
"Uncertainty, not knowing the way out, future, Bible prophecies, ",Do we know what the interest or currency exchange rate will be in two months from now? Let alone six months!  Insurance companies are able to operate because of uncertainty; they would go out of business over night if people knew what was going to happen.,"This system is geared to uncertainty, That is how many make a living, but we like to know about the future.  The Bible lets us know that.",Luke 21:25;,Bobby Laymon ,,,bl,,2/7/2015
"Memorial, Lord's evening meal, compassion, opportunity, ransom, sacrifice, ","People often say, ""They made their bed, let them lay in it.""  God did not say: ""They chose what they wanted let them live with it!"" And so abandon them, and leave the species to die out.  God did say: ""They chose what they wanted, they made their decision but I will help them out of their troubles in time!"" ","He had compassion, and His beloved Son Jesus Christ had compassion on us and between them both, they gave us an opportunity to extricate ourselves out of our present mess in a most righteous manner that does not contridict Jehovah's Universal Decree throughout all The Universe.",John 3:16;,Bobby Laymon ,Memorial,,bl,,2/7/2015
"Modesty, Humility, adjustments, new personality, service meeting parts, comments, ","If you visit a botanical gardens' you may notice the Bonsai trees.  They have the same elements of a large tree.  It can be any tree;  oak, ash, pine, cedar, maple.  They make certain adjustment to make them small.  ","Jehovah has been adjusting us to stay small.  Convention parts; our comments short, our presentations shorter.  Even doorstep studies.  Why?  Like the Bonsai trees, people are attracted to that.  Each month we have suggestion that help us do that in our Kingdom Ministry.",Micah 6:8;,Bob Laymon ,,,bl,,1/28/2015
"DEATH, dying, ills, cure, city without walls,","It is possible to provide security against other ills, but as far as death is concerned, we men all live in a city without walls. Epicurus ",There is little or no defense against death.,ECCLESIASTES 9:5;,David Stamps,,,bl,,2/1/2015
"DEATH, FEAR OF DEATH, ",I don't fear death. I just don't want to be there when it happens. ,We know that death is like a sleep.  There is no pain.,Psalm 146:4; ECCLESIASTES 9:5;,David Stamps,,,Bl,,2/1/2015
"144,000, Anointed, Kingdom,","We have heard the saying, ""Too many Chiefs and not enough Indians.""","Jehovah in his wisdom saw that this would not be the case in the Kingdom.  He gave a set number that would rule with Christ Jesus.Namely 144,000.",Revelation 14:1,David Stamps,,,Bl,,2/1/2015
"Molded, Conform, Transformed, Association, ","We can stand in the sunlight, and even get sunburned, and never know it is happening.","It is the same with our associations. We can be molded by our associates, and not realize what serious things are taking place.",Romans 12:2;,Jerry Johnson,,,bl,,2/3/2015
"PERSECUTION, ANXIETY, STRESS, CALM, CARRY ON, TRUST, ",Keep calm and carry on. ,Trust in Jehovah.,Matthew 6:33,Bobby Laymon ,,57,bl,,2/5/2015
"SACRIFICES, Propitiatory, Cover, Ransom, ",Like Tubberware. Click and seal. The cover just fits.,Christ Jesus sacrifice was a perfect fit that could end all sin.,Ephesians 3:8-10,"Glenn Teakell, Joe Laymon,",,,bl,,2/5/2015
"Jehovah's Name, Memorial, ",It doesn't seem to matter to people that Jehovah's name has been taken out of the Bible.,"What would most Americans think if you took a chisel and hammer and started chiseling the names of veterans who died in the Korean war or Vietnam war, names from the war memorials? If they ask what you were doing, tell them it doesn't matter. They would be furious!! That's how it affects Jehovah's Witnesses that God's name isn't in the Bible in some translations, it does matter!",Hosea 12:5; Psalm 83:18;,Jim Breden,Make Jehovah Your Confidence,70,jb,,2/6/2015
"UNITY, UNIFIED, BROTHERHOOD, BRAINWASHED, UNITED, MISLED, ","Some people say, ""You are being brainwashed.""  Let us illustrate it with a math class.  All the students study and work the problem in the same way.  They are correct and are united.  They are not brainwashed.","Likewise with Jehovah's united people.  We have learned the truth, and teach it to others.  The truth from God's word unites and unifies us.",EPHESIANS 4:1-5;,"Samuel Herd, GB February 2015 JW Broadcasting",Serving With Jehovah's Unified Organization,3,bl,,2/7/2015
Revenge,Emotions are not rational.  Revenge is an emotion.,,Romans 12:19,Julia Bargeron,,,cb,,2/7/2015
"TRUTH, GROWTH, INCREASE, ",You throw a small rock into the pond and it makes a small ripple in pond. But that ripple keeps on going across the pond.,In like manner the truth keeps on spreading and spreading. We never know how much a small amount of truth tossed in the water will bring. ,ISAIAH 60:22,John Ballard,,,bl,,2/8/2015
"LOOKING FOR TRUTH, ACCIDENTALLY FIND TRUTH, TREASURES, ",Did you ever go looking for arrowheads?  it's nice when you find one in good shape. or you could be walking in a field and spot a nice arrowhead accidentally. you know you are going to keep them both. ,That is how lovers of truth feel about the treasures of God's word. ,"ISAIAH 65:1, 2;",Leta Kozak,,,bl,,2/8/2015
"Training others, important things, assist, ","“Think of this example: A driver may know that to maintain his car and keep the engine in running order, he must regularly change the oil. Still, he may feel that it is not as urgent as filling the tank with fuel. After all, if he does not put gas in the tank, his car will soon come to a complete stop. ‘If I don’t have time to change the oil,’ he may reason, ‘the engine will still keep running, at least for a while.’ But what is the danger? If the driver keeps postponing the maintenance of the engine, the day will come when the car will grind to a complete halt. If that happens, he will have to spend a lot of time and money on getting the car repaired and running again. What is the lesson?","6 Elders care for many important tasks that have to be handled promptly; otherwise, the congregation would be adversely affected. So just as the driver in the example makes sure to keep refilling the fuel tank, elders must “make sure of the more important things.” (Phil. 1:10) However, some elders are so busy looking after pressing matters that they “may neglect the training of others​—the maintenance of the engine, so to speak. But if elders keep postponing necessary training, sooner or later the congregation will lack sufficient qualified brothers to care for all that needs to be done.”",Phil 1:10;,"April 15, 2015 WT page 4",,,bl,,2/8/2015
"TRAINING, LEARNER, PREPARING THE SOIL,","“A teacher needs to create the right conditions for training. Just as a gardener needs to cultivate, or loosen, the soil before sowing seeds, so a teacher needs to prepare, or encourage, the heart of a learner before teaching him new skills. So how do teachers create the right conditions for training others? By following an approach similar to that taken by one prophet of old. What approach is that?","One day over 3,000 years ago, Jehovah told the elderly prophet Samuel: “Tomorrow about this time, I will send to you a man from the land of Benjamin. You must anoint him as leader over my people Israel.” (1 Sam. 9:15, 16) Samuel realized that his role as leader had come to an end and that Jehovah had assigned him to anoint a successor. ‘How can I prepare that man for his task?,’ Samuel must have thought. He got an idea and worked out a plan.”","1 Samuel 9:15, 16","The Watchtower, April 15, 2015.",,,bl,,2/8/2015
"Training, preparing, nutrients, ","“As an elder, you could be compared to a gardener. Before planting seeds, a gardener may see the need to add nutrients to the soil to make it more productive.","Similarly, before teaching a less experienced brother a set of skills, you may discern the need to share some nourishing Scriptural thoughts with him so as to make his heart more responsive to the training he will receive.​",1 Tim. 4:6;,"The Watchtower, April 15, 2015.",,,bl,,3/24/2015
"COMMUNICATION WITH JEHOVAH, PRAYER, ","“Having regular communication with Jehovah is a vital part of drawing close to him. How can you communicate with God? Well, how do you communicate with a friend who lives far away? Likely, you write to each other and talk on the phone, perhaps quite often. ","You talk to Jehovah by means of your frequent prayers to him. (Read Psalm 142:2.) And you allow Jehovah to talk to you, as it were, when you regularly read his written Word and meditate on it. (Read Isaiah 30:20, 21.) Let us consider, then, how this two-way communication strengthens our bond with Jehovah, making our personal relationship with him ever more real.”","Isaiah 30:20, 21; Psalm 142:2","The Watchtower, April 15, 2015",,,bl,,2/8/2015
"PRAYER, REQUEST NOT IMMEDIATELY ANSWERED,",“Why does Jehovah not give us an immediate response to our every request? Recall that he likens our relationship with him to that of children with a father. (Ps. 103:13) A child cannot rightly expect a parent to grant every request or to do so right away. ,"Some of a child’s requests may be mere passing whims. Others must wait till the time is right. Still others may not be in the child’s best interests or in the best interests of others involved. Furthermore, to concede immediately to a child’s every request would change the relationship to one of master and slave, the child being the master.”",PSALM 103:13 ,"The Watchtower, April 15, 2015",,,bl,,2/8/2015
"DISFELLOWSHIPPED, DISASSOCIATE, ","Imagine a hiker who succumbs to exhaustion on a cold winter day. He begins to suffer from hypothermia, and he feels drowsy. If he falls asleep in the snow, he will die. ","While waiting for a rescue party, his companion occasionally slaps him in the face to keep him awake. The slap may sting, but it could well save his life. Similarly, David recognized that a righteous person might need to give him painful correction for his own good.”",Ps. 141:5;,"The Watchtower, April 15, 2015.",,,bl,,2/8/2015
"WITNESSING THROUGH THE INTERCOM, FEARFUL, NICE, ","When I was young we used to buy or trade comic books.  One of my favorite was Superman.  Anyone remember Superman?  He could do fantastic things.  Fly through the air; change clothes in a split second; Lift buildings.  But one of the most fascinating feats is he could see behind closed doors.  He had Xray vision and without a search warrant, could tell everything going on and spot danger.  ","Have you ever thought that you have that quality to a large degree.  With Jehovah's spirit and the power of discernment, you can know what people are thinking.  Let's say you call on a house all closed up, and notice a speaker near the door with a button by it.  It's an intercom.  What kind of person lives there?  Fearful? Yes.  But more, you notice there are no dogs outside to rip you apart and the gates are not locked. No ""NO TRESPASSING"" signs.  This is not a person who wants to hurt you.  They are just afraid of people, and they want to talk.  They have spent hundreds of dollars for a nice intercom.  How will you make use of it?",Romans 10:14;,Bobby Laymon ,,,bl,,2/10/2015
"SATAN, DEVIL, ROARING LION, ANOINTED REMNANT, OTHER SHEEP, PERSECUTION,","Although the whole world already lies in his power, Satan is hungry for more victims. (1 John 5:19) To him, the world might be a mere “appetizer.” In effect, Satan has turned his attention to the “main course”​—the anointed remnant, who are accompanied by their companions, the “other sheep.” ","Satan is intent on devouring Jehovah’s people. The waves of persecution he has unleashed against Jesus’ followers from the first century until now give evidence of his vicious spirit.”  “The apostle Peter likened Satan to “a roaring lion.” According to one reference work, the Greek word translated “roaring” denotes “the howl of a beast in fierce hunger.” How well that describes Satan’s vicious disposition! ",John 10:16; Rev. 12:17;,"The Watchtower, May 15, 2015",,,bl,,2/13/2015
"SATAN, DEVIL, VICIOUS, REVELING, CONQUEST, ","In his attempts to hinder God’s purpose, Satan shows himself to be vicious in yet another way. A famished lion feels no pity for its prey. It feels no compassion before the kill and experiences no remorse afterward. ","In a similar way, Satan has shown no pity for those whom he tries to devour. For example, think about how often Satan the Devil must have been lurking somewhere when the Israelites succumbed to such sins as sexual immorality and greed. When you read about the tragic consequences that befell immoral Zimri and greedy Gehazi, for instance, can you “see” the roaring lion reveling in his conquest?​","Num. 25:6-8, 14, 15; 2 Ki. 5:20-27;","The Watchtower, May 15, 2015",,,bl,,2/13/2015
"SATAN, DEVIL, BELIEVE THAT SATAN DOES NOT EXIST, MISLEAD, SNARES, FICTION, IMAGINATION, ","Many scoff at the idea that Satan even exists. To them, Satan and the demons are fictional characters of novels, horror movies, and video games. Such people feel that no intelligent person believes in wicked spirits. ","Do you think that it bothers Satan that he and his invisible cohorts have been relegated to the world of folklore? That is not likely! After all, it is easy for Satan to blind the minds of those who doubt that he exists. (2 Cor. 4:4) Promoting the idea that spirits do not exist is one of the many ways that Satan uses to mislead people.”",2 COR. 4:4;,"Watchtower, May 15, 2015",,,bl,,2/14/2015
"REALITY, DAYDREAM, HANNAH, focus, new earth, mental picture, dream world, ","If a little girl pictures herself riding on a butterfly, that is mere fantasy. But when Hannah spent time thinking about what it would be like when she took her son Samuel to serve at the tabernacle, she had a basis for her mental picture. It was based on what she had resolved to do, and this helped her to focus on her objective. (1 Sam. 1:22) ","A mental picture of something we have never seen may not always be based on reality. If we visualize what God has promised to do, we are thinking about something that will definitely happen.​",2 Pet. 1:19-21,"Watchtower, May 15, 2015",,,bl,,2/13/2015
"EMPATHY, EXPERIENCE, SYMPATHY,  PUTTING OURSELVES IN OTHERS PLACE,","JEHOVAH has given us the ability to put ourselves in the place of others. To some extent, we can conceive of a situation that we have not experienced. ",How can we use this God-given gift wisely? What should we do to prevent it from harming us?”,"Ephesians 5:1, 2","Watchtower, May 15, 2015",,,bl,,2/14/2015
"EMPATHY, TENDER FEELING, OTHERS PLACE,","“Whoever touches you touches the pupil of my eye.” (Zech. 2:8) Just as a mother has tender feelings for her baby, Jehovah is moved to act lovingly in behalf of his people. (Isa. 49:15) ","In a sense, Jehovah can put himself in the place of others, and he has given us that ability.​—Ps. 103:13, 14","PSALMS 103:13, 14","Watchtower, May 15, 2015",,,bl,,7/5/2021
"EMPATHY, LOVE FOR NEIGHBORS, GOLDEN RULE, ","“Suppose a Christian youth, whom we will call Alan, is thinking about an elderly brother whose poor eyesight makes it hard for him to read. He also finds it difficult to walk from house to house in the ministry. Alan remembers Jesus’ words: “Just as you want men to do to you, do the same way to them.” (Luke 6:31) So Alan asks himself, ‘What do I want men to do to me?’ His frank answer is, ‘I want them to play ball with me!’ But the aging brother will not be able to play ball, will he? Jesus’ statement implies that we must ask ourselves, ‘What would I want my neighbor to do to me if I were in his circumstances?’","Alan is not elderly, but he has the ability to conceive of experiences he has not had. He observes the elderly brother and listens to him with concern. Gradually, Alan understands what it is like to be an older person who finds it hard to read the Bible or walk from house to house. When Alan feels the aging brother’s distress, he sees what help is needed, and he wants to be helpful. ",LUKE 6:31;,"Watchtower, May 15, 2015",,,bl,,2/14/2015
"Contemplation, THINKING, THOUGHTS, LOOKING AT SOMETHING A LONG TIME, ADMIRING, ","“A shrewd person realizes that contemplation can be like a fire. If fire is handled properly, it can be useful, such as when it cooks our food. But fire is deadly when it is uncontrolled and burns down a house and kills its occupants. ","Similarly, contemplation is useful when it helps us to imitate Jehovah. However, it can be harmful when it feeds immoral desires. For example, if we make it a practice to think about sinful actions, this could lead to our acting out such fantasies. Indeed, indulging in immoral reverie can be spiritually deadly!​","James 1:14, 15","Watchtower, May 15, 2015",,,bl,,2/14/2015
"The end, last days, Armageddon,","“When you hear the words “The end is near!” what comes to mind? Do you think of a wild-eyed preacher thundering from the pulpit and gesturing dramatically, Bible in hand? Or do you picture a bearded old man standing on a street corner, wearing a long robe tied at the waist with a rope, holding a sign bearing a doomsday message? ","Imagining such scenes may make some people feel concerned, while others may feel skeptical or even amused. The Bible does state: “The end will come.” (Matthew 24:14) The same event is also called “the great day of God” and “Armageddon.” (Revelation 16:14, 16) True, there is much religious confusion on the subject and strange, gloomy notions abound. Nonetheless, the Bible itself is quite clear about the end​—revealing what it is and what it is ","Revelation 16:14, 16","Watchtower, May 1, 2015",,,bl,,2/20/2015
"last days, time of the end, Armageddon, ","“When you travel by car, you might first consult online sources, maps, and written directions. Then, as you see signs and landmarks that match what the directions say, you gain confidence that you are nearing your destination. ","In a similar way, God has given us his Word, which describes striking global trends. As we see those landmark events unfolding, we become convinced that we are in the time period leading up to the end.The Bible explains that world history would reach a unique, pivotal time period that would culminate in the end. That time would see a combination of worldwide events and circumstances that differs from anything in mankind’s history. Consider some of the features mentioned in God’s Word.”.",Matthew 24,"Watchtower, May 1, 2015",,,bl,,2/20/2015
"Earth, end, last days, ruined, ","“Have you noticed the mounting evidence that the earth is becoming filled with violence? Additionally, humans have arrived at a unique point in history: They have the potential literally to ruin the earth by wiping out all human life on it. They have the weaponry in their hands. ","And the earth is being ruined in another way. The systems that support life on earth​—the air we breathe, the animal and plant ecosystems, the oceans—​are steadily being degraded because of human mismanagement.”",Revelation 11:18,WT May 2015,,,bl,,2/20/2015
"earth ruined, destruction, end, Armageddon,","“Ask yourself, ‘Just over a century ago, did mankind even have the power of complete self-destruction?’ But now humans are exerting that power by amassing advanced weaponry and by devastating the environment. The rapid developments in technology seem to be outpacing man’s ability to understand or control the consequences. ","However, earth’s destiny is not for man to decide or control. Before all life on this earth is eradicated, God will step in to destroy those destroying the earth. That is his promise!”",Revelation 11:18,"WT May 1, 2015",,,bl,,2/20/2015
"Doomsday prophet, Armageddon, End, Jehovah's Witnesses, Earth, ","“Jehovah’s Witnesses are not doomsday prophets. They have been sharing a positive message about the future for over one hundred years. For example, their 1958 convention talk, “God’s Kingdom Rules​—Is the World’s End Near?” ","God’s kingdom comes, not to destroy this earth, but to destroy Satan’s world. God’s kingdom comes, not to burn up this earth, but to bring to pass God’s will here on earth as well as in heaven. For that reason the earth is worth preserving as God’s creation; and God will preserve it for all eternity.”",revelation 11:18,"Watchtower, May 1, 2015",,,bl,,2/20/2015
"Survival, protection, end, Armageddon, ","“If you want to survive the passing of this world and ‘remain forever,’ what should you do? Should you start stockpiling supplies or making other physical preparations? No. The Bible strongly urges us to set different priorities. ","We read: “Since all these things are to be dissolved in this way, consider what sort of people you ought to be in holy acts of conduct and deeds of godly devotion, as you await and keep close in mind the presence of the day of Jehovah.” (2 Peter 3:10-12) The context shows that “all these things” that are to be dissolved include the ruling elements of this corrupt world and all those who choose such rulership rather than God’s. Clearly, if we were to stockpile material goods, that would not save us from such a destruction. Really, our survival involves being devoted to Jehovah God and learning about the kind of conduct and deeds that please him. ",Zephaniah 2:3,"Watchtower, May 1, 2015",,,bl,,2/20/2015
"listen, pay attention, obey, JEHOVAH'S GUIDANCE BIBLE, ","Imagine that you are putting together a family photo album. You have many photographs to choose from, but the album can hold only so many. What do you do? You choose which ones to include. In a sense, the Gospels are like a photo album that gives us a clear picture of Jesus. ","Jehovah did not inspire the Gospel writers to record everything that Jesus said and did while on earth. (John 20:30; 21:25) Instead, Jehovah’s spirit guided them in recording the words and deeds that help us to understand the purpose of Jesus’ ministry and what is most important to Jehovah. (2 Tim. 3:16, 17; 2 Pet. 1:21) Since the Gospels are filled with Jesus’ teachings about God’s Kingdom, we may safely conclude that the Kingdom is close to Jehovah’s heart. Just think​—Jehovah wants us to know what his Kingdom is all about!”","2 Tim 3:16,17",kr page 8,,,bl,,2/22/2015
"Self sacrifice, focus, goals, CAREER, ","Suppose someone wants to be a Musician. How can he do it?  Move to Los Angelos or Nashville, depending on the type of music he is interested in.  Work in industry and get experience and exposure.  Maybe he can get a break.  Later you see him and he is a banker.  ""Oh! I still love music but had to stop for a while.""  He lost his focus..",To be a Christian we never want to lose our focus. We must not lose our desire to serve Jehovah.  We don't need more Bankers.  We need more Preachers.,Matthew 6:33,Jason Arndt,Renewing the spirit of self sacrifice,,bl,,2/26/2015
"Study habits, faith, ",Good study habits are like re-bar in an earthquake proof building.,Study strengthens the structure of our faith. Without it we are vulnerable,1Timothy 4:16,Julia Bargeron,,,cb,,2/28/2015
"Love, Generous, unselfish,",Those who deserve love the least need it the most.,We must be generous when showing love. Even loving those who we feel might not deserve it.,Matthew 5:46-48,Julia Bargeron,,,cb,,2/28/2015
"Perfection, Forgiveness, Love",There is nothing known as 'Perfect'. It’s only those imperfections which we choose not to see!,"We can choose to not ""see"" or focus on the imperfections of others. It is ironic that we tend to forgive the imperfections of those we like.","Colossians 3:13, 14",Albert Einstein,,,cb,,2/23/2015
"VARIOUS BIBLES, UNDERSTAND, NEW WORLD TRANSLATION, CONFIDENCE, TRUST,",In the past many of us have had to read the Bible with one foot on the brake. You come to the word hell. Opps! that's wrong. Then you come to the word cross. WHOO! STOP! ,"Thanks to Jehovah we have a Bible that is reliable. We can read with full speed ahead, and in full confidence.",HEBREWS 4:12,Bobby Laymon ,,,bl,,3/8/2015
"Persecutors, enemies, Judo, tables turned, Strength, Power,","One of the skills of Judo is, you don't have to be stronger than your enemy.  You can use his own strength against him.  Example: You push against him, and he pushes you back even harder.  Then you pull using his strength to propel him forward and over your head.",Many of Jehovah's enemies have tried to use their power against us.  They try to stop our preaching work and Bible reading by Burning Bibles and attacking us in the public press.  People want to know why we are banned.  Why are Bibles being destroyed.  They talk to Jehovah's Witnesses and we have used their own strength against them.,Isaiah 54:16;,Bobby Laymon ,,,bl,,2/24/2015
"Joy, Delight, Volunteer, God's Will, Construction work, Kingdom Hall, Building, LDC, RBC, Disaster, Local Needs, ","Jesus did not say, ""I hate doing your will, but you make me do it anyway.  I am forced to do it.""  No, instead he said, (Psalm 40:8) "". . .To do your will, O my God, is my delight, And your law is deep within me.""",That is also the attitude of those offering themselves freely to do construction work.  ,Psalm 40:8,Bobby Laymon ,,,bl,,2/26/2015
"Quickly, New York Minute, Volunteers, Haste, Flash, Local Needs, ","You have probably heard the expression, ""In a New York Minute.""  What does that mean?  Due to the fast pace of New Yorkers, that expression means quickly, in a flash.  In a jiffy.  Get it done.","That is how many are responding to the invitation to work at Warwick on the new World Headquarters for Jehovah's Witnesses.  They are responding in ""A New York Minute.""  What goes on after they get there?  What is being done.  How would you respond if invited? (Psalm 110:3)  Your people will offer themselves willingly on the day of your military force. In splendid holiness, from the womb of the dawn, You have your company of young men just like dewdrops.",Psalm 110:3,Bobby Laymon ,,,bl,,2/28/2015
"This work from man, God given work, Organization, Good News, Unity, Growth, Good Work,","If this work was from man, with billions of people on the earth, there would be other organizations like it.  Others would be united and with a great man-made effort they could rule the universe. ","This work is not from man, but from Jehovah, and he Jehovah is making it grow.(Galatians 1:11, 12) . . .For I want you to know, brothers, that the good news I declared to you is not of human origin; 12 for neither did I receive it from man, nor was I taught it, but it was through a revelation by Jesus Christ.","Gal 1:11, 12",Aaron Fields,,,bl,,3/12/2015
"ANXIETY, WORRY, stress, last days, ","""I feel anxious all the time, as though I were a hamster on a wheel running around but never getting anywhere. I’m working myself to death but not really accomplishing anything!”—Anna.“I’m constantly thinking: ‘What if . . . ?’ ‘What if we get in a car accident?’ ‘What if our plane goes down?’ I’m anxious about things that a more rational person wouldn’t worry so much about.”—Charles.","Fact of life: We live in what the Bible calls “critical times hard to deal with.” (2 Timothy 3:1) Because of that, anxiety can affect young people as much as it affects adults.",2 Timothy 3:1;,jw.org,Decisions You Face--how Will You Make Them?,50,bl,,2/28/2015
"Anxiety, Stress, Worry, Decisions,",“I’m like a pressure cooker. I’m always worried about the next thing that will happen or the next thing I need to do.”—Laura.,"When people tell me that I’m fortunate that I’m still in school, I say to myself, ‘They have no idea how stressful school is!’”—Daniel.",2 Timothy 3:1;,jw.org,Decisions You Face--how Will You Make Them?,50,bl,,2/28/2015
"Anxiety, worry, stress, trapped, snares, ","Anxiety might make you feel as if you were trapped in a maze, but someone with a different perspective can help you find a way out.","Talk to a friend.  The Bible says that “a calm heart gives life to the body.” (Proverbs 14:30) On the other hand, anxiety can bring on a number of unpleasant physical symptoms, including headaches, dizziness, upset stomach, and heart palpitations.",Proverbs 14:30;,jw.org,Decisions You Face--how Will You Make Them?,50,bl,,2/28/2015
"Anxiety, worry, stress, decisions, ","Anxiety is like a rocking chair. It gives you something to do, but it doesn’t get you anywhere.”—Katherine.","Unless anxiety leads you toward a solution, it will only add to your problem—or become your problem.",Matthew 6:27;,jw.org,Decisions You Face--how Will You Make Them?,50,bl,,2/28/2015
"WORLD EVENTS, UNSEEN, BIRTH OF GOD'S KINGDOM, ","Much of history unfolds behind closed doors​—in throne rooms, in private council chambers, or in government offices. Nonetheless, such changes affect millions of lives.  What about the greatest event ever to occur in the history of the world? That event has touched millions of lives. Yet, it took place out of human view. ","We refer, of course, to the birth in heaven of God’s Kingdom, the long-promised Messianic government that will soon bring this whole world system to its end.  Since humans did not witness that momentous birth, should we conclude that Jehovah hid the event from mankind? Or, rather, did he prepare his loyal people for it beforehand? Let us see.”","Daniel 2:34, 35, 44, 45",kr page 13,,,bl,,2/28/2015
"DISCREET, REVEALING, DETAILS, MATURITY, PARENTS,","CARING parents include their children in discussions about family matters. They are discreet, however, about the amount of information that they share. They reveal only details that they feel their children are mature enough to absorb.","Similarly, Jehovah has progressively revealed his purpose for the human family. But he has done so only when he knew that the time was right. Consider a brief overview of how Jehovah has revealed truths about the Kingdom throughout history.”","MATTHEW 6:9,10",God’s Kingdom Rules! (kr) page 32,,,bl,,3/8/2015
"JEHOVAH'S PURPOSE, ","Jehovah's purpose is not like a train that must run on a certain track to reach its destination and can be derailed by the actions of others. Once Jehovah states his purpose, no force in the universe can prevent its fulfillment. (Read Isaiah 55:11.) If a challenge threatens to block one track, Jehovah uses another.* (Ex. 3:14, 15) ","When he sees fit, he informs his loyal servants of the new method he will use to accomplish his purpose.”",Isaiah 55:11,God’s Kingdom Rules! (kr) page 32,,,bl,,2/28/2015
"NEW WORLD TRANSLATION BIBLE, INFORMATION,","June 18, 1960, Brother Nathan Knorr released the final volume of the complete New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures to a thrilled convention audience in Manchester, England. The speaker well expressed the feelings of all in attendance when he exclaimed: ",‘Today is a day for rejoicing on the part of Jehovah’s Witnesses the wide world over!’ One outstanding feature of that new translation was a special cause for joy​—the frequent use of God’s personal name.”,PSALM 83:18;,“God’s Kingdom Rules! (kr) PAGE 123,,,bl,,3/1/2015
"INFORMATION, WATCHTOWER FROM LATE 1920'S. JEHOVAH'S NAME, ","Starting in the late 1920’s and continuing for over 20 years, the first paragraph of the first article in each issue of The Watchtower contained the name Jehovah. ",What a fine reminder for God’s people to exalt God’s name!”,Psalm 83:18;,God’s Kingdom Rules! (kr) PAGE 44,,,bl,,3/8/2015
"GUIDE TO THE TRUTH ABOUT GOD'S KINGDOM, BIBLE, JESUS, KNOWLEDGE, GRADUALLY, FOOD AT THE PROPER TIME, n","IMAGINE that an experienced guide is leading you on a tour of a wondrous and beautiful city. The city is new to you and to those with you, so you hang on to the guide’s every word. At times, you and your fellow tourists wonder excitedly about some of the city’s features that you have not yet seen. When you ask your guide about such things, however, he withholds his comments until key moments, often just when a certain sight is coming into view. In time, you grow ever more impressed with his wisdom, for he tells you what you need to know right when you need to know it.","True Christians are in a situation similar to that of the tourists. We are eagerly learning about the most wondrous of cities, “the city having real foundations,” the Kingdom of God. (Heb. 11:10) When Jesus was on earth, he personally guided his followers, leading them to a deeper knowledge of that Kingdom. Did he answer all their questions and tell them everything about that Kingdom at once? No. He said: “I still have many things to say to you, but you are not able to bear them now[…]”",JOHN 16:12;,God’s Kingdom Rules! (kr) Page 49,,,bl,,3/2/2015
"PREACHING METHODS, PATTERNS, KINGDOM, RADIO, NEWSPAPER, PHOTO DRAMA, INTERNET, EXAMPLE, ADAPT,","CROWDS gather around Jesus on the shore of a lake, but he boards a boat and pulls away a short distance. Why? He knows that the surface of the water will amplify his voice and that the large audience will be able to hear his message more clearly.​—Read Mark 4:1, 2.","In the decades surrounding the Kingdom’s birth, faithful disciples of Christ followed his example, using novel techniques to spread the good news of the Kingdom to large audiences. Under the direction of the King, God’s people continue to innovate and adapt as circumstances change and new technologies become available. We want to reach as many as possible before the end comes. (Matt. 24:14) Consider just some of the methods we have used to reach people, no matter where they live. Think, too, of ways that you can imitate the faith of those who spread the good news in the early days.”","MARK 4:1, 2;",God’s Kingdom Rules! (kr) page 68,,,bl,,3/2/2015
"Translation, tools, Good News of the Kingdom, languages, ","Just as a gardener may use a variety of tools to soften the soil and prepare it to receive seed, Jehovah’s people have used a variety of tools that have helped them prepare the hearts of millions to receive the Kingdom message. ","Jesus likened the “word of the Kingdom” to seeds and a person’s heart to soil. Some of those tools were useful for a limited time. Others, such as books and magazines, continue to do valuable work. Unlike most of the methods of mass communication mentioned in the pre“ceding chapter, all the tools discussed here have helped Kingdom publishers contact people face-to-face.​—Acts 5:42; 17:2, 3.","Matt. 13:18, 19",God’s Kingdom Rules! (kr),,,bl,,3/2/2015
"Translators, translations, Training, Equipped, Bible translators, ","Now we feel like fully equipped explorers ready to take on a challenge every day, knowing well where to go, what alternate routes to take, and when to stop.”","One said: “The training we have received grants us the freedom to explore techniques for handling the original text, but it also sets reasonable boundaries that prevent us from taking over the role of the writer. As of 2013, more than 2,700 translators were working in over 190 locations to help spread the good news in more than 670 tongues. This remarkable work is possible only because it has the backing of the King Jesus Christ.​","Matt. 28:19, 20; Rev. 14:6",God’s Kingdom Rules! (kr),,,bl,,3/8/2015
"SATAN'S CHALLENGE, UNIVERSAL ISSUE, SATAN'S SNARES, COURT CASE, PRECEDENT,","Suppose one of your relatives has no children and wants to gain custody of yours. He takes you to court and accuses you of neglecting and misguiding your children. To settle the issue and clear your name, you will have to present evidence. Your children will have to testify too. Similarly, Satan accuses God of lying and all humans of serving Him out of selfish interest.​—Genesis 3:4, 5; Job 1:9-11; 2:4, 5.","In a serious court case, it takes time to resolve the issues. But God’s final judgment will set a universal and eternal precedent that will sanctify God’s name and vindicate his way of ruling. And God will completely undo all the damage that Satan caused, just as He did in Job’s case.​—Job 42:10.”",JOB 1:9-11,Happy Life (hl-E) page 18,,,bl,,3/3/2015
"FORGIVENESS, OVERLOOKED SIN, RESCINDED LAWS, RANSOM, MEMORIAL,","Ask yourself: ‘What would happen to society if the authorities just pardoned all criminals and released them from jail? What would happen to the entire universe if God suddenly rescinded his physical laws, such as the law of gravity?’ His moral laws are equally important.  So if no imperfect human could carry out the Law perfectly, what kind of sacrifice is needed to cover our sins?”","Jehovah is willing to forgive “in a large way.” (Isaiah 55:7) But he will never rescind his moral laws. Since God respects his own perfect standards, he cannot simply ignore our imperfections and sins. “The Rock, perfect is his activity, for all his ways are justice. A God of faithfulness, with whom there is no injustice; righteous and upright is he.”​—Deuteronomy 32:4.  Speak of the ransom sacrifice of Jesus Christ. ",Deuteronomy 32:4.,Happy Life p 41,,,bl,,3/4/2015
"RANSOM, MEMORIAL, SACRIFICE, EQUAL EXCHANGE, LIFE FOR LIFE, ","If a criminal deliberately murdered someone you love, could he satisfy justice by sacrificing a bull?  The Law did not permit making an animal sacrifice for willful murder. (Numbers 35:31) No animal’s life is worth as much as a man’s. The sinner would have to pay with his own life.  So, then, what kind of sacrifice could cover Adam’s sin so that Jehovah could forgive people and ‘remember their sins no more’?","An equal exchange is required​—‘soul for soul,’ that is, life for life. (Deuteronomy 19:21) Nothing less than a perfect human life​—like Adam’s life before he sinned—​could balance the scales of justice. Only someone with such a perfect life, uncontaminated by sin inherited from Adam, could provide the atoning sacrifice. (Psalm 49:7-9 [49:8-10, TNK]) Only God could produce such a perfect life, without a human father, as He did when he created Adam.​—Genesis 2:7.”",Deuteronomy 19:21,HAPPY LIFE (HL),,,bl,,3/4/2015
"DISABLED CHILD, TAKE CARE OF YOUR HEALTH, WISDOM,","Take care of your own health. Just as an ambulance must refuel regularly if it is to continue taking patients to the hospital, you must restore your energy with proper nutrition, exercise, and rest so that you can continue giving your child the care he or she deserves.","Javier, who has a crippled son, puts it this way: “My son cannot walk, so I feel that I should try to eat well. After all, I am the one who moves him around. My feet are his feet!”",Proverbs 17:17.,JW.ORG,,,bl,,3/4/2015
"Eyeball, Organization, Isolation, selfish longing, Meetings, service, ",Jehovah provides protection for the literal eye.  Eye lid.  What organ does Jehovah liken his people to.  His eye.  It is very sensitive.What body organ would you hate to lose the most? Many people would say the eyes. ,Likewise Jehovah provides protection for the figurative eye.  Some feel they don't need God's organization.  When we attend meetings we see eye to eye.  ,Zech 2:8; Proverbs 18:1;,Angelo Manero D.O.,,,bl,,3/4/2015
"Organization, Congregation meetings, Custom, Good habit.","How many have ever seen a coal fire.  What color is coal?  What happens when you light it.  What color does it get.  Red, sometimes yellow, or even blue or white, depending on how hot is gets.  What if one of these coals pop out of the fire.  What happens to that coal?  It grows cold and changes color again.  ",What happens if we get away from the fire?  The Congregation.  We begin to cool off.  Custom or habit to attend the meetings.  We put one shoe on every day.  Either left or right.  We eat every day.  Our meeting attendance should be like that.  A GOOD habit.  This is a protection for us.,"Matthew 18:12;  Hebrews 10:24, 25;",Angelo Manero D.O.,,,bl,,3/4/2015
"Meetings, participating, attention, Listen, Unity,","Have you ever been seated at a meeting and the friends start applauding, and you start clapping your hands too.  But you don't really know why you are applauding.  You are there in body, but not in spirit.  You are not mentally attentive.","We need to be listening, so that we can see face to face, eye to eye.","Hebrews 10:24, 25;",Bobby Laymon ,,,bl,,3/4/2015
"Spiritual eye, Protection, Unity, Organizations, Church of Christ,","You may have noted that in some towns they have several churches of the same denominations but they don't all believe the same.  In Marshfield, they are three Churches of Christ.  Some don't believe in having music, some like music with their singing.  Some believe the 'grape juice' should all be drank from the same glass.  These are called 'one-cuppers.' Others believe there should be individual cups.  Many-Cuppers.  Some allow homosexuals to be ministers. some don't. ","Jehovah's people all think in agreement.  We meet in unity.  (2 Corinthians 13:11-13) . . .Finally, brothers, continue to rejoice, to be readjusted, to be comforted, to think in agreement, to live peaceably; and the God of love and of peace will be with you. 12 Greet one another with a holy kiss. 13 All the holy ones send you their greetings. . .",2 Corinthians 13:11-13;,Bobby Laymon ,,,bl,,3/8/2015
"Spiritual eye, Jehovah's protection, beauty, Following men, Circuit overseers, District overseers. Holy, Sanctify, Service, ","Jehovah likens his people to his eye ball.  He protects us like his eye ball.  Think of the eye lash.  They blink.  They look pretty, and some of you sisters like to paint them, curl them up, and flash them at the boys.  But they also serve as a protection.  They catch small amounts of dust and debris.","Jehovah always has traveling brothers that visit congregations that protect Jehovahs spiritual eyes from danger.  The apostles would not allow men to follow them.Identifying Marks; James 4:4 No friend of the world; John 17:16.  No part of the world; Matthew 6:9; Name be sanctified. Matthew 24:14; We know who is doing that today. Send representatives to encourage others.  What organization does that.  Some organizations get side-tracked into building hospitals, and other issues.  John 13:34, 35; Love one another.   (Zechariah 2:8) . . .for he that is touching YOU is touching my eyeb. . .","Acts 20:29, 30; 2 Corinthians 3:6, 7; Zech 2:8;",Bobby Laymon ,,,bl,,3/8/2015
"Organization, Protection for eyes.  Satan's snares.",We are all cry-babies. All our eyes are constantly being sprayed by chemicals that brings tears to our eyes.  Jehovah has made a protection.,But we are constantly being bombarded by something else. The spiritual eyes are being bombarded by this world.  The spirit that operates from Satan's world.  We must protect the spiritual eyes as well.,Zephaniah 2:8,Bobby Laymon ,,,bl,,3/5/2015
"FAITH, FIRM HOLD ON THE WORD OF LIFE, Meeting, Association, ","If someone said you have faith like a bulldog you probably wouldn't like it.  But if they said you have a grip like a bulldog, you would like that.  Bulldogs were trained to catch a bull by the nose.  English bulldog has short stubby legs, and mouth big and nose was pressed way back in.  Could hang on to that bull's sensitive nose.  Special breed.",How do we get that special breed in order to hold on to Word of Life.  1.  Nourishment we get at meetings  2.  meeting attendance.  3.  Participation in field service.  4.  Prayer.,Philippians 2:15-20; 1 Timothy 4:6;,Angelo Manero DO,Maintain Your Confidence Firm to the End,46,bl,,3/5/2015
"MATERIALISM, MONEY, SPENDING, TIGHT GRIP, ","Two brothers in the congregation both take care of their families, and they both want a certain car.  One is well off materially as a professional man.  He can afford the car.  It doesn't affect his meeting attendance, or time with his family.  The other is a laborer.  He has to watch how he spends his money.  Both go and buy that car.  Which one is materialistic.",It is the laborer.  He buys something he cannot really afford.  He may miss meetings and family worship to buy that car.  Many think you are materialistic only if you are wealthy or rich.  ,Philippians 2:15-20; 1 Timothy 4:6;,Bobby Laymon ,Maintain Your Confidence Firm to the End,46,bl,,3/8/2015
"MATERIALISM, MONEY, STRANGLER FIG, SMALL START,","A little tiny bird has a seed in his mouth and lands on the bark of a very large tree.  He plants that tiny seed into the bark and leaves.  What happens.  The seed is that of a ""strangler fig.""  It takes root and grows, and soon it has engulfed the branches of the large tree.  It keeps growing until the tree begins to die.","It is the same with materialism.  It takes hold in a small way, but if not stopped it can take over our lives.",Matthew 6:24;  James 4:4;,Bobby Laymon ,,,bl,,3/5/2015
"ENOUGH, TEACHING, BIBLE STUDIES, TALKING TOO MUCH, SALT, PUBLIC TALKS, QUIT,","A brother who built houses told about the time he tried to do dry wall.  It never looked right.  He mentioned his problem to an experienced brother working with him.  The second brother got a cup of coffee and sat down and watched.  When the first brother was about 1/2 through, the professional said, ""Stop!""  When it dries, a couple of swipes with sand paper and it's ready to paint.  A short time later he again said, ""Stop!""  Then he said, ""you would make a really good dry wall man, if you had someone to tell you when to stop.""",It is similar with teaching on Bible studies and from the platform.  How many here talk too much?  We could do more in 1/2 the time if we knew when to quit.  How many times did Jesus use more than 1 or 2 Scriptures?  We need to know when we have said enough. ,COL. 4:6,Bobby Laymon ,,,bl,,3/6/2015
"Ransom, Memorial, Everlasting Life, ","As the plane was falling to the ground, the man was sure he was going to be killed.  However he was one of the few that survived, with few injuries.  He stated, ""I feel like I have been given my life back."" ","The ransom sacrifice of Christ Jesus has given us a new lease on life.  It is as if we started our life over, with greater prospects than ever before.  Everlasting life.",Romans 6:23;,Bobby Laymon ,,,bl,,3/6/2015
"RACE, ENDURANCE, GIVE UP, Christian endurance.","The man had practiced long and hard for the race.  He felt he could win, and deserved to win.  Into the race several miles, he begins to be concerned.  He has developed a tremendous pain in his leg.  He decides to slack up a bit, and the pain is better.  Maybe he can still finish 2nd or 3rd place.  Near the finish line the pain becomes unbearable.  He could have crawled the last 100 yards, but he gives up.  He does not get a medal, or trophy of any kind.  Not even a tee-shirt.  What happened?","He failed to endure. His effort to train and run was in vain.  This is the way it is with us in the race for life.  We must never give up, even if we have to crawl.  What about us?  Do we have Christian endurance?  ",Hebrews 10:36;,Bobby Laymon ,,,bl,,3/7/2015
"Christian endurance, race for life, Different from endurance of world. volunteer, ",Picture a man in a raft lost at sea.  His ship has gone down and he is all alone.  It is not his choice.  He has need of endurance.  He needs to conserve all his energy and strength.  His small resources of food and water must be rationed out daily to last.,Christian endurance is different. We are not thrust into it by accident.  We have volunteered to use all our strength and resources to serve Jehovah with purpose and zeal.  We are not just 'hanging around the truth.'  Endurance is not optional.  It is necessary.  Matthew 24:13,"Roman 2:6, 7; Hebrews 12: 1, 2;",Bobby Laymon ,,,bl,,3/7/2015
"Race, endurance, running, train,","When you start the race is not the important things. What is important is when you win the race.  You must train and dress for the part.  Runners may wear speedos.  Runners watch videos and DVD to learn from their competitors.  We observe the one that is best in running.  Hebrews 12: 2, 3.  Observe Jesus.","Do we have any Marathon runners here?  A marathon runner can only run 26 miles if he has a support group.  They see he gets a drink at different points, or fruit.  If given rotten fruit the race would be over.  Our provisions:  Bible; Publications; Meetings.","Hebrews 12:1-5; James 5:10, 11;",Bobby Laymon ,,,bl,,3/8/2015
"Pornography, ","Burner on hot stove. You don't have to touch to know you will be burned. Longer you touch, the deeper the burn. ","The longer one looks at pornography, the harder it is to overcome it.",Psalms 11:5;,Aaron Fields,Turn Your Eyes Away From Worthless Things! ,183,bl,,3/8/2015
"Fall and get up, Hearts condemn, Move on, Jehovah is greater than our hearts, Attitude, Forgiveness, pity-puddle,","Did you ever step into a mud puddle, or maybe get stuck driving in it.  Now you are out, but your mind is still back there in that mud.If we have our minds in a pity-puddle, then we need to move it out where our bodies are and move along.","Jehovah has already moved on, so get up and move on with him.  Sometimes we can be our own worse enemy.  We need to realize that Jehovah has forgiven us and keep serving Him.","1 John 3:20, 21; Proverbs 24:16;",Kenneth Flodin,He Will Get Up Again.,,bl,,3/14/2015
"Elderly, older ones, Gray hair, Jehovah's view of elderly, Encouragement, ","A family my wife and I stayed with had a dog that was very old.  It was almost blind.  My wife and I came into the house, and the dog finally realized someone strange was there and gave 2 faint barks.  They were weak, but he was still on the watch.  That family loved that dog just as much as when he was a pup.Told by brother Samuel Herd: jw.broadcast","That is how Jehovah feels about his faithful servants, although they may be older.  They are still on the watch according to their abilities. Also he will not forget our work in the past.",Hebrews 6:10;,Samuel Herd; GB,,,bl,,3/12/2015
"EVERLASTING, GROWING OLD, DEATH,",Isn't living longer the same thing as growing older?,"In todays world, Yes. But not in Jehovah's new earth. We can live long without growing old. ","Revelation 21:3,4",Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,3/11/2015
"Temptation, Satan's snares, Eve, Sin,",Every day Satan hands you a piece of fruit.  What will you do with it?,"Will we follow Eve's example?  (Genesis 3:6) . . .Consequently, the woman saw that the tree was good for food and that it was something desirable to the eyes, yes, the tree was pleasing to look at. So she began taking of its fruit and eating it.. . .",Genesis 3:6;,Joe Laymon - Elder's School,,,bl,,3/13/2015
"Motive, Does motive matter, hidden reason, purpose, intention,","Suppose you buy your wife a very nice string of pearls.  It is no special occasion.  She is so surprised and happy that you thought of her.  She wears them every week on some occasion.  Then she learns that her mother told you, ""Your wife is looking old, and has put on a lot of pounds.  You need to buy her something to make her feel better.""","Now, does motive make a difference.  She will probably never wear those pearls again.  In fact, you will probably never buy her pearls again.  Jehovah examines our motives.",Philippians 1:15-17;,Joe Laymon - Elders School,,,bl,,3/13/2015
"Animalistic, contentment, beast, take for granted, Worship, power of reason,","A brother told about his office which was right next to a cow pasture.  Every day the cow would come up and look into his window and just stare at him and was contend to watch and chew her cud.  Then he realized that is what cows do.  They eat grass, drink water have babies, give milk and chew their cud.  They are content with that.","People can become content like that and are no better off than a beast.  We must avoid becoming animalistic, and use our power of reason, and serve Jehovah. (Psalm 49:19, 20) 19 But he finally joins the generation of his forefathers. They will never again see the light. 20 A man who does not understand this, although honored, Is no better than the beasts that perish.","Psalm 49:19, 20;",Joe Laymon - Elder's school,,,bl,,3/13/2015
"Distractions, Pay attention,",A brother who skied a lot was asked how he kept from hitting the trees. He said that he never looks at the trees. Only at the openings between them. If you look at the trees you will ski into them. ,"It is that way with the truth. If we allow ourselves to be distracted, we will be pulled into them. ",Proverbs 3:6;,Joe Laymon elder's school ,,,Bl,,3/13/2015
"Prayer, petition Jehovah, Fear Jehovah, the Hearer of Prayer, quotes,","Puritan minister Thomas Brooks (1608-80) observed: “God looks not at the oratory of your prayers, how elegant they may be; nor at the geometry of your prayers, how long they may be; nor at the arithmetic of your prayers, how many they may be; not at logic of your prayers, how methodical they may be; but the sincerity of them he looks at.” ","To these comments may be added Bunyan’s remark: “In prayer it is better to have a heart without words, than words without a heart.” But if we are sincere and do meet divine requirements, how can we be sure that the King of eternity will hear our prayers?","Matthew 6:9, 10;",w90 5/15 p. 13 par. 14,,,bl,,3/14/2015
"Prophecy meaning, foretell, prediction, Future events,",Many think that prophecy is just to foretell future events.  Jesus told things in past of Samaritan woman's life and she perceived that he was a prophet.,A prophet might also make past unknown things come to light.,Gen 3:15Rev 19:10,Kenneth Flodin,,,bl,,3/15/2015
"Prophecy, foretell, future events, predict, ",Imagine a statue shattered into hundreds of pieces of marble. It was put back together and every piece fit.  Someone figured out how to do it.  ,Prophecies are like that.  Eventually all the pieces fit.  Some calculated that the chances of only 8 prophecies about Jesus would have a 100 million billion to 1 chance of being fulfilled.  Jehovah is the fulfiller of prophecies.  ,2 Peter 1:21;,Garret Losch,,,bl,,3/15/2015
"Distraction, focus, attention, eyes, worthless things, ",Have you noticed that sometimes you can be riding in a car and point toward something and the driver will turn in that direction.  Many drive where they are looking.,"We may not do that while driving, but we will become distracted in the truth if we allow our eyes to wander.  We must stay in focus.",Matthew 6:22,Bobby Laymon ,,,bl,,3/15/2015
"protection, fortress, Jehovah is a strong tower.  Organization,","A Fortress is a place where you can find protection.  It is very difficult to break into, but you can walk into it if you qualify.",However to get that protection you must go into it.  ,Psalm 37:39;,Kelly Lowman,Where Can You Get Help in Times of Distress? (177),177,Bl,,3/15/2015
"Sadness, loneliness, Funeral, death, dead, alone,","That is as ""Sad as a one-car funeral.""","Extreme loneliness and sadness are hard to describe.(Ruth 1:20) . . .She would say to the women: “Do not call me Na·o´mi. Call me Ma´ra, for the Almighty has made life very bitter for me. . .",Ruth 1:20;,Bobby Laymon ,,,bl,,3/16/2015
"CHARIOT, ORGANIZATION, PROGRESS, ","Now, literally, when something in the sky moves, is there evidence of It on the ground?Well, yes.  Its sort of like  on a sunny day, have you ever seen the shadow of a plane, or a fast moving cloud go by on the ground?",In the same way we can see movement of the heavenly Chariot by seeing the changes made on earth. Jehovah’s earthly organization is moving like a shadow of that chariot.,Isaiah 60:22,JK,,,jk,,3/18/2015
"God's Word is Alive, Bible, Reading,",God's Word is alive...,Don't kill it by the way you read it.,Hebrews 4:12;,JW Broadcasting - God's Kingdom 100 years and Counting,,,bl,,3/18/2015
"Improving skills, magazine routes, auctioneers, keep interest, Alert, ","Auctioneers must above all things learn to count. They need to count by 1, and two, 5 or 10 or 100's.  They need to also learn how to insert words into the counting.  (example: 5 now 10, now 12 1/2, now 15) It holds people's attention.",We need to learn how to preach. On magazine routes we learn what they are interested in and insert it in our conversation.  It is a constant learning experience. We need to be alert. ,1 Peter 2:2,Todd Bell - service meeting part,,,Bl,,3/19/2015
"Patience, Growth, Divine Education, Success, Blessings, Gilead, ","U. V. Glass, the school’s registrar, highlighted the importance of patience. On reaching a foreign assignment, a missionary is like a plant that has been transplanted and may experience a setback.    ","Yet, by remaining there, being patient, he will eventually experience blessings.",Mark 4:24;,g78 11/8 p. 20,,,bl,,3/21/2015
"Bible, close friend in need, Gilead, Pioneers, evangelizers, ",Daniel Sydlik advised the students to “take along a close friend” as they go to their foreign assignments. ,"The Bible is that friend. They can depend on it in their hour of need, he told them. It is so powerful that only a sentence, or even a word, from it is at times enough to help someone. Read it and listen to it daily, he exhorted the students, and help others to do the same.",Hebrews 4:12;,w85 6/1 p. 28,,,bl,,3/21/2015
"Mistakes, Sin, Gilead, Missionary, pioneers, justify, ","Jack Redford surprised everyone by saying: “Last year I met a man who had not made a mistake in 4,000 years.” He was referring to an Egyptian mummy in a museum. ","The point, of course, was that only dead men do not make mistakes. But when we are confronted with our mistakes, do we act like Saul, who tried to justify his errors, or like David, who readily admitted his? Thought-provoking questions indeed!",Ecclesiastes 9:5,w85 6/1 p. 28,,,bl,,3/21/2015
"Marriage, Love, Respect, Golden Rule, ","But have you ever heard someone say, “I will give him a taste of his own medicine”? While such a reaction might at times be understandable, the Bible tells us: “Do not say: ‘I will do to him just as he has done to me.’” (Prov. 24:29) ","No doubt you like to be treated with dignity and respect. You appreciate it when your thoughts are acknowledged and your feelings are taken into account. In fact, Jesus recommended a more positive way of handling difficult situations. This rule of conduct is so well-known that it is often called the Golden Rule: “Just as you want men to do to you, do the same way to them.” (Luke 6:31) Jesus meant that we should treat people the way we would like to be treated and not repay unkindness with unkindness. In marriage, it means that we need to put into the relationship what we hope to get out of it.",Prov. 24:29,w15 1/15 pp. 18-22 ,,,bl,,3/22/2015
"Progress, Baptism, speed, Momentum, ",Imagine you run into the door of a house and you are running so fast that you go right out the back door.,Some people do that with the truth. They come in so fast they go right out again.  That is why we should never push one to be baptized.  ,Psalm 10:17; Isaiah 35:3;,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,3/22/2015
"collateral damage, ",In wars or disasters you often hear of collateral damage.  It is damage related by not exactly the same as the other damage.  Innocent by-standers and civilians that are killed might be referred to as collateral damage.,"In Jehovah's wars there is no collateral damage.  He may bring disasters such as the overthrow of Sodom and Gomorrah, but he never kills the innocent along with the wicked.  The flood of Noah's day is another example.  Because: (2 Peter 2:9, 10) . . .So, then, Jehovah knows how to rescue people of godly devotion out of trial, but to reserve unrighteous people to be destroyed on the day of judgment, 10 especially those who seek to defile the flesh of others and who despise authority.. . .","2 Peter 2:9, 10;","Kevin Dean, Bobby Laymon ",,,bl,,3/22/2015
"Secure Heights, towers, crag, High places, stronghold,","During the centuries men have built many towers for a protection.  Hitler's eagle's nest, The world trade center, Tower of Babel.  Most of these are destroyed, in disrepair, or have become tourist attractions. (name others)",The highest protection in the universe is described in the last part of Psalm 83:18.,Psalm 83:18,Kevin Dean,,,bl,,3/22/2015
"Public speaking, attention, hear, listen,",“Speakers who talk about what life has taught them never fail to keep the attention of their listeners.”— Dale Carnegie,The Bible has real-life accounts.  It never fails to teach us lessons to live by.,"2 Timothy 3:16, 17;",Bobby Laymon ,,,bl,,3/22/2015
"Public speaking, practice, prepare, outline, notes,","“There are always three speeches for every one you actually gave. The one you practiced, the one you gave, and the one you wish you gave.”  — Dale Carnegie",A good outline is a must for public speaking.,"Luke 1:3, 4;",Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,3/22/2015
"Public speaking, come alive, excite, enthuse, Dramatic Bible reading,","“Your purpose is to make your audience see what you saw, hear what you heard, feel what you felt. Relevant detail, couched in concrete, colorful language, is the best way to recreate the incident as it happened and to picture it for the audience.”— Dale Carnegie","We want to get our audience caught up in our speech.  Let then smell the smoke, hear the horses, taste the food, so to speak.",Hebrews 12:4;,Bobby Laymon ,,,bl,,3/22/2015
"Marriage, check list, life, refuge, Bible","A pilot has a check list.  He does a walk-a-round before a flight, and then he has a check list before and after start-up.  If anything is wrong, he does not fly.",We need a check list for our lives.  The Bible will help us to do this.  It is our check list.,Hebrews 12:4,Kevin Dean - pilot ,,,bl,,3/26/2015
"Trust in Jehovah, dependence, blind pilot, elders, ","A pilot was flying when all of a sudden he lost his eyesight.  Most people would completely panic, but he got on the radio and called the control tower.  The control tower was able to contact another plane in the area who got behind him and calmly directed him onto the runway.  He landed safely.  ",Sometimes we find ourselves in a similar situation in a spiritual sense. We need to talk to Jehovah and the brothers in the Congregation who will help us find the way.,Proverbs 3:5;,Kevin Dean - pilot,,,bl,,3/26/2015
"give up, quit, leave the truth,","The last thing we want to hear from a pilot is, ""I give up.""","We must never ""give up"" when it comes to serving Jehovah.  Many lives are depending on us.",2 Corinthians 4:16;,Kevin Dean - pilot ,,,bl,,3/26/2015
"Resentment, forgiveness, bury the hatchet, ","Some persons agree to ""bury the hatchet,"" but leave the handle sticking out. ","They say they forgive, but remember for future use. ",Matthew 7:12; ,Todd Bell,,,bl,,3/26/2015
"Satan's snares, lures, temptations, pornography, internet, materialism, Personal needs, comforts, corrupt, world,","""The things in the world” are like the lures of a fisherman. They are attractive, but attached to each lure is a hook. ","Satan uses what people may regard as normal everyday needs to make them want to do what is contrary to the laws of God. Such subtle temptations, though, are designed to influence our desires and corrupt our heart. They are really an attempt to make us believe that taking care of our personal needs and comforts takes priority over doing the will of God. Will such enticements work on us?","Psalm 1:1, 2;",w13 8/15 pp. 26-27 pars. 13-14,,115,bl,,3/26/2015
"Pour out, drink offering, expend self, self sacrificing, Apostle Paul,","You hear people say, ""Good to the last drop.""  Paul was ""Good to the last drop.  What about us?","(2 Timothy 4:6, 7) . . .For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time for my releasing is imminent. 7 I have fought the fine fight, I have run the race to the finish, I have observed the faith. ",2 Timothy 4:6;,Mark NoumairMark Noumair,,,bl,,3/28/2015
"Strong, Champions, skilled, Gilead, pioneers, not warp, twist, pressure, stress, ","Many professionals take time off from work to attend classes to sharpen their skills. During the past five months, Jehovah has been making you ‘firm’ and ‘strong’ by a thorough study of his Word and organization so that you can carry the weighty responsibilities that come your way. Timbers that are firm do not warp, twist, or pull apart under pressure. The results of your training will be revealed as you work with your fellow brothers and sisters. ","Will the pressure cause you to pull away from godly principles, or will you hold firm, straight in line with what you learned from God’s Word? Something that is strong can carry a load. The strength of timbers lies in a tightly woven grain. Your strength is determined by the innermost fibers of who you are. Jehovah brought you here to make you strong, reliable, and trustworthy for the work ahead. God has done his part, so our prayer is that you do your part and allow your ‘Grand Instructor’ to finish your training.”",1 Peter 5:10;,Mark Noumair,,,bl,,3/28/2015
"Love, Hate, response, Gilead, ","“Don’t become the thing you hate,” exhorted Brother Noumair. He warned that if we see behavior we hate yet respond in kind, we become what we hate, which is a self-destructive course. ","On the other hand, if we respond to such challenges by finding new ways to show love, we shine “the true light” and dispel spiritual darkness.","John 13:34, 35;",w11 8/1 p. 30,,,bl,,3/28/2015
"Hopes, Heavy loads, responsibilities, assignments, Bible-based training, kata, ","The people in African lands tote heavy loads on their heads. They use a kata, a small rolled-up cloth placed atop the head to help provide comfort and balance, leading to a graceful walk. ","The Gilead missionaries will have a heavy load of responsibilities to carry in their foreign assignments, but they have been given something that can be likened to the kata: extensive Bible-based training. As they apply what they learned, they will be able to balance their load and carry it effectively.",Ecclesiastes 11:6;,w11 8/1 p. 30 - Michael Burnett,,,bl,,3/28/2015
"Bible Education Builds Faith, Draw attention to good points of brothers, adjustments","“You Remind Me of Someone.” Brother Noumair said: He drew attention to the example of the prophet Elisha, who demonstrated faith and courage in his assignment. Basing his comments on 1 Kings 19:21, Brother Noumair said: ","“Elisha was willing to make adjustments in life, put his personal interests in the background, and champion Jehovah’s cause.” He commended the graduates for having demonstrated the same spirit and encouraged them to continue to do so in their new assignments.",1 Kings 19:21;,w07 7/1 pp. 16-17- Mark Noumair,,,bl,,3/28/2015
"Religion, Babylon the Great, Christendom, Great Tribulation,","You can cut a tree down, and the sap may keep running out of the stump for years. ",There will be no sap leak with religion.  When false religion goes down it will be final and permanent.,Revelation 18:14;,Jacob Landis,,,bl,,3/30/2015
"Temptation, Satan, Devil, ","Opportunity may knock once, but temptation bangs on your door for years.",Satan will not give up using temptation to cause us spiritual ruin,Matthew 26:41,unknown,,,cb,,11/11/2015
"Decisions, think, reaction, ",It is a lot easier to react than it is to think.,We must slow down and think things through before we act.,"2 Chronicles 19:6, 7",,,,cb,,3/30/2015
Doubts,Mold:  Doubts creep in like mold from Satan's world. ,"Interesting thing about mold. Most kinds do not grow well when exposed to sunshine & oxygen.  Most of them will shrivel and die. So when we feel doubts creep in, expose them to the pure sunshine & oxygen of God's word, prayer &  meditation, along with spiritual conversations with someone who loves talking about the Truth. If we keep our doubts hidden, they grow even faster. Just like mold that also prefers dark, damp places.","James 1:6, 7",,,,cb,,3/30/2015
"False Religion, Babylon the Great, Christendom, Great tribulation, fast ball, swift pitch,","Religion will not go down slowly.  It will be like a ""swift pitch"" or a fast ball that it will go down.","A fast ball or swift pitch will travel up to 100 miles per hour.  That is what will happen to false religion.(Revelation 18:21) . . .And a strong angel lifted up a stone like a great millstone and hurled it into the sea, saying: “Thus with a swift pitch will Babylon the great city be hurled down, and she will never be found again. . .",Revelation 18:21;,Jacob Landis,,,bl,,3/30/2015
"Search for Jehovah, He wants to be found, Draw close to Jehovah,","When I was young I used to play hide and seek with my young cousins.  They were only 2 or 3 years old.  It was no trouble to hide from them because they were so young.  I actually wanted them to find me, because it would make their faces light up.  I would put my foot out and trip them to help them find me.","Jehovah is like that.  He wants us to find him.  He helps us find him.(Isaiah 65:1) 65 “I have let myself be searched for by those who did not ask for me; I have let myself be found by those who did not look for me. I said, ‘Here I am, here I am!’ to a nation that was not calling on my name.",Isaiah 65:1;,Samuel Herd GB,,,bl,,3/30/2015
"Resurrection, Job, olive tree, ","COMPARED to a majestic cedar of Lebanon, a gnarled and knotty olive tree may not seem especially impressive. But olive trees have the remarkable ability to survive the elements. Some are estimated to be 1,000 years old. An olive tree’s expansive root system enables it to rejuvenate itself even when the trunk has been destroyed. As long as the roots remain alive, it will sprout again.","The patriarch Job was convinced that even if he should die, he would live again.  He used a tree—perhaps an olive tree—to illustrate his confidence in God’s ability to resurrect him. “There is hope even for a tree,” Job said. “If it is cut down, it will sprout again.” When rainfall breaks a severe drought, a dry olive stump can spring back to life with shoots rising from its roots, producing “branches like a new plant.”—Job 14:7-9.Just as a cultivator longs to see the roots of a cut-down olive tree spring up again, Jehovah God longs to restore his deceased servants and many others to life. (Matt. 22:31, 32; John 5:28, 29; Acts 24:15) What a joy it will be to welcome back the dead and see them enjoy productive lives once again!",Job 14:13-15,w15 4/15 p. 32 ,,,bl,,3/30/2015
"Gilead, Enemy, friendly fire, Who Really Is Your Enemy, Envy, ","In warfare, quite a number of soldiers are killed by friendly fire, being hit by their own forces. “What about the spiritual warfare we are in?”  “If not careful, we could be confused about who the real enemy is and wound our own troops.” ","Envy may confuse some. It caused King Saul to try to kill David, his fellow worshipper, when in reality the Philistines were the enemy.  “What if you serve with a missionary who excels in many ways? Will you wound your fellow soldier with critical remarks, or will you make peace with the fact that others will surpass you in a variety of ways? Zeroing in on the imperfections of others may only confuse us as to who the real enemy is. Fight the real enemy, Satan.”","1 Samuel 18:7-9; 23:27, 28",w07 1/1 p. 19 Mark Noumair,,,bl,,3/30/2015
"Faith, doubts, Champions of the truth, Missionaries, Gilead, Pioneers, ","“Feed your faith, and doubts will starve to death,” Brother Morris said. He drew attention to the account of Peter, who “walked over the waters” but then, on “looking at the windstorm,” got afraid and started to sink. After catching hold of him, Jesus asked him: “Why did you give way to doubt?”  “As busy as you missionaries will be in full-time service, others may be impressed at all that you do, as though you were walking on water, but when storms hit, do not give way to doubt.”","Brother Morris continued, observing that while going through stormy times can be difficult, eventually the winds die down.  “The Bible never links faith and doubt as belonging together,” he said. “Faith repels doubt.” Satan succeeded in planting doubts in the mind of a perfect woman, Eve, so he can plant doubts in our mind. ",Matthew 14:29-31,w12 8/1 p. 29  Brother Morris GB,,,bl,,4/3/2015
"Wise use of Hearing ear, pay attention to God's Word, ","Brother Herd discussed the need for all Christians to make good use of “the hearing ear” by paying attention to God’s Word.  “You have lent your ears to Jehovah for the past few months,” Brother Herd told the class, “and you will continue to do so into eternity.”","How can new missionaries use their ears wisely? “By tuning in to the Word of God,” Brother Herd stated. He added: “Much will be said during today’s program that will prepare you for your work as missionaries in the years ahead.”",Proverbs 20:12,w11 2/1 p. 28 Brother Herd GB,,,bl,,4/3/2015
"“Do You Have Enough Faith to Get Your Feet Wet?” Gilead, assignments, fear of men, Decisions, responsibilities, ","How could millions of Israelites cross the Jordan River when it was at flood stage? Jehovah told Joshua to command the priests to “stand still in the Jordan.” God promised: “At the instant that the soles of the feet of the priests . . . rest in the waters of the Jordan, the waters of the Jordan will be cut off, . . . and they will stand still as one dam.” ","Brother Roberson told the students: “There will be ‘Jordans’ in your life that will separate you from your blessings if you allow them to.” For example, there may be challenges in getting along with fellow missionaries. The solution? “Look at the work; don’t look at the workers.” Brother Roberson exhorted the class: “If you display the faith to get your feet wet, Jehovah will help you cross those ‘Jordans’ of your missionary life.”","Joshua 3:8, 13","w11 2/1 p. 29 Sam Roberson - Gilead Instructor, ",,,bl,,4/3/2015
"Refined by praise, humility, test of character, pride, downfall, indebted to Jehovah, standards, ","Brother Morris read Proverbs 27:21: “The refining pot is for silver, and the furnace is for gold; and an individual is according to his praise.” He explained that as gold and silver need to be refined, or purified, we may be refined by praise. How so? ","Praise can be a test of character. It may lead to pride and a spiritual downfall, or it may move us to acknowledge that we are indebted to Jehovah and to become more determined never to fall short of his standards. Thus, Brother Morris urged the students to take any praise they might receive in the right way—as an opportunity to prove that they have the proper “dread of Jehovah.”",Proverbs 27:21;, w11 8/1 p. 29 Anthony Morris GB,,,bl,,4/3/2015
"Born again, Memorial, Anointed, Lord's evening meal, 144,000, ","""I didn't ask to be born.""  You have heard people say that haven't you?  It is a true statement, because no one chooses to be born; it is a decision by their parents, and most of all, Jehovah God. ","If it is true about your natural birth, how much more so is it true about being born again.  It is Jehovah God's choosing. No one decides whether he will get life in heaven or on earth.",John 3:3-6; Matthew 20:23;,Joe Laymon,,,bl,,4/4/2015
"Paradise earth, peace, security, ","Have you ever moved into an old house that was dirty and dangerous?  You hauled, burned, cleaned and painted.  In time it became a beautiful, livable house you could call home.  ",Jehovah God will soon rid the earth of all that is dirty and dangerous.  What a difference.	Jehovah assures us that it is still his purpose to have lasting peace on earth.,"Psalm 37:9-11, 29;",Bobby Laymon ,,,bl,,4/4/2015
Habits,A habit is something you can do without thinking--which is why most of us have so many of them. ,We will not need to think so much to do good if we have made it a habit. It will come more naturally.,,Frank A. Clark-American lawyer and politician,,,cb,,4/6/2015
Meetings,"""How much would you pay for a seat at a world-class opera? How much would you pay for a seat at a popular music concert? How much money would you pay for a seat in one of the world's finest educational institute?"" How much would people pay just for a chair so they can be in places they want to be. Then, he asked: ""What about your chair at the Kingdom Hall? Can you put a price tag on it? God's word says 'Yes'!""   ","He went on to read Acts 20:28, which gives counsel to overseers about paying attention to yourselves and to all the flock..."" Then, it mentions 'the congregation, which was bought with the blood of God's son, Christ Jesus.“ He lowered his Bible. Then, he said forcefully: ""What's the price now? If there was a price tag on your seat at the Kingdom Hall, it would say 'the blood of God's son, Christ Jesus’"". He highlighted the fact that anywhere else, a seat with a high price would never be empty. But in the Kingdom Hall, why then, with such a high price, are so many seats without people in them?  He concluded by reminding us ""Your seat at the Kingdom Hall has been reserved especially for you. And the blood of Christ Jesus is responsible. And with such a high price tag, please don't let it be empty."" ",Acts 20:28,,,,cb,,4/6/2015
Change,"Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced.",We must come to grips with our faults and address them,1 Corinthians 6:9-11,James Baldwin,,,cb,,4/12/2015
Morality; Income,"When morality comes up against profit, it is seldom that profit loses.",We cannot lose ourselves in our attempts to provide for our families.,Mark 8:34-38,Shirley Chisholm,,,cb,,4/12/2015
Resentment,Hanging on to resentment is letting someone you despise live rent free in your head.,Holding on to resentment is hard on us.,Colossians 3:13,,,,cb,,4/15/2015
"Teaching, Education,",Education is not filling a bucket. It is lighting a fire,"When we teach, we must make the application clear and touch the hearts of our listeners. ",Luke 24:32,William Butler Yeats,,,cb,,4/18/2015
"Anxiety, Worry",Worry does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow. It empties today of its strength.,Anxiety can take our strength to do what we need to do,"Matthew 6:34, Proverbs 24:10",Corrie Ten Boom,,,cb,,4/20/2015
"Grief, Death","“Grief is like the ocean; it comes on waves ebbing and flowing. Sometimes the water is calm, and sometimes it is overwhelming. All we can do is learn to swim.”","Jehovah can help us to ""swim"" through our grief",,Vicki Harrison,,,cb,,4/20/2015
"Grief, Sorrow","You don't get over it, you just get through it.  You don't get by it, because you can't get around it.  It doesn't 'get better'; it just gets different.  Everyday... Grief puts on a new face....   ",Grief is a process and you just have to go through it,,Wendy Feireisen,,,cb,,4/20/2015
Patriotism,"“Heroism on command, senseless violence, and all the loathsome nonsense that goes by the name of patriotism—how passionately I hate them!”   ",,,Albert Einstein,,,cb,,4/20/2015
"Spirituality, Preaching","If your house was on fire and you were in need of rescue, how confident would you feel if the fireman showed up with a bad leg and a bad arm and it was up to him to save you.",Our preaching is a search and rescue operation. We don't want to be a fireman with a bad arm and bad leg. Instead we want to be in top shape spiritually. We must be avid students of the Bible and be in good spiritual condition.  Doing so inspires our own confidence and the confidence of those we assist.,Proverbs 24:11; 1 Thessalonians 1:5,"Rocky Melin-Superior, MT",,,cb,,4/20/2015
"Watchtower, Publications, Wisdom, understanding, discernment, ","You have a faithful friends of many years.  You see and communicate with this friend every week, in fact several times a week, to get his opinion.  And do you know what is amazing?  He always has great advise.  It is baffling how accurate he is.","The Watchtower Magazine is like that friend.  Ever since July 1879, it has been giving life-saving advise.  That is 136 years we have gone to that trusted friends and marveled at the wisdom, understanding and discernment.(Psalm 119:105) . . .Your word is a lamp to my foot, And a light for my path.",Psalm 119:105,Bobby Laymon ,,,bl,,4/21/2015
"Watchtower, Awake! Timely Journals of Truth, ","For the past 136 years, The Watchtower, like a skillful lawyer, has established itself as a defender of Bible truth and doctrine. In the process, it has won the confidence of millions of appreciative readers. It still powerfully supports the ransom. (See, for example, the issue of February 15, 1991.) ","And it continues to be the principal instrument of “the faithful and discreet slave” and its Governing Body for announcing Jehovah’s established Kingdom and dispensing spiritual food “at the proper time.”—Matthew 24:14, 45. Our magazines have captured the hearts of people for another reason also. Timely Articles That Touch People’s Lives!  The Watchtower has helped millions to turn from darkness to light. It shows us how to apply the Bible’s moral principles, understand its prophecies for our day, and differentiate between true and false religion so as to walk in the way Jehovah approves. The Watchtower, through its pages, explains Bible teachings and calls our attention to the fulfillment of Bible prophecies. It encourages all who are spiritually hungry to transform their mind and to put on the new personality. ","Matthew 24:14, 45;",w94 1/1 p. 21 par. 5 ,,,bl,,4/21/2015
"BIBLE, WATCHTOWER, ","Suppose you had a very tall watchtower, that gave you a vision of everything.  What wisdom and insight you would have. How you would value that structure!  Think of the benefit of seeing everything going on and events of the future.",The Watchtower Magazine is a Magazine with a Far-Reaching View.  Consider: It can see thousands of years into the future through the prophecies in God's Word.  It can recall millions of years from the past; the creation of the universe and all life.  It can see below the surface and reveal things hidden to men.  It can look far into the heavens and see Jehovah on his throne.,"Isaiah 21:11, 12;",Watchtower,,,bl,,4/21/2015
"Watchtower, ","Picture in your mind a watchman stationed on a high tower, bending forward, scanning the horizon during the daylight, straining to pierce the darkness during the night—always on the alert. You now have the main idea conveyed by the Hebrew word for “watchtower” (mits·peh´) as used in Isaiah 21:8. ","Since the watchman is so vigilant, who in his right mind would doubt his ringing report? Likewise today, the watchman class has exerted itself by searching through the Scriptures to see what Jehovah has in store for this system of things. (James 1:25) This watchman then calls out that message loudly and fearlessly, principally through the pages of The Watchtower. (Compare Amos 3:4, 8.) This magazine will never shrink in fear from championing the truth!—Isaiah 43:9, 10.",Isaiah 21:8;,w87 3/1 p. 12 par. 12 w87 3/1 p. 12 par. 12,,,bl,,5/2/2015
"Watchtower study, Conductor, upbuilding comments, participate, ","A Watchtower Study that is well-conducted is like a bouquet of flowers that delights the eye. Just as a large bouquet is made up of many individual flowers, so a Watchtower Study is made up of many different comments. And just as the individual flowers in a bouquet differ in size and color, so the comments given during the meeting vary in length and manner of presentation. And where does the conductor fit in? His occasional comments are like the few pieces of greenery that are carefully added to a bouquet. These pieces do not dominate; rather, they serve to provide structure and to unify the whole. ","Similarly, the one who conducts needs to keep in mind that his role is, not to overwhelm, but to complement the expressions of praise that are offered by the congregation. Yes, when the many diverse comments given by the congregation and the few well-placed remarks made by the conductor are skillfully put together, they form a beautiful bouquet of words that will delight all in attendance.",Psalm 22:22; 35:18; 40:9.,w10 10/15 pp. 22-23 par. 9,,,bl,,4/22/2015
"An Excellent Education, Watchtower, Publications, College, ","IT HAS been said that by reading the Watchtower and Awake! magazines, along with other publications of Jehovah’s Witnesses, a person will receive, over a period of years, a considerable and broad education. To illustrate, one of Jehovah’s Witnesses wrote the following letter:“I quit school in the 9th grade about twenty-five years ago. I have had no secular schooling since then. I should have, by all rights, stagnated mentally. Due to economic circumstances—I had to go to work full time to support my family—I found it necessary to go back to school for a high school diploma. ","I began school two days ago and the teacher decided to give me a test like the one I will have to pass to get my diploma. The test covered such subjects as science, law, social studies and reading comprehension. I told the teacher I didn’t want to take it because I knew I wouldn’t do well. But she insisted. “The result was that I scored one of the highest grades. The test grade needed to obtain the diploma is 35, which is the average score. I scored in the 55 range, or 4th year college level. Why am I telling this? Because the main source of my reading in the last eight years has been the publications of Jehovah’s Witnesses. I am an avid reader of them and do quite a bit of research.",John 17:3; 2 Peter 3:13,w83 6/15 p. 31,,,bl,,4/22/2015
"recommendations, appointments, elders, servants,",Do not 'freeze a brother in time.',Allow a brother to progress and move on. ,Titus 2:11,Joe Laymon - Elders school ,,,bl,,4/23/2015
"Satan, Enemy",The first step on the way to victory is to recognize the enemy. Corrie Ten Boom,Satan is our enemy. We can fight him successfully only if we recognize he is our adversary.,1 Peter 5:8,Corrie Ten Boom,,,cb,,4/25/2015
"Trials, Endurance, persecution,","When a train goes through a tunnel and it gets dark, you don't throw away the ticket and jump off. You sit still and trust the engineer.Corrie Ten Boom","When undergoing a trial, trust that Jehovah will help you through it.",2 Peter 2:9,Corrie Ten Boom,,57,cb,,5/1/2015
"Emotions, Decisions, heart, desires,","“When the heart gets involved, there’s a switch in the top of the head that turns off the brain.” Theodore Jaracz",,Jeremiah 17:9; James 1:22,Theodore Jaracz 2001 SAD ,,,cb,,11/11/2015
"Worry, Anxiety",Worry is a cycle of inefficient thoughts whirling around a center of fear. Corrie Ten Boom,Anxiety only inspires fear in us.,Matthew 6:27,Corrie Ten Boom,,,cb,,4/25/2015
"Imitation peace, peace and security, ","My Mom used to keep a bowl of fresh fruit on the table.  I don't know why she did it but she would mix in some fruit made of rubber or plastic.  Guess who would eventually bite into them?  They did not taste so good, and there was no food values.","Today, the world is full of imitations for peace.  Do not be mislead by them.  There will be a cry for an imitational peace in the near future.",1 Thess 5:1-3;,Gary Diburgo - Circuit Assembly,"Real Peace and Security, When?",,bl,,7/11/2019
"opportunities, openings, focus, skier, Auxiliary pioneer, regular pioneer, Bethel, Gilead, Construction.",How does a skier keep from hitting the trees?  He focuses on the openings between the trees.,"Likewise, those looking for an opportunity to improve their service to Jehovah, watch for openings and opportunities.  Example: Auxiliary pioneer, regular pioneer, Bethel, Gilead, Construction.",Luke 14:28-30;,Jim Kinkaid ,,,bl,,4/29/2015
"Double life, as advertised, hypocrite, appearance, ","You buy your wife a beautiful box that says, ""fine chocolate.""  You are as shocked and surprised as she is.  She opens it and it is a 'Snickers' bar.","What about you?  Are you as advertised?  Or do you appear to be something on the outside, but less on the inside.  We must live up to appearances.",2 Cor 3:18. 1 Cor 14:40,Delbert Henry - Bethel speaker,,,bl,,4/29/2015
"Refreshing, dwelling together, pleasant, Association,","(Psalm 133:1-3) 133 Look! How good and how pleasant it is For brothers to dwell together in unity!  2 It is like fine oil poured on the head That runs down the beard, Aaron’s beard, And runs down onto the collar of his garments.  3 It is like the dew of Her´mon That descends on the mountains of Zion. That is where Jehovah decreed his blessing —Life everlasting.","Ps 133:1-3 says, 'dew' not dewdrops.  We must be refreshing to all like the dew, as opposed to dew drops, which would be  refreshing to a single person. ",Psalm 133:1-3,Delbert Henry - Bethel speaker,,,bl,,4/29/2015
"Use Bible, quoting Scriptures, read Scriptures, Giving credit to Jehovah,",Did you ever try to stop someone from speaking?  Perhaps a child.  You put your hand over his or her mouth.  How might we stop Jehovah from speaking?  ,"By not reading the Bible, but only referring to it or quoting from it.  In affect this would be like putting our hand over Jehovah's mouth and stopping him from speaking. Instead of saying Jeremiah, Peter, or apostle Paul said this, say, ""notice what Jehovah says.""","2 Timothy 3:16, 17;",Sonny Ikerd - Service meeting,,,bl,,5/1/2015
"Counsel, discipline, penetrate, humility, ","For black cumin is not crushed with a threshing sledge, And a wagon wheel is not driven over cumin. Rather, black cumin is beaten out with a rod, And cumin with a staff.  Does a person crush grain for bread? No, he does not thresh it incessantly; And when he drives the roller of his wagon over it with his horses,","What does it take to penetrate us? To make us give in to discipline.  We need to be humble and listen to discipline, so harsher measures are not necessary.","Isa 28:27, 28;",Delbert Henry - Bethel speaker,,,bl,,5/1/2015
"Adjustments, changes,",Do we wash the mirror instead of ourselves? ,"We need to recognize where the problem is and correct it.(James 1:23) . . .For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, this one is like a man looking at his own face in a mirror. ",James 1:23;,Delbert Henry - Bethel speaker,,,bl,,5/1/2015
"Trinity, progress, increasing light, false, true,",Christendom is still trying to figure out how God is three.,Jehovah's people learned that is false years ago.,Proverbs 4:18;,Delbert Henry - Bethel speaker,,,bl,,5/3/2015
"Baptism, dedication,",Men have to dig through 400 tons of earth to get one diamond of value.,YOU are Jehovah's diamonds.  Your life will never be the same.  Jehovah will polish you up and make you valuable in his service.,Isaiah 41:10;,Rocco Palese,,,bl,,5/1/2015
"Best, worship, whole souled, ",So-so ribs!  They are good but not the special good. ,Go full-throttle for Jehovah.,"Prov 2:1,2 ",Rocco Palese,,,bl,,5/1/2015
"Dedication, baptism, opposition, persecution,","You are now in a favored position, however you have a BIG TARGET on your chest.","Do not be afraid, because Jehovah will help you.",Isaiah 41:10;,Rocco Palese,,,bl,,5/1/2015
"Meaning, Life","The measure of a life, after all, is not its duration, but its donation. Corrie Ten Boom","Serving Jehovah and our brothers is the ""real life""",1Timothy 6:19; Acts 20:35,Corrie Ten Boom,,,cb,,5/2/2015
Distractions,"You are driving in a car on a very important trip. It is in fact the most important destination in your life and you absolutely can't be late for this opportunity. The road you are on is not the interstate or highway. It is a narrow curvy road, constantly turning. It is dark outside and raining, so getting to your destination requires your full attention. A short way into your trip, you notice a fly. It seems that the fly's purpose is to annoy you with its constant buzzing. You tried rolling the window down and letting out. Every time you swat at it, it seems to be just outside of your reach. You have a number of options. Will you take your eyes off the road and hands off the wheel to take care of it? Will you pull over and waste very valuable time in trying to get it out of your car? Will you abandon your trip entirely because you just can't take the annoyance any longer? Most of us would learn to ignore the fly and continue on with our important journey.","The Bible tells us that, as Christians, we are traveling on a narrow road. The fly is all of the countless distractions from Satan's system of things. It can really be annoying if we let it, but ultimately it is very small and insignificant. It doesn't have the power in itself to make us leave the road. We decide whether or not we keep on the road.",Matthew 7:13,,,,cb,,5/2/2015
Anxiety,Man is not worried by real problems so much as by his imagined anxieties about real problems. Epictetus,,Matthew 6:27,,,,cb,,5/2/2015
"Decisions, indecisive, ","You are driving down the road and a squirrel runs in from of you. He looks around then jumps out of the road.  A little farther down the road another squirrel runs out, darts back, then jumps back and forth in front of the car and BAMM.  He was indecisive and it cost him his life.",We have decisions each day.  Some are minor and some major.  Some are life-threatening.  How will we make them?,"James 1:7, 8;",Carl Brown,Decisions You Face - How Will You Make Them,50,bl,,5/4/2015
"The way, direction, instructions, decisions, Bible, ","People use GPS's to help them know which way to go.  It will say, turn right, turn left, at 400 yards. etc.","Why not let Jehovah instruct us where to go.(Isaiah 30:21) . . .And your own ears will hear a word behind you saying: “This is the way. Walk in it, YOU people,” in case YOU people should go to the right or in case YOU should go to the left.",Isaiah 30:21;,Carl Brown,Decisions You Face - How Will You Make Them,50,bl,,5/4/2015
"two-faced, indecision, truth, ","Two people were in an argument and one went to a person and told his story.  ""You're absolutely right!"" he said.   Later the other person came and told his story.  ""You're absolutely right!"" he also told him.  ","However his wife was listening in the other room, and later scolded him and said you need to decide which is really right.  ""You're absolutely right!"" he said.  Rather than being two-faced, we need to speak the truth.",Zech 18:16;,Carl Brown,Decisions You Face - How Will You Make Them,50,bl,,1/21/2025
"Decisions, mistakes, wish I, hasty, haste,","Did you ever buy a car or something else and later regret it.  That is a ""wish I"" mistake. I ""wish I"" had not done that.","""Wish I"" mistakes can be costly and put us in debt for many years.","Eph 5:15, 16;",Carl Brown,Decisions You Face - How Will You Make Them,50,bl,,5/4/2015
"Movies, Entertainment, morals, decisions, ","A man's children asked him to let them go to a movie with friends.  It was rated PG-13, and he read about it and it contained some nudity and bad language.  He explained this to them but they stated it was only one scene.  Only 2% of the entire movie.",He later made a nice batch of brownies and explained how he had put the best ingredients into them except for one.  He had just put a little bit of dog manure in them.  They got the point.,Luke 12:1,Carl Brown.,Decisions You Face - How Will You Make Them,50,bl,,5/4/2015
"Speed, ","""You're outrunning your angels!",Don't drive too fast in service. ,1 Cor. 14:40,Todd Bell,,,bl,,5/7/2015
"MEDITATION,TEACHING, STUDY,  ",Teaching that enters the ears but not the heart is like dinner eaten in a dream.,Study puts it in the mind but Meditation puts it in the heart.,,JK QUOTES,,,jk,,5/9/2015
"GOD,FAITH, ","A child puts his hands over his eyes and says ""You can't see me!""","People believe that just because they can't see God, he can't see them.",,jk,,,jk,,5/9/2015
"GOD,SPIRITUALITY,RELATIONSHIP","Is it possible to have a relationship with a God we can't literally see?Well, can a blind person have a relationship with another person?Of course!","If you ask a persons that is blind to describe their marriage mate, they could tell you their feelings, qualities, thoughts, desires and even a lot about their appearance.A relationship with another person is not restricted by no being able to see him.Neither is our relationship with God.",Ephesians 1:18;,jk,,,jk,,5/9/2015
"Nature, natural, reasoning, deals, Devil, Satan, wicked,","A scorpion once asked the frog to help him across a stream.  The frog said, ""I would never do that because when we got half way across you would sting me and I would die.  The scorpion said, ""I would not sting you because that would mean the death of both of us because I cannot swim.  It sounded reasonable, and he let the scorpion on his back and started to swim.  Half-way across he felt the scorpion stinging him.  ""Why would you do that?"" he asked.  ""It's just my nature."" was the scorpion's reply.","We must avoid entering into an agreement with the wicked.  It is their nature to acted wickedly.  (Isaiah 26:10) Even if the wicked is shown favor, He will not learn righteousness. Even in the land of uprightness he will act wickedly, And he will not see the majesty of Jehovah.",Isaiah 26:10;,Al Woodford,,,bl,,5/13/2015
"Control of life, circumstances, Bible promise, earth,","THERE is a saying, Life is not a matter of holding good cards but of playing a poor hand well. Today, no one has been dealt a perfect set of circumstances. Often the secret to gaining control is learning both to accept those circumstances and to work within the limitations that they impose. ","If you can reclaim some control of your life despite unfortunate circumstances, that is good. If your circumstances eventually improve, that is better. But the best is yet to come.  The Bible promises a time when all people will be able to have a satisfying measure of control over their life. They will be able to live to their full potential, uninhibited by frustrating circumstances, daily pressures, and negative feelings. (Isaiah 65:21, 22) The Bible refers to this as “the real life.”",1 Timothy 6:19; Isaiah 65:22;,"2015, July Awake! ",,,bl,,5/13/2015
"Work, activities, control, challenges, breakdown, burnout, balance, ","If you try to do everything, you may render yourself unable to do anything.",Balance is the key.,Exodus 18:17-23,g 7/15 p. 5 ,,,bl,,5/13/2015
"Anger, rage, temper, patience,",People who fly into a rage always make a bad landing.  Will Rogers,"On the other hand, God’s anger is always under control and in harmony with his attributes of love, wisdom, and justice. Because of his almighty power it is expressible to the degree he desires. ",1Jo 4:8; Job 12:13; 37:23,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,5/13/2015
"Good qualities, fine works, forgiveness,","As Jehovah sifts through you, he discards such sins, much the way a prospector panning for gold discards worthless gravel. What about your good qualities and works? Ah, these are the “nuggets” he keeps!","“However small or insignificant that bit of good may have been, Jehovah found it worth noting in his Word.”","“1 Kings 14:1, 10-13”Excerpt From: WATCHTOWER. “Close to Jehovah (cl-E).” iBooks. ",cl chap. 24 pp. 240-249 ,,,bl,,5/14/2015
"Good qualities, fine works, forgiveness, sifts, ","“Have you ever noticed the way fond parents treasure their children’s drawings or school projects, sometimes for decades after the children have forgotten them? ","Jehovah is the fondest Parent. As long as we remain faithful to him, he never forgets our good works and qualities.”",Hebrews 6:10;,cl chap. 24 pp. 240-249 ,,,bl,,5/14/2015
Envy,Envy is the art of counting the others fellow’s blessings instead of your own. ,,Galations 5:21,Harold G. Coffin,,,cb,,5/15/2015
Generosity,"Generosity: when we think first about what we can give, not what we can get. ",,1 Timothy 6:18,,,,cb,,5/14/2015
"Hope, Faith",Hope is putting faith to work when doubting would be easier.,,,,,,cb,,5/14/2015
Goals,If we aim at nothing we hit it every time.,,,,,,cb,,5/14/2015
"Anger, Grudge",Holding onto anger is like grasping a hot coal with the intent of throwing it at someone else; you are the one who gets burned.,,,Chuck Bland,,,cb,,5/15/2015
"Children, ","It's easier to build up a child, then to repair an adult. ",Choose your words wisely.,Proverbs 22:6,,,,cb,,5/15/2015
"Teenagers, Social Gatherings",Boys are bulls and girls are cows. What do you get when you put bulls and cows together?,A brother in our circuit said his parents would not let he and his brother go to gatherings where there were teenage boys and girls. This was the reason given. The father makes a valid point.,Jeremiah 17:9,,,,cb,,5/14/2015
"Partial, bias, equality, equal,",Governments pass laws to ensure equal rights.,Jehovah already has these recorded in His Word.  Jehovah's Witnesses practice them.,"Acts 10:34,35",Bessie Smith,,,bl,,5/15/2015
"Difficult, impossible, unorganized, uncontrollable or chaotic, peaceable, obedient, ","""It is like herding cats.""","Rather than making it difficult for the elders and those around us we need to be peaceable and obedient.(Hebrews 13:17) . . .Be obedient to those who are taking the lead among you and be submissive, for they are keeping watch over you as those who will render an account, so that they may do this with joy and not with sighing, for this would be damaging to you.","Hebrews 13:7, 17;",Bobby Laymon ,,,bl,,5/23/2015
Goals,"If you want something in your life you’ve never had, you’ll have to do something you’ve never done.  JD Houston",,,JD Houston-author,,,cb,,5/26/2015
Focus,The reason your windshield is so big and rear view mirror so small is because what is ahead of you is much more important than what is behind you.,"Sometimes we focus too much on the past. It is hard to keep going straight ahead when we do that, so focus on what is in front of you is vital.",Philippians 3:13,,,,cb,,5/26/2015
Depression,"If someone who is near-sighted takes off their glasses and tries to read the clock in the back of the room, will they be able to do so? No. What if your tell them to try harder. Will they be able to see now? No. What if you tell them to think more positively and then try again.  Will they be able to see now? No. Near-sightedness is an inherited imperfection and no matter how hard you try to motivate a person, he can NOT see that distance. ","Depression is also a biomedical condition that will last until the new world, same as his short-sightedness. We cannot motivate people with depression by saying 'try harder!' or 'think positive!' but it doesn't change anything for them. Paul counseled us in 1 Thess 5:14 says: speak consolingly to the depressed souls, support the weak, be long-suffering toward ALL. Consolingly means soothingly. That is how to treat the many among us with depression or related invisible illnesses.",1 Thessalonians 5:14,,As Christians We Care About Other People,,cb,,5/26/2015
"Worry, anxiety, fear,",I used to think I was an inch too short. I worried about it a lot.,Do you think it made me any taller?  Not at all.  All the worrying we do is futile. ,Luke 21:34;,Bill Dries; CO,,,bl,,5/27/2015
"Depression, troubles, persecution, problems,","Remember, the worse day of your life can only last 24 hours. ",Problems are temporary.  Soon the new system will be fully in place.,"2 Corinthians 4:17, 18; John 14:27",Bill Dries; CO,,,bl,,5/27/2015
"Judicial, smoking, trap, help,","If a brother goes hunting with you and he gets caught in a trap, will you scold him?  What will you do?  He is hurting and you will help him get loose.",What if he falls into one of Satan's snares?  Kindly help him get loose.,2 Timothy 2:26,Bill Dries CO,,,bl,,5/30/2015
"Parents, children, fire-resistant materials,","“Parents are like shepherds. They must take good care of their children, who could easily stray and become vulnerable to attack. (Prov. 27:23) ","How can parents fulfill this role? They must spend time each day communicating with their children in order to know what is in their minds and hearts. (Prov. 20:5) Also, parents must build with fire-resistant materials to fortify the faith of their children.”",Proverbs 27:23; Prov. 20:5,"Kingdom Ministry, August 2015",,,bl,,6/11/2015
"money, wealth, materialistic, ","“THERE is a saying, “Money makes the world go round.” There is some truth to that statement. After all, it takes money to buy food, obtain clothing, and pay for rent or buy a home. “","The role of money in society is incredibly important,” writes one financial editor. “If money was removed as a means of exchange, we would be in a state of panic and war within a month.”",1 Timothy 6:10,"Awake!, September 2015",,,bl,,6/12/2015
"money, wealth,","Money  has its limitations. Norwegian poet Arne Garborg said that with money “you can buy food, but not appetite; medicine, but not health; soft beds, but not sleep; knowledge, but not wisdom; glitter, but not beauty; splendor, but not warmth; fun, but not joy; acquaintances, but not friends; servants, but not faithfulness.”","When a person maintains a balanced view of money​—regarding it as a means to an end rather than an end in itself​—it is possible to enjoy a greater measure of contentment. The Bible warns that “the love of money is a root of all sorts of injurious things, and by reaching out for this love some have . . . stabbed themselves all over with many pains.”​—1 Timothy 6:10.”",1 Timothy 6:10,"Awake!, September 2015",,,bl,,6/12/2015
"Cure, solution, Kingdom, politicians, ",I have the answer to all the world's problems.  That is what political leaders would like you to think.  Ask me about any problem and I can tell you the true solution.,Jehovah's people do have the solution to all the world's problems.  Jehovah's Kingdom.,Matthew 6:33;,Sonny Ikerd,,,bl,,6/14/2015
"Speech, thinking, ",Radio and television broadcast have a 10 second delay to remove any word or speech that us offensive.,Do you have a 10 second delay that allows you to think before you speak?,Ecclesiastes 3:7,Sonny Ikerd ,,,bl,,6/14/2015
"Gossip, sin, mistakes, forget, forgive,","""You can't unring a bell."" In court cases sometimes the jury is asked to disregard certain facts that have come to light.","Once something is done, it is difficult, or maybe impossible to forget it.  Gossip and mistakes may be forgiven, but it may be hard to forget some things.  We have to live with the consequences. ","Esther 8:3, 8;",Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,6/15/2015
"Prejudice, partial, ","Prejudice is a burden that confuses the past, threatens the future and renders the present inaccessible. Maya Angelou",,Acts 10:34,,,,cb,,6/15/2015
Goals,What you get by achieving your goals is not as important as what you become by achieving your goals. Henry David Thoreau,Goals mold us as people.,1 Peter 5:10,,,,cb,,6/15/2015
Knowledge,The true delight is in the finding out rather than in the knowing. Isaac Asimov,,Proverbs 2:1-5,,,,cb,,6/15/2015
Motivation,People say that motivation doesn't last but neither do baths that's why we're encouraged to take one often.,,,,,,cb,,6/18/2015
"DNA, wonderfully made, ","“Think of DNA as a collection of recipes, each one involving step-by-step processes, with each step carefully scripted in precise terms. But instead of the end result being a cake or a cookie, it might be a cabbage or a cow. In living cells, of course, the processes are fully automated, adding yet another layer of complexity and sophistication.The information in a bacterial cell would fill a 1,000-page book","Genetic information is stored until it is needed, perhaps to replace worn out or diseased cells with healthy new ones or to pass on traits to offspring. How much information does DNA hold? Consider one of the smallest organisms, bacteria. German scientist Bernd-Olaf Küppers stated: “Carried over to the realm of human language, the molecular text describing the construction of a bacterial cell would be about the size of a thousand-page book.” For good reason, chemistry professor David Deamer wrote: “One is struck by the complexity of even the simplest form of life.” How does the genome of a human compare? “[It] would fill a library of several thousand volumes,” says Küppers.”",Psalm 139:14,"Awake!, August 2015",,,bl,,6/20/2015
"DNA, genetic codes, Creation, ",“Have you ever wondered how a seed becomes a tree or how a fertilized egg becomes a human? Have you ever wondered how you inherited your traits? The answers involve the information found in DNA.,"Nearly all cells have DNA, complex molecules that resemble long twisted ladders. In the human genome, or our complete set of DNA, the ladders have approximately three billion chemical “rungs.” Scientists call these rungs base pairs because each rung is made up of two chemical substances, of which there are four altogether. Using the first letter of each, these substances are abbreviated A, C, G, and T​—a simple, four-letter alphabet, as it were.* In 1957, Crick proposed that it is the linear sequence of the chemical rungs that forms coded instructions. In the 1960’s, that code be”",Psalm 139:14;,August 2015 Awake ,,,bl,,6/21/2015
"DNA, LANGUAGE, ","“The filament of DNA is information, a message written in a code of chemicals, one chemical for each letter,” wrote evolutionary biologist Richard Dawkins. “It is almost too good to be true, but the code turns out to be written in a way that we can understand.”","The Bible writer David said in prayer to God: “Your eyes even saw me as an embryo; all its parts were written in your book.” (Psalm 139:16) Of course, David was using poetic language. Nevertheless, in principle, he was right on the mark.",Psalm 139:16;,"Awake!, August 2015",,,bl,,6/20/2015
"Love, Faults, Imperfection,",We may look at a person's imperfection like a crack in a block of wood.  One can insert a wedge into it and keep hammering and it will get wider.,"We do not want to look for imperfection, but show love.",John 13:34;,Joe Laymon,LOVE IDENTIFIES THE TRUE CHRISTIAN CONGREGATION,72,bl,,6/21/2015
"Science, Bible, DNA, ","“As is often the case, when scientists explain one mystery, they open a door to another. That was true regarding the discovery of DNA. When it was understood that DNA contains coded information, thoughtful people asked, ‘How did the information get there?’ Of course, no human observed the formation of the first DNA molecule. So we have to draw our own conclusions. Even so, these conclusions need not be speculative. Consider the following comparisons.”","“A few years after Watson and Crick discovered the structure of DNA, two physicists proposed searching for coded radio signals from space. Thus began the modern-day search for extraterrestrial intelligence.The point? People attribute information to intelligence, whether that information is in the form of symbols on clay or signals from space.” ",Psalm 36:9;,"Awake!, August 2015",Does Your Hope Rest on Science or the Bible?,80,bl,,6/23/2015
"prayers, Jesus view, hearer of prayer,","“Consider this: From his prehuman existence, Jesus observed firsthand Jehovah’s response to the prayers of His human servants. Then, during his earthly ministry, Jesus used prayer as his means of communicating his feelings to his Father in heaven. ","Would he have done so​—even spending an entire night in prayer—​had he thought that Jehovah was not really listening?  Would he have taught his disciples to pray had he thought that prayer was nothing more than a psychological crutch? Clearly, Jesus knew that prayer is real communication with Jehovah. On one occasion, Jesus said: “Father, I thank you that you have heard me. True, I knew that you always hear me.” We too can have confidence that Jehovah is the “Hearer of prayer.”​—","John 11:41, 42; Ps. 65:2;Luke 6:12; 22:40-46;","Watchtower, April 15, 2015",Prayers That Are Heard by God,86,bl,,6/23/2015
"Courage, Success, Failure, ","Success is not final, failure is not fatal. It is the courage to continue that counts. Winston Churchill",We must continue to endure despite setbacks to be successful.,Matthew 24:13,Chuck Bland,,,cb,,6/24/2015
"Age, mind, time, ","Age is an issue of mind over matter. If you don't mind, it doesn't matter.  Quote Mark Twain","For a servant of Jehovah to grow old is no disgrace, but really an honor.  If we are going to serve Jehovah forever it does not matter if we serve Jehovah 10 years or 80 in this system of things.  That time is a bump in the road. ",Proverbs 16:31;,Mark Twain,,,bl,,6/25/2015
"Truth, Lies, ","If you tell the truth, you don't have to remember anything.  Quote: Mark Twain","It is often said that liars must have a good memory, so they don't contradict what they have told in the past.  ",Zechariah 8:16;,Mark Twain,,,bl,,6/25/2015
"Experience, teaching, Bible, Knowledge, ","Mark Twain said, ""If you carry a cat by it's tail, you will learn something you won't learn any other way.""  However, experience is not always the best teacher, and what we learn is not always important.","By the study of the Bible we can learn lessons we can get no other way.  We get experience and lessons far beyond our years.  God's Word is the best teacher, and we learn things of value.  Some facts we can learn only from the Bible:  Beginning of creation, facts about the universe, animal creation, sin and death. Our conscience and many other details.","Judges 8:16; Psalm 19:7-9; Romans 2:14, 15;",Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,6/30/2015
"Faith, ","Our faith might be compared to a wood fire. When the fire is started, it may come roaring to life in an intense blaze. However, if nothing more is done to the fire, it will eventually die down to hot coals that, in turn, will become cold ashes if left alone. But if you regularly feed the fire with more wood, it can be kept going indefinitely. ","So, too, our faith can be kept alive if we regularly feed on God’s Word. By progressively studying the Bible, we can develop a deep love for it and its Author, and that will become the basis for building more faith.” Once our faith is established, we must continue to nourish it.",Gal. 5:22,"Watchtower, October 15, 2015",,,bl,,6/30/2015
"Hoaxes, Scams, deceptions, impostors, Babylon the Great,","What is the first thing that comes to your mind when you think of hoaxes, scams, deceptions.  Many think of financial scams, such as the sale of the Brooklyn bridge.* It was completed in 1883.  According to reports it was sold several times, and some actually set up a toll booth, until the police came along and made them remove it. They made official-looking paper.  One contract said, ""One bridge in good condition."" *Note: One man, George C. Parker was the greatest con man in American history managing to sell landmark items like Madison Square Gardens, the Statue of Liberty and, you guessed it, the Brooklyn Bridge. He reportedly sold the Brooklyn Bridge at least twice a week for 30 years, sometimes for $50,000.00.  George Parker got caught, was sentenced to life in prison and was sent to Sing Sing where he eventually died.","The biggest impostor is Babylon the Great.  How many that can't stomach her teaching, don't believe in God because of her.  Great impostor took place 6000 years ago.  A snake.  Most picture it in a tree.  Was it the tree of knowledge of good and bad.  We don't know.  He promised Eve that she would ""be like God.""  What a cruel hoax. Another example: Bathsheba with Adonijah concerning Abishag as a wife. However Solomon was not fooled.","2 Timothy 3:13; 2 Thess. 2:1, 2",William Malenfant - Bethel speaker,,,bl,,7/2/2015
"Values, good, bad, religion, conscience,","""When I do good, I feel good; when I do bad, I feel bad, and that is my religion.""Quote: Abraham Lincoln 1809-1865, American President, abolisher of slavery",Our conscience lets us know.,"Romans 5:4, 5;",Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,7/2/2015
"Children, Expectations",“Don't handicap your children by making their lives easy.” ― Robert A. Heinlein,Not disciplining our children puts them at a serious disadvantage.,Proverbs 13:24,,,,cb,,7/2/2015
Weaknesses,Jehovah turns broken pieces into masterpieces.,Despite our weaknesses Jehovah can turn us into something valuable.,,,,,cb,,7/2/2015
"meditation,","“Mark, a South African who spent three years in prison because of his Christian neutrality, said: “Meditation can be compared to an exciting adventure. ","The more we meditate on spiritual things, the more we discover new things about our God, Jehovah. At times when I’m feeling a little discouraged or anxious about the future, I pick up the Bible and meditate on a passage of Scripture. I feel that it really calms me down.",James 4:8;,"Watchtower, October 15, 2015",,,bl,,7/3/2015
"Meditation, mind, ","“Another faithful African brother, named Patrick, admits: “My mind is like a mailbox filled with a variety of information, both wanted and unwanted, that needs to be sorted every day. ","As I search the contents of my mind, I often find ‘disquieting thoughts,’ and I have to pray to Jehovah about them before I can meditate with a clear mind. Although doing this might take a little time before I can start to meditate on spiritual subjects, I feel closer to Jehovah. This opens my mind to understanding the truth better.” (Ps. 94:19, ftn.) Indeed, wonderful benefits come to all who are “examining the Scriptures daily” and meditating on what they learn.​—Acts 17:11.”",Psalm 94:19; ,"Watchtower, October 15, 2015",,,bl,,7/3/2015
"Internet, Newspaper,","Foolish is the man who never reads a newspaper; even more foolish is the man who believes what he reads just because it is in the newspaper.”​—August von Schlözer, German historian and publicist (1735-1809). ","IF A person could not trust everything that was written in a newspaper over 200 years ago, the same applies to much of what can be read on the Internet in the 21st century. A huge amount of information​—true and false, useful and worthless, harmless and dangerous—​is now available, thanks to modern technology. We must be very selective about what we consider worthy of our attention. Especially could those who are new to the Internet conclude that a report or a news item, however strange or sensational, is true simply because it is online or because a friend sent it via e-mail. For good reason, the Bible warns: “The naive person believes every word, but the shrewd one ponders each step.”​",Prov. 14:15;,"Watchtower, October 15, 2015.",,,bl,,7/3/2015
"Internet, emails, e-mails, gossip, news, ","Instead of thinking, “If in doubt, send it out,” it would be better to adopt the motto, “If in doubt, throw it out!”","Time is precious. (Eph. 5:15, 16)","Eph 5:15,16","Watchtower, October 15, 2015",,,bl,,7/3/2015
"Prayer, therapy, alternative medicine,","One writer expressed the view that prayer is just “a form of therapy . . . like talking to your pet fish.” Some medical authorities have a similar view, calling prayer a form of “alternative medicine.” ","“Do you pray? If so, what do you pray for? Whether you are in the habit of praying or not, you may wonder: ‘Does it really do any good to pray? Is anyone listening? Are people who pray just going through a meaningless exercise or, at best, getting some therapeutic benefit from the practice?  In contrast, the Bible presents prayer as much more than just a form of therapy. It tells us that someone really is listening to prayers that are made in the right way and for the right things. Is this true? Let us look at the evidence.”",Proverbs 15:8;,"Watchtower, October 1, 2015.",Prayers That Are Heard by God,86,bl,,7/4/2015
"Prayers, unbelievers, Faith,","Some people feel that prayer is just a waste of time, that no one is listening. Others have tried to pray but feel that they got no answer. One atheist conjured up an idea of what he imagined God to be and then prayed: “Just give me a little whisper.” But he said that God maintained “stately silence.”","Yet, the Bible assures us that there is a personal God and that he does hear prayers. The Bible records this statement to a people long ago: “He [God] will surely show you favor at the sound of your cry for help; he will answer you as soon as he hears it.” A Bible verse says: “The prayer of the upright is a pleasure to Him.”​—Proverbs 15:8. Jesus prayed to his Father, “and he was favorably heard.”​—Hebrews 5:7",Hebrews 5:7;Proverbs 15:8;,"Watchtower, October 1, 2015",Prayers That Are Heard by God,86,bl,,7/4/2015
"Prayer, Friendship, ","Friends communicate with each other to cultivate a good relationship. Likewise, God invites us to talk to him, opening the way for a warm friendship. He says: “You will call me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.” (Jeremiah 29:12) ","As you speak to God, you will “draw close to [him], and he will draw close to you.” (James 4:8) The Bible assures us: “Jehovah is near to all those calling on him.” (Psalm 145:18) The more we pray to him, the more our friendship with God will flourish.”",Jeremiah 29:12; James 4:8; Psalm 145:18;,"Watchtower, October 1, 2015",Prayers That Are Heard by God,86,admin,,7/3/2015
"Get to know God, knowledge, Friend, ","You might wonder, ‘Since I cannot comprehend everything about the Creator, how can I ever be his friend?’ Consider this: Does the best friend of a surgeon need to have a degree in medicine? Not at all! The surgeon’s friend might have a completely different profession. Still, a close friendship is possible. What really counts is that the surgeon’s friend knows the surgeon’s personality as well as what he likes and what he dislikes. ","Similarly, you can learn from the Bible what kind of person Jehovah is​—exactly what you need to know in order to forge a friendship with him.”",James 4:8;,"Watchtower, October 1, 2015",True Friendship with God and Neighbor. ,100,admin,,5/9/2025
"CONTROL, CIRCUMSTANCES, PROMISES,","THERE is a saying, Life is not a matter of holding good cards but of playing a poor hand well. Today, no one has been dealt a perfect set of circumstances. Often the secret to gaining control is learning both to accept those circumstances and to work within the limitations that they impose. If you can reclaim some control of your life despite unfortunate circumstances, that is good. If your circumstances eventually improve, that is better. But the best is yet to come.","The Bible promises a time when all people will be able to have a satisfying measure of control over their life. They will be able to live to their full potential, uninhibited by frustrating circumstances, daily pressures, and negative feelings. (Isaiah 65:21, 22) The Bible refers to this as “the real life.”​",1 Timothy 6:19;,"Awake!, July 2015 Page 6",,,bl,,7/8/2015
"Satan, anointed remnant, other sheep, world might be a mere appetizer,","“Satan is hungry for more victims. (1 John 5:19) To him, the world might be a mere “appetizer.” In effect, Satan has turned his attention to the “main course”​—the anointed remnant, who are accompanied by their companions, the “other sheep.” (John 10:16; Rev. 12:17) ",Satan is intent on devouring Jehovah’s people. The waves of persecution he has unleashed against Jesus’ followers from the first century until now give evidence of his vicious spirit.”,1 John 5:19;,"Watchtower, May 15, 2015",How to Protect Ourselves From Satan’s Snares,115,bl,,7/5/2015
"Satan, roaring lion, devour, ",Imagine feeding a hungry dog a delicious T-bone steak.  He will gulp it down and not even get the benefit of how tender and tasty it is.,Satan is like that.  He is greedy and ready to swallow down 'someone.',“John 10:16; Rev. 12:17”,"Watchtower May 15, 2015 Comment by Joe Laymon on Watchtower",How to Protect Ourselves From Satan’s Snares,115,bl,,7/6/2015
"Creation, wisdom, instinct,","Suppose you told your Bible Study to come to the Regional convention, but you did not tell them where it was at.  Would you expect to see them there?  Would they be able to find it hundreds of miles away.",The birds can do it.  Give an example.,Romans 1:20,Mike McClure,Appreciating Marvels of God’s Creation,114,bl,,7/9/2015
"MATURITY, GROWTH,","WHEN an experienced housewife selects fresh fruit at the market, she does not always choose the biggest pieces or the least expensive ones. Rather, she looks for items that are ripe. She wants fruit that has good taste and aroma and that offers healthy nutrients. Yes, she selects fruit that has reached a full state of growth, that is mature.","After a person has progressed to dedication and baptism, he continues to grow. His goal is to become a mature servant of God. The maturity we are speaking of is not physical but spiritual. The apostle Paul wrote of the need for Christians in Ephesus to grow spiritually. He encouraged them to reach out to “attain to the oneness of the faith and of the accurate knowledge of the Son of God, to being a full-grown man, attaining the measure of stature that belongs to the fullness of the Christ.",Eph. 4:13;,"Watchtower, September 15, 2015",,,bl,,7/9/2015
"MATURITY, UNITY, Friendship, ","Or what if you personally are wronged by someone in the congregation? Is it your inclination, or even your pattern, to build a wall, so to speak, that separates you from the offender? Or do you try to construct a bridge across the gap between the two of you? A mature Christian wants to​—yes, strives to—​build bridges, not walls.”","A mature servant of Jehovah promotes unity within the congregation. It is our goal that God’s people be “harmoniously joined together” and that all members cooperate with one another. According to Jehovah’s Word, to achieve this unity, we need humility. A mature brother or sister has the humility to work for unity, even when facing the imperfections of others. How do you react when confronted with the imperfection of a brother or sister in the congregation? ","Ephesians 4:1-6, 15, 16","Watchtower, September 15, 2015",,,bl,,7/9/2015
"Money,","THERE is a saying, “Money makes the world go round.” There is some truth to that statement. After all, it takes money to buy food, obtain clothing, and pay for rent or buy a home. “The role of money in society is incredibly important,” writes one financial editor. “If money was removed as a means of exchange, we would be in a state of panic and war within a month.”","“When a person maintains a balanced view of money​—regarding it as a means to an end rather than an end in itself​—it is possible to enjoy a greater measure of contentment. The Bible warns that “the love of money is a root of all sorts of injurious things, and by reaching out for this love some have . . . stabbed themselves all over with many pains.”​—1 Timothy 6:10.”",1 Timothy 6:10;,"Awake!, September 2015",,,bl,,7/9/2015
"MONEY, SECURITY,","Norwegian poet Arne Garborg said that with money “you can buy food, but not appetite; medicine, but not health; soft beds, but not sleep; knowledge, but not wisdom; glitter, but not beauty; splendor, but not warmth; fun, but not joy; acquaintances, but not friends; servants, but not faithfulness.”",Money has its limitations.,1 TIMOTHY 6:10;,"Awake!, September 2015",,,bl,,7/9/2015
"MEETINGS, STRENGTH IN NUMBERS,",Have a young brother pull a pencil from a bunch. Try to break it.  Easily breaks. Then try to break the bunch. Impossible.,We are like those pencils.  Where do we need to be at the meetings?  ,"Psalms 22:22; Hebrews 10:24,25;",Joe Laymon,,,bl,,7/9/2015
"TRUE RELIGION,","Just as you can distinguish a grapevine from a thornbush by what it produces, you can distinguish true religion from false by its fruits, or by these identifying features.","Illustrating how to tell the difference between those who practice true religion and those who do not, the Bible says: “By their fruits you will recognize them. Never do people gather grapes from thorns or figs from thistles, do they?”",Matthew 7:16,JW.ORG,,,bl,,7/10/2015
"PREACHING GOOD NEWS, ZEAL, DEDICATION,","Sociologist Antonio Cova Maduro wrote of “the effort and trouble to which Jehovah’s Witnesses go, to the point of exhausting themselves . . . , so that the sacred text reaches the farthest corner of the earth.”​—El Universal newspaper, Venezuela”",God's Kingdom is being declared.,"ACTS 5:41,42; MATTHEW 24:14;","Watchtower, September 1, 2015",,63,bl,,7/10/2015
"Work, Employment, Success, Dream career, skill, enjoy, ","You don’t have to do what you love in order to love what you do!  Remember, more important than what you do is becoming proficient at what you do. In fact, it has been observed that the more experience and skill workers acquire, the more they enjoy their work. ","But looking for your ‘dream career’ likely will narrow your options for work and blind you to employment opportunities that are right in front of you! Rather than waste time focusing on a particular type of work, keep your options open.",Proverbs 13:10,"Awake!, October 2015",Serve Jehovah With a Joyful Heart,78,bl,,7/18/2015
"pride, racial prejudice, ",A tree comes up in your garden. It is best to pull it when it is young and doesn't have a large root system. If you wait too long it will be difficult to remove.,"“If we personally have a tendency to feel superior to others, we need to remember that “everyone proud in heart is detestable to Jehovah.” (Prov. 16:5) We would also do well to examine our view of those who belong to another race, nationality, or culture. If we harbor feelings of racial or national pride, we ignore the fact that God “made out of one man every nation of men.” In that sense, there is just one race because all mankind has a common ancestor, Adam. Therefore, how absurd it is to believe that some races are inherently superior or inferior. Such thinking would suit Satan’s scheme to disrupt our Christian love and unity. (John 13:35) To fight Satan and win, we must resist all forms of improper pride.​—Prov. 16:18.”",Acts 17:26,"Watchtower, May 15, 2015 para 9. comment Glenn Teakell",,,bl,,7/12/2015
"RESCUE WORK, PREACHING, URGENCY, MATERIALISM, ","A sister and her husband were survivors of one of the worst maritime disasters in history​—the sinking of the luxury liner Wilhelm Gustloff in 1945. Even in the face of such peril, a person could have the wrong view of what is truly important. The sister recalled that one woman kept wailing: “My suitcases! My suitcases! My jewelry! All my jewelry is down there in the cabin. I have lost everything!” ","By contrast, several passengers who were moved by a spirit of helpfulness risked their lives working hard to rescue people who had fallen into the icy seas. Like those unselfish passengers, we do our utmost to help people. We keep the urgency of our preaching work in mind and help others to become survivors of the impending world catastrophe before it is too late.”",Mark 13:10;,"Watchtower, August 15, 2015",Act Wisely in a Senseless World,167,bl,,7/13/2015
"Lost sheep, shepherding, help to return, ","The sheep is bewildered. Somehow, while nibbling grass in the pasture, it got separated from the other sheep. Now, it can see neither the flock nor the shepherd. Darkness approaches. Lost in a valley where predators roam, the sheep is defenseless. Finally, it hears a familiar voice​—that of the shepherd, who runs toward the sheep, picks it up, wraps it in the folds of his garment, and carries it home.","JEHOVAH repeatedly likens himself to just such a shepherd. In his Word, he assures us: “I myself will search for my sheep, and I will care for them.”​","Ezekiel 34:11, 12;","""Return to Jehovah""",,,bl,,7/27/2015
"Lost sheep, shepherding, ","To Jehovah, a lost sheep is not a lost cause. He knows when a sheep is missing, he searches for that sheep, and he rejoices when he finds it. ","“The lost one I will search for.” After all, he calls his true worshippers “my sheep, the sheep that I care for.” (Ezekiel 34:31) You are one of those sheep.”","Ezekiel 34:12, 16; Matthew 18:12-14; Ezekiel 34:31;",Return to Jehovah brochure,,,bl,,7/27/2015
"PREPARE FOR LIFE IN NEW WORLD, PARADISE, FUTURE,","How might we prepare now for life in God’s new world? Well, suppose we were planning to move to another country. How could we prepare for that change? We might start learning the language of the people who live there. Learning about their customs would be beneficial. We might sample some of their foods. To a certain extent, we would begin to live as if we were already residents of that land. After all, that is the way we expect to live once we arrive there. ","Similarly, we can prepare for life in the new world by living now, to the extent possible, as we expect to live then. In this regard, consider the following examples.”","1 Timothy 6:18,19","Watchtower, August 15, 2015",,,bl,,7/27/2015
"Return to Jehovah, Lost sheep, prodigal, goals,","A runner who stops training for several months or years cannot resume his former routine right away. Rather, he begins by setting small goals that build strength and endurance. Christians are like runners. They train with a clear goal in mind. ","Why not pursue one spiritual goal that seems most attainable for you right now? For example, you might set the goal of attending a congregation meeting. Ask Jehovah to help you to reach your goal. As you regain spiritual strength, you will “taste and see that Jehovah is good.”  Remember that anything you do to demonstrate your love for Jehovah​—no matter how small it may seem—​is precious to him.​",1 Corinthians 9:24-27; Luke 21:1-4; Psalm 34:8;,Return to Jehovah,,,bl,,7/27/2015
"RESENTMENT, GRUDGE, FORGIVENESS, ","Imagine the following scenario. You pick up a rock, perhaps one that weighs just a few pounds, and hold it at arm’s length. You would probably have little trouble holding the rock for a short time. But what if you tried to do so for an extended period of time? How long would you be able to hold it​—some minutes? an hour? or longer? No doubt, your arm would become very tired! Of course, the actual weight of the rock would not change. But the longer you held it, the heavier it would feel. ","The same is true of resentment. The longer we hold a grudge​—even a rather small one—​the more we hurt ourselves. Little wonder, then, that Jehovah encourages us to let go of resentment. Really, letting go is for our own good.​",Proverbs 11:17;,Return to Jehovah (rj-E),,,bl,,7/28/2015
"RETURNING TO JEHOVAH, LOST SHEEP, INTEGRITY, GIFT, HEART,","One Bible scholar put it this way: “There is no handle on the outside of the door of the human heart. It must be opened from within.” By worshipping Jehovah out of a heart full of love, we can choose to open that door. ”","Returning to Jehovah is absolutely the best thing you can do. Why? You will bring joy to Jehovah’s heart. As you know, Jehovah has feelings, so our actions affect him. Of course, Jehovah does not force us to love and serve him.  When we do so, we give him a precious gift​—our integrity—​and we bring tremendous joy to his heart. Really, nothing can compare to the happiness we experience from giving Jehovah the worship he deserves.​—Acts 20:35; Revelation 4:11.”","Deuteronomy 30:19, 20; Proverbs 27:11;",Return to Jehovah (rj-E),,,bl,,7/31/2015
"RETURNING TO JEHOVAH, LOST SHEEP",A person who has been physically ill may need to resume his normal routine gradually. ,"Likewise, you can build your strength as a Christian by trying to take in at least a little spiritual food each day. Do not feel that you have to do everything at once. Perhaps you could spend a few minutes reading or listening to a recording of the Bible, studying one of our publications, browsing the jw.org Web site, or watching one of the programs broadcast on tv.jw.org. Also, try to attend a congregation meeting as soon as possible. Above all, pray to Jehovah and ask for his help. “Throw all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you.”​",1 Peter 5:7;,Return to Jehovah (rj-E),,,bl,,7/28/2015
"GOSPELS, FOUR ACCOUNTS, BIBLE WRITERS,","To illustrate, imagine that four men are standing near a famous teacher. The man standing in front of the teacher has a tax office. The one on the right is a physician. The man listening from the left side is a fisherman and is the teacher’s very close friend. And the fourth man, located at the back, is an observer who is younger than the others. All four are honest men, and each has a distinct interest or focus. If each writes an account of the teacher’s sayings and activities, the four records would likely feature different details or events. (SEE NEXT PART)","You may have wondered why God inspired four accounts of Jesus’ life and teachings.  By considering all four accounts, bearing in mind the varying perspectives or objectives, we could get a complete picture of what the teacher said and did. This illustrates how we can benefit from having four separate accounts of the life of the Great Teacher, Jesus.”","2 TIMOTHY 3:16, 17;",Jesus—The Way (jy-E),,,bl,,7/28/2015
"GOSPELS, FOUR ACCOUNTS, BIBLE WRITERS,","Continuing the illustration, the tax man wants to appeal to people of a Jewish background, so he groups some teachings or events in a way to help that primary audience. The physician highlights the healing of the sick or crippled, so he omits some things that the tax man recorded or presents them in a different order. The close friend emphasizes the teacher’s feelings and qualities. The younger man’s account is briefer, more succinct. ","Still, each man’s account is accurate. This well illustrates how having all four accounts of Jesus’ life enriches our understanding of his activities, teachings, and personality. People may speak of ‘the Gospel of Matthew’ or ‘John’s Gospel.’ That is not inaccurate, for each contains “good news about Jesus Christ.” (Mark 1:1) However, in a larger sense, there is but one overall gospel, or good news, about Jesus​—available to us in the four records.",Mark 1:1;,Jesus—The Way (jy-E),,,bl,,7/28/2015
"Order, Peace, peaceful, God's organization, foundation of peace, ","A group of soldiers may march in an orderly way toward the front lines, but their orderly advance results in war, not peace. Note that Paul did not contrast disorder with order, but he contrasted it with peace. Why? Consider this: Order in itself does not invariably result in peaceful conditions. ","Hence, as Christians, we want to keep a key fact in mind: Any structure of order that does not have peace as its foundation will sooner or later collapse. In contrast, godly peace promotes the kind of order that lasts. Therefore, how grateful we are that our organization is guided and refined by the God who gives peace.",1 Cor. 14:33; Romans 15:33;,God’s Kingdom Rules! (kr),,,bl,,8/2/2015
"Free, scholarships, Wisdom, College, ","""There is no such thing as a free lunch""  (TINSTAAFL) Even if something appears to be free, there is always a cost to the person or to society as a whole, although that may be a hidden cost or an external one.  ","Graduating students are often offered free scholarships for college.  However, according to news reports about 70 percent of 2013 graduates left college with an average of $28,400 in debt.  On top of the already anticipated tuition, there are countless, “hidden” costs of a college education. It is the course of true wisdom to weigh the cost.","Luke 22:33, 34; Luke 14:28;",Bobby Laymon,Acquiring a Heart of Wisdom,73,bl,,8/2/2015
"GOALS, zeal, ","We're burning up daylight, or we are burning up  time.",We don't want to waste time.,Romans 12:11;,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,8/2/2015
"Judge by appearance, dress, grooming, ","If you think your dress and appearance doesn't matter, try going into a convenience store at 10:00 PM wearing a ski mask.",What people wear often identifies what they do.,"Genesis 3:7, 21;",Shawn Cromer,,79,bl,,8/2/2015
"Imitate Jesus, follow closely,","Some imitators are very good.  Like those who imitate Elvis, the Beatles.  One person learned to play left handed to be like the Beatles.  ",We need to watch and learn from Jesus so we can follow his footsteps closely.,Hebrews 12:2;,Imitate Jesus Regional Convention - Brother Jolly,,,bl,,8/2/2015
"Singing, ","It may not be possible to give a comment every week, or answer a question at a meeting, but everyone can sing.","Learn to sing better.  Learn breath control, have a confident deep breath.  Sing your favorite song.  Relax: avoid a squeaky voice.  Hum a lot.  Note: loud singing is not necessarily the same as good singing.","Exodus 15:1, 2;",Steve Katell,,,bl,,8/2/2015
"Trust,",In times past a simple handshake could be trusted.,Jehovah can still be trusted.,Isaiah 55:11;,Jerry Hall,,,bl,,8/2/2015
"Loyalty, ",In the past people used very fine dishes and cups for guests.  They loyally and faithfully kept these dishes for many years.  Today people use paper cups and paper plates and discard them when used.,That is how Satan treats people.  He selfishly uses them and then discards them as soon as he dirties them up.,Eph. 4:24;,Chad Halwick - Regional Convention,,,bl,,8/2/2015
"Loyalty,",How would you feel if your bought your wife roses and then she gives them to a girl nearby.,"That is how Jehovah feels when he shows us loyalty, gives us a gift and we are disrespectful of it.",John 13:1; Eph. 4:24;,Chad Halwick - Imitate Jesus Regional Convention,,,bl,,8/2/2015
"Refreshing,","Pick, pick, pick:  That is what the Pharisee Simon did when the woman washed Jesus feet with her tears and hair.  ","However Jesus defended her and refreshed her.  (Matthew 26:13) . . .Truly I say to you, wherever this good news is preached in all the world, what this woman did will also be told in memory of her.”",Matthew 11:28-30;,Dave Pfister Imitate Jesus Regional Convention,,,bl,,8/2/2015
"Young ones, youth, Serving Jehovah and follow Jesus,","Young people get a gift of money.  They quickly spend it on junk food.  Jesus could have been number 1 in any field, but he served Jehovah to the fullest extent.","Young ones, what will you do?",Proverbs 20:29;,Imitate Jesus Regional Convention,,,bl,,8/2/2015
"Precious Wives, wife, ","""Wives are helpless, while their nail polish is drying.""","Wives too, need to imitate Jesus in their use of power.","Proverbs 14:1;27:15, 16; 31:17",Imitate Jesus Regional Convention,,,bl,,8/2/2015
"Kind elders,","Jesus had great power.  Jesus could make a fish pay his taxes for him.  Among his other powers, he had the power of kindness.  This kindness could relieve stress and refresh his listeners.","Elders today can accomplish much by being kind, and tenderly compassionate.  ",James 5:16; 1 Peter 5:3; Eph. 4:32;,Imitate Jesus Regional Convention,,,bl,,8/2/2015
"Follow Jesus, but not at a distance.","When Jesus was arrested, Peter was following him, 'but Peter was following at a distance.'  Luke 22:54.",How are you doing?  Are you becoming weaker or stronger in the faith. Are you following at a distance?,Luke 22:54;,Imitate Jesus Regional Convention,,,bl,,8/2/2015
"Bull dog ant, mind and heart fight, Jesus attitude, Imitate Jesus,","Bull dog ants* have been cut in half at the middle.  They have ferocious teeth and stings.  After separation their head began to fight the tail.  *A species of ant in Australia are popularly known as bulldog ants, bull ants or jack jumper ants. This is due to their ferocity and the way they hang off their victims using their mandibles, and also due to some particular species displaying jumping behavior.  ","Sometimes our imperfect nature causes us to be somewhat like the bull dog ant.  (Romans 7:21-23) . . .I find, then, this law in my case: When I wish to do what is right, what is bad is present with me. 22 I really delight in the law of God according to the man I am within, 23 but I see in my body another law warring against the law of my mind and leading me captive to sin’s law that is in my body. We must put on the attitude of Christ Jesus.",Romans 7:21-23;,Imitate Jesus Regional Convention.,,,bl,,8/3/2015
"KINDNESS, GENTLE, TALKING TO A TEENAGER, ","As drawing a bucket of water out of a well too quickly will cause you to lose some of the water, confronting your teen too forcefully may make you squander a valuable opportunity to learn his thoughts and intentions.","Like Jesus, ask questions kindly and respectfully. ",PROVERBS 20:5,"Watchtower, November 15, 2015",,,bl,,8/3/2015
"TOOLS FOR WITNESSING, EVANGELIZING, ","“Jesus compared “the word of the Kingdom” to seed that is sown on various types of soil. (Matt. 13:18, 19) A gardener may use a variety of tools to prepare his garden to receive seed. ","Similarly, over the years our King has given us tools to use to help prepare the hearts of millions to receive the Kingdom message. Some tools were useful for perhaps a decade or so, while others have proved to be of timeless value. But all these tools have allowed us to develop our skills as evangelizers in some way.”","MATTHEW 13:18,19","Watchtower, November 15, 2015",,,bl,,8/3/2015
"Honor, Nobel prize, ambassadors, envoys, peaceful relations with Jehovah, zealous, fine works,","Many consider it a great honor to be given an award for a notable achievement. For instance, some have received the Nobel Prize for acting zealously to establish peace between hostile or alienated parties. ","But how much greater an honor it is to be sent by God as an ambassador or envoy to help people establish peaceful relations with their Creator! As Jehovah’s Witnesses, we bear that singular honor. We are being used by Jehovah to draw people to him. This is how millions in over 235 lands have been helped to enjoy good relations with God and thus have the hope of gaining everlasting life. (Titus 2:11) With heartfelt zeal, we invite “anyone that wishes [to] take life’s water free.” (Rev. 22:17) Because we cherish this precious assignment and carry it out diligently, we may rightly be called a people “zealous for fine works.”—Titus 2:14. ","Titus 2:11, 14; Revelation 22:17;","w13 5/15 2:1, 2",,,bl,,8/5/2015
"Daily text, Examining the Scriptures daily,",It is like gassing up your car.  You put gas into the tank and it goes into the fuel system and makes the engine run.,"When we read the text each day, it gives us spiritual energy throughout the day.  We can run better.",Psalms 119:105,Wayne Walker,,,bl,,8/8/2015
"WAR, ARMAGEDDON, WAIT PATIENTLY, ","To illustrate: Imagine two siblings who begin fighting while their father is away. They temporarily stop fighting and call their father on the telephone. One sibling claims that the other started the fight, while the other claims that he was being mistreated. Both appeal to their father, each hoping for his support in the dispute. However, after hearing both sides, the father tells them to stop fighting and to wait for him to settle the matter when he gets home. For a while the two siblings wait. Soon, though, they are fighting again. When the father gets home, he is not pleased with either child and punishes them both for not obeying him.","Today, warring nations often appeal to God for support. But God does not take sides in today’s wars. Instead, in his Word, the Bible, he clearly states: “Return evil for evil to no one,” and, “Do not avenge yourselves.” (Romans 12:17, 19) Moreover, he has made known that mankind should “wait patiently for him” to take action, which he will do at Armageddon. (Psalm 37:7, footnote) When the nations fail to wait for God to act and instead resort to warfare, he views such wars as presumptuous acts of aggression that bring his displeasure. Thus, at Armageddon, God will express his indignation and settle the nations’ disputes once and for all by “bringing an end to wars throughout the earth.” (Psalm 46:9; Isaiah 34:2) Indeed, Armageddon will be the war to end all wars.”","Romans 12:17, 19;","Watchtower, November 1, 2015",,,bl,,9/29/2015
"WORLD, TOO CLOSE, NO PART OF THE WORLD,","The young man Josh liked to push buttons.  His mother told him, ""Don't you touch that TV""  Daring his Mother, he got as close as possible to the television set.  Maybe 1/16 of an inch with his finger.  Then he lost his balance and fell into the TV.  He was in trouble.",Sometimes we might try to get as close to the world as possible without touching it.  What happens when we lose our balance?  The best policy is to stay as far away as possible from the world.,Matthew 16:26; John 8:23; 12:31;,Kim Laymon,Resisting the Spirit of the World,25,bl,,8/9/2015
"MYSTERY, MYSTERIOUS WAYS, TRUTH, MISQUOTES OF BIBLE, RELIGION, CHRISTENDOM,","You may have heard: “God works in mysterious ways.” “The Father Incomprehensible, the Son Incomprehensible, and the Holy Ghost Incomprehensible.”—The Athanasian Creed, describing the Trinity taught by many churches of Christendom.","What the Bible teaches: Jesus said that those “taking in knowledge of . . . the only true God” would receive blessings. (John 17:3) But how can we take in knowledge of God if he is a mystery? Far from concealing himself, he wants everyone to know him.—Jeremiah 31:34.Of course, we will never know everything about God. This is to be expected because his thoughts and ways are higher than ours.—Ecclesiastes 3:11; Isaiah 55:8, 9.",JOHN 17:3; JEREMIAH 31:34;,w11 10/1 p. 4 ,,,bl,,8/9/2015
"RELIGION, MOVED INTO WOODS, NATURE WORSHIP, ",“God has moved out into the woods.” one interviewer concluded his report with those words.,"Many people reserve their religious feelings for times when they are outdoors, enjoying earth’s natural settings. A young female farmer said: “When you’re out in the woods and fields, that’s when you’re closest to God, I think.” Another person interviewed, who did not consider himself religious, explained: “When I go out in the woods, I feel as if it were a huge temple. . . . And who is in control of it, I don’t know, but I feel it.” Some described nature as holy, divine, and awe-inspiring and said that being in its presence gave them renewed strength, peace, and harmony. ",ROMANS 1:20;,g02 4/22 p. 4,,,bl,,8/9/2015
"CHASTE, DESIRES, IMMORAL THOUGHTS,","To please Jehovah, we must reject everything that he hates. But because we are imperfect, we may be attracted to immorality, like fish attracted to bait. If we start having immoral thoughts, we must immediately reject them. If we do not, the immoral desire will become so strong that when we have the opportunity to sin, we may do so. It is just as the Bible says: “The desire, when it has become fertile, gives birth to sin.”","A wrong desire can grow inside our heart. That is why we should be very careful about what we start to desire. If we reject wrong desires, we will avoid sexual immorality and its bad results. (Galatians 5:16) In this article, we will discuss three things that will help us to fight wrong desires: our friendship with Jehovah, the counsel from his Word, and the help from mature Christians.","James 1:14, 15.",ws15 6/15 pp. 14-18 ,,,bl,,8/16/2015
"Children, train up, Sabbath, best assurance for everlasting life, insurance, free will, ","You can buy insurance on about anything.  Examples: House, car, boat, diamonds, body parts.  Can you buy insurance on your children?  Not life insurance, but everlasting life insurance.","(Proverbs 22:6) . . .Train a boy in the way he should go; Even when he grows old he will not depart from it.""  Does this inspired proverb offer a guarantee of success? Not necessarily. Your child has free will and will grow up to exercise it. But this verse offers parents a loving assurance. What is that? If you train your children according to the Bible’s counsel, you are creating the most favorable circumstances to bring about a marvelous result—seeing your children grow up to be happy, fulfilled, and responsible adults.",Proverbs 22:6;,Chad Halwig,Should Christians Keep the Sabbath?,134,bl,,8/16/2015
"Treasure, exertion, Attitude, effort,","After the meeting today would you like to help me dig a huge hole behind the Kingdom Hall?  No one wants to?  What if we knew there was a great treasure to be found there?  That would make a difference, wouldn't it.",We need to view God's word in the later manner.  It is a treasure that is worth all our effort.,1 Peter 2:2;,Adrian Herrera,"Come, You Who Thirst for the Truth! ",89,bl,,8/23/2015
"Bible, Spiritual Food, Elders Teaching Methods, meat, milk, ",Does a dog love bones?  No!  A dog loves meat.  He only chews on the bones when he can't get meat.  The bones have some of the taste of the meat.,"Our brothers and sisters love and deserve meat, not spiritual bones.  Give them meat!  ","1 Corinthians 3:1, 2;",Rocco Palese,Taking Time to Meditate on Spiritual Things,67,rp,,8/24/2015
"Understanding Jehovah, Fringes, God's law, ","Imagine an elaborate garment, very expensive.  We can only see a glimpse of the fringe of it.  How much can we understand about the garment.",That is the way it is with Jehovah.  We only understand a very small amount about Him.  We need to keep studying the Bible to understand more and more.,Job 26:14;,Steven Lett GB,,,bl,,9/3/2015
"Exciting, Jehovah's mind, boring, Everlasting life, ","Some people say, ""Living forever will be boring.""  Jehovah has made everything different. Every snowflake, fingerprint, person.  Zebra are all striped different.  They may look the same, but are not.","Those people do not know Jehovah.  One brother said, ""What would be boring would be to be dead forever.""",Romans 11:33; Job 26:14;,Steven Lett; GB,,,bl,,9/3/2015
"Exciting, Jehovah's mind, boring, Whisper, thunder, everlasting life,",A whisper registers about 20 decibels.  A mighty thunder can reach 130 decibels.  That is about the volume of a four-engine jet.,For all eternity we will continue to learn. We will come to appreciate more and more about Jehovah.,Romans 11:33; Job 26:14;,Steven Lett; GB,,,bl,,9/3/2015
"Universe, space, vastness, size, ","People come out with all kinds of outlandish 'facts' about the incredible size of our universe, but thanks to Carl Sagan, none of these statements are as common as this old doozy: ""There are more stars in the universe than there are grains of sand on Earth"". ","It seems impossible doesn't it? The universe is huge, but when you consider how many beaches there are on this planet and how miniscule a grain of sand is, it makes you think that in this instance at least, Carl Sagan was maybe taking a bit of poetic license with his statement? The truth is we don't know.",Psalm 8:3;,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,9/7/2015
"Peace, argue, fighting, win, lose, Marriage,","Remember, if you fight with someone, both of you lose. If you make peace, both of you win. So take responsibility for your part in the dispute. ","“Do not let negative emotions cause you to lose sight of your main objective​—making peace. Even if you are convinced that you have done nothing wrong, you can still apologize for getting irritated, responding the way you did, or unintentionally contributing to the upset. Peaceful relationships are more important than pride and victory. And if someone apologizes to you, be quick to forgive.”",Proverbs 6:3,"Awake!, December 2015",,,bl,,9/11/2015
"Flexible, expand, widen out, view, outlook, different, right, wrong, Marriage, rigid,","A husband named Alex learned a lesson: “I always felt that a straight line is the shortest way from point A to point B and that any other choice would be deficient,”",Expand your view. Your spouse’s outlook on things is not necessarily wrong just because it is different from yours.  he says. “But being married has helped me to realize that there are many ways to get from A to B and that each method is effective in its own way.”​,1 Peter 5:5,"Awake!, December 2015",,,bl,,9/11/2015
"Difference in marriage, disagree,","Try to work as a team and see the differences in your mate as spice, not poison. Obstacles do not have to be a dead end.”  “If you think, ‘We just aren’t well-matched,’ you will keep finding evidence to support that view. ",Obstacles do not have to be a dead end.”,1 Corinthians 10:24;,"Awake!, December 2015",,,bl,,9/11/2015
"Understanding the Bible, Bible study,","Imagine visiting a foreign land for the first time. You encounter people, customs, foods, and currency that are all unfamiliar to you. Understandably, you may feel frustrated.","You may feel the same way when you first read the Bible. You are stepping back into an ancient world that seems foreign to you. There you meet a people called Philistines, come across unusual customs, such as ‘ripping garments apart,’ or learn about a food called manna and a coin known as the drachma.  All of this could be confusing. As in the case of visiting a foreign land, would you not appreciate getting help from someone who could explain things to you?”",Exodus 16:31; Joshua 13:2; 2 Samuel 3:31; Luke 15:9;,"Watchtower, December 1, 2015",,,bl,,9/12/2015
"Tongue, gossip, speech, control our tongue,","IN EARLY October 1871, what has been described as the most deadly forest fire in U.S. history engulfed the dry woodlands of northeastern Wisconsin. As the fire raged on, the flames and intense heat killed more than 1,200 people and consumed some two billion trees. The inferno may have been started by mere sparks from passing trains. How true are the words of James 3:5: “See how small a fire it takes to set a great forest ablaze!” Why did the Bible writer make such a statement?","The point of James’ illustration is made clear in verse 6. “The tongue is also a fire.” The tongue represents our ability to speak. Like fire, our speech has the potential for causing great harm. The Bible even says that “death and life are in the power of the tongue.” (Prov. 18:21) Of course, we do not stop talking just out of concern that we might say something harmful, any more than we refuse to use fire because we fear the damage it might cause. The key is control. If we control fire, we can use it to cook our food, warm our bodies, and light up a dark night.”",Proverbs 18:21; James 3:5;,"Watchtower, December 15, 2015",God’s New World—Who Will Qualify to Enter?,174,bl,,9/20/2015
"Imitate Jehovah, ",Monkey see monkey do. Airline raise prices. Others do the same. A gas station raises gas prices. Other stations follow suit.  People love to imitate other people.,"We want to become imitators of God.  3 John 11.  ""Beloved one, do not imitate what is bad, but imitate what is good. The one who does good originates with God. The one who does bad has not seen God.""  ",Ephesians  5:1 5,Gordon Woodford; C.O. Circuit assembly,,,bl,,9/29/2015
"Dishonestly, Honest, cheating,",A brick building with a cracked foundation.  A cracked foundation can weaken an entire structure; ,"In the same way, dishonesty can undermine your good reputation.",Hebrews 13:18,JW.ORG,,,bl,,9/29/2015
"Trust, confidence, ","Many people buy name brand. It can be food, clothing, or other items.  They do this because they feel they can trust it.  They are willing to spend more money for that trust.  ",Jehovah is a God who has earned our trust.  We should be willing to pay anything we have for that trust.,"Psalm 119:68 68; Exodus 33:18,19; Exodus 34:6 ",Gordon Woodford; C O Circuit assembly,Trust in the God of All Comfort,43,bl,,9/29/2015
"Justice,","Have you ever tried looking for something that was right in front of you.  Don't tell me that I am the only one that has happened to.You don't know what it looks like.  For example, Justice.  We need to learn to identify what justice looks like. Sometimes we overlook things. Thumb on scales. Straw/rafter.","Jeremiah  9:24 But let the one boasting boast about this: That he has insight and knowledge of me, That I am Jehovah, the One showing loyal love, justice, and righteousness in the earth, For in these things I take delight,” declares Jehovah.",Jeremiah 9:24;,Joe Laymon,,,bl,,9/29/2015
"Using resources wisely, Wasteful",Autumn is my favorite time of the year.  You see all the beautiful leaves of different color.  They are beautiful.  Where do they go?  Did you ever see a landfill with autumn leaves from years past?  No! Jehovah is a wonderful recycler.  He is not wasteful but uses all things wisely.  Remember the baskets of food?  We have valuable resources we need to use wisely.,"1. Time is most  precious resource. Eph 5:15, 162. Abilities and power.  Isaiah 40:29-313. Material things. 1 Corinthians 16:1, 2;",Matthew 6:22;,Jason Arndt,,,bl,,9/29/2015
"Dedication, baptism, trust, confidence, ",Your are giving Jehovah a blank check.  Who would you dare give a blank check to.  You would really have to trust him.,"We can trust Jehovah with anything we have, and that is why we make a dedication to him.",Proverbs 27:11; Proverbs 2:1-5;,Jimmy Kinkade; circuit assembly part,,,bl,,10/6/2015
"Friend, Remember, dedication, baptism.","Suppose you met the president of the United States and had a conversation with him.  You talked briefly about Branson, Missouri.  How long would he remember you?  If you met him years later would he be able to recall it?  You would, but would he?",Jehovah would remember it all.  He could recall every word of the conversation.,Exodus 6:5;,Jim Kinkade; circuit assembly part,,,bl,,10/6/2015
"Bible, accurate knowledge,","A highway sign reads, ""Having a smart phone does not make you a smart driver.""","Likewise, having a Bible does not mean that you have an accurate knowledge of it.",Psalm 1:1-3;,Joe Laymon,,,bl,,10/10/2015
"Law, Sabbath, Fulfill the law,","A builder fulfills a contract to complete a building, not by ripping up the contract, but by finishing the structure. However, once the work has been completed to the client’s satisfaction, the contract is fulfilled and the builder is no longer under obligation to it.","Likewise, Jesus did not break, or rip up, the Law; rather, he fulfilled it by keeping it perfectly. Once fulfilled, that Law “contract” was no longer binding on God’s people.",Matthew 5:17;,w10 2/1 p. 13,,,bl,,10/11/2015
"Alert, vigilant, Keep on the watch, Last days, time of the end",Keeping on the watch is somewhat like a sharp knife.  At first it cuts really clean and quick.  However in time it is like moving the knife across a stone.  The blade become dull and does not cut very well.,"That is how it is with keeping on the watch.  We can become dull, and not so sharp.  There is the danger.",Galatians 6:9; Matthew 24:42;,John Ballard,,,bl,,10/11/2015
"Alert, vigilant, Keep on the watch, Last days, time of the end",You are on the deer stand and you have kept on the watch all morning.  You get tired and bored and drowsy.  What will probably happen when the deer show up?,"Likewise, we must not tire out, but continue to keep on the watch. You will miss your opportunity.",Galatians 6:9; Matthew 24:42;,Carl Brown,,,bl,,10/15/2015
"ADAPT, FLEXIBLE, PREPARE FOR LIFE IN NEW WORLD, CULTURE SHOCK, REAL LIFE,","We have all heard of cultural shock.  How might we prepare now for life in God’s new world? Well, suppose we were planning to move to another country. How could we prepare for that change? We might start learning the language of the people who live there. Learning about their customs would be beneficial. We might sample some of their foods. To a certain extent, we would begin to live as if we were already residents of that land. After all, that is the way we expect to live once we arrive there. ","Similarly, we can prepare for life in the new world by living now, to the extent possible, as we expect to live then. ","1 Timothy 6:18, 19;","Watchtower, August 15, 2015.  comment John Ballard ",,,bl,,10/20/2015
"Unity, united, growth, Don't give up, ",Not every apple on the tree ripens at the same time. (The rest Al added.) But they are all still apples and they are all still on the same tree.,The comment was originally made by Sister Caroline Sorenson and it was applied to her unbaptized but very cooperative husband. (He had passed by the time we knew her.),Matthew 7:12;,Al Woodford,,,bl,,11/5/2015
"Rejoice, refresh, rest, songs, singing,","Those who use tablets know they freeze up now and then.  You ask the experts and they ask, ""When was the last time you turned it off. They were not meant to run 4 days without restarting them.","Likewise with our lives, we need to refresh it with songs or a change of pace,",Philippians 4:4,Anthony Morris,,,bl,,11/6/2015
"Death, Pain, ",We simply rob ourselves when we make presents to the dead.  Quote: Publilius Syrus,The dead do not know anything.,Ecclesiastes 9:5,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,11/10/2015
"Generosity, Needy, help quickly,",He doubly benefits the needy who gives quickly.  Quote: Publilius Syrus,Give when most needed.,Proverbs 11:25;,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,11/10/2015
"Remedies, Cure, Disease, Blood fractions, compromise, ",There are some remedies worse than the disease.  Quote: Publilius Syrus,Some things are in violation to God's law.,Matthew 16:25;,Bobby Laymon,The Only Cure for Sick Mankind,62,bl,,11/10/2015
Imperfections,"""Everything that irritates us about others can lead us to a better understanding of ourselves."" Carl Jung","Rather than focusing on the deficiencies of others, focus on what those deficiencies bring out of us and work on that",,Carl Jung,,,cb,,11/11/2015
Perseverance ,""" I look at a stone cutter hammering away at a rock a hundred times within so much as a crack showing in it. Yet at the 101st blow it splits in two. I know it was not that one blow, but all that had gone before."" Jacob Riis",Even if we see no visible effects from our preaching...keep at it.,,Jacob Riis,,,cb,,11/11/2015
Perspective; Attitude,"""Enjoy the little things, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things.""  Robert Brault",,,Chuck Bland,,,cb,,2/1/2016
Humility,"""Humility is not thinking less of yourself, it's thinking of yourself less."" C.S. Lewis",,,Chuck Bland,,,cb,,2/1/2016
Association; Social media,"""Birds of a feather may flock together, but animals in one pack have the same set of fleas.""",,Proverbs 13:20,Chuck Bland,,,cb,,2/1/2016
Anxiety,Ships don't sink because of the water around them. Ships sink because of the water that gets IN them. Do not let what is happening around you get in you and weigh you down.,,"Luke 21:34, 35",Chuck Bland,,,cb,,2/1/2016
Grief,"""Tears are the safety valve of the heart when too much pressure is laid on it."" Albert Richard Smith",Sometimes we just need to cry with those who are grieving.,Romans 12:15,Chuck Bland,,,cb,,2/1/2016
Circumstances,Be careful not to confuse your circumstances with what your doing with your circumstances. Your circumstances are the things you CANNOT change.,,"2 Corinthians 8:11, 12",Chuck Bland,,,cb,,2/1/2016
"Cry for help, anxiety, overloaded, burden, ","Try to picture a large camel with a very heavy load of supplies.  Some it it being straw.  Someone puts one more straw on its back and it falls to the ground, with a broken back.  What happened?  It's the straw that broke the camel's back.","There is a limit to what a camel can carry.  Likewise, with us there is a limit to what we can carry.  Family cares, responsibilities at work; ridicule from others.  Then there are loads we put upon ourselves.  Not delegating; not forgiving others; others.",Psalm 102:1; see also superscription; Psalm 73:21; ,Ronald Curzan: Morning worship talk,,,bl,,11/19/2015
"Good Day, Greeting, Wisdom,","A PLEASANT “Good day” is perhaps the most common of greetings. But when you give or get such greeting, how much does the thought behind it mean to you? For most, it is of light importance. After all, what is one day when compared with a lifetime? True, a life expectancy of seventy years (as enjoyed in some lands) gives promise of some 25,567 days in all. But to the person who is fifty years old the 18,262 days by then spent seem to have swept swiftly by, and the 7,305 remaining hoped-for days look few indeed. ","When next you give or receive the greeting of a friendly “Good day,” why not stop for a moment and reflect on what a day can bring, how momentous and even life-shaping things have occurred in just one day. In one day Adam and Eve disobeyed their Creator, losing their home and eventually their lives. We still suffer from their misuse of that day. (Rom. 5:12) One evening King David looked covetously at the beautiful wife of another man as she bathed, and then proceeded to violate two more of God’s commandments. Though he repented, his life was seriously affected ever after.",Psalm 90:12; 2 Sam. 12:9-12; 2 Sam. 12:9-12,g71 8/8 p. 8,Acquiring a Heart of Wisdom,73,bl,,2/1/2016
"Test, Faithfulness; Integrity;",Did your teacher ever give you a pop test? How do you like tests like that?,Sometimes in life we get pop tests.  How will we handle them?,Matthew 6:33;,Jacob Landis,,,bl,,11/24/2015
"AUTHORITIES,",Not going to use the bathroom any more. We would not try that would we.,There are other authorities just as important we must obey.,ROMANS 13:1,TOM BATTY,,,bl,,12/3/2015
"FEAR, PROTECTION, MEETINGS, ORGANIZATION,","Bird in cage and felt trapped.  One day the owner accidently left the cage door open.  They bird flew all over the house and eventually landed on the couch.  Right beside him was a huge cat.  Quickly he flew back into his cage, which was his only place of protection.","We are like that bird.  We must stay in our place of protection, which is Jehovah's house.",Psalm 23:6;,Vic Peterson,Why Fear the True God?,163,bl,,12/13/2015
"Impala, speed, faith, knowledge,","The wildebeest’s smaller cousins, impalas, are known for their gigantic leaps. To many, these high jumps could signify gracefulness and speed. In times of trouble, though, this antelope uses its soaring techniques to make it difficult for a predator to trap it by the legs. The leaps, up to 30 feet [9 m] in length, give the attacker a clear message, “Follow if you can keep up with me.” They can leap straight over 8 feet. However one can enclose them in a pen only 3-4 feet high.  They will not jump unless they can see where their feet will land.","We need to make leaps of faith sometimes knowing that Jehovah will keep our feet in a roomy place.  We cannot always see where we will land, but trust in Jehovah.",Psalms 31:8,Vic Peterson,Why Fear the True God?,163,bl,,12/13/2015
"Home, homesick, Congregation, Meetings,","""Mid pleasures and palaces though we may roam, be it ever so humble, there's no place like home"";  Quote: John Howard Payne in his poem, ""Home Sweet Home.""  It is so true, even if we enjoy traveling, taking a vacation in the mountains, or the coast, we love it when we get back home again.  It is a place of comfort; contentment; peace.  You may have your own room.","It is like that in our congregation.  When we miss a meeting, or meetings, we get homesick for Jehovah's house.  That is our home and there is no better place to be.  Jesus after 33 years wanted to return home. Jesus was homesick.  Jesus had a place in Jehovah's house and he appreciated it.  How do you feel about your place in Jehovah's house.","Hebrews 10:23, 24; John 14:12; 16:10","Samuel Herd, GB",Rejoice to have a Place in Jehovah's House.,200,bl,,12/13/2015
"life, hardships","""Life is not about waiting for the storm to pass, but learning to dance in the rain.""",surviving hardship is often perspective,,Chuck Bland,,,cb,,2/1/2016
"Teach, Instruction",Tell me and I forget. Show me and I remember. Involve me and I understand. Chinese proverb,,,Chuck Bland,,,cb,,2/1/2016
Authority,"""Authority without wisdom is like a heavy axe without an edge...fitter to bruise than polish."". Anne Bradstreet",,,Chuck Bland,,,cb,,2/1/2016
"IMITATE, JEHOVAH, QUALITIES, ","Think of a little four year old boy.  •	He has on men’s  size 11 shoes,….. •	an man’s extra large tee shirt, and ……•	shaving cream all over his face!!!  What do you think he was doing?Or think of a 4 year old girl, •	She’s standing very wobbly in a pair of high heels, ……•	Holding a very large purse…… •	and has lipstick smeared all over her lips.   What do you think she was doing?  Of course, they both were imitating their parents!It is a natural thing for Children to imitate their parents.",It should be a natural thing to imitate our heavenly father.,,jk,,,jk,,12/14/2015
"RELIGION, PREACHING, GOOD, WORSHIP","Would you agree with this statement?  There are good people in all religions.  Yes.  So, does God handle this dilemma of good people in bad religions?  He could deal with that fact in one of two ways.  •	He could say this:  There sure are a lot of good, sincere people in that religion. Well, even though they teach a lot of wrong things, I guess I’ll go ahead and approve of that religion!   •	Or he could say:  You know there sure are a lot of good people in that religion, I’m going to get them out of there!!!! ",,,JK,,,jk,,12/14/2015
"RELIGION, TRUTH, ","That is logical too, because the sound of the true religion is the one sound that will motivate an honest hearted person to really imitate God.  The distinct sound of the truth is recognizable.RELIGION THAT MOTIVATES US TO IMITATE GOD (4 min.)   It reminds you of what happens in huge colonies of seals on rocky beaches in the Antarctic seas.There are about ten thousand baby seals waiting for their mothers to come back from fishing and feed them.  Thousands of baby seals that look exactly the same, and the mother has to find its baby.    How do they do it?    It’s not by looks!  It’s not by location!  The baby seal makes a distinct noise, a bark! There can be thousands of mother seals coming ashore on a rocky beach, but there is only one voice, one bark that the mother seal responds to.  Among ten thousand baby seals barking,  that one baby seal is found by its mother.Among the 10,000 religions on earth, to an Honest hearted person, the truth has a distinctive sound.  And an honest hearted person will be able to distinguish the sound of the truth from all that other noise!",Honest-hearted persons will hear and respond to the truth.,,JK,,,jk,,12/14/2015
"QUALITIES, LOVE, JEHOVAH, GOODNESS",There are certain things that just seem to go together.  •	Peanut butter & Jelly.•	Needle & Thread•	Bacon & Eggs •	Cup & Saucer,"On a much higher level have you ever thought about the two things linked together by these statements made by Jesus and John?  John said ‘God is Love’ and Jesus said ‘Nobody is good except one, God’.   Jehovah possesses both of those qualities!So, Love and goodness go together.   ",,jk,,,jk,,12/14/2015
"GUIDANCE, WARNING, WISDOM","Ephesians 5:15…….ReadSo keep strict watch that how you walk is not as unwise but as wise personsIf you were walking along a cliff, it wouldn’t be good enough to just be careful how you walk part of the time!   And  you would appreciate it if a friend was walking with you and he reminded you if you were being a little careless as you walked! If he said, “Hey, be careful!  If you were getting a little to close to the edge!","God’s Word enlightens us to the outcome for those who disobey him.Can you think of faithful individuals in the Bible who let their guard down, rejected counsel, and became involved in wrongdoing.",,JK,,,jk,,12/14/2015
"DISTRESS, CONDITIONS, HELP, WICKEDNESS","Ever hear this expression:  “I’ve fallen and I can’t get up!”With that they advertise a little gadget that people can wear around their necks, it could be someone in poor heath, someone in danger, someone in dire need of help.  And if a person is in some kind of distress, he can push that button and someone will respond. ","Now what if everyone on earth had one of those little emergency buttons, how many times do you think they would be pushed in one day.??People who are starving, being persecuted, people in the middle of a war, people with acute health needs, people being victimized by crime, people being that have no place to sleep, or any clean water, people who are desperately lonely, people who are mistreated by their families.  Yes we are living in an unparalleled time of distress!",,JK,,,jk,,12/16/2015
"HOLY SPIRIT, PRAYER, HELP, POWER, TRIALS","Holy spirit has been likened to electricity.  That is a power source.  You know, your electric utility company will not send  power to your home unless you have signed up as a customer.  But once you are signed up as a customer you are guaranteed electricity.  And they seem to do all they can to restore it to you if it does go out. ","If we have dedicated our life to Jehovah God, then we are signed up for holy spirit.  Jesus promised his disciples that they would have his holy spirit when they needed it, only Jehovah and Jesus are a lot more dependable than the electric company!!   We don’t have to worry about a break in service, a transformer going out!    In fact, its when everything else goes out, when things look bleak, when we can’t see any way out,  that’s when Jehovah’s holy spirit will kick in.  And just like you would do if you had trouble getting electrical power, you’d call the company…… when we are especially distressed, we can pray for holy spirit and as Jesus promised, the holy spirit would act as a helper and comforter. ",,JK,,,jk,,12/16/2015
"MEETINGS, PRAYER, BIBLE STUDY, STUDY, HOLY SPIRIT","You are driving a car and as you drive you notice its not driving right. Its pulling to one side.   So you stop the car, get out, and your front tire is flat.  Would it be logical to take out a knife or screwdriver and flatten your other three tires?       Why would you do that?  That would make it even harder to get back on the road. You have put yourself in an even worse position.  You need the other three tires so you car isn’t totally undrivable!  ","Prayer, Holy Spirit, and Association with our brothers at meetings. Yet is is very easy not to do those three things when we are undergoing a distressing situation.Sometimes when we get a flat tire in our life that causes distress, things aren’t going right, we don’t focus on fixing the tire that is flat. But we go and flatten our other three tires by ceasing in prayer, stopping the things that give us Holy Spirit, like service an Bible study, and we stop going to the meetings and associating with the brothers and sisters.",,jk,,,jk,,12/16/2015
"STUDY, TIME, "," Do you have a change jar at home?  You through all of your pennies, nickels, dimes, and quarters in?  Maybe to use on vacation to help you go  to a district convention?   In a year, have you ever been surprised how much you had accumulated?","   It is the same way with the truth.  We can keep Jehovah’s loving-kindness in front of our eyes even if we feel we don’t have a lot of time.     For example: if we considered something spiritual or read the Bible for just ten minutes a day, that 61 hours we have spent in the span of a year!And remember as long as we put it in there, Jehovah says he can bring it out when we need it with his spirit! ",,JK,,,jk,,12/16/2015
"RESURRECTION, NEW WORLD","Now Jesus demonstrated reality of resurrection.  How?  When someone died, he didn’t show up and give a funeral talk, he showed up and performed a resurrection!",He was demonstrating what he was going to do when he was in Kingdom power.,,jk,,,jk,,12/16/2015
"SATAN, SERPENT, EYES, DESIRE, "," There is  snake called the  Red Mozambique Cobra.  With pin-point accuracy it can spit venom at its victims.  Interestingly, when attacking, It only aims its venom at one part of its victim.  The eyes.   This snake instinctively knows that an assault on the eyes is most effective, because it renders the enemy confused and helpless.","   There is another snake that uses exactly the same tactics.  The original serpent, Satan.  Satan realizes that the one of the quickest way to bring his enemies into complete submission is to attack their eyes.          Why?  Because, in humans, nothing affects our minds as much as our sight.  Our eyes, so strongly influences our emotions and actions; that what we see can start or intensify desires in our heart.  So, with good reason,  Satan attacks the eyes.  ",,JK,,,JK,,12/16/2015
"EYES, PORNOGRAPHY, ",  Suppose somebody tied you hands with a single cotton string.  That would be fairly easy to break free of. But what they had taken that same string and wrapped it around thirty or forty times?  It would be a lot harder to break free from that.,"Same with viewing pornography.   Reacting quickly, when experiencing even a single accidental brush with pornography is crucial.   Because repeated encounters, whether by curiosity or weakness, will make it very hard to break free. ",,jk,,,JK,,12/16/2015
"EYES, DESIRE, IMMORALITY, ENTERTAINMENT","Remember last time went to a movie.  Just before the movie started    What came up on the screen?    A commercial with a scene showing a hot tub of buttery pop corn … an ice cold coke, with ice chips sliding down the outside of the cup.     What does it make you want to do?   Did you Run out and get popcorn and a Coke before the movie started?"," So the movie starts, and materialism or occultism is made to look interesting or rewarding.  Or a provocative love scene is shown, with scantily clad people.     What does it make you want to do?   Does that make you want to run out and get a Coke and popcorn?",,JK,,,JK,,12/16/2015
"PREPARATION, SATAN, PROTECTION, WORLD,","If you knew you were going to have to hike through an area where it was known that there were poisonous snakes, wouldn’t you think about how to protect yourself ahead of time?  Maybe wear high topped hiking boots, carry a long stick.  Would you make sure you knew what to do if you encountered one?    What steps would you take to protect yourself?  ","Walking through this system of things controlled by Satan, the great Serpent.",,jk,,,JK,,12/19/2015
"Adultery, fornication, sexual relations,","Suppose you have a nice gift for someone, and you are waiting for a special time to give it to them.  However they found your gift and opened it.  How would you feel?  Would that spoil the pleasure you anticipated?",That is how it is when you engage in sexual relations before marriage. gift ,1 Thess 4:3-5;,"Gordon Woodford, CO",,,bl,,12/20/2015
"Ticket, requirements, paradise,",Name events that require a ticket. To go to a circus; Cardinals game; Movie; etc.  How can you get a ticket? Buy one; win one; find one; steal one; We are talking about a ticket to paradise.  How might you lose your ticket. You can't find it; you sell it; someone steals it.,Do you have the ticket? We must be careful and keep our ticket to paradise.  It is a one-shot thing.,"Genesis 7:1; Joshua 2:12, 18; Exodus 12:12,13; Hebrews 12:3; 1 John 2:15; ",GORDON WOODFORD CO,,,bl,,12/21/2015
"Unforgivable sin, ","Like clay that has been fired in a kiln and that can never be reshaped, the person’s heart has become permanently opposed to God.  There could never be a basis for such a person to be forgiven, so he is guilty of the unforgivable, or unpardonable, sin.","God forgives those who repent of their sins, follow his standards in their life, and exercise faith in Jesus Christ. (Acts 3:19, 20) However, a person can become so set in following a sinful course that he will never change his attitude or conduct. The Bible describes such a person as having “a wicked heart” that has “become hardened by the deceptive power of sin.” (Hebrews 3:12, 13) ","Hebrews 10:26, 27; Isaiah 45:9",JW.ORG,,,bl,,12/22/2015
"Indescribable Free Gift, Ransom, Sacrifice,","Imagine that you were facing execution because you had been implicated in a crime. Suddenly, a person whom you do not know steps out of the crowd and volunteers to accept the penalty for you. He is actually willing to die instead of you! What effect would such an outstanding gift have on you?”","“Receiving such an unselfish expression of love would no doubt compel you to reconsider your actions and even change the way you had been living your life. It would likely move you to be more generous and loving toward others and even to forgive any who had wronged you. For the rest of your life, you would feel indebted to the person who willingly took your place.”",2 Corinthians 9:15;,"Watchtower (Study), January 2016",,,bl,,12/22/2015
"MORALS, POPULAR, STANDARDS, WORLD","     So, in Christendom, people have become moral chameleons.    Chameleon is lizard that changes to match its background or environment.  -sand, green, wood.","    People in Christendom are moral chameleons, change to  meet whatever standard becomes popular in this wicked system.",,jk,,,jk,,12/23/2015
"UNITY, PEOPLE, HAPPY, BROTHERHOOD, PREACHING, ACCOMPLISHMENT","A big game hunter in the bush saw a little pygmy standing beside a huge dead African elephant.  He approached and said, 'Did you kill this big elephant!   The pygmy said 'Yes, I did!!'  The Hunter amazed, said, 'What did you use to kill such a big animal?'         The pygmy said, 'I used my club!'The hunter asked, 'How big is your club?'      The pygmy said, 'Oh, there are about 50 or 60 of us!'","    While that is a joke, it makes obvious the fact that when any group of people are united, they can accomplish things that seem almost impossible!   But there is only one large group of people, the only group of people,  who have ever been able to accomplish one particular thing.   It is something that has been impossible for any other group of people on earth.   And what they have accomplished is big.  They have become completely united around the world, and they've accomplished being truly and enduringly happy!",Micah 2:12;,jk,,,jk,,12/25/2015
"discouragement, encouragement ",2 wolves fighting one is discouragement and darkness the other encouragement and light ? who do you think will win?It the one you feed. ,"what we read, study, medicate on. what we feed our minds and hearts will either encourage or discourage. ",Romans 1:12,Jim Kinkade,,,JDK,12-28-2015,12/28/2015
"words, encouraging words, tongue, gossip,",Once you fire a bullet it don't go back in the barrel. ,Once you say something or the words leaves your mouth it is hard to take back. ,James 3:8-1James 3:8-10,Jim Kinkade,,,JDK,12-28-2015,2/1/2016
"Ant, Jehovah's organization ","Ant must have others to live they live 60 days. 1 ant along with plenty of food will only  live 6 days, 10 ants can only live 10 days. That is because they all take their food and regurgitate it back into a big pile and all the combined bacteria's will allow them to eat it and digest it. ",If we think we can do the truth on our own with the meeting we can make it for very long. 1 ant. If we think we have JW family members the publications and JW website we don't need the meeting. 10 ants.we need the organization to digest the spiritual food to make it. ,Hebrews 10:23-25.Hebrews 10:23-25.Hebrews 10:23-25Hebrews 10:23-25,Jason Arndt,,,JDK,12-28-2015,12/28/2015
forgiveness,"Start off by telling you a Story of Man and women having a good dinner in Branson..Husband and wife have a good meal going home, almost back to Springfield when wife looks at husband and says I’m sorry I left my coat at the restaurant, Husband upset turns car around in the middle of road, starts to speed, both hands now on the wheel, wife again says she is sorry, he just says ya, ok.  But than He begins to slow down starts to relax even puts hand on wife's leg and pats her. Says its okay.  They pull up to the restaurant wife hopes out husband say oh Honey while your in there can you get my hat!! ",Not easy to forgive others but easy to forgive self.,"Lu 6:42, James 3;2",Jim Kinkade,"DO YOU HARBOR RESENTMENT, OR DO YOU FORGIVE?",68,JDK,12-28-2015,12/28/2015
"knowledge, meeting, person study","scientist  believe that we never change our mind. the way the brain is wired if we are give the same information over and over we will make the same chooses. only when new information is give do we make a change. It going to rain today, Oh well then I better bring an umbrella and bring my hat. see new information and we make a different choose. ",As we read the bible daily or personal study or meetings we take in new  knowledge and it helps us make changes in our lives. with new knowledge we make good changes in our decisions. ,"Hebrews 10:23-25Hebrews 10:23-25, John 17:3",Jim Kinkade ,,,JDK,12-28-2015,2/1/2016
"provoked, agitated",How can we avoid being easily provoked or agitated?Just image as your setting here and bird comes and lands on your head would agitate you!!!! Would you just let it stay there? Just setting there with a bird on your head….Why you would shoo him off before it could …………….makes a nest…. Or perhaps you were thinking of something else.you would not let that bird stay there.. ,"When someone says something that upsets you, don’t let it build home in your mind… once it does that it is hard to get rid of. The more you ponder over it, the more upset you the harder it will be to forgive.  									It can be difficult someone says something that provokes you. ",Ecclesiastes 10:4,Jim Kinkade,,,JDK,12-28-2015,12/28/2015
false religion ," Sometimes an apple right off the tree can look really good. I’ve had them right off a tree they look good.  But you take a bite of it and it just tastes bad.  Or maybe you take a big bite and you find a worm in it, or even worse you find half a worm in it!  You’d probably spit that apple out of your mouth as soon as you could and throw away that apple.  ","A lot of times you find ones in Christendom that are dishonest; you might even call them a “worm”.  Sometimes their religion may look good and desirable from the outside; you might take a bite of it only to discover its bad and full of worms, meaning no spiritual nourishment.",,Jim Kinkade,,,JDK,12-28-2016,12/29/2015
"DISEASE, SICKNESS, INDEPENDENT,","“When studying a disease epidemic, investigators try to find the cause—what triggered the outbreak. ","The same principle applies to understanding the “plague” of human suffering and discord. Again, the Bible is of immense help, for it documents our earliest history, the time when our troubles started. The book of Genesis reveals that mankind’s woes began when the first humans rebelled against God. Among other things, they took it upon themselves to set moral standards—a right that belonged only to our Creator. (Genesis 3:1-7)”",GENESIS 3:1-6,"Awake!, No. 2 2016",,,bl,,1/1/2016
"Persecution,","“Jehovah’s Witnesses are like nails."" some observers declared: ""The more you hammer them, the deeper they go in.”","“Being in prison taught me to depend on Jehovah more, and it actually made me spiritually stronger,” one brother said.",Matthew 5:10-12,2016 Yearbook (yb16-E),Bearing Up Under Persecution,57,bl,,1/1/2016
"Confidence, Trust, Scam","Do you know about the confidence-man?  Allow me to introduce you to him.Its 1849 NYC.  William A. Thompson approaches you on the street.  He is dressed like a stately gentleman.  He looks like someone of authority.  You feel like you have never seen him before despite his insisting otherwise.  He tells you a story of how you once met at a time in the past and that you must not remember him.  Still, you have no recollection of meeting him but you begin to feel bad for forgetting him.  In an attempt to instill trust he says ‘have you confidence in me to trust me with your watch until tomorrow’?  What do you do?  Do you hand him your watch, or politely decline?  If you are like Thomas McDonald, you comply and hand over your watch.  His happened to be worth some $3000 in todays money.  Many others also handed their watch over to Mr. Thompson because you see, he was a con artist.  He deceived people by instilling false confidence.  In fact he was so proficient at this task the he came to be known as the confidence man.  So would you have put your trust in the confidence man?  If so it would have certainly been misplaced.  ",People all over the world misplace their confidence.  Religious organizations all over the world misplace their confidence. Nations from every corner of the planet misplace their confidence.,,NY Times,Is Your Confidence in Jehovah,188,joshlaymon,1/2/2016,1/4/2016
"Boasting in numbers, religion, Christendom, ","The rabbit, dog and lion were talking about their babies. The rabbit bragged about six babies.   Dog about four. The lion commented she had only one. They made fun of the  lion. The lion laughed and said. ""Yes, but mine is a lion! That makes all the difference.""  ",Likewise with Jehovah's ministers.  They are all 'LIONS!'  THEY ALL preach.,1 Thess 2:2;,Bobby Laymon, WHO ARE QUALIFIED AS MINISTERS OF GOD? ,81,bl,,1/5/2016
"Bold, fearless, numbers, qualified to be ministers,","If you were going into battle, which would be of Greater value? 8 MILLION trained, fully equipped soldiers or 900 million infants and small children?",Jehovah's Warriors are trained and fully equipped.,2Ti 3:14-16;,Bobby Laymon,WHO ARE QUALIFIED AS MINISTERS OF GOD? ,81,bl,,1/5/2016
"BUSY, WORK, EXERT,",“Everything comes to him who hustles while he waits.” ― Thomas A. Edison,We need to keep busy in Jehovah's work. ,Luke 13:24,Bobby Laymon ,,81,bl,,1/9/2016
"Attitude,","At their place of employment, Alex and Brian each work hard on separate projects. After analyzing their work, the supervisor points out key errors in each project. Alex: “I put so much time and effort into this project, and I still didn’t get it right! I’ll never succeed at this job. No matter how hard I work, it’s never good enough. Why do I even try?” Brian: “My boss highlighted aspects of my work that he liked, but I made a few fundamental mistakes. I’ve learned some valuable lessons that will help me do better next time.”","WHAT DO YOU THINK?  Six months from now, which one will be a more capable employee—Alex or Brian? If you were an employer, which of those two men would you be more likely to hire or keep on your payroll? When you face disappointment, which of those two men do you react like?”",Proverbs 17:22;,Awake!—2016,,,bl,,1/11/2016
Attitude,"Care for your attitude in the same way you would cultivate a garden. Root out the poisonous weeds of pessimism and negativity. Sow seeds of realistic optimism, and fertilize your life with actions that produce positive emotions. You will reap an emotional crop that will make your life much more rewarding. And it will confirm the fact that attitude makes a difference!”",You will reap an emotional crop that will make your life much more rewarding. And it will confirm the fact that attitude makes a difference!”,Acts 20:35;,Awake!—2016,,,bl,,1/11/2016
"Youth, baptism, dedication,","Just as it takes planning to complete a building project successfully, so it requires preparation to serve Jehovah faithfully “to the end.” (Matt. 24:13) ",But what can young ones themselves do to become determined to serve Jehovah for the rest of their life? Let us see.”,Luke 14:27-30;,"Watchtower, March 2016",,,bl,,1/11/2016
"Disown self, dedication, ","To illustrate, imagine that a friend gives you a car as a gift. He hands you the title and says: “The car is yours.” But suppose your friend adds: “I will keep the keys. And I will be the one who drives the car, not you.” How would you feel about this “gift”? How would you feel about the giver?","Now think about what Jehovah rightfully expects of a person who makes a dedication to him, a person who tells him: “I am giving you my life. I belong to you.” What if that person were to start living a double life, perhaps secretly dating an unbeliever? What if he were to accept employment that crippled his whole-souled service in the ministry or attendance at Christian meetings? Would that not be like keeping the keys to the car? A person who dedicates himself to Jehovah is, in effect, saying: “My life belongs to you more than to me. If there is ever a conflict between what you want and what I am inclined to want, what you want will win—every time.” That would reflect the thinking of Jesus, who while on earth stated: “I have come to do your will.""",John 6:38;,"Watchtower, March 2016",,,bl,,1/11/2016
"Debt, appreciation, ransom,","Imagine that someone rescued you from drowning. Would you simply go home, dry yourself off, and forget about what was done for you? Of course not! You would certainly feel indebted to the person who rescued you. The fact is, you would owe that person your life! ","We owe Jehovah God and Jesus Christ much more. Without the ransom, each of us would, in a sense, drown in sin and death. ”","1 John 4:9, 19;","Watchtower, March 2016",,,bl,,1/11/2016
"unity, cooperation,","Picture the Israelites in Bible times praising Jehovah during a festival at his temple in Jerusalem. They would have prepared for the journey, cared for one another’s needs en route, and then been united in worship at the temple. All of this called for cooperation. (Luke 2:41-44) ","As we continue our journey toward the new world, we too need to be harmoniously joined together and cooperating. This takes regular, conscientious effort. Do you need to give this matter more attention?”",Luke 2:41-44,"Watchtower, March 2016",,,bl,,1/11/2016
"Warnings, ","“STOP, LOOK, LISTEN.” Those words have saved countless lives. More than 100 years ago, large signs bearing those words were posted at railroad crossings in North America. For what reason? So that vehicles on the road would not be crossing railroad tracks at the wrong moment and be struck by a speeding train. Yes, paying attention to that warning has saved lives.","Jehovah does something better than posting safety signs. He stands before his people, as it were, pointing them toward everlasting life, away from dangers. More than that, he acts like a loving shepherd to his flock, calling out to the sheep proper direction and warnings so that they can avoid dangerous paths.","Isaiah 30:20, 21;","Watchtower, March 2016",,,bl,,1/11/2016
"Expansion, growth, witnessing, evangelizing,",You might say that the field of preaching enlarged from a “pond” of Jews to an “ocean” of mankind.”,"Jesus’ disciples were told to “go” to all people. On the day of Pentecost 33 C.E., there was an early evidence of Jehovah’s changed strategy—that of a global evangelizing work. His holy spirit empowered about 120 members of the new congregation to speak miraculously in different tongues to Jews and proselytes. (Acts 2:4-11) Next, the territory expanded to the Samaritans. Then, in the year 36 C.E., it was further expanded to include the world of uncircumcised Gentiles. ","Matthew 28:19, 20; Acts 2:4-11;","Watchtower March, 2016",,,bl,,1/11/2016
"Public witnessing, adapt, improve, progress, unassigned territory, moving,",A missionary in a foreign land has to adapt to new circumstances. Many things are very different in his or her new assignment. ,"What about us if we cannot move to where the need is greater? Should we conclude that we know everything about our congregation’s territory? Or could we try to find innovative ways to reach people? For example, in 1940, brothers were encouraged to schedule a day each week to do street witnessing. Is that something that you can have a share in doing? Or what about the initiative to use literature display carts? The point is: Have you personally considered such ways of presenting the good news, ways that may be new to you?",2 Timothy 4:5;,"Watchtower, March 2016",,,bl,,1/11/2016
"Warnings, tsunami, Armageddon, Time of the end,","ON December 26, 2004, a 9.1-magnitude earthquake jolted Simeulue, an island off the northwest coast of Sumatra, Indonesia. All eyes on the shore looked out to sea. The tide was receding beyond normal. Instantly, everyone started running for the hills, shouting, “Smong! Smong!” the local word for tsunami. Within 30 minutes, powerful waves came crashing onto the coast, destroying most of the homes and villages.” “Simeulue Island was the first location to be hit by that devastating tsunami. Yet, of the 78,000 residents, only 7 died. Why comparatively so few?* A saying among the islanders is: ‘If a strong tremor occurs and the sea withdraws, run to the hills, for the sea will soon rush ashore.’ From past experience, the people of Simeulue had learned to recognize an approaching tsunami by the change in the sea. Heeding the advance warning saved their lives.” *","“The Bible speaks of an approaching disaster, a “great tribulation such as has not occurred since the world’s beginning until now, no, nor will occur again.”  But this is not the end of planet Earth by irresponsible human activities or some catastrophic natural event—for it is God’s purpose that the earth remain forever. (Ecclesiastes 1:4) ”* “This 2004 tsunami claimed the lives of over 220,000 people—one of the most destructive tsunamis in recorded history.”",Matthew 24:21;,"Watchtower, No. 2 2016",,,bl,,1/11/2016
"Warnings, ","Early warning systems . . . do save lives,” said one former U.S. president. Following the 2004 tsunami, a warning system was installed in the affected region in an effort to prevent similar loss of life from occurring in the future. ","Similarly, God has made provision for advance warning to be given before the end comes. The Bible foretold: “This good news of the Kingdom will be preached in all the inhabited earth for a witness to all the nations, and then the end will come.”—Matthew 24:14.”",Matthew 24:14;,"Watchtower, No. 2 2016",,,bl,,1/11/2016
"World's spirit, effort, preaching work,","The world’s spirit might be compared to a river current that is pulling us in a direction we do not want to go. To avoid being swept downstream, we must vigorously swim in the other direction. ","Similarly, effort is required to keep from being swept away by the spirit of Satan’s world. When we are preaching to others, we focus on important and beneficial spiritual matters, not on thoughts that will erode our faith. (Phil. 4:8) Preaching strengthens our convictions, reminding us of God’s promises and loving standards. It also helps keep our spiritual armor intact.",Ephesians 6:14-17;,The Watchtower (Study) (2016),,,bl,,1/12/2016
"Enduring, perseverance, negative response, without cost, strengthens conviction, ","Suppose you were offered a job to distribute nutritious bread to people in your community. You would neither be paid for your work nor be reimbursed for your expenses. What is more, you would soon discover that most people did not want the bread and that some would even hate you for distributing it. ","How long would you continue to work at such a job? Feeling disheartened by the people’s negative response, you would probably not have the inner strength to continue for very long. Yet, many of us have persevered in the ministry year after year at our own expense and despite the scorn and ridicule of thankless ones. Does that not give evidence that God’s spirit is at work in us?",Ephesians 6:14-17;,Watchtower (Study) (2016),,,bl,,1/12/2016
"Security, wealth, protection, money,",IT IS not the accumulation of this world’s wealth that brings security. It is the accumulation of good works. That is what makes one rich toward God.,"The “poor of this world” can accumulate this treasure more rapidly than the rich if they are “rich in faith”. Furthermore, those who are poor in this world’s goods do not have to spend so much time caring for that which they possess. One who puts his trust in money has very little security, especially in these days. ",Luke 12:22-24;,w50 1/1 p. 8 par. 1 ,,,bl,,1/13/2016
"Abraham, test of faith, Isaac, ","Picture an elderly man trudging up a mountainside. He is making what must be the hardest journey of his life. It is not his age that makes this trek so daunting. Abraham may be about 125 years old, but he is still vigorous. Following him is a younger man, perhaps 25 years of age. It is his son Isaac, who is carrying firewood. Abraham has a knife and the means to start a fire. Jehovah has asked him to sacrifice his own son!—Gen. 22:1-8.","Abraham was facing what was likely the greatest test of his faith. There are those who say that God was cruel for asking such a thing of Abraham, and some imply that Abraham’s obedience was blind and unfeeling. They take that position because they have neither the faith nor the understanding of how faith works.",1 Cor. 2:14-16,"Watchtower (Study), February 2016",,,bl,,1/19/2016
"STRUGGLE, PRESSURE, Endurance,","When you struggle with adversity, therefore, imagine this invisible scene. Satan and his demonic followers are on one side, pointing to your struggles and alleging that you will buckle under the pressure and give up. On the other side are Jehovah, his reigning Son, the resurrected anointed ones, and myriads of angels. They are cheering you on, delighted by your daily endurance and support of Jehovah’s sovereignty. ","You can take personally Jehovah’s inspired request: “Be wise, my son, and make my heart rejoice, so that I can make a reply to him who taunts me.”—Prov. 27:11.”",Proverbs 27:11,"Watchtower, April 2016",,,bl,,1/25/2016
"Focus on the rewards of endurance, Light, Hostility, humiliation,","Suppose that while traveling on a lengthy journey, you stop in the middle of a long tunnel. Everywhere you look, it is dark. Nevertheless, you are confident that if you keep traveling toward the end of the tunnel, you will again see light. Similarly, you may at times feel overwhelmed by the problems you face. ","Even Jesus could have felt that way. He was the target of “hostile speech from sinners,” humiliation, and even painful execution on “a torture stake”—surely the darkest period of his life on earth! Yet, Jesus endured it all “for the joy that was set before him.” (Heb. 12:2, 3) He focused on the rewards of his endurance, particularly his contribution to the sanctification of God’s name and the vindication of Jehovah’s sovereignty. The darkness of Jesus’ trials was temporary, but the brilliance of his heavenly reward would be everlasting. Today, the trials you face may be painful and even crushing. But remember that your tribulations on the road to eternal life are temporary.”","HEBREWS 12:2,3","Watchtower, April 2016",,,bl,,1/25/2016
"ENDURANCE, ","We must endure, not for a time, but to the end. To illustrate: Imagine a ship that capsizes. To survive, the passengers must swim to shore. The swimmer who gives up only a few yards from shore faces the same fate as the swimmer who gave up much earlier. ","Similarly, we are determined to endure until we reach the new world. Our life depends on our enduring. We have an attitude like that of the apostle Paul, who twice stated: “We do not give up.”—2 Cor. 4:1, 16.”","2 Corinthians 4:1,16;",,,,bl,,1/26/2016
"GENEROSITY, CONTRIBUTIONS, GIVING,",It is not what you gather but what you scatter that tells you what kind of life you have lived.  Quote Helen Walton,Giving imitates Jehovah. You can never out give Jehovah.,Acts 20:35;,Bobby Laymon ,,,bl,,1/27/2016
"death, second death, unforgivable sin,","Have you ever noticed a flashing light sign that reads ""DEAD END.""",That is the future of those committing the unforgivable sin.,Matthew 12:32;,Bobby Laymon ,,,bl,,1/27/2016
"MEETINGS, WORSHIP, George Gangas, ","George Gangas, who served on the Governing Body for over 22 years, stated: “To me, meeting with the brothers is one of life’s greatest pleasures and a source of encouragement. I love to be at the Kingdom Hall among the first, and leave among the last, if possible. I feel an inward joy when talking with God’s people. When I am among them I feel at home with my family, in a spiritual paradise.","He added: “As the compass always points to the north, just so my innermost thought and desire is to attend the meetings.”How do you feel about our meetings, and what are you determined to do?Do you feel the same way about gathering together to worship Jehovah? Then be determined to endure and persevere in your earnest efforts to attend meetings regularly. You will thus show that you agree with King David, who said: “Jehovah, I love the”","HEBREWS 10:34, 35,","Watchtower, April 2016",,,bl,,1/27/2016
"Unity, Little Flock, Sheep, Great crowd,","Consider: If two sheep are on a hill, two other sheep are in a valley, and still another sheep is grazing elsewhere, would we describe those five sheep as a flock? Generally, a flock of sheep stays together under the care of its shepherd. Similarly, we cannot follow our Shepherd if we deliberately isolate ourselves. We need to meet together with other Christians to be part of “one flock” under “one shepherd.”","Meetings unite us with fellow believers. (Read John 10:16.) Jesus compared himself to a shepherd, and his followers to a flock of sheep. ",John 10:16;,"Watchtower, April 2016,",,,bl,,1/27/2016
"JOY, PAIN, HAPPINESS,","""Find the place inside where there's joy, and the joy will burn out the pain.""  Quote: Joseph Campbell",We can find joy in Jehovah's ministry.,Hebrews 12:1-3;,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/1/2016
"Suffering, pain, persecution,","""Out of suffering have emerged the strongest souls. The massive characters are seared with scars."" Quote: Khalil Gibran",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/1/2016
"SORROW, TEARS, PAIN,","""There is a sacredness in tears. They are not the mark of weakness, but of power. They are messengers of overwhelming grief and unspeakable love.""  Quote: Washington Irving",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/1/2016
"Death, relationship, resurrection, friends, ","""Death ends a life, not a relationship."" Quote: Mitch Albom",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/1/2016
"Suffering, endurance, pain,","""Although the world is full of suffering, it is also full of overcoming it."" Quote: Helen Keller",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/1/2016
"Elderly, age, happiness, disasters,","""Birds sing after a storm. Why shouldn't people feel as free to delight in whatever sunlight remains to them?"" Quote: Rose Kennedy",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/1/2016
"Hope,","""Hope is the thing with feathers, that perches in the soul, and sings the tune without the words, and never stops at all."" Quote: Emily Dickinson",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/1/2016
"Forgiveness,","""Forgiveness does not change the past, but it does enlarge the future.""  Quote: Paul Boese",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/1/2016
"Imagination, daydreaming, ","""Imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited. Imagination encircles the world."" Quote: Albert Einstein",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/1/2016
"Love, trust,","""Love is giving someone the ability to destroy you, but trusting them not to."" Quote: Anon",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/1/2016
"Improvement, fail,","""Try again, fail again. Fail better."" Quote: Samuel Beckett",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/1/2016
"Unselfish, Others, Love, Witnessing, Service, ","""One of the deep secrets in life is that all that is really worth doing is what we do for others.""  Quote: Lewis Carroll",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/1/2016
"Family, stability, loyalty,","""So much of what is best in us is bound up in our love of family, that it remains the measure of our stability because it measures our sense of loyalty."" Quote: Haniel Long",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/1/2016
"Fear, Conquer, boldness, ","""In order to learn the most important lessons in life, one must each day surmount a fear."" Quote: Ralph Waldo Emerson",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/1/2016
"Feelings, heart, beautiful, ","""The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched - they must be felt with the heart."" Quote: Helen Keller",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/1/2016
"Family, loyalty, ","""The strength of a family, like the strength of  an army, is in its loyalty to each other."" Quote: Mario Puzo",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/1/2016
"Truth, Justice, problems, Treatment of people, ","""In matters of truth and justice, there is no difference between large and small problems, for issues concerning the treatment of people are all the same. Albert Einstein""",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/1/2016
"Past, future, ","""The past is never dead. It’s not even past.""  Quote: William Faulkner.",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/1/2016
"Disasters, death, blow, burden, load, reality, pain, mind, ","""There are times when the mind is dealt such a blow it hides itself in insanity. There are times when reality is nothing but pain, and to escape that pain, the mind must leave reality behind."" Quote: Patrick Rothfuss""",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/1/2016
"Victim, stumbling, conquer, ","""No one is ever a victim, although your conquerors would have you believe in your victim hood. How else could they conquer you?"" Quote:  Barbara Marciniak",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/1/2016
"Friendship, good, evil,","""True friendship multiplies the good in life but divides it’s evils."" Quote:  Baltasar Gracián""",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/1/2016
"Disease, Cure, Personality, ","""It is more important to know what sort of person has a disease than to know what sort of disease a person has."" Quote:  Hippocrates.",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/1/2016
"Illusion, disguise, heart, ","""Illusion is needed to disguise the emptiness within."" Quote: Arthur Erickson.",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/1/2016
"Secrets, Confidential, ","""The secret of my influence has always been that it remained secret."" Quote: Salvador Dali.",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/1/2016
"Parent, mother, protection, tenderness, ","""A mother’s arms are made of tenderness, and children sleep soundly in them."" Quote: Victor Hugo",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/1/2016
"Footprint, child, baby, infant, death, ","""There is no footprint too small to leave an imprint on this world."" Quote: Unknown.",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/1/2016
"Relationship, strength, weakness, ","""Each relationship nurtures a strength or weakness within you."" Quote: Michael Murdock.",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/1/2016
"Marriage, relationship, family, ","""Marriage is a mosaic you build with your spouse - millions of tiny moments that create your love story."" Quote: Jennifer Smith.",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/1/2016
"Abyss, Danger, World, ","""When you look long into an abyss, the abyss looks into you."" Quote: Friedrich Nietzsche.",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/1/2016
"Past, future, Bible, ","""Why should we look to the past to prepare for the future? Because there’s nowhere else to look."" Quote: James Burke.",Jehovah's Word helps see the past and the future.,Isaiah 30:21;,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/1/2016
"Fury, Patience, patient, danger,","""Beware the fury of a patient man."" Quote: John Dryden.",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/1/2016
"Life, meaning of life, purpose,","""To invent your own life’s meaning is not easy, but it’s still allowed, and I think you’ll be happier for the trouble."" Quote:  Bill Watterson.",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/1/2016
"Self, New Personality, transform, ","""People often say that this or that person has not yet found himself. But the self is not something one finds, it is something one creates."" Quote: Thomas Szasz.",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/1/2016
"Unite, united, unity, ","""Alone, we can do so little. Together, we can do so much."" Quote: Helen Keller",,,Bobby Laymon,SERVING WITH JEHOVAH'S UNIFIED ORGANIZATION,3,bl,,2/5/2016
"Friends, brothers, sisters, family,","""Brothers and sisters are as close as hands and feet."" Quote: Vietnamese proverb.",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/1/2016
"Humanity, brotherly love, ransom, together, ","""We cannot despair of humanity, since we ourselves are human beings."" Quote: Albert Einstein.",,John 3:16;,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/1/2016
"Fear, evil, ","""Fear is pain arising from the anticipation of evil."" Quote: Aristotle.",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/1/2016
"Truth, lies, secrets, ","""The universe doesn’t like secrets. It conspires to reveal the truth, to lead you to it."" Quote: Lisa Unger.",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/1/2016
"Power, abuse, harm, governments, ","""The greater the power, the more dangerous the abuse.“ Quote: Edmund Burke.",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/1/2016
"Terror, fear, anticipation, persecution, ","""There is no terror in the bang of the gun; only the anticipation of it.“ Quote: Alfred Hitchcock.",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/1/2016
"Parents, children, family, ","""The most important thing that parents can teach their children is how to get along without them."" Quote: Frank Clark.",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/1/2016
"Reasonable, passion, control, ","""If passion drives you, let reason hold the reins."" Quote: Benjamin Franklin.",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/1/2016
"Mirror, behavior, conduct, dress, ","""Behavior is the mirror in which everyone shows their true image."" Quote: Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/1/2016
"Courage, boldness, fear,","""Fear is met and destroyed with courage."" Quote: John F. Bell",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/1/2016
"Life, Dream, appreciation, ","""Life is a dream, realize it."" Quote: Mother Theresa""",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/1/2016
"Death, Life, ","""Death is not the greatest loss in life. The greatest loss is what dies inside of us while we live."" Quote: Norman Cousins.",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/1/2016
"Gift, Light, Darkness, experience, disasters, ","""Someone I loved once gave me a box full of darkness. It took me years to understand that this too was a gift."" Quote: Mary Oliver.",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/1/2016
"Humanity, people, pain, groaning, ","""Our most basic common link is that we all inhabit this planet. We all breathe the same air. We all cherish our children’s future. And we are all mortal."" Quote: John F. Kennedy.",,Romans 8:22;,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/1/2016
"Parents, abuse, habits, inherent, Faults, sin, ","""They mess you up, your mum and dad. They may not mean to, but they do. They fill you with the faults they had, and add some extra.. Just for you."" Quote: Philip Larkin.",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/1/2016
"Example, role model, imitate, conduct,","""We are not only our brother’s keeper; in countless large and small ways we are our brother’s maker."" Quote: Bonaro Overstreet.",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/1/2016
"Twins, surprise, expectations, prepare, ","""There are two things for which we are never really prepared for: twins."" Quote: Josh Billings.",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/1/2016
"Inspiration, source of inspiration, Bible, demons, inspired expressions, ","""Who knows where inspiration comes from. Perhaps it arises from desperation. Perhaps it comes from the flukes of the universe, the kindness of the muses."" Quote:  Amy Tan",,"2 Timothy 3:16; 1 Timothy 4:1, 2;",Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/1/2016
"Pain, affliction, sorrow, wise, ","""Affliction comes to us, not to make us sad but sober; not to make us sorry but wise."" Quote: H.G. Wells.",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/1/2016
"Family, parents, bond of love, brotherhood, ","""The bond that links your true family is not one of blood, but one of respect and joy in each other’s life."" Richard Bach.",,1 Peter 2:17;,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/1/2016
"Brotherhood, nations, tribes, family, ","""Rarely do members of the same family grow up under the same roof."" Quote: Richard Bach.",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/1/2016
"Strife of brothers, love of brothers, unity, ","""Cruel is the strife of brothers."" Quote: Aristotle",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/1/2016
"Changing, New personality, transform, ","""We are not the same persons this year as we are last, nor are those we love. It is a happy chance if we, changing, continue to love a changed person.” Quote: W. Somerset Maugham.",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/1/2016
"Example, teacher, experience, role model,","""Children are educated by what the grown-up is and not by his talk."" Quote: Carl Jung""",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/1/2016
"Alone, Need, desire, companionship, ","""Alone, all alone. Nobody, but nobody can make it out here alone."" Quote: Maya Angelou.",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/1/2016
"Dreams, illusions, hopes, fantasies, daydreaming, worldly fantasy, ","""Dreams are true while they last, and do we not live in dreams?"" Quote:  Alfred Tennyson.",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/1/2016
"Weep, joy, happiness, tears, ","""I will not say do not weep, for not all tears are an evil."" Quote:  J.R.R Tolkien.",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/1/2016
"Memory, remember, reminder, memorial, ","""A memory is what is left when something happens and does not completely un-happen."" Quote: Eugene de Bono.",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/1/2016
"Future, present, generation, ","""There is no present or future, only the past happening over and over again."" Quote: Eugene O'Neill.",,Ecclesiastes 1:4-10;,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/1/2016
"Revenge, vengeance, forgiveness, feelings,","""I am dead. Only vengeance can restore me."" Quote: Terry Goodkind.",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/1/2016
"Light, darkness, Restore, life, ","""For darkness restores what light cannot repair."" Quote: Joseph Brodsky.",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/1/2016
"Mind, imagination, thinking, thoughts, actions, works, acts, ","""All acts performed in the world begin in the imagination."" Quote: Barbara Grizzuti Harrison.",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/1/2016
"Temptations, habits, addictions, ","""I can resist anything except temptation."" Quote: Oscar Wilde.",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/1/2016
"Imitate, imitation, flattery, example, ","""Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery."" Quote: Charles Caleb Colton.",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/1/2016
"World, experience, stronger, broken, ",“The world breaks everyone and afterward many are stronger at the broken places.” Quote: Ernest Hemingway.,,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/1/2016
"Love dies, divorce, marriage, breakup, ","""Love never dies a natural death. It dies of blindness and errors and betrayals. It dies of weariness, of withering's, of tarnishing.” Quote: Anäis Nin.",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/1/2016
"Beginning, end, small things, ","""I’ve always heard every ending is also a new beginning, we just don’t know it at the time, I’d like to believe that’s true.“  Quote: Emily Prentiss.",,Zechariah 4:10,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/1/2016
"Light, darkness, good, evil, righteousness, justice,","“Light thinks it travels faster than anything but it is wrong. No matter how fast light travels, it finds the darkness has always got there first, and is waiting for it.” Quote: Terry Pratchett.",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/1/2016
"Happiness, happy, sadness, grief, groaning, pain,","""The tragedy of this world is that no one is happy, whether stuck in a time of pain or joy."" Quote: Alan Lightman.",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/1/2016
"Letting go, start over, repent, ","""Sometimes the hardest part isn’t letting go, but rather learning to start over.“ Quote: Nicole Sobon.",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/1/2016
"Strength, Courage, effects of love,","""Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength, while loving someone deeply gives you courage."" Quote: Lao Tzu.",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/1/2016
"Fear, conscience, dread,","""I have never yet heard of a murderer who is not afraid of a ghost.” Quote: John Philpot Curran.",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/1/2016
"Immortal soul, threat, comfort,",“The doctrine of the immortality of the soul has more threat than comfort.” Quote: Mason Cooley.,,"Ezekiel 18:4, 20;",Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/1/2016
"Love, mind, heart, ",“Love looks not with the eyes but with the mind.” Quote: William Shakespeare.,,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/1/2016
"Love, destiny, concern, marriage, companion, ",“Love is our true destiny. We do not find the meaning of life by ourselves alone. We find it with another.” Quote: Thomas Merton.,,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/1/2016
"Life, purpose, ","“The mystery of human existence lies not in just staying alive, but in finding something to live for.” Quote: Fyodor Dostoyevsky.",,"Ecclesiastes 12:13, 14;",Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/1/2016
"Courage, boldness, talent,",“A great deal of talent is lost to the world for want of a little courage.” Quote: Sydney Smith.,,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/1/2016
"Children, train up, fire resistant materials, ",“It’s easier to build strong children than to repair broken men.” Quote: Frederick Douglass.,,Proverbs 22:6;,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/1/2016
"Death, Life,",“I’m not afraid of death. It’s the stake one puts up in order to play the game of life” Quote: Jean Giraudoux.,,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/1/2016
"Rise, Fall, comeback, ",“I am not concerned that you have fallen. I am concerned that you arise.” Quote: Abraham Lincoln,,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/1/2016
"Truth, lies, false, true,","""You never find yourself until you face the truth.” Quote: Pearl Bailey",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/1/2016
"Greatest Good, Riches, Assist, aid, share, ","“The greatest good you can do for another, is not to share your own riches, but to reveal to him, his own.” Quote: Benjamin Disraeli",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/1/2016
"Great teacher, Jesus Christ, Association, Learning, study, ","“Better than a thousand days of diligent study, is one day with a great teacher.” Quote: Japanese proverb.",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/1/2016
"Accomplishments, growth, works, ","""Show me your garden and I shall tell you who you are."" Quote: Alfred Austin",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/1/2016
"Insane, sanity, mind, ","“I became insane, with long intervals of horrible sanity.” Quote: Edgar Allan Poe",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/1/2016
"Body, soul, cure, sickness, minds, insane, ","“Body and soul cannot be separated for purposes of treatment, for they are one and indivisible. Sick minds must be healed as well as sick bodies.” Quote: Dr. Jeff Miller",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/1/2016
"Sickness, treatment, cure, God syndrome, ","“When a doctor does go wrong, he’s the first of criminals. He has the nerve and he has knowledge.” Quote: Sir Arthur Conan Doyle",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/1/2016
"Win, lose, boast, brag, humility, ","""If you win, say nothing. If you lose, say less."" Quote: Paul Brown",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/1/2016
"Evil, sin, misery, revenge, vengeance, hate, ","""Evil is always devising more corrosive misery for man’s restless need to exact revenge out of his hate."" Quote: Ralph Steadman",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/1/2016
"Silence, quiet, loud, ",“A man is known by the silence he keeps.” Quote: Oliver Herford,,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/1/2016
"example, action, attention, speech, ","“As I grow older, I pay less attention to what men say. I just watch what they do.” Quote: Andrew Carnegie",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/1/2016
"Evil, do nothing, sins of omission, ",“The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for the good men to do nothing.” Quote: Edmund Burke.,,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/1/2016
"Truth, respect, living, dead, ","“To the living we owe respect, but to the dead we owe only the truth.” Quote: Voltaire.",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/1/2016
"Sincere, love, murder, ",“It is only in love and murder that we still remain sincere.” Quote: Friedrich Durrenmatt,,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/1/2016
"Desires, temptation, lust, wickedness, ",“Sooner strangle an infant in its cradle than nurse unacted desires.” Quote: William Blake,,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/1/2016
"Lie, Truth, Satan, Father of the lie,",“Worse than telling a lie is spending your whole life staying true to a lie.” Quote: Robert Brault.,,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/1/2016
"Dreams, hope, illusions, ","“All that we see or seem, Is but a dream within a dream.” Quote: Edgar Allen Poe",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/1/2016
"Devil, Hell, problems,","“We are each our own devil, and we make this world our hell” Quote: Oscar Wilde",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/1/2016
"Memory, forget, ",“Nothing fixes a thing so intensely in the memory as the wish to forget it.” Quote: Michel de Montaigne,,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/1/2016
"Memory, remember, truth,","“Memory is a complicated thing, a relative to truth but not it’s twin.” Quote: Barbara Kingsolver",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/1/2016
"Lie, truth, ","""For every good reason there is to lie, there is a better reason to tell the truth."" Quote: Bo Bennett",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/1/2016
"Parents, Children, memories,","""Live so that when your children think of fairness and integrity, they think of you."" Quote: H. Jackson Brown Jr",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/1/2016
"Anger, pain,","""Where there’s anger, there is always pain underneath."" Quote: Eckhart Tolle",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/1/2016
"Equality, partial, impartial, justice, ","“Equality may perhaps be a right, but no power on earth can ever turn it into a fact.” Quote: Honore de Balzac",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/2/2016
"Truth, justice, impartial,",“I’m for truth no matter who tells it. I’m for justice no matter who it’s for or against.” Quote: Malcolm X,,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/2/2016
"Trust, confidence, torment, ","“You may be deceived if you trust too much, but you will leave in torment if you don’t trust enough.” Quote: Frank Crane",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/2/2016
"Broken faith, Adam, Eve, ",“For trust not him that hath once broken faith.” Quote: William Shakespeare,,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/2/2016
"Gambler, chance, system, ","“A gambler with a system must be, to a greater or lesser extent, insane.” Quote: George Augustus Sala",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/2/2016
"Gambling, relationships, Fathers and Sons, ","“At the gambling table, there are no fathers and sons.” Quote: A Chinese Proverb",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/2/2016
"Gambling, Holding, Letting go, ",“All the art of living lies in a fine mingling of letting go and holding on.” Quote: Henry Ellis,,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/2/2016
"Trauma, disaster, PTMD, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, syndrome, ","""We do not suffer from the shock of our trauma, but we make out of it what suits our purposes."" Quote: Alfred Adler",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/2/2016
"Sorrow, Happiness, Misery, Recall,",“There is no greater sorrow than to recall happiness in times of misery.” Quote: Dante Alighieri,,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/2/2016
"Secret,","“Three can keep a secret, if two of them are dead.” Quote: Benjamin Franklin",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/2/2016
"Holding on, Letting go, strong,",“Some of us think holding on makes us strong; but sometimes it is letting go.” Quote: Hermann Hesse,,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/2/2016
"Heaven, die, ","“Everybody wants to go to heaven, but nobody wants to die.” Quote: Joe Louis",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/2/2016
"Outward appearance, looks, judging, ","“Beware, so long as you live, of judging men by their outward appearance.” Quote: Jean de La Fontaine",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/2/2016
"Change, adjustment, transformation, ",“Things do not change. We change.” Quote: Henry David Thoreau,,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/2/2016
"Hope, Faith, ",“Hope is faith holding out its hand in the dark.” Quote: George Iles,,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/2/2016
"Life, Journey, experiences, living, Wisdom,","“We are each on our own journey. Each of us is on our very own adventure; encountering all kinds of challenges, and the choices we make on that adventure will shape us as we go; these choices will stretch us, test us and push us to our limit; and our adventure will make us stronger then we ever know we could be.” Quote:  Aamnah Akram.",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/2/2016
"Trials, adversity, tribulations, life, mold, shape, fortify, ","“Adversity is like a strong wind. It tears away from us all but the things that cannot be torn, so that we see ourselves as we truly are.” Quote: Arthur Golden",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/2/2016
"Beauty, storms of life, trials, tribulation, adversity, ","“For the man sound in body and serene in mind there is no such thing as bad weather, every day has its beauty and storms which whip the blood do but make it pulse more vigorously.” Quote: George Gissing",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/2/2016
"Death, timing, chance, unforeseen occurrence,","“The timing of death, like the ending of a story, gives a changed meaning to what proceeded it.” Quote: Mary Catherine Bateson",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/2/2016
"Die, death, useless, purpose,","“To die is poignantly bitter, but the idea of having to die without having lived is unbearable."" Quote: Erich Fromm",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/2/2016
"Wicked, Innocence, sin, deceive, Satan, Devil, ",“All things truly wicked start from an innocence.” Quote: Ernest Hemingway,,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/2/2016
"Childhood, different, variety, ",“From childhood’s hour I have not been as others were; I have not seen as others saw.” Quote: Edgar Allan Poe,,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/2/2016
"Pain, Understanding, sympathy, empathy,",“Pain is the breaking of the shell that encloses your understanding.” Quote: Khalil Gibran,,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/2/2016
"School, learning, understanding,","“You may leave school, but it never leaves you.” Quote: Andy Partridge",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/2/2016
"Alone, lonesome, companionship, marriage, friendship, love, ","“We’re born alone, we live alone, we die alone. Only through our love and friendship can we create the illusion for the moment that we’re not alone.” Quote: Orson Welles",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/2/2016
"Prisoners, persecution, mind, trapped, result of sin,","“Men are not prisoners of fate, but only prisoners of their own minds.” Quote: Franklin Delano Roosevelt",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/2/2016
"Vengeance, revenge,",“Nothing inspires forgiveness quite like revenge.” Quote: Scott Adams,Vengeance belongs to Jehovah.,Judges 16:28; Romans 12:19;,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/2/2016
"Miracle, facts, evidence, proof,","“If it is a miracle, any sort of evidence will answer. But if it is a fact, proof is necessary.” Quote: Mark Twain",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/2/2016
"Past, cure, Mistakes, ",“The past cannot be cured.” Quote: Queen Elizabeth I,,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/2/2016
"Power, Freewill, Free will, sin, temptation, desire, ","“What lies in our power to do, lies in our power not to do.” Quote:  Aristotle.",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/2/2016
"Bad, evil, worse, sin, transgression, ",“And yet to every bad there’s a worse.” Quote: Thomas Hardy,,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/2/2016
"Ocean, sea, sailing, scenery, earth, ","“We are tied to the ocean. And when we go back to the sea, whether it is to sail or to watch - we are going back from whence we came.” Quote: John F Kennedy",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/2/2016
"Sea, reckless, shipwreck, disasters, typhoon, hurricane, ",“The sea has never been friendly to man. At most it has been the accomplice of human restlessness.” Quote: Joseph Conrad,,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/2/2016
"Past, learn from, build, experience, ","""Bring the past if only you are going to build from it."" Quote: Domenico Ciera Estrada",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/2/2016
"Impossible, ","“Of this alone, even God is deprived, the power of making things that are past never to have been.” Quote: Agathon",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/2/2016
"History, events, false reports,","“Every journey into the past is complicated by delusions, false memories, false naming of real events.” Quote: Adrienne Rich",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/2/2016
"Imagination, fears, trauma ",“Sometimes human places create inhuman monsters.” Quote: Stephen King,,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/2/2016
"Grief, tears, sorrow, groan, death, ","“Man, when he does not grieve, hardly exists.” Quote: Antonio Porchia",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/2/2016
"Evil, self, sin, ",“It is not his enemy or foe that lures him to evil ways.” Quote: Siddharta Buddha,,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/2/2016
"Enlightenment, new truths, Understanding, progress,","“The old faiths light their candles all about, but burly truth comes by and puts them out.” Quote: Lizette Reese",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/2/2016
"Lie, truth, belief, mislead, blinded minds,","“People will believe a big lie sooner than a little one, and if you repeat it frequently enough, people will sooner or later believe it.” Quote: Walter Langer",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/2/2016
"Lying, lies, truth, deceit, Satan,","“The secret to getting away with lying is believing with all your heart, that goes for lying to yourself even more so than lying to another.” Quote: Elizabeth Bear",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/2/2016
"Confession, weakness, Human views, ","“Confession is always weakness. The grave soul keeps its own secrets, and takes its own punishment in silence.” Quote: Dorothea Dix","(Proverbs 28:13) . . .He that is covering over his transgressions will not succeed, but he that is confessing and leaving [them] will be shown mercy. . .",Proverbs 28:13;,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/2/2016
"Hindrance, let go, barriers, walls, roadblocks, ","“When I let go of what I am, I become what I might be.” Quote: Lao Tzu",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/2/2016
"Belief, Providence, fatalism, ",“Most people of action are inclined to fatalism and most people of thought believe in providence.” Quote: Honore de Balzac,,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/2/2016
"tomorrow, future, promises, repetition, rut, ","“Tomorrow, you promise yourself, will be different, yet, tomorrow is too often a repetition of today.” Quote: James T. McKay",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/2/2016
"Determination, Stubborn, Firm, Determined, steadfast, endurance, ","“There’s no chance, no destiny, no fate, that can circumvent or hinder or control the firm resolve of a determined soul.” Quote: Ella Wheeler Wilcox",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/2/2016
"Enemy, thinking, negative, positive,",“It’s hard to fight an enemy who has outposts in your head.” Quote: Sally Kempton,,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/2/2016
"Snare, Satan, sport, Hunting, unfair, Trap, ","“Hunting is not a sport. In a sport, both sides should know they’re in the game.” Quote: Paul Rodriguez",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/2/2016
"Past, odor, smell, memory, remember,",“Nothing revives the past so completely as a smell that was once associated with it.” Quote: Vladimir Nabokov,,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/2/2016
"Personality, pain, experiences, trauma, disasters, stress, ",“What happened in the past that was painful has a great deal to do with what we are today.” Quote: William Glasser,,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/2/2016
"Suffering, persecution, senselessness, reason, control,","“What really raises one’s indignation against suffering is not suffering intrinsically, but the senselessness of suffering.” Quote: Frederich Nietzsche",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/1/2016
"Evil, choices, choose, mistaken happiness, ","“No man chooses evil because it is evil; he only mistakes it for happiness, the good he seeks.” Quote: Mary Wollstonecraft Shelley",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/1/2016
"Truths, Lie, discover, understand,",“All truths are easy to understand once they are discovered; the point is to discover them.” Quote: Galileo Galilei,,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/2/2016
"Freedom,",“There is no such thing as part freedom.” Quote: Nelson Mandela,,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/2/2016
"Parents, children, forgiveness, ","“Children begin by loving their parents. As they grow older they judge them, sometimes they forgive them.” Quote: Oscar Wilde",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/2/2016
"Children, vulnerable, maturity, ","“When we were children, we used to think that when we grew up we would no longer be vulnerable. But to grow up is to accept vulnerability, to be alive is to be vulnerable.” Quote: Madeleine L'Engle",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/2/2016
"Evil, ",“Evil endures a moment’s flush and then leaves but a burnt up shell.” Quote: Elise Cabot,,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/2/2016
"Invisible, recognition, respect, ","“I am invisible, understand, simply because people refuse to see me.” Quote: Ralph Ellison",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/2/2016
"Conflict, sin, inherited, heritage,","“I believe humanity was born from conflict. Maybe that’s why in all of us lives a dark side. Some of us embrace it. Some have no choice. The rest of us fight it. And in the end, it’s as natural as the air we breathe. Some point, we’re forced to face the truth…ourselves.” Quote: Penelope Garcia",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/2/2016
"Fame, famous, experience, ","“Fame will go by and, so long, I’ve had you, fame. If it goes by, I’ve always known it was fickle. So at least it’s something I experience, but that’s not where I live.” Quote:  Marilyn Monroe",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/2/2016
"Heroes, role models, examples,",“Without heroes we are all plain people and don’t know how far we can go.” Quote: Bernard Malamud,,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/2/2016
"Vanity, influence, Great, ","“The herds seek out the great, not for their seed, but for their influence and the great welcome them out of vanity or need.” Quote: Napoleon Bonaparte",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/2/2016
"Love, possible, impossible, never fails, ","“Love feels no burden, thinks nothing of its trouble, attempts what is above its strength, pleads no excuse for impossibility, for it thinks all things are lawful for itself and all things are possible.” Quote: Thomas A. Kempis",,1 Corinthians 13:8;,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/2/2016
"Vengeance, harm, injury, forgiveness, Evil, world's thinking, ","“If an injury has to be done to a man, it should be so severe that his vengeance need not be feared.” Quote: Niccolo Machiavelli",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/2/2016
"Promises, sleep, death, bucket list, goals, ",“But I have promises to keep and miles to go before I sleep. And miles to go before I sleep.” Quote: Robert Frost,,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/2/2016
"Mankind, humanity, groaning together, souls, undivided, ",“All humanity is one undivided and indivisible family. I cannot detach myself from the wickedest soul.” Quote: Mahatma Ghandi,,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/2/2016
"Masks, compromise, hypocrite, repentance, discipline, ",“We all wear masks and the time comes when we cannot remove them without removing our own skin.” Quote: André Berthiaume,,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/2/2016
"Good, better, best, whole souled, genuine, fake, counterfeit, ","“Whatever you are, be a good one.” Quote: Abraham Lincoln",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/2/2016
"Old age, elderly, growing old, memories, remember, forget,","“When I was younger I could remember anything, whether it happened or not; but my faculties are decaying, now, and soon I shall be so I cannot remember any but the latter. It is sad to go to pieces like this, but we all have to do it.” Quote:  Mark Twain",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/2/2016
"Remember the past, forget, faulty memory,",“Remembrance of things past is not necessarily the remembrance of things as they were.” Quote: Marcel Proust,,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/2/2016
"Tragedy, death, disasters, sadness, depression, ",“A tragedy need not have blood and death; it’s enough that it all be filled with that majestic sadness that is the pleasure of tragedy.” Quote: Jean Racine,,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/2/2016
"Family, Home, association, harmony, agreement, unity, ","“A family is a place where minds come in contact with one another. If these minds love one another, the home will be as beautiful as a flower garden. But if these minds get out of harmony with one other it is like a storm that plays havoc with the garden.” Quote: The Buddha",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/2/2016
"Darkness, Nature, moulding, ","“And out of darkness came the hands that reach thro’ nature, moulding men.” Quote: Alfred Lord Tennyson",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/2/2016
"Communication, internet, smart phones, email, ",“The single biggest problem with communication is the illusion that it has taken place.” Quote: George Bernard Shaw,,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/2/2016
"Internet, Anarchy, experiment, ","“The Internet is the first thing that humanity has built that humanity doesn’t understand, the largest experiment in anarchy that we have ever had.” Quote: Eric Schmidt",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/2/2016
"Gentle, strong, strength, warm, comfort, tenderness, ",“Nothing is so strong as gentleness and nothing is so gentle as real strength.” Quote: Ralph W. Sockman,,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/2/2016
"Nature, tragedy of man, background, theater,","“Nature, in her most dazzling aspects or stupendous parts, is but the background and theater of the tragedy of man.” Quote: John Morley",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/2/2016
"Artist, living thing,","“A sincere artist tries to create something which is, in itself, a living thing.” Quote: Painter William Dobell",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/2/2016
"Heritage, inherit, break the chain, overcome, evil influence, bad raising, ",“I have seen children successfully surmount the effects of an evil inheritance. That is due to purity being an inherent attribute of the soul.” Quote: Mohandas Gandhi,,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/2/2016
"True happiness, self-gratification, purpose in life, fidelity, trustworthy, ","“Many persons have the wrong idea of what constitutes true happiness…it is not attained through self-gratification, but through fidelity to a worthy purpose.” Quote: Helen Keller",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/2/2016
"Work, peaceful, achievements, employment, hungry, satisfaction, predator,","“A lions work hours are only when he’s hungry; once he’s satisfied, the predator and prey live peacefully together.” Quote: Chuck Jones",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/2/2016
"Love until it hurts, pain, gift, give, unselfish, ","“I have found the paradox, that if you love until it hurts, there can be no more hurt, only more love.” Quote: Mother Teresa",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/2/2016
"Family, Home, selfish world, Haven, heartless world,",“The family is a haven in a heartless world.” Quote: Christopher Lasch,,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/2/2016
"Solitary, sentence, confined, life sentence, imperfection, ","“We’re all sentenced to solitary confinement inside our own skins, for life.” Quote: Tennessee Williams",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/2/2016
"Hope, faith, despair, suffering, torments, ","“Hope is the worst of evils, for it prolongs the torments of man.” Quote: Friedrich Nietzsche",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/2/2016
"Giving, Father, Son, generosity, generous, Laugh, Cry, ","“When a father gives to his son, both laugh; when his son gives to his father, both cry.” Quote: William Shakespeare",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/2/2016
"Hero, Tragedy, disaster, Sacrifice, ","“Show me a hero, and I will write you a tragedy.” Quote: F. Scott Fitzgerald",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/2/2016
"Deception, deceive, web we weave, practice, honesty, ","“Oh what a tangled web we weave, when first we practice to deceive.” Quote: Sir Walter Scott",,Hebrews 13:18;,Bobby Laymon,Conducting Ourselves Honestly at All Times,10,bl,,2/2/2016
"Self, selfish, egotistical, win, lose, self-righteous, belongings, materialism, parasite, ","“If I am what I have, and if I lose what I have, who then am I?” Quote: German Psychologist Erich Fromm",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/2/2016
"Experience, teacher, learn, brutal, harsh, cruel, ","“Experience is a brutal teacher, but you learn. My God, do you learn.” Quote: C.S. Lewis",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/2/2016
"Life, enjoy life, precious, destroy, waste,","“Life is a game, play it….Life is too precious, do not destroy it.” Quote: Mother Teresa",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/2/2016
"Life, Chess, checkmate, everlasting life,","“In life, unlike chess, the game continues after checkmate.” Quote: Isaac Asimov",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/2/2016
"Materialism, possessions, wealth, money, time, worth, ","“Anything you cannot relinquish when it has outlived its usefulness, possesses you. And in this materialistic age, a great many of us are possessed by our possessions.” Quote: Mildred Lisette Norman",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/2/2016
"Tears, weakness, power, grief, groaning, ",“There is a sacredness in tears. They are not the mark of weakness but of power. They are messengers of overwhelming grief and of unspeakable love.” Quote: Washington Irving,,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/2/2016
"Willingness, injury, benefit, burden, revenge, ","“Men are more ready to repay an injury than a benefit, because gratitude is a burden and revenge a pleasure.” Quote: Tacitus",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/2/2016
"Duty, slaves, requirements, responsibility, debts, conscience, ",“What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.” Quote: Ralph Waldo Emerson,,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/2/2016
"Home, homesick, hearts, ","“Where we love is home, home that our feet may leave, but not our hearts.” Quote: Oliver Wendell Holmes",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/2/2016
"Love, world go around, Duty, responsibility, ",“It’s love that makes the world go round.” Quote:  W.S Gilbert,,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/2/2016
"Repay, vengeance, revenge, ","“He who fights with monsters might take care lest he thereby become a monster. And if you gaze for long into an abyss, the abyss gazes also into you.” Quote: Friedrich Nietzsche",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/2/2016
"Enemy, Cleverness, foxy, smart, intelligent, wisdom, ",“Man usually avoids attributing cleverness to somebody else unless it’s an enemy.” Quote: Albert Einstein,,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/2/2016
"Perform, write, respect, honor, ",“Better to write for yourself and have no public than to write for the public and have no self.” Quote: Writer Cyril Connolly,,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/2/2016
"Evil, demons, vampire, supernatural, ","“In all the darkest pages in the malign supernatural, there is no more terrible tradition than that of a vampire - a pariah even among demons.” Quote: Writer Montague Summers",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/2/2016
"Peace, home, protection, death, sickness, ","“Dwell in peace in the home of your own being, and the Messenger of Death will not be able to touch you.” Quote: Guru Nanak",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/2/2016
"Human nature, personalities, wisdom, understanding, affection, love, children, parents,",“You don’t really understand human nature unless you know why a child on a merry-go-round will wave at his parents every time around – and why his parents will always wave back.” Quote: Journalist William D. Tammeus,,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/2/2016
"Delights, desires, sin, temptations, ",“These violent delights have violent ends.” Quote: William Shakespeare,,James 1:14;,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/2/2016
"Hope, Violence, relief, distraction, fights, sorrow, temporary, ",Would you get into a taxi and tell the driver to circle the block repeatedly until his car ran out of fuel? That would be foolish—and costly!,,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,6/27/2016
"Mercy, Justice,",“I have always found that mercy bears richer fruit than strict justice.” Quote: Abraham Lincoln,,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/2/2016
"Justice, tyrannical, harmful, harsh, satanic, ",“Justice without force is powerless; force without justice is tyrannical.” Quote: Blaise Pascal,,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/2/2016
"Conscience, ","“There is no witness so dreadful, no accuser so terrible as the conscience that dwells in the heart of every man.” Quote: Polybius",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/2/2016
"Conscience, brain, ","“One need not be a chamber to be haunted, one need not to be a house. The brain has corridors surpassing material place.” Quote: Emily Dickinson",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/2/2016
"Decisions, doubts,",“A weak man has doubts before a decision. A strong man has them afterwards.” Quote: Carl Kraus,,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/2/2016
"Inhuman, Human nature, pain, harm, evil, cruel, ","“Of all the animals, man is the only one that is cruel. He is the only one who inflicts pain for the pleasure of doing it.” Quote:  Mark Twain",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/2/2016
"Society, government, kingdom, ",“The test of the morality of a society is what it does for its children.” Quote: Dietrich Bonhoeffer,,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/2/2016
"Wounds, healing, hurt, forgiveness, ","“It has been said that time heals all wounds. I do not agree. The wounds remain. In time, the mind, protecting its sanity, covers them with scar tissue, and the pain lessens, but it is never gone.” Quote: Rose Kennedy",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/2/2016
"Wounds, feelings, hurt, forgiveness, scars,","“The defects and faults of the mind are like wounds in the body. After all imaginable care has been taken to heal them up, still there will be a scar left behind.” Quote: Francois de la Roche Foucauld",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/2/2016
"Vacation, relaxation, rest, sleep,",“No man needs a vacation so much as the man who has just had one.” Quote: Elbert Hubbard,,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/2/2016
"Secrets, Deceit, Truth, Lies, revolutionary act, ","“In a time of universal deceit, telling the truth is a revolutionary act.” Quote: George Orwell",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/2/2016
"Judge, Truth, wisdom, knowledge, self, laughter, ",“Whoever undertakes to set himself up as judge in the field of truth and knowledge is shipwrecked by the laughter of the gods.” Quote: Albert Einstein,,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/2/2016
"Disguise, Charm, personality, hypocrite, double life, ","“We are so accustomed to disguise ourselves to others, that in the end, we become disguised to ourselves.” Quote: François de la Rochefoucauld",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/2/2016
"Hypocrite, disguise, imitate, parrot, ",“There are some that only employ words for the purpose of disguising their thoughts.” Quote: Voltaire,,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/2/2016
"Wife, woman, value, foundation,","“The house does not rest on the ground, but upon a woman.” Quote: Mexican proverb",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/2/2016
"Family,","“Other things may change us, but we start and end with family.” Quote: Anthony Brandt",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/2/2016
"Privacy, secrecy, private, confidential, secret, ",“An American has no sense of privacy. He does not know what it means. There is no such thing in the country.” Quote: George Bernard Shaw,,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/2/2016
"Photograph, picture, private, secret,","“A photograph is a secret about a secret. The more it tells you, the less you know.” Quote: Diane Arbus",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/2/2016
"Violence, good, temporary,","“I object to violence because when it appears to do good, the good is only temporary. The evil it does is permanent.” Quote:  Mahatma Gandhi""",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/2/2016
"Murder, Kill, justice, ","“Murder is unique in that it abolishes the party it injures, so that society must take the place of the victim, and on his behalf demand atonement or grant forgiveness.” Quote: W.H. Auden",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/2/2016
"Violence, pretend,",“It is better to be violent if there is violence in our hearts than to put on the cloak of non-violence to cover impotence.” Quote: Mahatma Gandhi,,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/2/2016
"Governments, Kingdom, Tribes, struggle, overwhelm,",“The individual has always had to struggle to keep from being overwhelmed by the tribe.” Quote: Friedrich Nietzsche,,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/2/2016
"Life, Years, age, heart of wisdom, elderly, older ones, ","“In the end, it’s not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years.” Quote: Abraham Lincoln",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/2/2016
"Darkness, Light, death, life, sin, ","""Who in his mind has not probed the dark water? “East from Eden” Quote: John Steinbeck",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/2/2016
"Acquaintances, friends, family, trust, betray, ",“It is those we live with and love and should know who elude us.” Quote: Norman Maclean,,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/2/2016
"Human nature, lies, truth,","""Man is least himself when he talks in his own person. Give him a mask, and he will tell you the truth."" Quote: Oscar Wilde",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/2/2016
"Unselfish, kindness, gentleness, immortal, ","""What we do for ourselves dies with us. What we do for others and the world, remains and is immortal. Quote: Albert Pine",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/2/2016
"Revenge, vengeance, ","“Before you embark on a journey of revenge, dig two graves.” Quote: Confucius",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/2/2016
"Contrast, opposites, poison, food,",“What is food to one is to others bitter poison.” Quote: Lucretious,,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/2/2016
"Anticipate, Assume, over confidence, humble, humility, ",“Measure not the work until the day’s out and the labor done.” Quote: Elizabeth Barrett Browning,,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/2/2016
"Evil, human nature, sin,",“Evil is always unspectacular and always human. And shares our bed…and eats at our table.” Quote: W.H Auden,,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/2/2016
"Tears, death, bucket list, Regrets, ",“The bitterest tears shed over graves are for words left unsaid and deeds left undone.” Quote: Harriet Beecher Stowe,,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/2/2016
"Separate, Unity, ","""Ideologies separate us. Dreams and anguish bring us together."" Quote: Eugene Ionesco",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/2/2016
"Dreams, illusions, fantasy,","""Unfortunately, a super-abundance of dreams is paid for by a growing potential for nightmares."" Quote: Sir Peter Ustinov",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/2/2016
"Crazy, confused, question, mind, Hazy, ","""The question that sometimes drives me hazy: Am I, or the others crazy?"" Quote: Albert Einstein",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/2/2016
"Beliefs, ideas, mind, control, ","""A belief is not merely an idea the mind possesses. It is an idea that possesses the mind."" Quote: Robert Oxton Bolten",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/2/2016
"Healthy, cure, torture, imitate,","""The healthy man does not torture others. Generally it is the tortured who turn into torturers."" Quote: Carl Jung",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/2/2016
"Hunting, preaching, ","""There is no hunting like the hunting of man, and those who have hunted armed men long enough, and liked it, never really care for anything else."" Quote: Ernest Hemingway",,Jeremiah 16:16;,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/2/2016
"Reaching hearts, Sympathies, Emphasis,  ","""With foxes, we must play the fox."" Quote: Thomas Fuller",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/2/2016
"Desires, human nature, ","""Nothing is so common as the wish to be remarkable."" [attributed to] William Shakespeare",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/2/2016
"Irrational, existence, ","""The irrationality of a thing is not an argument against its existence, rather, a condition of it."" Quote: Friedrich Nietzsche",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/2/2016
"Sympathy, suffer, pain, Neighbor, friend, persecution, ","""When a good man is hurt, all who would be called good must suffer with him."" Quote:  Euripides",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/2/2016
"Excess, Quantity, Quality, ","""When love is in excess, it brings a man no honor, nor worthiness."" Quote:  Euripides",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/2/2016
"Mirror, Bible, Appearances, conduct, ","""Don’t forget that I cannot see myself – that my role is limited to being the one who looks in the mirror."" Quote: Jacques Rigaut",We cannot see ourselves.,James 1:23;,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/2/2016
"Conduct, imitation,","""Almost all absurdity of conduct arises from the imitation of those whom we cannot resemble."" Quote: Samuel Johnson",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/2/2016
"Improvement, growth, maturity,","""Don’t bother just to be better than your contemporaries or predecessors. Try to be better than yourself."" Quote:  William Faulkner",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/2/2016
"Attributes, Fear, Hate, love, crime, clues, ","""There are certain clues at a crime scene which by their very nature do not lend themselves to being collected or examined. How’s one collect love, rage, hatred, fear…? These are things that we’re trained to look for."" Quote: James Reese",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/2/2016
"Past, future, backward,","""The farther backward you can look, the farther forward you will see."" Quote: Winston Churchill",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/2/2016
"Riddle, Life, Vanity, striving after wind,","""All is a riddle, and the key to a riddle…is another riddle."" Quote: Ralph Waldo Emerson",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/2/2016
"Wickedness, Satan, Devil, Free will, Inherited sin, ","""The belief in a supernatural source of evil is not necessary. Men alone are quite capable of every wickedness."" Quote: Joseph Conrad",,Deuteronomy 32:5; ,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/2/2016
"Hell, Christendom, Babylon the Great, False teachings, dignity,","""If there were no hell, we would be like the animals. No hell, no dignity."" Quote: Flannery O’Connor",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/2/2016
"Security, safety, protection,","""Security is mostly a superstition. It does not exist in nature, nor do the children of men as a whole experience it."" Quote: Helen Keller",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/2/2016
"Conscience,","""The human voice can never reach the distance that is covered by the still small voice of conscience."" Quote: Mahatma Ghandi",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/2/2016
"Automobiles, cars, accidents, inventions,","""I’m not sure about automobiles. With all their speed forward they may be a step backward in civilization."" Quote: Booth Tarkington",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/2/2016
"Love, Hope, Darkness, Light, possible, impossible, ","""No matter how dark the moment, love and hope are always possible."" Quote: George Chakiris",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/2/2016
"Light, darkness, contrast,","""In order for the light to shine so brightly, the darkness must be present."" Quote: Francis Bacon",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/2/2016
"Alone, lonesome, companion, Adam, Eve, solitude, Marriage,","""Without a family, man, alone in the world, trembles with the cold."" Quote: Andre Maurois",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/2/2016
"Child's death, loss, infant, die,","""Dr. Burton Grebin once said, ‘To lose a child is to lose a piece of yourself.’""",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/2/2016
"Conflicts, conscience, temptations, desires, ","""Monsters are real, and ghosts are real too. They live inside us, and sometimes, they win."" Quote: Stephen King",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/2/2016
"Zeal, zealous, love, madness, jealous, ","""I have loved to the point of madness; That which is called madness, That which to me, is the only sensible way to love."" Quote: Francoise Sagan",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/2/2016
"Despair, Groan, Conflicts,","""We all live in a house on fire, no fire department to call; no way out."" Quote: Tennessee Williams",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/2/2016
"Mistakes, destiny, ","""Men heap together the mistakes of their lives, and create a monster they call destiny."" Quote: John Hobbes",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/2/2016
"Fate, calamity, ","""Fate is not satisfied with inflicting one calamity."" Quote: Roman author Publilius Syrus",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/2/2016
"Evil, sins of omission, ","""He who does not punish evil, commands it to be done."" Quote; Leonardo Da Vinci",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/2/2016
"Prostitute, Pleasure, conqueror, outlaw, temporary enjoyment of sin, ","""The prostitute is not, as feminists claim, the victim of men, but rather their conqueror, an outlaw, who controls the sexual channels between nature and culture."" Quote: Camille Paglia",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/2/2016
"youth, older ones, understand, wisdom,","""In youth we learn; in age we understand."" Quote:  Austrian novelist, Marie von Ebner-Eschenbach",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/2/2016
"Teach, learn, education, environment, conditions, ","""I never teach my pupils; I only attempt to provide the conditions in which they can learn."" Quote: Albert Einstein",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/2/2016
"Belief, Proof, understanding, impossible, believer, ","""For those who believe, no proof is necessary. For those who don’t believe, no proof is possible."" Quote: Stuart Chase",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/2/2016
"Death, grief, pain, companion, ","""And so, all the night-tide, I lay down by the side. Of my darling, my darling, my life and my bride. In the sepulcher there by the sea. In her tomb by the sounding sea."" Quote: Edgar Allan Poe",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/2/2016
"Family, Home, virtues, society, ","""There is no doubt that it is around the family and the home that all the greatest virtues, the most dominating virtues of human society, are created, strengthened and maintained."" Quote: Winston Churchill",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/2/2016
"Delay, Deny, procrastination, wait, ","""Delay is the deadliest form of denial."" Quote: British Historian C. Northcote Parkinson",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/2/2016
"Secret, hints, vibes, gossip, ","""No mortal can keep a secret. If his lips are silent, he chatters with his fingertips; betrayal oozes out of him at every pore."" Quote: Sigmund Freud",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/2/2016
"Death of a child, refuse to be comforted, ","""There’s no tragedy in life like the death of a child. Things never get back to the way they were."" Quote: President Dwight Eisenhower",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/2/2016
"Revenge, vengeance, normal, temptation, anger, murder, ","""Every normal man must be tempted at times to spit on his hands, hoist the black flag, and begin to slit throats."" Quote: H.L. Mencken",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/2/2016
"Brother, ","""…for he today who sheds his blood with me shall be my brother."" Quote: William Shakespeare",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/2/2016
"Brothers, friends,","""We are all brothers under the skin, and I, for one, would be willing to skin humanity to prove it."" Quote: Ayn Rand",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/2/2016
"Cleanliness, clean, chaste, pure,","""Cleanliness becomes more important when godliness is unlikely."" Quote: P.J. O'Rourke",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/2/2016
"Lie, liars, truth, fall in love,","""The minute people fall in love, they become liars."" Quote: Harlan Ellison",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/2/2016
"Evolution, evolve, rejection, retaliation, ","""Man must evolve for all human conflict a method which rejects revenge, aggression and retaliation. The foundation of such a method is love."" Quote: Martin Luther King, Jr.",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/2/2016
"Insane, senseless, mind, ","""Let us consider that we are all insane. It will explain us to each other; it will unriddle many riddles… "" Quote: Mark Twain",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/2/2016
"Memory, remorse, repentance, Conscience, ","""There is no refuge from memory and remorse in this world. The spirits of our foolish deeds haunt us, with or without repentance."" Quote: Gilbert Parker",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/2/2016
"Relationship, Kindred, inherited traits, silence, ","""What was silent in the father speaks in the son, and often I found in the son the unveiled secret of the father."" Quote: Friedrich Nietzsche",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/2/2016
"Dreams,","""I think the truly natural things are dreams, which nature can’t touch with decay."" Quote: Bob Dylan",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/2/2016
"Instincts, human nature,","""Who speaks to the instincts speaks to the deepest in mankind and finds the readiest response."" Quote:  Amos Bronson Alcott",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/2/2016
"Wander-lust, wonders, thirst, anxious, ","""Beyond the East the sunrise, beyond the West the sea, And the East and West the wander-thirst that will not let me be."" Quote: Gerald Gould",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/2/2016
"Plenty, Hunger, depression, ","""Plenty sit still. Hunger is a wanderer."" Quote:  Zulu Proverb",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/2/2016
"Deceive, deception, illusion, judge, judicial, ","""Things are not always what they seem; the first appearance deceives many; the intelligence of a few perceives what has been carefully hidden."" Quote: Phaedrus",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/2/2016
"Contrast, paradise, hell, foolish, wise, wisdom,","""A fool’s paradise is a wise man’s hell."" Quote: Thomas Fuller.",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/2/2016
"Reason, reasonable, wise,","""Reason is not automatic. Those who deny it cannot be conquered by it."" Quote: Ayn Rand.",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/2/2016
"Faith, works, blind, dead,","""To follow by faith alone is to follow blindly."" Quote: Benjamin Franklin.",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/2/2016
"Past, future, escape, improve, better, transform, new personality,","""The past is our definition. we may strive, with good reason, to escape it, or to escape what is bad in it, but we will escape it only by adding something better to it."" Quote: Wendell Berry.",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/3/2016
"Goals, ","""We all die. The goal isn’t to live forever, the goal is to create something that will."" Quote: Chuck Palahniuk",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/3/2016
"War, crime, justified, violence, ","""Never think that war, no matter how necessary, nor how justified, is not a crime."" Quote: Ernest Hemingway",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/3/2016
"visions, dreams, fantasy, realities, enthusiast, fanatic,","Voltaire wrote, ""The man visited by ecstasies and visions, who takes dreams for realities is an enthusiast; the man who supports his madness with murder is a fanatic.""",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/3/2016
"Memories, splendor, glory, remember, ","""Though nothing can bring back the hour of splendor in the grass, of glory in the flower; We will grieve not, rather find strength in what remains behind."" Quote: William Wordsworth",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/3/2016
"Change, die, death, religious teachings, ","""All changes, even the most longed for, have their melancholy; for what we leave behind us is a part of ourselves. We must die to one life before we can enter another."" Quote: Anatole France",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/3/2016
"Protection,","""A woman must not depend upon the protection of man, but must be taught to protect herself."" Quote: Susan B. Anthony",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/3/2016
"Delusions, reality, make believe, pretend,","""No man is happy without a delusion of some kind. Delusions are as necessary to our happiness as realities."" Quote: Christian Nestell Bovee",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/3/2016
"Secrets, confidential,","""If we knew each other’s secrets, what comforts we should find."" Quote: John Churton Collins.",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/3/2016
"Secrets, confidential,","""There are no secrets better kept than the secrets that everybody guesses."" Quote: George Bernard Shaw",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/3/2016
"Memory, progress,","""We cross our bridges when we come to them and burn them behind us, with nothing to show for our progress except a memory of the smell of smoke, and a presumption that once our eyes watered."" Quote: Tom Stoppard",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/3/2016
"Sad soul, sadness, happy, gloomy, depression, suicide, ","""A sad soul can kill you quicker, far quicker, than a germ."" Quote: John Steinbeck",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/3/2016
"create, overcome, endure, transform, ","""The most authentic thing about us is our capacity to create, to overcome, to endure, to transform, to love and to be greater than our suffering."" Quote: Ben Okri",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/3/2016
"Confession, suicide, depression, discipline,","""There is no refuge from confession but suicide; and suicide is confession."" Quote: Daniel Webster",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/3/2016
"Formula for success, acceptance of life,","""There is no formula for success except perhaps an unconditional acceptance of life and what it brings."" Quote: Arthur Rubinstein",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/3/2016
"Child in us, foundation, basis, ","""Within the core of each of us is the child we once were. This child constitutes the foundation of what we have become, who we are, and what we will be."" Quote: Neuroscientist, Dr. R. Joseph",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/3/2016
"Ambitions, price, materialism,","""For we pay a price for everything we get or take in this world; and although ambitions are well worth having, they are not to be cheaply won."" Quote: Lucy Maud Montgomery",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/3/2016
"Evil, Fury, violence, ","""I know indeed what evil I intend to do, but stronger than all my after thoughts is my fury…fury that brings upon mortals the greatest evils."" Quote: Euripides",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/3/2016
"Wise father, ","William Shakespeare - ""It is a wise father that knows his own child.""",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/3/2016
"Idea, thinking, invention,","""No man or woman who tries to pursue an idea in his or her own way is without enemies."" Quote: Daisy Bates",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/3/2016
"Death of a child, ","""A simple child that lightly draws it’s breath and feels its life in every limb. What should it know of death?"" Quote: Anon",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/3/2016
"Memory, Remember, ","Anne Sexton wrote, ""It doesn’t matter who my father was, it matters who I remember he was.""",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/3/2016
"Superman, alien, fantasy, ","""Superman is, after all, an alien life form. He’s simply the acceptable face of invading realities."" Quote: Author Clive Barker",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/3/2016
"Right, Wrong, trust,  ","""Shakespeare wrote, ‘Love all. Trust a few. Do wrong to none'",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/3/2016
"Spiritual food, ","""God sends meat and the devil sends (cookies?)  cooks."" Quote: Thomas Deloney",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/3/2016
"Fantasy, illusions, imagination, Monsters, ","""Fantasy abandoned by reason produces impossible monsters."" Quote: Francisco Goya""",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/3/2016
"Kingdom,","“An earthly kingdom cannot exist without inequality of persons. Some must be free, some serfs, some rulers, some subjects.” Quote: Martin Luther",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/3/2016
"Stage, actors, disguised, comedy, Life,","Erasmus wrote, ""Now what else is the whole life of mortals, but a sort of comedy in which the various actors, disguised by various costumes and masks, walk on and play each ones part until the manager walks them off the stage?""",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/3/2016
"Bible, Dragons, Satan, Devil,","G.K. Chesterton wrote, ""Fairy tales do not tell children that dragons exist. Children already know that dragons exist. Fairy tales tell children that dragons can be killed.""",The Bible tells who will do that.,Revelation 20:10;,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/3/2016
"Satan, Devil, Understanding, Evil,","Fyodor Dostoevsky said, ""Nothing is easier than to denounce the evil doer; Nothing more difficult than understanding him.""",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/3/2016
"Crime, race, class, ","""‘In the city, crime is taken as emblematic of class and race. In the suburbs though it’s intimate and psychological; resistant to generalization; a mystery of the individual’s soul.’ Quote: Barbara Ehrenreich",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/3/2016
"Fear, strength, confidence, experience, trials, courage, ","Eleanor Roosevelt once said, ""You gain strength, courage and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You must do the thing which you think you cannot do.""",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/3/2016
"Self, control, addiction, habits,","Philosopher Lao Tzu once wrote, ‘He who controls others may be powerful but he who has mastered himself is mightier still.'",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/3/2016
"Afflictions, distress, tenderness, ","George Washington once said, ""Let your heart feel for the afflictions and distress of everyone.""",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/3/2016
"Friends, acquaintances, intellects, characters, ","""I choose my friends for their good looks, my acquaintances for their good characters, my enemies for their good intellects."" Quote: Oscar Wilde",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/3/2016
"Criticisms, critical, habits, homeless, poor, rich, ","""Of all the preposterous assumptions of humanity nothing exceeds the criticisms made of the habits of the poor by the well housed, well warmed and well fed."" Quote: Herman Melville",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/3/2016
"Sport, amusement, animals, hunting, cruel, ","British Historian James Anthony Froude once said, ""Animals never kill for sport. Man is the only one to which the torture and death of his fellow creatures is amusing in itself.’""",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/3/2016
"Contrast, Theme Park, Wilderness, ","""One man’s wilderness, is another man’s theme park."" -- Author Unknown",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/3/2016
"Happy families, ","""Happy families are all alike; every unhappy family is unhappy in its own way."" Leo Tolstoy",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/3/2016
"Good, evil,","An old Russian proverb reminds us, ""There can be no good.. without evil.’""",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/3/2016
"Life, living forever, attitude,","Gandhi said, ""live as if you were to die tomorrow, learn as if you were to live forever.’""",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/3/2016
"Conscience, torture,  ","""The torture of a bad conscience, is the hell of a living soul."" Quote: John Calvin",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/3/2016
"Tragedy, ","Robert Kennedy once said, ""tragedy is a tool for the living to gain wisdom, not a guide by which to live.""",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/3/2016
"Trouble, child, peace, ","""If there must be trouble let it be in my day, that my child may have peace."" Quote: Thomas Paine",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/3/2016
"Life, sacrifice, ","""Our life is made by the death of others."" Quote: Leonardo Da vinci",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/3/2016
"Life, Memory, dead,","""The life of the dead is placed in the memory of the living."" Quote: Cicero",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/3/2016
"Desires, Hate, ","""From the deepest desires often come the deadliest hate."" Quote: Socrates",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/3/2016
"Justice, unjust, unpunished, punished, Motive, ","Condemned murderer Perry Smith said of his victims, the Clutter family: “I didn’t have anything against them and they never did anything wrong to me, the way other people have all my life. Maybe they’re just the ones who have to pay for it.”",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/3/2016
"Evil,","Aristotle said, ""evil brings men together.""",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/3/2016
"Secrets, ","""All secrets are deep, all secrets become dark, that’s in the nature of secrets - writer, Corey Doctorow",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/3/2016
"Sex, birth, death, life, end, ","T.S. Eliot wrote.. ‘between the desire and the spasm and the potency and the existence, between the essence and the dissent.. falls the shadow. This is the way the world ends.'",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/3/2016
"Life, conception, reality, act, death,","T.S. Eliot wrote, ‘Between the idea and the reality, between the motion and the act, falls the shadow.'",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/3/2016
"Best lessons, mistakes, wisdom, future, experience, teacher, ","Dale Turner mused.. ""Some of the best lessons are learned from past mistakes. The error of the past is the wisdom of the future.""",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/3/2016
"Despair, compensation, commensurate, judicial, punishment, discipline,","Mahatma Gandhi said, ""When i despair, I remember that all through history there have been tyrants and murderers, at the time they seemed invincible, but in the end they always fall. Always.""",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,5/29/2025
"Acquaintance, friendship, neighbor, hate, idolize, ","Elbert Hubbard once wrote, ""If men could only know each other, they would neither idolize nor hate.""",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/3/2016
"Purpose, choice, free will, Human nature, ","“The ultimate choice for a man, in as much as he is given to transcend himself, is to create or destroy, to love or to hate” - Erich Fromm",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/3/2016
"End, death, conclusion, sin, repentance, humility, ","Legendary basketball coach John Wooden said, ""It’s not so important who starts the game, but who finishes it.""",,Matthew 24:13;,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/3/2016
"Light, Darkness, afraid, fear, truth,","Plato wrote, ""We can easily forgive a child who is afraid of the dark, the real tragedy of life is when men are afraid of the light.""",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/3/2016
"Shame, public announcement, discipline, judicial,","""The basis of shame is not some personal mistake of ours but that this humiliation is seen by everyone."" - Milan Kundera",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/3/2016
"Writers, stories, self, ",Writers end up writing about their obsessions. Things that haunt them; things they can’t forget; stories they carry in their bodies waiting to be released. —  Natalie Goldberg,,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/3/2016
"Materialism, things, ","''He Who Dies With The Most Toys, Wins''? Quote: Malcolm Forbes.",Materialistic view.  ,1 Timothy 6:10;,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/13/2016
"Lie, honesty, sin,","I have here in my hand a handle, a ratchet.  I have a number of  sockets that fit it.  Also some extensions, even a screwdrivers that fits this handle.  And a universal joint.  This handle fits them all. (Show them)","It has been said, ""Satan has many tools but the lie is the handle that fits them all."" Satan is the father of the lie.",John 8:44;,Bobby Laymon,Conducting Ourselves honestly in all things,10,bl,,2/13/2016
"Honesty, truth, Donkeyhotey, Don Quixote, ","""It is my opinion that in all affairs, private and public, that honesty is the best policy."" Quote: Don Quixote. Spanish writer from  the16th century, in his book Donkeyhotey.  He is possibly the first person to use the phrase, ""honesty is the best policy.""","The saying is as true today as it was then, but there doesn't seem to be as many 'policyholders.'","Hebrews 13:18, 19;",Timothy Pappas; Bobby Laymon,Conducting Ourselves Honestly at all Times.,10,bl,,2/18/2016
"Marriage, dating, ","A man once said, ""If you are not prepared to marry tomorrow, don't date tonight.""",The purpose of dating is to find a marriage mate.,Genesis 1:28;,Carl Brown,,,bl,,2/20/2016
"Marriage, Wedding, Levi Cromer and Tesa Bell.","Brother Cromer used a new brass door hinge for this illustration. One leaf was engraved with Levi and the other Tesa.  The pin is the middle that unites them is Jehovah.  He then joined them together.  Also the leaves of the hinges contained the date of the wedding, February 20, 2016 in case they forgot.  He explained that when they got a house of their own they could install the hinge as a reminder of their marriage.","(Ecclesiastes 4:11, 12) . . .Moreover, if two lie down together, they will stay warm, but how can just one keep warm? 12 And someone may overpower one alone, but two together can take a stand against him. And a threefold cord cannot quickly be torn apart.",Ecclesiastes 4:,Shawn Cromer,,,bl,,2/20/2016
"Salvation, saved, name erased, once saved, always saved,","Can you lose out on salvation? Yes. Just as a person saved from drowning could fall or jump back into the water, a person who has been saved from sin but fails to keep exercising faith could lose out on salvation. ","For this reason, the Bible urges Christians who have received salvation “to put up a hard fight for the faith.” (Jude 3) It also warns those who have been saved: “Keep working out your own salvation with fear and trembling.”",Philippians 2:12;,JW.ORG,,,bl,,2/24/2016
"Clean, Holy, Association, ",You have two white gloves.  One is clean and the other is dirty.  They shake hands.  Does the clean one make the dirty one clean?  Or does the dirty one make the clean one dirty?,"Likewise, when we associate with unclean people, we do not make them holy, but they make us unclean.",Isaiah 6:13;,Heath Bennett,,,bl,,3/11/2016
"Comfort, crying, lonely, sad,",In the park and hear a child crying.  You want to comfort it.,Jehovah wants to comfort us when we are sad or lonely.,Romans 15:4,David Durant,,,bl,,3/13/2016
"Inner rooms, Hide, Protection, congregations,","Soon the destructive winds of the greatest tribulation of all time will be released. (Mark 13:19; Rev. 7:1-3) Then, we will do well to heed this inspired counsel: “Go, my people, enter your inner rooms, and shut your doors behind you. Hide yourself for a brief moment until the wrath has passed by.” (Isa. 26:20) ","These “inner rooms” may refer to our congregations. That is where we come together as brothers and sisters to worship Jehovah. But it is not enough for us to meet together regularly. Paul reminded the Hebrew Christians that they should use such occasions to incite one another “to love and fine works.” (Heb. 10:24, 25)","Hebrews 10:24, 25;",w16 January pp. 7-11,,,bl,,4/3/2016
"Ransom, free gift, ","When you receive a gift, you are no doubt filled with a range of emotions. However, some gifts may be so special or meaningful that they are truly life-changing. For example, imagine that you were facing execution because you had been implicated in a crime. Suddenly, a person whom you do not know steps out of the crowd and volunteers to accept the penalty for you. He is actually willing to die instead of you! What effect would such an outstanding gift have on you?","Receiving such an unselfish expression of love would no doubt compel you to reconsider your actions and even change the way you had been living your life. It would likely move you to be more generous and loving toward others and even to forgive any who had wronged you. For the rest of your life, you would feel indebted to the person who willingly took your place.",2 Corinthians 1:20;,w16 January pp. 12-16,,,bl,,4/3/2016
"World's spirit, spirit of the world,","The world’s spirit might be compared to a river current that is pulling us in a direction we do not want to go. To avoid being swept downstream, we must vigorously swim in the other direction.","Similarly, effort is required to keep from being swept away by the spirit of Satan’s world. When we are preaching to others, we focus on important and beneficial spiritual matters, not on thoughts that will erode our faith. (Phil. 4:8) Preaching strengthens our convictions, reminding us of God’s promises and loving standards. It also helps keep our spiritual armor intact. We need to safeguard our spirituality. Because we live in a world that is dominated by Satan the Devil and because we are imperfect, it is easy for us to adopt the wrong thinking and conduct of the world. ",Ephesians 6:14-17.,w16 January pp. 28-32,,,bl,,4/3/2016
"Armageddon, system, Satan's world,",Which would you rather have: a luxury seat on the Titanic are we a wooden seat on a rowboat.,The system is going down.,1 John 2:17;,Gary Hoover,,,bl,,4/11/2016
"Friendship, ",Friendship is not like an inanimate thing that we might purchase and then store somewhere to gather dust. Friendship is more like a living thing that needs care and sustenance if it is to thrive and flourish. ,Abraham cherished and maintained his friendship with Jehovah.,Proverbs 17:17,"Watchtower (Study), February 2016",,,bl,,4/11/2016
"Prayer, Friendship,","A good friend shares his time with you. He may spend hours talking with you about what interests both of you. And a good friend will listen carefully when you tell him about your problems and concerns. Is Jehovah attentive in that way? Yes, indeed! ","He is receptive to our prayers. Thus, the Bible encourages us to “persevere in prayer,” even to “pray constantly.”  How much time is Jehovah willing to spend listening to your prayers? An example from the Bible gives us the answer. Before Jesus selected his apostles, “he spent the whole night in prayer to God.” ”",Rom. 12:12; 1 Thess. 5:17,"Watchtower, June 2016",,,bl,,4/16/2016
"Potter, Creator, God's image,","IN November 2010, a bid of nearly 70 million dollars was made in London, England, for an 18th-century Chinese ceramic vase. Clearly, a potter can turn something as abundant and inexpensive as clay into a beautiful and costly masterpiece. Yet, no human potter can begin to compare with Jehovah. ","Late in the sixth creative day, God fashioned “out of dust [clay] from the ground” a perfect man and gave him the capacity to reflect his Maker’s qualities. (Gen. 2:7) That perfect man, Adam, who was made from the earth was rightly called a “son of God.”",Luke 3:38;,"Watchtower, June 2016",,,bl,,4/16/2016
"Attitude, potter, individual, personal importance, ","Like a highly skilled potter, Jehovah knows the type and quality of “the clay” that is before him, and he molds it accordingly. ","Indeed, he deals with us as individuals, taking into account our particular weaknesses, limitations, and level of spiritual growth. His attitude toward imperfect servants was demonstrated by his Son. Consider how Jesus dealt with his apostles’ shortcomings, especially their inclination to argue among themselves over position.”",Psalm 103:10-14;,"Watchtower, June 2016",,,bl,,4/16/2016
"Prepare, preparation, mold, training, advise, ","In Bible times, a potter did not dig up some clay and immediately begin to shape it. He first prepared the clay, in part by removing stones and other undesirable matter. ","In a spiritual sense, God helps to prepare willing individuals so that he can mold them. He does not force them to make changes, but he reveals his righteous standards so that they can clean up their lives or make adjustments voluntarily. Do you sense Jehovah’s personal interest in you? Do you see yourself being molded in his caring hands? If so, what additional qualities will help you to remain like soft and malleable clay before Jehovah? What traits should you avoid so that you are not hard or inflexible? And how can parents cooperate with Jehovah in molding their children?”",Psalm 32:8; Jeremiah 18:6;,"The Watchtower, June 2016",,,bl,,4/16/2016
"Molding, authority, free will, harden, soft,","In Bible times, a potter might press the clay into a mold so that it would take on the shape he desired. ","True worshippers today recognize Jehovah as the Universal Sovereign, the one having authority to mold peoples and nations. (Read Jeremiah 18:6.) God also has the authority to mold us personally. However, he recognizes our free will and wants us to submit to him voluntarily. Let us focus on how we can remain like soft clay in God’s hands, considering three areas: (1) How can we avoid traits that might harden us against God’s counsel? (2) How can we cultivate qualities that help us to remain soft and submissive? (3) How can Christian parents submit to God when molding their children?",Jeremiah 18:6,"Watchtower, June 2016",,,bl,,4/16/2016
"Soften, Hard, meditation, malleable, Bible, ","God’s provisions to help us remain like soft clay include his Word, the Christian congregation, and the field ministry. As water softens clay, daily Bible reading and meditation can help us be malleable in Jehovah’s hands. ","Jehovah required that the kings of Israel write for themselves a copy of God’s Law and read it daily. (Deut. 17:18, 19) The apostles realized that reading the Scriptures and meditating on them was essential for their ministry.”","Deuteronomy 17:18, 19;","Watchtower, June 2016",,,bl,,4/16/2016
"Integrity, Elders, Oversight",Large suspension bridge made out of material that has structural integrity.  Gives travelers confidence in crossing.,Our integrity gives others confidence that we will as brothers in oversight will be able to help them span the expanse between their problems and their solutions.,Job 31,Roy Crabb,,,rc,4-19-16,4/19/2016
"Critical, criticism, mummer,build up, tear down, encourage,","You can take a beautiful building that took decades to build, and in just a few minutes or hours bring it down with a wrecking ball.",That is what criticism does in the organization.  Don't ever start using the wrecking ball. Speak upbuilding commendation.,Eph. 4:32;,Mark Sanderson GB,,,bl,,4/21/2016
"Teaching, snakes,","Snakes. How can we teach someone else to not be afraid of snakes.  It is not possible, if we have not taught ourselves. We must teach ourselves first.",It is the same way with the truth.  We must teach ourselves first.,Romans 2:21; 2 Peter 1:5-8;,Gary DeBurgo ,,,bl,,4/22/2016
"Balance, territory, evangelizer, fully accomplish ministry,","We need to see what is not obvious.  It is like a ripple in the water.  There may be a sinkhole.  It may be a fish, or a rock sticking up.  We need to determine and discern what it is.  ","Likewise, when we notice something that is unusual interest, we need to check it out.  This will help us to maintain a balanced ministry.",2 Timothy 4:5;,Joe Laymon - Pioneer Meeting,,,bl,,4/23/2016
"Territory, flexible, adjust,","Our territory is like a glove.  It is not a one-size-fits-all.  We have city territory, farms, businesses, telephone, and a variety of other situations.  Is the presentation we have prepared going to fit?","We need to adjust to what is needed at each call. We are working with Jehovah and he is a caring, flexible God.",1 Corinthians 3:6;,Joe Laymon - pioneer meeting,,,bl,,4/23/2016
"Addiction, habits, afraid, darkness,",Some people are afraid of the dark and some are afraid to leave the dark.,"Some run back into their environment, because they feel safe there.",Col 1:13; John 3:19;,Johnse Laymon,,,bl,,4/27/2016
"House rules, guidelines, ",Living in a household where parental rules are not followed would be like trying to land at an airport where air traffic rules are not obeyed.,"The Bible says: “Observe . . . the commandment of your father, and do not forsake the instruction of your mother.” (Proverbs 6:20) By following that admonition, you will build up a record of trust with your parents and have a basis for discussion with them.",Proverbs 6:20;,JW.ORG,,,bl,,4/29/2016
"Youth, decisions, challenges, Life,","Have you ever been through a maze.  Well, this looks like the right way, but there is a dead end.  You are finally overwhelmed by the different ways you can go, and wonder if you have been here before or if you can ever get out.","That is the way it is with life, especially with youths.  They are willing but without experience.  They often find themselves overwhelmed by life itself. In solving a maze on paper, I start at the finish and work backward. If we find someone who has experienced the same problems, it is like working it backward.  It is a big help.",1 Corinthians 14:8,Ernie Smith,,,bl,,5/2/2016
"Bible, source, ","The situation could be likened to that of a teacher who asks 100 students to copy a chapter of a book. Even if the original chapter was later lost, a comparison of the 100 copies would still reveal the original text. While each student might make some errors, it is highly unlikely that all the students would make exactly the same ones. ","Similarly, when scholars compare the thousands of fragments and copies of ancient Bible books available to them, they can detect copyist error and determine the original wording.",Deuteronomy 17:18;,Appendix B to Bible ,,,bl,,5/3/2016
"History, past, future, life,",History = His Story.,What will your story be in the eternal future?,Genesis 2:4; 6:9;,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,5/11/2016
"Meetings, repetition, Spiritual food, Studying,","Just because we know what potatoes and carrots taste like, doesn't mean we skip eating.  How long can we forgo eating before we become weak and die.","Just because we have heard the same information before, doesn't mean we skip studying and attending meetings, for we will become weak and die.","Hebrews 10:24, 25; Matthew 4:4;",Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,5/11/2016
"Persecution, Standing firm, bearing up,","Imagine needing to go through woods, it is challenging.  but on the other side is the ocean with a ship that is going to take you to a better place.  you have to endure getting through the woods, you are bound to get injured along the way.  but it will be worth it when you get to the other side.","Persecution might be viewed in this way.  We have to endure now, but it will all be worth it in Jehovah's new earth,",2 Timothy 3:12;,Robyn Nelson blog,,,bl,,5/11/2016
"Master, mind, thoughts, love, servant, thinking, ","""Let the mind of your Master be the master of your mind"". ",We cannot serve two masters.,Matthew 6:24; 22:37;,Bobby Laymon,Does Your Thinking Agree With God's? ,53,bl,,5/12/2016
"Habits, ",It has been said that a bad habit is like a warm bed on a cold day: it’s easy to get into and hard to get out of! ,Likewise with habits.,"Romans 8:5, 6;",Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,5/16/2016
"Weaknesses, Habits, conduct,","Just as a chain is only as strong as its weakest link, your identity can quickly change for the worse if you let your weaknesses control your life.",What weakness do you need to work on?,"Romans 7:22, 23.",ypqE,,,bl,,5/17/2016
"Goals,",Would you get into a taxi and tell the driver to circle the block repeatedly until his car ran out of fuel? That would be foolish —and costly!,The lesson? Goals give your life direction and keep you from going in circles. You have somewhere to go and a plan of how to get there.,1 Corinthians 9:26;,ypqE,,,bl,,5/23/2016
"Convictions, indecisive, unsteady, ","Without convictions, you’ll be indecisive. Like a chameleon, you’ll change colors to blend in with your peers—a sure sign that you don’t have your own identity.","In contrast, when your actions are based on your convictions, you maintain your identity—regardless of what others do.",Daniel 1:8;,ypqE,,,bl,,5/17/2016
"Identity, Who am I, Conviction, personality,","In the end, which would you rather be like—a fallen leaf that gets blown around by every mild breeze or a tree that withstands even powerful storms? ","Strengthen your identity, and you’ll be like that tree. And that will help you answer the question, Who am I?",Daniel 1:8;,ypqE,,,bl,,5/17/2016
"JW.Org, Different languages, use of tablets, technology, speed up,","Imagine that Moses when writing the book of Genesis, in Hebrew on a papyrus scroll and  someone said, ""I can't read it.""  I'm an Egyptian.  I don't speak Hebrew."" Moses said, ""let me show you a little trick.  Just tap this place on the scroll and go down to Egyptian and tap on it when you see it.  WOW!  Then entire scroll changes languages. ","Moses was instructed in all the wisdom of the Egyptians, but he couldn't do that. Jehovah has made it possible for us to do exactly that.",Isaiah 60:22;,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,5/18/2016
"Cheat, steal, lie, Progress, technology, JW Library, ","Suppose you cheat your way through a swimming class and never learn to swim. How will you feel next summer?  Everyone else is having fun in the water and you are stuck on land? If you are pushed into a pool, your cheating could cost you your life.",This is how Jehovah views cheaters.  They will not dwell in his tent. Unless they change they will lose their life.,Psalm 15:1-3;,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,5/18/2016
"Winds of change, Constant,","There is a Bethel saying, ""The only thing that is constant is change.""",Jehovah is constant.  He does not change.,Psalm 46:2; Malachi 3:6;,Christopher George - Bethel speaker,,,bl,,5/19/2016
"Communication,flexible,","Communicating with your parents is like driving a car. If you encounter a roadblock, you can find another route.",Be flexible and cooperative.,Eph 6:2;,ypqE,,,bl,,5/22/2016
"anxieties,",Train. . bridge is on fire but all the passengers are caught up in personal problems. Two men are keeping watch and they apply the brakes and stop the train.,Two men keeping watch Jehovah and Christ Jesus. brakes ,Romans 8:22;Genesis 6:5-8; ,Johnny Degollado,Trust in Jehovah's Saving Power,147,bl,,5/22/2016
"Sunday, Service,",SOS,Service on Sunday ,1 Corinthians 15:58,Gordon Woodford ,,,bl,,5/28/2016
"comfort, pain, ","Do you remember falling down when you were a young child? Perhaps you cut your hand or scraped your knee. Can you recall how your mother comforted you? Maybe she cleaned the wound and then put a bandage on it. You cried, but her soothing words and warm embrace soon made you feel better. At that time in your life, comfort was never far away.","But life gets more complicated as we get older. The problems get bigger, and comfort becomes harder to find. Adult problems, sad to say, can rarely be solved with a bandage and a mother’s hug. Consider a few examples.",Revelation 21:4;,wp-E 201609,,,bl,,6/6/2016
"Comfort, appointment, ","How could a doctor help us if we never made an appointment to see him? The prophet Amos asks: “Will two walk together unless they have met by appointment?” (Amos 3:3, footnote) The Scriptures therefore urge us: “Draw close to God, and he will draw close to you.”—James 4:8.","Of course, we must do something if we want comfort from God. ",Amos 3:3; James 4:8;,wp-E 201609,,,bl,,6/6/2016
"Moving, action, preaching, end,","""When the buzzards are circling, you have to keep moving."" Quote: Kim Laymon",The end is near for this system of things.  We need to keep active in order to not go down with it.,Matthew 24:28;,Kim Laymon,,,bl,,6/16/2016
bad Habits ,Bad habits like a warm bed easy to get into hard to get out of. ,Easier to not start a bad  habit then to stop one. ,"(Isaiah 63:10; 1 Corinthians 6:9, 10; 2 Corinthians 7:1; (Isaiah 63:10; 1 Corinthians 6:9, 10; 2 Corinthians 7:1; 1 Corinthians 6:9, 10; 2 Corinthians 7:1",,,,jdk,6-21-2016,6/21/2016
outward appearance ,"Our imperfect human nature is to look at the outward appearance of people only. Like the old farmer and the young girl.The young girl wanted to buy a watermelon from the old framer. She saw a big fat watermelon on the vine that looked good, thumped on it sounded good, she asks how much?He said, that’s ones $5 dollars.She saw another little small one, she said how much for that one?He said, .50 cents. She said, Great I will take the small and I will be back in a month to pick it up…Farmer mistakenly was just looking at the outward appearance when he priced it.  The young girl was looking at the potential in small water melon for the future. ","It is easy to be influenced by outward appearance of someone we can see that, however, we should be looking at the inner potential of individuals. What they can become. (1Sa 16:7","(1Sa 16:71Sa 16:71  Samuel 16:7, Pr 24;12, PS 62:12",,,,jdk,6-21-2016,6/28/2016
"Life,","Life is like a roll of toilet paper; the closer you get to the end, the faster it goes.",,,David Pfister ,,,bl,,6/26/2016
Life,“In three words I can sum up everything I've learned about life: it goes on.”   ― Robert Frost,,,,,,bl,,6/26/2016
Life,"“Life is like a camera, focus on what’s important, capture the good times. And if things don’t work out, take another Shot”",,,,,,bl,,6/26/2016
Life,"Life is like the ocean. It can be calm or still, and rough or rigid, but in the end, it is always beautiful.",,,,,,bl,,6/26/2016
Life,"""Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance you must keep moving."" ~Albert Einstein.",,,,,,bl,,6/26/2016
"Action, work, do something, ","You can think as deep as you want; talk as loud as you can, but if you don't pick up your salt shaker and shake it, your food will never get salty.","No matter what you do, eventually there has to be some action.",James 2:26,Kim Laymon ,,,bl,,6/27/2016
"Life, learning, forever,",Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever. ,"We need to live a moral life serving Jehovah, but keep learning.",Ps 37:29;,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,6/28/2016
"Wicked, disappearing, future, ","Now you see it, Now you don’t.  That is a favorite trick of illusionists.  It may be with coins, rabbits, cloth or people.  You watch closely and zip they are gone.  There are no more.  Of course it is not real."," However Jehovah is going to do a great disappearing act in the near future that will be real and permanent.  What might that be?  (Psalm 37:10) . . .Just a little while longer, and the wicked will be no more; You will look at where they were, And they will not be there.","Psalm 37:10; 35, 36;",Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,6/28/2016
"Support, help,","If we sprain an ankle, we are pleased to have the arm of a friend for support. ","Likewise, when we endeavor to walk in faithfulness, we need Jehovah’s support.",Psalm 37:3-6,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,6/28/2016
"Tent, dwelling, friends,","Have you seen the videos of going to ones where the need is great.  Malawi, Australia, Ireland, Mountains of Costa Rica? Suppose you are assigned to go to the Amazon rainforest.  You have a tent.  You can invite guests into your tent.  Who would you invite? Fellow Witnesses; Trusted friends; No mosquitoes; Some don't like snakes; Nor people who sting, bite or sneak around.  ","Jehovah has a tent. Who would he invite into it? JEHOVAH’S GUEST MUST . . .•	have integrity•	speak the truth, even in his heart•	show honor to fellow servants of Jehovah•	keep his word, even if it is difficult•	help those in need without expecting anything in return",Psalm 15:1-5;,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,6/28/2016
"Bible, tablets, electronic devices, cell phones, languages, translations,","In your mind, go back 3789 years. Moses has completed the first 5 book of the Bible. It was a lot of work.  (40 years) but he's happy.  All the scrolls are neatly stacked up, then someone says, ""Moses, I can't read it.""  I'm an Egyptian.  I don't read Hebrew."" Moses said, ""let me show you a little trick.  Just tap this place on the scroll and go down to Egyptian and tap on it when you see it.  WOW!  Then entire scroll changes languages.  ","Moses was instructed in all the wisdom of the Egyptians, but he couldn't do that. However, Jehovah has made it possible for us to do exactly that. We need to make use of tools Jehovah has provided.",1 Corinthians 7:31; Isaiah 40:8;,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,6/28/2016
"Wisdom,","Have you ever found a gold nugget? Very few people have. Yet, millions have discovered something much better. It is divine wisdom, which “cannot be bought with pure gold.”","IN SOME ways, sincere Bible students are like prospectors looking for gold. Such students need to work hard and keep on searching the Scriptures to find priceless wisdom. In this regard, what can we learn by considering three ways in which gold is found?","Job 28:12, 15;",w16 August p. 19,,,bl,,6/29/2016
"Wisdom, Knowledge, appreciation,","Imagine that you are walking near a riverbank and see what seems to be a tiny pebble reflecting the sunlight. You stoop down and are delighted to find a gold nugget. It is smaller than a match head and rarer than a high-quality diamond. Of course, you look around to see if there are more nuggets to be found.","Similarly, on a memorable day some time ago, one of Jehovah’s servants may have called at your door to discuss the message of hope found in the Bible. Perhaps you vividly recall the moment when you discovered your first spiritual gold nugget, so to speak. That may have happened when you first saw God’s name, Jehovah, in the Bible. (Ps. 83:18) Or perhaps when you learned that you could become Jehovah’s friend. (Jas. 2:23) You knew immediately that you had found something better than gold! And you may have been eager to find more spiritual nuggets.",Psalm 83:18; James 2:23;,w16 August p. 19,,,bl,,6/29/2016
"Keep on searching, find, looking, effort, primary doctrine, work hard, Bible study,","A prospector may find tiny quantities of gold inside igneous rocks. Some patches of such rocks contain concentrations of gold high enough to mine the ore and crush it to extract the gold. At first glance, the gold may not be visible in the ore. Why not? Because high-quality ore may contain only about 0.3 troy ounce (10 g) of gold per ton of rock! Nevertheless, to the prospector it is worth the effort to mine it.","Effort is also needed after a person has moved beyond “the primary doctrine about the Christ.” (Heb. 6:1, 2) You need to work hard to extract fresh points and practical lessons from your Bible study. So, what can you do to make sure that your personal Bible study remains productive, even though you may have been studying the Scriptures for years?","Hebrews 6:1, 2;",w16 August p. 19,,,bl,,6/29/2016
"Body parts, illustrations, strengthen, encourage, power, action,","The Bible often uses parts of the human body to illustrate different characteristics or actions. The hand, for example, is mentioned hundreds of times. To strengthen one’s hands can have the sense of being encouraged, fortified, and empowered for action.  It can imply having a positive and hopeful view of the future.","To let the figurative hands drop down has at times been used to describe someone who is discouraged, disheartened, or without hope. (2 Chron. 15:7, ftn.; Heb. 12:12) It is common for a person in that situation to give up. If you face circumstances that bring you stress or make you feel weighed down physically, emotionally, or even spiritually, where can you receive the needed courage? How can you be motivated and strengthened to endure and have joy?",1 Sam. 23:16; Ezra 1:6,w16 September p. 3-4,,,bl,,6/29/2016
"Dress, Grooming, conduct,","“YOU saw a lot of casual clothing, especially when it was hot,” reported a Dutch newspaper regarding a meeting of church leaders. “That is not the case at the convention of Jehovah’s Witnesses. . . . Boys and men wear a jacket and tie, while the girls’ and women’s skirt length is . . . in good taste, yet modern.” ","Indeed, Jehovah’s Witnesses are often commended for adorning “themselves in respectable dress, with modesty and good judgment . . . in the way that is proper for [those] professing devotion to God.” (1 Tim. 2:9, 10, ftn.) The apostle Paul was speaking about women, but the same basic standard applies to Christian men.","1 Timothy 2:9, 10;",w16 September p. 17,,,bl,,6/29/2016
"Bible theme, thread, ",A brother in Germany wrote: “The Kingdom theme runs through the Bible like a golden thread. ,"That is so, even though about 40 men wrote the Bible. And many of them lived at different times and did not know one another personally.”",Genesis 3:15;,w16 September p. 25-26,,,bl,,6/29/2016
"Illustrations, earth's atmosphere, creation,","When her two boys were eight and ten respectively, a mother in Japan taught them about earth’s atmosphere and the care Jehovah showed in making it. To do that, she gave the boys milk, sugar, and coffee. Then she asked each of the boys to make her a cup of coffee. “They took great care,” she explained. “When I asked them why they were so careful, they said that they wanted the coffee to be just the way I like it. ","I explained that God mixed the gases in the atmosphere with similar care—just right for us.” That illustration was fitting for their age, and it engaged them in a way that passive learning might not have. No doubt they long remembered the lesson!","Matthew 13:34, 35;",w16 September p. 30,,,bl,,6/29/2016
"Creation, Illustrations, teaching, education, children,","You might even use a recipe to help your child build faith in God. How? After you bake a cake or a batch of cookies, explain the role of the recipe. Then hand your child a piece of fruit, perhaps an apple, and ask: “Did you know that this apple started off with a ‘recipe’?” Then cut the apple in two, and give him a seed. ","You could discuss that the recipe was “written” in the seed but in a language far more complex than the words in a recipe book. You might ask: “If the recipe for the cake had a writer, who wrote the much more complex recipe for the apple?” For an older child, you could explain that the recipe for the apple—in fact, for the entire tree on which it grew—was part of the code in the DNA. ","Matthew 13:34, 35;",w16 September p. 30,,,bl,,2/7/2018
"Illustrations, creation, birds, children,","A couple in Denmark compared airplanes to birds. “Airplanes look just like birds,” they said. “But can airplanes lay eggs and hatch small airplanes? Do birds need special landing strips? And how would you compare the sound of an airplane to the singing of a bird? ","So who is more intelligent—the maker of airplanes or the Creator of birds?” Such comments, along with good questions, can help a child to develop “thinking ability” and to build faith in God.",Prov. 2:10-12.,w16 September p. 31,,,bl,,2/7/2018
"Illustrations, teaching, show Bible is inspired, ","Stimulate your child’s imagination? Bring up the fact that Job lived long before telescopes and spaceships. Your child’s job could be to show how difficult it might be for some to believe that a very large object, such as the earth, could sit on nothing. The child could use a ball or a stone to illustrate the point by showing that objects with mass have to rest on something. ","Such a lesson would impress on your child that Jehovah had facts recorded in the Bible long before humans could prove them. Effective illustrations can also strengthen a child’s faith in the accuracy of the Bible. For example, consider Job 26:7. How might you show that this scripture was inspired? You could just state facts. Instead, why ",Neh. 9:6,w16 September p. 31,,,bl,,6/29/2016
"Illustrations, principles, Bible standards, children,","Ask your children to imagine that they are going to live on a remote island and will have to choose a number of people to live there with them. Then ask, “What qualities must each person have if all in the group are to live in peace and get along well?” You could also talk with them about the wise directions found at Galatians 5:19-23.","It is particularly important that you impress on your children the value of Bible principles. That exercise could teach two important lessons. First, God’s standards promote genuine peace and harmony. Second, by educating us now, Jehovah is preparing us for life in the new world. ",Psalms 1:1-3; Galatians 5:19-23; Isa. 54:13; John 17:3,w16 September p. 31-32,,,bl,,2/7/2018
"Teaching children, Illustrations, ","God’s spirit is needed to produce strong faith. Like literal fruit, faith takes time to grow. Thus you will need to manifest patience and perseverance in teaching your children. ","“My wife and I simply gave our children a lot of attention,” said a father of two in Japan. “From the time they were very young, I studied with them for 15 minutes every day, except on days when we had Christian meetings.","Gal. 5:22, 23",w16 September p. 31-32,,,bl,,6/29/2016
"Bible, moral education, Spiritual Insight, secular education,","""Education . . . that produces initials at the end of your name . . . is no guarantee of moral intelligence,” said an editorial in Canada’s newspaper Ottawa Citizen. ","Indeed, many highly educated people—including leaders in business and government—cheat, defraud, and steal, resulting in “a serious crisis of confidence,” according to a global study published by Edelman, a public relations firm. The Bible focuses on moral and spiritual education. It gives us insight into “what is righteous and just and fair, the entire course of what is good.”   ",Proverbs 2:9;,g16 No. 2 p. 3-4,,,bl,,6/29/2016
"Bible Explains Human Suffering and Conflict, ","When studying a disease epidemic, investigators try to find the cause—what triggered the outbreak. ","The same principle applies to understanding the “plague” of human suffering and discord. Again, the Bible is of immense help, for it documents our earliest history, the time when our troubles started. The book of Genesis reveals that mankind’s woes began when the first humans rebelled against God. Among other things, they took it upon themselves to set moral standards—a right that belonged only to our Creator. ",Genesis 3:1-7,g16 No. 2 p. 5-6,,,bl,,6/29/2016
"Embryo development, creation, life, truth,",Engineers design assembly lines so that the right parts are fitted together in the right order and in the right way. Embryo development is somewhat similar but vastly more complex.,"A goal of scientific research is to find the truth, not to support preconceived ideas. My study of embryo development led me to change my view—that is, I concluded that life was created. ",Psalm 139:16;,g16 No. 2 p. 10-11,,,bl,,6/29/2016
"Anxiety, stress, worry, asset, liability, ","Anxiety has two faces. One is a liability; the other, an asset. The Bible helps us to recognize both kinds.","The Bible writer Paul felt “anxiety for all the congregations,” he worked hard to comfort and encourage those for whom he was concerned. (2 Corinthians 11:28) In that respect, his anxiety proved to be an asset, for it moved him to extend needed help. The same can be true of us. The opposite attitude—apathy or indifference—would indicate a lack of loving concern.—Proverbs 17:17.",2 Corinthians 11:28; Proverbs 17:17;,g16 No. 2 p. 12-13,,,bl,,6/29/2016
Breaking the Language Barrier,“It is sometimes said that there is no task more complex than translation.”  Quote: “The Cambridge Encyclopedia of Language.”,"BEFORE translation can begin, publications of Jehovah’s Witnesses are carefully planned, researched, and written. During this process, the Writing Department at their world headquarters in New York thoroughly checks all text for factual accuracy and correct, up-to-date language usage.",Matthew 24:14;,g16 No. 3 p. 4,,,bl,,6/29/2016
"Habits, determination, endurance, ",There is a popular notion that it takes 21 days to cement a new habit. ,"In reality, though, research shows that it can take some people less time—and others a lot more—to make significant changes. Should that discourage you? Well, think of this scenario: Imagine that you want to build a habit of exercising three times a week.The first week, you meet your goal. The second week, you miss a day. The third week, you are back on track. The fourth week, you barely exercise once. The fifth week, you reach your goal again, and from that point forward, you meet it each week.  It took five weeks to solidify your new habit. That may seem like a long time, but once you reach your goal, you will be glad you have cultivated a new good habit.",Proverbs 24:16;,g16 No. 4 p. 6,,,bl,,6/29/2016
"homosexual people, gay, attitude, mock, mistreatment, ","Consider a comparison: Suppose you view smoking as harmful and even repugnant. What if you have a workmate who is a smoker? Would you be considered narrow-minded just because your view of smoking differs from his? Would the fact that he smokes and you do not smoke automatically mean that you are prejudiced against him? If your workmate were to demand that you change your view of smoking, would that not make him narrow-minded and intolerant?",Jehovah’s Witnesses choose to live by the moral code set forth in the Bible. They do not approve of the actions that the Bible prohibits. But they neither mock nor mistreat people whose practices differ from their own.,Romans 12:18;,g16 No. 4 p. 8,,,bl,,6/30/2016
"Change, ",A tree that can bend with the wind is more likely to survive a storm. ,"Like that tree, you can learn to “bend” with changes over which you have little or no control. Before discussing how you can do that, though, consider a few things you should know about change.  Change is inevitable. The Bible states a fundamental truth about humans: “Unexpected events overtake them all.” Sooner or later, you will be confronted with the reality of those words.",Ecclesiastes 9:11,g16 No. 4 p. 10,,,bl,,6/29/2016
"Change, Look ahead, focus, future, ","Look ahead. Focusing on the past is like driving on a highway with your eyes fixed on the rearview mirror. An occasional glance is beneficial, but you really need to concentrate on the road ahead. ","The same is true when you are confronted with change. Try to keep your eyes fixed on the future. (Proverbs 4:25) For example, what goal could you set for the next month, or six months?",Proverbs 4:25;,g16 No. 4 p. 11,,,bl,,6/29/2016
"Prayer, ",If house was on fire would we just stand there? ,"When we have bad thoughts, do we pray?",1 Chronicles 29:17;,2016 Regional Convention,,,bl,,6/30/2016
"Children, parents, obey, obedience,","Children, do you think you're smarter than parents? ","Jesus really was, but he continued to be obedient to them.",Eph. 6:6,2016 Regional Convention,,,bl,,12/13/2018
"Alcoholic, drinking, drunk, smoking, drugs,",Alcoholic must fast forward. ,He needs to look at the results in the future.,Psalm 97:10; 119:104,2016 Regional Convention,,,bl,,6/30/2016
"Revenge, retaliation, get even,",Slapping yourself hoping the other person will feel the pain.,It does not work that way.,"Eph 4:23, 24;",2016 Regional Convention,,,bl,,6/30/2016
"Open reproof, concealed love, discipline, counsel,",Suppose you notice someone coming from the bathroom with a spool of toilet paper being unrolled behind him.  Should you tell him right in front of everyone one?  Or should you just let him go on and eventually find it out on his own?,Open reproof is better than concealed love.,Proverbs 27:5;,2016 Regional Convention,,,bl,,6/30/2016
"Waiting eagerly, hopeful, attitude, ","Two men are in a Prison cell waiting. One is looking out the window, eagerly waiting for someone to come and release him.  The other is sitting dejected in the corner of his cell.  ",What is the difference? One has hope.  He is eagerly waiting until his relief comes. What should be our attitude?  ,Romans 8:25; Psalm 130:6;2 Corinthians 4:16-18,Ronald Cursan - Bethel speaker.  2016 Regional Convention.,,,bl,,7/1/2016
"Pride, erosion, ","Like a bacteria that erodes the teeth, ",pride erodes our relationship with Jehovah.,1 Peter 5:5;,"Brother Wells Bolivar, Mo",,,bl,,7/1/2016
"Health, cure, cleanliness, water, Pharmacy, ","Water, air, and cleanness are the chief articles in my pharmacy. Quote: Napoleon Bonaparte","To remain in God’s love, it is essential that we keep ourselves spiritually, morally, and mentally clean. ",Philippians 4:8;,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,7/2/2016
"Loyal Love, Samples, Widen out,",Sometimes when you go into a grocery store they have little booths where samples of food are given for free.  It is hoped that people will like the taste and buy the product. I know of some who have went from one booth to another and made a complete meal for free.,We need to give samples of our Christian love in this way. We are not like the world who need holidays or special occasions for giving.  We can show kindness and love at all times as Jehovah does.,1 Corinthians 10:24; Psalm 63:3;,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,7/4/2016
"Faithful, dependable, trustworthy, Jehovah,","There is a geyser in Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming USA,  that is so reliable they have named it ""Old Faithful.""  It shoots hot water into the air about every 74 minutes.  However predictions are only about 90% faithful.  Can you depend on something that is only 90% faithful?  What if it is 99.9% faithful.  It would be much better if it was 100% faithful.",Jehovah God is 100% faithful. He cannot tell a lie.,Hebrews 11:11; Psalm 27:27; Deuteronomy 32:4; Joshua 23:14; Titus 1:2;,Joe Laymon,,,bl,,7/4/2016
"Jesus Life, Written record, Actual presence, Bible with feeling, ","When we read the written record about Jesus we don't get the whole story.  It is like taking snapshots.  The apostles were with him days on end, and that was like watching a video of him.","We need to glean all we can from the written record we have, making it come to life.",John 21:25;,Sam  Herd GB,,,bl,,6/28/2018
"Gift, giver, life, loyal love, grateful, appreciation, Happiness, Relationship,","Suppose you were given a gift, something that you really liked. Of course you would be very happy to receive the gift and perhaps get a great deal of enjoyment from using it. But you would be ungrateful, indeed, if your thoughts did not go beyond the gift to the giver. Was it not the personal relationship between you and the giver that prompted the gift? If that relationship did not exist, there would have been no gift and no enjoyment of it."," The same is true with life. Precious as it is, we must bear in mind where our life came from and how it has been sustained. Certainly we did not create it ourselves, nor can we sustain it independent of all the marvelous provisions Jehovah has made on earth. The very fact that we have life, and undoubtedly we are enjoying it in some measure, is an expression of loving-kindness on the part of the Grand Creator, Jehovah God. Can we not see why King David wholeheartedly felt that God’s “loving-kindness is better than life”?",Psalm 100:3; Acts 14:17,w85 4/1 p. 4,,,bl,,7/5/2016
"Stress, stressed, desserts, diet, mind, anxiety, Dyslexia ,",Stressed spelled backwards is desserts.,"Sometimes, for what ever reason, when we are stressed, our minds tell us to compensate by eating.  Most often desserts.",Proverbs 23:21;,Sherry Woodford,,,bl,,7/6/2016
"perfect, perfection, sin,",Suppose you shoot at a bull's eye.  You miss it a yard.  You keep on practicing and each time you get a little closer.  After days of practice you can come within an inch of it.  But you cannot hit it dead center.,"It is the same with sin.  It means to miss the mark.  With practice you will do better, and maybe get within an acceptable range, but you can never become perfect in this system.","Deuteronomy 32:4, 5; ",Matthew Beason,,,bl,,7/31/2016
Jehovah's laws are a protection,"At the big top at the Circus, the Ringmaster makes an announcement that the lion has escaped fromhis cage. Everyone needs to get to safety as quickly as possible. Where would the safest place foryou to be? In the cage!","Satan is like a lion, Jehovah's organization where we find protection. The bars are not restrictions, but Jehovah's loving protection, as expressed in his divine principles",ISAIAH 48:17.ISAIAH 48:17.ISAIAH 48:17Isaiah 48:17,Jim Kinkade,,,jdk,,9/16/2016
"Friends, elevated by Holy spirit, average, Fruits of the spirit, Holy,","There is a joking expression in the world, ""One half of your friends are below average."" That is probably true in the world.  In Jehovah's organization, ""All of our friends are above average.""","That is because Jehovah's Holy Spirit keeps refining us and helping us to reflect the fruits of the spirit such as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faith, mildness, self-control. Jehovah is bringing us closer and closer to holiness.","Galatians 5:22, 23;",Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,9/20/2016
"Influence, thinking, ","""A man in the country does his own thinking, but you get him into town and he soon will be thinking second-handed.” -  Will Rogers.  May 1, 1926.",,,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,10/20/2016
"Money, Wisdom, ",Money and Wisdom have some similarities. However money is greatly limited.1.	Money will buy a bed but not peaceful sleep; 2.	Money will buy books but not brains to understanding; 3.	Money will buy food but not appetite;4.	Money will buy fine clothing but not beauty; 5.	Money will buy a house but not a home; 6.	Money will buy medicine but not good health; 7.	Money will buy amusements but not happiness; 8.	Money can even buy you a religion but not salvation; 9.	Money will buy a passport to anywhere except to Paradise. Knowledge and wisdom are worth far more.,"1.	Wisdom can help us buy a Bed - Wisdom can make our sleep peaceful;2.	Wisdom can help buy books, but It can give understanding from the grandest book on earth, the Bible. 3.	Not only does it help us buy fine clothing, but we become beautiful in the eyes of our brothers and sisters.        More important, beautiful in Jehovah's eyes. 4.	Wisdom can help buy medicine and can improve our health.5.	Wisdom can help us buy a passport to anywhere.  Even a passport into Paradise. Most Important:  Wisdom preserves the life of its owner.",Ecclesiastes 7:12,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,10/20/2016
"Revealing God's Purpose, Gradual, Progressively, ","CARING parents include their children in discussions about family matters. They are discreet, however, about the amount of information that they share. They reveal only details that they feel their children are mature enough to absorb.","Similarly, Jehovah has progressively revealed his purpose for the human family. But he has done so only when he knew that the time was right. Consider a brief overview of how Jehovah has revealed truths about the Kingdom throughout history.”",Isaiah 55:11,“God’s Kingdom Rules! ,,,bl,,11/3/2016
"Jehovah's purpose, progressively, gradual, proper time,","His purpose is not like a train that must run on a certain track to reach its destination and can be derailed by the actions of others. Once Jehovah states his purpose, no force in the universe can prevent its fulfillment. (Read Isaiah 55:11.) If a challenge threatens to block one track, Jehovah uses another.  When he sees fit, he informs his loyal servants of the new method he will use to accomplish his purpose.”","The rebellion of Satan, Adam, and Eve did not cause Jehovah to abandon his purpose to fill the earth with a perfect human family. Instead, Jehovah adapted his method of fulfilling it. ","Isaiah 55:11;  Ex. 3:14, 15",God’s Kingdom Rules!,,,bl,,11/3/2016
"Understanding, spiritual matters, Jesus teachings,","A little girl saw smoke rising from factory smokestacks and expanding into what looked like puffy clouds. She concluded that the purpose of the factory was to make clouds. Such a small misunderstanding on the part of a child can be amusing. However, a major misunderstanding can impact our lives. For example, misreading the label on a container of medicine could bring serious consequences.","Misunderstandings about spiritual matters can be even more serious. For example, some people misunderstood Jesus’ teachings.  Instead of learning more, they rejected everything that Jesus taught. What a loss!",John 6:48-68,"The Watchtower, No. 1 2017",,,bl,,11/3/2016
"Gossip, speech, ","“Once you squeeze toothpaste out, you can’t put it back in the tube."" ","The same is true with our words. Once we say something hurtful, we can’t take it back.”—James.",James 3:2;,g 1/12 p. 22,,,bl,,12/8/2016
"Breast cancer, survival, ","IF YOU heard a news report that a killer was stalking your neighborhood, would you take measures to protect yourself and your family? Likely you would lock and bolt your doors so as not to invite an easy entry. You would also keep on the watch for suspicious-looking strangers and report them right away.","Should women do any less regarding a killer disease, breast cancer? What measures can they take to protect themselves and increase their chances of survival?",,g94 4/8 p. 6 ,,,bl,,12/8/2016
"Native tongue, language, study,","Although a chef has to taste dishes before serving them, he cannot live merely on the food he samples. If he wants to remain healthy, he has to prepare nutritious meals for himself. ","Similarly, we should strive to nourish our heart with spiritual food that fills our personal needs.","Philippines 1:9, 10; ",October 2016 WT,,,bl,,12/11/2016
"Resurrection, sleeping, positive view, future, ","Once at the Kingdom Hall, both Norman Smith and I were dragging, and I said, ""Norman, one of these days one of us is going to wake up and the other one will not be there."" He said the most beautiful thing! ""And one of these days we will wake up and we will all be there."" ","What a positive view of the resurrection!  That is how we all need to look at it.  We need to see past the things seen, and look at the beautiful future before us.",John 5:28;,"Bobby Laymon, Norman Smith,",,,bl,,12/12/2016
"materialism, love, things,",Love people and use things.,Because the opposite never works.,1 John 2:17;,Bobby Laymon ,,,bl,,12/23/2016
"Abuse of power, bullies, bully, ",“Everything in the world is about sex except sex. Sex is about power.”― Oscar Wilde,Sex is one of the greatest abuses of power.,"Genesis 34:1, 2;",Bible,,,bl,,12/25/2016
"Power, abuse, character, ","“Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man's character, give him power.” ― Abraham Lincoln","Men cannot handle power, but will almost always abuse.  Jehovah is not like that. (Ecclesiastes 8:9) . . .All of this I have seen, and I applied my heart to every work that has been done under the sun, during the time that man has dominated man to his harm.",Ecclesiastes 8:9;,Quote: Abraham Lincoln,,,bl,,12/25/2016
"Love, abuse of power, peace, happiness,","“The day the power of love overrules the love of power, the world will know peace.” -- Mahatma Gandhi",It has always been that way with Jehovah.  His love always overrules the love of power.  His way and that of Christ Jesus will bring peace.,"Isaiah 9:6, 7;",,,,bl,,12/25/2016
"Abuse of power, Nations, love, ","“I met an old lady once, almost a hundred years old, and she told me, 'There are only two questions that human beings have ever fought over, all through history. 1. How much do you love me?  2.  And Who's in charge?” ― Elizabeth Gilbert, ","In the future, that will no longer be the issue.  Everyone will know that Jehovah God and his son, Christ Jesus, are ruling the paradise earth.",Isaiah 11:9;,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,12/25/2016
"Abuse of power, love, kindness, touch, respect, smile, listening ear, honest compliment, care, Shebna,","“Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.” ― Leo Buscaglia",Shebna could have acted in a loving way instead of focusing on a monument for himself after his death.,Isaiah 22:16;,Bible,,,bl,,12/25/2016
"Abuse of power, Character, measure, respect, ",“The measure of a man is what he does with power.” ― Plato,Let us always use what power we are granted as Jehovah God does.  With love and respect for others.,"Genesis 18:20, 21;",,,,bl,,12/25/2016
"Abuse of power, ","The greater the power, the more dangerous the abuse. -- Edmund Burke ",,Ecclesiastes 8:9;,,,,bl,,12/25/2016
"Abuse of power, boss, bosses, bullies, ","With power comes the abuse of power. And where there are bosses, there are crazy bosses. It's nothing new. Quote: Judd Rose ",,2 Chronicles 12:1;,,,,bl,,12/25/2016
"Abuse of power,","A fondness for power is implanted in most men, and it is natural to abuse it when acquired. -- Alexander Hamilton ",,2 Chronicles 12:1;,,,,bl,,12/25/2016
"organized, unity, universe, ","Jehovah has placed trillions of stars and planets in orbit, and they continue to orbit and never bump into one another.",Man puts a few thousands planes in the air and is constantly worried about them bumping into each other.,Isaiah 40:22;,Todd Bell,,,bl,,1/13/2017
"System of things, World, End, ","“DEAD MAN WALKING!” That cry rings out as a dangerous criminal is led from his prison cell, metal doors clanging behind him. Why do the man’s guards say such a thing? The man seems relatively healthy; no physical problem is about to rob him of his life. However, the guards are leading him to a place of execution. That condemned criminal is as good as dead.* This paragraph describes a prison custom that was common practice years ago in some parts of the United States.","In a sense, today’s system of things is like that man on death row. This wicked world has long since been condemned, and its execution is now close at hand. The Bible says: “The world is passing away.” (1 John 2:17) The system’s end is a certainty. And yet, there is a key difference between this world’s end and that of the prisoner. At the prisoner’s execution, some may protest the sentence, questioning its justice or perhaps hoping for a last-minute stay of execution. In the case of this world, though, the sentence has been determined by the perfectly just Sovereign of the universe. (Deut. 32:4) There will be no stay of execution, and there will be no lingering doubts about the justice of the sentence. After it is carried out, every thinking creature in the universe will heartily agree that justice was done. The relief will be immense!",1 John 2:17; Deuteronomy 32:4; ,w17 April pp. 9-13,,,bl,,2/15/2017
"Pain, cure, sickness, happiness, ","Do you remember the cold you had 5 years ago? You may remember you were sick, but the pain is gone and you don't remember how sick you really were.  How you wanted to die, and thought you were going to.","That is how it will be in the New Earth. Like the bad cold you had, 'the former things will not come up into your heart.'",Isaiah 65:17,Glen Teakell ,,,bl,,3/2/2017
"Associates, associations, ",It has been said that associates are like an elevator. They can take you up or take you down.,We want our associates to be those that will lift us up and encourage us.,1 Corinthians 15:33;,Steven Lett,,,bl,,3/8/2017
"Associates, associations, ",When you spend lots of time with someone with a high fever you will probably end up getting it yourself.,That is also what happens when you spend a lot of time with people with bad habits and morals.,1 Corinthians 15:33;,Steven Lett,,,bl,,3/8/2017
"Elders, experience,","""We know a thing or two, because we have seen a thing or two."" Insurance commercial.",Younger elders should still seek advise from older elders for the same reason.,Psalm 71:18,Bobby Laymon ,,,bl,,4/2/2017
"Strength in numbers, Unity, United, Jehovah's organization,","We hear the expression that there is strength in numbers, however, ""It is not in numbers, but in unity, that our great strength lies"" Quote by Thomas Paine.",That is how it is in Jehovah's organization.  We are united with Jehovah and Christ Jesus.,John 17:21;,Steven Lett,,,bl,,4/17/2017
rare flowers,only if my father holds the rope ,,,,,,bl,,4/30/2017
stress,"Octopuses can sometimes suffer from autophagy or self-cannibalism. This is caused by stress or anxiety. The stress makes the octopus open to infection. The octopus thinks it can get rid of the infection by ""eating its own arms"". This often results in the death of the animal.",Stress and anxiety have the same affect on us. Stress can make us unwell. If not kept in check we can self cannibalize...not literally but spiritually. ,Matthew 6:34,Carl Brown ,,,cb,,5/13/2017
"Knowledge, Test, checklist, know God, experience, ","PILOTS who fly one of the most successful aircraft ever built have a preflight inspection checklist consisting of more than 30 items. If they do not carefully follow the checklist each time before takeoff, the pilots increase the possibility of a tragic accident. Do you know what type of pilot is especially urged to complete the checklist every time? It is the very experienced pilot! The seasoned pilot could easily become complacent and fail to carry out the preflight inspection in every detail.","Like a safety-minded pilot, you can use a type of checklist to make sure that your faith will not falter when you need it most. Whether you are newly baptized or you have been serving God for many years, regularly checking the depth of your faith and devotion to Jehovah God is essential. Failure to check on this regularly and diligently can lead to spiritual ruin. The Bible warns us: “Let him that thinks he is standing beware that he does not fall.”",1 Cor. 10:12; ,w13 3/15 p. 13 pars. 1-2,How Well Do You Know God,01,bl,,5/10/2017
"Peace, order, unity,","Describe an army marching in unity.  (show-off the troops) A group of soldiers may march in an orderly way toward the front lines, but their orderly advance results in war, not peace. Hence, as Christians, we want to keep a key fact in mind: Any structure of order that does not have peace as its foundation will sooner or later collapse. In contrast, godly peace promotes the kind of order that lasts.","“God is a God not of disorder but of peace.” (1 Cor. 14:33) Note that Paul did not contrast disorder with order, but he contrasted it with peace. Why? Consider this: Order in itself does not invariably result in peaceful conditions. Therefore, how grateful we are that our organization is guided and refined by “the God who gives peace”! (Rom. 15:33) God-given peace forms the foundation for the beneficial order and the heartfelt unity that we enjoy and appreciate so much in our congregations worldwide.​—Ps. 29:11.",1 Corinthians 14:33,God's Kingdom Rules Chapter 12;,Serving With Jehovah's Unified Organization.,03,bl,,5/5/2025
"Gradual, Classrooms, pornography, extra curricular activities, curriculum, the three R's, reading, writing, arithmetic, ","On a cold night the man let the camel put its head in the tent. Then its neck. Then its shoulders. Soon the camel was in the tent and the man was out in the cold. So goes the fable. Similarly, as elective courses came into the school curriculum the three R’s were crowded out.","Sound familiar? Was not the same argument used when sex education was first introduced into the schools, namely, it will reduce promiscuity and pregnancies? The only thing reduced, the record shows, is skill in reading, writing and arithmetic. The schools have taken on any number of activities, none of which we asked for,” a teacher said. “They’re concerned about students’ emotional needs, their social needs and last of all their educational needs. Discussions on family life, in most instances, are a euphemism for pornography in the classroom.”",2 Timothy 3:13;, g79 11/22 p. 9,,,bl,,6/19/2017
"Humble/haughtiness monitor,",Where are you on the humble haughtiness monitor? Hold up 2 fists. Probably somewhere in between. ,Moses a great example of humility.  His haughtiness spiked when provoked to give water to the people. We want the needle to be as close to humbleness as possible.,James 4:6,Kenneth Flodin,,,bl,,9/24/2017
"Individual, love,",Do you ever feel like everyone is a tuxedo and you are a brown pair of shoes.,"Sometimes we just feel out of place, and that nobody cares.  Jehovah cares very much about us.",John 3:16; 6:44,Charles Gill,,,bl,,10/17/2017
"Obedience, obey, secret weapon, attack of the Assyrian, Gog of Magog, ","Suppose the military and government were hunting you down, and the organization sent word to put a sign in front of your house stating, ""Jehovah's Witnesses live here.""  Would you do it?",We should obey Jehovah servants even if it doesn't seem reasonable from human standpoint. Especially during the 'great tribulation. ,Micah 5:5;,"Gordon Woodford, Circuit overseer.",,,bl,,12/23/2017
"Satan, Devil, satisfaction, enough, blame, Ponzi scheme, ",Satan wants Jehovah's people to think that Jehovah is never satisfied with what we do.  Actually it is Satan that is never satisfied. Examples below.,"It is sad to see people lose their life's savings.  Satan causes greedy people to invent scams to take their money.  After they have scammed 20 people of their life's savings, does he say, ""That is enough?""  At what point does he do that?  After 100, 200?  Is he ever satisfied? What about a serial killer after he has killed 3 people.  At what point does Satan say, ""That is enough!""  Quit killing.",Proverbs 27:20;,Gordon Woodford Circuit overseer.,,,bl,,12/23/2017
Live life backwards; ,"Woody Allen quote: “In my next life I want to live my life backwards. You start out dead and get that out of the way. Then you wake up in an old people's home feeling better every day. You get kicked out for being too healthy, go collect your pension, and then when you start work, you get a gold watch and a party on your first day. You work for 40 years until you're young enough to enjoy your retirement. You party, drink alcohol, and are generally promiscuous, then you are ready for high school. You then go to primary school, you become a kid, you play. You have no responsibilities, you become a baby until you are born. And then you spend your last 9 months floating in luxurious spa-like conditions with central heating and room service on tap, larger quarters every day and then Voila! You finish off as an orgasm!”",That may sound a little ridiculous but it will match some of the experiences we may have in God's new world.  Job said: Let his flesh become fresher than in youth. Let him return to his youthful vigor.,Job 33:25;,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,12/25/2017
"Death, fear of death, die, ",“I'm not afraid of death; I just don't want to be there when it happens.” ― Woody Allen,,,,,,bl,,12/25/2017
"Youth, Children, direction in life,","“SUPPOSE you plan to travel to a distant town for an important event. Getting there requires a long journey by bus. At the bus station, you are overwhelmed by crowds of passengers and many buses. How good it is that you have your goal clearly in mind​—finding the bus that is going to your chosen destination! Boarding a bus going anywhere else would mean that you would head in the wrong direction.","Young people today might be likened to those passengers. Adolescents face a long journey, not by bus, but in life. At times they may feel overwhelmed by the opportunities and decisions that confront them. Youths, you can make it easier for yourselves if you have a good idea where you want to go in life. Where should you be headed?",Proverbs 16:3;,"Watchtower, April 2018.",,,bl,,1/14/2018
"Cure, health, language,","If you are 50 or older, you need to learn a new language.","Words like MRI, HDL, LDL, EKG, ICU,",Isaiah 33:24,Mark Sanderson,What Cure For Sick Mankind,,bl,,1/17/2018
"YOLO,",You only live once.,,,,,,bl,,2/4/2018
"Memorial, ransom, ","""Don't forget how much I love you.""  We might say that to someone we really love. ","And that's why In fact Jesus commanded his disciples to remember his loving act in a simple but very important ceremony, which is to be held once a year as a memorial. ","Luke 22:19, 20",Carl Brown,,,bl,,2/10/2018
"Obedience, Memorial, ransom, Adam and Eve,","We go to doctor he says I have good news and bad news.  Good news have a cure, but the bad news you can't afford it. In fact its so expensive all your friends and family don't have enough to cover the cost. So how would you feel ?","That's our situation.  We have been given a terminal condition by our forefather Adam and no one in the human family can afford the cure . How did we get in this condition? The first human couple had nothing but joy and happiness as their future. But this wonderful future of everlasting life was dependent on Adams remaining obedient to his Heavenly Father who had given him this wonderful life.But instead of obeying God Adam disobeyed God, And he lost the prospect of everlasting life. Not only for himself but also for all his children who had not been born yet.",Romans 5:12;,Carl Brown,,,bl,,2/13/2018
"Inherit, Sin, Genetics, heredity, ransom, Memorial,",So did you notice that it says that through one man sin entered into the world. Why because of the law of genetics or heredity. We know that we inherit certain traits from our parents. For instance our looks our hair color shape of our nose ears and so on. So we know that we inherit not only good traits but also some bad ones. Although our parents may hope we turn out perfect they know it's impossible because you can't pass on what you don't have.,"So it was with Adam.  He couldn't pass on what he didn't have. He was no longer perfect, he was a sinner so that's all he could pass onto his children was the inclination to sin, the inclination to do bad the inclination to pursue fleshly desires, the inclination o be selfish.And since we are all descendants of Adam none of us are exempt or free from sin.  Whether rich or poor , tall or short man or woman no matter what color we are. We are ALL SINNERS. THE BIBLE SAYS ALL Have sinned and FALL SHORT OF THE GLORY OF GOD!",Romans 5:12;,Carl Brown,,,bl,,2/13/2018
"Sin, ransom, Memorial,","No matter how good a person tries to be he still sins every day. If you think about it in lifetime that's an enormous amount of sins. If a  person lives to age 70 and commits just one sin each day, it would be over 25,550 sins.","So the question is. is there any way that right-hearted descendants of Adam could ever be rescued from this sad condition that they have inherited? The answer is yes. How is that possible?  Because our loving Heavenly Father Jehovah came to the rescue. He paid the price for us, he ransomed us from this great debt at great cost to himself. Now what was the price? John 3:16;",JOHN 3:16;,Carl Brown,,,bl,,2/10/2018
"Ransom, criminals, price, Memorial, serial killers, ","What kind of people did Jesus die for?  The Bible says that Christ died for us while we were yet sinners. Well what is a sinner? A sinner is a law breaker; and what do we call lawbreakers?  We call them CRIMINALS!  SO YOU MIGHT SAY THAT JEHOVAH ALLOWED HIS son to die for us while we were criminals. Could you do that? How many of you could let your child die for a criminal? How many of you could go down to the prison and tell the warden that you want him to execute your son for a criminal on death row?  Could you watch as he ate his last meal, walked his last walk to the execution chair; watch as they strapped him down; and watch as they executed him?","Could you do that? Well that's what Jehovah did. He watched as his beloved son was spit upon, beaten, humiliated and then executed on the torture stake. Why? JOHN 3:16 because he loved us so much",John 3:16;,Carl Brown,,,bl,,2/10/2018
"Memorial, ransom, legal, justice, Last Adam, ",But why was it necessary for Jesus to die? Why did God not just forgive man. Forget it happened and just remove sin. Because it was a legal case.  So Jehovah provided the legal means to save right-hearted mankind from the curse that Adam had put on us.The apostle Paul helps us to understand this in ROMANS 5:19.,"So Jehovah governed by his perfect sense of justice tells us that if one perfect man sold us into sin then it would take one perfect man who could sacrifice his right to live on this earth to buy us out of sin. That sacrifice would enable us to become part of Gods family.  So Jesus was able to achieve what Adam failed to achieve, produce a family of true worshippers who would be children of God. Who would live right here on the earth.  That's why Jesus is “called the last Adam.”  The first Adam set his descendants on the path to destruction because of his disobedience. The last Adam, Jesus, provided our deliverance through his obedience as far as deathSo Jesus took our place, suffering death for us ,so that we could live forever notice how Paul emphasizes this at [Read Hebrews 2:9]",Romans 5:19; Hebrews 2:9;,Carl Brown,,,bl,,2/10/2018
"Memorial, ransom, feelings, grateful, ","How would you feel if you were on a busy street and a truck lost control and was bearing down on you about to run you over and some man you didn't even know pushed you out of the way and took the impact of the truck, Saving your life. Could just forget it? No you would talk about that for the rest of your life. It would be a story you would repeat many times.",So doesn't It warms our heart to think that Jesus was willing to change places with us—to suffer and die so that we could have life!,John 3:16;,Carl Brown,,,bl,,2/10/2018
"Memorial, ransom, 144,000, anointed, Rulers, ",But why choose humans and not angels to rule over mankind? Think of this.  Do angels know what it is like to live with fleshly weaknesses?  Do they know what it's like to deal tobacco problem; or a drinking problem?  Do they know what it feels like to lose a loved one in death?  NO!,Jehovah wanted rulers who could really empathize with us. He wanted the best possible government to rule over his children. So how many does Jehovah choose to rule in this heavenly administration? Assisting him to raise mankind to perfection. The Bible gives us the number at REV.14:1,Revelation 14:1;,Carl Brown,,,bl,,2/10/2018
"Memorial, ransom, bride, how they know, New Covenant, ",How does Jehovah do the selecting its with his powerful Holy Spirit?  God’s spirit gives them personal assurance that they have the heavenly hope. And there is no doubt in their mind!  Illustrate with a wedding. Now how does the bride know she's the bride? Because she's been asked! No doubt in her mind. There are other women at the wedding. Do you think they wonder if they are the bride? No why because they haven't been asked. ,"Likewise with the anointed they know they are a member of the bride of Christ. How? Well Jehovah God by his Holy Spirit uses the same spirit he created the earth with; the same spirit he created man with; the same spirit he inspired the Bible with. Gets in contact with the anointed inviting them into this arrangement and there is no doubt in their mind. And just like a bride enters into a covenant, likewise the anointed are brought into the new covenant. This is the basis in which spiritual Israel is gathered.",Romans 8:15-17,Carl Brown,,,bl,,2/14/2018
"Other sheep, great crowd, earth, promise, New Earth, Memorial, ",WHY ATTEND? Those with earthly hope might ask.  It's because we also benefit greatly from the new covenant. How so? By means of the ransom are loving creator is going to reverse and fix all the damage all the tragedies all the problems that has been done since the rebellion in the garden of eden. ,"So when those with the earthly hope read of the promises of the paradise new world in Gods word they are thrilled and they say Jehovah is talking to me. Just like those who have been chosen to go to heaven when the Bible mentions life in the heavens they know God is talking to them. So those with the earthly hope are thrilled as they contemplate the blessings that God has in store for them on a paradise earth: Can you just imagine what life is going to be like here on the earth under Kingdom rule For millions of Jesus faithful footstep followers? A beautiful picture is painted for us in the book of Isaiah.Many of are young ones eagerly anticipate the fulfillment of Isaiah 11:6-9 regarding animal life Even many of us adults look forward to this wonderful harmony with animals! Many Sick or infirm ones yearn to see Isaiah 35:5, 6 come true. Can you imagine being able to get rid of glasses, canes, wheelchairs being able to run like you did when you were young, waking up and being not draggy but full of energy. That's going to be a reality under Kingdom rule. Family heads look forward to the day when Isaiah 65:21-23 will become a reality.  Can you imagine not having to worry about how you are going to make ends meet!  You won't have to worry about paying the rent, or the mortgage or worry about high taxes.  And can you imagine a time when Jesus reaches down into the grave and resurrects your mother your father your grandparents some even your children. And tells you I've been wanting to do that for a long time.",Isaiah 11:6-9;,Carl Brown,,,bl,,2/10/2018
"Memorial, ransom, appreciation, appreciate, criminal, death row, remember, forget, ","After prayer over wine.  -- DO YOU APPRECIATE THIS SACRIFICE. That was made for us.  I would like for you to imagine for a moment that you were that criminal on death row.  You watched as the man came in and had his son take your place.  How would you feel? Could you ever forget what he did for you? I doubt it. Would you not ask him why did you do that? How could I ever pay you back,? And you know what he tells you. Here's how you can pay me back I want you to be my friend. in fact I want you to become part of my family. How many of us would say no? I doubt any of us would.","See that's what Jehovah wants you to be, he wants you to be his friend he wants you to be a member of his family of worshippersJesus’ sacrifice is what has opened the way for you to have such a precious relationship with Jehovah.",John 3:16; Matthew 26:28;,Carl Brown,,,bl,,2/14/2018
"Memorial, conclusion, ransom, remember, don't forget,",As we conclude tonight and we all get ready to go home I want you to think about this. On this night about 2000 years ago Jesus' ordeal was just beginning.  At midnight Jesus was being falsely arrested; he was humiliated beaten; slapped; spit upon; and stripped of his dignity. ,"Now lastly In the coming days and weeks, please don't stop thinking about the greatest love ever shown to mankind.  How Jehovah God loved his earthly children so much that he gave His son for us.  As your eating breakfast in the morning remember Jesus was being flogged by roman soldiers.  When your eating lunch tomorrow about noon, Jesus was being nailed to the torture stakeAs you're thinking about coming home from work or getting out of school 3:00 o'clock, remember Jesus was taking his last breath.Now why?  [Conclude by reading 1 John 4:9] So Jesus suffered all of this because he and his father wants you to have everlasting life So may all of us never forget the love that Jehovah and Jesus Christ has shown us, and may it move us to love them from the heart in return.",1 John 4:9;,Carl Brown,,,bl,,2/14/2018
"Bible, God's Word, light, guidance, pathway, ","IMAGINE you are walking along a dark path late one evening. Although the sun has long since set, you do not feel hopelessly lost, for you have in your hand a powerful flashlight. When you point it downward, you see clearly what is immediately in front of you. And when you point it forward, its piercing beam illuminates your path far into the distance.In some ways, the Bible is like such a flashlight. As we considered in the preceding articles,"," God’s Word can help us deal with what is immediately in front of us​—the day-to-day problems that we all face in this uncertain world. But the Bible does more. It also provides an illuminating view of the future, enabling us to see and follow a path that leads to lasting happiness and contentment. (Psalm 119:105) How so?Let us consider two ways in which the Bible gives us a practical hope for the future: 1 It helps us find purpose in life, and 2 it teaches us how to build an eternal friendship with our Creator.",Psalm 119:105,Watchtower No. 1 2018 page 14,,,bl,,2/11/2018
"Bible, survival, outdated, ahead of time, relevant, standard, trusted,","PICTURE THIS: You are touring a museum full of ancient monuments. Most are pitted, weathered, and eroded. Some have great chunks missing. One, though, is remarkably intact; its intricate design is clear in every detail. “Is this one newer than the others?” you ask your guide. “No,” he responds, “it is older than most, and it has never been rebuilt.” “Has it been sheltered?” you ask. “No,” says your guide, “this one has faced the worst wind and rain. And many vandals have tried to mar it.” Perhaps you would wonder in amazement, ‘What is it made of?’ "," In a way, the Bible is like that remarkable monument. It is a very ancient book​—older than most. There are other ancient books, of course. But like eroded old monuments, most old writings have been badly damaged by the passage of time. Their statements on science, for instance, have been contradicted by new knowledge, provable facts. Their medical counsel often seems more dangerous than helpful. And many ancient writings are mere fragments of what they once were; parts have been lost or badly damaged.",Genesis 1:1,Watchtower #1 2018,,,bl,,2/11/2018
"Future, fortune tellers, seers, ambiguous, forecast, ","It is said that King Croesus of Lydia sent gifts of great value to the oracle at Delphi, Greece, with a request to learn what the outcome would be if he fought against Cyrus of Persia. The oracle said that Croesus would destroy “a great empire."" if he marched against Cyrus. In their effort to discern the future, some in the ancient world consulted oracles​—priests or priestesses who passed on information from the god they claimed to represent. ","Confident of victory, Croesus sallied forth, but the great empire that was destroyed was his own! The ambiguous forecast of the oracle was worthless; it would have appeared true no matter which side won the war. Croesus paid dearly for misinformation that brought him disaster. Have those who turn to today’s popular methods of predicting the future fared any better?",Joshua 24:15;,Watchtower No. 2 2018,,,bl,,2/11/2018
"Preaching work, endurance, lack faith, difficult, ","In effect, we say to those to whom we preach: ‘We brought a beautiful gift for you. Please accept it.’ ","So when people refuse to accept that gift, it is no wonder that we may have “pain in [our] heart.” Such feelings indicate, not that we lack faith, but that our heart is in the preaching work. So despite moments of discouragement, we endure. Elena, a pioneer for over 25 years, speaks for many of us when she says: “I find the preaching work difficult. Still, there is no other work I would rather do.”",Matthew 22:39;,May 2008 Watchtower,,,bl,,2/11/2018
"Bible reading, understanding, discernment, wisdom, knowledge,",A little girl saw smoke rising from factory smokestacks and expanding into what looked like puffy clouds. She concluded that the purpose of the factory was to make clouds.," Such a small misunderstanding on the part of a child can be amusing. However, a major misunderstanding can impact our lives. For example, misreading the label on a container of medicine could bring serious consequences.Misunderstandings about spiritual matters can be even more serious. For example, some people misunderstood Jesus’ teachings. (John 6:48-68) Instead of learning more, they rejected everything that Jesus taught. What a loss!",John 6:48-68;,WT #1 2017,,,bl,,2/12/2018
"Gift, possession, ransom, ","THE boat-shaped pencil sharpener in Jordan’s hand seems unremarkable. Yet, it is one of his most treasured possessions. Jordan explains, “Russell, an elderly family friend, gave it to me when I was very young.” After Russell’s death, Jordan learned that Russell had played a pivotal role in the lives of Jordan’s grandfather and parents, reassuring them during difficult times. “Now that I have learned more about Russell,” Jordan says, “this tiny gift is more valuable to me than ever.”","As Jordan’s experience illustrates, a gift may have little or no value in some people’s eyes. To the appreciative recipient, though, it may be precious, even priceless. The Bible describes a gift of incalculable worth in these well-known words: “God loved the world so much that he gave his only-begotten Son, so that everyone exercising faith in him might not be destroyed but have everlasting life.”—John 3:16.",John 3:16;,WT #2 2017;,,,bl,,2/13/2018
"Everlasting life, live forever, Memorial, Lord's evening meal, ","Would you like to live forever? Some say no!  Some say one lifetime is enough for me. Or ‘endless life would be boring.’ Or death is part of life, when it’s my time to go, I’ll be ready.  ","But when diagnosed with a life-threatening illness, what do most people do? Seek treatment. Do what they can to extend life for a few more day, weeks, months or years. This desire to keep living was implanted in each one of us by our Creator, Jehovah God whose original purpose for us was not to grow old and die, but that we live forever. In fact, our longing to extend our life is reflected from God’s own desire that we live forever. ","Luke 22:19, 30;",JW streaming,,,bl,,3/18/2018
"144,000, anointed,",Take just about any government and what do you have.  A relative small group of rulers governing a large group of people under that government.," So, that’s two groups: The heavenly and the earthly.","Revelation 14:1, 3;",JW streaming,,,bl,,3/18/2018
"Earthly hope, consolation prize, console, Memorial,",On television game shows they give a consolation prize. To console those who don’t win the larger prize.  Now here’s a question. Is endless life on earth a second-rate reward? A mere consolation prize for those of us who don’t have that heavenly hope?  		,"Absolute not!  Endless life on earth has always been Jehovah God’s original purpose for faithful people on earth. This is what Jehovah designed for making people supremely happy. Its everything we are designed for. All we could ever need or want, and more.","Isaiah 11:6-9; 35:5,6; 65:21-23;",JW streaming,,,bl,,3/18/2018
"Everlasting life, Memorial","Some who say they don’t want to live forever and may try to make the best out of this life say, “we need the bad to appreciate the good, and we need the sickness to appreciate	health.”	  		","REALLY THOUGH! Has that been your experience?  Have you ever lost joy in life because you feel so good?   Isn’t it the diagnostic tests, the disappointing diagnosis, the chronic health problems, the hospital visits that make life disagreeable?  In the paradise earth there won’t be any of those things.  That is no consolation prize.","Isaiah 35:5, 6;",JW streaming,,,bl,,3/18/2018
"Everlasting life, forever, Memorial, billion years, billion minutes, billion seconds, ","Try to imagine what it would be like to live for a billion years.  Or even a billion minutes.  Try this: If you were a billion minutes old right now, when were you born?  Maybe a hundred years ago, or a little farther back.  How about the late 1800’s?  When Charles Taze Russell produced the first issue of Zion’s Watchtower.  If you were alive then and are still here today, would you be a billion minutes old?  Not yet.  No! To be a billion minutes old you would have had to be born in the early 2nd century CE.  Shortly after the death of Jesus’ apostles.  Now think: You saw the fall of the Roman empire.  You lived through the Medieval period, Renaissance period, the British reign of Henry the 8th, Elizabeth I. You were here when the United States was first formed. You were alive when countries like South African, Canada and Australia were found. You may have personally met famous composers like Bach, Mozart, Beethoven, Tchaikovsky. Of course, you lived through WWI, WWII, and ...",here you are alive today.  How old are you.  You are a billion minutes old.,John 17:3,JW Streaming,,,bl,,1/6/2019
"Price, Paying for everlasting life,","You’ve heard the expression, “You get what you pay for?”  What was Jehovah paying for?  		",The high cost of the ransom of itself assures us that it means exactly what he says it means. ‘Endless Life.’ Nothing less.,John 3:16;,JW Streaming,,,bl,,3/18/2018
"Memorial, Partakers, anointed,","Sometimes someone may say, “I suspect I may be anointed as one of the 144,000, but I am not sure.  If a person is not sure what should he do?  As mentioned earlier, Romans 8:15-17 explains that those of the heavenly group KNOW they are the anointed by means of the holy spirit.  Because God’s spirit bears witness with their spirit.  ","Are we to think that God’s spirit, the powerful force Jehovah used in creating the universe is so weak, so ineffective that it has to merely imply or hint that someone is of the anointed?  No!  The spirit itself bears witness to the remnant of 144,000.  They partake, but as for the rest of us, we know we are not.  We observe.  But if a person is uncertain, in a way, that in itself is a sure thing.  It is a sure thing that he is NOT of the anointed and that he should NOT partake. Of course he can join the rest of us in observing the Lord’s Evening Meal.  ",Romans 8:15-18;,JW Streaming,,,bl,,3/18/2018
"War, right, wrong, Armageddon,","In war it does not matter who is right, but who is left - Winston Churchill. ","In Jehovah's war, might is right and will win the fight.",Psalms 46:9;,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,3/27/2018
"Humility, self-esteem, proud, ","We are all worms, but I do believe I am a glowworm - Winston Churchill.",We must not think we are better than others.,Romans 12:3;,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,3/27/2018
"Children, advice, ","Everybody knows how to raise children, except the people who have them - P. J. O'Rourke.",The Bible has the best advice.,Proverbs 22:6;,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,3/27/2018
"Problems, Jehovah's thoughts, thinking, solution to the world's problems, ",The problems that exist in the world today cannot be solved by the level of thinking that created them - Albert Einstein.,Jehovah can help us to think as he does and see things His way.,Isaiah 55:9; Daniel 2:44;,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,3/27/2018
"Solutions, problems we face, ","If Stupidity got us into this mess, then why can’t it get us out? - Will Rogers.",Man was not designed to lead himself.,Jeremiah 10:23,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,3/27/2018
"Statistics, facts, distortion, standards, reliable guide, ","Get your facts first, then you can distort them as you please - Mark Twain.",The truth is that many statistics are not reliable guides.  God's Word is always right.,Exodus 23:8;,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,3/27/2018
"Procrastination, tardy, late, running behind, busy, 10 virgins, slow, meetings,","If it weren’t for the last minute, nothing would get done – George Bernard Shaw",Like the foolish virgins it is not wise to always be late.,Matthew 25:1-11; ,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,3/27/2018
"Government, Democracy, ","Democracy is the worst system devised by wit of man, except for all the others – Winston Churchill.",Man's government cannot satisfy our needs.,Jeremiah 10:23;,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,3/27/2018
"Decisions, choice, ",If you choose not to decide – you still have made a choice! – Neil Peart.,We must make the right choice in serving Jehovah.,Joshua 24:15;,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,3/27/2018
"Research, knowledge, wisdom, Jehovah's name, Jehovah's hand,","“If we knew what it was we were doing, it would not be called research, would it?” – Albert Einstein.",We need to look for evidence of Jehovah's hand in everything we do.,Psalm 83:16-18;,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,3/27/2018
"Action, preaching work, activity, progress, move, working, ","Even if you’re on the right track, you’ll get run over if you just sit there – Will Rogers.","(Proverbs 6:10, 11) . . .A little sleep, a little slumbering, A little folding of the hands to rest, 11 And your poverty will come like a bandit, And your want like an armed man.","Proverbs 6:10, 11;",Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,3/27/2018
"Goals, destination, plans, pioneering, service, ",Why do you sit there looking like an envelope without any address on it? - Mark Twain.,Good planning will help us succeed in our service to Jehovah.,Proverbs 20:18;,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,3/27/2018
"Experience, Bible, standard,",We learn from experience that men never learn anything from experience - George Bernard Shaw.,"(Psalm 19:7) . . .The law of Jehovah is perfect, restoring strength. The reminder of Jehovah is trustworthy, making the inexperienced one wise. ",Psalms 19:7;,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,3/27/2018
"Associates, associations, friends, ","MANY health-care professionals work among those infected with contagious diseases. They care for their patients because they want to help them. In doing so, however, they need to protect themselves so that they do not become infected with the disease they are seeking to treat. Likewise, many of us live and work with those who are infected with attitudes and characteristics that run counter to godly qualities. This presents a challenge for us.","2 These last days are a time of moral chaos. The apostle Paul’s second letter to Timothy describes the characteristics of people who are alienated from God, characteristics that will become more pronounced in the days ahead. (Read 2 Timothy 3:1-5, 13.) Though we may be shocked by the prevalence of such qualities, we could be influenced by the behavior and attitudes of those who display them. (Prov. 13:20) In this article, we will consider how the qualities that characterize people of the last days stand in contrast with the qualities of God’s people. We will also see how we can protect ourselves from being infected with negative traits while at the same time helping others spiritually.",2 Timothy 3:1-5,WT January 2018,,,bl,,4/1/2018
"Christians, Different, Herd Mentality, flock, ","""Follow the Leader.""  Did you ever play that game as a youth? It is quite simple. One person is in the lead, and the others try to follow him in the exact way and places he goes.  In the animal kingdom you may think of the Wildebeest you see in game videos of Africa.. You might call it ""Herd Mentality""  You see large herds of wildebeest as far as eye can see following the leader. If those in the lead turn left they all turn left, and if they turn right, they all turn right. They are following blindly, as most don't know where they are going. This is not unique to wildebeest.  Other animals and birds and bees flock together in the same ""herd"" mentality. ","People have this same mentality.  Most people don't want to be different.  They don't want to stand out as different. They want to fit in and be like everybody else.  For us, that is the problem.",1 Peter 2:21;,Bobby Laymon, Why Christians Must Be Different.,123,bl,,5/9/2025
"Monkey see, Monkey do, imitate, ","An expression describing someone who imitates another person's actions, good or bad,simply by having watched them before. The saying refers to the learning of a process without an understanding of why it works. Another definition implies the act of mimicry, usually with limited knowledge and/or concern for the consequences.","It is a story of monkeys selling caps or hats by listening to the salesman.  The begin to imitate everything he does, runs off with his merchandise, then he tricks them into returning them.",,,,,bl,,5/4/2018
"Minister, Ministry, work, Public witnessing,","Don’t work harder, work smarter.",Try different types of witnessing.,Ecclesiastes 10:10,Mark Sanderson,,,bl,,5/13/2018
"Driverless cars, hackers, Satan, ",There are driverless cars being tested today. Designers are concerned about a problem.  That a hacker might hack in and take control and cause disaster.,We have the same problem.  Satan might hack into our minds and take control.,2 Corinthians 11:3,Website ,,,bl,,5/13/2018
"Sowing, ",You can't sow apple seeds and reap bananas.,"If you think you can, that’s bananas.",Proverbs 22:3; Galatians 6:7;,Website ,,,bl,,5/13/2018
"spiritual minded, ","Sometimes you hear of a person that is a natural mathematic genius.  He was born that way.  Or maybe someone who is a musical genius. Maybe a scientific genius.  But have you ever heard of a ""spiritual genius?""",We do not inherit a spiritual aspect like that.  We have to work at it. Cultivate being a spiritual person.,,"Gordon Woodford, C.O.",,,bl,,5/19/2018
"Bible, Books, chewed up and digested, meditate, standard,","Some books are to be tasted, others to be swallowed, and some few to be chewed and digested: that is, some books are to be read only in parts, others to be read, but not curiously, and some few to be read wholly, and with diligence and attention. ~ Francis Bacon",The Bible is a book that really needs to be chewed up and digested.  It needs to become part of our very being. Something to live by.,Hebrews 5:12;,Brother Elision,,,bl,,5/19/2018
"News media, agenda, Satan uses.",Don’t buy the lie.,Grow up and don’t be swept away.,Luke 9:48;,Seth Hyatt,,,bl,,5/20/2018
"Compare, ","Mark on wall, sister was taller.",Compare with your old mark.,Galatians 6:4;,,,,bl,,5/20/2018
"Good news, moonshine whiskey, evangelizing spirit,","My dad worked hard during his life.  He raised 3 families* and at one time he made moon-shine whiskey or boot-leg whiskey.  In his later years he learned the truth.  He told us, ""Any fool in the world can make whiskey, but you have to be a smart man to make water.""  He likened the truth to water.*His dad was crippled and he raised his brothers and sisters; His sister's husband died and he raised her children, Eulas Reeves and Alfred Chisum.  Then he raised his own children.","Like water, the Good News is not of human origin.  Man may make substitutes of it, but can never produce the refreshing value of the truth.","Galatians 1:11, 12;",Jim Laymon,Do You have the evangelizing spirit?,063,bl,,7/12/2025
"Futile, work, preaching, accomplishment, ","When I was in basic training in the military, we were told to dig 8 feet deep in a certain area and find 25 bulbs that had been planted by someone earlier.  We worked for hours and finally found all the plant bulbs and filled the deep holes as instructed.  Then we were told to dig 8 foot holes in a different place and plant the 25 bulbs. We felt like all our work was for nothing.  We were getting nothing accomplished.",Sometimes we may feel that way in the ministry.  We are getting nothing accomplished.  People aren't listening; people aren't home; people don't care. Let someone else do it.,"Matthew 28:19, 20;",Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,6/5/2018
"Hope,","Millions of gamblers may hope to win a lottery, but they could hardly feel sure about that. ","Those who are part of Satan’s world also have some sort of hope, but they may doubt whether theirs will ever be realized. Real faith, on the other hand, is “the assured expectation” of our Christian hope. (Heb. 11:1) You may wonder, though, how can your expectation become more sure? And what are the benefits of having a strong faith in what you hope for?",Hebrews 11:1,Watchtower October 2016,,,bl,,5/24/2018
"time, forever","Time might be compared to a large, swift river. It is ever flowing forward. You cannot stop it, nor can you use every drop that flows by. Centuries ago, people began building waterwheels on riverbanks. With them, they harnessed energy from the flowing water to operate their grindstones, sawmills, pumps, and hammers. ","Similarly, you can harness time, not to save it, but to use it to accomplish good work. To do so, however, you must contend with two principal time stealers—procrastination and its close relative, clutter. Let us first consider the matter of procrastination.","Eph 5:15, 16;",w06 8/1 p. 8,,,bl,,5/30/2018
"Busy, lazy, sleep, excuses, farm, livestock, time, relaxing, recreation, final witness, sleep forever, ","Too busy to preach? Like some in Jesus’ day, do any make excuses that they have a farm, or livestock, or a wife that takes their time and leaves no time for the new world?  Do they allow thorny entanglements with this world and its cares and riches to choke out gospel-preaching? (Matt. 13:7, 22) Do not most persons find some time for less essential things, such as secular work? shopping for food? reading the newspaper? listening to the radio? visiting friends? relaxing by some form of recreation? and perhaps even sleeping in some Sunday mornings? ","The last query reminds of the next—too lazy? Proverbs 6:6-11 says (Moff.): “You sluggard, how long will you sleep? When will you rise from your slumber? ‘Let me sleep for a little, a little! let me fold my hands for a little, to rest?’ yes, and poverty will pounce on you, want will overpower you.” But perhaps such ones are too tired to live forever, and prefer to sleep forever, in death, undisturbed by clanging alarm clocks or resurrections!",Luke 14:17-20;Proverbs 6:6-11;,w50 1/15 p. 25 par. 18,,,bl,,6/1/2018
"Jehovah provides, anxiety, worry, provisions, David, ","King David of Israel lived an interesting and educational life.  He had been a shepherd boy, a musician and inventor of musical instrument. He studied the stars and the known universe.  He observed people.  He was a people watcher and learned from it.  He was chased like an outlaw.  He knew what hunger was.  He had family problems and his own sons turned against him.","Through all of this he observed an remembered an important lesson.  (Psalm 37:25) . . .I was once young and now I am old, But I have not seen anyone righteous abandoned, Nor his children looking for bread.",Psalm 37:25;,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,6/1/2018
"Family, life,","Mid pleasures and palaces though we may roam, Be it ever so humble there's no place like home! Words by John Howard Payne. (1823)",How fitting to describe family life in this way.  ,,Greg Owen,,,bl,,6/5/2018
"Ability, humility,",Ability without humility is a liability.,,,Ron Cursan ,,,bl,,6/6/2018
"Training, ","Train two, Train two, to be better than you.",Then encourage them to train two.,Numbers 10:31,Mark Noumair Gilead instructor legacy of the Kenites ,,,bl,,7/11/2018
"Short-lived, fast, fool, money, together, mix, ","AN OLD adage says, “A fool and his money are soon parted.” Another is: ""Balloons and porcupines are usually short-lived.""",Some things just don't go together.  ,Deuteronomy 22:10,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,6/13/2018
"Love, children, what does love mean,","A group of professional people posed this question to a group of 4 to 8 year-olds: ""What does love mean?""""When my grandmother got arthritis, she couldn't bend over and paint her toenails anymore.  So my grandfather does it for her all the time, even when his hands got arthritis, too.  That's love."" -- age 8.""If you want to learn to love better, you should start with a friend who you hate.""  Age -- 6.""You really shouldn't say 'I love you' unless you mean it.  But if you mean it, you should say it a lot.  People forget."" Age -- 8.""Love is when my Mom makes coffee for my Dad and she takes a sip before giving it to him, to make sure the taste is OK.""  -- Age 7.""Love is like a little old woman and a little old man who are still friends even after they know each other so well."" -- Age 6.""Love is when Mommy sees Daddy smelly and sweaty and still says he is handsomer than Robert Redford."" -- Age 7.""Love is when your puppy licks your face even after you left him alone all day."" -- Age 4.""I know my older sister loves me because she gives me all her old clothes and has to go our and buy new ones."" -- Age 4.",,1 Corinthians 13:4-8;,Charles Gill,,,bl,,6/24/2018
"harbor resentment, forgive,",I hear that your Congregation is the envy of the entire circuit. There is no one in the congregation that harbors a grudge; no one ever gets angry; no one loses their temper; No one ever refuses to work with someone else; ,However the Bible shows that in many congregations this is not the case.,Job 5:2; ,Charles Gill,,,bl,,6/24/2018
"U Turn, repentance, turn back, sin, mistake,","You are driving down a highway and suddenly realize you're going the wrong way.  You see a cutout through the median, but as you get closer you see a sign, ""No U turns.""  It will not allow you to turn back.","We commit a sin and realize we are going the wrong way.  Jehovah does not have ""No U turn"" signs.  He wants us to turn back. He invites us to do so.  (2 Kings 17:13) . . . “Turn back from your wicked ways! Keep my commandments and my statutes according to all the law that I commanded your forefathers and that I sent to you through my servants the prophets.” ",2 Kings 17:13;,Bobby Laymon ,,,bl,,7/30/2018
"Humble, humility, ",Are you humble too?,"If you say Yes, you are no longer are. ","Matthew 18: 3, 4; Philippians 2:5-8;","Sam Herd, ",,,bl,,6/28/2018
"Humble, humility, ",Get someone else to toot your horn and it will carry twice as far. Quote Will Rogers.,"Proverbs 27:2; Let someone else praise you, and not your own mouth;","Romans 12:3; 16, ",Sam Herd,,,bl,,6/28/2018
"Humble, humility,","Hound dog Boozer. One day we went to the store and Boozer went with us.  We passed a smaller dog that was a Dalmatian.  The dalmation beat him in a fight.  The next time we went to the store Boozer went with us again, but when we passed where the dalmation lived, Boozer was not to be found.  He had made a wide circle out of respect for the smaller dog.",Boozer was truly humble.,"Romans 12:3; 16, ",Sam Herd.,,,bl,,6/28/2018
"Attitude, world, ","“What's wrong with this world is that nothing is wrong with this world."" ",That is the attitude today.,,,,,bl,,7/4/2018
"Teaching, tight grip.",Picture a hiker who has fallen over the ledge. Gets a grip on something.,How tightly will he grip?,Philippians 2:16;,Mark Noumair ,,,bl,,7/6/2018
"Hope, wish,",There is a difference. You may wish a friend would come to your aid. No real basis.,But what if this friend has helped you many times. It’s not just a wish. There is reason for hope.,Psalm 27:13,2018 Be Courageous Regional Convention ,,,bl,,7/6/2018
Video,"It's been said, ""If a picture is worth a thousands words, then a video is worth a million words.""",A video stirs our emotions.,Hebrews 4:12;,Website,,,bl,,7/22/2018
"Check list, Meetings, Field service, Family worship, ",When you go to a grocery store you take a list of what is needed.  As you pick up the items and place them into your cart you check them off of your list. Some items are more important than other.  Some might even mean our life. Even if we lost our list we would remember some things important to us.,Show a list of our grocery list for life. How are you doing on: Meeting attendance; Service; Family worship; Personal Bible reading; Check if excellent or poor on each one.   . .more important things. . .,Philippians 1:10,Josh Reading,,,bl,,7/25/2018
"Imitate, imitation, fit, Organization, no part of the world.",There are two machines: One belongs to Jehovah and the other belongs to Satan the Devil. Imagine you're a part of a machine. Which one will you fit into?  ,You fit right into Jehovah's machine.  There is no way to make you fit into Satan's machine.,Eph. 5:1,John Ekrann ,,,bl,,7/25/2018
"Goodness, ownership, ",Whose son is that? Whose daughter is that?,"We belong to Jehovah. Imitate Jehovah. Tie in ways like kindness, goodness, forgiveness, love. Their response. ","Matthew 5:44; 45; Romans 5:7, 8;",Jack Vincent ,Work What Is Good Toward All ,15,bl,,7/29/2018
"Creation, ","Imagine a driver who ignores a sign that says “Detour—Turn Left.” A police officer stops him and starts writing him a ticket. The driver tries to argue that he did not see the sign. But his words carry little weight because the sign is in plain view and there is nothing wrong with the driver’s vision. Besides, as a driver, the responsibility for seeing and heeding such signs is his. ","So it is with the evidence of God in nature. That “sign” is in plain view. As reasoning creatures, we are capable of seeing it. There is no excuse for ignoring it.  How plain is the evidence? It is so clear that those who do not see it and who thus refuse to believe in God “are inexcusable.” One scholar illustrates it this way",Romans 1:20;,"WT August 1, 2013",,,bl,,8/6/2018
"Gift, life, careless, ungrateful, ","Suppose someone give you a very nice, 100% Silk tie or if your a woman a 100% silk scarf?  You use it to polish your shoes.  How would the person who made the gift feel?",How would Jehovah feel if we misused our gift of life in such a manner.,Ephesians 4:8,Steven Lett,,,bl,,8/10/2018
"Support, obedient, submissive, cooperation, unity, peace, ","Suppose the elders ask the congregation to paint the Kingdom Hall with a 2 inch brush.  They pass out the brushes.  One person begins to campaign for a 6 inch brush. After awhile another says, ""Why can't we use a paint roller.""  Another says, ""Why don't we rent a paint sprayer and spray it on. Another wants to hire a professional painter to do the job. The Kingdom Hall never gets painted. ",However if we all worked together according to the elders suggestion it would have been accomplished.,1 Corinthians 14:33;,Steven Lett; GB,,,bl,,10/2/2018
"Husbands, wives, roles, Marriage, ",The eyes and ears perform complementary tasks to help a pedestrian cross a busy street.," Similarly, when men and women accomplish God’s will according to the roles they have each been assigned, God blesses the congregation with peace.",1 Corinthians 14:33,  Awake! July 2010,,,bl,,8/10/2018
"Counsel, suggestions, reminders,",Jehovah’s reminders may step on your toes.,But Jehovah will never step into your shoes. We must take action ourselves.,1 Kings 2:3;,Bobby Laymon ,,,bl,,8/12/2018
"Wisdom, discernment, understanding,","AS THE story goes, a boy who lived in a remote village was poor. Thinking he was mentally slow, the townspeople laughed at him. When visitors came, some of the villagers made fun of him in front of their friends. They would hold out two coins, a large silver one and a small gold one that was worth twice as much as the silver coin. “Choose which one you want,” they would say. The boy would choose the silver coin and run away.","One day, a visitor asked the boy, “Don’t you know that the gold coin is twice as valuable as the silver one?” The little boy smiled and said, “Yes, I know.” “Then why do you take the silver coin?” the visitor asked. “If you take the gold one, you will have twice as much money!” “But,” said the boy, “if I take the gold coin, people will stop playing the game with me. Do you know how many silver coins I have collected?” The little boy in that story displayed a quality that adults could benefit from—practical wisdom.","Proverbs 3:21, 23;",WT October 2016,,,bl,,8/13/2018
"Trust in Jehovah, ",Go on limb for Jehovah. He will answer our prayers but sometimes not right away. He sometimes let’s it crack.,He will do what is best for us.,1 Timothy 2:8;,Pioneer school 2018;,,,bl,,8/31/2018
"Prayer, supplications, thanksgiving, ",Jehovah is not a divine Santa Clause ,"We should not only ask for things but also use other forms of prayer. First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgiving be made concerning all sorts of men, concerning kings and all those who are in high positions,",1 Timothy 2:1;,Pioneer School;,,,bl,,8/31/2018
"anger, hateful, ",Peninnah was the queen of drive by shooting.,"Moreover, her rival wife taunted her relentlessly in order to upset her because Jehovah had not given her children.",1 Samuel 1:6;,Joe Laymon,,,bl,,8/31/2018
"Prophecy, provide, provider, ",Which is harder? Resurrection or provide for our needs.,Jehovah and Jesus both can easily do either one.,Matthew 10:31;,Pioneer school 2018;,,,bl,,8/31/2018
"Humility, humble, empty, ",You can’t empty yourselves if you’re full of yourselves. ,We must not be overly proud.,Philippians 2:7,Mike Mijo ,,,bl,,8/31/2018
"Truth, sharing, ",The best way to keep the truth is to give it away.,"We need to tell others about the truth, and we will have it in our hearts as well.",1 Timothy 4:16;,Gordon Woodford ,,,bl,,8/31/2018
"Conscience, ",Those with a poorly trained conscience can be likened to a ship that is navigating with a defective compass. Setting off on a journey without an accurate compass can be treacherous. The winds and currents of the ocean can easily throw a ship off course. A properly calibrated compass can help the captain to keep the ship on course. ,"Our conscience can be likened to a moral compass. It is an inner sense of right or wrong that can guide us in the right direction. But in order for our conscience to be an effective guide, it must be properly adjusted, or calibrated.","1 Timothy 4:1, 2;",WT June 2018,,,bl,,8/31/2018
"Bible, God's laws, ","Imagine that you are having difficulty sleeping well. Your doctor prescribes a program involving diet, exercise, and lifestyle changes. After trying the program, you find that it works! You probably would greatly appreciate your doctor for helping you to improve the quality of your life.","In order to benefit from God’s laws, we need to do more than simply read them or become acquainted with them. We must grow to love and respect them. God’s Word says: “Hate what is bad, and love what is good.” (Amos 5:15) But how do we actually do that? A key is to learn to view things the way Jehovah views them. ",Amos 5:15;,2018 WT June,,,bl,,8/31/2018
"Appreciation, Wrong beliefs, condemn, tact, ",Don’t tear down their church before you build for them a new one.,Why should you be careful not to condemn wrong views or bad habits before the householder has cultivated appreciation for spiritual matters? (w03 11/15 p. 14 par. 9),Colossians 4:6; ,Pioneer School,,,bl,,8/28/2018
"Sin, ransom, memorial, ",Like a recall on cars. This is not something you would probably try to do yourself.  They have specialized trained persons to do it.,Sin is a defect that not just anyone can fix.  It is only through Jesus Christ that it can be made right.,Romans 6:23;,J. D. Bridgman ,,,bl,,8/31/2018
"No part of the world, ",Little boy lost at fare.,We have someone we need to stay close to.,John 17:14; ,Chad Morley ,Christian Separateness From the World—Why Beneficial (119),119,bl,,9/4/2018
"Thinking, thoughts, peer pressure, ",Blowing of glass by glass blowers. Sometimes they blow handles to control.,Satan is the great glass blower.  He blows shinny little fragile things of little value.  He puts a handle to control.,Romans 12:2;,Kenneth Flodin September 2018 monthly program ,,,bl,,9/4/2018
"Manage, assessment, count, organize,",You cannot manage what you have not assessed.,We must be organized and prepared.,1 Corinthians 14:33;,Joe Laymon ,,,bl,,9/5/2018
"Meetings,",Come to the picnic but didn’t bring anything to eat.,Not taking part in the meeting.,"Hebrews 10:23, 24;",Joe Laymon ,,,bl,,9/6/2018
"Sin, Adam, Eve, ","Like flowers cut from a plant, they slowly began to wither and die. Their children also suffered from the curse of sin. (Rom. 5:12) ","Sadly, Adam and Eve disobeyed God, cutting themselves off from him. The results, as you know, were tragic.  Even so, most people still choose not to submit to God. They want to live life their own way. (Eph. 2:1-3) The results clearly show that “there is no wisdom . . . in opposition to Jehovah.”​—Prov. 21:30.",Romans 5:12,Wt  2018 December ,,,bl,,9/8/2018
"sickness, cure, Freedom, wisdom, ","How many people do you know who became sick because they adhered to Bible standards? Clearly, obedience to Jehovah is both healthful and liberating. ","Perhaps you know young ones who view pornography or who engage in sexual immorality, high-risk sports, or drug and alcohol abuse. To be sure, they may enjoy a few moments of excitement or pleasure. But often that comes at great cost, perhaps in the form of disease, addiction, or even death. Clearly, their “freedom” is a cruel self-deception.​","Ps. 19:7-11;Gal. 6:7, 8;Titus 3:3",WT 2018 December,,,bl,,9/8/2018
"Pleasures, wisdom, materialism, ","Fabulously rich and powerful, Solomon embarked on an experiment to “try out pleasure and see what good [would come].” He built houses, designed gardens and parks, and pursued whatever he desired. How did he feel afterward? Contented? Fulfilled? Satisfied? ","We need not guess. Solomon himself told us. He wrote: “When I reflected on all the works that my own hands had done . . . , I saw that everything was futile . . . There was nothing of real value.” (Eccl. 2:11) What a powerful lesson! Will you wisely take it to heart?",Eccl. 2:1-10,WT 2018 December Page 22;,,,bl,,9/6/2018
"Watchman, alertness, ","Most nations today have “watchmen” in the form of border patrols and high-tech surveillance systems. They watch for intrusions into their territory and for enemies who pose a threat to national security. However, such “watchmen” can perceive only those threats that come from man-made governments or humans. They are unaware of the existence and activities of God’s heavenly Kingdom government in the hands of Christ and the role it will play in the impending judgment on all the nations. ","On the other hand, by being alert and watchful spiritually, we will be ready whenever that day of judgment arrives.—Ps. 130:6.","Psalms 130:6; Isa. 9:6, 7, ftn.; 56:10; Dan. 2:44;",Wt 2016 July page 15,,,bl,,9/9/2018
"Sex, prostitution, morals, course, fornication,","If you’re not going to burn down the barn, don’t strike the match.",Why start a progression if you aren’t going to follow through on it.,Proverbs 5:8;,Morning Worship.  Seth Hyatt ,,,bl,,9/29/2018
"Prayer, persistence, ",P U S H,Meaning: Pray Until Something Happens.,1 Thess. 5:17;,Deryl Strohl,,,bl,,10/10/2018
"lift, lean, support, two kinds of people, ","Two Kinds of People by Ella Wheeler WilcoxThere are two kinds of people on earth today,Two kinds of people, no more, I say.Not the good or the bad, for 'tis well understood,The good are half bad and the bad are half good.Not the happy and sad, for the swift-flying yearsBring each man his laughter and each man his tears.Not the rich and the poor, for to count a man's wealthYou must first know the state of his conscience and health.Not the humble and proud, for in life's busy spanWho puts on vain airs is not counted a man.No! The two kinds of people on earth I meanAre the people who lift, and the people who lean.Wherever you go you will find the world's massesAre ever divided into these two classes.And, strangely enough, you will find, too, I wean,There is only one lifter to twenty who lean.This one question I ask. Are you easing the loadOf overtaxed lifters who toil down the road?Or are you a leaner who lets others bearYour portion of worry and labor and care?",What kind of people are we?,,Poem by Ella Wheeler Wilcox,,,bl,,10/2/2018
"Bold, courageous, fear, afraid, coward, ",Boldness is contagious.  Fear is also contagious.,When we show boldness it helps others to show boldness.  It also helps us to be more bold. We must not give in to fear.,Hebrews 10:35; Acts 19:8;,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,10/10/2018
"Madness, lack understanding, spiritual person, spirituality, ",Those who dance are considered mad by those who cannot hear the music.,"Likewise, those who do not have spirituality, are confused by it. They are spiritually deaf. ",1 Corinthians 2:14;,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,10/22/2018
"Resourceful, wasteful, useful, wisdom,","""We are burning daylight.""  Have you ever heard anyone say that? Maybe you have said it yourself. What does it mean?  It means we are wasting a precious commodity. Daylight is precious.","Jehovah God and the angels are also thinking in this way.  Our life span is only 70 or 80 years.  They are filled with trouble.  We ask Jehovah as Moses did, to 'teach us how to count our days so that we may acquire a heart of wisdom. ","Psalms 90:10, 12; John 9:4;",Bobby Laymon,Acquiring a Heart of Wisdom,73,bl,,11/2/2018
"unanimous decision, agree,  ",Imagine a classroom of third-graders making a decision about what they want every day for lunch.  Some want Pizza and candy.  Others want cookies and ice cream. A couple of others want fruit and vegetables. It is hard to get an unanimous decision in the world.,"When the Governing Body makes a decision it is always unanimous.  How can that be?  They are not infallible, but their decision is based on God's word, a product of Holy spirit. They are mature men who trust in Jehovah with all their hearts.","Acts 15:1, 2, 25;",Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,12/18/2018
"unanimous, in agreement, decision,","Have you ever noticed that when the Governing Body makes a decision, there is a little footnote that says something like, ""There were 6 in favor of and 2 opposed to this decision?  Have you noticed that? No? Neither have I.  It has not happened. ","When the Governing Body makes a decision it is always unanimous.  How can that be?  They are not infallible, but their decision is based on God's word, a product of Holy spirit. They are mature men who trust in Jehovah with all their hearts.","Acts 15:1, 2; 25",Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,12/22/2018
"Tiring out, tired, exhausted, old, strength, ",Butterflies have been observed going about their daily activity with 70% of their wings service missing.,"Likewise, many people display a resolute spirit. Despite suffering from severe physical or emotional problems they do not give up.",2 Corinthians 4:16,W 96 5/15 32 ,,,bl,,12/20/2018
"Health, fatigue, energy, tire out, ",You have a 60 Watt light bulb up here.  What would happen it you decided to feed 70 Watts into it and make it brighter? It wouldn't last very long.,"Likewise, Jehovah does not expect us to push ourselves beyond our endurance.   ",Matthew 24:13;,Jason Tomalak C.O.,,,bl,,12/21/2018
"Jehovah, Name,","When trying to get to know someone, the first thing you would likely do is ask, “What is your name?”"," If you were to ask God that question, what would he say?  “I am Jehovah. That is my name.”—Isaiah 42:8.",Isaiah 42:8;,wp19 No. 1 p. 4,,,bl,,12/23/2018
"Self destructive behavior, intelligence, wisdom,",I went fishing recently when I moved to Missouri.  I caught a fish about this long...  I caught it on a hook.  I got to thinking about what a self-destructive-behavior the life of a fish is:  Going around and biting on hooks; then ending up being skinned and put into a frying pan.  Not such a good life.,"Many people are like that.  Especially the youth.  Jehovah warns us about that type of behavior.  (Ecclesiastes 11:9, 10) . . .Rejoice, young man, while you are young, and let your heart be glad in the days of your youth. Follow the ways of your heart and go where your eyes lead you; but know that the true God will bring you into judgment for all these things. 10 So remove troublesome things from your heart, and ward off harmful things from your body, for youth and the prime of life are futility.","Ecclesiastes 11:9, 10;",Jason Tomalak C.O.,,,bl,,12/23/2018
"Morals, sex, thinking, ","Some things don't require a lot of thought.  You think, ""I can’t make Chili, but I can make a baby.""   ",Christians should be sound in mind.  We must learn to think.,"Ecclesiastes 11:9, 10",Jason Tomalak C.O.,,,bl,,12/23/2018
"Truth, view, attitude, restraint, protection, ","Some people view the truth like a ""Straightjacket. A strait jacket is a garment shaped like a jacket with long sleeves that surpass the tips of the wearer's fingers. Its most typical usage is restraining people who may cause harm to themselves or others. Once the wearer slides his or her arms into the sleeves, the person assisting the wearer crosses the sleeves against the chest and ties the ends of the sleeves to the back of the jacket, ensuring the arms are close to the chest with as little movement as possible. You can't do anything. A better restraint is the seatbelt in a car.  It protects you also, but you still have freedom of movement.","The way Jehovah restrains you is a protection.  ""If you give your life to Jehovah, you will always have a life to give.""",Proverbs 3:5; ,Jason Tomalak C.O.,,,bl,,12/24/2018
"Morals, Deaden, World, ",Deaden differs from repressed. To deaden means it is no longer alive.  To repress is like a spring. It is ready to come alive. The desire is still there.,We must deaden our desires against the morals of this world.,2 Corinthians 11:3,Jason Tomalak C.O.,,,bl,,12/23/2018
"Truth, Invasive species, Morals,","Regulate, saturate, marinate our heart in the pure truth of God’s Word. There are many things in Satan's world that can invade our lives.  Invasive species. Examples the Internet.  Hundred of thousands of videos to YouTube each day.  Not just Cat videos but everything you can imagine.","Jehovah's Word can you clean morally and physically. It can help us Regulate our lives, Saturate our hearts with good thoughts.  Marinate our hearts in the pure truth of God's Word.","Hebrews 5:11, 12",Jason Tomalak C.O.,,,bl,,12/23/2018
"Religion, abandon, A Ship That Should Never Be Abandoned? ","A SHIP is in the midst of a tempest. The crew, who are struggling desperately to save their vessel, are faced with a dramatic decision: either to stay aboard or to abandon ship and save themselves. Did you know that this terrifying scenario is used as a theological illustration?Theologians, especially Catholic scholars, often compare their church to a ship that is weathering a storm. They say that this ship, with Jesus or Peter at the helm, represents the only means of salvation. The position of the clergy is, ‘Never abandon the ship. The church has been through serious crises before, but it is a ship that has weathered all of history’s tempests.’ Some say, ‘Why abandon her? What alternatives are there? Why not stay and help steer her into calmer waters?’","In harmony with this figurative language, many people, belonging to all manner of religions, reason, ‘I know that my religion is wrong in many things, but I hope it will change. I don’t want to abandon it. I would like to have a part in helping it overcome its difficulties.’ This kind of reasoning may be dictated by sincere affection for one’s ancestral religion or even by the fear of “betraying” it.",Revelation 18:4;,w95 2/1 p. 3,,,bl,,12/25/2018
"Adam and Eve, Paradise lost, sentence to death, Original sin, ","Just as a branch severed from a tree, Adam and Eve began to die “in the day” of their sin."" True, they lived for hundreds of years, however, by asserting their independence, Adam and Eve irreparably damaged their relationship with Jehovah and inflicted sin’s imprint upon their organism, right to its genetic foundations. (Genesis 5:5) Moreover, for the first time, they sensed an internal disharmony. They felt naked and tried to hide from God. (Genesis 3:7, 8) They also felt guilt, insecurity, and shame. Their sin produced an upheaval within them, their consciences accusing them of wrongdoing.","To be true to himself and to his holy standards, God justly sentenced Adam and Eve to death and expelled them from the garden of Eden. (Genesis 3:19, 23, 24) Thus, Paradise, happiness, and everlasting life were lost, while sin, suffering, and death resulted. What a tragic development for the human race! However, immediately after sentencing the couple, God promised to undo all the harm resulting from their sin without compromising his own righteous standards.","Genesis 3:7, 8, 19, 23, 24;",g 6/06 p. 29,,,bl,,12/25/2018
"Adam and Eve, guidance, my way, The Way to True Freedom","It is like a pilot flying an airplane. To reach a certain destination safely, he usually must follow a pre-approved flight path. Modern aviation equipment allows a pilot to use onboard navigation instruments and to keep in touch with air traffic controllers along the way so as to reach his planned destination. However, if the pilot chose to disregard that guidance and fly any route he desired, the result could be disastrous. ","Like that pilot, Adam and Eve wanted to do things their own way. They rejected the guidance God had provided. The result? They ended, as it were, in a tragic crash, resulting in sin and death for themselves and for their future offspring. (Rom. 5:12) In striving for self-determination, they lost the true freedom they had been given.",Romans 5:12;,w18 April p. 6 par. 12,,,bl,,12/25/2018
"Devil, Did God Create the Devil? thief, wrong desires, motive, ","Imagine an accountant who sees an opportunity to manipulate records in such a way as to steal from his company for personal profit. He might quickly dismiss that wrong thought. If, instead, he dwells on this possibility, then the idea will grow in its appeal, and he is likely to carry it out.","If he does, he has, in effect, made himself a thief. If he lies about his crime, he becomes a liar too. In a similar way, by cultivating wrong desires and acting on them, the angel whom God created used his free will to engage in deception and rebel against his Father, thus making himself Satan the Devil.",2 Corinthians 2:11; Ephesians 6:11; James 4:7;,w11 3/1 p. 21,,,bl,,12/25/2018
"Do Not Let Your Hands Drop Down, anxiety, stress, depression, ","Sadly, life in Satan’s wicked world creates a tremendous amount of pressure, which can cause anxiety and thus make a person feel weighed down. That can be like an anchor attached to a boat, not allowing the boat to move forward. (Prov. 12:25) What could cause you to feel that way? ","Well, maybe you are trying to cope with the death of a loved one, deal with a serious illness, provide for your family in these hard economic times, or you may be facing opposition. The resulting emotional stress might in time drain your strength. It could even cause you to lose your joy. But you can be assured that God is ready to give you a helping hand.—Read Isaiah 41:10, 13.","Proverbs 12:25;Isaiah 41:10, 13;",w16 September p. 3 par. 2,,,bl,,12/25/2018
"Blessings or Maledictions, examples, heart, ","UNSEEN under a coat of paint, rust can begin to corrode an implement made of iron. It may be some time before the rust becomes visible on the surface. ","Similarly, the attitudes and desires of one’s heart may begin to deteriorate long before this results in serious consequences or is even noticed by others. As we would wisely inspect an implement to see if it is becoming rusty, so a close inspection of our hearts and timely maintenance may preserve our Christian integrity. Put another way, we can receive God’s blessings and can avoid divine maledictions. Some may think that the blessings and maledictions pronounced upon ancient Israel have little meaning for those facing the conclusion of this system of things. (Joshua 8:34, 35; Matthew 13:49, 50; 24:3) However, that is not so. We can benefit greatly from the warning examples involving Israel, as set out in 1 Corinthians chapter 10.",1 Corinthians 10:11;,w96 6/15 p. 17 par. 1,,,bl,,12/25/2018
"Temptation, Pornography, addiction, eyes, prayer, internet, ",Imagine you glimpsed the blinding flash of a welder’s torch. Would you keep on staring at it? Of course not! You would turn away or shield your eyes to protect your sight. ,"Likewise, if you glimpse erotic imagery—in print, on the screen, or in the flesh—quickly look away. Protect your mind from being infected. A former pornography addict, Juan, says: “When I see an attractive woman, I often feel the urge to take a second and a third look. So I force my eyes to look away, and I tell myself: ‘Pray to Jehovah! You absolutely need to pray now!’ After I pray, the impulse soon fades.”","Matthew 6:9, 13; 1 Corinthians 10:13;",w14 4/1 p. 11,,,bl,,12/25/2018
"Personality, new personality, undesirable traits, ","When we renovate an old house, it is not enough to paint the outside if there are rotten beams inside. Ignoring structural defects would only invite trouble later.","Similarly, a veneer of uprightness is not enough. We must get to the core of our personality and recognize problems that need to be solved. Otherwise, old personality traits are bound to resurface. Self-scrutiny, then, is a must. (2 Cor. 13:5) We need to identify undesirable traits and correct them. To that end, Jehovah has provided us with help.",2 Corinthians 13:5;,w08 11/15 p. 4,,,bl,,12/25/2018
"Dedication, baptism, new personality, immersion, ","When presenting ourselves for water immersion, we are much like a piece of wood that has been carved into a basic shape. The object is identifiable, but much work remains to be done. The carver still needs to add the finer details in order to make the object beautiful. ","At the time of baptism, we have the basic qualities required to be a servant of God. However, our new personality is still in its early stage. We must continue to enhance it by making adjustments.",Romans 7:21;,w08 11/15 p. 3,,,bl,,12/25/2018
"Born again, anointed, 144,000, Memorial, new birth, Kingdom of God,","Picture a city that has several schools. One of them is set aside as a school for students belonging to a native, or indigenous, population living in an area far from that city. One day, a young man who does not belong to that native group tells the principal of that school, “I want to enroll in your school.” The principal tells him, “To enroll, you must be a native.” Of course, the principal’s words are not a command. He is not ordering the student, “Be a native!” ","The principal simply states the fact—the requirement for attending that school. Similarly, when Jesus said: “You people must be born again,” he was simply stating a fact—the requirement for one to “enter into the kingdom of God.”",John 3:7,w09 4/1 p. 6,,,bl,,12/25/2018
"Born again, anointed, 144,000, Memorial, new birth, Kingdom of God,","A young man is unable to enroll in the school because he is not a member of the indigenous population. Now, imagine that one day, a big change occurs. He is legally adopted by a father of an indigenous family. How does that affect the young man? Well, because of being adopted as a son, he may now have the same rights as other indigenous youths—including the right to enroll in the school. The adoption has completely changed his prospects.","This illustrates what happens in a much more significant manner to those who experience the new birth. Consider some similarities. The young man in the illustration will be given a place in school but only if he meets the requirement for admission—that of belonging to the native population. Yet, on his own he cannot meet that requirement. Similarly, some humans will be given a place in God’s Kingdom, or heavenly government, but only if they meet the requirement for admission—that of being “born again.” Yet, on their own they cannot meet that requirement because the new birth depends on God.",John 3:6;,w09 4/1 p. 10 ,,,bl,,12/25/2018
"Discipline, Happy to Wait for Jehovah, time needed, peaceable fruit, ","Just as fruit needs time to ripen, so time is needed for us to change our attitudes in response to the training that God provides. For example, if misconduct on our part should cause us to lose some privilege in the congregation, our willingness to wait for God will prevent us from getting discouraged and giving up.","The way discipline from Jehovah benefits us might be likened to the way fruit grows to maturity. Concerning discipline from God, the Bible says: “To those who have been trained by it it yields peaceable fruit, namely, righteousness.” (Hebrews 12:11) ",Hebrews 12:11;,w07 3/1 p. 19,,,bl,,12/25/2018
"Bible’s Guidance, Relevant, Bible, God's Word, ","With all that up-to-the-minute information available, why turn to the Bible—a book that was completed almost 2,000 years ago? Would not skeptics be right in saying that using such an ancient book for guidance is like using an outdated chemistry book or computer manual? ","Actually, the analogy is flawed. Science and technology change rapidly, but has human nature changed? People still want to find meaning in life as well as to have a reasonable measure of happiness and security, good family relations, and rewarding friendships.  As old as it is, the Bible addresses those needs and more. It also claims to be inspired by our Creator. It offers to guide us in every aspect of life and to equip us for any challenge that matters. (2 Timothy 3:16, 17) What is more, it claims to convey counsel that is timeless—advice that never becomes obsolete! The Bible itself says: “The word of God is alive.”—Hebrews 4:12.","2 Timothy 3:16, 17; Hebrews 4:12;",wp18 No. 1 p. 3,,,bl,,12/25/2018
"Finding the Way, Guidance, Bible, confidence, Marshallese stick charts, ","For many years, navigation by stick chart was kept a secret, revealed only to certain chosen ones. How would a young navigator learn to use a stick chart? Only through training and practice. An experienced navigator privately tutored the young sailor, perhaps taking him on trips to nearby islands. As the apprentice learned to recognize wave patterns, he gained confidence in his stick chart. Eventually, he could set out on the ocean by himself.","In a similar way, God’s Word, the Bible, can serve as our guide on life’s journey. At first, someone may help us to gain a basic understanding of the Scriptures. Then, as we continue to study God’s Word and put its principles into practice, we gain confidence in what it says. Joshua, the leader of the Israelites, was told to keep reading the Word of God in order that he might “take care to do according to all that is written in it.” “Then,” God told Joshua, “you will make your way successful and then you will act wisely.” (Joshua 1:8) Yes, the Bible can map out for us a sure and successful course in life.",Joshua 1:8;,w06 10/1 p. 32,,,bl,,12/25/2018
"Bible and Your Future, flashlight, ","IMAGINE you are walking along a dark path late one evening. Although the sun has long since set, you do not feel hopelessly lost, for you have in your hand a powerful flashlight. When you point it downward, you see clearly what is immediately in front of you. And when you point it forward, its piercing beam illuminates your path far into the distance.","In some ways, the Bible is like such a flashlight. As we considered in the preceding articles, God’s Word can help us deal with what is immediately in front of us—the day-to-day problems that we all face in this uncertain world. But the Bible does more. It also provides an illuminating view of the future, enabling us to see and follow a path that leads to lasting happiness and contentment. (Psalm 119:105) How so?",Psalm 119:105;,wp18 No. 1 p. 14,,,bl,,12/25/2018
"Are All Parts of the Bible Still Relevant? Inspired, ","Suppose that you pick an apple from an apple tree. Once you have the apple, is the tree that produced it irrelevant? Not if you want more fruit!"," In some ways the Bible is like that apple tree. Certain parts of the Bible, such as the Psalms or the Sermon on the Mount, might seem to be readily accessible and especially “tasty.” While we may treasure those parts—as we might our favorite fruit—should we disregard the rest? What does the Bible itself say on the matter?  “From infancy you have known the holy writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through the faith in connection with Christ Jesus.” Paul next stated: “All Scripture is inspired of God and beneficial for teaching, for reproving, for setting things straight, for disciplining in righteousness.” ","2 Timothy 3:15, 16;",g 3/10 p. 28,,,bl,,12/25/2018
"Bible, Timeless Wisdom, ","PICTURE THIS: You are touring a museum full of ancient monuments. Most are pitted, weathered, and eroded. Some have great chunks missing. One, though, is remarkably intact; its intricate design is clear in every detail. “Is this one newer than the others?” you ask your guide. “No,” he responds, “it is older than most, and it has never been rebuilt.” “Has it been sheltered?” you ask. “No,” says your guide, “this one has faced the worst wind and rain. And many vandals have tried to mar it.” Perhaps you would wonder in amazement, ‘What is it made of?’","In a way, the Bible is like that remarkable monument. It is a very ancient book—older than most. There are other ancient books, of course. But like eroded old monuments, most old writings have been badly damaged by the passage of time. Their statements on science, for instance, have been contradicted by new knowledge, provable facts. Their medical counsel often seems more dangerous than helpful. And many ancient writings are mere fragments of what they once were; parts have been lost or badly damaged.  The Bible, though, stands out as different. The writing of it began over 35 centuries ago, yet the Bible is intact. And though it has been attacked again and again over the centuries—burned, banned, and belittled—its statements have weathered every onslaught. Far from being proved obsolete in the face of new knowledge, the Bible says much that shows amazing foresight.",2 Timothy 3:16; ,wp18 No. 1 p. 4,,,bl,,12/25/2018
"Why We Need God, Bible, owner's manual, handbook, ","When you buy a new piece of equipment, such as a camera or a computer, you expect it to come with an owner’s manual, or a handbook, that explains how to get the best use and satisfaction out of your acquisition. ","The Bible can be likened to such a handbook. It is a manual for human life that God, the manufacturer, as it were, has made available to us, the users. This “user’s manual” explains what the product is designed to do and how it should be used for the best results.  As with any well-written instruction manual, the Bible alerts readers to practices that may compromise the safe and reliable operation of the “product”—our life. Advice or shortcuts that others offer might sound appealing, even expedient, but is it not logical to think that we are going to get the best results and avoid problems if we follow the Maker’s directions?","Isaiah 48:17, 18;",w13 12/1 pp. 4-5,,,bl,,12/25/2018
"Beneficial Bible Reading, Daily Bible reading, ",The value of regular Bible reading might be illustrated by a man who has had a heart attack and who decides to eat foods that are more nutritious. Would this regimen help him if he followed it only when he felt a sharp pain in his chest?,"No. He must consistently adhere to a healthy diet to gain the most benefit. Likewise, daily Bible reading will help you to “make your way successful.”",Joshua 1:8;,w10 7/1 p. 21,,,bl,,12/25/2018
"Bible, refreshing, rest, recuperation, pressures, stress, relax, reinvigorating, safety, ","SAILING solo on the open sea can be exhausting. The numbing effect of fatigue can easily push the mariner across a dangerous threshold, so that errors and wrong decisions are made. For this reason, he appreciates the value of a sea anchor. It allows a weary sailor to rest and recuperate without drifting dangerously. At the same time, the sea anchor forces the bow to point into the wind and waves and keeps the boat in its most stable position.","Just as sailors face numerous dangers at sea, Christians face the constant pressures of this world and feel the need for rest. In fact, once Jesus recommended to his disciples: “Come, you yourselves, privately into a lonely place and rest up a bit.” (Mark 6:31) Today, some may take a few weeks to travel or have a weekend away to relax with their family. These moments can be refreshing and reinvigorating. How, though, can we make sure that we are spiritually safe at such times? What can serve as our spiritual sea anchor to help us resist drifting and maintain stability?",Mark 6:31;,w00 8/15 p. 32,,,bl,,12/25/2018
"Bible, guidance, signposts, road to life, ","IF YOU were traveling on an unfamiliar road or pathway, would you view signposts as a hindrance? Not likely! Surely you would view them as an aid to help you from straying off the route leading to your destination. What, though, of traveling life’s road? Can it be successfully negotiated without signposts? An ancient prophet of God acknowledged mankind’s limitations in this regard. He said: “I know, O LORD, that man’s ways are not of his own choosing; nor is it for a man to determine his course in life.”—Jeremiah 10:23, The New English Bible.","Where, then, can the needed direction be found? The reliable source of such guidance is man’s Creator, and the figurative signposts are to be found in the Bible. Jehovah, by means of his Word, says: “Your own ears will hear a word behind you saying: ‘This is the way. Walk in it, you people,’ in case you people should go to the right or in case you should go to the left.”—Isaiah 30:21.Yes, God’s Word gives reliable guidance in every aspect of our life. (Isaiah 48:17; 2 Timothy 3:16, 17) Sadly, however, the majority of mankind travel life’s path independent of divine direction. (Matthew 7:13) Still, the signposts are immovably set in place! Will you pay heed to them as you walk life’s road?",Isaiah 30:21;,w98 10/1 p. 32,,,bl,,12/25/2018
"Knowledge, full tank, Personal study, Family worship, Congregation and meetings, meditation, ","Suppose a friend picks you up to go on a 30-mile [50 km] trip. Riding in the passenger seat, you notice that the fuel gauge is on empty. You tell your friend he is just about out of fuel. He says not to worry; there is still a gallon [some four liters] in the tank. Soon, though, you run out of fuel. Is it worth it to ‘run on empty’ and take a chance on being stranded? How much better to keep a full tank!  -- Samuel Herd -- GB.","Figuratively, we need to keep a full tank, the fuel being our knowledge of Jehovah.To that end, we need to fuel up and to do so regularly. There are four ways we do this. First, personal study, becoming familiar with the Bible by reading it daily. More than just reading words, we must understand what we read. Second, making good use of our Family Worship evening. Do we stop weekly and fill up or do we put only a little in our tank? Third, congregation study and meeting attendance. Fourth, quiet, undisturbed meditation, thinking about Jehovah’s ways. Psalm 143:5 says: “I have remembered days of long ago; I have meditated on all your activity.”",Psalm 143:5;,w10 6/15 pp. 4-5,,,bl,,12/25/2018
"Marriage, Building a Family That Honors God","SUPPOSE you plan to build your own home. You purchase the land. With keen anticipation, you see your new house in your mind’s eye. But what if you have no tools and no building skills? How frustrating your efforts would be!   Many couples enter marriage envisioning a happy family, yet possess neither the tools nor the skills needed to build one. Shortly after the wedding day, negative patterns develop. Fighting and bickering become a daily routine. When children are born, the new father and mother find themselves no more skilled at parenthood than they are at marriage.","Happily, however, the Bible can help. Its principles are like tools that enable you to build a happy family. (Proverbs 24:3) Let us see how.  No matter how well-matched a married couple seem to be, they differ in emotional makeup, childhood experiences, and family background. Therefore, some problems are to be expected after marriage. How will they be handled? Well, when builders construct a house, they consult the plans. These are guidelines to be followed. The Bible provides God’s standards for building a happy family. Let us now examine a few of these.",Proverbs 24:3;,kl chap. 15 pp. 140-141 pars. 1-4,,,bl,,12/25/2018
" How Precious Is the Truth to You, caring, spiritual support, ","In Scotland some young lambs were grazing in a pasture when one of them strayed to the side of a hillock and tumbled onto a ledge below. It was uninjured, but it was frightened and unable to climb back. So it started to bleat plaintively. Its mother heard it, and she too began to bleat until the shepherd came and retrieved the young lamb.","Notice the sequence of events. The lamb called for help, the ewe added her voice to its cries, and the alerted shepherd sprang into action to rescue it. If a very young animal and its mother can sense danger and immediately call for help, should we not do the same when we stumble spiritually or face unexpected dangers from Satan’s world?  We should, especially if we are lacking in experience either because we are young or because we are relatively new in the truth.","James 5:14, 15; 1 Peter 5:8;",w02 3/1 p. 16 pars. 13-14,,,bl,,12/25/2018
"Laws, Should You Keep the Weekly Sabbath, Nation, constitution, law of the Christ, ","The change from the Israelite to the Christian system of worship could be illustrated this way: A nation may change its constitution. Once the new constitution is legally in place, people are no longer required to obey the former one. Even though some of the laws in the new constitution may be the same as those in the former constitution, others may be different. So a person would need to study the new constitution carefully to see what laws now apply. Additionally, a loyal citizen would want to know when the new constitution went into effect.","In like manner, Jehovah God provided over 600 laws, including 10 main ones, for the nation of Israel. These included laws about morals, sacrifices, health matters, and Sabbath-keeping. However, Jesus said that his anointed followers would constitute a new “nation.”  From 33 C.E. onward, this nation has had a new “constitution,” founded on two basic laws—love of God and love of neighbor. (Matthew 22:36-40) Although “the law of the Christ” includes instructions that are similar to those in the Law given to Israel, we should not be surprised that some laws are very different and that others are no longer required. The law requiring the observance of a weekly Sabbath is one of those that are no longer binding.",Matthew 21:43,w10 2/1 p. 14,,,bl,,12/25/2018
"Having “Come to Know God, checklist, complacent, familiar, experienced, seasoned, ","PILOTS who fly one of the most successful aircraft ever built have a preflight inspection checklist consisting of more than 30 items. If they do not carefully follow the checklist each time before takeoff, the pilots increase the possibility of a tragic accident. Do you know what type of pilot is especially urged to complete the checklist every time? It is the very experienced pilot! The seasoned pilot could easily become complacent and fail to carry out the preflight inspection in every detail.","2 Like a safety-minded pilot, you can use a type of checklist to make sure that your faith will not falter when you need it most. Whether you are newly baptized or you have been serving God for many years, regularly checking the depth of your faith and devotion to Jehovah God is essential. Failure to check on this regularly and diligently can lead to spiritual ruin. The Bible warns us: “Let him that thinks he is standing beware that he does not fall.”",1 Cor. 10:12;,w13 3/15 p. 13 pars. 1-2,,,bl,,12/25/2018
"How to Choose Our Entertainment, Immoral, violent, demonic, ",IMAGINE that you are about to bite into a piece of fruit when you notice that a part of it is rotten. What will you do? Will you eat it anyway? Will you throw it away? Or will you cut out the rotten part and eat the good part?,"In some ways, entertainment is similar to that piece of fruit. Some of it may be enjoyable, but much of it is rotten because it is immoral, violent, or demonic. So when you choose entertainment, do you say: “It’s up to me. I can choose any entertainment I want”? Or do you say: “All entertainment is bad”? Or do you carefully choose your entertainment, avoiding the bad and enjoying the good?  We all need some recreation and entertainment, and we want to choose well. We need to ask ourselves, then, how our choice of entertainment could affect our worship of Jehovah.",1 Corinthians 10:31;,lvs chap. 6 pp. 75-76 pars. 1-3,,,bl,,12/25/2018
"How to Choose Wholesome Entertainment, margin of safety, ","It is also wise to allow a margin of safety when choosing entertainment. What does that mean? Consider once more the example of the fruit. To avoid inadvertently eating what is rotten, you cut out not just the exact area that is bad but also a margin around it. ","Similarly, it is wise to apply a safety margin in choosing entertainment. A wise Christian avoids not only entertainment that is clearly in violation of Bible principles but also types that are dubious or that seem to include elements that are spiritually unhealthy. (Proverbs 4:25-27) Sticking close to God’s Word will help you to do just that.",Proverbs 4:25-27;,lv chap. 6 pp. 69-70 par. 15,,,bl,,12/25/2018
How to Choose Our Entertainment,"Think about this. If you are walking along a mountain path, do you go as close as you can to the edge? No. If you value your life, you stay far away from danger. It is similar with our choice of entertainment. God’s Word tells us: “Turn your feet away from what is bad.” (Proverbs 4:25-27) ","Clearly, we must reject entertainment that we know is unacceptable to Jehovah. But what about entertainment that we may have doubts about? Do we still need to be careful?  So we not only avoid entertainment that we know is bad, but we also stay away from any entertainment that we suspect might not be good for us and might harm our relationship with Jehovah.",Proverbs 4:25-27;,lvs chap. 6 p. 82 par. 15,,,bl,,12/25/2018
"Reading, How to Read and Remember, poison, ","Our taking of information into the mind through reading may be compared to our taking of food into the stomach. In both instances we must be selective. The eater, even when just satisfying his appetite, is foolish to take into his stomach that which is indigestible or that which offers no real benefit to the body, or worse, may even poison him. For best results, for long-lasting benefits, food should be easily digested and assimilated by our bodies.","So, too, with our reading. Whether it is casual or serious reading, what we take in should be mentally digestible and it should be something that will lastingly benefit our minds. Obviously it is unwise to feed the mind on that which is untrue, godless or immoral, and which may therefore cause spiritual indigestion. (Phil. 4:8) And why waste time reading material of little value? Just as we are selective in what we eat, so we should be in what we read.",Phil. 4:8;,sg study 4 p. 20 pars. 3-4,,,bl,,12/25/2018
"Find Security Among God’s People, personalities, various, differences, ","To illustrate, imagine that numerous vehicles are traveling alongside you on a road. Not all are moving at the same speed, nor are all in the same condition. Some have traveled many miles, but like you, others have just started out. Regardless of these differences, however, all are traveling down the road. ","It is similar with the individuals making up a congregation. Not all develop Christian qualities at the same speed. Furthermore, not all are in the same physical or emotional condition. Some have been worshiping Jehovah for many years; others have just begun. Yet, all are traveling along the road to everlasting life, “fitly united in the same mind and in the same line of thought.” (1 Corinthians 1:10) Therefore, look for the strengths rather than the weaknesses of those in the congregation. Doing that will warm your heart, for you will realize that God is really among these people. And surely this is where you want to be.—1 Corinthians 14:25.",1 Corinthians 1:10; 14:25;,kl chap. 17 p. 164 par. 11,,,bl,,12/25/2018
"Difference in People, infection, contagious, disease, health-care, ","MANY health-care professionals work among those infected with contagious diseases. They care for their patients because they want to help them. In doing so, however, they need to protect themselves so that they do not become infected with the disease they are seeking to treat."," Likewise, many of us live and work with those who are infected with attitudes and characteristics that run counter to godly qualities. This presents a challenge for us.  These last days are a time of moral chaos. The apostle Paul’s second letter to Timothy describes the characteristics of people who are alienated from God, characteristics that will become more pronounced in the days ahead. (Read 2 Timothy 3:1-5, 13.) Though we may be shocked by the prevalence of such qualities, we could be influenced by the behavior and attitudes of those who display them. (Prov. 13:20)","2 Timothy 3:1-5, 13;",w18 January p. 27 pars. 1-2,,,bl,,12/25/2018
"You Can Make Spiritual Progress, worth, Christians, ","TRUE worth can be difficult to recognize. Such is the case with diamonds. Although a polished diamond sparkles, a rough diamond merely glows dimly. Nevertheless, in the depths of the rough diamond lies the unmistakable promise of a beautiful gem.","Christians resemble rough diamonds in many ways. Though we are still a long way from perfection, we do have an underlying worth that Jehovah values. Like diamonds, all of us have our own distinct qualities. And each one of us can make further spiritual progress if that is our heartfelt desire. Our personalities can be polished, so that they shine more brightly to Jehovah’s glory.—1 Corinthians 10:31.",1 Corinthians 10:31;,w98 5/15 p. 24,,,bl,,12/25/2018
"You Can Make Spiritual Progress, polished, reflective qualities, ","After being cut and polished, a diamond is placed in a setting that enhances its reflective qualities. Similarly, Jehovah can use us in different settings, or assignments, if we “put on the new personality which was created according to God’s will in true righteousness and loyalty.”—Ephesians 4:20-24.","Such spiritual progress may not come naturally, just as a diamond in its natural state rarely sparkles like a gem. We might need to rid ourselves of some lingering weakness, adjust our attitude toward assuming responsibility, or even exert ourselves to get out of a spiritual rut. But we can make progress if we really want to, since Jehovah God can give us “the power beyond what is normal.”",2 Corinthians 4:7; Philippians 4:13;,w98 5/15 p. 24,,,bl,,12/25/2018
"You Can Make Spiritual Progress, Christians, want to do more, ","Cutting diamonds takes confidence that results from exact knowledge, since once a part of the rough diamond is cut away, it usually is lost. Expensive material—sometimes as much as 50 percent of the uncut stone—has to be cut away to produce the desired shape. We too need confidence resulting from accurate knowledge in order to shape our personality and to progress spiritually. Especially must we have confidence that Jehovah will empower us.","We may feel inadequate, however, or think that we are not able to do more. In the past, faithful servants of God sometimes felt that way. (Exodus 3:11, 12; 1 Kings 19:1-4) When assigned by God to be a “prophet to the nations,” Jeremiah exclaimed: “Here I actually do not know how to speak, for I am but a boy.” (Jeremiah 1:5, 6) Despite his reticence, though, Jeremiah became a courageous prophet who delivered forthright messages to a hostile people. How was this possible? He learned to rely on Jehovah. Jeremiah later wrote: “Blessed is the able-bodied man who puts his trust in Jehovah, and whose confidence Jehovah has become.” Today, Jehovah likewise strengthens those who put their trust in him.",Jeremiah 17:7; 20:11;,w98 5/15 pp. 24-25,,,bl,,12/25/2018
"Righteousness Exalts a Nation, anointed, 144,000, remnant, spiritual Israelites, ","The selection of these spiritual Israelites can be compared to diamond mining. When rich diamond-bearing ore is brought to the surface, it may yield only 1 carat (.007 ounce [200 mg]) per 3 tons of earth. A method once used to separate the diamonds involved mixing the ore with water and flowing the mixture over tables of grease. Diamonds are water-repellent, and they stuck to the grease while the unwanted material was washed away. At this stage the diamonds were rough. However, when cut and  polished, they reflected light in all directions.","Like water-repellent diamonds that are no part of the matter around them, Jehovah’s people have been separated from the world. (John 17:16) When first drawn to the light, they may have lacked luster. But Jehovah’s Word and spirit create within them a new personality, and they shine as illuminators in this world. It is because of Jehovah’s righteousness that they are set on high and reflect the glorious light of Kingdom truth in all directions, not because of their own righteousness.",John 17:16;,w95 12/15 p. 27,,,bl,,12/25/2018
"Communication, Keys to Communicating With Your Mate, ","Have you ever tried to open a door that has not been used for some time? Squeaking, the rusted hinges gradually give way. But what if the door had regularly been used and its hinges were well greased? It would have been easy to open. ","The same is true with the door of communication. If you make it a practice to communicate and lubricate the hinges of the door of communication with Christian love, you can more easily communicate your thoughts even when you have serious disagreements.",Genesis 16:1-4; 21:1-14;,w06 4/15 p. 7,,,bl,,12/25/2018
"Keep Free From Murmurings, complain, complaint, discontent, ","Many types of metal have a natural tendency to rust. If early signs of rust are ignored, metal can rust to the point that it can no longer serve its purpose. Countless automobiles are scrapped, not because of mechanical failure, but because the metal is so rusted that the vehicles are unsafe. How can we apply this illustration to murmuring?","Just as certain metals tend to rust, imperfect humans have a tendency to complain. We should be on guard to detect any sign of this. Even as moisture and salty air accelerate rusting, adversity makes us more inclined to murmur. Stress can turn a minor irritation into a major grievance. As conditions in the last days of this system deteriorate, potential causes of complaint will likely increase.  Hence, one servant of Jehovah might begin to murmur against another. The cause could be a small issue, such as discontent with someone’s weaknesses, abilities, or privileges of service.  Whatever the reason for our displeasure, if we were to allow a tendency to complain to go unchecked, it could promote in us a spirit of discontent and make us habitual murmurers. Yes, the spiritually corrosive effect of murmuring could corrupt us completely.",2 Timothy 3:1-5,w06 7/15 pp. 16-17 pars. 12-14,,,bl,,12/25/2018
Maintain Your Confidence Firm to the End,"IMAGINE a small plane flying into difficult weather conditions. The pilot can no longer make out landmarks. Thick clouds envelop him. He cannot see beyond his windscreen, yet he feels sure that he can complete his journey safely. What is the reason for his confidence?  He has accurate instruments that enable him to fly through clouds and land in darkness. Along his route, especially near the airport, beacons guide him electronically, and he has radio contact with air-traffic controllers on the ground.","In a comparable way, we can face the future with confidence, even though world conditions get gloomier day by day. Our journey through this wicked system may be taking longer than some expected, but we can be confident that we are on course and on time. Why can we be so sure? Because we have guidance that enables us to detect what human vision cannot. God’s Word is a ‘light to our roadway,’ and it is “trustworthy, making the inexperienced one wise.”  Like beacons that indicate the pilot’s flight path, the Bible accurately outlines future events and gives us clear instructions in order to ensure that we arrive safely at our destination. To benefit from divine guidance, however, we must trust it.",Psalm 19:7; 119:105,w96 5/1 p. 21,,,bl,,12/25/2018
"Conscience, Let God’s Laws and Principles Train Your Conscience",Those with a poorly trained conscience can be likened to a ship that is navigating with a defective compass. Setting off on a journey without an accurate compass can be treacherous. The winds and currents of the ocean can easily throw a ship off course. A properly calibrated compass can help the captain to keep the ship on course. ,"Our conscience can be likened to a moral compass. It is an inner sense of right or wrong that can guide us in the right direction. But in order for our conscience to be an effective guide, it must be properly adjusted, or calibrated.","1 Tim. 4:1, 2;",w18 June p. 16 par. 2,,,bl,,12/25/2018
How Can You Maintain a Good Conscience?,A MARINER steers his ship through the waves of a vast ocean; a hiker treks across a lonely wilderness; an aviator guides his aircraft as it soars above layers of clouds that stretch from one horizon to the other. Do you know what these individuals have in common? Each in his own way might be in big trouble without a compass—especially if other modern technology is not accessible.,"A compass is a simple instrument, usually just a dial with a magnetic needle that points northward. When it is working properly and especially when it is used in conjunction with an accurate map, it can be a lifesaver. In some ways, it may be likened to a precious gift that Jehovah has given us—a conscience. (James 1:17) Without a conscience, we would be hopelessly lost. Used properly, it can help us find our way and keep to the right path in life. ",James 1:17;,lv chap. 2 pp. 14-15 pars. 1-2,,,bl,,12/25/2018
How Can You Maintain a Good Conscience,"However, the conscience may in some cases be wrong. Why? Well, if a compass is placed near a metal object, it may be influenced to point in a direction other than north. And if it is used without an accurate map, the compass may be nearly worthless."," Similarly, if unduly influenced by the selfish desires of our heart, our conscience may point us in the wrong direction. And if it is used without the sure guidance of God’s Word, we may be unable to distinguish between right and wrong in many important matters. Really, in order for our conscience to work properly, we need the guidance of Jehovah’s holy spirit. Paul wrote: “My conscience bears witness with me in holy spirit.” (Romans 9:1) How, though, can we make sure that our conscience is in harmony with Jehovah’s holy spirit? It is a matter of training.",Romans 9:1;,lv chap. 2 p. 17 par. 7,,,bl,,12/25/2018
"Conscience, confidence, lost, ","A hiker treks across a vast wilderness. There are no trails, no roads, no signposts. Yet, he steadily makes his way toward his destination. How? He has a compass. It has a fixed dial marked with the four primary directions and a magnetic needle that points reliably northward. Without his compass, this hiker would be hopelessly lost. Similarly, a human without a conscience would often be hopelessly lost when trying to make moral, ethical, and righteous choices in life.","Like a compass, though, the conscience has its limitations. If the hiker were to put a magnet near his compass, the needle would point away from north. Likewise, if we were to give the desires of our heart too much prominence, what would happen? Our selfish tendencies might well distort the conscience. The Bible warns us that “the heart is more treacherous than anything else and is desperate.” ",Jer. 17:9; Prov. 4:23;,w09 8/15 p. 19 pars. 7-8,,,bl,,12/25/2018
"How Can I Resist Temptation, conscience, magnet, ","Take a compass, and position it so that the needle points north. Now place a magnet at the side of the compass. What happens? The needle no longer gives an accurate reading. Instead, it is turned toward the magnet.  ","Your conscience is like that compass. If properly trained, it will point “north” and help you to make wise decisions. But harmful association, like a magnet, exerts a pull that can distort your moral judgment. The lesson? Try to avoid people and situations that may throw your moral sense off course!—Proverbs 13:20.",Proverbs 13:20;,g 8/08 p. 27,,,bl,,12/25/2018
A Good Conscience With God,"IMAGINE that you are walking across a vast desert. The landscape keeps changing as strong winds blow the sand in different directions. You could easily get lost. How will you know which direction to go? You need someone or something to guide you. It could be a compass, the sun and stars, a map, a GPS (Global Positioning System), or even a person who knows the desert well. ","Having a guide is important, because knowing where to go can save your life. We all face many challenges in life, and at times we could easily feel lost. But to guide us, Jehovah has given each one of us a conscience.  ",James 1:17,lvs chap. 2 pp. 16-17 pars. 1-2,,,bl,,12/25/2018
You Need a Trained Conscience,"THE captain, a pilot for 15 years, had accumulated over 11,000 hours of flying time. Prior to takeoff, he had carefully entered the flight plan into his onboard computer, unaware that the coordinates he had been given were incorrect. Flying through a cloud at just under 2,000 feet [600 m], the DC-10 slammed into the lower slopes of Mount Erebus, killing all 257 on board.","Just as airplanes today rely on computers to guide them through the skies, humans have been given a conscience to guide them on their path through life. And the terrible tragedy of Flight 901 can teach us some powerful lessons about our conscience. For instance, in the same way that flight safety depends on a properly functioning navigational system and precise points of reference, so our spiritual, moral, and even physical well-being depends on a responsive conscience guided by correct moral points of reference.",Isaiah 5:20;,w01 11/1 p. 3,,,bl,,12/25/2018
"Is Your Conscience Well Trained, Warning, act quickly, ",We can compare the trained conscience to the warning lights on an automobile’s instrument panel. Suppose a light comes on warning us that the oil pressure is low. What would happen if we did not give prompt attention to the matter and continued to drive the vehicle? We could cause serious damage to the motor. ,"In a similar way, our conscience, or inner voice, can alert us that a certain course of action is wrong. Comparing our Scriptural standards and values with the course of action being taken or contemplated, it flashes a warning, as the light on the instrument panel does. Heeding the warning will help us not only to avoid the bad consequences of the wrong action but also to preserve the proper operation of our conscience. In order for our conscience to help us, we must heed it. Only when we respond promptly to the proddings of our Bible-trained conscience do we benefit from it. ",1 Timothy 4:2;,w05 10/1 p. 14,,,bl,,12/25/2018
"Cultivate Reasonable Expectations, and Be Joyful, adjustments, flexible, tolerant, ","A sailboat may be coursing along at full speed with the wind blowing in its sails. However, when the sailor at the helm encounters a fierce storm, he is forced to adjust the sails. He is not in control of the storm, but by making adjustments, he may remain in control of his sailboat. ","In a comparable way, often we have no control over adverse stormlike circumstances that we encounter in life. But we can keep control of our life to the extent possible by adjusting the way we use physical, mental, and emotional resources. When we take into consideration our new circumstances, we will be helped to preserve our satisfaction and joy in God’s service.",Prov. 11:2,w08 7/15 p. 31,,,bl,,12/25/2018
"Improving Our Skills in the Ministry—Starting Conversations That Can Lead to a Witness, ",Starting a conversation is much like playing a game of catch. Both require at least two participants and are relatively easy to initiate. ,"At your next opportunity, “toss” someone your words, and see if you can start a conversation.",Neh. 2:4;,mwb18,,,bl,,12/25/2018
"Serving Wherever I Was Needed, adjustments, flexible, tolerant, ","Like a tree that gets blown by strong winds, we have to bend to the different hardships and problems that come our way. ","Over the years, I have found that regular Bible study and meeting attendance give me that strength to bend and to survive spiritually. As I grow older and see the mistakes I made in the past, I try to look on the bright side. After all, if we just stay faithful, such experiences only add to our spiritual development. If we learn from them, the negative aspects of life can have certain positive aspects.","James 1:2, 3;",w01 2/1 pp. 28-29,,,bl,,12/25/2018
"Do You Appreciate Jehovah’s Watchful Care, Patience,"," Suppose you are driving a car on a highway and get stuck in traffic. You do not know how long the delay will continue. If you get irritated and try to find another route, you might get lost. You could end up taking more time to reach your destination than you would had you patiently remained on course. ","Similarly, if you stick to the paths outlined in God’s Word, in time you will arrive at your destination. Jehovah may hold off from intervening in our trials because he wants us to receive vital training.  Still, we may become impatient when a trialsome period seems to have no end. How can we cope?",1 Peter 5:6-10;,w14 4/15 pp. 30-31 pars. 15-16,,,bl,,12/25/2018
"Walk by Spirit and Live Up to Your Dedication, baptism, cultivate, ","A farmer cultivates the land. Of course, sunshine and water are necessary; without such he cannot expect any harvest. We might compare holy spirit to sunshine. Holy spirit is needed for us to manifest the fruitage of the spirit. Yet, what would be produced without the farmer’s hard work?  ","Yes, how you cultivate the soil of your heart makes a difference in the quality and quantity of the fruitage of the holy spirit in you. So ask yourself, ‘Am I permitting holy spirit to produce its fruitage by working along with it?’",Prov. 10:4;,w10 3/15 pp. 15-16 par. 6,,,bl,,12/25/2018
"Walk by Spirit and Live Up to Your Dedication, baptism, cultivate, water, ","To obtain a good harvest, farmers need to water their crops. In order to cultivate the fruitage of the spirit, you need the waters of truth found in the Bible and available through the Christian congregation today. (Isa. 55:1) You have likely pointed out to many people that the Holy Scriptures are a product of holy spirit. (2 Tim. 3:16) Also, the faithful and discreet slave class provides much-needed understanding of the pure waters of Bible truth. (Matt. 24:45-47) ","The implication is clear. In order to come under the influence of the holy spirit, we must read and meditate on God’s Word. If you are doing that, you are imitating the fine examples of the prophets who made “a diligent inquiry and a careful search” of information that was provided. It is noteworthy that even the angels have shown deep interest in spiritual truths regarding the promised Seed and the anointed Christian congregation.",1 Peter 1:10-12;,w10 3/15 p. 16 par. 7,,,bl,,12/25/2018
Where Are the Dead?,"The life we enjoy is like the flame of a candle. When the flame is put out, it does not go anywhere. It is simply gone.","Similarly, Psalm 146:4 says that when a man dies, “his thoughts perish.” We are mortal and do not survive the death of our body.","Ecclesiastes 9:5, 6, 10;",bh chap. 6 pp. 58-59 par. 6,,,bl,,12/25/2018
"Walking With God—The Early Steps, baptism, dedication, ","Becoming a dedicated, baptized disciple of Jesus Christ is somewhat similar to getting married. In many lands, the wedding day is preceded by several steps. A man and a woman meet, get to know each other, and fall in love. Next comes the engagement. The wedding makes public what has been decided upon in private—to enter wedlock and then live together as husband and wife."," It is the wedding that publicly marks the beginning of that special relationship. That date marks the beginning of the marriage. Comparably, baptism marks the start of a life devoted to walking in a dedicated relationship with Jehovah.",Matthew 3:13-17;,w98 11/15 p. 12 par. 11,,,bl,,12/25/2018
"Walking With God—The Early Steps, Dedication, Baptism, ","After their wedding day, the love between husband and wife should deepen and mature. To draw ever closer to one another, both marriage mates must unselfishly strive to maintain and strengthen their marital relationship. ","Although we do not enter into a marriage with God, after our baptism we must work to maintain a close relationship with Jehovah. He observes and appreciates our efforts to do his will and draws close to us. “Draw close to God,” wrote the disciple James, “and he will draw close to you.”—James 4:8.",James 4:8;,w98 11/15 p. 12 par. 12,,,bl,,12/25/2018
"Searching Into “the Deep Things of God,"" Joy, truth, Jehovah's name, Bible","We were like a man peering through the water at a coral reef. Unaided, he sees little of the beautiful things below the surface. But with the aid of diving goggles or a glass-bottomed boat, he is thrilled to see for the first time brilliantly colored corals, fish, sea anemones, and other fascinating creatures. Similarly, when someone began to help us to understand the Scriptures, we had our first glimpse of “the deep things of God.”","MOST of us in the Christian congregation can recall the joy we felt when we first learned the truth. We discovered why Jehovah’s name is important, why he permits suffering, why some people go to heaven, and what the future holds for faithful mankind in general. We may have looked into the Bible before that, but these things were hidden from us, as they are from most of mankind. ",1 Corinthians 2:8-10;,w07 11/1 p. 27 par. 1,,,bl,,12/25/2018
Do You Value What Jehovah Has Done to Deliver You,"IMAGINE that you are lying in a hospital bed. You are in a ward where everyone suffers from the same illness, a deadly disease with no known cure. When you learn that a doctor is spearheading an effort to find a cure, you are hopeful. You eagerly await news of any developments. One day, you learn that a cure has been found! The doctor behind the breakthrough made enormous sacrifices to make the cure possible. How would you respond? Surely your heart would swell with respect and appreciation for the man who opened a way for you and many others to be delivered from death.","That scenario may seem dramatic, but it corresponds to a reality we all face. Each of us is in a condition far more serious than the one described. We are in dire need of a rescuer. (Read Romans 7:24.) To deliver us, Jehovah has gone to great lengths. His Son too has made significant sacrifices. Let us consider, then, four basic questions. Why do we need deliverance? What has our deliverance cost Jesus? What has it cost Jehovah? And how can we show that we value divine deliverance?",Romans 7:24;,w09 9/15 pp. 25-26 pars. 1-2,,,bl,,12/25/2018
"How Can You Keep a Balanced View of Money, desire, greed, motivation, work,",The difference between normal desire and greed might be likened to the difference between the small campfire that cooks food and the blazing inferno that consumes a forest. ,"Wholesome and well-placed desire can be constructive. It motivates us to work and to be productive. Proverbs 16:26 says: “The soul of the hard worker has worked hard for him, because his mouth has pressed him hard.” But greed is dangerous and destructive. It is desire out of control.",Proverbs 16:26;,w01 6/15 p. 6,,,bl,,12/25/2018
"Discipline, guide,",Discipline guides a child the way a rudder steers a boat and keeps it on course.,,Col 3:21;,g18 No. 2 p. 9 6,,,bl,,12/25/2018
"How Should You Discipline Your Children, protection, cultivate, ","Parental discipline may be likened to gardening. A gardener prepares the soil, waters and feeds the plant, and provides protection from pests and weeds. As the plant grows, the gardener may need to prune the plant in order to help it keep growing in the right direction. The gardener recognizes that a careful combination of various techniques will help him to produce a healthy plant.","Similarly, parents care for their children in many ways. But at times they need to give discipline—which, like pruning, may correct wrong inclinations early on and help their children to grow in the right direction. Pruning, however, must be done carefully, or a plant can suffer permanent harm. Likewise, parental discipline needs to be given with loving care.","Proverbs 4:1, 2;",w14 7/1 p. 10,,,bl,,12/25/2018
"Parents, Help Your Children Build Faith","You might even use a recipe to help your child build faith in God. How? After you bake a cake or a batch of cookies, explain the role of the recipe. Then hand your child a piece of fruit, perhaps an apple, and ask: “Did you know that this apple started off with a ‘recipe’?” Then cut the apple in two, and give him a seed. You could discuss that the recipe was “written” in the seed but in a language far more complex than the words in a recipe book. You might ask: “If the recipe for the cake had a writer, who wrote the much more complex recipe for the apple?”","For an older child, you could explain that the recipe for the apple—in fact, for the entire tree on which it grew—was part of the code in the DNA. Together, you might even look at some of the illustrations on pages 10 to 20 of our brochure The Origin of Life—Five Questions Worth Asking.","Matthew 13:34, 35;",w16 September pp. 30-31 par. 10,,,bl,,12/25/2018
"Maintain Your Confidence Firm to the End, doubts, faith, ",A slothful attitude may have dire consequences in many areas of life. Solomon observed that “through the letting down of the hands the house leaks.”  Sooner or later rain starts dripping through a roof that is not cared for.," If we let down our hands spiritually and fail to maintain our faith, doubts may creep in. On the other hand, regular meditation on and study of God’s Word will nourish and protect our faith.—Psalm 1:2, 3.",Ecclesiastes 10:18;,w96 5/1 p. 22,,,bl,,12/25/2018
"Elderly ones, older, old men, older women, Why Honor the Elderly, Honor, respect, worthy, ","ALONG the coast of California, U.S.A., is one of the world’s most photographed trees. It is known as the Lone Cypress. Reportedly, this tree is over 250 years old. Noted for its endurance, this beautiful tree has received attention in several ways. For instance, it has been fortified with supportive cables and with stonework around its base. The Lone Cypress may remind us of the older Christians in our midst, who show remarkable endurance. One outstanding way that they do this is by proclaiming the good news. The prophet Joel foretold that “old men” would declare the Bible’s message. (Joel 2:28-32; Acts 2:16-21) ","Just think of the countless hours such ones spend earnestly helping others to learn about the “good news of the kingdom”! (Matt. 24:14) Some of these elderly Kingdom proclaimers have endured years of persecution or other difficulties. If a mere cypress tree is noted for endurance and is fortified with stonework and cables, how much more do the older ones among us deserve to be recognized and treated with dignity and honor!",Joel 2:28-32; Acts 2:16-21;,w10 5/15 p. 6;,,,bl,,12/25/2018
"Let Your Brotherly Love Continue! commendation, criticize, condemn, upbuild, rebuke, reprimand, positive, negative,","If an elder’s ministry before the congregation were likened to a piece of music, then rebuke and reprimand would be like a single note that fits into the whole. That note is fine in its place. (Luke 17:3; 2 Timothy 4:2) Imagine a song containing only that one note, repeated over and over again. It would quickly grate on our ears. In a similar vein, Christian elders try to round out their teaching and imbue it with variety. They do not limit it to the correcting of problems. Rather, its overall tone is positive.","Like Jesus Christ, loving elders look first for the good to commend, not the fault to criticize. They appreciate the hard work their fellow Christians are doing. They are confident that by and large, each one is doing his best to serve Jehovah. And elders readily put that feeling into words.",2 Thessalonians 3:4.,w97 8/1 p. 18 par. 15,,,bl,,12/25/2018
"Training, Elders, How Do You Feel About Training Others, ","A teacher needs to create the right conditions for training. Just as a gardener needs to cultivate, or loosen, the soil before sowing seeds, so a teacher needs to prepare, or encourage, the heart of a learner before teaching him new skills. So how do teachers create the right conditions for training others? By following an approach similar to that taken by one prophet of old. What approach is that?  One day over 3,000 years ago, Jehovah told the elderly prophet Samuel: “Tomorrow about this time, I will send to you a man from the land of Benjamin. You must anoint him as leader over my people Israel.” (1 Sam. 9:15, 16) Samuel realized that his role as leader had come to an end and that Jehovah had assigned him to anoint a successor. ‘How can I prepare that man for his task?,’ Samuel must have thought. He got an idea and worked out a plan.","The next day when Samuel saw Saul, Jehovah told the prophet: “Here is the man.” Then Samuel put his plan into action. He invited Saul for a meal in a dining hall. There he gave Saul and his attendant the best seats and a choice cut of meat, and Samuel said: “Eat, because they have reserved it for you for this occasion.” Afterward, Samuel and Saul walked down to the prophet’s house, talking as they went. Samuel wanted to make good use of the pleasant atmosphere that the fine meal and the leisurely walk had created. So he invited Saul to come up to his roof. In the cool evening breeze, Samuel “continued to speak with Saul on the housetop” until they went to sleep. The next day, Samuel anointed Saul, kissed him, and gave him more instructions. After that, he sent Saul away—prepared for the events to come.—1 Sam. 9:17-27; 10:1.",1 Sam. 9:17-27; 10:1;,w15 4/15 pp. 5-6 pars. 12-14,,,bl,,12/25/2018
How Elders Train Others to Become Qualified,"As an elder, you could be compared to a gardener. Before planting seeds, a gardener may see the need to add nutrients to the soil to make it more productive. Similarly, before teaching a less experienced brother a set of skills, you may discern the need to share some nourishing Scriptural thoughts with him so as to make his heart more responsive to the training he will receive.—1 Tim. 4:6.","To determine to what extent a learner’s thoughts and actions are influenced by Kingdom truth, you might ask him, ‘How has your dedication to Jehovah changed the way you use your life?’ That question can lead to a meaningful conversation about what makes our sacred service whole-souled. (Read Mark 12:29, 30.) Perhaps at the end of such a conversation, you might say a prayer, asking Jehovah to give the learner the holy spirit he needs to complete his training. How upbuilding it will be for the brother to hear your heartfelt prayer in his behalf!","Mark 12:29, 30;",w15 4/15 pp. 9-10 pars. 2-3,,,bl,,12/25/2018
"What Is “the End,"" earth, paradise, tenants, abuse, stubborn, destroy home, ","Suppose you owned a beautiful home and allowed people to live in it for free. Some of the tenants lived peaceably with one another and took good care of your home. Others, however, made nothing but trouble, fought with one another, and abused the good tenants. They damaged your property and stubbornly refused to respond to your efforts to stop them. What would you do to correct matters? Would you destroy your home? Not likely. You would probably evict the bad tenants and repair what damage had been done.","Jehovah will act in a similar manner. He inspired the psalmist to write: “Evildoers themselves will be cut off, but those hoping in Jehovah are the ones that will possess the earth. And just a little while longer, and the wicked one will be no more; and you will certainly give attention to his place, and he will not be. But the meek ones themselves will possess the earth, and they will indeed find their exquisite delight in the abundance of peace.”—Psalm 37:9-11.",Psalm 37:9-11;,w11 3/1 pp. 8-9,,,bl,,12/25/2018
"Consider Closely the One Who Has Endured, attitude, endurance, tolerate, prison, ","Consider an illustration: Two men are imprisoned in similar conditions but for very different reasons. One, a common criminal, begrudgingly serves his sentence with sad-faced compliance. The other, a true Christian imprisoned for his faithful course, stands his ground and keeps a positive attitude because he sees his situation as an opportunity to demonstrate his faith. ","The criminal can hardly be considered an example of endurance, whereas the loyal Christian exemplifies this sterling quality.",James 1:2-4;,cf chap. 7 p. 67 par. 5,,,bl,,12/25/2018
"Let Endurance Complete Its Work, steadfast, determination, ","We must endure, not for a time, but to the end. To illustrate: Imagine a ship that capsizes. To survive, the passengers must swim to shore. The swimmer who gives up only a few yards from shore faces the same fate as the swimmer who gave up much earlier. ","Similarly, we are determined to endure until we reach the new world. Our life depends on our enduring. We have an attitude like that of the apostle Paul, who twice stated: “We do not give up.”—2 Cor. 4:1, 16.","2 Corinthians 4:1, 16;",w16 April p. 17 par. 17,,,bl,,12/25/2018
"Do You Want to Live Forever, complain, rescue, everlasting life, valuable, ","We might compare enjoying eternal life to having an abundance of air. Sailors in a malfunctioning submarine would consider air to be especially valuable. After they were rescued, do you think they would unappreciative complain about again enjoying air in abundance? Surely not!","Like such sailors, we can be rescued but with the even greater prospect of everlasting life. “The wages sin pays is death,” wrote the apostle Paul, “but the gift God gives is everlasting life by Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 6:23) Through Jesus’ ransom sacrifice, God will remove human imperfection and death and will bestow upon obedient mankind the gift of everlasting life. How grateful we should be for such a loving arrangement!",Romans 6:23;,w04 11/15 pp. 5-6,,,bl,,12/25/2018
"Do You Want to Live Forever, everlasting life, beautiful, ","Some feel that the shortness of life is what makes it so precious. They may compare life to gold, which exists only in limited amounts. If gold could be found everywhere, they point out, its value would be diminished. ","Nevertheless, gold would still be beautiful. Surely the same is true of life.",1 Corinthians 8:3;,w04 11/15 p. 5,,,bl,,12/25/2018
"Youths Who Make Jehovah’s Heart Rejoice, world, passing away, material things, ","IMAGINE that you are shopping for clothes. While browsing, you catch sight of a garment that immediately appeals to you. The color and style seem just right for you, and the price tag indicates that this is a real bargain. But then you take a closer look. Much to your surprise, you notice that the fabric is frayed at the edges, and the stitching is somewhat shoddy. The garment, while attractive, is cheaply made. Would you spend your money on such an inferior product?","Compare this to a situation that could confront you as a Christian youth. At first glance, the things of this world—much like that garment—might seem highly appealing. For instance, your schoolmates may go to exciting parties, take drugs, drink, date casually, and engage in premarital sex. Are you, on occasion, attracted to such a life-style? Do you long for just a taste of their so-called freedom? If so, do not hastily conclude that you are bad at heart and just not cut out to be a Christian. After all, the Bible acknowledges that the world can be powerfully enticing—even to a person who wants to please God.—2 Timothy 4:10. Now please take a closer look, just as you would at an item of clothing that you were interested in buying. Ask yourself, ‘Of what quality is the fabric and stitching of this system of things?’ The Bible states that “the world is passing away.” (1 John 2:17) Any pleasure derived from it would be temporary at best. Furthermore, ungodly conduct has a high price tag. It is certainly no bargain. One Christian, who has had to endure what she calls “the pains resulting from a misspent youth,” says: “The world may appear to be glamorous and inviting. And it wants you to believe that you can have its form of fun without pain. But this simply isn’t possible. The world will use you, and when it is through, it will throw you away.” Why waste your youth on such an inferior way of life?",1 John 2:7;,w03 4/15 pp. 12-13 pars. 1-3,,,bl,,7/8/2025
"Who Is the Hearer of Prayer, creation, Bible, identify, knowledge, ","Observing evidence of God in creation is like hearing the footsteps of someone approaching behind a closed door. You know that someone is there, but who is it? To find out, you need to open the door. But there is a limit to what nature can teach us about God.","We need to do something similar in order to identify the Someone behind creation. The Bible is a door to knowledge about God. When you open that door and consider some of its detailed prophecies and their fulfillment, you will find evidence that God exists. But more than that, the record of God’s dealings with people shows the very personality of the Hearer of prayer.",Hebrews 3:4;,w12 7/1 p. 5,,,bl,,12/25/2018
"Your Marriage Can Be Saved! Conversation, speech, ","In a game of catch, you toss the ball so that it can be caught easily. You do not fling it with such force that you injure your partner. ","Apply the same principle when speaking with your spouse. Hurling bitter remarks will only cause harm. Instead, speak gently—with graciousness—so that your mate can catch your point. The Bible states: “Let your utterance be always with graciousness, seasoned with salt, so as to know how you ought to give an answer to each one.” (Colossians 4:6) This certainly applies in marriage! To illustrate:",Colossians 4:6;,g01 1/8 p. 10,,,bl,,12/25/2018
"Exercise Your Faith in Jehovah’s Promises, healthy faith, ","The need to keep our faith healthy can be likened to a plant’s need for water. Unlike an artificial plant, a living plant keeps changing. A live plant either withers because of a lack of water or continues to thrive with a regular supply of moisture. If deprived of sufficient water, a once healthy plant will eventually die. ","So, too, our faith. It will wither and die if neglected. (Luke 22:32; Heb. 3:12) But if we give it due attention, our faith will stay alive and keep “growing,” and we will be “healthy in faith.”",2 Thess. 1:3; Titus 2:2;,w16 October p. 27 par. 5,,,bl,,12/25/2018
"Healthy faith, replenish, spiritual desert, ","Imagine that you are traversing a vast desert. You are in critical need of water. When you find some, you have to protect it from the sun. Then you need to be able to replenish your supply so that it will last you until you arrive at your destination. ","Today, we all live in a spiritual desert, a world where genuine faith—like that water—is rare and tends to evaporate quickly unless it is protected and replenished. Our need is pressing; just as we cannot live without water, we cannot survive spiritually without faith.—Rom. 1:17.",Hebrews 6:12;,ia p. 206 par. 2,,,bl,,12/25/2018
"Give Us More Faith, confidence,","Our faith might be compared to a wood fire. When the fire is started, it may come roaring to life in an intense blaze. However, if nothing more is done to the fire, it will eventually die down to hot coals that, in turn, will become cold ashes if left alone. But if you regularly feed the fire with more wood, it can be kept going indefinitely. ","So, too, our faith can be kept alive if we regularly feed on God’s Word. By progressively studying the Bible, we can develop a deep love for it and its Author, and that will become the basis for building more faith.","Hebrews 6:1, 2;",w15 10/15 p. 10 par. 7,,,bl,,12/25/2018
"Take Your Stand for True Worship, Babylon the Great, Christendom, Jehovah's Witnesses, True, false, ","SUPPOSE you found out that your whole neighborhood has been contaminated. Someone has secretly been dumping poisonous waste in the area, and now the situation is life threatening. What would you do? No doubt, you would move away if you could. But after doing that, you would still face this serious question, ‘Have I been poisoned?’Revelation 18:2, 4)","A similar situation arises with regard to false religion. The Bible teaches that such worship is contaminated with unclean teachings and practices. (2 Corinthians 6:17) That is why it is important for you to get out of “Babylon the Great,” the world empire of false religion. (Revelation 18:2, 4) Have you done this? If so, you are to be commended. But more is involved than just separating yourself or resigning from a false religion. Afterward, you must ask yourself, ‘Do any traces of false worship remain in me?’ Consider some examples.",Revelation 18:2-4;,bh chap. 16 p. 154 pars. 1-2,,,bl,,12/25/2018
"Worship That God Approves, counterfeit religion, Babylon the Great, Christendom, clergy,","In many lands, there is a problem with counterfeit money. If you were given the job of picking out such false money, how would you go about it? By memorizing every kind of counterfeit? No. Your time would be better spent if you studied real money. After you knew what real money looked like, you could recognize a counterfeit. ","Similarly, when we learn how to identify the true religion, we can recognize those religions that are false.",Matthew 7:21-23;,bh chap. 15 p. 144 par. 2,,,bl,,12/26/2018
"Friends, forgiveness, raspberries seeds, overlook, "," Some do not like eating raspberries because of their little seeds. Those who enjoy this fruit, however, do not notice the seeds. ",True friends are loved for their fine qualities; their minor faults are overlooked. Paul exhorted us: “Continue putting up with one another and forgiving one another freely.” (Colossians 3:13) Those who learn to be forgiving keep their friends. A true friend is quick to overlook minor failings. ,"Matthew 18:21, 22;",w00 12/1 pp. 22-23,,,bl,,12/26/2018
"Undeserved Kindness, Ministry, Fellow believers, ","Which of these two Christian activities is more important? Asking a question like that is somewhat similar to asking about a bird, Which of his two wings is more important? The answer is obvious. A bird needs to use both wings in order to fly properly. ","Similarly, we need to share in both aspects of our service to God in order to be complete as Christians. Thus, instead of regarding our assignments to preach the good news and to build up fellow believers as unrelated, we view them just as the apostles Peter and Paul did—as responsibilities that complement each other. In what way?  As evangelizers, we employ whatever teaching skills we may have in trying to touch the hearts of our fellow men with the uplifting message of God’s Kingdom. In that way, we hope to help them to become Christ’s disciples. However, we also use whatever abilities and other gifts we may have in trying to warm the hearts of our fellow believers with uplifting words and helpful deeds—expressions of God’s undeserved kindness. (Prov. 3:27; 12:25) In that way, we hope to help them to remain Christ’s disciples. In both activities—preaching to the public and “ministering to one another”—we have the wonderful privilege of serving as an instrument in Jehovah’s hand.—Gal. 6:10.",Galatians 6:10;,w09 1/15 pp. 14-15 pars. 11-12,,,bl,,12/26/2018
"We Must Call Again and Again, preaching, rescue, disaster, searching, ","This Is a Rescue Work: Think of rescue workers at a disaster scene. Even though some may be searching in an area where few survivors are being found, they do not slack off and quit because their fellow workers are finding more survivors elsewhere. ","Our rescue operation has not been called off yet. Each year, hundreds of thousands who want to survive “the great tribulation” are being found.","Rev. 7:9, 14;",km 12/98 p. 1 par. 3,,,bl,,12/26/2018
"Sinful tendencies, pummel, struggle, Respond Unselfishly, exert ourselves vigorously, "," It is as though we were in a small rowboat on a swiftly flowing river and were being pulled toward its falls. To avert disaster, we must strenuously row upstream against the strong current. We may not seem to be making much progress, but as long as we keep exerting ourselves vigorously, we will not go over the falls to our destruction. ","To succeed in his struggle against sinful tendencies, he had to pummel—yes, severely beat—his body. Do we dare content ourselves with doing any less? Surely, manifestations of Jehovah God’s love toward us should cause us to exert ourselves vigorously to be loyal to him by hating lawlessness and loving righteousness.",Romans 7:15-25; 1 Corinthians 9:27;,w90 12/1 p. 17 par. 8,,,bl,,12/26/2018
"Persecution, storms of life, sorrow, trials, hardships, humble, ","HAVE you ever noticed the way a flower seems bowed down after weathering a storm? In a way it is a touching sight. After all, the cloudburst likely sent countless animals and people—far hardier creations than any flower—scurrying for shelter. Yet, the flower stood there, rooted, facing the weather’s full fury. Now, here it is intact, bowed but unbroken, showing a strength that belies its delicate appearance. You may wonder, as you admire it, if it will regain its vigor and lift its lovely head to the sky once more.","It is much the same with people. In these troubled times, we face all manner of storms. Economic hardships, depression, failing health, the loss of a loved one in death—such tempests assail all of us at one time or another, and sometimes we can no more avoid them than the flower can uproot itself and run for cover. It is moving to see individuals who appear quite frail show surprising strength and endure such onslaughts. How do they do it? Often the key is faith. Jesus Christ’s half brother James wrote: “You know that when your faith succeeds in facing such trials, the result is the ability to endure.”—James 1:3, Today’s English Version.",James 1:3;,w94 10/15 p. 32,,,bl,,12/26/2018
"Knowing, knowledge, gift, maintenance, cleaning, holy, offended, bad feelings, annoyance, painful,","Imagine that you received an heirloom bowl or vase as a gift. If it became soiled or stained, would your immediate response be to throw it away? Not likely. You would probably put forth effort to clean it carefully, removing any spots or dirt and perhaps eliminating the stain. You want to behold its beauty, the way it gleams in the sunlight.","In like fashion, you can work hard to get rid of any lingering rancor or feelings of annoyance toward a brother or a sister who offended you. Fight the tendency to dwell on the painful words or acts. As you succeed in putting them behind you, you purify the image and memories you have in your heart of the one whom you have forgiven. With your heart cleansed of negative thoughts toward that one, you are more open to enjoy again the close friendship that had seemed lost for good.",Jeremiah 33:8;,jr chap. 12 pp. 152-153 par. 23,,,bl,,12/26/2018
"Friendship, bad associations, Drawn to the Wrong People, goals, ","Close friends, like two people riding in the same car, inevitably head in the same direction and arrive at the same destination. So ask yourself: ‘Does the road my friend is on lead where I want to go? Will it take me closer to my spiritual goals and aspirations?’","The fact is, you become like your friends. In this way those with whom we spend our time exert great power and influence over us. Proverbs 13:20 shows that this power can be for good or for bad: “He that is walking with wise persons will become wise, but he that is having dealings with the stupid ones will fare badly.”",Proverbs 13:20;,g05 7/22 p. 21,,,bl,,12/26/2018
"Last Days, guidance, lost, survival, history, future, Bible, ","YOU are in the bow of a canoe as it enters a rough stretch of river. Huge boulders loom up through cascades of foam and spray. You try to fend them off. The person behind you is supposed to help steer the craft, but he has little experience. Worse yet, you have no map, so you have no idea whether these rapids will end in a calm pool or in a waterfall. Not a pleasant scenario, is it? So let us change it. Imagine that you have an experienced guide with you, one who knows this river’s every rock, every bend. He knew far ahead that this white water was approaching, he knows how it will end, and he knows how to negotiate his way through it. Would you not feel far more secure?","Really, all of us are in a similar predicament. We find ourselves, through no fault of our own, in a rough stretch of human history. Most people have no idea how long things will be this way, whether conditions will improve, or how best to survive in the meanwhile. But we do not have to feel lost or helpless. Our Creator has provided us with a guide—one that foretold this dark period of history, predicts how it will end, and offers us the guidance we need in order to survive. That guide is a book, the Bible. Its Author, Jehovah God, calls himself the Grand Instructor, and through Isaiah he says reassuringly: “Your own ears will hear a word behind you saying: ‘This is the way. Walk in it, you people,’ in case you people should go to the right or in case you should go to the left.” (Isaiah 30:20, 21) Would you welcome such guidance? Then let us consider if the Bible really foretold what our days would be like.","Isaiah 30:20, 21;",w97 4/1 pp. 4-5,,,bl,,12/26/2018
"Speech, build up, upbuilding, good gift, perfect present, misuse, cursing, profanity, heartache, pain,","IF YOU were to give a loved one a gift, how would you feel if he deliberately misused it? Say that you gave him a car, and you later learned that he drove it recklessly, causing injury to others. Would you not be disappointed?","The ability to utter intelligible speech is a gift from Jehovah, the Giver of “every good gift and every perfect present.” (James 1:17) This gift, which sets the human family apart from the animal creation, enables us to convey not just our thoughts but also our feelings to others. Like a motor vehicle, however, the gift of speech can be misused. How it must disappoint Jehovah when speech is used recklessly, causing heartache and pain to others!",James 1:17;,lv chap. 12 p. 133 pars. 1-2,,,bl,,12/26/2018
"Taking Hold of Glory, lights, heart, Jehovah's glory, creation, dim, draw away, drift away, fall away,","How human glory can obscure divine glory can be illustrated by comparing glory to light. Our brilliant universe is abundantly glorious. Do you remember when you last looked into the sky on a clear night and found yourself encompassed by thousands of stars? “The glory of the stars” is awe-inspiring. (1 Cor. 15:40, 41) When viewed from the street of a well-lit city, though, how does the same sky appear? Why, city lights make it almost impossible for us to see the light emanating from distant stars!","Is this so because the lights from roads, stadiums, and buildings are stronger or more beautiful than starlight? No! This happens because city lights are closer to us and they interfere with what we can perceive of Jehovah’s creation. To witness the wonders of the night sky, we must somehow block out or avoid the interference from artificial light. Similarly, if the wrong kind of glory were too close to our hearts, it could prevent us from appreciating and seeking the enduring glory that Jehovah is willing to bestow.","1 Corinthians 15:40, 41;",w13 2/15 p. 26 pars. 8-9,,,bl,,1/9/2022
"Goals, reality, blueprints, ","Goals are like blueprints; with effort, you can turn them into reality.","Act. Do not wait until you have every detail worked out to get started. Ask yourself, ‘What is the very first thing I can do toward reaching my goal?’ Then do it. Track your progress as you complete each step. BIBLE PRINCIPLE: “The plans of the diligent surely lead to success.”",Ecclesiastes 11:4;Proverbs 21:5;,g18 No. 2 p. 15 12,,,bl,,12/26/2018
"Satan, devil, punishment, answers, hellfire, reasoning, ","Some believe that Satan is “in charge” of hellfire. An illustration may help a parent to see how illogical it would be for God to have the Devil torment people in hellfire. We could say something like this: “Imagine that your child has become very rebellious and is doing many bad things. How would you react?” Likely, the parent would say that he would correct his child. He might repeatedly try to help the child stop doing what is bad. (Prov. 22:15) At this point, we might ask the parent what he would do if the child rejected all efforts to help him. Most parents would say that eventually they would have no choice but to punish the child. We could then ask, “What if you found out that an evil person had influenced your child to become so rebellious?” No doubt, the parent would be angry with such a person. ","Driving home the point of the illustration, we might ask the parent, “Knowing that an evil individual had influenced your child, would you ask that person to punish your child for you?” The answer, of course, would be no. Clearly, then, God would not use Satan to punish the very same people who have been influenced by the Devil himself to do bad things!",Proverbs 22:15; ,w14 5/15 pp. 9-10 par. 14,,,bl,,12/26/2018
"Holy Spirit, Person, active force, confidence, power, ","Back in 1879, Bible scholar Charles L. Ives aptly illustrated God’s ability to exercise his power from a fixed location. He wrote: “For example, we say, ‘Open the shutters, and let the sun come into the room.’ We mean, not the real, bodily sun, but the solar ray, that which proceeds from the sun.” ","Similarly, God has no need to travel to the locations where he intends to use his active force. He simply employs his holy spirit, which can reach to the extremities of creation. Seeing the holy spirit for what it is—God’s powerful active force—can give you confidence that Jehovah will fulfill his promises.",1 Kings 22:19; Isaiah 6:1; Daniel 7:9; Revelation 4:1-3;,g 7/06 p. 15,,,bl,,12/26/2018
"Develop Genuine Love, fruitage of the spirit, prayer, Holy Spirit, ","Just as timely rain on an orchard contributes to a good harvest, God’s spirit can produce in receptive individuals qualities that the Bible describes as “the fruitage of the spirit.” (Galatians 5:22, 23) Foremost in this fruitage is love. (1 Corinthians 13:13) ","But how do we obtain God’s spirit? A vital way is through prayer. If we pray for God’s spirit, he will give it to us. (Luke 11:9-13) Do you “keep on” praying for holy spirit? If you do, then its precious fruitage, including love, should become ever more manifest in your life.","Galatians 5:22, 23;",w03 7/1 p. 6,,,bl,,12/26/2018
"Answers, Trinity, relationships, twins, ","For example, when explaining that God is superior to Jesus, perhaps we can try the following approach. We can mention that both God and Jesus used a family reference when describing their relationship. God referred to Jesus as his Son, and Jesus spoke of God as his Father.  Next, we might ask the householder: “If you wanted to teach me that two people are equal, what type of family relationship would you use to illustrate the point?” The person may mention siblings—even twins. ","If he does, we could point out how natural that comparison seems to be. Then we might ask: “If you and I could come up with this illustration so readily, would not Jesus—the Great Teacher—have thought of the same comparison? Instead, he spoke of God as being his Father. Jesus thus portrayed God as being older and having more authority than he had.”","Luke 3:21, 22; John 14:28;",w14 5/15 p. 9 par. 13,,,bl,,12/26/2018
"Values, principals, child training, ","Good values, like a reliable compass, can help your child determine which way to go",“Mature people . . . have their powers of discernment trained to distinguish both right and wrong.”—Hebrews 5:14.,Hebrews 5:14; Luke 6:31;,g18 No. 2 p. 10 7,,,bl,,12/26/2018
"Heed Jehovah’s Clear Warnings, gossip, speech; slander, ","An old Jewish tale well illustrates the consequences of spreading hurtful gossip. Told in various forms, the gist of the story is as follows. A man went about town slandering the town’s wise man. Later, the malicious gossiper realized his wrong and went to the wise man to ask for forgiveness, offering to do whatever was necessary to make amends. The wise man had one request: The gossiper was told to go and take a feather pillow and cut it open, scattering the feathers to the wind. Though puzzled by the request, the gossiper did as he was instructed and then returned to the wise man.","“Am I now forgiven?” he asked. “First, go and gather all the feathers,” the wise man responded. “But how can I? The wind has already scattered them.” “It is as difficult to repair the damage done by your words as it is to recover the feathers.” The lesson is clear. Once spoken, words cannot be retrieved, and it may be impossible to undo the hurt they cause. Before spreading a bit of gossip, we are wise to remember that we are, in effect, about to scatter feathers in the wind.","Revelation 12:9, 10;",w11 7/15 p. 19,,,bl,,12/26/2018
"Why Don’t My Parents Trust Me, growing pains, growth, maturity, Children, youth, adults,","The transition to adulthood isn’t like a door that you simply walk through when you reach a certain age. It’s more like a stairway that you climb, step by step, throughout your adolescence. Granted, you and your parents may have conflicting opinions as to just how far you’ve progressed up that stairway.","The Bible acknowledges that “a man will leave his father and his mother.” (Genesis 2:24) Of course, the same can be said of a woman. Whether you’re a boy or a girl, a vital objective of adolescence is to prepare you for adulthood—the time when you’ll be equipped to leave home and perhaps raise a family of your own.",Genesis 2:24; ,g 4/08 p. 27,,,bl,,12/26/2018
"Happiness, joy, contentment, goal, journey, postponing happiness, ","Compare happiness with good health. How do we enjoy that state of physical well-being? We follow a wise path in regard to diet, exercise, and overall lifestyle. Happiness has been described as a state of well-being that is characterized by relative permanence, by emotions ranging from mere contentment to deep and intense joy in living, and by a natural desire for it to continue.Further, as an ongoing state of well-being, happiness has been described, not as a destination or goal, but as a journey. To say, “I’ll be happy when . . .” is, in effect, postponing happiness.","Likewise, happiness results from following a good path in life, living in harmony with sound principles. What principles or qualities of life characterize the way of happiness? While some are more important than others, the following play a key role:CONTENTMENT AND GENEROSITY; PHYSICAL HEALTH AND RESILIENCE; LOVE; FORGIVENESS; PURPOSE IN LIFE; HOPEA highly respected book of wisdom states: “Happy are those who are blameless in their way.” (Psalm 119:1) Let us now consider that way.",Psalms 119:1;,g18 No. 1 p. 3,,,bl,,12/26/2018
"Family, drugs, drinking, habits, addiction, hooked, First, alcohol, ",We might illustrate the situation this way: Perhaps a family member has an excessive craving for alcohol. Would ignoring or condoning his drinking problem be of real benefit to him? Would it be better to keep the peace by giving in and not doing anything about his problem? ,"No, you probably agree that it would be best to try to help him overcome his drinking problem, even if it means standing up to his wrath and threats. (Proverbs 29:25) Similarly, if you truly love your family members, you will not give in to their efforts to stop you from studying the Bible. (Acts 5:29) Only by taking a firm stand may you help them appreciate that living by Christ’s teachings means our very life.",Proverbs 29:25;,w95 10/1 p. 9 par. 7,,,bl,,12/26/2018
"Stand firm, acquiring power, support, aid, boost, circle, attack, Satan, Demons, Devil, Mutual, ","When a nearby lion roars on the African savanna, antelope may react by running away at top speed until they are out of danger. Elephants, however, provide an example of mutual support. The book Elephants—Gentle Giants of Africa and Asia explains: “A means of defense that the typical herd of elephants commonly employs is to form a circle of their bodies, with the adults facing outward against the threat and the young animals protected inside the ring.” Faced with such a manifestation of strength and support, lions rarely attack even young elephants.","When threatened by Satan and his demons, we similarly need to stay together, shoulder to shoulder with our brothers who are solid in the faith. Paul acknowledged that certain fellow Christians proved to be “a strengthening aid” to him during his imprisonment in Rome.  ","Colossians 4:10, 11;",w04 9/15 p. 13 pars. 15-16,,,bl,,12/26/2018
"Requirements, survive, support, obligation, help, aid, brotherhood, friends, ","Imagine surviving a shipwreck and finding yourself in the water, struggling to stay afloat. When you feel that you cannot make it any longer, a hand reaches out to you from a lifeboat. Yes, there are other survivors! In the lifeboat, you and the others take turns rowing to shore, picking up other survivors along the way.","Are we not in a similar situation? We have been pulled from the dangerous “waters” of this wicked world into the “lifeboat” of Jehovah’s earthly organization. Within it, we serve side by side as we head for the “shores” of a righteous new world. If the pressures of life should cause us to grow weary along the way, how thankful we are for the assistance and comfort of true Christian companions!—Proverbs 17:17. What about others—honesthearted people who are still in the “water”? We have an obligation to help them into Jehovah’s organization, do we not? (1 Timothy 2:3, 4) They need help to learn what God requires.",Proverbs 17:17;,w97 1/15 p. 22 pars. 23-25,,,bl,,12/26/2018
"Human weakness, Support, aid, judgmental, suspicious, spiritual comfort, faith, strength, determination, ","When a motorcyclist injured in a traffic mishap arrives at the emergency ward, do those on the medical team try to determine whether he caused the accident? No, they immediately provide the needed medical assistance. Similarly, if a fellow believer has been weakened by personal problems, our priority should be to provide spiritual assistance.","Rather than being judgmental or suspicious, we should provide spiritual comfort to those facing undesirable circumstances. (Job 33:6, 7; Matt. 7:1) If we pause to reflect on our brothers’ circumstances, we may see their seeming frailty in a different light. Think of sisters who have been enduring family opposition for years. Some may be of humble appearance and look fragile, yet do they not demonstrate outstanding faith and inner strength? When you see a single mother regularly coming to meetings with her child or children, are you not impressed by her faith and determination? And what of teenagers who stick to the truth despite the bad influences in school? In all modesty, we recognize that such ones, who may seem to be weaker, may be as “rich in faith” as those among us who have more favorable circumstances.—Jas. 2:5.",1 Thessalonians 5:14.,w14 6/15 p. 25 pars. 9-10,,,bl,,12/26/2018
"Trust, confidence, journey, uncertainty, guiding hand, dishonest, Whose Guidance Can You Trust?","“IT’S time to go!” announces the father to his five-year-old son. The father extends a hand, and without hesitation the son reaches out and wraps his small hand around his father’s fingers. Wherever the journey may lead, the child trusts in the guidance of his parent and follows with confidence. Come what may, the child’s firm grip remains unbroken.","Living in these days of economic, political, and personal uncertainty, would you not welcome a guiding hand from a source you could trust implicitly? Yet, we live in a time when unscrupulous people take advantage of inexperienced ones. Thus, there is good reason to be cautious as to whom we trust. Perhaps you have been sorely disappointed in the past when someone you relied on for guidance let you down. Nonetheless, the Bible encourages us to put our trust in God. “For I, Jehovah your God, am grasping your right hand, the One saying to you, ‘Do not be afraid. I myself will help you,’” recorded the prophet Isaiah. (Isaiah 41:13) And the apostle Peter advised: “Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time; while you throw all your anxiety upon him, because he cares for you.”—1 Peter 5:6, 7.","1 Peter 5:6, 7;",g96 11/8 p. 26 you,,,bl,,12/26/2018
"Whose Guidance Can You Trust, anxious, fear, strength, Bible, ","Again, let us consider the example of a child holding the hand of a parent. When a child becomes anxious, how does he respond? Rather than letting go or relaxing his grip, the child will tighten his little hand around his parent’s fingers. In doing so, he demonstrates unwavering trust that the parent will provide unfailing guidance and strength during difficulties.","Similarly, when we experience distress in our life, we need to tighten our grip, trusting even more in God’s guidance! His Word, the Bible, can become our guiding light. (Psalm 119:105) Also, remember that along with trust comes patience. Therefore, we must give Jehovah time to work things out, even if for some period of time we may not fully understand why he is guiding us in a certain course. Yes, we can trust in God’s guidance.","Exodus 15:2, 6; Deuteronomy 13:4; Isaiah 41:13;",g96 11/8 p. 27,,,bl,,12/26/2018
"Holidays, Take Your Stand for True Worship,",Suppose you saw a piece of candy lying in the gutter. Would you pick up that candy and eat it? Of course not! That candy is unclean. ,"Maybe you feel that the origins of holidays have little to do with how they are celebrated today. Do origins really matter? Yes!  Like that candy, holidays may seem sweet, but they have been picked up from unclean places. To take a stand for true worship, we need to have a viewpoint like that of the prophet Isaiah, who told true worshippers: “Touch nothing unclean!”—Isaiah 52:11.",Isaiah 52:11;,bh chap. 16 p. 159 par. 12,,,bl,,12/26/2018
"Dedication, Baptism, Walk by Spirit, ",We need God’s spirit so that we can lead a life dedicated to him. Think of yourself as the skipper of a sailboat. Your goal is to serve Jehovah forever. Holy spirit is like the wind that you want to catch so as to arrive at your destination safe and sound. You do not want to be carried hither and thither by the spirit of Satan’s world. (1 Cor. 2:12) ,"You have to identify, as it were, the right wind and catch it. That is the holy spirit. Through God’s Word and his spirit-directed organization, holy spirit will move you in the right direction.",1 Corinthians 2:12;,w10 3/15 p. 18 par. 17,,,bl,,12/26/2018
"Treasure the Real Life, Sin, death, Ransom, Memorial, Sacrifice, ","In order to make “the real life” possible, Jehovah God made an arrangement to rescue mankind. To help us understand this arrangement, let us imagine a small factory. All the machines in it are faulty and cause trouble for the operators because the first worker years ago ignored the operator’s manual and damaged all the machines. Present-day operators can only do their best to work with what they have. The factory owner wants to rebuild the machines to help his workers, and he is setting aside the funds necessary for that purpose.","The first ‘machine operator,’ Adam, did not treasure the life he had been given. Hence, he passed on to his offspring an imperfect life, similar to a malfunctioning machine. (Romans 5:12) Like the later operators in the factory, who could not remedy the situation, Adam’s offspring have been unable to attain the real life for themselves. (Psalm 49:7) To correct this seemingly hopeless situation, Jehovah sent his only-begotten Son to earth to buy back everlasting life for mankind. (Luke 1:35; 1 Peter 1:18, 19) By dying a sacrificial death for the sake of mankind, God’s only-begotten Son, Jesus Christ, provided the funds—the life that corresponds to the one Adam lost. (Matthew 20:28; 1 Peter 2:22) With this precious sacrifice, Jehovah now has the basis for providing the real life.",Romans 5:12;,w95 1/15 p. 4,,,bl,,12/26/2018
"Balance, extremes, Perfect, mercy, love, Justice, ","Have you ever ridden in a car or on a bicycle that had a tire with a large bulge? The deformity no doubt made the ride rather bumpy as well as unsafe. Such a tire needs to be repaired before it gets worse or goes flat. Similarly, our imperfect personalities are prone to irregularities. If we allow those “bulges” to grow, our journey through life can be very bumpy, even dangerous.","JEHOVAH is the epitome of balance. “Perfect is his activity,” and his justice is never harsh, since it always incorporates mercy. (Deuteronomy 32:4) His love is never unprincipled, because he acts in line with perfect laws. (Psalm 89:14; 103:13, 14) Our first parents were created balanced in all respects. They were not inclined to any extremes. The introduction of sin, however, brought a “defect”—imperfection—resulting in the loss of that balance.—Deuteronomy 32:5.",Deuteronomy 32:5;,w07 2/15 p. 28,,,bl,,12/26/2018
"View Others as Jehovah Does, imperfections, tolerance, flexible, ","Think of a house that is run-down—the gutters are falling off, windows are broken, and ceiling panels are water damaged. Most people might look at that house and conclude that it should be torn down; it is an eyesore. But someone who has a completely different view might come along. He may be able to look beyond the surface problems and see that the structure is sound and that the house can be restored. He buys the house and with some work fixes the surface defects and improves its appearance. Thereafter, passersby comment on what a delightful home it is. ","Can we be like this person who worked to fix up or restore the house? Rather than focusing on our brothers’ surface defects, can we discern their good qualities and their potential for further spiritual growth? If we do so, we will come to love our brothers for their spiritual beauty, as Jehovah does.",Hebrews 6:10;,w08 3/15 p. 27 par. 9,,,bl,,12/26/2018
"Lost sheep, inactive, shepherd, ","The sheep is bewildered. Somehow, while nibbling grass in the pasture, it got separated from the other sheep. Now, it can see neither the flock nor the shepherd. Darkness approaches. Lost in a valley where predators roam, the sheep is defenseless. Finally, it hears a familiar voice—that of the shepherd, who runs toward the sheep, picks it up, wraps it in the folds of his garment, and carries it home.","JEHOVAH repeatedly likens himself to just such a shepherd. In his Word, he assures us: “I myself will search for my sheep, and I will care for them.” Who are Jehovah’s sheep? Simply put, Jehovah’s sheep are the people who love and worship him. The Bible says: “Let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before Jehovah our Maker. For he is our God, and we are the people of his pasture, the sheep in his care.” (Psalm 95:6, 7) Like literal sheep following a shepherd, Jehovah’s worshippers are eager to follow their Shepherd. Are they flawless? No. God’s servants have, at times, become “scattered sheep,” “lost sheep,” and “like sheep going astray.” (Ezekiel 34:12; Matthew 15:24; 1 Peter 2:25) Even so, when a person drifts away, Jehovah does not abandon him as being beyond hope.","Ezekiel 34:11, 12;",rj part 1 p. 4,,,bl,,12/26/2018
"Peer Pressure—Is It Really All That Powerful, influence, world, companions, associations,","Imagine that you are swimming in the ocean. While you are busy swimming and riding the waves, other powerful forces may be silently at work. The waves push you toward shore, but there may be an undercurrent as well. Slowly it is moving you sideways. When you finally scan the shore, you can no longer see your family or friends. You never noticed how far sideways the current had pushed you! ","Likewise, as we go through our daily activities, our thoughts and feelings are under constant influence. Before we realize it, these influences can push us far from the standards to which we always thought we would hold fast.",Mark 14:43-47; John 18:10;,g02 11/22 p. 13,,,bl,,12/26/2018
"Learned Obedience, Integrity, ","If integrity could be likened to a great mansion made of fine bricks, each act of obedience might be compared to an individual brick. A brick may seem insignificant, but each one has its place, its value. And when many are joined together, something of far greater worth is built up. ","When obedient acts are brought together, one added to the other, day after day and year after year, we build up the beautiful house of our integrity.  Further, integrity is a reward in itself. Proverbs 10:9 says: “He that is walking in integrity will walk in security.”",Proverbs 10:9;,cf chap. 6 p. 65 par. 24,,,bl,,12/26/2018
"Will You Hold Fast to Your Integrity, obedience, action, ","IMAGINE that you are looking over the plans for a house. You marvel at the practicality of the design. You delight in thinking of the ways in which the house could benefit you and your family. Would you not agree, though, that those plans and any thought you might give them would do little good unless you actually built the house, moved in, and then maintained it?","Similarly, integrity may impress us as a vital quality that will do us and those we love a great deal of good. But thinking approvingly about integrity benefits us little unless we build and maintain our Christian integrity. In today’s world, literal building projects often prove costly. (Luke 14:28, 29) Likewise, building integrity costs time and effort, yet it is well worth it.","Luke 14:28, 29;",w08 12/15 p. 7 pars. 1-2,,,bl,,12/26/2018
"God’s Love Lasts Forever, limitations, weak, strength, heavy, light, ","For example, imagine you are helping a friend move to a new home. He has packed all his things into boxes. Some are light and easy to carry, but others are so heavy that it takes two people to lift them. Would your friend ask you to pick up a very heavy box all by yourself? Of course not! Why? Because he doesn’t want you to get hurt. ","Like that friend, Jehovah would never ask us to do something that is too difficult. (Deuteronomy 30:11-14) Jehovah understands who we are. He “knows how we are formed, remembering that we are dust.”—Psalm 103:14.",Psalm 103:14;,lvs chap. 1 p. 11 par. 14,,,bl,,12/26/2018
"Keep Yourselves in God’s Love, limits, modest, weakness, strong, strength, compassion, ",Would you ask a dear friend to carry something that you know is too heavy for him to lift? Of course not! Jehovah is far kinder than we are and far more perceptive as to our limitations. ,"The Bible assures us that Jehovah ‘remembers that we are dust.’ (Ps. 103:14) He would never ask more of us than we can handle. So we have no reason to recoil at the thought of obeying Jehovah’s commandments. On the contrary, we embrace obedience for what it is—a marvelous opportunity to show our heavenly Father that we truly do love him and want to remain in his love.",Psalm 103:14;,w09 8/15 p. 19 par. 5,,,bl,,12/26/2018
"Jehovah, causes to become, loving kindness, merciful, gracious, ","A local judge may be best known by those who have faced him in court as a firm enforcer of the law. His children, on the other hand, may view him as the loving, generous father that he is. His close friends may find that he is an approachable man with a good sense of humor. The judge, the father, and the friend are all the same person. It is just that various aspects of his personality become apparent under different circumstances.","Similarly, the Hebrew Scriptures describe Jehovah as “a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abundant in loving-kindness and truth.” Yet, we also learn that “by no means will he give exemption from punishment.” (Exodus 34:6, 7) Those two aspects reflect the meaning of God’s name. “Jehovah” literally means “He Causes to Become.” That is, God becomes whatever is needed to fulfill his promises. (Exodus 3:13-15) But he remains the same God. Jesus stated: “Jehovah our God is one Jehovah.”—Mark 12:29.","Exodus 34:6, 7;",w07 9/1 pp. 4-5,,,bl,,12/26/2018
"Jehovah your confidence, trust, ","Think of a judge who pronounces a just sentence upon a criminal. The convict may suffer considerably while he serves out his sentence, but can he rightly blame the judge for being the cause of his suffering? By no means! Furthermore, Jehovah is never the source of wickedness.  ","Clearly, Jehovah had just reasons for subjecting mankind to futility. Does that mean, though, that Jehovah is the cause of the futility and suffering that afflict each one of us today?",James 1:13;,w03 9/1 p. 11 par. 16,,,bl,,12/26/2018
"Gaze Upon the Pleasantness of Jehovah, repentance, confess, sorry, regret, changes, turn around, ","Our situation is similar to that of a prisoner who regrets his past actions and makes drastic changes as he awaits his execution. Seeing this, a benevolent judge is moved to wipe the man’s record clean—lifting his death sentence. How relieved and elated such a prisoner feels! ","Like that judge, Jehovah turns toward repentant humans with favor and lifts the condemnation of death.",Acts 3:19;,w14 2/15 p. 28,,,bl,,12/26/2018
"We Belong to Jehovah, gift, money, material things, finances, ","Imagine that a man has planted many beautiful flowers in his garden. One day his little girl picks one of those flowers and offers it to him as a gift. Did not the flower already belong to the man? How could she give him something that he already owned? A loving father would not even think of such questions. Rather, he would be delighted to accept the gift as a token of his daughter’s love for him. He would surely treasure that single flower from his daughter above all the other flowers in his garden. ",Jehovah is no less delighted when we willingly devote ourselves to him exclusively.—Ex. 34:14.,Exodus 34:14;,w18 July p. 23 par. 6 ,,,bl,,12/26/2018
"Jehovah Is an Appreciative God, gifts, godly devotion, efforts, ","A mother finds a gift—an inexpensive necklace—on her table. She could view the gift as of little value and toss it aside. However, the accompanying card reveals that the gift is from her little girl, who spent all her savings to buy it. The mother now sees the gift in a new light. Perhaps with tears in her eyes, she embraces her child and expresses her heartfelt appreciation.","Being fully aware of our motives and limitations, Jehovah appreciates it when we give him our best, whether that is a little or a lot. In this regard, Jesus was a perfect reflection of his Father. Recall the Bible account about the widow’s mite. Because of our imperfection, we may feel that our deeds of godly devotion are insignificant and unworthy of God’s blessing. Jehovah, though, fully understands our motives and circumstances, and he truly values our whole-souled service. (Matthew 22:37) ",Matthew 22:37;,w07 2/1 pp. 17-18 pars. 3-4,,,bl,,12/26/2018
"Honesty, Be Honest in All Things, morals, ","AS A boy walks home from school one day, he finds a wallet full of money on the ground. What will he do? He could keep it. But instead, he returns the wallet to its owner. When the boy’s mother hears about what he did, she is very proud of him.","Most parents are happy when their children are honest. Our heavenly Father, Jehovah, is “the God of truth,” and it makes him happy when we are honest. (Psalm 31:5) We want to please him and “conduct ourselves honestly in all things.” (Hebrews 13:18) Let’s discuss four areas of life in which honesty can be a challenge. Then we will consider some of the benefits that will come when we meet that challenge.",Hebrews 13:18;, lvs chap. 14 p. 187 pars. 1-2,,,bl,,12/26/2018
" Always Trust in Jehovah, request, prayers, relationship, best time, ","A child cannot rightly expect a parent to grant every request or to do so right away. Some of a child’s requests may be mere passing whims. Others must wait till the time is right. Still others may not be in the child’s best interests or in the best interests of others involved. Furthermore, to concede immediately to a child’s every request would change the relationship to one of master and slave, the child being the master. ","Why does Jehovah not give us an immediate response to our every request? Recall that he likens our relationship with him to that of children with a father. (Ps. 103:13) Similarly, Jehovah may in our best interests allow time to pass before his response to our prayers becomes evident. That is his prerogative as our wise Creator, loving Master, and heavenly Father. Fulfilling all our requests right away would distort the proper relationship between us and him.—Compare Isaiah 29:16; 45:9.",Psalm 103:13;,w15 4/15 p. 25 par. 7,,,bl,,12/26/2018
"Should You Pray, due time, prayers, requests, delay, ","Imagine that you have a young son who asks you for a bicycle. Will you automatically grant his request? If you feel that he is not yet responsible enough to ride a bicycle, you might decide to postpone the purchase. In time, however, you may grant his request when you know that doing so would be in his best interests. In like manner, God may grant the proper “desires of [our] heart” in due time if we keep praying.—Psalm 37:4.","The Bible says that Almighty God shows favor to humble individuals “in due time.” (1 Peter 5:6) So if there seems to be a delay in his answering our sincere requests, we need not see this as a lack of interest on Jehovah’s part. Rather, with his vastly superior perspective, our caring Creator no doubt evaluates our petitions in the light of what he knows is best for us.",1 Peter 5:6; Psalm 37:4;,w14 4/1 p. 6,,,bl,,12/26/2018
"Testimony to Love, Faith, and Obedience","A girl bakes a cake for her parents. Likely, the parents will be touched. Yes, however the cake turns out, what touches the parents is their child’s love, as shown by her generous act. ","Similarly, when Jehovah looks at this new printery, he sees beyond the building and the machinery. Primarily, he sees it as an expression of love for his name.—Hebrews 6:10.",Hebrews 6:10;,w05 12/1 p. 12,,,bl,,12/26/2018
"Testimony to Love, Faith, and Obedience, faithful, Printery, dependence, machinery, speed, ","Brother Barr once asked the audience to consider how Jehovah views the printery. He certainly does not depend on it. He could make the stones preach the good news! (Luke 19:40) Furthermore, he is not impressed by the complexity, size, speed, or capabilities of machinery. Why, he created the universe! (Psalm 147:10, 11) ","Jehovah knows more advanced ways to produce literature, ways that have been neither devised nor even imagined by humans. So, what does Jehovah see that he truly values? Surely he sees in this printery the precious qualities of his people—their love, faith, and obedience.","Psalm 147:10, 11;",w05 12/1 p. 12 Brother Barr GB,,,bl,,12/26/2018
"Contribute to Family Life That Pleases God, support, guide, cords, infant, walk, ","Can you picture a loving parent, leading the child with cords in hand, trying to help a wobbly infant to walk? The cords are a support if the baby stumbles, a guide when he wanders.—Jeremiah 31:1-3.","Will you imitate God’s love for the Israelites? Again and again they turned their back on him, but he did not quickly let go of those cords of love. Young ones may seem inclined to stray at times and to stumble over little things, but try to maintain the ties of love between you and them. Bear in mind that Jehovah was not blinded by favoritism to overlook the wrongdoing of his people. He faced the situation squarely, lovingly disciplined them, and took the time to make needed help available.Jehovah showed the motive behind his discipline, declaring: “I taught Ephraim to walk, taking them upon my arms . . . With the ropes of earthling man I kept drawing them, with the cords of love.” (Hosea 11:3, 4) In this instance, Hosea likens the relationship between Jehovah and Israel to that of a father and a son. ","Hosea 11:3, 4;",cjd hap. 10 pp. 133-134 pars. 17-18,,,bl,,12/26/2018
"Be modest in walking with your God, walk, wobbly legs, milestone, promise, future, patience, cords of love,","A BABY, standing on wobbly legs, reaches toward a parent’s outstretched arms and takes its first few steps. It may seem a small thing, but to the mother and father, it is a milestone, a moment full of promise for the future. The parents eagerly look forward to walking with their child, hand in hand, in the months and years to come. In many ways, they hope to provide the child with guidance and support far into the future.","Jehovah God has similar feelings toward his earthly children. He once said regarding his people Israel, or Ephraim: “I taught Ephraim to walk, taking them upon my arms . . . With the ropes of earthling man I kept drawing them, with the cords of love.” (Hosea 11:3, 4) Jehovah here describes himself as a loving parent who is patiently teaching a child to walk, perhaps taking him into His arms when he falls. Jehovah, the ultimate Parent, is eager to teach us how to walk. He also delights in accompanying us as we continue to make progress.",MICAH 6:8;,w05 11/1 p. 21 ,,,bl,,12/26/2018
"The Ways of Jehovah Are Upright, teach to walk, support, guidance, first steps, cords of love, ","Here Israel is compared to a small child. Jehovah lovingly taught the Israelites to walk, taking them upon his arms. And he kept drawing them with “the cords of love.” What a touching picture! Imagine that you are a parent helping your child to take his first steps. Your arms are outstretched. You may be using cords for your little one to hold on to so that he does not fall. Well, Jehovah’s love for you is just as tender. He is delighted to lead you with “the cords of love.”","We can have confidence that Jehovah always deals with his people in a loving way. Evidence of this is found at Hosea 11:1-4, where we read: “When Israel was a boy, then I loved him, and out of Egypt I called my son. . . . To the Baal images they took up sacrificing, and to the graven images they began making sacrificial smoke. But as for me, I taught Ephraim [the Israelites] to walk, taking them upon my arms; and they did not recognize that I had healed them. With the ropes of earthling man I kept drawing them, with the cords of love, so that I became to them as those lifting off a yoke on their jaws, and gently I brought food to each one.”",Hosea 11:1-4;, w05 11/15 p. 28 pars. 9-10 ,,,bl,,12/26/2018
" Help Others Reach Their Full Potential, advancement, eye upon him, ","Just as an instructor watches an inexperienced rock climber attentively in order to help him find the best handholds, Jehovah is willing to guide us as we make spiritual advancement. Jehovah might also use fellow believers to help us reach our full potential.","Yes, Jehovah notices the potential in each of his servants. He assured King David that he would always guide him, with ‘his eye upon him.’ (Read Psalm 32:8.) Do you see why that should be encouraging to us? Even though we may lack self-confidence, Jehovah can help us to go beyond our perceived limits and reach goals that we would not have imagined.",Psalm 32:8;, w14 6/15 pp. 29-30 par. 8,,,bl,,12/26/2018
I Love the Father,"In some respects, we might liken this cooperation between Father and Son to that of an architect working with a builder, or contractor, who specializes in bringing the architect’s ingenious designs to reality. When we are awed by any facet of creation, we are actually giving credit to the Great Architect. (Psalm 19:1) ","However, we may also call to mind the long and happy collaboration between the Creator and his “master worker.”",Psalm 19:1;, cf chap. 13 p. 131 par. 8,,,bl,,12/26/2018
"I Love the Father, happy, glad, delighted, like father, like son, bond, ","When two imperfect humans work closely together, they sometimes have a difficult time getting along. Not so with Jehovah and his Son! The Son worked for aeons with the Father and was “glad before him all the time.” (Proverbs 8:30) Yes, he delighted in his Father’s company, and the feeling was mutual. ","Naturally, the Son grew ever more like his Father, learning to imitate God’s qualities. No wonder, then, that the bond between Father and Son became so strong! It can rightly be called the oldest and strongest bond of love in the whole universe.",Proverbs 8:30;, cf chap. 13 p. 132 par. 9,,,bl,,12/26/2018
"He Learned Obedience, relationship, trust, obey, ","A FATHER looks out the window, watching his young son at play with some friends. Their ball bounces out of the yard and into the street. The boy looks longingly after it. One of his friends urges him to run out into the street to get it, but the boy shakes his head. “I’m not allowed to do that,” he says. The father smiles to himself.","Why is the father so pleased? Because he has instructed his son not to go out into the street alone. When the boy obeys—even though he does not know that his father is watching—the father knows that his son is learning obedience and is much safer as a result. That father feels as does our heavenly Father, Jehovah. God knows that if we are to remain faithful and live to see the wonderful future he has in store for us, we must learn to trust in him and obey him. (Proverbs 3:5, 6) To that end, he sent us the best of all human teachers.","Proverbs 3:5, 6;", cf chap. 6 p. 56 pars. 1-2,,,bl,,12/26/2018
"Why Wickedness Continues, issue, Challenge, accuse, time, Jehovah, Satan, Universal issue, ",The fact that it requires time to settle some issues can be illustrated this way: Suppose the father of one family challenges the father of another to a contest that will prove which man is stronger. That issue could be decided quickly. Strength could be measured by lifting rocks. The father who lifted the heaviest rock would be the stronger man. ,"But suppose the challenge involved which father truly loves his sons and daughters and whether they love him in return. Or what if the challenge raises the question of which father manages his family in the best way? Neither a display of strength nor mere words would be adequate. Sufficient time would have to pass, careful observation would be required, and right conclusions would have to be drawn in order for the issue to be settled.","Gal. 6:7, 8;",w07 9/15 p. 6,,,bl,,12/26/2018
"Why Does God Permit Suffering, universal issue, Jehovah, Satan, bad parent, loving parent, ","For the sake of illustration, let us say that you are a loving parent with several children in a happy family. Suppose one of your neighbors spreads lies, accusing you of being a bad parent. What if the neighbor says that your children do not love you, that they stay with you only because they do not know any better, and that they would leave if someone showed them the way. ‘Preposterous!’ you might say. Yes, but how would you prove it? Some parents might react in rage. Besides creating more problems, such a violent response would lend support to the lies."," A satisfying way to deal with such a problem would be to allow opportunity for your accuser to prove his claim and for your children to testify that they sincerely love you. Jehovah is like the loving parent. Adam and Eve may be compared to the children, and Satan fits the role of the lying neighbor. God wisely did not destroy Satan, Adam, and Eve immediately but permitted these wrongdoers to continue living for a while. This allowed our first parents time to start the human family, and it has given the Devil a chance to prove whether his claim was true so that the issues could be settled. From the start, however, God knew that some humans would be loyal to him and would thus prove Satan a liar. How thankful we are that Jehovah has continued to bless and help those who love him!",2 Chronicles 16:9; Proverbs 15:3;, kl chap. 8 pp. 75-76 pars. 14-15,,,bl,,12/26/2018
"Wickedness, Jehovah, Satan, universal issue, charge, challenge, abuse, ","If someone made a charge before the whole community that you abused your position as family head, that your children would be better off if they made their own decisions independent of you, and that all of them obeyed you, not because of love, but because of material benefits you provided, what would be the best way to settle the matter? Would shooting the false accuser put the charges to rest in the minds of the community? ","Instead, what a fine answer it would be if you gave your children opportunity to be your witnesses to show that you are a just and loving family head and that they live with you because they love you! If some of your children believed your adversary, left home, and ruined their lives by adopting other life-styles, it would only make honest observers realize that the children would have been better off if they had heeded your direction.",2 Peter 3:9;,rs p. 429 par. 1,,,bl,,12/26/2018
"Rebellion, rebel, Why Does God Allow Suffering, wicked removed, Kingdom, ","Imagine that a teacher is telling his students how to solve a difficult problem. A clever but rebellious student claims that the teacher’s way of solving the problem is wrong. Implying that the teacher is not capable, this rebel insists that he knows a much better way to solve the problem. Some students think that he is right, and they also become rebellious. What should the teacher do? If he throws the rebels out of the class, what will be the effect on the other students? Will they not believe that their fellow student and those who joined him are right? All the other students in the class might lose respect for the teacher, thinking that he is afraid of being proved wrong. But suppose that the teacher allows the rebel to show the class how he would solve the problem.","Jehovah has done something similar to what the teacher does. Remember that the rebels in Eden were not the only ones involved. Millions of angels were watching. (Job 38:7; Daniel 7:10) How Jehovah handled the rebellion would greatly affect all those angels and eventually all intelligent creation. So, what has Jehovah done? He has allowed Satan to show how he would rule mankind. God has also allowed humans to govern themselves under Satan’s guidance. The teacher in our illustration knows that the rebel and the students on his side are wrong. But he also knows that allowing them the opportunity to try to prove their point will benefit the whole class. When the rebels fail, all honest students will see that the teacher is the only one qualified to lead the class. They will understand why the teacher thereafter removes any rebels from the class. Similarly, Jehovah knows that all honesthearted humans and angels will benefit from seeing that Satan and his fellow rebels have failed and that humans cannot govern themselves. Like Jeremiah of old, they will learn this vital truth: “I well know, O Jehovah, that man’s way does not belong to him. It does not belong to man who is walking even to direct his step.”—Jeremiah 10:23.",Job 38:7; Daniel 7:10;,bh chap. 11 pp. 110-111 pars. 12-14,,,bl,,12/27/2018
"Why Commend Others, commendation, fine attributes, qualities, hearts, gems, faults, refresh, giving, praise, ","Jehovah is like a miner who patiently sifts through piles of stones looking for precious gems. When the miner finds a gem, he rejoices. The rough stone may not look precious, but the miner sees its potential value. ","Similarly, when God searches our heart, he is looking for precious qualities, not faults. When he finds them, he rejoices. He knows that those qualities, when shaped and polished, can produce something truly valuable—a faithful and devoted worshiper of Jehovah.We can learn from God’s example. When we look at others, we might be prone to focus on their faults. Yet, if we look at people as Jehovah does, we will search out their fine attributes. (Psalm 103:8-11, 17, 18) When we find their precious qualities, we can commend them. With what result? Our words will surely refresh them, and they may try even harder to do what is right! In turn, we will experience the joy that comes from giving to others.—Acts 20:35;  (Psalm 130:3) Jehovah God does not look for our faults. If he did, none of us could stand. ",Psalm 130:3;,g 4/12 p. 28,,,bl,,12/27/2018
"Nothing Can “Separate Us From God’s Love, sins, faults, worthless, good qualities, works, fondest parents, ","As Jehovah sifts through you, he discards such sins, much the way a prospector panning for gold discards worthless gravel. What about your good qualities and works? Ah, these are the “nuggets” he keeps! ","Have you ever noticed the way fond parents treasure their children’s drawings or school projects, sometimes for decades after the children have forgotten them? Jehovah is the fondest Parent. As long as we remain faithful to him, he never forgets our good works and qualities. In fact, he would view it as unrighteous to forget these, and he is never unrighteous. (Hebrews 6:10) He also sifts us in another way.",Hebrews 6:10;,cl chap. 24 pp. 245-246 par. 13,,,bl,,12/27/2018
"Nothing Can “Separate Us From God’s Love, potential, sins, faults, restore, inherited imperfections, ","People who love works of art will go to great lengths to restore badly damaged paintings or other works. When, for example, in the National Gallery in London, England, someone with a shotgun damaged a Leonardo da Vinci drawing worth some $30 million, no one suggested that since the drawing was now damaged, it should be discarded. Work to restore the nearly 500-year-old masterpiece began immediately. Why? Because it was precious in the eyes of art lovers.","Are you not worth more than a chalk and charcoal drawing? In God’s eyes you certainly are—however damaged you may be by inherited imperfection. (Psalm 72:12-14) Jehovah God, the skilled Creator of the human family, will do what is necessary to restore to perfection all of those who respond to his loving care.—Acts 3:21; Romans 8:20-22. Yes, Jehovah sees the good in us that we may not see in ourselves. And as we serve him, he will make the good grow until we are eventually perfect. No matter how Satan’s world has treated us, Jehovah values his faithful servants as desirable, or precious.—Haggai 2:7; footnote. Jehovah looks beyond our imperfections and sees our potential. To illustrate: ",Psalm 72:12-14;,cl chap. 24 p. 246 pars. 14-15,,,bl,,12/27/2018
"Hold my hand, anxiety, fear, security, protection, safety, uncertainties, ","“HOLD my hand,” says a father to his young son as they get ready to cross a busy street. With his father’s strong hand wrapped around his tiny fingers, the boy feels safe, unafraid. Have you ever wished that someone could take your hand and safely lead you through life’s uncertainties? If so, you may find comfort in the words recorded by Isaiah.","Isaiah directed his words to Israel. Though God viewed that nation as his “special property,” it was surrounded by enemies. (Exodus 19:5) Did Israel need to fear? Jehovah used Isaiah to convey a reassuring message. As we examine those words, let us keep in mind that they also apply to God’s worshippers today.—Romans 15:4. “Do not be afraid,” urges Jehovah. (Verse 10) These are not empty words. Jehovah explains why his people do not need to fear: “For I am with you.” He is not a distant source of aid, promising only to arrive in time to help in moments of need. He wants his people to know that he is with them—as if by their side—ever ready to support them. Is that not a comforting thought?","Isaiah 41:10, 13;",w12 1/1 p. 18 pars. 1-3,,,bl,,12/27/2018
" Do You Accept Jehovah’s Help, guidance, guide, path of life, hand, challenges, friendship, ","IMAGINE that you are hiking along a mountain trail. You are not alone, though, for a guide has offered to accompany you, and he is the best guide there is. He has far more experience and stamina than you do, but he patiently walks near you. He notices that you stumble occasionally. Out of concern for your safety, he extends his hand to help you over a particularly dangerous spot. Would you refuse his help? Of course not! Your safety is at stake.","As Christians, we have a challenging path to follow. Must we walk that cramped road alone? (Matthew 7:14) No, the Bible shows that the best Guide we could ever find, Jehovah God, allows humans to walk with him. (Genesis 5:24; 6:9) Does Jehovah help his servants as they walk? He says: “I, Jehovah your God, am grasping your right hand, the One saying to you, ‘Do not be afraid. I myself will help you.’” (Isaiah 41:13) Like the guide in our illustration, Jehovah kindly extends his helping hand and his friendship to those who seek to walk with him. Surely none of us would want to refuse his aid!",Hebrews 13:6;,w04 12/15 pp. 17-18,,,bl,,12/27/2018
"O the Depth of God’s Wisdom! eternal purpose, free will, adjustments, flexible, options, ","A person may desire to travel to a specific destination. Getting to that destination then becomes his goal, or purpose. He may have different options with regard to the means of transportation and the routes he can take. As he travels along his chosen route, he may be confronted with unexpected weather conditions, traffic congestion, and road closures, requiring him to take an alternate route. Yet, no matter what adjustments he needs to make, he will still have accomplished his goal when he arrives at his destination.","Jehovah has likewise shown considerable flexibility in working out his eternal purpose. Taking into consideration the free will of his intelligent creation, he readily adjusts the way he achieves his purpose. ","Eph. 3:10, 11;",w11 5/15 pp. 21-22 pars. 5-6,,,bl,,12/27/2018
"Earnestly Seek Jehovah’s Blessing, requirements, everlasting life, cooperate, harmony, energy, bodies, ","The effect of his blessing on our efforts can be compared to the way our bodies benefit from wholesome food. God fashioned our bodies in such a way that we enjoy food and derive vital nourishment from it. He also provides the food. We do not fully know how our food acquires its nutrients, nor can most of us explain how our bodies produce energy from the food that we eat. We just know that the process works and that we cooperate with it by eating. If we choose to eat nourishing food, the results are even better.","In like manner, Jehovah sets the requirements for everlasting life, and he gives us the help we need to meet those requirements. Clearly, he does much of the work and deserves the praise. Still, we must cooperate with him, acting in harmony with God’s will, to receive the blessing.","Hag. 2:18, 19;",w10 9/15 p. 11 par. 17,,,bl,,12/27/2018
"Teach Me to Do Your Will, Jehovah's view, aerial view, decisions, perspective, ","WHEN traveling, have you ever used a computerized mapping system that allowed you to get an aerial view of your destination? Seeing things from that vantage point may have helped you to determine the best route to take. ","Applying a similar principle can help us when we are making important decisions. Seeing things from the Creator’s elevated perspective will enable us to ‘walk in the way’ Jehovah approves.—Isa. 30:21. Throughout most of his life, King David of ancient Israel set an outstanding example of taking God’s will into account. ",Isaiah 30:21;,w12 11/15 p. 3 pars. 1-2,,,bl,,12/27/2018
"Serve Jehovah According to His High Standards, design, Creator, commandments, ","To illustrate the relationship between us and God, we might think of an automobile and its manufacturer. The maker knows how the auto is designed and put together. He knows that the car requires an oil change every so often. ","What would happen if you ignored that standard, perhaps reasoning that the car is running well? Much sooner than might otherwise be so, the engine would deteriorate and fail. The same is true of humans. Our Creator has given us commandments. Keeping them is for our benefit. (Isaiah 48:17, 18) Appreciating that we do benefit gives us additional reason to live up to his standards, to keep his commandments.—Psalm 112:1.","Isaiah 48:17, 18;",jd chap. 7 pp. 87-88 par. 11,,,bl,,12/27/2018
"O the Depth of God’s . . . Wisdom! free will, ability, foreknow, future, choices, predestination, ","If you had a singing voice of unparalleled beauty, would you then have no choice but to sing all the time? The notion is absurd! Likewise, Jehovah has the ability to foreknow the future, but he does not use it all the time. To do so might infringe upon our own free will, a precious gift that Jehovah will never revoke.—Deuteronomy 30:19, 20.","Does this mean, though, that God has already foreseen the choices you will make in life? Some who preach the doctrine of predestination insist that the answer is yes. However, that notion actually undermines Jehovah’s wisdom, for it implies that he cannot control his ability to look into the future. ","Deuteronomy 30:19, 20;", cl chap. 17 p. 178 par. 21,,,bl,,12/27/2018
"Did God Know That Adam and Eve Would Sin, foreknowledge, predestination, free will, reasonable,",The ability to refrain from using foreknowledge can be illustrated with a feature of modern technology. Someone watching a prerecorded sports match has the option to watch the final minutes first in order to know the outcome. But he does not have to start that way. Who could criticize him if he chose to watch the entire match from the beginning? ,"Similarly, the Creator evidently chose not to see how things would turn out. Rather, he chose to wait and, as events unfolded, see how his earthly children would conduct themselves. However, he does not have to use this capability, just as he does not always have to use his immense power to the full. Jehovah wisely uses his ability of foreknowledge selectively. He uses it when it makes sense to do so and fits the circumstances.","Isaiah 46:9, 10;",w11 1/1 p. 14,,,bl,,12/27/2018
"The King Shines Light on the Kingdom, paradise, new earth, food at proper time, guide, experienced, beautiful city,","IMAGINE that an experienced guide is leading you on a tour of a wondrous and beautiful city. The city is new to you and to those with you, so you hang on to the guide’s every word. At times, you and your fellow tourists wonder excitedly about some of the city’s features that you have not yet seen. When you ask your guide about such things, however, he withholds his comments until key moments, often just when a certain sight is coming into view. In time, you grow ever more impressed with his wisdom, for he tells you what you need to know right when you need to know it.","True Christians are in a situation similar to that of the tourists. We are eagerly learning about the most wondrous of cities, “the city having real foundations,” the Kingdom of God. (Heb. 11:10) When Jesus was on earth, he personally guided his followers, leading them to a deeper knowledge of that Kingdom. Did he answer all their questions and tell them everything about that Kingdom at once? No. He said: “I still have many things to say to you, but you are not able to bear them now.” (John 16:12) As the wisest of guides, Jesus never burdened his disciples with knowledge that they were not prepared to handle.",Hebrews 11:10;,kr chap. 5 p. 49 pars. 1-2,,,bl,,12/27/2018
"Go . . . and Make Disciples, harvest, ministry, seeds of truth, reward, reap, workers, abundant, ","A FARMER faces a real challenge. Some months earlier, he plowed his fields and sowed seeds. He watched with great care as the first blades appeared, and he rejoiced as the plants matured. Now all his hard work is rewarded, for the time to reap has arrived. His dilemma is this: The crop is too abundant for him to gather it alone. To meet this challenge, he wisely decides to hire some workers and send them out into his fields. After all, there is only so much time to gather his precious crop.","In the spring of 33 C.E., the resurrected Jesus faces a similar challenge. During his earthly ministry, he sowed seeds of truth. Now there is a harvest to reap, and the crop is abundant. Many responsive ones need to be gathered as disciples. (John 4:35-38) How does Jesus meet this challenge? On a mountain in Galilee, shortly before ascending to heaven, he gives his disciples a commission to find more workers, saying: “Go therefore and make disciples of people of all the nations, baptizing them . . . , teaching them to observe all the things I have commanded you.”—Matthew 28:19, 20.","Matthew 28:19, 20;",cf chap. 9 pp. 87-88 pars. 1-2,,,bl,,12/27/2018
"Step Over Into Macedonia, pioneering, advancement, progress, moving, exert, vigorously, ","Think of this example: A driver can direct his car to turn left or right but only if the car is moving. Similarly, Jesus directs us in expanding our ministry, but only if we are moving—if we are putting forth real effort to do so.","What lesson can we learn from that account? Note this: Only after Paul set out for Asia did God’s spirit intervene, only after Paul neared Bithynia did Jesus step in, and only after Paul reached Troas did Jesus direct him to Macedonia. Jesus, as Head of the congregation, may deal with us in a similar way today. (Col. 1:18) For instance, we may have been thinking for some time about serving as a pioneer or moving to an area where the need for Kingdom publishers is greater. However, it may well be only after we take definite steps to attain our goal that Jesus, through God’s spirit, will guide us. Why?",Col. 1:18;,bt chap. 16 pp. 126-127 par. 6,,,bl,,12/27/2018
"Should You Keep the Weekly Sabbath, law, fulfills, contract, ","A builder fulfills a contract to complete a building, not by ripping up the contract, but by finishing the structure. However, once the work has been completed to the client’s satisfaction, the contract is fulfilled and the builder is no longer under obligation to it. ","Likewise, Jesus did not break, or rip up, the Law; rather, he fulfilled it by keeping it perfectly. Once fulfilled, that Law “contract” was no longer binding on God’s people. True, Jesus did say: “Do not think I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I came, not to destroy, but to fulfill.” (Matthew 5:17) But what does the expression “to fulfill” mean? ",Matthew 5:17;,w10 2/1 p. 13,,,bl,,12/27/2018
"Imitate Jesus’ Example of Watchfulness, practice, perfect, improvement, follow Jesus, future, ","Imagine a man taking his first archery lesson. He cannot shoot an arrow well enough to hit the target at all, but he takes more lessons and keeps on trying. To improve, he carefully studies the example of his instructor, who is an expert archer. The student pays attention to how his teacher stands, positions his arms, and uses his fingers on the bowstring. Little by little, the determined novice learns how much tension to apply to the string; he takes the wind into account, and he keeps on making an effort. By imitating what he sees his instructor do, he eventually aims his arrows so that they strike closer and closer to the center of the target. ","Similarly, we keep on striving to improve as Christians by following Jesus’ instructions and imitating his perfect example. Jesus was at times able to see clearly into the future—even thousands of years beyond his own day! Did he really need to be watchful?’ Let us address those questions first so that we can see just how relevant and urgent this subject is.",Matt. 24:37-39; Heb. 4:15;,w12 2/15 p. 3 pars. 1-2,,,bl,,12/27/2018
"He Learned Obedience, Jesus example, tested, made perfect, ","A soldier has an iron sword. Although it has never been tested in battle, it is perfectly formed and well crafted. However, he trades that sword for one made of a stronger metal, hardened steel. This new sword has already served well in battle. Is that not a wise trade? ","Similarly, the obedience Jesus demonstrated before he came to the earth was flawless. But after his sojourn here, his obedience was of an altogether different quality. It was now tested, hardened, as it were, and proved by trials that Jesus could never have encountered in heaven. The Bible says something amazing about Jesus: “Although he was a Son, he learned obedience from the things he suffered; and after he had been made perfect he became responsible for everlasting salvation to all those obeying him.” (Hebrews 5:8, 9) This Son had existed for countless ages in heaven. He saw Satan and his fellow rebel angels disobey, but the firstborn Son never joined them. Inspired prophecy applied these words to him: “I . . . was not rebellious.” (Isaiah 50:5) How, then, could the words “he learned obedience” apply to this perfectly obedient Son? How could such a perfect creature be “made perfect”?","Hebrews 5:8, 9;",cf chap. 6 pp. 56-57 pars. 3-4,,,bl,,12/27/2018
"Jesus—How He Lived, language, memories, revealed his father, transformer, know the father, knowledge, ","What Jesus did in revealing his Father might be illustrated by what an electric transformer does. Such a device can take in electricity of high voltage and change it into lower voltage, thus making it suitable for use by the average consumer. When on earth, Jesus took what he had learned in the heavens about his Father and transmitted it in ways that lowly humans on earth could readily grasp and easily apply.","Jesus could rightly say: “Who the Son is no one knows but the Father; and who the Father is, no one knows but the Son, and he to whom the Son is willing to reveal him.” (Luke 10:22) When on earth as a man, Jesus willingly—yes, eagerly—revealed what his Father is like. Jesus spoke and taught from a unique perspective; he drew on memories acquired firsthand in the spirit realm and in the lofty presence of the Most High God.",John 8:28;,w11 4/1 p. 7,,,bl,,12/27/2018
"Helping Others to Learn God’s Requirements, burden, obligation, family, provide, preaching, necessary,","To illustrate: A father has an obligation to provide for his family materially. Failure to do so is tantamount to rejecting the Christian faith. The apostle Paul wrote: “Certainly if anyone does not provide for those who are his own, and especially for those who are members of his household, he has disowned the faith and is worse than a person without faith.” (1 Timothy 5:8) But is that obligation a burden for the Christian man? Not if he loves his family, for in that case he wants to provide for them.","Similarly, the work of preaching and disciple making is an obligation, a requirement, on which our very lives depend. Paul put it this way: “Necessity is laid upon me. Really, woe is me if I did not declare the good news!” (1 Corinthians 9:16; compare Ezekiel 33:7-9.) Is it a burden to preach this good news? Absolutely not! ",1 Timothy 5:8;,w97 1/15 pp. 23-24 pars. 4-5,,,bl,,12/27/2018
"Listen and Understand the Meaning, knowledge, understanding, and wisdom, ","What is the difference between knowledge, understanding, and wisdom? It could be illustrated this way: Imagine you are standing in the middle of a road and a bus is coming toward you. First, you recognize that it is a bus—that is knowledge. Next, you realize that if you remain standing there, you will be hit by the bus—that is understanding! So you jump out of the way of the bus—that is wisdom! ","Little wonder the Bible emphasizes the need for us to “safeguard practical wisdom.” It means our very life!—Prov. 3:21, 22; 1 Tim. 4:16.","Proverbs 3:21, 22;",w14 12/15 p. 7 par. 5,,,bl,,12/27/2018
"Do All Religions Teach the Truth, difference, boss, worship, opinions,","Suppose you got a job with a big company. On the first day of work, you learn that the boss is away on leave. So you ask three workers what you should do. The first worker says that the boss wants you to sweep the floor. The second says that you should paint the building. The third tells you to distribute the mail. Next, you ask the workers about the boss. The first says that the boss is tall, young, and harsh. The second says that he is short, old, and kind. The third tells you that the boss is not a man at all—the boss is a woman. Likely, you conclude that the three workers are not all telling the truth. If you want to keep your new job, you will probably do some checking to find out who the boss really is and what he or she wants you to do.","It is the same with religion. Because there are so many ideas about who God is and what he requires of us, we need to make sure that our way of worship is in harmony with the truth. But how can we learn the truth about God? While all religions claim to offer reliable guidance about serving God, their ideas differ. They teach many different things about who God is and what he expects of us. ",John 8:44;,ol part 1 p. 5 pars. 3-5,,,bl,,12/27/2018
"Sacred Service With Your Power of Reason, knowledge, grammar, Bible, Scriptures, principles, ","HAVE you ever attempted to learn a new language? If so, you will no doubt agree that it is hard work. After all, more is involved than simply learning new words. Proficient use of a language also requires mastering its grammar. You must perceive how words relate to one another and how they combine to form complete thoughts.","It is similar with our taking in knowledge of God’s Word. More is involved than simply learning isolated Scripture texts. We must also learn the Bible’s grammar, as it were. We need to grasp how scriptures relate to one another and how they serve as principles that can be applied in daily life. We can thus become “fully competent, completely equipped for every good work.”—2 Timothy 3:17.",Romans 12:1;,w95 6/15 p. 18 pars. 1-2,,,bl,,12/27/2018
"The Way of Love Never Fails, language, learning to love,","HAVE you ever attempted to learn a new language? It is challenging, to say the least! Of course, a young child can learn a language just by being exposed to it. His brain fairly soaks up the sounds and meanings of words, so that before long the tot is expressing himself quite adeptly, perhaps incessantly. Not so with adults. We search a foreign-language dictionary repeatedly, just to master a few basic phrases in a foreign tongue. In time and with enough exposure, though, we start to think in the new language and speaking it becomes easier.","Learning to express love is much like learning a new language. True, a measure of this divine quality is inherent in humans. (Genesis 1:27; compare 1 John 4:8.) Still, learning to express love takes extraordinary effort—especially today, when natural affection is in such short supply. (2 Timothy 3:1-5) This is sometimes the case right in the family. Yes, many grow up in a harsh environment where loving words are hardly ever expressed—if at all. (Ephesians 4:29-31; 6:4) ",Genesis 1:27; John 4:8,w99 2/15 p. 18 pars. 1-2,,,bl,,12/27/2018
"Imitate Jesus’ Courage and Discernment, disciples, journey, life, faithfulness, salvation, distraction, lost, follow Christ, ","WHEN we become disciples of Christ, we embark on a journey. That journey can lead us to life, whether in heaven or on earth. Jesus said: “The one who has endured to the end [the end of his present life or the end of this wicked system of things] will be saved.” (Matt. 24:13) Yes, if we stick to a life course of faithfulness, we can come in line for salvation. Along the way, however, we must be careful not to get distracted or lost. (1 John 2:15-17) How can we stay on course on our journey?","Our Exemplar, Jesus, led the way. His journey was recorded in the Bible. By studying that record, we learn what Jesus is like. We can come to love him and exercise faith in him. (Read 1 Peter 1:8, 9.) Recall that the apostle Peter said that Jesus left us a model for us to follow his steps closely. (1 Pet. 2:21) If we carefully follow his steps, we will reach “the goal” of our faith—salvation.",1 John 2:15-17;,w15 2/15 pp. 10-11 pars. 1-2,,,bl,,12/27/2018
"Your Life—What Is Its Purpose, squirrel, rabbit, life cycle, like humans, ","Think of an animal that you enjoy watching, maybe a rock badger or a rabbit.  Or you may picture a squirrel; there are over 300 kinds around the world. What is its life cycle? After it is born, its mother nurses it for some weeks. Soon it has fur and can venture outside. You may see it scampering about learning to find food. But often it seems just to be playing, enjoying its youthfulness. After growing for a year or so, it locates a mate. Then it must build a nest or den and care for offspring. If it finds enough berries, nuts, and seeds, the squirrel family may grow plump and have time to enlarge their home. But in just a few years, the animal becomes old and more prone to accident and disease. About age ten it dies. With slight differences between squirrel types, that is its life cycle.","Most people would not object to that cycle for an animal, and they hardly expect a squirrel to have a thought-out purpose in life. However, the life of many humans does not differ very much from that, does it? They are born and cared for as babies. They eat, grow, and play as youths. Before long they are adults, find a mate, and seek a place to live and a means to provide food. If they succeed, they may grow plump and expand their home (nest) in which to raise offspring. But the decades quickly pass, and they grow older. If not before, they may die after 70 or 80 years filled with “trouble and hurtful things.” (Psalm 90:9, 10, 12) You might think about these sobering facts the next time you see a squirrel (or other animal you had in mind).",Deuteronomy 14:7; Psalm 104:18; Proverbs 30:26;,w97 2/15 pp. 10-11 pars. 11-12,,,bl,,12/27/2018
"I Love the Father, neglect, fed, weakens, dies,","In many ways, it is helpful to think of the love in our heart as a living thing. Like a beautiful houseplant, love needs to be nourished and cared for if it is to grow and to thrive. Neglected, deprived of nourishment, it weakens and dies. ",Jesus did not take his love for Jehovah for granted. He kept it strong and thriving throughout his earthly sojourn. Let us see how.,Luke 2:49;,cf chap. 13 pp. 132-133 par. 11,,,bl,,12/27/2018
"Remain in God’s Love, burdensome, fine fruit, actions, ","An apple seed is essential to the development of a fruit-bearing apple tree. If you wanted an apple, however, would you be content if someone merely handed you an apple seed? Hardly! Similarly, a feeling of love for Jehovah God is only a start. The Bible teaches: “This is what the love of God means, that we observe his commandments; and yet his commandments are not burdensome.” (1 John 5:3) ","To be genuine, love for God must bear fine fruit. It must be expressed in actions. We show our love for God when we observe his commandments and apply his principles. It is not too hard to do so. Far from being burdensome, Jehovah’s laws are designed to help us live a good, happy, satisfying life. (Isaiah 48:17, 18) As described in the Bible, love for God is much more than a feeling. In fact, although the feeling of love for Jehovah is essential, that feeling is just the beginning of real love for him. ",Matthew 7:16-20;,bh chap. 19 pp. 186-187 pars. 7-8,,,bl,,12/27/2018
"He Could Have Had God’s Favor, studying Bible, meditating, persevering in prayer, ","Just as we stoke a fire to keep it alive, we need to keep our love for God burning by regularly studying his Word, meditating on what we read, and persevering in prayer.  ","Our love for Jehovah will, in turn, ignite our desire to please him in all that we do. It will move us, if at times it is needed, to genuine repentance. This we will likely do if we strive to maintain a deep love for Jehovah.","Jude 20, 21; Ps. 1:2; Rom. 12:12;",w18 June p. 15,,,bl,,12/27/2018
"Recipe for True Happiness, wealth, money, materialism, ","The situation might be compared to the itch produced by a mosquito bite—the more you scratch it, the more it itches, until it becomes an open sore.","According to Richard Ryan, a professor of psychology in the United States, the more people seek satisfaction in material things, the less they find it there. The Bible writer Solomon put it this way: “The man who loves money can never have enough, and the man who is in love with great wealth enjoys no return from it.” (Ecclesiastes 5:10, The New English Bible)",Ecclesiastes 5:10;,g 4/06 p. 5,,,bl,,12/27/2018
"What Kind of Love Brings True Happiness, self, meism, hedgehog, selfish, Love of self, ","One Bible commentary likens those who are lovers of themselves to “the hedgehog which . . . rolls itself up in a ball, keeping the soft, warm wool for itself . . . and . . . presents the sharp spines to those without.” Such self-centered people are not truly happy.","The love of self mentioned at 2 Timothy 3:2 is not a normal, healthy love. It is a distorted, selfish love. People who love themselves excessively think more of themselves than it is necessary for them to think. (Read Romans 12:3.) Their main interest in life is themselves. They care little about others. When things go wrong, they tend to blame others rather than accept responsibility.",2 Timothy 3:2;,w18 January p. 23 par. 5 ,,,bl,,12/26/2020
"Can You Widen Out in Love, unity, friendship, respect, ","THE chain holding a ship’s anchor has to withstand immense strain to keep the vessel from drifting. This is possible, however, only if the links in the chain are secure and strong. Otherwise the chain will snap.","Much the same can be said of the Christian congregation. For a congregation to be vigorous and healthy, the individual members need to be bound together in unity. What is it that binds them? Love, which is the strongest force for unity. No wonder that Jesus Christ told his disciples: “I am giving you a new commandment, that you love one another; just as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love among yourselves.” Indeed, true Christians have the kind of love for one another that goes beyond casual friendship and mutual respect. They develop self-sacrificing love.","John 13:34, 35;",w07 1/1 p. 9,,,bl,,12/27/2018
"There Are Benefits to Being Loyal, loyalty, steadfast, enduring, faithfully, duties, assignments, obligations, devotion, ","IN SOME countries, children love to tease a playmate by sticking burs onto his woolen pullover. The burs attach themselves to the wool, and whatever the playmate does—whether he walks, runs, shakes, or jumps—the burs cling. The only way to get rid of them is to pull them off one by one. To youngsters, that is all great fun.","Of course, not everyone appreciates burs on his clothes, but everyone is amazed at their ability to stick. A person who is loyal has a similar quality. The loyal one stays close to someone in an enduring relationship. He sticks faithfully to the duties and obligations of that relationship even when circumstances make it difficult. The word “loyalty” brings to mind virtues like trueness, allegiance, and devotion.",Genesis 2:24; Matthew 19:3-9;,w05 9/1 p. 4,,,bl,,12/27/2018
"There Are Benefits to Being Loyal, faithful, enduring, friendships, everlasting rewards, ","When a child learns to stick burs on someone’s clothing, he will likely want to play the game over and over again. ","The same can be said of a person who is loyal. Why? Because the more we practice showing loyalty, the easier it becomes. If a person learns early in life to be loyal within the family, he will later find it easier to develop friendships based on loyalty. In due course, such strong and durable friendships may pave the way for loyalty in marriage. This will also help him to be loyal in the most important friendship of all.",Jeremiah 3:12;,w05 9/1,,,bl,,12/27/2018
"Why the Breakdown, Marriage, maintain, blame, fault, ","Consider this illustration: Two couples buy the same model car. One couple maintain their vehicle well and drive it carefully. Their car does not break down. The other couple invest no time or energy in maintaining their vehicle, and they drive recklessly. That car breaks down and is abandoned. Where does the fault lie for the second outcome—with the car or with the owners? Obviously, the owners bear much of the responsibility.","Similarly, the fact that many marriages fail does not mean that the institution of marriage is somehow flawed. The millions of marriages that succeed prove otherwise. Those marriages bring happiness and stability to individuals, to families, and to communities. But marriage, like a car, needs good care and regular maintenance if it is to last.",Matthew 19:4-6;,w11 2/1 p. 3,,,bl,,12/27/2018
"Commitment,",Commitment is like an anchor that keeps your marriage steady during stormy times,"“What God has yoked together, let no man put apart.”—Matthew 19:6.",Matthew 19:6;,g18 No. 2 p. 4 1,,,bl,,12/27/2018
"Let Marriage Be Honorable, kind words, thoughtful deeds, expressions, honor, color, warmth,","Think of the marriage arrangement as being a house. Next, think of the kind words, thoughtful deeds, and other expressions of honor that marriage partners extend to each other as the decorative items that add beauty to a house. If you feel close to each other, your marriage resembles a house adorned with decorations that give it color and warmth. If your affection diminishes, those decorations gradually disappear, leaving your marriage as bleak as a house without any decorations. Since you desire to obey God’s command to “let marriage be honorable,” you would be moved to improve the situation."," After all, something precious and honorable is worth repairing, or restoring. How can you do so? God’s Word states: “By wisdom a house is built up, and by discernment it is made secure. By knowledge its rooms are filled with all sorts of precious and pleasant treasures.” (Proverbs 24:3, 4) Consider how these words can be applied to marriage.","Proverbs 24:3, 4;",lv chap. 11 p. 130 par. 20,,,bl,,12/27/2018
"Teamwork, marriage, mates, we, me, roommates, marriage mates, same page, ","When there is teamwork in a marriage, a husband and wife are like a pilot and copilot with the same flight plan. Even when challenges arise, each spouse thinks in terms of “we” rather than “me.” BIBLE PRINCIPLE: “They are no longer two, but one flesh.”—Matthew 19:6.","“Marriage is not a solo act. Husband and wife must work together to make it successful.”—Christopher.WHY IT MATTERS. When a conflict arises, a husband and wife who are not a team will tend to attack each other rather than the problem. Minor issues will turn into major obstacles. “Teamwork is the essence of marriage. If my husband and I weren’t a team, we would be roommates instead of marriage mates—two people who live together but who aren’t on the same page when it comes to important decisions.”—Alexandra.",Matthew 19:6;,g18 No. 2 p. 5 2,,,bl,,12/27/2018
"Divine Guidance for Selecting a Marriage Mate, practice, guidance, instruction, Bible, coordination, wise counsel, ","AN AERIALIST catapults from his swinging trapeze, doubles up, and deftly somersaults in the air. Snapping out of his spin, he extends his arms and is caught by an upside-down trapeze artist from the opposite side. An ice-skating couple glide smoothly together in a rink. Suddenly, the man lifts his partner and thrusts her into the air. She spins, lands gracefully on one skate, and continues circling with him on the ice.","Both performances seem almost effortless. Yet, who would even attempt them without practice, a capable partner, and particularly the right kind of guidance or instruction. Similarly, a good marriage may seemingly just happen. However, it too depends on a good partner, on coordinated effort, and especially on wise counsel. Indeed, proper guidance is essential.",Psalm 32:8;,w01 5/15 p. 16,,,bl,,12/27/2018
" Cultivate Spirituality as a Couple, Marriage, agreements, growth, ","Two gardeners jointly own a garden plot and want to grow vegetables. One decides to plant seeds at a certain time of year, whereas the other thinks that the seeds should be planted later. One wants to use a particular type of fertilizer, but the other disagrees strongly and feels that the plants do not need any help. One wants to toil in the garden each day. The other is happy to sit back and watch, rather than work. In such a scenario, the garden may yield some results, but it will not produce as much as it would have if both gardeners had agreed on what to do and then worked together to achieve those goals.","A husband and wife are like those gardeners. If just one partner cultivates spirituality, the relationship might improve. (1 Peter 3:1, 2) Yet, how much better it is when both partners agree to live by God’s standards and work hard to support each other as they serve God! “Two are better than one,” wrote wise King Solomon. Why? “Because they have a good reward for their hard work. For if one of them should fall, the other one can raise his partner up.”—Ecclesiastes 4:9, 10. You likely yearn to cultivate spirituality with your marriage mate. But just as with gardening, desire alone will not yield results. Consider two challenges you may face and how you might overcome them.","Ecclesiastes 4:9, 10;",w11 11/1 p. 14,,,bl,,12/27/2018
"Go On Acquiring Power in the Lord, riches, materialism, gradual, slowly, life-style, neglect, Christian meetings, strangler fig, ","In tropical forests, one may find the strangler fig. It grows slowly as it surrounds the trunk of a host tree. Little by little, the vine envelops its host with roots that get stronger and stronger. The strangler fig’s multiple roots eventually absorb most of the nutrients in the soil at the base of the tree, while its canopy deprives its host of light. Finally, the host dies.","In a similar way, the anxieties of this system and the quest for riches and a comfortable life-style can gradually absorb more and more of our time and energy. With our attention diverted to the things of the world, we might easily neglect personal Bible study and make it a custom to miss Christian meetings, thus being cut off from spiritual nourishment. Materialistic goals now replace spiritual pursuits, and we finally become easy prey for Satan.","Matthew 13:18, 22;",w04 9/15 p. 12 pars. 10-12,,,bl,,12/27/2018
"Seeking Riches That Are True, Materialism, ","We could feel like a man who has worked all his life for a pile of money, only to learn that it is counterfeit. (Prov. 18:11) How would we feel if we reached the end of our life in this world and realized that we had sacrificed true riches for a vast store of this world’s “unrighteous riches?""","Yes, such riches will ultimately fail, so do not lose the opportunity to use them to “make friends” in heaven. Whatever we do to advance the interests of Jehovah’s Kingdom makes us spiritually rich.",Ezek. 7:19; Zeph. 1:18;,w17 July p. 11 par. 16,,,bl,,12/27/2018
"Hope in Jehovah, and Be Courageous, Paradise, new earth, hope, faith,","Can you see yourself in Paradise, glowing with good health, free from anxieties, surrounded by people you love, and sharing in truly fulfilling work? Do you meditate on the Paradise scenes depicted in our publications? Such regular reflection might be likened to cleaning a window that affords a magnificent view. If we neglect to clean the glass, soon dirt and grime will rob us of the scene’s clarity and appeal. Other things may then capture our attention. May we never allow that to happen!","Our God-given hope is infinitely superior to anything that the world can offer. Says Psalm 37:34: “Hope in Jehovah and keep his way, and he will exalt you to take possession of the earth. When the wicked ones are cut off, you will see it.” Yes, we have every reason to “rejoice in the hope.” (Romans 12:12) In order to do so, however, we must keep our hope fresh in mind. Do you regularly reflect on your God-given hope?",Psalms 37:34;,w06 10/1 p. 28 par. 9,,,bl,,12/27/2018
" Meditation, think deeply, mind, memory, assembly facts, pattern, improve,","Just as a carpenter turns raw materials into an attractive building, meditation enables us to “assemble” facts into a coherent pattern or structure.","Meditation also helps us to improve our comprehension and memory. To illustrate, when we study an aspect of creation or a certain Bible topic, we learn many interesting facts. But when we meditate on those facts, we see how they relate to one another and to what we have learned in the past. Thus,",Psalm 1:3,g 5/14 p. 15,,,bl,,12/27/2018
"Go On Growing in Knowledge, mental powers, remembering, Bible truths, lack of interest, ","As an illustration, consider permafrost, the permanently frozen ground in the Arctic and in other regions where the average temperature is below freezing. The soil, rocks, and groundwater freeze into a solid mass, sometimes to a depth of 3,000 feet [900 m]. In the summer, thawing may occur in the surface soil (called the active layer). However, this thin layer of thawed soil is usually muddy because moisture cannot drain into the permafrost below. Plants that grow in the thin top layer are often small or stunted; their roots cannot penetrate the permafrost. ‘What,’ you may wonder, ‘does permafrost have to do with whether I am growing in knowledge of Bible truth?’","Permafrost well illustrates the situation of one whose mental powers are not actively involved with taking in, remembering, and using accurate knowledge.  The person likely has the mental capacity to learn various subjects, including Bible truth. He studied “the elementary things of the sacred pronouncements of God” and may have qualified to be baptized, as did those Hebrew Christians. He might, though, not “press on to maturity,” to things beyond “the primary doctrine about the Christ.”—Hebrews 5:12; 6:1.","Matthew 13:5, 20, 21;",w93 8/15 p. 15 pars. 16-17,,,bl,,12/27/2018
"What Does Jehovah Expect of Us, Modesty, modest, limitations, confidence, ","Picture for a moment a little girl holding on tightly to the hand of her father while they walk through a storm. The girl well knows that her strength is limited, but she has confidence in her father. ","We too must know our limitations but have confidence in our heavenly Father. How can we maintain this confidence? For one thing, by keeping in mind why it is wise to stay close to God. Micah reminds us of three reasons: Jehovah is our Deliverer, our Guide, and our Protector.",Micah 6:8;,w03 8/15 p. 22 par. 16,,,bl,,12/27/2018
"Young Ones—Be Guided by God’s Word, money, wealth, rich, poor, danger, security, ","In the hands of a skilled chef, a sharp knife is a useful tool. But the same knife in the hands of someone inattentive or careless can cause serious harm. ","If handled skillfully, money too can be useful. However, those who are “determined to be rich” often sacrifice friendships, family relationships, and even their relationship with God. As a result, they stab themselves “all over with many pains.”—Read 1 Timothy 6:9, 10. “Money is for a protection,” states the Bible. But this same verse shows that wisdom is even more valuable than money. (Eccl. 7:12) God’s Word encourages us to respect money, not to love it. Why should you avoid developing love for money? Consider this illustration:","1 Timothy 6:9, 10;",w10 11/15 p. 5 par. 11,,,bl,,12/27/2018
"How Can I Make Some Money, finance, wealth, rich, poor, ","In the hands of a skilled chef, a sharp knife is a useful tool. But the same knife in the hands of someone inexperienced or inattentive can cause serious harm."," Money is like a sharp knife. If you handle it skillfully, it’s a useful tool. But if you’re not careful, you can get hurt! For example, the apostle Paul warned against developing a love of money. In their pursuit of wealth, some sacrifice friendships, family relationships, and even their relationship with God. As a result, they ‘stab themselves all over with many pains.’ (1 Timothy 6:9, 10) The lesson? Learn to use money skillfully. Respect it, but don’t love it!","1 Timothy 6:9, 10",yp2 chap. 18 p. 155 ,,,bl,,12/27/2018
"How Can I Manage My Money, wisdom, understanding, reasonable, ","But wouldn’t simply having more money solve all your spending problems? Not likely! If you were driving and did not have control of your car or if you were in the habit of steering with your eyes closed, would putting more fuel in your tank make it more likely that you would reach your destination safely? ","Likewise, if you don’t learn how to control your spending, earning more money won’t improve your situation.","1 Timothy 6:9, 10;",yp2 chap. 19 pp. 160-161,,,bl,,12/27/2018
"Share in the Joy of Giving! Group effort, team effort, World wide effort, brotherhood, God's spirit, youth, elderly,","No one individual makes a disciple, any more than one drop of rain nourishes a plant. True, one Witness may locate an interested person and conduct a Bible study. But once that new one comes to the Kingdom Hall, the whole congregation helps him or her to recognize the truth. The warmth of the brotherhood shows the influence of God’s spirit. (1 Corinthians 14:24, 25) Children and teenagers give stimulating comments, showing the new person that our young ones are different from the youth of the world. The sick, the infirm, and the elderly in the congregation teach new ones what endurance involves. ","Remember, the disciple-making work is a group effort. Regardless of our age or limitations, all of us play an important part in helping new ones as their love of Bible truth deepens and they progress toward baptism. Every hour we spend in the ministry, each return visit, each conversation with an interested person at the Kingdom Hall, may seem insignificant on its own, but it is part of a mighty work that Jehovah is accomplishing.","1 Corinthians 14:24, 25",w01 7/1 p. 17 par. 16,,,bl,,12/27/2018
"How Do You Handle Differences, fights, misunderstanding, quarrels, struggle, conflicts, ","Imagine two young children tugging at the same toy, each pulling harder and harder with a view to having it. Angry words may accompany the struggle until finally one relinquishes his hold or someone else intervenes.","The Genesis account tells us that Abraham heard that an argument had taken place between his herders and those of his nephew Lot. Abraham took the initiative to approach Lot and say: “Please, do not let any quarreling continue between me and you and between my herdsmen and your herdsmen, for we men are brothers.” It was Abraham’s determination not to let any conflict damage their relationship. At what price? He was ready to sacrifice his privilege of choice as the older man; he was prepared to give something up. Abraham allowed Lot to select where he wished to take his household and flocks. Lot subsequently chose for himself the verdant area of Sodom and Gomorrah. Abraham and Lot parted company in peace.—Genesis 13:5-12. To maintain peaceful relations with others, are we prepared to act in the spirit that Abraham did? ",Genesis 13:5-12;,*** w00 8/15 p. 24,,,bl,,12/27/2018
"Let Your Petitions Be Made Known to God, Sin, humility, communication, embarrassed, Pilot, shame, ","How can prayer help if someone has sinned? Because of shame, some who have sinned hold back from praying. That, however, is not a wise course to follow. To illustrate: Airplane pilots know that if they get lost, they can communicate with air traffic controllers to get help. What, though, if a lost pilot hesitates to contact the controllers because he is embarrassed that he got lost? That could lead to disaster! ","Similarly, the person who has sinned and is embarrassed to pray to God could suffer further harm. Shame over sin should not stop one from speaking with Jehovah. In fact, God invites those who have made serious errors to pray to him. The prophet Isaiah urged sinners in his day to call to Jehovah, “for he will forgive in a large way.” (Isaiah 55:6, 7) Of course, one may need to ‘soften the face of Jehovah’ by first softening one’s own heart, turning from the sinful course, and sincerely repenting.—Psalm 119:58; Daniel 9:13.","Isaiah 55:6, 7",w06 9/1 p. 30 par. 14,,,bl,,12/27/2018
"Trustworthiness, credit, honest, obedience, obey, ",Obeying your parents is like paying off a debt to the bank. ,"The more reliable you are, the more trust (or credit) you will receive",Hebrews 13:18;,g18 No. 2 p. 13 10,,,bl,,12/27/2018
"Can I Be Happy in a Single-Parent Family, failure, successful, work harder, teamwork, ","Why not picture your family as a team of oarsmen in a rowboat? Ideally, the boat would have a full crew. In a single-parent household, one of the crew is missing and the rest of the team has to work a bit harder. ","Does this mean that the family is a failure? No! As long as the rest of the team pull together, the boat will stay afloat and reach its destination.","Phil 4:11, 12;",yp2 chap. 25 p. 211,,,bl,,12/27/2018
"You Can Break Through These Barriers!, burdens, loads, overloaded, burnout, Negative thoughts, feelings, weigh down, Jumbo jet,","A JUMBO jet may take aboard hundreds of passengers and tons of cargo. How can such a heavy aircraft get off the ground? Simply, by means of lift. When the plane hurtles down the runway, the air rushes over and under the curved wings. This produces an upward force called lift. When sufficient lift is generated, the craft can break free of the ground and fly. Of course, an overloaded plane cannot generate sufficient lift to become airborne.","We also can become overloaded. Centuries ago, King David said that his ‘errors were like a load too heavy for him.’ (Psalm 38:4) Likewise, Jesus Christ warned against becoming weighed down with the anxieties of life. (Luke 21:34) Negative thoughts and feelings can weigh us down to the extent that it may seem difficult to get “airborne.” Are you weighed down in that way? Or have you experienced some barrier to your further spiritual development? If so, what may be helpful?",Luke 21:34;,w95 7/15 p. 21,,,bl,,12/27/2018
"Why Disfellowshipping Is a Loving Provision, discipline, ","To illustrate: Imagine a hiker who succumbs to exhaustion on a cold winter day. He begins to suffer from hypothermia, and he feels drowsy. If he falls asleep in the snow, he will die. While waiting for a rescue party, his companion occasionally slaps him in the face to keep him awake. The slap may sting, but it could well save his life. ","Similarly, David recognized that a righteous person might need to give him painful correction for his own good.  Love and firmness are needed to produce the desired result. “Should the righteous one strike me, it would be an act of loyal love,” said the psalmist David, and “should he reprove me, it would be like oil on my head.” (Ps. 141:5) In many cases, disfellowshipping provides the discipline the erring one needs. After some ten years, Julian’s son, mentioned at the outset, cleaned up his life, returned to the congregation, and now serves as an elder. “Being disfellowshipped brought me face-to-face with the consequences of my lifestyle,” he admits. “I needed that sort of discipline.”—Heb. 12:7-11.",Heb. 12:7-11;,w15 4/15 p. 31,,,bl,,12/27/2018
"How to Be a Successful Parent, fire resistant materials, building contractor, shortcuts, blueprints, gold, silver, precious stones,","A building contractor may have at his disposal the finest blueprints and building materials available. But what would result if the contractor refused to follow the blueprints, perhaps even permitting foolish shortcuts to be taken or allowing inferior materials to be substituted for the quality ones? Would not the completed building be faulty, even dangerous to use? Suppose, though, that the contractor was conscientious and did his best to follow the blueprints and to use quality materials. Would not the owner of the completed building now have a responsibility to maintain it in proper order? Would he not also have a responsibility not to tear out the quality materials and replace them with inferior ones?","In a figurative way, parents are involved in a construction work. They want to build into their children fine personalities. The Bible provides the best blueprint for this. The quality materials, “gold, silver, precious stones,” are likened in the Scriptures to qualities such as strong faith, godly wisdom, spiritual discernment, loyalty, and loving appreciation for almighty God and his laws.","1 Corinthians 3:10-13; compare Psalm 19:7-11; Proverbs 2:1-6; 1 Peter 1:6, 7;",w88 5/1 p. 3,,,bl,,12/27/2018
"Youths—Let Your Parents Help You Guard Your Heart!, Pilot on ship, additional help, advise, difficult problems, hidden, heart,","WHAT do you think is the most difficult challenge facing a ship’s captain? Is it crossing a vast ocean safely? Not usually. Most shipwrecks occur near the shore, not in the open sea. In fact, docking a ship can even be more hazardous than landing an airplane. Why? Before a captain can safely berth his ship, he has to avoid all the dangers that a particular port may pose. He needs to take into account underwater currents while steering clear of other ships. He must also skirt any sandbanks, rocks, or wrecks hidden underneath the water. And to make matters worse, this may be his first visit to the harbor. To help overcome these problems, a wise captain may engage the services of a pilot who knows the local waters intimately. The pilot stands at the captain’s side on the bridge and gives expert direction. Together they consider the hazards and steer the ship through any narrow channels to the port.","The invaluable expertise of the pilot illustrates the priceless help available to Christian youths who have to chart a course through the difficult waters of life. What is this help? Why do teenagers need it? Let us continue the illustration of the ship. If you are an adolescent, you are somewhat like the captain of a ship in that you must eventually take responsibility for your life. And your parents have a role similar to that of a ship’s pilot as they try to guide you through some of the most difficult situations you will ever have to face in life. During the teenage years, however, you may find it hard to accept the advice your parents give you. Why is that?The problem often lies with the heart. Your figurative heart may impel you to desire what is forbidden or to protest at any apparent denial of freedom. “The inclination of the heart of man,” the Bible says, “is bad from his youth up.” (Genesis 8:21) Jehovah makes clear that you have a real challenge ahead of you. “Deceitful is the heart above all things, and dangerously wayward,” he warns. (Jeremiah 17:9, Rotherham) In addition to harboring wrong desires, the heart can deceive a youth into thinking that he knows better than his parents, even though they have much more experience. There are good reasons, however, for you to seek your parents’ help when navigating the difficult teenage years.",Genesis 8:21;,w04 10/15 pp. 20-21,,,bl,,12/27/2018
"Parents—Train Your Children From Their Infancy, arrows, archer, no recall, ","Psalm 127:4 states: “Like arrows in the hand of a mighty man, so are the sons of youth.” Children are thus likened to arrows that should be accurately aimed at the target. An archer can never recall an arrow once it leaves his bow. ",Parents have “arrows”—their children—for only a comparatively brief period of time. That time should be used to instill godly principles in the mind and heart of their children.,Psalms 127:4;,w13 8/15 p. 17,,,bl,,12/27/2018
"Teach Your Children to Love Jehovah, bow and arrow, ","AN ARCHER prepares to shoot an arrow at a target. He carefully places it against the bowstring, and with flexed muscles he bends his bow. Despite the strain, he takes time to aim the arrow. Then he lets it fly! Will the arrow hit the target? Several factors determine the answer, including the skill of the archer, the effect of the wind, and the condition of the arrow.","King Solomon likened children to “arrows in the hand of a mighty man.” (Psalm 127:4) Consider how this illustration might be applied. An archer has the arrow in his bow for only a relatively short time. To hit the target, he must quickly let it go. Likewise, parents have only a relatively short period of time to develop in their children heartfelt love for Jehovah. After what seems to be just a few short years, the children grow up and leave home. (Matthew 19:5) Will they hit the target—that is, will the children continue to love and serve God after they leave home? Numerous factors influence the answer. Three of them are the skill of the parent, the environment in which the children are raised, and the way the ‘arrow,’ or child, responds to the training he or she receives.",Psalm 127:4;,w07 9/1 p. 26 pars. 1-2,,,bl,,12/27/2018
"Forgive From Your Heart, let it pass, view as Jehovah, offending gesture, ","Imagine yourself on a jet airplane speeding down a runway. Looking out, you see near the runway an acquaintance making the rude gesture of childishly sticking her tongue out. You know that she had been upset and might have you in mind. Or she might not be thinking of you at all. Anyway, as the plane circles to gain altitude, you pass high over the woman, who now seems to be just a speck. In an hour you are hundreds of miles away, and her offending gesture is long since behind you. ","Similarly, many times it will help us to forgive if we try to be like Jehovah and wisely pass over the offense. (Proverbs 19:11) Will not the slight seem tiny ten years from now or two hundred years into the Millennium? Why not just let it pass? Yes, Jehovah was able to ‘pass over’ transgressions, even as David repeatedly asked him to do. (2 Samuel 12:13; 24:10) Can we imitate God in this, being willing to pass over the slights and offenses that our fellow servants commit as imperfect humans? ",2 Samuel 12:13; 24:10;,w99 10/15 pp. 15-16 par. 17,,,bl,,12/27/2018
"Pursue the Things Making for Peace, kindness, cracks, potholes, restore, safety, preserve, relationships, differences, ","A NEWLY paved road appears solid, impervious to damage. Over time, however, cracks and potholes may develop. Restoration is necessary to ensure safety and to preserve the road.","In a similar way, our relationships with others may occasionally become strained and may even crack. The apostle Paul acknowledged that there were differences in viewpoint among Christians in Rome. He counseled fellow Christians: “Let us pursue the things making for peace and the things that are upbuilding to one another.” (Rom. 14:13, 19) Why is it necessary to “pursue the things making for peace”? How can we courageously and effectively pursue peace? Why Pursue Peace? If untreated, small cracks in the pavement can grow into dangerous potholes. Leaving personal differences unresolved can likewise be disastrous. The apostle John wrote: “If anyone makes the statement: ‘I love God,’ and yet is hating his brother, he is a liar. For he who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot be loving God, whom he has not seen.” (1 John 4:20) An unresolved personal difference could eventually cause a Christian to hate his brother.","Rom. 14:13, 19;",w08 11/15 p. 17,,,bl,,12/27/2018
"Should I Play Electronic Games, entertainment, immoral games, graphic sex, hideous violence, ","Exposure to high doses of radiation can destroy the lining of the stomach and allow bacteria from the intestines to invade the bloodstream, resulting in sickness. ","Similarly, exposure to high doses of graphic sex and hideous violence can damage your “moral sense” and allow fleshly desires to invade and dominate your thinking and actions.  Choosing to play violent or immoral electronic games is like choosing to play with radioactive waste—the damaging effects may not be immediately obvious, but they’re inevitable. In what way?","Ephesians 4:19; Galatians 6:7, 8;",yp2 chap. 30 pp. 249-250,,,bl,,12/28/2018
"Do Not Let Doubts Destroy Your Faith, spiritual food, starving, appearance, weakness, Study, ","Interestingly, a person suffering from malnutrition does not necessarily look sickly or thin.","Similarly, it may not be immediately obvious that someone is suffering from spiritual starvation. You can have an appearance of spiritual well-being even when you are not being nourished properly—but only for a short time! You will inevitably become weakened spiritually, susceptible to unfounded doubts, and unable to put up a hard fight for the faith. (Jude 3) You know—even if no one else does—the true extent of your personal spiritual feeding. Hence, keep up your personal study. Fight doubts vigorously. To ignore what appears to be a trivial infection, to do nothing about nagging doubts, may have disastrous consequences.",2 Corinthians 11:3;,w01 7/1 p. 20,,,bl,,12/28/2018
"Young People, Praise Jehovah! Witness, talent, skilled, music, speech, ","If you had a close friend with an amazing skill—perhaps in sports, art, or music—would you talk about him to your family and other friends? No doubt. ","Well, learning about all that Jehovah has done can have a similar effect on us. For example, Psalm 19:1, 2 says that the starry heavens cause “speech to bubble forth.” As for us, when we think about the amazing things that Jehovah has accomplished, we can hardly hold back from talking to others about our God.","Psalm 19:1, 2;",w05 6/15 p. 24 par. 7 ,,,bl,,12/28/2018
"How Can I Improve in My Prayers, Neglect, schedule, communicate, ","Prayer is like a door that you can open at any time. However, many youths would say that they do not open the door as frequently or as freely as they should. If that’s so in your case, don’t give up! You’ve already identified the challenge and set a goal. Now you just need a key to unlock the door. ","Consider some obstacles that you might face, along with suggestions on how to overcome them. ▪ The Lock: NEGLECT. “Sometimes because of my hectic schedule, prayer gets pushed aside.” The Key: “Keep strict watch that how you walk is not as unwise but as wise persons, buying out the opportune time for yourselves, because the days are wicked.”","Ephesians 5:15, 16;",g 11/08 pp. 26-27 ,,,bl,,12/28/2018
"Let Your Petitions Be Made Known to God, Prayers, ","Consider this example: A store owner may offer a gift to some of his customers. However, to receive this gift, the customers must come to the owner and claim it. Those unwilling to make the effort to do so would show that they do not really appreciate the offer. ","Similarly, neglecting to make our petitions known in prayer would show a lack of appreciation for what Jehovah provides. Jesus said: “Ask and you will receive.” (John 16:24) In this way, we demonstrate our reliance on God.",John 16:24;,w06 9/1 pp. 27-28 par. 4,,,bl,,12/28/2018
"Our Teaching Toolbox, Bible, God's Word, truth, ","Craftsmen use a variety of tools. While some tools are occasionally needed for specialized tasks, other basic tools are used frequently. Experienced craftsmen always have these basic tools in their toolbox, and these are the ones that they are the most skillful at using. ","The Bible encourages each Christian to apply himself in the ministry and to be “a workman with nothing to be ashamed of.” (2 Tim. 2:15) What is the most important tool in our toolbox? It is God’s Word—the principal tool we use to “make disciples.” (Matt. 28:19, 20) Therefore, we should endeavor to become skillful at “handling the word of the truth aright.” However, there are other frequently used tools in our teaching toolbox that all Christians should learn to use skillfully to teach people the truth.—Prov. 22:29.",2 Timothy 2:15;,km 7/15 p. 3 par. 1 ,,,bl,,12/28/2018
"Parents and Children: Put God First!, Afraid, scared, cold, prayer, angelic help, courageous, ","One youth noted: “Being scared is like being cold. You can do something about it.” She explained: “When you’re cold, you put on a sweater. If you’re still cold, you put on another one. And you keep on putting something on until the coldness goes away and you’re no longer cold. So praying to Jehovah when you’re scared is like putting on a sweater when you’re cold. If after one prayer I’m still scared, I pray again, and again, and again, until I don’t feel scared anymore. And it works. It has kept me out of trouble!”","If we really try to put God first in our lives, Jehovah will back us up. He will strengthen us, providing angelic help when it is needed, even as he did for his Son. (Matthew 18:10; Luke 22:43) Be courageous all you parents and children. Have Christlike fear, and it will bring you enjoyment. (Isaiah 11:3) ",Matthew 18:10; Luke 22:43;,w95 10/1 p. 18 pars. 20-21,,,bl,,12/28/2018
"We All Belong to the Same Family, peaceful, races, skin color, ethnic background, tragedy, neutral, ","One Witness family—Eugène Ntabana, his wife, and two children—lived in the capital, Kigali. When explaining Christian neutrality to his neighbors, Eugène often spoke of the bougainvillea, a climbing vine that thrives in warm climates.—Matthew 22:21. “Here in Kigali,” Eugène would explain, “the bougainvillea produces red, pink, and sometimes white flowers. Yet, they all belong to the same family. It is the same with humans. Although we may be of different races, skin color, or ethnic background, we all belong to the same family, the family of mankind.”","Tragically, despite their peaceful nature and neutral stand, the Ntabana family was murdered by a bloodthirsty mob. Still, they died faithful. We can be sure that Jehovah God will fulfill his promise to such ones, and they will be resurrected to inherit a world where prejudice will be no more. (Acts 24:15) Then, the Ntabana family, along with others, will “find their exquisite delight in the abundance of peace.”—Psalm 37:11.",Psalm 37:11;,w96 11/1 p. 32,,,bl,,12/28/2018
"Young Ones—How Can You Prepare for Baptism, Ransom, Memorial, Christ's death, ","Imagine that someone rescued you from drowning. Would you simply go home, dry yourself off, and forget about what was done for you? Of course not! You would certainly feel indebted to the person who rescued you. The fact is, you would owe that person your life! ","We owe Jehovah God and Jesus Christ much more. Without the ransom, each of us would, in a sense, drown in sin and death. But because of this great act of love, we now have the incomparable prospect of living forever on a paradise earth!","2 Corinthians 5:14, 15; 1 John 4:9, 19;",w16 March p. 11 par. 17,,,bl,,12/28/2018
"Rescue Needed, sin, death, danger, preaching, catastrophe, sickness, old age, short-lived, ","A COAL MINE near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, U.S.A., was suddenly flooded by millions of gallons of water. Nine miners were trapped in an air pocket 240 feet [73 m] underground. Three days later, they were back on the surface, safe and sound. How were they rescued? Aided by maps of the mine and by the Global Positioning System, rescuers drilled a 30-inch [65 cm]-wide hole and lowered a capsule-like cage down to where the men were huddled. One by one, the miners were brought to the surface in that cage, out of their would-be tomb. All were happy, relieved, and grateful for their rescue.","Most of us will never be trapped underground like those nine coal miners or have to face death in a catastrophe. Still, we all need to be rescued, for we cannot escape the ravages of sickness and old age and finally death. “Man, born of woman, is short-lived and glutted with agitation,” observed the faithful patriarch Job. “Like a blossom he has come forth and is cut off, and he runs away like the shadow and does not keep existing.” (Job 14:1, 2) Today, some 3,500 years later, those words continue to prove true, for who of us can escape life’s fatal outcome—death? Regardless of where we live or how well we guard our health, we need to be rescued from the clutches of suffering, old age, and death.","Job 14:1, 2;",w08 3/1 p. 3,,,bl,,12/28/2018
"Exercise Justice” in Walking With God, Ransom, memorial, rescue, safety, indebted, owe, sin, death, faith,","IMAGINE being trapped on a sinking ship. Just when you think that there is no hope, a rescuer arrives and pulls you to safety. How relieved you feel as your rescuer takes you away from the danger and says: “You are safe now”! Would you not feel indebted to that person? In a very real sense, you would owe him your life.","In some respects, this illustrates what Jehovah has done for us. Surely we are indebted to him. After all, he has provided the ransom, making it possible for us to be rescued from the clutches of sin and death. We feel safe knowing that as long as we exercise faith in that precious sacrifice, our sins are forgiven, and our eternal future is secure. (1 John 1:7; 4:9) As we saw in Chapter 14, the ransom is a supreme expression of Jehovah’s love and justice. ",1 John 1:7; 4:9;,cl chap. 16 p. 158 pars. 1-2,,,bl,,12/28/2018
"How the Ransom Saves Us, Memorial, sin, death, rescue, innocent victims, poverty, debt, owe, circumstances, ","How the ransom works can be illustrated by the situation of people who have been defrauded of all their savings by a corrupt bank and thus fell into debt. The owners of the bank are justly sentenced to years in prison. But what about the innocent victims? Reduced to poverty, they have no way out of their circumstances unless a kind and wealthy man takes over the bank and restores to the victims all their savings, relieving them of debt."," In like manner, Jehovah God and his beloved Son have purchased Adam’s offspring and canceled their debt of sin on the basis of Jesus’ shed blood. That is why John the Baptizer could say of Jesus: “See, the Lamb of God that takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29) The world of mankind whose sins are taken away includes not only the living but also the dead.",John 1:29;,w10 8/15 p. 14 par. 11,,,bl,,12/28/2018
"Jehovah Provides “a Ransom in Exchange for Many, rescue, debt, factory, family, Memorial, owe, ","To illustrate: Imagine that you live in a town where most of the residents are employed at a large factory. You and your neighbors are well paid for your labors and lead comfortable lives. That is, until the day the factory closes its doors. The reason? The factory manager turned corrupt, forcing the business into bankruptcy. Suddenly out of work, you and your neighbors are unable to pay the bills. Marriage mates, children, and creditors suffer because of that one man’s corruption.","Is there a way out? Yes! A wealthy benefactor decides to intervene. He appreciates the value of the company. He also feels for its many employees and their families. So he arranges to pay off the company’s debt and reopen the factory. The cancellation of that one debt brings relief to the many employees and their families and to the creditors. Similarly, the cancellation of Adam’s debt benefits untold millions.",Romans 5:16;,cl chap. 14 p. 143 par. 12,,,bl,,12/28/2018
"Ransom, exercise faith, believe, death, Memorial, debt, destitute, hopeless, grandfather, ","Illustration: A family head may become a criminal and be sentenced to death. His children may be left destitute, hopelessly in debt. Perhaps their kindly grandfather intervenes on their behalf, making provision through a son who is living with him to pay their debts and to open up for them the possibility of a new life. ","Of course, to benefit, the children must accept the arrangement, and the grandfather may reasonably require certain things as assurance that the children will not imitate the course of their father.","Phil. 2:7, 8;",rs p. 308,,,bl,,12/28/2018
"Is the Bible Still Changing Your Life, Ransom, Memorial, repentant sinners, clean, water, dirty, sacrifice,","Should we hesitate to avail ourselves of the benefits of the ransom because we feel unclean or sinful? Of course not! That would be like refusing to use water to wash our hands when they are dirty. After all, the ransom is provided for repentant sinners. Thanks to the ransom, then, we can enjoy a friendship with Jehovah even though we are in an imperfect state.—Read 1 Timothy 1:15.","Love moved God to offer us a precious gift—the ransom sacrifice of his beloved Son. (John 3:16) If on the basis of this priceless provision we repentantly seek Jehovah’s forgiveness when we err, we can have the confidence that our friendship with him is still intact. ","Rom. 7:24, 25; 1 John 2:1, 2;",w16 May p. 19 par. 7,,,bl,,12/28/2018
"Who Is Wise and Understanding Among You, immediately, put off, wait, reflex, automatic, Bible-trained conscience, ",Perhaps you have had a doctor use a reflex hammer to tap the tendon just below your kneecap. Your leg reflexively straightens with a kick. It is automatic; you do not have to think about it.,"It should be similar when we are tempted to do evil. Our chasteness and Bible-trained conscience should reflexively move us to reject what is bad. (Rom. 12:9) The Bible provides examples of those who reacted in this way, such as Joseph and Jesus. We need to reject evil things immediately. Doing so should be an automatic reaction.",Gen. 39:7-9; Matt. 4:8-10;,w08 3/15 p. 24 par. 17,,,bl,,12/28/2018
"Respectful speech, mortar, bonding, marriage, ",Respectful speech is the mortar that can hold your marriage together,"“Clothe yourselves with the tender affections of compassion, kindness, humility, mildness, and patience.”—Colossians 3:12.",Colossians 3:12;,g18 No. 2 p. 6 3,,,bl,,12/28/2018
"What Is God Doing, sin, damage, shambles, paradise, restore, rebellion, perfect health, cure, ","Imagine a house that has been a shambles for many years. The roof has caved in, the doors have fallen off their hinges, and the exterior has been vandalized. At one time, this house was in good condition—but no longer. Considering the extent of the damage that has occurred, restoration will be no small task; it will not take place overnight.","Now consider the damage that occurred to mankind some 6,000 years ago when an unseen spirit, Satan, induced Adam and Eve to rebel against God. Prior to that event, the first human couple enjoyed perfect health with the prospect of living forever along with future generations of their offspring. (Genesis 1:28) When they sinned, however, it was as if Adam and Eve vandalized the human family yet to be born.",Genesis 1:28;,w10 5/1 pp. 4-5 ,,,bl,,12/28/2018
"What Is God Doing, sin, run-down house, trouble, restoring a house, ","As a result of sin, our condition is similar to that of a run-down house. The righteous man Job realistically summed up our situation when he described man as being “short of days and full of trouble.”—Job 14:1, Holman Christian Standard Bible. To appreciate better just what he is doing for us, consider three steps that are necessary for restoring a house and how each of these relates to what God has done to restore mankind.","But did God abandon the human race after the downfall of Adam and Eve? Not at all! In fact, from then until now, our heavenly Father has been working in behalf of the human family. Do not underestimate the damaging effects of that rebellion. The Bible says: “Through one man [Adam] sin entered into the world and death through sin.” (Romans 5:12) Besides bringing death, sin has impaired our relationship with our Creator and has affected us physically, mentally, and emotionally.",Romans 5:12;,w10 5/1 p. 5,,,bl,,12/28/2018
"What Is God Doing, restore or destroy, decision, demolish, rebellion, enmity, Eden, Paradise, ","After inspecting a damaged house, the owner must decide whether to restore it or to demolish it. Immediately after the rebellion in Eden, Jehovah God announced his purpose to restore mankind. He said to the unseen spirit who was behind the rebellion: “I shall put enmity between you and the woman and between your seed and her seed. He will bruise you in the head and you will bruise him in the heel.”—Genesis 3:15.","With those words, Jehovah promised to destroy the instigator of the rebellion in Eden. (Romans 16:20; Revelation 12:9) Furthermore, Jehovah foretold that a future “seed” would redeem mankind from sin. (1 John 3:8) Those promises put on record a vital truth: God was going to repair, not demolish, his creation. But the restoration of mankind would require time.",Genesis 3:15;,w10 5/1 p. 5 ,,,bl,,12/28/2018
"Do You Really Need to Apologize, humility, humble, communication, two mountains, valley, apology,","By way of illustration, let us suppose that two men who need to communicate are standing on the tops of two different mountains. Conversation across the chasm that divides them proves impossible. When one of them descends to the valley below and the other follows his example, however, they can converse easily. ","Similarly, if two Christians need to resolve a difference between them, let each one humbly meet the other in the valley, so to speak, and make suitable apologies.—1 Peter 5:6. The one receiving an apology should accept it in a humble manner. ",1 Peter 5:6;,w96 9/15 p. 23,,,bl,,12/28/2018
"Why Does God Allow Suffering, Universal issue explained, Eden, Satan's challenge, ","Michelle: Correct. Then, with his very next words, Satan made a major accusation against God. Notice what he said: “You certainly will not die.” Satan was calling God a liar!Sophia: I never heard that part of the story before.Michelle: And when Satan called God a liar, he raised an issue that would require time to settle. Can you see why?Sophia: Hmm. I’m not sure.Michelle: Well, maybe I could illustrate the point this way. Let’s say that one day I approach you and claim that I’m physically stronger than you are. How could you prove me wrong?Sophia: I suppose with some sort of a test.Michelle: Yes, exactly. Maybe we would choose a heavy object and then see which one of us was able to lift it. Actually, proving who is stronger is pretty straightforward.Sophia: I see your point.Michelle: But what if instead of saying that I’m stronger, I claimed to be more honest than you? That’s a different matter, isn’t it?Sophia: Yes, I suppose so.Michelle: After all, honesty is not something like strength, which can be proved with a simple test.Sophia: No.Michelle: Really, the only way to settle the challenge would be to let enough time pass for others to observe the two of us and see who really is more honest.Sophia: That makes sense.Michelle: Now, look again at this account in Genesis. Did Satan claim to be stronger than God?Sophia: No.Michelle: God could have quickly proved him wrong. Instead, Satan claimed to be more honest than God. In effect, he said to Eve, ‘God is lying to you, but I’m telling you the truth.’Sophia: Interesting.","_In his wisdom, then, God knew that the best way to settle the challenge would be to allow time to pass. Eventually, it would become clear who was telling the truth and who was lying_",Genesis 3:1-6;,w14 1/1 p. 9,,,bl,,12/28/2018
"Should We Fear Satan, panic, carbon monoxide, poisoning, invisible, hard to detect, extremely dangerous,","Carbon Monoxide: It is very hard to detect. Colorless and odorless, it may catch its victims unawares. Perhaps over half of all deaths by poisoning worldwide may be traced to this single culprit: carbon monoxide. However, there is no need to panic. There are ways to detect that gas and to protect yourself. Many people wisely install warning monitors and then carefully heed any alarms.","Like carbon monoxide, Satan is invisible, very hard for humans to detect, and extremely dangerous. But God has not left us without help. You need not fear Satan if you take advantage of the following gifts God offers.",James 4:7;,w14 11/1 p. 6,,,bl,,12/28/2018
"Jehovah Is Our Sovereign Lord, Government, Kingdom, Sovereign, challenge, tests loyalty, ","Today, a drama of utmost importance is under way—and it involves you! Especially does it relate to the vindication of Jehovah God’s sovereignty. This drama can be illustrated by a situation that might exist in a certain land. On the one hand, there is the duly constituted government that maintains order. On the other hand, there is a criminal entity ruling by fraud, violence, and murder. The illegal organization is a challenge to the sovereign rulership and tests the loyalty of all citizens to their government.",A similar situation exists on a universal scale. There is the legally constituted government of the “Sovereign Lord Jehovah.” (Ps. 71:5) But mankind is now threatened by a criminal organization headed by “the wicked one.” (1 John 5:19) It presents a challenge to the duly constituted government of God and tests the loyalty of all people to his sovereign rulership. ,Psalm 71:5;,w10 11/15 p. 24 pars. 2-3,,,bl,,12/28/2018
"Take as a Pattern the Prophets of God, searching, persevere, positively, keys, misplace, ","If we were to misplace our keys, we might retrace our steps and search in the various places where we had been. We might find them only after doing this repeatedly. ","Let us similarly persevere in searching out sheeplike ones. What joy we have when they respond to the good news in often-worked territory! And how we rejoice that God is blessing our work in lands where restrictions formerly limited our public ministry!—Galatians 6:10. To ‘search out deserving ones,’ we need to persevere and to view matters positively. (Matthew 10:11) For example, ",Matthew 10:11;,w94 9/15 p. 18 par. 11,,,bl,,12/28/2018
"Cultivate Qualities That Can Help You Make Disciples, Search, rescue, rejoicing, happy, lost child, ","When people organize a search party to locate a lost child, only one member of the group may actually find the youngster. But when the child is reunited with his parents, everyone involved in the search rejoices. (Luke 15:6, 7) ","Similarly, disciple-making is a team effort. All Christians share in searching for those who may become Jesus’ disciples. And when a new one starts to attend meetings at the Kingdom Hall, every Christian present contributes to building his appreciation for true worship. (1 Corinthians 14:24, 25) Thus, all Christians can rejoice that hundreds of thousands of new disciples are made each year. The Christian congregation is a disciple-making organization. When a new one becomes a disciple, the Witness of Jehovah who found him and helped him to learn what the Bible teaches is not the only one with reason for rejoicing.","1 Corinthians 14:24, 25;",w07 11/15 p. 25 par. 19,,,bl,,12/28/2018
"Seek Something Much Better Than Gold, wisdom, disciple, interest,","Have you ever found a gold nugget? Very few people have. Yet, millions have discovered something much better. It is divine wisdom, which “cannot be bought with pure gold.”","IN SOME ways, sincere Bible students are like prospectors looking for gold. Such students need to work hard and keep on searching the Scriptures to find priceless wisdom. In this regard, what can we learn by considering three ways in which gold is found?","Job 28:12, 15;",w16 August p. 18 ,,,bl,,12/28/2018
"Seek Something Much Better Than Gold, Jehovah's Witnesses, message, Bible study, precious, ","Imagine that you are walking near a riverbank and see what seems to be a tiny pebble reflecting the sunlight. You stoop down and are delighted to find a gold nugget. It is smaller than a match head and rarer than a high-quality diamond. Of course, you look around to see if there are more nuggets to be found.","Similarly, on a memorable day some time ago, one of Jehovah’s servants may have called at your door to discuss the message of hope found in the Bible. Perhaps you vividly recall the moment when you discovered your first spiritual gold nugget, so to speak. That may have happened when you first saw God’s name, Jehovah, in the Bible. (Ps. 83:18) Or perhaps when you learned that you could become Jehovah’s friend. (Jas. 2:23) You knew immediately that you had found something better than gold! And you may have been eager to find more spiritual nuggets.",Psalm 83:18;,w16 August p. 18,,,bl,,12/28/2018
 Be Wise—Seek “Skillful Direction”,"In ancient times, traveling by sea was a challenge that required experience. It was an art usually learned at the feet of longtime sailors, perhaps a helmsman. (Acts 27:9-11) Many ancient paintings emphasize the importance of the helmsman’s role by portraying him as being larger than others. To venture out into the open sea, seafarers learned about stars, winds, and other points of reference. The Bible describes certain seamen as being “skilled,” using a term that can mean “wise.”—Ezek. 27:8; ftn.","Navigating life’s problems today can seem as arduous as going to sea in ancient times. What can help us? Though it calls for effort, we can acquire “skillful direction” and learn to “sail” successfully on the sea of life. As Proverbs indicates, we have to let “wisdom,” “understanding,” and “insight” work together. (Prov. 1:2-6; 2:1-9) And we cannot neglect seeking divine guidance, for even the wicked may know how to ‘steer’ for unjust ends.—Prov. 12:5.",Acts 27:9-11;,w12 6/15 p. 30,,,bl,,12/28/2018
"How to Maintain the Spirit of Self-Sacrifice, selfishness, stingy, rust, ignoring, damage, failure,","Selfishness may be compared to rust that develops on iron. If an iron object is exposed to the elements, it might begin to rust. The real danger lies in ignoring the rust, allowing it to develop to the point of causing structural damage or failure. ","Similarly, though we cannot presently eliminate our imperfection and selfish tendencies, we must be alert to the dangers involved and continue to fight such tendencies. (1 Cor. 9:26, 27) How can we recognize signs of selfishness in ourselves? And how can we to a greater degree cultivate our spirit of self-sacrifice?","1 Cor. 9:26, 27;",w14 3/15 p. 8 par. 4,,,bl,,12/28/2018
"Become Imitators of God” in Your Use of Power, whole souled, heart, mind, mental abilities, advance, ","In Bible times, a person might sell himself (his soul) into slavery. Yet, the slave might not serve his master wholeheartedly; he might not use his full strength or his full mental abilities to advance his master’s interests. (Colossians 3:22) ","What does it mean to serve God whole-souled? The soul refers to the entire person, with all his physical and mental abilities. Since the soul embraces the heart, the mind, and the strength, why are these other faculties mentioned at Mark 12:30? Jesus evidently mentioned these other faculties in order to emphasize that we must not hold anything back in our service to God. Serving God whole-souled means giving of ourselves, using our strength and energies to the fullest extent possible in his service.",Colossians 3:22;,cl chap. 10 p. 105 par. 19,,,bl,,12/28/2018
"How Can I Become God’s Friend, recreation, entertainment, important things, bucket, ","Try this experiment: Take a bucket, and place several large rocks inside it. Now fill the bucket with sand—all the way to the top. You now have a bucket full of rocks and sand. Now empty the bucket, but keep the same sand and rocks. Try the process in reverse: Fill the bucket with sand, and then try to place the rocks inside the bucket. No room? That’s because this time you put the sand in the bucket first.  ","The point? The Bible says: “Make sure of the more important things.” (Philippians 1:10) If you put small things like recreation in first place, you’ll never seem to have enough room in your life for the big things—spiritual pursuits. But if you follow the Bible’s admonition, you’ll find that you have room for both Kingdom interests and a measure of recreation. It’s all a matter of what you put in your bucket first!",Philippians 1:10;,yp2 chap. 35 p. 294,,,bl,,12/28/2018
"Wise Counsel on Singleness and Marriage, sexual uncleanness, morally chaste, relations, wife, husband, ","In Bible times, a fortified city protected the people only if they remained inside its walls. If a person went outside the gate when bandits and marauders were roaming about, he could be robbed or killed. Likewise, married people find protection from immorality only if they stay within the sexual bounds that the Originator of marriage has established for them.","Paul described those bounds at 1 Corinthians 7:2-5. Sexual relations with her husband become the exclusive privilege of the wife; he likewise has the same privilege with her alone. Each is expected to provide the other with the marital “due,” or sexual relations that a married person has the right to receive. Servants of Jehovah are resolved to remain morally chaste. Some decide to marry so as to avoid problems in this area. Marriage, though, does not furnish automatic protection against sexual uncleanness.",1 Corinthians 7:2-5;,w11 10/15 p. 17 pars. 19-20,,,bl,,12/28/2018
"Find Contentment by Applying Bible Principles, archer, miss the mark, sin, prize, elated, everlasting life, ","Envision someone who is hoping to win a prize by hitting a target with an arrow. He has three arrows at his disposal. He shoots the first one and misses by a yard. He aims better with the second arrow but still misses by a foot [30 cm]. With full concentration he lets the last arrow go and misses by only an inch [2 cm]. It was so close, but a miss is a miss.","We are all like that disappointed archer. Sometimes we seem to “miss the mark” by much. Other times we come close but still miss the mark. We are frustrated because we tried so hard, but it was still not good enough. Now, let us go back to the archer. He is slowly turning away, dejected because he really wanted that prize. Suddenly, the man in charge calls him back and hands him a prize, saying: “I want to give you this because I like you, and I saw how hard you tried.” The archer is elated! Elated! Everyone who receives from God “the gift” of everlasting life in perfection will feel this way. (Romans 6:23) Thereafter, everything they do will be good—they will never miss the mark again. They will be perfectly content. In the meantime, if we keep this view in mind, we will feel better about ourselves and those around us.",Romans 3:9;,w06 6/1 pp. 12-13,,,bl,,12/28/2018
"A Great Teacher Shows Us the Creator More Clearly, Sin spread, corrupted files, wipe out sin, Jesus,","What does the ransom involve? You might think of it this way: Suppose you had a computer but one of its electronic files was corrupted by an error (or virus) that someone had planted in an otherwise perfect program. That illustrates the effect of what Adam did when he deliberately disobeyed God, or sinned. Let us continue the illustration. ","Whatever copies you might make of the corrupted electronic file would be affected. However, all need not be lost. With a special program, you could detect and purge the corrupting error from your files and computer. Comparably, mankind has received a “virus,” sin, from Adam and Eve, and we need outside help to wipe it out. (Romans 5:12) According to the Bible, God provided for this cleansing through Jesus’ death. It is a loving provision from which we can benefit.—1 Corinthians 15:22.",Romans 5:12;,ct chap. 9 pp. 156-157 ,,,bl,,12/28/2018
"Having “Come to Know God”—What Now, sin like coiled snake, alert, patient, struggle, weaknesses, changes, ","As imperfect humans, we still have sin lurking within us like a coiled snake ready to strike.  Let us remain sharp-eyed, not ignoring our faults. ","Happily, Jehovah is patient with us while we earnestly struggle to resist our weaknesses and make needed changes. (Phil. 2:12; 2 Pet. 3:9) A great help is to take control of our use of time and resources, turning away from selfish pursuits.","Rom. 3:9, 10; 6:12-14;",w13 3/15 p. 16 par. 14,,,bl,,12/28/2018
"Christ’s Ransom—God’s Way of Salvation, Sin, disease, cure, ",IMAGINE that you suffer from a disease that will surely claim your life unless you have surgery. How would you feel if the price of the operation was far beyond what you could afford? What if even the combined resources of your family and friends could not pay for it? To be confronted with such a life-threatening dilemma would be frustrating!,"This illustrates a situation that has developed with regard to the human race. Our first parents, Adam and Eve, were created perfect. (Deuteronomy 32:4) They had the prospect of living forever and of fulfilling God’s purpose: “Be fruitful and become many and fill the earth and subdue it.” (Genesis 1:28) However, Adam and Eve rebelled against their Creator. (Genesis 3:1-6) Their disobedience brought sin not only upon Adam and Eve themselves but also upon their unborn offspring. The faithful man Job later said: “Who can produce someone clean out of someone unclean? There is not one.”—Job 14:4. Sin is thus like a disease that has infected each one of us, for the Bible states that “all have sinned.” This condition has life-threatening consequences. Indeed, “the wages sin pays is death.” ",Romans 3:23; 6:23;,w99 2/15 p. 13 pars. 1-3,,,bl,,12/28/2018
"Baptized in the Name of Whom and What, cure, sick, ransom, health,","Such ones can be likened to a sick man who was unaware of his illness. He may have had some symptoms, such as an occasional pain. Yet, having no diagnosis of a specific disease, he might have imagined that he was basically in good health. The facts proved otherwise, however. (Compare 1 Corinthians 4:4.) What if he got an accurate diagnosis of his illness? Would he not be wise to seek and accept a known, proven, and effective treatment?","Similarly, upon learning the truth about inherited sin, many have accepted the Bible’s “diagnosis” and have come to understand that God is offering the “cure.” Yes, all who are alienated from the Father need to turn to the One who can “cure” them.",Eph. 4:17-19;,w10 3/15 pp. 11-12 par. 8,,,bl,,12/28/2018
"The Bible—A Book of Accurate Prophecy, sin, grit, wear out, die, ","Sin might be likened to grit in an engine. Eventually, grit will cause that engine to wear out and stop. ","Similarly, sin causes us to grow old, get sick, and die. “The wages sin pays is death,” says Romans 6:23. As imperfect humans, we often do wrong. The Bible calls this sin.",Romans 6:23;,g 8/12 p. 20 ,,,bl,,12/28/2018
"Do You Value What Jehovah Has Done to Deliver You, sin, pandemic, spanish influenza, diseases, cure, ","According to a recent estimate, one of the worst pandemics in human history was the Spanish influenza of 1918, which killed tens of millions of people. Other diseases are more lethal in a sense. While they may infect fewer people, they kill a higher percentage of the people they do infect. ","However, what if we were to compare sin to such a pandemic? Recall the words of Romans 5:12: “Through one man sin entered into the world and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men because they had all sinned.” The infection rate of sin is 100 percent, since all imperfect humans sin. (Read Romans 3:23.) And what is the mortality rate? Paul wrote that sin brings death “to all men.”",Romans 3:23;,w09 9/15 p. 26 par. 3 ,,,bl,,12/28/2018
"What Is God’s Purpose for Humans, sin, dent in bread pan, descendants, offspring, children, ","Imagine baking a loaf of bread in a pan that has a dent. The bread will have the same dent as the pan. When Adam disobeyed God, Adam became a sinner. Because we are Adam’s children, all of us are sinners, or have the same “dent” as he did. And because we are all sinners, we grow old and die.—Romans 3:23;","Adam and Eve disobeyed God and ate the fruit. (Genesis 2:17; 3:6) They sinned against Jehovah, and in time they died, just as Jehovah had said they would. (Genesis 3:17-19) Adam and Eve’s children were sinners, so they died. (Read Romans 5:12.) To help us understand why Adam and Eve’s children were also sinners, consider this example.",Romans 3:23;,bhs chap. 3 pp. 30-31 par. 7,,,bl,,12/28/2018
"Sin, Adam, Eve, offspring, copies, stain, spot, ","If you were to photocopy a sheet of paper that had a dark spot on it, that spot would appear on all the copies. ","As Adam’s descendants—copies, so to speak—we have the stain of sin upon us. It is the same mark that appeared on Adam, the “original”",Romans 5:12;,g 1/06 p. 8,,,bl,,12/28/2018
"“Soul” and “Spirit”, radio, dead, unplugged, electric, ","Think of a portable radio. When you put batteries in a portable radio and turn it on, the electricity stored in the batteries brings the radio to life, so to speak. Without batteries, however, the radio is dead. So is another kind of radio when it is unplugged from an electric outlet. ","Similarly, the spirit is the force that brings our body to life. Also, like electricity, the spirit has no feeling and cannot think. It is an impersonal force.  The soul and the spirit are not the same. The body needs the spirit in much the same way as a radio needs electricity—in order to function.",Ecclesiastes 12:7;,bh p. 210 par. 4,,,bl,,12/28/2018
"Immortal Spirit, features, electricity, soul, ","The spirit, or life-force, can be compared to the electric current that flows through a machine or an appliance. The invisible electricity may perform various functions, depending on the type of equipment it powers. For example, an electric stove can be made to generate heat, a computer to process information, and a television set to produce images and sound. Yet, the electric current never takes on the features of the equipment it activates. It remains simply a force. ","Similarly, the life-force does not take on any of the characteristics of the creatures it animates. It has no personality and no thinking ability. Humans and animals “have but one spirit.” (Ecclesiastes 3:19) When a person dies, therefore, his spirit does not go on existing in another realm as a spirit creature.",Ecclesiastes 3:19;,w01 7/15 p. 5,,,bl,,12/28/2018
"Resist, spirit, world, air, fire, mine, canaries, hazardous environment, Satan, no part of the world,","IN THE year 1911, British authorities passed a law designed to save the lives of coal miners. Each mine was required to keep two canaries. For what purpose? If a fire erupted in a mine, rescuers would carry the canaries underground with them. The tiny birds are sensitive to poisonous gases, such as carbon monoxide. If the air became contaminated, the birds would show signs of distress, even falling off their perch. This early warning was vital. ","In a spiritual sense, Christians face a situation similar to the mine workers. How? When Jesus gave his disciples the assignment to preach the good news worldwide, he knew that he was sending them into a hazardous environment, one dominated by Satan and the spirit of the world. (Matt. 10:16; 1 John 5:19) So concerned was Jesus about his disciples that on the night before he died, he prayed to his Father: “I request you, not to take them out of the world, but to watch over them because of the wicked one.”—John 17:15.",Matt. 10:16; 1 John 5:19;,w08 9/15 p. 20 pars. 1-2,,,bl,,12/28/2018
"Spirit of the World, poisoning, Kazakhstan, radioactivity, atmosphere, contamination, ","ON September 12, 1990, an explosion occurred in a Kazakstan factory. Dangerous radioactivity was released into the atmosphere, threatening the health of the 120,000 local inhabitants, many of whom took to the streets in protest against the deadly poison.But as more information came to light, they discovered that they had been living in a poisonous environment for decades. Over the years, 100,000 tons of radioactive waste had been dumped in an unguarded, open-air site. Although the danger was on their doorstep, nobody had taken it seriously. Why not?","Spiritually speaking, we can also be poisoned by invisible contamination. And like those unfortunate people in Kazakstan, the majority are unaware of this life-threatening hazard. The Bible identifies this pollution as “the spirit of the world,” which is orchestrated by none other than Satan the Devil. (1 Corinthians 2:12) God’s Adversary maliciously uses this spirit—or prevailing attitude—of the world to undermine our godly devotion.",1 Corinthians 2:12,w97 10/1 pp. 25-26,,,bl,,12/28/2018
"Working Together With God, rejoicing, World's spirit, river current, Satan's world, ","The world’s spirit might be compared to a river current that is pulling us in a direction we do not want to go. To avoid being swept downstream, we must vigorously swim in the other direction. ","Similarly, effort is required to keep from being swept away by the spirit of Satan’s world. When we are preaching to others, we focus on important and beneficial spiritual matters, not on thoughts that will erode our faith. (Phil. 4:8) Preaching strengthens our convictions, reminding us of God’s promises and loving standards. It also helps keep our spiritual armor intact.",Ephesians 6:14-17.,w16 January p. 31 par. 12,,,bl,,12/28/2018
"Parents—Be a Fine Example for Your Children, guard heart, wind, naive, foolish, weedlike, corrupt,","In direct opposition to God’s spirit, this worldly spirit, like a strong wind, carries the seeds of “earthly, animal, demonic” thinking and liberally deposits them in the mind and heart of the naive or foolish. (James 3:15) These weedlike infestations eventually corrupt the heart. .","Jesus illustrated the effect of what is sown in the heart, saying: “A good man brings forth good out of the good treasure of his heart, but a wicked man brings forth what is wicked out of his wicked treasure; for out of the heart’s abundance his mouth speaks.” (Luke 6:45) Hence, the Bible exhorts us: “More than all else that is to be guarded, safeguard your heart, for out of it are the sources of life.”—Proverbs 4:23  To surrender one’s child to the television or the street is, in effect, to let the spirit of the world influence the child’s upbringing. (Ephesians 2:1, 2)",James 3:15;,w06 4/1 p. 9,,,bl,,12/28/2018
"How to Protect Your Children by Means of Godly Wisdom, parents, diseases, parasites, viruses, cure, immune system,","EVERY day our bodies are at war. They must fight off a host of microbes, parasites, and viruses. Thankfully, most of us have inherited an immune system that protects us against such attacks and saves us from falling prey to numerous infectious diseases.","In a similar way, Christians must fight against unscriptural thinking and values and against the pressures that can destroy our spiritual health. (2 Corinthians 11:3) In order to resist this daily attack on our minds and hearts, we need to develop spiritual defenses.Such defenses are especially necessary for our children, since they are not born with spiritual defenses that can counter the spirit of the world. (Ephesians 2:2) As children grow up, it is vital for parents to help them develop their own defenses. ",2 Corinthians 11:3,w05 1/1 p. 23,,,bl,,12/28/2018
"Maintain Your Spiritual Health While Serving in a Foreign Field, personal needs, ","Although a chef has to taste dishes before serving them, he cannot live merely on the food he samples. If he wants to remain healthy, he has to prepare nutritious meals for himself. ","Similarly, we should strive to nourish our heart with spiritual food that fills our personal needs. We must recognize that when we prepare for the ministry, for the meetings, or for a talk, we may not necessarily apply what we read to ourselves. ","Phil. 1:9, 10",w16 October p. 15 par. 11,,,bl,,12/28/2018
"Having “Come to Know God”—What Now, Growth, tree, improvement, full-grown man, ","We can compare our spiritual growth to the physical growth of a tree. A tree may grow to an amazing size, especially when its root system is deep or extensive. For example, some of the majestic cedars of Lebanon can reach the height of a 12-story building and have strong, penetrating roots and a trunk circumference of up to 40 feet (12 m). (Song of Sol. 5:15) After the initial growth spurt of such a tree stops, the tree still grows but not as noticeably. Year after year, the trunk widens and the roots go deeper and spread farther, producing a more stable tree. ","The same can be said of a Christian’s spiritual growth. During our initial period of Bible study, we may quickly grow spiritually and then get baptized. Those in the congregation happily notice our progress. We may even qualify as a pioneer or receive other privileges. In the following years, our continued spiritual growth may not be as noticeable. Nevertheless, we still need to grow in faith and knowledge “to a full-grown man, to the measure of stature that belongs to the fullness of the Christ.” (Eph. 4:13) Thus, we progress, as it were, from a tiny sprout to a mature Christian, a sturdy and well-developed tree. But our growth should not stop there. Our knowledge needs to broaden and our faith needs to deepen. Thus we become ever more anchored in the soil of God’s Word. (Prov. 12:3)",Proverbs 12:3;,w13 3/15 pp. 14-15 pars. 9-10,,,bl,,12/28/2018
"Bring a Smile to Jehovah’s Face, faith, anchored, blacksmith, links of a chain, qualities, ","“Your work,” he said, “could be likened to that of a blacksmith.” In what way? A blacksmith welds together the links of a chain that can safely anchor a ship. Likewise, missionaries help Bible students build spiritual qualities needed for salvation.","The speaker associated the links in a chain with the eight qualities recorded at 2 Peter 1:5-8. Brother Roberson said that if missionaries help their Bible students to see how Jehovah displays those qualities, those students are likely to develop an unbreakable attachment to Jehovah. They will weather any storm of adversity that might test their faith. Will Their Ship of Faith Be Anchored Solid in the Storms Ahead?” Sam Roberson, one of the instructors, discussed the apostle Paul’s warning that some had “experienced shipwreck concerning their faith.” (1 Timothy 1:19) He urged the students to build in others a faith that is solidly anchored in Jehovah God.",2 Peter 1:5-8,w12 2/1 p. 30 ,,,bl,,12/28/2018
"Live a Balanced, Simple Life, bicycle, moving ahead, good pace, routine, spiritual activity, falling,","It might be compared to riding a bicycle. Those who have tried to balance a bicycle that has slowed down practically to a standstill appreciate the importance of forward momentum. Similarly, as long as you are moving ahead at a good pace in a routine of spiritual activity, you are protected from losing your balance and falling.—Philippians 3:16.","Actually, your spiritual activity is a measure of whether you are living a balanced, simple life. Christians who are heeding Jesus’ admonition to seek first God’s Kingdom are moving ahead at a good pace in regular Bible study, meeting attendance, and the field ministry. Such forward movement is a real protection against falling.",Philippians 3:16;,w89 7/15 p. 12 par. 8,,,bl,,12/28/2018
"Are You Focusing on the Reward, Glaucoma, blindness, eyesight, eternal life, everlasting, ","THE disease progresses slowly. Initially, it reduces a person’s peripheral vision. Left untreated, it can spread toward the center of vision. Ultimately, it can cause complete loss of sight. What is it? Glaucoma—a leading cause of blindness.","Just as we can lose literal eyesight slowly and insidiously, we can lose an even more precious form of sight—our spiritual vision. Therefore, it is vital to keep spiritual matters in sharp focus in the center of our field of vision. Keeping the Reward in FocusAmong “the things unseen” to our literal eyes is the glorious reward of eternal life, which Jehovah holds out to his loyal ones. ",2 Corinthians 4:18,w04 4/1 p. 20,,,bl,,12/28/2018
"Find Security Among God’s People, Satan’s system of things—entertainment, work, possessions, distractions, Congregation","WHILE on vacation, Joe and his wife were snorkeling on a tropical coral reef teeming with fish of all colors and sizes. They swam a little farther out to admire the reef below. When the seabed dropped away into a blue abyss, Joe’s wife said, “I think we’re going out too far.” “Relax,” Joe replied. “I know what I’m doing.” Joe recalls wondering soon thereafter, ‘Where have all the fish gone?’ With horror, he saw the reason. Out of the deep blue, a shark was heading straight for him. There he was, completely at its mercy. When the shark was just a few feet [a meter or so] away, it veered off and disappeared.","A Christian can become so enamored with the attractions of Satan’s system of things—entertainment, work, possessions—that he does not realize that he is getting deeper into dangerous waters. “My experience made me think about the company we keep,” says Joe, who is a Christian elder. “Swim where it’s safe and enjoyable—in the congregation!” Do not swim into deep water, where you may find yourself spiritually isolated and in peril. If ever you find yourself there, immediately head back to ‘safe water.’ Otherwise, you might run the risk of being devoured spiritually.",PS. 35:18,w10 6/15 p. 6,,,bl,,12/28/2018
" How We Strip Off and Keep Off the Old Personality, dirty, clean obey, habits, sinful practices, ","What would you do if your clothing became dirty, perhaps even having a foul odor? You would strip off the soiled garment as soon as possible. ","Similarly, we need to act with urgency in obeying the command to strip off habits that are contrary to God’s personality. We want to heed Paul’s clear instruction to Christians in his day: “You must put them all away from you.” Let us consider two of the sinful practices listed by Paul—sexual immorality and uncleanness.—Read Colossians 3:5-9.",Colossians 3:5-9,w17 August p. 18 par. 5,,,bl,,12/28/2018
"Is It Weak to Be Gentle, Hard Shell or Inner Strength, new personality, tender, affections, compassion, kindness, crab, ","just as a crab sheds its old shell so that it can grow. (Colossians 3:9) However, unlike a crab whose body soon hardens again after the old shell is discarded, we are commanded to clothe ourselves permanently with “the tender affections of compassion, kindness, . . . and long-suffering.” (Colossians 3:12) Gentleness, then, should characterize us.","True Christians are encouraged to imitate Christ by putting on “the new personality which was created according to God’s will.” (Ephesians 4:20-24) We are told to “strip off the old personality with its practices,”",Colossians 3:9,g05 1/8 p. 19 ,,,bl,,12/28/2018
"Faith, action, doer of the word, move, ","Would it make sense to study vegetable gardening but never plant any seeds? Granted, we might gain a certain amount of knowledge about how to cultivate a garden, but we would never harvest anything! ","Similarly, people who learn God’s requirements through a study of the Bible must allow seeds of truth to reach the heart in order for those seeds to sprout and move them to action.","Matthew 13:3-9, 19-23.",w05 4/15 p. 27 ,,,bl,,12/28/2018
"Serve God Loyally Despite Many Tribulations, Satan, Frontal attacks, Subtle attacks, discouragement,","Frontal attacks are like a tornado that blows into town and destroys your house instantly. Subtle attacks are more like a colony of termites that slowly creep in and nibble away at the wood of your house until it collapses. With the latter, a person may not even be aware of the danger until it is too late.","Another kind of tribulation that we may face involves subtle attacks. How does this differ from the frontal attacks of physical persecution? Satan would like to destroy your relationship with Jehovah, whether with frontal attacks of persecution or by slowly nibbling away at your faith through subtle attacks. One of the most effective subtle tactics Satan uses is discouragement. The apostle Paul admitted to feeling discouraged at times. (Read Romans 7:21-24.)",Romans 7:21-24,w14 9/15 p. 14 pars. 11-12,,,bl,,12/28/2018
"Whose Authority Should You Recognize, limited, permanent, wounds, stitches, ","Imagine that you had undergone surgery and stitches were securing the wound. Though the stitches are foreign to the body, they serve a purpose for a limited time. Removing them prematurely could be harmful. ","Similarly, human governmental authorities were not part of God’s original purpose. Until his Kingdom is ruling the earth completely, however, human governments hold society together, performing a function that fits in with God’s will for the present time. We should thus remain in subjection to the superior authorities, while we give priority to God’s law and authority.",Romans 13:1;,kl chap. 14 pp. 133-134 par. 10,,,bl,,12/28/2018
"Parents—Shepherd Your Children, dating, balance, dating, reactions, ",Suppose you went to a restaurant and discovered that the menu contained only warnings about food poisoning. You would likely leave that place and look for another restaurant. ,"Your children may react similarly if they come to you for advice but all you have on the “menu” is a list of stern warnings. (Read Colossians 3:21.) Instead, aim for a balanced approach. Even when talking about delicate subjects—dating, for example—be careful not to put so much emphasis on warnings that you neglect to teach your children the proper way to deal with the matter",Colossians 3:21;,w14 9/15 p. 18 par. 7,,,bl,,12/29/2018
"Teach, Observe, commandments, obey, obedience, youth, children, on-the-job training, instruction, ","Think of the way a driving instructor teaches his students to observe the traffic laws. The instructor may teach his students the rules of the road while in a classroom. However, to teach his students how to obey those rules, he has to guide the students as they actually drive in traffic and struggle to put into practice what they have learned. ","Likewise, when we study the Bible with people, we teach them Christ’s commandments. However, we also need to guide the students as they endeavor to apply Christ’s instructions in their daily lives and in the ministry. (John 14:15; 1 John 2:3) Thus, fully carrying out Christ’s command to make disciples requires that we be both teachers and guides. In that way, we imitate the example set by Jesus and by Jehovah himself.—Psalm 48:14; Revelation 7:17.",Psalm 48:14; Revelation 7:17,w04 7/1 p. 15 par. 4,,,bl,,12/29/2018
"Temptation, light, snares, assembly, conventions, dangers, fear, immorality, materialism, darkness,","First, God helps us to recognize temptations. Satan’s temptations are like snares strewn across a dark path. If you do not see them, you may be entrapped. By means of the Bible and Bible-based publications, Jehovah throws light on Satan’s snares, thus enabling us to avoid giving into temptation. ","Over the years, printed literature and convention and assembly programs have repeatedly alerted us to such dangers as fear of man, sexual immorality, materialism, and other satanic temptations.  Are you not grateful to Jehovah for alerting us to Satan’s designs? (2 Corinthians 2:11) All such warnings are an answer to your prayers for help in resisting temptation.","Proverbs 29:25; 1 Corinthians 10:8-11; 1 Timothy 6:9, 10;",kp p. 26 par. 11,,,bl,,12/29/2018
"Personality, person, world, lures, fisherman, attractive, hook, Satan, subtle designs, ","“The things in the world” are like the lures of a fisherman. They are attractive, but attached to each lure is a hook. Satan uses what people may regard as normal everyday needs to make them want to do what is contrary to the laws of God. ","Such subtle temptations, though, are designed to influence our desires and corrupt our heart. They are really an attempt to make us believe that taking care of our personal needs and comforts takes priority over doing the will of God. Will such enticements work on us?",Psalms 97:10;,w13 8/15 pp. 26-27 par. 14,,,bl,,12/29/2018
"Time, life, young ones, youth, children, priorities, rocks and sand, manage, balance, first, Kingdom,","Take a plastic bucket and place several large rocks inside it. Then fill the bucket with sand. You have a bucket full of rocks and sand. Empty the bucket but keep the same sand and rocks. This time, fill the bucket with the sand first, and then try to place the rocks inside the bucket. No room? That is because you put the sand in the bucket first.","You face a similar challenge when managing your time. If you put things like recreation in first place, you will never seem to have enough room in your life for the big things—spiritual pursuits. But if you follow the Bible’s admonition to “make sure of the more important things,” you will find that you have room for both Kingdom interests and a measure of recreation.—Phil. 1:10.",Phil. 1:10;,w10 11/15 p. 16 pars. 18-19 ,,,bl,,12/29/2018
"Tomb, drawer, death, resurrection, hope, dead, ransom, ","What is a tomb? “It’s like a drawer that opens and closes,” explained Erika. “But once this drawer is closed, you can’t open it. Only Jehovah can open it when the new world comes.”","In 2007, six-year-old Erika and four-year-old Mattia lost their father in death. The children’s pain has been eased, however, by the resurrection hope.—Acts 24:15. Erika likes to share her Bible-based hope with others, especially at her school in Sicily. For example, when her friend Beatrice said that Erika’s father was now in heaven, Erika kindly replied that the Bible indicates otherwise. “So where is he then?” asked Beatrice. “In the tomb,” replied Erika. At that point, Beatrice wanted to know what a tomb is.",Acts 24:15;,g 8/09 p. 32,,,bl,,12/29/2018
"Christ Jesus, Faithful and discreet slave, governing body, obedience, field service, Bible,","Suppose someone hires you to paint their house and he wants it color to be blue.  You don't like blue so you paint it red.  Do you have the right to do that.  After all, it is his house.","The Faithful slave wants our message to be short to people.  Not from the literature, but from the Bible. What if we kept offering literature and gave long presentations.  Do we have the right to do that?","Matthew 24:45, 46;",Joe Laymon,,,bl,,12/29/2018
"Elders, training, maintain, regularity, oil, urgency, postponing maintenance, neglect, ","A driver may know that to maintain his car and keep the engine in running order, he must regularly change the oil. Still, he may feel that it is not as urgent as filling the tank with fuel. After all, if he does not put gas in the tank, his car will soon come to a complete stop. ‘If I don’t have time to change the oil,’ he may reason, ‘the engine will still keep running, at least for a while.’ But what is the danger? If the driver keeps postponing the maintenance of the engine, the day will come when the car will grind to a complete halt. If that happens, he will have to spend a lot of time and money on getting the car repaired and running again. What is the lesson?","Elders care for many important tasks that have to be handled promptly; otherwise, the congregation would be adversely affected. So just as the driver in the example makes sure to keep refilling the fuel tank, elders must “make sure of the more important things.” (Phil. 1:10) However, some elders are so busy looking after pressing matters that they may neglect the training of others—the maintenance of the engine, so to speak. But if elders keep postponing necessary training, sooner or later the congregation will lack sufficient qualified brothers to care for all that needs to be done.",Phil. 1:10;,w15 4/15 p. 4 pars. 5-6,,,bl,,12/29/2018
"Entrust to Faithful Men, training, elders, Ministerial servants, jealousy, proud, responsibilities, satisfaction,","Think of a father who teaches his son to drive a car. When he is a child, the son simply observes his father. When the boy is older, the father explains what he is doing. Then, when the boy is of legal age, he begins to drive the car as his father gives him further instruction. Sometimes they may take turns driving, but eventually the son may do most, if not all, of the driving for his aging father. ","The wise father is pleased to have his son take over and does not feel that he has to be in control. Similarly, older men feel proud when they have trained younger ones to take on theocratic responsibilities. Appointed men should have great satisfaction when the younger ones whom they have trained become qualified to take on the work. ",Numbers 11:24-29,w17 January pp. 29-30 pars. 9-10,,,bl,,12/29/2018
"Parents, Find Pleasure in Your Children, proud, pleasing, responsibility, trust, growth, ","HOW fine to see a sapling grow and become a stately tree that provides beauty and shade—especially if you planted and took care of it! Similarly, parents who care for children who grow up to be mature servants of God find great pleasure in them, as the Bible proverb says: ","“The father of a righteous one will without fail be joyful; the one becoming father to a wise one will also rejoice in him. Your father and your mother will rejoice, and she that gave birth to you will be joyful.”","Proverbs 23:24, 25.",w96 12/1 p. 10 par. 1,,,bl,,12/29/2018
"Parents, train, children, infancy, arrows, growth,",An archer can never recall an arrow once it leaves his bow. Parents have “arrows”—their children—for only a comparatively brief period of time. That time should be used to instill godly principles in the mind and heart of their children.,"Psalm 127:4 states: “Like arrows in the hand of a mighty man, so are the sons of youth.” Children are thus likened to arrows that should be accurately aimed at the target. ",Psalm 127:4,w13 8/15 p. 17,,,bl,,12/29/2018
"Raising Children in a Permissive World, rewarding, choices, wise, goals, prepared, protected, directed, parents,","Just as an archer knows that his arrows will not hit the target by chance, loving parents realize that child rearing cannot be a haphazard business. They want their children to reach a “target”—a fulfilling life as happy, responsible adults. They want their children to make good choices, to be wise and avoid needless problems, and to achieve worthwhile goals.","But wanting such things is not enough. If an arrow is to reach its target, what is needed? It must be thoroughly prepared, well protected, and powerfully directed toward its target. Likewise, children need to be prepared, protected, and directed if their journey toward adulthood is going to be successful. Let us consider these three aspects of child rearing one at a time.. Psalm 127:4, 5 says: “Like arrows in the hand of a mighty man, so are the sons of youth. Happy is the able-bodied man that has filled his quiver with them.” So children are likened to arrows, and the parent is likened to a mighty warrior.","Psalm 127:4, 5",w08 4/1 pp. 13-14,,,bl,,12/29/2018
"Loyally, loyalty, tribulations, Armageddon, great tribulation, persecution, hardships, battle, future, faithful, army, ","An army of soldiers will often go through a series of grueling drills long before there is even the threat of a battle. It is similar in Jehovah’s spiritual army. We do not know what our warfare may involve in the future. Therefore, would it not be wise to do some significant training during a time of relative peace? Paul wrote to the Corinthians: “Keep testing whether you are in the faith; keep proving what you yourselves are.”—2 Cor. 13:5.","As we have seen, Satan has a number of “crafty acts” at his disposal. (Eph. 6:11) Each of us needs to follow the admonition found at 1 Peter 5:9: “Take your stand against him, firm in the faith.” To do that, we need to prepare our mind and heart, to train ourselves now to do what is right. To illustrate: ",1 Peter 5:9;2 Cor. 13:5.,w14 9/15 pp. 15-16 par. 16,,,bl,,12/29/2018
"Reasoning, hearts, art of persuasion, trinity, identical twins, teaching skills, ","The Witness patiently reasoned with Barbara. “If you were trying to teach me that two persons are equal,” he asked, “what family relationship would you use to illustrate it?” She thought for a moment and then replied: “I might use two brothers.” “Exactly,” the Witness responded. “Perhaps even identical twins. But in teaching us to view God as the Father and himself as the Son, what message was Jesus conveying?” “I see,” Barbara replied, her eyes widening. “He is describing one as older and having more authority.”","“Yes,” answered the Witness, “and Jesus’ Jewish audience, living in a patriarchal society, would especially have reached that conclusion.” Driving home his point, the Witness concluded: “If we came up with such a fitting illustration to teach equality—that of brothers or identical twins—surely Jesus, the Great Teacher, could have done so too. Instead, he used the terms ‘father’ and ‘son’ to describe the relationship between himself and God.”","2 Timothy 3:16, 17;",w98 5/15 pp. 22-23,,,bl,,12/29/2018
"Heart, spiritual treasures, first Watchtower magazine, truth, searching, asking, ","The very first issue of this magazine, published in July 1879, stated: “Truth, like a modest little flower in the wilderness of life, is surrounded and almost choked by the luxuriant growth of the weeds of error."," If you would find it you must be ever on the lookout. . . . If you would possess it you must stoop to get it. Be not content with one flower of truth. . . . Gather ever, seek for more.” Yes, we must be eager to enrich our own treasure store of divine truths.","Josh. 1:8, 9; Ps. 1:2, 3;",w17 June p. 12 par. 14,,,bl,,12/29/2018
"Thinking ability, safeguard, waves, danger, protection, ","TOWERING waves are an awesome sight, but for sailors they spell danger. Those surging waters could cost them their lives.","In a similar way, God’s servants might face mounting pressures that threaten to overwhelm them. You may have recognized that wave after wave of trials and temptations bear down on Christians. You certainly want to counter them decisively, being determined to avoid spiritual shipwreck. (1 Timothy 1:19) Thinking ability is a vital part of your defense. What is it, and how is it acquired?The Hebrew word rendered “thinking ability,” mezim·mahʹ, comes from a root word that means “to plan or plot.” (Proverbs 1:4) ",Proverbs 1:4; ,w02 8/15 p. 21,,,bl,,12/29/2018
"Walking, hiking, paths, rewards, difficulties, weary, tired, strength, regain, vigor, joy, ","HAVE you ever hiked in the mountains? If you have, you likely felt as if you were on the roof of the world. How delightful it was to breathe the fresh air, to see far into the distance, to absorb the natural beauty! Perhaps the cares of the world below seemed a little less important.","For most people such excursions are few and far between, but if you are a dedicated Christian, you may have been walking in high country for some time—in a spiritual sense. Like the psalmist of old, you have no doubt prayed: “Make me know your own ways, O Jehovah; teach me your own paths.” (Psalm 25:4) Sometimes, though, hikers in mountainous terrain have to contend with long, steep slopes. Their legs begin to ache, and they become weary. We too can experience difficulties in our godly service. Recently, our steps may have been a little labored. How can we regain our vigor and our joy? A first step is to recognize the supremacy of Jehovah’s ways.",Psalm 25:4;,w02 7/1 p. 28,,,bl,,12/29/2018
"Answers, Meetings, upbuilding, Watchtower study, conductor, bouquet of flowers, not dominate, overwhelm, complement, ","To answer, consider an illustration. A Watchtower Study that is well-conducted is like a bouquet of flowers that delights the eye. Just as a large bouquet is made up of many individual flowers, so a Watchtower Study is made up of many different comments. And just as the individual flowers in a bouquet differ in size and color, so the comments given during the meeting vary in length and manner of presentation. ","And where does the conductor fit in? His occasional comments are like the few pieces of greenery that are carefully added to a bouquet. These pieces do not dominate; rather, they serve to provide structure and to unify the whole. Similarly, the one who conducts needs to keep in mind that his role is, not to overwhelm, but to complement the expressions of praise that are offered by the congregation. Yes, when the many diverse comments given by the congregation and the few well-placed remarks made by the conductor are skillfully put together, they form a beautiful bouquet of words that will delight all in attendance.",Proverbs 15:1;,w10 10/15 pp. 22-23 par. 9,,,bl,,12/29/2018
"Death row, dead man walking, God's Kingdom, world, system, condemned, Armageddon, great tribulation, end, ","DEAD MAN WALKING!” That cry rings out as a dangerous criminal is led from his prison cell, metal doors clanging behind him. Why do the man’s guards say such a thing? The man seems relatively healthy; no physical problem is about to rob him of his life. However, the guards are leading him to a place of execution. That condemned criminal is as good as dead.","In a sense, today’s system of things is like that man on death row. This wicked world has long since been condemned, and its execution is now close at hand. The Bible says: “The world is passing away.” (1 John 2:17) The system’s end is a certainty. And yet, there is a key difference between this world’s end and that of the prisoner. At the prisoner’s execution, some may protest the sentence, questioning its justice or perhaps hoping for a last-minute stay of execution. In the case of this world, though, the sentence has been determined by the perfectly just Sovereign of the universe. (Deut. 32:4) There will be no stay of execution, and there will be no lingering doubts about the justice of the sentence. After it is carried out, every thinking creature in the universe will heartily agree that justice was done. The relief will be immense!",1 John 2:17;,w17 April pp. 9-10 pars. 1-2,,,bl,,12/29/2018
"Guided, God's Spirit, guide, uncharted wilderness, world, survive, hiking, ","Would it not be foolhardy for an inexperienced person to set off alone, without a skilled guide and not so much as a compass, hiking deep into an uncharted wilderness? Not knowing how to survive inhospitable conditions in the wild and not having the expertise to find his way safely to his destination, he would be putting his life in jeopardy. ","So, too, the person who thinks he can direct his course through this wicked world without allowing God to show him the right way is placing his life in grave danger. The only chance we have of traversing this system of things successfully is to make the same prayerful request to Jehovah that David did: “Let my steps take hold on your tracks, in which my footsteps will certainly not be made to totter.” (Ps. 17:5; 23:3) How is it possible to receive such guidance?",Ps. 17:5; 23:3,w11 12/15 p. 14 par. 8,,,bl,,12/29/2018
"Value of “a Weaker Vessel, wife, lotus lamp, not demeaning, dwelling, strengths, limitations, feelings, caring husband, ","As an example, consider the Tiffany lotus lamp. This exquisitely fine lamp can indeed be considered delicate. Does the lamp’s fragile nature diminish its value? Far from it! In 1997 the original Tiffany lotus lamp sold at an auction for 2.8 million dollars! Its delicate makeup served to enhance its value, not diminish it.","Likewise, assigning a woman honor as to a weaker vessel does not devalue or demean her. Dwelling with his wife “according to knowledge” means that a husband takes into account her strengths and limitations, likes and dislikes, outlook and feelings. A caring husband recognizes and respects personality differences between him and his wife. He shows due consideration for her “in order for [his] prayers not to be hindered.” (1 Peter 3:7) A husband who fails to respect his wife’s feminine virtues endangers his own relationship with God. Clearly, God’s Word does not belittle women. Rather, it dignifies and honors them.The Greek noun rendered “honor” means “price, value, . . . respect.” Thus, a Christian husband is to treat his wife with tenderness, showing her due consideration as a delicate, precious vessel. This is not demeaning at all. ",1 Peter 3:7;,w06 5/15 p. 32,,,bl,,12/29/2018
"Young People, focus, spiritual goals, bus station, ","SUPPOSE you plan to travel to a distant town for an important event. Getting there requires a long journey by bus. At the bus station, you are overwhelmed by crowds of passengers and many buses. How good it is that you have your goal clearly in mind—finding the bus that is going to your chosen destination! Boarding a bus going anywhere else would mean that you would head in the wrong direction.","Young people today might be likened to those passengers. Adolescents face a long journey, not by bus, but in life. At times they may feel overwhelmed by the opportunities and decisions that confront them. Youths, you can make it easier for yourselves if you have a good idea where you want to go in life. Where should you be headed?",Proverbs 16:3,w18 April p. 25,,,bl,,12/29/2018
"Complete heart, zeal, light bulb, gradual, heartfelt zeal, influences, ","Imagine that you are reading a book by the light of a 100-watt bulb, but then the bulb fails. Since you are left in the dark, you immediately notice what happened and replace the burned-out bulb with a new one. Light fills the room again. The next evening, you are reading with the help of the same lamp. However, unbeknownst to you, someone replaced the new 100-watt bulb with a 95-watt bulb. Would you notice the difference? Probably not. And what if the next day someone put a 90-watt bulb in your lamp? Likely, you would still not notice it. Why not? The lamp’s light is diminishing so gradually that you are not aware of it. ","Similarly, the influences of Satan’s world may cause our zeal to diminish little by little. If that happens, it is as if Satan succeeded in reducing 100-watt heartfelt zeal for Jehovah’s service to something less. If not alert, a Christian may not even notice the gradual change.",Matt. 24:42; 1 Pet. 5:8;,w12 4/15 pp. 16-17 pars. 14-15,,,bl,,12/29/2018
"Race, racial, discrimination, prejudice, color, love, hate, courage, ","“Why didn’t you make your whole house the same color?” “You must think that I’m crazy!” retorted the professor. Seriki replied: “No, but why should we expect God to make everything and everybody the same color?” The point was clear. That simple illustration proved effective, and a good witness was given by the once timid Seriki. (SEE BELOW)","The professor was troubled by racial prejudice and blamed God for the racial problems that exist, feeling that he was the one who created the different races. After a lengthy discussion that seemed to go nowhere, Seriki finally mustered up courage to speak, and he politely interrupted the conversation. (1 Thessalonians 2:2) Noticing that the professor’s house was decorated with a tasteful choice of colors, Seriki asked the professor, (SEE ABOVE)",1 Thessalonians 2:2,w89 11/1 p. 15,,,bl,,12/29/2018
"Jehovah blesses, protects, obedient, obey, organization, safety, protection, Satan, stay close, care, ","THE fluffy, yellow hatchlings are busily pecking for food in the short grass, totally unaware of a hawk hovering high above. Suddenly, the mother hen gives a tremulous, high-pitched warning call and spreads her wings. Her chicks run to her, and in seconds they are safely concealed beneath her pinions. The hawk aborts its attack. The lesson? Obedience saves lives!","That lesson is especially important to Christians today, for Satan is making an all-out effort to prey on God’s people. (Revelation 12:9, 12, 17) His goal is to destroy our spirituality so that we lose Jehovah’s favor and the prospect of everlasting life. (1 Peter 5:8) However, if we stay close to God and respond swiftly to the direction we receive through his Word and organization, we can be assured of his protective care. “With his pinions he will block approach to you, and under his wings you will take refuge,” wrote the psalmist.—Psalm 91:4.",Psalm 91:4.,w02 10/1 p. 12 pars. 1-2,,,bl,,12/29/2018
"Seek the Kingdom, Not Things, provisions, housing, food, bless efforts, instincts, skills, materials, nests, worry,","We should “observe intently the birds of heaven.” As small as those creatures are, they eat a lot of fruit, seeds, insects, or worms. For their body weight, they consume proportionately more than humans. Yet, they do not have to cultivate the ground and plant seed for food. Jehovah provides everything they need. (Ps. 147:9) Of course, he does not put the food in their beaks! They have to go and find it, but the food is there in abundance.","For Jesus, it was unthinkable that his heavenly Father would provide food for the birds but not take care of the same basic needs of humans. (1 Pet. 5:6, 7) He will not put the food in our mouths, but he may bless our efforts to grow the food we need or to earn the money to buy our daily provisions. In cases of need, he may motivate others to share what they have. Although Jesus did not mention providing shelter for the birds of heaven, Jehovah has provided them with the instincts, skills, and materials needed to make nests for themselves. Jehovah can likewise help us find adequate housing for our families.",Matthew 6:26;,w16 July pp. 9-10 pars. 11-12,,,bl,,12/29/2018
"Keep Seeking the Kingdom and God’s Righteousness, birds, flowers, faith, cubit, life span, worry, ","On that spring morning, the birds were busy scratching for food, courting, building nests, sitting on eggs, feeding their young. They were working but without worrying. The flowers were also busy pushing their roots into the soil in search of water and minerals and sending their leaves reaching up for sunlight. They had to mature and blossom and cast their seed before they died. They were working but without worrying. God provides for birds and lilies. ‘Will he not much rather provide for you, you with little faith?’—Matthew 6:30.","So have faith. Do not be anxious. Anxiety will change nothing. “Who of you by being anxious,” Jesus asked, “can add one cubit to his life span?” (Matthew 6:27) But why does Jesus relate a physical measure of distance, a cubit, to a measure of time in a life span? Perhaps because the Bible frequently likens the life span of humans to a journey, using such expressions as “the way of sinners,” “the path of the righteous,” a ‘broad road to destruction,’ and a ‘cramped road to life.’ (Psalm 1:1; Proverbs 4:18; Matthew 7:13, 14) Anxiety about daily needs cannot extend one’s life by even a fraction, “one cubit,” so to speak. ",Matthew 6:31-3;,w90 10/1 pp. 18-19 pars. 12-13,,,bl,,12/29/2018
"Discipleship—How Serious, analyse carefully, decision, dedication, baptism, ","“For example,” he says, “who of you wanting to build a tower does not first sit down and calculate the expense to see if he has enough to complete it? Otherwise, he might lay its foundation but not be able to finish it.” (Luke 14:28, 29) ","Thus, before becoming Jesus’ disciples, those traveling with him toward Jerusalem should have firmly decided to carry out the responsibility fully. He underscores that thought with another illustration: So the crowds traveling with Jesus need to analyze very carefully what it means to be a disciple of Christ. ","Luke 14:28, 29",jy chap. 84 p. 196 par. 6,,,bl,,12/29/2018
"Needle’s Eye, sewing needle, hyperbole, impossibility, difficult, rich person, kingdom, ","Jesus Christ said: “It is easier for a camel to get through a needle’s eye than for a rich man to get into the kingdom of God.” (Mt 19:24; Mr 10:25) Some have held the needle’s eye to be a small gate through which a camel, if relieved of its load, could pass with difficulty. However, the Greek word for “needle” found at Matthew 19:24 and Mark 10:25 (rha·phisʹ) is drawn from a verb meaning “sew.” Also, the Greek word appearing in the parallel passage of Luke 18:25 (be·loʹne) is used to refer to a literal surgical needle. ","Regarding these Greek terms Vine’s Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words notes: “The idea of applying ‘the needle’s eye’ to small gates seems to be a modern one; there is no ancient trace of it. The Lord’s object in the statement is to express human impossibility and there is no need to endeavour to soften the difficulty by taking the needle to mean anything more than the ordinary instrument.”—1981, Vol. 3, p. 106. As a hyperbole, the illustration emphasized how difficult it would be for rich men not simply to begin serving God but actually to enter into the Kingdom.—1Ti 6:17-19; Lu 13:24.",Matthew 19:24;,it-2 pp. 483-484 ,,,bl,,12/29/2018
"Woe to an Unresponsive Generation, fickle, hypocritical, indecisive, flute, dance, grief, eating, drinking, demon, glutton, ","“This generation,” Jesus declares, “is like young children sitting in the marketplaces who call out to their playmates, saying: ‘We played the flute for you, but you did not dance; we wailed, but you did not beat yourselves in grief.’”—Matthew 11:16, 17.What does Jesus mean? ","He clarifies the thought: “John came neither eating nor drinking, but people say, ‘He has a demon.’ The Son of man did come eating and drinking, but people say, ‘Look! A man who is a glutton and is given to drinking wine, a friend of tax collectors and sinners.’” (Matthew 11:18, 19) On the one hand, John has lived a simple life as a Nazirite, even abstaining from wine, yet this generation says he is demonized. (Numbers 6:2, 3; Luke 1:15) On the other hand, Jesus lives like other men. He eats and drinks in a balanced way, but he is accused of going to excess. It seems impossible to satisfy the people.","Numbers 6:2, 3; Luke 1:15",jy chap. 39 p. 98 pars. 1-2,,,bl,,12/29/2018
"Invitations to a Meal, humility, more than good manners, exalted, marriage feast, prominent place,","“When you are invited by someone to a marriage feast,” Jesus says, “do not recline in the most prominent place. Perhaps someone more distinguished than you may also have been invited. Then the one who invited you both will come and say to you, ‘Let this man have your place.’ Then you will proceed with shame to take the lowest place.”—Luke 14:8, 9.","Jesus next says: “When you are invited, go and recline in the lowest place, so that when the man who invited you comes, he will say to you, ‘Friend, go on up higher.’ Then you will have honor in front of all your fellow guests.” This is much more than simply displaying good manners. Jesus explains: “For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.” (Luke 14:10, 11) Yes, he is encouraging his listeners to cultivate humility.","Luke 14:8, 9.",jy chap. 83 p. 194 pars. 2-3,,,bl,,12/30/2018
" Do You Always Want to Be First, prominence, important, pride, humility, humble, invitation, ","DO YOU know anyone who always wants to be first?— He may push someone away so that he can be first in line. Have you seen that happen?— The Great Teacher saw even grown-ups try to get the first, or most important, places. And he did not like it. Let’s see what happened. The Bible tells us that Jesus was invited to a big meal at the home of a Pharisee, who was an important religious leader. After Jesus arrived, he began to watch other guests come in and choose the best places. So he told a story to those who had been invited. Would you like to hear it?—","Jesus said: ‘When someone invites you to a wedding feast, do not pick the best, or most important, place.’ Do you know why Jesus said that?— He explained that someone more important may have been invited. So, as you can see in the picture, the one giving the feast comes and says: ‘Let this man have the place, and you go over there.’ How would the guest feel then?— He would feel shame because all the other guests would watch him move to the less important place. Jesus was showing that it is not right to want the highest place. So he said: ‘When you are invited to a wedding feast, go and sit in the lowest place. Then the one who has invited you may come and say, “Friend, go on up higher.” You will then have honor in front of all the other guests as you move to the better place.’—Luke 14:1, 7-11","Luke 14:1, 7-11",lr chap. 20 pp. 107-108,,,bl,,12/30/2018
"Christians Need One Another, body, organization, machine, congregation members, ","THE human body is a marvel of creation! Says The World Book Encyclopedia: “People sometimes call the human body a machine—the most wonderful one ever built. Of course, the human body is not a machine. But it can be compared to one in many ways. Like a machine, the body is made up of many parts. Each part of the body, like each part of a machine, does special jobs. But all the parts work together and so make the body or the machine run smoothly.”","Yes, the human body has many parts, or members, and each one supplies something needed. Not a single vein, muscle, or other body member is purposeless. Similarly, each member of the Christian congregation can contribute something to its spiritual health and beauty. (1 Corinthians 12:14-26) Although one member of the congregation should not feel superior to others, neither should anyone consider himself unimportant.—Romans 12:3.",EPHESIANS 4:25,w02 11/15 p. 9,,,bl,,12/30/2018
"Whole-Souled Service, body, honorable, less-honorable, weaker, compare hands and feet, ears, different function, ","How ridiculous it would be to compare your eyes with your hands or your feet with your ears! Each member serves a different function, yet all the members are useful and are valued. Similarly, Jehovah cherishes your whole-souled service whether others are doing more or they are doing less.—Galatians 6:4. Because of limitations imposed by poor health, advancing age, or other circumstances, at times some of us may feel that we are “weaker” or “less honorable” ones. But that is not how Jehovah views matters. The Bible tells us: “The members of the body which seem to be weaker are necessary, and the parts . . . we think to be less honorable, these we surround with more abundant honor . . . ","Nevertheless, God compounded the body, giving honor more abundant to the part which had a lack.” (1 Corinthians 12:22-24) So every individual can be dear to Jehovah. He treasures our service within the framework of our limitations. Does not your heart move you to want to do all you can in serving such an understanding and loving God? Jehovah’s thoughts and ways are much higher than our own. (Isaiah 55:9) We get some insight into the way Jehovah views our individual efforts from 1 Corinthians 12:14-26, where the congregation is likened to a body with many members—eyes, hands, feet, ears, and so forth. Consider, for a moment, the literal body. ",1 Corinthians 12:22-24,w97 10/15 pp. 14-15 pars. 10-11,,,bl,,12/30/2018
"Keep on the Watch,” gatekeepers, protection alert, responsible assignment, danger, disciples, conclusion, end, great tribulation, ","IN ANCIENT times, gatekeepers served at city and temple entrances and, in some instances, at the doorways of private homes. Besides ensuring that the gates were closed at night, gatekeepers also served as watchmen. This was a very responsible assignment, for the safety of the city depended on their calling out to warn the people of any impending danger.","Jesus Christ was acquainted with the role of gatekeepers, also called doorkeepers. On one occasion, he likened his disciples to doorkeepers and encouraged them to keep on the watch with respect to the conclusion of the Jewish system of things. He said: “Keep looking, keep awake, for you do not know when the appointed time is. It is like a man traveling abroad that left his house and . . . commanded the doorkeeper to keep on the watch. Therefore keep on the watch, for you do not know when the master of the house is coming.”—Mark 13:33-35. Likewise, for over 125 years now, this journal, The Watchtower, has passed on Jesus’ encouragement to “keep on the watch.” ",Mark 13:33-35;,w05 2/1 p. 32,,,bl,,12/30/2018
"Keep on the Watch, alert, danger, thief, enemy, armageddon, great tribulation, world sleeps, keep looking, ",Jesus compares their situation to that of a doorkeeper waiting for his master to return from a journey abroad. The doorkeeper did not know the hour of his master’s return. He just had to keep on the watch. Jesus referred to four different watches during which the master might arrive. The fourth watch lasted from about three in the morning until sunrise. ,"On that final watch, drowsiness could easily overcome the doorkeeper. Reportedly, soldiers consider the hour before dawn to be the best time to catch an enemy unawares. Similarly, at this late hour, when in a spiritual sense the world around us sleeps soundly, we might face our greatest struggle to stay awake. (Romans 13:11, 12) Hence, in his illustration, Jesus repeatedly urges: “Keep looking, keep awake . . . Therefore keep on the watch . . . What I say to you I say to all, Keep on the watch.”—Mark 13:32-37.",Mark 13:32-37.,w03 1/1 p. 19 par. 6,,,bl,,12/30/2018
"Dragnet, fish, cull out, unsuitable, discarded, unclean, fishing, ministry, ","A dragnet is a net of rope or flax cords designed to be drawn along the bottom of a body of water. By means of it all kinds of fish would be gathered. The illustration was most appropriate for Jesus’ disciples, some of whom were fishermen. They well knew that some fish were unsuitable and had to be discarded because, not having fins and scales, they were unclean and could not be eaten, according to the Mosaic Law.—Le 11:9-12; De 14:9, 10.","The dragnet (Mt 13:47-50). With this illustration Jesus describes a separating, or culling out, of those unfit for the Kingdom of the heavens. Verse 49 points to “the conclusion of the system of things” as the time when the fulfillment culminates.",Mt 13:47-50,it-1 p. 1179,,,bl,,12/30/2018
"The workers in the vineyard. Keep On Seeking First “His Righteousness, treated fairly, none underpaid, ","Consider, for example, Jesus’ illustration of . (Read Matthew 20:8-16.) Here Jesus describes a householder who pays the same amount of money to all his workers, whether they worked the whole day or just one hour. How do you feel about that? Does that seem fair? Perhaps you immediately identify with the workers who worked all day in the hot sun. Surely they deserved to be paid more! Based on that conclusion, the householder could be viewed as being unloving and unfair. Even his answer to those workers who complained could appear to be an arbitrary abuse of authority. But do we have all the facts?","Let us analyze this illustration from another viewpoint. No doubt the householder in the illustration realized that all these men needed to feed their families. In Jesus’ day, field workers were paid on a daily basis. Their families relied on the wages paid each day. With this in mind, think about the position of those whom the householder found late in the day and who therefore worked for only one hour. Perhaps they would not be able to feed their family with just one hour’s pay; yet, they had been willing to work and had waited the whole day to be employed. (Matt. 20:1-7) Imagine if you had to wait all day, knowing that others were dependent on what you would earn that day. How grateful you would be to get some work—and how surprised you would be to receive enough payment to feed your family! Now let us reevaluate the actions of the householder. He did not underpay anyone. Rather, he treated all the workers as those having a right to a living. ",Matthew 20:8-16.,w10 10/15 p. 10 pars. 12-14,,,bl,,12/30/2018
"Two eagles and the vine, riddles, stir interest, message, vivid, explain, ","At times riddles were used, not to mystify the ones who heard them, but apparently to arouse interest and to make the message conveyed more vivid. ","Such was the case with the riddle of the two eagles and the vine, propounded to the house of Israel by the prophet Ezekiel. (Eze 17:1-8) Immediately after he had presented the riddle, Ezekiel was instructed by Jehovah to ask the people if they understood it and then to explain it to them.",Eze 17:1-8,it-2 p. 807,,,bl,,12/30/2018
"Evil Slave, Hope, Love, Apostates, verbally beat, faithful and discreet slave, biting the hand feeding them, ","Today, apostates, who deviate from the truth, verbally beat “the faithful and discreet slave,” in effect biting the hand that had been feeding them spiritually. ","Some resemble the “evil slave,” implicitly saying, “My master is delaying.” (Matthew 24:44-49; 2 Timothy 4:14, 15) They deny that the end of this wicked system of things is near and criticize the spiritually alert slave class for maintaining a sense of urgency among Jehovah’s people. (Isaiah 1:3) Such apostates succeed in “subverting the faith of some,” inducing spiritual shipwreck.—2 Timothy 2:18.","Matthew 24:44-49; 2 Timothy 4:14, 15",w99 7/15 p. 17 par. 7 ,,,bl,,12/30/2018
"Faithful and discreet slave, we want to go with you, ","Not all who have the heavenly hope are part of “the faithful and discreet slave.” (Matt. 24:45-47) As in the first century, Jehovah and Jesus today are feeding many through the hands of a few. ","Only a few anointed Christians in the first century were used to write the Christian Greek Scriptures. Similarly today, only a few anointed Christians have been appointed to provide spiritual “food at the proper time.” Note: our clarified understanding of “the faithful and discreet slave,” published in the July 15, 2013, Watchtower, thrilled us. (Matt. 24:45-47) It was explained that the faithful slave is the Governing Body, while the “domestics” are all those who are fed spiritually, whether of the anointed or of the “other sheep.”",Matt. 24:45-47,w16 January p. 26 par. 16,,,bl,,12/30/2018
"Ship wrecked, faith, good conscience, great tribulation, Armageddon, end, last days, ","THE apostle Paul warns us that, like a ship, our faith can be wrecked. He speaks of “holding faith and a good conscience, which some have thrust aside and have experienced shipwreck concerning their faith.” (1 Timothy 1:19) ","In the first century C.E., seagoing vessels were built of wood. Their seaworthiness depended on the quality of the timber and on skillful shipbuilding. What might be called the ship of our faith must remain afloat amid the turbulent seas of humanity. (Isaiah 57:20; Revelation 17:15) So it must be well built, and this depends on us. ",1 CORINTHIANS 13:13,w99 7/15 p. 15,,,bl,,12/30/2018
"Hearer of prayer, keep on asking, caring Father, responds, requests of their hearts, ","Jesus asks: “Which father is there among you who, if his son asks for a fish, will perhaps hand him a serpent instead of a fish? Or if he also asks for an egg, will hand him a scorpion?” The answer is obvious—no caring father gives harmful things to his children. ","Then, Jesus applies the illustration: If imperfect human fathers “give good gifts” to their children, “how much more so will the Father in heaven give holy spirit”—the best of gifts—to his earthly children who ask him!—Luke 11:11-13; Matthew 7:11. What does this illustration teach us about Jehovah, the “Hearer of prayer”? Jesus invites us to see Jehovah as a caring Father who is eager to respond to the needs of his children. Hence, Jehovah’s worshippers can feel free to approach him with the requests of their heart. And knowing that he wants what is best for them, they can readily accept his answer to their request, even if the answer is not what they expected.",Psalm 65:2,w13 4/1 p. 11 pars. 4-5,,,bl,,12/30/2018
"Good figs and bad, linked to hearts, Heart to Know Jehovah, ","DO YOU enjoy eating figs, either fresh or dried? Many do, so edible figs are cultivated widely. Ancient Jews valued the fruit of fig trees. (Nah. 3:12; Luke 13:6-9) Figs contain fiber, antioxidants, and minerals; hence, some say that they are good for the heart.",Jehovah once linked figs to hearts. God was not describing the nutritional benefit of eating figs. He was speaking figuratively. What he said through the prophet Jeremiah has implications for your heart and the hearts of your loved ones. [SEE ARTICLE],Nah. 3:12; Luke 13:6-9;,w13 3/15 p. 8 pars. 1-2,,,bl,,12/30/2018
"Zealous, intensify our preaching efforts, Fig tree in vineyard, fertilize, wept, ","In the fall of 32 C.E. Jesus gave the illustration of a man who had in his vineyard a fig tree that bore no fruit for three years. Upon being told to cut the tree down, the vinedresser requested time to fertilize it. (Read Luke 13:6-9.) Only a small number of disciples could then be counted as fruitage of Jesus’ preaching work.","But as indicated in that illustration of the vinedresser, Jesus used the short time remaining—about six months—to intensify his preaching activity in Judea and Perea. A few days before his death, Jesus wept for his fellow countrymen who “heard without response.”—Matt. 13:15; Luke 19:41. In view of how deep we are in the time of the end, is it not vital to intensify our preaching efforts? (Read Daniel 2:41-45.) ",Luke 13:6-9,w13 5/15 p. 9 pars. 5-6 ,,,bl,,12/30/2018
"The Fine Shepherd and the Sheepfolds, Mosaic Law covenant, fence, separating, mistreated, door, thief, plunderer, ","Jesus now draws on something that his listeners can easily picture—sheep and sheepfolds. But he is speaking illustratively. The Jews may recall David’s words: “Jehovah is my Shepherd. I will lack nothing. In grassy pastures he makes me lie down.” (Psalm 23:1, 2) In another psalm, David invited the nation: “Let us kneel before Jehovah our Maker. For he is our God, and we are the people of his pasture.” (Psalm 95:6, 7) Yes, the Israelites under the Law were long likened to a flock of sheep.","These “sheep” have been in a “sheepfold” in that they were born under the Mosaic Law covenant. The Law served as a fence, separating them from the corrupting practices of people not under this arrangement. Some Israelites, however, mistreated God’s flock. Jesus states: “Most truly I say to you, the one who does not enter into the sheepfold through the door but climbs in by another way, that one is a thief and a plunderer. But the one who enters through the door is the shepherd of the sheep.”—John 10:1, 2.","Psalm 23:1, 2;",jy chap. 80 p. 186 pars. 1-2,,,bl,,12/30/2018
"Sin, death, curse, wisdom, cutting off, ","Like flowers cut from a plant, they, Adam and Eve slowly began to wither and die. Their children also suffered from the curse of sin. (Rom. 5:12)"," Even so, most people still choose not to submit to God. They want to live life their own way. (Eph. 2:1-3) The results clearly show that “there is no wisdom . . . in opposition to Jehovah.” Sadly, Adam and Eve disobeyed God, cutting themselves off from him. The results, as you know, were tragic. ",Eph. 2:1-3,W18 December,,,bl,,1/4/2019
"Ministry, pioneer, Bethel, Construction work, dedication, Fully Accomplishing Your Ministry, Improving, progress, ","Imagine a young man who enjoys playing the guitar. He is happy to play music whenever he can. Eventually, he obtains work playing the guitar in a local café on weekends. However, his income does not cover his expenses. So he works as a cashier in a grocery store Monday through Friday. Although he spends most of his time in the grocery store, his heart is in his music. He yearns to improve his skill and to be a full-time musician. Even so, he enjoys every available opportunity to play music, brief though it may be.","In a similar way, you may be limited in the amount of time you can devote to the preaching work. Yet, that is what you love to do. You strive to improve your ability to reach people’s hearts with the good news. With many demands on your time, you may wonder how you can make the preaching work your priority.",Matthew 24:14;,w19 April p. 3 par. 5,,,bl,,2/13/2019
"ongoing training, education, improvement, knowledge, skills, Kingdom preachers, teachers, ","People in some professions are required to receive ongoing training and education in order to improve their knowledge and skills. This is also true of Kingdom preachers. We need to continue learning how to be more skillful in our ministry.​—Prov. 1:5; read 1 Timothy 4:13, 15.16","Another way to accomplish our ministry more fully is by improving our skills in the preaching work.  How, though, can we continue to make progress in our ministry? By paying close attention to the instruction we receive at the weekly Life and Ministry Meeting. This meeting provides invaluable training to help us progressively improve our skills in the field service",Prov. 1:5,w19 April,,,bl,,1/4/2019
"Shepherd flock, purchased, blood of his own Son, care for, ","Suppose that a close friend of yours asked you to look after his children while he was away. Would you not take good care of them and feed them? If one child got sick, would you not make sure that he received any needed medical help? ","Similarly, the elders in the congregation are “to shepherd the congregation of God, which he purchased with the blood of his own Son.” (Acts 20:28) They keep in mind that each sheep was bought with the precious blood of Christ Jesus. Being accountable, the elders feed, protect, and care for the flock.The apostle wrote that the older men were to ‘shepherd the flock of God in their care.’ It was most important for them to recognize that the flock belongs to Jehovah and Jesus Christ. The elders had to render an account about how they kept watch over God’s sheep. ",Acts 20:28,w11 6/15 ,,,bl,,1/4/2019
"Disasters, earthquakes, tornadoes, storms, tsunami, typhoon, hurricane, building, cleanup, weeping, pain, distress, fire, ","Ecclesiastes 7:8 says: “Better is the end of a matter than its beginning.” When you are just beginning to recover from a disaster, life may seem hopeless. But as you patiently work at rebuilding your life, things can get better.","The Bible foretells a time when “no more will there be heard . . . the sound of weeping or a cry of distress.” (Isaiah 65:19) This will be true when the earth is transformed into a paradise under God’s Kingdom. (Psalm 37:11, 29) Disasters will be a thing of the past. Any painful memories and lingering trauma will be wiped out forever, because Almighty God promises: “The former things will not be called to mind, nor will they come up into the heart.”​—Isaiah 65:17.",Isaiah 65:17;,w19 No. 2,,,bl,,1/4/2019
"Loved one dies, comfort, consoling, pain, suffering, emotions, grief, ","Sofía, whose sister died suddenly, says: “Confronting my thoughts and feelings is very painful, like opening and cleaning an infected wound. The pain is almost unbearable, but it allows the wound to heal.”","Not everyone grieves in the same way or for the same amount of time. Still, crying can provide an outlet for fragile emotions. Vanessa, quoted earlier, says: “I would just cry; I needed to release the pain.”",Proverbs 17:17;,w19 no. 2,,,bl,,1/4/2019
"sparrow, caring, Jehovah care, suicide, depression, individuals, ",CONSIDER: Seemingly insignificant birds are not inconsequential to God. Not even one tiny sparrow escapes God’s notice; every one is a precious living creature. ,"Humans are far more valuable to God than sparrows are. Humans, as the centerpiece of God’s earthly creation, are made in his “image” and are capable of cultivating and displaying his elevated qualities.​—Genesis 1:26, 27.","Genesis 1:26, 27;",w19 no. 2,,,bl,,1/4/2019
"tears, pain, suffering, record, remembers, trials, precious, fortify, anxiety, stress, afraid, ","It is as if from the very start of human suffering, Jehovah had been keeping a record of every tear humans have shed. (Psalm 56:8) This includes your tears. God remembers all your trials and tears because you are precious to him. ","“Do not be anxious, for I am your God. I will fortify you, yes, I will help you . . . I, Jehovah your God, am . . . the One saying to you, ‘Do not be afraid. I will help you.’”​—Isaiah 41:10, 13.",Psalm 56:8;,w19 no. 2,,,bl,,1/4/2019
"Compromise, disaster, holidays, relatives, drop our guard, pressures, easter, christmas, customs, succumb, ","As the history of Israel shows, even one step off the “cliff” of compromise can lead to disaster.  We can learn another lesson from Israel’s experiences with Ammon, Moab, and Edom. We may face severe opposition from unbelieving family members. Jesus warned that at times the message we preach would “cause division, with a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother.” (Matt. 10:35, 36) ","What lessons can we learn from Israel’s dealings with those nations? First, when Israel let down her guard, the corrupting false religious practices of her relatives crept in, such as worship of the Moabite Baal of Peor and the Ammonite god Molech. (Num. 25:1-3; 1 Ki. 11:7) Something similar could happen to us. We may face pressure from unbelieving relatives who encourage us to drop our guard. For example, they may not understand why we do not celebrate Easter, exchange gifts at Christmas, or share in other popular customs that are associated with false religious beliefs. With the best of intentions, they may try to get us—even briefly—to compromise our standards. How vital it is, though, that we never succumb to such pressure! ","Matt. 10:35, 36",rr chap. 7 pp. 74-75 pars. 11-12,,,bl,,1/5/2019
"Buy truth, never sell truth, effort, sacrifice, cost, free bananas, food, ","Imagine that a market is offering free bananas. Can we expect that the bananas will just appear on our table? No, we still have to go to the market and bring them home. So although the bananas do not cost money, we need to make an effort to get them. In a similar way, we do not need money to learn the truth, but it does require effort and sacrifice.",How do we “buy” Bible truth? How much does it cost? The fact that something is free does not mean that it does not cost anything. The Hebrew word translated “buy” at Proverbs 23:23 can also mean “acquire.” Both of these words indicate that a person makes an effort or gives something up to get something that he considers valuable. ,Isaiah 55:1-3; Proverbs 23:23;,ws18 November p. 4 pars. 4-6,,,bl,,1/6/2019
"Buy Truth and Never Sell It, happy, wine, milk, water, relationship, guidance, ","Jehovah compares his words of truth to water, milk, and wine. Just as cold water refreshes a thirsty person, the truth refreshes us. And just as milk makes a child grow stronger, Bible truth makes our relationship with Jehovah stronger. Jehovah also compares his words to wine. Why? The Bible says that wine makes people rejoice.  What Jehovah said helps us to understand what it means to buy truth. ","So when Jehovah tells us to “buy wine,” he is letting us know that when we follow his guidance in life, we will be happy. (Psalm 19:8) Jehovah uses these comparisons to help us understand how we benefit when we learn and apply the truth. Now let us discuss five things that we may have to give up to buy truth.",Isaiah 55:1-3; Psalm 104:15; 19:8;,ws18 November p. 4 par. 6,,,bl,,1/6/2019
"Buy Truth and Never Sell It, bouquet of flowers, How big, time wisely, gather more, content, eternity, search, ","The first issue of the Watch Tower likened the truth to “a modest little flower” and stated: “Be not content with one flower of truth. Had one been sufficient there would have been no more. Gather ever, seek for more.” ","We might ask ourselves, ‘How big is my bouquet of truth?’ Even with an eternity of time, we can always learn more about Jehovah. Today, the important thing is that we use our time wisely so as to buy as much truth as our circumstances allow. Consider an example of someone who longed for truth.",Rom. 11:33;,w18 November p. 5 par. 7,,,bl,,1/6/2019
"Big-City Schools, education, learning, teacher, instruction, ","‘Which would you like to learn about?’  ""An animal with his tongue in his nose, a walking tree in Florida, or a bird that can’t fly?"" he asks his students. “There we find an energetic young man who shows what a good teacher can do.","The intrigued students opt for the first, anteaters. They eagerly open their textbooks for some routine reading comprehension exercises. However, their teacher has made them want to learn.",1 Timothy 4:16;,g85 9/22 p. 4,,,bl,,1/6/2019
"Brain, youths, future, confidence, Creation, Creator, abilities, wonders, comparison, appreciation, ","If someone gave you a fine watch or an expensive camera or a valuable electronic calculator, you would certainly care for it and try to get the best use out of it, right? You should feel far more appreciation for your brain. Think, too, of your body. Now, it’s true that a lion is stronger than you are, an elephant is certainly bigger, a dolphin can swim faster, a monkey can climb better, an eagle can soar in the heights with its own wings and you can’t. ","But none of these creatures combines in itself all the abilities that a man has. Lions and elephants can’t fly, dolphins can’t climb trees or mountains, nor can eagles swim. But humans can do all of these, either unaided or with their inventions. Yes, above all, humans are unique in their ability to make things, in endless variety. Yes, the brain you possess and can use has been described as “the most complex piece of matter in the universe.”",Hebrews 3:4;,yy chap. 2 p. 15 pars. 19-20,,,bl,,1/6/2019
"Youth, confidence, future, fear, happy, progress, improvement, road of life, successful, ","HAVE you ever tried jumping over a bar in a high jump, or even over a fence or a wall? If the height was not too great, and you were confident that you could do it, you probably made the jump successfully. But if you were afraid you couldn’t make it, the jump may have failed, with unpleasant consequences for you.","That is the way it is with so many things. If you’re afraid to go into the water, for example, you’ll never learn to swim. So, too, with getting the best out of your youth. Confidence can have a lot to do with this. You can’t really be happy or make good progress on the road of life without confidence in what lies ahead. But today, what is there to merit our confidence?",Ecclesiastes 12:1,yy chap. 2 p. 9 pars. 1-3,,,bl,,1/6/2019
"Pioneering, full-time service, Sacred service, Enlarging, auxiliary pioneer, employment, work, ",There is an old adage that you cannot run until you have learned to walk. You may quickly see the wisdom behind this if you endeavor to jump from a few hours a month spent in Kingdom service to a consistent ninety hours a month. A word of caution is in order. Do not assume that your life in the full-time service will always be easy. Look at it realistically. You will run into problems. Life is that way.,"You may have trouble getting part-time work. You may find that some persons will discourage you and suggest that you should quit. But be determined to stick with the work once you have started. Thousands of others have done so for many years. If they can do it, so can you.If your activity as a publisher is fairly low, then you may decide that it would be best for you to serve as an auxiliary pioneer for a few months before you actually start as a regular pioneer. ",1 Corinthians 11:1;,w77 11/15 pp. 702-703,,,bl,,1/6/2019
"Paradise, new world, new earth, Kingdom rule, happy, ","We will be very happy! In Paradise, people will not fight or go to war anymore. Everyone will love one another. Nobody will get sick or die. The blind will see, the deaf will hear, and those who cannot walk will be able to run and jump. Everyone will have plenty to eat. And animals will be friends with one another and with us. People who have died will come back to life. ","Jehovah loves you and wants you to be happy. If you keep learning about Jehovah and obeying him, you will be able to live forever in a beautiful paradise! Is that what you want? Many of the men and women you have learned about in this brochure like Rebekah, Rahab, David, and Elijah will come back to life too! Would you like to meet them when they come back?","Isaiah 2:4; 11:6-9; 25:8; 33:24; 35:5, 6; John 5:28, 29; 17:3",yc lesson 14 pp. 30-31,,,bl,,1/6/2019
"Talk to Parents, roadblock, silent treatment, listen, deceitful, ","In some ways, communicating with your parents is like driving a car. If you encounter a roadblock, you don’t give up; you simply find another route. ","Is it wrong to keep some thoughts to yourself? Not necessarily—as long as you’re not being deceitful. (Proverbs 3:32) Nevertheless, whether your parents don’t seem to understand you or you are holding back, one thing is certain: You need to talk to your parents—and they need to hear from you. Keep Talking! ROADBLOCK 1  You need to talk, but your parents don’t seem to be listening. “I find it difficult to communicate with my father,” says a girl named Leah. “Sometimes I’ll talk to him for a while and then he’ll say, ‘I’m sorry, were you speaking to me?’”",Proverbs 3:32,yp1 chap. 1 p. 8,,,bl,,1/6/2019
"Why Are We Always Arguing, treadmill, energy, parents, teenagers, children,",Arguing with a parent is like running on a treadmill—,you’ll expend a lot of energy but won’t get anywhere,,yp1 chap. 2 p. 19 ,,,bl,,1/7/2019
"Freedom, money, trust, youth, parents, ","Trust is a lot like money. Earning it is hard, losing it is easy, and no matter how much you’re given, it may never seem to be enough. ","“Whenever I want to go out,” says 16-year-old Iliana, “my parents bombard me with questions about where I’m going, the people I’m going with, what I’ll be doing, and when I’ll be back. I know they’re my parents, but it irritates me when they question me like that!”What can you do to get your parents to trust you more and give you more freedom? Before answering that question, let’s look at why trust is such a hot-button topic between many parents and youths.",Genesis 2:24,yp1 chap. 3 p. 22,,,bl,,1/6/2019
"Freedom, trust, maturity, growth, adulthood, adolescence, opinions, tension, repair, ","The transition to adulthood isn’t like a door that you simply walk through when you reach a certain age. It’s more like a stairway that you climb, step-by-step, throughout adolescence. Granted, you and your parents may have conflicting opinions as to just how far you’ve progressed up that stairway.","“I’m 20 years old, and this is still an issue!” says Maria, who feels that she’s not trusted when it comes to her choice of friends. “My parents think that I wouldn’t have the strength to walk away from a bad situation. I’ve tried telling them that I have already walked away from bad situations, but that’s not good enough for them!” As Maria’s comments reveal, the issue of trust can be a source of considerable tension between youths and parents. Is that true in your family? If so, how can you earn greater trust from your parents? And if you’ve lost their trust because of some unwise actions on your part, what can you do to repair the damage?",2 Corinthians 13:5;,yp1 chap. 3 pp. 22-23,,,bl,,1/6/2019
"Divorce, separation, affects, Why Did Dad and Mom Split Up, end, abandonment, guilt, depression, revenge, ","IF YOUR parents divorce, it can seem like the end of the world, a catastrophe that generates enough misery to last forever. It often triggers a wave of shame, anger, anxiety, fear of abandonment, guilt, depression, and profound loss—even a desire for revenge.","If your parents have recently split up, you might be experiencing similar feelings, and no wonder, for our Creator meant for children to be raised by both a father and a mother.  Now you have been deprived of the daily presence of a parent, one you may have deeply loved. “I really looked up to my father and wanted to be with him,” says Daniel, whose parents split up when he was seven. “But Mom got custody of us.”",Ephesians 6:1-3,yp1 chap. 4 p. 29,,,bl,,1/6/2019
"Split Up, divorce, separation, grief, emotional injuries, injury, breakup, ","A literal injury, such as a broken bone, can take weeks or even months to heal completely. Similarly, emotional injuries take time to heal. ","Some experts feel that the worst of a divorce is over within three years. That may seem like a long time, but remember, a lot has to happen before your life can stabilize. For one thing, the household routine—disrupted by the divorce—must be reorganized. Time will also pass before your parents are back on their feet emotionally. Only then may they finally be able to give you needed support. However, as your life regains some semblance of regularity, you will begin to feel normal again.",Galatians 6:7;,yp1 chap. 4 p. 33,,,bl,,1/6/2019
"Siblings, Problems, conflicts, pimples, underlying situation, clash, issue, symptom, scar, aggravate, infection,","Problems between siblings are like pimples. The surface evidence of a pimple is an unsightly sore, but the cause is an underlying infection. Similarly, an ugly clash between siblings is often just the surface evidence of an underlying issue. You could attempt to treat a pimple by squeezing it. But you would only be dealing with the symptom, and you may leave a scar or aggravate the infection. A better approach is to deal with the infection and thus prevent further outbreaks.","It’s similar when it comes to problems with siblings. Learn to identify the underlying issue, and you will get past the incident and right to the root of the problem. You’ll also be able to apply the advice of wise King Solomon, who wrote: “The insight of a man certainly slows down his anger.”.",Proverbs 19:11,yp1 chap. 6 p. 43,,,bl,,1/6/2019
"Role Model, Jacob, Esau, Peaceful, concessions, argument, compromise, principles, apology, family members, ","Jacob and his brother, Esau, have not spoken in years. In fact, Esau hates Jacob. Even though Jacob has done nothing wrong, he is the one who takes the initiative to heal the rift. He makes concessions. His aim is not to win an argument but to win his brother’s affection. Jacob doesn’t compromise his principles, but neither does he insist on an apology before making peace with his brother.—Genesis 25:27-34; 27:30-41; 32:3-22; 33:1-9.","How do you handle disputes with your family members? Sometimes you may feel that you are clearly right and your sibling or parent is clearly wrong. In such situations do you wait for the other person to make the first move? Or can you be like Jacob? When Bible principles are not at stake, will you be willing to make concessions for the sake of peace? (1 Peter 3:8, 9) Jacob didn’t let pride divide his family. He humbled himself and won back his brother. Will you do the same with your family members?",Genesis 25:27-34; 27:30-41; 32:3-22; 33:1-9;,yp1 p. 48,,,bl,,1/6/2019
"Friends, youth, playmates, values, loving, distress, friendship, ","“If I’m angry, I need someone to vent to. If I’m sad, I want someone to tell me it’s going to get better. If I’m happy, I want to share that with someone. To me, friends are a necessity.”—Brittany.","IT’S been said that little children need playmates, whereas adolescents need friends. What’s the difference? A playmate is someone who keeps you company. A friend is someone who also shares your values. Furthermore, the Bible states that “a true companion is loving all the time, and is a brother that is born for when there is distress.” (Proverbs 17:17) That’s probably describing a deeper kind of friendship than you found as a child at the playground!",Proverbs 17:17;,yp1 chap. 8 pp. 57-58,,,bl,,1/6/2019
"Health, body, genetics, physical condition, emotional, youth, ","THERE are some things in life that you as a young person don’t get to choose—your parents, your siblings, and where you live, to name just a few. ","Your health, however, is a different story. While genetics play a role, your physical condition is often determined by the lifestyle you choose. ‘But I’m too young to worry about my health!’ you might say. Do you really think so? Look at the list of goals on page 71. How many did you check off? Believe it or not, good health is a vital key to reaching each one of those goals.",Proverbs 23:20;,yp1 chap. 10 pp. 71-72,,,bl,,1/6/2019
"Health, ",Your health is like a car__,"—if you don’t maintain it properly, it will break down",Proverbs 23:20;,yp1 chap. 10 p. 74,,,bl,,1/6/2019
"Dress, grooming, wear, clothing, shoes, dresses, pants, wardrobe wars, cease-fire, arguments, benefits, switched sides,","WARDROBE wars are nothing new. Your parents may have fought similar battles with their parents when they were your age. And back then, they probably felt the same way you feel today! But now they’ve switched sides, and the issue of what you can wear causes one skirmish after another.You say: It’s comfortable. They say: It’s sloppy.You say: It’s so adorable!  They say: It’s so provocative.You say: It’s half price. They say: It should be. . . . Half of it is missing!","Is there any way to declare a cease-fire? Yes! Megan, 23, has learned the secret. “There doesn’t have to be an argument,” she says. “There can be an agreement.” Agreement? Does that mean you have to dress like a 40-year-old? Relax! To agree just means that you and your parents discuss your differences and brainstorm other options that they—and you—can be happy with. The benefits?1. You’ll look your best, even to your peers.  2. Your parents will be less likely to criticize what you wear.  3. After seeing how responsible you are in this area, your parents may even grant you other freedoms.","1 Timothy 2:9, 10;",yp1 chap. 11 p. 78,,,bl,,1/6/2019
"clothing, garments, wear, authority, wardrobe wars, ","As long as you’re under your parents’ roof, you’re under their authority. (Colossians 3:20) ","Still, once you understand their views—and they, yours—you might be surprised at how often you can come to an agreement. As a result, the wardrobe wars may finally be over!",Colossians 3:20,yp1 chap. 11 pp. 81-84,,,bl,,1/6/2019
"Boost, self-confidence, hearts, appearance, looks, ",Imagine that you had a $100 bill with a small tear in it. Would you throw it away or view it as worthless because of that tear? No way! It’s still worth $100—with or without a tear.,"It’s similar with God’s view of your worth. Your flaws don’t blind him to your value. He notices and treasures your efforts to please him, no matter how insignificant they may seem to you! Indeed, the Bible assures you that “God is not unrighteous so as to forget your work and the love you showed for his name.”  The Bible says that “God is greater than our hearts.” (1 John 3:20) This means, for one thing, that he can see value in you that you may not see in yourself. But do your imperfections change that?",Hebrews 6:10.,yp1 chap. 12 p. 90,,,bl,,1/6/2019
"Sadness, worry, lonesome, happy, remedy, crying, grief, ","It’s OK to cry, even if you’re a boy...","...At one point in his life, King David admitted: “At night my bed and pillow are soaked with tears.”—Psalm 6:6,",Psalm 6:6;,yp1 chap. 13 p. 92,,,bl,,1/7/2019
"Role Model—Job, depression, loss, life, death, health, despair, loathing, glutted, dishonor, affliction, adversity, example,","Job’s world is turned upside down. First, he loses his means of livelihood. Second, he loses his children in death. Third, he loses his health. All of this happens quickly and without warning. In utter despair, Job says: “My soul certainly feels a loathing toward my life.” He describes himself as “glutted with dishonor and saturated with affliction.” (Job 10:1, 15) Even in the midst of adversity, however, Job refuses to turn his back on his Creator. (Job 2:10) The changes in his life do not change him. Job thus stands as an example of endurance.","When confronted with problems, you too might feel a ‘loathing toward your life.’ Still, like Job, you can show yourself unchanging in the midst of change, unwavering in your determination to serve Jehovah God. James wrote: “Look! We pronounce happy those who have endured. You have heard of the endurance of Job and have seen the outcome Jehovah gave, that Jehovah is very tender in affection and merciful.” (James 5:11) He cared for Job, and he cares for you!","Job 10:1, 15; 2:10;",yp1 p. 97,,,bl,,1/6/2019
"Suicide, dead, end, Jonah, example, depression, despair, distraught, overwhelmed, anguish, ","“I AM better off dead than alive.” Who said those words? Someone who didn’t believe in God? Someone who had left God? Someone whom God had left? None of the above. The speaker was the devout but distraught man Jonah.—Jonah 4:3, Today’s English Version.The Bible doesn’t say that Jonah was about to take his life. Nevertheless, his desperate plea reveals a sobering fact—at times even a servant of God can be overwhelmed by anguish.—Psalm 34:19.","Some youths feel such intense anguish that they see no reason to continue living. They may feel as did 16-year-old Laura, who states: “For years, I have had recurring bouts of depression. I often think about killing myself.” If you know someone who has expressed a desire to end it all—or if you have considered that idea yourself—what can you do? Let’s take a closer look at why such a thought might occur.",Jonah 4:3;,yp1 chap. 14 p. 99,,,bl,,1/6/2019
"Suicide, problems, dancing, mourning, sad, change, David, example, end, distress, ebb, flow, overwhelming, patience, better, forever, ","At one point, the psalmist David, who was no stranger to adversity, was able to say to God in prayer: “You have changed my mourning into dancing for me.”—Psalm 30:11. David certainly didn’t expect the dancing to last forever. He knew from experience that life’s problems ebb and flow. When undergoing distress, remember this: No matter how dire a situation may seem, in time things will change.","Have you noticed that to be true with your problems? Some of them may seem overwhelming—at least for now. But be patient. Things change, often for the better. In some cases, problems might be alleviated in ways that you couldn’t have predicted. In other cases, you may discover a way of coping that you hadn’t considered. The point is, distressing problems will not stay the same forever.—2 Corinthians 4:17.",Psalm 30:11; Isaiah 65:17;,yp1 chap. 14 pp. 101-102,,,bl,,1/6/2019
"Why Not Just End It All, suicide, death, victims, ",The victims of suicide are not only those who take their life but also the loved ones who are left behind.,WHAT DO YOU THINK?● Even severe problems are only temporary. How can reasoning on that fact help you?● In what way does suicide pass a person’s problems on to someone else?,Job 14:13;,yp1 chap. 14,,,bl,,1/6/2019
"Privacy, life, open book, close the cover, alone, meditate, prayer, siblings, ","WHEN you were younger, privacy probably wasn’t such a big deal. If your younger sibling barged into your room, you welcomed the company. If your parents asked you a question, you answered without hesitation. Back then, your life was an open book. Now you may wish you could close the cover. “I like it when I can just keep some things to myself,” says 14-year-old Corey. ","There are a number of valid reasons for you to seek out solitude. Perhaps you just want to “rest up a bit.” (Mark 6:31) Or when you want to pray, you may, as Jesus advised his disciples, “go into your private room and, after shutting your door, pray to your Father.” (Matthew 6:6; Mark 1:35) The problem is, when you shut the door to your private room (if you have one), your parents may not think you’re praying! And your siblings may not understand when you simply want to be alone.",Matthew 6:6; Mark 1:35,yp1 chap. 15 p. 106,,,bl,,1/6/2019
"Privacy, alone, friends, friendship, acquaintances, mystery, comfortable, ","Bring your friends out into the open, and make sure your parents are acquainted with them. After all, you might not like your parents’ playing detective, but what choice do they have if your friends are a mystery? ","Remember, the more your parents know about the people you’re spending time with, the more comfortable they’re likely to be about your choice of friends.",James 1:19;,yp1 chap. 15 p. 108,,,bl,,1/6/2019
"Appearance, looks, mirror, weight, youth,","Imagine this scenario: When Julia looks in the mirror, all she sees is fat. “I need to lose weight,” she tells herself—even though her parents and friends tell her she’s “stick-thin.”","Recently, Julia has thought about taking extreme measures to lose “just five pounds.” All she has to do is starve herself for a few days . If you felt the way Julia does, what would you do? STOP AND THINK!  It’s not wrong for you to be concerned about how you look. In fact, the Bible comments favorably on the physical appearance of a number of women and men, including Sarah, Rachel, Abigail, Joseph, and David. The Bible says that a woman named Abishag was “extremely beautiful.”",1 Kings 1:4,ypq question 2 p. 6 ,,,bl,,1/7/2019
"appearance, looks, worry, ",Your perception of yourself can be like a reflection in a distorted mirror.,,Colossians 3:10;,ypq question 2 p. 8,,,bl,,1/7/2019
"How Can I Talk to My Parents, communication, ",Communicating with your parents is like driving a car. ,"If you encounter a roadblock, you can find another route.",Colossians 4:6;,ypq question 3 p. 9 ,,,bl,,1/7/2019
"Mistakes, worry about past errors, regret, ",Dwelling on past mistakes is like staring in the rearview mirror while driving a car,Learn from the mistake and try to not repeat it.,Luke 16:10;,ypq question 4 p. 14,,,bl,,1/7/2019
"Resist Peer Pressure, robot, ","If you yield to pressure from your peers, you become like a robot that is under their control",,Psalm 37:3;,ypq question 6,,,bl,,1/7/2019
"Pressure to have sex, moral laws, physical laws, immorality, ","If you defy a physical law, such as the law of gravity, you will suffer the consequences. ","The same is true if you defy a moral law, such as the one that states: “Abstain from sexual immorality.”—1 Thessalonians 4:3. What are the consequences of disobeying that command? The Bible says: “Whoever practices sexual immorality is sinning against his own body.” (1 Corinthians 6:18) How is that true?",1 Thessalonians 4:3;1 Corinthians 6:18,ypq question 7 p. 21,,,bl,,1/7/2019
"immorality, sex, premarital sex, ",It’s like taking a beautiful garment someone gave you and using it as a cleaning cloth,Sex is a gift from God for married persons only. Premarital sex is an abuse of that gift.,"1 Corinthians 13:4, 5;",ypq question 7 p. 22,,,bl,,1/7/2019
"Sexual Assault, abuse, counsel, assistance, ",Your feelings might be too heavy for you to carry by yourself. ,Why not get help by talking to someone about them?,"2 Corinthians 1:3, 4;",ypq question 8,,,bl,,1/7/2019
"Evolution, creation, design, creator, ","“If you were walking through the forest and discovered a beautiful house, would you think: ‘How fascinating! The trees must have fallen in just the right way to make this house.’ Of course not! It’s just not reasonable. ",So why should we believe that everything in the universe just happened to come about?”,Romans 12:1;,ypq question 9 p. 28,,,bl,,1/7/2019
"Belief, Evolution, explosion, reason, design, creation,",“Imagine that someone told you that there was an explosion at a printing plant and that the ink spattered onto the walls and ceilings and formed the text of an unabridged dictionary. Would you believe it?”.,WHY BELIEVE IN GOD? The Bible encourages you to use your “power of reason.” (Romans 12:1) That means your belief in God should not be based merely on,Romans 12:1;,ypq question 9 pp. 28-29,,,bl,,1/7/2019
"Belief, Evolution, worship, reason, design, creation, ","“When I see a skyscraper, a cruise ship, or a car, I ask myself, ‘Who built this?’ It takes intelligent people to build a car, for example, because so many small components have to work just right for the whole thing to function. ","And if cars have to be designed by someone, then so do we humans.”",Romans 12:1;,ypq question 9 p. 29,,,bl,,1/7/2019
"How Can the Bible Help, Problems, lost, confused, guide, best life ever, ","Imagine this scenario: David is driving in an area where nothing looks familiar. The street signs and landmarks show that he is not where he should be by now. David realizes that he is lost. He must have taken a wrong turn at some point in his journey.If you were David, what would you do? You have several options: A. Ask for directions. B. Consult a map, or use a GPS. C. Keep driving, hoping that somehow you will find your way.","Obviously, Option C is the least effective. Option B has an advantage over the first. After all, a map or a GPS will be at hand throughout the journey, helping you to guide your course. The Bible can help you in a similar way! This best-selling book can• guide you through life’s problems• help you to learn about yourself and become a better person• show you how to have the best life ever",2 Timothy 3:16;,ypq question 10 p. 30,,,bl,,1/7/2019
"Babylon, Free from, 1919; Great Apostasy develops, ","Ugly baby Christendom was born about 313 C.E., during the rule of Roman Emperor Constantine, legal recognition was given to Christianity, much of which by this time had become apostate in its thinking. ","In 1919 we were liberated from the clutches of Babylon the Great—the world empire of false religion. (Rev. 11:11, 12) That is when the flight to the valley of Jehovah’s mountains began.",Revelation 18:4; ,Steven Lett annual meeting January 2019,,,bl,,1/7/2019
"Strength, drink, water, acid, Christendom, Babylon the Great, religion, free, superstitious beliefs, Trinity, immortality, fear, ancestors,","It seemed that my church had been giving me “acid” to drink, but now I was freely receiving the water of life. I thanked Jehovah in my heart for freeing me from superstitious beliefs, such as the Trinity, the immortality of the soul, fear of the dead, and worship of ancestors","Then one of Jehovah’s Witnesses was assigned the bed next to mine. Although he was blind in one eye and in danger of losing the sight of the other one, he quickly began to witness to me from the Bible about Jehovah and the Kingdom. After a few days, he left the hospital, but he commended me to the care of some Witnesses who had visited him. After further discussions, these also had to leave, but one of them continued studying with me through correspondence. He also gave me various Bible study publications, which I read with much pleasure. In this way I received spiritual food, and my depression gradually changed to happiness.",Isaiah 12:2;,w90 12/1 p. 27 told by Steven Lett on Monthly Program for January 2019;,,,bl,,1/7/2019
"Anxious, trust, right hand, turbulence, calm, Yeartext 2019; Pilot = Father, ","Two passengers, Jim and Ben, are on an airplane that is being rocked by strong winds. As the plane lurches up and down, a voice comes over the loudspeaker: “Keep your seat belts fastened. We will be flying through turbulence for some time.” Jim becomes very worried. But then the pilot adds: “Do not be anxious. This is your pilot speaking.” At that point, Jim shakes his head, saying, “What kind of assurance is that?” He notices, though, that Ben does not look anxious at all. Jim asks him: “Why are you so calm?” Ben smiles and says: “Because I know this pilot very well. He is my father!” Then Ben says: “Let me tell you about my father. I’m sure that when you know him and his abilities, you too will be calm.”","What lessons can we learn from this illustration? Like Ben, we are calm because we know our heavenly Father, Jehovah, very well. We know that he will guide us safely through the stormlike problems we face during the last days of this system. (Isa. 35:4) We trust in Jehovah, so we can remain calm while the rest of the world is gripped by fear. (Isa. 30:15) We also act like Ben when we share with our neighbors reasons for having confidence in God. Then they too can be sure that no matter what challenges they face, Jehovah will support them.",Isaiah 30:15; 35:4; 41:8-10;,w19 January pp. 4-5 pars. 10-11,,,bl,,1/7/2019
"Anxious, afraid, right hand, weapon used against, no success, wall protects, rainstorm, blasts, tyrants,","Jehovah said that “no weapon” used against us would “have any success.” Just as a wall protects us from the force of a destructive rainstorm, so Jehovah protects us against “the blast of the tyrants.” (Read Isaiah 25:4, 5.) Our enemies will never succeed in causing us any lasting harm.—Isa. 65:17.","Jehovah further fortifies our trust in him by describing in detail the outcome waiting for those who are “getting enraged against” us. (Read Isaiah 41:11, 12.) No matter how hard our enemies fight against us or how intense the war becomes, the outcome is the same: All enemies of God’s people “will be brought to nothing and perish.”","Isaiah 25:4, 5; 65:17; Isaiah 41:11, 12;",w19 January pp. 6-7 pars. 15-16,,,bl,,1/7/2019
"Afraid to share faith at school, Get started, conversation, informal Witnessing, gradually test, ","In a sense, sharing your faith is like swimming: Some people ease their way into the water; others jump right in. Likewise, you could start the conversation on a nonreligious subject and gradually test the water, so to speak. But if you find yourself worrying too much about what might go wrong, your best option may be to ‘jump right in.’ (Luke 12:11, 12)","Once you’re ready to talk about your beliefs, how should you start? You have options.  “Thinking about sharing my faith was always harder than actually doing it,” says 17-year-old Andrew. “Once a conversation was started, it was much easier than I thought it would be!”","Luke 12:11, 12",yp1 chap. 17 pp. 124-125 ,,,bl,,1/7/2019
"Afraid to share my faith at school, informal, witnessing, arguments, ","Just as you wouldn’t dive into shallow waters, be careful not to jump into pointless arguments. Remember, there’s a time to speak and a time to keep quiet. (Ecclesiastes 3:1, 7) At times, even Jesus refused to answer questions.","“Sensible people always think before they act,” wrote Solomon. (Proverbs 13:16, Today’s English Version) ","Matthew 26:62, 63;",yp1 chap. 17 pp. 125-126 ,,,bl,,1/7/2019
"Cope, stress, school, prepare, anxiety, ","Coping with stress is like lifting weights. To be successful, a weight lifter must prepare properly beforehand. He doesn’t load the bar with more than he can carry, and he picks up the weights correctly. If he takes such steps, he builds strong muscles without damaging his body. On the other hand, if he fails to take these steps, he can tear a muscle or even break a bone.","Similarly, you can manage the stresses that you encounter and successfully accomplish the work you need to do without causing damage to yourself. How? Take the following steps: 1. Identify the specific causes. “When you see trouble coming, don’t be stupid and walk right into it—be smart and hide,” states a wise proverb.",Proverbs 22:3,yp1 chap. 18 pp. 130-131,,,bl,,1/7/2019
"Should I Quit School, goals, destination, problems, salary, standard of living, ","Quitting school is like jumping off a train before you reach your destination. The train may be uncomfortable, and the passengers unfriendly. But if you leap from the train, you obviously will not reach your destination and will likely cause yourself serious injury. ","Similarly, if you quit school, you may not reach your educational goals and you will cause yourself both immediate and long-term problems, such as the following: Immediate problems: You will likely find it more difficult to get a job. And if you do get one, it will probably be lower paying than one you might have obtained if you had completed your schooling. To support a basic standard of living, you may then have to work longer hours in surroundings that will likely be even less pleasant than your current school environment.",Proverbs 21:5;,yp1 chap. 19 pp. 137-138,,,bl,,1/8/2019
"Teachers, stepping stones, ignorance, understanding, goals, putting forth effort, ",Teachers are like stepping-stones that can help you cross from ignorance to understanding... ,...but you must do the walking,Matthew 7:12;,yp1 chap. 20 p. 145,,,bl,,1/8/2019
"Manage Time, Control, improvement, stress, challenges, schedule, plans, purpose, grades, ","TIME is like a spirited horse—if it is to work for you, you must learn to control it. Control your time, and you will likely reduce your stress, improve your grades, and gain more trust from your parents. “Sounds great,” you say, “but it’s easier said than done!” True, you will face challenges. But you can overcome them. Let’s take some examples.","Challenge #1: Making a Schedule. What might stop you. Just the thought of scheduling makes you feel trapped! You like to be spontaneous, not tied to a plan.Why do it anyway. King Solomon wrote: “The plans of the diligent one surely make for advantage.” (Proverbs 21:5) Solomon was a busy man. He was a husband, a father, and a king. And his life likely got busier as he grew older. Similarly, your life is busy now. But it will probably become more hectic as you grow older. Better that you become organized sooner rather than later!",Proverbs 21:5;,yp1 chap. 21 pp. 150-151,,,bl,,1/8/2019
"Manage time, organize, randomly, Orderly, more important things,","Look at it this way: Suppose you’re going on a road trip. Each family member randomly throws his or her bags into the trunk of the car. It looks as though there won’t be enough room for everything. What can you do? You might start again, putting the biggest bags in first and fitting the smaller bags into the remaining space.","The same strategy can be used to manage your life. If you start filling up your time with smaller things, you risk not being able to fit in the important things. Make space for the big things first, and you’ll be amazed at how much more time you’ll have for the rest!—Philippians 1:10.",Philippians 1:10,yp1 chap. 21 p. 151,,,bl,,1/8/2019
"Foreign language, Caught Between Cultures, barrier, bridge, gap, immigrants, mother tongue, ","Will you view your cultural background as a barrier that divides you from others or as a bridge that links you to them? Many young Christians have realized that they have an added reason for bridging the gap between cultures. They want to tell other immigrants about the good news of God’s Kingdom. (Matthew 24:14; 28:19, 20)"," “Being able to explain the Scriptures in two languages is great!” says Salomão, who immigrated to London when he was five. “I had almost forgotten my first language, but now that I am in a Portuguese congregation, I can speak both English and Portuguese fluently.”","Matthew 24:14; 28:19, 20;",yp1 chap. 22 pp. 161-162,,,bl,,1/8/2019
"Masturbation, Conquer the Habit, relapse, fall, temporary setback, ","A fall while running does not mean that you have to start over—nor does a relapse with masturbation erase the progress you’ve already made.  When that occurs, take to heart the words of Proverbs 24:16: “The righteous one may fall even seven times, and he will certainly get up; but the wicked ones will be made to stumble by calamity.”","It is easy to become downhearted after a relapse. A temporary setback does not make you a wicked person. So do not give up. Instead, analyze what led to the relapse, and try to avoid repeating the same pattern.",Proverbs 24:16;,yp1 chap. 25 p. 180,,,bl,,1/8/2019
"Love, respect, essential, vital, attraction, affection, ",Love and respect are like the two wheels of a bicycle...,...both are essential,1 Peter 3:4;,yp1 chap. 27 p. 191,,,bl,,1/8/2019
"Why Don’t Girls Like Me, Manners, Christlike personality, impress, ","Good manners aren’t like a suit you wear to impress others but take off when you get home. Ask yourself, ‘Do I display good manners when dealing with my family members?’ If not, then it will seem forced when you do so while interacting with others outside your home. Remember, to find out the type of person you really are, a discerning girl will look at the way you treat members of your family.—Ephesians 6:1, 2.","The Bible says that “love is not ill-mannered.” (1 Corinthians 13:5, Today’s English Version) Good manners show that you respect others and that you’re developing a mature, Christlike personality.","Ephesians 6:1, 2;",yp1 chap. 28 pp. 196-197,,,bl,,1/8/2019
"Infatuation, love, romantic feelings, superficial, blind, ","Infatuation is about as stable as a castle made of sand. “It doesn’t last long,” says a girl named Fiona. “You can be attracted to someone one day, and then a month later you feel the same way—but toward someone else!”","Infatuation feels like love. In fact, love includes romantic feelings. But the basis for each is entirely different. Infatuation stems from a superficial reaction to surface qualities. Also, it is blind to the other person’s weaknesses and exaggerates his or her strengths. ",Proverbs 11:22;,yp1 chap. 29 p. 205,,,bl,,1/8/2019
"Role Model—Ruth, Marriage, loyalty, finding a mate, imitate, example, ","The widow Ruth knows about loyalty. She has chosen to stay by the side of her aged mother-in-law, Naomi, rather than return to a more comfortable life in her hometown. Even though this choice lessens her chances of finding a mate, Ruth keeps focused on the big picture. Her love for Naomi and her desire to be with Jehovah’s people mean more to her than impulsively satisfying her desire for marriage.—Ruth 1:8-17.","Are you thinking about marriage? Then imitate Ruth. Look beyond your emotions, and ask what positive qualities you would bring to a future mate. For example, are you loyal and self-sacrificing? Do you conform to Godly principles, even when your imperfect flesh begs you to do otherwise? Ruth did not desperately seek a mate. However, in time, she found a husband who proved to be a mature man who shared similar qualities—above all, a love for God. The same outcome could be true for you.",Ruth 1:8-17;,yp1 p. 215,,,bl,,1/8/2019
"Breakup, wounds, tears, pain, healing, emotional anguish, weeping, ","To illustrate: A cut on your skin will heal in time, but it hurts now. You need to stop the bleeding and soothe the pain. You also need to keep it from becoming infected. The same is true with an emotional wound. Right now, it hurts. But there are steps you can take to lessen the pain and keep from becoming infected with bitterness. Time will do its part, but how can you do yours? Try the following.","You may have heard the saying, Time heals all wounds. When you first break up, those words might ring hollow. That’s because time is only part of the solution. ● Allow yourself to grieve. There’s nothing wrong with having a good cry. After all, the Bible says that there is “a time to weep” and even “a time to wail.” (Ecclesiastes 3:1, 4) Shedding tears doesn’t mean you’re weak. In the midst of emotional anguish, even David—a courageous warrior—once admitted: “Every night my bed is damp from my weeping; my pillow is soaked with tears.”—Psalm 6:6, Today’s English Version.","Ecclesiastes 3:1, 4",yp1 chap. 31 pp. 223-225,,,bl,,1/8/2019
"Smoking, addiction, drugs, habits, ","Don’t be like a fish striking at a baited hook. True, the fish may get a small reward, but what a price it pays! Instead, follow the Bible’s advice, and use “your clear thinking faculties.” (2 Peter 3:1) ","But before you light your first—or your next—cigarette, stop and think",2 Peter 3:1;,yp1 chap. 33 p. 238,,,bl,,1/8/2019
"Binge drinking, addiction, drugs, ridiculous, momentary pleasure, ","Alcohol can bite like a snake. Alcohol can make you act in a ridiculous way! True, it may momentarily bring you pleasure, but if you overindulge, it “bites just like a serpent,” leaving you with a host of problems.—Proverbs 23:32.","The Bible does not condemn drinking alcohol, nor is it against young people having a good time. (Psalm 104:15; Ecclesiastes 10:19) Of course, you need to be of legal age to drink.—Romans 13:1. However, the Bible does warn against overdrinking. “Wine is a ridiculer, intoxicating liquor is boisterous, and everyone going astray by it is not wise,” says Proverbs 20:1. ",Romans 13:1; Psalm 104:15; Ecclesiastes 10:19,yp1 chap. 34 pp. 248-249,,,bl,,1/8/2019
"Drugs, addiction, escaping, ",Overcoming addiction is like escaping a burning house—,"---you will leave things behind, but you will save your life.",Isaiah 12:2;,yp1 chap. 35 p. 256,,,bl,,1/8/2019
"Addicted, Electronic media, cell phones, TV, radio, computers, camera, internet, ","WHEN your parents entered their teens, TV and radio were the main forms of electronic media. Back then, phones were just phones—they carried only voice transmissions and had to be connected to a wall outlet. Does that sound hopelessly old-fashioned? A girl named Anna would say so. “My parents grew up in the technological dark ages,” she says. “They’re just now figuring out how to use some of the features on their cell phone!”","Today you can take a call, listen to music, watch a show, play a game, e-mail your friends, take a picture, and access the Internet—all on a single device you can carry in your pocket. Because you’ve grown up with computers, cell phones, TV, and the Internet, you may think nothing of using them all the time. Your parents, though, may feel that you’re addicted. If they express concern, don’t write off their comments as being out of touch with reality. “When anyone is replying to a matter before he hears it,” said wise King Solomon, “that is foolishness on his part.”—Proverbs 18:13.",Proverbs 18:13;,yp1 chap. 36 pp. 259-260 ,,,bl,,1/8/2019
"Addicted to Electronic Media, cell phones, games, videos, control,",Do you control your electronic devices... ,...or do they control you?,Proverbs 26:12;,yp1 chap. 36 p. 263,,,bl,,1/8/2019
"Fun, knowledge, experience, aware of danger, limited, vantage, hazards, view, ","If you had a choice, likely you would prefer to swim at a beach that is manned by lifeguards. Why? Because while you’re in the water having fun, your awareness of danger is very limited. But the lifeguards have a better vantage point from which to spot hazards.","Similarly, because of their greater knowledge and experience, your parents may be aware of dangers that you do not see. Like the lifeguards on the beach, your parents’ goal is, not to spoil your fun, but to help you avoid dangers that could rob you of enjoyment in life.",Proverbs 10:1;,yp1 chap. 37 p. 268,,,bl,,1/8/2019
"Worship, enjoy, meetings, study Bible, meditating, ","If you want to get fit, you need to exercise. Likewise, if you want to learn about your Creator, you need to study God’s Word.","Why you should do it. Not only is the Bible inspired of God but it’s also “useful for teaching and helping people and for correcting them and showing them how to live.” (2 Timothy 3:16, Contemporary English Version) Studying the Bible and meditating on what you read can open up a whole new world for you. Let’s face it, nothing worthwhile comes to you without some hard work. If you want to play a sport well, you’ve got to learn the rules and practice the game.",2 Timothy 3:16;,yp1 chap. 38 p. 274,,,bl,,1/8/2019
"Goals, destinations, plans, purpose, work, activity, ",Goals are like blueprints—,---it takes work to turn them into reality.,Ecclesiastes 11:4;,yp1 chap. 39 p. 285,,,bl,,1/8/2019
"Timothy, role model, example, missionary, companion, responsible, service,","Timothy is about to leave home—not to run away from his family but to become a missionary companion of the apostle Paul! Possibly in his late teens, Timothy is already a responsible young man who has been “well reported on by the brothers in Lystra and Iconium.” (Acts 16:2) Paul is confident that Timothy can accomplish great things in God’s service. And he does!","In the years that follow, Timothy travels extensively, establishing congregations and building up the brotherhood. Timothy’s fine qualities endear him to Paul, who some 11 years later tells the Philippians: “I have no one else of a disposition like his who will genuinely care for the things pertaining to you.”—Philippians 2:20. Are you making yourself available to be used in God’s service? If you are, great blessings await you! Jehovah truly values young ones who “offer themselves willingly.” (Psalm 110:3) Furthermore, you can be assured that Jehovah God “is not unrighteous so as to forget your work.”—Hebrews 6:10.",Philippians 2:20;,yp1 p. 287,,,bl,,1/8/2019
"answers, questions, secrets, dating, surprise, communicating, Parents, Children,","Imagine yourself in this situation: You’re eating dinner with your spouse, your daughter, and some family friends. During the conversation, your friend mentions someone whom you dated—and broke up with—before meeting your spouse. ","Your daughter nearly drops her fork. “You mean you dated someone else?” she gasps. You haven’t shared this story with your daughter before. Now she wants to know more. What will you do?  Usually, it’s best to welcome your child’s questions. After all, anytime that he or she is asking questions and listening to your answers is time that you’re communicating—something most parents desire.",Romans 7:21-24;,yp1 p. 292 Appendix,,,bl,,1/8/2019
"A Note to Parents, growing up, growth, maturity, youth, balance, walking a tightrope,","To young people, going through adolescence can be like walking a tightrope. Each step may seem uncertain—even frightening. As a parent, you may sometimes wish you could spare your young ones this particular “walk.” You can’t, of course, but you can be their balancing pole. You are in a unique position to help your children stay on course and emerge from their adolescence as responsible adults.",Easier said than done? Certainly. It may seem like only yesterday that your son was an energetic toddler who wouldn’t keep quiet; now he’s a withdrawn teen who won’t talk to you. Not long ago your little girl wanted to go everywhere with you; now she seems mortified at the very idea of being seen in public with her parents!,Proverbs 22:6;,yp2 p. 2,,,bl,,1/9/2019
"Am I Ready to Date, freedom, pressure, marriage, dating, courtship, ","Being pressured to date before you’re ready would be like being forced to take a final exam for a course that you’ve barely started. Obviously, that wouldn’t be fair! You need time to study your subject so you can become familiar with the kind of problems you’ll face in the test.","It’s similar with dating. As we’ve seen, dating is no trivial matter. So before you’re ready to focus on one particular person, you need to take time to study a very important “subject”—how to build friendships. Later, when you meet the right person, you’ll be in a better position to build a solid relationship. After all, a good marriage is the union of two good friends. Waiting to date won’t stifle your freedom. On the contrary, it will give you more freedom to ‘rejoice in your youth.’ (Ecclesiastes 11:9) And you’ll have time to prepare yourself by developing your personality and, most important, your spirituality.—Lamentations 3:27.",Lamentations 3:27;,yp2 chap. 1 pp. 19-20,,,bl,,1/9/2019
"Date, dating, marriage, toy, feelings, ","If you date with no intention of marriage, you are acting like a child who plays with a new toy and then discards it. Would you like someone to play with your feelings as if they were some child’s toy—to be picked up for a moment and then quickly abandoned","Clearly, when you date someone, you’re affecting that person’s feelings. So be sure your intentions are honorable.  A youth named Chelsea says: “Part of me wants to say that dating should be just for fun, but it’s no fun when one person is taking it seriously and the other isn’t.”",Proverbs 14:15;,yp2 chap. 1 pp. 19-20,,,bl,,1/9/2019
"Secret Dating, date, ","To illustrate: Suppose a friend is diabetic and is secretly filling up on sweets. What if you found out about it, but your friend begged you not to tell anyone? What would be your greatest concern—covering up for your friend or taking action that could possibly save his or her life?","You face a similar situation if you know that an acquaintance is dating secretly. Don’t worry about permanently ruining your friendship. In time, a true friend will realize that you were acting in his or her best interests.—Psalm 141:5.",Psalm 141:5,yp2 chap. 2 p. 25,,,bl,,1/9/2019
"Marriage mate, choosing, appearance, deceive, ",Imagine that you want to purchase a car. How thoroughly would you research it? Would you be concerned only about the outer appearance? Wouldn’t it make sense to look deeper—perhaps learning as much as you could about the condition of the engine?,"Finding a mate is a much weightier issue than choosing a car. Yet, many who date don’t look beyond the surface. Instead, they quickly point to the things they have in common: ‘We like the same music.’ ‘We enjoy the same activities.’ ‘We agree on everything!’ As mentioned earlier, though, if you’re truly past the bloom of youth, you look beyond superficial traits. You see the need to discern “the secret person of the heart.”—1 Peter 3:4; Ephesians 3:16.",1 Peter 3:4; Ephesians 3:16,yp2 chap. 3 pp. 31-32,,,bl,,1/9/2019
"Marriage mate, Right one, decisions, Choose, choosing, dating, date, ","Suppose you want to buy a new pair of shoes. You go to the store and find a pair that catches your eye. You try on the shoes, only to find that—much to your disappointment—they’re too tight. What would you do? Buy the shoes anyway? Or look for a different pair? Clearly, the better choice is to put the shoes back and look for others. It would make little sense to walk around in a pair of shoes that just didn’t fit!","It’s similar with choosing a marriage partner. Over time, more than a few members of the opposite sex may catch your eye. But not just anyone will do. After all, you want someone you’ll be comfortable with—someone who truly fits your personality and your goals. (Genesis 2:18; Matthew 19:4-6) Have you found such a person? If so, how can you tell if that one is right for you?",Genesis 2:18; Matthew 19:4-6;,yp2 chap. 3 pp. 30-31,,,bl,,1/9/2019
"Role Model—The Shulammite, Example, Marriage mate, dating, date, ","The young Shulammite woman knows she needs to keep a clear head in matters of romance. “I have put you under oath,” she tells her companions, “that you try not to awaken or arouse love in me until it feels inclined.” The Shulammite knows that feelings can quickly overpower reason. She realizes, for instance, that others could pressure her to yield to the advances of someone who isn’t right for her. Even her own feelings could cloud good judgment. So the Shulammite remains like “a wall.”—Song of Solomon 8:4, 10.","Is your view of love as mature as that of the Shulammite? Can you listen to your head and not just your heart? (Proverbs 2:10, 11) Sometimes others might try to pressure you into a relationship before you’re ready for it. You might even bring such pressure upon yourself. For example, when you see a boy and girl walking hand in hand, do you feel desperate to have the same kind of relationship? Would you settle for someone who doesn’t share your Bible-based beliefs? The Shulammite girl was mature when it came to matters of romance. You can be too!","Song of Solomon 8:4, 10",yp2 p. 33 ,,,bl,,1/9/2019
"How Far Is Too Far, Dating, date, courtship, marriage mate, ",Would you wait until your house caught fire before you installed an alarm? Then don’t wait until your passions are aroused before you establish ground rules for conduct,"If you’re dating, how can you avoid inappropriate displays of affection? The wise course is to set clear boundaries in advance. Proverbs 13:10 says: “With those consulting together there is wisdom.” So discuss with your partner what expressions of affection are appropriate. ",Proverbs 13:10;,yp2 chap. 4 p. 46,,,bl,,1/9/2019
"Why Stay a Virgin, premarital sex, gift, marriage, dating, self-control, prayer, ","How does God feel when people decide to have sex before marriage? Well, imagine that you’ve purchased a gift for a friend. But before you can give it to that friend, he or she—out of sheer curiosity—opens the gift! Wouldn’t you be upset?","Imagine, then, how God would feel if you were to engage in premarital sex. He wants you to wait until you’re married to enjoy the gift of sexual relations.—Genesis 1:28. What should you do about your sexual feelings? Put simply, learn to control them. You have the strength to do so! Pray to Jehovah to help you. His spirit can enhance your ability to exercise self-control. (Galatians 5:22, 23) Remind yourself that Jehovah “will not hold back anything good from those walking in faultlessness.” (Psalm 84:11)",Genesis 1:28;,yp2 chap. 5 pp. 52-53,,,bl,,1/9/2019
" Role Model—Joseph, sex, example, immorality, adultery, badness, willpower, desire, uncleanness, ","Joseph is faced with a serious situation. His master’s wife has repeatedly implored him to have sex with her. Now she’s trying again! But Joseph isn’t tempted. In fact, his reply is resolute. “How could I commit this great badness and actually sin against God?” he says to her. When she challenges his refusal—even grabbing hold of him—Joseph isn’t embarrassed to flee. In fact, he runs out of the house! Joseph shows himself to be a man of moral integrity.—Genesis 39:7-12.","You too may be confronted with a situation in which someone wants you to give in to your sexual urges. Resisting isn’t merely a matter of willpower. It starts with a desire to please your Creator, Jehovah God. You see, Joseph had sexual desires, just as you do. However, it was unthinkable for him to satisfy those urges in a way that would offend his Creator. In the same way, you need to be convinced that moral uncleanness offends God and that it ultimately leads to heartache. So strive to develop and maintain the moral integrity that Joseph displayed.",Genesis 39:7-12;,yp2 p. 50,,,bl,,1/9/2019
" What’s Happening to My Body? puberty, growth, maturity, mature, adulthood, changing, transitions, adapt, turbulent time,","HAVE you ever moved with your family to a new neighborhood? The transition was challenging, wasn’t it? Really, you were leaving behind everything that was familiar to you—your house, your school, and your friends. It likely took some time for you to adapt to your new surroundings.","At the onset of puberty—the stage of life in which you become physically mature—you enter one of life’s greatest transitions. In a sense, you’re moving to a whole new “neighborhood.” Exciting? Absolutely! But the move to adulthood can elicit mixed feelings, and it may not be easy for you to adapt. What happens during this thrilling yet turbulent time in your life?","Leviticus 15:16, 17;",yp2 chap. 6 pp. 58-59,,,bl,,1/9/2019
"What’s Happening to My Body, Puberty, growth, adulthood, survival, storm, heart, personality,","Puberty isn’t a disease, nor are you the first one to go through it. And rest assured, you will survive. When the storm of puberty is over, you will emerge as a full-grown adult! One thing is sure: There’s no safe way either to speed up or to delay the process of physically growing up. So instead of greeting the changes with hostility and fear, accept them graciously—and with a sense of humor.","Remember, too, that God “sees what the heart is.” (1 Samuel 16:7) The Bible says that King Saul was tall and handsome, but he was a failure both as a king and as a man. (1 Samuel 9:2) In contrast, Zacchaeus was “small in size,” yet he had the inner strength to turn his life around and become a disciple of Jesus. (Luke 19:2-10) Clearly, what’s on the inside is what counts most.",Luke 19:2-10,yp2 chap. 6 p. 66,,,bl,,1/9/2019
" Why Do I Have to Be So Sick? Health, prison, freedom restricted, lonely, new earth, ","A chronic health problem can make you feel as though you’re locked in a prison, with your freedom restricted. You may feel lonely. You might even start to wonder if you’ve done something to offend God or if God has brought some special test of integrity upon you. However, the Bible says: “With evil things God cannot be tried nor does he himself try anyone.” (James 1:13) ","Sickness is merely part of the present human condition, and all of us are subject to “time and unforeseen occurrence.”—Ecclesiastes 9:11. Happily, Jehovah God has promised a new world in which “no resident will say: ‘I am sick.’” (Isaiah 33:24) Even those who have died will be resurrected, so that they will have opportunity to enjoy that new world. (John 5:28, 29) In the meantime, though, how can you make the best of your situation?",Isaiah 33:24;,yp2 chap. 8 pp. 74-79,,,bl,,1/9/2019
" How Can I Deal With Loneliness? chasm, socializing, communication, conversation, strengths, weaknesses, ","You may feel as if a wide chasm separates you from your peers. You stammer every time you try to start a conversation with them. When you do have an opportunity to socialize, shyness rears its head. Why is simple socializing so difficult? Rather than remain stuck on your side of the chasm, you can build some bridges. Let’s see how.","● Chasm 1: A negative view of yourself. Some youths relentlessly put themselves down. They’re convinced that no one likes them and that they have nothing worthwhile to add to a conversation. Is that the way you feel about yourself? If so, a negative self-image will only widen the chasm that separates you from your peers. The bridge: Focus on your assets. (2 Corinthians 11:6) Ask yourself, ‘What are my strengths?’ Think of some talents or positive qualities that you possess and list them below.․․․․․",2 Corinthians 11:6,yp2 chap. 9 p. 87,,,bl,,1/9/2019
"Why Did My Friend Hurt Me, friendship, damaged, unkind word, deed, cover over, keep silent, ","Have you ever torn one of your favorite articles of clothing? What did you do? Throw it away? or repair it? No doubt, much depended on the extent of the damage and how much you valued the garment. If you really loved that article of clothing, you probably looked for ways to repair it. ","In many cases, the same is possible with a damaged friendship. Much depends on what has happened and how much you value the relationship. For instance, if you’ve been the victim of some unkind word or deed, you may be able to cover over the problem by following the advice of Psalm 4:4: “Have your say in your heart, upon your bed, and keep silent.” So before throwing away the friendship, think carefully. Was the act intentional? If you can’t be sure, why not give your friend the benefit of the doubt? In many cases you can let ‘love cover a multitude of sins.’",1 Peter 4:8,yp2 chap. 10 pp. 94-95,,,bl,,1/9/2019
" Role Model—Lydia, hospitality, company, initiative, conversation, listener, sincere words, ","Although she is a new believer, Lydia takes the initiative to show hospitality to Paul and his companions. (Acts 16:14, 15) As a result, she has the privilege of enjoying the company of these disciples. After Paul and Silas are released from prison, where do they go? Right back to the home of Lydia!","Like Lydia, can you take the initiative to get to know others? How can you do so? Start small. Work on talking to one person at a time. You could make it a goal to start a conversation with one person each time you attend a Christian meeting. Try to smile. If you don’t know what to say, ask questions or share something about yourself. Be a good listener. In time, you may be inclined to say more. People often respond to sincere words that are kind and pleasant. (Proverbs 16:24) Because of her friendly and hospitable nature, Lydia was blessed with good friends. If you imitate her example, you will be too!",Acts 16:40,yp2 p. 97,,,bl,,1/9/2019
"What About Online Friendships? dangers, sex, communicating, ","Would you walk blindfolded through the streets of a dangerous neighborhood? Why, then, wander online without being aware of the dangers? Consider the dangers of trying to find friends over the Internet. “It’s too easy to meet shady people,” says Elaine, who at one time enjoyed casually chatting with strangers online. She adds: “Sometimes it’s only a matter of minutes before someone makes lewd remarks or asks such questions as: ‘Are you a virgin? Do you do oral sex?’ Some even offer cybersex.”","There’s no question that, for some, making and maintaining friendships is easier online. “The Internet gives you a form of confidence that you wouldn’t otherwise have,” says Natalie. Tammy would agree. “If you’re shy,” she says, “communicating online gives you a chance to plan exactly what you will say.”",Psalms 26:4;,yp2 chap. 11 pp. 100-101,,,bl,,1/9/2019
"What’s So Bad About Gossip? slander, lies, harmful gossip, skillfully chang lanes, damage, ","How can you control your tongue when tempted to gossip? To answer that question, think of the skill that’s required to drive on a busy highway. Unexpectedly, a situation may arise that makes it necessary for you to change lanes, yield, or come to a complete stop. If you’re alert, you see what’s ahead and react accordingly.","It’s similar with conversation. You can usually tell when a discussion is veering into harmful gossip. When that happens, can you skillfully ‘change lanes’? If you don’t, be forewarned—gossip can do damage. “I said something unkind about a girl—that she was boy crazy—and it got back to her,” relates Mike. “I’ll never forget her voice when she confronted me, how hurt she was over my thoughtless remark. We smoothed things over, but I didn’t feel good knowing that I had hurt someone in that way!”There’s no doubt that words can hurt. Even the Bible acknowledges that “there exists the one speaking thoughtlessly as with the stabs of a sword.” (Proverbs 12:18) ",Proverbs 12:18,yp2 chap. 12 pp. 107-108,,,bl,,1/9/2019
"How Can I Do Better at School? education, learning, survival, ","IMAGINE that you’re trapped in a dense, dark jungle. Virtually all sunlight is blocked by the lush canopy overhead. Surrounded by thick vegetation, you can barely move. To escape, you must cut your way through with a machete.","Some would say that the experience of school is similar to the scene described above. After all, you’re trapped all day in the classroom and hemmed in at night by hours of homework. Is that how you feel? On the line below, write down which school subject you find most challenging.",1 Corinthians 9:10;,yp2 chap. 13 p. 115 ,,,bl,,1/9/2019
"Role Model—The Three Hebrews, Faithful, young, youth, respectful, firm, decisions, not negotiable, standards, ","Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah stand on the plain of Dura, near Babylon. All around them people bow to the ground before a giant image. Despite pressure from their peers and threats from the king, these young men remain resolute. Respectfully but firmly they tell Nebuchadnezzar that their decision to serve Jehovah is not negotiable.—Daniel 1:6; 3:17, 18.","These men were youths when exiled to Babylon. Their faithfulness while young—refusing to eat foods that may have been forbidden by God’s Law—prepared them to face difficult challenges later in life. (Daniel 1:6-20) They knew from experience that obeying Jehovah was the wise course. Are you similarly resolved to stick to God’s standards despite pressure from your peers? If while you’re young you learn to obey Jehovah in what might seem to be small matters, you will be better prepared to remain faithful when you face big challenges later in life.—Proverbs 3:5, 6; Luke 16:10.","Daniel 1:6; 3:17, 18.",yp2p. 134 ,,,bl,,1/9/2019
"A Double Life—Who Has to Know? quicksand, disobey, obey, wander, worry, damage, discipline, ","Consider this illustration: Imagine that you and your family are hiking. When your parents aren’t looking, you disobey their order to stay close to them and you wander off the trail, becoming lost. Suddenly, you find yourself sinking in quicksand. Would you be too embarrassed to call for help? Would you worry that your parents might discipline you for ignoring their warnings? No! You would yell as loudly as you could.","Similarly, if you’re living a double life, you need help urgently. Remember, you cannot go back and undo the past. But you can alter the future. As painful and difficult as it will no doubt be, it makes sense to call for help before you do any more damage to yourself or to your family. If you’re truly sorry for your course, Jehovah will be merciful.—Isaiah 1:18; Luke 6:36.Therefore, tell your parents the truth. Acknowledge their hurt. Accept their discipline. If you do so, you will bring joy to your parents and to Jehovah God. You will also feel the wonderful relief of regaining a clear conscience.—Proverbs 27:11; 2 Corinthians 4:2.",Isaiah 1:18; Luke 6:36.,yp2 chap. 16 pp. 139-141 ,,,bl,,1/9/2019
"What Should I Know About School Friendships? Different, stand out, ","Why not look at the matter this way? If you were in a lifeboat surrounded by people stranded in the water, how could you really help them—by abandoning the boat and jumping in with them? Certainly not! True, you will stand out as different, and this isn’t an easy thing to do.","Similarly, at school you’re surrounded by people who lack the protection that comes from being one of Jehovah’s friends. (Psalm 121:2-8) If you were to abandon Jehovah’s standards just to be close to your classmates, you would only endanger your own spiritual health and happiness. (Ephesians 4:14, 15; James 4:4) How much better it would be if you tried to help your classmates join you in the lifeboat, so to speak, by showing them how to serve Jehovah. Really, in what better way could you prove to be a true friend?",John 15:19,yp2 chap. 17 pp. 145-146,,,bl,,1/9/2019
"Money Matters, responsibility, spending, employment, work, job,","As your parents have probably drummed into your head, money doesn’t grow on trees. They’re right. That’s why it’s important for you to handle money responsibly. ","While money serves a vital purpose, it can create stress, damage friendships, and destroy your relationship with God. Certainly, your attitude toward money can have a profound effect on you. Chapters 18-20 will show you how to maintain a balanced view.",Ecclesiastes 7:12;,yp2 p. 149,,,bl,,1/9/2019
"How Can I Make Some Money? Balance, unbalanced, job, employment,","Imagine trying to ride a bicycle while attempting to carry a number of items, such as a school bag, a ball, and maybe some bags of groceries. The more items you try to carry, the harder it is for you to keep your balance! ","The same would be true if you were to take on a job that is more than you can handle. Use up too much of your time, energy, and alertness on after-school work, and your health and school grades may suffer. More important, a strenuous work schedule may make it difficult for you to follow the Christian routine of meetings, Bible study, and participation in the Christian ministry. “I have missed meetings because I was tired after a day of school and work,” admits a youth named Michèle. Don’t let your view of money become unbalanced in that way! Jesus said that real happiness comes to those who are “conscious of their spiritual need.” (Matthew 5:3) He also stated: “Even when a person has an abundance his life does not result from the things he possesses.” (Luke 12:15) ",Luke 12:15,yp2 chap. 18 pp. 153-154,,,bl,,1/9/2019
"How Can I Manage My Money? moving, protection, control spending, ","Would you jump out of an aircraft without first learning how to use a parachute? True, a person might be able to figure it all out while hurtling to the earth. How much better, though, if he learned the basic principles of using the device before jumping out the door!Rather than fret about the money you don’t have, why not learn to manage the money that does pass through your hands? ","Similarly, the best time for you to learn to manage money is while you’re at home, before the harsh financial realities of life confront you. “Money is for a protection,” wrote King Solomon. (Ecclesiastes 7:12) But money will protect you only if you learn how to control your spending. Doing so will boost your confidence and will increase your parents’ respect for you.",Ecclesiastes 7:12,yp2 chap. 19 p. 157,,,bl,,1/9/2019
"How Can I Manage My Money? spending, employment, job, work, ","But wouldn’t simply having more money solve all your spending problems? Not likely! To illustrate: If you were driving and did not have control of your car or if you were in the habit of steering with your eyes closed, would putting more fuel in your tank make it more likely that you would reach your destination safely?","Likewise, if you don’t learn how to control your spending, earning more money won’t improve your situation.Maybe you think you already have your money under control. But ask yourself: ‘How much money did I spend during the past month? What did I spend it on?’ Not sure? Here’s how to take control of your spending before your spending takes control of you.",Ecclesiastes 7:12;,yp2 chap. 19 pp. 160-161,,,bl,,1/9/2019
"What if My Family Is Poor? assets. property, support, association of brothers, possessions, ","One positive step you can take is to focus, not on the things you lack, but on the things you have. Assets such as a home and a loving family certainly are more valuable than money! A Bible proverb says: “Better is a dish of vegetables where there is love than a manger-fed bull and hatred along with it.” (Proverbs 15:17) Christian youths have an especially valuable asset—the support of “the whole association of brothers.”—1 Peter 2:17.","Perhaps you can also try viewing your material possessions in a more positive light. Granted, you may live in a simple, perhaps even primitive, home. You may wear old, worn, or patched clothing. And you may long for a more varied diet. But do you need stylish clothes or an elaborate home to please God? Do you need fancy meals to stay alive and in good health? Not really. The apostle Paul learned a valuable lesson in this regard. He experienced both riches and poverty. (Philippians 4:12) His conclusion? “If we have food and clothes, that should be enough for us.”—1 Timothy 6:8, Today’s English Version.","1 Timothy 6:8,",yp2 chap. 20 pp. 167-168,,,bl,,1/9/2019
"Role Model—The Poor Widow money, contributions, treasure, donations, generosity, priorities, time,","Jesus is watching the rich drop contributions into the temple treasury chest. In the crowd he notices a needy widow who donates “two small coins of very little value.” (Luke 21:2) Jesus praises her act of generosity. Why? Because the others had donated “out of their surplus, but she, out of her want, dropped in all of what she had, her whole living.”—Mark 12:44.","Do you have the same priorities as this woman did? Are you willing to spend your time and money in serving God? Like the needy widow, you can donate toward the maintenance of places of worship. You can also spend your time and money helping others learn about Jehovah God. Jehovah noticed and appreciated the small amount the widow gave in his service. God will also appreciate and help you if your top priority is to do his will.",Matthew 6:33.,yp2 p. 166 ,,,bl,,1/9/2019
"How Can I Deal With Criticism? counsel, discipline, fortune, Bible, future, ","Would you be willing to endure some physical hardship to discover a fortune in gold? Well, the Bible says that wisdom is worth far more than any treasure. (Proverbs 3:13, 14) How do you become wise? Proverbs 19:20 says: “Listen to counsel and accept discipline, in order that you may become wise in your future.” True, counsel and discipline may cause some discomfort. But if you find and apply the nuggets of wisdom in any criticism you receive, you’ll gain a treasure worth more than gold.","Let’s face it: Criticism is part of life. You already have to cope with it from your parents and teachers. In the future, you will no doubt have employers and others to deal with. Learn how to handle criticism at home, and you’ll become a progressive student, a valued employee, and a more confident person in general. Surely, it’s worth enduring a little criticism to gain those results!","Proverbs 3:13, 14",yp2 chap. 21 pp. 179-180,,,bl,,1/9/2019
"Why So Many Rules? obey, trust, credit,",Obeying your parents’ rules is like paying off a debt to the bank—,"---the more reliable you are, the more trust (or credit) you will receive",Proverbs 6:20,yp2 chap. 22 p. 185,,,bl,,1/9/2019
"Role Model—Hezekiah, mock, wicked, father's mistakes, success, ","Hezekiah is at a crossroads in his life. At just 25, he’s the king of Judah. What kind of king will he be? Will he allow the bad example of his father, King Ahaz, to influence him? Right up to his death, Ahaz had been an unrepentant apostate. He promoted pagan worship and even burned at least one of Hezekiah’s brothers on a pagan altar. (2 Chronicles 28:1-4) However, Hezekiah doesn’t permit his father’s hypocritical conduct to sour him on the worship of Jehovah, nor does he feel doomed to repeat his father’s mistakes. Instead, Hezekiah keeps “sticking to Jehovah.”—2 Kings 18:6.","Does one of your parents mock the worship of Jehovah? Is he or she abusive or a slave to some bad habit? If so, you don’t have to repeat your parent’s mistakes! Hezekiah didn’t let his sad family background ruin his life. In fact, he became such a good king that “after him there proved to be no one like him among all the kings of Judah.” (2 Kings 18:5) Like Hezekiah, you can make a success of your life despite difficult family circumstances. How? Keep “sticking to Jehovah.”",2 Kings 18:5,yp2 p. 193,,,bl,,1/10/2019
"What Should I Do if My Parents Argue? Unity, differences, opinions, vacation, relaxation, money, ",Have you ever watched a movie with close friends and found out that your opinion of it differed from theirs? It can happen. Even people who are close to one another will see certain things differently.,"It could be similar with your parents. Perhaps both are concerned about the family finances, but each has a different view of budgeting; both want to plan a family vacation, but each has a different notion of what constitutes relaxation; or both are eager for you to succeed at school, but each has a different idea about the best way to motivate you. The point is, unity does not require uniformity. Two people who love each other can see things differently at times. Still, your parents’ conflicts may be difficult to listen to. What can you do or say that will help you to endure?",2 Timothy 3:1;,yp2 chap. 24 p. 201,,,bl,,1/10/2019
"What Should I Do if My Parents Argue, marriage counselor, marriage, troubles, marriage problems, ","To illustrate: Imagine you were  passenger in a small plane and heard the pilot and the copilot arguing. Understandably, you’d be upset. But what would happen if you presumed to tell the pilots how to fly the plane or even tried to take over the controls?","Similarly, trying to ‘take over the controls’ by involving yourself in your parents’ marital troubles would likely just make things worse. The Bible says: “By presumptuousness one only causes a struggle, but with those consulting together there is wisdom.” (Proverbs 13:10) Likely your parents can better work out their difficulties by consulting together privately.—Proverbs 25:9. Don’t join in. Two clashing voices are bad enough. Why add a third voice to the clamor? No matter how tempting it may be for you to join in, the fact is that it’s your parents’ responsibility—not yours—to resolve their disputes. Strive, then, to follow the Bible’s advice to “mind your own business” in such personal matters. (1 Thessalonians 4:11) Refuse to jump into the fray.Don’t play marriage counselor. As a youth, you’re simply not qualified to solve your parents’ disputes. ",Proverbs 25:9.,yp2 chap. 24 pp. 203-204 ,,,bl,,1/10/2019
"How Can I Control My Emotions? drama, self-control, mistreatment, pain, ","WHAT do you think—is fire good or bad? You probably would say that the answer depends on the circumstances. On a cold winter night, logs burning in a fireplace can provide much-needed warmth. That’s good. Uncontrolled, however, the flames can quickly spread and destroy the entire house. That’s bad.","It’s similar with your emotions. When controlled, they’re beneficial, enabling you to develop warm friendships. Unrestrained, your emotions can be destructive, not only to you but also to those around you. As an adolescent, you may at times find yourself overwhelmed by anger or sadness. How can you control those emotions? Let’s discuss them one at a time.Defusing Anger",Proverbs 22:24; 29:22,yp2 chap. 26 p. 219,,,bl,,1/10/2019
"How Can I Control My Emotions? sickness, Ignoring, depression, disorders, ","Ignoring the situation would be like turning up the volume of a car radio to drown out a knocking noise in the engine. It’s far better to address the matter. Really, there’s no need to be ashamed of your condition. Many youths who suffer from depression and related disorders are being helped through treatment.","If your heart condemns you, remember that ‘God is greater than your heart and knows all things.’ (1 John 3:20) He understands even better than you do why you’re distressed, and he can lift your emotional burdens. If sadness persists, it could be that you suffer from a health disorder, such as depression. If that’s the case, it would be good for you to get a medical checkup.",1 John 3:20;,yp2 chap. 26 pp. 223-224,,,bl,,1/10/2019
"How Can I Control My Emotions? Harbor resentment, ",A person who harbors resentment is like a hooked fish—,---both are controlled by someone else,Job 36:13;,yp2 chap. 26 p. 220,,,bl,,1/10/2019
" Why Do I Feel That I Have to Be Perfect? perfectionist, mistakes, flawed, sin, ","In fact, believing that you can do things perfectly is as absurd as thinking that you can leap off the ground and fly. No matter how firmly you believe this, it’s just not going to happen!","Perfectionists labor under the illusion that mistakes should never be made. Really, though, that viewpoint is flawed. The Bible plainly states: “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23) It’s impossible, then, for any of us to be perfect in the absolute sense.",romans 3:23;,yp2 chap. 27 pp. 226-228,,,bl,,1/10/2019
"Why Do I Feel That I Have to Be Perfect? Laugh, lighten up, humor, mistakes, lighthearted, enjoy, fun, music,","Lighten up! Try doing some things that you’re not good at, such as playing a musical instrument. True, you’re bound to make lots of mistakes. This time, though, try to view your errors in a different light. The Bible says that there’s “a time to laugh.” (Ecclesiastes 3:4) ","So why not take a lighthearted approach? Doing so will help you to see that making mistakes is simply part of the learning process. Admittedly, it may not be easy for you to handle doing a less-than-perfect job. But make a conscious effort to push negative, critical thoughts out of your mind.",Ecclesiastes 3:4,yp2 chap. 27 pp. 229-230,,,bl,,1/10/2019
"Role Model—Paul , realistic, feelings, mistakes, miserable, ","The apostle Paul is realistic about his feelings. He candidly admits: “When I wish to do what is right, what is bad is present with me.” Paul is a good person at heart. “I really delight in the law of God according to the man I am within,” he writes. What’s the problem then? Paul says: “I behold . . . another law warring against the law of my mind and leading me captive to sin’s law that is in my members.” Paul’s failings don’t make him happy. “Miserable man that I am!” he exclaims.—Romans 7:21-24.","Do your mistakes cause you to feel miserable? If so, remember that even Paul felt that way at times. But Paul also knew that Christ died for people like him, leading him to exclaim: “Thanks to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!” (Romans 7:25) Paul viewed the ransom as a personal gift. He wrote: “The Son of God . . . loved me and handed himself over for me.” (Galatians 2:20) When you feel down, reflect on the ransom. And if your failings discourage you, never forget that Christ died for sinners, not for perfect people.",Romans 7:21-24,yp2 p. 227,,,bl,,1/10/2019
"How Can I Avoid Homosexuality? make mind over, attracted, same sex, resist desire, face a choice,","To illustrate: A person might be “disposed to rage.” (Proverbs 29:22) In the past he may have freely given in to fits of anger. After studying the Bible, though, he becomes aware of the need to develop self-control. Does this mean that he’ll never again feel anger welling up inside him? No. However, because he knows what the Bible says about uncontrolled anger, he will strive hard not to succumb to his feelings.","It’s similar with a person who is attracted to others of the same sex but who has now come to learn what the Bible says about homosexual practices. On occasion, an improper desire may still present itself. But by viewing homosexuality the way Jehovah views it, a person can find the strength to resist that desire.",1 Corinthians 6:9-11;,yp2 chap. 28 pp. 234-235,,,bl,,1/10/2019
"How Can I Keep My Mind off Sex? sex, immoral thinking, thoughts, ", Would you allow viruses to invade your computer? ,Then why invite immoral thoughts into your mind?,"James 1:14, 15;",yp2 chap. 29 p. 239,,,bl,,1/10/2019
"Should I Play Electronic Games? pure, upright, entertainment, graphic sex, hideous violence, immoral, ","Choosing to play violent or immoral electronic games is like choosing to play with radioactive waste—the damaging effects may not be immediately obvious, but they’re inevitable. In what way? Exposure to high doses of radiation can destroy the lining of the stomach and allow bacteria from the intestines to invade the bloodstream, resulting in sickness. ","Similarly, exposure to high doses of graphic sex and hideous violence can damage your “moral sense” and allow fleshly desires to invade and dominate your thinking and actions.—Ephesians 4:19; Galatians 6:7, 8. (Proverbs 20:11) If you play violent, immoral games, could you be described as being pure and upright? Studies repeatedly show that watching violent entertainment increases aggression in those who view it. In fact, some experts say that because of the interactive nature of electronic games, they can have a stronger effect than TV.","Ephesians 4:19; Galatians 6:7, 8",yp2 chap. 30 pp. 249-250,,,bl,,1/10/2019
"How Can I Keep Music in Its Place? influence, poison, test out words, title, lyrics, affect thinking, attitudes, sex, violence, drug abuse,","Music is like food. The right type in the right amount is good for you. The wrong type in any amount is bad. Unfortunately, with music it’s the bad stuff that can be the most appealing. “Why do all the good tunes get saved for the really ugly lyrics?” laments a youth named Steve.","If you love the sound, does the message really matter? To help answer that question, ask yourself: ‘If someone wanted to make me swallow poison, how would they coax me into taking it? Would they dip it in vinegar or coat it with candy?’ The faithful man Job asked: “Does not the ear itself test out words as the palate tastes food?” (Job 12:11) So rather than just swallowing a song because you like its beat or melody—the candy coating, so to speak—‘test out the words’ by considering the title and the lyrics. Why? Because the lyrics embedded in the music will affect your thinking and attitudes. Regrettably, a great deal of today’s most innovative music features lyrics that promote sex, violence, and drug abuse. If you don’t feel that listening to such lyrics affects you, then you’ve already started to succumb to the “poison.”",Job 12:11;,yp2 chap. 31 pp. 255-256,,,bl,,1/10/2019
"How Can I Keep Music in Its Place? healthful, harmful, good, bad, positive, negative, ","Good music, like good food, can be healthful. However, a wise proverb warns: “Is it honey that you have found? Eat what is sufficient for you, that you may not take too much of it and have to vomit it up.” (Proverbs 25:16) Honey has well-known curative properties. Yet, too much of even a good thing can be bad for you. The point? Good things should be enjoyed in moderation.","Some youths, however, allow music to dominate their lives. For example, Jessica, quoted earlier, confesses: “I listen to music all the time—even when I’m studying the Bible. I tell my parents that it helps me to concentrate. But they don’t believe me.” Does Jessica’s comment sound familiar?",Proverbs 25:16;,yp2 chap. 31 p. 260,,,bl,,1/10/2019
"How Can I Keep Music in Its Place? instrument, challenge, ","Do you like more types of food now than you did when you were five years old? If so, that’s because you have acquired a taste for new flavors.",It’s similar with music. Don’t limit yourself to just one style. Try expanding your taste in music. One way to do so is to learn to play an instrument. Not only can this be challenging and satisfying but it may expose you to other forms of music besides the usual commercial fodder. Where might you find the time to learn? You could buy out time from watching TV or playing electronic games. Note what these youths say.,Job 12:11;,yp2 chap. 31 p. 258,,,bl,,1/10/2019
"Role Model—David, talent, humble, skilled, not conceited, dominate, gifted musician, ","David loves music. He’s a gifted musician and a talented songwriter. He even makes his own instruments. (2 Chronicles 7:6) David is so skilled that the king of Israel summons him to perform in the royal court. (1 Samuel 16:15-23) David accepts. But he doesn’t become conceited, nor does he allow music to dominate his life. Rather, he uses his talents to praise Jehovah.","Do you love music? You may not be a talented musician, but you can still imitate David’s example. How? By not letting music dominate your life or induce you to think and act in ways that dishonor God. Instead, use music to enhance your enjoyment of life. The ability to create and enjoy music is a gift from God. (James 1:17) David used this gift in ways that pleased Jehovah. Will you do the same?",1 Samuel 16:15-23,yp2 p. 257,,,bl,,1/10/2019
"How Can I Have a Good Time? attack, relaxing, recreation, playing, defenses, alert, danger, ","When do you think a soldier is more vulnerable to an attack—when he’s on the battlefield or when he’s relaxing with his companions? Really, it’s when he’s relaxing that his defenses are down and he’s most vulnerable. ","Similarly, when you’re at school or at work, your spiritual defenses are up. You’re alert to possible danger. It’s later when you relax with your friends that you’re most vulnerable to an attack on your moral standards.",Ecclesiastes 11:9;,yp2 chap. 32 pp. 271-272,,,bl,,1/10/2019
"Why Avoid Pornography? Breaking the habit, addiction, satan, ensnared, degrading, degrade, divorce, ","Make no mistake—breaking such a habit isn’t easy. To illustrate: Suppose your hands were tied together with a single cotton thread. You could probably break the thread by simply pulling your hands apart. But what if it were wrapped around your hands many times? Breaking free would be much more difficult. Pornography has a cumulative effect—the more times you view it, the harder it is to break free.","The same is true of people who habitually view pornography. The more they look at it, the more ensnared they become. If this has happened to you, how can you break free? Understand pornography for what it is. Pornography is nothing less than a satanic attempt to degrade something that Jehovah created to be honorable. Understanding pornography in this light will help you to “hate what is bad.”—Psalm 97:10. Consider the consequences. Pornography destroys marriages. It devalues those depicted in it. It debases the person who views it. For good reason, the Bible says: “Shrewd is the one that has seen the calamity and proceeds to conceal himself.” (Proverbs 22:3) ",Psalm 97:10;,yp2 chap. 33 pp. 275-277,,,bl,,1/10/2019
"Why Live by Bible Standards? Happy, happiness, benefits of Bible, protection, straitjacket, seat belt,","You could view Bible standards as a straitjacket that limits your freedom. In reality, though, the Bible’s moral code is more like a seat belt that helps protect you from harm. Bible standards don’t restrict your happiness; they protect you. Certainly, you can trust the Bible. If you choose to live by its standards, you’ll not only make Jehovah happy but also benefit yourself.—Isaiah 48:17.","Jehovah is “the happy God,” and he wants you to be happy too. (1 Timothy 1:11; Ecclesiastes 11:9) The standards recorded in the Bible are for your benefit.",1 Timothy 1:11; Ecclesiastes 11:9,yp2 chap. 34 pp. 286-288,,,bl,,1/10/2019
"Role Model—Asaph, questioned God's standards, Laws, wicked, righteous, ","Asaph is going through a difficult time in his life. All around him he sees people breaking God’s laws and seemingly getting away with it! As a result, Asaph wonders if it’s worth putting forth the effort to please God. “Surely it is in vain that I have cleansed my heart and that I wash my hands in innocence itself,” he says. After giving the matter deep thought, though, Asaph changes his mind. He realizes that any enjoyment the wicked experience is only temporary. Asaph’s conclusion? “Besides you,” he tells Jehovah in song, “I do have no other delight on the earth.”—Psalm 73:3, 13, 16, 25, 27.","Perhaps at times you have questioned the value of living by God’s standards. But be like Asaph, and look beneath the surface. Consider the situation of those who have disregarded Jehovah’s laws. Are they really at peace? Have they found some secret to happiness that those who are faithful to God have missed? After thinking the matter through, you’ll no doubt be moved to echo the words of Asaph: “The drawing near to God is good for me.”—Psalm 73:28.","Psalm 73:3, 13, 16, 25, 27;",yp2 p. 287,,,bl,,1/10/2019
"Should I Get Baptized? Love Jehovah, serve, ","Baptism is not like an insurance policy that you buy to protect yourself in case disaster should strike. You get baptized because you love Jehovah and want to serve him forever with your whole heart.—Mark 12:29, 30.",The Bible says that baptism is an important step to gaining salvation. (1 Peter 3:21) ,"Mark 12:29, 30.",yp2 chap. 37 p. 305,,,bl,,1/10/2019
"What Will I Do With My Life? counsel, advise, directions, input, parents, resource, mature ones, goals, ","If you were traveling in an unfamiliar area, at some point you would likely need to ask for directions. You can do the same when planning your future. Get the input of others. Having goals will prevent you from expending your energy and getting nowhere.","Proverbs 20:18 says: “By counsel plans themselves are firmly established.”  Your parents are one vital resource. But you can also seek the advice of other mature Christians whose life reflects godly wisdom. “Look at those who are good examples as adults in your congregation or nearby areas,” recommends Roberto, a Bethel family member in his 20’s.",Proverbs 20:18,yp2 chap. 38 pp. 316-317,,,bl,,1/10/2019
"Living for Today and Tomorrow, Youth, future, vitality, ",YOUR youth should be a wonderful time of life. It is something like the spring season of the year. Youth is a time of fresh vitality. Your body is getting stronger and your mind is also developing. Many opportunities are opening up to learn and to do things. So there are lots of reasons why youth should be a happy and exciting time.,"But is it, or will it be, for you? There are many things that can help or hinder in this. Some of these are things you can’t do anything about. But many of them you can. This book is written in the hope that it will help you to get the best out of your youth, with long-lasting benefits.",Ecclesiastes 12:1;,yy chap. 1 p. 5 pars. 1-2,,,bl,,1/10/2019
"Living for Today and Tomorrow direction, goals, future, ","Let’s say you want to build a car engine. Would you start out to do it by yourself without first learning what experienced mechanics can tell you? If you did, how would the motor probably turn out? Or would you try to make a dress for a party without ever having seen anyone sew, or without a pattern? You can imagine what the dress would look like.","Can you decide on that direction all on your own, without any help? How much sense would it make to try? Doesn’t it almost go without saying that human living is a lot more complicated than a car engine or a party dress?",Proverbs 11:14;,yy chap. 1 p. 7 pars. 7-9,,,bl,,1/10/2019
"“I Will Walk in Your Truth” Buy truth and so not sell it, return items, buying, ","RETURNING an item that was purchased is a common practice. Estimates reveal that in some countries, buyers return nearly 9 percent of items purchased in stores. The return rate for items ordered online can be more than 30 percent. Perhaps the buyers found that the item did not meet their expectations, was defective, or was just not to their liking. So they decided to exchange the item or to ask for a refund.","Although we might request a refund for material goods that we bought, we would never want to return, or “sell,” the “accurate knowledge” of Bible truth that we “buy.” (Read Proverbs 23:23; 1 Tim. 2:4) As we considered in the preceding article, we acquired the truth by spending much time to learn it. In addition, to buy the truth, we may have forgone a lucrative career, dealt with changes in our personal relationships and in our thinking and conduct, or given up unscriptural customs and practices. However, the price we paid is small in comparison to the blessings that we have received.",Proverbs 23:23; 1 Tim. 2:4,w18 November p. 8 pars. 1-2,,,bl,,1/12/2019
"“I Will Walk in Your Truth” drift away, draw away, fall away, gradually, slowly, ","Others have left the truth gradually, perhaps without even noticing what was happening. A person who gradually leaves the truth is like a boat that slowly slips away from the riverbank. The Bible describes such a slow change as ‘drifting away.’ (Heb. 2:1) ","Unlike one who intentionally draws away from the truth, one who drifts away does not do so deliberately. However, such a person strains his relationship with Jehovah and is in danger of losing it. How can we avoid such a tragic course?",Hebrews 2:1;,w18 November pp. 9-10 par. 6,,,bl,,1/12/2019
"Why You Can Look to the Future with Confidence, faith, determination, ","HAVE you ever tried jumping over a bar in a high jump, or even over a fence or a wall? If the height was not too great, and you were confident that you could do it, you probably made the jump successfully. But if you were afraid you couldn’t make it, the jump may have failed, with unpleasant consequences for you.","That is the way it is with so many things. If you’re afraid to go into the water, for example, you’ll never learn to swim.So, too, with getting the best out of your youth. Confidence can have a lot to do with this. You can’t really be happy or make good progress on the road of life without confidence in what lies ahead. But today, what is there to merit our confidence?",Jeremiah 17:7;,yy chap. 2 p. 9 pars. 1-3,,,bl,,1/12/2019
"Why You Can Look to the Future with Confidence, Creation, universe, earth, summer, winter, ","It’s easy for us to take the earth for granted. Yet this planet we were born on and live on is truly an amazing piece of work. Like a spinning ball, the earth travels through millions of miles of space as it circles the sun, 93 million miles (about 150,000,000 kilometers) away. What would happen if the earth were in a different position? Well, if it were as far away from the sun as, say, the planets Pluto and Neptune, the earth would be like a big deep-freeze, far too cold to live on. And if it were a third of the distance closer to the sun, as is the planet Venus, the earth would become like an oven, for the temperature would become so high that even lakes and rivers would boil.","Or, even though its distance from the sun is ideal, what if the earth didn’t rotate on its axis as it does every twenty-four hours? Suppose, like Mercury, it rotated only a little more than once during its annual trip around the sun. Then nearly one half of the earth would be a frozen sub-zero waste, with the remainder a deserted furnace. That isn’t all. Why is it that, at least in much of the earth, we can enjoy the freshness and flowers of spring, the warm, sunny days of summer, the crispness and color of autumn and the beauty of winter snow? These seasons result from the earth’s being tilted at an angle relative to its path around the sun. The seasons help to make most of this planet’s surface a very pleasant place to live. And they make it possible for a large part of the earth to produce food for man and animals.",Psalm 74:17;,yy chap. 2 pp. 10-12 pars. 5-7,,,bl,,1/12/2019
"Why You Can Look to the Future with Confidence, Krakatoa, restoration, new earth, garden, paradise, damage, ","Consider what happened on the Pacific island of Krakatoa. It blew up in a huge volcanic explosion. If you had visited there right afterward, you would have seen that the whole island was just ashes. Nothing remained alive there—no people, no animals, no plants. But then what happened?","Without anyone’s help, the island began to recover. Within three years, some twenty-six kinds of plants began to flourish there again. Soon coconut trees, wild sugarcane and orchids were growing. And twenty-five years after the explosion, there were 263 species of animals on Krakatoa. The damage from the volcano disappeared. The gardenlike conditions of the island had returned.The amazing way the island of Krakatoa recovered can be repeated all over the earth. And, as we will see later in this book, there is good reason to believe that it will.","Revelation 21:3, 4;",yy chap. 2 pp. 12-13 pars. 10-12,,,bl,,1/12/2019
"Why You Can Look to the Future with Confidence, chlorophyll, plants, chemical changes, Creation, black box, secret formula, ","The next time you sit down to a meal, stop and think about this: No matter whether you are eating white rice or white potatoes, brown wheat or brown beans, yellow corn or yellow squash, black or red berries, they all come from plants with green leaves. Why? Because of the amazing process called photosynthesis.","Such plants all have a green substance in their leaves called chlorophyll. When the sun’s light hits the leaves the chlorophyll goes to work producing complex chemical changes. In the plant’s cells water and carbon dioxide (which the plant takes from the air) are combined to form a simple sugar, the basis of all food. Using that sugar, green plants also make more complex things like carbohydrates, fats, proteins and vitamins. Speaking of the astounding production that results from photosynthesis, botanist Frits W. Went says: “In terms of tonnage, its production makes man’s industries seem trifling. Every year the world’s steel mills turn out 350 million tons of steel, the world’s cement factories 325 million tons of cement. The world’s green plants, however, produce 150 billion tons of sugar every year. Scientists know what happens, but they still can’t understand just how photosynthesis works. As one science writer says, researchers often refer to the process as “the black box.” Why? Because “they know what goes in and what comes out but are not sure about everything that goes on inside.” With all their chemical laboratories, men can never duplicate this amazing process.",Romans 1:20;,yy chap. 2 pp. 13-14 pars. 13-15,,,bl,,1/12/2019
"Why You Can Look to the Future with Confidence, Brain, complex, ability, computers, ","Now, if someone gave you a fine watch or an expensive camera or a valuable electronic calculator, you would certainly care for it and try to get the best use out of it, right? You should feel far more appreciation for your brain. Finally, think a little about yourself. To think, of course, you have to use your brain—so why not start there? Naturally, you can’t see your brain, but what do you think it is like? ","“The constitution of the brain . . . is so complex that it makes the giant electronic computers mere child’s toys by comparison.”  Yes, the brain you possess and can use has been described as “the most complex piece of matter in the universe.” When fully developed, the human brain looks like an oversized pinkish-gray walnut and weighs less than three pounds (1.3 kilos). But what tremendous ability is packed into that small area! A scientific report in the New York Times says:",Romans 1:20;,yy chap. 2 p. 15 pars. 18-19,,,bl,,1/12/2019
"Why You Can Look to the Future with Confidence, hands, Master designer, Creator, ability, machine, appreciation, ","Look at your hands. No tool ever invented can do all the things you can with your hands—from heavy work in mechanics or carpentry, to activities that call for a delicate touch, as in playing an instrument, painting or drawing the design for a house.Think, too, of your body. Now, it’s true that a lion is stronger than you are, an elephant is certainly bigger, a dolphin can swim faster, a monkey can climb better, an eagle can soar in the heights with its own wings and you can’t. ","But none of these creatures combines in itself all the abilities that a man has. Lions and elephants can’t fly, dolphins can’t climb trees or mountains, nor can eagles swim. But humans can do all of these, either unaided or with their inventions. Yes, above all, humans are unique in their ability to make things, in endless variety.  Really, your hands are just one of the things that make your body so marvelous. No wonder that Dr. W. W. Akers, an engineer working with surgeons, said of the human body: “The body is the ultimate in technological perfection. Almost any machine you can dream up—no matter how sophisticated—you can look into the body and find a better one.” Clearly a Master Designer wanted humans to be far superior to the animals and to be able to enjoy the earth in the greatest way possible. This gives us reason to be confident that He is concerned about our enjoying a rewarding future.",Psalm 139:14;,yy chap. 2 pp. 15-16 pars. 20-23,,,bl,,1/12/2019
"Why You Can Look to the Future with Confidence, Jehovah, Creator, constructed, earth, paradise, ","Suppose you went out into a vast desert and found a house there but didn’t see anyone around. You wouldn’t think that the house made itself, would you? So, too, the earth obviously has a Designer and Maker, though unseen to us. Nobel Prize winner Max Planck said: “There is no explanation of the universe apart from the assumption of a Supreme Creative Intelligence.”","We have seen that this planet and everything in it gives evidence of intelligence and design far superior to what is manifest in any home or building we have ever seen. You undoubtedly can agree with this simple statement found in the Bible: “Of course, every house is constructed by someone.” (Hebrews 3:4) The Bible tells us who this “Supreme Creative Intelligence” is that constructed our home, the earth. It tells us that he is the Maker of heaven and earth, Jehovah God.",Hebrews 3:4;,yy chap. 2 pp. 16-17 pars. 24-25,,,bl,,1/12/2019
"Kingdom, exert, sickness, sin, death, ",A man goes to the Doctor but the doctor can’t help...one thing that would cure but would be too hard.  He would have to change everything he was doing.  Do everything just right and give up things he was already doing because they don't work.,It takes concentration and hard work to get into God's Kingdom but it can be done.,Isaiah 33:24;,Ben Larkin,,,bl,,1/13/2019
"Moving into Womanhood, Growth, Maturity, Girls, ","SPRINGTIME eventually passes into summer. Flowering trees in time become fruit-bearing trees. So, also, do young girls naturally become young women. As when a bud has opened up, revealing what the flower is like, so, too, when this transitional period of adolescence is over, the woman you are going to become is more clearly evident. In this development there is much you can do to contribute toward happy results.","During your adolescent years, you grow taller, adding perhaps five or six inches (12 to 15 centimeters) to your height. You also become heavier. As a rule, there will be a couple of years when you experience a “growth spurt,” a time when your rate of growth in height and weight speeds up remarkably. You may see other girls of your same age suddenly outgrowing you, or you may find yourself swiftly outgrowing them. Either way, there is no need to become concerned about this. Each individual’s time for this rapid growth period comes at its own point. Girls generally enter this “growth spurt” a year or two earlier than boys. There is, in fact, a time when girls may tend to be taller than boys of the same age. But the boys catch up and, since their growth continues longer than that of girls, generally the boys finish up taller and stronger.","Genesis 31:34, 35;",yy chap. 4 pp. 25-26 pars. 1-2,,,bl,,1/13/2019
"“I Will Walk in Your Truth” buy, sell, fine pearls, high value, walking, treasure, ","Jesus told about a traveling merchant who searched for fine pearls and found one. In fact, that pearl was of such high value that he “promptly sold” everything he had to buy it. (Matt. 13:45, 46) ","Similarly, the truth we found—the truth of God’s Kingdom and all the other precious truths we learned from God’s Word—is of such high value to us that we willingly and promptly made the sacrifices needed to obtain it. As long as we value the truth, we will “never sell it.” Sadly, though, some of God’s people have lost sight of the value of the truth they obtained—and have even sold it. May that never happen to us! To show that we deeply treasure the truth and that we would never sell it, we must heed the Bible’s admonition to “go on walking in the truth.” (Read 3 John 2-4.) To walk in the truth involves living it—giving it priority in our lives and conducting ourselves in harmony with it. Let us consider these questions: Why and how might some “sell” the truth? How can we avoid making that sad mistake? How can we strengthen our determination to “go on walking in the truth”?","Matt. 13:45, 46",w18 November p. 9 par. 3,,,bl,,1/14/2019
"“I Will Walk in Your Truth” belt, soldier's belt, support, protection, tightly, guard, reasoning, decisions, ","In Bible times, the belt of a soldier supported and protected his waist and his internal organs. For his belt to provide protection, however, it had to be tight. A loose belt gave little support. How does our spiritual belt of truth protect us? If we keep it wrapped tightly around us like a belt, the truth will guard us from faulty reasoning and will help us to make sound decisions. ","Be firmly resolved to live in harmony with the truth day by day. When we are tempted or under trial, Bible truth will strengthen our resolve to do what is right. Just as a soldier would never have thought of going into battle without his belt, we must be determined never to loosen or remove our belt of truth. Rather, we do all we can to keep it tight around our body by living in harmony with the truth. Another function of the soldier’s belt was that it furnished a convenient place to suspend his sword. ",Eph. 6:14,w18 November p. 12 par. 15,,,bl,,1/14/2019
"“I Will Walk in Your Truth”, gift, precious, most prized possession, intimate relationship, eternity, ","The truth is a precious gift from Jehovah. By means of this gift, we have our most prized possession, our intimate relationship with our heavenly Father. ","What he has taught us until now is only the beginning! God has promised us an eternity to add to the truth we have already bought. Therefore, cherish the truth like a fine pearl. Continue to “buy truth and never sell it.” Then, like David, you will carry out this promise to Jehovah: “I will walk in your truth.”—Ps. 86:11.",Ps. 86:11,w18 November p. 12 par. 17,,,bl,,1/14/2019
"Masturbation and Homosexuality, self abuse, harmless, mental, ","In today’s world masturbation is a very common thing.  Does this makes it a natural, normal function of the body? Lying and stealing are also common today. Yet you wouldn’t say this makes them natural and proper, would you? The “common” cold is quite universal, but this certainly doesn’t mean that you want it, does it? Then what about the claim that masturbation is harmless?","From a physical standpoint, the majority of doctors say that occasional masturbation is harmless. Like most psychiatrists, they say that damage comes only if the practicer has feelings of guilt that cause mental and emotional disturbance, these, in turn, producing physical upset. But doctors and psychiatrists are imperfect humans, subject to error, and their views change. There is, though, a source of counsel that young people can turn to that is stable and free from error or misjudgment. That is God’s Word. And if we want, not just longer life, but everlasting life in God’s favor, we should seek his wisdom and counsel. He can do for us and for our happiness what men could never do.",Eph. 4:19;,yy chap. 5 pp. 35-36 pars. 2-4,,,bl,,1/14/2019
"Caring for Yourself Physically, body, one unit, suffer, ","What kind of housekeeper are you when it comes to caring for yourself physically? Do you appreciate the body you have? You should, for the human body is truly a masterpiece among all earth’s creations. Your body is more complex than any computer or mechanical device ever invented. Yet it is smooth-working, wonderfully efficient and extremely flexible. It is staggering to think how all the bones, muscles, blood vessels, the network of nerve systems, plus all the other organs and parts of the human organism, function together harmoniously as one unit. As the apostle Paul wrote, though having many members, “the body is one.” We do well to remember that and to realize also the truth of his statement that, “if one member suffers, all the other members suffer with it.” Yes, despite its billions of cells, the body is a unit. If you want to get the best out of your youth and your whole life, you cannot afford to neglect any part of your body.—1 Corinthians 12:12, 14-26  ","THE wise man Solomon likened the human body to a house with windows and doors. Centuries later, the Christian apostle Paul called it “this dwelling house.” (Ecclesiastes 12:3-7; 2 Corinthians 5:1, 2) Like a house, your body needs proper care if you are to get full benefit from it. There is a better, higher reason for wanting to give your body the best care you can. That is so you can use it to bring honor to your Creator, as well as to your parents, and to bring good to your neighbor. A house poorly cared for brings no credit to the architect or the builder. A house that is run-down, unclean or that gives off offensive odors adversely affects all the surrounding neighborhood. The same is true with us if we fail to care properly for ourselves physically.","Ecclesiastes 12:3-7; 2 Corinthians 5:1, 2",yy chap. 6 pp. 44-45 pars. 1-3,,,bl,,1/15/2019
"Caring for Yourself Physically, body, reap, ","The Bible principle that ‘we reap what we sow’ is true in our care of the body. (Galatians 6:7) The “harvest” can be good or bad, depending on us. And a person does not have to wait until he or she is aged to begin reaping. It starts much, much sooner, sometimes very early in life.","It is not just a matter of trying to avoid “getting sick.” You should want to enjoy that feeling of well-being that contributes to happiness, to good work, to clear thinking, and that helps to make you an agreeable person to be around. What, then, are some of the things that merit regular attention?",Galatians 6:7;,yy chap. 6 p. 45 pars. 4-5,,,bl,,1/15/2019
"Caring for Yourself Physically, Cleanliness, dirty, unkempt, stink, disease, germs, healthy, cure, clean bodies, body,","Just as we get far more enjoyment out of living in a clean house, so, too, we get more enjoyment out of life if we keep our bodies clean. Regular bathing is refreshing and healthful. Your body comes in constant contact with microscopic germs, in the air and in the things you handle. Some of these can bring disease. Soap acts as a germicide to kill these, while water serves to wash them away. Your hands especially need frequent attention, for they handle your food and with them you may touch other persons or handle things they use.","You not only feel better when you keep yourself clean; you also make life more pleasant for those who see you or come near you. If you see a house that is dirty and unkempt, what opinion do you form of the people living in it? So, too, people tend to judge you by your appearance. Dirt on your face, in your ears, on your neck, in your hair, on your hands or under your fingernails can hinder you in gaining others’ friendship and esteem. Also, you will have more self-respect if you keep yourself clean.",2 Corinthians 7:1;,yy chap. 6 p. 47 pars. 9-10 ,,,bl,,1/15/2019
"Your Clothes and Appearance Talk—About You, dress, grooming, colors, shades, beauty, cleanliness, ","HAVE you ever admired the pleasing varieties of color in a field of spring flowers or marveled at the beautiful shades to be found among tropical fish? Seeing these things convinces us that our Creator appreciates variety and beauty. He does not want everything to look dull, gray or monotonous. And how interesting it is to see the great variety of styles among people around the world! But have you stopped to think how much the way you look on the outside tells about what you’re like on the inside?","When you were very small your clothing probably didn’t tell much about the kind of person you were. Your parents picked out your clothes for you and combed your hair. But as you grew older they allowed you to have more say about selecting your clothing, how you arranged your hair and such things. Now your own choice came into play. More and more your appearance came to reflect what you’re like inside, your own personality. What do your clothes and appearance tell about you?",Romans 15:2;,yy chap. 7 pp. 50-51 pars. 1-2,,,bl,,1/15/2019
"Your Clothes and Appearance Talk—About You, dress, grooming, prostitute, association, identity, revolt, ","Manner of dress distinguishes not only policemen, firemen or nurses; it also distinguishes people whose occupation is dishonorable. Today prostitutes seldom wear shawls or veils as they did in Canaan some three thousand five hundred years ago. However, their very revealing, suggestive clothing now points even more plainly to the profession they practice. Among men, those who favor revolt or radical political action have also worn distinctive styles, and so do some homosexuals. ",Do we want to be linked up with any of these? And if we dress like them and have problems as a result—as when trying to get employment or to qualify for certain privileges in a Christian congregation—should we be surprised?,Genesis 38:13-15;,yy chap. 7 p. 54 par. 11,,,bl,,1/15/2019
"Your Clothes and Appearance Talk—About You, Dress, grooming, Cosmetics, perfume, fresh smell of youth, ","If the house you live in were painted with a wild or weird combination of colors, people would wonder if the head of the house, or his wife, had any sense. Or, if the house were neglected and became run down in appearance, they would have little respect for the house owner. You represent your parents even more than the house does. You bear their name and, just as what you do and say reflects on the training they give you and the kind of people they are, so does the way you look. More importantly, if you claim to be one of God’s servants you also represent Him. Does your appearance fit your claim?","Think of Jesus’ words: “If you know these things, happy you are if you do them.” (John 13:17) Are you able to discern for yourself the sense of what the Bible counsels? You can show that you have real insight and strength of personality by putting the Bible’s counsel to work in your life. Then you will have the happiness of knowing that you are pleasing in the sight of God, his Son, and all who love and serve him.",John 13:17;,yy chap. 7 pp. 57-58 pars. 21-22,,,bl,,1/15/2019
"What Kind of Friends Do You Want? friendship, two-way street, buying friendship, selfish, unselfish, ",There is a lot of truth in the saying that ‘the only way to have a friend is to be one.’ Sometimes persons feel it keenly when they are ‘left out’ of things by other young persons whom they may admire. Or they may have had friends only to lose them. They feel very hurt about this. Possibly they do not realize that friendship is a two-way street.,"So we do well to ask ourselves: What am I doing to be friendly to others? How much sincere and unselfish interest do I take in others, and what do I do to contribute to their happiness and their good? What qualities am I cultivating that would make others feel that they would really like to have me as a friend? The kind of friends you get depends largely on the way you go about trying to find them. Some seek to win friends by spending money on them, or by inviting them to share in the enjoyment of material possessions, such as a stereo set and records or sports equipment. True, this may draw some to you. The Proverbs say, “Many are the friends of the rich person,” and that “everybody is a companion to the man making gifts.” Yes, many people act friendly when a person spends his money freely. But when the money runs out so do the “friends.”—Proverbs 14:20; 19:6.",Proverbs 14:20; 19:6,yy chap. 8 pp. 61-62 pars. 9-11,,,bl,,1/15/2019
What Kind of Friends Do You Want? ,True friends are like diamonds—precious but rare. ,"In sad contrast, false friends are like common stones—found everywhere.","1 Corinthians 15:32, 33;",yy chap. 8 pp. 63-64 pars. 16-17,,,bl,,1/15/2019
"What Kind of Friends Do You Want? associations, bad habits, mud puddle, ","If you saw a child in a mud puddle, would you take some soap out into the puddle and try to clean the child with it? You would only get yourself dirty as a result. You would first have to try to encourage the child to come out of the mud puddle before you could hope to do anything about cleaning him up at close range.","Actually, to accept a person with bad habits as a close associate will often have a bad effect on that person (as well as on yourself). Why? Because it may encourage him to keep on in the same way, feeling that he can always rely on your backing him up. Wouldn’t it be of far greater help to limit your association to times when you can really aid the person by pointing out good counsel and by inviting him to accompany you to places where that counsel is explained?","1 Corinthians 15:32, 33;",yy chap. 8 pp. 64-65 pars. 18-19,,,bl,,1/15/2019
"Are You Bored at Home? complaining, mummer, disgruntled, personality, family, ","If a ship is straining through stormy seas, it doesn’t help much for a sailor to sit in the corner complaining. It’s a case of “all hands on deck” and of everyone’s lending a hand to keep the ship going through the rough seas to the desired haven.","Every family has a personality. This isn’t formed by any one person, but each one contributes something to the family’s composite personality. What is your family like? Is your home a warm, cheerful place? Do you enjoy one another, have interesting conversations at mealtimes, find pleasure in doing things together and for one another? Or do you each go your separate way, with little or no interest in one another? Which way would you prefer it to be? Before complaining, why not first ask: “What do I myself contribute to the family personality and spirit? How much effort do I put forth to bring improvement?”",Ephesians 3:15;,yy chap. 9 pp. 68-69 pars. 5-6,,,bl,,1/15/2019
"Are You Bored at Home? learning, school, endure, strength, design, hidden stitches, ","To illustrate: If you’re a young man, have you ever built a model airplane? First, you had to put the many pieces of the frame together and then cover that frame. The frame might not even show in the final product. But without the strength and design it gave, the airplane would be useless. Or, if you’re a young woman, have you ever made a dress? The seams you sewed may not have showed when the dress was done. But without those hidden stitches, there would have been no dress.","Really, the very jobs you find boring could build in you the very qualities and habits that will play the largest part in your future success in life. Likewise with so much that you learn at school or learn by what you do at home. It’s part of an overall pattern that can help to lay the foundation for future success. By doing simple and often unexciting jobs or chores, even repeatedly, you can learn endurance and determination, and gain inner strength.",Gal 6:9;,yy chap. 9 pp. 69-70 pars. 8-9,,,bl,,1/15/2019
"Are You Bored at Home? trouble, family, peaceful course, cooperation, ",Trouble at sea calls for full cooperation. ,Do you help to steer a peaceful course when there are troubles at home?,Galatians 6:9;,*** yy chap. 9 p. 68,,,bl,,1/15/2019
"Isaac Newton, law of motion, Work, employment, ","According to this law, a body at rest tends to stay at rest, and a body in motion tends to stay in motion, unless acted on by a net external force.",We can apply that to work.  People who are busy are usually the ones that find work.,2 Thessalonians 3:10;,Sonny Ikerd quoting Johnse Laymon,,,bl,,1/16/2019
"How Do You View Your Parents? order, confusion, anarchy, children, mother, head, subjection, obedience, obey, ","For example, a sailor doesn’t dictate to the captain how to run the ship, nor does a ball player tell the manager how to handle the ball club. It is true that a good captain and a good manager welcome and, in fact, encourage suggestions from those under their direction. However, if they allowed others to order them around and dictate what should be done, their authority would soon be undermined, and confusion and disorder would result. Don’t you agree?","So, too, there has to be order in the family circle. And there God has assigned the father as the head, with the mother cooperating closely. Both parents have been appointed as supervisors of their children. So when your parents place certain requirements on you, such as the time you must be indoors at night, with whom you can associate, the way you groom yourself, and so forth, and you obey them, then you are respecting God’s arrangement. When you disobey your parents, you are disrespecting the arrangement of God. That means clashing with God, the Creator of both you and your parents! And you know who will be the loser there. So, how you respond to the direction of your parents reflects how you feel about the One who is higher than they are and to whom they are under obligation to submit, Jehovah God. ",Colossians 3:20; Proverbs 30:17;,yy chap. 10 pp. 76-77 pars. 9-12,,,bl,,1/17/2019
"Reading, Why Study in School? Knowledge, skills, enjoyment, Bible, letters, labels, magazines, newspapers, ","There is a key to unlocking many kinds of knowledge, skills and enjoyment.  The ability to read--and to read WELL. In your waking hours you daily face things to read: signs, labels, books, magazines, newspapers, forms, also letters. All of this can be an unpleasant chore for those who read poorly. However, if you learn to read well, you will find your life greatly enriched in a pleasurable way.","Especially if you are a Christian will you want to learn to read well, so you can learn what is in God’s Word, the Bible. You will also find skillful reading to be of great value when talking to others about God’s purposes. Yes, good reading and good talking are closely linked.True, the ability to read with ease and fluency doesn’t come without real effort. But for the effort you put forth now you will be repaid many times. It will aid you to get the best out of life.",1 Timothy 4:13;,yy chap. 11 pp. 82-83 pars. 7-11,,,bl,,1/17/2019
"Why Study in School? discipline, mind, mental effort, exercise, brain, productive, ","Study is something like a muscle in your body—the more you exercise it the better it will serve you. You will find that mental effort gradually becomes easier and more productive. But, as with a muscle, the mind will get “flabby” if you don’t bother to use it much. Who would want his mind to be like that? If, like a skilled athlete, you get used to disciplining yourself now, it will help you to acquire the discipline needed to face adult obligations. It will also help you to develop the ability to concentrate. That is something so many people wish they had learned to develop when they were young.","Is there anything else of particular value that comes from applying yourself to your studies in school? Yes, you can learn self-discipline. This may not appeal to you now. But, as you know, you can’t always do just the things you prefer to do in life. That will be even more true when the time comes for you to take on greater responsibilities in making your own living, or in caring for your own family. Some school subjects may not seem to be of much practical value, but they help to broaden your outlook and can be useful in other ways. Studying history, geography and languages enables you to learn about other peoples and places. Mathematics, which is considered a difficult subject by many, is very useful in many trades and occupations. It is even valuable to a homemaker who needs to figure out recipes and to keep budgets.Study exercises your mind and improves your ability to use it.",Deuteronomy 31:12;,yy chap. 11 pp. 83-84 pars. 12-14,,,bl,,1/17/2019
"Do You Finish What You Start? Accomplishment, quit, pleasure, satisfaction, happiness, joy, ","MUCH of human happiness comes through accomplishment. For instance, if you decide to learn to play a guitar and you keep at it until you can, then you get enjoyment from it. But if you quit soon after starting, you never get that pleasure and satisfaction.","The same is true of any undertaking that requires practice and training, covering a period of time. However, in this matter of sticking with a project until it is finished, there are certain tendencies we all have to outgrow or overcome.",Proverbs 21:5;,yy chap. 12 p. 86 pars. 1-2,,,bl,,2/12/2019
"Do You Finish What You Start? concentrate, impatience, patience, now, hasty, impulse, ","As you know, little children have a very short attention span. Even in play it isn’t long before they are easily distracted or lose interest. But as a person grows, powers of concentration develop. You may have noted that in yourself. To a large degree you have to cultivate this quality, but it’s surely worth it because it helps you to get so much more out of life.","To concentrate means that you have to overcome another common trait. That is impatience. Think back to when you were a small child. As you remember, little children always want things NOW! Often when they try to do something and do not succeed after a few attempts, they are ready to quit. Well, you probably know many teen-agers who are still like that. But if you appreciate that some of the most worthwhile things in life take time and effort, it will help you not to give up easily. An impatient person usually undertakes things hastily, on impulse. A wise proverb tells us: “The plans of the diligent one surely make for advantage, but everyone that is hasty surely heads for want.” (Proverbs 21:5) So, before you embark on some project or accept some assignment or job, first of all make sure it is something genuinely worth while.",Proverbs 21:5;,yy chap. 12 pp. 86-87 pars. 3-5,,,bl,,1/17/2019
"Do You Finish What You Start? cost, quiter, weigh advantages against disadvantages, opinions, striving after wind, ","In some cases the wise thing to do is not to finish what you start. How so? Because perhaps it was a bad idea from the beginning. The goal may be a wrong one, one that is out of harmony with right principles. Or, it may not be a good one for you. Is it worth the time and effort that it will take to reach it? Do you have good reason to believe you can reach it? Jesus told of the man who sets out to build a tower without first figuring out the cost and whether he can meet it or not. As Jesus said, the man may lay the foundation and then find that he can go no farther, causing observers to laugh and say: “This man started to build but was not able to finish.” (Luke 14:28-30)","So, if you want to finish what you start, count the cost beforehand. Weigh advantages against disadvantages. Ask others their opinion, especially your parents. Benefit from their experience; they have made mistakes and can steer you away from these. The Bible is an outstanding source of wise and practical counsel. It is from God and it sets forth lessons learned by people over a span of thousands of years. For example, King Solomon did about all a man can do in the way of seeking pleasure in purely material things. He tells us the result: It was just a “striving after wind.” So why take up a similar worthless pursuit?—Ecclesiastes 2:3-11.",Luke 14:28-30;Ecclesiastes 2:3-11;,yy chap. 12 pp. 87-88 pars. 6-8,,,bl,,1/17/2019
"Do You Finish What You Start? quitter, negative, pessimistic thoughts, strength, towel, ","You've heard the expression, ""Throw in the towel,"" meaning to quit.  ","Such a situation reveals what you are really made of. If you let hardships fill you with negative and pessimistic thoughts, this will rob you of the strength to go on. It is just as the Bible proverb says: “Have you shown yourself discouraged in the day of distress? Your power will be scanty.” (Proverbs 24:10) So, instead, look on the situation as a challenge. Rise to meet it with extra effort—extra thought, energy and time. Challenges can make life interesting if you do not run away from them. By overcoming, you grow in confidence and resourcefulness. You can then undertake future tasks with greater assurance and enjoyment.",Proverbs 24:10;,yy chap. 12 pp. 88-89 pars. 10-12,,,bl,,1/17/2019
"Do You Finish What You Start? Noah, Ark, quitter, quitter, accomplishment, ","Consider Noah, for example. The ark that he and his sons built was a three-story chestlike structure over four hundred feet (122 meters) long. It was no “weekend project.” But because he saw the job through to its finish, Noah and his family survived the deluge and we, his descendants, are alive today.","If you are seeking to do something because it is right or out of a desire to please God, then he will help you to see it through.",Hebrews 11:7;,yy chap. 12 pp. 89-90 par. 13,,,bl,,1/17/2019
"Do You Finish What You Start? quitter, beatings, stoning, imprisonments, labor, cold, perseverance","Consider the apostle Paul.  He was willing to undergo beatings, stoning, imprisonment, hard labor, sleepless nights, thirst, hunger, cold and lack of clothing, dangers from enemies of the truth and from common criminals, also from wild beasts and the forces of nature as he traveled over land and sea. ","Because he was not a quitter, he could truthfully say he had ‘fought the fine fight, run the course to the finish, observed the faith.’ On what basis? Not because of self-confidence, but as Paul himself said: “For all things I have the strength by virtue of him who imparts power to me.” And as he also wrote: “We are coming off completely victorious through him that loved us.” (2 Timothy 4:6-8; Philippians 4:13; Romans 8:35-39) Wouldn’t you say he was a person worth imitating? He was a real example of one who did not give up when matters got difficult. To him, his particular assignment of service was worth enduring all manner of hardship for in order to retain it to its finish.",2 Timothy 4:6-8; Philippians 4:13; Romans 8:35-39;,yy chap. 12 p. 90 par. 14,,,bl,,1/17/2019
"How Do You View Discipline? Mistakes, apologize, perfect, faultless, sin, inheritance, ","YOU probably know someone—maybe a fellow student or even a teacher—who never admits to making a mistake or being wrong. How do you feel about someone like that? Would your opinion of him go up or down if one day he came right out and said, “I’m sorry; I see I was wrong”?","Really, we all make mistakes, don’t we? None of us are perfect or faultless. The Bible tells us that. It shows that, due to our first parent Adam’s disobedience, all men are born with an inheritance of imperfection, sin. The Bible explains that “through one man [Adam] sin entered into the world and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men because they had all sinned.”—Romans 5:12.",Romans 5:12;,yy chap. 13 p. 92 pars. 1-2,,,bl,,1/17/2019
"How Do You View Discipline? Molding, shaping, personality, don't know, don't care, mistakes, make excuses, ","A passenger in an airplane might pay no attention when the stewardess explains the use of life jackets or of the plane’s oxygen supply. If, as a result, the passenger failed to make use of these provisions in an emergency and lost his life, it would not be simply because he didn’t know. Rather, he didn’t care to know.","Not all wrongs can be chalked up to simple error. Willful ignorance is often the cause. Worse, a person may do what he knows is wrong—excusing himself for one reason or another. All of this shows the need for discipline, which involves correction. We all need correction, whether we are young or old. In fact, if there were no discipline or correction there could be no progress in any field of human living. People would keep on making the same mistakes, believing the same wrong ideas, never advancing in knowledge or ability.",Romans 5:12;,yy chap. 13 pp. 92-93 pars. 3-6,,,bl,,1/17/2019
"Humility, How Do You View Discipline? reproof, counsel, ","Discipline is like being stung by a hornet.  Humility takes most of the sting out of discipline. However, many persons let pride and stubbornness cause them to resist discipline. But when the correction or reproof is well founded, the person who stubbornly rejects it simply makes himself look foolish in the eyes of others.","But if discipline is so beneficial, why do most persons find it so hard to take? It’s really for the same reason that causes us to need discipline in the first place, namely, our imperfection. Discipline can easily make us feel embarrassed or it may hurt our pride. Note, however, the other side of the picture as explained by the apostle Paul: “True, no discipline seems for the present to be joyous, but grievous; yet afterward to those who have been trained by it it yields peaceable fruit, namely, righteousness.”—Hebrews 12:11.God’s Word says: “Wisdom and discipline are what mere fools have despised.”—Proverbs 1:7. In contrast, we read: “Give a reproof to a wise person and he will love you.” Why? Because he knows that through correction “he will become still wiser.”—Proverbs 9:8, 9.","Proverbs 9:8, 9;",yy chap. 13 pp. 93-94 pars. 7-9,,,bl,,1/17/2019
"How Do You View Discipline? mistakes, errors, sin, counsel, reproof, correction, ","Persons who offer you discipline are not trying to “hobble” you so that you are cramped in walking life’s highway. Rather, they probably are trying to help you to make progress. Wise discipline protects against harmful accidents, keeps you free from things that will tie you up with problems, making your way difficult.","If you accept correction, the Bible promises: “When you walk, your pace will not be cramped; and if you run, you will not stumble. Take hold on discipline; do not let go. Safeguard it, for it itself is your life.”—Proverbs 4:10-13. Of course, you don’t need to wait for others to correct you. You can practice self-discipline. By being alert, you can recognize many of your own mistakes and take steps to correct them.",Proverbs 4:10-13,yy chap. 13 p. 96 pars. 15-16,,,bl,,1/17/2019
"Should You Drink Alcoholic Beverages, drinking, drunkard, addiction, ","Fire, steam, electricity and various tools can be very helpful to men and women in their work, but, used carelessly, they can also be very harmful. The drinking of alcoholic beverages, too, can have serious effects if caution is not exercised. Rightfully, the Bible lists wine as among God’s provisions and blessings for the enjoyment of humans. A Bible psalm says: “He is making green grass sprout for the beasts, and vegetation for the service of mankind, . . . and wine that makes the heart of mortal man rejoice.” (Psalm 104:14, 15) The Bible also shows that God’s people sometimes used other alcoholic beverages, including beer and liquor.","Does this mean there is no need for caution on your part as to drinking alcoholic beverages? By no means. For God’s Word shows the ‘other side of the coin’ as well. There are many things in life that are not wrong in themselves but that can bring serious consequences if misused or used too soon. God gave humans procreative powers, but these are to be used only in honorable marriage and their use can bring the heavy responsibility of caring for a family. ","1 Timothy 5:23; Psalm 104:14, 15;",yy chap. 14 pp. 98-99 pars. 5-7,,,bl,,1/17/2019
"Should You Drink Alcoholic Beverages? childish, mature, discomfort, drunk, woe, control, no digestion, ","Have you ever seen someone act and speak like a child?  It may seem like fun to see someone lose control and act, not like a grown man or woman, but like a small child who cannot walk, talk or see clearly and who does and says foolish things? One authority, Dr. Giorgio Lolli, said: “The alcoholic is retreating from the adult world into infancy, physically and psychologically. His mental perceptions and bodily sensations become indistinguishable. Like the infant, he becomes helpless and requires a baby’s care.” Note: Unlike other substances, it needs no digestion. It begins to be absorbed into your bloodstream as soon as it enters the stomach, though most absorption takes place in the small intestine. It is quickly carried to your brain, your liver and other parts of the body. Since alcohol contains calories, your body set about metabolizing it, that is, transforming the alcohol into a chemical form that your body can, in effect, burn up as fuel. Most of this work is done by the liver.","Note this very accurate picture of the dangers and the discomfort that come with overindulgence in alcoholic beverages. It is found in the Bible at Proverbs 23:29-35: “Who has woe? Who has uneasiness? Who has contentions? Who has concern? Who has wounds for no reason? Who has dullness of eyes? Those staying a long time with the wine, those coming in to search out mixed wine. . . . Your own eyes will see strange things, and your own heart will speak perverse things. And you will certainly become like one lying down in the heart of the sea [experiencing confusion and helplessness like that of a drowning person], even like one lying down at the top of a mast [where the rocking back and forth of a ship is most keenly felt]. ‘They have struck me, but I did not become sick; they have smitten me, but I did not know it [for a drunken person is insensible to what is going on and often is not aware of his wounds until he has become sober].’” That doesn’t sound very pleasant, does it? But that is what happens when someone gets drunk.",Proverbs 23:29-35;,yy chap. 14 p. 102 pars. 15-16,,,bl,,1/17/2019
"Drugs—Key to Real Living? poison, death-dealing, illegal, risk, ","Drugs are, in effect, a two-edged sword, capable, in some instances, of healing, but, in others, of hurting or even killing. Drugs, a book coauthored by a professor of pharmacology, explains: “All drugs are poisons, and all poisons are drugs. It is no accident that the words ‘poison’ and ‘potion’ come from the same root, or that the Greek word pharmakon, which we find rooted in our words ‘pharmacy’ and ‘pharmacology,’ originally meant both a healing draught and a deadly one.”(See article for names and affects of many drugs.)","You probably are aware that many drugs are available only on a doctor’s prescription, and that some are even illegal in many countries. Ask yourself: Why? It is for the protection of all of us. Yes, drugs can be dangerous, even death-dealing.  So, even when you are sick, taking a drug is a calculated risk. But because you value your life you may accept the risk and take a drug to relieve pain or to improve a poor condition of health. But would it be right for you to swallow, inject, smoke or sniff a drug in order to produce a so-called “high,” to make you forget reality and go off into some dream world? Is this use of your marvelous, God-given body in harmony with what our Creator purposed?",2 Corinthians 7:1;,yy chap. 15 pp. 110-111 pars. 13-15,,,bl,,1/17/2019
"Drugs—Key to Real Living? tobacco, misuse, poison, smoking, ","Think about this. If you were able to give somebody an exquisite gift, say a brand-new automobile, how would you feel if he deliberately misused it? Say that he tried to operate it without ever putting oil into it or changing the oil, and he used it to deliver manure? You would probably be angry or disgusted with him for such stupid misuse of your gift, wouldn’t you? ","How do you think, then, Jehovah God feels if we misuse our wonderful body, needlessly filling it with some poison in the quest of “kicks” or “thrills”? His Word lets us know by encouraging us: “Let us cleanse ourselves of every defilement of flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in God’s fear.” (2 Corinthians 7:1) So, we cannot be living in harmony with God’s will if, in a quest for “kicks” or “thrills,” we take into our bodies a drug that defiles them.",2 Corinthians 7:1,yy chap. 15 p. 111 par. 16,,,bl,,1/17/2019
"Sports and Entertainment, associations, movies, homosexuals, murders, lesbians, fornicators, criminals, ","You wouldn’t think of choosing to eat a meal of filthy garbage, would you? What, then, if you are continually exposed to mental garbage? It is bound to become part of your thinking. When watching a motion picture, you are, in effect, associating with the kinds of persons being portrayed on the screen. And movies are deliberately designed to involve you emotionally with the characters, often arousing sympathy for the wrongdoer—the fornicator, the homosexual, even the murderer. Do you want to get deeply involved in such a way with homosexuals, lesbians, fornicators, adulterers and criminals?","Still, as you watch some act of sexual immorality or violence on the screen, you may think: “Why, I’d never do a thing like that!” True, right now it might repel you if someone were to suggest that you steal from your neighbor, lie to your friends or commit fornication. But what if you were to keep company with thieves, fornicators and homosexuals long enough, listening to their distorted thinking? In time, you might well become sympathetic toward them. What at first seemed repulsive might not seem that way in time. And consider this: How did the majority of homosexuals get to be that way? By spending time thinking about it and by associating with others who were that way.",1 Corinthians 15:33;,yy chap. 16 pp. 120-121 pars. 11-12,,,bl,,1/17/2019
"Sports and Entertainment, association, refreshed, relaxed, sick, ","If someone offered you something to eat and it looked good and tasted nice but after eating it you felt sick, would you go back for ‘seconds’? ","Be selective, then, as to how you spend your free time in recreation and entertainment. Don’t just “kill time” by settling for any kind of entertainment that happens to be on hand, but put some life into that free time by doing something that will bring real enjoyment and refreshment, something that you can look back on and remember with pleasure. After all, what good is recreation or entertainment if, after it’s finished, you don’t feel refreshed or if it leaves you feeling disturbed or upset—as the saying goes, with a ‘bad taste in your mouth’?",1 Corinthians 15:33;,yy chap. 16 p. 122 pars. 15-16,,,bl,,1/17/2019
"The Music and Dancing You Choose, Entertainment, celebrations, selective, associations, ","MAN’S Creator built music into human surroundings. Not just the clear, flowing tones that spring from the throats of birds, but the gurgle of brooks, the whisper of the wind in the trees, the chirp of crickets, the croak of frogs and the calls of many others of earth’s creatures—all of these have a musical sound to them. Not surprisingly, then, the development of musical instruments dates all the way back to the dawn of human history. Dancing, too, has an ancient history. In Israel, Moses’ sister Miriam led the women “with tambourines and in dances.” ","Also, after God helped King David defeat depraved enemies “the women began coming out from all the cities of Israel with song and dances.” It is evident, too, that Jesus Christ approved of dancing, since he mentioned it as a part of a proper celebration in his illustration about the prodigal son. Jesus spoke of “a music concert and dancing” being arranged when the prodigal returned. The Bible shows that some dancing was by individuals or by groups of men, or of women.—Exodus 15:20; 1 Samuel 18:6; Luke 15:25. Does that mean that all music and dancing are necessarily good? Or do you need to be selective in the music you listen to and the dances in which you might engage? What can help us to determine? How much does it really matter?",Exodus 15:20; 1 Samuel 18:6; Luke 15:25.,yy chap. 17 pp. 124-125 pars. 1-3,,,bl,,1/17/2019
"Music and Dancing You Choose, catalysts, chemicals, right, wrong, trigger, ","If you studied chemistry in school you learned about “catalysts.” You learned that the combining of two or more chemicals can often be achieved only by using some other ingredient that, in effect, brings the chemicals together. That ingredient is a “catalyst.” Now, we all have certain weaknesses and wrong inclinations, and so we feel tempted at times to do certain things that are wrong. ","One researcher for a government commission studying pornography said: “Music, by playing on girls’ emotions to arouse love and affection, frequently serves as a catalyst for love and thereby a stimulus for sexual arousal in the adolescent female. . . . The music surfaces this feeling.” Yes, the impulse that music supplies, though temporary, may be all that is needed to trigger you into a course or way of life that is itself long lasting or that produces results that are. So, is it not worth your while to use discernment where music is involved?",Proverbs 4:23;,yy chap. 17 pp. 128-129 pars. 14-16,,,bl,,1/17/2019
"Dating and Courtship, sexual passion, chain of events, pregnancy, venereal disease, vexation, marriage, ","Where sexual passion is involved it is all part of a chain of events designed to lead to a specific outcome. The first link is the first touch. The last link is sexual relations, which God’s Word shows is reserved for marriage mates. Everything in between can lead up to that last link of the chain. So, then, if you are not married, is it wise to start with the first link, or any of the others? To do so is likely to bring “vexation.” Why? Because your body is going to get itself ready for something it should not receive now, that last link. Stimulating the desire for sexual relations but not fulfilling this desire may lead to frustration and nervous tension.","Fornication will not end the “vexation.” Rather, it can lead to “calamity.” How? In a number of ways. It can result in venereal disease. The girl could become pregnant, and this could pressure a couple into a marriage they really are not prepared for, adversely affecting their future happiness. Or the young man may refuse to marry the young woman, and she is then obliged to bring up the child herself with no husband. Or she may be tempted to undergo an abortion, which the Bible shows to be a form of murder. Is this not “calamity”? You may be determined that dating will not have these consequences for you. But many who were just as determined as you are have wound up facing these troubles. Really, then, the question comes back to whether you are ready for marriage or not.","Ecclesiastes 11:9, 10;",yy chap. 19 pp. 145-146 pars. 10-11,,,bl,,1/17/2019
"Dating and Courtship, passion, respect, mind, heart, tension, frustration, ","Would you drive a car down a steep winding road if you knew its brakes were in poor shape? The time to make up your mind and settle your heart on these matters is before you begin, not after. Once the physical desires begin to stir, it is generally very difficult to stop their buildup. Those who let passion build up in them to the point of desiring sexual relations—when they are not entitled to these through marriage—subject themselves to tension and frustration. It is like reading an exciting book—only to find that the last chapter has been torn out.","We ought to be honest with ourselves. If we know we do not have strong self-control in these things, then we should not jeopardize our future or that of the other person by taking chances. Those who keep their relationship in courtship on a high level will get off to a far better start in marriage than those giving in to intimacy that steadily increases in frequency and intensity. How much respect can a girl feel for someone that she has to ‘keep fighting off’? But a young man who shows respectful restraint and strength of willpower earns respect. The same is true of a girl. And she particularly needs to realize that, whereas her feelings may require time to be stirred, this is seldom true of a male. He can easily and quickly become sexually aroused.",Song of Solomon 4:9;,yy chap. 19 p. 154 pars. 27-28,,,bl,,1/17/2019
"How Do You View Material Possessions? buy truth, earth, paradise, everlasting life, ","CAN you imagine a house literally full of thousands of fine gifts of all kinds and varieties? Would you like to live there and receive many of these gifts from your father as head of that home? Actually, you already live in such a home—this planet Earth—and Jehovah God has filled it with an amazing variety of good things.","But, strangely enough, our getting full enjoyment from these material provisions—in fact, our getting full enjoyment from life itself—depends very much on our not making them the big thing in our lives. How can that be? It is because there are other things that are so much more valuable than material possessions.",Proverbs 23:23-25;,yy chap. 21 p. 166 pars. 1-2,,,bl,,1/17/2019
"Honesty—Does It Pay? Little lies, lying, truths, gambling, gradually, ","Actually, lying is like wading into quicksand. Often each lie calls for other lies to back it up, and one is soon enmeshed in a vicious cycle. Surely, can’t we see the wisdom of the straightforward Bible counsel: “Do not be lying to one another”?—Colossians 3:9.","Those who lie often begin with half-truths and “little lies,” then gradually go on to worse ones. Lying thus often gets started as does gambling. The person gambling begins betting small amounts, but—usually to cover some losses—he gradually gets drawn into making bigger and bigger bets.",Colossians 3:9;,yy chap. 22 pp. 175-176 pars. 11-12,,,bl,,1/17/2019
"Honesty—Does It Pay? lying, lies, cowardly, courageous, weakness, Devil, Satan, Adam, Eve, ","Why be like a person who spends his life wearing a false face, hiding, ducking and making excuses? Why be like Judas Iscariot, who became a cheat, tried to lead a double life and wound up a failure and a suicide? Why not be man or woman enough to be honest? It is the only way to maintain self-respect and a good conscience.","At first, telling falsehoods with a straight face may seem bold, daring. You may even know of persons who train themselves to look another straight in the eye while lying. Is that not courageous? No, lying is actually cowardly rather than courageous. What takes courage is to tell the truth and face up to whatever consequences that brings. Rather than implying strength, a lie is weak, unable to stand on its own, needing other lies to hold it up, never willing to meet the truth face to face. Jehovah knows that all mankind’s troubles and suffering originally stem from lying—on the part of the “father of the lie,” Satan, God’s principal enemy.—John 8:44.",Col. 3:9;,yy chap. 22 p. 176 par. 13 ,,,bl,,1/17/2019
"What Do You Want out of Life? Future, Everlasting life, eternal, paradise, Youth,","IN YOUTH your life is largely ahead of you. It probably seems to stretch out for a long way, like a road with its end somewhere beyond the horizon. Where will it lead you?","There is no doubt that the road of life will hold some surprises for you, along with some disappointments. But, as we have seen in this book, there is a lot you can do now to make sure that you get the best out of life. The question is, Are you willing to put forth the effort needed?",2 Timothy 3:14-17;,yy chap. 23 p. 180 pars. 1-2,,,bl,,1/17/2019
"What Do You Want out of Life? Prepare, preparing future, forever, everlasting, maturity, growth, leaving home, ","Right now you are something like a young eagle. You may know that eagles often build their nest high up on the edge of a towering cliff. When the young ones start fluttering their wings and are ready to fly, the parent eagles will edge them to the side of the nest and then—out into the air! One observer tells of watching a parent eagle letting the young one drop about ninety feet before swooping underneath and, with outspread wings, letting the young bird alight on its back. Then a soaring flight back up to the nest and the process was repeated until the young eagle had learned to fly.—Bulletin of the Smithsonian Institution, Vol. CLXVII, page 302.","In your case, your parents have built up a home with much effort and planning. But you cannot forever count on them to do things for you or to make big decisions for you. This would be especially true if, on coming of age, you should decide to leave home. Your parents can help to prepare you for taking on responsibility as a grown man or woman, making it easier for you until you are able to be on your own, just as the parent eagle does for its young. But you will have to do your part also.",Proverbs 4:20-26;,yy chap. 23 pp. 181-182 pars. 7-8,,,bl,,1/17/2019
"What Do You Want out of Life? Ransom, Memorial, debt, sin, lies, falsehoods, rumors, apology, ","The Bible helps us to understand how this works by likening sins to “debts.” (Matthew 6:12) For example, if you spread around some false rumor about someone else, wouldn’t you say that you “owed” him an apology? That means you are in “debt” to him because of the wrong you did. ","But the debt we have toward God is so big that we could never pay it ourselves. Christ Jesus’ perfect human life, however, is of such great value that it can cancel out all the debts we incur against God due to inherited sinfulness, and that is why God’s Son gave up his life on our behalf. So the way is open for us to have friendship with God. But we have to show that we appreciate what he has done in sacrificing his own Son and what his Son did in dying for us. We have to show that we have faith in this provision of God. Jesus said: “The Father loves the Son and has given all things into his hand. He that exercises faith in the Son has everlasting life; he that disobeys the Son will not see life, but the wrath of God remains upon him.”—John 3:35, 36.But God’s Son gave his perfect human life so as to provide the means for canceling out all our wrongdoing. ",Matthew 6:12;,yy chap. 23 pp. 184-185 pars. 15-16,,,bl,,1/17/2019
"What Do You Want out of Life? Jesus Christ Ransom, Memorial, appreciation, gratitude, thankful, ","Just suppose you were to save a person’s life—perhaps saving someone from drowning or from dying in a burning house—and as a result of doing this you yourself then died. What if the person who was saved didn’t show any gratitude at all, didn’t even bother to go to your parents and say something in appreciation for your unselfish act? How do you think your own father would feel? You can understand, then, why Jehovah God is rightly grieved and withholds his friendship from those who know about what his Son did for mankind but who show no appreciation for it.","You can show appreciation by the life you live. You can show that you sincerely regret the wrongs you have committed and ask God to ‘cover your debts’ by means of his Son’s sacrifice. You can dedicate yourself to God to serve him for the rest of your life, doing what pleases him. The Bible shows that we can symbolize this dedication by water baptism. Of course, this is not something to be done hastily. You can’t say to God that you’re going to do something and then change your mind. That’s the way little children are; they aren’t really sure what they want to do. But as you approach manhood or womanhood, you are reaching the point in life where you can decide. So it is something for you to be thinking seriously about.","John 3:35, 36;",yy chap. 23 p. 185 pars. 17-18,,,bl,,1/17/2019
"A Grand Future in Store for You, Last Days, Armageddon, great tribulation, sign of the end, prophecy, ","If you live in a temperate zone of the earth and you see the leaves on the trees turn brown and fall off, and you see the skies daily becoming grayer and feel the air becoming crisp and cool, and you see flocks of birds flying toward a warmer zone of the earth—without looking at the calendar you know that winter is approaching, don’t you? It is not just any one of those things that tells you that, because skies can become gray even on a summer day, or trees might become diseased and lose their leaves. But all those things put together make up a sure sign of winter’s approach.","In a similar way, there is a “sign” made up of many features that the Bible gives. And this sign tells us that the time is at hand for God’s kingdom by Christ Jesus to take control of this earth. You can see that sign today just by looking at newspapers or through news programs on radio and television. What is it? Jesus foretold that within a certain generation there would come a time especially marked by wars, hunger, disease and earthquakes, along with much anxiety and uncertainty as to what the future would bring upon the earth. Aren’t those the very things we are continuously faced with today through the news sources? No generation before in human history has seen all those things in such quantity as the generation living on the earth since 1914. This is why historians call 1914 a “turning point” in mankind’s history.","Luke 21:31, 32; Daniel 2:44;",yy chap. 24 pp. 188-189 pars. 5-8,,,bl,,1/17/2019
"When All Nations Collide, Head On, With God, Armageddon, Great tribulation, last days, Collision, ",A COLLISION that results in disaster is never anything to laugh about. But this talk of all nations colliding with God—is it not something about which to laugh? Is not the very idea of it ridiculous?,"Oh, yes, the mere suggestion of it may make hundreds of millions of men and women laugh—that is, right now. But the fact that such an idea has never entered their heads before does not take it out of the realm of possibility or even out of the realm of likelihood. And as for its likelihood, what if that is in the near future, within our generation? In that case the present time would be the most advisable time for us to examine this strange idea seriously, even though it may seem so laughable to so man",Daniel 2:44;,nc p. 3 pars. 1-2 ,,,bl,,1/19/2019
"When All Nations Collide, Head On, With God, Universal issue, Walk, World domination, ","For a head-on collision, the two things involved have to be moving in the same path, but in the opposite directions. Are God and the nations going in opposite directions? And on the same path?","For them to be on the same path, there must be an issue, a common point of dispute, at stake. The two parties must be at odds over this issue, and there is no way to compromise. There must be a confrontation. All this is exactly the situation. What is the crucial issue or point in dispute? Why have we about reached the time for its settlement? How will it be settled?",Genesis 3:15;,nc pp. 5-6 par. 6,,,bl,,1/19/2019
"When All Nations Collide, Head On, With God, earth paradise, contrast, ","To the astronauts in the spacecraft of the Apollo series our earth looked beautiful from away out there in outer space while they were flying to and from the moon. It will look even more beautiful when God brings mankind to the completion of seven thousand years of human existence on earth. The difference in earthly conditions will be as great as that between a refuse dump and a park of paradise beauty. God started man off in a paradise of pleasure, or a “garden of Eden.”","But a person would never know it today. God’s own report on this, in the first book of the Bible, chapter two, says: “Jehovah God planted a garden in Eden, toward the east, and there he put the man whom he had formed. Thus Jehovah God made to grow out of the ground every tree desirable to one’s sight and good for food and also the tree of life.”—Genesis 2:8, 9.","Genesis 2:8, 9.",nc pp. 9 par. 12,,,bl,,1/19/2019
"When All Nations Collide, Head On, With God, Adam, Eve, collision, Contradiction, ","Adam and Eve had a collision with God. It knocked them out of Paradise. Judging things by the state of man’s natural environment today, we might at first thought be inclined to say that God’s purpose failed or was somehow thwarted. But was it? We do not have to guess, for God’s written record says No! ","God himself prevented the paradise of pleasure from being spread earth wide. Was that not self-contradictory? Was that not telling Adam and Eve to do one thing, and then He himself doing another? No! Why not? Because God found it necessary to drive Adam and Eve out of that paradise into the uncultivated earth. ",Genesis 3:1-14;,nc p. 10 par. 15,,,bl,,1/19/2019
"When All Nations Collide, Head On, With God, earth, owner, dweller, worker, paradise, Creator, ","When Jehovah God put man upon the earth in human perfection, he did not make him the owner of the earth, but made man only a dweller and worker upon it. God did not let go of his ownership of Paradise and of every other part of the earth. As earth’s Creator he owned it, and he remains its Creator always. Adam lived nine hundred and thirty years, and yet he died, ceasing to occupy any place on earth. Adam and Eve’s offspring, because of being born in sin and under condemnation to death, have likewise had only temporary occupancy. So too with nations.","Over two thousand nine hundred years after man’s creation, the psalmist David of Bethlehem wrote and sang: “To Jehovah belong the earth and that which fills it, the productive land and those dwelling in it. For upon the seas he himself has solidly fixed it, and upon the rivers he keeps it firmly established.” (Psalm 24:1, 2) That is something that all nations of today choose to ignore and brush aside. How like their first parents! When Adam and Eve ignored God’s ownership of the paradise of pleasure and expressly ate of fruit that he commanded them not to eat, they failed in their test of subjection and obedience to him. That was sin against God on their part. Instead of continuing to walk with God their Creator, they chose self-sovereignty, and collided with him on the issue of sovereignty.—Genesis 3:1-14; Romans 5:12.","Genesis 3:1-14; Romans 5:12; Psalm 24:1, 2",nc p. 11 par. 16,,,bl,,1/19/2019
"When All Nations Collide, Head On, With God, walk with God, Enoch, ",The way in which not to collide with God is to walk with God. ,"For the most part, Adam and Eve’s offspring, outside the Paradise, walked contrary to God, they being born of rebels against Him. In the divine written record it is reported that Enoch, the seventh man in line of descent from Adam, “kept walking with the true God. Then [at the age of three hundred and sixty-five years] he was no more, for God took him.” (Genesis 5:21-24; Jude 14, 15) By Enoch’s time the world of mankind was indeed “ungodly,” hence was not walking with God. Evidently they desired to kill Enoch, which was why the true God took Enoch off the scene, thereby to spare him from a violent death at their hands. (Hebrews 11:5) He has a hope of resurrection from death.","Genesis 5:21-24; Jude 14, 15",nc p. 12 par. 18,,,bl,,1/19/2019
"When All Nations Collide, Head On, With God, Noah, paradise restored, Deluge, Flood, ",Noah avoided any collision with God. This is proved by the astounding fact that he and his family survived the Deluge that engulfed the whole earth and drowned all ungodly human society. That global inundation resulted not only in ice caps at the north and south poles but also in the disappearance of the unexpanded original paradise from the earth. ,"However, the divine Creator and Owner of the Paradise who took it away by the Deluge can also restore it. This he has promised to do. His promise assures us that he was not thwarted in his original purpose but that, in due time, he will gloriously fulfill that purpose and thus beautify all the earth as mankind’s everlasting happy home. It was to this restored Paradise that Jesus Christ referred as he was hanging on the torture stake.","Genesis 6:13 to 9:20; Hebrews 11:7; 1 Peter 3:20; 2 Peter 2:5; 3:5, 6",nc p. 13 par. 19,,,bl,,1/19/2019
"When All Nations Collide, Head On, With God, Promised land, paradise, God's property, polluted, ","The District of the Jordan River was almost like a paradise. The first Bible book says that it was “like the garden of Jehovah.” Jehovah said to them: “The land is mine. For you are alien residents and settlers from my standpoint.” (Leviticus 25:23) But did the Israelites treat that beautiful, productive land like God’s property? ","No! is what God’s prophets answer to that question. They polluted that sacred land by their idolatries, immorality, violence and bloodshed. Because of the way that they were walking religiously, the prophet Micah said: “What is Jehovah asking back from you but to exercise justice and to love kindness and to be modest in walking with your God?” (Micah 6:8) But they refused to give back what God asked. Hence a confrontation had to come in course of time. ",Genesis 13:10;,nc p. 15 pars. 23-24,,,bl,,1/19/2019
"When All Nations Collide, Head On, With God, Image, feet, Kingdom, 1914, Gentile times, legal right, opposition, ","Why should the political “image” be struck on the feet, when these are motionless, apparently doing nothing wrong? It is because that “image” is an idolatrous image, and the people of the whole world idolize this system of politics. ","Also, the “feet” of that idolatrous “image” are standing where they ought not to stand since the close of the Gentile Times in 1914. They are standing in opposition to God’s kingdom as governed by His Christ. This kingdom was born in the heavens in 1914 as the only government with right to rule all the earth.",Daniel 2:44; Revelation 12:1-10,nc p. 22 par. 39,,,bl,,1/19/2019
"World’s Most Widely Distributed Book, Bible, Word of God, standard, ","IN SOME respects, most books are like people. They appear on the scene, may grow in popularity, and—except for a handful of classics—become old and die. Libraries often serve as cemeteries for countless books that are obsolete, unread and, in effect, dead.","The Bible, however, is exceptional even among classical works. Although its written origins go back 3,500 years, it is still very much alive. It is by far the most widely circulated book on earth. Each year, some 60 million copies of the entire Bible or portions of it are distributed. The first edition printed from movable type came off the printing press of the German inventor Johannes Gutenberg about 1455. Since then an estimated four billion Bibles (the whole or in part) have been printed. No other book, religious or otherwise, even comes close.",Isaiah 40:8;,ba p. 6,,,bl,,1/19/2019
"How Did the Book Survive, Bible, mistakes in writing, standard, handwritten, manuscripts, ","Ancient writings had natural enemies—fire, moisture, mold. The Bible was not immune to such hazards. The record of how it has survived the ravages of time to become the world’s most accessible book is outstanding among ancient writings. That history deserves more than passing interest. THE Bible writers did not engrave their words on stone; neither did they inscribe them on durable clay tablets. They evidently recorded their words on perishable materials—papyrus (made from the Egyptian plant of the same name) and parchment (made from the skins of animals).","What happened to the original writings? They probably disintegrated long ago, most of them in ancient Israel. Soon after the originals were written, handwritten copies began to be produced. Copying the Scriptures actually became a profession in ancient Israel. (Ezra 7:6; Psalm 45:1) The copies, though, were also recorded on perishable materials. Eventually these had to be replaced by other handwritten copies. When the originals passed off the scene, these copies became the basis for future manuscripts. Copying the copies was a process that went on for many centuries. Did copyists’ mistakes over the centuries drastically change the text of the Bible? The evidence says no.",Ezra 7:6; Psalm 45:1,ba p. 7,,,bl,,1/19/2019
"A Book That “Speaks” Living Languages, Bible, alive, translators, translations, ","If the language in which a book is written dies, for all practical purposes the book dies too. Few people today can read the ancient languages in which the Bible was written. Yet it is alive.",It has survived because it has “learned to speak” the living languages of mankind. The translators who “taught” it to speak other languages faced seemingly insurmountable obstacles at times.,Revelation 7:9;,ba p. 10,,,bl,,1/21/2019
"Are You Willing to Wait Patiently? Micah, complaining, mummer, ","Our situation is not like that of a prisoner who is waiting in his cell for his execution. He is forced to wait, and he is not looking forward to the outcome. How different things are for us! ","We are willing to wait for Jehovah because we know that he will fulfill his promise to give us everlasting life at exactly the right time, the best time! So we “endure fully with patience and joy.” (Col. 1:11, 12) To do otherwise—to wait while complaining and grumbling that Jehovah is not acting fast enough—would be displeasing to our God.—Col. 3:12. If we have faith like that of Micah, we will be willing to wait for Jehovah.",Micah 7:1-3;,w17 August p. 4 par. 7,,,bl,,1/21/2019
"Can This Book Be Trusted? Bible, accurate, details, candor, testimony, ","In court trials the credibility of a witness’ testimony can often be determined on the basis of minor facts. Agreement on minor details may stamp the testimony as accurate and honest, whereas serious discrepancies can expose it as a fabrication. On the other hand, an overly tidy account—one in which every last detail is neatly arranged—may also betray a false testimony.","How does the “testimony” of the Bible writers measure up in this regard? The Bible penmen displayed remarkable consistency. There is close agreement about even minute details. However, the harmony is not carefully arranged, arousing suspicions of collusion. There is an obvious lack of design in the coincidences, the writers often agreeing unintentionally. Consider some examples. The Bible writer Matthew wrote: “And Jesus, on coming into Peter’s house, saw his mother-in-law lying down and sick with fever.” (Matthew 8:14) Matthew here provided an interesting but nonessential detail: Peter was married. ",Matthew 8:14,ba p. 16 ,,,bl,,1/21/2019
"Does This Book Agree With Science? earth round, not flat, ridiculed,","“Is there any one so senseless as to believe that there are men whose footsteps are higher than their heads? . . . that the crops and trees grow downwards? that the rains, and snow, and hail fall upwards?”","The notion of a flat earth (with only its upper side inhabited) did not disappear completely. Some could not accept the logical implication of a round earth—the concept of antipodes. Lactantius, Christian apologist of the fourth century C.E., ridiculed the very idea.",Isaiah 40:22;,ba p. 18,,,bl,,1/21/2019
"Bible, books, information, entertainment, ","MANY people read books either to be entertained or to be informed, or perhaps for both reasons. ","The same can be true of reading the Bible. It can make for uplifting, even entertaining reading. But the Bible is more than that. It is a unique source of knowledge.","Ecclesiastes 12:9, 10;",ba p. 30,,,bl,,1/21/2019
"“Hallowed Be Your Name”—What Name? Jehovah, names, identity, ","Names are important in God’s eyes, and he put in man the desire to identify people and things by means of names. Thus angels, people, animals, as well as stars and other inanimate things, have names. ","Would it be consistent for the Creator of all these things to leave himself nameless? Of course not, especially in view of the psalmist’s words: “Let all flesh bless [God’s] holy name to time indefinite, even forever.”—Psalm 145:21.",Psalm 145:21.,na p. 4,,,bl,,1/21/2019
"God’s Name and the “New Testament” Jehovah, disrespect, removal of God's name, ","If you were an author, how would you feel about someone who went to great lengths to remove your name from the book you authored? ","How does Jehovah view those who remove his name from the Bible? Translators who object to the name, doing so on account of problems of pronunciation or because of Jewish tradition, might be compared to those who Jesus said “strain out the gnat but gulp down the camel!” (Matthew 23:24) They stumble over these smaller problems but end up creating a major problem—by removing the name of the greatest personage in the universe from the book that he inspired. The psalmist wrote: “How long, O God, will the adversary keep reproaching? Will the enemy keep treating your name with disrespect forever?”—Psalm 74:10.",Psalm 74:10.,na p. 27,,,bl,,1/21/2019
"Jehovah, Why We Must Know God’s Name, vindication, sanctification, Satan's Lie, ","Mankind’s problems began when Satan first profaned Jehovah’s name by calling Him, in effect, a liar and unfit to rule the human race. Only when God’s name is properly vindicated will mankind enjoy complete relief from the disastrous effects of Satan’s lie. ","All of God’s purposes are linked to his name. Hence, the sanctification of God’s name is far more important than any other issue. That is why Christians pray so fervently for the sanctification of God’s name. But there are things that they can do, also, to sanctify it.",Genesis 3:1-6; John 8:44,na p. 29,,,bl,,1/21/2019
"Divine Victory—Its Meaning for Distressed Humanity, Rule, Ruin, Hitler, God's Kingdom, Messiah, ","With the late Nazi dictator, Adolf Hitler, the political aim was, Rule or ruin! He got that idea from the same place where earlier dictators got it, namely, from Satan the Devil. ","Now that Satan will shortly be unable to rule all mankind as he did during the Gentile Times and even before that, he is determined to ruin all mankind. Then, as he thinks, no humans will be left on earth over which God’s kingdom of his Messiah can rule. Suicide by humanity by nuclear war or self-pollution is no deterrent thought for Satan the Devil. ",Revelation 12:13-17,dy p. 18 pars. 28-29,,,bl,,1/21/2019
"Divine Victory—Its Meaning for Distressed Humanity, new earth, festive appearance, joy, happiness, Christ's reign, ","Just as when there is a national victory and the whole land is given a festive appearance, so after the “war of the great day of God the Almighty” and the imprisonment of Satan the great dragon and his demon angels in the abyss, the whole earth will begin to take on a festive appearance in celebration of the divine victory. ","The earth, which is now being ruined by its warmongers and polluters, will then give evidence that a new King rules the whole earth, namely, God’s Messianic King, Jesus Christ. At once the surviving witnesses of the divine victory will turn their efforts toward transforming this earth into a Paradise from sea to sea and from pole to pole. Victory will be gained over the whole earth, in triumphant fulfillment of God’s command to the first man and woman in the Garden of Eden:47 “Be fruitful and become many and fill the earth and subdue it, and have in subjection the fish of the sea and the flying creatures of the heavens and every living creature that is moving upon the earth.”—Genesis 1:28.","Revelation 16:14, 16; 20:1-3; Genesis 1:28;",dy p. 28 pars. 46-47,,,bl,,1/21/2019
"How We Can Know There Is a God, Maker, Creator, simple things, ","Look around your home. Tables, chairs, desks, beds, pots, pans, plates, and other eating utensils all require a maker, as do walls, floors, and ceilings. Yet, those things are comparatively simple to make. ","Since simple things require a maker, is it not logical that complex things require an even more intelligent maker?",Isaiah 40:26;,dg part 3 p. 4 par. 2,,,bl,,1/21/2019
"How We Can Know There Is a God, Maker, Creator, Purpose, Jehovah, ","A watch requires a watchmaker. If a watch, which is relatively simple, implies the existence of a watchmaker, surely the infinitely more complex and awesome universe implies the existence of a designer and maker. That is why the Bible invites us to ‘raise our eyes high up and see,’ and then it asks: “Who has created these things?” ","What of our infinitely more complex solar system, with the Sun and its planets revolving around it with split-second precision century after century? What of the awesome galaxy we live in, called the Milky Way, with its more than 100 billion stars? Have you ever stopped at night to gaze at the Milky Way? Were you impressed? Then think of the incredibly vast universe that contains untold billions of galaxies like our Milky Way! Too, the heavenly bodies are so reliable in their movements century after century that they have been compared to precision timepieces.",Isaiah 40:26,dg part 3 p. 4 pars. 3-4,,,bl,,1/21/2019
"How We Can Know There Is a God, Jehovah, Creator, Maker, ","If you went into a fine house and found that it was generously stocked with food, that it had an excellent heating and air-conditioning system, and that it had good plumbing to supply water, what would you conclude? That it all just came about by itself? No, you would surely conclude that an intelligent person designed and made it with great care.","The earth was also designed and made with great care in order to provide what its inhabitants need, and it is much more complex and well-supplied than any house.",Isaiah 45:18;,dg part 3 p. 5 par. 7,,,bl,,1/21/2019
"How We Can Know There Is a God, Jehovah, Creator, Maker, Delight, surprizes, ","Look at the vast variety of beautifully colored flowers with their pleasant scents that humans enjoy. Then there is the great variety of foods so delicious to our taste. There are forests, mountains, lakes, and other creations pleasant to look at. Too, what of beautiful sunsets that enhance our enjoyment of life? And in the animal realm, are we not delighted by the playful antics and lovable nature of puppies, kittens, and other animal young? ","So the earth provides many delightful surprises not absolutely needed to sustain life. These show that the earth was designed with loving care, with humans in mind, so that we would not just exist but would enjoy life. Therefore, the reasonable conclusion is to acknowledge the Giver of all these things, as did the Bible writer who said of Jehovah God: “You yourself have made the heavens and the earth.” ",Isaiah 37:16; 45:18.,dg part 3 p. 5 pars. 8-9,,,bl,,1/21/2019
"Jehovah, Creator, Maker, ","Since any house, however simple, must have a builder, then the far more complex universe, along with the vast varieties of life on earth, must also have had a builder. ","And since we acknowledge the existence of humans who invented devices such as airplanes, televisions, and computers, should we not also acknowledge the existence of the One who gave humans the brain to make such things? The Bible states: “Every house is built by someone, of course; but God built everything that exists.” (Hebrews 3:4, The Jerusalem Bible)",Hebrews 3:4;,dg part 3 p. 8 par. 22,,,bl,,1/21/2019
"Why So Much Suffering? Free will, different from animals, instincts, decisions, expressions of love,","We are not like machines that do only what they are made to do. We have the freedom to make choices about whom we want to be, whom we want as our friends, and what we want to do with our life. Jehovah wants us to enjoy life.","Jehovah’s wonderful gift of free will makes us very different from the animals. They mainly act because of their instincts, but we can choose how we want to live our lives and decide whether we want to please Jehovah. (Proverbs 30:24) Also, Jehovah wants us to love him. (Matthew 22:37, 38) He is like a father who is happy to hear his child say “I love you” when the child says it from his heart and not because he’s forced to. Jehovah gave us the freedom to choose whether to serve him or not. Satan, Adam, and Eve chose to reject Jehovah. How will you use your gift of free will?","Matthew 22:37, 38",bhs chap. 11 p. 121 pars. 19-20,,,bl,,1/21/2019
"How Can You Safeguard Your Heart? theocratic routine, healthy diet, spiritual, ","Consider how our physical health illustrates the importance of who we are on the inside. First, to keep ourselves in good condition on the inside, we must choose a healthy diet, and we need to exercise regularly. ","Likewise, to keep ourselves in good spiritual condition, we must choose a healthy diet of spiritual food and regularly exercise our faith in Jehovah. That form of exercise involves applying what we learn and speaking about our faith. (Rom. 10:8-10; Jas. 2:26) Second, based on outward appearance, we might think that we are healthy even though we are actually diseased on the inside. In a similar way, based on our theocratic routine, we may think that our faith is strong, but wrong desires could be growing in us. We must remember that Satan would like to infect us with his thinking. How, specifically, might he try to do that? And how can we protect ourselves?","1 Cor. 10:12; Jas. 1:14, 15",w19 January p. 15 par. 5,,,bl,,1/21/2019
"How Can You Safeguard Your Heart? Movies, TV, television, websites, electronic games, Satan's thinking, ","You no doubt do all you can to protect your children from literal diseases. You keep your home clean, and you throw out anything that might cause you or your children to get sick. ","In the same way, you need to protect your children from movies, TV shows, electronic games, and websites that are likely to infect them with Satan’s thinking. Jehovah has given you the authority to care for the spiritual health of your children.  So do not be afraid to set household rules that are based on Bible standards. Tell your young children what they can and cannot watch, and help them to understand the reasons for your decisions. (Matt. 5:37) ","Prov. 1:8; Eph. 6:1, 4",w19 January pp. 16-17 par. 8,,,bl,,1/21/2019
"How Can You Safeguard Your Heart? conscience, watchman, influence, ","In ancient times, watchmen worked closely with city gatekeepers. (2 Sam. 18:24-26) Together, they helped protect the city by making sure that the gates were closed whenever an enemy came near. (Neh. 7:1-3) ","Our Bible-trained conscience can act as our watchman and warn us when Satan tries to invade our heart—in other words, when he tries to influence our thoughts, feelings, motives, or desires. Whenever our conscience sounds the alarm, we need to listen and shut the gate, so to speak.",2 Sam. 18:24-26,w19 January p. 17 par. 11 ,,,bl,,1/21/2019
"How Can You Safeguard Your Heart? thinking, positive, negative, influences, ","A gatekeeper closed the gates of the city to stop an enemy invasion, but at other times he opened the gates to allow food and other supplies to be brought in.","Think again about the illustration of a walled city.  If the gates were never open, the inhabitants of the city would starve. Similarly, we need to open our heart regularly to the influence of God’s thinking. To safeguard our heart, we must not only close it to wrong influences but also open it to positive influences. ",2 Chron. 16:9; Isa. 40:29; Jas. 1:5,w19 January p. 18 pars. 13-14,,,bl,,1/21/2019
"The Wonderful Gift of Free Will, decisions, dictate, control person, image, likeness, ","Would you want someone to dictate your every word and action every moment of your life? No normal person wants his life taken out of his control so completely. Why not? Because of the way God made us. The Bible tells us that God created man in his ‘image and likeness,’ and one of the faculties God himself has is freedom of choice. (Genesis 1:26; Deuteronomy 7:6) ","When he created humans, he gave them that same wonderful faculty—the gift of free will. That is one reason why we find it frustrating to be enslaved by oppressive rulers. So the desire for freedom is no accident, for God is a God of freedom. The Bible says: “Where the spirit of Jehovah is, there is freedom.” (2 Corinthians 3:17) Hence, God gave us free will as part of our very makeup. Since he knew the way our minds and emotions would work, he knew that we would be happiest with free will. Do you appreciate having the freedom to choose what you will do and say, what you will eat and wear, what kind of work you will do, and where and how you will live?",Genesis 1:26; Deuteronomy 7:6;,dg part 5 pp. 10-11 pars. 3-5,,,bl,,1/21/2019
"The Wonderful Gift of Free Will, choice, think, decisions, right, wrong, intelligence, ","We were not made like mindless robots having no will of their own. Nor were we created to act out of instinct as were the animals. Instead, our marvelous brain was designed to work in harmony with our freedom of choice.","To go with the gift of free will, God gave us the ability to think, weigh matters, make decisions, and know right from wrong. (Hebrews 5:14) Thus, free will was to be based on intelligent choice.",Hebrews 5:14;,dg part 5 p. 11 par. 6,,,bl,,1/21/2019
"The Wonderful Gift of Free Will, paradise, perfect start, beginning, everlasting, happy, population, Adam, Eve, ","They (Adam and Eve) were put in a large, parklike paradise. They had material abundance. They had perfect minds and bodies, so they would not have to get old or get sick or die—they could have lived forever. They would have had perfect children who could also have had a happy, everlasting future. And the expanding population would have had the satisfying work of eventually turning the entire earth into a paradise.—Genesis 1:26-30; 2:15.","To show how caring God was, along with the gift of free will, our first parents, Adam and Eve, were given everything that anyone could reasonably want.  Regarding what was provided, the Bible relates: “God saw everything he had made and, look! it was very good.” (Genesis 1:31) The Bible also says of God: “Perfect is his activity.” (Deuteronomy 32:4) Yes, the Creator gave the human family a perfect start. It could not have been better. What a caring God he proved to be!",Genesis 1:26-30; 2:15.,dg part 5 p. 11 pars. 7-8,,,bl,,1/21/2019
"The Wonderful Gift of Free Will, limit to free will, anarchy, unlimited freedom, relative freedom,","Imagine a busy city without any traffic laws, where everybody could drive in any direction at any speed. Would you want to drive under those conditions? No, that would be traffic anarchy and would surely result in many accidents.","So too with God’s gift of free will. Unlimited freedom would mean anarchy in society. There have to be laws to guide human activities. God’s Word says: “Behave like free men, and never use your freedom as an excuse for wickedness.” (1 Peter 2:16, JB) God wants free will to be regulated for the common good. He purposed for us to have, not total freedom, but relative freedom, subject to the rule of law.",1 Peter 2:16; ,dg part 5 p. 11 pars. 9-10,,,bl,,1/21/2019
"God’s Purpose Moves Toward Fulfillment, 144,000, anointed rulers, administrators, kingdom,","Just as human governments have associate administrators, so does God’s heavenly Kingdom. ","Others besides Jesus are to share in ruling over the earth, for Jesus promised his close associates that they would rule with him as kings over mankind.","John 14:2, 3; Revelation 5:10; 20:6.",dg part 8 p. 18 par. 10,,,bl,,1/21/2019
"Education, teachers, instructors, ethnic groups, foreign language, purpose,","DUTCH philosopher Spinoza wrote: “I have striven not to laugh at human actions, not to weep at them, nor to hate them, but to understand them.” ","As an educator, you face the challenge of trying to understand the views, backgrounds, and convictions of the students in your care, including pupils who are children of Jehovah’s Witnesses. ",Colossians 3:23;Isaiah 30:20;,ed p. 2,,,bl,,1/21/2019
"Moral Values That Merit Respect, flag, spit, dishonor, honor, tested, images, ","One morning in a school in Canada, an 11-year-old Witness girl named Terra noticed that the teacher took a fellow student out of the classroom for a few moments. Shortly thereafter, the teacher quietly asked Terra to accompany him to the principal’s office.  As she entered the office, Terra immediately saw that the Canadian flag was draped across the principal’s desk. The teacher then instructed Terra to spit on the flag. He suggested that since Terra did not sing the national anthem or salute the flag, there was no reason why she should not spit on the flag when ordered to do so. Terra refused, explaining that although Jehovah’s Witnesses do not worship the flag, they do respect it.  ","Back in the classroom, the teacher announced that he had just tested two students, instructing them to spit on the flag. Although the first student did participate in patriotic ceremonies, she nevertheless spit on the flag when ordered to do so. However, even though Terra did not sing the anthem or salute the flag, she refused to dishonor it in this way. The teacher pointed out that of the two, Terra was the one who showed proper respect.",1 Peter 2:17;,ed p. 20,,,bl,,1/21/2019
"Is There a God Who Cares? Justice, punished, guilty, innocent freed, fault, blame, ","If someone else committed a crime, how would you feel if you were blamed for it? You would consider this very unjust. ","Justice requires that the guilty be punished and the innocent be freed from blame. If an automobile driver ignores a stop sign at a busy intersection and gets into a bad accident as a result, it is not the fault of the law.",Ezekiel 18:4;,gc p. 5 par. 7,,,bl,,1/21/2019
"Is There a God Who Cares? blame, guilty, innocent, blame God, ","If a person becomes a glutton and gets sick from overeating, it is not the fault of the farmer who grew the food. If, despite good upbringing, a young man leaves home, ignores his father’s good counsel and then gets into trouble, it is not the father who is to blame. ","Then why should the heavenly Father, God, be blamed when mankind commits wrongs? Should not the blame be put where it belongs—on the guilty party?",Ezekiel 18:4;,gc p. 5 par. 7,,,bl,,1/21/2019
"Is There a God Who Cares? blame, ignore facts, earth, house, intelligent designer, builder, maker, planet, Creator,","Believing that this earth and its marvelous forms of life just happened is to ignore the facts. The fact is that the earth is far better equipped to sustain life than any house, yet every house has an intelligent designer and builder. Then what about this planet with its far grander life-sustaining systems of air, land and water? The Bible says logically: “Of course, every house is constructed by someone, but he that constructed all things is God.” (Hebrews 3:4) ","True, some people conclude that because humans do bad things it means that God does not exist. However, this is like saying that because people who live in houses do bad things then houses have no designers or builders. It would also be like saying that because a person does something wrong he never had a father.",Hebrews 3:4,gc p. 8 par. 9,,,bl,,1/21/2019
"Is There a God Who Cares? Adam, Eve, defective pattern, perfect, imperfect, source, ","Adam and Eve became like a defective pattern. Everything produced from them was also defective. They could pass on to their children only what they themselves now had—imperfect bodies and minds. They were no longer perfect because they had withdrawn from the Source that sustains perfection and life, Jehovah God. ","So in line with what the Bible says at Romans 5:12, everybody born since then has been born in imperfection, and is prone to sickness, old age and death. But God cannot be blamed for this. Deuteronomy 32:5 says: “They have acted ruinously on their own part; they are not his children, the defect is their own.” And Ecclesiastes 7:29 notes: “The true God made mankind upright, but they themselves have sought out many plans.”",Deuteronomy 32:5;,gc p. 15 par. 19,,,bl,,1/21/2019
"Is There a God Who Cares? carelessness, disaster, Integrity, chain reaction, mistake, accident, ","We know that human carelessness by just one person in handling a small safety factor in the construction of a building can result in a disaster that may cost the lives of many people. Failure to care for a similar feature in a dam could lead to its rupture and a flood that could cause enormous destruction. A single act of corruption by a ruler may open the way for a chain reaction of wrongdoing in a government, leading to great harm for millions of people. In a family, when a father and a mother make a wrong choice, their children can suffer serious consequences. ","Our first parents made the wrong choice. As a result, the entire human family was plunged into imperfection and disaster. Since God’s law was involved, and his integrity too, he could not let the violation go by without enforcing that law. What respect would people have for him or for his law if he did nothing about it? Do we respect rulers today who do not obey their own laws, or who allow certain people to break them willfully without penalty? Hence, God carried out his stated penalty for disobedience, which was death. But he mercifully allowed the first pair to have children, which we should appreciate, otherwise we would never have been born. And although we are imperfect due to Adam and Eve’s failure, do we not prefer to be alive rather than dead?",Ecclesiastes 7:29;,gc pp. 16-17 pars. 20-21,,,bl,,1/21/2019
"Is There a God Who Cares? Legal precedent, court cases, issue, Sovereign, rule, answer,","Court cases can take weeks or months even where just two people are involved. The great issues at stake relative to God’s rule demand a full answer, not a halfway settlement. ","In this way the settling of these issues would never need to be repeated at any future time. A loving God could accept nothing less than a full settlement. And we can be glad that this is so, since only such a settlement can open the way for unending peace and security for all of God’s universal family, in heaven and on earth.",Genesis 3:15;,gc p. 19 par. 24,,,bl,,1/21/2019
"Is There a God Who Cares? Progress, science, nuclear, hunger, divorces, ","Is it progress to send men to the moon, when those same rockets with nuclear warheads could annihilate mankind, and when hundreds of millions of people on earth were suffering from hunger and poverty at the same time that men walked on the moon? What good is having a house with many conveniences when families are torn apart by arguments, when the number of divorces grows constantly, when fear of crime in the neighborhood spreads, when pollution and slums grow, when economic depressions throw millions out of work, when riots, civil wars and the toppling of governments are yearly occurrences that threaten a man’s home and way of life?","The truth is just as United Nations Secretary-General Kurt Waldheim admitted: “Despite material progress, human life has never had a greater sense of insecurity than it is experiencing today.” The book Environmental Ethics also states: “Man, created to breathe clean air, drink and enjoy pure water, and enjoy the adventure of his natural surroundings, has changed his environment and finds he cannot adapt. He is preparing his own mass execution.” ",Revelation 11:18;,gc p. 20 pars. 25-26 ,,,bl,,1/21/2019
"Is There a God Who Cares? peace, food, health, heal, blind, deaf, sickness, ","Since God created man, he knows better than any doctor exactly what to do to heal the crippled, to make the blind see and the deaf hear, and how to eliminate all sickness, aging and death. Along with lasting peace and plenty of food will come vibrant health. ","The power of God to do this was demonstrated by Jesus Christ on a token, or small, scale when he was on earth. The Bible tells us: “Great crowds approached him, having along with them people that were lame, maimed, blind, dumb, and many otherwise, and they fairly threw them at his feet, and he cured them; so that the crowd felt amazement as they saw the dumb speaking and the lame walking and the blind seeing.”",Matthew 15:30;,gc pp. 25-26 par. 34,,,bl,,1/21/2019
"Resurrection, cares, ransom, memory, personality, paradise earth, Memorial, ","Do you find the idea of a resurrection hard to believe? Yet even now you can see television programs with people in them who have long been dead. You hear their voices, observe their actions and note their characteristics. ","If mere man can preserve such things on television tapes, it would not be difficult for the All-Wise God to retain in his memory the detailed imprint of the personality and characteristics of each individual human that he would want to re-create. This he has done, and he will raise such dead ones up to life again. In this way, they too will have the opportunity to enjoy life in God’s new order. And by emptying the graves, and by healing people from inherited sickness, aging and death, God “will actually swallow up death forever.” (Isaiah 25:8) Thus, people will be able to live forever!",Isaiah 25:8,gc p. 27 par. 36,,,bl,,1/21/2019
"God Invites You to Become His Friend, Jehovah's friend, Abraham, ","God wants you to be his friend. Have you ever thought that you could be a friend of the greatest Person in the universe? Abraham, who lived long ago, was called God’s friend. ","Others spoken of in the Bible also enjoyed God’s friendship and were greatly blessed. Today, people from all parts of the earth have become friends of God. You too can be God’s friend.",James 2:23,gf lesson 1 p. 3,,,bl,,1/21/2019
"God Invites You to Become His Friend, Jehovah, rich, ",Being a friend of God is better than being a friend of any human. God never disappoints his loyal friends. (Psalm 18:25) Being a friend of God is better than having riches. ,"When a rich person dies, his money goes to others. However, those who enjoy friendship with God have a treasure that no one can take away.—Matthew 6:19.",Matthew 6:19;,gf lesson 1 p. 3,,,bl,,1/21/2019
"God Invites You to Become His Friend, stop, live forever, everlasting, relatives,","Think about this: If someone told you to stop eating, would you obey him? Of course not! You need food to live. But God can make you live forever! So never let anyone stop you from learning how you can be a friend of God.—John 17:3.","Some people may try to stop you from learning about God. Even some of your friends and family may do this. (Matthew 10:36, 37) If others laugh at you or threaten you, ask yourself, ‘Whom do I want to please—humans or God?’ ","John 17:3;Matthew 10:36, 37",gf lesson 1 p. 3,,,bl,,1/22/2019
"You Need to Learn About God, friend, Jehovah, likes, dislikes, ",Do your friends know your name and use it? They do. God wants you to know and use his name too. God’s name is Jehovah. (Psalm 83:18; Matthew 6:9) ,"To be God’s friend, you need to learn about him.  You must also learn what he likes and dislikes. You need to know who his friends are and who his enemies are. It takes time to get to .know someone. The Bible says that it is wise to set aside time to learn about Jehovah.—Ephesians 5:15, 16.",Psalm 83:18; Matthew 6:9,gf lesson 3 p. 5 ,,,bl,,1/21/2019
"Friends of Jehovah, love, hate, ","Think about your friends. If you treat them badly and do the things that they hate, will they continue to be your friends? Of course not! ","In the same way, if you want to be God’s friend, you need to do what is pleasing to him.—John 4:24.",John 4:24;,gf lesson 3 p. 5,,,bl,,1/21/2019
"Friendship with Jehovah God, two roads, wide, narrow, worship, ","Jesus, who is God’s closest friend, spoke of two roads. One road is wide and is filled with people. That road leads to destruction. The other road is narrow and has few people traveling on it. That road leads to everlasting life. ","This means that if you want to have God’s friendship, you must learn the correct way to worship him.","Matthew 7:13, 14.",gf lesson 3 p. 5,,,bl,,1/21/2019
"Bible, Word, letter, paradise, ",The Bible is like a letter from a loving father to his children. It tells us about God’s promise to change the earth into a wonderful place to live—a paradise. ,"It tells us what he has done in the past, what he is doing now, and what he will do in the future for his faithful children. It also helps us to solve our problems and to find happiness.","2 Timothy 3:16, 17.",gf lesson 4 p. 6,,,bl,,1/21/2019
"Sun, creation, Maker, evolution, false, true, ","The Bible says: “God created the heavens and the earth.” (Genesis 1:1) When Jehovah created “the heavens,” he made the sun. Now what does that tell us about God? It tells us that Jehovah has great power. ","Only he could make something as powerful as the sun. It also tells us that Jehovah is wise, since it required wisdom to make the sun, which gives out heat and light and never burns out.",Genesis 1:1;,gf lesson 4 p. 7,,,bl,,1/21/2019
"Creation, fruit, Maker, generous, thoughtful, kind, Jehovah, variety, Love,","Think about all the different kinds of fruits that there are on earth. Jehovah could have provided just one kind of fruit for us—or none at all. Instead, Jehovah gave us many types of fruit with a great variety of shapes, sizes, colors, and tastes. ",This shows that Jehovah is a God who is not only loving but also very generous and thoughtful and kind.,Psalm 104:24.,gf lesson 4 p. 7,,,bl,,1/22/2019
"Jehovah's Witnesses, court, ",A witness in court tells what he knows about someone or something. Jehovah’s Witnesses tell others what they know about Jehovah and his purpose. (Isaiah 43:10) ,"Like the angels, the Witnesses want to help you learn the truth about Jehovah. They want you to be God’s friend too.",Isaiah 43:10;,gf lesson 9 p. 15,,,bl,,1/22/2019
"Worship, true religion, fruit,","Just as a good orange tree produces fine oranges, the true religion produces fine people.","You can recognize true religion by watching the people who practice it. Since Jehovah is good, those who are his true worshipers must be good people.",Matthew 7:15-20.,gf lesson 10 p. 16,,,bl,,1/22/2019
"Jehovah's name, honor, True religion, ","If someone refused to use your name, would that person be your close friend? No! When we have a friend, we use his name and we say good things about that friend to others. ","So those who wish to be God’s friends should use his name and talk about him to others. Jehovah wants us to do that.—Matthew 6:9; Romans 10:13, 14.","Matthew 6:9; Romans 10:13, 14.",gf lesson 10 p. 17,,,bl,,1/22/2019
"Reject False Religion!, counterfeit money, Satan, devil, demons,","False religion is like false money—it may look like the real thing, but it is worthless. It can cause you much trouble.",Satan and his demons do not want you to serve God. They want to turn everyone away from God if they can. How do they try to do this? One way is through false religion. (2 Corinthians 11:13-15) A religion is false if it does not teach the truth from the Bible.,2 Corinthians 11:13-15,gf lesson 11 p. 18,,,bl,,1/22/2019
"Worship, Idols, prayer, Reject False Religion, images, statues,","Would you like it if someone never talked to you but only talked to your picture? Could that person be your true friend? No, he could not. ","God says not to pray to idols. This is reasonable. Jehovah wants people to talk to him, not to a statue or a picture, which has no life.—Exodus 20:4, 5.","Exodus 20:4, 5.",gf lesson 11 p. 19,,,bl,,1/22/2019
"What Happens at Death? Hell, ancestors, ","Death is like a deep sleep. (John 11:11-14) The dead are unable to hear, see, speak, or think anything. (Ecclesiastes 9:5, 10)",False religion teaches that the dead go to a spirit world to live with their ancestors. That is not what the Bible teaches.,"John 11:11-14;Ecclesiastes 9:5, 10",gf lesson 12 p. 20,,,bl,,1/22/2019
"God's friend, Prayer, Read Bible, Teach, draw close, meetings, contributions, gifts, ","To keep a friend, you need to talk with him. You listen to him, and he listens to you. You also say good things about your friend to others. It is the same with being a friend of God. Consider what the Bible says about this:","Talk to Jehovah regularly in prayer. “Persevere in prayer.”—Romans 12:12. Read God’s Word, the Bible. “All Scripture is inspired of God and beneficial for teaching, for reproving, for setting things straight.” Teach others about God. “Go therefore and make disciples of people of all the nations, . . . teaching them to observe all the things I have commanded you.”—Matthew 28:19, 20. Draw close to God’s friends. “He that is walking with wise persons will become wise.”—Proverbs 13:20. Attend meetings at the Kingdom Hall. “Let us consider one another to incite to love and fine works, . . . encouraging one another.”—Hebrews 10:24, 25. Help support the Kingdom work. “Let each one [give] just as he has resolved in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”—2 Corinthians 9:7.",2 Timothy 3:16,gf lesson 16 pp. 26-27,,,bl,,1/22/2019
"To Keep a Friend, You Must Be a Friend, apply, ","Apply what you learn. Jesus told a story that illustrates this. A wise man built his house on rock. A foolish man built his house on sand. When a great storm came, the house built on rock did not cave in, but the house built on sand fell with a great crash. ",Jesus said that those who hear his teachings and do them are like the wise man who built on rock. But those who listen to his teachings and do not do them are like the foolish man who built on sand. Which man do you want to be like?—Matthew 7:24-27.,Matthew 7:24-27.,gf lesson 17 p. 28,,,bl,,1/22/2019
"Communication, insight, thoughts, deep well, gently, respectfully, ","Recognize that “a person’s thoughts are like water in a deep well, but someone with insight can draw them out.” (Proverbs 20:5, Today’s English Version) If you draw a bucket out of a well too quickly, you will lose a lot of water. ","Similarly, if you confront your mate too forcefully, your mate may become defensive and the opportunity to draw him or her out may be lost. Instead, ask questions gently and respectfully, and be patient if your mate does not articulate feelings as quickly as you would like. If you and your mate need to talk about something potentially divisive, raise the matter when both of you are calm and relaxed. What if your spouse is reluctant to speak up? ",Proverbs 20:5,JW.ORG,,,bl,,1/22/2019
"What Do We Need to Be Happy? laughter, pain, purpose, ","Psychiatrist Viktor E. Frankl noted: “Ever more people today have the means to live, but no meaning to live for.” ","The Scriptures long ago showed that pursuing riches and pleasures without having a deeper purpose in life is empty and unsatisfying. “A mere lover of silver will not be satisfied with silver, neither any lover of wealth with income. This too is vanity.” (Ecclesiastes 5:10 [5:9, TNK]) The affluent may seem to enjoy a life of ease and pleasure-seeking, but “even in laughter the heart may be in pain.”—Proverbs 14:13.",Proverbs 14:13,hl section 2 ,,,bl,,1/22/2019
Who Can Give Us Reliable Guidance?,"WHEN we want to know how to use a piece of equipment, we count on the manufacturer to provide authoritative instructions. ","Similarly, would not our Creator be in the best position to tell us how we can be truly happy?",PSALM 43:3.,hl section 3,,,bl,,1/22/2019
"What Is Sin? dents, imperfection, perfect, ","Adam and Eve were created perfect—not inclined to error. When they chose to sin, they became like a dented cake pan that could produce only a dented cake. Thus, we have no choice in the matter. ","We all carry a dent like theirs—various imperfections and wrong inclinations. In a word, the sin we inherited from Adam and Eve. But does that really matter? “Who can produce someone clean out of someone unclean? There is not one.”—Job 14:4.",Job 14:1;,hl section 9 ,,,bl,,1/22/2019
"How Does Sin Affect Our Relationship With God? suffer, pain, ",Just as a caring human father feels pain when his children suffer—even for their own mistakes—,"--it distresses God to see us suffer. (Isaiah 63:9) God feels deeply for us, and he promises that he will eventually remove all evil from the earth. But how, and when?",Isaiah 63:9,hl section 10,,,bl,,1/22/2019
"Vindicate, Sanctify,  Help Us? Court case, present evidence, sin, Satan accuses God, universal issue, eternal precedent,","Suppose one of your relatives has no children and wants to gain custody of yours. He takes you to court and accuses you of neglecting and misguiding your children. To settle the issue and clear your name, you will have to present evidence. Your children will have to testify too. ","Similarly, Satan accuses God of lying and all humans of serving Him out of selfish interest. Why is the case taking so long? In a serious court case, it takes time to resolve the issues. But God’s final judgment will set a universal and eternal precedent that will sanctify God’s name and vindicate his way of ruling. And God will completely undo all the damage that Satan caused, just as He did in Job’s case.—Job 42:10.","Genesis 3:4, 5; Job 1:9-11; 2:4, 5;",hl section 11,,,bl,,1/22/2019
"Better Sacrifice, Messiah, Jesus Christ, Ransom, Memorial, murder, ","If a criminal deliberately murdered someone you love, could he satisfy justice by sacrificing a bull? The Law did not permit making an animal sacrifice for willful murder. (Numbers 35:31) No animal’s life is worth as much as a man’s. The sinner would have to pay with his own life.","So, then, what kind of sacrifice could cover Adam’s sin so that Jehovah could forgive people and ‘remember their sins no more’?An equal exchange is required—‘soul for soul,’ that is, life for life. (Deuteronomy 19:21) Nothing less than a perfect human life—like Adam’s life before he sinned—could balance the scales of justice. Only someone with such a perfect life, uncontaminated by sin inherited from Adam, could provide the atoning sacrifice.  Only God could produce such a perfect life, without a human father, as He did when he created Adam.—Genesis 2:7. Who alone could present himself as an atoning sacrifice? Only the Messiah.",Psalm 49:7-9 ,hl section 14,,,bl,,1/22/2019
"Root of Our Problems, World's ills, sickness, cure, laws, video camera, police, underlying causes, ","Tom was sick and later died. Why did he die? “When his first symptoms appeared, no one thought to search for their underlying cause,” wrote the doctor whose hospital received Tom shortly before he died. It seems that Tom’s earlier caregivers had simply given him medication to make him feel better.","Are humans taking a similar approach to the world’s ills? For example, in fighting crime, governments enact laws, install video surveillance, and strengthen police forces. But these measures, while effective to some extent, do not address underlying causes. After all, behavior usually reflects attitudes, beliefs, and desires.",Genesis 8:21; ,g19 No. 1 p. 4,,,bl,,1/22/2019
"Root of Our Problems, divide, issues, moral values, abortion, discipline, ",Do people in general like to have their equals tell them how to live or which moral values to live by? Do people like others to dictate how they should view such things as abortion or capital punishment or how they should discipline their children? These are just some of the issues that divide people. ,"So, humbling though it might be, what the Bible says makes sense. We simply do not have the ability or the moral authority to rule over our fellow humans. Where, then, can we turn for help?",Jeremiah 10:23;,g19 No. 1 p. 5,,,bl,,1/22/2019
" Moral Education, Love, Bible, goodness, kindness, patience, self-control,","The Bible is like a mirror. When we look into it, we see our limitations and weaknesses more clearly. (James 1:23-25) But the Bible does even more. It helps us to make needed changes, to develop qualities that foster true peace and harmony. Those qualities include goodness, kindness, patience, self-control, and love. Love is even called “a perfect bond of union.” (Colossians 3:14) Why is love so special? Note what the Bible says about this quality.","“Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous. It does not brag, does not get puffed up [with pride], does not behave indecently, does not look for its own interests, does not become provoked. It does not keep account of the injury. It does not rejoice over unrighteousness [badness], but rejoices with the truth. It bears all things, . . . endures all things. Love never fails.”—1 Corinthians 13:4-8.",James 1:23-25,g19 No. 1 p. 6,,,bl,,1/22/2019
"Peace and Happiness—Everyone’s Desire, needs, conscience, spiritual, purpose, life, Birds, beasts, animals,","Birds and beasts are satisfied when their physical needs—eating and sleeping—are met. Humans, however, have needs far beyond these basic necessities. That is because animals are not endowed with a conscience, as we are. Wild beasts do not have a capacity for spiritual things, whereas humans do. Animals are not concerned with the purpose of living, but humans yearn to know the meaning of life.","To live with real happiness, we must fulfill the needs of the heart and the mind. The question we now face is, How can such needs be satisfied?",Job 24:7;,pc p. 4 par. 6,,,bl,,1/22/2019
"Creator, earth, well-provisioned house, food, water, air, light, ","The earth is a wonder among all the heavenly bodies in the universe. It is, in fact, unique. The earth provides just the right environment to accommodate living things comfortably, like a magnificent and well-provisioned house. It is a vast storehouse that has all of life’s necessities—food, air, water, and light—and much more.","Surely, no intelligent person would ever believe that a fully equipped and stocked house had no designer but just came about by chance. Would it not be even more unreasonable to think that the earth, equipped with everything that is essential for life, just came about by chance?",Romans 1:20;,pc pp. 10-11 par. 7,,,bl,,1/22/2019
"Bible, Guidebook, satisfy, spiritually, ","Just as our daily bread satisfies us physically, the Bible can satisfy us spiritually. (Matthew 5:3; John 4:34) The Bible can also help us draw close to God. The closer we come to our Creator, the happier and more satisfied we will be.","Indeed, the Bible can be of immense benefit to all mankind. With the help of the Bible, we can find the true purpose and meaning of life. ",Matthew 5:3; John 4:34,pc p. 17 par. 17,,,bl,,1/23/2019
"Faith, Apply, Prayer, practice, help, ","If a man wants to have enough faith or confidence in his ability to drive a car, he cannot just read an instruction manual or even go over the procedure in his mind and then drive off in a car, can he? No. He needs to have someone help him to put into practice step-by-step the things he learned from the manual. In this way, after several driving lessons, he will develop enough confidence to start driving and can become a qualified driver. ","It is the same with cultivating faith in God. Besides studying and meditating, you must put into practice, as soon as possible, the things you learn from the Bible. For example, since you have learned that God is an invisible spirit, do you appreciate that you cannot worship him through any idols or images? You have also learned that Jehovah is a loving heavenly Father. Then, are you willing to express your feelings for him in prayer to him?","Psalm 34:8; James 2:17, 26",pc p. 22 par. 12,,,bl,,1/23/2019
"Excluded, favoritism, partiality, Liberation, freedom, Divine Truth, overlooked, ","As an illustration, when a large audience attends a stage drama, they do not feel excluded because they are not acting on the stage. ","Similarly when the Divine Being selected a small portion of humanity to become a living demonstration to teach the world God’s principles and dealings, he did not overlook the rest of humanity. Israelite history teaches all mankind what happens when God’s wise, righteous laws are either obeyed or disobeyed. While thus dealing exclusively with Israel temporarily, God was working out his long-term purpose to bless peoples of all the nations at a later time.—Genesis 22:18. No matter which nation God had selected even because of faithful forefathers, other nations might resentfully feel excluded. However, anyone who has confidence in the righteousness of God’s choice will not feel that way at all.",Genesis 22:18,dt pp. 28-30 par. 46,,,bl,,1/23/2019
"Making All Things New, Creator, builder, universe, designer, intelligence, ","Do you live in a house? Probably you did not build the house yourself, nor do you know who did. However, the fact that you do not know the builder does not prevent you from accepting the truth that some intelligent person built it. To reason that the house built itself would appear very foolish! Since the great universe, and everything in it, required infinitely greater intelligence for its construction, does it not seem foolish to say there is no intelligent Creator? Truly, only the fool would say in his heart, “There is no Jehovah.”—Psalm 14:1.","The glorious wonders of nature, the flowers, the birds, the animals, the marvelous creation called man, the miracles of life and of birth—these all testify to the invisible Master Intellect that produced them. (Romans 1:20) Where there is intellect, there is mind. Where there is mind, there is a person. The supreme intellect is that of the Supreme Person, the Creator of all things living, the very Fountain of life. (Psalm 36:9) The Creator is indeed worthy of all praise and adoration.",Psalm 104:24; Revelation 4:11.,mn pp. 9-10 pars. 16-17,,,bl,,1/23/2019
"Making All Things New, creation, business, ","The relationship of the Father and Son may be compared to a business where there is a president and under him an executive who carries out the wishes of the president. The Son is represented in Proverbs 8:22, 30 as saying: “Jehovah himself produced me as the beginning of his way, the earliest of his achievements of long ago. Then I came to be beside him as a master worker.” Through this executive Son, Jehovah created many other spirit creatures, sons of God. ","Later, these rejoiced to see Jehovah’s master worker bring forth the material heavens and the earth on which we live. Do you doubt that these things were created? Jehovah asked of ancient Job: “Where did you happen to be when I founded the earth? Tell me, if you do know understanding. When the morning stars joyfully cried out together, and all the sons of God began shouting in applause?”—Job 38:4, 7.","Proverbs 8:22, 30",mn pp. 12-13 par. 22,,,bl,,1/23/2019
"Sin, death, ransom, memorial, ","Let us illustrate this by a pawnshop. Since most people like to keep away from pawnshops, it may be fitting to describe man’s present condition in this way. If someone leaves a watch at the pawnshop, the only way to get that watch out of the pawnshop again is by paying over the money value of the watch. Thus it is possible to free the watch. ","Today, mankind, like that watch, is tied up to pawnshop-like slavery to imperfection, leading to death, just as a watch might in time deteriorate and become useless in the pawnshop. Like the watch, mankind cannot buy itself out of this miserable state. However, someone from the outside can pay over the price of release of mankind, just as with the watch. It was the forfeit of Adam’s perfect human life that brought man into slavery to death. Hence another perfect human life must be paid over to release man from the power of death.",Psalm 49:7;,mn pp. 17-18 par. 34,,,bl,,1/23/2019
"All Things New, Resurrection, memory, memorial tombs, miracle, personal, personality,","It may have been your experience in wartime that your house that you loved very much was burned down. However, you could easily have the same house rebuilt, for the pattern of all its beloved details is very clear in your memory. ","Surely, then, God who is the originator of memory can re-create men whom he has kept in his memory because he loved them. (Isaiah 64:8) This is why the Bible uses the expression “memorial tombs.” When it comes God’s due time to bring the dead to life again, he will perform that miracle, just as he performed a miracle in creating the first man, only this time he will perform it many times over.",Genesis 2:7; Acts 24:15.,mn pp. 20-21 par. 40,,,bl,,1/23/2019
"Bible, Kingdom, religion, Making new things, christendom, babylon the great, true, false, safety, future, ","It is no longer safe to regard religion as a kind of furniture, something that has always been in the house but is necessary in your life only as it performs some social function. Nor can you afford to think that all religions are good and that all have the same goal. Many religions are selfish, and modern religion has failed to teach the hope of God’s new order, with its paradise earth. You must learn the Bible religion! Just as a proper secular education is necessary to fit a person for a place in everyday society, so a proper Bible education is necessary to equip one for entering the society that will survive to live in the paradise earth. ","Your safety and the whole future of yourself and your family depend on now studying the Bible, associating with the theocratic society of Jehovah’s witnesses, dedicating yourself to your Creator, Jehovah God, and witnessing for him. Do not let the pursuit of material things or the cares of life rob you of this wonderful opportunity of life. Said Jesus: “Keep on, then, seeking first the kingdom and his righteousness, and all these other things [the material necessities] will be added to you.”—Matthew 6:33.","John 17:3; 2 Timothy 3:16, 17",mn pp. 26-27 par. 51,,,bl,,1/23/2019
"Bible, Quotes, Patrick Henry, Hindu sage Mohandas K. Gandhi, Sir Isaac Newton,","The renowned scientist and discoverer of the law of gravity, Sir Isaac Newton, said: “No sciences are better attested to than the Bible.” Patrick Henry, the American revolutionary leader famous for the words “Give me liberty, or give me death,” also declared: “The Bible is worth all other books which have ever been printed.” Even the great Hindu sage Mohandas K. Gandhi once told the British viceroy of India: “When your country and mine shall get together on the teachings laid down by Christ in this Sermon on the Mount, we shall have solved the problems, not only of our countries but those of the whole world.” Gandhi was speaking of Matthew chapters 5 to 7 in the Bible. Read these chapters yourself and see if you do not thrill to their powerful message.",The wisdom and beauty of the Bible message have been acclaimed by thinking men from all nations and from all walks of life.,Matthew chapters 5 to 7,Lmn pp. 5-6 par. 7,,,bl,,1/23/2019
"All Things New, population, overflow, fill earth, generation gap, growth, multiply, ","When someone tells you to fill a cup with tea, you do not keep pouring until the tea overflows the cup and runs all over the table. You fill the cup and then stop. In the same way, Jehovah’s command to man, “Fill the earth,” indicated his purpose to have man comfortably fill the earth, and then reproduction of humankind here on earth would stop. This would present no problem in a perfect human society. It is only in today’s world of imperfect mankind that overpopulation presents a problem.","As God and his Son are both workers, so too God gave man work to do here on earth. (John 5:17) To Adam and Eve, the first man and woman, he said: “Be fruitful and become many and fill the earth and subdue it, and have in subjection the fish of the sea and the flying creatures of the heavens and every living creature that is moving upon the earth.” (Genesis 1:28) Did this mean that man was to multiply, fill the earth, and then keep on multiplying until the earth was full to overflowing? No. ","Genesis 1:28, ",Lmn p. 14 par. 26,,,bl,,1/23/2019
"Jesus, ransom, memorial, death, sin, ","Since Adam’s sin, all mankind have been like prisoners of war or slaves, bound by imperfection and death. To release them, a ransom had to be provided. To avoid any controversy now or later as to the fairness of the ransom price, it would be necessary to sacrifice one perfect human life, that is, the exact equivalent of Adam.",The just principle of paying ‘like for like’ has been widely accepted throughout history. The expression commonly used is “paying a ransom.” What is a ransom? It is “a price paid to recover a person or thing from one who detains that person or thing in captivity. Hence prisoners of war or slaves are said to be ransomed when they are liberated in exchange for a valuable consideration. . . . Whatever is substituted or exchanged in compensation for the party is his ransom.”,Romans 5:12; Genesis 3:15;,Lmn p. 18 par. 35 ,,,bl,,1/23/2019
"Religion, worship, urgency, goals, everlasting life, accurate knowledge, true, false, ","Some people say all religions lead to the same goal, just as all paths on a mountain lead to the summit. ","How mistaken they are! In order to find the right path, mountaineers use maps, and they hire guides. Likewise, there is only the one religion of truth that will lead to everlasting life, and guidance is needed to find it.—Acts 8:26-31. Your urgent need now is accurate knowledge.  Where can you get this? Can it be found in just any religion?",1 Timothy 2:4; John 17:3,Lmn p. 27 par. 52,,,bl,,1/23/2019
"Education, study, progress, distraction, temptation, everlasting life,","Just as a proper secular education is necessary to fit a person for a place in everyday society, so a proper Bible education is necessary to equip one for entering the society that will survive to live in the Paradise earth. (2 Timothy 3:16, 17) ",Satan may try to distract you by causing close associates to oppose you or by tempting you into selfish materialistic or immoral ways. Do not give in to Satan. Your safety and the whole future of you and your family depend on your studying the Bible further.—Matthew 10:36; 1 John 2:15-17.,Matthew 10:36; 1 John 2:15-17.,Lmn p. 27 par. 53 ,,,bl,,1/23/2019
"Much More to Life! work, employment, boredom, housewives, drudgery, relief, New world, paradise, ","How do you spend your days? Men who support their families often work at jobs that they do not enjoy, and not a few constantly face the threat of unemployment. For many housewives, there are long days of drudgery, with little relief day after day and no great satisfaction. Great numbers of young people grow up with a similar life-prospect. Even for the few who feel that life has treated them more kindly, the future is clouded with uncertainty.","Really, is that all there is to life? Look where you will in the world, the system seems to be ailing badly. It has its energy crises and runaway inflation, food shortages and pollution of the environment, revolutions, cold and hot wars, stockpiling of nuclear weapons, racial problems and surging discontent among the masses of mankind. No part of the earth is free from problems that pose a threat to human life and survival!","1 Corinthians 15:42,",ml pp. 3-4 pars. 1-2,,,bl,,1/23/2019
"There Is Much More to Life! Creation, universe, space, heavens, skill, talent, intelligence, marvel, ","Have you ever visited a planetarium? If so, you have no doubt marveled at the intricate mechanism designed to project the exact representation of the heavens on the curved dome, and also at the accurate movement of the model of our solar system. ","You may have thought, What a fine product of man’s photographic and engineering skill! But think for a moment. If it required talented humans to devise such a likeness of the universe, surely it required a far more talented Intellect to construct the stupendous universe itself.",Genesis 1:1;,ml pp. 6-7 par. 10,,,bl,,1/23/2019
"There Is Much More to Life! road, destruction, life, danger, Adam, Eve, death, ransom, ","The situation may be compared to a family traveling along a beautiful highway. It leads through a glorious paradise. Everything is favorable for a good journey. However, they see a broad road to the side with a sign: “Danger—Do Not Enter.” Curiosity and an independent spirit get the better of them. They enter that road and travel farther and farther away from the highway. At last, there is a steep downgrade. They are now traveling out of control. It is impossible for them to make it back to the highway. Brakes have failed. There is no stopping. They plunge downhill faster and faster. Finally they crash over a precipice to their destruction.[ILLUSTRATION CONTINUED ON NEXT PAGE]","The Bible shows it is just like that with mankind. God put up a “road sign” for the first man in the Garden of Eden: ‘You must not eat of this one fruit.’ The man and his wife were required to show their love for God by obeying that simple command. But they failed to do so. They willfully strayed off the highway and they entered the roadway of sin that leads to death and destruction under God’s judgment. At Romans 5:12 we read: “Through one man sin entered into the world and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men because they had all sinned.” Thus, because we are the descendants of disobedient Adam, we have all had to travel this disagreeable road, far removed from the perfection that the parents of the human family enjoyed in paradise. How bumpy and unpleasant has that road become in recent years! It is a broad one-way road, and none of the politicians or wise men of the world have been able to show the human family the way back. For each individual on it, the end of the road is death. And destruction of the entire world of mankind has become a distinct possibility.",Romans 5:12;,ml pp. 14-16 pars. 21-22,,,bl,,1/23/2019
"There Is Much More to Life! road, destruction, life, danger, Adam, Eve, death, ransom, ","But, look! A ray of light shines onto a side road, a narrow way that leads back from the broad road toward the highway. At first sight, it looks extremely cramped. It would be difficult to make the turn into it. The large family of people who are now traveling recklessly down the broad road choose to ignore the narrow way. They prefer to go along with the crowd. The great majority of the people keep to the broad road for convenience and for the temporary thrills that it provides. They pay no heed to further warnings of danger ahead. But some alert persons turn into the narrow way. It presents some hardships for them, and they have to be watchful, but, in time, it becomes pleasant for traveling. And in the end it leads them to a restored paradise of plenty. What a pleasure it is for them to feast their eyes on that delightful, peaceful paradise![CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS RECORD]","Again, as the Bible shows, it is the same with the human family. While the majority insist on their independence, and go along with the crowd in traveling the broad road to destruction, a way of return has opened up. While he was here on this earth, Jesus, the Son of God, called attention to this, saying: “I am the way and the truth and the life.” (John 14:6) Because Jesus faithfully did God’s will on earth, even to sacrificing his life in behalf of the human family, God appointed him to be “the Chief Agent of Life.” He also came into the world to “bear witness to the truth” and to make known God’s purposes. (Acts 3:15; John 18:37) He alone is able to show members of the human family the way back to the beautiful highway that leads on to the full enjoyment of a happy life in the earthly paradise of God.",Acts 3:15; John 18:37,ml pp. 16-17 pars. 23-24 ,,,bl,,1/23/2019
"World, wicked system, plunge, destruction, life, blood quilty, armageddon, tribulation,",This “present wicked system of things” is about to take its plunge off the broad road into destruction. But you need not take the plunge with it. In association with God’s own people—those who love life—you may have your life spared when God comes forth to destroy the bloodguilty nations of earth:,"“Go, my people, enter into your interior rooms, and shut your doors behind you. Hide yourself for but a moment until the denunciation passes over. For, look! Jehovah is coming forth from his place to call to account the error of the inhabitant of the land against him, and the land will certainly expose her bloodshed and will no longer cover over her killed ones.”—Isaiah 26:20, 21.","Isaiah 26:20, 21.",ml pp. 30-31 par. 43,,,bl,,1/23/2019
"How Did Life Begin? birth, creation, evolution, questions, reproduction, ","When you were a child, did you ever startle your parents by asking, “Where do babies come from?” If so, how did they respond? Depending on your age and their personality, your parents might have ignored the question or given you a hurried, embarrassed answer. Or perhaps they told you some fanciful tales that you later found to be false. Of course, if a child is to be properly prepared for adulthood and marriage, he or she eventually needs to learn about the wonders of sexual reproduction.","Just as many parents feel awkward about discussing where babies come from, some scientists seem reluctant to discuss an even more fundamental question—Where did life come from? Receiving a credible answer to that question can have a profound effect on a person’s outlook on life. So how did life begin?",Genesis 1:1;,lf question 1 p. 4,,,bl,,1/23/2019
"Creation, cells, evolution, wisdom, intelligence, design, science, life,","Think of a factory. It might have security guards who monitor the products that enter and leave through the doorways in the factory wall. Similarly, the cell membrane has special protein molecules embedded in it that act like the doors and the security guards. Some of these proteins (1) have a hole through the middle of them that allows only specific types of molecules in and out of the cell. Other proteins are open on one side of the cell membrane (2) and closed on the other. They have a docking site (3) shaped to fit a specific substance. When that substance docks, the other end of the protein opens and releases the cargo through the membrane (4). All this activity is happening on the surface of even the simplest of cells.","Like the wall surrounding a factory, the membrane of a cell shields the contents from a potentially hostile environment. However, the membrane is not solid; it allows the cell to “breathe,” permitting small molecules, such as oxygen, to pass in or out. But the membrane blocks more complex, potentially damaging molecules from entering without the cell’s permission. The membrane also prevents useful molecules from leaving the cell. How does the membrane manage such feats?","Hebrews 3:4; Psalm 104:24, 25;",lf question 2 pp. 9-10,,,bl,,1/23/2019
"Creation, cells, protein, evolution, wisdom, ",Picture a production line where engine parts are being assembled. Each part needs to be precisely constructed if the engine is to work. ,"Similarly, if a protein is not precisely constructed and folded to exactly the right shape, it will not be able to do its work properly and may even damage the cell. What happens as the protein is made is nothing short of amazing! Each one folds into a unique three-dimensional shape. It is this shape that determines the specialized job that the protein will do. ",Hebrews 3:4;,lf question 2 pp. 10-11,,,bl,,1/23/2019
"Creation, life, evolution, accidents, theory, ","Just as a skyscraper built without a foundation would collapse, a theory of evolution that cannot explain the origin of life will crumble.If this skyscraper must collapse because it has a flimsy foundation, must not the theory of evolution collapse because it has no explanation for the origin of life?","The theory of evolution rests on the notion that a long series of fortunate accidents produced life to start with. It then proposes that another series of undirected accidents produced the astonishing diversity and complexity of all living things. However, if the foundation of the theory is missing, what happens to the other theories that are built on this assumption? ",Hebrews 3:4;,lf question 2 p. 12,,,bl,,1/23/2019
"Reproduction, creation, life, evolution, birth, ","Human manufacturers often have to sacrifice quality to produce an item at a fast pace. How is it possible, then, that cells can reproduce so fast and so accurately if they are the product of undirected accidents? ","Some bacteria can make replicas of themselves within 20 minutes. Each cell copies all the controlling “computer programs.” Then it divides. If it had unlimited access to fuel, just one cell could increase in number exponentially. At that rate, it would take only two days to produce a clump of cells with a weight more than 2,500 times greater than that of the earth. Cells that are more complex can also replicate quickly. For example, when you were developing in your mother’s womb, new brain cells formed at the astounding rate of 250,000 per minute!","Psalm 104:24, 25;",lf question 2 p. 11,,,bl,,1/23/2019
"DNA, Where Did the Instructions Come From, creation, evolution, design, intelligence, tour of body cell, science,","You enter the museum and stare awestruck at this wondrous place full of strange forms and structures. Near the center of the cell stands the nucleus, a sphere about 20 stories tall. You make your way there. You go through a door in the nucleus’ outer skin, or membrane, and look around you. Dominating this chamber are 46 chromosomes. Arranged in identical pairs, they vary in height, but the pair nearest you is about 12 stories tall.","(1). Each chromosome has a pinched place near the middle, so it looks a bit like a link sausage but is as thick as a massive tree trunk. You see a variety of bands running across the model chromosomes. As you draw closer, you see that each horizontal band is divided by vertical lines. Between those are shorter horizontal lines (2). Are they stacks of books? No; they are the outer edges of loops, packed tightly in columns. You pull at one of them, and it comes free. You are amazed to see that the loop is composed of smaller coils (3), also neatly arranged. Within those coils is the main feature of all of this—something resembling a long, long rope. What is it?","Psalms 104:24, 25;",lf question 3 p. 14,,,bl,,1/23/2019
"DNA, Where Did the Instructions Come From, creation, evolution, design, intelligence, tour of body cell, science,","In the museum display, a sign invites you to take a length of this rope in your hands for a closer look (5). As you run it between your fingers, you see that this is no ordinary rope. It is composed of two strands twisted around each other. The strands are connected by tiny bars, evenly spaced. The rope looks like a ladder that has been twisted until it resembles a spiral staircase (6). ","Then it hits you: You are holding a model of the DNA molecule—one of the great mysteries of life! A single DNA molecule, tidily packaged with its spools and scaffold, makes up a chromosome. The rungs of the ladder are known as base pairs (7). What do they do? What is all of this for? A display sign offers a simplified explanation.","Psalm 104:24, 25;",lf question 3 p. 15,,,bl,,1/23/2019
"Where Did the Instructions Come From? Codons, science, creation, evolution, intelligence, ","You may know that Morse code was invented in the 19th century so that people could communicate by telegraph. That code had only two “letters”—a dot and a dash. Yet, it could be used to spell out countless words or sentences. Well, DNA has a four-letter code. The order in which those letters—A, T, G, and C—appear forms “words” called codons. Codons are arranged in “stories” called genes. Each gene contains, on average, 27,000 letters. These genes and the long stretches between them are compiled into chapters of a sort—the individual chromosomes. It takes 23 chromosomes to form the complete “book”—the genome, or total of genetic information about an organism.","The genome would be a huge book. How much information would it hold? All told, the human genome is made up of about three billion base pairs, or rungs, on the DNA ladder.  Imagine a set of encyclopedias in which each volume is over a thousand pages long. The genome would fill 428 of such volumes. Adding the second copy that is found in each cell would make that 856 volumes. If you were to type out the genome by yourself, it would be a full-time job—with no vacations—lasting some 80 years!","Psalms 104:24, 25;",lf question 3 p. 16,,,bl,,1/23/2019
"Where Did the Instructions Come From? DNA, genome, ","It is not far-fetched to compare DNA to a compact disc or to a book. In fact, one book about the genome notes: “The idea of the genome as a book is not, strictly speaking, even a metaphor. It is literally true. ","A book is a piece of digital information . . . So is a genome.” The author adds: “The genome is a very clever book, because in the right conditions it can both photocopy itself and read itself.","Psalm 104:24, 25;",lf question 3 p. 17,,,bl,,1/23/2019
"Creation, science, evolution, instructions, atheism, follow the evidence, ","""Follow the evidence, wherever it leads."" Antony Flew, who advocated atheism for 50 years, did an about-face of sorts. At 81 years of age, he began to express a belief that some intelligence must have been at work in the creation of life. Why the change? A study of DNA. When asked if his new line of thought might prove unpopular among scientists, Flew reportedly answered: “That’s too bad. My whole life has been guided by the principle . . . [to] follow the evidence, wherever it leads.","What do you think? Where does the evidence lead? Imagine that you found a computer room in the heart of a factory. The computer is running a complex master program that directs all the workings of that factory. What is more, that program is constantly sending out instructions on how to build and maintain every machine there, and it is making copies of itself and proofreading them. What would that evidence lead you to conclude? That the computer and its program must have made themselves or that they were produced by orderly, intelligent minds? Really, the evidence speaks for itself.",Hebrews 3:4;,lf question 3 p. 21,,,bl,,1/23/2019
"Fossil record, life, creation, evolution, common ancestor, theory, ","Imagine that you found 100 frames of a feature film that originally had 100,000 frames. How would you determine the plot of the movie? You might have a preconceived idea, but what if only 5 of the 100 frames you found could be organized to support your preferred plot, while the other 95 frames tell a very different story? Would it be reasonable to assert that your preconceived idea of the movie was right because of the five frames? Could it be that you placed the five frames in the order you did because it suited your theory? Would it not be more reasonable to allow the other 95 frames to influence your opinion?","An article published in National Geographic in 2004 likened the fossil record to “a film of evolution from which 999 of every 1,000 frames have been lost on the cutting-room floor.”36 Consider the implications of that illustration.","Psalm 104:24, 25;",lf question 4 p. 25,,,bl,,1/23/2019
"Is It Reasonable to Believe the Bible? Truth, slander, ","Have you ever been misled about a person? Maybe you heard others talk about him or quote him. You expected to dislike him—only to find, on getting to know him, that he had been misrepresented. ","Many have had such an experience regarding the Bible. More than a few educated people take a dim view of the Bible. Can you understand why? That book is often represented or quoted in such a way that it sounds unreasonable, unscientific, or just plain wrong. Is it possible that the Bible has been misrepresented?","2 Timothy 3:16, 17;",lf question 5 p. 30,,,bl,,1/23/2019
"Our Problems, cure, solutions, Bible, ","""What do you do when someone in the family has malaria?” Surprised, she replied, “I give them medicine, of course. We have had it often enough, so I know what to ask the chemist for.” Turning to Anand’s father, Masterji said, “You see, Dadaji, that is the logical thing to do when you are suffering; you take medicine to get better. You do not say, ‘Let me die and leave the earth.’ But suppose we had the right ‘medicine’ to remove all suffering and solve all our problems here on earth. Would we not prefer to stay here rather than die and leave our loved ones?","“Obviously, man does not have the ability to solve all his problems. So for a long time, humans have been suffering on earth. But does not your own belief teach that during kalyug, God must take avatar to bring satyug on earth? Does that not show that the ancient philosophers who developed that teaching also believed that God wanted man to be happy here on earth?",Isaiah 33:24; Jeremiah 10:23;,op p. 8,,,bl,,1/23/2019
"Our Problems, solve, earth, Paradise, new earth, solutions, ","“Think of this colony, Dadaji. When it was first built, it was a very fine colony, was it not? But look at it today. So many tenants have moved in who do not care about others. They have broken the streetlights, thrown garbage wherever they like, smashed windows, and stolen taps, so that water is wasted and makes the roads muddy. What needs to be done now? If the bad tenants were removed and the colony facilities repaired, could we not enjoy living here? This is what God has promised to do to the whole earth.","“According to the Bible, God created man perfect, healthy, and happy. But by not obeying God’s laws, men have acted ruinously and become defective.  Not only that but today they are even ruining the earth, which is God’s creation. So the Bible says that God will first remove the wicked ‘tenants’ from the earth and then help good people to restore happy conditions.”—Revelation 11:18.","Deuteronomy 32:4, 5",op pp. 8-9 ,,,bl,,1/23/2019
"Problems, solution, Bible, instructions, ","“When we bought this sewing machine, the maker gave us a book of instructions. Similarly, would it not be reasonable that God, who is the Maker of man, would give instructions that would benefit humans if they followed these instructions?” “I suppose you believe the Bible is that book of instructions?”","“Yes, I do, Nirmala. There are many books that are called holy books. Some of these are accepted as mythology, some as the philosophy of individuals living at a particular time in history and developed by their own thinking. Others give a moral code and social laws to fit a particular area at a specific time. All these books teach different things, and people choose to follow what appeals to them, just as a woman chooses what color sari she will wear. “The Bible, however, is different. As we discussed earlier, none of the writers claimed that the thinking was their own. As one writer explained it, the message in the Bible ‘was at no time brought by man’s will, but men spoke from God.’ (2 Peter 1:21) ",2 Peter 1:21,op pp. 24-25,,,bl,,1/30/2019
"Survival, obedience, knowledge, upright, righteous, blameless, ","In a time of disaster, like a flood, the government gives us specific instructions for survival. These are based on their knowledge of the exact situation and what they know is going to happen. We would not sit at home and say, ‘I am a good person, so I will not drown,’ would we? ","Now, God is going to bring a much greater disaster than a flood. He is bringing a war, which the Bible calls Armageddon, that will affect every individual on earth. (Revelation 16:14-16) The Holy Scriptures tell us that being morally good is one basic necessity for survival. But God has also given other specific instructions, based on his knowledge of the situation. These also we must follow if we are to survive. Those who follow God’s instructions would be considered ‘righteous,’ ‘upright,’ and ‘blameless’ ones who the Bible says will be left over in the earth when God destroys the wicked.”—Proverbs 2:20-22.",Revelation 16:14-16,op p. 27,,,bl,,1/30/2019
"Solution, paradise, work, new earth, opportunity, effort, ","You see an advertisement in the newspaper for a job. It is being offered to someone with your qualifications. The pay is excellent, the location is where you would like to live, good accommodation is available, and the work is something you would enjoy doing. What would you do? Ignore the advertisement, or do everything in your power to obtain that employment?”","So, what about the things the Bible says that God is offering to people living today? A paradise earth, a good home, plenty to eat, satisfying employment, perfect health, and total security. Suppose that was true. Anand thought for a long time.",2 Peter 3:13;,op p. 29,,,bl,,1/30/2019
"Originator, Creator, Jehovah, Mighty one, strong one, Almighty, ","No meal was ever prepared without a cook. Then Buddhika reminded Sanath that all around them were things much greater and more complex than a house. “Look at the delicate flowers, the majestic mountains, the powerful sea, and the boundless universe,” he said. “If a house needs a designer and a builder and a meal has to be prepared by a cook, then what about all the marvelous things in the universe? Do they not also require a Designer and Maker?”","Sanath had to agree that Buddhika had a good point. “The Bible says that, indeed, there is an original Designer and Maker of all things,” Buddhika continued. “Of course, to be the Maker of all things, this One would have to be a powerful and mighty Person. That is why the Bible calls him God. In the original language of the Bible, this word means ‘Mighty One’ or ‘Strong One.’ Today, there are many whom people call ‘gods,’ but because Jehovah made all things, he is rightly called Almighty God.”",Hebrews 3:4;,ph pp. 14-15,,,bl,,1/30/2019
"A God of Love and Justice, conscience, ","Do you know that the laws of most countries are in many ways similar to those that were written in the Bible thousands of years ago?” “For example, the laws of many lands include prohibitions against murder, stealing, and adultery. ","These were all written down in the Bible more than 3,500 years ago. When we live by these just standards from Jehovah God, we are reflecting God’s justice, and we can have a happier and more satisfying life.”",Genesis 1:27;,ph p. 19,,,bl,,1/30/2019
"Wisdom, creation, ants, power, ",We have often seen ants busily nipping off pieces of leaves to carry to their nests. How do they know to do this? One of the Bible writers explained that the ant is “instinctively wise.” ,"Who, though, made it that way? Who put this instinctive wisdom in the ant? The Bible answers that it was Jehovah, the Producer of heaven and earth.","Proverbs 30:24, 25",ph p. 21,,,bl,,1/30/2019
"Life, purpose, ","Who can tell us what the purpose of life really is? Well, if you were to visit a machine designer and saw him working on a complicated piece of machinery that you did not recognize, how could you find out what it was for? The best way would be for you to ask the designer.","What, then, of the magnificent design we see all around us on earth, such as in all living things, down to the smallest living cell? Even the much smaller molecules and atoms inside the cell are wonderfully designed and orderly. What, too, of the marvelously designed human mind? And what of our solar system, and our Milky Way galaxy, and the universe? Did not all these awesome designs require a Designer? Surely he could tell us why he designed such things.",Genesis 1:28,pr section 2 p. 6 pars. 1-2,,,bl,,2/1/2019
"Life, purpose, laws, order, ","We may illustrate the matter this way: When we see a painting, we accept it as evidence that a painter exists. When we read a book, we accept that an author exists. When we see a house, we accept that a builder exists. When we see a traffic light, we know that a law-making body exists. All those things were made with a purpose by those who made them. And while we may not understand everything about the people who designed them, we do not doubt that the people exist.","Similarly, the evidence of the existence of a Supreme Designer can be seen in the design, order, and complexity of living things on earth. They all bear the marks of a Supreme Intelligence. This is also true of the design, order, and complexity of the universe with its billions of galaxies, each containing billions of stars. And all the heavenly bodies are controlled by precise laws, such as those for motion, heat, light, sound, electromagnetism, and gravity. Can there be laws without a lawmaker? Rocket scientist Dr. Wernher von Braun stated: “The natural laws of the universe are so precise that we have no difficulty building a spaceship to fly to the moon and can time the flight with the precision of a fraction of a second. These laws must have been set by somebody.”",Romans 1:20;,pr section 2 pp. 7-8 pars. 9-10,,,bl,,2/1/2019
"Creation, life, purpose, body, computer, brain, learning,",Your brain is far more complex than any computer. The New Encyclopædia Britannica notes: “Transmission of information within the nervous system is more complex than the largest telephone exchanges; problem solving by a human brain exceeds by far the capacity of the most powerful computers.”,"Hundreds of millions of facts and mental images are stored in your brain, but it is not merely a storehouse of facts. With it you can learn how to whistle, bake bread, speak foreign languages, use a computer, or fly an airplane. You can imagine what a vacation would be like or how delicious a fruit will taste. You can analyze and make things. You can also plan, appreciate, love, and relate your thoughts to the past, the present, and the future. Since we humans cannot design such a thing as the awesome human brain, then the One who designed it obviously has wisdom and ability far greater than that of any human.",Psalm 139:14;,pr section 2 p. 9 par. 19,,,bl,,2/1/2019
"Suffering and Injustice, Maintenance, earth, design, disorder, ","Let us use an example to illustrate why a God of order would allow disorder on earth. Imagine, if you will, walking into a forest and coming upon a house. As you inspect the house, you see that it is in disorder. The windows are broken, the roof has serious damage, the wooden porch is full of holes, the door is hanging on one hinge, and the plumbing does not work.","In the face of all these defects, would you conclude that no intelligent designer could possibly have designed that house? Would the disorder convince you that only chance could have produced the house? Or if you concluded that someone did design and construct it, would you feel that this person was not skilled and not thoughtful? When you more thoroughly examine the structure, you see that it was originally put together well and gives evidence of much thoughtful care. But it was now simply run down and on the way to ruin. What could the defects and problems indicate? They could suggest that (1) the owner died; (2) he is a capable builder but is no longer interested in the house; or (3) he temporarily leased his property to unappreciative tenants. The latter is similar to the situation regarding this earth.",Hebrews 3:4;,pr section 6 pp. 22-23 pars. 3-5,,,bl,,2/2/2019
"Cure, Practical Counsel That Improves Lives, Bible, Word, ",IMAGINE that a new doctor moved into your area. At first you may be a little wary of him. But what if some of your friends sought his help and their health improved dramatically? Might you not consider consulting that doctor too?,"In some ways, the Holy Scriptures are like that doctor. Some people are wary of consulting them. But when they apply the wise counsel found therein, their lives improve dramatically. Consider some examples.","2 Timothy 3:16, 17;",rk section 3 p. 6 ,,,bl,,2/2/2019
"Discipline, counsel, punishment, balance, qualities, justice lenient, harsh, ",Have you noticed how controlled your fingers are?  You can grip something very tightly for a heavy load.  You can pick up something very delicate and not squeeze too hard.  You just know the right pressure to use.,"Likewise, Jehovah’s justice is perfectly balanced. He is never too lenient, never too harsh. He punishes unrepentant wrongdoers but extends tender mercy to repentant ones. “Jehovah is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abundant in loving-kindness. He will not for all time keep finding fault, neither will he to time indefinite keep resentful. He has not done to us even according to our sins; nor according to our errors has he brought upon us what we deserve.”  God also remembers and rewards the faithful acts of his loyal servants. Does not the God of such justice merit your trust?",Psalm 103:8-10,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/2/2019
"Inactive, disfellowshipped, lost, search, sheep bewildered, ","The sheep is bewildered. Somehow, while nibbling grass in the pasture, it got separated from the other sheep. Now, it can see neither the flock nor the shepherd. Darkness approaches. Lost in a valley where predators roam, the sheep is defenseless. Finally, it hears a familiar voice—that of the shepherd, who runs toward the sheep, picks it up, wraps it in the folds of his garment, and carries it home.","JEHOVAH repeatedly likens himself to just such a shepherd. In his Word, he assures us: “I myself will search for my sheep, and I will care for them.”—Ezekiel 34:11, 12.","Ezekiel 34:11, 12.",rj part 1 p. 4,,,bl,,2/3/2019
"Anxiety—“Hard-Pressed in Every Way, inactive, disfellowshipped, reinstated, elderly, discouraged, ","To illustrate: A runner who stops training for several months or years cannot resume his former routine right away. Rather, he begins by setting small goals that build strength and endurance. ","Christians are like runners. They train with a clear goal in mind. (1 Corinthians 9:24-27) Why not pursue one spiritual goal that seems most attainable for you right now? For example, you might set the goal of attending a congregation meeting. Ask Jehovah to help you to reach your goal. As you regain spiritual strength, you will “taste and see that Jehovah is good.” (Psalm 34:8) Remember that anything you do to demonstrate your love for Jehovah—no matter how small it may seem—is precious to him.—Luke 21:1-4. When you think about what you can give to Jehovah, be realistic. Do not compare what you can do today with what you used to do.",1 Corinthians 9:24-27,rj part 2 p. 7,,,bl,,2/3/2019
"Resentment, Hurt Feelings, Cause for Complaint, benefit ourselves, burden, forgiveness, ","Imagine the following scenario. You pick up a rock, perhaps one that weighs just a few pounds, and hold it at arm’s length. You would probably have little trouble holding the rock for a short time. But what if you tried to do so for an extended period of time? How long would you be able to hold it—some minutes? an hour? or longer? No doubt, your arm would become very tired! Of course, the actual weight of the rock would not change. But the longer you held it, the heavier it would feel. ","The same is true of resentment. The longer we hold a grudge—even a rather small one—the more we hurt ourselves. Little wonder, then, that Jehovah encourages us to let go of resentment. Really, letting go is for our own good.—Proverbs 11:17.",Proverbs 11:17,rj part 3 pp. 8-9,,,bl,,2/3/2019
"Return to “the Shepherd and Overseer of Your Souls, forgiveness, inactive, open heart, free will, spiritual need, ",One Bible scholar put it this way: “There is no handle on the outside of the door of the human heart. It must be opened from within.”,"By worshipping Jehovah out of a heart full of love, we can choose to open that door. When we do so, we give him a precious gift—our integrity—and we bring tremendous joy to his heart. Really, nothing can compare to the happiness we experience from giving Jehovah the worship he deserves.—Acts 20:35; Revelation 4:11. Moreover, when you resume your Christian worship, your spiritual need will be filled. (Matthew 5:3) ",Acts 20:35; Revelation 4:11,rj part 5 p. 13,,,bl,,2/3/2019
"Return, inactive, disfellowshipped, reinstated, physically sick, ill, gradually, strength, ","A person who has been physically ill may need to resume his normal routine gradually. Likewise, you can build your strength as a Christian by trying to take in at least a little spiritual food each day. Do not feel that you have to do everything at once. ","Perhaps you could spend a few minutes reading or listening to a recording of the Bible, studying one of our publications, browsing the jw.org website, or watching one of the programs broadcast on tv.jw.org. Also, try to attend a congregation meeting as soon as possible. Above all, pray to Jehovah and ask for his help. “Throw all your anxiety on him, because he cares for you.”—1 Peter 5:7.",1 Peter 5:7;,rj part 5 p. 14,,,bl,,2/3/2019
"Religion, worship, examine, true, false, ","Suppose you got a job with a big company. On the first day of work, you learn that the boss is away on leave. So you ask three workers what you should do. The first worker says that the boss wants you to sweep the floor. The second says that you should paint the building. The third tells you to distribute the mail.","Next, you ask the workers about the boss. The first says that the boss is tall, young, and harsh. The second says that he is short, old, and kind. The third tells you that the boss is not a man at all—the boss is a woman. Likely, you conclude that the three workers are not all telling the truth. If you want to keep your new job, you will probably do some checking to find out who the boss really is and what he or she wants you to do. It is the same with religion. Because there are so many ideas about who God is and what he requires of us, we need to make sure that our way of worship is in harmony with the truth. But how can we learn the truth about God?",Acts 17:11;,ol part 1 p. 5 pars. 3-5,,,bl,,2/3/2019
"Bible, truth, questions resolved, standard, ","Suppose that there is an argument at the market about the length of a piece of cloth. The seller says the cloth is three yards (3 m), but the buyer thinks it is less than that. How can the matter be resolved? By measuring the cloth with a yardstick. Is there a yardstick, a standard, for deciding religious matters? Yes, it is the Bible. ","God had the Bible written so that people everywhere could learn the truth about him. Billions of copies have been printed. It has been translated, in whole or in part, into over 2,100 languages. Just about everybody can read the truth about God in his or her own language. The Bible is a precious gift from God. It explains things that we could otherwise never know. It tells about those who live in the spirit realm. It reveals God’s thoughts, his personality, and his purpose. It tells of his dealings with people over thousands of years. It talks of things that will happen in the future. And it shows how we can find the road to everlasting life.",John 8:44;,ol part 2 pp. 5-6 pars. 2-4,,,bl,,2/3/2019
"truth, God, Bible changed, ","Suppose that you were the owner of a factory and that you posted a list of rules for your workers. If some enemy changed what you had written, what would you do? Would you not correct what had been changed? ","In the same way, God does not allow people to change the truth of his Word, the Bible. Those who have tried to change the teachings of God’s Word have not succeeded. When we compare the Bible that we have today with ancient copies of the Bible, they are the same. This shows that the Bible has not been changed over the years.",2 Timothy 3:16;,ol part 2 p. 7 pars. 9-10,,,bl,,2/3/2019
"Truth About Magic, Sorcery, Witchcraft, Satan, demons, deception, lies, ","During recent fighting in one African country, soldiers used sound equipment to terrify their enemies. Before attacking, the soldiers would play loud recordings of heavy artillery and gunfire. They wanted the enemy to think that they were being attacked by an army with many powerful weapons. ","Satan is a master of deception. He fools people into thinking that he has more power than he really does. In the same way, Satan wants people to believe that his power is limitless. His purpose is to frighten people into doing his will and not the will of Jehovah. Let us now consider three lies that Satan wants people to believe. One lie that Satan promotes is this: Nothing harmful happens by chance; everything bad that is not directly caused by someone occurs through mystical power. For example, suppose that a child dies of malaria. His mother may know that malaria is a disease carried by mosquitoes. But she may also believe that someone used witchcraft to send a mosquito to bite her child.",Matthew 12:43-45,ol part 5 p. 16 pars. 6-8,,,bl,,2/3/2019
"Brain, Bible, author, computer, housefly, intelligent designer, ","“The performance of even the most advanced of the neural-network computers,” says Dr. Richard M. Restak, “has about one ten-thousandth the . . . capacity of a housefly.” The brain of a human is far superior to that of a housefly. It comes programmed to learn languages. It repairs itself, rewrites programs, and improves its capacity. No doubt you would agree that even a powerful supercomputer with only “one ten-thousandth the . . . capacity of a housefly” has an intelligent designer. ","What about the human brain? Some 3,000 years ago, at a time when humans did not fully understand the wonders of their own physical structure, a Bible writer meditated on the makeup of the human body and said: “I shall laud you because in a fear-inspiring way I am wonderfully made. Your works are wonderful, as my soul is very well aware.” Without a knowledge of DNA molecules, he wrote: “Your eyes saw even the embryo of me, and in your book all its parts were down in writing.” (Psalm 139:14, 16) ","Psalm 139:14, 16",la part 4 pp. 16-17 pars. 4-5,,,bl,,2/4/2019
"Satisfying Life, Adam, Eve, sin, death, slaves, sold, ","Adam and Eve sold their future family into slavery to sin and death. Born into that family, their descendants may be likened to slaves confined to a remote island where cruel rulers reign as kings. Indeed, death has ruled as king over mankind enslaved by another king—sin. (Romans 5:14, 21) There seems to be no one who will rescue them. ","Why, it was their ancestor who sold them into slavery! But a benevolent man sends his son, who brings the full price required to obtain freedom for all who are in bondage.—Psalm 51:5; 146:4; Romans 8:2. In this illustration the man who rescued the slaves represents Jehovah God. The son who brought the price for freedom is Jesus Christ. He had a prehuman existence as the only-begotten Son of God. (John 3:16) ","Romans 5:14, 21",la part 8 p. 25 pars. 2-3,,,bl,,2/4/2019
"Serve Jehovah, Not Satan, demons, superstition, falsehood, fear, dead, ","Just as a spiderweb holds fast a fly, millions of people are held fast by superstition and falsehood. They fear the dead. They fear the demons. They worry about curses, omens, charms, and fetishes. They are bound by beliefs and traditions based on the lies of Satan the Devil. God’s servants are ensnared by none of these things.","Jehovah is far more powerful than Satan. If you serve Jehovah, he will protect you from the demons. (James 4:7) Spells will not work on you. For example, in Nigeria, three powerful witch doctors cast spells to kill a Witness of Jehovah who refused to leave town. When the spells failed, one of the witch doctors became fearful, went to the Witness, and begged for mercy.",James 4:7;,sp p. 24,,,bl,,2/5/2019
"Secret, Adam, Eve, sacred secret, ",Has anyone ever told you a secret?— The Bible talks about a special secret called “the sacred secret.” It is sacred because it is from God. And it is called a secret because people did not know about it. Even angels wanted to know more about this. Would you like to know what the secret is?—,"A long, long time ago, God created the first man and woman. Their names were Adam and Eve. God gave them a beautiful home called the garden of Eden. If Adam and Eve had obeyed God, they and their children could have made the whole earth a paradise like that garden. And they could have lived in Paradise forever. But do you remember what Adam and Eve did?— Adam and Eve disobeyed God, and that is why we do not live in a paradise today. But God said that he would make the whole earth beautiful, and everyone would live forever and be happy. How would he do this? For a long time, people did not know. It was a secret.",Mark 4:11;,yc lesson 1 p. 4,,,bl,,2/5/2019
"David Was Not Afraid, fear, terror, anxiety, panic, ","What do you do when you are afraid?— Maybe you go to your mom and dad for help. But there is someone else who can help you too. He is more powerful than anybody else. Do you know who it is?— Yes, it is Jehovah God. Let’s talk about a young man in the Bible named David. He knew that Jehovah would always help him, so he was not afraid.","From the time David was a baby, his parents taught him to love Jehovah. This helped David not to be afraid even when some scary things happened to him. He knew that Jehovah was his Friend and that He would help him. One time, when David was taking care of some sheep, a big lion came and grabbed a sheep with its mouth! Do you know what David did? He chased after the lion and apparently killed it with his bare hands! And then when a bear attacked the sheep, David killed it too! Who do you think helped David?— Yes, it was Jehovah.","Psalm 56:3, 4;",yc lesson 6 p. 14,,,bl,,2/5/2019
"Lonely, afraid, Elijah, help, ","Look at the little boy in the picture. He looks lonely and afraid, doesn’t he? Have you ever felt that way?— Everyone feels that way sometimes. The Bible talks about friends of Jehovah who also felt lonely and afraid. One of them was Elijah. Let’s learn about him.Elijah lived in Israel a long time ago, before Jesus was born. Ahab, the king of Israel, was not worshipping the true God, Jehovah. ","Ahab and his wife, Jezebel, were worshipping the false god Baal. So most of the people in Israel also began worshipping Baal. Queen Jezebel was very mean and wanted to kill all the people who worshipped Jehovah, including Elijah! Do you know what Elijah did?—Elijah ran away! He went far into the desert and hid in a cave. Why do you think he did that?— Yes, he was afraid. But Elijah did not need to be afraid. Why? Because he knew that Jehovah could help him. Jehovah had shown his power to Elijah before. Once, Jehovah had answered Elijah’s prayer by sending fire from heaven. So of course Jehovah could help Elijah now!",1 Kings 19:3-18;,yc lesson 7 pp. 16-17,,,bl,,2/5/2019
"Trinity, ransom, justice, ","If Jesus, however, were part of a Godhead, the ransom price would have been infinitely higher than what God’s own Law required. (Exodus 21:23-25; Leviticus 24:19-21) It was only a perfect human, Adam, who sinned in Eden, not God. So the ransom, to be truly in line with God’s justice, had to be strictly an equivalent—a perfect human, “the last Adam.” ","Thus, when God sent Jesus to earth as the ransom, he made Jesus to be what would satisfy justice, not an incarnation, not a god-man, but a perfect man, “lower than angels.” (Hebrews 2:9; compare Psalm 8:5, 6.) How could any part of an almighty Godhead—Father, Son, or holy spirit—ever be lower than angels?",Exodus 21:23-25; Leviticus 24:19-21,ti p. 15,,,bl,,2/6/2019
"Bible, letter, help, harm, ","If you were the father of a family and had to be a long distance away from your children, would you not write to them from time to time? Good fathers do that, sending their children news about themselves and giving loving counsel. Does humankind have any such communication from their Creator and Father? ","The answer is, Yes, there is a collection of 66 “letters” or writings inspired and provided by the Creator that contain vital information and counsel for us all. That collection of inspired writings is: the Bible.","2 Timothy 3:16, 17;",us p. 8 par. 8,,,bl,,2/6/2019
"Unseen spirits, demons, satan, traditions, ancestors, help, harm, ","Like a spider web that entangles and holds a fly or other creature that gets into it, so too there is a web of family and tribal traditions and rites that holds many people in the grip of fear. They are afraid that, if they do not observe all these traditions, they will not receive the help of departed ancestors or that they will be harmed by other unseen spirits. They fear they will not be successful in having children or that their children will die, or that their cattle will sicken and die, that their farms will not produce or that their businesses will not be successful.","Only the truth of God’s Word can set them free. By learning what his Word says, they can come to appreciate that there are unseen spirits who cooperate with spirit mediums and medicine men but that their power is as nothing when compared with the power of the true God. Persons who come to appreciate that God’s help is of far, far greater value than help from any other source realize that no hurt that any spirit medium, medicine man or any unseen spirit might threaten to bring upon them would be as damaging as their losing the favor and blessing of the one and only Source of life.—Matthew 10:28.",Matthew 10:28;,us p. 38 pars. 74-75,,,bl,,2/6/2019
"Victory Over Death, sacrifices, ransom, redemption price, restore,","It is somewhat similar to when a family falls into unhappy circumstances and the father forfeits the family gold to a moneylender, or a bank. Now the family goes through life without its gold, and even the offspring fail to inherit it. But later the offspring are able to redeem their family gold from the moneylender by paying a redemption price that the moneylender considers adequate to fulfill justice.","Similarly, to satisfy justice, our human race needed a redemption, or a price, to ransom them from sin and death and to restore their birthright. The stress on sacrifice in the Rig-Veda may have been rooted in memories of ancestral sacrificial practices. (Compare Genesis 4:4; 8:20.) The book Indian Wisdom shows that horses, oxen, sheep, and goats were sacrificial victims in Vedic times. And it says: “Such sacrifices were held to be propitiatory.”26 It is significant that ancient Hindus felt, somehow, that lifeblood had to be sacrificed for them to get right with their gods.",Genesis 4:4; 8:20,vi pp. 16-17 pars. 27-28,,,bl,,2/6/2019
"Victory Over Death, ransom, Jesus, sacrifice, sins, spread, healing, sick, cure, ","Just as a cholera epidemic can spread swiftly through a whole village from only one sick patient, and just as the medicine from only one doctor can bring healing to many in the same village, likewise, God’s perfect justice permits only one corresponding ransom price to effect the redemption of millions of sinners descended from the one first man.—Compare 1 Timothy 2:5, 6.","As a reward, God restored his Son to spirit life, enabling him to present to God in heaven the value of his sacrificed human life as the purchase price for the life rights of our race. Thereby God had the legal basis to return the right to life to Adam’s offspring. The Bible says: “Why, even Christ died once for all time concerning sins, a righteous person for unrighteous ones, that he might lead you to God, he being put to death in the flesh, but being made alive in the spirit.” (1 Peter 3:18) Most importantly, this grand accomplishment vindicates God’s original creative work, his word, and his righteousness.","1 Timothy 2:5, 6.",vi pp. 19-20 pars. 33-34,,,bl,,2/6/2019
"Living Planet, earth, perfect, address, universe, Milky Way galaxy, ","When you write down your address, what do you include? You might put in your country, city, and street. By way of comparison, let’s call the Milky Way galaxy earth’s “country,” the solar system—that is, the sun and its planets—earth’s “city,” and earth’s orbit within the solar system earth’s “street.” Thanks to advances in astronomy and physics, scientists have gained deep insights into the merits of our special spot in the universe.","To begin with, our “city,” or solar system, is located in the ideal region of the Milky Way galaxy—not too close to the center and not too far from it. This “habitable zone,” as scientists call it, contains just the right concentrations of the chemical elements needed to support life. Farther out, those elements are too scarce; farther in, the neighborhood is too dangerous because of the greater abundance of potentially lethal radiation and other factors. “We live in prime real estate,” says Scientific American magazine.1",Psalm 104:24;,lc p. 5,,,bl,,2/7/2019
"Living Planet, address, prime street, earth, space, universe, sun, ","The ideal “street”: No less “prime” is earth’s “street,” or orbit within our solar system “city.” About 93 million miles (150 million km) from the sun, this orbit lies within a limited zone that is habitable because life neither freezes nor fries. Moreover, earth’s path is almost circular, keeping us roughly the same distance from the sun year-round.","The sun, meanwhile, is the perfect “powerhouse.” It is stable, it is the ideal size, and it emits just the right amount of energy. For good reason, it has been called “a very special star.”",Psalm 104:24;,lc p. 5,,,bl,,2/7/2019
"Moon, Planet, earth, science, universe, space, ","The perfect “neighbor”: If you had to choose a “next-door neighbor” for the earth, you could not improve on the moon. Its diameter measures just over a quarter of that of the earth. Thus, when compared with other moons in our solar system, our moon is unusually large in relation to its host planet. Mere coincidence? It seems unlikely.","For one thing, the moon is the principal cause of ocean tides, which play a vital role in earth’s ecology. The moon also contributes to the planet’s stable spin axis. Without its tailor-made moon, our planet would wobble like a spinning top, perhaps even tipping right over and turning on its side, as it were! The resulting climatic, tidal, and other changes would be catastrophic.",Psalm 89:37;,lc pp. 5-6 ,,,bl,,2/7/2019
"earth's tilt, planet, cycle, seasons, climate, day and night, universe, space, ","Earth’s perfect tilt and spin: Earth’s tilt of about 23.4 degrees causes the annual cycle of seasons, moderates temperatures, and allows for a wide range of climate zones. “Our planet’s tilt axis seems to be ‘just right,’” says the book Rare Earth—Why Complex Life Is Uncommon in the Universe.3","Also “just right” is the length of day and night, a result of earth’s spin. If the speed of rotation were substantially slower, the days would be longer and the side of the earth facing the sun would bake while the other side would freeze. Conversely, if the earth were to spin much faster, the days would be shorter, perhaps just a few hours long, and earth’s rapid spin would cause relentless gale-force winds and other harmful effects.",Psalm 104:24;,lc p. 6,,,bl,,2/7/2019
"Earth, pollution, fresh air, water, natural cycles, ","If a city’s supply of fresh air and water were cut and its sewers blocked, disease and death would soon follow. But consider: Our planet is not like a restaurant, where new food and supplies are shipped in from outside and garbage is carted away. The clean air and water we depend on are not shipped in from outer space, nor is waste matter rocketed out. So how does the earth remain healthy and habitable? The answer: the natural cycles, such as water, carbon, oxygen, and nitrogen cycles, explained here and shown simplified.","The water cycle: Water is essential to life. None of us can live without it for more than a few days. The water cycle distributes fresh, clean water around the planet. It involves three stages. (1) Solar power lifts water into the atmosphere by evaporation. (2) Condensation of this purified water produces clouds. (3) Clouds, in turn, form rain, hail, sleet, or snow, which falls to the ground, ready to evaporate again, thus completing the cycle. How much water is recycled annually? According to estimates, enough to cover the earth’s surface uniformly to a depth of more than two and a half feet (80 cm).",Psalm 104:24;,lc p. 8 ,,,bl,,2/7/2019
"Earth, waste, recycles, Planet, ","Humans, with all their advanced technology, create countless tons of unrecyclable toxic waste annually. ","Yet, the earth recycles all its wastes perfectly, using ingenious chemical engineering.",Psalm 104:24;,lc p. 9,,,bl,,2/7/2019
"Design, creation, science, engineers, plants, animals, instruct, biomimetics, ","In recent years, scientists and engineers have, in a very real sense, allowed plants and animals to instruct them. (Job 12:7, 8) They are studying and mimicking the design features of various creatures—a field known as biomimetics—in an effort to create new products and improve the performance of existing ones. ","As you consider the following examples, ask yourself, ‘Who really deserves the credit for these designs?’","Job 12:7, 8;",lc p. 11 ,,,bl,,2/7/2019
"Humpback whale, flippers, designer, creation, ","What can aircraft designers learn from the humpback whale? A great deal, it seems. An adult humpback weighs about 30 tons—as much as a loaded truck—and has a relatively stiff body with large winglike flippers. This 40-foot-long (12 m) animal is remarkably agile under water. What particularly intrigued researchers was how this stiff-bodied creature could turn in what seem to be impossibly tight circles. They discovered that the secret is in the shape of the whale’s flippers. The leading edge of its flippers is not smooth, like an aircraft wing, but serrated, with a row of protruding bumps called tubercles.","As the whale slices through the water, these tubercles increase lift and reduce drag. How? The journal Natural History explains that the tubercles make the water accelerate over the flipper in an organized, rotating flow, even when the whale is rising at very steep angles. What practical applications does this discovery promise? Aircraft wings based on the design would evidently need fewer wing flaps or other mechanical devices to alter airflow. Such wings would be safer and easier to maintain. Biomechanics expert John Long believes that someday soon “we may well see every single jetliner with the bumps of humpback whale flippers.”",Psalm 104:24;,lc p. 12,,,bl,,2/7/2019
"Creation, creator, credit, evolution, intelligence, wisdom,","Surely, the engineer who designs a safer, more efficient aircraft wing would deserve to receive credit for his or her design. Likewise, the inventor who devises a more comfortable clothing material or a more efficient motor vehicle deserves credit for his or her design. In fact, a manufacturer who copies someone else’s design but fails to acknowledge or credit the designer may be viewed as a criminal.","Now consider these facts: Highly trained researchers crudely mimic systems in nature to solve difficult engineering problems. Yet, some would attribute the genius of devising the original idea to unintelligent evolution. Does that sound reasonable to you? If the copy requires an intelligent designer, what about the original? Really, who deserves more credit, the master engineer or the apprentice who imitates his designs?",Psalm 104:24; Romans 1:20;,lc p. 15,,,bl,,2/7/2019
"Hope, Dead, Resurrection, comfort, ","A person can videotape his last will and testament, and after he dies, his relatives and friends can see and hear him, in effect, as he explains how his estate is to be handled. A hundred years ago, such a thing was unthinkable. And to some people now living in remote parts of the world, the technology of video recording is so beyond comprehension as to seem miraculous. ","If scientific principles established by the Creator can be used by humans to reconstruct such a visible and audible scene, should not the Creator be able to do far more? Is it not reasonable, then, that the One who created life is capable of re-creating it? The miracle of Lazarus’ restoration to life served to increase faith in Jesus and the resurrection. (John 11:41, 42; 12:9-11, 17-19) In a touching way, it also reveals the willingness and desire of Jehovah and his Son to perform the resurrection.","John 11:41, 42; 12:9-11, 17-19",we p. 29,,,bl,,2/9/2019
"Death, die, Adam, Eve, sin, dust, ","“Death Spread to All Men” Adam and Eve now had sin deeply etched in their genes. Hence, they could not produce perfect offspring, any more than an imperfect mold can produce a perfect object. (Job 14:4) Indeed, every human birth confirms that our first parents lost perfect health and eternal life for themselves and their progeny. ","Thus, when pronouncing sentence upon Adam and Eve, God said: “Dust you are and to dust you will return.” Our first parents were then expelled from their Paradise home. On the day that they sinned, Adam and Eve began the slow but steady process of dying.—Genesis 3:19, 23, 24. The Christian apostle Paul wrote: “Through one man sin entered into the world and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men because they had all sinned.”—Romans 5:12; compare Psalm 51:5. 6 Today scientists do not know just why humans grow old and die. The Bible, however, explains that we die because we are born sinful, having inherited this condition from our first human parents. But what happens to us when we die?","Genesis 3:19, 23, 24",ie p. 21 pars. 4-6,,,bl,,2/9/2019
"Soul, death, ","Electric current powers a piece of equipment. If the current stops, the equipment ceases to function. The current does not take on a life of its own. ","Similarly, when a person dies, his spirit ceases to animate the body cells. It does not leave the body and move on to another realm.—Psalm 104:29.",Psalm 104:29;,ie p. 24 par. 13,,,bl,,2/9/2019
Loving God in Deed and Truth,"As a bee that desires nectar must find a flower, so a person who loves God must search out His truth. Swami Prabhavananda says: “God is, above all, truth. The man who loves truth must therefore in the end love God; the man who does not love truth will never love God.”8","In your search for truth, is looking just to yourself the answer? Why not look beyond yourself and examine scripture? But there are many sacred scriptures claiming to be from God. How can you identify the one that contains His truth?",John 17:17;,wj chap. 1 p. 5 pars. 7-8,,,bl,,2/9/2019
"Identify God’s Truth, false, lie, worship, ","How can we distinguish the word of God from the word of men—the true from the false? Well, in any dispute over a merchant’s weights, would we not check the weights’ official seals to determine the matter?","Likewise, if we are to worship our Maker in love and in truth, we need to check the basic credentials of holy writings.",John 8:32;,wj chap. 2 p. 6 par. 1,,,bl,,2/9/2019
"Identify, truth, falsehood, lies, Bible, ","Loving parents never overlook the needs of any of their children. Similarly, we would expect God to make his holy writings available to all members of his human family. If those writings were available only in Sanskrit or Gurmukhi, for example, not all people would be able to benefit, would they?","A kind father, even if highly educated, always speaks to his children on their level of understanding. Likewise, scriptures from God must be easy to understand. Says Paul, a preacher of the first century of our Common Era: “I would rather speak five words that can be understood, in order to teach others, than speak thousands of words in strange tongues.”—1 Corinthians 14:19, Today’s English Version.",1 Corinthians 14:19,wj chap. 2 p. 6 pars. 3-4,,,bl,,2/9/2019
"Bible, Worship, truth, religion, value, appreciation, spiritual appetite,","Because of not knowing the value of a jewel, a child who finds one will probably lose it. In contrast, a jeweler will treasure it and spend time cutting and polishing it so as to increase its value. ","Similarly, by making time for spiritual things, you demonstrate to God that you value his truth and will not let it slip away because of other, less-important activities. In order to grow in knowledge of truth, be careful not to spoil your spiritual appetite. The Bible is a complete and perfect guide from God and therefore needs no other sacred book to supplement it. (Psalm 19:7; 2 Timothy 3:16, 17) Instead it exhorts: “Look out: perhaps there may be someone who will carry you off as his prey through the philosophy and empty deception according to the tradition of men.” (Colossians 2:8) A person who values and loves God’s truth sees no wisdom in continuing to pursue human philosophy.","Psalm 19:7; 2 Timothy 3:16, 17; Ephesians 5:15-17. ",wj chap. 10 p. 26 pars. 6-7,,,bl,,2/10/2019
"Integrity, soundness, completeness, compromise, ","When we purchase something, whether a piece of fruit, a book, or a tool, we do not want one that has gaping holes or parts missing. We want one that is complete, sound, or whole. We can understand why Jehovah cares about soundness or completeness. ","Jehovah feels similarly when it comes to our love for him, our loyalty. It must be complete, sound, or whole.","Lev. 22:21, 22;",w19 February p. 3 par. 3,,,bl,,2/13/2019
"Paradise, new earth, new world, ",A starving man sitting at a banquet might feel that he is in paradise.  Paradise means different things to different people. Some say that paradise is a fantasy. Others say that paradise is wherever they find joy and satisfaction. ,"On seeing a glen full of wildflowers, a 19th-century visitor cried out, “Oh, what a paradise!” That site is still named Paradise, though it receives over 50 feet (15 m) of snow yearly. What does Paradise mean to you? Do you hope for it?",Luke 23:43;,W December 2018,,,bl,,2/13/2019
"Choices, decisions, Life,","But how often do we hear it said: ‘If I could only do it all over again’? Not only this, but there is reason to believe that time is limited for the human race as a whole to find the way to make the right choice.","Choices made may seem good—at the time. For one thing, our human life-span covers at most only a few decades, and it holds many uncertainties. Who can count on being able to spend many years trying out first this approach to life and then that one, hoping eventually to find the best way? ",Deut. 30:19;,bw chap. 1 p. 5 par. 2,,,bl,,2/11/2019
"effect of inherited sin, Love, carriers, death, king, ","The effect of inherited sin might be illustrated with certain inherited diseases or defects, such as Mediterranean anemia or hemophilia. You may have read that Alexis, son of Russian Czar Nicholas II and Alexandra, inherited the bleeding disorder hemophilia. Granted, even in such a family, some children do not suffer from those diseases, but they still may be carriers. Not so with sin. The defect of sin from Adam was inevitable. All are subject to it. It is always fatal. And it is passed on to all children. Could that predicament ever be overcome?","It was only after Adam had become a sinner that he fathered children, passing on sin and its effects to all of them. Of course, they had not violated the divine law as Adam had, so they were not charged with the same sin; nor had any law code yet been given. (Gen. 2:17) Still, Adam’s descendants inherited sin. Thus, sin and death ruled down to the time when God gave the Israelites a law code, which clearly showed that they were sinners.   ","Genesis 2:17; Read Romans 5:13, 14;",w11 6/15 p. 12 par. 6,,,bl,,2/13/2019
"Problems, root cause, cure, sickness, World's problems, ","To illustrate, a patient named Tom was sick and later died. Why did he die? “When his first symptoms appeared, no one thought to search for their underlying cause,” wrote the doctor whose hospital received Tom shortly before he died. It seems that Tom’s earlier caregivers had simply given him medication to make him feel better.","Are humans taking a similar approach to the world’s ills? For example, in fighting crime, governments enact laws, install video surveillance, and strengthen police forces. But these measures, while effective to some extent, do not address underlying causes. After all, behavior usually reflects attitudes, beliefs, and desires. Do you believe that mankind can solve the many problems that rob us of peace and security and that threaten our future? To be effective, any cure must surely address the root causes of our troubles, not just the symptoms.",Genesis 8:21; ,g19 No. 1 p. 4,,,bl,,2/13/2019
"Rule, Government, Kingdom, root of our problems, not belong, ","We were no more created to rule over our fellow humans than we were created to live under water or in outer space! Even if by some miracle we could cure mankind’s hurtful traits, we would still be unable to make the world safe and secure for all. The reason? Our human limitations.","The simple truth is this: “It does not belong to man . . . even to direct his step.” (Jeremiah 10:23) Yes, we were not created to govern ourselves. Consider this: Do people in general like to have their equals tell them how to live or which moral values to live by? Do people like others to dictate how they should view such things as abortion or capital punishment or how they should discipline their children? These are just some of the issues that divide people. So, humbling though it might be, what the Bible says makes sense. We simply do not have the ability or the moral authority to rule over our fellow humans. Where, then, can we turn for help?",Jeremiah 10:23;,g19 No. 1 pp. 4-5,,,bl,,2/13/2019
"Law of the Christ, Love, Justice, Christian Congregation, Jesus example, sacrifice, ",A well-made house built on a solid foundation makes those who live in it feel safe and secure. ,"Similarly, a good law built on a solid foundation makes those who live by it feel safe and secure. The law of the Christ is built on the best possible foundation—love. Why can we say that? First, Jesus was motivated by love in everything he did. Pity, or tender compassion, is an expression of love. Moved by such pity, Jesus taught the crowds, healed the sick, fed the hungry, and raised the dead. (Matt. 14:14; 15:32-38; Mark 6:34; Luke 7:11-15) Although doing such things consumed much of his time and energy, Jesus willingly put the needs of others ahead of his own. Above all, he showed great love by surrendering his life in behalf of others.—John 15:13.",Matt. 14:14; 15:32-38; Mark 6:34; Luke 7:11-15,*** w19 May p. 4 pars. 8-9 ,,,bl,,2/13/2019
"Child abuse, comfort, tears, soothing words, affection, cure, bandage, sexual abuse, ","HUMANS have a natural need for comfort and a remarkable ability to provide it. For instance, when a little child falls and skins his knee while playing, he may run to Mommy or Daddy, crying. The parents cannot heal the wound, but they can comfort the child. They may ask what happened, wipe away his tears, offer soothing words and affection, and perhaps apply some medicine or a bandage. Before long, the child stops crying and may even resume playing. In time, the wound will heal.","Sometimes, though, children are hurt in far worse ways. Some are sexually abused. The abuse can be inflicted on a single occasion, or it may go on for years. In either case, the abuse can leave deep emotional scars. In some cases, the offender is caught and punished. In others, the abuser may seem to escape justice. But even if justice is swift, the harmful effects of the abuse may last well into adulthood.","2 Corinthians 1:3, 4;",w19 May p. 14 pars. 1-3,,,bl,,2/13/2019
"Wisdom of this World, Fooled, follow advice, decisions, protection, ","People who follow the advice of those whom the world views as wise are like a tourist who asks a fellow tourist for directions when both of them are lost. Jesus said regarding the “wise” men of his day: “Blind guides is what they are. If, then, a blind man guides a blind man, both will fall into a pit.” (Matt. 15:14) ","Truly, the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. The Bible’s wise counsel has always proved to be “beneficial for teaching, for reproving, for correcting, for disciplining in righteousness.” (2 Tim. 3:16, ftn.) How thankful we can be that Jehovah, through his organization, has protected us from the wisdom of this world! (Eph. 4:14) The spiritual food he has provided gives us the strength we need to cling to the standards of his Word. What a privilege it is to be guided by the infallible wisdom found in the Bible!","2 Timothy 3:16, 17; Matthew 15:14; ",w19 May p. 25 pars. 16-17,,,bl,,2/13/2019
"Improve Your Study Habits! abundance of spiritual food, selective, priority, ",Consider an illustration: A great variety of delicious food is available on a buffet at a restaurant. The patrons of the restaurant could never sample everything that is offered. So they choose just a few dishes. ,"‘Similarly, if you are unable to keep up with everything that is supplied electronically, do not be discouraged. Read or watch what you can. Let us now discuss what is involved in study and how to derive the most benefit from our study.",Psalm 19:14;,w19 May p. 27 par. 7,,,bl,,2/13/2019
"Best Life, Decision, dedication, endurance, commitment, stick to, ","“NO MAN that has put his hand to a plow and looks at the things behind is well fitted for the kingdom of God.” (Luke 9:62) To plow effectively, to make the furrows line up, a plowman has to keep his eyes on a fixed point at the other end of the field. ","How much more important it is to keep our eyes on our life’s goal! Then the precious days and years of our life-span will display a pattern that is consistent with the goal for which we are aiming. The words of God’s Son quoted above show that, once we make a commitment to serve our Creator, we should be determined to stick to that decision, come what may. The world may offer what seems to be a more alluring course—the pursuit of pleasures, popularity or material possessions. But to look back longingly to any of these things—worse, to let them become the focal point of our lives—could mean the loss of the prize we seek. It could result in a wasted ",Luke 9:62;,bw chap. 2 p. 15 pars. 1-2,,,bl,,2/20/2019
"Discontinue unproductive Bible Studies, Pearls to swine, what is holy to dogs, ","Imagine carrying your hard-earned money around in a bag full of holes.  Occasionally some falls out, and is trampled underfoot.  What if it was something much more valuable than money?  What if is truth from God's word?  Could you waste it?","Jesus said, “Do not give what is holy to dogs nor throw your pearls before swine, so that they may never trample them under their feet and turn around and rip you open.""",Matthew 7:6;13:19-23;,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/26/2019
"Unproductive Bible Studies, Discontinue, ",Did you ever have a water line break?  It can do worlds of damage and be very costly in a short period of time.  The only solution is: Get it stopped.,"We could do something like that with the 'waters of truth.'  We might be not only wasting it, but keeping it from people who would appreciate it.  How?  By conducting unproductive Bible Studies.  ",Matthew 13:19-23; ,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/26/2019
"Express Appreciation, thanks giving, kindness, sharing, ","Appreciation is like a good meal—it is more enjoyable when shared. When we feel appreciated, we are happy. When we express our appreciation, we make others happy. The person who receives our gratitude knows that his efforts to help us, or to give us something we need, were worthwhile. As a result, the bonds of friendship between us and that person are strengthened.","Our expressions of gratitude are valuable. The Bible states: “Like apples of gold in silver carvings is a word spoken at the right time.” (Prov. 25:11) Imagine how beautiful an apple made of gold and set in silver would look! And just think how valuable it would be! How would you feel if you received such a gift? Well, the words of gratitude you express to others can be just as valuable. And consider this fact: An apple made of gold could last indefinitely. Likewise, your expressions of appreciation may be remembered and treasured by the recipient for the rest of his life.",Prov. 25:11;,w19 February p. 15 pars. 5-6 ,,,bl,,2/26/2019
"Wasteful, Unproductive Bible Studies, Ruining the earth, Improving our skills, ","How do you feel about persons who are wasteful?  Some waste food.  They even have games, throwing food at others on television. What about wasting paper towels?  Some yank out 3, 4 when 1 or 2 would be enough?  We can waste many things, but how do we feel about it?  More importantly, how does Jehovah feel about it?  Jehovah doesn't like it.",One of the most valuable things we can waste is time.  We can waste time by conducting unproductive Bible Studies.  We are going to talk about this in the following part. ,Matthew 13: 18-23;,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,2/27/2019
"Youth, young ones, happy, Adam, Eve, Wisdom, ","Like flowers cut off from a plant, Adam and Eve slowly grew old and died. Their children suffered too, and that includes all of us. (Romans 5:12) Most people today ignore what God says and do just what they want to do. (Ephesians 2:1-3) What are the results? ","Sadly, Adam and Eve disobeyed God. By doing so, they cut themselves off from the One who gave them life. The results were tragic.The Bible says that “there is no wisdom” when people oppose Jehovah.—Proverbs 21:30. Jehovah was confident that there would be people, including many young ones, who would want to know him and serve him. (Psalm 103:17, 18; 110:3) ","Psalm 103:17, 18; 110:3;",ws18 December p. 16 pars. 4-5,,,bl,,3/6/2019
"Love and Justice, breath and life, Mosaic law, Law of the Christ, ","Love and justice are like breath and life; on earth, one does not exist without the other. ","When we are convinced that Jehovah is treating us justly, our love for him grows. And when we love God and love his righteous standards, we feel impelled to love others and treat them justly. The Mosaic Law covenant breathed life into the relationship between Jehovah and the Israelites. However, the Law was done away with after Jesus fulfilled the Law, and it was replaced with something even better. (Rom. 10:4) The apostle Paul described the Law as “a shadow of the good things to come.” ",Heb. 10:1; Romans 10:12;,w19 February p. 25 pars. 25-26,,,bl,,3/6/2019
"Taxes Must Pay Them, Refusing, support war, ","Just as our view of an area is improved if we climb to higher ground, we can more readily adjust our thinking to match God’s by reflecting on how much higher his viewpoint is than ours. Through the prophet Isaiah, God said: “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so my ways are higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.”—Isaiah 55:8, 9.","God has not authorized Christians to engage in civil disobedience by refusing to pay taxes or by any other means.What if, like Gandhi, you still feel that paying taxes that support war is sinful?","Isaiah 55:8, 9; ",w11 9/1 p. 22,,,bl,,3/6/2019
"Return evil, revenge, vengeance, gossip, repay, retaliate, ","WHEN a child is shoved by a sibling, usually the child’s first reaction is to shove back. Sadly, such tit-for-tat behavior is not limited to children. Many adults act similarly. When offended by someone, they want to get even. Granted, most adults will not give a literal shove, but many will push back in subtle ways. ","Perhaps they spread harmful gossip about the offender or find ways to prevent him from succeeding. Whatever method is used, the intent is the same—to repay in kind, to retaliate. Although the urge to get even is deep-seated, true Christians resist giving in to it. Instead, they strive to follow the apostle Paul’s admonition: “Return evil for evil to no one.” (Romans 12:17) What will motivate us to live according to that high standard? Whom in particular should we not repay with evil? What benefits will be reaped if we refrain from getting even?",Romans 12:17;,w07 7/1 p. 22 pars. 1-2,,,bl,,3/6/2019
"mirror, assume, judge, examine, ","Two brothers were locked out of their home, so they climbed onto the roof and entered the house through the chimney. When they crawled out of the fireplace, one of them had soot on his face, the other did not. The clean-faced brother immediately went into the bathroom and washed his face. The brother with soot on his face did not. Why?","We are confused by the actions of the brothers until we put ourselves in their shoes and see the world through their eyes. The clean-faced brother looked at the sooty-faced brother and assumed they were both in the same condition, so he went and washed his face. Likewise, the sooty-faced brother did not know he needed to wash, because he was looking at the brother whose face was clean. We assume that we are like other people, and that they are like us.  Sometimes we take the time to look into the minor and examine ourselves. ",James 1: 22-25,,,,jdk,3-15-2019,3/17/2019
"ships, world ","Ships don’t sink because they are surrounded by water, they sink because they let in the water.","We don't spiritual sink because we are surrounded by this world, it only when we begin to let the world in. I might be just a small hole but over time it can sink us. ",John 17:16;,,,,jdk,,3/17/2019
"Bible, manual, ",An instruction manual can help a worker to keep a machine operating at its best. ,"Likewise, the Bible is a guidebook that is helping people around the world to live their lives successfully.  ",Psalm 119:105,Website,,,bl,,3/22/2019
"Fellow feeling, people person, patience, abandon former religion, ","Think of this comparison: What happens when an old, rickety bridge needs to be replaced? Often, a new bridge is constructed while the old bridge is still in use. Once the new bridge is ready, the old one can be torn down."," Likewise, before we ask people to give up their cherished “old” beliefs, we may first need to help them build a strong appreciation for “new” truths—Bible teachings that at the outset are unfamiliar to them. Only then will they be ready to abandon their former viewpoint. It may take time to help people make such changes.—Rom. 12:2. Third, be patient with those whom you teach. Remember, they may never have considered some of the Bible truths we know very well. And many have a strong emotional connection to their current beliefs. They may see their religious views as uniting them with their family, their culture, and their community. How can we help them?",Romans 12:2;,w19 March pp. 23-24 pars. 12-13,,,bl,,4/1/2019
"Brain, creation,",You need a little potting soil. You don't take a dump truck.,"Why is our brain so large, when we only use a little.",,Micah Satterly,,,bl,,5/5/2019
"Perfection has limitations, ",Perfect car. (Describe) ,Would you use it as a boat?,Romans 11:33,"Micah Satterly,",,,bl,,5/5/2019
Decisions,"If you don’t make decisions in your life, they will be made for you.",,Hebrews 10:24; 25,Mike Hart,,,bl,,5/19/2019
"Distress, ",Man on top of his car.  Cold and alone.  Strongest earthquake in Japan.,Give information about.,Psalm 37:39;,Jeff Boles,,,bl,,5/26/2019
"Crushed, broken heart,",Like a lump of coal. Easily crushed. Grind into dust.,We sometimes feel like that.,Psalm 34:18;,Jeff Boles,,,bl,,5/26/2019
"Isolate, alone,",Antelope on the African savanna.  Maybe get sick. Doesn’t go wandering off alone.  Why?,Lions. Likewise nothing should separate us from Jehovah and our brothers.,Proverbs 18:1; Romans 8:38;,Jeff Boles,,,bl,,5/26/2019
"Fall away, isolate, ",Magnet on refrigerator.  Just fall off. Explain how strength of some magnets differ. Electro magnet.,Some leave the truth.,Romans 8:34;,Jeff Boles,,,bl,,5/27/2019
"Friends, enemy,",The antidote for fifty enemies is one friend.,That is especially true when that friend is Jehovah.,,"Aristotle, ",,,bl,,5/31/2019
"Knowledge, understanding, teaching,","Those that know, do. Those that understand, teach. Quote: Aristotle, ",,,Aristotle,,,bl,,5/31/2019
"Do Not Be Fooled by “the Wisdom of This World, ",People who follow the advice of those whom the world views as wise are like a tourist who asks a fellow tourist for directions when both of them are lost. ,"Jesus said regarding the “wise” men of his day: “Blind guides is what they are. If, then, a blind man guides a blind man, both will fall into a pit.” (Matt. 15:14) Truly, the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God.",Matt. 15:14,w19 May p. 25 par. 16 ,,,bl,,6/3/2019
"Show Fellow Feeling in Your Ministry, empathy, sympathy, concern, patience, ","Think of this comparison: What happens when an old, rickety bridge needs to be replaced? Often, a new bridge is constructed while the old bridge is still in use. Once the new bridge is ready, the old one can be torn down. ","Likewise, before we ask people to give up their cherished “old” beliefs, we may first need to help them build a strong appreciation for “new” truths—Bible teachings that at the outset are unfamiliar to them. Only then will they be ready to abandon their former viewpoint. It may take time to help people make such changes.—Rom. 12:2.  If we are patient with people in the ministry, we will not expect them to understand or accept Bible truth the first time they hear it. Rather, fellow feeling moves us to help them reason on the Scriptures over a period of time.",Rom. 12:2,w19 March p. 24 pars. 13-14,,,bl,,6/3/2019
"Show Fellow Feeling in Your Ministry, takes time, patience, ","When we preach the good news, our role is similar to that of a doctor. A good doctor considers the needs of each patient. He asks questions and listens carefully as the patient describes his condition or symptoms. Instead of prescribing the first treatment he can think of, the doctor may let time go by so that he can observe a patient’s symptoms and then offer the right treatment. ","Similarly, we should not try to use the same approach with everyone we meet in our ministry. Rather, we take into consideration the specific circumstances and viewpoints of each individual. When you meet someone in the ministry, do not assume that you know what his circumstances are or what he believes and why he believes it. (Prov. 18:13) Rather, draw the person out with tactful questions. (Prov. 20:5) ",Prov. 18:13;,w19 March p. 22 pars. 8-9,,,bl,,6/3/2019
"Improve Your Study Habits! abundance spiritual food, ",Consider an illustration: A great variety of delicious food is available on a buffet at a restaurant. The patrons of the restaurant could never sample everything that is offered. So they choose just a few dishes. ,"Similarly, if you are unable to keep up with everything that is supplied electronically, do not be discouraged. Read or watch what you can. Let us now discuss what is involved in study and how to derive the most benefit from our study.",Malachi 3:10,w19 May p. 27 par. 7,,,bl,,6/3/2019
"Can You Control Your Destiny? predetermined, foreordained, class, not individuals, ","Suppose that a government decides to set up a particular agency. It predetermines the agency’s functions, its powers, and its size. The agency finally goes into operation some time after it was set up, and its members issue a statement saying: “The government determined a number of years ago what our job would be. Now we begin the work assigned to us.” Would you conclude that the government must have predetermined some years earlier who the individual members of that agency would be? Surely not. ","Similarly, Jehovah predetermined that he would set up a special agency to remedy the effects of Adam’s sin. He foreordained the class of people who would serve in that agency—but not the individuals. They would be chosen later, and the choices they would make in life would have a bearing on whether they were finally approved or not.","Romans 8:14-17, 28-30; Revelation 5:9, 10;",w05 1/15 p. 6,,,bl,,6/16/2019
"Death, Why Do We Grow Old and Die? ",The Bible describes sin and death as “the shroud that is enveloping all the peoples and the covering that is woven over all the nations.” (Isaiah 25:7) This shroud envelops humankind like a poisonous mist from which there is no escape. ,"Truly, “in Adam all are dying.” (1 Corinthians 15:22) The question that arises, as posed by the apostle Paul, is: “Who will rescue me from the body undergoing this death?” Could anyone?—Romans 7:24.",Isaiah 25:7; Romans 5:12;,wp19 No. 3 p. 9,,,bl,,6/16/2019
"Overturn Every Reasoning That Is Against the Knowledge of God! false reasoning, ","Just as medicine can counteract the effects of poison, ","God’s Word can help us to counteract the poisonous effects of Satan’s world. Yes, with Jehovah’s help we can actually gain control over wrong reasonings.",2 Cor. 10:5,w19 June p. 9 par. 3,,,bl,,7/5/2019
"Getting to the Root of Our Problems, human governments, ","A patient named Tom was sick and later died. Why did he die? “When his first symptoms appeared, no one thought to search for their underlying cause,” wrote the doctor whose hospital received Tom shortly before he died. It seems that Tom’s earlier caregivers had simply given him medication to make him feel better.","Are humans taking a similar approach to the world’s ills? For example, in fighting crime, governments enact laws, install video surveillance, and strengthen police forces. But these measures, while effective to some extent, do not address underlying causes. After all, behavior usually reflects attitudes, beliefs, and desires.",Jeremiah 17:9;,g19 No. 1 p. 4,,,bl,,7/5/2019
"Getting to the Root of Our Problems, Human governments, ",We were no more created to rule over our fellow humans than we were created to live under water or in outer space!,"The simple truth is this: “It does not belong to man . . . even to direct his step.” (Jeremiah 10:23) Yes, we were not created to govern ourselves.",Jeremiah 10:23;,g19 No. 1 pp. 4-5,,,bl,,7/5/2019
"Warnings, Judgments, Armageddon, peace and security, Great tribulation, ","The weather forecaster examines a developing radar image.  He sees a dangerous storm bearing down on an area with a large population.  Because he is concerned for the people's safety, he tirelessly warns them before it is too late.","In a similar way, Jehovah is now alerting earth's inhabitants to a ""storm"" that is more ominous than anything they might hear about in a weather report.  How is he doing so?  and why can we be sure that he is giving enough time to respond? Let us consider some warnings that Jehovah issued in the past.",Proverbs 10:25; Jeremiah 30:23;,WT19 10/2019 page 6;,"Real Peace and Security, When?",,bl,,7/11/2019
"Help Others Deal With Stress, death, comfort, console, ","A married couple can be likened to two trees that have grown up next to each other. Over the years, the roots of the trees intertwine. When one tree is uprooted and dies, the other tree can seriously be affected. ","Similarly, when someone loses a spouse to the enemy death, he or she may feel strong emotions for a long time. Paula, whose husband died suddenly, says: “My life was turned upside down, and I felt powerless. I lost my best friend. I talked to my husband about everything. He shared my joys and supported me through difficult times. He provided a shoulder to cry on. I really felt as if I had been cut in half.”  When a member of our spiritual family loses a marriage mate in death, he or she needs our support.","Ruth 1:16, 17;",w19 June p. 23 par. 13,,,bl,,7/5/2019
"Hurt Feelings—When We Have “Cause for Complaint, Return to Jehovah, heavy load, ","Imagine the following scenario.  You pick up a rock, perhaps one that weighs just a few pounds, and hold it at arm’s length. You would probably have little trouble holding the rock for a short time. But what if you tried to do so for an extended period of time? How long would you be able to hold it—some minutes? an hour? or longer? No doubt, your arm would become very tired! Of course, the actual weight of the rock would not change. But the longer you held it, the heavier it would feel. ","The same is true of resentment. The longer we hold a grudge—even a rather small one—the more we hurt ourselves. Little wonder, then, that Jehovah encourages us to let go of resentment. Really, letting go is for our own good.",Proverbs 11:17,rj part 3 pp. 8-9,,,bl,,7/5/2019
"Jehovah Freely Forgave You, forgiveness, ",“He that cannot forgive others breaks the bridge over which he must pass himself.” ,"Those words of 17th-century British historian Edward Herbert underscore one reason why we need to be forgiving toward others: Sooner or later, we may need to ask others to forgive us. (Matthew 7:12) There is, however, a far more important reason for us to be forgiving. Notice the apostle Paul’s words found at Colossians 3:13.—Read.",Matthew 7:12; Colossians 3:13;,w13 10/1 p. 11 par. 1,,,bl,,7/5/2019
"How Can You Make Peace With Others, insight, pressure, ill, tired, discerning, ","Insight helps us to see beneath the surface, to discern why people speak or act as they do. So ask yourself, ‘Was the person who wronged me tired, ill, or under pressure?’ Discerning others’ true motives, feelings, and circumstances may moderate your anger and help you to make allowances for their mistakes.","Consider, too, the Bible proverb: “The insight of a man certainly slows down his anger, and it is beauty on his part to pass over transgression.”  ",Proverbs 19:11,g 3/12 p. 10,,,bl,,7/25/2019
"Prepare Now for Persecution, trust, convinced, never abandon, ","Many years ago, The Watchtower observed: “The person who knows God best will trust him the most in time of test.” ","How true! To face persecution successfully, we must love Jehovah and trust in him completely, never doubting that he has affection for us. Be convinced that Jehovah loves you and that he will never abandon you.","Hebrews 13:5, 6; Matt. 22:36-38; Jas. 5:11.",w19 July pp. 2-3 par. 4,,,bl,,7/25/2019
Prepare Now for Persecution,Imagine a young boy in his father’s loving embrace. The boy feels so secure that he openly talks to his father about both the good and the bad things that happened to him that day. ,"You can enjoy that same type of bond if you draw close to Jehovah in heartfelt prayer each day.  As you pray to Jehovah, “pour out your heart like water” and tell your loving Father about all your fears and anxieties. (Lam. 2:19) What will be the result? You will experience what the Bible calls “the peace of God that surpasses all understanding.” (Phil. 4:6, 7) The more you pray this way, the closer you will feel to Jehovah.—Rom. 8:38, 39.",Psalm 94:17-19;, w19 July p. 3 par. 6,,,bl,,7/25/2019
"Prepare Now for Persecution, strength, ","Just as our muscles are strengthened when we exercise, our courage is strengthened when we preach from house to house, in public places, informally, and in business territory.","We can build up our courage now by publicly preaching the good news of God’s Kingdom. Why so? Because preaching teaches us to trust in Jehovah and overcome any fear of man. (Prov. 29:25) If we develop the courage to preach now, we will be well-prepared to keep preaching even if our work is banned.—1 Thess. 2:1, 2.","1 Thess. 2:1, 2",w19 July p. 5 par. 13,,,bl,,7/25/2019
"Go . . . Make Disciples, return visits, growth, regularly, ","Remember, a plant is more likely to grow when it is watered regularly. ","Similarly, an interested person’s love for Jehovah and Christ is more likely to grow when we regularly discuss God’s Word with that person.",Matthew 28:19;,w19 July p. 16 par. 8,,,bl,,7/25/2019
"Go . . . Make Disciples, search, rescue, ","Every Christian minister is involved in helping to find honesthearted ones. We could liken this work to finding a lost child. In what way? Consider the real-life example of a three-year-old boy who wandered away from home. About 500 people were involved in searching for him. Finally, some 20 hours after the child went missing, a volunteer discovered the little boy in a cornfield. That volunteer refused to take credit for locating the boy. He said: “It took hundreds of people to find him.”","Many people are like that child. They feel lost. They have no hope, but they want help. (Eph. 2:12) Over eight million of us are involved in trying to find these deserving ones. You may not personally find someone who will study the Bible with you. However, other publishers working the same territory may find someone who wants to learn the truth found in God’s Word. When a brother or sister meets someone who becomes a disciple of Christ, everyone who shared in the search has good reason to rejoice.",Eph. 2:12;,w19 July pp. 16-17 pars. 9-10,,,bl,,7/25/2019
"Go . . . Make Disciples, ministry, unproductive, not give up, ","Even if your ministry seems to be unproductive, do not give up hope of finding potential disciples. Remember that Jesus likened disciple-making to fishing. Fishermen may spend many hours before they catch any fish. Often they work late at night or early in the morning, and sometimes they have to sail long distances. (Luke 5:5) ","In like manner, some disciple-makers spend many hours patiently “fishing” at different times and in various locations. Why? To improve their chances of meeting people. Those who put in the extra effort are often rewarded by meeting people who are interested in our message. Could you try preaching at a time of day when you are more likely to meet people or at a location where you are more likely to find them?","2 Timothy 4:1, 2",w19 July pp. 18-19 par. 14,,,bl,,7/25/2019
Why Respect Authority,"WHEN you were a child, there were probably times when your parents asked you to do something that you didn’t want to do. You loved your parents and knew that you should obey them. Still, you probably didn’t always want to obey them.","We know that Jehovah, our Father, loves us. He takes care of us and makes sure that we have everything we need to enjoy life. He gives us the direction we need to be successful. At times, he uses other people to give us direction. We need to respect Jehovah’s authority. (Proverbs 24:21) But why is it sometimes difficult for us to accept direction? Why does Jehovah ask us to follow direction? And how do we show that we respect his authority?",Proverbs 24:21;,lvs chap. 4 p. 45 pars. 1-2,,,bl,,7/25/2019
"Communication, ","Mayday, Mayday, Mayday",Want to be clearly understood. ,1 Corinthians 6:8 ,Aaron Wattier,,,bl,,8/25/2019
"“Peace Among Men of Goodwill” Christmas, Meetings, racial, ","In December 1914, while Europe was engulfed in World War I, British and German soldiers emerged from the trenches and celebrated Christmas together. They shared food, drink, and cigarettes. They even played soccer. ","However, the truce did not last long. In a letter from the front lines, a British soldier related that a German soldier told him: “Today we have peace. Tomorrow you fight for your country; I fight for mine.” Peace during Christmas Time is temporary at best. By following Jesus’ words, Jehovah’s Witnesses—regardless of their nationality, skin color, ethnicity, or language—enjoy such peace. See for yourself by attending a meeting at their Kingdom Hall. Perhaps you, like many others, will agree that this peace is better than any peace that Christmas can offer.",Luke 2:14;,w12 12/1 p. 8,,,bl,,9/1/2019
"Goals,",The 3 R's,"Set goals that are: Reachable, Reasonable, Realistic.",,Jason Tomalak C.O.,,,bl,,10/31/2019
"Thinking,",Candy. A child is going to eat all he can. Parent thinks differently.,Jehovah’s thinking is far superior to ours.,Isaiah 55:9,Jason Tomalak C.O.,,,bl,,11/3/2019
"Pressure, stress, disaster, humble, humility, ","There is a saying, ""When people feel the heat, they see the light.""",It is like that with the truth.  Changing circumstances often cause people to take a look at the truth. Jehovah is looking for humble people.,Psalm 138:6;,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,11/7/2019
"Love, Knowledge","One Gilead student recalled that Brother Knorr had said this during the course of the class: “At Gilead you will do a lot of studying. But if you come out with a big head, we will have failed. We want you to come out with a big heart.”",Knowledge can lead to pride. We always want to use what we learn to draw close to Jehovah and help others do the same.,1 Corinthians 8:1,w04 6/15 p. 27 Gilead Graduates Go Forth as Zealous Harvest Workers! ,,,cb,,11/7/2019
"Does Jehovah Really Care About You? Draws, net of fishes, force, against our will, free will,","What does it mean that Jehovah draws us? The Greek verb rendered “draws” is also used in reference to hauling in a net of fishes.  Does Jehovah drag us against our will, forcing us to serve him?"," No. Jehovah gave us free will, so he does not force our heart open. ","John 21:6, 11; Deuteronomy 30:19, 20",w13 5/1 p. 14 par. 3,,,bl,,11/10/2019
"No Handle on the outside, door, heart, Care, open from within, draws, ","One scholar puts it this way: “There is no handle on the outside of the door of the human heart. It must be opened from within.” Jehovah searches through the billions of hearts in this world, looking for individuals who are inclined toward him.When he finds such a person, he responds in a touching way. How so?","Jehovah gently attracts, or tugs at, the heart of an individual who is “rightly disposed.” (Acts 13:48) Jehovah does so in two ways—through the Bible’s message of good news, which reaches us as individuals, and through his holy spirit. When Jehovah sees a heart that is responsive to Bible truth, he uses his spirit to help the individual to grasp and apply that truth in his life.  Without divine help, we could never become genuine followers of Jesus and devoted worshippers of Jehovah.","1 Chronicles 28:9; 1 Corinthians 2:11, 12",w13 5/1 p. 14 pars. 3-4,,,bl,,11/10/2019
"Balanced diet, ",A diet that is missing vital nutrients is like a chair that is missing a leg.  See picture.,"A balanced diet avoids extremes.  These might include not eating enough, binge eating or denying yourself an occasional treat.",Proverbs 21:5;,Young People Ask,,,bl,,1/12/2020
"Riches, materialism, things, Six Keys to Personal Success","People who avidly chase after riches as the key to success are, in fact, pursuing a mirage. Besides inviting disappointment, they invite many pains. ","For example, while ardently pursuing wealth, people often sacrifice relationships with family and friends. Others forgo needed sleep—if not because of work, then because of anxiety or worry. “The sleep of a laboring man is sweet, whether he eats little or much; but the abundance of the rich will not allow him to sleep,” says Ecclesiastes 5:12",Ecclesiastes 5:12,g 11/08 p. 6,,,bl,,1/12/2020
"Marriage, death, comfort, Help Others Deal With Stress","When a member of our spiritual family loses a marriage mate in death, he or she needs our support. A married couple can be likened to two trees that have grown up next to each other. Over the years, the roots of the trees intertwine. When one tree is uprooted and dies, the other tree can seriously be affected. ","Similarly, when someone loses a spouse to the enemy death, he or she may feel strong emotions for a long time. Paula, whose husband died suddenly, says: “My life was turned upside down, and I felt powerless. I lost my best friend. I talked to my husband about everything. He shared my joys and supported me through difficult times. He provided a shoulder to cry on. I really felt as if I had been cut in half.”","Ruth 1:3, 5, 20, 21;",w19 June p. 23 par. 13,,,bl,,1/12/2020
"Prayer, draw close, Jehovah's friend.",Prayer to Jehovah is like a rope to Jehovah.  The more we pray the shorter it gets.,Prayer helps us draw closer to Jehovah and become Jehovah's friend. ,James 4:8;,Pete Archer,,,bl,,1/12/2020
"Make disciples, Witness, ",A plant is more likely to grow when it is watered regularly. ,"Similarly, an interested person’s love for Jehovah and Christ is more likely to grow when we regularly discuss God’s Word with that person.","Matthew 28:19, 20;",w19 July p. 16 par. 8,,,bl,,1/12/2020
"“Come to Me, . . . and I Will Refresh You” Peaceful, environment, ","Much like plants in a greenhouse, the disciples flourished. They absorbed the lessons that Jesus taught and produced fruit in the form of good works.","Jesus created a peaceful, inviting environment for his fellow workers, and he enjoyed training them. (Luke 10:1, 19-21) He encouraged his disciples to ask questions, and he wanted to hear their opinions. (Matt. 16:13-16)","Matt. 16:13-16; Luke 10:1, 19-21;",w19 September p. 23 par. 10,,,bl,,1/12/2020
" Having “Come to Know God”—What Now? Spiritual growth, ","We can compare our spiritual growth to the physical growth of a tree. A tree may grow to an amazing size, especially when its root system is deep or extensive. For example, some of the majestic cedars of Lebanon can reach the height of a 12-story building and have strong, penetrating roots and a trunk circumference of up to 40 feet (12 m). (Song of Sol. 5:15) After the initial growth spurt of such a tree stops, the tree still grows but not as noticeably. Year after year, the trunk widens and the roots go deeper and spread farther, producing a more stable tree. ","The same can be said of a Christian’s spiritual growth. During our initial period of Bible study, we may quickly grow spiritually and then get baptized. Those in the congregation happily notice our progress. We may even qualify as a pioneer or receive other privileges. In the following years, our continued spiritual growth may not be as noticeable. Nevertheless, we still need to grow in faith and knowledge “to a full-grown man, to the measure of stature that belongs to the fullness of the Christ.” (Eph. 4:13) Thus, we progress, as it were, from a tiny sprout to a mature Christian, a sturdy and well-developed tree.",Eph. 4:13;,w13 3/15 pp. 14-15 par. 9,,,bl,,1/12/2020
"Show Fellow Feeling in Your Ministry, Religion, truth, ","Think of this comparison: What happens when an old, rickety bridge needs to be replaced? Often, a new bridge is constructed while the old bridge is still in use. Once the new bridge is ready, the old one can be torn down. Likewise, before we ask people to give up their cherished “old” beliefs, we may first need to help them build a strong appreciation for “new” truths—Bible teachings that at the outset are unfamiliar to them. Only then will they be ready to abandon their former viewpoint. It may take time to help people make such changes.—Rom. 12:2.","14 If we are patient with people in the ministry, we will not expect them to understand or accept Bible truth the first time they hear it. Rather, fellow feeling moves us to help them reason on the Scriptures over a period of time. As an example, consider how we might reason with someone about the hope of everlasting life on a paradise earth. Many know little or nothing about this teaching. They may believe that death is the end of it all. Or they may think that all good people go to heaven. How can we help them?",Rom. 12:2;,w19 March p. 24 pars. 13-14,,,bl,,1/12/2020
"How Holy Spirit Helps Us, ","Think of this comparison. To benefit from the wind, a sailor must do two things. First, he has to put his boat in the path of the wind. After all, his boat will not move forward if the sailor remains in a harbor far away from where the wind is blowing. Second, he needs to raise and unfurl his sails as fully as possible. Obviously, even with the wind blowing, his boat will move forward only if the sails catch the wind. ","Similarly, we will endure in Jehovah’s service only if we have the help of holy spirit. To benefit from that spirit, we must take two steps. First, we must put ourselves squarely in the path of God’s spirit by sharing in activities that bring us under its influence. Second, we need to “raise our sails” as fully as possible by being fully engaged in these activities to the best of our ability. (Ps. 119:32) When we take these steps, holy spirit will push us forward through waves of opposition and trials and will help us to endure faithfully on the course to God’s new world.",Ps. 119:32;,w19 November pp. 10-11 par. 11,,,bl,,1/12/2020
"Memorial, What Our Attendance at Meetings Says About Us, ","IMAGINE what Jehovah sees when millions around the world gather for the Lord’s Evening Meal. He looks at more than just the large number of people; he notices each individual who is present. For instance, he sees those who faithfully come every year. Among them may be individuals who come despite facing severe persecution. Others do not come regularly to other meetings, but they view attending the Memorial as a solemn duty. Jehovah also notices those who may be at the Memorial for the first time, perhaps out of curiosity.","Certainly, Jehovah is pleased to see that so many attend the Memorial. (Luke 22:19) However, Jehovah is not primarily concerned with the number of people who come. He is more interested in the reason for their coming; motive matters to Jehovah. In this article, we will discuss a question of vital importance: Why do we attend not only the annual observance of the Memorial but also the weekly meetings that Jehovah provides for those who love him?",Luke 22:19;,w19 January p. 26 pars. 1-2,,,bl,,1/12/2020
Keep Your Integrity! ,"IMAGINE the following three scenes involving Jehovah’s Witnesses. (1) A young girl is at school one day when the teacher asks all the students in class to take part in a holiday celebration. The girl knows that this holiday does not please God, so she respectfully refuses to join in. (2) A shy young man is preaching from door to door. He realizes that someone from his school lives at the next house—a fellow student who has made fun of Jehovah’s Witnesses before. But the young man goes to the house and knocks on the door anyway. (3) A man is working hard to provide for his family, and one day his boss asks him to do something dishonest or illegal. Though he could lose his job, the man explains that he must be honest and obey the law because God requires that of his servants.—Rom. 13:1-4; Heb. 13:18.","What quality do you see in those three individuals? You may notice several, such as courage and honesty. But one quality stands out as especially precious—integrity. Each of the three shows loyalty to Jehovah. Each one refuses to compromise on God’s standards. Integrity moves those individuals to act as they do. Jehovah would surely feel proud of each one of them for showing that quality. We likewise want to make our Father in heaven proud. So let us discuss these questions: What is integrity? Why do we need integrity? And how can we strengthen our determination to maintain integrity in these difficult times?",Rom. 13:1-4; Heb. 13:18;,w19 February p. 2 pars. 1-2,,,bl,,1/12/2020
Why Express Appreciation? ,"Appreciation is like a good meal—it is more enjoyable when shared. When we feel appreciated, we are happy. When we express our appreciation, we make others happy. The person who receives our gratitude knows that his efforts to help us, or to give us something we need, were worthwhile. As a result, the bonds of friendship between us and that person are strengthened.","Our expressions of gratitude are valuable. The Bible states: “Like apples of gold in silver carvings is a word spoken at the right time.” (Prov. 25:11) Imagine how beautiful an apple made of gold and set in silver would look! And just think how valuable it would be! How would you feel if you received such a gift? Well, the words of gratitude you express to others can be just as valuable. And consider this fact: An apple made of gold could last indefinitely. Likewise, your expressions of appreciation may be remembered and treasured by the recipient for the rest of his life.",Prov. 25:11;,w19 February p. 15 pars. 5-6,,,bl,,1/12/2020
"Show Fellow Feeling in Your Ministry, individuals, ","When we preach the good news, our role is similar to that of a doctor. A good doctor considers the needs of each patient. He asks questions and listens carefully as the patient describes his condition or symptoms. Instead of prescribing the first treatment he can think of, the doctor may let time go by so that he can observe a patient’s symptoms and then offer the right treatment. ","Similarly, we should not try to use the same approach with everyone we meet in our ministry. Rather, we take into consideration the specific circumstances and viewpoints of each individual. When you meet someone in the ministry, do not assume that you know what his circumstances are or what he believes and why he believes it. (Prov. 18:13) Rather, draw the person out with tactful questions. (Prov. 20:5) If it is appropriate in your culture, ask about his work, his family, his background, and his viewpoints. When we draw others out, we in effect allow them to tell us why they need the good news. Once we know that, we can show fellow feeling for their specific needs and respond accordingly, just as Jesus did.  Second, try to imagine what their life may be like.",1 Corinthians 9:19-23; ,w19 March pp. 22-23 pars. 8-10,,,bl,,1/12/2020
"Prepare Now for Persecution, Pray regularly, ",Imagine a young boy in his father’s loving embrace. The boy feels so secure that he openly talks to his father about both the good and the bad things that happened to him that day. ,"You can enjoy that same type of bond if you draw close to Jehovah in heartfelt prayer each day. (Read Psalm 94:17-19.) As you pray to Jehovah, “pour out your heart like water” and tell your loving Father about all your fears and anxieties. (Lam. 2:19) What will be the result? You will experience what the Bible calls “the peace of God that surpasses all understanding.” (Phil. 4:6, 7) The more you pray this way, the closer you will feel to Jehovah.—Rom. 8:38, 39.","Rom. 8:38, 39;",w19 July p. 3 par. 6,,,bl,,1/12/2020
"“We Do Not Give Up”! MEETING CHALLENGES TO OUR FAITH, Exert, distractions, ","Can you imagine that a runner would stop to examine the goods displayed in the store windows? Not if he wants to win! In the race for life, we too must avoid distractions. If we stay focused on our goal, exerting ourselves vigorously as Paul did, we will win the prize!","Paul well understood Jesus’ words: “Exert yourselves vigorously.” (Luke 13:23, 24) Paul knew that, like Christ, he must exert himself to the very end. He thus compared the Christian course to a race. (Read 1 Corinthians 9:24-27.) A runner in a race stays focused on the finish line and avoids distractions. For example, runners in an urban race today may follow a course that is lined with businesses and other potential diversions. ","Luke 13:23, 24;",w19 August p. 4,,,bl,,1/12/2020
"Jehovah Values His Humble Servants, Counsel, discipline, ","Imagine that you are at a Christian meeting. After talking with several fellow believers, you are pulled aside by one of them who discreetly mentions that you have some food on your teeth. No doubt, you would feel embarrassed. ","But would you not also appreciate that he or she let you know? In fact, you might wish that someone else had told you sooner! Likewise, we should humbly appreciate a fellow believer who has the courage to offer us counsel when we need it. We view that person as our friend, not our enemy.—Read Proverbs 27:5, 6; Gal. 4:16.","Proverbs 27:5, 6; Gal. 4:16;",w19 September p. 5 par. 12,,,bl,,1/12/2020
"Are You Maintaining Your “Large Shield of Faith”? Spiritual armor, ","Imagine the scene. A group of soldiers spend the morning training with their swords, but one of their company is missing. That soldier is in town setting up a food shop. In the evening, the soldiers spend time inspecting their armor and sharpening their swords. But the one who owns the shop spends his time preparing food to sell the next day. The next morning, however, an enemy launches a surprise attack. Which soldier is more likely to act appropriately and earn the approval of his commanding officer? And whom would you want standing beside you—a soldier who focused on being prepared or the one who was distracted?","Like good soldiers, we do not become distracted from our primary goal—gaining the approval of our Commanders, Jehovah and Christ. We view that as being more valuable than gaining anything Satan’s world has to offer. We make sure that we have the time and energy we need to serve Jehovah and to keep our shield of faith and the rest of our spiritual armor in good condition.","1 Timothy 6:9, 10;",w19 November p. 17 pars. 13-14,,,bl,,1/12/2020
"Trust, children, parents, entrusted, Parents—Train Your Children to Love Jehovah,","Imagine that a close friend asks you to look after a large amount of money for him. How would you feel? Likely, you would be honored that he trusts you. But you might worry about how you will keep the fortune safe. ","Jehovah, our closest Friend, gives parents something to look after that is far more valuable than money. He entrusts them with the welfare and happiness of their children. Who should decide if and when a married couple will have children? And what can parents do to help their children have a happy life? Consider just some of the principles found in God’s Word that can help Christian couples to make wise decisions. (Psalm 127:3)  Look! Sons are an inheritance from Jehovah; The fruit of the womb is a reward.",Psalm 127:3;,w19 December p. 22 pars. 1-2,,,bl,,1/12/2020
"Adapt, conform, adjust, changes, circumstances, flexible, ministry, happy, ","If you put water into a beautiful vase, it takes the shape of the vase, filling each curve. You put water in a cup, it becomes the cup; You put water into a bottle it becomes the bottle; the teapot; It doesn't try to shape the container, but adapts to fit.","We need to be like the ""water"" in adapting to changing circumstances. When we adapt quickly we are happier.",Psalm 1:1-3;,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,1/12/2020
"Empathy, fellow feeling, mercy, pity, regret, comfort, cry,","The story is told about A four year old boy whose next door neighbor was an elderly gentleman had recently lost his wife. Upon seeing the man cry, the little boy went into the old gentleman's yard, climbed onto his lap, and just sat there. When his mother asked him what he said to the neighbor, the little boy said, ""Nothing, I just helped him cry.""",Sometimes that is all we need to do when people are going thru difficult times. (Romans 12:15) . . .Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep.,Romans 12:15;,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,1/13/2020
"end of system, world, ","Consider this illustration: When you travel by car, you might first consult online sources, maps, and written directions. Then, as you see signs and landmarks that match what the directions say, you gain confidence that you are nearing your destination. ","In a similar way, God has given us his Word, which describes striking global trends. As we see those landmark events unfolding, we become convinced that we are in the time period leading up to the end. The Bible explains that world history would reach a unique, pivotal time period that would culminate in the end. That time would see a combination of worldwide events and circumstances that differs from anything in mankind’s history. Consider some of the features mentioned in God’s Word.","Matthew 24:3, 14; ",w15 5/1 p. 6 Is the End Near?,,,bl,,2/4/2020
"Kindness, Draw Close to God, ","Imagine trying to explain what kindness is. You might define it with words. But if you can point to someone actually performing a kind deed and say, “That is an example of kindness,” the word “kindness” takes on added meaning and becomes easier to understand. ","Jehovah has done something similar to help us grasp what he is like. As well as describing himself in words, he has provided us with the living example of his Son. In Jesus, the qualities of God are seen in action. Through the Gospel accounts describing Jesus, Jehovah is, in effect, saying: “That is what I am like.” How does the inspired record describe Jesus when on earth?",Matthew 4:2-4;,cl chap. 2 pp. 22-23 par. 17,,,bl,,2/4/2020
"Father Jehovah, ","A young child is proud of his father and is happy to talk about him. Likewise, we are proud of our heavenly Father, Jehovah, and want others to come to know him. In our heart, we all feel as did King David, who wrote: “I will boast in Jehovah.” (Ps. 34:2) ","What, though, if we are timid? How can we become bold? We grow bold when we focus on how happy we can make Jehovah and how much others will benefit from learning about him. Jehovah will give us the courage we need. He helped our first-century brothers to become bold, and he will help us too.—1 Thess. 2:2.",Psalm 34:2; 1 Thess. 2:2;,w20 February pp. 11-13 par. 13,,,bl,,2/4/2020
"Pursue Peace by Fighting Envy, ","Our heart is like soil, and our good qualities are like beautiful flowers. But envy is like a poisonous weed. ","Envy can choke the development of good qualities, such as love, compassion, and kindness ",Galatians 5:22;,w20 February p. 16,,,bl,,2/4/2020
Pursue Peace by Fighting Envy,"Envy is like a poisonous weed. Once the seed of envy takes root in our heart, it can be difficult to destroy. Envy feeds on other negative feelings, such as improper jealousy, pride, and selfishness. Envy can choke the development of good qualities, such as love, compassion, and kindness. ","As soon as we see envy starting to sprout, we need to uproot it from our heart. How can we fight envy?",Galatians 5:22;,w20 February p. 15 par. 7,,,bl,,2/4/2020
"Greed, Adam, Eve,","Suppose you had guests in your home and you wanted to make them feel at home.  You show them your bedroom, refrigerator, cabinets and living room and told them to help themselves to anything they wanted, including food.  However there is one little drawer that I have some treats stored in that I am saving for a special occasion.  There is food just like that in the other cabinets.  You are welcome to that food.  How would you feel if they violated your wishes and took the food from the drawer?","That is what Adam and Eve did.  They took the food that Jehovah told them not too, even though they had every kind of food available to them.  That was greed.",Genesis 2:9; 3:6;,Stephen Lett GB,,,bl,,2/5/2020
"Contentment, temporary resident, patience, Politics, protests, ","Suppose you were invited to go to a convention in another country for a week's stay.   You have a nice Hotel room, but there are a few things you don't really care for in the room.  You might make a few adjustments.  Open the curtains for the view.  Adjust the cooling system, etc.  Would also move the bed to the other side of the room.  Take down the wallpaper and replace it with one to your liking?","Likewise, we are temporary residents on the earth in this system of things.  Would we go to great lengths to change things.  Would we get involved in protests and political movements?  Remember we are here for a short while as temporary residents.",Hebrews 11:13;,Stephen Lett GB,,,bl,,2/5/2020
"Endurance, ",The thing to remember about endurance is to look at the first three letters.,Trials will come to an end.,"2 Corinthians 4:17, 18;",Joe Laymon,,,bl,,2/17/2020
"Baptism, count the cost, Are You Ready to Get Baptized?","IMAGINE that a person decides to build a house. He knows what kind of house he wants to build. Should he immediately go out and buy some supplies and start building? No. Before he begins, there is something important that he ought to do—calculate how much the house will cost. Why? Because he needs to know whether he has enough money to finish the house. If he carefully calculates the cost in advance, he is more likely to be successful in completing his new house.","Has your love and appreciation for Jehovah moved you to think about getting baptized? If so, you are facing a decision similar to that of the man who wants to build a house. Why can we say that? Consider Jesus’ words found at Luke 14:27-30. (Read.) Jesus was discussing what it means to be his disciple. To be his follower, we must be willing to accept “the expense” involved—the challenges and the sacrifices. (Luke 9:23-26; 12:51-53) So before you get baptized, you need to think carefully about all that is involved. Then you will be better prepared to keep serving God faithfully as a baptized Christian. Is becoming a baptized disciple of Christ worth the expense? Of course it is! Baptism opens the door to countless blessings—now and in the future. Let us discuss some important questions about baptism. Doing so will help you to answer the question, “Am I ready to get baptized?”",Luke 14:27-30,w20 March p. 8 pars. 1-3 ,,,bl,,2/17/2020
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"Choose to Support God’s Kingdom Now, Great tribulation, danger, ","Imagine that a devastating hurricane is approaching your area. Government agencies are broadcasting urgent warnings: “GET OUT! SEEK REFUGE NOW!” What would be the wise thing to do? Head for a safe place, certainly.","In a sense, all of us are living in the path of a devastating “storm,” which Jesus called a “great tribulation.” (Matthew 24:21) We cannot simply get out of the path of that tribulation. But we can do something to protect ourselves. What is that?In his Sermon on the Mount, Jesus Christ gave this direction: “Keep on, then, seeking first [God’s] Kingdom and his righteousness.” (Matthew 6:33) How do we do that?",Matthew 24:21; 6:33;,wp20 No. 2 p. 14,,,bl,,2/17/2020
"Love, loyalty, How Deep Is Your Love","“ONCE upon a time,” it is said, there was a young man who told the young lady he was courting: “I love you so much I’d be willing to die for you.” ","She smiled and then asked: “Honey, where were you last Wednesday evening? I missed you.” He replied, rather sheepishly: “Oh, well, you know; it was raining kind of hard.” He was willing to die for his lady love, but he was not willing to brave the rain to spend an evening with her. Obviously his love was not very deep. It consisted of words, but his actions did not back up his words. Fittingly the Bible counsels against this kind of love: “Little children, let us love, neither in word nor with the tongue, but in deed and truth.”",1 John 3:18.,w72 12/15 p. 739,,,bl,,2/17/2020
"Listen, Learn, and Show Compassion","As imperfect humans, all of us have a tendency to judge others by their outward appearance. (Read John 7:24.) But we learn only a little about a person from what we see with our eyes. To illustrate, even a brilliant and experienced doctor can learn only so much by just looking at a patient. He must listen attentively if he is to learn about the patient’s medical history, his emotional makeup, or any symptoms he is having. The doctor may even order an X-ray to see the inside of the patient’s body. Otherwise, the doctor could misdiagnose the problem. ","Similarly, we cannot fully understand our brothers and sisters by simply looking at their outward appearance. We must try to look beneath the surface—at the inner person. Of course, we cannot read hearts, so we will never understand others as well as Jehovah does. But we can do our best to imitate Jehovah. How? How does Jehovah deal with his worshippers? He listens to them. He takes into account their background and situation. And he shows compassion for them. As we consider how Jehovah did that for Jonah, Elijah, Hagar, and Lot, let us see how we can imitate Jehovah when dealing with our brothers and sisters.",Read John 7:24.,w20 April pp. 14-15 pars. 2-3,,,bl,,2/17/2020
Run the Race to the Finish,"WOULD you want to run in a race that you know is difficult, especially if you feel sick or tired? Likely not. ","The apostle Paul, however, said that all true Christians are in a race. (Heb. 12:1) And all of us, young or old, energetic or tired, must endure to the end if we want to receive the prize that Jehovah offers us.—Matt. 24:13. Paul had freeness of speech because he had successfully “run the race to the finish.” (Read 2 Timothy 4:7, 8.) But what, specifically, is the race that Paul spoke about?","2 Timothy 4:7, 8.",w20 April p. 26 pars. 1-2,,,bl,,2/17/2020
"I Have Called You Friends, Jesus, Friendship, relationship, ","Trying to be Jehovah’s friend without building a close bond with Jesus is like trying to enter a building without using the door. Jesus used a similar illustration when he described himself as “the door for the sheep.” (John 10:7) A second reason is that Jesus perfectly reflected his Father’s qualities. He said to his disciples: “Whoever has seen me has seen the Father also.” (John 14:9) So an important way that we come to know Jehovah is by studying the life of Jesus. As we learn about Jesus, our affection for him will grow. And as our friendship with Jesus grows, our love for his Father will deepen.","We must be friends with Jesus if we are to have a good relationship with Jehovah. Why is that true? Consider just two reasons. First, Jesus told his disciples: “The Father himself has affection for you, because you have had affection for me.” (John 16:27) He also said: “No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6)",John 14:6;,w20 April p. 21 par. 5,,,bl,,5/22/2020
"Living together without marriage, ","Consider a simple illustration. Just as the instructions that come from the manufacturer show you how to assemble a piece of furniture correctly, God’s instructions tell us how to build successful family relationships. God’s standards always benefit those who follow them.A manufacturer’s instructions show you how to assemble a piece of furniture. God’s instructions tell us how to build a successful family",God knows what is best for humans. He designed marriage to be a permanent union between a man and a woman that would benefit and protect all family members. ,"Isaiah 48:17, 18;",Bible Questions Answered;,,,bl,,2/17/2020
Power,Gadgets - power source is Jehovah.,All power comes from Jehovah.,Acts 1:8;,Caleb Moody,,,bl,,3/17/2020
"Mold, clay, ",Clay in one hand and a rock in the other.,"We want to be like clay in Jehovah’s hand, and like a rock when it comes to the world.",Isaiah 64:8;,John Ekran,,,bl,,3/17/2020
"Honesty, lies, deceit,","A man had a race with his father in law and lost.  When he went home he told his wife ""There was a big race today and I came in second...but your father was next to last."" ",Technically not a lie...but so misleading it might as well be...not honest at all!,Proverbs 6:17;,Jason Arndt,,,JA,,3/23/2020
"Political, politics, vote, promises, ",Vote for the man who promises least; he'll be the least disappointing.Bernard Baruch ,"Many promises are made, but not kept.",Jeremiah 10:23,Bernard Baruch,Special talk,,Bl,,4/6/2020
"“Unify My Heart to Fear Your Name” Satan divides hearts, ","For instance, if you see an image on TV or the Internet that could arouse sensual desires, how do you respond? It might be easy to rationalize that the picture or movie is not exactly pornographic. But might it represent an effort by Satan to divide your heart? (2 Cor. 2:11) That image can be like a little metal wedge that a man uses to split a big log. At first he drives the thin, sharp edge of the wedge into the log. Then as he drives the wedge deeper, the log splits apart. ",Could suggestive imagery in the media be like the thin part of that wedge? What may start off as small and seemingly harmless can quickly lead a person to commit sins that divide his heart and break his integrity. So refuse to give anything improper entry into your heart! Keep it unified to fear Jehovah’s name!,2 Corinthians 2:11;,w20 June p. 12 par. 15,,,bl,,4/20/2020
"“Unify My Heart to Fear Your Name, divided heart, ","A divided heart is of little value. Imagine that a sports team has members who do not get along with one another. Some want glory only for themselves, a few do not want to play by the rules, and a number treat the coach with contempt. A team like that is unlikely to win a match. In contrast, a team that is united is more likely to have success. ","Your heart can be like that successful team if your thoughts, desires, and emotions are united in serving Jehovah. Remember, Satan would love to divide your heart. He wants your thoughts, desires, and emotions to be at odds and in conflict with Jehovah’s standards. You, however, need your heart to be whole in order for you to serve Jehovah.  Never let Satan divide your heart!",Matt. 22:36-38,w20 June p. 13 par. 17,,,bl,,4/20/2020
"We Love Jehovah, Our Father, Dearly, Prayers, communication, ","We do well to ask ourselves this question: ‘Do my prayers tend to be like superficial, reprinted messages, or are they like heartfelt, handwritten letters?’ ","Think about the quality of your communication with God. Jehovah wants us to pour out our hearts to him in prayer.  No doubt you love Jehovah deeply, and you want to keep your relationship with him strong. To do that, you must communicate with him regularly. Confide in him. Share your joys and your pains with him. Be confident that you can go to him for help.",Ps. 62:8;,w20 February p. 9 par. 5,,,bl,,4/20/2020
"Meditate, ponder, Do You Meditate or Just Daydream?","But if done at Christian meetings, during study periods or work time, daydreaming can be like idling a car engine—wasting fuel and getting nowhere.","Though obviously beneficial, meditation is difficult for most of us.  Most would probably prefer simply to daydream—let the mind just drift along effortlessly and without purpose, like a boat floating downstream. If done in rest periods, this can be very relaxing. ",1 Timothy 4:15,w84 2/1 p. 27,,,bl,,4/27/2020
"Comments, answers, excessive, too much, overdo, ","""Don't ride a good horse to death.""",Don't overdo a good thing.  ,Proverbs 25:27;  Proverbs 25:16;,Jim Laymon,,,bl,,6/20/2020
"Plan, Purpose, Holy Spirit’s Role in the Outworking of Jehovah’s Purpose","IMAGINE that two men are each preparing to take a trip by car. One maps out a specific, detailed path to his destination. The other has his destination clearly in mind, but he also knows many alternate routes. He is prepared to adjust his course as necessary to deal with any contingency. In some respects, the different approaches of these two men illustrates the distinction between a plan and a purpose. A plan might be compared to mapping out a detailed path, whereas a purpose may involve having in mind a goal but not necessarily one specific manner of reaching it.","When it comes to carrying out his will, Jehovah has, not a fixed plan, but an unfolding purpose. (Eph. 3:11) This purpose involves what he originally intended for mankind and the earth—that this globe be turned into a paradise home, where perfect humans can live in peace and happiness forever. (Gen. 1:28) When Adam and Eve sinned, Jehovah met that situation and made arrangements to ensure that his purpose would be accomplished. (Read Genesis 3:15.) Jehovah determined that his symbolic woman would bring forth a “seed,” or Son, who would eventually destroy the instigator, Satan, and undo all the harm he has caused.—Heb. 2:14; 1 John 3:8.",Eph. 3:11;,w10 4/15 pp. 7-8 pars. 1-2,,,bl,,9/13/2020
"Give Jehovah your best, Sacrifice, fruit of lips, Poverty",You can go into town and buy a brand new car and drive it home.  All you have is $5.00 and that is all right. The dealer doesn't care as long as that is your best.  Or go into a grocery store and get a $12.00 steak.  All you have is a nickel. You give your best. We could not get by doing that in today's world.,"That is what Jehovah required.  If a person was too poor to offer a sheep, he could give a dove or pigeon.  If he was too poor for that he could give flour, as long as it was fine flour.  Poverty denied no one in Israel the privilege of making peace with Jehovah. Jehovah accepts our best ""sacrifice of praise,"" regardless of how much our personal circumstances may limit what  we can give.",Hebrews 13:15; Leviticus 5:5-7;,Todd Bell,,,bl,,11/18/2020
"Brain, The Human Brain, Three Pounds of Mystery, memory, ","The data-processing abilities of the brain defy understanding. Imagine what must be going on in the brain of the conductor of a great symphony orchestra! There are conductors who have memorized the scores for 50 or 100 instruments. As the orchestra plays, and hundreds of notes a second with their various frequencies are pouring into the conductor’s brain, he is comparing them with his memory patterns. ","If one of the many instruments plays a wrong note, he detects it! Or consider a concert pianist playing a difficult score with all fingers flying! What an amazing kinematic sense his brain must have, to order the exact special relationship of the fingers, so that they strike the right keys to match the notes in his memory!",Proverbs 20:12;,w78 7/15 p. 16,,,bl,,12/20/2020
"Conscience, Danger, Warning, protection, ",A blind person may need a seeing-eye dog to guide him.  A good seeing-eye dog protects it's owner from traffic and lets them know when its safe to cross streets and keeps them on the sidewalks.  It directs them around obstacles and places them next to a chair to set down in. ,A properly trained conscience can keep us safe by letting us know when things will damage our relationship with Jehovah.  It helps us avoid the dangers that Satan puts in front of us.  We need to listen to our conscience like the blind man needs to listen to his dog when its safe to sit down or we might land on our backside.,Romans 2:15; 1 Peter 3:16; Hebrews 13:18;,Todd Bell,Hold a Good Conscience in a Sinful World,107,bl,,12/25/2020
"Conscience, Alert, Vigilance, attention, constant, Study, ",Have you ever cooked meat in a smoker?  Smoking meat is hard work and calls for constant attention.  You must work hard to maintain the proper temperature. If it gets too hot or too cold it can ruin the meat.,We need to work hard also to maintain our conscience at a proper level.  We do this by our study of God's word and publications from the Faithful and Discreet Slave. ,1 Peter 3:16; 1 Peter 2:12;1 Timothy 4:16; Matthew 24:45-47;,Luke Bell,,107,bl,,12/25/2020
"Love, Unity, Can You Widen Out in Love?","THE chain holding a ship’s anchor has to withstand immense strain to keep the vessel from drifting. This is possible, however, only if the links in the chain are secure and strong. Otherwise the chain will snap.","Much the same can be said of the Christian congregation. For a congregation to be vigorous and healthy, the individual members need to be bound together in unity. What is it that binds them? Love, which is the strongest force for unity. No wonder that Jesus Christ told his disciples: “I am giving you a new commandment, that you love one another; just as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love among yourselves.” Indeed, true Christians have the kind of love for one another that goes beyond casual friendship and mutual respect. They develop self-sacrificing love.—John 13:34, 35.","John 13:34, 35;",w07 1/1 p. 9,Love Identifies the Christian Congregation,172,bl,,12/26/2020
"Love,  “I Love the Father” ","In many ways, it is helpful to think of the love in our heart as a living thing. Like a beautiful houseplant, love needs to be nourished and cared for if it is to grow and to thrive. Neglected, deprived of nourishment, it weakens and dies. ",Jesus did not take his love for Jehovah for granted. He kept it strong and thriving throughout his earthly sojourn.,1 John 4:8;,cf chap. 13 pp. 132-133 par. 11,,172,bl,,12/26/2020
"Love, Remain in God’s Love ","As described in the Bible, love for God is much more than a feeling. In fact, although the feeling of love for Jehovah is essential, that feeling is just the beginning of real love for him. An apple seed is essential to the development of a fruit-bearing apple tree. If you wanted an apple, however, would you be content if someone merely handed you an apple seed? Hardly! ","Similarly, a feeling of love for Jehovah God is only a start. The Bible teaches: “This is what the love of God means, that we observe his commandments; and yet his commandments are not burdensome.” (1 John 5:3) To be genuine, love for God must bear fine fruit. It must be expressed in actions.—Read Matthew 7:16-20.",Matthew 7:16-20;,bh chap. 19 p. 186 par. 7,,,bl,,12/26/2020
"Love, Study, Repentance, He Could Have Had God’s Favor "," Just as we stoke a fire to keep it alive, we need to keep our love for God burning by regularly studying his Word, meditating on what we read, and persevering in prayer. ","Our love for Jehovah will, in turn, ignite our desire to please him in all that we do. It will move us, if at times it is needed, to genuine repentance.",Ps. 1:2; Rom. 12:12;,w18 June p. 15,,,bl,,12/26/2020
"Love of Money, The Recipe for True Happiness,","The situation might be compared to the itch produced by a mosquito bite—the more you scratch it, the more it itches, until it becomes an open sore.","The Bible writer Solomon put it this way: “The man who loves money can never have enough, and the man who is in love with great wealth enjoys no return from it.”",Ecclesiastes 5:10;,g 4/06 p. 5 ,,,bl,,12/26/2020
"Sin, Having “Come to Know God”—What Now?","As imperfect humans, we still have sin lurking within us like a coiled snake ready to strike. (Rom. 3:9, 10; 6:12-14) ","Let us remain sharp-eyed, not ignoring our faults. Happily, Jehovah is patient with us while we earnestly struggle to resist our weaknesses and make needed changes. (Phil. 2:12; 2 Pet. 3:9) A great help is to take control of our use of time and resources, turning away from selfish pursuits.","Rom. 3:9, 10; 6:12-14",w13 3/15 p. 16 par. 14,,,bl,,12/26/2020
"Buy truth, Buy Truth and Never Sell It”","We might illustrate the idea of buying truth this way. Let us say that a market advertises “Free Bananas.” Will those bananas miraculously appear on our table? No. We have to make the effort to go to the market to pick them up. Are the bananas free? Yes, but we must expend the effort and take the time to go to the market. ","Similarly, we do not need money to buy truth. However, we must make an effort to obtain it.  Even something that is free may come at a cost. The Hebrew word translated “buy” at Proverbs 23:23 can also mean “acquire.” Both words imply making an effort or exchanging something for an item of value.", Proverbs 23:23;,w18 November p. 4 par. 5,,,bl,,12/26/2020
"Time, timing, stealing time, overtime, defrauded, greed, punctual, ","If someone stole $5.00 from you, would this give you the right to steal $5.00 from someone else?  Would you say, I am not going to suffer from their dishonesty?  I will take what is mine from someone else. ","Yet, some in conducting a meeting part will say, well I started late so I am going to take it from the brother after me.  Is that honest.  This could be an extension of what 1 Corinthians 6:7 says....'Why do you not rather let yourselves be defrauded?' No part should go overtime, nor should the remarks of the Life and Ministry Meeting chairman. Although the time allotted for each part does not specify “or less,” there is no need to prolong a part if the material is adequately covered in less than the time allotted. The student assignments should tactfully be stopped when the time is up. If other parts on the meeting go overtime, private counsel should be given by the auxiliary counselor. (See paragraph 24.) The entire meeting, including songs and prayers, should last 1 hour and 45 minutes.",Exodus 20:15;,Life and Ministry Instructions,,,bl,,12/27/2020
"Why Be Punctual? Dependable, considerate, humble, time, timing, organized, ","When Jehovah decided to destroy the ungodly world in a deluge, he said to Noah: “Make for yourself an ark out of wood of a resinous tree.” As the time for the end drew near, Jehovah told Noah to enter into the ark and informed him: “In just seven days more I am making it rain upon the earth forty days and forty nights; and I will wipe every existing thing that I have made off the surface of the ground.” Then right on time, “seven days later it turned out that the waters of the deluge came upon the earth.” (Gen. 6:14; 7:4, 10) ","Imagine what might have happened to Noah and his family had they not been inside the ark on time. Like the God they worshipped, they had to be punctual.","Gen. 6:14; 7:4, 10;",w10 8/15 p. 26,,,bl,,12/27/2020
"Punctuality, time, timing, Why Be Punctual, dependable, honest,",Jehovah told the patriarch Abraham that he would have a son through whom the promised Seed would come. (Gen. 17:15-17) God said that Isaac would be born “at this appointed time next year.” Did that happen? The Scriptures tell us: “Sarah became pregnant and then bore a son to Abraham in his old age at the appointed time of which God had spoken to him.”—Gen. 17:21; 21:2.,"The Bible abounds with examples showing God’s punctuality. (Jer. 25:11-13; Dan. 4:20-25; 9:25) The Bible tells us to keep in expectation of Jehovah’s future day of judgment. Even if it seems to “delay” from a human viewpoint, we are assured that “it will not be late.”—Hab. 2:3.",Gen. 17:21; 21:2; 1 Cor. 14:40; Ecclesiastes 3:1;,w10 8/15 pp. 26-27,,,bl,,12/27/2020
"Punctuality and You, time, timing, stealing time, humility, ","“Dost thou love life?” Benjamin Franklin once asked. “Then do not squander time, for that is the stuff life is made of.” All of us recognize the truth in that statement. Equally important to Christians, though, is not wasting other people’s time. “The latecomer,” observes a missionary, “seems to say by his action, ‘My time is more valuable than yours, so you can wait until I am ready.’” ","The person who is not punctual appears not only disorganized and unreliable but also somewhat egotistical and inconsiderate. True Christians want to be “doing nothing out of contentiousness or out of egotism, but with lowliness of mind considering that the others are superior.”—Philippians 2:3.Some might feel that they do not like to live by the clock, having every move governed by it. However, being punctual is not simply a matter of being controlled by the clock. It is a matter of having other people’s interests and benefit at heart, “keeping an eye, not in personal interests upon just your own matters, but also in personal interest upon those of the others.”—Philippians 2:4.",Philippians 2:3;,w90 6/15 p. 28 ,,,bl,,12/27/2020
"Punctuality and You, timing, time, organize, ","“Even the stork . . . well knows its appointed times” to migrate, and the ant “prepares its food even in the summer” to be ready for the winter, says the Bible. (Jeremiah 8:7; Proverbs 6:8) Therein lies a secret of being punctual and getting things done.","We too must ‘know our appointed times.’ While not being rigid or fanatical, we should be time conscious. We need to know not only what we have to do but also when we have to do it. We need to get into the habit of thinking ahead, making allowance for possible delays, and being willing to cut short the activity at hand for something more important, such as our meetings, field ministry, and other theocratic activities.",Jeremiah 8:7; Proverbs 6:8;,w90 6/15 p. 29,,,bl,,12/27/2020
"Do You Keep Your Word? Honesty, punctual, promises, ","DID you ever have a person ask you for money and give you his solemn word that he would positively repay you on a specific day, then for some reason never keep his word? Have you a neighbor who borrows sugar, pots and pans and other items with a promise to return them later, yet never does? What about persons who are never punctual for appointments, never on time for work; people who somehow never keep their word? What do you think of such persons? Or are you one of them?","Invariably disappointment follows a broken promise. We feel let down, because we expect more of intelligent people. We want them to be persons of their word, and rightly so. Man, by virtue of his being a creation of God, made in the image and likeness of his Creator, is expected to reflect the qualities of his Maker Jehovah, who is a God of truth, a God of his word. Of Jehovah Captain Joshua said: “Not one word out of all the good words that Jehovah your God has spoken to you has failed.” “Not a promise failed out of all the good promise that Jehovah had made.” (Josh. 23:14; 21:45) Of himself Jehovah stated: “My word that goes forth from my mouth . . . will not return to me without results.” (Isa. 55:11; 46:11) Therefore, we can count on God. He has built for himself a good reputation for dependability, because he is a God of his word. Can the same be said of you?",Josh. 23:14; 21:45,w61 9/15 p. 547,,,bl,,12/27/2020
"Become Imitators of God” in Your Use of Power, Godly fear, discipline, ","Think about the wholesome relationship between a little boy and his father. The boy senses his father’s warm, loving interest in him. But the boy is also aware of what his father requires of him, and he knows that his father will discipline him if he misbehaves. The boy does not live in morbid fear of his father. On the contrary, he dearly loves his father. ","The youngster delights in doing what will bring his father’s smile of approval. So it is with godly fear. Because we love Jehovah, our heavenly Father, we dread doing anything that would make him feel “hurt at his heart.” (Genesis 6:6) Rather, we long to make his heart rejoice. (Proverbs 27:11) That is why we want to use our power aright. Let us take a closer look at how we may do so.",Proverbs 27:11;,cl chap. 10 p. 99 par. 7,,,bl,,1/1/2021
"Make Personal Decisions Wisely, Imperfect mind, ",Our imperfect mind and heart can be like a watch that is going either too fast or too slow. Being guided by it could bring us serious trouble. (Jer. 17:9) ,We need to calibrate our mind and heart by God’s reliable standards.,"Isaiah 55:8, 9.",*** w13 9/15 p. 24 par. 9 ,,,bl,,1/1/2021
"Make Jehovah Your Confidence, Trust, ","Think of a small child sitting in the backseat of a car, with his parents in front. His father is at the wheel. When difficulties arise during the journey—a question about the proper route or perhaps a problem with the weather or the condition of the road—how does an obedient, trusting child react? Does he shout directions from the backseat, telling his father how to handle the car? Does he question his parents’ decisions or resist when they remind him to stay buckled up in his seat? ","No, he naturally trusts his parents to handle such matters, imperfect though they are. In Jehovah, we have a perfect Father. Should we not trust in him implicitly, especially when we face challenging situations?—Isaiah 30:21.",Isaiah 30:21;,w03 9/1 p. 12 par. 21,,,bl,,1/1/2021
"How to Conduct a Bible Study That Leads to Baptism—Part Two, Discontinue, preparation, ","Continuing to study with him would be like trying to give swimming lessons to someone who does not want to get wet! If the student does not truly appreciate what he is learning and is not willing to make changes, why continue studying with him?","Periodically evaluate whether you should continue studying with someone. Ask yourself: ‘Does the student fail to prepare for the study? Does he lack interest in attending meetings? Does he still have bad habits? Is he still a member of a false religion?’ If the answer is yes,",Psalm 40:8;,w20 October p. 19 par. 16,,,bl,,1/1/2021
"Rich Blessings for Those Who Return to Their Country of Origin, Need is Great, Fishing, ","In 1998 a brother named Onésime emigrated from his native Cameroon. For 14 years he lived abroad. One day, at a Christian meeting, he heard an illustration about the preaching work. The speaker said, “If two friends were fishing in different spots and one was catching more fish than the other, would the friend who was catching little not move to the spot where the catch was bigger?”","That illustration made Onésime think about returning to the productive spiritual fishing grounds in Cameroon to help the local publishers there. But he had concerns. Would he be able to adapt to his former home country after all those years living abroad? To find out, Onésime visited Cameroon for six months. Then in 2012, he moved back permanently.",Matt. 22:37-39;,w20 November p. 8 ,,,bl,,1/1/2021
"Trials, Faith, Hardships, tested, ","Trials can be likened to the fire that is used to forge a blade of steel. When the blade is heated and cooled, the steel becomes stronger. ","Similarly, when we endure trials, our faith is strengthened. That is why James wrote: “Let endurance complete its work, so that you may be complete and sound in all respects.” (Jas. 1:4) When we see that our trials make our faith stronger, we can endure them with joy. James identifies an additional reason why Christians are willing to face even severe trials. He says: “This tested quality of your faith produces endurance.”",Jas. 1:3;,WT2021 Feb,,,bl,,1/2/2021
"Faith, Endurance, Correction, Examine, temper, ","God’s Word acts like a mirror, helping us to identify and address what we need to work on. (Jas. 1:23-25) For example, after studying God’s Word, we might realize that we need to control our temper. ","With Jehovah’s help, we learn how to be mild when dealing with people or problems that could provoke us. Because we are mild, we cope better with the pressures we face. We are able to think more clearly and make better decisions. (Jas. 3:13) How important it is that we know the Bible well!",James 3:13;,Feb 2021 Watchtower,,,bl,,1/2/2021
"doubts, faith, future, hope, anchor, ","The apostle Paul likened our hope for the future to an anchor. (Heb. 6:19) An anchor stabilizes a ship during a storm and stops it from drifting onto rocks. But an anchor is useful only if the chain that attaches it to the ship does not break. Just as rust weakens an anchor chain, so unresolved doubts weaken our faith. ","When tested by opposition, a person who has doubts could lose faith that Jehovah will fulfill his promises. If we lose our faith, we lose our hope. As James says, the doubter “is like a wave of the sea driven by the wind and blown about.” (Jas. 1:6) A person in that position is unlikely to feel any joy at all!",Heb. 6:19;,Feb 2021 Wt,,,bl,,1/2/2021
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"Faith, endurance, steadfast, uncompromising, joy, ","We might think of a soldier courageously standing his ground against the enemy, refusing to give an inch no matter how fiercely he is attacked.",The solution: Rely on Jehovah to give you the courage to endure. We need to have courage if we are to endure trials. (Jas. 5:11) The word James used that is rendered “endurance” conveys the idea of someone who remains steadfast in his position. ,James 5:11,2021 WT February,,,bl,,1/2/2021
"Adam & Eve, disobey, The Way to True Freedom, ","This can be illustrated with a pilot flying an airplane. To reach a certain destination safely, he usually must follow a preapproved flight path. Modern aviation equipment allows a pilot to use onboard navigation instruments and to keep in touch with air traffic controllers along the way so as to reach his planned destination. However, if the pilot chose to disregard that guidance and fly any route he desired, the result could be disastrous."," Like that pilot, Adam and Eve wanted to do things their own way. They rejected the guidance God had provided. The result? They ended, as it were, in a tragic crash, resulting in sin and death for themselves and for their future offspring. (Rom. 5:12) In striving for self-determination, they lost the true freedom they had been given. Simply because Jehovah did not give humans the freedom to determine for themselves what is good and what is bad.—Read Proverbs 20:24 and footnote; Jeremiah 10:23.",Jeremiah 10:23;Proverbs 20:24;,w18 April p. 6 pars. 11-12,,,bl,,1/2/2021
"Young Ones, Your Creator Wants You to Be Happy, Disobedient, obey, disobey, ","Like flowers cut from a plant, they slowly began to wither and die. Their children also suffered from the curse of sin. (Rom. 5:12) Sadly, Adam and Eve disobeyed God, cutting themselves off from him. The results, as you know, were tragic.","Even so, most people still choose not to submit to God. They want to live life their own way. (Eph. 2:1-3) The results clearly show that “there is no wisdom . . . in opposition to Jehovah.”—Prov. 21:30.",Proverbs 21:30;,w18 December p. 20 par. 4,,,bl,,1/2/2021
"Did God Create the Devil? Satan, Became a Devil or Satan, ","Imagine an accountant who sees an opportunity to manipulate records in such a way as to steal from his company for personal profit. He might quickly dismiss that wrong thought. If, instead, he dwells on this possibility, then the idea will grow in its appeal, and he is likely to carry it out. If he does, he has, in effect, made himself a thief. If he lies about his crime, he becomes a liar too."," In a similar way, by cultivating wrong desires and acting on them, the angel whom God created used his free will to engage in deception and rebel against his Father, thus making himself Satan the Devil.","James 1:14, 15;",w11 3/1 p. 21,,,bl,,1/2/2021
" “Do Not Let Your Hands Drop Down”, Anxiety, Sadness, pressure, stress, anchor, ","Sadly, life in Satan’s wicked world creates a tremendous amount of pressure, which can cause anxiety and thus make a person feel weighed down. That can be like an anchor attached to a boat, not allowing the boat to move forward. (Prov. 12:25) What could cause you to feel that way? ","Well, maybe you are trying to cope with the death of a loved one, deal with a serious illness, provide for your family in these hard economic times, or you may be facing opposition. The resulting emotional stress might in time drain your strength. It could even cause you to lose your joy. But you can be assured that God is ready to give you a helping hand.—Read Isaiah 41:10, 13.","Isaiah 41:10, 13;",w16 September p. 3 par. 2,,,bl,,1/2/2021
"Blessings or Maledictions—Examples for Us Today, Attitude, desires, heart, God's blessings, ","UNSEEN under a coat of paint, rust can begin to corrode an implement made of iron. It may be some time before the rust becomes visible on the surface. Similarly, the attitudes and desires of one’s heart may begin to deteriorate long before this results in serious consequences or is even noticed by others. ","As we would wisely inspect an implement to see if it is becoming rusty, so a close inspection of our hearts and timely maintenance may preserve our Christian integrity. Put another way, we can receive God’s blessings and can avoid divine maledictions. Some may think that the blessings and maledictions pronounced upon ancient Israel have little meaning for those facing the conclusion of this system of things. (Joshua 8:34, 35; Matthew 13:49, 50; 24:3) However, that is not so. We can benefit greatly from the warning examples involving Israel, as set out in 1 Corinthians chapter 10.","Joshua 8:34, 35; Matthew 13:49, 50; 24:3;",w96 6/15 p. 17 par. 1,,,bl,,1/2/2021
"You Can Resist Temptation! eyes, mind, pornography, addiction, ",Imagine you glimpsed the blinding flash of a welder’s torch. Would you keep on staring at it? Of course not! You would turn away or shield your eyes to protect your sight. ,"Likewise, if you glimpse erotic imagery—in print, on the screen, or in the flesh—quickly look away. Protect your mind from being infected. A former pornography addict, Juan, says: “When I see an attractive woman, I often feel the urge to take a second and a third look. So I force my eyes to look away, and I tell myself: ‘Pray to Jehovah! You absolutely need to pray now!’ After I pray, the impulse soon fades.”—Matthew 6:9, 13; 1 Corinthians 10:13.  To resist temptation, we must act decisively and not feast our eyes on provocative images.","Matthew 5:28, 29",w14 4/1 pp. 10-11 ,,,bl,,1/2/2021
"What Kind of Person Do You Want to Be? Veneer, appearances, core, heart, traits, habits, ","When we renovate an old house, it is not enough to paint the outside if there are rotten beams inside. Ignoring structural defects would only invite trouble later. ","Similarly, a veneer of uprightness is not enough. We must get to the core of our personality and recognize problems that need to be solved. Otherwise, old personality traits are bound to resurface. Self-scrutiny, then, is a must. (2 Cor. 13:5) We need to identify undesirable traits and correct them. To that end, Jehovah has provided us with help.Paul wrote: “The word of God is alive and exerts power and is sharper than any two-edged sword and pierces even to the dividing of soul and spirit, and of joints and their marrow, and is able to discern thoughts and intentions of the heart.”  The message of God’s written Word, the Bible, can have a powerful influence on our lives. It pierces deep down within us—figuratively to the marrow in the innermost part of the bones. It reveals our thoughts and motives, exposing what we really are inside as compared to what we appear to be on the outside or what we think we are. What help God’s Word is in enabling us to recognize our problems!",Heb. 4:12;,w08 11/15 p. 4,,,bl,,1/2/2021
"What Kind of Person Do You Want to Be? Baptism, new personality, basic qualities, advancement, adjustment, ","When presenting ourselves for water immersion, we are much like a piece of wood that has been carved into a basic shape. The object is identifiable, but much work remains to be done. The carver still needs to add the finer details in order to make the object beautiful. At the time of baptism, we have the basic qualities required to be a servant of God. However, our new personality is still in its early stage. We must continue to enhance it by making adjustments.","Whether the changes we need to make are big or small, putting on the new personality is part of embracing Christianity.Our making changes and progressing to the point of qualifying for baptism, though, is only a beginning. ",Eph. 4:22-24;,w08 11/15 p. 3 ,,,bl,,1/2/2021
"The New Birth—A Personal Decision? Born again, requirement, ","To illustrate this matter of command versus statement of fact, think of a comparison. Picture a city that has several schools. One of them is set aside as a school for students belonging to a native, or indigenous, population living in an area far from that city. One day, a young man who does not belong to that native group tells the principal of that school, “I want to enroll in your school.” The principal tells him, “To enroll, you must be a native.” ","Of course, the principal’s words are not a command. He is not ordering the student, “Be a native!” The principal simply states the fact—the requirement for attending that school. Similarly, when Jesus said: “You people must be born again,” he was simply stating a fact—the requirement for one to “enter into the kingdom of God.” ",John 3:7,w09 4/1 p. 6,,,bl,,1/2/2021
"Happy to Wait for Jehovah, ","The way discipline from Jehovah benefits us might be likened to the way fruit grows to maturity. Concerning discipline from God, the Bible says: “To those who have been trained by it it yields peaceable fruit, namely, righteousness.” (Hebrews 12:11) Just as fruit needs time to ripen, so time is needed for us to change our attitudes in response to the training that God provides.","For example, if misconduct on our part should cause us to lose some privilege in the congregation, our willingness to wait for God will prevent us from getting discouraged and giving up. In such circumstances, the inspired words of David are encouraging: “Being under [God’s] anger is for a moment, being under his goodwill is for a lifetime. In the evening weeping may take up lodging, but in the morning there is a joyful cry.” (Psalm 30:5) If we cultivate a waiting attitude and apply the counsel we receive from God’s Word and organization, our time for “a joyful cry” will come.",Hebrews 12:11;,w07 3/1 p. 19 ,,,bl,,1/2/2021
Is the Bible’s Guidance Relevant Today?,"With all that up-to-the-minute information available, why turn to the Bible—a book that was completed almost 2,000 years ago? Would not skeptics be right in saying that using such an ancient book for guidance is like using an outdated chemistry book or computer manual? Actually, the analogy is flawed. Science and technology change rapidly, but has human nature changed? People still want to find meaning in life as well as to have a reasonable measure of happiness and security, good family relations, and rewarding friendships.","As old as it is, the Bible addresses those needs and more. It also claims to be inspired by our Creator. It offers to guide us in every aspect of life and to equip us for any challenge that matters. (2 Timothy 3:16, 17) What is more, it claims to convey counsel that is timeless—advice that never becomes obsolete! The Bible itself says: “The word of God is alive.”—Hebrews 4:12.","2 Timothy 3:16, 17;",wp18 No. 1 p. 3,,,bl,,1/2/2021
"They Were Borne Along by Holy Spirit, Bible, ","Consider how a businessman might compose a letter. When precise wording is important, he writes the letter himself or dictates it to his secretary word for word. The secretary types it, and the letter bears the businessman’s signature. At other times, he provides only the principal ideas, and the secretary prepares the letter, using her own style or vocabulary. The businessman may then proofread the letter and have the secretary make any needed changes. In the end, the letter bears his signature and is viewed as coming from him.","Similarly, some parts of the Bible were supplied “by God’s finger.” (Ex. 31:18) Jehovah also used dictation when precise wording was crucial. At Exodus 34:27, for example, we read: “Jehovah went on to say to Moses: ‘Write down for yourself these words, because it is in accordance with these words that I do conclude a covenant with you and Israel.’” Likewise, Jehovah told the prophet Jeremiah: “Write for yourself in a book all the words that I will speak to you.”—Jer. 30:2.",Exodus 34:27;,w12 6/15 p. 26 pars. 4-5,,,bl,,1/2/2021
"The Bible and Your Future, Light, Flashlight, ","IMAGINE you are walking along a dark path late one evening. Although the sun has long since set, you do not feel hopelessly lost, for you have in your hand a powerful flashlight. When you point it downward, you see clearly what is immediately in front of you. And when you point it forward, its piercing beam illuminates your path far into the distance.","In some ways, the Bible is like such a flashlight. As we considered in the preceding articles, God’s Word can help us deal with what is immediately in front of us—the day-to-day problems that we all face in this uncertain world. But the Bible does more. It also provides an illuminating view of the future, enabling us to see and follow a path that leads to lasting happiness and contentment. (Psalm 119:105)",Psalm 119:105;,wp18 No. 1 p. 14,,,bl,,1/2/2021
Are All Parts of the Bible Still Relevant?,"Suppose that you pick an apple from an apple tree. Once you have the apple, is the tree that produced it irrelevant? Not if you want more fruit! In some ways the Bible is like that apple tree. ","Certain parts of the Bible, such as the Psalms or the Sermon on the Mount, might seem to be readily accessible and especially “tasty.” While we may treasure those parts—as we might our favorite fruit—should we disregard the rest? Like the roots of an apple tree, the value of certain parts of the Bible might be hard to see at first. A little digging may be required to reveal that value, but the effort will be handsomely repaid!","2 Timothy 3:16, 17;",g 3/10 p. 29,,,bl,,1/2/2021
"Bible, Bible Teachings—Timeless Wisdom","PICTURE THIS: You are touring a museum full of ancient monuments. Most are pitted, weathered, and eroded. Some have great chunks missing. One, though, is remarkably intact; its intricate design is clear in every detail. “Is this one newer than the others?” you ask your guide. “No,” he responds, “it is older than most, and it has never been rebuilt.” “Has it been sheltered?” you ask. “No,” says your guide, “this one has faced the worst wind and rain. And many vandals have tried to mar it.” Perhaps you would wonder in amazement, ‘What is it made of?’","In a way, the Bible is like that remarkable monument. It is a very ancient book—older than most. There are other ancient books, of course. But like eroded old monuments, most old writings have been badly damaged by the passage of time. Their statements on science, for instance, have been contradicted by new knowledge, provable facts. Their medical counsel often seems more dangerous than helpful. And many ancient writings are mere fragments of what they once were; parts have been lost or badly damaged.The Bible, though, stands out as different. The writing of it began over 35 centuries ago, yet the Bible is intact. And though it has been attacked again and again over the centuries—burned, banned, and belittled—its statements have weathered every onslaught.","2 Timothy 3:16, 17;",wp18 No. 1 p. 4 ,,,bl,,1/2/2021
"Why We Need God, Bible, User Manuel, instructions, Handbook, safety, ","When you buy a new piece of equipment, such as a camera or a computer, you expect it to come with an owner’s manual, or a handbook, that explains how to get the best use and satisfaction out of your acquisition. The Bible can be likened to such a handbook. It is a manual for human life that God, the manufacturer, as it were, has made available to us, the users. This “user’s manual” explains what the product is designed to do and how it should be used for the best results.","As with any well-written instruction manual, the Bible alerts readers to practices that may compromise the safe and reliable operation of the “product”—our life. Advice or shortcuts that others offer might sound appealing, even expedient, but is it not logical to think that we are going to get the best results and avoid problems if we follow the Maker’s directions?","Isaiah 48:17, 18;",w13 12/1 pp. 4-5,,,bl,,1/2/2021
"Bible reader, Constance, Seven Steps to Beneficial Bible Reading",The value of regular Bible reading might be illustrated by a man who has had a heart attack and who decides to eat foods that are more nutritious. ,"Would this regimen help him if he followed it only when he felt a sharp pain in his chest? No. He must consistently adhere to a healthy diet to gain the most benefit. Likewise, daily Bible reading will help you to “make your way successful.”",Joshua 1:8;,w10 7/1 p. 21,,,bl,,1/2/2021
"A Lesson From the Mariner, exhausting, fatigue, tired, weary, drift, stable, ","SAILING solo on the open sea can be exhausting. The numbing effect of fatigue can easily push the mariner across a dangerous threshold, so that errors and wrong decisions are made. For this reason, he appreciates the value of a sea anchor. It allows a weary sailor to rest and recuperate without drifting dangerously. At the same time, the sea anchor forces the bow to point into the wind and waves and keeps the boat in its most stable position.","Just as sailors face numerous dangers at sea, Christians face the constant pressures of this world and feel the need for rest. In fact, once Jesus recommended to his disciples: “Come, you yourselves, privately into a lonely place and rest up a bit.” (Mark 6:31) Today, some may take a few weeks to travel or have a weekend away to relax with their family. These moments can be refreshing and reinvigorating. How, though, can we make sure that we are spiritually safe at such times? What can serve as our spiritual sea anchor to help us resist drifting and maintain stability?",Mark 6:31;,w00 8/15 p. 32,,,bl,,1/2/2021
"Signposts on Life’s Road, guide, traveling, Bible, ","IF YOU were traveling on an unfamiliar road or pathway, would you view signposts as a hindrance? Not likely! Surely you would view them as an aid to help you from straying off the route leading to your destination.","What, though, of traveling life’s road? Can it be successfully negotiated without signposts? An ancient prophet of God acknowledged mankind’s limitations in this regard. He said: “I know, O LORD, that man’s ways are not of his own choosing; nor is it for a man to determine his course in life.”—Jeremiah 10:23, The New English Bible.",Jeremiah 10:23;,w98 10/1 p. 32,,,bl,,1/2/2021
"United in Love—Annual Meeting Report, empty, prepare, personal study, Bible reading, Family worship, meditation, ","Samuel Herd began his talk with an illustration. Suppose a friend picks you up to go on a 30-mile [50 km] trip. Riding in the passenger seat, you notice that the fuel gauge is on empty. You tell your friend he is just about out of fuel. He says not to worry; there is still a gallon [some four liters] in the tank. Soon, though, you run out of fuel. Is it worth it to ‘run on empty’ and take a chance on being stranded? How much better to keep a full tank! Figuratively, we need to keep a full tank, the fuel being our knowledge of Jehovah.","To that end, we need to fuel up and to do so regularly. There are four ways we do this. First, personal study, becoming familiar with the Bible by reading it daily. More than just reading words, we must understand what we read. Second, making good use of our Family Worship evening. Do we stop weekly and fill up or do we put only a little in our tank? Third, congregation study and meeting attendance. Fourth, quiet, undisturbed meditation, thinking about Jehovah’s ways. Psalm 143:5 says: “I have remembered days of long ago; I have meditated on all your activity.”",Psalm 143:5;,w10 6/15 pp. 4-5,,,bl,,1/2/2021
"Building a Family That Honors God, future, marriage, Bible tools,","SUPPOSE you plan to build your own home. You purchase the land. With keen anticipation, you see your new house in your mind’s eye. But what if you have no tools and no building skills? How frustrating your efforts would be!","Many couples enter marriage envisioning a happy family, yet possess neither the tools nor the skills needed to build one. Shortly after the wedding day, negative patterns develop. Fighting and bickering become a daily routine. When children are born, the new father and mother find themselves no more skilled at parenthood than they are at marriage.Happily, however, the Bible can help. Its principles are like tools that enable you to build a happy family. (Proverbs 24:3) Let us see how.",,kl chap. 15 p. 140 pars. 1-3,,,bl,,1/2/2021
"How Precious Is the Truth to You? Danger, trouble, problems, shepherds, ","In Scotland some young lambs were grazing in a pasture when one of them strayed to the side of a hillock and tumbled onto a ledge below. It was uninjured, but it was frightened and unable to climb back. So it started to bleat plaintively. Its mother heard it, and she too began to bleat until the shepherd came and retrieved the young lamb.","Notice the sequence of events. The lamb called for help, the ewe added her voice to its cries, and the alerted shepherd sprang into action to rescue it. If a very young animal and its mother can sense danger and immediately call for help, should we not do the same when we stumble spiritually or face unexpected dangers from Satan’s world? (James 5:14, 15; 1 Peter 5:8) We should, especially if we are lacking in experience either because we are young or because we are relatively new in the truth.","James 5:14, 15; 1 Peter 5:8;",w02 3/1 p. 16 pars. 13-14,,,bl,,1/2/2021
"Should You Keep the Weekly Sabbath? change, 600 laws, constitution, ","The change from the Israelite to the Christian system of worship could be illustrated this way: A nation may change its constitution. Once the new constitution is legally in place, people are no longer required to obey the former one. Even though some of the laws in the new constitution may be the same as those in the former constitution, others may be different. So a person would need to study the new constitution carefully to see what laws now apply. Additionally, a loyal citizen would want to know when the new constitution went into effect.","In like manner, Jehovah God provided over 600 laws, including 10 main ones, for the nation of Israel. These included laws about morals, sacrifices, health matters, and Sabbath-keeping. However, Jesus said that his anointed followers would constitute a new “nation.” (Matthew 21:43) From 33 C.E. onward, this nation has had a new “constitution,” founded on two basic laws—love of God and love of neighbor. (Matthew 22:36-40) Although “the law of the Christ” includes instructions that are similar to those in the Law given to Israel, we should not be surprised that some laws are very different and that others are no longer required. The law requiring the observance of a weekly Sabbath is one of those that are no longer binding.",Matthew 22:36-40;,w10 2/1 p. 14 ,,,bl,,1/2/2021
Having “Come to Know God”—What Now?,"PILOTS who fly one of the most successful aircraft ever built have a preflight inspection checklist consisting of more than 30 items. If they do not carefully follow the checklist each time before takeoff, the pilots increase the possibility of a tragic accident. Do you know what type of pilot is especially urged to complete the checklist every time? It is the very experienced pilot! The seasoned pilot could easily become complacent and fail to carry out the preflight inspection in every detail.","Like a safety-minded pilot, you can use a type of checklist to make sure that your faith will not falter when you need it most. Whether you are newly baptized or you have been serving God for many years, regularly checking the depth of your faith and devotion to Jehovah God is essential. Failure to check on this regularly and diligently can lead to spiritual ruin. The Bible warns us: “Let him that thinks he is standing beware that he does not fall.”—1 Cor. 10:12.",1 Cor. 10:12;,w13 3/15 p. 13 pars. 1-2 ,,,bl,,1/2/2021
"Having “Come to Know God”—What Now? Baptism, ","A pilot’s checklist reminds him that there is a routine for him to follow carefully before every flight. We too can regularly check, or examine, ourselves and the routine we have been following since our baptism. Paul wrote to Timothy: “Keep holding the pattern of healthful words that you heard from me with the faith and love that are in connection with Christ Jesus.” (2 Tim. 1:13) Those “healthful words” are found in God’s Word. (1 Tim. 6:3) ","Just as an artist’s sketch provides us with a general picture, ‘the pattern of truth’ provides a broad outline for us to perceive and follow what Jehovah requires of us. So let us look now at steps that led to our baptism to see how closely we are conforming to the pattern of truth.",1 Timothy 6:3;,w13 3/15 p. 14 par. 7,,,bl,,1/2/2021
"Entertainment, association,  Give Jehovah Exclusive Devotion, control, ","Eating a meal with someone is often a sign of friendship. If we choose entertainment that promotes violence, spiritism, immorality, or other fleshly desires and attitudes, we are, in effect, sharing a meal prepared by enemies of God. As a result, we not only harm ourselves but also damage our friendship with Jehovah.  Consider some specific ways in which entertainment is like literal food. When we eat, we can control what we put in our mouth. But once we swallow the food, automatic processes take over and the nutrients in the food eventually become part of our bodies. A good diet can make us healthier; a poor diet will make us unhealthy. The results may not become evident overnight, but they will become evident in time.","Similarly, when we choose our entertainment, we have control over what we put into our mind. After that, automatic processes take over and our mind and heart are affected. Good entertainment can refresh us; unwholesome entertainment will harm us. (Read James 1:14, 15.) The effects of bad entertainment may not be immediately evident, but they will eventually become obvious.","James 1:14, 15;",w19 October p. 30 pars. 12-14,,,bl,,1/2/2021
How to Choose Wholesome Entertainment,"It is also wise to allow a margin of safety when choosing entertainment. What does that mean? Consider once more the example of the fruit. To avoid inadvertently eating what is rotten, you cut out not just the exact area that is bad but also a margin around it. ","Similarly, it is wise to apply a safety margin in choosing entertainment. A wise Christian avoids not only entertainment that is clearly in violation of Bible principles but also types that are dubious or that seem to include elements that are spiritually unhealthy. (Proverbs 4:25-27) Sticking close to God’s Word will help you to do just that.",Proverbs 4:25-27;,lv chap. 6 pp. 69-70 par. 15,,,bl,,1/2/2021
"How to Choose Our Entertainment, Recreation, association,","Clearly, we must reject entertainment that we know is unacceptable to Jehovah. But what about entertainment that we may have doubts about? Do we still need to be careful? Think about this. If you are walking along a mountain path, do you go as close as you can to the edge? No. If you value your life, you stay far away from danger. ","It is similar with our choice of entertainment. God’s Word tells us: “Turn your feet away from what is bad.” (Proverbs 4:25-27) So we not only avoid entertainment that we know is bad, but we also stay away from any entertainment that we suspect might not be good for us and might harm our relationship with Jehovah.",Proverbs 4:25-27,lvs chap. 6 p. 82 par. 15,,,bl,,1/2/2021
"Reading, information, poison, benefit, How to Read and Remember","Our taking of information into the mind through reading may be compared to our taking of food into the stomach. In both instances we must be selective. The eater, even when just satisfying his appetite, is foolish to take into his stomach that which is indigestible or that which offers no real benefit to the body, or worse, may even poison him. For best results, for long-lasting benefits, food should be easily digested and assimilated by our bodies.","So, too, with our reading. Whether it is casual or serious reading, what we take in should be mentally digestible and it should be something that will lastingly benefit our minds. Obviously it is unwise to feed the mind on that which is untrue, godless or immoral, and which may therefore cause spiritual indigestion. (Phil. 4:8) And why waste time reading material of little value? Just as we are selective in what we eat, so we should be in what we read.",Phil. 4:8;,sg study 4 p. 20 pars. 3-4,,,bl,,1/2/2021
"Find Security Among God’s People, personalities, different, individuals, unity, variety, ","To illustrate, imagine that numerous vehicles are traveling alongside you on a road. Not all are moving at the same speed, nor are all in the same condition. Some have traveled many miles, but like you, others have just started out. Regardless of these differences, however, all are traveling down the road. ","It is similar with the individuals making up a congregation. Not all develop Christian qualities at the same speed. Furthermore, not all are in the same physical or emotional condition. Some have been worshiping Jehovah for many years; others have just begun. Yet, all are traveling along the road to everlasting life, “fitly united in the same mind and in the same line of thought.” (1 Corinthians 1:10)",1 Corinthians 1:10,kl chap. 17 p. 164 par. 11,,,bl,,1/2/2021
"See the Difference in People, protection, variety, last days, ","MANY health-care professionals work among those infected with contagious diseases. They care for their patients because they want to help them. In doing so, however, they need to protect themselves so that they do not become infected with the disease they are seeking to treat."," Likewise, many of us live and work with those who are infected with attitudes and characteristics that run counter to godly qualities. This presents a challenge for us.  These last days are a time of moral chaos. The apostle Paul’s second letter to Timothy describes the characteristics of people who are alienated from God, characteristics that will become more pronounced in the days ahead. (Read 2 .) Though we may be shocked by the prevalence of such qualities, we could be influenced by the behavior and attitudes of those who display them. (Prov. 13:20)","2 Timothy 3:1-5, 13",w18 January p. 27 pars. 1-2,,,bl,,1/2/2021
"You Can Make Spiritual Progress, advancement, improvement, ","TRUE worth can be difficult to recognize. Such is the case with diamonds. Although a polished diamond sparkles, a rough diamond merely glows dimly. Nevertheless, in the depths of the rough diamond lies the unmistakable promise of a beautiful gem.Christians resemble rough diamonds in many ways. Though we are still a long way from perfection, we do have an underlying worth that Jehovah values. ","Like diamonds, all of us have our own distinct qualities. And each one of us can make further spiritual progress if that is our heartfelt desire. Our personalities can be polished, so that they shine more brightly to Jehovah’s glory.—1 Corinthians 10:31.After being cut and polished, a diamond is placed in a setting that enhances its reflective qualities. Similarly, Jehovah can use us in different settings, or assignments, if we “put on the new personality which was created according to God’s will in true righteousness and loyalty.”—Ephesians 4:20-24. Such spiritual progress may not come naturally, just as a diamond in its natural state rarely sparkles like a gem. We might need to rid ourselves of some lingering weakness, adjust our attitude toward assuming responsibility, or even exert ourselves to get out of a spiritual rut. But we can make progress if we really want to, since Jehovah God can give us “the power beyond what is normal.”—2 Corinthians 4:7; Philippians 4:13.",1 Corinthians 10:31;,w98 5/15 p. 24,,,bl,,1/2/2021
"You Can Make Spiritual Progress, improvement, advancement, confidence, inferior, ","Cutting diamonds takes confidence that results from exact knowledge, since once a part of the rough diamond is cut away, it usually is lost. Expensive material—sometimes as much as 50 percent of the uncut stone—has to be cut away to produce the desired shape. We too need confidence resulting from accurate knowledge in order to shape our personality and to progress spiritually. Especially must we have confidence that Jehovah will empower us.","We may feel inadequate, however, or think that we are not able to do more. In the past, faithful servants of God sometimes felt that way. (Exodus 3:11, 12; 1 Kings 19:1-4) When assigned by God to be a “prophet to the nations,” Jeremiah exclaimed: “Here I actually do not know how to speak, for I am but a boy.” (Jeremiah 1:5, 6) Despite his reticence, though, Jeremiah became a courageous prophet who delivered forthright messages to a hostile people. How was this possible? He learned to rely on Jehovah. Jeremiah later wrote: “Blessed is the able-bodied man who puts his trust in Jehovah, and whose confidence Jehovah has become.”—Jeremiah 17:7; 20:11.","Exodus 3:11, 12; 1 Kings 19:1-4",w98 5/15 pp. 24-25,,,bl,,1/2/2021
"Righteousness Exalts a Nation, World, separated, divide, new personality, illuminators, ","The selection of these spiritual Israelites can be compared to diamond mining. When rich diamond-bearing ore is brought to the surface, it may yield only 1 carat (.007 ounce [200 mg]) per 3 tons of earth. A method once used to separate the diamonds involved mixing the ore with water and flowing the mixture over tables of grease. Diamonds are water-repellent, and they stuck to the grease while the unwanted material was washed away. At this stage the diamonds were rough. However, when cut and  polished, they reflected light in all directions.","Like water-repellent diamonds that are no part of the matter around them, Jehovah’s people have been separated from the world. (John 17:16) When first drawn to the light, they may have lacked luster. But Jehovah’s Word and spirit create within them a new personality, and they shine as illuminators in this world. It is because of Jehovah’s righteousness that they are set on high and reflect the glorious light of Kingdom truth in all directions, not because of their own righteousness.",John 17:16,w95 12/15 p. 27,,,bl,,1/2/2021
"Keys to Communicating With Your Mate, marriage, prayer, practice, ","Have you ever tried to open a door that has not been used for some time? Squeaking, the rusted hinges gradually give way. But what if the door had regularly been used and its hinges were well greased? It would have been easy to open. ","The same is true with the door of communication. If you make it a practice to communicate and lubricate the hinges of the door of communication with Christian love, you can more easily communicate your thoughts even when you have serious disagreements.",Isaiah 30:21,w06 4/15 p. 7,,,bl,,1/2/2021
" ‘Keep Free From Murmurings,’ complaining, gripe, ","Many types of metal have a natural tendency to rust. If early signs of rust are ignored, metal can rust to the point that it can no longer serve its purpose. Countless automobiles are scrapped, not because of mechanical failure, but because the metal is so rusted that the vehicles are unsafe. How can we apply this illustration to murmuring?","Just as certain metals tend to rust, imperfect humans have a tendency to complain. We should be on guard to detect any sign of this. Even as moisture and salty air accelerate rusting, adversity makes us more inclined to murmur. Stress can turn a minor irritation into a major grievance. As conditions in the last days of this system deteriorate, potential causes of complaint will likely increase. (2 Timothy 3:1-5) Hence, one servant of Jehovah might begin to murmur against another. The cause could be a small issue, such as discontent with someone’s weaknesses, abilities, or privileges of service.",2 Timothy 3:1-5;,w06 7/15 p. 16 pars. 12-13,,,bl,,1/2/2021
"Maintain Your Confidence Firm to the End, Future, new earth, light, beacons, ","IMAGINE a small plane flying into difficult weather conditions. The pilot can no longer make out landmarks. Thick clouds envelop him. He cannot see beyond his windscreen, yet he feels sure that he can complete his journey safely. What is the reason for his confidence? He has accurate instruments that enable him to fly through clouds and land in darkness. Along his route, especially near the airport, beacons guide him electronically, and he has radio contact with air-traffic controllers on the ground.","In a comparable way, we can face the future with confidence, even though world conditions get gloomier day by day. Our journey through this wicked system may be taking longer than some expected, but we can be confident that we are on course and on time. Why can we be so sure? Because we have guidance that enables us to detect what human vision cannot.God’s Word is a ‘light to our roadway,’ and it is “trustworthy, making the inexperienced one wise.” (Psalm 19:7; 119:105) Like beacons that indicate the pilot’s flight path, the Bible accurately outlines future events and gives us clear instructions in order to ensure that we arrive safely at our destination. To benefit from divine guidance, however, we must trust it.",Psalm 19:7; 119:105,w96 5/1 p. 21,,,bl,,1/2/2021
"Let God’s Laws and Principles Train Your Conscience, ",Those with a poorly trained conscience can be likened to a ship that is navigating with a defective compass. Setting off on a journey without an accurate compass can be treacherous. The winds and currents of the ocean can easily throw a ship off course. A properly calibrated compass can help the captain to keep the ship on course. ,"Our conscience can be likened to a moral compass. It is an inner sense of right or wrong that can guide us in the right direction. But in order for our conscience to be an effective guide, it must be properly adjusted, or calibrated.",Isa. 5:20Isaiah 5:20,w18 June p. 16 par. 2,,,bl,,1/2/2021
"How Can You Maintain a Good Conscience? Guide, advise, ",A MARINER steers his ship through the waves of a vast ocean; a hiker treks across a lonely wilderness; an aviator guides his aircraft as it soars above layers of clouds that stretch from one horizon to the other. Do you know what these individuals have in common? Each in his own way might be in big trouble without a compass—especially if other modern technology is not accessible.,"A compass is a simple instrument, usually just a dial with a magnetic needle that points northward. When it is working properly and especially when it is used in conjunction with an accurate map, it can be a lifesaver. In some ways, it may be likened to a precious gift that Jehovah has given us—a conscience. (James 1:17) Without a conscience, we would be hopelessly lost. Used properly, it can help us find our way and keep to the right path in life.",James 1:17,lv chap. 2 pp. 14-15 pars. 1-2,,,bl,,1/2/2021
"Keep Yourselves in God’s Love, Conscience, limitations, map, compass, ","A hiker treks across a vast wilderness. There are no trails, no roads, no signposts. Yet, he steadily makes his way toward his destination. How? He has a compass. It has a fixed dial marked with the four primary directions and a magnetic needle that points reliably northward. Without his compass, this hiker would be hopelessly lost. Similarly, a human without a conscience would often be hopelessly lost when trying to make moral, ethical, and righteous choices in life.","Like a compass, though, the conscience has its limitations. If the hiker were to put a magnet near his compass, the needle would point away from north. Likewise, if we were to give the desires of our heart too much prominence, what would happen? Our selfish tendencies might well distort the conscience. The Bible warns us that “the heart is more treacherous than anything else and is desperate.” (Jer. 17:9; Prov. 4:23) Furthermore, if the hiker did not have an accurate, reliable map, his compass would do him little or no good. Similarly, if we do not rely on the sure, unchanging guidance of God’s Word, the Bible, our conscience might be nearly useless. (Ps. 119:105) Sadly, many people in this world give undue prominence to the desires of the heart while paying little or no attention to the standards set out in God’s Word. (Read Ephesians 4:17-19.) That is why so many people, though endowed with a conscience, do terrible things.—1 Tim. 4:2.",Ephesians 4:17-19,w09 8/15 pp. 19-20 pars. 7-8,,,bl,,1/2/2021
"How Can I Resist Temptation, conscience, ","Take a compass, and position it so that the needle points north. Now place a magnet at the side of the compass. What happens? The needle no longer gives an accurate reading. Instead, it is turned toward the magnet.  ","Your conscience is like that compass. If properly trained, it will point “north” and help you to make wise decisions. But harmful association, like a magnet, exerts a pull that can distort your moral judgment. The lesson? Try to avoid people and situations that may throw your moral sense off course!—Proverbs 13:20",Proverbs 13:20,g 8/08 p. 27,,,bl,,1/2/2021
"Your Choice of Principles, Me-ism can act like a magnet, conscience, confusion, ","Me-ism can act like a magnet. And how does a magnet affect a compass? When the two are side by side, the compass needle gets misdirected. In the same way, me-ism can throw a person’s moral compass, or code of right behavior, into confusion by making everything subordinate to the desires of the person.","Would it surprise you to learn that me-ism is not a modern phenomenon? This approach to life found its origin in the garden of Eden when our first parents abandoned the standard of behavior laid down by our Creator. That altered their moral compass. As descendants of Adam and Eve, humans are troubled with the same approach to life, more recently labeled “me-ism.”—Genesis 3:6-8, 12.","Genesis 3:6-8, 12.",w02 2/15 p. 3,,,bl,,1/2/2021
How Can You Safeguard Your Heart?,"Our Bible-trained conscience can act as our watchman and warn us when Satan tries to invade our heart—in other words, when he tries to influence our thoughts, feelings, motives, or desires. Whenever our conscience sounds the alarm, we need to listen and shut the gate, so to speak. Consider an example of how we can protect ourselves from being influenced by Satan’s thinking. Jehovah has taught us that “sexual immorality and every sort of uncleanness [should] not even be mentioned among [us].” (Eph. 5:3) ","But what will we do if peers at work or at school start talking about sexually immoral topics? We know that we should “reject ungodliness and worldly desires.” (Titus 2:12) The watchman, our conscience, might sound an alarm. (Rom. 2:15) But will we listen to it? We might be tempted, instead, to listen to our peers or to look at pictures they might be sharing. But this is the time to close the city gates, so to speak, by changing the conversation or by walking away.",Titus 2:12,w19 January pp. 17-18 pars. 11-12,,,bl,,1/2/2021
"A Good Conscience With God, GPS,","IMAGINE that you are walking across a vast desert. The landscape keeps changing as strong winds blow the sand in different directions. You could easily get lost. How will you know which direction to go? You need someone or something to guide you. It could be a compass, the sun and stars, a map, a GPS (Global Positioning System), or even a person who knows the desert well. Having a guide is important, because knowing where to go can save your life.","We all face many challenges in life, and at times we could easily feel lost. But to guide us, Jehovah has given each one of us a conscience. (James 1:17)",James 1:17,lvs chap. 2 pp. 16-17 pars. 1-2,,,bl,,1/2/2021
"You Need a Trained Conscience, responsive conscience, ","THE captain, a pilot for 15 years, had accumulated over 11,000 hours of flying time. Prior to takeoff, he had carefully entered the flight plan into his onboard computer, unaware that the coordinates he had been given were incorrect. Flying through a cloud at just under 2,000 feet [600 m], the DC-10 slammed into the lower slopes of Mount Erebus, killing all 257 on board.","Just as airplanes today rely on computers to guide them through the skies, humans have been given a conscience to guide them on their path through life. And the terrible tragedy of Flight 901 can teach us some powerful lessons about our conscience. For instance, in the same way that flight safety depends on a properly functioning navigational system and precise points of reference, so our spiritual, moral, and even physical well-being depends on a responsive conscience guided by correct moral points of reference.",Isaiah 5:20;,w01 11/1 p. 3,,,bl,,1/2/2021
"Is Your Conscience Well Trained? attention, ", We can compare the trained conscience to the warning lights on an automobile’s instrument panel. Suppose a light comes on warning us that the oil pressure is low. What would happen if we did not give prompt attention to the matter and continued to drive the vehicle? We could cause serious damage to the motor.,"In a similar way, our conscience, or inner voice, can alert us that a certain course of action is wrong. Comparing our Scriptural standards and values with the course of action being taken or contemplated, it flashes a warning, as the light on the instrument panel does. Heeding the warning will help us not only to avoid the bad consequences of the wrong action but also to preserve the proper operation of our conscience.  In order for our conscience to help us, we must heed it. Only when we respond promptly to the proddings of our Bible-trained conscience do we benefit from it.",1 Timothy 4:2;,w05 10/1 p. 14,,,bl,,1/2/2021
"Cultivate Reasonable Expectations, and Be Joyful, adjustments, flexible, reasonable, control,","A sailboat may be coursing along at full speed with the wind blowing in its sails. However, when the sailor at the helm encounters a fierce storm, he is forced to adjust the sails. He is not in control of the storm, but by making adjustments, he may remain in control of his sailboat. ","In a comparable way, often we have no control over adverse stormlike circumstances that we encounter in life. But we can keep control of our life to the extent possible by adjusting the way we use physical, mental, and emotional resources. When we take into consideration our new circumstances, we will be helped to preserve our satisfaction and joy in God’s service.—Prov. 11:2.",Prov. 11:2;,w08 7/15 p. 31,,,bl,,1/2/2021
Starting Conversations That Can Lead to a Witness,Starting a conversation is much like playing a game of catch. Both require at least two participants and are relatively easy to initiate.," At your next opportunity, “toss” someone your words, and see if you can start a conversation.",Ne 2:4; Ac 4:29.Neh. 2:4;,mwb18,,,bl,,1/2/2021
"Serving Wherever I Was Needed, need is great, adjust, flexible, hardships, problems, ","Like a tree that gets blown by strong winds, we have to bend to the different hardships and problems that come our way. Over the years, I have found that regular Bible study and meeting attendance give me that strength to bend and to survive spiritually. As I grow older and see the mistakes I made in the past, I try to look on the bright side. ","After all, if we just stay faithful, such experiences only add to our spiritual development. If we learn from them, the negative aspects of life can have certain positive aspects.—James 1:2, 3.","James 1:2, 3.",w01 2/1 pp. 28-29,,,bl,,1/2/2021
"Do You Appreciate Jehovah’s Watchful Care? trials, problems","Still, we may become impatient when a trialsome period seems to have no end. How can we cope? Suppose you are driving a car on a highway and get stuck in traffic. You do not know how long the delay will continue. If you get irritated and try to find another route, you might get lost. You could end up taking more time to reach your destination than you would had you patiently remained on course. ","Similarly, if you stick to the paths outlined in God’s Word, in time you will arrive at your destination. Jehovah may hold off from intervening in our trials because he wants us to receive vital training. (Read 1 Peter 5:6-10.) ",1 Peter 5:6-10,w14 4/15 pp. 30-31 pars. 15-16,,,bl,,1/2/2021
"Will You Continue to Be Readjusted? Counsel, discipline, ","God’s Word reminds us: “The wounds inflicted by a friend are faithful.” (Prov. 27:6) In what way is this statement true? Consider this illustration: Imagine that you are waiting to cross a busy street and you get distracted by your cell phone. You step onto the street without looking up. Just then, a friend grabs your arm and pulls you back onto the sidewalk. His grip is so firm that your arm is bruised, but his quick action saves you from being hit by a car. Even if the bruise he inflicted causes you pain for several days, would you be offended that your friend grabbed you? Certainly not! You would be grateful for his help. ","Similarly, if a friend warns you that your speech or actions are not in harmony with God’s righteous standards, you may feel hurt at first. But do not resent his counsel or become offended. That would be foolish. (Eccl. 7:9) Instead, be grateful that your friend had the courage to speak up.",Eccl. 7:9,w20 November p. 21 par. 10,,,bl,,1/2/2021
"Walk by Spirit and Live Up to Your Dedication, Baptism, Holy spirit, ","A farmer cultivates the land. Of course, sunshine and water are necessary; without such he cannot expect any harvest. We might compare holy spirit to sunshine. Holy spirit is needed for us to manifest the fruitage of the spirit. Yet, what would be produced without the farmer’s hard work? (Prov. 10:4) Yes, how you cultivate the soil of your heart makes a difference in the quality and quantity of the fruitage of the holy spirit in you. So ask yourself, ‘Am I permitting holy spirit to produce its fruitage by working along with it?’","To obtain a good harvest, farmers also need to water their crops. In order to cultivate the fruitage of the spirit, you need the waters of truth found in the Bible and available through the Christian congregation today. (Isa. 55:1) You have likely pointed out to many people that the Holy Scriptures are a product of holy spirit. (2 Tim. 3:16) Also, the faithful and discreet slave class provides much-needed understanding of the pure waters of Bible truth. (Matt. 24:45-47) The implication is clear. In order to come under the influence of the holy spirit, we must read and meditate on God’s Word. If you are doing that, you are imitating the fine examples of the prophets who made “a diligent inquiry and a careful search” of information that was provided. It is noteworthy that even the angels have shown deep interest in spiritual truths regarding the promised Seed and the anointed Christian congregation.—Read 1 Peter 1:10-12.",Matt. 24:45-47,w10 3/15 pp. 15-16 pars. 6-7,,,bl,,1/2/2021
"Teach What the Bible Really Teaches, Death. ","We might illustrate matters this way: The life that we enjoy is like the flame of a candle. When the flame is extinguished, it does not go anywhere. It is simply gone.","What the Bible says on this subject is simple and clear—the dead do not continue to live somewhere. There is nothing that leaves our body at death and lives on so as to be reborn in another body, as stated by those who believe in reincarnation. ","Ecclesiastes 9:5, 6, 10",w07 1/15 p. 24 pars. 16-17,,,bl,,1/2/2021
"Help Others Deal With Stress, Death, ","A married couple can be likened to two trees that have grown up next to each other. Over the years, the roots of the trees intertwine. When one tree is uprooted and dies, the other tree can seriously be affected. ","Similarly, when someone loses a spouse to the enemy death, he or she may feel strong emotions for a long time. Paula, whose husband died suddenly, says: “My life was turned upside down, and I felt powerless. I lost my best friend. I talked to my husband about everything. He shared my joys and supported me through difficult times. He provided a shoulder to cry on. I really felt as if I had been cut in half.”","Ecclesiastes 9:5, 6, 10",w19 June p. 23 par. 13,,,bl,,1/2/2021
"Walking With God—The Early Steps, Baptism, Dedication, Marriage, ","Becoming a dedicated, baptized disciple of Jesus Christ is somewhat similar to getting married. In many lands, the wedding day is preceded by several steps. A man and a woman meet, get to know each other, and fall in love. Next comes the engagement. The wedding makes public what has been decided upon in private—to enter wedlock and then live together as husband and wife. It is the wedding that publicly marks the beginning of that special relationship. That date marks the beginning of the marriage. Comparably, baptism marks the start of a life devoted to walking in a dedicated relationship with Jehovah.","Consider another parallel. After their wedding day, the love between husband and wife should deepen and mature. To draw ever closer to one another, both marriage mates must unselfishly strive to maintain and strengthen their marital relationship. Although we do not enter into a marriage with God, after our baptism we must work to maintain a close relationship with Jehovah. He observes and appreciates our efforts to do his will and draws close to us. “Draw close to God,” wrote the disciple James, “and he will draw close to you.”—James 4:8.",James 4:8,w98 11/15 p. 12 pars. 11-12 ,,,bl,,1/2/2021
Young Ones—Are You Ready to Get Baptized? ,"To illustrate, imagine that a friend gives you a car as a gift. He hands you the title and says: “The car is yours.” But suppose your friend adds: “I will keep the keys. And I will be the one who drives the car, not you.” How would you feel about this “gift”? How would you feel about the giver?","Now think about what Jehovah rightfully expects of a person who makes a dedication to him, a person who tells him: “I am giving you my life. I belong to you.” What if that person were to start living a double life, perhaps secretly dating an unbeliever? What if he were to accept employment that crippled his whole-souled service in the ministry or attendance at Christian meetings? Would that not be like keeping the keys to the car?",Rom. 14:8.,w16 March p. 7 pars. 15-17,,,bl,,1/2/2021
" Searching Into “the Deep Things of God” Maturity, basic things, ","MOST of us in the Christian congregation can recall the joy we felt when we first learned the truth. We discovered why Jehovah’s name is important, why he permits suffering, why some people go to heaven, and what the future holds for faithful mankind in general. We may have looked into the Bible before that, but these things were hidden from us, as they are from most of mankind. We were like a man peering through the water at a coral reef. Unaided, he sees little of the beautiful things below the surface. But with the aid of diving goggles or a glass-bottomed boat, he is thrilled to see for the first time brilliantly colored corals, fish, sea anemones, and other fascinating creatures. ","Similarly, when someone began to help us to understand the Scriptures, we had our first glimpse of “the deep things of God.”—1 Corinthians 2:8-10.",1 Corinthians 2:8-10.,w07 11/1 p. 27 par. 1,,,bl,,1/2/2021
"Do You Value What Jehovah Has Done to Deliver You? Ransom, Memorial, ","IMAGINE that you are lying in a hospital bed. You are in a ward where everyone suffers from the same illness, a deadly disease with no known cure. When you learn that a doctor is spearheading an effort to find a cure, you are hopeful. You eagerly await news of any developments. One day, you learn that a cure has been found! The doctor behind the breakthrough made enormous sacrifices to make the cure possible. ","How would you respond? Surely your heart would swell with respect and appreciation for the man who opened a way for you and many others to be delivered from death.  That scenario may seem dramatic, but it corresponds to a reality we all face. Each of us is in a condition far more serious than the one described. We are in dire need of a rescuer. (Read Romans 7:24.) ",Romans 7:24,w09 9/15 p. 25 pars. 1-2,,,bl,,1/2/2021
"How Can You Keep a Balanced View of Money?  Need, greed, desire, ",The difference between normal desire and greed might be likened to the difference between the small campfire that cooks food and the blazing inferno that consumes a forest. ,"Wholesome and well-placed desire can be constructive. It motivates us to work and to be productive. Proverbs 16:26 says: “The soul of the hard worker has worked hard for him, because his mouth has pressed him hard.” But greed is dangerous and destructive. It is desire out of control.",Proverbs 16:26,w01 6/15 p. 6 ,,,bl,,1/2/2021
"“Go . . . Make Disciples” fishing, patience, hardships, adjustments, ","Remember that Jesus likened disciple-making to fishing. Fishermen may spend many hours before they catch any fish. Often they work late at night or early in the morning, and sometimes they have to sail long distances. () In like manner, some disciple-makers spend many hours patiently “fishing” at different times and in various locations. Why? To improve their chances of meeting people. ","Those who put in the extra effort are often rewarded by meeting people who are interested in our message. Could you try preaching at a time of day when you are more likely to meet people or at a location where you are more likely to find them?—Read 2 Timothy 4:1, 2.",Luke 5:5,w19 July pp. 18-19 par. 14 ,,,bl,,1/2/2021
"How Should You Discipline Your Children? Training, ","Parental discipline may be likened to gardening. A gardener prepares the soil, waters and feeds the plant, and provides protection from pests and weeds. As the plant grows, the gardener may need to prune the plant in order to help it keep growing in the right direction. The gardener recognizes that a careful combination of various techniques will help him to produce a healthy plant. ","Similarly, parents care for their children in many ways. But at times they need to give discipline—which, like pruning, may correct wrong inclinations early on and help their children to grow in the right direction. Pruning, however, must be done carefully, or a plant can suffer permanent harm. Likewise, parental discipline needs to be given with loving care.","Proverbs 4:1, 2.",w14 7/1 p. 10 ,,,bl,,1/2/2021
"Parents, Help Your Children Build Faith, Train, discipline, ","You might even use a recipe to help your child build faith in God. How? After you bake a cake or a batch of cookies, explain the role of the recipe. Then hand your child a piece of fruit, perhaps an apple, and ask: “Did you know that this apple started off with a ‘recipe’?” Then cut the apple in two, and give him a seed. You could discuss that the recipe was “written” in the seed but in a language far more complex than the words in a recipe book. ","You might ask: “If the recipe for the cake had a writer, who wrote the much more complex recipe for the apple?” For an older child, you could explain that the recipe for the apple—in fact, for the entire tree on which it grew—was part of the code in the DNA. Together, you might even look at some of the illustrations on pages 10 to 20 of our brochure The Origin of Life—Five Questions Worth Asking.","Matt 13:34, 35;",w16 September pp. 30-31 par. 10 ,,,bl,,1/2/2021
"Maintain Your Confidence Firm to the End, doubts, letting down the hands, attitude, ",A slothful attitude may have dire consequences in many areas of life. Solomon observed that “through the letting down of the hands the house leaks.” (Ecclesiastes 10:18) Sooner or later rain starts dripping through a roof that is not cared for.," If we let down our hands spiritually and fail to maintain our faith, doubts may creep in. On the other hand, regular meditation on and study of God’s Word will nourish and protect our faith.—Psalm 1:2, 3.",Ecclesiastes 10:18,w96 5/1 p. 22 ,,,bl,,1/2/2021
"“Let Marriage Be Honorable” Husband, wife, "," You and your spouse will draw closer together if you strive to draw closer to God. Why? Consider an illustration: Imagine a cone-shaped mountain—wide at the base and narrow at the top. A man is standing at the foot of the northern slope while a woman is standing on the other side, at the foot of the southern slope. Both begin to climb. When both are still near the mountain base, a long distance separates them. Yet, as each climbs higher and higher toward the narrow summit, the distance between them becomes less and less. ","Do you see the reassuring lesson in this illustration?  The effort you put forth to serve Jehovah to the full could be compared with the effort it takes to climb a mountain. Since you love Jehovah, you are already trying hard to climb, so to speak. However, if you and your spouse have grown apart, you may be climbing opposite sides of that mountain. What happens, though, when you continue to climb? Granted, a considerable distance may separate you at first. Nevertheless, the more effort you put into drawing closer to God—into climbing higher—the closer you and your mate become. Indeed, drawing closer to God is the key to drawing closer to your spouse. But how can you actually do that? One important way to climb, as it were, is for you and your spouse to heed the counsel on marriage as found in God’s Word. (Psalm 25:4; Isaiah 48:17, 18) ","Psalm 25:4; Isaiah 48:17, 18",lv chap. 11 pp. 121-123 pars. 3-5,,,bl,,1/2/2021
Show Fellow Feeling in Your Ministry,"When we preach the good news, our role is similar to that of a doctor. A good doctor considers the needs of each patient. He asks questions and listens carefully as the patient describes his condition or symptoms. Instead of prescribing the first treatment he can think of, the doctor may let time go by so that he can observe a patient’s symptoms and then offer the right treatment. ","Similarly, we should not try to use the same approach with everyone we meet in our ministry. Rather, we take into consideration the specific circumstances and viewpoints of each individual.",Matt. 7:12,w19 March p. 22 par. 8,,,bl,,1/2/2021
"Truth, faith, 3 L's, Bible, learn, love, live,","Learn it, love it and live it.",This is how we feel about all of Jehovah's ways. ,Proverbs 3:1-10;,"Levi Goss, (zoom) from Texas.",,,bl,,1/3/2021
"Why Honor the Elderly? Older ones, respect, endurance, ","ALONG the coast of California, U.S.A., is one of the world’s most photographed trees. It is known as the Lone Cypress. Reportedly, this tree is over 250 years old. Noted for its endurance, this beautiful tree has received attention in several ways. For instance, it has been fortified with supportive cables and with stonework around its base.","The Lone Cypress may remind us of the older Christians in our midst, who show remarkable endurance. One outstanding way that they do this is by proclaiming the good news. The prophet Joel foretold that “old men” would declare the Bible’s message. (Joel 2:28-32; Acts 2:16-21) Just think of the countless hours such ones spend earnestly helping others to learn about the “good news of the kingdom”! (Matt. 24:14) Some of these elderly Kingdom proclaimers have endured years of persecution or other difficulties. If a mere cypress tree is noted for endurance and is fortified with stonework and cables, how much more do the older ones among us deserve to be recognized and treated with dignity and honor!",Joel 2:28-32; Acts 2:16-21;,w10 5/15 p. 6 ,,,bl,,1/3/2021
" Let Your Brotherly Love Continue! Elders, counsel, criticize, fault, ","If an elder’s ministry before the congregation were likened to a piece of music, then rebuke and reprimand would be like a single note that fits into the whole. That note is fine in its place. (Luke 17:3; 2 Timothy 4:2) Imagine a song containing only that one note, repeated over and over again. It would quickly grate on our ears. In a similar vein, Christian elders try to round out their teaching and imbue it with variety. They do not limit it to the correcting of problems. Rather, its overall tone is positive. ","Like Jesus Christ, loving elders look first for the good to commend, not the fault to criticize. They appreciate the hard work their fellow Christians are doing. They are confident that by and large, each one is doing his best to serve Jehovah. And elders readily put that feeling into words.—Compare 2 Thessalonians 3:4.",2 Thessalonians 3:4,w97 8/1 p. 18 par. 15,,,bl,,1/3/2021
"Elders, How Do You Feel About Training Others?","A teacher needs to create the right conditions for training. Just as a gardener needs to cultivate, or loosen, the soil before sowing seeds, so a teacher needs to prepare, or encourage, the heart of a learner before teaching him new skills. So how do teachers create the right conditions for training others? By following an approach similar to that taken by one prophet of old. What approach is that?","One day over 3,000 years ago, Jehovah told the elderly prophet Samuel: “Tomorrow about this time, I will send to you a man from the land of Benjamin. You must anoint him as leader over my people Israel.” (1 Sam. 9:15, 16) Samuel realized that his role as leader had come to an end and that Jehovah had assigned him to anoint a successor. ‘How can I prepare that man for his task?,’ Samuel must have thought. He got an idea and worked out a plan.  The next day when Samuel saw Saul, Jehovah told the prophet: “Here is the man.” Then Samuel put his plan into action. He invited Saul for a meal in a dining hall. There he gave Saul and his attendant the best seats and a choice cut of meat, and Samuel said: “Eat, because they have reserved it for you for this occasion.” Afterward, Samuel and Saul walked down to the prophet’s house, talking as they went. Samuel wanted to make good use of the pleasant atmosphere that the fine meal and the leisurely walk had created. So he invited Saul to come up to his roof. In the cool evening breeze, Samuel “continued to speak with Saul on the housetop” until they went to sleep. The next day, Samuel anointed Saul, kissed him, and gave him more instructions. After that, he sent Saul away—prepared for the events to come.—1 Sam. 9:17-27; 10:1.","1 Sam. 9:15, 16",w15 4/15 pp. 5-6 pars. 12-14,,,bl,,1/3/2021
"What Is “the End”? Earth, World, last days, paradise, ","Suppose you owned a beautiful home and allowed people to live in it for free. Some of the tenants lived peaceably with one another and took good care of your home. Others, however, made nothing but trouble, fought with one another, and abused the good tenants. They damaged your property and stubbornly refused to respond to your efforts to stop them. What would you do to correct matters? Would you destroy your home? Not likely. You would probably evict the bad tenants and repair what damage had been done.","Jehovah will act in a similar manner. He inspired the psalmist to write: “Evildoers themselves will be cut off, but those hoping in Jehovah are the ones that will possess the earth. And just a little while longer, and the wicked one will be no more; and you will certainly give attention to his place, and he will not be. But the meek ones themselves will possess the earth, and they will indeed find their exquisite delight in the abundance of peace.”—Psalm 37:9-11.",Psalm 37:9-11,w11 3/1 pp. 8-9 ,,,bl,,1/3/2021
"“Consider Closely the One Who Has Endured,”  positive, negative attitude, endurance, ","Consider an illustration: Two men are imprisoned in similar conditions but for very different reasons. One, a common criminal, begrudgingly serves his sentence with sad-faced compliance. The other, a true Christian imprisoned for his faithful course, stands his ground and keeps a positive attitude because he sees his situation as an opportunity to demonstrate his faith. ","The criminal can hardly be considered an example of endurance, whereas the loyal Christian exemplifies this sterling quality.—James 1:2-4. Endurance is essential if we are to gain salvation. (Matthew 24:13) However, we are not born with this vital quality. Endurance must be cultivated. How? “Tribulation produces endurance,” says Romans 5:3.",Matthew 24:13,cf chap. 7 pp. 67-68 pars. 5-6,,,bl,,1/3/2021
"Do You Want to Live Forever? ransom, savior, everlasting life, rescue, complain, ","We might compare enjoying eternal life to having an abundance of air. Sailors in a malfunctioning submarine would consider air to be especially valuable. After they were rescued, do you think they would unappreciatively complain about again enjoying air in abundance? Surely not!","Like such sailors, we can be rescued but with the even greater prospect of everlasting life. “The wages sin pays is death,” wrote the apostle Paul, “but the gift God gives is everlasting life by Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 6:23) Through Jesus’ ransom sacrifice, God will remove human imperfection and death and will bestow upon obedient mankind the gift of everlasting life. How grateful we should be for such a loving arrangement!",Romans 6:23,w04 11/15 pp. 5-6,,,bl,,1/3/2021
"Youths Who Make Jehovah’s Heart Rejoice, Reasonable, World, comparison, ","IMAGINE that you are shopping for clothes. While browsing, you catch sight of a garment that immediately appeals to you. The color and style seem just right for you, and the price tag indicates that this is a real bargain. But then you take a closer look. Much to your surprise, you notice that the fabric is frayed at the edges, and the stitching is somewhat shoddy. The garment, while attractive, is cheaply made. Would you spend your money on such an inferior product?","Compare this to a situation that could confront you as a Christian youth. At first glance, the things of this world—much like that garment—might seem highly appealing. For instance, your schoolmates may go to exciting parties, take drugs, drink, date casually, and engage in premarital sex. Are you, on occasion, attracted to such a life-style? Do you long for just a taste of their so-called freedom? If so, do not hastily conclude that you are bad at heart and just not cut out to be a Christian. After all, the Bible acknowledges that the world can be powerfully enticing—even to a person who wants to please God.—2 Timothy 4:10.Now please take a closer look, just as you would at an item of clothing that you were interested in buying. Ask yourself, ‘Of what quality is the fabric and stitching of this system of things?’ The Bible states that “the world is passing away.” (1 John 2:17) Any pleasure derived from it would be temporary at best. Furthermore, ungodly conduct has a high price tag. It is certainly no bargain. One Christian, who has had to endure what she calls “the pains resulting from a misspent youth,” says: “The world may appear to be glamorous and inviting. And it wants you to believe that you can have its form of fun without pain. But this simply isn’t possible. The world will use you, and when it is through, it will throw you away.” Why waste your youth on such an inferior way of life?",1 John 2:17,w03 4/15 pp. 12-13 pars. 1-3 ,,,bl,,1/3/2021
"Who Is the Hearer of Prayer? Know, knowledge, God's friend, prophecies, fulfillment, ","But there is a limit to what nature can teach us about God. Observing evidence of God in creation is like hearing the footsteps of someone approaching behind a closed door. You know that someone is there, but who is it? To find out, you need to open the door. We need to do something similar in order to identify the Someone behind creation.","The Bible is a door to knowledge about God. When you open that door and consider some of its detailed prophecies and their fulfillment, you will find evidence that God exists. But more than that, the record of God’s dealings with people shows the very personality of the Hearer of prayer. The Bible reveals the Hearer of prayer to be a person—one whom you can know. Surely only a person can listen with understanding. It is reassuring to read: “O Hearer of prayer, even to you people of all flesh will come.” ",Psalm 65:2; Proverbs 15:29.,w12 7/1 pp. 5-6,,,bl,,1/3/2021
"Feelings, Your Marriage Can Be Saved! speech, salt, conflict, gentle, ","To illustrate: In a game of catch, you toss the ball so that it can be caught easily. You do not fling it with such force that you injure your partner. Apply the same principle when speaking with your spouse. Hurling bitter remarks will only cause harm. Instead, speak gently—with graciousness—so that your mate can catch your point.","The Bible states: “Let your utterance be always with graciousness, seasoned with salt, so as to know how you ought to give an answer to each one.” (Colossians 4:6) This certainly applies in marriage! ",1 Corinthians 10:24;,g01 1/8 p. 10,,,bl,,1/3/2021
"Building a Family That Honors God, Marriage, conflict, argument, soft, gentle, dignity, criticizes, husband, wife, ","Conveying an idea to her husband might be likened to throwing a ball to him. She can toss it gently so that he can easily catch it, or she can fling it with such force that it injures him. How much better it is when both mates avoid hurling accusations but, rather, speak in a kind and gentle manner!—Matthew 7:12; Colossians 4:6; 1 Peter 3:3, 4.","A respectful wife would not thoughtlessly broadcast her husband’s faults, whether he is a Christian or not. She would not strip him of his dignity by criticizing and belittling him either privately or publicly.—1 Timothy 3:11; 5:13. This does not mean that a wife cannot express her opinions. If something disturbs her, she can respectfully give voice to it. (Genesis 21:9-12) ","Matthew 7:12; Colossians 4:6; 1 Peter 3:3, 4.",kl chap. 15 p. 144 pars. 12-13,,,bl,,1/3/2021
"Exercise Your Faith in Jehovah’s Promises; changes, circumstances, adjustments, flexible, ","The need to keep our faith healthy can be likened to a plant’s need for water. Unlike an artificial plant, a living plant keeps changing. A live plant either withers because of a lack of water or continues to thrive with a regular supply of moisture. If deprived of sufficient water, a once healthy plant will eventually die. ","So, too, our faith. It will wither and die if neglected. (Luke 22:32; Heb. 3:12) But if we give it due attention, our faith will stay alive and keep “growing,” and we will be “healthy in faith.”—2 Thess. 1:3; Titus 2:2.  Clearly, our prospect of enjoying eternal life in God’s new world depends on our having faith and keeping it strong. ",2 Thess. 1:3; Titus 2:2.,w16 October p. 27 par. 5 ,,,bl,,1/3/2021
"Faith, growth, protection, replenish, ","Imagine that you are traversing a vast desert. You are in critical need of water. When you find some, you have to protect it from the sun. Then you need to be able to replenish your supply so that it will last you until you arrive at your destination. ","Today, we all live in a spiritual desert, a world where genuine faith—like that water—is rare and tends to evaporate quickly unless it is protected and replenished. Our need is pressing; just as we cannot live without water, we cannot survive spiritually without faith.—Rom. 1:17.",Rom. 1:17.,ia p. 206 par. 2,,,bl,,1/3/2021
"“Give Us More Faith” Growth, building faith, deeper things, basic, ","Our faith might be compared to a wood fire. When the fire is started, it may come roaring to life in an intense blaze. However, if nothing more is done to the fire, it will eventually die down to hot coals that, in turn, will become cold ashes if left alone. But if you regularly feed the fire with more wood, it can be kept going indefinitely. ","Once our faith is established, we must continue to nourish it. So, too, our faith can be kept alive if we regularly feed on God’s Word. By progressively studying the Bible, we can develop a deep love for it and its Author, and that will become the basis for building more faith.What more can you do to build and maintain strong faith? Do not be satisfied with only what you learned up to the point of your baptism. (Heb. 6:1, 2) Take note of fulfilled prophecies in the Bible because these can provide you with powerful reasons for having faith. ","Luke 11:13; James 1:25; 2:24, 26.",w15 10/15 pp. 10-11 pars. 6-8,,,bl,,1/3/2021
"Take Your Stand for True Worship, contaminated, poison, danger, false religion, Babylon, Christendom, ","SUPPOSE you found out that your whole neighborhood has been contaminated. Someone has secretly been dumping poisonous waste in the area, and now the situation is life threatening. What would you do? No doubt, you would move away if you could. But after doing that, you would still face this serious question, ‘Have I been poisoned?’","A similar situation arises with regard to false religion. The Bible teaches that such worship is contaminated with unclean teachings and practices. (2 Corinthians 6:17) That is why it is important for you to get out of “Babylon the Great,” the world empire of false religion. (Revelation 18:2, 4) Have you done this? If so, you are to be commended. But more is involved than just separating yourself or resigning from a false religion. Afterward, you must ask yourself, ‘Do any traces of false worship remain in me?’ Consider some examples.","Revelation 18:2, 4",bh chap. 16 p. 154 pars. 1-2,,,bl,,1/3/2021
"Worship That God Approves, false religion, Babylon, Christendom, counterfeit, ","To illustrate: In many lands, there is a problem with counterfeit money. If you were given the job of picking out such false money, how would you go about it? By memorizing every kind of counterfeit? No. Your time would be better spent if you studied real money. After you knew what real money looked like, you could recognize a counterfeit. Similarly, when we learn how to identify the true religion, we can recognize those religions that are false.","How can you know the right way to worship Jehovah? You do not have to study and compare the teachings of all the many religions. You need only learn what the Bible really teaches   It is important that we worship Jehovah in the way that he approves. Many people believe that all religions are pleasing to God, but the Bible does not teach that. It is not even enough just to claim to be a Christian. Jesus said: “Not everyone saying to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter into the Kingdom of the heavens, but only the one doing the will of my Father who is in the heavens will.” To have God’s approval, therefore, we must learn what God requires of us and do it. Jesus called those who do not do God’s will “workers of lawlessness.” (Matthew 7:21-23) Like counterfeit money, false religion has no real value. Even worse, such religion is actually harmful.hes about true worship. ",Matthew 7:21-23,bh chap. 15 pp. 144-145 pars. 2-3,,,bl,,1/3/2021
"How You Can Make Friends, Overlook, forgive, ","A true friend is quick to overlook minor failings. To illustrate: Some do not like eating raspberries because of their little seeds. Those who enjoy this fruit, however, do not notice the seeds. ",True friends are loved for their fine qualities; their minor faults are overlooked. Paul exhorted us: “Continue putting up with one another and forgiving one another freely.” (Colossians 3:13) Those who learn to be forgiving keep their friends.,"Matthew 18:21, 22",w00 12/1 pp. 22-23,,,bl,,1/3/2021
"Are You a ‘Steward of God’s Undeserved Kindness’? Preaching, Teaching, ","Which of these two Christian activities is more important? Asking a question like that is somewhat similar to asking about a bird, Which of his two wings is more important? The answer is obvious. A bird needs to use both wings in order to fly properly. Similarly, we need to share in both aspects of our service to God in order to be complete as Christians. Thus, instead of regarding our assignments to preach the good news and to build up fellow believers as unrelated, we view them just as the apostles Peter and Paul did—as responsibilities that complement each other. In what way?","As evangelizers, we employ whatever teaching skills we may have in trying to touch the hearts of our fellow men with the uplifting message of God’s Kingdom. In that way, we hope to help them to become Christ’s disciples. However, we also use whatever abilities and other gifts we may have in trying to warm the hearts of our fellow believers with uplifting words and helpful deeds—expressions of God’s undeserved kindness. (Prov. 3:27; 12:25) In that way, we hope to help them to remain Christ’s disciples. In both activities—preaching to the public and “ministering to one another”—we have the wonderful privilege of serving as an instrument in Jehovah’s hand.—Gal. 6:10.",Gal. 6:10.,w09 1/15 pp. 14-15 pars. 11-12 ,,,bl,,1/3/2021
"We Must Call Again and Again, Rescue work, disaster, increase, ","This Is a Rescue Work: Think of rescue workers at a disaster scene. Even though some may be searching in an area where few survivors are being found, they do not slack off and quit because their fellow workers are finding more survivors elsewhere. ","Our rescue operation has not been called off yet. Each year, hundreds of thousands who want to survive “the great tribulation” are being found.—Rev. 7:9, 14.  “Everyone who calls on the name of Jehovah will be saved.” (Rom. 10:13-15) ","Rev. 7:9, 14",km 12/98 p. 1 pars. 3-4,,,bl,,1/3/2021
"How Can We Respond Unselfishly to God’s Love? exert, pummel, beat, fight, ","It is as though we were in a small rowboat on a swiftly flowing river and were being pulled toward its falls. To avert disaster, we must strenuously row upstream against the strong current. We may not seem to be making much progress, but as long as we keep exerting ourselves vigorously, we will not go over the falls to our destruction. Surely, manifestations of Jehovah God’s love toward us should cause us to exert ourselves vigorously to be loyal to him by hating lawlessness and loving righteousness.","Consider the apostle Paul, who was blessed with supernatural visions and powers and with the gift of divine inspiration. To succeed in his struggle against sinful tendencies, he had to pummel—yes, severely beat—his body. Do we dare content ourselves with doing any less? (Romans 7:15-25; 1 Corinthians 9:27) ",Romans 7:15-25; 1 Corinthians 9:27,w90 12/1 p. 17 par. 8,,,bl,,1/3/2021
"‘Do Not Sorrow Just as the Rest Do’  Hope, persecution, humility, storm, ","HAVE you ever noticed the way a flower seems bowed down after weathering a storm? In a way it is a touching sight. After all, the cloudburst likely sent countless animals and people—far hardier creations than any flower—scurrying for shelter. Yet, the flower stood there, rooted, facing the weather’s full fury. Now, here it is intact, bowed but unbroken, showing a strength that belies its delicate appearance. You may wonder, as you admire it, if it will regain its vigor and lift its lovely head to the sky once more.","It is much the same with people. In these troubled times, we face all manner of storms. Economic hardships, depression, failing health, the loss of a loved one in death—such tempests assail all of us at one time or another, and sometimes we can no more avoid them than the flower can uproot itself and run for cover. It is moving to see individuals who appear quite frail show surprising strength and endure such onslaughts. How do they do it? Often the key is faith. Jesus Christ’s half brother James wrote: “You know that when your faith succeeds in facing such trials, the result is the ability to endure.”—James 1:3, Today’s English Version.",James 1:3;,w94 10/15 p. 32,,,bl,,1/3/2021
"“Was Not That a Case of Knowing Me?” personalities, annoying, painful, clean, unclean, feelings, purify, offended, ","Imagine that you received an heirloom bowl or vase as a gift. If it became soiled or stained, would your immediate response be to throw it away? Not likely. You would probably put forth effort to clean it carefully, removing any spots or dirt and perhaps eliminating the stain. You want to behold its beauty, the way it gleams in the sunlight. ","In like fashion, you can work hard to get rid of any lingering rancor or feelings of annoyance toward a brother or a sister who offended you. Fight the tendency to dwell on the painful words or acts. As you succeed in putting them behind you, you purify the image and memories you have in your heart of the one whom you have forgiven. With your heart cleansed of negative thoughts toward that one, you are more open to enjoy again the close friendship that had seemed lost for good.",Jeremiah 33:8;,jr chap. 12 pp. 152-153 par. 23 ,,,bl,,1/3/2021
"Friendship, friends, Why Am I Drawn to the Wrong People?","Close friends, like two people riding in the same car, inevitably head in the same direction and arrive at the same destination. So ask yourself: ‘Does the road my friend is on lead where I want to go? Will it take me closer to my spiritual goals and aspirations?’","The fact is, you become like your friends. In this way those with whom we spend our time exert great power and influence over us. Proverbs 13:20 shows that this power can be for good or for bad: “He that is walking with wise persons will become wise, but he that is having dealings with the stupid ones will fare badly.”",Proverbs 13:20,g05 7/22 p. 21,,,bl,,1/3/2021
" Are These Really the Last Days? Guidance, protection, guide, Bible, Grand Instructor, ","YOU are in the bow of a canoe as it enters a rough stretch of river. Huge boulders loom up through cascades of foam and spray. You try to fend them off. The person behind you is supposed to help steer the craft, but he has little experience. Worse yet, you have no map, so you have no idea whether these rapids will end in a calm pool or in a waterfall. Not a pleasant scenario, is it? So let us change it. Imagine that you have an experienced guide with you, one who knows this river’s every rock, every bend. He knew far ahead that this white water was approaching, he knows how it will end, and he knows how to negotiate his way through it. Would you not feel far more secure?","Really, all of us are in a similar predicament. We find ourselves, through no fault of our own, in a rough stretch of human history. Most people have no idea how long things will be this way, whether conditions will improve, or how best to survive in the meanwhile. But we do not have to feel lost or helpless. Our Creator has provided us with a guide—one that foretold this dark period of history, predicts how it will end, and offers us the guidance we need in order to survive. That guide is a book, the Bible. Its Author, Jehovah God, calls himself the Grand Instructor, and through Isaiah he says reassuringly: “Your own ears will hear a word behind you saying: ‘This is the way. Walk in it, you people,’ in case you people should go to the right or in case you should go to the left.” (Isaiah 30:20, 21) Would you welcome such guidance? Then let us consider if the Bible really foretold what our days would be like.","Isaiah 30:20, 21",w97 4/1 pp. 4-5,,,bl,,1/3/2021
"Speak What “Is Good for Building Up” Speech, Misused gift, ","IF YOU were to give a loved one a gift, how would you feel if he deliberately misused it? Say that you gave him a car, and you later learned that he drove it recklessly, causing injury to others. Would you not be disappointed?","The ability to utter intelligible speech is a gift from Jehovah, the Giver of “every good gift and every perfect present.” (James 1:17) This gift, which sets the human family apart from the animal creation, enables us to convey not just our thoughts but also our feelings to others. Like a motor vehicle, however, the gift of speech can be misused. How it must disappoint Jehovah when speech is used recklessly, causing heartache and pain to others!",James 1:17,lv chap. 12 p. 133 pars. 1-2 ,,,bl,,1/3/2021
"Let Nothing Hinder You From Taking Hold of Glory, Universe, ","How human glory can obscure divine glory can be illustrated by comparing glory to light. Our brilliant universe is abundantly glorious. Do you remember when you last looked into the sky on a clear night and found yourself encompassed by thousands of stars? “The glory of the stars” is awe-inspiring. (1 Cor. 15:40, 41) When viewed from the street of a well-lit city, though, how does the same sky appear? Why, city lights make it almost impossible for us to see the light emanating from distant stars!","Is this so because the lights from roads, stadiums, and buildings are stronger or more beautiful than starlight? No! This happens because city lights are closer to us and they interfere with what we can perceive of Jehovah’s creation. To witness the wonders of the night sky, we must somehow block out or avoid the interference from artificial light.  Similarly, if the wrong kind of glory were too close to our hearts, it could prevent us from appreciating and seeking the enduring glory that Jehovah is willing to bestow.","1 Cor. 15:40, 41",w13 2/15 p. 26 pars. 8-9,,,bl,,1/3/2021
"Goals, reality, ",Goals are like blueprints; ,"with effort, you can turn them into reality",Proverbs 21:5;,g18 No. 2 p. 15 12,,,bl,,1/3/2021
"Punishment, Hell fire, Unreasonable, ","Some believe that Satan is “in charge” of hellfire. An illustration may help a parent to see how illogical it would be for God to have the Devil torment people in hellfire. We could say something like this: “Imagine that your child has become very rebellious and is doing many bad things. How would you react?” Likely, the parent would say that he would correct his child. He might repeatedly try to help the child stop doing what is bad. (Prov. 22:15) At this point, we might ask the parent what he would do if the child rejected all efforts to help him. Most parents would say that eventually they would have no choice but to punish the child. We could then ask, “What if you found out that an evil person had influenced your child to become so rebellious?” No doubt, the parent would be angry with such a person. ","Driving home the point of the illustration, we might ask the parent, “Knowing that an evil individual had influenced your child, would you ask that person to punish your child for you?” The answer, of course, would be no. Clearly, then, God would not use Satan to punish the very same people who have been influenced by the Devil himself to do bad things!",Prov. 22:15,w14 5/15 pp. 9-10 par. 14,,,bl,,1/3/2021
"Is the Holy Spirit a Person? Travel, heavens, earth, fixed location, Active force, confidence, ","Back in 1879, Bible scholar Charles L. Ives aptly illustrated God’s ability to exercise his power from a fixed location. He wrote: “For example, we say, ‘Open the shutters, and let the sun come into the room.’ We mean, not the real, bodily sun, but the solar ray, that which proceeds from the sun.” ","Similarly, God has no need to travel to the locations where he intends to use his active force. He simply employs his holy spirit, which can reach to the extremities of creation. Seeing the holy spirit for what it is—God’s powerful active force—can give you confidence that Jehovah will fulfill his promises.",Psalm 139:7.,g 7/06 p. 15,,,bl,,1/3/2021
"Holy spirit, God's active force, How to Develop Genuine Love, Prayer, ask, ","Just as timely rain on an orchard contributes to a good harvest, God’s spirit can produce in receptive individuals qualities that the Bible describes as “the fruitage of the spirit.” (Galatians 5:22, 23) Foremost in this fruitage is love. (1 Corinthians 13:13) ","But how do we obtain God’s spirit? A vital way is through prayer. If we pray for God’s spirit, he will give it to us. (Luke 11:9-13) Do you “keep on” praying for holy spirit? If you do, then its precious fruitage, including love, should become ever more manifest in your life.",1 Corinthians 13:13,w03 7/1 p. 6 ,,,bl,,1/3/2021
"How Should We “Answer Each Person, Jehovah is superior to Jesus, family reference, relationship, trinity, ","For example, when explaining that God is superior to Jesus, perhaps we can try the following approach. We can mention that both God and Jesus used a family reference when describing their relationship. God referred to Jesus as his Son, and Jesus spoke of God as his Father. (Luke 3:21, 22; John 14:28) Next, we might ask the householder: “If you wanted to teach me that two people are equal, what type of family relationship would you use to illustrate the point?” The person may mention siblings—even twins. ","If he does, we could point out how natural that comparison seems to be. Then we might ask: “If you and I could come up with this illustration so readily, would not Jesus—the Great Teacher—have thought of the same comparison? Instead, he spoke of God as being his Father. Jesus thus portrayed God as being older and having more authority than he had.”","Luke 3:21, 22; John 14:28",w14 5/15 p. 9 par. 13,,,bl,,1/3/2021
"Will You Heed Jehovah’s Clear Warnings? Gossip, Scattering Feathers in the Wind, Lies, slander, ","An old Jewish tale well illustrates the consequences of spreading hurtful gossip. Told in various forms, the gist of the story is as follows.  A man went about town slandering the town’s wise man. Later, the malicious gossiper realized his wrong and went to the wise man to ask for forgiveness, offering to do whatever was necessary to make amends. The wise man had one request: ","The gossiper was told to go and take a feather pillow and cut it open, scattering the feathers to the wind. Though puzzled by the request, the gossiper did as he was instructed and then returned to the wise man.  “Am I now forgiven?” he asked. “First, go and gather all the feathers,” the wise man responded. “But how can I? The wind has already scattered them.”  “It is as difficult to repair the damage done by your words as it is to recover the feathers.”  The lesson is clear. Once spoken, words cannot be retrieved, and it may be impossible to undo the hurt they cause. Before spreading a bit of gossip, we are wise to remember that we are, in effect, about to scatter feathers in the wind.",1 Timothy 5:11-15,w11 7/15 p. 19,,,bl,,1/3/2021
"“I Will Walk in Your Truth” Inactive, leave the truth, gradually, ","Others have left the truth gradually, perhaps without even noticing what was happening. A person who gradually leaves the truth is like a boat that slowly slips away from the riverbank. The Bible describes such a slow change as ‘drifting away.’ (Heb. 2:1) ","Unlike one who intentionally draws away from the truth, one who drifts away does not do so deliberately. However, such a person strains his relationship with Jehovah and is in danger of losing it. How can we avoid such a tragic course?",Heb. 2:1,w18 November pp. 9-10 par. 6,,,bl,,1/3/2021
"Why Don’t My Parents Trust Me? Adulthood, maturity, growth, ","However, the transition to adulthood isn’t like a door that you simply walk through when you reach a certain age. It’s more like a stairway that you climb, step by step, throughout your adolescence. ","Granted, you and your parents may have conflicting opinions as to just how far you’ve progressed up that stairway. ",Genesis 2:24;,g 4/08 p. 27 ,,,bl,,1/3/2021
"Finding the Way, Happiness, joy, goal, journey, postponing happiness, ","To illustrate, compare happiness with good health. How do we enjoy that state of physical well-being? We follow a wise path in regard to diet, exercise, and overall lifestyle. Likewise, happiness results from following a good path in life, living in harmony with sound principles.","Further, as an ongoing state of well-being, happiness has been described, not as a destination or goal, but as a journey. To say, “I’ll be happy when . . .” is, in effect, postponing happiness.",Ps. 119:1;,g18 No. 1 p. 3,,,bl,,1/3/2021
"“Unify My Heart to Fear Your Name” divided heart, united, divided, conflict, Satan, success, failure, ","A divided heart is of little value. Imagine that a sports team has members who do not get along with one another. Some want glory only for themselves, a few do not want to play by the rules, and a number treat the coach with contempt. A team like that is unlikely to win a match. In contrast, a team that is united is more likely to have success. ","Your heart can be like that successful team if your thoughts, desires, and emotions are united in serving Jehovah. Remember, Satan would love to divide your heart. He wants your thoughts, desires, and emotions to be at odds and in conflict with Jehovah’s standards. You, however, need your heart to be whole in order for you to serve Jehovah. (Matt. 22:36-38) Never let Satan divide your heart!",Matt. 22:36-38,w20 June p. 13 par. 17,,,bl,,1/3/2021
"“Unify My Heart to Fear Your Name” divide, rationalize, image on TV, internet, ","You see an image on TV or the Internet that could arouse sensual desires, how do you respond? It might be easy to rationalize that the picture or movie is not exactly pornographic. But might it represent an effort by Satan to divide your heart? (2 Cor. 2:11) That image can be like a little metal wedge that a man uses to split a big log. At first he drives the thin, sharp edge of the wedge into the log. Then as he drives the wedge deeper, the log splits apart. ",Could suggestive imagery in the media be like the thin part of that wedge? What may start off as small and seemingly harmless can quickly lead a person to commit sins that divide his heart and break his integrity. So refuse to give anything improper entry into your heart! Keep it unified to fear Jehovah’s name!,2 Cor. 2:11,w20 June p. 12 par. 15 ,,,bl,,1/3/2021
"How Can You Safeguard Your Heart? conscience, gatekeeper, protect, warning,  ","In ancient times, watchmen worked closely with city gatekeepers. (2 Sam. 18:24-26) Together, they helped protect the city by making sure that the gates were closed whenever an enemy came near. (Neh. 7:1-3) ","Our Bible-trained conscience can act as our watchman and warn us when Satan tries to invade our heart—in other words, when he tries to influence our thoughts, feelings, motives, or desires. Whenever our conscience sounds the alarm, we need to listen and shut the gate, so to speak.",2 Sam. 18:24-26,w19 January p. 17 par. 11,,,bl,,1/3/2021
"Does God Come First in Your Family? Stop Bible study, Alcohol, habit, ","We might illustrate the situation this way: Perhaps a family member has an excessive craving for alcohol. Would ignoring or condoning his drinking problem be of real benefit to him? Would it be better to keep the peace by giving in and not doing anything about his problem? No, you probably agree that it would be best to try to help him overcome his drinking problem, even if it means standing up to his wrath and threats. (Proverbs 29:25) ","Similarly, if you truly love your family members, you will not give in to their efforts to stop you from studying the Bible. (Acts 5:29) Only by taking a firm stand may you help them appreciate that living by Christ’s teachings means our very life. But think about it. If you give in and cease your Bible study or association with Jehovah’s Witnesses, how will loved ones ever understand that accurate knowledge of the Bible is a life-and-death matter?—John 17:3; 2 Thessalonians 1:6-8.",John 17:3; 2 Thessalonians 1:6-8,w95 10/1 p. 9 pars. 6-7,,,bl,,1/3/2021
"“Go On Acquiring Power in the Lord”  mutual support, attack, unity, danger, ","When a nearby lion roars on the African savanna, antelope may react by running away at top speed until they are out of danger. Elephants, however, provide an example of mutual support. The book Elephants—Gentle Giants of Africa and Asia explains: “A means of defense that the typical herd of elephants commonly employs is to form a circle of their bodies, with the adults facing outward against the threat and the young animals protected inside the ring.” Faced with such a manifestation of strength and support, lions rarely attack even young elephants.","When threatened by Satan and his demons, we similarly need to stay together, shoulder to shoulder with our brothers who are solid in the faith.  Actually, the support of our spiritual brothers and sisters is crucial to our standing firm when the Devil attacks like a roaring lion.","1 Peter 5:8, 9",w04 9/15 p. 13 pars. 14-16,,,bl,,1/3/2021
"“Go On Acquiring Power in the Lord” World, system of things, choke, strangle, time, energy, ","The Greek word rendered “choke” means “strangle completely.” In tropical forests, one may find the strangler fig. It grows slowly as it surrounds the trunk of a host tree. Little by little, the vine envelops its host with roots that get stronger and stronger. The strangler fig’s multiple roots eventually absorb most of the nutrients in the soil at the base of the tree, while its canopy deprives its host of light. Finally, the host dies.","In a similar way, the anxieties of this system and the quest for riches and a comfortable life-style can gradually absorb more and more of our time and energy. With our attention diverted to the things of the world, we might easily neglect personal Bible study and make it a custom to miss Christian meetings, thus being cut off from spiritual nourishment. Materialistic goals now replace spiritual pursuits, and we finally become easy prey for Satan.","Matthew 13:18, 22",w04 9/15 p. 12 pars. 10-12,,,bl,,1/3/2021
"What Does God Require of Us? requirements, survival, savior, world, honesthearted, ","Imagine surviving a shipwreck and finding yourself in the water, struggling to stay afloat. When you feel that you cannot make it any longer, a hand reaches out to you from a lifeboat. Yes, there are other survivors! In the lifeboat, you and the others take turns rowing to shore, picking up other survivors along the way.","Are we not in a similar situation? We have been pulled from the dangerous “waters” of this wicked world into the “lifeboat” of Jehovah’s earthly organization. Within it, we serve side by side as we head for the “shores” of a righteous new world. If the pressures of life should cause us to grow weary along the way, how thankful we are for the assistance and comfort of true Christian companions!—Proverbs 17:17.  What about others—honesthearted people who are still in the “water”? We have an obligation to help them into Jehovah’s organization, do we not? (1 Timothy 2:3, 4) They need help to learn what God requires.",1 Peter 2:17,w97 1/15 p. 22 pars. 23-25,,,bl,,1/3/2021
"Do You View Human Weakness as Jehovah Does? empathy, blame, comfort, suspicious, ","To illustrate: When a motorcyclist injured in a traffic mishap arrives at the emergency ward, do those on the medical team try to determine whether he caused the accident? No, they immediately provide the needed medical assistance. ","Similarly, if a fellow believer has been weakened by personal problems, our priority should be to provide spiritual assistance.—Read 1 Thessalonians 5:14. Rather than being judgmental or suspicious, we should provide spiritual comfort to those facing undesirable circumstances. (Job 33:6, 7; Matt. 7:1)","Job 33:6, 7; Matt. 7:1",w14 6/15 p. 25 par. 9,,,bl,,1/3/2021
"Whose Guidance Can You Trust? right hand, confidence, trust, ","“IT’S time to go!” announces the father to his five-year-old son. The father extends a hand, and without hesitation the son reaches out and wraps his small hand around his father’s fingers. Wherever the journey may lead, the child trusts in the guidance of his parent and follows with confidence. Come what may, the child’s firm grip remains unbroken.","Living in these days of economic, political, and personal uncertainty, would you not welcome a guiding hand from a source you could trust implicitly? Yet, we live in a time when unscrupulous people take advantage of inexperienced ones. Thus, there is good reason to be cautious as to whom we trust. Perhaps you have been sorely disappointed in the past when someone you relied on for guidance let you down. Nonetheless, the Bible encourages us to put our trust in God. “For I, Jehovah your God, am grasping your right hand, the One saying to you, ‘Do not be afraid. I myself will help you,’” recorded the prophet Isaiah. (Isaiah 41:13) And the apostle Peter advised: “Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time; while you throw all your anxiety upon him, because he cares for you.”—1 Peter 5:6, 7.",Isaiah 41:13,g96 11/8 p. 26,,,bl,,1/3/2021
"Whose Guidance Can You Trust? trust, confidence, Bible, guiding light, ","Again, let us consider the example of a child holding the hand of a parent. When a child becomes anxious, how does he respond? Rather than letting go or relaxing his grip, the child will tighten his little hand around his parent’s fingers. In doing so, he demonstrates unwavering trust that the parent will provide unfailing guidance and strength during difficulties.","Similarly, when we experience distress in our life, we need to tighten our grip, trusting even more in God’s guidance! His Word, the Bible, can become our guiding light. (Psalm 119:105) Also, remember that along with trust comes patience. Therefore, we must give Jehovah time to work things out, even if for some period of time we may not fully understand why he is guiding us in a certain course. Yes, we can trust in God’s guidance.—Exodus 15:2, 6; Deuteronomy 13:4; Isaiah 41:13.",Psalm 119:105,g96 11/8 p. 27,,,bl,,1/3/2021
"Take Your Stand for True Worship, holidays, source, touch nothing unclean, ",Maybe you feel that the origins of holidays have little to do with how they are celebrated today. Do origins really matter? Yes! To illustrate: Suppose you saw a piece of candy lying in the gutter. Would you pick up that candy and eat it? Of course not! That candy is unclean.,"Like that candy, holidays may seem sweet, but they have been picked up from unclean places. To take a stand for true worship, we need to have a viewpoint like that of the prophet Isaiah, who told true worshippers: “Touch nothing unclean!”—Isaiah 52:11.",Isaiah 52:11.,bh chap. 16 p. 159 par. 12,,,bl,,1/3/2021
"How Holy Spirit Helps Us, boat, path, sails, benefit, ","Think of this comparison. To benefit from the wind, a sailor must do two things. First, he has to put his boat in the path of the wind. After all, his boat will not move forward if the sailor remains in a harbor far away from where the wind is blowing. Second, he needs to raise and unfurl his sails as fully as possible. Obviously, even with the wind blowing, his boat will move forward only if the sails catch the wind. Similarly, we will endure in Jehovah’s service only if we have the help of holy spirit. ","To benefit from that spirit, we must take two steps. First, we must put ourselves squarely in the path of God’s spirit by sharing in activities that bring us under its influence. Second, we need to “raise our sails” as fully as possible by being fully engaged in these activities to the best of our ability. (Ps. 119:32) When we take these steps, holy spirit will push us forward through waves of opposition and trials and will help us to endure faithfully on the course to God’s new world.",Ps. 119:32,w19 November pp. 10-11 par. 11,,,bl,,1/3/2021
"Walk by Spirit and Live Up to Your Dedication, baptism, goal, serve, holy spirit, Satan's world, ",We need God’s spirit so that we can lead a life dedicated to him. Think of yourself as the skipper of a sailboat. Your goal is to serve Jehovah forever. Holy spirit is like the wind that you want to catch so as to arrive at your destination safe and sound. ,"You do not want to be carried hither and thither by the spirit of Satan’s world. (1 Cor. 2:12) You have to identify, as it were, the right wind and catch it. That is the holy spirit. Through God’s Word and his spirit-directed organization, holy spirit will move you in the right direction.",1 Cor. 2:12,w10 3/15 p. 18 par. 17,,,bl,,1/3/2021
"Treasure the Real Life, rescue, paradise, Jesus Christ, ransom, buy back, hopeless situation, machines, ","In order to make “the real life” possible, Jehovah God made an arrangement to rescue mankind. To help us understand this arrangement, let us imagine a small factory. All the machines in it are faulty and cause trouble for the operators because the first worker years ago ignored the operator’s manual and damaged all the machines. Present-day operators can only do their best to work with what they have. The factory owner wants to rebuild the machines to help his workers, and he is setting aside the funds necessary for that purpose.","The first ‘machine operator,’ Adam, did not treasure the life he had been given. Hence, he passed on to his offspring an imperfect life, similar to a malfunctioning machine. (Romans 5:12) Like the later operators in the factory, who could not remedy the situation, Adam’s offspring have been unable to attain the real life for themselves. (Psalm 49:7) To correct this seemingly hopeless situation, Jehovah sent his only-begotten Son to earth to buy back everlasting life for mankind. (Luke 1:35; 1 Peter 1:18, 19) By dying a sacrificial death for the sake of mankind, God’s only-begotten Son, Jesus Christ, provided the funds—the life that corresponds to the one Adam lost. (Matthew 20:28; 1 Peter 2:22) With this precious sacrifice, Jehovah now has the basis for providing the real life.",Matthew 20:28; 1 Peter 2:22,w95 1/15 p. 4,,,bl,,1/3/2021
"Treasure the Real Life, sanctity of our present life, cherish life, precious gift, ransom, ","This does not mean that we can rightly show disregard for the sanctity of our present life. Will the owner of the factory spend time and money rebuilding a machine for a worker who does not take care of it? Rather, would the employer not entrust the rebuilt machine to a person who did his best to maintain the old one?","Life is a precious gift from Jehovah. As the benevolent source of that gift, he wants us to cherish it. (Psalm 36:9; James 1:17) Speaking of Jehovah’s concern for people on earth, Jesus said: “Even the hairs of your heads are all numbered.” (Luke 12:7) Jehovah commanded the Israelites not to murder, which naturally included not murdering oneself. (Exodus 20:13) This helps us to avoid viewing suicide as an option.",Psalm 36:9; James 1:17,w95 1/15 p. 5,,,bl,,1/3/2021
"Why Avoid Extremes? balance, perfect, shocking, imperfect, look holier than their fellow men, ",To illustrate: Have you ever ridden in a car or on a bicycle that had a tire with a large bulge? The deformity no doubt made the ride rather bumpy as well as unsafe. Such a tire needs to be repaired before it gets worse or goes flat. ,"Similarly, our imperfect personalities are prone to irregularities. If we allow those “bulges” to grow, our journey through life can be very bumpy, even dangerous. Sometimes our good qualities, our strengths, can be carried to an extreme. For instance, though the Mosaic Law required the Israelites to wear fringes on their skirts, the Pharisees in Jesus’ day, wanting to stand out from the crowd, ‘enlarged the fringes of their garments’ to an extreme degree. Their motive was to look holier than their fellow men.—Matthew 23:5; Numbers 15:38-40.JEHOVAH is the epitome of balance. “Perfect is his activity,” and his justice is never harsh, since it always incorporates mercy. (Deuteronomy 32:4) His love is never unprincipled, because he acts in line with perfect laws. (Psalm 89:14; 103:13, 14) Our first parents were created balanced in all respects. They were not inclined to any extremes. The introduction of sin, however, brought a “defect”—imperfection—resulting in the loss of that balance.—Deuteronomy 32:5.","Psalm 89:14; 103:13, 14",w07 2/15 p. 28,,,bl,,1/3/2021
"Do You View Others as Jehovah Does? view Brothers and Sisters, Love, judge, ","To illustrate, think of a house that is run-down—the gutters are falling off, windows are broken, and ceiling panels are water damaged. Most people might look at that house and conclude that it should be torn down; it is an eyesore. But someone who has a completely different view might come along. He may be able to look beyond the surface problems and see that the structure is sound and that the house can be restored. He buys the house and with some work fixes the surface defects and improves its appearance. Thereafter, passersby comment on what a delightful home it is. ","Can we be like this person who worked to fix up or restore the house? Rather than focusing on our brothers’ surface defects, can we discern their good qualities and their potential for further spiritual growth? If we do so, we will come to love our brothers for their spiritual beauty, as Jehovah does.—Read Hebrews 6:10.",Hebrews 6:10,w08 3/15 p. 27 par. 9,,,bl,,1/4/2021
"Are You Fully Accomplishing Your Ministry? Balance, Service, pioneer, ","Imagine a young man who enjoys playing the guitar. He is happy to play music whenever he can. Eventually, he obtains work playing the guitar in a local café on weekends. However, his income does not cover his expenses. So he works as a cashier in a grocery store Monday through Friday. Although he spends most of his time in the grocery store, his heart is in his music. He yearns to improve his skill and to be a full-time musician. Even so, he enjoys every available opportunity to play music, brief though it may be.","In a similar way, you may be limited in the amount of time you can devote to the preaching work. Yet, that is what you love to do. You strive to improve your ability to reach people’s hearts with the good news. With many demands on your time, you may wonder how you can make the preaching work your priority.","Mark 12:30, 31; Col. 3:23",w19 April p. 3 pars. 5-6,,,bl,,1/4/2021
"“The Lost One I Will Search For” Shepherding calls, care for, loves, separated, ","The sheep is bewildered. Somehow, while nibbling grass in the pasture, it got separated from the other sheep. Now, it can see neither the flock nor the shepherd. Darkness approaches. Lost in a valley where predators roam, the sheep is defenseless. Finally, it hears a familiar voice—that of the shepherd, who runs toward the sheep, picks it up, wraps it in the folds of his garment, and carries it home.","JEHOVAH repeatedly likens himself to just such a shepherd. In his Word, he assures us: “I myself will search for my sheep, and I will care for them.”—Ezekiel 34:11, 12. “The Sheep That I Care For” Who are Jehovah’s sheep? Simply put, Jehovah’s sheep are the people who love and worship him. The Bible says: “Let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before Jehovah our Maker. For he is our God, and we are the people of his pasture, the sheep in his care.” (Psalm 95:6, 7) Like literal sheep following a shepherd, Jehovah’s worshippers are eager to follow their Shepherd. Are they flawless? No. God’s servants have, at times, become “scattered sheep,” “lost sheep,” and “like sheep going astray.” (Ezekiel 34:12; Matthew 15:24; 1 Peter 2:25) Even so, when a person drifts away, Jehovah does not abandon him as being beyond hope.","Ezekiel 34:11, 12.",rj part 1 p. 4,,,bl,,1/4/2021
"Peer Pressure—Is It Really All That Powerful? association, ","Imagine that you are swimming in the ocean. While you are busy swimming and riding the waves, other powerful forces may be silently at work. The waves push you toward shore, but there may be an undercurrent as well. Slowly it is moving you sideways. When you finally scan the shore, you can no longer see your family or friends. You never noticed how far sideways the current had pushed you!"," Likewise, as we go through our daily activities, our thoughts and feelings are under constant influence. Before we realize it, these influences can push us far from the standards to which we always thought we would hold fast. For example, the apostle Peter was a bold man. He fearlessly wielded a sword in the face of a hostile crowd on the night of Jesus’ arrest. (Mark 14:43-47; John 18:10) Yet, years later peer pressure led him to show blatant partiality. He avoided Gentile Christians—even though he had earlier received a vision from Christ directing him not to view Gentiles as unclean. (Acts 10:10-15, 28, 29) Peter may have found it more difficult to face the disdain of other men than to face the point of a sword! (Galatians 2:11, 12) Indeed, peer pressure can be dangerous.",Mark 14:43-47; John 18:10,g02 11/22 p. 13,,,bl,,1/4/2021
"He Learned Obedience. Integrity, ","If integrity could be likened to a great mansion made of fine bricks, each act of obedience might be compared to an individual brick. A brick may seem insignificant, but each one has its place, its value. And when many are joined together, something of far greater worth is built up. ","When obedient acts are brought together, one added to the other, day after day and year after year, we build up the beautiful house of our integrity.  Further, integrity is a reward in itself. Proverbs 10:9 says: “He that is walking in integrity will walk in security.”",Proverbs 10:9,cf chap. 6 p. 65 par. 24,,,bl,,1/4/2021
"Will You Hold Fast to Your Integrity? Actions, ","IMAGINE that you are looking over the plans for a house. You marvel at the practicality of the design. You delight in thinking of the ways in which the house could benefit you and your family. Would you not agree, though, that those plans and any thought you might give them would do little good unless you actually built the house, moved in, and then maintained it?","Similarly, integrity may impress us as a vital quality that will do us and those we love a great deal of good. But thinking approvingly about integrity benefits us little unless we build and maintain our Christian integrity. In today’s world, literal building projects often prove costly. (Luke 14:28, 29) Likewise, building integrity costs time and effort, yet it is well worth it. So let us discuss three questions: How can we be people of integrity? How can we maintain our Christian integrity? What can be done if someone for a time did not keep his integrity? “Until I expire I shall not take away my integrity from myself!”—JOB 27:5.",JOB 27:5.,w08 12/15 p. 7 ,,,bl,,1/4/2021
"God’s Love Lasts Forever, expectations, too heavy, burden, load, limitations, ","For example, imagine you are helping a friend move to a new home. He has packed all his things into boxes. Some are light and easy to carry, but others are so heavy that it takes two people to lift them. Would your friend ask you to pick up a very heavy box all by yourself? Of course not! Why? Because he doesn’t want you to get hurt."," Like that friend, Jehovah would never ask us to do something that is too difficult. (Deuteronomy 30:11-14) Jehovah understands who we are. He “knows how we are formed, remembering that we are dust.”—Psalm 103:14.",Deuteronomy 30:11-14, lvs chap. 1 p. 11 par. 14,,,bl,,1/4/2021
"“Keep Yourselves in God’s Love” limitations, load, burden heavy, ",Would you ask a dear friend to carry something that you know is too heavy for him to lift? Of course not! ,"Jehovah is far kinder than we are and far more perceptive as to our limitations. The Bible assures us that Jehovah ‘remembers that we are dust.’ (Ps. 103:14) He would never ask more of us than we can handle. So we have no reason to recoil at the thought of obeying Jehovah’s commandments. On the contrary, we embrace obedience for what it is—a marvelous opportunity to show our heavenly Father that we truly do love him and want to remain in his love.",Ps. 103:14,w09 8/15 p. 19 par. 5,,,bl,,1/4/2021
"“Written for Our Instruction” one Jehovah, He causes to become, different roles, ","To illustrate: A local judge may be best known by those who have faced him in court as a firm enforcer of the law. His children, on the other hand, may view him as the loving, generous father that he is. His close friends may find that he is an approachable man with a good sense of humor. The judge, the father, and the friend are all the same person. It is just that various aspects of his personality become apparent under different circumstances.","Similarly, the Hebrew Scriptures describe Jehovah as “a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abundant in loving-kindness and truth.” Yet, we also learn that “by no means will he give exemption from punishment.” (Exodus 34:6, 7) Those two aspects reflect the meaning of God’s name. “Jehovah” literally means “He Causes to Become.” That is, God becomes whatever is needed to fulfill his promises. (Exodus 3:13-15) But he remains the same God. Jesus stated: “Jehovah our God is one Jehovah.”—Mark 12:29. The answer is that different aspects of God’s personality are revealed in different parts of the Bible. In the book of Genesis alone, he is described as feeling “hurt at his heart,” as the “Producer of heaven and earth,” and as “the Judge of all the earth.” (Genesis 6:6; 14:22; 18:25) Do these differing descriptions refer to the same God? They certainly do.",Exodus 3:13-15,w07 9/1 pp. 4-5,,,bl,,1/5/2021
"Make Jehovah Your Confidence, blame, Basis of hope, groaning, creation's groaning, ","Think of a judge who pronounces a just sentence upon a criminal. The convict may suffer considerably while he serves out his sentence, but can he rightly blame the judge for being the cause of his suffering? By no means! ","Furthermore, Jehovah is never the source of wickedness. James 1:13 says: “With evil things God cannot be tried nor does he himself try anyone.” Let us remember, too, that Jehovah pronounced this sentence “on the basis of hope.” He has lovingly made arrangements for faithful descendants of Adam and Eve to see the end of futility and to delight in “the glorious freedom of the children of God.” Throughout eternity, faithful mankind will never have to worry that all creation might again descend into a painful state of futility. Jehovah’s just handling of things will have established the rightfulness of his sovereignty for all time.—Isaiah 25:8.Clearly, Jehovah had just reasons for subjecting mankind to futility. Does that mean, though, that Jehovah is the cause of the futility and suffering that afflict each one of us today?", James 1:13,w03 9/1 p. 11 par. 16,,,bl,,1/4/2021
" “Gaze Upon the Pleasantness of Jehovah” Mercy, sentence, exonerate, sins, mistakes, punishment, ","Our situation is similar to that of a prisoner who regrets his past actions and makes drastic changes as he awaits his execution. Seeing this, a benevolent judge is moved to wipe the man’s record clean—lifting his death sentence. How relieved and elated such a prisoner feels! Like that judge, Jehovah turns toward repentant humans with favor and lifts the condemnation of death.","Because we get our “sins blotted out,” we experience ‘seasons of refreshing from Jehovah.’ (Acts 3:19)",Acts 3:19,w14 2/15 p. 28,,,bl,,1/4/2021
" “Do Not Be Anxious, for I Am Your God” anxiety, stress, worry, confidence, calm, peaceful, contented, ","Consider this illustration: Two passengers, Jim and Ben, are on an airplane that is being rocked by strong winds. As the plane lurches up and down, a voice comes over the loudspeaker: “Keep your seat belts fastened. We will be flying through turbulence for some time.” Jim becomes very worried. But then the pilot adds: “Do not be anxious. This is your pilot speaking.” At that point, Jim shakes his head, saying, “What kind of assurance is that?” He notices, though, that Ben does not look anxious at all. Jim asks him: “Why are you so calm?” Ben smiles and says: “Because I know this pilot very well. He is my father!” Then Ben says: “Let me tell you about my father. I’m sure that when you know him and his abilities, you too will be calm.”","What lessons can we learn from this illustration? Like Ben, we are calm because we know our heavenly Father, Jehovah, very well. We know that he will guide us safely through the stormlike problems we face during the last days of this system. (Isa. 35:4) We trust in Jehovah, so we can remain calm while the rest of the world is gripped by fear. (Isa. 30:15) We also act like Ben when we share with our neighbors reasons for having confidence in God. Then they too can be sure that no matter what challenges they face, Jehovah will support them.",Isa. 30:15,w19 January pp. 4-5 pars. 10-11,,,bl,,1/4/2021
"We Belong to Jehovah, exclusive devotion, gifts, willingness to serve, unselfish, kindness, appreciation, ","To illustrate, imagine that a man has planted many beautiful flowers in his garden. One day his little girl picks one of those flowers and offers it to him as a gift. Did not the flower already belong to the man? How could she give him something that he already owned? A loving father would not even think of such questions. Rather, he would be delighted to accept the gift as a token of his daughter’s love for him. He would surely treasure that single flower from his daughter above all the other flowers in his garden. ","Jehovah is no less delighted when we willingly devote ourselves to him exclusively.—Ex. 34:14. Although Jesus already belonged to his heavenly Father, Jehovah was delighted to see his Son’s willingness to do His will exclusively. Jehovah is likewise pleased to accept our dedication, and he will honor us with his blessing.—Ps. 149:4.",Ex. 34:14,w18 July p. 23 pars. 5-6,,,bl,,1/4/2021
"Jehovah Is an Appreciative God, appreciation, gift, best, "," A mother finds a gift—an inexpensive necklace—on her table. She could view the gift as of little value and toss it aside. However, the accompanying card reveals that the gift is from her little girl, who spent all her savings to buy it. The mother now sees the gift in a new light. Perhaps with tears in her eyes, she embraces her child and expresses her heartfelt appreciation.","Being fully aware of our motives and limitations, Jehovah appreciates it when we give him our best, whether that is a little or a lot. In this regard, Jesus was a perfect reflection of his Father. Recall the Bible account about the widow’s mite. “As [Jesus] looked up he saw the rich dropping their gifts into the treasury chests. Then he saw a certain needy widow drop two small coins of very little value there, and he said: ‘I tell you truthfully, This widow, although poor, dropped in more than they all did. For all these dropped in gifts out of their surplus, but this woman out of her want dropped in all the means of living she had.’”—Luke 21:1-4. Yes, knowing the woman’s circumstances—that she was widowed and poor—Jesus understood the true value of her gift, and he was moved with appreciation. The same can be said of Jehovah. (John 14:9) Is it not encouraging to know that whatever your circumstances, you can find favor in the eyes of our appreciative God and of his Son? Because of our imperfection, we may feel that our deeds of godly devotion are insignificant and unworthy of God’s blessing. Jehovah, though, fully understands our motives and circumstances, and he truly values our whole-souled service. (Matthew 22:37) ",Matthew 22:37,w07 2/1 pp. 17-18 pars. 3-5,,,bl,,1/4/2021
"Be Honest in All Things, steal, selfish, unselfish, honesty, true, ","AS A boy walks home from school one day, he finds a wallet full of money on the ground. What will he do? He could keep it. But instead, he returns the wallet to its owner. When the boy’s mother hears about what he did, she is very proud of him.","Most parents are happy when their children are honest. Our heavenly Father, Jehovah, is “the God of truth,” and it makes him happy when we are honest. (Psalm 31:5) We want to please him and “conduct ourselves honestly in all things.” (Hebrews 13:18)",Psalm 31:5,lvs chap. 14 p. 187 pars. 1-2,,,bl,,1/4/2021
"Always Trust in Jehovah! Prayers, request, why wait, master, slave, answers, ","Why does Jehovah not give us an immediate response to our every request? Recall that he likens our relationship with him to that of children with a father. (Ps. 103:13) A child cannot rightly expect a parent to grant every request or to do so right away. Some of a child’s requests may be mere passing whims. Others must wait till the time is right. Still others may not be in the child’s best interests or in the best interests of others involved. Furthermore, to concede immediately to a child’s every request would change the relationship to one of master and slave, the child being the master. ","Similarly, Jehovah may in our best interests allow time to pass before his response to our prayers becomes evident. That is his prerogative as our wise Creator, loving Master, and heavenly Father. Fulfilling all our requests right away would distort the proper relationship between us and him.—Compare Isaiah 29:16; 45:9.",Ps. 103:13,w15 4/15 p. 25 par. 7,,,bl,,1/4/2021
"Should You Pray? answers to prayer, desires of our heart, postpone answers, humility, learn to wait, best time, ","Imagine that you have a young son who asks you for a bicycle. Will you automatically grant his request? If you feel that he is not yet responsible enough to ride a bicycle, you might decide to postpone the purchase. In time, however, you may grant his request when you know that doing so would be in his best interests. In like manner, God may grant the proper “desires of [our] heart” in due time if we keep praying.—Psalm 37:4.","The Bible says that Almighty God shows favor to humble individuals “in due time.” (1 Peter 5:6) So if there seems to be a delay in his answering our sincere requests, we need not see this as a lack of interest on Jehovah’s part. Rather, with his vastly superior perspective, our caring Creator no doubt evaluates our petitions in the light of what he knows is best for us.",Psalm 37:4.,*** w14 4/1 p. 6,,,bl,,1/4/2021
"Who Molds Your Thinking? restrictive, morals, values, honest, industrious, considerate, successful, free will, ","Consider an illustration. Parents endeavor to instill in their children good values. They may teach them to be honest, industrious, and considerate of others. This is not overly restrictive. Rather, the parents are preparing them for a successful life as independent adults. When the children grow up and leave home, they will be free to make their own choices. If they choose to live within the values that they learned from their parents, they will be more likely to make decisions that they will not later regret. As a result, they will be free from many self-induced troubles and anxieties.","Like a good parent, Jehovah wants his children to have the most fulfilling life possible. (Isa. 48:17, 18) He therefore provides basic principles for moral conduct and for behavior toward others. In such matters he invites us to cultivate his very way of thinking and to share his values. Far from constraining us, this enhances, elevates, and expands our thinking ability. (Ps. 92:5; Prov. 2:1-5; Isa. 55:9) It helps us make choices that lead to happiness while still allowing us to blossom as individuals. (Ps. 1:2, 3) Yes, thinking like Jehovah is beneficial and desirable!",Ps. 92:5; Prov. 2:1-5; Isa. 55:9,w18 November pp. 19-20 pars. 7-8,,,bl,,1/4/2021
"Testimony to Love, Faith, and Obedience, Printer, Digital, tablets, smart phones, electronics, ","The aspect of love was illustrated. A girl bakes a cake for her parents. Likely, the parents will be touched. Yes, however the cake turns out, what touches the parents is their child’s love, as shown by her generous act. ","Similarly, when Jehovah looks at this new printery, he sees beyond the building and the machinery. Primarily, he sees it as an expression of love for his name.—Hebrews 6:10. Furthermore, just as Jehovah viewed the ark as an expression of Noah’s faith, he sees this printery as tangible evidence of our faith. Faith in what? Noah had faith that what Jehovah foretold would come true. We have faith that we are living in the last days, that the good news is the most important message being sounded on earth, and that it is vital for people to hear it. We know that the Bible’s message can save lives.—Romans 10:13, 14. Brother Barr also asked the audience to consider how Jehovah views the printery. He certainly does not depend on it. He could make the stones preach the good news! (Luke 19:40) Furthermore, he is not impressed by the complexity, size, speed, or capabilities of machinery. Why, he created the universe! (Psalm 147:10, 11) Jehovah knows more advanced ways to produce literature, ways that have been neither devised nor even imagined by humans. So, what does Jehovah see that he truly values? Surely he sees in this printery the precious qualities of his people—their love, faith, and obedience.",Hebrews 6:10,w05 12/1 p. 12,,,bl,,1/4/2021
"Contribute to Family Life That Pleases God, learn, teaching, patience, support, walking, spend time, ","Can you picture a loving parent, leading the child with cords in hand, trying to help a wobbly infant to walk? The cords are a support if the baby stumbles, a guide when he wanders.—Jeremiah 31:1-3.","Will you imitate God’s love for the Israelites? Again and again they turned their back on him, but he did not quickly let go of those cords of love. Young ones may seem inclined to stray at times and to stumble over little things, but try to maintain the ties of love between you and them. Bear in mind that Jehovah was not blinded by favoritism to overlook the wrongdoing of his people. He faced the situation squarely, lovingly disciplined them, and took the time to make needed help available. If you note that your son or daughter seems to be drifting from the way of the truth, do not ignore that. Try to lead him or her back, as if with guiding cords, providing warm help during this problematic period. Spend time with your troubled children. This cannot be overemphasized—spend time with them!",Jeremiah 31:1-3.,jd chap. 10 pp. 133-134 pars. 17-18,,,bl,,1/4/2021
"Will You Walk With God? training, teaching, learning, milestones, future, support, guidance, ","A BABY, standing on wobbly legs, reaches toward a parent’s outstretched arms and takes its first few steps. It may seem a small thing, but to the mother and father, it is a milestone, a moment full of promise for the future. The parents eagerly look forward to walking with their child, hand in hand, in the months and years to come. In many ways, they hope to provide the child with guidance and support far into the future.","Jehovah God has similar feelings toward his earthly children. He once said regarding his people Israel, or Ephraim: “I taught Ephraim to walk, taking them upon my arms . . . With the ropes of earthling man I kept drawing them, with the cords of love.” (Hosea 11:3, 4) Jehovah here describes himself as a loving parent who is patiently teaching a child to walk, perhaps taking him into His arms when he falls. Jehovah, the ultimate Parent, is eager to teach us how to walk. He also delights in accompanying us as we continue to make progress. As our theme text shows, we can walk with God! (Micah 6:8) But what does it mean to walk with God? Why do we need to do so? How is it possible? And what blessings come from walking with God? Let us consider these four questions one at a time.","Hosea 11:3, 4",w05 11/1 p. 21 pars. 1-2,,,bl,,1/4/2021
"The Ways of Jehovah Are Upright, Walk with God, learn support, encourage, ","But as for me, I taught Ephraim [the Israelites] to walk, taking them upon my arms; and they did not recognize that I had healed them. With the ropes of earthling man I kept drawing them, with the cords of love, so that I became to them as those lifting off a yoke on their jaws, and gently I brought food to each one.” Here Israel is compared to a small child. Jehovah lovingly taught the Israelites to walk, taking them upon his arms. And he kept drawing them with “the cords of love.” What a touching picture! Imagine that you are a parent helping your child to take his first steps. Your arms are outstretched. You may be using cords for your little one to hold on to so that he does not fall. Well, Jehovah’s love for you is just as tender. He is delighted to lead you with “the cords of love.”","We can have confidence that Jehovah always deals with his people in a loving way. Evidence of this is found at Hosea 11:1-4, where we read: “When Israel was a boy, then I loved him, and out of Egypt I called my son. . . . To the Baal images they took up sacrificing, and to the graven images they began making sacrificial smoke. ",Hosea 11:1-4,w05 11/15 p. 28 pars. 9-10,,,bl,,1/4/2021
"Help Others Reach Their Full Potential, Look for Good in others, love for brothers, Sisters, Goals, confidence, ","Just as an instructor watches an inexperienced rock climber attentively in order to help him find the best handholds, Jehovah is willing to guide us as we make spiritual advancement. Jehovah might also use fellow believers to help us reach our full potential. How so?","Yes, Jehovah notices the potential in each of his servants. He assured King David that he would always guide him, with ‘his eye upon him.’ (Read Psalm 32:8.) Do you see why that should be encouraging to us? Even though we may lack self-confidence, Jehovah can help us to go beyond our perceived limits and reach goals that we would not have imagined. ",Psalm 32:8,w14 6/15 pp. 29-30 par. 8,,,bl,,1/4/2021
"God’s Judgments—Does He Always Give Enough Warning? Armageddon, Babylon, storm, pandemic, ","THE weather forecaster examines a developing radar image. He sees a dangerous storm bearing down on an area with a large population. Because he is concerned for the people’s safety, he tirelessly warns them before it is too late.","In a similar way, Jehovah is now alerting earth’s inhabitants to a “storm” that is more ominous than anything they might hear about in a weather report. How is he doing so? And why can we be sure that he is giving people enough time to respond? For the answers, let us first consider some warnings that Jehovah issued in the past.",Revelation 18:4;,w19 October p. 6,,,bl,,1/4/2021
"“I Love the Father”, awed by any facet of creation, cooperation, ","In some respects, we might liken this cooperation between Father and Son to that of an architect working with a builder, or contractor, who specializes in bringing the architect’s ingenious designs to reality. When we are awed by any facet of creation, we are actually giving credit to the Great Architect. (Psalm 19:1) However, we may also call to mind the long and happy collaboration between the Creator and his “master worker.”","How was the Son occupied during the vast expanse of time before he came to earth? Verse 30 tells us that he was beside God as “a master worker.” What does that mean? Colossians 1:16 explains: “By means of him all other things were created in the heavens and upon the earth . . . All other things have been created through him and for him.” So Jehovah, the Creator, worked through his Son, the Master Worker, to bring every other creation into existence—from the spirit creatures in the heavenly realm to the immense physical universe, to the earth with its wondrous variety of plant and animal life, to the pinnacle of earthly creation: humankind.",Psalm 19:1,cf chap. 13 p. 131 par. 8,,,bl,,1/4/2021
"“I Love the Father” working together, united, cooperation, love, Jehovah's friend, master worker, ","When two imperfect humans work closely together, they sometimes have a difficult time getting along. Not so with Jehovah and his Son! The Son worked for aeons with the Father and was “glad before him all the time.” (Proverbs 8:30) Yes, he delighted in his Father’s company, and the feeling was mutual. Naturally, the Son grew ever more like his Father, learning to imitate God’s qualities. No wonder, then, that the bond between Father and Son became so strong! It can rightly be called the oldest and strongest bond of love in the whole universe.","10 What, though, can that mean for us? You might feel that you could never build such a bond with Jehovah. Granted, none of us has the exalted position of the Son. However, we do have a remarkable opportunity. Remember, Jesus drew closer to his Father by working with Him. Jehovah lovingly offers us the opportunity to be his “fellow workers.” (1 Corinthians 3:9)",Proverbs 8:30,cf chap. 13 p. 132 pars. 9-10,,,bl,,1/4/2021
"“He Learned Obedience” obey, safety, trust, faith, confidence, ","A FATHER looks out the window, watching his young son at play with some friends. Their ball bounces out of the yard and into the street. The boy looks longingly after it. One of his friends urges him to run out into the street to get it, but the boy shakes his head. “I’m not allowed to do that,” he says. The father smiles to himself.","Why is the father so pleased? Because he has instructed his son not to go out into the street alone. When the boy obeys—even though he does not know that his father is watching—the father knows that his son is learning obedience and is much safer as a result. That father feels as does our heavenly Father, Jehovah. God knows that if we are to remain faithful and live to see the wonderful future he has in store for us, we must learn to trust in him and obey him. (Proverbs 3:5, 6) To that end, he sent us the best of all human teachers.","Proverbs 3:5, 6",cf chap. 6 p. 56 pars. 1-2,,,bl,,1/4/2021
"Why Wickedness Continues, settling issues quickly, wisdom, time, ",The fact that it requires time to settle some issues can be illustrated this way: Suppose the father of one family challenges the father of another to a contest that will prove which man is stronger. That issue could be decided quickly. Strength could be measured by lifting rocks. The father who lifted the heaviest rock would be the stronger man. ,"But suppose the challenge involved which father truly loves his sons and daughters and whether they love him in return. Or what if the challenge raises the question of which father manages his family in the best way? Neither a display of strength nor mere words would be adequate. Sufficient time would have to pass, careful observation would be required, and right conclusions would have to be drawn in order for the issue to be settled.","Gal 6:7, 8;",w07 9/15 p. 6 ,,,bl,,1/4/2021
"Why Does God Permit Suffering? Settling issues quickly, patience, slander, lies, challenges, ","For the sake of illustration, let us say that you are a loving parent with several children in a happy family. Suppose one of your neighbors spreads lies, accusing you of being a bad parent. What if the neighbor says that your children do not love you, that they stay with you only because they do not know any better, and that they would leave if someone showed them the way. ‘Preposterous!’ you might say. Yes, but how would you prove it? Some parents might react in rage. Besides creating more problems, such a violent response would lend support to the lies. A satisfying way to deal with such a problem would be to allow opportunity for your accuser to prove his claim and for your children to testify that they sincerely love you.","Jehovah is like the loving parent. Adam and Eve may be compared to the children, and Satan fits the role of the lying neighbor. God wisely did not destroy Satan, Adam, and Eve immediately but permitted these wrongdoers to continue living for a while. This allowed our first parents time to start the human family, and it has given the Devil a chance to prove whether his claim was true so that the issues could be settled. From the start, however, God knew that some humans would be loyal to him and would thus prove Satan a liar. How thankful we are that Jehovah has continued to bless and help those who love him!—2 Chronicles 16:9; Proverbs 15:3.",2 Chronicles 16:9; Proverbs 15:3,kl chap. 8 pp. 75-76 pars. 14-15,,,bl,,1/4/2021
"Wickedness, lies, slander, issues, independence, ","Illustration: If someone made a charge before the whole community that you abused your position as family head, that your children would be better off if they made their own decisions independent of you, and that all of them obeyed you, not because of love, but because of material benefits you provided, what would be the best way to settle the matter? Would shooting the false accuser put the charges to rest in the minds of the community?","Instead, what a fine answer it would be if you gave your children opportunity to be your witnesses to show that you are a just and loving family head and that they live with you because they love you! If some of your children believed your adversary, left home, and ruined their lives by adopting other life-styles, it would only make honest observers realize that the children would have been better off if they had heeded your direction.",2 Peter 3:9;,rs p. 429 par. 1,,,bl,,1/4/2021
"Why Does God Allow Suffering? Universal issue, Satan will be destroyed, ","Let us consider an illustration. Imagine that a teacher is telling his students how to solve a difficult problem. A clever but rebellious student claims that the teacher’s way of solving the problem is wrong. Implying that the teacher is not capable, this rebel insists that he knows a much better way to solve the problem. Some students think that he is right, and they also become rebellious. What should the teacher do? If he throws the rebels out of the class, what will be the effect on the other students? Will they not believe that their fellow student and those who joined him are right? All the other students in the class might lose respect for the teacher, thinking that he is afraid of being proved wrong. But suppose that the teacher allows the rebel to show the class how he would solve the problem.","Jehovah has done something similar to what the teacher does. Remember that the rebels in Eden were not the only ones involved. Millions of angels were watching. (Job 38:7; Daniel 7:10) How Jehovah handled the rebellion would greatly affect all those angels and eventually all intelligent creation. So, what has Jehovah done? He has allowed Satan to show how he would rule mankind. God has also allowed humans to govern themselves under Satan’s guidance.  The teacher in our illustration knows that the rebel and the students on his side are wrong. But he also knows that allowing them the opportunity to try to prove their point will benefit the whole class. When the rebels fail, all honest students will see that the teacher is the only one qualified to lead the class. They will understand why the teacher thereafter removes any rebels from the class. Similarly, Jehovah knows that all honesthearted humans and angels will benefit from seeing that Satan and his fellow rebels have failed and that humans cannot govern themselves. Like Jeremiah of old, they will learn this vital truth: “I well know, O Jehovah, that man’s way does not belong to him. It does not belong to man who is walking even to direct his step.”—Jeremiah 10:23.",Job 38:7; Daniel 7:10,bh chap. 11 pp. 110-111 pars. 12-14,,,bl,,1/5/2021
"Why Commend Others? good qualities, faults, gems, potential value, precious qualities,","Jehovah God does not look for our faults. If he did, none of us could stand. (Psalm 130:3) Instead, Jehovah is like a miner who patiently sifts through piles of stones looking for precious gems. When the miner finds a gem, he rejoices. The rough stone may not look precious, but the miner sees its potential value. ","Similarly, when God searches our heart, he is looking for precious qualities, not faults. When he finds them, he rejoices. He knows that those qualities, when shaped and polished, can produce something truly valuable—a faithful and devoted worshipper of Jehovah.",Psalm 130:3,g 4/12 p. 28 ,,,bl,,1/5/2021
"Nothing Can “Separate Us From God’s Love” Discards sin, nuggets, Good, bad, precious, worthless, treasures, ","As Jehovah sifts through you, he discards such sins, much the way a prospector panning for gold discards worthless gravel. What about your good qualities and works? Ah, these are the “nuggets” he keeps! Have you ever noticed the way fond parents treasure their children’s drawings or school projects, sometimes for decades after the children have forgotten them? ","Jehovah is the fondest Parent. As long as we remain faithful to him, he never forgets our good works and qualities. In fact, he would view it as unrighteous to forget these, and he is never unrighteous. (Hebrews 6:10) He also sifts us in another way.",Hebrews 6:10,cl chap. 24 pp. 245-246 par. 13,,,bl,,1/5/2021
"Nothing Can “Separate Us From God’s Love” Restore, potential, precious, imperfections, Worth, damaged, ","Jehovah looks beyond our imperfections and sees our potential. To illustrate: People who love works of art will go to great lengths to restore badly damaged paintings or other works. When, for example, in the National Gallery in London, England, someone with a shotgun damaged a Leonardo da Vinci drawing worth some $30 million, no one suggested that since the drawing was now damaged, it should be discarded. ","Work to restore the nearly 500-year-old masterpiece began immediately. Why? Because it was precious in the eyes of art lovers. Are you not worth more than a chalk and charcoal drawing? In God’s eyes you certainly are—however damaged you may be by inherited imperfection. (Psalm 72:12-14) Jehovah God, the skilled Creator of the human family, will do what is necessary to restore to perfection all of those who respond to his loving care.—Acts 3:21; Romans 8:20-22.",Acts 3:21; Romans 8:20-22,cl chap. 24 p. 246 par. 14 ,,,bl,,1/5/2021
"“I, Jehovah Your God, Am Grasping Your Right Hand” afraid, fearful, bold, courage, encourage, ","“HOLD my hand,” says a father to his young son as they get ready to cross a busy street. With his father’s strong hand wrapped around his tiny fingers, the boy feels safe, unafraid. Have you ever wished that someone could take your hand and safely lead you through life’s uncertainties? If so, you may find comfort in the words recorded by Isaiah.—Read Isaiah 41:10, 13. Isaiah directed his words to Israel. Though God viewed that nation as his “special property,” it was surrounded by enemies. (Exodus 19:5) Did Israel need to fear? Jehovah used Isaiah to convey a reassuring message. As we examine those words, let us keep in mind that they also apply to God’s worshippers today.—Romans 15:4.","“Do not be afraid,” urges Jehovah. (Verse 10) These are not empty words. Jehovah explains why his people do not need to fear: “For I am with you.” He is not a distant source of aid, promising only to arrive in time to help in moments of need. He wants his people to know that he is with them—as if by their side—ever ready to support them. Is that not a comforting thought?Jehovah further assures his worshippers, saying: “Do not gaze about.” (Verse 10) The Hebrew verb used here can refer to those who “look about in all directions to see whether there is anything that can harm them.” Jehovah explains why his people do not need to look over their shoulder in fear: “For I am your God.” What could be more reassuring than that? Jehovah is “the Most High,” “the Almighty One.” (Psalm 91:1) With the all-powerful Jehovah as their God, why should they fear?What, then, can Jehovah’s worshippers expect from him? He promises: “I will really keep fast hold of you with my right hand of righteousness.” (Verse 10) He also says: “I, Jehovah your God, am grasping your right hand.” (Verse 13) What do you think of when you hear those words? “Taken together, these two verses present a powerful picture of parent and child,” explains one reference work. “[The father] does not merely stand by to defend, but he is also physically with the child; he will not allow the child to be separated from him.” Just imagine—Jehovah will not allow his people to be separated from him, even during what may seem to be the darkest moments in their life.—Hebrews 13:5, 6.Jehovah’s worshippers today can find much comfort in the words Isaiah recorded. In these “critical times hard to deal with,” we may at times feel overwhelmed by the pressures of life. (2 Timothy 3:1) But we do not have to face such challenges alone. Jehovah is willing to reach out and grasp our hand. Like trusting children, we can hold on to his mighty hand, confident that he will lead us in the right direction and help us in our time of need.—Psalm 63:7, 8.","Isaiah 41:10, 13",w12 1/1 p. 18 pars. 1-6,,,bl,,1/5/2021
"Do You Accept Jehovah’s Help? Guidance, experience, strength, patience, dangerous, stumble, right hand, ","IMAGINE that you are hiking along a mountain trail. You are not alone, though, for a guide has offered to accompany you, and he is the best guide there is. He has far more experience and stamina than you do, but he patiently walks near you. He notices that you stumble occasionally. Out of concern for your safety, he extends his hand to help you over a particularly dangerous spot. Would you refuse his help? Of course not! Your safety is at stake.","As Christians, we have a challenging path to follow. Must we walk that cramped road alone? (Matthew 7:14) No, the Bible shows that the best Guide we could ever find, Jehovah God, allows humans to walk with him. (Genesis 5:24; 6:9) Does Jehovah help his servants as they walk? He says: “I, Jehovah your God, am grasping your right hand, the One saying to you, ‘Do not be afraid. I myself will help you.’” (Isaiah 41:13) Like the guide in our illustration, Jehovah kindly extends his helping hand and his friendship to those who seek to walk with him. Surely none of us would want to refuse his aid!",Isaiah 41:13,w04 12/15 pp. 17-18 pars. 1-2,,,bl,,1/5/2021
"‘O the Depth of God’s Wisdom!’ purpose, plan, goal, options, flexible, choice, alternate route, adjustments, free will, ","A person may desire to travel to a specific destination. Getting to that destination then becomes his goal, or purpose. He may have different options with regard to the means of transportation and the routes he can take. As he travels along his chosen route, he may be confronted with unexpected weather conditions, traffic congestion, and road closures, requiring him to take an alternate route. Yet, no matter what adjustments he needs to make, he will still have accomplished his goal when he arrives at his destination.","Jehovah has likewise shown considerable flexibility in working out his eternal purpose. Taking into consideration the free will of his intelligent creation, he readily adjusts the way he achieves his purpose.  Jehovah is a God of purpose, and the Bible speaks of his “eternal purpose.” (Eph. 3:10, 11) What does this expression really mean? As used in the Bible, the word “purpose” refers to a specific goal, or aim, that can be achieved in more than one way.","Eph. 3:10, 11",w11 5/15 pp. 21-22 pars. 4-6,,,bl,,1/5/2021
"Earnestly Seek Jehovah’s Blessing, enjoy food, energy, requirements for everlasting life, cooperate, harmony, assignments, ","The effect of his blessing on our efforts can be compared to the way our bodies benefit from wholesome food. God fashioned our bodies in such a way that we enjoy food and derive vital nourishment from it. He also provides the food. We do not fully know how our food acquires its nutrients, nor can most of us explain how our bodies produce energy from the food that we eat. We just know that the process works and that we cooperate with it by eating. If we choose to eat nourishing food, the results are even better. ","In like manner, Jehovah sets the requirements for everlasting life, and he gives us the help we need to meet those requirements. Clearly, he does much of the work and deserves the praise. Still, we must cooperate with him, acting in harmony with God’s will, to receive the blessing.—Hag. 2:18, 19. 18 So pour your heart into every assignment. Always look to Jehovah for success. (Mark 11:23, 24) As you do, be assured that “everyone seeking finds.” (Matt. 7:8) ","Hag. 2:18, 19",w10 9/15 p. 11 pars. 17-18,,,bl,,1/5/2021
"“Return to Me” ransom, memorial, savior, rope, struggle, help, assist, survival, cords of love, ","The Bible describes Jehovah’s love for his people as a cord, or rope. In what sense is God’s love like a rope? Consider this illustration: Imagine that you are drowning in rough seas and someone throws you a life vest. Surely you would appreciate the help because that may ease your struggle to stay afloat. But a life vest will not be enough to keep you alive. The water is cold, and you will not survive unless you can reach a lifeboat. You need someone to throw you a rope and to pull you toward the lifeboat. Jehovah said about the Israelites who had gone astray: “I kept drawing them, with the cords of love.” (Hos. 11:4) ","God feels the same way today about those who have stopped serving him and who are drowning in problems and anxiety. He wants them to know that he loves them, and he wants to draw them to him. And Jehovah can use you to express his love to them.",Hos. 11:4,w20 June p. 27 par. 12,,,bl,,1/5/2021
"“Return to Me” Empathy, sympathy, medicine, hurt feelings, bitter, unjustly, listen, understand, shoulder to cry on, ",Empathy is like a powerful ointment; it can help to heal hurt feelings. Some inactive ones have struggled for years with bitter feelings toward someone in the congregation. These feelings have stifled the desire to return to Jehovah. ,"Some may think that they were treated unjustly. They may need someone who will listen to them and understand their feelings. (Jas. 1:19) María, who was inactive at one time, says, “I needed a listening ear, a shoulder to cry on, and a helping hand to guide me.”",Jas. 1:19,w20 June pp. 26-27 par. 11,,,bl,,1/5/2021
"“Teach Me to Do Your Will” Jehovah's view, aerial view, decisions, perspective, ","WHEN traveling, have you ever used a computerized mapping system that allowed you to get an aerial view of your destination? Seeing things from that vantage point may have helped you to determine the best route to take. ",Applying a similar principle can help us when we are making important decisions. Seeing things from the Creator’s elevated perspective will enable us to ‘walk in the way’ Jehovah approves.—Isa. 30:21.,Isa. 30:21,w12 11/15 p. 3 par. 1,,,bl,,1/5/2021
"Serve Jehovah According to His High Standards, relationship, design, requirements, failure, our benefit, commandments","To illustrate the relationship between us and God, we might think of an automobile and its manufacturer. The maker knows how the auto is designed and put together. He knows that the car requires an oil change every so often. What would happen if you ignored that standard, perhaps reasoning that the car is running well? Much sooner than might otherwise be so, the engine would deteriorate and fail. ","The same is true of humans. Our Creator has given us commandments. Keeping them is for our benefit. (Isaiah 48:17, 18) Appreciating that we do benefit gives us additional reason to live up to his standards, to keep his commandments.—Psalm 112:1.","Isaiah 48:17, 18",jd chap. 7 pp. 87-88 par. 11 ,,,bl,,1/6/2021
"Are You Making Jehovah’s Thoughts Your Own? Thinking, memory, gratitude, copy of parents thoughts, likes, dislikes,","A SMALL child receives a gift. His parents tell him, “Say thank you.” The child obeys, though somewhat mechanically. As he grows older, his appreciation for his parents’ thinking and for the kindness of others increases. Now he expresses thanks more readily, from the heart. Why? Because gratitude has become part of his own thinking.","Similarly, when we first came to a knowledge of the truth, we learned the importance of obedience to Jehovah’s basic requirements. But as we continue to grow spiritually, we learn more about Jehovah’s thinking—his likes, his dislikes, and his way of viewing various matters. By learning to reason similarly and by allowing such thinking to influence our actions and personal choices, we show that we are making Jehovah’s thoughts our own.  While learning to think like Jehovah is a delight, it can also be a challenge. At times, our imperfect reasoning might get in the way. For example, we might have difficulty understanding Jehovah’s view of moral cleanness, materialism, the preaching work, the misuse of blood, or something else. What can we do? How can we continue to make progress in making God’s thoughts our own? And how should doing so affect our present and future actions?",Romans 12:2;,w18 November pp. 23-24 pars. 1-3,,,bl,,1/6/2021
"Nothing Can “Separate Us From God’s Love” potential, Jehovah sees the good, restore, improve, ","Jehovah looks beyond our imperfections and sees our potential. To illustrate: People who love works of art will go to great lengths to restore badly damaged paintings or other works. When, for example, in the National Gallery in London, England, someone with a shotgun damaged a Leonardo da Vinci drawing worth some $30 million, no one suggested that since the drawing was now damaged, it should be discarded. Work to restore the nearly 500-year-old masterpiece began immediately. Why? Because it was precious in the eyes of art lovers. ","Are you not worth more than a chalk and charcoal drawing? In God’s eyes you certainly are—however damaged you may be by inherited imperfection. (Psalm 72:12-14) Jehovah God, the skilled Creator of the human family, will do what is necessary to restore to perfection all of those who respond to his loving care.—Acts 3:21; Romans 8:20-22.  Yes, Jehovah sees the good in us that we may not see in ourselves. And as we serve him, he will make the good grow until we are eventually perfect. No matter how Satan’s world has treated us, Jehovah values his faithful servants as desirable, or precious.—Haggai 2:7; footnote.",Acts 3:21; Romans 8:20-22,cl chap. 24 p. 246 pars. 14-15,,,bl,,1/6/2021
"Will You Benefit From Undeserved Kindness? restoration, fix damage, save, inherited sinfulness, ","Look at it this way. People who love works of art will go to great lengths to restore badly damaged paintings or other works of art. When, for example, in the National Gallery in London, England, someone with a shotgun damaged a Leonardo da Vinci cartoon worth £20 million (about $32 million, U.S.) no one suggested that since the drawing was now damaged, it should be discarded. Work to restore the 487-year-old masterpiece began immediately. Why? Because it was precious in the eyes of art lovers.","Are you not worth more than a chalk and charcoal drawing? In God’s eyes you certainly are—however damaged you may be by inherited sinfulness. (Psalm 72:12-14; Matthew 20:28) Jehovah God, the skilled original Creator of the human family, will do what is necessary to restore to perfection members of that family who are willing to respond to his loving care.—Compare Acts 3:21; Romans 8:20-22.",Psalm 72:12-14; Matthew 20:28,w90 2/15 p. 22,,,bl,,1/6/2021
" “O the Depth of God’s . . . Wisdom!” foreknowledge, future, prophecy, predestination, singing, self control,","If you had a singing voice of unparalleled beauty, would you then have no choice but to sing all the time? The notion is absurd! Likewise, Jehovah has the ability to foreknow the future, but he does not use it all the time. To do so might infringe upon our own free will, a precious gift that Jehovah will never revoke.—Deuteronomy 30:19, 20.","Does this mean, though, that God has already foreseen the choices you will make in life? Some who preach the doctrine of predestination insist that the answer is yes. However, that notion actually undermines Jehovah’s wisdom, for it implies that he cannot control his ability to look into the future.","Deuteronomy 30:19, 20.",cl chap. 17 p. 178 par. 21,,,bl,,1/6/2021
"Did God Know That Adam and Eve Would Sin? foreknowledge, predestination, Wisdom, outcome, beginning, end, ","The ability to refrain from using foreknowledge can be illustrated with a feature of modern technology. Someone watching a prerecorded sports match has the option to watch the final minutes first in order to know the outcome. But he does not have to start that way. Who could criticize him if he chose to watch the entire match from the beginning? Similarly, the Creator evidently chose not to see how things would turn out. Rather, he chose to wait and, as events unfolded, see how his earthly children would conduct themselves.","Still, someone may object, ‘But how could an all-wise God not have known?’ Granted, a facet of Jehovah’s great wisdom is his capability to know “from the beginning the finale.” (Isaiah 46:9, 10) However, he does not have to use this capability, just as he does not always have to use his immense power to the full. Jehovah wisely uses his ability of foreknowledge selectively. He uses it when it makes sense to do so and fits the circumstances.","Isaiah 46:9, 10",w11 1/1 p. 14,,,bl,,1/6/2021
"Who Are “the Living Creatures With Four Faces”? Visual aids, teaching, drawings, stick people, images, Ezekiel, ","IMAGINE a family with small children sitting around their kitchen table studying the Bible. To help the children understand a Scriptural truth, the father shows them some simple drawings. The children’s smiles and animated comments indicate that the father is succeeding. By adding pictures to his words, he helps his children to grasp teachings about Jehovah that otherwise would be beyond their level of understanding.","Similarly, Jehovah has used visual aids to help his human children gain insight into unseen realities that they would not grasp otherwise. For example, to explain profound truths about himself, Jehovah showed Ezekiel a vision filled with striking images. ","Ezekiel 1:4, 5, 15;",rr chap. 4 p. 42 pars. 1-2,,,bl,,1/6/2021
"The King Shines Light on the Kingdom, proper time, wisdom, ready, New Jerusalem, City, explaining, features, ","IMAGINE that an experienced guide is leading you on a tour of a wondrous and beautiful city. The city is new to you and to those with you, so you hang on to the guide’s every word. At times, you and your fellow tourists wonder excitedly about some of the city’s features that you have not yet seen. When you ask your guide about such things, however, he withholds his comments until key moments, often just when a certain sight is coming into view. In time, you grow ever more impressed with his wisdom, for he tells you what you need to know right when you need to know it.","True Christians are in a situation similar to that of the tourists. We are eagerly learning about the most wondrous of cities, “the city having real foundations,” the Kingdom of God. (Heb. 11:10) When Jesus was on earth, he personally guided his followers, leading them to a deeper knowledge of that Kingdom. Did he answer all their questions and tell them everything about that Kingdom at once? No. He said: “I still have many things to say to you, but you are not able to bear them now.” (John 16:12) As the wisest of guides, Jesus never burdened his disciples with knowledge that they were not prepared to handle. Jesus spoke the words recorded at John 16:12 on the final night of his earthly life. After his death, how would he continue to teach faithful people about God’s Kingdom? He assured his apostles: “The spirit of the truth . . . will guide you into all the truth.” (John 16:13) We may think of the holy spirit as a patient guide. The spirit is Jesus’ means of teaching his followers whatever they need to know about God’s Kingdom—right when they need to know it.",,kr chap. 5 p. 49 pars. 1-3 ,,,bl,,1/6/2021
"“Go . . . and Make Disciples” harvest, fields, abundant growth, commission, teach, preach, command, challenge, hire workers, ","A FARMER faces a real challenge. Some months earlier, he plowed his fields and sowed seeds. He watched with great care as the first blades appeared, and he rejoiced as the plants matured. Now all his hard work is rewarded, for the time to reap has arrived. His dilemma is this: The crop is too abundant for him to gather it alone. To meet this challenge, he wisely decides to hire some workers and send them out into his fields. After all, there is only so much time to gather his precious crop.","In the spring of 33 C.E., the resurrected Jesus faces a similar challenge. During his earthly ministry, he sowed seeds of truth. Now there is a harvest to reap, and the crop is abundant. Many responsive ones need to be gathered as disciples. (John 4:35-38) How does Jesus meet this challenge? On a mountain in Galilee, shortly before ascending to heaven, he gives his disciples a commission to find more workers, saying: “Go therefore and make disciples of people of all the nations, baptizing them . . . , teaching them to observe all the things I have commanded you.”—Matthew 28:19, 20.","Matthew 28:19, 20",cf chap. 9 pp. 87-88 pars. 1-2,,,bl,,1/6/2021
"“Step Over Into Macedonia” moving, action, expanding ministry, effort, pioneering, bethel, missionary, ","Think of this example: A driver can direct his car to turn left or right but only if the car is moving. Similarly, Jesus directs us in expanding our ministry, but only if we are moving—if we are putting forth real effort to do so.","For instance, we may have been thinking for some time about serving as a pioneer or moving to an area where the need for Kingdom publishers is greater. However, it may well be only after we take definite steps to attain our goal that Jesus, through God’s spirit, will guide us. Why?",Col 1:18;,bt chap. 16 p. 127 par. 6,,,bl,,1/6/2021
"Should You Keep the Weekly Sabbath? fulfill law, destroy, binding, ","To illustrate: A builder fulfills a contract to complete a building, not by ripping up the contract, but by finishing the structure. However, once the work has been completed to the client’s satisfaction, the contract is fulfilled and the builder is no longer under obligation to it. ","Likewise, Jesus did not break, or rip up, the Law; rather, he fulfilled it by keeping it perfectly. Once fulfilled, that Law “contract” was no longer binding on God’s people. True, Jesus did say: “Do not think I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I came, not to destroy, but to fulfill.” (Matthew 5:17) But what does the expression “to fulfill” mean? ",Matthew 5:17,w10 2/1 p. 13,,,bl,,1/6/2021
"Imitate Jesus’ Example of Watchfulness, perfect, sinful, imitate, instructor, pay attention, archery, ","Is a perfect example helpful for sinful humans? Yes, because it is possible to learn from a good teacher and his example. For instance, imagine a man taking his first archery lesson. He cannot shoot an arrow well enough to hit the target at all, but he takes more lessons and keeps on trying. To improve, he carefully studies the example of his instructor, who is an expert archer. The student pays attention to how his teacher stands, positions his arms, and uses his fingers on the bowstring. Little by little, the determined novice learns how much tension to apply to the string; he takes the wind into account, and he keeps on making an effort. ","By imitating what he sees his instructor do, he eventually aims his arrows so that they strike closer and closer to the center of the target. Similarly, we keep on striving to improve as Christians by following Jesus’ instructions and imitating his perfect example.",Matt. 24:37-39; Heb. 4:15,w12 2/15 p. 3 par. 2,,,bl,,1/6/2021
"“He Learned Obedience” hardened, experience, skilled, perfect, quality, tested, proven, ","A soldier has an iron sword. Although it has never been tested in battle, it is perfectly formed and well crafted. However, he trades that sword for one made of a stronger metal, hardened steel. This new sword has already served well in battle. Is that not a wise trade? ","Similarly, the obedience Jesus demonstrated before he came to the earth was flawless. But after his sojourn here, his obedience was of an altogether different quality. It was now tested, hardened, as it were, and proved by trials that Jesus could never have encountered in heaven. The Bible says something amazing about Jesus: “Although he was a Son, he learned obedience from the things he suffered; and after he had been made perfect he became responsible for everlasting salvation to all those obeying him.” (Hebrews 5:8, 9) This Son had existed for countless ages in heaven. He saw Satan and his fellow rebel angels disobey, but the firstborn Son never joined them. Inspired prophecy applied these words to him: “I . . . was not rebellious.” (Isaiah 50:5) How, then, could the words “he learned obedience” apply to this perfectly obedient Son? How could such a perfect creature be “made perfect”?","Hebrews 5:8, 9",cf chap. 6 pp. 56-57 pars. 3-4,,,bl,,1/6/2021
"Jesus—How He Lived, revealed Father, explained, teacher, transformer, perspective, view, understanding, ","What Jesus did in revealing his Father might be illustrated by what an electric transformer does. Such a device can take in electricity of high voltage and change it into lower voltage, thus making it suitable for use by the average consumer. When on earth, Jesus took what he had learned in the heavens about his Father and transmitted it in ways that lowly humans on earth could readily grasp and easily apply.","Jesus could rightly say: “Who the Son is no one knows but the Father; and who the Father is, no one knows but the Son, and he to whom the Son is willing to reveal him.” (Luke 10:22) When on earth as a man, Jesus willingly—yes, eagerly—revealed what his Father is like. Jesus spoke and taught from a unique perspective; he drew on memories acquired firsthand in the spirit realm and in the lofty presence of the Most High God.—John 8:28.",Luke 10:22,w11 4/1 p. 7,,,bl,,1/6/2021
"Helping Others to Learn God’s Requirements, joy, delight, burden, load, obligation, necessity, woe, ","Is it a burden to preach this good news? Absolutely not! To illustrate: A father has an obligation to provide for his family materially. Failure to do so is tantamount to rejecting the Christian faith. The apostle Paul wrote: “Certainly if anyone does not provide for those who are his own, and especially for those who are members of his household, he has disowned the faith and is worse than a person without faith.” (1 Timothy 5:8) But is that obligation a burden for the Christian man? Not if he loves his family, for in that case he wants to provide for them.","Similarly, the work of preaching and disciple making is an obligation, a requirement, on which our very lives depend. Paul put it this way: “Necessity is laid upon me. Really, woe is me if I did not declare the good news!” (1 Corinthians 9:16; compare Ezekiel 33:7-9.) However, our motive for preaching is love, not mere duty. Primarily we love God, but we also love our neighbors, and we know how important it is for them to hear the good news. (Matthew 22:37-39) It gives them a hope for the future.",1 Corinthians 9:16; compare Ezekiel 33:7-9,w97 1/15 pp. 23-24 pars. 4-5,,,bl,,1/6/2021
"‘Listen and Understand the Meaning’ knowledge, understanding, and wisdom, difference, ","What is the difference between knowledge, understanding, and wisdom? It could be illustrated this way: Imagine you are standing in the middle of a road and a bus is coming toward you. First, you recognize that it is a bus—that is knowledge. Next, you realize that if you remain standing there, you will be hit by the bus—that is understanding! So you jump out of the way of the bus—that is wisdom! ","Little wonder the Bible emphasizes the need for us to “safeguard practical wisdom.” It means our very life!—Prov. 3:21, 22; 1 Tim. 4:16.","Prov. 3:21, 22; 1 Tim. 4:16",w14 12/15 p. 7 par. 5,,,bl,,1/6/2021
"Do All Religions Teach the Truth? Know God, Boss, Name, Jehovah, Confusion, Worship, Babylon, Christendom, ","Suppose you got a job with a big company. On the first day of work, you learn that the boss is away on leave. So you ask three workers what you should do. The first worker says that the boss wants you to sweep the floor. The second says that you should paint the building. The third tells you to distribute the mail. Next, you ask the workers about the boss. The first says that the boss is tall, young, and harsh. The second says that he is short, old, and kind. The third tells you that the boss is not a man at all—the boss is a woman. Likely, you conclude that the three workers are not all telling the truth. If you want to keep your new job, you will probably do some checking to find out who the boss really is and what he or she wants you to do.","It is the same with religion. Because there are so many ideas about who God is and what he requires of us, we need to make sure that our way of worship is in harmony with the truth. But how can we learn the truth about God?  While all religions claim to offer reliable guidance about serving God, their ideas differ. They teach many different things about who God is and what he expects of us.",John 17:3;,ol part 1 p. 5 pars. 3-5,,,bl,,1/6/2021
"“Sacred Service With Your Power of Reason” grammar, language, knowledge, ","HAVE you ever attempted to learn a new language? If so, you will no doubt agree that it is hard work. After all, more is involved than simply learning new words. Proficient use of a language also requires mastering its grammar. You must perceive how words relate to one another and how they combine to form complete thoughts.","It is similar with our taking in knowledge of God’s Word. More is involved than simply learning isolated Scripture texts. We must also learn the Bible’s grammar, as it were. We need to grasp how scriptures relate to one another and how they serve as principles that can be applied in daily life. We can thus become “fully competent, completely equipped for every good work.”—2 Timothy 3:17.",2 Timothy 3:17.,w95 6/15 p. 18 pars. 1-2,,,bl,,1/6/2021
"The Way of Love Never Fails, express love, unfailing love, learning to love, effort, ","HAVE you ever attempted to learn a new language? It is challenging, to say the least! Of course, a young child can learn a language just by being exposed to it. His brain fairly soaks up the sounds and meanings of words, so that before long the tot is expressing himself quite adeptly, perhaps incessantly. Not so with adults. We search a foreign-language dictionary repeatedly, just to master a few basic phrases in a foreign tongue. In time and with enough exposure, though, we start to think in the new language and speaking it becomes easier.","Learning to express love is much like learning a new language. True, a measure of this divine quality is inherent in humans. (Genesis 1:27; compare 1 John 4:8.) Still, learning to express love takes extraordinary effort—especially today, when natural affection is in such short supply. (2 Timothy 3:1-5) This is sometimes the case right in the family. Yes, many grow up in a harsh environment where loving words are hardly ever expressed—if at all. (Ephesians 4:29-31; 6:4) How, then, can we learn to express love—even if we have rarely experienced it?",Genesis 1:27; compare 1 John 4:8,w99 2/15 p. 18 pars. 1-2,,,bl,,1/6/2021
"The Way of Love Never Fails, language, effort, attending meetings, "," After all, merely dwelling in a foreign country would not in itself force us to learn to speak its language. Nor does simply attending meetings at a Kingdom Hall or associating with fellow Christians automatically teach us to express love. Learning this “language” takes continuous effort.","Jesus gives us another reason why we should cultivate the divine quality of love. “By this all will know that you are my disciples,” he said, “if you have love among yourselves.” (John 13:35) The word “if” leaves it up to each Christian as to whether he or she will learn to express love.",John 13:35,w99 2/15 p. 22 par. 20,,,bl,,1/6/2021
"Imitate Jesus’ Courage and Discernment, journey, everlasting life, future, heaven, earth, endurance, ","WHEN we become disciples of Christ, we embark on a journey. That journey can lead us to life, whether in heaven or on earth. Jesus said: “The one who has endured to the end [the end of his present life or the end of this wicked system of things] will be saved.” (Matt. 24:13) Yes, if we stick to a life course of faithfulness, we can come in line for salvation. Along the way, however, we must be careful not to get distracted or lost. (1 John 2:15-17) ","How can we stay on course on our journey?  Our Exemplar, Jesus, led the way. His journey was recorded in the Bible. By studying that record, we learn what Jesus is like. We can come to love him and exercise faith in him. (Read 1 Peter 1:8, 9.) Recall that the apostle Peter said that Jesus left us a model for us to follow his steps closely. (1 Pet. 2:21) If we carefully follow his steps, we will reach “the goal” of our faith—salvation.","1 Peter 1:8, 9",w15 2/15 pp. 10-11 pars. 1-2,,,bl,,1/6/2021
"Your Life—What Is Its Purpose? animal, human, life cycle, same, similar, mate, den, ","Think of an animal that you enjoy watching, maybe a rock badger or a rabbit. (Deuteronomy 14:7; Psalm 104:18; Proverbs 30:26) Or you may picture a squirrel; there are over 300 kinds around the world. What is its life cycle? After it is born, its mother nurses it for some weeks. Soon it has fur and can venture outside. You may see it scampering about learning to find food. But often it seems just to be playing, enjoying its youthfulness. After growing for a year or so, it locates a mate. Then it must build a nest or den and care for offspring. If it finds enough berries, nuts, and seeds, the squirrel family may grow plump and have time to enlarge their home. But in just a few years, the animal becomes old and more prone to accident and disease. About age ten it dies. With slight differences between squirrel types, that is its life cycle.","Most people would not object to that cycle for an animal, and they hardly expect a squirrel to have a thought-out purpose in life. However, the life of many humans does not differ very much from that, does it? They are born and cared for as babies. They eat, grow, and play as youths. Before long they are adults, find a mate, and seek a place to live and a means to provide food. If they succeed, they may grow plump and expand their home (nest) in which to raise offspring. But the decades quickly pass, and they grow older. If not before, they may die after 70 or 80 years filled with “trouble and hurtful things.” (Psalm 90:9, 10, 12) You might think about these sobering facts the next time you see a squirrel (or other animal you had in mind).",Deuteronomy 14:7; Psalm 104:18; Proverbs 30:26,w97 2/15 pp. 10-11 pars. 11-12,,,bl,,1/6/2021
"Listen, Learn, and Show Compassion, doctor, x-ray, tendency to judge others by their outward appearance","Even a brilliant and experienced doctor can learn only so much by just looking at a patient. He must listen attentively if he is to learn about the patient’s medical history, his emotional makeup, or any symptoms he is having. The doctor may even order an X-ray to see the inside of the patient’s body. Otherwise, the doctor could misdiagnose the problem. ","As imperfect humans, all of us have a tendency to judge others by their outward appearance. (Read John 7:24.) But we learn only a little about a person from what we see with our eyes. ",John 7:24,w20 April pp. 14-15 par. 2,,,bl,,1/6/2021
"“I Love the Father” living thing, houseplant, nourished, cared for, grow, thrive, ","In many ways, it is helpful to think of the love in our heart as a living thing. Like a beautiful houseplant, love needs to be nourished and cared for if it is to grow and to thrive. Neglected, deprived of nourishment, it weakens and dies. ",Jesus did not take his love for Jehovah for granted. He kept it strong and thriving throughout his earthly sojourn.,Luke 2:49;,cf chap. 13 pp. 132-133 par. 11,,,bl,,1/6/2021
"Remain in God’s Love, apple seed, contentment, ","An apple seed is essential to the development of a fruit-bearing apple tree. If you wanted an apple, however, would you be content if someone merely handed you an apple seed? Hardly! ","Similarly, a feeling of love for Jehovah God is only a start. The Bible teaches: “This is what the love of God means, that we observe his commandments; and yet his commandments are not burdensome.” (1 John 5:3) To be genuine, love for God must bear fine fruit. It must be expressed in actions.—Read Matthew 7:16-20.",Matthew 7:16-20,bh chap. 19 p. 186 par. 7,,,bl,,1/6/2021
"He Could Have Had God’s Favor, fire must be fed. zeal, hungry for truth, ignite desire, repentance,","Just as we stoke a fire to keep it alive, we need to keep our love for God burning by regularly studying his Word, meditating on what we read, and persevering in prayer. (Ps. 1:2; Rom. 12:12) Our love for Jehovah will, in turn, ignite our desire to please him in all that we do. It will move us, if at times it is needed, to genuine repentance. Unlike Rehoboam, we will remain steadfast in true worship.—Jude 20, 21.",This we will likely do if we strive to maintain a deep love for Jehovah. ,Ps. 1:2; Rom. 12:12,w18 June p. 15 ,,,bl,,1/6/2021
"The Recipe for True Happiness, love of money, riches, desires, wants, ","The situation might be compared to the itch produced by a mosquito bite—the more you scratch it, the more it itches, until it becomes an open sore.","The Bible writer Solomon put it this way: “The man who loves money can never have enough, and the man who is in love with great wealth enjoys no return from it. (Ecclesiastes 5:10, The New English Bible) ",Ecclesiastes 5:10,g 4/06 p. 5,,,bl,,1/6/2021
"What Kind of Love Brings True Happiness? love of self, hedgehog, distorted, selfish, ","One Bible commentary likens those who are lovers of themselves to “the hedgehog which . . . rolls itself up in a ball, keeping the soft, warm wool for itself . . . and . . . presents the sharp spines to those without.” Such self-centered people are not truly happy.","The love of self mentioned at 2 Timothy 3:2 is not a normal, healthy love. It is a distorted, selfish love. People who love themselves excessively think more of themselves than it is necessary for them to think. (Read Romans 12:3.) Their main interest in life is themselves. They care little about others. When things go wrong, they tend to blame others rather than accept responsibility. ",Romans 12:3,w18 January p. 23 par. 5 ,,,bl,,1/6/2021
"Can You Widen Out in Love? Unity, vigorous, healthy, chain links, new commandment, ","THE chain holding a ship’s anchor has to withstand immense strain to keep the vessel from drifting. This is possible, however, only if the links in the chain are secure and strong. Otherwise the chain will snap.","Much the same can be said of the Christian congregation. For a congregation to be vigorous and healthy, the individual members need to be bound together in unity. What is it that binds them? Love, which is the strongest force for unity. No wonder that Jesus Christ told his disciples: “I am giving you a new commandment, that you love one another; just as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love among yourselves.” Indeed, true Christians have the kind of love for one another that goes beyond casual friendship and mutual respect. They develop self-sacrificing love.—John 13:34, 35.","John 13:34, 35",w07 1/1 p. 9 ,,,bl,,1/7/2021
There Are Benefits to Being Loyal,"IN SOME countries, children love to tease a playmate by sticking burs onto his woolen pullover. The burs attach themselves to the wool, and whatever the playmate does—whether he walks, runs, shakes, or jumps—the burs cling. The only way to get rid of them is to pull them off one by one. To youngsters, that is all great fun.","Of course, not everyone appreciates burs on his clothes, but everyone is amazed at their ability to stick. A person who is loyal has a similar quality. The loyal one stays close to someone in an enduring relationship. He sticks faithfully to the duties and obligations of that relationship even when circumstances make it difficult. The word “loyalty” brings to mind virtues like trueness, allegiance, and devotion. However, while you might appreciate it when people are loyal to you, do you have the strength of character to be loyal to others? If so, to whom should you be loyal?",Genesis 2:24; Matthew 19:3-9.,w05 9/1 p. 4,,,bl,,1/7/2021
"Why the Breakdown? Marriage, fail, fault, happiness, stability, maintenance, ","Consider this illustration: Two couples buy the same model car. One couple maintain their vehicle well and drive it carefully. Their car does not break down. The other couple invest no time or energy in maintaining their vehicle, and they drive recklessly. That car breaks down and is abandoned. Where does the fault lie for the second outcome—with the car or with the owners? Obviously, the owners bear much of the responsibility.","Similarly, the fact that many marriages fail does not mean that the institution of marriage is somehow flawed. The millions of marriages that succeed prove otherwise. Those marriages bring happiness and stability to individuals, to families, and to communities. But marriage, like a car, needs good care and regular maintenance if it is to last.",Matthew 19:4-6;,w11 2/1 p. 3,,,bl,,1/7/2021
"Commitment, Marriage, storm, ",Commitment is like an anchor that keeps your marriage steady during stormy times.,"“What God has yoked together, let no man put apart.”—Matthew 19:6.",Matthew 19:6.,g18 No. 2 p. 4 1,,,bl,,1/7/2021
"“Let Marriage Be Honorable” house,  true love, godly fear, and firm faith. time and effort, decorative items","Think of the marriage arrangement as being a house. Next, think of the kind words, thoughtful deeds, and other expressions of honor that marriage partners extend to each other as the decorative items that add beauty to a house. If you feel close to each other, your marriage resembles a house adorned with decorations that give it color and warmth. If your affection diminishes, those decorations gradually disappear, leaving your marriage as bleak as a house without any decorations. Since you desire to obey God’s command to “let marriage be honorable,” you would be moved to improve the situation. After all, something precious and honorable is worth repairing, or restoring. How can you do so? God’s Word states: “By wisdom a house is built up, and by discernment it is made secure. By knowledge its rooms are filled with all sorts of precious and pleasant treasures.” (Proverbs 24:3, 4) ","Consider how these words can be applied to marriage.  Among the precious treasures filling a happy household are such qualities as true love, godly fear, and firm faith. (Proverbs 15:16, 17; 1 Peter 1:7) They create a strong marriage. But did you note how the rooms in the above-quoted proverb are filled with precious treasures? “By knowledge.” Yes, when applied, Bible knowledge has the power to transform people’s thinking and to move them to rekindle their love for each other. (Romans 12:2; Philippians 1:9) Hence, whenever you and your spouse sit down together and calmly consider a Bible passage, such as the daily text, or a Bible-based article in The Watchtower or Awake! pertaining to marriage, it is as if you were examining a lovely decoration that can beautify your house. When love for Jehovah moves you to apply in your marriage the counsel that you just examined, you are, as it were, bringing that decoration into the rooms of your house. As a result, some of the color and warmth that you once enjoyed in your marriage may return. Granted, it may take considerable time and effort to put those decorations back in place one by one. Yet, if you strive to do your share, you will have the deep satisfaction of knowing that you are obeying the Bible’s command: “In showing honor to one another, take the lead.” (Romans 12:10; Psalm 147:11)","Proverbs 24:3, 4",lv chap. 11 pp. 130-132 pars. 20-22,,,bl,,1/7/2021
"Help Others Deal With Stress, trees intertwine, Marriage, death, support, assist, "," When a member of our spiritual family loses a marriage mate in death, he or she needs our support. A married couple can be likened to two trees that have grown up next to each other. Over the years, the roots of the trees intertwine. When one tree is uprooted and dies, the other tree can seriously be affected. ","Similarly, when someone loses a spouse to the enemy death, he or she may feel strong emotions for a long time. Paula, whose husband died suddenly, says: “My life was turned upside down, and I felt powerless. I lost my best friend. I talked to my husband about everything. He shared my joys and supported me through difficult times. He provided a shoulder to cry on. I really felt as if I had been cut in half.”",James 1:27;,w19 June p. 23 par. 13,,,bl,,1/7/2021
"Teamwork, Marriage, pilot, copilot, flight plan, challenges, we, me, ","When there is teamwork in a marriage, a husband and wife are like a pilot and copilot with the same flight plan. Even when challenges arise, each spouse thinks in terms of “we” rather than “me.”","BIBLE PRINCIPLE: “They are no longer two, but one flesh.”—Matthew 19:6. “Marriage is not a solo act. Husband and wife must work together to make it successful.”—Christopher.",Matthew 19:6.,g18 No. 2 p. 5 2,,,bl,,1/7/2021
"Teamwork, marriage, conflict, challenge, decisions, attack, cooperate, one flesh, ","“Teamwork is the essence of marriage. If my husband and I weren’t a team, we would be roommates instead of marriage mates—two people who live together but who aren’t on the same page when it comes to important decisions.”—Alexandra.","When a conflict arises, a husband and wife who are not a team will tend to attack each other rather than the problem. Minor issues will turn into major obstacles.",Matthew 19:6;,g18 No. 2 p. 5 2,,,bl,,1/7/2021
"Divine Guidance for Selecting a Marriage Mate,  coordinated, capable partner, practice, ","AN AERIALIST catapults from his swinging trapeze, doubles up, and deftly somersaults in the air. Snapping out of his spin, he extends his arms and is caught by an upside-down trapeze artist from the opposite side. An ice-skating couple glide smoothly together in a rink. Suddenly, the man lifts his partner and thrusts her into the air. She spins, lands gracefully on one skate, and continues circling with him on the ice. Both performances seem almost effortless. ","Yet, who would even attempt them without practice, a capable partner, and particularly the right kind of guidance or instruction. Similarly, a good marriage may seemingly just happen. However, it too depends on a good partner, on coordinated effort, and especially on wise counsel. Indeed, proper guidance is essential.",PSALM 32:8.,w01 5/15 p. 16,,,bl,,1/7/2021
"Cultivate Spirituality as a Couple, Marriage, garden, results, agree, together, goals, harmony, ","Why, then, should marriage mates strive to cultivate spirituality as a couple? Consider this illustration: Two gardeners jointly own a garden plot and want to grow vegetables. One decides to plant seeds at a certain time of year, whereas the other thinks that the seeds should be planted later. One wants to use a particular type of fertilizer, but the other disagrees strongly and feels that the plants do not need any help. One wants to toil in the garden each day. The other is happy to sit back and watch, rather than work. In such a scenario, the garden may yield some results, but it will not produce as much as it would have if both gardeners had agreed on what to do and then worked together to achieve those goals.","A husband and wife are like those gardeners. If just one partner cultivates spirituality, the relationship might improve. (1 Peter 3:1, 2) Yet, how much better it is when both partners agree to live by God’s standards and work hard to support each other as they serve God! “","1 Peter 3:1, 2",w11 11/1 p. 14,,,bl,,1/7/2021
"“Go On Acquiring Power in the Lord” strangler fig, entangled, world, choke, anxiety, fear, distracted, ","In tropical forests, one may find the strangler fig. It grows slowly as it surrounds the trunk of a host tree. Little by little, the vine envelops its host with roots that get stronger and stronger. The strangler fig’s multiple roots eventually absorb most of the nutrients in the soil at the base of the tree, while its canopy deprives its host of light. Finally, the host dies.","In a similar way, the anxieties of this system and the quest for riches and a comfortable life-style can gradually absorb more and more of our time and energy. With our attention diverted to the things of the world, we might easily neglect personal Bible study and make it a custom to miss Christian meetings, thus being cut off from spiritual nourishment. Materialistic goals now replace spiritual pursuits, and we finally become easy prey for Satan. One of Satan’s most successful ploys is that of getting us absorbed in this world and its materialistic pursuits. In his illustration of the sower, Jesus warned that in some cases “the anxiety of this system of things and the deceptive power of riches choke the word [of the Kingdom].” (Matthew 13:18, 22) The Greek word here rendered “choke” means “strangle completely.”","Matthew 13:18, 22",w04 9/15 p. 12 pars. 10-12 ,,,bl,,1/7/2021
"Seeking Riches That Are True,  Material, riches, failure, counterfeit, false, friends, Kingdom, earth, materials, ","How would we feel if we reached the end of our life in this world and realized that we had sacrificed true riches for a vast store of this world’s “unrighteous riches”? We could feel like a man who has worked all his life for a pile of money, only to learn that it is counterfeit. (Prov. 18:11) Yes, such riches will ultimately fail, so do not lose the opportunity to use them to “make friends” in heaven. Whatever we do to advance the interests of Jehovah’s Kingdom makes us spiritually rich.","When God’s Kingdom does come, rent and mortgages will cease, food will be free and plentiful, health-care costs will disappear. Jehovah’s earthly family will enjoy the best that the earth has to offer. Gold, silver, and gems will be for adornment, not for investment or hoarding. High-quality materials of wood, stone, and metal will be freely available to build beautiful homes. Friends will assist us for sheer satisfaction, not for money. A new system of sharing earth’s bounties will be a way of life.",Prov. 18:11,w17 July p. 11 pars. 16-17,,,bl,,1/7/2021
"Hope in Jehovah, and Be Courageous, window, reflection, meditate, paradise scenes, cleaning, view, distraction, ","Do you regularly reflect on your God-given hope? Can you see yourself in Paradise, glowing with good health, free from anxieties, surrounded by people you love, and sharing in truly fulfilling work? Do you meditate on the Paradise scenes depicted in our publications? Such regular reflection might be likened to cleaning a window that affords a magnificent view. If we neglect to clean the glass, soon dirt and grime will rob us of the scene’s clarity and appeal. Other things may then capture our attention. May we never allow that to happen!","Says Psalm 37:34: “Hope in Jehovah and keep his way, and he will exalt you to take possession of the earth. When the wicked ones are cut off, you will see it.” Yes, we have every reason to “rejoice in the hope.” (Romans 12:12) In order to do so, however, we must keep our hope fresh in mind. ",Psalm 37:34,w06 10/1 p. 28 par. 9,,,bl,,1/7/2021
"Meditation, reflection, plan, purpose, comprehension, memory, relationship, facts, think, ","Just as a carpenter turns raw materials into an attractive building, meditation enables us to “assemble” facts into a coherent pattern or structure.","Meditation also helps us to improve our comprehension and memory. When we study an aspect of creation or a certain Bible topic, we learn many interesting facts. But when we meditate on those facts, we see how they relate to one another and to what we have learned in the past.",Proverbs 16:23;,g 5/14 p. 15,,,bl,,1/7/2021
"Go On Growing in Knowledge, permafrost, learning, remembering, mental capacity, Bible truths, maturity, ","Consider permafrost, the permanently frozen ground in the Arctic and in other regions where the average temperature is below freezing. The soil, rocks, and groundwater freeze into a solid mass, sometimes to a depth of 3,000 feet [900 m]. In the summer, thawing may occur in the surface soil (called the active layer). However, this thin layer of thawed soil is usually muddy because moisture cannot drain into the permafrost below. Plants that grow in the thin top layer are often small or stunted; their roots cannot penetrate the permafrost. ‘What,’ you may wonder, ‘does permafrost have to do with whether I am growing in knowledge of Bible truth?’","Permafrost well illustrates the situation of one whose mental powers are not actively involved with taking in, remembering, and using accurate knowledge. (Compare Matthew 13:5, 20, 21.) The person likely has the mental capacity to learn various subjects, including Bible truth. He studied “the elementary things of the sacred pronouncements of God” and may have qualified to be baptized, as did those Hebrew Christians. He might, though, not “press on to maturity,” to things beyond “the primary doctrine about the Christ.”—Hebrews 5:12; 6:1.","Matthew 13:5, 20, 21",w93 8/15 p. 15 pars. 16-17,,,bl,,1/7/2021
"What Does Jehovah Expect of Us? Modesty, confidence, Deliverer, Guide, protector, limitations, strength, maintain, ","To illustrate: Picture for a moment a little girl holding on tightly to the hand of her father while they walk through a storm. The girl well knows that her strength is limited, but she has confidence in her father. ","We too must know our limitations but have confidence in our heavenly Father. How can we maintain this confidence? For one thing, by keeping in mind why it is wise to stay close to God. Micah reminds us of three reasons: Jehovah is our Deliverer, our Guide, and our Protector.  The third requirement found at Micah 6:8 is “to be modest in walking with your God.” This means to recognize our limitations and to depend on God.",Micah 6:,w03 8/15 p. 22 par. 16,,,bl,,1/7/2021
"Young Ones—Be Guided by God’s Word, Money, materialism, stab, pains, sacrifices, wisdom, ","In the hands of a skilled chef, a sharp knife is a useful tool. But the same knife in the hands of someone inattentive or careless can cause serious harm.","If handled skillfully, money too can be useful. However, those who are “determined to be rich” often sacrifice friendships, family relationships, and even their relationship with God. As a result, they stab themselves “all over with many pains.”—Read 1 Timothy 6:9, 10. “Money is for a protection,” states the Bible. But this same verse shows that wisdom is even more valuable than money. (Eccl. 7:12) God’s Word encourages us to respect money, not to love it. Why should you avoid developing love for money?","1 Timothy 6:9, 10",w10 11/15 p. 5 par. 11 ,,,bl,,1/7/2021
"How Can I Manage My Money? Control, budget, spending, credit cards, lending, car, blind driving,","If you were driving and did not have control of your car or if you were in the habit of steering with your eyes closed, would putting more fuel in your tank make it more likely that you would reach your destination safely? ","Likewise, if you don’t learn how to control your spending, earning more money won’t improve your situation.",Ecclesiastes 7:12;,yp2 chap. 19 pp. 160-161,,,bl,,1/7/2021
"Share in the Joy of Giving! disciple, making, play a part, whole congregation, brotherhood, association, raindrop, individual, ","No one individual makes a disciple, any more than one drop of rain nourishes a plant. True, one Witness may locate an interested person and conduct a Bible study. But once that new one comes to the Kingdom Hall, the whole congregation helps him or her to recognize the truth. The warmth of the brotherhood shows the influence of God’s spirit. (1 Corinthians 14:24, 25) Children and teenagers give stimulating comments, showing the new person that our young ones are different from the youth of the world. The sick, the infirm, and the elderly in the congregation teach new ones what endurance involves.","Remember, too, that the disciple-making work is a group effort. Regardless of our age or limitations, all of us play an important part in helping new ones as their love of Bible truth deepens and they progress toward baptism. Every hour we spend in the ministry, each return visit, each conversation with an interested person at the Kingdom Hall, may seem insignificant on its own, but it is part of a mighty work that Jehovah is accomplishing.","1 Corinthians 14:24, 25",w01 7/1 p. 17 par. 16,,,bl,,1/7/2021
"How Do You Handle Differences? maintain peace, conflicts, anger, quarreling, price, model, misunderstanding, self-respect, ","Imagine two young children tugging at the same toy, each pulling harder and harder with a view to having it. Angry words may accompany the struggle until finally one relinquishes his hold or someone else intervenes. The Genesis account tells us that Abraham heard that an argument had taken place between his herders and those of his nephew Lot. Abraham took the initiative to approach Lot and say: “Please, do not let any quarreling continue between me and you and between my herdsmen and your herdsmen, for we men are brothers.” It was Abraham’s determination not to let any conflict damage their relationship. At what price? He was ready to sacrifice his privilege of choice as the older man; he was prepared to give something up. Abraham allowed Lot to select where he wished to take his household and flocks. Lot subsequently chose for himself the verdant area of Sodom and Gomorrah. Abraham and Lot parted company in peace.—Genesis 13:5-12.","To maintain peaceful relations with others, are we prepared to act in the spirit that Abraham did? This Bible episode sets for us a beautiful model to imitate when handling a difference. Abraham appealed: “Do not let any quarreling continue.” Abraham’s genuine desire was to arrive at an amicable solution. Surely such an invitation to keep peaceful relations would help to set aside any misunderstanding. Abraham then concluded with the expression “for we men are brothers.” Why sacrifice such a precious relationship for the sake of personal preference or pride? Abraham kept a clear focus on what was important. He did so with self-respect and honor, at the same time dignifying his nephew.",Genesis 13:5-12,w00 8/15 p. 24,,,bl,,1/7/2021
"“Let Your Petitions Be Made Known to God” Prayers, embarrassed, sin, pray, soften, freedom of speech, ","Airplane pilots know that if they get lost, they can communicate with air traffic controllers to get help. What, though, if a lost pilot hesitates to contact the controllers because he is embarrassed that he got lost? That could lead to disaster! ","Similarly, the person who has sinned and is embarrassed to pray to God could suffer further harm. Shame over sin should not stop one from speaking with Jehovah. In fact, God invites those who have made serious errors to pray to him. The prophet Isaiah urged sinners in his day to call to Jehovah, “for he will forgive in a large way.” (Isaiah 55:6, 7) Of course, one may need to ‘soften the face of Jehovah’ by first softening one’s own heart, turning from the sinful course, and sincerely repenting.—Psalm 119:58; Daniel 9:13.  How can prayer help if someone has sinned? Because of shame, some who have sinned hold back from praying. That, however, is not a wise course to follow. ","Isaiah 55:6, 7",w06 9/1 p. 30 par. 14 ,,,bl,,1/7/2021
"Trustworthiness, reliable, honest, credit, approval, ",Obeying your parents is like paying off a debt to the bank. ,"The more reliable you are, the more trust (or credit) you will receive",Colossians 3:12.,g18 No. 2 p. 13 10,,,bl,,1/7/2021
"Can I Be Happy in a Single-Parent Family? rowboat, cooperation, work together, ","Why not picture your family as a team of oarsmen in a rowboat? Ideally, the boat would have a full crew. In a single-parent household, one of the crew is missing and the rest of the team has to work a bit harder. Does this mean that the family is a failure? No! ","As long as the rest of the team pull together, the boat will stay afloat and reach its destination.",Ecclesiastes 7:10;,yp2 chap. 25 p. 211 ,,,bl,,1/7/2021
"You Can Break Through These Barriers!  overload, burnout, boredom, lift, airplane, negative thoughts, uplifting, ","A JUMBO jet may take aboard hundreds of passengers and tons of cargo. How can such a heavy aircraft get off the ground? Simply, by means of lift. When the plane hurtles down the runway, the air rushes over and under the curved wings. This produces an upward force called lift. When sufficient lift is generated, the craft can break free of the ground and fly. Of course, an overloaded plane cannot generate sufficient lift to become airborne.","We also can become overloaded. Centuries ago, King David said that his ‘errors were like a load too heavy for him.’ (Psalm 38:4) Likewise, Jesus Christ warned against becoming weighed down with the anxieties of life. (Luke 21:34) Negative thoughts and feelings can weigh us down to the extent that it may seem difficult to get “airborne.” Are you weighed down in that way? Or have you experienced some barrier to your further spiritual development? If so, what may be helpful?",Psalm 38:4,w95 7/15 p. 21,,,bl,,1/7/2021
"Why Disfellowshipping Is a Loving Provision, Love, hiker, hypothermia, drowsy, slap, awake, loyal love, reprove, ","Imagine a hiker who succumbs to exhaustion on a cold winter day. He begins to suffer from hypothermia, and he feels drowsy. If he falls asleep in the snow, he will die. While waiting for a rescue party, his companion occasionally slaps him in the face to keep him awake. The slap may sting, but it could well save his life. ","Similarly, David recognized that a righteous person might need to give him painful correction for his own good.  Love and firmness are needed to produce the desired result. “Should the righteous one strike me, it would be an act of loyal love,” said the psalmist David, and “should he reprove me, it would be like oil on my head.” (Ps. 141:5) ",Ps. 141:5,w15 4/15 p. 31,,,bl,,1/7/2021
"How to Be a Successful Parent, parents, husbands, wife, blueprints, substituted, responsibility, children, ","A building contractor may have at his disposal the finest blueprints and building materials available. But what would result if the contractor refused to follow the blueprints, perhaps even permitting foolish shortcuts to be taken or allowing inferior materials to be substituted for the quality ones? Would not the completed building be faulty, even dangerous to use? Suppose, though, that the contractor was conscientious and did his best to follow the blueprints and to use quality materials. Would not the owner of the completed building now have a responsibility to maintain it in proper order? Would he not also have a responsibility not to tear out the quality materials and replace them with inferior ones?","In a figurative way, parents are involved in a construction work. They want to build into their children fine personalities. The Bible provides the best blueprint for this. The quality materials, “gold, silver, precious stones,” are likened in the Scriptures to qualities such as strong faith, godly wisdom, spiritual discernment, loyalty, and loving appreciation for almighty God and his laws.—1 Corinthians 3:10-13; compare Psalm 19:7-11; Proverbs 2:1-6; 1 Peter 1:6, 7.","Psalm 19:7-11; Proverbs 2:1-6; 1 Peter 1:6, 7",w88 5/1 p. 3,,,bl,,1/7/2021
"Youths—Let Your Parents Help You Guard Your Heart! children, husband, wife, pilot, ship, ","WHAT do you think is the most difficult challenge facing a ship’s captain? Is it crossing a vast ocean safely? Not usually. Most shipwrecks occur near the shore, not in the open sea. In fact, docking a ship can even be more hazardous than landing an airplane. Why? Before a captain can safely berth his ship, he has to avoid all the dangers that a particular port may pose. He needs to take into account underwater currents while steering clear of other ships. He must also skirt any sandbanks, rocks, or wrecks hidden underneath the water. And to make matters worse, this may be his first visit to the harbor. To help overcome these problems, a wise captain may engage the services of a pilot who knows the local waters intimately. The pilot stands at the captain’s side on the bridge and gives expert direction. Together they consider the hazards and steer the ship through any narrow channels to the port.The invaluable expertise of the pilot illustrates the priceless help available to Christian youths who have to chart a course through the difficult waters of life. What is this help? Why do teenagers need it? Let us continue the illustration of the ship. If you are an adolescent, you are somewhat like the captain of a ship in that you must eventually take responsibility for your life. And your parents have a role similar to that of a ship’s pilot as they try to guide you through some of the most difficult situations you will ever have to face in life. During the teenage years, however, you may find it hard to accept the advice your parents give you. Why is that?","The problem often lies with the heart. Your figurative heart may impel you to desire what is forbidden or to protest at any apparent denial of freedom. “The inclination of the heart of man,” the Bible says, “is bad from his youth up.” (Genesis 8:21) Jehovah makes clear that you have a real challenge ahead of you. “Deceitful is the heart above all things, and dangerously wayward,” he warns. (Jeremiah 17:9, Rotherham) In addition to harboring wrong desires, the heart can deceive a youth into thinking that he knows better than his parents, even though they have much more experience. There are good reasons, however, for you to seek your parents’ help when navigating the difficult teenage years.",Genesis 8:21,w04 10/15 pp. 20-21 ,,,bl,,1/7/2021
"Youths—Let Your Parents Help You Guard Your Heart!  Sandbanks, ","Pilots advise ship captains to give sandbanks that stretch beneath the waters a wide berth. Sandbanks are soft but also treacherous, since they constantly shift position. Your parents will likewise want you to keep your distance from situations that might ensnare you emotionally. Parents know, for example, that feelings toward the opposite sex go deep and can be difficult to define. But once aroused, these feelings can cause you to run aground.","The example of Dinah illustrates a risk of steering too close to danger. Perhaps curiosity and a desire to have a good time moved Dinah to seek companionship with Canaanite girls, whose morals were undoubtedly lax. What at first seemed to be innocent fun soon led to a tragic experience—she was raped by “the most honorable” young man in town.—Genesis 34:1, 2, 19.","Genesis 34:1, 2, 19.",w04 10/15 p. 21 ,,,bl,,1/7/2021
"Youths—Let Your Parents Help You Guard Your Heart!  passion, desires, romantic, brakes, peer pressure, ","A ship has no brakes, so it takes a long time to stop. Parents know that passion behaves similarly. The book of Proverbs likens a man moved by unrestrained passion to a bull being led to the slaughter. (Proverbs 7:21-23) ","You do not want to allow such a thing to happen to you, leading you to emotional and spiritual shipwreck. Your parents may recognize when your heart has begun to mislead you in this area, and they may give you counsel accordingly. Will you have the wisdom to listen to them and thus avert calamity?—Proverbs 1:8; 27:12. You also need your parents’ support when you have to cope with peer pressure. How can they help you?",Proverbs 1:8; 27:12,w04 10/15 p. 22 ,,,bl,,1/7/2021
"Youths—Let Your Parents Help You Guard Your Heart! ship that lists, maneuver, capsize, lean, tendency, imperfect nature, ","A ship that lists is hard to maneuver, and if it lists too much, it can easily capsize. Because of our imperfect nature, all of us lean toward the selfish and the forbidden. Despite these tendencies, young ones can still reach port, as it were, if they carefully follow their parents’ guidance.","For example, your parents can help you reject the idea that there is a middle road between the narrow one to life and the broad one to destruction. (Matthew 7:13, 14) It is unrealistic to think that you can enjoy a little of what is wrong but not go all the way, that you can “taste” without swallowing. Those who try to follow such a course are “limping upon two different opinions”—serving Jehovah to a certain extent but also loving the world and the things in the world—and can easily capsize spiritually. (1 Kings 18:21; 1 John 2:15) Why does that happen? Because of our sinful tendencies.","Matthew 7:13, 14",w04 10/15 pp. 23-24,,,bl,,1/7/2021
"Youths—Let Your Parents Help You Guard Your Heart!  experience, desires incidental to youth.  selfless love. ","Like the ship’s pilot, your parents speak from experience. They themselves have experienced “the desires incidental to youth.” And as true Christians, they have personally seen the value of following Bible principles.—2 Timothy 2:22.","Apart from their God-given duty to guide you, your Christian parents are likely the most qualified to act as your advisers. That is primarily because they know you so well and have no doubt shown their selfless love for you over many years. ",2 Timothy 2:22,*** w04 10/15 p. 21 ,,,bl,,1/7/2021
"Parents—Train Your Children From Their Infancy, bow and arrow, brief time, principles, ","Psalm 127:4 states: “Like arrows in the hand of a mighty man, so are the sons of youth.” Children are thus likened to arrows that should be accurately aimed at the target. An archer can never recall an arrow once it leaves his bow. ",Parents have “arrows”—their children—for only a comparatively brief period of time. That time should be used to instill godly principles in the mind and heart of their children.,Psalm 127:4,w13 8/15 p. 17,,,bl,,1/7/2021
"Teach Your Children to Love Jehovah, bow, arrow, youth, short time, skill,, environment, training, response, ","AN ARCHER prepares to shoot an arrow at a target. He carefully places it against the bowstring, and with flexed muscles he bends his bow. Despite the strain, he takes time to aim the arrow. Then he lets it fly! Will the arrow hit the target? Several factors determine the answer, including the skill of the archer, the effect of the wind, and the condition of the arrow.","King Solomon likened children to “arrows in the hand of a mighty man.” (Psalm 127:4) Consider how this illustration might be applied. An archer has the arrow in his bow for only a relatively short time. To hit the target, he must quickly let it go. Likewise, parents have only a relatively short period of time to develop in their children heartfelt love for Jehovah. After what seems to be just a few short years, the children grow up and leave home. (Matthew 19:5) Will they hit the target—that is, will the children continue to love and serve God after they leave home? Numerous factors influence the answer. Three of them are the skill of the parent, the environment in which the children are raised, and the way the ‘arrow,’ or child, responds to the training he or she receives.",Psalm 127:4,w07 9/1 p. 26 pars. 1-2 ,,,bl,,1/7/2021
"Forgive From Your Heart, Forgive, pass over transgressions, offense, hurt feelings, airplane, gesture, childish, ","Imagine yourself on a jet airplane speeding down a runway. Looking out, you see near the runway an acquaintance making the rude gesture of childishly sticking her tongue out. You know that she had been upset and might have you in mind. Or she might not be thinking of you at all. Anyway, as the plane circles to gain altitude, you pass high over the woman, who now seems to be just a speck. In an hour you are hundreds of miles away, and her offending gesture is long since behind you. ","Similarly, many times it will help us to forgive if we try to be like Jehovah and wisely pass over the offense. (Proverbs 19:11) Will not the slight seem tiny ten years from now or two hundred years into the Millennium? Why not just let it pass? Yes, Jehovah was able to ‘pass over’ transgressions, even as David repeatedly asked him to do. (2 Samuel 12:13; 24:10) Can we imitate God in this, being willing to pass over the slights and offenses that our fellow servants commit as imperfect humans? ",2 Samuel 12:13; 24:10,w99 10/15 pp. 15-16 par. 17,,,bl,,1/7/2021
"Improve Your Study Habits! abundance of material, buffet, simplify, ","A great variety of delicious food is available on a buffet at a restaurant. The patrons of the restaurant could never sample everything that is offered. So they choose just a few dishes. Similarly, if you are unable to keep up with everything that is supplied electronically, do not be discouraged. Read or watch what you can.","What else should we study carefully? Of course, we want to prepare the material for the Watchtower Study and the Congregation Bible Study as well as other material for the midweek meeting. We should also keep up with each issue of The Watchtower and Awake!‘Fine,’ you may say, ‘but what about all the features that appear on our website, jw.org, as well as the material that is presented on JW Broadcasting? There is so much!’ ",Ps. 19:14,w19 May p. 27 pars. 5-7,,,bl,,1/7/2021
"Should I Play Electronic Games? video, internet, porn, ","Choosing to play violent or immoral electronic games is like choosing to play with radioactive waste—the damaging effects may not be immediately obvious, but they’re inevitable. In what way? Exposure to high doses of radiation can destroy the lining of the stomach and allow bacteria from the intestines to invade the bloodstream, resulting in sickness. ","Similarly, exposure to high doses of graphic sex and hideous violence can damage your “moral sense” and allow fleshly desires to invade and dominate your thinking and actions.—Ephesians 4:19; Galatians 6:7, 8.","Ephesians 4:19; Galatians 6:7, 8",yp2 chap. 30 pp. 249-250,,,bl,,1/7/2021
"Do Not Let Doubts Destroy Your Faith, spiritual nutrition, starvation, suffer, starved, body, health, ","“As soon as the body begins to consume its own protein its health begins to suffer.” When you are starved of food, your body begins to use up fuel reserves stored throughout the body. When these sources are exhausted, the body begins to consume protein that is essential for continued growth and repair of tissue. Vital organs begin to break down. Your health then quickly deteriorates. ","That is what happened in a spiritual sense to some in the early Christian congregation. They tried to live off their spiritual reserves. Likely, they neglected personal study, and they became spiritually weak. (Hebrews 5:12) The apostle Paul explained the danger in doing this when he wrote to Hebrew Christians: “It is necessary for us to pay more than the usual attention to the things heard by us, that we may never drift away.” He knew how easy it would be to drift into bad habits if we “neglected a salvation of such greatness.”","Hebrews 2:1, 3",w01 7/1 p. 20 ,,,bl,,1/7/2021
"Young People, Praise Jehovah! speech, remarkable friend, sports, accomplishments, ","If you had a close friend with an amazing skill—perhaps in sports, art, or music—would you talk about him to your family and other friends? No doubt. ","Well, learning about all that Jehovah has done can have a similar effect on us. For example, Psalm 19:1, 2 says that the starry heavens cause “speech to bubble forth.” As for us, when we think about the amazing things that Jehovah has accomplished, we can hardly hold back from talking to others about our God.","Psalm 19:1, 2",w05 6/15 p. 24 par. 7,,,bl,,1/7/2021
"Young People, Praise Jehovah! remarkable friend, lies, slander profane, truth, ","There is yet another reason for praising Jehovah. Remember the illustration about your remarkable friend. If you heard others telling lies about him, slandering his good name, would you not be even more determined to praise him? ","Well, Jehovah is widely slandered in this world. (John 8:44; Revelation 12:9) Those who love him thus feel impelled to tell the truth about him, setting the record straight. Would you too like to express your love and appreciation to Jehovah and show that you want him as your Ruler instead of his chief enemy, Satan? You can do all of that by praising Jehovah. ",John 8:44; Revelation 12:9,w05 6/15 p. 25 par. 10,,,bl,,1/7/2021
"How Can I Improve in My Prayers? requests, supplication, friendship, door, ","Prayer is like a door that you can open at any time. However, many youths would say that they do not open the door as frequently or as freely as they should. If that’s so in your case, don’t give up! You’ve already identified the challenge and set a goal. Now you just need a key to unlock the door. Consider some obstacles that you might face, along with suggestions on how to overcome them.","▪ The Lock: NEGLECT. “Sometimes because of my hectic schedule, prayer gets pushed aside.”—Preeti, 20, Britain.The Key: “Keep strict watch that how you walk is not as unwise but as wise persons, buying out the opportune time for yourselves, because the days are wicked.”—Ephesians 5:15, 16.Suggestion: In advance, pick what might be a good time to pray each day. You could even write it down on paper, much as you would write down a reminder for an appointment. “If I don’t set a specific time to pray, I become preoccupied with other things,” says 18-year-old Yoshiko in Japan.▪ The Lock: DISTRACTION. “I lose my concentration, and my mind seems to be on everything except what I’m saying.”—Pamela, 17, Mexico.The Key: “Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.”—Matthew 12:34.  See article,","Ephesians 5:15, 16.",g 11/08 pp. 26-27,,,bl,,1/7/2021
"“Let Your Petitions Be Made Known to God” Prayers, appreciation, effort, ask, keep on asking, ","A store owner may offer a gift to some of his customers. However, to receive this gift, the customers must come to the owner and claim it. Those unwilling to make the effort to do so would show that they do not really appreciate the offer. ","Similarly, neglecting to make our petitions known in prayer would show a lack of appreciation for what Jehovah provides. Jesus said: “Ask and you will receive.” (John 16:24) In this way, we demonstrate our reliance on God.  Some may ask, ‘Does not Jehovah already know all our needs?’ Yes, he does. (Matthew 6:8, 32) Why, then, does he still want us to approach him with our petitions? Consider this example",John 16:24,w06 9/1 pp. 27-28 par. 4,,,bl,,1/7/2021
"Our Teaching Toolbox, skillful, basic tools, ministry, practice, ","Craftsmen use a variety of tools. While some tools are occasionally needed for specialized tasks, other basic tools are used frequently. Experienced craftsmen always have these basic tools in their toolbox, and these are the ones that they are the most skillful at using. The Bible encourages each Christian to apply himself in the ministry and to be “a workman with nothing to be ashamed of.” (2 Tim. 2:15) What is the most important tool in our toolbox? It is God’s Word—the principal tool we use to “make disciples.” (Matt. 28:19, 20) ","Therefore, we should endeavor to become skillful at “handling the word of the truth aright.” However, there are other frequently used tools in our teaching toolbox that all Christians should learn to use skillfully to teach people the truth.—Prov. 22:29.",Prov. 22:29.,km 7/15 p. 3 par. 1,,,bl,,1/7/2021
"Parents and Children: Put God First! pray, prayer, cold, scared, ","One youth noted: “Being scared is like being cold. You can do something about it.” She explained: “When you’re cold, you put on a sweater. If you’re still cold, you put on another one. And you keep on putting something on until the coldness goes away and you’re no longer cold. ","So praying to Jehovah when you’re scared is like putting on a sweater when you’re cold. If after one prayer I’m still scared, I pray again, and again, and again, until I don’t feel scared anymore. And it works. It has kept me out of trouble!”",Proverbs 27:11;,w95 10/1 p. 18 par. 20,,,bl,,1/7/2021
"“We All Belong to the Same Family” Races, ethnic, not partial, neutrality, climbing vine, flowers, ","“Here in Kigali,” Eugène would explain, “the bougainvillea produces red, pink, and sometimes white flowers. Yet, they all belong to the same family. It is the same with humans. Although we may be of different races, skin color, or ethnic background, we all belong to the same family, the family of mankind.”","One Witness family—Eugène Ntabana, his wife, and two children—lived in the capital, Kigali. When explaining Christian neutrality to his neighbors, Eugène often spoke of the bougainvillea, a climbing vine that thrives in warm climates.—Matthew 22:21.",Matthew 22:21.,w96 11/1 p. 32,,,bl,,1/7/2021
"Young Ones—How Can You Prepare for Baptism? ransom, memorial, ","Your response to the ransom might be illustrated this way: Imagine that someone rescued you from drowning. Would you simply go home, dry yourself off, and forget about what was done for you? Of course not! You would certainly feel indebted to the person who rescued you. The fact is, you would owe that person your life! ","We owe Jehovah God and Jesus Christ much more. Without the ransom, each of us would, in a sense, drown in sin and death. But because of this great act of love, we now have the incomparable prospect of living forever on a paradise earth! (Read 2 Corinthians 5:14, 15; 1 John 4:9, 19.) Thinking about the ransom and what it means for you will motivate you to respond appreciatively.","2 Corinthians 5:14, 15; 1 John 4:9, 19",w16 March p. 11 pars. 16-17,,,bl,,1/7/2021
"Rescue Needed! Ransom, Christ Jesus, face death in a catastrophe, disaster, pandemic, memorial, ","A COAL MINE near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, U.S.A., was suddenly flooded by millions of gallons of water. Nine miners were trapped in an air pocket 240 feet [73 m] underground. Three days later, they were back on the surface, safe and sound. How were they rescued? Aided by maps of the mine and by the Global Positioning System, rescuers drilled a 30-inch [65 cm]-wide hole and lowered a capsule like cage down to where the men were huddled. One by one, the miners were brought to the surface in that cage, out of their would-be tomb. All were happy, relieved, and grateful for their rescue.","Most of us will never be trapped underground like those nine coal miners or have to face death in a catastrophe. Still, we all need to be rescued, for we cannot escape the ravages of sickness and old age and finally death. “Man, born of woman, is short-lived and glutted with agitation,” observed the faithful patriarch Job. “Like a blossom he has come forth and is cut off, and he runs away like the shadow and does not keep existing.” (Job 14:1, 2) Today, some 3,500 years later, those words continue to prove true, for who of us can escape life’s fatal outcome—death? Regardless of where we live or how well we guard our health, we need to be rescued from the clutches of suffering, old age, and death.","Job 14:1, 2",w08 3/1 p. 3,,,bl,,1/7/2021
"“Exercise Justice” in Walking With God, ransom, bought, redeemed, savior, rescued, safety, indebted, owe life, faith, ","IMAGINE being trapped on a sinking ship. Just when you think that there is no hope, a rescuer arrives and pulls you to safety. How relieved you feel as your rescuer takes you away from the danger and says: “You are safe now”! Would you not feel indebted to that person? In a very real sense, you would owe him your life.","In some respects, this illustrates what Jehovah has done for us. Surely we are indebted to him. After all, he has provided the ransom, making it possible for us to be rescued from the clutches of sin and death. We feel safe knowing that as long as we exercise faith in that precious sacrifice, our sins are forgiven, and our eternal future is secure. (1 John 1:7; 4:9) As we saw in Chapter 14, the ransom is a supreme expression of Jehovah’s love and justice. How should we respond?",1 John 1:7; 4:9,cl chap. 16 p. 158 pars. 1-2,,,bl,,1/7/2021
"“Exercise Justice” in Walking With God,  rescued, preaching, ransom, savior, help others, waters, Struggling, message, patient, ","Consider again the illustration of being rescued from a sinking ship. Safe in a lifeboat, you would surely want to help others who are still in the water. ","Similarly, we have an obligation toward those who are still struggling in the “waters” of this wicked world. True, many reject our message. But as long as Jehovah continues to be patient, we have the responsibility to give them the opportunity to “attain to repentance” and thus come in line for salvation.—2 Peter 3:9.",2 Peter 3:9.,cl chap. 16 p. 161 par. 10,,,bl,,1/7/2021
"How the Ransom Saves Us, memorial, corrupt bank, debt, innocent victims, poverty, circumstances, Lamb, ","How the ransom works can be illustrated by the situation of people who have been defrauded of all their savings by a corrupt bank and thus fell into debt. The owners of the bank are justly sentenced to years in prison. But what about the innocent victims? Reduced to poverty, they have no way out of their circumstances unless a kind and wealthy man takes over the bank and restores to the victims all their savings, relieving them of debt. ","In like manner, Jehovah God and his beloved Son have purchased Adam’s offspring and canceled their debt of sin on the basis of Jesus’ shed blood. That is why John the Baptizer could say of Jesus: “See, the Lamb of God that takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29) The world of mankind whose sins are taken away includes not only the living but also the dead.",John 1:29,w10 8/15 p. 14 par. 11,,,bl,,1/7/2021
"Jehovah Provides “a Ransom in Exchange for Many” cancel debt, Adam's sin, factory closes, suffer, Memorial, ","Imagine that you live in a town where most of the residents are employed at a large factory. You and your neighbors are well paid for your labors and lead comfortable lives. That is, until the day the factory closes its doors. The reason? The factory manager turned corrupt, forcing the business into bankruptcy. Suddenly out of work, you and your neighbors are unable to pay the bills. Marriage mates, children, and creditors suffer because of that one man’s corruption. Is there a way out? Yes! A wealthy benefactor decides to intervene. He appreciates the value of the company. He also feels for its many employees and their families. So he arranges to pay off the company’s debt and reopen the factory. ","The cancellation of that one debt brings relief to the many employees and their families and to the creditors. Similarly, the cancellation of Adam’s debt benefits untold millions.",Romans 5:16.,cl chap. 14 p. 143 pars. 11-12,,,bl,,1/7/2021
"Ransom, Memorial, Christ, grandfather pays off debt, Jehovah, accept, requirements, ","Illustration: A family head may become a criminal and be sentenced to death. His children may be left destitute, hopelessly in debt. ","Perhaps their kindly grandfather intervenes on their behalf, making provision through a son who is living with him to pay their debts and to open up for them the possibility of a new life. Of course, to benefit, the children must accept the arrangement, and the grandfather may reasonably require certain things as assurance that the children will not imitate the course of their father.","Phil. 2:7,",rs p. 308,,,bl,,1/7/2021
"Is the Bible Still Changing Your Life? Ransom, refusing, water, wash, clean, repentance, precious gift, life,","Should we hesitate to avail ourselves of the benefits of the ransom because we feel unclean or sinful? Of course not! That would be like refusing to use water to wash our hands when they are dirty. After all, the ransom is provided for repentant sinners. Thanks to the ransom, then, we can enjoy a friendship with Jehovah even though we are in an imperfect state.—Read 1 Timothy 1:15.","Love moved God to offer us a precious gift—the ransom sacrifice of his beloved Son. (John 3:16) If on the basis of this priceless provision we repentantly seek Jehovah’s forgiveness when we err, we can have the confidence that our friendship with him is still intact. (Rom. 7:24, 25; 1 John 2:1, 2)",1 Timothy 1:15,w16 May p. 19 par. 7,,,bl,,1/7/2021
"“Who Is Wise and Understanding Among You?” qualities, wisdom, reflex hammer, kneecap, automatic, conscience, ",Perhaps you have had a doctor use a reflex hammer to tap the tendon just below your kneecap. Your leg reflexively straightens with a kick. It is automatic; you do not have to think about it.,"It should be similar when we are tempted to do evil. Our chasteness and Bible-trained conscience should reflexively move us to reject what is bad. (Rom. 12:9) The Bible provides examples of those who reacted in this way, such as Joseph and Jesus.—Gen. 39:7-9; Matt. 4:8-10. We can benefit by considering some of the qualities that come from displaying “the wisdom from above.” Being chaste involves being pure and undefiled in our actions and motives. We need to reject evil things immediately. Doing so should be an automatic reaction. ",James 3:17; Matt. 4:8-10,w08 3/15 p. 24 par. 17,,,bl,,1/7/2021
" Respect, Marriage, speech, ",Respectful speech is the mortar that can hold your marriage together.,,Colossians 3:12.,g18 No. 2 p. 6 3,,,bl,,1/7/2021
"What Is God Doing? Restore, house, good, bad, condition, damage, earth, living forever, real life, vandalized, ","Imagine a house that has been a shambles for many years. The roof has caved in, the doors have fallen off their hinges, and the exterior has been vandalized. At one time, this house was in good condition—but no longer. Considering the extent of the damage that has occurred, restoration will be no small task; it will not take place overnight.","Now consider the damage that occurred to mankind some 6,000 years ago when an unseen spirit, Satan, induced Adam and Eve to rebel against God. Prior to that event, the first human couple enjoyed perfect health with the prospect of living forever along with future generations of their offspring. (Genesis 1:28) When they sinned, however, it was as if Adam and Eve vandalized the human family yet to be born.",Genesis 1:28,w10 5/1 pp. 4-5,,,bl,,1/7/2021
"Do You Really Need to Apologize? humble, humility, accept, kindness, descends to valley, conversation, ","By way of illustration, let us suppose that two men who need to communicate are standing on the tops of two different mountains. Conversation across the chasm that divides them proves impossible. When one of them descends to the valley below and the other follows his example, however, they can converse easily. ","Similarly, if two Christians need to resolve a difference between them, let each one humbly meet the other in the valley, so to speak, and make suitable apologies.—1 Peter 5:6. The one receiving an apology should accept it in a humble manner.",1 Peter 5:6,w96 9/15 p. 23 ,,,bl,,1/7/2021
"Why Does God Allow Suffering? honest, universal issue, challenge, ","Michelle: Well, maybe I could illustrate the point this way. Let’s say that one day I approach you and claim that I’m physically stronger than you are. How could you prove me wrong? Sophia: I suppose with some sort of a test. Michelle: Yes, exactly. Maybe we would choose a heavy object and then see which one of us was able to lift it. Actually, proving who is stronger is pretty straightforward. Sophia: I see your point. Michelle: ","But what if instead of saying that I’m stronger, I claimed to be more honest than you? That’s a different matter, isn’t it? Sophia: Yes, I suppose so. Michelle: After all, honesty is not something like strength, which can be proved with a simple test. Sophia: No. Michelle: Really, the only way to settle the challenge would be to let enough time pass for others to observe the two of us and see who really is more honest. Sophia: That makes sense. Michelle: Now, look again at this account in Genesis. Did Satan claim to be stronger than God? Sophia: No. Michelle: God could have quickly proved him wrong. Instead, Satan claimed to be more honest than God. In effect, he said to Eve, ‘God is lying to you, but I’m telling you the truth.’ Sophia: Interesting. Michelle: In his wisdom, then, God knew that the best way to settle the challenge would be to allow time to pass. Eventually, it would become clear who was telling the truth and who was lying. ",Genesis 3:15;,w14 1/1 p. 9,,,bl,,1/7/2021
"Should We Fear Satan? Invisible, carbon monoxide, Colorless and odorless, panic, calm, ","It is very hard to detect. Colorless and odorless, it may catch its victims unawares. Perhaps over half of all deaths by poisoning worldwide may be traced to this single culprit: carbon monoxide. However, there is no need to panic. There are ways to detect that gas and to protect yourself. Many people wisely install warning monitors and then carefully heed any alarms.","Like carbon monoxide, Satan is invisible, very hard for humans to detect, and extremely dangerous. But God has not left us without help. You need not fear Satan if you take advantage of the following gifts God offers. The power of choice. James 4:7 tells us: “Oppose the Devil, and he will flee from you.” Although Satan is powerful, he cannot force you to do things that you do not want to do. You have a choice. First Peter 5:9 says: “Take your stand against him [the Devil], firm in the faith.” Remember, Satan left after Jesus firmly rejected the three temptations. (Matthew 4:11) You can likewise choose to resist Satan’s efforts.",James 4:7,w14 11/1 p. 6 ,,,bl,,1/7/2021
"Jehovah Is Our Sovereign Lord!  drama, vindication, sovereignty, government, issue, loyalty, challenge,","Today, a drama of utmost importance is under way—and it involves you! Especially does it relate to the vindication of Jehovah God’s sovereignty. This drama can be illustrated by a situation that might exist in a certain land. On the one hand, there is the duly constituted government that maintains order. On the other hand, there is a criminal entity ruling by fraud, violence, and murder. The illegal organization is a challenge to the sovereign rulership and tests the loyalty of all citizens to their government.",A similar situation exists on a universal scale. There is the legally constituted government of the “Sovereign Lord Jehovah.” (Ps. 71:5) But mankind is now threatened by a criminal organization headed by “the wicked one.” (1 John 5:19) It presents a challenge to the duly constituted government of God and tests the loyalty of all people to his sovereign rulership. How did this state of affairs come about? Why does God permit it? What can we do about it as individuals?,Ps. 71:5,w10 11/15 p. 24 pars. 2-3,,,bl,,1/7/2021
"Take as a Pattern the Prophets of God, searching, territory, persevere, positive, ","If we were to misplace our keys, we might retrace our steps and search in the various places where we had been. We might find them only after doing this repeatedly. ","Let us similarly persevere in searching out sheeplike ones. What joy we have when they respond to the good news in often-worked territory! And how we rejoice that God is blessing our work in lands where restrictions formerly limited our public ministry!—Galatians 6:10. To ‘search out deserving ones,’ we need to persevere and to view matters positively. (Matthew 10:11) ",Matthew 10:11;,w94 9/15 p. 18 par. 11,,,bl,,1/7/2021
"“Go . . . Make Disciples” searching, lost child, real-life example, no hope, help, credit to Jehovah, ","Every Christian minister is involved in helping to find honesthearted ones. We could liken this work to finding a lost child. In what way? Consider the real-life example of a three-year-old boy who wandered away from home. About 500 people were involved in searching for him. Finally, some 20 hours after the child went missing, a volunteer discovered the little boy in a cornfield. That volunteer refused to take credit for locating the boy. He said: “It took hundreds of people to find him.”","Many people are like that child. They feel lost. They have no hope, but they want help. (Eph. 2:12) Over eight million of us are involved in trying to find these deserving ones. You may not personally find someone who will study the Bible with you. However, other publishers working the same territory may find someone who wants to learn the truth found in God’s Word. When a brother or sister meets someone who becomes a disciple of Christ, everyone who shared in the search has good reason to rejoice.",Eph. 2:12,w19 July pp. 16-17 pars. 9-10,,,bl,,1/7/2021
"Cultivate Qualities That Can Help You Make Disciples, searching, team effort, rejoice, disciples, ","When people organize a search party to locate a lost child, only one member of the group may actually find the youngster. But when the child is reunited with his parents, everyone involved in the search rejoices. (Luke 15:6, 7) ","Similarly, disciple-making is a team effort. All Christians share in searching for those who may become Jesus’ disciples. And when a new one starts to attend meetings at the Kingdom Hall, every Christian present contributes to building his appreciation for true worship. (1 Corinthians 14:24, 25) Thus, all Christians can rejoice that hundreds of thousands of new disciples are made each year.The Christian congregation is a disciple-making organization. When a new one becomes a disciple, the Witness of Jehovah who found him and helped him to learn what the Bible teaches is not the only one with reason for rejoicing. ","Luke 15:6, 7",w07 11/15 p. 25 par. 19 ,,,bl,,1/7/2021
"Seek Something Much Better Than Gold, wisdom, prospectors, gold, searching,","IN SOME ways, sincere Bible students are like prospectors looking for gold. Such students need to work hard and keep on searching the Scriptures to find priceless wisdom. In this regard, what can we learn by considering three ways in which gold is found?","Have you ever found a gold nugget? Very few people have. Yet, millions have discovered something much better. It is divine wisdom, which “cannot be bought with pure gold.”—Job 28:12, 15.","Job 28:12, 15.",w16 August p. 18 ,,,bl,,1/7/2021
"Seek Something Much Better Than Gold, gold, searching, God's name, spiritual gold, truth, Bible, ","Imagine that you are walking near a riverbank and see what seems to be a tiny pebble reflecting the sunlight. You stoop down and are delighted to find a gold nugget. It is smaller than a match head and rarer than a high-quality diamond. Of course, you look around to see if there are more nuggets to be found.","Similarly, on a memorable day some time ago, one of Jehovah’s servants may have called at your door to discuss the message of hope found in the Bible. Perhaps you vividly recall the moment when you discovered your first spiritual gold nugget, so to speak. That may have happened when you first saw God’s name, Jehovah, in the Bible. (Ps. 83:18) Or perhaps when you learned that you could become Jehovah’s friend. (Jas. 2:23) You knew immediately that you had found something better than gold! And you may have been eager to find more spiritual nuggets.",Ps. 83:18,w16 August p. 18,,,bl,,1/7/2021
"Seek Something Much Better Than Gold, alluvial gold, prospecting, searching, Bible study, disciples, ","Tiny specks or flakes of gold sometimes accumulate in creeks and rivers. This is called alluvial gold. In a single season, hardworking prospectors may find in such deposits several pounds of gold, worth tens of thousands of dollars.","When you began to study the Bible with one of Jehovah’s Witnesses, you may have felt like a prospector who pans a rich deposit of gold. Meditating on one Bible verse after another likely added to your fund of knowledge, something that enriched you spiritually. As you eagerly scooped up those precious Bible truths, you learned how you could draw close to Jehovah and keep yourself in his love with everlasting life in view.—Jas. 4:8; Jude 20, 21.Just as a prospector seeks to find precious deposits of alluvial gold, you may have been very diligent in searching for valuable spiritual riches. After learning the fundamental Bible truths, you were likely moved to take the steps that led to dedication and baptism.—Matt. 28:19, 20.","Jas. 4:8; Jude 20, 21.",w16 August pp. 18-19,,,bl,,1/7/2021
"Seek Something Much Better Than Gold, effort, work, progress, invisible, primary doctrine, extract fresh points,","A prospector may find tiny quantities of gold inside igneous rocks. Some patches of such rocks contain concentrations of gold high enough to mine the ore and crush it to extract the gold. At first glance, the gold may not be visible in the ore. Why not? Because high-quality ore may contain only about 0.3 troy ounce (10 g) of gold per ton of rock! Nevertheless, to the prospector it is worth the effort to mine it.","Effort is also needed after a person has moved beyond “the primary doctrine about the Christ.” (Heb. 6:1, 2) You need to work hard to extract fresh points and practical lessons from your Bible study. So, what can you do to make sure that your personal Bible study remains productive, even though you may have been studying the Scriptures for years?","Heb. 6:1, 2",w16 August p. 19,,,bl,,1/7/2021
"Be Wise—Seek “Skillful Direction”  helmsman’s role, human wisdom, shipwreck, problems, situations, ","Life has been compared to a voyage. However, human wisdom has often proved to be of limited value in helping people to navigate through life successfully. Many have experienced shipwreck in the stormy waters of life. (Ps. 107:23, 27) Why is that metaphor fitting?“Skillful direction” is especially important when we find ourselves in troubled waters, figuratively speaking. Doubts regarding what action to take in a complex situation could paralyze us, with catastrophic results.—Jas. 1:5, 6.","In ancient times, traveling by sea was a challenge that required experience. It was an art usually learned at the feet of longtime sailors, perhaps a helmsman. (Acts 27:9-11) Many ancient paintings emphasize the importance of the helmsman’s role by portraying him as being larger than others. To venture out into the open sea, seafarers learned about stars, winds, and other points of reference. The Bible describes certain seamen as being “skilled,” using a term that can mean “wise.”—Ezek. 27:8; ftn.Navigating life’s problems today can seem as arduous as going to sea in ancient times. What can help us?",Acts 27:9-11,w12 6/15 p. 30,,,bl,,1/7/2021
"How to Maintain the Spirit of Self-Sacrifice, rust, elements, danger in ignoring, damage, failure, selfishness, ","Selfishness may be compared to rust that develops on iron. If an iron object is exposed to the elements, it might begin to rust. The real danger lies in ignoring the rust, allowing it to develop to the point of causing structural damage or failure. ","Similarly, though we cannot presently eliminate our imperfection and selfish tendencies, we must be alert to the dangers involved and continue to fight such tendencies. (1 Cor. 9:26, 27) How can we recognize signs of selfishness in ourselves? And how can we to a greater degree cultivate our spirit of self-sacrifice?","1 Cor. 9:26, 27",w14 3/15 p. 8 par. 4,,,bl,,1/7/2021
"How to Maintain the Spirit of Self-Sacrifice, selfishness, mirror, Bible, forgets, doer, image, appearance, ","Just as we can use a mirror to check our physical appearance, so we can use the Bible to check our inner person and correct any defects we might find. (Read James 1:22-25.) However, only if we use it properly will a mirror help us with our appearance. For example, if we just glance at a mirror, we might fail to notice a small but significant blemish. Or if we look into a mirror from an angle, we might see the image of someone else. Similarly, to use the Bible to see a defect, such as selfishness, we should do more than read it casually or use it to see someone else’s faults.","To illustrate, we could read God’s Word regularly, even daily, and still not see traces of selfishness that actually are developing in us. How is that possible? Consider this: In James’ example of the mirror, the problem was not that the man failed to look carefully. James wrote that the man “looks at himself.” Here, James used a Greek word that denotes scrutiny or careful consideration. So in this case, what was the man’s problem? James continued: “He goes away and immediately forgets what sort of person he is.” Yes, he turned away from the mirror without acting on what he saw. In contrast, the successful man not only “peers into the perfect law” but also “continues in it.” Instead of leaving the perfect law of God’s Word behind, he persists in following its teachings. Jesus made a similar point when he said: “If you remain in my word, you are really my disciples.”—John 8:31.",John 8:31.,w14 3/15 p. 8 pars. 5-6,,,bl,,1/7/2021
"Become Imitators of God” in Your Use of Power, whole heart and with your whole soul and with your whole mind and with your whole strength.” ","In Bible times, a person might sell himself (his soul) into slavery. Yet, the slave might not serve his master wholeheartedly; he might not use his full strength or his full mental abilities to advance his master’s interests. (Colossians 3:22) Hence, Jesus evidently mentioned these other faculties in order to emphasize that we must not hold anything back in our service to God. Serving God whole-souled means giving of ourselves, using our strength and energies to the fullest extent possible in his service.(Colossians 3:23)","What does it mean to serve God whole-souled? The soul refers to the entire person, with all his physical and mental abilities. Since the soul embraces the heart, the mind, and the strength, why are these other faculties mentioned at Mark 12:3  In stating the greatest commandment, Jesus said: “You must love Jehovah your God with your whole heart and with your whole soul and with your whole mind and with your whole strength.” (Mark 12:30) Yes, Jehovah expects each one of us to love and serve him in a whole-souled way.0?",Colossians 3:23,cl chap. 10 p. 105 pars. 18-19,,,bl,,1/7/2021
"How Can I Become God’s Friend? rock and sand, bucket, Kingdom first, important things, big, small, ","Try this experiment: Take a bucket, and place several large rocks inside it. Now fill the bucket with sand—all the way to the top. You now have a bucket full of rocks and sand.  Now empty the bucket, but keep the same sand and rocks. Try the process in reverse: Fill the bucket with sand, and then try to place the rocks inside the bucket. No room? That’s because this time you put the sand in the bucket first.  ","The point? The Bible says: “Make sure of the more important things.” (Philippians 1:10) If you put small things like recreation in first place, you’ll never seem to have enough room in your life for the big things—spiritual pursuits. But if you follow the Bible’s admonition, you’ll find that you have room for both Kingdom interests and a measure of recreation. It’s all a matter of what you put in your bucket first!",Philippians 1:10,yp2 chap. 35 p. 294,,,bl,,1/7/2021
"Wise Counsel on Singleness and Marriage, unclean, sexual relations, protection, fortified city, ","In Bible times, a fortified city protected the people only if they remained inside its walls. If a person went outside the gate when bandits and marauders were roaming about, he could be robbed or killed. ","Likewise, married people find protection from immorality only if they stay within the sexual bounds that the Originator of marriage has established for them. Paul described those bounds at 1 Corinthians 7:2-5. Sexual relations with her husband become the exclusive privilege of the wife; he likewise has the same privilege with her alone. Servants of Jehovah are resolved to remain morally chaste. Some decide to marry so as to avoid problems in this area. Marriage, though, does not furnish automatic protection against sexual uncleanness. ",1 Corinthians 7:2-5,w11 10/15 p. 17 pars. 19-20,,,bl,,1/7/2021
"Find Contentment by Applying Bible Principles, sin, miss the mark, arrow, archer, everlasting life, ","The Greek word translated “sin” comes from a root that means “to miss the mark.” (Romans 3:9, footnote) To illustrate: Envision someone who is hoping to win a prize by hitting a target with an arrow. He has three arrows at his disposal. He shoots the first one and misses by a yard. He aims better with the second arrow but still misses by a foot [30 cm]. With full concentration he lets the last arrow go and misses by only an inch [2 cm]. It was so close, but a miss is a miss.","We are all like that disappointed archer. Sometimes we seem to “miss the mark” by much. Other times we come close but still miss the mark. We are frustrated because we tried so hard, but it was still not good enough. Now, let us go back to the archer.He is slowly turning away, dejected because he really wanted that prize. Suddenly, the man in charge calls him back and hands him a prize, saying: “I want to give you this because I like you, and I saw how hard you tried.” The archer is elated! Elated! Everyone who receives from God “the gift” of everlasting life in perfection will feel this way. (Romans 6:23) Thereafter, everything they do will be good—they will never miss the mark again. They will be perfectly content. In the meantime, if we keep this view in mind, we will feel better about ourselves and those around us.",Romans 3:9,w06 6/1 pp. 12-13,,,bl,,1/7/2021
"A Great Teacher Shows Us the Creator More Clearly, ransom, virus, sin, Adam, corrupted, electronic file, memorial, ","What does the ransom involve? You might think of it this way: Suppose you had a computer but one of its electronic files was corrupted by an error (or virus) that someone had planted in an otherwise perfect program. That illustrates the effect of what Adam did when he deliberately disobeyed God, or sinned. Let us continue the illustration. Whatever copies you might make of the corrupted electronic file would be affected. However, all need not be lost. With a special program, you could detect and purge the corrupting error from your files and computer. ","Comparably, mankind has received a “virus,” sin, from Adam and Eve, and we need outside help to wipe it out. (Romans 5:12) According to the Bible, God provided for this cleansing through Jesus’ death. It is a loving provision from which we can benefit.—1 Corinthians 15:22.",Romans 5:12,ct chap. 9 pp. 156-157,,,bl,,1/8/2021
"Having “Come to Know God”—What Now? sin, ransom, faults, ransom, control time, struggle, snake, ","As imperfect humans, we still have sin lurking within us like a coiled snake ready to strike. (Rom. 3:9, 10; 6:12-14) Let us remain sharp-eyed, not ignoring our faults. ","Happily, Jehovah is patient with us while we earnestly struggle to resist our weaknesses and make needed changes. (Phil. 2:12; 2 Pet. 3:9) A great help is to take control of our use of time and resources, turning away from selfish pursuits. ","Rom. 3:9, 10; 6:12-14",w13 3/15 p. 16 par. 14,,,bl,,1/8/2021
"Christ’s Ransom—God’s Way of Salvation, disease, sickness, costly, Adam's sin, ","IMAGINE that you suffer from a disease that will surely claim your life unless you have surgery. How would you feel if the price of the operation was far beyond what you could afford? What if even the combined resources of your family and friends could not pay for it? To be confronted with such a life-threatening dilemma would be frustrating! This illustrates a situation that has developed with regard to the human race. Our first parents, Adam and Eve, were created perfect. (Deuteronomy 32:4) They had the prospect of living forever and of fulfilling God’s purpose: “Be fruitful and become many and fill the earth and subdue it.” (Genesis 1:28) However, Adam and Eve rebelled against their Creator. (Genesis 3:1-6) Their disobedience brought sin not only upon Adam and Eve themselves but also upon their unborn offspring. The faithful man Job later said: “Who can produce someone clean out of someone unclean? There is not one.”—Job 14:4.","Sin is thus like a disease that has infected each one of us, for the Bible states that “all have sinned.” This condition has life-threatening consequences. Indeed, “the wages sin pays is death.” (Romans 3:23; 6:23) None of us can get around it. All humans sin, hence, all humans die. As descendants of Adam, we were born into this predicament. (Psalm 51:5) “Through one man,” Paul wrote, “sin entered into the world and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men because they had all sinned.” (Romans 5:12) But this does not mean that we are without hope for salvation.",Romans 5:12,w99 2/15 p. 13 pars. 1-3,,,bl,,1/8/2021
"Baptized in the Name of Whom and What?  inherited sin, sickness, disease, ransom, cure, "," Such ones can be likened to a sick man who was unaware of his illness. He may have had some symptoms, such as an occasional pain. Yet, having no diagnosis of a specific disease, he might have imagined that he was basically in good health. The facts proved otherwise, however. (Compare 1 Corinthians 4:4.) What if he got an accurate diagnosis of his illness? Would he not be wise to seek and accept a known, proven, and effective treatment? ","Similarly, upon learning the truth about inherited sin, many have accepted the Bible’s “diagnosis” and have come to understand that God is offering the “cure.” Yes, all who are alienated from the Father need to turn to the One who can “cure” them.—Eph. 4:17-19. They have also learned that they inherited sin from Adam. (Rom. 5:12) This was something new that they had to accept as true.",Rom. 5:12,w10 3/15 pp. 11-12 par. 8 ,,,bl,,1/8/2021
"The Bible—A Book of Accurate Prophecy, sin, wrong, grit, ransom, memorial, ","As imperfect humans, we often do wrong. The Bible calls this sin. Sin might be likened to grit in an engine. Eventually, grit will cause that engine to wear out and stop. Similarly, sin causes us to grow old, get sick, and die. “The wages sin pays is death,” says Romans 6:23. ","Christ’s death, however, makes it possible for us to be set free from this tragic condition. How so? In another amazing prophecy, Isaiah wrote concerning the Christ that he would die “for our transgression,” or be “crushed for our errors,” and that “because of his wounds there has been a healing for us.”—Isaiah 53:5.","Romans 6:23, ",g 8/12 p. 20 ,,,bl,,1/8/2021
"Do You Value What Jehovah Has Done to Deliver You? Ransom, pandemic, death, Spanish flu,  ","According to a recent estimate, one of the worst pandemics in human history was the Spanish influenza of 1918, which killed tens of millions of people. Other diseases are more lethal in a sense. While they may infect fewer people, they kill a higher percentage of the people they do infect. However, what if we were to compare sin to such a pandemic? Recall the words of Romans 5:12: “Through one man sin entered into the world and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men because they had all sinned.” The infection rate of sin is 100 percent, since all imperfect humans sin. (Read Romans 3:23.) And what is the mortality rate? Paul wrote that sin brings death “to all men.”","Many today do not see sin and death in such dire terms. They worry about what they call premature death, but they dismiss as “natural” the death that creeps up on humans through the aging process. It is all too easy for humans to forget the Creator’s perspective. Our lifespan is infinitely shorter than he meant it to be. Actually, no human has lived for even “one day” from Jehovah’s point of view. (2 Pet. 3:8) God’s Word thus says that our lives are as transitory as a season’s growth of grass or as an exhaled breath. (Ps. 39:5; 1 Pet. 1:24) We need to keep that perspective in mind. Why? If we see the severity of the “disease” that afflicts us, we can better appreciate the value of the “cure”—our deliverance.",Romans 3:23,w09 9/15 p. 26 pars. 3-4,,,bl,,1/8/2021
"What Is God’s Purpose for Humans? sinners, dent, ransom, disobedience, ","To help us understand why Adam and Eve’s children were also sinners, consider this example. Imagine baking a loaf of bread in a pan that has a dent. The bread will have the same dent as the pan. When Adam disobeyed God, Adam became a sinner. ","Because we are Adam’s children, all of us are sinners, or have the same “dent” as he did. And because we are all sinners, we grow old and die.—Romans 3:23;  Adam and Eve disobeyed God and ate the fruit. (Genesis 2:17; 3:6) They sinned against Jehovah, and in time they died, just as Jehovah had said they would. (Genesis 3:17-19) Adam and Eve’s children were sinners, so they died. (Read Romans 5:12.)",Romans 5:12;,bhs chap. 3 pp. 30-31 par. 7,,,bl,,1/8/2021
"sin, imperfect, dent, inherited, inclinations, deeper problem, ","Adam and Eve were created perfect—not inclined to error. When they chose to sin, they became like a dented cake pan that could produce only a dented cake. Thus, we have no choice in the matter. We all carry a dent like theirs—various imperfections and wrong inclinations. In a word, the sin we inherited from Adam and Eve.","Our inability to avoid error shows that sin is a deeper problem than simply committing wrong acts. We all inherit sin. We get sick, grow old, and die, not because we choose to do bad deeds, but primarily because we are born imperfect, inclined to error. We cannot rid ourselves of this inclination by our own efforts. “Who can produce someone clean out of someone unclean? There is not one.”—Job 14:4.",Job 14:4.,hl section 9 What Is Sin?,,,bl,,1/8/2021
"Where Is This World Heading? sin, photo copy, stain, ransom, ","If you were to photocopy a sheet of paper that had a dark spot on it, that spot would appear on all the copies. As Adam’s descendants—copies, so to speak—we have the stain of sin upon us. It is the same mark that appeared on Adam, the “original” sin.","“Sin” can refer to a wrong act or to a condition of being inclined toward badness. We are born in a sinful state, which affects our actions. “There is no man righteous in the earth that keeps doing good and does not sin.”—Ecclesiastes 7:20",Ecclesiastes 7:20,g 1/06 ,,,bl,,1/8/2021
"“Soul” and “Spirit”—What Do These Terms Really Mean? living being, electricity, electric, ","The soul and the spirit are not the same. The body needs the spirit in much the same way as a radio needs electricity—in order to function. To illustrate this further, think of a portable radio. When you put batteries in a portable radio and turn it on, the electricity stored in the batteries brings the radio to life, so to speak. Without batteries, however, the radio is dead. So is another kind of radio when it is unplugged from an electric outlet. ","Similarly, the spirit is the force that brings our body to life. Also, like electricity, the spirit has no feeling and cannot think. It is an impersonal force. But without that spirit, or life-force, our bodies “die and return to the dust” as the psalmist stated.",Ecclesiastes 12:7,bh p. 210 par. 4-p. 211 par. 1,,,bl,,1/8/2021
Do You Have an Immortal Spirit? ,"The spirit, or life-force, can be compared to the electric current that flows through a machine or an appliance. The invisible electricity may perform various functions, depending on the type of equipment it powers. For example, an electric stove can be made to generate heat, a computer to process information, and a television set to produce images and sound. Yet, the electric current never takes on the features of the equipment it activates. It remains simply a force. ","Similarly, the life-force does not take on any of the characteristics of the creatures it animates. It has no personality and no thinking ability. Humans and animals “have but one spirit.” (Ecclesiastes 3:19) When a person dies, therefore, his spirit does not go on existing in another realm as a spirit creature.",Ecclesiastes 3:19,w01 7/15 p. 5 ,,,bl,,1/8/2021
"Resist “the Spirit of the World” early warning, carbon monoxide, danger, canaries, hazardous environment, spiritual sleep,","IN THE year 1911, British authorities passed a law designed to save the lives of coal miners. Each mine was required to keep two canaries. For what purpose? If a fire erupted in a mine, rescuers would carry the canaries underground with them. The tiny birds are sensitive to poisonous gases, such as carbon monoxide. If the air became contaminated, the birds would show signs of distress, even falling off their perch. This early warning was vital. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that kills by stopping red blood cells from delivering oxygen in the body. Unless alerted to the danger, the rescuers could faint and then die without ever realizing that they were being poisoned.","In a spiritual sense, Christians face a situation similar to the mine workers. How? When Jesus gave his disciples the assignment to preach the good news worldwide, he knew that he was sending them into a hazardous environment, one dominated by Satan and the spirit of the world. (Matt. 10:16; 1 John 5:19) So concerned was Jesus about his disciples that on the night before he died, he prayed to his Father: “I request you, not to take them out of the world, but to watch over them because of the wicked one.”—John 17:15. Jesus warned his followers about the danger of what could amount to a death-dealing spiritual sleep. His words have special meaning for us, living as we do during the conclusion of the system of things. He urged his disciples: “Keep awake . . . that you may succeed in escaping all these things that are destined to occur, and in standing before the Son of man.” (Luke 21:34-36) Happily, though, Jesus also promised that his Father would provide holy spirit to refresh their memories and to help them stay awake and be strong.—John 14:26.",John 14:26.,w08 9/15 pp. 20-21 pars. 1-3,,,bl,,1/8/2021
"Resist “the Spirit of the World, habits, ","The British coal miners mentioned earlier used canaries to provide an early warning of the presence of poisonous gas. If a miner saw a bird fall from its perch, he knew he needed to act fast to survive. In a spiritual sense, what are some early warning signs signaling that we are being influenced by the spirit of the world? When we first learned the truths contained in God’s Word and then dedicated our lives to Jehovah, we probably read the Bible eagerly. We likely prayed fervently and often. And we delighted to attend congregation meetings, viewing each one as a source of spiritual refreshment, like an oasis for a thirsty man. That course helped us to break free of and keep free of the world’s spirit.","Do we still try to read the Bible each day? (Ps. 1:2) Are our prayers frequent and heartfelt? Do we love congregation meetings, attending all of them each week? (Ps. 84:10) Or have we lost some of these good habits? Of course, we may have many demands upon our time and energy, and it can be challenging to maintain a healthy spiritual routine. But if some of our good habits have suffered over time, could it be that we are succumbing to the spirit of the world? Will we now make a strong effort to revive the good habits we once had?",Ps. 84:10,w08 9/15 p. 22 pars. 9-11,,,bl,,6/5/2025
"Is the Spirit of the World Poisoning You? atmosphere, contamination, Dangerous radioactivity, pollution,","ON September 12, 1990, an explosion occurred in a Kazakstan factory. Dangerous radioactivity was released into the atmosphere, threatening the health of the 120,000 local inhabitants, many of whom took to the streets in protest against the deadly poison.But as more information came to light, they discovered that they had been living in a poisonous environment for decades. Over the years, 100,000 tons of radioactive waste had been dumped in an unguarded, open-air site. Although the danger was on their doorstep, nobody had taken it seriously. Why not?","Spiritually speaking, we can also be poisoned by invisible contamination. And like those unfortunate people in Kazakstan, the majority are unaware of this life-threatening hazard. The Bible identifies this pollution as “the spirit of the world,” which is orchestrated by none other than Satan the Devil. (1 Corinthians 2:12) God’s Adversary maliciously uses this spirit—or prevailing attitude—of the world to undermine our godly devotion.",1 Corinthians 2:12,w97 10/1 pp. 25-26,,,bl,,1/8/2021
"Working Together With God—A Cause for Rejoicing, world’s spirit, ","The world’s spirit might be compared to a river current that is pulling us in a direction we do not want to go. To avoid being swept downstream, we must vigorously swim in the other direction. ","Similarly, effort is required to keep from being swept away by the spirit of Satan’s world. When we are preaching to others, we focus on important and beneficial spiritual matters, not on thoughts that will erode our faith. (Phil. 4:8) Preaching strengthens our convictions, reminding us of God’s promises and loving standards. It also helps keep our spiritual armor intact.—Read Ephesians 6:14-17.",Ephesians 6:14-17,w16 January p. 31 par. 12,,,bl,,1/8/2021
"Parents—Be a Fine Example for Your Children, spirit of world, strong wind, weeds, ","To surrender one’s child to the television or the street is, in effect, to let the spirit of the world influence the child’s upbringing. (Ephesians 2:1, 2) In direct opposition to God’s spirit, this worldly spirit, like a strong wind, carries the seeds of “earthly, animal, demonic” thinking and liberally deposits them in the mind and heart of the naïve or foolish. (James 3:15) ","These weedlike infestations eventually corrupt the heart. Jesus illustrated the effect of what is sown in the heart, saying: “A good man brings forth good out of the good treasure of his heart, but a wicked man brings forth what is wicked out of his wicked treasure; for out of the heart’s abundance his mouth speaks.” (Luke 6:45) Hence, the Bible exhorts us: “More than all else that is to be guarded, safeguard your heart, for out of it are the sources of life.”—Proverbs 4:23.","Ephesians 2:1, 2",w06 4/1 p. 9 ,,,bl,,1/8/2021
"How to Protect Your Children by Means of Godly Wisdom, unscriptural thinking and values, spirit of the world, ","EVERY day our bodies are at war. They must fight off a host of microbes, parasites, and viruses. Thankfully, most of us have inherited an immune system that protects us against such attacks and saves us from falling prey to numerous infectious diseases.In a similar way, Christians must fight against unscriptural thinking and values and against the pressures that can destroy our spiritual health. (2 Corinthians 11:3) In order to resist this daily attack on our minds and hearts, we need to develop spiritual defenses.","Such defenses are especially necessary for our children, since they are not born with spiritual defenses that can counter the spirit of the world. (Ephesians 2:2) As children grow up, it is vital for parents to help them develop their own defenses. On what do those defenses depend? The Bible explains: “Jehovah himself gives wisdom; . . . he will guard the very way of his loyal ones.” (Proverbs 2:6, 8) Divine wisdom can guard the way of young ones who might otherwise succumb to harmful association, peer pressure, or unwholesome entertainment. How can parents follow Jehovah’s guidance and instill godly wisdom?",Ephesians 2:2,w05 1/1 p. 23,,,bl,,1/8/2021
"Maintain Your Spiritual Health While Serving in a Foreign Field, spiritual food, personal needs, chef, "," To illustrate: Although a chef has to taste dishes before serving them, he cannot live merely on the food he samples. If he wants to remain healthy, he has to prepare nutritious meals for himself. Similarly, we should strive to nourish our heart with spiritual food that fills our personal needs.","We must recognize that when we prepare for the ministry, for the meetings, or for a talk, we may not necessarily apply what we read to ourselves.","Phil. 1:9, 10",w16 October p. 15 par. 11,,,bl,,1/8/2021
"Having “Come to Know God”—What Now? Growth, cedars of Lebanon, Bible study, spiritual growth, faith, knowledge, ","We can compare our spiritual growth to the physical growth of a tree. A tree may grow to an amazing size, especially when its root system is deep or extensive. For example, some of the majestic cedars of Lebanon can reach the height of a 12-story building and have strong, penetrating roots and a trunk circumference of up to 40 feet (12 m). (Song of Sol. 5:15) After the initial growth spurt of such a tree stops, the tree still grows but not as noticeably. Year after year, the trunk widens and the roots go deeper and spread farther, producing a more stable tree. ","The same can be said of a Christian’s spiritual growth. During our initial period of Bible study, we may quickly grow spiritually and then get baptized. Those in the congregation happily notice our progress. We may even qualify as a pioneer or receive other privileges. In the following years, our continued spiritual growth may not be as noticeable. Nevertheless, we still need to grow in faith and knowledge “to a full-grown man, to the measure of stature that belongs to the fullness of the Christ.” (Eph. 4:13) Thus, we progress, as it were, from a tiny sprout to a mature Christian, a sturdy and well-developed tree.  But our growth should not stop there. Our knowledge needs to broaden and our faith needs to deepen. Thus we become ever more anchored in the soil of God’s Word. (Prov. 12:3)",Prov. 12:3,w13 3/15 pp. 14-15 pars. 9-10 ,,,bl,,1/8/2021
"“Bring a Smile to Jehovah’s Face” missionaries, pioneers, instructors, experienced shipwreck concerning their faith, ","“Will Their Ship of Faith Be Anchored Solid in the Storms Ahead?” Sam Roberson, one of the instructors, discussed the apostle Paul’s warning that some had “experienced shipwreck concerning their faith.” (1 Timothy 1:19) He urged the students to build in others a faith that is solidly anchored in Jehovah God. “Your work,” he said, “could be likened to that of a blacksmith.” In what way? A blacksmith welds together the links of a chain that can safely anchor a ship. ","Likewise, missionaries help Bible students build spiritual qualities needed for salvation. The speaker associated the links in a chain with the eight qualities recorded at 2 Peter 1:5-8. Brother Roberson said that if missionaries help their Bible students to see how Jehovah displays those qualities, those students are likely to develop an unbreakable attachment to Jehovah. They will weather any storm of adversity that might test their faith.",2 Peter 1:5-8,w12 2/1 p. 30,,,bl,,1/8/2021
"Live a Balanced, Simple Life, simple, balance a bicycle, moving, spiritual balance, pace, regular, meetings, service, ","It might be compared to riding a bicycle. Those who have tried to balance a bicycle that has slowed down practically to a standstill appreciate the importance of forward momentum. Similarly, as long as you are moving ahead at a good pace in a routine of spiritual activity, you are protected from losing your balance and falling.—Philippians 3:16.","Actually, your spiritual activity is a measure of whether you are living a balanced, simple life. Christians who are heeding Jesus’ admonition to seek first God’s Kingdom are moving ahead at a good pace in regular Bible study, meeting attendance, and the field ministry. Such forward movement is a real protection against falling.",Philippians 3:16,w89 7/15 p. 12 par. 8,,,bl,,1/8/2021
"Are You Focusing on the Reward, Glaucoma, spiritual vision, eyes of understanding, new earth, ","THE disease progresses slowly. Initially, it reduces a person’s peripheral vision. Left untreated, it can spread toward the center of vision. Ultimately, it can cause complete loss of sight. What is it? Glaucoma—a leading cause of blindness. Just as we can lose literal eyesight slowly and insidiously, we can lose an even more precious form of sight—our spiritual vision. ","Therefore, it is vital to keep spiritual matters in sharp focus in the center of our field of vision. Keeping the Reward in FocusAmong “the things unseen” to our literal eyes is the glorious reward of eternal life, which Jehovah holds out to his loyal ones. (2 Corinthians 4:18) ",2 Corinthians 4:18,w04 4/1 p. 20,,,bl,,1/8/2021
"Are You Focusing on the Reward? focus on God's Kingdom, spiritual vision, eyes of heart, simple eye, everlasting life, ","Our physical eyes cannot focus on two things at the same time. The same is true of our spiritual vision. Focusing on things of the present system will surely put God’s promised new world somewhat out of focus in our minds. In time, this blurred, peripheral image may lose its appeal and simply disappear from view. What a tragedy that would be! (Luke 21:34) ","How important, therefore, that we keep a ‘simple eye’—one that stays focused on God’s Kingdom and the reward of everlasting life!—Matthew 6:22. Keeping a simple eye is not always easy. Day-to-day problems demand our attention, and distractions—even temptations—may lie in our path. Under these circumstances, how can we stay focused on the Kingdom and God’s promised new world without neglecting other necessary activities? Let us consider three ways.",Luke 21:34,w04 4/1 p. 21,,,bl,,1/8/2021
"Find Security Among God’s People, Satan's system of things, world, dangerous waters, shark, awe, ","WHILE on vacation, Joe and his wife were snorkeling on a tropical coral reef teeming with fish of all colors and sizes. They swam a little farther out to admire the reef below. When the seabed dropped away into a blue abyss, Joe’s wife said, “I think we’re going out too far.” “Relax,” Joe replied. “I know what I’m doing.” Joe recalls wondering soon thereafter, ‘Where have all the fish gone?’ With horror, he saw the reason. Out of the deep blue, a shark was heading straight for him. There he was, completely at its mercy. When the shark was just a few feet [a meter or so] away, it veered off and disappeared.","A Christian can become so enamored with the attractions of Satan’s system of things—entertainment, work, possessions—that he does not realize that he is getting deeper into dangerous waters. “My experience made me think about the company we keep,” says Joe, who is a Christian elder. “Swim where it’s safe and enjoyable—in the congregation!” Do not swim into deep water, where you may find yourself spiritually isolated and in peril. If ever you find yourself there, immediately head back to ‘safe water.’ Otherwise, you might run the risk of being devoured spiritually.","1 John 3:15, 16;",w10 6/15 p. 6 pars. 1-2 ,,,bl,,1/8/2021
"How We Strip Off and Keep Off the Old Personality, dirty clothing, foul odor, urgent, sinful practices, ","What would you do if your clothing became dirty, perhaps even having a foul odor? You would strip off the soiled garment as soon as possible. ","Similarly, we need to act with urgency in obeying the command to strip off habits that are contrary to God’s personality. We want to heed Paul’s clear instruction to Christians in his day: “You must put them all away from you.” Let us consider two of the sinful practices listed by Paul—sexual immorality and uncleanness.—Read Colossians 3:5-9.",Colossians 3:5-9.,w17 August p. 18 par. 5,,,bl,,1/8/2021
"Is It Weak to Be Gentle? old personality, practices, habits, crab sheds shell, growth, improvement, ","We are told to “strip off the old personality with its practices,” just as a crab sheds its old shell so that it can grow. (Colossians 3:9) However, unlike a crab whose body soon hardens again after the old shell is discarded, we are commanded to clothe ourselves permanently with “the tender affections of compassion, kindness, . . . and long-suffering.” (Colossians 3:12) Gentleness, then, should characterize us.",True Christians are encouraged to imitate Christ by putting on “the new personality which was created according to God’s will.” (Ephesians 4:20-24) ,Ephesians 4:20-24,g05 1/8 p. 19 ,,,bl,,1/8/2021
"Is It Weak to Be Gentle? sensitive to touch, tender, develop emotionally, communication skills, last days, ","LONG before we are born, our developing skin becomes sensitive to touch. From birth we crave our mother’s tender caress. During childhood our tendency to smile, our ability to develop emotionally, and even our desire to master communication skills are influenced by the amount of affection we receive from our parents.","The Bible foretold, however, that during the last days, people would be “disobedient to parents, unthankful, disloyal, having no natural affection.” Gentle qualities such as kindness and compassion would be sorely lacking, since men would be “lovers of themselves” and “fierce, without love of goodness.”—2 Timothy 3:1-3.",2 TIMOTHY 2:24,g05 1/8 p. 18,,,bl,,1/8/2021
" Does Your Faith Move You to Action? study, gardening, seeds, never harvest, heart, ","Would it make sense to study vegetable gardening but never plant any seeds? Granted, we might gain a certain amount of knowledge about how to cultivate a garden, but we would never harvest anything! ","Similarly, people who learn God’s requirements through a study of the Bible must allow seeds of truth to reach the heart in order for those seeds to sprout and move them to action.—Matthew 13:3-9, 19-23.","Matthew 13:3-9, 19-23.",w05 4/15 p. 27,,,bl,,1/8/2021
"Serve God Loyally Despite “Many Tribulations” termites, attacks, subtle, frontal, Satan, danger, ","Frontal attacks are like a tornado that blows into town and destroys your house instantly. Subtle attacks are more like a colony of termites that slowly creep in and nibble away at the wood of your house until it collapses. With the latter, a person may not even be aware of the danger until it is too late.",Another kind of tribulation that we may face involves subtle attacks. How does this differ from the frontal attacks of physical persecution?,Matthew 24:13;,w14 9/15 p. 14 par. 11,,,bl,,1/8/2021
" “Unify My Heart to Fear Your Name” wedge, TV, internet, sexual desires, pornographic, Satan, divide, ","For instance, if you see an image on TV or the Internet that could arouse sensual desires, how do you respond? It might be easy to rationalize that the picture or movie is not exactly pornographic. But might it represent an effort by Satan to divide your heart? (2 Cor. 2:11) ","That image can be like a little metal wedge that a man uses to split a big log. At first he drives the thin, sharp edge of the wedge into the log. Then as he drives the wedge deeper, the log splits apart. Could suggestive imagery in the media be like the thin part of that wedge? What may start off as small and seemingly harmless can quickly lead a person to commit sins that divide his heart and break his integrity. So refuse to give anything improper entry into your heart! Keep it unified to fear Jehovah’s name!",2 Cor. 2:11,w20 June p. 12 par. 15,,,bl,,1/8/2021
"Whose Authority Should You Recognize? government, stitches, temporary fix, Kingdom, ","To illustrate: Imagine that you had undergone surgery and stitches were securing the wound. Though the stitches are foreign to the body, they serve a purpose for a limited time. Removing them prematurely could be harmful. ","Similarly, human governmental authorities were not part of God’s original purpose. Until his Kingdom is ruling the earth completely, however, human governments hold society together, performing a function that fits in with God’s will for the present time. We should thus remain in subjection to the superior authorities, while we give priority to God’s law and authority.  Paul explained: “He who opposes the authority has taken a stand against the arrangement of God.” (Romans 13:2) The superior authorities are God’s “arrangement” in that they preserve a measure of order, without which chaos and anarchy would reign. Opposing them would be unscriptural and senseless. ",Romans 13:2,kl chap. 14 pp. 133-134 par. 10,,,bl,,1/8/2021
" Whose Authority Should You Recognize? body exercises authority, breathe, eat, drink and sleep, demands, submission,","“AUTHORITY” is a distasteful word to many people. This is understandable, for authority is often abused—on the job, in the family, and by governments. The Bible realistically says: “Man has dominated man to his injury.” (Ecclesiastes 8:9) Yes, many have dominated others by acting in a tyrannical and self-serving manner.","But not all authority is injurious. For example, it might be said that our body exercises authority over us. It “orders” us to breathe, eat, drink, and sleep. Is this oppressive? No. Compliance with these demands is for our good. While submission to our bodily needs may be involuntary, there are other forms of authority that require our willing subjection. Consider some examples.",Ecclesiastes 8:9,kl chap. 14 p. 130 pars. 1-2,,,bl,,1/8/2021
"Parents—Shepherd Your Children, warnings, dating's, delicate subjects, careful, positive, not negative, ",To illustrate: Suppose you went to a restaurant and discovered that the menu contained only warnings about food poisoning. You would likely leave that place and look for another restaurant. ,"Your children may react similarly if they come to you for advice but all you have on the “menu” is a list of stern warnings. (Read Colossians 3:21.) Instead, aim for a balanced approach. Even when talking about delicate subjects—dating, for example—be careful not to put so much emphasis on warnings that you neglect to teach your children the proper way to deal with the matter. ",Colossians 3:21,w14 9/15 p. 18 par. 7 ,,,bl,,1/8/2021
"Parents—Shepherd Your Children, protect, inspect, sick, injured, delicate, satanic propaganda","SHEPHERDS in ancient Israel led a rigorous life. They not only had to endure heat and cold but also had to protect their flocks from predators, both animal and human. Shepherds inspected the sheep regularly and treated any that were sick or injured. They gave special attention to the lambs because they were delicate and lacked the strength of full-grown sheep.—Gen. 33:13.","In some respects, Christian parents are like shepherds, displaying qualities that are valuable to literal shepherds. They have the responsibility to raise their children “in the discipline and admonition of Jehovah.” (Eph. 6:4) Is that an easy assignment? No! Children are faced with an onslaught of satanic propaganda as well as with their own imperfect inclinations. (2 Tim. 2:22; 1 John 2:16) If you have children, how can you help them? Let us consider three things you can do to shepherd your children—know them, feed them, and guide them.",2 Tim. 2:22; 1 John 2:16,w14 9/15 p. 17 pars. 1-2,,,bl,,1/8/2021
"How to Help Others to Observe Christ’s Commands, practice, on the job training, instruct, accompany, guide, ","To “observe” a command means to obey it. To illustrate how we can teach someone to observe, or obey, the things that Christ commanded, think of this example. How does a driving instructor teach his students to observe the traffic laws? The instructor may first cover the rules of the road in a classroom setting. However, to teach his students how to obey those rules, he has to take another step. He has to accompany the students and guide them as they actually drive in traffic and try to put into practice what they have learned. What can we learn from that example?","When we study the Bible with others, we teach them what God requires of us. But we must do more. We must teach our Bible students to apply in their daily life what they learn. (Read John 14:15; 1 John 2:3.) By example, we can show our students how they can apply basic Scriptural principles at school, at work, or during recreation. We can relate an instance from our life to show them how applying the Bible’s direction protected us from harm or how it helped us to make a wise decision. In the presence of our students, we can pray to Jehovah that the holy spirit guide them.—John 16:13",John 14:15; 1 John 2:3,w20 November p. 3 pars. 4-5,,,bl,,1/8/2021
"‘Teach Them to Observe All the Things I Have Commanded You, rules of the road, classroom, practice, Bible studies, ","How, then, do we teach someone to observe, or obey, the things that Christ commanded? Well, think of the way a driving instructor teaches his students to observe the traffic laws. The instructor may teach his students the rules of the road while in a classroom. However, to teach his students how to obey those rules, he has to guide the students as they actually drive in traffic and struggle to put into practice what they have learned. Likewise, when we study the Bible with people, we teach them Christ’s commandments. ","However, we also need to guide the students as they endeavor to apply Christ’s instructions in their daily lives and in the ministry. (John 14:15; 1 John 2:3) Thus, fully carrying out Christ’s command to make disciples requires that we be both teachers and guides. In that way, we imitate the example set by Jesus and by Jehovah himself.—Psalm 48:14; Revelation 7:17.Teaching others to observe Jesus’ commands includes helping them to heed the command to make disciples. For some with whom we study the Bible, that may be intimidating. Even if they previously were active members of some church of Christendom, it is unlikely that their former religious teachers ever taught them to go and make disciples. Some church leaders frankly admit that when it comes to teaching their flock to evangelize, Christendom’s churches fail utterly. Commenting on Jesus’ command to go into the world and help all sorts of people to become disciples, Bible scholar John R. W. Stott noted: “Our failure to obey the implications of this command is the greatest weakness of evangelical Christians in the field of evangelism today.” He added: “We tend to proclaim our message from a distance. We sometimes appear like people who shout advice to drowning men from the safety of the seashore. We do not dive in to rescue them. We are afraid of getting wet.”",John 14:15; 1 John 2:3,w04 7/1 p. 15 pars. 4-5,,,bl,,1/8/2021
‘Teach Them to Observe All the Things I Have Commanded You,"Think again of the illustration of the student driver. As the student moves through traffic with the instructor at his side, the student is learning not only by listening to his instructor but also by observing other drivers. For instance, the instructor may point out a driver who kindly allows another to merge in front of him into traffic; or a driver who courteously dims his car’s headlights so as not to blind oncoming traffic; or a driver who offers willing assistance to an acquaintance whose vehicle has broken down. Such examples teach the student valuable lessons that he can apply when he is driving."," Similarly, a new disciple who travels on the road to life learns not only from his teacher but also from the fine examples that he sees in the congregation.—Matthew 7:13, 14.","Matthew 7:13, 14.",w04 7/1 p. 16 par. 8 ,,,bl,,1/8/2021
"“That You May Not Enter Into Temptation” alert, snares, publications, dangers, ","First, God helps us to recognize temptations. Satan’s temptations are like snares strewn across a dark path. If you do not see them, you may be entrapped. By means of the Bible and Bible-based publications, Jehovah throws light on Satan’s snares, thus enabling us to avoid giving into temptation. ","Over the years, printed literature and convention and assembly programs have repeatedly alerted us to such dangers as fear of man, sexual immorality, materialism, and other satanic temptations. (Proverbs 29:25; 1 Corinthians 10:8-11; 1 Timothy 6:9, 10) Are you not grateful to Jehovah for alerting us to Satan’s designs? (2 Corinthians 2:11) All such warnings are an answer to your prayers for help in resisting temptation.",2 Corinthians 2:11,kp p. 26 par. 11 ,,,bl,,1/8/2021
"Consider What Kind of Person You Ought to Be, temptations, attractive, hook, Satan, sin, subtle, desires, corrupt, ","“The things in the world” are like the lures of a fisherman. They are attractive, but attached to each lure is a hook. Satan uses what people may regard as normal everyday needs to make them want to do what is contrary to the laws of God. Such subtle temptations, though, are designed to influence our desires and corrupt our heart. They are really an attempt to make us believe that taking care of our personal needs and comforts takes priority over doing the will of God. Will such enticements work on us?","Though Eve succumbed to Satan’s temptations, Jesus successfully resisted them. Each time, he gave a Scriptural answer, saying: “It is written” or, “It is said.” ","Psalm 1:1, 2;",w13 8/15 pp. 26-27 pars. 14-15,,,bl,,1/8/2021
"Young Ones—What Will You Do With Your Life? managing time, bucket, recreation, duties, spiritual pursuits, important, ","Take a plastic bucket and place several large rocks inside it. Then fill the bucket with sand. You have a bucket full of rocks and sand. Empty the bucket but keep the same sand and rocks. This time, fill the bucket with the sand first, and then try to place the rocks inside the bucket. No room? That is because you put the sand in the bucket first.","You face a similar challenge when managing your time. If you put things like recreation in first place, you will never seem to have enough room in your life for the big things—spiritual pursuits. But if you follow the Bible’s admonition to “make sure of the more important things,” you will find that you have room for both Kingdom interests and a measure of recreation.—Phil. 1:10.",Phil. 1:10,w10 11/15 p. 16 pars. 18-19,,,bl,,1/8/2021
"Young Ones—What Will You Do With Your Life? Map, compass, Bible, conscience, goal, ","IF YOU were going to travel on an unfamiliar trail, you might want to take along a map and a compass. The map would help you to identify your current position and aid in plotting out a course. The compass would allow you to orient yourself. However, both the map and the compass would be of little use if you did not know where you were headed. To avoid wandering aimlessly, you would need a clearly defined destination.","You face a similar situation as you grow toward adulthood. You have available both a reliable map and a compass. The Bible is a map that can help you to know which path to choose. (Prov. 3:5, 6) If properly trained, your conscience can be a great help in keeping you on the right course. (Rom. 2:15) It can serve as a compass. For your life to be successful, though, you also need to know where you are headed. You need clearly defined goals.","Prov. 3:5, 6",w10 11/15 p. 12 pars. 1-2,,,bl,,1/8/2021
"A Drawer That Only Jehovah Can Open, Tomb, death, witnessing, grave, heaven, resurrection, ransom,","For example, when her friend Beatrice said that Erika’s father was now in heaven, Erika kindly replied that the Bible indicates otherwise. “So where is he then?” asked Beatrice. “In the tomb,” replied Erika. At that point, Beatrice wanted to know what a tomb is.“It’s like a drawer that opens and closes,” explained Erika. “But once this drawer is closed, you can’t open it. Only Jehovah can open it when the new world comes.”","In 2007, six-year-old Erika and four-year-old Mattia lost their father in death. The children’s pain has been eased, however, by the resurrection hope.—Acts 24:15. Erika likes to share her Bible-based hope with others, especially at her school in Sicily. ",Acts 24:15.,g 8/09 p. 32,,,bl,,1/8/2021
"Elders, How Do You Feel About Training Others? maintenance, congregation, pressing matters, urgency, ","A driver may know that to maintain his car and keep the engine in running order, he must regularly change the oil. Still, he may feel that it is not as urgent as filling the tank with fuel. After all, if he does not put gas in the tank, his car will soon come to a complete stop. ‘If I don’t have time to change the oil,’ he may reason, ‘the engine will still keep running, at least for a while.’ But what is the danger? If the driver keeps postponing the maintenance of the engine, the day will come when the car will grind to a complete halt. If that happens, he will have to spend a lot of time and money on getting the car repaired and running again. What is the lesson?","Elders care for many important tasks that have to be handled promptly; otherwise, the congregation would be adversely affected. So just as the driver in the example makes sure to keep refilling the fuel tank, elders must “make sure of the more important things.” (Phil. 1:10) However, some elders are so busy looking after pressing matters that they may neglect the training of others—the maintenance of the engine, so to speak. But if elders keep postponing necessary training, sooner or later the congregation will lack sufficient qualified brothers to care for all that needs to be done.",Phil. 1:10;,w15 4/15 p. 4 pars. 5-6,,,bl,,1/8/2021
"“These Things Entrust to Faithful Men” training progressively, jealousy, responsibilities, qualified, ","To illustrate, think of a father who teaches his son to drive a car. When he is a child, the son simply observes his father. When the boy is older, the father explains what he is doing. Then, when the boy is of legal age, he begins to drive the car as his father gives him further instruction. Sometimes they may take turns driving, but eventually the son may do most, if not all, of the driving for his aging father. The wise father is pleased to have his son take over and does not feel that he has to be in control. ","Similarly, older men feel proud when they have trained younger ones to take on theocratic responsibilities. As older ones, we must guard against jealousy. Notice how Moses reacted when certain ones in the camp of Israel began behaving as prophets. Appointed men should have great satisfaction when the younger ones whom they have trained become qualified to take on the work.",Numbers 11:24-29,w17 January pp. 29-30 pars. 9-10,,,bl,,1/8/2021
"Parents, Find Pleasure in Your Children, effort, patience, training, tree, rejoice, sapling, straight and strong, ","HOW fine to see a sapling grow and become a stately tree that provides beauty and shade—especially if you planted and took care of it! Similarly, parents who care for children who grow up to be mature servants of God find great pleasure in them, as the Bible proverb says: “The father of a righteous one will without fail be joyful; the one becoming father to a wise one will also rejoice in him. Your father and your mother will rejoice, and she that gave birth to you will be joyful.”—Proverbs 23:24, 25.","Yet, a child does not automatically become “righteous” and “wise.” Great effort is needed to keep young ones from becoming a source of “grief” and “bitterness,” even as work can be involved in turning a sapling into a stately tree. (Proverbs 17:21, 25) For example, support stakes can train a young sapling to grow straight and strong. A regular water supply is vital, and a sapling may need to be protected from pests. Finally, pruning helps to produce a tree of beauty.","Proverbs 23:24, 25",w96 12/1 pp. 10-11 pars. 1-2,,,bl,,1/8/2021
" Parents, Find Pleasure in Your Children, spending time together, sapling, water, grow, ","Saplings particularly need a constant water supply, as is indicated by how well trees grow beside a river. (Compare Revelation 22:1, 2.) Babes too will flourish spiritually if they are regularly provided the water of Bible truth. But parents need to consider their child’s attention span. Perhaps frequent abbreviated sessions of instruction would be more effective than a few long ones. ","Do not minimize the value of such shorter sessions. Spending time together is vital to create a bonding between parent and child, a closeness repeatedly encouraged in the Scriptures.—Deuteronomy 6:6-9; 11:18-21; Proverbs 22:6.","Revelation 22:1, 2",w96 12/1 p. 12 par. 11,,,bl,,1/8/2021
"Parents—Train Your Children From Their Infancy, arrow, godly principles, ",An archer can never recall an arrow once it leaves his bow. Parents have “arrows”—their children—for only a comparatively brief period of time. That time should be used to instill godly principles in the mind and heart of their children.,"Psalm 127:4 states: “Like arrows in the hand of a mighty man, so are the sons of youth.” Children are thus likened to arrows that should be accurately aimed at the target. ",Psalm 127:4,w13 8/15 p. 17,,,bl,,1/8/2021
"Raising Children in a Permissive World, target, guidance, training, urgency, choices, problems, goals,","The Bible illustrates the parent-child relationship in a way that highlights a child’s need for parental guidance. Psalm 127:4, 5 says: “Like arrows in the hand of a mighty man, so are the sons of youth. Happy is the able-bodied man that has filled his quiver with them.” So children are likened to arrows, and the parent is likened to a mighty warrior. Just as an archer knows that his arrows will not hit the target by chance, loving parents realize that child rearing cannot be a haphazard business. They want their children to reach a “target”—a fulfilling life as happy, responsible adults. ","They want their children to make good choices, to be wise and avoid needless problems, and to achieve worthwhile goals. But wanting such things is not enough. If an arrow is to reach its target, what is needed? It must be thoroughly prepared, well protected, and powerfully directed toward its target. Likewise, children need to be prepared, protected, and directed if their journey toward adulthood is going to be successful. Let us consider these three aspects of child rearing one at a time.","Psalm 127:4, 5",w08 4/1 pp. 13-14,,,bl,,1/8/2021
"Raising Children in a Permissive World,  straight arrows—upright, free from deviation. foolishness, boy, ","The arrows used by archers in Bible times were prepared very carefully. The shaft, perhaps made of a lightweight wood, had to be carved by hand and made as straight as possible. The tip had to be sharp. At the other end of the shaft, feathers were attached to stabilize the arrow in flight, keeping it on course.","Parents want their children to be like those straight arrows—upright, free from deviation. Therefore, if they are wise, they do not turn a blind eye to serious faults but lovingly help their children to work on these and overcome them. There will be plenty of such work to do with any child, for “foolishness is tied up with the heart of a boy.” (Proverbs 22:15) The Bible thus exhorts parents to discipline their children. (Ephesians 6:4) Indeed, discipline plays a vital role in forming and straightening out a child’s mind and character.",Proverbs 22:15,w08 4/1 p. 14,,,bl,,1/8/2021
"Raising Children in a Permissive World , arrows, archer, feathers, heart, leave home, attached, ","The feathers, or fletching, that an archer attaches to his arrows help them to fly straight after they leave his bow. Likewise, Bible teachings from the Originator of the family arrangement can stay with children even after they leave home, benefiting them throughout life. (Ephesians 3:14, 15) How, though, can parents make sure that such teachings are really “attached” to their children?Notice God’s counsel to Israelite parents in Moses’ time: “These words that I am commanding you today must prove to be on your heart; and you must inculcate them in your son.” (Deuteronomy 6:6, 7) ","So parents need to do two things. First, they need to learn and apply God’s Word themselves, actually coming to love God’s laws. (Psalm 119:97) Then they are in a position to apply the second part of the scripture—to “inculcate” God’s laws in their children. That means impressing the value of such laws on their children’s hearts through effective teaching and frequent repetition.","Ephesians 3:14, 15",w08 4/1 p. 14,,,bl,,1/8/2021
"Raising Children in a Permissive World, filled his quiver, arrows, archer, protected, damage, ","Let us return to the illustration recorded at Psalm 127:4, 5. Recall that the archer “filled his quiver” with his arrows. Once prepared, arrows had to be protected. Thus, the archer carried them in a quiver, where they would not be easily damaged or broken. Interestingly, the Bible speaks prophetically of the Messiah as a polished arrow that his Father “concealed . . . in his own quiver.” (Isaiah 49:2) Jehovah God, the most loving Father imaginable, did indeed protect his beloved Son, Jesus, from all manner of harm until the appointed time came for the Messiah to be put to death as foretold. Even then, God protected his Son from being permanently harmed by death, bringing him safely back to heaven, to live eternally.","Likewise, good parents are concerned about protecting their children from the dangers of this degraded world. It may be that parents prohibit certain activities that would unnecessarily expose their children to dangerous influences. For example, wise parents take this principle seriously: “Bad associations spoil useful habits.” (1 Corinthians 15:33) Protecting children from association with those who do not respect the moral standards of the Bible will likely keep young ones from making a number of costly, even deadly, mistakes.","Psalm 127:4, 5",w08 4/1 p. 15,,,bl,,1/8/2021
"Serve God Loyally Despite “Many Tribulations” Satan, crafty acts, training, future warfare, ","To illustrate: An army of soldiers will often go through a series of grueling drills long before there is even the threat of a battle. It is similar in Jehovah’s spiritual army. We do not know what our warfare may involve in the future. Therefore, would it not be wise to do some significant training during a time of relative peace? Paul wrote to the Corinthians: “Keep testing whether you are in the faith; keep proving what you yourselves are.”—2 Cor. 13:5.","As we have seen, Satan has a number of “crafty acts” at his disposal. (Eph. 6:11) Each of us needs to follow the admonition found at 1 Peter 5:9: “Take your stand against him, firm in the faith.” To do that, we need to prepare our mind and heart, to train ourselves now to do what is right. ",2 Cor. 13:5.,w14 9/15 pp. 15-16 par. 16,,,bl,,1/8/2021
"Reaching Hearts With the Art of Persuasion, twins, father, son, trinity, reasoning, ","“If you were trying to teach me that two persons are equal,” he asked, “what family relationship would you use to illustrate it?” She thought for a moment and then replied: “I might use two brothers.” “Exactly,” the Witness responded. “Perhaps even identical twins. But in teaching us to view God as the Father and himself as the Son, what message was Jesus conveying?” “I see,” Barbara replied, her eyes widening. “He is describing one as older and having more authority.”","“Yes,” answered the Witness, “and Jesus’ Jewish audience, living in a patriarchal society, would especially have reached that conclusion.” Driving home his point, the Witness concluded: “If we came up with such a fitting illustration to teach equality—that of brothers or identical twins—surely Jesus, the Great Teacher, could have done so too. Instead, he used the terms ‘father’ and ‘son’ to describe the relationship between himself and God.”","Titus 1:1, 2;",w98 5/15 pp. 22-23 ,,,bl,,1/8/2021
" Worship That God Approves, money, counterfeit, false religion, true, recognize, identify, Babylon, Christendom,","In many lands, there is a problem with counterfeit money. If you were given the job of picking out such false money, how would you go about it? By memorizing every kind of counterfeit? No. Your time would be better spent if you studied real money. After you knew what real money looked like, you could recognize a counterfeit. Similarly, when we learn how to identify the true religion, we can recognize those religions that are false.","It is important that we worship Jehovah in the way that he approves. Many people believe that all religions are pleasing to God, but the Bible does not teach that. It is not even enough just to claim to be a Christian. Jesus said: “Not everyone saying to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter into the Kingdom of the heavens, but only the one doing the will of my Father who is in the heavens will.” To have God’s approval, therefore, we must learn what God requires of us and do it. Jesus called those who do not do God’s will “workers of lawlessness.” (Matthew 7:21-23) Like counterfeit money, false religion has no real value. Even worse, such religion is actually harmful.",Matthew 7:21-23,bh chap. 15 pp. 144-145 pars. 2-3,,,bl,,1/8/2021
"“Buy Truth and Never Sell It” flower, bouquet of truth, seeking, searching, asking, eternity of time, no limit, wisdom,","The first issue of the Watch Tower likened the truth to “a modest little flower” and stated: “Be not content with one flower of truth. Had one been sufficient there would have been no more. Gather ever, seek for more.” We might ask ourselves, ‘How big is my bouquet of truth?’ ","Even with an eternity of time, we can always learn more about Jehovah. Today, the important thing is that we use our time wisely so as to buy as much truth as our circumstances allow. How much time will it take for us to gain an accurate knowledge of basic Bible teachings? That depends on our circumstances. There is no limit to what we can learn about Jehovah’s wisdom, ways, and works. (Rom. 11:33) ","Ephesians 5:15, 16",w18 November p. 5 par. 7,,,bl,,1/9/2021
"“Buy Truth and Never Sell It” relationship with Jehovah, Bible truth, highest value, dedication, ","WHAT is your most precious possession? Would you be willing to exchange it for something of lesser value? For Jehovah’s dedicated worshippers, the answers to these questions are simple. ","Our most precious possession is our relationship with Jehovah, and we would not trade it for anything. We also treasure Bible truth, which made cultivating that bond with our heavenly Father possible.—Col. 1:9, 10.","Col. 1:9, 10.",w18 November p. 3 par. 1,,,bl,,1/9/2021
"Set Your Heart on Spiritual Treasures, relationship, flower, truth from Bible, Word, ","The very first issue of this magazine, published in July 1879, stated: “Truth, like a modest little flower in the wilderness of life, is surrounded and almost choked by the luxuriant growth of the weeds of error. If you would find it you must be ever on the lookout. . . . If you would possess it you must stoop to get it. Be not content with one flower of truth. . . . Gather ever, seek for more.” ","Yes, we must be eager to enrich our own treasure store of divine truths.","Josh. 1:8, 9; Ps. 1:2, 3",w17 June p. 12 par. 14,,,bl,,1/9/2021
"Set Your Heart on Spiritual Treasures,  wealthiest person, generous, shares, riches, God's Kingdom, lifesaving ministry, truths, ","JEHOVAH is the wealthiest Person in the universe. (1 Chron. 29:11, 12) As a generous Father, he openhandedly shares his spiritual riches with all who discern their excelling value. How grateful we are that Jehovah has given us spiritual treasures, which include (1) God’s Kingdom, (2) our lifesaving ministry, and (3) the precious truths found in his Word!"," If we are not careful, though, we could lose appreciation for these treasures and, in effect, throw them away. To hold on to them, we must use them well and constantly renew our love for them. Jesus said: “Where your treasure is, there your hearts will be also.”—Luke 12:34.","1 Chron. 29:11, 12",w17 June p. 9 par. 1 ,,,bl,,1/9/2021
"Read God’s Word and Serve Him in Truth, life, relationship, weeds, flowers, beauty, brambles, stoop, humility, ","This journal’s first issue—July 1879—said: “Truth, like a modest little flower in the wilderness of life, is surrounded and almost choked by the luxuriant growth of the weeds of error. If you would find it you must be ever on the lookout. If you would see its beauty you must brush aside the weeds of error and the brambles of bigotry. If you would possess it you must stoop to get it. Be not content with one flower of truth."," Had one been sufficient there would have been no more. Gather ever, seek for more.” Reading and studying God’s Word enables us to acquire accurate knowledge and walk in his truth.—Psalm 86:11.",Psalm 86:11,w96 5/15 p. 15 par. 1,,,bl,,1/9/2021
"Thinking ability, waves, awesome, danger, pressures, temptations, determination, ","TOWERING waves are an awesome sight, but for sailors they spell danger. Those surging waters could cost them their lives.","In a similar way, God’s servants might face mounting pressures that threaten to overwhelm them. You may have recognized that wave after wave of trials and temptations bear down on Christians. You certainly want to counter them decisively, being determined to avoid spiritual shipwreck. (1 Timothy 1:19) Thinking ability is a vital part of your defense. What is it, and how is it acquired?",1 Timothy 1:19),w02 8/15 pp. 21-24,,,bl,,1/9/2021
"Thinking ability, storms, signs, knowledge, anticipate problems, decisions, fine foundation, ","Sailors have to be sensitive to danger signs, especially when storms are brewing. If the temperature drops and the winds freshen, they batten down the hatches and prepare for the worst. In like manner, we must prepare to face pressures of gale-force intensity as this wicked system nears its end. The moral fabric of society is unraveling, and ‘wicked men advance from bad to worse.’ (2 Timothy 3:13) Just as sailors regularly listen to weather forecasts, we must heed the prophetic warnings of God’s inspired Word.​—Psalm 19:7-11.","When we use thinking ability, we apply the knowledge that leads to everlasting life. (John 17:3) We can anticipate problems and decide how to overcome them. Thus we will resolve not to be swayed from the Christian course, and we can lay “a fine foundation for the future” by establishing and pursuing spiritual goals.​—1 Timothy 6:19.",Psalm 19:7-11.,w02 8/15 pp. 21-24,,,bl,,1/9/2021
"How Can Thinking Ability Safeguard You? beam sea, capsize, pressure, materialism, love of world, ","When the wind drives the waves toward the beam, or the side, of the ship, it is known as a beam sea. In normal conditions, such a sea may slowly push the vessel off course. During a storm, however, a beam sea can cause the boat to capsize.","Similarly, if we succumb to the pressure to enjoy all that the wicked world has to offer, this materialistic life-style can push us off course spiritually. (2 Timothy 4:10) Left unchecked, the love of the world could eventually cause us to abandon our Christian course altogether. (1 John 2:15) How can thinking ability come to our aid? Thinking ability can help us to face another subtle pressure.",1 John 2:15,w02 8/15 pp. 23-24 ,,,bl,,1/9/2021
"Walking in Jehovah’s Paths Brings Rich Rewards, Mountain of Jehovah, High country spiritual sense, protection, joy, ","HAVE you ever hiked in the mountains? If you have, you likely felt as if you were on the roof of the world. How delightful it was to breathe the fresh air, to see far into the distance, to absorb the natural beauty! Perhaps the cares of the world below seemed a little less important. For most people such excursions are few and far between, but if you are a dedicated Christian, you may have been walking in high country for some time—in a spiritual sense. Like the psalmist of old, you have no doubt prayed: “Make me know your own ways, O Jehovah; teach me your own paths.” (Psalm 25:4) ","Do you remember how you felt when you first went up to the mountain of the house of Jehovah and began to tread in high places? (Micah 4:2; Habakkuk 3:19) Doubtless, you soon realized that walking along these elevated paths of pure worship brought you protection and joy. You came to share the psalmist’s feelings: “Happy are the people knowing the joyful shouting. O Jehovah, in the light of your face they keep walking.”—Psalm 89:15. Sometimes, though, hikers in mountainous terrain have to contend with long, steep slopes. Their legs begin to ache, and they become weary. We too can experience difficulties in our godly service. Recently, our steps may have been a little labored. How can we regain our vigor and our joy? A first step is to recognize the supremacy of Jehovah’s ways.",Micah 4:2; Habakkuk 3:19,w02 7/1 p. 28 ,,,bl,,1/9/2021
"Walking in Jehovah’s Paths Brings Rich Rewards, mountains, pleasure, appreciation, ","Hikers delight in the spectacular views that high country affords. They also learn to savor small things alongside the footpath, such as an unusual rock, a pretty flower, or a glimpse of a wild animal. Spiritually, we need to be alert to the rewards—large and small—that come from walking with God. This awareness can put a spring in our step and transform a tiresome trudge into an invigorating walk. We will echo the words of David: “In the morning cause me to hear your loving-kindness, for in you I have put my trust. Make known to me the way in which I should walk.”—Psalm 143:8.","Mary, who has walked for many years in Jehovah’s paths, says: “When I look at Jehovah’s creation, I see not only the intricate design but God’s warm personality. Whether it be an animal, a bird, or an insect, each one is a little world, full of fascination. The same enjoyment comes from spiritual truths that become clearer over the years.” How can we deepen our appreciation? In part, by not taking for granted what Jehovah does for us. “Pray incessantly,” Paul wrote. “In connection with everything give thanks.”—1 Thessalonians 5:17, 18; Psalm 119:62.","1 Thessalonians 5:17, 18; Psalm 119:62.",w02 7/1 p. 29,,,bl,,1/9/2021
"Walking in Jehovah’s Paths Brings Rich Rewards, responsibilities, contributions, activities, sharing, mountain, ","Hikers with a sense of responsibility recognize the need to walk carefully if they are to avoid getting lost or straying too close to steep drops. As free moral agents, Jehovah allows us a fair measure of freedom and initiative. But such freedom requires a sense of responsibility as we fulfill our Christian obligations.","For example, Jehovah trusts his servants to fulfill their obligations responsibly. He does not state how much energy and time we should expend in Christian activities or how much we should contribute financially or in other ways. Rather, Paul’s words to the Corinthians apply to us all: “Let each one do just as he has resolved in his heart.”—2 Corinthians 9:7; Hebrews 13:15, 16. Responsible Christian giving includes sharing the good news with others. We also show that we are responsible by contributing to the worldwide Kingdom work.","2 Corinthians 9:7; Hebrews 13:15, 16",w02 7/1 p. 30 ,,,bl,,1/9/2021
"Walking in Jehovah’s Paths Brings Rich Rewards, stamina, strength, prepare, powerful, Motivation, staying power, endurance, mountain","Walking in high country demands stamina. Hikers exercise whenever they can, and many take short walks to prepare themselves for long hikes. Similarly, Paul recommended that we keep busy in theocratic activities in order to maintain our spiritual fitness. Those who wish “to walk worthily of Jehovah” and to be “made powerful,” Paul said, should “go on bearing fruit in every good work.”—Colossians 1:10, 11.","Motivation contributes to the hiker’s staying power. How? Keeping focused on a clear objective, such as a distant mountain, has a stimulating effect. And when the hiker arrives at intermediate landmarks, he can measure his progress toward his ultimate goal. As he looks back at the distance already traveled, he feels satisfied. Likewise, our hope of everlasting life sustains and impels us. (Romans 12:12) Meanwhile, as we walk in Jehovah’s ways, we find accomplishment in setting and then attaining Christian goals. And what joy we feel when we look back on years of faithful service or observe the changes that we have made in our personality!—Psalm 16:11.","Colossians 1:10, 11",w02 7/1 p. 30 ,,,bl,,1/9/2021
"Do You Share in Making Christian Meetings Upbuilding? answers, comments, bouquet, individuals, length, manner, conductor, ","To answer, consider an illustration. A Watchtower Study that is well-conducted is like a bouquet of flowers that delights the eye. Just as a large bouquet is made up of many individual flowers, so a Watchtower Study is made up of many different comments. And just as the individual flowers in a bouquet differ in size and color, so the comments given during the meeting vary in length and manner of presentation.","And where does the conductor fit in? His occasional comments are like the few pieces of greenery that are carefully added to a bouquet. These pieces do not dominate; rather, they serve to provide structure and to unify the whole. Similarly, the one who conducts needs to keep in mind that his role is, not to overwhelm, but to complement the expressions of praise that are offered by the congregation. Yes, when the many diverse comments given by the congregation and the few well-placed remarks made by the conductor are skillfully put together, they form a beautiful bouquet of words that will delight all in attendance.“Let Us Always Offer to God a Sacrifice of Praise”  Paul’s description of Christian meetings found at 1 Corinthians 14:26-33 gives us insight into how those gatherings were conducted in the first century. ",1 Corinthians 14:26-33,w10 10/15 pp. 22-23 pars. 9-10,,,bl,,1/9/2021
"What Will Go When God’s Kingdom Comes? end of system, last days, death row, condemned, execution, ","“DEAD MAN WALKING!” That cry rings out as a dangerous criminal is led from his prison cell, metal doors clanging behind him. Why do the man’s guards say such a thing? The man seems relatively healthy; no physical problem is about to rob him of his life. However, the guards are leading him to a place of execution. That condemned criminal is as good as dead.","In a sense, today’s system of things is like that man on death row. This wicked world has long since been condemned, and its execution is now close at hand. The Bible says: “The world is passing away.” (1 John 2:17) The system’s end is a certainty. And yet, there is a key difference between this world’s end and that of the prisoner. At the prisoner’s execution, some may protest the sentence, questioning its justice or perhaps hoping for a last-minute stay of execution. In the case of this world, though, the sentence has been determined by the perfectly just Sovereign of the universe. (Deut. 32:4) There will be no stay of execution, and there will be no lingering doubts about the justice of the sentence. After it is carried out, every thinking creature in the universe will heartily agree that justice was done. The relief will be immense!",1 John 2:17,w17 April pp. 9-10 pars. 1-2,,,bl,,1/9/2021
"What Will Go When God’s Kingdom Comes? funerals, peace, weapons, war, doctors, nurses, cemeteries, crime, stress, ","Imagine a world without warfare, sickness, or death.  Just think—no armies, navies, or air forces! No weapons or war memorials. No hospitals, doctors, nurses, or health insurance; no morgues, funeral homes, undertakers, or cemeteries! And with crime gone, there will be no security industry, no alarm systems, no police forces, perhaps no locks or keys! Think of the anxiety that will no longer trouble our mind and heart.","What will life be like when distressing conditions are gone? It is not easy to imagine. We have lived in this old world so long that we may have stopped noticing how much stress we feel over world conditions. Similarly, people who live near a busy train station may no longer notice the noise, and those who live near a garbage dump may no longer notice the smell. Ah, but take away all those negative factors—what relief!  What will replace the stresses we feel now? Psalm 37:11 answers: “They will find exquisite delight in the abundance of peace.” Do not those words touch your heart?",Psalm 37:11,w17 April p. 13 pars. 15-17 ,,,bl,,1/9/2021
"Why Be Guided by God’s Spirit? guide, compass, hiking, wilderness, direct, walking, wicked world, ","Would it not be foolhardy for an inexperienced person to set off alone, without a skilled guide and not so much as a compass, hiking deep into an uncharted wilderness? Not knowing how to survive inhospitable conditions in the wild and not having the expertise to find his way safely to his destination, he would be putting his life in jeopardy. ","So, too, the person who thinks he can direct his course through this wicked world without allowing God to show him the right way is placing his life in grave danger. The only chance we have of traversing this system of things successfully is to make the same prayerful request to Jehovah that David did: “Let my steps take hold on your tracks, in which my footsteps will certainly not be made to totter.” (Ps. 17:5; 23:3) How is it possible to receive such guidance?",Ps. 17:5; 23:3,w11 12/15 p. 14 par. 8,,,bl,,1/9/2021
"Why Be Guided by God’s Spirit? compass, Holy spirit, truth, Bible, ","HAVE you ever used a compass to find your way? A compass is a simple device with only one moving part—a magnetic needle pointing toward the north. Because of an invisible force known as magnetism, the needle of the compass aligns itself with the magnetic field surrounding the earth between its poles. For centuries, explorers and travelers have used the compass to guide their way over land and sea.","There is another invisible force that is even more essential for our guidance. What is it? The one described in the opening verses of the Bible. Speaking of what Jehovah accomplished aeons ago, Genesis states: “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” As he did so, he sent forth a powerful force, for the creation account adds: “God’s active force was moving to and fro.” (Gen. 1:1, 2) What was at work? Holy spirit—the dynamic force behind creation. We owe our existence to Jehovah’s use of this spirit to produce all his works.—Job 33:4; Ps. 104:30. As living, breathing humans, should we expect God’s active force to have any further effect on our lives? God’s own Son knew that we should, for Jesus said to his disciples: “The spirit . . . will guide you into all the truth.” (John 16:13) How are we to understand what this spirit is, and why should we want to be guided by it?",Job 33:4; Ps. 104:30,w11 12/15 p. 13 pars. 1-3,,,bl,,1/9/2021
"The Value of “a Weaker Vessel” wife, women, tenderness, delicate, precious vessel, not demeaning, Tiffany lotus lamp, ","The Greek noun rendered “honor” means “price, value, . . . respect.” Thus, a Christian husband is to treat his wife with tenderness, showing her due consideration as a delicate, precious vessel. This is not demeaning at all. As an example, consider the Tiffany lotus lamp. This exquisitely fine lamp can indeed be considered delicate. Does the lamp’s fragile nature diminish its value? Far from it! In 1997 the original Tiffany lotus lamp sold at an auction for 2.8 million dollars! Its delicate makeup served to enhance its value, not diminish it.","Likewise, assigning a woman honor as to a weaker vessel does not devalue or demean her. Dwelling with his wife “according to knowledge” means that a husband takes into account her strengths and limitations, likes and dislikes, outlook and feelings. A caring husband recognizes and respects personality differences between him and his wife. He shows due consideration for her “in order for [his] prayers not to be hindered.” (1 Peter 3:7) A husband who fails to respect his wife’s feminine virtues endangers his own relationship with God. Clearly, God’s Word does not belittle women. Rather, it dignifies and honors them.",1 Peter 3:7,w06 5/15 p. 32 ,,,bl,,1/9/2021
"Young People, Are You Focused on Spiritual Goals? long journey in life, trip, opportunities, decisions, insight, wisdom,","SUPPOSE you plan to travel to a distant town for an important event. Getting there requires a long journey by bus. At the bus station, you are overwhelmed by crowds of passengers and many buses. How good it is that you have your goal clearly in mind—finding the bus that is going to your chosen destination! Boarding a bus going anywhere else would mean that you would head in the wrong direction.","Young people today might be likened to those passengers. Adolescents face a long journey, not by bus, but in life. At times they may feel overwhelmed by the opportunities and decisions that confront them. Youths, you can make it easier for yourselves if you have a good idea where you want to go in life. Where should you be headed?",Proverbs 16:2;,w18 April p. 25 pars. 1-2 ,,,bl,,1/9/2021
"Maintain a Complete Heart Toward Jehovah, Satan's world, influences, gradually, zeal becomes dim, alertness, unaware, ","Imagine that you are reading a book by the light of a 100-watt bulb, but then the bulb fails. Since you are left in the dark, you immediately notice what happened and replace the burned-out bulb with a new one. Light fills the room again. The next evening, you are reading with the help of the same lamp. However, unbeknownst to you, someone replaced the new 100-watt bulb with a 95-watt bulb. Would you notice the difference? Probably not. And what if the next day someone put a 90-watt bulb in your lamp? Likely, you would still not notice it. Why not? The lamp’s light is diminishing so gradually that you are not aware of it. ","Similarly, the influences of Satan’s world may cause our zeal to diminish little by little. If that happens, it is as if Satan succeeded in reducing 100-watt heartfelt zeal for Jehovah’s service to something less. If not alert, a Christian may not even notice the gradual change.—Matt. 24:42; 1 Pet. 5:8.","Mark 4:18, 19; Matt. 24:42; 1 Pet. 5:8",w12 4/15 pp. 16-17 pars. 14-15,,,bl,,1/9/2021
"Memorial, Lord’s Evening Meal,  Aramaic word “Abba,” which means “O Father!” a term of endearment, papa,","Only those who have the witness of the spirit that they are God’s children should partake of the Memorial emblems. (Read Romans 8:15-17.) Note that Paul used the Aramaic word “Abba,” which means “O Father!” A child might use this word when addressing his father, for it is a term of endearment that combines the intimacy of “papa” with the respectful word “father.” Those who have received “a spirit of adoption as sons” are God’s spirit-begotten children. His spirit bears witness with their spirit, giving them the realization that they are Jehovah’s anointed sons.","It is not simply a matter of their losing interest in living on earth. They are certain that they will be Jesus’ joint heirs in the heavenly Kingdom if they are faithful to death. Today, there is only a remnant of the 144,000 footstep followers of Christ, who “have an anointing from the holy one,” Jehovah. (1 John 2:20; Rev. 14:1) It is by means of his spirit that they cry out, “Abba, Father!” What a blessed relationship they have with God!",Romans 8:15-17,w15 1/15 pp. 16-17 par. 16,,,bl,,1/9/2021
"Jehovah Blesses and Protects Those Who Are Obedient, chicks, security, warning,","THE fluffy, yellow hatchlings are busily pecking for food in the short grass, totally unaware of a hawk hovering high above. Suddenly, the mother hen gives a tremulous, high-pitched warning call and spreads her wings. Her chicks run to her, and in seconds they are safely concealed beneath her pinions. The hawk aborts its attack. The lesson? Obedience saves lives!","That lesson is especially important to Christians today, for Satan is making an all-out effort to prey on God’s people. (Revelation 12:9, 12, 17) His goal is to destroy our spirituality so that we lose Jehovah’s favor and the prospect of everlasting life. (1 Peter 5:8) However, if we stay close to God and respond swiftly to the direction we receive through his Word and organization, we can be assured of his protective care. “With his pinions he will block approach to you, and under his wings you will take refuge,” wrote the psalmist.—Psalm 91:4.","Revelation 12:9, 12, 17",w02 10/1 p. 12 pars. 1-2,,,bl,,1/9/2021
"Seek the Kingdom, Not Things, observe intently the birds of heaven, provide food, ","We should “observe intently the birds of heaven.” As small as those creatures are, they eat a lot of fruit, seeds, insects, or worms. For their body weight, they consume proportionately more than humans. Yet, they do not have to cultivate the ground and plant seed for food. Jehovah provides everything they need. (Ps. 147:9) Of course, he does not put the food in their beaks! They have to go and find it, but the food is there in abundance.","For Jesus, it was unthinkable that his heavenly Father would provide food for the birds but not take care of the same basic needs of humans. (1 Pet. 5:6, 7) He will not put the food in our mouths, but he may bless our efforts to grow the food we need or to earn the money to buy our daily provisions. In cases of need, he may motivate others to share what they have. Although Jesus did not mention providing shelter for the birds of heaven, Jehovah has provided them with the instincts, skills, and materials needed to make nests for themselves. Jehovah can likewise help us find adequate housing for our families. Jesus asked his listeners: “Are you not worth more than [the birds of heaven] are?” No doubt, Jesus had in mind that he would soon give his life in behalf of mankind. (Compare Luke 12:6, 7.) Christ’s ransom sacrifice was not provided for any other living creatures. Jesus did not die for the birds of heaven, but he did die for us so that we might enjoy unending life.—Matt. 20:28.",Matthew 6:26,w16 July pp. 9-10 pars. 11-13 ,,,bl,,1/9/2021
"Those Who Chose the Best Places, peace? ball game, meal, comment at meeting, ","Jesus said: ‘Someone may invite you to a big wedding feast. When you go, do not pick the most honored place to sit. For someone more important than you may also have been invited. Then the one putting on the feast may come over to you and say, “Let this man have your place.” You will then feel shame as all the others present watch you go to the lowest place.’","Jesus wanted to show those guests, who had been choosing the best places, the right thing to do. So he went on to say to them:‘When you are invited to a wedding feast go and sit down at the lowest place. Then the one who has invited you may come and say, “Friend, we have a better place than this for you!” You will then have honor in front of all the others as you move up to the better place.’—Luke 14:1-11. Did you get the point of Jesus’ story? Let’s take an example, and see if you did. Let’s say that we were going to have dinner at someone’s house. Would you pick the most comfortable chair when you were ready to sit down? Or would you leave the best place for someone else? What do you think Jesus would want you to do? Take another example. Imagine that you are getting on a crowded bus. Should you hurry to get a seat, and let an old person stand? Would Jesus want you to do that?",Luke 14:1-11,w71 4/1 pp. 199-200 ,,,bl,,1/9/2021
"Those Who Chose the Best Places, slave, selfish, trouble, serves others, answers, comments, ","Wanting to be first can cause a lot of trouble. It even caused trouble among Jesus’ apostles. Did you know that? Let me tell you about it. One day the brothers James and John came up to Jesus. These apostles were close friends of Jesus. So they said to him: ‘We want you to do us a favor.’ ‘What do you want me to do for you?’ Jesus asked. They said to him: ‘Let us sit down next to you in your kingdom, one of us at your right hand and the other at your left hand.’ These brothers wanted first places in the Kingdom. They wanted honored seats.","But how do you think the other ten apostles felt when they found out what James and John had asked? They were angry! And so Jesus had to give them all some good advice. Jesus told them that the rulers of the nations want to appear big and important. They want a high position, and to have everyone obey them. But Jesus explained to his followers that they should not be that way. Rather, Jesus said: “Whoever wants to be first among you must be the slave of all.” Think of that!—Mark 10:35-45. Do you know what a slave does? He serves others.",Mark 10:35-45.,w71 4/1 p. 200 ,,,bl,,1/9/2021
"Those Who Chose the Best Places, unthankful, selfish, lowest place, manners, ","SOME persons always want the best things for themselves. They will take these things before anyone else can get them. Have you noticed this?— I have. For example, at a meal I have seen a big dish being passed. It was filled with delicious pieces of cake. As the dish came around, each person carefully looked over the pieces to make sure that he took the biggest one. Do you think it is right to do that?— There is something else that I have seen happen. A father and mother have taken their children with them to visit a friend. When they came into the friend’s house, the children hurried to get the most comfortable chairs. Is this right?— When the Great Teacher was on earth something like that happened. He was invited to a big meal at the house of an important Pharisee. There were many guests invited. As the guests came in for the meal, Jesus noticed that they would choose the best places near the head of the table. They wanted places of honor. Would you like to hear what Jesus said to them?—","He told them a story. It had good advice for those guests, and it has some good advice for us today. Jesus said: ‘Someone may invite you to a big wedding feast. When you go, do not pick the most honored place to sit. For someone more important than you may also have been invited. Then the one putting on the feast may come over to you and say, “Let this man have your place.” You will then feel ashamed as all the others watch you go to the lowest place.’ Jesus wanted to show the guests the right thing to do. So he went on to say to them: ‘When you are invited to a wedding feast go and sit down at the lowest place. Then the one who has invited you may come and say, “Friend, we have a better place than this for you!” You will then have honor in front of all the others as you move up to the better place.’—Luke 14:1-11. Did you get the point of Jesus’ story?— Let’s take an example, and see if you did. Let’s say that we were going to have dinner at someone’s house. Would you pick the best place when you were ready to sit down? Or would you leave the best place for someone else?— What do you think Jesus would want you to do?—",Luke 14:1-11.,te chap. 25 pp. 103-105,,,bl,,1/9/2021
"The Forgiveness of a Loving Father, individual precious, search, joy in heaven, rejoice, happy, glad, ","THE LOST SHEEP First, he asked which one of those Pharisees would not go searching if one out of his flock of a hundred sheep got lost. He explained that just as there would be great joy on finding that one lost sheep, so there is more joy in heaven over just one sinner that repents than over ninety-nine self-righteous persons who feel no need of repentance. ","Yes, those that recognize themselves as sinners and who desire to correct their ways make the hearts of God’s heavenly family rejoice.—Luke 15:3-7.",Luke 15:3-7.,w63 7/15 p. 421 ,,,bl,,1/9/2021
"The Forgiveness of a Loving Father, Drachma coins, search, individuals matter, ","The Drachma coin:  To further illustrate the point, Jesus asked: “What woman with ten drachma coins, if she loses one drachma coin, does not light a lamp and sweep her house and search carefully until she finds it?” ","He explained that, just as her joy is great on finding this one coin, so great joy arises among God’s heavenly family when just one humble sinner repents and takes up His service.—Luke 15:8-10.",Luke 15:8-10.,w63 7/15 p. 421,,,bl,,1/9/2021
"The Forgiveness of a Loving Father, love, heart, repentance, pity, sinned, humility, rejoice, enjoy, ","THE PRODIGAL SON: Finally, to magnify the loving forgiveness of his heavenly Father in terms that would touch the heart even more deeply and encourage one to serve God, Jesus told the illustration of the prodigal son. It has been rated as the finest short story ever told by a man. “A certain man had two sons,” Jesus began. “And the younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the part of the property that falls to my share.’ Then he divided his means of living to them. Later, after not many days, the younger son gathered all things together and traveled abroad into a distant country, and there squandered his property by living a debauched life. When he had spent everything, a severe famine occurred throughout that country, and he started to be in need. He even went and attached himself to one of the citizens of that country, and he sent him into his fields to herd swine. And he used to desire to be filled with the carob pods which the swine were eating, and no one would give him anything.","“When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many hired men of my father are abounding with bread, while I am perishing here from famine! I will rise and journey to my father and say to him: “Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy of being called your son. Make me as one of your hired men.’” So he rose and went to his father. While he was yet a long way off, his father caught sight of him and was moved with pity, and he ran and fell upon his neck and tenderly kissed him. Then the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy of being called your son. Make me as one of your hired men.’ But the father said to his slaves, ‘Quick! bring out a robe, the best one, and clothe him with it, and put a ring on his hand and sandals on his feet. And bring the fattened young bull, slaughter it and let us eat and enjoy ourselves, because this my son was dead but has come to life again; he was lost but has been found.’ And they started to enjoy themselves.“Now his older son was in the field; and as he came and got near the house he heard a music concert and dancing. So he called one of the servants to him and inquired what these things meant. He said to him, ‘Your brother has come, and your father slaughtered the fattened young bull, because he got him back in good health.’ But he became wrathful and was unwilling to go in. Then his father came out and began to entreat him. In reply he said to his father, ‘Here it is so many years I have slaved for you and never once did I transgress your commandment, and yet to me you never once gave a kid for me to enjoy myself with my friends. But as soon as this your son who ate up your means of living with harlots arrived, you slaughtered the fattened young bull for him.’ Then he said to him, ‘Child, you have always been with me, and all the things that are mine are yours; but we just had to enjoy ourselves and rejoice, because this your brother was dead but has become alive, and he was lost but has been found.’”—Luke 15:11-32.",Luke 15:11-32.,w63 7/15 p. 422 ,,,bl,,1/9/2021
"Kingdom Illustrations, The Dragnet, fishing, separating, good, bad, unsuitable, angels role, ","A SUCCESSFUL ‘FISHING’ PROJECT: “Again,” says Jesus, “the kingdom of the heavens is like a dragnet let down into the sea and gathering up fish of every kind.” (Matthew 13:47) Jesus started this ‘fishing’ project himself, when he called his first disciples from their nets in order to make them “fishers of men.” (Matthew 4:19) But during the great apostasy, under angelic surveillance faithful minority groups and Christendom’s religions have continued to ‘fish’ for converts. However, have all of the hundreds of millions of symbolic sea creatures turned out to be ‘good fish’? As we have noted, Christendom’s religions have based their teachings on the Greek philosophy of Plato, and on the “mysteries” of ancient Babylon. Their fruitage is seen in the hatreds, strife and bloodshed that have spotted the pages of Christendom’s history, and in their support of the world wars of our 20th century.","At last, “in the conclusion of the system of things,” it is time for the angels to haul in the “dragnet.” This symbolizes the organizations on earth of those who profess to be followers of Jesus Christ—the true and the false. Those “fish” found to be “unsuitable” for “the kingdom of the heavens” must be thrown away, cast into “the fiery furnace” of destruction. “There is where their weeping and the gnashing of their teeth will be.” (Matthew 13:48-50) But the angels are also separating ‘good fish’ out from the symbolic dragnet. How thankful we should be for our opportunity of being counted along with these—a distinct people dedicated to magnifying Jehovah’s name and who pray meaningfully for his kingdom to “come”!",Matthew 13:48-50,kc chap. 11 pp. 103-104 ,,,bl,,1/9/2021
"How to Help Others to Observe Christ’s Commands, disciples, instructor, teacher, road, Bible study, student,","To illustrate how we can teach someone to observe, or obey, the things that Christ commanded, think of this example. How does a driving instructor teach his students to observe the traffic laws? The instructor may first cover the rules of the road in a classroom setting. However, to teach his students how to obey those rules, he has to take another step. He has to accompany the students and guide them as they actually drive in traffic and try to put into practice what they have learned. What can we learn from that example?","When we study the Bible with others, we teach them what God requires of us. But we must do more. We must teach our Bible students to apply in their daily life what they learn. (Read John 14:15; 1 John 2:3.) By example, we can show our students how they can apply basic Scriptural principles at school, at work, or during recreation. We can relate an instance from our life to show them how applying the Bible’s direction protected us from harm or how it helped us to make a wise decision. In the presence of our students, we can pray to Jehovah that the holy spirit guide them.—John 16:13.",John 14:15; 1 John 2:3,*** w20 November p. 3 pars. 4-5 ,,,bl,,1/10/2021
"How to Help Others to Observe Christ’s Commands, good examples, on the job training, courteously, dims lights, Bible student, ","Think again of the illustration of the student driver. As he moves through traffic with the instructor at his side, in what ways is the student learning? By listening to his instructor and by observing other careful drivers. For instance, the instructor may point out a driver who kindly allows another to merge in front of him into traffic. Or he may call attention to a driver who courteously dims his car’s bright headlights so as not to blind other drivers. Such examples teach the student valuable lessons that he can apply when he is driving.","Similarly, a Bible student who begins to travel on the road to life learns not only from his teacher but also from the fine examples of other servants of Jehovah. Therefore, what will greatly help Bible students to make spiritual progress? Attending our Christian meetings. Why so? The Scriptural instruction given at the meetings will deepen their knowledge, strengthen their faith, and help them to grow in their love for God. (Acts 15:30-32) Furthermore, at the meetings the Bible teacher can introduce the student to brothers and sisters with whom he may have much in common. What examples of Christian love in action may the student see in the congregation? Consider the following scenarios.",Acts 15:30-32,w20 November p. 5 pars. 9-10,,,bl,,1/10/2021
"Rich Blessings for Those Who Return to Their Country of Origin, Fishing, move, need great, ","In 1998 a brother named Onésime emigrated from his native Cameroon. For 14 years he lived abroad. One day, at a Christian meeting, he heard an illustration about the preaching work. The speaker said, “If two friends were fishing in different spots and one was catching more fish than the other, would the friend who was catching little not move to the spot where the catch was bigger?”","That illustration made Onésime think about returning to the productive spiritual fishing grounds in Cameroon to help the local publishers there. But he had concerns. Would he be able to adapt to his former home country after all those years living abroad? To find out, Onésime visited Cameroon for six months. Then in 2012, he moved back permanently.","Mark 1: 17, 18;",w20 November p. 8 ,,,bl,,1/10/2021
"Take Courage—Jehovah Is Your Helper, holy spirit, kings, high station, divert thoughts, streams of water, ","King Solomon wrote: “A king’s heart is like streams of water in Jehovah’s hand. He directs it wherever He pleases.” (Prov. 21:1) What does this proverb mean? Humans can dig a canal to divert the water of a stream in a direction that fits their plans.   What help do we receive? When it is in harmony with his purpose, Jehovah may use his powerful holy spirit to cause people in authority to do what he desires. ","Similarly, Jehovah can use his spirit to divert the thoughts of rulers in a direction that is in harmony with his purpose. When that occurs, people in authority feel motivated to make decisions that benefit God’s people.—Compare Ezra 7:21, 25, 26.14 What can we do? We can pray “concerning kings and all those who are in positions of authority” when these individuals are called on to make decisions that affect our Christian life and ministry. (1 Tim. 2:1, 2, ftn.; Neh. 1:11) As the first-century Christians did, we too pray intensely to God for our brothers and sisters who are in prison. (Read Acts 12:5; Heb. 13:3) ","1 Tim. 2:1, 2, ftn.; Neh. 1:11",w20 November p. 15 pars. 13-14,,,bl,,1/10/2021
"Will You Continue to Be Readjusted? journey, goal, new world, earth, follow path, cramped, adjust thinking, attitude, actions, ","ALL of us are on a journey. Our destination, or goal, is to live in the new world under Jehovah’s loving rulership. Each day, we try to follow the path that leads to life. But as Jesus said, that road is cramped and at times difficult to follow. (Read Matthew 7:13, 14.) We are imperfect, and it is easy for us to stray from this path.—Gal. 6:1.","If we are to stay on the cramped road to life, we must be willing to adjust our thinking, attitude, and actions. The apostle Paul encouraged Christians living in Corinth to continue “to be readjusted.” (2 Cor. 13:11) That counsel also applies to us. In this article, we will discuss how the Bible can help us to adjust our steps and how mature friends can help us to stay on the path to life. We will also consider when it might be a challenge to follow direction given by Jehovah’s organization. We will see how humility can help us to change our course without losing our joy in serving Jehovah.","Matthew 7:13, 14.",w20 November p. 18 pars. 1-2,,,bl,,1/10/2021
"Will You Continue to Be Readjusted, mirror, humility, thinking, attitude, Bible, daily text, apply, ","God’s Word can act as a mirror for us. (Read James 1:22-25.) Most of us look in a mirror each morning before we leave home. That way, we can see if we need to make an adjustment before others see us. ","Similarly, when we read the Bible each day, we will see ways that we can adjust our thinking and our attitude. Many find it helpful to read the daily text each morning before they leave home. They allow what they read to affect their thinking. Then throughout the day, they look for ways to apply the counsel from God’s Word. In addition, we must have a study routine that includes reading and thinking about God’s Word each day. This may sound simple, but it is one of the most important things we can do to help us stay on the cramped road to life.",James 1:22-25.,w20 November pp. 20-21 par. 8,,,bl,,1/10/2021
"Will You Continue to Be Readjusted? counsel, grateful, correction, discipline, ","Consider this illustration: Imagine that you are waiting to cross a busy street and you get distracted by your cell phone. You step onto the street without looking up. Just then, a friend grabs your arm and pulls you back onto the sidewalk. His grip is so firm that your arm is bruised, but his quick action saves you from being hit by a car. Even if the bruise he inflicted causes you pain for several days, would you be offended that your friend grabbed you? Certainly not! You would be grateful for his help. ","Similarly, if a friend warns you that your speech or actions are not in harmony with God’s righteous standards, you may feel hurt at first. But do not resent his counsel or become offended. That would be foolish. (Eccl. 7:9) Instead, be grateful that your friend had the courage to speak up.",Eccl. 7:9,w20 November p. 21 par. 10,,,bl,,1/24/2021
"“Look Straight Ahead” to the Future, living in the past, mistakes, move on, remembering, ","IMAGINE the following scenarios. An elderly Christian sister reflects on good times from her past. Even though her life is more challenging now, she continues to do all she can for Jehovah. (1 Cor. 15:58) Every day she imagines herself and her loved ones living together in the promised new world. Another sister remembers that she was hurt by a fellow believer, but she chooses to let go of her resentment. (Col. 3:13) A brother is keenly aware of his past mistakes but focuses on staying faithful from now on.—Ps. 51:10.","What do these three Christians have in common? All of them remember what happened in their past, but they are not living in it. Rather, they “look straight ahead” to the future.—Read Proverbs 4:25.  Why is it important to “look straight ahead” to the future? Just as a person cannot walk in a straight line if he is constantly looking back, we cannot move forward in our service to Jehovah if we are constantly looking back on our past.—Luke 9:62.",1 Cor. 15:58,w20 November p. 24 pars. 1-3,,,bl,,1/10/2021
" “How Are the Dead to Be Raised Up?” Resurrection, bare grain, different, suitable body, ","Paul used an illustration to show that God would not need to bring back the same body. Think of “a bare grain,” or a plant “seed.” A seed of grain that is planted in the ground germinates and becomes a new plant. The resulting plant is quite different from the small seed. Paul used this comparison to show that our Creator can provide “a body just as it [pleases] him.”","An inquirer who wanted to cast doubt on the resurrection might have asked: “How are the dead to be raised up?” We do well to consider Paul’s answer because many people today have personal views about life after death. But what does the Bible teach?8 When someone dies, his body decomposes. But the One who created the universe from nothing can resurrect that person, giving him a suitable body. (Gen. 1:1; 2:7)",1 Corinthians 15:35-38,w20 December pp. 9-10 pars. 7-8,,,bl,,1/10/2021
"How Are the Dead to Be Raised Up? resurrection, different, diversity, creation, corruption, fleshly, spirit,","Paul noted that there is great diversity in creation. For example, there are different fleshly bodies, such as cattle, birds, and fish. He stated that in the sky, we see differences between the sun and the moon. And he noted that “one star differs from another star in glory.” Yes, even if we may not discern it with the naked eye, there are what scientists call red giant stars, white dwarfs, and yellow stars, such as our sun. Paul also stated that “there are heavenly bodies and earthly bodies.” How so? Well, on earth, we have bodies of flesh, but in heaven there are spirit bodies, like the ones the angels have.","Note what Paul said next: “So it is with the resurrection of the dead. It is sown in corruption; it is raised up in incorruption.” Of course, upon dying, the human body decays and returns to the dust. (Gen. 3:19) So how can it be that a body is “raised up in incorruption”? Paul was not speaking of a human who is resurrected to life on earth, such as those raised by Elijah, Elisha, and Jesus. Paul was referring to a person who is resurrected with a heavenly body, that is, “a spiritual one.”—1 Cor. 15:42-44.",1 Corinthians 15:39-41,w20 December pp. 10-11 pars. 9-10,,,bl,,1/10/2021
"When Will God’s Kingdom Rule the Earth? fingerprint, unmistakable sign, near, Nation against nation, kingdom against kingdom,","Like the lines that form a fingerprint, all these events together form an unmistakable sign. And just as a fingerprint identifies a person, these events happening at the same time identify that “the Kingdom of God is near.” ","Jesus said: “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be great earthquakes, and in one place after another food shortages and pestilences.” (Luke 21:10, 11)  Have such events occurred together and become visible on a worldwide scale? Consider the evidence.","Luke 21:10, 11",wp20 No. 2 p. 8 ,,,bl,,1/11/2021
"Choose to Support God’s Kingdom Now! storm, SEEK REFUGE NOW, urgent warnings, “great tribulation.” ","Imagine that a devastating hurricane is approaching your area. Government agencies are broadcasting urgent warnings: “GET OUT! SEEK REFUGE NOW!” What would be the wise thing to do? Head for a safe place, certainly.","In a sense, all of us are living in the path of a devastating “storm,” which Jesus called a “great tribulation.” (Matthew 24:21) We cannot simply get out of the path of that tribulation. But we can do something to protect ourselves. What is that?",Matthew 24:21,wp20 No. 2 p. 14,,,bl,,1/11/2021
"Our Loving Creator Cares About Us, food, clothing, worth more, birds of heaven, ","Many human fathers are anxious about getting enough food and clothing for their families. Note what the Scriptures say: “Observe intently the birds of heaven; they do not sow seed or reap or gather into storehouses, yet your heavenly Father feeds them. ","Are you not worth more than they are?”—Matthew 6:25, 26.","Matthew 6:25, 26.",wp20 No. 3 p. 5,,,bl,,1/11/2021
"Our Loving Creator Cares About Us, food, clothing, necessities of life, seek Kingdom, ","“Take a lesson from the lilies of the field, how they grow . . . ; but I tell you that not even [King] Solomon in all his glory was arrayed as one of these. Now if this is how God clothes the vegetation of the field . . . , will he not much rather clothe you?”—Matthew 6:28-30.","Since God can provide us with food and clothing, surely he can also help us find other necessities of life. If we seek to do God’s will, he can bless our efforts to grow food or he can help us find employment so that we can buy what we need.—Matthew 6:32, 33.",Matthew 6:28-30,wp20 No. 3 p. 5 ,,,bl,,1/11/2021
"How the Creator Reveals His Loving Promises, Bible writers, prophets, thoughts in mind, ","God’s message to us is contained in the Holy Scriptures. (2 Timothy 3:16) How did God use prophets to write his message? (2 Peter 1:21) God put his thoughts in the minds of the writers, who then wrote them down. ","It is similar today. If a businessman uses a secretary to write a message on his behalf, we still acknowledge the businessman as the author of the message. Likewise, even though God used men to write his message, he is the real Author of the Sacred Writings.",2 Timothy 3:16,wp20 No. 3 p. 6 ,,,bl,,1/11/2021
"Blessings for Those Who Help Someone in Need, ",Jesus told a parable about a man who had been attacked by robbers and left for dead. (Luke 10:29-37) A helpful stranger stopped and cared for the badly injured man. He did this despite being from a different ethnic background. This kind man not only gave the injured man first aid and material support but also comforted him and brought him relief from his distress.,"What do we learn from this parable? Jesus was showing that we should help those in need in whatever way we can. (Proverbs 14:31) The Holy Scriptures teach that God will soon put an end to poverty and suffering. We may wonder, though, how and when will God do that? The following article will discuss the blessings that your loving Creator has in store for you.",Luke 10:29-37,wp20 No. 3 p. 13 ,,,bl,,1/11/2021
"Eagle, power, strength, problems, rely on Jehovah, crow, attacker, ","The only bird that dares to attack an eagle in flight is the crow.  He sits on the back of the eagle and attacks it by pecking its neck.  How does the eagle react? He doesn't fight back.  No, he doesn't waste time nor energy on his attacker.  He simply opens his wings and quickly rises to a higher altitude. The higher the eagle rises, the greater the crow's breathlessness becomes.  Due to lack of oxygen, the crow stops its attack by jumping off the eagle's back.","What is the lesson for us?  If the problems of this world (pressure, stress, burdens, insecurities and fear) are ""pecking at our neck,"" don't waste energy on these ""crows."" Take yourself to a higher spiritual level.  Seek Jehovah and draw closer to him.When you no longer give a problem oxygen, it eventually gives up the attack on its own.  Then you can continue flying undisturbed.Jehovah's spirit is also like the wind beneath our wings. So make use of it and DO NOT rely solely on your own strength. ""Those hoping in Jehovah will regain power.  They will soar on wings like eagles.""  --Isaiah 40:31",Isaiah 40:31,Angela Antonuk ,,,bl,,1/12/2021
"How to Maintain Joy When Enduring Trials, Joy, Faith, health, ","Like a flame burning inside the protection of a lantern, this type of joy burns within a Christian’s heart. It does not flicker when health fails or money is scarce. And it is not snuffed out by ridicule or opposition from family members or others. Rather than being put out, the flame burns brighter each time opposers try to extinguish it. ","The trials we face because of our faith confirm that we are true disciples of Christ. (Matt. 10:22; 24:9; John 15:20) For good reason, James could write: “Consider it all joy, my brothers, when you meet with various trials.”—Jas. 1:2.  People may think that they can be happy only if they have good health, a lot of money, and peaceful family relationships. But the type of joy that James wrote about is a part of the fruitage of God’s spirit and is not dependent on a person’s circumstances. (Gal. 5:22) A Christian gains joy, or a deep sense of happiness, from knowing that he is pleasing Jehovah and following Jesus’ example. (Read Luke 6:22, 23; Col. 1:10, 11) ","Luke 6:22, 23; Col. 1:10, 11",w21 February p. 28 par. 6 ,,,bl,,1/18/2021
"Take Courage—Jehovah Is Your Helper, water in hand, divert thoughts, canal, ",King Solomon wrote: “A king’s heart is like streams of water in Jehovah’s hand. He directs it wherever He pleases.” (Prov. 21:1) What does this proverb mean? Humans can dig a canal to divert the water of a stream in a direction that fits their plans. ,"Similarly, Jehovah can use his spirit to divert the thoughts of rulers in a direction that is in harmony with his purpose. When that occurs, people in authority feel motivated to make decisions that benefit God’s people.—Compare Ezra 7:21, 25, 26.What help do we receive? When it is in harmony with his purpose.What can we do? We can pray “concerning kings and all those who are in positions of authority” when these individuals are called on to make decisions that affect our Christian life and ministry. (1 Tim. 2:1, 2, ftn.; Neh. 1:11) As the first-century Christians did, we too pray intensely to God for our brothers and sisters who are in prison. (Read Acts 12:5; Heb. 13:3) Further, we can pray concerning prison guards who are in charge of our brothers and sisters. We can beg Jehovah to influence the thoughts of such individuals so that they may be moved to act like Julius and treat our imprisoned fellow believers “with human kindness.”—See study note on Acts 27:3.e, Jehovah may use his powerful holy spirit to cause people in authority to do what he desires. ",Proverbs 21:1,w20 November p. 15 pars. 13-14,,,bl,,1/18/2021
"Promises, trust, ",Walking down path first time. You close your eyes and try running down the path.  ,That is like putting your trust in men.  In blind promises.  ,"Psalm 146:3,  4;",Aaron Wattier,,,bl,,1/24/2021
"Prayer, Work, ","""Prayer does not stop work and work should not stop prayer.""  ","We can pray anytime, anywhere, anyplace.  ",Matthew 26:41;,Ann Petrushka ,,,bl,,2/6/2021
"Phone, stronger power source, recharge, strength in Jehovah, David, Goliath, battle, ",You charge you phone all night long and it is 100%.  However during the day you keep using it and the battery goes down to zero.  You plug it into a superior power source and it begins to recharge.  ,Goliath was well armed.  He stood 9 1/2 feet tall; his coat of mail weight weight was 125 pounds; His spearhead 15 pounds. David only had a slingshot.  He plugged into a superior power source.  Jehovah God.  He won the battle.,1 Samuel 17:45;,"Caleb Ayers  - Gainesville, MO",,,bl,,2/7/2021
"Preaching, Rescue mission, Group effort, ","Our preaching work could be likened to a rescue mission. And we are like members of a rescue team sent to free people trapped in a mine. Although only a few miners may be found alive, the work done by all the rescuers is valuable. ","The same is true of the work we do in our ministry. We do not know how many people will yet be rescued from Satan’s system. But Jehovah can use any one of us to help them. Andreas, who lives in Bolivia, says, “I see each person who learns Bible truths and gets baptized as the result of a group effort.”",Hag. 2:7;,WT May 2021 Page 19;,,,bl,,2/26/2021
"Behavior, wrongdoing, Reward, Compassion, counsel, discipline, disobedience, answers, Commendation, ","You're training a puppy to set or stay, and instead he pees, would you reward him with a “nice doggie” and a cookie?  If you do, you’re training him to pee.  Likewise when someone knows to give a short answer and wipes out the paragraph you would not commend him. You are training him to disobey. ",Don’t reward bad behavior. Or wrongdoing.See January 2021 Watchtower Page 11; Paragraph 12.  Lessons From “the Disciple Whom Jesus Loved”,James 4:17; Luke 12:47;,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,3/14/2021
"Time, procrastinate,  How to Invest Your Time Wisely",“You don’t really pay for things with money. You pay for them with time.”—What to Do Between Birth and Death,,Ecclesiastes 11:4)  11:4;,g 2/14 p. 7,,,bl,,3/17/2021
"How to Gain Strength From the Scriptures, Meditation, ","Reading the Bible without meditation is like looking at pieces of a jigsaw puzzle on a table without assembling them. Meditation is like putting those pieces together so that you can see the whole picture. To help you meditate, you could ask and answer such questions as these: ‘What did the key character in the account do to help himself? How did Jehovah help him? How can I use the lessons I have learned to help me endure trials?’",Meditation means thinking carefully about what you read and about how the information applies to you. It helps you to connect thoughts and gain a deeper understanding of a subject.,Psalms 19:14; 49:3;,w21 March p. 15 par. 5,,,bl,,3/19/2021
"Does God Hear Our Prayers, Ask, Pray, trust, Close, ","Why does God want us to pray to him? Consider: What parent would not want his young child to say “Can you help me, Dad”? Of course, a father may already know what his child needs or feels, but when he hears those words, it shows him that his child trusts him and is close to him. ","Similarly, when we pray to Jehovah God, we show him that we trust in him and want to be close to him.—Proverbs 15:8; James 4:8.In the Bible, we are encouraged to “pray continually” and to “carry on prayer on every occasion.” Clearly, Jehovah God wants us to pray to him.—Matthew 26:41; Ephesians 6:18.",Proverbs 15:8; James 4:8;,wp21 No. 1 p. 6,,,bl,,3/19/2021
"Jehovah Will Protect You—How, breastplate of righteousness, Principles, standards, too heavy, ","Some may feel that Jehovah’s standards are restrictive. But if we were to stop applying Bible principles in our lives, we would be like a soldier who removed his breastplate in the middle of a battle because he thought it was too heavy. How foolish that would be! To those who love Jehovah, his commandments are, “not burdensome,” but lifesaving.—1 John 5:3.",We wear the breastplate of righteousness by accepting Jehovah’s standards of right and wrong and by living according to those standards. (Ps. 97:10) ,Ps. 97:10; 1 John 5:3.,w21 March p. 27 par. 7,,,bl,,3/19/2021
"Jehovah Will Protect You—How? feet shod in readiness to declare the good news of peace, ","If we were to give in to fear and stop preaching, we would be like a soldier who removed his sandals during the battle; his feet would easily get injured. ","As a result, he would be more vulnerable to attack, and he would not be able to follow the orders of his commander.",Eph 6:15;,w21 March pp. 27-28 par. 8,,,bl,,3/19/2021
"“Follow His Steps Closely” Jesus example, guide, leader, tracks, footsteps, dangerous wilderness, world, ","IMAGINE that you are part of a group hiking through a dangerous, snow-covered wilderness. An experienced guide is leading you. As he walks, he leaves behind tracks, or footprints, in the soft snow. At some point, you cannot see the guide! But you do not panic. Rather, you and your fellow hikers follow the guide’s footprints as closely as you can!","As true Christians, we are, in a sense, hiking through a dangerous wilderness—this wicked world. Fortunately, Jehovah has provided the perfect Guide—his Son, Jesus Christ, whose steps we can follow closely. (1 Pet. 2:21) According to one Bible reference work, Peter here uses the metaphor of a guide. Like a guide leaving behind tracks, Jesus has left behind footprints, or footsteps, that we can follow. Let us consider three questions about following his footsteps—what? why? and how?",1 Pet. 2:21;,w21 April p. 2 pars. 1-2,,,bl,,3/19/2021
"Jehovah’s “Book of Remembrance”, Organization, Zion, ","Have you ever seen a small boy with a bit of broken looking glass in his hand, adroitly turning it so that it shines right into your eye? It is as if a bit of the sun itself were in his hand. Ah yes, you say, I can see myself in that illustration, like a bit of glass broken off from the rest of broken humanity, trying to reflect a little bit of the truth. Well, from the individual viewpoint, the illustration might be quite apt. And do not forget that no object has sharper points and cutting edges than a sliver of broken glass. But is that the correct viewpoint of Jehovah’s people in this judgment day? ","See what a marvelous thing Jehovah has done. He has welded all those broken bits into one clean, crystal-clear, smooth surface, enabling them faithfully to “reflect like mirrors the glory of Jehovah.” (2 Cor. 3:18, NW) How has this been accomplished? By Jehovah’s bringing his devoted people into his organization, Zion. There, because Jehovah’s spirit is upon them and his words (Kingdom message) are put into their mouths, they are enabled as a united body of people, welded into one harmonious pattern world-wide, to respond to the call: “Arise, shine; for thy light is come, and the glory of Jehovah is risen upon thee.” Additionally, we find that Jehovah’s “book of remembrance” is tied in with his organization, for the promise reads: “And those who remain in Zion and are left in Jerusalem will be called holy—even everyone who is enrolled among those destined for life in Jerusalem.”—Isa. 60:1, AS; 4:3, AT.",2 Cor. 3:18; Isa. 60:1; ,w54 2/15 pp. 124-125 par. 21,,,bl,,3/19/2021
"Repudiate “Valueless Things,” gods, image, sacred pillar, showpiece, ","How can “Riches” become like a god? Well, as an example, think of a stone lying in a field in ancient Israel. Such a stone could be useful for the construction of a house or a wall. On the other hand, if it was set up as “a sacred pillar” or as “a showpiece,” it became a stumbling block to Jehovah’s people. (Lev. 26:1) ","Similarly, money has its place. We need it just to survive, and we can use it well in Jehovah’s service. (Eccl. 7:12; Luke 16:9) But if we place the pursuit of money ahead of our Christian service, money becomes, in effect, a god to us. (Read 1 Timothy 6:9, 10.) In this world, where the pursuit of financial gain is so important to people, we have to make sure that we keep a balanced view in this matter.—1 Tim. 6:17-19.","1 Timothy 6:9, 10; 1 Tim. 6:17-19.",w08 4/15 p. 4 par. 8 ,,,bl,,3/19/2021
"“Wise in Heart”—Yet Humble, Pride, yielding, adaptable, ","A supertanker or a freight train might be awesome in terms of size and power. But can either one respond to sudden changes in circumstance? If an obstacle falls across the tracks in front of a freight train, turning is out of the question. Sudden stops are not much easier. A heavy freight train may take over a mile to stop after the brakes are applied! Similarly, a supertanker may coast onward for five miles (8 km) after the engines are shut off. Even if the engines are thrown into reverse, the tanker may still plow on for two miles (3 km)!","Humans can only try to imitate such perfect adaptability. All too often, though, humans and their organizations are more rigid than adaptable, more unreasonable than yielding.  It is similar with human organizations that are prone to rigidity and unreasonableness. Because of pride, men often refuse to adapt to changing needs and circumstances. Such rigidity has bankrupted corporations and even toppled governments. (Proverbs 16:18) How happy we can be that neither Jehovah nor his organization is anything like that!",Proverbs 16:18; ,cl chap. 20 pp. 204-205 par. 15,,,bl,,3/19/2021
"Joy, Maintain a Positive Attitude Toward Your Ministry , ","Our preaching work could be likened to a rescue mission. And we are like members of a rescue team sent to free people trapped in a mine. Although only a few miners may be found alive, the work done by all the rescuers is valuable. ","The same is true of the work we do in our ministry. We do not know how many people will yet be rescued from Satan’s system. But Jehovah can use any one of us to help them. Andreas, who lives in Bolivia, says, “I see each person who learns Bible truths and gets baptized as the result of a group effort.” May we maintain a similar positive attitude toward our ministry. If we do, Jehovah will bless us, and our ministry will be a real source of joy.  Jehovah views all human life as precious. He gives us the privilege of working along with his Son in gathering people from all nations before the end of this system comes. (Hag. 2:7) ",Hag. 2:7; ,w21 May p. 19 par. 20,,,bl,,3/19/2021
"Time,"," The two most powerful warriors are patience and time. – Leo Tolstoy, War and Peace.",,,,,,bl,,4/3/2021
"Purpose, Nail, ","Imagine you purpose to build a new house.  However the first day on the job, you bend a nail.  What will you do?  You know immediately.  You pull the nail and replace it with another one being careful to not bend it.",When Adam sinned it was like a bent nail to Jehovah.  He immediately kept his purpose going by making a quick decision. ,"Genesis 3:15; 22, 23;",Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,4/19/2021
How to Maintain Joy When Enduring Trials," Like a flame burning inside the protection of a lantern, this type of joy burns within a Christian’s heart. It does not flicker when health fails or money is scarce. And it is not snuffed out by ridicule or opposition from family members or others. Rather than being put out, the flame burns brighter each time opposers try to extinguish it. ","The trials we face because of our faith confirm that we are true disciples of Christ. (Matt. 10:22; 24:9; John 15:20) For good reason, James could write: “Consider it all joy, my brothers, when you meet with various trials.”—Jas. 1:2.","Luke 6:22, 23; Col. 1:10, 11",w21 February p. 28 par. 6,,,bl,,5/3/2021
"How to Maintain Joy When Enduring Trials, endurance, ","Trials can be likened to the fire that is used to forge a blade of steel. When the blade is heated and cooled, the steel becomes stronger. ","Similarly, when we endure trials, our faith is strengthened. That is why James wrote: “Let endurance complete its work, so that you may be complete and sound in all respects.” (Jas. 1:4) When we see that our trials make our faith stronger, we can endure them with joy.","Jas. 1:3, 4;",w21 February p. 28 par. 7 ,,,bl,,5/3/2021
"How to Maintain Joy When Enduring Trials, hope, anchor, chain, doubts, ",The apostle Paul likened our hope for the future to an anchor. (Heb. 6:19) An anchor stabilizes a ship during a storm and stops it from drifting onto rocks. But an anchor is useful only if the chain that attaches it to the ship does not break. ,"Just as rust weakens an anchor chain, so unresolved doubts weaken our faith. When tested by opposition, a person who has doubts could lose faith that Jehovah will fulfill his promises. If we lose our faith, we lose our hope. As James says, the doubter “is like a wave of the sea driven by the wind and blown about.” (Jas. 1:6) A person in that position is unlikely to feel any joy at all!",James 1:6;,w21 February p. 30 par. 15 ,,,bl,,5/3/2021
"Meditate, How to Gain Strength From the Scriptures, think, imagine, ",Reading the Bible without meditation is like looking at pieces of a jigsaw puzzle on a table without assembling them. Meditation is like putting those pieces together so that you can see the whole picture. ,"Meditation means thinking carefully about what you read and about how the information applies to you. It helps you to connect thoughts and gain a deeper understanding of a subject. To help you meditate, you could ask and answer such questions as these: ‘What did the key character in the account do to help himself? How did Jehovah help him? How can I use the lessons I have learned to help me endure trials?’",Matthew 7:24-27;,w21 March p. 15 par. 5 ,,,bl,,5/22/2021
"Apply, Act, How to Gain Strength From the Scriptures","Apply. Jesus said that if we do not apply what we learn, we are like a man who builds his house on sand. He works hard, but he is wasting his effort. Why? Because when a storm and flood hit his house, it will collapse.  ","Similarly, if we pray, imagine, and meditate but we do not apply what we learn, we will have wasted our effort. When our faith is tested by trials or persecution, it will not be strong enough. On the other hand, when we study and apply what we learn, we make better decisions, we gain more peace, and we develop stronger faith. (Isa. 48:17, 18) ",Matt. 7:24-27;,w21 March p. 15 par. 6 ,,,bl,,5/22/2021
"Is It Just a Small Misunderstanding? Guidance, Understanding, ","A little girl saw smoke rising from factory smokestacks and expanding into what looked like puffy clouds. She concluded that the purpose of the factory was to make clouds. Such a small misunderstanding on the part of a child can be amusing. However, a major misunderstanding can impact our lives. ","For example, misreading the label on a container of medicine could bring serious consequences. Misunderstandings about spiritual matters can be even more serious. For example, some people misunderstood Jesus’ teachings. (John 6:48-68) Instead of learning more, they rejected everything that Jesus taught. What a loss! Do you read the Bible for guidance? That is commendable. Is there a danger, though, that you might misunderstand something that you have read? It happens to many people. Consider three common misunderstandings.",John 6:48-68;,wp17 No. 1 p. 14,,,bl,,5/22/2021
"Protect the reputation of Jehovah’s family. Imitate, copy, example, ","In a literal family, it is not uncommon for a little boy to copy his older brother. If the older sibling applies Bible principles in his life, he will serve as a good example for his younger brother. If the older one turns to doing what is wrong, the younger brother may follow his bad example."," It is similar in Jehovah’s family. If a once faithful Christian later adopts apostate thinking or chooses an immoral or a corrupt way of life, others may be tempted to join him in doing what is bad. Those who do so harm the reputation of Jehovah’s family of worshippers. (1 Thess. 4:3-8) We must avoid following bad examples and not allow anything to pull us away from our loving heavenly Father.",1 Thess. 4:3-8,Watchtower August 2021,,,bl,,5/27/2021
"Wait on Jehovah, patience, expectation, anxiety, waiting, ",HOW do you feel when a package containing an item that you really need does not arrive when you are expecting it? Are you disappointed? Proverbs 13:12 realistically states: “Expectation postponed makes the heart sick.” ,"But what if you learn that there are good reasons why the package did not arrive when you expected it to come? In that case, you would likely be patient and willing to wait.",Proverbs 13:12,Watchtower August 2021;,,,bl,,5/27/2021
"Growth, gradually, spiritual progress, rush, hurry, anxiety, wait, ",Proverbs 4:18 tells us that “the path of the righteous is like the bright morning light that grows brighter and brighter until full daylight.” These words aptly apply to the way in which Jehovah reveals his purpose to his people​—gradually. ,"However, the verse can also be applied more broadly to the way in which a Christian makes spiritual progress in his life. Spiritual growth cannot be rushed. It takes time. If we diligently study and apply the counsel we receive through God’s Word and his organization, we will gradually develop a Christlike personality. We will also grow in our knowledge of God.",Proverbs 4:18,Watchtower August 2021;,,,bl,,5/27/2021
"Growth, seed, gradually, time, changes, anxiety, wait, ","Jesus used an illustration to explain how the Kingdom message we preach is like a tiny seed that gradually develops in honesthearted ones. He said: “The seeds sprout and grow tall​—just how, he [the sower] does not know. On its own the ground bears fruit gradually, first the stalk, then the head, finally the full grain in the head.” (Mark 4:27, 28) ","What point was Jesus making? He was explaining that just as a plant grows little by little, so a person who accepts the Kingdom message grows spiritually little by little. For example, as our sincere Bible students draw closer to Jehovah, we begin to see the many fine changes that they have made. (Eph. 4:22-24) But we must remember that it is Jehovah who makes that tiny seed grow.​—1 Cor. 3:7.","Mark 4:27, 28",Watchtower August 2021,,,bl,,5/27/2021
"Laws, Justice, dumb laws, blind justice, Wisdom, understanding, insight, ",In the state of Kansas it is illegal to top a slice of cherry pie with a scoop of ice cream.  Some laws apparently were made to be broken. Some are just dumb.  Fortunately for dessert lovers that law is not enforced.,Jehovah's laws are always wise and just.  We show wisdom and understanding when we obey them.  Many are being drawn to Jehovah's organization today when we see fine conduct of people who live by God's wise laws and principles. ,"Deuteronomy 4:7, 8;  ",Jason Arndt,,,bl,,6/11/2021
"Why Did God Wage War Against the Canaanites?  Justice, Love, Mercy, ","How could a God of love destroy any humans? That question is understandable, for the destruction of human life is not pleasant to contemplate. Really, though, it was God’s love that impelled him to take such drastic measures against the wicked. To illustrate: When a patient develops gangrene, doctors often have little choice but to amputate the infected limb. Few would enjoy performing such a procedure, but a good doctor knows that the alternative—the spread of infection—is worse. Because he cares, he carries out this unpleasant task for the good of his patient.","Similarly, Jehovah did not enjoy destroying the Canaanites. He himself says: “I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked.” (Ezekiel 33:11, Darby) At the same time, he purposed for the nation of Israel to produce the Messiah, the one who would open the way to salvation for all those exercising faith. (John 3:16) Thus, God simply could not allow Israel to become infected by the disgusting practices of the Canaanites. He therefore ordered the Canaanites to be cut off, or evicted, from the land. In so doing, God demonstrated outstanding love—love that moved him to perform an unpleasant task for the benefit of his faithful worshippers.",Ezekiel 33:11;,w10 1/1 pp. 14-15,,,bl,,6/11/2021
,,,,,,,bl,,7/24/2021
"Source, encyclopedia, holidays, religious teaching, research,","Imagine, you are taking a long walk and getting thirsty.  You come to a clear stream and want to drink from it.  Before that happens you wonder what the source of the water is.  You begin to follow it upstream.  You discover it is bubbling out from the middle of a cattle feed lot.  Would you drink it?  Definitely not!","The same is true of ""so called"" Bible teachings.  We can find the source by doing research using reference works like encyclopedias and other material.  If the source is bad then we realize it is not a life-giving teaching. Where did it start?  Examples: flag salute, certain holidays, teaching such as hell fire, trinity, immortality of the soul, etc.",Daniel 12:4,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,7/24/2021
"“Follow His Steps Closely” Guide, wilderness, footprints, wicked world, ","IMAGINE that you are part of a group hiking through a dangerous, snow-covered wilderness. An experienced guide is leading you. As he walks, he leaves behind tracks, or footprints, in the soft snow. At some point, you cannot see the guide! But you do not panic. Rather, you and your fellow hikers follow the guide’s footprints as closely as you can!","As true Christians, we are, in a sense, hiking through a dangerous wilderness—this wicked world. Fortunately, Jehovah has provided the perfect Guide—his Son, Jesus Christ, whose steps we can follow closely. (1 Pet. 2:21) According to one Bible reference work, Peter here uses the metaphor of a guide. Like a guide leaving behind tracks, Jesus has left behind footprints, or footsteps, that we can follow. Let us consider three questions about following his footsteps—what? why? and how?",1 Pet. 2:21,w21 April p. 2 pars. 1-2,,,bl,,7/27/2021
“Taste” Jehovah’s Goodness—How? ,"IMAGINE being offered something to eat that you have never tried before. You could learn something about it by looking at it, smelling it, getting the recipe, or asking others for their opinion about it. However, the only way to know for sure whether you like it is to taste it for yourself.","We can learn something about Jehovah’s goodness by reading the Bible and our publications as well as by hearing others talk about the blessings they have received from Jehovah. But we will gain a real understanding of how good Jehovah is when we “taste” his goodness for ourselves. (Read Psalm 34:8.) Let us illustrate one way we can do that. Suppose we want to engage in some form of the full-time ministry, but in order to reach that goal, we will need to simplify our life. Perhaps we have often read Jesus’ promise that if we put Kingdom interests first, Jehovah will provide the things we really need, but we personally have never experienced the fulfillment of that promise. (Matt. 6:33) Nevertheless, with faith in Jesus’ promise, we reduce our expenses, cut down on our secular work, and focus on our ministry. As we do so, we learn through our own experience that Jehovah really does care for our needs. We “taste” Jehovah’s goodness personally.",Psalm 34:8;,w21 August p. 26 pars. 1-2 ,,,bl,,7/27/2021
"Taste, goodness, associations, “Taste” Jehovah’s Goodness—How? enjoy, ",Choose the right association. We are more inclined to try a new dish if we spend time with those who enjoy it. ,"Similarly, if we associate with those who build their life around serving Jehovah, we are more likely to look for ways to expand our service to God. A couple named Kent and Veronica found that to be true. “Our friends and family encouraged us to try new avenues of service,” says Kent. “We realized that by associating with those who seek the Kingdom first, we gained the confidence to try something new.” Kent and Veronica now serve as special pioneers in Serbia.","Eccl. 5:19, 20",w21 August p. 30 par. 15 ,,,bl,,7/27/2021
" “Exercise Justice” in Walking With God, rescue, salvation, thankfulness, appreciation, ","IMAGINE being trapped on a sinking ship. Just when you think that there is no hope, a rescuer arrives and pulls you to safety. How relieved you feel as your rescuer takes you away from the danger and says: “You are safe now”! Would you not feel indebted to that person? In a very real sense, you would owe him your life.","In some respects, this illustrates what Jehovah has done for us. Surely we are indebted to him. After all, he has provided the ransom, making it possible for us to be rescued from the clutches of sin and death. We feel safe knowing that as long as we exercise faith in that precious sacrifice, our sins are forgiven, and our eternal future is secure. (1 John 1:7; 4:9) ",1 John 1:7; 4:9,cl chap. 16 p. 158 pars. 1-2,,,bl,,7/27/2021
"Value the Strength of Youth, Modest, active, keep moving, ","We could compare a modest person with someone driving a vehicle uphill. The driver needs to change to a lower gear in order to continue driving up the slope. True, he will probably travel more slowly, but he will keep moving forward. ","Similarly, a modest person knows when it is time to “change to a lower gear” so that he can continue to be active and productive in Jehovah’s service.—Phil. 4:5.Note the example of Barzillai, who was 80 years old when King David invited him to become part of the royal court. Modest Barzillai declined the king’s offer. Recognizing his personal limitations because of his age, Barzillai recommended that a younger man, Chimham, go in his place. (2 Sam. 19:35-37) Like Barzillai, older men are happy to give younger men the opportunity to serve.",Proverbs 11:2; Phil. 4:5; 2 Sam. 19:35-37,w21 September p. 10 pars. 6-7,,,bl,,7/27/2021
"Soul, whole, heart, soul, mind, dedication, devotion, ","To illustrate: A person might sell himself (his soul) into slavery to another, thereby becoming the possession of his owner and master. Yet he might not serve his master wholeheartedly, with full motivation and desire to please him, and thus he might not use his full strength or his full mental capacity to advance his master’s interests. (Compare Eph 6:5; Col 3:22.) ","Hence these other facets are evidently mentioned to focus attention on them so that we do not fail to remember and consider them in our service to God, to whom we belong, and to his Son, whose life was the ransom price that bought us. “Whole-souled” service to God involves the entire person, no bodily part, function, capacity, or desire being left out.",Eph 6:5; Col 3:22,it-2 p. 1007 Soul,,,bl,,7/27/2021
"Situational Abuse, ",A circumstance where a situation is either created or willfully allowed that causes physical or emotional stress to another individual.,,,,,,bl,,8/15/2021
"Difficult, hard, obedience, instruction, ","“I will always choose a lazy person to do a difficult job because he will find an easy way to do it.”  ― Ziad K. Abdelnour,",Serving Jehovah is not too difficult.  Jehovah is not lazy but simply knows the best way.,De 30:11-14;,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,8/21/2021
"Difficult. hard, stupid, gifts, ","“Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid.” — Albert Einstein",Find an easier way.,,,,,bl,,8/21/2021
"Yesterday, tomorrow, today, ","“Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, today is a gift of God, which is why we call it the present.” — Bill Keane",,,,,,bl,,8/21/2021
"Happiness, joy, ",“If you want happiness for an hour — take a nap. If you want happiness for a day — go fishing. If you want happiness for a year — inherit a fortune. If you want happiness for a life time — help someone else.” — Chinese proverb,,,,,,bl,,8/21/2021
"Happiness, Happy, failure, ","“When one door of happiness closes, another opens, but often we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one that has been opened for us.” — Helen Keller",,,,,,bl,,8/21/2021
"Truth, forgetting, ",“A mind that is stretched by a new experience can never go back to its old dimensions.” — Oliver Wendell Holmes,"Once a person learns the truth about Jehovah's name, Kingdom, purpose no matter how hard he tries you cannot ""unlearn"" the truth.",,,,,bl,,8/21/2021
"Growth, mature, progress, learn, ",“The only way that we can live is if we grow. The only way we can grow is if we change. The only way we can change is if we learn. The only way we can learn is if we are exposed. And the only way that we are exposed is if we throw ourselves into the open.” — C. Joybell,,,,,,bl,,8/21/2021
"Time, Love, eternity, "," “Time is too slow for those who wait, too swift for those who fear, too long for those who grieve, too short for those who rejoice, but for those who love, time is eternity.” — Henry van Dyke",,,,,,bl,,8/21/2021
"Tough, difficult, hard, exertion, ","There's a saying, ""When the going gets tough, the tough get going.""","“Tough times never last, but tough people do.”—Robert H. Schuller",,,,,bl,,8/21/2021
"Way, truth, Life, Jesus role, essential, ",You can write a nice letter and put it into your mail box but not put a stamp on it.  It is not going anywhere because the stamp is essential.  ,It is the same way with Jesus.  Many have his role confused or do not approach him according to Jehovah's will.  Their efforts will not go anywhere.  Jesus said to him: “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.,John 14:6;,Kim Laymon,,,bl,,10/19/2021
What Is True Repentance?,"You go to a bakery shop and ask for a cake. But instead of a cake, the shop clerk hands you an egg. Would you be satisfied? Of course not! Would it help if the clerk explained that the egg is a key ingredient of the cake? Again, of course not! ","Similarly, Jehovah asks the sinner for repentance. If the sinner feels sorry about his sin, that is good. Such a feeling is an important ingredient of repentance, but it is not the whole thing. What else is needed? We learn a lot from a touching parable that Jesus related.",Luke 15:11-22;, w21 October p. 5 par. 13,,,bl,,11/15/2021
"We Serve the God Who Is “Rich in Mercy” Social, obedience, disfellowship, ","A shepherd notices that one of his sheep is ailing. He knows that treating this particular illness requires that he isolate the sick sheep from the rest of the flock. However, sheep are social creatures. They long to be with the flock, and they may become agitated when kept apart. ","Does this mean, though, that the shepherd is being harsh or cruel in choosing this treatment? Of course not. He knows that if he allows the sick sheep to mingle with the rest of the flock, the illness will spread. By isolating the sick one, he protects the whole flock.","Leviticus 13:3, 4.",w21 October p. 10 par. 10,,,bl,,8/9/2023
"Are You Willing to Wait on Jehovah? Expectation, ",HOW do you feel when a package containing an item that you really need does not arrive when you are expecting it? Are you disappointed? Proverbs 13:12 realistically states: “Expectation postponed makes the heart sick.” ,"But what if you learn that there are good reasons why the package did not arrive when you expected it to come? In that case, you would likely be patient and willing to wait.",Proverbs 13:12,w21 August p. 8 par. 1 ,,,bl,,11/15/2021
"What Leviticus Teaches Us About How to Treat Others, hurt feelings, minor, major, ","Hurt feelings can be likened to physical wounds. Some are minor; others are serious. For example, when we open an envelope, we might get a slight paper cut on our finger. That can really hurt, but it will likely not do us any lasting harm. After a day or two, perhaps we do not even recall where the cut was. Similarly, some offenses are minor. For example, a friend may say or do something thoughtless that hurts us, but we are able to forgive him easily. But if we have a deeper wound, a doctor may have to stitch the wound and bind it in bandages."," If we were to keep poking or picking at the wound, we would only harm ourselves. Sadly, a person might be doing something similar when he is deeply offended. He may constantly think about the emotional injury he suffered and the hurt the other person caused him. But those who hold a grudge hurt only themselves. How much better it is to obey the counsel found at Leviticus 19:18!",Leviticus 19:18;,w21 December p. 12 par. 15,,,bl,,11/15/2021
"Continue to “Listen to Him,” standards, restrictive, narrow road, broad road, ","A guardrail near the edge of a narrow mountain road serves as a protection for a driver and his vehicle. The guardrail is designed to keep drivers safe—to help them avoid getting too close to or going over the edge of the road. Not many drivers would complain that such a guardrail is too restrictive! Jehovah’s standards found in the Bible are like that guardrail. His standards serve to keep us on the cramped road.—Read Psalm 119:9, 10, 45, 133.","Young ones, do you sometimes feel that Jehovah’s standards are too restrictive? This is what Satan wants you to think. He would like you to focus on what those who are traveling on the spacious road are doing, on the good time they seem to be having. He may use what your peers at school are doing or what you see on the Internet to make you feel that you are missing out on all the fun. Satan wants you to think that Jehovah’s standards are keeping you from enjoying life to the full. But remember this: Satan does not want those who are traveling on his road to see what awaits them at the end of the journey. Jehovah, on the other hand, has given you a clear picture of what he has in store for those who stay on the road to life.—Ps. 37:29; Isa. 35:5, 6; 65:21-23.","Psalm 119:9, 10, 45, 133",w21 December pp. 23-24 pars. 6-7,,,bl,,11/15/2021
“Taste” Jehovah’s Goodness—How?,"IMAGINE being offered something to eat that you have never tried before. You could learn something about it by looking at it, smelling it, getting the recipe, or asking others for their opinion about it. However, the only way to know for sure whether you like it is to taste it for yourself.  ",We can learn something about Jehovah’s goodness by reading the Bible and our publications as well as by hearing others talk about the blessings they have received from Jehovah. But we will gain a real understanding of how good Jehovah is when we “taste” his goodness for ourselves. (Read Psalm 34:8.) ,Psalm 34:8;,w21 August p. 26 pars. 1-2,,,bl,,11/15/2021
"Modesty, adjust, change, continue active, advancement, moving forward, Value the Strength of Youth","We could compare a modest person with someone driving a vehicle uphill. The driver needs to change to a lower gear in order to continue driving up the slope. True, he will probably travel more slowly, but he will keep moving forward. ","A modest person acknowledges his limitations. (Prov. 11:2) Modesty moves him to adjust his expectations of how much he can do. As a result, he will remain happy and productive.  Similarly, a modest person knows when it is time to “change to a lower gear” so that he can continue to be active and productive in Jehovah’s service.",Phil. 4:5;,w21 September p. 10 par. 6 ,,,bl,,12/10/2021
"View, distorted, Justice, Imperfection, Do You Trust in Jehovah’s Way of Doing Things? Do You Trust in Jehovah’s Way of Doing Things?","Our situation is like that of a person whose eyeglasses have fogged up. No matter how hard he strains to see things clearly, his view remains distorted. ","Similarly, if some aspect of Jehovah’s way of doing things is hard to understand, imperfection might be distorting our perception of justice. It is our view​—not Jehovah’s view—​that is incorrect.​—  Because we are imperfect, at times we may view matters more harshly or more leniently than Jehovah does. (1 Sam. 16:7) This could make us question Jehovah’s way of doing things. ",Ezek. 18:29.,w22 February p. 2,,,bl,,12/9/2021
"“I Will Bring an End to Your Prostitution” Harlot, prostitute, morals, marriage, ","For the sake of illustration, we might think of a marriage. Both husband and wife have the right to expect a certain kind of exclusivity. If either mate were to give romantic or sexual attention to someone outside the marriage, the other mate would rightly feel jealous and betrayed. (Read Hebrews 13:4.) ","Similarly, when it comes to worship, Jehovah properly feels betrayed when his own people, dedicated exclusively to him, turn to false gods. He expresses this sense of personal betrayal forcefully in Ezekiel chapter 16.",Hebrews 13:4,rr chap. 15 p. 165 par. 10,,,bl,,12/10/2021
"Older people, cranky, pain, understanding, ",How can we understand why older people complain and hurt so much?  Experiment: Take some Vaseline and put it on your eyeglasses  or if you don't have eyeglasses just smear it into your eyes. You will then understand how difficult it is to not see plainly.  Then pick up several gravels and put them into your shoes and walk around; Take some cotton and stuff it into your ears so you will understand how difficult it is to hear.                                                                                             ,This will give us insight into what it is like growing old.  ,(Ecclesiastes 12:1-7),Gary Diburgo,"""Work What Is Good Toward All"" ",15,bl,,12/20/2021
"Creation, Angels, Growth,  Imitate What Is Good, ","WHAT child is there who does not love to get a seed of some kind, and put it in a jar, and watch the start of a new life? Every day the child will peer into it, viewing attentively the signs of growth. Grown-up people also take the keenest interest in learning all they can about how a new life gets started. No wonder we love to peer at the beginning of a new life, whether human, or animal, or in plants. If it comes from good stock, it will follow the same pattern, and will imitate what is good.","The Bible reveals a similar attitude on the part of the angels. We can imagine their intense interest in what Jehovah, the Creator, was causing to be done on our tiny planet, microscopic compared with the universe, when it was being prepared to sustain life in endless variety and beauty. It is recorded that, at that time, they “joyfully cried out together, and all the sons of God began shouting in applause.” And what a thrill when they saw the climax of it all, the creation of man, “in God’s image”!—Job 38:7; Gen. 1:27.","Gen. 1:11, 12, 21, 24;",w71 7/15 p. 434 pars. 1-2,,,bl,,12/24/2021
"Imitate Jesus by Serving Others, perfect, mistakes, experience, ","We should not be discouraged if we fail to imitate Jesus perfectly. (Jas. 3:2) A student artist cannot perfectly imitate the work of a master artist. But as the student learns from his mistakes and strives to follow the example of the master artist as closely as possible, he will keep improving. ","Similarly, if we act on what we have learned through personal Bible study, doing our best to correct any flaws we may have, we can successfully follow the model that Jesus left for us.—Read Psalm 119:59, 60.","Psalm 119:59, 60",w22 February pp. 24-25 par. 16,,,bl,,12/27/2021
"Speech, Personality, heart, seams in a garment, ","Control your speech. Jesus said: “Whatever comes out of the mouth comes from the heart.” (Matt. 15:18) Your speech might be likened to seams in a garment. If you try your best to remove abusive, lying, and immoral speech from your conversation, you will find it easier to strip off the old personality.","Yes, our speech reveals a lot about who we are on the inside. So ask yourself these questions: ‘Do I refuse to lie, even if telling the truth will cause me trouble? As a married person, am I careful not to flirt with those of the opposite sex? Do I avoid immoral speech like the plague? Do I reply in a calm manner when someone upsets me?’ You will find it helpful to reflect on those questions. ",Matt. 15:18,March 2020 WT page 6  paragraph 14;,,,bl,,12/27/2021
"Conflict, arguments, preachers, ","Never wrestle with a pig; You will both get dirty, and the pig likes it.",Sometimes it is best to walk away.  Proverbs 17:14 Leave before the quarrel starts ,Proverbs 17 :13,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,1/3/2022
"Raising Children With Special Needs, Encourage, water to runners, aid, assistance, help, ","Just as onlookers admire the endurance of marathon runners, you may marvel at the stamina of parents who care for a disabled child—24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Spectators along a marathon route traditionally offer runners bottles of water to sustain them. Can you offer refreshment to parents engaged in the lifelong care of a special child?  ","One way you can help is simply by talking to their son or daughter. You may feel uneasy at first, for the child may respond very little or not at all. Keep in mind, though, that many such children enjoy listening and may well think deeply about what you say. In some cases their minds are like icebergs that lie largely below the surface, and their faces may not express their deep feelings.",Psalm 65:2,g 4/06 p. 26 ,,,bl,,1/3/2022
"Unforgiveable sin, opposed, ","Like clay that has been fired in a kiln and that can never be reshaped, the person’s heart has become permanently opposed to God. (Isaiah 45:9) ","There could never be a basis for such a person to be forgiven, so he is guilty of the unforgivable, or unpardonable, sin.​—Hebrews 10:26, 27. The unforgivable sin refers to actions accompanied by an attitude that keeps a sinner from ever receiving God’s forgiveness. How could such a disposition develop?",Isaiah 45:9,Bible Questions Answered.  JW.Library,,,bl,,1/3/2022
"Fruitage of the spirit, new personality, mind of Christ, ","Consider this illustration. If you tore your favorite garment, would you immediately throw it out? No. Most likely you would carefully repair the damage if that is possible. And you would be more careful thereafter. ","Likewise, if on occasion you fail to act in a kind, patient, or loving way toward someone, do not become discouraged. A heartfelt apology can repair the damage, so to speak, and put you on the path to restoring your good relationship with the person. Be determined to do better in the future.  Even Christians who have been baptized for many years at times fail to display the fruitage of the spirit. The important thing, though, is not to give up. ","Gal 5:22, 23;",WT March 2022,,,bl,,1/3/2022
"Speaking in tongues, pass on, gifts of holy spirit, ","To illustrate, a government official may issue a driver's license to someone, but that person is not given the legal authority to issue a license to anyone else.  ","Likewise, the gifts of the holy spirit were generally passed on to other Christians in the presence of the apostles placing their hands on fellow believers.  It appears that those who received the gifts of the spirit from the apostles did not transfer them to others.  Apparently, speaking in tongues ended with the death of the apostles and those who had personally received the gift from them.",Acts 8:5-7;,Bible Questions Answered.,,,bl,,1/8/2022
"“You Know Neither the Day Nor the Hour, ten virgins, Faithful and discreet slave, anointed, ","IMAGINE that a government official asks you to drive him to an important appointment. A few minutes before you leave to meet him, you realize that there is not enough fuel in your car. You rush to buy some more. The official arrives while you are gone. He looks around but cannot find you. He cannot wait, so he asks someone else to drive him. You soon get back and realize that the official has left without you. How would you feel?Now imagine that you are the official. Before you go away on a trip, you choose three men to take care of some important work. You explain what you want them to do, and all three agree to do it. But when you come back some time later, you learn that only two of them have done what you asked. The one who did not do his job is making excuses. Actually, he did not even try to do the work. How would you feel?","The situations we just considered are similar to two of Jesus’ parables, the parable of the virgins and the parable of the talents. Both parables are about the time of the end and show why some anointed Christians would be faithful and discreet but others would not. (See footnote.) (Matthew 25:1-30) Jesus emphasized the lesson in these parables by saying: “Keep on the watch, therefore, because you know neither the day nor the hour.” Jesus was saying that his disciples would not know the exact time when he would destroy Satan’s world. (Matthew 25:13) We too must “keep on the watch.” Why is it good for us to do as Jesus said? Who have kept on the watch? And what must we do now to keep on the watch?",Matthew 25:1-30,ws12 9/15 p. 21 pars. 1-2,,,bl,,1/9/2022
"You Know Neither the Day Nor the Hour, time, appointment, late, early, ","Sometimes it is important to know exactly what time it is. For example, if you work in a factory, have an appointment with a doctor, or need to take a bus or a train, you must make sure of the time so that you are not late. But a person who is fighting a fire or saving someone’s life after a disaster should not keep looking at the time. That could be distracting or even dangerous. In these situations, it is much more important to focus on the work than to know what time it is. ","Our preaching work helps people to learn about what Jehovah has done to save mankind. This work is especially important now because the end of this system is getting nearer. To keep on the watch and do what Jehovah expects of us, we do not need to know exactly when the end will come. Actually, the fact that we do not know the exact day or hour is good for us in at least five ways.",Matthew 25:13; ,ws12 9/15 p. 22 par. 4,,,bl,,1/9/2022
"You Know Neither the Day Nor the Hour, fire, faith, metal, humble, trials, friendship, ","But just as fire can refine metal, trials can refine our faith and make it stronger. If we are humble and follow Jehovah’s direction, trials will not stop us from serving him. Instead, our friendship with him will become stronger than we ever imagined.—James 1:2-4; 4:8.","The fact that we do not know when the end will come allows us to learn from trials and to strengthen our faith. (Read Psalm 119:71.) The last days of this system are “critical times hard to deal with.” (2 Timothy 3:1-5) Many in Satan’s world hate us, so we may be persecuted for our faith. (John 15:19; 16:2)",James 1:2-4; 4:8,ws12 9/15 p. 23 par. 9,,,bl,,1/9/2022
"True Worship Will Add to Your Happiness, Love for Jehovah, ","Imagine a young child who wants to give something to his father. He might spend hours drawing a picture for him. The son does not begrudge the time he spent on it. He loves his father, and he is happy to give him that gift. ","Similarly, because of our love for Jehovah, we are happy to put forth time and effort in order to share in true worship.  True worship requires time and effort. But it is not burdensome.  Why not? Because we worship Jehovah out of love for him.",1 John 5:3,w22 March p. 24 par. 15,,,bl,,1/17/2022
"True Worship Will Add to Your Happiness, Gifts, variety, Not Forget, ",Loving parents do not expect to receive the same gift from each of their children. They realize that each child is different and has different circumstances. ,"Similarly, our heavenly Father understands our individual circumstances. Maybe you can do more than many whom you know and love. Or you may not be able to do as much as others do, perhaps because of your age, health, or family responsibilities. Do not be discouraged. (Gal. 6:4) Jehovah will not forget your work. As long as you are giving your best and with the right motive, he will be pleased. (Read Hebrews 6:10.) Jehovah sees even the intentions of your heart. He wants you to be happy and satisfied with the worship you are able to give him.",Hebrews 6:10; Gal. 6:4;,w22 March pp. 24-25 par. 16,,,bl,,1/17/2022
"True Worship Will Add to Your Happiness, Gradually, Progress, daily routine, ","We might compare our worship to some activity, such as doing a type of exercise or practicing a musical instrument. If we do so only occasionally, we might not make much progress. But suppose we decide to make it part of our daily routine. We might start with brief periods and gradually lengthen them. As we see the good results of our efforts, we will likely look forward to these periods and really enjoy them. ","Can you see how we can apply this approach to our worship?  We fulfill the very purpose of our existence by worshipping Jehovah wholeheartedly. As a result, we enjoy a happy and meaningful life and we have the hope of worshipping Jehovah forever. (Prov. 10:22) ",Proverbs 10:22; ,w22 March p. 25 pars. 17-18,,,bl,,1/17/2022
"Hurt feelings; forgiveness, ","Hurt feelings can be likened to physical wounds. Some are minor; others are serious. For example, when we open an envelope, we might get a slight paper cut on our finger. That can really hurt, but it will likely not do us any lasting harm. After a day or two, perhaps we do not even recall where the cut was. ","Similarly, some offenses are minor. For example, a friend may say or do something thoughtless that hurts us, but we are able to forgive him easily. But if we have a deeper wound, a doctor may have to stitch the wound and bind it in bandages. If we were to keep poking or picking at the wound, we would only harm ourselves. Sadly, a person might be doing something similar when he is deeply offended. He may constantly think about the emotional injury he suffered and the hurt the other person caused him. But those who hold a grudge hurt only themselves. How much better it is to obey the counsel found at Leviticus 19:18!",Leviticus 19:18;,w21 December p. 12 par. 15 an illustration,,,bl,,2/13/2022
"Samuel, Consideration, Josiah, ","There is a saying, ""Never send a boy to do a man's job.""1.	I wonder what Jehovah would think about that.2.	What would be a situation that might require that?3.	What virtues would one need to successfully carry this out?","Samuel carried out his assignment successfully. (1 Samuel 3:15-18) . . .Samuel lay down until the morning; then he opened the doors of Jehovah’s house. Samuel was afraid to tell Eʹli of the vision. 16 But Eʹli called for Samuel: “Samuel, my son!” At this he said: “Here I am.” 17 He asked: “What message did he speak to you? Please, do not hide it from me. May God do so to you and add to it if you hide from me a single word of all that he said to you.” 18 So Samuel told him everything, and he did not hide anything from him. Eʹli said: “It is Jehovah. Let him do what is good in his eyes.”",1 Samuel 3:4-9;15-18;,Our Christian Life and Ministry.,,,bl,,2/16/2022
"Judge, Listen to the Voice of the Fine Shepherd, ","A rough diamond may be unsightly, but a perceptive person will look beyond its rough exterior and see the value it will have once it is cut and polished. Like Jehovah and Jesus, we need to look beyond appearances and see people’s good qualities.In addition to focusing on others’ good qualities, what can help us not to judge them harshly? Try to imagine what their life is like. Consider this example. One day at the temple, Jesus saw a needy widow drop two coins of little value into a treasury chest. He did not ask: “Why did she not put in more?” Instead of focusing on the amount the widow gave, Jesus considered her motives and circumstances and praised her for doing all she could.","If Jehovah makes allowances for imperfect humans, surely we can make allowances for one another and look for the good in others. It is usually quite easy to pick out the imperfections of others and to be critical. However, a spiritual person may see those imperfections and still work along well with others.",Luke 21:1-4;,w21 December pp. 19-20 pars. 14-15,,,bl,,3/1/2022
"Revelation, Picture, Photo, Jehovah's Witnesses, Dedicated servants, ","HAVE you ever been invited to look through a photo album belonging to someone else? As you glance at the photos, you see mostly unfamiliar faces. One particular photo, however, catches your attention. Why? Because you are in that photo. As you study it, you try to remember when the picture was taken and where. You also try to identify everyone else in the photo. That photo is especially meaningful to you.","The book of Revelation is like that photograph. Why? For at least two reasons. First, this Bible book was written for us. In the very first verse, we read: “A revelation by Jesus Christ, which God gave him, to show his slaves the things that must shortly take place.” (Rev. 1:1) So, what is written in this book is not for people in general but for us, God’s dedicated servants. As God’s people, we should not be surprised to discover that we are sharing in the fulfillment of the prophecies found in this fascinating book. In other words, we find ourselves “in the photo.”",Revelation 1:1; ,WT May 2022 Study Article;,,,bl,,3/1/2022
Continue to “Listen to Him”,"Once we have begun traveling on the cramped road, what can help us remain on it? Consider this illustration. A guardrail near the edge of a narrow mountain road serves as a protection for a driver and his vehicle. The guardrail is designed to keep drivers safe—to help them avoid getting too close to or going over the edge of the road. Not many drivers would complain that such a guardrail is too restrictive! Jehovah’s standards found in the Bible are like that guardrail. His standards serve to keep us on the cramped road.—Read Psalm 119:9, 10, 45, 133.","Young ones, do you sometimes feel that Jehovah’s standards are too restrictive? This is what Satan wants you to think. He would like you to focus on what those who are traveling on the spacious road are doing, on the good time they seem to be having. He may use what your peers at school are doing or what you see on the Internet to make you feel that you are missing out on all the fun. Satan wants you to think that Jehovah’s standards are keeping you from enjoying life to the full. But remember this: Satan does not want those who are traveling on his road to see what awaits them at the end of the journey. Jehovah, on the other hand, has given you a clear picture of what he has in store for those who stay on the road to life.—Ps. 37:29; Isa. 35:5, 6; 65:21-23.","Psalm 119:9, 10, 45, 133",w21 December pp. 23-24 pars. 6-7 ,,,bl,,3/1/2022
"Ransom, dead man walking, swap places, Memorial, ","Imagine: You are on death row and you just had your last meal.  The door opens, and the guard leads you out.  You are walking down the corridor toward the execution chamber.  You think of the expression, ""Dead Man Walking."" You expect to turn left the next hallway but instead the guard turns to the right.  You meet another prisoner going the opposite direction toward the execution chamber. The other prisoner smiles at you as he passes.  ","The guard explains to you that you are about to be set free and the prisoner you saw when passing has agreed to take your place. You were going to the execution chamber, but this prisoner volunteered to die in your place.  You remember the smile.  How would that make you feel?",Romans 5:19,Bobby Laymon,Appreciate What and Christ have done for You.,S-31-E ,bl,,5/9/2025
"Bride, anointed, Memorial,",Illustrate with a wedding. Now how does the bride know she's the bride? Because she's been asked! There is no doubt in her mind. There are other women at the wedding. Do you think they wonder if they are the bride? No! Why? because they haven't been asked. ,"Likewise, with the anointed they know they are a member of the bride of Christ. How? Well Jehovah God by his Holy Spirit uses the same spirit he created the earth with; the same spirit he created man with; the same spirit he inspired the Bible with. Gets in contact with the anointed inviting them into this arrangement and there is no doubt in their mind. And just like a bride who enters into a covenant, likewise the anointed are brought into the new covenant. This is the basis in which spiritual Israel is gathered.",Lu 22:28-30,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,8/1/2022
"Regular, meeting attendance, ",Suppose someone made a special meal for you.  They prepared all the different foods you love and you tried them all.  You were filled.  Would you ever eat again?  Probably the next day.  ,"The point is: This has been a special occasion but just as we need food daily, so we need spiritual food daily.  ",James 4:8,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,4/16/2022
"Boasting, Peace, competition, Envy, peace maker peace wrecker, self-promotion, ","Imagine a group of brothers talking and one of the groups says, with Jehovah’s help and with diligent prayer and effort I finally got a Bible study.  But right away another one in the group proudly declares, ""I have four Bible studies two are attending meetings and one will soon be baptized.""  ","Could such a statement be a peace wrecker? How does inappropriate boasting wreck peace?  Well, it’s not wrong to take pleasure in our work and to thank Jehovah for the success that we may have, but inappropriate boasting about our accomplishments can stir up competition, envy, and rivalry. We must remember that self-promotion does not originate with our heavenly father the God of peace. Where does it originate?   1 John 2:16 says the showy display of one's means of life does not originate with the father but originates with the world.  ",1 John 2:16 ,Harold Corkern.,,,bl,,8/10/2022
"self-promotion, proud, brag, boasting, hateful, arrogant, plotting, attitude, ","Haman was a proud and haughty man, and he boasted a lot.  Esther chapter five tells us that he was boasting with his family and friends about his wealth, his many sons, how the king had promoted him to a high station. He was above all the other servants and then he’d had a special meal or banquet with the king and queen.  But Haman was hateful and arrogant, and he was plotting to kill Jehovah’s faithful servant Mordecai.  His scheme and his attitudes were exposed and what happened?  ","The very stake that Haman had built a hang Mordecai.  The fact that he was hung on it reminds us of what the Bible says, doesn’t it? Isaiah 29:20 says, ""the boaster will come to his finish.""  So, because of the devastating effects that improper boasting can have on us and others we do not even want to give the impression of boasting.  ",Isaiah 29:20,Harold Corkern,,,bl,,8/10/2022
"Envy, hatred, greed, selfish, hateful, peace, ","Envy has two symptoms.  The first symptom is more familiar. 1.  An envious person wants what someone else has.  It’s the second symptom that makes envy especially dangerous. 2.  An envious person not only wants what someone else has, but he doesn't want the other person to have it either.",Envy is an expression of hatred. It’s an enemy of peace and if left unchecked it can result in spiritual death as described in the Bible.  ,Galatians 5:21,Seth Hyatt,,,bl,,8/10/2022
"Harmful gossip, peace, rumors, lies, slander, ","Listen to this old Jewish story: a man went about town slandering the towns Wiseman.  Later the malicious gossip who realizes the wrong, went to the wise man and asked for his forgiveness.  He offered to do whatever was needed to make amends.  The wise man made one request.  He told the gossiper to take a feather pillow, cut it open and scatter the feathers to the wind.  Well, the gossiper was puzzled by this request, but he did as he was told.  Then he returned to the wise man.  Am I now forgiven?  Yes!  first go and gather all the feathers, the Wiseman responded.  ","How can I?  The wind has already scattered them.  The wise man replied, ""it’s as difficult to repair the damage done by your words as it is to recover the feathers.""  Yes, once spoken hurtful words cannot be retrieved. Let’s not scatter feathers in the wind. If we spread rumors, it can seriously disturb the peace of many in the congregation. ","Acts 21:20, 21",Patrick LaFranca ,,,bl,,8/10/2022
"Uncontrolled Anger, rage, volcano, ","Don’t be like a volcano that will not quiet down.  Just like an erupting volcano will harm those living around it, so to, a person who expresses intense anger will harm those living around him.  He also damages himself.  Acting on anger often leads to even more aggression so that uncontrolled anger can also affect our own Peace.  ","It can cause us to do something that we will later regret.  It can have a negative effect on our health.  Medical studies show that uncontrolled anger can cause high blood pressure and respiratory problems.  It can also affect the liver and pancreas, and such anger can cause digestive problems.  When a person becomes angry, he or she will not always think clearly.  After a fit of rage, a person may also become depressed. ",Proverbs 14:30,Kenneth Cook GB,,,bl,,8/10/2022
"Uncontrolled anger, ","Strong city walls were vital in ancient times.  Without them a city would quickly fall to invaders.  Likewise, so will those who cannot control their temper. ","""As a city broken through without a wall is the man who cannot control his temper.""  By losing control they make themselves vulnerable to the invasion of wrong thoughts.   Thoughts that can cause them to hurt themselves and others.",Proverbs 25:28,Kenneth Cook GB,,,bl,,8/10/2022
"Peace, “Seek Peace and Pursue It” By Not Quickly Taking Offense ","Have you ever had to chase a piece of paper that was in your hands that got blown away by the wind?  Just when you get to it the wind blows it away again, and again.  It can be an effort to retrieve and get that paper back in your hands.  Just standing there and watching the paper blow further and further away is not going to get it back.  ",Well peace can be a lot like that paper.  At some point it can get blown away and we must then chase or pursue it to get that piece of paper back again. ,1 Peter 3:11,John Ekram ,,,bl,,8/10/2022
"Jehovah knows, seek peace, ","Imagine you had a traffic accident.  Now you were just sitting at the stop sign but another car ran straight into you.  The police come and the person that ran into you says that you ran into them, and the police believe them you take the matter to court.  The judge listens and the other person says that you ran into them.  However, before you can say anything the judge says, no! that is not what happened.  I was there walking on the sidewalk across the street that day and I saw the whole thing.  ","Well, it’s extremely unlikely that you can go to court and expect the judge for your case to have been an eyewitness.  This does illustrate though the Peace of Mind that we can have knowing that Jehovah is an eyewitness to all that happens, so when falsely accused or we have a misunderstanding that we cannot seem to clear up, it is of great comfort for us to know that Jehovah was there that day and saw the whole thing.",Proverbs 19:11,John Ekram,,,bl,,8/10/2022
"Seek Peace, Offense, ","Remember that piece of paper that you had in your hands that got blown away by the wind?  What if it was a $100.00 bill?  Well, you would make every effort to pursue it and get it back, because it’s valuable.  ","Our peace with our brothers is far more valuable than paper money. When our peace with our brothers or sisters is blown away by misunderstandings, mistakes, or sin then you should pursue peace.  Try hard to get it back.  Yes, we glorify God and promote peace when we avoid quickly taking offense. ",Ecclesiastes 7:9,John Ekram,,,bl,,8/10/2022
"Forgive freely, ","A father and his teenage daughter didn’t get along. Minor disagreements often developed into shouting matches.  Finally, the tension got so bad that the daughter was asked to leave the house.  Eventually she recognized that she was at fault and asked for her father’s forgiveness, but instead of overlooking her mistakes her father rejected her efforts.  He was unwilling to extend forgiveness to his own daughter.  	","Now let’s contrast that with another example.  A blameless man was condemned to die for a crime he didn’t commit.  The innocent man stated ""Father forgive them for they do not know what they are doing.""  Those words of Jesus are recorded at Luke 23:34 and he may have been referring to the Roman soldiers who drove the nails into his hands and feet and who didn’t know who he really was, or Jesus may have had in mind some in the crowd who demanded his execution but would later exercise faith in him.  The point is that Jesus was willing to forgive freely.  How do we measure up regarding forgiveness?  Are we like Jesus, willing to forgive others freely, or at times do we tend to be more like the man who was unwilling to forgive?  ",Luke 23:34,William Myers ,,,bl,,8/10/2022
"Forgive, ",A chance to forgive is a chance to imitate Jehovah.   ,We wouldn’t want to miss that opportunity.,Colossians 3:13;,William Myers,,,bl,,7/31/2022
"United Bond of Peace, ","""One Lord one faith one baptism one God and father of all."" Let’s go back to verse three and look at the expression that uniting bond of peace, so our discussion is safeguard the uniting bond of peace. The ""Study Bible"" has an interesting note on that expression. It tells us that the word translated uniting bond can also be translated ligament and it is translated ligament in other verses.  ",Now whether we like the same things or we all must think the same on every subject there’s room for a variety of tastes and opinions. There’s variety on this convention program.  We don’t wear the same style of suit or have the same color.  What’s your favorite color?,Ephesians 4:3-6;,David Splane GB,,,bl,,8/10/2022
"Uniting Bond of Peace, variety, ","There are dog lovers and cat lovers and not everyone likes the same breed of dog or cat.  Have you ever visited someone who has a pet that he thinks is just adorable?  You take one look at the animal, and you wonder how anyone could love a face like that.  Yeah, people are different, and their pets are grateful for that.  The variety we find among God’s people today will continue into the new world.   ","Jehovah loves variety.  How many colors are there? How many species of plants, birds and animals among God’s creation?  We find the simple and the complex, the plain and the fancy, the sweet and the sour, the rough and the smooth, who’s great variety among people even in the new world perfect humans won’t have the same personality talents and abilities you’ve always wanted to play the violin don’t think when you’re perfect you’ll just be able to pick up a violin and play.  And there’s no guarantee you’ll be able to play in an orchestra.  One way to maintain unity is to respect the conscience of others.  This is very important because very often when unity is disturbed it’s because we don’t, we respect him, and because we don’t we respect the ability of other brothers and sisters to decide things for themselves.",Ephesians 4:3-6;,David Splane GB,,,bl,,7/31/2022
"Conscience, Unity, Bond, United, counting time, peace, ","Let’s consider a familiar scenario.  Families are working rural territory in the car group and reach a home that is separated from the next by many miles or kilometers.  At the first call the driver and her companion got out and the other sisters stayed in the car.  They have no choice.  There's no place to go.   Now the householder has many questions, and a Bible study has started.  It’s noon when the two publishers return to the car, all smiles. You know what’s coming next, don’t you?  ","One of the sisters in the backseat says well the two of us can’t count anytime this morning.  What she doesn't know is she’s has spoken for herself and for her companion and unintentionally she’s imposed her own conscience on her friend.  No, if she doesn’t want to count time that’s her business.  It would be best if she kept her business to herself.",1 Thessalonians 4:11.,David Splane GB,,,bl,,8/10/2022
"Bible, books, ","""These are not books, lumps of lifeless paper, but minds alive on the shelves.  From each of them goes out its own voice. . . and just as the touch of a button on our set will fill the room with music, so by taking down one of these volumes and opening it, one can call into range the voice of a man far distant, from time and space, and hear him speaking to us, mind to mind, heart to heart.""Quotes: Gilbert Highet, The Immortal Profession.","The Bible is like that.  We can know Jehovah's thoughts and feelings on any subject and copy them.  Jehovah can speak to us mind to mind, heart to heart.",2 Timothy 3:15-17;,Robert Ciranko.  Helper to writing committee,,,bl,,8/10/2022
"Eternity, past, future, Creation, ","Sometimes we think of the future and how it will be to live forever and all the things we will learn.  What if you could see eternity in reverse?  We could watch the universe come into view, and all the creation, and even before Jehovah started creating.",Jehovah can do this.  He can see eternity in reverse.  He saw the mountains being born.  He made it happen.,Psalm 90:2,Steve Warniker - Eldon,,,bl,,8/10/2022
"Peace, changes, ",A Pot does not tell maker how it must be used.    No peace for the wicked. ,"We do the changing, not Jehovah.",John 14:26.,Steven Lett GB,,,bl,,8/3/2022
"Peace, bless, ","Getting more peace is like multiplication. If you have five and multiply it by zero, you still have nothing.  Nothing to multiply.  ",You must have something to begin with for Jehovah to bless.,Jeremiah 29:11,Steven Lett,,,bl,,8/3/2022
"Peace, work, Helper, effort, exert, ",You decide to paint your house.  You get a friend to help you and then you decide to go back in house and let your friend work.  How long will he work after you leave him? ,Jehovah gives us help but we must work at peace also.  We could lose our help from Jehovah.,John 14:26; Jer 29:11.,Steven Lett,,,bl,,8/3/2022
"Bible, Books, ",In the “Library of Congress “there is a collection of forty million books.  The largest in the world.  It would take eight hundred miles of bookshelves to hold them.  Which one would be best to read? ,"The Apostle Paul gives the answer.  2 Tim 3:15-17 says “and that from infancy you have known the holy writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. ",2 Timothy 3:15-17,Robert Ciranko.  Helper to writing committee,,,bl,,8/3/2022
"Peace, endurance, Partial, People, conduct, ","Drama: Irene stands up for her right.  Worker agreed it should not be forced on others.  March for gay rights.  Refused peaceful.  Video. God not partial.  Research showed her that God accepts all people but does not accept all conduct.  Olivia stands firm.  Classmate asks: Does the Bible really say all that?  Yes!  Psalms 37:29. The righteous will possess the earth, and they will live forever on it.  Who? How long?  What will they find?  Verse 11.   How much?  Righteous and Peace connection. ","Classmate asks: Does the Bible really say all that?  Yes!  Psalms 37:29. The righteous will possess the earth, and they will live forever on it.  Who? How long?  What will they find?  Verse 11.   How much?  Righteous and Peace connection. ",Psalms 37:29,David Schaffer - helper to Teaching Committee.,,,bl,,8/3/2022
"Good, True, promises, Earth, future, ","If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.  Not with Jehovah.  ","Isaiah 65:21 They will build houses and live in them, and they will plant vineyards and eat their fruitage. Verse 22. They will not build for someone else to inhabit, nor will they plant for others to eat. For the days of my people will be like the days of a tree, And the work of their hands my chosen ones will enjoy to the full. Verse 23. They will not toil for nothing, nor will they bear children for distress, because they are the offspring made up of those blessed by Jehovah, And their descendants with them.",Isaiah 65:21; ,Ronald Curzan ,,,bl,,8/10/2022
"Satan, is misleading, Disguising, transform, ","Revelation 12:9. So down the great dragon was hurled, the original serpent, the one called Devil and Satan, who is misleading the entire inhabited earth; he was hurled down to the earth, and his angels were hurled down with him. “Is” misleading, Not trying.  2 Corinthians 2:11-14.  (2 Corinthians 11:14, 15). . . And no wonder, for Satan himself keeps disguising himself as an angel of light. 15 It is therefore nothing extraordinary if his ministers also keep disguising themselves as ministers of righteousness. But their end will be according to their works.  ","Jesus gives peace.  Trade Jesus peace for imitation peace.  Material.  Jehovah’s word more important than material things.  Matthew every word.  Jesus refuse to trade.  Superior peace of Jehovah God, Keeps disguising.  Disguise not transformed. Satan can't transform himself.  ",Revelation 12:9,Anthony Morris GB,,,bl,,8/3/2022
"Reap, Sow, Seed, plant, time,",The principle we reap what we sow you (Illustration) might think of a farmer.  He knows that he must plant what he hopes to reap.  He also knows that he will not reproduce right away but he trusts that results will come in time.  It’s similar with the quality of peace.  ,The only way for us to reap peace is to sow it and we put in the work to achieve it.  We trust that in time we will reap the benefits.  ,"Galatians 6:7, 8",William Turner - Bethel Speaker,,,bl,,8/10/2022
"World's problems, corruption, injustice, ","That reminds me of the illustration about trying to get rid of a problem with spider webs but being unable to get rid of the spider.  You knock the webs down, spider building right back. Knocking down builds them back you never get rid of the problem.  Well in this illustration Satan is the spider and since he’s the source of corruption and injustice if he exists the problem will exist, and little puny humans can’t get rid of it.     ","Satan is superhuman so the solution must also be superhuman, and that’s where God’s Kingdom comes in.  God’s Kingdom can and will not only get rid of the webs but the old spider Satan himself. We can never correct the corruption and injustice of this world by means of political efforts or social movement.  ",Ecclesiastes 1:15,Steven Lett - GB,,,bl,,8/10/2022
"World, problems, crooked, straight, lacking, ","The world around us is like the trunk of a tree that has grown so crooked, twisted, gnarled, it cannot be made straight.  "," Jehovah’s Witnesses have learned it would be futile to spend our time and energy trying to correct what you Jehovah tells us cannot be corrected.  Additionally, Jehovah’s Witnesses have learned how and where real peace can be found even now.  (. . . What is crooked cannot be made straight, and what is lacking cannot possible be counted.",Ecclesiastes 1:15,Steven Lett GB,,,bl,,8/10/2022
"Truth, dig, digging deep, Bible principles, Battle of wills, ","How can we do that well just as a miner keeps digging deep below the surface of the ground to find precious gems, we must look beyond the surface of what we read in the Bible.  This requires that we keep digging deep, carefully searching for gems in the form of Bible principles then we must prayerfully meditate on what we find, then Jehovah’s precious thoughts will become our thoughts.  ","Receiving Jehovah’s thinking on matters will help us to avoid getting into a battle of wills so we can follow his direction or whatever direction we received from the governing body like the Gibeonites. May we be peacemakers by continuing to sow peace with Jehovah and his people as we humbly make Jehovah’s will, our will.  We will joyfully reap abundant peace forever.",Ephesians 5:17,Ronald Curzan -- A helper to the teaching committee,,,bl,,8/10/2022
"Peace, ignore, act, disruption, ","It’s like seeing a small fire in our house.  What do we do? Do we just ignore it and hope it goes away? Do we fan the flames, do we put fuel on it? No, we do something.  Why?  Because we know that if left unchecked that fire could destroy our home. ","Well, it's similar when we see problems that develop and peace being disrupted, we do the same.  Why? Because we know that if we don’t do something and if it’s left unchecked that disturbance could destroy our family and the congregation. ",1 Samuel 25:17,Brother Robert Luccioni -- Helper for the publishing committee ,,,bl,,8/10/2022
"Friendship with God, Friends, nurture, reading, study, Name, ",Consider this if you have a house plant.  You know that it doesn’t grow on its own.  You must water it regularly and keep it in an environment that helps it to grow.  ,"Something similar is true of our friendship with God.  We nurture this friendship by reading and studying God’s word the Bible.  When we do so we learn important things about God.  For example, we learn that God’s name is Jehovah, and as is true of any good friendship it’s important that we use his name.  If we’re sincere in our efforts to draw close to him as we read it James chapter four and verse 8, Jehovah will draw close to us, and he never abandons his faithful friends.  In fact, John 17:3 tells us that coming to know God means everlasting life for us.   Would undeserved kindness be a priceless gift for Jehovah’s true friendship?  ",John 17:3,Kenneth Cook GB,,,bl,,8/11/2022
"environment, association, Friends, friendship, ","Think back to our illustration about the house plant.  You must not only water and nurture it, but you must keep it in the right environment.  One that helps it to grow. ",Likewise associating with those who also want to be God’s friend is the right environment for us.,1 Corinthians 15:33,Kenneth Cook GB,,,bl,,8/11/2022
"Friendship, relationship, Father, slander, friends, ",Imagine a woman who has never known her father all her life she has been told lies that her father abandoned her but deep inside she feels she knows it’s not true.  One day she receives a letter from her father.  She learns that he is alive and that unbeknown to her he had been reaching out to be part of her life since the day she was born.  The daughter learns who her father is and eventually she finds him.  They learn about one another and build a strong bond until they’re inseparable friends.  ,"The Bible is like a group of letters from our heavenly father.  As we read the Bible, we learn how to talk to God, how he responds, and the many ways he shows his tender care.  The Bible can help us to do something we may never have thought possible.  Be God’s friend.  That friendship starts by learning the name of your heavenly father and new friend and God tells us his name whose name is Jehovah; you alone are the most high.  Jehovah guarantees that if you draw close to him, he will draw close to you.  Our loving father openly extends friendship to all who searched for him. ",Psalm 83:18;,Kenneth Cook GB,,,bl,,8/11/2022
"Gossip, speech, bell, consequences, Court, ","Have you ever tried to ""un-ring a bell?"" You can't act as it didn't happen.","Likewise with gossip.  Once it goes out it cannot be completely recalled.  “This informal expression is frequently used nowadays to mean what has been said cannot be unsaid. In other words, we cannot take back what we have said.” “So, what you are saying is when you do or say something, you must face the consequences. You cannot run away from them. There's no escaping.”",Isaiah 55:11,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,8/12/2022
"Peace, band aid, war, ","In many cases the efforts of mankind to try and gain peace by stopping wars is like what we say is a “Band-Aid solution.” What do we mean by that?  Well, a person may have a horrible sore, even cancerous, and if he just puts a Band-Aid over the top, it hides the sore but really doesn’t solve the problem.   ","Because peace is not just an end of war.  You know yourself if you were to live in a country where there isn’t any war, but still you’re worried it’s about your health, your well-being, and your safety, if you feel sick and hungry, would you say that you’re having a peaceful life?  Of course not.",Romans 16:20,Jeffery Jackson GB,,,bl,,8/19/2022
"Encourage, Comfort, Peace, ","We could think of Jehovah’s position like that of a father whose son is running in a marathon race. As he sees his son running in the race, he may see the son is starting to tire out, or perhaps he may see that others in the race are not obeying the rules.  Does that mean that the father then jumps in and takes the place of his son and helps him as he runs along?  No! The rules don’t allow it.  ","What can the father do is continue to encourage his son to keep on going.  Yes. You can do it, so in the comparable way.  What did this verse tell us is said that Jehovah gives us comfort.  How does he do?  That he gives us peace by means of his word the Bible, by means of Holy Spirit, and by the loving brotherhood we have.","2 Corinthians 1:3, 4",Jeffery Jackson GB,,,bl,,8/19/2022
"Sign of his coming, wars, food shortage, ","Most of us are familiar with using a computer.  Now when you sit at your computer, what’s the first thing that you need to do after you’ve turned it on?  Usually, you must type in a password, don’t you? And you must get it right.  You have to put in otherwise you won’t be able to start working on the computer.  Now these days people are genuinely concerned about having strong passwords.  What do you think if you had a password that had twenty-four different letters and numbers.  That’s a very strong password, and it would be very difficult for someone just randomly try and find out what those numbers were and unlock your computer.  ","Well, how does that relate to the sign that Jesus gave?  Notice that if you look back at Matthew 24:3 the question was not the signs of your presence but the sign just like a password.  One sign but then that sign has many different features.  In fact at least 24 different features.  So even though there have been wars in the past this is the time when we see all those features coming together at one time and then in that way, we could say it opens the fulfillment of Bible prophecy.  Yes, as we look around us, as we listen to the news each day, we can see that there is a definite fulfillment of what Jesus said.  ",Matthew 24:3,Jeffery Jackson GB,,,bl,,8/19/2022
"End, sign, puzzle, ","You have all the pieces of a jigsaw puzzle, and you start to put them all together.  Eventually when all the pieces are in place the picture is clear isn’t it?  ","And that’s exactly how we should feel about the prophecy that Jesus gave soon very soon he is going to step in and take action but of course sometimes we may feel yes! we’ve known about this for quite some time, and it’s means that we’ve had to wait a long time but that doesn’t negate the fact that the evidence of the last days is here perhaps we could illustrate it this way.",Matthew 24:3-14.,Jeffery Jackson GB,,,bl,,8/19/2022
"Sign, invisible, see, last days, ",Most of us have gone to an airport to meet someone who’s coming maybe from overseas or another part of the country now since 9/11 is very hard to go to an airport and actually stand on the side of the runway and see the plane land usually what happens once you get to the airport you’re allowed to go into a large room with other people and all you see are monitors on the wall may the monitors say well you see it says there the flight has left and later maybe the monitor says the flight is on time then it says the flight is landed then it says the flight is taxiing then it says at the gate well now you say you get really excited aren’t you and yet you haven’t seen the plane and you haven’t seen your friend yet.,"but you can see from the indications of what you’re seeing on the monitor that it must be close but then all a sudden the doors open people start to come out or now you excited because you know yes! you’re going to meet your friend.  Well, that is similar to how we can view the last days there’s been a lot of things happening that we don’t actually see but we see the indications of what’s happened, and we know that very soon it will be here.",Matthew 24:3-14,Jeffery Jackson GB,,,bl,,8/19/2022
"Solution, world's problems, ","You see we don’t want a Band-Aid solution, do we?  Where you’re just hiding something that’s very serious by putting a Band-Aid over it.  ","Not only does Jesus need to take away those that are disrupting the peace, but he also must take steps to heal mankind and to heal the earth so that all the evil, the bad things, that Satan has done will be overturned.  ",Revelation 12:9,Jeffery Jackson GB,,,bl,,8/19/2022
"Peace, taken away, problems start, beginning, Universal peace, disturbed, ripple, ","So, when was it that this universal peace started to be disturbed? When was it that the ripple started to go through the universe?  Well, you might remember that it wasn’t at the time that he deceived Eve.  It’s a little bit like the Bible says with a woman who gives birth to a child.  That’s not when their child’s life starts, is it?  It starts well before then. ","Likewise, this disruption of the universal peace began in heaven, first at the time that the Angel who became Satan started to covet the position of Jehovah, to want worship from others.  In the garden of Eden.  That’s when he took the next step and started to disturb the peace of Adam and Eve, and of course they lost their peace with God.  “The one who practices sin originates with the Devil because the Devil has been sinning from the beginning.”  For this purpose, the son of God was made manifest to break up the works of the devil to the question because the devil has been sinning from the beginning, or as the footnote says from the time that he began.  Does that mean right from the very time when he was created?  No!  He wasn’t the devil then, was he?  He was a perfect Angel.",1 John 3:8,Jeffrey Jackson GB,,,bl,,8/21/2022
"Imitate Jesus by Serving Others, perfect, imperfect, footsteps,","A student artist cannot perfectly imitate the work of a master artist. But as the student learns from his mistakes and strives to follow the example of the master artist as closely as possible, he will keep improving. ","We should not be discouraged if we fail to imitate Jesus perfectly. Similarly, if we act on what we have learned through personal Bible study, doing our best to correct any flaws we may have, we can successfully follow the model that Jesus left for us.","Jas. 3:2; Psalm 119:59, 60",w22 February pp. 24-25 par. 16,,,bl,,8/27/2022
"Resurrection, righteous, unrighteous, Life, judgment, ","Consider an illustration. The situation of the two groups resurrected could be compared to that of foreigners who want to live in another country. The righteous are like those who receive a work visa or a resident visa that gives them a measure of recognition and freedom. In contrast, the unrighteous are like foreigners who may receive a temporary visa or a visitor’s visa. Such foreigners will have to prove themselves before being allowed to continue living in the new country. ","Similarly, the unrighteous resurrected ones will need to obey Jehovah’s laws and prove themselves righteous in order to remain in Paradise. And no matter what visa foreigners initially receive upon entry into another country, some may eventually receive citizenship while others may be deported. The outcome will be based on their attitude and conduct in the new country. So, too, the final outcome for all those resurrected will depend on their faithfulness and conduct in the new world.",Daniel 12:2; Acts 24:15,w22 September p. 26 par. 6,,,bl,,8/27/2022
"How to Maintain Joy When Enduring Trials, difficult, tests, ","Trials can be likened to the fire that is used to forge a blade of steel. When the blade is heated and cooled, the steel becomes stronger. ","Similarly, when we endure trials, our faith is strengthened. That is why James wrote: “Let endurance complete its work, so that you may be complete and sound in all respects.” When we see that our trials make our faith stronger, we can endure them with joy.",Jas. 1:4,w21 February p. 28 par. 7,,,bl,,8/27/2022
"World is sinking, quick fix, abortion, abuse, drugs, problems, wars, violence, Titanic, ","Imagine you are on the Titanic and it's sinking.  You feel you must do something, so you start to rearrange the chairs on deck.  Will that fix the problem?  ","Aren't people in the world doing just that?  They may work to bring some minor changes to make things appear better, but for how long? Furthermore, the world is passing away and so is its desire, but the one who does the will of God remains forever.",1 John 2:17,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,9/3/2022
"You Can Find True Happiness, Read Bible, Meditate, enjoy,  ","As you read God’s Word, take your time to savor what you read. To illustrate, have you ever had this experience? Someone cooks one of your favorite meals. But either because you are too hurried or are too preoccupied mentally, you gulp it down without really tasting each morsel. After you finish eating, you realize how quickly you ate, and you wish you had slowed down and enjoyed each bite. ","Well, have you ever read the Bible in such haste that you failed to savor its message? Take the time to enjoy reading God’s Word; visualize the scenes, imagine the sounds of the voices, and think about what you have read. The whole experience will add to your happiness.",Luke 11:28;,w22 October p. 8 par. 7 ,,,bl,,9/4/2022
You Can Find True Happiness,"A person may know that Jehovah has the authority to decide what is right and what is wrong, but he must also accept God’s standards for himself. For example, a person may know that the government has the right to set highway speed limits. But he may not be willing to accept those limits for himself. As a result, he drives faster than he should. ","We show by our conduct that we honestly believe that following Jehovah’s standards is the best way to live. (Prov. 12:28) David felt that way, for he said of Jehovah: “You make known to me the path of life. In your presence is abundant joy; there is happiness at your right hand forever.”—Ps. 16:11.",Romans 12:2,w22 October pp. 8-9 par. 10,,,bl,,9/4/2022
"Temporary resident, Listen, Fine Shepherd, Strangers, ","What do we mean by temporary residents?  You rent a house to live in that is old and dilapidated.  It is in bad shape, but you will only be there a few months while your beautiful new home is being built.  Would you install a new concrete driveway, electrical wiring, and plumbing?  Would you install brand new vinyl siding?  Maybe a few cosmetic things to make your stay a little more comfortable.  You would not do anything major because you know that soon you’ll move into your beautiful new home.  ","We should view ourselves as temporary residents who are just passing through this old system and headed for the real life in the new world.  Think of ourselves as temporary residents in this old system against the materialism that is promoted by the voice of strangers. We would not waste our time and resources in an old, dilapidated house.",Matthew 6:19,Steven Lett GB,,,bl,,9/5/2022
"Armageddon, Hope, Waiting, Patience, Faith, ","A man is in the mountains; it's nighttime, he wanders off the road and falls off a cliff.  He grabs on to a tree root and holds on for dear life!  He hangs there all night during this raging storm, and every time his grip weakens, he grabs on tighter, his life hangs in the balance. His muscles ache, and finally near dawn, he feels his grip loosening and he thinks he cannot hold on to another minute. ","Then the sun rises, and he looks down and realizes that all during that stormy ordeal.... HE WAS ONLY TWO FEET OFF THE GROUND!  The point being - We are right on the brink of Armageddon and just when we feel we cannot hold on to another minute in this terrible world, we could be only one day away from salvation!  We're only 'two feet off the ground.' ""Be courageous, and may your heart be strong, all you who are waiting for Jehovah."" (Psalm 31:24)",Psalm 31:24,Julane Laymon,,,bl,,9/12/2022
"Bible, An Ancient Prophecy That Affects You, Enmity, hatred, Woman, Satan, Offspring, Crush head, Crush heel, ","Genesis 3:15. —Read. The prophecy appears in the first book of the Bible. But in one way or another, all the other books of the Bible relate to it. Just as the spine of a printed book binds all the pages together, the words recorded at Genesis 3:15 bind the content of every book of the Bible into one united message, namely, that a Deliverer would be sent to destroy the Devil and all his wicked followers. ",What a blessing that will be for those who love Jehovah!,Genesis 3:15; ,w22 July p. 14 pars. 1-2,,,bl,,9/25/2022
"You Can Find True Happiness, Bible, reading, hurry, ","As you read God’s Word, take your time to savor what you read. To illustrate, have you ever had this experience? Someone cooks one of your favorite meals. But either because you are too hurried or are too preoccupied mentally, you gulp it down without really tasting each morsel. After you finish eating, you realize how quickly you ate, and you wish you had slowed down and enjoyed each bite. ","Well, have you ever read the Bible in such haste that you failed to savor its message? Take the time to enjoy reading God’s Word; visualize the scenes, imagine the sounds of the voices, and think about what you have read. The whole experience will add to your happiness.",Luke 11:28,w22 October p. 8 par. 7,,,bl,,10/10/2022
"You Can Find True Happiness, Standards, Authority, best way, ","A person may know that Jehovah has the authority to decide what is right and what is wrong, but he must also accept God’s standards for himself. For example, a person may know that the government has the right to set highway speed limits. But he may not be willing to accept those limits for himself. As a result, he drives faster than he should. ","We show by our conduct that we truly believe that following Jehovah’s standards is the best way to live. (Prov. 12:28) David felt that way, for he said of Jehovah: “You make known to me the path of life. In your presence is abundant joy; there is happiness at your right hand forever.”—Ps. 16:11.",Romans 12:2.,w22 October pp. 8-9 par. 10,,,bl,,10/10/2022
"Understanding Forever, eternity, without beginning, no end, ","Do you find it difficult to grasp the idea that Jehovah has existed “for all eternity”? (Isa. 40:28) That is not unusual. Elihu said of God: “The number of his years is beyond comprehension.” (Job 36:26) But just because we do not understand something does not mean that it is untrue. For example, though we may not understand fully how light works, does this mean that light does not exist? Not at all! ","Similarly, we humans may never fully comprehend how it is that Jehovah has always existed and will always exist. But this does not mean that God does not live eternally. The Creator is not limited by what we can or cannot understand. (Rom. 11:33-36) And he existed before the material universe​—including light sources such as the sun—​came to be. We are assured that Jehovah is “the Maker of the earth by his power.” Yes, he existed before he “stretched out the heavens.” (Jer. 51:15; Acts 17:24) What is another reason why we can be sure that it is possible for us to live forever?",Job 36:26; Isaiah 40:28; Rom. 11:33-36,December 2022 WT Page 3 Paragraph 4,,,bl,,10/10/2022
"Searching, Friends of Peace, ",When I was a very young child I remember looking for fancy shells with my mom on the beach.  I complained I couldn’t find any and she told me “Keep looking” because it turns out she could see one that I couldn’t and she helped guide me to it.  ,"Similarly perhaps you have been searching for friends of peace for a very long time.   . . .“Into whatever city or village you enter, search out who in it is deserving, and stay there until you leave.",Matthew 10:11,Darrell Vinson Friends of Peace Circuit Assembly,,,bl,,11/12/2022
"Friends of Peace, attract truth, ",We are all friends of peace and we are drawn to peace like bees to honey.  Do you know what else likes honey?  Bears!  and our message of peace will also attract all kinds of people whether they seem to be wild like a bear.  Some may be quiet and lonely-like.  Even attracts those who are maybe pointy and a bit impatient like the bees.  ,Just remember to deliver the message of peace and demonstrate that peace and how we present it no matter where we go and be willing to share it with anyone that we see and it will attract through friends of peace so in the following demonstration notice of publishers he approaches the householder.  ,"Matthew 10:12, 13",Darrell Vinson  Friends of Peace,,,bl,,11/12/2022
"Friends of Peace, Search, earthquake, ","After a devastating earthquake rescuers dig through the rubble looking for any signs of life.  Today many people feel like their troubles and their worries are collapsing in on them.  That is what is happening to schoolmates, workmates, and others we meet.  They are grasping for Peace.  "," If we don’t continue to turn over those rocks and shine that light.   It may be someone you’ve already turned over or shined the lights on in your territory.  Enough people are changing.  How does Jesus help us by his authority.  (Isaiah 9:6, 7) ","Isaiah 9:6, 7;",Matthew Gregory ,,,bl,,11/12/2022
"Fighters, Evil, Conquer, Satan, Jehovah, real war, ","True or False.  Friends of peace must be fighters.  Interestingly the Bible's answer to that question is true.  Would you like to see why? Please open your Bible with me to Romans 12:21 . . .Do not let yourself be conquered by the evil, but keep conquering the evil with the good. Why must peaceful Christians be fighters?  It's because all of us brothers and sisters are in a fight against evil, so when we must fight this is not some imaginary battle between superheroes and comic book or a movie.  This is real life because it's a real fight. Now look again please that the first part of verse 21 it says, “do not let yourself be conquered by the evil.” That's reassuring.  Here Jehovah is telling us that we can win this fight. The second part of verse 21 reminds us that this is not just a single battle, it's not ‘won and done.” it's a war and until the war is over we have to keep fighting.  ","Of course to conquer evil we must identify the enemy.  Certainly Satan the devil is the chief of all evil.  Wouldn't you agree.  However a few years ago the Watchtower explained that the word evil in this context refers to forces that are trying to pull us back into his world.  This includes the action and attitudes of those who oppose true worship including unseen wicked spirits, Satan, and the demons.  ",Romans 12:21;,Joel Dellinger Friends of Peace Circuit Assembly,,,bl,,11/12/2022
"Action, Use, Apply, Me first attitude, me, me, me,",We may own a piece of exercise equipment like some free weights but if we don't use them we're not going to benefit are we?  This similar same thing is true of our God-given thinking ability to resist evil thinking promoted by Satan’s world.  We need to use our power of reason to understand what God requires and then we need to act to transform our thinking to harmonize with Jehovah.  ,"Serious effort is involved in making our mind over. Satan hasn't given up fighting for our minds now that many of us are dedicated and baptized servant of Jehovah.  Remember like us he's in it to win.  His world promotes the haughty “Me first attitude” have you seen that many today are selfish, proud, ambitious, arrogant. An article from jw.org said this these traits are so common that some groups have been called the me generation and even the me, me, me, generation. Isn't it true many people today are being self-absorbed, or focused on self-interest, self-predication, self-fulfillment, as the best way to live.  ","Romans 12:2,3",Joel Dellinger Friends of Peace Circuit Assembly,,,bl,,11/13/2022
" pornography, flirting, violence, anyone loving violence, ","Now imagine being asked to eat a plate of rotten food.  No way you say.  And why not?  Well that's gross and harmful. We intensely hate or abhor even the thought of eating something rotten.  Well now let's take that intense emotional response, that healthy hatred, and put it next to things that Jehovah says are rotten. ","For example what about our viewing pornography, flirting when we're single and not looking for marriage or being married and flirting with someone other than our mate.   Those are things we must avoid.  Earlier today we talked about the need to reject violent entertainment.  Do you remember why?  It's because Jehovah hates violence but he also hates anyone loving violence.  Now how does cultivating stronger hatred for what Jehovah says is bad promote peace?  Romans 12:10 ",Romans 12:10;;,Joel Dellinger  Friends of Peace Circuit Assembly,,,bl,,11/13/2022
"Adjustment, Pandemic, preaching, move forward. ",During the pandemic we had to adjust some of our methods of preaching but just like a sailboat adjusted sails to capture the wind and to continue to move forward we too made adjustments to our ministry so that we can continue to minister at the good news. ,How did family heads in particular adjust to these methods? Well let’s ask two family heads that we have with us to see how they adjusted and we’re able to continue to preach the good news with their families.  ,Matthew 24:14;,Friends of Peace Circuit Assembly.,,,bl,,11/14/2022
"Friendship, strong, chain, link, ","January 1st 2007 Watchtower illustrated the need for strong friendship by likening it to a link in a chain that connects a ship to its anchor.  Now you can imagine the immense pressure that would be on that chain so each link would matter, each link would need to be strong.  It’s the same with our friendships within the congregation they all have to be strong and healthy.  ",However the wonderful diversity in our congregation can pose a challenge to friendship perhaps we have difficulty relating to people of varied backgrounds ages or cultures or maybe we struggle to identify with people whose personalities are different than our own or perhaps for the type of person who finds it challenging to initiate new friendships or we struggle to cultivate a friendship because of our own physical or emotional limitations.,Matthew 5:9;,Friends of Peace Circuit  Assembly,,,bl,,11/14/2022
"encouragement, direction, counsel, ","A gifted athlete, a talented athlete may need some encouragement and direction from a coach in order to be able to overcome obstacles and reach their full potential.  ",Often those of us with a little life experience may be in a good position to offer direction and encouragement to a young person and done in the right way it can really motivate a young person to reach and strive to be their best. ,Proverbs 20:29;,Friends of Peace Circuit  Assembly,,,bl,,11/14/2022
"Encourage, Assist, ","Benefits do not end with some coaches.  Not only help an athlete develop their skills and their abilities, but they also help the athlete as a person as a human being they become a better person and they become a positive force to those around them. ", It can be the same with our young ones so therefore let us not hold back in our efforts to help and encourage young ones young ones were in the future accomplish amazing things in our organization with their skills and abilities.  In addition they become a blessing to the brothers and sisters around them and their service brings praise and honor to our God Jehovah. ,Proverbs 20:29;,Friends of Peace Circuit Assembly,,,bl,,11/14/2022
"Eager, Older Ones, Personal interest, assistance, ",If you’re eager to do something you’re not going to let anything stand in the way of your accomplishing it.  When I think of eagerness I think of maybe a  dating couple. They are so eager to see each other they won’t let anything get in the way of that next phone call or that next visit.  ,"So if we’re eager to show honor to older ones we will take a personal interest in them while also become familiar with their circumstances and we will actively look for ways that we can assist them with their needs.  For example maybe you noticed that their house is not quite as clean as they used to keep it.  Well will you walk away from that situation thinking I hope someone helps them with that?  Not if you’re eager, No! you’ll take it upon yourself to assist them and help them with that and we can apply this to other physical needs they may have such as shopping or cooking.  You know nothing quite says I love you like a tasty homemade meal but even more important than a physical meal is making sure they are being cared for and nourished spiritually.",Proverbs 16:31 ,Friends of Peace Circuit Assembly,,,bl,,11/14/2022
"faith, Growth, Improvement, baptism candidates, ",We might liken  your faith to building a wood fire.  Have you ever built a fire on a cold wet windy day that could be very challenging and once you get that fire going what do you need to do.  You need to keep feeding it.  If you ignore the fire what will happens?  That fire will die out and so it goes with the faith you show.  ,"You baptism candidates have done an amazing thing you've ignited your faith despite living in the harsh environment of this system of things that is devoid of faith but now that your faith is going, what do you need to do you need to keep tending it, making it stronger if you ignore your faith it too will die out.  ",Matthew 17:20,Friends of Peace Circuit Assembly,,,bl,,11/14/2022
"Bible Reading, ","Picture a small child in the lap of a loving parent.  As that parent reads a story to the child.  Maybe they've read that story countless times but they still enjoy getting together and reading together.  They enjoy those precious moments and so it goes with us.  We love Jehovah, we love sometime by reading his word and it's through the pages of his word that Jehovah speaks with us.  It says though we hear word behind us saying this is the way.  Walk in it.  ",We want to read it every day but now realistically that can be a challenge it could be like trying to start that fire on a cold wet windy day.  The circumstances of our life may make it very difficult for us to find time to read God's word.  Two suggestions:  Schedule time for your Bible reading.  here's the second thing that could help and that is to set a goal for your Bible reading.  What do you hope to accomplish?,Isaiah 30:21;,Friends of Peace Circuit Assembly,,,bl,,11/14/2022
"Meditate, emotions, appreciation, time, focus, feed, ","To read God's word without meditating on it would be like taking the log and putting into the fire and then immediately pulling it out.  In order to feed the fire we have to put the log in there and let it sit and burn.  And so it goes with our Bible reading.  We not only need to read the words on the page but we need to let it sit in our mind and heart as it were, and we do that through meditation.  Meditate just means to think about what we read and take some time to think about it. ","The Bible links meditation with the heart.  Meditation is the way we take facts and turn them to feelings.  Meditation engages our emotions it helps build our appreciation, our gratitude, and it moves us to action.  How do you meditate on God's word? Well just as it takes time to read, it takes time to meditate so you can do that whether you're in the midst of your Bible reading, just pause and think about it or maybe at the end of your Bible reading.   Allow time waiting to spend focused, undistracted time thinking about what you've read.",Psalm 19:14; 49:3;,Friends of Peace Circuit Assembly,,,bl,,11/28/2022
"Identity, Self, ","A lot of people are like the mannequins you see in a store display.  They don't choose the clothes they wear; others do.--Adrian,","We need to protect our identity. Develop a sense of who you are now and who you want to become by analyzing your strengths, your weaknesses, and your convictions. A good way to start is to answer the following questions.",Romans 12:2; ,"Awake, No. 2 2018",,,bl,,11/28/2022
"Children, view, parents, trust, prison guard, lifeguard, dangers, ","Children sometimes view their parents as prison guards or lifeguards.  What about you?  Interesting question because prison guards are trained to keep a close watch over prisoners because we don’t really trust them.  They tell them what to do and when to do it and when to go to sleep, what they will eat and when they will eat, what they will wear and all kinds of other rules.  You keep all these restrictions because they don’t trust you.  Do you view your parents as prison guards at times?  Well, you might more freedom more independence and if it seems like they don’t really trust you they’re watching every single move that you make.  You might feel confined because of all the rules and restrictions.  What about 'lifeguards?'  Lifeguards also watch people.  They watch swimmers, but for a vastly different reason.  They want to keep them safe; they want to make sure that they do not swim into danger, so from there lifeguard tower they keep a close watch over all the swimmers.  ","Sometimes they will use their whistle to warn you of danger to keep away from riptides or things that you’re not aware of.  Do you view your parents as lifeguards because they are.  Do you wish your parents would get off your back, only to realize that they’re the only ones who ever really had your back?  Yes, your parents like lifeguards are looking out for your best interest.  They want to make sure that you will avoid being drawn into the dangerous currents in this wicked world.  Dangers that you may not be aware of.  Do you want to be happier? Do you want to have more trust from your parents?  More freedom? More independence?  Develop a view of your parents as ""lifeguards."" ",Proverbs 23:22.,"Ron Curzan, Convention talk.",,,bl,,11/30/2022
"Happiness, Bible, Reading, Hurry, Slowly, ","As you read God’s Word, take your time to savor what you read. To illustrate, have you ever had this experience? Someone cooks one of your favorite meals. But either because you are too hurried or are too preoccupied mentally, you gulp it down without really tasting each morsel. After you finish eating, you realize how quickly you ate, and you wish you had slowed down and enjoyed each bite. ","Well, have you ever read the Bible in such haste that you failed to savor its message? Take the time to enjoy reading God’s Word; visualize the scenes, imagine the sounds of the voices, and think about what you have read. The whole experience will add to your happiness.",Luke 11:28,W22 October p. 8 par. 7,,,bl,,1/2/2023
"Works, faith, dead, alive,","Have you ever held a basketball with no air in it? It is just a dead piece of leather or other material.  It is lifeless.  How do you make a basketball come to life?  You fill it with air and then you can dribble it, throw it bounce it off the wall or backboard. It comes to life.",That is how it is with us.  When we have faith along with our works we come to life.  We can do many things.  Otherwise our faith is just a dead piece of leather.,James 2:26;,"Steven Hiliet, Circuit Overseer.",,,bl,,1/2/2023
"Oral Sex, Is Oral Sex really sex, ","Do you believe that God’s laws regarding sex really benefit you? Or do you think that they restrict you? To help you answer those questions, think of a busy highway with posted speed limits, traffic signals, and stop signs. Do you view those signs and signals as a restriction or as a protection? What would happen if you—and other drivers—ignored them?","It is similar with God’s standards. If you ignore them, you are sure to reap what you sow. (Galatians 6:7) “The more you abandon your beliefs and values and engage in activities you don’t feel right about, the less you’ll respect yourself,” says the book Sex Smart. In contrast, if you live in accord with God’s standards, you will show true moral character. More than that, you will maintain a clean conscience. —1 Peter 3:16.Traffic laws restrict your freedom, but they protect you. Similarly, God’s laws place restrictions on you, but they safeguard you",1 Peter 3:16;,"Web Article,",,,bl,,1/2/2023
"Be Transformed by Making Your Mind Over, Unclean, Clean, Holy, ","HOW often do you clean your home? Perhaps before you first moved in, you scoured it thoroughly. But what if you neglected it afterward? As you know, dust and dirt can accumulate quickly. To keep your home presentable, you need to clean it regularly.","A similar ongoing effort is required when it comes to our thinking and our personality. Of course, before getting baptized we worked hard to make necessary changes in our life to “cleanse ourselves of every defilement of flesh and spirit.” (2 Cor. 7:1) Now, though, we need to follow the apostle Paul’s counsel to “continue to be made new.” (Eph. 4:23) Why is continual effort needed? Because the dust and dirt of this world can quickly accumulate in us. To avoid that outcome and to remain presentable to Jehovah, we must regularly examine our thinking, our personality, and our desires.",2 Cor. 7:1,WT 2023 January ,,,bl,,1/2/2023
"Jehovah is Helping You to Succeed, Thankful, Appreciation, ","Read Psalm 40:5. A mountain climber’s goal is to reach the summit. However, there are numerous points along the route where he can stop and take in the view. ","In a similar way, regularly take time to stop and think about how Jehovah is making you successful even while you are enduring a hardship. At the end of each day, ask yourself: ‘In what way did I see Jehovah’s blessing today? Although the trial is still running its course, how is Jehovah helping me to endure?’ See if you can identify at least one blessing from Jehovah that has made you successful.",Psalm 40:5,WT January 23 Page 19 par 17;,,,bl,,1/2/2023
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"You can trust your brothers, ","If we have ever experienced food poisoning, we may be more cautious about what we eat. However, one bad meal will not make us stop eating. ","Similarly, we should not let one bad experience weaken our trust in all our brothers and sisters, who we know were born imperfect. When we rebuild our trust, we will be happier and better able to focus on what we can do to contribute to the atmosphere of trust in our congregation.",Proverbs 18:24;,"WT 2022 September page 6 para 16, ",,,bl,,1/3/2023
"Trustworthy, ",It has been said that trust is like money. Earning it is hard; losing it is easy. Jehovah certainly has earned our trust. He will never give us reason to lose trust in him because “everything he does is trustworthy.” (Ps. 33:4) And he expects us to imitate him. (Eph. 5:1) ,Let us consider some examples of Jehovah’s servants who imitated their heavenly Father and proved themselves to be trustworthy. We will also identify five qualities that will help us to be trustworthy.,Psalm 33:4,WT September 2022 page 8 para 2,,,bl,,1/3/2023
"Spirit, Holy spirit, creation, ","Saying that it (holy spirit) did the work of creating, although God is the Creator, is like saying that electricity lifts an elevator, although a motor does the actual work.","The invisible energizing force that Jehovah God puts into action to accomplish his will can be referred to as his holy spirit. It is this force, active in the work of creation, that Genesis 1:2 has reference to when it says: “The Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters.” (AS) The same is true at Job 33:4: “God’s own spirit made me.” It was his powerful force in action that did the work.",Genesis 1:1;,"Wt August 15, 1963 page 503 ",,,bl,,1/3/2023
"Cherish God’s Gift of Life, ","IMAGINE that a friend gave you a very old but priceless painting​—a masterpiece. It has some discoloration, stains, and cracks. Despite the imperfections, the painting is valued at millions of dollars. Surely you would appreciate and protect that piece of art. ","Similarly, Jehovah has given us a valuable gift, the gift of life. In fact, Jehovah shows how much he values our life by giving his Son as a ransom for us.​—John 3:16.",John 3:16;,"WT February 2023, page 20 para 1",,,bl,,1/3/2023
"Wisdom, activity, reasonable, excuses, beg off, invited, unwilling, ",Wisdom: If you have hope you can cope when you’re at the end of your rope.If you can go to the mall you can go to the hall.If you can go to the store you can go to the door.,"Matthew 22:3 And he sent his slaves to call those invited to the marriage feast, but they were unwilling to come.",Matthew 22:3,Twila Voris,,,bl,,1/3/2023
"How Jehovah Helps Us to Endure with Joy, variety, rigid, flexible, bending, focus on beauty, "," Think of this comparison. We would expect to see a variety of trees in a beautiful park, or garden. Similarly, the spiritual paradise existing in the congregations today is adorned with a variety of individuals who are compared to trees. (Isa. 44:4; 61:3) ","We need to make sure that we continue to focus on the beauty of the “forest,” not on the blemishes found on the individual “trees” nearest us. We cannot allow our own imperfections or those of others in the congregation to distract us from the overall beauty of the united worldwide Christian congregation.  To remain in the spiritual paradise, we must, among other things, maintain our deep appreciation for the worldwide Christian congregation. How can we do that? By focusing on the beauty, not on the imperfections, of those who inhabit it. (John 17:20, 21) Why is that so important?",Isa. 44:4; 61:3,w22 November pp. 12-13 par. 16,,,bl,,1/16/2023
"Faith, Title Deed, Proof, receipt, Ownership, promises, hope, ","If you have ever bought an item from a reputable company and then waited for it to be delivered, you have exercised that type of faith. The sales receipt in your hand gave you reason for faith in the company from which you bought the item. In a sense, that receipt was your title deed, your guarantee that you would receive what you purchased.","If you had lost the receipt or had thrown it away, you would have lost the proof of your claim of ownership. Similarly, those who have faith that God will fulfill his promises are guaranteed to receive what they hope for. On the other hand, those who do not have faith, or who lose it, are not entitled to receive the things God promises. —James 1:5-8.",James 1:5-8;,w09 5/1 p. 3 What Is Faith?,,,bl,,1/21/2023
"What Is Faith? Faith, Title Deed, Proof, receipt, Ownership, promises, hope, ","The second expression at Hebrews 11:1, translated “evident demonstration,” carries the idea of producing evidence that contradicts that which only appears to be factual. For instance, the sun appears to revolve around the earth—rising in the east, moving through the sky, and setting in the west. However, evidence from astronomy and mathematics reveals that the earth is not the center of the solar system. Once you become familiar with that evidence and accept it as true, you have faith that the earth revolves around the sun—despite what your eyes tell you. Your faith is not blind. On the contrary, it gives you the ability to see things as they really are, not merely as they seem to be.How Important Is Strong Faith?","This is the type of faith that the Bible encourages—strong faith built on solid evidence, even if it requires that we adjust our beliefs. Such faith is vital. The apostle Paul wrote: “Without faith no one can please God. Anyone who comes to God must believe that he is real and that he rewards those who truly want to find him.”—Hebrews 11:6, New Century Version.There are many challenges to developing strong faith. But if you take the four steps discussed on the following pages, you can succeed.",Hebrews 11:6;,w09 5/1 p. 3,,,bl,,1/21/2023
"Faith, Title Deed, Proof, receipt, Ownership, promises, hope, Exercise Faith Based on Truth",The Greek word (hy·poʹsta·sis) rendered “assured expectation” at Hebrews 11:1 was commonly used in ancient papyrus business documents to convey the idea of something that guarantees future possession. Scholars Moulton and Milligan suggest the rendering: “Faith is the title deed of things hoped for.” (Vocabulary of the Greek Testament) ,"Obviously, if a person possesses the title deed to property, he can have the “assured expectation” that someday his hope to obtain it will be realized.  At Hebrews 11:1, the Greek word translated “evident demonstration” (eʹleg·khos) conveys the idea of presenting evidence to demonstrate something, particularly something contrary to what appears to be the case. Positive or concrete evidence makes clear what previously went undiscerned, thereby refuting what only appeared to be the case. So in both the Hebrew and the Greek Scriptures, faith is by no means “firm belief in something for which there is no proof.” On the contrary, faith is based on truth.",Hebrews 11:1; Romans 1:20; ,w91 9/15 p. 10 pars. 5-6,,,bl,,1/21/2023
"Faith Can Move Mountains! Title Deed, ownership, evidence, Peace, Kingdom, ","Faith has also been described as “the title-deed of things hoped for.” A man who purchases a distant property and has the title deed in his hand has convincing evidence that the property exists and that it really belongs to him, even though he may never have seen it. So, too, the person with faith can bring forth tangible evidence for what he believes."," For example, suppose he has faith that Jehovah God will bring true peace to this earth through His Kingdom. Then the individual must have at hand evidence that God exists and has the power, the will, and the wisdom needed to bring peace and that He has established the Kingdom for that purpose. Such evidence must be strong enough to convince not only the person having faith but also others who might ‘demand of him the reason for his hope’ for peace. —1 Peter 3:15.",Hebrews 11:1; 1 Peter 3:15. ,w87 7/15 pp. 3-4,,,bl,,1/21/2023
"Exercising Faith Is like Acting with a Title Deed, God's promises, ","IF SOMEONE you did not know promised to give you a large, beautiful, productive tract of land, tax-free, would you believe him? Probably you would be very skeptical. Would it begin to appear possible if this person also happened to be the wealthiest one in the land? Would you not build up hope if you also discovered that he was a powerful ruler?  If you inquired further and found that this person had established a lifelong reputation of being absolutely trustworthy and had never lied, would you not begin to believe his promise? ","Then, would you not act on his offer if he actually turned over the title to this land by giving you a deed that had been searched out and was legally binding?  Certainly, at this point, you could be confident that you had actually inherited something of great value. This confidence would enable you to act on the promise, since that promise was assured by your having the deed to the property.However, even though you had the assurance and confidence needed, you must still actually work the property, or build upon it, to have it be of use to you. Yes, acting in harmony with your confidence is what would produce benefits to you.",Hebrews 11:1;,w63 5/1 p. 280,,,bl,,1/21/2023
"Exercising Faith Is like Acting with a Title Deed, Promises, Power, Reliability, Rely, confidence, ","Because of Jehovah’s authority, power and reliability, we can have an assurance, or confidence, similar to that of a person who has the title deed to property. Having faith in God’s promises because of his integrity is like having faith that we own property because of possessing a deed to it. It is an assurance that comes because Jehovah has promised it and because he has proved himself completely reliable in fulfilling his promises. ","This faith in God is best defined for us in the Bible at Hebrews 11:1 in these words: “Faith is the assured expectation of things hoped for.” In the book Word Pictures in the New Testament A. T. Robertson says of this scripture: “We venture to suggest the translation ‘Faith is the title-deed of things hoped for.’” He points out that the Greek word for “assured expectation” has the meaning of what stands under anything, a contract, or a promise. See The Watchtower as of December 15, 1962, page 749, ¶5, 6.So, faith in God is more than a desire or a hope. Faith is something added to hope. It means that we are assured of what God has promised to give us or to do for us, even though we do not see it as yet; it is as good as done, even though not yet actually done. Faith is the absolute assurance that what God says is going to happen will happen. Faith should not be confused with credulity or wishful thinking. There is a vast difference. Credulity is defined as “a disposition, arising from weakness or ignorance, to believe too readily, especially impossible or absurd things.” To be credulous is to be “easily deceived; gullible.”",Hebrews 11:1; ,w63 5/1 pp. 280-281,,,bl,,1/21/2023
"Exercising Faith Is like Acting with a Title Deed, Action, Examples of Faith, ","Does the farmer actually see next season’s harvest when he plants the seed? Why does he labor continually for what he does not see? All he has is the seed. How does he know it will grow into a plant? The farmer knows because he has reasoned that the sun that was shining yesterday will shine again, that the rain of yesterday will come again, and that vegetation will still be true to the laws of growth. Faith in the future harvest is based on sound evidence. It is based on the reliability of natural laws that have proved dependable for centuries. Therefore, faith that the harvest will be realized is justified and the farmer acts on this faith, this assurance, by commencing his work. How foolish it would be for him to refuse to plant the seed because of fear that the sun will never shine again, or that it will never rain again, or that the seed will refuse to grow!","Similarly, as we become acquainted with Jehovah and study his works in nature and especially his written revelation, the Bible, we will begin to cultivate confidence in his promises for the future. As the farmer confidently anticipates autumn harvest, and plows, sows, cultivates and waters before he ever sees it, so we should act in harmony with the confidence we have in God’s promises being fulfilled in due season before we actually see them fulfilled.By learning of God’s characteristics, we will not have difficulty in exercising, or putting into action, the faith we have in his promises, just as we would not have difficulty in acting with the assurance we would have if we held a title deed to property. Many in times past have put their faith into action because of their confidence in Jehovah. The apostle Paul refers to some of these when he mentions that Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, Rahab, Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel and many prophets had faith in God’s promises and acted upon that faith. As a result, they were able to defeat kingdoms, stop the mouths of lions, stay the force of fire, receive dead ones back to life, suffer persecution and deprivation, yes, even die, because they had the assured expectation of a resurrection from the dead to life in God’s new world. So many were these men and women of faith that Paul refers to them as a great “cloud.”—Heb. 11:1–12:1.",Hebrews 11:1-12:1; ,w63 5/1 p. 282,,,bl,,1/21/2023
"Faith, title deed, ownership, confidence, conviction, trust, ","Paul explained that true faith is solidly grounded. When he called faith “the assured expectation,” he used an expression that may also be rendered “title deed.” Imagine that someone decided to give you a house. He might hand you the deed to the place and say, “Here is your new home.” Of course, he does not mean that you will live on that piece of paper; he means that the document is so legally binding that for all practical purposes, it is the house itself. ","Similarly, the evidence for our faith is so convincing, so strong, that it may be equated to our faith itself.  Thus, true faith involves well-founded confidence and unshakable conviction that is clearly focused on Jehovah God. Faith causes us to see him as our loving Father and to trust that all his promises are sure to come true. But genuine faith involves more. Like a living thing, it must be nourished to survive. It must be expressed in actions, or it will die. —Jas. 2:26.  Why is faith so important? Paul provided a compelling answer. (Read Hebrews 11:6.) We can neither approach Jehovah nor please him unless we have faith. So, faith is essential if we are to fulfill the highest, noblest purpose of any intelligent creature: to draw close to and glorify our heavenly Father, Jehovah.","James 2:26; Hebrews 11:1, 6;",ia p. 5 pars. 6-8 Introduction,,,bl,,1/21/2023
"We Have This Treasure in Earthen Vessels, Modest, Humble, Jehovah, We Have This Treasure in Earthen VesselsWe Have This Treasure in Earthen VesselsWe Have This Treasure in Earthen Vessels","David Splane of the Governing Body examined that Scriptural theme. (2 Corinthians 4:7) What is the treasure? Is it knowledge or wisdom? “No,” answered the speaker. “The treasure that the apostle Paul spoke of is ‘this ministry’ of ‘making the truth manifest.’” (2 Corinthians 4:1, 2, 5) Brother Splane reminded the students that the five months they had spent studying was in preparation for a special assignment in the ministry. That assignment is something to be highly esteemed. The speaker explained that the “earthen vessels” refer to our fleshly bodies. He contrasted a vessel made of earth with one made of gold. Vessels of gold are not used often. Vessels made of earth, on the other hand, are meant for work. If we placed a treasure in a vessel of gold, we might focus as much on the vessel as on the treasure it contains. “You students don’t want to draw attention to yourselves,” said Brother Splane. “As missionaries, you want to direct people to Jehovah. You are modest earthen vessels.”","Continuing the analogy, the speaker said that in Bible times some earthen vessels were fire-resistant, and some had a tough glaze that prevented the vessel from chipping. The point? During the first months in their assignment, the missionaries will no doubt form a tough glaze. They will become less sensitive to criticism, less inclined to take offense. “You will discover that you are tougher than you think you are,” said Brother Splane. Jehovah has entrusted this treasure of the ministry, not to angels, but to earthen vessels. “That shows that Jehovah has confidence in you,” concluded the speaker.",2 Corinthians 4:7;,"w12 2/1 pp. 28-29 David Splane, ",,,bl,,2/1/2023
" “Bring a Smile to Jehovah’s Face” Gilead, Missionaries, Challenges, ","“With Footmen You Have Run. . . Can You Run a Race with Horses?” “How long and how fast can you run?” asked Samuel Herd of the Governing Body. Why raise that question with the students? The speaker drew a comparison between the experiences of the students and those of the prophet Jeremiah. That faithful man had a difficult time dealing with the challenges he was facing. But he had bigger trials ahead. So, Jehovah asked him: “Because with footmen you have run, and they would tire you out, how, then, can you run a race with horses?”—Jeremiah 12:5.","Applying this point to the students, Brother Herd said: “You may feel that you have been running with horses because of all the exams you’ve had. But you have really been running with footmen, not with horses. In your assignments you will be racing with horses, or facing bigger challenges than you can imagine today. How will you fare? Gilead training has prepared you to run with horses and not tire out.” He encouraged the students to keep training themselves spiritually, to maintain a good routine of Bible study and prayer.  Brother Herd acknowledged that in the future some of those sent out as missionaries will face discouragement or apathy. Others will be troubled by sickness or feelings of personal inadequacy. But he reassured the students that they have a source of strength that will help them to outrun any bad situation and not tire out. “Whether you run against footmen or horses,” said the speaker, “trust that God’s mighty hand can sweep you past the finish line. You will then be successful missionaries to Jehovah’s honor and praise.”",Jeremiah 12:5;,"w12 2/1 p. 29 Samuel Herd,",,,bl,,2/1/2023
"Bring a Smile to Jehovah’s Face, “Do not hold yourself to a few.” Assignments, picky, zeal, faith, ","“Do Not Hold Yourself to a Few.” John Ekrann, a member of the United States Branch Committee, discussed the account involving the prophet Elisha and a widow who was about to have her sons taken from her and sold as slaves. (2 Kings 4:1-7) The widow had only a small jar for oil. Elisha instructed her to collect other jars from her neighbors, saying: “Do not hold yourself to a few.” Through Elisha, Jehovah miraculously filled with oil all the jars that the widow collected. The widow then sold the oil and received enough income to pay her debts and support her family for a time.","What lessons could the future missionaries learn from this account? When the widow collected the extra vessels, she was not likely to have been picky. “She would have gathered any vessel that would hold oil,” said the speaker, “and probably the bigger the better.” Brother Ekrann then urged the students to take any and every assignment, big or small. “Don’t be picky,” he said. He also reminded the students that the amount of blessings the widow received was directly related to how much attention she paid to Elisha’s instructions. His point? The amount of blessings we receive is directly related to the amount of zeal and faith we demonstrate. “Don’t be self-sparing,” said the speaker.",2 Kings 4:1-7,w12 2/1 pp. 29-30 John Ekrann,,,bl,,2/1/2023
"Forever, Not understand, exist, Light, Creation, ","We may not understand fully how light works, does this mean that light does not exist? Not at all!   Just because we do not understand something does not mean that it is untrue.  ","Similarly, we humans may never fully comprehend how it is that Jehovah has always existed and will always exist. But this does not mean that God does not live eternally. The Creator is not limited by what we can or cannot understand. (Rom. 11:33-36) And he existed before the material universe​—including light sources such as the sun—​came to be. We are assured that Jehovah is “the Maker of the earth by his power.” Yes, he existed before he “stretched out the heavens.” (Jer. 51:15; Acts 17:24) What is another reason we can be sure that it is possible for us to live forever?",Rom. 11:33-36,WT December 2022 page 3,,,bl,,2/5/2023
"Prayer, endurance, steadfast, not give up, Joy, ","Sometimes we lose our joy.  Sometimes things in our life are extremely hard. We try hard to correct a fault that is killing our joy in life and it's like moving a large boulder or rock.  There is a formula that works. It is based on the thought:  ""keep on asking."" or ""keep on praying."" P.U.S.H. = Pray Until Something Happens.  The thought here is to not give up.  ",When you are discouraged.  P.U.S.H.    When a disaster occurs.  P.U.S.H.   When you lose your job.  P.U.S.H.   When you lose your Joy.   P.U.S.H.     When a loved one dies.  P.U.S.H.    When we have improper thoughts.    P.U.S.H.     We have a family matter that worries us.  P.U.S.H.  ,"Matthew 7:7, 8",Evan Coe,Serve Jehovah with a Joyful Heart. ,78,bl,,2/12/2023
"Personality, changes, advancing, progress, Truth, improve,  ","Use the distinct stages of a butterfly.  Egg, Larva, Pupa, and Adult.  Not all the stages are desirable to humans, but necessary for a beautiful clean butterfly.  (Use pictures if possible)","Likewise, to successfully let the truth transform our lives we must constantly make changes and adjustments. Bible truth has power to accomplish a marvelous transformation of human lives.  The Bible shows us desirable traits we must cultivate. ",Romans 12:2;,Kurt Lubin,Is the Truth Transforming Your Life?,51,bl,02/19/2023,2/20/2023
"Habits, customs, rote, ","Habits can be good or undesirable.  They start out ridiculously small, like a tiny thread, and you ignore them.  Then one day you look again, and they have become a rope.  If it's a good habit that's a good thing.  If not, it may be almost impossible to break it.  We will need Jehovah's help to do so.  If we want to be Jehovah’s friend, we may see that we need to make some changes. If so, we should start right away.","Jehovah does not want us to smoke or to abuse alcohol or drugs. If we are God’s friends, we will avoid doing these things. Why? Because we deeply respect the gift of life. Such habits can shorten our life, damage our health, and harm the people around us. ","Hebrews 10:24, 25.",Bobby Laymon,A Clean People Honors Jehovah,14,bl,,2/20/2023
"“Your Brother Will Rise”! Resurrection, promise, desire, power, ","Imagine that your house has been badly damaged by a storm. A friend comes to you and promises, ‘I am going to help you rebuild your house.’ He is sincere, and you are convinced that he has the desire to help you. If he is a skilled builder and has the needed tools, you know that he also has the ability. So, you believe in his promise. ","What, then, about God’s promise of a resurrection? Does he really have the desire and the power to fulfill it? Does Jehovah have the desire to resurrect the dead? Without question, he does. He inspired a number of Bible writers to record his promise of a future resurrection. () And when Jehovah makes a promise, he always fulfills it. (Josh. 23:14) Jehovah is, in fact, eager to restore the dead to life. Why can we say that?",Isa. 26:19; Hos. 13:14; Rev. 20:11-13,w23 April p. 9 pars. 4-5,The Resurrection​—Why That Hope Should Be Real to You,180,bl,,2/20/2023
"Making Use of the World but Not to the Full, Prison, Sickness, quarantined, Housebound, Future, ","A regular highlight for the imprisoned Witnesses was the visit of Brother A. H. Macmillan, of the headquarters staff of the Watchtower Society. He would tell us: “You are a good deal like a man seated backward on a train. He can’t see things outside the window until they have gone by.” He assured us that in years to come we would appreciate more fully the value of the time we were spending there. ","How true those words were!We soon organized a nightly study course patterned after the Gilead School for training missionaries. We studied through the Bible several times and read all the Watchtower Society’s Bible study aids. The knowledge acquired during those three years, eight months and five days of confinement provided a firm basis for continuing the career I chose that autumn evening at college—now some 40 years ago.",1 Corinthians 7:31;,w84 5/1 p. 25 ,,,bl,,3/2/2023
How Can We Strengthen Our Faith in Jehovah’s Promise of a New World? ,"Consider an illustration. In the middle of a brutally cold winter, we may feel that summer will never come. And yet summer does come.  (Ps. 94:3, 14, 15; Heb. 6:17-19) With that confidence, we can continue putting our worship of Jehovah first in our life.","Likewise, when we are deeply discouraged, we might feel that the new world will never come. If our faith is strong, though, we know that God’s promises will be fulfilled. When undergoing a trial, we may feel that Jehovah’s new world will never come. Does this mean that our faith is weak? Not necessarily.","Ps. 94:3, 14, 15; Heb. 6:17-19",w23 April p. 27 pars. 6-7,,,bl,,3/2/2023
Your Conscience and Your Employment,"Mushrooms are part of God’s plant creation but only some are edible. If we make a mistake and eat one of the poisonous types, this could cause our death. Jehovah provided minerals and metals, too, but when men convert iron into destructive weapons for political warfare, is this a good use of God’s provisions?","Some may argue that these things are all part of God’s creation placed here on earth, and that hence there is no reason to object to anyone’s growing them. True, they are God’s creation, but things that are correct in themselves may be put to bad uses.","1 Corinthians 6:9, 10",w72 10/1 p. 596 par. 24,,,bl,,3/2/2023
"Meetings, Kingdom Hall, Field service, ","If you can go to the mall, you can go to the Hall.If you can go to the store, you can go to the door.",Avoid excuses.,Luke 14:18-20;,Stephen Heilig; Circuit overseer,,,bl,,6/30/2023
"Does God Have an Organization, ","To illustrate, you can easily feed one person on your own, but if you have to feed many thousands, even millions, you will need a well-organized group of people whose efforts are coordinated. ","In fulfilling their commission, true Christians serve “shoulder to shoulder,” or “cooperate in [God’s] service.” (Zephaniah 3:9; Byington) Would a multinational, multilingual, multiracial work be possible without a unified, harmonious organization? The answer is obvious.",Zephaniah 3:9,w11 6/1 p. 14,,,bl,,6/30/2023
"Keep “the Flame of Jah” Alive, Marriage, Cooling off, ","Whether a married couple will have unfailing love as long as they live depend on them. To illustrate, a campfire has the potential to burn indefinitely—but only if it is fed. If left unattended, the fire will eventually go out. ","Likewise, the love between a husband and wife can remain strong indefinitely—but only if they nurture their relationship. At times, a couple could feel that their love is cooling off, especially when they are weighed down by financial hardship, health concerns, or the pressures of raising children. So, if you are married, how can you keep “the flame of Jah” alive in your marriage? ","Song of Sol. 8:6, 7",w23 May p. 20 par. 2,,,bl,,6/30/2023
"You Can Reach Your Spiritual Goals, Motivation, "," We could liken motivation to the wind that pushes a sailboat toward its destination. If the wind continues blowing, the sailor will likely reach his destination. And with a strong wind, he may even arrive sooner. ","Likewise, the more motivated we are, the more likely we are to reach our goals. “When you feel motivated, you try harder,” says David, a brother in El Salvador. “You try not to let anything prevent you from reaching your goal.” Motivation plays a key role in reaching spiritual goals. A motivated person has a strong incentive or desire to work toward his goal.",Micah 6:8;,w23 May p. 27 par. 3 ,,,bl,,6/30/2023
"Bible Prophecy, Doubt, Daniel's prophecy, "," Doubt is like rust. If ignored, it can slowly destroy something valuable. ","To begin removing any “rust” from your faith, you need to ask yourself, ‘Do I believe what the Bible says about the future?’ If you are not sure, then you need to study the Bible.",Daniel 12:10,WT 2023 August Page 9,,,bl,,6/30/2023
"What Will Go When God’s Kingdom Comes, ","What will life be like when bad conditions are gone? It is not easy to imagine. We have lived with bad conditions for so long that we may not even notice how much stress they cause us. To illustrate, people who live near a busy train station may no longer notice the noise. And people who live near a garbage dump may no longer notice the smell. But when Jehovah takes away all bad conditions, it will be a huge relief!","What will replace all the stress we feel now? Psalm 37:11 says: “They will find exquisite delight in the abundance of peace.” How comforting it is to know that this is what Jehovah wants for us! During these stressful times, do everything you can to stay close to Jehovah and his organization. Your hope for the future is precious, so think deeply about it, make sure that it is real to you, and share it with others. (1 Timothy 4:15, 16; 1 Peter 3:15) That way, you can be sure that when this system comes to an end, you will remain alive and be happy forever!","1 Timothy 4:15, 16; 1 Peter 3:15",ws17 April p. 14 pars. 16-17,,,bl,,7/9/2023
"Jehovah Guides His People in the Way of Life, Guide, protection, ","“STOP, LOOK, LISTEN.” For more than 100 years, these words have appeared on large signs at railroad crossings in North America. Why? So that cars crossing the railroad tracks would not get hit by a speeding train. Paying attention to these warning signs has saved the lives of many people.","Jehovah does something better than giving us safety signs. He guides his people so that they can receive everlasting life and stay away from dangers. Jehovah is like a loving shepherd who directs and warns his sheep so that they can avoid dangerous paths. —Read Isaiah 30:20, 21."," Isaiah 30:20, 21",ws16 March p. 24 pars. 1-2,,,bl,,7/9/2023
"The Hand of Jehovah” in My Life, Armageddon, ","“The streamline express, crowded with passengers, was speeding at one hundred miles [160 km] per hour. It must cross the river on a bridge which made an almost fifty-percent curve, so that persons on the rear platform of the train could see the engine. . . Two men riding on the rear platform. . . beheld that a span of the bridge at the far end was on fire and falling into the river. They realized that they were facing great danger. That was a real emergency. Could the train be stopped in time to save the lives of the many passengers aboard?”","Applying the illustration, the book concluded: “Likewise today, all the nations and peoples of earth are face to face with the greatest emergency. They are being warned as God commands, that the disaster of Armageddon is just ahead. . .. Having been warned, each one thus warned must now choose the course he will take.”The speeding train, the burning bridge, and the urgency of the preaching work were indelibly etched in my mind.","Revelation 16:14, 16",w94 3/1 p. 24,,,bl,,7/9/2023
"Jehovah Is Reasonable! Celestial chariot, Trains, supertanker, Heavenly organization, vehicle, control, ","How relieved we are to learn that the God of the Bible is eminently reasonable! It is not God but humans who tend to be rigid and inflexible, bound by their own imperfections. Human organizations can be as unwieldy as freight trains. When a giant freight train is rolling toward an obstruction on the track, turning is out of the question, and stopping is not much easier. Some trains have so much forward momentum that they take more than a mile [km] to stop after the brakes are applied! Similarly, a supertanker may coast onward for another five miles [8 km] after the engines are shut off. Even if they are thrown into reverse, it may still plow on for two miles [3 km]! But now consider a vehicle far more awesome than these two, one that represents God’s organization.","Over 2,600 years ago, Jehovah gave the prophet Ezekiel a vision that pictured His heavenly organization of spirit creatures. It was a chariot of awe-inspiring proportions, Jehovah’s own “vehicle” always under his control. Most interesting was the way that it moved. The giant wheels were four-sided and full of eyes, so they could see everywhere and could change direction instantly, without stopping or turning. And this gigantic vehicle did not have to lumber along like a supertanker or a freight train. It could move at the speed of lightning, even making right-angle turns! (Ezekiel 1:1, 14-28) Jehovah is as different from the God that Calvin preached as His chariot is from clumsy man-made machines. He is perfectly adaptable. Appreciating this aspect of Jehovah’s personality should help us to remain adaptable and avoid the snare of unreasonableness.","Ezekiel 1:1, 14-28",w94 8/1 pp. 9-10 pars. 2-3,,,bl,,7/9/2023
"Do Not Miss the Purpose of God-Given Freedom, decisions, free will, ","You can train a dog not to take something, but you cannot teach it the wrongness of stealing. An animal with its actions programmed, as it were, cannot make decisions that bring praise and honor to God, whereas man can freely choose to serve his Maker out of love and appreciation.","Why did God give humans relative freedom? One reason was that the Creator might have intelligent creatures on the earth who would bring him honor and praise by their fine words and conduct. Humans can do this, whereas animals cannot. Animals, being governed by instinct, know nothing about moral conduct. ",Mark 12:17,w92 3/15 p. 10 par. 10,,,bl,,7/9/2023
"Is Vengeance Wrong? Justice, slow, patience, ","True, at times justice is slow in coming. One world-weary writer said: “Justice is like a train that’s nearly always late.” Sometimes, indeed, the train never arrives. ","Doers of injustice may be so powerful that the authorities cannot control them. Still, the wise course is self-restraint. “All his spirit is what a stupid one lets out, but he that is wise keeps it calm to the last,” says the Bible. —Proverbs 29:11.",Proverbs 29:11,w91 11/1 p. 5,,,bl,,7/9/2023
"Making Use of the World but Not to the Full, train seated backward, Brother A. H. Macmillan, ","A regular highlight for the imprisoned Witnesses was the visit of Brother A. H. Macmillan, of the headquarters staff of the Watchtower Society. He would tell us: “You are a good deal like a man seated backward on a train. ",He can’t see things outside the window until they have gone by.” He assured us that in years to come we would appreciate more fully the value of the time we were spending there. How true those words were!,Job 11:17; Proverbs 4:18,w84 5/1 p. 25,,,bl,,7/9/2023
"The First Lie—How It Has Affected You, Eden, Paradise, cow, tragedy, ","IN India, in 1981, a train was approaching a bridge when the engineer suddenly noticed a cow on the line. He braked violently. The train was derailed, and seven crowded coaches plunged into the river below. More than eight hundred lives were lost. Thus, a small event—a cow on the railway line—led to a major tragedy. ","Something similar happened in Eden, the garden of God.  Eden must have been a delightful place. It had trees, flowers, animals and birds in great variety. There was harmony and tranquility. It was truly paradise. Adam and Eve must have delighted in God’s handiwork. And they had a thrilling prospect. God told them: “Be fruitful and become many and fill the earth and subdue it and have in subjection the fish of the sea and the flying creatures of the heavens and every living creature that is moving upon the earth.” (Genesis 1:28) Additionally, they had a sublimely simple religion: to do God’s will.  Like this train, the whole human race has been “derailed.” Do you know how?",Genesis 1:28,w82 4/1 p. 4 ,,,bl,,7/9/2023
" Does God Keep Time? timetable, Bible, schedule, events, ","Just as we need to consult a timetable telling of arrivals and departures prior to our traveling by train or plane, so we need a timetable to know what God wants us to do and when. The Bible serves as God’s timetable. By consulting this Book, we can know the scheduled arrival of events affecting humans. For example, all the first-century Jews should have been prepared for the coming of the Christ. Why? Because, by his prophet Daniel, God had long before foretold that the Messiah, or Christ, would arrive in the year 29 CE. (Daniel 9:24-27) Actually, the Jews in the first century who knew Daniel’s prophecy were awaiting his appearance in that very year. (Luke 3:1, 2, 15) Jewish scholar Abba Hillel Silver wrote: “The Messiah was expected around the second quarter of the first century C.E.”","The same can be said for today. By using the Bible’s timetable, we can determine that now is the time for Christ’s invisible presence as King. Therefore, his coming to execute God’s judgment upon the wicked and his 1,000-year ‘day to judge the earth in righteousness’ are very near. —Acts 17:31; Daniel 4:10-17; Matthew 24:7-31; Luke 21:24; Revelation 20:4-15.",Daniel 9:24-27,w82 10/1 p. 6,,,bl,,7/9/2023
"Must We Pay Our Vows? Conscience, Debts, ","Suppose someone owed you a large sum of money but because of some misfortune found himself unable to repay you. Which would please you more—if he shrugged off the whole debt as impossible to repay or if he at least arranged to pay you small, regular amounts as he was able?","By the same reasoning, suppose a hasty vow to devote one’s full time or other resources to proper Christian activities simply cannot be kept. Should we not feel duty-bound to come as close to complying as present circumstances allow? “If the readiness is there first,” Paul wrote, “it is especially acceptable” whether we have much to give or only a little. (2 Corinthians 8:12) But what about vows made before one had an accurate knowledge of Bible truth?",2 Corinthians 8:12,g93 4/8 p. 25,,,bl,,7/10/2023
"How Can We Strengthen Our Faith in Jehovah’s Promise of a New World? Discourage, strong faith, confidence, ","In the middle of a brutally cold winter, we may feel that summer will never come. And yet summer does come. ","Likewise, when we are deeply discouraged, we might feel that the new world will never come. If our faith is strong, though, we know that God’s promises will be fulfilled. (Ps. 94:3, 14, 15; Heb. 6:17-19) With that confidence, we can continue putting our worship of Jehovah first in our life.  Consider one more area in which strong faith is required—the preaching work. Many people to whom we preach feel that the “good news” about God’s coming new world is too good to be true. (Matt. 24:14; Ezek. 33:32) We never want to allow their skeptical attitude to rub off on us. To prevent that from happening, we must keep strengthening our faith. Let us consider three ways we can do that.","Ps. 94:3, 14, 15; Heb. 6:17-19",w23 April p. 27 pars. 6-7,,,bl,,7/10/2023
"Keep “the Flame of Jah” Alive, love, marriage, ","Whether a married couple will have unfailing love as long as they live depend on them. To illustrate, a campfire has the potential to burn indefinitely—but only if it is fed. If left unattended, the fire will eventually go out. ","Likewise, the love between a husband and wife can remain strong indefinitely—but only if they nurture their relationship. At times, a couple could feel that their love is cooling off, especially when they are weighed down by financial hardship, health concerns, or the pressures of raising children. So, if you are married, how can you keep “the flame of Jah” alive in your marriage? In this article, we will discuss three ways to keep your relationship strong and enjoy a happy marriage.LOVE’S “flames are a blazing fire, the flame of Jah. Surging waters cannot extinguish love, nor can rivers wash it away.” (Song of Sol. 8:6, 7) What a beautiful description of true love! These words contain a reassuring truth for married couples: You can have unfailing love for each other.","Song of Sol. 8:6, 7",w23 May p. 20 pars. 1-2,,,bl,,7/10/2023
"You Can Reach Your Spiritual Goals, Motivation, ","We could liken motivation to the wind that pushes a sailboat toward its destination. If the wind continues blowing, the sailor will likely reach his destination. And with a strong wind, he may even arrive sooner. ","Likewise, the more motivated we are, the more likely we are to reach our goals. “When you feel motivated, you try harder,” says David, a brother in El Salvador. “You try not to let anything prevent you from reaching your goal.” So, what can you do to feel more motivated?Pray for more motivation. By means of his spirit, Jehovah can motivate you to reach your goal. (Read Philippians 2:13.) Motivation plays a key role in reaching spiritual goals. A motivated person has a strong incentive or desire to work toward his goal. ",Philippians 2:13,w23 May p. 27 pars. 3-4,,,bl,,7/10/2023
"Continue Putting On “the New Personality” After Baptism, Humility, Humble, Apology, ","If you tore your favorite garment, would you immediately throw it out? No. Most likely you would carefully repair the damage if that is possible. And you would be more careful thereafter."," Likewise, if on occasion you fail to act in a kind, patient, or loving way toward someone, do not become discouraged. A heartfelt apology can repair the damage, so to speak, and put you on the path to restoring your good relationship with the person. Be determined to do better in the future.",James 2:26;,w22 March p. 12 par. 17,,,bl,,7/10/2023
"Mothers—Learn from the Example of Eunice,","As shown in the picture, when you plant a seedling, you may at times wonder if it will ever grow into a plant that produces fruit. Although you cannot control the outcome, you continue to water it in order to give it the best opportunity to grow. (Mark 4:26-29) ","Likewise, as a mother, you may sometimes wonder if you are reaching the heart of your young ones. You cannot control the outcome. But if you continue to do all that you can to train them, you give them the best possible opportunity to grow spiritually. —Prov. 22:6.",Mark 4:26-29,w22 April pp. 20-21 par. 17,,,bl,,7/10/2023
"Jehovah’s People Love Righteousness, Standards, Protection, "," Imagine what would happen if every bank came up with its own standards for determining the value of currency or if each construction company followed its own standards of measurements. The result would be chaos. And if medical personnel failed to adhere to consistent standards of care, some patients might die. ","We benefit by adhering to Jehovah’s standards of right and wrong. Can you see why? Certainly, reliable standards are a protection. Likewise, God’s standards of right and wrong protect us.","Isaiah 55:8, 9",w22 August p. 27 par. 7 ,,,bl,,7/10/2023
"Are You Ready to “Inherit the Earth”? Jehovah's blessing, Subdue, Restore, Paradise, ","This brings to mind the task that the Israelites faced when returning from Babylon. Their land had basically been uninhabited for 70 years. But Isaiah foretold that with Jehovah’s blessing, they would be able to restore it. The prophecy stated: “He will make her wilderness like Eden and her desert plain like the garden of Jehovah.” (Isa. 51:3) The Israelites succeeded. ","Likewise, with Jehovah’s blessing, those who will inherit the earth will succeed in subduing it. And even now you can show that you desire to participate. One way is by doing what you reasonably can to keep your home and surroundings clean and orderly. You can do that regardless of what your neighbors do. You can expand your role by helping to clean and maintain the local Kingdom Hall and the Assembly Hall. If your circumstances allow, you can also apply to be a local volunteer to share in disaster relief. You thus show that you are likely ready to assist if there is a need. Ask yourself, ‘Might I pick up some skills that I could use if I am blessed to inherit the earth?’",Isaiah 51:3,w22 December pp. 28-29,,,bl,,7/10/2023
"Help Your Bible Students to Become Baptized Disciples, Goals, ","Help your student to set goals. Why should you do that? Consider this illustration: If you were going to take a long road trip, you might include interesting stops along the way. Thus, the distance to your destination would seem less overwhelming. ","Likewise, when a Bible student sets and reaches short-term goals, he will likely realize that the goal of baptism is within his reach. Use the “Goal” feature in the Enjoy Life Forever! book to help your student make progress. At the end of each lesson, discuss how the goal relates to what your student has just learned. If you have a different goal in mind for your student, write it in the space labeled “Other.” Regularly use this portion of the study to review with your student both his short-term and his long-term goals.","Matt. 7:24, 25; Luke 6:47, 48",w21 June p. 3 pars. 3-4,,,bl,,7/10/2023
Mildness—How Does It Benefit Us?,"The Greek word for “mildness” was used to describe a wild horse that had been tamed. The strength of the horse remains, but patient training has bridled its raw power."," Likewise, when we display mildness, we tame our unruly nature and deal peaceably with others. ‘I am not a mild person by nature,’ we may think. We do live in a world where aggression and impatience are common, so we may find it a challenge to display a mild spirit. (Rom. 7:19) Mildness is a sign of inner strength. ",Rom. 7:19,w20 May p. 17,,,bl,,7/10/2023
"Meditate, Worry, Truth, ","The Sister told her Bible study she should meditate on what they were studying. The ransom about Jesus. The student said, ""I can't meditate. I don't know how to meditate.  She asked her.  Can you worry?  Oh! Yes!  I worry a lot.","She said, if you can worry, then you can meditate.  Think about it. Both meditation and worry means to think long, deeply or carefully about (something). ",Matthew 6:27,"Debbie Huckelba, Toni Miller, ",,,bl,,3/16/2025
"Wedding, Marriage, Lifetime commitment, ","There is a difference between a Wedding and a Marriage. The Wedding lasts a day.  The Marriage, a lifetime.","ON THEIR wedding day, the handsome groom and his beautiful bride listen closely as a Bible-based talk is delivered on the subject of marriage. The principles being discussed in that talk are not new to them. But from this day forward, the information will take on greater meaning. Why? Because they will be applying it as a married couple.",Luke 5:29;,Public talk,,,bl,,8/1/2023
"Let Mildness Be Your Strength, horse, weakness, ","A form of the Greek word rendered “mildness” was at times used to describe a wild horse that had been tamed. Picture a wild horse that becomes gentle. That is, gentle, yet strong.","As humans, how can we develop mildness and at the same time be strong? Not by sheer willpower. A key is praying for God’s spirit, asking him to help us cultivate this beautiful quality. Experience shows that this can be done. Many Witnesses have responded mildly when confronted by opposers, leaving a favorable impression on observers. (Read 2 Timothy 2:24, 25.) How can you make mildness one of your strengths?  Mildness is a strength, not a weakness. It takes inner strength to keep calm when facing a trying situation. Mildness is one aspect of “the fruitage of the spirit.” (Gal. 5:22, 23)","2 Timothy 2:24, 25",w23 September p. 15 par. 3,,,bl,,8/1/2023
"Iron sharpens Iron, growth, improvement, unexpected changes, discipline, counsel, ","A true story of a big storm in England. It destroyed millions of trees. There was a garden called Kew Garden, it had a tree called Turner Oak, it was 200 years old and was dying. During the storm it had lifted that tree and dropped it back down. They decided that it was too large to take down at the time, they would prop it up so it wouldn’t fall on anyone and clear all the trees first. ","After three years they got the garden back in order and they realize the tree wasn’t dying anymore, the tree was healthy again and grew even more! The soil around the tree had been compacted so much by visitors the tree was dying, but since it was lifted and loosened, oxygen and nutrients were able to flow freely. The point? The trees growth was stunted because of staying in the same spot. So, change benefits us, at times changes happen that we wouldn’t have chosen for ourselves but if we allow it.  Things can happen in live where we become more useful.  ",Proverbs 27:17,Julane Laymon,,,bl,,8/2/2023
Let Mildness Be Your Strength,"Sharing our convictions can be likened to throwing a ball. We can toss the ball gently or hurl it forcefully. When we throw it gently, the other player is more likely to catch it and to continue playing. ","Similarly, if we express ourselves with tact and mildness, people may be more willing to listen and to continue the conversation. Of course, if someone wants to win a debate or to ridicule our beliefs, we are not obligated to answer him further. (Prov. 26:4) But such a person may be the exception; some—perhaps many—will listen.  Clearly, there is great value in making mildness a personal goal. Pray to Jehovah for the strength you need to remain mild when responding to controversial questions or unjust criticism.",Colossians 4:6,w23 September p. 19 pars. 18-19 ,,,bl,,8/2/2023
"Like Peter, You Can Persevere, ","To illustrate: A musician may spend many years mastering his instrument. During that time, he may play thousands of wrong notes, but if he keeps practicing, he will improve. Even if he becomes a skilled musician, though, he may occasionally make a mistake. Still, he does not give up. He keeps working at his craft.","In a similar way, even after we feel that we have overcome a certain weakness, we may suffer a setback. But we still keep working toward our goal. We all say or do things that we later regret; nonetheless, if we refuse to give up, Jehovah will help us to keep making progress. (1 Pet. 5:10) Let us consider Peter’s example of perseverance. The compassion Jesus showed him despite his shortcomings can motivate us to continue serving Jehovah.",1 Peter 5:10,w23 September p. 21 par. 3,,,bl,,8/2/2023
"Conclusion, Overtime, ",You have been on a beautiful vacation and flying home.  On landing the pilot overshoots the runway and you crash into the swamp.  Your beautiful vacation has just been ruined and all you can think about are your injuries.  You will never walk again or do things the same as before. ,"That's what it is like to have a beautiful meeting and you overshoot the allotted time. It ruins all the good of everyone else's part as well, and perhaps even worse than the plane crash you have disobeyed Jehovah. You can never recover the time and make it right.",1 Corinthians 14:33,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,8/11/2023
"Are You “Ready to Obey” Teenagers, obedience, struggle, straitjacket, seat belt.","She now says, “I see obeying my parents, not as a straitjacket, but as a seat belt that can save my life.” Elizabeth, a young sister from the United States, still struggles to obey her parents at times. She explains, “When I do not fully understand why my parents put a certain rule in place, I think back to the times when their rules protected me.” Monica, who lives in Armenia, says that things have always worked out better for her when she obeyed her parents rather than when she disobeyed them.","Many young people have seen how well things turn out when they obey. Luiza, also from Brazil, found it hard at first to understand why she was not allowed to have a cell phone for a time. After all, she reasoned, most people her age had one. But then she realized that her parents were actually protecting her.","Eph. 6:2, 3",w23 October p. 8 pars. 7-8 ,,,bl,,9/4/2023
"“He Will Make You Strong”—How? Desire, Power, ","To illustrate, an engine can power a car to move forward. However, a driver must press the accelerator in order to go anywhere. ","Similarly, Jehovah is ready to give us the power we need, but we must take steps to benefit from it. What has Jehovah provided to make us strong? And what do we need to do in order to receive that power? We will learn the answers to those questions by considering how Jehovah strengthened three Bible characters—the prophet Jonah, Mary the mother of Jesus, and the apostle Paul. We will also see how Jehovah continues to strengthen his servants today in similar ways.Jehovah promises to make us strong too. (1 Pet. 5:10) But we cannot expect to receive that power without making any effort on our part. ",1 Pet. 5:10,w23 October pp. 12-13 par. 3 ,,,bl,,9/4/2023
"Explore Every Dimension of God’s Word, future home, details, ","IMAGINE that you are deciding whether to buy a house. What would you want to see before you make your decision? Just a photo of the front of the house? No doubt you would want to see the house in person so that you can walk around it, go inside to inspect all the rooms, and see it in all its dimensions. You might even like to examine the plans of the house to find out how it was built."," Obviously, you would want to see your future home in all its aspects.  We can do something similar when we read and study the Bible. One commentary likens the Bible’s message to “a vastly spacious building, with its high towers and deep foundations.” So, then, how can we get familiar with all that is in the Bible? If you just read it quickly, you may learn only basic facts— “the elementary things of the sacred pronouncements of God.” (Heb. 5:12) Instead, as with the house, go “inside” to examine the rich details. An excellent way to study the Bible is to see how the various parts of its message connect together. Endeavor to understand not only what truths you believe but also why you believe them.",Ephesians 3:18; Hebrews 5:12,w23 October p. 18 par. 1 ,,,bl,,9/4/2023
"Patience, visible, Exercise Patience Regional Convention, ","Paul encouraged Christians to clothe themselves with patience. That expression cloth yourselves helps us to appreciate that just like clothing should be visible to others, our patience, this beautiful quality should be visible to all who see us. ","This particular word is used in Ancient Greek. It emphasized two things #1A sense of urgency. And #2A Sense of permanence. So here, when we're encouraged to clothe ourselves with patience, it should be visible to others. There's an urgent need for us to do so. And when we make the changes necessary, there should be permanent changes. You see, patience is the ability to do this. To stay calm while waiting for an outcome that we need or ",Colossians 3:12,Exercise Patience Regional Convention,,,bl,,9/4/2023
"Exercise Patience Regional Convention, Farmer, crops, ","(James 5:7, 8). . . Be patient then, brothers, until the presence of the Lord. Look! The farmer keeps waiting for the precious fruit of the earth, exercising patience over it until the early rain and the late rain arrive.  You too exercise patience; make your hearts firm, because the presence of the Lord has drawn close. ","You know, that's the point. We clearly understand that crops do not appear instantly. You see, the farmer cannot hurry. It takes time. He needs to do. He needs to plant. He needs to weed. He needs to walk. And over a period of time, you see he's able to produce fruit. Reaping a good harvest means that the farmer needs to be dependent upon factors that are out of his control, such as weather extremes and rain extremes. In heat cold. All of this could damage or kill his. During the dry summer months in Israel. The sun baked and hardened the soil. The farmer. Had to wait through the early autumn rain to soften the soil. ",James 5:7 ,Exercise Patience Regional Convention,,,bl,,9/4/2023
"Exercise Patience Regional Convention August 2023, reaping, harvest, can't control, reward, ","Have you ever had to stand in a long line? For me, the most patience point is when I'm next. You have that anticipation that they're going to call your name. What are the real plans? Next. Very soon, Jesus Christ will take over this world. We want to be an eager expectation, which means that there's a need for us to be patient, even more so today than our faithful brothers in the first century.","(James 5:8) You too exercise patience; make your hearts firm, because the presence of the Lord has drawn close. Reaping a good harvest means that the farmer needs to be dependent upon factors that are out of his control, such as weather extremes and rain extremes. In heat cold. All of this could damage or kill his. During the dry summer months in Israel. The sun baked and hardened the soil. The farmer. Had to wait through the early autumn rain to soften the soil. Then he could begin plowing. And so. Well, his crop grew. He waited patiently. Until the late rain caused the grain to develop fully. Finally, harvest time came, and the farmers patience was rewarded. ",James 5:8,"Exercise Patience Regional Convention August 2023, ",,,bl,,9/4/2023
"Exercise Patience Regional Convention August 2023, Wait, waiting room, Informal witnessing, ",When you go to the doctor's office. The first room that you normally enter is called a waiting room. What do you do there? You wait. If you look at the clock. How slow with time? ,"But have you ever? With this express purpose went into that waiting room to wait, but to give a witness in an opportunity to give a witness to something. How quickly is the time? Have you ever been in a waiting room and you're with a good friend and you're in having a beautiful conversation? How quickly will time pass? We are right now we're in a waiting. We can enlarge upon what we're doing right now in the waiting room of the doctors. There's a need for us to pour ourselves into this beautiful work that Jehovah God has given to us to talk to others about the Kingdom. Message.",Matthew 24:14,"Exercise Patience Regional Convention August 2023, ",,,bl,,9/4/2023
"Exercise Patience Regional Convention August 2023, long-suffering, patience, William Tyndale, ","In the 2013 revision of the New World Translation. The governing body decided to change the expression long-suffering to patience. Why the change? Languages are not static. They evolve. This is obvious when comparing the translations that are on display in the Bible Museum at our world headquarters in Warwick, NY. For example. In the 16th century when William Tyndale translated the Greek scriptures into English. He had to invent many new words. One of those words was long-suffering. That word, long-suffering, continued to be used in many other English Bibles. But the language used in 1526 is vastly different from the English language spoken today. ","We've had to respond to changes in language to touch the heart of today's read. You see, these days people often misunderstand the term long-suffering, thinking that it simply means someone who suffers for a long time. But that could describe a very impatient person who has to put up with the situation that's out of his control, whether he really wants to endure it or not. Instead. The original language words used in the Bible indicate a more positive meaning. Long-suffering does not mean merely suffering long or just putting up with a trying situation. It involves deliberate, restraint or calm in words, which is better expressed by the word patience. When a patient person is wrong or provoked, he remains calm as he awaits the outcome of the situation. Additionally. Patience is a quality that must be shown in all circumstances, not just when enduring an offense, a hardship, or a trial. We must exercise patience in everyday situations with one spouse and children. With aging parents and other relatives. ",James 5:8,"Exercise Patience Regional Convention August 2023, ",,,bl,,9/4/2023
"Conclusion, overtime, timing, meetings, crash landing, stealing time, ","You have a beautiful vacation and are on a plane trip home.  You're anxious to see your friends and talk about all the fun you had. However, in circling to land you have a crash landing.  Everything was beautiful until now, but it ruined the entire vacation, and you are in the hospital. ","We could have a crash landing with our meetings at the Kingdom Hall. Everyone works hard to get his part on time, even shortening on some points, but then the last part, the song and prayer goes over a whole minute.  It ruins everyone's effort to obey the instruction on paragraph 17 and 23 on instructions. ""The entire meeting, including songs and prayers, should last 1 hour and 45 minutes."" ""No part should go overtime."" Time misused can never be recalled. 1 Corinthians 14:33, 40; For God is a God not of disorder but of peace. As in all the congregations of the holy ones.","1 Corinthians 14:33, 40; ",Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,9/4/2023
"Exercise Patience Regional Convention August 2023, Time, Patience, precision, ","There's a modern phrase that says ""I want it all and I want it now."" This directly contradicts Solomon because he said that there is a most favorable best time. So, the implication is. To develop and exercise patience, and this brings us to the feeling of our convention. Reflecting on Jehovah's view of time can help us to develop patience. ","He has made everything beautiful in its time. Jehovah, the King of Eternity, does not feel pressure. Time is not running out. Any account of creation. Jehovah's work was not rough. Progressively over extended periods of time from the human perspective. Now in the book of Job it says that Jehovah. Its pedestals were. And he. With precision and when it was done, the angels began to shouting and applause and Jehovah himself. Took time to reflect on his work and he said it was good because it was made beautiful in its time. What is the lesson for us? Have you ever found yourself wanting the new world to be here already? Because this is so horrible? Or wishing that the resurrection could happen today you were standing with. Things take patience. So, our goal is to be there and when it's Jehovah's time.",Ecclesiastes 3:11,"Exercise Patience Regional Convention August 2023, ",,,bl,,9/4/2023
"Exercise Patience Regional Convention August 2023, Eternity, broken eternity, ","Jehovah has given us a gift. He has broken eternity. Comprehend everything that Jehovah is doing from beginning to end. But having eternity in our heart means that we want to keep living so we can be there to see His purpose. We're not just here to watch Jehovah's purpose unfold.  Also, that everyone should eat and drink and find enjoyment for all his artwork. It is the gift. Jehovah wants us to enjoy life and to do it forever. It is his gift. Each channel life will be unimaginably rich and drawing closer to Jehovah's going to be the best part.","Have you ever found yourself wanting the new world to be here already? Because this is so horrible? Or wishing that the resurrection could happen today you were standing with. Things take patience. So, our goal is to be there and when it's Jehovah's time. No continuing on and enthusiastically, verse eleven we read. Yet mankind will never find out the work that the true God has made from start to finish.",ECCLESIASTES 3:11,"Exercise Patience Regional Convention August 2023, ",,,bl,,9/4/2023
"Exercise Patience Regional Convention August 2023, Friendships, time, planting seed, Jehovah's name, ","Building friendships takes time. Over the years, how many times have you given your name to someone and then ask their name in return? Too many times to count when you say. Well, that exchange your names is like planting a seed that could grow into a friendship. Now we know it takes time for literal seed to go into a tree. For example, if someone has an apple in their lunch today, you wouldn't expect it to have grown from a seed package yesterday, right? No, we know what that took years. ","Friendships also take time. And this should be between human friendships, but also with our greatest friend Jehovah. Jehovah's name was like planting the seed, a beautiful start. Eventually we came to know the person behind the name, and we came to know Jehovah's feelings, his personality, and to appreciate them. And appreciation grew into love, which led us to dedication and baptism. Well, how did we deepen our love for Jehovah, deepen our roots in our love for Him? Well, by doing two things common with any friendship. First by having regular communication. We talked to Jehovah quite a hard stand in prayer and we listen to him and reading his word, the Bible every day. And second by taking positive actions. (Ecclesiastes 3:11). . . He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has even put eternity in their heart; yet mankind will never find out the work that the true God has made from start to finish.",Ecclesiastes 3:11,"Exercise Patience Regional Convention August 2023, ",,,bl,,9/4/2023
"Exercise Patience Regional Convention August 2023, spiritual family, brotherhood, ","Jehovah is the best friend we could have; he doesn't want to be our only friend. He's planted us in a beautiful worldwide brotherhood like we see here, like a veritable orchard where we can find and develop close, loving friendships. Now we can compare friendships with fruit trees. And we know that trees face several challenges.","There's drought, floods, high winds, fire. An invasive insect. But some of those dangers are lessened by growing together. For example. By having their roots intertwined, trees can withstand fierce winds. Better Together than on their own. What's the point for us? Well, let's turn to Proverbs 17:17 and we'll see. Again, that's Proverbs 17:17. It says. A true friend shows love at all times. And as a brother who was born for times of distress. So when you went through the storm of losing a loved one. Battling a health issue. Losing your job or feeling discouraged? How did you feel when you had that friend by your side, holding your hand, giving you a shoulder to cry on? Didn't that help that storm to be more able to be managed? Well, wouldn't be watching Strong Friends now. What we want, and even more so during the Great Tribulation to come.",Proverbs 17:17,"Exercise Patience Regional Convention August 2023, ",,,bl,,9/4/2023
"Exercise Patience Regional Convention August 2023, plastic trees, ","Friends on social media are like plastic trees. It's true. They don't take time to really develop or to grow. We don't provide the protection, support, and love that we need. But not the true Friends of Proverbs 17:17. But what if we struggled to make friends? What if we're shy? Someone hurt us. We feel like we don't have the time or energy needed. Well, our father warned us that we would have stressful times. ","So, do we feel that we want to face these tribulations, the great and the small alone? Or should it by fellow trees to root us, to ground us, and to help us? Well, if you trusted our father knows the best, we're going to try to make friends and see how your blessings our efforts. Of course, the closer we draw to someone, the more we're going to see the flaws, right? Who want someone to be patient and loving with us and forgiving? We must do that with our friends as well.",Proverbs 17:17,"Exercise Patience Regional Convention August 2023, ",,,bl,,9/4/2023
"Exercise Patience Regional Convention August 2023, waiting, uncomfortable, fugitive, caves, ","Some scholars believe that David was 15 years old when he was anointed as king. If so, then he had to wait 22 years before he became king over all Israel. During several of those years, King Saul chased after David, seeking to kill him. As a result, David had the lives of fugitive at times in caves, in the wilderness and other times in a foreign country among the enemies of Israel.","David learned patience. The first happened in the wilderness of En-gedʹi, place of rough mountains honeycombed with roomy caves. Kings, all consumed with envy and hatred, chased after David, intent on killing him. David and his men hid from him in an immense cave. They couldn't have been comfortable. They had little luxuries. They had to gather food, firewood, and water, and they had to evade those who wanted them dead. Open, surprising, and unexpected situation.",1 Samuel 24:2,"Exercise Patience Regional Convention August 2023,",,,bl,,9/4/2023
"Exercise Patience Regional Convention August 2023, billion dollars, wealth, rich, generous, ","Do you have a good imagination? Imagine for a moment. That you possess $1 billion? Generous as you are, you likely would decide to share your wealth with others. If you were to give away $1000 every day. How long would it take for you to run out of money? The answer? 2739 years. If you had $1 billion, you would be very, very rich. Nevertheless, Jehovah God's material wealth far exceeds that. ","David humbly acknowledged in prayer. Everything in the heavens and on the earth is yours. As the Watchtower once put it. Jehovah is the wealthiest person in the universe. Of course, Jehovah's extraordinary wealth is not limited to material things. By means of this talk, we will learn that our God has wealth. Oh, patience. Together, we will answer these five questions. 1. How patient is Jehovah? 2. Why should we view his patience as a precious gift? 3. What might cause us to view God's patience as inconvenient? 4. How can we show that we treasure patience? And 5. How can Jehovah's patience benefit you personally? ",1 Chronicles 29:11,"Exercise Patience Regional Convention August 2023,",,,bl,,9/4/2023
"Exercise Patience Regional Convention August 2023, Day = 1000 years, Gift, Know Jehovah, ","God's patience is a precious gift. The riches of God's patience have allowed for millions of people the opportunity to come to know Jehovah and to reach out for the hope of salvation. And yet. If we're honest. Rather than being a blessing, God's patience sometimes might appear to be disadvantageous. In fact, which leads us to our third key question. What might cause us to view God's patience as inconvenient, even detrimental? Well, when we are those who are, we know are experiencing intense suffering, we may wish for Jehovah God to flip a switch, to press a button, as it were, and bring the new world, and bring it now, Lord. In fact, which is why we're talking about this matter. But when we find ourselves thinking that way, it may be that we have allowed an important fact. To escape our notice. ","Well, what's that is that? Peter explains in the preceding verse, 2 Peter chapter 3:8 However, do not let this escape your noticed, beloved ones. That one day is with Jehovah as one thousand years and one thousand years as one day. Did you know that? This verse shows that Jehovah views one thousand years as if it were a single day. Well, according to that way of figuring time, an 80-year-old person has only lived about two hours from Jehovah's standpoint. If you're forty, you've lived an hour. 20-30 minutes and you 10-year-olds, 15 minutes for you.",2 Peter 3:8,"Exercise Patience Regional Convention August 2023,",,,bl,,9/4/2023
"Exercise Patience Regional Convention August 2023, Dissolved, pass away, hot, ","What do you think of when something is dissolved?  Broken into pieces, disintegrated?  2 Peter 3:10 says: But Jehovah’s day will come as a thief, in which the heavens will pass away with a roar, but the elements being intensely hot will be dissolved, and earth and the works in it will be exposed.","Peter was referring to what he mentioned as the elements. Well, in other words, this system of things, including any person who, as our publications have described, is incorrigibly wicked. You know, the dictionary says that an incorrigible person is one who cannot be reformed, cannot be corrected.",2 Peter 3:10,"Exercise Patience Regional Convention August 2023,",,,bl,,9/4/2023
 You Can Escape from Satan’s Snares! ,"A HUNTER has but one goal—that of capturing or killing his prey. He may use a variety of snares or traps, even as noted by one of Job’s false comforters. (Job 18:8-10) How might a hunter lure an animal into his snare? He studies the animal. Where does it go? What is it interested in? What will catch it by surprise? ","Satan is like that hunter. He studies us. He notices where we go and what we are interested in. Then he sets a snare that he hopes will catch us unawares. Still, the Bible assures us that if we are caught, we may be able to escape. It also teaches us how to avoid those snares altogether.Two of Satan’s most effective snares are pride and greed. For thousands of years, Satan has successfully used these undesirable traits. He is like a bird catcher who lures his prey into a trap or who ensnares it in a net. (Ps. 91:3) But we do not have to be caught by Satan. Why not? Because Jehovah has revealed to us the tactics that Satan uses. —2 Cor. 2:11.",Job 18:8-10,w21 June p. 14 pars. 1-2,,,bl,,9/5/2023
"Temptation, shortcut, Jesus, patience, stones into bread, ","When Satan told Jesus to turn stones into loaves of bread, he was essentially saying you don't have to wait for your father to feed you. You can take matters into your own hands.",Jesus showed patience. What is each time the devil tempted Jesus? Essentially putting before Jesus. A shortcut. ,"Mark 1:12, ",Exercise Patience Regional Convention,,,bl,,9/9/2023
"Patience, temptation, shortcut, Jesus, Satan, hurl himself, temple, ","When Satan told Jesus to hurl himself from the temple, he was saying you want to be the Messiah. You don't have to work hard. Travel through the land, wait for your father to draw people to you. Just go to the center of town, perform a miraculous stunt. You'll have all the followers you want. ","We must not be fooled, just as Jesus did not fall for Satan's tricks.",Mark 1:12.,Exercise Patience Regional Convention,,,bl,,9/9/2023
"Patience, humble, Jesus, waiting, shortcut, Jesus trusts Father, ",When Satan offered Jesus all the kingdoms of the world. In exchange for one act of worship. Saying. You are going to be king of the world. You can have that right now. No suffering. Torture. How did Jesus respond?," In each of these three cases, Jesus responded with patience. Why? Because Jesus trusts his father. Jesus didn't turn stones into loaves of bread because he knew his father can sustain life with just a word. And Jesus trusted his father wasn't going to let him starve to death. Jesus didn't hurl himself down from the temple because he knew his father had already prophesied, by the prophet Isaiah. That the Messiah would draw to himself people through humble teachings, not miraculous or spectacular ones. Jesus trusted that his father's way was best. And Jesus refused to worship Satan. ",Mark 1:12,Exercise Patience Regional Convention,,,bl,,9/9/2023
"Jesus, patience, shortcut, my way, desire, wait on Jehovah, ","Have you ever been tempted to take a shortcut? To put aside Jehovah's way of doing things to get to some goal or satisfy some desire. Even if that goal or that desire is not a terrible thing. If that happens, friends. Imitate the patience. Trust Jehovah enough. To wait on him. Love Jehovah? Trusting. ","Jesus trust in his love extended not only to his Father. But also to his friends. As he carried out his ministry, even though he was very busy, he took the time to teach and help his disciples. And when they made mistakes, he patiently corrected them. Why? Because he loved him. Do you remember what he did when his disciples were arguing over who's the greatest? Humbly got down. And wash their feet. Jesus gave them a living example of humility and patience.",Psalm 5:3,Exercise Patience Regional Convention,,,bl,,9/22/2023
"Earth, purpose, cell phone, misuse, incubator, ","Let's talk about the cell phone. You can do many things with it, but it was designed for a specific purpose. . . to make phone calls with. It was not met to be used to prop a door open or shut; nor to use as a coaster to sit your coffee or other drink on; or to use as a hammer to drive nails. ","The earth is like that. It was designed for a specific purpose. It was not to be an incubator to start life for some other planet or even for heaven. God's original purpose was for it to be inhabited by man.  To be inhabited and be a happy place for men and women. Some misuse the earth, like using the cell phone for a hammer. They will be ruined because they are ruining the earth.",Isaiah 45:18; Revelation 11:18; Genesis 1:28;,David Durand ,,,bl,,9/17/2023
"Love, brothers, sister, Jehovah, how to keep our Love for one another strong, ","To illustrate, consider the connection that exists between our heart and other parts of our body. When a physician checks our pulse on our wrist to see if it is weak or strong, he may be able to get some information about the condition of our heart. How could we apply this principle to the topic of love?In what way is our love for God closely connected to the love we show for our brothers and sisters? ","Just as a doctor is able to get some information about the health of our heart when checking our pulse, we can get some information about the strength of our love for God by checking our love for others. If we notice that our love for fellow believers has weakened somewhat, this may indicate that our love for God is also growing weak. But when we regularly show love for fellow believers, this signals that our love for God is strong.",1 John 4:21.,"2023 WT November page 9, ",,,bl,,9/21/2023
"wait, waiting, wait on Jehovah, patience, ","When you picture Jesus, what do you see? Jesus on the White Horse with his bow in hand. Jesus has a power and a desire to do so much, but he waits until his father gives the word. He had to wait a long time to become king of God's Kingdom, and he still waits to rescue us. ","Yes, you're right. Jehovah's way is always the best way. It's OK to wait if you're waiting for him, but in the meantime, we always have weeds to pull. The temperature felt good today. Yes. This was definitely better than my quick fix. ","2 Timothy 3:10,",Exercise Patience Regional convention,,,bl,,9/22/2023
"Jesus Patience, Model, Key to patience, Secret to patience, Patient, Jehovah, God of Justice, wait, waiting, ","The secret to patience.  He committed no sin. Nor was deception found in his mouth. When he was being insulted, he did not insult in return. When he was suffering, he did not threaten. He entrusted himself to the one who judges. How do we endure? Injustice. ","By imitating the patient Jesus. We don't lie. No deception. We don't insult. We don't threaten. Instead. We trust. We trust that our Heavenly Father, the God of justice, will judge matters righteously. His love and trust in his father were so powerful that even as he hung on a torture state. He prayed for the forgiveness of his executioners. He focused not on the unjust. But on the purpose of his endurance to sanctify his father's name, to break up the works of the devil, to open the way for us to return to Jehovah's family, this is the model that we are to follow closely. But you know, Jesus' patience did not end with his death. Even after his resurrection, Jesus would wait centuries to become King of God's Kingdom. ",1 Peter 2:21.,Exercise Patience Regional Convention,,,bl,,9/22/2023
"Abraham, Sarah, Patience, unknown, trust, faithfulness, ","I don't know about you, but I don't even get in my car if I don't know where I'm going. Well, what did Jehovah ask Abraham and Sarah to do? He told them to pack everything up to leave their home, leave their relatives and go to a new assignment. And he didn't even tell them where they were going. Now think about it. Jehovah told this to Abraham in a special way. Sarah had to learn it from Abraham. ","Have you ever wondered how that conversation went? I imagine it went something like this. Abraham comes home excited, and he says Jehovah appeared to me today and gave us a new assignment. We're going to pack up and leave here and go to the land. And then Sarah says, well that's exciting. What land? And he says, well, I don't know yet, but Jehovah's going to show it to us. Abraham, I need details. And our wives would be right to ask for those details. Would there be other questions? But what about our beautiful home here on Earth? Where will we live? And what about our family? Your father, Tira, He's getting older. That married couple had a lot of things to discuss, a lot of legitimate things to talk about, and a lot of unknown. Abraham must have been so pleased when Sarah's faith moved her to rise to the occasion and meet these challenges, and together as a team they acted quickly to leave the safety and comfort of their home and life to him.",Hebrews 11:8;,Exercise Patience Regional Convention - Jason Saracho,,,bl,,9/22/2023
"Patience, Reward,  ","The next time you bite into a ripe piece of fruit, remember that in order to be able to enjoy that piece of food, patience was required, but it was rewarded. The same is true when we face injustice in this world, and for sure, we definitely will. Patience is required, but Jehovah will reward him. ","Just like Esther and others, if we show faith and patience, if we unselfishly stand up for God's people, we will experience the complete fulfillment of Jehovah's promises. And our reward will not be momentary as with the piece of fruit, but we will be eternally happy in God's new world. ","Esther 4:11-16, ","Exercise Patience Regional Convention - Antron Carraway Fishkill Congregation, ",,,bl,,9/22/2023
"Patience, Reward, challenges, runner, marathon, race, ","The Apostle Paul likened his enduring trials and tribulations to that of a runner in a marathon or race. Well, thankfully, we don't have to be marathon runners to relate to what the Apostle Paul is saying. To illustrate. Sometimes I lack the motivation to exercise. Have you ever felt that way? But every once in a while, in those moments, my dear wife will say OK. If you go for a walk or you go for a run with me later today, you can have whatever you want for dessert. And let me tell you will not see a man rise up from the couch as quick, find his shoes and be at the door, ready to run. ","What's the point? Focusing on a reward can give us the positive viewpoint we need to overcome challenges and be able to strengthen others. If you face persecution in the future, remember Second Timothy chapter 4, verse 8. Like Paul, be determined to never allow any trial or any persecution to discourage you from being confident in Jehovah as your reward. And if you do, you will be able. You will be able to patiently endure persecution and your example will strengthen others. ",2 Timothy 4:8;,Exercise Patience Regional Convention,,,bl,,9/22/2023
"Instant gratification, patience, death row, ","Man is on death row. He is scheduled to be executed tomorrow. Today, he gets to order whatever he wants for his last meal. When he is deciding what to order, do you think he's going to concern himself with how much sugar is in that? Or sodium or carbs, whatever, no way. He has no future to concern himself about. His only concern right now is whatever pleasure he can obtain immediately at the moment. He only has instant gratification.","A number of people actually feel very much like that man on death row.  They reason. Well, how long do we live? Maybe 70, 80 years.  So why are we going to concern ourselves with the future? The thing we want to do is obtain as much pleasure as we can out of life. Right now. And that mindset has led a number of people into a lifestyle of instant gratification. The essence of that is do the fun things first you pay later. Do whatever makes you feel good now. Don't worry about consequences. The world is on death row. But those who are serving Jehovah, he holds out his reward of everlasting life in the new world where all of our desires will be completely fulfilled. This prospect takes us off of the worldly thinking. It means we don't have to go through the right thinking, this is our last meal.",John 2:15-17; ,Exercise Patience Regional Convention ,,,bl,,9/22/2023
"Generosity, Holy Spirit, Helper, Comforter, bring back to you minds, recall, ","If you had a monopoly on all the energy and fuel in the universe. Would you distribute it freely and generously, or would you charge the highest price possible for it by gallon? Well, what example does Our Father set when it comes to providing His Holy Spirit? Please note the inspired words of the Apostle John at John chapter 3:34. There it says, ""For the one whom God sent speaks the sayings of God, for he, Jehovah does not give the Spirit sparingly. Now the new American Bible says here he does not ration his gift of the Spirit.Although Jehovah has a monopoly on Holy Spirit, he isn't stingy. The greater our need for Holy Spirit, the greater His generosity. Even though 8 millions of Jehovah's servants may be requesting his spirit. It doesn't drive up the price. Holy Spirit is a free gift. What is the lesson for us? That's allow Jehovah to tell us through his inspired word Proverbs chapter 3, verses 27 and 28. How can we imitate Jehovah's generosity? ","Can you think of Bible examples from the Hebrew scriptures when Jehovah gave his Holy Spirit generously? 1. Bezalel was filled with the power of God. Joshua was full of the spirit of wisdom. 2. Jehovah's spirit empowered Samson. What about in the Greek scriptures? Well, 3. John the Baptizer was filled with Holy Spirit even from before birth. And then there was the 4. anointing of Jesus disciples with Holy Spirit on Pentecost 33 CE.  Acts 2:4 says that those disciples all became filled with Holy Spirit and started to speak in different languages.What about today? Notice Jesus words in John 14:16, 17. Jesus said, and I will ask the father, and he will give you another helper. To be with you forever, the spirit of the truth. The study notes for John 14:16, 17 says that the word helper. Could also mean comforter encourage her advocate. Well, how can Holy Spirit be a Comforter? Verse 26 mentions the helper. The Holy Spirit, that one will teach you all things and bring back to your minds all the things I told you. Holy Spirit can help us to remember. It can bring back to our minds. What does it help us to remember? Well, many times it's comforting thoughts from God's word itself. ","1 John 3:34; Acts 2:4; John 14:16, 17","Gage Fleegle, GB",,,bl,,9/23/2023
"Holy Spirit, Trust, power, Generosity, Generous, ","In some respects, we might like in this cooperation between father and son to that of an architect. Working with a builder or contractor who brings the architects designs to reality. Is that evidence of trust by Jehovah? Clear. Jehovah gave his son the materials and the training to accomplish an assigned task. Well, what's the lesson for us? ","We find a principle at 2 Timothy 2:1, 2; There it says. Paul writing under inspiration to Timothy, said, ""You therefore, my child keep on acquiring power in the undeserved kindness that is in Christ Jesus and the things you heard from me that were supported by many witnesses. These things entrust to faithful men. Who in turn will be adequately qualified to teach others."" Four generations of teachers and learners. You also Paul. Timothy, Faithful Man, and still others. The lesson for us? Continue to train. Continue to delegate. Continue to trust. Jehovah is generous with his use of Holy Spirit. We should be generous with our time and possessions. Jehovah trusts his Son to pour out his precious Holy Spirit. We should delegate responsibility and trust others to fulfill their assignments. Indeed, the Holy Spirit is a precious free gift from our generous Father. May we all continue to beg for it. Trusting fully. And the one who can, according to his power, that is operating in us, do more than super abundantly beyond all the things we asked or conceived.","2 Timothy 2:1, 2; ","Gage Fleegle, GB",,,bl,,9/23/2023
"Creation, Wisdom, ask a question, Earth, animals, fish, ","Can you ask a question to the animals? The birds? Of the fish. Can you ask a question of the three? Well, you might say that sounds crazy. Nevertheless, that is exactly what the Bible tells us to do. Job 12:7, 9. However, ask please the animals and they will instruct you. Also, the birds of the heavens, and they will tell you. Or give consideration to the earth. And it will instruct you, and the fish of the sea will declare it to you. ","Who among all these does not know? That the hand of Jehovah has done this. To ask the animals. And asked the earth means to consider what creation can teach us about Jehovah. But now, right at the beginning, let's be clear. Plants and animals don't know about Jehovah and his qualities. They cannot choose to imitate him. They act based on instinct, that on processes that Jehovah has built into the. But we humans are different, aren't we? Job 35:11 says that Jehovah teaches us more than the beasts of the earth. He makes us wiser than the birds of heaven. And why are we wiser? Because we can look at the things that Jehovah's made. And we can see his qualities. We can reason. And draw conclusions and we can use plants. And animals to draw lessons about when to wait. And when to add? And then we can apply those lessons in harmony. With Jehovah's time.","Job 12:7, 9; Job 35:11",Exercise Patience Regional Convention.  Keith Cardwell,,,bl,,9/23/2023
"Creation, Sunflower, timing, time, seasons, Wait, patience, ","Sunflower plants need lots of light. Throughout the day they turned to follow the sun. After their flowers opened, they stopped moving and face East all day. Jehovah made plants to respond to their environment at the right time. ","We respond with evidence that these are the last days. And we focus on the source of spiritual light. Jesus said likewise. Also, you, when you see all these things, know that he is near at the door. It's amazing, isn't it? Those desert flowers. Wait, wait. And then they suddenly burst into bloom. When the moisture is present, the sunflowers respond by tracking the sun across the sky.","Matthew 24:32, 33;",Exercise Patience Regional Convention.  Keith Cardwell,,,bl,,9/23/2023
"Creation, Time, timing, seasons, Fig tree, waiting is past, patience, ","Matthew 24:32,33. Now learn this illustration from the fig tree. Just as soon as its young, branch grows tender and sprouts its leaves. You know that summer is near. Likewise, also you when you see all these things. Know that he is near at the door. The thing. Response to this environment as the weather starts to warm, it puts forth bright green leaves, and Jesus said that someone seen those leaves. ","Some wouldn't know that summer is near. And in the future, when Jesus disciples would see the fulfillment of the sign He gave, they would know. That he was present in Kingdom Power, and at the end of the system of things. What about us? What do we see now? Well, it's interesting that for centuries. Jesus disciples had to be patient. They had to watch and wait for the sign. But we are in a different situation. The time for waiting is past. Because we see every aspect of this sign being fulfilled.","Matthew 24:32,33.",Exercise Patience Regional Convention.  Keith Cardwell,,,bl,,9/23/2023
"Last days, environment, respond, dormant, active, distracted, weighed down, sidetracked, tree in winter, ","There is no doubt we are living in the last days. So how should we respond to our environment? Now is not the time to be dormant like a tree in winter. Now is the time for us to be active. And ready for this system's end. And in that connection. The warning that Jesus gave recorded in the parallel account Luke 21:34. ""But pay attention to yourselves so that your hearts never become weighed down. With overeating and heavy drinking and anxieties of life, and suddenly that day be instantly upon you as a snare. For it will come. Upon all those dwelling on the face of the earth."" ","Jesus was indicating that despite the abundant evidence, some among his disciples. Would find the challenge to maintain their focus during the last days. They would become distracted and weighed down. The Watchtower said about these verses. Some among God's people are getting sidetracked. This can be seen in the decisions they make about secular work, higher education. The acquisition of material possessions as well as the amount of time spent in recreation. ",Luke 21:34; ,Exercise Patience Regional Convention.  Keith Cardwell,,,bl,,9/23/2023
"Timing, Sea creatures, Jehovah is changing times and seasons, salmon, ",Sea creatures. Do they benefit by acting at the right time? These are young salmon. They start life in freshwater. Most species migrate downriver to the ocean to feed and grow. They timed the trip around the currents and available food. ,"Later, as adults, they're ready to head back and start the next generation. They wait until river conditions are suitable to migrate up river. Jehovah is changing times and seasons.",Daniel 2:21,Exercise Patience Regional Convention.  Christopher Avez,,,bl,,9/23/2023
"Dolphins, play, eat, friends, time, timing, acceptable time, salvation, ","Dolphins, too, perform different activities at various times. The best time to play? To see what's for dinner. How to make friends? There are times when a dolphin knows how to act with urgency. When threatened, the dolphin closes ranks to protect everyone, especially the young. ","We stay close to one another for safety in a spiritually dangerous world, and no matter how busy we are, we are available to be taught by Jehovah. (2 Corinthians 6:2). . . For he says: “In an acceptable time I heard you, and in a day of salvation I helped you.” Look! Now is the especially acceptable time. Look! Now is the day of salvation.",Daniel 2:21;2 Corinthians 6:2,Exercise Patience Regional Convention.  Christopher Avez,,,bl,,9/23/2023
"Fishers of men, season still open, salmon, ","The window of acceptable time of Jehovah is still open for many people. Yes, Jehovah is still inviting people to draw close to him, as if the river condition is still very suitable for preaching activities. Cast the net and be Fisher of men. However. Similar to the check in time. In boarding time in an airport. Jehovah's timetable, or Jehovah's acceptable time, is not forever. Jehovah's has appointed a limited time of the preaching work to be done. ","(2 Corinthians 6:2) For he says: “In an acceptable time I heard you, and in a day of salvation I helped you.” Look! Now is the especially acceptable time. Look! Now is the day of salvation.This is actually a quote from the book of Isaiah, and this is what Paul quoted. In an acceptable time, I heard you. And on the day of salvation, I help you. No. Now is the specially acceptable time. No. Now is the day of salvation. Those words. Are still very true today, ",2 Corinthians 6:2,Exercise Patience Regional Convention.  Christopher Avez,,,bl,,9/23/2023
"Birds, migrate, how do they do it? 8,000 miles. ","When birds sense that the warmer seasons are starting to end, they begin to migrate to better nesting and feeding locations. Now, how does some birds use the time right before they migrate? The answer? They prepare. Consider what one bird does the barn tailed Godwin. Each year, this tiny bird migrates some 13,000 kilometers, or 8000 miles, down, from Alaska to Australasia. This particular bird doesn't swim. But it has to migrate over open ocean. So, it flaps its wings day and night, flying through pounding rain and winds without ever stopping to eat, drink or take a rest. ","Imagine that. Feel that long flight? The bird needs to pack on fat. So right before migrating, it begins to gorge itself. Some of these little birds even doubled in weight. But how do they carry all that extra weight and still get off the ground to cry? These birds do something incredible. They actually shrink the size of some of their internal organs. To make room for the added fat. Wish we could do that. What's the lesson? When does the time comes to migrate? ",Jeremiah 8:7;,Exercise Patience Regional Convention.  Jason Goodman,,,bl,,9/23/2023
"Emperor Penguins, environments, freezing, starving, single egg, ","Jehovah gave birds inherent abilities that enable them to survive in challenging environments. Consider emperor Penguins. How do these birds deal with their unique challenges, and what can we learn from their sense of timing? For many birds, the end of the Antarctic summer marks the start of the migration N to milder conditions. Emperor Penguins instinctively do the opposite. They head South. Moving deeper into the cold to breathe. Each female then lays a single egg, which is soon entrusted to the male for safekeeping.","These seasons are very inhospitable, but the emperors are prepared. Jehovah has given them instinctive wisdom. Before migrating S, these males had feasted and built up their factory reserves. Because for two long months, the coldest and darkest of the year, they won't eat and will lose half their body weight while they incubate the eggs. During this time, the females have trekked about 50 miles to the sea and are now ready to return with food, just in time for when the chicks hatch. There we go ahead for the difficult times helps these Penguins to survive along with chicks. Now is the time for us to learn from the Emperor Penguin and build up our spiritual reserves before this world's dark days become even darker. Even the stork in the sky knows its seasons. Well, what did you learn from that video? Besides the fact that fuzzy, fuzzy baby Penguins are really cute. Did you notice that the Penguins do not try to avoid the harsh winter? But they do prepare for. And their preparation is essential to their survival. ",Jeremiah 8:7,Exercise Patience Regional Convention.  Jason Goodman,,,bl,,9/23/2023
"Penguins, huddle together, protection, ",Just as the Penguins huddled together for protection from the intense winds. We need to huddle together with our brothers and sisters for protection from Satan system around us. That means we need to be where our brothers and sisters gather at the meeting. Attending in person if at all possible. Then we can strengthen them by means of our comments and our conversations. ,"When that day comes, we don't want to lose any one of our dear brothers or sisters because they got discouraged and gave up along the way. So right now, is the time to encourage them. When we are spiritually strong, we'll also be in a position to build the faith of our family members. Did you notice that the Penguins work together to feed and protect their chicks so that they would survive the coming winter. Parents, you can work together to feed and protect your children spiritually so that they survive Jehovah's coming day. ",Hebrews 10:25 ,Exercise Patience Regional Convention.  Jason Goodman,,,bl,,9/23/2023
"Jehovah's Timing insect, ","Insects are the most diverse animal group. Numbering more than one million species. By observing insects. How many lessons do you think we can learn, and what insight can it give us into Jehovah's time? (Proverbs 6:6) Go to the ant, you lazy one; Observe its ways and become wise.","So, what can we learn about the ways of an Ant? Well. It prepares its food, it gathers its food supplies, the verse tells us. But did you notice the interesting aspect with reference to time? When? Verse 8 says. In the harvest or. The right time. How does the Ant Know the right time. Because the creator knows the right time. And the Creator has endowed the amp with instinctive wisdom so that it carries out all of these tasks. And that’s the right time. What insight that gives us into Jehovah's timing. What's the lesson that we can learn? Be industrial. And act at the right time. Now let's consider a few more lessons we can learn from two other insect.",Proverbs 6:6;,Exercise Patience Regional Convention.  Brandon French,,,bl,,9/24/2023
"Insects, Honeybees, limited time, organized, schedule, cicadas, perfect timing, Patience, patient, unbeliever, wait, ","How do bees and other insects get their work done on time? Honeybees are adaptable. They organized their foraging to save time and energy, and to visit flowers when they have plenty of nectar and pollen. The best timing works out for all involved. The plants are pollinated, the bees are fed and stored up for winter.  There is a limited time.There is the sound of cicadas in eastern North America. This variety develops underground for 17 years, right on time, they emerge by the billions. They'll have just a few weeks to shed their skin and finish the most important work of their life. Find a mate and lay their eggs. ","Whether with an adaptable routine like the honeybee. Or fixed one like the cicada. Insects instinctively accomplish their work on time. We have an important work to do and the limited time to do it. With the regular schedule, Similar to the ants. The honeybees and the cicadas accomplish their work. (1 Corinthians 9:26, 27). . . Therefore, the way I am running is not uncertainly; the way I am directing my blows is so as not to be striking the air; 27 but I pummel my body and lead it as a slave, that, after I have preached to others, I myself should not become disapproved somehow. How is your timing? Be patient. You were calling the video that the honey bees, they pollinate the flowers at the time of the day when the flowers secrete the highest amount of nectar and pollen. Can you think how that applies to us and our ministry? Well, we need to be patient. We need to be patient and wait for the right time to give a witness. And this also includes our unbelieving family men. ","1 Corinthians 9:26, 27",Exercise Patience Regional Convention. ,,,bl,,9/24/2023
"Time to speak, time to be quiet, discernment, Patience, honeybees, diligence, Focus, ","(Ecclesiastes 3:7) A time to rip apart and a time to sew together; A time to be silent and a time to speak. So, we may have to discern whether or not it's the time for us. To be silent, we exercise patience. But remember, just as bees pollinate the flower, when the flower is ready. We exercise patiently. Wait for the right time to share the good news. Another lesson that we learned is diligence. So, we talked about being patient. Now be diligent. In the video, did you notice which flowers? ","The bees directed their attention and their efforts, all of their activities. Well, same answer. It was on the flowers producing power. Although we're patient to all whom we meet in the ministry. And of course, we look for opportunities to share the truth. We focus our efforts on those who are genuinely interested in becoming baptized disciples. You know, what's the scriptural principle to support this thinking?",Eccl 3:7;,Exercise Patience Regional Convention. ,,,bl,,9/24/2023
"Balance, Rest, Hard Work, Sleep, Patience, ","It might feel inconvenient or even counterproductive, kind of like when you need to stop and refuel your car. But isn't that a good investment of time? Doesn't that keep you running well? The same is true when it comes to getting sufficient sleep. The video reminded us that we're not made to work constantly without sufficient rest and balanced recreation. (Ecclesiastes 4:6) Better is a handful of rest than two handfuls of hard work and chasing after the wind.","Did you see the balance? We might be inclined for two handfuls of hard work, but that could be too much for us, and so as a result, Jehovah encourages us, he says. It's better if we take one of those handfuls and we reserve it for rest, and now we have a measure of balance. But doesn't that take patience? Because the reality is to get sufficient rest?",Ecclesiastes 4:6,Exercise Patience Regional Convention,,,bl,,9/28/2023
"Rest, sleep, health, strength, eat right, ","We might be able to illustrate that need with the life of a busy chef. A Chef cooks meals for others all day long, but he needs to eat too, right? ","Well, likewise, we need to nourish our heart with spiritual food that strengthens and builds our confidence and trust in Jehovah. How do we do that? In the video, we saw different examples of brothers and sisters who were reading the Bible, who were praying and involved in personal study, family worship. These things are as essential to our spiritual health as sleep is to our physical health. They energize us and they refresh us. So. You can keep worshipping Jehovah day by day. So, no matter how busy we are in our sacred service, we need to take time to strengthen ourselves spiritually.","Philippians 1:9, 10",Exercise Patience Regional Convention. ,,,bl,,9/28/2023
"Last days, end, sign of presence, patience, conclusion, ","I'd like to start by asking you to think back on. How long? Cold. Snowy winter. You might have to think back a few years because. Pretty mild this year, right? How did you feel as you were approaching the end of that long, cold, snowy winter? Tired of shoveling snow? What is Spring? Seems to delay a little bit. Did you get anxious? Well, what were the signs that spring started to appear? The temperature started to rise. To get longer. The songbirds return. Start to kick in. ","But what if Spring seemed to delay? How did you feel? Did you write it off and say, well, I guess we're not going to have spring this year. Just go straight into autumn and winter again. No, we knew it was coming. We knew it was going to be here. We just had to wait a little bit longer. And that's what we did. We waited patiently. Well, what about the end of this system of things? How long? Have you been waiting? How long have you been waiting? Do you want to know when the end is coming? Me too. That puts us in good company with Jesus' apostles. Peter, James, John, and Andrew asked the same question. (Matthew 24:3). . . While he was sitting on the Mount of Olives, the disciples approached him privately, saying: “Tell us, when will these things be, and what will be the sign of your presence and of the conclusion of the system of things?”",Matthew 24:3,"Exercise Patience Regional Convention. - Gage Fleegle, GB",,,bl,,9/28/2023
"Patience, Farmer, rain, Wait, patient, rewarded, ","You know, here is the point. We clearly understand that crops do not appear instantly. You see, the farmer cannot hurry. It takes time. He needs to plow. He needs to plant. He needs to weed. He needs to wait. And over a period of time, you see he's able to produce fruit. Reaping a good harvest means that the farmer needs to be dependent upon factors that are out of his control, such as weather extremes and rain extremes. In heat cold. All of this could damage or kill his plants. During the dry summer months in Israel. The sun baked and hardened the soil. ","The farmer. Had to wait through the early autumn rain to soften the soil. Then he could begin plowing. And so. Well, his crop grew. He waited patiently. Until the late rain caused the grain to develop fully. Finally, harvest time came, and the farmers patience was rewarded. That video helped us to visualize the patience of the farmer. From planting to harvesting, the farmer stays busy. Attentive, he's confident that if he's patient, he has the ability to reap the reward of his precious fruit. He has what we want to describe as confident expectation. Now what's the point? Notice what James says in verse #8, making this application of this illustration to all of us. There, he said. You are too. Exercise patience. Easy for us to agree with the Council. Would you not agree that it's difficult to apply? (James 5:7, 8). . . Be patient then, brothers, until the presence of the Lord. Look! The farmer keeps waiting for the precious fruit of the earth, exercising patience over it until the early rain and the late rain arrive. 8 You too exercise patience; make your hearts firm, because the presence of the Lord has drawn close.","James 5:7,8",Exercise Patience Regional Convention,,,bl,,9/28/2023
"Love for God, Jehovah, Love for brothers, sisters, ","In what way is our love for God closely connected to the love we show for our brothers and sisters? To illustrate, consider the connection that exists between our heart and other parts of our body. When a physician checks our pulse on our wrist to see if it is weak or strong, he may be able to get some information about the condition of our heart. How could we apply this principle to the topic of love?","Just as a doctor is able to get some information about the health of our heart when checking our pulse, we can get some information about the strength of our love for God by checking our love for others. If we notice that our love for fellow believers has weakened somewhat, this may indicate that our love for God is also growing weak. But when we regularly show love for fellow believers, this signals that our love for God is strong.",1 John 4:21,"2023 WT Page 9, Para 4, 5;",,,bl,,9/29/2023
"Comfort, refreshment, distressed, compassion, water, ","Just as pure water flowing from a spring brings refreshment to those who are thirsty, Jehovah brings refreshment and comfort to those who are distressed. How can we imitate Jehovah in feeling compassion and in providing comfort to others? ",One way we can do so is by cultivating qualities in our heart that are related to giving comfort. What are some of these qualities?,2 Cor. 1:4,2023 WT November page 10 para 10,,,bl,,9/29/2023
"Intense Love, stretched out, sins, ","Let us take a closer look at Peter’s words. The first part of verse 8 describes the type of love we need to have​— “intense love.” The word Peter used for “intense” literally means “stretched out.” We grasp our love with both hands, as if it were an extendable piece of fabric, and stretch it out more and more until it covers, not one, not two, but “a multitude of sins.”","The second part of the verse describes the effect that intense love can have. It covers the sins of our brothers. We could picture it this way:  To cover is a descriptive way of saying to forgive. Just as a piece of fabric can cover a stain, love can cover the weaknesses and imperfections of others.",1 Peter 4:8;,2023 November page 11 para 14,,,bl,,9/29/2023
"Positive traits, thoughts, negative, Picture, delete, group picture, frowning, ","Focus on the positive traits of your brothers and sisters, not on the negative. Consider this comparison. Imagine that you are at a gathering with a group of brothers and sisters. You are having a pleasant time and at the end of the gathering, you take a group picture. In fact, you take two more pictures in case the first picture does not turn out well. Now you have three pictures. But in one of them, you notice that a brother is frowning. What do you do with that picture? You delete it because you have two other pictures in which everyone in the group, including that brother, is smiling.","Let us compare the pictures we save to the memories we keep. We usually have good memories of times spent with our brothers and sisters. But suppose that on one of those occasions, a brother or a sister says or does something that is unkind. What should we do with that memory? Why not try to delete it just as you would delete one of those pictures? (Prov. 19:11; Eph. 4:32) We can afford to delete that memory of our fellow believer’s minor sin because we have many good memories of pleasant association with that individual. Those are the kinds of memories we want to keep and treasure.",Proverbs 19:11; Eph. 4:32;,"2023 WT November page 12, 13 para 16, 17,",,,bl,,9/29/2023
"“Be Steadfast, Immovable,” skyscraper, Tokyo, Japan. withstand earthquakes, ","IN THE late 1970’s, a 60-story skyscraper gradually rose above the skyline of Tokyo, Japan. Observers wondered how it would be able to withstand the frequent earthquakes in that city. The secret? Engineers designed the building to be rigid yet flexible enough to absorb seismic shocks. Christians are like that skyscraper. In what way?","A Christian must maintain a balance between steadfastness and flexibility. He needs to be strong and immovable when it comes to upholding Jehovah’s laws and standards. He is “ready to obey” and does not compromise. On the other hand, he needs to be “reasonable,” or flexible, when the situation allows for it or even requires it. (Jas. 3:17) A Christian who has learned to have this balanced view will avoid the extremes of being either excessively rigid or overly permissive. In this article, we will consider how we can be immovable. We will also identify five ways that Satan tries to weaken our resolve and learn how we can resist his efforts.",1 Corinthians 15:58; Jas. 3:17,w23 July p. 14 pars. 1-2 ,,,bl,,9/29/2023
"Imitate Jehovah—Be Reasonable, ","“THE wind does not break a tree that can bend.” This proverb highlights an important quality that allows certain trees to thrive flexibility. To flourish spiritually, Christians must be flexible, ready to bend. How? We must be reasonable by adapting when our personal circumstances change and by respecting the viewpoints and decisions of others.","As Jehovah’s servants, we want to be reasonable. We also want to be humble and compassionate. In this article, we will see how such qualities helped some Christians deal with changing circumstances. We will also see how these qualities can help us. But first, let us learn from Jehovah and Jesus, the perfect models of reasonableness.",Phil 4:5;,w23 July p. 20 pars. 1-2,,,bl,,9/29/2023
"Let God’s Word Guide Your Steps, directions, navigate, ","CAN you recall an occasion when you had to ask someone for directions? Perhaps you were close to your destination but were unsure of the last few turns. Or it may be that you were completely lost and needed to change your course altogether. In either case, would it not be wise to follow the direction of someone who knew the area? Such a person could help you reach your destination.","For thousands of years, mankind in general has tried to navigate its way through life without divine help. Left on their own, however, imperfect humans are completely lost. They simply cannot find the road to true peace and happiness. Why have they been unable to reach that destination? More than 2,500 years ago, the prophet Jeremiah stated: “It does not belong to man who is walking even to direct his step.” (Jeremiah 10:23) Anyone who tries to direct his own step without accepting qualified help inevitably faces frustration. Truly, mankind needs direction! Jehovah God is supremely qualified to provide such direction. Why?",Psalm 119:105; Jeremiah 10:23,w07 5/1 p. 14 pars. 1-3,,,bl,,9/29/2023
"The Bible and Your Future, ","IMAGINE you are walking along a dark path late one evening. Although the sun has long since set, you do not feel hopelessly lost, for you have in your hand a powerful flashlight. When you point it downward, you see clearly what is immediately in front of you. And when you point it forward, its piercing beam illuminates your path far into the distance.","In some ways, the Bible is like such a flashlight. As we considered in the preceding articles, God’s Word can help us deal with what is immediately in front of us—the day-to-day problems that we all face in this uncertain world. But the Bible does more. It also provides an illuminating view of the future, enabling us to see and follow a path that leads to lasting happiness and contentment. (Psalm 119:105) How so?",Psalm 119:105;, wp18 No. 1 p. 14,,,bl,,9/29/2023
"“Become Imitators of God” in Your Use of Power, Cherished, possession, high price, elders, responsibility, ","We might illustrate it this way. A close friend asks you to care for a cherished possession. You know that your friend paid a high price for the item. Would you not treat it delicately, with great care? ","Similarly, God has entrusted elders with the responsibility to care for a truly valued possession: the congregation, whose members are likened to sheep. (John 21:16, 17) Jehovah’s sheep are dear to him—so dear, in fact, that he purchased them with the precious blood of his only-begotten Son, Jesus Christ. Jehovah could not have paid a higher price for his sheep. Humble elders keep that in mind and treat Jehovah’s sheep accordingly.","John 21:16, 17",cl chap. 10 p. 102 par. 13,,,bl,,9/29/2023
"Stumble, treated unjustly, revenge, Do You Let Others Stumble You?","The inhabitants of a country have the obligation to obey its laws, including the paying of taxes and observing of traffic regulations. Suppose a citizen is defrauded, robbed or in some other way dealt with unjustly by fellow citizens. Could he use that as an excuse to break whatever laws of the land he chose to break, refusing to pay taxes and ignoring traffic regulations? ","While a few today may so hold, for all to do so would be anarchy. The two things are wholly unrelated and have no bearing upon each other as far as obligations are concerned.",Micah 6:8;,w75 2/15 p. 126,,,bl,,10/5/2023
"Avoid Stirring Up Competition—Promote Peace, egotism, egotistical, proud, selfish, ","The negative qualities of egotism and envy could be likened to impurities contaminating the fuel that powers an aircraft. The plane may be able to take off, but the contaminants can block the fuel lines, causing the engines to lose power just before landing and the plane to crash. Similarly, someone may serve Jehovah for a while. But if he is motivated by egotism and envy, he will crash. (Prov. 16:18) He will stop serving Jehovah and will harm himself and others.","We can combat egotism by keeping in mind the apostle Paul’s counsel to the Philippians: “Do nothing out of contentiousness or out of egotism, but with humility consider others superior to you.” (Phil. 2:3) If we consider others superior to us, we will not compete with those who may have greater talents and abilities than we possess. On the contrary, we will be happy for them. That is especially true if they are using their abilities in Jehovah’s service to his praise. In turn, if our gifted brothers and sisters are following Paul’s advice, they will be focusing on qualities that they appreciate in us. As a result, we will all promote peace and unity in the congregation.What undesirable qualities can lead to manifesting a spirit of competition? One is egotism. An egotistical person is proud and selfish. Another bad trait is envy. Not only does an envious person want what another person has but he also wants to deprive the other person of what he has. Really, envy is a form of hatred. We certainly want to avoid those bad traits like the plague! ",Galatians 5:26; Prov. 16:18; Phil. 2:3,w21 July pp. 15-16 pars. 6-8,,,bl,,10/9/2023
"How to Deal with Change, Look ahead, ","Focusing on the past is like driving on a highway with your eyes fixed on the rearview mirror. An occasional glance is beneficial, but you really need to concentrate on the road ahead. ","The same is true when you are confronted with change. Try to keep your eyes fixed on the future. (Proverbs 4:25) For example, what goal could you set for the next month, or six months?",Proverbs 4:25;,g16 No. 4 p. 11 ,,,bl,,10/9/2023
"To Do or Not to Do to Others? sin of commission, sin of omission, ","“WHAT you do not want done to you, do not do to others.” Quote: Confucius. This ethical maxim is attributed to the renowned Chinese teacher and philosopher Confucius. Today, some 2,500 years later, many still hold to the belief that a person has done his moral duty simply by refraining from doing any harm to others.","To be sure, this Confucian code of conduct has its merits. The Bible, on the other hand, reveals another dimension of human behavior and interaction. In addition to what might be called the sin of commission, that is, committing wrongs against one’s fellow humans, the Bible speaks of the sin of omission. The Christian disciple James wrote: “If one knows how to do what is right and yet does not do it, it is a sin for him.” (James 4:17) Rather than simply instructing Christians not to do bad to others, Jesus Christ offered this counsel: “All things. . . that you want men to do to you, you also must likewise do to them.”—Matthew 7:12.",James 4:17; Matthew 7:12; ,w04 6/1 p. 32,,,bl,,10/9/2023
"Future, forward, backward, Constant, Changes, Jehovah does not change, ","“No man ever steps in the same river twice, for it's not the same river and he's not the same man.” Quote: Heraclitus",Heraclitus illustrates that in both life and business you can't go back. You can only go forward.  (Malachi 3:6) “For I am Jehovah; I do not change. And you are sons of Jacob; you have not yet come to your finish. ,Malachi 3:6,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,10/9/2023
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"Learn From Daniel’s Example, Courage, family heirloom, skill, ","To develop courage, what do we need to do? Our parents may urge us to be courageous, but they cannot pass this quality on to us as if it were a family heirloom. Gaining courage is like learning a new skill. One way you can master the skill is by closely watching the instructor’s actions and then copying his example. ","In a similar way, we learn to be courageous by closely looking at how others show this quality and then copying their example. So, what have we learned from Daniel? Like him, we need to know God’s Word well. We must form a close bond with Jehovah by talking to him freely and often. And we need to trust in Jehovah, being convinced that we have his backing. Then when our faith is tested, we will be courageous.",Daniel 6:10.,w23 August p. 4 par. 8,,,bl,,10/19/2023
"Learn From Bible Prophecy, Daniel, ",Imagine that you are visiting an unfamiliar place but a friend who is traveling with you is well-acquainted with the area. He knows exactly where you are and where each road leads. No doubt you would be glad that your friend agreed to come with you! ,"In a similar way, Jehovah knows where we are in the stream of time and what is on the road ahead of us. So to understand Bible prophecy, we must humbly ask for Jehovah’s help. —Dan. 2:28; 2 Pet. 1:19, 20.","Dan. 2:28; 2 Pet. 1:19, 20",w23 August p. 8 par. 3,,,bl,,10/21/2023
"How Will You Give Thanks for His Loving-kindness? Thankful, Gratitude, magnet, ",What if someone gave you a dish of sand with some tiny iron particles mixed in? It would be hard to pick out the iron specks. But you could easily collect them with a magnet. A heart that is full of gratitude to Jehovah is like that magnet. ,"With such a heart, every day we can easily pick out numerous examples of his kindness and generosity, more valuable than iron, more precious even than gold. Being alert to evidence of God’s goodness will make it easy and natural to praise him and express thanks for these. —Prov. 3:3, 4, 13-18.","Prov. 3:3, 4, 13-18.",w77 2/15 p. 119 par. 14,,,bl,,10/31/2023
"Jehovah's Word, Truth, Bible, Accurate, GPS, ",GPS is not always accurate. Experience about how they sometimes lead to a dead end. Jehovah’s word is always accurate,"However, Jehovah's Word is always true. We can depend on it always.","Psalm 119:105, Hebrews 4:12, ",Steve Heilig.,,,bl,,11/12/2023
"Jehovah blesses obedient ones, follow heart, Gem, ","A woman told him to ""Just follow your heart.""  He read scripture about the heart being treacherous. (Jeremiah 17:9) The heart is more treacherous than anything else and is desperate. Who can know it? We are not to practice this without tact in service. ","Gem - “It is not enough to do the right thing, but to do the right thing for the right reason."" ","Jeremiah 17:9, ","James Conklin, Gilead Instructor",,,bl,,11/12/2023
"Older ones, Diamonds, ","Diamonds are shaped with time. Beautiful, Valuable, likened to older ones.",Older ones are like that. They are shaped by time and experience. (Proverbs 16:31). . . Gray hair is a crown of beauty When it is found in the way of righteousness.,"Proverbs 16:31, ","Circuit assembly November 11, 2023 Springfield Expo Center",,,bl,,11/12/2023
"Fear, afraid, courage, ","If you learn that you have an illness, you may at first feel afraid. However, you can ease your fears if you trust your doctor. He may have an outstanding record of treating patients with that illness. He may listen attentively, convincing you that he really understands your feelings. And he may propose a treatment that has worked well for others. Similarly, we strengthen our trust in Jehovah by considering what he has already done, what he is doing now, and what he will yet do for us. That is what David did. As","Similarly, we strengthen our trust in Jehovah by considering what he has already done, what he is doing now, and what he will yet do for us. That is what David did. ",Psalm 56:3,"WT January 2024, ",,,bl,,11/22/2023
"Hurt, injury, picking, bandage, wound, grudge, ","Hurt feelings can be likened to physical wounds. Some are minor; others are serious. For example, when we open an envelope, we might get a slight paper cut on our finger. That can really hurt, but it will likely not do us any lasting harm. After a day or two, perhaps we do not even recall where the cut was. Similarly, some offenses are minor. For example, a friend may say or do something thoughtless that hurts us, but we are able to forgive him easily. But if we have a deeper wound, a doctor may have to stitch the wound and bind it in bandages. If we were to keep poking or picking at the wound, we would only harm ourselves. Sadly, a person might be doing something similar when he is deeply offended. He may constantly think about the emotional injury he suffered and the hurt the other person caused him. But those who hold a grudge hurt only themselves. How much better it is to obey the counsel found at Leviticus 19:18!","But if we have a deeper wound, a doctor may have to stitch the wound and bind it in bandages. If we were to keep poking or picking at the wound, we would only harm ourselves. Sadly, a person might be doing something similar when he is deeply offended. He may constantly think about the emotional injury he suffered and the hurt the other person caused him. But those who hold a grudge hurt only themselves. How much better it is to obey the counsel found at Leviticus 19:18!",Leviticus 19:18!,December WT 2021,,,bl,,11/22/2023
"stabilize, firm, stabilizers on ship, moving, ","What Jehovah does. He assures us that he will stabilize us. (Read Isaiah 33:6.) When a ship encounters a storm, it may begin to rock dangerously from side to side. To counteract this movement, many ships have stabilizers that extend from each side of the ship under the water. These stabilizers can significantly reduce the rocking of the ship, making the situation safer and more bearable for passengers. However, many stabilization systems work best when the ship is moving forward. ","Similarly, Jehovah will stabilize us as we move forward faithfully in times of trial.",Isaiah 33:6,January 2024 WT,,,bl,,11/22/2023
"Sisters, treatment, negative feelings, ","Brothers, to determine whether we are treating Christian sisters as Jehovah does, we need to make an honest examination of our thinking and actions. To do that, we need help. Just as an X-ray machine can detect medical issues in a person’s literal heart, a good friend and God’s Word can help us detect any negative feelings about women that we may be harboring deep inside. ","What can we do to receive that help? Ask a good friend. (Prov. 18:17) We do well to turn to a trusted friend who is known to be kind and balanced and ask him such questions as: “How do you think I treat sisters? Can they tell that I respect them? Can I improve my interactions with them in any way?” If your friend highlights some ways you can improve, avoid becoming defensive. Instead, be eager to make the needed adjustments",Proverbs 18:17,January 2024 Watchtower,,,bl,,11/23/2023
"Conquer Fear by Trusting in Jehovah,","We too can conquer fear by trusting in Jehovah. But how do we strengthen our trust in Jehovah, especially when we are afraid? Consider an illustration. If you learn that you have an illness, you may at first feel afraid. However, you can ease your fears if you trust your doctor. He may have an outstanding record of treating patients with that illness. He may listen attentively, convincing you that he really understands your feelings. And he may propose a treatment that has worked well for others. ","Similarly, we strengthen our trust in Jehovah by considering what he has already done, what he is doing now, and what he will yet do for us. That is what David did. As we consider some of his inspired words found in Psalm 56, think about how you too can strengthen your trust in Jehovah and conquer your fears.","Psalms 56:12, 13,",w24 January p. 3 par. 4,,,bl,,12/15/2023
"Hurt feelings, physical wounds, What Leviticus Teaches Us About How to Treat Others","Consider an illustration. Hurt feelings can be likened to physical wounds. Some are minor; others are serious. For example, when we open an envelope, we might get a slight paper cut on our finger. That can really hurt, but it will likely not do us any lasting harm. After a day or two, perhaps we do not even recall where the cut was. ","Similarly, some offenses are minor. For example, a friend may say or do something thoughtless that hurts us, but we are able to forgive him easily. But if we have a deeper wound, a doctor may have to stitch the wound and bind it in bandages. If we were to keep poking or picking at the wound, we would only harm ourselves. Sadly, a person might be doing something similar when he is deeply offended. He may constantly think about the emotional injury he suffered and the hurt the other person caused him. But those who hold a grudge hurt only themselves. How much better it is to obey the counsel found at Leviticus 19:18!","Leviticus 19:18,",w21 December p. 12 par. 15,,,bl,,12/15/2023
"Do You Treat Women as Jehovah Does? X-Ray Machine, ","Brothers, to determine whether we are treating Christian sisters as Jehovah does, we need to make an honest examination of our thinking and actions. To do that, we need help. Just as an X-ray machine can detect medical issues in a person’s literal heart, a good friend and God’s Word can help us detect any negative feelings about women that we may be harboring deep inside. What can we do to receive that help?","Ask a good friend. (Prov. 18:17) We do well to turn to a trusted friend who is known to be kind and balanced and ask him such questions as: “How do you think I treat sisters? Can they tell that I respect them? Can I improve my interactions with them in any way?” If your friend highlights some ways you can improve, avoid becoming defensive. Instead, be eager to make the needed adjustments.",Prov. 18:17,"w24 January p. 16,",,,bl,,12/15/2023
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"Making Wise Use of the Remaining Time, Pony Express, Value, ","For instance, during the days of the pony express in the United States, it used to cost several dollars to send a letter that now costs about six cents. Why the difference? Because in the old days there were very few pony express riders. The supply was very limited, but the demand for their service was great, so they were valuable. But today the supply of mail carriers is much greater, therefore not as costly.","Knowing about God’s timetable, where we are in the stream of time, is one thing; using the time available is another. If an understanding of time is valuable, using it wisely is even more so. Time is considered so valuable that some say “time is money.” It is precious, valuable, a prized commodity. One way to determine the value of time is the way the value of merchandise is often calculated—by the supply and demand.",Mark 13:32;,w68 5/1 pp. 273-274 par. 9,,,bl,,12/15/2023
The Way and the Truth and the Life,"HAVE you ever been lost? You may recall an occasion when you were traveling to visit a friend or a relative and could not find the way. As you proceeded along an unfamiliar road, did you stop and ask someone for directions? Imagine how you would feel if, instead of just telling you which way to go, a benevolent individual said: “Just follow me. I will lead you there.” How relieved you would be!","In a sense, Jesus Christ does something like that for us. On our own, approach to God would be impossible. Because of inherited sin and imperfection, the world of mankind is lost, “alienated from the life that belongs to God.” (Ephesians 4:17, 18) We need help to find our way. Jesus, our benevolent Exemplar, does not just offer advice and directions; he does more. As we saw in Chapter 1, Jesus invites us, saying: “Come be my follower.” (Mark 10:21) However, he also gives us compelling reason to accept that invitation. On one occasion, Jesus said: “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the father except through me.” (John 14:6) Let us discuss some reasons why approach to the father is possible only through the son. Then with those reasons in mind, we will consider how Jesus is, indeed, “the way and the truth and the life.”",Mark 10:21,*** cf chap. 2 p. 15 pars. 1-2 “,,,bl,,12/15/2023
"Fear Jehovah, the Hearer of Prayer, requirements, dress, regulations, ","JEHOVAH GOD is the “King of eternity.” He is also the “Hearer of prayer,” to whom “people of all flesh will come.” (Revelation 15:3; Psalm 65:2) But how should they come to him? Earthly kings regulate such things as the dress and the manner of those allowed into their presence. ","Surely, then, we should expect the King Eternal to have requirements that must be met by anyone wishing to come before him with supplication and thanksgiving. —Philippians 4:6, 7.2 What does the King Eternal require of those approaching him in prayer? Who can pray and be heard? And about what can they pray?","Philippians 4:6, 7",w90 5/15 p. 10 pars. 1-2 ,,,bl,,12/15/2023
"Gift, Person has everything, Jehovah, giving, Service, devotion, love, kindness, Worship, ",What would you give to someone who seems to have everything?  That is a challenge. Jehovah has everything. What could you give him that he does not already have?,"We can give him our love, worship devotion, make his heart rejoice. He wants these things and the only was he can get them is for us to give them to him.","Job 22:1, 2, 22:3","Jason Arndt, ",,,bl,,12/15/2023
" What Will Happen to the Churches? Religion, Clergy, Bible, ",Would you trust the scribbling of a baby as a road map for a dangerous journey instead of a map produced by highway authorities? You know you would get lost if you did that. ,"The churches have done this with the Bible. They have abandoned the guidance of man’s infallible Creator and have turned to the ideas of imperfect, sinful men. So now the churches are lost.","Jer. 8:9. 2 Timothy 3:16, 17,",g70 4/22 p. 21,,,bl,,12/20/2023
"inexcusable, invisible qualities, world's creation, eternal power, Godship, Invisible qualities, inexcusable, ","A man runs a stop sign and is stopped by the police.  He said, ""I didn't see a stop sign."" The policeman takes him back and shows him a stop sign on both the right and left side of the intersection. There is even one on the pavement. There is no excuse.  It is inexcusable.He gets a ticket for running a stop sign.","There are signs of creation all around us. People may deny creation, but it is inexcusable. ",Romans 1:20,Elder's School 2024,,,bl,,1/24/2024
" Are You Ready to Dedicate Yourself to Jehovah? Baptism, Jehovah's standards, ","A brother named Nicholas puts it this way, “You can view Jehovah’s standards either like the bars of a prison that keep you from doing what you want to do or like the bars of a lion cage that protect you from danger.”","Your dedication is made in private, between you and Jehovah. In contrast, baptism is public; it shows onlookers that you have made a dedication. Your dedication is a sacred vow, and Jehovah expects you to live up to it, just as you expect that of yourself. —Eccl. 5:4, 5.","(Ps. 119:97; Isa. 48:17, 18) ",w24 March p. 3 par. 4,,,bl,,4/1/2024
"“Press On to Maturity, ""Growth, Spiritual growth, healthy baby, ","FEW events bring more joy to a married couple than the birth of a healthy baby. Yet even though parents love their precious newborn, they do not want him to remain an infant permanently. In fact, they would be seriously concerned if he did not grow. ","Similarly, Jehovah is happy when we take our first steps as followers of Jesus, but He does not want us to remain spiritual toddlers. (1 Cor. 3:1) Instead, he asks us to “become full-grown” Christians.  What does it mean to become a full-grown Christian? How do we grow to Christian maturity? What role does solid spiritual food play in our growth? And why should we avoid overconfidence? In this article, we will consider the answers to these questions.",1 Cor. 14:20,w24 April p. 2 pars. 1-2 ,,,bl,,4/1/2024
"“Press On to Maturity” Growth, progress, ","The Scriptures compare the process of growing to spiritual maturity to the process of growing to adulthood. A child lacks insight, so he needs the protection and supervision of an adult. To illustrate, a mother might ask her young daughter to hold her hand while crossing the street. As the girl grows older, the mother might allow her to cross the street on her own but will still remind her to look both ways for traffic. ","When the child becomes an adult, she avoids such hazards on her own. Just as young children need help from adults to avoid danger, immature Christians often need help from mature Christians to avoid spiritual dangers and to make wise decisions. By contrast, when mature Christians have to make a decision, they reason on Bible principles to get Jehovah’s thinking on the matter and then follow through accordingly.","Eph 4:14, 15,",w24 April pp. 3-4 par. 6,,,bl,,4/1/2024
" Strengthen Your Appreciation for Jehovah’s Organization, Reject false stories, ","Although a toddler might innocently pick up an object from the floor and put it in his mouth, a mature person who understands the danger would never do that. We reject false stories because we recognize the source of the information. We hold to the “wholesome words” of truth. —Read 2 Timothy 1:13.","Reject false stories. The apostle Paul gave clear instructions on what to do if we are exposed to false stories. He told Timothy to “command certain ones not to . . . pay attention to false stories” and to “reject irreverent false stories.” (1 Tim. 1:3, 4; 4:7)",2 Timothy 1:13,w24 April p. 13 par. 17,,,bl,,4/1/2024
"Jehovah Will Help You During Difficult Times, Comfort, Soothes, ","(Read Psalm 94:19.) This psalm may make us think of a little girl who is scared and unable to sleep because of a bad thunderstorm. We can picture her father coming in, picking her up, and holding her in his arms until she falls asleep. Although the storm is still raging, her father’s comforting embrace makes her feel safe. ","When we face frightening trials, we may need our heavenly Father to hold us figuratively until the intense feelings pass. How can we receive such comfort from Jehovah? What Jehovah does. He comforts and soothes us.",Psalm 94:19,w24 January p. 25 par. 15,,,bl,,4/1/2024
"Jehovah Will Help You During Difficult Times, Support, injured athlete, weak, ","After a traumatic event, there may be days when we feel weak physically and emotionally. We might feel like an injured athlete who used to run fast but now walks with a limp. We may struggle with tasks that we could previously do with ease, or we may have little motivation to engage in activities we once enjoyed. ","Like Elijah, we could feel that it is too hard to get up. We just want to sleep. (1 Ki. 19:5-7) What does Jehovah promise to do when we feel weak? What Jehovah does. He promises to support us. (Read Psalm 94:18.) Just as an injured athlete needs support to move about, we may need help to keep active in Jehovah’s service. In those moments, Jehovah assures us: “I, Jehovah your God, am grasping your right hand, the One saying to you, ‘Do not be afraid. I will help you.’” (Isa. 41:13) King David experienced this help. When faced with trials and enemies, he said to Jehovah: “Your right hand supports me.” (Ps. 18:35) But how does Jehovah provide support?",Psalm 94:18,w24 January pp. 23-24 pars. 10-11 ,,,bl,,4/1/2024
"Jehovah Will Help You During Difficult Times, "," Ana, mentioned earlier, stated that she went through a wide range of emotions after Luis’ death. She said: “When feelings of emptiness set in, I would start feeling sorry for myself. I would also get angry that he was gone.” Furthermore, Ana felt lonely and was frustrated at having to make decisions on matters that Luis had cared for so well. At times, she felt that she was in a storm at sea. How does Jehovah help us when such emotions begin flooding over us?","When we go through a difficult trial, our feelings, thoughts, and reactions may not be as balanced as they normally are. We could feel as if we were being tossed from one strong emotion to the next.","Isaiah 33:6,",w24 January p. 22 par. 7,,,bl,,4/1/2024
"Prayer, keep praying, pray until you feel the peace of God.","Think of the word, PUSH. ",PUSH = Pray Until Something Happens.,"Isaiah 33:6, ",Joe Laymon,,,bl,,4/1/2024
"Jehovah Will Help You During Difficult Times, ","The original word for “guard” was a military expression and was used to refer to soldiers who guarded a city and kept it safe from attack. The inhabitants of a guarded city slept in peace, knowing that troops were posted at the gates. What we need to do. When you are troubled, summon the guard. How? Pray until you feel the peace of God.","Similarly, when the peace of God guards our hearts and minds, we feel calm, knowing that we are safe. (Ps. 4:8) As in the case of Hannah, even if our situation does not change immediately, we can still feel a measure of peace. (1 Sam. 1:16-18) And when we feel calm, we often find it easier to think clearly and make wise decisions. The same passage states that the peace of God “will guard,” or protect, “your hearts and your mental powers.”",Ps. 4:8,w24 January p. 21 par. 5 ,,,bl,,4/1/2024
"Jehovah Will Help You During Difficult Times, Ship, stabilizers, move forward, spiritual routine, balance, ","When a ship encounters a storm, it may begin to rock dangerously from side to side. To counteract this movement, many ships have stabilizers that extend from each side of the ship under the water. These stabilizers can significantly reduce the rocking of the ship, making the situation safer and more bearable for passengers. However, many stabilization systems work best when the ship is moving forward. ","Similarly, Jehovah will stabilize us as we move forward faithfully in times of trial. What we need to do. When you are in the midst of an emotional storm, do your best to keep up with your spiritual routine. Granted, you may not be able to do as much as you could before, but remember that Jehovah is reasonable. (Compare Luke 21:1-4.) As part of your spiritual routine, set aside time for personal study and meditation. Why? Through his organization, Jehovah has provided outstanding Scriptural information that can help us maintain our balance. What Jehovah does. He assures us that he will stabilize us. (Read Isaiah 33:6.)",Isaiah 33:6.,w24 January pp. 22-23 pars. 8-9,,,bl,,4/25/2025
"Jehovah Will Help You During Difficult Times, Pain, anxiety, fog, uncertain, overwhelmed, betrayal, praying, ","When we experience a tragic event, we may find it difficult to think clearly and make decisions. Why? Our heart may be in extreme pain. Our mind may feel weighed down by anxiety. We could feel as if we were wandering through a fog, uncertain which direction to take. Note how the two sisters mentioned earlier felt during their trials. Olivia says: “After the hurricane demolished my home, I felt lost and completely overwhelmed.” Monika says regarding her husband’s betrayal: “I felt more than disappointed. I felt a pain that truly crushed me from within. I didn’t know how to function normally anymore. What seemed unbelievable had happened to me.” How does Jehovah promise to help us when we feel overwhelmed?","What Jehovah does. He promises to give us what the Bible calls “the peace of God.” (Read Philippians 4:6, 7.) This peace refers to the calmness and tranquility of mind and heart that result from our precious relationship with him. This peace “surpasses all understanding”; it is more wonderful than we can imagine. Have you ever felt surprisingly calm after praying fervently to Jehovah? That feeling is “the peace of God.”",,w24 January p. 21 pars. 3-4 ,,,bl,,4/1/2024
"How to Keep Our Love for One Another Strong, Keep best picture, memories, minor sin, ","Focus on the positive traits of your brothers and sisters, not on the negative. Consider this comparison. Imagine that you are at a gathering with a group of brothers and sisters. You are having a pleasant time and at the end of the gathering, you take a group picture. In fact, you take two more pictures in case the first picture does not turn out well. Now you have three pictures. But in one of them, you notice that a brother is frowning. What do you do with that picture? You delete it because you have two other pictures in which everyone in the group, including that brother, is smiling.","Let us compare the pictures we save to the memories we keep. We usually have good memories of times spent with our brothers and sisters. But suppose that on one of those occasions, a brother or a sister says or does something that is unkind. What should we do with that memory? Why not try to delete it just as you would delete one of those pictures? (Prov. 19:11; Eph. 4:32) We can afford to delete that memory of our fellow believer’s minor sin because we have many good memories of pleasant association with that individual. Those are the kinds of memories we want to keep and treasure.",Prov. 19:11; Eph. 4:32,*** w23 November pp. 12-13 pars. 16-17,,,bl,,4/1/2024
"Draw Close to God, and He Will Draw Close to You, smile, dawning love, ","PARENTS love to see their newborn baby smile. They often put their faces close to that of the infant, cooing and smiling expressively. They are eager to see a response. And before long, it comes—the baby’s cheeks dimple, the lips curl, and a delightful smile appears. In its own small way, that smile seems to express affection, the dawning love of the baby in response to the love of the parents.","The baby’s smile reminds us of something important about human nature. Our natural response to love is love. That is simply the way we are made. (Psalm 22:9) As we grow, we mature in our ability to respond to love. Perhaps you can recall from your own childhood how your parents, relatives, or friends expressed love for you. In your heart a warm feeling took root, grew, and blossomed into action. You showed your love in return. Is a similar process unfolding in your relationship with Jehovah God?3 The Bible says: “We love, because he first loved us.” (1 John 4:19) ",1 John 4:19,cl chap. 31 p. 310 pars. 1-3,,,bl,,4/8/2024
"Imitate the prophets, Tornadoes, Termites, Daniel, Ezekiel, last days, great tribulation, Armageddon, Satan, ","Tornadoes and Termites are both destructive. Now a tornado you may face is right there on the news. You can see it in the sky, and it will do major damage and you better run for cover and hide because it could take your life. Now termites, you may not even know they are there, but they can do major damage as well. They can undermine your home or building, and they seem to strike at the main beams that hold your structure up and cause major damage.","Satan is causing trials and the tribulations approaching the intensity of a tornado and yet if that doesn't work, he will try to undermine your faith like a termite. So, he works both openly and secretively. We have to be aware right now there's a reason why we're having this talk at this time. We need to reflect on how the prophets, Daniel and Ezekiel met the challenges that they faced at times and how  some of those challenges we're going to be faced with in this time of the end can be met.","James 5:10, ","Steve Heilig, CO","Imitate the Prophets - Their Endurance, Loyalty, Patience",,bl,,5/2/2024
"Persecution, Hot water, tea, ","""People are like teabags. You never know how strong they are until they get into hot water.""",Sometimes Jehovah allows persecution to fortify and instruct his people. To help us to be strengthened for future trials.,"James 1:2, 3,",Bobby Laymon,Bearing up under Persecution.,57,bl,,5/2/2024
"Nostalgia, Memories, sadness, resurrection, ","Nostalgia is like when you remember something from a long time ago, like a special toy you used to play with or a fun day at the park with friends. It makes you feel happy and maybe a little bit sad because you miss those times, but it's nice to remember them. It's like looking at a photo album filled with memories. ",Jehovah remembers His friends and will bring them back.,Job 14:15,Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,5/3/2024
"Nostalgia, memories, remember, enjoy, resurrection, ","Imagine you have a favorite storybook that you loved when you were little, and now, when you look at it, you remember all the good times you had reading it with your family. That feeling of happiness and remembering all those fun moments is what nostalgia feels like!",We remember stories our parents used to tell us. We remember or parents as well. We long to see them again. Jehovah promises to bring them back.,"Acts 24:15,",Bobby Laymon,,,bl,,5/3/2024
"Time, day, future, past, present, ","Yesterday is past, Tomorrow is future, Today is a gift.","That's why they call it the ""Present.""",,"Bethel brother, Paul Gillies, ",,,bl,,6/5/2024
"Love, Motivate, preaching, Character witness, ","Some years ago, a letter from the Governing Body stated: “The greatest honor that any of us could enjoy is that of being called one of Jehovah’s Witnesses.” Why is that so? Consider an illustration. If you needed someone to be a character witness for you in a court case, you would choose someone you know and trust, someone whose reputation would make his testimony trustworthy. By choosing us to be his Witnesses, Jehovah shows that he knows us well and that he trusts us to testify that he is the only true God. We feel so honored to be his Witnesses that we seize every opportunity to make his name known and to combat the many lies that have been told about him. By doing so, we live up to the name that we are so proud to bear, Jehovah’s Witnesses!—Ps. 83:18; Rom. 10:13-15.","By choosing us to be his Witnesses, Jehovah shows that he knows us well and that he trusts us to testify that he is the only true God. We feel so honored to be his Witnesses that we seize every opportunity to make his name known and to combat the many lies that have been told about him. By doing so, we live up to the name that we are so proud to bear, Jehovah’s Witnesses!—Ps. 83:18; Rom. 10:13-15.",Isaiah 43:10-12,w24 May pp. 18-19 par. 13 ,,,joshlaymon,,9/3/2024
 Keep Following Jehovah’s Guidance,"IMAGINE that you are lost in a forest. Danger lurks around you: wild animals, disease-carrying insects, poisonous plants, and rocky terrain. How grateful you would be for an experienced guide who knows where the danger is and how to steer you away from it!",This world is like that forest. It is filled with danger that especially threatens our spiritual health. But we have a perfect Guide—Jehovah. He leads us away from the danger and toward our destination—everlasting life in the new world.,Isaiah 48:17,w24 February p. 20 par. 1,,,joshlaymon,,9/3/2024
" Dedication, Baptism, cage, danger, protection, ","A brother named Nicholas puts it this way, “You can view Jehovah’s standards either like the bars of a prison that keep you from doing what you want to do or like the bars of a lion cage that protect you from danger.”","How do you dedicate yourself to Jehovah? You promise him in prayer that you will worship only him and that you will put his will first in your life. Really, you are promising Jehovah that you will continue to love him “with your whole heart and with your whole soul and with your whole mind and with your whole strength.” (Mark 12:30) ",Mark 12:30,w24 March pp. 3-4 pars. 4-5,,,joshlaymon,,9/3/2024
"Important Lessons From the Kings of Israel, reject bad influences, divided heart, ","To illustrate, imagine yourself outside on a brutally cold and windy day. On arriving home, you turn on the heat. How much good would that do you if you left the door open? The cold air would quickly fill your house. ","We must not let our heart become divided. If we are not careful, we could fool ourselves into thinking that by increasing our spiritual activities, we need not reject bad influences.The point? We need to do more than just take in spiritual food that warms our relationship with Jehovah. We must also close the door on unwholesome influences, so that this world’s cold “air,” or ungodly attitude, does not enter our heart and divide it.—Eph. 2:2.",Eph. 2:2.,w24 July p. 21 par. 7,,,joshlaymon,,9/3/2024
"Jehovah “Heals the Brokenhearted” instructions, ","Consider an illustration. A skilled doctor can do much to help an injured person to heal. To benefit, though, the injured person must carefully follow the doctor’s instructions. In this article, we will see what Jehovah says in his Word to those who are suffering emotionally and we will consider how to apply his loving advice.",Psalm 147:3 says that Jehovah ‘binds up the wounds’ of the brokenhearted. Jehovah is here pictured as tenderly caring for those who have been injured emotionally. What must we do to benefit from Jehovah’s care? ,Psalm 147:3,w24 October p. 6 par. 2,,,joshlaymon,,9/3/2024
"Speech, Comments, public talks, prayers, ","“The less you say, the more your words will matter.” ― Rae Carson, The King's Guard",Good to remember in giving comments at meetings.,"Luke 20:47, Mark 12:40,",Bobby Laymon ,,,bl,,9/5/2024
"Heart, Divided, Foolish thinking, increased service, Door, ","To illustrate, imagine yourself outside on a brutally cold and windy day. On arriving home, you turn on the heat. How much good would that do you if you left the door open? The cold air would quickly fill your house. ","The point? We need to do more than just take in spiritual food that warms our relationship with Jehovah. We must also close the door on unwholesome influences, so that this world’s cold “air,” or ungodly attitude, does not enter our heart and divide it.​—Eph. 2:2.We must not let our heart become divided. If we are not careful, we could fool ourselves into thinking that by increasing our spiritual activities, we need not reject bad influences. ",Eph. 2:2; , w24 July p. 21 ,,,joshlaymon,,11/13/2024
"“Step Over Into Macedonia” Moving, Blessing, expanding, progress, Ministry, ","Think of this example: A driver can direct his car to turn left or right but only if the car is moving. Similarly, Jesus directs us in expanding our ministry, but only if we are moving—if we are putting forth real effort to do so.","What lesson can we learn from that account? Note this: Only after Paul set out for Asia did God’s spirit intervene, only after Paul neared Bithynia did Jesus step in, and only after Paul reached Troas did Jesus direct him to Macedonia. Jesus, as Head of the congregation, may deal with us in a similar way today. (Col. 1:18) For instance, we may have been thinking for some time about serving as a pioneer or moving to an area where the need for Kingdom publishers is greater. However, it may well be only after we take definite steps to attain our goal that Jesus, through God’s spirit, will guide us. Why? ",Col 1:18; ,bt chap. 16 pp. 126-127 par. 6,,,joshlaymon,,11/13/2024
"Hungry, Thirsty, Spiritual needs, ","A person knows when he is thirsty, no one has to tell him. Also a person knows when he is hungry and starts looking for food.",We should also know when we need spiritual food and drink. It is a daily need.,Matthew 5:3,Carl Brown,,,joshlaymon,,11/13/2024
"Religions, search, satisfaction, Source, ",Would you go fishing in a swimming pool? You will not be satisfied.,Looking for truth elsewhere will be very disappointing. ,2 Timothy 3:16,Carl Brown ,,,joshlaymon,,11/13/2024
" Purposeful Design or Mindless Process? Creation, ","In 1802, English clergyman and theologian William Paley expounded his reasons for belief in a Creator. He stated that if while crossing a heath, he were to find a stone lying on the ground, he might reasonably conclude that natural processes had put it there. But if instead he were to find a watch, he would scarcely come to the same conclusion. Why? For the simple reason that a watch has all the hallmarks of design and purpose.",Likewise when we look around everwhere we look there are the hallmarks of design and purpose. ,Romans 1:20,g 12/09 p. 4,,,joshlaymon,,11/13/2024
"Creation, Control room, Science, Universe, dials, calibrated, precise, ","The book Science & Christianity—Four Views has an interesting way of illustrating the delicacy of the balance of forces and elements in the cosmos. The writer asked his readers to visualize an explorer’s visit to an imaginary “control room for the whole universe.” There, the explorer observes rows and rows of dials that can be set to any value, and he learns that each has to be calibrated to a precise setting in order for life to be possible. One dial sets the strength of the force of gravity, one the strength of electromagnetic attraction, another the ratio between the mass of the neutron and the proton, and so on. ","As the explorer examines these numerous dials, he sees that they could have been set to different values. It also becomes clear to him, after meticulous calculation, that even a small change in any one of the dial settings would modify the architecture of the cosmos in such a way that life in it would cease to exist. Yet, each dial is set to precisely the right value needed to keep the universe running and habitable. What should the visitor deduce about how the dials came to be set the way they are?",Romans 1:20,g 12/09 p. 6 Purposeful Design or Mindless Process?,,,joshlaymon,,11/13/2024
"Does Jehovah Really Care About You? Draws, tugs, attracts, individuals, Bible, Holy spirit, No handle, open from within, heart, ","What does it mean that Jehovah draws us? The Greek verb rendered “draws” is also used in reference to hauling in a net of fishes. (John 21:6, 11) Does Jehovah drag us against our will, forcing us to serve him? No. Jehovah gave us free will, so he does not force our heart open. (Deuteronomy 30:19, 20) One scholar puts it this way: “There is no handle on the outside of the door of the human heart. It must be opened from within.” ","Jehovah searches through the billions of hearts in this world, looking for individuals who are inclined toward him. (1 Chronicles 28:9) When he finds such a person, he responds in a touching way. How so? Jehovah gently attracts, or tugs at, the heart of an individual who is “rightly disposed.” (Acts 13:48) Jehovah does so in two ways—through the Bible’s message of good news, which reaches us as individuals, and through his holy spirit. When Jehovah sees a heart that is responsive to Bible truth, he uses his spirit to help the individual to grasp and apply that truth in his life. (1 Corinthians 2:11, 12) Without divine help, we could never become genuine followers of Jesus and devoted worshippers of Jehovah.",Acts 13:48,w13 5/1 p. 14 pars. 3-4 ,,,joshlaymon,,12/2/2024
"Parents—Help Your Child to Strengthen His Faith, creation, design, intelligent life, "," For example, a schoolmate might say: “I believe only what I can see, and I have never seen God.” A young Christian could respond: “Imagine that you are walking through a forest far from any human activity and you come upon a functioning well. What would you conclude? If the presence of a well gives clear evidence of intelligent life having made it, how much more so does the existence of the universe!”",Prepare your child to defend his belief in a Creator. (Read 1 Peter 3:15.) You might find it useful to review together articles on jw.org in the series “Young People Ask—Creation or Evolution?” Then discuss the line of reasoning that your child feels is most persuasive for helping others understand the truth about the Creator. Remind him that he does not need to argue with his schoolmates. Encourage him to use simple logic and reasoning if some are open to a pleasant discussion.,1 Peter 3:14,w24 December pp. 18-19 par. 16 ,,,joshlaymon,,11/13/2024
 Parents—Help Your Child to Strengthen His Faith,"You might compare his efforts to talk about his faith with the efforts needed to play a musical instrument. At first, a learner practices tunes that are simple to play. In time, playing music becomes easier. Similarly, a young Christian might at first use a simple approach when sharing his faith with others. For example, he might ask a schoolmate: “Did you know that engineers often copy designs from nature? Let me show you a fascinating video.” After sharing a video from the series Was It Designed? ","He might say: “If a scientist gets credit for a design that already exists in nature, who deserves credit for the original?” Such a simple approach might be enough to stimulate a young person’s interest and leave him open to learning more.",Rom. 10:10,w24 December p. 19 par. 17,,,joshlaymon,,11/13/2024
" Cherish God’s Gift of Life, memorial, sacrifice,  ","IMAGINE that a friend gave you a very old but priceless painting—a masterpiece. It has some discoloration, stains, and cracks. Despite the imperfections, the painting is valued at millions of dollars. Surely you would appreciate and protect that piece of art. Similarly, Jehovah has given us a valuable gift, the gift of life. In fact, Jehovah shows how much he values our life by giving his Son as a ransom for us.—John 3:16.","Similarly, Jehovah has given us a valuable gift, the gift of life. In fact, Jehovah shows how much he values our life by giving his Son as a ransom for us.—John 3:16.",John 3:16 ,w23 February p. 20 par. 1,,,joshlaymon,,11/13/2024
" Make Jehovah Your Confidence, futility, basis of hope, forever, ","Clearly, Jehovah had just reasons for subjecting mankind to futility. Does that mean, though, that Jehovah is the cause of the futility and suffering that afflict each one of us today? Well, think of a judge who pronounces a just sentence upon a criminal. The convict may suffer considerably while he serves out his sentence, but can he rightly blame the judge for being the cause of his suffering? By no means! ","Furthermore, Jehovah is never the source of wickedness. James 1:13 says: “With evil things God cannot be tried nor does he himself try anyone.” Let us remember, too, that Jehovah pronounced this sentence “on the basis of hope.” He has lovingly made arrangements for faithful descendants of Adam and Eve to see the end of futility and to delight in “the glorious freedom of the children of God.” Throughout eternity, faithful mankind will never have to worry that all creation might again descend into a painful state of futility. Jehovah’s just handling of things will have established the rightfulness of his sovereignty for all time.—Isaiah 25:8.",Isaiah 25:8,w03 9/1 p. 11 par. 16,,,joshlaymon,,11/13/2024
"Sympathize, Jesus, Toe, friend, weaknesses, hurt, pain, sympathy, feeling, ","Did you ever stump your toe, or maybe smash it? You still remember how much it hurt. Someone might say, Ahh, it's just a little toe. How much can that hurt. But if you have experienced it, it is different. You sympathize with anyone who just hurt it. ","It is that way with our pain, plagues, and weaknesses. Hebrews 4:15 says, ""For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tested in all respects as we have, but without sin."" We are happy to have a friend like that.",Hebrews 4:15 ,"Joe Hewitt, Republic Congregation. ",,,joshlaymon,,11/18/2024
"Identity, ","Our sense of identity is more than just who we are–it also affects what we do. Throughout adolescence, our sense of identity increasingly influences the decisions we make. Research suggests that we value behaviors more when they fit with our sense of identity","Why is identity important?… for creating self-awareness, provide direction in your life, keep you grounded, improve decision making, and enable us to get more involved with communitiesNov 13, 2024",,,,,bl,,12/3/2024
"Marriage, teamwork, pilot, copilot, ","When there is teamwork in a marriage, a husband and wife are like a pilot and copilot with the same flight plan. Even when challenges arise, each spouse thinks in terms of “we” rather than “me.”","When a conflict arises, a husband and wife who are not a team will tend to attack each other rather than the problem. Minor issues will turn into major obstacles.“Marriage is not a solo act. Husband and wife must work together to make it successful.”—Christopher“Teamwork is the essence of marriage. If my husband and I weren’t a team, we would be roommates instead of marriage mates—two people who live together but who aren’t on the same page when it comes to important decisions.”—Alexandra.",Matthew 19:6;,g18 No. 2 p. 5 2 Teamwork,,,joshlaymon,,12/13/2024
"Identity, character, mannequins, dress, grooming, ","“A lot of people are like the mannequins you see in a store display. They don’t choose the clothes they wear; others do.”—Adrian.“I’ve learned how to stand up for what is right even when it’s hard. I can tell who my real friends are by how they act and by how I act around them.”—Courtney.BIBLE PRINCIPLE: “Stop being molded by this system of things, but be transformed by making your mind over.”—Romans 12:2.","Your identity goes far beyond your name and appearance. It involves your values, beliefs, and character. Really, your identity is everything that makes you, you—both inside and out.When you have a strong sense of identity, you stand up for your beliefs instead of allowing your peers to control you.",Romans 12:2;,g18 No. 2 p. 12 9,,,joshlaymon,,12/13/2024
"How Can You Adjust to Your New Congregation? relocated, stress, growth, ","Think of this example: When trees are relocated, they experience stress. As a tree is removed from the ground, most of its roots are usually cut off to make it easier to transport. Once transplanted, the tree must immediately start growing new roots. Similarly, moving to another congregation may have caused you to experience stress. In your previous congregation, you had grown “roots” as you developed cherished friendships and settled into a familiar spiritual routine. Now you must grow new roots in order to flourish in a new environment. ","What will help you to do so? Applying Scriptural principles. Let us consider some. The person who regularly reads God’s Word is “like a tree planted by streams of water, a tree that produces fruit in its season, the foliage of which does not wither. And everything he does will succeed.”—Ps. 1:1-3.Just as a tree must regularly draw from a water source to remain healthy, a Christian must regularly feed on God’s Word to remain spiritually strong. Therefore, continue to read the Bible daily and to attend congregation meetings regularly. Maintain your good habits of family worship and personal study. Whatever you needed spiritually in your previous location, you will need in your new one too.“Whoever refreshes others will himself be refreshed.”—Prov. 11:25.",Psalm 1:1-3; Proverbs 11:25;,w17 November p. 30 ,,,joshlaymon,,12/13/2024
"How We Benefit From Jehovah’s Love, gift, forget, storage, appreciate, Jesus, ransom, ","IMAGINE giving someone you love a special gift that is both beautiful and practical. How disappointed you would be if that person simply put it in storage and gave it no further thought! On the other hand, you would surely be pleased if he or she put your gift to good use and expressed appreciation for it. What is the point? Jehovah has given his Son in our behalf. How happy Jehovah must be when we show gratitude for that precious gift and for his love, which moved him to provide the ransom!—John 3:16; Rom. 5:7, 8.","As time passes, however, we could begin to take the gift of the ransom for granted. It would be like putting God’s gift in storage. We are happy to have it, but we keep it out of sight. To prevent that from happening, we must regularly renew our gratitude for what God and Christ have done for us. This article can help us do that. We will discuss how we benefit from the ransom now and how we can benefit from it in the future. We will also consider how we can respond appreciatively to Jehovah’s love, especially during this Memorial season.","John 3:16; Rom. 5:7, 8.",w25 January p. 26 pars. 1-2 ,,,joshlaymon,,12/13/2024
"Make Decisions That Please Jehovah, Facts, examine, treatment, questions, social gathering, alcohol, ",The first step toward making a good decision is to get the facts. Why is this important? Imagine that a patient consults a doctor regarding a serious medical problem. Would the doctor make a decision about a course of treatment without first examining the patient or asking him questions? Certainly not. You too will make better decisions if you first consider the facts that have a bearing on the situation at hand. How can you do that?,"You can often get the facts by asking questions. Suppose you are invited to a social gathering. Should you attend? If you are not acquainted with the host or the arrangements, you will need to ask him such questions as: “Where and when will the gathering be held? How large will it be? Who will supervise it? Who will attend? What activities are planned? Will alcoholic drinks be served?” The answers to these questions will help you to make a wise decision.—Read Proverbs 18:13.",Proverbs 18:13;,w25 January pp. 14-15 pars. 3-4,,,joshlaymon,,12/13/2024
"“Go . . . and Make Disciples” Harvest, Jesus, challenge, farmer, reap, hire workers, preaching, teaching, ","A FARMER faces a real challenge. Some months earlier, he plowed his fields and sowed seeds. He watched with great care as the first blades appeared, and he rejoiced as the plants matured. Now all his hard work is rewarded, for the time to reap has arrived. His dilemma is this: The crop is too abundant for him to gather it alone. To meet this challenge, he wisely decides to hire some workers and send them out into his fields. After all, there is only so much time to gather his precious crop.","In the spring of 33 C.E., the resurrected Jesus faces a similar challenge. During his earthly ministry, he sowed seeds of truth. Now there is a harvest to reap, and the crop is abundant. Many responsive ones need to be gathered as disciples. (John 4:35-38) How does Jesus meet this challenge? On a mountain in Galilee, shortly before ascending to heaven, he gives his disciples a commission to find more workers, saying: “Go, therefore, and make disciples of people of all the nations, baptizing them . . . , teaching them to observe all the things I have commanded you.”—Matthew 28:19, 20.","Matthew 28:19, 20.",cf chap. 9 pp. 87-88 pars. 1-2,,,joshlaymon,,12/13/2024
"Back to basics, ","Have you ever heard, ""Let's get back to basics."" What does that mean? ",,,,,,joshlaymon,,1/4/2025
"Make Decisions That Please Jehovahs, Prayers, listen, directions.","If you got lost while traveling, you might ask a local resident for help. But would you then walk away before he had a chance to reply? Of course not. You would listen carefully to his directions. ","Similarly, after you ask Jehovah for wisdom, try to discern his answer by finding out which Bible laws and principles apply to your situation. For example, when deciding whether to attend the social gathering mentioned earlier, you might consider what the Bible says about wild parties, bad associations, and the need to put Kingdom interests ahead of your personal preferences.—Matt. 6:33; Rom. 13:13; 1 Cor. 15:33.",Rom. 13:13; 1 Cor. 15:33.,w25 January pp. 16-17 par. 7 ,,,joshlaymon,,1/5/2025
Magnet,Snap together ,,,Roy Crabb,,,bl,,1/18/2025
"Takes time, training, Growth, ",Pull a tomato out of the ground to help it speed up growth.,Growth takes time. We must give our Bible studies time for changes. ,,David Durant ,,,bl,,1/20/2025
"Politics, Government, World, Satan, Demons, ","Think of this comparison: Just as small boats are swept along by powerful sea currents, human political systems are pulled along by powerful, wicked spirit forces. And just as the sailors in those boats can do little to change those powerful currents, politicians can do little to change the influence of those powerful spirit forces. Those forces are bent on corrupting humans beyond reform and on causing “woe for the earth.” (Revelation 12:12) ","Therefore, real change can be brought about only by a person who is more powerful than Satan and his demons. That Person is Jehovah God himself. —Psalm 83:18; Jeremiah 10:7, 10.",Psalm 83:18,Bill board Article ,,,bl,,1/25/2025
"Information, facts, thoughts, in order, Do You Express Yourself Clearly?",How can you gather such specific information? Many successful speakers and writers suggest sorting out facts under six headings that were described by English writer Rudyard Kipling as follows:“I keep six honest serving-men(They taught me all I knew);Their names are What and Why and WhenAnd How and Where and Who.”,"These six questions lead to facts. If you develop these aspects separately in advance (as far as this is possible), your presentation will display orderliness and clarity. Of course, most people are not accustomed to thinking through a matter one aspect at a time. But you can develop this skill. In time clear thinking and expression will become almost automatic to you. Yet this alone does not guarantee that your hearers will understand what you say. Why not?",,"g74 12/22 p. 14   Rudyard Kipling, ",,,joshlaymon,,1/27/2025
"Truth, flower, Weeds, error, beauty, ","Truth, like a modest little flower in the wilderness of life, is surrounded and almost choked by the luxuriant growth of the weeds of error. If you would find it you must ever be on the lookout.","If you would see its beauty, you must brush aside the weeds of error and the brambles of bigotry. If you would possess it you must stoop to get it.",Proverbs 3:3,1879 Watchtower July 1st issue ,Can Truth Be Found? 2025 Special Talk ,,bl,,2/3/2025
"Creation, Thumb, Belief in God, The Hand, ‘The Most Elegantly Skillful Organ’ Wonderfully made, ","“In the absence of any other proof,” wrote the famous scientist Sir Isaac Newton, “the thumb alone would convince me of God’s existence.”","No wonder the human hand has caused thinking people to marvel!  “We can land men on the moon,” says Professor Napier, “but, for all our mechanical and electronic wizardry, we cannot reproduce an artificial fore-finger that can feel as well as beckon.” Man’s hand, states The New Encyclopædia Britannica, is probably “the most elegantly skillful biological organ” and one that “distinguishes him from all other living primates.”  (Psalm 139:14) . . .I praise you because in an awe-inspiring way I am wonderfully made. Your works are wonderful, I know this very well.", (Psalm 139:14),"g88 6/8 p. 6 Sir Isaac Newton, ",,,joshlaymon,,2/3/2025
"Death, Resurrection, everlasting life, funeral talk, ","To Jehovah, death is not “goodbye,” but “see you later.”","Luke 20:38 He is a God, not of the dead, but of the living, for they are all living to him.”","Luke 20:38, James 2:23, ",Gage Fleegle. GB,Imitate Abraham ,,bl,,2/3/2025
"Grass, Good, relatives, truth, ","Grass will grow where we don’t want it, but won’t grow where we want it. Over water it. It needs water for growth. You can water it too often and too much. ",We only want to water our unbelieving relatives in small measure.,"Gal 6:10, Eph 4:32 ","Don Radzinowicz, ",“Work What Is Good Toward All”,15,bl,,3/1/2025
"Governing Body, Information, GB","Who are the members of the Governing Body?The members of the Governing Body are Kenneth Cook, Jr, Gage Fleegle, Samuel Herd, Geoffrey Jackson, Jody Jedele, Stephen Lett, Gerrit Losch, Jacob Rumph, Mark Sanderson, David Splane, and Jeffrey Winder.","They serve at our world headquarters in Warwick, New York, U.S.A.",Matthew 24:45-47,Watchtower Publications. ,,,bl,,3/3/2025
"Principles, discernment, decisions, Maturity, laws! ",Suppose you walk up to a door and the sign on the door says do not enter. Versus you walk up to another door and the sign on that door says proceed with caution. Enter at your own risk. ,"Now on the first door, you do not go in because it says do not enter. It is a rule. Now on the second door, you have a decision to make. Why do I need to have caution? Do I need a hard hat? What is on the other side? That illustrates the difference between a law and a principle.",Hebrews 5:14,Robert Luccioni ,Spiritual maturity gives us the power of discernment.,,bl,,3/2/2025
"Principles, discernment, decisions, Maturity, laws! ","Suppose you drive onto a road and the speed limit says 65. Versus driving on a road and the sign says drive safely. Or it may say, “Drive at your own risk.” Is that a law or a principle? ","On the first road, we know exactly what to do. I drive my car up to 65 mph and keep it right on 65. It is a rule or a law. On the other road, I have a decision to make how fast should I drive? What is safe? Should I even drive on this road at all?",Hebrews 5:14.,Robert Luccioni ,Spiritual maturity gives us the power of discernment.,,bl,,3/2/2025
"Tears, Collect, skin bottle, Your Tears Are Precious to Jehovah ","People collect things like coins, stamps, and many other rare things. Jehovah collects tears. Whatever you may collect each item has it's own story and you know about it and love to tell it. ",Jehovah knows the story behind each tear in his skin bottle or memory. He will not forget it but will come to our need at the Best time.David felt as if Jehovah were collecting his tears in a bottle or recording them in a book. David was sure that Jehovah noticed and remembered his pain. David was convinced that his loving heavenly Father was aware not only of what he had been through but also of how it had affected him.,"Psalm 56:8, ",w24 December p. 23 par. 12,,,joshlaymon,,3/5/2025
"Make Decisions That Please  Jehovah, Listen, Obey, ","Once you have prayed for Jehovah’s direction, pay careful attention to his answer. To illustrate: If you got lost while traveling, you might ask a local resident for help. But would you then walk away before he had a chance to reply? Of course not. You would listen carefully to his directions.","Similarly, after you ask Jehovah for wisdom, try to discern his answer by finding out which Bible laws and principles apply to your situation. For example, when deciding whether to attend the social gathering mentioned earlier, you might consider what the Bible says about wild parties, bad associations, and the need to put Kingdom interests ahead of your personal preferences.",James 1:5.Matt. 6:33; Rom. 13:13; 1 Cor. 15:33.,*** w25 January pp. 16-17 pars. 6-7,,,joshlaymon,,3/14/2025
"Paradise, Ransom,  Jehovah’s Forgiveness—Why We Appreciate It, Adam, Eve, Everlasting Life, Memorial, ","IMAGINE a young man who has been brought up in a wealthy family. One day tragedy strikes; his parents are killed in an accident. The news is devastating to him. However, another shock awaits this young man. He learns that his parents squandered the family fortune and that they acquired huge debts. Now imagine that instead of inheriting their wealth, he inherits their debts, and creditors are demanding payment. The debt is far beyond his ability ever to repay.","In some ways, our situation is like that of this young man. Our original parents, Adam and Eve, were perfect and lived in a beautiful paradise. (Gen. 1:27; 2:7-9) They had the prospect of enjoying a rich, endless life. But then everything changed. They lost their Paradise home as well as their prospect of everlasting life. What inheritance could they pass on to their future children? The Bible tells us: “Through one man [Adam] sin entered into the world and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because they had all sinned.” (Rom. 5:12) The inheritance Adam passed on to us is sin, resulting in death. This inherited sin is like a huge debt, one that none of us can pay off.—Ps. 49:8.","Gen. 1:27; 2:7-9, ",w25 February p. 2 pars. 1-2 ,,,joshlaymon,,3/14/2025
Jehovah’s Forgiveness—How Can You Imitate It?,"How can you overcome hurt feelings? One way is by giving yourself time to heal. After receiving medical care, a person who has been severely injured needs time to heal physically. In a similar way, we may need time to heal emotionally before we are ready to forgive someone from the heart.—Eccl. 3:3; 1 Pet. 1:22.","In a similar way, we may need time to heal emotionally before we are ready to forgive someone from the heart.—Eccl. 3:3; 1 Pet. 1:22.",Eccl. 3:3; 1 Pet. 1:22.,w25 February p. 16 par. 10,,,joshlaymon,,3/14/2025
"Parents—Help Your Child to Strengthen His Faith, Functioning well, belief in what is seen, "," For example, a schoolmate might say: “I believe only what I can see, and I have never seen God.” A young Christian could respond: “Imagine that you are walking through a forest far from any human activity and you come upon a functioning well. What would you conclude? If the presence of a well gives clear evidence of intelligent life having made it, how much more so does the existence of the universe!”",Prepare your child to defend his belief in a Creator. (Read 1 Peter 3:15.) You might find it useful to review together articles on jw.org in the series “Young People Ask—Creation or Evolution?” Then discuss the line of reasoning that your child feels is most persuasive for helping others understand the truth about the Creator. Remind him that he does not need to argue with his schoolmates. Encourage him to use simple logic and reasoning if some are open to a pleasant discussion.,1 Peter 3:15,w24 December pp. 18-19 par. 16 ,,,joshlaymon,,3/14/2025
"Comfort, Trust, trustworthy, ",You take a child in your arms. He screams. His parents takes him and does the same and he calms down. ,The difference? He doesn’t trust you. ,"Revelation 21:3, 4. Verse 5. Job 14:1, 2.",Todd Zech CG 111,Trust in the God of All Comfort.,143 ,bl,,3/16/2025
"Connection, Comfort, Trust, ",I had a car that often wouldn’t start. It wasn’t the battery.,It was a bad connection.  How is our connection with Jehovah. I need to talk more to Jehovah.,1 Peter 5:6 ,Todd Zech CG 111 ,Trust in the God of All Comfort.,143 ,bl,,4/5/2025
"Trust in the God of all comfort, Confidence, Over paid, Ransom, Price, emotion, attachment, ",Baseball cards cost six for a nickel. Some people are willing to pay millions of dollars for a card that is worth less than a penny. Why? Often it is because they have an emotional attachment to that person or picture.,"Jehovah way overpaid for us by sending his son Jesus when any angel would’ve done the job. Why did Jehovah do that? It is because he had an emotional attachment to us individually. The price was much too high, but aren’t we grateful? ","John 3:16, ",Todd Zech CG 111 ,Trust in the God of All Comfort.,143 ,bl,,3/18/2025
"Jesus Christ, quotes, Love, Empires, Force, Napoleon, ",I know men and I tell you that Jesus Christ is no mere man. Between Him and every other person in the world there is no possible term of comparison. ,"Alexander, Caesar, Charlemagne, and I have founded empires. But on what did we rest the creation of our genius? Upon force. Jesus Christ founded His empire upon love; and at this hour millions of men would die for Him. Quote: Napoleon","John 3:16,","Internet: Quotes about Jesus, Napoleon, ",,,joshlaymon,,4/7/2025
"Friends, friendship, Jesus, Oswald Chambers, ",The dearest friend on earth is a mere shadow compared to Jesus Christ. - Oswald Chambers,,Matthew 15:13,"Internet: Quotes about Jesus, ",,,joshlaymon,,4/7/2025
"Jesus, gods, heart, John Knox, ",No one else holds or has held the place in the heart of the world which Jesus holds. ,Other gods have been as devoutly worshipped; no other man has been so devoutly loved. - John Knox ,"John 15:9, ","Internet: Quotes about Jesus, ",,,joshlaymon,,4/7/2025
"Jesus, innocent, ransom, sacrifice, enemies, Mahatma Gandhi, Memorial, death,","A man who was completely innocent, offered himself as a sacrifice for the good of others, including his enemies, and became the ransom of the world. ",It was a perfect act. - Mahatma Gandhi,"Matthew 20:28, ","Internet: Quotes about Jesus, Mahatma Gandhi, ",,,joshlaymon,,4/7/2025
"Jesus, pens in motion, conquered, shed light, works of art, Philip Schaff, without money, philosophers, scholars, ","Jesus of Nazareth, without money and arms, conquered more millions than Alexander the Great, Caesar, Mohammed, and Napoleon; without science and learning, he shed more light on things human and divine than all philosophers and scholars combined; without the eloquence of school, he spoke such words of life as were never spoken before or since, and produced effects which lie beyond the reach of orator or poet; ","Without writing a single line, he set more pens in motion, and furnished themes for more sermons, orations, discussions, learned volumes, works of art, and songs of praise than the whole army of great men of ancient and modern times. – Philip Schaff","John 21:25, ","Internet: Quotes about Jesus,",,,joshlaymon,,4/7/2025
"H.G. Wells, Historian, believer, penniless preacher, ","I am an historian, I am not a believer, but I must confess as a historian that this penniless preacher from Nazareth is irrevocably the very center of history. ",Jesus Christ is easily the most dominant figure in all history. - H.G. Wells,"John 21:17, ","Internet: Quotes about Jesus, H.G. Wells, ",,,joshlaymon,,4/7/2025
"Historian, believer, penniless preacher, Kenneth Scott Latourette, ","As the centuries pass, the evidence is accumulating that, measured by His effect on history, Jesus is the most influential life who ever lived on this planet. - Historian Kenneth Scott Latourette ",,"John 21:17, ","Internet: Quotes about Jesus,",,,joshlaymon,,4/7/2025
"Jesus Life, James Allen Francis, armies, navies, parliaments, effected, One Solitary Life,","Here is a man who was born in an obscure village, the Child of a peasant woman. He worked in a carpenter shop until He was thirty, and then for three years He was an itinerant preacher. He never wrote a book. He never held an office. He never owned a home. He never had a family. He never went to college. He never put His foot inside a big city. He never traveled two hundred miles from the place where He was born. He never did one of the things that usually accompany greatness. He had no credentials but Himself. He had nothing to do with this world except the naked power of His Divine manhood. While still a young man, the tide of popular opinion turned against Him. He was turned over to His enemies. ","He went through the mockery of a trial. He was nailed to a Cross between two thieves. His executioners gambled for the only piece of property He had on earth while He was dying—and that was His coat. When He was dead He was taken down and laid in a borrowed grave through the pity of a friend. Such was His human life—He rises from the dead. Nineteen wide centuries have come and gone and today He is the Centerpiece of the human race and the Leader of the column of progress. I am within the mark when I say that all the armies that ever marched, and all the navies that ever were built, and all the parliaments that ever sat, and all the kings that ever reigned, put together, have not affected the life of man upon this earth as powerfully as has that One Solitary Life. - James Allen Francis","John 21:25, ","Internet: Quotes about Jesus,",,,joshlaymon,,4/7/2025
"Jesus, Humble carpenter, Henry G. Bosch, ","“Socrates taught for 40 years, Plato for 50, Aristotle for 40, and Jesus for only 3. Yet the influence of Christ’s 3-year ministry infinitely transcends the impact left by the combined 130 years of teaching from these men who were among the greatest philosophers of all antiquity. Jesus painted no pictures; yet, some of the finest paintings of Raphael, Michelangelo, and Leonardo da Vinci received their inspiration from Him. ","Jesus wrote no poetry; but Dante, Milton, and scores of the world’s greatest poets were inspired by Him. Jesus composed no music; still Haydn, Handel, Beethoven, Bach, and Mendelssohn reached their highest perfection of melody in the hymns, symphonies, and oratories they composed in His praise. Every sphere of human greatness has been enriched by this humble Carpenter of Nazareth.” - Henry G. Bosch","John 21:25, ","Internet: Quotes about Jesus,",,,joshlaymon,,4/7/2025
"Jesus, ""I am the way, the truth, and the life."" He was himself, J. Sidlow ,Baxter,","Fundamentally, our Lord's message was Himself. He did not come merely to preach a Gospel; He himself is that Gospel. He did not come merely to give bread; He said, ""I am the bread."" He did not come merely to shed light; He said, ""I am the light."" He did not come merely to show the door; He said, ""I am the door."" He did not come merely to name a shepherd; He said, ""I am the shepherd."" He did not come merely to point the way; He said, ""I am the way, the truth, and the life."" - J. Sidlow Baxter","He said, ""I am the way, the truth, and the life."" - J. Sidlow ,Baxter","John 14:6, ",Quotes about Jesus,,,joshlaymon,,4/7/2025
"Albert Einstein, Jesus, ","As a child I received instruction both in the Bible and in the Talmud. I am a Jew, but I am enthralled by the luminous figure of the Nazarene...",No one can read the Gospels without feeling the actual presence of Jesus. His personality pulsates in every word. No myth is filled with such life. - Albert Einstein,John 14:6; ,Quotes about Jesus,,,joshlaymon,,4/7/2025
"Jesus, unsurpassed, master, art, truth, Geza Vermes",An unsurpassed master of the art of laying bare the inmost core of spiritual truth. - Geza Vermes.,,John 14:6; ,Quotes about Jesus,,,joshlaymon,,4/7/2025
"Jesus, religious genius,  Ernest Renan,",Jesus was the greatest religious genius that ever lived. - Ernest Renan,,"John 21:25,  ",Quotes about Jesus,,,joshlaymon,,4/7/2025
"Jesus, sincerity, doubt, brightness, sun, Charles Edward Jefferson, ",There is something so pure and frank and noble about Him that to doubt His sincerity would be like doubting the brightness of the sun. - Charles Edward Jefferson,,"John 21:25, ",Quotes about Jesus,,,joshlaymon,,4/7/2025
"Jesus, outstanding, personality, Sholem Asch,","Jesus Christ is to me the outstanding personality of all time, all history, both as Son of God and as Son of Man. Everything he ever said or did has value for us today and that is something you can say of no other man, dead or alive. There is no easy middle ground to stroll upon. You either accept Jesus or reject him. - Sholem Asch","Everything he ever said or did has value for us today and that is something you can say of no other man, dead or alive. There is no easy middle ground to stroll upon. You either accept Jesus or reject him. -Sholem Asch","John 21:25, ",Quotes about Jesus,,,joshlaymon,,4/7/2025
"Jesus, identity crisis, liberated, Howard Hendricks, ","There was no identity crisis in the life of Jesus Christ. He knew who He was. He knew where He had come from, and why he was here. And he knew where He was going. - Howard Hendricks","And when you are that liberated, then you can serve. - Howard Hendricks","John 21:25,","Quotes about Jesus,",,,joshlaymon,,4/7/2025
"Mouse trap, pornography, Satan, ","Three things. Add the bait, set the trap, put it where a mouse can find it. ",Satan works the same way. The young man.,Proverbs 6:1-12,Aaron Fields ,,,bl,,4/13/2025
"Can truth be found, special talk, ","Did you ever play this game which hand is it? Is it left or right? If you guess it right, that is well and good. However, if you get it wrong, you want another chance.",Artificial intelligence is being used to confuse minds today. They attempt to get you to believe the impossible. Two types of people here. Read scripture. Where could one go to always find the truth.  ,"Proverbs 14:15, ",Brent Ellison ,,,bl,,4/13/2025
"Good News, Diamond, shiny stone, examine, ","One day a man was walking and he sees a stone. At first it looked like a shiny stone, but he had a feeling there might be more to this shiny rock. So he bend down and picked up the rock to examine it. He began to wipe off the dirt and to his surprise in actuality it looked like it could be a diamond in the rough. So he took it to a Jeweler who declared that it was indeed a diamond in the rough. It was a diamond of value. When polished and cut it would be worth quite a lot of money.  ","Many people have walked on that same road, but only this man took the time to stop and examine something that looked different and it proved to be something priceless. In many ways the Good New could be compared to that ""diamond in the rough."" ","Philippians 1:27, ",Behave in a Manner Worthy of the Good News.,,,joshlaymon,,4/13/2025
"Elders, Titus, outstanding, ",Have you ever had someone come to your aid in a time of need. People may notice it but not one clearly understand it except you.  You will never forget that assistance. It will always stay with you.,We are all dealing with a storm. Elders need to be aware of persons when they need help. Titus was one who was outstanding as an elder. How can we imitate him? ,Titus 1:5-9; ,Behave in a Manner Worthy of the Good News.,,,joshlaymon,,4/13/2025
"Team work, marriage, assistant, Aquila and Priscilla, hospitable, ","Aquila and Priscilla: You can't say one name without saying the other, can you. Why is that? It's because they were a team. So like a team they had focused on common goals. The good news had infused them to work together both in secular work and in the preaching work. Jehovah used them to serve him in a positive way.","They were hospitable and when Paul arrived they took him into their home and he stayed with them for some time. They later moved to Ephesus and again opened their homes for congregation meetings. They later moved to Rome and here, also, the congregation met in their house. A lesson here for married couples in working together in spreading the Good News. ",Acts 18:1-3; ,Behave in a Manner Worthy of the Good News.,,,joshlaymon,,4/13/2025
"Love, Marriage, Frank Sinatra, Teamwork, adultery, fornication, ","Love and marriage, love and marriageThey go together like the horse and carriageDad was told by mother""You can't have one, you can't have noneYou can't have one without the other""","Frank Sinatra pretty well had it right. However, it is not just up to the mother to stand fast, but to the man as well. ","Genesis 2:24, Matthew 19:5, 6. Ephesians 5:31, Mark 10:8, ",Bobby Laymon ,,13 ,bl,,4/13/2025
Bearing up under persecution.Jehovah God and Christ Jesus and the faithful and discreet slave,"You could tell the lady was terrified. It was her first time to fly in an airplane. When the wind caught the plane and made it tremble a little bit, she screamed. She shook all over. However, the seasoned travelers kept right on reading their books and whatever they were doing, and almost never noticed it. They knew the plane was built to take turbulence, and it could take much more than that little shake. ","It is like that with persecution. It may be frightening, especially at first, but we have the equipment to help handle it. We have Jehovah God and Christ Jesus and the faithful and discreet slave. We also have many publications and faithful brothers and sisters to encourage us.",Isaiah 30:15; Jeremiah 17:8,Gilead graduation. ,Bearing up under Persecution ,57 ,bl,,5/5/2025
"“Choose for Yourselves . . . Whom You Will Serve” Name, Honor, sanctify,","We want to help clear Jehovah’s name of all reproach. Consider this scenario: You have a close friend who is kind, generous, and forgiving. One day, you hear someone accuse your friend of being cruel and dishonest. How do you react? You defend him. ","Similarly, when Satan and those under his influence try to ruin Jehovah’s reputation by spreading lies about Him, we respond by telling the truth about Jehovah, vigorously defending His name. (Ps. 34:1; Isa. 43:10) We show that we want to serve Jehovah whole-souled by our words and actions.",Ps. 34:1; Isa. 43:10,w25 April p. 5 par. 14,,,joshlaymon,,4/5/2025
Drawing Near to God Is Good” for Us! ,"No doubt you agree that drawing close to Jehovah is good. But meditating on exactly how good it is can motivate us to continue drawing closer to him. (Ps. 63:6-8) For example, we know that following a balanced diet, engaging in physical activity, getting sufficient rest, and drinking enough water are all good for us. Still, many do not give much thought to these things, and they neglect their health. Yet, the more often we think about how healthy habits benefit us, the more likely we will be to maintain them. ","Similarly, we may know that drawing near to Jehovah is good for us, but meditating on the benefits of doing so can motivate us to continue drawing closer to our Friend.—Ps. 119:27-30.",Ps. 63:6-8,w25 April pp. 8-9 par. 3 ,,,joshlaymon,,4/5/2025
"Drawing Close to One Another Is Good for Us, Love, Kindness, take for granted, unity, ","Love, like a houseplant, needs to be nurtured in order to grow. The apostle Paul counseled Christians: “Let your brotherly love continue.” (Heb. 13:1) Jehovah wants us to keep cultivating our love for others.  Read Psalm 133:1. ","We agree with the psalmist who wrote that true friendship with those who love Jehovah is “good” and “pleasant.” But just as a person could take for granted a majestic tree that he sees every day, we could take for granted the beauty of our Christian unity. We see our brothers and sisters often, perhaps several times a week. How can we maintain appreciation for them? Our love for our brothers and sisters will grow if we take time to think about how valuable each one is to the congregation and to us.",Hebrews 13:1 ,w25 April pp. 14-15 pars. 3-4 ,,,joshlaymon,,4/5/2025
"Drawing Close to One Another Is Good for Us, think carefully, speak, speech, ","Another way we can promote unity is by means of our speech. Job 12:11 states: “Does not the ear test out words as the tongue tastes food?” Just as a good cook will always sample his food to make sure it is tasty before serving it to others, we do well to think carefully about what we will say before we say it. (Ps. 141:3) ","Our goal should always be to ensure that what we are about to say will be upbuilding, refreshing, and “beneficial to the hearers.”—Eph. 4:29.",Job 12:11; Psalm 141:3; Eph. 4:29;,w25 April pp. 18-19 par. 15 ,,,joshlaymon,,4/5/2025
"Quotes about Jesus, everlasting life, ","""Jesus opened the door of eternity that brings us back into the Father's presence."" - Elder Andersen ",,John 17:3,Quotes about Jesus,,,joshlaymon,,4/7/2025
"How We Benefit From Jehovah’s Love, gift, storage, ","IMAGINE giving someone you love a special gift that is both beautiful and practical. How disappointed you would be if that person simply put it in storage and gave it no further thought! On the other hand, you would surely be pleased if he or she put your gift to good use and expressed appreciation for it. ","What is the point? Jehovah has given his Son in our behalf. How happy Jehovah must be when we show gratitude for that precious gift and for his love, which moved him to provide the ransom!—John 3:16; Rom. 5:7, 8.","John 3:16; Rom. 5:7, 8.",w25 January p. 26 par. 1,,,joshlaymon,,4/7/2025
"How We Benefit From Jehovah’s Love. Jehovah gives us a beautiful gift, take for granted, Memorial, ","Jehovah gives us a beautiful gift. As time passes, however, we could begin to take the gift of the ransom for granted. It would be like putting God’s gift in storage. We are happy to have it, but we keep it out of sight. ","To prevent that from happening, we must regularly renew our gratitude for what God and Christ have done for us. This article can help us do that. We will discuss how we benefit from the ransom now and how we can benefit from it in the future. We will also consider how we can respond appreciatively to Jehovah’s love, especially during this Memorial season.","John 3:16; Rom. 5:7, 8.",w25 January p. 26 pars. 1-2,,,joshlaymon,,4/7/2025
"Associations, Dangers, ","Suppose you are trapped in an elevator with a skunk. Would the skunk come out smelling like you, or would you come out smelling like a skunk? ","Likewise with association with worldly associates. You could come out smelling like a skunk, not the other way around.",1 Corinthians 15:33,Bobby Laymon ,,,joshlaymon,,4/13/2025
"Satan, Murderer, Premeditated murder, ","Now, first, let's talk about our enemy, Satan. He is no ordinary foe. Jehovah educates us regarding this enemy we're fighting. For one thing, he's a premeditated murderer. Look at what he did to Job’s attendance. He slaughtered them with Marauder bands. Others were consumed with fire. Look at what he did to Job's 10 children he murdered simultaneously, all ten of them with a violent windstorm. ","Yes, he's a premeditated murderer. He wants to murder into everlasting death every one of us here. ",2 Corinthians 11:14;,"Steven Lett, GB",HOW TO PROTECT OURSELVES FROM SATAN'S SNARES,115,joshlaymon,,4/13/2025
"Satan, intelligent, Dangerous, once in the truth, ","Now, on top of this, he is highly intelligent. As one brother said. He may be evil, wicked, a murderers, but he's not stupid. He's highly intelligent.","Think about this. The fact that he was once in the truth makes him more intelligent in a sense, or we could say clever because he has knowledge of having been in the truth. John 8:44. He did not stand fast in the truth, but he was in the truth. ",John 8:44;,Steven Lett GB,,115,joshlaymon,,4/13/2025
"Satan, once in the truth, dangerous, Anger","Now to illustrate how this makes Satan more dangerous, think about a few of the false brothers during World War 2 who left the truth and joined the Nazis in persecuting the brothers in the truth. They had knowledge of who were taking the lead. They knew where they lived. They knew the strategy that was being utilized. They were more dangerous ones, the same with Satan. ","Second Corinthians 11:14 says Satan keeps disguising himself as an Angel of light. Now it's very easy for him to pretend to be what he used to be, so that makes him more dangerous now. Revelation 12:7 And war broke out in heaven. Michael and his angels battle with the dragon, and the dragon and its angels battled, but they did not prevail, nor was a place found for them any longer in heaven. So down the great dragon was hurled the original serpent. The one called Devil and Satan who is misleading the entire inhabited earth. He was hurled down to the earth and his angels were hurled down with him. And then look at verse 12. On this account, be glad you heavens, and you who reside in them. Woe for the earth and for the sea. Because the devil has come down to you having great anger, knowing that he has a short period of time. Now you notice he's not just mad, he has great anger. ",2 Corinthians 11:14,Steven Lett GB,,115,joshlaymon,,4/21/2025
"Satan, angry, lost war, hurled, great anger, confined to tiny earth, ","Why is he so angry? Well, for one thing, after he lost the war in heaven, he wasn't merely asked to leave heaven and he quietly left. We read he was hurled out of heaven, and that denotes thrown with great force. So that undoubtedly added to his great anger. But also think about this, the tremendous reduction of his sphere of movement adds undoubtedly to his great anger before being. ","Thrown out of heaven, apparently he had access to the vast, vast physical, spiritual heavens, but now confined to the vicinity of this little, tiny earth. And if you think about it, not only does that make you mad, that makes you more dangerous, doesn't it? Before being cast out of heaven, undoubtedly he would try to turn away the angels. Part of the time he would try to turn away humans. See, he was divided in his attention. But now we have his undivided attention, don't we? So that's bad for us, and that makes him dangerous. ","Revelation 12:7, 12",Steven Lett GB,,115,joshlaymon,,4/13/2025
"Satan, Dangerous, Confined, earth, Hurled from heaven, ","About the increasing of the danger, I'd like you to imagine that all of the mafia members, all of the drug cartel members, and all of the terrorists of the entire planet on Earth were gathered up and were confined to New York City, the city limits. ","And you live there too, and Can you imagine the escalation of crime and evil that would take place there? Additionally, we read he's mad and angry because he knows his time is short. Now, if that's true, back around 1914, what about today? Over 100 years later, he knows his expiration date is almost here so you add it all up. His anger is truly really white hot you could say. And he has hordes of demon helpers that makes him more dangerous too. ","Revelation 12:7, 12",Steven Lett GB,,115,joshlaymon,,4/21/2025
"Satan, Demons, block Good Angel, Prince of Persia, power, premeditated murderer, highly intelligent, time, ","Do you think it would be possible for a demon to blocked one of Jehovah's good angels. Well, be careful how you answer that. Daniel chapter 10:13 talks about the demon Prince of Persia blocking for 21 days Jehovah's good Angel. Now how is that possible? Well, we don't know for sure. But perhaps the demon, before becoming a demon had been a cherub or a serif, and maybe the one sent on the assignment of messenger Angel. ","Of course, Michael came to help the good Angel, and he was able to get past that demon. But that scripture and others help us not to. Underestimate the demons. We can't underestimate the rumor of the demons, nor those demons that work under his supervision. So, adding it up, we find that Satan is a premeditated murderer. He is highly intelligent. He has great anger because of his great reduction of sphere of movement and because of his expiration of time, and he has hordes of demon helpers. Now Jehovah's given us all this information. Not to just fill up pages in the Bible, but so we are determined to recognize the enemy we are up against, and we are determined to fight even harder so that we can be victorious. ",Daniel 10:13;,Steven Lett GB,,115,joshlaymon,,4/13/2025
"Satan, Frontal attacks, strategy, failed attempts with frontal attacks. True Experience, ","Now this experience centers around the 29 year old brother named August Dickman. Now you probably remember this experience. But he was put in stocks in the house and concentration camp 1937. But then two days or three days after World War 2 began, 1939, he was ordered to sign his military induction slip. Of course, he refused to do that. Now the camp Commander was furious, so he got permission from Himmler, the head of the SS Guard, to publicly execute August in front of all the camp inmates, and he arranged the special assembly after he got this permission. And he had Jehovah's Witnesses right down front, where they would get the full impact of the execution of our dear brother. ","Well, after he was executed, all the other inmates were dismissed. But Jehovah's Witnesses had to stay, and with great enthusiasm the camp commander said to the witnesses. There he said, Who is now ready to sign the declaration? Well, not one of the more than four hundred witnesses responded. But then 2 stepped forward. No, not to sign, but to ask that their signatures given about a year earlier the annulled. What a slap in Satan's face. And that really illustrates the poor success rate of this frontal attacks.",2 Corinthians 2:11; ,Steven Lett GB ,,115,joshlaymon,,4/21/2025
"Attacks, Crafty acts, frontal attack, sneaky attacks, ","These crafty acts remind me of an illustration years ago in one of our publications of a soldier who was looking in the distance for the enemy to come over the horizon. He was looking for the frontal attack, but he was not looking in the rocks down by his feet. There was a poisonous snake lurking. ","And that powerfully made the point you have to watch, yes, for the frontal attack, but especially the snake in the rocks, attacks of the devil that can really bring you down without you realizing what has happened. But Jehovah assures us we can succeed in triumphing over both of these. Categories of attacks in fact, Psalm 91:13 a beautiful thought, it says, and Jehovah assures you will trample under foot. The maimed lion. And the big snake and the insight book explains that apparently in that scripture, the maned lion represents the frontal attack, the open attacks of Satan, whereas the big snake represents the sneaky, crafty acts of the devil. But Jehovah says you will. Example both of them under foot so we can be successful over both of them. But what are some of these snake like crafty acts? Let us just discuss two examples.",Psalm 91:13; 2 Corinthians 2:11; ,Steven Lett GB,,115,joshlaymon,,4/13/2025
"Crafty Act, Materialism, money, Satan, Sneaky, Meetings, personal study, family study, gradualism, ","Advertising messages want us to think that we are a poor, poor loser if we don't acquire abundant material things. So, what can happen? We can get sucked into this, little by little. We buy one item. No problem. We can handle that, we buy something else. Well, now we need to work a little bit of overtime to make the payments. We keep buying. Now we need to take a second job. Little by little we are missing meeting, service, less time for personal study, the more important things, and little by little. We could call Satan the God of gradualism will take us away from Jehovah by means of materialism. ","Now this is brought down many elders, ministerial servants, pioneers, publishers. Very successful crafty act of the devil. It is no coincidence. That this world is powerfully geared to promote materialism. Advertising messages are designed to indoctrinate deeply the idea that acquiring abundant material possessions and acquiring happiness are inseparably linked and directly proportional. That is really the message the world gives. Isn't that true? And if we are not careful, we can begin to think like this. ",Matthew 6:24; Luke 16:13;,Steven Lett GB,,115,joshlaymon,,4/13/2025
"Bad association, Satan's snares, ","Think of this illustration if you lock a man and a skunk in a closet. When they come out will the skunk smell like the man. Or will the man smell like the skunk? Well, you know the answer. And Jehovah knows it works the same way with bad association. ","Bad association. 1 Corinthians 15:33 Jehovah says do not be misled. Bad associations spoil useful habits. We might try to mislead ourselves. OH, I can handle it, I am strong enough. Maybe I will even bring this person to the truth, or others may try to mislead us. But Jehovah says do not be misled, and then he gives the terrible consequences. ",1 Corinthians 15:33 ,Steven Lett GB,,115,joshlaymon,,4/21/2025
"Satan's traps, flashlight, friend, Jehovah, ",Think of this illustration if you are walking in darkness with a loving friend. And he shines a flashlight on a trap that is right in front of you. Does the light of that flashlight remove the trap? ,"No, it just shows you where it is. Now it is up to us to go around the trap in that trip. How foolish to go ahead and step in that trap that our friend has illuminated. Well, Jehovah is the friend in that illustration, but we have to do our part. ",1 Corinthians 15:33 ,Steven Lett GB,,,joshlaymon,,4/13/2025
"Protection, Spiritual armor, knowledge, ","There is a saying. To be forewarned is to be forearmed. Similarly, Proverbs chapter 4:5,6 says in part, acquire wisdom, acquire understanding. And it will protect you. But now additionally, we have our spiritual armor. Ephesians 6:12,13 says in part that we have a struggle against the wicked spirit forces. In the heavenly places, for this reason, take up the complete suit of armor from God so that you may be able to resist and stand firm. ","Well, we have thus far discussed our evil enemy, his sinister strategy, which Jehovah's exposed. But now what? Do we have to defend ourselves? One major component of our defenses is knowledge. See what we what we just discussed? Knowing our enemy, knowing your strategy, and then wisely utilizing that knowledge provides a real protection for us.","Proverbs chapter 4:5, ;Ephesians 6:12,13",Steven Lett GB,,,joshlaymon,,4/14/2025
"Holy spirit, spiritual armor, thorn, complete armor, ","Without our armor, we are defenseless. We be like a soldier on a raging battlefield, dressed only in his underwear. How long do you think he would survive? Minutes, if that long? And not only do we need the armor, but we also need every piece of the armor. And that is what Ephesians 6:13 says. The complete suit of armor. One piece of armor missing could be tragic. Now let us illustrate this. Let us say a soldier forgets to put on his boot like sandals. He goes out onto this raging battlefield, and he steps on a long, sharp thorn just as he is attacked by an enemy soldier. Who is going to win? ","Well, it is obvious we need every piece of the armor. Additionally, an indispensable part of our defense system is Jehovah's Holy Spirit. Zachariah 4:6. The thought is made not by military force nor by power, but by my spirit, says Jehovah of armies. See, we do not fight this battle in our own strength. We have to have Jehovah's Holy Spirit, and if we have Holy Spirit, we are empowered by it. We think about there is no breaking point to our integrity.",Ephesians 6:13,"Steven Lett, GB",,,joshlaymon,,4/21/2025
"Straw, camel's back, weight, Jehovah's help, removed pain, ","You probably have heard the illustration of the straw that broke the camel's back. And literally with a camel, you could keep piling more and more weight than finally you could put so much weight, just a little more weight. You could break his back saying. Do that to us could he, if we were on our own. But Jehovah knows when we have done our part, we've gone as far as our imperfect flesh will take us. And then he steps in and makes up any deficit, saying pause more. Jehovah makes up the shortfall. Beaten past war, Jehovah makes us equal to that challenge. And since Job is the Almighty, there is literally no breaking point to our integrity. ","In fact, one brother living in a banned country refused to violate his Christian neutrality. So, he was stripped naked, forced to lie face down and ruthlessly beaten for six hours on his back and his legs. Spectators fainted it was so ruthless, but yet here's what that brother said sometime later. He said regardless of the amount of insulting and beatings that we received, a few seconds would pass, and we would not feel anything more even though the beatings continued. You were feeling that Jehovah God was always with us Well there we have 3 aspects of our defense system. There are others, but we discussed we have God-given knowledge. See, we know our enemy, we know his strategy, we know what we have to defend ourselves but then. We have our spiritual armor, and we have Jehovah's Holy Spirit. If we do our part, unquestionably Jehovah always does his part, and this combination is going to be unconquerable. So even the battle intensifies in our individual cases. We're not Gonna have to turn and cowardly flee. We'll be able to stand our ground, we'll be able to bravely fight and with Jehovah's help we will come off completely victorious in the face of Saints attack.",1 Corinthians 10:13;,"Steven Lett, GB",,,joshlaymon,,4/14/2025
"Problems, roots of, peace, security ","Do you believe that mankind can solve the many problems that rob us of peace and security and that threaten our future? To be effective, any cure must surely address the root causes of our troubles, not just the symptoms.To illustrate, a patient named Tom was sick and later died. Why did he die? “When his first symptoms appeared, no one thought to search for their underlying cause,” wrote the doctor whose hospital received Tom shortly before he died. It seems that Tom’s earlier caregivers had simply given him medication to make him feel better.","Are humans taking a similar approach to the world’s ills? For example, in fighting crime, governments enact laws, install video surveillance, and strengthen police forces. But these measures, while effective to some extent, do not address underlying causes. After all, behavior usually reflects attitudes, beliefs, and desires.",Genesis 8:21;,g19 No. 1 p. 4 ,,,joshlaymon,,4/18/2025
"Finding the Way, Happiness, emotions, Good Health, Life, ","To illustrate, compare happiness with good health. How do we enjoy that state of physical well-being? We follow a wise path in regard to diet, exercise, and overall lifestyle. Likewise, happiness results from following a good path in life, living in harmony with sound principles.","Happiness has been described as a state of well-being that is characterized by relative permanence, by emotions ranging from mere contentment to deep and intense joy in living, and by a natural desire for it to continue.Further, as an ongoing state of well-being, happiness has been described, not as a destination or goal, but as a journey. To say, “I’ll be happy when . . .” is, in effect, postponing happiness.",Psalms 119:1 , g18 No. 1 p. 3,,,joshlaymon,,4/18/2025
"Temptation, Conscience, thoughts, victory, bad person, ","You are tempted when you are attracted to something—especially something wrong. To illustrate, while shopping you see a desirable item. The thought flashes into your mind that you could easily steal the item and not get caught. However, your conscience says no! So you dismiss the thought and move on. At that point, the temptation is over, and you are the victor.",WHAT THE BIBLE SAYSBeing tempted does not make you a bad person. The Bible acknowledges that we all experience temptation. (1 Corinthians 10:13) What really matters is how we act when tempted. Some dwell on the improper desire and sooner or later give in to it. Others promptly dismiss it as wrong.,1 Corinthians 10:13, g17 No. 4 p. 14,,,joshlaymon,,4/18/2025
"An Embryologist Explains His Faith, What convinced you that God created life? assembly lines, ","To illustrate, engineers design assembly lines so that the right parts are fitted together in the right order and in the right way. Embryo development is somewhat similar but vastly more complex.","What convinced you that God created life? A goal of scientific research is to find the truth, not to support preconceived ideas. My study of embryo development led me to change my view—that is, I concluded that life was created. ",1 Corinthians 15:23, g16 No. 2 pp. 10-11,,,joshlaymon,,4/18/2025
"Meditation, assembly, arrange, order, ","To illustrate, when we study an aspect of creation or a certain Bible topic, we learn many interesting facts. But when we meditate on those facts, we see how they relate to one another and to what we have learned in the past. Thus, just as a carpenter turns raw materials into an attractive building, meditation enables us to “assemble” facts into a coherent pattern or structure.","Concerning the person who regularly meditates on God, Psalm 1:3 states: “He will be like a tree planted by streams of water, a tree that produces fruit in its season, the foliage of which does not wither. And everything he does will succeed.”Meditation also helps us to improve our comprehension and memory.",Psalm 1:3;,g 5/14 p. 15,,,joshlaymon,,4/18/2025
Religion,"Illustrating how to identify those who practice true religion, the Bible says: “By their fruits you will recognize them. Never do people gather grapes from thorns or figs from thistles, do they?” (Matthew 7:16) You need not be a botanist to distinguish a fig tree from a thistle; likewise, you need not be an expert on religion to tell the true from the false. What are some of the fruits, or identifying features, of true religion?","• True religion teaches the truth from God’s Word, the Bible. (John 4:24; 17:17) It is not based on human philosophies.• True religion helps people get to know God, including knowing his name, Jehovah.—John 17:3, 6.• True religion focuses attention on God’s Kingdom, not man’s governments, as the only hope for mankind.—Matthew 10:7; 24:14.• True religion promotes unselfish love. (John 13:35) It teaches people to respect all ethnic groups, to use their time and resources to help others, and to avoid sharing in the wars of the nations.—Micah 4:1-4.",Matthew 7:16,g 7/14 p. 15 ,,,joshlaymon,,4/18/2025
"“Observe Intently the Birds, Illustrations, ","Today, bird-watching is a popular recreational activity—and understandably so, for birds amaze us with their antics, beauty, courtship rituals, and songs. What is more, they can also teach the thoughtful observer valuable lessons about life. Will you “observe intently the birds”?Some of the most beautiful references to birds were made by Jesus Christ. Consider these words found at Matthew 6:26: “Observe intently the birds of heaven; they do not sow seed or reap or gather into storehouses, yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth more than they are?” That touching illustration reassures Jesus’ followers that they are precious to God and need never be anxious about obtaining life’s necessities.—Matthew 6:31-33.","King Solomon wrote of “the song of the turtledove,” which heralds the arrival of spring. (Song of Solomon 2:12) A psalmist mentioned the swallow when he was writing about his yearning to serve in God’s temple. With a touch of envy, he said: “Even the bird finds a home there and the swallow a nest for herself, where she cares for her young near your grand altar, O Jehovah.”—Psalm 84:1-3.",Song of Solomon 2:12,g 8/14 p. 11,,,joshlaymon,,4/18/2025
"Keys to a Happy Life, Envy, jealous, ","Certain high officials in ancient Persia envied, not the king, but a brilliant fellow official named Daniel. Indicating how unhappy those men must have been, they even schemed to kill Daniel! But the plot failed. (Daniel 6:1-24) “It is important to recognize the hostile nature of envy,” says the aforementioned encyclopedia. “This hostility explains why envy is associated with so many historical cases of aggression.”","How can you recognize envy? Ask yourself: ‘Do a peer’s successes delight or deflate me? If a sibling, talented classmate, or fellow worker fails in some way, am I sad or gleeful?’ If you answered “deflate me” and “gleeful,” you may be nurturing envy. (Genesis 26:12-14) “Envy,” says the Encyclopedia of Social Psychology, “can poison a person’s capacity to enjoy the good things in life and snuff out feelings of gratitude for life’s many gifts. . . . Such tendencies are hardly conducive to happiness.”",Daniel 6:1-24,g 11/14 pp. 5-6 ,,,joshlaymon,,4/18/2025
"How to End the Silent Treatment, Marriage, ","In a game of catch, you toss the ball so that it can be caught easily. You do not fling it with such force that you injure your partner. ","Apply the same principle when speaking with your spouse. Hurling bitter remarks will only cause harm. Instead, speak gently—with graciousness—so that your mate can catch your point.",Colossians 4:6,g 6/13 p. 5,,,joshlaymon,,4/18/2025
"When a Friendship Gets Too Close,Set boundaries. Alarm, ","People will install an alarm system in their vehicle or home to prevent theft. You can do something similar for your marriage. “Safeguard your heart,” says the Bible. (Proverbs 4:23) How can you do that? ","Try the following:• Send out clear signals that you are already committed—perhaps by keeping photographs of your spouse at work.—Bible principle: Genesis 2:24.• Decide what you will and will not tolerate when it comes to conduct with the opposite sex. For example, it would hardly be fitting to talk to such a friend about your marital problems or to go out for drinks with a coworker of the opposite sex.• If you have become too close to a member of the opposite sex, end the relationship. If that seems too much to bear, ask yourself why. Instead of trying to defend your relationship with this person, stand up for your spouse and take steps to protect your marriage.—Bible principle: Proverbs 5:18, 19.",Proverbs 4:23;,g 10/13 p. 5,,,joshlaymon,,4/18/2025
"Three Things That Money Cannot Buy, illusory, illusion, Shopping, spending, comfort, control, ","Spending can become “retail therapy” that gives people a measure of comfort in a world where family, community, and church have failed them. “Shopping is one way to control our environment,” she writes in The Price of Privilege. “It puts us in charge of transactions and confers a sense of power on the buyer. This type of power is illusory . . . The real power is being exerted by large corporations and their advertisers, who are paid to suggest that consumer goods confer magical and protective powers on buyers.” The Price of Privilege, by Dr. Madeline Levine.","This type of power is illusory . . . The real power is being exerted by large corporations and their advertisers, who are paid to suggest that consumer goods confer magical and protective powers on buyers.”",Luke 12:15; ,g 10/13 p. 11,,,joshlaymon,,4/19/2025
"Prepare and Store Food Carefully, poison, danger, ","A CARELESS cook in ancient Israel gathered wild gourds, although he was “not acquainted with them.” He added the unfamiliar food to a stew. The eaters, who feared that the food may have been poisoned, cried out: “There is death in the pot.”—2 Kings 4:38-41.","As the above example illustrates, food that is prepared carelessly warrants caution, as it can be harmful or even deadly. To prevent foodborne illness, therefore, learn to prepare and store food carefully. Consider the following four suggestions:",2 Kings 4:38-41, g 6/12 p. 6 3.,,,joshlaymon,,4/21/2025
" Get Motivated, school, education, wisdom, protection, ","WHAT is the practical value of school? It will help you acquire wisdom, and the Bible says that “wisdom is for a protection.” (Ecclesiastes 7:12) How so? To illustrate: Imagine that you are walking through a dangerous neighborhood. Which would you prefer—to be wandering alone or to be with a group of friends who could protect you if necessary? With a good education, you have several strong “friends” always at your side. These include:Thinking ability. Going to school can help you develop what the Bible calls “common sense and sound judgment.” (Proverbs 3:21, Contemporary English Version) Acquiring these skills will help you to solve your own problems instead of always having to rely on others to bail you out.Social skills. The Bible admonishes Christians to cultivate such qualities as long-suffering and self-control. (Galatians 5:22, 23) Mixing with a variety of people at school gives you plenty of opportunity to master those qualities, along with tolerance, respect, and empathy—traits that will serve you well in adulthood.","With a good education, you have several strong “friends” always at your side. These include:Thinking ability. Going to school can help you develop what the Bible calls “common sense and sound judgment.” (Proverbs 3:21, Contemporary English Version) Acquiring these skills will help you to solve your own problems instead of always having to rely on others to bail you out.Social skills. The Bible admonishes Christians to cultivate such qualities as long-suffering and self-control. (Galatians 5:22, 23) Mixing with a variety of people at school gives you plenty of opportunity to master those qualities, along with tolerance, respect, and empathy—traits that will serve you well in adulthood.",Ecclesiastes 7:12;,g 10/12 p. 3,,,joshlaymon,,4/19/2025
"Stay Healthy, maintenance, rest, energy, ","IT ONLY makes sense to take care of the body that God gave you. (Psalm 139:14) To illustrate: Imagine that you own a car, but you never take time to maintain it. The car will only go so far before it breaks down. The same can happen to your body. What kind of “maintenance” do you need?Rest. Skimping on sleep can make you look haggard and leave you feeling lethargic, confused, and even depressed. In contrast, getting sufficient rest will give you more energy. It can also accelerate your physical growth, improve your brain function, boost your immune system, and enhance your emotional well-being. That is quite a return for something that requires so little effort!","The same can happen to your body. What kind of “maintenance” do you need?Rest. Skimping on sleep can make you look haggard and leave you feeling lethargic, confused, and even depressed. In contrast, getting sufficient rest will give you more energy. It can also accelerate your physical growth, improve your brain function, boost your immune system, and enhance your emotional well-being. That is quite a return for something that requires so little effort!",Psalm 139:14,g 10/12 p. 6,,,joshlaymon,,4/20/2025
"What Can I Expect From Marriage? expect the unexpected, ","Imagine that you have a free airline ticket to travel anywhere in the world. Which destination would you choose, and why?Destination: .....Reason:..... scenery..... culture..... climate..... recreation..... other .....","Imagine that your airline ticket is one-way and that your destination will be your permanent residence.Now which destination—if any—would you choose? Destination: .....or..... I would stay where I am.In the above exercise, your first and second destination choices probably differ. Even if they’re the same, likely you had to think differently about your second choice. Rather than imagine yourself as a vacationer who’s lounging on a beach or hiking in the mountains, you had to think of yourself as a resident who is facing both the benefits and the challenges of daily life.That’s how you need to think about marriage. After all, with the passing of time, circumstances may change. No doubt you and your spouse will too. Much of your success will depend on your ability to expect the unexpected and to deal with it when it arises. To think about: How well do you deal with unexpected situations in life right now, as a single person?",Matthew 19:6;,g 10/12 p. 18,,,joshlaymon,,4/20/2025
"Are Science and the Bible Compatible? chocolate cake, ","Many truths about God are beyond the scope of science. To illustrate, a scientist may be able to describe every molecule in a chocolate cake, but will his analysis reveal why the cake was made or for whom? For answers to questions like that—which most people would regard as the more important ones—he needs to consult the person who baked the cake.","Similarly, science “gives a lot of factual information,” wrote Austrian physicist and Nobel laureate Erwin Schrödinger, “but it is ghastly silent about all . . . that is really near to our heart, that really matters to us.” This includes, he says, “God and eternity.” For example, only God can answer such questions as the following: Why is there a universe? Why does our planet have an abundance of life, including intelligent life? If God truly is almighty, why does he permit evil and suffering? And is there hope beyond the grave?","Psalm 19:1,2; ",g 2/11 p. 22,,,joshlaymon,,4/20/2025
"Can Self-Inflicted Pain Help You Get Closer to God? Persecution, insults, endure, mob, ","Imagine you see an admired friend being reviled and struck by an enraged mob. You notice that your friend endures the attack with a calm, peaceful spirit, not striking back or returning insults. If you wanted to imitate your friend, would you start striking and insulting yourself? Of course not! That would be imitating the actions of the mob. You would simply try to avoid retaliating if you came under a similar attack.","Clearly, then, Christ’s followers are not expected to inflict pain on themselves as if they needed to mimic the enraged mobs that tormented and sought to kill Jesus. (John 5:18; 7:1, 25; 8:40; 11:53) Instead, when they suffer persecution, they are to imitate the calm, peaceful way Jesus endured hardship.—John 15:20.","John 5:18; 7:1, 25; 8:40; 11:53",g 3/11 p. 11 ,,,joshlaymon,,4/20/2025
"What Should I Know About Social Networking? Security, safety, ","Suppose you had in your possession a large amount of cash. Would you display it for everyone to see as you walked down a public street with your friends? That would be foolish—you’d be asking to be robbed! If you’re smart, you’ll hide your cash where it can’t be seen.","Think of your personal information as your cash. With that in mind, look at the list below and check off the items that you would not feel comfortable advertising to a complete stranger...... my home address ..... my e-mail address ..... where I attend school ..... the times when I am at home ..... the times when nobody is at home ..... my photos  ..... my viewpoints ..... my likes and interestsEven if you’re the world’s greatest extrovert, likely you’d agree that there are at least some things on the above list that shouldn’t be revealed to just anyone. But many young people—and adults—have unwittingly shared such details with strangers! How can you avoid such a pitfall?",Proverbs 3:21;,g 7/11 p. 26 ,,,joshlaymon,,4/20/2025
What Should I Know About Social Networking?,"imagine that you own a brand-new car; it doesn’t have a single scratch or dent. Wouldn’t you like to keep it that way? How would you feel if because of your own carelessness, your car was wrecked in an accident?","Something similar can happen to your reputation on a social network. “With one thoughtless picture or post,” says a girl named Cara, “your reputation can be ruined.” For example, consider how your reputation might be affected by . . .",Proverbs 6:20;, g 8/11 p. 10 ,,,joshlaymon,,4/20/2025
"Adolescence—Preparing for Adulthood, Life changes, growth, values, ","Imagine that you are moving from one home to another and that you are taking your furniture with you. Will it be easy to find a place for each piece in the new home? Likely not. But one thing is certain, you will not throw away any item that you view as precious.","Your adolescent faces a similar situation as he prepares for the time when he will “leave his father and his mother.” (Genesis 2:24) True, that day may be a long way off; your adolescent is not yet an adult. In a sense, though, he is already packing. Throughout the teen years, he is examining the values he has been raised with, and he is deciding which ones he will take with him into adulthood.The idea of your child making such decisions may frighten you. You can be sure, though, that when he moves into adulthood, he will retain only the values that he views as precious. Therefore, now—while your adolescent is still at home—is the time for him to investigate thoroughly the principles by which he will live.—Acts 17:11.","Genesis 2:24, Acts 17:11", g 10/11 p. 17 ,,,joshlaymon,,4/20/2025
"The Most Important Question of All, faith, evident demonstration, informed, tsunami, ","You are walking along a beach when, suddenly, you feel the ground quake. Then you see the water rush out to sea. You recognize the significance of these phenomena and that they warn of a tsunami. In this case, the quake and the vanishing water together form an “evident demonstration” of the yet unseen reality, the approaching waves. Your informed faith, in turn, moves you to flee to high ground and safety.","Faith in God too should be an informed faith, a response to convincing evidence. Only then can God become an ‘unseen reality’ to you. Must you be a scientist to examine and weigh such evidence? Nobel laureate Vladimir Prelog acknowledged that even “winners of the Nobel Prize are not more competent about God, religion, and life after death than other people.”",Hebrews 11:1; ,g 11/11 p. 3 ,,,joshlaymon,,4/21/2025
"Consider the Evidence, Creation, wisdom, funeral, information, encoded, intelligent mind, ","YOU are on a remote, uninhabited island. While walking along the beach, you see “John 1800” engraved on a boulder. Do you assume that because the island is isolated and uninhabited, the marks must be the result of wind or water erosion? Of course not! You rightly conclude that someone made that inscription. Why? For one thing, a string of well-defined letters and numbers—even if they are in a foreign language—does not occur naturally. Second, the statement contains meaningful information, indicating an intelligent source. A child could write “John 1800.” But only a superhuman mind could write the code of life. ","In everyday life, we encounter information encoded in many forms—such as Braille or letters of the alphabet, as well as diagrams, musical notes, spoken words, hand signs, radio signals, and computer programs involving the binary code, using zeros and ones. The information-conveying medium can be virtually anything, from light to radio waves to paper and ink. Whatever the case, people always associate meaningful information with an intelligent mind—unless such information is contained in a living cell. That information, say evolutionists, just happened or wrote itself somehow. But did it? Consider the evidence.",Psalm 139:16;,g 11/11 p. 4,,,joshlaymon,,4/20/2025
"Snakes in Worship—Past and Present, Idols, animals, Creator, creation, images,","To illustrate: Suppose that an architect constructed houses and gave them to families to live in and enjoy. What if those families thanked and praised the houses rather than the architect? Would that not be foolish, as well as offensive to the generous architect? Similarly, worshipping animals rather than their Creator is offensive to God. Clearly, those who wish to have God’s approval should heed the warning of the apostle John: “Little children, guard yourselves from idols.”—1 John 5:21.","Jehovah prohibited his people from worshipping images of animals, such as snakes. Thus, should it not be clear that those desirous of his favor must avoid the worship of snakes? Why does God reject idolatry, including snake worship? The reason is simple: He gives life to humans, to snakes, and to all other living things. They are all the works of his hands, so worship is due him, not the things he has created.",1 John 5:21., g 3/10 p. 23 ,,,joshlaymon,,4/21/2025
" How Can I Manage Money Wisely? Expense, calculate, budget, needs, wants, ","Jesus said: “Who of you that wants to build a tower does not first sit down and calculate the expense, to see if he has enough to complete it?” (Luke 14:28) Although Jesus was illustrating the need to count the cost of becoming one of his followers, his words are obviously true in a literal sense. So prepare a budget, listing your real needs and the costs.","Do not waste money on bad habits. Such practices as gambling, smoking, and drug and alcohol abuse are all bad in God’s eyes.—Proverbs 23:20, 21; Isaiah 65:11; 2 Corinthians 7:1.Avoid “the love of money.” (Hebrews 13:5) Money lovers are bound to suffer unhappiness and disillusionment, in effect, ‘stabbing themselves all over with many pains.’ (1 Timothy 6:9, 10) What is more, they become slaves to an insatiable appetite, for no matter how much they have, it is never enough.—Ecclesiastes 5:10.","Proverbs 23:20, 21; Isaiah 65:11; 2 Corinthians 7:1", g 5/10 p. 19 ,,,joshlaymon,,4/20/2025
"How Can I Get Over a Breakup? Wounds, pain, ","You may have heard the saying, Time heals all wounds. When you first break up, those words might ring hollow. That’s because time is only part of the solution. To illustrate: A cut on your skin will heal in time, but it hurts now. You need to stop the bleeding and soothe the pain. You also need to keep it from becoming infected. ","The same is true with an emotional wound. Right now, it hurts. But there are steps you can take to lessen the pain and keep from becoming infected with bitterness. Time will do its part, but how can you do yours? Try the following.Allow yourself to grieve. There’s nothing wrong with having a good cry. After all, the Bible says that there is “a time to weep” and even “a time to wail.” (Ecclesiastes 3:1, 4) Shedding tears doesn’t mean you’re weak. In the midst of emotional anguish, even David—a courageous warrior—once admitted: “Every night my bed is damp from my weeping; my pillow is soaked with tears.”—Psalm 6:6, Today’s English Version.","Ecclesiastes 3:1, 4, ",g 2/09 p. 19 ,,,joshlaymon,,4/21/2025
"The Man Who Mapped the World, Mercator, round, flat, Map, geography, ","Have you ever tried to flatten the skin of an orange? Of course, it is impossible to do so without distorting it. That example illustrates the problem faced by mapmakers—how to project a globe (the earth) on a flat map. ","Mercator solved the problem by introducing a system that is now known as the Mercator projection. In this method the lines that form the degrees of latitude from the equator to the poles are spaced proportionally. Although this approach distorts distances and sizes (especially to the north and south), it was a major breakthrough in cartography. Mercator’s wall map of the world of 1569 was a masterpiece that greatly contributed to his fame as a cartographer. Actually, his projection is still used in ocean maps and by the modern Global Positioning System.",2 Timothy 3:16;,g 4/09 p. 22 ,,,joshlaymon,,4/20/2025
"A House Divided—The Impact of Divorce on Adolescents, Marriage, ","Imagine that you have embarked on a long journey by car. It is inevitable that you will encounter problems along the way, including severe weather, traffic jams, and roadblocks. On occasion, you may even get lost. What will you do? Turn around and go back or find a way to overcome the obstacle and move forward? ","On the day of your wedding, you embarked on a journey that was sure to bring its share of problems, for the Bible says that “those who marry will have pain and grief.” (1 Corinthians 7:28, The New English Bible) The question is not whether problems will arise but how you will face them when they do. Can you find a way to overcome the obstacle and move forward? Even if you feel that your marriage is hopelessly lost, will you try to get help?—James 5:14.",1 Corinthians 7:28, g 10/09 p. 20 ,,,joshlaymon,,4/20/2025
"Living Together Before Marriage, maintain, instructions, ","Suppose a man and woman own a car, but they do not maintain it according to the manufacturer’s instructions. If the car breaks down as a result, who is to blame? The manufacturer or the owners who failed to perform routine maintenance?","The same principle applies to marriage. When a husband and wife maintain their relationship and are determined to work out their problems by applying Bible principles, divorce is far less likely. There is a feeling of security in the marriage because a personal commitment has been made by each spouse. Marriage then becomes the basis for a loving relationship.",Genesis 2:24;,g 10/09 pp. 28-29,,,joshlaymon,,4/20/2025
What About Living Together Before Marriage? ,"WOULD you buy a suit or a dress without first trying it on? Likely not. After all, if you later found that the garment did not fit, you would have wasted your time and money.","Many people apply a similar logic to marriage. They feel that it is better for a man and woman to live together before making a commitment to become husband and wife. ‘If things do not work out,’ they reason, ‘a man and woman can walk away without having to deal with the complex and costly process of divorce.’Perhaps some who feel that way have seen a married friend endure an abusive relationship. Or they may have witnessed the traumatic effects of a loveless marriage. As a result, they might view living together as a wise precaution.What is the Bible’s viewpoint on this matter? To answer, we first need to consider what God’s Word has to say about the institution of marriage.","Genesis 2:21-24, ",g 10/09 p. 28 ,,,joshlaymon,,4/20/2025
"Blessing or Curse? mobile phone, modern technology, ","A driver loses control of his car and hits a utility pole, seriously injuring a passenger. Immediately, he uses his cell phone to call for help. But why did he lose control? He momentarily took his eyes off the road to answer his phone.","AS THIS example illustrates, the products of modern technology can be either a blessing or a curse—the choice depends on us. Few people, though, would prefer to go back to the comparatively crude products of yesteryear. Computers, for example, spare us tedious tasks, enable us to buy and bank conveniently online, and help us keep in touch with others by e-mail, voice mail, or video link.",Romans 13:1;, g 11/09 p. 4 ,,,joshlaymon,,4/20/2025
"Parents—Guide Your Children, power of reason, computer games, TV, gadgets, software, wise, foolish,","To illustrate, it is not illegal to spend hours playing computer games or watching TV, but is it wise? It is not illegal to buy the latest gadgets or software, but once again, is it wise? How, then, can you help your children to develop a wise heart in regard to technology?","In the Bible, adults and children are encouraged to develop their “power of reason,” or thinking ability. (Romans 12:1; Proverbs 1:8, 9; 3:21) This, in turn, enables us to distinguish not only right from wrong but also what is wise from what is unwise. ","Romans 12:1; Proverbs 1:8, 9; 3:21",g 11/09 pp. 6-7 ,,,joshlaymon,,4/20/2025
"Purposeful Design or Mindless Process? control room, universe, rows, dials, Creator, universe, comos, ","The writer asked his readers to visualize an explorer’s visit to an imaginary “control room for the whole universe.” There, the explorer observes rows and rows of dials that can be set to any value, and he learns that each has to be calibrated to a precise setting in order for life to be possible. One dial sets the strength of the force of gravity, one the strength of electromagnetic attraction, another the ratio between the mass of the neutron and the proton, and so on. ","As the explorer examines these numerous dials, he sees that they could have been set to different values. It also becomes clear to him, after meticulous calculation, that even a small change in any one of the dial settings would modify the architecture of the cosmos in such a way that life in it would cease to exist. Yet, each dial is set to precisely the right value needed to keep the universe running and habitable. What should the visitor deduce about how the dials came to be set the way they are? Astronomer George Greenstein states: “As we survey all the evidence, the thought insistently arises that some supernatural agency—or, rather, Agency—must be involved. Is it possible that suddenly, without intending to, we have stumbled upon scientific proof of the existence of a Supreme Being?”The book Science & Christianity—Four Views has an interesting way of illustrating the delicacy of the balance of forces and elements in the cosmos.",Genesis 1:1;,g 12/09 pp. 6-7 ,,,joshlaymon,,4/20/2025
Why Don’t My Parents Trust Me? ,"Imagine a man who owes money to a bank. If he makes payments regularly, he’ll earn the bank’s trust and the bank may even extend more credit to him in the future. It’s similar at home. If you prove trustworthy—even in small things—your parents are likely to trust you more in the future.","Annette came to understand that fact. “When you’re younger,” she says, “you don’t fully appreciate the importance of being trusted. Now I feel more responsible, and I feel compelled to act in a way that will help me retain my parents’ trust.” The lesson? Rather than complain about your parents’ lack of trust in you, focus on building up a record of trustworthy behavior.",Eph 4:25;, g 4/08 p. 29 ,,,joshlaymon,,4/20/2025
How Can I Make Worship of God Enjoyable? ,"What’s more enjoyable—watching a sport on television or playing it on the field? Obviously, being a participant is more rewarding than being a spectator. Why not take that approach to Christian meetings?","Many youths are experiencing the truthfulness of Psalm 34:8, which says: “Taste and see that Jehovah is good.” How satisfying is it to hear about a mouthwatering dish? Isn’t it better to savor the food for yourself? It’s the same with worshipping God. Taste and see for yourself how rewarding it is to participate in spiritual activities. The Bible says that the one who is not just a hearer but a doer of the work “will be happy in his doing it.”—James 1:25.",James 1:25, g 7/08 p. 21 ,,,joshlaymon,,4/20/2025
Homosexuality—How Can I Avoid It? ,"To illustrate: A person might be “disposed to rage.” (Proverbs 29:22) In the past he may have freely given in to fits of anger. After studying the Bible, though, he becomes aware of the need to develop self-control. Does this mean that he will never again feel anger welling up inside him? No. However, because he knows what the Bible says about uncontrolled anger, he refuses to succumb to his feelings. ","It is similar with a person who has felt attracted to others of the same sex but who has now come to learn what the Bible says about homosexual practices. On occasion, an improper desire may still present itself. Nevertheless, by heeding the counsel of the Bible, the person can refrain from acting on that desire.",Proverbs 29:22, g 2/07 p. 29 ,,,joshlaymon,,4/20/2025
"Help Youths Meet Their Needs, Dress, personality, attire, dressed by parents, new personality, ","Parents usually choose what a young child will wear from day to day, hoping that he or she will learn good dress sense. But can you imagine a 30-year-old healthy adult still being dressed by his parents? The very idea is absurd! ","Using the analogy of attire, the Bible encourages us: “Clothe yourselves with the new personality”—a Christlike personality. (Colossians 3:10) You can help your children to put on the new personality by means of loving discipline and “mental-regulating.” (Ephesians 6:4) Then as they grow older and more independent, they may well make “the new personality” their choice of “attire” too, seeing it as truly beautiful and appealing.—Deuteronomy 30:19, 20.","Deuteronomy 30:19, 20", g 3/07 p. 9 ,,,joshlaymon,,4/21/2025
"Is Humility a Weakness or a Strength? soft clay, potter, ","The Bible likens Jehovah to a potter and humans to clay. (Isaiah 64:8) Humility helps a person to be like soft clay in God’s hands, someone he can mold into a desirable vessel; whereas the haughty are like dry, hard clay that can only be crushed. ","An infamous example of the latter is the proud Pharaoh of ancient Egypt who defied Jehovah at the cost of his life. (Exodus 5:2; 9:17; Psalm 136:15) Pharaoh’s demise well illustrates the proverb: “Pride is before a crash, and a haughty spirit before stumbling.”—Proverbs 16:18.","Exodus 5:2; 9:17; Psalm 136:15, ", g 3/07 p. 21 ,,,joshlaymon,,4/20/2025
"Make Your Family a Safe Haven, bullies, bullying, intimidation, ","The wife and mother has a role of vital importance and dignity. The Bible uses the protective instincts of mothers in the animal kingdom to illustrate how protective Jehovah and Jesus can be. (Matthew 23:37) A human mother should likewise be staunchly protective of her children. Lovingly, she is quick to put their safety and well-being ahead of her own. ","The parents do not allow abuse of power, bullying, or intimidation to enter into their dealings with each other or with their children; nor do they allow their children to use such tactics on one another.",Matthew 23:37;,g 10/07 p. 11,,,joshlaymon,,4/20/2025
"What Should I Do When My Parents Argue? Family,","To illustrate: Have you ever watched a movie with close friends and found out that your opinion of what you saw differed from theirs? It can happen. Even people who are close to one another will see things differently. It could be similar with your parents. Perhaps both are concerned about the family finances, but each has a different view of budgeting; both want to plan a family vacation, but each has a different notion of what constitutes relaxation; or both are anxious for you to succeed in school, but each has a different idea of how best to motivate you. The point is, unity does not require uniformity. Even two people who are united in a one-flesh bond can see things differently.","If your parents have differences of opinion, it doesn’t mean that their marriage is falling apart. In all likelihood your parents still love each other—even though they get on each other’s nerves sometimes. So why do they argue? Perhaps they have different ways of focusing on certain matters. That’s not always wrong, nor does it spell doom for their relationship.",Matthew 19:5;, g 10/07 p. 18 ,,,joshlaymon,,4/21/2025
"Where Is This World Heading? Future, Tomorrow, Questions about life, ","Consider an illustration. Imagine that you are traveling by bus through a foreign land. Because the area is unfamiliar, you begin to feel uneasy. ‘Just where am I?’ you wonder. ‘Is this bus really headed in the right direction? How far am I from my destination?’ By consulting an accurate map and by observing the signs outside your window, you can find the answers to your questions.","The situation is similar for many today who feel anxious as they think about the future. ‘Where are we heading?’ they wonder. ‘Are we really on the road to global peace? If so, when will we reach that destination?’ The Bible is like a map that can help us to answer those questions. By carefully reading it—and by looking closely at what is happening outside our “window” on the world scene—we can learn much about where we are and where we are heading. First, though, we need to consider how our problems began.",Genesis 1:28;,g 1/06 pp. 6-7 ,,,joshlaymon,,4/22/2025
"Why Do I Hurt Myself? Cutting myself, body, emotions, ","Why does the cutter resort to physical pain in an effort to relieve emotional anguish? To illustrate, consider what happens when you are in a doctor’s office about to get a shot. As the process begins, have you ever found yourself pinching your skin or perhaps putting pressure on it with your fingernail, just to distract yourself from the sting of the needle? ","What the self-injurer does is similar, although on a more serious level. To the self-injurer, cutting provides a form of distraction and a sense of relief from the sting of emotional anguish. And the anguish is so great that by comparison physical pain is preferable. Perhaps that is why one self-injurer described cutting as “medicine for my fears.”","Revelation 21:3, 4; ",g 1/06 pp. 11-12 ,,,joshlaymon,,4/22/2025
"How Can I Control My Spending? Money, get rich, budget, ","To illustrate: If you were driving and did not have control of your car or were in the habit of steering with your eyes closed, would putting more fuel in your tank make you more comfortable? Would you be more likely to reach your destination safely? ","Likewise, if you do not learn how to control your spending, earning more money will not improve your situation.","1 Tim 6:9, 10", g 6/06 p. 12 ,,,joshlaymon,,4/22/2025
"Is the Holy Spirit a Person? power, fixed location, shutters, sun, solar rays, ","Back in 1879, Bible scholar Charles L. Ives aptly illustrated God’s ability to exercise his power from a fixed location. He wrote: “For example, we say, ‘Open the shutters, and let the sun come into the room.’ We mean, not the real, bodily sun, but the solar ray, that which proceeds from the sun.” ","Similarly, God has no need to travel to the locations where he intends to use his active force. He simply employs his holy spirit, which can reach to the extremities of creation. Seeing the holy spirit for what it is—God’s powerful active force—can give you confidence that Jehovah will fulfill his promises. However, from his “established place of dwelling,” he can use his active force to reach out into every corner of both the spirit realm and the physical realm.—Psalm 139:7.",Psalm 139:7;,g 7/06 p. 15 ,,,joshlaymon,,4/22/2025
"TV—The “Subtle Instructor” Television, allergy, allergic reaction, ","To illustrate: Suppose you take a medication for the first time, and within hours you break out in hives. In such a situation, it is easy to conclude that the medication caused your allergic reaction. Sometimes, though, an allergy develops gradually. When that is the case, linking the allergic reaction to a specific medication may prove much more difficult, since allergies have many causes.","Similarly, it has been difficult to prove that the violence shown on television causes crime and antisocial behavior. Many studies do suggest that there is such a link. Furthermore, some criminals have said that their attitudes and violent behavior were fashioned by what they saw on TV. On the other hand, people are exposed to many influences in life. Violent video games, the social values of friends and family, general living conditions—all these may also contribute to aggressive behavior.",Proverbs 13:20, g 10/06 p. 6 ,,,joshlaymon,,4/22/2025
"Why Does God Permit Suffering? Slander, withholding good, ","How would a loving and capable parent feel if he was publicly accused of lying to his children, abusing his authority over them, and withholding good things from them? Would he disprove those slanderous accusations by physically assaulting his accuser? Of course not! In fact, by reacting in such a manner, he might give credibility to the accusations.","This illustration helps to explain Jehovah God’s way of handling a challenge raised against him at the dawn of human history in a place called Eden. There God announced to the first two humans, Adam and Eve, a wonderful project for his earthly children. They were to fill the earth, subdue it, and turn it into a global paradise. (Genesis 1:28) Moreover, hundreds of millions of spirit sons of God were keenly interested in this exciting project.","Job 38:4, 7; Daniel 7:10.",g 11/06 p. 6 ,,,joshlaymon,,4/22/2025
"How Can I Conquer This Habit? A Relapse Does Not Spell Defeat! fail, failure, slipped back, ","Consider an illustration: If you were walking up a flight of stairs and slipped back one or two steps because of stumbling, would you reason, ‘I’ll just have to walk back to the foot of the stairs and start over’? Of course not! Why, then, should you apply this false reasoning to the fight against bad habits?  ","Feelings of guilt often follow a setback. You might carry these feelings to an extreme by concluding that you are no good, that you are of weak character and do not deserve anything good. Do not allow yourself to indulge in such exaggerated guilt. It saps you of the strength that you need to resume the battle. And remember this: The greatest man ever to walk this earth, Jesus Christ, came to redeem sinners, not perfect people. So none of us will do things perfectly at this time.—From Awake! April 8, 1991, page 15. How easy it is to think: ‘I failed, so I may as well give up.’ Fight that mood. Refuse to let a temporary setback, or even several setbacks, spell defeat for you.",Philippians 4:8.,g 11/06 p. 19 ,,,joshlaymon,,4/22/2025
 How Can I Say No to Sex at School? ,"The Bible describes a young man who allowed an immoral woman to grab hold of him and kiss him. He let her talk to him in a sexually suggestive manner. With what result? “All of a sudden he is going after her, like a bull that comes even to the slaughter.”—Proverbs 7:13-23.","In contrast, consider how Joseph dealt with a similar situation. His master’s wife persistently attempted to seduce him, but he firmly rejected her offers. When she eventually tried to grab him, he took decisive action and ran.—Genesis 39:7-12.",Proverbs 7:13-23.,g 3/06 p. 28,,,joshlaymon,,4/22/2025
"The Recipe for True Happiness, Joy, attitudes, desires, and goals in life.","A GOOD recipe and a good cook make for a good meal! In a way, it is similar with happiness. It is not the result of a single factor, but many things in life come together to produce happiness. These include work, play, time with family and friends, and spiritual activities. But there are also more subtle factors, such as attitudes, desires, and goals in life.","Thankfully, we do not have to figure out the recipe for true happiness by ourselves. Why not? Because our Creator has given us a wonderful book of instruction, the Bible, which is now available in whole or in part in 2,377 languages and dialects—far more than any other publication in the world! This impressive circulation reflects God’s concern for the happiness and spiritual welfare of all people. (Acts 10:34, 35; 17:26, 27) “I . . . am . . . the One teaching you to benefit yourself,” God says. If we heed his commandments, then he promises us tranquillity and peace, “just like a river.”—Isaiah 48:17, 18.","Isaiah 48:17, 18.",g 4/06 p. 4,,,joshlaymon,,4/22/2025
"Watching the World, Orbiting Junk, ruin, abandon, satellites, collide, ","“Imagine the outrage if drivers abandoned their cars on city streets after they ran out of fuel,” says New Scientist magazine. Yet, this is similar to what is happening to defunct satellites, increasing the risk that newer spacecraft will collide with orbiting junk."," It is estimated that some 1,120 objects larger than 20 inches [60 cm] across are close to the geostationary ring, the favored position for communications equipment, but only 300 or so of these are operational satellites. Among the hazardous materials abandoned in orbit at various altitudes are 32 defunct nuclear reactors.",Revelation 11:18;,g 4/06 p. 29 ,,,joshlaymon,,4/22/2025
"Why Do We Grow Old? Wear out, die, repair themselves, bones, replacement, ","YOU may have imagined that all living things must inevitably wear out. Cars and vacuum cleaners in daily use eventually stop working. It is easy to suppose that animals age and die in a similar way. But professor of zoology Steven Austad explains: “Living organisms are very different from machines. The most fundamental defining character of living organisms, in fact, may be their ability to repair themselves.”","The way your body repairs itself after an injury is marvelous, but the routine repairs it makes are, in some respects, even more remarkable. Consider your bones, for example. “Seemingly inert when viewed from the outside, bone is a living tissue that ceaselessly destroys and rebuilds itself throughout adult life,” explains Scientific American magazine. “This remodeling essentially replaces the entire skeleton every 10 years.” Other parts of your body are renewed more often. Some cells in your skin, liver, and intestines may be replaced almost daily. Every second, your body produces about 25 million new cells as replacements. If this did not happen and all the parts of your body were not constantly repaired or replaced, you would grow old during childhood.“Man, born of woman, has a short life yet has his fill of sorrow.”—JOB 14:1, THE JERUSALEM BIBLE.","JOB 14:1,",g 5/06 p. 4 ,,,joshlaymon,,4/22/2025
" How Long Can You Live? brain, potential, life span, questions, future, forever, ","WHEN a dog dies after living 10 or 20 years, it has probably done most of the things that dogs do. It may have raised puppies, chased cats, buried bones, and protected its master. But when a human dies after living 70 or 80 years, he has realized only a fraction of his potential. If he enjoyed sports, he likely excelled at only one or two of them. If he liked music, he probably mastered only one or two instruments. If he loved speaking to people in their own tongue, he may have become fluent in only two or three languages. ","He could have enjoyed so much more—meeting people, discovering new things, and drawing closer to God—if only he had lived longer. You may wonder, ‘Why would God create man with a mind able to enjoy so much and then frustrate him with a life span that allows him to experience so little?’ Man’s short life span does not seem to fit into the pattern of purposeful design so evident in creation. You may also wonder, ‘Why would God make man with unique qualities such as justice and compassion and at the same time give him a tendency to act badly?’“Let his flesh become fresher than in youth; let him return to the days of his youthful vigor.”—JOB 33:25.",JOB 33:25.,g 5/06 p. 7,,,joshlaymon,,4/22/2025
"How Long Can You Live? Satan, culprit, damage, human race, fault, life span, imperfect, perfect, ","If you see a fine car with an ugly dent, do you conclude that it is part of the design? Of course not! You no doubt reason, ‘This is not how the car was meant to be. It must have been well made, but afterward someone damaged it.’ ","Similarly, when we contemplate our awesome heritage of human life, we can only conclude that it is not now as it was meant to be. Our short life span and tendency to act badly are like tragic dents. Evidently someone wrecked mankind’s heritage. Who did it? Bible evidence points strongly to one culprit.If the human race started out with the capacity for life without end, who could afterward have damaged the heritage of the entire human race? It could only have been the original ancestor of all humans, the one from whom we are all descended. Anyone else could only damage the genes of a mere section of mankind—that is, of his own descendants. God’s Word, the Bible, is thus in harmony with the observable facts when it says: “Through one man [Adam, the first human] sin entered into the world and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men.” (Romans 5:12) So the Scriptures convict Adam of having wrecked our heritage. What was human life originally designed to be like?",Romans 5:12),g 5/06 p. 7,,,joshlaymon,,4/22/2025
"How Can I Control My Spending? Money, managing, parachute, plan, ","If you are a young person living with your parents, you could wait until you leave home to learn how to manage money. But that would be like jumping out of an aircraft without first learning to use a parachute. True, a person might be able to figure out what to do while hurtling to the earth. How much better, though, if he learned the basic principles of using the device before jumping!","Similarly, the best time for you to learn to manage money is before the harsh financial realities of life confront you. “Money is for a protection,” wrote King Solomon. (Ecclesiastes 7:12) But it will only protect you if you learn how to control your spending. Doing so will boost your confidence and will increase your parents’ respect for you.",Ecclesiastes 7:12,g 6/06 p. 10 ,,,joshlaymon,,4/22/2025
"How to Build a Happy Marriage, gentle, Jesus, disciples, readjust, compassion, turbulent, ","A trustworthy contractor would never start construction without first consulting a drawing. Similarly, we cannot succeed in building a happy marriage without carefully consulting God’s blueprint for the project. It is found in the pages of God’s Word. “All Scripture is inspired of God and beneficial . . . for setting things straight,” wrote the apostle Paul.—2 Timothy 3:16.","Husbands and wives can learn a great deal about marriage by considering how Jesus dealt with his disciples. How so? In the Bible the relationship between Jesus and those who will rule with him in heaven is likened to that between a man and his wife. (2 Corinthians 11:2) Jesus remained loyal to his associates, even during the most turbulent times. “He loved them to the end.” (John 13:1) As a compassionate leader, Jesus always took into consideration the limitations and frailties of his followers. He never demanded of them more than they were able to do or give.—John 16:12. Even when disappointed by his closest friends, Jesus remained gentle. He did not berate them, but, rather, with godly humility and kindness, he tried to readjust them. (Matthew 11:28-30; Mark 14:34-38; John 13:5-17) Thus, if you examine closely the way Jesus tenderly treated his followers and the way they returned that expression of love to him, you will learn practical lessons on building a happy marriage.—1 Peter 2:21.",2 Timothy 3:16.,g 7/06 p. 7 ,,,joshlaymon,,4/22/2025
" How to Build a Happy Marriage, contentment, heart, mind, ","For a house to last and be safe, it must be well built. Therefore, resolve to build your marriage with an eye to a lasting future. Use durable materials, the kind that can withstand fiery tests of your loyalty. Value as gold such precious qualities as godly wisdom, generosity, discernment, fear of God, warmth, loving appreciation for God’s laws, and genuine faith.","Happiness and contentment in marriage are not built on material possessions or secular advancement. They are built in the heart and mind, and these traits are strengthened by the truths from the Word of God. The exhortation “Let each one keep watching how he is building” can also be applied to marriage.—1 Corinthians 3:10.",1 Corinthians 3:10.,g 7/06 p. 8,,,joshlaymon,,4/22/2025
"What Should I Do With My Life? Goals, map, best route, future, target destination, wandering,","“Know Where You Are Headed” Imagine that you are planning a journey that will take you many miles from home. Probably, you would first consult a map to determine the best route. It is similar with planning your future. “You have a wide variety of options,” says Michael, a young man who now serves at one of the branch offices of Jehovah’s Witnesses. How do you sort through the vast array of choices? “It’s all about goals,” Michael says.","Think of a goal as a target destination. You will likely not reach it by wandering about aimlessly. It is far better to pull out a map and plot your course, so to speak. In this way you will be following the admonition of Proverbs 4:26: “Smooth out the course of your foot.” The Contemporary English Version renders that phrase: “Know where you are headed.” In the coming years, you will make many important decisions regarding worship, employment, marriage, family, and other vital matters. Wise choices will be easier to make if you first know where you are headed. And as you plot your course in life, there is one factor that you cannot ignore.",Proverbs 4:26;,g 7/06 pp. 23-24 ,,,joshlaymon,,4/22/2025
"What Does Nature Teach? A Logical Conclusion, design, creation, evolution, ","After reviewing evidence of design in nature, many thinking people echo the sentiments of the psalmist who wrote: “How many your works are, O Jehovah! All of them in wisdom you have made. The earth is full of your productions.” (Psalm 104:24) The Bible writer Paul arrived at a similar conclusion. He wrote: “For [God’s] invisible qualities are clearly seen from the world’s creation onward, because they are perceived by the things made, even his eternal power and Godship.”—Romans 1:19, 20.","However, many sincere people who respect the Bible and believe in God would argue that God may have used evolution to create the wonders of the natural world. What, though, does the Bible teach?","Romans 1:19, 20.",g 9/06 p. 8 ,,,joshlaymon,,4/22/2025
"TV—A Thief of Time? television, guilty, addicted, ","“The eating of too much honey is not good,” wrote wise King Solomon. (Proverbs 25:27) The same principle applies to TV viewing. Though television offers much that is worthwhile, heavy viewing can cut into family time, hinder reading and academic performance in children, and contribute to obesity. If you invest a great deal of time in watching TV, it is smart to think about what you are getting in return. Our time is too precious to waste. It is also smart to think about what we watch.","Do people watch hours of television because they enjoy it? Not necessarily. Many believe that they spend too much time watching TV and feel guilty that they haven’t used their time more productively. Some say they are “TV addicts.” Of course, you cannot become addicted to TV in the same way that a person becomes addicted to narcotics, though there are similarities. Addicts devote much time to the drug they use. Though they want to reduce that time or quit the habit, they can’t. They sacrifice important social and family activities to use drugs, and they suffer withdrawal symptoms when they abstain. All these symptoms can occur in people who watch a lot of television.",Proverbs 25:27,g 10/06 pp. 3-4 ,,,joshlaymon,,4/22/2025
"The Life He Makes Possible, ","In God’s new system of things, people will enjoy the kind of life that God provided Adam and Eve when he put them in the earthly Paradise. Recall that God instructed them to have children, yes, to “fill the earth and subdue it.” Their assignment was to extend their Edenic Paradise earth wide! (Genesis 1:28) ","Similarly, in the re-creation the earth will be filled with survivors of this world’s end, their children, and those who have died but have returned to life in the resurrection. The assignment of such ones will be to share in making the earth into a paradise, as God originally purposed.",Genesis 1:28,g 12/06 p. 8 ,,,joshlaymon,,4/22/2025
"Black Pearls—Gems From the South Seas, information, God's Kingdom, ","Pearls were among the earliest of the precious gems used as human adornment, being praised in ancient literature. People in the Middle East and Asia especially treasured them, apparently viewing pearls as symbols of purity and virtue.","In ancient Rome, pearls were so highly esteemed that only people of certain rank were permitted to wear them. Pliny the Elder, a first-century naturalist and philosopher, extolled pearls as “the most sovereign commodity in the whole world.” And when illustrating the preciousness of the Kingdom of the heavens, Jesus spoke of “one pearl” of such value that a traveling merchant seeking fine pearls “promptly sold all the things he had and bought it.”—Matthew 13:45, 46.Jesus’ reference to pearls no doubt reflects both their beauty and value. How thankful we can be to Jehovah, the Creator of these gems, including those found in the South Seas!","Matthew 13:45, 46.",g05 3/22 p. 27 ,,,joshlaymon,,4/22/2025
" Can Internet Dating Really Be Dangerous? Social media, wolves, sheep clothing, predators, deception, ","Wicked people do, indeed, “hide what they are” in order to find victims on the Internet. Such predators might remind you of Jesus’ illustration about false prophets who “come to you in sheep’s covering” but in truth are like “ravenous wolves.” (Matthew 7:15) ","Anonymous communication through the Internet can make it almost impossible to see through such deception. “When you talk with someone in person,” says George, quoted earlier, “you may learn something from his facial expressions and the tone of his voice. But on the Internet you don’t get any of that. It’s easy to be fooled.”Wise, indeed, is the Bible’s advice: “Shrewd is the one that has seen the calamity and proceeds to conceal himself, but the inexperienced have passed along and must suffer the penalty.” (Proverbs 22:3) Granted, not everyone you meet over the Internet is a dangerous predator. However, there are additional ways in which people “hide what they are.”",Proverbs 22:3,g05 5/22 p. 13,,,joshlaymon,,4/22/2025
Chat Rooms—How Can I Avoid the Dangers? ,"To illustrate, if you visited a big city, you would logically endeavor to minimize any threat to your safety by identifying and then avoiding hazardous areas. CHAT ROOMS—like any other area where strangers mingle—contain dangers that you need to be aware of. ","The same logic applies if you must visit a chat room. In the September 22 issue of Awake! two dangers inherent to many chat rooms were discussed, namely, the possibility of your coming in contact with sexual predators and the temptation for you to become a deceiver. There are other dangers that are worth considering. But, first, how are chat rooms organized?",Proverbs 22:3;,g05 10/22 p. 17 ,,,joshlaymon,,4/22/2025
" Science and the Bible Helped Me Find the Meaning of Life, evolution, soccer balls, chance, ","To illustrate: Place ten soccer balls in a straight line on a soccer field, each ball three feet [1 m] from the other. By kicking the first ball, try to make each ball hit the next one in line, so that all ten balls are hit. Furthermore, try to predict the final position of each ball. The probability of success is so remote that most people would likely regard the feat as impossible.","That being the case, how can anyone claim that the development of the human cell—involving processes far more complex than kicking soccer balls—could ever be achieved simply by chance? The most reasonable explanation is that a superintelligent Being created humans and all other forms of life on earth. Would this Being, who is the Creator, do such a thing without having a purpose? Of course not. He must have had a purpose, and that purpose is revealed and made understandable in the Bible. To suggest, as many evolutionists do, that life developed by chance is stretching credibility too far. ",Genesis 1:1; ,g05 11/22 p. 15,,,joshlaymon,,4/22/2025
Must We Have a Formal Wedding? ,"To Illustrate: When you buy an article of clothing, you likely seek someone else’s opinion as to whether the item suits you. You may not always agree with their opinion, but you would still expect close friends to tell you if they thought the garment was the wrong fit or style for you. You appreciate their comments, since they may help save you from wasting money. ","How much more so, then, should you appreciate hearing your family’s opinion about your choice of marriage mate. Although you can exchange or discard a garment, Jehovah expects you to keep your spouse for life. (Matthew 19:5, 6) If you choose a mate who is not really a complement of your personality and spirituality, the union will make you infinitely more uncomfortable than would wearing an ill-fitting garment. (Genesis 2:18; Proverbs 21:9) And as a result, you may miss out on a chance to find true happiness.—Proverbs 5:18; 18:22.",Proverbs 5:18; 18:22.,g05 11/22 p. 22 ,,,joshlaymon,,4/22/2025
"Homelessness—What Is the Solution? Needs, fish, teach, lifetime, ","“GIVE a man a fish, and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish, and you feed him for a lifetime.” This saying illustrates the truth that simply filling an immediate physical need may be of limited value. It is even better to help people learn how to solve problems and address their own needs. Many people need to be taught life skills or even an altogether different outlook on and approach to life.",Jehovah’s Witnesses are convinced that the most effective way to help with homelessness is to teach people the best way of living. This means applying the best advice available—that provided by man’s Creator. ,Matthew 24:14;,g05 12/8 p. 8 ,,,joshlaymon,,4/22/2025
"Does God Favor Some Nations Above Others? partial, effort, ","To illustrate: In many lands public schooling is widely available, but only those who attend classes and apply themselves will benefit. Similarly, God’s favor is available to all, but effort is required on our part. Such effort would include reading the Bible regularly, demonstrating faith in Christ’s ransom sacrifice, and living a life based on Bible principles. If we really “search for Jehovah,” we will find ourselves on the path to an approved standing with him.—Psalm 105:3, 4; Proverbs 2:2-9.","What, then, do we need to do in order to receive God’s favor? The apostle Peter answers by saying: “In every nation the man that fears him and works righteousness is acceptable to him.” (Acts 10:34, 35) Clearly, a passive interest in God is not enough. We need to develop a sincere love for God, fearing to displease him. We also need to ‘work righteousness,’ or actively pursue the doing of what is good in the eyes of God.","Psalm 105:3, 4; Proverbs 2:2-9",g05 12/8 p. 15 ,,,joshlaymon,,4/22/2025
"Life—An Amazing Assembly of Chains, zip codes, proteins, cells, Nobel prize, ","To expedite the delivery of mail, many postal services require that a ZIP code be included in the address on every letter. The Creator employed a similar concept to ensure that proteins find their way around inside the cell. Such a measure is vital when you consider that cells are very busy places, hosting up to a billion proteins. Still, newly minted proteins always find their way to their work site, thanks to a molecular “ZIP code”—a special string of amino acids contained in the protein.  ","Cell biologist Günter Blobel won a Nobel prize in 1999 for discovering this amazing concept. Yet, Blobel simply made a discovery. Should not the Creator of the living cell and its bewildering array of molecules receive even more honor?—Revelation 4:11.",Revelation 4:11.,g05 1/22 p. 27 ,,,joshlaymon,,4/22/2025
"Should You Fear Armageddon? warnings, lifesaving action, preaching, searching, ","When a severe typhoon, or hurricane, is approaching, local authorities provide warnings for the protection of life. To ensure that everyone hears the alert, police might even be dispatched with warning systems or be sent from door to door. The purpose of all of this is, not to terrify people, but to help them to take lifesaving action. Discerning individuals receive the warning gladly, and those who respond positively are happy for having done so.","It is similar with God’s warning message about the imminent “storm wind” of Armageddon. (Proverbs 10:25) Jehovah has provided details about his war in his written Word. His desire is, not to terrify, but to give fair warning and lead people to repent and make a determined effort to serve him. (Zephaniah 2:2, 3; 2 Peter 3:9) Those who take such action will be blessed with survival. Hence, we need not fear God’s approaching war. Rather, we can face the future with confidence that “everyone who calls on the name of Jehovah will get away safe.”—Joel 2:32.","Zephaniah 2:2, 3; 2 Peter 3:9",g05 7/8 p. 13 ,,,joshlaymon,,4/22/2025
" Hope for Sufferers, Bible, negative thoughts, ","The medical professional who treated me illustrated it this way: You can give a person all the driving lessons in the world, but if you give that person a car with no steering wheel or brakes, then those lessons won’t do much good. ","In the same way, giving only cognitive counseling to a depressed person may not attain the desired results. Balancing the brain’s chemistry is a valuable first step.” The Bible is a strengthening aid for many who suffer from negative thoughts",Colossians 3:8;,g04 1/8,,,joshlaymon,,4/22/2025
"Thriving in the Midst of Adversity, persecution, endure, last days, critical times hard to deal with, ","Consider the following illustration. The Teide violet grows at an altitude of nearly 12,000 feet [3,700 meters] on the island of Tenerife off the coast of North Africa. Pico de Teide, the volcanic peak from which the violet gets its name, dominates the subtropical island. Its upper slopes seem devoid of vegetation. But in the spring, melting winter snows provide just enough water to allow these tenacious violets to revive and deck the throat of the volcano with a purple garland. Yes, this flower may appear frail and delicate, but it manages to survive and even thrive in this barren, hostile environment.","Like the Teide violet, you too can endure in the midst of adverse circumstances. The Bible has helped many of Jehovah’s Witnesses to do so even in the worst of times. For example, those who were imprisoned in concentration camps in Nazi Germany managed to thrive. “They were treated worse than any other group,” says Swedish journalist Björn Hallström, “but they managed, through their belief in God, to survive better than any others.”  As foretold in the Bible, we are living in “critical times hard to deal with.” (2 Timothy 3:1) Family turmoil, health problems, and financial stresses are just some of the obstacles that may afflict you. At times, you may feel that you cannot endure. Nevertheless, you can thrive in the midst of adversity. ",2 Timothy 3:1,g04 1/8 p. 25 ,,,joshlaymon,,4/22/2025
"Where Can You Find Real Hope? faith, explained, ","To illustrate: When you ask a dear friend for a favor, you may hope that he will help you out. Your hope is not without basis because you have faith in your friend—you know him well, and you have seen him act with kindness and generosity in the past. Your faith and your hope are closely related, even interdependent, but they are distinct. How can you have such hope in God?","In this regard, hope is akin to faith, which must be based on evidence—not gullibility. (Hebrews 11:1) Still, the Bible distinguishes between faith and hope.—1 Corinthians 13:13.",1 Corinthians 13:13.,g04 4/22 pp. 9-11 ,,,joshlaymon,,4/22/2025
"“Keep Your Creator in Mind” responsibilities, freedom, privilege, standards, happiness, ","To illustrate, imagine that you have been given a car and a driver’s license. Exciting new freedom is before you, which can bring you great pleasure. Just think of the places you can go! However, your newfound freedom carries with it a sobering responsibility. While driving, you must obey the rules of the road and pay attention to traffic signals, speed limits, and warning signs. Does this responsibility rob you of your joy in driving? Not at all! In fact, it serves as a protection. There certainly is no joy in having an accident, is there?","It is similar with the freedom that your Creator, Jehovah God, has given you. As you grow to adulthood, he lets you choose how you will use your life. (Deuteronomy 30:19; Proverbs 27:11) What an awesome privilege that is! But that freedom carries with it serious responsibility. In his Word, Jehovah has set forth ‘rules of the road’—standards that he wants you to live by. Do these standards hinder your happiness? Hardly! Instead, they protect you from the heartache and pain that afflict so many youths today.",Deuteronomy 30:19; Proverbs 27:11;,g04 7/8 p. 8 ,,,joshlaymon,,4/22/2025
"How to Nurture a Love for Learning, Brain, ","“It is the ultimate use-it-or-lose-it machine, and it is eager to learn new skills.” “Just as exercise keeps people vigorous into their seventies and eighties, researchers are demonstrating that mental workouts can do the same for the aging brain. Aging has long been thought to be an irreversible downhill slide into mental befuddlement. But the new research shows that [this] was little more than a self-fulfilling prophecy, usually the result of brain disuse. ","Furthermore, people do not lose massive numbers of brain cells each day as they grow older, as was once thought.” A severe slide in mental function is usually a sign of disease, including cardiovascular disease. Granted, some decline in mental performance may occur in later years but not necessarily in critical ways. The active brain, researchers say, resists deterioration—and all the more so if the person also has a good routine of physical exercise. You Are Never Too Old to Learn “What the brain can do depends on whether or not it is used,” says Inside the Brain. ",1 Timothy 4:12; ,g04 8/8 pp. 10-11 ,,,joshlaymon,,4/22/2025
"Designed to Learn Forever, Human brain, hooks, evolution, Bible, Memory, remember, ","“Memory is not like a container that gradually fills up,” says Russell, “it is more like a tree growing hooks onto which the memories are hung. Everything you remember is another set of hooks on which more new memories can be attached. So the capacity of memory keeps on growing. The more you know, the more you can know.” This brings us back to our earlier question, ","Why does the human brain have such vast, untapped reserves? The theory of evolution offers no reasonable answer. Relying heavily on the notion of survival of the fittest, evolution leaves thinking people baffled as to what drove the human brain to develop its enormous capacity. By way of illustration, why build a huge truck if all you will ever carry is a mere shovelful of sand? The Bible, however, offers a refreshingly simple yet logical explanation. First, it tells us that our original parents—Adam and Eve—were formed in God’s image, able to reflect God’s wonderful qualities. Second, it explains that they were designed to live—and therefore to learn—forever. (Genesis 1:27; 2:16, 17) The human brain reflects that divine purpose, albeit imperfectly at present because of the introduction of sin into the human family.—Romans 5:12.",Genesis 1:27;,g04 8/8 pp. 11-12 ,,,joshlaymon,,4/22/2025
"How Can I Tell Him How I Feel? Act With Shrewdness, Romantic daydreams, Illusions, ","It is easy to get caught up in romantic daydreams. You might even picture your wedding day and beyond. However, while reveries of this sort may be enjoyable, they are illusions. They can produce overwhelming desires that you have no means of satisfying. As the Bible says, “expectation postponed is making the heart sick.” (Proverbs 13:12) ","Daydreams can also distort your judgment. However, Proverbs 14:15 says: “The shrewd one considers his steps.” Being shrewd means having common sense and sound judgment. How can you be shrewd in the realm of romance?First, try to “act with knowledge.” (Proverbs 13:16) As one young woman put it, “you really cannot love a person until you get to know him.” Before offering your heart to someone, pay attention to what he does and how he speaks. Observe how he treats people. “Ask his friends about him, adults who know him well,” suggests one young man. Is he “well reported on” by those in his Christian congregation? (Acts 16:2) Also, suggests a young woman named Isabel, “going out in groups and getting to know his family can be very helpful.” Group settings allow you to observe without being under a lot of pressure.",Proverbs 14:15,g04 10/22 p. 21 ,,,joshlaymon,,4/22/2025
"A Reasonable View of Privacy, security, Jehovah's eyes, best interest, ","To illustrate: While swimming at the beach, you may be under the ever watchful eye of a lifeguard. You do not view this as an invasion of privacy. In fact, his presence gives you a sense of security. You know that if you get in trouble, he will quickly be there to help you. Likewise, a mother constantly monitors her baby’s every move. If she did not, she would be viewed as negligent.","Similarly, Jehovah God monitors our thoughts and actions because he has our best interests at heart. A Bible prophet stated: “As regards Jehovah, his eyes are roving about through all the earth to show his strength in behalf of those whose heart is complete toward him.” (2 Chronicles 16:9) But to what extent does Jehovah actually see our private thoughts and actions? Several incidents involving Jesus, the Son of God, provide some insight. FEW people would be comfortable with the idea of another human monitoring their every move, scrutinizing their secret thoughts, detecting their deepest desires. Even so, this is exactly what the Bible says God can do. At Hebrews 4:13, the Bible states: “There is not a creation that is not manifest to his sight, but all things are naked and openly exposed to the eyes of him with whom we have an accounting.” Is this not an invasion of privacy? Not at all. Why is that?","Hebrews 4:13,",g03 1/22 pp. 9-10 ,,,joshlaymon,,4/22/2025
"Is There an Unforgivable Sin? Past the Point of Repentance, murder, first degree, premeditated, ","To illustrate: In some parts of the world, the law distinguishes between murder in the first degree and murder in the second degree on the basis of intent and the way the murder was committed, and it limits capital punishment (death) to intentional or premeditated murder. Jesus’ warning referred to willful and deliberate “blasphemy against the spirit.” There is no acquittal for this type of sin. “No, not in this system of things nor in that to come,” he added. (Matthew 12:31, 32) Those guilty of such sin will not be resurrected.","What is blasphemy against the spirit? It emanates from the heart, revealing a malicious attitude and intent. The purposeful intent to oppose God’s holy spirit intensifies the seriousness of this sin. The apostle Paul was formerly a blasphemer but said: “I was shown mercy, because I was ignorant.” (1 Timothy 1:13) To sin against the holy spirit is to oppose it willfully. It involves a wicked heart condition that reaches the point of no return.","Matthew 12:31, 32",g03 2/8 p. 12 ,,,joshlaymon,,4/22/2025
"Why Did I Have to Be an Adopted Child? permanent disability, ","“It’s like living with a permanent disability. It’s an ailment of the heart that can’t be fixed.”—Robert.THAT is how one man, who was given up for adoption at birth, describes his life. He continues: “Practically every day of your life, your heart yearns to know answers to questions like, Who is my real family? Where are they living? Why did they abandon me?”","Chantial, whose father was adopted, laments that she does not know who her biological grandparents are. She says: “I feel cheated because of not having the association of my uncles, aunts, and cousins.” Not all adopted children feel this way. But some do. Why? ",Psalm 37:8 ,g03 4/22 p. 25 ,,,joshlaymon,,4/22/2025
"Does Christian Unity Require Uniformity? love, respect, personal matters, conscience, ","To illustrate: Music composers have only a limited number of notes to work with, yet the possibilities for making beautiful music are endless. Similarly, Christians make choices that are within the boundaries of godly principles. However, they have a degree of latitude when making certain personal decisions. How is it possible to preserve Christian unity while maintaining respect for individual choice? ","The key is love. Love for God moves us to submit willingly to his commandments. (1 John 5:3) Love for fellowman moves us to respect the rights of others to make conscientious decisions in personal matters. (Romans 14:3, 4; Galatians 5:13) Paul set a fine example in this regard when he submitted to the authority of the first-century governing body in a matter involving doctrine. (Matthew 24:45-47; Acts 15:1, 2) At the same time, he encouraged everyone to respect the conscience of fellow Christians in matters that have been left to personal decision.—1 Corinthians 10:25-33.",1 John 5:3,g03 5/8 p. 27 ,,,joshlaymon,,4/22/2025
"How Sick Is Our Planet? Earth, poison, symptoms, ","The patient’s condition is serious. Symptoms are multiple. His breath is noxious. He has a fever, higher than ever before. Efforts to bring it down are not working. Poison has been found in body fluids. When symptoms are treated in one area, more pop up in other body parts. If this were a usual patient, doctors would be inclined to declare the multiple sicknesses as chronic and terminal. Not knowing what else to do, they would just take steps to make the patient as comfortable as possible until the end came.","HOWEVER, this is not a human patient. It is our home—the earth. The above scenario well illustrates what is happening to our planet. Dirty air, global warming, polluted waters, and toxic wastes are just a few of the maladies of our very ill earth. Like the doctors mentioned above, the experts are in a quandary as to what to do.The media regularly call attention to earth’s poor health with such headlines and captions as: “Blast fishing turns seabeds into killing fields.” A “Billion Asians Could Be Parched in 24 Years.” “Forty million tons of toxic trash a year trades globally.” “Nearly two thirds of the 1,800 wells in Japan are contaminated with poisons.” “Ozone Hole Over Antarctic Is Back and Bigger.”",Revelation 11:18;,g03 11/22 p. 3 ,,,joshlaymon,,4/24/2025
"Surveying—What Is It? Honesty, fairness, land, property, respect, ",THE Egyptians called them “rope-stretchers.” Who were they? They were an ancient guild responsible for restaking land allotments for tax purposes every year after the banks of the Nile River flooded. These men were the forerunners of the modern-day professionals called land surveyors.,"Today surveyors can frequently be seen alongside highways and on construction projects. You may have wondered, though, ‘What exactly is surveying?’ “Surveying has two main areas of function,” says Science and Technology Illustrated. They are “(1) to measure what exists, record where it is located, and use the data to make a map or description; or the reverse, (2) to establish landmarks in order to mark boundaries or guide construction according to such a plan or description. Surveying determines, or marks out, the position of points on, beneath, or even above the Earth’s surface.”",Deuteronomy 19:14;,g02 6/8 p. 21 ,,,joshlaymon,,4/24/2025
"The Allure of Numbers, ","IMAGINE a world without numbers. There would be no money. Trade would be restricted to face-to-face barter. And what about sports? Without numbers, not only would we be unable to keep score but we could not even define how many players should be on each team! To illustrate: An apple has a distinct color, texture, size, shape, smell, and taste. You can check each of these properties to see whether a certain object is indeed an apple, a lemon, a ball, or something else. ","A number, however, is not like that. One collection of seven items may not share anything in common with another collection of seven items—other than their “sevenness.” Hence, to comprehend the meaning of numbers—for example, to discern the difference between six and seven—is to grasp something very abstract indeed. And this is where number mystics come into the picture.Besides their practical application, however, numbers carry an aura of mystery. This is because they are abstract. You cannot see, touch, or feel numbers. ","Revelation 7:4, 9;",g02 9/8 p. 4 ,,,joshlaymon,,4/24/2025
Peer Pressure—Is It Really All That Powerful? Deceptively Strong,"Peer pressure can be deceptive—in fact, we may not notice it at all. To illustrate: If we are at sea level, the huge expanse of air above us exerts a constant pressure on us of about 15 pounds per square inch [1 kg/sq cm]. You may live under that pressure every day, but you scarcely notice it. Why? You are used to it.","Granted, atmospheric pressure is not necessarily harmful. But when people exert subtle pressure on us, they may gradually cause us to change. The apostle Paul understood the power of peer pressure. He warned Christians in Rome: “Don’t let the world around you squeeze you into its own mold.” (Romans 12:2, The New Testament in Modern English) How, though, might this happen?",Romans 12:2,g02 11/22 pp. 11-12 ,,,joshlaymon,,4/24/2025
"Who’s Talking? How is ventriloquism accomplished? Throw voice, ","It is often said that a ventriloquist throws his voice, but this is only an illusion. We use a special tongue position to produce alternate sounds for letters that require lip movement, and a technique of breathing from the diaphragm produces the misimpression of distance.","Ventriloquism works because most people have not trained their ears to recognize the source and distance of sound. They need the help of their eyes. To illustrate: At the sound of a siren, your ear tells you that an emergency vehicle is approaching and that it is coming from far away. But how far away is the vehicle? From what direction is it approaching? To answer these questions, likely you will have to look for the vehicle’s flashing lights.A ventriloquist takes advantage of this by producing a sound at the appropriate volume and by directing the attention of the audience to the source that he wants them to think the sound is coming from.Genesis 3:1;",Genesis 3:1;,g01 1/8 p. 25 ,,,joshlaymon,,4/24/2025
"Sentinels That Protect Your Health, Protected From Attack, immune system, ","To illustrate, we could compare the body to an ancient city. A typical city may have been located on high ground so that any hostile armies could be seen far away. And the city was protected by an array of walls and gates, manned by guards and sentinels. With such defenses, the city remained a safe place of dwelling. If we compare our body to such a city, we can better understand what is required to defend it from attack.","For our bodies, the first line of defense against invasion by germs is made up of the skin and the mucous membranes (for example, those that line the nose and the throat). Our skin acts as an important physical barrier. Many of the billions of germs that we have on our skin surfaces are eliminated when they are shed with the outer layers of skin.","Proverbs 4:22,",g01 2/8 p. 13 ,,,joshlaymon,,4/24/2025
"Volunteer Work With Lasting Benefits, Why and How Bible Education Makes a Difference","An Asian proverb points to the answer. It says: “If you plan for a year, sow seeds. If you plan for ten years, plant trees. If you plan for a hundred years, educate people.” Indeed, when it comes to providing solutions that are long lasting, education is imperative because it develops a person’s ability to make decisions that will improve his life. T","hat is why today over six million part-time and full-time volunteers are using their time, efforts, and resources to provide free Bible education to the public. This time-tested volunteer program conducted by Jehovah’s Witnesses is having an impact on communities around the world. How? As people are helped to understand and follow the Bible’s practical counsel, they become better equipped to deal with the problems of life. ",Ecclesiastes 12:13,g01 7/22 pp. 11-12 ,,,joshlaymon,,4/24/2025
"How Tolerant Is God? Tolerance, circumstances, patiently, unacceptable, ","First, we must ask: Why does God, who has the highest standards of righteousness, tolerate badness at all? (Deuteronomy 32:4; Habakkuk 1:13) Does this mean he condones evil? Not at all! Consider the following illustration: Imagine that there is a surgeon who violates basic principles of hygiene and who also inflicts great pain on his patients. If he worked in a hospital, would he not be removed swiftly? ","But there are some circumstances where extraordinary tolerance might be required. In an extreme emergency, perhaps on a battlefield, for example, might it not be necessary to tolerate surgeons’ working in primitive and dangerous conditions, perhaps even using what would normally be considered inferior equipment and surgical instruments?In a similar way, today God is patiently tolerating many things that he finds totally unacceptable. Although he hates wickedness, he is temporarily allowing it to continue. There are good reasons for his doing so. For one thing, this allows time for the crucial issues raised by Satan’s rebellion in the garden of Eden to be settled once and for all time. These are issues that center around the rightness and rightfulness of God’s way of ruling. ",Deuteronomy 32:4; Habakkuk 1:13,g01 10/8 p. 22 ,,,joshlaymon,,4/24/2025
"Lying—Is It Ever Justified? situation ethics, ","“A LITTLE INACCURACY SOMETIMES SAVES TONS OF EXPLANATION.” THIS comment illustrates how many people feel about lying. Their rationale is that lying is not wrong if it does not harm anyone. Such reasoning even has an academic name—situation ethics, which says that the only law you need to follow is the so-called law of love. ","The Bible roundly condemns all sorts of lying. “[God] will destroy those speaking a lie,” declares the psalmist. (Psalm 5:6; see Revelation 22:15.) At Proverbs 6:16-19, the Bible lists seven things that Jehovah detests. “A false tongue” and “a false witness that launches forth lies” are prominently included in this list. Why? Because Jehovah hates the harm falsehood causes. That is one reason why Jesus called Satan a liar and a manslayer. His lies plunged humanity into misery and death.—Genesis 3:4, 5; John 8:44; Romans 5:12.","Genesis 3:4, 5; John 8:44; Romans 5:12",g00 2/8 p. 20,,,joshlaymon,,4/24/2025
"Russians Treasure Freedom of Worship, Russians Who Love the Bible, Hidden Bibles, ","Jehovah’s Witnesses found ways to make use of the Bible.” To illustrate this, he related the following experience.“It was forbidden for prisoners to have a Bible. Bibles were confiscated during searches. In one of the northern camps, one of Jehovah’s Witnesses was an electrician and he kept Bible books in a transformer unit where there was very high voltage. Each part of the Bible was tied with a string to a particular wire, and only that man knew which string had to be pulled to pull it out—for example, the Gospel of Matthew—without getting a deadly shock. ","Of course no search, no matter how hard the guards looked, yielded results, and so this unique Bible was not discovered.” Professor Sergei Ivanenko, a respected Russian religious scholar, described Jehovah’s Witnesses as people truly devoted to Bible study. In his recent book in Russian, O lyudyakh, nikogda nye rasstayushchikhsya s bibliey (The People Who Are Never Without Their Bibles), he wrote of their early history in the Soviet Union: “Even when they ended up in prison for their faithfulness to their beliefs, ",Psalm 119:105,g00 2/22 p. 22 ,,,joshlaymon,,4/24/2025
"True Faith—What Is It? Friend, religious faith, hope, dependable, ","To illustrate: Perhaps you have a friend of whom you can say: “I trust that man. I can count on him to keep his word. I know that if I have a problem, he will come to my aid.” It is not likely that you would say that about someone you have known for only a day or two, is it? He would have to be someone who had proved his dependability time and again.","It should be the same with religious faith, which should produce hope and conviction based on solid, dependable evidence. The Bible says: “Faith is being sure of the things we hope for.” (Hebrews 11:1, The New Testament in the Language of Today) Therefore, faith is founded on accurate knowledge, facts on which right decisions can be based. It requires not only belief but a reason for believing.","Hebrews 11:1, ",g00 3/8 p. 26 ,,,joshlaymon,,4/25/2025
"Does God Change? various roles, parents, personality, adapts, needs, many hats, ","In the course of a single day, a parent may be a cook, a housekeeper, an electrician, a nurse, a friend, a counselor, a teacher, a disciplinarian, and much more. The parent does not change personality when assuming these roles; he or she simply adapts to needs as they arise. The same is true of Jehovah but on a far grander scale. There is no limit to what he can cause himself to become in order to fulfill his purpose and to benefit his creatures.—Romans 11:33.","Does this mean, then, that God’s personality or standards change? No. Regarding God, James 1:17 says: “With him there is not a variation of the turning of the shadow.” How could God meet the challenge of varying circumstances while remaining unchanging himself? The example of caring parents who shift roles for the sake of their children illustrates how this is possible.",James 1:17 ,g00 6/8 pp. 16-17 ,,,joshlaymon,,4/25/2025
"Why You Should Avoid Spiritism, Demons, protections, ","To illustrate: How does a person protect his home and family against vermin? After removing them from his house, he rids his house of items that attract the vermin. He seals cracks and reinforces the walls to stop the vermin invasion, and if the vermin plague persists, he may ask for the help of local authorities to deal with it.","A similar approach can help you to resist wicked spirits and to break free from them. Consider the example of the first-century Christians in Ephesus who practiced spiritism before becoming Christians. After they made up their mind to break free from spiritism, they took three steps to protect themselves against the verminlike attacks of wicked spirits. What did they do?","Ephesians 6:11-13, ",g00 7/22 p. 6 ,,,joshlaymon,,4/25/2025
"Should Grief Be Expressed? hurts, childhood, misery, Big boys don’t cry. crybaby or sissy","“Many, many adults suffer from never having resolved the hurts of their childhood. So children need to be allowed to grieve without being labeled crybaby or sissy, or hearing the ridiculous statement ‘Big boys don’t cry.’” In her book On Children and Death, Dr. Elisabeth Kübler-Ross ",This approach contrasts with the philosophy in some lands of not allowing oneself to betray any emotion.,John 11:35,g00 8/8 p. 14 ,,,joshlaymon,,4/25/2025
The Kind of Clothes We Wear—Does It Really Matter? Dress With “Soundness of Mind”,"What are your clothes saying about you if you dress to kill or dress to thrill? Are you reinforcing personality traits that you should in fact be struggling to overcome? Moreover, what kind of person are you trying to attract? The counsel recorded at Romans 12:3 can help us conquer egocentricity, vanity, and negative thinking. There the apostle Paul advises us “not to think more of [ourselves] than it is necessary to think; but to think so as to have a sound mind.” Having “a sound mind” means being sensible.","Consider, too, the effect your clothes have on you. Power dressing and overdressing may inflate your ego, slovenly dress might reinforce negative thoughts you have about yourself, and T-shirts advertising your favorite movie or sports star or some other hero might nudge you toward hero worship—idolatry. Yes, your clothes talk to others—and tell them about you.",Romans 12:3,g99 2/8 p. 19 ,,,joshlaymon,,4/25/2025
"The Dream of Fligh, air plane, predictions, ","“FLYING machines, one and all, have quickly illustrated the adage of our youth, ‘What goes up must come down.’”The writer mused that “comparatively few of us have any desire to float in the air at a great height from the earth.”Though conceding that future generations might take more kindly to air travel, the article asserted that the “dream of long-distance passenger airships . . . may never be realized.”","How wrong that prediction turned out to be! Today, more than one billion passengers fly in “long-distance passenger airships” every year. Yes, within one century, airplanes have been transformed from the flimsy wood-and-fabric contraptions they were at the turn of the century to the sleek computer-equipped jetliners of today, which cruise seven miles [10 km] above the earth and carry hundreds of passengers to far-flung destinations in climate-controlled comfort.","Acts 16:16, ",g99 3/8 p. 3 ,,,joshlaymon,,4/25/2025
Toward a Universal Language?,"“In a central Asian country where Western tongues are rarely spoken,” an eight-year-old tells his father that he has to learn English. The father asks why. “Because, father, the computer speaks English.” ","That story, notes Asiaweek, “illustrates what many consider to be an insidious side-effect of the information superhighway . . . , the potential to hasten an already rapid shift toward a dominant global language—English.” ",Genesis 11:9; ,g99 4/8 p. 29 ,,,joshlaymon,,4/25/2025
" Your Brain—A Marvel of Intricacy, ","“The human brain presents the ultimate riddle: how can a mass of tissue with the consistency of raw egg be responsible for your ‘mind,’ your thoughts, your personality, your memories and feelings, and even your actual consciousness?”—Professor Susan A. Greenfield, The Human Mind Explained.","YOUR brain regulates how your body operates. It enables you to learn new concepts, even new languages, and it stores and recalls the memories of your lifetime. Yet, neurobiologist James Bower admits: “We really don’t know what kind of machine the brain is.” Neuroscientist Richard F. Thompson agrees: “There is far more to be learned than we know now.” So great is the interest in unraveling the brain’s mysteries that the U.S. Congress declared the ’90’s to be the Decade of the Brain.",Psalm 139:14;,g99 5/8 p. 3,,,joshlaymon,,4/25/2025
"Is It Wrong to Be Proud? Good Name, reputation, slander, gossip, ","To illustrate: Is it wrong to want to defend a good name when it is slandered? Of course not. If people spoke unjustly about members of your family or others whom you love and respect, would you not feel indignant and impelled to defend them? ","“A [good] name is to be chosen rather than abundant riches,” says the Bible. (Proverbs 22:1) On one occasion, Almighty God said to a proud Pharaoh of Egypt: “For this cause I have kept you in existence, for the sake of showing you my power and in order to have my name declared in all the earth.” (Exodus 9:16) So God exults over his own good name and reputation and is zealous for it. We too can be interested in defending our own good name and reputation yet not be motivated by vanity and selfish pride.—Proverbs 16:18.",Proverbs 22:1,g99 7/8 p. 21 ,,,joshlaymon,,4/25/2025
Is There Any Danger in Role-Playing Games? ,“It’s total imagination. One time you’re a magician. Another time you’re a warrior. You can become loads of characters that you dream of being. There are no limits.”—Christophe.,"“BE ALL that you can’t be.” One magazine quoted this slogan when describing a popular fantasy game. For millions of youths, escaping into the fantasy world of role-playing games has enormous appeal. What exactly, though, are role-playing games?",Ecclesiastes 3:1;,g99 8/22 p. 12 ,,,joshlaymon,,4/25/2025
"Lives Ruined, Lives Lost, Drugs, crack cocaine, synthetic, chemical cocktail, addiction, kill first time, ","“DRUGS are like sledgehammers,” Indeed, a single dose of these chemical sledgehammers can be deadly. “Crack cocaine, for example, has been known to kill people the first time they used it,” explains the book Drugs in America. Dr. Eric Nestler","The new wave of synthetic drugs can be just as hazardous. “Gullible youngsters buying drugs at a ‘rave’ party can have no idea of what chemical cocktail is about to bombard their brains,” warns the United Nations World Drug Report. For most youngsters, however, the descent into the depths of drug addiction is a gradual one, as the following examples illustrate.",Galatians 5:20,g99 11/8 p. 8 ,,,joshlaymon,,4/25/2025
Could I Be Doing Better in School? ,"Effort, motivation, and learning go hand in hand. To illustrate: Think about someone who plays a musical instrument. If he enjoys it, he plays more. The more he plays, the better he gets, which in turn increases his joy. The more we learn, the easier it is to learn even more. ","So do not lose heart with your schoolwork. Put forth the needed effort, associate with those who will help you to excel, and take to heart the words of Azariah to ancient King Asa: “Do not let your hands drop down, because there exists a reward for your activity.”—2 Chronicles 15:7.",2 Chronicles 15:7,g98 3/22 p. 22 ,,,joshlaymon,,4/25/2025
"Appreciating Women and Their Work, Lemuel, ","THREE thousand years ago, a man called Lemuel wrote a glowing description of a capable wife. This is recorded in the Bible in Proverbs chapter 31. The woman whose merits he extolled was certainly busy. She looked after her family, traded in the marketplace, bought and sold land, made clothes for her household, and worked in the fields.This woman was not taken for granted. ‘Her children call her blessed, and her husband praises her.’ ","Such a wife is a treasure. The Bible says, “She is worth far more than rubies.”—Proverbs 31:10-28, New International Version. Since Lemuel’s time, women’s work has become, if anything, more complicated. Their 20th-century role often requires them to be wives, mothers, nurses, teachers, breadwinners, and farmers—all at the same time. Countless women make heroic sacrifices just to ensure that their children have enough to eat. Do not all these women too deserve appreciation and praise?", Proverbs chapter 31,g98 4/8 p. 7 ,,,joshlaymon,,4/25/2025
Finding Comfort in “the Valley of Deep Shadow” ,"Sometimes, when things have been going well, my life has been like pleasant “grassy pastures.” But I have also known what it is like to traverse a “valley of deep shadow.” ","I am convinced, however, that because Jehovah is our Shepherd, we can cope with whatever circumstances may arise.—Psalm 23:1-4.  As told by Barbara Schweizer.",Psalm 23:1-4. ,g98 4/8 p. 21 ,,,joshlaymon,,4/25/2025
"The Fascinating World of Miniature Books, ","EXTREMES are intriguing—the highest mountain, the deepest ocean, the tallest building, the longest tunnel—so, what about the smallest book? Miniature books are fascinating! Millions of them have been printed, on every conceivable subject and in at least 20 languages."," If you have not explored their world, take a brief look now. How do we define a miniature book? The accepted norm is a book that does not exceed three inches [76 mm] in either height or width. These measurements include the binding, although some meticulous collectors do prefer to consider just the book pages. Why were these miniature volumes printed?BY AWAKE! CORRESPONDENT IN BRITAIN",Psalms 119:105,g98 4/22 p. 13 ,,,joshlaymon,,4/25/2025
"How Can I Avoid Being Smothered by My Friend? too much company, ","To illustrate: In a public garden in Sydney, Australia, a large tree had to be enclosed by a chain fence. Why? Because battalions of visitors were gradually compacting the soil and choking the roots. Unprotected, the tree would have died. ","The same can be true of friendships. Too much togetherness can choke a relationship. King Solomon wrote: “Make your foot rare at the house of your fellowman, that he may not have his sufficiency of you and certainly hate you.”—Proverbs 25:17.",Proverbs 25:17.,g98 4/22 p. 17 ,,,joshlaymon,,4/25/2025
"The Rape of the Rain Forests, environment, trees, waste, ","ONCE upon a time, a broad emerald belt girdled our planet. Trees of every kind made up its fabric, and broad rivers laced its surface. Like a huge natural greenhouse, it was a realm of beauty and diversity. Half the world’s species of animals, birds, and insects lived there. But although it was the most bounteous region on earth, it was also fragile—more fragile than anyone imagined.","The tropical rain forest, as we now call it, seemed immense—and almost indestructible. It was not. The rain forest first began to disappear from the Caribbean islands. As early as 1671—ten years before the dodo bird became extinct—sugar plantations swallowed up the forest on Barbados. Other islands in the region went through a similar experience, a foretaste of a global trend that has accelerated in the 20th century.",Revelation 11:18;,g98 5/8 p. 3 ,,,joshlaymon,,4/25/2025
"“A First-Rate Magazine"" Awake!","Have you read the Awake! magazine before? How would you rate the copy that you hold in your hand? Do you find the articles informative, well researched, and pleasantly illustrated? ","A freelance writer from Nigeria, Africa, wrote: “I am a regular reader of Awake!, although I am not one of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Awake! is a first-rate magazine. It is a wellspring of creative ideas for me. Its covers are eye-catching and create in an unprejudiced reader a great urge to open its pages. Each issue evidences remarkable creativity; each page, journalistic excellence. With timely and finely crafted articles, each issue is a delicious serving of valuable and invaluable information.”",Luke 21:36;,g98 9/8 p. 32 ,,,joshlaymon,,4/25/2025
"Speeding up, don't slow down, Aircraft landing, Speed it up, preaching work, Evangelizing, preaching, Teaching,","We can illustrate the importance of picking up our speed and the truth by how a jet plane lands on an aircraft carrier in the middle of the ocean. When a jet plane is attempting to land on an aircraft carrier, the plane doesn't slow down to land. What the plane does it actually increases its power and speeds up instead of slowing down. The question is why? You would think that it would have to slow down in order to land. However, the reason why is that if the plane misses the cables that stop it on the carrier, it will still have enough power to take off again and make another attempt. ","And that's why when it comes into land, it speeds up. Well, the same is true when it comes to where we are in the stream of time, right? These are the final days, hours, minutes and seconds of this system of the land where we are surrounded by the rough sea of humanity. No conditions are telling us that this wicked system is about to end. We are rapidly approaching a landing in the new world of paradox, so strap your seat belts on. And bringing your seats to its upright position. Because we are about ready to land in the paradise and like that plane landing on the carrier. Now is not the time to slow down cutting back in our ministry.",Isaiah 60:22; 5:19;,Circuit Assembly talk. C.O.,Do You Have the Evangelizing Spirit?,63 ,joshlaymon,,4/28/2025
"Endurance, sports, athletes, running, swimming,","When you hear the word endurance, perhaps what comes to mind for athletes who are engaged in the sport like running, cycling, swimming, these are in fact, they're called endurance sports and they're called says because the athletes are expected to exert a high degree. The physical activity over an extended period of time. So when we think of it in those terms, we can understand why we might think of the word endurance along those lines. ","But in the Scriptures, endurance carries a different thought. It carries the thought of courage or steadfastness. Of a person who stands his ground in the face of obstacles, persecutions and trials. Such adversities can take on many forms. As a matter of fact, if you go back to that fourth verse, the the latter part of that and look at verse 5, the Apostle Paul enumerates the number of different trials. He he speaks of tribulations. He speaks of times of need, difficulties, beatings, imprisonments, riots. Hard work, sleepless nights and times without food. ",2 Corinthians 6:4;,Speaker at Circuit Assembly,,,joshlaymon,,4/26/2025
"Make Decisions That Please Jehovah, ","Once you have prayed for Jehovah’s direction, pay careful attention to his answer. To illustrate: If you got lost while traveling, you might ask a local resident for help. But would you then walk away before he had a chance to reply? Of course not. You would listen carefully to his directions. ","Similarly, after you ask Jehovah for wisdom, try to discern his answer by finding out which Bible laws and principles apply to your situation. For example, when deciding whether to attend the social gathering mentioned earlier, you might consider what the Bible says about wild parties, bad associations, and the need to put Kingdom interests ahead of your personal preferences.—Matt. 6:33; Rom. 13:13; 1 Cor. 15:33.",Matt. 6:33; Rom. 13:13; 1 Cor. 15:33.,w25 January pp. 16-17 par. 7 ,,,joshlaymon,,4/27/2025
"Imitate Jesus’ Zeal for Preaching, Evangelizing, positive view, ","For example, consider two of his illustrations. (Read Luke 13:18-21.) Jesus used a mustard grain to teach that the Kingdom message would expand in an amazing way and have unstoppable growth. And he used leaven to illustrate how the Kingdom message would spread widely and cause changes that might not be immediately apparent. ","Jesus taught his disciples to keep a positive view of their message, which would encourage them to maintain their zeal. Consequently, Jesus helped his disciples to see that the message they preached would indeed have success.",Luke 13:18-21,w25 March p. 19 par. 16 ,,,joshlaymon,,4/27/2025
"We Are Never Alone, ","To illustrate how Jehovah provides comfort and encouragement by means of his Word, consider the experience of Nathan and Priscilla, who live in the United States. Some years ago, they decided to move to where there was a greater need for Kingdom publishers. “We trusted that Jehovah would bless our efforts,” Nathan says. However, after arriving in their new assignment, they faced unexpected health problems and financial hardships. ","The couple eventually had to return home, where they still continued to struggle financially. “I wondered why God hadn’t blessed us the way we thought he would,” Nathan recalls. “I even began to wonder if I had done something wrong.” In time, however, Nathan and Priscilla came to realize that God had not abandoned them in their time of need. “During those difficult times, the Bible became like a wise friend offering us encouragement and guidance,” Nathan relates. “Focusing on how Jehovah helped us to endure that hardship instead of focusing on the trial itself prepared us to face future challenges with faith.”","2 Corinthians 1:3, 4; ",w25 April p. 24 par. 16 ,,,joshlaymon,,4/27/2025
"Jehovah’s Name—What It Means to Jesus, ","To illustrate, imagine that there is an elder in your congregation named David and he is also a surgeon. You have known that brother for many years. But then one day you have a medical emergency. You are rushed to the hospital where that brother works, and he uses his medical skill to save your life. Does that brother’s name now take on more meaning for you? Of course it does! David is no longer just the elder you know; he is also the surgeon who saved your life.","In a similar way, Jesus’ disciples already knew Jehovah’s name. But that name took on greater meaning for them as a result of Jesus’ ministry. Why can we say that? Because Jesus reflected the personality of his Father in everything he said and did. So his apostles came to “know” Jehovah better by listening to the way Jesus taught and by observing the way he dealt with people.—John 14:9; 17:3.","John 17:6, 26",w25 May pp. 20-21 pars. 3-5 ,,,joshlaymon,,4/27/2025
"“Press On to Maturity” Training Chilldren, youth, reminders, ","To illustrate, a mother might ask her young daughter to hold her hand while crossing the street. As the girl grows older, the mother might allow her to cross the street on her own but will still remind her to look both ways for traffic. When the child becomes an adult, she avoids such hazards on her own. ","Just as young children need help from adults to avoid danger, immature Christians often need help from mature Christians to avoid spiritual dangers and to make wise decisions. By contrast, when mature Christians have to make a decision, they reason on Bible principles to get Jehovah’s thinking on the matter and then follow through accordingly.","Ephesians 4:14, 15.",w24 April pp. 3-4 par. 6 ,,,joshlaymon,,4/27/2025
"Keep on Guard Against Temptation, resistance, strengthen, ","To illustrate, in Bible times the most vulnerable part of a city wall was its gates. Therefore, the gates were the most heavily guarded. Once we have identified those areas in which we are most susceptible to temptation, what should we do? Strengthen our resistance!  ","Similarly, we need to give special attention to any areas in which we know that we are especially weak.—1 Cor. 9:27. How can we guard ourselves? Consider what we can learn from the young man discussed in Proverbs chapter 7. He committed sexual immorality with an immoral woman. Verse 22 tells us that the young man went after her “suddenly.” But as the preceding verses show, he had taken several steps before this that gradually led him to sin.",1 Cor. 9:27,w24 July pp. 15-16 pars. 7-8 ,,,joshlaymon,,4/27/2025
"Important Lessons From the Kings of Israel, heart, divided, reject bad influences, ","To illustrate, imagine yourself outside on a brutally cold and windy day. On arriving home, you turn on the heat. How much good would that do you if you left the door open? The cold air would quickly fill your house. ","The point? If we detect that something is beginning to weaken our love for Jehovah, let us take swift action to remove it.—Read Proverbs 4:23; Matthew 5:29, 30. We must not let our heart become divided. If we are not careful, we could fool ourselves into thinking that by increasing our spiritual activities, we need not reject bad influences. We need to do more than just take in spiritual food that warms our relationship with Jehovah. We must also close the door on unwholesome influences, so that this world’s cold “air,” or ungodly attitude, does not enter our heart and divide it.—Eph. 2:2."," Proverbs 4:23; Matthew 5:29, 30.",w24 July p. 21 pars. 6-7,,,joshlaymon,,4/27/2025
"“Become Doers of the Word” Bible Reading, Apply, few minutes focused attention, ","To illustrate, let’s say that your Bible reading included 1 Thessalonians 5:17, 18. After reading those two verses, you could stop and think of how often and how deeply you pray. Also, you could reflect on things for which you are grateful. Maybe you determine that you will thank Jehovah for three specific things.","Regardless of when you do your Bible reading and how much time you spend doing it, be sure to look for ways to apply what you read. As you go over a portion of God’s Word, ask yourself, ‘How can I apply this information now or in the near future?’  With even a few minutes of such focused attention, you will to some extent become a hearer and a doer of God’s Word. Think of how you would benefit by repeating this process each day with other portions of the Bible that you read! Yes, you will grow as a doer of God’s Word. What, though, if it seems that there are so many things you need to work on?","1 Thessalonians 5:17, 18.",w24 September p. 5 par. 10 ,,,joshlaymon,,4/27/2025
"Show Appreciation for “Gifts in Men” Ministerial servants, elders, circuit overseers, imperfect, ","To illustrate: Some of us are directly involved in the construction of a Kingdom Hall. Others support the work by providing meals, transportation, and other services. Similarly, all of us can support the efforts of ministerial servants, congregation elders, and circuit overseers by what we say and do. ","Let us consider how we benefit from their hard work and how we can show them and Jesus, who gave us these “gifts in men,” that we appreciate them. The apostle Paul wrote that after Jesus ascended to heaven, “he gave gifts in men.” (Read Ephesians 4:7, 8.) Paul explained that Jesus gave these gifts in order to support the congregation in various ways. (Eph. 1:22, 23; 4:11-13) Today, these “gifts in men” include ministerial servants, congregation elders, and circuit overseers. Of course, these men are imperfect, so they make mistakes. (Jas. 3:2) But our Lord Jesus Christ uses them to help us; they are his gifts to us. Jesus assigned these “gifts in men” to build up the congregation. (Eph. 4:12) But the rest of us can help them to carry out this important responsibility. ","Ephesians 4:7, 8.",w24 October pp. 18-19 pars. 2-3 ,,,joshlaymon,,4/27/2025
"Be Convinced That God’s “Word Is Truth” copys, Bible, Scholars, manuscripts, accurant, Count words, ",Modern scholars have a reliable way to identify errors made by those who copied the Bible text. To illustrate: Suppose 100 men are assigned to copy a page of text by hand. One of the men makes a slight error in his copy. One way we could detect that error is by comparing his copy with all the others. ,"Similarly, by comparing a number of Bible manuscripts, scholars are able to identify errors or omissions that one copyist may have made. In order to preserve his inspired message, Jehovah directed that it be copied. He instructed the kings of Israel to make their own copies of the written Law, and he appointed the Levites to teach that Law to the people. (Deut. 17:18; 31:24-26; Neh. 8:7) After the exile of the Jews to Babylon, a group of professional copyists began to make numerous copies of the Hebrew Scriptures. (Ezra 7:6, ftns.) These men were conscientious. Eventually, copyists began to count not only the words but even the letters so as to be sure that everything was accurately transcribed. Even so, because of human imperfection, some small errors crept into the Bible text. However, many copies of the same text were made, so those errors could later be identified. How?",Deut. 17:18; 31:24-26; Neh. 8:7,w23 January p. 3 pars. 5-6 ,,,joshlaymon,,4/27/2025
“Your Brother Will Rise”! WHY WE CAN BELIEVE IN THE RESURRECTION PROMISE,"To illustrate: Imagine that your house has been badly damaged by a storm. A friend comes to you and promises, ‘I am going to help you rebuild your house.’ He is sincere, and you are convinced that he has the desire to help you. If he is a skilled builder and has the needed tools, you know that he also has the ability. So you believe in his promise. What, then, about God’s promise of a resurrection? Does he really have the desire and the power to fulfill it?","To believe in a promise, we must be convinced that the one making the promise has the desire as well as the power, or ability, to fulfill it. Does Jehovah have the desire to resurrect the dead? Without question, he does. He inspired a number of Bible writers to record his promise of a future resurrection. (Isa. 26:19; Hos. 13:14; Rev. 20:11-13) And when Jehovah makes a promise, he always fulfills it. (Josh. 23:14) Jehovah is, in fact, eager to restore the dead to life. Why can we say that?",Isa. 26:19; Hos. 13:14; Rev. 20:11-13,w23 April p. 9,,,joshlaymon,,4/27/2025
"Keep “the Flame of Jah” Alive, KEEP STRENGTHENING YOUR RELATIONSHIP WITH JEHOVAH","To illustrate, a campfire has the potential to burn indefinitely—but only if it is fed. If left unattended, the fire will eventually go out. Likewise, the love between a husband and wife can remain strong indefinitely—but only if they nurture their relationship. At times, a couple could feel that their love is cooling off, especially when they are weighed down by financial hardship, health concerns, or the pressures of raising children. So if you are married, how can you keep “the flame of Jah” alive in your marriage? In this article, we will discuss three ways to keep your relationship strong and enjoy a happy marriage.","LOVE’S “flames are a blazing fire, the flame of Jah. Surging waters cannot extinguish love, nor can rivers wash it away.” (Song of Sol. 8:6, 7) What a beautiful description of true love! These words contain a reassuring truth for married couples: You can have unfailing love for each other. Whether a married couple will have unfailing love as long as they live depends on them. To keep “the flame of Jah” alive, both husband and wife should work to have a strong relationship with Jehovah.","Song of Sol. 8:6, 7",w23 May pp. 20-21 pars. 1-3 ,,,joshlaymon,,4/27/2025
"You Can Reach Your Spiritual Goals, No Motive, Motivation, ","To illustrate: The wind can be a strong force that pushes a sailboat toward its destination. Yet, the wind varies in strength, and on some days, there may be no wind at all. Does this mean that the sailor cannot keep moving? Not necessarily. For example, some sailboats have a motor; others have oars. The sailor can use these means to keep moving toward his destination.","Realistically, though, we all have days when we do not feel motivated. Does this mean that we cannot work on our goal? No.  Our motivation can be likened to the wind; how motivated we feel may vary. And on some days, we may feel no motivation to work on our goal. So if we were to work on our goal only when we felt motivated, we might never reach it. But just as the sailor finds other ways to reach his destination, we can still work toward our goal even when we are not motivated. Though this will require self-discipline, the results are worthwhile. Before discussing what we can do, let us address a question that may arise. Jehovah wants us to serve him happily and willingly. (Ps. 100:2; 2 Cor. 9:7) So should we keep working toward a spiritual goal if we do not feel like it? Consider the apostle Paul’s example. He said: “I strictly discipline my body and lead it as a slave.” ",Ps. 100:2; 2 Cor. 9:7,w23 May pp. 28-29 pars. 8-9,,,joshlaymon,,4/27/2025
"Like Peter, You Can Persevere, Why is it necessary for us to persevere? ","There is a saying, Practice makes perfect. To illustrate: A musician may spend many years mastering his instrument. During that time, he may play thousands of wrong notes, but if he keeps practicing, he will improve. Even if he becomes a skilled musician, though, he may occasionally make a mistake. Still, he does not give up. He keeps working at his craft. ","In a similar way, even after we feel that we have overcome a certain weakness, we may suffer a setback. But we still keep working toward our goal. We all say or do things that we later regret; nonetheless, if we refuse to give up, Jehovah will help us to keep making progress. (1 Pet. 5:10) Let us consider Peter’s example of perseverance. The compassion Jesus showed him despite his shortcomings can motivate us to continue serving Jehovah.",1 Pet. 5:10,w23 September p. 21 par. 3 ,,,joshlaymon,,4/27/2025
" “He Will Make You Strong”—How? Jehovah promises to make us strong too. Effort, ","To illustrate, an engine can power a car to move forward. However, a driver must press the accelerator in order to go anywhere. ","Similarly, Jehovah is ready to give us the power we need, but we must take steps to benefit from it. What has Jehovah provided to make us strong? And what do we need to do in order to receive that power? We will learn the answers to those questions by considering how Jehovah strengthened three Bible characters—the prophet Jonah, Mary the mother of Jesus, and the apostle Paul. We will also see how Jehovah continues to strengthen his servants today in similar ways. But we cannot expect to receive that power without making any effort on our part. ",1 Pet. 5:10,w23 October pp. 12-13 par. 3,,,joshlaymon,,4/27/2025
"How to Keep Our Love for One Another Strong, ","To illustrate, consider the connection that exists between our heart and other parts of our body. When a physician checks our pulse on our wrist to see if it is weak or strong, he may be able to get some information about the condition of our heart. How could we apply this principle to the topic of love?","Just as a doctor is able to get some information about the health of our heart when checking our pulse, we can get some information about the strength of our love for God by checking our love for others. If we notice that our love for fellow believers has weakened somewhat, this may indicate that our love for God is also growing weak. But when we regularly show love for fellow believers, this signals that our love for God is strong. John 13:35;", John 13:35;,w23 November p. 9 pars. 4-5,,,joshlaymon,,4/27/2025
" Enjoy a Hope Without Disappointment. matured, growth, paradise, baptism, ","To illustrate: Do you recall when you first heard of the marvelous hope contained in God’s Word? At that point, you may have thought that the idea of living forever on a paradise earth was mere wishful thinking. However, as you got better acquainted with Jehovah and with the Bible’s promises, you became more convinced that this hope would become a reality.","Even after your dedication and baptism, your hope continued to grow as you learned more and matured spiritually. (Heb. 5:13–6:1) You have likely experienced what is mentioned at Romans 5:2-4. You had various tribulations, but you endured them and sensed God’s approval. ",Heb. 5:13–6:1; Romans 5:2-4. ,w23 December pp. 12-13 pars. 16-17,,,joshlaymon,,4/27/2025
 Learn From Jesus’ Younger Brother ***,"Read James 1:22-25. James’ illustration of the mirror is effective for a number of reasons. He had a specific point in mind, namely, that to benefit from God’s Word, we must do more than read it; we must act on what we read. James chose an illustration that his audience could quickly relate to—a man looking in a mirror. ","His point? It would be foolish if a man were to look in a mirror, see a flaw he can correct, and do nothing about it. Similarly, it would be foolish if we were to read God’s Word, see something that we need to change about our personality, and do nothing about it.",James 1:22-25.,w22 January pp. 12-13 par. 17,,,joshlaymon,,4/27/2025
"Find Joy in Giving Jehovah Your Personal Best, LEARN FROM THE EXAMPLES OF OTHERS, Jesus, ","Although we should avoid comparing ourselves with others, we can benefit by learning from the examples of faithful ones. To illustrate, let us consider Jesus. Even though he was perfect, we can learn from his beautiful qualities and ways. (1 Pet. 2:21) ","When we do our best to follow his example as closely as we can, we become better servants of Jehovah and more effective in our ministry.",1 Pet. 2:21,w22 April p. 13 ,,,joshlaymon,,4/27/2025
"How to Set and Reach Spiritual Goals, ","To illustrate: The apostle Paul had helped to form a new congregation in the city of Thessalonica. And he no doubt had the goal of staying there and helping those new Christians. But opposers forced Paul to leave that city. (Acts 17:1-5, 10) ","If Paul had stayed, he would have put his brothers at risk. But Paul did not give up. Instead, he adapted to the changed circumstances. Later, he dispatched Timothy to care for the spiritual needs of the new believers in Thessalonica. (1 Thess. 3:1-3) How happy the Thessalonians must have been that Timothy had made himself available to serve wherever he was needed! We also need to be flexible when setting goals. Why? Because we do not have complete control over our circumstances. ","Acts 17:1-5, 10) ",w22 April pp. 25-26 par. 14 ,,,joshlaymon,,4/27/2025
" “Go On Walking in the Truth” Benefits, Hope, sure, firm, stabilize, ","To illustrate the value of that hope, the apostle Paul wrote: “We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, both sure and firm.” (Heb. 6:19) Just as an anchor steadies a boat, our Bible-based hope can stabilize us when we face trials in life.",What is another reason why we love the truth? The truth brings great benefits to us. Consider an example. Bible truth includes our hope for the future.,Heb. 6:19,w22 August p. 15 par. 4,,,joshlaymon,,4/27/2025
"Jehovah’s People Love Righteousness, ","To illustrate: If Adam and Eve had loved Jehovah, they would never have disobeyed his just law.—Gen. 3:1-6, 16-19. Love the Person who sets the standards. In order to love righteousness, we need to grow in our love for the One who sets the standards of right and wrong. The more we love Jehovah, the more we will want to live by his righteous standards.","We certainly do not want to make the same mistake that Adam and Eve made. We can avoid that outcome if we keep learning about Jehovah, appreciating his qualities, and trying to understand his way of thinking. As we do, our love for Jehovah is sure to grow. Consider Abraham. He truly loved Jehovah. Even when he found it hard to grasp Jehovah’s decisions, Abraham did not rebel. Instead, he tried to get to know Jehovah better. ","Gen. 3:1-6, 16-19.",w22 August p. 28 pars. 9-10 ,,,joshlaymon,,4/27/2025
"You Can Trust Your Brothers, ","To illustrate, if we have ever experienced food poisoning, we may be more cautious about what we eat. However, one bad meal will not make us stop eating.","If you have had a similar disheartening experience, work to rebuild your trust. You may need time, but your efforts will be worth it.  Similarly, we should not let one bad experience weaken our trust in all our brothers and sisters, who we know were born imperfect. When we rebuild our trust, we will be happier and better able to focus on what we can do to contribute to the atmosphere of trust in our congregation. Proverbs 18:24;",Proverbs 18:24;,w22 September p. 7 par. 16 ,,,joshlaymon,,4/27/2025
" Prove Yourself Trustworthy, ","To illustrate, we do not hesitate to invite our Bible students to attend the weekend meeting, fearing that someone will have forgotten to organize a public talk. And we trust that the literature we need for the ministry will be available. ","We are well cared for by these faithful brothers, and we thank Jehovah for them! In what ways, though, can we prove ourselves to be trustworthy? Ephesians 6:21, 22","Ephesians 6:21, 22",w22 September p. 10 par. 7,,,joshlaymon,,4/27/2025
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"You Can Find True Happiness, savor, enjoy, favorite meal, ","To illustrate, have you ever had this experience? Someone cooks one of your favorite meals. But either because you are too hurried or are too preoccupied mentally, you gulp it down without really tasting each morsel. After you finish eating, you realize how quickly you ate and you wish you had slowed down and enjoyed each bite. ","Well, have you ever read the Bible in such haste that you failed to savor its message? Take the time to enjoy reading God’s Word; visualize the scenes, imagine the sounds of the voices, and think about what you have read. The whole experience will add to your happiness. As you read God’s Word, take your time to savor what you read. ",Luke 11:28.Matt. 24:45,w22 October p. 8 pars. 6-8 ,,,joshlaymon,,4/27/2025
" How Jehovah Helps Us to Carry Out Our Ministry, ","To illustrate, let us consider some events in the life of the prophet Ezekiel, who preached to the Jewish exiles in Babylon. What kind of people were in Ezekiel’s preaching territory? Jehovah described them as “defiant,” “hardhearted,” and “rebellious.” They were as harmful as thorns and as dangerous as scorpions. ","No wonder Jehovah told Ezekiel repeatedly: “Do not be afraid”! (Read Ezekiel 2:3-6.) Ezekiel was able to carry out his preaching commission because he was (1) sent by Jehovah, (2) empowered by God’s spirit, and (3)nourished by God’s words. How did these three factors help Ezekiel? And how do they help us today?",Ezekiel 2:3-6.,w22 November p. 2 pars. 1-2,,,joshlaymon,,4/27/2025
“I Have Learned So Much From Others!” ,"To illustrate: When in 1973 we were invited to serve at Bethel, I hesitated because I loved the circuit work. But Angèle reminded me that we had dedicated our lives to Jehovah. Should we not do whatever his organization asks us to do? (Heb. 13:17) How could I argue with that! So off to Bethel we went. Throughout our long life together, my wife’s discretion, soundness of mind, and spiritual outlook have strengthened our marriage and helped us to make good decisions. In our advancing years, Angèle continues to be an excellent, supportive wife. ","From the very start of our courtship, I observed Angèle’s spiritual qualities. Those qualities became even more evident in our married life. In fact, on the very evening of our wedding day, she asked me to pray about our desire to serve Jehovah to the full as a married couple. Jehovah answered that prayer. Angèle has also helped me to trust more fully in Jehovah. ",Heb. 13:17,w21 May pp. 29-30 ,,,joshlaymon,,4/27/2025
Do Not Stumble “These Little Ones” ,"Jehovah cares deeply about you, and he also cares about all your Christian brothers and sisters. To illustrate this point, Jesus compared Jehovah to a shepherd. If 1 sheep out of 100 strays from the flock, what will the shepherd do? He will “leave the 99 on the mountains and set out on a search for the one that is straying.” When the shepherd finds the sheep, he will not scold it for straying. He will rejoice. ",The point? Every sheep is important to Jehovah. Jesus said: “It is not a desirable thing to my Father who is in heaven for even one of these little ones to perish.”—Matt. 18:12-14.,Matt. 18:12-14.,w21 June p. 20 par. 2 ,,,joshlaymon,,4/27/2025
Rejoice in Your Own Progress! ,"To illustrate how he feels about us, Jehovah uses the bond between a mother and her baby. (Isa. 49:15) Consider the example of a mother named Rachel. She writes: “My daughter Stephanie was born prematurely. When I first saw her, she looked tiny and helpless. But the hospital allowed me to hold her every day during the first month when she was in an incubator. ","Those tender moments helped us to form a close bond. She is now six years old and is smaller than others her age. Yet, I love her all the more because she fought so hard to live, and she has brought so much joy to my life!” How comforting it is to know that Jehovah feels that type of deep love for us when he sees us fighting to serve him whole-souled!",Isa. 49:15,w21 July p. 25 par. 19 ,,,joshlaymon,,4/27/2025
"Rebuilding Your Friendship With Jehovah, ","To illustrate, someone whose cherished home has been badly damaged by a hurricane may feel overwhelmed when he contemplates the time and effort needed to rebuild it. Similarly, if your friendship with Jehovah was damaged by serious sin, you may feel that your spiritual restoration will require enormous effort. But help is available.","Jehovah invites us: “Come, now, and let us set matters straight between us.” (Isa. 1:18) You have already worked hard to “set matters straight.” Jehovah loves you for making that effort. Just think: You have given Jehovah a basis for him to make a powerful reply to Satan’s accusations!—Prov. 27:11.",Isa. 1:18,w21 October pp. 14-15 ,,,joshlaymon,,4/27/2025
"Listen, Learn, and Show Compassion ","To illustrate, even a brilliant and experienced doctor can learn only so much by just looking at a patient. He must listen attentively if he is to learn about the patient’s medical history, his emotional makeup, or any symptoms he is having. The doctor may even order an X-ray to see the inside of the patient’s body. Otherwise, the doctor could misdiagnose the problem. ","As imperfect humans, all of us have a tendency to judge others by their outward appearance. (Read John 7:24.) But we learn only a little about a person from what we see with our eyes. Similarly, we cannot fully understand our brothers and sisters by simply looking at their outward appearance. We must try to look beneath the surface—at the inner person. Of course, we cannot read hearts, so we will never understand others as well as Jehovah does. But we can do our best to imitate Jehovah. How?",John 7:24.,w20 April pp. 14-15 par. 2 ,,,joshlaymon,,4/27/2025
 “Run the Race to the Finish” ,"Paul sometimes used features from the games held in ancient Greece to teach important lessons. (1 Cor. 9:25-27; 2 Tim. 2:5) On a number of occasions, he used running as in a footrace to illustrate the Christian course of life. ","(1 Cor. 9:24; Gal. 2:2; Phil. 2:16) A person enters this “race” when he dedicates himself to Jehovah and gets baptized. (1 Pet. 3:21) He crosses the finish line when Jehovah grants him the prize of everlasting life.—Matt. 25:31-34, 46; 2 Tim. 4:8.",1 Cor. 9:24; Gal. 2:2; Phil. 2:16,w20 April p. 26 par. 3,,,joshlaymon,,4/27/2025
" “Guard What Has Been Entrusted to You” Nearest Exit, emergency, immoral scene, Movie, TV","To illustrate, when attending an event, audience members are often asked to locate the nearest exit before the program begins. Why? So that they will be able to leave quickly if an emergency arises. ","In the same way, we can rehearse beforehand which “exit” we will take if we suddenly encounter an immoral scene, graphic violence, or apostate material while using the Internet or while watching a movie or TV program. If we prepare for what might happen, we can act quickly to escape spiritual harm and remain clean in Jehovah’s eyes.—Ps. 101:3; 1 Tim. 4:12.",Ps. 101:3; 1 Tim. 4:12.,w20 September p. 30 par. 18,,,joshlaymon,,4/27/2025
"Jehovah Is Directing His Organization Unity, language, ","To illustrate: If you were to attend a Watchtower Study in another congregation—even in another land—you would know how the study would be conducted and which article would be considered. Immediately, you would feel at home! What else but God’s spirit can account for this precious unity?—Zeph. 3:9, ftn.","Yes, the same desire for order and peace that marked the early Christians is evident in Jehovah’s organization today. ",Zeph. 3:9,w20 October p. 23 par. 12 ,,,joshlaymon,,4/27/2025
How to Help Others to Observe Christ’s Commands ,"To illustrate how we can teach someone to observe, or obey, the things that Christ commanded, think of this example. How does a driving instructor teach his students to observe the traffic laws? The instructor may first cover the rules of the road in a classroom setting. However, to teach his students how to obey those rules, he has to take another step. ","He has to accompany the students and guide them as they actually drive in traffic and try to put into practice what they have learned. What can we learn from that example? When we study the Bible with others, we teach them what God requires of us. But we must do more. We must teach our Bible students to apply in their daily life what they learn. (Read John 14:15; 1 John 2:3.) ",John 14:15; 1 John 2:3,w20 November p. 3 pars. 4-5 ,,,joshlaymon,,4/27/2025
What Is God’s Name? ,"Using God’s name reveals our interest in him. To illustrate, you may ask someone you hope to befriend to call you by your given name. How would you feel if that person persistently refused to use your name? In time you would likely wonder whether that person really wanted to be close to you. ","So it goes with God. Jehovah has told mankind his name, and he encourages us to use it. When we do, we show Jehovah that we want to get close to him. Why, he even notices “those meditating on [or, “treasuring,” footnote] his name”!—Malachi 3:16. Learning God’s name is the vital first step in knowing him. But we must not stop there. We need to discover the Person behind the name. We need to learn what he is like.",Malachi 3:16.,wp19 No. 1 p. 5 ,,,joshlaymon,,4/27/2025
" “Do Not Be Anxious, for I Am Your God” Yeartext, ","Consider an example of the beautiful word picture Isaiah uses to illustrate how Jehovah protects us. He refers to Jehovah as a shepherd and to God’s servants as lambs. Isaiah says of Jehovah: “With his arm he will gather together the lambs, and in his bosom he will carry them.” (Isa. 40:11) ","When we sense Jehovah’s strong arms wrapped around us, we feel protected and calm. To help us remain calm despite the problems we face, the faithful and discreet slave has selected Isaiah 41:10 as the yeartext for 2019, “Do not be anxious, for I am your God.” Meditate on those reassuring words. They will strengthen you as you face the challenges that lie ahead.",Isa. 40:11,w19 January p. 7 par. 18,,,joshlaymon,,4/27/2025
"Goodness—How Can You Cultivate It? Helpful acts, ","To illustrate: Do you think of an artist painting a portrait with only one or two brushstrokes? Rather, he may use many brushstrokes to create his painting. Similarly, our goodness can be seen in many helpful acts. The Bible urges us to be “prepared” and “ready” to render good. (2 Tim. 2:21; Titus 3:1) ","Jehovah encourages his people to “search for what is good.” (Amos 5:14) Doing so, we will not only come to love his standards but also strengthen our motivation to do what is good. We need not imagine that practicing good requires grand gestures or dramatic sacrifices. Being alert to the circumstances of others, we may see ways to please our neighbor “for his good, to build him up.” (Rom. 15:2) ",Amos 5:14;2 Tim. 2:21; Titus 3:1,w19 March p. 28 ,,,joshlaymon,,4/28/2025
"Jehovah Values His Humble Servants, Embarrassing moment, appreciate, counsel, courage, ","A humble person appreciates counsel. To illustrate: Imagine that you are at a Christian meeting. After talking with several fellow believers, you are pulled aside by one of them who discreetly mentions that you have some food on your teeth. ","No doubt, you would feel embarrassed. But would you not also appreciate that he or she let you know? In fact, you might wish that someone else had told you sooner! Likewise, we should humbly appreciate a fellow believer who has the courage to offer us counsel when we need it. We view that person as our friend, not our enemy.—Read Proverbs 27:5, 6; Gal. 4:16.","Proverbs 27:5, 6; Gal. 4:16.",w19 September p. 5 par. 12 ,,,joshlaymon,,4/28/2025
" Joy—A Quality We Acquire From God, drunk  sober, quality of the heart, ","We should not confuse being joyful with simply being jovial or cheerful. To illustrate: After too many drinks, a drunkard may be in a hilarious mood. However, when he sobers up, he laughs no more, and he may return to a life full of sorrow and troubles. His momentary exuberance was not true joy.—Prov. 14:13.","Joy, in contrast, is a deep-seated quality of the heart. It has been defined as “the emotion excited by the acquisition or expectation of good.” Joy is a state of happiness or gladness that remains whether the conditions around us are pleasant or not. (1 Thess. 1:6) In fact, a person can be disturbed about something but still have joy in his heart. For example, the apostles were flogged for speaking about the Christ. Yet, they “went out from before the Sanhedrin, rejoicing because they had been counted worthy to be dishonored in behalf of his name.” (Acts 5:41) Obviously, they were not rejoicing over the flogging they had received. But as servants of God, they found true joy in keeping their integrity to him.",Prov. 14:13,w18 February p. 28,,,joshlaymon,,4/28/2025
"“Listen to Discipline and Become Wise” training, ","To illustrate: When a child first learns to ride a bicycle, a parent usually holds the bicycle to steady it. But as the child finds his balance, the parent cautiously lets go for a few moments at a time. He lets go altogether when the child can keep his balance.","Likewise, when parents consistently and patiently train their little ones “in the discipline and admonition of Jehovah,” they are also helping their children to develop self-discipline and wisdom.—Eph. 6:4.4 The same principles apply to those who come to know Jehovah as adults. True, they may already have developed a measure of self-discipline. Spiritually speaking, however, a new disciple starts off being immature. But he or she can steadily grow toward maturity as part of learning to put on the Christlike “new personality.” (Eph. 4:23, 24) Self-discipline includes exercising control over ourselves in order to improve in our behavior and thinking. We are not born with an inclination toward self-discipline. We have to learn it. ","Eph. 4:23, 24",w18 March p. 29 pars. 3-4 ,,,joshlaymon,,4/28/2025
"Let God’s Laws and Principles Train Your Conscience, ","To illustrate: Imagine that you are having difficulty sleeping well. Your doctor prescribes a program involving diet, exercise, and lifestyle changes. After trying the program, you find that it works! You probably would greatly appreciate your doctor for helping you to improve the quality of your life.","In like manner, our Creator has given us laws that can protect us from the damaging effects of sin and thus improve our life. Think about how we benefit from following the Bible’s laws about lying, scheming, stealing, sexual immorality, violence, and spiritism. (Read Proverbs 6:16-19; Rev. 21:8) When we experience the rich rewards that come from doing things Jehovah’s way, our heart naturally grows in love and appreciation for both Jehovah and his laws. In order to benefit from God’s laws, we need to do more than simply read them or become acquainted with them. We must grow to love and respect them. God’s Word says: “Hate what is bad, and love what is good.” (Amos 5:15) But how do we actually do that? A key is to learn to view things the way Jehovah views them. ",Proverbs 6:16-19; Rev. 21:8,w18 June p. 17 pars. 5-6,,,joshlaymon,,4/28/2025
"We Belong to Jehovah, Gift, treasure, single flower, devotion, ","To illustrate, imagine that a man has planted many beautiful flowers in his garden. One day his little girl picks one of those flowers and offers it to him as a gift. Did not the flower already belong to the man? How could she give him something that he already owned? ","A loving father would not even think of such questions. Rather, he would be delighted to accept the gift as a token of his daughter’s love for him. He would surely treasure that single flower from his daughter above all the other flowers in his garden. Jehovah is no less delighted when we willingly devote ourselves to him exclusively.—Ex. 34:14.",Ex. 34:14.,w18 July p. 23 par. 6 ,,,joshlaymon,,4/28/2025
" “If You Know These Things, Happy You Are if You Do Them” ","To illustrate, a mechanic may have tools, materials, and knowledge. But he will not benefit from those assets unless he uses them. If he has done mechanical work in the past and has gained valuable experience in the process, he must continue to practice what he has learned in order to stay skillful and productive. ","Likewise, we might enjoy initial success because we apply what we read in the Bible. However, we will find lasting happiness by living humbly by Jehovah’s instruction each day.Putting divine instruction into practice is essentially what wisdom means. (Ps. 107:43) The reward for wisdom is worth the effort. “Nothing you desire can compare to it. . . . It is a tree of life to those who take hold of it, and those who keep firm hold of it will be called happy.” (Prov. 3:13-18) Jesus said: “If you know these things, happy you are if you do them.” (John 13:17) The disciples’ happiness would last if they kept doing what Jesus instructed them to do. They did not embrace his teachings and example simply as an immediate response on that one occasion. It became their way of life.",Prov. 3:13-18,w18 September p. 4 pars. 5-6,,,joshlaymon,,4/28/2025
"Teaching the Truth, language, mother tongue, translation, ","To illustrate, when a sister met a woman who had moved from Micronesia and whose first language is Yapese, our sister showed her Why Study the Bible? in her language. When the video began playing, the woman said: “This is my language. I can’t believe it! I can tell from his accent that he is from my island. He speaks my language!” ","After that, she said that she was going to read and watch everything in her language on jw.org. (Compare Acts 2:8, 11.) Consider another experience. A sister in the United States sent to her nephew overseas a link to the same video in his language. He watched it and e-mailed her: “The part about an evil power controlling the world particularly caught my attention. I signed up for a Bible study.” He lives in a country where our work is restricted!","Acts 2:8, 11.",w18 October pp. 14-15 par. 15,,,joshlaymon,,4/28/2025
" “Buy Truth and Never Sell It” price we pay for truth, "," What a beautiful way to illustrate the beneficial effects of learning and applying God’s words of truth! We could compare the effort to the price we pay. So, then, let us consider five things that we may have to pay to buy truth.","Isaiah 55:1-3. Jehovah’s words recorded by Isaiah shed further light on what it means to buy truth. In this Bible passage, Jehovah compares his word to water, milk, and wine. Like a drink of cool, clear water, God’s words of truth are refreshing. Also, just as milk strengthens us and helps children to grow, Jehovah’s nourishing words strengthen us and help us to grow spiritually. Further, Jehovah’s words are also like wine. In what way? In the Bible, wine is associated with rejoicing. (Ps. 104:15) So by telling his people to “buy wine,” Jehovah assures us that living according to his words will make us rejoice. (Ps. 19:8)",Isaiah 55:1-3.,w18 November p. 4 par. 6,,,joshlaymon,,4/28/2025
 Honor “What God Has Yoked Together” ,"The prophet Hosea’s experience is enlightening. God told Hosea to take a wife (Gomer), who would become “a woman of prostitution and [would have] children of prostitution.” Gomer “conceived and bore [Hosea] a son.” (Hos. 1:2, 3) Later, she had a daughter and a son, both likely the results of her adultery. Despite Gomer’s repeated adultery, Hosea stayed married to her. ","Finally, she left Hosea and became a slave. Still, he bought her back. (Hos. 3:1, 2) Jehovah was using Hosea to illustrate how He repeatedly forgave Israel’s adulterous course. What might we learn from this?If a Christian’s mate committed immorality, the innocent Christian would face a decision. Jesus said that the innocent one would have a basis for getting a divorce and then be free to remarry. On the other hand, the innocent mate could extend forgiveness. That would not be wrong. Hosea took back Gomer. Once Gomer was back with Hosea, she was not to have relations with any other man.","Hos. 3:1, 2",w18 December p. 13 pars. 12-13,,,joshlaymon,,4/28/2025
"Young Ones, You Can Have a Satisfying Life, war, fighting skills, ","To illustrate, consider a lesson we can learn from the Israelites’ conquest of the Promised Land and from David’s encounter with Goliath. When the Israelites neared the Promised Land, God did not command them to sharpen their fighting skills or train for war. (Deut. 28:1, 2) ","Rather, he told them that they needed to obey his commandments and trust in him. (Josh. 1:7-9) From a human viewpoint, that advice would make no sense! But it was the very best advice, for Jehovah gave his people victory after victory over the Canaanites. (Josh. 24:11-13) Yes, obedience to God calls for faith, but that faith always leads to success. This truth does not change with the passing of time. It is just as valid today.",Josh. 24:11-13,w18 December p. 25 pars. 3-4 ,,,joshlaymon,,4/28/2025
"What Will Go When God’s Kingdom Comes? acclimatize, not notice, bad conditions,  ","To illustrate, people who live near a busy train station may no longer notice the noise. And people who live near a garbage dump may no longer notice the smell. But when Jehovah takes away all bad conditions, it will be a huge relief! What will life be like when bad conditions are gone? It is not easy to imagine. We have lived with bad conditions for so long that we may not even notice how much stress they cause us. ","What will replace all the stress we feel now? Psalm 37:11 says: “They will find exquisite delight in the abundance of peace.” How comforting it is to know that this is what Jehovah wants for us! During these stressful times, do everything you can to stay close to Jehovah and his organization. Your hope for the future is precious, so think deeply about it, make sure that it is real to you, and share it with others. (1 Timothy 4:15, 16; 1 Peter 3:15) That way, you can be sure that when this system comes to an end, you will remain alive and be happy forever!","1 Timothy 4:15, 16; 1 Peter 3:15",ws17 April p. 14 pars. 16-17 ,,,joshlaymon,,4/28/2025
"Treasure Your Gift of Free Will, THE USE AND ABUSE OF FREE WILL, ","Is having free will with limits real freedom? Yes, it is! Why can we say that? Limitations put on people’s freedom can protect them. For example, we may exercise our freedom of choice to drive to a distant city. However, would we feel safe traveling on highways where there were no traffic laws, where everyone was free to decide how fast or on which side of the road to drive? Obviously not. Limits are necessary in order for all to enjoy the blessings of true freedom.","To illustrate further the wisdom of using our free will within the boundaries set by Jehovah, let us consider some Bible examples. When creating the first human, Adam, God gave him the same gift he had given his intelligent creatures in heaven, the gift of free will. This set Adam apart from the animals, since they live according to instinct. Consider an example of how Adam used his free will in an appropriate way. Animals were created before man. However, Jehovah reserved the joy of naming those creatures for his first human son. God “began bringing them to the man to see what he would call each one.” After Adam observed each animal and assigned it a suitable name, Jehovah did not step in and override Adam’s choices. Rather, “whatever the man would call each living creature, that became its name.”—Gen. 2:19.",Gen. 2:19.,w17 January pp. 13-14 ,,,joshlaymon,,4/28/2025
"“These Things Entrust to Faithful Men” Training, teach, trust, progress, growth, ","To illustrate, think of a father who teaches his son to drive a car. When he is a child, the son simply observes his father. When the boy is older, the father explains what he is doing. Then, when the boy is of legal age, he begins to drive the car as his father gives him further instruction. Sometimes they may take turns driving, but eventually the son may do most, if not all, of the driving for his aging father. The wise father is pleased to have his son take over and does not feel that he has to be in control. ","Similarly, older men feel proud when they have trained younger ones to take on theocratic responsibilities.10 As older ones, we must guard against jealousy. Notice how Moses reacted when certain ones in the camp of Israel began behaving as prophets. (Read Numbers 11:24-29.) Joshua, Moses’ assistant, wanted to restrain them. He evidently thought that they were detracting from Moses’ prominence and authority. But Moses replied: “Are you jealous for me? No, I wish that all of Jehovah’s people were prophets and that Jehovah would put his spirit on them!” Moses saw Jehovah’s hand in the matter. ",Numbers 11:24-29,w17 January pp. 29-30 pars. 9-10 ,,,joshlaymon,,4/28/2025
" Working Together With God—A Cause for Rejoicing, years of preaching, endurance, ","Preaching also gives us more confidence that God’s spirit is with us. To illustrate: Imagine that it is your job to give bread to the people in your community. You do not get paid to do this, and you have to pay for your expenses. Also, most people do not want the bread, and some even hate you for bringing it to them. How long would you continue to work at such a job? Very soon, you would feel discouraged, and you would probably quit. ","Yet, many of us continue in the preaching work year after year, even though this costs us time and money and even though people make fun of us or get angry with us. This proves that God’s spirit is helping us. Ephesians 6:14-17.",Ephesians 6:14-17.,ws16 January p. 31 par. 14,,,joshlaymon,,4/28/2025
"“Let Endurance Complete Its Work” strength, ","Let spiritual food strengthen your faith. Why is spiritual food important? To illustrate: To climb Mount Everest, a person needs about 6,000 calories a day. That is much more than the average person needs. To endure and reach his goal, a climber must eat as many calories as possible. ","In a similar way, we need plenty of spiritual food to endure and to reach our goal. We must be determined to spend time in personal study and at our meetings. These activities will give us what we need to keep our faith strong.—John 6:27.",John 6:27.,ws16 April p. 11 par. 7 ,,,joshlaymon,,4/28/2025
"Learn From Jehovah’s Loyal Servants, Loyalty, Respect, obedience, obey, ","To illustrate: In an attempt to cover up his adultery with Bath-sheba, David had Abishai’s brother Joab arrange to have her husband, Uriah, killed in battle. (2 Sam. 11:2-4, 14, 15; 1 Chron. 2:16) ","Abishai may have known something about this, but he continued to respect David as the king appointed by God. Moreover, Abishai never tried to use his power as a military leader to seize Israel’s throne. Rather, he defended David against traitors and other enemies.—2 Sam. 10:10; 20:6; 21:15-17.",2 Sam. 10:10; 20:6; 21:15-17.,w16 February p. 27 par. 3 ,,,joshlaymon,,4/28/2025
"Young Ones—Are You Ready to Get Baptized? Dedication, surrender, belong to Jehovah.","To illustrate, imagine that a friend gives you a car as a gift. He hands you the title and says: “The car is yours.” But suppose your friend adds: “I will keep the keys. And I will be the one who drives the car, not you.” How would you feel about this “gift”? How would you feel about the giver?","Simply stated, when you dedicate your life to Jehovah, you give up ownership of yourself. You promise Jehovah that you will put the doing of his will ahead of everything else in your life. (Read Matthew 16:24.) Any promise should be taken seriously, but how much more so a promise made to Jehovah God! (Matt. 5:33) How, though, can you demonstrate that you have really disowned yourself and that you now belong to Jehovah?—Rom. 14:8.Now think about what Jehovah rightfully expects of a person who makes a dedication to him, a person who tells him: “I am giving you my life. I belong to you.” What if that person were to start living a double life, perhaps secretly dating an unbeliever? What if he were to accept employment that crippled his whole-souled service in the ministry or attendance at Christian meetings? Would that not be like keeping the keys to the car? A person who dedicates himself to Jehovah is, in effect, saying: “My life belongs to you more than to me. If there is ever a conflict between what you want and what I am inclined to want, what you want will win—every time.” That would reflect the thinking of Jesus, who while on earth stated: “I have come down from heaven to do, not my own will, but the will of him who sent me.”—John 6:38.",Matthew 16:24.,w16 March p. 7 pars. 15-17 ,,,joshlaymon,,4/28/2025
"“Let Endurance Complete Its Work” Give up, determined, new world, swimmer, ","We must endure, not for a time, but to the end. To illustrate: Imagine a ship that capsizes. To survive, the passengers must swim to shore. The swimmer who gives up only a few yards from shore faces the same fate as the swimmer who gave up much earlier. ","Similarly, we are determined to endure until we reach the new world. Our life depends on our enduring. We have an attitude like that of the apostle Paul, who twice stated: “We do not give up.”—2 Cor. 4:1, 16.","2 Cor. 4:1, 16.",w16 April p. 17 par. 17,,,joshlaymon,,4/28/2025
" How Do You Make Personal Decisions? Marriage, respect, husband, wife, ","To illustrate: Imagine a married woman who is shopping. She sees a pair of shoes that she would like to have, but they are very expensive. So she asks herself, ‘How would my husband feel about my spending that much money?’ Likely, she already knows the answer, even though her husband is not with her. Why does she know? Because over a period of time, she has become familiar with his way of thinking about their limited budget. As a result, she perceives what her husband’s thoughts on such a purchase would be. ","In a comparable way, as we become progressively acquainted with Jehovah’s thoughts and ways, we improve in our ability to perceive what our heavenly Father would want us to do in various circumstances. Ezekiel 11:19",Ezekiel 11:19,w16 May p. 15 par. 10,,,joshlaymon,,4/28/2025
"“Do Not Let Your Hands Drop Down” Figurative body parts,  ","The Bible often uses parts of the human body to illustrate different characteristics or actions. The hand, for example, is mentioned hundreds of times. To strengthen one’s hands can have the sense of being encouraged, fortified, and empowered for action. (1 Sam. 23:16, ftn.; Ezra 1:6, ftn.) It can imply having a positive and hopeful view of the future.","To let the figurative hands drop down has at times been used to describe someone who is discouraged, disheartened, or without hope. (2 Chron. 15:7, ftn.; Heb. 12:12) It is common for a person in that situation to give up. If you face circumstances that bring you stress or make you feel weighed down physically, emotionally, or even spiritually, where can you receive the needed courage? How can you be motivated and strengthened to endure and have joy?","Isaiah 41:10, 13.",w16 September pp. 3-4 pars. 2-4 ,,,joshlaymon,,4/28/2025
" Parents, Help Your Children Build Faith, imagination, ball, stone, illustrations, ","Effective illustrations can also strengthen a child’s faith in the accuracy of the Bible. For example, consider Job 26:7. How might you show that this scripture was inspired? You could just state facts. Instead, why not stimulate your child’s imagination? ","Bring up the fact that Job lived long before telescopes and spaceships. Your child’s job could be to show how difficult it might be for some to believe that a very large object, such as the earth, could sit on nothing. The child could use a ball or a stone to illustrate the point by showing that objects with mass have to rest on something. Such a lesson would impress on your child that Jehovah had facts recorded in the Bible long before humans could prove them.—Neh. 9:6.",Neh. 9:6.,w16 September p. 31 par. 12,,,joshlaymon,,4/28/2025
" Maintain Your Spiritual Health While Serving in a Foreign Field, chef, food, ","To illustrate: Although a chef has to taste dishes before serving them, he cannot live merely on the food he samples. If he wants to remain healthy, he has to prepare nutritious meals for himself. ","Similarly, we should strive to nourish our heart with spiritual food that fills our personal needs. Many among those serving in a foreign-language field find it beneficial to study the Bible regularly in the ‘language of their birth.’ (Acts 2:8, ftn.) Even missionaries recognize that to remain strong in their foreign assignment, they cannot rely merely on the basic understanding of the spiritual food they get at the meetings.","Acts 2:8,",w16 October p. 15 pars. 11-12,,,joshlaymon,,4/28/2025
"Do You Highly Esteem Jehovah’s Own Book? Decisions, personal, practice, ","To illustrate the importance of doing so, consider a sensitive subject that affects many parents. It is a practice among certain immigrants to send their newborn babies to relatives to be cared for so that the parents can continue working and making money in their new country. ","Yes, this is a personal decision, but we should bear in mind that God holds us responsible for the decisions we make. (Read Romans 14:12.) Would it be wise to make important decisions about our family and our livelihood without first consulting the Bible? Of course not! We need our heavenly Father’s help because we are unable to direct our own steps.—Jer. 10:23.",Jer. 10:23.,w16 November p. 17 par. 15 ,,,joshlaymon,,4/28/2025
 Practical Suggestions for Starting Bible Studies (Symposium) ​—Referrals and Meeting Attenders (Pioneer elder),"1.	Have you ever lost your keys? – SMILE - (point to self)2.	You’ve looked everywhere. Retraced your steps . . . 3 times? 3.	In frustration, you ask for help, “Has anyone seen my keys?4.	A friend says, “They are right there where you always put them.” 5.	I will show you. He points right at them. 6.	They were there all the time, but you didn’t see them. Right under your nose.7.	Could something similar happen in your search for Bible studies?8.	You’ve looked everywhere but you can’t find one. 9.	Desperate, you ask for a referral … 10.	You find a Bible study you missed, and it was right under your nose.A.	Referrals are like that. a.	They can introduce interested ones to the truth.b.	Let's look at a Bible example.      John 41-42b Andrew, the brother of Simon Peter, was one of the two who heard what John said and followed  He first found his own brother Simon and said to him: “We have found the Messiah” (which means, when translated, “Christ”), and he led him to Jesus. . . Two apostles.What about the Samaritan woman, (John 4:29, 30) . . .Come and see a man who told me everything I did. Could this not perhaps be the Christ?” Those words emptied out that Samaritan city because everyone wanted to see “the Christ.”  II.	ASK FOR REFERRALS (11 min.)1.	The Bible study that is right under your nose may be:2.	 An unbelieving family member. Cousins, uncles, in laws. 3.	It may be an unbelieving mate.4.	An unbelieving family member who wants to study with someone outside his family	.","[Interview: (2-3 min.) (Kim Laymon) Sister Kim Laymon has had many successful Bible Studies and at least one with an unbelieving mate who came into the truth. Let’s listen.1.	How was the study started? 2.	What attracted the unbelieving mate to the truth?(That person is in the truth today and serving alongside her husband.)Ø	How hard is it to ask for referrals?[Demonstration: (2 min.)  Cheryl Teakell and Loxie Butlar. Watch the method and approach she uses.At the conclusion of a Bible study, the pioneer asks the student’ “Do you know anyone else who would like to study the Bible?” (Pause) The Bible student mentions a friend or a relative and offers to introduce the pioneer to the person. Questions for audience:·	What did you appreciate about this approach? ·	How can asking a Bible student for referrals encourage him to share his beliefs with others?Twelve little words: “Do you know anyone else who would like to study the Bible?” Memorize … So simple anyone can ask.(Be Patient) III. Would you like to find a whole “NEST” of Bible studies with one referral?[Interview:] (2 min.) Lori Herr did that.Listen closely. Twists & turns.5.	How did you get this referral? 	APPROACH MEETING ATTENDERS (6 min.) Another way you might find a Bible study right under your nose.A.	Have you ever looked around the Kingdom Hall and seen someone you don’t know?1.	What would you do?   3.	Don’t assume they have a Bible study. 4.	Show them kindness. Personal interest.[Demonstration: (2-3 min.) 1. DeeDee Lubin, and 2. Ellora Bennett.Questions: 1.	How did the pioneer show sincere personal interest? 2.	How did the pioneer show kindness?  3.	How did these qualities contribute to the pioneer starting a Bible study?Our personal interest and kindness reflect Jehovah’s warmth and can draw others to pure worship.KEEP SEARCHING FOR DESERVING ONES (1 min.)Ask for referrals and approach meeting attenders. (Matthew 10:11) “whatever city or village you enter, search out who in it is deserving.”Like your keys, you may discover that Bible studies have been there all the time.You did not see them, and they were “Right under your nose.”No. 7     Practical Suggestions for Starting Bible Studies (Symposium) 	​—Referrals and Meeting Attenders (Pioneer elder)I.	SCRIPTURAL EXAMPLES OF REFERRALS (2 min.)1.	Have you ever lost your keys? – SMILE - (point to self)2.	You’ve looked everywhere. Retraced your steps . . . 3 times? 3.	In frustration, you ask for help, “Has anyone seen my keys?4.	A friend says, “They are right there where you always put them.” 5.	I will show you. He points right at them. 6.	They were there all the time, but you didn’t see them. Right under your nose.7.	Could something similar happen in your search for Bible studies?8.	You’ve looked everywhere but you can’t find one. 9.	Desperate, you ask for a referral … 10.	You find a Bible study you missed, and it was right under your nose.A.	Referrals are like that. a.	They can introduce interested ones to the truth.b.	Let's look at a Bible example.      John 1:40-42a . . .Andrew, the brother of Simon Peter, was one of the two who heard what John said and followed Jesus. 41 He first found his own brother Simon and said to him: “We have found the Messiah” (which means, when translated, “Christ”), 42 and he led him to Jesus. . . Two apostles.What about the Samaritan woman, (John 4:29, 30) . . .Come and see a man who told me everything I did. Could this not perhaps be the Christ?” Those words emptied out that Samaritan city because everyone wanted to see “the Christ.”  II.	ASK FOR REFERRALS (11 min.)1.	The Bible study that is right under your nose may be:2.	 An unbelieving family member. Cousins, uncles, in laws. 3.	It may be an unbelieving mate.4.	An unbelieving family member who wants to study with someone outside his family	.[Interview: (2-3 min.) (Kim Laymon) Sister Kim Laymon has had many successful Bible Studies and at least one with an unbelieving mate who came into the truth. Let’s listen.1.	How was the study started? 2.	What attracted the unbelieving mate to the truth?(That person is in the truth today and serving alongside her husband.)Ø	How hard is it to ask for referrals?[Demonstration: (2 min.)  Cheryl Teakell and Loxie Butlar. Watch the method and approach she uses.At the conclusion of a Bible study, the pioneer asks the student’ “Do you know anyone else who would like to study the Bible?” (Pause) The Bible student mentions a friend or a relative and offers to introduce the pioneer to the person. Questions for audience:·	What did you appreciate about this approach? ·	How can asking a Bible student for referrals encourage him to share his beliefs with others?Twelve little words: “Do you know anyone else who would like to study the Bible?” Memorize … So simple anyone can ask.(Be Patient) III. Would you like to find a whole “NEST” of Bible studies with one referral?[Interview:] (2 min.) Lori Herr did that.Listen closely. Twists & turns.5.	How did you get this referral? Lori: This is when David and I were in Ste. Genevieve, and we feel it was the experience of a lifetime. Actually, it was a referral from a fellow pioneer, who was studying with Glenda. Glenda was witnessing to her sister, DeeDee, about why she was not going to celebrate Christmas that year. Glenda asked her teacher, Barb, to find someone to call on DeeDee. Another pioneer and I arranged to call on DeeDee and the first session was spent answering questions and then a study was started. It wasn’t long before she asked if we could study twice a week. 6.		Then what happened? The original student, Glenda, her husband Randy and 2 boys, DeeDee and her husband Steve, who David was able to study with and 2 children, a younger sister Pauline and her son, an older sister Jeanette and her husband Frank and the parents of Glenda, DeeDee, Pauline and Jeanette-  Margaret and Valentine, all dedicated themselves to serve Jehovah. And I just heard that Pauline’s husband is studying and has the goal of being baptized. Ste. Genevieve is a strong Catholic community. There was a big 200-year-old Catholic Church in the middle of town and each small town about 10 mi away in different directions had their own parish and school. Each one of these families came out of a different Catholic Church in the county.7.	Bobby: What were the final results of this one referral? Lori:  Fourteen people became servants of Jehovah, of which were 4 elders, 3 ministerial servants, 3 regular pioneers and 1 Bethelite. Referrals are powerful. 14 people and another on the way, and who knows?	APPROACH MEETING ATTENDERS (6 min.) Another way you might find a Bible study right under your nose.A.	Have you ever looked around the Kingdom Hall and seen someone you don’t know?1.	What would you do?   3.	Don’t assume they have a Bible study. 4.	Show them kindness. Personal interest.[Demonstration: (2-3 min.) 1. DeeDee Lubin, and 2. Ellora Bennett.Questions: 1.	How did the pioneer show sincere personal interest? 2.	How did the pioneer show kindness?  3.	How did these qualities contribute to the pioneer starting a Bible study?Our personal interest and kindness reflect Jehovah’s warmth and can draw others to pure worship.KEEP SEARCHING FOR DESERVING ONES (1 min.)Ask for referrals and approach meeting attenders. (Matthew 10:11) “whatever city or village you enter, search out who in it is deserving.”Like your keys, you may discover that Bible studies have been there all the time.You did not see them, and they were “Right under your nose.”",John 1:40-42a ,Information for Pioneer Day.,,,joshlaymon,,4/28/2025
"Why Disfellowshipping Is a Loving Provision, ","To illustrate: Imagine a hiker who succumbs to exhaustion on a cold winter day. He begins to suffer from hypothermia, and he feels drowsy. If he falls asleep in the snow, he will die. While waiting for a rescue party, his companion occasionally slaps him in the face to keep him awake. The slap may sting, but it could well save his life. ","Love and firmness are needed to produce the desired result. “Should the righteous one strike me, it would be an act of loyal love,” said the psalmist David, and “should he reprove me, it would be like oil on my head.” (Ps. 141:5) Similarly, David recognized that a righteous person might need to give him painful correction for his own good.In many cases, disfellowshipping provides the discipline the erring one needs. After some ten years, Julian’s son, mentioned at the outset, cleaned up his life, returned to the congregation, and now serves as an elder. “Being disfellowshipping brought me face-to-face with the consequences of my lifestyle,” he admits. “I needed that sort of discipline.”—Heb. 12:7-11.",Ps. 141:5,w15 4/15 p. 31 ,,,joshlaymon,,4/28/2025
"Can a Cut-Down Tree Sprout Again? Resurrection, Olive tree, come to life, Death, ","The patriarch Job was convinced that even if he should die, he would live again. (Job 14:13-15) He used a tree—perhaps an olive tree—to illustrate his confidence in God’s ability to resurrect him. “There is hope even for a tree,” Job said. “If it is cut down, it will sprout again.” When rainfall breaks a severe drought, a dry olive stump can spring back to life with shoots rising from its roots, producing “branches like a new plant.”—Job 14:7-9.","COMPARED to a majestic cedar of Lebanon, a gnarled and knotty olive tree may not seem especially impressive. But olive trees have the remarkable ability to survive the elements. Some are estimated to be 1,000 years old. An olive tree’s expansive root system enables it to rejuvenate itself even when the trunk has been destroyed. As long as the roots remain alive, it will sprout again. Just as a cultivator longs to see the roots of a cut-down olive tree spring up again, Jehovah God longs to restore his deceased servants and many others to life. (Matt. 22:31, 32; John 5:28, 29; Acts 24:15) What a joy it will be to welcome back the dead and see them enjoy productive lives once again!",Job 14:13-15,w15 4/15 p. 32 ,,,joshlaymon,,4/28/2025
" Imitate the One Who Promises Everlasting Life, HOW WE CAN IMITATE JEHOVAH’S LOVE","We can imitate God’s love by the way we treat our neighbor. To illustrate: Suppose a Christian youth, whom we will call Alan, is thinking about an elderly brother whose poor eyesight makes it hard for him to read. He also finds it difficult to walk from house to house in the ministry. Alan remembers Jesus’ words: “Just as you want men to do to you, do the same way to them.” (Luke 6:31) ","So Alan asks himself, ‘What do I want men to do to me?’ His frank answer is, ‘I want them to play ball with me!’ But the aging brother will not be able to play ball, will he? Jesus’ statement implies that we must ask ourselves, ‘What would I want my neighbor to do to me if I were in his circumstances?’",Luke 6:31,w15 5/15 p. 25,,,joshlaymon,,4/28/2025
"“Stand Firm in the Faith” strengthen confidence, study, Bible Promises, ","To illustrate, you might increase your conviction that the end of this system of things really is near by studying in detail the Scriptural proof that we live in the last days. Strengthen your trust in the Bible’s promises for the future by investigating its many prophecies that have already come true. Develop your confidence in the practical value of the Bible by considering examples of how the Bible improves people’s lives.—1 Thess. 2:13.","Strengthen your confidence in the Bible. Jesus was convinced that the Bible is God’s Word, which provides the best guidance in life. (John 17:17) Following Jesus’ example, we must read the Bible daily, study it, and meditate on what we learn. Along with general Bible study, dig into topics about which you may have questions. ",John 17:17,w15 9/15 pp. 16-17 par. 16,,,joshlaymon,,4/28/2025
" God’s View of War Today, Armageddon, ","To illustrate: Imagine two siblings who begin fighting while their father is away. They temporarily stop fighting and call their father on the telephone. One sibling claims that the other started the fight, while the other claims that he was being mistreated. Both appeal to their father, each hoping for his support in the dispute. ","However, after hearing both sides, the father tells them to stop fighting and to wait for him to settle the matter when he gets home. For a while the two siblings wait. Soon, though, they are fighting again. When the father gets home, he is not pleased with either child and punishes them both for not obeying him. Today, warring nations often appeal to God for support. But God does not take sides in today’s wars. Instead, in his Word, the Bible, he clearly states: “Return evil for evil to no one,” and, “Do not avenge yourselves.” (Romans 12:17, 19) Moreover, he has made known that mankind should “wait patiently for him” to take action, which he will do at Armageddon. (Psalm 37:7,",Psalm 37:7,w15 11/1 p. 8,,,joshlaymon,,4/28/2025
"Train Your Teenager to Serve Jehovah, ",To illustrate: You insist that your children be educated because their education is important and you hope to instill in them a love for learning. Loving parents likewise insist that their children benefit from the “admonition of Jehovah” at congregation meetings and through other spiritual programs. ,"You want your teenage children to remain spiritually healthy. And God wants you to bring your children up “in the discipline and admonition of Jehovah.” (Eph. 6:4) So use your God-given responsibility to establish and maintain a spiritual routine. Because divine education is vital, you try to instill in your children love for spiritual things and appreciation for wisdom. (Prov. 24:14) As Jesus helped his disciples, you seek to help your teenage children to succeed in the ministry by developing in them a love of teaching God’s Word and by helping them stick to a good field service routine.",Prov. 24:14,w15 11/15 pp. 9-10 par. 6 ,,,joshlaymon,,4/28/2025
"Use the Power of Your Tongue for Good, Speech easily understood, ","Trumpets were used in Israel to assemble the camp and to disperse it, as well as to spur the army to do battle. Fittingly, the Bible uses the trumpet blast to illustrate the need for speech that is easily understood. An indistinct trumpet call could be disastrous for an advancing army. ","In the same way, if our speech is unduly vague or indirect, it may well be confusing or misleading. Of course, in our effort to keep our words crisp and clear, we would not want to be blunt or tactless.—Read 1 Corinthians 14:8, 9.14 Jesus set the finest example of appropriate word selection. Consider his short yet powerful discourse recorded in Matthew chapters 5 through 7. Jesus did not use flowery or ambiguous speech; nor did he employ harsh or hurtful language. Instead, he chose clear, simple expressions to reach the hearts of his listeners.","1 Corinthians 14:8, 9.",w15 12/15 p. 21 pars. 13-14 ,,,joshlaymon,,4/28/2025
"Serve God Loyally Despite “Many Tribulations” soldiers, training, war, ","To illustrate: Long before going to war, soldiers receive special training that prepares them for battle. The same is true for us. We do not know what battles we will have in the future. So we must train vigorously while it is calm. The apostle Paul encouraged Christians: “Keep testing whether you are in the faith; keep proving what you yourselves are.”—2 Corinthians 13:5.","Satan has many “crafty acts,” or evil plans, that he uses against us. (Ephesians 6:11) That is why we need to follow the advice found at 1 Peter 5:9: “Take your stand against him, firm in the faith.” To be firm, we need to prepare our mind and heart now so that we are ready and willing to do what is right. ",2 Corinthians 13:5.,ws14 9/15 p. 13 par. 16,,,joshlaymon,,4/28/2025
"‘Listen and Understand the Meaning, Mustard grain, growth, protects, overcomes obstacles, ","Read Matthew 13:31, 32. What is the meaning of Jesus’ illustration of the mustard grain? The mustard grain represents both the Kingdom message that we preach and the Christian congregation. When the Christian congregation started in 33 C.E., it was very small, like “the tiniest of all the seeds.” In a short time, it grew rapidly because of the preaching work. ","Why did Jesus use this illustration? He used the amazing growth of a mustard grain to illustrate how God’s Kingdom grows, how it protects, and how it overcomes all obstacles. Since 1914, the growth of the Christian congregation has been extraordinary. (Isaiah 60:22) Those who are part of this congregation are helped to stay close to Jehovah. (Proverbs 2:7; Isaiah 32:1, 2) No opposition can stop the congregation from growing.—Isaiah 54:17.","Proverbs 2:7; Isaiah 32:1, 2",ws14 12/15 pp. 4-5 pars. 7-8,,,joshlaymon,,4/28/2025
"How to Maintain the Spirit of Self-Sacrifice, Mirror, selfishness, stingy, ","To illustrate, we could read God’s Word regularly, even daily, and still not see traces of selfishness that actually are developing in us. How is that possible? Consider this: In James’ example of the mirror, the problem was not that the man failed to look carefully. James wrote that the man “looks at himself.” Here, James used a Greek word that denotes scrutiny or careful consideration. ","So in this case, what was the man’s problem? James continued: “He goes away and immediately forgets what sort of person he is.” Yes, he turned away from the mirror without acting on what he saw. In contrast, the successful man not only “peers into the perfect law” but also “continues in it.” Instead of leaving the perfect law of God’s Word behind, he persists in following its teachings. Jesus made a similar point when he said: “If you remain in my word, you are really my disciples.”—John 8:31. Therefore, to be successful in fighting traces of selfishness, you must first read God’s Word carefully. That may help you to identify areas needing attention. But you need to go further. Dig deeper by doing research. ",John 8:31.,w14 3/15 pp. 8-9 pars. 6-7,,,joshlaymon,,4/28/2025
"Should You Pray? favor, due time, bicycle, ","To illustrate: Imagine that you have a young son who asks you for a bicycle. Will you automatically grant his request? If you feel that he is not yet responsible enough to ride a bicycle, you might decide to postpone the purchase. In time, however, you may grant his request when you know that doing so would be in his best interests. In like manner, God may grant the proper “desires of [our] heart” in due time if we keep praying.—Psalm 37:4.","The Bible says that Almighty God shows favor to humble individuals “in due time.” (1 Peter 5:6) So if there seems to be a delay in his answering our sincere requests, we need not see this as a lack of interest on Jehovah’s part. Rather, with his vastly superior perspective, our caring Creator no doubt evaluates our petitions in the light of what he knows is best for us.",1 Peter 5:6,w14 4/1 p. 6,,,joshlaymon,,4/28/2025
"You Can Resist Temptation! Images, pornography, addict, attractive, ",To illustrate: Imagine you glimpsed the blinding flash of a welder’s torch. Would you keep on staring at it? Of course not! You would turn away or shield your eyes to protect your sight. ,"Likewise, if you glimpse erotic imagery—in print, on the screen, or in the flesh—quickly look away. Protect your mind from being infected. A former pornography addict, Juan, says: “When I see an attractive woman, I often feel the urge to take a second and a third look. So I force my eyes to look away, and I tell myself: ‘Pray to Jehovah! You absolutely need to pray now!’ After I pray, the impulse soon fades.”—Matthew 6:9, 13; 1 Corinthians 10:13.","Matthew 6:9, 13; 1 Corinthians 10:13.",w14 4/1 p. 11,,,joshlaymon,,4/28/2025
"The Full-Time Ministry—Where It Has Led Me, organized, ","To illustrate, he told me that when he was the factory overseer, Brother Rutherford would call him on the phone and say: “Brother Knorr, when you come over from the factory for dinner, bring me some pencil erasers. I need them at my desk.” ","Brother Knorr said that the first thing he did was go to the supply room, get the erasers, and put them in his pocket. Then at noon he would take them to Brother Rutherford’s office. It was such a little thing, but it was useful to Brother Rutherford. Then Brother Knorr told me: “I like to have sharpened pencils on my desk. So please have them there each morning.” For many years, I made sure his pencils were sharpened.Isaiah 65:14;",Isaiah 65:14;,w14 4/15 p. 15,,,joshlaymon,,4/28/2025
"Follow the Golden Rule in Your Ministry, considerate, kind, ","No one likes to be labeled “a negative person.” To illustrate: As Christians, we do our best to apply the Bible’s counsel to ‘let our words always be gracious.’ (Col. 4:6) Being imperfect, however, we sometimes say things that we later regret. (Jas. 3:2) If we were to speak unkindly to someone—perhaps because we were having a bad day—we would not want to be labeled “rude” or “inconsiderate.” ","We would hope that the other person would be understanding. Should we not show others the same consideration?If someone you meet in the ministry seems to be belligerent, would it not be good to give him the benefit of the doubt? Could it be that he is under pressure at work or at school? Is he dealing with a serious health problem? In many cases, householders who initially were upset have responded favorably when Jehovah’s people treated them with mildness and respect.—Prov. 15:1; 1 Pet. 3:15.",Prov. 15:1; 1 Pet. 3:15.,w14 5/15 p. 12 pars. 6-7,,,joshlaymon,,4/28/2025
"Do You View Human Weakness as Jehovah Does? judge, spiritual comfort, motorcyclist,  ","Rather than being judgmental or suspicious, we should provide spiritual comfort to those facing undesirable circumstances. (Job 33:6, 7; Matt. 7:1) To illustrate: When a motorcyclist injured in a traffic mishap arrives at the emergency ward, do those on the medical team try to determine whether he caused the accident? No, they immediately provide the needed medical assistance. ","Similarly, if a fellow believer has been weakened by personal problems, our priority should be to provide spiritual assistance.—Read 1 Thessalonians 5:14. If we pause to reflect on our brothers’ circumstances, we may see their seeming frailty in a different light. Think of sisters who have been enduring family opposition for years. Some may be of humble appearance and look fragile, yet do they not demonstrate outstanding faith and inner strength?",1 Thessalonians 5:14,w14 6/15 p. 25 pars. 9-10,,,joshlaymon,,4/28/2025
"God Watches Over You, ","The “God of sight” watches you too. To illustrate: A loving mother is especially watchful of her little children, since the younger the child, the more he needs his parent’s attention."," Similarly, God especially watches over us when we are lowly and vulnerable. “I reside in the high and holy place,” Jehovah says, “but also with those crushed and lowly in spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly and to revive the heart of those being crushed.”—Isaiah 57:15.",Isaiah 57:15,w14 8/1 p. 4 ,,,joshlaymon,,4/28/2025
"Who Made God? Always existed, Everlasting, Forever, Eternal, Infinity, Endures, ","To illustrate: Could a grasshopper, which lives as an adult for only about 50 days, fathom our life span of 70 or 80 years? Hardly! Yet, the Bible explains that we are like grasshoppers in comparison with our Grand Creator. Even our ability to reason is dwarfed by his. (Isaiah 40:22; 55:8, 9) So it is not surprising that there are aspects of Jehovah’s nature that escape full human understanding.","Although the concept of an eternal God may be hard to grasp, we can see that it makes sense. If someone else had created God, that person would be the Creator. Yet, as the Bible explains, Jehovah is the one who “created all things.” (Revelation 4:11) Furthermore, we know that the universe at one time did not exist. (Genesis 1:1, 2) Where did it come from? Its Creator had to exist first. He also existed before there were any other intelligent beings, such as his only-begotten Son and the angels. (Job 38:4, 7; Colossians 1:15) Clearly, then, he existed alone first. He could not have been created; nothing was in existence that could have created him.","Isaiah 40:22; 55:8, 9",w14 8/1 p. 15,,,joshlaymon,,4/28/2025
"Serve God Loyally Despite “Many Tribulations” Satan, crafty acts, Keep testing, ","To illustrate: An army of soldiers will often go through a series of grueling drills long before there is even the threat of a battle. It is similar in Jehovah’s spiritual army. We do not know what our warfare may involve in the future. Therefore, would it not be wise to do some significant training during a time of relative peace? Paul wrote to the Corinthians: “Keep testing whether you are in the faith; keep proving what you yourselves are.”—2 Cor. 13:5.","As we have seen, Satan has a number of “crafty acts” at his disposal. (Eph. 6:11) Each of us needs to follow the admonition found at 1 Peter 5:9: “Take your stand against him, firm in the faith.” To do that, we need to prepare our mind and heart, to train ourselves now to do what is right. ",2 Cor. 13:5.,w14 9/15 pp. 15-16 par. 16,,,joshlaymon,,4/28/2025
"Parents—Shepherd Your Children, advice, warnings, negative, positive, dating, ",To illustrate: Suppose you went to a restaurant and discovered that the menu contained only warnings about food poisoning. You would likely leave that place and look for another restaurant. ,"Your children may react similarly if they come to you for advice but all you have on the “menu” is a list of stern warnings. (Read Colossians 3:21.) Instead, aim for a balanced approach. A young sister named Emily observes: “When my parents talk to me about dating, they don’t make the subject seem negative. They emphasize the joy of getting to know someone and finding a marriage mate. This has helped me to feel comfortable talking to them about it. In fact, I want to involve them in any relationship I have rather than hide it from them.” Even when talking about delicate subjects—dating, for example—be careful not to put so much emphasis on warnings that you neglect to teach your children the proper way to deal with the matter. ",Colossians 3:21,w14 9/15 pp. 18-19 par. 7,,,joshlaymon,,4/28/2025
"Do You Communicate With God? Reading Bible, Friend, ","To illustrate: Suppose you received a letter from a close friend. After reading it, you might excitedly tell others, “I’ve just heard from my friend!” Yet, the communication was not spoken, but was in written form. ","In a similar way, by reading the Bible, you are allowing Jehovah to speak to you. Hence, Gina, quoted in the opening article, says, “I think that if I want God to view me as a friend, I must examine his ‘letter’ to us—the Bible.” She adds, “Reading the Bible daily has drawn me closer to God.” Do you allow Jehovah to speak to you every day by reading his Word, the Bible, daily? Your doing so will help you feel closer to God. Today, Jehovah God “speaks” to us through his written Word, the Bible. (2 Timothy 3:16, 17) Why do we say so?","2 Timothy 3:16, 17",w14 12/1 p. 5 ,,,joshlaymon,,4/28/2025
" ‘Listen and Understand the Meaning’ mustard grain expand, protect, and conquer all obstacles","Why did Jesus use this illustration? He used the amazing growth of a mustard grain to illustrate the power of God’s Kingdom arrangement to expand, protect, and conquer all obstacles. ","Since 1914 the growth of the visible part of God’s organization has been phenomenal! (Isa. 60:22) Those associating with that organization have enjoyed wonderful spiritual protection. (Prov. 2:7; Isa. 32:1, 2) Additionally, the ongoing expansion of Kingdom interests has proved to be unstoppable, overcoming all opposition.—Isa. 54:17.","Prov. 2:7; Isa. 32:1, 2",w14 12/15 p. 8 par. 8 ,,,joshlaymon,,4/28/2025
"Do You Appreciate What You Have Received? Different, no part of the world, ","To illustrate: Think of an Olympic athlete. He no doubt had to be different to get to that level. He likely had to deny himself many things that would consume his time and attention, limiting how much he could train. On the other hand, his being willing to be different from his peers would allow him to train more and to reach his goal.","The world’s view of life is shortsighted. If you take a long-range view, being different from the world and abstaining from its morally and spiritually destructive activities, you will “get a firm hold on the real life.” (1 Tim. 6:19)",1 Tim. 6:19,w14 12/15 p. 31 pars. 17-18,,,joshlaymon,,4/28/2025
"Consider and Encourage One Another “INCITE TO LOVE AND FINE WORKS”, commendation, zealous, ","Paul wrote: “Let us consider one another to incite to love and fine works.” We do this by helping our brothers to show love and to do what is good. To illustrate: If we want to keep a fire burning, we may need to stir the coals and fan the flames. (2 Timothy 1:6) ","In the same way, there are things we can do to help our brothers feel motivated to keep serving Jehovah zealously. One of the best ways of doing this is by commending our brothers for the good things they do. All of us need commendation, whether we are discouraged or not. One brother wrote, “My father never once said I did anything well.” So as this brother grew up, he did not really feel that he did anything right. Even though he is now 50 years old, he still feels good when others tell him that he is doing a good job as an elder.",2 Timothy 1:6,ws13 8/15 pp. 17-18,,,joshlaymon,,4/28/2025
"Make Jehovah’s Reminders the Exultation of Your Heart, prayer, avoid same thing, ","To illustrate: If you said the same things over and over again to a friend each time you saw him, how would he feel? He might not want to listen to you anymore. Of course, Jehovah would never ignore a sincere prayer of one of his loyal servants. But we should try to avoid saying the same things over and over again every time we pray.","Praying to Jehovah draws us closer to him and is also an important way that we receive holy spirit.—Read 1 John 3:22. When you pray, do you use the same words or expressions every time? If you do, try to take a little time before you pray to think about what you want to say. ",1 John 3:22,ws13 9/15 p. 11 pars. 7-8,,,joshlaymon,,4/28/2025
Let Nothing Distance You From Jehovah,"“CHOOSE” is a powerful word. A person with a choice has options and a degree of control over the direction his or her life will take. To illustrate: Imagine that a man who is walking on a road suddenly finds that it becomes two diverging paths. Which will he choose to follow? If the man has a destination in mind, then one path will likely bring him closer to his goal while the other will take him farther away from it.","The Bible contains numerous examples of people who faced a similar situation. For example, Cain had to decide whether to act on his anger or to control it. (Gen. 4:6, 7) Joshua had to choose between serving the true God or worshipping false gods. (Josh. 24:15) Joshua’s goal was to stay close to Jehovah; hence, he chose a path that took him in that direction. Cain had no such goal, and he chose the path that took him farther away from Jehovah.","Gen. 4:6, 7; Josh. 24:15",w13 1/15 p. 12 pars. 1-2 ,,,joshlaymon,,4/28/2025
"Christian Elders—‘Fellow Workers for Our Joy’, Strength, “ABISHAI . . . CAME TO HIS HELP” Ishbi-benob,","To illustrate why even a strong servant of God may, at times, need help from a companion, let us consider an event in King David’s life. Shortly after young David had been anointed as king, he stood face-to-face with Goliath, one of the Rephaim, a race of giants. Courageous David killed the giant. (1 Sam. 17:4, 48-51; 1 Chron. 20:5, 8) ","Years later, during a battle with the Philistines, David again stood face-to-face with a giant. His name was Ishbi-benob, also one of the Rephaim. (2 Sam. 21:16; ftn.) This time, however, the giant nearly killed David. Why? Not because David had lost his courage but because he had lost his strength. The record states: “David grew tired.” As soon as Ishbi-benob noticed David’s moment of physical weakness, he “got to think of striking David down.” But then, just before the giant thrust his weapon into David, “at once, Abishai the son of Zeruiah came to his [David’s] help and struck the Philistine down and put him to death.” (2 Sam. 21:15-17) What a narrow escape! How grateful David must have been that Abishai had kept an eye on him and had quickly come to his aid when his life was in danger! ",2 Sam. 21:16;,w13 1/15 pp. 30-31 pars. 12-13,,,joshlaymon,,4/28/2025
Did Jesus Promise the Evildoer Life in Heaven? ,"To illustrate: If a man asked your forgiveness for stealing your money, you might decide not to press charges. But would you trust him to run your business or to take care of your family? You would reserve such responsibilities only for those in whom you had the utmost confidence. ","Likewise, those who are given the hope of life in heaven must provide a solid basis for confidence that they will uphold God’s righteous standards when they rule over mankind. (Revelation 2:10) The evildoer, though apparently sincere in his last-minute plea, provided no such basis.",Revelation 2:10,w13 3/1 p. 9,,,joshlaymon,,4/28/2025
Are You “Zealous for Fine Works”?,"To illustrate: Some years ago, there was an attempt to eliminate Jehovah’s Witnesses in an area of Angola. Two baptized Witnesses and 30 interested individuals who were attending our meetings were rounded up. ","Then the local people were gathered to watch as the opposers whipped these innocent victims until they bled. Even women and children were not spared the cruelty. The intention was to intimidate people so that nobody would listen to Jehovah’s Witnesses. But after the public whipping, many members of the community approached the Witnesses and requested home Bible studies! Thereafter, the Kingdom-preaching work moved forward, resulting in notable increases and many blessings. "," 2 Corinthians 6:4, 5.",w13 5/15 p. 11 par. 12,,,joshlaymon,,4/28/2025
"Strengthen Your Marriage Through Good Communication, Humble, modesty, humility, jealous, ",Humility and modesty help a married person focus on the strengths of his or her mate. To illustrate: A wife might have special talents that she uses for the benefit of the family. ,"If her husband is humble and modest, he will not feel challenged by her but will encourage her to use her gifts, thus showing that he values and cherishes her. (Prov. 31:10, 28; Eph. 5:28, 29) At the same time, a humble and modest wife will not flaunt her abilities or belittle her husband. After all, the two of them are “one flesh,” and what hurts one hurts the other.—Matt. 19:4, 5.","Matt. 19:4, 5",w13 5/15 p. 18 par. 16,,,joshlaymon,,4/28/2025
" Prejudice—A Global Problem, partiality, race, ","To illustrate the challenge of discerning whether we might harbor a hidden prejudice, imagine the following scenario: You are walking down a street alone in the dark of night. Two young men whom you have never seen before are approaching you. They look strong, and one of them appears to have something in his hand.","Do you conclude that the young men pose a threat to you? Granted, your past experiences may tell you that you should be cautious, but do those experiences really justify your concluding that these two young men are a danger? A more probing question would be, Which race or ethnic group did you imagine these men to be? Your answer to this question could be quite revealing. It may indicate that to some extent, you have already been affected by the seeds of prejudice.",Jeremiah 17:9 ,w13 6/1 p. 4,,,joshlaymon,,4/28/2025
"Appreciate Jehovah’s Qualities to the Full, food, ","To illustrate: Our appreciation for a new dish becomes deeper as we first smell its aroma, then savor each morsel of it, and finally prepare the dish ourselves. ","Similarly, we deepen our appreciation for a quality of Jehovah by getting acquainted with it, reflecting on it, and then imitating it in our own life. (Eph. 5:1) The objective of this article and the following two articles is to deepen our appreciation for God’s qualities that we may think of less often than his principal attributes. In the case of each, we will consider: What is its meaning? How does Jehovah demonstrate it? And how can we imitate Jehovah in showing this particular quality?",Eph. 5:1),w13 6/15 p. 7 par. 2,,,joshlaymon,,4/28/2025
 Elders—Will You Refresh “the Tired Soul”? ,"To illustrate: Your brother may find it difficult to open up to visiting elders. How, then, can you break the ice? Your sincere smile and a few reassuring words may have a good effect. ","Michael, an elder for over 40 years, often starts his visits with such comments as: “You know, one of the nicest privileges of an elder is to visit the brothers in their homes and get to know them better. So I have really been looking forward to our visit today.” You may choose to offer a heartfelt prayer early in the visit. In his prayers, the apostle Paul rightly highlighted his brothers’ faith, love, and endurance. (1 Thess. 1:2, 3) ","1 Thess. 1:2, 3",w13 6/15 p. 30,,,joshlaymon,,4/28/2025
"Creation Reveals the Living God, Earth, cycles, oxygen cycle, water cycle, ",Jehovah’s wisdom is revealed in the cycles that sustain life on earth. To illustrate: Imagine living in a densely populated walled city that had no way of importing fresh water or exporting waste products. Such a city would soon become filthy and uninhabitable. ,"In some respects, our earth is like that walled city. It contains a finite amount of fresh water, and we can hardly export waste products into outer space. This “walled city,” however, is able to support billions of creatures, generation after generation. Why? Because of its amazing ability to recycle or exchange the products vital for life.Consider the oxygen cycle. Billions of creatures take in oxygen and give off carbon dioxide. Even so, the supply of oxygen never runs out, and the atmosphere never becomes choked with the “waste” gas, carbon dioxide. Why not? The answer is found in an amazing process known as photosynthesis. Using this process, green vegetation takes in carbon dioxide, water, sunlight, and nutrients and produces carbohydrates and oxygen. When we take in oxygen, we complete the cycle. In a literal way, Jehovah uses the vegetation that he designed to give “to all persons life and breath.” (Acts 17:25) What remarkable wisdom!",Acts 17:25,w13 10/15 pp. 8-9 pars. 8-9,,,joshlaymon,,4/28/2025
"Why We Need God, owner’s manual,","To illustrate: When you buy a new piece of equipment, such as a camera or a computer, you expect it to come with an owner’s manual, or a handbook, that explains how to get the best use and satisfaction out of your acquisition. ","The Bible can be likened to such a handbook. It is a manual for human life that God, the manufacturer, as it were, has made available to us, the users. This “user’s manual” explains what the product is designed to do and how it should be used for the best results. As with any well-written instruction manual, the Bible alerts readers to practices that may compromise the safe and reliable operation of the “product”—our life. Advice or shortcuts that others offer might sound appealing, even expedient, but is it not logical to think that we are going to get the best results and avoid problems if we follow the Maker’s directions?",Ecclesiastes 1:4;  ,w13 12/1 pp. 4-5,,,joshlaymon,,4/28/2025
"Learn Watchfulness From Jesus’ Apostles, effort, bear fruit, moving, Ministry, ","To illustrate: A driver can direct his car to turn left or right but only if the car is moving. Likewise, Jesus may direct us in expanding our ministry but only if we are moving—if we are putting forth effort to reach our goal.","What, though, if your efforts do not bear fruit right away? Should you give up, concluding that God’s spirit is not guiding you? Well, remember that Paul too encountered setbacks. Yet, he kept on searching and knocking until he found a door that opened. Similarly, if you persevere in searching for “a large door that leads to activity,” you too may be rewarded.—1 Cor. 16:9.",1 Cor. 16:9.,w12 1/15 pp. 10-11 pars. 8-9,,,joshlaymon,,4/28/2025
"I Myself Shall Not Forget You, mother, child, crying, pity, tender compassion, ","To illustrate the deep feelings that he has for his people, Jehovah, through Isaiah, uses one of the most touching examples that we could imagine. He begins by asking this thought-provoking question: “Can a wife forget her suckling so that she should not pity the son of her belly?” At first glance, the answer seems obvious. How could a nursing mother forget her suckling? Her baby is completely dependent on her day and night—and it lets her know when it needs attention! But there is more to Jehovah’s question.","Why does a mother nurse her child and care for its every need? Is it just to quiet a crying baby? No. A mother naturally has pity for, or pities, “the son of her belly.” The Hebrew verb here translated “pity” is also rendered “show mercy.” (Exodus 33:19; Isaiah 54:10) This Hebrew term can convey the idea of tender compassion for the helpless or vulnerable. A mother’s compassion for her suckling is one of the strongest emotions that we can imagine.",Isaiah 49:15.,w12 2/1 p. 15 pars. 1-3,,,joshlaymon,,4/28/2025
"“Be Courageous and Very Strong” gang, courage, bold, changes, prayed, ","To illustrate: A young person in Brazil belonged to a gang. After studying the Bible, he saw the need to make changes, but usually anyone leaving the gang was killed. He prayed, and he used scriptures to show the leader why he could not stay in the gang. The young man was released without reprisals and became a Kingdom publisher.","Courage is required to preach the good news. Christian youths need this quality if they are to maintain integrity at school. It may take courage to request time off from secular work in order to attend all sessions of a convention. The list could go on and on. Regardless of the challenges we face, however, Jehovah will hear our ‘prayers of faith.’ (Jas. 5:15) And surely he can give us his holy spirit so that we can “be courageous and very strong”!",Jas. 5:15),w12 2/15 p. 14 pars. 20-21,,,joshlaymon,,4/28/2025
"How Do You Give Advice? where, present location, circumstances, viewpoint, ","To illustrate: If someone called you and asked for the best way to get to your home, what would you need to know in order to help? Could you advise him of the best route to take without first knowing his present location? Of course not! ","Likewise, providing proper guidance requires discerning the present “location”—the circumstances and viewpoint—of the one seeking direction. Could there be extenuating circumstances that might affect our response? Without proper knowledge of a situation, we might give advice that causes a person to become even more confused.—Luke 6:39. When anyone is replying to a matter before he hears it, that is foolishness on his part and a humiliation.”In order to give good advice, we must understand the circumstances and viewpoint of the one seeking assistance.",PROV. 18:13.,w12 3/15 p. 7,,,joshlaymon,,4/28/2025
"Who Sent the “Star”? Satan, cunning, Satan the Devil, ","To illustrate: A good military commander sends his best soldier on a dangerous mission into enemy territory. Would he reveal to the enemy where to find that soldier? Of course not! Likewise, Jehovah sent his Son to this dangerous world. Would He reveal to wicked King Herod where His Son lay as a defenseless child? Never!","Who, then, sent the “star,” or starlike object? Well, who had the greatest interest in seeing the child Jesus put to death, preventing him from growing up and fulfilling his mission on earth? Who seeks to mislead people and promotes lies, violence, and slaughter? Jesus himself identified the “liar and the father of the lie,” the one who “was a manslayer when he began”—Satan the Devil.—John 8:44.",John 8:44,w12 4/1 p. 29,,,joshlaymon,,4/28/2025
"The Son Is Willing to Reveal the Father’ God is love, ","To illustrate, think how difficult it would be for us to come to appreciate fully what the word “love” means by merely reading a dictionary definition. Yet, by reflecting on the vivid accounts of the Gospel writers about Jesus’ ministry and his ways of caring for others, we can gain much insight into the statement “God is love.” (1 John 4:8, 16) The same is true of God’s other qualities that Jesus revealed to his disciples while he was on earth.","Because of his close relationship with Jehovah, the Son explained the Father in richer detail than anyone else could ever do. What better way could there be for us to come to know the Father than by considering what his only-begotten Son taught and did? ","1 John 4:8, 16",w12 4/15 p. 4 par. 8,,,joshlaymon,,4/28/2025
"Maintain a Complete Heart Toward Jehovah, desires, thoughts, disposition, attitudes, ","Though God’s Word does not provide a dictionary definition of the word “heart,” it allows us to discern the meaning of that word. How? To illustrate, think of an exquisite wall mosaic that is made up of a thousand closely set small pebbles. By stepping back to look at the entire mosaic, one sees that all the carefully placed pebbles together form a pattern, or picture. ","Similarly, if we were to step back and look at the many instances where “heart” is used in the Bible, we could discern that taken together these references form a pattern, or picture. What picture?  Bible writers use “heart” to describe man’s entire inner self. It encompasses such aspects as our desires, thoughts, disposition, attitudes, capabilities, motivations, and goals. (Read Deuteronomy 15:7; Proverbs 16:9; Acts 2:26.) As one reference work states, it is “the sum total of the interior man.” In some cases, “heart” has a narrower meaning. For example, Jesus said: “You must love Jehovah your God with your whole heart and with your whole soul and with your whole mind.” (Matt. 22:37) In this instance, “heart” refers to the emotions, desires, and feelings of the inner person.",Deuteronomy 15:7; Proverbs 16:9; Acts 2:26.,w12 4/15 pp. 13-14 pars. 3-4,,,joshlaymon,,4/28/2025
 Life in Bible Times—The Farmer,"JESUS often used farming methods and farm equipment to illustrate important teachings. (Matthew 11:28-30; Mark 4:3-9; Luke 13:6-9) Why? Because he lived in an agricultural society. Many who listened to him followed farming traditions that had remained unchanged for centuries. They appreciated his references to their daily activities. He could relate to them, and they were moved by what he taught.—Matthew 7:28.","“[Jesus] said to his disciples: ‘Yes, the harvest is great, but the workers are few. Therefore, beg the Master of the harvest to send out workers into his harvest.’”—MATTHEW 9:37, 38.  We can deepen our appreciation for Jesus’ illustrations and for other Bible accounts if we know a little about the first-century farmer—the crops he planted, the tools he used, the challenges he faced.","MATTHEW 9:37, 38.",w12 5/1 p. 28,,,joshlaymon,,4/28/2025
"Take a Positive View of a Strained Marriage, should I try to save my marriage? ","On rare occasions, for example, a mate may develop serious emotional problems. Or some time after the wedding, a spouse may become an inactive publisher. To illustrate: Linda, a zealous Christian and a devoted mother, watched helplessly as her baptized husband unrepentantly embarked on an unscriptural path and was disfellowshipped. What should a Christian do if his or her marriage bond seems hopelessly frayed for such a reason?","‘Must I keep on trying to save my marriage no matter what happens?’ you might ask. Nobody can or should make such a decision for you. Yet, there are sound reasons for not giving up on a marital bond that is weakening. The godly man or woman who endures the trials of a difficult marriage for the sake of conscience is precious to God. (Read 1 Peter 2:19, 20.) By means of his Word and spirit, Jehovah will help a Christian who makes earnest efforts to strengthen a strained marriage.","1 Peter 2:19, 20",w12 5/15 p. 10 pars. 10-11 ,,,joshlaymon,,4/28/2025
"Let Jehovah Lead You to True Freedom,  tobacco, true freedom, smoking, drugs, addicted, ","To illustrate: A new Bible student named Jay was addicted to tobacco. When he learned that his habit displeased God, he had to make a decision. Would he continue to submit to his flesh or would he subject himself to Jehovah? Wisely, he chose to serve God, even though his flesh ached for nicotine. How did he feel after overcoming his habit? “I felt wonderfully free and overjoyed,” he later said.","Jay learned by experience that the world’s freedoms, which allow people to ‘mind the flesh,’ actually enslave, whereas Jehovah’s freedoms, which mean “the minding of the spirit,” set free and lead to “life and peace.” (Rom. 8:5, 6) Where did Jay find the strength to overcome his enslaving habit? Not within himself; it came from God. “I regularly studied the Bible, prayed for holy spirit, and sought the loving help willingly extended to me by the Christian congregation,” he said. These same provisions can help us all in our quest for true freedom. Let us see how.","Rom. 8:5, 6",w12 7/15 pp. 8-9 pars. 8-9,,,joshlaymon,,4/28/2025
"“One Jehovah” Gathers His Family, wars, land mines,","To illustrate, it is estimated that in some war-ravaged countries, 35 percent more land could be cultivated if the inhabitants did not have to worry about the presence of land mines. When a mine is detonated, fields are abandoned by farmers, villages are robbed of their livelihood, and cities are deprived of their food. ","In a similar way, our growth in spiritual matters is hindered if we have personal traits that could disrupt peace with our brothers. But by being quick to forgive and by working for the well-being of others, we engender conditions that result in true prosperity. Furthermore, “gifts in men” can be a real force for unity. They have been given to help us to “attain to the oneness in the faith.” (Eph. 4:8, 13) When elders work along with us in sacred service and offer perceptive observations based on God’s Word, they assist us to make progress in putting on the new personality. (Eph. 4:22-24) ","Eph. 4:8, 13; Eph. 4:22-24",w12 7/15 pp. 29-30 pars. 11-12,,,joshlaymon,,4/28/2025
"What Kind of Spirit Do You Show? field  sunflowers, beauty, ","To illustrate, in a field of sunflowers, each flower contributes its glowing face to the overall beauty of the flower patch. Are we one of the “flowers” that adds to the overall beauty of the congregation? Certainly, we should strive to be one. Let us now see what we can do to manifest a spirit that pleases God.","Today, we do well to ask ourselves: ‘What kind of spirit do I show? How can I more fully manifest a spirit that pleases God? Can I improve in contributing to the overall positive spirit of the congregation?’ ",2 Tim. 4:22; read Colossians 3:9-12.,w12 10/15 pp. 12-13 par. 3,,,joshlaymon,,4/28/2025
"Forgive One Another Freely, Mercy, debt, owe, reasonableness, ","The Scriptures indicate that a willingness to forgive others regardless of how often they offend us is a Christian requirement. In order to illustrate the reasonableness of this requirement, Jesus used an illustration about a slave who was a debtor. The slave owed his master the equivalent of a laborer’s wages for 60,000,000 days; yet, his master canceled the debt. ","Thereafter, the slave went out and found a fellow slave who owed him a sum that amounted to only 100 days’ wages. The debtor pleaded for patience, but the slave who had been forgiven a huge debt had his fellow slave thrown into prison. That attitude angered their master. “Ought you not . . . to have had mercy on your fellow slave, as I also had mercy on you?” the master asked. “With that his master, provoked to wrath, delivered [the unforgiving slave] to the jailers, until he should pay back all that was owing.”—Matt. 18:21-34.",Matt. 18:21-34.,w12 11/15 pp. 26-27 pars. 3-4,,,joshlaymon,,4/28/2025
"Holy Spirit—At Work in Creation! order, universe, night sky, orderly, ","We are surrounded by evidence that God used his holy spirit in a very orderly way. To illustrate: Suppose you had a box containing balls of different colors. You shake the box, thoroughly mixing the balls. Then you throw them out onto the ground all at once. Would you expect the balls to land grouped according to color—the blue balls together, the yellow likewise, and so on? Of course not! Uncontrolled actions always tend to result in less order, not more. That fact is accepted as a fundamental law of nature.","Yet, when we raise our eyes and telescopes heavenward, what do we see? We find an immense and highly ordered system of galaxies, stars, and planets, all moving with great precision. This could not be the product of chance or of an unplanned and uncontrolled cosmic accident. So we must ask, What force was originally employed in order to produce our orderly universe? We humans are limited in our ability to identify that force through scientific observation and experimentation alone. However, the Bible has identified it as God’s holy spirit, the most powerful force in the universe. The psalmist sang: “By the word of Jehovah the heavens themselves were made, and by the spirit of his mouth all their army.” (Ps. 33:6) And with our eyes, we can see only a very small part of that “army” of stars as we survey the night sky!",Ps. 33:6,w11 2/15 p. 7 pars. 6-7,,,joshlaymon,,4/28/2025
"Did God Create the Devil? Satan, ","To illustrate: Imagine an accountant who sees an opportunity to manipulate records in such a way as to steal from his company for personal profit. He might quickly dismiss that wrong thought. If, instead, he dwells on this possibility, then the idea will grow in its appeal, and he is likely to carry it out. If he does, he has, in effect, made himself a thief. If he lies about his crime, he becomes a liar too."," In a similar way, by cultivating wrong desires and acting on them, the angel whom God created used his free will to engage in deception and rebel against his Father, thus making himself Satan the Devil.","James 1:14, 15; 1 Timothy 3:6",w11 3/1 p. 21,,,joshlaymon,,4/28/2025
"Do Not Deceive Yourself With False Reasoning, visitors, delayed, sidetracked, ","To illustrate, imagine you are expecting guests. Anticipation of their visit may lead to a flurry of activity as you attend to necessary household chores related to their stay. However, then you receive word that your visitors are delayed. Will you abandon the preparations?",Do you see a lesson in this example? A wrong view of the timing of the divine purpose could lead us to lose sight of the importance of our spiritual activities and become sidetracked with personal interests. ,Haggai 2:4,w11 3/15 p. 3,,,joshlaymon,,4/28/2025
"Keep Awake, as Jeremiah Did, getting up early, almond tree","ON THE hills of Lebanon and Israel, one of the first trees to blossom is the almond tree. Its lovely pink or white flowers can be seen as early as the end of January or the beginning of February. Its Hebrew name literally means “awakening one.” When Jehovah appointed Jeremiah as his prophet, this characteristic of the almond tree was aptly used to illustrate an important reality. ","At the start of his ministry, the prophet was shown in vision an offshoot of that tree. What did it mean? Jehovah explained: “I am keeping awake concerning my word in order to carry it out.” (Jer. 1:11, 12) Just as the almond tree ‘awakened’ early, so Jehovah was figuratively “getting up early” to send his prophets to warn his people about the consequences of disobedience. (Jer. 7:25) And he would not rest—he would ‘keep awake’—until his prophetic word was accomplished. In 607 B.C.E., right at the appointed time, Jehovah’s judgment came upon the apostate nation of Judah. Likewise today, Jehovah is awake, attentive to carrying out his will. It is impossible for him to neglect the fulfillment of his word. ","Jer. 1:11, 12)",w11 3/15 pp. 28-29 pars. 1-3,,,joshlaymon,,4/28/2025
"Do You Discern the Evidence of God’s Guidance? Pillar of fire, ","To illustrate: Put yourself in the place of an Israelite in Moses’ day. Imagine that after you have been walking for some time, the pillar comes to a halt. How long will it stay there? A day? A week? Several months? You wonder, ‘Is it worth unpacking all my possessions?’ First, you may unpack only the most necessary items. Yet, after a few days, frustrated at searching through your belongings, you begin to unpack everything. ","But then, just when you have about finished unpacking, you see the pillar lifting—and you have to start packing again! That would not be so easy or convenient. Still, the Israelites had to “pull away right afterward.”—Num. 9:17-22. Of course, those taking the lead in the earthly part of God’s organization are not perfect—but neither was Moses. Even so, the pillar provided constant evidence of his divine appointment and of God’s approval. ",Num. 9:17-22,w11 4/15 p. 4,,,joshlaymon,,4/28/2025
"“The Fruitage of the Spirit” Glorifies God, buy out as much time as possible each day, ","To illustrate: Imagine that it was possible to read God’s Word, meditate on it, and pray to Jehovah only during a certain hour each day. Would you not jealously guard that time slot so that nothing interfered with your personal time with Jehovah? Of course, no one can restrict our access to God in prayer, and most of us can read the Bible whenever we want to. Yet, we may need to take measures to prevent the whirlwind of daily activities from infringing on our personal time with God. Do you buy out as much time as possible each day to draw close to Jehovah?","How can we cultivate self-sacrificing love for our brothers? By deepening our love for God. (Eph. 5:1, 2; 1 John 4:9-11, 20, 21) The intimate moments we spend with Jehovah in Bible reading, meditation, and prayer nourish our hearts and nurture our love for our heavenly Father. However, we need to buy out time to draw close to God.8 ","Eph. 5:1, 2; 1 John 4:9-11, 20, 21",w11 4/15 pp. 19-20 pars. 7-8,,,joshlaymon,,4/28/2025
"‘O the Depth of God’s Wisdom!’ A God of Purpose, flexibility, weather conditions, traffic congestion, and road ","To illustrate: A person may desire to travel to a specific destination. Getting to that destination then becomes his goal, or purpose. He may have different options with regard to the means of transportation and the routes he can take. As he travels along his chosen route, he may be confronted with unexpected weather conditions, traffic congestion, and road closures, requiring him to take an alternate route. Yet, no matter what adjustments he needs to make, he will still have accomplished his goal when he arrives at his destination.","Jehovah has likewise shown considerable flexibility in working out his eternal purpose. Taking into consideration the free will of his intelligent creation, he readily adjusts the way he achieves his purpose. For example, let us consider how Jehovah accomplishes his purpose regarding the promised Seed. Originally, Jehovah told the first human pair: “Be fruitful and become many and fill the earth and subdue it.” (Gen. 1:28) Was that stated purpose foiled by the rebellion in the garden of Eden? Absolutely not! Jehovah immediately reacted to that new situation by using an alternate “route” to achieve his purpose. He foretold the appearance of a “seed” who would undo the damage done by the rebels.—Gen. 3:15; Heb. 2:14-17; 1 John 3:8. Jehovah is a God of purpose, and the Bible speaks of his “eternal purpose.” (Eph. 3:10, 11) What does this expression really mean? As used in the Bible, the word “purpose” refers to a specific goal, or aim, that can be achieved in more than one way.",Gen. 3:15; Heb. 2:14-17; 1 John 3:8,w11 5/15 pp. 21-22,,,joshlaymon,,4/30/2025
"Does God Have an Organization? well-organized group, shoulder to shoulder,” or “cooperate","To illustrate, you can easily feed one person on your own, but if you have to feed many thousands, even millions, you will need a well-organized group of people whose efforts are coordinated. ","True Christians are organized to accomplish a work. (Matthew 24:14; 1 Timothy 2:3, 4) Jesus commanded his followers to preach the Kingdom good news to all nations, a task that would be impossible without an international organization. In fulfilling their commission, true Christians serve “shoulder to shoulder,” or “cooperate in [God’s] service.” (Zephaniah 3:9; Byington) Would a multinational, multilingual, multiracial work be possible without a unified, harmonious organization? The answer is obvious.","Matthew 24:14; 1 Timothy 2:3, 4",w11 6/1 p. 14,,,joshlaymon,,4/30/2025
"Treating Your Mate With Respect, different, focus on mate, ","To illustrate: Your eyes work differently than your ears; yet they cooperate so you can cross the road safely. When your mate has a different opinion or reaction than you do, focus not just on your own interests. Consider your mate’s feelings. (Philippians 2:4) ","A Solution: Accept each other as you are, and respect what is different about your mate. Adrienne, who has been married for nearly three decades, says: “As long as our viewpoints don’t violate God’s Word, my husband and I allow each other to have differing opinions. After all, we are married, not cloned.” Adrienne’s husband, Kyle, admits: “I don’t always understand or agree with my wife’s opinions on matters. But I remind myself that I love her much more than I love my opinion. When she is happy, I really am too.”",Philippians 2:4,w11 8/1 p. 12,,,joshlaymon,,4/30/2025
" He Remembers That “We Are Dust” Similes, forgiveness, complete forgiveness, ","When God finds a basis to show mercy, he does so completely and unstintingly. David, an eloquent poet, uses three similes to illustrate God’s far-reaching mercy toward us. David knew that “Jehovah is merciful” and does not “keep finding fault” with us. (Verses 8-10) ","“As the heavens are higher than the earth, his loving-kindness is superior toward those fearing him.” (Verse 11) When we look up at the night sky, we cannot fathom the great distance between the starry heavens and the earth. David thus impresses upon us the magnitude of Jehovah’s mercy, a facet of his loyal love. This mercy is for “those fearing” God—those who have “a humble, hearty reverence of his authority,” says one scholar.“As far off as the sunrise is from the sunset, so far off from us he has put our transgressions.” (Verse 12) Other translations say, “as far as the east is from the west.” How far is that? As far as we can imagine. One Bible reference work says: “Fly as far as the wing of imagination can bear you, and if you journey through space eastward, you are further from the west at every beat of your wing.” David here tells us that when God forgives our sins, he puts them as far away from us as we can possibly imagine.“As a father shows mercy to his sons, Jehovah has shown mercy to those fearing him.” (Verse 13) David, a father himself, knew what a loving father feels in his heart. Such a father is moved to show compassion to his children, especially when they are in pain. David assures us that our loving heavenly Father shows mercy to his earthly children, especially when their repentant hearts are “broken and crushed” because of their sins.—Psalm 51:17.",Psalm 51:17.,w11 8/1 p. 13 pars. 2-5,,,joshlaymon,,4/30/2025
"Does God Dwell in One Place? omnipresent, everywhere, universe, holy spirit, all-seeing, dwelling in heavens,","To illustrate: In recent years scientists have been able to examine soil on the planet Mars, millions of miles (kilometers) from Earth. How? Not by traveling there personally, but by studying detailed photos and other information transmitted back to Earth by probes sent to Mars’ surface.","Likewise, Jehovah God does not have to be present everywhere, or omnipresent, in order to perceive what is happening at any point in the universe. God’s Word says: “There is not a creation that is not manifest to his sight.” (Hebrews 4:13) Yes, Jehovah’s powerful active force, or holy spirit, can extend anywhere, allowing him to be all-seeing and to accomplish his purpose from a fixed location, his “holy dwelling” in the heavens.—Deuteronomy 26:15.",Deuteronomy 26:15; Hebrews 4:13,w11 8/1 p. 27,,,joshlaymon,,4/30/2025
Is Your Recreation Beneficial? ,"However, we also realize that allowing for diversity in recreation is not a license to indulge oneself. To illustrate, consider again the example of food. Though we may be willing to eat a variety of foods, we would not deliberately consume food that is rotten. Eating such food would go against common sense and could endanger our health. ","Similarly, though we may be open to a variety of forms of wholesome entertainment, we would not pursue leisure activities that are life-threatening, violent, or morally rotten. Engaging in such activities would go against Bible principles and would endanger our physical or spiritual health. To make sure that we stay within reasonable limits, we do well to determine in advance whether some recreation that appeals to us is beneficial or not. (Eph. 5:10) How can we do so?",Eph. 5:10,w11 10/15 pp. 8-9 par. 4,,,joshlaymon,,4/30/2025
"Trust in Jehovah, “the God of All Comfort” Discouraged, divine support, effects of negative emotions,","To illustrate: When Joshua was commissioned to lead the Israelites against powerful enemy nations, Moses told the people: “Be courageous and strong. Do not be afraid or suffer a shock before them, because Jehovah your God is the one marching with you. He will neither desert you nor leave you entirely.” (Deut. 31:6) ","With Jehovah’s backing, Joshua was able to lead God’s people into the Promised Land and to victory over all their enemies. Earlier at the Red Sea, Moses had experienced similar .—Ex. 14:13, 14, 29-31.  At times, we may become so discouraged that we can be in danger of succumbing to the effects of negative emotions. Perhaps we feel unable to care for a certain Scriptural responsibility or privilege of service. Here, too, Jehovah can comfort and help us. ","Ex. 14:13, 14, 29-31",w11 10/15 p. 24 par. 9 ,,,joshlaymon,,4/30/2025
Why Did God Wage War Against the Canaanites?,"To illustrate: When a patient develops gangrene, doctors often have little choice but to amputate the infected limb. Few would enjoy performing such a procedure, but a good doctor knows that the alternative—the spread of infection—is worse. Because he cares, he carries out this unpleasant task for the good of his patient. How could a God of love destroy any humans? That question is understandable, for the destruction of human life is not pleasant to contemplate. Really, though, it was God’s love that impelled him to take such drastic measures against the wicked. ","Similarly, Jehovah did not enjoy destroying the Canaanites. He himself says: “I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked.” (Ezekiel 33:11, Darby) At the same time, he purposed for the nation of Israel to produce the Messiah, the one who would open the way to salvation for all those exercising faith. (John 3:16) Thus, God simply could not allow Israel to become infected by the disgusting practices of the Canaanites. He therefore ordered the Canaanites to be cut off, or evicted, from the land. In so doing, God demonstrated outstanding love—love that moved him to perform an unpleasant task for the benefit of his faithful worshippers.",Ezekiel 33:11,w10 1/1 pp. 14-15,,,joshlaymon,,4/30/2025
"Satan’s Way of Ruling Sure to Fail, Jehovah's qualities, Magnified, Glorify, Love, ","To illustrate that truth, let us briefly consider some of Jehovah’s qualities and see how Satan’s wicked rule has moved Jehovah to show these qualities in additional ways. Against the backdrop of Satan’s disastrous rule, Jehovah’s perfect qualities are even more obvious than they otherwise might have been. In this way, he has been magnified in the eyes of those who love him. Yes, paradoxical as it may sound, Satan’s way of governing has in reality served to glorify God. It has highlighted the superlative way in which Jehovah has dealt with this challenge to his sovereignty. ","Love. The Scriptures tell us that “God is love.” (1 John 4:8) The creation of humans was, in the first place, an expression of God’s love. Furthermore, the fear-inspiring and wonderful way in which we are made bears witness to God’s love. Jehovah also lovingly provided humans with a beautiful home containing everything necessary for their happiness. (Gen. 1:29-31; 2:8, 9; Ps. 139:14-16) But once wickedness was introduced into the human family, Jehovah expressed his love in new ways. How? The apostle John quotes Jesus as saying: “God loved the world so much that he gave his only-begotten Son, in order that everyone exercising faith in him might not be destroyed but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16) Could God have shown his love for mankind in a more remarkable way than by sending his only-begotten Son to earth in order to ransom sinners? (John 15:13) This great demonstration of love also served as a pattern for humans, giving them the opportunity to reflect God’s self-sacrificing love in everyday life, even as Jesus did.—John 17:25, 26.","Gen. 1:29-31; 2:8, 9; Ps. 139:14-16",w10 1/15 p. 26 pars. 10-11,,,joshlaymon,,4/30/2025
"Should You Keep the Weekly Sabbath? fulfill the law, contract, ","To illustrate: A builder fulfills a contract to complete a building, not by ripping up the contract, but by finishing the structure. However, once the work has been completed to the client’s satisfaction, the contract is fulfilled and the builder is no longer under obligation to it. ","Likewise, Jesus did not break, or rip up, the Law; rather, he fulfilled it by keeping it perfectly. Once fulfilled, that Law “contract” was no longer binding on God’s people. Matthew 5:17;",Matthew 5:17;,w10 2/1 p. 13,,,joshlaymon,,4/30/2025
"Remaining in God’s Favor Despite Changes, Moses, meek, meekness, reputation, ","To illustrate Moses’ meekness, let us consider what happened when Jehovah said that He wanted to reject the disobedient nation and have Moses’ descendants become a mighty nation. (Num. 14:11-20) Moses interceded for the nation. His words show that his concerns were God’s reputation and the well-being of his brothers, not his own self-interest."," A meek person was needed for Moses’ role as leader of the nation and mediator. Miriam and Aaron murmured against him, yet the Bible record says that Moses was “by far the meekest of all the men.” (Num. 12:1-3, 9-15) It seems that Moses meekly put up with their insults. How would things have turned out if Moses had not been meek?",Num. 14:11-20,w10 3/15 p. 5,,,joshlaymon,,4/30/2025
"Walk by Spirit and Live Up to Your Dedication, fruitage of the spirit, sunshine, Holy spirit, ","As holy spirit operates upon you, you manifest godly qualities, “the fruitage of the spirit.” (Gal. 5:22, 23) You realize, though, that this calls for effort on your part. To illustrate: A farmer cultivates the land. Of course, sunshine and water are necessary; without such he cannot expect any harvest. ","We might compare holy spirit to sunshine. Holy spirit is needed for us to manifest the fruitage of the spirit. Yet, what would be produced without the farmer’s hard work? (Prov. 10:4) Yes, how you cultivate the soil of your heart makes a difference in the quality and quantity of the fruitage of the holy spirit in you. So ask yourself, ‘Am I permitting holy spirit to produce its fruitage by working along with it?’","Gal. 5:22, 23",w10 3/15 pp. 15-16 par. 6 ,,,joshlaymon,,4/30/2025
"Jesus Christ—His Message and You, Ransom, Gift, Memorial, ","Is the ransom a gift to you personally? That is up to you. To illustrate: Imagine that someone holds out to you a gift-wrapped box. Really, it does not become your gift until you reach out and accept it. ","Similarly, Jehovah extends the ransom to you, but this gift is not yours personally unless you reach out and accept it. How? Jesus said that it is those “exercising faith” in him who will receive everlasting life. Faith involves the way you live your life. (James 2:26) ",James 2:26,w10 4/1 p. 11,,,joshlaymon,,4/30/2025
"Are You Fully Following the Christ? Zeal, zealous, Jehoash, ","To illustrate the importance of being zealous in God’s service, note an event that took place in the life of King Jehoash of Israel. Concerned over the apparent fate of Israel at the hands of Syria, Jehoash came weeping to Elisha. The prophet instructed him to shoot an arrow out the window toward Syria, indicating victory by Jehovah’s hand against that nation. This certainly should have invigorated the king.","Elisha next told Jehoash to take his arrows and strike the earth with them. Jehoash struck the earth three times. Elisha was incensed at this, for striking the earth five or six times would have indicated “striking down Syria to the finishing point.” Now Jehoash would enjoy only three partial victories. Because he acted with a lack of zeal, Jehoash experienced limited success. (2 Kings 13:14-19) What lesson can we learn from that account? Jehovah will abundantly bless us only if we do his work wholeheartedly and with zeal.",2 Kings 13:14-19,w10 4/15 pp. 26-27 par. 11 ,,,joshlaymon,,7/12/2025
"What Is God Doing? flawed thinking, Santa Claus, role, ","To illustrate: Imagine a small child who is upset because his father has gone to work. The child misses his father and wishes he would come home. The child feels abandoned. Throughout the day, he repeatedly asks, “Where is Daddy?” We can readily detect the flaw in that child’s thinking. After all, at that very moment, his father is working to provide for the entire family. ","Could our thinking be similarly flawed when we cry out, “Where is God”?For example, some might wish for God to be an executioner whose primary function is to bring swift punishment on the perpetrator of some wrong. Others view God as little more than a celestial Santa Claus, whose role is to bestow gifts—a job, a spouse, or even a winning lottery ticket.Psalm 10:1;",Psalm 10:1;,w10 5/1 p. 4 ,,,joshlaymon,,4/30/2025
"Christian Unity Glorifies God, Gifts in men, apostles, some as prophets, some as evangelizers, some as shepherds and teachers","Paul used a common practice among soldiers of ancient times to illustrate how Jesus has provided “gifts in men” to help unify the congregation. A victorious soldier might bring a foreign captive home as a slave to provide his wife help with chores. (Ps. 68:1, 12, 18) ","Similarly, Jesus’ victory over the world provided him with many willing slaves. (Read Ephesians 4:7, 8.) How did he use those captives, so to speak? “He gave some as apostles, some as prophets, some as evangelizers, some as shepherds and teachers, with a view to the readjustment of the holy ones, for ministerial work, for the building up of the body of the Christ, until we all attain to the oneness in the faith.”—Eph. 4:11-13.",Eph. 4:11-13,w10 9/15 p. 18 par. 8 ,,,joshlaymon,,4/30/2025
"Young Ones—What Will You Do With Your Life? Rocks, sand, bucket, What is first, ","To illustrate: Take a plastic bucket and place several large rocks inside it. Then fill the bucket with sand. You have a bucket full of rocks and sand. Empty the bucket but keep the same sand and rocks. This time, fill the bucket with the sand first, and then try to place the rocks inside the bucket. No room? That is because you put the sand in the bucket first.","You face a similar challenge when managing your time. If you put things like recreation in first place, you will never seem to have enough room in your life for the big things—spiritual pursuits. But if you follow the Bible’s admonition to “make sure of the more important things,” you will find that you have room for both Kingdom interests and a measure of recreation.—Phil. 1:10.",Phil. 1:10,w10 11/15 p. 16 pars. 18-19,,,joshlaymon,,4/30/2025
"Does God Have a Name? Sir, Boss, Dad, or Grandpa, Titles, ","To illustrate, a person may be called Sir, Boss, Dad, or Grandpa, depending on the circumstances. These titles reveal something about him. But the name of the person reminds us of everything we know about him. ","Likewise, titles such as Lord, Almighty, Father, and Creator call attention to different facets of God’s activities. But only his personal name, Jehovah, reminds us of everything we know about him. How can you really know God without knowing his name? It is important not only to know but also to use that name. Why? Because the Bible tells us: “Everyone who calls on the name of Jehovah will be saved.”—Romans 10:13; Joel 2:32.",Romans 10:13; Joel 2:32,w09 2/1 p. 6,,,joshlaymon,,4/30/2025
"Death, memories, parents, wisdom, Memorial, resurrection, rebuild, ","This prophetic African proverb, ""When an old man (or old woman) dies a library burns to the ground,"" helps you to appreciate how much history, knowledge, and wisdom our parents, grandparents... carried in their minds and hearts. It makes you value the time that you had to spend with them. Oh my, what a blessing!","It is a treasured resource as to how much you benefited from their wisdom. Truly, they were reservoirs of information filled with family history; mostly unwritten. You were enriched from the nectar of their lips when they kissed you and from the sweetness of the time you spent together. They taught so many valuable lessons. While some of the information that departed from their mouths is fresh in our minds, we should take the time to record what they pass down so we can share with generations to come. Sorely missed many are! There have been so many times that I wanted to ask my Mother and Father questions and seek their advice, but too late. ",Ecclesiastes 2:16,"Bobby Laymon, ",,,bl,,4/30/2025
"Good News, Do you have the Evangelizing Spirit, stream, straight river, started small, ","The good news is like a stream of water. Have you ever seen a straight river. Many twists and turns.  It started small with Jehovah, and he keeps adding tributaries to the flow.  He added a major one with his promise to Abraham, then David, and we keep getting more truth today than ever before. It becomes larger, deeper. ",Are you keeping up with all of it?  It's like Jesus told the Samaritan woman.  He called it “living water.”  It cannot be duplicated.  Genesis 3:15;,Genesis 3:15,Bobby Laymon,Do you have the Evangelizing Spirit,063 ,joshlaymon,,5/1/2025
"Good news from God, Not of Human origin, ","Something my Dad said.  In younger days he made ‘moonshine’ whiskey, before learning the truth.  Some skills involved.  He said, ""Any fool in the world can make whiskey, but it takes a smart man to make water.""  In Theory man can make water, but it’s a dangerous process causing an explosion.  Men can falsely claim they are evangelizers, but it’s risky.  They shouldn’t do that.","In Theory man can make water, but it’s a dangerous process causing an explosion.  Men can falsely claim they are evangelizers, but it’s risky.  They shouldn’t do that.","Galatians 1:11, 12",Bobby Laymon,Do you have the Evangelizing Spirit,063,joshlaymon,,5/1/2025
"Do you have the Evangelizing Spirit, Slow, Fast, Mark Twain, Lie, ","It has now reached us.  Good news does not always travel in the fast lane. Mark Twain said, ""A lie can travel half-way around the world, while the truth is putting its shoes on.""  ","The truth has arrived in our day and it’s still growing.  The Good News HAS become a major issue.  It will not stop until Jehovah himself says, ""It is enough!"" 'There is something that is much scarcer, something far, something rarer than ability. It is the ability to recognize ability.' Jehovah and Jesus recognize your ability. ",Genesis 3:15;,Bobby Laymon,Do you have the Evangelizing Spirit,063,joshlaymon,,5/1/2025
"Throwing the ball, chasing the ball, kicking the ball, grown men,Evangelizing Spirit ","People are caught up in sports; boating; entertainment. Chasing material things. Here this Good News needs to be preached and grown men are throwing the ball, chasing the ball, kicking the ball, cursing the ball 8 hours a day.Playing ""childish games"" instead of the most important work on earth. ","God's word says: it is ""beneficial for a little."" We have the Most important work in human history. If you can take up the full-time evangelizing activity, you can be conﬁdent that it is Jehovah’s will and that he will sustain you. ",Matthew 24:14,Bobby Laymon,Do you have the Evangelizing Spirit?,063,joshlaymon,,5/1/2025
"We like being in a winning progressive organization, Calvin Coolidge, unity, ","We like being in a winning progressive organization. It's going somewhere.  We are not frozen in time.Calvin Coolidge, the 30th president of the United States was asked by a reporter why he didn't want to serve for another term.  ",He said in his New England drawl:  'It's not too good a job.  There's no chance for advancement.' This is not true in Jehovah's organization.  The sky is the limit. The largest room in Jehovah's house is the room for improvement. Jehovah’s people are in unity.  We are organized earth wide.,Micah 2:12;,Bobby Laymon,Do you have the Evangelizing Spirit?,063,joshlaymon,,5/1/2025
"Organized religion,","Some say, “I don’t believe in organized religion.  Then what do they do? ",They join a disorganized religion.  How smart is that?,Micah 2:12;,Bobby Laymon,Do you have the Evangelizing Spirit?,063,joshlaymon,,5/1/2025
"Nations now sinking into greater darkness, Satan, short time, ","We are not in the woods with the lion, but we are in the cage with the lion.  He’s angry. Nations now sinking into greater darkness under power and inﬂuence of wicked one (Re 12:9) Satan is aware only short time remaining. (Re 12:10-12)","(Revelation 12:12b) Woe for the earth and for the sea, because the Devil has come down to you, having great anger, knowing that he has a short period of time.”",Re 12:10-12; Revelation 12:12b,Bobby Laymon ,Do you have the Evangelizing Spirit?,063,joshlaymon,,5/1/2025
"Do you have the Evangelizing Spirit? mighty angels work with Chief Evangelize, Stop, ","Main point now is: Will Satan be able to stop the good news? (Mt 24:14) Go far enough upstream, and you can probably stop the water with your foot. Satan tried to stamp out the evangelizing work in 1919 when it was small. But just as water will find a way, cut new channels the irresistible power of Jehovah's spirit opened new channels.  ","In one way the Good News is not like water.  Holy Spirit Doesn't always follow the course of least resistance but has pushed the truth to the most distant parts of the earth against tremendous odds. In heaven, mighty angels work with Chief Evangelizer to direct the spreading of evangelic message to ends of the earth. ",Mt 24:14,Bobby Laymon ,Do you have the Evangelizing Spirit?,063,joshlaymon,,5/1/2025
"Jehovah has millions of willing volunteers, dripping faucet, It is enough, dewdrops, ","On earth, Jehovah has millions of willing volunteers; young and old, men, women, and children are now serving as evangelizers. How does Jehovah feel about these? (Psalm 110:3) Your people will offer themselves willingly on the day of your military force. In splendid holiness, from the womb of the dawn, you have your company of young men just like dewdrops.	","Jehovah views you as beautiful, precious. Dew is gentle. Dew is refreshing. Dew is vital to life. Dew is a blessing from Jehovah. To Satan, Jehovah's Witnesses are more like a dripping faucet, very irritating and costly to homeowner.  Satan doesn't like Jehovah's Witnesses dripping around. Too bad for him.  This evangelizing work will continue until Jehovah says, “It is enough.” ",Psalm 110:3),Bobby Laymon ,Do you have the Evangelizing Spirit?,063,joshlaymon,,5/1/2025
"evangelizing work, Gentle raindrops will likely become like hail stones. “touchstone""","This evangelizing work will continue until Jehovah says, “It is enough.” It will yet become a far BIGGER issue.  People will be forced to take a very definite, decisive, position. Why? Gentle raindrops will likely become like hail stones. 2.  It is the “touchstone"" by which mankind is judged. ","There’s a saying, ""There are as good a fish in the sea, as ever came out of it."" They are still coming out.  Jehovah is 'shaking the nations' collecting the desirable ones.  ","Matthew 28:19, 20, ",Bobby Laymon ,Do you have the Evangelizing Spirit?,063,joshlaymon,,5/1/2025
"Sowing with tears,  we will reap, most selfish time, ","In a sense we are ""sowing with tears.""  But we will reap.  (Psalm 126:5, 6) Those sowing seeds with tears Will reap with a joyful shout.  6 The one who does go out, though weeping, carrying his bag of seed, will surely return with a joyful shout, Carrying in his sheaves.  ","Many are coming into the truth in the most selfish time in human history. Many have suffered abuse, neglect, poor health, deplorable economic situations. Jehovah has taken them in and rescued them. Some of these are the foremost evangelizers","Psalm 126:5, 6",Bobby Laymon ,Do you have the Evangelizing Spirit?,063,joshlaymon,,5/1/2025
"Regular in service, mind over mattress, irregularity, ",What about you?  Are you regular if circumstances permit? On TV irregularity is a terrible thing!  Many products are sold to relieve it.  Irregularity in service is the worst kind. ,You almost must cure yourself.  Make yourself get up and go. It becomes a matter of mind over mattress.,"Psalm 126:5, 6",Bobby Laymon ,Do you have the Evangelizing Spirit?,063,joshlaymon,,5/1/2025
"We want to do our best. two men in the desert; Strange looking rocks, ","It’s like two men in the desert; Strange looking rocks; One picked up few.  Afterward, he was both happy and sad: Happy because what he had picked up were diamonds.  He was sad he didn't get more of them. ","The evangelizing work is like that.  Do as much as you can because it is the ‘most important work on earth.’  You will never be sorry you picked it up. We don’t want just a limited share, token.  We want to do our best. ",Matthew 24:14;,Bobby Laymon ,Do you have the Evangelizing Spirit? ,063,joshlaymon,,5/1/2025
"Double salvation. help someone, life, death, ","There’s a saying: When you help someone across a river, you also get there yourself.  The Bible has a verse with that same flavor.  (1 Timothy 4:16)","It means life to those who accept the truth and death to those who reject it.  1 Timothy 4:16) Pay constant attention to yourself and to your teaching. Persevere in these things, for by doing this you will save both yourself and those who listen to you.  Double salvation.",1 Timothy 4:16,Bobby Laymon ,Do you have the Evangelizing Spirit? ,063,joshlaymon,,5/1/2025
"Jesus Christ knew where all the gold, singer, musician, building contractor, Ministry, ","Jesus Christ, the prime example of a whole-souled evangelizer. Jesus Christ knew where all the gold in the world was located.  He could have mined diamonds; He could have been a singer, musician, building contractor, salesman, doctor.  He would have been the best.  He chose the ministry, the most important work on earth.  So, should we.		","Majority hated and persecuted him, but he found believers and to them he granted privilege of being his fellow evangelizers or light bearers. He could have done something else. Jesus’ faithful course was a marvelous pattern for all who desire to follow in his steps.	Mt 9:36",Mt 9:36,Bobby Laymon ,Do you have the Evangelizing Spirit? ,063,joshlaymon,,5/1/2025
"Felt pity, sheep without a shepherd. cattle truck, Rescue, hold back those staggering to the slaughter, ","(Matthew 9:36) On seeing the crowds, he felt pity for them, because they were skinned and thrown about like sheep without a shepherd. Maybe you are more familiar with cattle than sheep. Did you ever pass a cattle truck on the highway and look at the cow's faces?  You look at those big brown eyes and they seem to say, 'Get me out of here!  I know where I'm going.'  It's hard to look at them and think of hamburgers.  They are Sooo pitiful. Did you ever stop the truck and try to rescue them? Do we feel pity for people today as Jesus did?	","Proverbs 24:11: Rescue those who are being taken away to death And hold back those staggering to the slaughter.Mark 6:34 says, “Jesus started to teach them many things...” Jesus said, “Beg the master to send out workers.” 	That should be our attitude.  See things as Jehovah does.",Matthew 9:36; Mark 6:34 ,"Bobby Laymon, Mike Hart, ",Do you have the Evangelizing Spirit? ,063,joshlaymon,,5/1/2025
"Increase, Gilead School, ends of the earth, Richard Traub. when will they come?","Can you imagine moving into a territory of 10 million people?  You are the only Witness. You make one disciple, and your work is cut in half.  You now must witness to only 5 million people.  Richard Traub, first to witness in the Country of Chile. He rented an apartment and invited people to a Sunday meeting. At last, one interested person came. This man asked the question, ‘And the others, when will they come?’ The pioneer said: “They will come.” And come they did. ","Today Chili has a population of 19,961,000. 87,175—Ministers who teach the Bible. One of every 232 people are Jehovah’s Witnesses. Gilead School has trained thousands of missionaries who have gone to ends of the earth, bringing good news.  All those brothers have a story.","Matthew 28:19, 20, ",Bobby Laymon ,Do you have the Evangelizing Spirit? ,063,joshlaymon,,5/1/2025
"Michael Molina, machine-gunner, Gilead, saving lives, What makes an evangelizer? ","Michael Molina: 66th class of Gilead was a machine-gunner who flew 284 combat missions and received numerous medals. ""Killing was my business and I was good at it."" After graduation from Gilead, he was sent to Guatemala, and is now SAVING LIVES, through the evangelizing work.	","What makes an evangelizer? Think of Jehovah; Think of Jesus; think of Paul. Think of You. Are you a teen-ager? A new mother?  A child, A truck-driver? You can have an evangelizing spirit. Jehovah is sponsoring the preaching work.  Psalms 37:25",Psalms 37:25,Bobby Laymon ,Do you have the Evangelizing Spirit? ,063,joshlaymon,,5/1/2025
"King David of Israel lived an interesting life, shepherd boy, a musician and inventor, he will sustain you","King David of Israel lived an interesting life.  He had been a shepherd boy, a musician and inventor.  He was chased like an outlaw.  He studied the stars and the universe.  He was a people watcher.  He observed people and learned from it. He noted one important lesson.  (Psalm 37:25) I was once young and now I am old, But I have not seen anyone righteous abandoned, Nor his children looking for bread.  ","Jehovah will support you in the evangelizing work. It's the greatest work on earth. If you can, take up the full-time evangelizing activity, conﬁdent that it is Jehovah’s will and that he will sustain you.  ",Psalm 37:25;,Bobby Laymon ,Do you have the Evangelizing Spirit? ,063,joshlaymon,,5/1/2025
"""This world is going out of business!"" satisfies; gives contentment. gold watch, Calvin Coolidge, ","""This world is going out of business!"" A secular career will not satisfy. Being president of the United States did not fulfill the needs of Calvin Coolidge.  Serving Jehovah satisfies; gives contentment.  For God is not unrighteous so as to forget YOUR work. Jehovah will not give you a 'gold watch' and send you down the road! 	","Some of your brothers and sisters have served Jehovah for decades. NAME SOME YOU KNOW!  And others. Never give up, never quit. ""You can start late, but you can't quit early."" We don't retire. Today, 2/3 of the earth is covered by water.  The other 1/3 is being flooded by the Good News of God's Kingdom. It is now and will continue to be a major issue. You are a tributary to the evangelizing work.  A dew drop; a copious shower.  Catch the spirit!  The evangelizing spirit!  Never quit!",Psalm 37:25;,Bobby Laymon ,Do you have the Evangelizing Spirit? ,063,joshlaymon,,5/1/2025
"Agreeable to my own heart, Introduction, Bearing up Under Persecution, Scanning hearts, ","We know that Jehovah reads hearts. Picture this: Jehovah’s eyes are scanning the earth looking at millions of hearts. He comes to you and stops. He says, “Now here is a person agreeable to my own heart. I am going to draw him to follow my Son. I know he is trustworthy.” ",You Brothers and Sisters are among the most-favored people on earth.  He is so pleased with you and loves you more than you will ever know. John 6:44.,John 6:44.,Bobby Laymon ,"Bearing up Under Persecution,",057,joshlaymon,,5/1/2025
"Persecution is a by-product, Sawdust, faith, useful tool, ",Not something we bring on ourselves. Persecution is a by-product of our worship of Jehovah in this wicked world. A by-product is something produced in the making of something else. Like sawdust. Sawdust is a by-product of the lumber industry. ,"Once thought a nuisance and a danger. Today, is valuable industry in itself. Likewise, Persecution is a by-product of faith and is a useful tool in getting the Good News preached in all the earth.",2 Timothy 3:12;,Bobby Laymon ,"Bearing up Under Persecution,",057,joshlaymon,,5/1/2025
"Persecution, Test, best place, ","Not everyone will be persecuted. There is a test we can take to see if we’re included. It’s found at: (2 Timothy :12) . . .In fact, all those desiring to live with godly devotion in association with Christ Jesus will also be persecuted. ",Do you want to live with Godly devotion in Associated with Christ Jesus? Congratulations! You’re a winner. That’s the best place to be. It’s a long train. Jump on board with the rest of us. You are in the very best of company. We can encourage each other. ,2 Timothy 3:12,Bobby Laymon ,"Bearing up Under Persecution,",057,joshlaymon,,5/1/2025
"Houses torn apart, trees ripped out by root, destruction, storm, Armageddon, flowers survive, ","Imagine: You are standing in what 10 minutes ago, was a beautiful yard. You stand unmovable as a huge tornado hits. You see houses torn apart, trees ripped out by root, animals running for cover, and people being swept away.  ","Now everything is gone except for a few flowers, that have survived. You are one of those flowers, a survivor, along with all your friends. You have survived the greatest persecution of all times.","Romans 8:35, ",Bobby Laymon ,"Bearing up Under Persecution,",057,joshlaymon,,5/1/2025
We are all dandelions. People hate dandelions.,"Oh! Did I forget to tell you what kind of flower we are? First picture. Do you recognize it? You’re right, We are all dandelions. Oh! NO! I don’t want to be a dandelion. People hate dandelions. Why do they hate them? Not because they are ugly. They are beautiful. As you are. Even your feet are beautiful.·	","Are they looking downcast? Notice how they are looking upward. As you are. Are they Wishy-washy, No, are very ‘tough as leather’ and determined as you are. Are they nonproductive? Ha! They grow everywhere. ","Romans 8:35, ",Bobby Laymon ,"Bearing up Under Persecution,",057,joshlaymon,,5/1/2025
"Why do people hate dandelions? They cannot control them, We obey Jehovah. Persecution,","Why do people hate dandelions? They cannot control them, and people love to be in control. 1. They mow them down and 2 days later they are higher than before. 2. They pull them up by roots and leave a tap root (part of the root is gone) that grows and thrive underground. 3. Whack them down and seeds go everywhere. (parachutes) 5. They can’t burn them or wash them away. ","Why does Satan hate and persecute Jehovah’s Witnesses? He cannot control us. We obey Jehovah. He may put us in prison, beat us, humiliate us, impose large fines and we keep preaching. He takes away our literature and property and we keep preaching and keep increasing. Joseph Stalin, Russian ruler sends every Witness family he could find to Siberia, (one of the coldest places on earth) where ‘we will work them to death, freeze to death, starve to death.  Soon they’re having meetings and preaching and keep on growing. Satan just gave our brothers a free ticket to unassigned territory where the need is great. The work prospers in Siberia. “silver lining” Satan just can’t win.",Acts 24;25; ,Bobby Laymon ,"Bearing up Under Persecution,",057,joshlaymon,,5/1/2025
"“Good-things sandwich.” Persecution, ","One of my favorite Scriptures at Mark 10:29, 30. Not all blessings are future. “Good-things sandwich.”  (Mark 10:29, 30) .  . . Jesus said: “Truly I say to you, no one has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields for my sake and for the sake of the good news 30 who will not get 100 times more now in this period of time—“Good-things sandwich.”houses, brothers, sisters, mothers, children, and fields, with persecutions—and in the coming system of things, everlasting life.","Did you see how Jesus just sneaked persecution into his sandwich? Was it a mistake?  An accident? Jesus never made a mistake. What was Jesus’ attitude toward persecution? Jesus knows more about persecution than anyone on earth. (Read Matthew 5:11, 12) . . . “Happy are you when people reproach you and persecute you and lyingly say every sort of wicked thing against you for my sake. 12 Rejoice and be overjoyed, since your reward is great in the heavens, for in that way they persecuted the prophets prior to you. Do you suppose that attitude helped him when faced with death on the stake? Jesus saw the “silver lining.” The removal of all sin, suffering and death. Did you notice what he said (verse 12) about prophets, like Isaiah and Jeremiah. In other words, you are in the very best of company.","Mark 10:29, 30; Matthew 5:11, 12",Bobby Laymon ,"Bearing up Under Persecution,",057,joshlaymon,,5/1/2025
"Persecution may perplex us momentarily, Let it rain, It's shocking! adjust, ","Have you ever been caught in the rain?  It's the first shower that gets you cold and wet.  It's shocking! But you adjust to it. Persecution may perplex us momentarily, but Jehovah will always show his faithful servants “the way out.” (1 Corinthians 10:13) . . .No temptation has come upon you except what is common to men. But God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear, but along with the temptation he will also make the way out so that you may be able to endure it.				","Cautions: Don’t try to stop the persecution. As the poet said: ""The best thing to do when it is raining, let it rain.""",1 Corinthians 10:13,Bobby Laymon ,"Bearing up Under Persecution,",057,joshlaymon,,5/1/2025
"Simple instructions: Go, my people, enter your inner rooms,","What is our assignment. Obedience: Simple instructions: (Isaiah 26:20) . . .Go, my people, enter your inner rooms, And shut your doors behind you. Hide yourself for a brief moment Until the wrath has passed by. “All of God’s faithful servants, in heaven and on earth, will be safe during that time.” (Feb 2024 Watchtower)","All of us must be ready to obey any instructions we may receive, whether these appear sound from a human standpoint or not. Most deliverance did not make sense from a human standpoint. Red sea, 185,000 killed in one night.",(Isaiah 26:20),Bobby Laymon ,"Bearing up Under Persecution,",057,joshlaymon,,5/1/2025
"Who is Qualified to Rule Mankind? Donald Trump, Vladimir Putin,Philémon Yang, Introduction, ","Donald Trump,  President of the United States has now acknowledged that Jesus Christ is ruling as King over all the earth.  Russian President Vladimir Putin has asked his people to put their issues aside and welcome Jehovah's Witnesses into their homes, because they worship the true God, Jehovah. Philémon Yang, President of the United Nations, has declared Jehovah God is the supreme power over all the universes.","You wouldn't expect to hear this announcement on your morning news would you?  Why?  International leaders have largely rejected Jehovah as King.  They have embraced the idea that man can rule himself. They have not learned the truth found (Jeremiah 10:23) I well know, O Jehovah, that man’s way does not belong to him. It does not belong to man who is walking even to direct his step.",Jeremiah 10:23,Bobby Laymon ,Who is Qualified to Rule Mankind? ,170,joshlaymon,,5/1/2025
"Kings, like stars, both rise and fall. Aristocracies, Roman Empire, Democracy, Winston Churchill, ","Kings, like stars, both rise and fall. Aristocracies-government by the nobility, by a privileged minority. Based on wealth or blood descent. The wealthy; blue bloods, millionaires, upper crust. The Roman Empire. Only people of high birth, were eligible for membership in the Roman Senate. Members of the Senate became increasingly corrupt and oppressive. Aristocracy had been weighed in the balances by the many and had been found wanting. 	Democracies or Government by the people. Not much better.  ","Winston Churchill.  Democracy is the worst system devised by wit of man, except for all the others –  Man's government cannot satisfy our needs. In ruling himself . . . Man has failed miserably. Ecclesiastes 8:9  All this I have seen, and there was an applying of my heart to every work that has been done under the sun, [during] the time that man has dominated man to his injury.",Ecclesiastes 8:9 ,Bobby Laymon ,Who is Qualified to Rule Mankind? ,170,joshlaymon,,5/1/2025
"Cancer, Aids, Heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, hearing, seeing. Jesus power, No Money, ","Jesus demonstrated his power over illness. (Matthew 15:30) . . .Then large crowds approached him, bringing along people who were lame, maimed, blind, speechless, and many others, and they laid them at his feet, and he cured them. . .They required no emotional ritual. Usually, a few words sufficed. At times even a touch without any words was enough. No “operation” was ever performed, either with the hands or any other instruments. There were no halfway cures, where the patient merely got “better.” Nor did the healing require additional visits for “psychic surgery” or other ritual to finish the job. They were complete and instantaneous. No money collections.		","Health Care - Cancer, Aids, Heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, hearing, seeing. Governments face an enormous challenge attempting to provide adequate health care for their subjects. He will heal all maladies and eliminate all diseases-not just chronic ailments but even aches and pains that detract from the enjoyment of life (Isa 33:24) He will restore the aged to youthful vigor (Job 33:25) ",Isa 33:24; Job 33:25,Bobby Laymon ,Who is Qualified to Rule Mankind?  ,170,joshlaymon,,5/1/2025
"Kingdom guarantees a full, 100% rejuvenation for free, Resurrection, human government, Healing, ","If a human government offered you treatment that guaranteed a 50% renewal of all your bodily functions for a year ... Small cost ... would you not be the first to get in line?  Jehovah's new world government guarantees a full, 100% rejuvenation for free -- not for one year, 5 years or 50 years, but for all eternity.		","No human ruler can match Jesus' ability to restore life. Resurrection:  For many years we can remember the personalities of persons who have died, however they gradually become a dimmer memory.  This is not so with God.  God remembers everything, and can bring the person, the same personality, actually and tangibly back to live on this earth.(Mark 5:38-42) ",Mark 5:38-42,Bobby Laymon ,Who is Qualified to Rule Mankind?  ,170,joshlaymon,,5/1/2025
"Jehovah has made the earth to replenish itself. ruining the earth, ","I Need a car.  A brother has one.  He says, ""I bought it to sell but my wife has been driving it.  She says, ""It gets good gas mileage.""  Your wife goes shopping in St. Louis.  She comes home with a new wardrobe and a tank full of gas.  ",You soon learn it replenishes it's gas.   Would you think of selling it?  Wrecking it?  Jehovah has made the earth to replenish itself.  Yet look at what man is doing.  Revelation 11:18 … bring to ruin those ruining the earth.”,Revelation 11:18,Bobby Laymon ,Who is Qualified to Rule Mankind?  ,170,joshlaymon,,5/1/2025
"David Rice Atchison, short-lived politician, 12th President of the United State","David Rice Atchison (a Missouri politician) was 12th President of the United States.  His term lasted only 24 hours, and he slept through his entire term on Sunday, March 4, 1849.  Human rulers die and leave their kingdoms to successors; Jesus is immortal and needs no successors (Daniel 2:44) ","His monument at Plattsburgh, Missouri states: David Rice Atchison - President of the United States for One Day. No matter how long men serve, their career will be short-lived according to Jehovah's standard.  However, the ruler He puts in office will last forever. ",Daniel 2:44,Bobby Laymon ,Who is Qualified to Rule Mankind?  ,170,joshlaymon,,5/1/2025
" ""Perpetual Motion."" Life without test tube, Jehovah's government, ","Jehovah can easily solve ""Perpetual Motion.""  The earth and moon and billions of stars and planets are proof.  Have you ever had to 'throw a stick of wood"" onto the sun to keep it burning?  Life!  Jehovah has created life millions of times over.  He can do it without  the test-tube. He can take his vast energy and create matter.  ","Jehovah's government however can accomplish anything needed to attend to man's needs. Jehovah's government will be a well-rounded-out program of not only basic needs but, will provide healing, and education that will continue forever.",Isaiah 40:26;,Bobby Laymon ,Who is Qualified to Rule Mankind? ,170,joshlaymon,,5/1/2025
"Kissing, invitation, Kissing could also be an act of loyalty, enjoy hospitality","Jehovah now extends a merciful invitation to the rulers of the nations. Instead of massing together in opposition, they are advised: (Psalm 2:12) . . .Kiss the son, or God will become indignant And you will perish from the way, For His anger flares up quickly. Happy are all those taking refuge in Him.","Why “kiss the son”? When this psalm was composed, kissing was an expression of friendship and was used to welcome guests into one’s home, where they could enjoy hospitality. Kissing could also be an act of loyalty, or faithfulness.  God is commanding the nations to kiss, or welcome, his Son as anointed King.",Psalm 2:12,Bobby Laymon ,Who is Qualified to Rule Mankind? ,170,joshlaymon,,5/1/2025
"Experiment failed, Impossible for man, easy for Jehovah, Governing himself, ","Did you ever try to make something and your experiment failed?  For centuries man has tried to make: 1. Perpetual motion machine; a machine that after starting, would keep running on its own power.  They all failed! 2. Creating life in a test tube.  No closer than they ever were. 3. Changing energy into matter. They can burn a log but cannot turn energy into matter as Jehovah God did in creating.  ","But there is something else that man has experimented with for 6000 Years. Man has experimented with governing himself, ruling over himself, However after many, many experiments, man is no closer now than he ever has been, to being able to govern himself.  In fact, some of his greatest experiments have failed miserably.  Why is this?",Jeremian 10:23; ,Bobby Laymon ,Who is Qualified to Rule Mankind? ,170,joshlaymon,,5/1/2025
"Appreciate What God and Christ has done for You. Memorial Talk. Introduction, Map, ","Map: As the sun went down 17 hours ago in the Marshall Islands of the Pacific Ocean, an observance began that has continued all the way around the world to Marshfield, Missouri. ","It will continue for 6 more hours, until the sun goes down in Hawaiian Islands, and then, likely, into the evening for several more hours, making a total of about 28 hours that the observance will take place.","Luke 22:19, 20 ",Bobby Laymon ,Appreciate What God and Christ has done for You.,S-31,joshlaymon,,5/1/2025
"Cure, Memorial talk, Ransom, ","We go to doctor he says I have good news and bad news.  Good news is, we have a cure, but the bad news you can't afford it. In fact, it’s so expensive all your friends and family don't have enough to cover the cost. ",So how would you feel? That's our situation.  We have been given a terminal condition by our forefather Adam and no one in the human family can afford the cure.,"Luke 22:19, 20 ",Bobby Laymon ,Appreciate What God and Christ has done for You.,S-31,joshlaymon,,5/1/2025
"Cure, Memorial talk, Ransom, lawbreakers?  We call them CRIMINALS!","The Bible says that Christ died for us while we were yet sinners.  Romans 5:8 Well what is a sinner? A sinner is a law breaker; and what do we call lawbreakers?  We call them CRIMINALS!  So, you might say that Jehovah allowed his son to die for us while we were criminals. Could you do that? How many of you could let your child die for a criminal? How many of you could go down to the prison and tell the warden that you want him to execute your son for a criminal on death row?  ","Could you watch as he ate his last meal, walked his last walk to the execution chair; watch as they strapped him down; and watch as they executed him?  Could you do that? Well that's what Jehovah did. He watched as his beloved son was spit upon, beaten, humiliated and then executed on the torture stake. Why? JOHN 3:16 because he loved us so much.",Romans 5:8,Bobby Laymon ,Appreciate What God and Christ has done for You.,S-31,joshlaymon,,5/1/2025
"Cure, Memorial talk, Ransom, lawbreakers?  We call them CRIMINALS!",How would you feel if you were on a busy street and a truck lost control and was bearing down on you about to run you over and some man you didn't even know pushed you out of the way and took the impact of the truck? Saving your life. ,"Could just forget it? No, you would talk about that for the rest of your life. It would be a story you would repeat many times. Hebrews 2:9;",Hebrews 2:9;,Bobby Laymon ,Appreciate What God and Christ has done for You.,S-31,joshlaymon,,5/1/2025
"Cure, Memorial talk, Ransom, lawbreakers? Criminals, angels, ","But why choose humans and not angels to rule over mankind? Think of this.  Do angels know what it is like to live with fleshly weaknesses; do they know what it's like to deal with a tobacco problem, or a drinking problem, do they know what it feels like to lose a loved one in death? ","NO! Jehovah wanted rulers, who could really empathize with us. He wanted the best possible government to rule over his children. So how many does Jehovah choose to rule in this heavenly administration? There will be 144,000 will join Christ in heavenly Kingdom. These will assist him to raise mankind to perfection. (Revelation 14:1) . . . Then I saw, and look! the Lamb standing on Mount Zion, and with him 144,000 who have his name and the name of his Father written on their foreheads.",Revelation 14:1,Bobby Laymon ,Appreciate What God and Christ has done for You.,S-31,joshlaymon,,5/1/2025
"Cure, Memorial talk, Ransom, lawbreakers? Criminals, angels, wedding, ",Illustrate with a wedding. Now how does the bride know she's the bride? Because she's been asked! No doubt in her mind. There are other women at the wedding. Do you think they wonder if they are the bride? No why because they haven't been asked. ,"Likewise, with the anointed they know they are a member of the bride of Christ. How? Well Jehovah God by his Holy Spirit uses the same spirit he created the earth with; the same spirit he created man with; the same spirit he inspired the Bible with. Gets in contact with the anointed inviting them into this arrangement and there is no doubt in their mind. And just like a bride who enters into a covenant, likewise the anointed are brought into the new covenant. This is the basis in which spiritual Israel is gathered.",Romans 8:15;,Bobby Laymon ,Appreciate What God and Christ has done for You.,S-31,joshlaymon,,5/1/2025
"Cure, Memorial talk, Ransom, lawbreakers? Criminals, angels, wedding, ",Did you ever go to a wedding party?  Did you know if you were a member of the wedding party or a guest?  ,"Likewise, those who belong to the Bride of Christ know they are members of the wedding party.  Most others know they are guests.  They are not second-class citizens but are blessed by Jehovah.",Romans 8:15;,Bobby Laymon ,Appreciate What God and Christ has done for You.,S-31,joshlaymon,,5/1/2025
"Cure, Memorial talk, Ransom, lawbreakers? Criminals, angels, wedding, ",DO YOU APPRECIATE THIS SACRIFICE? That was made for us.  I would like for you to imagine for a moment that you were that criminal on death row.  You watched as the man came in and had his son take your place.  How would you feel? Could you ever forget what he did for you? I doubt it. Would you not ask him why did you do that? How could I ever pay you back? ,"And you know what he tells you. Here's how you can pay me back I want you to be my friend. in fact, I want you to become part of my family. How many of us would say no? I doubt any of us would. See that's what Jehovah wants you to be, he wants you to be his friend he wants you to be a member of his family of worshippers. Jesus’ sacrifice is what has opened the way for you to have such a precious relationship with Jehovah.",Romans 8:15;,Bobby Laymon ,Appreciate What God and Christ has done for You.,S-31,joshlaymon,,5/1/2025
"Cure, Memorial talk, Ransom, lawbreakers? Criminals, angels, wedding, Prayers, ","In each of more than 120,000 congregations of Jehovah's Witnesses, (some of this meet together), at least four reverent prayers will be said, in addition to many, many personal prayers, so that, in the single evening, as the sun goes down around the world, over 480,000 prayers will be directed to Almighty God, Jehovah, through our Lord Jesus Christ.  ","That means, over this 28-hour period, an average 4.77 new prayer per second are publicly directed to Jehovah in the hearing of large audiences. We can be sure the angels are watching this evening!",Romans 8:15;,Bobby Laymon ,Appreciate What God and Christ has done for You.,S-31,joshlaymon,,5/1/2025
"Protection, safe place, A soft, feathery nest, ","Do you like to pretend?  Let’s pretend YOU are a baby eagle --- and you are in the safest place a baby eagle could be.  A soft, feathery nest, in a tall tree on a high cliff above a swift mountain stream.  ","Watching and protecting you are your parent . . . They are bringing your favorite food; fresh fish. You're the Cute one.  You can see for miles.  You feel ""secure and protected.” You are not afraid of high places.   The higher the better protection for you.",Exodus 19:4;,Bobby Laymon ,Jehovah Is “a Secure Height” for His People,151,joshlaymon,,5/1/2025
"Protection, safe place, A soft, feathery nest, Incomparable, Nobel Peace Prize, ","JEHOVAH IS INCOMPARABLE - People love giving honor to humans. ""Nobel Peace Prize."" Who should get that honor?  Politicians? Scientists? Chemists? Jehovah should get it them all … Why? Read  (Psalm 83:18) . . . May people know that you, whose name is Jehovah, You alone are the Most High over all the earth.		","Jehovah God, the Most High is EXCELLS in every field. He has EXPERIENCE. Psalms 90:2 … Before the mountains were born…or the productive land, From everlasting to everlasting, you are God.",Psalm 83:18; Psalms 90:2 ,Bobby Laymon ,Jehovah Is “a Secure Height” for His People,151,joshlaymon,,5/1/2025
"Protection, safe place, A soft, feathery nest, Incomparable, Nobel Peace Prize, Ultimate Position, ","Jehovah is --- TRUSTWORTHY: He has the BEST WEAPONS  He can TURN anything into an ULTIMATE WEAPON. Wind, rain, snow, heat or cold, dust, locust, and gnats or frogs. Every nation on earth wants the 'ultimate weapon'  but he has something better . . . the ultimate position. ",(You – a baby eagle knows that's best because untouchable) Jehovah is High above any enemy.  No human government will ever take that position because it’s taken by God's kingdom in the hands of Christ Jesus in 1914.  ,Psalm 83:18; Psalms 90:2 ,Bobby Laymon ,Jehovah Is “a Secure Height” for His People,151,joshlaymon,,5/1/2025
"Protection, safe place, A soft, feathery nest, Incomparable, Nobel Peace Prize, Ultimate Position, ","Imagine how Mordecai felt when he and the entire Jewish population were faced with destruction.  He told his Cousin Esther: “If you are altogether silent at this time, relief and deliverance will stand up for the Jews from another place.” ", Jehovah turned the tables on wicked Haman and he was hanged on the very same stake (75 feet high) built for Mordecai  Psalm 94:3-6;,Psalm 94:3-6;,Bobby Laymon ,Jehovah Is “a Secure Height” for His People,151,joshlaymon,,5/1/2025
"Protection, safe place, A soft, feathery nest, Incomparable, crooked, coat hanger, coiled spring, ",Must remember that much cannot be changed in this old system. Did you ever try to straighten a coiled spring? It can't be done.  You would have to send it back to the manufacturer.  		,I even tried to straighten a coat hanger to roast marshmallows on.  Forget it!  (Ecclesiastes 7:13)  Who can straighten out what he has made crooked? This world in general are much like that.,Ecclesiastes 7:13,Bobby Laymon ,Jehovah Is “a Secure Height” for His People,151,joshlaymon,,5/1/2025
"Protection, safe place, A soft, feathery nest, Incomparable, crooked, coat hanger, coiled spring, ","Look at His creation. Some insects have 25,000 eyes; Eagle eyes are larger than man's; Blue whale has largest eyes in world, 5 inches in diameter. Were these eyes made by a blind person?  Jehovah made billions of eyes.  He created all kinds of ears. Was the ear created by a deaf person? (Psalm 94:7-11) ","They say: “Jah does not see; The God of Jacob does not take notice of it.”  8 Understand this, you who are unreasoning; You foolish ones, when will you ever show insight?  9 The One who made the ear, can he not hear? The One who formed the eye, can he not see? ",Psalm 94:7-11,Bobby Laymon ,Jehovah Is “a Secure Height” for His People,151,joshlaymon,,5/1/2025
"Protection, safe place, A soft, feathery nest, Incomparable, crooked, coat hanger, coiled spring, Baby eagle, ","We are all baby eagles:  We do have some anxieties. Especially when you begin to fly.  Does he look a little hesitant here? He's saying.  ""I'm not ready.  I like being home.  I'm a home body.  What if I fall onto the rocks below? Sometimes babies are kicked out of the nest to force them to fly.","Imagine you are being kicked out of the nest . . . You’re falling.  You are tumbling over and over.  You instinctually put out your wings and stop spinning.  The ground is coming toward you, then suddenly (WHAM!) you are on your mother’s back. Up you go … higher than before and dropped again. Your father swoops down and catches you. Hey! That is fun.  A little scary but fun.  Do it again, Mom.  Do it again Dad.  Each time, you learn more about flying.  Dad!  Why did you wait so long?  I almost hit the rocks.  It frightened me.  Dad says, “Son, who do you trust to bring you food?  Who provided you a safe high nest?”  Yes!  Those are good times.  You need to trust me in hard times as well.  Life won’t always be easy.  You need to know I will always be there to catch you.  You say, “I LOVE YOU DAD!”	",Psalm 94:7-11,Bobby Laymon ,Jehovah Is “a Secure Height” for His People,151,joshlaymon,,5/1/2025
"Protection, safe place, A soft, feathery nest,  coiled spring, Baby eagle, food chain,",The baby eagle is safe in its nest. The Christian Congregation is our nest.  Did you ever see a small bird that had fallen out of its nest?  You feel sorry for it because it's not being fed. It is part of the food chain.  ,"Likewise, when we miss meetings, we take ourselves away from Jehovah’s feeding program and we quickly become part of the food chain of Satan’s animalistic world.  How sad! Have you ever thought you have failed Jehovah?  I think about that often. Satan wants you to think Jehovah is punishing you.  HE HAS LEFT YOU! 	Satan wants us to think Jehovah is not answering our prayers. Jehovah doesn't work that way.  Notice His promise to you at verse 14, 15.  (Psalm 94:14, 15) . . .For Jehovah will not forsake his people, Nor will he abandon his inheritance. For judgment will once again be righteous, And all the upright in heart will follow it.","Psalm 94:14, 15",Bobby Laymon ,Jehovah Is “a Secure Height” for His People,151,joshlaymon,,5/1/2025
"Protection, safe place, A soft, feathery nest,  coiled spring, Baby eagle, food chain,","The U.S. Military has a slogan, ""No one left behind."" (or abandoned) In every war there are thousands left behind unaccounted for. Some are blown to bits; others MIA and POW’s. Men do their best.  Is forced to do that.  Jehovah God has the power.  He would never do that. We may at times feel abandoned, but we will never be abandoned.","(Psalm 94:14, 15) For Jehovah will not forsake his people, Nor will he abandon his inheritance. For judgment will once again be righteous, And all the upright in heart will follow it.","Psalm 94:14, 15",Bobby Laymon ,Jehovah Is “a Secure Height” for His People ,151,joshlaymon,,5/1/2025
"Protection, safe place, A soft, feathery nest,  coiled spring, Baby eagle, food chain, Had Jehovah abandoned him? ","Here's a true story. During WWII a brother was preaching in Hiroshima, Japan.  He was hated, arrested, and thrown into probably the worse Hiroshima prison.  Imagine those high walls; dark dungeon-like cells.  He had been there for years.  Would he ever be released?  Had Jehovah abandoned him?  ","Jehovah answered his prayers on August 6, 1945. At 8:15 A.M. a bright light flashed into his prison cell. He looked up and a dark cloud of gases were filling his room.  He dove under his mattress for protection.  What had happened? The first atomic bomb ever exploded during wartime fell on Hiroshima, Japan, killing tens of thousands of people.  In short:  The brother walked out of prison a free man.  Did he talk about it?  Who did he credit for his release?  He talked about it so much and so well his son later wrote an article for Awake! Magazine. 'My Father Was “Atom-​Bombed Out Of Prison”' Awake! October 8, 1994. ","Psalm 94:14, 15","Awake! October 8, 1994.",Jehovah Is “a Secure Height” for His People ,151,joshlaymon,,5/1/2025
"Protection, safe place, DDT, coiled spring, Baby eagle, food chain, Had Jehovah abandoned him? ","Jehovah will be a “secure height” for us as well. Jehovah’s people and the eagle are alike in another way.  The story of the bald eagle is a true success story.  They almost became extinct due to DDT, an insecticide that It went right up the top of the food chain.  It was a poison that affected eagles, and man. The earth came to the eagle's help and banned DDT. They are no longer on the endangered species list. There are  thousands of bald eagles today.  ","Jehovah's Witnesses are like an endangered species due to evildoers.  Satan would like us to become extinct as the Dodo bird and passenger pigeon.  And we would except for one factor he could never reckon with; verse 16, 17.(Psalm 94:16, 17) . . .Who will rise up for me against the wicked? Who will take a stand for me against the wrongdoers? If Jehovah had not been my helper, I would soon have perished. You can write your own story to that one and tell it to us in the new world and we will listen.","Psalm 94:16, 17",Bobby Laymon,Jehovah Is “a Secure Height” for His People ,151,joshlaymon,,5/2/2025
" Baby eagle, Soar, warm air, SEE THE INVISIBLE!, ","The eagle is not the best flyer, but it can soar.  How it can soar! It can SEE THE INVISIBLE! The eagle uses thermals, or columns of invisible, warm air. Once a thermal is located, the eagle spreads out its wings and tail and circles within this column which carries the eagle higher and higher. ","Just as an eagle cannot soar to such heights on its own strength, we cannot cope if we rely on our own abilities.  Like an eagle that constantly searches … we ""keep on asking"" for Jehovah's help. ","Psalm 94:16, 17",Bobby Laymon,Jehovah Is “a Secure Height” for His People ,151,joshlaymon,,5/2/2025
"Death, Library burned, African proverb, parents, History, ","A prophetic African proverb says, ""When an old man (or old woman) dies a library burns to the ground,"" When you look at it this way it helps you to appreciate how much history, knowledge, and wisdom our parents, grandparents, friends ... carried in their minds and hearts. It makes you value the time that you had to spend with them. They taught so many valuable lessons. ","While some of the information that departed from their mouths is fresh in our minds, we should take the time to record what they pass down so we can share with generations to come. Sorely missed many are! There have been so many times that I wanted to ask my Mother and Father questions and seek their advice, but their voice is no more. This library of information will be rebuilt and function perfectly in the resurrection. ",Acts 24:15;,"Bobby Laymon, African proverb, ",Funeral Discourse,S-32,joshlaymon,,5/2/2025
"The Only Cure for sick Mankind, ","You are in a large hospital ward. The smell alone is horrifying. Rubbing alcohol; antiseptics; body odor;  Everyone is too sick to walk out. This man, a fatal heart attack; a young lady in her 40 is having a stroke.  This young girl ... leukemia; Others have double pneumonia, Cancer, Aids, severe migraine headache. ","You notice a doctor with a large medicine bottle giving everyone a pill.  Right before your eyes people are getting up and walking out; healthy and happy.  ""Doc! What's in the bottle?  He reads the label. ""CURE-FOR-SICK MANKIND.",Matthew 8:13;,Bobby Laymon,"The Only Cure for sick Mankind, ",062,joshlaymon,,7/23/2025
"The Only Cure for sick Mankind, Depression, ","A man suffering from depression visited a doctor; he was told to go and hear the comedian Grimaldi; he will make you laugh; better than medicine.  Looking even more dejected, he said, ""I am Grimaldi!"" (No one is immune)  Depression is no laughing matter!  ","Looking even more dejected, he said, ""I am Grimaldi!"" (No one is immune)  Depression is no laughing matter!  ",Matthew 8:13;,Bobby Laymon,"The Only Cure for sick Mankind, ",062,joshlaymon,,5/2/2025
"The Only Cure for sick Mankind, Depression, crooked, straight, The curvature is built in, Sin, Granddaddy, ","Did you ever take a coiled spring and try to make it straight?  You can’t do it.  The curvature is built in.  Only the factory could remove it by remaking it.  We are like that coiled spring. Our genetic system has imperfection and death ""built in"", as result of Adam's sin.  All other sicknesses are a result of this one.  SIN is the GRANDDADDY of all the other sicknesses.  All other sickness run into this one.  It is like an ugly disgusting root with poisonous branches running in every direction.  So deep, no one can pull it up.","Mankind’s sins are like that.  Man cannot straighten out himself. How did we get in this condition? Jehovah God is a just, wise, almighty, loving Creator. 	All of his works, including man, were made perfect. (Deuteronomy 32:4) The Rock, perfect is his activity, For all his ways are justice. A God of faithfulness who is never unjust; Righteous and upright is he.",Deuteronomy 32:4,Bobby Laymon,"The Only Cure for sick Mankind,",062,joshlaymon,,5/2/2025
"The Only Cure for sick Mankind, Impossible for man, ",There are certain things that men have experimented with for centuries.  1. Perpetual motion machine;    2. Creating life in a test tube.    3. Turning energy into matter.  4. A perfect government.   ,"After Decades, no closer than when they started.  Probably further away. For 6,000 years man has tried to find a ""CURE-IT-ALL.""",Matthew 19:26;,Bobby Laymon,"The Only Cure for sick Mankind,",062,joshlaymon,,5/2/2025
"Stem cell treatment, Cure, Moral issues, ","They take a cell before it has decided what it wants to be when it grows up; at the ""stem cell"" stage; they hope to help it decide to be a replacement organ for an eye, brain, heart, liver, or some other organ.","Now they are working with ""stem cell"" medicine. (Many moral issues involved)",Job 42:2;,Bobby Laymon,"The Only Cure for sick Mankind,",062,joshlaymon,,5/2/2025
"Jesus, cure, license, pain, best cure, ","You have acute appendicitis; the pain is unbearable, You are in the hallway; and the doctor is delayed.  Would you let the Janitor do it?  He is a nice guy.  Sometimes it is better to wait for the right people to fix the problem. ","Jesus Christ provided the legal basis for forgiving sins.  Jesus Christ has the License. (Matthew 20:28) . . .Just as the Son of man came, not to be ministered to, but to minister and to give his life as a ransom in exchange for many.”Jesus, having God as his Father, was perfect, sinless. Surrendered life for benefit of all who exercise faith (1 John 3:16) . . .By this we have come to know love, because that one surrendered his life for us, and we are under obligation to surrender our lives for our brothers. ",Matthew 20:28; 1 John 3:16,Bobby Laymon,"The Only Cure for sick Mankind,",062,joshlaymon,,5/2/2025
"Hydra, Serpent, cure, Greek mythology, disease, ",Hydra: In Greek mythology was a multi-headed serpent.  They would chop off one of his heads and two more would pop out in its place. ," Man's attempt to cure sickness are like that.  They seem to control one disease, and two more take its place.  What is even worse; the old one comes back. Man treats only the symptoms; the tip of the iceberg. (2%)  Then another 2% comes up.  That is why man’s puny effort is so small.  Jehovah will get to the core, and treat the inner problem.  Sin itself.  His accomplishments will be beyond our imagination.",Job 42:2;,Bobby Laymon,"The Only Cure for sick Mankind,",062,joshlaymon,,5/2/2025
"Perfect health, New Earth, 57,900,000 square land miles of earth, Cure, "," Can you picture the time in the near future when: People will throw away eye glasses, canes, crutches, wheelchairs, dentures, 	hearing aids? There will be no more doctors, nurses, pharmacies, pills, or hospitals. Funeral parlors, Nursing homes, undertakers and cemeteries will be gone. Disabling maladies will be moved out of the way. 			","And all during the Millennium, people will rejoice in perfect health. 	What about painful memories of hurtful past experiences? ‘Will these sad memories ever fade from my mind?’ (Isaiah 65:17) . . .For look! I am creating new heavens and a new earth; And the former things will not be called to mind, Nor will they come up into the heart.All credit will go to Jehovah God. Through his Son and his Kingdom, Jehovah will provide the only cure for sick 	mankind. 	Through the ransom sacrifice of Jesus Christ. He will wipe out SIN, the GRANDDADDY of all sickness. (Poisonous root) Jehovah will restore perfect health to the entire 57,900,000 square land miles of 									our earth.",Isaiah 65:17,Bobby Laymon,"The Only Cure for sick Mankind,",062,joshlaymon,,5/2/2025
"The Only Cure for sick Mankind, Gravity, Law of Sin, ","Throw a rock off a cliff and which way will it go?  Even if thrown upward, it will only go a short way, then downward.   ","Like the law of gravity, the law of sin, is just as powerful. All of his works, including man, were made perfect (De 32:4, 5)","De 32:4, 5",Bobby Laymon,"The Only Cure for sick Mankind,",062,joshlaymon,,5/2/2025
"Death, Cure, disease, Quotes, ","""Before thirty, men seek disease; after thirty, disease seeks men.""  Chinese Proverb""By medicine life may be prolonged, yet death will seize the doctor too.""  Quote Wm. Shakespeare 1564-1616""A thousand ills require a thousand cures.""  Quote: A Roman poet some 2000 years ago.","APPLICATION: Man, no matter how desperate, cannot prevent death.Today, the poet might have written, ""A thousand ills require a thousand pills!""  What a shame that after thousands of years research, there is nothing better than an aspirin as a cure-all.  ","De 32:4, 5",Bobby Laymon,"The Only Cure for sick Mankind,",062,joshlaymon,,5/2/2025
"Are You Walking With God? Invitation, ","God invites us to go for walk with him. If some prominent human asked us to take a walk with them that might impress us.  Maybe the president, or some well-known sports figure or entertainer.  We would feel somewhat honored or privileged.  But few prominent humans let common people get close to them, let alone walk with them for a while.  But Jehovah God invites us to walk with him.  What does it mean to walk with God?   What does it involve?","When someone asks you to go for a walk, what does that involve?   First you have to decide if you want to, and so you say OK!  But then what?  You have to get up, get off the couch, you have to exert some effort.   Because the person that ask you to walk with him, probably doesn't want to carry you piggyback. Genesis 5:22;",Genesis 5:22;,Bobby Laymon,Are You Walking With God?,149,joshlaymon,,5/2/2025
"Are You Walking With God? penalized or disqualified, ","Walking with God means following a certain course, just like if you were playing golf, hiking, engaged in a cross-country race.  You would follow a certain course.  If you get off the course, you are penalized or disqualified.  ","So, walking with God means we allow him to direct our steps in the way that he approves. Is it a bad thing to stay on the course directed by God? Is it restrictive? Not when you look at the alternative.  What is the alternative?  ",Genesis 5:22;,Bobby Laymon,Are You Walking With God?,149,joshlaymon,,5/2/2025
"Walking with the world, Changing world, destruction, Not inherit, down hill, ","Have you heard the saying, “The more things change the more they remain 	the same?"" That’s not exactly true .... Things have gotten worse. Another man put it this way: ""Man was created a little lower than the angels and he's been getting a little lower ever since!""","Wicked world is rapidly heading for the collision described at (2 Peter 3:7) . . .But by the same word the heavens and the earth that now exist are reserved for fire and are being kept until the day of judgment and of destruction of the ungodly people.  (destruction of ungodly men) What did Paul say would be the result to those Ephesians?     (Ephesians 5:5) . . .For you know this, recognizing it for yourselves, that no sexually immoral person or unclean person or greedy person, which means being an idolater, has any inheritance in the Kingdom of the Christ and of God.",2 Peter 3:7; Ephesians 5:5; ,Bobby Laymon,Are You Walking With God?,149,joshlaymon,,5/2/2025
"Walking with the world, Changing world, Challenge, benefit, avoid collision, ",Bible describes Noah as one who walked with God. How did he benefit? Most immediate benefit; didn’t have to walk in rain for 40 days and 40 nights. Imagine: Turning a corner; colliding with a billion tons of water. That would be equal to a collision with God. Noah-Family Picture ,How did Noah avoid that collision? 	He and his family concentrated on work at hand.  It looks like enjoyable work like when we attend a convention. (Genesis 6:22) . . .And Noah did according to all that God had commanded him. He did just so. . .	(Genesis 6:9) … Noah walked with the true God. . . .In his case it involved an assignment that was gigantic.,Genesis 6:22; Genesis 6:9,Bobby Laymon,Are You Walking With God?,149,joshlaymon,,5/2/2025
"Walking with the world, Changing world, Challenge, benefit, avoid collision, ","In his case it involved an assignment that was gigantic. Think of what a task this was. Noah couldn’t just go down to Menards or Lowe's and order 74 boxcars full of kiln dried lumber and marine grade plywood. Two railroad tank cars full of pitch. No, he no doubt spent years chopping and sawing and chiseling to shape the resinous cypress wood into a vessel the size of an ocean liner.		","He did just so. Noah built the ark. He didn’t develop a wait and see attitude. He didn't procrastinate. He could have thought, “Seems like an awful lot of work, all this chopping and cutting and building. Maybe I’ll just wait until I see if it really looks like it's going to happen. Then I’ll throw something together at the last minute, maybe something to save my family. Don’t read about  Noah’s RAFT, .... What GOOD SWIMMERS they were. But he built the ark, of immense size. At same time he had family responsibilities. Teach, train, discipline, safeguard against adopting ways of wicked world. Shem, Ham and Ja'pheth  grew up and wanted mates. Only 4 righteous women on earth, and one was their mother. Is there a lesson here for us?","Genesis 6:9, 22; ",Bobby Laymon,Are You Walking With God?,149,joshlaymon,,5/2/2025
"Noah, did not procrastinate, Hesitate, put off, ","Did not say, “Wow!  Life is coming to an end as we know it.”  	“Better have some fun.  Get all we can now.” 	That attitude did exist, however. (Matthew 24:38) … those days before the Flood, eating and drinking, men marrying and women being given in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the ark, Noah had a community responsibility.  Preach.  Warn; make known why? What would it have been like to preach back then?  Describe....     ","Put yourself in his position, if you had been Noah or a member of his family, you would have been surrounded by the violence that was executed by the Nephilim,  and by ungodly men.  You would have been, directly confronted, by the Influence of rebellious angels.  As you worked on the ark, you would have been the object of ridicule.  And, year after year after year,  as you warned of the coming deluge,  you would have found that the people “took no note”—that is, they just wouldn’t listen to him. Noah showed it could be done.  An imperfect person could walk with God. Did  not have to be squeezed into the world’s mold. Was not necessary to selfishly pursue fleshly, materialistic, wicked things.",Matthew 24:38,Bobby Laymon,Are You Walking With God?,149,joshlaymon,,5/2/2025
"ABRAHAM, Ur of the Chaldeans, Faith, Walking with God, ","Let’s look at another individual who walked with God. (ABRAHAM) Someone invites you to walk, but says, “Take all you have with you!” Children, family, you won’t be coming back. Would be a little harder walk to go on? Involve deep trust. (Hebrews 11:8) . . .By faith Abraham, when he was called, obeyed by going out to a place he was to receive as an inheritance; he went out, although not knowing where he was going. Not a quick trip.  Course he would follow for life.  Quick to obey. He left his hometown, Ur of the Chaldeans.","What kind of a place did Abraham leave?  The city of Ur was wealthy, many 	artifacts of gold and silver have been found there in tombs. Regarding the city of Ur, Insight on the Scriptures says: ""Ruins of what appear to be private houses excavated at Ur show that they were constructed of brick, were plastered white washed, and had 13 or 14 rooms surrounding a paved courtyard. Among clay tablets found at the site, show people were highly educated.  Many of the tablets are business documents...  From excavations at Ur, [then] it appears clear that Abraham made notable material sacrifices when leaving that city.""  It was a great place to live by worldly standards. (Hebrews 11:9, 10) . . .By faith he lived as a foreigner in the land of the promise as in a foreign land, living in tents with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the very same promise. 10 For he was awaiting the city having real foundations, whose designer and builder is God.","Hebrews 11:8; Hebrews 11:9, 10; ",Bobby Laymon,Are You Walking With God?,149,joshlaymon,,5/2/2025
"Learn about Walking, ","Suppose you are Invited to walk with a person who won the Olympics. Professional; Can’t keep up.  You would learn a lot about walking. Old farmer wanted to enter his mule in the Kentucky Derby. People ridiculed him and said, that mule doesn't have a chance to win. The farmer said, I know that but I think the association would do him some good!!		","Jesus no longer on earth; footprints have been set in concrete.  Bible. Try very hard to follow. (1 Peter 2:21) . . .In fact, to this course you were called, because even Christ suffered for you, leaving a model for you to follow his steps closely. He doesn't say to follow his steps perfectly. He said ""closely.""",1 Peter 2:21,Bobby Laymon,Are You Walking With God?,149,joshlaymon,,5/2/2025
"Jesus, Walked the walk, talked the talk; Model, Kingdom of God","Jesus always looked to Jehovah for instruction (John 5:19) He didn’t just walk the walk, but he could talk the talk. Was foremost Preacher of righteousness. Made known that the truth focuses on the Messianic Kingdom of God. (John 8:37). . . Everyone who is on the side of the truth listens to my voice. He never put creature comforts and personal interests ahead of Kingdom interests. 	","Yet, Jesus was a reasonable person, not antisocial.  Remember his first miracle?  To stay on course, Jesus knew what his priorities were, and he kept to them. With his perfect body he might have devoted his time to physical feats; carpenter; artist; musician; scholar, singer; writer; knew where gold and diamonds were.  Best!  He was the only perfect man on earth. Jesus turned his back upon all these things, and his decision hinged around what he, with perfect perception, considered to be the most profitable use of time.",John 5:19; John 8:37,Bobby Laymon,Are You Walking With God?,149,joshlaymon,,5/2/2025
"Walking, Kicking rocks, Hobby, recognition, work ","To illustrate: Imagine you're walking along this road and accidentally kicked a rock? –repeat—kind of fun-- Describe. Goes off road... Try to kick it back on..  Finally, go off the road...just you and this rock.  Apply: We are on narrow road; something gets our attention. Hobby; recognition for something; work; material something.  May even go off the narrow road. Soon find you are on the broad road. You forget about the Kingdom and important things.  You just go down the road kicking rocks. 	","Establish priorities!  Discern God’s will.  Put it first.  Use time wisely. Put away old personality and independent attitude promoted by world, and put on new personality created by God. Ephesians 4:22, 24  Qualities of new personality essential to walk with God. 	Micah 6:8 specifically talks about walking with God and identifies some of these qualities.   ",Micah 6:8 ,Bobby Laymon,Are You Walking With God?,149,joshlaymon,,5/2/2025
"Donations, Contributions, steal time from Jehovah, demands, ","We don’t want to be like the little boy that had two small coins.  One to spend --one for contribution box at the Kingdom Hall.  Dropped one… gutter. Well, Jehovah there went yours.  ""Do we, when we are faced with demands on our time, tell Jehovah, ""Well, there went yours""? Careful to not squander time.  Steal time from Jehovah, although he doesn’t ask for more than we can do.","Acquire the mind of Christ.   What does that mean?  In a word, it means be humble.  Humbly submit to God’s word. Be reasonable, not opinionated, and be yielding when it comes to whatever God’s will is for us. What ever he allows or instructs us to do, appreciate we can learn from it.",Exodus 25:2;,Bobby Laymon,Are You Walking With God?,149,joshlaymon,,5/2/2025
"Desire to walk, Wilma Rudolph, Polio, Gold Medals for running, true illustrations, Adam, and Eve, ","Let me tell you a true story.  (Wilma Rudolph)  Due to the carelessness of her parents got a terrible disease.  Born with Polio.  The doctors told her parents, as they had told 1000’s of others she would probably never walk.  But that little girl didn’t accept that.  She didn’t accept what the doctors said.  She had a desire to walk that was so strong, that she exerted great effort, she forced herself to exercise and little by little she got to the point that she could not only walk, but she could run.  In 1960 she became the first woman ever to win 3 gold medals in the Olympics for running.","Now here is another true story.  About 6000 years ago, because of the carelessness of our parents, Adam, and Eve, we all got a disease.  The disease was imperfection and sin.  And it looked very much like the offspring of Adam and Eve would never be able to walk again, with Jehovah God.  In fact, when it comes to walking with God, all humans are born lame.  Satan said that no one would be able to walk with God again. And, in fact, the majority of mankind have never been able to walk again.  But there have been some, there have been a few that in spite of how that disease left them, have exerted themselves and have been able to walk with God.  You can be one of those few.!!!!",Isaiah 2:3; ,"Bobby Laymon, Jay Kosinski, ",Are You Walking With God?,149,joshlaymon,,5/2/2025
"Living to do God's Will, not our Own, Sin, ","Did you ever hear of someone selling their own children? It’s a terrible thing. The reason I know it happened to me. One of my grandparents got greedy and sold all of his children to a very harsh, selfish person … a slave driver.  ",Perhaps you know him too.  Did you know that you were born a slave? The slave driver is Satan the devil and the Grandparent who sold us is Adam.  ,Genesis 3:17;,"Bobby Laymon,","Living to do God's Will, not our Own",08,joshlaymon,,5/2/2025
"Living to do God's Will, not our Own, Sin, Smoke, Independent spirit, ",Have you ever been around when people were smoking?  You go to a NO SMOKING zone. What happens?  Have you seen the smoke curls up and drifts right toward you? Smoke only knows one thing.  'Go where there is no smoke or less smoke.'  Saturate everything.  ,"The world's spirit is like that.  It only knows to do its own thing.  Make everything like me.  (Ephesians 4:18) says, ""The world is in darkness mentally.""  It only lives to do its own will. Today a selfish spirit floods the human race.  It's like smoke. Today's world is dominated by an unbalanced, disrespectful spirit of independence. Wanting freedom from God. You hear sayings … ""If it feels good do it."" Get it while you can.  Everyone else does. My way or the highway. This is an unbalanced view of independence. Satan is the source of this universal spirit. ",Ephesians 4:18,"Bobby Laymon,","Living to do God's Will, not our Own, ",08,joshlaymon,,5/2/2025
"Living to do God's Will, not our Own, Sin, Smoke, Independent spirit, domino effect, chain reaction, ","When Adam sinned he sold everyone, including the unborn.  Everyone started falling. To Illustrate, It was like a domino effect; a chain reaction. Jesus Christ stopped that domino effect over 19 centuries ago for those who want it.  ","(Ephesians 2:3) . . .Yes, among them we all at one time conducted ourselves in harmony with the desires of our flesh, carrying out the will of the flesh and of our thoughts, and we were naturally children of wrath just as the rest.This demonic spirit pushes people to rebel against all authority; trying to control them. 	It cultivates ungodly traits, such as selfishness, haughtiness, greed. Simply put, this spirit causes the traits of the Devil to grow in the hearts of humans. It makes them think like the Devil.​	",Ephesians 2:3,"Bobby Laymon,","Living to do God's Will, not our Own, ",08,joshlaymon,,5/2/2025
"Adultery, Fornication, Illegitimate, Sinner, ","If an unmarried man and woman live together and have a child, would that child know that he/she is illegitimate?  Not likely.  How would they know?  Their parents aren't going to tell them.  Others might . . . would be hesitant to tell. ","In time they might figure it out. . . Also, they might start living with someone else not married, and not realize it is wrong.  To have Jehovah's favor a person must know he is a sinner, ask forgiveness and change. Eph 2:12; ",Eph 2:12; ,"Bobby Laymon,","Living to do God's Will, not our Own, ",08,joshlaymon,,5/2/2025
"Ransom, Benefits, Christ Jesus, Debt, ","The Ransom might be illustrated in this way.  'Imagine a large factory with hundreds of employees. A dishonest factory manager bankrupts the business; the factory closes its doors. Hundreds are now out of work and unable to pay their bills. Their marriage mates, children, and, yes, creditors all suffer because of that one man's corruption! ","Then along comes a wealthy benefactor who pays off the company's debt and reopens the factory.  The cancellation of that one debt, in turn, brings full relief to the many employees, their families, and the creditors. But does the original manager get to share in the new prosperity? No, he is in prison and thus permanently out of his job! Similarly, the cancellation of Adam's one debt brings benefits to millions of his descendants but not to Adam.'Romans 6:23",Romans 6:23; ,"Bobby Laymon,","Living to do God's Will, not our Own, ",08,joshlaymon,,5/2/2025
"Self-sacrifice, candle, light, warmth, hope, ","When you think of an object that is self-sacrificing, you may think of a candle.  It gives off light and warmth and hope.  However, it is completely consumed in the process.  ","Christ Jesus was as self-sacrificing as a candle.  He was completely consumed in doing Jehovah's will.  He gave his time, energy, to provide us light and in the end gave his life.  Do we show appreciation for all Jehovah and Jesus have done?  Are we self-sacrificing?  Mt 20:28; Ac 17:26-28",Mt 20:28; Ac 17:26-28,"Bobby Laymon,","Living to do God's Will, not our Own, ",08,joshlaymon,,5/2/2025
"Contract, Just pleasing yourself, ","You are walking along the road and you notice a large, happy crowd picking strawberries, and you like strawberries.  It really looks like fun and you join them.  At day's end they line up to get paid.  Do you get in line?  Do you expect to get paid? "," I don't think so!  You did not have a contract with the owner.  You were just pleasing yourself. Likewise, we must enter into a contract with Jehovah God in order to receive the reward.  That contract is dedication and baptism. Mt 28:19; Ro 10:10", Mt 28:19; Ro 10:10,"Bobby Laymon,","Living to do God's Will, not our Own, ",08,joshlaymon,,5/2/2025
"Fornication, Adultery, Sex, sinning against his own body, Eagle, feathers, ","It is a sad thing.  It reminds me of the eagle who lived dangerously and got too close to the hunter.  He was hit by an arrow and lay dying.  He noticed the feathers on the arrow and they were once his own he had lost.  How sad, 'My own feathers guided the arrow that put me to death.' Fornication is sinning against one's own body.  Moral:  Misfortunes we bring upon ourselves are doubly bitter. ","A single person who commits fornication with a prostitute makes himself “one body” with that person. In like manner, the adulterer makes himself “one body,” not with his legal wife, but with the immoral person with whom he has sexual relations. The adulterer thus sins not only against his own personal flesh but also against his legal wife 	who until then has been “one flesh” with him.  Most of all against Jehovah. Avoid associations and entertainment that promote unclean thoughts and conduct (Eph 5:3; 1 Corinthians 6:18] . . .Flee from sexual immorality! Every other sin that a man may commit is outside his body, but whoever practices sexual immorality is sinning against his own body.  20 for you were bought with a price. By all means, glorify God in your body. ",1 Corinthians 6:18; Eph 5:3;,"Bobby Laymon,","Living to do God's Will, not our Own, ",08,joshlaymon,,5/2/2025
"Jehovah's Eyes are upon us, ","Have you ever received an anon letter? There is no return address. I’ll know when I open it. Oh!  It’s a picture. You are listening at a meeting. Another letter: You are preaching with you Bible in hand. A week goes by another picture, you are at school or at work. You did something dishonest and someone is reporting it. It’s got to stop.		","You gather the family around, make a few threats and no one said ""that was me."" Another picture ... You're asleep in your own bedroom. Now you are worried. Then you say, ""Someone is stalking me."" This person knows where I live, where I work, when I eat. He knows the position I'm sleeping in.  He has proof about everything. Is it possible that someone could know that much about you? That is the case. Proverbs 15:3 ""The eyes of Jehovah are everywhere, Watching both the bad and the good."" Are you a good one or a bad one?  It doesn't matter because Jehovah sees. Is it possible for us to hide or do something Jehovah does not know about? (Hebrews 4:13) And there is not a creation that is hidden from his sight, but all things are naked and openly exposed to the eyes of the one to whom we must give an account.",Proverbs 15:3; Hebrews 4:13,"Bobby Laymon,","Jehovah's Eyes are upon us, ",74,joshlaymon,,5/2/2025
"Guard rail,Our attitude can make us or break us, buzz bar, ","When we sin, it is like we are driving along and hitting the buzz bar.  Will we keep going and hit the guard rail, or over the cliff? What makes the difference? Our attitude can make us or break us.	Some have the same attitude they had in Ezekiel's day.  We all make mistakes at times. (1 Kings 8:46) (for there is no man who does not sin) (degrees) ","Some feel Jehovah is Indifferent, doesn’t care. Reflected in Ezekiel 8:12-13.	God is dead; Doesn't exist.  Some say he MAY exist. He is not going to do anything about it? Setting: Jehovah is talking to Ezekiel.",1 Kings 8:46; Ezekiel 8:12-13.,"Bobby Laymon,",Jehovah's Eyes are upon Us. ,74,joshlaymon,,5/2/2025
"Jehovah Sees, Cookie Jar, Closed eyes, Darkness, ","I remember a little boy who wanted some cookies his mother had made.  He closed his eyes and went for the cookie jar, thinking no one could see him.  ","People are like that. Did you know that most crimes happen in darkness?  Why?  Because they think they cannot be seen.  But Jehovah can see.  There are animals and birds, insects that can see very well in the darkness.  Who created the eyes? Can he not see? Review: 	Jehovah sees everything; whether good or bad. He watches our attitude. He wants to help us. ",1 Kings 8:46; Ezekiel 8:12-13.,"Bobby Laymon,",Jehovah's Eyes are upon Us. ,74,joshlaymon,,5/2/2025
"Look at the judicial moment; the judicial question, lie, loving question, ","Look at the judicial moment; the judicial question. Remember now . . .  answer: true and kind? E·liʹsha now said to him: “Where did you come from, Ge·haʹzi?” Answer: But he said: “Your servant did not go anywhere....He ""stood by his master.""  ""Your servant did not go anywhere at all."" He lied right to Elisha face, and to Jehovah's face.  ",Judicial moment. Why was that a very loving question?  His last chance. He could have cleared himself as David was cleared from 2 bad sins. Jehovah saw what he did.  He sees everything. Elisha saw it because Jehovah sent him a picture of it. Video (2 Kings 5:26) E·liʹsha said to him: “Was my heart not there with you when the man got down from his chariot to meet you? ,2 Kings 5:26,"Bobby Laymon,",Jehovah's Eyes are upon Us. ,74,joshlaymon,,5/2/2025
"Look at the judicial moment; the judicial question, lie, loving question, Generic prayer, ","Why does Jehovah watch even faithful servants? Why does a mother watch a baby?  Is she trying to catch him in something wrong? No! Protection.  Baby crying.  People say he needs to be changed.  He’s hungry.  Feed him, Beat him.  Take him to the doctor.  Mother says, ""I know what he needs, and she tenderly feeds him, and he quits crying.","Sometimes we don’t know what is hurting us.  Pray.  Generic prayer maybe. Jehovah knows what we need.  That is why he is watching us. When Jehovah corrects and helps you through organization or elders, do you appreciate his loving watchfulness? Jehovah is watching the good and the bad. Notice Jehovah's kind of thinking in Jeremiah chapter 29. (Jeremiah 29:11, 12) “‘For I well know the thoughts that I am thinking toward you,’ declares Jehovah, ‘thoughts of peace, and not of calamity, to give you a future and a hope. 12 And you will call me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.’ Jehovah does not want our sins to become a 'train wreck.' By means of the congregation elders he helps us through them as painlessly as possible. If we cooperate, they will be only a bump in the road.","Jeremiah 29:11, 12","Bobby Laymon,",Jehovah's Eyes are upon Us. ,74,joshlaymon,,5/2/2025
"Jehovah Identifies the True Christian Congregation,","There have been more books written about it!  More songs sung about it!  More poems composed about it!  More people have thought they had it, than anything in the world.  ","What is it?  LOVE!  Yet, The supply falls far short of the demand. 1 Peter 4:8; ",1 Peter 4:8; ,Bobby Laymon,"Jehovah Identifies the True Christian Congregation,",072,joshlaymon,,5/2/2025
"Jehovah Identifies the True Christian Congregation,","Some confuse love with perfection. Let’s illustrate. Have you ever seen a clock with a pendulum? The pendulum swings back and forth every second. Imagine YOU are that pendulum. You are swinging. Right at the bottom is perfection.  You go right through perfection 60 times a minute but  the rest of the time you are off in left field, or right field. We occasional do something right.  But you can’t stay there. Romans 3:23 “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” ","We start thinking I need to be perfect; the Christian Congregation needs to be perfect. We get so discouraged because we are not perfect. (It won’t happen—Not in this system) We might be striving for the wrong dream. Love is different. Don’t just pass through a phase.  We can show love anytime, anywhere, anyplace. When it is difficult, we really can practice love. ",Romans 3:23,"Bobby Laymon, Mike Hart, ","Jehovah Identifies the True Christian Congregation,",072,joshlaymon,,5/2/2025
"Identifying mark, Love, new commandment, ","An identifying mark is something quickly recognized: Even a 5 year-old can tell you what the golden arches are 1/2 mile away in 120 lands. Jesus gave Christians an identifying mark, universally recognizable. What is the identifying mark of true Christians? Read John 13:34, 35","(John 13:34, 35) . . .I am giving you a new commandment, that you love one another; just as I have loved you, you also love one another. 35 By this all will know that you are my disciples—if you have love among yourselves.”LOVE!  We do an act of love and people say, “Are you one of Jehovah’s Witnesses?” Do you like that?  I like that!Love means we don’t expect too much of others.","John 13:34, 35","Bobby Laymon, ","Jehovah Identifies the True Christian Congregation,",072,joshlaymon,,5/2/2025
"His sweat was like blood, Negative, positive, Patient, ","Jesus' last day before his death must have been very stressful.  His sweat was like blood.  In spite of all this, that same question came up: 'who is greatest' again & again. Jesus remains patient.  Jesus did not say, 'Father, you won't believe what those disciples did to me.'  No! Instead, he said, 'they have observed your word.'  ","He did not bring up negative things about them, because he knew their overall motive was good.  They had love.  The Governing Body follows their example today. Always positive… They have love and good motive and successfully lead Jehovah's people today.(Matthew 16:23) Jesus. . .said to Peter: “Get behind me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to me…think men’s thoughts, not God’s.” Boasted of his supposed superior faithfulness before other apostles, but then denied Jesus three times, that same night. Showed fear of men, showed partiality to Jewish converts—refusing to eat with Gentiles although he helped them learn the truth.",Matthew 16:23,"Bobby Laymon, ","Jehovah Identifies the True Christian Congregation,",072,joshlaymon,,5/2/2025
"Honey do you love me? Like, Affection, Jesus came down to Peter's level, ","Wife: Honey do you love me? Yes, you know I “like you.”  “You know I’m really fond of you” Husbands: Don’t try this at home. (John 21:15-17) When they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Simon Peter: “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” He replied to him: “Yes, Lord, you know I have affection (fondness–liking) for you.” He said to him: “Feed my lambs.” 16  Again he said to him a second time: “Simon son of John, do you love me?” He replied: “Yes, Lord, you know I have affection for you.” He said to him: “Shepherd my little sheep.” 17  He said to him a third time: “Simon son of John, do you have affection for me?” Peter became grieved that he asked him the third time: “Do you have affection for me?” So he said to him: “Lord, you are aware of all things; you know that I have affection for you.” Jesus said to him: “Feed my little sheep.",Peter was going through something.  Peter was no longer so sure of himself as he was a few days before.  We  likewise need to be alert and adjust to people’s feelings and moods.  We should not be unmerciful if others do not meet our expectations.  We should never allow what a person cannot do to stand in the way of what he can do.,John 21:15-17; ,"Bobby Laymon, ","Jehovah Identifies the True Christian Congregation,",072,joshlaymon,,5/2/2025
"Do you ask. How do I know I love God? How much? large boiler tanks, ","In an engine-room they have large boiler tanks. It is impossible to look into the large steam-boiler and see how much water is in it.  However, running up beside it is a tiny glass tube, which serves as a gauge. (coffee pots) When the tube is half full, the boiler is half full; when the tube is empty the boiler is empty.  ","Do you ask. How do I know I love God? How much?  I believe I love Him, but I want to know.  Look at the gauge.  Your love for your brother is the measure of your love for God. Have you ever wondered if you truly love God, and how much? Gauge! (1 John 4:20) If anyone says, “I love God,” and yet is hating his brother, he is a liar. For the one who does not love his brother, whom he has seen, cannot love God, whom he has not seen.",1 John 4:20,"Bobby Laymon, ","Jehovah Identifies the True Christian Congregation,",072,joshlaymon,,5/2/2025
“Love is the perfect expression of unselfishness.” definition,What is the definition of LOVE? The best definition I have ever heard of love is in a 1955 Watchtower: “Love is the perfect expression of unselfishness.” ,"That’s quotable.  See Picture. Unselfish love caused Jehovah to create us in the beginning and it was Unselfish love that caused him to surrender the dearest treasure of his heart for us: His own son.  God is Love and, ""The perfect expression of unselfishness.” Love, such as God is, is so wonderful that it is hard to define. It is easier to tell how it acts.",1 John 4:8;,"Bobby Laymon, ","Jehovah Identifies the True Christian Congregation,",072,joshlaymon,,5/2/2025
"Languages spoken,  tongues of men and of angels, Not have love, "," There are 7,117 languages spoken in the world today.  How many do you know?What if you could speak each one fluently? (you would be one of the most intelligent on earth) Angels – Their language must be far superior to ours. (Use baby talk) ","Yet, God's word tells us, if we could do all of this and not have love we are just a loud noise. (1 Corinthians 13:4-8) Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous. It does not brag, does not get puffed up, It gladly puts up with the idiosyncrasies and differing opinions of others, is not harsh, but kind, respectful, compassionate,1 Corinthians 13:1 . . .If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels but do not have love, I have become a clanging gong or a clashing cymbal.",1 Corinthians 13:4-8; 1 Corinthians 13:1,"Bobby Laymon, ","Jehovah Identifies the True Christian Congregation,",072,joshlaymon,,5/2/2025
"Languages spoken, Tongues of men and of angels, Not have love, ","Jehovah God wrote the book on love.  He incorporated the most beautiful love songs ever written. He included poetry and prayers and promises about paradise.  He gave true-life examples of men and women, like you and me, who cultivated and practiced real love.  ","He gave an identifying mark universally known, to us.  How we appreciate Jehovah’s love and Jesus’ sacrifice that make it possible for us, to practice love, for the eternal future.",1 Corinthians 13:4-8; 1 Corinthians 13:1,"Bobby Laymon, ","Jehovah Identifies the True Christian Congregation,",072,joshlaymon,,5/2/2025
"Are You Content With Jehovah's Provisions,","A man, a traveler, was driving through the frozen north when he began to have car trouble.  Just a few tries on his battery and it was dead.  He had not seen another traveler all day.  The temperature was dropping, it was starting to snow again, and getting dark.  Also there were wolves out there.  Noticed a narrow path, looked traveled, alongside the road.  Should he take it?  Should he leave his car?  Yes, he felt the path was his only chance.  When he thought he could go no farther, he saw it.   A light!  He had stumbled upon the only cabin in the woods.  ","When he knocked, a kind old gentleman let him in and gave him hot coffee,  beans and cornbread, and a warm place by the fire.   He made him feel content in this house.  How thankful, grateful, indebted he felt, and he loved the old gentleman. Who is it that is like that traveler? Who has been welcomed into a warm household? Who has an abundance of spiritual food and drink?  Is it not us? As foretold, Christendom is in a bad way.  Amos 8:11 “‘Look! There are days coming,’ is the utterance of the Sovereign Lord Jehovah, ‘and I will send a famine into the land, a famine, not for bread, and a thirst, not for water, but for hearing the words of Jehovah.",Amos 8:11,"Bobby Laymon, ","Are You Content With Jehovah's Provisions,",22,joshlaymon,,5/2/2025
"Are You Content With Jehovah's Provisions, Calvin Coolidge","When asked by a reporter why he didn't want to be President for another term, Calvin Coolidge remarked in his New England drawl:  ""It's not too good a job.  There's no chance for advancement.""  ","This is not true in Jehovah's organization.  There is always room for advancement, improvement. With light from the Bible, we understand meaning of the times, have vision of future events (2 Peter 1:16-19) lamp shining in a dark place, While basics are needed, we cannot become full-grown by staying with elementary things Read Heb 5:14; 6:1-3; Need solid food to distinguish between right and wrong. Making advancement spiritually brings contentment (1Ti 4:15)	C.	We're content!  Provision of God’s spirit makes Christians content.		1.	How do we feel? Do you feel like David? How did he feel?  Read Ps 23:1  				Jehovah is my Shepherd. I shall lack nothing.",2 Peter 1:16-19; Heb 5:14; 6:1-3;,"Bobby Laymon, ","Are You Content With Jehovah's Provisions,",22,joshlaymon,,5/2/2025
"How do we feel about the elders? Contentment, Counsel, too strong, dissatisfied, ","How do we feel about the elders?  Are we content with Jehovah's shepherds? Go back to our traveler.  Coffee: too strong.  Do we sometimes feel that way? What about counsel?  Is it too strong? Cup. tin can.  Jehovah uses those who make themselves available. Food: same thing ... beans & cornbread. [meetings, conduct, field service,          support of Kingdom Hall, materially & building programs. Dish: cracked.  Do we see only the imperfection of those serving us? ","Something the old man said about his obligations hurt his feelings, and that did it.  ""I'll show him. "" Left, slamming the door behind him.  Where would he go?  It was still cold, snowing, darkness was falling, car was still disabled.  Wolves!  Still out there!  There was only one person who could help him.   When he stepped outside, he had closed the door to the only  source of food and contentment. Same condition as before.  How foolish. Yet, many thousands each year become dissatisfied and leave Jehovah's house.  Only 2 options: death or humble himself and come back.","Mal 1:6-8, 12, 13; ","Bobby Laymon, ","Are You Content With Jehovah's Provisions,",22,joshlaymon,,5/2/2025
"Faithful and discreet slave, attitude toward Jehovah’s provisions, ",Must guard our attitude toward Jehovah’s provisions.  It's like painting a house:  Kick away the ladder and your feet are left dangling.,"All Provisions served should be received with thanksgiving, just as when material food is served (Lu 11:9-13; 1Ti 4:3, 4) “Faithful and discreet slave” is being used to provide “food at the proper time” ","Lu 11:9-13; 1Ti 4:3, 4","Bobby Laymon, ","Are You Content With Jehovah's Provisions,",22,joshlaymon,,5/2/2025
"Faithful and discreet slave, attitude toward Jehovah’s provisions, abused physically, mentally, emotionally, sexually.","Many are learning the truth in the darkest period of human history.  Many have been abused physically, mentally, emotionally, sexually.  Money problems.  Some have problems with wicked spirits, others with repressed memories.  Enslaved to drugs, tobacco, alcohol, and unclean practices. ",All of them are welcome and can find comfort and help in reconstructing their lives. Some of the most effective preaching work is being carried on by these ones. Isa 25:6; Trials are like knives -- They either serve us or cut us!,Isa 25:6;,"Bobby Laymon, ","Are You Content With Jehovah's Provisions,",22,joshlaymon,,5/2/2025
"Warm organization with rich spiritual food, Jehovah’s table","We have been invited into a warm organization with rich spiritual food.  May we never become unappreciative of Jehovah’s spiritual table; look for cracks; flaws, become bored at Jehovah’s table.  May we rely on Jehovah and never allow anything to make us go back to the world and shut the door on Jehovah’s loving kindness.",May we rely on Jehovah and never allow anything to make us go back to the world and shut the door on Jehovah’s loving kindness.,Isa 25:6;,"Bobby Laymon, ","Are You Content With Jehovah's Provisions,",22,joshlaymon,,5/2/2025
"Meetings, Gathering, complain, late, leave early, ","What if friends show up late for a meal, complain after they arrive about food.  Then they leave early.  Would you invite them back? Jehovah continues to care for us even though we at times do not show appreciation. ","When a man is out of sight, it is not too long before he is out of mind.' Quote:  Thomas Kempis. We could apply the above to missing meetings.  We don't want Jehovah to forget us, nor our friends. Hebrews 10:24, 25;","Hebrews 10:24, 25;","Bobby Laymon, ","Are You Content With Jehovah's Provisions,",22,joshlaymon,,5/3/2025
" Every day is a gift from Jehovah.  “Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery,","It has been said, “Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, today is a gift of God, which is why we call it the present.” ","It is a gift from Jehovah. Every day is a gift from Jehovah.  Be thankful we have it. Use it wisely.  Appreciate it, now and forever.  Bil Keane ",James 1:17;,"Bil Keane, Bobby Laymon, ","Are You Content With Jehovah's Provisions,",22,joshlaymon,,5/3/2025
"""HAPPY WHEN"" syndrome. ","Many today are caught up in the ""HAPPY WHEN"" syndrome.  Their happiness is conditional. I will be happy when .... I finish school,  I will be happy when ...go back to school; I'll be happy when I have kids; I'll be happy when my kids are grown and gone; I'll be happy when I start working; I'll be happy when I stop working (retire).  I will be happy when I...get married, or  I will be happy when ...divorced;  I will be happy when ...buy a new suit,  I will be happy when ...new car,  I will be happy when ...become a ministerial servant,  I will be happy when ...I become an elder,  ","For those who say that, happiness and contentment will never come.  Happiness is not an OUTSIDE job; it's an INSIDE job.  At Matthew Jesus talks about happiness to those who: mourn; mild-tempered, hungering and thirsting for righteousness, merciful, pure in heart, peacemakers.  Jesus shows here that anyone can be happy.  It's not about people, but Jehovah.  We can be happy under any circumstance when we are serving Jehovah.",Matthew 5:3-11; ,"Bobby Laymon, ","Are You Content With Jehovah's Provisions,",22,joshlaymon,,5/3/2025
"Jesus, Discontented, I hate this job, Unhappy, discontent, relationship with Jehovah, ","Even though we are in the truth, sometimes we are the most discontented people on the earth.  Let's take a man who works for a living.  He says, I hate this job.  I need to move on.  I want to be a foreman, or a boss.  I am tired of people telling me what to do. Women may not always voice it but sometimes get to feeling life is passing me by.  I want a job; I want to make something out of my life; make some money of my own and have job security. I want to be important.  start a business. Young person; who am I; I want to find myself. I want to check out the world. ", If we have a relationship with Jehovah we can be happy in it.  Jesus had 3 1/2 years to live and what did he choose.  He lived the life Jehovah handed him here on earth.,Hebrews 13:5; ,"Bobby Laymon, ","Are You Content With Jehovah's Provisions,",22,joshlaymon,,5/3/2025
"Jehovah, organization, Plenty, ","When I was a boy my Mom would can tomatoes.  Hundreds of jars of tomatoes.  Also, peaches, beans, peas, apples, blackberries, muscadine, grape jelly and jams and preserves.  She had enough for the whole neighborhood.  When company would come, she would open up a jar of fruit or vegetables, or soup, sauce.  We had eggs and sometimes salt-pork or sugar-cured ham, and oatmeal for breakfast.  She would stock up, and we had plenty.  ",Jehovah has an organization like that.  We have a spiritual plenty stocked up for times of needs.  We have the school that are helping us stock up on spiritual food.  Young brothers and sisters are being trained for future needs.  ,Hebrews 13:5; ,"Bobby Laymon, ","Are You Content With Jehovah's Provisions,",22,joshlaymon,,5/3/2025
"Contentment, Benjamin Franklin, Rich, Poor, ","“Contentment makes poor men rich; discontent makes rich men poor.”—Benjamin Franklin. TRUE to that proverb, many have learned that contentment cannot be bought like merchandise. ","No wonder that contentment—an inward feeling of satisfaction—seems elusive in a world that fosters a desire for more possessions, greater achievements, or the life enjoyed by others!",Hebrews 13:5; ,"Bobby Laymon, ","Are You Content With Jehovah's Provisions,",22,joshlaymon,,5/3/2025
"Lone wolf.  fat sheep, spiritual food, association, organization.","It may be that when we were in the world, we were a lone wolf.  Now we are sheep, fat sheep from the rich spiritual food Jehovah provides.  However, we must not be lone sheep.  A lone wolf can take care of himself, but a fat sheep is vulnerable.  We need the association of Jehovah's organization. The meetings.","It has been said that the way to feel content is do not dwell on what you don't have, but think about the blessings you do have. In Jehovah's organization that does not apply.  We have everything.",Hebrews 13:5; ,"Bobby Laymon, ","Are You Content With Jehovah's Provisions,",22,joshlaymon,,5/3/2025
"Your Future​—How Can It Be Known? Prophecy, Babe Ruth, good vision: ",Babe Ruth could point into grandstands & show where the ball would land. Because of good vision: see license plate 1 block away & stitches on pitched ball.  ,Sometimes I missed. Jehovah has far-seeing vision; knows where prophecies going Jehovah never misses.  Never struck out.,Hebrews 13:5; ,"Bobby Laymon, ",Your Future​—How Can It Be Known?,19,joshlaymon,,5/3/2025
"Future, ",He who could foresee affairs three days in advance would be rich for thousands of years. Chinese Proverb. ,Great benefit of knowing the future.,Jeremiah 29:11;,"Bobby Laymon, ",Your Future​—How Can It Be Known?,19,joshlaymon,,5/3/2025
"Jehovah that is changing times and seasons, swiftness, Future, ",'On no other stage are the scenes shifted with a swiftness so like magic as on the great stage of history when once the hour strikes.' Quote: Edward Bellamy. ,It is Jehovah that is changing times and seasons.  He swiftly brings these changes at the right moment.,Daniel 2:21;,"Bobby Laymon, ",Your Future​—How Can It Be Known?,19,joshlaymon,,5/3/2025
"Robert Frost Poet: Crossroads, 'Path Not Taken' Future, ",Robert Frost Poet: came to crossroads; Point in life where he could have great wealth or become a poet.  Choose later and did not regret it.  Land of trod. Apply to drugs; Marriage; ,Service to Jehovah.  We should look as far as we can down each road 'Path Not Taken',Daniel 2:21;,"Bobby Laymon, ",Your Future​—How Can It Be Known?,19,joshlaymon,,5/3/2025
"Future, past, repeat it, George Santayana.  ",'Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.' Quote: Spanish-American philosopher George Santayana.  ,"It seems that over the course of millenniums, mankind quickly forgets its own past, thus condemning itself to commit the same bitter errors over and over.",Psalm 90:4; ,"Bobby Laymon, ",Your Future​—How Can It Be Known?,19,joshlaymon,,5/3/2025
"We learn the truth progressively, jigsaw puzzle. ",Like a jigsaw puzzle. Start with the outside border and gradually we piece together the picture. Do we give up because we can't find a certain piece of the puzzle? We wait until the edges are filled in. ,It is the same with the truth.  We wait patiently until Jehovah fills in the missing pieces.  We learn the truth progressively.  We see the picture more and more clearly as time goes by.,Isaiah 51:9;,"Bobby Laymon, ",Your Future​—How Can It Be Known?,19,joshlaymon,,5/3/2025
Be Honest in all you say and do.,"The story is told of the dishonest baker. . . He tried to cheat on making doughnuts by enlarging the holes.  To his dismay, he discovered that the larger he made the holes the more dough it took to go around it.  His dishonesty led to frustration, but it cost him besides. He lost customers and couldn't sleep.  ","That's the way with dishonesty, isn't it?  Think back to a time when you were not completely honest.  Were you frustrated?  Nervous? Did your conscience bother you?  Were you happy?   Hebrews 13:18;",Hebrews 13:18;,"Bobby Laymon, ",Be Honest in all you say and do.,10,joshlaymon,,5/3/2025
"Sin, Many tools, Satan, Devil, Honest, ","I have here a socket wrench set. There are a lot of sockets, but I only have one handle. It fits them all. ","Oliver Wendell Holmes once said,  ‘Sin has many tools, but a lie is the handle that fits them all.' (many sockets but one handle that fits them all.) ",John 8:44; ,"Bobby Laymon, ",Be Honest in all you say and do.,10,joshlaymon,,5/3/2025
"Sin, Many tools, Satan, Devil, Honest, ","I guess we could say, “We must watch our eyes.” Humans tend to: (1) Rationalize, (2) Minimize, and (3) Plagiarize, (4) falsifies, (5)  Amplifies (6) Close their eyes, regarding their accomplishments.   ",We must overcome this tendency and do whatever is necessary to overcome this weakness.  (Example: Person filling out 'Resume' for a job) (Jeremiah 17:9) The heart is more treacherous than anything else and is desperate. Who can know it?,Jeremiah 17:9,"Bobby Laymon, ",Be Honest in all you say and do.,10,joshlaymon,,5/3/2025
"Armageddon, Deceit, Honesy, scams, Later, headed off at the pass, ","(Illustrate: Western movie) Four bandits rob a bank.  One killed immediately; two are chased down and hanged. The ringleader, the one with the money always gets away.  Before the movie is over, at the conclusion perhaps.  He is always headed off at the pass. "," It is the same with deceit.  Note the parallel. (1 Timothy 5:24) The sins of some men are publicly known, leading directly to judgment, but those of other men become evident later. (It will catch up and will be headed off at the pass at Armageddon.)",1 Timothy 5:24,"Bobby Laymon, ",Be Honest in all you say and do.,10,joshlaymon,,5/3/2025
"Armageddon, Deceit, Honesy, scams, Later, headed off at the pass, ","Years ago, a foreign student attending a college in the midwestern United States bought an automobile from a local car dealer. Some fifteen years passed. By then the former student was the only purchasing agent of the Iranian Contractors Association for the country of Iran. ","How surprised that same auto dealer was when the former student placed with him a multimillion-dollar order for 1,100 trucks! … Why? Because that onetime student felt that the dealer had treated him honestly years earlier. “It’s unbelievable,” said the dealer. “He was just an ordinary student and we sold him an automobile. 	He quoted:(Ecclesiastes 11:1) Cast your bread on the waters, for after many days you will find it again.",Ecclesiastes 11:1,"Bobby Laymon, ",Be Honest in all you say and do.,10,joshlaymon,,5/3/2025
"Armageddon, Deceit, Honesy, scams, Later, headed off at the pass, ",Even the worldly proverbs are true: ,Crime does not pay!Cheaters never win!Honesty is the best policy! For Christians Honest is the only policy!,Ecclesiastes 11:1,"Bobby Laymon, ",Be Honest in all you say and do.,10,joshlaymon,,5/3/2025
"Facing the Future with Faith and Courage,","Do you like gifts?  Imagine someone hands you a title deed to property.  It has a new home, orchard, stream and a lake.  You can't wait to see it.  When you drive onto your land it is so bright it hurts your eyes.  Everywhere trees are blooming.  Peaches, apple, cherry and their aroma fills the air.  Beautiful birds are singing.  You can hear the gurgling of the mountain stream.  You can almost hear the strawberries growing.  ","This is your future.  This is your gift from Jehovah.  A future so bright that today would hurt your eyes.Isa 22:12, 13","Isa 22:12, 13","Bobby Laymon, ","Facing the Future with Faith and Courage,",166,joshlaymon,,5/3/2025
"Facing the Future with Faith and Courage, Big Dipper, Universe, orderliness, ","We're invited to look up and check.  Have you ever looked into sky and say, ""Oh, a star is missing?   Where did it go?  It was there last night!""  Has the Big Dipper ever stopped dipping? Orion the Hunter, stopped hunting.  Has the North star ever gone south?  ",When we look up we learn from what we see.  The Creator designed and controls the universe and has standards and we can figure out his purpose for the earth. The visible universe and its orderliness testify to an invisible Creator and the manner in which he wants things done  Isa 40:26; Ro 1:20) Christian faith is real—not blind credulity (Heb 11:1) It is based on solid evidence (it-1 804) Like a title deed. The reliability of God’s Word and the accurate fulfillment of its prophecies give further basis for faith in all his promises. Ro 10:17; Jos 23:14,Isa 40:26; Ro 1:20; Heb 11:1,"Bobby Laymon, ","Facing the Future with Faith and Courage,",166,joshlaymon,,5/3/2025
"Facing the Future with Faith and Courage, Big Dipper, Universe, orderliness, ","We could liken the Bible being reliable to this: If someone handed you a check for $500,000 would you trust it?  Would you try to cash it?  Your first thought probably is: That depends upon who signed the check.  Who is it from?  What if it is signed by Bill Gates?  Now you have faith.  You know he has the money and has probably never bounced a check.","Who has signed the Bible?  Who has his signature in the Bible 7,000 times?  Jehovah God.  And he's far more dependable than Bill Gates.  His very name means:  ""He Causes to Become.""  In other words, he can cause himself to become, whatever is needed in order to fulfill his promises.  Another reason we can have faith and courage in the future. Scriptural truths help us to face the future with confidence God made the earth to be inhabited  Read Isaiah 45:18",Isaiah 45:18,"Bobby Laymon, ","Facing the Future with Faith and Courage,",166,joshlaymon,,5/3/2025
"Facing the Future with Faith and Courage, Big Dipper, Universe, orderliness, weapons, 'ultimate position.'","Today nations are in search of future weapons.  The 'ultimate weapon' They explore outer space, to get the 'ultimate position.'  We are happy to know both those positions have already been taken.  Who can snatch them from Jehovah's hand?  He has a weapon that can make man's weapon look like toys or evaporate them.  Read Psalm 46:9.  No Problem - take that to the bank.",Scriptural truths help us to face the future with confidence God made the earth to be inhabited  Read Isaiah 45:18,Psalm 46:9; Isaiah 45:18,"Bobby Laymon, ","Facing the Future with Faith and Courage,",166,joshlaymon,,5/3/2025
"Facing the Future with Faith and Courage, Smart bombs, Universe, orderliness, weapons, 'ultimate position.'","It's true, a lot of smart bombs are being built and shot by a lot of dumb people, but what did Jehovah promise to do?  But what about nuclear weapons? Or what about biological weapons?  And what about global warming? "," What did the scripture say?  Formed it to be inhabited…. Isa 45:18 He will not let it be destroyed by weapons (Ps 104:5; Ec 1:4) Instead, he will bring about global disarmament (Ps 46:9) God will “bring to ruin those ruining the earth” (Re 11:18)",Isa 45:18; Ps 104:5; Ec 1:4; Re 11:18; ,"Bobby Laymon, ","Facing the Future with Faith and Courage,",166,joshlaymon,,5/3/2025
"Bible, Honesy, Accurate, Circumcision, Vitamin K, Disease, ",The Bible is accurate on every subject that it even touches on.  For example:  Jews - circumcision on the 8th day  - the one day that both Vitamin K and pro·throm·bin are at their highest levels.  Those are the blood clotting factors. The perfect day for an operation.  Jehovah knows more about health than everyone on earth put together.  What does he say?,Jehovah will not allow disease to wipe out the human race. Sickness will be removed  Isa 33:24 And no resident will say: “I am sick.” Health will improve until perfection is reached.  Job 33:25, Isa 33:24; Job 33:25; ,"Bobby Laymon, ","Facing the Future with Faith and Courage,",166,joshlaymon,,5/3/2025
"Kings in Jehovah's hands, Future, Past, Court cases, Laws, Supreme Court, ","Have you ever taken water in the palm of your hand?  Any way you want to, you can turn it.  ","Kings are that way to Jehovah.  He has motivated kings and nations to pass laws in behalf of His people.  (United States Supreme Court; Cuba, other nations put pressure to lighten up on Witnesses)",Proverbs 21:1; ,"Bobby Laymon, ",Your Future--How Can it be Known?,19,joshlaymon,,5/4/2025
"Christian Separateness from the World, ","Often when we go from house to house, we might meet someone that says, “I’m a Christian.”  They may have a cigarette in their hands.  Or they may be in an unscriptural marriage or supporting the political parties of the world.  Or the wars of the world.  They may be acting in or condoning a homosexual arrangement. ","We have talked to persons that say that adultery is fine as long as both parties consent. Yet when we bring out the Bible on the subject of God’s Kingdom they say, “I’m a Christian.”  If they can’t claim they are separate from the world, then they can’t claim they are a Christian.  The two go together.",John 17:16; ,"Bobby Laymon, ",Christian Separateness from the World--Why Beneficial,119 ,joshlaymon,,5/4/2025
"Peace, Angry World, cruel, Satan, Devil, ","The lives of fellow humans no longer seem to matter. Some people even enjoy being cruel. They find it entertaining, much like criminals who confess that they harm others just for the thrill of it. (like a popular song) ",You might wonder though: ‘Have men learned to act cruelly on their own? What is behind the present situation?’ How can we keep from becoming consumed by anger?,John 17:16; James 4:4;,"Bobby Laymon, ",How to Cultivate Peace in an Angry World. ,065,joshlaymon,,5/4/2025
"Peace, Solutions, protest movements, Jesus Christ, Justice, Human political solutions, ","This would be like a farmer using a mowing machine to cultivate his corn. It is just the wrong implement. It would do more harm than good. Jehovah is not going to use Human political solutions and protest movements. These are not God’s means of bringing justice (Da 7:13, 14)  ","God will use his Son, Jesus Christ, to remove all who oppress their fellow man. I would like to invite you to turn in your Bibles to: (Psalm 72:13, 14)","Da 7:13, 14; Psalm 72:13, 14","Bobby Laymon, ",How to Cultivate Peace in an Angry World. ,065,joshlaymon,,5/4/2025
Are You Really Making Jehovah Your Stronghold? ,"At the Regional Convention bathroom, a little boy, probably 2 or 3 years-old wanted to go all by himself into the booth.  His father waited outside.  In a few minutes, we all heard an almost tearful, emotional voice, ""Daddy can you help me?""  His father helped him.  In a few moments the little boy came out all smiles.  I thought, if only we could depend on our Father, Jehovah for all our emotional needs, how great it would be.","There have been many that have looked to Jehovah as stronghold. Jehovah's people have long agreed with the sentiments of David in ...(2 Samuel 22:2, 3) He said: “Jehovah is my crag and my stronghold and the One who rescues me. My God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, My shield and my horn of salvation, my secure refuge And my place to flee, my savior; you who save me from violence. God's people collectively view him as their stronghold, but do we as individuals?","2 Samuel 22:2, 3","Bobby Laymon, ",Are You Really Making Jehovah Your Stronghold? ,18,joshlaymon,,5/5/2025
"Satan, trap, bait, cheese, Stronghold, crag, rock, ","Satan will be lured into a trap by Jehovah.  But guess who the bait is?  We're the Cheese in that trap.  That is why the Father wanted his son to trust him in small things.  Bigger things are coming and the son would have to trust in his Eternal Father, Jehovah God.","(Ezekiel 38:10) . . .“This is what the Sovereign Lord Jehovah says: ‘In that day thoughts will come into your heart, and you will devise an evil plan. 16 Like clouds covering the land, you will come against my people Israel. In the final part of the days I will bring you against my land so that the nations may know me when I sanctify myself through you before their eyes, O Gog.”’ ",Ezekiel 38:10,"Bobby Laymon, ",Are You Really Making Jehovah Your Stronghold? ,18,joshlaymon,,5/5/2025
"Satan, trap, bait, cheese, Stronghold, crag, rock, ","Let us have an imaginary look into the future.  The boy in the bathroom is now a seven year-old boy.  He's working in the garden with his Father. He is still a little independent.  He's having trouble moving a rock.  His father says ""Son, you're not using all your strength."" ""Yes! I am Daddy, I am using everything I have."" The Dad answers ""No son, you are not using me!""  ",Are we really using all we have.  Are we relying on Jehovah or ourselves?  Are we really making Jehovah our stronghold?  Psalm 18:2;,Psalm 18:2;,"Bobby Laymon, ",Are You Really Making Jehovah Your Stronghold? ,18,joshlaymon,,5/5/2025
"Satan, trap, bait, cheese, Stronghold, crag, rock, I'm never, Trust in self, State Farm commercial.","Who can stand?  You might say, ""Well, I know me.  I will be able to stand.""  But that sounds like you are trusting in yourself.  It reminds me of the State Farm commercial.  The guy says, I'm never getting married!"" He's buying a wedding ring.  He says, ""We're never having children."" Has two! ""I'm never moving to the suburbs! I'm never buying a minivan.  He's in the suburbs washing his minivan. ","(Nahum 1:6, 7) Who can stand before his indignation? And who can withstand the heat of his anger? His wrath will be poured out like fire, And the rocks will be shattered because of him.  7 Jehovah is good, a stronghold in the day of distress. He is mindful of those seeking refuge in him.","Nahum 1:6, 7)","Bobby Laymon, ",Are You Really Making Jehovah Your Stronghold? ,18,joshlaymon,,5/5/2025
"His son needed to transfer his confidence to Jehovah. Problems, ",Father knew that rock - not greatest problem his son would face.  More problems in his teens and beyond.  Do you suppose he was training his son to continue to keep coming to him because he had all the answers?  ,No! He was not the answer-man.  His son needed to transfer his confidence to Jehovah.,Psalm 91:2; ,"Bobby Laymon, ",Are You Really Making Jehovah Your Stronghold? ,18,joshlaymon,,5/5/2025
" towers,  safe places of refuge, safety, magic charm, Morally clean, bumper stickers","In Bible times, towers were sometimes built in the wilderness as safe places of refuge.  But it was up to the one in danger to flee to such a tower to find safety. Jehovah's name is no magic charm.  (bumper stickers)  YHWH.  If we turn to Jehovah in faith, he will be a tower of protection for us!  What a kind loving Father Jehovah is.(Proverbs 18:10) . . .The name of Jehovah is a strong tower. Into it the righteous one runs and receives protection.		","He would not be our stronghold if we tended to ignore his moral principles and laws. (Proverbs 10:29) . . .The way of Jehovah is a stronghold for the blameless one, But it means ruin for evildoers. Must be morally upright to have God as one's stronghold. ",Proverbs 18:10,"Bobby Laymon, ",Are You Really Making Jehovah Your Stronghold? ,18,joshlaymon,,5/5/2025
" love scenes on T.V., Flirt, peeping toms, perverts, Single Christian, ",Some reason it is O.K. to watch love scenes on T.V. if they are portrayed as married. Even in real life such a one who watches others are considered 'peeping toms.' Considered as perverts. We must not let the world 'squeeze us into its mold.',"Must be morally upright to have God as one's stronghold. Single Christian should not view dating as mere recreation or means for excitement. Bible warns against ""uncleanness."" (1 Thessalonians 4:7) . . .For God has called us, not for uncleanness, but for holiness. A married Christian making Jehovah his stronghold would resist any tendency to flirt, 		",1 Thessalonians 4:7,"Bobby Laymon, ",Are You Really Making Jehovah Your Stronghold? ,18,joshlaymon,,5/5/2025
"Flirt, like throwing money away.  ","Flirt with someone not your mate wasted effort ... like throwing money away.  Love expressions with your mate like putting money in the bank, you get it all back with interest.",A married Christian making Jehovah his stronghold would resist any tendency to flirt. Truly making Jehovah one's stronghold includes shunning fascination with illicit sex.,1 Thessalonians 4:7,"Bobby Laymon, ",Are You Really Making Jehovah Your Stronghold? ,18,joshlaymon,,5/5/2025
"Television has changed, Sewage pipe, TV, Sex, Boy Scout leaders, lawyers, actors, businessmen, pornography.","Television has changed.  What if you had a sewage pipe right into your home?  All you had to do was push a button, and it would spew sewage all over the living room.  You say, 'Oh, we will add some perfume and it won't get too bad.'  Many have that.  Through the entertainment we allow into our homes.  Oh, we can dress it up in certain ways, and say, 'It doesn't smell too bad.'  The truth is, it is sewage.","Truly making Jehovah one's stronghold includes shunning fascination with illicit sex. Some think that only “dirty old men” would produce or be connected with pornography. Boy Scout leaders, lawyers, actors, businessmen, and clergymen have reportedly been involved with it—those you might least suspect. Could such fascination be said to be 'deadening one's body members' as to unclean sexual appetite?",1 Thessalonians 4:7,"Bobby Laymon, ",Are You Really Making Jehovah Your Stronghold? ,18,joshlaymon,,5/5/2025
"Television has changed, Sewage pipe, TV, Sex, brain, memory, businessmen, pornography, storage, ","Have you ever tried to remember a name but gave up?  After some time, you start thinking about it and remember it immediately.  Your brain has been at work all that time, but you didn't realize it.  ","It is that way with pornography.  You may see it and think you have forgotten it, but your brain has it in storage and can recall it unexpectedly, even if you do not want to.  We must avoid anything that is immoral.",1 Thessalonians 4:7,"Bobby Laymon, ",Are You Really Making Jehovah Your Stronghold? ,18,joshlaymon,,5/5/2025
"Imagination has no limits, not trusted, center of the earth, pretend, ","Imagination has no limits; travel through time, go to the center of the earth. Imagination is the highest kite that one can fly. But it is not to be trusted. ",(Proverbs 18:11) The wealth of the rich is his fortified city; It is like a protective wall in his imagination.,1 Thessalonians 4:7,"Bobby Laymon, ",Are You Really Making Jehovah Your Stronghold? ,18,joshlaymon,,5/5/2025
"Climbing a ladder, Success, wrong building, Parents, Employment, Jobs, ","Suppose you have spent all your life climbing a ladder.  We will call it the ladder of success.  You are almost at the top. You are tired, exhausted, near the end.  You look around at the view, and then you notice:  The ladder is leaning on the wrong building.  Could a person do that?  What a disappointment!  Could a baptized Christian do that?  Even with good intentions?  Parents may put youth on wrong ladder.","Christians do not use cutthroat competition tactics to get prestigious jobs. (1 Thessalonians 4:11)   Make it your aim to live quietly and to mind your own business and to work with your hands, just as we instructed you,",1 Thessalonians 4:11,"Bobby Laymon, ",Are You Really Making Jehovah Your Stronghold? ,18,joshlaymon,,5/5/2025
"anger, control, danger, ","Might have good reason for anger, but if we continue angry, can cause us to sin. "," By sleeping with anger, nurse it and keep it warm.  Anger is only one letter away from danger.  Play into Satan's hands. Am I using all my strength by asking Jehovah, or depending on myself? What about in other areas his counsel on controlling one's temper, drinking, or eating habits?  Being kind and forgiving with others? James 1:19; ",James 1:19; ,"Bobby Laymon, ",Are You Really Making Jehovah Your Stronghold? ,18,joshlaymon,,5/5/2025
Elder is not a nine to five job. Hospital Liaison Committee. Shepherding calls.,"Being an elder is not a nine to five job.  It is full time and cannot be scheduled.  Elders are on call 24 hours a day.  Hospital Liaison Committee. Shepherding calls.  Building committee and building projects.  Arranging meetings and parts.  They too, must make Jehovah stronghold. 1 Timothy 5:17; ","They too, must make Jehovah stronghold.1 Timothy 5:17; ",1 Timothy 5:17;,"Bobby Laymon, ",Are You Really Making Jehovah Your Stronghold? ,18,joshlaymon,,5/5/2025
"Concrete, It is the re-bar, strength. power, strong, spiritual giants. ","Today, people use concrete for strength in buildings, skyscrapers, bridges and highways.  Concrete is viewed as a symbol of strength.  In fact, however concrete is not very strong.  You can take a hammer and break an 8-inch concrete block.  Actually, concrete will not even support its own weight in a span.  It is the re-bar, or reinforcement that gives it strength.  ","We are like that.  None of us are spiritual giants.  It is in Jehovah that we find our strength.  He is our 're-bar' or reinforcement. (Psalm 18:2) . . .Jehovah is my crag and my stronghold and the One who rescues me. My God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, My shield and my horn of salvation, my secure refuge.",Psalm 18:2,"Bobby Laymon, ",Are You Really Making Jehovah Your Stronghold? ,18,joshlaymon,,5/5/2025
"GLOVE: we can make it come alive...point, wave, etc. dead, ","GLOVE: With it on our hand, we can make it come alive...point, wave, etc. (the speaker here put on a black leather glove and made several hand motions, very visible even at a distance)  When it is off our hand, it is just a dead piece of leather.   ","We are like that glove.  With Jehovah in our life, we are alive and can do much.  With him out of our life, we are just dead leather. (Psalm 62:7, 8) . . .Upon God depends my salvation and my glory. My strong rock, my refuge, is God.  8 Trust in him at all times, O people. Pour out your hearts before him. God is a refuge for us. 	3.	He is able to satisfy our daily needs now and assures us of prospect of eternal 				life in Paradise	4.	He alone is able to guarantee eternal salvation for one who is faithful even to 				death"," Psalm 62:7, 8","Bobby Laymon, ",Are You Really Making Jehovah Your Stronghold? ,18,joshlaymon,,5/5/2025
"Bearing up under Persecution, Scanning the earth, person agreeable, trustworthy, read hearts, ","We know that Jehovah reads hearts. Picture this: Jehovah’s eyes are scanning the earth looking at millions of hearts. He comes to you and stops. He says, “Now here is a person agreeable to my own heart. I am going to draw him to follow my Son. I know he is trustworthy.” You Brothers and Sisters are among the most-favored people on earth.  He is so pleased with you and loves you more than you will ever know. John 6:44.",You Brothers and Sisters are among the most-favored people on earth.  He is so pleased with you and loves you more than you will ever know. John 6:44.,John 6:44,Bobby Laymon,Bearing up under Persecution ,57,joshlaymon,,5/5/2025
"Persecution, by-product, Sawdust, Test, ","Not something we bring on ourselves. Persecution is a by-product of our worship of Jehovah in this wicked world. A by-product is something produced in the making of something else. Like sawdust. Sawdust is a by-product of the lumber industry. Once thought a nuisance and a danger. Today, is valuable industry in itself. Likewise, Persecution is a by-product of faith and is a useful tool in getting the Good News preached in all the earth.","Not everyone will be persecuted. There is a test we can take to see if we’re included. It’s found at: (2 Timothy 3:12) .In fact, all those desiring to live with godly devotion in association with Christ Jesus will also be persecuted. ","2 Timothy 3:12, ",Bobby Laymon,Bearing up under Persecution ,57,joshlaymon,,5/5/2025
"Persecution, by-product, Sawdust, Test, Dandelion, Flowers, ","Imagine: You are standing in what 10 minutes ago, was a beautiful yard. You stand unmovable as a huge tornado hits. You see houses torn apart, trees ripped out by root, animals running for cover, and people being swept away.  Now everything is gone except for a few flowers, that have survived. ","You are one of those flowers, a survivor, along with all your friends. You have survived the greatest persecution of all times.","2 Timothy 3:12, ",Bobby Laymon,Bearing up under Persecution ,57,joshlaymon,,5/5/2025
"People hate dandelions, ","Oh! Did I forget to tell you what kind of flower we are? First picture. Do you recognize it? You’re right, We are all dandelions. Oh! NO! I don’t want to be a dandelion. People hate dandelions. Why do they hate them? ","Not because they are ugly. They are beautiful. As you are. Even your feet are beautiful. Are they looking downcast? Notice how they are looking upward. 	Are they Wishy-washy, No, are very ‘tough as leather’ and determined as you are. Are they non-productive? Ha! They grow everywhere. ","2 Timothy 3:12, ",Bobby Laymon,Bearing up under Persecution ,57,joshlaymon,,5/5/2025
"Why does Satan hate and persecute Jehovah’s Witnesses? cannot control, keep increasing.","Why does Satan hate and persecute Jehovah’s Witnesses? He cannot control us. We obey Jehovah. He may put us in prison, beat us, humiliate us, impose large fines and we keep preaching. He takes away our literature and property and we keep preaching and keep increasing. ","Joseph Stalin, Russian ruler sends every Witness family he could find to Siberia, (one of the coldest places on earth) where ‘we will work them to death, freeze to death, starve to death.  Soon they’re having meetings and preaching and keep on growing. Satan just gave our brothers a free ticket to unassigned territory where the need is great. The work prospers in Siberia. “silver lining” Satan just can’t win. Mark 10:29, 30","Mark 10:29, 30",Bobby Laymon,Bearing up under Persecution ,57,joshlaymon,,5/5/2025
"“Good-things sandwich.” houses, brothers, sisters, mothers, children, and fields, with persecutions, ","One of my favorite Scriptures at Mark 10:29, 30. Not all blessings are future. “Good-things sandwich.”  (Mark 10:29, 30) .  . . Jesus said: “Truly I say to you, no one has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields for my sake and for the sake of the good news 30 who will not get 100 times more now in this period of time—“Good-things sandwich.” houses, brothers, sisters, mothers, children, and fields, with persecutions—and in the coming system of things, everlasting life.","Did you see how Jesus just sneaked persecution into his sandwich? Was it a mistake?  An accident? Jesus never made a mistake. What was Jesus’ attitude toward persecution? Jesus knows more about persecution than anyone on earth. (Read Matthew 5:11, 12) . . . “Happy are you when people reproach you and persecute you and lyingly say every sort of wicked thing against you for my sake. 12 Rejoice and be overjoyed, since your reward is great in the heavens, for in that way they persecuted the prophets prior to you. Do you suppose that attitude helped him when faced with death on the stake? Jesus saw the “silver lining.” The removal of all sin, suffering and death. Did you notice what he said (verse 12) about prophets, like Isaiah and Jeremiah. In other words, you are in the very best of company. The apostle Paul knew about persecution. ","Matthew 5:11, 12, ",Bobby Laymon,Bearing up under Persecution ,57,joshlaymon,,5/5/2025
"Brother Dennis Christensen, assignment from Jehovah, sadness and discouragement, joyful, ","Brother Dennis Christensen said, “I view my time in prison as my assignment from Jehovah. I decided right away that sadness and discouragement was not for me.  He wanted to talk about the Bible, about Jesus, about the Kingdom, and Jehovah.  He remained joyful. Other noticed his constant smiling. He would tell them he was remembering something good.  ","Many thousands right now in some countries like: Russia; Ukraine; Eritrea, Turkmenabad; Azerbaijan; North Korea; South Korea; Turkmenistan; others. Brothers and sisters are always smiling. Not just poising, but happy.","Matthew 5:11, 12, ",Bobby Laymon,Bearing up under Persecution ,57,joshlaymon,,5/5/2025
"Brother Dennis Christensen, assignment from Jehovah, sadness and discouragement, joyful, ","A member of the prison staff said to me. “Dennis, I can see that you are very joyful.” I said, “Yes, I’ll be free soon. All my thoughts are there right now. I’m not here, I’m already out there.” ","He said to me, “Look Christensen, You have never been here. You have always been on the outside. You will always be free; you have always been joyful and happy.”",Romans 8:35;,Bobby Laymon,Bearing up under Persecution ,57,joshlaymon,,5/5/2025
"Persecution may perplex us momentarily, let it rain, ","Have you ever been caught in the rain?  It's the first shower that gets you cold and wet.  It's shocking! But you adjust to it. Persecution may perplex us momentarily, but Jehovah will always show his faithful servants “the way out.”","Persecution can overwhelm us at first. (1 Corinthians 10:13)  No temptation has come upon you except what is common to men. But God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear, but along with the temptation he will also make the way out so that you may be able to endure it. Cautions: Don’t try to stop the persecution. As the poet said: ""The best thing to do when it is raining, let it rain.""",1 Corinthians 10:13,Bobby Laymon,Bearing up under Persecution ,57,joshlaymon,,5/5/2025
"What is our assignment. Obedience: Simple instructions: Inner rooms, shut doors, Hide, Obey, ","What is our assignment. Obedience: Simple instructions: (Isaiah 26:20) . . .Go, my people, enter your inner rooms, And shut your doors behind you. Hide yourself for a brief moment Until the wrath has passed by.","“All of God’s faithful servants, in heaven and on earth, will be safe during that time.” (Feb 2024 Watchtower) All of us must be ready to obey any instructions we may receive, whether these appear sound from a human standpoint or not. Most deliverances did not make sense from a human standpoint. Red sea, 185,000 killed in one night.",Isaiah 26:20,Bobby Laymon,Bearing up under Persecution ,57,joshlaymon,,5/5/2025
"Jehovah's organization, Snowflake, delicate, fragile, stick together, happy God, ","A snowflake is one of the most delicate and fragile objects in the world, but look what they do when they stick together. We are serving with Jehovah's organization of united Kingdom workers.","Think of the strength in being united. Just a few inches will stop traffic. A few feet will stop about anything. Jehovah's people although insignificant, are like that.  Ultimate weapon. Jehovah is a God who loves unity. We appreciate unity also. Jehovah is a happy God, not a hermit God  Read 1 Timothy 1:11 according to the glorious good 	news of the happy God, with which I was entrusted.",1 Timothy 1:11,Bobby Laymon,Serving With Jehovah's Unified Organization.,03,joshlaymon,,5/5/2025
"Tornados here in the Ozarks, huddling together, storms ","Sometimes see pictures of families huddling together, during times of storms such as Hugo or Katrina.  Or tornados here in the Ozarks.  ",The true beauty of a united family - provides protection from storms of life.  Coffee mugs: “World’s Greatest Dad.”,1 Timothy 1:11,Bobby Laymon,Serving With Jehovah's Unified Organization.,03,joshlaymon,,5/5/2025
"Tornados here in the Ozarks, huddling together, storms, Playful animals, creation, ","Jehovah is more than a God of order. He is also ""the happy God."" His happiness is seen in his creations. ","Playful animals, beautiful sunsets, appetizing food, inspiring music, stimulating work, show that he intended for us to enjoy life.  ",1 Timothy 1:11,Bobby Laymon,Serving With Jehovah's Unified Organization.,03,joshlaymon,,5/5/2025
"Family gathering  100 million; United, unified family, ","Family gathering  100 million; spend 1/2 hour with each one would take almost 6,000 years.   No doubt that he has spent time with them.   ","Together they make up a congenial, unified family.  Would you like to have a father like that?  ",1 Timothy 1:11,Bobby Laymon,Serving With Jehovah's Unified Organization.,03,joshlaymon,,5/5/2025
" “Happy wife, happy life, Happy Family, Marriage, ","What’s the saying?  “Happy wife, happy life.  Jehovah wants all in his family to be happy.  To work together in true unity. Good wife is loyal, submissive, industrious, watches and feeds children.		","His wife-like organization brings forth children  Read Isaiah 54:1, 5, 6, While Jehovah is the Father, his ""wife"" is the mother, (Galatians 4:26) But the Jerusalem above is free, and she is our mother. 	Genuine happiness involves being in full harmony with Father and mother. (Proverbs 1:8  Listen, my son, to the discipline of your father, and do not forsake the law of your mother. Children who rebel, reject Jehovah as Father and his wife like organization as 	mother. Some are like runaways - didn't respect head ship - despised mother","Isaiah 54:1, 5, 6 ",Bobby Laymon,Serving With Jehovah's Unified Organization.,03,joshlaymon,,5/5/2025
"Children who rebel, wife like organization, runaways, Satan, age-old enmity’, hatred,runaways","Children who rebel, reject Jehovah as Father and his wife like organization as mother. They are like runaways - didn't respect head ship - despised mother. Might be likened to a single snowflake.  Isolated and in danger.	",Satan and his seed are rebels are like that. They have set up own organization. Read John 8: 44 They have lied from the beginning. This is more than hatred!  It is enmity - everlasting hatred.  ‘age-old enmity’, John 8: 44,Bobby Laymon,Serving With Jehovah's Unified Organization.,03,joshlaymon,,5/6/2025
"Have you ever made snowballs? United Family, strengthen, Family Business. Fruit, ","Have you ever made snowballs?  Maybe added something to strengthen them.  Jehovah has strengthened the unity of the organization by Holy spirit. As part of Jehovah's family, we are expected to work in the Family Business.","What is that business?  It is to produce fruit. Both the anointed and ""other sheep"" work together in this business. 1 Corinthians 12:14-18",1 Corinthians 12:14-18,Bobby Laymon,Serving With Jehovah's Unified Organization.,03,joshlaymon,,5/6/2025
"Uniform, Conform, look alike, walk alike, stand alike,","(Military)  They want all to look alike, walk alike, stand alike, and whistle and sing alike. Jehovah is not like that!		","To unify means to consolidate, to bring into harmony those of a variety of personalities.  Beautiful - like autumn leaves. The Bible likens it to a well-coordinated human body  1 Corinthians 12:14-18",1 Corinthians 12:14-18,Bobby Laymon,Serving With Jehovah's Unified Organization.,03,joshlaymon,,5/6/2025
"Uniform, Conform, look alike, walk alike, stand alike, Hit thumb, ","You hit your thumb with a hammer.  The mouth doesn't say, ""you stupid thumb"" but it come to your protection.  You may even put your thumb in your mouth.  Apply to congregation.",Apply to congregation.,1 Corinthians 12:14-18,Bobby Laymon,Serving With Jehovah's Unified Organization.,03,joshlaymon,,5/6/2025
"snowflakes, Unity, stick together","Have you thought about when Jehovah sends his army of snowflakes?  It is said that no two snowflakes are alike, yet they stick together in unity.  ",Jehovah’s people are like that. Micah 2:12; ,Micah 2:12; ,Bobby Laymon,Serving With Jehovah's Unified Organization.,03,joshlaymon,,5/6/2025
"Wife's patience, kindness, tactfulness, gentleness, skills, Different, ","A Husband sees his Wife's patience, kindness, tactfulness, gentleness. It rubs off on him. A wife may copy her husband's determination, steadiness, and organizational skills.  (work together - like helping make-up bed)If it works at home it will work in the congregation. Unity, ","If it works at home it will work in the congregation. Unity, ",Micah 2:12; ,Bobby Laymon,Serving With Jehovah's Unified Organization.,03,joshlaymon,,5/6/2025
"Argument in the tool shop, Hammer, Auger, screw, plane, ruler, sandpaper, saw, level, find fault, ","Argument in the tool shop.  Hammer was told to leave as he was too noisy and he let everything go to his head.  ""If I go, auger must go, he's insignificant... makes a little impression and always boring.""  The auger said: ""If I go, screw must go too. You have to turn him around to get anywhere The screw said: ""If I leave plane must leave also.. Why? All his work is on the surface... No depth.  The plane said: "" ruler must go too. He's always measuring others.  What about the sandpaper? He's rougher than he ought to be, always rubbing people the wrong way.  Then there was the saw... Always cutting people with his many teeth. The saw said he didn't do this all the time, it was only when someone was pushing him.  The level was very hard to please. Always judging the others work, either too high or too low.  The hatchet was criticized the most. One would start at the top and wouldn't quit until the wood was down to nothing. The light always tried to outshine other.  Then the carpenter, came in, took all the tools and made a beautiful piece of furniture.  How careful we should be, not to find fault with any of Jehovah's tools.","Then the carpenter, came in, took all the tools and made a beautiful piece of furniture.  How careful we should be, not to find fault with any of Jehovah's tools.",Matthew 18:15;,Bobby Laymon,Serving With Jehovah's Unified Organization.,03,joshlaymon,,5/6/2025
"Adam sold us out, World’s Greatest Dad, Orphans, ","Technically speaking, the human race are like orphans.  Adam sold us out, from the happiest family in the universe.  Jehovah has made a provision for adopting us back as his children.  World’s Greatest Dad.","If you want to adopt: Would not go to Walmart;  Adoption Agency; Jesus Christ, the Ransomer, is the one means of human restoration Read Matthew 20:28; As if by one stroke, we became castaways or orphans. Jehovah can reverse that.  ",Matthew 20:28,Bobby Laymon,Serving With Jehovah's Unified Organization.,03,joshlaymon,,5/6/2025
"Postage stamp, Cancel, one stroke, condemnation, justification, ","Like a mark through a postage stamp, with one stroke Jehovah can invalidate and cancel Satan's scheme against further use.  He will!  ","Read Romans 5:18 So, then, as through one trespass the result to men of all sorts was condemnation, likewise also through one act of justification the result to men of all sorts is a declaring of them righteous for life.",Romans 5:18,Bobby Laymon,Serving With Jehovah's Unified Organization.,03,joshlaymon,,5/6/2025
"Sheep do not drink from running water, Shepherd, 144,000, heaven, earth, ","It is said that sheep do not drink from running water.  Shepherd cups his hands and stops the water for his sheep.  Sometimes we see water fly by, but are unable to grasp it.  ","Then a full-fledged article comes out.  Faithful slave cups hands, lovingly supplies food and drink. Ephesians 1:9-10 Christ’s 144,000 are the “things in the heavens.” Next step is to bring into unity a prospective earthly class, ""the  things on 	the earth""  ""Other sheep"" are brought into one flock with anointed one (Joh 10:16)  ","Ephesians 1:9-10, John 10:16",Bobby Laymon,Serving With Jehovah's Unified Organization.,03,joshlaymon,,5/6/2025
"Little girl, skinned knee; cleansed the wound. ","Little girl, skinned knee;  Her father took her to a shady tree, sat her on his knee, and cleansed the wound.  Then he took his large hands and gently wiped her tears away.  She is happy because she is loved.  ","But ... who is going to wipe the tears from the father's eyes? READ   (Revelation 7:16,17)  I think I would like a father like that!  What about you? PAAAAUUUUSSSSSSEEEE","Revelation 7:16,17",Bobby Laymon,Serving With Jehovah's Unified Organization.,03,joshlaymon,,5/6/2025
"Apostates, like DDT.  Drop Dead Twice. Blasphemers.","Some say they don't believe in organized religion, so they join a disorganized religion. Those who adopt such viewpoints are like Satan   Blasphemers. They break away from the Father, Jehovah. 1 Timothy 1:19,20 ","Apostates are like DDT.  Drop Dead Twice. These ones are dangerous.  They keep on killing. By rejecting Jehovah's organization, such ones are rejecting the protection of the Fine Shepherd, who has but ""one flock"" (Joh 10:16) Such persons emphasize personal salvation, not the vindication of Jehovah  ","1 Timothy 1:19,20 ",Bobby Laymon,Serving With Jehovah's Unified Organization.,03,joshlaymon,,5/6/2025
"Congregation, sawmill accident, Meetings, Organized, survive, ","A brother who lost his thumb in a sawmill accident observed: ""I learned to live without my thumb, however, my thumb could not live without me.  We never found it.""  It was probably hauled off and used as horse litter as the sawdust was. ","That's how it is with the congregation.  It can survive without us, however, we cannot live without the congregation.Need to assemble at congregation meetings regularly (Heb 10:23-25)  We are in Jehovah's house.  We must observe house rules. Must be organized.  Helps us to x-ray in on this thought.  Assembly regularly.  ",Heb 10:23-25,Bobby Laymon,Serving With Jehovah's Unified Organization.,03,joshlaymon,,5/6/2025
"Sometimes we just pretend to throw. Prayers, ","Sometimes we just pretend to throw.  We do not really let go.  That can get old pretty quick.  We can do that in our prayers.  We must have confidence and let go, and leave it in the capable hands of our loving father. Ps. 55:22  ",Also need to strengthen our relationship with Jehovah through prayer  ,Ps. 55:22 ,Bobby Laymon,Serving With Jehovah's Unified Organization.,03,joshlaymon,,5/6/2025
"Brother Roy Ryan, making cheese, ","Brother Roy Ryan worked for 30 years making cheese and then got a new job assignment.  ""It didn't bother me because I didn't like making cheese anyway.""  ","WE ARE A FAMILY!  It does not matter where you serve, but who you serve.  You don’t have to do what you love in order to love what you do!  Psalm 23:6;",Psalm 23:6;,Bobby Laymon,Serving With Jehovah's Unified Organization.,03,joshlaymon,,5/6/2025
"Jehovah's unified organization or family. Forever, Changes, New earth, ","The early settlers going West saw what appeared to be clouds on the horizon.  As they got closer, they saw they were mountains, then they saw trees.  ","As we get closer to the new world the outlines of the Beautiful New World becomes clearer.  This requires ""happy adjustments"" to widen fields of knowledge.  We won't mind because we will be part of Jehovah's unified organization or family. Psalm 37:29 ",Psalm 37:29 ,Bobby Laymon,Serving With Jehovah's Unified Organization.,03,joshlaymon,,5/6/2025
"It’s a different world! Scene, Changing, Disaster, Vigilant, 	","Can you imagine this? You’re watching the weather; suddenly sirens start wailing.  The newscaster says, “A tornado is on the ground.” Folks, this is the real thing. Take shelter now!  You say, “What’s that roar?  There’s no trains here! The next few minutes are like a lifetime, then the roaring stops.  What now?  ",You step outside and you can’t believe it.  There’s no buildings; no homes; no trees; no city.  It’s a different world!  The scene of the world has changed in 5 minutes and 20 seconds.  It’s a change you will never forget.(1 Corinthians 7:31) . . .and those making use of the world as those not using it to the full; for the scene of this world is changing.,1 Corinthians 7:31,Bobby Laymon,The Scene of this World is Changing. ,98,joshlaymon,,5/7/2025
"It’s a different world! Scene, Changing, Disaster, Vigilant, Stage, performers, 	","(1 Corinthians 7:31) . . .and those making use of the world as those not using it to the full; for the scene of this world is changing. When Paul made that statement, he was comparing the world to a stage. The performers on that stage—political, religious, and cultural icons—make their appearance, play their respective roles, and then leave the stage to others. ","This has gone on for centuries. In times past, a dynasty might rule for centuries—and changes were slow. Not so today, when the course of history can shift in the time it takes for an assassin’s bullet to find its mark! Yes, in these turbulent times, we do not know what tomorrow will bring.",1 Corinthians 7:31,Bobby Laymon,The Scene of this World is Changing. ,98,joshlaymon,,5/7/2025
"History of 1914, Scene, world, changing, ","We are going to look at past history of 1914. The past is important. A famous Philosopher said,  'Those who do not remember the past, are condemned to relive it.'  Jehovah wants us to remember what happened because he had it recorded in His Word.  It fits chronology. Prophecy.				 ",Jehovah wants us to remember what happened because he had it recorded in His Word.  It fits chronology. Prophecy.,1 Corinthians 7:31,Bobby Laymon,The Scene of this World is Changing. ,98,joshlaymon,,5/7/2025
"History of 1914, Scene, world, changing, Honesty, Values changed, “Who can we can trust?” ","In his book The Generation of 1914, Robert Wohl observes: “Those who lived through the war could never rid themselves of the belief that one world had ended, and another begun in August 1914.” This resulted in anxiety and stress at levels never seen before in mankind’s history.” Have you felt that stress and anxiety?","Has “the scene of this world” really changed so much since 1914? One thing that disappeared was trust.  Honesty.Values changed, leaving us to wonder, “Who can we can trust?” There is one we can trust in. Jehovah does not change.  His promises and standards are reliable and unchangeable. We can trust everything he has promised.",1 Corinthians 7:31,Bobby Laymon,The Scene of this World is Changing. ,98,joshlaymon,,5/7/2025
"History of 1914, Scene, world, changing, Honesty, Values changed, “Who can we can trust?” ","Would you trust a merchant who uses two sets of weights, only one of which is truthful? Certainly not. Read (Leviticus 19:35, 36) . . .“‘You must not use dishonest standards in measuring length, weight, or volume. 36 You should use accurate scales, accurate weights, an accurate dry measure, and an accurate liquid measure. 		","Obeying that command brought the Israelites God’s favor as well as many material benefits because they were trustworthy. Likewise, obedience to Jehovah’s ageless principles, not only in weights and measures but in all areas of life, brings blessings for the worshiper who trusts in him. Some leaders have acknowledge “Jehovah’s Witnesses are the most honest people in 	our country.","Leviticus 19:35, 36",Bobby Laymon,The Scene of this World is Changing. ,98,joshlaymon,,5/7/2025
"History of 1914, Scene, world, changing, Honesty, Values changed, “Who can we can trust?” ","(Revelation 12:12a) Regarding what happened in heaven, we read: “On this account be glad, you heavens and you who reside in them!” Yes, the faithful angels in heaven rejoice because, with Satan and his demons gone, everyone in heaven is faithful to Jehovah God. There is complete, unbroken peace and harmony there.  ","Satan can now give his full attention to the earth.  Satan is angry about being cast out of heaven; He is angry because he has a short time left. Like a tenant that has been evicted from his home.  He destroys everything he can. The world changed for the worse. Historian Barbara Tuchman observes: “The Great War of 1914-18 lies like a band of scorched earth dividing that time from ours,” ",Revelation 12:12a,Bobby Laymon,The Scene of this World is Changing. ,98,joshlaymon,,5/7/2025
"History of 1914, Scene, world, Villain, Who can we can trust?” Satan the Devil, ","As in most stage productions there is a ‘Villain.’ Who would that be?  (Revelation 12:7, 9) . . .And war broke out in heaven: Miʹcha·el and his angels battled with the dragon, and the dragon and its angels battled  9 So down the great dragon was (Whoow) hurled, the original serpent, the one called Devil and Satan, who is misleading the entire inhabited earth; he was hurled down to the earth, and his angels were hurled down with him. 	",The villain behind the scenes is none other than Satan the Devil. The greatest villain of all times. This happened right on time with Bible chronology. Bible students had foretold for 40 years a great change in 1914.,"Revelation 12:7, 9",Bobby Laymon,The Scene of this World is Changing. ,98,joshlaymon,,5/7/2025
"History of 1914, Scene, world, Villain, Who can we can trust?” Satan the Devil, Sign, ",The villain behind the scenes is none other than Satan the Devil. The greatest villain of all times. This happened right on time with Bible chronology. Bible students had foretold for 40 years a great change in 1914. It was also a signal. Turn to Luke chapter 21:10. ,"(What if you said, I’m going out and come back invisible) “How will we know?” (Turn lights on and off 3 times and place chair on table) Jesus was going to return invisible and his disciples asked for a sign. (Luke 21:10, 11) . . .Then he said to them: “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. 11 There will be great earthquakes, and in one place after another food shortages and pestilences; and there will be fearful sights and from heaven great signs.","Luke 21:10, 11",Bobby Laymon,The Scene of this World is Changing. ,98,joshlaymon,,5/7/2025
"History of 1914, Scene, world, Villain, Who can we can trust?” Satan the Devil, Sign, ","British statesman, Harold Macmillan said, 'Everything would get better and better.  This was the world I was born in ... suddenly, unexpectedly, one morning in 1914 the whole thing came to an end.' The New York Times, Nov 23, 1980","It was the end of an age.  In 1913 the future looked bright and clear. We have seen the ride of the four horsemen, proving…	Jehovah’s Word is trustworthy.","Luke 21:10, 11",Bobby Laymon,The Scene of this World is Changing. ,,joshlaymon,,5/7/2025
"History of 1914, Scene, world, Villain, Who can we can trust?” Satan the Devil, Sign, ","Imagine you pick up a piece of artificial fruit.  It looks like the real thing.  However, it is light and hollow, and without substance.  It is manmade. Real fruit is a creation of Jehovah and has real food value.  We must not take artificial ‘peace and security’ no matter how tempting it sounds.","You’ve heard of Jehovah’s Day. Here it is: (1 Thessalonians 5:1-3) . . .Now as for the times and the seasons, brothers, you need nothing to be written to you. 2 For you yourselves know very well that Jehovah’s day is coming exactly as a thief in the night. 3 Whenever it is that they are saying, “Peace and security!” then sudden destruction is to be instantly on them, just like birth pains on a pregnant woman, and they will by no means escape.**In this letter Paul mentions “Jehovah’s day,” which will begin with the attack on “Babylon the Great.” However, just before Jehovah’s day begins, nations will be saying, “Peace and security!” This expression may refer to one pronouncement or to a series of notable statements. It is written in ‘concrete’ and like ‘birth pains’ cannot be stopped. Verse 6 tells us we need to “stay awake and keep our senses.” It will be a tricky time. Consider this: After W.W.I nations wanted peace. The League of Nations was formed to bring peace. It failed. After WW1 the United Nations was a popular hope of peace to the earth. It failed. This cry of ‘Peace and Security’ will also fail. 		",1 Thessalonians 5:1-3,Bobby Laymon,The Scene of this World is Changing. ,98,joshlaymon,,5/7/2025
"History of 1914, Scene, world, Villain, Who can we can trust?” Satan the Devil, Sign, Armageddon, ","It is “exit time” for the world leaders.  They have played their part. (Daniel 2:44) . . .“In the days of those kings the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that will never be destroyed. And this kingdom will not be passed on to any other people. It will crush and put an end to all these kingdoms, and it alone will stand forever, (Daniel 2:35) . .  and the wind carried them away so that not a trace of them could be found. ",The day of Jehovah will conclude in the war of Armageddon. They are facing Armageddon. (Revelation 16:16)  And they gathered them together to the place that is called in Hebrew Armageddon.		,Daniel 2:44; Daniel 2:35,Bobby Laymon,The Scene of this World is Changing. ,98,joshlaymon,,5/7/2025
"“Imitate The Father of Tender Mercies” pardoning of error, kind consideration,  compassion, sympathy, or pity","The Pharisees in Jesus day did not know the meaning of Mercy.  Jesus told them, “Go, then, and learn what this means: ‘I want mercy, and not sacrifice.’” An expression of kind consideration or pity that brings relief to those who are disadvantaged; tender compassion; also, at times, a lightening of judgment or punishment. ","Mercy is at times associated with the pardoning of error, but more often it refers to expressions of kind consideration toward those in need (Psalm 103:3, 4)  He forgives all your errors And heals all your ailments; He reclaims your life from the pit And crowns you with his loyal love and mercy. The examples of Jehovah God and Jesus Christ show that mercy has two components: feelings of compassion, sympathy, or pity toward the disadvantaged; and action that brings relief to the recipient. Being merciful requires both elements. ","Psalm 103:3, 4",Bobby Laymon,“Imitate The Father of Tender Mercies”,07,joshlaymon,,5/7/2025
"“Imitate The Father of Tender Mercies” pardoning of error, kind consideration,  compassion, sympathy, or pity","Here was a man traveling alone on a dangerous road.  He was robbed, beaten, stripped of his clothes and left for dead. His situation seemed hopeless.  However, someone came along.  Someone who could help him, and surely would.  He was a Priest. In pain he probably tried to call out, but the man just crossed the road.  Then another person appeared.  He was a Levite, a man of God.  Surely he would help.  He too, crosses the road. (Luke 10:29-37) ","Next, another person appears: A Samaritan. Although animosity existed between Samaritans and Jews, the Samaritan man in the parable felt pity for a man who had been robbed, beaten, and left half-dead on the road. Kindness moved the Samaritan to action. He treated the man’s wounds, carried him to his donkey; took him to an inn. He personally covered the cost.",Luke 10:29-37,Bobby Laymon,“Imitate The Father of Tender Mercies”,07,joshlaymon,,5/8/2025
"“Imitate The Father of Tender Mercies” pardoning of error, kind consideration,  compassion, sympathy, or pity",The Samaritan carries him to his donkey and takes care of him.  Now think of this:  Did the Priest not have any sympathy of the man? He was a fellow human.  Maybe he did but did not show it.  What about the Levite?  Did he not feel something?  He was a human with feelings. ,He didn’t show it. Remember: Mercy is shown by 1. Feelings of tender compassion and 2. Actions. (Luke 10:29-37) ,Luke 10:29-37,Bobby Laymon,“Imitate The Father of Tender Mercies”,07,joshlaymon,,5/8/2025
"Jehovah's tender feelings, newborn child, impartial","(Isaiah 49:15) . . .Can a woman forget her nursing child Or have no compassion for the son of her womb? Even if these women forget, I would never forget you. Jehovah's tender feelings for those in need are like those of a mother for her newborn child. His mercy is impartial.Such a compassionate God surely deserves our worship and praise.		","Such a compassionate God surely deserves our worship and praise. God’s “tender mercies” move him to act.  Knowing this aspect of God’s personality makes us want to draw close to him, does it not? Do you think this man’s experience made him more merciful to others?",Isaiah 49:15,Bobby Laymon,“Imitate The Father of Tender Mercies”,07,joshlaymon,,5/8/2025
" justice, Mercy, blindfolded woman, sword and a pair of scales. ","In some parts of the world, justice is often portrayed as a blindfolded woman holding a sword and a pair of scales. Human justice is supposed to be impartial, that is, blind to wealth or influence. "," It should  carefully weigh in the scales the guilt or innocence of the accused.  With its sword, justice should protect the innocent and punish wrongdoers. (Hosea 1:7) ",Hosea 1:7 ,Bobby Laymon,“Imitate The Father of Tender Mercies”,07,joshlaymon,,5/8/2025
" justice, Mercy, blindfolded woman, sword and a pair of scales. fires, glowing coals.","In Israelite homes, fires were often just glowing coals. It was possible to ‘stir them up’ to produce flames and more heat. ","Thus, we are encouraged to put our heart and energy into our assignments, stirring up like a fire whatever spiritual gift we have been entrusted with.  Paul reminded Timothy ‘to stir up like a fire the gift [khaʹri·sma] of God which was in him,’ which in Timothy’s case involved some special gift of the spirit. (2 Timothy 1:6) . . .For this reason, I remind you to stir up like a fire the gift of God that is in you through the laying of my hands on you.",2 Timothy 1:6),Bobby Laymon,“Imitate The Father of Tender Mercies”,07,joshlaymon,,5/8/2025
"""Nothing, I just helped him cry."" Weep, four-year-old boy, Rejoice, comfort, death, ","The story is told of a four-year-old boy whose next-door neighbor was an elderly gentleman and had recently lost his wife. Upon seeing the man cry, the little boy went into the old gentleman's yard, climbed onto his lap, and just sat there. ","When his mother asked him what he said to the neighbor, the little boy said, ""Nothing, I just helped him cry."" Sometimes that is all we need to do when people are going thru difficult times. Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep. (Romans 12:15) ","Romans 12:15,",Bobby Laymon,“Imitate The Father of Tender Mercies”,07,joshlaymon,,5/9/2025
"Friendship, God and Neighbor, ","Here we are in Springfield, Missouri.  Want to visit some friends: But where? You feel adventurous.  You take a world map, close your eyes and a stick-pin. You know you could walk out of here, get a ride to the airport. At the airport you catch a large plane to New York. At New York you could catch another plane to Lagos, Nigeria. At Lagos, you get a much smaller plane to the capital of Chad, a country right in the middle of Africa. ","At the capitol of Chad, N'djamena, you hire a jeep and drive to a remote village where there was a congregation of JWs, locate the home of a Witness, walk up and say ""Hi, I'm one of Jehovah's Witnesses!"" and what do you think would happen?  You'd be welcomed, invited in, you could talk about Jehovah and his purposes, you could go to their meetings, with them, and you could even accompany them in field service.  That is a TRUE FRIEND!  How many believe that could really happen?  What makes it possible?  Our friendship with Jehovah!(1 Corinthians 13:8) Love never fails. ",1 Corinthians 13:8,Bobby Laymon ,True Friendship with God and Neighbor. ,100,joshlaymon,,5/9/2025
"Word “friendship” is overused. Jehovah's Friend, A friend in need is a friend indeed!","Word “friendship” is overused.  Fly friendly skies; friendly pharmacy; friendly Ford; even friendly fire.  One of the greatest privileges in life is being Jehovah's Friend, and it opens up a whole new world for us.","Friend and an acquaintance are not the same. As regards trust, affection, respect, and loyalty, friendship goes deeper and demands a higher degree of responsibility. Foundation of all true friendships is genuine love, which is an enduring quality. (1 Corinthians 13:8) Love never fails. Acting in love, a true friend is there for you in times of distress and gives counsel in faithfulness (A friend in need is a friend indeed!) ",1 Corinthians 13:8,Bobby Laymon ,True Friendship with God and Neighbor. ,100,joshlaymon,,5/9/2025
"Word “friendship” is overused. Jehovah's Friend, A friend in need is a friend indeed! Oprah Winfrey, ","'Lots of people want to ride with you in the limo, but what you need is someone who will take the bus with you when the limo breaks down.'  Quote: Oprah Winfrey, talk show host.","Thus, friendship with Jehovah, or with his Son, is not available on a no-	strings-attached basis; (consensual marriage, paperless, sawmill) 	It is dependent on our living up to the conditions for friendship. Real friendship requires commitment. Proverbs 17:17 A true companion is loving all the time, and is a brother that is born for 	when there is distress.",Proverbs 17:17,Bobby Laymon ,True Friendship with God and Neighbor.  ,100,joshlaymon,,5/9/2025
"Jehovah's Friend, love is blind, friendship could be said to close its eyes. ","It may be said that love is blind, friendship could be said to close its eyes.  Jesus knew Peter would be impetuous, rash, and deny him 3 times. Jesus knew James & John would be strong-willed, sons of thunder. Knew Thomas would be skeptical. ","We might say, the best vitamin for friendship is B-1, Thus, friendship with Jehovah, or with his Son, is not available on a no-strings-attached basis; (consensual marriage, paperless, sawmill) 	It is dependent on our living up to the conditions for friendship. Real friendship requires commitment. Proverbs 17:17 A true companion is loving all the time, and is a brother that is born for when there is distress. (Luke 22:28-30) “However, YOU are the ones that have stuck with me in my trials; 29 and I make a covenant with YOU, just as my Father has made a covenant with me, for a kingdom, 30 that YOU may eat and drink at my table in my kingdom, and sit on thrones to judge the twelve tribes of Israel.		","Proverbs 17:17, John 15:11-15 ",Bobby Laymon ,True Friendship with God and Neighbor.  ,100,joshlaymon,,5/9/2025
"Imaginary friend, Christendom has an imaginary friend, Faith is required; ","Did you ever have an imaginary friend or maybe you knew someone else who did.  What's the difference between an imaginary friend and a real friend?   Well,  You can control an imaginary friend.   With an imaginary friend, you can make them do anything you want.  ","Christendom has an imaginary friend in God.  They can get him to bless a football team or go to the Super bowl, or they can get him to bless an army so they can win a war.  Approve of things like homosexuality and premarital sex.  We do not automatically become a friend of God simply because he is our Creator. Faith is required; we must believe that God is, and we must seek his friend ship. Hebrews 11:6 Moreover, without faith it is impossible to please [him] well, for he that approaches	 God must believe that he is and that he becomes the rewarder of those earnestly seeking him. James 2:21-23",James 2:21-23; Hebrews 11:6 ,Bobby Laymon ,True Friendship with God and Neighbor.   ,100,joshlaymon,,5/9/2025
"We had a new Circuit Overseer. suddenly depressed. Help strangers, ","True story.  We had a new Circuit Overseer.  Several brothers along with him were taking a coffee break.  We noticed he was suddenly depressed. We asked.  He had just learned his son who was serving in a foreign country had his transmission quit. The brothers began to give him money.  He wrote the nicest note.  When you help my son, you automatically are loved by my wife and me. "," I thought of how that apples to Jehovah.  When we help his children we automatically become loved and friends of Jehovah. Friendship means doing more than just acting friendly. Must be genuine and have best interests of others at heart. Follow Paul's counsel (Galatians 6:9,10) let us work what is good toward all, but especially toward those related to us in the faith. Take initiative in offering proof of friendship. (1 John 4:19) As for us, we love, because he first loved us.","Galatians 6:9,10; 1 John 4:19",Bobby Laymon ,True Friendship with God and Neighbor.   ,100,joshlaymon,,5/9/2025
"Brothers are like nuts: Friends, ","Brothers are like nuts: some are like pecans, easy to get into and understand; others like walnuts, harder, but worth the effort. Others are like hickory nuts, you have to keep after them to really understand them, but can eventually see the good, and learn to be their friends.	","Be honest with friend who needs to hear truth, and do not resent friend who speaks truth (Galatians 4:16) Well, then, have I become YOUR enemy 	because I tell YOU the truth? ",Galatians 4:16,Bobby Laymon ,True Friendship with God and Neighbor.   ,100,joshlaymon,,5/9/2025
 Why Would a Loving God Permit Wickedness? mass grave surrounded by markers.,"AFTER a terrible battle in one war-torn land, the thousands of civilian women and children who had been killed were buried in a mass grave surrounded by markers. Each marker bore this inscription: “Why?” Sometimes that is the most painful question of all. ","People ask it sadly when war, disaster, disease, or crime takes their innocent loved ones, destroys their home, or brings them untold suffering in other ways. They want to know why such tragedies happen.	Would it be wrong to even ask God about that?  Let us see. Even faithful servants of God pondered that question Read Habakkuk 1:3 ",Habakkuk 1:3 ,Bobby Laymon , Why Would a Loving God Permit Wickedness?,187,joshlaymon,,5/9/2025
,"Jesus Christ has been appointed as Ruler in Jehovah's Kingdom. Jehovah's executioner. Imagine an exterminator coming into a filthy restaurant at 3:00 AM and flipping on the lights. What would he see. Not just bugs and critters scurrying away, but the conditions that brought them. His work would be cut out for him.","Jesus Christ has been appointed as Ruler in Jehovah's Kingdom. Jehovah's executioner.  In like manner, Jesus knows what his work is. Darkness and light are not compatible. When the sun comes up, the darkness and everything associated with darkness… flees. When Jesus comes in the fullest sense, many things will have to go. Read Psalm 37:10, 11","Psalm 37:10, 11",Bobby Laymon , Why Would a Loving God Permit Wickedness?,187,joshlaymon,,5/9/2025
"When things get back to normal, ","Have you ever said, ""Well, when things get back to normal I am going to...What is normal? According to Jehovah God, Normal is living without ever getting sick, Normal is living without ever getting old, Normal is living without ever worrying about your children, without ever being afraid. ","We don't know what NORMAL is. So why devote so much of our time to living a normal life when it just isn’t possible? Why not devote your life to Jehovah? So, let's not get excessively involved in the normal pursuits of this world. Granted, no human or man-made organization can bring about such conditions. But God has promised to do away with all causes of human suffering. How comforting to know that all suffering will soon end! The patience of our loving God means salvation for “the meek” (Ps 149:4; Jer. 29:11, 12; 2 Pe 3:9) ","Ps 149:4; Jer. 29:11, 12; 2 Pe 3:9; Psalms 37:29; ",Bobby Laymon , Why Would a Loving God Permit Wickedness?,187,joshlaymon,,5/9/2025
"""Really living"" This is not the ""REAL LIFE.""  fine foundation for the future,","Young people in the world would tell you your ""really living"" when you can selfishly do what you want, when you get drunk, commit fornication, use drugs. Yet a lot of young people who have ""really lived"" are now ""really sick"", ""really depressed"", ""really dead""! ","This is not the ""REAL LIFE."" We are just practicing now. This is not the real life. 1 Timothy 6:19 says: safely treasuring up for themselves a fine foundation for the future,so that they may get a firm hold on the real life.",1 Timothy 6:19,Bobby Laymon , Why Would a Loving God Permit Wickedness?,187,joshlaymon,,5/9/2025
"Artesian well, These wells never stop flowing-summer-droughts-dry spells, healing, forgetfulness, ","Did you ever see an artesian well? Water comes surging right up out of the ground. You just cap them off and pipe the water where you want it. These wells never stop flowing-summer-droughts-dry spells, winter. Bible truths will keep flowing. Not from the ground but from Jehovah. Keep flowing forever. Spiritual water.","A spring Revelation 22:1, 2;or well that is continually flowing always ready to impart the truth to others. Any damage experienced in this system of things will be reversed Read Isaiah 65:17. For look! I am creating new heavens and a new earth; And the former things will not be called to mind, Nor will they come up into the heart. Healing and forgetfulness in that water.","Revelation 22:1, 2;",Bobby Laymon , Why Would a Loving God Permit Wickedness?,187,joshlaymon,,5/9/2025
"“I’m a Christian.” Separateness from world God’s standards, ","Often when we go from house to house, we might meet someone that says, “I’m a Christian.”  They may have a cigarette in their hands.  Or they may be in an unscriptural marriage or supporting the political parties of the world.  Or the wars of the world.  They may be acting in or condoning a homosexual arrangement. We have talked to persons that say that adultery is fine as long as both parties consent.  ","Yet when we bring out the Bible on the subject of God’s Kingdom they say, “I’m a Christian.”  If they can’t claim they are separate from the world, then they can’t claim they are a Christian.  The two go together. History confirms that early Christians were known for separateness from world God’s standards have not changed;  separateness from world is required for Christians today (James 4:4) Jesus asked Father to watch over his disciples as they strive to maintain Christlike separateness from world (Joh 17:15) True Christians today enjoy God’s guidance and protection, and they benefit themselves and others by remaining separate from world. ",James 4:4; Joh 17:15,Bobby Laymon ,Christian Separateness From the Wortld - Why Beneficial. ,119,joshlaymon,,5/9/2025
"Christians, Different, Herd Mentality, flock, Go anywhere, X-rated movies. no dress code in the world.","A little girl ask her grandfather. Tell me about the time before you and grandma were married, and you touched her leg.  I was touching the fringe on her dress and maybe accidently touched her leg.  She whacked my hand hard. It still hurts.    What’s does the fringe mean? “You just better not do that.”Numbers 15:39;","Here’s the problem in the world. There is a lot of freedom in the world. There is no geographic boundary. Go anywhere you want. Go to nightclubs, dance halls, strip joints, X-rated movies. Places of prostitution. Or one the internet. There is no dress code in the world. Show as much as you want. Go as high as you want or as low as you want. Show more and more flesh. We live in the “bosom age” today.  Show more 	cleavage. Show more legs. Men wearing their pants as tight as possible.  Or as loose and low.",Numbers 15:39;,Bobby Laymon, Why Christians Must Be Different.,123,joshlaymon,,5/9/2025
"Wife separates my clothing, We get spotted-up from the world. ","Edna separates my clothing, because if she didn't my socks would probably bleed onto my shirts.  Things would get dingy and look unclean. ","If we get too close to the world, it is the same way.  Their conduct, actions soon become part of us.  We get spotted-up from the world. That does not mean that we isolate ourselves and become hermits.  (John 17:15, 16) “I do not request that you take them out of the world, but that you watch over them because of the wicked one. 16 They are no part of the world, just as I am no part of the world.","John 17:15, 16; ",Bobby Laymon, Why Christians Must Be Different.,123,joshlaymon,,5/9/2025
"Wife separates my clothing, We get spotted-up from the world. ","We are like a bottle of ink in ocean.  We are in the world, but no part of it. ","If that ink leaked out, how hard would it be to get it back into the bottle? (shake head)  (John 17:15, 16) ","John 17:15, 16; ","Robert Schwarze, Bobby Laymon, ", Why Christians Must Be Different.,123,joshlaymon,,5/9/2025
"The light of the world, 'In a country of the blind, one-eyed men are kings.' Different languages","There is an old saying, 'In a country of the blind, one-eyed men are kings.'  This well describes Jehovah's Witnesses as a whole.  None of us are perfect; none are spiritual giants, yet in the world blinded by Satan, Jehovah is using us as the light of the world.  We stand out! We’re different.","(Matthew 5:14-16) “You are the light of the world. A city cannot be hid when located on a mountain. 15 People light a lamp and set it, not under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it shines on all those in the house. 16 Likewise, let your light shine before men, so that they may see your fine works and give glory to your Father who is in the heavens. Our preaching and disciple-making work is one factor that makes us different. Isn’t it different to show true love to strangers? Different races, different tribes, different countries? Different languages?",Matthew 5:14-16; ,"Bobby Laymon, ", Why Christians Must Be Different.,123,joshlaymon,,5/9/2025
"Pornography, ","“Pornography is a bigger business than professional football, basketball and baseball combined. Yet, no one admits watching it. The New York Times, says, “Porn is the one shows that no one watches but that, miraculously, never closes.”",Adults and married couples might start to view marriage like the world. Throw away. You might even deny Jehovah and your dedication to him. 1 Corinthians 15:33 “Bad associations spoil useful habits.”,1 Corinthians 15:33,"Bobby Laymon, ", Why Christians Must Be Different.,123,joshlaymon,,5/9/2025
"Did you ever play with balloons? helium, separate itself, United, ","Did you ever play with balloons?  Did you ever have a balloon filled with helium?  It will separate itself from the others.  It goes upward.  It is usually protected better than the others.  It doesn't get under your feet.  We don't untie it and let the air out, like the other ones. ","If it gets out, (like ink in the ocean) we know what happens. Likewise, with us!  We are like the balloon filled with helium.  Our thoughts should be upward.  We must separate ourselves from the world.  It is beneficial for us because Jehovah will protect us. (1 Corinthians 10:31) Therefore, whether you are eating or drinking or doing anything else, do all things for God’s glory. ",1 Corinthians 10:31; ,"Bobby Laymon, ", Why Christians Must Be Different.,123,joshlaymon,,5/9/2025
“You’re not hip. You are a square.” around tomorrow.”,"Years ago, when everyone was conforming to every new movement like hippies, beatniks, nonconformists. Someone told a brother, “You’re not hip. You are a square.” A square is something strong, balanced and unmovable.  Honest, “fair and square.” This brother smiled and said, “I may be a square today, but I will be around tomorrow.”","That is much like the scriptures say. (1 John 2:17) Furthermore, the world is passing away and so is its desire, But we are interested in part b of that verse. ""but the one who does the will of God remains forever."" MAY THAT BE OUR HAPPY LOT!",1 John 2:17,"Bobby Laymon, ", Why Christians Must Be Different.,123,joshlaymon,,5/9/2025
"The New Birth—How Important? Born again, Jesus, Nicodemus, ","To illustrate: If someone says, “Unless the sun shines, there cannot be daylight,” he means that sunshine is absolutely necessary for daylight. In a similar manner, Jesus stated that being born again is absolutely necessary for seeing God’s Kingdom.","Note how Jesus in his discussion with Nicodemus underscored the importance of the new birth. He stated: “Unless anyone is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” (John 3:3) The words “unless” and “cannot” highlight the necessity of the new birth. Finally, as if to remove any lingering doubt about the subject, Jesus stated: “You people must be born again.” (John 3:7) Clearly, according to Jesus, being born again is a requirement—a must—for one to “enter into the kingdom of God.”—John 3:5.",John 3:7; John 3:5; ,w09 4/1 p. 5 ,,,joshlaymon,,5/9/2025
"The New Birth—A Personal Decision? Born Again, ","To illustrate this matter of command versus statement of fact, think of a comparison. Picture a city that has several schools. One of them is set aside as a school for students belonging to a native, or indigenous, population living in an area far from that city. One day, a young man who does not belong to that native group tells the principal of that school, “I want to enroll in your school.” The principal tells him, “To enroll, you must be a native.” Of course, the principal’s words are not a command. He is not ordering the student, “Be a native!” The principal simply states the fact—the requirement for attending that school. Similarly, when Jesus said: “You people must be born again,” he was simply stating a fact—the requirement for one to “enter into the kingdom of God.”","A closer look at that phrase in its original language shows that it is not rendered in the imperative mood, or in the form of a command. Rather, the phrase is rendered in the form of a statement. In other words, when Jesus said you must be “born again,” he was stating a fact, not giving a command. He said: “It is necessary for you to be born from above.”—John 3:7, Modern Young’s Literal Translation.",John 3:7; ,w09 4/1 p. 6 ,,,joshlaymon,,5/9/2025
" Is Jesus God? definite article, ","To illustrate, Hewett uses 1 John 1:5, which says: “God is light.” In Greek, “God” is ho the·osʹ and therefore has a definite article. But phos for “light” is not preceded by any article. Hewett points out: “One can always . . . say of God He is characterized by light; one cannot always say of light that it is God.” ","Similar examples are found at John 4:24, “God is a Spirit,” and at 1 John 4:16, “God is love.” In both of these verses, the subjects have definite articles but the predicates, “Spirit” and “love,” do not. So the subjects and predicates are not interchangeable. These verses cannot mean that “Spirit is God” or “love is God.” What, though, if the subject has a definite article but the predicate does not, as in John 1:1? Citing that verse as an example, scholar James Allen Hewett emphasizes: “In such a construction the subject and predicate are not the same, equal, identical, or anything of the sort.”",John 1:1; 1 John 1:5; 1 John 4:16,w09 4/1 p. 19,,,joshlaymon,,5/9/2025
"The Faithful Steward and Its Governing Body, Congregations, Role, Assignment, Elders, ","To illustrate: The Scriptures at times speak of “the congregation” as taking certain action in handling judicial matters. (Matt. 18:17) In real terms, though, it is only the elders who take this action in their capacity as representatives of the congregation. The elders do not contact all members of the congregation to ask their various opinions before they make a decision. Theocratically, they perform the role that they have been assigned; they act on behalf of the whole congregation.","Are all these anointed ones throughout the earth part of a global network that is somehow involved in revealing new spiritual truths? No. Although as a composite body the slave class is responsible for feeding the spiritual household, not all individuals of the slave class have the same responsibilities or work assignments. (Read 1 Corinthians 12:14-18.) As noted earlier, in the first century, all were involved in the vital preaching work. But only a very limited number were used to write the books of the Bible and oversee the Christian congregation.",Matt. 18:17; 1 Corinthians 12:14-18; ,w09 6/15 p. 24 pars. 16-17,,,joshlaymon,,5/9/2025
"“Keep Yourselves in God’s Love” Load, burden, ",To illustrate: Would you ask a dear friend to carry something that you know is too heavy for him to lift? Of course not! Jehovah is far kinder than we are and far more perceptive as to our limitations. The Bible assures us that Jehovah ‘remembers that we are dust.’ (Ps. 103:14) ,"He would never ask more of us than we can handle. So we have no reason to recoil at the thought of obeying Jehovah’s commandments. On the contrary, we embrace obedience for what it is—a marvelous opportunity to show our heavenly Father that we truly do love him and want to remain in his love.",Ps. 103:14,w09 8/15 p. 19 par. 5,,,joshlaymon,,5/9/2025
"Sign Language, ‘Jehovah Has Made His Face Shine Toward Them' ","To illustrate: Asking a question with the eyebrows raised could indicate either a rhetorical question or one that elicits a yes or no answer. If eyebrows are lowered, this could indicate a who, what, where, when, why, or how question.  These elements combine to create a linguistic feast for the eyes. ","Certain mouth movements may suggest the size of an object or the intensity of an action. The way a deaf person moves his head, lifts his shoulders, twitches his cheeks, and blinks his eyes all add subtle shades of meaning to the thought being conveyed. Rom. 10:14", Rom. 10:14,w09 8/15 p. 25,,,joshlaymon,,5/9/2025
"Adam and Eve—Were They Real People? The Genesis Account—Scientifically Credible? Design, ","To illustrate the enormity of the challenge, consider the NASA space shuttle, one of the most complex machines ever devised. This technological marvel contains a staggering 2.5 million parts. It took teams of engineers years to design and put it together. Now consider the human body. It is made up of some 7 octillion atoms, 100 trillion cells, dozens of organs, and at least 9 major organ systems. How did this biological machine of mind-boggling complexity and superb structure come to be? By blind chance or by intelligent design?","First, let us review the key elements in the account of the creation of the first man. Regarding Adam, the Bible says: “Jehovah God proceeded to form the man out of dust from the ground and to blow into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man came to be a living soul.” (Genesis 2:7) Is this statement scientifically credible? How did those lifeless building blocks come together to form a living human? ",Genesis 2:7,w09 9/1 p. 12,,,joshlaymon,,5/9/2025
"Do You Value What Jehovah Has Done to Deliver You? Abraham’s pain, Jehovah’s pain was likely more intense.","Can you begin to imagine Abraham’s pain as he prepared to offer up his son? In a sense, Abraham’s experience helps to illustrate that of Jehovah in sacrificing the one he called “my Son, the beloved.” (Matt. 3:17) Remember, though, that Jehovah’s pain was likely more intense. ","He and his Son had enjoyed associating together for countless millions, perhaps even billions, of years. The Son worked joyously with the Father as his beloved “master worker” and as his Spokesman, “the Word.” (Prov. 8:22, 30, 31; John 1:1) What Jehovah endured as his Son was tormented, ridiculed, and then executed as a criminal is far more than we can know. Our deliverance cost Jehovah dearly! How, then, can we show that we value that deliverance?","Prov. 8:22, 30, 31; John 1:1",w09 9/15 pp. 28-29 par. 14 ,,,joshlaymon,,5/9/2025
"Is the Devil Real? A criminal might wipe his fingerprints,  ","Should we be surprised by the confusion regarding Satan’s true identity? Not at all. To illustrate: A criminal might wipe his fingerprints from a crime scene so that he may conceal his identity and thus continue his illegal activity undetected. Similarly, Satan is a criminal mastermind who is content to operate behind the scenes, promoting moral corruption. Jesus clearly identified Satan as the one responsible for the evil state of human affairs. Jesus called Satan “the ruler of this world.”—John 12:31.","Yes, the Bible teaches that Satan the Devil is, indeed, a real person. Critics of the Bible, however, scoff at such a portrayal of the Devil. Satan, they say, merely represents the principle of evil that resides in humans.",John 12:31,w09 10/1 p. 15 ,,,joshlaymon,,5/9/2025
Do You Need to Learn Hebrew and Greek? ,"To illustrate: Suppose you had a little medical knowledge and wanted to find the cause of certain symptoms you were experiencing. You could consult a medical dictionary. It might tell you that in 90 percent of cases, your symptoms mean one thing, but in 10 percent of cases, they indicate something completely different. You would need much more knowledge before you could arrive at the correct diagnosis. ","Similarly, the fact that a word has a certain meaning in 90 percent of cases does not help you if you are reading an important text where a secondary meaning of the word is used. You need to know more about the context before you can understand the word. 1 Corinthians 1:22, 23","1 Corinthians 1:22, 23",w09 11/1 p. 21,,,joshlaymon,,5/9/2025
"The New Birth—What Does It Accomplish? Born Again, Heavenly hope, ","In explaining how God prepares humans for rulership in heaven, the apostle Paul used an illustration taken from family life. He wrote to Christians in his day that they would experience an “adoption as sons” and that God, therefore, could deal with them “as with sons.” (Galatians 4:5; Hebrews 12:7) ","To see how the example of adoption helps one to understand what sort of change takes place when an individual is baptized with holy spirit, consider once more the illustration of the young man who wants to enroll in a school for students who belong to a native population.",Galatians 4:5; Hebrews 12:7,w09 4/1 p. 10,,,joshlaymon,,5/9/2025
Does God Change His Mind?,"The apostle Paul explained by means of an illustration: “When I was a babe, I used to speak as a babe, to think as a babe, to reason as a babe; but now that I have become a man, I have done away with the traits of a babe.” (1 Corinthians 13:11) ","Just as parents treat a small child differently from an adult son, so Jehovah’s way of dealing with the Christian congregation changed when it was no longer “a babe.” The apostle Paul explained that such miraculous gifts as the ability to speak in foreign languages or to prophesy would “be done away with.”—1 Corinthians 13:8.",1 Corinthians 13:11,w09 6/1 p. 22,,,joshlaymon,,5/9/2025
"“Keep Yourselves in God’s Love” How can we make good use of the conscience? compass, ","How can we make good use of the conscience? Consider an illustration. A hiker treks across a vast wilderness. There are no trails, no roads, no signposts. Yet, he steadily makes his way toward his destination. How? He has a compass. It has a fixed dial marked with the four primary directions and a magnetic needle that points reliably northward. Without his compass, this hiker would be hopelessly lost. ","Similarly, a human without a conscience would often be hopelessly lost when trying to make moral, ethical, and righteous choices in life. Like a compass, though, the conscience has its limitations. If the hiker were to put a magnet near his compass, the needle would point away from north. Likewise, if we were to give the desires of our heart too much prominence, what would happen? Our selfish tendencies might well distort the conscience. Romans 2:14, 15.","Romans 2:14, 15.",w09 8/15 p. 19 pars. 6-8,,,joshlaymon,,5/9/2025
"Treasure Your Place in the Congregation, Desire, want, success, pioneer, ","An illustration of two young fleshly sisters highlights another factor that comes into play in determining the place we will occupy in the congregation. Both graduate from high school. They have the same circumstances. Their parents have done their best to encourage both of them to reach out for the regular pioneer service after graduation. After graduating, one enters the pioneer service, whereas the other begins working secularly full-time. ","What made the difference? It was desire. In the end, each did what she wanted to do. Is that not true with most of us? We need to think seriously about what we would like to do in God’s service. Can we increase the share we are having in it, even if that means adjusting our circumstances?—2 Cor. 9:7.","2 Cor. 9:7, ",w09 11/15 p. 15 par. 8 ,,,joshlaymon,,5/9/2025
"Conquer Fear by Trusting in Jehovah, strengthen our trust in Jehovah,","We too can conquer fear by trusting in Jehovah. But how do we strengthen our trust in Jehovah, especially when we are afraid? Consider an illustration. If you learn that you have an illness, you may at first feel afraid. However, you can ease your fears if you trust your doctor. He may have an outstanding record of treating patients with that illness. He may listen attentively, convincing you that he really understands your feelings. And he may propose a treatment that has worked well for others. ","Similarly, we strengthen our trust in Jehovah by considering what he has already done, what he is doing now, and what he will yet do for us. That is what David did. As we consider some of his inspired words found in Psalm 56, think about how you too can strengthen your trust in Jehovah and conquer your fears.","Psalm 56:1-3, 11",w24 January p. 3 par. 4,,,joshlaymon,,5/10/2025
"“Praise the Name of Jehovah” A little girl affectionately, best daddy in the whole world!","Consider an illustration. A little girl affectionately throws her arms around her father’s neck and says, “You’re the best daddy in the whole world!” The father is pleased, even touched, by her spontaneous act. Why? Should we assume that he is an insecure man who craves, even depends on, praise from his child? No. Rather, we trust that he is a strong father who is delighted to see his daughter showing love and appreciation. He knows that such qualities will contribute to her happiness as she grows up. "," For similar reasons, Jehovah, the greatest Father, is pleased when we praise him. We please our heavenly Father when we praise his name. (Ps. 119:108) Does this mean, though, that the almighty God is like imperfect humans who crave praise because they are needy or insecure? No.",Ps. 119:108,w24 February p. 9 par. 4 ,,,joshlaymon,,5/10/2025
Let Love Motivate You to Keep Preaching! ,"Consider an illustration. If you needed someone to be a character witness for you in a court case, you would choose someone you know and trust, someone whose reputation would make his testimony trustworthy. By choosing us to be his Witnesses, Jehovah shows that he knows us well and that he trusts us to testify that he is the only true God. ","Jehovah has called us to be his “witnesses.” (Read Isaiah 43:10-12.) Some years ago, a letter from the Governing Body stated: “The greatest honor that any of us could enjoy is that of being called one of Jehovah’s Witnesses.” Why is that so? We feel so honored to be his Witnesses that we seize every opportunity to make his name known and to combat the many lies that have been told about him. By doing so, we live up to the name that we are so proud to bear, Jehovah’s Witnesses!—Ps. 83:18; Rom. 10:13-15.",Ps. 83:18; Rom. 10:13-15; Isaiah 43:10-12,w24 May pp. 18-19 par. 13,,,joshlaymon,,5/10/2025
"What Jehovah Has Done to Rescue Sinful Humans, heal, forgave, gently,  ","Using an illustration, he explained: “Healthy people do not need a physician, but those who are ill do.” He added: “I came to call, not righteous people, but sinners.” (Matt. 9:12, 13) Jesus lived up to those words. He gently forgave the sins of the woman who washed his feet with her tears. (Luke 7:37-50) He taught vital truths to the Samaritan woman at the well, though he knew of her immoral lifestyle. (John 4:7, 17-19, 25, 26) God even empowered Jesus to undo the end result of all sin—death. How? Jesus resurrected people—male and female, children and adults.—Matt. 11:5.",Jesus focused special attention on people who felt weighed down by sin and invited them to become his followers. He knew that sin was the root cause of mankind’s ills. So he reached out to men and women who were known to be sinners. ,"Matt. 9:12, 13; Luke 7:37-50; ",w24 August pp. 4-5 par. 10,,,joshlaymon,,5/10/2025
"Jehovah Wants All to Repent, Comfort, sinners, David, ","Nathan used an illustration designed to touch David’s heart. Deeply moved, David repented. (2 Sam. 12:1-14) He wrote a heartfelt psalm that reveals his repentant spirit. (Ps. 51, superscription) That psalm has comforted countless sinners and motivated them to repent. Are we not glad that Jehovah lovingly led his beloved servant David to repentance?","Jehovah dearly loved King David. He even called him “a man agreeable to my heart.” (Acts 13:22) But David became involved in gross sins, including adultery and murder. According to the Mosaic Law, David deserved to die. (Lev. 20:10; Num. 35:31) Yet, Jehovah kindly stepped in. He sent his prophet Nathan to visit the king, even though David had not yet shown any sign of repentance. ","2 Sam. 12:1-14, ",w24 August pp. 10-11 par. 9 ,,,joshlaymon,,5/10/2025
Jehovah “Heals the Brokenhearted” ,"Consider an illustration. A skilled doctor can do much to help an injured person to heal. To benefit, though, the injured person must carefully follow the doctor’s instructions. In this article, we will see what Jehovah says in his Word to those who are suffering emotionally and we will consider how to apply his loving advice.",Psalm 147:3 says that Jehovah ‘binds up the wounds’ of the brokenhearted. Jehovah is here pictured as tenderly caring for those who have been injured emotionally. What must we do to benefit from Jehovah’s care? ,Psalm 147:3 ,w24 October p. 6 par. 2 ,,,joshlaymon,,5/10/2025
"How to Cope With Injustice, In the world today, prejudice, inequality, and oppression are common,",JESUS told an illustration about a widow who kept asking a judge to give her justice. No doubt that story resonated with many of Jesus’ disciples because in his day the common people were often victims of injustice. (Luke 18:1-5) ,"The story is also meaningful to us today because we have all experienced injustice at one time or another.In the world today, prejudice, inequality, and oppression are common, so we are not surprised when we are treated unfairly. (Eccl. 5:8) What we might not expect, though, is to be misjudged by a brother or a sister; yet, that can happen. Of course, our brothers and sisters are not opposers of the truth. They are simply imperfect. We can learn much from how Jesus reacted to injustices from wicked opposers. If we can be patient with opposers who treat us unjustly, how much more so should we be patient with our fellow believers! ",Luke 18:1-5; Eccl. 5:8,w24 November p. 2 pars. 1-2,,,joshlaymon,,5/10/2025
"Why Get Baptized? Food, Good for us, ","If you are hesitant about getting baptized, consider an illustration that Jesus used. (Read John 4:34.) Note that Jesus compared doing his Father’s will to food. Why? Food is good for us. Jesus knew that everything that Jehovah asks us to do is good for us. ","Jehovah does not want us to do anything that would result in our harm. Does Jehovah’s will for you include getting baptized? Yes. (Acts 2:38) Then you can be confident that obeying the command to get baptized will benefit you. If you would not hesitate to enjoy the best meal ever, why hesitate to get baptized?",John 4:34; ,w23 March p. 7 par. 19,,,joshlaymon,,5/10/2025
How Can We Strengthen Our Faith in Jehovah’s Promise of a New World? ,"Consider an illustration. In the middle of a brutally cold winter, we may feel that summer will never come. And yet summer does come. Likewise, when we are deeply discouraged, we might feel that the new world will never come. If our faith is strong, though, we know that God’s promises will be fulfilled. (Ps. 94:3, 14, 15; Heb. 6:17-19) With that confidence, we can continue putting our worship of Jehovah first in our life.","When undergoing a trial, we may feel that Jehovah’s new world will never come. Does this mean that our faith is weak? Not necessarily. ","Ps. 94:3, 14, 15; Heb. 6:17-19",w23 April p. 27 par. 6 ,,,joshlaymon,,5/10/2025
"Learn From Jesus’ Younger Brother, Illustrations, How to Use, ","James’ illustration of the mirror is effective for a number of reasons. He had a specific point in mind, namely, that to benefit from God’s Word, we must do more than read it; we must act on what we read. James chose an illustration that his audience could quickly relate to—a man looking in a mirror. His point? It would be foolish if a man were to look in a mirror, see a flaw he can correct, and do nothing about it. ","Similarly, it would be foolish if we were to read God’s Word, see something that we need to change about our personality, and do nothing about it. When using an illustration, you can imitate James’ example by doing three things: (1) Make sure that the illustration is appropriate to the point you are discussing. (2) Use an illustration that your audience can easily relate to. (3) Make the application of the illustration clear. ",James 1:22-25,w22 January pp. 12-13 pars. 17-18 ,,,joshlaymon,,5/10/2025
"Parents—Help Your Children to Love Jehovah, the gift of free will, do not give up hope ","Remember the illustration of the lost son. (Luke 15:11-19, 22-24) That young man strayed far off the path of righteousness, but in the end, he returned. “That was an illustration,” some may say. “Can it happen in real life?” Indeed, it can! In fact, that was the experience of a young man named Elie. ","What if, in spite of your best efforts, one of your children says that he does not want to serve Jehovah? Do not conclude that you have failed as a parent. Jehovah has given all of us—including your child—the gift of free will, the ability to choose whether we will serve God or not. If your child has decided to leave Jehovah, do not give up hope that one day he will return. ","Luke 15:11-19, 22-24)", w22 May pp. 30-31 par. 16,,,joshlaymon,,5/10/2025
"Jehovah’s People Love Righteousness, ","Do you ever worry about whether you can continue living by Jehovah’s righteous standards day after day, year after year? Consider an illustration that Jehovah uses, found at Isaiah 48:18. (Read.) Jehovah promises that our righteousness can be “like the waves of the sea.”","Imagine that you are standing on the shore of a wide sea, watching the waves roll in endlessly, one after another. In that peaceful setting, would you worry that one day those waves might simply stop? No! You know that waves have been breaking on that beach for thousands of years, and they will surely keep on coming.",Isaiah 48:18, w22 August p. 30 par. 16,,,joshlaymon,,5/10/2025
"Questions From Readers, Resurrection, Righteous, unrighteous, compassion, ","Consider an illustration. The situation of the two groups resurrected could be compared to that of foreigners who want to live in another country. The righteous are like those who receive a work visa or a resident visa that gives them a measure of recognition and freedom. In contrast, the unrighteous are like foreigners who may receive a temporary visa or a visitor’s visa. Such foreigners will have to prove themselves before being allowed to continue living in the new country. ","Similarly, the unrighteous resurrected ones will need to obey Jehovah’s laws and prove themselves righteous in order to remain in Paradise. And no matter what visa foreigners initially receive upon entry into another country, some may eventually receive citizenship while others may be deported. The outcome will be based on their attitude and conduct in the new country. So, too, the final outcome for all those resurrected will depend on their faithfulness and conduct in the new world. Jehovah is not only the God of compassion but also the God of justice and fairness. (Deut. 32:4; Ps. 33:5) He will show his love by resurrecting both the righteous and the unrighteous. He will at the same time maintain his high standards of morality. Only those who come to love him and live up to his standards will be allowed to keep living in the new world.",Deut. 32:4; Ps. 33:5; ,w22 September p. 26 pars. 6-7,,,joshlaymon,,5/10/2025
"Jehovah's Organization, Stars, universe,  galaxies, clusters of galaxies, and clusters of clusters of galaxies. Names,","Perhaps you've had the opportunity to go out on the dark night sky and look up and see countless stars. Hard to count them. Scientists estimate that there are 206,000,000 stars in the universe. What does that mean? That's a huge number. Well, basically it's a 2 followed by 23 zeros. Hard to even comprehend. But what's amazing is that the Bible describes and mentions that Jehovah God, the Creator of all things, knows every. Star by name. Sextillion. If Jehovah knows every star by name. Do you think he knows you by name? Of course. And Jehovah has done something special for each of us. He's brought us into an organization. Why? To protect us, to care for us, to shepherd us. That's why he's drawn you to his organization. Stars are organized into galaxies, galaxies into clusters of galaxies, and clusters of galaxies into super clusters of galaxies. And in all of this, the universe is in constant motion. But we are never troubled by that. Because even though it's in motion. It is organized. What about Jehovah's people? Let's take our ","But what's amazing is that the Bible describes and mentions that Jehovah God, the Creator of all things, knows every. Star by name. Sextillion. If Jehovah knows every star by name. Do you think he knows you by name? Of course. And Jehovah has done something special for each of us. He's brought us into an organization. Why? To protect us, to care for us, to shepherd us. That's why he's drawn you to his organization. Stars are organized into galaxies, galaxies into clusters of galaxies, and clusters of galaxies into super clusters of galaxies. And in all of this, the universe is in constant motion. But we are never troubled by that. Because even though it's in motion. It is organized. What about Jehovah's people? Let's take our. ",1 Corinthians 14:33; ,Rodney Jones,Move ahead With Jehovah’s Unified Organization.,03,joshlaymon,,5/11/2025
Jehovah's organization. two basic parts heavenly part. And an earthly part. iceberg. ,"There's two basic parts of Jehovah's organization. There's a heavenly part. And an earthly part that's illustrate that with our first image. If you've ever seen an iceberg, this is an amazing hunk of ice. They're huge sample beasts. If you ever go to the coast of Newfoundland during June, you'll see many icebergs off the coast of varying sizes, but it is incredible. To see this act of creation. ","Now what's amazing about an iceberg is our next image. Notice about 90% of an iceberg is below the surface of the water. You can't see it, but it's the part that's below the surface of the water that actually boils up the iceberg and allows us to see the top 10 to 15%. Well, that's kind of illustrative of Jehovah's organization. There's an earthly part that we can see that's above the water supply speed and the heavenly part that's vast, that's actually boiling up, pushing up and holding up the earthly part of the organization. Revelation 14:6, 7;","Revelation 14:6, 7;",Rodney Jones. ,Move ahead With Jehovah’s Unified Organization.,03,joshlaymon,,5/12/2025
"Jehovah's organization. two basic parts heavenly part. And an earthly part. iceberg. Ransom, no barrier, ","We see a heavenly part, angelic, working with the earthly part as we share the good news and all sorts of languages to every people around the planet. There is interaction between these two parts, and actually they are. Together they are unified. They operate as one. Oftentimes, languages divide humanity. You might go on to a city. And people might say, well, that's where the Russian area is, and over here is where the Chinese area is, and they're almost segregated. ","But in terms of this organization, we've conquered that barrier. We have produced literature in hundreds of languages, all with the same message and ideas and even pictures. Yes, we are unified as one organization and many times translation departments. It is amazing to see how all of a sudden we find translators in obscure languages. And all of a sudden we find them. The heavenly part working with the earthly part. What is Jehovah's goal? What does he want to accomplish? Let's take our Bible to Ephesians chapter 1. Ephesians 1:8-10; . Let's look at verses 8 to 10. This undeserved kindness. So, you know, friends, we should really stop there. What undeserved kindness? Because there's so many, isn't there? We'll take a look at verse 7. What's the undeserved kindness? It's the ransom. The ransom is Jehovah's way of unifying things. So, let's go back to the verse 8. ",Ephesians 1:8-10; ,Rodney Jones. ,Move ahead With Jehovah’s Unified Organization.,03,joshlaymon,,5/11/2025
"Jehovah's organization. two basic parts heavenly part. And an earthly part. iceberg. Ransom, no barrier, ","I use a large print Bible. I know most of us don't recognize what it is anymore. We still print these by the way, but Bible paper is 1000 inch thick. It's very flimsy. You can tear a piece of Bible paper just like that. You can take it and fold the edges. You can crumple it, no problem. Now we humans are just like that, aren't we? Satan would like nothing better than to tear us out, to crumple us up, and to throw us away. Make us useless. So, what does Jehovah do?  He's amazing. He takes us individual humans. And he binds them together. In a book. That's bound. With love."," It's amazing. Now you can tear one sheet of Bible paper. But if you've ever tried the Terra Haute book. It's impossible. So, Jehovah binds us all together in his organization. Because individually, Satan could just pull us up. But he brings this all together and Satan. Can't get to us. Jehovah wants to protect you and me. What kind of things do you think you can I can bring to Jehovah's organization? Let's take a look at Ephesians 4:1-4. In verses one to three and notice where the apostle Paul is? The Apostle Paul says in verse one, Therefore I, the prisoner and the Lord Paul wrote this book from prison. He could still encourage the earthly part from prison. And isn't it true? Today we have many brothers and sisters in Russia. We read their accounts in Eritrea. They're very faithful. We are encouraged by their example in the early part of the organization. OK, So what qualities? Let's take a look. Therefore, I, the prisoner and the Lord appeal to you. The rock worthy of the calling with another in love. Earnestly endeavoring to maintain the oneness of the Spirit and the uniting bond of peace. These are the qualities you take a look at verse 2, humility, mildness, patience, getting along together, oneness of the Spirit, the uniting bond of peace. These qualities when we put them on and we continue to put them on and work at them. Jehovah is so proud of us. Because he knows he's drawn you into his organization, you put these qualities on. ",Ephesians 4:1-4. ,Rodney Jones. ,Move ahead With Jehovah’s Unified Organization.,03,joshlaymon,,5/12/2025
"Jehovah's organization. two basic parts heavenly part. And an earthly part. iceberg. Ransom, no barrier, ","Let's have our next image. Here Ezekiel saw a picture of Jehovah's celestial chariot. Powerful, powerful organization, and you see the angels there and the chariot wheels, and above, of course, is the platform in Jehovah riding the celestial chariot. And you see a little Ezekiel, he's in the bottom right hand part of the picture. He's so tiny compared to this and immense celestial chariot. And if you were able to look at the picture, he's kind of holding himself. Trying to block the energy emanating from this chariot. He was overwhelmed. That organization, that heavenly part, can pull and boil up the earthly part of the organization. And we see today that Jehovah's celestial chariot is on the move. It is a moving part, and we see evidence of that. Let's go to Isaiah chapter 60. Isaiah 60:17  Instead of the copper, I will bring in gold. Instead of the iron, I will bring it silver. Instead of the wood copper, instead of the stones iron. And I will appoint peace as your overseer and righteousness as your task assigners. Do we see evidence today of copper to gold? Iron to silver, wood to copper. Yes, we do. Many of you in this audience have been in the truth for years. Do you remember the time when our midweek meeting we didn't have any videos, We didn't have any pictures? To some of you, and many of you, you would remember the time when you went to regional conventions. And we didn't have a drama. And some of us may remember being in dramas that were live. That you were up on the top of the stands and could maybe just barely see. But now we have a wonderful, incredible drama on a video screen that anyone can see. I just think of this summer and the good news about Jesus. That drama, there was a silence when it was played because we're all looking at it. Copper to gold. I went to Silver. ","And we see today that Jehovah's celestial chariot is on the move. It is a moving part, and we see evidence of that. Isaiah 60:17 Instead of the copper I will bring in gold, And instead of the iron I will bring in silver, Instead of the wood, copper, And instead of the stones, iron; And I will appoint peace as your overseers And righteousness as your task assigners. Do we see evidence today of copper to gold? Iron to silver, wood to copper. Yes, we do. Many of you in this audience have been in the truth for years. Do you remember the time when our midweek meeting we didn't have any videos, We didn't have any pictures? To some of you, and many of you, you would remember the time when you went to regional conventions. And we didn't have a drama. And some of us may remember being in dramas that were live. That you were up on the top of the stands and could maybe just barely see. But now we have a wonderful, incredible drama on a video screen that anyone can see. I just think of this summer and the good news about Jesus. That drama, there was a silence when it was played because we're all looking at it. Copper to gold. I went to Silver. ",Isaiah 60:17 ,Rodney Jones. ,Move ahead With Jehovah’s Unified Organization. ,03,joshlaymon,,5/12/2025
,"If we come to a midweek meeting, there's no pictures, no videos, we'd all go what happened because we're so used to having gold and silver today. Look at verse 22. The little one will become 1000. And the small one of mighty nation. I myself, Jehovah, will speed it up in its own time. Do we see that today, with almost 300,000 people being baptized around the planet, we see Jehovah's organization growing in three years to 1,000,000 people. Now we're at 9 million. ","Wow, Jehovah is blessing his organization as he's bringing in more people. To be a unified part of his organization. We follow this growth. Jehovah asking of you and I. Jehovah's saying. I'm going to change the world. Will you work with me, share with me and changing the world? It's true the organization is an amazing thing. Today we are so blessed to be protected so well. But we also recognize that the organization that people in it is and are imperfect. We make mistakes. ",,Rodney Jones. ,Move ahead With Jehovah’s Unified Organization.,03,joshlaymon,,5/11/2025
Jehovah's saying. I'm going to change the world. The little one will become a thousand. ,"(Isaiah 60:22) . . .The little one will become a thousand And the small one a mighty nation. I myself, Jehovah, will speed it up in its own time.” Do we see that today, with almost 300,000 people being baptized around the planet, we see Jehovah's organization growing in three years to 1,000,000 people. Now we're at 9 million. Wow, Jehovah is blessing his organization as he's bringing in more people. To be a unified part of his organization. We follow this growth. Jehovah asking of you and I. ","Jehovah's saying. I'm going to change the world. Will you work with me, share with me and changing the world? It's true the organization is an amazing thing. Today we are so blessed to be protected so well. But we also recognize that the organization that people in it is and are imperfect. We make mistakes. Until the street if there was a brand new restaurant opened up in Pine Bush. And you drove by it. You couldn't believe it. The restaurant, there was a line up to get in that went down the block. Said, wow, this place is amazing. So, you take your family there. Yes, the line moves pretty quickly. You get in, you sit down with your table, and you look, you're missing a fork. And your wife, she's missing your water glass. OK, so the waitress comes, you takes your order, and your order comes first in a few minutes. And wow, you can't believe it. The food. You get enough food to feed a family of four, and so does your wife. Wow this is amazing. And then you get the bill at the end, and it says free. How's that possible? Well, today. Jehovah has a chain of worldwide restaurants around the world, his congregations all serving spiritual food. 100,000 restaurants around the world. All serving the same menu, but it's delicious. If someone said, “Well, would you go to that restaurant? Would you say no, the service is terrible. Cause you missed a fork. And your wife missed a glass, but they came and fixed it right away. No, you'd say. No. It's the food that was amazing and the price was incredible. Well, that's just the same as Jehovah's organization, isn't it? We have incredible spiritual food that keeps us nourished. And yes, the servers and the ones who worked in the kitchen and other things? The people who set the table. Yes, sometimes they forget a fork, and yes, sometimes they forget a glass. But overall, they're all working very hard, and together we can accomplish amazing things in Jehovah's organization.",Isaiah 60:22; ,Rodney Jones. ,Move ahead With Jehovah’s Unified Organization.,03,joshlaymon,,5/12/2025
Jehovah's saying. I'm going to change the world. The little one will become a thousand. ,"As we think a bunch of those organization what is Jehovah want us to do? Psalm 48:12-14. Figuratively March around Zion. Oh! all around it. Count its towers, Set your hearts upon its ramparts. Inspect its fortified towers so that you may tell about it to future generations. This God is our God, forever and ever. He will guide us forevermore. Jehovah wants us to get to know his organization, to March around it, so to speak, to count its towers. You're all so close to Bethel here. What a privilege to be able to take yourself and studies and people who come to visit to see Jehovah's earthly part of the organization in a very tangible way. What a privilege that is. Jehovah wants us to set our hearts. On his organization. We experience unity because of the qualities you have. ","Years ago, there was a convention venue that we wanted to rent. We tried to get in to see the manager and finally after a few years we got an appointment with him. Wanted to see him and we asked for a very good rate, he says.  That's for my very best customer. You said, yes, that's what we wanna be. He says OK. We talked him into signing. And the brother said to him. On Thursday morning before the convention, there's going to be 200 people outside the door here, and they're going to come in and clean the building, he went. Yes, right. Wednesday, the brother finds him and says, remember, Thursday morning, there's gonna be 200 people outside your door, Please let them in. He goes sure. Well, guess what? Thursday morning at 8:00, there's 200 brothers and sisters outside the door. They come in the building, they're scraping the gum off the floor, washing all the chairs. The man is standing at eye level and he's looking up and he can't believe it. Then your brother says to the brother who's organizing, he says, do you know what, I was downstairs to their offices. Their carpets really need a cleaning system. I've got a cleaning machine. That's my business brother; can I get it, and I'll clean their offices? He says sure comes and cleans all there. Carpets down there. This man brings all his staff out to the ice level, says you gotta see this and he's standing there. He says in all the years I've been in this building, nobody has ever, ever cleaned my carpets. He's crying. He's so touched and moved now. How is that possible? It's because of your qualities, because you work together as an organization, we are unified. And because of that, we've had conventions there for many years. What privilege to be a part of that France. After the destruction of Satan, System of things. Jehovah will continue to be with us, and there will be only one organization on earth. And we will be trained. In a deeper way. Towards perfection. Towards that way. And there will be universal peace. A hard thing to understand for us in these difficult last days. So, what does Jehovah asking to have you and me? He's saying I'm going to change the world. I've authorized my son to do that by the Kingdom. Will you share it with me? And changing the world? Will you be with me part of that? The rapid things that we see today’s world show us that this change is soon to happen. Time will come for Joe to act. And in the new world, scrolls will be opened, as Revelation says. Imagine the training and understanding and the deeper understanding we will have of Jehovah's organization and no doubt the heavenly part of Jehovah's organization. So, let's all continue to stand together, unified, as we work together for Jehovah and the heavenly part of the earthly part of his organization. And may it be our resolve to continue to move ahead forever with Jehovah's unified organization.",Psalm 48:12-14; ,Rodney Jones. ,Move ahead With Jehovah’s Unified Organization.,03,joshlaymon,,5/12/2025
"Do Not Stumble “These Little Ones” Jesus illustration, About a king and his slave, Large debt, ","Soon after Jesus warned his followers not to stumble others, he gave an illustration about a king and his slave. The king canceled a large debt that the slave could never repay. Later, that same slave was unwilling to cancel the much smaller debt of his fellow slave. In the end, the king threw that merciless slave into prison. ","The lesson? Jesus said: “My heavenly Father will also deal with you in the same way if each of you does not forgive your brother from your heart.”—Matt. 18:21-35. The slave’s actions harmed not only him but others too. First, he heartlessly harmed his fellow slave by having him “thrown into prison until he could pay back what he owed.” Second, he hurt other slaves who observed what he had done",Matt. 18:21-35,w21 June p. 22 pars. 11-12,,,joshlaymon,,5/11/2025
" Are You Willing to Wait on Jehovah? Jesus Illustration, tiny seed, just how, he [the sower] does not know","Jesus used an illustration to explain how the Kingdom message we preach is like a tiny seed that gradually develops in honesthearted ones. He said: “The seeds sprout and grow tall—just how, he [the sower] does not know. On its own the ground bears fruit gradually, first the stalk, then the head, finally the full grain in the head.” (Mark 4:27, 28) ","What point was Jesus making? He was explaining that just as a plant grows little by little, so a person who accepts the Kingdom message grows spiritually little by little. For example, as our sincere Bible students draw closer to Jehovah, we begin to see the many fine changes that they have made. (Eph. 4:22-24) But we must remember that it is Jehovah who makes that tiny seed grow.—1 Cor. 3:7.","Mark 4:27, 28; Eph. 4:22-24; 1 Cor. 3:7",w21 August p. 9 par. 5,,,joshlaymon,,5/11/2025
"What Is True Repentance? bakery shop and ask for a cake, Egg instead, ","Consider an illustration: You go to a bakery shop and ask for a cake. But instead of a cake, the shop clerk hands you an egg. Would you be satisfied? Of course not! Would it help if the clerk explained that the egg is a key ingredient of the cake? Again, of course not! Similarly, Jehovah asks the sinner for repentance. If the sinner feels sorry about his sin, that is good. Such a feeling is an important ingredient of repentance, but it is not the whole thing. What else is needed? We learn a lot from a touching parable that Jesus related.",We see powerful proof that Jehovah God is “good and ready to forgive.” (Ps. 86:5) Forgiveness is possible—for those who are truly repentant. Manasseh did more than feel sorry about his sins. That teaches us a vital lesson about repentance. ,Ps. 86:5,w21 October p. 5 pars. 12-13,,,joshlaymon,,5/11/2025
"We Serve the God Who Is “Rich in Mercy” Disfellowship, ","Consider an illustration. A shepherd notices that one of his sheep is ailing. He knows that treating this particular illness requires that he isolate the sick sheep from the rest of the flock. However, sheep are social creatures. They long to be with the flock, and they may become agitated when kept apart. Does this mean, though, that the shepherd is being harsh or cruel in choosing this treatment? Of course not. He knows that if he allows the sick sheep to mingle with the rest of the flock, the illness will spread. By isolating the sick one, he protects the whole flock.—Compare Leviticus 13:3, 4.","Does this mean, though, that the shepherd is being harsh or cruel in choosing this treatment? Of course not. He knows that if he allows the sick sheep to mingle with the rest of the flock, the illness will spread. By isolating the sick one, he protects the whole flock.—Compare Leviticus 13:3, 4.","Leviticus 13:3, 4; ",w21 October p. 10 par. 10 ,,,joshlaymon,,5/11/2025
"How Strong Will Your Faith Be? Widow, Unrighteous judge, ","Jesus knew that injustice would challenge the faith of his disciples. To help them deal with it, he gave an illustration that is recorded in the book of Luke. Jesus told the story of a widow who kept crying out to an unrighteous judge for justice. She was confident that her persistence would pay off. Eventually, the judge responded to her pleas. The application? Jehovah is not unjust. ","So Jesus said: “Certainly, then, will not God cause justice to be done for his chosen ones who cry out to him day and night?” (Read Luke 18:1-8.) Then Jesus added: “When the Son of man arrives, will he really find this faith on the earth?” When we suffer injustice, we need to prove by our patience and perseverance that we have strong faith like that of the widow. With such faith, we can be confident that sooner or later Jehovah will act in our behalf. We also need to believe in the power of prayer. At times, our prayers may bring unexpected results.", Luke 18:1-8; ,w21 November p. 23 par. 12,,,joshlaymon,,5/11/2025
"What Leviticus Teaches Us About How to Treat Others, Offenses, minor, major, thoughtless, hurt,","Consider an illustration. Hurt feelings can be likened to physical wounds. Some are minor; others are serious. For example, when we open an envelope, we might get a slight paper cut on our finger. That can really hurt, but it will likely not do us any lasting harm. After a day or two, perhaps we do not even recall where the cut was. ","Similarly, some offenses are minor. For example, a friend may say or do something thoughtless that hurts us, but we are able to forgive him easily. But if we have a deeper wound, a doctor may have to stitch the wound and bind it in bandages. If we were to keep poking or picking at the wound, we would only harm ourselves. Sadly, a person might be doing something similar when he is deeply offended. He may constantly think about the emotional injury he suffered and the hurt the other person caused him. But those who hold a grudge hurt only themselves. How much better it is to obey the counsel found at Leviticus 19:18!",Leviticus 19:18; ,w21 December p. 12 par. 15,,,joshlaymon,,5/11/2025
"You Have a Place in Jehovah’s Congregation! Human body, lessons, ","2 We can learn much about this topic from an illustration that the apostle Paul used in several of his inspired letters. In each of these letters, Paul compared the congregation to the human body. He also compared the individuals in a congregation to parts of the body.—Rom. 12:4-8; 1 Cor. 12:12-27; Eph. 4:16.","WHAT a privilege we have to be part of Jehovah’s congregation! We are in a spiritual paradise that is full of peaceful, happy people. What is your place in the congregation? In this article, we will consider three important lessons that we can learn from Paul’s illustration. First, we will learn that each one of us has a place in Jehovah’s congregation. Second, we will discuss what we can do if we find it difficult to see our place in the congregation. And third, we will discuss why we need to stay busy fulfilling our own role in God’s congregation.",Rom. 12:4-8; 1 Cor. 12:12-27; Eph. 4:16.,w20 August p. 20 pars. 1-3 ,,,joshlaymon,,5/11/2025
“Do Not Let Your Hand Rest” ," Jehovah’s example gives us good reason to exercise patience as we continue to preach and teach. He also teaches us patience through an illustration found in his Word. Read James 5:7, 8. The example of the farmer growing crops teaches us how to be patient. True, some plants grow rapidly. However, most plants, especially those that bear fruit, take much longer to mature. ","We see evidence of Jehovah’s patience today as he allows time for all whom he draws “to attain to repentance.” (2 Pet. 3:9; John 6:44; 1 Tim. 2:3, 4) The growing season in Israel was about six months long. The farmer planted his seeds after the early rain in the fall and reaped the grain after the late rain in the spring. (Mark 4:28) May we wisely imitate the farmer’s patience. However, this may not be easy.","James 5:7, 8; .Mark 4:28",w20 September pp. 10-11 pars. 9-10,,,joshlaymon,,5/11/2025
"Rich Blessings for Those Who Return to Their Country of Origin. Mother tongue, ","In 1998 a brother named Onésime emigrated from his native Cameroon. For 14 years he lived abroad. One day, at a Christian meeting, he heard an illustration about the preaching work. The speaker said, “If two friends were fishing in different spots and one was catching more fish than the other, would the friend who was catching little not move to the spot where the catch was bigger?”","That illustration made Onésime think about returning to the productive spiritual fishing grounds in Cameroon to help the local publishers there. But he had concerns. Would he be able to adapt to his former home country after all those years living abroad? To find out, Onésime visited Cameroon for six months. Then in 2012, he moved back permanently. (Matt. 22:37-39) ",Matt. 22:37-39,w20 November p. 8 ,,,joshlaymon,,5/11/2025
" “How Are the Dead to Be Raised Up?”diversity in creation, new plant, different fleshly bodies, such as cattle, birds, ","When someone dies, his body decomposes. But the One who created the universe from nothing can resurrect that person, giving him a suitable body. (Gen. 1:1; 2:7) Paul used an illustration to show that God would not need to bring back the same body. Think of “a bare grain,” or a plant “seed.” A seed of grain that is planted in the ground germinates and becomes a new plant. The resulting plant is quite different from the small seed."," Paul used this comparison to show that our Creator can provide “a body just as it [pleases] him.” Read 1 Corinthians 15:39-41. Paul noted that there is great diversity in creation. For example, there are different fleshly bodies, such as cattle, birds, and fish. He stated that in the sky, we see differences between the sun and the moon. ",Gen. 1:1; 2:7; 1 Corinthians 15:39-41,w20 December p. 10 pars. 8-9,,,joshlaymon,,5/11/2025
"Improve Your Study Habits! videos, articles, buffet at a restaurant, keep up",Consider an illustration: A great variety of delicious food is available on a buffet at a restaurant. The patrons of the restaurant could never sample everything that is offered. So they choose just a few dishes. ,"Similarly, if you are unable to keep up with everything that is supplied electronically, do not be discouraged. Read or watch what you can. Let us now discuss what is involved in study and how to derive the most benefit from our study. Our goal should be, not merely to cover the assigned material, but to allow the Bible’s message to touch our hearts and to draw us closer to Jehovah.—Ps. 19:14.",Ps. 19:14.,w19 May p. 27 par. 7,,,joshlaymon,,5/11/2025
"How Holy Spirit Helps Us, PRAY WITH PERSISTENCE, “because of his bold persistence.”","An illustration found only in Luke’s Gospel. Read Luke 11:5-9, 13. Jesus’ illustration shows how we should pray for holy spirit. In the illustration, the man received what he needed “because of his bold persistence.” He was not afraid to ask his friend for help even though it was late at night. (See study note on Luke 11:8.) ","How did Jesus apply this illustration to prayer? He said: “Keep on asking, and it will be given you; keep on seeking, and you will find; keep on knocking, and it will be opened to you.” So, what is the lesson for us? To receive the help of holy spirit, we must pray for it with persistence.","Luke 11:5-9, 13.",w19 November p. 13 pars. 16-17 ,,,joshlaymon,,5/11/2025
Why We “Keep Bearing Much Fruit”,"ON THE last evening before his death, Jesus had a long talk with his apostles during which he assured them of his deep love for them. Also, he related to them an illustration about a vine, as we considered in the preceding article. By means of that illustration, Jesus encouraged his disciples to “keep bearing much fruit”—to endure in preaching the Kingdom message.—John 15:8.","However, Jesus told his disciples not only what they needed to do but also why they should do so. He gave them reasons for carrying out the preaching work. Why is it important for us to consider those reasons? When we keep in mind why we need to continue to preach, we are motivated to endure in giving “a witness to all the nations.” (Matt. 24:13, 14)","John 15:8.;Matt. 24:13, 14)",w18 May p. 17 pars. 1-2 ,,,joshlaymon,,5/11/2025
"May We All Be One as Jehovah and Jesus Are One, Jesus condemned racial pride. ","Jesus condemned racial pride. He used an opportunity to do so when a scribe asked: “Who really is my neighbor?” In answer, Jesus gave an illustration of a Samaritan who kindly cared for a traveler—a Jew—who had been beaten by thieves. ","Passing Jews ignored this unfortunate man, whereas the Samaritan took pity on him. Jesus concluded his story by telling the scribe to be like that Samaritan. (Luke 10:25-37) Jesus showed that a Samaritan could teach the Jews the meaning of true neighborly love.",Luke 10:25-37,w18 June p. 10 par. 10,,,joshlaymon,,5/12/2025
Do You Know the Time?,"In an illustration, Jesus said: “If the householder had known in what watch the thief was coming, he would have kept awake and not allowed his house to be broken into.”—Matt. 24:43. By Jesus’ day, the Jews had adopted the Greek and Roman system of four watch periods during the night. The Gospels refer to these watches a number of times. For example, it was “in the fourth watch of the night” when Jesus walked on water toward the boat where his disciples were. (Matt. 14:25)"," In Bible times, it was customary to use watchmen. They were particularly needed during the night. Centuries before Jesus’ birth, the Israelites divided the night into three periods called watches. (Ps. 63:6) Judges 7:19 mentions “the middle night watch.” ",Judges 7:19; Ps. 63:6,w18 September p. 22,,,joshlaymon,,5/12/2025
"Who Molds Your Thinking? This is not overly restrictive, ","Consider an illustration. Parents endeavor to instill in their children good values. They may teach them to be honest, industrious, and considerate of others. This is not overly restrictive. Rather, the parents are preparing them for a successful life as independent adults. When the children grow up and leave home, they will be free to make their own choices."," If they choose to live within the values that they learned from their parents, they will be more likely to make decisions that they will not later regret. As a result, they will be free from many self-induced troubles and anxieties.Like a good parent, Jehovah wants his children to have the most fulfilling life possible. (Isa. 48:17, 18) He therefore provides basic principles for moral conduct and for behavior toward others. ","Isa. 48:17, 18; ",w18 November pp. 19-20 pars. 7-8 ,,,joshlaymon,,5/12/2025
" “I Will Walk in Your Truth”  traveling merchant,  fine pearls, some of God’s people have stopped valuing the truth","Jesus gave an illustration about a traveling merchant who was searching for fine pearls. When the man found one that was very precious, he immediately sold everything he had so that he could buy it. That pearl represented the truth about God’s Kingdom. In this way, Jesus showed how precious the truth would be to those who search for it. (Matthew 13:45, 46) ","When we first learned the truth, that is, the truth about God’s Kingdom and all the other precious truths from the Bible, we too were willing to sacrifice anything in order to gain it. If we continue to value the truth, we will never leave it. But sadly, some of God’s people have stopped valuing the truth and have even left it. We never want to do that! We need to follow the Bible’s advice to “go on walking in the truth.” (Read 3 John 2-4.) That means we put the truth first and show this by the way we live. But why and how might a person “sell,” or leave, the truth? How can we make sure that we never do this? And how can we be more determined to “go on walking in the truth”?","Matthew 13:45, 46",ws18 November p. 10 par. 3,,,joshlaymon,,5/12/2025
"“These Things Entrust to Faithful Men” Training young men, ","Training younger men to handle responsibilities will help this work get done. Think about this. When you were a young child, you probably watched your father drive his car. As you got older, he explained to you what he was doing. In time, you got your license and started to drive the car yourself. Even then, your father still gave you advice. ","Sometimes you took turns driving. But as your father got older, you did most of the driving. Was your father upset? No, he was probably happy to have you drive him around. In a similar way, older brothers are happy to see younger men whom they have trained become ready to take on responsibilities in Jehovah’s organization.10 We must be careful not to be jealous of the assignments of others. We can learn from how Moses reacted when some Israelites began to act like prophets. (Read Numbers 11:24-29.)",Numbers 11:24-29,ws17 January pp. 28-29 pars. 9-10,,,joshlaymon,,5/12/2025
"“Do You Love Me More Than These? Service, Recreation, ","Recreation should help us relax and regain energy. So how much time should we spend in recreation? To help us answer that, we could think of it this way. Many people like to eat cakes and sweets. But we know that if we eat these all the time, it will damage our health. If we want to be healthy, we must eat food that is good for us.","In a similar way, if we spend most of our time in recreation and entertainment, it will affect our relationship with Jehovah. What can help us know whether we have a balanced view of recreation or not? One thing we could do is to choose a week and write down the number of hours we spent in activities related to our service to Jehovah, such as Christian meetings, the preaching work, and Bible study. Then we could write down the number of hours we spent that same week in recreation, such as sports, television, or video games. When we compare the two numbers, what do we learn? Do we need to make a change?—Read Ephesians 5:15, 16.","Ephesians 5:15, 16; ",ws17 May p. 24 par. 13,,,joshlaymon,,5/12/2025
"How We Strip Off and Keep Off the Old Personality, ",What would you do if you realized that your clothes were dirty and smelly? You would take them off as soon as you could. ,"In a similar way, if we realize that we are doing things that Jehovah hates, it is urgent that we change. Speaking of such wrong practices, Paul said: “You must put them all away from you.” Let us consider two of these: sexual immorality and uncleanness.—Read Colossians 3:5-9.",Colossians 3:5-9,ws17 August p. 16 par. 5,,,joshlaymon,,5/12/2025
"Imitate Jehovah’s Justice and Mercy, Compassion, forgive, ","Jewish tradition says that the Pharisees refused to forgive someone who had made the same mistake more than three times. To show how wrong their attitude was, Jesus used an illustration of a Pharisee praying next to a tax collector. The Pharisee said: “O God, I thank you that I am not like everyone else—extortioners, unrighteous, adulterers—or even like this tax collector.” ","What was Jesus’ point? The Pharisees “considered others as nothing,” and they did not think that they needed to be merciful.—Luke 18:9-14. Imitate Jehovah, not the Pharisees. Show mercy and compassion. (Read Colossians 3:13.) Make it easy for others to ask you for forgiveness. (Luke 17:3, 4) Ask yourself: ‘Do I forgive others quickly and easily, even when they offend me many times? Am I eager to make peace with someone who has offended me or hurt me?’",Luke 18:9-14; Colossians 3:13; ,ws17 November p. 17 pars. 6-7,,,joshlaymon,,5/12/2025
Was Jesus’ illustration about “little dogs” meant to be insulting?,"On one occasion, when Jesus was outside Israel’s borders in the Roman province of Syria, a Greek woman approached to ask for help. Jesus’ response included an illustration that suggested a comparison between non-Jews and “little dogs.” Under the Mosaic Law, dogs were deemed to be unclean animals. (Leviticus 11:27) But did Jesus mean to insult this Greek woman and other non-Jews?","But did Jesus mean to insult this Greek woman and other non-Jews? Not at all. Jesus’ point, as he explained to his disciples, was that his priority at that time was to help the Jews. So he illustrated the point, saying to the Greek woman: “It is not right to take the bread of the children and throw it to the little dogs.” (Matthew 15:21-26; Mark 7:26) Among the Greeks and Romans, the dog was often a beloved pet that lived in its owner’s house and played with the children. So the expression “little dogs” might have called to mind a warm, endearing picture. The Greek woman picked up on Jesus’ words and replied: “Yes, Lord, but really the little dogs do eat of the crumbs falling from the table of their masters.” Jesus commended her faith and healed the woman’s daughter.—Matthew 15:27, 28.",Leviticus 11:27; Matthew 15:21-26; Mark 7:26,wp17 No. 5 p. 9,,,joshlaymon,,5/12/2025
Being a Friend When Friendship Is in Danger,"The king desperately needed help to get back on track. Yes, David needed a real friend. Nathan was such a friend. He chose to broach the subject with an illustration that could touch the heart of the former shepherd. Nathan delivered God’s message but in a way that helped David grasp the gravity of his errors and moved him to take action.—2 Sam. 12:1-14.","What would you do if you had a friend who made a significant mistake or committed a serious sin? You might be tempted to reason that pointing out his wrong would damage your friendship. Or you might feel that reporting his sinful conduct to the elders, who could help him spiritually, would be a betrayal of your friendship. What would you do?",2 Sam. 12:1-14; ,w17 March p. 29,,,joshlaymon,,5/12/2025
"Set Your Heart on Spiritual Treasures; God's Kingdom, Pearls, sell everything, ","Read Matthew 13:45, 46. Jesus told an illustration about a merchant who was seeking pearls. Over the years, the merchant had no doubt bought and sold hundreds of pearls. Yet, now he had found the one pearl that was so magnificent that just seeing it made his heart rejoice. But to buy it would mean that he would have to sell everything else that he owned. ","Can you imagine how precious that pearl was to him? What is the lesson for us? The truth of God’s Kingdom is like that priceless pearl. If we love it as much as the merchant loved that pearl, we will be willing to give up everything in order to become and to remain one of the subjects of the Kingdom. (Read Mark 10:28-30.) Consider two individuals who did just that.","Mark 10:28-30; Matthew 13:45, 46; ",w17 June p. 10 pars. 3-4 ,,,joshlaymon,,5/12/2025
"Be Compelled by God’s “Indescribable Free Gift” Huge debt forgiven, smaller debt,","Jesus gave an illustration about a king who forgave his slave a huge debt of 60,000,000 denarii. But later, that slave did not forgive a fellow slave a much smaller debt of only 100 denarii. The king’s mercy should have motivated his slave to forgive a fellow slave. The king was furious when he heard that his slave did not forgive such a small debt. ","He said: “Wicked slave, I canceled all that debt for you when you pleaded with me. Should you not also have shown mercy to your fellow slave as I showed mercy to you?” (Matthew 18:23-35, footnote) Like the king, Jehovah has forgiven us a huge debt. What should Jehovah’s love and mercy motivate us to do?",Matthew 18:23-35,ws16 January pp. 12-13 par. 16,,,joshlaymon,,5/12/2025
"Parents, Help Your Children Build Faith, teach through Illustrations, ","One boy was eight years old and the other was ten. His mother used an illustration that they could understand at their age. She gave the boys milk, sugar, and coffee. Then she asked each of the boys to make her a cup of coffee. “They took great care,” she explained. “When I asked them why they were so careful, they said that they wanted the coffee to be just the way I like it. ","I explained that God mixed the gases in the atmosphere with similar care—just right for us.” The boys had fun learning this lesson, and they never forgot it! What illustration could you use to show your children that there must be a Creator? You could bake a cake with your child using a recipe. Explain why it is important to follow the recipe exactly. Then give your child an apple or some other fruit, and ask: “Did you know that this apple has a recipe?” Next, cut the apple in two, and give him a seed. Matthew 13:34, 35;","Matthew 13:34, 35;",ws16 September p. 29 pars. 9-10,,,joshlaymon,,5/12/2025
"Benefit Fully From Jehovah’s Provisions, public edition of The Watchtower ","Consider an illustration. Imagine that one day, before the public talk, you notice that someone whom you invited has come to the Kingdom Hall. No doubt you are thrilled. As the public speaker delivers his talk, you are likely thinking about that visitor. In effect, you are hearing the talk through his ears. As a result, you come away from that talk with renewed appreciation for the subject.","We can experience something similar when we read material written for the public. For example, the public edition of The Watchtower discusses Scriptural topics in terms that a non-Witness reader can understand. The same is true of many of the articles published on jw.org, such as those in the sections entitled “Bible Questions Answered” and “Frequently Asked Questions.” When we read this information, we deepen our appreciation for familiar truths. Moreover, we may learn fresh ways to explain our beliefs when we are engaging in the ministry. Similarly, Awake! regularly strengthens our conviction that the true God exists, and it helps us learn how to defend our beliefs.—Read 1 Peter 3:15.",1 Peter 3:15; ,w16 May p. 27 pars. 17-18,,,joshlaymon,,5/12/2025
"Why Disfellowshipping Is a Loving Provision, son had changed his attitude,","Disfellowshipping may help the sinner realize he is wrong. Jesus used an illustration of a young man who left his father’s home and spent all his inheritance living an immoral life. The young man eventually realized that life away from his father’s home had no meaning. So he repented and decided to go back to his family. The father was very happy when he saw that his son had changed his attitude, and he welcomed him home. (Luke 15:11-24) ","This illustration helps us understand how Jehovah feels when someone repents. He says: “I take no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but rather that someone wicked changes his way and keeps living.”—Ezekiel 33:11.",Luke 15:11-24; Ezekiel 33:11; ,ws15 5/15 p. 31 ,,,joshlaymon,,5/12/2025
“Your Deliverance Is Getting Near”! shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. ,"Jesus used an illustration to explain this in more detail. He said: “When the Son of man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit down on his glorious throne. All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate people one from another, just as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. And he will put the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on his left.” (Matthew 25:31-33) What will happen to the sheep and the goats? (Matthew 24:46, 47, 50, 51; 25:19, 28-30)","They will be judged. The goats, or the unfaithful ones, “will depart into everlasting cutting-off.” But the sheep, or the faithful ones, will receive everlasting life.—Matthew 25:46.","Matthew 24:46, 47, 50, 51; 25:19, 28-30; ",ws15 7/15 p. 13 par. 12 ,,,joshlaymon,,5/12/2025
"Prepare Now for Life in the New World, HOW TO PREPARE, follow directions, obey, ","How can we prepare now for life in the new world? If we were planning to go and live in another country, we might do some things to prepare ourselves for life in that country. For example, we might start learning the language and customs of the people who live there. We might try some of their foods. ","Similarly, we can prepare now for life in the new world by doing what we can to live as if we are already there. Let us examine some ways we can do this. In this world, Satan wants people to think that they can do whatever they like. Many feel that it is important to be independent and that there is no need to obey God. What has been the result? Much suffering and unhappiness. (Jeremiah 10:23) But Jehovah is a loving Ruler. How much better life will be in the new world when everyone obeys him! In the new world, we will enjoy following direction from Jehovah’s organization to help make this earth into a beautiful paradise and help teach those who are resurrected. Jehovah will have much work for us. But what if those taking the lead asked us to do something that we do not really like? Would we obey? Would we do our best to fulfill and enjoy our assignment? To prepare for everlasting life in the new world, we need to obey the direction from Jehovah’s organization now.",Jeremiah 10:23,ws15 8/15 p. 16 ,,,joshlaymon,,5/12/2025
"Loyally Supporting Christ’s Brothers, Sheep and Goats, Preaching work.“righteous”","First, note that Jesus is teaching by means of an illustration. Obviously, he is not talking about separating literal sheep from literal goats. Likewise, he is not saying that each individual judged to be a sheep must literally feed, clothe, nurse, or visit one of his brothers in prison. ","Rather, he is illustrating the attitude that the figurative sheep display toward his brothers. He describes the sheep as “righteous” because they recognize that Christ has a group of anointed brothers still on earth, and the sheep loyally support the anointed during these critical last days.—Matt. 10:40-42; 25:40, 46; 2 Tim. 3:1-5. Second, consider the context of Jesus’ words. He is discussing the sign of his presence and the conclusion of the system of things. (Matt. 24:3) Early in his discourse, Jesus indicated that the sign would include a remarkable feature—the good news of the Kingdom would “be preached in all the inhabited earth.” (Matt. 24:14)","Matt. 10:40-42; 25:40, 46; 2 Tim. 3:1-5.",w15 3/15 p. 27 pars. 9-10 ,,,joshlaymon,,5/12/2025
"Imitate the One Who Promises Everlasting Life, CONTROLLING ANXIOUS THOUGHTS, Worry, imagine, ","Imagine the extent of our anxiety if we were consumed by efforts to store up “treasures on the earth.” (Matt. 6:19) Jesus used an illustration to show that “the anxiety of this system of things and the deceptive power of riches” can choke the word of the Kingdom. (Matt. 13:18, 19, 22) ","Whether worrying about money or not, some people constantly imagine all the bad things that can possibly happen. However, uncontrolled anxious thoughts can cause us physical and spiritual harm. Let us trust in Jehovah and remember that “anxiety in a man’s heart weighs it down, but a good word cheers it up.” (Prov. 12:25) Good words of encouragement from someone who understands us can make our heart rejoice. Confiding in our parents, our spouse, or a trusted friend who views things from God’s standpoint may help to relieve our anxiety.","Matt. 13:18, 19, 22",w15 5/15 p. 28 ,,,joshlaymon,,5/12/2025
"‘Listen and Understand the Meaning’ Find the truth in different ways, ","Jesus also gave an illustration of a man who was working in a field and found “hidden” treasure. Unlike the merchant, this man was not searching for treasure. But once he saw its value, he too was willing to sell “everything” so that he could have it.","Why did Jesus give those two illustrations? He showed that the truth can be found in different ways. Some people search for the truth and make sacrifices to find it. Others find the truth even though they are not searching for it, perhaps when someone preaches to them. Each of the men in these two illustrations recognized the value of what he had found and was willing to make huge sacrifices to get it.How can we benefit from these two illustrations? (Matthew 6:19-21)",Matthew 6:19-21,ws14 12/15 p. 8 pars. 16-18,,,joshlaymon,,5/12/2025
"How Should We “Answer Each Person”? Hell fire discussion, reasoning, ","“Imagine that your child has become very rebellious and is doing many bad things. How would you react?” Likely, the parent would say that he would correct his child. He might repeatedly try to help the child stop doing what is bad. (Prov. 22:15) At this point, we might ask the parent what he would do if the child rejected all efforts to help him. Most parents would say that eventually they would have no choice but to punish the child. ","We could then ask, “What if you found out that an evil person had influenced your child to become so rebellious?” No doubt, the parent would be angry with such a person. Driving home the point of the illustration, we might ask the parent, “Knowing that an evil individual had influenced your child, would you ask that person to punish your child for you?” The answer, of course, would be no. Clearly, then, God would not use Satan to punish the very same people who have been influenced by the Devil himself to do bad things!",Prov. 22:15,w14 5/15 pp. 9-10 par. 14 ,,,joshlaymon,,5/12/2025
"“Smooth Out the Course of Your Feet” to Make Progress, path leading to spiritual goals, ","WHEN God’s people left Babylon in 537 B.C.E., Jehovah took an interest in their route to Jerusalem. He told them: “Clear the way for the people. Build up, build up the highway. Rid it of stones.” (Isa. 62:10) Imagine how some Jews may have gone about doing that. Advance parties may have built up the road, perhaps filling in gullies and smoothing out rough spots. Doing so would have been of help to their brothers who followed them on the route back to their homeland.","We might take that as an illustration of a path leading to spiritual goals. Jehovah wants all of his servants to move along that path without any unnecessary hindrances. His Word exhorts us: “Smooth out the course of your feet, and all your ways will be sure.” (Prov. 4:26) Whether you are young or not so young, you can see the wisdom of that divine advice.",Isa. 62:10)(Isa. 62:10;,w14 6/15 p. 3 ,,,joshlaymon,,5/12/2025
Do You View Human Weakness as Jehovah Does? ,"We can gain insight into the way Jehovah views human weakness from an illustration recorded in Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians. In chapter 12, Paul reminds us that even the least attractive or the weakest part of the human body has a function. (Read 1 Corinthians 12:12, 18, 21-23.) Aspects of this concept of the human body have been challenged by some evolutionists. ","Nevertheless, findings in the study of anatomy show that body parts once considered useless actually do perform essential functions. For example, some have questioned the usefulness of the little toe; however, it is now recognized to have an impact on the balance of the whole body. Paul’s illustration highlights that all members of the Christian congregation are useful. Unlike Satan, who strips humans of their dignity, Jehovah views all of his servants, including those who seem to be weaker, as “necessary.” (Job 4:18, 19) ","1 Corinthians 12:12, 18, 21-23.",w14 6/15 p. 24 pars. 4-5,,,joshlaymon,,5/12/2025
"What Is “the End”? Suppose you owned a beautiful home, Some of the tenants lived peaceably; ","Consider an illustration. Suppose you owned a beautiful home and allowed people to live in it for free. Some of the tenants lived peaceably with one another and took good care of your home. Others, however, made nothing but trouble, fought with one another, and abused the good tenants. They damaged your property and stubbornly refused to respond to your efforts to stop them.","What would you do to correct matters? Would you destroy your home? Not likely. You would probably evict the bad tenants and repair what damage had been done. Jehovah will act in a similar manner. He inspired the psalmist to write: “Evildoers themselves will be cut off, but those hoping in Jehovah are the ones that will possess the earth. And just a little while longer, and the wicked one will be no more; and you will certainly give attention to his place, and he will not be. But the meek ones themselves will possess the earth, and they will indeed find their exquisite delight in the abundance of peace.”—Psalm 37:9-11.",Psalm 37:9-11; ,w11 3/1 pp. 8-9 ,,,joshlaymon,,5/12/2025
"They Waited for the Messiah, “Without an illustration, Jesus, ","The Messiah would speak in parables, or illustrations. The psalmist Asaph sang: “In a proverbial saying I will open my mouth.” (Ps. 78:2) How do we know that this prophetically applied to Jesus? Matthew tells us so. After relating illustrations in which Jesus likened the Kingdom to a developing mustard grain and to leaven,"," Matthew states: “Without an illustration [Jesus] would not speak to them; that there might be fulfilled what was spoken through the prophet who said: ‘I will open my mouth with illustrations, I will publish things hidden since the founding.’” (Matt. 13:31-35) Proverbial sayings, or parables, were among Jesus’ effective means of teaching.",Ps. 78:2; Matt. 13:31-35, w11 8/15 p. 11 par. 14 ,,,joshlaymon,,5/12/2025
"He Was Loyal in the Face of Tests, ","Jesus wanted those people to see him, not as a source of mere physical food, but as a spiritual provision from God, as the one whose life and death as a man would make eternal life possible for others. So he gave an illustration, comparing himself to manna, the bread that came down from heaven in Moses’ day. ","When some objected, he used a vivid illustration, explaining that it was necessary to partake of his flesh and his blood in order to attain life. It was at this point that the objections became insistent. Some said: “This speech is shocking; who can listen to it?” Many of Jesus’ own disciples decided to quit following him.—John 6:48-60, 66.","John 6:48-60, 66; ",w10 1/1 p. 25,,,joshlaymon,,5/12/2025
"“The Righteous Ones Will Shine as Brightly as the Sun”  illustrations, or parables,growth of Kingdom","JESUS CHRIST used many illustrations, or parables, to explain different aspects of the Kingdom. He “spoke to the crowds by illustrations. Indeed, without an illustration he would not speak to them.” (Matt. 13:34) In illustrations about sowing the seed of Kingdom truth, Jesus emphasized the role of a person’s heart condition in accepting the message, as well as the role that Jehovah plays in causing spiritual growth. (Mark 4:3-9, 26-29) ","Jesus also illustrated the outstanding growth of Kingdom interests here on earth even if that growth is not always at first discernible. (Matt. 13:31-33) Additionally, he highlighted that not all who respond to the Kingdom message are necessarily suitable subjects of that Kingdom.—Matt. 13:47-50.","Matt. 13:34; Mark 4:3-9, 26-29;",w10 3/15 p. 19 par. 1,,,joshlaymon,,5/12/2025
“The Righteous Ones Will Shine as Brightly as the Sun” ,One of Jesus’ illustrations focuses on the gathering of those who will rule with Jesus in his Kingdom. This is often called the parable of the wheat and the weeds and is recorded in Matthew chapter 13. (see article),"Whereas in another illustration, Jesus tells us that the seed that is sown is “the word of the kingdom,” in this illustration, he tells us that the fine seed represents something different—“the sons of the kingdom.” (Matt. 13:19, 38) These are not subjects of the Kingdom but, rather, “sons,” or heirs, of the Kingdom.—Rom. 8:14-17; read Galatians 4:6, 7.","Matt. 13:19, 38; Rom. 8:14-17;Galatians 4:6, 7.",w10 3/15 p. 19 par. 2,,,joshlaymon,,5/12/2025
"Myth Versus Fact—The Truth About Jesus; True, lie, deceptive, ","Religion actually degrades Jesus when it teaches that he was God in the flesh. How so? Consider an illustration. Some workers make a request of their supervisor, but he says that he does not have the authority to grant it. If his statement is true, the supervisor has wisely displayed an awareness of his limitations. If it is not true—if he can grant the request but simply chooses not to—he has been deceptive.","Now, how did Jesus respond when two of his apostles desired positions of prominence? He told them: “This sitting down at my right hand and at my left is not mine to give, but it belongs to those for whom it has been prepared by my Father.” (Matthew 20:23) If Jesus were really God, would that not have been a lie? Instead, by deferring to the One with greater authority, Jesus set a beautiful example in modesty—and he showed that he was not equal to God.",Matthew 20:23; ,w10 4/1 p. 14 ,,,joshlaymon,,5/12/2025
"Are You Fully Following the Christ?, Zealously “Seeking First the Kingdom” Beg off, excuses, ","While eating a meal in the home of a ruler of the Pharisees, Jesus gave an illustration about a grand evening meal. In that illustration, he described the opportunity extended to different ones to come in line for the Kingdom of the heavens. He also illustrated what it means to “beg off.” (Read Luke 14:16-21.) ","The invited guests in Jesus’ illustration gave excuses for not attending the feast. One said that he needed to go and examine a field he had just bought. Another said that he bought some cattle and wanted to examine them. Still another said: ‘I cannot come. I just got married.’ These were poor excuses. One who buys a field or livestock normally examines them beforehand, so there is no great urgency to examine them afterward. And why should a recent marriage prevent one from accepting such an important invitation? No wonder the host in the illustration was incensed!",Luke 14:16-21,w10 4/15 p. 26 par. 9 ,,,joshlaymon,,5/12/2025
"United in Love—Annual Meeting Report, Samuel Herd, meditation, study, fill up, ","Samuel Herd began his talk with an illustration. Suppose a friend picks you up to go on a 30-mile [50 km] trip. Riding in the passenger seat, you notice that the fuel gauge is on empty. You tell your friend he is just about out of fuel. He says not to worry; there is still a gallon [some four liters] in the tank. Soon, though, you run out of fuel. Is it worth it to ‘run on empty’ and take a chance on being stranded? ","How much better to keep a full tank! Figuratively, we need to keep a full tank, the fuel being our knowledge of Jehovah. To that end, we need to fuel up and to do so regularly. There are four ways we do this. First, personal study, becoming familiar with the Bible by reading it daily. More than just reading words, we must understand what we read. Second, making good use of our Family Worship evening. Do we stop weekly and fill up or do we put only a little in our tank? Third, congregation study and meeting attendance. Fourth, quiet, undisturbed meditation, thinking about Jehovah’s ways. Psalm 143:5 says: “I have remembered days of long ago; I have meditated on all your activity.”",Psalm 143:5 ,w10 6/15 pp. 4-5,,,joshlaymon,,5/12/2025
"important point to his host, Simon, a debt too big to be repaid, which of them will love him the more?”","After the woman had washed and anointed Jesus’ feet but prior to his forgiving her, Jesus used an illustration to explain an important point to his host, Simon. Likening sin to a debt too big to be repaid, Jesus said to Simon: “Two men were debtors to a certain lender; the one was in debt for five hundred denarii, but the other for fifty. When they did not have anything with which to pay back, he freely forgave them both. ","Therefore, which of them will love him the more?” In answer Simon said: “I suppose it is the one to whom he freely forgave the more.” Jesus replied: “You judged correctly.” (Luke 7:41-43) All of us owe God obedience, so when we disobey him and sin, we fail to pay God what is due him. Thus we accumulate debt. Jehovah, though, is like a lender who is willing to forgive debts. That is why Jesus encouraged his followers to pray to God and ask: “Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.” (Matt. 6:12) Luke 11:4 identifies these debts as sins.",Luke 7:41-43,w10 8/15 p. 6 ,,,joshlaymon,,5/12/2025
"Do You Share in Making Christian Meetings Upbuilding? Watchtower study, comments, conductor, ","Consider an illustration. A Watchtower Study that is well-conducted is like a bouquet of flowers that delights the eye. Just as a large bouquet is made up of many individual flowers, so a Watchtower Study is made up of many different comments. And just as the individual flowers in a bouquet differ in size and color, so the comments given during the meeting vary in length and manner of presentation. ","And where does the conductor fit in? His occasional comments are like the few pieces of greenery that are carefully added to a bouquet. These pieces do not dominate; rather, they serve to provide structure and to unify the whole. Similarly, the one who conducts needs to keep in mind that his role is, not to overwhelm, but to complement the expressions of praise that are offered by the congregation. Yes, when the many diverse comments given by the congregation and the few well-placed remarks made by the conductor are skillfully put together, they form a beautiful bouquet of words that will delight all in attendance. Psalm 22:22; 35:18; 40:9.",Psalm 22:22; 35:18; 40:9.,w10 10/15 pp. 22-23 par. 9 ,,,joshlaymon,,5/12/2025
"How Spirit Creatures Affect Us, How can the Devil harm us? wheat, weeds, ","Jesus exposed one way Satan deceives people when he presented an illustration about a man who sowed wheat seed in his field. The man represented Jesus, and the wheat represented true Christians who will rule with Jesus in heaven. However, Jesus said that an enemy came and “oversowed weeds in among the wheat.” The weeds denote false Christians. “The enemy that sowed them is the Devil.” (Matthew 13:25, 39) ","Just as weeds can look like sprouts of wheat, those who claim to be Christians may appear to be true worshippers. Religions that teach false doctrines deceive people into disobeying God. Satan uses false religion to rob people of friendship with Jehovah. Jesus warned his followers that Satan tries to stop people from learning the truth about God. “Where anyone hears the word of the kingdom but does not get the sense of it,” Jesus said, “the wicked one comes and snatches away what has been sown in his heart.”—Matthew 13:19.","Matthew 13:19; Matthew 13:25, 39",w10 11/1 p. 17,,,joshlaymon,,5/12/2025
"We Shall Walk in Our Integrity! covetous rich man, “not rich toward God.” covet, ",Jesus gave an illustration about a covetous rich man who died as one “not rich toward God.” (Luke 12:15-21) ,"To be integrity keepers, we must not succumb to sinful covetousness or greed. Covetousness is idolatry because the object of a greedy person’s craving diverts attention from Jehovah and thus becomes an idol. (Col. 3:5) Integrity and greed do not mix!",Luke 12:15-21; ,w10 11/15 p. 30 par. 11,,,joshlaymon,,5/12/2025
"When Will God’s Kingdom Come? Ocean, signs, ","The presence is invisible to human eyes. Remember, Jesus discussed the sign of his presence. (Matthew 24:3) If his presence were visible to human eyes, would a sign be needed? To illustrate: Imagine that you are traveling to see the ocean. You may see road signs directing you along the way, but once you are at the shore, standing at the water’s edge with the vast expanse of water stretching out to the horizon, would you expect to see a sign with a big arrow pointing ahead, emblazoned with the word “Ocean”? ","Of course not! Why have a sign to point out what you can easily identify with your eyes?Jesus described the sign of his presence, not to point out something that humans could see with their eyes, but to help them discern something that would occur in heaven. Thus, Jesus said: “The kingdom of God is not coming with striking observableness.” (Luke 17:20) How, then, would the sign show those on earth that Christ’s presence had begun?",Matthew 24:3; Luke 17:20,w08 1/1 p. 8,,,joshlaymon,,5/12/2025
"Jesus Christ—The Greatest Missionary, compassion. sheep, shepherd, pity, ","Among Jesus’ endearing qualities was his compassion. Like all imperfect humans, those who responded to his teaching were burdened with problems. Aware of this, Jesus taught them with compassion and pity. To illustrate: On one occasion, Jesus and his apostles were so busy that they did not have time even to eat a meal. However, what was Jesus’ reaction when he saw that a crowd had gathered?"," “He was moved with pity for them, because they were as sheep without a shepherd. And he started to teach them many things.” (Mark 6:34) Jesus noticed the pitiful condition of the people in his territory and expended himself in teaching them and performing miracles for their benefit. Some were attracted by his fine qualities, were moved by his words, and became his disciples.",Mark 6:34,w08 2/15 p. 16 par. 20,,,joshlaymon,,5/12/2025
“The Law Has Become Our Tutor” “an ancient and rich background.,"HOW many children appreciate the value of rules and discipline? Not many. For them, restrictions are tiresome. Those with the responsibility of helping young ones, however, know that appropriate oversight is absolutely necessary. And as the years pass, most youngsters will probably come to appreciate the value of the guidance received. The apostle Paul used the image of a man who protected children to illustrate an aspect of the developing relationship between Jehovah God and his people.","Some first-century Christians in the Roman province of Galatia insisted that God favored only those who obeyed the Law that God gave to the Israelites through Moses. The apostle Paul knew this to be false, for God gave holy spirit to some who had never observed Jewish law. (Acts 15:12) So Paul corrected the wrong idea by means of an illustration. In a letter to the Galatian Christians, he wrote: “The Law has become our tutor leading to Christ.” (Galatians 3:24) The figure of a tutor, says one scholar, has “an ancient and rich background.” Understanding this background clarifies the point that the apostle Paul was making.",Galatians 3:24,w08 3/1 pp. 18-19,,,joshlaymon,,5/12/2025
"Be Yielding, Be Balanced ","Benefits result when we are disposed to be yielding in a balanced way. To illustrate: After a suspected terrorist plot was uncovered in Britain, airline passengers in general seemed ready to follow regulations against taking on board items they had previously been allowed to carry. When we drive an automobile, we see the need to yield to other drivers, such as when negotiating traffic circles, to make sure that everyone is safe and traffic flows smoothly.","“Let your reasonableness [“yielding(ness),” Kingdom Interlinear] become known to all men,” exhorts the apostle Paul. (Phil. 4:5) Christ Jesus is Lord and Head of the Christian congregation. (Eph. 5:23) How important it is for each of us to act in a reasonable way, yielding to Christ’s direction and being yielding in our dealings with other humans!",Phil. 4:5; ,w08 3/15 p. 3 pars. 2-3,,,joshlaymon,,5/12/2025
"Do You View Others as Jehovah Does? Look for Good, Friendship, house that is run-down, ","To illustrate, think of a house that is run-down—the gutters are falling off, windows are broken, and ceiling panels are water damaged. Most people might look at that house and conclude that it should be torn down; it is an eyesore. But someone who has a completely different view might come along. He may be able to look beyond the surface problems and see that the structure is sound and that the house can be restored. ","He buys the house and with some work fixes the surface defects and improves its appearance. Thereafter, passersby comment on what a delightful home it is. Can we be like this person who worked to fix up or restore the house? Rather than focusing on our brothers’ surface defects, can we discern their good qualities and their potential for further spiritual growth? If we do so, we will come to love our brothers for their spiritual beauty, as Jehovah does.—Read Hebrews 6:10.",Hebrews 6:10.,w08 3/15 p. 27 par. 9 ,,,joshlaymon,,5/12/2025
"Why did Jesus heal a blind man gradually? blind man, confusion, trees walking, Pit ponies, ","Beginning to see for the first time after being blind for years—or even for life—is a major adjustment. To illustrate: Pit ponies were once kept in mines to work there. They became so accustomed to the dark that when they came above ground, they needed as much as a full day to adjust to daylight. With blindness, the adjustment would be even greater. In modern times, surgeons have in a few instances been able to repair mechanical problems in the eyes of blind people, restoring the eyes’ ability to see. ","At Mark 8:22-26, we read of Jesus’ healing a blind man at Bethsaida. The account says that Jesus first put saliva on the man’s eyes and then asked him what he could see. The man’s response showed that he was somewhat confused: “I see men, because I observe what seem to be trees, but they are walking about.” Jesus then touched the man’s eyes again, with this result: “The man saw clearly, and he was restored, and he was seeing everything distinctly.” Evidently, Jesus healed the man gradually, or in stages. Why? The Bible does not fully answer, but we might consider a possible explanation in this particular case. However, the patients have often been overwhelmed by the flood of information coming from their eyes to the brain. Baffled by a world of color, shape, and perspective, they have found themselves confused and unable to recognize even familiar objects. Over time, the brain learns to interpret what the eyes see. Jesus’ healing the blind man in stages in this instance may have been a reflection of loving concern for the man. Finally, the man “was seeing everything distinctly,” making sense of all that he saw.",Mark 8:22-26; ,w08 4/1 p. 30,,,joshlaymon,,5/12/2025
"Keep On Doing Good, overcritical, straw from your eye, rafter is in your own eye,","Recall that in order to indicate how wrong it is to be overcritical, Jesus asked: “Why, then, do you look at the straw in your brother’s eye, but do not consider the rafter in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Allow me to extract the straw from your eye’; when, look! a rafter is in your own eye?” (Matt. 7:3, 4) ",A person inclined to criticize another individual takes note of a minor defect in his brother’s “eye.” The critic is suggesting that his brother has impaired perception and poor judgment. Though the fault is minor—like a bit of straw—the critic offers to “extract the straw.” He hypocritically volunteers to help the brother see things more clearly.,"Matt. 7:3, 4; ",w08 5/15 p. 10 par. 15,,,joshlaymon,,5/12/2025
"Keep On Doing Good, Pharisees, Hypocrite! highly critical acknowledge that we are imperfect ","Especially were the Jewish religious leaders highly critical of others. To illustrate: When a certain blind man who was healed by Christ declared that Jesus must have come from God, the Pharisees retorted: “You were altogether born in sins, and yet are you teaching us?” (John 9:30-34) ","As regards clear spiritual vision and the ability to judge properly, the Pharisees had “a rafter” in their own eye and were totally blind. Jesus therefore exclaimed: “Hypocrite! First extract the rafter from your own eye, and then you will see clearly how to extract the straw from your brother’s eye.” (Matt. 7:5; Luke 6:42) If we are determined to do good and treat others well, we will not be harsh critics, always looking for a figurative straw in our brother’s eye. Instead, we will acknowledge that we are imperfect and should therefore avoid being judgmental and critical of our fellow believers.",John 9:30-34; Matt. 7:5; Luke 6:42; ,w08 5/15 p. 10 par. 16,,,joshlaymon,,5/12/2025
"Jehovah Hears Our Cries for Help, Prayer, pain, comfort, persecution, appointed time, ","How can we have peace of mind while undergoing distresses? Consider an illustration that in some respects matches our situation. An employee may work under an abusive manager. However, the employee has an opportunity to express his feelings to the owner of the company, who is a kind, reasonable man. The owner assures the employee that he understands the situation and reveals that the manager will soon be removed from his position. How does that make the employee feel? Believing that assurance and knowing what is about to take place will strengthen his resolve to continue on, even if he has to face a few more difficulties in the meantime. Similarly, we know that Jehovah understands our situation, and he assures us that soon “the ruler of this world will be cast out.” (John 12:31) How comforting that is!13 Is it enough, then, for us just to take our problems to Jehovah in prayer? No. More is required. We need to act in harmony with our prayers. When King Saul sent men to David’s home to put him to death, David prayed: “Deliver me from my enemies, O my God; from those rising up against me may you protect me. Deliver me from the practicers of what is hurtful, and from bloodguilty men save me.” (Ps. 59:1, 2) In addition to praying, David listened to his wife and took the necessary action to escape. (1 Sam. 19:11, 12) In a similar way, we can pray for practical wisdom to help us deal with and perhaps improve our distressing circumstances.—Jas. 1:5.","Similarly, we know that Jehovah understands our situation, and he assures us that soon “the ruler of this world will be cast out.” (John 12:31) How comforting that is! Is it enough, then, for us just to take our problems to Jehovah in prayer? No. More is required. We need to act in harmony with our prayers. When King Saul sent men to David’s home to put him to death, David prayed: “Deliver me from my enemies, O my God; from those rising up against me may you protect me. Deliver me from the practicers of what is hurtful, and from bloodguilty men save me.” (Ps. 59:1, 2) In addition to praying, David listened to his wife and took the necessary action to escape. (1 Sam. 19:11, 12) In a similar way, we can pray for practical wisdom to help us deal with and perhaps improve our distressing circumstances.—Jas. 1:5.","John 12:31; Ps. 59:1, 2; ",w08 3/15 p. 14 pars. 12-13; ,,,joshlaymon,,5/13/2025
Do Your Plans Harmonize With God’s Purpose? ,"Jehovah holds us accountable for the way we use this gift. Almost 2,000 years ago, Jesus emphasized this point to his disciples by means of an illustration. He said: “The land of a certain rich man produced well. Consequently he began reasoning within himself, saying, ‘What shall I do, now that I have nowhere to gather my crops?’ So he said, ‘I will do this: I will tear down my storehouses and build bigger ones, and there I will gather all my grain and all my good things; and I will say to my soul: “Soul, you have many good things laid up for many years; take your ease, eat, drink, enjoy yourself.”’” (Luke 12:16-19) The rich man’s goal sounds reasonable, does it not? Like the bird mentioned earlier, Clark’s nutcracker, the man in the illustration seemed to be preparing for his future needs.","You may not plan to build a tower, but many today plan to build a large bank account and to accumulate material possessions so that they can be comfortable in retirement. It is only natural for a person to want to enjoy the fruits of his labor. “Every man should eat and indeed drink and see good for all his hard work,” wrote Solomon. “It is the gift of God.”—Ecclesiastes 3:13.",Luke 12:16-19; Ecclesiastes 3:13; ,w08 7/1 p. 12 ,,,joshlaymon,,5/13/2025
"Do Your Plans Harmonize With God’s Purpose? Clark’s nutcracker, store up, future, ","THE bird known as Clark’s nutcracker is a gray-white songbird that can be seen flitting through the forests of western North America. It collects and buries as many as 33,000 seeds annually, storing them in some 2,500 different locations in preparation for the frigid winter months. Indeed, this bird is “instinctively wise” in the way it makes provision for the future.—Proverbs 30:24.","Humans possess an even more remarkable ability. Of all Jehovah’s earthly creations, humans have an unsurpassed capacity to learn from past experiences and to allow these lessons to influence their plans for the future. “Many are the plans in the heart of a man,” observed wise King Solomon.—Proverbs 19:21.",Proverbs 30:24; Proverbs 19:21; ,w08 7/1 p. 11 ,,,joshlaymon,,5/13/2025
"Help Your Child Cope With Grief, How to Explain Death, frighten, harmful, ","Some researchers say that when talking to a child about death, parents should be careful about using such terms as “sleeping,” “lost,” or “gone away.” Using such expressions without explaining or qualifying them may confuse a young child. Of course, Jesus used sleep as an illustration for death and fittingly so. Remember, though, that he was not speaking to children. Further, he explained the illustration. Jesus told his followers: “Lazarus our friend has gone to rest.” ","The disciples, grown-ups though they were, “imagined [Jesus] was speaking about taking rest in sleep.” So Jesus clarified the matter: “Lazarus has died.” (John 11:11-14) If adults need such clear explanations, how much more so do our children! “A parent may try to soften her language when explaining death to her child,” say authors Mary Ann Emswiler and James P. Emswiler, “but by doing so, she may plant ideas in his head that weren’t there before and that may be frightening or harmful.” For instance, simply telling a young child that a deceased loved one is only sleeping may cause the child to fear that if he goes to sleep at night, he may not wake up again. If told only that a deceased loved one has “gone away,” a young child may feel rejected or abandoned.",John 11:11-14,w08 7/1 pp. 18-19,,,joshlaymon,,5/13/2025
The House-to-House Ministry—Why Important Now? Momentous Events Ahead,"What developments are yet in store for the preaching work? The siege of Jericho, recorded in the book of Joshua, provides an illustration. Recall that just before God destroyed Jericho, the Israelites were instructed to march around the city once a day for six days. On the seventh day, however, there was to be a marked increase in their activity. Jehovah told Joshua: “You should march round the city seven times and the priests should blow the horns. And it must occur that when they sound with the horn of the ram, . . . all the people should shout a great war cry; and the wall of the city must fall down flat.” ","(Josh. 6:2-5) It is possible that there will be a similar expansion of our preaching activity. No doubt, by the time of the destruction of the present system of things, we will have seen the greatest witness to God’s name and Kingdom in the history of this world. The time may well come when the message we declare is like “a great war cry.” In the book of Revelation, powerful judgment messages are pictured as “a great hail with every stone about the weight of a talent.” And Revelation 16:21 states: “The plague of it was unusually great.” Just what role the house-to-house ministry will play in the proclaiming of those climactic judgment messages remains to be seen. But we can be sure that before “the great tribulation” is finished, Jehovah’s name will have been made known as never before in human history.—Rev. 7:14; Ezek. 38:23.",Josh. 6:2-5; Rev. 7:14; Ezek. 38:23; ,w08 7/15 pp. 6-7,Do you have the Evangelizing Spirit? ,063,joshlaymon,,5/13/2025
"Tools in Jesus day. “As for the wood carver, he has stretched out the measuring line; he traces red chalk;","In an illustration, John the Baptizer mentioned the ax, a tool that Jesus and other carpenters would likely have used to fell trees. Thereafter, they would either fashion the timber into beams on-site or transport the timber to their workshops. This phase of the job doubtless required great physical strength. (Matthew 3:10) ","Isaiah lists other instruments used by carpenters in his day: “As for the wood carver, he has stretched out the measuring line; he traces it out with red chalk; he works it up with a wood scraper; and with a compass he keeps tracing it out.” (Isaiah 44:13) Archaeological finds confirm the use of metal saws, stone hammers, and bronze nails in Biblical times. (Exodus 21:6; Isaiah 10:15; Jeremiah 10:4) It is reasonable to suppose that Jesus would have used such things.",Matthew 3:10; Isaiah 44:13; ,w08 12/1 p. 8 ,,,joshlaymon,,5/13/2025
"What Can You Learn From Children? Beauty Restored, “become as young children” Beauty, recapture","To illustrate: A team of art restorers may work to repair a priceless masterpiece. In the process, they remove layers of built-up grime and reverse previous crude restoration attempts. After much patient effort by the restorers, the original artwork’s rich colors and natural beauty are revealed for all to see. ","Similarly, with persistent effort, the help of Jehovah’s holy spirit, and the loving support of the Christian congregation, we can recapture the beautiful qualities that blossomed naturally when we were children.Ephesians 5:1. You may wonder, ‘Is it possible for adults to recapture the beautiful qualities associated with childhood?’ The simple and reassuring answer is yes! Surely Jesus’ command to “become as young children” proves that it is possible.—Matthew 18:3.",Matthew 18:3; Ephesians 5:1; ,w07 2/1 p. 11; ,,,joshlaymon,,5/13/2025
"Jehovah Is an Appreciative God, Mother, Gift, Give Jehovah our best, motives, limitations,","To illustrate: A mother finds a gift—an inexpensive necklace—on her table. She could view the gift as of little value and toss it aside. However, the accompanying card reveals that the gift is from her little girl, who spent all her savings to buy it. The mother now sees the gift in a new light. Perhaps with tears in her eyes, she embraces her child and expresses her heartfelt appreciation.","Because of our imperfection, we may feel that our deeds of godly devotion are insignificant and unworthy of God’s blessing. Jehovah, though, fully understands our motives and circumstances, and he truly values our whole-souled service. (Matthew 22:37) Being fully aware of our motives and limitations, Jehovah appreciates it when we give him our best, whether that is a little or a lot. ",Matthew 22:37; ,w07 2/1 p. 17 pars. 3-4,,,joshlaymon,,5/13/2025
"Why Avoid Extremes? Balance, Perfect, activity, Justice, bumpy, personalities, grow,",To illustrate: Have you ever ridden in a car or on a bicycle that had a tire with a large bulge? The deformity no doubt made the ride rather bumpy as well as unsafe. Such a tire needs to be repaired before it gets worse or goes flat. ,"Similarly, our imperfect personalities are prone to irregularities. If we allow those “bulges” to grow, our journey through life can be very bumpy, even dangerous. JEHOVAH is the epitome of balance. “Perfect is his activity,” and his justice is never harsh, since it always incorporates mercy. (Deuteronomy 32:4) His love is never unprincipled, because he acts in line with perfect laws. (Psalm 89:14; 103:13, 14) Our first parents were created balanced in all respects. They were not inclined to any extremes. The introduction of sin, however, brought a “defect”—imperfection—resulting in the loss of that balance.—Deuteronomy 32:5.","Deuteronomy 32:4; Psalm 89:14; 103:13, 14; ",w07 2/15 p. 28,,,joshlaymon,,5/13/2025
"A Year in “the Good Land” One Month of Summer Fruit, Abijah,basket of summer fruit” figs, ","The last entry on Abijah’s calendar referred to summer fruit. In the ancient Middle East, summer was the part of the agricultural year that focused on fruit. After Abijah’s time, Jehovah used the expression “a basket of summer fruit” to illustrate that ‘the end had come to his people Israel,’ using a wordplay with “summer fruit” and “end” in Hebrew. (Amos 8:2) This should have reminded unfaithful Israel that it had reached its end and that Jehovah’s judgment was due. Figs were no doubt among the summer fruits that Abijah was referring to. Summer figs might be pressed into cakes to eat or used as a poultice for boils.—2 Kings 20:7.",This should have reminded unfaithful Israel that it had reached its end and that Jehovah’s judgment was due. Figs were no doubt among the summer fruits that Abijah was referring to. Summer figs might be pressed into cakes to eat or used as a poultice for boils.—2 Kings 20:7.,Amos 8:2; 2 Kings 20:7,w07 6/15 p. 12 ,,,joshlaymon,,5/13/2025
"“Written for Our Instruction” God merciful and gracious, different roles, personality, ","To illustrate: A local judge may be best known by those who have faced him in court as a firm enforcer of the law. His children, on the other hand, may view him as the loving, generous father that he is. His close friends may find that he is an approachable man with a good sense of humor. The judge, the father, and the friend are all the same person. It is just that various aspects of his personality become apparent under different circumstances.","Similarly, the Hebrew Scriptures describe Jehovah as “a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abundant in loving-kindness and truth.” Yet, we also learn that “by no means will he give exemption from punishment.” (Exodus 34:6, 7) Those two aspects reflect the meaning of God’s name. “Jehovah” literally means “He Causes to Become.” That is, God becomes whatever is needed to fulfill his promises. (Exodus 3:13-15) But he remains the same God. Jesus stated: “Jehovah our God is one Jehovah.”—Mark 12:29.","Exodus 34:6, 7; Exodus 3:13-15; Mark 12:29;",w07 9/1 pp. 4-5 ,,,joshlaymon,,5/13/2025
"Imitate the Great Disciple Maker, What things? good listener, opening up the Scriptures; ","Jesus was never at a loss for words. Besides being a good listener, he was often aware of what people were thinking, and he knew exactly what to say. (Matthew 9:4; 12:22-30; Luke 9:46, 47) To illustrate: Shortly after Jesus’ resurrection, two of his disciples were walking from Jerusalem to Emmaus. “As they were conversing and discussing,” says the Gospel account, “Jesus himself approached and began walking with them; but their eyes were kept from recognizing him. He said to them: ‘What are these matters that you are debating between yourselves as you walk along?’ And they stood still with sad faces. In answer the one named Cleopas said to him: ‘Are you dwelling as an alien by yourself in Jerusalem and so do not know the things that have occurred in her in these days?’ And he said to them: ‘What things?’” ","The Great Teacher listened as they explained that Jesus the Nazarene taught people, performed miracles, and was executed. Now some were saying that he had been raised from the dead. Jesus let Cleopas and his companion express themselves. Then he explained what they needed to know, “fully opening up the Scriptures” to them.—Luke 24:13-27, 32. You may know nothing about the religious viewpoint of a certain householder. To find out what it is, you might say that you enjoy listening to what people think about prayer. Then you might ask, “Do you think anyone really listens to prayers?” "," Luke 9:46, 47; Matthew 9:4; 12:22-30; Luke 24:13-27, 32; ",w07 11/15 p. 28 pars. 9-10,,,joshlaymon,,5/13/2025
"You Can Weather the Storm, adversity, pouring rain, floods, and destructive winds, ","IN THESE critical times, many are enduring stormlike adversities. Yet, for Christians, love for God and loyalty to his principles help them to cope. How? The answer can be found in an illustration told by Jesus Christ. He compared his obedient disciples to “a discreet man, who built his house upon the rock-mass.” Jesus said: “The rain poured down and the floods came and the winds blew and lashed against that house, but it did not cave in, for it had been founded upon the rock-mass.”—Matthew 7:24, 25.","Note that even though the man in the illustration is discreet, he still faces adversity—represented by pouring rain, floods, and destructive winds. Jesus, therefore, did not indicate that his disciples would escape all difficulties and enjoy a life of unbroken peace and tranquillity. (Psalm 34:19; James 4:13-15) But he did say that faithful servants of God can prepare for and cope with such tempestuous adversities and crises.","Matthew 7:24, 25; ",w07 1/1 p. 32,,,joshlaymon,,5/13/2025
"Are You Imitating Jehovah in Caring for Others? shepherd, protects, lions, wolves, and bears. ","Using a shepherd as an illustration, the psalmist David described God’s care: “Jehovah is my Shepherd. I shall lack nothing. In grassy pastures he makes me lie down; by well-watered resting-places he conducts me. My soul he refreshes. . . . Even though I walk in the valley of deep shadow, I fear nothing bad, for you are with me.”—Psalm 23:1-4.","Being a shepherd himself, David knew what was involved in caring for a flock. The shepherd protects his sheep from predators, such as lions, wolves, and bears. He keeps the flock from scattering, looks for lost sheep, carries weary lambs in his bosom, and cares for the sick and the injured. Daily he waters the flock. This does not mean that the shepherd controls every movement of the sheep. The sheep are free yet protected. That is how Jehovah cares for his people.",Psalm 23:1-4,w07 6/15 p. 18,,,joshlaymon,,5/13/2025
"Awaiting Jehovah’s Day With Endurance, death of a faithful Christian, Anna, ","How can we cope with bereavement? Perhaps an illustration will be helpful. We do not usually experience prolonged sadness when a friend goes on a journey, since we expect to see him again when he returns. Taking a similar view of the death of a faithful Christian may lessen our grief because we know that he is in line for a resurrection.—Ecclesiastes 7:1.","Complete reliance on “the God of all comfort” will help us to endure bereavement. (2 Corinthians 1:3, 4) So will reflecting on what was done by the first-century widow Anna. She became a widow after only seven years of marriage. But at the age of 84, she was still rendering sacred service to Jehovah at the temple. (Luke 2:36-38) Such a devout life undoubtedly helped her to cope with grief and loneliness. Regular participation in Christian activities, including the Kingdom-preaching work, can help us to endure the effects of bereavement.",Ecclesiastes 7:1; Luke 2:36-38,w07 7/15 pp. 28-29 pars. 10-11,,,joshlaymon,,5/13/2025
"Are You “Rich Toward God”? the rich man had a problem. not portrayed as a bad man, worked hard.","The illustration that Jesus gave is a familiar one. We note that Jesus introduced the story simply by saying: “The land of a certain rich man produced well.” Jesus did not say that the man acquired his riches by some devious or unlawful means. In other words, he was not portrayed as a bad man. In fact, from what Jesus said, it is reasonable to think that the man portrayed in the parable had worked hard. ","At least it can be understood that he was a man who planned and saved for the future, perhaps with the welfare of his family in mind. Thus, from a secular point of view, he can be taken to represent a hardworking man who took his obligations seriously. In any case, Jesus did call the individual in the parable a rich man, meaning someone who already had in his possession an abundance of material goods. However, as Jesus described it, the rich man had a problem. His land produced much more than he expected, above and beyond what he needed or could care for. What should he have done?Many of Jehovah’s servants today face situations very much like that of the rich man. True Christians strive to be honest, diligent, and conscientious workers. (Colossians 3:22, 23) ","Colossians 3:22, 23; ",w07 8/1 p. 27 pars. 4-6; ,,,joshlaymon,,5/13/2025
"A Meaningful Life Is Possible! Jesus did not live to pursue pleasure, priorities straight, ","Jesus did not live to pursue pleasure. He had his priorities straight. Jesus said: “Even when a person has an abundance his life does not result from the things he possesses.” He then went on to relate an illustration about a certain rich man who had a bumper crop and who reasoned to himself: “What shall I do, now that I have nowhere to gather my crops? . . . I will tear down my storehouses and build bigger ones, and there I will gather all my grain and all my good things; and I will say to my soul: ‘Soul, you have many good things laid up for many years; take your ease, eat, drink, enjoy yourself.’” What was wrong with this man’s thinking? ","The illustration continues: “God said to [the rich man], ‘Unreasonable one, this night they are demanding your soul from you. Who, then, is to have the things you stored up?’” Even if the man stored his crop, when he died he could not enjoy the riches he had accumulated. In conclusion, Jesus gave this lesson to his audience: “So it goes with the man that lays up treasure for himself but is not rich toward God.”—Luke 12:13-21. Yes, we do need some money, and enjoyment has its place. However, neither money nor pleasure is the most important thing in life. To be rich toward God, that is, to live a life that results in divine favor, is by far the most important thing to pursue. What is life without some of the pleasures that money can buy? Although Jesus Christ, the Founder of Christianity, admitted that he had nowhere to lay down his head, he did occasionally enjoy choice food and wine. Moreover, he did not refrain from wearing an expensive garment.—Matthew 8:20; John 2:1-11; 19:23, 24.","Matthew 8:20; John 2:1-11; 19:23, 24; Luke 12:13-21; ",w07 11/15 pp. 4-5,,,joshlaymon,,5/13/2025
"“A Symbolic Drama” of Value to Us, strengthens our confidence in the unity and harmony of the Bible","Paul’s purpose in explaining this “symbolic drama” was to illustrate the superiority of the Abrahamic promise, or covenant, over the Law covenant mediated by Moses. No one could gain God’s favor by works of the Mosaic Law, for all humans are imperfect and the Law simply highlighted their slavery to sin. ","Yet, as Paul explained, Jesus came that “he might release by purchase those under law.” (Galatians 4:4, 5) Hence, faith in the value of Christ’s sacrifice led to freedom from the Law’s condemnation.—Galatians 5:1-6. Value to Us. Why should we be interested in Paul’s inspired explanation of this drama? One reason is that it gives us insight into Scriptural meanings that would otherwise have remained obscure. The explanation strengthens our confidence in the unity and harmony of the Bible.—1 Thessalonians 2:13.","Galatians 5:1-6; 1 Thessalonians 2:13, ",w06 3/15 p. 12 ,,,joshlaymon,,5/13/2025
"Jehovah Trains Shepherds for His Flock, diligent elders help baptized brothers, ","If baptized brothers are to be tested, it is only fair that they are first trained. To illustrate: If a student at school was asked to take a difficult examination for which the teachers had provided no specific training, would the student pass the test? Most likely, he would fail. Therefore, training is needed. However, conscientious teachers train students not only to pass a test but also to use the knowledge they gain. ","Similarly, diligent elders help baptized brothers to cultivate the qualities required of an appointed man by providing them with specific training. They do so not merely to help these brothers to be appointed to serve but also to help them to be able to care adequately for the flock. (2 Timothy 2:2) Of course, baptized brothers must do their part and work hard to meet the qualifications required of a ministerial servant or an elder. (Titus 1:5-9) Nevertheless, by willingly training those who are reaching out for responsibility in the congregation, experienced shepherds can help them progress more quickly.",2 Timothy 2:2; Titus 1:5-9; ,w06 5/1 pp. 23-24 par. 9 ,,,joshlaymon,,5/13/2025
"Find Contentment by Applying Bible Principles, Sin, to miss the mark. target with an arrow","The Greek word translated “sin” comes from a root that means “to miss the mark.” (Romans 3:9, footnote) To illustrate: Envision someone who is hoping to win a prize by hitting a target with an arrow. He has three arrows at his disposal. He shoots the first one and misses by a yard. He aims better with the second arrow but still misses by a foot [30 cm]. With full concentration he lets the last arrow go and misses by only an inch [2 cm]. It was so close, but a miss is a miss.","We are all like that disappointed archer. Sometimes we seem to “miss the mark” by much. Other times we come close but still miss the mark. We are frustrated because we tried so hard, but it was still not good enough. Now, let us go back to the archer. He is slowly turning away, dejected because he really wanted that prize. Suddenly, the man in charge calls him back and hands him a prize, saying: “I want to give you this because I like you, and I saw how hard you tried.” The archer is elated! Elated! Everyone who receives from God “the gift” of everlasting life in perfection will feel this way. (Romans 6:23) Thereafter, everything they do will be good—they will never miss the mark again. They will be perfectly content. In the meantime, if we keep this view in mind, we will feel better about ourselves and those around us.",Romans 6:23; Romans 3:9,w06 6/1 pp. 12-13 ,,,joshlaymon,,5/13/2025
"“Let Us Compare Scripture With Scripture”, Kingdom power was demonstrated in his transfiguration, ","When we are reading the Bible, how can we imitate the fine examples of Jesus and his faithful followers? First, we can consider the immediate context of the scripture in question. How can the context help us understand the meaning? To illustrate, let us take Jesus’ words recorded at Matthew 16:28: “Truly I say to you that there are some of those standing here that will not taste death at all until first they see the Son of man coming in his kingdom.” ","Some may feel that these words were not fulfilled because all of Jesus’ disciples who were present when he said those words died before the establishment of God’s Kingdom in the heavens. The Interpreter’s Bible even says of this verse: “The prediction was not fulfilled, and later Christians found it necessary to explain that it was metaphorical.” However, the context of this verse, as well as that of the parallel accounts by Mark and Luke, helps us understand the real meaning of the scripture. What did Matthew relate right after the words quoted above? He wrote: “Six days later Jesus took Peter and James and John his brother along and brought them up into a lofty mountain by themselves. And he was transfigured before them.” (Matthew 17:1, 2) Both Mark and Luke also linked Jesus’ comment about the Kingdom with the account of the transfiguration. (Mark 9:1-8; Luke 9:27-36) Jesus’ coming in Kingdom power was demonstrated in his transfiguration, his appearing in glory in the presence of the three apostles. Peter verifies this understanding by speaking of “the power and presence of our Lord Jesus Christ” with regard to his witnessing Jesus’ transfiguration.—2 Peter 1:16-18.",2 Peter 1:16-18; Mark 9:1-8; Luke 9:27-36; Matthew 16:28:,w06 8/15 p. 14,,,joshlaymon,,5/13/2025
"“Let Your Petitions Be Made Known to God”, What if We Have Sinned? Airplane pilots lost, Pray, ","How can prayer help if someone has sinned? Because of shame, some who have sinned hold back from praying. That, however, is not a wise course to follow. To illustrate: Airplane pilots know that if they get lost, they can communicate with air traffic controllers to get help. What, though, if a lost pilot hesitates to contact the controllers because he is embarrassed that he got lost? That could lead to disaster! ","Similarly, the person who has sinned and is embarrassed to pray to God could suffer further harm. Shame over sin should not stop one from speaking with Jehovah. In fact, God invites those who have made serious errors to pray to him. The prophet Isaiah urged sinners in his day to call to Jehovah, “for he will forgive in a large way.” (Isaiah 55:6, 7) Of course, one may need to ‘soften the face of Jehovah’ by first softening one’s own heart, turning from the sinful course, and sincerely repenting.—Psalm 119:58; Daniel 9:13.15 Where sin is involved, prayer becomes important for yet another reason. The disciple James states regarding someone needing spiritual help: “Let him call the older men of the congregation to him, and let them pray over him, . . . and Jehovah will raise him up.” (James 5:14, 15) Yes, an individual should personally confess his sin to Jehovah in prayer, but he can also ask the older men to pray in his behalf. That will aid him in his spiritual recovery.","Isaiah 55:6, 7; Psalm 119:58; Daniel 9:13; ",w06 9/1 p. 30,,,joshlaymon,,5/13/2025
"Questions From Readers, blood guilt, accident, death, deciding, based on the Scriptures, ","To illustrate: If weather conditions were bad at the time of the accident, the driver should have exercised greater care. If he was drowsy, he should have stopped and rested until he was no longer sleepy, or he should have had someone else drive. Suppose the driver was speeding. If any Christian exceeds the speed limit, this is a failure to render “Caesar’s things to Caesar.” It also betrays a disregard for the sacredness of life, for there is the possibility of fatal consequences. (Matthew 22:21) In this regard, consider something further. What kind of example would an elder be setting for the flock if he was careless about Caesar’s traffic regulations or deliberately failed to obey them?—1 Peter 5:3.","The decision of the elders investigating the case should be based on the Scriptures and the clearly established facts—an admission by the driver and/or the testimony of two or three reliable eyewitnesses. (Deuteronomy 17:6; Matthew 18:15, 16) If bloodguilt is established, a judicial committee should be formed. If the committee determines that the bloodguilty person is repentant, he will receive appropriate reproof from the Scriptures and will be restricted as regards privileges in the congregation. He would no longer serve as an elder or a ministerial servant. Other restrictions would also be imposed. And he is accountable to God for his carelessness, neglect, or lack of caution that resulted in the accident and fatality.—Galatians 6:5, 7.","Matthew 22:21; Deuteronomy 17:6; Matthew 18:15, 16", w06 9/15 p. 30; ,,,joshlaymon,,5/13/2025
"Beware of the Corrosive Influence of Murmuring; metal, rust, adversity,  inclined to murmur.","An illustration might help. Many types of metal have a natural tendency to rust. If early signs of rust are ignored, metal can rust to the point that it can no longer serve its purpose. Countless automobiles are scrapped, not because of mechanical failure, but because the metal is so rusted that the vehicles are unsafe. How can we apply this illustration to murmuring?","Just as certain metals tend to rust, imperfect humans have a tendency to complain. We should be on guard to detect any sign of this. Even as moisture and salty air accelerate rusting, adversity makes us more inclined to murmur. Stress can turn a minor irritation into a major grievance. As conditions in the last days of this system deteriorate, potential causes of complaint will likely increase. (2 Timothy 3:1-5) Hence, one servant of Jehovah might begin to murmur against another. The cause could be a small issue, such as discontent with someone’s weaknesses, abilities, or privileges of service.Most of the Scriptural examples we have considered show that murmuring caused much damage among God’s people in the past. Therefore, we do well to think seriously about the corrosive influence it could have today.",2 Timothy 3:1-5; ,w06 7/15 p. 16,,,joshlaymon,,5/13/2025
"“As in Heaven, Also Upon Earth” Never fail, pouring rain descends, and the snow,","God’s promises never sink into oblivion, for he is the Most High, and he ensures their fulfillment. Using the natural water cycle as an illustration, the Bible explains that the fulfillment of God’s promises is inevitable: “Just as the pouring rain descends, and the snow, from the heavens and does not return to that place, unless it actually saturates the earth and makes it produce and sprout, . . . so my word [God’s word] that goes forth from my mouth will prove to be. It will not return to me without results, but it will certainly do that in which I have delighted, and it will have certain success in that for which I have sent it.” (Isaiah 55:10, 11) ","God makes promises to humans. A certain amount of time may pass before those promises are realized, but they do not fall by the wayside. They “return” to him having accomplished all that was uttered.","Ecclesiastes 1:4; 1 Chronicles 16:30; Isaiah 45:18; Isaiah 55:10, 11",w06 8/15 p. 6 ,,,joshlaymon,,5/13/2025
"Is the Bible Too Restrictive? Jehovah gives direction on how we should live. need laws, ","The idea of unlimited freedom may sound appealing, especially to young people. Few enjoy being patronized or having to live according to a list of dos and don’ts. However, should everyone be free to do whatever he wants? To answer this question, consider an illustration. Imagine a city with no traffic laws. No driver’s license or driving test is required. People can drive any way they like, even when intoxicated, with no need to worry about speed limits, stop signs, traffic lights, one-way streets, or pedestrian crossings. ","Would such “freedom” be desirable? Certainly not! The result would be chaos, confusion, and catastrophe. Though traffic laws restrict people’s freedom, we understand that these laws protect drivers as well as pedestrians. Similarly, Jehovah gives direction on how we should live. This benefits us. Without such guidance, we would have to learn things by trial and error, and in so doing, we could harm ourselves and others. Such an atmosphere of moral anarchy would be as undesirable and hazardous as driving in a city without traffic laws. The truth is, we need rules and laws of some kind—a fact that most people readily admit.","Matthew 11:28, 30;",w06 10/1 pp. 8-9,,,joshlaymon,,5/13/2025
"Jehovah Will “Cause Justice to Be Done,” Warning, last days, widely discernible, ","In Luke chapter 18, we find Jesus’ illustration regarding a widow and a judge. It is similar to the illustration about the persistent host, which we discussed in the preceding article. (Luke 11:5-13) However, the context of the Bible passage containing the illustration of the widow and the judge shows that this especially applies to those living “when the Son of man arrives” in Kingdom power, which time period began in 1914.—Luke 18:8.","4 Leading up to the illustration, Jesus stated that the evidence of his presence in Kingdom power would be as widely discernible “as the lightning” that “shines from one part under heaven to another part under heaven.” (Luke 17:24; 21:10, 29-33) Nonetheless, most people living in “the time of the end” would not pay attention to that clear evidence. (Daniel 12:4) Why not? For the same reason that people in the time of Noah and that of Lot ignored Jehovah’s warnings. Back in those times, people ‘were eating, drinking, buying, selling, planting, and building until the day that they were destroyed.’ (Luke 17:26-29) They lost their lives because they were so absorbed in those common activities that they did not pay attention to God’s will. (Matthew 24:39) Today, people in general are likewise so caught up in daily affairs that they fail to see the evidence that the end of this ungodly world is near.—Luke 17:30.",Luke 11:5-13; Daniel 12:4; ,w06 12/15 pp. 25-26 ,,,joshlaymon,,5/13/2025
"Questions From Readers, Samson either tore apart the jaws of the lion or tore the lion limb from limb","“Jehovah’s spirit became operative upon [Samson], so that he tore it [a maned young lion] in two, just as someone tears a male kid in two, and there was nothing at all in his hand.” This comment likely is an illustration. The expression “he tore it in two” could have two meanings. Samson either tore apart the jaws of the lion or tore the lion limb from limb in some way. If the former is meant, then doing the same thing to a young goat is conceivably within human power. In this case, the parallel illustrates that conquering a lion with his bare hands was no more difficult for Samson than had the lion been a mere male kid. ","However, what if Samson killed the lion by tearing it limb from limb? The comment then can hardly be taken as anything more than a simile. The point of the simile would be that Jehovah’s spirit empowered Samson to perform a task that required extraordinary physical strength. In either case, the comparison drawn at Judges 14:6 illustrates that with Jehovah’s help, a powerful lion proved to be no more ferocious to Samson than a male kid would be to the average person.",Judges 14:6,w05 1/15 p. 31,,,joshlaymon,,5/13/2025
“You Were Bought With a Price” We must subject our own will to the will of God.,"An illustration that Jesus gave provides the answer. Jesus spoke of a slave who had been caring for his master’s flock all day in the field. When the slave arrived home, weary from some 12 hours of hard work, his master did not invite him to sit down and enjoy a good supper. Instead, the master said: “Get something ready for me to have my evening meal, and put on an apron and minister to me until I am through eating and drinking, and afterward you can eat and drink.” ","The slave could attend to his own needs only after he had served his master. Jesus concluded the illustration by saying: “So you, also, when you have done all the things assigned to you, say, ‘We are good-for-nothing slaves. What we have done is what we ought to have done.’”—Luke 17:7-10.Jesus did not give this illustration to show that Jehovah does not appreciate what we do in his service. The Bible clearly states: “God is not unrighteous so as to forget your work and the love you showed for his name.” (Hebrews 6:10) Rather, the point of Jesus’ parable is that a slave cannot please himself or concentrate on his own comforts. When we dedicated ourselves to God and chose to be his slaves, we agreed to put his will ahead of our own. We must subject our own will to the will of God.",Luke 17:7-10.,w05 3/15 pp. 18-19 pars. 10-12,,,joshlaymon,,5/13/2025
"The Resurrection—A Teaching That Affects You,  Abraham already had a powerful basis for his belief ","As events turned out, when Jehovah saw the strength of Abraham’s faith, he arranged for an animal to substitute as a sacrifice. Still, Isaac’s experience served as an illustration of the resurrection, as Paul explained: “From there he [Abraham] did receive him [Isaac] also in an illustrative way.” (Hebrews 11:19) More than that, Abraham already had a powerful basis for his belief in the resurrection. Had not Jehovah brought back to life Abraham’s reproductive powers when he and his wife, Sarah, came together in their old age and produced their son, Isaac?—Genesis 18:10-14; 21:1-3; Romans 4:19-21.","Abraham, who was described as “Jehovah’s friend,” was a man of outstanding faith. (James 2:23) Paul referred to Abraham’s faith three times in his listing of faithful men and women recorded in the 11th chapter of Hebrews. (Hebrews 11:8, 9, 17) His third reference focuses on the faith Abraham displayed when he obediently prepared to offer up his son Isaac as a sacrifice. Abraham was convinced that the promise of a seed through Isaac was guaranteed by Jehovah. Even if Isaac were to die as a sacrifice, Abraham “reckoned that God was able to raise him up even from the dead.”",Genesis 18:10-14; 21:1-3; Romans 4:19-21; ,w05 5/1 pp. 10-11 pars. 12-13,,,joshlaymon,,5/13/2025
"Young People, Praise Jehovah! Bear witness, Name, “speech to bubble forth.”","Consider an illustration. If you had a close friend with an amazing skill—perhaps in sports, art, or music—would you talk about him to your family and other friends? No doubt. ","Well, learning about all that Jehovah has done can have a similar effect on us. For example, Psalm 19:1, 2 says that the starry heavens cause “speech to bubble forth.” As for us, when we think about the amazing things that Jehovah has accomplished, we can hardly hold back from talking to others about our God. Another outstanding reason for praising Jehovah is that he wants us to do so. Why? Is it because he needs praise from humans? No. We humans may need praise at times, but Jehovah is far higher than we are. (Isaiah 55:8) He has no uncertainties about himself or his qualities. (Isaiah 45:5) Yet, he wants us to praise him and is pleased when we do. ","Psalm 19:1, 2 ",w05 6/15 pp. 24-25 pars. 7-8 ,,,joshlaymon,,5/13/2025
"The Bible Can Help You Find Joy, sparrow falls, hairs on their head. have value in God’s eyes.","On one occasion God’s Son, Jesus, found it necessary to draw to the attention of his disciples the fact that God sees the good in His servants. By way of an illustration, he related that God notices when a sparrow falls to the ground—something that most humans would consider of little importance. ","He also highlighted that God knows the smallest detail about humans, even the number of the hairs on their head. Jesus concluded his illustration by saying: “Therefore have no fear: you are worth more than many sparrows.” (Matthew 10:29-31) Jesus indicated that despite what individuals may feel about themselves, humans with faith do have value in God’s eyes. In fact, the apostle Peter reminds us that “God is not partial, but in every nation the man that fears him and works righteousness is acceptable to him.”—Acts 10:34, 35.","Matthew 10:29-31; Acts 10:34, 35; ",w05 8/1 pp. 4-5,,,joshlaymon,,5/13/2025
“Keep on the Watch”—The Hour of Judgment Has Arrived! ,"On more than one occasion, Jesus used the ways of a thief as an illustration. (Luke 10:30; John 10:10) Regarding events that would occur during the time of the end and that would lead up to his coming to execute judgment, ","Jesus gave this warning: “Keep on the watch, therefore, because you do not know on what day your Lord is coming. But know one thing, that if the householder had known in what watch the thief was coming, he would have kept awake and not allowed his house to be broken into.” (Matthew 24:42, 43) So Jesus likened his coming to the arrival of a thief—unexpected.","Matthew 24:42, 43",w05 10/1 p. 21 par. 2,,,joshlaymon,,5/13/2025
"Can You Control Your Destiny? Heaven, earth, remedy, Adam's sin, founding of the world, ","To illustrate: Suppose that a government decides to set up a particular agency. It predetermines the agency’s functions, its powers, and its size. The agency finally goes into operation some time after it was set up, and its members issue a statement saying: “The government determined a number of years ago what our job would be. Now we begin the work assigned to us.” Would you conclude that the government must have predetermined some years earlier who the individual members of that agency would be? Surely not.","Similarly, Jehovah predetermined that he would set up a special agency to remedy the effects of Adam’s sin. He foreordained the class of people who would serve in that agency—but not the individuals. They would be chosen later, and the choices they would make in life would have a bearing on whether they were finally approved or not. What world did the apostle Paul have in mind when he said: “[God] chose us in union with him before the founding of the world”? The world that Paul refers to here is not the world that God started when he created Adam and Eve. That world was “very good”—absolutely free from sin and corruption. (Genesis 1:31) It did not need a “release” from sin.—Ephesians 1:7.",Ephesians 1:7; Genesis 1:31; ,w05 1/15 p. 6 ,,,joshlaymon,,5/13/2025
"Jehovah Always Does What Is Right, Why Accept Jehovah’s Judgments? ","Why Accept Jehovah’s Judgments? First, because Jehovah knows all the facts involved and we do not, we should be modest when considering God’s actions. To illustrate: Imagine that a judge with an outstanding record of making fair-minded decisions has handed down a sentence in a court case. What would you think about someone who without knowing all the facts or really understanding the laws involved criticized the judge’s decision? It would be foolish for someone to pass judgment on a matter without being fully informed about it. (Proverbs 18:13) ","How much more foolish it would be for mere humans to criticize “the Judge of all the earth”!—Genesis 18:25. A second reason to accept God’s judgments is that unlike humans, God can read hearts. (1 Samuel 16:7) His Word states: “I, Jehovah, am searching the heart, examining the kidneys, even to give to each one according to his ways, according to the fruitage of his dealings.” (Jeremiah 17:10) Hence, when we read Bible accounts about God’s judgments upon certain individuals, let us not forget that his all-seeing eyes took into account hidden thoughts, motives, and intentions that went unrecorded in his Word.—1 Chronicles 28:9.6 Note a third reason to accept Jehovah’s judgments: He holds to his righteous standards even at great personal cost. Consider an example. In giving his Son as a ransom for delivering obedient mankind from sin and death, Jehovah satisfied his just and righteous standards. (Romans 5:18, 19) ",Proverbs 18:13; 1 Samuel 16:7; ,w05 2/1 pp. 23-24 ,,,joshlaymon,,5/13/2025
"Parents, Protect Your Precious Inheritance, Children, read Bible, ","You can—and should—read to your children from God’s Word. But helping them to love and obey Jehovah requires more than that—it requires understanding on their part. To illustrate: A child may be told not to cross the street before looking both ways. Yet, some children do not obey. Why not? The consequences of being hit by a car may not have been explained often enough or in a manner that impresses the danger upon the child, overcoming the “foolishness” that could lead to an accident. ","Imparting wisdom takes time, as well as much patience. But how valuable wisdom is! “Its ways are ways of pleasantness,” the Bible says, “and all its roadways are peace. It is a tree of life to those taking hold of it, and those keeping fast hold of it are to be called happy.”—Proverbs 3:13-18; 22:15.",Proverbs 3:13-18; 22:15; ,w05 4/1 p. 14 par. 5,,,joshlaymon,,5/13/2025
"Will You Reflect God’s Glory? Distribute bread, not wanted, free, own expense, years, decades, ","Endurance in our ministry gives evidence that God’s spirit is upon us. To illustrate: Suppose someone asked you to distribute a certain type of bread from door to door, free of charge. You are instructed to do this at your own expense and on your own time. Further, you soon learn that only a very few people actually want your bread; some will even oppose your efforts to distribute it. ","Do you think you would continue working at that task month after month, year after year? Probably not. Yet, you may have exerted yourself in declaring the good news on your own time and at your own expense for years, even decades. Why? Is it not because you love Jehovah and through his spirit he has blessed your efforts by helping you to endure? By all means! If we trust in Jehovah, he will make the way out so that we can continue to reflect his glory. 1 Corinthians 10:13.",1 Corinthians 10:13.,w05 8/15 p. 18 pars. 14-15,,,joshlaymon,,5/13/2025
"Jehovah Is Our Shepherd, offerings graded according to ability, two turtledoves or two young pigeons.”","To illustrate that Jehovah leads “according to the pace of” his sheep, consider what is said about certain guilt offerings in the Mosaic Law. Jehovah wanted fine offerings that were prompted by grateful hearts. At the same time, the offerings were graded according to the offerer’s ability. ","The Law said: “If . . . he cannot afford enough for a sheep, then he must bring . . . two turtledoves or two young pigeons.” And if he could not afford even two pigeons? Then he could bring some “fine flour.” (Leviticus 5:7, 11) This shows that God did not demand what was beyond the offerer’s reach. Since God does not change, we can find comfort in knowing that he never asks more than we can give; rather, he is pleased to accept what is within our reach. (Malachi 3:6) What a pleasure it is to be led by such an understanding Shepherd!","Leviticus 5:7, 11;",w05 11/1 p. 18 par. 12,,,joshlaymon,,5/13/2025
"Promises That You Can Trust, Word, Bible, dependability, rains, snow, trustworthy, ","Through the prophet Isaiah, a contemporary of Micah, Jehovah used the regularity of the seasons and the amazing water cycle to illustrate the dependability of his word. Each year the rains came. They saturated the ground and made it possible for people to sow their seed and harvest the produce. ","In this regard, Jehovah said: “Just as the pouring rain descends, and the snow, from the heavens and does not return to that place, unless it actually saturates the earth and makes it produce and sprout, and seed is actually given to the sower and bread to the eater, so my word that goes forth from my mouth will prove to be. It will not return to me without results, but it will certainly do that in which I have delighted, and it will have certain success in that for which I have sent it.”—Isaiah 55:10, 11.","Isaiah 55:10, 11",w04 1/15 p. 6,,,joshlaymon,,5/13/2025
"Maintain Chastity by Safeguarding Your Heart, obedience, puddle, muddy, Child,  ","To illustrate: A mother has washed and dressed her small boy in preparation for an important occasion. He asks if he can play outdoors before the family departs, and she agrees—on one condition. She says: “Don’t go anywhere near that puddle outside. If you get muddy, you will be punished.” Within minutes, though, she sees the boy teetering on his toes at the very edge of the puddle. He is not muddy—yet. Still, he is ignoring her warning not to go near the puddle, and trouble is almost sure to ensue. (Proverbs 22:15) Many youths and adults who should know better make a similar mistake. How so?","Within minutes, though, she sees the boy teetering on his toes at the very edge of the puddle. He is not muddy—yet. Still, he is ignoring her warning not to go near the puddle, and trouble is almost sure to ensue. (Proverbs 22:15) Many youths and adults who should know better make a similar mistake. How so?",Proverbs 22:15; ,w04 2/15 p. 12 par. 10 ,,,joshlaymon,,5/13/2025
"The Faithful Slave’ Passes the Test! Discreet and Foolish Virgins, nodded and went to sleep,","After speaking of “that evil slave,” Jesus gave two parables to show why some anointed Christians would prove to be faithful and discreet while others would not. To illustrate discretion, he said: “The kingdom of the heavens will become like ten virgins that took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish, and five were discreet. For the foolish took their lamps but took no oil with them, whereas the discreet took oil in their receptacles with their lamps.” (Matthew 25:1-4) ","The ten virgins remind us of anointed Christians before 1914. They had calculated that the bridegroom, Jesus Christ, was about to make an appearance. Hence, they “went out” to meet him, boldly preaching that “the appointed times of the nations” would end in 1914.—Luke 21:24. They were correct. The appointed times of the nations did end in 1914, and God’s Kingdom under Christ Jesus went into operation. But that was in the invisible heavens. On earth, mankind began to suffer foretold “woe.” (Revelation 12:10, 12) A time of testing ensued. Not understanding things clearly, anointed Christians thought that “the bridegroom was delaying.” Confused and facing hostility from the world, generally they slowed down and virtually stopped the organized public preaching work. Like the virgins in the parable, spiritually speaking they “nodded and went to sleep,” even as unfaithful professed Christians did after Jesus’ apostles died.—Matthew 25:5; Revelation 11:7, 8; 12:17.",Matthew 25:1-4; ,w04 3/1 p. 14 ‘,,,joshlaymon,,5/13/2025
"“Fully Accomplish Your Ministry” illustration, alternative, trapeze","To illustrate this, reference may be made to a man who swings from a trapeze, lets go of it, and depends on another performer to catch him. As an alternative, likely the need for a good partner and coordination of effort could be illustrated by the way workers cooperate by handing boxes to one another when unloading a boat.","A Bible study aid may use an illustration that is hard for a certain student to grasp. Take time to explain it, or use another illustration that makes the same point. Perhaps a publication is emphasizing that a good partner and coordinated effort are important in a marriage. Using an alternative illustration may call for advance preparation. Yet, that is a way to show our personal interest in a Bible student. Jesus used simple illustrations to clarify difficult subjects. His Sermon on the Mount gives examples of this, and the Bible shows that his teaching had a good effect on his listeners. (Matthew 5:1–7:29) Jesus patiently explained things because he had a keen interest in others.—Matthew 16:5-12.",Matthew 5:1–7:29; Matthew 16:5-12,w04 3/15 p. 18 pars. 16-17 ,,,joshlaymon,,5/13/2025
"Are You Focusing on the Reward? meditation essential, Shifted focus, complain, lack of faith, ","To illustrate: The Israelites who left Egypt with Moses saw with their own eyes displays of Jehovah’s awesome power. They also felt his loving protection as he led them toward their inheritance. Yet, no sooner did the Israelites reach the wilderness en route to the Promised Land than they began to complain, revealing a serious lack of faith. (Psalm 78:11-17) ","What was their problem? The people shifted their focus from Jehovah and the wonderful hope he set before them to their immediate comforts and fleshly concerns. Despite the miraculous signs and wonders they had personally witnessed, many Israelites became faithless complainers. “Quickly they forgot [Jehovah’s] works,” says Psalm 106:13. Such inexcusable negligence cost that generation entry into the Promised Land. Meditate appreciatively on God’s Word. Why is meditation essential? For two reasons. First, meditation enables us to assimilate what we read and to develop heart appreciation for it. Second, meditation prevents us from forgetting Jehovah, his wonderful works, and the hope he has set before us.",Psalm 78:11-17;,w04 4/1 pp. 21-22,,,joshlaymon,,5/13/2025
"Youths, Are You Building for the Future? regret, wisdom wisely, Remove vexation, ","Do you grasp what Solomon meant? To illustrate, think of a young person who receives a large gift, perhaps an inheritance. What will he do with it? He can spend it all on enjoying himself—much like the prodigal son of Jesus’ parable. (Luke 15:11-23) But what will happen when the money runs out? Surely he will regret that he was so irresponsible! On the other hand, suppose he uses the gift to build for the future, perhaps investing most of it wisely. In the long run, when he is benefiting from his investment, do you think that he will regret not having spent all his money on having a good time in his youth? Of course not!","That was the counsel of King Solomon, who wrote: “Rejoice, young man, in your youth, and let your heart do you good in the days of your young manhood, and walk in the ways of your heart and in the things seen by your eyes.” However, Solomon warned youths: “Remove vexation from your heart, and ward off calamity from your flesh.” Further, he said: “Youth and the prime of life are vanity.”—Ecclesiastes 11:9, 10.","Luke 15:11-23; Ecclesiastes 11:9, 10",w04 5/1 p. 13 par. 4 ,,,joshlaymon,,5/13/2025
"Ancient Sports and the Importance of Winning,  self-control and endurance, violence,","Many modern contact sports have a potential for violence. Anyone attracted to such sports does well to remember the words of Psalm 11:5: “Jehovah himself examines the righteous one as well as the wicked one, and anyone loving violence His soul certainly hates.”","In its right place, exercise can be enjoyable, and the apostle Paul did say that “bodily training is beneficial for a little.” (1 Timothy 4:7-10) When he spoke of the Greek games, however, Paul appropriately referred to them merely to illustrate the importance for Christians to have such qualities as self-control and endurance. The goal Paul was striving to attain, above all else, was that of receiving the God-given “crown” of everlasting life. (1 Corinthians 9:24-27; 1 Timothy 6:12) In that, he set an example for us.","1 Corinthians 9:24-27; 1 Timothy 6:12, 1 Timothy 4:7-10;",w04 5/1 p. 31,,,joshlaymon,,5/13/2025
"Questions From Readers, literal sewing needle and a real camel, hyperbole, ","So, then, Jesus meant a literal sewing needle and a real camel. He was using these to emphasize the impossibility of something. But did Jesus mean that no rich man could ever get into the Kingdom? No, for Jesus’ statement was not meant to be taken literally. He was using hyperbole to illustrate that just as a literal camel cannot go through the eye of an actual sewing needle, it is impossible for a rich man to enter into the Kingdom if he continues to cling to his riches and does not put Jehovah first in his life.—Luke 13:24; 1 Timothy 6:17-19.","Jesus made this statement just after a rich young ruler turned down the grand privilege of becoming Jesus’ follower. (Luke 18:18-24) A wealthy individual having greater love for his possessions than for spiritual things cannot expect to gain everlasting life in the Kingdom arrangement. Yet, certain rich people did become Jesus’ disciples. (Matthew 27:57; Luke 19:2, 9) So a rich person who is conscious of his spiritual need and who seeks divine help can receive God-given salvation.—Matthew 5:3; 19:16-26.",Luke 13:24; 1 Timothy 6:17-19,w04 5/15 p. 31,,,joshlaymon,,5/13/2025
"Be Guided by the Living God, touching a dead body, use of blood, protection, avoid diseases, ","God’s interest in our life gives us reason to trust his guidance. (Psalm 147:8; Matthew 5:45) Some may react otherwise if they find a Bible directive that they do not understand or that seems restrictive. Still, trusting Jehovah’s guidance has proved to be wise. To illustrate: Even if an Israelite did not understand the law against touching a dead body, he benefited by obeying it. First, his obedience would draw him closer to the living God; second, it would help him to avoid diseases.—Leviticus 5:2; 11:24.4 It is similar with God’s guidance about blood. He told Noah that humans should not consume blood. Then in the Law, God revealed that the only approved use of blood was on the altar—for forgiveness of sin. By those directives, God was laying the groundwork for the supreme use of blood—the saving of lives by means of Jesus’ ransom. (Hebrews 9:14) Yes, God’s guidance was with our life and well-being in mind. Discussing Genesis 9:4, 19th-century Bible scholar Adam Clarke wrote: “This command [to Noah] is still scrupulously obeyed by the oriental Christians . . . No blood was eaten under the law, because it pointed out the blood that was to be shed for the sin of the world; and under the Gospel it should not be eaten, because it should ever be considered as representing the blood which has been shed for the remission of sins.”","It is similar with God’s guidance about blood. He told Noah that humans should not consume blood. Then in the Law, God revealed that the only approved use of blood was on the altar—for forgiveness of sin. By those directives, God was laying the groundwork for the supreme use of blood—the saving of lives by means of Jesus’ ransom. (Hebrews 9:14) Yes, God’s guidance was with our life and well-being in mind. Discussing Genesis 9:4, 19th-century Bible scholar Adam Clarke wrote: “This command [to Noah] is still scrupulously obeyed by the oriental Christians . . . No blood was eaten under the law, because it pointed out the blood that was to be shed for the sin of the world; and under the Gospel it should not be eaten, because it should ever be considered as representing the blood which has been shed for the remission of sins.”",Psalm 147:8; Matthew 5:45; Leviticus 5:2; 11:24; ,w04 6/15 pp. 19-20 pars. 3-4,,,joshlaymon,,5/13/2025
“Put On the Complete Suit of Armor From God” spiritual equipment Christians need. ,The apostle Paul used a Roman soldier’s armor to illustrate the spiritual equipment Christians need in order to battle successfully against the Devil. We find a description of this spiritual armor at Ephesians 6:14-17.  ,"Paul wrote: “Stand firm . . . with your loins girded about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness, and with your feet shod with the equipment of the good news of peace. Above all things, take up the large shield of faith, with which you will be able to quench all the wicked one’s burning missiles. Also, accept the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the spirit, that is, God’s word.” Viewed from a physical standpoint, the suit of armor that Paul described provided a Roman soldier with considerable protection. Then, too, he wielded a sword, his principal weapon for individual combat.", Ephesians 6:14-17; ,w04 9/15 p. 15 pars. 1-2,,,joshlaymon,,5/13/2025
"Who Are Giving God Glory Today? Predestination confuses, Foreknowledge, ","To illustrate: Suppose you had great physical strength. Would that make you feel inclined to lift every heavy object in sight? Of course not! Likewise, having the ability to know the future does not compel God to foreknow or foreordain everything. His use of foreknowledge is selective and discretionary. Clearly, false teachings, including predestination, do not glorify God.","Predestination is an unscriptural teaching that slanders God. It confuses what he can do with what he actually does. The fact that God can foreknow events is clearly stated in the Bible. (Isaiah 46:9, 10) However, it is illogical to think that he cannot control his ability to know the future or that he is responsible for every outcome. ","Isaiah 46:9, 10",w04 10/1 pp. 11-12 par. 13,,,joshlaymon,,5/13/2025
"Do You Accept Jehovah’s Help? tendency to view pornography, work in harmony with prayers, ","To illustrate: Suppose a Christian is struggling with a tendency to view pornography. He has prayed for holy spirit to help him resist this filthy habit. He has sought counsel from Christian elders, and they have advised him to take decisive action, refraining from even going near such debasing material. (Matthew 5:29) ","What if he ignores their counsel and exposes himself to further temptation? Is he working in harmony with his prayer for the holy spirit to help him? Or is he, rather, running the risk of grieving God’s spirit and losing out on this gift? (Ephesians 4:30) Really, all of us need to do everything we can to make sure that we continue to receive this wonderful help from Jehovah.",Matthew 5:29; Ephesians 4:30; ,w04 12/15 p. 20 par. 14,,,joshlaymon,,5/13/2025
"Is Religion at the Root of Mankind’s Problems? Hidden, wheat, weeds, fine seed, counterfeit,","True Religion Hidden for a Time, In an illustration about wheat and weeds, Jesus foretold that true religion would be virtually obscured for a time. Read the account for yourself at Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43. Jesus sowed a field with wheat, “the fine seed,” which pictured his faithful disciples who would make up the original Christian congregation. He warned that “an enemy,” Satan the Devil, would in time oversow the wheat field with “weeds”—people who professed to follow Jesus Christ but who in fact rejected his teachings.","Very soon after the death of Jesus’ apostles, individuals appeared who proved to be “weeds,” favoring twisted human teachings over “the very word of Jehovah.” (Jeremiah 8:8, 9; Acts 20:29, 30) As a consequence, a perverted, counterfeit Christianity appeared on the world stage. It was dominated by what the Bible calls “the lawless one”—a corrupt clergy class that was itself steeped in “every unrighteous deception.” (2 Thessalonians 2:6-10) Jesus foretold that this situation would change “in the conclusion of the system of things.” The wheatlike Christians would be collected together in unity and “the weeds” would eventually be destroyed.It is this counterfeit Christianity that bears responsibility for the “centuries of unredeemed barbarism” and spiritual darkness that enveloped Christendom in the centuries that followed. Foreseeing this and all the other depraved and violent acts done since then in the name of religion, the apostle Peter rightly predicted that “on account of these [professed Christians] the way of the truth [would] be spoken of abusively.”—2 Peter 2:1, 2.","Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43; ",w04 2/15 pp. 5-6 ,,,joshlaymon,,5/13/2025
Do You Find Delight in “the Law of Jehovah”? not rich toward God. treasure for himself,"Even if wicked ones prosper materially, they have no lasting security. (Psalm 37:16; 73:3, 12) They are like the unreasonable rich man Jesus mentioned in an illustration when asked to arbitrate in a matter involving an inheritance. Jesus told those present: “Keep your eyes open and guard against every sort of covetousness, because even when a person has an abundance his life does not result from the things he possesses.” ","Jesus illustrated this point by saying that the land of a certain rich man produced so well that he planned to tear down his storehouses and build bigger ones to hold all his good things. The man then planned to eat, drink, and enjoy himself. But God said: “Unreasonable one, this night they are demanding your soul from you. Who, then, is to have the things you stored up?” Making his powerful point, Jesus added: “So it goes with the man that lays up treasure for himself but is not rich toward God.”—Luke 12:13-21.","Psalm 37:16; 73:3, 12)",w04 7/15 pp. 13-14 par. 18 ,,,joshlaymon,,5/13/2025
"What Kind of Waiting Attitude Do You Have? tire out, give up, stop, sluggish,","To encourage Christians to be patient, the Bible writer James offered an illustration. He wrote: “Look! The farmer keeps waiting for the precious fruit of the earth, exercising patience over it until he gets the early rain and the late rain. You too exercise patience; make your hearts firm, because the presence of the Lord has drawn close.”—James 5:7, 8.","Jehovah God does not want us to tire out or give up while we are waiting. He has a work for us to do and is pleased if we use the waiting time to engage industriously in that work. He wants us to be among those whom the apostle Paul describes in his letter to the Hebrews: “We desire each one of you to show the same industriousness so as to have the full assurance of the hope down to the end, in order that you may not become sluggish, but be imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.”—Hebrews 6:11, 12.","James 5:7, 8; Hebrews 6:11, 12.",w04 10/1 p. 23 ,,,joshlaymon,,5/13/2025
"“Remain in My Word” “Hearing the Word”, same kind of seed, various types of soil,different results","Jesus gave an illustration of a sower who sows seed, and it is recorded in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke. (Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23; Mark 4:1-9, 14-20; Luke 8:4-8, 11-15) As you read the accounts, you will note that the key feature of the illustration is that the same kind of seed falls on various types of soil, producing different results. ","The first type of soil is hard, the second is shallow, and the third is overgrown with thorns. The fourth type, unlike the other three, is “fine” and “good soil.” According to Jesus’ own explanation, the seed is the Kingdom message found in God’s Word, and the soil represents people with differing conditions of the heart. Although the people pictured by the various types of soil have some things in common, those pictured by the fine soil have a characteristic that sets them apart from the rest. The account at Luke 8:12-15 shows that in all four instances, people ‘hear the word.’ However, those having “a fine and good heart” go beyond “hearing the word.” They “retain it and bear fruit with endurance.” The fine and good soil, being soft and deep, allows the roots of the seed to sink down, and as a result, the seed sprouts and produces fruit. (Luke 8:8) Similarly, those with a fine heart understand, appreciate, and absorb the word of God. (Romans 10:10; 2 Timothy 2:7) The word of God remains in them. Consequently, they bear fruit with endurance. A deep, heartfelt appreciation for God’s Word is thus essential for showing endurance as Christ’s disciples. (1 Timothy 4:15) How, though, can we develop such heartfelt appreciation for God’s Word?","Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23; Mark 4:1-9, 14-20; Luke 8:4-8, 11-15; ",w03 2/1 pp. 8-9 ,,,joshlaymon,,5/13/2025
"“Keep Bearing Much Fruit”Jehovah is the Cultivator, Jesus is the vine, ","The admonition to bear fruit is part of an illustration that Jesus related to his apostles. He said: “I am the true vine, and my Father is the cultivator. Every branch in me not bearing fruit he takes away, and every one bearing fruit he cleans, that it may bear more fruit. You are already clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. Remain in union with me, and I in union with you. Just as the branch cannot bear fruit of itself unless it remains in the vine, in the same way neither can you, unless you remain in union with me. I am the vine, you are the branches. . . . My Father is glorified in this, that you keep bearing much fruit and prove yourselves my disciples. Just as the Father has loved me and I have loved you, remain in my love. If you observe my commandments, you will remain in my love.”—John 15:1-10.","3 In this illustration Jehovah is the Cultivator, Jesus is the vine, and the apostles whom Jesus was addressing are the branches. As long as the apostles strove to “remain in union” with Jesus, they would bear fruit. ",John 15:1-10.,w03 2/1 pp. 18-19 pars. 2-3 ,,,joshlaymon,,5/13/2025
"The Altar—What Place in Worship? guided the Israelites, Passover lamb, the blood, sign, ","When Jehovah gave Israel the Law, he provided much more than rules to regulate his people’s lives and their approach to him in sacrifice and prayer. Many of its arrangements constituted what the apostle Paul called “a typical representation,” “an illustration,” or “a shadow of the heavenly things.” (Hebrews 8:3-5; 9:9; 10:1; Colossians 2:17)"," In other words, many aspects of the Law not only guided the Israelites until the coming of the Christ but also constituted a foregleam of God’s purposes to be fulfilled through Jesus Christ. (Galatians 3:24) Yes, aspects of the Law had prophetic value. For instance, the Passover lamb, the blood of which was used as a sign of salvation for the Israelites, prefigured Jesus Christ. He is “the Lamb of God that takes away the sin of the world,” whose blood was poured out to free us from sin.—John 1:29; Ephesians 1:7.",Hebrews 8:3-5; 9:9; 10:1; Colossians 2:17;,w03 2/15 p. 29,,,joshlaymon,,5/13/2025
"Each One Will Sit Under His Fig Tree, unmistakable harbinger of summer, ","Jesus also used the fig tree to teach an important lesson about his presence. He said: “Learn from the fig tree as an illustration this point: Just as soon as its young branch grows tender and it puts forth leaves, you know that summer is near. Likewise also you, when you see all these things, know that he is near at the doors.” (Matthew 24:32, 33) ","The fig tree’s bright-green leaves are a noticeable and unmistakable harbinger of summer. Likewise, Jesus’ great prophecy recorded in Matthew chapter 24, Mark chapter 13, and Luke chapter 21 provides clear evidence of his presence now in heavenly Kingdom power.—Luke 21:29-31.","Matthew 24:32, 33; Luke 21:29-31; ",w03 5/15 p. 26,,,joshlaymon,,5/13/2025
" Do Others Accept Your Counsel? Nathan, David, Bath-sheba.“I have sinned against Jehovah.”",The prophet Nathan showed lowliness of mind when he counseled King David. Love and respect for David was evident in what Nathan said and did. Nathan began with an illustration that took into account the possible difficulty that David might have had in listening to counsel. (2 Samuel 12:1-4) ,"The prophet appealed to David’s love of justice and righteousness, even though it had not been in evidence in his actions involving Bath-sheba. (2 Samuel 11:2-27) When the point of the illustration was pressed, David’s heartfelt reaction was: “I have sinned against Jehovah.” (2 Samuel 12:7-13) Unlike Cain, who did not listen to Jehovah, David humbly accepted correction.",2 Samuel 11:2-272 Samuel 12:1-4; ,"w99 1/15 p. 24, ",,,joshlaymon,,5/13/2025
"Benefits From Loving God’s Word, different responses to the preaching of the good new,","Jesus told the crowds an illustration: “A sower went out to sow his seed. Well, as he was sowing, some of it fell alongside the road and was trampled down, and the birds of heaven ate it up. Some other landed upon the rock-mass, and, after sprouting, it dried up because of not having moisture. Some other fell among the thorns, and the thorns that grew up with it choked it off. Some other fell upon the good soil, and, after sprouting, it produced fruit a hundredfold.”—Luke 8:5-8.","Jesus’ parable showed that there would be different responses to the preaching of the good news, depending on the heart condition of the hearer. The seed being sown is “the word of God.” (Luke 8:11) Or, as another record of the parable says, the seed is “the word of the kingdom.” (Matthew 13:19) Jesus could use either expression, since the theme of God’s Word is the heavenly Kingdom under Jesus Christ as King by means of which Jehovah will vindicate his sovereignty and sanctify his name. (Matthew 6:9, 10) In effect, then, the seed is the message of the good news in God’s Word, the Bible. Jehovah’s Witnesses highlight this Kingdom message as they sow seed in imitation of the original Sower, Jesus Christ. What response do they find?",Luke 8:5-8;,w99 11/1 p. 16 pars. 7-8,,,joshlaymon,,5/13/2025
"What Is Needed for a Successful Marriage? Adversity, commitment, solemn promise, stay together,","To illustrate: A cruise ship may seem majestic as it sits idle, moored at a pier. Its true seaworthiness, however, is proved at sea—perhaps even amid the crashing waves of a storm. ","Similarly, the strength of a marriage bond is not solely defined during peaceful moments of romantic calm. At times, it is proved under trialsome circumstances in which a couple weathers storms of adversity. To do so, a married couple needs commitment, for God purposed that a man would “stick to his wife” and that the two would “become one flesh.” (Genesis 2:24) The idea of commitment frightens many people today. Yet, it is only reasonable that two people who truly love each other will want to make a solemn promise to stay together. Commitment accords the marriage dignity. It provides a basis for confidence that, come what may, a husband and wife will support each other. If you are not ready for such a commitment, you are not really ready for marriage. (Compare Ecclesiastes 5:4, 5.) Even those who are already married may need to enhance their appreciation of how vital commitment is to an enduring marriage.",Genesis 2:24,w99 2/15 pp. 4-5 ,,,joshlaymon,,5/17/2025
"The Way of Love Never Fails, manipulate others in order to get his way. Delilah, Jezebel, and Athaliah","Love “does not look for its own interests.” (1 Corinthians 13:5) A loving person does not manipulate others in order to get his way. The Bible contains warning examples in this matter. To illustrate: We read of Delilah, Jezebel, and Athaliah—women who manipulated others for their own selfish causes. (Judges 16:16; 1 Kings 21:25; 2 Chronicles 22:10-12) ","There also was King David’s son Absalom. He would approach those who came to Jerusalem for judgment and slyly insinuate that the king’s court lacked genuine interest in their problems. Then he would state outright that what the court really needed was a warmhearted man like him! (2 Samuel 15:2-4) Of course, Absalom was interested, not in the downtrodden, but only in himself. Acting as a self-appointed king, he swayed the hearts of many. But in time, Absalom met a crushing defeat. At his death, he was not even deemed worthy of a decent burial.—2 Samuel 18:6-17.10 This is a warning to Christians today. Whether male or female, we may by nature have persuasive powers. It may be easy for us to get our way, so to speak, by dominating a conversation or by wearing down those who have a different view. If we are truly loving, however, we will keep an eye on the interests of others. (Philippians 2:2-4)",Judges 16:16; 1 Kings 21:25; 2 Chronicles 22:10-12; , w99 2/15 p. 20 pars. 9-10,,,joshlaymon,,5/13/2025
Life After Death—What Does the Bible Say?  word “soul” means “life of a creature.”,"At times, the word “soul” refers to the life that a person or an animal enjoys. This does not alter the Bible’s definition of the soul as a person or an animal. To illustrate: We say that someone is alive, meaning that he is a living person. We might also say that he possesses life. In the same way, a living person is a soul. ","Yet, while he is alive, “soul” may be spoken of as something that he possesses. For example, God told Moses: “All the men who were hunting for your soul are dead.” Clearly, Moses’ enemies were seeking to take his life. (Exodus 4:19; compare Joshua 9:24; Proverbs 12:10.) Jesus used the word in a similar way when he said: “The Son of man came . . . to give his soul a ransom in exchange for many.” (Matthew 20:28; compare 10:28.) In each case, the word “soul” means “life of a creature.”",Joshua 9:24; Proverbs 12:10; ,w99 4/1 p. 15,,,joshlaymon,,5/13/2025
"The Creator Can Add Meaning to Your Life, “Where Do We Come From? What Are We?","To illustrate: In 1891, French artist Paul Gauguin went to find a fulfilling life in French Polynesia, in a virtual paradise. But his dissolute past soon brought disease to himself and others. As he felt death approaching, he painted a large canvas in which he seemed to ‘interpret life as a great mystery.’",Do you know what Gauguin named that painting? “Where Do We Come From? What Are We? Where Are We Going?” You may have heard others ask similar questions. Many do. But when they find no satisfying answers—no real meaning in life—where can they go? They may conclude that their life differs little from that of the animals.—2 Peter 2:12.,2 Peter 2:12,w99 6/15 p. 15 par. 6 ,,,joshlaymon,,5/13/2025
"A Book for All People, ","To illustrate the extreme care and accuracy of the copyists, consider the Masoretes, copyists of the Hebrew Scriptures who lived between the sixth and the tenth centuries C.E. According to scholar Thomas Hartwell Horne, they reckoned “how many times each letter of the [Hebrew] alphabet occurs in all the Hebrew Scriptures.” ","Think what that means! To avoid omitting even a single letter, these devoted copyists counted not just the words they copied but the letters as well. Why, according to one scholar’s count, they reportedly kept track of 815,140 individual letters in the Hebrew Scriptures! Such diligent effort ensured a high degree of accuracy. Psalm 45:1;",Psalm 45:1;,w98 4/1 p. 12 par. 9,,,joshlaymon,,5/13/2025
"The Quality of Your Faith—Tested Now, Babylon the Great, morality,marital faithfulness,","To illustrate: A person may be physically outside of Babylon the Great, the world empire of false religion, but has he truly left it behind? Does he still cling to those things that reflect the spirit of Babylon the Great—a spirit that flouts God’s righteous standards? ","Does he treat morality and marital faithfulness lightly? Does he emphasize personal and material interests more than spiritual interests? Yes, has he remained unspotted by the world?—James 1:27.",James 1:27,w98 5/15 p. 19 par. 12,,,joshlaymon,,5/13/2025
"Reaching Hearts With the Art of Persuasion, Jehovah is older and has more authority than Jesus, ","The Witness patiently reasoned with Barbara. “If you were trying to teach me that two persons are equal,” he asked, “what family relationship would you use to illustrate it?” She thought for a moment and then replied: “I might use two brothers.” “Exactly,” the Witness responded. “Perhaps even identical twins. ","But in teaching us to view God as the Father and himself as the Son, what message was Jesus conveying?” “I see,” Barbara replied, her eyes widening. “He is describing one as older and having more authority.” “Yes,” answered the Witness, “and Jesus’ Jewish audience, living in a patriarchal society, would especially have reached that conclusion.” Driving home his point, the Witness concluded: “If we came up with such a fitting illustration to teach equality—that of brothers or identical twins—surely Jesus, the Great Teacher, could have done so too. Instead, he used the terms ‘father’ and ‘son’ to describe the relationship between himself and God.” Would God, “who cannot lie,” do such a deceptive thing?’—Luke 3:21, 22; Titus 1:1, 2.","Luke 3:21, 22; Titus 1:1, 2.",w98 5/15 pp. 22-23,,,joshlaymon,,5/14/2025
Is God Real to You? follow the “prescription” “prescription” for spiritual health.,To illustrate: Imagine that your doctor directed you to apply a certain ointment twice a day to eliminate a persistent rash. Would your rash disappear if you applied the ointment only once or twice a month? That is not likely. ,"Similarly, the psalmist gives us a “prescription” for spiritual health. Read God’s Word “in an undertone day and night.” (Psalm 1:1, 2) To enjoy the cumulative benefit, we need to follow the “prescription”—daily consideration of God’s Word with the help of Christian publications.—Joshua 1:8.","Joshua 1:8; Psalm 1:1, 2",w98 9/15 p. 21 ,,,joshlaymon,,5/14/2025
"What Does God Require of Us? Limit; Book of Creation, Bible, God's Name, Questions, ","There is, however, a limit to what we can learn about Jehovah from the book of creation. To illustrate: What is God’s name? Why did he create the earth and put mankind on it? Why does God permit wickedness? What does the future hold for us? For answers to such questions, we must go to the other book that imparts knowledge of God—the Bible. In its pages, Jehovah reveals things about himself, including his name, his personality, and his purposes—information that we cannot obtain from any other source.—Exodus 34:6, 7; Psalm 83:18; Amos 3:7.","For answers to such questions, we must go to the other book that imparts knowledge of God—the Bible. In its pages, Jehovah reveals things about himself, including his name, his personality, and his purposes—information that we cannot obtain from any other source.—Exodus 34:6, 7; Psalm 83:18; Amos 3:7.","Exodus 34:6, 7; Psalm 83:18; Amos 3:7.",w97 1/15 p. 20 par. 10,,,joshlaymon,,5/14/2025
"Helping Others to Learn God’s Requirements, A Challenge but Not a Burden, ","Is it a burden to preach this good news? Absolutely not! To illustrate: A father has an obligation to provide for his family materially. Failure to do so is tantamount to rejecting the Christian faith. The apostle Paul wrote: “Certainly if anyone does not provide for those who are his own, and especially for those who are members of his household, he has disowned the faith and is worse than a person without faith.” (1 Timothy 5:8) ","But is that obligation a burden for the Christian man? Not if he loves his family, for in that case he wants to provide for them. Similarly, the work of preaching and disciple making is an obligation, a requirement, on which our very lives depend. Paul put it this way: “Necessity is laid upon me. Really, woe is me if I did not declare the good news!” (1 Corinthians 9:16; compare Ezekiel 33:7-9.) However, our motive for preaching is love, not mere duty. ",1 Timothy 5:8; 1 Corinthians 9:16; compare Ezekiel 33:7-9.,w97 1/15 pp. 23-24 ,,,joshlaymon,,5/14/2025
"Your Life—What Is Its Purpose? balance, eat, sleep, drink, Normal, play games, swim,","YOU are interested in yourself, are you not? That is normal. Thus we eat each day, we sleep when we are tired, and we like to be with friends and loved ones. At times we play games, swim, or do other things that we enjoy, reflecting a balanced interest in ourselves.","Such self-interest harmonizes with what God moved Solomon to write: “With a man there is nothing better than that he should eat and indeed drink and cause his soul to see good because of his hard work.” Based on experience, Solomon added: “This too I have seen, even I, that this is from the hand of the true God. For who eats and who drinks better than I do?”—Ecclesiastes 2:24, 25.","Ecclesiastes 2:24, 25.",w97 2/15 p. 8 pars. 1-2,,,joshlaymon,,5/14/2025
"Faith in God—Should It Call for a Miracle? “signs and wonders” faith, Saul of Tarsus","Should it really take “signs and wonders” to believe in God? He has used miracles in times past. To illustrate: Saul of Tarsus, who was persecuting the followers of God’s Son, Jesus Christ, had an extraordinary experience on the road from Jerusalem to Damascus. This miraculous encounter with the resurrected Jesus led to Saul’s conversion. (Acts 9:1-22) ",Thus a former persecutor became the apostle Paul—one of the foremost advocates of Christianity!But do miracles always evoke such a favorable response? Is genuine faith in God dependent upon one’s having some miraculous experience?,Acts 9:1-22,w97 3/15 p. 3 ,,,joshlaymon,,5/14/2025
Where Can True Happiness Be Found?,"To illustrate: What would happen to a marathon runner who after the race failed to respond to his body’s craving for water? Would he not soon face dehydration and other serious consequences? Likewise, if we fail to respond to our need for spiritual nourishment, we will eventually wither spiritually. This will lead to loss of joy and happiness.","Jesus fully recognized his spiritual need, regularly studying and meditating on God’s Word. He could locate and read sections of the Holy Scriptures with ease, and he taught others to do the same. (Luke 4:16-21; compare Ephesians 4:20, 21.) Jesus also likened the doing of his heavenly Father’s will to food. Doing God’s will brought him much happiness.—John 4:34. To be truly happy, we must recognize our inborn spiritual need. Jesus said: “Happy are those conscious of their spiritual need.” Of course, it would do us little good to comprehend this need and then fail to do anything about it. ","Luke 4:16-21; compare Ephesians 4:20, 21; John 4:34, ",w97 3/15 p. 23 ,,,joshlaymon,,5/14/2025
"How Did God Inspire the Bible? Jehovah used men to write the Bible, Not angels, ","Jehovah’s use of humans to write the Bible shows his great wisdom. Consider this: If God delegated the matter to angels, would the Bible have the same appeal? Granted, we would be thrilled to read of God’s qualities and dealings from an angel’s perspective. But if the human element were completely lacking, we might have difficulty grasping the Bible’s message. To illustrate: The Bible could simply report that King David committed adultery and murder and that he thereafter repented. Yet how much better it is to have David’s own words, as he expressed heartrending anguish over his course and begged for Jehovah’s forgiveness! “My sin is in front of me constantly,” he wrote. “A heart broken and crushed, O God, you will not despise.” (Psalm 51:3, 17) Hence, the Bible has the warmth, variety, and appeal that the human element gives it.","Yes, Jehovah chose the finest way to give us his Word. Even though humans with weaknesses and frailties were used, they were borne along by holy spirit so that there would be no error in their writings. Thus, the Bible has superlative value. Its advice is solid, and its prophecies regarding the future Paradise on earth are dependable.—Psalm 119:105; 2 Peter 3:13.","Psalm 51:3, 17; Psalm 119:105; 2 Peter 3:13; ",w97 6/15 p. 8 ,,,joshlaymon,,5/14/2025
"“Jehovah Will Not Forsake His People, fire-resistant materials as gold, silver, combustible materials.","In writing to the Corinthians, the apostle Paul used metaphoric language to illustrate the need for durable qualities that can help us face trials. Such fire-resistant materials as gold, silver, and precious stones correspond to godly qualities. (Compare Proverbs 3:13-15; 1 Peter 1:6, 7.) ","On the other hand, fleshly traits are likened to combustible materials. Then Paul says: “Each one’s work will become manifest, for the day will show it up, because it will be revealed by means of fire; and the fire itself will prove what sort of work each one’s is. If anyone’s work that he has built on it remains, he will receive a reward.” (1 Corinthians 3:10-14) Here again, the Bible explains that all of us will inevitably face some form of fiery test.","Proverbs 3:13-15; 1 Peter 1:6, 7.",w97 7/1 p. 9 par. 6 ,,,joshlaymon,,5/14/2025
"Are You Pursuing Virtue? Meditation is invaluable, promote godly views.","Meditation is invaluable, for it helps us to retain what we learn. More important, it can help to promote godly views. To illustrate: It is one thing to know that God prohibits fornication but quite another to ‘abhor what is wicked and cling to what is good.’ (Romans 12:9) ","We can actually feel the way Jehovah feels about sexual immorality by meditating on key Bible texts, such as Colossians 3:5, which urges: “Deaden, therefore, your body members that are upon the earth as respects fornication, uncleanness, sexual appetite, hurtful desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.” Ask yourself: ‘What kind of sexual appetite must I deaden? What should I avoid that might arouse unclean desire? Are there changes I need to make in the way I treat the opposite sex?’—Compare 1 Timothy 5:1, 2.","Romans 12:9; Colossians 3:5; 1 Timothy 5:1, 2; ",w97 7/15 p. 17 par. 13,,,joshlaymon,,5/14/2025
"Serving Loyally With Jehovah’s Organization, contrast between Korah and David. Moses, ","Dwelling on faults, though, can breed disloyalty. To illustrate, consider the contrast between Korah and David. Korah bore much responsibility, and he had probably been loyal for many years, but he became ambitious. He came to resent the authority of Moses and Aaron, his first cousins. ","Though Moses was the meekest of men, Korah evidently began to look at him with critical eyes. He likely saw faults in Moses. Those faults, however, did not justify Korah’s disloyalty to Jehovah’s organization. He was destroyed from the midst of the congregation.—Numbers 12:3; 16:11, 31-33.5 David, on the other hand, served under King Saul. Once a good king, Saul had actually become wicked. David needed faith, endurance, and even some ingenuity to survive jealous Saul’s attacks. Yet, when David had a chance to retaliate, he said that it was ‘unthinkable, from Jehovah’s standpoint,’ that he commit a disloyal act against one whom Jehovah had anointed.—1 Samuel 26:11.","Numbers 12:3; 16:11, 31-33, ",w97 8/1 pp. 9-10 pars. 4-5 ,,,joshlaymon,,5/14/2025
"Jehovah, a God “Ready to Forgive” ","Jesus drew on the relationship of creditors and debtors to illustrate how Jehovah forgives. For example, Jesus urged us to pray: “Forgive us our debts.” (Matthew 6:12) Jesus thus likened “sins” to “debts.” (Luke 11:4) ","When we sin, we become “debtors” to Jehovah. The Greek verb translated “forgive” can mean “to let go, give up, a debt, by not demanding it.” In a sense, when Jehovah forgives, he cancels the debt that would otherwise be charged against our account. Repentant sinners can thus take comfort. Jehovah will never demand payment for a debt he has canceled!—Psalm 32:1, 2; compare Matthew 18:23-35.","Matthew 6:12; Luke 11:4, Psalm 32:1, 2; compare Matthew 18:23-35.",w97 12/1 p. 12 par. 9,,,joshlaymon,,5/14/2025
"Mankind Needs the Knowledge of God, Blood letting, Transfusion, George Washington,","To illustrate: A couple of centuries ago, it was customary to resort to bloodletting as a supposed cure. George Washington, the first president of the United States, was bled repeatedly in the final hours of his life. At one point he said: “Let me go off quietly; I cannot last long.” He was right, for he died that very day—December 14, 1799. ","Instead of bloodletting, today there is emphasis on transfusing blood into the human body. Both procedures have been fraught with death-dealing problems. All along, however, God’s Word has said: “Keep abstaining . . . from blood.” (Acts 15:29) The knowledge of God is always right, reliable, up-to-date.",Acts 15:29; ,w96 1/15 p. 11 par. 6 ,,,joshlaymon,,5/14/2025
"Behold the Loyal, Jehovah, the Preeminently Loyal One, Old faithful, ","In the western United States, there is a geyser that erupts just about every hour. It is so regular that it has been called Old Faithful. The Bible speaks of such inanimate things as the moon as being faithful, for it is dependable. Psalm 89:37 speaks of the moon as “a faithful witness in the skies.” God’s words are said to be faithful. Without the shadow of a doubt, Jehovah God is the finest example of loyalty. Jehovah has been loyal to the human race, even providing his Son so that humans may receive everlasting life. ","Further testifying to Jehovah’s loyalty are the words recorded at Revelation 16:5: “You, the One who is and who was, the loyal One, are righteous.” Then again, at Psalm 145:17, we are told: “Jehovah is righteous in all his ways and loyal in all his works.” In fact, Jehovah is so outstanding in his loyalty that Revelation 15:4 states: “Who will not really fear you, Jehovah, and glorify your name, because you alone are loyal?” Jehovah God is loyal to the superlative degree.","John 3:16; Jeremiah 3:12; Psalm 89:37,",w96 3/15 pp. 11-12 pars. 7-9,,,joshlaymon,,5/14/2025
"Mounting Up With Wings Like Eagles, symbolize such things as wisdom, divine protection, ","More recently, warriors like Charlemagne and Napoleon and countries such as the United States and Germany have also chosen the eagle as their symbol. The Israelites were commanded not to venerate images of eagles or any other creature. (Exodus 20:4, 5) ","Yet, Bible writers alluded to characteristics of the eagle in order to illustrate their message. Thus the eagle, the bird most frequently mentioned in the Scriptures, is employed to symbolize such things as wisdom, divine protection, and swiftness.","Exodus 20:4, 5",w96 6/15 pp. 8-9,,,joshlaymon,,5/14/2025
"What “Instinctively Wise” Creatures Can Teach Us, shrewdness of the serpent the purity of the dove.","To illustrate: Colleagues at work, youths in school, or even members of your own family may make caustic remarks about your beliefs as a Witness of Jehovah. The immediate reaction might be to respond in kind by being equally scathing about their faith. But is that innocent? Hardly. If you show your critics that their comments have no effect on your pleasant demeanor, they just might change for the better. You would then be both shrewd and blameless—‘cautious as a serpent, yet innocent as a dove.’","What can God’s modern-day servants learn from Jesus’ words found at Matthew 10:16? Today, people react to the good news in much the same way that they did in the first century. When faced with persecution, true Christians need to combine the shrewdness of the serpent with the purity of the dove. Christians never employ deceit or dishonesty but are uncorrupted, genuine, and honest in declaring the Kingdom message to others.",Matthew 10:16; ,w96 7/15 p. 22,,,joshlaymon,,5/14/2025
"May Jehovah Credit Good to Your Account, languages, satisfying, abilities, expand, ","One way to render an acceptable account to God is to use our abilities to expand our ministry. To illustrate: There has been an influx of people of many national groups into Britain in recent years. To reach such people with the good news, over 800 pioneers (full-time Kingdom preachers) and hundreds of other Witnesses are learning different languages. This has resulted in a fine stimulus to the ministry. Said a pioneer teaching a Chinese class: “I never thought I would ever teach my language to other Witnesses, for them to share the truth with others in this way. It is so satisfying!” Could you expand your ministry in a similar way?","Luke 10:25-28. Said a pioneer teaching a Chinese class: “I never thought I would ever teach my language to other Witnesses, for them to share the truth with others in this way. It is so satisfying!” Could you expand your ministry in a similar way?",Luke 10:25-28.,w96 9/15 pp. 18-19 pars. 9-10,,,joshlaymon,,5/14/2025
"Conquer Fear by Trusting in Jehovah, consider what he has already done, ","We too can conquer fear by trusting in Jehovah. But how do we strengthen our trust in Jehovah, especially when we are afraid? Consider an illustration. If you learn that you have an illness, you may at first feel afraid. However, you can ease your fears if you trust your doctor. He may have an outstanding record of treating patients with that illness. He may listen attentively, convincing you that he really understands your feelings. ","And he may propose a treatment that has worked well for others. Similarly, we strengthen our trust in Jehovah by considering what he has already done, what he is doing now, and what he will yet do for us. That is what David did. As we consider some of his inspired words found in Psalm 56, think about how you too can strengthen your trust in Jehovah and conquer your fears.",1 Sam. 21:13–22:1.,w24 January p. 3 par. 4,,,joshlaymon,,5/14/2025
“Praise the Name of Jehovah” little girl affectionately throws her arms around her father’s neck,"We please our heavenly Father when we praise his name. (Ps. 119:108) Does this mean, though, that the almighty God is like imperfect humans who crave praise because they are needy or insecure? No. Consider an illustration. A little girl affectionately throws her arms around her father’s neck and says, “You’re the best daddy in the whole world!” The father is pleased, even touched, by her spontaneous act. Why? ","Should we assume that he is an insecure man who craves, even depends on, praise from his child? No. Rather, we trust that he is a strong father who is delighted to see his daughter showing love and appreciation. He knows that such qualities will contribute to her happiness as she grows up. For similar reasons, Jehovah, the greatest Father, is pleased when we praise him. When we praise our heavenly Father, we help to refute a lie that involves us personally. Satan claims that no human will loyally defend God’s name.",Ps. 119:108,w24 February p. 9 pars. 4-5,,,joshlaymon,,5/14/2025
What Jehovah Has Done to Rescue Sinful Humans,"Jesus focused special attention on people who felt weighed down by sin and invited them to become his followers. He knew that sin was the root cause of mankind’s ills. So he reached out to men and women who were known to be sinners. Using an illustration, he explained: “Healthy people do not need a physician, but those who are ill do.” He added: “I came to call, not righteous people, but sinners.” (Matt. 9:12, 13) ","Jesus lived up to those words. He gently forgave the sins of the woman who washed his feet with her tears. (Luke 7:37-50) He taught vital truths to the Samaritan woman at the well, though he knew of her immoral lifestyle. (John 4:7, 17-19, 25, 26) God even empowered Jesus to undo the end result of all sin—death. How? Jesus resurrected people—male and female, children and adults.—Matt. 11:5.","John 4:7, 17-19, 25, 26; Luke 7:37-50; ",w24 August pp. 4-5 par. 10,,,joshlaymon,,5/14/2025
Jehovah “Heals the Brokenhearted”," illustration. A skilled doctor can do much to help an injured person to heal. To benefit, though, the injured person must carefully follow the doctor’s instructions. In this article, we will see what Jehovah says in his Word to those who are suffering emotionally and we will consider how to apply his loving advice.","WHAT does Jehovah see when he looks at his servants on earth? He is aware of our joys and our sorrows. (Ps. 37:18) When he sees that we are serving him to the best of our ability despite coping with painful emotions, how pleased he is! More than that, he is eager to support and comfort us.2 Psalm 147:3 says that Jehovah ‘binds up the wounds’ of the brokenhearted. Jehovah is here pictured as tenderly caring for those who have been injured emotionally. What must we do to benefit from Jehovah’s care? Consider an",Ps. 37:18; 2 Psalm 147:3,w24 October p. 6 pars. 1-2,,,joshlaymon,,5/14/2025
"How to Cope With Injustice, prejudice, inequality, and oppression, fairness, justice, ",How to cope with injustice in a way that avoids making matters worse. JESUS told an illustration about a widow who kept asking a judge to give her justice. No doubt thatmisjudged  story resonated with many of Jesus’ disciples because in his day the common people were often victims of injustice. (Luke 18:1-5) ,"The story is also meaningful to us today because we have all experienced injustice at one time or another. In the world today, prejudice, inequality, and oppression are common, so we are not surprised when we are treated unfairly. (Eccl. 5:8) What we might not expect, though, is to be by a brother or a sister; yet, that can happen. Of course, our brothers and sisters are not opposers of the truth. They are simply imperfect. We can learn much from how Jesus reacted to injustices from wicked opposers. If we can be patient with opposers who treat us unjustly, how much more so should we be patient with our fellow believers! How does Jehovah feel when we are treated unjustly either by those outside the congregation or by those inside the congregation? Does he care?",Luke 18:1-5; ,w24 November p. 2,,,joshlaymon,,5/14/2025
"Watch Out for Self-Righteousness! trusted in themselves, better than others, quickly dismiss thoughts.","Jesus described this Pharisaic attitude with an illustration: “Two men went up into the temple to pray, the one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood and began to pray these things to himself, ‘O God, I thank you I am not as the rest of men, extortioners, unrighteous, adulterers, or even as this tax collector. I fast twice a week, I give the tenth of all things I acquire.’” ","In contrast the tax collector humbly admitted his faults and proved to be more righteous than the boastful Pharisee. Jesus addressed this illustration to those “who trusted in themselves that they were righteous and who considered the rest as nothing.”—Luke 18:9-14. As imperfect humans we may occasionally feel that we are better than others because of our natural abilities or advantages. But Christians should quickly dismiss such thoughts. You may have many years of experience in Christian living. You may be a skillful Bible teacher. Or perhaps you profess to have been anointed to reign with Christ in heaven. Some in the congregation enjoy special privileges as full-time ministers, elders, or ministerial servants. Ask yourself, ‘How would Jehovah feel if I were to use what he has given me as a basis to feel superior to others?’ Surely, this would displease him.—Philippians 2:3, 4.",Luke 18:9-14; ,w95 10/15 pp. 29-30,,,joshlaymon,,5/14/2025
"Are You Learning From Our Grand Instructor? Idols, cut down cedars; warm himself. carved image, ","Notice, for example, how Jehovah uses a powerful illustration to teach us that idols are useless. Isaiah 44:14-17 states: “There is one whose business is to cut down cedars; and he takes a certain species of tree, even a massive tree . . . He planted the laurel tree, and . . . it has become something for man to keep a fire burning. So he takes part of it that he may warm himself. In fact he builds a fire and actually bakes bread. He also works on a god to which he may bow down. He has made it into a carved image, and he prostrates himself to it. ","Half of it he actually burns up in a fire. Upon half of it he roasts well the flesh that he eats, and he becomes satisfied. . . . But the remainder of it he actually makes into a god itself, into his carved image. He prostrates himself to it and bows down and prays to it and says: ‘Deliver me, for you are my god.’” Illustrations like these are powerful tools in helping honesthearted ones to reject idolatry and false doctrines.",Isaiah 44:14-17; ,w94 9/15 p. 28 ,,,joshlaymon,,5/14/2025
"Gilead Graduates Eager to Spread the Good News, Ulysses Glass,  ‘Acquire the Practical Wisdom","“Another instructor, Ulysses Glass, spoke on the theme ‘Acquire the Practical Wisdom That Leads to Life.’ He asked: ‘What will you do with what you have learned?’” said Kenneth and Lisbeth Ardkäll. “Then he gave an illustration based on Proverbs 30:24-26 ","About the little rock badger and how Jehovah has fully equipped it for life. We, on the other hand, are not instinctively wise, so we need to exert ourselves to acquire wisdom. Jehovah has equipped us with everything we need to do that. As long as we draw close to Jehovah and to one another in love, we will accomplish a lot.”",Proverbs 30:24-26,w94 12/1 pp. 26-27,,,joshlaymon,,5/14/2025
"United in the Perfect Bond of Love, no division” in the congregation of anointed Christians, ","In an earlier letter to the Corinthians, the apostle used the human body as an illustration. He wrote that “there should be no division” in the congregation of anointed Christians but that “its members should have the same care for one another.” (1 Corinthians 12:12, 24, 25) What a marvelous illustration! Our limbs are interdependent, each joined to the rest of our body. ","The same applies to our worldwide association of brothers, made up of anointed ones and millions hoping to live on a paradise earth. We must not sever ourselves from the body of fellow Christians to live independently! Operating through Christ Jesus, God’s spirit flows to us in great measure through our association with our brothers.","1 Corinthians 12:12, 24, 25",w94 12/15 pp. 14-15 par. 7,,,joshlaymon,,5/14/2025
"Should You Pray to Jesus? Communicate, “gifts in men,”spiritually qualified men,","How does Jesus communicate with his true followers today? Paul’s description of the congregation of anointed Christians may serve as an illustration. He compared it to a body and Jesus Christ to the head. The “head” supplies the members of the spiritual body with their needs by way of “joints and ligaments,” or the means and arrangements for supplying his congregation with spiritual nourishment and direction. (Colossians 2:19) ","In a similar way, Jesus today uses “gifts in men,” or spiritually qualified men, to take the lead in the congregation, even administering correction if it becomes necessary. There is no provision for members of the congregation to communicate directly with Jesus or to pray to him, but they certainly should—yes, must—pray to Jesus’ Father, Jehovah God.—Ephesians 4:8-12.",Colossians 2:19; Ephesians 4:8-12; ,w94 12/15 p. 25,,,joshlaymon,,5/14/2025
Hope—Vital Protection in a Dismal World,"A young Korean boy wanted to help his mother convince a college student how important it is to have hope for the future. Remembering an illustration he had heard at a Christian meeting, he asked the student if she would help him solve a riddle. She agreed. He said: “There were two families. Both were very poor. It was raining hard, and the roofs of both houses were leaking. One family was very sad, and they did a lot of complaining about the leaks. But the other family was happy and pleasant while patching their roof. Why so much difference between these two families?” ","Intrigued, the young woman replied that she did not know. “Well,” the boy said, “the second family was happy because they had just received a notice from the city government that they would be given a new house. So they had hope. That was the difference!” THE boy’s riddle illustrates a simple truth: Hope changes the way we feel about life, often in spite of our circumstances. Like the two families he described, most of us have to weather storms in life—health problems, financial worries, family tensions, crime, and countless other trials and abuses. Often, we can no more make such problems go away than we can order a thunderstorm out of our vicinity.",Proverbs 17:22.,w93 4/15 p. 10,,,joshlaymon,,5/14/2025
"Shedding Light on Christ’s Presence, noble birth traveled to a distant land to secure kingly power ","Once when Jesus was preaching to a group of his followers about God’s Kingdom, he used an illustration to help them correct their wrong ideas. The account reads: “They were imagining that the kingdom of God was going to display itself instantly. Therefore he said: ‘A certain man of noble birth traveled to a distant land to secure kingly power for himself and to return. Calling ten slaves of his he gave them ten minas and told them, “Do business till I come.” . . . ","Eventually when he got back after having secured the kingly power, he commanded to be called to him these slaves to whom he had given the silver money, in order to ascertain what they had gained by business activity.’”—Luke 19:11-15. Jesus was that “man” who went to heaven, the “distant land” where he was to receive a kingdom. That Kingdom he obtained in 1914. Soon after, Christ as King held an accounting with his professed followers to see what they had done in caring for the Kingdom interests entrusted to them. A faithful few were chosen to receive the master’s commendation: “Well done, good slave! Because in a very small matter you have proved yourself faithful, hold authority over ten cities.” (Luke 19:17) ",Luke 19:11-15,w93 5/1 p. 14 pars. 15-16 ,,,joshlaymon,,5/14/2025
"Tenderly Shepherding Jehovah’s Precious Sheep, Overseer, sheep that strayed, 30 returned, ",Jesus gave an illustration about a man who had a hundred sheep but promptly searched for one that had strayed in order to bring it back to the flock. (Matthew 18:12-14; Luke 15:3-7) In like manner an overseer should have concern for each member of the congregation. Inactivity in the ministry or in attending Christian meetings does not mean that the sheep is no longer part of the flock. He remains part of “all the flock” for whom the elders must “render an account” to Jehovah.,"One body of elders became quite concerned that some who had been associated with the congregation had drifted into inactivity. A list of these individuals was prepared, and special effort was made to visit them and assist them to return to Jehovah’s sheepfold. How thankful to God these elders were that over a period of two and a half years, they were able to help more than 30 persons to become active in Jehovah’s service once again. One of those thus helped had been inactive for some 17 years!",Matthew 18:12-14; Luke 15:3-7,w93 7/15 p. 27 ,,,joshlaymon,,5/14/2025
"How to Strengthen Marriage Bonds, sharing of intimate thoughts, deep waters, listen, decernment, ","Proverbs uses an illustration to encourage the sharing of intimate thoughts, saying: “Counsel in the heart of a man is as deep waters, but the man of discernment is one that will draw it up.” (Proverbs 20:5) ","Marriage mates must be discerning and draw up the thoughts deep down in their spouses’ hearts. Imagine that your mate is upset. Instead of responding: “I’ve had a hard day myself,” why not kindly ask: “Did you have a hard day? What happened?” It may take time and effort to listen to your spouse, but it is usually more pleasant, satisfying, and timesaving to spend time that way than it is to ignore your mate and have to deal with charged emotions that erupt later.",Proverbs 20:5; ,w93 8/15 p. 6 ,,,joshlaymon,,5/14/2025
"Go On Growing in Knowledge, Albert Einstein, we know very little ","If you wanted to increase that knowledge, would you get up on the roof of your house and look from there? Probably not. Albert Einstein once used such an illustration to make the point that scientists have not really increased very much in knowledge of the universe and certainly very little about the One who created it. Dr. Lewis Thomas wrote: “The greatest single achievement of science in this most scientifically productive of centuries is the discovery that we are profoundly ignorant; we know very little about nature and we understand even less.”",.Dr. Lewis Thomas wrote: “The greatest single achievement of science in this most scientifically productive of centuries is the discovery that we are profoundly ignorant; we know very little about nature and we understand even less.” Psalm 19:1-6; 69:34,Psalm 19:1-6; 69:34,w93 8/15 p. 12 pars. 1-2,,,joshlaymon,,5/14/2025
"Questions From Readers, form of hyperbole, or exaggeration, separated as the cursed one","Is it possible for imperfect humans to follow Jesus’ example of love? Yes, and we can see an illustration of this in the apostle Paul. He was so concerned about fellow Jews that, out of love for them, he said he could wish that he himself were “separated as the cursed one from the Christ” in their behalf. Paul there used a form of hyperbole, or exaggeration, to make his point. ","Jesus used a similar exaggeration at Matthew 5:18, when he said: “Sooner would heaven and earth pass away than for one smallest letter or one particle of a letter to pass away from the Law by any means and not all things take place.” Jesus knew that heaven and earth would not pass away. Neither would Paul become accursed, nor would all Jews accept Christianity. But Paul’s point was that he would do virtually anything to help the Jews to avail themselves of God’s means of salvation through Jesus Christ. No wonder the apostle could encourage fellow Christians: “Become imitators of me, even as I am of Christ”!—1 Corinthians 11:1.",Matthew 5:18; 1 Corinthians 11:1; ,w93 9/15 p. 31,,,joshlaymon,,5/14/2025
"What God’s Kingdom Can Mean to You, display itself instantly, considerable time,  ","One of Jesus’ illustrations indicates that he would not immediately be installed as Messianic King. At Luke 19:11-15, we read: “He spoke . . . an illustration, because he was near Jerusalem and they were imagining that the kingdom of God was going to display itself instantly. Therefore he said: ","‘A certain man of noble birth traveled to a distant land to secure kingly power for himself and to return. Calling ten slaves of his he gave them ten minas and told them, “Do business till I come.” . . . Eventually when he got back after having secured the kingly power, he commanded to be called to him these slaves to whom he had given the silver money, in order to ascertain what they had gained by business activity.’” In those days it could take some time for a man to travel from Israel to Rome, wait in that city until he secured kingly power, and return to his homeland as king. Jesus was the “man of noble birth.” He would receive power as King from his Father in heaven but would not immediately be installed as Messianic King. His followers would do business by carrying on the work of proclaiming the good news of the Kingdom for a considerable time before he would return as King.",Luke 19:11-15,w92 3/15 p. 6 ,,,joshlaymon,,5/14/2025
"What Do the Dragnet and Fish Mean for You?, secret or solving a puzzle. looking, they look in vain, ","DO YOU enjoy knowing a secret or solving a puzzle? What if doing so would help you to see more clearly your part in God’s purpose? Happily, you can gain such privileged insight by means of an illustration that Jesus gave. It confounded many who heard it and has puzzled countless others since, but you can understand it. Note what Jesus said in Matthew chapter 13 about his use of illustrations. His disciples asked: “Why is it you speak to them by the use of illustrations?” (Matthew 13:10) Yes, why did Jesus use illustrations that most people would not understand? He replied in verses 11 to 13: “To you it is granted to understand the sacred secrets of the kingdom of the heavens, but to those people it is not granted. . . . This is why I speak to them by the use of illustrations, because, looking, they look in vain, and hearing, they hear in vain, neither do they get the sense of it.”","Note what Jesus said in Matthew chapter 13 about his use of illustrations. His disciples asked: “Why is it you speak to them by the use of illustrations?” (Matthew 13:10) Yes, why did Jesus use illustrations that most people would not understand? He replied in verses 11 to 13: “To you it is granted to understand the sacred secrets of the kingdom of the heavens, but to those people it is not granted. . . . This is why I speak to them by the use of illustrations, because, looking, they look in vain, and hearing, they hear in vain, neither do they get the sense of it.”","Matthew 13:10, ",w92 6/15 p. 17 pars. 1-2 ,,,joshlaymon,,5/14/2025
"The Week That Changed the World, money changers. Commercialism—“the love of money”","Jesus again visits the temple. For a second time, he throws out greedy merchants and money changers. Commercialism—“the love of money”—should not take over in Jehovah’s house of prayer! (1 Timothy 6:9, 10) Jesus is soon to die. He speaks of the planting of a seed to illustrate this. The original seed dies, but it germinates to produce a stalk that bears an abundance of grain. ","Similarly, Jesus’ death will result in everlasting life for the multitudes who exercise faith in him. Troubled at the thought of his approaching death, Jesus prays that his Father’s name will thereby be glorified. In response, God’s voice thunders from heaven for all present to hear: “I both glorified it and will glorify it again.”—John 12:27, 28.","1 Timothy 6:9, 10, John 12:27, 28.",w92 3/1 p. 12 par. 8,,,joshlaymon,,5/14/2025
"Man’s “New World Order” Near? Bondage to Sin and Death, dictator enslaved every person on earth","However, even if none of those bad conditions existed, people would still not have true freedom. All would still be in bondage. Why is this the case? To illustrate: What if some dictator enslaved every person on earth and murdered them all? In effect, that is what happened to mankind when our first parents rebelled against God and became enslaved to the Devil’s oppressive rule.—2 Corinthians 4:4.","When God created humans, he purposed for them to live on earth forever in perfection, in a paradise, as Genesis chapters 1 and 2 show. But because of our forefather Adam’s rebellion against God, all of us are under a sentence of death from the moment we are conceived: “Through one man [Adam, mankind’s family head] sin entered into the world and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men.” As the Bible says, “death ruled as king.” (Romans 5:12, 14) So regardless of how much freedom we may personally have, all of us are in bondage to sin and death.","Romans 5:12, 14",w92 4/1 pp. 6-7,,,joshlaymon,,5/14/2025
"Social Entertainment—Enjoy the Benefits, Avoid the Snares, Entertainment in Its Place, ","To illustrate, an Austrian pioneer wrote to an old friend: “We had a very nice outing the other day. About 50 of us set out for a small lake near Ferlach. Brother B———— led the procession in his van, carrying three grills, folding chairs, tables, and even a table-tennis table. Entertainment in Its Place","We enjoyed it tremendously. One sister had an accordion with her, so there were a lot of Kingdom songs. The brothers, young and old, enjoyed the companionship.” She had fond memories of well-supervised recreation that was kept free of snares such as overdrinking or loose conduct.—James 3:17, 18.","James 3:17, 18.",w92 8/15 p. 20 par. 21 ,,,joshlaymon,,5/14/2025
"“We Have Found the Messiah”! w92 10/1 p. 11 pars. 8-9, only two pieces","Let us focus on just one prophecy. At Daniel 9:25, the Jews were told when the Messiah would come. It reads: “You should know and have the insight that from the going forth of the word to restore and to rebuild Jerusalem until Messiah the Leader, there will be seven weeks, also sixty-two weeks.” At first glance this prophecy may seem cryptic. But in a broad sense, it asks us to find only two pieces of information: a starting point and a span of time. To illustrate, if you had a map that pointed to a treasure lying buried “50 rods east of the well in the town park,” you might find the directions puzzling—especially if you did not know where this well was, or how long a ‘rod’ was. ","Would you not seek out those two facts so that you could locate the treasure? Well, Daniel’s prophecy is much the same, except that we are identifying a starting time and measuring the period that follows.9 First, we need our starting point, the date when ‘the word went forth to restore and rebuild Jerusalem.’ Next, we need to know the distance from that point, just how long these 69 (7 plus 62) weeks were. Neither piece of information is hard to come by. Nehemiah quite explicitly tells us that the word went forth to rebuild the wall around Jerusalem, making it at last a restored city, “in the twentieth year of Artaxerxes the king.” (Nehemiah 2:1, 5, 7, 8) That puts our starting point at 455 B.C.E.","Nehemiah 2:1, 5, 7, 8; ",w92 10/1 p. 11 pars. 8-9 ,,,joshlaymon,,5/14/2025
"Appearances Can Be Deceptive, what would happen to a nation lacking faith. early figs.","Jesus used that unfruitful fig tree to illustrate a vital lesson regarding faith. The following day, his disciples were surprised to see that the tree had already withered. Jesus explained: “Have faith in God. . . . All the things you pray and ask for have faith that you have practically received, and you will have them.” (Mark 11:22-24) In addition to illustrating the need to pray in faith, the withered fig tree graphically showed what would happen to a nation lacking faith.","Why did Jesus curse that tree since, as Mark explains, “it was not the season of figs”? (Mark 11:13) Well, when a fig tree bears leaves, normally it also produces early figs. It was unusual for a fig tree to have leaves at that time of year. But since it had leaves, Jesus rightly expected to find figs on it. (See the picture above.) The fact that the tree had borne only leaves meant that it would be unproductive. Its appearance was deceptive. Since fruit trees were taxed, an unfruitful tree was an economic burden and needed to be cut down.",Mark 11:22-24; Mark 11:13,w92 11/15 p. 31,,,joshlaymon,,5/15/2025
"Identifying the Holy Spirit, Trinity, can't decide, power, creature, a god, Name, ","However, this view was not held during the first few centuries of our Common Era. To illustrate: Some three centuries after the death of Jesus Christ’s apostles, Gregory of Nazianzus wrote: “Some assume that [the holy spirit] is a power (energeia), some a creature, some that he is God, some cannot decide which of these.”","Today, most churches in Christendom accept the Trinitarian view of the holy spirit. But is that what the Bible supports? Or is it merely an opinion based on tradition? Actually, the Bible never speaks of the holy spirit in the same way that it speaks of God or of Jesus. For example, in the Bible, the holy spirit does not have a personal name. Is that just an insignificant detail? No, names are important in the Bible. God stressed the importance of his own name when he said: “I am Jehovah. That is my name; and to no one else shall I give my own glory, neither my praise to graven images.” (Isaiah 42:8) The importance of Jesus Christ’s name was emphasized before his birth when an angel told Mary: “You are to call his name Jesus.” (Luke 1:31) If the names of the Father and of the Son are so important, why does the holy spirit not have a personal name? Surely, this detail alone should make a person wonder whether the spirit is really equal to the Father and the Son.",Isaiah 42:8; Luke 1:31; ,w91 1/15 pp. 3-4 ,Is the Trinity a Bible Teaching?,129,joshlaymon,,5/15/2025
"A Corresponding Ransom for All, Guilty, partially responsible, bull that gores, ","To illustrate: Exodus 21:28-32 speaks of a bull that gores a person to death. If the owner knew of the bull’s disposition but did not take proper precautions, he could be made to cover, or pay, for the life of the slain one with his own! ","Yet, what if the owner was only partially responsible? He would need a koʹpher, something to cover his error. Appointed judges could impose upon him a ransom, or fine, as a redemption price.",Exodus 21:28-32 ,w91 2/15 p. 12 par. 8,,,joshlaymon,,5/15/2025
"Now Is the Time to Seek Jehovah, apathy, indifference, and neglect, sick world, Wait, ","To illustrate the need for immediate action, would you follow a doctor’s good advice only when you already had double pneumonia? Or, rather, when you noted the first symptoms of sickness? ","Then why wait any longer to separate yourself from Satan’s sick world and to side with Jehovah and his Witnesses? The consequences of apathy, indifference, and neglect are made clear at Proverbs 1:26-29: “I also, for my part, shall laugh at your own disaster, I shall mock when what you dread comes . . . At that time they will keep calling me, but I shall not answer; they will keep looking for me, but they will not find me, for the reason that they hated knowledge, and the fear of Jehovah they did not choose.” Let us not be found ‘looking for Jehovah’ when it is too late!",Proverbs 1:26-29; ,w91 4/1 p. 10 par. 10,,,joshlaymon,,5/15/2025
"Speak the Pure Language and Live Forever!  foreign language, say things correctly, ","To illustrate: Years ago, some of us learned a foreign language. We may recall some words in that tongue but have likely lost our command of it because we have not put it to constant use. The same thing can happen with the pure language. If we do not use it regularly, we can lose our command of it, and that would have tragic consequences spiritually. ","Let us therefore speak it regularly at meetings and in the Christian ministry. These activities, coupled with personal study, will enable us to say things correctly in the pure language. And how important that is! Psalm 16:11. You must use the pure language regularly, or you will lose the ability to speak it well. ",Psalm 16:11; ,w91 5/1 p. 19 pars. 15-16,,,joshlaymon,,5/15/2025
"Always Pursue Loving-Kindness, acceptable burial arrangements, considerate of others, funeral, ","Kindness should make us considerate of others and of their proper wishes. To illustrate: Jacob (Israel) asked his son Joseph to exercise loving-kindness toward him by not burying him in Egypt. Though this required that Jacob’s body be carried quite a distance, Joseph and the other sons of Jacob “carried him into the land of Canaan and buried him in the cave of the field of Machpelah, the field that Abraham had purchased for the possession of a burial place from Ephron the Hittite in front of Mamre.” (Genesis 47:29; 49:29-31; 50:12, 13) In harmony with that example, should not loving-kindness move us to comply with Scripturally acceptable burial arrangements desired by a Christian family member?","In harmony with that example, should not loving-kindness move us to comply with Scripturally acceptable burial arrangements desired by a Christian family member?","Genesis 47:29; 49:29-31; 50:12, 13; ",w91 7/15 pp. 19-20 par. 7 ,,,joshlaymon,,5/15/2025
"How Happy the Mild-Tempered! bring forth the fruits of his spirit, including mildness, ","To illustrate: There was a ruffian named Tony who fought, robbed people, smuggled narcotics, led a motorcycle gang, and spent time in prison. Yet, by acquiring knowledge of the Bible and with the help of God’s spirit, he changed into a mild-mannered servant of Jehovah. Tony’s story is typical. What, then, can a person do if a lack of mildness has been a dominant feature of his personality?","To be mild-tempered, we must submit to the influence of God’s holy spirit, or active force. As Jehovah made it possible for the earth to produce crops, so he enables his servants to bring forth the fruits of his spirit, including mildness. Paul wrote: “The fruitage of the spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, kindness, goodness, faith, mildness, self-control. Against such things there is no law.” (Galatians 5:22, 23) Yes, mildness is one of the fruits of God’s spirit displayed by those who please him. (Psalm 51:9, 10) And what changes mildness produces!","Galatians 5:22, 23; Psalm 51:9, 10",w91 10/15 p. 12 par. 10,,,joshlaymon,,5/15/2025
"Cultivating the Fruit of Self-Control, powerful religion, ","To illustrate: There was an elder who had a very ill-tempered unbelieving wife. Yet, he exercised self-control, and this benefited him so much that his doctor told him: “John, either you are by nature a very, very patient man or else you have a powerful religion.” ","We do indeed have a powerful religion, for “God gave us not a spirit of cowardice, but that of power and of love and of soundness of mind,” enabling us to exercise self-control. (2 Timothy 1:7) Additionally, it takes self-control on the part of a wife to be submissive, especially when her husband is not a believer.—1 Peter 3:1-4.",1 Peter 3:1-4; 2 Timothy 1:7,w91 11/15 p. 17 par. 16,,,joshlaymon,,5/15/2025
"How Can We Repay Jehovah? donations' Contributions, and a little more, not a tithe, ","A Christian may choose to set no specific limit on donations he makes to advance the worship of Jehovah God. To illustrate: While at an assembly of Jehovah’s Witnesses, two elderly sisters were discussing donations that might be made to the Kingdom work. As to obtaining food at the assembly site, one of the sisters, who is 87 years old, asked how much it might cost so that she could donate that amount. The other sister, who is 90, said: ‘Just give what you think it is worth—and a little more.’ What a fine attitude this older sister displayed!","Since Jehovah’s people have dedicated their all to him, they gladly make monetary donations and other contributions to support true worship. (Compare 2 Corinthians 8:12.) In fact, the Christian way of giving provides opportunities to demonstrate deep appreciation for the worship of Jehovah. Such giving is not restricted to a tithe, or tenth, and there may be circumstances in which an individual is moved to give more to advance Kingdom interests.—Matthew 6:33.",2 Corinthians 8:12; Matthew 6:33; ,w91 12/1 pp. 30-31 ,,,joshlaymon,,5/15/2025
"Honor Jehovah—Why and How? deep respect and esteem, appreciation, ","Thus one honors another by showing that person deep respect and esteem. As an illustration, consider the situation related in the Bible concerning the faithful Jew Mordecai. On one occasion Mordecai had exposed a plot against the life of King Ahasuerus of ancient Persia. Later, during a night when the king could not sleep, Mordecai’s action was called to the king’s attention. So he asked his attendants: “What honor and great thing has been done to Mordecai for this?” They answered: “Nothing has been done with him.” ","How sobering! Mordecai had saved the king’s life, and yet the king had failed to show appreciation.—Esther 6:1-3. Therefore, at an opportune time, Ahasuerus asked his prime minister, Haman, how best to honor the one in whom the king had found delight. Immediately Haman reasoned in his heart: “To whom would the king take delight in rendering an honor more than me?” So Haman said that the person should be clothed in “royal apparel” and ride “a horse upon which the king does ride.” He concluded: “They must make him ride on the horse in the public square of the city, and they must call out before him, ‘This is how it is done to the man in whose honor the king himself has taken a delight.’” (Esther 6:4-9) One so honored would be highly esteemed by all the people.",Esther 6:1-3; Esther 6:4-9; ,w91 2/1 pp. 10-11 pars. 4-5 ,,,joshlaymon,,5/15/2025
"Illustrations—A Key to Reaching Hearts, stimulate interest, emotional impact, sidestep prejudice or bias,","Accordingly, Jehovah’s Witnesses endeavor to do more than state facts when they preach the good news, conduct home Bible studies, give Scriptural talks, or witness informally. They try to reach hearts by relating experiences and using illustrations. ","Their Theocratic Ministry School Guidebook explains: “Illustrations stimulate interest and highlight important ideas. They stir up one’s thinking processes and make it easier to grasp new thoughts. Well-chosen illustrations couple intellectual appeal with emotional impact. . . . On occasion, an illustration can be used to sidestep prejudice or bias.”—Page 168.In his book Essentials of Public Speaking, Warren DuBois notes: “Let the writer or speaker express his ideas through the actions or words of human beings, and the dullest subject takes on life and color.” Thus, adding life and color to a message already vibrant and life-giving is sure to help Christian ministers to reach the heart. Romans 15:4;",Romans 15:4;,w91 9/15 p. 28,,,joshlaymon,,5/15/2025
"Illustrations—A Key to Reaching Hearts, Alexander H. Macmillan, Death, sleep, Memorial, ","Realistic illustrations and true-life experiences can be very useful to a Christian minister. For example, note how Alexander H. Macmillan, who traveled extensively as a public speaker for 60 years, explained Bible truth about the dead. Shortly before the death of his father, who believed that the soul never dies, Macmillan had this conversation with him:","“My father asked me the direct question: ‘Son, will I be lonesome in the grave while I am waiting for the kingdom to begin its work of filling the earth with perfection?’ “That was a question a young man could not readily answer to the satisfaction of an older person who had never thought along that line.“In reply I asked him: ‘Father, did you sleep well last night?’ “He answered, ‘Yes, my son, I did after the doctor gave me some sleeping pills.’ “‘Were you lonesome while you were asleep?’ “‘No, I was not. I wish I could sleep all the time, for then I feel no pain.’” A. H. Macmillan then read Job 14:13-15 and 3:17-19 to his father and said: “So you see, father, the dead are in a death sleep and know nothing while in that condition, so how could they be lonesome?”",Job 14:13-15; 3:17-19; ,w91 9/15 p. 29,,,joshlaymon,,5/15/2025
"Pursue Godly Devotion as Baptized Christians, period of preparation, ","Is baptism, though, the last step you take in your Christian course? Far from it! To illustrate: In many lands a wedding ceremony marks the end of a period of planning and preparation (and usually of courtship). At the same time, it marks the beginning of life together as a married couple. ","Similarly, your baptism is the culmination of a period of preparation during which you took a number of important preliminary steps. You gained knowledge of God and Christ. (John 17:3) You began to exercise faith in Jehovah as the true God, in Christ as your Savior, and in the Bible as God’s Word. (Acts 4:12; 1 Thessalonians 2:13; Hebrews 11:6) You demonstrated that faith by repenting of your former course of action and converting to a righteous course. (Acts 3:19) You then made a decision to dedicate yourself to Jehovah to do his will. (Matthew 16:24) Finally, you were baptized.—Matthew 28:19, 20.",Acts 4:12; 1 Thessalonians 2:13; Hebrews 11:6,w90 3/1 pp. 10-11 par. 2 ,,,joshlaymon,,5/15/2025
"Millions Now Dead Will Live Again, resurrection, historical fact, videotape his last will and testament, ","To illustrate: A person can videotape his last will and testament, and after he dies his relatives and friends can see and hear him, in effect, as he explains how his estate is to be handled. A hundred years ago, such a thing was unthinkable. And to some people now living in remote parts of the world, the “miracle” of video recording is beyond comprehension. If scientific principles established by the Creator can be used by humans to reconstruct such a visible and audible scene, should not the Creator be able to do far more? Is it not reasonable, then, that the One who created life is capable of resurrecting a person by reproducing his personality in a newly formed body?","The account of the raising of Lazarus is presented in the Gospel of John as a historical fact. The details are too vivid for it to be a mere allegory. To question its historicity is to question all the miracles of the Bible, including the resurrection of Jesus Christ himself. And to deny the resurrection of Jesus is to deny Christian faith as a whole.—1 Corinthians 15:13-15. Actually, if you accept the existence of God, you should have no problem exercising faith in the resurrection. ",1 Corinthians 15:13-15; ,w90 5/1 pp. 5-6 ,,,joshlaymon,,5/15/2025
"Will You Keep On Walking in the Truth? difficult mountain path, seems endless, Encourage, ","Keeping in mind the reward can help us to endure, just as it did Jesus. (Revelation 22:12) To illustrate, think of a traveler walking along a difficult mountain path. He becomes weary and discouraged. Each step is an effort, and the path seems endless. Then he comes to the top of a rise and sees in the distance the town he is heading for. ",Suddenly the going seems a little easier. A clear view of his destination helps him to forget his tiredness. A Christian will similarly find it easier to keep walking in the truth if he keeps his destination clearly in mind.,Revelation 22:12; ,w90 9/1 p. 30,,,joshlaymon,,5/15/2025
"Get the Whole Truth!  Jesus was the son of Mary, conceived by holy spirit. adoptive son of Joseph,","To illustrate: When Jesus was on earth, many were persuaded to believe that he was just another son of Mary and Joseph, only a former carpenter from Nazareth. Hence, they did not pay much attention to him. To a certain extent, they were right. Jesus was the son of Mary, conceived by holy spirit. He was the adoptive son of Joseph, and he really had worked as a carpenter. (Mark 6:3) However, was that the whole truth about him? No! He was nothing less than the Messiah and the prospective “King of kings”! (Revelation 17:14; Luke 1:32-35; Acts 2:36)",Not getting the whole truth about Jesus led many people to lose out on a never-to-be-repeated privilege—enjoying personal association with Jesus on earth.,Revelation 17:14; Luke 1:32-35; Acts 2:36,w90 9/15 p. 6,,,joshlaymon,,5/15/2025
"“Do All Things for God’s Glory” incorruptible crown of immortal life, anointed Christians, ","Paul used features of ancient Greek games to illustrate vital points. (1 Corinthians 9:24-27) In such contests as the Isthmian Games held every two years near Corinth, the program was made up of running, boxing, and other events. While preparing for these contests, runners and boxers were to exercise self-restraint, live on a healthfully lean diet, and drink no wine for ten months. ","Instead of the perishable pine or ivy wreath bestowed upon winners of the Isthmian Games, however, an anointed Christian strives for the incorruptible crown of immortal life. To win that prize, he must keep his eyes fixed on it and exercise self-control. The same principle applies to Jehovah’s Witnesses who have eternal earthly life in view.",1 Corinthians 9:24-27),w90 9/15 p. 25,,,joshlaymon,,5/15/2025
"True Love Is Rewarding, Informal witnessing, participate regularly, house-to-house, ","To illustrate: Aboard a plane, a Christian elder once found himself sitting beside a Roman Catholic priest. At first, the elder plied the priest with inoffensive questions. By the time the priest got off the plane, however, his interest had prompted him to obtain two of our books. What a fine outcome for witnessing informally! True love also prompts us to participate regularly in the house-to-house preaching work and other forms of the Christian ministry. To the extent that we are able to have Bible discussions, we will bring honor to Jehovah God and will help sheeplike ones to get on the road to everlasting life. (Compare Matthew 7:13, 14.) ","Love motivates us to preach the good news as Jehovah’s people. For instance, it moves us to engage in informal witnessing. We may hesitate to witness informally, but love will impel us to speak. Indeed, love will cause us to think of tactful ways to get a conversation started and then direct it toward the Kingdom. ","Matthew 7:13, 14; ",w90 11/15 p. 19 pars. 16-17,,,joshlaymon,,5/15/2025
"Equipped for Missionary Service in the 1990’s, Ulysses V. Glass, Modesty, ","Ulysses V. Glass, spoke on the theme “Wisdom Is With the Modest Ones.” (Proverbs 11:2) He used a wristwatch with a solar-powered battery to illustrate that the light of God’s Word can keep us “charged.” “But,” he pointed out, “knowledge alone does not give wisdom. Modesty is also required by God.” (Micah 6:8) Modesty will lead us to fear God, and “the fear of Jehovah is the start of wisdom.” (Proverbs 9:10) ","True, we must think something of ourselves; self-condemnation can be destructive. Jehovah has granted special ability to some, as he did during the construction of the tabernacle, but faithfulness in modesty must be worked at. “During the term,” Brother Glass told the class, “you gave evidence of dependability and respect. Display this same faithfulness in your assignment, and God will bless you.”",Micah 6:8; ,w90 12/15 p. 23,,,joshlaymon,,5/15/2025
"Exposed by Vineyard Illustrations, obedience, work in vineyard, two children, ","JESUS is at the temple. He has just confounded the religious leaders who demanded to know by whose authority he was doing things. Before they recover from their confusion, Jesus asks: “What do you think?” And then by means of an illustration shows them what kind of persons they really are.“A man had two children,” Jesus relates. “Going up to the first, he said, ‘Child, go work today in the vineyard.’ In answer this one said, ‘I will, sir,’ but did not go out. Approaching the second, he said the same. In reply this one said, ‘I will not.’ Afterwards he felt regret and went out. Which of the two did the will of his father?” Jesus asks. “The latter,” his opponents answer.","So Jesus explains: “Truly I say to you that the tax collectors and the harlots are going ahead of you into the kingdom of God.” The tax collectors and the harlots, in effect, initially refused to serve God. But then, like the second child, they repented and did serve him. On the other hand, the religious leaders, like the first child, professed to serve God, yet, as Jesus notes: “John [the Baptizer] came to you in a way of righteousness, but you did not believe him. However, the tax collectors and the harlots believed him, and you, although you saw this, did not feel regret afterwards so as to believe him.”",Matthew 21:31;,w90 1/1 p. 8,,,joshlaymon,,5/15/2025
"“Stand Firm”—Do Not Stumble, situation becomes more and more our own fault?","Consider an illustration. Have you ever slipped on a patch of ice or tripped over a step? Perhaps the hazard took you by surprise. It is understandable that you found yourself sprawled on the ground. But what did you do next? Did you say: “It’s not my fault that I am lying here. It’s the ice [or the step] that is to blame. So I will not get up again”? More likely, you stood up and walked away from the embarrassing scene as quickly as possible.","Would not the same be true in spiritual matters? If we are offended by some circumstance or by some fellow Christian, that is a serious problem that should be handled. However, if we stay stumbled, insisting on blaming someone else for our problem, is it not true that our situation becomes more and more our own fault? Happily, if we are stumbled, the elders and other mature ones in the congregation are more than willing to help. (Galatians 6:1) And Jehovah himself gives strength to those who desire to serve him despite difficulties. (Philippians 4:13) So we should always be ready to ask for help if it seems that something is going to interfere with our firm stand for Jehovah and his Kingdom. Then we will not give Satan a victory by being stumbled and staying down.",Galatians 6:1; Philippians 4:13; ,w90 4/15 p. 28,,,joshlaymon,,5/15/2025
"illustration of a man who went out to sow seed. ‘What kind of “soil” am I?’ birds, rocky places, ","Jesus gave an illustration of a man who went out to sow seed. Some seed fell alongside the road and were eaten by birds. Others fell on rocky places without much soil. These sprouted, but when the sun came up, they withered and died. Still other seed fell among thorns and were choked. Jesus said that these three groups represented: first, the person who “hears the word of the kingdom but does not get the sense of it”; second, one who accepts the word but is turned away by the heat of “tribulation or persecution”; and third, the person for whom “the anxiety of this system of things and the deceptive power of riches choke the word.”","But Jesus also told of other seed that fell on fine soil. He said: “This is the one hearing the word and getting the sense of it, who really does bear fruit.”—Matthew 13:3-8, 18-23.  It might be well to ask ourselves: ‘What kind of “soil” am I?’","Matthew 13:3-8, 18-23;",w90 8/1 p. 18 ,,,joshlaymon,,5/15/2025
"Keep Seeking the Kingdom and God’s Righteousness, birds, children, marketplace, lamp, ","Jesus was a master of verbal illustrations. He thought of them wherever he looked. He saw a woman putting a lighted lamp upon a lampstand and turned it into an illustration. He saw a shepherd separating sheep from goats; it became an illustration. He saw children playing in the marketplace; it became an illustration. And so it was in the Sermon on the Mount. As he talked about anxiety over physical needs, he saw illustrations in the birds flitting about and the lilies carpeting the hillsides. ","Do the birds sow and reap? No. Do the lilies spin and weave? No. God made them; he takes care of them. You, however, are worth more than birds and lilies. (Matthew 6:26, 28-30) He gave his Son for you, not for them.—John 3:16. Jesus was not here telling his followers that they did not have to work to feed and clothe themselves. (See Ecclesiastes 2:24; Ephesians 4:28; 2 Thessalonians 3:10-12.) On that spring morning, the birds were busy scratching for food, courting, building nests, sitting on eggs, feeding their young. They were working but without worrying. The flowers were also busy pushing their roots into the soil in search of water and minerals and sending their leaves reaching up for sunlight. They had to mature and blossom and cast their seed before they died. They were working but without worrying. God provides for birds and lilies. ‘Will he not much rather provide for you, you with little faith?’—Matthew 6:30.13 So have faith. Do not be anxious. Anxiety will change nothing. “Who of you by being anxious,” Jesus asked, “can add one cubit to his life span?” (Matthew 6:27) ","Matthew 6:26, 28-30;Ecclesiastes 2:24; Ephesians 4:28; 2 Thessalonians 3:10-12; ",w90 10/1 pp. 18-19 pars. 11-13,,,joshlaymon,,5/15/2025
"Appreciating Why the Messiah Was to Come, The kingdom of God will be taken from you","To adjust their thinking, Jesus gave an illustration in which he likened himself to “a certain man of noble birth” who first had to travel “to a distant land to secure kingly power.” (Luke 19:11, 12) That “land” referred to heaven, to which Jesus ascended after his death and resurrection. However, just before Jesus’ ascension, his disciples asked: “Lord, are you restoring the kingdom to Israel at this time?” (Acts 1:6) Did Jesus reject them for asking this? No, he explained that it was not yet the time and that they were to busy themselves with the important work of witnessing about the true Messiah. (Acts 1:7, 8) ","God’s covenant relationship with natural Israel was to cease before long. Therefore, the future Messianic Kingdom would not be restored to that unfaithful earthly nation. Jesus told his Jewish opposers: “The kingdom of God will be taken from you and be given to a nation producing its fruits.” (Matthew 21:43) Ten days after Jesus ascended to heaven, that nation was born. Holy spirit was poured out upon 120 of Jesus’ disciples, and thus they were anointed to be God’s “holy ones” and “joint heirs with Christ” in the coming Messianic Kingdom.—Daniel 7:13, 14, 18; Romans 1:7; 8:1, 16, 17; Acts 2:1-4; Galatians 6:15, 16.","Daniel 7:13, 14, 18; Romans 1:7; 8:1, 16, 17; Acts 2:1-4; Galatians 6:15, 16;",w90 10/15 pp. 14-15 pars. 18-19;  ,,,joshlaymon,,5/15/2025
"Equipped for Missionary Service in the 1990’s, Lloyd Barry, Keep Smiling, Job could keep smiling,","Lloyd Barry, a member of the Governing Body, followed on the theme “Keep Smiling.” He began with the saying, “Laughter is good medicine.” He remembered that phrase because back in 1955 it was the cover topic for the first issue of the Awake! magazine to appear in the Japanese language. But what kind of laughter? ","Not the boisterous, senseless “laughter of the stupid one.” (Ecclesiastes 7:6) Rather, it is the cheerful, relaxed laughter of missionaries and others who respond to David’s invitation always to “rejoice in Jehovah.” (Psalm 32:11) Brother Barry observed that despite severe trials, Job could keep smiling, for he knew he was keeping integrity to God. Missionaries who are steadfast despite trialsome experiences like Job’s will receive the greater blessing at the end. (Job 29:24; 42:12) The speaker concluded: “Keep busy, keep smiling, and you too will reap Jehovah’s everlasting smile of approval.”",Ecclesiastes 7:6; Psalm 32:11; ,w90 12/15 p. 22 ,,,joshlaymon,,5/15/2025
"Equipped for Missionary Service in the 1990’s, Reasonableness, hacked off a piece of cheese, adapt, ","Richard E. Abrahamson, who chose the theme “Let Your Reasonableness Become Known to All Men,” based on Philippians 4:5. According to the underlying Greek, the word “reasonable” can convey the sense of “yielding.” Some missionaries have had problems solely because of personal preferences. One was shocked at the way a fellow missionary hacked off a piece of cheese at the table. After 22 years of missionary service, the one who had been shocked observed that most troubles start over matters of no greater consequence than how someone cuts cheese. The speaker advised: “Learn to adapt, like a tree in a windstorm. There are many benefits to being yielding, such as being better able to endure trials and stick to one’s assignment with peace of mind.”","After 22 years of missionary service, the one who had been shocked observed that most troubles start over matters of no greater consequence than how someone cuts cheese. The speaker advised: “Learn to adapt, like a tree in a windstorm. There are many benefits to being yielding, such as being better able to endure trials and stick to one’s assignment with peace of mind.”",Philippians 4:5,w90 12/15 pp. 22-23,,,joshlaymon,,5/15/2025
"Equipped for Missionary Service in the 1990’s, Milton G. Henschel, A Large Door, ","Milton G. Henschel, of the Governing Body, discussed the theme “A Large Door Leading to Activity Is Open.” Brother Henschel noted that Jesus loved people, felt pity for them, and taught them many things. From Ephesus the apostle Paul wrote the Corinthians: “A large door that leads to activity has been opened to me, but there are many opposers.” (1 Corinthians 16:8, 9) ","Despite this opposition, Paul taught in the school auditorium of Tyrannus for two years, so that the Kingdom message came to be known throughout the district of Asia. (Acts 19:9, 10) The open door led to success in his preaching. The Ephesian congregation was still functioning at the end of the first century.—Revelation 2:1-7.","1 Corinthians 16:8, 9; Revelation 2:1-7; ",w90 12/15 p. 23,,,joshlaymon,,5/15/2025
"Equipped for Missionary Service in the 1990’s, Jack D. Redford, Keep Testing What You Are","Jack D. Redford, a Gilead instructor, spoke on the theme “Keep Testing What You Are.” (2 Corinthians 13:5) Gilead missionaries have opened new fields and strengthened congregations already formed, enduring much and resisting the bait the Devil has held out to turn them aside. And new ones keep joining the ranks. With two graphic experiences, the instructor illustrated how vital it is to test one’s faith. One missionary lost his privileges after he haughtily ignored warning counsel about a wrong course. In contrast, another remained in her assignment with joy, although in her first three months there, she had been reduced to skin and bones by sickness that also resulted in loss of her hair and her hearing. She is still there after 42 years and, through Bible studies, has helped 156 persons to baptism. Brother Redford concluded: “Resist the Devil, and he will flee from you. Never take his bait. Keep proving what you yourselves are. Jehovah will care for you.”","One missionary lost his privileges after he haughtily ignored warning counsel about a wrong course. In contrast, another remained in her assignment with joy, although in her first three months there, she had been reduced to skin and bones by sickness that also resulted in loss of her hair and her hearing. She is still there after 42 years and, through Bible studies, has helped 156 persons to baptism. Brother Redford concluded: “Resist the Devil, and he will flee from you. Never take his bait. Keep proving what you yourselves are. Jehovah will care for you.”",2 Corinthians 13:5; ,w90 12/15 p. 23,,,joshlaymon,,5/15/2025
"Keep Searching as for Hid Treasures, They boasted about their sons, Untruth, application, ","Use of a concordance enables us to locate Bible texts. Of course, when discussing a scripture, we should take note of the context. To illustrate this, let us consider Psalm 144:12-14. These verses represent some people as saying: ‘Our sons are like plants, our daughters like corners carved in palace style, our garners full, our flocks multiplying by thousands, our cattle loaded down with no abortion.’ ","We might think that these words apply to God’s people, but the context shows that they do not. In verse 11, the psalmist David pleads for deliverance from speakers of untruth. They boasted about their sons, daughters, flocks, and cattle. According to verse 15, such wrongdoers said: “Happy is the people for whom it is just like that!” To the contrary, however, David exclaimed: “Happy is the people whose God is Jehovah!”",Psalm 144:12-14; ,w89 3/15 p. 6,,,joshlaymon,,5/15/2025
"Be Obedient to Those Taking the Lead, Elders, Marry only in the Lord, Marriage, ","To illustrate: The elders may urge a Christian to follow the Bible’s counsel to marry “only in the Lord.” (1 Corinthians 7:39; Deuteronomy 7:3, 4) They may point out that marrying an unbaptized person can lead to serious problems, even as King Solomon erred gravely by taking foreign wives, who inclined his heart toward false gods and away from Jehovah. (1 Kings 11:1-6) ","The elders may also explain that Ezra had Jewish men put away their pagan wives, and Nehemiah said that those marrying unbelievers were ‘committing great badness in acting unfaithfully against God.’ (Nehemiah 13:23-27; Ezra 10:10-14; see The Watchtower, March 15, 1982, page 31; November 15, 1986, pages 26-30.) Blessings and the satisfaction of pleasing Jehovah result from applying such Scriptural counsel given by loving elders.","1 Corinthians 7:39; Deuteronomy 7:3, 4; ",w89 9/15 p. 24 par. 17,,,joshlaymon,,5/15/2025
"Do All Things for the Good News, smiling face, questions, animals, peace,  ","To illustrate: One childless lady who had given much attention to animals said this about the visit of a Witness: “What I remember about her smiling face was the peace. I was intrigued. This lady asked me what concerned me most about the conditions on the earth. I said I was worried about the way man treated animals, and she showed me Isaiah 11:6-9 about animals living in true peace. I wanted to know more.”","Use good questions to maintain communication with the householder. Though a person’s countenance may reveal something, his thoughts and feelings need to be understood. To that end, you might skillfully use questions to prompt the householder to express his views and sentiments.",Isaiah 11:6-9,w89 11/15 p. 13 par. 16,,,joshlaymon,,5/15/2025
"Take a Personal Interest in Others, Kindness, invitation, Interest in relatives, family, ","To illustrate: One Christian man was discouraged because his wife had bitterly opposed him for several years. An elder offered to call and help with a Bible discussion. Arriving at the home, the elder greeted the wife pleasantly and asked: “Would you care to sit in with us?” That friendly invitation so impressed the woman that she gladly joined in the discussion. Soon she accepted the truth and began to preach to others.","As Jehovah’s Witnesses, then, let us “do all things for the sake of the good news.” (1 Corinthians 9:23) Indeed, “as long as we have time favorable for it, let us work what is good toward all, but especially toward those related to us in the faith.” (Galatians 6:10) May we take personal interest in one another so that love will flourish in our worldwide brotherhood. Showing interest in relatives of Christians in religiously divided households sometimes sparks a response to the Kingdom message. ",Galatians 6:10; 1 Corinthians 9:23,w89 11/15 p. 20 pars. 21-22,,,joshlaymon,,5/15/2025
"The Responsibility of Discipleship, Hardships, persecution, be determined, analyze carefully.","Being a disciple of Christ, therefore, is a matter that the crowds following him need to analyze carefully. Jesus emphasizes this fact by means of an illustration. “For example,” he says, “who of you that wants to build a tower does not first sit down and calculate the expense, to see if he has enough to complete it? Otherwise, he might lay its foundation but not be able to finish it, and all the onlookers might start to ridicule him, saying, ‘This man started to build but was not able to finish.’”","So Jesus is illustrating to the crowds following him that before becoming his disciples, they should be firmly decided that they can fulfill what is involved, even as a man who wants to build a tower makes sure before he begins that he has the resources to complete it.Luke 14:25-35; Genesis 29:30-33; Matthew 5:13.",Luke 14:25-35; Genesis 29:30-33; Matthew 5:13.,w89 1/1 p. 8,,,joshlaymon,,5/15/2025
"The Responsibility of Discipleship, say good-bye to all his belongings, ready to sacrifice everything,","“Or what king, marching to meet another king in war, does not first sit down and take counsel whether he is able with ten thousand troops to cope with the one that comes against him with twenty thousand? If, in fact, he cannot do so, then while that one is yet far away he sends out a body of ambassadors and sues for peace.” Jesus then emphasizes the point of his illustrations, saying: ","“Thus, you may be sure, none of you that does not say good-bye to all his belongings can be my disciple.” That is what the crowds following him, and, yes, everyone else who learns of Christ, must be willing to do. They must be ready to sacrifice everything they have—all their belongings, including life itself—if they would be his disciples. Are you willing to do this? “Salt, to be sure, is fine,” Jesus continues. In his Sermon on the Mount he said that his disciples are “the salt of the earth,” meaning that they have a preserving influence on people, even as literal salt is a preservative. “But if even the salt loses its strength, with what will it be seasoned? It is suitable neither for soil nor for manure,” Jesus concludes. “People throw it outside. Let him that has ears to listen, listen.” So Jesus shows that even those who have been his disciples for some time must not weaken in their determination to continue. If they do, they will become useless, an object of ridicule to this world and unfit before God, in fact, a reproach upon God. Hence, like strengthless, contaminated salt, they will be thrown outside, yes, destroyed. Luke 14:25-35; Genesis 29:30-33; Matthew 5:13.",Luke 14:25-35; Genesis 29:30-33; Matthew 5:13,w89 1/1 pp. 8-9,,,joshlaymon,,5/15/2025
"Searching for the Lost, Pharisees, leave the ninety-nine behind, self-righteous, ","Jesus answers their objection by using an illustration. He speaks from the Pharisees’ own viewpoint, that they are righteous and are safe in the fold of God, while the despicable ‛am ha·’aʹrets have gone astray and are in a lost state. Listen as he asks: “What man of you with a hundred sheep, on losing one of them, will not leave the ninety-nine behind in the wilderness and go for the lost one until he finds it? And when he has found it he puts it upon his shoulders and rejoices. And when he gets home he calls his friends and his neighbors together, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, because I have found my sheep that was lost.’”","Jesus then makes the application of his story, explaining: “I tell you that thus there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner that repents than over ninety-nine righteous ones who have no need of repentance.” The Pharisees consider themselves to be righteous and thus to have no need of repentance. When some of them criticized Jesus a couple of years earlier for eating with tax collectors and sinners, he told them: “I came to call, not righteous people, but sinners.” The self-righteous Pharisees, who fail to see their need to repent, bring no joy in heaven. But truly repentant sinners do.",Matthew 18:12-14;,w89 1/15 p. 8 ,,,joshlaymon,,5/16/2025
Provide for the Future With Practical Wisdom. impressed. ,"JESUS has just finished telling the story of the prodigal son to a crowd that includes his disciples, dishonest tax collectors and other recognized sinners, and scribes and Pharisees. Now, addressing his disciples, he relates an illustration regarding a rich man who has received an unfavorable report about his house manager, or steward. According to Jesus, the rich man calls his steward and tells him that he is going to dismiss him. “What am I to do, seeing that my master will take the stewardship away from me?” the steward wonders. “I am not strong enough to dig, I am ashamed to beg. Ah! I know what I shall do, so that, when I am put out of the stewardship, people will receive me into their homes.”What is the steward’s plan? Well, he calls those who are in debt to his master. “How much are you owing?” he asks.‘580 gallons [2,200 L] of olive oil,’ the first one answers.‘Take your written agreement back and sit down and quickly write 290 [1,100],’ he tells him.He asks another one: ‘Now you, how much are you owing?’‘630 bushels [22,000 L] of wheat,’ he says.‘Take your written agreement back and write 504.’ [18,000]The steward is within his rights in reducing the bills owed to his master, since he is still in charge of his master’s financial affairs. So by reducing the amounts, he is making friends with those who can return him favors when he loses his job.When the master hears what has happened, he is impressed. In fact, he “commended the steward, though unrighteous, because he acted with practical wisdom.” Indeed, Jesus adds: “The sons of this system of things are wiser in a practical way toward their own generation than the sons of the light are.”Now, drawing the lesson for his disciples, Jesus encourages: “Make friends for yourselves by means of the unrighteous riches, so that, when such fail, they may receive you into the everlasting dwelling places.”","‘580 gallons [2,200 L] of olive oil,’ the first one answers. ‘Take your written agreement back and sit down and quickly write 290 [1,100],’ he tells him. He asks another one: ‘Now you, how much are you owing?’ ‘630 bushels [22,000 L] of wheat,’ he says. ‘Take your written agreement back and write 504.’ [18,000] The steward is within his rights in reducing the bills owed to his master, since he is still in charge of his master’s financial affairs. So by reducing the amounts, he is making friends with those who can return him favors when he loses his job. When the master hears what has happened, he is impressed. In fact, he “commended the steward, though unrighteous, because he acted with practical wisdom.” Indeed, Jesus adds: “The sons of this system of things are wiser in a practical way toward their own generation than the sons of the light are.” Now, drawing the lesson for his disciples, Jesus encourages: “Make friends for yourselves by means of the unrighteous riches, so that, when such fail, they may receive you into the everlasting dwelling places.”",Luke 16:1-10;, w89 3/1 pp. 8-9 ,,,joshlaymon,,5/16/2025
"Justice Soon for All Nations, Widow, certain judge, persistence, not to give up. ","Why does Jehovah look on those dealing treacherously? Why does He keep silent when someone wicked swallows up someone more righteous than he is?’—Habakkuk 1:4, 13. Jesus gave an illustration that helps to answer such questions and enables us to see things from God’s standpoint. At Luke 17:22-37, Jesus described the violent conditions that would mark the end of this system of things. He said that they would be comparable to those preceding the Flood in Noah’s day and the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah in the days of Lot. ","Then, as described at Luke 18:1-5, Jesus turned to his disciples and “went on to tell them an illustration with regard to the need for them always to pray and not to give up.” Jesus told of a widow in great need and of “a certain judge” in a position to satisfy her needs. The widow kept begging: “See that I get justice from my adversary at law.” Because of her persistence, the judge finally ‘saw that she got justice.’ What is the lesson for us today? Contrasting that unrighteous judge with Jehovah, Jesus said: “Hear what the judge, although unrighteous, said! Certainly, then, shall not God cause justice to be done for his chosen ones who cry out to him day and night, even though he is long-suffering toward them? I tell you, He will cause justice to be done to them speedily.”—Luke 18:6-8a.","Habakkuk 1:4, 13; Luke 17:22-37; ",w89 3/1 pp. 28-29 pars. 18-20 ,,,joshlaymon,,5/16/2025
"The Rich Man and Lazarus, Pharisees, Jewish religious leaders, poor, common people, Change, ","Continuing his remarks to the Pharisees, Jesus relates an illustration that features two men whose status, or situation, is eventually changed dramatically. Can you determine who the men represent and what the reversal of their situations means? “But a certain man was rich,” Jesus explains, “and he used to deck himself with purple and linen, enjoying himself from day to day with magnificence. But a certain beggar named Lazarus used to be put at his gate, full of ulcers and desiring to be filled with the things dropping from the table of the rich man. Yes, too, the dogs would come and lick his ulcers.”","Jesus here uses the rich man to represent the Jewish religious leaders, including not only the Pharisees and the scribes but the Sadducees and the chief priests as well. They are rich in spiritual privileges and opportunities, and they conduct themselves as the rich man did. Their clothing of royal purple represents their favored position, and the white linen pictures their self-righteousness.This proud rich-man class views the poor, common people with utter contempt, calling them ‛am ha·’aʹrets, or people of the earth. The beggar Lazarus thus represents these people to whom the religious leaders deny proper spiritual nourishment and privileges. Hence, like Lazarus covered with ulcers, the common people are looked down upon as spiritually diseased and fit only to associate with dogs. Yet, those of the Lazarus class hunger and thirst for spiritual nourishment and so are at the gate seeking to receive whatever meager morsels of spiritual food may drop from the rich man’s table.Jesus now goes on to describe changes in the condition of the rich man and Lazarus. What are these changes, and what do they represent? These questions will be considered in the next issue of our magazine. Luke 16:14-21; John 9:28, 29; Matthew 19:3-9; Galatians 3:24; Colossians 2:14.","Luke 16:14-21; John 9:28, 29; Matthew 19:3-9; ",w89 3/15 pp. 8-9,,,joshlaymon,,5/16/2025
"Rich Man and Lazarus Experience a Change, poor beggar named Lazarus.beggar died, ","JESUS is relating an illustration about a rich man and a poor beggar named Lazarus. The rich man represents the religious leaders who are favored with spiritual privileges and opportunities, and Lazarus pictures the common people who hunger for spiritual nourishment. Jesus continues his story, describing a dramatic change in the men’s circumstances.","“Now in course of time,” Jesus says, “the beggar died and he was carried off by the angels to the bosom position of Abraham. Also, the rich man died and was buried. And in Hades he lifted up his eyes, he existing in torments, and he saw Abraham afar off and Lazarus in the bosom position with him.” Since the rich man and Lazarus are not literal persons but symbolize classes of people, logically their deaths are also symbolic. What do their deaths symbolize, or represent? Jesus has just finished pointing to a change in circumstances by saying that ‘the Law and the Prophets were until John the Baptizer, but from then on the kingdom of God is being declared.’ Hence, it is with the preaching of John and Jesus Christ that both the rich man and Lazarus die to their former circumstances, or condition.",Luke 19:20-25;,w89 4/1 p. 24,,,joshlaymon,,5/16/2025
"The Need for Prayer and Humility, God cause justice to be done for his chosen ones ","EARLIER, when he was in Judea, Jesus told an illustration regarding the importance of being persistent in prayer. Now, on his final trip to Jerusalem, he again emphasizes the need not to give up in praying. Jesus is probably still in Samaria or Galilee when he tells his disciples this further illustration:“In a certain city there was a certain judge that had no fear of God and had no respect for man. But there was a widow in that city and she kept going to him, saying, ‘See that I get justice from my adversary at law.’ ”","Well, for a while he was unwilling, but afterward he said to himself, ‘Although I do not fear God or respect a man, at any rate, because of this widow’s continually making me trouble, I will see that she gets justice, so that she will not keep coming and pummeling me to a finish.’”Jesus then makes the application of his story, saying: “Hear what the judge, although unrighteous, said! Certainly, then, shall not God cause justice to be done for his chosen ones who cry out to him day and night, even though he is long-suffering toward them?",Luke 18:7; ,w89 7/1 p. 8 ,,,joshlaymon,,5/16/2025
"Organized for Survival Into the Millennium, sheep and the goats, 1914, Saturday, June 1, 1935,","According to Matthew’s Gospel, Jesus closed his prophecy on the sign of his presence with an illustration. Commonly styled the parable of the sheep and the goats, it applies now, during the conclusion of this system of things, which began at the end of the Gentile Times in 1914. (Matthew 25:31-46) ","The date of Saturday, June 1, 1935, was significant as to understanding the identity of the sheep of this parable as being members of the great crowd. On that day, at a convention of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Washington, D.C., 840 individuals were baptized in symbol of their dedication to Jehovah God through Jesus Christ. The majority of these took this action in prompt response to a discourse on Revelation 7:9-17 given by J. F. Rutherford. It was their desire to become part of the great crowd of the Fine Shepherd’s other sheep, having the opportunity of surviving the oncoming great tribulation and of living right through this system’s end and on into the Millennial Reign of the Shepherd-King, Jesus Christ. Ultimately, they attain to everlasting life on a paradise earth.—Matthew 25:46; Luke 23:43.",Matthew 25:31-46; ,w89 9/1 pp. 19-20 par. 8,,,joshlaymon,,5/16/2025
"The Illustration of the Minas, man of noble birth, distant land.  “Do business till I come.” ","His disciples believe that when they get to Jerusalem, he will declare that he is the Messiah and set up his Kingdom. To correct this idea and to show that the Kingdom is yet a long way off, Jesus gives an illustration. “A certain man of noble birth,” he relates, “traveled to a distant land to secure kingly power for himself and to return.” Jesus is the “man of noble birth,” and heaven is the “distant land.” When he arrives there, his Father will grant him kingly power.","Before leaving, however, the man of noble birth calls ten slaves and gives each of them a silver mina, saying: “Do business till I come.” The ten slaves in the initial fulfillment represent Jesus’ early disciples. In an enlarged application, they picture all who are prospective heirs with him in the heavenly Kingdom.The silver minas are valuable pieces of money, each amounting to about three months’ wages for an agricultural worker. But what do the minas represent? And what kind of business are the slaves to do with them? The minas represent assets that spirit-begotten disciples could make use of in producing more heirs of the heavenly Kingdom until Jesus’ coming as King in the promised Kingdom. After his resurrection and appearance to his disciples, he gave them the symbolic minas for making more disciples and thus adding to the Kingdom-of-heaven class. “But,” Jesus continues, “his citizens hated [the man of noble birth] and sent out a body of ambassadors after him, to say, ‘We do not want this man to become king over us.’” The citizens are Israelites, or Jews, not including his disciples. After Jesus’ departure to heaven, these Jews by persecuting his disciples made known that they did not want him to be their king. In this way they were acting like the citizens who sent out the body of ambassadors.", Luke 19:12,w89 10/1 p. 8 ,,,joshlaymon,,5/16/2025
"Gems From Luke’s Gospel, Lessons in Humility, most prominent places, positions, ","Luke alone related an illustration that Jesus gave upon seeing guests choose the most prominent places at a meal. During feasts, guests reclined on couches placed along three sides of a table. Servers had access to it on the fourth side. Customarily, a couch was occupied by three people, each facing the table while resting on the left elbow and taking food with the right hand. The three positions indicated that a person had the high, middle, or low place on the couch. ","One having the low position on the third couch had the lowest place at the meal. Jesus said: ‘When invited to a feast, choose the lowest place and the host will tell you, “Go up higher.” Then you will have honor before your fellow guests.’ (14:7-10) Yes, let us humbly put others ahead of ourselves. In fact, in applying the illustration, Jesus said: “Everyone that exalts himself will be humbled and he that humbles himself will be exalted.”—14:11.",Luke 14:7-10;,w89 11/15 p. 25,,,joshlaymon,,5/16/2025
"Prayers That Are Answered, Unknown God, help me to find the truth.’ I wished only to die, ","To illustrate: A young man living in a remote Swiss mountain valley near the Italian border says: “My powerlessness in finding a solution [to life’s problems] was so clear that I wished only to die. . . . I did the only thing that came to my mind. I prayed: ‘O unknown God, you must exist, and you must be a God of love. Help me! I can’t go on any longer—help me to find the truth.’” A few days later, a young couple who were Jehovah’s Witnesses called on this man. A Bible study was arranged, and he is now a baptized witness of Jehovah.","I prayed: ‘O unknown God, you must exist, and you must be a God of love. Help me! I can’t go on any longer—help me to find the truth.’” A few days later, a young couple who were Jehovah’s Witnesses called on this man. A Bible study was arranged, and he is now a baptized witness of Jehovah.",Matthew 24:14;,w88 3/15 p. 7,,,joshlaymon,,5/16/2025
"Part 6—The Sixth World Power—Rome, “a fine soldier of Christ Jesus.” ploughshares,","A Roman soldier’s armor—his helmet, breastplate, shield, shod feet, and sword—was used to illustrate the value of truth, the hope of salvation, righteousness, faith, preaching the good news, and God’s Word as defenses that help us to stand firm against Satan’s attacks. (Ephesians 6:10-18; 1 Thessalonians 5:8) ","It was to the example of a well-disciplined Roman soldier that Paul referred when he told Timothy to be “a fine soldier of Christ Jesus.” (2 Timothy 2:3, 4) However, the Christian’s warfare was spiritual, not fleshly. Thus, early Christians refused to serve in the Roman army. Justin Martyr (110-165 C.E.) said that Christianity “changed our warlike weapons,—our swords into ploughshares, and our spears into implements of tillage.” Many Christians lost their lives for refusing military service.",Ephesians 6:10-18; 1 Thessalonians 5:8; ,w88 5/1 p. 28 Part 6,,,joshlaymon,,5/16/2025
"Jesus Christ—God’s Beloved Son, who resurrected Jesus: God was superior,"," To illustrate: When Jesus resurrected Lazarus from the dead, who was superior? Jesus was superior, since he could bring Lazarus back from the dead. (John 11:41-44) It was the same when God resurrected Jesus. God was superior, since he could bring Jesus back from the dead.","After Jesus died, he was in the tomb for about three days. Who resurrected him? Since he was dead, he could not resurrect himself. And if he was not really dead, then he could not have paid the ransom for Adam’s sin. But he did die, and was nonexistent for about three days. The apostle Peter tells us who resurrected Jesus: “God resurrected him by loosing the pangs of death.” (Acts 2:24) The superior, God Almighty, raised the lesser one, his beloved Son, Jesus, from the dead.",John 11:41-44; Acts 2:24; ,w88 6/1 p. 13 par. 16 ,,,joshlaymon,,5/16/2025
"Children ‘on Loan’—How Wise Is the Practice? Natural child, foster child, ","Not all, however, view their foster children in this way. To illustrate, in one West African city there was rioting. Bullets were flying. “Quick!” yelled one housewife to her two youngsters: “Arthur, take cover under the bed! You, Sorie, look out the window and tell us what’s happening!” Arthur was her natural child, but Sorie, a foster child, or ward.","It is common for preferential treatment to be given the natural children in the family. As a result, the much desired material benefits often fail to materialize. All too frequently wards are overworked, denied education, and are the last in line to receive clothing as well as medical and dental care. Said a missionary who has worked in Africa for over 23 years: “Wards are almost always second-class children.”","Deuteronomy 6:6, 7",w88 9/1 p. 29,,,joshlaymon,,5/16/2025
"When Marital Peace Is Threatened, wise to cooperate, Marriage, domestic peace.","Displaying wisdom in connection with material things can contribute to marital peace. To illustrate: After considering his wife’s negative viewpoint, a man may decide, nevertheless, that it is wise for his family to move elsewhere. This may seem advisable for economic reasons, but it may also enable the family to advance Kingdom interests by serving where the need is greater. (Matthew 6:33) ","His Christian wife may not favor the move because she would be leaving behind her parents or familiar surroundings. But she will be wise to cooperate fully with her husband, who is the head of the household and has the responsibility of determining where his family will live. Moreover, her submissiveness and loving cooperation will contribute to domestic peace.—Ephesians 5:21-24.Family peace flourishes and problems seem less serious when marriage partners do things together. For example, Christian mates have splendid opportunities to work with each other in the field ministry. If they do this regularly and take their children with them, the entire family will benefit. There may also be various opportunities to strengthen the marriage bond by sharing in other wholesome activities especially enjoyed by one mate or the other.",Matthew 6:33; Ephesians 5:21-24;,w88 11/1 p. 24 pars. 17-18,,,joshlaymon,,5/16/2025
"Religious Traditions and the Bible, “corban.”, “a gift dedicated to God.” selfish individual ","To illustrate: God’s Word specifically commanded that children honor their parents. (Exodus 20:12) This obviously included assisting parents who fell into dire financial straits. However, a Jewish tradition developed that provided a convenient way to evade this Biblical obligation. A selfish individual merely had to pledge that his personal property was later to be donated to the temple, setting the property aside by declaring it “corban.” ","This word meant “a gift dedicated to God.” Although the Jewish worshiper was evidently free to continue to use this corban for his own personal gain, he could piously deny it to his parents.—Mark 7:9-12. Jesus, though, challenged this and other Jewish ‘sacred traditions,’ saying: “You hypocrites, Isaiah aptly prophesied about you, when he said, ‘This people honors me with their lips, yet their heart is far removed from me. It is in vain that they keep worshiping me, because they teach commands of men as doctrines.’”—Matthew 15:3-9.",Exodus 20:12; Mark 7:9-12; ,w88 12/1 pp. 4-5 ,,,joshlaymon,,5/16/2025
"A Lesson in Forgiveness, patient, pity, slave is not merciful, mercy, ","To impress on the disciples their obligation to be forgiving, Jesus tells them an illustration. It is about a king who wants to settle accounts with his slaves. One slave is brought to him who owes the enormous debt of 60,000,000 denarii (about $50,000,000). There is no way he can pay it. So, as Jesus explains, the king orders him and his wife and his children to be sold and payment to be made.","At that the slave falls down at his master’s feet and begs: “Be patient with me and I will pay back everything to you.” Moved with pity, the master mercifully cancels the slave’s enormous debt. But no sooner has he done so, Jesus continues, than this slave goes and finds a fellow slave who owes him only 100 denarii (about $90). The man grabs his fellow slave by the throat and begins choking him, saying: “Pay back whatever you owe.” But the fellow slave does not have the money. So he falls at the feet of the slave to whom he is in debt, begging: “Be patient with me and I will pay you back.” Unlike his master, the slave is not merciful, and he has his fellow slave thrown into prison.",Matthew 18:21-35; 6:12; Colossians 3:13.,w88 3/1 pp. 8-9 ,,,joshlaymon,,5/16/2025
"Discipline That Can Yield Peaceable Fruit, childhood days. spiritual lives, disfellowship, ","THINK back to your childhood days. Can you recall your parents disciplining you? Most of us can. The apostle Paul used that as an illustration when commenting on discipline from God, as we read at Hebrews 12:9-11.","God’s fatherly discipline, which can affect our spiritual lives, can take many forms. One is his arrangement to exclude from the Christian congregation a person who no longer wants to live by God’s standards, or who refuses to do so. A person who is thus strongly chastised or disciplined may repent and turn around. In the process, the congregation of loyal ones are also disciplined in that they learn the importance of conforming to God’s high standards.—1 Timothy 1:20.",Hebrews 12:9-11; 1 Timothy 1:20; ,w88 4/15 p. 26 pars. 1-2,,,joshlaymon,,5/16/2025
" How to Be a Successful Parent, building contractor, children fine personalities.","Consider an illustration. A building contractor may have at his disposal the finest blueprints and building materials available. But what would result if the contractor refused to follow the blueprints, perhaps even permitting foolish shortcuts to be taken or allowing inferior materials to be substituted for the quality ones? ","Would not the completed building be faulty, even dangerous to use? Suppose, though, that the contractor was conscientious and did his best to follow the blueprints and to use quality materials. Would not the owner of the completed building now have a responsibility to maintain it in proper order? Would he not also have a responsibility not to tear out the quality materials and replace them with inferior ones? In a figurative way, parents are involved in a construction work. They want to build into their children fine personalities. The Bible provides the best blueprint for this. The quality materials, “gold, silver, precious stones,” are likened in the Scriptures to qualities such as strong faith, godly wisdom, spiritual discernment, loyalty, and loving appreciation for almighty God and his laws.—1 Corinthians 3:10-13; compare Psalm 19:7-11; Proverbs 2:1-6; 1 Peter 1:6, 7.","Psalm 19:7-11; Proverbs 2:1-6; 1 Peter 1:6, 7; 1 Corinthians 3:10-13; ",w88 5/1 p. 3,,,joshlaymon,,5/16/2025
"Jesus Christ—God’s Beloved Son, owner of a vineyard, beat the slave, “I will send my son [Jesus] ","This is also made clear in an illustration Jesus gave. He likened his Father, Jehovah God, to the owner of a vineyard who traveled abroad and left the vineyard in the charge of cultivators—who obviously picture the Jewish clergy. In time, the owner sent a slave to get some of the fruit from the vineyard, but the cultivators beat the slave and sent him away empty. Then the owner sent a second slave, and the same thing happened. He sent a third slave, who got the same treatment. Then the owner (God) said: “I will send my son [Jesus] the beloved. Likely they will respect this one.” But the corrupt cultivators said: “‘This is the heir; let us kill him, that the inheritance may become ours.’ With that they threw him outside the vineyard and killed him.” (Luke 20:9-16) Again, this makes it plain that Jesus is subject to the Father, sent by the Father to do the Father’s will.","Then the owner (God) said: “I will send my son [Jesus] the beloved. Likely they will respect this one.” But the corrupt cultivators said: “‘This is the heir; let us kill him, that the inheritance may become ours.’ With that they threw him outside the vineyard and killed him.” (Luke 20:9-16) Again, this makes it plain that Jesus is subject to the Father, sent by the Father to do the Father’s will.",Luke 20:9-16,w88 6/1 p. 12 par. 12 ,,,joshlaymon,,5/16/2025
"Gilead’s 84th Class—Living Up To Expectations! U. V. Glass, glass of water, string of pearls.","U. V. Glass followed with an illustration involving a glass of water and a string of pearls. In many lands the purity of a glass of water is questionable. Equally dubious might be the genuineness of a string of pearls. ‘What of your credibility?’ asked Glass. ‘A lack of credibility has been called the “silent destroyer of relationships.”’ How can the graduates establish their credibility? ‘Speak truth,’ said Glass, ‘not coloring or bending it. Integrity is the foundation of credibility.’—Ephesians 4:25.","‘What of your credibility?’ asked Glass. ‘A lack of credibility has been called the “silent destroyer of relationships.”’ How can the graduates establish their credibility? ‘Speak truth,’ said Glass, ‘not coloring or bending it. Integrity is the foundation of credibility.’—Ephesians 4:25.",Ephesians 4:25,w88 6/1 p. 23 ,,,joshlaymon,,5/16/2025
"Counsel to Martha, and Instruction on Prayer, at midnight, Begs friend, ","“Who of you will have a friend,” Jesus begins, “and will go to him at midnight and say to him, ‘Friend, loan me three loaves, because a friend of mine has just come to me on a journey and I have nothing to set before him’? And that one from inside says in reply, ‘Quit making me trouble. The door is already locked, and my young children are with me in bed; I cannot rise up and give you anything.’ I tell you, ","Although he will not rise up and give him anything because of being his friend, certainly because of his bold persistence he will get up and give him what things he needs.” Luke 10:38–11:13.",Luke 10:38–11:13; ,w88 8/1 p. 9,,,joshlaymon,,5/16/2025
"The Question of Inheritance, land of rich man, tear down my storehouses and build bigger,  ","Jesus uses an illustration. He explains: “The land of a certain rich man produced well. Consequently he began reasoning within himself, saying, ‘What shall I do, now that I have nowhere to gather my crops?’ So he said, ‘I will do this: I will tear down my storehouses and build bigger ones, and there I will gather all my grain and all my good things; and I will say to my soul: “Soul, you have many good things laid up for many years; take your ease, eat, drink, enjoy yourself.”’ ","But God said to him, ‘Unreasonable one, this night they are demanding your soul from you. Who, then, is to have the things you stored up?’” In conclusion, Jesus observes: “So it goes with the man that lays up treasure for himself but is not rich toward God.” While the disciples may not be ensnared by the folly of piling up wealth, they could easily be distracted from serving Jehovah whole-souled by the daily cares of life. So Jesus uses the occasion to repeat the fine counsel he had given about a year and a half earlier in the Sermon on the Mount. ",Luke 12:1-31; Deuteronomy 21:17.,w88 9/15 p. 9 ,,,joshlaymon,,5/16/2025
"The Sign—Are You Heeding It? Jesus future rule, eagles will be gathered together.” carcass, ","Included in the sign was an illustration showing what kind of people would benefit from it. “Wherever the carcass is,” said Jesus, “there the eagles will be gathered together.” (Matthew 24:28) All who want to survive the end of the present system into God’s new world must ‘gather together’ and enjoy spiritual food along with Christ’s eaglelike “chosen ones.”—Matthew 24:31, 45-47.","Yet, Jesus said that it would be possible for his disciples to discern when God’s Kingdom would commence ruling. How? By means of a sign. In answer to the question, “What will be the sign of your presence?” Jesus outlined visible proof of his future invisible rule.—Matthew 24:3.","Matthew 24:28; Matthew 24:31, 45-47; ",w88 10/15 p. 4 ,,,joshlaymon,,5/16/2025
"The Sheepfolds and the Shepherd, three sheepfolds, his role as the Fine Shepherd. ","Jesus now uses an illustration in which he mentions three sheepfolds and his role as the Fine Shepherd. The first sheepfold he speaks of is identified with the Mosaic Law covenant arrangement. The Law served like a fence that separated the Jews from the corrupting practices of those people not in this special covenant with God. Jesus explains: “Most truly I say to you, He that does not enter into the sheepfold through the door but climbs up some other place, that one is a thief and a plunderer. But he that enters through the door is shepherd of the sheep.”","Others had come and claimed to be the Messiah, or Christ, but they were not the true shepherd of whom Jesus goes on to speak: “The doorkeeper opens to this one, and the sheep listen to his voice, and he calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. . . . A stranger they will by no means follow but will flee from him, because they do not know the voice of strangers.”The “doorkeeper” of the first sheepfold was John the Baptizer.",John 10:1-22; 9:1-7; Luke 12:32; ,w88 11/1 p. 8,,,joshlaymon,,5/16/2025
"The New World—Paradise Regained! can the, new employee can be trusted, test, ","A NEWLY married couple had a very lovely home—a large park full of flowers, trees, birds, and animals. It was Paradise, a generous gift from their loving Father! Did they “live happily ever after”? No. Before long, they lost their home. But why? That Paradise home was lost because the couple did not appreciate what their Father had done for them. Worse still, they were disobedient. To test their integrity, their Father had told them that they could eat the fruit of every tree but one, but they rebelliously disobeyed and partook of it.—Genesis 2:15-17; 3:6, 7.","Why such a penalty for what may seem to have been a small crime? Perhaps an illustration will help to answer that question. A store owner hires a manager having the necessary credentials. To make sure that this new employee can be trusted, the owner hands him the keys but says that under no circumstances is he to unlock a certain drawer. If the employee does so, he will be dismissed. Left on his own, curiosity overcomes the manager and he opens the drawer. The owner catches him in the act and dismisses him.","Genesis 2:15-17; 3:6, 7; ",w88 11/15 p. 4,,,joshlaymon,,5/16/2025
"The New World—Paradise Regained! prophecies, fig tree, new world is on the horizon. ","Jesus also said: “Now learn from the fig tree as an illustration this point: Just as soon as its young branch grows tender and it puts forth leaves, you know that summer is near. Likewise also you, when you see all these things, know that he is near at the doors. Truly I say to you that this generation will by no means pass away until all these things occur.” (Matthew 24:32-35) ","Other Bible prophecies also indicate that the regaining or restoration of Paradise is very near, that a new world is on the horizon. But what will it be like?",Matthew 24:32-35,w88 11/15 p. 5,,,joshlaymon,,5/16/2025
"Entertained by a Prominent Pharisee, beg off, excuses, ‘I bought a field, five yoke of cattle,","“Happy is he who eats bread in the kingdom of God,” this guest says. Yet, not all properly prize that happy prospect, as Jesus goes on to show by an illustration. “A certain man was spreading a grand evening meal, and he invited many. And he sent his slave out . . . to say to the invited ones, ‘Come, because things are now ready.’ ","But they all in common started to beg off. The first said to him, ‘I bought a field and need to go out and see it; I ask you, Have me excused.’ And another said, ‘I bought five yoke of cattle and am going to examine them; I ask you, Have me excused.’ Still another said, ‘I just married a wife and for this reason I cannot come.’” What lame excuses! A field or livestock are normally examined before they are bought, so no real urgency exists to look at them afterward. Similarly, a person’s marriage should not prevent him from accepting such an important invitation. So on hearing about these excuses, the master becomes angry and commands his slave:",Luke 14:1-24.,w88 12/15 pp. 8-9,,,joshlaymon,,5/16/2025
"Jesus—A Center of Controversy, Unforgivable sin, not be forgiven him, blasphemy against the spirit,","To illustrate that his casting out of demons is evidence of his power over Satan, Jesus says: “How can anyone invade the house of a strong man and seize his movable goods, unless first he binds the strong man? And then he will plunder his house. He that is not on my side is against me, and he that does not gather with me scatters.” ","The Pharisees clearly are against Jesus, demonstrating themselves to be Satan’s agents. They are scattering Israelites away from him. Consequently, Jesus warns these satanic opposers that “the blasphemy against the spirit will not be forgiven.” He explains: “Whoever speaks a word against the Son of man, it will be forgiven him; but whoever speaks against the holy spirit, it will not be forgiven him, no, not in this system of things nor in that to come.” Those scribes and Pharisees have committed that unforgivable sin by maliciously attributing to Satan what is plainly a miraculous operation of God’s holy spirit. Matthew 12:22-32; Mark 3:19-30; John 7:5.",Matthew 12:22-32; Mark 3:19-30; John 7:5.,w87 2/15 p. 9 ,,,joshlaymon,,5/16/2025
"True Christians Honor Older Ones!  Old age, calamitous days” ""buried at a good old age.”","True, Solomon called old age “the calamitous days” in which one would “have no delight.” (Ecclesiastes 12:1-3) But “length of days and years of life” are also associated in the Bible with blessings from God. (Proverbs 3:1, 2) To illustrate, Jehovah promised Abraham: “As for you, . . . you will be buried at a good old age.” (Genesis 15:15) ","Surely, God was not sentencing faithful Abraham to dismal, “calamitous days” in which he could “have no delight.” Abraham found peace and serenity in his latter years, looking back with satisfaction on a life spent in service to Jehovah. He could also look forward to a “city having real foundations,” God’s Kingdom. (Hebrews 11:10) Thus he could die “old and satisfied.”—Genesis 25:8.",Ecclesiastes 12:1-3; Hebrews 11:10,w87 6/1 p. 4,,,joshlaymon,,5/17/2025
"William Tyndale’s Bible for the People, careful and accurate. ","Tyndale’s word choice was also careful and accurate. For example, he used “love” instead of “charity,” “congregation” for “church,” and “elder” rather than “priest” where appropriate. This infuriated critics like Sir Thomas More because it changed words that had come to be venerated through tradition. Where the original demanded the repetition of a word, Tyndale was careful to reproduce it. ","To illustrate: At Genesis 3:15, his translation twice speaks of ‘treading’ done by the seed of the woman and by the serpent. Tyndale was also responsible for introducing God’s personal name, Jehovah, into the English Bible. As writer J. F. Mozley observes, Tyndale used it “more than twenty times in his Old Testament” translations.",Genesis 3:15; ,w87 7/15 pp. 22-23,,,joshlaymon,,5/17/2025
"Breathing This World’s “Air” Is Death-Dealing! Satan, demons, general spirit, selfishness, ","When Paul wrote to Christians at Ephesus, Satan and the demons were still in heaven, although being outside God’s favor. They were yet to be cast down to the vicinity of the earth. (Revelation 12:7-10) Moreover, air relates more to humans than to spirit creatures. Accordingly, human society was to feel the effects when the last bowl of God’s anger was poured out upon “the air.”—Revelation 16:17-21.","Hence, it appears that Paul uses the literal air, or atmosphere, to illustrate the general spirit, or dominant attitude of selfishness and disobedience, reflected by people alienated from God. It is the same as “the spirit that now operates in the sons of disobedience” and “the spirit of the world.” (Ephesians 2:2; 1 Corinthians 2:12) Just as the literal air is everywhere, ready to be breathed in, so “the spirit of the world” is always present. From infancy to the grave, it permeates, influences, and shapes the way people think and act as they seek to fulfill their desires, hopes, and ambitions.6 This spirit of sinfulness and rebellion predominates in imperfect human society. ",Ephesians 2:2; 1 Corinthians 2:12;,w87 9/15 p. 11 pars. 4-6,,,joshlaymon,,5/17/2025
"Talk About the Glory of God’s Kingship, witnessing informally, ","Like Jesus and his early followers, we can have success when witnessing informally. To illustrate: During a plane trip, one Witness spoke to a military officer who had been married for 20 years. That man’s wife was on drugs, had attempted suicide several times, and was about to leave him for a younger man. ","When the Witness spoke of the Scriptural help that he was receiving from The Watchtower and its companion journal Awake!, the officer subscribed and wanted to have the magazines sent to his wife. Other passengers heard what the Witness said. The result? Why, because of witnessing on that occasion, he obtained 22 subscriptions and placed 45 magazines and 21 books!","Acts 5:42; 20:20, 21", w87 10/15 p. 25 par. 14 ,,,joshlaymon,,5/17/2025
"Can Religion Satisfy Our Needs? Honesty, stealer, reliable, employment, spiritual pursuits, ","To illustrate: One of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Japan wanted to work fewer hours each week so as to have more time for spiritual pursuits. When he made this request, however, his employer dismissed him from his job. At that, the employer’s mother asked: “Did you fire the most reliable man?” Things got worse for the Witness when he injured his back doing other work. Soon thereafter, he met his former employer, who was upset because he had just learned that one of his employees had been stealing gold, platinum, and rings from his jewelry company. ","The employer immediately asked the Witness to return to work, this time on his own conditions. The man wanted an honest worker. “Let the stealer steal no more, but rather let him do hard work, doing with his hands what is good work.” (Ephesians 4:28) Applying this principle has assisted many to obtain and hold on to employment because they are trustworthy. Consequently, they are able to provide for themselves and their families. Rather than being infected by the spirit of this world, which turns a blind eye to many dishonest practices, Christians are honest, and this brings good results. ",Ephesians 4:28; ,w87 11/15 pp. 5-6 ,,,joshlaymon,,5/17/2025
"Must You Be in the Limelight? human body, ‘I have no need of you’; organization, ","The apostle Paul answers with an illustration. Comparing the congregation to the human body, he says: “The eye cannot say to the hand: ‘I have no need of you’; or, again, the head cannot say to the feet: ‘I have no need of you.’” ","Yes, in the human body every part—even the small toe—has an important function. God shows the same wisdom in organizing his congregation. “God has set the respective ones in the congregation,” assigning different ones various responsibilities.—1 Corinthians 12:21, 28.","1 Corinthians 12:21, 28.",w86 9/1 pp. 28-29 ,,,joshlaymon,,5/17/2025
"Counsel That Is “Seasoned With Salt”, associations,","Similarly, when one young person was upset because her parents restricted her associations, a traveling overseer tried to help her by using this illustration: “You like to sew, don’t you? Imagine that you spent a lot of time making an attractive dress for a friend. But after you gave it to her, you found that she was using it to wipe the floor. How would you feel?” The girl admitted that she would be upset. ","So the minister continued: “That is how your parents view it. They have spent a lot of time bringing you up, and they are proud of you. So they want you to associate with people who will treat you properly, not people who will end up harming you.” The illustration helped the girl to appreciate what her parents were trying to do.",Jonah 4:5-11; ,w86 9/15 p. 17 pars. 9-10,,,joshlaymon,,5/17/2025
"Gladden Jehovah’s Heart by Keeping Integrity! persecution, 7,000 persons deported, Siberia, ",To illustrate: Consider the courageous words one young man penned to his family as he awaited death at the hands of Nazi persecutors. He wrote: “It is already past midnight. I still have time to change my mind. Ah! could I be happy again in this world after I had denied our Lord? Surely not! But now you have the assurance that I leave this world in happiness and peace.”,"Does that sound like a weak, cowardly, whipped integrity breaker? Of course not!  Attempts to break the integrity of Jehovah’s servants have continued. For example, in his book Religion in the Soviet Union, journalist Walter Kolarz told of mass arrests of Jehovah’s Witnesses early in 1951 and stated: “The Witnesses themselves estimate that 7,000 persons altogether were deported, to the Urals, Siberia, the Far North (Vorkuta) and Kazakhstan.” He added: “This was not the end of the ‘Witnesses’ in Russia, but only the beginning of a new chapter in their proselytising activities. They even tried to propagate their faith when they stopped at stations on their way into exile. In deporting them the Soviet Government could have done nothing better for the dissemination of their faith. Out of their village isolation the ‘Witnesses’ were brought into a wider world, even if this was only the terrible world of the concentration and slave labour camps.” There Jehovah’s servants found many who joyfully accepted the heartening Kingdom message.—Compare Acts 11:19-21.",Acts 11:19-21; ,w86 2/1 pp. 13-14 pars. 16-17 ,"Bearing up Under Persecution,",057,joshlaymon,,5/17/2025
Are Religious Councils Approved by God? God-man. confusing Trinity! ,"Although church councils may be whitewashed as milestones of theology, in the minds of many they have been gravestones marking blows destroying pure Christian teachings. To illustrate: In 325 C.E. the Council of Nicaea introduced the doctrine of the Incarnate Christ, or God-man. This denial that Jesus was in fact a man became one of the most misleading doctrines of Christendom. (Compare 2 John 7.) ","Why, it has turned millions away from Jehovah God to a confusing Trinity! None of the councils held thereafter made any attempt to rectify this error. Yet the Trinity doctrine is clearly unscriptural, for Jesus said: “The Father is greater than I am.” (John 14:28) Could God possibly approve of any council that obscured the truth about his identity and that of his Son?",2 John 7; John 14:28; ,w86 5/15 p. 25 ,,,joshlaymon,,5/17/2025
"How Can You Control Your Emotions? jealousy, animosity, and fear, anxiety, boredom, frustration","Because of their harmful effects, emotions such as wrath, jealousy, animosity, and fear need to be controlled. To illustrate how we can do this, consider just one emotion: anxiety. God’s active force strengthened his willing and faithful servants in the past, as it does today. Led by the holy spirit, Jesus preserved a positive outlook by taking a keen interest in spiritual matters. He encouraged his followers to “quit being in anxious suspense.” (Luke 12:29) ","He was never uncertain about his Father’s loving care. (John 15:9, 10) His zeal and enthusiasm were not hindered by boredom and frustration. Likewise, too, if you want to control excessive anxiety, occupy your mind with ‘praiseworthy things.’ (Philippians 4:8) Yes, confidence in Jehovah can dispel negative thoughts.","Luke 12:29; John 15:9, 10; ",w86 6/15 p. 22  ,,,joshlaymon,,5/17/2025
"How Christians Should Feel About Liberation, smoke and to alcohol, enslaves. slave, tobacco, ","CHRISTIANS are opposed to “liberation” that rejects properly exercised authority. Why? Because in reality it does not liberate—it enslaves. A simple example may serve to illustrate this.A youth chafes under the authority of his parents, who forbid him to smoke and to drink alcoholic beverages. ","Not appreciating that their authority is being exercised for his own good, he longs for liberation. After becoming of age and leaving home, he finally achieves the liberation he has always wanted. But years later, after having become a chain smoker and a borderline alcoholic, his doctor tells him that for health reasons he must give up both smoking and drinking. He finds this difficult to do. His liberation has led to addiction, to enslavement. 1 Corinthians 6:9, 10.","1 Corinthians 6:9, 10; ",w86 7/1 p. 5,,,joshlaymon,,5/17/2025
"“Follow His Steps Closely”—How? Prophecy, Bible is true, Daniel, world powers, world governments, ","To illustrate: In a South African school, a teacher was asked if he could prove that the Bible is true. He confessed that he could not. A young boy, one of Jehovah’s Witnesses, boldly said: “I can definitely prove that the Bible is true!” How? He recalled information he had studied in a recent issue of The Watchtower. ","So after gaining permission to speak, he went on to explain the meaning of a prophecy recorded in Daniel chapter 2. The class was amazed as he showed how the prophecy foretold the rise and fall of successive world governments and their ultimate destruction by God’s Kingdom. A fine discussion ensued in which he had opportunity to answer many questions.",Daniel chapter 2.,w86 9/1 p. 4 ,,,joshlaymon,,5/17/2025
"Counsel That Is “Seasoned With Salt” Doubts, marital or other family problems, ","Christian counsel is always Bible based. And where possible, Christian counselors actually use the Bible in giving counsel. It is a powerful aid. (Hebrews 4:12) To illustrate: An experienced elder was trying to help someone who was no longer active in the preaching work. The elder called attention to Jesus’ parable of the man who had two children, both of whom he asked to go and work in his vineyard. The first said that he would go but did not. The second said he would not go but then decided to go after all. (Matthew 21:28-31) ","Then the counselor asked: “Which of these two children are you acting like right now?” The publisher quickly got the point, especially when the counselor continued: “How do you think Jehovah, the Owner of the vineyard, views your situation?” It is similar when trying to help those with doubts, those with marital or other family problems, those who have difficulties with individuals, or those in other trying situations. Skillful questions help those being counseled to reason, examine themselves, and arrive at correct conclusions.",Hebrews 4:12; Matthew 21:28-31; ,w86 9/15 pp. 18-19 pars. 13-14,,,joshlaymon,,5/17/2025
"The Way to Life, Prayer, pray, “Keep on asking,” bread, stone, fish, ","Although Jesus has discussed prayer earlier in his sermon, he now stresses the need to persist in it. “Keep on asking,” he urges, “and it will be given you.” To illustrate God’s readiness to answer prayers, ","Jesus asks: “Who is the man among you whom his son asks for bread—he will not hand him a stone, will he? . . . Therefore, if you, although being wicked, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more so will your Father who is in the heavens give good things to those asking him?” Matthew 7:1-29; Luke 6:27-49.",Matthew 7:1-29; Luke 6:27-49.,w86 11/15 p. 8,,,joshlaymon,,5/17/2025
"A Government That Accomplishes What Man Cannot, nuclear bomb; power in universe, ","“Come, you people, and see the activities of God. His dealing with the sons of men is fear-inspiring.”—PSALM 66:5. JEHOVAH has the power to do what man cannot. To illustrate: Men are in awe of the power of the nuclear bomb; but its power is dwarfed by the tremendous power that exists in our sun. Yet the sun is just one of about 200 billion stars in our Milky Way galaxy alone. Astronomers estimate that throughout the universe there may be about 100 billion galaxies, each with billions of stars. What stupendous power it took to create all of that! (Isaiah 40:26) This awesome power of the Creator makes the power of humans pale into insignificance.—Isaiah 40:15.","Yet the sun is just one of about 200 billion stars in our Milky Way galaxy alone. Astronomers estimate that throughout the universe there may be about 100 billion galaxies, each with billions of stars. What stupendous power it took to create all of that! (Isaiah 40:26) This awesome power of the Creator makes the power of humans pale into insignificance.—Isaiah 40:15.",PSALM 66:5; Isaiah 40:26; Isaiah 40:15; ,w85 1/15 p. 15,,,joshlaymon,,5/17/2025
"True Friends—How to Find Them, Listen, speak, worry, depressed, kind words, dominates, ","To illustrate: You may notice that someone is depressed or consumed with worry. Says a proverb: “Worry can rob you of happiness, but kind words will cheer you up.” (Proverbs 12:25, Today’s English Version) On such an occasion, your healing tongue could win a loyal friend for you.","A kind person also listens to others. Someone who dominates the conversation or talks excessively about himself will have a hard time finding anyone who is interested in his feelings and aspirations. Kindness also means watching what we say to others. “There exists the one speaking thoughtlessly as with the stabs of a sword, but the tongue of the wise ones is a healing.” (Proverbs 12:18) ",Proverbs 12:25,w85 5/15 pp. 4-5,,,joshlaymon,,5/17/2025
"“You Are the Salt of the Earth” sodium, chlorine, preventing decay. ","To illustrate: A certain man put the skins of two slaughtered sheep in the trunk of his car and set off on a long trip in the heat of the African sun. When he finally opened the trunk, there was a repulsive odor and the skins were crawling with maggots! Nevertheless, the fleeces were washed, and salt was rubbed in thoroughly. The effect? They became soft bedside floor mats that were used for years.","SALT is an amazing substance. Chemically, it is composed of sodium, an unusual metallic element, and chlorine, a poisonous gas. The fact that these two dangerous elements can combine to form a beneficial compound is a marvelous provision of the Creator for mankind’s good.—Psalm 104:24.For one thing, salt is very effective in preventing decay. ",MATTHEW 5:13; Psalm 104:24; ,w85 5/15 p. 22,,,joshlaymon,,5/17/2025
"Walk With Confidence in Jehovah’s Leadership, Peaceful, explanation, not appointed, ","We must not lose sight of the fact that God is directing his organization, although walking with confidence in Jehovah’s leadership may not be easy at times. To illustrate: Suppose a brother thinks that he has not been appointed as a ministerial servant or an overseer because the elders have something against him. ","Instead of reacting in a way that could disturb the congregation’s peace, he should remember that Jehovah is directing the theocratic organization. Hence, the brother may seek some explanation in a humble, peaceful manner. (Hebrews 12:14) Then how wise it would be for him to acknowledge any weaknesses called to his attention and prayerfully strive to make improvement! Thereafter, he can leave matters in God’s hands, in keeping with the words: “Throw your burden upon Jehovah himself.” (Psalm 55:22) In time and as we qualify spiritually, Jehovah is sure to give us plenty to do in his service.—Compare 1 Corinthians 15:58.",Hebrews 12:14; 1 Corinthians 15:58; ,w85 6/1 pp. 19-20 par. 15,,,joshlaymon,,5/17/2025
"‘My Religion Is Good Enough for Me!’ antibiotics, grandparents, open mind, new developments, ","To illustrate: Over 40 years ago when people got sick, they may have died simply because available treatment was inadequate. Since 1943, antibiotics have been available and have saved many lives. ","Do we refuse to consider using antibiotics just because our grandparents did not know of them? No, we keep an open mind and weigh the merits of new developments. That same attitude is wise with regard to religion. Acts 9:1, 2; Galatians 1:13, 14.","Acts 9:1, 2; Galatians 1:13, 14.",w85 7/15 p. 3 ,,,joshlaymon,,5/17/2025
"Does Your Religion Really Please God? Albert Einstein, nationalism, “the measles of humanity”","To illustrate the point: Could we imagine a “French” apostle Paul going out to kill a “German” apostle Peter just because their respective nations had declared war? Yet, during the second world war most religions were so deeply involved in the war efforts of their nations that they even supplied chaplains for the armies! ","At the same time, “Christian” clergymen on both sides prayed to the same God for victory. But does God stand divided? Can he be dragged into what Professor Albert Einstein described as the “infantile sickness” of nationalism, “the measles of humanity”? Of course not! That is why worshipers who really please God must remain neutral and practice genuine love. (John 13:34, 35; 17:16) They ‘do not wage war according to what they are in the flesh.’—Compare 2 Corinthians 10:3, 4.","John 13:34, 35; 17:16;  2 Corinthians 10:3, 4.",w85 7/15 p. 5,,,joshlaymon,,5/17/2025
"Drawing Comfort From God’s Word, Job, integrity, rewards they received.","We should take note not only of those who stood firm but also of the rewards they received. To illustrate: Satan, bent on proving that Job served Jehovah only for selfish reasons, brought one calamity after another upon this man of God. First his animals were destroyed, then his servants, and finally even his ten children. Not satisfied with that, Satan struck Job with “a malignant boil from the sole of his foot to the crown of his head.” (Job, chapters 1 and 2) Did Job break his integrity to God because of these calamities? No, he did not. But what about the reward?","“Take your stand against [the Devil], solid in the faith, knowing that the same things in the way of sufferings are being accomplished in the entire association of your brothers in the world.” (1 Peter 5:9) Yes, other Christians endure similar trials for the sake of the good news and do so without compromising. We can do the same.","Job, chapters 1 and 2; 1 Peter 5:9",w85 9/15 p. 6 ,,,joshlaymon,,5/17/2025
"Can Your Future Be Changed? detailed accuracy of Bible prophecy, Babylon, Medes, Persians, ","To illustrate the detailed accuracy of Bible prophecy further, consider this example: Let us suppose that a prominent person goes on public record today and predicts events 200 years ahead, for the year 2184. The prophecy contains: ▪ A great military battle: The nations involved have yet to become rival world powers, and the results will change history. ▪ The very strategy used: A tremendous engineering feat altering the course of a mighty river. ▪ The name of the conqueror: His name is given about 200 years before the conquest and some 130 years before his birth. ▪ The outcome: The geographic location and ultimate destiny of the loser.","If all these predictions came true, would it not at least cause people to consider other things this person had said about the future? What we have just described actually took place in detail in connection with the overthrow of Babylon by the Medes and the Persians. Some 200 years before this event took place, the Bible prophet Isaiah predicted: ▪ A great military battle: between Medo-Persia and Babylon.—Isaiah 13:17, 19. ▪ The very strategy used: Dry up a moatlike river defense; enter a fortified city through open gates.—Isaiah 44:27–45:2. ▪ The name of the conqueror: Cyrus of Persia.—Isaiah 45:1. ▪ The outcome: Babylon in time to become a total desolation.—Isaiah 13:17-22. Since all these predictions came true, will you consider other Bible prophecies to be reliable too?","Isaiah 13:17, 19.",w84 1/1 pp. 6-7 ,,,joshlaymon,,5/17/2025
"Jehovah’s Word Is Sure!, unsatisfying forecasts! Prophecy, man-made ‘future, happiness, ","‘I Jehovah make good my servant’s word.’—ISAIAH 44:24-26, Byington.WHAT will tomorrow bring? People would like to know. But how unsatisfying their forecasts! To illustrate: Back in 1864 naturalist Alfred R. Wallace predicted this man-made ‘future for the human race’: “Each one will . . . work out his own happiness in relation to that of his fellows; . . . the well balanced moral faculties will never permit any one to transgress on the equal freedom of others; . . . each man will be guided by the best of laws; a thorough appreciation of the rights, and a perfect sympathy with the feelings, of all about him.” Why, Wallace foretold that man would convert our earth into “as bright a paradise as ever haunted the dreams of seer or poet”!","The author of those words died just nine months before mankind was plunged into the dark night of World War I. Where, then, was that ‘bright paradise’ filled with compassionate people? And what of today? Unquestionably, ‘the love of the greater number has cooled off’—and that despite any predictions to the contrary. (Matthew 24:12) But should this make us doubt all prophecy? Jehovah God identifies himself as the One ‘who reverses wise men and makes their knowledge foolish, while making good his servant’s word.’ (Isaiah 44:24-26, By) However, some may ask: ‘Can we rely on Bible prophecies? Is Jehovah’s Word really sure?’",Isaiah 44:24-26; ,w84 4/1 p. 10,,,joshlaymon,,5/17/2025
"Invest Now in a Secure Future, pearls, bought it, give God's promise priority, ","To illustrate, in one of his parables Jesus spoke of a “traveling merchant” seeking to invest in fine pearls. “Upon finding one pearl of high value, away he went and promptly sold all the things he had and bought it.” (Matthew 13:45, 46) ",One who appreciates God’s promise of a righteous Kingdom will act like the man in this parable. He will give it priority in his life. To him it is worth the sacrifice.—Matthew 6:33.,Matthew 6:33; ,w84 7/1 p. 6,,,joshlaymon,,5/17/2025
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"How Much Does the Kingdom Mean to You? Jesus in effect, sold everything, ","Jesus Christ used such a situation to illustrate the importance of God’s Kingdom. He said: “The kingdom of the heavens is like a treasure hidden in the field, which a man found and hid; and for the joy he has he goes and sells what things he has and buys that field.”—Matthew 13:44.","Are you like the “man” in the illustration? Jesus was. When he learned of God’s purpose to have a heavenly government—here called “the kingdom of the heavens”—he, in effect, sold everything he had to buy that hidden treasure, which for him was the privilege of being the Ruler of that government. Jesus gave up his position as a mighty spirit person in heaven and became a member of a poor family on earth in the remote city of Nazareth. Later, he suffered painful persecution and, finally, death on a torture stake. Thus he proved that he was worthy of becoming the Ruler of God’s Kingdom.",Matthew 13:44.,w84 9/15 p. 8,,,joshlaymon,,5/17/2025
"“You Ought to Be Teachers” Illustrations, Jesus, young child, widow, charts, pictures, ","Do not forget that illustrations can also be visual. When Jesus was asked whether it was proper to pay taxes to Caesar, he called for a coin, a denarius, and used it to illustrate his answer. (Matthew 22:17-22) When stressing the need for humility, he illustrated the point by calling over a young child. (Matthew 18:1-6) And when speaking of 100-percent devotion, he pointed to an actual widow who was giving her all—two small coins—to the temple treasury. (Mark 12:41-44) ","Similarly, some speakers at Christian meetings at the Kingdom Hall find blackboards, pictures, charts and slides very helpful, while in home Bible studies, printed illustrations or other aids can be used. Visual illustrations are much more effective than mere words.",Mark 12:41-44,w84 11/1 p. 12 par. 16 ,,,joshlaymon,,5/17/2025
"United Fruit Bearers, Jesus likened himself to a vinestock, or vine stem, ","In an illustration that differs in several respects from those of the olive tree and of the barren fig tree, Jesus likened himself to a vinestock, or vine stem, and his anointed disciples to the branches of a vine. He stated: “I am the true vine, and my Father is the cultivator. Every branch in me not bearing fruit he takes away, and every one bearing fruit he cleans, that it may bear more fruit. . . . My Father is glorified in this, that you keep bearing much fruit and prove yourselves my disciples.”—John 15:1-8.","While the “other sheep” are not branches of the Abrahamic-covenant “olive tree” or of “the true vine,” Christ Jesus, they must prove themselves to be Christ’s disciples. Like all the anointed Christian “branches,” they must “keep bearing much fruit.” ",John 15:1-8.,w83 8/15 p. 23 pars. 13-14,,,joshlaymon,,5/17/2025
"Life in Paradise—Will It Be Boring? pain and boredom. “dullness, repetition, or tediousness,”","“THE two foes of human happiness are pain and boredom.” Do you agree with that opinion of a 19th-century philosopher? Most people have been bored at times, but why?","Boredom is associated with “dullness, repetition, or tediousness,” “a feeling of weariness and dissatisfaction.” It often results from work or activity that does not stimulate or satisfy. But it is also true that boredom is a subjective state. What is boring to one person may be fascinating to another.Isaiah 11:9; ",Isaiah 11:9;,w83 11/15 p. 4 ,,,joshlaymon,,5/17/2025
"When a Mate Is Unfaithful, Hosea, mercy, Israel, abandon her immorality. ","This mercy of Hosea was used in the Bible as an illustration of an even greater act of mercy toward an erring wife. Jehovah God compared his own relationship with Israel to that of a husband to a wife. “I myself had husbandly ownership of them,” he said on one occasion. (Jeremiah 31:32) But, like Hosea’s wife, the Israelites were unfaithful. They frequently worshiped false gods, thus committing spiritual adultery. (Hosea 6:10; 7:4) By his own law, God could have “divorced” them, cast them off. What did he do?","Like Hosea, he showed himself willing to take back his erring “wife” if she would abandon her immorality. He looked forward to the time when “the sons of Israel will come back and certainly look for Jehovah their God, and for David their king; and they will certainly come quivering to Jehovah and to his goodness in the final part of the days.”—Hosea 3:5.",Hosea 6:10; 7:4,w83 12/15 pp. 27-28,,,joshlaymon,,5/17/2025
"Questions From Readers, disfellowshipped, God’s view, ","It is to illustrate that if someone is disfellowshipped, he must at the time have had a truly bad heart and/or been determined to pursue a God-dishonoring course. Peter said that the condition of such a person is worse than before he became a Christian; he is like ‘a sow that was bathed but has gone back to rolling in the mire.’ (2 Peter 2:20-22) ",This should help Christian relatives and others to have God’s view of a disfellowshipped person.,2 Peter 2:20-22,w83 1/1 p. 31,,,joshlaymon,,5/17/2025
Music—Can It Be a Threat? ,"To illustrate: At one time David, mentioned earlier, served as a musician in King Saul’s court. The young man was “skilled at playing” the harp. And his music helped to calm troubled Saul.—1 Samuel 16:18-23.","Music stirs the emotions. A crowd may rise to its feet as a jazz group starts to beat out a familiar tune. Lovers of classical music may be gripped by emotion as they listen to the 1812 Overture by Tchaikovsky. With battles raging, cannons firing and victory bells ringing, they almost imagine they are there. Yes, music has power.",1 Samuel 16:18-23.,w83 1/15 p. 4 ,,,joshlaymon,,5/17/2025
"James Urges Clean and Active Worship, Faith, Good works, Abraham, Rahab, demons, ","To illustrate: If a fellow believer is insufficiently clad and lacks food, words alone will not help him; there must be tangible aid. Even the demons believe there is one God, but they perform no good works. So professed faith without good works to back it up is inactive, having no effectiveness as regards the attaining of salvation. ","Abraham, the “father” of all those having true faith, showed his faith by works when he offered up Isaac. Rahab also had active faith, for she was “declared righteous by works” in protecting the Israelite spies. Hence, whereas mere professed faith is as lifeless as a corpse, by engaging in properly motivated Christian works we prove that we have genuine living faith.—James 2:14-26.",James 2:14-26,w83 3/1 p. 13,,,joshlaymon,,5/18/2025
"Jehovah’s Standards Help Us, moral values, conduct, ",IN 1266 King Henry III of England decreed that a penny should be the weight of 32 wheat grains. He thus set a standard. Countless things around us similarly involve standards. We dial our radio or television to a set point (channel) for a broadcast on a standard frequency. Other standards show proficiency; a student’s reading skill may be measured by a standard test.,"What, though, of Jehovah God? He has standards, even as a human father may have values and requirements as to behavior at home and in dealing with others. Jehovah, the universal Judge, Statute-Giver and King, provides in the Bible laws, rules or clearly stated principles that indicate his moral standards and what he expects of humans—guidelines on how we should walk.—Psalm 25:4, 5; 86:10, 11; Isaiah 33:22.","Psalm 25:4, 5; 86:10, 11; Isaiah 33:22.",w83 6/15 p. 10 ,,,joshlaymon,,5/17/2025
"An Excellent Education, Society's Publications,  I scored in the 55 range, or 4th year college level.","IT HAS been said that by reading the Watchtower and Awake! magazines, along with other publications of Jehovah’s Witnesses, a person will receive, over a period of years, a considerable and broad education. To illustrate, one of Jehovah’s Witnesses wrote the following letter: “I quit school in the 9th grade about twenty-five years ago. I have had no secular schooling since then. I should have, by all rights, stagnated mentally. Due to economic circumstances—I had to go to work full time to support my family—I found it necessary to go back to school for a high school diploma. I began school two days ago and the teacher decided to give me a test like the one I will have to pass to get my diploma. ","The test covered such subjects as science, law, social studies and reading comprehension. I told the teacher I didn’t want to take it because I knew I wouldn’t do well. But she insisted. “The result was that I scored one of the highest grades. The test grade needed to obtain the diploma is 35, which is the average score. I scored in the 55 range, or 4th year college level. Why am I telling this? Because the main source of my reading in the last eight years has been the publications of Jehovah’s Witnesses. I am an avid reader of them and do quite a bit of research.",John 17:3; 2 Peter 3:13.,w83 6/15 p. 31 ,,,joshlaymon,,5/18/2025
"A Productive Olive Tree, “the root is holy.” [part of Abraham’s spiritual seed].” children, ","The apostle Paul expresses grief that “not all who spring from Israel are really ‘Israel,’” and states: “Neither because they are Abraham’s seed are they all children [part of Abraham’s spiritual seed].” Then he goes on to illustrate how Jehovah ‘raises up children to Abraham.’ (Romans 9:1, 2, 6, 7) To describe how the Abrahamic covenant produces the full number of members of the spiritual seed of promise, he uses the symbol of a specially cultivated olive tree.—Please read Romans 11:13-26.14 Paul mentions the root before speaking of the tree itself, and he says “the root is holy.” (Romans 11:16) Jehovah God is the “Most Holy One.” (Hosea 11:12) He is frequently called “the Holy One of Israel,” particularly in the book of Isaiah. (Isaiah 10:20; 29:19; 60:9) The apostle Peter counsels anointed Christians, saying: “In accord with the Holy One who called you, do you also become holy yourselves in all your conduct.” (1 Peter 1:15, 16) Jehovah God, the Greater Abraham, is the root of the symbolic olive tree.","Paul mentions the root before speaking of the tree itself, and he says “the root is holy.” (Romans 11:16) Jehovah God is the “Most Holy One.” (Hosea 11:12) He is frequently called “the Holy One of Israel,” particularly in the book of Isaiah. (Isaiah 10:20; 29:19; 60:9) The apostle Peter counsels anointed Christians, saying: “In accord with the Holy One who called you, do you also become holy yourselves in all your conduct.” (1 Peter 1:15, 16) Jehovah God, the Greater Abraham, is the root of the symbolic olive tree.","Romans 9:1, 2, 6, 7; Romans 11:13-26; ",w83 8/15 p. 16 pars. 13-14,,,joshlaymon,,5/18/2025
" Our Fight to Counteract Permissiveness, blood issue, integrity, stress, political party cards, ","To illustrate, perhaps you have had to take a stand on the issue of blood. Maybe unbelieving relatives or doctors pressured you to compromise. In the fight to maintain integrity you were willing to endure great stress. Why? Because the issue was clearly in focus. You were determined not to violate God’s command. (Acts 15:28, 29) ","Think, too, of Christian brothers who kept separate from the world by refusing to buy political party cards even though their refusal meant suffering. (John 17:16; 1 Peter 3:14; 4:12-14) Others have endured imprisonment because of their neutral position amid worldly controversies. (Isaiah 2:4) Refusal to stop preaching the good news has brought other forms of persecution upon some.—Acts 5:28, 29, 40.","Acts 15:28, 29; John 17:16; 1 Peter 3:14; 4:12-14;",w83 8/15 p. 26 par. 6,,,joshlaymon,,5/18/2025
"Why Be Grateful to the Creator? parents, indebted to our Creator.","However, though we are indebted to our parents, indebtedness to our Creator is even greater. Why? Because we have received many more benefits from him. To illustrate: We are grateful to our parents for bringing us into the world. But our life actually did not come from them in the first place. ","They only passed life on to us, for with the Creator is the actual source of life. (Psalm 36:9) We also appreciate our parents for having provided life’s necessities. Yet, while these essentials were obtained by either their money or their labors, they did not create such needed things. Hence, we have much greater reason to feel indebted to our Creator.",Psalm 36:9,w83 9/1 p. 4 ,,,joshlaymon,,5/18/2025
What Does Paradise Mean to You? dependent not just on physical surroundings but also on people.,"Consider this: “Paradise” in the fullest sense of the word involves far more than just trees and plants—beautiful surroundings. It takes more than lovely scenery to make life enjoyable. Much more. To illustrate: Suppose you could pick any spot on earth to live—the most beautiful part of the open country or the loveliest tropical island. Could you really be happy if your neighbors were hateful, mean, selfish, spiteful, with no respect for your person or property? Hardly! Such people could make your life miserable no matter how pleasant your surroundings!","Logically, then, “paradise” is dependent not just on physical surroundings but also on people. For when you think of paradise, do you not also think of happy people, with peaceful dispositions, getting along with one another in love? Therefore, before a beauty spot on earth can be called a paradise in the fullest sense, the people who are going to live in it must develop Godlike personalities.",Luke 23:43;,w83 10/1 pp. 3-4,,,joshlaymon,,5/18/2025
"Reject Worldly Desires! Demas, love for present system of things, abandoning, ","Even an unfavorable example is beneficial, for it shows us what to avoid. To illustrate: The apostle Paul was forsaken by his fellow worker Demas ‘because of his love for the present system of things.’ The exact nature and extent of his forsaking Paul is not disclosed, but a love for worldly pleasures and material things may have become stronger than that for spiritual things. ","In any event, Demas failed to use his excellent opportunity to strengthen his brother Paul. (2 Timothy 4:10) How this should move us to stick with fellow believers, not abandoning them because of permitting love for the present system of things to fill our heart!",2 Timothy 4:10; ,w83 10/15 p. 24 par. 12,,,joshlaymon,,5/18/2025
"Armageddon—Prelude to Paradise! cry, “Peace and security!” annihilate religion, domination, ","To illustrate: As Daniel prophesied, the communist “king of the north” and the rival noncommunist “king of the south” are currently engaged in a struggle for world domination. What next? Daniel foresaw that the communist “king of the north” would forcibly seize control of valuable material resources, typified by “the gold,” “the silver” and “all the desirable things.”—Daniel 11:40-43.","Nevertheless, world leaders will somehow reach an agreement. They will cry, “Peace and security!” (1 Thessalonians 5:1-3) The resulting euphoria, however, will be shattered quickly. Political leaders, tired of interference by worldly religion, will unite to annihilate it—swiftly, decisively. But it is Jehovah God himself who sees to it that this especially reprehensible part of Satan’s organization, false religion, is devastated.—Revelation 17:1-18.",Daniel 11:40-43; 1 Thessalonians 5:1-3,w83 11/1 p. 5,,,joshlaymon,,5/18/2025
"Duties or Pleasures—Which Do You Put First? eating, ‘we eat to live, we do not live to eat.’","There are many pleasures that can be enjoyed by Christians. But to keep them in their proper place our enjoyment of them must yield to the guiding principles of quality, quantity, timing and cost. To illustrate: Doubtless the pleasure most widely and most often enjoyed by humans is that of eating. Making it a pleasure was surely a loving-kindness on God’s part. This pleasure might be said to be circumscribed by the principle that ‘we eat to live, we do not live to eat.’","For one thing, since principles should govern our eating, we will want to choose foods that not only please our palate but are good for us. We will also want to be careful not to stuff ourselves, not to eat more than what is good for us. Moreover, we should watch our timing. It is known that heavy meals tend to interfere with concentration and highly skilled activity. 1 Corinthians 6:9-11; ",1 Corinthians 6:9-11; ,w83 11/1 p. 25,,,joshlaymon,,5/18/2025
"They Can Powerfully Affect Your Life, Midianite women, Israelite men, Drawing Away","Dramatized Bible accounts on cassette tapes can. To illustrate their value, a 13-year-old who had been studying the Bible for only six months wrote: “Not long ago in school some kids wanted me to go to a Halloween party with them. I told them no because I don’t celebrate Halloween. Then they said, ‘You don’t have to celebrate it if you don’t want to, just come and eat and dance with us.’","“Immediately I thought of that tape [Beware of Losing Faith by Drawing Away From Jehovah] and how the Midianite women were trying to get the Israelite men to go to the festival of their pagan gods. And when they told them that they worshiped the true God, they said, ‘Well, you don’t have to offer sacrifices if you don’t want to. Just come and enjoy the food and the dancing. What could be wrong with that?’ But then the high priest, Phinehas, reminded them that they couldn’t do it without getting involved with their women and their gods. And those that went down to the festival lost their lives. After remembering all of this I knew what to tell them, and I was glad I had made the right decision.",Numbers 25:6;,w83 11/1 p. 32,,,joshlaymon,,5/18/2025
"When Our Hearts Impel Us to Do All We Can, spun the goat’s hair, gold, silver, copper, wool","Yes, our spirit can be like that of Mary of Bethany and other godly persons of times past. To illustrate: the Israelites of Moses’ day were afforded the privilege of honoring Jehovah when the tabernacle for his worship was constructed. Not all could do the same things, but their hearts impelled them to do what they could. For instance, some women spun the goat’s hair that was used. Certain men served as craftsmen performing work of various kinds. ","And the people in general? Well, they honored Jehovah by giving gold, silver, copper, wool, linen and other things so that the tabernacle could be completed. The willing-hearted ones gladly made this “contribution for Jehovah,” and it was “a voluntary offering.” (Exodus 35:4-35) How much did they give? Why, the materials contributed “proved to be enough for all the work to be done, and more than enough”! (Exodus 36:4-7) Yes, they did what they could.",Exodus 35:4-35; Exodus 36:4-7,w83 12/1 pp. 20-21 ,,,joshlaymon,,5/18/2025
"Keep Pursuing Spiritual Goals, runner, “stretching forward” prize of eternal life, ","Using the runner to illustrate what is needed to succeed as a Christian, the apostle Paul admonished those pursuing the goal of eternal life: “Run in such a way that you may attain [the prize].” (1 Corinthians 9:24) Paul said that he was “stretching forward” (like a runner whose body was bent forward, going all out for the finish) and “pursuing down toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God.” (Philippians 3:13, 14)","If a Christian “runner” is to receive the reward, the prize of eternal life, not any other pursuit, must become the focal point, or target, toward which his whole life is directed. Is this true of your life?","Philippians 3:13, 14; 1 Corinthians 9:24; ",w82 6/15 p. 5 par. 2,,,joshlaymon,,5/18/2025
"Other “New World Translation” Features, ""everyone asking""  “ask,” “seek” and “knock” ","Similarly at Luke 11:5-10 Jesus uses an illustration to drive home the point that we must persevere in prayer. So he does not simply say that if we “ask,” “seek” and “knock” God will answer us but that “everyone asking receives, and everyone seeking finds and to everyone knocking it will be opened.” Hence, continuous action is indicated.","Additionally, the New World Translation distinguishes between the adjective kalos, which means fine, excellent, superb, choice, and agathos, which chiefly means that which is morally good. So, at John 10:2-16, Jesus did not speak of himself as merely a good shepherd, but as a fine, excellent, superb shepherd.",Luke 11:5-10;John 10:2-16; ,w82 3/15 p. 27 ,,,joshlaymon,,5/20/2025
"‘Return to the Shepherd of Your Souls’. emotional scars, losing all his money,fattened young bull","The father ran to embrace his son. The most the son had hoped for was to become a ‘hired man,’ someone really not a member of the household and in some respects worse off than a slave. Never could he have imagined his father’s response: “Quick! Bring out a robe, the best one, and clothe him with it, and put a ring on his hand and sandals on his feet. And bring the fattened young bull, slaughter it and let us eat and enjoy ourselves.” How wonderfully Jesus illustrated the wholehearted response of the father!—Luke 15:22, 23.","The father knew that the prodigal had already paid a dear price—the emotional scars of “living a debauched life” and losing all his money, the agony of being friendless and without food and shelter during a famine, the shame of eating with pigs, and finally, the long journey home. So, too, Jehovah realizes that one truly suffers while “lost” and that it is not easy to return. Yet our compassionate heavenly Father, who is “abundant in loving-kindness,” ‘will not for all time keep finding fault nor according to our errors bring upon us what we deserve’ if we are genuinely repentant and “set matters straight” with him.","Luke 15:22, 23;",w82 5/1 p. 26 ,,,joshlaymon,,5/20/2025
"The Critical Hour Nears! Noah, flood, own little plans, took no note, ","Jesus gave us another indication of the nearness of that critical hour. He referred to the conditions on earth in the days of Noah and reminded his followers that people then were completely engrossed in their own little plans and in leading a normal life, as they might have called it. ","Jesus said: “Just as the days of Noah were, so the presence of the Son of man will be. For as they were in those days before the flood, eating and drinking, men marrying and women being given in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the ark; and they took no note until the flood came and swept them all away, so the presence of the Son of man will be.” (Matthew 24:37-39) Those people were warned by the message that righteous Noah proclaimed decade after decade. (2 Peter 2:5) But how did the majority of the people regard that warning? Jesus said, “They took no note.” They were not interested in Noah and his message. And so it was that “only Noah and those who were with him in the ark kept on surviving,” eight souls in all.—Genesis 7:23.",Matthew 24:37-39,w82 5/15 pp. 17-18 par. 2 ,,,joshlaymon,,5/20/2025
"An Educated Tongue—“To Encourage the Weary”, Elders, Use easy-to-understand language. ","“Have you rightly become hot with anger?” asked Jehovah. Yes, a simple question designed to get him thinking. No accusation. No condemnation. Even though Jonah did not respond immediately, Jehovah did not give up on him, but provided a large plant to shelter him from the blazing sun. Then Jehovah used an illustration that apparently touched Jonah’s heart. He caused the large plant to die. When Jonah was angered over the death of the plant, Jehovah helped him to see how much more precious were the lives of the Ninevites than the life of that plant. Should he not feel even more pity for them than for the death of a mere plant? Simple, yet effective!—Jonah 4:1-11.","When elders endeavor to encourage depressed souls they need to imitate Jehovah and Elihu. Be generous in genuine commendation. Use simple, direct statements and questions. Use easy-to-understand language. Be specific, yet avoid intimidating questions. Illustrations that may get the person to think or become emotionally involved in a somewhat different matter (for example, Jonah’s becoming angry over the death of the plant) may be used to help an individual to see the error of his own thinking. But remember: “As apples of gold in silver carvings is a word spoken at the right time for it.” (Proverbs 25:11) If the person has faulty thinking, help him to overcome it gradually. Work to build up his low self-esteem. “A heart bowed down with anxiety, how a kind word can refresh it!”—Proverbs 12:25, Knox.",Jonah 4:1-11; ,w82 6/1 p. 11 ,,,joshlaymon,,5/20/2025
"Loyally Submitting to Theocratic Order, King Saul, presumptuous, independent, nontheocratic activity","Then there was King Saul of ancient Israel who refused to wait on Jehovah. Instead, he presumptuously offered up sacrifices even though he was not a priest. His feeble excuse was that he was in danger of losing his army through desertions. Yet, whose army was it? Saul’s or Jehovah’s? The prophet Samuel told him: “You have acted foolishly. You have not kept the commandment of Jehovah your God . . . And now your kingdom will not last.” (1 Samuel 13:13, 14) ","The kingship was taken from Saul and given to ‘a man agreeable to Jehovah’s heart.’ Thus, Saul paid a heavy price for his lack of submission and also for his lack of genuine repentance when the matter was called to his attention. This illustrates that Jehovah does take note of presumptuous, independent, nontheocratic activity among his people.—Proverbs 11:2.","1 Samuel 13:13, 14; ",w82 6/1 p. 18 par. 8,,,joshlaymon,,5/20/2025
"Einstein’s Appraisal of Man’s Knowledge, climbs upon the roof, Universe, house-fly landed","Inquiry to Professor Albert Einstein: “It has been reported to me that in the last month or so you had conversations with a visitor in which the subject of our knowledge of the laws of the universe was discussed. You indicated that despite all our recent advancements our knowledge remains rather meager. You illustrated this by two examples: First, our increase in knowledge is comparable to that which a man, interested in learning more about the moon, gets when he climbs upon the roof of his house to catch a closer look at that luminary.","“According to the report, your second illustration of our minimal knowledge of the universe focused on the moment you completed your formula of the general theory of relativity. [At] that moment an ordinary house-fly landed on your paper. You reflected that here you had set down all the major universal physical laws, as though to say, here is the key to all the secrets of the universe, yet you really do not know very much about the nature of that little fly.Job 24:14; ",Job 24:14; ,w82 6/1 p. 26 ,,,joshlaymon,,5/20/2025
"What Is Your Goal in Life? purpose, zeal, Jehovah's Witnesses, whole thing was ridiculous.","Similar zeal and singleness of purpose is noted today in genuine Christians. After observing a convention of Jehovah’s Witnesses, a Canadian newspaper journalist reported that the key reason for their growth lies “with the incredible sense of commitment and dedication shown by the Witnesses.” Many of these have found genuine happiness by seeking the goal of life rather than other pursuits.","For instance, 19-year-old Mark had reached his goal of being one of the best motorbike racers in the state of California (U.S.A.). “I had reached the point where I won many races. I had fame, all the money I wanted and the love of any girl in town,” said Mark. “But after winning a big race I asked myself, ‘Is this all there is? Here I am at the peak of my life and where is that great sense of accomplishment?’” Others were closely observing his illustrious racing career and were making his life course their goal. “They were trying to get what I had, but the whole thing was ridiculous. I had nothing and here they wanted it!” In time Mark studied the Bible seriously with Jehovah’s Witnesses and saw the value of seeking a worthwhile goal. After becoming one of the Witnesses, he devoted his life to seeking God’s approval and helping others spiritually. Reflecting on his life since then, Mark, now 27 years old, said: “I now found genuine friends and the pleasure of truly helping others spiritually. At last I felt my life was accomplishing something of lasting value to people.”","Acts 22:1-3; Galatians 1:14; Philippians 3:5-8, 14.",w82 6/15 p. 4,,,joshlaymon,,5/20/2025
"Keep Pursuing Spiritual Goals, finish, “stretching forward” prize of eternal life, focal point, ","A GOOD runner from the moment that the barrier falls thinks only of getting forward, sets his mind on the finish and counts on his legs to win for him.” Thus first-century historian Lucian described the intensity of those in the footrace. Every nerve and muscle was strained to reach the goal first. The prize, often a crown of leaves, normally brought the victor a lifetime of “the choicest praises,” for everyone knew that the victor had spared “neither cost nor pains” until the ‘prize was won.’","Using the runner to illustrate what is needed to succeed as a Christian, the apostle Paul admonished those pursuing the goal of eternal life: “Run in such a way that you may attain [the prize].” (1 Corinthians 9:24) Paul said that he was “stretching forward” (like a runner whose body was bent forward, going all out for the finish) and “pursuing down toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God.” (Philippians 3:13, 14) If a Christian “runner” is to receive the reward, the prize of eternal life, not any other pursuit, must become the focal point, or target, toward which his whole life is directed. Is this true of your life?","1 Corinthians 9:24; Philippians 3:13, 14",w82 6/15 p. 5 pars. 1-2,,,joshlaymon,,5/20/2025
"Keep Pursuing Spiritual Goals, mature, mental attitude, adjustments, difficult trade of tentmaking","Yet Paul’s words, “Let us, . . . as many of us as are mature, be of this mental attitude,” indicate that even those who are mature need to examine their “mental attitude,” for some could be “mentally inclined otherwise.” (Philippians 3:15) ","For instance, what things did you leave behind? Do you still view them as did Paul? Or have the materialistic and prestigious attainments in the world absorbed more of your time and attention? Of course, a Christian must provide the necessities for himself and his household. Paul worked at the difficult trade of tentmaking—quite an adjustment from the illustrious career he previously followed. But now the “prize” was the big thing in his life, not his secular employment. Is the same true of you?—Acts 18:3; 20:33, 34.","Acts 18:3; 20:33, 34.",w82 6/15 p. 6 par. 5,,,joshlaymon,,5/20/2025
"“Good Health” and Christian Reasonableness “miracle substances,” brain tumor, scams, magic, ","These questions may sound elementary, but the fact that some bizarre treatments became popular in the past shows the value of considering the questions. This also might be illustrated by a recent experience: A woman, with a normal education and employed in an office, went to a practitioner who stressed an extreme dietary treatment. She later told friends that she had been shown “bottles of tumors that patients had passed,” including a “brain tumor.” ","Reasonableness could move you to think: Does the average person know what a real tumor looks like, and so how could he identify a true tumor regardless of how it supposedly was “passed”? Also, since the brain is enclosed, how could someone “pass” a brain tumor through the intestinal tract or in any other way? Finally, many of the past tests or treatments that proved worthless were promoted with claims about “miracle substances,” unusual “body forces” or strange methods by which a practitioner took ‘readings,’ perhaps from a pendulum or from a body part that did not seem related to what was being diagnosed. The appeal was to emotion, mystery or even to spiritistic forces, not to reasonableness.—Compare Leviticus 19:26.",Leviticus 19:26,w82 6/15 pp. 26-27,,,joshlaymon,,5/20/2025
"Whatever Happened to Appreciation? Mark Twain, showing gratitude to Jehovah, ","The writer Mark Twain once said: “I can live for two months on a good compliment.” Most of us do feel good when someone pays us a sincere compliment. In fact, being commended or receiving words of true appreciation can stimulate us to keep doing our best and also to commend or thank others when we have opportunity to do so.","That heartfelt gratitude is a godly virtue is evident from many statements in the Bible. For instance, numerous psalms contain expressions of thanksgiving. To illustrate: The psalmist David prayed that he might dwell in Jehovah God’s house of worship all his life and look upon God’s temple “with appreciation.” (Psalm 27:4) Asaph, another psalmist, declared: “We give thanks to you, O God; we give thanks to you.” (Psalm 75:1) So it is fitting that we reflect on this matter of showing appreciation.Yet, how can we show appreciation to others? And what about showing gratitude to the One who made all things?",Psalm 27:4; Psalm 75:1; ,w82 7/1 p. 3,,,joshlaymon,,5/20/2025
"‘Where Are the Other Nine?’ ten lepers healed by Jesus Christ. appreciation, thankful, ","THE contrast between persons showing appreciation and those neglecting to do so was well illustrated in the Bible account of the ten lepers healed by Jesus Christ. The lepers, prohibited by the Law from coming close to anyone, called out to Jesus as he was entering a certain village. Their plea was that he have mercy on them. Jesus saw that they were leprous and told them: “Go and show yourselves to the priests.” And what happened? The inspired record adds:","“Then as they were going off their cleansing occurred. One of them, when he saw he was healed, turned back, glorifying God with a loud voice. And he fell upon his face at Jesus’ feet, thanking him; furthermore, he was a Samaritan. In reply Jesus said: ‘The ten were cleansed, were they not? Where, then, are the other nine? Were none found that turned back to give glory to God but this man of another nation?’”—Luke 17:11-19. ‘How sad!’ you may exclaim. ‘All ten were cured but only one expressed his appreciation.’ Surely, we should all take to heart the lesson implied by Jesus’ comment and the question ‘Where are the other nine?’ Yes, and this incident should move us to show appreciation.",Luke 17:11-19; ,w82 7/1 p. 4,,,joshlaymon,,5/20/2025
"Showing Our Appreciation to God, house to house, one leper, gratitude, thankful,  ","Think back, please, to that one leper who returned to express his gratitude for being cured. How did he do this? We are told: “One of them, when he saw he was healed, turned back, glorifying God with a loud voice. And he fell upon his face at Jesus’ feet, thanking him.” (Luke 17:15, 16) ","Not only did the man thank Jesus for curing him but he also glorified God, the Source of life and true healing. And the healed man did this “with a loud voice.” Why, he must have praised Jehovah and talked about the matter for weeks, even months! This well illustrates how we can express our gratitude by talking about what we have seen, heard and learned about God. Basically, this is why Jehovah’s Witnesses go from house to house. Gratitude to God moves them to engage in good works, godly deeds. (James 2:26)","Luke 17:15, 16; James 2:26",w82 7/1 p. 8,,,joshlaymon,,5/20/2025
"God’s Gift of Work for His Servants, master’s joy was in this work, industrious slaves, Lazy slave, ","By an illustration Jesus showed that work gives its own reward in joyfulness. A man was going on a trip. He summoned his slaves and distributed his goods among them according to their different abilities. He did not ask more of them than they were capable of, but he did expect them to produce according to their capabilities. After a long absence he returned for an accounting. ","The one given five talents doubled them, the one given two doubled them, but the one given one talent did nothing with it. How were the two industrious workers rewarded? With a vacation? No, but, of all things, more work! The master commended each one, saying, “Well done, good and faithful slave!” and then added: “You were faithful over a few things. I will appoint you over many things. Enter into the joy of your master.” The master’s joy was in this work, and by getting more of it to do the industrious slaves entered more fully into his joy. But what about the lazy slave? The decision was: “Take away the talent from him and give it to him that has the ten talents.”—Matthew 25:14-30.",Matthew 25:14-30; ,w82 8/1 p. 15 par. 12,,,joshlaymon,,5/20/2025
"First Place, ""My Book of Bible Stories.” literature, Choctaw, ","A reader of The Watchtower wrote: “While attending the Choctaw Indian Fair in Philadelphia, Mississippi, July 1981, we had the opportunity to see many interesting displays of Indian arts and crafts. Upon viewing the prize-winning displays we were pleasantly surprised to find in First Place among the religious literature My Book of Bible Stories.”","We feel that you, too, will highly esteem this beautifully illustrated, large-print publication. Its 116 Bible accounts give the reader an idea of what the Bible is all about. These stories appear in the order in which the events occurred in history. You will find this really helpful to learning when, in relation to other events, things happened in history. Receive this valuable 256-page book by filling in and mailing the coupon",,w82 8/1 p. 32 ,,,joshlaymon,,5/20/2025
"The Chains of Superstition, thirteenth floor, under ladders, black cats","ARE you superstitious? If you are, you are not alone. One researcher found more than four hundred thousand different superstitions in all parts of the world. The fact that many hotels do not have a thirteenth floor, or that people try to avoid walking under ladders or allowing black cats to pass in front of them, shows the existence of superstition in the Western world. The same unhealthy influence of superstition is evident in Africa, as the following experience illustrates.","About twenty years ago Wawa’s husband died after a long illness. For the three days following his death, Wawa lay on the ground next to his deathbed crying and wailing, while dozens of weeping, wailing, dancing and drinking people held a wake around her for the dead. Many of the mourners were so engrossed that they missed out on sleep and work. Why? They wanted to prove to the dead man’s spirit and to his family that they were his friends.Psalm 115:17; Ecclesiastes 9:5, 6.","Psalm 115:17; Ecclesiastes 9:5, 6.",w82 9/1 p. 3,,,joshlaymon,,5/20/2025
"Those Weaknesses Can Be Overcome, habits, smoking, alcohol, Masturbation","There is also the matter of how frequently or how avidly a person has pursued a questionable course. This has great bearing on how firmly he is addicted to it. To illustrate: An individual who is smoking only half a pack of cigarettes a day would likely have less trouble stopping the practice than would one smoking three packs a day, a chain smoker.","Environment also may have a bearing on the problem. For instance, a wife may want to stop smoking, but her husband and teenage children may all smoke. It would be far more difficult for her to break the habit than it would be for a woman whose family did not use tobacco. Likewise, if prior to gaining Scriptural knowledge a person had the habit of dwelling on unclean thoughts, it would be more difficult for him to obey the injunction at Philippians 4:8 to think noble thoughts, and especially so if he had to work secularly among those whose conversation was prurient.",Philippians 4:8; ,w82 10/15 p. 9,,,joshlaymon,,5/20/2025
"Paul’s Letter to the Galatians—A Message of Good News, Sarah, Hagar. Abrahamic covenant,","Paul then uses an illustration to contrast slavery to works of law with true Christian freedom. Abraham’s slave girl Hagar represents the law covenant and “corresponds with the Jerusalem today, for she is in slavery with her children.” ","Sarah, on the other hand, represents the Abrahamic covenant, and she corresponds with the ‘Jerusalem above which is free, and she is our mother.’ Just as Ishmael persecuted Isaac, so the Jews were opposing true Christians, the children of the free woman.—Galatians 4:21-31.",Galatians 4:21-31; ,w82 11/15 p. 30 ,,,joshlaymon,,5/20/2025
"Why a Letter to the Ephesians? Stealing, encouraged, Artemis, escape arrest, ","Paul goes on to describe God’s provisions for unified activity. As he says, God “gave some as apostles, some as prophets, some as evangelizers, some as shepherds and teachers . . . until we all attain to the oneness in the faith.” Then Paul uses the illustration of the unified workings of a human body, which make “for the growth of the body for the building up of itself in love.”—Ephesians 4:11-16.","So things that disrupt peace and unity must now be avoided. These would include speaking falsehood, being wrathful or lazy, and uttering rotten sayings rather than sayings that are good and upbuilding. Stealing was actually encouraged in Ephesus, since a thief could flee to the temple of Artemis and escape arrest. But Paul said: “Let the stealer steal no more.”—Ephesians 4:25-30.",Ephesians 4:25-30; Ephesians 4:11-16; ,w82 12/1 p. 10,,,joshlaymon,,5/20/2025
"We Can ‘Endure to the End’ neighborly Samaritan, robbers,","In dangers from highwaymen: Jesus’ illustration of the neighborly Samaritan shows that a first-century traveler could ‘fall among robbers, who might strip him, inflict blows and leave him half-dead.’ (Luke 10:25-37) Bandits were common in many areas through which Paul traveled. For instance, when he and Barnabas journeyed northward from Perga to Antioch in Pisidia, they passed through bandit-infested mountainous terrain. (Acts 13:13, 14) Such dangerous criminals would ambush victims in desolate areas and would not hesitate to use violence. ","Possibly, Paul himself was attacked by highwaymen. Modern-day witnesses of Jehovah may face similar dangers and need to exercise caution. Like the apostle, however, they can endure faithfully, not succumbing to fear but being confident of Jehovah’s protection.—Compare Psalm 56:4.","Acts 13:13, 14; Luke 10:25-37",w82 12/1 pp. 18-19 par. 7,,,joshlaymon,,5/20/2025
"Questions From Readers, spirit, both humans and animals have an impersonal life force","However, Psalm 104:29 illustrates another meaning of ruʹahh—life force. We read: “If you [God] take away their spirit, they expire, and back to their dust they go.” ","Yes, as this and many other texts show, both humans and animals have an impersonal life force, or spirit, that is present in every living body cell. The Bible shows that without this vitalizing spirit a human or an animal is dead.—Eccl. 3:19; 9:10; Ps. 146:4.",Eccl. 3:19; 9:10; Ps. 146:4.,w81 1/1 p. 31,,,joshlaymon,,5/20/2025
"How Real Is God to You? God is allseeing; electric power plant. location, highest heavens, ","It could well be that some have been confused due to the fact that God is allseeing; also his power can be felt everywhere. (2 Chron. 16:9) We might illustrate these facts by likening God to an electric power plant. It has a certain location on a certain street in a city. But its electricity is distributed over all the city, providing light and power. ","And so with Jehovah God. He has a location in the highest heavens, but his active force, his holy spirit, furnishes enlightenment, and its force can be felt everywhere, over all the universe.",2 Chron. 16:9; ,w81 2/15 p. 6,,,joshlaymon,,5/20/2025
"Do We Need Help to Understand the Bible? Apollos, who “was well versed in the Scriptures,”","The situation with Apollos, who “was well versed in the Scriptures,” also illustrates the need for guidance from a proper source. Apollos was an eloquent and convincing preacher about Jesus’ being the Messiah. But still it was necessary for a couple, who had associated closely with the apostle Paul, to provide him Scriptural guidance. When this Christian couple heard Apollos preach, they could see that he needed clarification on certain teachings. For one thing, he knew only about the baptism of John the Baptizer.—Acts 18:24-26.","But still it was necessary for a couple, who had associated closely with the apostle Paul, to provide him Scriptural guidance. When this Christian couple heard Apollos preach, they could see that he needed clarification on certain teachings. For one thing, he knew only about the baptism of John the Baptizer.Acts 18:24-26.",Acts 18:24-26; ,w81 2/15 p. 17,,,joshlaymon,,5/20/2025
"Do We Need Help to Understand the Bible? Guidance, Ethiopian, Philip, prophecy of Isaiah.","This Ethiopian, while riding in his chariot, was reading aloud from the prophecy of Isaiah. At the prompting of God’s holy spirit, the evangelizer Philip approached the chariot. On hearing the man reading from what is today part of Isaiah chapter 53, ","Philip asked: “Do you actually know what you are reading?” The Ethiopian replied: “How could I ever do so, unless someone guided me?”—Acts 8:30, 31. Yes, by himself the Ethiopian could never have identified the one mentioned by Isaiah when he wrote: “As a sheep he was brought to the slaughter, and as a lamb that is voiceless before its shearer, so he does not open his mouth.” So Philip explained that this prophecy was fulfilled in Jesus Christ. The man accepted the proof and asked to be baptized at the first opportunity.—Acts 8:32-38.","Acts 8:30, 31. Isaiah chapter 53",w81 2/15 p. 16,,,joshlaymon,,5/20/2025
"Make Your Good Name Now! “Oppose the Devil,” what is wrong and what is right.","If we are going to make a good name with God we must concern ourselves with two categories: what is wrong and what is right. We must stop doing what is wrong and start doing what is right. How do we go about it? The mind must become involved. “Quit being fashioned after this system of things,” Paul said,“but be transformed by making your mind over.” (Rom. 12:2) He repeats the formula at Ephesians 4:23: “You should be made new in the force actuating your mind.” And that force is identified at Colossians 3:9, 10: “Strip off the old personality with its practices, and clothe yourselves with the new personality, which through accurate knowledge is being made new according to the image of the One who created it.” The force that actuates your mind, makes your mind over and leads you to God’s favor is the accurate knowledge of his Word the Bible.","To grit your teeth and grimly set about stopping the forbidden things does not always work. What if you do succeed in stopping them for a time? You are still not safe. Jesus showed this by an illustration. An unclean spirit left a man, its “house,” and later returned. Finding the house unoccupied, it moved in with seven other spirits, “and the final circumstances of that man become worse than the first.” (Matt. 12:43-45) It was not enough for the house to be emptied of the wicked spirit; it needed to be filled with good so that the wicked spirits could not reenter. It is not enough to stop the doing of what is wrong and leave a vacuum—we must start the doing of what is right. Crowd out the wrongdoing by occupying yourself with the doing of good. “Oppose the Devil,” James said, “and he will flee from you. Draw close to God, and he will draw close to you.” (Jas. 4:7, 8) Idleness is an invitation to Satan; filling the mind with truths is a protection.—Phil. 4:8, 9.",Ephesians 4:23; Matt. 12:43-45; ,w81 2/15 pp. 25-26 pars. 3-4 ,,,joshlaymon,,5/20/2025
"Do You Appreciate the “Faithful and Discreet Slave”? “domestics”? “belongings”? Sign, ","“WHO really is the faithful and discreet slave?” With that question, Jesus Christ introduced a parable, or an illustration, of prophetic importance. It is part of the “sign” he gave regarding the “conclusion of the system of things,” in which we are now living. (Matt. 24:3) After instructing his disciples to keep on the watch, Jesus said: ","“Who really is the faithful and discreet slave whom his master appointed over his domestics, to give them their food at the proper time? Happy is that slave if his master on arriving finds him doing so. Truly I say to you, He will appoint him over all his belongings.”—Matt. 24:42-47. Who is this “slave” and who are the “domestics”? What are the “belongings”? Such questions are not of mere academic interest. Properly identifying and cooperating with the “faithful and discreet slave” will mean great happiness and rich spiritual rewards.",Matt. 24:3; Matt. 24:42-47; ,w81 3/1 p. 24,,,joshlaymon,,5/20/2025
"Do You Appreciate the “Faithful and Discreet Slave”? great apostasy, until Christ’s presence. wheat, ","This clear identity of the “faithful and discreet slave” class was not to continue all through the centuries until the return of the Master with his kingly power. The apostles warned that a great apostasy would develop after their death and would continue until Christ’s presence. (2 Thess. 2:1-12; Acts 20:29, 30; 1 John 2:18, 22; 4:2, 3) Jesus also indicated this in his parable of the ‘wheat and the weeds.’ ","According to this illustration, fine seed, wheat, was planted in the world field. The “wheat” are “the sons of the kingdom,” or true anointed disciples of Jesus Christ. However, an “enemy” (the Devil) was represented as sowing “weeds” (“the sons of the wicked one,” or false Christians) among the “wheat,” and both were to grow together until the “harvest.”—Matt. 13:24-30, 36-43.","Matt. 13:24-30, 36-43; ",w81 3/1 p. 26,,,joshlaymon,,5/20/2025
"Glorifying the Ministry, false religion, ashamed. Babylon the Great, deny, “prophets” or visionaries,","THE time approaches when those who are ministers of any false religion will be ashamed. They will try to hide what their occupation is. That is what Bible prophecy indicates. Speaking of them as “prophets” or visionaries, Zechariah 13:4-6 says: “And it must occur in that day that the prophets will become ashamed, each one of his vision when he prophesies; and they will not wear an official garment of hair for the purpose of deceiving. ","And he will certainly say, ‘I am no prophet. I am a man cultivating the soil, because an earthling man himself acquired me from my youth on.’ And one must say to him, ‘What are these wounds on your person between your hands?’ And he will have to say, ‘Those with which I was struck in the house of my intense lovers.’” The onetime lovers of the religious clergymen will finally turn upon them and strike them and wound them even to death or to where they give up their religious profession and its style of dress. In the last book of the Bible, Revelation, the turning of the worldly officials against those of a religious profession is pictured with strong imagery. Chapter 17 presents the whole world empire of false religion, which stems from ancient Babylon, as being an international harlot called Babylon the Great.",Zechariah 13:4-6; ,w81 3/15 p. 20 pars. 1-3,,,joshlaymon,,5/20/2025
"Fear of Man Snares King Zedekiah, slaying of his sons. blinded and taken prisoner to Babylon, ","As Jeremiah had foretold, Jerusalem did fall to the Babylonians. In the 11th year of Zedekiah’s reign, the enemy forces breached the city’s walls. Under the cover of darkness, Zedekiah and a detachment of warriors took flight, but were overtaken in the desert plains of Jericho. Brought before Nebuchadnezzar for judgment, Zedekiah first witnessed the slaying of his sons. Then he was blinded and taken prisoner to Babylon. The fear of man had indeed proved to be a snare to him.—Jer. 52:9-11.","Truly, the case of Zedekiah forcefully illustrates the principle that the fear of man leads to a snare. What is the antidote for the fear of man? Exercising faith in Jehovah and fearing to displease him, for “in the fear of Jehovah there is strong confidence.” (Prov. 14:26) Also helping to counteract the fear of man is God’s holy spirit, for it is “not a spirit of cowardice, but that of power and of love and of soundness of mind.”—2 Tim. 1:7.",Jer. 52:9-11; Prov. 14:26; ,w81 4/1 p. 14,,,joshlaymon,,5/20/2025
"Grateful for Our Happy Hope,  felt useful and needed; credit, gratitude is beneficial, ","“We wait for the happy hope and glorious manifestation of the great God and the Savior of us, Christ Jesus.”—Titus 2:13. HER coworkers knew her to be an efficient, productive and happy secretary. They may have given much of the credit to her training and ability. But when asked about it this perceptive woman focused attention on her employer’s gratefulness. Why? ","She explained that no matter how small or routine her task, he freely expressed sincere gratitude. She thus felt useful and needed; and she was a happier worker, too. That well illustrates one beneficial result of expressing gratitude. Yet gratitude is beneficial not only for the recipient; it is also good for the person who expresses it, who has developed a spirit of thankfulness.",Titus 2:13,w81 4/1 p. 21,,,joshlaymon,,5/20/2025
"Fulfillment of God’s Word Certain, Prophecy, Ishmael, twelve chieftains, great nation.” bless him","Jehovah God told Abraham: “As regards Ishmael I have heard you. Look! I will bless him and will make him fruitful and will multiply him very, very much. He will certainly produce twelve chieftains, and I will make him become a great nation.” (Gen. 17:20) ","Abraham’s son Ishmael then was about 13 years of age. (Gen. 16:16; 17:1) No man could have predicted that this unmarried youth would become the father of 12 chieftains. But the all-wise Creator did. Two historical sources preserve the fulfillment of the divine revelation, listing the following 12 chieftains: Nebaioth, Kedar, Adbeel, Mibsam, Mishma, Dumah, Massa, Hadad, Tema, Jetur, Naphish and Kedemah. (Gen. 25:13-15; 1 Chron. 1:29-31) How forcefully this illustrates the certainty of the fulfillment of God’s prophetic word!",Gen. 16:16; 17:1; ,w81 4/1 p. 26,,,joshlaymon,,5/20/2025
"Christians and the Millennial Hope, heavenly Father, government in heaven. Holy spirit, ","Jesus said to his disciples: “To you the sacred secret of the kingdom of God has been given, but to those outside all things occur in illustrations.”—Mark 4:11. Throughout his earthly ministry Jesus taught his disciples many things concerning the Messianic kingdom. In fact, even after his death and right up to the time he ascended to his heavenly Father he continued telling them “the things about the kingdom of God.” Yet, in spite of this, the very last question they put to him was: “Lord, are you restoring the kingdom to Israel at this time?”, thereby revealing that they were still expecting the Messiah to restore the fleshly kingdom of Israel. (Acts 1:3, 6) They were right in thinking that the Messianic kingdom concerned rulership, government, but they mistakenly thought that Messiah would reign on earth and that his government would be purely Jewish.","Only after the outpouring of the holy spirit at Pentecost did Christ’s disciples break free from the concept of a nationalistic Messianic kingdom and come to comprehend new and important features of “the sacred secret of the kingdom of God.” One aspect of that “sacred secret” was that the Messiah would be a heavenly king and that his government would be located in heaven. (John 18:36; Acts 2:32-36; 1 Tim. 3:16) Other features of that “sacred secret”—truths new and revolutionary for faithful Jewish minds molded by the Scriptures and not by Greek philosophy—were that a limited number of humans would be chosen as “holy ones” to become associates with the Messiah in his kingdom, that these would reign with him in heaven, and that they would be chosen not only from among the Jews but also from among the Gentiles or non-Jews.—Dan. 7:13, 14, 27; Luke 12:32; 22:28-30; John 14:1-3; Eph. 3:3-6; Col. 1:26, 27.",John 18:36; Acts 2:32-36; 1 Tim. 3:16; ,w81 4/15 p. 16 pars. 12-14 ,,,joshlaymon,,5/20/2025
"Make a Success of Your Life Now, two million Americans, gonorrhea, tobacco, drugs, alcohol,  ","The Bible’s counsel never works harm to the person following it. To illustrate: The Scriptures counsel readers to “flee from fornication.” (1 Cor. 6:18) Hence, there was no faithful Christian following Bible counsel among the two million Americans who contracted gonorrhea last year through immorality. ","Similarly, no one who follows Bible principles would pollute his body with tobacco, and, hence, risk suffering unnecessary heart ailments or cancer. Nor would he be among the large number who die each year because of driving automobiles while under the influence of drugs or alcohol.—2 Cor. 7:1.",1 Cor. 6:18,w81 5/1 p. 5,,,joshlaymon,,5/20/2025
"Which Organization—Jehovah’s or Satan’s? Wheat, weeds, darnel, antichrists, deception,  ","There is no denying that Satan has a mighty organization with invisible and visible parts. Satan the Devil is a mimic for the purpose of deception, and the fact that he has an organization argues, in effect, that his chief opponent, Jehovah God, also has an organization. So Satan the imitator has deceived multitudes of people into thinking that they are accepting, adopting and joining the right and proper thing. (2 Cor. 11:13-15) ","Just call to mind Jesus’ parable of the wheat and the tares, or darnel, as an illustration of this. The early appearance of the tares, or darnel, was so much like that of the wheat that there was danger at that early stage of growth that, instead of the Devil-sown tare, or darnel, plantlets, the wheat plantlets might be uprooted. (Matt. 13:24-30, 36-43) Jesus explained that the tares, darnel, or weeds, pictured “the sons of the wicked one, and the enemy that sowed them is the Devil.” In the harvest now taking place during the ‘conclusion of a system of things,’ the symbolic weeds make up the foretold antichrist. In his first letter, written near the end of the first century, the apostle John writes, saying: “Just as you have heard that antichrist is coming, even now there have come to be many antichrists . . . This is the antichrist, the one that denies the Father and the Son.” (1 John 2:18, 22) This agrees with what the apostle Paul wrote about 50 years earlier concerning the day of Jehovah. He said: “It will not come unless the apostasy comes first and the man of lawlessness gets revealed, the son of destruction.” ","2 Cor. 11:13-15; Matt. 13:24-30, 36-43",w81 5/1 p. 14 pars. 7-8,,,joshlaymon,,5/20/2025
"Aids in Conducting Ourselves as Lesser Ones, orchestra, conductor, Music, Organization, ","The importance of recognizing the principle of headship can also be well illustrated by an orchestra. In a large symphony orchestra there may be 100 talented musicians and yet each one of them has to conduct himself as a lesser one. Even the conductor must conduct himself as a lesser one, for he is under obligation to interpret the music as the composer intended it to be. ","And all the musicians in the orchestra must heed the conductor, being lesser ones as regards him. Not only that, but in each section, where there is more than one musician playing a certain instrument, there is a “first chair,” and the rest of the musicians in that section must follow his style as closely as possible. Thus for the first violins there is the concertmaster. Only by such an arrangement can beautiful, harmonious music be produced. Yes, appreciating the principle of headship will help us to conduct ourselves as lesser ones.1 Cor. 12:21.",1 Cor. 12:21.,w81 6/1 p. 22 pars. 4-5,,,joshlaymon,,5/21/2025
"Questions From Readers, “test-tube” babies, husband’s semen, God’s thinking, ","In recent years I have read of “test-tube” babies being born. What is the Biblical view of the procedure used in this? First, let us briefly consider what reportedly has occurred, as illustrated by the first instance, which took place in England. The woman was unable to conceive normally because of a problem with her Fallopian tubes, through which the egg cell must pass to reach the uterus. So by minor surgery scientists extracted one of her ripe eggs and placed it in a laboratory dish with sustaining nutrients. ","Her husband’s semen was added and fertilization occurred. After some days the group of growing cells (blastocyst) was carefully introduced into her uterus where it grew normally, and a baby was delivered.In this case the sperm and the egg came from husband and wife. This is noteworthy from the Biblical standpoint. Why? Because of a law God gave to the ancient Israelites: “You must not give your emission as semen to the wife of your associate to become unclean by it.” (Lev. 18:20, 29) That law was given when modern artificial insemination and “test-tube-” baby procedures were not available; yet it does indicate God’s thinking.","Lev. 18:20, 29; ",w81 6/1 p. 31,,,joshlaymon,,5/21/2025
"The Judgment Day of the Gods, exposing of the false gods, Trinity, Christendom, head with three faces. ","During the past 100 years there has been an exposing of the false gods of this world, even of Christendom. This exposure is without equal in the history of the nations since the destruction of Jerusalem by the Babylonians in the year 607 B.C.E., or about 109 years after the prophet Micah finished writing his prophecy. ","This has included the exposure of Christendom’s own god, the so-called Trinity, inexplainably made up of three gods in one and each of these deities being coexistent, coequal and coeternal. This triune deity is sometimes illustrated by a human body with three heads or a head with three faces. The use of man-made images in religious worship can plainly be observed in the temples, cathedrals and churches of Christendom. During this time of judgment of all the false gods of this world, who are the ones that have carried on the work of exposure? The dedicated, baptized Christians who have been anointed with the spirit of Jehovah God through Jesus Christ. As a company, or class, these were prefigured by Jehovah’s prophet Micah. Activities like those of Micah have been carried on modernly, particularly since the end of World War I in 1918 C.E.",Mic. 5:12-15.,w81 7/15 pp. 13-14 pars. 12-14,,,joshlaymon,,5/21/2025
"A Field Producing Wheat and Weeds, history of Christianity, Fruit, “oppressive wolves” “antichrists,”","Jesus’ illustration of the “wheat” and the “weeds” does much to explain the history of Christianity throughout the centuries. Historical facts show that after the death of the apostles Satan introduced among the congregations of true Christians many “weeds,” “oppressive wolves” and “antichrists,” just as Jesus, Paul, Peter, John and Jude had foretold. (Acts 20:29; 2 Pet. 2:1-3; 1 John 2:18; Jude 4) ","It has been just as Jesus stated: “When the blade sprouted and produced fruit, then the weeds appeared also.”—Matt. 13:26.",Acts 20:29; 2 Pet. 2:1-3; 1 John 2:18; Jude 4,w81 8/1 pp. 19-20 par. 16,,,joshlaymon,,5/21/2025
"Harvesting in the “Time of the End” “the illustration of the weeds in the field,” conclusion, ","Continuing his explanation of “the illustration of the weeds in the field,” Jesus stated: “The harvest is a conclusion of a system of things, and the reapers are angels. Therefore, just as the weeds are collected and burned with fire, so it will be in the conclusion of the system of things. ","The Son of man will send forth his angels, and they will collect out from his kingdom all things that cause stumbling and persons who are doing lawlessness, and they will pitch them into the fiery furnace. There is where their weeping and the gnashing of their teeth will be.”—Matt. 13:39-42.",Matt. 13:39-42,w81 8/1 pp. 22-23 par. 5,,,joshlaymon,,5/21/2025
"Harvesting in the “Time of the End”, apostate Christians,  all counterfeit Christians, reapers, ","In his “illustration of the weeds in the field,” Jesus said: “In the harvest season I will tell the reapers, First collect the weeds and bind them in bundles to burn them up.” (Matt. 13:30) For centuries the clear identity of the “wheat,” or true “sons of the kingdom,” had been obscured by the proliferous “weeds,” or apostate Christians, who claimed to have the heavenly hope as heirs to the Kingdom. ","Only after 1919, when the truly spirit-begotten Christians were delivered from Babylon the Great, the Devil’s world empire of false religion, did a clear difference become visible between the “wheat” and the “weeds.” The symbolic “weeds” include all counterfeit Christians, not excluding any modern-day apostates who teach “things that cause stumbling,” as well as “persons who are doing lawlessness.” This would include the “evil slave,” the ‘foolish virgins’ and the “wicked and sluggish slave.” (Matt. 24:48-51; 25:1-12, 14-30)","Matt. 24:48-51; 25:1-12, 14-30; ",w81 8/1 pp. 23-24 pars. 10-11,,,joshlaymon,,5/21/2025
"Harvesting in the “Time of the End” 144,000, heavenly government. “harvest of the earth”","How does all of this affect you? Remember that Jesus closed this illustration with the words: “Let him that has ears listen.” (Matt. 13:43) True, this parable illustrates the gathering in of the total number of “sons of the kingdom” required to form Christ’s heavenly government. The same chapter (14) of Revelation that speaks of the “harvest of the earth” reveals the number of those thus harvested to reign with “the Lamb” on heavenly “Mount Zion” as being 144,000. But that chapter adds: “These were bought from among mankind as firstfruits to God and to the Lamb.” (Rev. 14:1-4) ","The harvesting of “firstfruits” would indicate that there was other fruitage to be gathered later as symbolized by the ingathering of the other fruits of the field at the close of the agricultural year. So the ingathering goes on, and it does affect you.",Rev. 14:1-4; Matt. 13:43; ,w81 8/1 p. 25 par. 17,,,joshlaymon,,5/21/2025
"Harvesting in the “Time of the End” attitude, “wheat” and the “weeds”, “faithful and discreet slave,” ",Where do you stand with regard to the fulfillment of the illustration of the “wheat” and the “weeds”? The fact that the “harvest” of the “sons of the kingdom” is well advanced proves that the “conclusion [synteʹleia] of the system of things” is nearing its end (telos). ,"Your attitude toward the wheatlike anointed “brothers” of Christ and the treatment you accord them will be the determining factor as to whether you go into “everlasting cutting-off” or receive “everlasting life.” (Matt. 25:34-46) Prove yourself to be a loyal companion of the anointed “wheat” class, the “faithful and discreet slave,” whom Christ has appointed to provide spiritual “food at the proper time.” (Matt. 24:45) Keep active in the ingathering work, for remember, “this good news of the kingdom will be preached in all the inhabited earth for a witness to all the nations; and then the end [telos] will come,” and “he that has endured to the end [telos] is the one that will be saved.”—Matt. 24:13, 14.","Matt. 25:34-46; Matt. 24:13, 14; ",w81 8/1 p. 26 par. 20,,,joshlaymon,,5/21/2025
"The Bible—Can We Believe It Today? John Quincy Adams, Critics, deep respect. ","“I SPEAK as a man of the world to men of the world; and I say to you, Search the Scriptures! The Bible is the book of all others, to be read at all ages.” These words of American president John Quincy Adams illustrate the way people once viewed the Bible—with deep respect.","But times have changed. While the Bible is still the most widely circulated book, many have doubts about it. A survey in Canada revealed that the majority there fail to read the Bible because they feel that it is “irrelevant, unintelligible and uninteresting.” Critics of the Bible say that it is contradictory, unscientific and full of myths. Even clergymen join in these attacks. An official report from a Protestant group in the Netherlands declared that “Bible writers made mistakes and that not all the biblical commands were intended to have lasting validity.” 2 Timothy 3:16;",2 Timothy 3:16;,w81 10/1 p. 3,,,joshlaymon,,5/21/2025
"Is It Really Contradictory? from where would you say that Cain got his wife? Married Sister, reliable, ","The Bible tells us that Adam and Eve had many children, not just two. “The days of Adam after his fathering Seth [another son] came to be eight hundred years. Meanwhile he became father to sons and daughters.” (Gen. 5:4) With that information, from where would you say that Cain got his wife? Yes, he must have married one of his sisters. ","Today this might be dangerous for any children born to such closely related parents. But near the beginning of human history, when mankind was so much closer to perfection, it was not a problem.This question illustrates one reason why some think that the Bible contradicts itself: they do not have all the facts. When they have the complete picture, such seeming contradictions disappear.",Gen. 5:4,w81 10/1 p. 4,,,joshlaymon,,5/21/2025
"Maps That Bring Bible Events to Life, Samaritan, They could “see” what was happening, imagine","Jesus’ well-known illustration about the Samaritan who helped a man attacked by robbers was played out along a road just north of the wilderness of Judah, or Judaea. More than once the account emphasizes the fact that those traveling on the road from Jerusalem to Jericho were “going down.” (Luke 10:29-37) ","How well Jesus knew that route! And we can travel almost the same road today. Check the map, and notice that it descends more than 3,000 feet (c. 914 m) in the 14 miles (c. 23 km) from Jerusalem to Jericho. Bordering the desert wilderness most of the way, it runs below sea level for quite a distance. With very little habitation on the route, how lonely and blisteringly hot this road could be, and how easy for robbers to hide near a projecting cliff or boulder waiting for the unsuspecting traveler! Not without purpose did Jesus give his illustration this setting. Many of his hearers knew that road, and they could picture it in their mind’s eye. They could “see” what was happening, and they could imagine the kindly Samaritan giving his instructions at the isolated inn. Can we picture this, too, as we read the account?",Luke 10:29-37,w81 10/15 pp. 14-15,,,joshlaymon,,5/21/2025
"Finding the Way, I’ll be happy when . . .” postponing,  good health.","Further, as an ongoing state of well-being, happiness has been described, not as a destination or goal, but as a journey. To say, “I’ll be happy when . . .” is, in effect, postponing happiness. To illustrate, compare happiness with good health. How do we enjoy that state of physical well-being? We follow a wise path in regard to diet, exercise, and overall lifestyle. Likewise, happiness results from following a good path in life, living in harmony with sound principles.","What principles or qualities of life characterize the way of happiness? While some are more important than others, the following play a key role: CONTENTMENT AND GENEROSITY, PHYSICAL HEALTH AND RESILIENCELOVE, FORGIVENESS, PURPOSE IN LIFE, HOPE. A highly respected book of wisdom states: “Happy are those who are blameless in their way.” (Psalm 119:1) Let us now consider that way.",Psalm 119:1; ,g18 No. 1 p. 3 ,,,joshlaymon,,5/21/2025
"Temptation, conscience, tempted, attracted, Being tempted does not make you a bad person.","Broken marriages, ill health, pangs of conscience—these are just some of the consequences of giving in to temptation. How can we avoid this snare? What is temptation? You are tempted when you are attracted to something—especially something wrong. To illustrate, while shopping you see a desirable item. The thought flashes into your mind that you could easily steal the item and not get caught. ","However, your conscience says no! So you dismiss the thought and move on. At that point, the temptation is over, and you are the victor. WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS, Being tempted does not make you a bad person. The Bible acknowledges that we all experience temptation. (1 Corinthians 10:13) What really matters is how we act when tempted. Some dwell on the improper desire and sooner or later give in to it. Others promptly dismiss it as wrong.“Each one is tried by being drawn out and enticed by his own desire.”—James 1:14.",1 Corinthians 10:13; James 1:14; ,g17 No. 4 p. 14,,,joshlaymon,,5/21/2025
"Is the World out of Control or Not? symbolic Doomsday Clock, bright future, quality of life will improve,","THE year 2017 began with a dismal proclamation by the scientific community. In January a group of scientists declared that the world just got closer to the worst catastrophe ever. Using the symbolic Doomsday Clock to illustrate mankind’s proximity to a global disaster, scientists moved the clock’s minute hand forward by 30 seconds. The Doomsday Clock is now set at merely two and a half minutes to midnight—nearer to a global catastrophe than at any time in over 60 years!","In 2018, scientists plan to evaluate again how close we are to the end of the world as we know it. Will the Doomsday Clock still signal an impending and unprecedented catastrophe? What do you think? Is the world out of control? You might find the question somewhat difficult to answer. After all, even experts are divided on this subject. Not everyone believes in an inevitable doomsday. In fact, millions of people believe in a bright future. They profess to have evidence showing that mankind and our planet will survive indefinitely and that our quality of life will improve. Is that evidence credible? Is the world out of control or not?","Psalm 37:10, 11, 29;",g17 No. 6 p. 3,,,joshlaymon,,5/21/2025
"Attitude Makes a Difference! benefits to adopting a positive outlook, ","A Bible proverb states: “A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit saps one’s strength.” (Proverbs 17:22) In other words, your attitude makes a difference! It can affect whether you attain a goal or give up or whether a tragic event brings out the best in you or the worst. Some people might be skeptical of that idea. They might reason:• ‘Why hide my hardships behind a mask of optimism?’ • ‘No amount of positive thinking will change my situation.’• ‘I would rather be a realist than a dreamer.’ Those thoughts might seem valid. Still, there are benefits to adopting a positive outlook. ","To illustrate, consider the following scenarios. At their place of employment, Alex and Brian each work hard on separate projects. After analyzing their work, the supervisor points out key errors in each project. Alex: “I put so much time and effort into this project, and I still didn’t get it right! I’ll never succeed at this job. No matter how hard I work, it’s never good enough. Why do I even try?” Brian: “My boss highlighted aspects of my work that he liked, but I made a few fundamental mistakes. I’ve learned some valuable lessons that will help me do better next time.” WHAT DO YOU THINK? • Six months from now, which one will be a more capable employee—Alex or Brian? • If you were an employer, which of those two men would you be more likely to hire or keep on your payroll?• When you face disappointment, which of those two men do you react like?",Proverbs 17:22,g16 No. 1 pp. 3-4 ,,,joshlaymon,,5/21/2025
"Is the Bible Just a Good Book? Bible study, Poland,  learned to control my emotions, excessive anger.","The Bible focuses on moral and spiritual education. It gives us insight into “what is righteous and just and fair, the entire course of what is good.” (Proverbs 2:9) To illustrate, a 23-year-old man, whom we will call Stephen, was in prison in Poland. While confined, he began to study the Bible and to appreciate its practical advice. “I now see what it means to ‘honor your father and your mother,’” he wrote. “I have also learned to control my emotions, especially excessive anger.”—Ephesians 4:31; 6:2.","A principle that Stephen took to heart is the one found at Proverbs 19:11: “The insight of a man certainly slows down his anger, and it is beauty on his part to overlook an offense.” Now, when Stephen is confronted with a challenging situation, he tries to analyze it calmly and to apply the relevant Bible principles. “I have found that the Bible is the best guidebook,” he said.",Proverbs 2:9; Ephesians 4:31; 6:2; ,g16 No. 2 p. 4 ,,,joshlaymon,,5/21/2025
"Living With a Learning Disability ordering veal scaloppini. discover a rack of lamb, disappointment,  ","Experts emphasize that you should praise your child for any accomplishments, no matter how small. Be generous with commendation. At the same time, do not neglect discipline. Children need structure, and this is all the more true of those who are learning disabled. Let your child know what you expect and hold to the standards you set.Finally, learn to view your situation realistically. ","The book Parenting a Child With a Learning Disability illustrates it this way: “Imagine going to your favorite restaurant and ordering veal scallopini. When the waiter puts the plate in front of you, you discover a rack of lamb. They’re both delicious dishes, but you were prepared for the veal. Many parents need to make a mental shift in their thinking. You might not have been prepared for the lamb, but you find it’s wonderful. So, it is when you raise children with special needs.”",Revelation 21:3-5; ,g97 2/22 pp. 4-5,,,joshlaymon,,5/21/2025
"Memorial of Jesus death, Important events, Passover, ","People find many events today memorable.  We keep track of those dates because they mean something to us. Date of our birth, don't we all know how old we are? Sad, Death of a family member. Hopefully you know the date you married your spouse.  Some of you may remember the day you got your first car.  the list of important dates in your mind can really go on and on. However, There is one occasion that really is more important than all the rest.  ",When Jesus was on the earth he introduced just one event that was to be commemorated on a regular basis. Please open your Bibles to Luke 22:19 and see when this arrangement began.  The setting is with Jesus and his 12 apostles in a room in Jerusalem.  They have gathered there to celebrate the passover. But notice what happens next. Luke 22:19,Luke 22:19,Joshua Laymon,,,joshlaymon,,5/21/2025
"Why be fond of the Bible? Read God's Word, Develop a hunger for truth, overwhelmed, ","Why be fond of the Bible? Is there a particular food that you didn’t like, or even found to be repulsive as a child?What changed your mind? Acquired a taste. Realized nutritional benefits. Vegetable like carrots – essential vitaminsAs an adult you realize the need for these to stay healthy. Now enjoy eating them. Has your experience with the Bible been the same?","As Christians we should enjoy reading from Gods word. Have you always found it to be easy, even when new.Like food we can develop a fondness for Gods word. We are going to see why we should be fond of Gods word1st – The bible is good for our spiritual health. Bible is accurate in all its statements. Provide hope for the future – giving us stability in life. READ Isaiah 55:11 Jehovah had promised that all his sayings are indeed true.Stability in our lives is the first reason to be fond of Gods word. 2nd – reason for having a fondness is that it is a protection for us. Lets see how the scriptures affected the psalmist. READ Psalm 119:92 What was this psalmist enduring that he felt so strongly about the law? Fellow Israelites hated him. We could easily become overwhelmed in a situation. Psalmist loved gods law and said it saved his lifePaul felt similarly about the Bible. READ 2 Cor 11:24 Conditions that Paul endured. Verses 25, 26 relates even more hardships that he endured. Maintained spirituality because he was fond of gods word. We also have difficult situations arise in life. By having a similar fondness we to can endure. Wisdom, insight, and understandingImportant in last days. Bible says – critical times hard to deal with will be here. These things are now. Now is the time to develop fondness if not already. What is we have drifted away? Happened to an entire nation – IsraelKing Asa corrected the situation How? READ 2 Cor 15:12 If we are in a similar situation, search for god again.He will restore blessings just like he has done for Israel. What led to your eventually liking that food you first hated?Oven time, acquired taste, healthy for you. The bible is the same",Isaiah 55:11; Psalm 119:92; 2 Cor 11:24; ,"Joshua Laymon, ",,,joshlaymon,,5/21/2025
"Insight on the News, physicians speak of the fetus as ‘patient’, abortion, tiny patient, disposable, ",“Is it not contradictory for physicians to speak of the fetus as ‘patient’ when one of the stipulations for that role is that physicians would not under any circumstances abandon such an individual?” Yet abandon the tiny “patient” is just what a physician does when he performs an abortion. ,"Hence, JAMA says that there is an “apparent inconsistency of encouraging fetal therapy on the one hand and respecting parental choice about abortion on the other.” (August 14, 1981, pp. 772-777) This dilemma for physicians and their new group of tiny “patients” vividly illustrates the Scriptural position that life both inside and outside the womb is not a disposable commodity.—Ps. 139:13-16; Ex. 21:22-24.",Ps. 139:13-16; Ex. 21:22-24; ,w81 11/15 p. 22,,,joshlaymon,,5/21/2025
"Could Christ Return Without Being Seen? invisible presence,APPEARING, BUT NOT RECOGNIZED. ","“Look! He is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, and those who pierced him; and all the tribes of the earth will beat themselves in grief because of him.”—Rev. 1:7. Is all this ‘seeing’ and ‘beholding’ to be taken literally? Or could there be some deeper meaning to it? ","The importance of these questions is illustrated by what happened in the first century of our Common Era, when many Jews were expecting their Messiah. APPEARING, BUT NOT RECOGNIZED. Back then the lead question might have been, ‘Could the Messiah, or Christ, appear without being recognized?’ Obviously he would be visible as a man, but would the Jewish public distinguish him as the One sent by God?",Rev. 1:7,w81 12/1 p. 4 ,,,joshlaymon,,5/21/2025
"‘Light Has Flashed Up for the Righteous’, progressive. Adjustments, Understanding, Enlightment, ","Note that the shining of light on the path of the righteous is progressive. It keeps “shining ever brighter.” We might illustrate this by a man who gets up before daybreak and who sets out on foot to travel through the countryside. He might see an outline of a building in the distance, but at first cannot tell whether it is a barn or a house. Gradually as day dawns and he gets closer he can see that it is a house. After a while he is able to tell that it is a wooden, not a brick, house. Then, later, he can make out the color of the house, and so forth.","The experience of God’s servants has been just like that. Viewing certain matters from a distance in time and with only a little light on the subject often we have had an incomplete, and even an inaccurate, view of things. In such situations we may well have been influenced by previously held views. But as the light gets brighter and we draw much closer to events, then our understanding of the outworking of God’s purposes becomes clearer. Prophecies open up to us as Jehovah’s holy spirit sheds light upon them, and as they are fulfilled in world events or in the experiences of God’s people. Has this not been just the way that Jehovah God has dealt with his servants from early times? Indeed it has been!",Ps. 97:11; ,w81 12/1 pp. 16-17 pars. 2-3,,,joshlaymon,,5/21/2025
"Bible study, rich blessings, Benefits, effort, love for Jehovah deepens, ",Imagine yourself on a boat in the middle of the ocean. You may gaze off into the horizon and see what appears to be a lot of the same old stuff. Lots of blue water. But you soon realize that underneath the surface of the water are things that could benefit you. You might resist getting into the water because you feel that it is too cold or that you might drown or simply that it requires too much effort. But if you take the time to explore you will surely find that there is an endless supply of things to enjoy.," It is similar with studying. You may look at a book such as the Bible and just see a lot of pages. But if you take the time and effort to delve into them there are in fact many rich blessings that can be received. In fact, by studying from the Bible based publications that we receive our faith can become stronger, our love for Jehovah deepens, our productivity in the ministry can increase, and can also help in making everyday decisions.Read Proverbs 3:15 - It is more precious than corals, and all other delights of yours cannot be made equal to it.",Proverbs 3:15;,"Joshua Laymon,  ",,,joshlaymon,,5/23/2025
"Bible, Ezra himself had prepared his heart books are to be tasted, chewed and digested.' meditation.","An English philosopher once said that 'Some books are to be tasted, others to be swallowed, and some few to be chewed and digested.' Yes, the Bible falls into the last category. So this will require us to use our thinking faculties to analyze what were reading about. When studying, we may find a point that is new to us. This may require us to spend more time on a particular subject and could possibly lead to more research. Since our ministry involves teaching other people we would also want to be looking for ways to share the material with others. To sum it all up, study requires meditation.","When you are preparing to study, just as with eating a meal, you would want to have all the proper utensils laid out in front of you. This would include a Bible, the publication you are studying, and something to write with. But have you been forgetting the most important step? Let’s look to Ezra for some guidance and see what other step he took.Read Ezra 7:10 -  For Ezra himself had prepared his heart to consult the law of Jehovah and to do [it] and to teach in Israel regulation and justice. So in order to prepare our heart we would want to pray to Jehovah. This will enable us to have the proper attitude when studying. When praying why not ask Jehovah to help you to understand the meaning of what you are studying. Also, do not forget as the psalmist David reminds us, to “respond to Jehovah with Thanksgiving” for the things that he reveals. Like Ezra, who studied from the Bible to teach in Israel regulation and justice, we have the goal of acting on and teaching what we learn. With this attitude we are in line for rich rewards.","Ezra 7:10, ","Joshua Laymon, ",,,joshlaymon,,5/22/2025
"Bible, Ezra himself had prepared his heart, meditation. Action without study is fatal.","An individual once said, “Action without study is fatal. Study without action is futile.” Remember, the goal of our studies is not just to cover the material, but it should be to let it sink down deep into our hearts and move us to action. ","When studying, ask yourself questions like. – How should this affect my attitude or goals in life? How can I apply this information in solving a problem, deciding, or reaching a goal? How can I use it with my family, in the field ministry, or in the congregation? By considering these questions and by applying yourself to studying your love and appreciation for spiritual things will no doubt grow.","Ezra 7:10, ","Joshua Laymon, ",,,joshlaymon,,5/22/2025
"Bible, Ezra himself had prepared his heart, meditation. Action without study is fatal. does and don't, ","Suppose your doctor advised you to eat more fruits and vegetables but to avoid pie, ice cream, and things like these. Would it be hard to determine on which list cake belongs? No, we can easily see that the cake would go on the list along with pie and ice cream. So just because something might not be on the list wouldn’t mean that it is acceptable for us. ","Likewise Jehovah has not provided us with a complete list of do’s and don’ts. He has given us guideline for us to follow in his word. Thus, we need to perceive, or discern, what is displeasing in Jehovah's eyes. If the Bible is not a list of do’s and don’ts, what is it? Lets open our Bibles to 2 Tim 3:16, 17. How can we make sure that what we are doing is acceptable to Jehovah. The first way is to know what the bible says and base our actions and conduct upon its guidance. So we don’t need a complete list. What we do should be based on principles. Along with this we have another tremendous help in doing what is acceptable to Jehovah. This is the provision mentioned at Matthew 24:45-47. Do you remember what that says? Jesus said that there would be a faithful and discrete slave providing food at the proper time. This food is more like fruit and vegetables. It is what we need in order to be pleasing to Jehovah. You can find guidance on practically any decision that you make. Why not try using the Watchtower Publication index. So we have Gods word the Bible, the publications of the faithful and discrete slave. But what else could help us to make sure that what we do is acceptable to Jehovah."," 2 Tim 3:16, 17; Matthew 24:45-47; ","Joshua Laymon, ",,,joshlaymon,,5/22/2025
"We can make wise decisions, big and small, that are beneficial to us,","So, let’s say that our doctor tells us not to eat cake, but we are invited over to a friend’s house for a cake party. Do you think it would be wise to attend? Obviously not. ","So, we should avoid association with those who do not heed Bible principles. As we are working to live up to Jehovah's standards we should have a goal. What do you suppose that goal should be. We should want to be the type of individual that Paul described in Eph 4:14. Let’s read that and see what it says. Eph 4:14. We should not be doing what is pleasing to man but pleasing to Jehovah. Rather, based on our knowledge and understanding of what is acceptable to God, we can make wise decisions, big and small, that are beneficial to us, upbuilding to our fellow worshipers, and above all pleasing to our heavenly Father. Hopefully we will choose the healthful food that Jehovah has provided for us instead of the junk food that is all around us.",Eph 4:14; ,"Joshua Laymon, ",,,joshlaymon,,5/22/2025
"Bible calls it “the spirit of the world.”, Bhopal, India, Bibles view of homosexuality, ","ON A cool December night in 1984, something shocking happened in Bhopal, India. In that city, there is a chemical plant, and on that December night, a valve malfunctioned in one of the gas storage tanks. Suddenly, tons of poisonous gas began pouring into the air. Carried by the wind, this deadly gas swirled into houses and over sleeping families. Those who died numbered into the thousands, and many more were maimed. It was the worst industrial accident up to that time.","But lethal as it was, the gas released there killed far fewer people than are killed spiritually by a “gas” that people all around the world breathe in every day. The Bible calls it “the spirit of the world.” This spirit is everywhere in human society. If we breathe it in, we will begin to adopt its attitudes. Sometimes we need to examine our own attitude and whether we have Jehovah’s Spirit, or do we have the spirit of the world? For example, What is the Bibles view of homosexuality. Tonight, we are going to look at some scriptures that will help us to see if our thinking is in line with what Jehovah says. First of all, let’s go back several thousand years and see what god had originally purposed. This command, you might recall, was part of the Mosaic Law. It can be found at Leviticus 20:13. So we can see by the fact that Jehovah put the penalty of death with this offense that it is certainly something that he detests.",Leviticus 20:13,"Joshua Laymon, ",,,joshlaymon,,5/23/2025
"Bible calls it “the spirit of the world.”, Bhopal, India, Bibles view of homosexuality, ",Some people may say that since it was part of the Mosaic Law that it does not apply today. Let’s see what view of homosexuality the Apostle Paul had when dealing with the Christian Congregation. That can be found at Romans 1:24-27. By this we can see that it is still something that should be considered to unclean and obscene.,"Now let’s read an example of a group of people who practiced homosexuality and see what punishment befell them. For this final scripture lets turn to Jude 7 and read the account. Do we really have to wonder about how Jehovah feels about homosexuality? Obviously he hates it. Going back to the disaster in Bhopal, there was one Witness of Jehovah that was wakened by sirens and by the smell of the poisonous gas. Without delay he took his family and rushed them out into the street. He paused for just a moment to sense the wind direction; he battled his way through crowds and led his family to the top of a hill outside the city. There they were able to fill their lungs with fresh, clean air that blew from a nearby lake. Are we fleeing this spiritual poison or are we entertained by things such as homosexuality? May we never fall into this snare.",Romans 1:24-27; Jude 7; ,"Joshua Laymon, ",,,joshlaymon,,5/22/2025
"Hold Fast the “Good News”! “something better,” resurrected in proper order, “princes in all the earth,”","The apostle beautifully illustrates the death and resurrection of spirit-begotten Christians. He does this by a comparison with the death of a bare grain of wheat or any one of the rest, from which a new plant sprouts. Yes, the body “sown in corruption” is “raised up in incorruption” as a glorious spiritual body that ‘bears the image of the last Adam’—the Lord Jesus Christ.—1 Cor. 15:35-49.","However, are the 144,001, including Christ, the only ones to be resurrected in proper order? Not at all! For Hebrews 11:40 tells us that their resurrection is to “something better,” a heavenly spiritual estate. This is better than what? Why, better than the estate attained in the resurrection that takes place next in order! This resurrection must include those who will be made “princes in all the earth,” and who reasonably will be among the first to be resurrected on earth following Jehovah’s decisive victory at Har–Magedon’s battle. Thus they will be able to take up their assigned duties in the “new earth”—the theocratic society of God’s people in the cleansed earth. Theirs is a “better resurrection,” for it takes place under God’s kingdom, with prospect of everlasting life for the resurrected ones. In this time group we expect to find faithful dedicated Christians who today have an earthly hope and who die from various causes prior to the coming in of the “new earth.”—Isa. 32:1; Rev. 16:14, 16; 21:1, 3, 4.","1 Cor. 15:35-49; Hebrews 11:40; Isa. 32:1; Rev. 16:14, 16; 21:1, 3, 4; ",w81 12/15 p. 19 pars. 14-15 ,,,joshlaymon,,5/22/2025
"Active Christians in a Critical Time, GRADUATION OF GILEAD SCHOOL, attention to weapons, war,","YOU, as other persons around the globe, may be keenly aware that we live in critical times.Many realize that times are critical because so much attention is given to weapons and war. Others sense the criticalness because of economic problems. Or, if asked why our times are critical, you might think about the increasing crime and violence. These problems are but evidences that we are living during a foretold period: “In the last days critical times hard to deal with will be here.”—2 Tim. 3:1-5.","But on Sunday, September 13, 1981, there was a special event that well illustrated that even in our “critical times” Christians can be spiritually active and optimistic about the future. What was that event? How can we benefit from it?",2 Tim. 3:1-5; ,w81 12/15 p. 28 ,,,joshlaymon,,5/22/2025
"Where Are Your Eyes? our eyes are toward Jehovah, masters and mistresses, Wish, ","We read: “To you I have raised my eyes, O You who are dwelling in the heavens.” (Ps. 123:1) Since the Almighty God resides in the highest heavens, it would only be natural for the psalmist to speak of raising the eyes upward when appealing to the Creator for favor. Illustrating the reason for looking to Jehovah, he continues: “Look! As the eyes of servants are toward the hand of their master, as the eyes of a maidservant are toward the hand of her mistress, so our eyes are toward Jehovah our God until he shows us favor. ","Servants and maids carefully watch the hands of their masters and mistresses, with a view to determining just what their wish or will may be. The hands of masters and mistresses can also provide necessities of life and protection for the servants. Similarly, slaves of God look to him, wanting to know his will on matters and desiring to receive his protection, favor and blessing.",Ps. 123:1; Ps. 123:2-4; ,w80 1/1 p. 28 ,,,joshlaymon,,5/22/2025
"God’s Government—Mankind’s Only Hope, Kingdom, promise of dignity and purpose, resurrection, ","The prophet Isaiah illustrated what Kingdom rule can do, saying: “They will certainly build houses and have occupancy; and they will certainly plant vineyards and eat their fruitage. . . . For like the days of a tree will the days of my people be; and the work of their own hands my chosen ones will use to the full.”—Isa. 65:17-25.","Here is a promise of dignity and purpose for every man, woman and child. The old life will fade from memory. Man will build, plant and reap what will remain his very own. Children will be reared in quiet, wholesome surroundings. Even the dead will be resurrected! (John 5:28, 29) Fathers and mothers, brothers and sisters, uncles and aunts, friends and neighbors from the time of Abel to this very hour, all of them will be united again here on earth. What a day that will be!","Isa. 65:17-25; John 5:28, 29; ",w80 1/15 p. 15 pars. 28-29 ,,,joshlaymon,,5/22/2025
"Questions From Readers, Marriage, one flesh, divorce, debt, payments, ","To illustrate: You may have borrowed money from a friend, agreeing to make regular payments on that debt. Then you became a Christian. Would that cancel your debt? Hardly. On learning God’s view about paying debts, you probably would feel your obligation more keenly. (Ps. 37:21; 15:4; 112:5) It can be similar in regard to a marriage. When you got married, God began to view the two of you as “one flesh.” So ask yourself: Is there any basis for God to have stopped viewing you as that?","It can be similar in regard to a marriage. When you got married, God began to view the two of you as “one flesh.” So ask yourself: Is there any basis for God to have stopped viewing you as that? (see article) ",Ps. 37:21; 15:4; 112:5;,w80 1/15 p. 30,,,joshlaymon,,5/22/2025
"Could You Be Your Own Enemy?  psychosomatic, sustained by emotional factors. ","Examples illustrating that emotional factors can have a strong bearing on an individual’s physical well-being. Without even realizing it, a person may be his own enemy. According to the Encyclopedia Americana (1977 edition, Vol. 22, p. 732), “an estimated 50% of all medical patients have illnesses that can be classified as wholly or partly psychosomatic,” that is, “precipitated or sustained by emotional factors.” The heart seems to be especially susceptible to emotional stress.","Not until the 20th century have physicians come to accept the view that emotional problems may be at the root of many ailments. However, the Maker of man, Jehovah God, revealed this in his Word, the Bible. For example, therein we read: “A calm heart is the life of the fleshly organism, but jealousy is rottenness to the bones.” (Prov. 14:30) While a calm spirit has a wholesome effect on the heart, the harboring of jealousy toward others can be destructive to a person’s physical frame. Since certain emotional factors can be injurious, we need to keep them in check. Acting in harmony with the Scriptures can help us. But how?",Prov. 14:30; ,w80 2/15 pp. 3-4 ,,,joshlaymon,,5/22/2025
"Sure Help from God’s Word, we depend on others, build up others, Envy, members in the body,","The Bible makes it clear that we depend on others. Using the human body as an illustration of what should be true of the Christian congregation, the apostle Paul wrote: “For the body, indeed, is not one member, but many. If the foot should say: ‘Because I am not a hand, I am no part of the body,’ it is not for this reason no part of the body. And if the ear should say: ‘Because I am not an eye, I am no part of the body,’ it is not for this reason no part of the body. If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? If it were all hearing, where would the smelling be? But now God has set the members in the body, each one of them, just as he pleased.” (1 Cor. 12:14-18)"," In harmony with these words, we do well to think about what we can do to build up others instead of looking with envy upon their abilities, standing or accomplishments.",1 Cor. 12:14-18; ,w80 2/15 p. 6 ,,,joshlaymon,,5/22/2025
"Insight on the News, impalement of Christ on a cross, Stake, an upright pale or stake.”","Italian government art experts are said to be “90 percent sure” that a sculpture recently found in a monastery in Lebanon is the work of the famous Italian artist Michelangelo. The small wooden carving is said to be worth $2.5 million (U.S.) if it actually is Michelangelo’s work. According to an Associated Press report, “the figure is unusual because it represents Christ with his hands stretched out above his head instead of to the side, as he usually is depicted on the cross.”","Whether the wooden sculpture is the work of the 16th-century artist Michelangelo or not, it illustrates that the impalement of Christ on a cross frame has not always been so certain as Christendom’s leaders today would have people believe. For example, the 16th-century Roman Catholic scholar Justus Lipsius illustrated impalement on an upright stake in his book “De Cruce Liber Primus.” This fits the meaning of the Greek word used in the Bible to describe the impalement of Christ—“stauros”—which “denotes, primarily, an upright pale or stake.”—“An Expository Dictionary of New Testament Words,” W. E. Vine.",Psalm 146:3;,w80 2/15 p. 30,,,joshlaymon,,5/22/2025
"Impatience Could Cost You Your Life, Patience, danger, “patient” and “patiently,” “long-suffering,” ","“IMPATIENCE Paid for with Life.” Those were the arresting words headlining a short article in the German Süddeutsche Zeitung of October 16, 1978. The persistently honking horn of an automobile standing before the closed barriers of a railroad crossing prompted the young lady attendant there to raise the barriers prematurely. This allowed “an impatient car driver” to pass through. Just as he was halfway across, a speeding train struck the car broadside, dragging it 180 m (590 feet) down the tracks. The article concluded: “The 44-year-old driver paid for his impatience with his life.”","Certainly a drastic example, but one that illustrates how dangerous impatience can be. No doubt you have heard of persons who have suffered relapses simply because they became impatient and got out of bed or went back to work too soon after a serious illness. And relapses can be extremely serious, even deadly. Yes, impatient people can put themselves in peril, even in dire danger of losing life itself.The words “patience,” “patient” and “patiently,” as well as the closely related word “long-suffering,” appear over 30 times in the Holy Scriptures. An interesting example is found at 1 Thessalonians 5:14, ",1 Thessalonians 5:14; ,w80 3/1 p. 3,,,joshlaymon,,5/22/2025
"He “Loved Them to the End” Memorial, agonizing suffering and shame, far-reaching effects","Why did Jesus, after first passing the loaf and then the cup to his disciples, repeat the words: “Keep doing this in remembrance of me”?—1 Cor. 11:20, 23-26. That Jesus himself knew what all of this meant is shown by what he said a few days earlier, when he gave this simple, yet forceful, illustration, likening himself to a grain of wheat: “Unless a grain of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains just one grain; but if it dies, it then bears much fruit.” (John 12:24) ","His next words show that he fully anticipated not only the agonizing suffering and shame connected with his death on the torture stake but also the wonderful and far-reaching effects of that supreme example on his part of self-sacrificing love. Jesus therein expressed his heartfelt desire to glorify his Father’s name, and at that very moment Jehovah responded to his Son’s appeal, for “a voice came out of heaven: ‘I both glorified it and will glorify it again.’”—John 12:25-33.","1 Cor. 11:20, 23-26; John 12:24; John 12:25-33; ",w80 3/1 p. 10,,,joshlaymon,,5/22/2025
"Insight on the News, Jesus’ parable about the rich man, Gambling, windfall, money, ","A teacher in England recently won $1.6 million and laid plans to retire and “spend, spend, spend,” according to a United Press International report. In the meantime, he continued to teach. But six weeks after his windfall, the teacher died of a heart attack, before he had a chance to spend anything.This illustrates the truth of Jesus’ parable about the rich man who laid plans for enjoying his future. “Take your ease,” he said to himself, “eat, drink, enjoy yourself.” But the rich man in the parable had not taken into account a more important form of wealth. ","As a result, “God said to him, ‘Unreasonable one, this night they are demanding your soul from you. Who, then, is to have the things you stored up?’ So it goes with the man that lays up treasure for himself but is not rich toward God.” Even when persons live to spend their money, experience has repeatedly shown that those who receive windfalls often have problems and frustrations, rather than the life of ease and freedom from anxiety that they had imagined. Also, it is only being “rich toward God” that brings confidence in the future that is not dimmed by the prospect of death, because, as Jesus said, “even when a person has an abundance his life does not result from the things he possesses.”—Luke 12:15-21.",Luke 12:15-21; ,w80 3/15 p. 27,,,joshlaymon,,5/22/2025
"Rwanda—Where Jehovah’s Patience Has Not Been in Vain, Pentecostal, wife beater, ","Many of Rwanda’s new Kingdom proclaimers once were devout members of other religions. Now they show great appreciation for Jehovah’s patience, rapidly progressing and diligently proclaiming the “good news,” often as full-time evangelizers. A few examples will illustrate this. A Pentecostal evangelist felt pity for the young special pioneer publisher in his town and decided to “straighten him out.” But the discussion that followed had quite the opposite effect. ","The evangelist confronted his priest with 18 doctrinal questions, but that clergyman could not answer them properly. When the evangelist began studying the Bible with Jehovah’s Witnesses, there were threats to kill him, as well as other forms of opposition. His wife wanted a divorce and cooperated with his enemies, but her position changed one day. As she was listening from the “prayer room” in the house while the Bible study was being conducted, she heard the Witnesses counsel her husband against beating her. Imagine the husband’s surprise one day when he found her witnessing to the priest! Not only were husband and wife united as true worshipers, but also five other family members took advantage of Jehovah’s patience.",Rev. 18:4.,w80 4/1 pp. 9-10,,,joshlaymon,,5/22/2025
"‘A Love As Strong As Death’ relationship of Jesus Christ with his “bride,” romantic love, ","True love between a man and a woman can be exceedingly strong, firm, unyielding. How well this was shown in a poetic book of the Holy Scriptures, one composed some 3,000 years ago by wise King Solomon of Israel! Termed The Song of Solomon, it tells of the unswerving love that existed between a shepherd and a country girl from the village of Shunem (Shulem). This “superlative song” also reveals that, with all his splendor and riches, the king was unable to capture the love of that beautiful Shulammite.—Song of Sol. 1:1-14; 8:4.","This “superlative song” illustrates the beauty of constant and enduring love. Such unswerving love is reflected in the relationship of Jesus Christ with his “bride,” or spirit-begotten congregation. (Eph. 5:25-32; Rev. 21:2, 9) Hence, The Song of Solomon can well encourage those professing to be of that “bride” to remain faithful to their heavenly Bridegroom. (2 Cor. 11:2) Yet this inspired book ‘speaks volumes’ about the chaste affection that can exist between a godly man and woman. To illustrate: The Song of Solomon clearly indicates that it is not possible to have romantic love for just anyone. For instance, the Shulammite felt no attraction for King Solomon, and she said: “I have put you under oath, O daughters of Jerusalem, by the female gazelles or by the hinds of the field, that you try not to awaken or arouse love in me until it feels inclined.” (Song of Sol. 2:7; 3:5) How wise it is, then, for an unmarried person patiently to await the appearance of an individual that he or she can truly love! And for those devoted to Jehovah, this prospective marriage mate should be a man or a woman similarly dedicated and faithful to God. (Deut. 7:3, 4; Ezra 9:1-15; 1 Cor. 7:39) Then the worship of Jehovah will be of utmost importance to both mates. They will be able to face life together in marital and spiritual unity, without which there would be a saddening void.",Song of Sol. 1:1-14; 8:4; ,w80 4/15 p. 19 pars. 5-7,,,joshlaymon,,5/22/2025
"Advancing After Obtaining “a Faith” “divine power” with “accurate knowledge.” action, ","Peter associated “divine power” with “accurate knowledge.” This is most appropriate, for God’s word, or message, regarding his Son, the “good news,” can have a powerful impact on the lives of people. This is well illustrated in what the apostle Paul wrote to the Thessalonians: “The good news we preach did not turn up among you with speech alone but also with power.” (1 Thess. 1:5) ","The preaching of the “good news” at Thessalonica brought results. It was not a matter of persons’ hearing words and not acting on them, that is, it was not a matter of “speech alone.” The Thessalonians who embraced Christianity were moved to act, indicating that the “good news” had exerted power. These Christians became an example to other believers in faithfully enduring persecution for the sake of righteousness and in continuing to bear witness to everyone about the “good news.”",1 Thess. 1:5,w80 5/1 p. 20 par. 11 ,,,joshlaymon,,5/22/2025
"Advancing After Obtaining “a Faith” two ship captains,life is a free gift from God, ","The difference between life and life accompanied by special blessings might be illustrated by two ship captains. One may skillfully maneuver the ship through a storm, bringing the vessel safely to shore. But the other captain may experience shipwreck during the same storm, saving only his life. While both captains escaped with their lives, the one whose ship remained intact would certainly enjoy greater happiness and honor.—Compare 1 Corinthians 3:12-15.","While life is a free gift from God, we are called upon to show our sincere desire for that gift by doing our utmost to please our heavenly Father. It is a gift, for we sinful humans could never attain it on our own merit. But we could fail to receive it if our life course gave no evidence of our really appreciating and wanting this gift. May we, therefore, be diligent in being truly Christlike in attitude, speech and action.",1 Corinthians 3:12-15,w80 5/1 pp. 25-26 pars. 34-35,,,joshlaymon,,5/22/2025
"Why “Be in Subjection”? take the lead, the initiative. Husbands. wives, Sex, Headship, ","Paul says that men, husbands, are to love their wives as their own bodies, feeding and cherishing them even as they do their own bodies. Surely, where a husband shows that kind of love to his wife, she will find it quite pleasurable to be in subjection to him.—Eph. 5:25-33. ","This arrangement is both wise and just. By the very nature of things the male is normally better fitted to take the lead, the initiative. If he takes the right kind of lead, it is quite likely that his wife will find pleasure in following, in yielding. It is indeed of interest to note what one of New York city’s leading psychiatrists had to say on this very subject. In her book, she gives many case histories illustrating how women might realize fulfillment in the most intimate aspects of their marriage. And that is by doing what? By simply acceding in their minds and hearts to the headship of their husbands.",Eph. 5:25-33; ,w80 5/15 p. 8 ,,,joshlaymon,,5/22/2025
"Look Straight Ahead as a Christian, affectionately of his fiancée. Don't give up, survive, ","THE seal hunters were hopelessly lost in a world of nothing but ice and blinding snowstorms. When things were at their worst, one of them said: “I don’t believe any of us will survive to tell the tale.” However, a couple of the men persistently refused to lose heart. One of them, a section leader, was thinking affectionately of his fiancée. When his exhausted companions wanted to give up, her face was constantly before him. He did not intend to die, and he encouraged his comrades not to lie down in the snow but to keep moving. He and about 50 other men survived the disaster. His love for his fiancée, whom he afterward married, and the clear image of her face in his mind’s eye had saved many from death.","This true story illustrates the importance of never losing sight of our goal in the Christian contest for life. At times, the Christian fight against deviating from the righteous path can be as hard as the struggle of those exhausted seal hunters. Death sets in when a person ceases to “fight” and gives in to the overwhelming urge to lie down and go to sleep. How happy are those having before their mind’s eye an image that encourages them to look straight ahead and not give up! This is exactly what faithful men of old did. For instance, instead of continuing his princely way of life at the court of Pharaoh of Egypt, Moses chose “to be ill-treated with the people of God.” And why did he make this choice? “For he looked intently toward the payment of the reward.” Yes, Moses looked ahead and saw not only the reward but also the One who gave the prospect of such a reward. As it were, Moses saw “the One who is invisible,” his God Jehovah.—Heb. 11:24-27.",Heb. 11:24-27,w80 6/1 p. 12,,,joshlaymon,,5/22/2025
"Look at things like the future, Dark glasses, rose colored glasses, So bright that it burns my eyes”","How do you look at things like the future?  Do you like to look at the future with dark glasses like these on to help make things look better?  Or do you prefer to see things for what they really are. It is true that many people of all ages think seriously about the future.  A popular talk show host once said, “When I look at the future it’s so bright that it burns my eyes”. So, while acknowledging the reality of crime, disease, pestilence, and war, some try to be optimistic. ","But most today see the magnitude of mankind’s problems and become frustrated because they have absolutely no answers to mankind’s situation.  A famous writer said “Cheer up! The worst is yet to come”. Yes this individual did not have a positive outlook of the future.  In fact it could be said that he was a pessimist.  With out a firm hope in the future we could develop an attitude of living for the present. Nineteen hundred years ago, that attitude was a threat to the early Christians.  The Epicureans held the teaching “Let us eat and drink, for tomorrow we are to die.”   And so the Apostle Paul and the Apostle Peter made it their aim to strengthen the faith of their brothers and sisters.  How did they do it? 2 Peter 3:1-4; ",2 Peter 3:1-4,Joshua Laymon,,,joshlaymon,,5/23/2025
" ‘Use Every Form of Prayer and Supplication’ sanctification of Jehovah’s name, ","It is indeed a great comfort that we can come to Jehovah with “freeness of speech” when making our petitions. (Heb. 4:16; 1 John 3:21) As Jesus illustrated in his Model Prayer, our petitions usually relate to three general areas—the triumph of righteousness, our spiritual needs and our physical needs. ","Appropriately, Jesus told us to pray, first of all, for the sanctification of Jehovah’s name, for his kingdom to come and for his will to be done on earth. Jesus himself prayed: “Father, glorify your name.” (Matt. 6:9, 10; John 12:28) Included in such petitions would also be that Jehovah prosper the work of his servants on earth and that he sustain those undergoing hardships and trials for his name’s sake. (Ps. 118:25) Nor should we overlook Paul’s admonition to pray for all those in high station “in order that we may go on leading a calm and quiet life with full godly devotion and seriousness.”—1 Tim. 2:2.Our prayers should also reflect serious concern over our spiritual condition. This would include petitioning our heavenly Father for forgiveness of our sins. “If anyone does commit a sin, we have a helper with the Father, Jesus Christ, a righteous one.” (1 John 1:8–2:1) We should also want to pray for more of God’s spirit and that we do not grieve it. (Luke 11:13; Eph. 4:30) In dealing with trialsome situations, we are encouraged in the Scriptures to pray for wisdom. (Jas. 1:5-8) Moreover, we can and should pray for Jehovah’s blessing on our sacred service, including our preaching and teaching in the field. Such prayers acknowledge the principle that, while we may plant and water, it is God who makes things grow, who prospers things.—1 Cor. 3:7.",1 John 1:8–2:1; Heb. 4:16; 1 John 3:21,w80 6/1 pp. 22-24 pars. 6-7,,,joshlaymon,,5/23/2025
"The First Woman to Be Deceived, beautiful paradise, garden or park, Eve, his complement. Adam, ","SHE was unique among women. Infancy, childhood and the change into womanhood were never a part of her life’s experiences. From the very beginning she was a mature woman. In fact, the first day of her existence proved to be her wedding day. On seeing her, the man Adam was moved to say: “This is at last bone of my bones and flesh of my flesh. This one will be called Woman, because from man this one was taken.”—Gen. 2:23.","Why did Adam make this statement about the first woman that he had ever seen? For a time, the man was the only member of the human kind to live in a beautiful paradise, garden or park that provided him with all the necessities of life. As he observed the various animals and then selected appropriate names for them, he could see that all had mates. But among these, he saw no one of his kind with whom to share intimate companionship and love. (Gen. 2:19, 20) Hence, he recognized immediately that the woman was a suitable mate for him, his complement. Later, he called her Eve, meaning “Living One,” as she would become “the mother of everyone living.”—Gen. 3:20.","Gen. 2:23; Gen. 2:19, 20; ",w80 6/1 p. 28,,,joshlaymon,,5/23/2025
"You Can Control Your Temper, Cain “grew hot with great anger”,  ","A man was calmly going about his business for the day. Suddenly, his pulse rate shot up. The pupils of his eyes dilated. His blood pressure rose. His facial expression changed and he started to breathe rapidly. Chemical changes occurred within his body. What happened? Did he have a seizure? No, the man merely lost his temper. When people lose their temper, a personality change occurs, and unpleasant things are almost sure to result. ","One young lady will never forget the time she lost her temper. It was her wedding day. As she was leaving the reception with her new husband, she had an argument with him. Then she ran him over with the car, killing him—a tragic result from a lack of control. The Bible, too, reports that many sins have resulted from the loss of temper. Remember, Cain “grew hot with great anger” and killed his younger brother, Abel. Then there was evil King Herod who “fell into a great rage” and had the baby boys in Bethlehem and vicinity murdered.—Gen. 4:5-8; Matt. 2:16-18.",Gen. 4:5-8; Matt. 2:16-18.,w80 6/15 p. 3 ,,,joshlaymon,,5/23/2025
"What It Takes to Keep Separate from the World, four Hebrews that were taken captive to Babylon","To keep separate from the world also requires being faithful in little things. As Jesus said: “The person faithful in what is least is faithful also in much, and the person unrighteous in what is least is unrighteous also in much.” (Luke 16:10) If we are careful not to follow the world, not to be influenced by it in little things, such as in provocative dress and grooming, in dishonest money matters, in cheating on taxes, in sluggish work habits, or in taking needless risks, in careless conduct between the sexes—all these things will keep us from transgressing God’s laws in more serious matters.","Illustrating this principle are the four Hebrews that were taken captive to Babylon, as recorded in the book of Daniel. Because of proving faithful in the seemingly little matter of food, they were able to come off victorious in matters of life and death, involving the issue of whether to obey God or men.—Dan. 1:1-17; 3:1-30; 6:4-23.",Luke 16:10; Dan. 1:1-17; 3:1-30; 6:4-23; ,w80 6/15 p. 9,,,joshlaymon,,5/23/2025
"Sowing with God’s Kingdom in View, seed, sleeps at night he does not know how, ","In illustration of the foregoing, Mark 4:26-29 records: “So he [Jesus] went on to say: ‘In this way the kingdom of God is just as when a man casts the seed upon the ground, and he sleeps at night and rises up by day, and the seed sprouts and grows tall, just how he does not know. ","Of its own self the ground bears fruit gradually, first the grass-blade, then the stalk head, finally the full grain in the head. But as soon as the fruit permits it, he thrusts in the sickle, because the harvesttime has come.’”",Mark 4:26-29,w80 6/15 pp. 13-14 par. 11,,,joshlaymon,,5/23/2025
"Sowing with God’s Kingdom in View “the harvesttime” Seed, ","In Jesus’ earlier illustration given from aboard a boat, he described a sower whose seed fell on four types of soil. (Mark 4:1-9) Did that sower picture the same as the caster of seed in this later illustration? Many Bible students think so. They think that the man casting the seed abroad also pictures the foremost proclaimer of God’s kingdom, namely, Jesus Christ. ","On this basis they reason that the “seed” pictures the members of the heavenly Kingdom class. Thus the whole illustration pictures the growth of the Kingdom class from the 3,000 on Pentecost day of 33 C.E. to the final full number of 144,000. (Rev. 14:1) Hence, we must now be in “the harvesttime” of the final members of the heirs of God’s kingdom. However, such an explanation of Jesus’ illustration runs into a number of insurmountable difficulties. What may these be? See article.","Mark 4:1-9, Rev. 14:1",w80 6/15 p. 14 par. 12,,,joshlaymon,,5/23/2025
"Harvesting Fruit Suitable for God’s Kingdom disappointing results, thorns, environment of sowing, seed, ","In Jeremiah 4:3, 4, Jehovah says: “Plow for yourselves arable land, and do not keep sowing among thorns. Get yourselves circumcised to Jehovah, and take away the foreskins of your hearts, you men of Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem; that my rage may not go forth just like a fire, and it certainly burn with no one to do the extinguishing, on account of the badness of your dealings.” Jehovah called attention to the bad heart condition of his covenant people.","Similarly, in a parable Jesus Christ illustrated the disappointing results from sowing among thorns. Both in Matthew 13:1-9 and Mark 4:1-9 he pictured how some of the seed cast out by the hand of the sower fell upon areas holding the seeds of thorns. From such areas he got no results, for the thorns came up and choked the cereal plants and no grain crop could be reaped. (Luke 8:4-8) This illustrates that we must be careful about the environment in which we do our spiritual sowing.","Jeremiah 4:3, 4; ",w80 6/15 pp. 16-17 pars. 1-2,,,joshlaymon,,5/23/2025
"Evolution, Ape mothers, human baby, impossible mutation, Same time, place, stupidity, from ape to man.","Suppose thousands of years ago an ape gave birth to a male human baby. This impossible mutation is not enough. What good is one human? So this fantastic mutation must happen to another ape mother, only different; it must be a female human baby, an exact physical and genetic counterpart. That is not enough. These two fantastic rarities must happen to two apes that live at the same time, so the humans can mature together and be the right age for each other. ","Nor is that enough. These two unbelievable events must occur to ape mothers living in the same jungle area, so that their human offspring will meet and cohabit. If you think this is distorted because it gets the human baby in one step, you are right. But it is easier to have this impossible series of events happen once than three times or many times, depending on the number of steps necessary to get from ape to man. It is sheer stupidity to think all these factors would be present for one step; to think they are present over and over again for many steps, as evolutionists must contend, is sheer stupidity multiplied many times over! How gullible can evolutionary scientists get?","Genesis Chapter 1, 2; ","1955 Awake! April 8, page 6;",,,joshlaymon,,5/24/2025
"Whose Decision Is It? Blood transfusion, Jehovah's Witnesses, Strong resistance works, ","At a recent conference, two professors of legal medicine from Boston University School of Medicine posed the case of Jehovah’s Witnesses to illustrate one of their points. They asserted that courts have ordered blood transfusions for adult Witnesses only when the patient or family members indicated that the patient would not resist the court order—in effect, leaving the responsibility in the hands of the court. Then the professors cited a case where the patient said that he would resist any court-ordered transfusion. The judge did not issue the order.Strong resistance where violation of God’s laws may be involved shows that one has taken the apostolic stand: “We must obey God as ruler rather than men.” Especially is this true since the Bible links abstinence from blood with such things as abstinence from fornication. Hence, since Christians would resist rape—a defiling sexual assault—so they would resist court-ordered blood transfusions—also a form of assault on the body.—Acts 5:29; 15:20, 29.Rather than allowing the courts to assume responsibility in this matter, “Jehovah’s Witnesses are not looking for anyone else, whether a doctor, a hospital administrator or a judge, to make these moral decisions for them. They do not want someone else to try to shoulder their responsibility to God, for in reality no other person can do that.”—“Jehovah’s Witnesses and the Question of Blood.”","Strong resistance where violation of God’s laws may be involved shows that one has taken the apostolic stand: “We must obey God as ruler rather than men.” Especially is this true since the Bible links abstinence from blood with such things as abstinence from fornication. Hence, since Christians would resist rape—a defiling sexual assault—so they would resist court-ordered blood transfusions—also a form of assault on the body.—Acts 5:29; 15:20, 29. Rather than allowing the courts to assume responsibility in this matter, “Jehovah’s Witnesses are not looking for anyone else, whether a doctor, a hospital administrator or a judge, to make these moral decisions for them. They do not want someone else to try to shoulder their responsibility to God, for in reality no other person can do that.”—“Jehovah’s Witnesses and the Question of Blood.”","Acts 5:29; 15:20, 29.",w80 6/15 p. 23 ,,,joshlaymon,,5/24/2025
"“Watchman, What of the Night?” darkest period, “Zion’s Watch Tower and Herald of Christ’s Presence.” ","THE world is passing through a “night”! It is now approaching the darkest period of this figurative night. What will be the look of things when the morning dawns remains to be seen. What is disturbing mankind more and more is the worsening of the state of human affairs in every aspect of life. World history times this as beginning with the first world war. Politicians, religious clergymen, social leaders and economists may think they see some rays of dawn and may try to spark up good cheer. But there is no solid reason to be optimistic about the tottering system of things. The coming of this “night” was seen decades in advance. The available records of the past century prove that. The dawning of the brightest “day” in all human history was also foreseen. It was called to public notice by word of mouth and printed page.","A magazine that now has a circulation of millions of copies each issue, in scores of languages, bears witness to that fact. When its first issue appeared in July of 1879 the magazine was entitled “Zion’s Watch Tower and Herald of Christ’s Presence.” That first issue contained eight pages, and its page size was greater than that of the magazine today. It had a timely mission to fulfill. This was hinted at in that its title contained the meaningful words “Watch Tower.” Fittingly, then, at the masthead under the title there appeared the significant quotation from the most ancient book on earth. It read: “Watchman, What of the Night?” “The Morning Cometh.” Those words were quoted from the Holy Bible, from the prophecy of Isaiah chapter 21, verses 11, 12, according to the King James or Authorized Version. In Bible times a watchman was associated with a watchtower on the wall of a fortified city. This elevated position provided a fine lookout. The publishers of the magazine purposed to serve as a watchman class. By means of the columns of the magazine, the publishers endeavored to answer the question, “Watchman, what of the night?” That challenging question continued to appear on the first page of the magazine down to its issue of December 15, 1938.","Isa. 21:11, 12,",w80 7/1 pp. 5-6,,,joshlaymon,,5/24/2025
"John Wycliffe, Champion of the Bible Transubstantiation, ","When Jesus said, “I am the true vine,” he did not mean that he had become a literal vine, or that a literal vine had been changed into the body of Christ. (John 15:1) Rather, this was an illustration used to teach an important truth. In exposing tradition by means of God’s Word, Wycliffe emphasized that this teaching of transubstantiation was not part of the doctrine of the early church, and that even Jerome held to the Biblical concept.","In exposing tradition by means of God’s Word, Wycliffe emphasized that this teaching of transubstantiation was not part of the doctrine of the early church, and that even Jerome held to the Biblical concept.",John 15:1; ,w80 7/1 p. 26 ,,,joshlaymon,,5/24/2025
"Have You Tried to Make Amends? offended, forgiveness, barrier, initiate, be first, reconciliation","To illustrate with a true-life account: Among the musicians regularly playing together in a 10-member orchestra were a witty Scotsman who played the viola and a serious-minded German who played the cello. Their opposite temperaments caused occasional clashes and then gradually a barrier came between the two. Evidently the cellist was causing the violist grievances. For a time the cellist shrugged off the matter, saying to himself, ‘After all, Jesus said that if your brother offends you go to him. And so, if I have offended him let him come to me.’ ","But then one day the cellist was reading his Bible and came across the words of Jesus: “If thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee; leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then . . . offer thy gift.”—Matt. 5:23, 24, Authorized Version. Those words jolted the cellist. He could no longer leave the burden of reconciliation on his brother, the violist, but he himself felt obligated to take the first step. So at once he went to his offended brother and found him doing what? He was in the midst of writing a letter of complaint to the president of their organization, spelling out his grievances against the cellist! There was a frank discussion and a reconciliation that resulted in lasting good relations. How glad the cellist was that he had come across that scripture that morning and had at once acted upon it!","Matt. 5:23, 24, ",w80 7/1 p. 28 ,,,joshlaymon,,5/24/2025
"Questions From Readers, New covenant, Everlasting benefits, ","The Watchtower did not say that the benefits of this new covenant would cease. Those who live on earth will benefit in an everlasting way from the fact that this new covenant fulfilled its purpose in producing 144,000 spiritual sons of God who will reign as joint heirs with Christ in the heavens. To illustrate: A man may contract with another to build him a house. The house is built according to specifications, payment is made and the contract is fulfilled, but the benefits of the contract continue into the indefinite future by reason of the use of the house.","At Hebrews 13:20 the apostle Paul speaks of Jehovah resurrecting “the great shepherd of the sheep with the blood of an everlasting covenant [Greek, di·a·theʹke ai·oʹni·os], our Lord Jesus.”",Hebrews 13:20; ,w80 7/1 p. 31 ,,,joshlaymon,,5/24/2025
"God Uses the Lowly Ones, wise, weak, yield, wisdom, abilities, strong, ",The choosing of Amos as Jehovah’s prophet in the ninth century B.C.E. forcefully illustrates that the Almighty does not depend on the wise ones of the world to accomplish his work. Even today it serves God’s purpose well to use the lowly ones who are willing to yield to his spirit. And how fearless they have been in proclaiming his name and kingdom! Thus the wise are put to shame. Jehovah God proves thereby that their wisdom is not needed. The abilities in which they pride themselves are shown up to be valueless.—1 Cor. 1:26-31.,"Emboldened by the spirit of God, Amos stands his ground. “I was not a prophet, neither was I the son of a prophet,” he says, “but I was a herdsman and a nipper of figs of sycamore trees. And Jehovah proceeded to take me from following the flock, and Jehovah went on to say to me, ‘Go, prophesy to my people Israel.’” Then he declares to Amaziah the judgment that will befall him for opposing God’s message: “As regards your wife, in the city she will become a prostitute [being violated by soldiers of the conquering army]. And as regards your sons and your daughters, by the sword they will fall. And as regards your ground, by the measuring rope it will be apportioned out [by those who will come to occupy the land]. And as regards you yourself, on unclean ground [outside the land of Israel] you will die.”—Amos 7:14-17.",1 Cor. 1:26-31; Amos 7:14-17; ,w80 7/15 p. 9,,,joshlaymon,,5/24/2025
"Insight on the News, money, materialism, greed, alcohol, violence, destruction and ruin, snare,  ","“In the late 60’s, the massive Prudhoe Bay oil and gas reserves were discovered along Alaska’s North Slope,” explains the article. “The whites flooded in. Worse, white dollars came along.” Individual Eskimos now receive an income from oil of some $20,000 a year, yet their situation is described as “appalling.” Adult alcoholism in the community reportedly is 70 percent, and the most common cause of death is said to be violence. Hence the effect of all this money “has been ruin,” observes “Alberta Report.”","This tragic result to a formerly happy people illustrates in an extreme way the fallacy of thinking that mere material assets can solve man’s ills. In fact, they often cause just the opposite, as the Bible notes, causing the unwary to “fall into a temptation and a snare and many senseless and hurtful desires, which plunge men into destruction and ruin.”—1 Tim. 6:9.",1 Tim. 6:9,w80 7/15 p. 10,,,joshlaymon,,7/23/2025
“Fine Shepherd” and the “Little Flock” I am the door; “I am the way and the truth and the life. doorkeeper,"At this point Jesus changed figures of speech to illustrate another vital feature of the matter. “Therefore Jesus said again: ‘Most truly I say to you, I am the door of the sheep. All those that have come in place of me are thieves and plunderers; but the sheep have not listened to them. I am the door; whoever enters through me will be saved, and he will go in and out and find pasturage. The thief does not come unless it is to steal and slay and destroy. I have come that they might have life and might have it in abundance.’”—John 10:7-10","Let us note that Jesus does not speak of a “doorkeeper” in connection with himself as being a “door.” He does not speak of a so-called “vicar of Christ,” some head of a religious sect who claims to have infallibility. Jesus said: “I am the door of the sheep.” And some months later he added the claim: “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6) This does not leave out of account that, when Jesus gave his lengthy prophecy on “the sign of [his] presence and of the conclusion of the system of things,” he did foretell a “faithful and discreet slave,” whom his master would “appoint . . . over all his belongings.” (Matt. 24:3, 45-47) But this refers to a “slave” class of his faithful, discreet followers to which he would commit the oversight of his visible belongings on earth, especially during this “conclusion of the system of things.” However, such an appointment does not make that “slave” class Jesus’ “doorkeeper.”",John 10:7-10,w80 7/15 p. 21 pars. 17-18,,,joshlaymon,,5/24/2025
"“The Word of God Is Not Bound” Prison witnessing, Tahiti prison, ","WHILE serving his second prison sentence in Rome, the apostle Paul stated this tried and tested truth: “The word of God is not bound.” (2 Tim. 2:9) These words can be illustrated by the following experience from the Pacific island of Tahiti.","“During one of our meetings, an elder who was then the Bible study overseer requested an unusual territory—Tahiti prison, where he was employed as a warder. The distressing situation of the prisoners disturbed him, and he was convinced that they too were concerned about the ‘good news’ written in the Bible. On several occasions our congregation had applied for permission to visit the prisoners, but unfortunately the answer was always: ‘Catholics, Protestants, Adventists, Mormons and the like are welcome to come and speak about their religion, because members of those religions are in our prison; but there are no Jehovah’s Witnesses here.’ “So the elder decided to preach the ‘good news’ inside the prison where he worked on the penitentiary staff. Outside working hours, from noon until 2 p.m., he would spread the Kingdom hope. Very soon, his activity started bearing fruit and Bible studies were being conducted regularly. See article for great results. ",2 Tim. 2:9,w80 7/15 p. 29,,,joshlaymon,,5/24/2025
"Only in the Strength of Jehovah, Jeremiah, Pashhur, breaks vessel, Topheth, humiliated, Courage, ","THE Hebrew prophets were not men of superhuman strength but persons “with feelings like ours.” (Jas. 5:17) Yet they often faced tremendous opposition from their own people. Without divine help, they simply could not have succeeded in carrying out their commission. But they did triumph in the strength of Jehovah. This is dramatically illustrated in the case of the prophet Jeremiah.","Before the eyes of the elders of his nation and the elders among the priests, Jeremiah smashed an earthenware flask. Explaining the significance of this act, he stated: “This is what Jehovah of armies has said: ‘In the same way I shall break this people and this city as someone breaks the vessel of the potter so that it is no more able to be repaired; and in Topheth they will bury until there is no more place to bury.’” (Jer. 19:1-11) Leaving Topheth in the valley of the son of Hinnom, Jeremiah went to the temple courtyard and there proclaimed Jehovah’s message of doom in the hearing of all the assembled people.—Jer. 19:14, 15. The leading commissioner of the temple, Pashhur, acted swiftly against Jeremiah. He publicly humiliated the prophet by striking him and then putting him into stocks in the Gate of Benjamin. On being released from the stocks the following day, Jeremiah proclaimed Jehovah’s judgment against Pashhur.—Jer. 20:1-6.",Jer. 19:1-11; Jer. 20:1-6.,w80 8/15 pp. 12-13,,,joshlaymon,,5/24/2025
"The Pursuit of Security, Peace, weapons, guns, explosive devices' ","Does military strength really mean security? True, a person can push such thoughts to the back of his mind. But can he really feel secure when he seriously contemplates the fact that governments around the world have enough in the way of explosive devices to kill all of us several times over? ",To illustrate: Could you rest peacefully at night with a machine gun under your bed while knowing that your neighbor has one like it pointing at your house and that he is itching for the opportunity to use it when he feels there would be no danger to himself?,"Psalms 37:9, 10;",w80 9/1 p. 4,,,joshlaymon,,5/24/2025
"Security Now and Forever, peace, practical steps to safeguard, Life, possessions, confidence, ","OUR Creator, who knows the value of everything, inspired men to offer this counsel: “Whoever relies on his wealth is riding for a fall.” “A king is not saved by a great army, nor a warrior delivered by great strength.” “A man cannot trust his horse to save him, nor can it deliver him for all its strength.” (Prov. 11:28; Ps. 33:16, 17, ","The New English Bible) Jesus Christ truthfully stated that “even when a man has more than enough, his wealth does not give him life.”—Luke 12:15, NE. Of course, in a worsening criminal climate, we may have to take certain practical steps to safeguard our life and our possessions. But we must recognize that, at best, these measures are only temporary and in no way guarantee our security. What we really desire is the assurance that no set of outside circumstances can do us lasting harm. Is it possible to live with such confidence? Is there any source of strength and authority that can make our way of life secure now and even forever? Can we live in security even when we are threatened by violence, food shortage or economic collapse?","Prov. 11:28; Ps. 33:16, 17,",w80 9/1 p. 5,,,joshlaymon,,5/24/2025
"Insight on the News, dangers of toying with spiritism, voodoo, witch doctor, Satan, demons, ","The newspaper “Diário de Pernambuco” tells of a monstrous crime in Olinda, Brazil, that illustrates the dangers of toying with spiritism. A man strangled his daughter, who was a year and five months old, and when questioned by police he said: “A spirit came down into my body and forced me to do this. I was disconcerted, not knowing what I was doing and finally I committed this foolishness.”","Relating what led to the crime, the man said that when doctors could not cure his illness, “I decided to accept the opinion of some friends and went to look for a voodoo priestess. I began to attend the ceremonies, and she prescribed for me a lot of fetishes, performed some voodoo rituals over me, and I got all right. Then she told me I should pay all the fetish obligations, otherwise terrible things would happen to me. Since I do not believe much in these things, I did not pay any attention to her threats. I did not do anything that she ordered to be done, and it all ended up in this happening to me.”According to the newspaper, his story is not uncommon among the “macumba” (Brazilian voodoo) followers. Wisely, the Bible warns us to keep away from every practice associated with spiritism. Spiritism brings a person under the influence of unseen, but very real, evil powers: Satan the Devil and his demons.—2 Cor. 4:4; Gal. 5:20, 21; Rev. 21:8; 22:15.","2 Cor. 4:4; Gal. 5:20, 21; Rev. 21:8; 22:15; ",w80 9/1 p. 11,,,joshlaymon,,5/24/2025
"Showing Concern for the “Flock of God” willing to risk their very lives, Elders, Return to country, Paul, ","Happily, we do have men who are imitating Paul in that they are willing to risk their very lives for the sake of the “good news” and to protect their brothers. Indeed, in lands where Christians suffer intense persecution, many faithful undershepherds loyally have stayed with “the flock,” even though the way may have opened up for these responsible men to go to countries where such sufferings apparently could have been avoided. ","To illustrate: Recently an elder who has already undergone years of imprisonment and cruel beatings visited the United States to receive training provided for the Watch Tower Society’s branch personnel. The opportunity was open to him to go to a country where there is at present no persecution. But he chose to return to the land in which he had been serving even though imprisonment and harsh persecution seemed certain for him there. Like so many other Christian undershepherds, he regards caring for “the flock” to be a privilege more precious than his own personal freedom. Truly, such overseers are to be commended. How fine that they continue to provide care for ‘sheep in distress’!—Compare Isaiah 32:1, 2.","Isaiah 32:1, 2.",w80 9/1 p. 17 par. 10 ,,,joshlaymon,,5/24/2025
"Insight on the News, suicide of a 16-year-old boy, “fantasy” plan, bondage of millions, death, ","A preoccupation with the idea of life after death and reincarnation recently resulted in the suicide of a 16-year-old boy and serious injury to his 15-year-old girl friend. Friends related how the two had “jokingly” discussed suicide plans with other youths in Washington State after reading a book that dealt with the subject of afterlife. The youths devised a “fantasy” plan in which two of them would die by crashing a sports car into their school, thus moving on to a “higher plane of existence.”","Of course, such a reaction to the idea of life after death is extreme. But it illustrates the mental bondage of millions who unquestioningly accept such teachings because they are part of their religious background, rather than because they are founded on Scriptural teaching. On the other hand, Jesus said that adherence to the Word of truth would ‘set men free.’ He taught his disciples the same truth that was expressed in God’s Word centuries before: “The dead . . . are conscious of nothing at all.” Knowing this might have spared the youths this tragedy.—John 8:32; Eccl. 9:5; compare John 11:11-14.",John 8:32; Eccl. 9:5; compare John 11:11-14.,w80 9/15 p. 14,,,joshlaymon,,5/24/2025
"After These “Last Days” God’s Messianic Kingdom! conclusion of the system of things, Future, ","In his prophecy concerning “the conclusion of the system of things,” Jesus referred to his kingship in a full sense. According to the apostle Matthew’s account, Jesus closed his prophecy by giving the illustration of the symbolic sheep and goats. At Matthew 25:31, 32 he opened up the illustration by saying: “When the Son of man arrives in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit down on his glorious throne. And all the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate people [not nations] one from another, just as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats.” ","This takes place after Satan the Devil and his demons are ousted from their heavenly location and privileges down to our earth’s vicinity by the enthroned King Jesus Christ. All of this is as prophetically pictured in Revelation 12:5-9. As to what that accomplishment means, we read: “And I [John] heard a loud voice in heaven say: ‘Now have come to pass the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God and the authority of his Christ, because the accuser of our brothers has been hurled down, who accuses them day and night before our God! And they conquered him because of the blood of the Lamb and because of the word of their witnessing, and they did not love their souls even in the face of death. On this account be glad, you heavens and you who reside in them! Woe for the earth and for the sea, because the Devil has come down to you, having great anger, knowing he has a short period of time.’”—Rev. 12:10-12.","Matthew 25:31, 32 ",w80 10/1 p. 27 pars. 9-10 ,,,joshlaymon,,5/24/2025
"Avoiding the Tragedy of Rape, Dinah, Hitchhikers, sexual relations, sex, danger, trouble, ","Dinah failed to act with discretion. The Bible says that she “used to go out to see the daughters of the land.” (Gen. 34:1) The inhabitants of Canaan were immoral people, prostitution evidently being common. (Gen. 34:31; 38:21) Dinah apparently had no business being out by herself among them. Likely her parents had warned her about associating with the girls of the land. If they had, she failed to listen, and this led to trouble.","Similarly, many young women today are raped because of needlessly putting themselves in compromising situations. Hitchhikers do this. In Oregon’s Multnomah county a person reportedly is raped every day. And more than half of those raped are young hitchhikers! Many men are just looking for someone with whom to have sexual relations, and they assume that a woman who hitchhikes is, in effect, offering herself for that purpose. This has become a rather common view. For example, a California judge, explaining why a rape conviction was overturned, wrote: “It would not be unreasonable for a man in the position of the defendant here to believe that the female [hitchhiker] would engage in sexual relations.” Such a view may seem callous and wrong, but it illustrates the realities of the world today.",Gen. 34:31; 38:21; ,w80 10/15 pp. 4-5 ,,,joshlaymon,,5/24/2025
"Insight on the News, increasing of lawlessness, Congress, white-collar crime, distrust, greed, ","Jesus also prophesied that “because of the increasing of lawlessness the love of the greater number will cool off.” (Matt. 24:12) That this is happening world wide, especially among those who profess to be Christians, was highlighted by a recent article in “The Wall Street Journal.” Under the heading “An Evangelical Revival Is Sweeping the Nation But With Little Effect,” the writer quoted one Baptist pastor as saying: “I heard on one of those TV evangelism shows the other night that 33% of all Americans are ‘born again,’ but if that’s true, why is the crime rate still so high? Why is there still so much use of narcotics? Where is our impact?”Growing lawlessness at even the highest levels of society has caused a cooling of love for God and fellowman that in the past may have acted as a restraint. Illustrating one way in which increased lawlessness develops, Gilbert Geis, a professor of social ecology at the University of California, recently declared: “The highest crime rate in the nation is in Congress. Calculate the number of congressmen arrested or sent to jail and you’ll find the percentage is higher than in New York City.” The result of this, said Geis, who is considered an expert on white-collar crime, is “social malaise, distrust, cynicism and greed: ‘If others are doing it, I’ll get my share too.’” Thus the “love of the greater number” cools as lawlessness begets lawlessness.","Growing lawlessness at even the highest levels of society has caused a cooling of love for God and fellowman that in the past may have acted as a restraint. Illustrating one way in which increased lawlessness develops, Gilbert Geis, a professor of social ecology at the University of California, recently declared: “The highest crime rate in the nation is in Congress. Calculate the number of congressmen arrested or sent to jail and you’ll find the percentage is higher than in New York City.” The result of this, said Geis, who is considered an expert on white-collar crime, is “social malaise, distrust, cynicism and greed: ‘If others are doing it, I’ll get my share too.’” Thus the “love of the greater number” cools as lawlessness begets lawlessness.",Matt. 24:12; ,w80 10/15 p. 10,,,joshlaymon,,5/24/2025
"“Do Not Be Anxious over Anything” Prayer, various anxieties, Eliezer, Barren Hannah, King Hezekiah","the Christian apostle Paul made evident in urging fellow believers: “Do not be anxious over anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication along with thanksgiving let your petitions be made known to God.” This results in God-given tranquillity that is beyond human comprehension.—Phil. 4:6, 7.","Long before Paul wrote those words, Jehovah had proved to be the loving, dependable “Hearer of prayer.” (Ps. 65:2) His worshipers could cast upon him their various anxieties, with confidence that their petitions would be heard. To illustrate: The prayer of Abraham’s servant Eliezer was answered when he was directed in finding a wife for his master’s son, Isaac. (Gen. 15:2; 24:10-27, 62-67) Barren Hannah “prayed extendedly” with tears and was granted a son, Samuel, whom she gratefully ‘lent to Jehovah for life.’ (1 Sam. 1:4-28) With profuse weeping, deathly-ill King Hezekiah supplicated Jehovah and was healed. (2 Ki. 20:1-11) For days Nehemiah fasted and prayed—and at a critical moment silently petitioned “the God of the heavens”—with the joyful result that he was granted royal authority to rebuild devastated Jerusalem. (Neh. 1:1–2:8) At the temple faithful Anna rendered sacred service night and day “with fastings and supplications” and was rewarded by being present when the infant Jesus was brought there. (Luke 2:36-38) On the last night of his earthly life, Christ entreated Jehovah and was strengthened by his heavenly Father to drink the “cup” purposed for him.—Matt. 26:36-47.12 Consider, too, the many other prayers recorded in the Scriptures—those of confession, praise, thanksgiving. Then ask: Should not Jehovah’s present-day servants prayerfully turn to him whether they are happy, grateful, distressed or anxious? Indeed they should, confident that their heavenly Father hears their humble, sincere pleadings and expressions.","Phil. 4:6, 7.11; ",w80 11/1 pp. 15-16 pars. 10-12,,,joshlaymon,,5/24/2025
"“The Peace of God That Excels All Thought” generosity, greed, quarreling, Abraham, Lot, Pray, ","Even individuals devoted to Jehovah need to avoid placing too much emphasis on material things. For example, because the land could not sustain them together and to end quarreling between their herdsmen, Abraham granted his nephew Lot the opportunity to choose where he preferred to reside. ","Lot chose the best of the land, but this meant living among wrongdoers. In time, he was taken captive and had to be rescued. (Gen. 13:1–14:16) Later, Lot found it necessary to abandon his material possessions so that his life might be spared when Jehovah destroyed Sodom. Still later, Lot felt compelled to leave the city of Zoar and take up residence in a cave. (Gen. 19:1-26, 30-38) Although he is called “righteous Lot,” it appears he learned the “hard way” the folly of a godly person’s laying great stress on supposed material advantages. (2 Pet. 2:7, 8) How much better to pray for specific direction and always put spiritual interests first in life!",Gen. 13:1–14:16; ,w80 11/1 pp. 20-21 par. 12 ,,,joshlaymon,,5/24/2025
"Generosity Brings Blessings, Peter, “Tabitha, rise!” Dorcas, kind deeds, everlasting life, ","The first thing Peter did was to put everybody outside. Then, after kneeling and praying, he turned to the body and said: “Tabitha, rise!” At that, as you can see, she opens her eyes. She comes to life! Then Peter helped her up. At that, Peter called the others in. You can just imagine how they must have been beside themselves with joy when they saw Dorcas up and alive! Truly, what a marvelous blessing to be raised from the dead!—Acts 9:36-42.","We can learn a lesson from this. It illustrates that the person who seeks to help others—giving generously of his time, energies and abilities—will be richly rewarded. In this case, not only did these women love Dorcas for her kind deeds, but so did Jehovah God. That is why he gave Peter the power to raise her from the dead. So, then, learn well this lesson: If you are generous toward others, you will be remembered with their love. Furthermore, generosity is one of the important qualities you need in order to be remembered by God. And he can reward you with life—everlasting life in his righteous new order.—Prov. 11:25; 1 John 2:17.",Acts 9:36-42,w80 11/15 pp. 8-9 ,,,joshlaymon,,5/24/2025
"Humanity’s State of Health That Might Have Been, Christendom, sons of Isaiah, children, ","What about Israel’s modern counterpart, Christendom? What might have been her state of health socially, economically, morally, religiously if she had taken her medicine from the Divine Healer, Jehovah, and had accepted the Kingdom message that has been proclaimed by his Christian witnesses for now more than a century? What might have been the case with Christendom is illustrated. How? ","By what has taken place today with those who were pictured by the sons of Isaiah, the “children” whom Jehovah gave him and whom Jehovah used to typify the spirit-anointed disciples of Jesus Christ. (Isa. 8:18; Heb. 2:13) For more than 65 years they have announced to the world that Jehovah’s Messianic kingdom now rests upon the shoulder of the enthroned Son of God, Jesus Christ as the Prince of Peace. (Isa. 9:6, 7) Thus they have dispelled from hundreds of thousands of despairing persons the gloomy darkness that blankets the whole world. By means of the Kingdom news as foretold by Jesus in Matthew 24:14 they have been feeding the spiritually hungry people with something more life-sustaining than material food. Spiritual recuperation has resulted to these.",Isa. 8:18; Heb. 2:13; Matthew 24:14; ,w80 11/15 p. 19 pars. 6-7,,,joshlaymon,,5/24/2025
"Stress, Food shortage, wars, prayer, Hannah, problems. ","Wish there was an easy button? If we could just push a button for problems in life. We are going to examine five easy buttons, ","Easy Buttons: 1. Prayer, 2. Holy Spirit, Mustered up boldness by means of.  3.  Brotherhood, 4. Shepherds 5. Jehovah’s friendship and love.","Luke 21:11: Psalm 55:22; Psalm 34:18; 2 Corinthians 7:6,7; 1 Thess 5:14;Romans 8:35, 38, 39.","Benjamin Stafford, Ritter Springs Congregation, ",Where Can You Get Help in Times of Distress?,177,bl,,5/26/2025
"Jesus As Sound Engineer, Gilead. speaking across a pond, Amplification, see the speaker, direct sound, ","When the Watchtower Bible School of Gilead was located in upstate New York, the instructor in public speaking used to illustrate these principles by speaking across a pond to his students seated in the amphitheater on the other side. “There is nothing to suggest an appreciable change in the sloping banks of the lake of Gennesaret since those events took place. Let us then apply these texts to the most common contours of its present-day banks. . . .","“All of the most propitious elements for sound reception are present. Firstly, the entire audience can see the speaker and receive direct sound. Because of the sloping ground, the farther away the people are from the speaker, the higher they are situated on the banks. Next, the calm surface of the waters of a lake are the very best reflector. Sound thus reflected follows a trajectory very close to that of direct sound. . . . distinctness is unimpaired, with a six-decibel amplification. This reflector is situated in the direction of the voice diffusion, namely, in front of the speaker. “Lastly, we here have an example proving an important practical rule: the speaker must not be too close to his audience.” “The Gospel texts relate: ‘He got into one of the boats . . . and asked him [Simon] to put out a little from the shore . . . and taught the crowds from the boat.’—Luke 5:3, ‘The Jerusalem Bible.’","Luke 5:3,",w80 11/15 p. 30 ,,,joshlaymon,,5/26/2025
"Prayers and Efforts Are Rewarded, Ecuador, walked many miles, four separate Bible studies, ","THE Christian apostle Paul urged his fellow believers to “persevere in prayer.” (Rom. 12:12) And for good reason, because Paul knew that such prayer is beneficial. God does answer proper prayers that are in harmony with the divine will. Often, of course, earnest effort must accompany ardent prayer. To illustrate: Among the huge banana plantations in Ecuador there was a certain small group of about 10 proclaimers of God’s kingdom. They have had to walk for hours to get to Christian meetings, and their witnessing territory is so scattered that it takes two to three hours to get to their neighbors on foot. But these witnesses of Jehovah have been rewarded for their efforts in publishing, or making known, the “good news.”—Isa. 52:7.","One Witness in the area—a 60-year-old man—prayed that Jehovah God would bless him by enabling him to obtain and conduct a Bible study with some interested person. He soon had one study going. However, this Kingdom proclaimer continued praying that God would further bless him so that all his walking in that isolated territory would prove to be worth while. The result? Why, he soon was conducting four separate Bible studies with individuals manifesting interest in the “good news”!",Rom. 12:12; Isa. 52:7,w80 11/15 p. 32,,,joshlaymon,,5/26/2025
"Warnings That Should Be Heeded, keep-you-awake-nights knots, Armageddon, Last days, anguish of nations,","As Jesus foretold, there is “on the earth anguish of nations, not knowing the way out.” Also, “men become faint out of fear and expectation of the things coming upon the inhabited earth.”—Luke 21:25, 26. Illustrating the fulfillment of these things are the comments of the editor of the Miami Herald, Jim Hampton. Although not viewing Armageddon entirely from the Biblical viewpoint, he wrote on May 4, 1980:","“Do you have, growing deep in your gut these days, the same kind of knot I have growing in mine? The awful, keep-you-awake-nights knot that tells you something is dreadfully wrong with your country, with the whole world? The knot that makes you shiver sometimes because it has just dawned on you that Armageddon isn’t just some allegory you read about in the Bible, it’s real? And that for the first time in your life the match is so close to the fuse that Armageddon is actually possible? “I have that knot. And I’m not ashamed to admit it, because I have asked a dozen of my friends if they have it too, and not one doesn’t.”","Luke 21:25, 26.",w80 12/1 p. 6,,,joshlaymon,,5/26/2025
"How Shall We Escape? fire escape, danger, urgent, terrorized woman,  ","ESCAPE! That is always an exciting word. We do not use it unless there is real danger and a need for urgent action. For instance, after a Christian meeting at the local Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, for some reason we might have to hurry home. But we would not say that we had to escape, unless we saw a sudden cloud of smoke. Or consider another illustration: ","We see an apartment building on fire and hurry to the scene. There at an upper-story window is a terrorized woman with a child in her arms! She is up too high to jump and it would be very risky to drop the child. What hope is there? Either firemen must reach these victims by ladder, or they must promptly use the fire escape. Actually, there is always more than one feature to an escape story. There are these principal factors: (1) a place or threatening situation from which we must flee with a sense of urgency; (2) the need for a place of refuge to which we can go for protection and security; and (3) the necessity of heeding the instructions of someone who sees our plight, can provide a place of safety and is willing to help us to get there. Such a person is of utmost importance. Jehovah God is the unequaled Provider of escape. ",Luke 21:36; ,w80 12/1 p. 16,,,joshlaymon,,5/26/2025
"How the Day of Reckoning Is Worked Out for Our Good, King David, forefathers, Permanent Heir of King David, ","When on earth, Jesus Christ had illustrious forefathers. But his present and future glory does not depend upon any luster imparted by such forefathers. With him, the royal dynasty of King David remains fixed, for he is the Permanent Heir of King David and his kingdom will never be passed on to a successor. (Luke 1:31-33) However, Psalm 45:16 pictures his marriage to the congregation of 144,000 glorified disciples as being fruitful, just as marriage was meant to be. Hence, this verse, addressed to the Bridegroom King, says: “In place of your forefathers there will come to be your sons, whom you will appoint as princes in all the earth.”","None of these “sons” will become the successor to the heavenly King. A princely station on earth is the highest station to which any of these “sons” could attain. For the appointment of “princes in all the earth” there will have to be many of them. The King will have sufficient “sons” for this purpose, for, in addition to his title “Mighty God,” another of his titles will be “Eternal Father.” (Isa. 9:6) His perfect human sacrifice for all mankind enabled him to become such. By that ransom sacrifice he bought them all.",Luke 1:31-33; Isa. 9:6; ,w79 1/15 p. 22 pars. 11-12,,,joshlaymon,,5/26/2025
"Why Keep Free from Murmuring? promised land, exception of Joshua, Caleb and the Levites, ","“All the people whom we saw in the midst of it are men of extraordinary size.”—Num. 13:32. At this, the faithless Israelites “began to murmur against Moses and Aaron, and all the assembly began to say against them: ‘If only we had died in the land of Egypt, or if only we had died in this wilderness! And why is Jehovah bringing us to this land to fall by the sword?’” Yes, they were murmuring against Jehovah! Because of this all of those men 20 years of age and over, with the exception of Joshua, Caleb and the Levites, perished in the wilderness. They never were allowed to enter the Promised Land. (Num. 14:2, 3, 26-30) What a price to pay for their murmuring!","This illustrates what can happen to an entire complaining nation. Other examples show that it is just as serious for individuals to murmur against Jehovah. Consider the case of Miriam, the sister of Moses. On one occasion she, along with her brother Aaron, murmured, asking: “Is it just by Moses alone that Jehovah has spoken? Is it not by us also that he has spoken?” Significantly, the account adds: “And Jehovah was listening.” (Num. 12:1, 2) What was the result? Miriam, who evidently took the lead in this complaint, was humiliated by God. How? By being afflicted with leprosy and having to remain outside the camp for seven days until she was cleansed.—Num. 12:9-15.","Num. 13:32; Num. 14:2, 3, 26-30",w79 1/15 pp. 23-24,,,joshlaymon,,5/26/2025
Why Keep Free from Murmuring? murmuring attitude. doubts and questionings,“SOME people never seem to be satisfied.” How often have you heard that statement? It is true that in these critical times many have a murmuring attitude. They have doubts and questionings about nearly everything. But is it wise for a Christian to allow such an attitude to develop? ,"The apostle Paul evidently did not think so, for in writing to the Philippian congregation he said: “Keep doing all things free from murmurings and arguments, that you may come to be blameless and innocent, children of God without a blemish.”—Phil. 2:14, 15. These words of Paul bring questions to mind. Just how serious can murmuring become? Can it affect my relationship with others? With the congregation? What does Jehovah think of me if I have a murmuring attitude? What can I do to avoid this spirit?","Phil. 2:14, 15.",w79 1/15 p. 23,,,joshlaymon,,5/26/2025
"How We Benefit From Jehovah’s Love, special gift that is both beautiful and practical, Storage, show gratitude, ","IMAGINE giving someone you love a special gift that is both beautiful and practical. How disappointed you would be if that person simply put it in storage and gave it no further thought! On the other hand, you would surely be pleased if he or she put your gift to good use and expressed appreciation for it. What is the point? Jehovah has given his Son in our behalf. How happy Jehovah must be when we show gratitude for that precious gift and for his love, which moved him to provide the ransom!—John 3:16; Rom. 5:7, 8.","As time passes, however, we could begin to take the gift of the ransom for granted. It would be like putting God’s gift in storage. We are happy to have it, but we keep it out of sight. To prevent that from happening, we must regularly renew our gratitude for what God and Christ have done for us. This article can help us do that. We will discuss how we benefit from the ransom now and how we can benefit from it in the future. We will also consider how we can respond appreciatively to Jehovah’s love, especially during this Memorial season.","John 3:16; Rom. 5:7, 8.",w25 January p. 26 pars. 1-2,,,joshlaymon,,5/26/2025
"Jehovah’s Forgiveness—Why We Appreciate It, Adam and Eve, inheritance is sin, resulting in death. huge debt, ","IMAGINE a young man who has been brought up in a wealthy family. One day tragedy strikes; his parents are killed in an accident. The news is devastating to him. However, another shock awaits this young man. He learns that his parents squandered the family fortune and that they acquired huge debts. Now imagine that instead of inheriting their wealth, he inherits their debts, and creditors are demanding payment. The debt is far beyond his ability ever to repay.","In some ways, our situation is like that of this young man. Our original parents, Adam and Eve, were perfect and lived in a beautiful paradise. (Gen. 1:27; 2:7-9) They had the prospect of enjoying a rich, endless life. But then everything changed. They lost their Paradise home as well as their prospect of everlasting life. What inheritance could they pass on to their future children? The Bible tells us: “Through one man [Adam] sin entered into the world and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because they had all sinned.” (Rom. 5:12) The inheritance Adam passed on to us is sin, resulting in death. This inherited sin is like a huge debt, one that none of us can pay off.—Ps. 49:8.",Gen. 1:27; 2:7-9; Ps. 49:8.,w25 February p. 2 pars. 1-2,,,joshlaymon,,5/26/2025
"Jehovah’s Forgiveness—How Can You Imitate It? Time, heal emotionally, orgive someone from the heart, ","How can you overcome hurt feelings? One way is by giving yourself time to heal. After receiving medical care, a person who has been severely injured needs time to heal physically. In a similar way, we may need time to heal emotionally before we are ready to forgive someone from the heart.—Eccl. 3:3; 1 Pet. 1:22.","Pray, asking Jehovah to help you to be forgiving. Ann, mentioned earlier, explains how prayer helped her. She says: “I asked Jehovah to forgive each of us in the family for things we did not handle well. Then I wrote a letter to my dad and his new wife and told them that I forgave them.” Ann admits that doing so was not easy. But she says: “I hope that by my trying to imitate Jehovah’s forgiveness, my dad and his wife will be moved to learn more about Jehovah.”",Eccl. 3:3; 1 Pet. 1:22; ,w25 February pp. 16-17 pars. 10-11,,,joshlaymon,,5/26/2025
"Jehovah’s Forgiveness—How Can You Imitate It? emotional pain, family member, get angry, ","We may be deeply hurt because of what someone says or does to us, especially if that person is a close friend or family member. (Ps. 55:12-14) At times, the emotional pain we suffer can be likened to being stabbed. (Read Proverbs 12:18.) We may try to suppress or ignore our hurt feelings. But doing so might be like getting stabbed and then leaving the knife in the wound. Similarly, we cannot expect our hurt feelings to get better if we simply ignore them.","When someone offends us, our initial reaction may be to get angry. The Bible acknowledges that we may become wrathful. However, it warns against allowing that emotion to dominate us. (Ps. 4:4; Eph. 4:26) Why? Because our emotions often lead to actions. And anger seldom leads to good results. (Jas. 1:20) Remember, getting angry is a reaction, but remaining angry is a choice.",Ps. 55:12-14; Ps. 4:4; Eph. 4:26; ,w25 February p. 15 pars. 5-6 ,,,joshlaymon,,5/26/2025
"Get Baptized Without Delay, three frogs, Samaritans did not delay getting baptized, progress, ","There were 3 frogs sitting on a log. They all thought about jumping off, but didn't. The frog in the middle made a decision. I am going to jump in. How many frogs are on the log now? There are still 3 because he hasn't jumped in yet. Could you still be waiting and putting off baptism? Then you need to make the leap. ","Those Samaritans could have allowed prejudice or a lack of knowledge to prevent them from progressing. But they did not let that happen. The Samaritans did not delay getting baptized after they were convinced that Philip had taught them the truth. The Bible account explains: “When they believed Philip, who was declaring the good news of the Kingdom of God and of the name of Jesus Christ, both men and women were getting baptized.” (Acts 8:12) Are you convinced that God’s Word is the truth and that Jehovah’s Witnesses overcome prejudice and endeavor to show one another genuine love—the identifying mark of true Christians? (John 13:35) Then take decisive action, confident that Jehovah will bless you.",Acts 8:12; John 13:35; ,"w25 March p. 3 par. 5, comment by Levi Brown at Watchtower Study, ",,,joshlaymon,,5/26/2025
"Help Bible Students to Take a Stand for the Truth, Baptism, school teacher, courage, build confidence in your abilities","When a Bible student is confident that Jehovah will help him to live by Bible standards, he will gain the courage to apply what he is learning. (Read 1 Corinthians 16:13.) Your role can be compared to that of a school teacher. ","Thinking back to your school days, what kind of teacher did you like best? Probably it was the teacher who patiently helped you to build confidence in your abilities. In a similar way, a good Bible teacher does not just teach what God wants us to do but also assures his student that with Jehovah’s help he can make the necessary adjustments in his life. How can you do that?",1 Corinthians 16:13,w25 June p. 21 par. 6 ,,,joshlaymon,,5/26/2025
"World Conquerors by Faith, Jesus conquered the world, “the sword of the spirit.”  temptation by Satan ","Jesus himself illustrated, while here on earth, how we may complete this conquest by faith. He knew God’s Word. He found delight in that Word, and became skilled in using it as “the sword of the spirit.” (Eph. 6:17) ","Under temptation by Satan in the wilderness, he three times turned back the adversary, saying, “It is written.” His conquest was based on adherence to the Word of God. So must ours be.—Matt. 4:3-11.",Eph. 6:17; Matt. 4:3-11,w79 2/1 p. 17,,,joshlaymon,,5/26/2025
"World Conquerors by Faith, Jesus Christ—is beyond compare, Stumbled, Pharaoh, Nebuchadnezzar, Alexander the Great,","HISTORY tells of many would-be world conquerors. But, finally, all of these had to bow in defeat. Mighty Pharaoh of Egypt, boastful Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon, Alexander the Great, the Caesars of Rome, Napoleon, Hitler—their glory was indeed short-lived! However, there is one world conqueror whose glory will never fade. He boasted of no armed hordes of warriors, no great armadas of ships. Yet his conquest has been complete, and for the eternal good of those who acknowledge his kingship.","Many stumbled over this powerful conqueror, for they thought him to be nothing more than a humble carpenter’s son. His own countrymen despised him. When the Roman imperial power killed him, his few followers were scattered. Yet this man—Jesus Christ—is beyond compare as a world conqueror. On the eve of his execution he could tell his disciples: “Take courage! I have conquered the world.” (John 16:33; Mark 6:3; Isa. 53:3) Moreover, he said that they, too, would conquer the world. But how? As one of his beloved followers later put it: “This is the conquest that has conquered the world, our faith.”—1 John 5:4.",John 16:33; Mark 6:3; Isa. 53:3; 1 John 5:4;,w79 2/1 pp. 16-17 pars. 1-2,,,joshlaymon,,5/26/2025
"A Miracle Comparable to a Resurrection, age of 99, Abraham was too old, no temporary revival, impossibility, ","At the age of 99, Abraham was too old to father a child. But his advanced years were no obstacle to the Creator’s reviving his reproductive powers, making it possible for Abraham to have Isaac by his beloved Sarah whose reproductive powers were also restored. (Gen. 17:17; 21:1, 2; Rom. 4:19) Since this miracle involved the restoration of living cells, it was indeed comparable to a resurrection. ","Amazingly, this was no temporary revival of Abraham’s ability to father children. After Sarah’s death, when Abraham took another wife, Keturah, he had six more sons—Zimran, Jokshan, Medan, Midian, Ishbak and Shuah. Hence, more than 40 years after his reproductive powers were revived Abraham still had the ability to procreate. (Gen. 23:1; 25:1, 2) This well illustrates what the angel Gabriel told the virgin Mary many centuries later: “With God no declaration will be an impossibility.” (Luke 1:37) The miracle also provides assurance respecting the certainty of the resurrection hope.","Gen. 17:17; 21:1, 2; Rom. 4:19; ",w79 2/15 p. 32,,,joshlaymon,,5/26/2025
"When Things Are Not Right, no comforter; oppressors there was power, calamitous, unfortunate circumstances, ","DO YOU agree that things often have gone wrong for mankind? Though some of the calamities that people experience are their own fault, frequently unfortunate circumstances are beyond the control of their victims.The Scriptures often comment on this situation. To illustrate: “I myself returned that I might see all the acts of oppression that are being done under the sun, and, look! the tears of those being oppressed, but they had no comforter; and on the side of their oppressors there was power, so that they had no comforter.”—Eccl. 4:1.","Why does such a state of affairs exist? Under inspiration of God, a Bible writer known for wisdom laid bare a fundamental reason why things on earth so often run amok. He said: “This is what is calamitous in all that has been done under the sun, that, because there is one eventuality to all, the heart of the sons of men is also full of bad; and there is madness in their heart during their lifetime, and after it—to the dead ones!”—Eccl. 9:3.",Eccl. 9:3; ,w79 3/1 p. 3,,,joshlaymon,,5/26/2025
"Insight on the News, dress and grooming, man or woman more effective and more successful.”","“What I have found,” he said, “is that the way you dress can move you up socially and in business, or it can hold you back. . . . it can make a man or woman more effective and more successful.” Could this affect how Christians might be viewed by strangers as they engage in sharing their faith with others? Very likely. Molloy states: “I have evidence to prove, too, that people make moral judgments of other persons based on how they are dressed.” ","He also notes that “what you wear immediately establishes your authority, credibility and likeability.”What about keeping in the forefront of style? “Don’t buy any fashion item until it has been on the market for at least six months,” he warns. “If you’re a leader in fashion, you’re likely to be a follower in almost everything else.”Certainly such observations illustrate the practical value of the Bible’s recommendation to women, and, in principle, to men, that they “dress in becoming manner, modestly and soberly.”—1 Tim. 2:9, “The New English Bible.”",1 Tim. 2:9;,w79 3/1 p. 19 ,,,joshlaymon,,5/26/2025
"Should You Follow the Custom? unwritten law, unchallenged, Jacob, Laban, Leah, ","Custom has been defined as a “long-established practice considered as unwritten law.” It is also “a usage or practice common to many . . . or habitual with an individual.” As a legal term, it applies to “unwritten law established by . . . uniform practice.” To illustrate this, let us turn to the Bible book of Genesis, chapter 29. There we find an account of Jacob’s negotiations with his uncle Laban for the hand of his younger daughter, Rachel, in marriage. The agreement was that Jacob should work seven years for Laban in return for Rachel, whom he loved very much. At the end of seven years, Jacob approached Laban, saying: “Give over my wife, because my days are up.” However, Laban tricked Jacob by giving him his older daughter, Leah, instead of Rachel. Obviously, Jacob was greatly upset at this deception and protested to his uncle. What was Laban’s answer? “It is not customary to do this way in our place, to give the younger woman before the firstborn.” In spite of his being thus deceived, Jacob did not dispute this unwritten law but showed his recognition of it by agreeing to wait for another week before receiving Rachel as his wife.—Gen. 29:15-28.","Obviously, Jacob was greatly upset at this deception and protested to his uncle. What was Laban’s answer? “It is not customary to do this way in our place, to give the younger woman before the firstborn.” In spite of his being thus deceived, Jacob did not dispute this unwritten law but showed his recognition of it by agreeing to wait for another week before receiving Rachel as his wife.—Gen. 29:15-28.",Gen. 29:15-28;,w79 3/15 pp. 8-9 ,,,joshlaymon,,5/26/2025
"“Let Us Not Sleep On as the Rest Do” sleep is a gift, “Do not love sleep, that you may not come to poverty.”","“IT’S a real joy to be alive!” Did you ever feel that way on awaking from a good night’s sleep, refreshed, strengthened, ready for renewed activity? Or, have you ever taken refuge in sleep as a help in overcoming sorrow or disappointment? And who, on being faced with a serious decision to make, has not said something like ‘Let me sleep on it’? Recent scientific studies indicate that sleep may even be instrumental in the learning processes and memorizing. Truly, sleep is a gift from man’s Creator, Jehovah.","The Encyclopædia Britannica describes sleep as “a recurring state of inactivity, decrease of consciousness and decrease in responsiveness to events in the environment.” Obviously a “state of inactivity” or a ‘decrease of consciousness and responsiveness’ is not always desirable. Like other gifts from Jehovah God we could misuse sleep to our own detriment. Proverbs 20:13 warns: “Do not love sleep, that you may not come to poverty.”",Proverbs 20:13; ,w79 3/15 p. 28,,,joshlaymon,,5/26/2025
"Youths, Resist Worldly Pressures! Illicit sex, Moab and Midian, Balaam, banquet of the best food and wine.","If a method is successful, is it not reasonable that Satan would continue to use it? Well, what was involved in causing angels to leave their proper place in heaven? Yes, it was an improper desire for sexual relations. (Gen. 6:1-4; Jude 6) Consider, too, what occurred shortly before the Israelites entered the land of Canaan, after wandering in the wilderness for nearly 40 years. When the Moabites saw them, they felt “a sickening dread.” This was because the Israelites were so numerous, and because Jehovah’s blessing was on them. (Num. 22:1-3) ","So the Moabites hired the prophet Balaam to try to get God to curse the Israelites. This scheme failed. But eventually Balaam, no doubt under Satan’s guidance, came up with a plan that succeeded. What was it?4 Balaam had the women of Moab and Midian extend their hospitality to the Israelites, evidently inviting them to a banquet of the best food and wine. The Israelites became relaxed as a result of eating the good food and drinking the heady wine, and likely sexy dancing was used to arouse their passions. They let down their guard, so that these women drew the Israelites into having sexual relations with them. They even got the Israelites to bow down to false gods. With what result? Jehovah’s anger blazed against his people, and 24,000 of them were put to death! Think about this: Those 24,000 were poised to enter Canaan—the Land of Promise—after many years of wandering in a desolate wilderness. Yet they lost out on the fulfillment of the promise because of being enticed into sexual immorality!—Num. 25:1-9, 16-18; 31:16.",Gen. 6:1-4; Jude 6; Num. 22:1-3,w79 4/1 p. 21 par. 3 ,,,joshlaymon,,5/26/2025
"Hope—The Power for Endurance, race, well-known violin player, renowned soprano, Christians","HOW valuable endurance is! Without it the well-known violin player would never have become famous and the renowned soprano would not have been able to captivate her audiences. Yes, endurance is not only desirable but necessary in attaining a goal. ","This is especially true for a Christian who is running in the race with everlasting life in view. “Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us,” urged the Christian apostle Paul. Without endurance the “finish line” will not be reached.—Matt. 24:13; Heb. 12:1. Seeing the importance of endurance, certain questions may arise. Can a godly person endure in his own strength? Why should Christians help one another to endure? How can they provide such aid?",Matt. 24:13; Heb. 12:1;,w79 5/1 p. 5 ,,,joshlaymon,,5/26/2025
"Hope—The Power for Endurance, Paradise, false hope, must look to God, the first Cause, ","“To hope” means to desire with expectation of fulfillment. Hope, therefore, has sustaining power, a driving force, because it looks ahead to its fulfillment. Of course, a person could easily cherish a false hope, one lacking a real basis. To illustrate: For millenniums mankind has hoped for the realization of perfect human government. But this expectation has not been fulfilled because humankind is imperfect, sinful, selfish and subject to death.—Rom. 5:12; 7:14.","Reliable hope must look to God, the first Cause of everything visible and invisible. (Rev. 4:11) Indeed, true hope finds its basis in God’s unfailing purpose for mankind, and, therefore, this “hope does not lead to disappointment.” (Rom. 5:5) For instance, the prophet Isaiah pointed out that God created the earth for human habitation. (Isa. 45:18) This is God’s purpose, and it will be accomplished. God will clear the way for paradise to be restored to this earth. (Luke 23:43) This restoration will come about by means of God’s kingdom, the theme of Jesus’ preaching and the government for which he taught his followers to pray.—Matt. 4:17; 6:10.",Matt. 4:17; 6:10;  Rom. 5:12; 7:14.,w79 5/1 p. 6,,,joshlaymon,,5/26/2025
"Questions From Readers,  Difficult cases of baptism, wounds or permanent holes, paralyzed, mouthpiece","But what about extraordinary cases? Even in many of these immersion has been possible. Persons with open wounds or permanent holes in the throat have been baptized. The wound was covered with a piece of plastic and briefly sealed at the edges with tape. Also, there have been baptisms of persons who need to use a mechanical respirator. Arrangements were made for a doctor or a trained nurse to help. ","The paralyzed person was moved into the water while he breathed through a tube and mouthpiece. Then, for the moment of baptism, the mouthpiece was taken out, the rest of the body submerged and, immediately upon coming above the surface, the mouthpiece was replaced. Such cases illustrate that, even though special care or precautions may be needed, in almost all cases baptisms can be performed. Of course, it might be that in some extreme case baptism would seem absolutely impossible for the time being. Then we trust that our merciful heavenly Father will understand and approve of that willing person who has made a dedication in his heart. (Ps. 103:13, 14; Lam. 3:22) “Jehovah himself examines the righteous one. . . . The upright are the ones that will behold his face.” (Ps. 11:5, 7) Thus we can be confident that, where it is physically impossible to baptize a newly dedicated person, Jehovah will regard the situation mercifully.","(Ps. 103:13, 14; Lam. 3:22; Ps. 11:5, 7",w79 5/1 p. 31,,,joshlaymon,,5/26/2025
"Is Your Trust in God . . . Or in a Man? Jonestown, Guyana, Masada, 1,000 Japanese civilians 260 CHILDREN, ","WITHOUT doubt the most shocking news to make the newspaper headlines in 1978 was the horrible tragedy in Jonestown, Guyana. It was likened to the 960 Jewish zealots at Masada who preferred death to surrendering and being in slavery to the Romans; also, to the 1,000 Japanese civilians who hurled themselves from a cliff in Saipan as the American troops took the island. The Guyana tragedy was featured day after day in newspapers world wide. First, the death toll was 400, then 500, then as high as 780 and next: “GUYANA TOLL IS RAISED TO AT LEAST 900 BY U.S., WITH 260 CHILDREN AMONG VICTIMS AT COLONY.” (New York Times, November 26, 1978) Finally, the number rose to 913.","This tragedy is directly related to the question “Is your trust in God or in a man?” Perhaps you will make the rejoinder: ‘Of course, it is wiser to put my trust in God rather than in a man.’ And so it is, because the Bible warns: “Don’t put your trust in human leaders; no human being can save you.” (Ps. 146:3, Today’s English Version) God can save you, for “the name of Jehovah is a strong tower. Into it the righteous runs and is given protection.” (Prov. 18:10) However, to put one’s trust in God takes more than mere words. It takes actions, since “faith without works is dead.” One who trusts God will live by Bible principles, loving what God loves and hating what God hates.—Jas. 2:26; Heb. 1:9.",Ps. 146:3; Prov. 18:10; ,w79 5/15 p. 3 ,,,joshlaymon,,5/26/2025
" Is Your Trust in God . . . Or in a Man? James Warren Jones. “Jonestown.” committed suicide, strange power, ","A man very much in the news late in 1978 who had such claimed charisma was James Warren Jones. A retired Roman Catholic priest who served with Jones on the San Francisco Human Rights Commission said: “He had a strange power over people, and that kind of power tends to go to the head.” Thousands flocked to him as he preached at the People’s Temple in San Francisco and hundreds followed him to the commune that he established in Guyana and that he called “Jonestown.” ","Not only did they follow him to that place but in the end many committed suicide at his behest. With the encouragement of his armed guards, he himself then committed suicide after he had gotten some 909 others to do the same. It was a tragedy that shocked the world. What a striking, terrible example of what can happen when people, instead of putting their trust in God and following his appointed Leader Jesus Christ, put their trust in a human leader, an unprincipled demagogue! How the following contrasts illustrate the folly of doing so!",Ps. 146:3; Prov. 18:10; ,w79 5/15 p. 4 ,,,joshlaymon,,5/26/2025
"A Nation That Trusts in God, “IN GOD WE TRUST.” military might, human schemes, rather than in God and his promises?","“IN GOD WE TRUST.” That is an oft-repeated slogan. But whose sentiments do these words express? Do you know of any nation that actually trusts in God? The United States of America claims to, printing these words on its billions of coins and bills of all denominations. Yet, along with other nations of the world, where is its trust actually placed? Is it not in military might and human schemes, rather than in God and his promises? Is there any nation that truly trusts in what God says he will do?","A UNIQUE, WORLDWIDE NATION. The Bible speaks of such a nation. “Open the gates, you men, that the righteous nation that is keeping faithful conduct may enter,” God’s prophet Isaiah wrote. (Isa. 26:2-4) The people who make up this nation, or join themselves to it, are not of any one racial stock or earthly nationality. They come from all nations of the world, and are distinguished by their primary allegiance to God and his laws.—Acts 5:29.During recent months, from June 1978 to the early part of 1979, over 290 ",Isa. 26:2-4; Acts 5:29.,w79 5/15 p. 7,,,joshlaymon,,5/27/2025
" A Nation That Trusts in God, Witness children, six-year-old Tomas, church doctrines, resurrection","An experience related at the Colombia convention illustrates how Witness children reflect the fine instruction they receive from the Bible. In the town of Turbaco, Colombia, religion classes are conducted in school. However, after the following exchange with six-year-old Tomas, the teacher no longer attempted to discuss with him church doctrines, which Tomas had learned were not based on the Bible.","Tomas asked: “Miss Teacher, do you believe in the resurrection?” “Yes, Tomas, I do.” “Well, if the good people go to heaven and stay there, and the bad people go to hell and cannot come back, who are going to be resurrected?”There was a long silence.",Acts 24:15;,w79 5/15 p. 10,,,joshlaymon,,5/27/2025
"Are You Really Making Jehovah Your Stronghold, Convention bathroom, a little boy, Daddy Help Me,","At the Regional Convention bathroom, a little boy, probably 2 or 3 years-old wanted to go all by himself into the booth.  His father waited outside.  In a few minutes, we all heard an almost tearful, emotional voice, ""Daddy can you help me?""  His father helped him.  In a few moments the little boy came out all smiles.  I thought, if only we could depend on our Father, Jehovah for all our emotional needs, how great it would be."," I thought, if only we could depend on our Father, Jehovah for all our emotional needs, how great it would be.","2 Samuel 22:2, 3",Bobby Laymon,"Make Jehovah Your Stronghold, ",018,joshlaymon,,5/27/2025
"Satan will be lured into a trap by Jehovah. Stronghold, bait, cheese, trust, ","Satan will be lured into a trap by Jehovah.  But guess who the bait is?  We're the Cheese in that trap.  That is why the Father wanted his son to trust him in small things.  Bigger things are coming, and the son would have to trust in his Eternal Father, Jehovah God.",Jehovah will destroy the rest of the wicked system in the battle at Armageddon (Re 16:16; 19:11 21),Re 16:16; 19:11 21; ,Bobby Laymon,"Make Jehovah Your Stronghold, ",018,joshlaymon,,5/27/2025
"Who can stand before his indignation? heat of his anger? His wrath, Trusting in self, ","Who can stand?  You might say, ""Well, I know me.  I will be able to stand.""  But that sounds like you are trusting in yourself.  It reminds me of the State Farm commercial.  The guy says, I'm never getting married!"" He's buying a wedding ring.  He says, ""We're never having children."" Has two! ""I'm never moving to the suburbs! I'm never buying a minivan.  He's in the suburbs washing his minivan. ","(Nahum 1:6, 7) . . .Who can stand before his indignation? And who can withstand the heat of his anger? His wrath will be poured out like fire, And the rocks will be shattered because of him.  7 Jehovah is good, a stronghold in the day of distress. He is mindful of those seeking refuge in him. ","Nahum 1:6, 7",Bobby Laymon,"Make Jehovah Your Stronghold, ",018,joshlaymon,,5/27/2025
"Stronghold, Problems, Not the answer-man. Jehovah is our confidence, ","Father knew that rock - not greatest problem his son would face.  More problems in his teens and beyond.  Do you suppose he was training his son to continue to keep coming to him because he had all the answers?  No! He was not the answer-man.  His son needed to transfer his confidence to Jehovah.We don't know the future.  How many times have we said ""never?""		","We have a father whose very name means: He causes to become. He can cause us to become whatever we need to do to survive. He is a stronghold to those ""seeking refuge in him""; proves that it requires effort and attention.","Nahum 1:6, 7",Bobby Laymon ,"Make Jehovah Your Stronghold, ",018,joshlaymon,,5/27/2025
"Stronghold, Problems, Not the answer-man. Jehovah is our confidence, Spiritual problem, publications, JW.Org.","The young man, now in his teens has a different problem. Father, there a girl at school, and I think she's hitting on me.  She's pretty. Today, she sent me a text message.  Just a friendly one. ""Can you help me?""		","Let's see what Jehovah says. Have you researched this in the publications? Have you looked on the JW.ORG website? He had dealt with emotional problems, problems with strength, but he now had a spiritual problem. It would not be his first or his last.",Proverbs 10:29; Colossians 3:5;,Bobby Laymon ,"Make Jehovah Your Stronghold, ",018,joshlaymon,,5/27/2025
"Strong tower, Not the answer-man. Jehovah is our confidence, Spiritual problem, publications, JW.Org.","In Bible times, towers were sometimes built in the wilderness as safe places of refuge.  But it was up to the one in danger to flee to such a tower to find safety. Jehovah's name is no magic charm.  (bumper stickers)  YHWH.  If we turn to Jehovah in faith, he will be a tower of protection for us!  What a kind loving Father Jehovah is.","Proverbs 18:10 . . .The name of Jehovah is a strong tower. Into it the righteous one runs and receives protection. He would not be our stronghold if we tended to ignore his moral principles and laws.(Proverbs 10:29) . . .The way of Jehovah is a stronghold for the blameless one, But it means ruin for evildoers. Must be morally upright to have God as one's stronghold. Some reason it is O.K. to watch love scenes on T.V. if they are portrayed as married. Even in real life such a one who watches others are considered 'peeping toms.' Considered as perverts. We must not let the world 'squeeze us into its mold.'",Proverbs 18:10; Proverbs 10:29,Bobby Laymon ,"Make Jehovah Your Stronghold, ",018,joshlaymon,,5/27/2025
"""uncleanness"" tendency to flirt, shunning fascination with illicit sex. money in the bank, throwing money away","Flirt with someone not your mate wasted effort ... like throwing money away.  Love expressions with your mate like putting money in the bank, you get it all back with interest.","Bible warns against ""uncleanness"" (1 Thessalonians 4:7) . . .For God has called us, not for uncleanness, but for holiness. A married Christian making Jehovah his stronghold would resist any tendency to flirt, 	Truly making Jehovah one's stronghold includes shunning fascination with illicit 	sex.",1 Thessalonians 4:7,Bobby Laymon ,"Make Jehovah Your Stronghold, ",018,joshlaymon,,5/27/2025
"Television has changed. sewage pipe, add some perfume, “dirty old men” businessmen, and clergymen","Television has changed.  What if you had a sewage pipe right into your home?  All you had to do was push a button, and it would spew sewage all over the living room.  You say, 'Oh, we will add some perfume and it won't get too bad.'  Many have that.  Through the entertainment we allow into our homes.  Oh, we can dress it up in certain ways, and say, 'It doesn't smell too bad.'  The truth is, it is sewage.","Some think that only “dirty old men” would produce or be connected with pornography. Boy Scout leaders, lawyers, actors, businessmen, and clergymen have reportedly been involved with it—those you might least suspect. Could such fascination be said to be 'deadening one's body members' as to unclean sexual appetite?",1 Thessalonians 4:7,Bobby Laymon ,"Make Jehovah Your Stronghold, ",018,joshlaymon,,5/27/2025
" pornography, Your brain has been at work all that time, storage, ","Have you ever tried to remember a name but gave up?  After some time, you start thinking about it and remember it immediately.  Your brain has been at work all that time, but you didn't realize it.  ","It is that way with pornography.  You may see it and think you have forgotten it, but your brain has it in storage and can recall it unexpectedly, even if you do not want to.  We must avoid anything that is immoral.",1 Thessalonians 4:7,Bobby Laymon ,"Make Jehovah Your Stronghold, ",018,joshlaymon,,5/27/2025
" Pornography, Your brain has been at work all that time, storage, pig, memory, Satan, ","Imagine, You are sitting in your living room and a pig comes in your front door. You can't believe it. It crosses the floor and goes out the back door. You only saw it for 3 seconds, but how long will you remember that image? As you are wiping up his dirty tracks it is already burned into your memory for years to come. ","Satan doesn't use pigs much anymore because he has a more effective tool. He uses pornography. If he can get us to view it for only a second he puts it into our memory. It's in storage but keeps coming up. Satan even tried that with Jesus. Luke 4:5 So he brought him up and showed him all the kingdoms of the inhabited earth in an instant of time.  6 Then the Devil said to him: “I will give you all this authority and their glory, because it has been handed over to me, and I give it to whomever I wish. Jesus wouldn't even look at them. ","Luke 4:5, 6;",Bobby Laymon ,"Make Jehovah Your Stronghold, ",018,joshlaymon,,5/27/2025
"Imagination has no limits; Wealth, money, luxuries, area of employment, protective wall in his imagination, ","Imagination has no limits; It can run away with your thinking. Travel through time, go to the center of the earth. Imagination is the highest kite that one can fly. But it is not to be trusted. ","We are benefited if we do not let life hinge on having luxuries, As economic strains increase, area of employment may be an indication of whether you have God or riches as your stronghold. (Proverbs 18:11) The wealth of the rich is his fortified city; It is like a protective wall in his imagination.	",(Proverbs 18:11,Bobby Laymon ,"Make Jehovah Your Stronghold, ",018,joshlaymon,,5/27/2025
"ladder of success, spent all your life climbing a ladder. wrong building, good intentions, cutthroat competition tactics","Suppose you have spent all your life climbing a ladder.  We will call it the ladder of success.  You are almost at the top.  You are tired, exhausted, near the end.  You look around at the view, and then you notice:  The ladder is leaning on the wrong building.  Could a person do that?  What a disappointment!  Could a baptized Christian do that?  Even with good intentions?  Parents may put youth on wrong ladder.","Christians do not use cutthroat competition tactics to get prestigious jobs. (1 Thessalonians 4:11) Make it your aim to live quietly and to mind your own business and to work with your hands, just as we instructed you,",1 Thessalonians 4:11,Bobby Laymon ,"Make Jehovah Your Stronghold, ",018,joshlaymon,,5/27/2025
"Jehovah, or depending on myself? Anger, sleeping with anger, nurse it and keep it warm. Satan's hands.","Ask self: 'Can I honestly say that in such areas I am making Jehovah my stronghold?'  Am I using all my strength by asking Jehovah, or depending on myself? What about in other areas his counsel on controlling one's temper, drinking, or eating habits?  Being kind and forgiving with others? ","To Illustrate: Might have good reason for anger, but if we continue angry, can cause us to sin.  By sleeping with anger, nurse it and keep it warm.  Anger is only one letter away from danger.  Play into Satan's hands. Matthew 4:10",Matthew 4:10; ,Bobby Laymon ,"Make Jehovah Your Stronghold, ",018,joshlaymon,,5/27/2025
"Elders, not a nine to five job, Hospital Liaison Committee. Shepherding calls. Building committee, projects.","Being an elder is not a nine to five job.  It is full time and cannot be scheduled.  Elders are on call 24 hours a day.  Hospital Liaison Committee. Shepherding calls.  Building committee and building projects.  Arranging meetings and parts.  They too, must make Jehovah stronghold.Supporting elders in the congregation?  			4.	The more we submit to his judgments and guidance, the more we are making 				his name our tower.","Hospital Liaison Committee. Shepherding calls.  Building committee and building projects.  Arranging meetings and parts.  They too, must make Jehovah stronghold. Supporting elders in the congregation?  ",Hebrews 13:7-9,Bobby Laymon ,"Make Jehovah Your Stronghold, ",018,joshlaymon,,5/27/2025
"During severe persecution, concrete, strength, stronghold, ","During severe persecution, now or in the future, continue to make God your 	stronghold. It was regarding this type of affliction that David knew Jehovah to be his stronghold. 	He did not try to match strength with his persecutors but relied on God. Today, people use concrete for strength in buildings, skyscrapers, bridges and highways.  Concrete is viewed as a symbol of strength.  In fact, however concrete is not very strong.  You can take a hammer and break an 8-inch concrete block.  Actually, concrete will not even support its own weight in a span.  It is the re-bar, or reinforcement that gives it strength.  ","We are like that.  None of us are spiritual giants.  It is in Jehovah that we find our strength.  He is our 're-bar' or reinforcement. (Psalm 18:2) . . .Jehovah is my crag and my stronghold and the One who rescues me. My God is my rock, in whom I take refuge, My shield and my horn of salvation, my secure refuge. Rather than taking refuge in our own might, we need to rely on Jehovah",Psalm 18:2),Bobby Laymon ,"Make Jehovah Your Stronghold, ",018,joshlaymon,,5/27/2025
Psalmist urges trusting in Jehovah. like that glove. dead piece of leather. ,"Psalmist urges trusting in Jehovah. To Illustrate: GLOVE: With it on our hand, we can make it come alive...point, wave, etc. (the speaker here put on a black leather glove and made several hand motions, very visible even at a distance)  When it is off our hand, it is just a dead piece of leather.   ","We are like that glove.  With Jehovah in our life, we are alive and can do much.  With him out of our life, we are just dead leather. (Read Psalm 62:7, 8) . . .Upon God depends my salvation and my glory. My strong rock, my refuge, is God. Trust in him at all times, O people. Pour out your hearts before him. God is a refuge for us. 	He is able to satisfy our daily needs now and assures us of prospect of eternal life in Paradise. He alone is able to guarantee eternal salvation for one who is faithful even to death. Like the little boy. Are we using all our strength? Are we relying on ourselves or Jehovah?  Let us make Jehovah our strength and stronghold now and forever. If you really make Jehovah your stronghold now, you will be in position to rejoice forever. 			","Psalm 62:7, 8; ",Bobby Laymon ,"Make Jehovah Your Stronghold, ",018,joshlaymon,,5/27/2025
"Prayer in These “Last Days” bold persistence, Keep on asking, seeking, knocking, ","Following the above, Luke next tells of an illustration given by Jesus, containing an unusual feature. Generally, when one or more characters are used in an illustration, each of such closely corresponds with those portrayed by such characters. If, for instance, the heavenly Father is being portrayed, as in the illustration of the prodigal son at Luke 15:11-32, then we have no difficulty in seeing how the father of that son, by what he said and did, fittingly portrayed the heavenly Father. That cannot be said, however, in the case of the following illustration of Jesus: “Who of you will have a friend and will go to him at midnight and say to him, ‘Friend, loan me three loaves, because a friend of mine has just come to me on a journey and I have nothing to set before him’? And that one from inside says in reply, ‘Quit making me trouble. The door is already locked, and my young children are with me in bed; I cannot rise up and give you anything.’ I tell you, Although he will not rise up and give him anything because of being his friend, certainly because of his bold persistence he will get up and give him what things he needs.”—Luke 11:5-8.","Here we see that the one in a position to supply the supplicant’s needs at first definitely refused to take any action, saying: “Quit making me trouble.” He was most unwilling. Rather than showing himself to be like the heavenly Father, he stands out in sharp contrast. By doing so, the point of the illustration was made just that much more forceful. If that man with his family already tucked in bed with him had been willing to get up and give what was needed, there would have been no need for “bold persistence” on the part of the supplicant. That was what Jesus was stressing. This is clearly confirmed by Jesus’ next words: “Accordingly I say to you, Keep on asking, and it will be given you; keep on seeking, and you will find; keep on knocking, and it will be opened to you.” (Luke 11:9) Then, still by way of contrast, he concludes: “Therefore, if you, although being wicked, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more so will the Father in heaven give holy spirit to those asking him!”—Luke 11:13. Just picture that man who, “because of his bold persistence,” got what he needed even at midnight! His persistence paid off. What an encouragement to put into practice Jesus’ own application of that illustration: ‘keep on asking—seeking—knocking.’ Do not give up in praying or weaken in faith because of persistent opposition to your work of Kingdom-preaching or disciple-making, or due to living in a divided household, or because of fighting some personal weakness that is more deep-rooted than you imagined.",Luke 11:9; Luke 11:13; ,w79 5/15 pp. 17-18 pars. 5-8,,,joshlaymon,,5/27/2025
"Go On Walking as Children of Light, “spirit of the world,” destruction, direction of Satan, vicious wind,","THE man battled against the fierce wind. Straining with each step, he unfalteringly walked forward. Why all the effort? Why did he not merely turn around and walk with the wind? Because a short distance behind him loomed a deep dark chasm. He had no choice if he wanted to live. No wonder he struggled to walk against the wind.","Today, like a vicious wind, the “spirit of the world,” under the direction of Satan, is attempting to sweep all mankind in a course that will inescapably lead to a “chasm” of destruction, at the expression of God’s wrath. (1 Cor. 2:12; Eph. 5:6) To avoid such wrath requires that a Christian, as it were, ‘walk against the wind.’ He must struggle if he is to walk as a ‘child of light,’ and not as the ‘nations walk’ or conduct themselves.—Eph. 4:17; 5:8.",Eph. 4:17; 5:8,w79 6/1 p. 10 pars. 1-2,,,joshlaymon,,5/27/2025
"Go On Walking as Children of Light, morally rotten, entertainment, sex scenes, attitude toward watching, ","Much that is morally rotten is paraded before us as if it were perfectly sound. That is why we must “keep on making sure of what is acceptable to the Lord.” “On this account [because the days are wicked] cease becoming unreasonable, but go on perceiving what the will of Jehovah is.”—Eph. 5:10, 17.","So when it comes to entertainment provided by the world, selectivity is the key. Illustrating this, one person said: “The greater part of the movie is pretty good, but many always have the sex scenes, so if you want to see the rest of the movie, you have to watch the sex.” But is viewing most of the “pretty good” movie worth the possible moral damage from the film’s “sex scenes”? Such scenes depicting what is done in secret are now flashed before the viewers. If Paul said, “the things that take place in secret by [the nations] it is shameful even to relate,” what should be our attitude toward watching any part of such as entertainment? (Eph. 5:12) Rather than consulting the Jews’ Talmudic list of rules, a Christian must use his own “perceptive powers” and “cease becoming unreasonable [Greek: “senseless, lacking moral intelligence”].” (Heb. 5:14) It may mean our avoiding completely certain movies or TV presentations that could otherwise have some very entertaining features. One of the professed Christian writers of the second century made an excellent point in his essay The Shows:","Eph. 5:10, 17; ",w79 6/1 p. 13 pars. 11-12,,,joshlaymon,,5/27/2025
"How Jehovah Guides His People, exposed to light gradually, progressively. Truth, dark room, correct and adjust ","At John 16:12 Jesus said to his faithful apostles: “I have many things yet to say to you, but you are not able to bear them at present.” To illustrate: When a person emerges from a long period of confinement in a dark room, it is best if he is exposed to light gradually. Too much light too soon can be shocking, perhaps even damaging. ","Similar is the need for progressive enlightenment with God’s truths. It corresponds with what the wise man says: “The road the righteous travel is like the sunrise, getting brighter and brighter until daylight has come.”—Prov. 4:18, Today’s English Version. Jesus well knew that it was Jehovah’s way to make plain his truths progressively. He told his apostles that later God’s holy spirit would guide them into all the truth. (John 16:12, 13) And because previously established truths would be clarified step by step, there would be the corresponding need for God’s servants to correct and adjust their viewpoint on various Scriptural matters as time went on.",John 16:12;  Prov. 4:18; ,w79 7/1 pp. 25-26 pars. 3-4,,,joshlaymon,,5/27/2025
"How Jehovah Guides His People, Adjust, correct outdated, clarifications, symbolic eating of his flesh, ","Not all of Christ’s followers were willing to correct outdated views. Some would take clarifications as an excuse to abandon the truth, instead of viewing them as evidence of Jehovah’s progressive guidance of his people. For instance, when Jesus introduced the illustration regarding the symbolic eating of his flesh and the drinking of his blood, the Bible record states that, “owing to this many of his disciples went off to the things behind and would no longer walk with him.” (John 6:53-66) ","How shortsighted that was! What a lack of appreciation as to how Jehovah leads his people! Thirty-eight years later likely some of them paid a heavy price, as those who did not continue walking in the advancing understanding of truth also doubtless may have rejected Jesus’ instructions to flee Jerusalem before it was destroyed. That cost them their lives, whereas those who continued to let Jehovah guide them fled and were spared.—Luke 21:20-24.",John 6:53-66; Luke 21:20-24,w79 7/1 p. 28 par. 13,,,joshlaymon,,5/27/2025
"The “King of the Nations”—Our Only Help, house of a potter. vessel, spoiled, ","Jehovah could tell Jeremiah: “See, I have commissioned you this day to be over the nations and over the kingdoms.” (Jer. 1:10) That Jeremiah addressed him aright as “King of the nations,” Jehovah illustrated to him. Jehovah commanded him to go down to the house of a potter. After the potter made a vessel that proved to be spoiled and then remolded the clay into a vessel meeting his approval, Jehovah said:","“Am I not able to do just like this potter to you people, O house of Israel? . . . Look! As the clay in the hand of the potter, so you are in my hand, O house of Israel. At any moment that I may speak against a nation and against a kingdom to uproot it and to pull it down and to destroy it, and that nation actually turns back from its badness against which I spoke, I will also feel regret over the calamity that I had thought to execute upon it. But at any moment that I may speak concerning a nation and concerning a kingdom to build it up and to plant it, and it actually does what is bad in my eyes by not obeying my voice, I will also feel regret over the good that I said to myself to do for its good.”—Jer. 18:1-10; also note Jeremiah 1:10.",Jer. 18:1-10; Jeremiah 1:10,w79 8/15 pp. 20-21 par. 12,,,joshlaymon,,5/27/2025
"Jehovah—Our Hope for Entering a New Order, prophecy, calamitous predictions, wild beasts, Deluge, Flood, ","in his prophecy in the last book of the Bible the same things are called to our attention by the use of illustrations, including the wild beasts of the field. (Rev. 6:1-8) That last prophecy carries the fulfillment of those calamitous predictions beyond the writing of Revelation in 96 C.E. down to our own “time of the end,” from 1914 C.E. onward. (Dan. 12:4) So the prophecy, in its final fulfillment, applies to the present doomed system of things, including apostate Christendom.","Should any of us blind our eyes to the fact that since the end of the Gentile Times in 1914 we have had war (the sword), famine, pestilence, also earthquakes in undue measure? It has been just as predicted, as illustrated in the case of the Jerusalem of Jeremiah’s day and the Jerusalem of the days of Jesus’ apostles.",Rev. 6:1-8; ,w79 8/15 p. 26 pars. 12-13,,,joshlaymon,,5/27/2025
"“The Way of Life” or “The Way of Death”—Which? Jeremiah,“prophet to the nations.” ","Besides the deluge of Noah’s day we have another illustration in human history where the choice was between continued life and an abrupt end of the privileges of life. This had to do with the nation of Israel during the days of the priest-prophet Jeremiah, the son of Hilkiah. (Jer. 1:1-5) Jehovah God made him “prophet to the nations.” So even though we may not be of Jeremiah’s own people, what this international prophet said and did affects us.","The God who commissioned Jeremiah as his spokesman wanted him to be a public figure, one commanding the attention of kings, of princes, of priests, of the populace, yes, of an emperor, Nebuchadnezzar the king of Babylon. Jeremiah also commands the world’s attention today through his recorded prophecies that have been preserved for timely consideration by all of us in these critical days.—Jer. 1:18, 19; 39:11-14; compare Romans 15:4.","Jer. 1:18, 19; 39:11-14; ",w79 9/1 p. 17 pars. 7-8 ,,,joshlaymon,,5/27/2025
"Your View of Money Can Affect Your Life, camel, sewing needle, rich man, use their possessions wisely, ","The danger of attaching undue importance to money is illustrated in the case of a rich young man living in the first century C.E. On asking Jesus what he must do to gain everlasting life, he was told: “Sell all the things you have and distribute to poor people, and you will have treasure in the heavens.” What was the man’s reaction? “He became deeply grieved, for he was very rich.” ","Yes, the young man wanted eternal life, but his money was more important to him. Jesus went on to show that this was not an unusual situation. He explained that, as a general rule, “it is easier, in fact, for a camel to get through the eye of a sewing needle than for a rich man to get into the kingdom of God.”—Luke 18:18-25. Of course, there are rich persons who will inherit God’s kingdom. But this will be because of their availing themselves of the divine means for salvation. (Luke 18:27) For them to do so requires that they no longer trust in their wealth and influence but use their possessions wisely, to God’s glory. Thus they ‘store up treasure in heaven,’ since the Most High will richly reward their fine deeds.—Matt. 6:19-21; Luke 16:9.",Luke 18:18-25; ,w79 9/15 pp. 5-6 ,,,joshlaymon,,5/27/2025
"Your View of Money Can Affect Your Life, “money is for a protection.” material assets, Materialism, ","HOW important is money in your life? Or, rather, how prominent is money in your thinking? For many, it comes first both in their life and in their thinking. They may devote themselves fully to efforts to amass money. Some work themselves into an early grave for it. ","To obtain money, others will rob, cheat, lie or even commit murder. What is the Christian view? The Bible shows that money does have a certain value in this system of things, protecting a person from poverty and its sad consequences. As King Solomon stated, “money is for a protection.” (Eccl. 7:12) Moreover, material assets can be used to help persons in need.—Acts 4:34, 35; Eph. 4:28.","Acts 4:34, 35; Eph. 4:28; ", w79 9/15 p. 5 ,,,joshlaymon,,5/27/2025
"“Figs” That Give Pleasure Even to God, Judge Gideon, fig tree speaks, ","In an illustration told long afterward by Jotham the son of Judge Gideon he had the fig tree speak. It asked: “Must I give up my sweetness and my good produce, and must I go to wave over the other trees?” (Judg. 9:11) In Jotham’s illustration the fig tree refused to leave its good properties. In actuality today, the fig tree still has its goodness and sweetness inherent in it. In this it yet serves God’s kindly purpose.","Jotham used the fig tree to illustrate an individual, a faithful Israelite who would refuse to be put at the head of the government by the democratic vote of a national election. Much later, Jesus Christ used the fig tree to picture the nation of Israel. In a parable, he said:",Judg. 9:11,w79 9/15 p. 16 pars. 2-3,,,joshlaymon,,5/27/2025
"“Figs” That Give Pleasure Even to God, Israelite “fig tree” was cut down, new nation, Christian Israel, spiritual Israel,","Jesus came up to a fig tree. Though it had leaves, it bore no fruit. At this Jesus cursed the fig tree, saying: “Let no one eat fruit from you anymore forever.” What happened? We read: “When they were passing by early in the morning, they saw the fig tree already withered up from the roots. So Peter, remembering it, said to him: ‘Rabbi, see! the fig tree that you cursed has withered up.’”—Mark 11:12-21.","Well, now, was Jesus taking spite out on an unintelligent tree? No, but he was using that barren fig tree as an illustration. That fig tree pictured the nation of Israel to which Jehovah had sent his Son to gather fruitage in the form of supporters of the true Messiah or Christ. When, under the leadership of its high priest and other religious guides, the nation rejected Jesus as the representative of God’s kingdom, the several hundred individuals that did accept him were as nothing. Like a taxable tree cumbering the ground, that symbolic fig tree deserved to be cut down, for it came under God’s curse. (Compare Deuteronomy 28:15-68.) Fifty-one days after Jesus Christ was killed as though a false Messiah, the Israelite “fig tree” was cut down, for God then brought forth a new nation, Christian Israel, spiritual Israel, to produce Kingdom fruitage. (Matt. 21:43; 1 Pet. 2:9; Gal. 6:16; Jas. 1:1) The cut-down “fig tree” was consigned to the fire at Jerusalem’s destruction in 70 C.E.",Mark 11:12-21; ,w79 9/15 pp. 17-18 pars. 5-6 ,,,joshlaymon,,5/27/2025
“Trembling at Men Is What Lays a Snare” “I feared the people and so obeyed their voice.” King Saul ,"The serious consequences of giving in to the fear of man are well illustrated in the case of King Saul of ancient Israel. When the prophet Samuel confronted him about his failure to carry out divine instructions in a campaign against the Amalekites, Saul admitted: “I feared the people and so obeyed their voice.” What resulted from this course? He was told: “You have rejected the word of Jehovah, and Jehovah rejects you from continuing as king over Israel.”—1 Sam. 15:24, 26.","If we do not want to be rejected by the Almighty, it is vital that we strive to be more concerned about our standing with him than with men. The Bible says: “The fear of Jehovah is the beginning of wisdom.” (Ps. 111:10) Such a fear is wholesome and stems from a heartfelt desire not to displease the Most High. It is comparable to the attitude of an obedient son toward a loving father. The son does not want to do anything that might make his father unhappy or that might bring reproach on his good name. Rightly, then, fear of God includes hating what he hates, and loving what he loves.—Prov. 8:13.","1 Sam. 15:24, 26; Prov. 8:13; ",w79 9/15 p. 30,,,joshlaymon,,5/27/2025
"Insight on the News, Arab land to practice medicine, psychosomatic ailments, Saudi Arabia, Money, silver, Wealth, ","The effect of this preoccupation with money and the tempo of change there is noticed by the foreign physicians who have gone to that Arab land to practice medicine. “Nowhere, they report, are psychosomatic ailments as common as in Saudi Arabia—ailments which cause genuine suffering but are not caused by any demonstrable failing in the physical organism. There are, they say, young people who give every sign of being elderly, and old people who behave like juveniles.”","This illustrates the truth of the Bible’s observation that “a mere lover of silver will not be satisfied with silver, neither any lover of wealth with income,” and that such persons will suffer from “many pains.”—Eccl. 5:10; 1 Tim. 6:10.",Eccl. 5:10; 1 Tim. 6:10; ,w79 10/1 p. 15; ,,,joshlaymon,,5/27/2025
"Sustained by the Millennial Hope, global war and global suicide.” “a catastrophic nuclear war, execute judgment.","“Now from the fig tree learn the illustration: Just as soon as its young branch grows tender and puts forth its leaves, you know that summer is near. Likewise also you, when you see these things happening, know that he is near, at the doors.”—Mark 13:28, 29. In foretelling events, the “things happening” in our 20th century, Jesus Christ compared them to the fig tree when “its young branch grows tender and puts forth its leaves”—a proof that summer is at hand. (Mark 13:28, 29) This corresponds with Jesus’ coming to execute judgment. Then will follow “the thousand years,” during which the Devil will not mislead the nations anymore.—Rev. 20:2, 3.","“IN THE age of the hydrogen bomb, there is no longer any meaningful distinction between global war and global suicide.” Thus spoke the president of the United States as he returned from signing the SALT Treaty with the Soviet Union. He indicated also that the world has been living in a “twilight peace,” faced always with the gloomy prospect of “a catastrophic nuclear war, a war that in horror and destruction and death would dwarf all the combined wars of man’s long and bloody history.” But will it come to global suicide? Let us examine what “the Son of man,” Jesus Christ, answers, according to the book of Mark.","Mark 13:28, 29; Rev. 20:2, 3; ",w79 10/15 pp. 12-13,,,joshlaymon,,5/28/2025
"Endeavoring To Reach All Finland With The “Good News” Progress, Increase, rapid growth, wintry day.","To illustrate: A certain man saw some Witnesses approaching his house one wintry day. Not wanting to talk to them, he headed for the attic, intending to remain there while his wife spoke to them. From his vantage point in the cold, unheated attic, he could hear the Kingdom publishers talking to his wife in the warm room below. Just as he was hoping that the visitors would quit speaking and leave, to his dismay he heard his wife offer to make coffee for them. ","Then, as he sat shivering, he heard the Witnesses offer to have a six-month Bible study with the wife. Well, that was too much! He could not possibly stay in the attic for six months! So down he came to join in the conversation and get some hot coffee. The study was started, the man joined in, and today he is one of our spiritual brothers. John 15:19;",John 15:19;,w79 11/15 pp. 13-14,,,joshlaymon,,5/28/2025
"Questions From Readers, Forgiveness, repentance, shocking, fruits, “joy in heaven over one sinner that repents.” ","If a man (or, a woman) ran off with another’s mate, could he be forgiven and accepted back into the Christian congregation? This sort of thing occurs with some frequency among those not trying to live by Bible standards. By comparison, it is infrequent among those associated with Jehovah’s people, which makes it more shocking if it does occur. Still, there is no need to think that a case like this should be handled according to some human rule. As with other sins, before such a person could be accepted by God and his people, the sinner would have to repent and show clearly fruits of repentance.","God’s dealings with the Israelites indicate his forgiveness, at times, of even shocking and persistent sin. (Deut. 4:30; Isa. 55:7; 57:16-18; Zech. 1:3, 4) Jesus mentioned the “joy in heaven over one sinner that repents.” Then he illustrated the point with the story of the prodigal son who squandered his money on debauched living with harlots. When the son came to his senses, returned and sought forgiveness for sinning against both heaven and his father, the father warmly forgave him.—Luke 15:1-7, 11-24.","Deut. 4:30; Isa. 55:7; 57:16-18; Zech. 1:3, 4",w79 11/15 p. 31 ,,,joshlaymon,,5/28/2025
"The Way Peace Can Come to Earth, must not be narrow, partial or prejudiced,  religion, nationality, color ","People recognize sincerity, hospitality, genuine love, and, in turn, respond by showing similar qualities. Jesus stated a principle by which one can be a promoter of peace. He said: “Practice giving, and people will give to you. They will pour into your laps a fine measure, pressed down, shaken together and overflowing. For with the measure that you are measuring out, they will measure out to you in return.”—Luke 6:38.","This love and this giving, if it is going to promote real peace, must not be narrow, partial or prejudiced. We must be real neighbors to all men among whom we find ourselves, regardless of their religion, nationality, color or social status. The apostle Paul pointed out that this is a Christian essential. He said: “Pursue peace with all people,” and, “If possible, as far as it depends upon you, be peaceable with all men.” (Heb. 12:14; Rom. 12:18) Jesus forcefully illustrated the need to be a good, loving, helpful neighbor to everyone, taking time to make known the “good news” to all, and putting forth effort and using material goods to help others in distress, as the opportunity affords. Jesus made his point as strong as possible by depicting a Samaritan man as the good neighbor, for there was a general enmity between the Jews and the Samaritans.—Luke 10:29-37.",Luke 6:38; Heb. 12:14; Rom. 12:18; ,w79 12/1 p. 9 ,,,joshlaymon,,5/28/2025
" God’s Promise of His World Government Dependable, Kingdom, covenant, interruption of 2,520 years, royal power","THIS world has never seen anything like it! What? Why, a line of kings in one family running for 470 years and then, after an interruption of 2,520 years, taking to itself again full royal power. The family with such a matchless record was that of King David of Jerusalem, the illustrious forefather of Jesus Christ, who was born in David’s own birthplace, Bethlehem.","“This is what Jehovah has said, ‘If you people could break my covenant of the day and my covenant of the night, even in order for day and night not to occur in their time, likewise could my own covenant be broken with David my servant so that he should not come to have a son ruling as king upon his throne.’”—Jer. 33:20, 21.","Jer. 33:20, 21; ",w79 12/1 p. 16 ,,,joshlaymon,,5/28/2025
"How Powerful Is The Good News? greatest motivating power for good, salvation or everlasting life","OF ALL the messages published throughout the centuries, the “good news” set forth in the Holy Scriptures has had the greatest motivating power for good. The Bible refers to it as “the good news of the kingdom,” “the good news about Jesus Christ,” “the good news of the undeserved kindness of God,” “the good news of God,” “the good news of peace” and the “everlasting good news.” (Matt. 4:23; Mark 1:1; Acts 20:24; Rom. 15:16; Eph. 6:15; Rev. 14:6) ","This “good news” is primarily the message that salvation or everlasting life is possible on the basis of genuine faith in the atoning benefits of Jesus Christ’s sacrifice, and that God’s kingdom by Christ will bring all things on earth into perfect unity with the holy heavens. (Acts 4:12; Rom. 1:16; Eph. 1:7-14) Why does that message have a powerful effect on those accepting it?",Matt. 4:23; Mark 1:1; Acts 20:24; Rom. 15:16; Eph. 6:15; Rev. 14:6,w79 12/15 pp. 5-6,Do you have the Evangelizing Spirit? ,063,joshlaymon,,5/28/2025
How Powerful Is The Good News?,"It is our faith in the atoning benefits of Christ’s sacrifice that puts us in a position to receive God’s free gift of everlasting life. As a result of this faith, a person comes under the influence of the holy spirit. Through the operation of that spirit on him, the fruitage of genuine faith will become evident in his life. His love for Jehovah God, Jesus Christ and fellowmen will grow. The individual will be stirred to action.","This is well illustrated by what happened in the first century C.E. to certain Thessalonians. The apostle Paul wrote to them in these words: “The good news we preach did not turn up among you with speech alone but also with power and with holy spirit and strong conviction, just as you know what sort of men we became to you for your sakes; and you became imitators of us and of the Lord, seeing that you accepted the word under much tribulation with joy of holy spirit, so that you came to be an example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia. The fact is, not only has the word of Jehovah sounded forth from you in Macedonia and Achaia, but in every place your faith toward God has spread abroad, so that we do not need to say anything. For they themselves keep reporting about the way we first entered in among you and how you turned to God from your idols to slave for a living and true God, and to wait for his Son from the heavens, whom he raised up from the dead, namely, Jesus, who delivers us from the wrath which is coming.”—1 Thess. 1:5-10.",1 Thess. 1:5-10.,w79 12/15 p. 7,Do you have the Evangelizing Spirit? ,063,joshlaymon,,5/28/2025
"“Come After Me, and I Will Make You Fishers of Men” arrival of holy spirit, vine and its branches, ","Jesus was limited in what he could tell his disciples at that time. However, with the arrival of holy spirit, they would gain fuller understanding, equipping them for the work ahead. (John 16:12-14) How encouraging! Those who follow Jesus as slaves of God can always be confident of receiving help from above and guidance in the truth through holy spirit.","In order to succeed in their work, Jesus’ followers must maintain close union with him and prove themselves his disciples. Jesus illustrated this by the vine and its branches, stressing the need for them to remain in the vine and to bear fruit so that his Father may be glorified. They were to produce fruitage by Kingdom witnessing and by displaying a Christlike personality. Men would see that they were his disciples because of their genuine love among themselves.—Matt. 21:43; John 13:34, 35; 15:1-12; see also The Watchtower, December 15, 1978.",John 16:12-14; ,w79 12/15 p. 14 pars. 14-15 ,,,joshlaymon,,5/28/2025
"She Learned How to Worship God, Experience, Iran, place of business, Zoroastrian prayers, prayed to God ","Jehovah God does not ignore those seeking to please him. Illustrating this is the following experience related by witnesses of Jehovah in Iran: “Although it was not possible to speak with the manager [at a certain place of business], his secretary invited us into her office. . . . She had begun reading all kinds of books to find out how to pray and be heard by God . . .“One evening, after concluding her Zoroastrian prayers, this young woman prayed to God in her own words, saying: ‘Dear God, whoever you are, show me how you want me to worship you. . . .’","“Two weeks later, we called. Many lengthy discussions followed. (Having been educated in a Catholic school, the woman had some knowledge of the ‘Christian’ religion. . . . ) It was not long before she was convinced that she had now found the truth and that her prayers had finally been answered. From that initial week, she started attending the meetings [of Jehovah’s Witnesses] regularly, enthusiastically preaching to others and making big changes in her life and attitude.",Matthew 24:14;,w79 12/15 p. 32,,,joshlaymon,,5/28/2025
"Fortified to Speak Jehovah’s Words, two baskets of figs,“good figs” I will build them up, I will plant them,","According to Jeremiah chapter 24, Jehovah made the prophet to see two baskets of figs, placed before the temple of Jehovah. The one basket contained bad figs, representing those who do not act in faith on Jehovah’s promises, so that they suffer loss. The good figs were “very good,” and pictured, in the first instance, those Jews who would act in faith in returning from Babylonian exile after 70 years to restore Jehovah’s worship in Jerusalem. In modern-day fulfillment, they represent the faithful remnant who have returned from captivity in Babylon the Great, particularly from Christendom’s religions, from 1919 onward. Concerning these restored ones, and others who would join them later, Jehovah says through his prophet:","“I will set my eye upon them in a good way, and I shall certainly cause them to return to this land. And I will build them up, and I shall not tear down; and I will plant them, and I shall not uproot. And I will give them a heart to know me, that I am Jehovah; and they must become my people, and I myself shall become their God, for they will return to me with all their heart.” (Jer. 24:6, 7) These “good figs” develop a very intimate relationship with their God, Jehovah. Having a right heart condition, they trust implicitly in Jehovah to direct their steps.—Jer. 10:23, 24; 20:12, 13.","Jer. 10:23, 24; 20:12, 13",w78 1/1 p. 16 par. 14,,,joshlaymon,,5/28/2025
"Enduring in Faithfulness, contest of the prophets, yoke bars of wood, replaced by bars of iron, false prophets, ","It was also during the reign of Zedekiah that Jeremiah acted out a prophetic illustration. At Jehovah’s direction, he placed yoke bars of wood upon his neck, declaring that Judah and surrounding nations should put themselves under the yoke of the king of Babylon, or receive severe punishment. But the prophet Hananiah removed the yoke bar from Jeremiah’s neck and broke it, declaring that Jehovah would that easily break the yoke of Babylon from off the nations within two years.—Jer. 27:2-15; 28:1-11.","Who would win out in this contest of the prophets? Was Jeremiah or Hananiah the true prophet of Jehovah? Jehovah left no doubt as to this when he commanded Jeremiah to prophesy that the yoke bars of wood were to be replaced by bars of iron, and that Hananiah must die within the year. Not only did Hananiah die in the seventh month of that year, but the yoke of Babylon at last proved truly to be a yoke of iron.—Jer. 28:12-17. How like Hananiah are those modern-day false prophets who try to ‘tear down’ the work of Jehovah’s Witnesses with evil intent! Some of these may even have walked with God’s people for a time, but they become disgruntled at not seeing selfish ambitions fulfilled and they return to the very teachings that previously they had vomited out. They preach “through envy and rivalry,” certainly not “through goodwill,” for they have nothing upbuilding to say. (2 Pet. 2:22; Phil. 1:15) They hold forth expectations contrary to the Jeremiah class with respect to the coming of the “great tribulation.”",Jer. 27:2-15; 28:1-11,w78 1/1 pp. 19-20 pars. 10-12,,,joshlaymon,,5/28/2025
"How God’s Kingdom Can Benefit You, nationalistic pride or hatred, two villages in Mexico. friendly attitudes,  ","Even now, in advance of its thousand-year rule over earth, the heavenly kingdom is providing innumerable benefits for its loyal supporters, who acknowledge Jesus as their King. No longer are these divided by nationalistic pride or hatred. Tribal feuds and racial prejudices are things of the past. Just how the law of the Kingdom works is illustrated by what happened in two villages in Mexico. Some years ago the villagers were armed with pistols and rifles for use during feuds, and there were frequent slayings. The police could do nothing about it. ","Then one family accepted a Bible study with a visiting minister of Jehovah’s Witnesses. Eventually, practically everyone in the village began studying and embraced the Bible truths. Hostile attitudes were soon replaced with friendly ones. The villagers sold their weapons and used the money to purchase Bibles. Thus they became lovingly united under God’s kingdom.Isaiah 2:2-4; ",Isaiah 2:2-4;,w78 1/15 p. 20 par. 36,,,joshlaymon,,5/28/2025
"The Sermon on the Mount—Its Background and Setting, right principles, guide for their conduct, happiness","THE Sermon on the Mount is the most famous sermon ever preached. Phrases from it are in the hearts and on the lips of hundreds of millions of persons throughout the earth. Does this discourse of Jesus Christ, presented nearly 2,000 years ago, have a message for people today? Well, are people still striving to find happiness? Are humans yet in need of right principles as a guide for their conduct toward one another? Are there persons today who wish to know what God requires in the way of acceptable worship?","Individuals desirous of truthful information on these matters are more numerous than ever before. Since these are the very things discussed in the Sermon on the Mount, it is as up-to-date in the twentieth century as on the day it was uttered. It will therefore be beneficial for us to examine what Jesus said in that famous sermon. But before we do that, let us take a look at the background and setting of this great discourse.(Matthew, chapters 5-7; Luke 6:20-49) Matthew’s account of the sermon is about four times as long as Luke’s. ","Matthew, chapters 5-7; Luke 6:20-49; ",w78 1/15 p. 29 ,,,joshlaymon,,5/28/2025
"International Conventions Need Many Willing Workers, Zeal, willingness, appreciative volunteers, ","JEHOVAH’S Christian witnesses are rightly noted for their zeal, their willingness to work together to get things done. Typical is what occurred when they built an assembly hall near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. An illustrated newspaper report stated that “approximately 200 men, wearing hard hats and work clothes, were pouring concrete and laying brick at a construction site and not one of them was getting paid.” Among other things, it also quoted one of the Witnesses having oversight as saying: “Sometimes . . . we have more men out here than we need.” ","A few days later the same paper told of a deacon who, by way of contrast, bemoaned that hardly anyone showed up to help in a project that was being sponsored by a “vast number of Protestant churches.” Zeal has ever marked Jehovah’s true servants. Surely the tabernacle in the wilderness and its furnishings required much hard work. Did Moses find it necessary to compel, or force, his people or to pay them to do the necessary work? Absolutely not! Those Israelites back there were appreciative volunteers, even as we read: “Moses proceeded to call . . . every wisehearted man into whose heart Jehovah had put wisdom, everyone whose heart impelled him to approach the work in order to do it.” (Ex. 36:2) The account goes on to describe what all those willinghearted ones were able to accomplish.",Ex. 36:2; ,w78 2/1 pp. 29-30,,,joshlaymon,,5/28/2025
"Human Kindness Essential for Happiness, good Samaritan, injured man, “he was moved with pity.”","One of the most impressive illustrations Jesus used to emphasize human kindness was that of the good Samaritan. When the Samaritan found an injured man on the road, “he was moved with pity.” So what did he do? “He approached him and bound up his wounds, pouring oil and wine upon them. ","Then he mounted him upon his own beast and brought him to an inn and took care of him. And the next day he took out two denarii [coins], gave them to the innkeeper, and said, ‘Take care of him, and whatever you spend besides this, I will repay you when I come back here.’” Christ Jesus used this illustration to impress on those who felt that they were righteous that more is required to please God than the traditional duties of being “good” and keeping the Law.—Luke 10:29-37.",Luke 10:29-37; ,w78 2/15 p. 5,,,joshlaymon,,5/28/2025
"Human Kindness Essential for Happiness, something in common, Philanthropy—love for fellowman, hospitality, ","A CROWD of people was waiting for a subway train. Among them were two individuals apparently having opposite ideals. One was a well-dressed businessman who seemed to represent the “Establishment.” The other was a young woman who, by her attire, appeared to be a rebel against the “Establishment.” Yet, these two had something in common. This became apparent when an obviously inebriated man staggered to the car door. Somehow he made a misstep so that one leg slipped into the small space between the car and the platform. ","Surely, he would have had his leg severed at the hip had it not been for the quick action of the businessman and the young woman. What did these two have in common? Philanthropy—love for fellowman, human kindness. But how far-reaching is this love? Well, in this case, the two persons helped the drunken man to a seat, made sure that he was not injured, and then went their respective ways. They did what they could to care for the man’s need on that occasion. They were acting, in this case, as humans were created to act. In Biblical Greek, “human kindness” has reference to such a form of love or concern for mankind; it is the doing of little things to make life enjoyable, the showing of hospitality in caring for human needs and comforts. (Acts 27:3; 28:2)",Acts 27:3; 28:2; ,w78 2/15 p. 3,,,joshlaymon,,5/28/2025
"Laodicea—The Wealthy City, was poor, blind and naked, “Phrygian powder”, spiritual sense.","Christians at Laodicea got into a very bad spiritual condition. Through the apostle John, Jesus Christ directed this message to them: “I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were cold or else hot. So, because you are lukewarm and neither hot nor cold, I am going to vomit you out of my mouth. Because you say: ‘I am rich and have acquired riches and do not need anything at all,’ but you do not know you are miserable and pitiable and poor and blind and naked, I advise you to buy from me gold refined by fire that you may become rich, and white outer garments that you may become dressed and that the shame of your nakedness may not become manifested, and eyesalve to rub in your eyes that you may see.”—Rev. 3:15-18.","It is noteworthy that Jesus Christ evidently drew from the circumstances of Laodicea to illustrate what the congregation needed. Evidently the Christians there shared with the rest of the city’s inhabitants in the general prosperity. But spiritually, the congregation, though thinking otherwise, was poor, blind and naked. Hence, what the congregation needed was not the gold handled by Laodicean bankers. It was not black woolen garments manufactured locally. It was not the “Phrygian powder” produced by the medical profession. Nor was it the hot medicinal waters from nearby Hierapolis, or the cool water of Colossae. But the Laodicean congregation did need that which corresponded to these things in a spiritual sense.",Rev. 3:15-18; ,w78 2/15 p. 11,,,joshlaymon,,5/28/2025
"Jehovah Grants “A Perfect Wage” Messiah, Jesus Christ, “it depends, not upon the one wishing, Mercy, Ruth, Boaz,","Some months have passed since Boaz said to Ruth: “May Jehovah reward the way you act, and may there come to be a perfect wage for you from Jehovah.” (Ruth 2:12) Now, by fathering Obed, Boaz has become an instrument in the blessing he had wished for the young Moabitess. One day, Obed, a descendant of Judah through Perez, Hezron, Ram, Amminadab, Nahshon, Salmon and Boaz, will have a son named Jesse, who will become the father of David, Israel’s second king.—Ruth 4:18-22.","This real-life drama provides evidence of God’s guidance in selecting individuals for the preservation of the most important human line of descent, the one leading to the Messiah, Jesus Christ. True, Israelite women married to men of the tribe of Judah had the possible prospect of contributing to the Messiah’s earthly lineage. (Gen. 49:10) But that a Moabitess was so privileged illustrates the principle that “it depends, not upon the one wishing nor upon the one running, but upon God, who has mercy.” (Rom. 9:16) Ruth had chosen Jehovah as her God, and in great mercy he granted her “a perfect wage” in permitting that humble woman to become a link in the Messiah’s line of descent.—Matt. 1:3-6, 16; Luke 3:23, 31-33.",Ruth 4:18-22; Gen. 49:10; ,w78 2/15 p. 26 pars. 23-24,,,joshlaymon,,5/28/2025
"Living as Belonging to Jehovah, die, living at peace, this unity is not uniformity.“peas in a pod,” robots.","“Both if we live and if we die, we belong to Jehovah.”—Rom. 14:8 TRUE Christians are interested in living at peace with others. (Rom. 12:18) Members of the Christian congregation do this by giving attention to the more important things and minimizing the things that are not essential for promoting faith. (1 Tim. 1:4) Among the important things, they seek to have unity of faith and action. As an illustration of this unity, the apostle Paul points to the human body. Just as the members of a healthy body operate in a unified way in the interests of the whole body, which enables it to get a worthwhile work done, so it is in the Christian congregation. There should be no division in this “body,” but “its members should have the same care for one another.”—1 Cor. 12:25.","However, this unity is not uniformity. The fact that Christians all believe in the one Almighty God and in his Son Jesus Christ, who is Head over the congregation, does not make them like “peas in a pod,” nor does it cause them to speak mechanically, as would robots. No, each has his unique personality, his own viewpoint on matters not essential to salvation. Each differs from the others, more or less, in his way of arranging affairs and of doing things, even in daily routines of work, in relaxation and amusement. This is to a large extent because circumstances and backgrounds of individuals vary greatly.",Rom. 12:18; 1 Cor. 12:25; ,w78 3/15 p. 12,,,joshlaymon,,5/28/2025
"“Always Peaceful”, Amphitheater there for an assembly, Doubtful, South Africa, Experience, 50 who were baptized ","Christians are Scripturally urged to “pursue peace” and ‘maintain fine conduct.’ (Heb. 12:14; 1 Pet. 2:12) Many benefits result from heeding this counsel. This was illustrated recently in South Africa. Due to unrest throughout the country, authorities at the African township of Soweto, outside Johannesburg, were doubtful about permitting Jehovah’s Witnesses to use the Amphitheater there for an assembly. ","But the caretaker, who knew of their conduct at previous assemblies, commented: “These are the last people to be refused the use of the theater. Their assemblies are always peaceful.” Permission to use the facilities was granted.Despite the unrest in the country, a fine, peaceful Christian assembly was held. It was attended by 4,620 persons, including 50 who were baptized in symbol of their dedication to Jehovah God. When the gathering was over, the caretaker remarked that the Witnesses had left the Amphitheater “clean as never before.”",Heb. 12:14; 1 Pet. 2:12,w78 3/15 p. 23,,,joshlaymon,,5/29/2025
"The Value of Bible Genealogy, Aaron, Levi,  truthfulness of the Bible, Records, ","Besides keeping a record of the kingly line through David, the Jews had to keep records of the descendants of Aaron, of the tribe of Levi. This was because their priesthood all had to be of that tribe. (Ex. 28:1-3; Num. 3:5-10) A large portion of the genealogical record in Chronicles serves this purpose. Before David died, he made arrangements for the temple service, assigning the Levites to specific services. (1 Chron. chaps. 24-27) After the return of Israel from exile in Babylon these records were vital because the priesthood and temple services had to be restored. ","The books of Chronicles outline these arrangements made by David and, along with the books of Ezra and Nehemiah, show how worship was again established in the same pattern after the restoration. The lines of descent were strictly adhered to. This is illustrated by the fact that some men thinking that they were of the priestly family but unable to establish their genealogy were excluded from serving until they could prove their lineage.—Neh. 7:64, 65. So the truthfulness of the Bible is upheld by these genealogies. Ezra, the writer of Chronicles, lists about 20 official sources that he used in compiling his work. These were public records, and not merely the fanciful works of writers who had nationalistic or selfish motives. But how can these genealogies benefit us today?","Ex. 28:1-3; Num. 3:5-10; Neh. 7:64, 65.",w78 3/15 pp. 29-30,,,joshlaymon,,5/29/2025
"The Value of Bible Genealogy, Real History, Records, Accounts, names and places, Who? Where? When, ","Is it not true that when you hear or read an account of some event, you want names and places? You immediately ask, Who? Where? When you know these details, there is a ring of truth to what is said or written, and much more reality. Also, with this information at hand you can check for more details to verify what was said, referring to other parts of the Bible or secular historical works. If the Bible were fiction or written by impostors it would certainly avoid such details. ","PERHAPS you have begun to read the Bible through from Genesis to Revelation (Apocalypse) and found the reading to be very absorbing. But when you came to the books of Chronicles and saw verse after verse and chapter after chapter giving a genealogical list of names that you could not pronounce and that were without meaning to you, you may have said, ‘Why is this here? Why such boresome details?’ It is true that, for mere reading, such a list is monotonous. Nevertheless, these genealogical lists are very valuable. Why? For one thing, they support the authenticity of the Bible. They constitute proof that God wants those who worship him to worship with spirit and TRUTH, not as a fictitious or imaginary god. (John 4:23, 24) But these details in the Bible harmonize with other accounts and help to make the Bible one united whole. It is an honest presentation of actual historical facts.Furthermore, we must keep in mind that the Hebrew Scriptures were the constitution, the law and the record book of the Hebrew people. They formed the chief archive of the nation. Many of the genealogical lists were compiled from other written legal records, since the cities kept a register of those born in the locality. They are a part of real history.—Luke 2:1-5.","Luke 2:1-5; John 4:23, 24",w78 3/15 pp. 28-29,,,joshlaymon,,5/29/2025
"Questions From Readers, “various baptisms” Mosaic law, ritual washings, baptisms of cups pitchers copper vessels.”","What were the “various baptisms” that Paul mentions in Hebrews 9:10? Did the Hebrews perform water baptism of converts? No, the apostle Paul was referring to ritual washings that were required by the Mosaic law.Discussing worship associated with the ancient tabernacle, Paul wrote: “This very tent is an illustration for the appointed time that is now here, and in keeping with it both gifts and sacrifices are offered. However, these are not able to make the man doing sacred service perfect as respects his conscience, but have to do only with foods and drinks and various baptisms. They were legal requirements pertaining to the flesh and were imposed until the appointed time to set things straight.”—Heb. 9:9, 10.","So the “various baptisms” were features of worship under the Law. For example, speaking about certain unclean animals, the Law stated: “Now anything upon which any of them should fall in its death state will be unclean. . . . Any vessel of which some use is made will be put in water, and it must be unclean until the evening and then be clean.” (Lev. 11:32) Similarly, as part of his ceremonial cleansing, a person might have to wash his garments and bathe. (Lev. 14:8, 9; 15:5) Priests were required to bathe, and things having to do with burnt offerings were rinsed in water. (Ex. 29:4; 30:17-21; Lev. 1:13; 2 Chron. 4:6) By the time the Messiah arrived the Jews had added many cleansing rituals that the Law did not require. Jesus related: “When back from market, they do not eat unless they cleanse themselves by sprinkling; and there are many other traditions that they have received to hold fast, baptisms of cups and pitchers and copper vessels.”—Mark 7:4.","Hebrews 9:10; Heb. 9:9, 10.",w78 4/1 pp. 31-32,,,joshlaymon,,5/29/2025
" Questions From Readers, patch of new cloth on an old garment, not to conform to the old practices, ","There was practical sense in his illustrations. If you sew a patch of new cloth on an old garment, the new material will shrink and rip away when this garment is washed. Or, if you put new wine in an old skin bottle that has lost its elasticity, the skin will burst when the new wine ferments and gives off carbon dioxide.","Jesus thus helped his hearers to appreciate that no one should expect his followers to conform to the old practices of Judaism, such as ritual fasting. Also, his powerful new teachings could not fittingly be contained in the system of Jewish religion. Rather, those hearing and following Jesus could rejoice in the vitality of his teachings without trying to compromise them with the Pharisaical ways of the Jewish leaders. Mark 2:21, 22; Matt. 9:16, 17; Luke 5:36-39; "," Mark 2:21, 22; Matt. 9:16, 17; Luke 5:36-39; ",w78 4/15 p. 32 ,,,joshlaymon,,5/29/2025
"God’s Name and Yours, need to know also the Person, book of remembrance began to be written, ","Much is involved, though, in our knowing God’s name. It is not simply a matter of being aware that the Creator’s personal name is “Jehovah”—or a variant thereof. We need to know also the Person represented by the name—his purposes, activities, qualities and requirements as revealed in the Bible. (Neh. 9:10; 1 Ki. 8:41-43) Thus, when Jesus said, “I have made your name known,” he meant more than simply that he used that name. (John 17:26) Certainly Christ did that when reading aloud the Hebrew Scriptures containing God’s name. But more than that, Jesus publicized and worked to advance the purposes with which that name is linked. Those who learned from Jesus came to appreciate Jehovah better, having increased assurance that God’s “eternal purpose” will be fulfilled.—John 14:10; 6:38; Eph. 3:11.","If we come to know Jehovah in that sense, we will also come to be known by him. (John 17:3) He will recognize us with approval; we will have a good name with him. (Eccl. 7:1) So our knowing God and his name can lead to his knowing our name, recognizing us. Malachi 3:16 illustrates this: “At that time those in fear of Jehovah spoke with one another, each one with his companion, and Jehovah kept paying attention and listening. And a book of remembrance began to be written up before him for those in fear of Jehovah and for those thinking upon his name.”",Neh. 9:10; 1 Ki. 8:41-43; ,w78 5/1 p. 14 ,,,joshlaymon,,5/29/2025
"God’s Name and Yours, When it is mentioned, your ears perk up, reputation, good name, Your Name, ","RIGHTLY, your name interests you and is important to you. When it is mentioned, your ears perk up. But beyond your given name—be it Otto, Nancy, Carlos or another—your “name” can also imply your reputation. From this standpoint your name involves you as a person and what you have proved to be. Likely those close to you call you, not by your family name, but by your given or first name. And you are happiest when they view you as someone with ‘a good name.’ (Prov. 22:1) ","We all have reason to be concerned about our name.If this is so with humans, it certainly is even more true regarding the Creator of the universe. To humans, he chose to reveal himself as having a personal, meaningful name that identifies him as the Fulfiller of his purposes and promises. God could therefore appropriately refer to his name Jehovah as the “memorial” of him. (Ex. 3:14, 15; Hos. 12:5; Ps. 135:13) That name is connected with all that he has done and yet purposes to do.","Prov. 22:1; Ex. 3:14, 15; Hos. 12:5; Ps. 135:13;",w78 5/1 p. 13,,,joshlaymon,,5/29/2025
"“Roll Your Works upon Jehovah”, problem or a job that seems like a mountain, encouragement, Comfort, ","Sometimes you may have a problem or a job that seems like a mountain. Or, you may encounter some very unfavorable circumstance in life. What should you do? Instead of being discouraged or giving up, you should turn to “the Father of tender mercies and the God of all comfort.” (2 Cor. 1:3, 4) Yes, “roll your works upon Jehovah himself and your plans will be firmly established.”—Prov. 16:3.","ONE of the things that people need most in our times is encouragement. Everyone feels discouraged now and then because of the pressures of this world and on account of his own inadequacies. Christians are no exception. The apostle Paul described the purpose of his visit to a congregation “that there may be an interchange of encouragement among you, by each one through the other’s faith, both yours and mine.” (Rom. 1:12) When Christian men from Jerusalem traveled to other cities, they “encouraged the brothers with many a discourse and strengthened them.” (Acts 15:32; 20:1) This is a fine pattern for elders and traveling overseers today.—Compare Philippians 2:1.","2 Cor. 1:3, 4; Acts 15:32; 20:1; ",w78 5/1 p. 21 pars. 1-2 ,,,joshlaymon,,5/29/2025
"“Roll Your Works upon Jehovah”  improper it is to glorify self or man, ","But Paul used himself, Apollos and Cephas as illustrations, so as to show how improper it is to glorify self or to look to oneself or to any man or men. (1 Cor. 4:6) He said: “After all, what is Apollos? What is Paul? We are simply God’s agents [or, servants] in bringing you to the faith. Each of us performed the task which the Lord allotted to him: I planted the seed, and Apollos watered it; but God made it grow. Thus it is not the gardeners with their planting and watering who count, but God, who makes it grow.”—1 Cor. 3:5-7, New English Bible.","For, “unless Jehovah himself builds the house, it is to no avail that its builders have worked hard on it. Unless Jehovah himself guards the city, it is to no avail that the guard has kept awake.”—Ps. 127:1. This principle was emphasized by the apostle Paul when he wrote to the Christian congregation at Corinth. Many in this congregation were following or glorifying ambitious men. (2 Cor. 11:4, 5, 13) Also, some may have given undue importance to Paul and Apollos. (1 Cor. 1:12) ","2 Cor. 11:4, 5, 13; 1 Cor. 1:12;",w78 5/1 pp. 21-22 pars. 4-5,,,joshlaymon,,5/29/2025
"How Important Is Christian Giving?, “sheep” and the “goats.” “sheep” do what they can to help.","The Lord Jesus Christ will pass a severe judgment on those who selfishly withhold help from deserving ones. This is clear from the illustration of the “sheep” and the “goats.” The “sheep” whom Jesus Christ puts on his right side, or the side of favor, are persons who do positive good for the “least” or the most insignificant ones of Christ’s brothers. When they see any of Christ’s brothers in a needy state, lacking food, clothing or shelter, the “sheep” do what they can to help. They are also willing and eager to be of assistance when Christ’s brothers suffer on account of sickness or imprisonment. Because the “goats” selfishly refuse to respond to the real needs of Christ’s brothers, they will lose out on life, being sentenced to “everlasting cutting-off.”—Matt. 25:34-46.","This should impress on us the importance of having the right attitude toward others. When we see persons suffering adversity from circumstances beyond their control, do we feel pity for them? Are we moved to do what we can to come to their aid? Do we keenly sense the sad spiritual plight of so many of our fellow humans? Does this stir us to be zealous in declaring the “good news”?",Matt. 25:34-46,w78 5/1 p. 28,,,joshlaymon,,5/29/2025
"Where Did Those Verses Go? Greek manuscripts, compare them critically. Bible, ","As the trickle of newly discovered ancient Greek manuscripts turned into a virtual flood, scholars were able to compare them critically. This textual criticism should not be confused with “higher criticism,” which tends to lessen respect for the Bible as the Word of God. Textual criticism involves a careful comparison of all known manuscripts of the Bible in order to determine the true or original reading, eliminating any additions.","To illustrate how this works, imagine what would happen if you asked 200 persons to make a handwritten copy of a longhand manuscript. Most of them would make errors, some minor and others more significant. But they would not all make the identical mistakes. If, then, an alert individual took all 200 copies and compared them, he could isolate the errors. An error in one or two would show up because it would not be in the other 198 having the correct reading. Thus, with effort he could come up with an exact script of the original document even if he never saw it.Mark 9:43-48;",Mark 9:43-48;,w78 5/15 p. 13,,,joshlaymon,,5/29/2025
"Creation Tells of God’s Glory, creation as a preacher of God’s glory, The atheist is inexcusable. ","The apostle Paul referred to creation as a preacher of God’s glory: “His invisible qualities are clearly seen from the world’s creation onward, because they are perceived by the things made, even his eternal power and Godship, so that they are inexcusable.” (Rom. 1:20) The atheist is inexcusable. All persons who refuse to acknowledge the existence of an all-wise, all-powerful Creator are inexcusable. The evidence is everywhere around us, day and night. Without speech or words or voice, this preaching is continuous. But Paul also referred to preaching that does make use of speech and words and voices. He illustrated its wide coverage of earth by the universal preaching of the starry heavens.","Paul quotes from Joel 2:32 when saying, “everyone who calls on the name of Jehovah will be saved,” and then continues: “However, how will they call on him in whom they have not put faith? How, in turn, will they put faith in him of whom they have not heard? How, in turn, will they hear without someone to preach? How, in turn, will they preach unless they have been sent forth?” (Rom. 10:13-15) After stressing the need for human preachers to be sent so that people might call on Jehovah’s name and be saved, Paul says: “Nevertheless I ask, They did not fail to hear, did they? Why, in fact, ‘into all the earth their sound went out, and to the extremities of the inhabited earth their utterances.’” Paul here quotes the fourth verse of Psalm 19, about the earthwide coverage of the testimony of Jehovah’s visible creations in the heavens above.—Rom. 10:18.",Rom. 1:20; Joel 2:32;  ,w78 5/15 pp. 16-17,,,joshlaymon,,5/29/2025
"The Sermon on the Mount—Preventing Adultery and Divorce, “keeps on looking”, desires, ","Jesus’ comments, however, went farther than forbidding the act of adultery. “I say to you,” he declared, “that everyone [that is, every married man] that keeps on looking at a woman so as to have a passion for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.” (Matt. 5:28) On another occasion, too, Jesus related adultery to immoral desires in a person’s heart: “From inside, out of the heart of men,” he said, “injurious reasonings issue forth: . . . adulteries.” (Mark 7:21, 22) This can be seen from the experience of David who looked at and became aroused by another man’s wife, leading to adultery.—2 Sam. 11:2-4.","Jesus is not here speaking about an occasional immoral thought that a person quickly dispels. Rather, he is discussing the situation where the man “keeps on looking” at a woman, cultivating lustful desire for her. God, who “sees what the heart is,” knows that a married man who fully desires to commit adultery will do so if the opportunity presents itself. (1 Sam. 16:7) God views the act as already committed “in his heart,” the seat of affections, desires and motivation. How can an individual avoid committing adultery? Using illustrative language, Jesus stated: “If, now, that right eye of yours is making you stumble, tear it out and throw it away from you. For it is more beneficial to you for one of your members to be lost to you than for your whole body to be pitched into Gehenna.” Also, if your right hand is making you stumble, cut it off and throw it away from you. For it is more beneficial for one of your members to be lost to you than for your whole body to land in Gehenna.”—Matt. 5:29, 30.","Matt. 5:28; Mark 7:21, 22;",w78 5/15 p. 28,,,joshlaymon,,5/29/2025
"The Sermon on the Mount—Preventing Adultery and Divorce, A covenant I have concluded with my eyes, ","Since the eye is an important channel of communication to the mind, strongly influencing emotions and actions, a person must restrain his eyes from concentrating on improper sights. (Prov. 4:25; Luke 11:34) Job expressed the proper viewpoint when he stated: “A covenant I have concluded with my eyes. So how could I show myself attentive to a virgin?”—Job 31:1.","Similarly, there is need to beware that what one does with the hands or other body members does not violate Biblical standards of morality. In this regard, the apostle Paul writes: “Deaden, therefore, your body members that are upon the earth as respects fornication, uncleanness, sexual appetite, hurtful desire, and covetousness.”—Col. 3:5.",Prov. 4:25; Luke 11:34; Job 31:1,w78 5/15 pp. 28-29,,,joshlaymon,,5/29/2025
"Is Your Course of Life Death-Oriented? expensively dressed mourners, burial, merrymaking, funeral cost","A Nigerian burial ceremony was recently broadcast on television, showing expensively dressed mourners weeping at the graveside. Some were even attempting to throw themselves into the grave. As soon as the burial of the dead man was completed, a great celebration followed, with much drinking, eating and merrymaking. Some estimate that this funeral cost about ₦5,000 ($7,500, U.S.). In most parts of Nigeria, mourning and then rejoicing at the funeral of an aged person expresses the belief that he has successfully completed his life as a human and is prepared to enter the spirit life.","The honor paid to the dead is further illustrated in a letter that was written to one of the Nigerian newspapers. The writer told of a friend who could not make the time to visit his sick father and could only afford to send ₦20 ($30, U.S.) to pay for providing medical attention. Yet, when the old man died a month later, the same son was able to get leave from his work, and borrowed more than ₦580 ($870, U.S.) “to meet the expenses of the burial ceremony.” Further expenses were also met by other relatives. The writer of the letter commented: “When the man was ill, he got just ₦20 to take care of himself, but when he died, his remains—the useless lifeless body—was joyfully put away . . . at nothing less than ₦2,000” ($3,000, U.S.). In many cases, the close relatives of the deceased shave their hair, cut their fingernails, make marks or cuts on their body or wear special beads or small sacks containing seeds or concoctions. All of this is really special protective “medicine” against the spirit of the deceased. Such things were not practiced by worshipers of Jehovah and are condemned in the Bible.—Lev. 19:28.",Lev. 19:28; ,w78 6/1 pp. 6-7,,,joshlaymon,,5/29/2025
"Kingdom Truth Penetrates the “Gibraltar of the North” material prosperity, Luxembourg, reliability of God’s Word. ","As a result of such material prosperity, there are many distractions. But Jehovah’s Witnesses here take advantage of every opportunity, small as it might be, to spread the message of God’s kingdom. Especially good results have been attained by witnessing informally within families and among friends, acquaintances and workmates. This is well illustrated in these remarks of a man whose wife was a Witness:","“One day, my wife asked me whether I would let her invite a traveling overseer of Jehovah’s Witnesses over for supper. Since I did not have anything against what I thought to be her ‘odd ideas,’ I said that it would be all right. So the circuit overseer came. “During the meal, we discussed various topics. Every time the conversation leaned toward the Bible, however, I stopped talking. Eventually, we began discussing hobbies. I was interested in history, especially ancient history. The circuit overseer asked me to get my lexicon and he read to me the names of some emperors and their empires. I was interested in speaking about them, but every time a name was mentioned, he would take his Bible and give me further information about the particular person and nation. In that way, he proved the reliability of God’s Word. When our discussion finally drew to a close and the traveling overseer left our home—at three o’clock in the morning—I felt the whole impact of what I had heard and just sat down and cried. I had begun to put faith in the ‘good news’ and was determined to continue.",Psalm 119:105; ,w78 6/1 pp. 11-12,,,joshlaymon,,5/29/2025
"Eliab—A Judean Unqualified for Kingship, false accusations, wrong motives to his brother David. ","Defending himself against the false accusations, David replied: “What have I done now? Was it not just a word?” In effect, David said: ‘What basis is there for your accusations? What really have I done? Am I not entitled to ask questions, to find out what is going on?’ This ended the matter. David made further inquiry and eventually went on to show deep faith in Jehovah, gaining the victory over Goliath.—1 Sam. 17:29, 36-51.","How forcefully the aforementioned incident illustrates why Eliab was not the best choice for the kingship! Without any real evidence, he quickly imputed wrong motives to his brother David. He lacked full faith in Jehovah, doing nothing about the taunt of the Philistine Goliath. He failed to see the vital importance of having Jehovah’s name cleared from the Philistine’s reproach, seemingly being more concerned about a few sheep. Certainly, a man who showed such deficiency in faith, courage and balanced judgment would not be Jehovah’s choice for the kingship. The Examiner of hearts, Jehovah, had not made a mistake in choosing the youngest son of Jesse, David, instead of the firstborn.—1 Sam. 13:14.","1 Sam. 17:29, 36-51; 1 Sam. 13:14.",w78 6/1 p. 31,,,joshlaymon,,5/29/2025
"Why Can Love ‘Bear All Things’? apostle Paul, ‘never gave up’,  nursing mother, empathy, allowances, ","The apostle Paul was an outstanding example of an imperfect human who ‘never gave up’ and was able ‘to stand any kind of treatment.’ His love for his fellow Christians was comparable to that of a nursing mother who cherishes her children, and to that of a father who is concerned about his sons. (1 Thess. 2:7, 11) And look at all that he bore! Truly, his love ‘knew no limits to its endurance.’ He was beaten time and again, found himself in all kinds of dangers, went without food, experienced sleepless nights and often suffered many other things—all out of love for his God Jehovah and his fellow humans.—2 Cor. 11:23-33.","Why is agápe love able to stand any kind of treatment? One reason is that it is unselfishly concerned with the welfare of others. The love that a nursing mother has for her child well illustrates this. How trying an infant can be!And do not Christian overseers today show love by putting up with the shortcomings of others? Love enables these overseers to instruct with mildness even those not favorably disposed.—2 Tim. 2:24, 25. Love also helps us ‘never to give up.’ Because it has empathy, love enables us to put ourselves in the place of others. Love gives us understanding so that we are “always ready to excuse” and to make allowances for others’ shortcomings. Love enables us to bear with the irritating mannerisms of others—such as a grating tone of voice, certain gestures or simply talkativeness. Yes, we will lovingly cover over even a multitude of such idiosyncrasies.—1 Pet. 4:8.","2 Cor. 11:23-33; 1 Thess. 2:7, 11; ",w78 6/15 p. 4; ,,,joshlaymon,,5/29/2025
"Barnabas—Loyal Supporter of True Worship, voluntarily sold a piece of land, distribution to those in need.","“THE kingdom of the heavens is like a traveling merchant seeking fine pearls. Upon finding one pearl of high value, away he went and promptly sold all the things he had and bought it.” (Matt. 13:45, 46) These words of Jesus Christ well illustrate the keen appreciation for spiritual things that was required of his disciples. A person who recognized the true value of gaining the kingdom of the heavens would be willing to give up anything else to acquire that most precious of all inheritances. Such a man was Joseph, who bore the surname Barnabas. This native of Cyprus was an Israelite of the tribe of Levi and became one of the early members of the Christian congregation.","Barnabas very much desired that fellow believers benefit from the teaching of the apostles. Many of the Jews and proselytes who were converted had come to Jerusalem from distant places for the festival of Pentecost in 33 C.E. Upon hearing Peter’s thorough witness identifying Jesus as the promised Messiah or Christ, they repented and became baptized disciples. However, they still had much to learn. To enable them to prolong their stay in Jerusalem, believers pooled their financial resources. Barnabas, for example, voluntarily sold a piece of land, giving the proceeds to the apostles for distribution to those in need.—Acts 4:34-37.",Acts 4:34-37; ,w78 6/15 p. 5 ,,,joshlaymon,,5/29/2025
"The Sermon on the Mount—“Do Not Resist Him That Is Wicked”, ‘Eye for eye and tooth for tooth.","AFTER discussing oaths and vows in his Sermon on the Mount, Jesus spoke about how to deal with persons who may cause injury and offense to others. He began by pointing to something his audience had learned from the Mosaic law: “You heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye and tooth for tooth.’”—Matt. 5:38; compare Exodus 21:23-25; Leviticus 24:19-21. Some have criticized this law as being harsh. However, it did not legalize personal vengeance such as the infamous “vendetta” of more recent times, for the very same Hebrew Scriptures also state: “Do not say: ‘Just as he did to me, so I am going to do to him. I shall repay to each one according to his acting.’” (Prov. 24:29) ","The law of “eye for eye and tooth for tooth” was to be administered after individuals had stood trial “before Jehovah, before the priests and the judges who will be acting in those days.”—Deut. 19:15-21.“However, I say to you,” Jesus continued, “Do not resist him that is wicked.” (Matt. 5:39a) How is this to be understood? Jesus aided his hearers by giving four illustrations that would help them properly to deal with “him that is wicked,” that is, a person who would harm them in some way.",Deut. 19:15-21.,w78 6/15 p. 8,,,joshlaymon,,5/29/2025
"Firmly Resolved About Life And Blood, appreciation, “a great crowd, . . . out of all nations,”earthly paradise","The book of Revelation illustrates an appreciation for blood that is held today by hundreds of thousands of persons. After seeing in vision the 144,000 prospective heirs of the Messianic kingdom, the apostle John saw “a great crowd, . . . out of all nations,” who have the prospect of living forever on a restored earthly paradise. But how can humans live forever, and that free of sin and imperfection? ","Appreciatively the “great crowd” cry: “Salvation we owe to our God, . . . and to the Lamb,” Jesus Christ. They recognize that this salvation is possible only because they “have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb,” Jesus.—Rev. 7:9, 10, 14.","Rev. 7:9, 10, 14; ",w78 6/15 p. 21 par. 3 ,,,joshlaymon,,5/29/2025
"Move Ahead With Jehovah’s Unified Organization, unity, snowflake, ","A snowflake is one of the most delicate and fragile objects in the world, but look what they do when they stick together. We are serving with Jehovah's organization of united Kingdom workers.","The physical heavens teach us that Jehovah is a God of organization (Job 38:31-33; w11 7/1 26-28)Stars are organized into galaxies; galaxies are organized into clusters and super clusters (w14 5/15 22 ¶3)Faithful spirit creatures are organized (Ps 103:20, 21; Da 7:10) Jehovah’s people on earth are also organized (1Co 14:33, 40)","Ps 103:20, 21; Da 7:10; ","Bobby Laymon, ",Move Ahead With Jehovah’s Unified Organization,No. 3,joshlaymon,,5/29/2025
"Move Ahead With Jehovah’s Unified Organization, unity, snowflake, families huddling together,  storms","Sometimes see pictures of families huddling together, during times of storms such as Hugo or Katrina.  Or tornados here in the Ozarks.  The true beauty of a united family - provides protection from storms of life.  Coffee mugs: “World’s Greatest Dad.”","Jehovah enjoys being surrounded by vast followings of loyal, family members. He is the celestial Father of a large household of children differing in form of creation and in personalities - seraphs, cherubs, angels, and  humans  Read Daniel 7:9,10","Daniel 7:9,10","Bobby Laymon, ",Move Ahead With Jehovah’s Unified Organization,03,joshlaymon,,5/29/2025
"Move Ahead With Jehovah’s Unified Organization, unity, snowflake, families huddling together,  storms, ","Family gathering  100 million; spend 1/2 hour with each one would take almost 6,000 years.   No doubt that he has spent time with them.   Together they make up a congenial, unified family.  Would you like to have a father like that?   PAUSE!!!!!!!!	","What’s the saying?  “Happy wife, happy life.  Jehovah wants all in his family to be happy.  To work together in true unity. Good wife is loyal, submissive, industrious, watches and feeds children. His wife-like organization brings forth children  Read Isaiah 54:1, 5, 6 While Jehovah is the Father, his ""wife"" is the mother. (Galatians 4:26) But the Jerusalem above is free, and she is our mother.","Isaiah 54:1, 5, 6","Bobby Laymon, ",Move Ahead With Jehovah’s Unified Organization,03,joshlaymon,,5/29/2025
"rebel, reject Jehovah, like runaways, single snowflake, two organizations, enmity - everlasting hatred.","Children who rebel, reject Jehovah as Father and his wife like organization as mother, 	Some are like runaways - didn't respect head ship - despised mother. Might be likened to a single snowflake, isolated and in danger. 			","Satan and his seed are rebels are like that. They have set up their own organization. Read John 8: 44 They have lied from the beginning. This is more than hatred!  It is enmity - everlasting hatred.  ‘age-old enmity’ (Revelation 12:1,17) And a great sign was seen in heaven, a woman arrayed with the sun, and the moon was beneath her feet, and on her head was a crown of twelve stars, 17 And the dragon grew wrathful at the woman, and went off to wage war with the remaining ones of her seed, who observe the commandments of God and have the work of bearing witness to Jesus. Two organizations -- two families in a struggle.","Revelation 12:1,17;","Bobby Laymon, ",Move Ahead With Jehovah’s Unified Organization,03,joshlaymon,,5/29/2025
"Governing Body of anointed ones, faithful and discreet slave, Family business, produce fruit,  ","Today, spiritual Israel is represented by the Governing Body of anointed ones. (Matthew 24:45-47) “Who really is the faithful and discreet slave whom his master appointed over his domestics, to give them their food at the proper time? 46 Happy is that slave if his master on arriving finds him doing so. 47 Truly I say to YOU, He will appoint him over all his belongings.  	","As part of Jehovah's family, we are expected to work in the Family Business. Expected to work in Family Business .  What is that business? It is to produce fruit. Both the anointed and ""other sheep"" work together in this business.",Matthew 24:45-47; ,"Bobby Laymon, ",Move Ahead With Jehovah’s Unified Organization,03,joshlaymon,,5/29/2025
"Move Ahead With Jehovah’s Unified Organization, variety of personalities. well-coordinated human body,","UNIFIED DOES NOT MEAN UNIFORM, Man-made organizations try to make all uniform, like mere robots. (Military)  The want all to look alike, walk alike, stand alike, and whistle and sing alike. 	Jehovah is not like that! To unify means to consolidate, to bring into harmony those of a variety of personalities.  Beautiful - like autumn leaves. The Bible likens it to a well-coordinated human body  1 Corinthians 12:14-18","Have you thought about when Jehovah sends his army of snowflakes?  It is said that no two snowflakes are alike, yet they stick together in unity.  Jehovah’s people are like that. You hit your thumb with a hammer.  The mouth doesn't say, ""you stupid thumb"" but it come to your protection.  You may even put your thumb in your mouth.  Apply to congregation. A Husband sees his Wife's patience, kindness, tactfulness, gentleness. It rubs off on him. 	A wife may copy her husband's determination, steadiness, and organizational skills.  (work together - like helping make-up bed) If it works at home it will work in the congregation.",1 Corinthians 12:14-18; ,"Bobby Laymon, ",Move Ahead With Jehovah’s Unified Organization,03,joshlaymon,,5/29/2025
Tools in the carpenter's shop! ,"I Like the illustration of the tools in the carpenter's shop! Argument in the tool shop.  Hammer was told to leave as he was too noisy and he let everything go to his head.  ""If I go, auger must go, he's insignificant... makes a little impression and always boring.""  The auger said: ""If I go, screw must go too. You have to turn him around to get anywhere The screw said: ""If I leave plane must leave also.. Why? All his work is on the surface... No depth.  The plane said: "" ruler must go too. He's always measuring others.  What about the sandpaper? He's rougher than he ought to be, always rubbing people the wrong way.  Then there was the saw... Always cutting people with his many teeth. The saw said he didn't do this all the time, it was only when someone was pushing him.  The level was very hard to please. Always judging the others work, either too high or too low.  The hatchet was criticized the most. One would start at the top and wouldn't quit until the wood was down to nothing. The light always tried to outshine other.  Then the carpenter, came in, took all the tools and made a beautiful piece of furniture.  How careful we should be, not to find fault with any of Jehovah's tools.","We should not expect too much of our brothers and sisters.  We must let people be people!  ""We should never let what someone cannot do, stand in the way of what they can do!",1 Corinthians 12:14-18; ,"Bobby Laymon, ",Move Ahead With Jehovah’s Unified Organization,03,joshlaymon,,5/29/2025
"Human race are like orphans, want to adopt? Walmart; Adoption Agency; Jesus Christ, the Ransomer","Technically speaking, the human race are like orphans.  Adam sold us out, from the happiest family in the universe.  Jehovah has made a provision for adopting us back as his children.  World’s Greatest Dad.","If you want to adopt: Would not go to Walmart;  Adoption Agency;  Jesus Christ, the Ransomer, is the one means of human restoration ",1 Corinthians 12:14-18; ,"Bobby Laymon, ",Move Ahead With Jehovah’s Unified Organization.,03,joshlaymon,,5/29/2025
"Ransom, break up work of the devil, postage stamp, with one stroke, invalidate, ","Like a mark through a postage stamp, with one stroke Jehovah can invalidate and cancel Satan's scheme against further use.  He will!  Read Romans 5:18 So, then, as through one trespass the result to men of all sorts was condemnation, likewise also through one act of justification the result to men of all sorts is a declaring of them righteous for life.","Read Matthew 20:28; As if by one stroke, we became castaways or orphans. Jehovah can reverse that.  Like a mark through a postage stamp, with one stroke Jehovah can invalidate and cancel Satan's scheme against further use.  He will!  Read Romans 5:18 So, then, as through one trespass the result to men of all sorts was condemnation, likewise also through one act of justification the result to men of all sorts is a declaring of them righteous for life. Read Ephesians 1:9-10. Christ’s 144,000 are the “things in the heavens.” Next step is to bring into unity a prospective earthly class, ""the  things on the earth""  ",Romans 5:18; Matthew 20:28;,"Bobby Laymon, ",Move Ahead With Jehovah’s Unified Organization.,03,joshlaymon,,5/29/2025
"""Other sheep"",one flock faithful slave, sheep do not drink from running water. supplies food and drink.","""Other sheep"" are brought into one flock with anointed one (Joh 10:16) It is said that sheep do not drink from running water.  Shepherd cups his hands and stops the water for his sheep.  Sometimes we see water fly by, but are unable to grasp it.  ","Then a full-fledged article comes out.  Faithful slave cups hands, lovingly supplies food and drink. Today the ""great crowd"" of other sheep must serve in unity with the remnant of Christ's ""little flock"" 				",Joh 10:16; ,"Bobby Laymon, ",Move Ahead With Jehovah’s Unified Organization.,03,joshlaymon,,5/29/2025
"""Other sheep"",one flock with anointed ones,  sheep do not drink from running water. supplies food and drink.","Little girl, skinned knee;  Her father took her to a shady tree, sat her on his knee, and cleansed the wound.  Then he took his large hands and gently wiped her tears away.  She is happy because she is loved.  But ... who is going to wipe the tears from the father's eyes? READ   (Revelation 7:16,17)",I think I would like a father like that!  What about you? PAAAAUUUUSSSSSSEEEE,"Revelation 7:16,17)","Bobby Laymon, ",Move Ahead With Jehovah’s Unified Organization.,03,joshlaymon,,5/29/2025
"Apostates are like DDT, organized religion, reject, Fine Shepherd, disorganized religion. Blasphemers. Satan.","What other organization do you know that teaches people to be compassionate, tender in mercy, humble?  I know of none!  How about you? Some become critical, saying that Jehovah does not have an organization. If you are painting and kicking away the ladder and you are left dangling. We are part of the largest organization in the universe.","Some say they don't believe in organized religion, so they join a disorganized religion. 	Those who adopt such viewpoints are like Satan. Blasphemers. They break away from the Father, Jehovah 1 Timothy 1:19,20  Apostates are like DDT.  Drop Dead Twice. These ones are dangerous. They keep on killing. By rejecting Jehovah's organization, such ones are rejecting the protection of the Fine Shepherd, who has but ""one flock"" (Joh 10:16)  Such persons emphasize personal salvation, not the vindication of Jehovah. ","1 Timothy 1:19,20; Joh 10:16; ","Bobby Laymon, ",Move Ahead With Jehovah’s Unified Organization.,03,joshlaymon,,5/30/2025
" congregation, Organization, sawmill accident, congregation meetings, ","A brother who lost his thumb in a sawmill accident observed: ""I learned to live without my thumb, however, my thumb could not live without me.  We never found it.""  It was probably hauled off and used as horse litter as the sawdust was.  That's how it is with the congregation.  It can survive without us, however, we cannot live without the congregation.","To continue serving God with endurance, we need to identify Jehovah's organization. Need to assemble at congregation meetings regularly (Heb 10:23-25)  We are in Jehovah's house.  We must observe house rules. Must be organized.  Helps us to x-ray in on this thought.  Assembly regularly.  ",Heb 10:23-25; ,"Bobby Laymon, ",Move Ahead With Jehovah’s Unified Organization.,03,joshlaymon,,5/30/2025
"Throw, burden, prayer, strengthen our relationship, pretend to throw. have confidence and let go,","Also need to strengthen our relationship with Jehovah through prayer, Read Ps. 55:22  Sometimes we just pretend to throw.  We do not really let go.  That can get old pretty quick.  ","We can do that in our prayers.  We must have confidence and let go, and leave it in the capable hands of our loving father. Submit happily to the ""administration"" of Jehovah in gathering together in one",Ps. 55:22; ,"Bobby Laymon, ",Move Ahead With Jehovah’s Unified Organization.,03,joshlaymon,,5/30/2025
"Brother Roy Ryan, making cheese, WE ARE A FAMILY! not where you serve, but who you serve, ","Brother Roy Ryan worked for 30 years making cheese and then got a new job assignment.  ""It didn't bother me because I didn't like making cheese anyway.""  ","WE ARE A FAMILY!  It does not matter where you serve, but who you serve.  You don’t have to do what you love in order to love what you do!",1 Peter 2:17; ,"Bobby Laymon, ",Move Ahead With Jehovah’s Unified Organization.,03,joshlaymon,,5/30/2025
"""happy adjustments"", get closer to the new world, ""The World's Greatest Dad!"", clouds, mountains, trees, ","The early settlers going West saw what appeared to be clouds on the horizon.  As they got closer, they saw they were mountains, then they saw trees.  As we get closer to the new world the outlines of the Beautiful New World becomes clearer.  This requires ""happy adjustments"" to widen fields of knowledge.  We won't mind because we will be part of Jehovah's unified organization or family.","If Jehovah can give such strength and unity to a tiny snowflake, think of what he can do with us. Think of the strength we have and the unity we are gaining now for in the future. We have come into the united, happy family of  Jehovah God. ""The World's Greatest Dad!"" I THINK I CAN LIVE WITH THAT!!!  HOW ABOUT YOU?",Revelation 21:1-5; ,"Bobby Laymon, ",Move Ahead With Jehovah’s Unified Organization.,03,joshlaymon,,5/30/2025
"Imagine a tent of Bible times; sturdy fabric being opened, unfurled, fine gauze, ","Further, Isaiah’s words invite us to create mental pictures. We may imagine a tent of Bible times; perhaps we envision a relatively small bundle of sturdy fabric being opened, unfurled, and spread out before being raised up on poles and becoming a home. Similarly, we may imagine a merchant picking up a small bundle of fine gauze and stretching it out for a customer to inspect. In either case, something relatively compact is spread out and becomes larger to our eyes. Job 38:31-33;","Similarly, we may imagine a merchant picking up a small bundle of fine gauze and stretching it out for a customer to inspect. In either case, something relatively compact is spread out and becomes larger to our eyes. Job 38:31-33;",Job 38:31-33;,w11 7/1 26-28; ,Move Ahead With Jehovah’s Unified Organization.,03,joshlaymon,,5/30/2025
"Only a Word Should Be Sufficient, “A WORD to the wise is sufficient.” Mistake, rebuke, advice, understanding","“A WORD to the wise is sufficient.” So goes the proverbial saying. A wise person is one who listens to advice or correction with an open mind, holding no prejudices. He weighs what he hears and adjusts his thinking. He acts on the basis of principles and facts, or truth. An individual who uses tactics such as pressure or threats is not successful with a wise person.","The Bible expresses the idea in slightly different words. It says: “A rebuke works deeper in one having understanding than striking a stupid one a hundred times.”—Prov. 17:10. If a person who has understanding makes a mistake and it is called to his attention, he immediately sees the damage his mistake can or does cause and, particularly, the strain that it can put on his relationship with God. He does not put on a show of indignation or anger, or brush aside the rebuker, trying to make himself appear right in the matter. The understanding person is immediately affected in his conscience by a rebuke. Thereafter no more needs to be done, for his conscience will move him to make efforts toward getting the matter straightened out if possible. He will also seek forgiveness from the person wronged and from God.",Prov. 17:10; ,w78 7/1 p. 3,,,joshlaymon,,5/30/2025
"The “Good News” Reaches a “Most Distant” Part of the Earth, Australia, barren Ayers Rock, challenge,  ","AUSTRALIA, the “island continent,” called the land “down under,” is larger than any country in western Europe. Yet it is home to only some 13 1⁄2 million persons of varied nationalities. In this sparsely inhabited land of almost three million square miles (7,770,000 square kilometers) the terrain and climate vary considerably. These range from the tropical north to the desert interior, from the largest coral reef in the world—the Great Barrier Reef, teeming with life—to mammoth, barren Ayers Rock, in desolate surroundings. The eastern side of Australia is rich in crops such as sugarcane, wheat and other cereals. Here about 61 percent of the population is to be found.","But when the traveler crosses the Great Dividing Range stretching from north to south along the eastern coast, the scenery changes from lush coastal country to rolling hills and then to plains and semidesert. In the heart of Australia, where Ayers Rock is located, salt lakes and deserts abound. The dry conditions of the great Australian plain have made this island continent ideal for wool production and favorable for cattle raising. In the “outback” areas, the landholdings, or “stations,” as they are called, are very large. For these reasons the fulfilling of Jesus’ command to be ‘witnesses of me to the most distant part of the earth’ has been a challenge that is being faced. (Acts 1:8) Let us go back some 70 years or so to the beginning and relive the experiences of some of those who have shared in preaching the “good news” in this distant part of the earth.",Acts 1:8,w78 7/1 p. 8,,,joshlaymon,,5/30/2025
"Persecution, Introduction, Jehovah’s eyes are scanning the earth, ","We know that Jehovah reads hearts. Picture this: Jehovah’s eyes are scanning the earth looking at millions of hearts. He comes to you and stops. He says, “Now here is a person agreeable to my own heart. I am going to draw him to follow my Son. I know he is trustworthy.” You Brothers and Sisters are among the most-favored people on earth. He is so pleased with you and loves you more than you will ever know. John 6:44.","But why now, a talk on persecution. • Because it’s needed. • We know it is coming. • We want to stay united and be encouraging to one another. 1. We are going to look at the “flip” side to persecution.2. Not the dark, ugly cloud Satan wants us to dwell on.3. We are going to view it as Jehovah and Jesus’ does.4. The “silver lining” behind each cloud.Persecution is defined by Webster: to “Causing to suffer because of belief",John 6:44.,"Bobby Laymon, ",BEARING UP UNDER PERSECUTION ,057,joshlaymon,,5/30/2025
"Persecution, by-product, Sawdust, Once thought a nuisance and a danger. Test, ","Not something we bring on ourselves. Persecution is a by-product of our worship of Jehovah in this wicked world. A by-product is something produced in the making of something else. Like sawdust. Sawdust is a by-product of the lumber industry. Once thought a nuisance and a danger. Today, is valuable industry in itself. ","Likewise, Persecution is a by-product of faith and is a useful tool in getting the Good News preached in all the earth.Not everyone will be persecuted. There is a test we can take to see if we’re included. 2 Timothy 3:12) In fact, all those desiring to live with godly devotion in association with Christ Jesus will also be persecuted. A. Do you want to live with Godly devotion in Associated with Christ Jesus? Congratulations! You’re a winner. That’s the best place to be. It’s a long train. ➢ Jump on board with the rest of us. ➢ You are in the very best of company. ➢ We can encourage each other.",2 Timothy 3:12; ,"Bobby Laymon, ",BEARING UP UNDER PERSECUTION ,057,joshlaymon,,5/30/2025
"Persecution, by-product, Sawdust, Once thought a nuisance and a danger. People hate dandelions.","Imagine: You are standing in what 10 minutes ago, was a beautiful yard. You stand unmovable as a huge tornado hits. You see houses torn apart, trees ripped out by root, animals running for cover, and people being swept away. Now everything is gone except for a few flowers, that have survived. You are one of those flowers, a survivor,along with all your friends. You have survived the greatest persecution of all times.","Oh! Did I forget to tell you what kind of flower we are? First picture. A. Do you recognize it? You’re right, We are all dandelions. • Oh! NO! I don’t want to be a dandelion. People hate dandelions.• Why do they hate them? Not because they are ugly. They are beautiful.• As you are. Even your feet are beautiful.• Are they looking downcast? Notice how they are looking upward. As you are.• Are they Wishy-washy, No, are very ‘tough as leather’ and determined as you are.• Are they non-productive? Ha! They grow everywhere.",2 Timothy 3:12; ,"Bobby Laymon, ",BEARING UP UNDER PERSECUTION ,057,joshlaymon,,5/30/2025
"Persecution, by-product, Sawdust, Once thought a nuisance and a danger. People hate dandelions.","Why do people hate dandelions? They cannot control them, and people love to be in control. 1. They mow them down and 2 days later they are higher than before. 2. They pull them up by roots and leave a tap root (part of the root is gone) that grows and thrive underground. 3. Whack them down and seeds go everywhere. (parachutes) 5. They can’t burn them or wash them away","Why does Satan hate and persecute Jehovah’s Witnesses? He cannot control us. We obey Jehovah. He may put us in prison, beat us, humiliate us, impose large fines and we keep preaching. He takes away our literature and property and we keep preaching and keep increasing. Joseph Stalin, Russian ruler sends every Witness family he could find to Siberia, (one of the coldest places on earth) where ‘we will work them to death, freeze to death, starve to death. Soon they’re having meetings and preaching and keep on growing. Satan just gave our brothers a free ticket to unassigned territory where the need is great. The work prospers in Siberia. “silver lining” Satan just can’t win.",John 15:20;,"Bobby Laymon, ",BEARING UP UNDER PERSECUTION ,057,joshlaymon,,5/30/2025
" “Goodthings sandwich.” persecution, “silver lining.” you are in the very best of company, ","One of my favorite Scriptures at Mark 10:29, 30. Not all blessings are future. “Goodthings sandwich.” (Mark 10:29, 30) . . . Jesus said: “Truly I say to you, no one has left house or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields for my sake and for the sake of the good news 30 who will not get 100 times more now in this period of time—“Good-things sandwich.” houses, brothers, sisters, mothers, children, and fields, with persecutions—and in the coming system of things, everlasting life.","Did you see how Jesus just sneaked persecution into his sandwich? Was it a mistake? An accident? Jesus never made a mistake. What was Jesus’ attitude toward persecution? Jesus knows more about persecution than anyone on earth. (Read Matthew 5:11, 12) . . . “Happy are you when people reproach you and persecute you and lyingly say every sort of wicked thing against you for my sake. 12 Rejoice and be overjoyed, since your reward is great in the heavens, for in that way they persecuted the prophets prior to you. • Do you suppose that attitude helped him when faced with death on the stake? • Jesus saw the “silver lining.” The removal of all sin, suffering and death.• Did you notice what he said (verse 12) about prophets, like Isaiah and Jeremiah. • In other words, you are in the very best of company","Mark 10:29, 30; Matthew 5:11, 12; ","Bobby Laymon, ",BEARING UP UNDER PERSECUTION ,057,joshlaymon,,5/30/2025
"Brother Dennis Christensen, assignment from Jehovah, You have always been on the outside.","Brother Dennis Christensen said, “I view my time in prison as my assignment from Jehovah. I decided right away that sadness and discouragement was not for me. He wanted to talk about the Bible, about Jesus, about the Kingdom, and Jehovah. He remained joyful. Other noticed his constant smiling. He would tell them he wasremembering something good. ","A member of the prison staff said to me. “Dennis, I can see that you are very joyful.” I said, “Yes, I’ll be free soon. All my thoughts are there right now. I’m not here, I’m already out there.” He said to me, “Look Christensen, You have never been here. You have always been on the outside. You will always be free; you have always been joyfuland happy.”","Mark 10:29, 30; Matthew 5:11, 12; ","Bobby Laymon, ",BEARING UP UNDER PERSECUTION ,057,joshlaymon,,5/30/2025
"assignment from Jehovah, Persecution can overwhelm us at first. let it rain.""","Have you ever been caught in the rain? It's the first shower that gets you cold and wet. It's shocking! But you adjust to it. Persecution may perplex us momentarily, but Jehovah will always show his faithful servants “the way out.”","(1 Corinthians 10:13) . . .No temptation has come upon you except what is common to men. But God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear, but along with the temptation he will also make the way out so that you may be able to endure it. Cautions: a. Don’t try to stop the persecution. As the poet said: ""The best thing to do when it is raining, let it rain.""",1 Corinthians 10:13; ,"Bobby Laymon, ",BEARING UP UNDER PERSECUTION ,057,joshlaymon,,5/30/2025
"What is our assignment. Obedience, inner rooms, shut your doors, Hide yourself, may not appear sound ","What is our assignment. Obedience: Simple instructions: (Isaiah 26:20) . . .Go, my people, enter your inner rooms, And shut your doors behind you. Hide yourself for a brief moment Until the wrath has passed by. “All of God’s faithful servants, in heaven and on earth, will be safe during that time.” (Feb 2024 Watchtower)","All of us must be ready to obey any instructions we may receive, whether these appear sound from a human standpoint or not. Most deliverances did not make sense from a human standpoint. Red sea, 185,000 killed in one night.",Isaiah 26:20; ,"Bobby Laymon, ",BEARING UP UNDER PERSECUTION ,057,joshlaymon,,5/30/2025
"SCENE OF THIS WORLD IS CHANGING, ","Can you imagine this? You’re watching the weather; suddenly sirens start wailing.  The newscaster says, “A tornado is on the ground.” Folks, this is the real thing. Take shelter now!  You say, “What’s that roar?  There’s no trains here! The next few minutes are like a lifetime, then the roaring stops.  What now?  You step outside and you can’t believe it.  There’s no buildings; no homes; no trees; no city.  It’s a different world!  The scene of the world has changed in 5 minutes and 20 seconds.  It’s a change you will never forget.","On one hand: Advances in technology, health care, education, transportation, and human rights have benefited many. On the other hand, soaring crime rates, sinking moral values, drug abuse, divorces, inflation, and terrorism have affected millions. Truly, “the scene of this world is changing” (1 Corinthians 7:31) . . .and those making use of the world as those not using it to the full; for the scene of this world is changing.",1 Corinthians 7:31; ,"Bobby Laymon, ","tHE SCENE OF THIS WORLD IS CHANGING, ",098,joshlaymon,,5/30/2025
"tHE SCENE OF THIS WORLD IS CHANGING, performers on that stage, hobbies, TV watching, sightseeing, shopping,","When Paul made that statement, he was comparing the world to a stage. The performers on that stage—political, religious, and cultural icons—make their appearance, play their respective roles, and then leave the stage to others. This has gone on for centuries. In times past, a dynasty might rule for centuries—and changes were slow. ","Not so today, when the course of history can shift in the time it takes for an assassin’s bullet to find its mark! Yes, in these turbulent times, we do not know what tomorrow will bring.",1 Corinthians 7:31; ,"Bobby Laymon, ","tHE SCENE OF THIS WORLD IS CHANGING, ",098,joshlaymon,,5/30/2025
"past history of 1914, remember the past, important, never forgot it,","We are going to look at past history of 1914. The past is important. A famous Philosopher said,  'Those who do not remember the past, are condemned to relive it.'  Jehovah wants us to remember what happened because he had it recorded in His Word.  It fits chronology. Prophecy.","In times past changes usually happened slowly. That changed. June 28, 1914, something changed that. A shot rang out that was heard around the world and triggered World War I. Educators and historians agree that since 1914, the pace of world has changed. Have you lived through something you will never forget? Like that storm. Those who lived through 1914 never forgot it.  They never got over it. They felt they had lived in two different worlds.",1 Corinthians 7:31; ,"Bobby Laymon, ","tHE SCENE OF THIS WORLD IS CHANGING, ",098,joshlaymon,,5/30/2025
"Jehovah does not change, His promises and standards are reliable and unchangeable. most honest people","Jehovah does not change.  His promises and standards are reliable and unchangeable. We can trust everything he has promised. (Leviticus 19:35, 36) . . .“‘You must not use dishonest standards in measuring length, weight, or volume. 36 You should use accurate scales, accurate weights, an accurate dry measure, and an accurate liquid measure. 		","Obeying that command brought the Israelites God’s favor as well as many material benefits because they were trustworthy. Likewise, obedience to Jehovah’s ageless principles, not only in weights and measures but in all areas of life, brings blessings for the worshiper who trusts in him. Some leaders have acknowledge “Jehovah’s Witnesses are the most honest people in 	our country.","Leviticus 19:35, 36; ","Bobby Laymon, ","tHE SCENE OF THIS WORLD IS CHANGING, ",098,joshlaymon,,5/30/2025
"1914,  World War I, broke the peace, Woe,  DEVIL, short period of time. Satan is angry, world changed for the worse.","Going back to 1914. Revelation chapter 12: World War I broke the peace and changed the world. Notice the immediate effect of that war? (Revelation 12:12b) ___Woe___ for the earth and for the sea, because the Devil has come down to you, having great anger, knowing that he has a short period of time.” Woe is the opposite of joy. Woe is distress almost beyond description. Historian Barbara Tuchman observes: “The Great War of 1914-18 lies like a band of scorched earth dividing that time from ours,” ","(Revelation 12:12a) Regarding what happened in heaven, we read: “On this account be glad, you heavens and you who reside in them!” Yes, the faithful angels in heaven rejoice because, with Satan and his demons gone, everyone in heaven is faithful to Jehovah God. There is complete, unbroken peace and harmony there.  Satan can now give his full attention to the earth.  Satan is angry about being cast out of heaven; He is angry because he has a short time left. Like a tenant that has been evicted from his home.  He destroys everything he can. The world changed for the worse.",Revelation 12:12; ,"Bobby Laymon, ","tHE SCENE OF THIS WORLD IS CHANGING, ",098,joshlaymon,,5/30/2025
"‘Villain.’ battled with the dragon, hurled down to the earth, right on time, I’m going out and come back invisible","As in most stage productions there is a ‘Villain.’ Who would that be? (Revelation 12:7, 9) . . .And war broke out in heaven: Miʹcha·el and his angels battled with the dragon, and the dragon and its angels battled  9 So down the great dragon was (Whoow) hurled, the original serpent, the one called Devil and Satan, who is misleading the entire inhabited earth; he was hurled down to the earth, and his angels were hurled down with him. ","The villain behind the scenes is none other than Satan the Devil. The greatest villain of all times. This happened right on time with Bible chronology. Bible students had foretold for 40 years a great change in 1914. It was also a signal. Turn to Luke chapter 21:10 (What if you said, I’m going out and come back invisible) “How will we know?” (Turn lights on and off 3 times and place chair on table) Jesus was going to return invisible and his disciples asked for a sign. It was the end of an age.  In 1913 the future looked bright and clear. We have seen the ride of the four horsemen, proving…Jehovah’s Word is trustworthy.","Revelation 12:7, 9; Luke 21:9, 10;","Bobby Laymon, ","tHE SCENE OF THIS WORLD IS CHANGING, ",098,joshlaymon,,5/30/2025
"future looked bright and clear, suddenly, unexpectedly, one morning in 1914, ","It was the end of an age.  In 1913 the future looked bright and clear. We have seen the ride of the four horsemen, proving…	Jehovah’s Word is trustworthy. ","British statesman, Harold Macmillan said, 'Everything would get better and better.  This was the world I was born in ... suddenly, unexpectedly, one morning in 1914 the whole thing came to an end.' The New York Times, Nov 23, 1980","Revelation 12:7, 9; Luke 21:9, 10;","Bobby Laymon, ","tHE SCENE OF THIS WORLD IS CHANGING, ",098,joshlaymon,,5/30/2025
"artificial fruit, artificial ‘peace and security’, failure, League of Nations,  United Nations, cry of ‘Peace and Security’","Imagine you pick up a piece of artificial fruit. It looks like the real thing.  However, it is light and hollow, and without substance.  It is manmade. Real fruit is a creation of Jehovah and has real food value.  We must not take artificial ‘peace and security’ no matter how tempting it sounds.",Consider this: After WW1 nations wanted peace. The League of Nations was formed to bring peace. It failed. After WW1 the United Nations was a popular hope of peace to the earth. It failed. 	This cry of ‘Peace and Security’ will also fail. 		,1 Thessalonians 5:1-3; ,"Bobby Laymon, ","tHE SCENE OF THIS WORLD IS CHANGING, ",098,joshlaymon,,5/30/2025
"“exit time” for the world leaders, It will crush and put an end to all these kingdoms, stand forever, ","Daniel 2:44.  It is “exit time” for the world leaders.  They have played their part. (Daniel 2:44) . . .“In the days of those kings the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that will never be destroyed. And this kingdom will not be passed on to any other people. It will crush and put an end to all these kingdoms, and it alone will stand forever, (Daniel 2:35) . .  and the wind carried them away so that not a trace of them could be found. ",The day of Jehovah will conclude in the war of Armageddon. They are facing Armageddon. Revelation 16:16 . . . And they gathered them together to the place that is called in Hebrew Armageddon. Goodbye Kings.  You’re ‘gone with the wind.’,Daniel 2:44; Revelation 16:16; ,"Bobby Laymon, ","tHE SCENE OF THIS WORLD IS CHANGING, ",098,joshlaymon,,5/30/2025
"Each marker bore this inscription: “Why? mass grave, war, disaster, disease, or crime, suffering, ","AFTER a terrible battle in one war-torn land, the thousands of civilian women and children who had been killed were buried in a mass grave surrounded by markers. Each marker bore this inscription: “Why?” Sometimes that is the most painful question of all. People ask it sadly when war, disaster, disease, or crime takes their innocent loved ones, destroys their home, or brings them untold suffering in other ways. They want to know why such tragedies happen.","Victims of accidents, crime, war, terrorism, and disasters, often ask, “Why?” Have you wondered why a loving God would permit evil things to occur? I know I have at times. Would it be wrong to even ask God about that?  Let us see. 	Even faithful servants of God pondered that question Read Habakkuk 1:3 Why do you make me witness wrongdoing?  And why do you tolerate oppression? Why are destruction and violence before me? And why do quarreling and conflict abound? Did Jehovah scold the faithful prophet Habakkuk for asking such questions? No. Instead, God included Habakkuk’s sincere words in the inspired Bible record. God also helped him to get a clearer understanding of matters and to gain greater faith. Jehovah wants to do the same for you and me.Remember, the Bible teaches that “he cares for you.”  (Gave His Son for us.)",Habakkuk 1:3; ,"g 11/06 3-9 Bobby Laymon, ",Why WOULD A LOVING GOD PERMIT WICKEDNESS?,187,joshlaymon,,5/30/2025
"Some blame God, some ministers claimed that God had punished the city, calamities beyond our understanding.","We don't want to blame God. We want to put the blame where it belongs. God is not and has never been a party to man's crimes.  Many religious leaders often contribute to the confusion. First, many religious leaders preach that God sends disasters in order to punish wayward humans. For instance, in the United States, after New Orleans, Louisiana, was devastated by Hurricane Katrina, some ministers claimed that God had punished the city. They pointed to the corruption, gambling, and morals. Some even quoted the Bible as evidence, like it was an act of God.Second, some clergymen claim that God has his reasons for bringing about the calamities beyond our understanding. Third, other religious leaders feel that perhaps God is not powerful enough to stop it.","The Bible reveals that God hates suffering and injustice (Jg 2:18; Pr 6:16-19) Jehovah felt hurt at heart because of all the badness in Noah’s day, and his hatred of wickedness has not changed (Ge 6:5, 6) Be assured that God is never the source of wickedness (Job 34:10; It is unthinkable for the true God to act wickedly, For the Almighty to do wrong!  Jas 1:13) He may permit it but does not cause it.","Jg 2:18; Pr 6:16-19; Ge 6:5, 6; ","Bobby Laymon, ",Why WOULD A LOVING GOD PERMIT WICKEDNESS?,187,joshlaymon,,5/30/2025
"Some blame God, math teacher, calamities beyond our understanding. A renegade student, not helped Satan,  ","Imagine that a math teacher showing his students how to solve a difficult problem. A renegade student claims that the teacher’s way is wrong. He does it in front of the class. What should the teacher do? If he throws the rebel out of the class, all the other students in the class might lose respect for the teacher, thinking that he is afraid of being proved wrong. But suppose that the teacher says, ""Here's the chalk and there is the board. Show us! (5 minutes) He will give him some time, but he is not going to bail him out from his humiliation and dilemma. ","Jehovah has done something almost like that. When Satan challenged him, millions of angels were watching. What would he do? So he handed it to Satan, and said, here, you do it. First, he has allowed a specific time for Satan to prove his claim. Second, Satan is in a real dilemma right now. Jehovah has not helped Satan to rule this world, nor shielded him from humiliation. If he did, would he not, in effect, be supporting the case of the rebels? All mankind has suffered from Satan's attempt to play God. The issue will be settled for all times in Jehovah's favor, and to our everlasting benefit. That, in a nutshell, is why a God of love would permit wickedness. Has independence from God brought true freedom and lasting happiness? No!",Genesis 3:2-5,"Bobby Laymon, ",Why WOULD A LOVING GOD PERMIT WICKEDNESS?,187,joshlaymon,,5/30/2025
"Men cannot master, Perpetual motion, Creating life in a test tube, Turning energy into matter, cannot govern himself,","Has independence from God brought true freedom and lasting happiness? No! It has proven beyond doubt there are certain things that men cannot master. For example: 1. Perpetual motion machine; for decades tried to make a machine that after started would keep running on its own power. After years, Man is no closer now than he ever has been. 2. Creating life in a test tube. After decades of testing, no closer now than he ever has been. 3. Turning energy into matter. Can turn matter into energy, burn log, But cannot turn energy into matter as Jehovah God did in creating. After Decades, no closer. ","But there is something else that man has experimented with for 6000 Years. Man cannot govern himself, ruling over himself, and after many, many experiments, man is no closer now than he ever has been, to being able to Govern himself. Does not belong to him to do so. Jeremiah 10:23 I well know, O Jehovah, that man’s way does not belong to him. It does not belong to man who is walking even to direct his step.",Jeremiah 10:23; ,"Bobby Laymon, ",Why WOULD A LOVING GOD PERMIT WICKEDNESS?,187,joshlaymon,,5/30/2025
"Jehovah's executioner, exterminator, sight, hearing, smell, touch and taste - function perfectly. ","Jesus Christ has been appointed as Ruler in Jehovah's Kingdom. Jehovah's executioner. Imagine an exterminator coming into a filthy restaurant at 3:00 AM and flipping on the lights. What would he see. Not just bugs and critters scurrying away, but the conditions that brought them. His work would be cut out for him. ","In like manner, Jesus knows what his work is. Darkness and light are not compatible. When the sun comes up, the darkness and everything associated with darkness… flees. When Jesus comes in the fullest sense, many things will have to go. Read Psalm 37:10, 11","Psalm 37:10, 11","Bobby Laymon, ",Why WOULD A LOVING GOD PERMIT WICKEDNESS?,187,joshlaymon,,5/30/2025
"What is normal? living without ever worrying, ","Have you ever said, ""Well, when things get back to normal I am going to......What is normal? According to Jehovah God, Normal is living without ever getting sick, Normal is living without ever getting old, Normal is living without ever worrying about your children, without ever being afraid. ","We don't know what NORMAL is. So why devote so much of our time to living a normal life when it just isn’t possible? Why not devote your life to Jehovah? So, let's not get excessively involved in the normal pursuits of this world. Granted, no human or man-made organization can bring about such conditions. But God has promised to do away with all causes of human suffering. How comforting to know that all suffering will soon end! The patience of our loving God means salvation for “the meek” (Ps 149:4; Jer. 29:11, 12; 2 Peter 3:9) ","Ps 149:4; Jer. 29:11, 12; 2 Peter 3:9; ","Bobby Laymon, ",Why WOULD A LOVING GOD PERMIT WICKEDNESS?,187,joshlaymon,,5/30/2025
"Firm hold on the real life, Young people, ""really living"" fine foundation for the future, drunk, commit fornication, drugs.","1 Timothy 6:19 says: safely treasuring up for themselves a fine foundation for the future, so that they may get a firm hold on the real life. ","Young people in the world would tell you your ""really living"" when you can selfishly do what you want, when you get drunk, commit fornication, use drugs. Yet a lot of young people who have ""really lived"" are now ""really sick"", ""really depressed"", ""really dead""! This is not the ""REAL LIFE."" We are just practicing now. This is not the real life.",1 Timothy 6:19; ,"Bobby Laymon, ",Why WOULD A LOVING GOD PERMIT WICKEDNESS?,187,joshlaymon,,5/30/2025
"Artesian well, wells never stop flowing-summer-droughts-dry spells, winter. Bible truths, New Earth, ","Did you ever see an artesian well? Water comes surging right up out of the ground. You just cap them off and pipe the water where you want it. These wells never stop flowing-summer-droughts-dry spells, winter. Bible truths will keep flowing. Not from the ground but from Jehovah. Keep flowing forever. Spiritual water. Also shows us what we should be like. 	A spring or well that is continually flowing always ready to impart the truth to others. ","Any damage experienced in this system of things will be reversed Read Isaiah 65:17 For look! I am creating new heavens and a new earth; And the former things will not be called to mind, Nor will they come up into the heart. Healing and forgetfulness in that water. For mankind it has been a hard row to hoe.  If conditions get worse REMEMBER: Jehovah is not going to help the Devil and bail him out of the problems he has caused. In the meantime, hope in Jehovah and imitate the patient attitude of faithful ones, past and present (Habakkuk 3:16-18) ","Revelation 22:1, 2; Isaiah 65:17; Habakkuk 3:16-18; ","Bobby Laymon, ",Why WOULD A LOVING GOD PERMIT WICKEDNESS? ,187,joshlaymon,,5/30/2025
"“Ministers of Our God” Pioneer Vital Restoration Work, longstanding devastated places; spiritual kind, Recover, ","MINISTERS of State participated in the great reconstruction work that was made necessary by World War I. Much of what they shared in restoring was again destroyed by the far more disastrous war of 1939-1945. Reconstruction work became necessary once more, but on a far grander scale. Today public servants are making strenuous efforts to keep things from falling into a state of disrepair. The ministries of governments are in perplexity.","However, a more important restoration work of another kind began in the postwar year of 1919. In spite of the destructiveness of World War II, it continued on determinedly, yes, irrepressibly. It was restoration work of a spiritual kind, backed by a power such as the ministerial departments of human governments did not have. It is true that, according to what is written in Romans 13:4, the superior authorities of this world serve as God’s public ministers even for the good of Christians. But those who have pioneered the restoration work of the spiritual kind have been God’s public servants of a higher order. The work pioneered by such ministers was foretold by God’s inspired prophet Isaiah as follows: “And they must rebuild the longstanding devastated places; they will raise up even the desolated places of former times, and they will certainly make anew the devastated cities, the places desolate for generation after generation. And strangers will actually stand and shepherd the flocks of you people, and the foreigners will be your farmers and your vinedressers. And as for you, the priests of Jehovah you will be called; the ministers of our God you will be said to be. The resources of the nations you people will eat.”—Isa. 61:4-6.",Romans 13:4; Isa. 61:4-6; ,w78 7/1 pp. 16-17 pars. 1-3,,,joshlaymon,,5/30/2025
"Perceived by the Things Made, rock slide in the mountains, Evolution, designer, primitive man, ","If crude stone tools prove the existence of a designer, with far greater force do not living creatures of intricate design declare the existence of a wise and powerful Creator? IF THERE is a rockslide in the mountains, we expect to see a jumble of boulders where it comes to rest at the bottom. We would not believe our eyes if all the boulders came to rest in the form of a beautiful rock house—for a house requires design and purposeful work. And there is no design without a designer, or purposeful work without an intelligent worker. ","This agrees with the Bible’s statement at Hebrews 3:4: “Every house is constructed by someone.” A scientist digs in the rubble of the earth and finds a round, oblong stone that is smooth and has a groove circling the middle. He has no doubt but that it was shaped by a primitive man. He is convinced that it was attached to a stick by a leather thong and used as a hammer or a weapon. Similarly, he finds a flat stone with a sharp edge and is sure that it was made by a “Stone Age” man for use as a knife or a scraper. Or, a small piece of sharp flint shaped like an arrowhead convinces him that it was designed by man to use on the tip of an arrow or a spear. Such purposeful, designed things, the scientist concludes, are not products of chance.",Hebrews 3:4:,w78 7/15 p. 8,,,joshlaymon,,5/30/2025
"dishonest baker, doughnuts, He lost customers and couldn't sleep.","The story is told of the dishonest baker. . . He tried to cheat on making doughnuts by enlarging the holes.  To his dismay, he discovered that the larger he made the holes the more dough it took to go around it.  His dishonesty led to frustration, but it cost him besides. He lost customers and couldn't sleep.  That's the way with dishonesty, isn't it?  Think back to a time when you were not completely honest.  Were you frustrated?  Nervous? Did your conscience bother you?  Were you happy?   ","His dishonesty led to frustration, but it cost him besides. He lost customers and couldn't sleep.  That's the way with dishonesty, isn't it?  Think back to a time when you were not completely honest.  Were you frustrated?  Nervous? Did your conscience bother you?  Were you happy? ",Hebrews 13:18,"Bobby Laymon, ",Be Honest in All You Say and Do,010,joshlaymon,,5/30/2025
"Honesty, God of truth, Jehovah views dishonesty as a very serious matter.","Some believe that to ‘get ahead’ in this world, you have to resort to dishonesty. One businessman said, “Honesty in business is a relic of the past, and those who try to practice it are doomed to failure.” Jehovah is “the God of truth”; Jehovah is always honest, successful.	","Oliver Wendell Holmes once said,  ‘Sin has many tools, but a lie is the handle that fits them all.' (many sockets but one handle that fits them all.) Jehovah views dishonesty as a very serious matter. (Proverbs 6:16, 17) . . .There are six things that Jehovah hates; Yes, seven things that he detests: 	#2 is:  a lying tongue, …			","Proverbs 6:16, 17; ","Bobby Laymon, ",Be Honest in All You Say and Do,010,joshlaymon,,5/30/2025
"BE HONEST WITH YOURSELF, worldly proverbs like: Cheaters never win! “poor and blind and naked” spiritually","BE HONEST WITH YOURSELF, We can deceive ourselves (Pr 16:25; Jer 17:9)  People quote worldly proverbs like:Crime does not pay!  Cheaters never win! Honesty is the best policy. Many say it, but don't practice it.	Honesty is still the best policy, but there are not as many policyholders as should be.","Our first challenge is to learn to be honest with ourselves.  Jesus told the Christians in Laodicea that they had fooled themselves into thinking that they were rich when, in fact, they were “poor and blind and naked” spiritually—what a truly pitiable, dangerous state. ",Pr 16:25; Jer 17:9; ,"Bobby Laymon, ",Be Honest in All You Say and Do,010,joshlaymon,,5/30/2025
"Watch our eyes.”(1) Rationalize, (2) Minimize, and (3) Plagiarize, (4) falsifies, (5)  Amplifies (6) Close their eyes","(Jeremiah 17:9) The heart is more treacherous than anything else and is desperate. Who can know it? I guess we could say, “We must watch our eyes.” Humans tend to: (1) Rationalize, (2) Minimize, and (3) Plagiarize, (4) falsifies, (5)  Amplifies (6) Close their eyes, regarding their accomplishments.  We must overcome this tendency and do whatever is necessary to overcome this weakness.  (Example: Person filling out 'Resume' for a job)","Brothers, we warmly commend you for submitting an application for a temporary volunteer or for a 	full-time servant for the International Order of Jehovah’s Witnesses. You are imitating the prophet 	Isaiah 6:8 “Here I am send me.”  You may open to yourself many opportunities to increase your 	service to Jehovah in a variety of ways.  Of course any avenue of service you may choose is pleasing to Jehovah. Hebrews 6:10  For God is not unrighteous so as to forget your work 	and the love you showed for his name by ministering and continuing to minister to the holy ones.",Isaiah 6:8; ,"Bobby Laymon, ",Be Honest in All You Say and Do,010,joshlaymon,,5/30/2025
"Western movie, always headed off at the pass, Armageddon, ","(Illustrate: Western movie) Four bandits rob a bank.  One killed immediately; two are chased down and hanged. The ringleader, the one with the money always gets away.  Before the movie is over, at the conclusion perhaps.  He is always headed off at the pass.  It is the same with deceit.  Note the parallel.","(1 Timothy 5:24) The sins of some men are publicly known, leading directly to judgment, but those of other men become evident later. (It will catch up and will be headed off at the pass at Armageddon.)",1 Timothy 5:24,"Bobby Laymon, ",Be Honest in All You Say and Do,010,joshlaymon,,5/30/2025
"Family honesty, gracious and kind, Some may not scream, but they pout. that too, fit of anger, ","A husband and wife must be open and honest with each other yet also gracious and kind. (Ephesians 4:31, 32) . . .Put away from yourselves every kind of malicious bitterness, anger, wrath, screaming, and abusive speech, as well as everything injurious. 32 But become kind to one another, tenderly compassionate, freely forgiving one another just as God also by Christ freely forgave you.		","Parents must teach their children to be honest in all they say and do. Some may not scream, but they pout. That too, is a fit of anger. To Illustrate: Ahab went home, where he lay on his couch with his face to the wall, refusing to eat.That attitude got him killed. Use Bible examples to impress honesty and obedience upon them. (Ge 43:12; Jos 6:17-19; 7:11-25; 2Ki 5:14-16, 20-27; lv 162-163 ¶7-8) Show how it affects not just you but others. (Describe account) Headed off at the pass.","Ephesians 4:31, 32","Bobby Laymon, ",Be Honest in All You Say and Do,010,joshlaymon,,5/30/2025
"scales to buy with another to sell with, unjust profit, stealing and cheating in … less offensive terms, “tip” or “favor.”","Some had scales to buy with another to sell with, making unjust profit. Trickery with words. Illustrate: A brother told about a man who ran a race with his father-in-law. His father-in-law won.  When he got home he told his wife.  “There was a big race at work today and I came in 2nd place.  Your Dad, poor guy, was next to last.  Not exactly a lie, but very misleading.					","In the same way, some describe stealing and cheating in … less offensive terms. Lying or cheating “I got a good deal but I “cut some corners” Some might bribe a public official.  I gave him a nice “tip” or “favor.” There is a difference between a “tip and a bribe.” (Proverbs 11:1) . . .Dishonest scales are detestable to Jehovah, But an accurate weight brings pleasure to him.",Proverbs 11:1; ,"Bobby Laymon, ",Be Honest in All You Say and Do,010,joshlaymon,,5/30/2025
"Student bought an automobile from a local car dealer, multimillion-dollar order for 1,100 trucks! ","Years ago, a foreign student attending a college in the midwestern United States bought an automobile from a local car dealer. Some fifteen years passed. By then the former student was the only purchasing agent of the Iranian Contractors Association for the country of Iran. How surprised that same auto dealer was when the former student placed with him a multimillion-dollar order for 1,100 trucks! … Why? Because that onetime student felt that the dealer had treated him honestly years earlier. “It’s unbelievable,” said the dealer.","“He was just an ordinary student and we sold him an automobile. He quoted: (Ecclesiastes 11:1)  Cast your bread on the waters, for after many days you will find it again. . .He was rewarded materially. The honest person is able to maintain a clear conscience. He does not have to ‘live a lie,’ only pretending to act with honesty. 	Nor does he have to worry about being caught. He is a happier person. ",Ecclesiastes 11:1; ,"Bobby Laymon, ",Be Honest in All You Say and Do,010,joshlaymon,,5/30/2025
Jehovah—The “Grand Creator”,"A little boy was eating a watermelon under oak tree. Squirrels dropped acorn. Rather than a critical view of creation he began to look for the wisdom in creation. Could we do the same? No one else can compare to Jehovah. Read Psalm 97:9) For you, O Jehovah, are the Most High over all the earth; You are very high in your ascent over all [other] gods. Described as the ""Most High"" 50 times in Bible. The great First Cause, he alone is uncreated, without beginning. None of the angels, not even firstborn Son, can be compared to him. ","Read Psalm 89:6 For who in the skies can be compared to Jehovah? Who can resemble Jehovah among the sons of God? Jehovah holds unique position as the only Creator of all created things. Word ""create"" from Hebrew verb ba-ra' --used only as to Jehovah. Genesis 1:1 In [the] beginning God created the heavens and the earth.When God speaks to his ""master worker"" at Genesis 1:26, Hebrew verb 'a-sah' used; this means ""make"" and could involve others. (making a bed) ""Master worker"" a fellow worker, not a co-creator. (Proverbs 8:30) then I came to be beside him as a master worker, and I came to be the one he was specially fond of day by day, I being glad before him all the time,",Psalm 97:9; Read Psalm 89:6; Genesis 1:1; ,"Bobby Laymon, ",Jehovah—The “Grand Creator”,101,joshlaymon,,5/30/2025
"JEHOVAH FITTINGLY CALLED ""GRAND CREATOR"" ","JEHOVAH FITTINGLY CALLED ""GRAND CREATOR"" Read Ecclesiastes 12:1 Jehovah also described as ""your Grand Creator""An artist paints a great picture. It brings him praise. It being there with his name on it is. inanimate honor or praise. Someone may orally praise him for his work. However, you never see a tree with ""Jehovah"" on it. He does not use stickers and labels. The superb design speaks for itself. Only Jehovah could have created it. He does want to beknown for his productions. They display his power and wisdom. ","The very name Jehovah means ""He Causes to Become,"" implying that Jehovah can become whatever he chooses in order to carry out his will. He has taken on various roles, including Father, Sovereign Lord, Shepherd, Jehovah of armies, Hearer of prayer, Judge, Grand Instructor and Repurchaser.",Ecclesiastes 12:1; ,"Bobby Laymon, ",Jehovah—The “Grand Creator”,101,joshlaymon,,5/30/2025
"JEHOVAH FITTINGLY CALLED ""GRAND CREATOR""  creation of an awesome universe!","JEHOVAH -- THE GRAND CREATOR When other translations only say ""Creator,"" they fail to give complete meaning of original Hebrew text. Word used is in the plural, denoting excellence or grandeur. Read Isaiah 54:5 “For your Grand Maker is your husbandly owner, Jehovah of armies being his name; and the Holy One of Israel is your Repurchaser. The God of the whole earth he will be called. Expression ""Grand Creator"" helps convey Jehovah's incomparable position. Denotes unmatched majesty, dignity; his supremacy and awe-inspiring glory and power.","Jehovah's grandness seen in opening statement of Bible. (Genesis 1:1) (Nutshell) What accomplishment envisioned here creation of an awesome universe! Jehovah has always existed, but matter and energy composing universe have not. (Psalm 90:2) Before the mountains themselves were born, Or you proceeded to bring forth as with labor pains the earth and the productive land, Even from time indefinite to time indefinite you are God. Otherwise, expression ""beginning"" not appropriate. How did ""the heavens and the earth"" come about by God's will?", Isaiah 54:5; Psalm 90:2; ,"Bobby Laymon, ",Jehovah—The “Grand Creator”,101,joshlaymon,,5/30/2025
"JEHOVAH FITTINGLY CALLED ""GRAND CREATOR""  creation of an awesome universe!","To appreciate the full meaning of God's name, we must also come to know Jehovah in the role of ""Grand Creator."" Definition Word Grand: magnificent, imposing, stately, majestic grandiose. Grand adds to greatness of size, the implications of handsomeness, dignity. Mt. Everest in Asia: elevation of 29,028 ft. Man = 1/16 in. Like pencil mark on 8' wall. ""Ain't that grand!"" No words to describe His grandness! No ancient myth has yet been found regarding the creation of the universe. And who would dare touch it?","If you drove you car to the sun at 65 miles per hour it would take 163 years. Imagine the sunscaled down to the size of an orange. The earth a mere grain of sand circling 30 feet away.Milky Way Galaxy would still have a diameter of 20 million miles. Even scaled down, thefigures still get out of hand. So many galaxies have now been detected that it has been saidthey ""are as common as blades of grass in a meadow."" About ten billion galaxies are in theobservable universe! Estimate 100 billion. ce 118 9", Isaiah 54:5; Psalm 90:2; ,"Bobby Laymon, ",Jehovah—The “Grand Creator”,101,joshlaymon,,5/30/2025
"JEHOVAH -- THE GRAND CREATOR, seems like it always has to be rated - Movies, and Videos, ","Jehovah's ""spirit,"" his active force, behind creation. Genesis 1:2 Now the earth proved to be formless and waste and there was darkness upon the surface of [the] watery deep; and God’s active force was moving to and fro over the surface of the waters. Might be likened to our breath, (we can breath hot or cold) All of God's creations orderly, never chaotic or existing by chance. 1 Corinthians 14:33 Do we so acknowledge and show him appreciation? (Ecclesiastes 3:14) I have come to know that everything that the [true] God makes, it will prove to be to time indefinite. To it there is nothing to add and from it there is nothing to subtract; but the [true] God himself has madeit, that people may be afraid on account of him. ","Everything Jehovah creates is perfect--simply grand! (Deuteronomy 32:4) The Rock, perfect is his activity, For all his ways are justice. A God of faithfulness, with whom there is no injustice; Righteous and upright is he. Last forever- ""The creation of a thousand forests is in one acorn."" Ralph W. Emerson. Have you ever noticed that whenever people make something for other people to enjoy it seems like it always has to be rated - Movies, and Videos, Television programs. Even magazines come in ""Plain Brown Wrappers"" Is that true with the things Jehovah God created? Have you ever had to flash your ID to get into a zoo? If you look up at the heavens on a clear night do you see a sign that says, “Adults only!” ""Everything is good when it leaves the hands of the Creator; everything degenerates in the hands of man."" Quote: Jean Jacques Rousseau. ",Genesis 1:2; 1 Corinthians 14:33; Deuteronomy 32:4;,"Bobby Laymon, ",Jehovah—The “Grand Creator”,101,joshlaymon,,5/30/2025
"THE MAGNIFICENCE OF JEHOVAH'S PRODUCTIONS, master worker, Who could improve on a flower, tree? Apple?","Jehovah's creations not limited to just a few things. Rightly called ""Producer of heaven and earth."" (Genesis 14:19,22) Then he blessed him and said: “Blessed be A'bram of the Most High God, Producer of heaven and earth;First and foremost production was his ""master worker""--his ""only-begotten Son"" (Proverbs 8:22,23,30) “Jehovah himself produced me as the beginning of his way, the earliest of his achievements of long ago. 23 From time indefinite I was installed, from the start, from times earlier than the earth. 30 then I came to be beside him as a master worker, and I came to be the one he was specially fond of day by day, I being glad before him all the time,","As ""firstborn of all creation,"" Colossians 1:15-17 he was used by Jehovah in creating all other things. Freeman Dyson, in the book, ""Disturbing the Universe says, ""The more I examine the universe...Who could improve on a flower, tree? Apple? Imagine man making an apple tree! Explain. Could you add or subtract one feather on a mockingbird and improve it? Never! almost scary!","Genesis 14:19,22; Proverbs 8:22,23,30; Colossians 1:15-17; ","Bobby Laymon, ",Jehovah—The “Grand Creator”,101,joshlaymon,,5/30/2025
"JEHOVAH -- THE GRAND CREATOR, Angels, ten thousand times ten thousand, ","Read John 1:3 All things came into existence through him, and apart from him not even one thing came into existence. What has come into existence? Multitudes of heavenly angels individually produced next. (Daniel 7:10) There was a stream of fire flowing and going out from before him. There were a thousand thousands that keptministering to him, and ten thousand times ten thousand that kept standing right before him. The Court took its seat, and there were books that were opened. ","Material heavens and earth and all elements then brought into existence. (Genesis 1:1) In [the] beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Planet Earth a unique production of Jehovah. Only planet where life is found--supports five million or more different species of plants and animals. (ce 129; g87 7/8/30) Earth filled with Jehovah's masterful productions. (Genesis 1:12) And the earth began to put forth grass, vegetation bearing seed according to its kind and trees yielding fruit, the seed of which is in it according to its kind. Then God saw that [it was] good.3. 20,000 different kinds of trees; 300,000 species of plants. (Genesis 1:20) And God went on to say: “Let the waters swarm forth a swarm of living souls and let flying creatures fly over the earth upon the face of the expanse of the heavens.”",Daniel 7:10; John 1:3; Genesis 1:1; ,"Bobby Laymon, ",Jehovah—The “Grand Creator”,101,joshlaymon,,5/30/2025
"JEHOVAH -- THE GRAND CREATOR, Angels, ten thousand times ten thousand, soft song of the wind;","We, as humans, are all products of RNA and DNA. We are so much alike, it is scary. We may think we are different, but when we are young people say, ""You're a chip off the old block."" As we get older, people say, ""You are just your mother!"" Some perhaps think that Jehovah just took a 'cookie cutter' and made all the angels alike. All distinct! Different! Scope; inspect 1 angel a minute, take 192 years for that portion. Stand still at the edge of a flowering field of grain and listen to the whispering of the wind. Inhale and smell sweet scent of the meadow. Listen as tuneful crickets join in the soft song of the wind; one of the cows lows the bass and a meadowlark fills in the soprano, while a bumblebee plays cello and a few bees the violin. ","Music delights the mind and heart. Year after year this refrain is taken up, yet this music is always different and never boring. It never makes you nervous or sick; It is soothing balm for the soul, heart and nerves. The musicians are not playing for fame or honor or your money but to the honor of their Creator, Jehovah God, who made them for you to enjoy. Out of love. -- Have you heard it? What about the 335,000 species of plants? You could have a different flower arrangement every day for 100 years, from Morning Glory to four-o'clocks, to the giant Rafflesia arnoldi of Indonesia, its flower measuring up to three feet across and weighing up to fifteen pounds.",Daniel 7:10; John 1:3; Genesis 1:1; ,"Bobby Laymon, ",Jehovah—The “Grand Creator”,101,joshlaymon,,5/30/2025
"JEHOVAH -- THE GRAND CREATOR, ","30,000 varieties of fish; 9,000 species of birds; over 800,000 kinds of insects already classified. ""There are more than 112,000 known species of butterflies and moths."" Read Genesis 1:24 And God went on to say: “Let the earth put forth living souls according to their kinds, domestic animal and moving animal and wild beast of the earth according to its kind.” And it came to be so. 14,000 kinds of land creatures. (mammals, amphibians, and reptiles)","Every year about 50 mammals, 100 fish, 15 birds & 5,000 insects are added to their list, with perhaps 10 million varieties still remaining to be discovered. The more that creation is examined, the more that intelligent design is seen. Grand Creator's works give evidence of his Godship and power. (Romans 1:20) For his invisible [qualities] are clearly seen from the world’s creation onward, because they are perceived by the things made, even his eternal power and Godship, so that they are inexcusable; Make a peanut that looks and taste like a peanut. Won’t sprout.",Genesis 1:24; Romans 1:20; ,"Bobby Laymon, ",Jehovah—The “Grand Creator”,101,joshlaymon,,5/30/2025
"JEHOVAH -- THE GRAND CREATOR, discovering more species.","Man is still learning, discovering more species. Thomas A. Edison said, ""Until man duplicates a single plant , nature can laugh at his so-called scientific knowledge!"" How many of the 30,000 varieties of fish can you name? And what about the marvelous assortment of birds with their distinct plumage, design and songs? There are over 400 varieties of hummingbirds. Living jewels that flash with iridescent colors of flaming red, deep violet, glowing orange and emerald green. How many different species of birds can you name? Jehovah produced over 9,000.","""I seem to have been only like a boy playing on the seashore, and diverting myself in now and then finding a smoother pebble or a prettier shell than ordinary, while the great ocean of truth lay all undiscovered before me."" Quote: Sir Isaac Newton. Little boy discovers: The squirrel makes a big nest of moss and twigs on the branches oftrees. The birds also make ingenious nests. What industry, what skill, what patience, and little or none of this is done for themselves! They care for their little ones. A mother caring for her child. Can you imagine all this love, patience, stemming from a God who knows nothing about love.",Genesis 1:24; Romans 1:20; ,"Bobby Laymon, ",Jehovah—The “Grand Creator”,101,joshlaymon,,5/30/2025
"JEHOVAH -- THE GRAND CREATOR; by number, all of whom he calls even by name.","A reflection of Creator's dynamic energy. (Isaiah 40:25,26) “But to whom can YOU people liken me so that I should be made his equal?” says the Holy One. 26 “Raise YOUR eyes high up and see. Who has created these things? It is the One who is bringing forth the army of them even by number, all of whom he calls even by name. Due to the abundance of dynamic energy, he also being vigorous in power, not one [of them] is missing.","Truly, we can exclaim as did the psalmist. (Psalm 104:24,25) How many your works are, O Jehovah! All of them in wisdom you have made. The earth is full of your productions. 25 As for this sea so great and wide, There there are moving things without number, Living creatures, small as well as great.","Isaiah 40:25,26; Psalm 104:24,25; ","Bobby Laymon, ",Jehovah—The “Grand Creator”,101,joshlaymon,,5/30/2025
"THE ""NEW CREATION"" OF JEHOVAH,  Some think that 'creation sleeps.'","Some think that 'creation sleeps.' Not so! God rested on seventh day only from earthly creative works in behalf ofmankind. (Ge 2:1-3) Activity far removed from the realm of mankind continues. (John 5:17) But he answered them: “My Father has kept working until now, and I keep working.” God continues working out grand things in a spiritual way. ""New creation"" being formed. Read 2 Corinthians 5:17 Consequently if anyone is in union with Christ, he is a new creation; the old things passed away, look! new things have come into existence.","Not collectively - individual sense. Just as Jesus at his baptism became a 'new creature,' so at Pentecost, 33 C.E., the ""new creation"" was born. Each person present was baptized with God's holy spirit as his spiritual son, became part of the ""new creation"" Other followers of Christ were added, to a total of 144,000. Revelation 14:1""New creation"" commissioned to declare ""magnificent things of God,"" including good news of Kingdom. (Ac 2:11)Future purpose of 144,000: to be associate rulers with Christ Jesus, dispensing Kingdom blessings for mankind. (Re 20:4-6)",Ge 2:1-3; John 5:17; 2 Corinthians 5:17; Revelation 14:1; ,"Bobby Laymon, ",Jehovah—The “Grand Creator”,101,joshlaymon,,5/31/2025
"THE ""NEW CREATION"" OF JEHOVAH,  Some think that 'creation sleeps.'","""The larger the island of knowledge, the longer the shoreline of wonder."" Quote: Ralph W. Sockman. Suppose a new factory was coming into town, promising to create jobs for 1000 workers. Would that be good news? Think what it would do for the community, in the amount of cash flow. ","Jehovah is going to create positions for 144,000 kings and priests. Think of benefits flowing to billions of subjects. Jesus Christ was the first of a new creation.",Ge 2:1-3; John 5:17; 2 Corinthians 5:17; Revelation 14:1; ,"Bobby Laymon, ",Jehovah—The “Grand Creator”,101,joshlaymon,,5/30/2025
" ALL THE CREATOR'S WORKS TO PRAISE HIM, The Earth: A Perpetual Show,  artist in Southwest Missouri destroyed","Jehovah's purpose is that all his ""works"" and ""loyal ones"" will praise him. (Psalm 145:10) All your works will laud you, O Jehovah, And your loyal ones will bless you. Inanimate creation gives silent credit to Jehovah as Creator and Designer. (ce 115-28) Intelligent creation has privilege to give deliberate credit and praise to God. Read Psalm 145:1-3 Read Revelation 15:4","In January of 1995 an artist in Southwest Missouri destroyed all his original paintings in a fire, along with the building. Man's Creator had no idea or purpose of destroying this masterfully designed garden of Eden. Why should he destroy his own work, when it was so good and expressive of his artistic creativity? Logically, he would not purpose to do so. He is not a God of defeat. The Earth: A Perpetual Show. ""It is always sunrise somewhere; the dew is never all dried at once; a shower is forever falling; vapor is ever rising; Eternal sunrise, eternal sunset, eternaldawn and gleaming, on sea and continents and islands, each in its turn, as the round earth rolls.",Psalm 145:10; Revelation 15:4; ,"Bobby Laymon, ",Jehovah—The “Grand Creator”,101,joshlaymon,,5/31/2025
"Albert Einstein, knowledge of schoolchildren.""","Albert Einstein suddenly looked up at the sky and said: ""We know nothing about it at all. Our knowledge is but the knowledge of schoolchildren."" We too, are like a little boy. We see the acorns, watermelon, squirrel, and sometimes our knowledge is out of perspective. But we are on the right track! We know Jehovah to be a God of love and wisdom. We praise Him! Largest number known to man. A googolplex: a 1 followed by 100 zeros. Living forever longer than a googolplex. ","Ecclesiastes 8:17 And I saw all the work of the [true] God, how mankind are not able to find out the work that has been done under the sun; however much mankind keep working they are wise enough to know, they would be unable to find out. Universe--full of many things--waiting for our wits to grow sharper.",Ecclesiastes 8:17 ,"Bobby Laymon, ",Jehovah—The “Grand Creator”,101,joshlaymon,,5/30/2025
"JEHOVAH -- THE GRAND CREATOR, the twenty-four elders fall down before the One","As Creator of all things, Jehovah is worthy of all worship and honor. (Revelation 4:10-11) 10 the twenty-four elders fall down before the One seated upon the throne and worship the One that lives forever and ever, and they cast their crowns before the throne, saying: 11 “You are worthy, Jehovah, even our God, to receive the glory and the honor and the power, because you created all things, and because of your will they existed and were created.” Will you be among those who join in acknowledging Jehovah as the Grand Creator?","""ARTISTS paint countless sunrises and sunsets, and their works sell for hundreds, even thousands, of dollars."" Yet these are only copies. Only Jehovah paints originals. If copies are so valuable, what are the originals worth? Men give praise to the man who invented the light bulb. How much more important to give praise to the one who created the sun! Yes, Jehovah God, the Grand Artist and Originator of sunsets and sunrises, is to be praised! He gives us one each day-free. With all the other ""Grand creations"" that come with it. He has made it possible to enjoy this original sunrise, each day, year after year, forever and ever.",Revelation 4:10-11; ,"Bobby Laymon, ",Jehovah—The “Grand Creator”,101,joshlaymon,,5/31/2025
"We Can Be Thankful for God’s Patient Discipline, Patience, severely punish his son, disobedience, disown ","A father might severely punish his son for every disobedience, or he might disown the son and cast him off completely. But would this correct the son and straighten out the problem? Would it help the son or save the father’s reputation? Would it work for the welfare of the family? A mere exercise of power and authority might, rather, make matters worse as regards the son, as well as other people who were observers. This is because people are not like machines or animals merely to be ordered about and controlled by superior power.","It is similar in God’s dealing with mankind, whom he made ‘in his image and likeness.’ (Gen. 1:26, 27) Mankind still reflects, though imperfectly, that image, which includes the exercise of reasoning, love, justice and mercy. People need to reason out and understand why things are done the way they are. Their heart must be reached. Then, unless they are selfish and unreasonable, they will try to conform to what is right.—Ps. 32:9; Rom. 2:4.","Gen. 1:26, 27; Ps. 32:9; Rom. 2:4; ",w78 8/1 p. 6,,,joshlaymon,,5/31/2025
"The Sermon on the Mount—“When You Pray, private room, Jesus set a perfect example in praying, many words, ","“You, however,” continued Jesus, “when you pray, go into your private room and, after shutting your door, pray to your Father who is in secret; then your Father who looks on in secret will repay you.”—Matt. 6:6. These words of Jesus did not forbid prayer with the congregation. ","The admonition to pray in ‘a private room after shutting the door’ was meant to discourage public prayer for the purpose of calling attention to oneself and drawing the complimentary remarks of admirers. It is similar to the counsel about almsgiving in support of the poor: “Do not let your left hand know what your right is doing.” (Matt. 6:3) Jesus set a perfect example in praying without calling attention to himself. For example, when spending an entire night in prayer before choosing his twelve apostles, he did not petition God in front of onlookers but “went out into the mountain to pray.”—Luke 6:12.","Matt. 6:3, 6; Luke 6:12; ",w78 8/1 pp. 14-15; ,,,joshlaymon,,5/31/2025
"The Sermon on the Mount—“When You Pray, Needless words, many words, ","Evidently many of the Jewish religious leaders had ‘made themselves like’ the Gentiles through excessive wordiness in their prayers. Illustrative of this tendency is the following account in the Babylonian Talmud: “A certain [reader] went down in the presence of R[abbi] Hanina and said, ","O God, the great, mighty, terrible, majestic, powerful, awful, strong, fearless, sure and honoured.” The rabbi denounced such needless piling up of words as “an insult” to God. Regular heartfelt prayer that includes praise, thanksgiving and petition to God is an important part of true worship. (Phil. 4:6) But it would be wrong to say the same things over and over again believing that such uninterrupted repetition is necessary to inform God of our needs, as if God were ignorant, inattentive and absentminded. A person should pray in full recognition that he is communicating with the One who “knows what things you are needing before ever you ask him.”",Phil. 4:6; ,"w78 8/1 p. 15, ",,,joshlaymon,,5/31/2025
"Are You Walking in God’s Name? Worship Gods, belly, Jehovah, persons idolize actors, politicians, sportsmen,","Every intelligent person walks in the name of some god. Yes, whether nations or individuals realize it or not, they serve some god. ‘How can that be?’ you may ask. Well, not everyone today serves a specific god by name, as did the ancients. But some persons idolize actors, politicians, sportsmen, even themselves. Why, their god may be their own belly! (Phil. 3:18, 19) ","Some directly worship Satan the Devil, whereas others serve him unwittingly, for “the whole world is lying in the power of the wicked one.” (1 John 5:19) How true are the words recorded under divine inspiration by the Hebrew prophet Micah during the eighth century before the Common Era! He declared: “All the peoples, for their part, will walk each one in the name of its god.”—Mic. 4:5.","Mic. 4:1-4;Phil. 3:18, 19; ",w78 8/15 pp. 8-9 pars. 1-3,,,joshlaymon,,5/31/2025
"“Walk Worthily of Jehovah” JEHOVAH GOD is the best friend, Abraham, friendly relationship, Friendship, ","JEHOVAH GOD is the best friend anyone can have. Because the patriarch “‘Abraham put faith in Jehovah, . . . it was counted to him as righteousness,’ and he came to be called ‘Jehovah’s friend.’” (Jas. 2:23) What a splendid relationship! But Jehovah desires that all persons possessing such faith walk in his name as his friends. ","Of course, if individuals are to please God and enjoy a friendly relationship with him, they must heed the words of the Congregator, who declared centuries ago: “Fear the true God and keep his commandments. For this is the whole obligation of man.”—Eccl. 12:13.",Jas. 2:23; Eccl. 12:13; ,w78 8/15 p. 13 par. 1,,,joshlaymon,,5/31/2025
"Sermon on the Mount—‘Store Up Treasures in Heaven’ Materialism, money, ","Jesus began by saying: “Stop storing up for yourselves treasures upon the earth, where moth and rust consume, and where thieves break in and steal.”—Matt. 6:19. Jesus well knew the human tendency to put trust in an accumulation of material things. He admonished his listeners to “stop” doing that, since earthly treasures are not of enduring value. Whether costly garments, money or other material items, such stored valuables are liable to deterioration. ","For example, ‘moths’ can ruin valuable fabrics; precious metals can succumb to “rust.” (Compare James 5:1-3.) Even before decay sets in there is danger of theft. In ancient Palestine thieves would “break in and steal” by chopping through the mud or plaster walls of houses. Jesus declared: “Rather, store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust consumes, and where thieves do not break in and steal.” (Matt. 6:20) One can store up incorruptible treasures by making a record “in heaven” (that is, with God) of fine works. In this regard the apostle Paul admonished wealthy Christians “to work at good, to be rich in fine works, to be liberal, ready to share, safely treasuring up for themselves a fine foundation for the future, in order that they may get a firm hold on the real life.”—1 Tim. 6:17-19; Titus 3:8.",Matt. 6:19; 1 Tim. 6:17-19; Titus 3:8; ,w78 9/15 p. 9 ,,,joshlaymon,,5/31/2025
"The Sermon on the Mount—‘Store Up Treasures in Heaven’ Materialism, money, whole body will be dark.","“The lamp of the body is the eye. If, then, your eye is simple, your whole body will be bright.”—Matt. 6:22.It is appropriate to call the eye “the lamp of the body,” since light reaches the visual center of the brain through the eyes. Instead of continually darting about to catch sight of every object that comes into view, the ‘simple eye’ focuses on only one thing. In a figurative sense, what an individual ‘sets his eye on’ as an object of intense concentration and meditation affects his whole personality. If the doing of God’s will is a person’s main goal in life, that one’s “whole body will be bright.” In all aspects of life he will reflect enlightenment that glorifies God and benefits fellow humans.—Compare Proverbs 4:18, 25-27; Matthew 5:14-16.","“But if your eye is wicked,” continued Jesus, “your whole body will be dark.” (Matt. 6:23a) The ‘wicked eye’ focuses with covetous longing upon wrong things. (Note Matthew 5:28; 2 Peter 2:14.) For a person who makes this world’s riches his major pursuit, the “whole body will be dark.” Such a materialistic goal will lead to wrong conduct that manifests spiritual darkness in all areas of life. “Those who are determined to be rich,” writes the apostle Paul, “fall into temptation and a snare and many senseless and hurtful desires, which plunge men into destruction and ruin. For the love of money is a root of all sorts of injurious things, and by reaching out for this love some have been led astray from the faith and have stabbed themselves all over with many pains.”—1 Tim. 6:9, 10.",Matt. 6:22; ,w78 9/15 pp. 9-10,,,joshlaymon,,5/31/2025
"The Sermon on the Mount—‘Store Up Treasures in Heaven’ slavery, ","Jesus then added a second illustration: “No one can slave for two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will stick to the one and despise the other.”—Matt. 6:24a. Hearers of the Sermon on the Mount were familiar with slavery, which was regulated by the Mosaic law. (Ex. 21:2; Lev. 25:39-46) A slave owner could expect his slave to give fully of himself. (Compare Luke 17:7-10.) Interestingly, The Mishnah discusses the rights of “a slave belonging to jointholders,” indicating that on occasion a slave might be subject to two masters. Jesus drove home the point of this illustration by saying: “You cannot slave for God and for Riches.” (Matt. 6:24b) ","Concerning Jesus’ words in this regard, we read in the Theological Dictionary of the New Testament: “Mt. 6:24 and Lk. 16:13 presuppose the possibility of a slave having two owners with equal shares to him and therefore with equal claims to his services. This is a situation which might and did exist. Indeed, there were slaves who were freed by one master but not the other, so that they were half free and half slave. In such a relationship [of double servitude] it was, of course, virtually impossible for a slave to display the same devotion to both, especially as their wishes and interests might vary very widely. Jesus expresses this in the language of His contemporaries and His people by saying that the slave would [love] the one master and [hate] the other, i.e., be less attached to him.”",Luke 17:7-10; Lev. 25:39-46; ,w78 9/15 p. 10,,,joshlaymon,,5/31/2025
The Sermon on the Mount—“Stop Being Anxious”  do not perform agricultural labors.,"Since God granted physical life to humankind, certainly he can see to it that his worshipers obtain necessary sustenance. Jesus sharpened this point by an illustration: “Observe intently the birds of heaven, because they do not sow seed or reap or gather into storehouses; still your heavenly Father feeds them.”—Matt. 6:26a. “The birds of heaven” that fly freely overhead do not perform agricultural labors. Yet God sees to it that they obtain sufficient food. (Compare Job 38:41; Psalm 147:9.) ","This was something to “observe intently,” to make a matter of serious meditation. The Jews who made up the audience of Jesus could speak of God as their “heavenly Father,” especially since the Israelites had been “chosen” as God’s covenant people. (Deut. 7:6) Contrasting them with the birds of heaven, Jesus asked: “Are you not worth more than they are?” (Matt. 6:26b) If God provides for the flying creatures, how much more will he do so for his worshipers!",Matt. 6:26a; Job 38:41; Psalm 147:9; ,w78 10/1 pp. 24-25,,,joshlaymon,,5/31/2025
"Acquiring “a Heart of Wisdom” Wasting time, burning daylight, ","""We are burning daylight.""  What does it mean? It means we are wasting a precious commodity. Time - Daylight is precious. Seventy years, which is only 25,567 days. And 80 years consist of just 29,219 days. 	A 50-year-old man would have only 7300 days left. How many days do you have? I think I’m living on borrowed days. We must use our time wisely. It is no time to be burning daylight. Look further in 90th Psalm. Verse 5. oses saw perhaps 3 million people ‘swept away’ by God as in a flood because of disobedience.",Jehovah God is also concerned about how we spend our time. He inspired Moses to write the 90th Psalm. …Let’s go there. In addition to the first 5 books of the Bible.,Psalm 90:10; ,Bobby Laymon ,Acquiring “a Heart of Wisdom”,073 ,joshlaymon,,5/31/2025
"Heart of Wisdom, problems be gone, people will never hurt your feelings? will face problems as a Christian. ","Question: Did the person that studied with you ever tell you that once you become one of Jehovah’s Witnesses all your problems will be gone? Poof! Question: Did the person studying with you ever tell you that once you 	became part of the Christian Congregation, you would be dealing with persons that will never hurt your feelings? They will never cause you stress. Did they tell you that? I didn’t think so. On the other hand, they may have told you that you will face problems as a Christian. ","I didn't think so. Satan is causing more problems as his time runs out. First-century Christians experienced problems, including divisions, internal “wars” and “fights,” and natural disasters. Revelation chapters 2 and 3 prophetic of future internal difficulties.(Psalm 90:12) Teach us how to count our days So that we may acquire a heart of wisdom.",Psalm 90:10; Psalm 90:12; ,Bobby Laymon ,Acquiring “a Heart of Wisdom”,073,joshlaymon,,5/31/2025
"Heart of Wisdom, problems be gone, people will never hurt your feelings? will face problems as a Christian. ","When an organization gets so large, it may no longer functions right. Then someone with great wisdom will say, 'Let's get back to basics.'  'Go back to square one.'  In music, it might be, 'Take it from the top.' It means to go back to when it worked. This term could be applied to the Christian congregation. If it worked in the early Christian congregation, then it will work today. Jehovah's organization always goes back to the basics; square one; or I guess you could say, 'We literally take it from the top!' (point up)	 ","This term could be applied to the Christian congregation. If it worked in the early Christian congregation, then it will work today. Jehovah's organization always goes back to the basics; square one; or I guess you could say, 'We literally take it from the top!' (point up)	 ",Psalm 90:10; Psalm 90:12; Revelation 1:10.,Bobby Laymon ,Acquiring “a Heart of Wisdom”,073,joshlaymon,,5/31/2025
"Acquiring “a Heart of Wisdom” When you have problems, go in service.”  scriptural","I’ve said it, and you have too. “When you have problems, go in service.”  I never knew it was scriptural.","These brothers who could not come to an agreement on circumcision said, ‘You know brothers, we have a job to do. Brother, I don’t agree with you but let’s go to this house together. Let’s tell these people how 	Jehovah is blessing our work with people of the nations. What a course of wisdom. What a fine example to continue the work. To tell about our Father and his Son. I don’t agree with you, but we can do this. WOW! 	When we have personal problems, pressures, difficulties in the family, while you are waiting for a decision, GO IN SERVICE. Its foundation is in the scriptures. Sometimes we just don’t get the point. We’re Jehovah’s Witnesses. We belong to Jehovah. No matter with who you are angry. We are here to talk about Jehovah’s name, His Kingdom and His Will.",Acts 15:3; ,Bobby Laymon ,Acquiring “a Heart of Wisdom”,073,joshlaymon,,5/31/2025
"teaching an apostasy, circumcision, Acquiring “a Heart of Wisdom” ","Finally, Jehovah said, “You know what? enough is enough.” Jehovah says, enough is enough. Get those dogs out of here. Disfellowship them. That’s exactly what they had to do. 			",They were teaching an apostacy. Look all those years they fought with them. Taking precious time from important things. They were burning daylight. . .they were not making sure of the more important things. . . (Philippians 1:10),"Philippians 3:2, 3; Philippians 1:10; ",Bobby Laymon ,Acquiring “a Heart of Wisdom”,073,joshlaymon,,5/31/2025
"Saving string, Wisdom, Who got the job? It was a time to work; not to save string, magnificent tools, ","Did you ever save string? Everyone used to have large ball of string. There’s a story told: A wealthy man wanted to hire someone that could get things done. Picked his 2-favorite people. Gave both a wrapped gift. Watched how they opened it. One unwrapped neatly, folded paper, saved string; Delighted. other tore package open. Delighted. Who got the job? ","Someone who could get things done. It was a time to work; not to save string. Today, is a “Time to Preach.”  This is not the day for wasting daylight, saving string. Jehovah has given us magnificent tools to speed up the work. Are we using the videos to teach, and digital tools? Are we quickly looking up Scriptures? Are we helping people download J.W Library? Or are we still wasting daylight?",Philippians 3:13; ,Bobby Laymon ,Acquiring “a Heart of Wisdom,073,joshlaymon,,5/31/2025
"Wisdom, use money wisely, Our ministry has changed.  rightly disposed for everlasting life.",Illustration: We get a new book like “Pure Worship of Jehovah—Restored at Last!” and have the technology to download it immediately. Let’s say it cost $2.00 to print the publication and another 2.00 to ship it. That’s $4.00 in each book. (Actual cost is more) ,"There are 8 ½ million Witnesses on earth. If we did it this way and not request a printed copy (that would cancel out savings) that’s a savings of $34,000,000 on 1 book -- plus we get instant updates, the ability to read scriptures instantly, even read to us. Some of our Bethel brothers can go back into the field and preach.",Psalm 14:1; Acts 13:48; ,Bobby Laymon ,Acquiring “a Heart of Wisdom,073,joshlaymon,,5/31/2025
"I feel like an onion, Education, You may also survive a house fire, but you will still smell like smoke.","Does Education Have the Answers? If you are a young person, you spend much of your time in school. It is natural for you to think that education will somehow show you the meaning of life, a hope for the future. Such hopes are often disappointing. Illustrate: One honor student said, “When I started college,” “I thought I would add new talents, new capabilities, new accomplishments to my life. ","Instead, each course I’ve taken, each good book I’ve read, each idea I’ve seriously considered has taken something away from me. I feel like an onion that has had layer after layer peeled away until there is nothing, nothing there at all.”",1 Corinthians 15:33,Bobby Laymon ,Acquiring “a Heart of Wisdom,073,joshlaymon,,5/31/2025
"Courage and a heart of wisdom, Internet, computers and smart phones. Adam and Eve, David, eyes, ","There are reminders throughout the Scriptures on dating. (1 Corinthians 7:39) marry . . .only in the Lord. We are reminded to use our time wisely with computers and smart phones. Reading, and responding to information posted on the Internet. Sending emails and texting. It takes courage and a heart of wisdom to wisely control them.",Adam and Eve lost their life in the short time it took to eat a piece of fruit. David committed 2 great sins because he had his eyes in the wrong place. We could do the same on the Internet.,1 Corinthians 7:39; ,Bobby Laymon ,Acquiring “a Heart of Wisdom,073,joshlaymon,,5/31/2025
What about sleeping?Sleep late. Not a course of wisdom. ,What about sleeping? Some are like cats. They like to sleep a lot. Sleep late. Not a course of wisdom.,"Watchtower article once said. (Speaking of sleeping) But perhaps such ones are too tired to live forever, and prefer to sleep forever, in death, undisturbed by clanging alarm clocks or resurrections! (Proverbs 6:10,11) A little sleep, a little slumbering, A little folding of the hands to rest, 11 And your poverty will come like a bandit, And your want like an armed man.","Proverbs 6:10,11",Bobby Laymon ,Acquiring “a Heart of Wisdom,073,joshlaymon,,5/31/2025
"Oster gets an irritation, stops the pain and turns into a lovely pearl. Wisdom, ","Avoid an unrealistic tendency to expect perfection from others. Keep a balanced view of elders and others. When an Oster gets an irritation, it coats it with something that stops the pain and turns into a lovely pearl. We can do likewise. Jehovah permits problems and pressures of life so that we may learn patience, humility, loyalty, and dependence on him. Also, to prove what is in our hearts.",Each day we need to check your heart; pray for ‘a heart bringing in wisdom’		4.	Thank Jehovah for the gift of life. 		5.	For the gift of His Son who ransomed us.		6.	Rest your hope on Jehovah’s kingdom.,"Proverbs 6:10,11; ",Bobby Laymon ,Acquiring “a Heart of Wisdom,073,joshlaymon,,5/31/2025
"Oster gets an irritation, stops the pain and turns into a lovely pearl. Wisdom, credits you with 86,400, ","Oh! About your days…How long will they last? …It’s up to you…Every morning, Jehovah credits you with 86,400 seconds. Every night it gets written off as a loss… unless you use it wisely. ",We must watch every minute. We must pray… as Moses did for a heart of wisdom… each day. Then our years… will last… forever.,Psalm 37:29;,Bobby Laymon ,Acquiring “a Heart of Wisdom,073,joshlaymon,,5/31/2025
"Walking in the Path of Increasing Light, left behind, refusing assignment, ","The world around us is certainly in dense darkness. As Jehovah continues to shed light on his people, the gap between them and those of the world keeps on widening. What does this light do for us? Well, just as shining a spotlight on a pothole on a dark roadway does not remove the hole, light from God’s Word does not remove pitfalls. Yet, divine light surely helps us to avoid them so that we can continue walking in the path of increasing light. Let us, then, continue to pay attention to Jehovah’s prophetic word, “as to a lamp shining in a dark place.”—2 Peter 1:19.","Refusing to accept a refinement is to be left behind as the organization moves ahead. If I find myself in a situation where changes seem hard to accept, I reflect on Peter’s words to Jesus: ‘Lord, whom shall we go away to? You have sayings of everlasting life.’ Then I ask myself, ‘Where shall I go away to—out there into the darkness of the world?’ This helps me to hold firmly to God’s organization.”—John 6:68.",John 6:68; 2 Peter 1:19; ,w06 2/15 p. 30 pars. 21-22,Acquiring a Heart of Wisdom,073,joshlaymon,,6/1/2025
"“Safeguard Your Heart”, bright light that is getting lighter, journey in the early morning darkness.","Still using the analogy of a path, Solomon declares: “But the path of the righteous ones is like the bright light that is getting lighter and lighter until the day is firmly established.” (Proverbs 4:18) Undertaking a study of the Bible and trying to apply what it says in life can be likened to starting out on a journey in the early morning darkness. As the blackness of the night sky lightens to dark blue, we can hardly see anything. But as the dawn gradually breaks, we slowly distinguish more and more of our surroundings. Finally, the sun shines brightly, and we see everything in clear detail. ","Yes, the truth gradually becomes clearer to us as we persist in studying the Scriptures patiently and diligently. Supplying the heart with spiritual nourishment is essential if we are to safeguard it against false reasoning.The meaning or significance of Bible prophecies also unfolds progressively. Prophecies become clear to us as Jehovah’s holy spirit sheds light upon them and as they are fulfilled by world events or in the experiences of God’s people. Rather than impatiently resorting to speculations about their fulfillment, we need to wait for ‘the light to become lighter and lighter.’",Proverbs 4:18; ,w00 5/15 pp. 22-23 ,Acquiring a Heart of Wisdom,073,joshlaymon,,6/1/2025
"The End of the World—Fear, Fascination, and Frustration, A. H. Macmillan, sleeping”, confident, false alarm, ","We agree with the sentiment of longtime Witness A. H. Macmillan, who said: “I learned that we should admit our mistakes and continue searching God’s Word for more enlightenment.” Why, then, do we continue to highlight the nearness of the end? Because we take seriously Jesus’ words: “Keep looking, keep awake.” The alternative, to be found “sleeping” by Jesus, would prevent us from gaining his favor. (Mark 13:33, 36) Why? ","Consider this example: A lookout in a fire tower might see what he thinks is a wisp of smoke on the horizon and sound what proves to be a false alarm. Later, though, his alertness could save lives. Likewise, we have had some wrong expectations about the end. But we are more concerned with obeying Jesus and saving lives than with avoiding criticism. Jesus’ command to “give a thorough witness” compels us to warn others about the end.—Acts 10:42. We believe that even more important than focusing on when the end will come, we must be confident that it will come, and we must act accordingly. We take seriously the words of Habakkuk 2:3, which says: “Even if [the end] should delay [compared to what you thought], keep in expectation of it; for it will without fail come true. It will not be late.”",Acts 10:42;,w13 1/1 ,Acquiring a Heart of Wisdom,073,joshlaymon,,6/1/2025
Never Become “Enraged Against Jehovah” ,"IMAGINE that a happily married man comes home one day and finds that everything in his house has been destroyed. The furniture and dishes have been smashed to pieces, and the carpet is ruined. His beautiful home looks like a disaster area. Whom do you think he would blame for this? Would he say, “Why did my wife do this?” No, most likely he would say, “Who did this?” He knows that his loving wife would never destroy their home.","Today, the earth has been ruined. Its soil, water, and air are polluted. People are violent and immoral. But we have learned from the Bible that this is not Jehovah’s fault. He created the earth to be a beautiful paradise home for us. (Genesis 2:8, 15) Jehovah is a God of love. (1 John 4:8) The Scriptures tell us that Satan the Devil is “the ruler of the world,” and he is the one who causes many of these problems.—John 14:30; 2 Corinthians 4:4. However, we cannot blame Satan for all our problems. Why not? Because some of our problems are the result of our own mistakes. (Read Deuteronomy 32:4-6.)",1 John 4:8; Deuteronomy 32:4-6; ,ws13 8/15 p. 9 pars. 1-3 ,Acquiring a Heart of Wisdom,073,joshlaymon,,6/1/2025
" Benefiting From Jehovah's Provisions, car trouble, narrow path, a kind old gentleman let him in, ","A man, a traveler, was driving through the frozen north when he began to have car trouble. Just a few tries on his battery and it was dead. He had not seen another traveler all day. The temperature was dropping, it was starting to snow again, and getting dark. Also there were wolves out there. Noticed a narrow path, looked traveled, alongside the road. Should he take it? Should he leave his car? ","Yes, he felt the path was his only chance. When he thought he could go no farther, he saw it. A light! He had stumbled upon the only cabin in the woods. When he knocked, a kind old gentleman let him in and gave him hot coffee, beans and cornbread, and a warm place by the fire. He made him feel content in this house. How thankful,grateful, indebted he felt, and he loved the old gentleman.",Amos 8:11 ,Bobby Laymon ,Are You Benefiting From Jehovah's Provisions?,022,joshlaymon,,6/1/2025
"abundance of spiritual food. And the ones that have no money, ","God’s people are lovingly cared for with an abundance of spiritual food. Read Isaiah 65:13, 14 Therefore this is what the Sovereign Lord Jehovah has said: For genuine satisfaction they must come to the right source for spiritual food and drink Isaiah 55:1, 2 Hey there, all YOU thirsty ones! Come to the water. And the ones that have no money! Come, buy and eat. Yes, come, buy wine and milk even without money and without price. Why do YOU people keep paying out money for what is not bread, and why is YOUR toil for what results in no satisfaction? Listen intently to me, and eat what is good, and let YOUR soul find its exquisite delight in fatness itself.","“Look! My own servants will eat, but YOU yourselves will go hungry. Look! My own servants will drink, but YOU yourselves will go thirsty. Look! My own servants will rejoice, but YOU yourselves will suffer shame. 14 Look! My own servants will cry out joyfully because of the good condition of the heart, but YOU yourselves will make outcries because of the pain of heart and YOU will howl because of sheer breakdown of spirit.","Isaiah 65:13, 14; Isaiah 65:13, 14; ",Bobby Laymon ,Are You Benefiting From Jehovah's Provisions?,022,joshlaymon,,6/1/2025
"How do we feel about the elders? Are we content, hurt his feelings, Wolves! Still out there! ","How do we feel about the elders? Are we content with Jehovah's shepherds? Go back to our traveler. Coffee: too strong. Do we sometimes feel that way? What about counsel? Is it too strong? Cup. tin can. Jehovah uses those who make themselves available. Food: same thing ... beans & cornbread. [meetings, conduct, field service,support of Kingdom Hall, materially & building programs. Complaining attitude.","Dish: cracked. Do we see only the imperfection of those serving us? Something the old man said about his obligations hurt his feelings, and that did it. ""I'll show him. "" Left, slamming the door behind him. Where would he go? It was still cold, snowing, darkness was falling, car was still disabled. Wolves! Still out there! There was only one person who could help him. When he stepped outside, he had closed the door to the only source of food and contentment. 1. Same condition as before. How foolish. 2. Yet, many thousands each year become dissatisfied and leave Jehovah's house. Only 2 options: death or humble himself and come back.","Ps 26:8; 122:1; 1Co 14:26, 31; Heb 10:24, 25",Bobby Laymon ,Are You Benefiting From Jehovah's Provisions?,022,joshlaymon,,6/1/2025
"living in the darkest period of human history.  abused physically, mentally, emotionally, sexually. Money problems.","Many are learning the truth in the darkest period of human history. Many have been abused physically, mentally, emotionally, sexually. Money problems. Some have problems with wicked spirits, others with repressed memories. Enslaved to drugs, tobacco, alcohol, and unclean practices. All of them are welcome and can find comfort and help in reconstructing their lives. ","Some of the most effective preaching work is being carried on by these ones. Trials are like knives -- They either serve us or cut us! We have been invited into a warm organization with rich spiritual food. May we never become unappreciative of Jehovah’s spiritual table; look for cracks; flaws, become bored at Jehovah’s table. May we rely on Jehovah and never allow anything to make us go back to the world, and shut the door on Jehovah’s loving kindness.May we be determined and contented as David was. AS Version Psalm 23:6 “Surely goodness and loving kindness shall follow me all the days of my life. And I shall dwell in the house of Jehovah forever.",Psalm 23:6;,Bobby Laymon ,Are You Benefiting From Jehovah's Provisions?,022,joshlaymon,,6/2/2025
"When Children Become Wayward, value of proper training, The rod and reproof, wisdom, ","A HUSKY teen-ager sits listlessly on a couch in a New York city apartment. He pays no attention to his mother’s repeated urgings to help her with some heavy work. As she keeps on pressuring him, the boy flares up in anger. He rips the telephone off the wall, smashes furniture and breaks the lock off the door leading into the apartment. All the while he screams: “I’m going to kill you!” Finally, the outburst of uncontrollable rage subsides.","This wayward teen-ager has no respect for his father nor for his mother. In fact, he has no regard for any authority as he prowls the streets with other hooligans, carrying an unregistered gun. Many parents in a similar situation ask: ‘How could this happen? Where did we fail?’ At times parental failure may be involved. If parents are negligent about training their children by word and example, they cannot expect to have good results. The Bible says: “The rod and reproof are what give wisdom; but a boy left on the loose will be causing his mother shame.” (Prov. 29:15) Right training must start as early as possible, from infancy. Because he received early training, David could say in one of his psalms: “Upon you [Jehovah] I have been thrown from the womb; from the belly of my mother you have been my God.” (Ps. 22:10) Similarly, Timothy knew the holy writings “from infancy.” From his earliest recollections in life, he could not think of a time when he had no acquaintance with the Sacred Word.—2 Tim. 3:15.",Prov. 29:15; 2 Tim. 3:15; ,w78 10/15 p. 9,,,joshlaymon,,6/2/2025
"Coming to know God, Knowledge, Understanding, kangaroo and a flea, man and a grasshopper, ",Could you imagine an elephant and an ant marching side by side in a circus parade?  Or a kangaroo and a flea hopping along together across the Australian outbush?  A man and a grasshopper jumping and playing together? Preposterous?  Of course!      ,"Yet the thought that we, puny, weak, imperfect humans, mere specks on a speck have been invited to walk with, and get to know Jehovah God,  the Sovereign of the whole universe, would be infinitely more preposterous were it not for the fact that he himself is responsible for the thought. ",John 17:3; James 2:19;,"Bobby Laymon, ",How Well Do You Know God?,01,joshlaymon,,6/2/2025
"Samaritans, God's Name, Meaning, confused with Son, ","""The sweetest music in the world to another person is the sound of his own name."" Dale Carnegie. People spend a lifetime giving meaning to his name. How does Jehovah feel when people refuse to use it, or confuse it with others?Ask yourself: 'Do I know God and his Son in sense needed to have firm prospect of eternal life?'  How can we know God in this sense? How can we help our children and Bible students to do so?","Merely having some knowledge of Jehovah and claiming to worship him was not enough to make Samaritans acceptable to God (Joh 4:7-26 [read verse 22] Similarly, many today do not know God's name; confuse God with his Son. ",Joh 4:7-26; ,"Bobby Laymon, ",How Well Do You Know God?,01,joshlaymon,,6/2/2025
"True knowledge becomes a part of us. Know vs remember, ""hazy"" concept about God,","Wife asked her husband, ""How do you remember all that about the Bible?"" He replied, ""I don't have to remember it, I know it."" True knowledge becomes a part of us.  We can thus walk in the truth. Truly knowing someone means more than merely believing that he exists. Most people know their left hand from their right. However some have to remember it. Most know their gender, what sex they are, but not all.","To some it is like search for Big Foot. Sas’quatch; It is claimed there have been 25 sightings in Missouri; more recent was August 2002 Greene county, near Lake Springfield.  Many questions like: Is he really there?  Is it male or female?  Where does he live?  Is it really a man or an ape?  Should we fear him?  There is a hazy concept about it all.  People in general have this same ""hazy"" concept about God.  Does he really exist?  Where does he live?  Is he really a person?  Is he to be feared?  Only the Bible gives us the answers.  ",Titus 1:16; ,"Bobby Laymon, ",How Well Do You Know God?,01,joshlaymon,,6/2/2025
"Imitate God, wooden Indian, ","One way we can come to know him is by striving to imitate him. It is possible to imitate him, and that is his will for us.  Colossians 3:10 A brother told how he saw a man carving a wooden Indian out of a log.  He asked him how he was able to do that and make it so lifelike.  He said, “All I have to do is remove everything that is not part of the Indian.  ",For us to become “like God” we must remove all that makes us unlike God.,Colossians 3:10;,"Carl Brown, ",How Well Do You Know God?,01,joshlaymon,,6/2/2025
He lost his name. Know and use his name. Jews gave up on His name; used substitutes.,"We must build a relationship with Jehovah! Know and use his name. Author David Clines in the publication Theology. ""Somewhere between the fifth and the second centuries B.C. a tragic accident befell God: he lost his name."" "," It seems, then, that the very first essential in any quest to identify ""the only true God"" would be to get to know him by name.  Such a search is not difficult at all.  It is clearly and simply stated at Ps. 83:18.  More exactly the Jews gave up on His name; used substitutes.",Psalm 83:18; ,"Bobby Laymon, ",How Well Do You Know God?,01,joshlaymon,,6/2/2025
"Loyalty, integrity, love, uprightness and other related qualities do not apply below man, Intelligence, ","""The only way to have a friend is to be one.""  Ralph W. Emerson. When we forgive another, we are reflecting God's ways (Read Ephesians 4:32-5:1) Sin mars man's reflection of God, yet the more we know him, the more we can reflect Jehovah's glory (2Co 3:18;        ","Sometimes we think of animals as being loyal, or maybe even a grasshopper if it stuck with us, however this is false reasoning.  Loyalty always includes principle, which only free moral agents, are able to exercise. Therefore,  loyalty, integrity, love, uprightness and other related qualities do not apply below man. They are qualities of worship. It takes INTELLIGENCE to worship!",Ephesians 4:32-5:1; 2Co 3:18; ,"Bobby Laymon, ",How Well Do You Know God?,01,joshlaymon,,6/2/2025
"know him in terms we can grasp. spirit person, eyes, ears, and a face, colors to blind, ","Bible helps us to know him in terms we can grasp. Though he is a spirit, Jehovah is spoken of as having eyes, ears, and a face (1Pe 3:12) Using these human expressions helps us to comprehend; description in spirit terms would be like trying to describe colors to one who had been born blind.	","The Bible's description of Jehovah's feelings and reactions helps us to know him. Read Ps 78:36-41 An ant may think an elephant is unfeeling.  God is not insensitive to lies or pain. He is not like us; rather, shows how much we are in his image. By studying the Bible, then, we can come to know God -- his deeds, purposes, qualities, feelings.It’s said, “imagination is the highest kite you can fly.” It is a challenge when reading and studying not just to get facts but to know God.",1 Peter 3:12; Ps 78:36-41; ,"Bobby Laymon, ",How Well Do You Know God?,01,joshlaymon,,6/2/2025
"personal relationship, Break down barriers. Prayers, long-distance telephone calls, ","We can be helped to know God by having a personal relationship with him. Can be illustrated in God's comment that he 'became acquainted' with Abraham, based on their dealings Ge 18:19; Similarly, Abraham had come to know God, was sure of His love, mercy and justice. (Ge 18:25) It is unthinkable of you that you. By regularly talking to God in prayer about matters of concern and by seeking his guidance, we come to know him better. Break down barriers.","Illustrate:  Our prayers might be likened to long-distance telephone calls that a child, while away at school, makes to his father back home.  The father is happy to make the arrangements and take care of all the expense. Application:  Our heavenly father has made all the provisions.  He has taken care of all the expenses -- and do not think that it did not cost him something.  It did!  The life of his only-begotten son, and it makes His heart glad for us to call on him in prayer because he loves us.",Genesis 18:19;,"Bobby Laymon, ",How Well Do You Know God?,01,joshlaymon,,6/2/2025
"Knowing Jehovah God, Musical instrument, ","To know Jehovah God also means recognizing his position and authority and acting in harmony with what we know of him. Getting to know God involves knowing both him and his son. Jesus Christ pointed this out at John 17:3  Illustration: You can read a book on guitar playing.  You can look at the instrument, and learn all the chords in your head.  It is not the same as practice.  You still do not know the guitar.  In like manner, knowing facts about Jehovah, does not mean that you truly know God.  ",Knowing something is manifest only in its action.  It's practice.  Few people learn to play on their own.  Our thoughts on music are not high enough to figure out the chords on our own.  Likewise we must learn from God’s Word his thinking.,John 17:3;,"Bobby Laymon, ",How Well Do You Know God?,01,joshlaymon,,6/2/2025
"How Well Do You Know God? Clarence Day, ""Knowledge is pretty thin stuff unless","A writer, Clarence Day, once said, ""Knowledge is pretty thin stuff unless mixed with experience."" Jehovah rejected the Israelites for their lack of knowledge, that is, recognition and obedience. Hosea 4:1, 6 ""certainly be silenced, because there is no knowledge.""		","Obviously, they knew who God was but did not act accordingly. History proved they belied their claim stated at Hosea 8:2 (Read) This emphasizes that we need more than head knowledge; our lives should manifest our knowing God. We have seen that humans can know God and ways they do this. Learning about him, having relationship, recognizing his authority and acting accordingly.","Hosea 4:1, 6; Hosea 8:2; ","Bobby Laymon, ",How Well Do You Know God?,01,joshlaymon,,6/2/2025
"EXAMINE YOURSELF TO SEE HOW WELL YOU KNOW GOD, Consensual marriage -- Paperless marriages;","We hear the expression, ""No strings attached."" No contract; Consensual marriage -- Paperless marriages; Friendship with Jehovah is not available on a no-strings-attached basis;  It is dependent on our living up to the prerequisites for friendship that he has set. One criterion of how well you know God is whether he recognizes you with approval. God's knowing someone often means granting recognition to that one as approved, as acceptable and worthy of his attention (Read Amos 3:1, 2)	","Someone asks you, “Do you know Donald Trump?”  “Yes!”  “Does he know you?”  That is a different story.  Likewise with Jehovah.  Does Jehovah know you?  Many in past have claimed to know God, but he did not recognize them with approval. The converse is also true: A person is not known if God and Jesus do not recognize or approve of him Matthew 7:21-23; Consequently, for you to know God fully, he must first know you (Ga 4:8,  9) One turning to God with faith in him and on basis of ransom can come 	to be known, recognized by Jehovah. ","Amos 3:1, 2; Matthew 7:21-23; ","Bobby Laymon, ",How Well Do You Know God?,01,joshlaymon,,6/2/2025
"Obedience, reality, imagine, trick mirror, ","Illustrate: Small, self-centered child, looking at trick mirror that makes him appear much bigger than he actually is. Some people close their eyes to reality and tries to convince himself that God does not exist.	","Another gauge of how well you know God is whether you lovingly obey his commands (1Jo 2:3-6) To Illustrate:  Grasshopper - hopping along with you.  Jumps on your shoulder. “Jump on my hand!  Roll over!  Stand on your hind legs!  You don’t care about his size or color.  You take him home with you.  If someone says, “Hold it, I’ll squash that bug”  You say, “Stop!  That bug is my friend.  He obeys me.",1Jo 2:3-6; ,"Bobby Laymon, ",How Well Do You Know God?,01,joshlaymon,,6/2/2025
"Wives, Young Christians, best bargain you ever bought, Respect, humility, ","Wife, you are commanded to have respect for your husband, even though he may not 	completely live up to your expectations Eph 5:33; Illustrate: Think of the best bargain you ever bought.  It cost you something.  Subjection will cost you something, like humility, submission, but will be the best bargain you ever made. Showing respect evidences that you are coming to know God, who has clearly set forth the principle of relative subjection     ","Young Christians, you show a desire to know God by obeying parents, as he commands. (Eph 6:1, 2) By obeying parents' rules that do not break God's law, you advance toward knowing God. When you strive to avoid unchristian association, you indicate that you know God. If we choose unchristian associates, God cannot associate with us. Psalm 15:1-5;","Eph 5:33; Eph 6:1, 2; Psalm 15:1-5;","Bobby Laymon, ",How Well Do You Know God?,01,joshlaymon,,6/2/2025
"Prayers gets priority. Prayers are like flying a kite, worry, ",Illustrate: You go into an automobile parts store and ask for a part. Then the phone rings. He picks it up and while you wait he answer the caller's inquiry. Prayers are like a phone call - it gets priority. Prayers are also like flying a kite. We don't want to immediately pull them back down. We pray earnestly and then we start worrying. When we worry about our prayers we tend to pull them back down. Pray and leave matter in Jehovah’s hands.    		,"Do your prayers indicate that you know God? You can come to know him more by increasing the regularity and intimacy of your prayers to him If you sin, as all of us do, show you know and trust God by bringing it up in prayer, seeking and accepting forgiveness (Ps 26:1, 2)  (act in own way, not trusting) Kite!  Get it up and then pull it back down. But is knowing God just something between the two of you, or is more involved?","Ps 26:1, 2; ","Bobby Laymon, ",How Well Do You Know God?,01,joshlaymon,,6/2/2025
SPEND TIME WITH YOUR CHILDREN. ,"Suppose you could go to the dealers and buy a new pickup truck for $2,000.00  That would be a good deal!  I can tell you a better one.  ",SPEND TIME WITH YOUR CHILDREN. In ten years it will prove to be far more valuable than anything else you can do.,1Ch 28:9; Joh 17:3,"Bobby Laymon, ",How Well Do You Know God?,01,joshlaymon,,6/2/2025
"Relationship changed, weakened, grown farther apart, Mom and Pop, endurance, growth, ","Mom and Pop were driving along in the old pickup truck, when they noticed the young couple that sped past them.  They were sitting really close together. Mom said, ""Why don't we sit close like that any more?""  Pop replied, ""I haven't changed my position.  I'm sitting right where I always did."" ","If your position or relationship with Jehovah has grown farther apart, then it is not because Jehovah has changed.  Could it be that we have drifted away from him. Bible assures us that the 'knowledge of God will fill the earth'; does not mean just information, but the exercise of knowledge by doing his will because of knowing him (Isa 11:9)",Isaiah 11:9; ,"Bobby Laymon, ",How Well Do You Know God?,01,joshlaymon,,6/2/2025
"satisfaction and pleasantness in knowing Jehovah, ant and an elephant, ","Truly, there is reason for satisfaction and pleasantness in knowing Jehovah and the path of life; this is the knowledge that leads to everlasting life. Preposterous?  Yes!  It is like an ant and an elephant marching side by side in a circus parade?  Or a kangaroo and a flea hopping along together across the Australian outbush?  A man and a grasshopper jumping and playing together?  ","However! Jehovah invites us puny, weak, imperfect humans, mere specks on a speck to walk with, and get to know Him, the Sovereign of the whole universe. How well do you know God? When the executional forces strike at Armageddon, and start to smash you out, will Jehovah say, “Stop! Don’t hurt that one. He obeys me!  He knows me and I know him.”",Ecclesiastes 7:12; ,"Bobby Laymon, ",How Well Do You Know God?,01,joshlaymon,,6/2/2025
"Gossip, slander, lies, dead cat, puppy dog, snake venom, poison,","I had a nice puppy dog, and one day I looked out and he had dragged up a dead cat into our yard. Have you ever smelled a dead cat? I buried it nice and deep. Two days later, I looked out, the cat was back, riper than ever and he was chewing on it, along with another dog. (Shake head) I buried it even deeper. A few days later, and there was its remains and other dogs were chewing on it also.","That’s how gossip is: Elders bury it, smell something, been dug up, smells even worse. Personally we didn't help dig it up but we are chewing on it. How does Jehovah’s feel about listening to gossip? NOTHING can change snake venom into a healthful drink. Malicious gossip, or slander, has well been likened to poison, which can also rob an upright person of his good name. James 3:5, 8. But just what is gossip? How may it differ from slander? Why guard against harmful gossip? And how can this be done? Gossip is idle personal talk; groundless rumor. Slander is defamation, generally malicious, whether oral or written.","James 3:5, 8; ","Bobby Laymon, ","How to Build Strong and Lasting Friendships, ",100,joshlaymon,,6/2/2025
"Gossip, slander, lies, dead cat, puppy dog, snake venom, poison,","Gossip can be used as a convenient means of venting anger, hurt, and jealousy, or hurt pride. An old proverb says, “A person who wants to beat a dog will always find a stick.” The original Greek word used in the Bible for “gossipers” came from a verb that meant to “overflow with words.” We are reminded of the words at Proverbs 10:19: “In the abundance of words there does not fail to be transgression, but the one keeping his lips in check is acting discreetly.”","The golden rule in conversation means thinking before you speak! The line between harmless and harmful gossip can be dangerously thin. Announcing that ‘John no longer works at the mall’ can be just a short hop away from adding that ‘John just can’t seem to hold on to a job’—a flirtation with slander! Even attempts to say something nice about someone often go wrong. The statement, ‘Judy is the brightest student in class,’ can easily be followed with, ‘But have you noticed the way she dresses?’ And all too often, gossip can become downright ugly, the vehicle for transmitting slanderous lies and rumors about someone. We are all imperfect and if you look hard enough you can always find something to complain about.",Proverbs 16:28; 20:19; Proverbs 10:19,"Bobby Laymon, ","How to Build Strong and Lasting Friendships, ",100,joshlaymon,,6/2/2025
"Listening—The Other Side of Gossip, ","It takes at least two people to engage in gossip—a speaker and a listener. While the listener may seem less guilty than the speaker, the Bible presents a different slant on the matter. Proverbs 17:4, we read: “The evildoer is paying attention to the lip of hurtfulness. A falsifier is giving ear to the tongue causing adversities.” So the listener of gossip bears a heavy responsibility. What should you do, then, when hurtful gossip reaches your ears? Without taking on an air of self-righteousness, you could simply say: ‘Let’s change the subject’ Or, ‘I don’t really feel comfortable talking about this. After all, she is not here to defend herself.’ If they persist more definite measure might be taken.","“In some ways it is even worse to listen to gossip than to speak it,” says writer Stephen M. Wylen. Why is this so? “By providing an eager audience,” Wylen continues, “you encourage the speaker to go on.” Bible proverb states: “A gossip goes around and tells secrets; don’t have anything to do with a person whose mouth is always open.” (Proverbs 20:19, Beck) This means refusing to listen to harmful gossip! If you listen to malicious or damaging talk, you condone it. But what if people draw away from you because you refuse to share in their conversations?",Proverbs 17:4; Proverbs 20:19; ,"Bobby Laymon, ","How to Build Strong and Lasting Friendships, ",100,joshlaymon,,6/2/2025
"Listening—The Other Side of Gossip, E-mail “the world’s greatest gossip engine.” Internet, Social networks, texting, ","A dog that brings home a bone, will also carry one away. Always keep in mind that they will not only be glad to tell you about someone else, but will probably tell someone else about your shortcomings also. A person, who gossips, knows no bounds. “The World’s Greatest Gossip Engine” Have you heard the latest? With the advent of electronic mail, E-mail, gossip has now gone high tech. In fact, writer Seth Godin calls E-mail “the world’s greatest gossip engine.” While acknowledging its benefits, he warns: ","“Someone can start with something that’s a fact or a misstatement, and suddenly thousands of people are potentially privy to it.” Wisely, then, when sending E-mail, be sure to make the intent of your message clear. And by all means, do not pass on unconfirmed information to friends. Reasons for not listening to harmful gossip. The principal reason that we want to please Jehovah, who condemns slander. Another reason not to engage in harmful gossip is that such could lead to imitating Satan, the foremost slanderer of Jehovah. We should not listen to malicious gossipers, since they separate friends. Proverbs 6:16-19.",Proverbs 6:16-19.,"Bobby Laymon, ","How to Build Strong and Lasting Friendships, ",100,joshlaymon,,6/3/2025
"Gossip, IN crowd, In trouble, In debt, in conflict with Jehovah's thinking. Slander, ","You often hear of those who are called the 'IN' Crowd.  They probably are in: In trouble, In debt, in conflict with Jehovah's thinking.  We walk by Jehovah's light. Ex 23:1 “You must not spread a report that is not true. Do not cooperate with a wicked one by becoming a malicious witness.""","Are you the kind of person who enjoys sending e-mails and text messages to your friends and acquaintances? If so, when you see a newly published story in the news media or hear an experience, you might feel like a news reporter who wants to be the first to break an exciting story. However, before you send that text message or e-mail, ask yourself: a. ‘Am I certain that the information I am about to spread is true? b.	Do I really have the facts?’ If you are not certain, you could unwittingly circulate false information among our 	brotherhood. If in doubt, hit the delete key, not the send button. ",Exodus 23:1; ,"Heath Bennett,, ","How to Build Strong and Lasting Friendships, ",100,joshlaymon,,6/3/2025
"Do not follow the crowd, gossip, slander, pressure of the circumstances, mold, ","'Remember, a dead fish can float downstream, but it takes a live one to swim upstream, fight the rapids and climb the waterfalls.  Jehovah will help us to swim against the current and not follow the crowd.  It's not always easy.","Exodus 23:2 You must not follow after the crowd to do evil, and you must not pervert justice by giving testimony to go along with the crowd. Three times Aaron deflected. You may remember when he made the 'golden calf.' He built an altar before it. Then Aaron called out: “There is a festival to Jehovah tomorrow.” Aaron does not appear as the principal initiator of the wrong action but, rather, seems to have allowed the pressure of the circumstances or the influence of others to sway him from a course of righteousness. He could have applied the principle underlying the command: “You must not follow after the crowd for evil ends.”",Exodus 23:2;,"Heath Bennett,","How to Build Strong and Lasting Friendships, ",100,joshlaymon,,6/3/2025
"Identifying Mark, brand cattle, ","If you have watched the Western movies, you have noticed they brand their cattle.  They burn in a brand-mark that identifies.  No one can remove that mark.  They brand their horses also.  This carries over into the commercial world as well.  Show Signs: You see the 'golden arches' and even a child knows.  Car manufacturers have a big logo or insignia on the front.  It says: Cadillac, Ford, Dodge, etc.  ",Everyone is searching for an identifying mark.  Is there any wonder Jehovah has placed an irremovable mark on the Christian congregation?  What is that mark?  How well is it burned in?,1 Peter 4:8; ,"Matt Roper, ","Love Identifies the True Christian Congregation, ",72 ,joshlaymon,,6/3/2025
"Perfect, perfection, Love, ","It's been said, ""There are two kinds of people, really. Those who want to be PERFECT and those who do not want to be PERFECT, because they already are."" Is it really possible for any of us to be perfect today? Love, not perfection, identifies the true Christian congregation (John 13:34,35) I am giving YOU a new commandment, that YOU love one another; just as I have loved YOU, that YOU also love one another. 35 By this all will know that YOU are my disciples, if YOU have love among yourselves.”  ","But some confuse love and perfection, expect too much of others. They use the imperfections of others as excuse for stumbling, Do you expect perfection of others? What should you expect to see in the Christian congregation? (Romans 14:4) Who are you to judge the house servant of another? To his own master he stands or falls. Indeed, he will be made to stand, for Jehovah can make him stand.  Expect more of others than Jehovah does. ","John 13:34,35; Romans 14:4; ","Matt Roper, ","Love Identifies the True Christian Congregation, ",72,joshlaymon,,6/3/2025
"Love in Action, songs, books and movies, ","IN THIS world, we repeatedly see and hear the word “love.” It appears in songs, books and movies and on posters, placards and buttons. Yet we find ourselves living in a world where self-sacrificing love is indeed rare. This should not be surprising, for many people mistakenly refer to passion and sentimentality as love. They are unacquainted with the love that distinguishes true disciples of Jesus Christ. ","This love goes beyond a person’s loving his neighbor as himself. It includes, if necessary, a willingness to surrender one’s life for one’s Christian brothers. Thus a person would be imitating Jesus Christ, who voluntarily laid down his life for mankind.—1 John 3:16-18.",1 John 3:16-18; ,"w78 9/15 p. 17 par. 1 Bobby Laymon, ","Love Identifies the True Christian Congregation, ",72,joshlaymon,,6/3/2025
"William was born in slavery. God's will, bought with price, slave, serve Jehovah, ","William was born in slavery.  His mother ... a beautiful African queen from the upper Nile.  Captured at 15 years of age, she was forced to march 1000 miles to the Atlantic.  She was squeezed and chained in the hole of a ship with other slaves, rats and fleas for months.  William knew little about his father ... a large man ... a second generation slave, kept for breeding purposes.  When William was born his mother tried to kill him to spare him a life of slavery, but she was chained to her bed and punished until she calmed down. In time his body carried the marks of a slave.  The threat of death was reinforced by the hard work, chains and whip. William had no hope except slavery in the turpentine fields noted for working a slave to death at a young age.n.  ","Application:  We are that slave!  We have been born into slavery, with the threat of death hanging over us. Then one day a wealthy man noticed William and took pity on him.  He was determined to buy William.  Due to the demanding nature of his owner, he paid much more than he was worth. How will William use his newfound freedom?  Would he become a slave owner himself?  Life of luxury?  Will he live for self?  He tries all this, but he is not happy.  He thinks!  I'm not really free.  I was bought with a price. He then goes to this one, and says, ""Look!  I'm yours.  What can I do to serve you.  And is given a valued position, with increasing responsibilities in the house-hold of his master.  He feels good about it. ",Romans 6:16; ,Bobby Laymon,"Living to Do God's Will, Not Our Own, ",08,joshlaymon,,6/3/2025
"free as a bird, Danger, damage, self-willed, selfish, ","Illustration: Airplane pilot, may feel as free as a bird.  He feels he can come in and land, or take off any time he wants. Or fly anywhere he wants. Application: An intelligent pilot realizes the tower is in control, and that kind of thinking can hurt.  It can get him killed.  And cause damage to others as well.		","This devilish spirit inclines imperfect humans toward self-willed rebellion. Bible urges people seeking God's favor to develop just the opposite of self-centered view. Encourages us to disown self and not to live for ourselves (Matthew 16:24) Then Jesus said to his disciples: “If anyone wants to come after me, let him disown himself and pick up his torture stake and continually follow me. (2 Corinthians 5:15) and he died for all that those who live might live no longer for themselves, but for him who died for them and was raised up.",Matthew 16:24; 2 Corinthians 5:15; ,Bobby Laymon,"Living to Do God's Will, Not Our Own, ",08,joshlaymon,,6/3/2025
"Sinning means to miss the mark; Sin, Bow and Arrow, target, All have sinned, ","Sinning means to miss the mark; the arrow falls short of the target. Illustration: If one misses when shooting at a target, it matters little whether the error is due to shooting above, below or on either side of it.  It is reckoned that one simple missed the mark. (Describe bull's eyes for target outer circles) So likewise your own inherited weaknesses do not in God's eyes put you on a lower level than fellow humans.  Some miss the mark in one direction, others the other way.","[We may say of a mistake our brother made: ""I have never done anything like that. I never would!  But, it doesn't  matter.  We have all missed the mark!  It doesn't matter how.] Even if we strive to keep God's laws, we fall short  (Romans 7:21-23) I find, then, this law in my case: that when I wish to do what is right, what is bad is present with me. 22 I really delight in the law of God according to the man I am within, 23 but I behold in my members another law warring against the law of my mind and leading me captive to sin’s law that is in my members.  w73 511; it-2 964-5)",Romans 7:21-23; ,Bobby Laymon,"Living to Do God's Will, Not Our Own, ",08,joshlaymon,,6/3/2025
"Freedom, limited, free as birds, life depends on God, ","Illustrate: You have heard the expression, ""as free as the birds."" Some birds can fly 29,000 feet high, (about 5 1/2 miles straight up) where the oxygen is so scarce, and the air is so cold that you would think none would survive.However, even the freedom of the birds is limited.  That's about as far as they can go. In gaining right evaluation of our position, it is vital to recognize our dependence on God All of us should acknowledge that we owe our lives to Jehovah  (Acts 17:26-28) ","Ask self: 'Does my life reflect recognition of fact that I owe it to God?' We depend on God for means to sustain our lives (Psalm 104:14,15) He is making green grass sprout for the beasts, And vegetation for the service of mankind, To cause food to go forth from the earth, 15 And wine that makes the heart of mortal man rejoice, To make the face shine with oil, And bread that sustains the very heart of mortal man.","Acts 17:26-28; Psalm 104:14,15; ",Bobby Laymon,"Living to Do God's Will, Not Our Own, ",08,joshlaymon,,6/3/2025
"Best Gift, Valuable, worth, fire victims, floods,","Illustration: Some when making gifts, give items they do not want, in case of  fire victims, floods, or other crisis situations.  Application: Jehovah gave the very best thing he had.  His son, Jesus.  Perhaps other angels could have provided a ransom, but only Jehovah's first born son could measure up to special needs.  ","Jesus gave the very best he had.  His life.  It was a crisis involving special needs of sinful mankind.  Hallmark cards: When you care enough to send your very best. [Like William’s owner; price much more valuable, than William was worth] (Acts 24:15) and I have hope toward God, which hope these [men] themselves also entertain, that there is going to be a resurrection of both the righteous and the unrighteous.",Acts 24:15; ,Bobby Laymon,"Living to Do God's Will, Not Our Own, ",08,joshlaymon,,6/3/2025
"Best Gift, Valuable, worth, fire victims, floods,",ILLUSTRATION: Just as a man can drive forward or backward in a car ...  APPLICATION: Jehovah can reverse death. Through the ransom he can reverse anything Satan has done.	,"But no one can gain God's favor, release from bondage to sin, eternal life, without faith in value of Christ's sacrifice and openly acknowledging him as Lord (John 3:36) He that exercises faith in the Son has everlasting life; he that disobeys the Son will not see life, but the wrath of God remains upon him. (Romans 10:9) For if you publicly declare that ‘word in your own mouth,’ that Jesus is Lord, and exercise faith in your heart that God raised him up from the dead, you will be saved.",John 3:36; Romans 10:9; ,Bobby Laymon,"Living to Do God's Will, Not Our Own, ",08,joshlaymon,,6/3/2025
What makes you tick? What are you living for?  Running for?,"What makes you tick? What are you living for?  Running for?  A story told for many hundreds of years, is accredited to Aesop, a Greek slave. He told of a dog that chased a rabbit for most of the morning. They ran up the hill, down the hill, and around the hill.  Finally, tired out, the dog gave up and lay down by his companions.  They began to tease him.  ""Do you mean to tell us, that you let that little rabbit get the better of you?"" they chided. ""Well, look at it this way,"" said the dog panting. "" We were running for different things!  I was only running for my lunch!  That rabbit was running for his life!""","The questions might well be asked of us.  What are we running for?  What are we living for?  Are we living for ourselves, or to do God's will?  Are we living for temporary pleasures now, or are we in it for the ""long haul""?  Are we in the race to do God's will, and running for everlasting life?",John 3:36; Romans 10:9; ,Bobby Laymon,"Living to Do God's Will, Not Our Own, ",08,joshlaymon,,6/3/2025
"Poem,  don't miss the beauty of the forest, for the trees.","I once took a walk in the cool night air,to collect my thoughts and to offer prayer""Jehovah, how could my brother treat me this way?It hurt me so much what he did today.What was this brother even thinking of?Doesn't he know how to show real love?""I walked a while longer then turned with a sigh...Look! a great forest piercing the sky.How pleasant, how grand this forest of trees,In union they swayed from the rushing breeze.This forest was a haven, a place of rest,where deer could lie down and sparrows could nest.I shifted my course for a clearer sightof these towering timbers in all their might.But as I came closer it was clear to methat something was wrong with every tree.One was rotten about to collapse.Another was stunted, lack of water perhaps.One had from lightning been shattered apart.There were some where disease had gotten a start.Yes, the longer I looked the more I could seethat not even one was a perfect tree.","Could these huge trees have a lesson to give?Which would help me in peace with my brother to live?If you yourself have been in a quarrelThen listen to this for here is the moral:No man can be perfect as many will sayAnd some will offend like that brother today.But take a step back; look around if you wouldat the beauty and peace of our brotherhood.Jehovah is with us of this I am sure, for in union we speak the language that's pure. And the best proof we have that we're blessed from above, Is the way we forgive with brotherly love.So, you'll worship Jehovah with much greater easeif you don't miss the beauty of the forest, for the trees.",1 Peter 4:8; ,Bobby Laymon,LOVE IDENTIFIES THE TRUE CHRISTIAN CONGREGATION,72,joshlaymon,,6/3/2025
"Slave, bitter pill to swallow, oppression, Protections and privileges. blessing, ","""No horse ever gets anywhere until he is harnessed. No steam or gas ever drives anything until it is confined. No Niagara is ever turned into light and power until it is tunneled.  No life ever grows great until it is focused, dedicated, disciplined.""  Quote: Harry Emerson Fosdick.",The suggestion of being a slave is a bitter pill to swallow.  One usually associates it with oppression. God's Word is altogether different than what people think. Protections and privileges.  The Law protected slaves from brutalities. A slave was to be set at liberty if mistreatment by the master resulted in the loss of a tooth or an eye. As the usual value for a slave was 30 shekels Men who served God in past delighted in being his servants; we too can have that joy. Abraham manifested by his ready response that he was servant of God; was blessed ,"Romans 6:22,23; Exodus 21:20,26,27; ",Quote: Harry Emerson Fosdick,"Living to do God's Will, Nor Our Own, ",08,joshlaymon,,6/3/2025
"commitment. Dedication, slave, chicken, hog, ","Your becoming a dedicated, baptized Christian will show your recognition of and your dependence on God, your love for him, your desire to be a slave of God. To Illustrate: The chicken said to the hog, ""The farmer has really been good to us by providing so well.  I think we should show our appreciation by serving him breakfast tomorrow.  I will furnish the eggs if you will supply the ham.""  ","The hog said, ""I will be happy to do that, but I am not sure we both have the same degree of commitment.""  What is your degree of commitment to Jehovah.  Are we fully committed? There are no ""if's, and's, or but's"" in the questions asked the baptism candidates. Repentance requires turning from any wrong acts and changing your whole way of thinking to bring it in line with God's thinking revealed in the Bible. (Romans 12:2) And quit being fashioned after this system of things, but be transformed by making YOUR mind over, that YOU may prove to yourselves the good and acceptable and perfect will of God.    ",Romans 12:2; ,Bobby Laymon,"Living to do God's Will, Nor Our Own, ",08,joshlaymon,,6/3/2025
"We cannot Hitchhike into the New World, ","Jehovah will not tie us to his chariot and drag us along -- We must keep pace.  We cannot Hitchhike -- Others buy the car, gasoline, tires, insurance, and the hitchhiker says, ""Bye!  ""Depends on others too much.  May not get where he is going. We cannot expect to hitchhike into Jehovah's New World of righteousness.  Children cannot expect to come under parents merits if old enough to make a decision.  House must become a home.  We must make the truth our own. 	","Person who drinks on social occasions may think it sophisticated to get dizzy, giddy; is rejecting warning against drunkenness  (1 Corinthians 5:11) But now I am writing YOU to quit mixing in company with anyone called a brother that is a fornicator or a greedy person or an idolater or a reviler or a drunkard or an extortioner, not even eating with such a man. (1 Peter 4:3) For the time that has passed by is sufficient for YOU to have worked out the will of the nations when YOU proceeded in deeds of loose conduct, lusts, excesses with wine, revelries, drinking matches, and illegal idolatries.",1 Corinthians 5:11; 1 Peter 4:3; ,Bobby Laymon,"Living to do God's Will, Nor Our Own, ",08,joshlaymon,,6/3/2025
"Elders, sheep, not cowboys, ","Illustration: Elders are not to ride herd over the flock, and drive them like cowboys.  Christendom does that.  Application: Jehovah's people are likened to sheep, and overseers as humble shepherds. You cannot drive a sheep. It must be led. ","Unlike other animals, sheep are gentle, and peaceful toward their own, but other animals as well. Includes older ones in Congregation. Like 'gold mines' in congregation. Youths have example in Timothy, who did not live for self  (Philippians 2:19-23) ",Philippians 2:19-23; ,Bobby Laymon,"Living to do God's Will, Nor Our Own, ",08,joshlaymon,,6/3/2025
"lowly squirrel's purpose, life, family oriented, pension plan, ","A lowly squirrel's purpose is to make a living, store up something as a nest.  Has a winter home and a summer home.  Nest and a den.  Eats variety of foods, berries, nuts and seed.  Know how to save away.  He is family oriented; quite a pension plan.   ",Read Psalm 49:17-20.  Apply: Most persons work for the same thing as a squirrel does. Jehovah reveals the purpose of life. Do you lead a squirrel's life? ,Psalm 49:17-20; ,Bobby Laymon,"Living to do God's Will, Nor Our Own, ",08,joshlaymon,,6/3/2025
"New Earth, Sequola seed, Man's days will be 'like a tree'","Plant a sequoia seed 3/1000th of an ounce, and no larger than a man's fingernail and watch it grow to the incredible height of a 30 story building.  You are looking at a football field, standing on end.  Tree weighs over 2000 tons. ",Imagine surviving it and planting another one thousands of years later and again enjoying its growth and beauty.  Man's days will be 'like a tree',Isaiah 65:22;,Bobby Laymon,"Living to do God's Will, Nor Our Own, ",08,joshlaymon,,6/3/2025
Tomiji Hironaka former “divine wind” (kamikaze) pilot.,"""I Was Determined to Die for the Emperor""  ""When I feel a little tired, I recall the zeal that I had in serving emperor and country and think to myself, ‘If I served emperor and country with that much devotion, how can I do less when serving the great Universal Sovereign?’ And I regain my power to continue."" g92 5/8 19  Tomiji Hironaka former “divine wind” (kamikaze) pilot.","Successfully serving Jehovah, living to do his will, is the course of blessing (Romans 6:22) How-ever, now, because YOU were set free from sin but became slaves to God, YOU are having YOUR fruit in the way of holiness, and the end everlasting life.",Romans 6:22; ,Bobby Laymon ,"Living to do God's Will, Nor Our Own, ",08,joshlaymon,,6/3/2025
"God's Kingdom, beyond all your expectations. ","Perhaps sometime in your life, you bought something that was better than you had bargained for.  It went beyond all your expectations.  Growing up, we had no idea what electricity was.  They had electric lights at school, and the country store had an electric freezer where you could buy ice cream.  In 1951 we heard that electricity was coming to the mountains.  ",How would it affect us?  Would it change our life-style. Our future?  Would the effects be good or bad?  That’s how it is with Jehovah’s Kingdom.  It has reached the lives of everyone here in some way.  Will it prove to be a benefit or a curse.  Will it affect and change our life-style?  Our future?,Matthew 6:10; ,Bobby Laymon ,HOW THE KINGDOM OF GOD AFFECTS YOU,42,joshlaymon,,6/4/2025
"God's Kingdom, Murphy's law; All the Answers.","Murphy's law: If something can go wrong, it will.  Small things: flat tire, locked out of house.  Large: political upheavals, serious illness, large, trusted companies going belly up.  Natural disasters.  Things are not right, normal today.  ","How can we cope?  Correct mental attitude; don't try to cure all; see the good side. God’s Kingdom is a World With All the Answers.  Read Matthew 6:10 The answer to all man’s problems is God’s Kingdom in the hands of Christ Jesus. A new system of things, called in the Bible “new heavens and a new earth.”  ",Matthew 6:10; Daniel 2:44; ,Bobby Laymon ,HOW THE KINGDOM OF GOD AFFECTS YOU. ,42,joshlaymon,,6/4/2025
"Satan, priceless watch, worthless plastic bobber; swap with him.","Satan is in opposition to God’s Kingdom. He wants us to become involved in his world, materialistic pursuits.Illustrate: You have a priceless watch, with diamonds, but it is very delicate. You notice the young child is very quiet and check on him.  He is slinging the watch around in the air. To take it from him would cause damage.  You pick up a worthless plastic bobber; swap with him. ",That's what Satan does with us.  He offers us things of no value for the priceless treasures of Jehovah's Kingdom.  We must never be distracted by worldly values.  He tried this with Jesus Read Luke 4:5-8 	,Luke 4:5-8; ,Bobby Laymon ,HOW THE KINGDOM OF GOD AFFECTS YOU. ,42,joshlaymon,,6/4/2025
"Jesus heals, pity, A blind man, perhaps in a subway, ","Did you ever see a person in a wheelchair at the mall?  A child on crutches?  A blind man, perhaps in a subway.  Your heart goes out to them.  Jehovah ""wants to"" heal persons also.  He is not limited as we are.  ","Unlike doctors today who often amputate a diseased hand.  Jesus Christ will heal that hand. (Matthew 12:28) But if it is by means of God’s spirit that I expel the demons, the kingdom of God has really overtaken YOU. By his teaching and example, Jesus made clear the right way to live and to worship (Jeremiah 10:23) I well know, O Jehovah, that to earthling man his way does not belong. It does not belong to man who is walking even to direct his step.",Matthew 12:28; Jeremiah 10:23; ,Bobby Laymon ,HOW THE KINGDOM OF GOD AFFECTS YOU. ,42,joshlaymon,,6/4/2025
"WHEN THE KINGDOM BEGAN TO EXERCISE ITS POWER, ","When we first got electricity, we started with the most important things first.  We first got lights so we wouldn’t be in the dark. ","Jehovah's Kingdom started with the important things first.  It started back at Pentecost 33 C.E., paving the way for other things to come.  It had to do with light. Read (Colossians 1:13) He delivered us from the authority of the darkness and transferred us into the kingdom of the Son of his love,  (He was preparing to bring light to the nations.)",Colossians 1:13,Bobby Laymon ,HOW THE KINGDOM OF GOD AFFECTS YOU. ,42,joshlaymon,,6/4/2025
Lame Duck President. Son was ruling in his kingdom in heaven;,"At that time, the Son was ruling in his kingdom in heaven; true from Pentecost 33 C.E. onward. Over whom was he ruling? According to the holy one Christ had indeed begun to rule but only over Christian congregation, not over mankind. ( Colossians 1:1, 2) Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus through God’s will, and Timothy [our] brother  to the holy ones and faithful brothers in union with Christ at Colossians. May YOU have 	undeserved kindness and peace from God our Father. Christians' adhering to his rule made them stand out as different from the world. A ""little flock"" was being taken out from among mankind to share in heavenly Kingdom. However you may say, I thought the Kingdom started ruling in 1914.","(Luke 12:32) “Have no fear, little flock, because YOUR Father has approved of giving YOU the kingdom. Illustrate: Lame Duck President. (Becomes that when new one elected) Kingdom of the ""son of his love."" President elected 2nd Tuesday of November, inaugurated Jan. 20 of following year. Begins selecting cabinet members immediately.  New president become very busy selecting cabinet members.  Jesus Christ began selecting those who would rule in his administration.  Actually, installed as king in 1914. In 1914 he took his office and began reigning among his enemies on earth.","Luke 12:32; Colossians 1:,2,3: ",Bobby Laymon ,HOW THE KINGDOM OF GOD AFFECTS YOU. ,42,joshlaymon,,6/4/2025
"When we got electricity. Progress, Kingdom, Change, ","It's like when we got electricity.  At first we got electric lights, then a refrigerator, In time we got running water.  A bathroom inside the house with hot water.  Electric radio, television, and electric blanket, washing machine, Seemingly there is no end to the material objects.","What a change that will mean for humanity! Looking forward to that time, God himself says: “Look! I am making all things new.” (Revelation 21:5) This is the same event that is referred to in the proclamation at (Revelation 11:15) And the seventh angel blew his trumpet. And loud voices occurred in heaven, saying: “The kingdom of the world did become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he will rule as king forever and ever.”   ",Revelation 21:5; Revelation 11:15; ,Bobby Laymon ,HOW THE KINGDOM OF GOD AFFECTS YOU. ,42,joshlaymon,,6/4/2025
"Contributions, money, material things, Donations, ","Illustration: A small boy had two coins in his hands. One was for his use to purchase anything he wanted, while the other was to be placed in the contribution box. Well, as kids will do, he was sitting on the curbside, playing with the coins, when one of them fell from his hands, rolled down the street, and fell in the sewer grate. ""?","After a little reflection, he looked up, and said, ""Well, Jehovah, there went yours."" Do we, when we are faced with demands on our time, tell Jehovah, ""Well, there went yours",Exodus 25:2; ,Bobby Laymon,HOW THE KINGDOM OF GOD AFFECTS YOU. ,42,joshlaymon,,6/4/2025
"Opportunities, bargains, Preaching, ",An old horse trader once said:  I have made some real bargains!  I have also been 'skinned' a few times and lost money.  I don't regret these.  The things I really regret are those bargains I let slip away.  The opportunities I passed up!,We must latch onto Jehovah's kingdom in every way we can and make sure the securing of it for ourselves.  It is the greatest bargain we will ever make!,Matthew 6:33;,Bobby Laymon,HOW THE KINGDOM OF GOD AFFECTS YOU. ,42,joshlaymon,,6/4/2025
A Little Leaven,"Illustrating the apostle Paul’s words about the power of “a little leaven” to ferment the whole lump, is the way of preparing bread in villages of Cyprus. From time immemorial the method has been to mix the flour with water and then to knead it well. When the kneading is considered satisfactory, a piece of leaven is added. ","There are several kinds of leaven, but the one mostly used comes from old dough. Usually, when kneading is over, a piece of dough is put aside in a warm place. This small piece, after thirty-six to forty-eight hours, is ready leaven and can be used to ferment the whole lump.—1 Cor. 5:6.",1 Cor. 5:6; ,w66 1/15 p. 53; ,,,joshlaymon,,6/4/2025
"Completing the Work of Making Disciples, THERE is a joy in seeing a job well done. Noah, flood, ","THERE is a joy in seeing a job well done. This is true whether the job is large or small, involves many persons or you alone, is completed quickly or extends over a long period of time. Noah and his family must have felt keen satisfaction in completing the ark on time; then herding the animals into it, finally sealing it shut before the rains came. ","Moses and the Israelites, in completing in its intricate details the tabernacle in the wilderness, must have felt that same thrill. Solomon and those who labored with him must have rejoiced when the magnificent temple was completed on Mount Moriah in Jerusalem in 1027 B.C.E., and the cloud, signifying God’s approval, filled it so that the priests could not enter. Are you one who enjoys the thrill of true accomplishment? “We are God’s fellow workers. You people are God’s field under cultivation, God’s building.”—1 Cor. 3:9.",1 Cor. 3:9; ,w66 4/1 p. 201,,,joshlaymon,,6/4/2025
"Are You Being Exploited with Counterfeit Words? counterfeit money, ","WHEN word gets out that there is counterfeit money being circulated in a community, you immediately check the money you have on hand because you know it may mean considerable loss to you if you happen to have some of the counterfeit, and, worse, may involve you in a great deal of trouble if you should try to pass some of it. ",It may be such a skillful counterfeit that you have to go to your banker to identify it. Counterfeit words can be even more deceptive and damaging. You would have to go to a reliable source of true words and facts to detect the fraud.2 Peter 2:3; ,2 Peter 2:3; ,w66 4/15 p. 243,,,joshlaymon,,6/4/2025
The Overseer of a Happy Flock ,"The true God Jehovah is the most celebrated Overseer in the universe. He is the Shepherd of his flock. Those privileged to be in his company are made happy, for Jehovah is called in the Holy Scriptures “the happy God.”—1 Tim. 1:11. The Scriptures abound with evidence that intelligent creatures under Jehovah’s care are happy. They tell of heavenly sons rejoicing before Jehovah, “shouting in applause,” being “overjoyed” and “happy.” (Job 38:7; Rev. 19:7-9; Prov. 8:30) ","And on earth ‘the sheep of his pasturing, earthling men,’ are also called “happy.” “Happy is the people whose God is Jehovah!” exclaimed the psalmist. “Happy is the one who has the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in Jehovah his God, the Maker of heaven and earth.” (Ezek. 34:31; Ps. 144:15; 146:5, 6) Yes, there is genuine happiness in this despondent twentieth century, but it is with those who belong to the flock of the happy God Jehovah. If you are a member of that flock, then you know what it is to be happy.",1 Tim. 1:11; ,w66 5/1 p. 264 pars. 1-2 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/4/2025
"Time Is Running Out! Alert, alert, ","In his great prophecy concerning our own day he forcefully illustrated this, saying: “It is like a man traveling abroad that left his house and gave the authority to his slaves, to each one his work, and commanded the doorkeeper to keep on the watch. ","Therefore keep on the watch, for you do not know when the master of the house is coming, whether late in the day or at midnight or at cock-crowing or early in the morning; in order that when he arrives suddenly, he does not find you sleeping. But what I say to you I say to all, Keep on the watch.”—Mark 13:33-37.",Mark 13:33-37; ,w66 6/1 p. 326 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/4/2025
"""Keep Holding the Pattern of Healthful Words” ","WORDS can pierce like a sword, killing friendships and stirring up trouble. Or they can be as pleasant as a honeycomb, imparting health and bringing friends closer together. “There exists the one speaking thoughtlessly as with the stabs of a sword, but the tongue of the wise ones is a healing.” And another Bible proverb says: “Pleasant sayings are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and a healing to the bones.”—Prov. 12:18; 16:24; Ps. 55:21.","It is a fact! Upbuilding, encouraging words truly contribute to one’s sense of healthful well-being. Particularly can words of sound spiritual counsel result in healing. If they cause a person to follow a wise, honorable course of life, spiritual and mental health is realized, not to speak of the improved physical health that often results from following godly principles.",Prov. 12:18; 16:24; Ps. 55:21; ,w66 6/15 p. 355,,,joshlaymon,,6/4/2025
“Keep Holding the Pattern of Healthful Words”,"As an illustration, think for a minute of Solomon’s temple. The pattern for that temple was divinely inspired. Jehovah God gave it to David, and David had to transmit it accurately to Solomon. Then the men Solomon used to do the building needed to have the pattern in mind. They had to have it so clear that when all the stones were fashioned and transported to atop Mount Moriah, each one would fit in place. ","Thus, it was not enough merely to have the measurements of all the individual stones in mind; these men had to have the overall pattern perfectly in mind as well.—1 Chron. 28:1-21. So it is with the study of the Scriptures. We have to have the pattern of healthful words clearly in mind. This pattern Timothy received from Paul, a representative of the Christian congregation. The Ethiopian eunuch in power under Queen Candace was familiar with the Scriptures. Yet he did not comprehend the pattern until he was taught by Philip, another representative of the Christian organization. (Acts 8:26-38) Today we, too, need similar guidance and instruction to obtain this pattern of healthful words. But, at the same time, we must carefully analyze individual scriptures so that they fit properly into this pattern.",1 Chron. 28:1-21; ,w66 6/15 p. 356 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/4/2025
"Manifesting the Spirit of God, growth, harvest, farmer, purpose, ","Let it all be illustrated by the farmer and his field. He carefully plows, harrows, packs and tends the ground, working it into a good seedbed. Then he plants the wheat. Does he plant wheat because he could not think of anything else to plant, or did he plant wheat because he happened to have seed on hand? No, he has a definite purpose in mind. Some wheat he will use for food for his own household, some will be saved for seed yet another year, the rest he will sell so he can buy other necessities of life.","The wheat seed planted will bring many returns if it grows and multiplies as it should. But if it develops into a scrawny, spindly-looking stock that produces just a little poor-grade wheat, then it is not going to make the farmer happy. He may not harvest it if it is not worth the work. We find that Jehovah, the greatest farmer, has prepared all things very well, sent out cultivators, sowers, tenders of the field and harvesters. Now, how should we respond? Proverbs 12:11 says: “The one cultivating his ground will himself be satisfied with bread, but the one pursuing valueless things is in want of heart.” Grow, produce, stay under the raining waters of truth and the growth-producing warmth of Jehovah’s spirit and produce a hundredfold to Jehovah’s honor.",Proverbs 12:11; ,w66 6/15 pp. 363-364 par. 21,,,joshlaymon,,6/4/2025
"Keep On Growing Under Jehovah’s Spirit, Growth, ","GROWTH is a most wonderful thing to observe. It is fascinating. It increases in interest in many ways. It is a continual miracle before your eyes. It reveals a master designing engineer in its development. What sparks growth? What controls growth to attain balance in the completed result? What stops growth, maintaining the consistent level of size and ability in creation? Plant life grows, each part progressing in size and maturity, developing flowers, seed, fruit, and yet does it gradually.","Of course, if you are interested, you will have to have patience to watch it. “Mark well how the lilies grow; they neither toil nor spin; but I tell you, Not even Solomon in all his glory was arrayed as one of these.” (Luke 12:27) It will take you one growing season to witness this beauty, the result of growth.",Luke 12:27; ,w66 6/15 p. 364 par. 1,,,joshlaymon,,6/5/2025
"Keep On Growing Under Jehovah’s Spirit, Growth, yes, but it takes time. grow mentally. ","A baby is born; it arrives as another member of the family. It has been growing already. “Just as you are not aware of what is the way of the spirit in the bones in the belly of her that is pregnant, in like manner you do not know the work of the true God, who does all things.” (Eccl. 11:5) But now you can see and hear it progress. In a few months he speaks and walks. Before you know it, off to school, then graduation. A job, marriage to a mate, and their new baby. ","Growth, yes, but it takes time. Can you rush it, stop it, or control it? Growth, judged from outward appearances, is so slow, you may become impatient with yourself or others. This is particularly true of spiritual growth. To be sure, if you feed a baby nutritious food regularly for several years, you will have a young man or lady as the result. “Of its own self the ground bears fruit gradually, first the grass blade, then the stalk head, finally the full grain in the head.” (Mark 4:28) If you feed a newly interested person food from God’s Word, the Bible, the book produced by God’s spirit and so called spiritual food, in time the result will be a minister. But take warning. If parents just cannot realize their baby is growing up, and so continue feeding him mushy baby food, putting it in his mouth for him, he may in size look like a young man, but actually he is a helpless dependent. He has not started to grow mentally. So with spiritual food. If we hinder its application, if we become impatient and do not allow God’s spirit to produce action from the heart of the individual, we will have a helpless babe rather than a maturing minister.",Eccl. 11:5; Mark 4:28; ,w66 6/15 pp. 364-365 par. 2,,,joshlaymon,,6/5/2025
"Keep On Growing Under Jehovah’s Spirit, stops growing, something is disturbingly wrong.","When one stops growing, something is disturbingly wrong. If you stop taking in spiritual food, it quickly leads to a stopping in growth. To avoid wandering off out into the realm where God’s spirit does not operate, because of less study, fewer meetings, postponed worship in the ministry, gain a little in growth each day by increasing study, meetings and service. ","Peter writes: “You, therefore, beloved ones, having this advance knowledge, be on your guard that you may not be led away with them by the error of the law-defying people and fall from your own steadfastness. No, but go on growing in the undeserved kindness and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”—2 Pet. 3:17, 18.","2 Pet. 3:17, 18; ",w66 6/15 p. 365 par. 3,,,joshlaymon,,6/5/2025
"Keep On Growing Under Jehovah’s Spirit, Scare, earthquakes, tidal waves, great catastrophes, slow, quiet, ","Some impatient person may wish that God would scare people into His organization by earthquakes, tidal waves, great catastrophes, literally shaking the earth. It is foolish to wish that God would peel back the heavens and make them vibrate with the most awesome roar to frighten mankind into his organization. When the noise does come, it will be Armageddon. Too late, then, to sprout and begin growing into a servant of God. It was not a spectacular heavenly trumpet that cured Naaman of his leprosy; rather, it was bathing seven times in the Jordan River. (2 Ki. 5:1, 14) ","How was the temple in Solomon’s day erected? Quietly. (1 Ki. 6:7) How did Jesus pick his twelve apostles? He summoned these quietly. (Mark 3:13-15) It is indeed a privilege to look back and see the growth of faithful servants of God. It is a blessing beyond description to see meek ones grow into ministers today. But, according to Isaiah 55:10, 11, there is yet something required in this matter of growth. That scripture reads: “For just as the pouring rain descends, and the snow, from the heavens and does not return to that place, unless it actually saturates the earth and makes it produce and sprout, and seed is actually given to the sower and bread to the eater, so my word that goes forth from my mouth will prove to be. It will not return to me without results, but it will certainly do that in which I have delighted, and it will have certain success in that for which I have sent it.”","2 Ki. 5:1, 14 ; Mark 3:13-15; 1 Ki. 6:7; ",w66 6/15 pp. 366-367 par. 7,,,joshlaymon,,6/5/2025
"Keep On Growing Under Jehovah’s Spirit, Letter writing, phone calls, tresspassing signs, Holy spirit, ","Illustration: People today make themselves hard to reach by no trespassing signs, locked gates, fierce dogs, barbed wire fences and unlisted phone numbers and addresses. They are afraid of or simple don't want to be bothered. In like manner, many are hard to reach because of walls erected by religious prejudice, racial pride, political nationalism, or class distinction.","However, if you are content to plant one clear idea at a time from the Bible, the spirit will cause the sprouting. God’s spirit has been stimulating growth for centuries; there is no need to doubt its ability now. When Peter gave a report in Jerusalem on how people of the nations were receiving the Word of God, some “began to contend with him.” (Acts 11:2) So Peter came back with this undisputed principle: “If, therefore, God gave the same free gift to them as he also did to us who have believed upon the Lord Jesus Christ, who was I that I should be able to hinder God?”—Acts 11:17.",Acts 11:17; Acts 11:2; ,w66 6/15 p. 367 par. 8,,,joshlaymon,,6/5/2025
"Keep On Growing Under Jehovah’s Spirit, slow growth, time, patience, ","Will you throw up your hands and conclude, Oh, that person I conduct a Bible study with just does not progress? Will you give up in teaching your brother because you think he is too slow? Do you become discouraged with yourself and think, Jehovah surely has no place for me, I just cannot seem to grow at all and do things as well as others? Illustration: But stop now: Jehovah sent out his active force, his spirit, and in time we have a beautiful planet, an emerald gem in the universe, fertile and rich, populated by animals, birds, fish and man. Is it not an easy thing for the spirit to cause changes and growth in a human creature? Of course, but remember to take into account a few things. ","First, it takes time. Ecclesiastes 3:11 says: “Everything he has made pretty in its time. Even time indefinite he has put in their heart, that mankind may never find out the work that the true God has made from the start to the finish.” Second, it takes place in the heart. Jeremiah 31:33 says: “‘For this is the covenant that shall conclude with the house of Israel after those days,’ is the utterance of Jehovah. ‘I will put my law within them, and in their heart I shall write it. And I will become their God, and they themselves will become my people.’” Second Corinthians 3:3 says: “For you are shown to be a letter of Christ written by us as ministers, inscribed not with ink but with spirit of a living God, not on stone tablets, but on fleshly tablets, on hearts.” Third, it does not come by force, but comes by willingness under the spirit’s application. “As obedient children, quit being fashioned according to the desires you formerly had in your ignorance.” (1 Pet. 1:14) “Do bring your heart to discipline and your ear to the sayings of knowledge.”—Prov. 23:12.",1 Pet. 1:14; 2 Corinthians 3:3, w66 6/15 p. 369 par. 12,,,joshlaymon,,6/5/2025
"Keep On Growing Under Jehovah’s Spirit, growth, soil, rocks replaced with fertile soil, cultivated, owner, ","So in the light of this matter of growth consider the soil, as you read an illustration given by Jesus in a talk recorded at Luke 8:5-15: “As he was sowing, some of it fell alongside the road and was trampled down . . . Some other landed upon the rock-mass, and, after sprouting, it dried up because of not having moisture. Some other fell among the thorns, and the thorns that grew up with it choked it off. Some other fell upon the good soil, and, after sprouting, it produced fruit a hundredfold.” ","Now, what was the condition of the soil, the seedbed? We see here hard, road-packed soil, rocky soil, thorn-filled ground, and then the good soil. For further description of the good soil read verse fifteen: “As for that on the fine soil, these are the ones that, after hearing the word with a fine and good heart, retain it and bear fruit with endurance.” Must we conclude that one is destined to have a heart that is hard, rocky or thorny or one that is good? No! The hard-packed ground can be cultivated, the rocks can be replaced with fertile soil, the thorns can be pulled up and burned; it all depends upon the desire of the owner.",Luke 8:5-15: ,w66 6/15 pp. 369-370 par. 13,,,joshlaymon,,6/5/2025
"Keep On Growing Under Jehovah’s Spirit, Your growth, ","Go back to the start now, when you first drank in the waters of truth and started sprouting. Little by little you progressed. From a listener you became a speaker, from taking in to giving out, from a small seed to a fruit-producing tree. You made changes with firm determination. Moderation in food and drink brought genuine enjoyment rather than feeling of restriction. ","You accepted the Bible’s high standards of morality and gained so many clean-living friends. You replaced that weary, disappointing pleasure-seeking with a balanced program of satisfying study of God’s Word, attending meetings with other growing ministers, having a share in public preaching of the good news of God’s kingdom, and some truly upbuilding pleasurable recreation.",Luke 8:5-15: ,w66 6/15 pp. 370-371 par. 16,,,joshlaymon,,6/5/2025
"Harvest, a Time of Happiness, fellow workers, ","THERE is no happier time for the farmer than the time of harvest. What is more beautiful in his sight than a field of golden grain ready to be gathered into the storehouse? It means nourishment, life, happiness, a time of prosperity not only for him but also for the city dwellers. The farmer and his helpers can view the harvest with a great deal of satisfaction, for much hard work has been spent in the field—first plowing, then planting—and a great deal of patience. The harvesting of the crop is also hard work, but it is done with a light heart.","As regards human history, this is the time of harvest. Although conditions may make things look the blackest, actually a time of prosperity, physical and spiritual nourishment and happiness such as the earth has never known is near at hand, for it is God’s harvesttime. It makes us happy to know this. But how do we know?1 Corinthians 3:9;",1 Corinthians 3:9;,w66 6/15 p. 372,,,joshlaymon,,6/5/2025
"Guard Against Sin’s Callousing Effect, conscience, right, wrong, Dog, dumb beast.","Illustrate: A dog can be trained not to take certain things but he cannot be taught that it is wrong to steal. To appreciate moral principles requires reason, and reasoning is beyond the capacity of dumb brutes. It follows that if a man lets his conscience become calloused, seared, hardened, deadened, by repeated careless or willful excursions into sin and wrongdoing, he becomes like the dumb beast.","The Creator has endowed you with a conscience by which you can judge between right and wrong. Lower animals do not have this faculty, just one of the many evidences of the great chasm that yawns between man and beast.  It is as though his moral warning signal no longer works because of his repeatedly violating it. As the apostle Peter warns, he will pay the price of God’s wrath for such wrongdoing.—2 Pet. 2:12, 13.","2 Pet. 2:12, 13; ",w66 7/15 p. 419,,,joshlaymon,,6/5/2025
"Guard Against Sin’s Callousing Effect, smoking cigarettes, ",The callousing effect of sin might be illustrated by the effect of the tobacco habit. Because of the pleasure obtained from satisfying an acquired craving countless millions today keep on smoking cigarettes in spite of the ever-mounting evidence of how extremely harmful cigarette smoking is. ,"Among the latest such evidence, incidentally, is that given out by the American Cancer Society showing that the death rate from coronary disease in the United States among cigarette smokers is three times that of nonsmokers.—New York Times, May 9, 1966.","1 Tim. 4:1, 2; Jer. 6:15; Prov. 30:20.",w66 7/15 p. 419,,,joshlaymon,,6/5/2025
"What Do We Owe God? house of the potter, In Jehovah's hands, mold, clay, ","The Bible illustrates it in this way: “The word that occurred to Jeremiah from Jehovah, saying: ‘Rise up, and you must go down to the house of the potter, and there I shall cause you to hear my words.’ And I proceeded to go down to the house of the potter, and there he was doing work upon the potter’s wheels. And the vessel that he was making with the clay was spoiled by the potter’s hand, and he turned back and went making it into another vessel, just as it looked right in the eyes of the potter to make. ","And the word of Jehovah continued to occur to me, saying: ‘“Am I not able to do just like this potter to you people, O house of Israel?” is the utterance of Jehovah. “Look! As the clay in the hand of the potter, so you are in my hand, O house of Israel.”’” (Jer. 18:1-6) “O man, who, then, really are you to be answering back to God? Shall the thing molded say to him that molded it, ‘Why did you make me this way?’ What? Does not the potter have authority over the clay to make from the same lump one vessel for an honorable use, another for a dishonorable use?” (Rom. 9:20, 21) Every man’s heart should be filled with gratitude to God for being alive.",Jer. 18:1-6; ,w66 8/1 p. 458 par. 7,,,joshlaymon,,6/5/2025
"Baptism Shows Faith, Jehovah God knows what is good for man, gratitude, ‘We are good-for-nothing slaves, slave, ","Jesus used this illustration to make an important point for us: “Who of you is there that has a slave plowing or minding the flock who will say to him when he gets in from the field, ‘Come here at once and recline at the table’? Rather, will he not say to him, ‘Get something ready for me to have my evening meal, and put on an apron and minister to me until I am through eating and drinking, and afterward you can eat and drink’? He will not feel gratitude to the slave because he did the things assigned, will he? ","So you, also, when you have done all the things assigned to you, say, ‘We are good-for-nothing slaves. What we have done is what we ought to have done.’”—Luke 17:7-10. The point is, when we serve God it is only what we ought to be doing. It is right. Jehovah God knows what is good for man. We are in the right position when serving Him. ",Luke 17:7-10; ,w66 8/1 p. 467 pars. 23-24 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/5/2025
"The Christians’ Possession of Peace, mother bird, thunderstorm, tribulation, courage, conquered the world, ","It has been well illustrated by the mother bird that sits on her nest of eggs in a tree during a thunderstorm, tranquil, undisturbed through it all. Clearly it is a peace of which the world knows nothing. That is why Jesus could say regarding it: “I leave you peace, I give you my peace. I do not give it to you the way that the world gives it. Do not let your hearts be troubled nor let them shrink for fear.” ","“I have said these things to you that by means of me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation, but take courage! I have conquered the world.” Yes, in spite of conditions that would ordinarily cause men to become troubled and shrink back in fear, in spite of tribulation, the true followers of Jesus Christ can have peace.—Phil. 4:7; John 14:27; 16:33.",Phil. 4:7; John 14:27; 16:33; ,w66 8/15 p. 489 par. 17,,,joshlaymon,,6/5/2025
"The Christians’ Possession of Peace, calmness, serenity, tranquillity, freedom from friction and strife,","PEACE! How pleasant the very sound of the word is because of its associations! Peace suggests calmness, serenity, tranquillity, freedom from friction and strife, from doubt and fear. No wonder that the promises of peace found in God’s Word are so comforting!","Delightful indeed is the picture of peace given by the prophet Isaiah: “In the wilderness justice will certainly reside, and in the orchard righteousness itself will dwell. And the work of the true righteousness must become peace; and the service of the true righteousness, quietness and security to time indefinite. And my people must dwell in a peaceful abiding place and in residences of full confidence and in undisturbed resting places.”—Isa. 32:16-18.",Isa. 32:16-18; ,w66 8/15 p. 485 pars. 1-2 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/5/2025
"Ambassadors of Ancient Times, role, peace, Ammonites, Jephthah, Anointed, Respect, ","Jesus Christ used this practice as an illustration, saying: “What king, marching to meet another king in war does not first sit down and take counsel whether he is able with ten thousand troops to cope with the one that comes against him with twenty thousand? If, in fact, he cannot do so, then while that one is yet far away he sends out a body of ambassadors and sues for peace.”—Luke 14:31, 32.","An example of how ambassadors were used in an effort to prevent war can be seen in the historical record about Jephthah, who was a judge in Israel. He dispatched ambassadors to the king of the Ammonites in an effort to clear up a dispute over territorial rights. The record says: “The king of the sons of Ammon did not listen to the words of Jephthah that he had sent to him.” (Judg. 11:28) In the war that resulted, Jehovah gave Jephthah the victory. Speaking of Christ’s anointed followers, Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ, said: “We are therefore ambassadors substituting for Christ, as though God were making entreaty through us. As substitutes for Christ we beg: ‘Become reconciled to God.’” (2 Cor. 5:20) ","Luke 14:31, 32; 2 Cor. 5:20; ",w66 8/15 pp. 502-503,,,joshlaymon,,6/5/2025
"Serving with Everlasting Life in View, anchor, drifting, ship, hope, ","Paul likens this hope to an anchor, saying at Hebrews 6:19: “This hope we have as an anchor for the soul, both sure and firm.” Like an anchor that safely holds a big ship and prevents it from drifting onto the rocks that could wreck it, so this hope of everlasting life anchors us firmly to Jehovah God and prevents us from ever drifting away from the road to life. ","But if the anchor begins to drag, the ship will be lost. So we must make sure that we never lose our anchor, our hope, and so expose ourselves to the shipwreck of our faith.",Hebrews 6:19:,w66 10/1 p. 601 par. 5 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/5/2025
"Building on a Right Foundation with Fire-Resistant Materials, firm foundation, strong, well built, ","Jesus Christ illustrated the importance of a firm foundation when he said: “He is like a man building a house, who dug and went down deep and laid a foundation upon the rock-mass. Consequently, when a flood arose, the river dashed against that house, but was not strong enough to shake it, because of its being well built.”—Luke 6:47, 48.","God, the great Builder of all things, emphasized the importance of a foundation when he said to the God-fearing Job: “Where did you happen to be when I founded the earth? Tell me, if you do know understanding. Who set its measurements, in case you know, or who stretched out upon it the measuring line? Into what have its socket pedestals been sunk down, or who laid its cornerstone?” (Job 38:4-6) ","Job 38:4-6; Luke 6:47, 48; ",w66 11/1 p. 653 par. 19 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/5/2025
"The Need of Noninflammable Materials, Imitation Christians. apostate, counterfeit, false Christians, ","In his parable of the wheat and the weeds (or tares) Jesus pictured that there would be many imitation Christians. Outwardly, at the start of growth, the real thing and the imitation would look quite alike so that the one could easily be mistaken for the other. That is why, when the farm laborers wanted to pull out what looked to them like weeds at an early stage of growth, the farm owner said: ","“No; that by no chance, while collecting the weeds, you uproot the wheat with them. Let both grow together until the harvest; and in the harvest season I will tell the reapers, First collect the weeds and bind them in bundles to burn them up, then go to gathering the wheat into my storehouse.” (Matt. 13:29, 30) Jesus explained that, “as for the fine seed, these are the sons of the kingdom; but the weeds are the sons of the wicked one.” (Matt. 13:38) Consequently, as Paul warned, we have to watch how we are building on the Foundation Jesus Christ. If we are building imitation Christians, symbolic weeds, then we are working with the planter of the weeds, Satan the Devil.","Matt. 13:29, 30; ",w66 11/1 p. 659 par. 18,,,joshlaymon,,6/5/2025
"Missionaries Who Give Free, clouds, rain water, plant life, ","HOW refreshing in these days when prices are constantly rising to learn of missionaries who will give free of what they have! “You received free, give free” was the theme of the address by President N. H. Knorr to an audience of 2,023 on the occasion of the graduation of the 42nd Class of the Watchtower Bible School of Gilead in New York city, September 11, 1966.","President Knorr illustrated his point by reference to the things of creation. The clouds receive and give water free. So also the earth, the plant life and, finally, humans in a physical way take in nourishment and then give by way of growth, work and thought. In the same way the free gifts of Jehovah’s witnesses everywhere made possible the special missionary training received free by the graduating students, and now it is their turn to give free. Proverbs 12:19; ", Proverbs 12:19; ,w66 11/1 p. 671,,,joshlaymon,,6/5/2025
"Be Dependable in All Things, reward, greater responsibilities.","In one illustration Jesus commended the worker who was dependable in what was assigned him and showed that it proved him worthy of greater responsibilities. He said: “Happy is that slave if his master on arriving finds him doing so. Truly I say to you, He will appoint him over all his belongings.” (Matt. 24:46, 47) The reward for dependability in a lesser task was the trusting of one with greater responsibility.","The logic of this is evident, for who would trust a person with a big job if he was undependable in a small one? If a man could not get along with his fellow workers in a department, would it be logical for the company to make him personnel director for the entire firm? If a man were unable to be a cashier because he could not add or subtract correctly, would he be asked to be the head bookkeeper of a company? No, only when dependability is demonstrated on the lesser task is someone ready for one that is greater. Luke 16:10; ","Matt. 24:46, 47; ",w66 12/1 p. 708,,,joshlaymon,,6/5/2025
"Be Dependable in All Things, desired quality is dependability. ","WHEN someone has an appointment with you, would you rather have him come on time or be late? If you give a person a job to do, would you rather have him fulfill it, or ignore it unless you stand over him? When you purchase a machine, do you want one that runs, or one that is constantly malfunctioning?","Almost everybody will recognize the desirability of the former in each instance. We like people to be on time for work. We want them to fulfill work obligations. And we want machines that work. In each case the desired quality is dependability. There is little doubt that almost everyone wants dependability in other persons, and in things they may be using. But what is often more difficult is for the person himself to be that way.",Luke 16:10;,w66 12/1 p. 707,,,joshlaymon,,6/5/2025
"Repelling the Attack of Wicked Spirits, Pray, Satan, devil, wicked one, weeds in the field, Job, ","Jesus Christ gave us the identity of this “wicked one.” In his illustration of the weeds in the field, he said: “The weeds are the sons of the wicked one, and the enemy that sowed them is the Devil.”—Matt. 13:38, 39.TODAY it is more urgent than ever before to pray, “Deliver us from the wicked one”—the closing words to the model prayer Jesus Christ gave his disciples. (Matt. 6:13) They are a petition to Jehovah God for deliverance from wicked spirit forces. But who specifically is the “wicked one” whose attacks we need to repel?"," The “wicked one,” then, is Satan the Devil, a powerful wicked spirit, concerning whom the Holy Bible says: “The whole world is lying in the power of the wicked one.” (1 John 5:19) Jesus’ instruction on how to pray shows, however, that deliverance from the power of this “wicked one” and other wicked spirits is possible. Also illustrating this is the Bible account that describes all the troubles that the Devil brought against the righteous man Job, and yet Job came off triumphant. This is encouraging, for Job was an imperfect human just like us, and still he came off victorious over all the malicious attacks of that “wicked one.”—Job 1:1–2:10; 42:10-17.",Job 1:1–2:10; 42:10-17; Matt. 6:13; ,w66 12/15 p. 739,,,joshlaymon,,6/5/2025
"Fruitful Christians Manifest Godly Contentment, Not rich toward God, storehouses, eat, drink, enjoy, ","Jesus used an illustration: “The land of a certain rich man produced well. Consequently he began reasoning within himself, saying, ‘What shall I do, now that I have nowhere to gather my crops?’ So he said, ‘I will do this: I will tear down my storehouses and build bigger ones, and there I will gather all my grain and all my good things; and I will say to my soul: “Soul, you have many good things laid up for many years; take your ease, eat, drink, enjoy yourself.”’” ","But even if he got all his riches stored away, was there any assurance that he would live long enough to enjoy it? Did he really have security? No, as Jesus went on to show. “God said to him, ‘Unreasonable one, this night they are demanding your soul from you. Who, then, is to have the things you stored up?’” (Luke 12:16-20) And is that not just what so often happens in life? A man works hard for many years so that when he retires he will be financially secure, only to die before he even enjoys what he has saved up. What vanity!—Eccl. 2:17-19. Jesus did not charge the man of whom he spoke with dishonesty in business, nor did he say that he had no interest in God. But his big mistake was that he had the wrong viewpoint toward life. He was busy acquiring material possessions and was not “rich toward God.” (Luke 12:21) ",Luke 12:16-20; ,w67 2/1 pp. 74-75 pars. 6-7,,,joshlaymon,,6/5/2025
"Life, future, rose colored glasses, ","Many people here wear glasses, and you probably know that if a person is nearsighted he can’t see in the distance clearly, if he is farsighted he can’t see up close clearly. When it comes to life and the future most people are both severely nearsighted and farsighted. You could say that they are blind spiritually. So, what does a person need to have a real basis for hope for the future? He needs bifocals Prescription glasses. ","To be able to face the future and see it with clarity, to be able to cope with things in the near future, we need spiritual bifocals with the right prescription.  An optometrist would usually charge you a great deal of money to get a prescription for bifocals.  But we have the correct prescription contained in the Bible for us. The prescription is part faith and part courage. Today, Jehovah’s Witnesses are optimistic about the future… but it’s not because they are looking at things through those sunglasses although many people in the world are. You know the problem with looking through sunglasses is that they don’t necessarily make your vision better. Heb 11:1",Heb 11:1,"Joshua Laymon, ",Facing the Future With Faith and Courage,166,joshlaymon,,6/7/2025
"Life, future, rose colored glasses, ","What can we do to fortify ourselves with greater faith and courage? A historian once said, 'You believe easily that which you hope for earnestly.' Is that the way that we should view our faith today? Hebrews 11:1; So, our Christian faith is real.  In fact, faith can be based on thousands of years of experience.  You can see what is going to happen in the future, with faith based on evidence of things from the past. Let me demonstrate a simple fact to you. ","I have a pen in my hand.  What will happen if I let go of this pen?   Are you sure about that?  We don’t gamble but would you be willing to give up your entire next year’s income on what will happen next? (Drop pen)  You weren’t worried, it was a sure thing. You have no doubt experienced this law of gravity throughout your life and it is also a known scientific fact. So can be our experience with life and faith.  We can see what is going to happen in the future based on evidence of what has happened in the past. So, what is our evidence for faith in the future? First, the visible universe and its orderliness testify to an invisible Creator and the manner in which he wants things done. Isaiah 40:25, 26 ","Isaiah 40:25, 26; Hebrews 11:1; ","Joshua Laymon, ",Facing the Future With Faith and Courage,166,joshlaymon,,6/7/2025
"Universe, heavens, stars, standards, creator, future, power, order, beauty, ","Isaiah 40:25, 26, ""Lift up your eyes to heaven and see. Who has created these things? It is the One who brings out their army by number; He calls them all by name. Because of his vast dynamic energy and his awe-inspiring power, Not one of them is missing. Here we are invited to look up at the stars and examine them.  Tell me, have you ever looked up at the stars and said, “Look a star is missing.  I wonder where it went.”  Or “they are in a different order tonight”  No because the creator designed and controls the universe.  Jehovah also has standards that he has set in place.  ","To illustrate these standards, suppose someone built a clean, new house.  This house has a white carpet, white walls, a white couch, and all white appliances.  Everything in this house is spotless.  Now suppose that you were invited into that house, but you had just changed the oil in your car and you had it all over your clothes.  How far into that house do you think that the owner would let you go?  Similarly look at earth.  The power, orderliness, beauty, and standards of Jehovah are evident around us.  Yet humans today are like that person with oil on their clothes.  They have gone against the standards that Jehovah has set out for humans.  So, the question is, How long will he let those people be in his house?  Yes, the orderliness of creation can help us to face the future with faith and courage. ","Isaiah 40:25, 26; ","Joshua Laymon, ",Facing the Future With Faith and Courage,166,joshlaymon,,6/7/2025
"God's promises, accuracy,  “He Causes to Become.” reliability, ","The second thing that gives us a basis for belief in all of God’s promises, is the reliability and accuracy of His Word.  The Bible is 100% accurate on everything that it touches on, whether it be natural laws like we just discussed, health issues, or bible prophecy foretold many years in advance. We could liken the Bible being reliable to this:Illustration: If someone handed you a check for $100,000 would you trust it?  Would you try to cash it?  Your first thought probably is: That depends upon who signed the check.  Who is it from?  What if it is signed by someone who has millions of dollars or more?  Now you have faith.  You know he has the money and has probably never bounced a check.  ","Now in your hand you have probably something that can be far more valuable that that check.  Your copy of the Bible.  Your copy of the Bible is also signed.  In fact, over 7000 times.  It is signed by Jehovah God.  Wouldn’t you put far more trust in him than in any human today?  His very name means:  “He Causes to Become.” In other words, he can cause himself to become, whatever is needed in order to fulfill his promises. Today, through our Bible study, we know that what he has promised will always come true.  Nothing can thwart his promises.  ",Isaiah 45:18,"Joshua Laymon, ",Facing the Future With Faith and Courage,166,joshlaymon,,6/7/2025
"earth to be inhabited, global warming, Faith, ",Remember it said that God made the earth to be inhabited.  Now suppose there was a full scale nuclear attack that renders the earth uninhabitable.  What about global warming that could essentially cover the earth in water with no land in sight.  This is where our faith really comes into play.  Either of these situations could happen.  But will Jehovah allow things to get that far.  Remember he himself said that the earth was to be inhabited.  This truth seems simple when you have faith doesn’t it. Isaiah 45:18; ,Either of these situations could happen.  But will Jehovah allow things to get that far.  Remember he himself said that the earth was to be inhabited.  This truth seems simple when you have faith doesn’t it. Isaiah 45:18; ,Isaiah 45:18; ,"Joshua Laymon, ",Facing the Future With Faith and Courage,166,joshlaymon,,6/7/2025
"promises, dependent on man? family, ","Do you think that these promises are dependent on what man wants to do or what Jehovah will make happen.  Let’s liken this to a family.  If you were the father of 2 children fighting over a single toy, would you let them fight it out on their own or would you step in and say enough is enough.  ",We have Jehovah’s promise that at his due time he will step in and put an end to fighting.  He is also going to do away with the people whom Revelation 11:18 refers to as those ruining the earth.  Here we have a second line of evidence that can help strengthen our faith for the future. Psalms 46:9 Ecc 1:4,Psalms 46:9 Ecc 1:4; Revelation 11:18; ,"Joshua Laymon, ",Facing the Future With Faith and Courage,166,joshlaymon,,6/7/2025
"AIDS, SARS, West Nile Virus, Bird Flu, Mad Cow Disease, Malaria, the common cold, worry, ","Let’s look at another simple Bible truth that will help to build our faith. There is another plain statement made about health in the Bible. Read Isaiah 33:24. Illustration: Today we must live life wondering if we will come into contact with diseases such as AIDS, SARS, West Nile Virus, Bird Flu, Mad Cow Disease, Malaria, the common cold, or some new disease that doesn’t even have a name.  ",But instead of this bleak outlook on life we can have faith in Jehovah’s promise that in the future nobody will say I am sick. Read Job 33:25 According to this scripture at this time we will grow younger again and we will be in perfect health. This is certainly a time in the future to look forward to with faith is it not? ,"Isaiah 33:24, 25; ","Joshua Laymon, ",Facing the Future With Faith and Courage,166,joshlaymon,,6/7/2025
"great tribulation, Survive, threat, ","So far we have discussed 3 situations that can threaten our life right now.  But there is something else that we need to discuss that threatens human life and it is on a much larger scale and many times more powerful than anything else.  Don’t get depressed now, this destruction is actually a good thing for some people. Let’s read about this in Matthew 24:20-22 ","How is it that this destruction is a good thing?  Because it rids the earth of all those who do not want to live in peace here on the earth. God will preserve his people.  How do we know this? Revelation 7:14. Notice it said that there were ones who were to come out of the great tribulation. Yes, there will be survivors of this war.  In fact, Jehovah has promised as we read in Matthew 24:22 that people will never be exterminated from the earth. Thus, by having this Bible knowledge we can strengthen our faith to face the future. ",Matthew 24:20-22; Revelation 7:14; ,"Joshua Laymon, ",Facing the Future With Faith and Courage,166,joshlaymon,,6/7/2025
"courage, Problems, Facing the Future With Faith and Courage, ",But that is only the first part of the prescription.  In order these spiritual bifocals to work as designed we must also get the second part of our prescription filled by Jehovah.  What is the correct prescription for us humans today?  We must have courage.  This courage helps us to face things that are in the present and the very near future.  Where are some areas where courage can help us to overcome problems?  Listen to a few examples of things that can cause anxiety and see if you have ever dealt with a situation similar to these.  ,"Mrs. Smith, I'm afraid we're going to have to do some more tests, it seems a little more serious than we thought.  Mr. Miller?  This is the school principle. I'm sorry to tell you but the police picked up your son Johnny at school, he's got into some trouble, you'll have to go down to the police station. David, the company is downsizing, I'm sorry, but we have to dismiss you as of today, you can pick up your final paycheck! And here Mr. Smith is the hospital bill for your wife's illness, 35,000 dollars. Your insurance will only pay 26,000 dollars so we would appreciate it if you would submit the balance 9000 dollars as soon as possible!  By the way, the doctors will bill you separately! Honey, guess what, I'm pregnant with our 5th child! Do any of the scenarios sound familiar to you? Whether or not you have faced a situation similar to this, I guarantee that you have faced some sort of problem or tragedy that caused anxiety.  Matters such as these affect everyone.  But we must be careful that in caring for these problems we do not exclude spiritual interests.  Jesus gave us an illustration about this as a warning. ","Luke 8:7, 11, 14.; ","Joshua Laymon, ",Facing the Future With Faith and Courage,166,joshlaymon,,6/7/2025
"anxieties of life, self-defeating. spiritual interests, ","READ Luke 8:7, 11, 14. What was it that caused these seeds to die out?  It was things like anxieties of life.  Caring for things such as these to the exclusion of spiritual interests would be self-defeating for us. Do you know what self-defeating means? Illustrate: It’s like a man working 70 hrs. a week to provide for his family.  At the end of the week, he comes home to an empty house.  ",He was working so hard to provide for them physically he neglected them emotionally and spiritually.  That’s what it means to be self-defeating. In light of this wouldn’t it be beneficial for us then to get some guidance on how to address these problems properly?  Let’s discuss three problem or tragedies in detail that cause us all anxiety.  Doing so will help us to face the future with faith and courage. ,"Luke 8:7, 11, 14; ","Joshua Laymon, ",Facing the Future With Faith and Courage,166,joshlaymon,,6/7/2025
" Always wanting to have more, Not content, anxiety, seek the kingdom first, ","First of all, we worry about having the things we need to live now.   These include food, shelter, and clothing.We have received a warning in regard to things such as these. It can be found at Luke 21:34……READ. Here we read that we should not become weighed down.  How could we do that today?  ","One way is not being content with the things that we have.  Always wanting to have more than is necessary is a major cause of anxiety in our lives.  So now we see that the counsel that we received is that we should be content.  We also have been given a promise if we follow that counsel.  This promise can help us to have faith and courage. Read Matthew 6:33 and see what this promise is. According to Jesus words, if we seek the kingdom first, by doing spiritual activities above all else, he will see to it that we have the things we need to sustain life.  Don’t you feel that Jehovah is an excellent provider of our needs?",Luke 21:34; Matthew 6:33; ,"Joshua Laymon, ",Facing the Future With Faith and Courage,166,joshlaymon,,6/7/2025
"Birds, will work for worms, confidence, faith, ","Jesus said that Jehovah even sees to it that the birds have enough to eat. Have you ever seen a bird holding a sign on a busy corner……will work for worms?  No, Because Jehovah provides for them.  Are you not worth more than they are?  ",Having confidence that Jehovah provides for his people can help us face the future with faith and courage.  ,Matthew 6:26; ,"Joshua Laymon, ",Facing the Future With Faith and Courage,166,joshlaymon,,6/7/2025
"spiritual bifocals, resurrection, memory, death, loved ones, life patterns of billions, ","Let’s consider another situation that can cause anxiety for us today.  People the world over must suffer the loss of loved ones in death. But here again we are able to see things with our spiritual bifocals that unbelievers just cannot see clearly, no matter how religious that seem to be. We can have faith and courage because we understand exactly what the resurrection is. Let’s gain some insight on Jesus words that can be found at John 5:28, 29….READNotice the expression “memorial tombs?” That expression is unique to the New World Translation. Why is the usual rendering, “graves,” not used? ","Because Jesus did not use the Greek word that means “grave” or “burial ground.” He used another Greek word which is a plural form of the Greek word that means “to remember”.   That’s significant.  As the Greek-English Lexicon this Greek word as “memorial, remembrance, record of a person or thing,” Jesus use that particular word to reminds us of the importance of God’s memory in the resurrection.  Those who die, are in God’s memory!  And how good is God’s memory? The Bible says he names and remembers the stars.  There are billions of stars in just one galaxy, and scientists say there are at least 100 billion galaxies! But when it comes to humans, the Creator remembers more than just names, he remembers the life patterns of billions of humans who have lived. That’s why Jesus used that term “memorial tombs” And how encouraging to know that God’s memory doesn’t fail! He won’t have to say, “Hmmm!  The face looks familiar”.  He WILL remember.","John 5:28, 29; ","Joshua Laymon, ",Facing the Future With Faith and Courage,166,joshlaymon,,6/7/2025
"Resurrection, death, promise, 'Good-bye! So long for now, I'll be seeing you.' ","LUKE 20:38…….READ The resurrection is such a sure thing; God considers them still alive!So, when it comes to our loved ones, ‘We never really have to say, 'Good-bye!'  Just, 'So long for now, or I'll be seeing you.'  ","Even though we may suffer grief from the loss of a loved one, the pain can be lessened if we have faith, and if we are properly using our spiritual bifocals to see what the future really holds.",LUKE 20:38; ,"Joshua Laymon, ",Facing the Future With Faith and Courage,166,joshlaymon,,6/7/2025
"Persecution, black eye, prescription glasses, Satan the Devil, ","Let’s read another scripture to reinforce our faith and to build us up with courage. 2 Timothy 3:12; The third and final reason for anxiety is that we will discuss deals with persecution and mistreatment. Let’s go back to the illustration of the glasses. If you have ever worn glasses, you know that it’s not easy sometimes to keep track of them, sometimes you might forget and sit on them, or step on them.  It wouldn’t bother you much if they were just some cheap glasses that you bought at the dollar store. ","But with prescription glasses it’s different.  You normally would take better care of prescription glasses, especially if you were in some activity that could be hard on glasses. So, it is spiritual.  Satan the Devil would like nothing better than for us to lose our prescription of faith and courage and at times he tries to do that with violent activity. At times true Christians face outright persecution!!!  He tries to give Christians a black eye.  But that doesn’t mean we have to lose our faith and courage!",2 Timothy 3:12; ,"Joshua Laymon, ",Facing the Future With Faith and Courage,166,joshlaymon,,6/7/2025
"Persecution, black eye, prescription glasses, Satan the Devil, Experience, Malawi, Brother Dzaononga, ","If you get a black eye you wouldn’t go and throw away your glasses would you.  NO.  Your prescription is still going to be the same.  True, things may be a little blurry at first, but you know that it is only temporary.  So, what do you do?  You endure the situation because you know that things will get better soon.  Today, having faith and courage can help us to endure trials and persecution.  Another source of help that we have is from Jehovah himself. Romans 15:5 shows a way in which Jehovah helps us. We have many examples of brothers and sisters in modern times that have faced persecution and have put full reliance upon Jehovah and his promises.  ","One such example comes from Malawi.  Our brothers there were put under ban for nearly 26 years beginning in 1967 until 1993.  For thousands - Their crops, their livelihood was destroyed – fired from their jobs - - homes were burned – all their property and possessions destroyed  – arrested, jailed, beaten, - displaced - sent to refugee camps – some were killed.  One encouraging experience comes from a brother who endured 4 prison sentences because of his neutral stand. Then in 1989, he was arrested for a fifth time.  The officer in charge told them: “If you want this man to go to prison yet again, you had better be prepared to join him. It would be good for you people to know what this man has endured without ever compromising his faith. Are you willing to do that?” “No,” they replied. The officer then added: “In that case, you had better take this man back to his village and stop harassing him. He will never compromise his faith.” So, Brother Dzaononga was driven back to his village. On their arrival there, the village headman was called and warned not to allow our brother to be harassed again. From then on, Brother Dzaononga could be seen reading the Watchtower and Awake! magazines and witnessing to his neighbors—openly and without fear of being harassed.  Despite numerous situations such as these, our brothers and sisters never lost their faith and courage!  But how is it that they were able to maintain their faith and courage?   ",Romans 15:5; ,"Joshua Laymon, ",Facing the Future With Faith and Courage,166,joshlaymon,,6/7/2025
"Faith, warranty, guaranteed, ","The third and final reason for anxiety is that we will discuss deals with persecution and mistreatment. Let’s go back to the illustration of the glasses. Illustrate: If you have ever worn glasses, you know that it’s not easy sometimes to keep track of them, sometimes you might forget and sit on them, or step on them.  It wouldn’t bother you much if they were just some cheap glasses that you bought at the dollar store. But with prescription glasses it’s different.  You normally would take better care of prescription glasses, especially if you were in some activity that could be hard on glasses. So, it is spiritual.  ","Satan the Devil would like nothing better than for us to lose our prescription of faith and courage and at times he tries to do that with violent activity. At times true Christians face outright persecution!!!  He tries to give Christians a black eye.  But that doesn’t mean we have to lose our faith and courage!  Well, when you get glasses, sometimes you have the option to purchase an extended warranty, they are fully guaranteed against loss, accidents, sitting on them, if someone punches you in the nose and breaks them!!   You get them replaced, no questions asked right away!  That’s what we have with our prescription for faith and courage from Jehovah. He continues to bolster us, strengthen us, replacing that faith and courage continually. It is with this guarantee that our brothers and sisters could endure that persecution in Malawi for so long! Now, it’s all over and they worship freely. Now there are some 66,000 active publishers in the country and they are conducting 64000 bible studies. So, we see through this one example and through the countless others that we have available to read that experiencing Jehovah’s help during trials fortifies us to face the future with faith and courage. When it comes to having faith and courage for the future, wouldn’t you say that it is easier to do so when you know exactly what is going to happen.  Yes, if you know what to expect then you can prepare ahead of time, and you will feel secure and your stress and anxiety could be lessened.  But how can we know exactly what is going to happen in the future?  As a matter of fact, we have a very sure hope laid out for us in the Bible. ",Romans 15:5; ,"Joshua Laymon, ",Facing the Future With Faith and Courage,166,joshlaymon,,6/7/2025
"Persecution, black eye, prescription glasses, Satan the Devil, Kingdom, cleanse earth, share hope, referral, ","READ Daniel 2:44 So, our sure hope is that soon Gods kingdom will cleanse the earth.  We have Jehovah's word that it will happen. Illustrate: Now, if you were really pleased with the services of an optometrist or an optician, and someone else was looking for a good one to get them the right prescription, you would have no qualms about highly recommending the one you had found. How much more so should you recommend to others the one who could give them a prescription for life!!  Present and future!  ","We should be willing to share the same hope that we have with everyone.  Remember that Christ died for all men.  This death paid a price so high that anyone who wants to can gain life by means of it.  Psalms 145 states With the mention of the abundance of your goodness they will bubble over, And [because of] your righteousness they will cry out joyfully.  About the glory of your kingship, they will talk, And about your mightiness they will speak.  Is this how we feel about sharing this good news with others around us?  So, brothers and sisters share these lifesaving Kingdom truths with others.",Daniel 2:44; Psalms 145,"Joshua Laymon, ",Facing the Future With Faith and Courage,166,joshlaymon,,6/7/2025
"Hope, suffering, Trust, death, sin, Adam, ","We have inherited many things from our forefathers like color of hair, eyes, skin, facial features, build. ",Due to Adam's disobedience we have inherited death. Romans 5:12; ,Romans 5:20; 5:12; ,"Jacob Landis, ",Where Can You Find Real Hope? ,62,bl,,6/8/2025
"Meeting the Problems of Your Children, Youth, Pregnant, silk stockings, high heels, adult-style clothes and lipstick","Youngsters need someone to talk with, a person who appreciates their problems and who will help them to meet them by providing needed counsel. Illustrating how parents often fail to satisfy this need, two physicians recently wrote: “The story is told of the mother with an uninformed thirteen-year-old pregnant daughter. When asked if she had explained the ‘facts of life’ to her daughter, she replied, ‘Oh, no, I thought she was too young for that.’”","The doctors then observed: “Too frequently, such parents send their ten- to twelve-year-olds to unchaperoned parties with ‘dates’ wearing silk stockings, high heels, adult-style clothes and lipstick, and then wonder how they get into trouble at fifteen years of age.” It is true that youngsters may at times pressure for freedom to do such things. However, as parents you must stand firm and enforce necessary rules. It is your responsibility to do so! And, really, your children will be grateful if you do. Deut. 6:4-9; Eph. 6:4.",Deut. 6:4-9; Eph. 6:4; ,w67 2/15 p. 100,,,bl,,6/8/2025
Learn by Contrast to Appreciate True Riches,"“Why do you people keep paying out money for what is not bread, and why is your toil for what results in no satisfaction? Listen intently to me, and eat what is good, and let your soul find its exquisite delight in fatness itself.”—Isa. 55:2. CONTRASTS make life interesting. Often they help to deepen our appreciation. How we welcome the warm sunshine after a cold and wet wintry season! Good health, often taken for granted, becomes greatly prized after recovery from a severe spell of sickness. Yes, contrasts draw our attention to the value and importance of things that otherwise would be given but little consideration.","God’s Word, the Bible, abounds with contrasts, making it a most interesting and lively book. More than that, these contrasts draw our attention to things of vital importance and help us to appreciate them at their true worth. For example, the opening account of creation in the book of Genesis quickly builds up in our mind’s eye an inviting picture of the great preparations made for a beautiful home for man, including the creation of man himself as a masterpiece made in God’s own image. The picture is made complete, also man’s happiness, by describing the creation of that perfectly lovely woman, given to the man as an ideal helper, “as a complement of him,” making a pleasing contrast, male and female.—Gen. 2:18. Then follows a sharp contrast. A sinister shadow crosses the picture. Through the serpent, a discordant note is heard. God’s word is brought into question: “Is it really so that God said . . . ?”",Gen. 2:18; Isa. 55:2.,w67 3/15 p. 169,,,joshlaymon,,6/8/2025
"The Pattern of Judgment, “Repent, for the kingdom of the heavens has drawn near.” ","JOHN THE BAPTIST began his ministry by preaching: “Repent, for the kingdom of the heavens has drawn near.” He lost no time in gathering disciples around him who shared in the blessings of his ministry, preparing them to be “counted worthy of the kingdom of God.” At the same time he told the unworthy religious leaders that a time of judgment was impending, that “already the ax is lying at the root of the trees,” and that the coming one “will gather his wheat into the storehouse, but the chaff he will burn up with fire that cannot be put out.”—Matt. 3:1, 2, 7-12; 2 Thess. 1:5.","The coming one, Jesus, as soon as he heard that John had been arrested, began preaching the same message: “Repent, for the kingdom of the heavens has drawn near.” (Matt. 4:12, 17) He there began weaving the pattern of judgment, working out a harmonious design governed by a set purpose, for that is what a pattern is. The first strand, the all-important time element, was marked by the preaching of the Kingdom message. As Jesus said when leading up to the illustration of the rich man and Lazarus: “The Law and the Prophets were until John. From then on the kingdom of God is being declared as good news.”—Luke 16:16.","Matt. 3:1, 2, 7-12; 2 Thess. 1:5; ",w67 4/1 p. 205 pars. 1-2 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/8/2025
"A Bridegroom Goes to War, Jesus, He is a commander, ","""ALL the world loves a lover,” is a common saying. When a young man newly married is called off to war, he usually has the sympathy of the whole community. Governments give consideration and often deferment to newly married men. In ancient Israel a man who; had first married was exempt from military service for a year out of consideration for his wife and that he might have an opportunity to have and to see an offspring and heir, for in Israel each man had his inheritance of land and if called into battle he might be killed and then there Would be no sons to carry on his family name and to inherit his property. Warfare was not so important that it superseded the rights of family continuance.—Deut. 24:5.","The bridegroom we are speaking of here is not some ordinary soldier. He is a commander. The duty to answer the call to war devolves upon him because the war is not an ordinary war. He is the only commander with the necessary qualifications to fight it. It involves the honor of the family name as well. Who is the commander who has such qualities and can turn from his very wedding ceremony, yes, voluntarily and gladly so? and how can he consider a war so important?",Deut. 24:5; ,w67 6/15 p. 376,,,joshlaymon,,6/8/2025
The Bible’s Figurative Use of Body Parts ,"Jehovah God also had the coming destruction of Jerusalem by the Babylonians vividly illustrated, instructing Ezekiel: “Take for yourself a sharp sword. As a barbers’ razor you will take it for yourself, and you must make it pass along upon your head and upon your beard, and you must take for yourself weighing scales and divide the hair” into three equal portions. (Ezek. 5:1, 2) The burning, striking and scattering of the three portions of hair represented that a third of the inhabitants would perish by famine and pestilence, a third were to die by the sword and the final third would be scattered to the wind.—Ezek. 5:12.","On the other hand, keeping one’s hair, or not allowing it to perish, is used in figure of speech to indicate complete safety or assured protection. The people said of beloved Jonathan, Whose life was threatened: “As Jehovah is alive, not as much as a single hair of his head will fall to the earth.” (1 Sam. 14:45) And Jesus said to his disciples: “Not a hair of your heads will by any means perish.”—Luke 21:18; 1 Ki. 1:52.","Ezek. 5:1, 2; ",w67 6/15 p. 381,,,joshlaymon,,6/8/2025
"We are recommending ourselves as God's ministers,","The recommendation that someone gives to you as to where to eat. The rank commendation someone gives to you as to where to eat. They are not  recommending on how to treat a sickness or an illness. But regardless of the subject matter, I am sure you would agree that the recommender’s credibility is something that would be given primary consideration. ","For recommending ourselves each and every day. In what way? Well, open your Bibles please, to 2 Corinthians 6:4;  Now let us consider together verse four, a part of that verse, It says there. But in every way we recommend ourselves as God's ministers. So, you see, we are not recommending the local eateries, we are not recommending particular medical advice, but rather we are recommending ourselves as ministers, ministers of God, the universal sovereign and the degree to which individuals will. Listen to us, and the message that we preach has in large part have to do with our credibility. ",2 Corinthians 6:4;,"Circuit Assembly, ",,,joshlaymon,,6/9/2025
"We are recommending ourselves as God's ministers, jet plane landing on carrier, speed up, don't slow down, ","We do not want to slow down this training that we are receiving. No, but we want to apply it more fully. In our lives we can illustrate the importance of picking up our speed and the truth by how a jet plane lands on an aircraft carrier in the middle of the ocean. So, when a jet plane is attempting to land on an aircraft carrier, the plane does not slow down. What the plane does, and it actually increases its power and speeds up instead of slowing down. The question is why? You would think that it would have to slow down in order to land. However, the reason is that if the plane misses. The cables that stop it on the carrier will still have enough power to take off again and make another attempt.","And that is why when it comes into land, it speeds up. Well, the same is true when it comes to where we are in the stream of time, right? These are the final Days, hours, minutes, and seconds. Yes, of this system of things. We are surrounded by the rough sea of humanity. World conditions are telling us that this wicked system is about to end. We are rapidly approaching a landing in the new world of paradise, so strap your seatbelts on. And bring your seats to its upright position because we are about ready to land in the paradise. And like that plane landing on the carrier, now is not the time to slow down cutting back in our ministry. Cutting back on our meetings, cutting back on other aspects of our worship of Jehovah. But to the best of our ability. We need to pick up speed in the truth and step up our activities spiritually, not by. Rejecting the good news but allowing it to continue influencing every aspect of our lives, not by slowing down in our activity, but by zealous activity. ","Matthew 7:13, 14; ","Circuit Assembly, Brother Saxon, ",,,joshlaymon,,6/9/2025
" Self-Control Vital to Progress, Runners, race, ancient games, ","The apostle Paul, in his first canonical letter to the Corinthian congregation, used the ancient games as an illustration and showed the Christian’s need for self-control. He likened followers of Christ to runners in a race, saying: “Do you not know that the runners in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may attain it. Moreover, every man taking part in a contest exercises self-control in all things.” ","Obviously, Paul displayed self-control, for he went on to say: “Now they, of course, do it that they may get a corruptible crown, but we an incorruptible one. Therefore, the way I am running is not uncertainly; the way I am directing my blows is so as not to be striking the air; but I browbeat my body and lead it as a slave, that, after I have preached to others, I myself should not become disapproved somehow.” (1 Cor. 9:24-27) Yes, Christians are like runners in a race, and a runner must discipline himself. He cannot be immoderate and erratic in habits and training. In his case self-control is vital for success.",1 Cor. 9:24-27; ,w67 7/1 p. 400 par. 2 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/9/2025
"Peter—Colorful Apostle Who Took the Initiative, ","OF THE twelve apostles that Jesus Christ, the Son of God, chose to accompany him, Peter was by far the most colorful. Warmhearted and impulsive, frank and outspoken—we cannot help liking him. It is easy for us to put ourselves in his place; to feel for him. Peter was a man of action, quick to speak his thoughts, quick to act out his feelings. Because of his emotional nature he readily went from one extreme to another. ","As a result it was his lot to know the extremes both of sorrow and of joy. His was the joy to hear his Master highly commend him for having said, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God,” and to receive the keys of the kingdom of the heavens. But his was also the keen grief of seeing his Master give him a look of reproach and sorrow for having denied him three times.—Matt. 16:16-19; Luke 22:61, 62.","Matt. 16:16-19; Luke 22:61, 62; ",w67 7/1 p. 410,,,joshlaymon,,6/9/2025
"The Refining Power of Adversity, hard times, financial, bankruptcy, self-respect, clearer conscience. better person, ","Using this illustration, Jehovah God prophetically caused to be recorded of his faithful people: “I shall certainly bring the third part through the fire; and I shall actually refine them as in the refining of silver, and . . . gold.” As a result of this refining work God will be able to say to them, ‘You are my people,’ and they will readily acknowledge, ‘Jehovah is our God.’—Zech. 13:9. Yes, submitting to conditions that cause suffering, mental or physical, can exert a refining power upon us. It can cause one to become a better person, more understanding, more unselfish. This refining power might be likened to the heat that in olden times was used to refine gold and silver and that today is used to temper steel.","How does this principle apply to our everyday lives in these modern times? For example, through misfortune, lack of good judgment or selfishness, one may have gotten into financial deep waters, so to speak. One could take the easy way out by going into personal bankruptcy, which is what many people are doing. According to U.S. News & World Report, April 3, 1967, the number of such bankruptcies for the twelve months ending June 30, 1967, would be at least 186,000. This is three times that of ten years ago and involves a loss to creditors of $1,500,000,000. But one may have quite a bit of carelessness or selfishness refined away by honoring the obligations, practicing rigid economy and working hard to meet them, if at all able to do so; not to say anything about keeping one’s self-respect and a clearer conscience.",Zech. 13:9; ,w67 7/15 p. 419 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/9/2025
"Keeping Free from the Spirit of Complaint, ","Complaining has the same effect as putting sand into a well-oiled machine. It puts a damper on the joy of the congregation. It is as if a dark cloud has suddenly appeared on the horizon. It has the same effect on brothers as a contentious wife has on her husband, as recorded in Proverbs 21:19: “Better is it to dwell in a wilderness land than with a contentious wife along with vexation.”","Even if one is not stumbled or seriously affected spiritually by listening to a complaining tongue, due to his being mature and so recognizing it and putting it out of mind, still it is not pleasant to be around a complaining person. ",Proverbs 21:19; ,w67 8/1 p. 460 par. 14,,,joshlaymon,,6/9/2025
"Limping upon Two Opinions, mental limping, continual state of hesitancy, can't make up his mind on any matter","It has been said, “Irresolution is a worse vice than rashness. He that shoots best may sometimes miss the mark; but he that shoots not at all can never hit it.” And another: “A man without decision can never be said to belong to himself; he is as a wave of the sea, or a feather in the air which every breeze blows about as it listeth.” Illustrate: MANY are the persons who are afflicted by a physical limp, often through no fault of their own, perhaps through some accident or defect at birth. Can it be rectified? Sometimes yes, but most often they have to make the best of the situation and let positive thinking offset the physical handicap. ","But did you know that there is a mental limping that constitutes a graver handicap to progress and happiness? May it never be your misfortune to become its victim. But just what is this mental limping? How does it affect one? Can those affected throw it off? How can they be assisted to do so? And is it possible that one may suffer from this handicap without discerning the source of his difficulty? These are a few of the inquiries we might ponder, with benefit to ourselves and possibly also to others we may be able to aid. First, consider the symptoms of this ailment. An almost continual state of hesitancy is one of the indications of mental limping. The person never seems to be able to make up his mind on any matter, be it ever so simple. Even when it is a question of deciding between two courses, and one of them is definitely proved to be undesirable, the irresolute person still seems to find a strong attraction toward going against his own better judgment. Strange, is it not?1 Kings 18:21;",1 Kings 18:21;,w67 8/15 p. 489,,,joshlaymon,,6/9/2025
"Getting a Permanent Hold on Life, reputation, Name, liar, slander, torment, ","This could be illustrated. Say, for example, that a good man in a community has a family loyal to him. There is a wicked hater of him in the neighborhood who slanders him and lies about him, bringing his name or reputation into question in the minds of the townspeople. An investigation is made, the facts are assembled, and in the ensuing court case the one bringing the lying charges is fully shown up to be a slanderer and a thoroughly wicked person. ","From that time on that wicked man’s name, when mentioned in the community, would be like a stench in the nostrils of the people. They would say, “Oh, that liar and slanderer,” when his name was mentioned. Such a record and repeated mention of what he was exposed to be would be a torment or distress to his name and, if he had a family, this would result in torment for them to bear that name. So, should the issue of God’s sovereignty come up in any place, it would only be a reminder of Satan’s rebellion, which is a stench in the nostrils of all those who love God’s sovereignty. Such a challenger of Jehovah’s universal sovereignty would be put to death. Revelation 20:10;",Revelation 20:10;,w67 8/15 p. 508,,,joshlaymon,,6/9/2025
"Getting a Permanent Hold on Life, Home, free and clear, Jehovah cares, Worries, worry, Concerns, ","CAN you feel comfortable and secure in your home if it is heavily mortgaged, even though you have steady employment or a good income? Hardly. You realize that sickness, accident or financial reverses can take away everything you have almost overnight. The same is true of life, which is “like a shadow.” But say, now, that you were perfect in physical organism, living in a world where there was no war, no crime, where you possessed your own home and had it landscaped and beautified to delight your heart; also, where you had work to do that challenged your abilities and would keep your mind occupied in joyful activity.","“Fine,” you say, “if that were possible.” Well, it is possible, for it is the very purpose that God has toward this earth, to have it peopled with obedient humankind living in perfection, able to employ all their talents and abilities, as he arranged for them at the beginning. Again, you may say, “Yes, but I observe the word ‘obedient,’ obedient mankind. How would I be sure that I would always be obedient? It would be a sword hanging uncomfortably over my head—the fear that I might do as Adam and Eve did, and lose life.” God realizes this and, in his love for those who love him, has kindly purposed something beyond our capacity to accomplish, but which he will do as he describes it for us in the seventh to tenth verses of Revelation 20:7-10; ",Revelation 20:7-10; ,w67 8/15 pp. 504-505,,,joshlaymon,,6/9/2025
"Will You See Your Dead Loved Ones Again? Resurrection, math, Gilead, need is great, ","Let us, therefore, not as making a prophecy, but merely for the purpose of illustrating the point, start our calculation with the figure of a million Armageddon survivors. With even this small start, and with only, say, a 3-percent increase each year (a ratio of one resurrected for each thirty-three living on earth), the number of persons living would double about every twenty-four years.","If twenty billion (twenty thousand million) are resurrected, it could be done in less than four hundred years. Ample time would thereby be allowed and ample help would be available for the training and disciplining of all, bringing the obedient ones to the point where they, in turn, could train others without any disturbance to the progress of that new order of things. With earth’s production and resources brought up to their potentiality and properly distributed and used for mankind’s benefit, there would be no food problem, as present-day economists envision. Revelation 21:3, 4; ","Revelation 21:3, 4; ",w67 9/1 p. 524,,,joshlaymon,,6/9/2025
"Something Others Do Not Have, preaching, full time service, pioneer, Construction, special privilege, ","IS THERE something in life that you cherish and that not many others have? Perhaps the affection of a marriage mate or a child? Outstanding talents? Or is it robust health? Keen eyesight? Knowledge of several languages? Or a rich and varied background? Any one of these things is a blessing indeed to those who know how to turn it to lasting benefit to themselves and others. Few could truthfully say that they enjoy all these prized things. To some people, however, comes an opportunity when some special job, one’s qualifications for the job and the ripe time to do the job coincide. To such as are blessed with such a circumstance, it could with greater force be said that they have something others do not have.","In the sphere of spiritual things lie the greatest and most rewarding opportunities. Consider, for instance, those persons who in this critical time in history have shown themselves willing to become qualified to serve the interests of God’s established kingdom and to preach “this good news.” (Matt. 24:14) They have reached a time when opportunity to do this Kingdom preaching will soon close down. But there is still time, and they readily accept a special assignment. Surely they have something others do not have.",Matt. 24:14; ,w67 11/1 p. 643,,,joshlaymon,,6/9/2025
"“Let Down Your Nets for a Catch” Dragnet, Just like fishes that are being taken in an evil net, trap, ","THE common expression “You poor fish!” is not found in the Sacred Writings. However, the Holy Bible does use real fish to picture men. The famously wise King Solomon of Jerusalem, who in his three thousand proverbs spoke about cedar trees and hyssop, beasts and flying creatures, and other moving things and fishes, said: “Man also does not know his time. Just like fishes that are being taken in an evil net, and like birds that are being taken in a trap, so the sons of men themselves are being ensnared at a calamitous time, when it falls upon them suddenly.” (Eccl. 9:12; 1 Ki. 4:32, 33) ","To the oppressors of his people in the ninth century B.C.E., the prophet Amos said: “The Lord Jehovah has sworn by his holiness, ‘Look! There are days coming upon you, and he will certainly lift you up with butcher hooks and the last part of you with fishhooks.”’ (Amos 4:1, 2) Without fail the enemies of Jehovah God will be caught like unfortunate fish suddenly at a time on which they did not reckon. Sometime after the passover celebration of the year 31 of our Common Era a fishing boat that lay not far from the shore of the Sea of Galilee in the Middle East was used for another purpose than for catching fish. Jesus Christ used it as a speaker’s platform from which to give a series of prophetic parables to a great crowd that had practically forced him offshore. On finishing his wonderful speech, he dismissed the crowds, came ashore and went into a house. There his disciples asked him to explain the parable that he had given about the weeds that had been oversown by an enemy in the wheatfield. Jesus not only gave the desired explanation but also added a number of new illustrations, including the following one about the dragnet: “Again the kingdom of the heavens is like a dragnet let down into the sea and gathering up fish of every kind. When it got full they hauled it up onto the beach and, sitting down, they collected the fine ones into vessels, but the unsuitable they threw away. That is how it will be in the conclusion of the system of things: the angels will go out and separate the wicked from among the righteous and will cast them into the fiery furnace. There is where their weeping and the gnashing of their teeth will be.”—Matt. 13:47-50.","Eccl. 9:12; 1 Ki. 4:32, 33; ",w67 11/15 pp. 684-685 pars. 1-3 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/9/2025
Security That Even Money Cannot Buy ,"How elusive security is, and how unwise it is to put one’s whole trust in material possessions, Jesus Christ illustrated when he said: “The land of a certain rich man produced well. Consequently he began reasoning within himself, saying, ‘What shall I do, now that I have nowhere to gather my crops?’ So he said, ‘I will do this: I will tear down my storehouses and build bigger ones, and there I will gather all my grain and all my good things; and I will say to my soul: “Soul, you have many good things laid up for many years; take your ease, eat, drink, enjoy yourself.’”“But God said to him, ‘Unreasonable one, this night they are demanding your soul [life] from you. Who, then, is to have the things you stored up?’","“So it goes with the man that lays up treasure for himself but is not rich toward God.”—Luke 12:16-21. The point of Jesus’ illustration is that real security through material possessions is an illusion. Even if a person does manage to hold on to his material possessions all his life, what good will they do him when he dies? He cannot take them to the grave with him. As Job said: “Naked I came out of my mother’s belly, and naked shall I return [to the earth].”—Job 1:21. The truth of the matter is just as the apostle Paul wrote under inspiration: “We have brought nothing into the world, and neither can we carry anything out.”—1 Tim. 6:7.",Luke 12:16-21; 1 Tim. 6:7; ,w68 1/15 p. 36,,,joshlaymon,,6/9/2025
Can You Still Learn From Basic Bible Teachings?,"As we grow in Christian maturity, we may be able to draw new lessons from basic Bible teachings. To illustrate: A skilled chef and one who is a novice may use the same basic ingredients when preparing a dish. But over time, the experienced chef has learned to get the most out of those ingredients and to prepare them in new and interesting ways. ","Similarly, longtime servants of Jehovah and new Bible students may look at basic Bible truths from different angles. Our circumstances or privileges of service have likely changed since we got baptized. When we apply the teachings that we learned long ago to our current situation, we may discover new and practical lessons. Let us see what mature Christians can learn from three basic Bible teachings. 2 Peter 1:12, 13; ","2 Peter 1:12, 13; ",w25 July p. 15 par. 3 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/9/2025
"Christian Morality, fornication or adultery, neighbor, ","Jesus gave the illustration of the Good Samaritan. At its conclusion he asked the pertinent question: “Who of these three seems to you to have made himself neighbor to the man that fell among the robbers?” (Luke 10:36) So it is a matter of making ourselves neighbor to all our fellow creatures, all of whom are in need of our succor in one form or another. ","By indulging in fornication or adultery, what kind of neighbor are we to someone’s father, or brother, or husband? And what kind of neighbor do we make ourselves to the person whose self-respect we steal by such illicit sex relations? Surely the answers are obvious.",Luke 10:36; ,w68 1/15 p. 56 par. 31,,,joshlaymon,,6/9/2025
"Youth’s Moral Responsibility, “in want of heart,” lacking in good motive, looking for trouble, desires, fornication,","In the illustration, the young man “in want of heart,” lacking in good motive for the direction of his life, was actually looking for trouble. He headed in the direction of the temptress’ house in the hours of darkness. On the other hand, God’s urgent counsel to you and to all young people is: “Flee from the desires incidental to youth.” “Flee from fornication.” (2 Tim. 2:22; 1 Cor. 6:18) ","Accepting that counsel, you will not try to see how near you can get to fornication without actually being guilty of it. You will not date some teen-ager of the opposite sex and then indulge in practices that can only inflame your sexual passions. No, rather, you will flee at the first hint of danger, as did Joseph when the wife of Potiphar sought to seduce him.—Gen. 39:7-9, 12. Proverbs 7:5; ","Gen. 39:7-9, 12. Proverbs 7:5; ",w68 2/1 p. 88 par. 9 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/9/2025
"Youth’s Moral Responsibility, young plants, lack moral fiber. “in want of heart,”","HEALTHY young plants that show growth, their roots digging deep into the moist earth and their leaves reaching ever higher, are a glory to God their Creator and things of beauty to observant humans. As long as the root system continues to collect and transmit the mineral-charged waters, and as long as the sun shines daily to provide warmth, the plant develops steadily to the stage of maturity, of fruitfulness. Its ability to cope with difficult weather changes improves.","Youth of today, those between childhood and adulthood, can learn much by observation of a young plant. As soon as there is any stoppage in the supply of nutriments from the soil, the roots dry out or rot, the stem wilts and the plant is soon transformed into litter on the ground, fit only to be gathered up and burned. Many modern youths are just that way. They do not acknowledge any dependence upon God for the kind of sustenance it takes to make them spiritually strong. They lack moral fiber. They neither glorify God by their lives nor bring pleasure to godly men and women. “Listen, O sons, to the discipline of a father and pay attention, so as to know understanding.”—Prov. 4:1.",Prov. 4:1; ,w68 2/1 pp. 86-87,,,joshlaymon,,6/9/2025
Are You Just Too Busy? ,"“TOO busy! Too busy! Too busy!” That was the response at door after door as a minister called to stir up interest in family Bible study. Some, on previous calls, had accepted Bible literature and even commended the minister on his good work, but they were too busy to stop and give further time to vital Bible discussion. The minister could not help thinking about an illustration given by Jesus Christ, telling about certain ones invited to a special banquet: “They all in common started to beg off.” One had purchased a field; another, five yoke of cattle, and a third had acquired a wife. They were all too busy.—Luke 14:16-20.","There is no doubt about the identity of the host in Jesus’ illustration. One of his listeners had just referred to ‘eating bread in the kingdom of God,’ and Jesus pursued the same topic. (Luke 14:15) Even though those activities of the invited guests were quite legitimate and, in their own way, important, how could they compare with a gracious invitation from the Sovereign Lord of the whole universe? None of us would wish to see ourselves among those of whom the Lord of the banquet said: “None of those men that were invited shall have a taste of my evening meal.”—Luke 14:24.",Luke 14:16-20,w68 3/1 p. 137,,,joshlaymon,,6/9/2025
"‘The Works of the Flesh Are Revelries’ divorce, Mardi Gras, intimate liberties. ","“Go HOME together and forget all about it!” the Munich judge told the distraught young couple before him. “After all, was it not carnival time?” Yes, time and again that is what a Munich judge will tell couples that come to him seeking a divorce because one or the other had proved unfaithful during Fasching or carnival time, which lasts seven weeks in Munich. Just what are these carnivals like? Regarding them we are told: ‘With reckless abandon (which invariably leads to a higher birthrate in October and November), West Germans keep their annual pre-Lenten binges going till the last minute of Shrove Tuesday in the Rhineland and Southern Germany.","As one might expect, some churchmen and parents were unhappy. But the party-goers had a wonderful time. In the Rhineland, Carnival Freedom is legally recognized as an excuse for almost anything except homicide and drunken driving. Particularly risky for men is Women’s Carnival Night when entire sections of towns swarm with burly Nordic maidens who pummel unwary males, or take more intimate liberties. Munich, too, takes legal account of Carnival Time; particularly in view of the sometimes troublemaking tradition that husbands and wives must not attend balls together.’—Newsweek, March 4, 1963. 1 Peter 4:3, 4; ","1 Peter 4:3, 4; ",w68 4/1 p. 213 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/9/2025
"Encourage by Commendation, Thankful, compliment, ","The value of fine words can be illustrated by the experience of a hardworking mother of five children. Diligently she labored to keep her house and the clothes of her family neat and clean and, what is more, she cooked very good meals. But did her family ever think of giving her a compliment because of how clean she kept their home and for the tasty meals she prepared day after day? No. When she once brought this to their attention, they replied: “O Ma, you should know that so long as we don’t complain, everything is just fine!”","How typical of many, many families! Yet how thoughtless, how unwise and how unloving! Life is so full of things that tend to depress or discourage. “Time and unforeseen occurrence befall” all of us; we become victims of circumstances over which we may have little or no control. (Eccl. 9:11) Disappointments and personal failings have a tendency to produce negative thinking. How much appreciated, then, is the word of commendation whenever it can be given! So, look for opportunities to commend instead of harping on weaknesses and shortcomings.",Eccl. 9:11; ,w68 6/15 p. 355,,,joshlaymon,,6/9/2025
"Drawing Comfort from the Scriptures, Material possions, Jesus, Materialism, Money, wealth, ","Some Christians do not have many material possessions; they are not materially rich. This may give rise to discontent or depression. Yet, think of Jesus Christ. He once said: “Foxes have dens and birds of heaven have roosts, but the Son of man has nowhere to lay down his head.” (Luke 9:58) Despite this, was Jesus happy? Indeed he was, in doing his heavenly Father’s will. (Heb. 10:5-9; Ps. 40:6-8) ","He did not need many material possessions to be contented. He frankly stated: “Keep your eyes open and guard against every sort of covetousness, because even when a person has an abundance his life does not result from the things he possesses.” This Jesus proved by means of an illustration showing that one is not preserved alive just because he has “many good things laid up for many years.” Life depends upon being rich toward God. (Luke 12:13-21) Christ advised his disciples not to be anxious about such things as food and clothing and pointed out that God knows of such needs and sees that they are supplied for those who “seek continually his kingdom.”—Luke 12:22-31.",Luke 12:22-31; ,w68 7/15 p. 432 par. 7,,,joshlaymon,,6/9/2025
"Drawing Comfort from the Scriptures, Music, songs, Harp, Bible, contentment, ","IN THE ancient Middle East, the solitary shepherd tending his flocks in the open fields often carried some musical instrument, perhaps a pipe. With it he would break the night’s stillness and entertain himself. Though lonely, he could draw comfort from music. It can stir the emotions, or produce a soothing effect, resulting in a feeling of peace and contentment. Appropriately then, the psalmist said of Jehovah God’s just rules: “Melodies your regulations have become to me in the house of my alien residences. In the night I have remembered your name, O Jehovah, that I may keep your law.” (Ps. 119:54, 55) At times beautiful strains would flow from a harp in the hands of a skillful instrumentalist, perhaps during songs of praise to God. “Cry out joyfully, O you righteous ones, because of Jehovah,” exclaimed the psalmist, adding: “On the part of the upright ones praise is fitting. Give thanks to Jehovah on the harp; on an instrument of ten strings make melody to him. Sing to him a new song; do your best at playing on the strings along with joyful shouting. For the word of Jehovah is upright, and all his work is in faithfulness.” (Ps. 33:1-4) David did not forget the melodies and lyrics of such musical compositions, for he said: “I will remember my string music in the night; with my heart I will show concern, and my spirit will carefully search.”—Ps. 77:6.","As music can soothe a person and produce a feeling of contentment, so too does the Word of Jehovah God, the Bible, have a helpful and comforting effect upon those turning to it for spiritual aid. It is not uncommon for imperfect humans faced with trials to experience depression, grief or fear. Yet words written centuries ago under divine inspiration were penned for the instruction of Christians, so that by enduring and “through the comfort from the Scriptures we might have hope.”—Rom. 15:4.","Ps. 119:54, 55; ",w68 7/15 pp. 430-431 pars. 1-3 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/9/2025
"Become Zealous for Jehovah, hypocritical, prophesy in your name, powerful works in your name, ","Zeal may bear a perverse motive. It can be hypocritical in its showiness. The Pharisee of Jesus’ illustration began to pray: “O God, I thank you I am not as the rest of men, extortioners, unrighteous, adulterers, or even as this tax collector. I fast twice a week, I give the tenth of all things I acquire.” He was so concerned with himself that his selfish motive showed through. Not like the tax collector who beat his breast and said: “O God, be gracious to me a sinner.” (Luke 18:10-14) ","Jesus said that there would be many who would say: “Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and expel demons in your name, and perform many powerful works in your name?” And he will confess to them: “I never knew you! Get away from me, you workers of lawlessness.” (Matt. 7:22, 23) This is the tragedy of a hypocritical zeal: it brings no lasting reward. Why not become zealous for Jehovah instead?","Luke 18:10-14; Matt. 7:22, 23; ",w68 8/1 p. 460 par. 14,,,joshlaymon,,6/9/2025
"“Whatever a Man Is Sowing, This He Will Also Reap”, fornication and adultery under the guise of “true love, sex, ","The harboring of improper sexual desires is likewise a “sowing with a view to [the] flesh,” which, if unchecked, is certain to produce eventually the fruitage of corruption. At Galatians 5:19 the apostle Paul lists first among “the works of the flesh” fruits of improper sexual desires, namely, “fornication, uncleanness, loose conduct.”In this connection we might think back for a moment on the illustration of the farmer sowing seed in his fields. Actually the grains of seed he sows are very small, and when they fall on the ground they become practically invisible. ","Likewise, in connection with improper sexual desires. The seed may be small and sown almost indiscernibly to others, possibly even to ourselves. Today, from every direction the enticements to improper sexual desires crowd in upon us, and especially upon the teen-agers. “Romantic” novels, and particularly the cheap picture-story-type magazines, glamorize fornication and adultery under the guise of “true love,” the hero rescuing the heroine from an “unfortunate marriage,” and suchlike. Few films today can hope for success without somewhere in the script pandering to the perverted moral taste of the majority of cinemagoers. Schoolchildren, especially those at high schools, are exposed to the talk of their schoolmates, which often gravitates to sex and “adventures” with those of the opposite sex, real or imagined.",Galatians 5:19 ,w68 9/1 p. 523 pars. 8-9 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/9/2025
"“Whatever a Man Is Sowing, This He Will Also Reap” sex,  unchangeable law of nature, ","HOW well the farmer knows the truthfulness of this principle, “whatever a man is sowing, this he will also reap,” as far as it may be applied to his literal sowing and reaping! After having sown his fields with oats, when the time comes for the new blades to begin sprouting it is too late for him to wish he had planted wheat instead. No amount of wishful thinking on his part will change his crop into something else. No! The farmer is bound to reap what he has sown. An unchangeable law of nature is at work, a law that originated with the Creator of all living things. ","As the inspired account of creation tells us: “And God went on to say: ‘Let the earth cause grass to shoot forth, vegetation bearing seed, fruit trees yielding fruit according to their kinds, the seed of which is in it, upon the earth.’” (Gen. 1:11) In the outworking of this natural law, “God is not one to be mocked. For whatever a man is sowing, this he will also reap.”—Gal. 6:7. The inevitability of this natural law underscores the force of Paul’s words in verse eight of this chapter 6 of his letter to the Galatians: “Because he who is sowing with a view to his flesh will reap corruption from his flesh, but he who is sowing with a view to the spirit will reap everlasting life from the spirit.” Yes, what we sow in the soil of our lives is bound to have fruitage also ‘according to its kind,’ according to whether the seed we sow is good or bad, with a view to the spirit or with a view to the flesh. Since “God is not one to be mocked” in this regard either, it behooves us to look well to the way we sow now.",Gal. 6:7; ,w68 9/1 p. 521 pars. 1-2,,,joshlaymon,,6/9/2025
"The Art of Correcting Another, Privacy, slight mistake, motive should never be a negative one, positive, ","ANYONE can correct another. But to correct another in a way that does some good is an art. It is necessary to know, not only what to say, but when to say it and where and how. Take, for example, this true-life incident. In a certain living room there was a group of what might be called well-educated people. All were listening intently as one of their number, a man, told an interesting story. At one point his wife interrupted to correct him on a slight mistake in grammar. Clearly displeased, the husband repeated his grammatical error with added emphasis and proceeded with his story. Obviously, his wife had not learned the art of correcting another.","Most important in the art of correction is the question of motive. The motive should never be a negative one, to belittle, to embarrass another, or out of resentment or spite. The very best motive for offering correction is love. No doubt the wife who corrected her husband in the matter of grammar did so because of her love for him. She probably would not have thought of saying anything if another man had made that mistake, because it probably would have meant little to her. No doubt about it, among the ways that love can be shown is by offering correction. As God’s Word says: “Faithful are the wounds of a friend.”—Prov. 27:6, RS.","Prov. 27:6,; ",w68 9/15 p. 547 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/9/2025
"The Seriousness of It, Little things, heart, ","“LITTLE things mean a lot.” Those words, the title of a popular American song, are true in so many situations. Little things often betray the condition of the heart, not to say anything of their frequently leading to big things.The truth inherent in that song title might be said to be included in the more weighty principle stated by Jesus Christ, the Son of God: “The person faithful in what is least is faithful also in much, and the person unrighteous in what is least is unrighteous also in much.”—Luke 16:10.","Jesus spoke those words to Jews who were under the law of Moses. That law concerned itself not only with the big things of life, such as the Ten Commandments, which forbade idolatry and murder, but also with seemingly little things. For example, the Israelites were not permitted to eat certain sea creatures, certain mammals and certain winged creatures.—Lev. 11:4-20.",Luke 16:10; Lev. 11:4-20; ,w68 9/15 p.  570,,,joshlaymon,,6/10/2025
"Why We Grow Old and Die, Sin, Adam, lost perfection, ","The effect of sin upon them might be illustrated by what happens to a piece of fine machinery when it is not used properly, according to the maker’s instructions. The machine will develop weaknesses and, in time, break down. ","Similarly, as a result of ignoring the instructions of their Maker, Adam and Eve lost their perfection. Their minds and bodies began to break down, and finally ceased to function, in death. That is what disobedience and removal from God’s favor meant for them. (Gen. 3:16-19) After Adam had used up the tremendous vitality of his once-perfect body, he died at the age of 930 years. This was within the symbolic “day” of one thousand years that God had set.—Gen. 5:5; 2 Pet. 3:8.",Gen. 3:16-19; Gen. 5:5; 2 Pet. 3:8; ,w68 10/15 p. 615 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/10/2025
"You Can “Strip Off the Old Personality”, “abhor what is wicked.”","Jehovah wants us to “abhor what is wicked.” (Rom. 12:9) The word “abhor” describes a strong emotional response; it means to hate something intensely, to be disgusted by it. Imagine the strong response you would have if you were asked to eat a plate of rotten food. ","The very thought might make you feel sick. In a similar way, even the thought of doing something that Jehovah says is bad should be repulsive to us.",Rom. 12:9; ,w22 March p. 5 par. 12,,,joshlaymon,,6/10/2025
"“Buy Truth and Never Sell It”, effort, “Free Bananas.” something that is free may come at a cost.",Even something that is free may come at a cost. The Hebrew word translated “buy” at Proverbs 23:23 can also mean “acquire.” Both words imply making an effort or exchanging something for an item of value. We might illustrate the idea of buying truth this way. Let us say that a market advertises “Free Bananas.” Will those bananas miraculously appear on our table? No. We have to make the effort to go to the market to pick them up. ,"Are the bananas free? Yes, but we must expend the effort and take the time to go to the market. Similarly, we do not need money to buy truth. However, we must make an effort to obtain it.",Proverbs 23:23; ,w18 November p. 4 par. 5,,,joshlaymon,,6/10/2025
"What Was the Original Sin? Began to die, branch severed from tree, guilt, internal disharmony.","By asserting their independence, Adam and Eve irreparably damaged their relationship with Jehovah and inflicted sin’s imprint upon their organism, right to its genetic foundations. True, they lived for hundreds of years, but they began to die “in the day” of their sin, as a branch severed from a tree would. (Genesis 5:5) Moreover, for the first time, they sensed an internal disharmony. They felt naked and tried to hide from God. (Genesis 3:7, 8) ","They also felt guilt, insecurity, and shame. Their sin produced an upheaval within them, their consciences accusing them of wrongdoing.",Genesis 5:5; ,g 6/06 p. 29 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/10/2025
"The Way to True Freedom,  pilot flying an airplane. ","Jehovah did not give humans the freedom to determine for themselves what is good and what is bad.—Read Proverbs 20:24 and footnote; Jeremiah 10:23. This can be illustrated with a pilot flying an airplane. To reach a certain destination safely, he usually must follow a preapproved flight path. Modern aviation equipment allows a pilot to use onboard navigation instruments and to keep in touch with air traffic controllers along the way so as to reach his planned destination. ","However, if the pilot chose to disregard that guidance and fly any route he desired, the result could be disastrous. Like that pilot, Adam and Eve wanted to do things their own way. They rejected the guidance God had provided. The result? They ended, as it were, in a tragic crash, resulting in sin and death for themselves and for their future offspring. (Rom. 5:12) In striving for self-determination, they lost the true freedom they had been given.",Rom. 5:12; Proverbs 20:24; Jeremiah 10:23; ,w18 April p. 6 pars. 11-12,,,joshlaymon,,6/10/2025
"Young Ones, Your Creator Wants You to Be Happy, slowly began to wither and die. Adam, Eve, ","Sadly, Adam and Eve disobeyed God, cutting themselves off from him. The results, as you know, were tragic. Like flowers cut from a plant, they slowly began to wither and die. ","Their children also suffered from the curse of sin. (Rom. 5:12) Even so, most people still choose not to submit to God. They want to live life their own way. (Eph. 2:1-3) The results clearly show that “there is no wisdom . . . in opposition to Jehovah.”—Prov. 21:30.",Prov. 21:30; Eph. 2:1-3; ,w18 December p. 20 par. 4 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/10/2025
"Did God Create the Devil? accountant, manipulate records, making himself Satan the Devil, ","To illustrate: Imagine an accountant who sees an opportunity to manipulate records in such a way as to steal from his company for personal profit. He might quickly dismiss that wrong thought. If, instead, he dwells on this possibility, then the idea will grow in its appeal, and he is likely to carry it out. ","If he does, he has, in effect, made himself a thief. If he lies about his crime, he becomes a liar too. In a similar way, by cultivating wrong desires and acting on them, the angel whom God created used his free will to engage in deception and rebel against his Father, thus making himself Satan the Devil. James 1:14, 15; 1 Timothy 3:6.","James 1:14, 15; 1 Timothy 3:6.",w11 3/1 p. 21 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/10/2025
"“Do Not Let Your Hands Drop Down”, anchor, anxiety ","Sadly, life in Satan’s wicked world creates a tremendous amount of pressure, which can cause anxiety and thus make a person feel weighed down. That can be like an anchor attached to a boat, not allowing the boat to move forward. (Prov. 12:25) ","What could cause you to feel that way? Well, maybe you are trying to cope with the death of a loved one, deal with a serious illness, provide for your family in these hard economic times, or you may be facing opposition. The resulting emotional stress might in time drain your strength. It could even cause you to lose your joy. But you can be assured that God is ready to give you a helping hand.—Read Isaiah 41:10, 13.","Prov. 12:25; Isaiah 41:10, 13; ",w16 September p. 3 par. 2 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/10/2025
"Parents, Help Your Children Build Faith, Coffee, earth’s atmosphere, ","So parents, try to use illustrations liberally in your teaching. A mother in Japan did just that. When her two boys were eight and ten respectively, she taught them about earth’s atmosphere and the care Jehovah showed in making it. To do that, she gave the boys milk, sugar, and coffee. Then she asked each of the boys to make her a cup of coffee. ","“They took great care,” she explained. “When I asked them why they were so careful, they said that they wanted the coffee to be just the way I like it. I explained that God mixed the gases in the atmosphere with similar care—just right for us.” That illustration was fitting for their age, and it engaged them in a way that passive learning might not have. No doubt they long remembered the lesson!","Matt. 6:26, 28; ",w16 September p. 30 par. 9,,,joshlaymon,,6/10/2025
"Parents, Help Your Children Build Faith,  batch of cookies, recipe, DNA, ","You might even use a recipe to help your child build faith in God. How? After you bake a cake or a batch of cookies, explain the role of the recipe. Then hand your child a piece of fruit, perhaps an apple, and ask: “Did you know that this apple started off with a ‘recipe’?” Then cut the apple in two, and give him a seed. You could discuss that the recipe was “written” in the seed but in a language far more complex than the words in a recipe book. ","You might ask: “If the recipe for the cake had a writer, who wrote the much more complex recipe for the apple?” For an older child, you could explain that the recipe for the apple—in fact, for the entire tree on which it grew—was part of the code in the DNA. Together, you might even look at some of the illustrations on pages 10 to 20 of our brochure The Origin of Life—Five Questions Worth Asking.",,w16 September pp. 30-31 par. 10,,,joshlaymon,,6/10/2025
"Parents, Help Your Children Build Faith, Was It Designed? compared airplanes to birds. can airplanes lay eggs","Many parents enjoy discussing articles in the Awake! series “Was It Designed?” with their children. Or they use this feature as a basis for teaching simple ideas to very young children. For instance, a couple in Denmark compared airplanes to birds. “Airplanes look just like birds,” they said. “But can airplanes lay eggs and hatch small airplanes? Do birds need special landing strips? And how would you compare the sound of an airplane to the singing of a bird? ","So who is more intelligent—the maker of airplanes or the Creator of birds?” Such comments, along with good questions, can help a child to develop “thinking ability” and to build faith in God.—Prov. 2:10-12. Effective illustrations can also strengthen a child’s faith in the accuracy of the Bible. For example, consider Job 26:7.",Prov. 2:10-12; ,w16 September p. 31 pars. 11-12 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/10/2025
"Parents, Help Your Children Build Faith, ball or a stone, ","Effective illustrations can also strengthen a child’s faith in the accuracy of the Bible. For example, consider Job 26:7. (Read.) How might you show that this scripture was inspired? You could just state facts. Instead, why not stimulate your child’s imagination? Bring up the fact that Job lived long before telescopes and spaceships. ","Your child’s job could be to show how difficult it might be for some to believe that a very large object, such as the earth, could sit on nothing. The child could use a ball or a stone to illustrate the point by showing that objects with mass have to rest on something. Such a lesson would impress on your child that Jehovah had facts recorded in the Bible long before humans could prove them.—Neh. 9:6.","Job 26:7; Neh. 9:6, ",w16 September p. 31 par. 12,,,joshlaymon,,6/10/2025
"Parents, Help Your Children Build Faith, value of Bible principles, do not get into a rut, “The Bible Changes Lives,”","It is particularly important that you impress on your children the value of Bible principles. (Read Psalm 1:1-3.) There are many ways to do this. For example, you could ask your children to imagine that they are going to live on a remote island and will have to choose a number of people to live there with them. Then ask, “What qualities must each person have if all in the group are to live in peace and get along well?” ","You could also talk with them about the wise directions found at Galatians 5:19-23. That exercise could teach two important lessons. First, God’s standards promote genuine peace and harmony. Second, by educating us now, Jehovah is preparing us for life in the new world. (Isa. 54:13; John 17:3) You could drive these points home by selecting an experience from our publications. It might be from the series “The Bible Changes Lives,” published in The Watchtower. Or if someone in your congregation has made major changes in order to please Jehovah, you could invite him to join you and share his story. Such examples bring Bible principles to life!—Heb. 4:12. The point is this: When teaching your children, do not get into a rut. Try to use your imagination. Stimulate their thinking, keeping their age in mind. Make learning exciting, faith strengthening. “Never tire of experimenting with new ways to approach old subjects,” said one father.",Galatians 5:19-23; ,w16 September pp. 31-32 pars. 13-15,,,joshlaymon,,6/10/2025
"Blessings or Maledictions—Examples for Us Today, Desires nurtured in the heart, ","UNSEEN under a coat of paint, rust can begin to corrode an implement made of iron. It may be some time before the rust becomes visible on the surface. Similarly, the attitudes and desires of one’s heart may begin to deteriorate long before this results in serious consequences or is even noticed by others. As we would wisely inspect an implement to see if it is becoming rusty, so a close inspection of our hearts and timely maintenance may preserve our Christian integrity. Put another way, we can receive God’s blessings and can avoid divine maledictions.","Some may think that the blessings and maledictions pronounced upon ancient Israel have little meaning for those facing the conclusion of this system of things. (Joshua 8:34, 35; Matthew 13:49, 50; 24:3) However, that is not so. We can benefit greatly from the warning examples involving Israel, as set out in 1 Corinthians chapter 10.2 The apostle Paul parallels the Israelites under Moses with Christians under Christ. (1 Corinthians 10:1-4) Though the people of Israel could have entered the Promised Land, “on most of them God did not express his approval, for they were laid low in the wilderness.” Paul therefore told fellow Christians: “Now these things became our examples, for us not to be persons desiring injurious things, even as they desired them.” (1 Corinthians 10:5, 6) Desires are nurtured in the heart, so we need to heed the warning examples that Paul cites.","Joshua 8:34, 35; Matthew 13:49, 50; 24:3; 1 Corinthians chapter 10; ",w96 6/15 pp. 17-18 pars. 1-2 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/10/2025
"Rusting of the heart, corrosion, regular meetings attendance, painting over a rust spot, ","How can we counteract corrosion of the heart? By studying God’s Word diligently, letting its truths sink into our minds and hearts. (Romans 12:1, 2) Of course, we should attend Christian meetings regularly. (Hebrews 10:24, 25) ","Passively attending meetings could be likened to painting over a rust spot. This may brighten us for a while, but it does not solve the underlying problem. Instead, by advance preparation, meditation, and active participation in meetings, we can aggressively remove corrosive elements that may linger in the recesses of our figurative heart. This will help us to adhere to God’s Word and will strengthen us to endure tests of faith and become “sound in all respects.”—James 1:3, 4; Proverbs 15:28.","Hebrews 10:24, 25",w96 6/15 pp. 17-18 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/10/2025
"You Can Resist Temptation! blinding flash of a welder’s torch,  erotic imagery, ","To resist temptation, we must act decisively and not feast our eyes on provocative images. To illustrate: Imagine you glimpsed the blinding flash of a welder’s torch. Would you keep on staring at it? Of course not! You would turn away or shield your eyes to protect your sight. ","Likewise, if you glimpse erotic imagery—in print, on the screen, or in the flesh—quickly look away. Protect your mind from being infected. A former pornography addict, Juan, says: “When I see an attractive woman, I often feel the urge to take a second and a third look. So I force my eyes to look away, and I tell myself: ‘Pray to Jehovah! You absolutely need to pray now!’ After I pray, the impulse soon fades.”—Matthew 6:9, 13; 1 Corinthians 10:13.","Matthew 6:9, 13; 1 Corinthians 10:13.",w14 4/1 pp. 10-11,,,joshlaymon,,6/10/2025
"What Kind of Person Do You Want to Be? renovate an old house, rotten beams, ","When we renovate an old house, it is not enough to paint the outside if there are rotten beams inside. Ignoring structural defects would only invite trouble later. Similarly, a veneer of uprightness is not enough. We must get to the core of our personality and recognize problems that need to be solved. Otherwise, old personality traits are bound to resurface. ","Self-scrutiny, then, is a must. (2 Cor. 13:5) We need to identify undesirable traits and correct them. To that end, Jehovah has provided us with help.",2 Cor. 13:5,w08 11/15 p. 4,,,joshlaymon,,6/10/2025
"What Kind of Person Do You Want to Be, Baptism, more work, new personality is still in its early stage. ","(Eph. 4:22-24) Whether the changes we need to make are big or small, putting on the new personality is part of embracing Christianity. Our making changes and progressing to the point of qualifying for baptism, though, is only a beginning. Illustrate: When presenting ourselves for water immersion, we are much like a piece of wood that has been carved into a basic shape. The object is identifiable, but much work remains to be done. The carver still needs to add the finer details in order to make the object beautiful.","At the time of baptism, we have the basic qualities required to be a servant of God. However, our new personality is still in its early stage. We must continue to enhance it by making adjustments. Even Paul saw the need to make improvements. He admitted: “When I wish to do what is right, what is bad is present with me.” (Rom. 7:21) Paul was certainly aware of what he himself was and what he wished to be. What about us? We too need to ask ourselves: ‘What is present with me? What kind of person am I? And what kind of person do I want to become?’",Eph. 4:22-24; Rom. 7:21;,w08 11/15 p. 3,,,joshlaymon,,6/10/2025
"The New Birth—A Personal Decision? Anointed, Born again, ","To illustrate this matter of command versus statement of fact, think of a comparison. Picture a city that has several schools. One of them is set aside as a school for students belonging to a native, or indigenous, population living in an area far from that city. One day, a young man who does not belong to that native group tells the principal of that school, “I want to enroll in your school.” The principal tells him, “To enroll, you must be a native.” ","Of course, the principal’s words are not a command. He is not ordering the student, “Be a native!” The principal simply states the fact—the requirement for attending that school. Similarly, when Jesus said: “You people must be born again,” he was simply stating a fact—the requirement for one to “enter into the kingdom of God.” John 3:7;",John 3:7;,w09 4/1 p. 6,,,joshlaymon,,6/10/2025
"Happy to Wait for Jehovah, discipline, way fruit grows to maturity, growth, progress, ","The way discipline from Jehovah benefits us might be likened to the way fruit grows to maturity. Concerning discipline from God, the Bible says: “To those who have been trained by it it yields peaceable fruit, namely, righteousness.” (Hebrews 12:11)"," Illustrate: Just as fruit needs time to ripen, so time is needed for us to change our attitudes in response to the training that God provides. For example, if misconduct on our part should cause us to lose some privilege in the congregation, our willingness to wait for God will prevent us from getting discouraged and giving up. ",Hebrews 12:11; ,w07 3/1 p. 19,,,joshlaymon,,6/10/2025
"Happy to Wait for Jehovah, ","HAVE you ever eaten unripe fruit? No doubt, you were disappointed with the taste. Fruit takes time to ripen, and waiting for that to happen is certainly worthwhile. ","There are other circumstances under which it is rewarding to wait. “Good it is that one should wait, even silently, for the salvation of Jehovah,” says the Bible. (Lamentations 3:26; Titus 2:13) In what ways must Christians wait for Jehovah? How can we benefit from waiting for him?",Lamentations 3:26; Titus 2:13; ,w07 3/1 p. 17,,,joshlaymon,,6/10/2025
"Is the Bible’s Guidance Relevant Today? addresses those needs, completed almost 2,000 years ago, ","Is the Bible’s Guidance Relevant Today? SOME SAY NO. One doctor compared using the Bible for guidance to using a textbook from the 1920’s for teaching a chemistry class. A skeptic might even ask if you would use a manual for an old defunct computer to guide you in using a new up-to-date computer. In other words, some see the Bible as hopelessly outdated. Why would anyone use such an ancient guide in today’s modern, high-tech world? After all, countless websites and blogs send out a steady flow of the latest advice and guidance. TV pundits and talk shows feature a stream of knowledgeable psychologists, lifestyle gurus, and authors. And bookstores publish a flood of self-help books, fueling a multibillion-dollar industry.","With all that up-to-the-minute information available, why turn to the Bible—a book that was completed almost 2,000 years ago? Would not skeptics be right in saying that using such an ancient book for guidance is like using an outdated chemistry book or computer manual? Actually, the analogy is flawed. Science and technology change rapidly, but has human nature changed? People still want to find meaning in life as well as to have a reasonable measure of happiness and security, good family relations, and rewarding friendships. As old as it is, the Bible addresses those needs and more. It also claims to be inspired by our Creator. It offers to guide us in every aspect of life and to equip us for any challenge that matters. (2 Timothy 3:16, 17) What is more, it claims to convey counsel that is timeless—advice that never becomes obsolete! The Bible itself says: “The word of God is alive.”—Hebrews 4:12.",Hebrews 4:12;,wp18 No. 1 p. 3,,,joshlaymon,,6/10/2025
"Finding the Way in a Vast Ocean, Marshall Islands, stick charts, wave patterns, kept a secret, Bible, guide, ","THE Marshall Islands consist of over 1,200 islands and islets, most rising no more than a few feet above sea level. They drop out of sight from just a short distance out to sea. Yet, ancient Marshallese seafarers in their outrigger canoes were able to navigate from tiny island to tiny island, finding their way in some three quarters of a million square miles [2 million sq km] of the Pacific Ocean. How did they do it? They were guided by the use of simple, yet remarkably effective, “maps” called stick charts. Through experience, Marshallese navigators learned that the presence of land creates certain wave patterns that reveal the location of an island up to 20 miles [30 km] away. There were dozens of wave patterns to learn, and the stick charts served as memory aids. What were stick charts like? As you can see in the picture, sticks made of strips of pandanus roots or the ribs of coconut leaves were tied together to form a latticework that represented wave patterns. Small seashells were fastened to mark the relative positions of islands. For many years, navigation by stick chart was kept a secret, revealed only to certain chosen ones. How would a young navigator learn to use a stick chart? Only through training and practice. An experienced navigator privately tutored the young sailor, perhaps taking him on trips to nearby islands. As the apprentice learned to recognize wave patterns, he gained confidence in his stick chart. Eventually, he could set out on the ocean by himself.","In a similar way, God’s Word, the Bible, can serve as our guide on life’s journey. At first, someone may help us to gain a basic understanding of the Scriptures. Then, as we continue to study God’s Word and put its principles into practice, we gain confidence in what it says. Joshua, the leader of the Israelites, was told to keep reading the Word of God in order that he might “take care to do according to all that is written in it.” “Then,” God told Joshua, “you will make your way successful and then you will act wisely.” (Joshua 1:8) Yes, the Bible can map out for us a sure and successful course in life.",Joshua 1:8; ,w06 10/1 p. 32,,,joshlaymon,,6/10/2025
"How Can the Bible Help Me? have the best life ever, Lost, ","The Bible says that “all Scripture is inspired of God.” (2 Timothy 3:16) If this is true, then the Bible can give you the direction you need. WHAT WOULD YOU DO? Imagine this scenario: David is driving in an area where nothing looks familiar. The street signs and landmarks show that he is not where he should be by now. David realizes that he is lost. He must have taken a wrong turn at some point in his journey. If you were David, what would you do? STOP AND THINK! You have several options: A. Ask for directions. B. Consult a map, or use a GPS. C. Keep driving, hoping that somehow you will find your way.","Obviously, Option C is the least effective. Option B has an advantage over the first. After all, a map or a GPS will be at hand throughout the journey, helping you to guide your course. The Bible can help you in a similar way! This best-selling book can • guide you through life’s problems, • help you to learn about yourself and become a better person• show you how to have the best life ever",2 Timothy 3:16; ,ypq question 10 p. 30,,,joshlaymon,,6/10/2025
"“They Were Borne Along by Holy Spirit”, “by God’s finger.” ","Illustrate: Consider how a businessman might compose a letter. When precise wording is important, he writes the letter himself or dictates it to his secretary word for word. The secretary types it, and the letter bears the businessman’s signature. At other times, he provides only the principal ideas, and the secretary prepares the letter, using her own style or vocabulary. The businessman may then proofread the letter and have the secretary make any needed changes. In the end, the letter bears his signature and is viewed as coming from him.","Similarly, some parts of the Bible were supplied “by God’s finger.” (Ex. 31:18) Jehovah also used dictation when precise wording was crucial. At Exodus 34:27, for example, we read: “Jehovah went on to say to Moses: ‘Write down for yourself these words, because it is in accordance with these words that I do conclude a covenant with you and Israel.’” Likewise, Jehovah told the prophet Jeremiah: “Write for yourself in a book all the words that I will speak to you.”—Jer. 30:2. In most cases, though, thoughts rather than specific words were miraculously conveyed to the hearts and minds of Bible writers, permitting them to choose their own words to express them. “The congregator sought to find the delightful words and the writing of correct words of truth,” states Ecclesiastes 12:10. The Gospel writer Luke “traced all things from the start with accuracy, to write them in logical order.” (Luke 1:3) God’s spirit ensured that human imperfection did not taint his message.",Jer. 30:2; Ecclesiastes 12:10; ,w12 6/15 pp. 26-27 pars. 4-6,,,joshlaymon,,6/10/2025
"The Bible and Your Future, powerful flashlight, uncertain world, ","IMAGINE you are walking along a dark path late one evening. Although the sun has long since set, you do not feel hopelessly lost, for you have in your hand a powerful flashlight. When you point it downward, you see clearly what is immediately in front of you. And when you point it forward, its piercing beam illuminates your path far into the distance.","In some ways, the Bible is like such a flashlight. As we considered in the preceding articles, God’s Word can help us deal with what is immediately in front of us—the day-to-day problems that we all face in this uncertain world. But the Bible does more. It also provides an illuminating view of the future, enabling us to see and follow a path that leads to lasting happiness and contentment. (Psalm 119:105)",Psalm 119:105; ,wp18 No. 1 p. 14,,,joshlaymon,,6/10/2025
Are All Parts of the Bible Still Relevant? apple tree.  is the tree that produced it irrelevant? ,"No one still offers the animal sacrifices prescribed in the Mosaic Law. So, what is the point of preserving all those details regarding sacrifices in the book of Leviticus? (Leviticus 1:1–7:38) And what about the opening chapters of 1 Chronicles, which consist almost entirely of genealogical lists? (1 Chronicles 1:1–9:44) If no one alive today can trace his or her lineage directly to anyone mentioned in those chapters, what good are such lists?","Suppose that you pick an apple from an apple tree. Once you have the apple, is the tree that produced it irrelevant? Not if you want more fruit! In some ways the Bible is like that apple tree. Certain parts of the Bible, such as the Psalms or the Sermon on the Mount, might seem to be readily accessible and especially “tasty.” While we may treasure those parts—as we might our favorite fruit—should we disregard the rest? What does the Bible itself say on the matter?",Leviticus 1:1–7:38; ,g 3/10 p. 28,,,joshlaymon,,6/10/2025
"How Can the Bible Help Me? Get the Most From Your Bible Reading, ","When you look inside the Bible, you will notice a lot of text. Don’t be overwhelmed by that! Instead, think of the Bible as a fully stocked buffet table. You can’t eat everything you see. But you can select enough for a satisfying meal.To benefit fully from a Bible “meal,” you need to concentrate on what you read. This article will help you do that.In this article Why concentrate on what you read in the Bible? How can you benefit fully from Bible reading? What your peers say. Why concentrate on what you read in the Bible? The more you put into your Bible reading, the more you will get out of it. ","Think of this comparison: You can dip a tea bag in hot water briefly and get some flavor. But you will get more if you let it steep for a while. It’s similar with Bible reading. Instead of dipping in and out quickly, let your mind and heart dwell on the material. That is what the writer of Psalm 119 did. Regarding God’s law, he said: “I ponder over it all day long.”—Psalm 119:97. Of course, that doesn’t mean that you literally need to devote an entire day to reading and thinking about the Bible. Here’s the point: The psalmist took time to think about God’s Word. Doing so helped him to make good decisions.—Psalm 119:98-100.",Psalm 119:97;,ijwyp article 116 pars. 1-5 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/10/2025
"Bible Teachings—Timeless Wisdom, The Bible, though, stands out as different.","PICTURE THIS: You are touring a museum full of ancient monuments. Most are pitted, weathered, and eroded. Some have great chunks missing. One, though, is remarkably intact; its intricate design is clear in every detail. “Is this one newer than the others?” you ask your guide. “No,” he responds, “it is older than most, and it has never been rebuilt.” “Has it been sheltered?” you ask. “No,” says your guide, “this one has faced the worst wind and rain. And many vandals have tried to mar it.” ","Perhaps you would wonder in amazement, ‘What is it made of?’ In a way, the Bible is like that remarkable monument. It is a very ancient book—older than most. There are other ancient books, of course. But like eroded old monuments, most old writings have been badly damaged by the passage of time. Their statements on science, for instance, have been contradicted by new knowledge, provable facts. Their medical counsel often seems more dangerous than helpful. And many ancient writings are mere fragments of what they once were; parts have been lost or badly damaged. The Bible, though, stands out as different. The writing of it began over 35 centuries ago, yet the Bible is intact. And though it has been attacked again and again over the centuries—burned, banned, and belittled—its statements have weathered every onslaught. Far from being proved obsolete in the face of new knowledge, the Bible says much that shows amazing foresight. 2 Timothy 3:16;",2 Timothy 3:16;,wp18 No. 1 p. 4,,,joshlaymon,,6/10/2025
"Why We Need God, well-written instruction manual for human life","To illustrate: When you buy a new piece of equipment, such as a camera or a computer, you expect it to come with an owner’s manual, or a handbook, that explains how to get the best use and satisfaction out of your acquisition. The Bible can be likened to such a handbook. It is a manual for human life that God, the manufacturer, as it were, has made available to us, the users. This “user’s manual” explains what the product is designed to do and how it should be used for the best results.","As with any well-written instruction manual, the Bible alerts readers to practices that may compromise the safe and reliable operation of the “product”—our life. Advice or shortcuts that others offer might sound appealing, even expedient, but is it not logical to think that we are going to get the best results and avoid problems if we follow the Maker’s directions?",Psalm 119:105; ,w13 12/1 pp. 4-5,,,joshlaymon,,6/10/2025
You Can Find True Happiness Food - gulp it down without really tasting each morsel.Take the time to enjoy reading ,"As you read God’s Word, take your time to savor what you read. To illustrate, have you ever had this experience? Someone cooks one of your favorite meals. But either because you are too hurried or are too preoccupied mentally, you gulp it down without really tasting each morsel. After you finish eating, you realize how quickly you ate and you wish you had slowed down and enjoyed each bite. Well, have you ever read the Bible in such haste that you failed to savor its message? Take the time to enjoy reading God’s Word; visualize the scenes, imagine the sounds of the voices, and think about what you have read. The whole experience will add to your happiness.","Well, have you ever read the Bible in such haste that you failed to savor its message? Take the time to enjoy reading God’s Word; visualize the scenes, imagine the sounds of the voices, and think about what you have read. The whole experience will add to your happiness. Luke 11:28; ",Luke 11:28; ,w22 October p. 8 pars. 6-7,,,joshlaymon,,6/10/2025
"Seven Steps to Beneficial Bible Reading, heart attack, eat nutritious food, ",The value of regular Bible reading might be illustrated by a man who has had a heart attack and who decides to eat foods that are more nutritious. Would this regimen help him if he followed it only when he felt a sharp pain in his chest? ,"No. He must consistently adhere to a healthy diet to gain the most benefit. Likewise, daily Bible reading will help you to “make your way successful.” Joshua 1:8.",Joshua 1:8;,w10 7/1 p. 21,,,joshlaymon,,6/10/2025
"How Can the Bible Help Me? Get the Most From Your Bible Reading, tea bag in hot water briefly","Think of this comparison: You can dip a tea bag in hot water briefly and get some flavor. But you will get more if you let it steep for a while. It’s similar with Bible reading. Instead of dipping in and out quickly, let your mind and heart dwell on the material. That is what the writer of Psalm 119 did. Regarding God’s law, he said: “I ponder over it all day long.”—Psalm 119:97.","Of course, that doesn’t mean that you literally need to devote an entire day to reading and thinking about the Bible. Here’s the point: The psalmist took time to think about God’s Word. Doing so helped him to make good decisions.—Psalm 119:98-100.",Psalm 119:97; ,ijwyp article 116 pars. 3-5,,,joshlaymon,,6/10/2025
"A Lesson From the Mariner, Sea anchor, Bible, dangers, spiritual sea anchor, Holy Word, ","SAILING solo on the open sea can be exhausting. The numbing effect of fatigue can easily push the mariner across a dangerous threshold, so that errors and wrong decisions are made. For this reason, he appreciates the value of a sea anchor. It allows a weary sailor to rest and recuperate without drifting dangerously. At the same time, the sea anchor forces the bow to point into the wind and waves and keeps the boat in its most stable position.","Just as sailors face numerous dangers at sea, Christians face the constant pressures of this world and feel the need for rest. In fact, once Jesus recommended to his disciples: “Come, you yourselves, privately into a lonely place and rest up a bit.” (Mark 6:31) Today, some may take a few weeks to travel or have a weekend away to relax with their family. These moments can be refreshing and reinvigorating. How, though, can we make sure that we are spiritually safe at such times? What can serve as our spiritual sea anchor to help us resist drifting and maintain stability?Jehovah has generously made a provision available to us. It is none other than his Holy Word, the Bible. By reading it daily, we can stay close to Jehovah and never drift away from him. Its counsel can stabilize us and enable us to withstand the temptations of Satan and his world. Our maintaining a regular program of Bible reading, even when we are out of our routine, can serve to anchor us spiritually.—Joshua 1:7, 8; Colossians 2:7. The psalmist reminds us that “happy is the man” whose “delight is in the law of Jehovah, and in his law he reads in an undertone day and night.” (Psalm 1:1, 2) Reading God’s Word daily will bring us the “happy” result of being truly refreshed and reinvigorated, prepared to continue our Christian course.","Mark 6:31; Psalm 1:1, 2; ",w00 8/15 p. 32 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/11/2025
"Signposts on Life’s Road, God’s Word, Bible, ‘This is the way. Walk in it, you people,’ ","IF YOU were traveling on an unfamiliar road or pathway, would you view signposts as a hindrance? Not likely! Surely you would view them as an aid to help you from straying off the route leading to your destination.What, though, of traveling life’s road? Can it be successfully negotiated without signposts? An ancient prophet of God acknowledged mankind’s limitations in this regard. He said: “I know, O LORD, that man’s ways are not of his own choosing; nor is it for a man to determine his course in life.”—Jeremiah 10:23, The New English Bible.","Where, then, can the needed direction be found? The reliable source of such guidance is man’s Creator, and the figurative signposts are to be found in the Bible. Jehovah, by means of his Word, says: “Your own ears will hear a word behind you saying: ‘This is the way. Walk in it, you people,’ in case you people should go to the right or in case you should go to the left.”—Isaiah 30:21. Yes, God’s Word gives reliable guidance in every aspect of our life. (Isaiah 48:17; 2 Timothy 3:16, 17) Sadly, however, the majority of mankind travel life’s path independent of divine direction. (Matthew 7:13) Still, the signposts are immovably set in place! Will you pay heed to them as you walk life’s road?","Jeremiah 10:23,Isaiah 30:21; ",w98 10/1 p. 32 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/11/2025
"You Can Find True Happiness, Standards, like speed limits, ","Read Romans 12:2. A person may know that Jehovah has the authority to decide what is right and what is wrong, but he must also accept God’s standards for himself. To Illustrate: For example, a person may know that the government has the right to set highway speed limits. But he may not be willing to accept those limits for himself. As a result, he drives faster than he should. ","We show by our conduct that we truly believe that following Jehovah’s standards is the best way to live. (Prov. 12:28) David felt that way, for he said of Jehovah: “You make known to me the path of life. In your presence is abundant joy; there is happiness at your right hand forever.”—Ps. 16:11.",Romans 12:2; Ps. 16:11.,"w22 October pp. 8-9 par. 10, ",,,joshlaymon,,6/11/2025
"United in Love—Annual Meeting Report, Are You Running on Empty? gas tank, Sam Herd, ","Samuel Herd began his talk with an illustration. Suppose a friend picks you up to go on a 30-mile [50 km] trip. Riding in the passenger seat, you notice that the fuel gauge is on empty. You tell your friend he is just about out of fuel. He says not to worry; there is still a gallon [some four liters] in the tank. Soon, though, you run out of fuel. Is it worth it to ‘run on empty’ and take a chance on being stranded? How much better to keep a full tank! Figuratively, we need to keep a full tank, the fuel being our knowledge of Jehovah.","To that end, we need to fuel up and to do so regularly. There are four ways we do this. First, personal study, becoming familiar with the Bible by reading it daily. More than just reading words, we must understand what we read. Second, making good use of our Family Worship evening. Do we stop weekly and fill up or do we put only a little in our tank? Third, congregation study and meeting attendance. Fourth, quiet, undisturbed meditation, thinking about Jehovah’s ways. Psalm 143:5 says: “I have remembered days of long ago; I have meditated on all your activity.”",Psalm 143:5; ,"w10 6/15 pp. 4-5 Sam Herd, ",,,joshlaymon,,6/11/2025
" Building a Family That Honors God, TOOLS FOR BUILDING A HAPPY MARRIAGE, ","SUPPOSE you plan to build your own home. You purchase the land. With keen anticipation, you see your new house in your mind’s eye. But what if you have no tools and no building skills? How frustrating your efforts would be!Many couples enter marriage envisioning a happy family, yet possess neither the tools nor the skills needed to build one. Shortly after the wedding day, negative patterns develop. Fighting and bickering become a daily routine. When children are born, the new father and mother find themselves no more skilled at parenthood than they are at marriage.","Happily, however, the Bible can help. Its principles are like tools that enable you to build a happy family. (Proverbs 24:3) Let us see how. No matter how well-matched a married couple seem to be, they differ in emotional makeup, childhood experiences, and family background. Therefore, some problems are to be expected after marriage. How will they be handled? Well, when builders construct a house, they consult the plans. These are guidelines to be followed. The Bible provides God’s standards for building a happy family. Let us now examine a few of these.",Proverbs 24:3; ,kl chap. 15 pp. 140-141 pars. 1-4,,,joshlaymon,,6/11/2025
How Precious Is the Truth to You? ,"In Scotland some young lambs were grazing in a pasture when one of them strayed to the side of a hillock and tumbled onto a ledge below. It was uninjured, but it was frightened and unable to climb back. So it started to bleat plaintively. Its mother heard it, and she too began to bleat until the shepherd came and retrieved the young lamb.Notice the sequence of events. The lamb called for help, the ewe added her voice to its cries, and the alerted shepherd sprang into action to rescue it. ","If a very young animal and its mother can sense danger and immediately call for help, should we not do the same when we stumble spiritually or face unexpected dangers from Satan’s world? (James 5:14, 15; 1 Peter 5:8) We should, especially if we are lacking in experience either because we are young or because we are relatively new in the truth.","James 5:14, 15; 1 Peter 5:8; ",w02 3/1 p. 16 pars. 13-14,,,joshlaymon,,6/11/2025
"Should You Keep the Weekly Sabbath? new constitution, study the new constitution carefully, no longer binding, ","The change from the Israelite to the Christian system of worship could be illustrated this way: A nation may change its constitution. Once the new constitution is legally in place, people are no longer required to obey the former one. Even though some of the laws in the new constitution may be the same as those in the former constitution, others may be different. So a person would need to study the new constitution carefully to see what laws now apply. Additionally, a loyal citizen would want to know when the new constitution went into effect.","In like manner, Jehovah God provided over 600 laws, including 10 main ones, for the nation of Israel. These included laws about morals, sacrifices, health matters, and Sabbath-keeping. However, Jesus said that his anointed followers would constitute a new “nation.” (Matthew 21:43) From 33 C.E. onward, this nation has had a new “constitution,” founded on two basic laws—love of God and love of neighbor. (Matthew 22:36-40) Although “the law of the Christ” includes instructions that are similar to those in the Law given to Israel, we should not be surprised that some laws are very different and that others are no longer required. The law requiring the observance of a weekly Sabbath is one of those that are no longer binding.",Matthew 21:43; Matthew 22:36-40; ,w10 2/1 p. 14 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/11/2025
"Having “Come to Know God”—What Now? Pilots, preflight inspection, checklist,  become complacent, ","PILOTS who fly one of the most successful aircraft ever built have a preflight inspection checklist consisting of more than 30 items. If they do not carefully follow the checklist each time before takeoff, the pilots increase the possibility of a tragic accident. Do you know what type of pilot is especially urged to complete the checklist every time? It is the very experienced pilot! The seasoned pilot could easily become complacent and fail to carry out the preflight inspection in every detail.","Like a safety-minded pilot, you can use a type of checklist to make sure that your faith will not falter when you need it most. Whether you are newly baptized or you have been serving God for many years, regularly checking the depth of your faith and devotion to Jehovah God is essential. Failure to check on this regularly and diligently can lead to spiritual ruin. The Bible warns us: “Let him that thinks he is standing beware that he does not fall.”—1 Cor. 10:12.",,w13 3/15 p. 13 pars. 1-2,,,joshlaymon,,6/11/2025
"Give Jehovah Exclusive Devotion, choose our entertainment, part of our bodies, automatic processes, ","(Read 1 Corinthians 10:21, 22.) Eating a meal with someone is often a sign of friendship. If we choose entertainment that promotes violence, spiritism, immorality, or other fleshly desires and attitudes, we are, in effect, sharing a meal prepared by enemies of God. As a result, we not only harm ourselves but also damage our friendship with Jehovah.Consider some specific ways in which entertainment is like literal food. When we eat, we can control what we put in our mouth. But once we swallow the food, automatic processes take over and the nutrients in the food eventually become part of our bodies. A good diet can make us healthier; a poor diet will make us unhealthy. The results may not become evident overnight, but they will become evident in time.","Similarly, when we choose our entertainment, we have control over what we put into our mind. After that, automatic processes take over and our mind and heart are affected. Good entertainment can refresh us; unwholesome entertainment will harm us. (Read James 1:14, 15.) The effects of bad entertainment may not be immediately evident, but they will eventually become obvious. ","1 Corinthians 10:21, 22;  James 1:14, 15.; ",w19 October p. 30 pars. 12-14 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/11/2025
"How to Choose Our Entertainment, ","IMAGINE that you are about to bite into a piece of fruit when you notice that a part of it is rotten. What will you do? Will you eat it anyway? Will you throw it away? Or will you cut out the rotten part and eat the good part?Illustrate: In some ways, entertainment is similar to that piece of fruit. Some of it may be enjoyable, but much of it is rotten because it is immoral, violent, or demonic. ","So when you choose entertainment, do you say: “It’s up to me. I can choose any entertainment I want”? Or do you say: “All entertainment is bad”? Or do you carefully choose your entertainment, avoiding the bad and enjoying the good? We all need some recreation and entertainment, and we want to choose well. We need to ask ourselves, then, how our choice of entertainment could affect our worship of Jehovah.",1 Corinthians 10:31;,"lvs chap. 6 pp. 75-76 pars. 1-3, ",,,joshlaymon,,6/11/2025
"How to Choose Wholesome Entertainment, recreation,","IMAGINE that you are about to eat a tasty piece of fruit but then notice that a part of it is rotten. What will you do? Well, you could eat the entire fruit, even the bad part; you could throw away the entire fruit, including the bad part; or you could cut the bad part out of the fruit and enjoy the good part. What choice will you make?","Illustrate: In a way, entertainment is like that fruit. At times, you want to enjoy some recreation, but you realize that much of the entertainment available today is morally bad, even rotten. So, what will you do? Some might tolerate what is bad and swallow whatever entertainment this world has to offer. Others might avoid all entertainment to make sure that they will not be exposed to anything harmful. Still others might carefully avoid entertainment that is harmful but occasionally enjoy that which is relatively wholesome. What choice should you make in order to keep yourself in God’s love? Most of us would select the third option. We appreciate the need for some recreation but want to limit our entertainment to what is morally sound. Therefore, we need to consider how we can determine what is wholesome and what is not. ",1 Corinthians 10:31;,lv chap. 6 p. 62 pars. 1-3 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/11/2025
"How to Choose Wholesome Entertainment, Recreation, ","It is also wise to allow a margin of safety when choosing entertainment. What does that mean? Consider once more the example of the fruit. To avoid inadvertently eating what is rotten, you cut out not just the exact area that is bad but also a margin around it.","Similarly, it is wise to apply a safety margin in choosing entertainment. A wise Christian avoids not only entertainment that is clearly in violation of Bible principles but also types that are dubious or that seem to include elements that are spiritually unhealthy. (Proverbs 4:25-27) Sticking close to God’s Word will help you to do just that.",Proverbs 4:25-27; ,lv chap. 6 pp. 69-70 par. 15 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/11/2025
"How to Choose Our Entertainment, Recreation, ","Clearly, we must reject entertainment that we know is unacceptable to Jehovah. But what about entertainment that we may have doubts about? Do we still need to be careful? Think about this. If you are walking along a mountain path, do you go as close as you can to the edge? No. If you value your life, you stay far away from danger. It is similar with our choice of entertainment. ","God’s Word tells us: “Turn your feet away from what is bad.” (Proverbs 4:25-27) So we not only avoid entertainment that we know is bad, but we also stay away from any entertainment that we suspect might not be good for us and might harm our relationship with Jehovah.",Proverbs 4:25-27; ,lvs chap. 6 p. 82 par. 15,,,joshlaymon,,6/11/2025
"How to Read and Remember, compared to our taking of food, ","Our taking of information into the mind through reading may be compared to our taking of food into the stomach. In both instances we must be selective. The eater, even when just satisfying his appetite, is foolish to take into his stomach that which is indigestible or that which offers no real benefit to the body, or worse, may even poison him. For best results, for long-lasting benefits, food should be easily digested and assimilated by our bodies.","So, too, with our reading. Whether it is casual or serious reading, what we take in should be mentally digestible and it should be something that will lastingly benefit our minds. Obviously it is unwise to feed the mind on that which is untrue, godless or immoral, and which may therefore cause spiritual indigestion. (Phil. 4:8) And why waste time reading material of little value? Just as we are selective in what we eat, so we should be in what we read.",Phil. 4:8; ,sg study 4 p. 20 pars. 3-4 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/11/2025
"“Continue Following Me” churches of Christendom like baby sitters, ","The churches of Christendom have sponsored charities, aided the poor, built hospitals and schools, and performed many other works. To see why they have earned Jesus’ anger, consider an illustration. A father and mother need to go on a trip. They cannot take their children along, so they hire a babysitter. Their instructions to her are simple: “Take care of our children. Feed them, make sure they are clean, and keep them from harm.” When the parents return, though, they are shocked to see that their children are famished. They are dirty, sickly, and miserable. They are crying for the babysitter’s attention, but their cries go unheeded. Why? She is up on a ladder, washing the windows. Furious, the parents demand an explanation.","The sitter replies: “Look at all that I did! Aren’t the windows clean? I made repairs to the house too, all for you!” Would the parents feel better? Hardly! They never asked her to do those jobs; they just wanted their children cared for. Her refusal to heed their instructions would infuriate them. Christendom has acted like that babysitter. Jesus left instructions with his representatives to feed people spiritually by teaching them the truth of God’s Word and helping them to be spiritually clean. (John 21:15-17) Yet, Christendom has dismally failed to obey his direction. She has left people spiritually starved, confused by falsehoods and ignorant of basic Bible truths. (Isaiah 65:13; Amos 8:11) Even her attempts to better this world can hardly excuse her willful disobedience. After all, this world system is like a house that is slated for demolition! God’s Word makes it clear that Satan’s world system is soon to be destroyed.—1 John 2:15-17.",John 21:15-17; ,cf chap. 18 pp. 186-187 pars. 11-13,,,joshlaymon,,6/11/2025
"Find Security Among God’s People, diversity of personalities, varity, different, ","The diversity of personalities in the congregation need not disturb you. To illustrate, imagine that numerous vehicles are traveling alongside you on a road. Not all are moving at the same speed, nor are all in the same condition. Some have traveled many miles, but like you, others have just started out. Regardless of these differences, however, all are traveling down the road. ","It is similar with the individuals making up a congregation. Not all develop Christian qualities at the same speed. Furthermore, not all are in the same physical or emotional condition. Some have been worshiping Jehovah for many years; others have just begun. Yet, all are traveling along the road to everlasting life, “fitly united in the same mind and in the same line of thought.” (1 Corinthians 1:10) Therefore, look for the strengths rather than the weaknesses of those in the congregation. Doing that will warm your heart, for you will realize that God is really among these people. And surely this is where you want to be.—1 Corinthians 14:25.",1 Corinthians 1:10; 1 Corinthians 14:25; ,kl chap. 17 p. 164 par. 11,,,joshlaymon,,6/11/2025
"See the Difference in People, varity, last days, attitudes, of moral chaos. Could be influenced by the behavior,","MANY health-care professionals work among those infected with contagious diseases. They care for their patients because they want to help them. In doing so, however, they need to protect themselves so that they do not become infected with the disease they are seeking to treat. Likewise, many of us live and work with those who are infected with attitudes and characteristics that run counter to godly qualities. This presents a challenge for us.","These last days are a time of moral chaos. The apostle Paul’s second letter to Timothy describes the characteristics of people who are alienated from God, characteristics that will become more pronounced in the days ahead. (Read 2 Timothy 3:1-5, 13.) Though we may be shocked by the prevalence of such qualities, we could be influenced by the behavior and attitudes of those who display them. (Prov. 13:20)","2 Timothy 3:1-5, 13; Prov. 13:20; ",w18 January p. 27 pars. 1-2 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/11/2025
"“Be Steadfast, Immovable” frequent earthquakes, balance between steadfastness and flexibility.","IN THE late 1970’s, a 60-story skyscraper gradually rose above the skyline of Tokyo, Japan. Observers wondered how it would be able to withstand the frequent earthquakes in that city. The secret? Engineers designed the building to be rigid yet flexible enough to absorb seismic shocks. Christians are like that skyscraper. In what way?","A Christian must maintain a balance between steadfastness and flexibility. He needs to be strong and immovable when it comes to upholding Jehovah’s laws and standards. (Read 1 Corinthians 15:58.) He is “ready to obey” and does not compromise. On the other hand, he needs to be “reasonable,” or flexible, when the situation allows for it or even requires it. (Jas. 3:17) A Christian who has learned to have this balanced view will avoid the extremes of being either excessively rigid or overly permissive.",1 Corinthians 15:58; Jas. 3:17; ,w23 July p. 14 pars. 1-2,,,joshlaymon,,6/11/2025
"You Can Make Spiritual Progress, Diamonds, new personality, Jehovah can use us in different settings, ","TRUE worth can be difficult to recognize. Such is the case with diamonds. Although a polished diamond sparkles, a rough diamond merely glows dimly. Nevertheless, in the depths of the rough diamond lies the unmistakable promise of a beautiful gem. Christians resemble rough diamonds in many ways. Though we are still a long way from perfection, we do have an underlying worth that Jehovah values. Like diamonds, all of us have our own distinct qualities. And each one of us can make further spiritual progress if that is our heartfelt desire. Our personalities can be polished, so that they shine more brightly to Jehovah’s glory.—1 Corinthians 10:31.","After being cut and polished, a diamond is placed in a setting that enhances its reflective qualities. Similarly, Jehovah can use us in different settings, or assignments, if we “put on the new personality which was created according to God’s will in true righteousness and loyalty.”—Ephesians 4:20-24. Such spiritual progress may not come naturally, just as a diamond in its natural state rarely sparkles like a gem. We might need to rid ourselves of some lingering weakness, adjust our attitude toward assuming responsibility, or even exert ourselves to get out of a spiritual rut. But we can make progress if we really want to, since Jehovah God can give us “the power beyond what is normal.”—2 Corinthians 4:7; Philippians 4:13.",1 Corinthians 10:31; Ephesians 4:20-24; 2 Corinthians 4:7; Philippians 4:13; ,w98 5/15 p. 24 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/11/2025
"You Can Make Spiritual Progress, Diamond, cutting causes loss, lost, Jeremiah, prophet, courage, ","Cutting diamonds takes confidence that results from exact knowledge, since once a part of the rough diamond is cut away, it usually is lost. Expensive material—sometimes as much as 50 percent of the uncut stone—has to be cut away to produce the desired shape. We too need confidence resulting from accurate knowledge in order to shape our personality and to progress spiritually. Especially must we have confidence that Jehovah will empower us. We may feel inadequate, however, or think that we are not able to do more. In the past, faithful servants of God sometimes felt that way. (Exodus 3:11, 12; 1 Kings 19:1-4) ","When assigned by God to be a “prophet to the nations,” Jeremiah exclaimed: “Here I actually do not know how to speak, for I am but a boy.” (Jeremiah 1:5, 6) Despite his reticence, though, Jeremiah became a courageous prophet who delivered forthright messages to a hostile people. How was this possible? He learned to rely on Jehovah. Jeremiah later wrote: “Blessed is the able-bodied man who puts his trust in Jehovah, and whose confidence Jehovah has become.”—Jeremiah 17:7; 20:11.","Jeremiah 1:5, 6; Exodus 3:11, 12; 1 Kings 19:1-4; ",w98 5/15 pp. 24-25,,,joshlaymon,,6/11/2025
"You Can Make Spiritual Progress, Diamond, cutting causes loss, lost, Jeremiah, responsibility, new personality,","As Edward realized, spiritual progress requires trust in Jehovah. Developing the Christlike “new personality” is also essential. How can this be done? A first step is to “strip off” those traits that are part of the old personality. (Colossians 3:9, 10) Just as imperfections, such as foreign minerals, have to be removed from a rough diamond to make it a sparkling gem, so attitudes “belonging to the world” need to be discarded in order that our new personality may shine through.—Galatians 4:3.","One such attitude is a reluctance to accept responsibility for fear that too much will be required of us. True, responsibility means work, but it is a satisfying work. (Compare Acts 20:35.) Paul admitted that godly devotion requires that we ‘work hard and exert ourselves.’ We do so gladly, he said, “because we have rested our hope on a living God,” one who never forgets the work we do in behalf of our fellow Christians and others.—1 Timothy 4:9, 10; Hebrews 6:10.","Colossians 3:9, 10; 1 Timothy 4:9, 10; Hebrews 6:10; ",w98 5/15 p. 25 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/11/2025
"You Can Make Spiritual Progress, Diamond, responsibility, flaw, Inner tension, father was an alcoholic, drugs, ","Some diamonds suffer from “tension” created at their formation and need to be handled carefully. With help from an instrument called a polariscope, however, the polisher can locate the tension and can work on the stone successfully. Perhaps we suffer from an internal tension, or personality flaw, because of our background or a traumatic experience. What can we do? First, we need to admit the problem to ourselves and determine to overcome it to the extent possible. We should certainly unburden ourselves before Jehovah in prayer, possibly also seeking spiritual help from a Christian elder.—Psalm 55:22; James 5:14, 15.","Such inner tension affected Nicholas. “My father was an alcoholic, and he caused my sister and me much suffering,” he explains. “When I left school, I joined the army, but my rebellious streak soon got me into trouble. Army authorities jailed me for dealing in drugs, and on another occasion I deserted. Finally, I left the army, but I still had trouble. Although my life was a mess because of drug abuse and heavy drinking, I had an interest in the Bible and longed to have a purpose in life. Eventually, I came into contact with Jehovah’s Witnesses, changed my life-style, and embraced the truth.","Psalm 55:22; James 5:14, 15; ",w98 5/15 p. 25,,,joshlaymon,,6/11/2025
"You Can Make Spiritual Progress, deep-seated attitudes, change, diamond polishers, ","As Nicholas discovered, changing deep-seated attitudes is not easy. We may face a similar challenge. Perhaps we are overly sensitive. We may be nursing a grievance, or we may be placing too much emphasis on independence. Thus, our Christian progress may be limited. Diamond polishers experience something similar with stones they call naats. These are really two stones melted into one during the diamond’s formation. As a result, naats have two conflicting growth patterns that make cutting according to the grain very difficult. In our case, we find the “grain” of the willing spirit battling against the “grain” of the imperfect flesh. (Matthew 26:41; Galatians 5:17) ","Sometimes, we may feel inclined to give up the struggle altogether, rationalizing that imperfections in our personality are not important anyway. ‘After all,’ we may say, ‘my family and friends still love me.’ If we are to serve our brothers and glorify our heavenly Father, however, we need to ‘be made new in the force actuating our mind’ by putting on the new personality. The effort is worthwhile, as Nicholas and countless others can testify. A diamond polisher knows that one blemish can mar the whole diamond. Likewise, by neglecting a weak facet of our personality, we can spoil our spiritual appearance. Worse still, a serious weakness could lead to our spiritual downfall.—Proverbs 8:33.",Matthew 26:41; Galatians 5:17; ,w98 5/15 p. 26,,,joshlaymon,,6/11/2025
"You Can Make Spiritual Progress, Diamond, capture the fire, Experience, comfortable rut, ","The diamond polisher seeks to capture the fire within the diamond. This is done by arranging the facets so that they cause the so-called rainbow effect. Inside the diamond the multicolored light reflects back and forth, producing the fire that makes diamonds sparkle. Similarly, God’s spirit can be like a “fire” within us.—1 Thessalonians 5:19; Acts 18:25; Romans 12:11. But what if we sense the need to get spiritually motivated? How can this be done? We need to ‘consider our ways.’ (Psalm 119:59, 60) This would involve identifying those things that slow us down spiritually and then determining which theocratic activities we need to pursue more vigorously. We can deepen spiritual appreciation through regular personal study and fervent prayer. (Psalm 119:18, 32; 143:1, 5, 8, 10) ","Moreover, by associating with those who work hard in the faith, we will further strengthen our resolve to serve Jehovah zealously.—Titus 2:14. Experience: Louise, a young Christian woman, admitted: “I considered regular pioneering for two years before I actually enrolled as a pioneer, or full-time Kingdom proclaimer. There was nothing stopping me, but I was in a comfortable rut, and I just didn’t make the effort to get out of it. Then my father died suddenly. I realized how fragile life is and that I wasn’t making the best use of mine. So I changed my spiritual outlook, increased my service, and became a regular pioneer. Of particular help in this regard were those of my spiritual brothers and sisters who always supported the field service arrangements and who regularly accompanied me in the ministry. I have learned that whether for good or for bad, we share the values and goals of our associates.”",1 Thessalonians 5:19; Acts 18:25; Romans 12:11; ,w98 5/15 pp. 26-27,,,joshlaymon,,6/11/2025
"You Can Make Spiritual Progress, Diamond, capture the fire, Experience, comfortable rut, commendation, ","Diamonds are the hardest naturally occurring substance on earth. Hence, it takes one diamond to cut another. This may remind Bible students of the proverb that says: “By iron, iron itself is sharpened. So one man sharpens the face of another.” (Proverbs 27:17) How is a person’s face “sharpened”? One individual may succeed in sharpening the intellectual and spiritual state of another, just as a piece of iron can be used to sharpen a blade made of the same metal. For instance, if we should become depressed over some disappointment, another person’s encouragement can be very uplifting. Our sad countenance can thus change for the better, and we can be enlivened for renewed zealous activity. (Proverbs 13:12) ","Especially can congregation elders help to sharpen us by providing Scriptural encouragement and counsel for improvement. They follow the principle stated by Solomon: “Give to a wise person and he will become still wiser. Impart knowledge to someone righteous and he will increase in learning.”—Proverbs 9:9. Of course, spiritual training takes time. For more than ten years, the apostle Paul shared his experience and teaching methods with Timothy. (1 Corinthians 4:17; 1 Timothy 4:6, 16) The lengthy training that Moses gave Joshua over a 40-year period benefited the nation of Israel for a long time. (Joshua 1:1, 2; 24:29, 31) Elisha accompanied the prophet Elijah for perhaps 6 years, receiving a fine grounding for his own ministry that was to last about 60 years. (1 Kings 19:21; 2 Kings 3:11) By patiently providing ongoing training, elders follow the example of Paul, Moses, and Elijah. Giving commendation is a vital part of training. Sincere expressions of appreciation for assignments well handled or for praiseworthy acts may impel others to want to serve God more fully. Commendation builds confidence that, in turn, provides incentive to work on weaknesses. (Compare 1 Corinthians 11:2.) Encouragement to progress in the truth also comes from being intensely occupied with the Kingdom-preaching work and other congregational activities. (Acts 18:5) When elders assign brothers responsibility in accord with their spiritual progress, this gives these men valuable experience and is likely to strengthen their desire to keep on progressing spiritually.—Philippians 1:8, 9.",Proverbs 27:17; Proverbs 13:12; Proverbs 9:9; ,w98 5/15 p. 27,,,joshlaymon,,6/11/2025
"You Can Make Spiritual Progress, Diamonds, Good Reason for Making Spiritual Progress, Precious, tent, spacious, ","Diamonds are considered precious. The same is true of those now becoming associated with the worldwide family of Jehovah’s worshipers. In fact, God himself calls them the “desirable,” or “precious,” things of all the nations. (Haggai 2:7, footnote) Last year, 375,923 became baptized Witnesses of Jehovah. To accommodate this growth, there is a need to ‘make the tent more spacious.’ By progressing spiritually—and by reaching out for Christian service privileges—it is possible to have a share in caring for this expansion.—Isaiah 54:2; 60:22.","Unlike many precious diamonds that are kept in bank vaults and are rarely seen, our spiritual worth can shine brightly. And as we regularly polish and manifest our Christian qualities, we glorify Jehovah God. Jesus exhorted his followers: “Let your light shine before men, that they may see your fine works and give glory to your Father who is in the heavens.” (Matthew 5:16) Surely, that gives us sound reason to make spiritual progress.",Isaiah 54:2; 60:22; ,w98 5/15 p. 27,,,joshlaymon,,6/11/2025
"How Jehovah Helps Us to Endure With Joy, trees in a beautiful park, focus on beauty, not blemishes, paradise, ","Think of this comparison. We would expect to see a variety of trees in a beautiful park, or garden. Similarly, the spiritual paradise existing in the congregations today is adorned with a variety of individuals who are compared to trees. (Isa. 44:4; 61:3) ","We need to make sure that we continue to focus on the beauty of the “forest,” not on the blemishes found on the individual “trees” nearest us. We cannot allow our own imperfections or those of others in the congregation to distract us from the overall beauty of the united worldwide Christian congregation.",Isa. 44:4; 61:3; ,w22 November pp. 12-13 par. 16,,,joshlaymon,,6/11/2025
"Righteousness Exalts a Nation, spiritual Israelites can be compared to diamond mining, no part of world, ","The selection of these spiritual Israelites can be compared to diamond mining. When rich diamond-bearing ore is brought to the surface, it may yield only 1 carat (.007 ounce [200 mg]) per 3 tons of earth. A method once used to separate the diamonds involved mixing the ore with water and flowing the mixture over tables of grease. Diamonds are water-repellent, and they stuck to the grease while the unwanted material was washed away. At this stage the diamonds were rough. However, when cut and  polished, they reflected light in all directions.","Like water-repellent diamonds that are no part of the matter around them, Jehovah’s people have been separated from the world. (John 17:16) When first drawn to the light, they may have lacked luster. But Jehovah’s Word and spirit create within them a new personality, and they shine as illuminators in this world. It is because of Jehovah’s righteousness that they are set on high and reflect the glorious light of Kingdom truth in all directions, not because of their own righteousness.",John 17:16; ,w95 12/15 p. 27,,,joshlaymon,,6/11/2025
"Important Lessons From the Kings of Israel, heart divided, unwholesome influences, ungodly attitude,","We must not let our heart become divided. If we are not careful, we could fool ourselves into thinking that by increasing our spiritual activities, we need not reject bad influences. To illustrate, imagine yourself outside on a brutally cold and windy day. On arriving home, you turn on the heat. How much good would that do you if you left the door open? The cold air would quickly fill your house.","The point? We need to do more than just take in spiritual food that warms our relationship with Jehovah. We must also close the door on unwholesome influences, so that this world’s cold “air,” or ungodly attitude, does not enter our heart and divide it.—Eph. 2:2.",Eph. 2:2; ,w24 July p. 21 par. 7 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/11/2025
"Keys to Communicating With Your Mate, Keep the Lines of Communication Open, rusted hinges,","Have you ever tried to open a door that has not been used for some time? Squeaking, the rusted hinges gradually give way. But what if the door had regularly been used and its hinges were well greased? It would have been easy to open. ","The same is true with the door of communication. If you make it a practice to communicate and lubricate the hinges of the door of communication with Christian love, you can more easily communicate your thoughts even when you have serious disagreements. Titus 2:3-5; ",Titus 2:3-5; ,w06 4/15 p. 7,,,joshlaymon,,6/11/2025
"Avoid Stirring Up Competition—Promote Peace, cracks that can weaken a clay vessel,","Like small cracks that can weaken a clay vessel, the spirit of competition can weaken a congregation.","If the congregation is not strong and united, it cannot be a peaceful place to worship God. Eph. 4:3;",Eph. 4:3;,w21 July p. 14,,,joshlaymon,,6/11/2025
"‘Keep Free From Murmurings’ Rust, metals tend to rust, imperfect humans have a tendency to complain.","Most of the Scriptural examples we have considered show that murmuring caused much damage among God’s people in the past. Therefore, we do well to think seriously about the corrosive influence it could have today. An illustration might help. Many types of metal have a natural tendency to rust. If early signs of rust are ignored, metal can rust to the point that it can no longer serve its purpose. Countless automobiles are scrapped, not because of mechanical failure, but because the metal is so rusted that the vehicles are unsafe. How can we apply this illustration to murmuring?","Just as certain metals tend to rust, imperfect humans have a tendency to complain. We should be on guard to detect any sign of this. Even as moisture and salty air accelerate rusting, adversity makes us more inclined to murmur. Stress can turn a minor irritation into a major grievance. As conditions in the last days of this system deteriorate, potential causes of complaint will likely increase. (2 Timothy 3:1-5) Hence, one servant of Jehovah might begin to murmur against another. The cause could be a small issue, such as discontent with someone’s weaknesses, abilities, or privileges of service. Whatever the reason for our displeasure, if we were to allow a tendency to complain to go unchecked, it could promote in us a spirit of discontent and make us habitual murmurers. Yes, the spiritually corrosive effect of murmuring could corrupt us completely. When the Israelites murmured about life in the wilderness, they went so far as to blame Jehovah. (Exodus 16:8) May that never happen to us!15 The tendency of metal to rust can be reduced by coating it with rustproof paint and quickly treating isolated spots of corrosion. In a similar fashion, if we detect in ourselves a tendency to complain, this can be kept under control if we give the matter prompt, prayerful attention. How?",2 Timothy 3:1-5; ,w06 7/15 pp. 16-17 pars. 12-15 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/11/2025
"Maintain Your Confidence Firm to the End, small plane flying into difficult weather, future,  beacons guide him","IMAGINE a small plane flying into difficult weather conditions. The pilot can no longer make out landmarks. Thick clouds envelop him. He cannot see beyond his windscreen, yet he feels sure that he can complete his journey safely. What is the reason for his confidence? He has accurate instruments that enable him to fly through clouds and land in darkness. Along his route, especially near the airport, beacons guide him electronically, and he has radio contact with air-traffic controllers on the ground.","In a comparable way, we can face the future with confidence, even though world conditions get gloomier day by day. Our journey through this wicked system may be taking longer than some expected, but we can be confident that we are on course and on time. Why can we be so sure? Because we have guidance that enables us to detect what human vision cannot. God’s Word is a ‘light to our roadway,’ and it is “trustworthy, making the inexperienced one wise.” (Psalm 19:7; 119:105) Like beacons that indicate the pilot’s flight path, the Bible accurately outlines future events and gives us clear instructions in order to ensure that we arrive safely at our destination. To benefit from divine guidance, however, we must trust it.",Psalm 19:7; 119:105; ,w96 5/1 p. 21,,,joshlaymon,,6/11/2025
"Maintain Your Confidence Firm to the End, adequate training, ","Before a pilot can fly blind, depending totally on his instruments and ground control, he needs adequate training and many hours of flying time. ","Similarly, a Christian needs to exercise his faith continually so as to maintain his confidence in Jehovah’s guidance, especially when difficult circumstances arise. The apostle Paul wrote: “Because we have the same spirit of faith as that of which it is written: ‘I exercised faith, therefore I spoke,’ we too exercise faith and therefore we speak.” (2 Corinthians 4:13) Thus, when we speak about the good news of God, we are exercising and fortifying our faith.",2 Corinthians 4:13; ,w96 5/1 pp. 21-22 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/11/2025
"Let God’s Laws and Principles Train Your Conscience, ship that is navigating with a defective compass.",Those with a poorly trained conscience can be likened to a ship that is navigating with a defective compass. Setting off on a journey without an accurate compass can be treacherous. The winds and currents of the ocean can easily throw a ship off course. ,"A properly calibrated compass can help the captain to keep the ship on course. Our conscience can be likened to a moral compass. It is an inner sense of right or wrong that can guide us in the right direction. But in order for our conscience to be an effective guide, it must be properly adjusted, or calibrated. Psalms 119:99;",Psalms 119:99;,w18 June p. 16 par. 2,,,joshlaymon,,6/11/2025
"How Can You Maintain a Good Conscience? Compass, can be a lifesaver.",A MARINER steers his ship through the waves of a vast ocean; a hiker treks across a lonely wilderness; an aviator guides his aircraft as it soars above layers of clouds that stretch from one horizon to the other. Do you know what these individuals have in common? Each in his own way might be in big trouble without a compass—especially if other modern technology is not accessible.,"A compass is a simple instrument, usually just a dial with a magnetic needle that points northward. When it is working properly and especially when it is used in conjunction with an accurate map, it can be a lifesaver. In some ways, it may be likened to a precious gift that Jehovah has given us—a conscience. (James 1:17) Without a conscience, we would be hopelessly lost. Used properly, it can help us find our way and keep to the right path in life.",1 PETER 3:16; James 1:17; ,lv chap. 2 pp. 14-15 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/11/2025
"How Can You Maintain a Good Conscience? Adam and Eve, knowledge with oneself.” Compass,  ","In the Bible, the Greek word for “conscience” literally means “co-knowledge, or knowledge with oneself.” Unlike all other earthly creatures, we possess a God-given capacity to know ourselves. We can, in a sense, stand back and look at ourselves and make moral judgments. Acting as an internal witness bearer, or judge, our conscience can examine our actions, our attitudes, and our choices. It may guide us toward a good decision or warn us against a bad one. Afterward, it may comfort us for choosing well or punish us with sharp pangs for choosing poorly.","This faculty was built into man and woman from the very beginning. Adam and Eve each showed that they had a conscience. We see evidence to that effect in the shame they experienced following their sin. (Genesis 3:7, 8) Sadly, a troubled conscience could do them no good by then. They had deliberately ignored God’s law. Thus they knowingly chose to become rebels, opponents of Jehovah God. As perfect humans, they knew what they were doing, and there was no turning back.","Genesis 3:7, 8; ",lv chap. 2 pp. 15-16 pars. 3-4,,,joshlaymon,,6/11/2025
"How Can You Maintain a Good Conscience? Wrong, holy spirit, influenced by the selfish desires, compass,  ","However, the conscience may in some cases be wrong. Why? Well, if a compass is placed near a metal object, it may be influenced to point in a direction other than north. And if it is used without an accurate map, the compass may be nearly worthless. Similarly, if unduly influenced by the selfish desires of our heart, our conscience may point us in the wrong direction. ","And if it is used without the sure guidance of God’s Word, we may be unable to distinguish between right and wrong in many important matters. Really, in order for our conscience to work properly, we need the guidance of Jehovah’s holy spirit. Paul wrote: “My conscience bears witness with me in holy spirit.” (Romans 9:1) How, though, can we make sure that our conscience is in harmony with Jehovah’s holy spirit? It is a matter of training.",Romans 9:1; , lv chap. 2 p. 17 par. 7,,,joshlaymon,,6/11/2025
"How Can You Maintain a Good Conscience? doesn’t bother my conscience. reflect our godly fear,","How do you make a decision that is based on conscience? Some, it seems, simply look within, examine their feelings, and decide what to do. They may then say, “Well, it doesn’t bother my conscience.” The desires of the heart can be very strong, even swaying the conscience. The Bible says: “The heart is more treacherous than anything else and is desperate. Who can know it?” (Jeremiah 17:9) What our heart desires, then, should not be the most important consideration. Rather, we want to consider first what will please Jehovah God.","If a decision is truly based on our trained conscience, it will reflect our godly fear, not our personal desires. Consider a case in point. The faithful governor Nehemiah had a right to exact certain payments and dues from the people in Jerusalem. Yet, he held back. Why? He hated the very thought of risking Jehovah’s displeasure by oppressing God’s people. He said: “I did not do that because of the fear of God.” (Nehemiah 5:15) Sincere godly fear, a wholehearted fear of displeasing our heavenly Father, is essential. Such reverential fear will move us to seek direction from God’s Word when we have decisions to make. For instance, consider the matter of alcoholic beverages. Here is a decision that many of us face in social settings, Will I drink or not? First, we need to educate ourselves. What Bible principles bear on the matter? Well, the Bible does not condemn the moderate use of alcohol. It praises Jehovah for the gift of wine. (Psalm 104:14, 15) However, the Bible condemns heavy drinking and wild parties. (Luke 21:34; Romans 13:13) Moreover, it lists drunkenness among other very serious sins, such as sexual immorality.—1 Corinthians 6:9, 10.","Jeremiah 17:9;  1 Corinthians 6:9, 10; ", lv chap. 2 pp. 17-19 pars. 8-10,,,joshlaymon,,6/11/2025
"How Can You Maintain a Good Conscience? guilt, blessing, branding iron, done wrong. overly punitive, ","The apostle Peter wrote: “Maintain a good conscience.” (1 Peter 3:16) A conscience that is clean in the sight of Jehovah God is a tremendous blessing. It is not like the consciences of so many today. Paul described those “whose conscience is seared as with a branding iron.” (1 Timothy 4:2) A branding iron sears the flesh, leaving it scarred and insensitive. Many have a conscience that is, in effect, dead—so scarred and insensitive that it no longer sends out warnings, protests, or pangs of shame or guilt over wrongdoing. “Good riddance,” many today seem to say to such feelings as guilt.","In truth, feelings of guilt can be the conscience’s way of telling us that we have done wrong. When such feelings move a sinner to repent, even the worst of sins may be forgiven. King David, for example, became guilty of grave wrongdoing but was forgiven largely because of his sincere repentance. His hatred of his wrong course and his determination to obey Jehovah’s laws from then on led him to see firsthand that Jehovah is “good and ready to forgive.” (Psalm 51:1-19; 86:5) What, though, if intense feelings of guilt and shame persist after we have repented and have received forgiveness? Sometimes the conscience can be overly punitive, beating a sinner with guilt long after such feelings stop serving any useful purpose. In such cases, we may need to assure the self-condemning heart that Jehovah is greater than all human feelings. We need to believe in and accept his love and forgiveness, just as we encourage others to do. (Read 1 John 3:19, 20.) On the other hand, a cleansed conscience brings inner peace, serenity, and a profound joy that is rarely found in this world. Many who were once involved in serious sin have experienced this marvelous relief and are able today to maintain a good conscience as they serve Jehovah God.—1 Corinthians 6:11.","1 John 3:19, 20; Psalm 51:1-19; 86:5; ",lv chap. 2 pp. 21-23 pars. 17-19,,,joshlaymon,,6/11/2025
“Keep Yourselves in God’s Love” conscience has its limitations. ,"How can we make good use of the conscience? Consider an illustration. A hiker treks across a vast wilderness. There are no trails, no roads, no signposts. Yet, he steadily makes his way toward his destination. How? He has a compass. It has a fixed dial marked with the four primary directions and a magnetic needle that points reliably northward. Without his compass, this hiker would be hopelessly lost. ","Similarly, a human without a conscience would often be hopelessly lost when trying to make moral, ethical, and righteous choices in life. Like a compass, though, the conscience has its limitations. If the hiker were to put a magnet near his compass, the needle would point away from north. Likewise, if we were to give the desires of our heart too much prominence, what would happen? Our selfish tendencies might well distort the conscience. The Bible warns us that “the heart is more treacherous than anything else and is desperate.” (Jer. 17:9; Prov. 4:23) Furthermore, if the hiker did not have an accurate, reliable map, his compass would do him little or no good. Similarly, if we do not rely on the sure, unchanging guidance of God’s Word, the Bible, our conscience might be nearly useless. (Ps. 119:105) Sadly, many people in this world give undue prominence to the desires of the heart while paying little or no attention to the standards set out in God’s Word. (Read Ephesians 4:17-19.) That is why so many people, though endowed with a conscience, do terrible things.—1 Tim. 4:2.",Jer. 17:9; Prov. 4:23; Ephesians 4:17-19.; ,w09 8/15 pp. 19-20 pars. 7-8 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/11/2025
"How Can I Resist Temptation? compass, magnet, Your conscience is like that compass.","TRY THIS EXPERIMENT: Take a compass, and position it so that the needle points north. Now place a magnet at the side of the compass. What happens? The needle no longer gives an accurate reading. Instead, it is turned toward the magnet.  ","Your conscience is like that compass. If properly trained, it will point “north” and help you to make wise decisions. But harmful association, like a magnet, exerts a pull that can distort your moral judgment. The lesson? Try to avoid people and situations that may throw your moral sense off course!—Proverbs 13:20.",Proverbs 13:20; ,g 8/08 p. 27 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/11/2025
"Your Choice of Principles, Me-ism can act like a magnet. ME, origin in the garden of Eden, ","Me-ism can act like a magnet. And how does a magnet affect a compass? When the two are side by side, the compass needle gets misdirected. In the same way, me-ism can throw a person’s moral compass, or code of right behavior, into confusion by making everything subordinate to the desires of the person.","Would it surprise you to learn that me-ism is not a modern phenomenon? This approach to life found its origin in the garden of Eden when our first parents abandoned the standard of behavior laid down by our Creator. That altered their moral compass. As descendants of Adam and Eve, humans are troubled with the same approach to life, more recently labeled “me-ism.”—Genesis 3:6-8, 12.","Genesis 3:6-8, 12; ",w02 2/15 p. 3,,,joshlaymon,,6/11/2025
"Entertained by a Prominent Pharisee, grand evening meal, beg off, What lame excuses! uncircumcised non-Jews,","Jesus’ description of this meritorious meal calls to the mind of a fellow guest another kind of meal. “Happy is he who eats bread in the kingdom of God,” this guest says. Yet, not all properly prize that happy prospect, as Jesus goes on to show by an illustration. “A certain man was spreading a grand evening meal, and he invited many. And he sent his slave out . . . to say to the invited ones, ‘Come, because things are now ready.’ But they all in common started to beg off. The first said to him, ‘I bought a field and need to go out and see it; I ask you, Have me excused.’ And another said, ‘I bought five yoke of cattle and am going to examine them; I ask you, Have me excused.’ Still another said, ‘I just married a wife and for this reason I cannot come.’” What lame excuses! A field or livestock are normally examined before they are bought, so no real urgency exists to look at them afterward. Similarly, a person’s marriage should not prevent him from accepting such an important invitation. So on hearing about these excuses, the master becomes angry and commands his slave:","“‘Go out quickly into the broad ways and the lanes of the city, and bring in here the poor and crippled and blind and lame.’ In time the slave said, ‘Master, what you ordered has been done, and yet there is room.’ And the master said to the slave, ‘Go out into the roads and the fenced-in places, and compel them to come in, that my house may be filled. . . . None of those men that were invited shall have a taste of my evening meal.’” What situation is described by the illustration? Well, “the master” providing the meal represents Jehovah God; “the slave” extending the invitation, Jesus Christ; and the “grand evening meal,” the opportunities to be in line for the Kingdom of the heavens.Those first to receive the invitation to come in line for the Kingdom were, above all others, the Jewish religious leaders of Jesus’ day. However, they rejected the invitation. Thus, beginning particularly at Pentecost 33 C.E., a second invitation was extended to the despised and lowly ones of the Jewish nation. But not enough responded to fill the 144,000 places in God’s heavenly Kingdom. So in 36 C.E., three and a half years later, the third and final invitation was extended to uncircumcised non-Jews, and the gathering of such ones continued into the 20th century. Luke 14:1-24.",Luke 14:1-24; ,w88 12/15 pp. 8-9,,,joshlaymon,,6/12/2025
"Woe to an Unresponsive Generation, children sitting in the marketplaces, He has a demon.’ ","Jesus has high regard for John the Baptist, but how do most people regard John? “This generation,” Jesus declares, “is like young children sitting in the marketplaces who call out to their playmates, saying: ‘We played the flute for you, but you did not dance; we wailed, but you did not beat yourselves in grief.’”—Matthew 11:16, 17. What does Jesus mean? He clarifies the thought: “John came neither eating nor drinking, but people say, ‘He has a demon.’ The Son of man did come eating and drinking, but people say, ‘Look! A man who is a glutton and is given to drinking wine, a friend of tax collectors and sinners.’” (Matthew 11:18, 19) ","It seems impossible to satisfy the people. On the one hand, John has lived a simple life as a Nazirite, even abstaining from wine, yet this generation says he is demonized. (Numbers 6:2, 3; Luke 1:15) On the other hand, Jesus lives like other men. He eats and drinks in a balanced way, but he is accused of going to excess. Jesus likens the generation to young children in the marketplaces who refuse to respond by dancing when other children play the flute or by grieving when others wail. “All the same,” he says, “wisdom is proved righteous by its works.” (Matthew 11:16, 19) Yes, the “works”—that is, the evidence produced by John and Jesus—prove that the accusations against them are false.","Matthew 11:16, 17; ",jy chap. 39 p. 98 pars. 1-3 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/12/2025
"The Proud and the Lowly, fickle people, ‘We played the flute for you,  children, marketplace, ","AFTER mentioning the virtues of John the Baptizer, Jesus turns attention to the proud, fickle people who are around him. “This generation,” he declares, “is like young children sitting in the marketplaces who cry out to their playmates, saying, ‘We played the flute for you, but you did not dance; we wailed, but you did not beat yourselves in grief.’”What does Jesus mean? He explains: “John came neither eating nor drinking, yet people say, ‘He has a demon’; the Son of man did come eating and drinking, still people say, ‘Look! A man gluttonous and given to drinking wine, a friend of tax collectors and sinners.’”","It is impossible to satisfy the people. Nothing pleases them. John has lived an austere life of self-denial as a Nazirite, in keeping with the angel’s declaration that “he must drink no wine and strong drink at all.” And yet the people say he is demonized. On the other hand, Jesus lives like other men, not practicing any austerity, and he is accused of excesses. How hard to please the people are! They are like playmates, some of whom refuse to respond with dancing when other children play the flute or with grief when their fellows wail. Nevertheless, Jesus says: “Wisdom is proved righteous by its works.” Yes, the evidence—the works—make clear that the accusations against both John and Jesus are false.","Matthew 11:16, 17; ",gt chap. 39,,,joshlaymon,,6/12/2025
"“Keep on the Watch”! doorkeeper, four different watches, ","In Mark chapter 13, we find another account of Jesus’ exhortation to his followers that they stay awake. According to this chapter, Jesus compares their situation to that of a doorkeeper waiting for his master to return from a journey abroad. The doorkeeper did not know the hour of his master’s return. He just had to keep on the watch. Jesus referred to four different watches during which the master might arrive. The fourth watch lasted from about three in the morning until sunrise. ","On that final watch, drowsiness could easily overcome the doorkeeper. Reportedly, soldiers consider the hour before dawn to be the best time to catch an enemy unawares. Similarly, at this late hour, when in a spiritual sense the world around us sleeps soundly, we might face our greatest struggle to stay awake. (Romans 13:11, 12) Hence, in his illustration, Jesus repeatedly urges: “Keep looking, keep awake . . . Therefore keep on the watch . . . What I say to you I say to all, Keep on the watch.”—Mark 13:32-37.",Mark 13:32-37,w03 1/1 p. 19 par. 6 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/12/2025
"The dragnet, Jesus describes a separating, or culling out, “the conclusion of the system of things” ","The dragnet (Mt 13:47-50). With this illustration Jesus describes a separating, or culling out, of those unfit for the Kingdom of the heavens. Verse 49 points to “the conclusion of the system of things” as the time when the fulfillment culminates.","A dragnet is a net of rope or flax cords designed to be drawn along the bottom of a body of water. By means of it all kinds of fish would be gathered. The illustration was most appropriate for Jesus’ disciples, some of whom were fishermen. They well knew that some fish were unsuitable and had to be discarded because, not having fins and scales, they were unclean and could not be eaten, according to the Mosaic Law.—Le 11:9-12; De 14:9, 10.",Mt 13:47-50, it-1 “Illustrations” pars. 44-45 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/12/2025
"Illustrations About the Kingdom, Dragnet, ","Jesus likens the Kingdom of the heavens to a dragnet that gathers up fish of every kind. (Matthew 13:47) When the fish are separated, the good ones are kept in containers but the unsuitable ones are thrown away. Jesus says that it will be the same in the conclusion of the system of things—the angels will separate the wicked from the righteous.Jesus himself was doing a type of spiritual fishing when he called his first disciples to be “fishers of men.” (Mark 1:17) ","However, he says that his illustration about the dragnet applies in the future, “in the conclusion of the system of things.” (Matthew 13:49) So the apostles and other disciples hearing Jesus can sense that very interesting things are yet to develop.",Matthew 13:47; Matthew 13:49; ,jy chap. 43 p. 111 pars. 3-4,,,joshlaymon,,6/12/2025
"Do You “Grasp the Meaning”? THE DRAGNET, “desirable,” things “of all the nations.” Return to me, ","Read Matthew 13:47-50. What is the meaning of Jesus’ illustration about the dragnet? Jesus likened the preaching of the Kingdom message to all mankind to the lowering of a large dragnet into the sea. Just as such a net indiscriminately catches large numbers of “fish of every kind,” our preaching work attracts millions of people of all kinds. (Isa. 60:5) The large number of individuals who attend our conventions and the Memorial each year is evidence of this fact. Some of these symbolic fish are “fine” and are gathered into the Christian congregation. Others, though, are found to be “unsuitable”; not all those gathered prove to be acceptable to Jehovah.","Why did Jesus tell this illustration? The symbolic separating of fish does not refer to the final judgment during the great tribulation. Rather, it highlights what would happen during the last days of this wicked system. Jesus showed that not all those attracted to the truth will take a stand for Jehovah. Many have associated with us at our meetings. Others have been willing to study the Bible with us but are not willing to make a commitment. (1 Ki. 18:21) Still others are no longer associating with the Christian congregation. Some youths have been raised by Christian parents and yet have not developed a love for Jehovah’s standards. No matter what the situation, Jesus emphasized that everyone needs to make a personal decision. Those who do are viewed by him as “the precious,” or “desirable,” things “of all the nations.”—Hag. 2:7; ftn. How can we benefit from the illustration of the dragnet? Understanding the lesson of this illustration helps us to avoid being overly distraught or disappointed if a Bible student or one of our children does not make the truth his own. This may happen despite all our best efforts. Agreeing to have a Bible study or being raised around the truth does not automatically mean that a person will develop a strong personal relationship with Jehovah. Those unwilling to submit to Jehovah’s rulership will eventually be separated from God’s people.  Does this mean that those who have left the truth will never be allowed to return to the congregation? Or if someone fails to dedicate his life to Jehovah, will he be forever classified as someone “unsuitable”? No. There is still a window of opportunity for such ones before the outbreak of the great tribulation. It is as if Jehovah calls out to them: “Return to me, and I will return to you.” (Mal. 3:7) This fact is emphasized by another illustration given by Jesus, that of the prodigal son.—Read Luke 15:11-32.",Matthew 13:47-50; Isa. 60:5; ,w14 12/15 pp. 13-14,,,joshlaymon,,6/12/2025
"What Do the Dragnet and Fish Mean for You? Secret, puzzle, Illustration, ","DO YOU enjoy knowing a secret or solving a puzzle? What if doing so would help you to see more clearly your part in God’s purpose? Happily, you can gain such privileged insight by means of an illustration that Jesus gave. It confounded many who heard it and has puzzled countless others since, but you can understand it. Note what Jesus said in Matthew chapter 13 about his use of illustrations. His disciples asked: “Why is it you speak to them by the use of illustrations?” (Matthew 13:10) Yes, why did Jesus use illustrations that most people would not understand? He replied in verses 11 to 13: “To you it is granted to understand the sacred secrets of the kingdom of the heavens, but to those people it is not granted. . . . This is why I speak to them by the use of illustrations, because, looking, they look in vain, and hearing, they hear in vain, neither do they get the sense of it.”","Jesus then applied Isaiah 6:9, 10, which described a people who were spiritually deaf and blind. We, though, need not be like that. If we understand and act on his illustrations, we can be very happy—now and into the endless future. Jesus offers us this warm assurance: “Happy are your eyes because they behold, and your ears because they hear.” (Matthew 13:16) That assurance covers all of Jesus’ illustrations, but let us focus on the brief parable of the dragnet, recorded at Matthew 13:47-50.",Matthew 13:47-50; ,w92 6/15 p. 17 pars. 1-3 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/12/2025
"Blessed With More Instruction, Dragnet, “the kingdom of the heavens” fish of every kind. separated, ","Finally, Jesus likens “the kingdom of the heavens” to a dragnet that gathers up fish of every kind. When the fish are separated, the unsuitable are thrown away but the good are kept. So, Jesus says, it will be in the conclusion of the system of things; the angels will separate the wicked from the righteous, reserving the wicked for annihilation.Jesus himself begins this fishing project, calling his first disciples to be “fishers of men.” Under angelic surveillance, the fishing work continues down through the centuries. At last the time comes to haul in the “dragnet,” which symbolizes the organizations on earth professing to be Christian.","Although the unsuitable fish are cast into destruction, thankfully we can be counted among the ‘good fish’ that are kept. By exhibiting the same earnest desire as Jesus’ disciples did for more knowledge and understanding, we will be blessed not only with more instruction but with God’s blessing of eternal life. Matthew 13:36-52; 4:19; Mark 4:24, 25.","Matthew 13:36-52; 4:19; Mark 4:24, 25.",w87 4/15 p. 9,,,joshlaymon,,6/12/2025
"Support Our Overseer Jesus, JESUS APPOINTS A SLAVE,  “faithful and discreet slave” provide spiritual food.","Read Matthew 24:45-47. Jesus foretold that during the time of the end, he would appoint a “faithful and discreet slave” to provide spiritual food. So we would expect that slave to be hard at work in our day. This has proved to be the case. Our overseer has used a small group of anointed men to provide God’s people and interested ones with spiritual “food at the proper time.” These men do not view themselves as masters over the faith of others. (2 Cor. 1:24) Instead, they recognize that Jesus Christ is the “leader and commander” of his people.—Isa. 55:4.","Since 1919 the faithful slave has prepared a variety of publications that have given newly interested ones their first taste of nourishing spiritual food. In 1921 the slave prepared the book The Harp of God to help interested ones to learn basic Bible teachings. As times changed, additional publications were provided. Which publication helped you to come to know and love our heavenly Father? Was it “Let God Be True,” The Truth That Leads to Eternal Life, You Can Live Forever in Paradise on Earth, Knowledge That Leads to Everlasting Life, What Does the Bible Really Teach?, What Can the Bible Teach Us?, or Enjoy Life Forever!, our newest publication? All these publications were designed to meet a specific need at the time of their release. Newly interested people are not the only ones who need solid spiritual food. All of us do. The apostle Paul wrote: “Solid food belongs to mature people.” Paul added that applying such spiritual sustenance would help us “to distinguish both right and wrong.” (Heb. 5:14) In these difficult times when morals are at an all-time low, it can be a real challenge to adhere to Jehovah’s standards. But Jesus sees to it that we obtain the strength we need through appetizing spiritual food. The source of this food is God’s inspired Word, the Bible. The faithful slave prepares and distributes this food under Jesus’ direction.",Matthew 24:45-47; ,w22 July p. 10 par. 9 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/12/2025
"Jesus’ parables and other texts, master returning to his household,  ","Jesus’ parables and other texts show that his presence is like that of a master returning to his household and that of a man receiving kingship who returns to take control of his domain, and that Jesus’ presence means a personal inspection and judgment followed by the active expression or execution of that judgment and the giving of reward to those found approved. (Mt 24:43-51; 25:14-45; Lu 19:11-27; compare Mt 19:28, 29.",,Mt 24:43-51; 25:14-45; Lu 19:11-27; ,it-2 “Presence” par. 11 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/12/2025
" Keep Ready, Faithful Steward! ","Peter wants to understand Jesus’ meaning clearly, so he asks: “Lord, are you telling this illustration just to us or also to everyone?” Rather than answer Peter directly, Jesus sets out a related illustration: “Who really is the faithful steward, the discreet one, whom his master will appoint over his body of attendants to keep giving them their measure of food supplies at the proper time? Happy is that slave if his master on coming finds him doing so! I tell you truthfully, he will appoint him over all his belongings.”—Luke 12:41-44.","In the earlier illustration, “the master” obviously refers to Jesus, the Son of man. Logically, “the faithful steward” involves men who are part of the “little flock” and who will be given the Kingdom. (Luke 12:32) Here Jesus is saying that certain members of this group will be giving “his body of attendants” their sustenance, “their measure of food supplies at the proper time.” So Peter and the other disciples whom Jesus is teaching and feeding spiritually can conclude that there will be a future period during which the Son of man will come. And in that period, there will be a functioning arrangement for the spiritual feeding of Jesus’ followers, the Master’s “body of attendants.”Jesus emphasizes in another way why his disciples need to be alert and to give attention to their attitude. That is because it is possible to grow lax and even go to the point of opposing one’s fellows: “But if ever that slave should say in his heart, ‘My master delays coming,’ and starts to beat the male and female servants and to eat and drink and get drunk, the master of that slave will come on a day that he is not expecting him and at an hour that he does not know, and he will punish him with the greatest severity and assign him a part with the unfaithful ones.”—Luke 12:45, 46.","Luke 12:41-44; Luke 12:45, 46; ", jy chap. 78 p. 182 pars. 5-7,,,joshlaymon,,6/12/2025
"In Jesus’ parables of the talents and the minas, Bank, bankers, interest on money, ","In Jesus’ parables of the talents and the minas he referred to bankers and to a bank as giving interest on money deposited with them. (Mt 25:27; Lu 19:23) Much like the English word “bank” (which derives from the Italian word banca for bench or counter), the Greek word translated bank, traʹpe·za, literally meant a “table” (Mt 15:27), or when associated with financial operations, as with the money changers, it referred to a counter for money.—Mt 21:12; Mr 11:15; Joh 2:15.","The reference to the banker (Gr., tra·pe·zeiʹtes) as accepting deposits and paying interest indicates a larger operation than that generally performed by a money broker (Gr., ker·ma·ti·stesʹ), or money changer (kol·ly·bi·stesʹ), whose main operations were to exchange local money for foreign money and provide coins of lesser value in exchange for ones of greater value, receiving a certain fee for each such service. (See MONEY CHANGER.) Some of these men may also have done banking, accepting deposits and making loans, while in other cases these financial transactions were handled by men of wealth, such as merchants and owners of large estates.",Mt 21:12; Mr 11:15; Joh 2:15;,"it-1 “Bank, Banker” pars. 1-2",,,joshlaymon,,6/12/2025
"The minas, person of noble birth to travel to Rome in quest of kingly power. ","The minas (Lu 19:11-27). Spoken as Jesus was on his way up to Jerusalem for the last time, 33 C.E. (Lu 19:1, 28) The reason for the illustration, as stated in verse 11, was that “they were imagining that the kingdom of God was going to display itself instantly.”","It was a common thing in the Roman Empire for a person of noble birth to travel to Rome in quest of kingly power. Archelaus, the son of Herod the Great, had done this, but the Jews sent 50 ambassadors to the court of Augustus to bring charges against him and, if possible, thwart his quest for power. The silver mina that was initially given to each slave would be worth $65.40 in today’s values but was equal to 88 days’ wages then.",Lu 19:11-27; , it-1 “Illustrations” pars. 77-78 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/12/2025
What Is the Great Tribulation? separates the sheep from the goats.” ,"Judgment of earth’s inhabitants. Jesus will judge all mankind and “will separate people one from another, just as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats.” (Matthew 25:31-33) ","The basis for his judgment will be the support, or lack of support, that each person gave to Jesus’ “brothers,” those who will rule with him in heaven.—Matthew 25:34-46.",Matthew 25:34-46; Matthew 25:31-33; ,ijwbq article 115 par. 4 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/12/2025
"Are You Heeding the Warnings? sheep and the goats, Jehovah’s appointed Judge, Jesus, ","In the parable of the sheep and the goats, Jesus described the judgment of people who have the opportunity to respond to the good news and to support his anointed brothers. (Matt. 25:31-46) During the “great tribulation,” he will render this judgment right before Armageddon. (Matt. 24:21) Just as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats, Jesus will separate those who loyally support his anointed followers from those who do not. Bible prophecy shows that as Jehovah’s appointed Judge, Jesus will be righteous in his judgment. (Read Isaiah 11:3, 4.) He observes the conduct, attitude, and speech of people—including how they treat his anointed brothers. (Matt. 12:36, 37; 25:40) ","Jesus will know who gave support to his anointed brothers and their work. One of the primary ways that sheeplike ones support Christ’s brothers is by assisting them in the preaching work. Those who provide this support will be judged as “righteous” and will have the prospect of “everlasting life” on earth. (Matt. 25:46; Rev. 7:16, 17) What a marvelous reward for those who keep their integrity! By remaining faithful during the great tribulation and beyond, they keep their names in “the book of life.”—Rev. 20:15. Prove yourself faithful and loyal. Jesus’ parable of the sheep and the goats focuses primarily on those who have the earthly hope. They express their faith not only by assisting Christ’s brothers in the preaching work but also by loyally accepting the lead of the small group of anointed brothers whom Jesus has selected. (Matt. 24:45) But those with a heavenly hope also need to heed the warning message of the parable. Why? Because Jesus takes note of their conduct, attitude, and speech. They too must prove faithful. ","Matt. 25:31-46; Isaiah 11:3, 4; ",w24 September pp. 20-21 pars. 3-5,,,joshlaymon,,6/12/2025
"Keep Ready, Faithful Steward! dressed and ready and have your lamps burning, marriage, ","Accordingly, Jesus admonishes his disciples to keep ready for his return. He says: “Be dressed and ready and have your lamps burning, and you should be like men waiting for their master to return from the marriage, so when he comes and knocks, they may at once open to him. Happy are those slaves whom the master on coming finds watching!”—Luke 12:35-37.","The disciples can easily grasp the attitude that Jesus is illustrating. The servants he mentions are ready, awaiting their master’s return. Jesus explains: “If [the master] comes in the second watch [from about nine in the evening to midnight], even if in the third [from midnight to about three in the morning], and finds them ready, happy are they!”—Luke 12:38. This is much more than counsel about being diligent house servants, or workers. That is clear from the way Jesus, the Son of man, brings himself into the illustration. He tells his disciples: “You also, keep ready, because at an hour that you do not think likely, the Son of man is coming.” (Luke 12:40) So at some future point, Jesus will come. He wants his followers—particularly those of the “little flock”—to be ready.",Luke 12:35-37.,jy chap. 78 p. 182 pars. 2-4,,,joshlaymon,,6/12/2025
"Are You Heeding the Warnings? THE TALENTS, talents—a large amount of money. three slaves, ","In the parable of the talents, Jesus spoke of two slaves who were faithful to their master and one who was not. (Matt. 25:14-18) The two slaves proved faithful by working hard to increase their master’s interests. Before traveling abroad, he entrusted them with talents—a large amount of money. The two faithful slaves were industrious and used the money wisely. The result? When their master returned, they had doubled the amount he had given them. The master commended them—they entered “into the joy of [their] master.” (Read Matthew 25:19-23.) But what about the third slave? What did he do with the money his master had given him?","The third slave received one talent but was “sluggish.” His master expected him to use the talent wisely. Instead, he buried it in the ground. When the master returned, this slave had nothing additional to give him. The slave did not have a good attitude. Rather than apologize for his failure to increase the master’s belongings, the slave unjustly called the master “a demanding man.” This slave did not receive his master’s approval. More than that, the talent was taken away from him and he was cast out of the master’s household.—Matt. 25:24, 26-30.The two faithful slaves represent faithful anointed Christians. The Master, Jesus, invites them to “enter into the joy of [their] master.” They receive their heavenly reward, the first resurrection. (Matt. 25:21, 23; Rev. 20:5b) On the other hand, the bad example of the sluggish slave provides a warning for anointed ones. How so?","Matt. 25:14-18; Matt. 25:21, 23; Rev. 20:5b",w24 September pp. 22-23 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/12/2025
"Are You Heeding the Warnings? THE DISCREET AND THE FOOLISH VIRGINS, lamps burning. prepared and vigilant.","In the parable of the virgins, Jesus spoke of ten virgins who went out to meet a bridegroom. (Matt. 25:1-4) They all hoped to accompany the bridegroom to his marriage feast. Jesus described five of them as “discreet” and the other five as “foolish.” The discreet virgins were prepared and vigilant. They were ready to wait for the bridegroom as long as needed, even if he arrived late at night. Thus, they brought oil lamps to provide light in the dark. They even brought extra oil in case the bridegroom should delay. So they were prepared to keep their lamps burning. (Read Matthew 25:6-10.) When the bridegroom arrived, the discreet virgins went in with him to the wedding feast. ","In like manner, anointed Christians who have proved ready by remaining vigilant and faithful until the coming of Christ will be judged worthy of joining the Bridegroom, Jesus, in his heavenly Kingdom. (Rev. 7:1-3) What of the five foolish virgins? Unlike the discreet virgins, the five foolish ones were not ready when the bridegroom arrived. Their lamps were about to go out, and they brought no extra oil with them. When they learned that the bridegroom would soon arrive, they had to go buy oil. They had not returned when the bridegroom came. At that time, “the virgins who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast, and the door was shut.” (Matt. 25:10) Later when the foolish virgins came back and wanted to enter, the bridegroom told them: “I do not know you.” (Matt. 25:11, 12) Those virgins had not been prepared to wait for the bridegroom as long as necessary. What is the lesson for anointed ones? Prove yourself prepared and vigilant. Jesus was not foretelling that there would be two classes of the anointed—one that was prepared to wait until the end of this system of things and one that was not. Rather, he was explaining what would happen to anointed ones if they were not prepared to endure faithfully to the end. In that case, they would not receive their reward. (John 14:3, 4) That is sobering! Whether our hope is heavenly or earthly, we all should take to heart the warning from the parable of the virgins. Each of us must keep on the watch and be prepared, ready to endure to the end.—Matt. 24:13.",Matt. 25:1-4; ,w24 September pp. 21-22 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/12/2025
"Weeds among the wheat, poisonous bearded darnel, poisonous properties, appearance much like that of wheat, ","Weeds among the wheat (Mt 13:24-30). Explanation is provided by Jesus, as recorded at Matthew 13:36-43, contrasting “the wheat” or “the sons of the kingdom” with “the weeds,” “the sons of the wicked one.”Oversowing a wheat field with weeds is a deed of enmity not unknown in the Middle East. “The weeds” referred to are usually believed to be the poisonous bearded darnel (Lolium temulentum), its poisonous properties generally thought to stem from a fungus growing within these seeds. It has an appearance much like that of wheat until maturity, but then it can be readily identified. If eaten, it can result in dizziness and, under certain circumstances, even death. Since the roots of these weeds readily become intertwined with the roots of the wheat, to uproot them before harvest, even if they could be identified, would result in loss of wheat.","“The weeds” referred to are usually believed to be the poisonous bearded darnel (Lolium temulentum), its poisonous properties generally thought to stem from a fungus growing within these seeds. It has an appearance much like that of wheat until maturity, but then it can be readily identified. If eaten, it can result in dizziness and, under certain circumstances, even death. Since the roots of these weeds readily become intertwined with the roots of the wheat, to uproot them before harvest, even if they could be identified, would result in loss of wheat.",Mt 13:24-30; , it-1 “Illustrations” pars. 36-37,,,joshlaymon,,6/12/2025
"Jehovah Will “Cause Justice to Be Done” Widow, Judge, The Need “Always to Pray”, justice to be done, ","What can we do to make sure that our firm confidence in the fulfillment of Jehovah’s promises does not weaken? (Hebrews 3:14) Jesus addressed that question right after he warned the disciples not to turn back to Satan’s wicked world. Luke reports that Jesus “went on to tell them an illustration with regard to the need for them always to pray and not to give up.” Jesus said: “In a certain city there was a certain judge that had no fear of God and had no respect for man. But there was a widow in that city and she kept going to him, saying, ‘See that I get justice from my adversary at law.’ ","Well, for a while he was unwilling, but afterward he said to himself, ‘Although I do not fear God or respect a man, at any rate, because of this widow’s continually making me trouble, I will see that she gets justice, so that she will not keep coming and pummeling me to a finish.’” After giving this narration, Jesus made the application: “Hear what the judge, although unrighteous, said! Certainly, then, shall not God cause justice to be done for his chosen ones who cry out to him day and night, even though he is long-suffering toward them? I tell you, He will cause justice to be done to them speedily. Nevertheless, when the Son of man arrives, will he really find the faith on the earth?”—Luke 18:1-8.",Luke 18:1-8;l ,w06 12/15 p. 26 par. 8 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/12/2025
"When Will God’s Kingdom Come? presence, a climactic period of time. not of an event, Flood, ","Jesus’ statement helps to correct the wrong idea conveyed in the way some Bible versions mistranslate the word “presence.” Some translations render it “coming,” “advent,” or “return,” all of which imply a momentary event in time. ","Notice, though, that Jesus did not liken his presence to the Flood of Noah’s day, an event in time, but to “the days of Noah,” a climactic period of time. Like that ancient era, Christ’s presence would be a period of time during which people would be too caught up in the day-to-day affairs of life to take note of a warning being given. Matthew 24:37; ",Matthew 24:37; ,w08 1/1 p. 8,,,joshlaymon,,6/12/2025
"Bible Questions Answered, What is the purpose of Christ’s return? In what form does Christ return?","What is the purpose of Christ’s return? Before Jesus Christ ascended to heaven in 33 C.E., he promised to return. He likened himself to a nobleman who went away for a long time and returned with power to rule as king. The purpose of Jesus’ return is to provide mankind with good government.—Read Luke 19:11, 12.","In what form does Christ return? He was resurrected as an invisible spirit person. (1 Peter 3:18) Then, he went to heaven and sat at God’s right hand. (Psalm 110:1) Much later, Jesus was brought before Jehovah God, “the Ancient of Days,” who granted Jesus power to rule over mankind. So Jesus returns, not as a human, but as an invisible King.—Read Daniel 7:13, 14.","Luke 19:11, 12; Daniel 7:13, 14.",w13 12/1 p. 16,,,joshlaymon,,6/12/2025
"Questions From Readers, inspection and cleansing work take? Cleansing of temple, 1,260 days, 1914, 1919,1919","Interestingly, Revelation 11:1, 2 links these events to a time when the spiritual temple would be measured, or evaluated. Malachi chapter 3 mentions a similar inspection of the spiritual temple, followed by a time of cleansing. (Mal. 3:1-4) ","How long did this inspection and cleansing work take? It extended from 1914 to the early part of 1919. This period of time includes both the 1,260 days (42 months) and the symbolic three and a half days referred to in Revelation chapter 11. [Chart on page 30]PROPHETIC TIME LINECLEANSING OF TEMPLE (Mal. 3:1-3)3 1/2 years (42 months)or 1,260 days (Rev. 11:3)3 1/2 days (Rev. 11:9)19141919",Mal. 3:1-3; Rev. 11:3; Rev. 11:9; ,w14 11/15 p. 30 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/12/2025
"“Return to Me” SEARCH FOR THE LOST COINs, lost—a drachma coin. search for inactive ones? All of us","We need to work hard to find those who want to return to Jehovah. In a parable recorded in Luke’s Gospel, Jesus describes how a woman searches for something valuable that was lost—a drachma coin. This illustration draws our attention to the search itself.—Read Luke 15:8-10. Jesus describes the feelings of a woman who finds a precious drachma coin that was lost. In Jesus’ day, some Jewish mothers apparently gave a set of ten drachma coins to a daughter on her wedding day. Perhaps the coin was one of such a set. The woman assumes that the coin has fallen on the floor. So she lights a lamp and looks around, but she sees nothing. Her oil lamp may not give her enough light to spot the small silver coin.","Finally, she carefully sweeps the whole house. There in the dust she has collected lies her precious drachma, glinting in the light of her lamp. What a relief! She calls her friends and neighbors together to share the good news.As we see from Jesus’ illustration, it takes work to find something that was lost. Similarly, we might need to work hard to locate those who have left the congregation. Years may have passed since they stopped associating with us. They might even have moved to an area where the local brothers do not know them. But at this very moment, no doubt some of these inactive ones are longing to return to Jehovah. They want to serve Jehovah with his family of true worshippers, but they need our help. Who can share in the search for inactive ones? All of us—elders, pioneers, family members, and congregation publishers—can help in locating them.",Luke 15:8-10; ,w20 June p. 24 par. 4,,,joshlaymon,,6/12/2025
"Jesus Thwarts Attempts to Entrap Him,  Show me the tax coin, hypocrites, pay head tax to Caesar or not?”","The Pharisees now conspire to ensnare him. They try to get him to say something for which he can be turned over to the Roman governor, and they pay some of their disciples to entrap him.—Luke 6:7. “Teacher,” these say, “we know you speak and teach correctly and show no partiality, but you teach the way of God in line with truth: Is it lawful for us to pay head tax to Caesar or not?” (Luke 20:21, 22) Jesus is not fooled by their flattery, for behind it is hypocrisy and cunning. If he says, ‘No, it is not right to pay this tax,’ he can be accused of sedition against Rome. But if he says, ‘Yes, pay this tax,’ the people, chafing at being subject to Rome, may misunderstand and turn on him. So how does he answer?","Jesus responds: “Why do you put me to the test, hypocrites? Show me the tax coin.” They bring a denarius, whereupon he asks: “Whose image and inscription is this?” “Caesar’s,” they reply. Then Jesus gives the masterful direction: “Pay back, therefore, Caesar’s things to Caesar, but God’s things to God.”—Matthew 22:18-21.","Luke 6:7; Luke 20:21, 22; ", jy chap. 108 p. 250 pars. 1-3 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/12/2025
"The workers paid a denarius, employed for the entire harvesttime; need becomes apparent., end of the day","The workers paid a denarius (Mt 20:1-16). The illustration is part of Jesus’ answer to Peter’s question in Matthew 19:27: “Look! We have left all things and followed you; what actually will there be for us?” Note also Matthew 19:30 and 20:16. Grape-gathering time is a season of anxious concern for the owners of vineyards. Some workers are employed for the entire harvesttime; others are hired as the need becomes apparent. Payment of wages at the end of the day was in harmony with the Mosaic Law; it was a necessity for poor laborers. (Le 19:13; De 24:14, 15) ","A denarius, which was payment for the day’s work, was a silver Roman coin. Its modern-day value would be 74 cents. In the first century C.E., the day, from sunrise to sunset, was divided by the Jews into 12 equal parts; so the 3rd hour would be about 8:00 to 9:00 a.m.; the 6th hour, about 11:00 a.m. to noon; the 9th hour, about 2:00 to 3:00 p.m.; and the 11th hour, about 4:00 to 5:00 p.m.","Mt 20:1-16; Le 19:13; De 24:14, 15; ","it-1 “Illustrations” pars. 75-76, ",,,joshlaymon,,6/12/2025
"Jehovah—Our Tenderly Compassionate Father, Illustrations That Highlight Compassion, canceling a large debt of sin ","The Greek verb splag·khniʹzo·mai, used in these accounts of Jesus’ life, is also used in three of Jesus’ illustrations. In one story a slave begs for time to repay a large debt. His master, “moved to pity,” cancels the debt. This illustrates that Jehovah God has shown great compassion in canceling a large debt of sin for each individual Christian who exercises faith in the ransom sacrifice of Jesus.—Matthew 18:27; 20:28. ","Then there is the story of the prodigal son. Recall what happens when the wayward son returns home. “While he was yet a long way off, his father caught sight of him and was moved with pity, and he ran and fell upon his neck and tenderly kissed him.” (Luke 15:20) This shows that when a Christian who has become wayward shows genuine repentance, Jehovah will feel pity and tenderly accept that one back. Thus, by these two illustrations, Jesus shows that our Father, Jehovah, “is very tender in affection and compassionate.”—James 5:11, footnote. The third illustrative use of splag·khniʹzo·mai concerns the compassionate Samaritan who “was moved with pity” at the plight of a Jew who had been robbed and left half dead. (Luke 10:33) Acting upon these feelings, the Samaritan did all in his power to help the stranger. This demonstrates that Jehovah and Jesus expect true Christians to follow their example in displaying tenderness and compassion.",Matthew 18:27; 20:28.Luke 10:33; ,w94 11/1 p. 15 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/12/2025
"How to Choose Our Entertainment , ","Clearly, we must reject entertainment that we know is unacceptable to Jehovah. But what about entertainment that we may have doubts about? Do we still need to be careful? Think about this. If you are walking along a mountain path, do you go as close as you can to the edge? ","No. If you value your life, you stay far away from danger. It is similar with our choice of entertainment. God’s Word tells us: “Turn your feet away from what is bad.” (Proverbs 4:25-27) So we not only avoid entertainment that we know is bad, but we also stay away from any entertainment that we suspect might not be good for us and might harm our relationship with Jehovah.",Proverbs 4:25-27;,lvs chap. 6 p. 82 par. 15 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/12/2025
"How Can You Safeguard Your Heart? Bible-trained conscience, watchman, listen and shut the gate, ","Our Bible-trained conscience can act as our watchman and warn us when Satan tries to invade our heart—in other words, when he tries to influence our thoughts, feelings, motives, or desires. Whenever our conscience sounds the alarm, we need to listen and shut the gate, so to speak.","Consider an example of how we can protect ourselves from being influenced by Satan’s thinking. Jehovah has taught us that “sexual immorality and every sort of uncleanness [should] not even be mentioned among [us].” (Eph. 5:3) But what will we do if peers at work or at school start talking about sexually immoral topics? We know that we should “reject ungodliness and worldly desires.” (Titus 2:12) The watchman, our conscience, might sound an alarm. (Rom. 2:15) But will we listen to it? We might be tempted, instead, to listen to our peers or to look at pictures they might be sharing. But this is the time to close the city gates, so to speak, by changing the conversation or by walking away.",Titus 2:12; ,w19 January pp. 17-18 pars. 11-12 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/12/2025
"A Good Conscience With God, It could be a compass, the sun and stars, a map, a GPS, Guide, ","IMAGINE that you are walking across a vast desert. The landscape keeps changing as strong winds blow the sand in different directions. You could easily get lost. How will you know which direction to go? You need someone or something to guide you. It could be a compass, the sun and stars, a map, a GPS (Global Positioning System), or even a person who knows the desert well. Having a guide is important, because knowing where to go can save your life.","We all face many challenges in life, and at times we could easily feel lost. But to guide us, Jehovah has given each one of us a conscience. (James 1:17)",James 1:17; ,lvs chap. 2 pp. 16-17 pars. 1-2,,,joshlaymon,,6/12/2025
"You Need a Trained Conscience,","It promised to be a memorable day for the passengers and crew aboard Air New Zealand Flight 901 to Antarctica. Cameras were at the ready, and a party atmosphere prevailed as the DC-10 approached the white continent for a magnificent, low-level aerial view. THE captain, a pilot for 15 years, had accumulated over 11,000 hours of flying time. Prior to takeoff, he had carefully entered the flight plan into his onboard computer, unaware that the coordinates he had been given were incorrect. Flying through a cloud at just under 2,000 feet [600 m], the DC-10 slammed into the lower slopes of Mount Erebus, killing all 257 on board.","Just as airplanes today rely on computers to guide them through the skies, humans have been given a conscience to guide them on their path through life. And the terrible tragedy of Flight 901 can teach us some powerful lessons about our conscience. For instance, in the same way that flight safety depends on a properly functioning navigational system and precise points of reference, so our spiritual, moral, and even physical well-being depends on a responsive conscience guided by correct moral points of reference.",James 1:17; ,w01 11/1 p. 3 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/12/2025
Is Your Conscience Well Trained? warning lights on an automobile’s instrument panel,"In order for our conscience to help us, we must heed it. Only when we respond promptly to the proddings of our Bible-trained conscience do we benefit from it. We can compare the trained conscience to the warning lights on an automobile’s instrument panel. Suppose a light comes on warning us that the oil pressure is low. What would happen if we did not give prompt attention to the matter and continued to drive the vehicle? We could cause serious damage to the motor. ","In a similar way, our conscience, or inner voice, can alert us that a certain course of action is wrong. Comparing our Scriptural standards and values with the course of action being taken or contemplated, it flashes a warning, as the light on the instrument panel does. Heeding the warning will help us not only to avoid the bad consequences of the wrong action but also to preserve the proper operation of our conscience. Ephesians 4:17-19; Titus 1:15",Ephesians 4:17-19; Titus 1:15,w05 10/1 p. 14,,,joshlaymon,,6/12/2025
"Cultivate Reasonable Expectations, and Be Joyful, Make Adjustments if Needed, wind blowing sails, ","A sailboat may be coursing along at full speed with the wind blowing in its sails. However, when the sailor at the helm encounters a fierce storm, he is forced to adjust the sails. He is not in control of the storm, but by making adjustments, he may remain in control of his sailboat. ","In a comparable way, often we have no control over adverse stormlike circumstances that we encounter in life. But we can keep control of our life to the extent possible by adjusting the way we use physical, mental, and emotional resources. When we take into consideration our new circumstances, we will be helped to preserve our satisfaction and joy in God’s service.—Prov. 11:2.",Prov. 11:2; ,w08 7/15 p. 31,,,joshlaymon,,6/12/2025
"Serving Wherever I Was Needed, tree, strong winds, bend, hardships, problems, ","Like a tree that gets blown by strong winds, we have to bend to the different hardships and problems that come our way. Over the years, I have found that regular Bible study and meeting attendance give me that strength to bend and to survive spiritually.","As I grow older and see the mistakes I made in the past, I try to look on the bright side. After all, if we just stay faithful, such experiences only add to our spiritual development. If we learn from them, the negative aspects of life can have certain positive aspects.—James 1:2, 3.","James 1:2, 3;",w01 2/1 pp. 28-29 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/12/2025
"Do You Appreciate Jehovah’s Watchful Care? driving a car on a highway and get stuck in traffic. Impatient, ","Still, we may become impatient when a trialsome period seems to have no end. How can we cope? Suppose you are driving a car on a highway and get stuck in traffic. You do not know how long the delay will continue. If you get irritated and try to find another route, you might get lost. You could end up taking more time to reach your destination than you would had you patiently remained on course. Similarly, if you stick to the paths outlined in God’s Word, in time you will arrive at your destination.","Jehovah may hold off from intervening in our trials because he wants us to receive vital training. (Read 1 Peter 5:6-10.) No, God does not cause trials. (Jas. 1:13) “Your adversary, the Devil,” is causing most adversities. Yet, God can use a difficult situation to help us grow spiritually. He sees our suffering, and “because he cares” for us, he will make sure that it will continue only for “a little while.” Do you appreciate Jehovah’s watchful care when you suffer trials, confident that he will provide a way out?—2 Cor. 4:7-9.",1 Peter 5:6-10; 2 Cor. 4:7-9; ,w14 4/15 pp. 30-31 pars. 15-16 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/12/2025
"Will You Continue to Be Readjusted? busy street, friend saves you, bruised, offended, ","God’s Word reminds us: “The wounds inflicted by a friend are faithful.” (Prov. 27:6) In what way is this statement true? Consider this illustration: Imagine that you are waiting to cross a busy street and you get distracted by your cell phone. You step onto the street without looking up. Just then, a friend grabs your arm and pulls you back onto the sidewalk. His grip is so firm that your arm is bruised, but his quick action saves you from being hit by a car. Even if the bruise he inflicted causes you pain for several days, would you be offended that your friend grabbed you? ","Certainly not! You would be grateful for his help. Similarly, if a friend warns you that your speech or actions are not in harmony with God’s righteous standards, you may feel hurt at first. But do not resent his counsel or become offended. That would be foolish. (Eccl. 7:9) Instead, be grateful that your friend had the courage to speak up.",Prov. 27:6; Eccl. 7:9; ,w20 November p. 21 par. 10,,,joshlaymon,,6/12/2025
"Walk by Spirit and Live Up to Your Dedication, Farmer's hard work, soil of heart, Holy spirit, ","As holy spirit operates upon you, you manifest godly qualities, “the fruitage of the spirit.” (Gal. 5:22, 23) You realize, though, that this calls for effort on your part. To illustrate: A farmer cultivates the land. Of course, sunshine and water are necessary; without such he cannot expect any harvest. We might compare holy spirit to sunshine. Holy spirit is needed for us to manifest the fruitage of the spirit. Yet, what would be produced without the farmer’s hard work? (Prov. 10:4) Yes, how you cultivate the soil of your heart makes a difference in the quality and quantity of the fruitage of the holy spirit in you. So ask yourself, ‘Am I permitting holy spirit to produce its fruitage by working along with it?’","To obtain a good harvest, farmers also need to water their crops. In order to cultivate the fruitage of the spirit, you need the waters of truth found in the Bible and available through the Christian congregation today. (Isa. 55:1) You have likely pointed out to many people that the Holy Scriptures are a product of holy spirit. (2 Tim. 3:16) Also, the faithful and discreet slave class provides much-needed understanding of the pure waters of Bible truth. (Matt. 24:45-47) The implication is clear. In order to come under the influence of the holy spirit, we must read and meditate on God’s Word. If you are doing that, you are imitating the fine examples of the prophets who made “a diligent inquiry and a careful search” of information that was provided. It is noteworthy that even the angels have shown deep interest in spiritual truths regarding the promised Seed and the anointed Christian congregation.—Read 1 Peter 1:10-12.",Matt. 24:45-47; ,w10 3/15 pp. 15-16 pars. 6-7 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/12/2025
"Jehovah Is Helping You to Succeed, COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS, mountain climber vies summit, progress, growth, ","Read Psalm 40:5. A mountain climber’s goal is to reach the summit. However, there are numerous points along the route where he can stop and take in the view. In a similar way, regularly take time to stop and think about how Jehovah is making you successful even while you are enduring a hardship. At the end of each day, ask yourself: ‘In what way did I see Jehovah’s blessing today? Although the trial is still running its course, how is Jehovah helping me to endure?’ See if you can identify at least one blessing from Jehovah that has made you successful.","True, you might be praying for your trial to end. That is understandable and appropriate. (Phil. 4:6) But we should also be aware of the blessings we have right now. After all, Jehovah promises to strengthen us and to help us to endure. So never lose appreciation for the fact that Jehovah is supporting you. Then you will see how Jehovah is helping you to succeed, as he did Joseph, even during times of trial.—Gen. 41:51, 52.","Psalm 40:5; Gen. 41:51, 52.",w23 January p. 19 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/12/2025
"Teach What the Bible Really Teaches, flame of a candle, flame is extinguished, it does not go anywhere, death,","What the Bible says on this subject is simple and clear—the dead do not continue to live somewhere. There is nothing that leaves our body at death and lives on so as to be reborn in another body, as stated by those who believe in reincarnation. We might illustrate matters this way: The life that we enjoy is like the flame of a candle. When the flame is extinguished, it does not go anywhere. It is simply gone.","Think of the implications of that one simple but powerful truth. When a Bible student learns that the dead are not conscious, he should easily be able to conclude that no matter how resentful his dead ancestors may have been during their lifetime, they cannot trouble him. He should also quickly grasp the point that his dead loved ones can no longer hear, see, speak, feel, or think. Therefore, they cannot be experiencing unbearable loneliness in purgatory or suffering in a place of fiery torment. However, the Bible teaches that the dead who are in God’s memory will be resurrected. What a wonderful hope!—John 5:28, 29.","John 5:28, 29.",w07 1/15 p. 24 pars. 17-18 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/12/2025
"Help Others Deal With Stress, marriage mate in death, two trees, enemy death, cut in half.","When a member of our spiritual family loses a marriage mate in death, he or she needs our support. A married couple can be likened to two trees that have grown up next to each other. Over the years, the roots of the trees intertwine. When one tree is uprooted and dies, the other tree can seriously be affected. ","Similarly, when someone loses a spouse to the enemy death, he or she may feel strong emotions for a long time. Paula, whose husband died suddenly, says: “My life was turned upside down, and I felt powerless. I lost my best friend. I talked to my husband about everything. He shared my joys and supported me through difficult times. He provided a shoulder to cry on. I really felt as if I had been cut in half.” Ruth 1:3, 5, 20","Ruth 1:3, 5, 20; ",w19 June p. 23 par. 13,,,joshlaymon,,6/12/2025
"Walking With God—The Early Steps, baptized like getting married, dedication, ","Becoming a dedicated, baptized disciple of Jesus Christ is somewhat similar to getting married. In many lands, the wedding day is preceded by several steps. A man and a woman meet, get to know each other, and fall in love. Next comes the engagement. The wedding makes public what has been decided upon in private—to enter wedlock and then live together as husband and wife. It is the wedding that publicly marks the beginning of that special relationship. That date marks the beginning of the marriage. Comparably, baptism marks the start of a life devoted to walking in a dedicated relationship with Jehovah.","Consider another parallel. After their wedding day, the love between husband and wife should deepen and mature. To draw ever closer to one another, both marriage mates must unselfishly strive to maintain and strengthen their marital relationship. Although we do not enter into a marriage with God, after our baptism we must work to maintain a close relationship with Jehovah. He observes and appreciates our efforts to do his will and draws close to us. “Draw close to God,” wrote the disciple James, “and he will draw close to you.”—James 4:8.",James 4:8.,w98 11/15 p. 12 pars. 11-12 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/12/2025
"Young Ones—Are You Ready to Get Baptized? give a car and keeps the keys, dedication, ","To illustrate, imagine that a friend gives you a car as a gift. He hands you the title and says: “The car is yours.” But suppose your friend adds: “I will keep the keys. And I will be the one who drives the car, not you.” How would you feel about this “gift”? How would you feel about the giver?","Now think about what Jehovah rightfully expects of a person who makes a dedication to him, a person who tells him: “I am giving you my life. I belong to you.” What if that person were to start living a double life, perhaps secretly dating an unbeliever? What if he were to accept employment that crippled his whole-souled service in the ministry or attendance at Christian meetings? Would that not be like keeping the keys to the car? A person who dedicates himself to Jehovah is, in effect, saying: “My life belongs to you more than to me. If there is ever a conflict between what you want and what I am inclined to want, what you want will win—every time.” That would reflect the thinking of Jesus, who while on earth stated: “I have come down from heaven to do, not my own will, but the will of him who sent me.”—John 6:38.",John 6:38; ,w16 March p. 7 pars. 16-17 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/12/2025
"Searching Into “the Deep Things of God”, coral reef. diving goggles or a glass-bottomed boat,","MOST of us in the Christian congregation can recall the joy we felt when we first learned the truth. We discovered why Jehovah’s name is important, why he permits suffering, why some people go to heaven, and what the future holds for faithful mankind in general. We may have looked into the Bible before that, but these things were hidden from us, as they are from most of mankind. ","We were like a man peering through the water at a coral reef. Unaided, he sees little of the beautiful things below the surface. But with the aid of diving goggles or a glass-bottomed boat, he is thrilled to see for the first time brilliantly colored corals, fish, sea anemones, and other fascinating creatures. Similarly, when someone began to help us to understand the Scriptures, we had our first glimpse of “the deep things of God.”—1 Corinthians 2:8-10.",1 Corinthians 2:8-10; ,w07 11/1 p. 27 par. 1 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/12/2025
"Do You Value What Jehovah Has Done to Deliver You? hospital bed. deadly disease, all are sick, .","IMAGINE that you are lying in a hospital bed. You are in a ward where everyone suffers from the same illness, a deadly disease with no known cure. When you learn that a doctor is spearheading an effort to find a cure, you are hopeful. You eagerly await news of any developments. One day, you learn that a cure has been found! The doctor behind the breakthrough made enormous sacrifices to make the cure possible. How would you respond? ","Surely your heart would swell with respect and appreciation for the man who opened a way for you and many others to be delivered from death. That scenario may seem dramatic, but it corresponds to a reality we all face. Each of us is in a condition far more serious than the one described. We are in dire need of a rescuer. (Read Romans 7:24.) ",LUKE 1:68; Read Romans 7:24.,w09 9/15 p. 25,,,joshlaymon,,6/12/2025
"How Can You Keep a Balanced View of Money? control, small campfire, blazing inferno, ",The difference between normal desire and greed might be likened to the difference between the small campfire that cooks food and the blazing inferno that consumes a forest. Wholesome and well-placed desire can be constructive. It motivates us to work and to be productive. ,"Proverbs 16:26 says: “The soul of the hard worker has worked hard for him, because his mouth has pressed him hard.” But greed is dangerous and destructive. It is desire out of control.",Proverbs 16:26; ,w01 6/15 p. 6,,,joshlaymon,,6/12/2025
"“Go . . . Make Disciples” Like fishing, Patiently, work late at night or early in the morning, sail long distances.","Even if your ministry seems to be unproductive, do not give up hope of finding potential disciples. Remember that Jesus likened disciple-making to fishing. Fishermen may spend many hours before they catch any fish. Often they work late at night or early in the morning, and sometimes they have to sail long distances. (Luke 5:5) ","In like manner, some disciple-makers spend many hours patiently “fishing” at different times and in various locations. Why? To improve their chances of meeting people. Those who put in the extra effort are often rewarded by meeting people who are interested in our message. Could you try preaching at a time of day when you are more likely to meet people or at a location where you are more likely to find them?—Read 2 Timothy 4:1, 2.",Luke 5:5; ,w19 July pp. 18-19 par. 14,,,joshlaymon,,6/12/2025
How Should You Discipline Your Children? ,"Parental discipline may be likened to gardening. A gardener prepares the soil, waters and feeds the plant, and provides protection from pests and weeds. As the plant grows, the gardener may need to prune the plant in order to help it keep growing in the right direction. The gardener recognizes that a careful combination of various techniques will help him to produce a healthy plant. ","Similarly, parents care for their children in many ways. But at times they need to give discipline—which, like pruning, may correct wrong inclinations early on and help their children to grow in the right direction. Pruning, however, must be done carefully, or a plant can suffer permanent harm. Likewise, parental discipline needs to be given with loving care. Proverbs 4:1, 2.","Proverbs 4:1, 2.",w14 7/1 p. 10,,,joshlaymon,,6/12/2025
"Maintain Your Confidence Firm to the End,",A slothful attitude may have dire consequences in many areas of life. Solomon observed that “through the letting down of the hands the house leaks.” (Ecclesiastes 10:18) Sooner or later rain starts dripping through a roof that is not cared for.," If we let down our hands spiritually and fail to maintain our faith, doubts may creep in. On the other hand, regular meditation on and study of God’s Word will nourish and protect our faith.—Psalm 1:2, 3.","Ecclesiastes 10:18; Psalm 1:2, 3.",w96 5/1 p. 22,,,joshlaymon,,6/12/2025
"“Let Marriage Be Honorable” DRAWING CLOSER TO GOD AND TO YOUR SPOUSE, effort, mountain, draw close, ","You and your spouse will draw closer together if you strive to draw closer to God. Why? Consider an illustration: Imagine a cone-shaped mountain—wide at the base and narrow at the top. A man is standing at the foot of the northern slope while a woman is standing on the other side, at the foot of the southern slope. Both begin to climb. When both are still near the mountain base, a long distance separates them. Yet, as each climbs higher and higher toward the narrow summit, the distance between them becomes less and less. Do you see the reassuring lesson in this illustration?","The effort you put forth to serve Jehovah to the full could be compared with the effort it takes to climb a mountain. Since you love Jehovah, you are already trying hard to climb, so to speak. However, if you and your spouse have grown apart, you may be climbing opposite sides of that mountain. What happens, though, when you continue to climb? Granted, a considerable distance may separate you at first. Nevertheless, the more effort you put into drawing closer to God—into climbing higher—the closer you and your mate become. Indeed, drawing closer to God is the key to drawing closer to your spouse. But how can you actually do that? One important way to climb, as it were, is for you and your spouse to heed the counsel on marriage as found in God’s Word. (Psalm 25:4; Isaiah 48:17, 18) Consider, therefore, a specific point of counsel stated by the apostle Paul. He said: “Let marriage be honorable among all.” (Hebrews 13:4) What does that mean? The word “honorable” implies that something is esteemed and precious. And that is exactly how Jehovah views marriage—he esteems it as precious.","Psalm 25:4; Isaiah 48:17, 18",lv chap. 11 p. 121 par. 3,,,joshlaymon,,6/12/2025
"Show Fellow Feeling in Your Ministry, similar to that of a doctor. Do not assume, pretend, ","When we preach the good news, our role is similar to that of a doctor. A good doctor considers the needs of each patient. He asks questions and listens carefully as the patient describes his condition or symptoms. Instead of prescribing the first treatment he can think of, the doctor may let time go by so that he can observe a patient’s symptoms and then offer the right treatment. Similarly, we should not try to use the same approach with everyone we meet in our ministry. Rather, we take into consideration the specific circumstances and viewpoints of each individual.","When you meet someone in the ministry, do not assume that you know what his circumstances are or what he believes and why he believes it. (Prov. 18:13) Rather, draw the person out with tactful questions. (Prov. 20:5) If it is appropriate in your culture, ask about his work, his family, his background, and his viewpoints. When we draw others out, we in effect allow them to tell us why they need the good news. Once we know that, we can show fellow feeling for their specific needs and respond accordingly, just as Jesus did.—Compare 1 Corinthians 9:19-23.", 1 Corinthians 9:19-23; ,w19 March p. 22 pars. 8-9 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/12/2025
"How Can I Deal With My Mistakes? driving a car, looking at the rearview mirror, past, ","If so, remember this: Dwelling on past mistakes is like staring in the rearview mirror while driving a car. Focusing on the past will only leave you feeling worthless and make you powerless to face the challenges ahead.","Everyone makes mistakes. (Romans 3:23; 1 John 1:8) And as we have seen, it is a sign of humility and maturity to own up to them—and to do so right away. The next step is to learn from your mistakes. Unfortunately, some young people miss out on that opportunity! They might feel the way a teenager named Priscilla once did. She says: “I used to get overly discouraged about my mistakes. I had a low opinion of myself, so my mistakes seemed like a gigantic burden that I couldn’t carry. I would get overwhelmed and think of myself as a hopeless case.”Do you feel that way at times? ",Romans 3:23; 1 John 1:8; ,ijwyp article 29 pars. 15-17,,,joshlaymon,,6/12/2025
Are You Ready to Dedicate Yourself to Jehovah? ," A brother named Nicholas puts it this way, “You can view Jehovah’s standards either like the bars of a prison that keep you from doing what you want to do or like the bars of a lion cage that protect you from danger.”","Jesus said: “If anyone wants to come after me, let him disown himself.” (Matt. 16:24) The Greek phrase translated “let him disown himself” can also be rendered “he must say no to himself.” As a dedicated servant of Jehovah, you will need to say no to anything that conflicts with his will. (2 Cor. 5:14, 15) That includes saying no to “the works of the flesh,” such as sexual immorality. (Gal. 5:19-21; 1 Cor. 6:18) Will such restrictions make your life difficult? Not if you love Jehovah and are convinced that his laws are for your own good. (Ps. 119:97; Isa. 48:17, 18)",Gal. 5:19-21; 1 Cor. 6:18. ,w24 March p. 3 par. 4,,,joshlaymon,,6/13/2025
"Continue to “Listen to Him” guardrail near the edge of a narrow mountain road protection, ","Once we have begun traveling on the cramped road, what can help us remain on it? Consider this illustration. A guardrail near the edge of a narrow mountain road serves as a protection for a driver and his vehicle. The guardrail is designed to keep drivers safe—to help them avoid getting too close to or going over the edge of the road. ","Not many drivers would complain that such a guardrail is too restrictive! Jehovah’s standards found in the Bible are like that guardrail. His standards serve to keep us on the cramped road.—Read Psalm 119:9, 10, 45, 133.","Psalm 119:9, 10, 45, 133.",w21 December p. 23 par. 6,,,joshlaymon,,6/13/2025
“Teach Me to Do Your Will” aerial view of your destination? ,"WHEN traveling, have you ever used a computerized mapping system that allowed you to get an aerial view of your destination? Seeing things from that vantage point may have helped you to determine the best route to take. Applying a similar principle can help us when we are making important decisions. Seeing things from the Creator’s elevated perspective will enable us to ‘walk in the way’ Jehovah approves.—Isa. 30:21.",Applying a similar principle can help us when we are making important decisions. Seeing things from the Creator’s elevated perspective will enable us to ‘walk in the way’ Jehovah approves.—Isa. 30:21.,Isa. 30:21.,w12 11/15 p. 3 par. 1 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/13/2025
"“Return to Me” Jehovah’s love for his people as a cord, or rope. drawing, ","The Bible describes Jehovah’s love for his people as a cord, or rope. In what sense is God’s love like a rope? Consider this illustration: Imagine that you are drowning in rough seas and someone throws you a life vest. Surely you would appreciate the help because that may ease your struggle to stay afloat. But a life vest will not be enough to keep you alive. The water is cold, and you will not survive unless you can reach a lifeboat. ","You need someone to throw you a rope and to pull you toward the lifeboat. Jehovah said about the Israelites who had gone astray: “I kept drawing them, with the cords of love.” (Hos. 11:4) God feels the same way today about those who have stopped serving him and who are drowning in problems and anxiety. He wants them to know that he loves them, and he wants to draw them to him. And Jehovah can use you to express his love to them.",Hos. 11:4,w20 June p. 27 par. 12,,,joshlaymon,,6/13/2025
"Earnestly Seek Jehovah’s Blessing, bodies benefit from wholesome food. ","While earnest effort is needed to obtain God’s blessing, remember that hard work alone cannot possibly account for the abundance of good things that Jehovah has showered upon his people. The effect of his blessing on our efforts can be compared to the way our bodies benefit from wholesome food. God fashioned our bodies in such a way that we enjoy food and derive vital nourishment from it. He also provides the food. We do not fully know how our food acquires its nutrients, nor can most of us explain how our bodies produce energy from the food that we eat. ","We just know that the process works and that we cooperate with it by eating. If we choose to eat nourishing food, the results are even better. In like manner, Jehovah sets the requirements for everlasting life, and he gives us the help we need to meet those requirements. Clearly, he does much of the work and deserves the praise. Still, we must cooperate with him, acting in harmony with God’s will, to receive the blessing.—Hag. 2:18, 19.","Hag. 2:18, 19.",w10 9/15 p. 11 par. 17 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/13/2025
"‘O the Depth of God’s Wisdom!’ goal, purpose, alternate route, adjustments, flexibility, change, ","Jehovah is a God of purpose, and the Bible speaks of his “eternal purpose.” (Eph. 3:10, 11) What does this expression really mean? As used in the Bible, the word “purpose” refers to a specific goal, or aim, that can be achieved in more than one way.","To illustrate: A person may desire to travel to a specific destination. Getting to that destination then becomes his goal, or purpose. He may have different options with regard to the means of transportation and the routes he can take. As he travels along his chosen route, he may be confronted with unexpected weather conditions, traffic congestion, and road closures, requiring him to take an alternate route. Yet, no matter what adjustments he needs to make, he will still have accomplished his goal when he arrives at his destination. Jehovah has likewise shown considerable flexibility in working out his eternal purpose. Taking into consideration the free will of his intelligent creation, he readily adjusts the way he achieves his purpose.","Eph. 3:10, 11. ",w11 5/15 pp. 21-22 pars. 4-6,,,joshlaymon,,6/13/2025
"Jehovah Your God, Am Grasping Your Right Hand” “Do not gaze about.”","Jehovah further assures his worshippers, saying: “Do not gaze about.” (Verse 10) The Hebrew verb used here can refer to those who “look about in all directions to see whether there is anything that can harm them.” Jehovah explains why his people do not need to look over their shoulder in fear: “For I am your God.” What could be more reassuring than that? Jehovah is “the Most High,” “the Almighty One.” (Psalm 91:1) With the all-powerful Jehovah as their God, why should they fear?","What, then, can Jehovah’s worshippers expect from him? He promises: “I will really keep fast hold of you with my right hand of righteousness.” (Verse 10) He also says: “I, Jehovah your God, am grasping your right hand.” (Verse 13) What do you think of when you hear those words? “Taken together, these two verses present a powerful picture of parent and child,” explains one reference work. “[The father] does not merely stand by to defend, but he is also physically with the child; he will not allow the child to be separated from him.” Just imagine—Jehovah will not allow his people to be separated from him, even during what may seem to be the darkest moments in their life.—Hebrews 13:5, 6.",Psalm 91:1,w12 1/1 p. 18 pars. 4-5 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/13/2025
"I, Jehovah Your God, Am Grasping Your Right Hand” protection, comfort, “Do not be afraid,”","“HOLD my hand,” says a father to his young son as they get ready to cross a busy street. With his father’s strong hand wrapped around his tiny fingers, the boy feels safe, unafraid. Have you ever wished that someone could take your hand and safely lead you through life’s uncertainties? If so, you may find comfort in the words recorded by Isaiah.—Read Isaiah 41:10, 13.","Isaiah directed his words to Israel. Though God viewed that nation as his “special property,” it was surrounded by enemies. (Exodus 19:5) Did Israel need to fear? Jehovah used Isaiah to convey a reassuring message. As we examine those words, let us keep in mind that they also apply to God’s worshippers today.—Romans 15:4.“Do not be afraid,” urges Jehovah. (Verse 10) These are not empty words. Jehovah explains why his people do not need to fear: “For I am with you.” He is not a distant source of aid, promising only to arrive in time to help in moments of need. He wants his people to know that he is with them—as if by their side—ever ready to support them. Is that not a comforting thought? ","Isaiah 41:10, 13.",w12 1/1 p. 18 pars. 1-3,,,joshlaymon,,6/14/2025
"Nothing Can “Separate Us From God’s Love” potential, works of art damaged, ","Jehovah looks beyond our imperfections and sees our potential. To illustrate: People who love works of art will go to great lengths to restore badly damaged paintings or other works. When, for example, in the National Gallery in London, England, someone with a shotgun damaged a Leonardo da Vinci drawing worth some $30 million, no one suggested that since the drawing was now damaged, it should be discarded. Work to restore the nearly 500-year-old masterpiece began immediately. Why? Because it was precious in the eyes of art lovers. ","Are you not worth more than a chalk and charcoal drawing? In God’s eyes you certainly are—however damaged you may be by inherited imperfection. (Psalm 72:12-14) Jehovah God, the skilled Creator of the human family, will do what is necessary to restore to perfection all of those who respond to his loving care.—Acts 3:21; Romans 8:20-22.Yes, Jehovah sees the good in us that we may not see in ourselves. And as we serve him, he will make the good grow until we are eventually perfect. No matter how Satan’s world has treated us, Jehovah values his faithful servants as precious.—Haggai 2:7.",Psalm 72:12-14; Haggai 2:7,cl chap. 24 p. 246 pars. 14-15 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/14/2025
"Why Commend Others? miner who patiently sifts, faults, look for good, discards sin, forgive, ","Jehovah God does not look for our faults. If he did, none of us could stand. (Psalm 130:3) Instead, Jehovah is like a miner who patiently sifts through piles of stones looking for precious gems. When the miner finds a gem, he rejoices. The rough stone may not look precious, but the miner sees its potential value. Similarly, when God searches our heart, he is looking for precious qualities, not faults. When he finds them, he rejoices. He knows that those qualities, when shaped and polished, can produce something truly valuable—a faithful and devoted worshipper of Jehovah.We can learn from God’s example. ","When we look at others, we might be prone to focus on their faults. Yet, if we look at people as Jehovah does, we will search out their fine attributes. (Psalm 103:8-11, 17, 18) When we find their precious qualities, we can commend them. With what result? Our words will surely refresh them, and they may try even harder to do what is right! In turn, we will experience the joy that comes from giving to others.—Acts 20:35. Nothing Can “Separate Us From God’s Love” As Jehovah sifts through you, he discards such sins, much the way a prospector panning for gold discards worthless gravel. What about your good qualities and works? Ah, these are the “nuggets” he keeps! Have you ever noticed the way fond parents treasure their children’s drawings or school projects, sometimes for decades after the children have forgotten them? Jehovah is the fondest Parent. As long as we remain faithful to him, he never forgets our good works and qualities. In fact, he would view it as unrighteous to forget these, and he is never unrighteous. (Hebrews 6:10) He also sifts us in another way.","Acts 20:35; Psalm 103:8-11, 17, 18",g 4/12 p. 28,,,joshlaymon,,6/14/2025
"Imitate Jehovah’s Endurance, Patience, unborn baby, physical problems, imperfect, Jehovah loves us all, ","Jehovah could put an end to this wicked system of things at any time. But his patience has proved to be a blessing for us! We might think of it this way. Suppose a man and his wife are told that their unborn baby has serious physical problems and that the child will never have an easy life and will die prematurely. Even so, at great cost to themselves, the parents welcome the child’s birth. Their love for the child moves them to endure any hardship in order to provide him with the best possible quality of life.","Similarly, all descendants of Adam and Eve are imperfect when they come into the world. Still, Jehovah loves them and cares for them. (1 John 4:19) And unlike the human parents in our illustration, Jehovah can do something about it. He has set the date when he will undo all the maladies that plague his human creation. (Matt. 24:36) Should not his love motivate us to endure along with him for as long as it is necessary?",1 John 4:19; ,w21 July pp. 12-13 pars. 15-16 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/14/2025
"Keep Following Jehovah’s Guidance, lost in a forest, danger, wild animals, insects, poisonous plants, ","IMAGINE that you are lost in a forest. Danger lurks around you: wild animals, disease-carrying insects, poisonous plants, and rocky terrain. How grateful you would be for an experienced guide who knows where the danger is and how to steer you away from it! This world is like that forest. It is filled with danger that especially threatens our spiritual health. But we have a perfect Guide—Jehovah. He leads us away from the danger and toward our destination—everlasting life in the new world.",This world is like that forest. It is filled with danger that especially threatens our spiritual health. But we have a perfect Guide—Jehovah. He leads us away from the danger and toward our destination—everlasting life in the new world.,Psalm 119:105; ,w24 February p. 20 pars. 1-2,,,joshlaymon,,6/14/2025
" Learn From Bible Prophecy, “the faithful and discreet slave” ",We need to ask for help if we are to understand Bible prophecy. Consider this illustration. Imagine that you are visiting an unfamiliar place but a friend who is traveling with you is well-acquainted with the area. He knows exactly where you are and where each road leads. No doubt you would be glad that your friend agreed to come with you! ,"In a similar way, Jehovah knows where we are in the stream of time and what is on the road ahead of us. So to understand Bible prophecy, we must humbly ask for Jehovah’s help.—Dan. 2:28; 2 Pet. 1:19, 20.How does Jehovah guide us? Primarily, by means of his written Word, the Bible. However, he also uses human representatives. For example, he uses “the faithful and discreet slave” to provide spiritual food that helps us make wise decisions. (Matt. 24:45)",Matt. 24:45,w23 August p. 8 par. 3,,,joshlaymon,,6/14/2025
"“Praise the Name of Jehovah”, little girl, throws arms around father's neck, best daddy in the whole world!","We please our heavenly Father when we praise his name. (Ps. 119:108) Does this mean, though, that the almighty God is like imperfect humans who crave praise because they are needy or insecure? No. Consider an illustration. A little girl affectionately throws her arms around her father’s neck and says, “You’re the best daddy in the whole world!” The father is pleased, even touched, by her spontaneous act. Why? ","Should we assume that he is an insecure man who craves, even depends on, praise from his child? No. Rather, we trust that he is a strong father who is delighted to see his daughter showing love and appreciation. He knows that such qualities will contribute to her happiness as she grows up. For similar reasons, Jehovah, the greatest Father, is pleased when we praise him.",Ps. 119:108; ,w24 February p. 9 par. 4 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/14/2025
Why Does God Allow Suffering? WHY SO LONG?,"Why, though, has Jehovah allowed suffering to go on for so long? And why does he not prevent bad things from happening? Well, consider two things that the teacher in our illustration would not do. First, he would not stop the rebel student from presenting his case. Second, the teacher would not help the rebel to make his case. Similarly, consider two things that Jehovah has determined not to do. First, he has not stopped Satan and those who side with him from trying to prove that they are right. Allowing time to pass has thus been necessary. In the thousands of years of human history, mankind has been able to try every form of self-rule, or human government. ","Mankind has made some advances in science and other fields, but injustice, poverty, crime, and war have grown ever worse. Human rule has now been shown to be a failure. Second, Jehovah has not helped Satan to rule this world. If God were to prevent horrible crimes, for instance, would he not, in effect, be supporting the case of the rebels? Would God not be making people think that perhaps humans can govern themselves without disastrous results? If Jehovah were to act in that way, he would become party to a lie. However, “it is impossible for God to lie.”—Hebrews 6:18.",Hebrews 6:18.,bh chap. 11 p. 112,,,joshlaymon,,6/14/2025
"Why Does God Allow Suffering? rebel student, teacher, ","Let us consider an illustration. Imagine that a teacher is telling his students how to solve a difficult problem. A clever but rebellious student claims that the teacher’s way of solving the problem is wrong. Implying that the teacher is not capable, this rebel insists that he knows a much better way to solve the problem. Some students think that he is right, and they also become rebellious. What should the teacher do? If he throws the rebels out of the class, what will be the effect on the other students? Will they not believe that their fellow student and those who joined him are right? All the other students in the class might lose respect for the teacher, thinking that he is afraid of being proved wrong. But suppose that the teacher allows the rebel to show the class how he would solve the problem.","Jehovah has done something similar to what the teacher does. Remember that the rebels in Eden were not the only ones involved. Millions of angels were watching. (Job 38:7; Daniel 7:10) How Jehovah handled the rebellion would greatly affect all those angels and eventually all intelligent creation. So, what has Jehovah done? He has allowed Satan to show how he would rule mankind. God has also allowed humans to govern themselves under Satan’s guidance. The teacher in our illustration knows that the rebel and the students on his side are wrong. But he also knows that allowing them the opportunity to try to prove their point will benefit the whole class. When the rebels fail, all honest students will see that the teacher is the only one qualified to lead the class. They will understand why the teacher thereafter removes any rebels from the class. Similarly, Jehovah knows that all honesthearted humans and angels will benefit from seeing that Satan and his fellow rebels have failed and that humans cannot govern themselves. Like Jeremiah of old, they will learn this vital truth: “I well know, O Jehovah, that man’s way does not belong to him. It does not belong to man who is walking even to direct his step.”—Jeremiah 10:23.",Jeremiah 10:23.,bh chap. 11 pp. 110-111 pars. 12-14,,,joshlaymon,,6/14/2025
"Wickedness, Evil, slander, lies, reputation, ","Illustration: If someone made a charge before the whole community that you abused your position as family head, that your children would be better off if they made their own decisions independent of you, and that all of them obeyed you, not because of love, but because of material benefits you provided, what would be the best way to settle the matter? Would shooting the false accuser put the charges to rest in the minds of the community?","Instead, what a fine answer it would be if you gave your children opportunity to be your witnesses to show that you are a just and loving family head and that they live with you because they love you! If some of your children believed your adversary, left home, and ruined their lives by adopting other life-styles, it would only make honest observers realize that the children would have been better off if they had heeded your direction. 2 Peter 3:9. ",2 Peter 3:9.,rs p. 429 par. 1,,,joshlaymon,,6/14/2025
"Why Does God Permit Suffering? Wickedness, Evil, slander, lies, reputation, ","For the sake of illustration, let us say that you are a loving parent with several children in a happy family. Suppose one of your neighbors spreads lies, accusing you of being a bad parent. What if the neighbor says that your children do not love you, that they stay with you only because they do not know any better, and that they would leave if someone showed them the way. ‘Preposterous!’ you might say. Yes, but how would you prove it? Some parents might react in rage. Besides creating more problems, such a violent response would lend support to the lies. A satisfying way to deal with such a problem would be to allow opportunity for your accuser to prove his claim and for your children to testify that they sincerely love you.","Jehovah is like the loving parent. Adam and Eve may be compared to the children, and Satan fits the role of the lying neighbor. God wisely did not destroy Satan, Adam, and Eve immediately but permitted these wrongdoers to continue living for a while. This allowed our first parents time to start the human family, and it has given the Devil a chance to prove whether his claim was true so that the issues could be settled. From the start, however, God knew that some humans would be loyal to him and would thus prove Satan a liar. How thankful we are that Jehovah has continued to bless and help those who love him!—2 Chronicles 16:9; Proverbs 15:3.",2 Chronicles 16:9; Proverbs 15:3,kl chap. 8 pp. 75-76 pars. 14-15,,,joshlaymon,,6/14/2025
" Imitate Jesus’ Example of Watchfulness, first archery lesson, ","YOU might wonder: ‘Is it really possible to imitate Jesus’ example of watchfulness? After all, Jesus was perfect! What is more, Jesus was at times able to see clearly into the future—even thousands of years beyond his own day! Did he really need to be watchful?’ (Matt. 24:37-39; Heb. 4:15) Let us address those questions first so that we can see just how relevant and urgent this subject is. Is a perfect example helpful for sinful humans? Yes, because it is possible to learn from a good teacher and his example. For instance, imagine a man taking his first archery lesson. He cannot shoot an arrow well enough to hit the target at all, but he takes more lessons and keeps on trying. ","To improve, he carefully studies the example of his instructor, who is an expert archer. The student pays attention to how his teacher stands, positions his arms, and uses his fingers on the bowstring. Little by little, the determined novice learns how much tension to apply to the string; he takes the wind into account, and he keeps on making an effort. By imitating what he sees his instructor do, he eventually aims his arrows so that they strike closer and closer to the center of the target. Similarly, we keep on striving to improve as Christians by following Jesus’ instructions and imitating his perfect example.",Matt. 24:37-39; Heb. 4:15; ,w12 2/15 p. 3 pars. 1-2,,,joshlaymon,,6/14/2025
Should You Keep the Weekly Sabbath? ,"True, Jesus did say: “Do not think I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I came, not to destroy, but to fulfill.” (Matthew 5:17) But what does the expression “to fulfill” mean? To illustrate: A builder fulfills a contract to complete a building, not by ripping up the contract, but by finishing the structure. However, once the work has been completed to the client’s satisfaction, the contract is fulfilled and the builder is no longer under obligation to it.","Likewise, Jesus did not break, or rip up, the Law; rather, he fulfilled it by keeping it perfectly. Once fulfilled, that Law “contract” was no longer binding on God’s people.",Matthew 5:17,w10 2/1 p. 13,,,joshlaymon,,6/14/2025
"“Go . . . and Make Disciples”, Farmer watches growth, time to reap, too abundant, hire workers, reward,","A FARMER faces a real challenge. Some months earlier, he plowed his fields and sowed seeds. He watched with great care as the first blades appeared, and he rejoiced as the plants matured. Now all his hard work is rewarded, for the time to reap has arrived. His dilemma is this: The crop is too abundant for him to gather it alone. To meet this challenge, he wisely decides to hire some workers and send them out into his fields. After all, there is only so much time to gather his precious crop.","In the spring of 33 C.E., the resurrected Jesus faces a similar challenge. During his earthly ministry, he sowed seeds of truth. Now there is a harvest to reap, and the crop is abundant. Many responsive ones need to be gathered as disciples. (John 4:35-38) How does Jesus meet this challenge? On a mountain in Galilee, shortly before ascending to heaven, he gives his disciples a commission to find more workers, saying: “Go, therefore, and make disciples of people of all the nations, baptizing them . . . , teaching them to observe all the things I have commanded you.”—Matthew 28:19, 20.","Matthew 28:19, 20, ",cf chap. 9 pp. 87-88 pars. 1-2 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/14/2025
"“Step Over Into Macedonia” moving, Macedonia, ","Think of this example: A driver can direct his car to turn left or right but only if the car is moving. Similarly, Jesus directs us in expanding our ministry, but only if we are moving—if we are putting forth real effort to do so.What, though, if our efforts do not bear fruit right away? Should we give up, thinking that God’s spirit is not guiding us? ","No. Remember that Paul too encountered setbacks. Yet, he kept on searching until he found a door that opened. We can be sure that our perseverance in searching for “a large door that leads to activity” will be similarly rewarded.—1 Cor. 16:9.","1 Cor. 16:9, ", bt chap. 16 p. 127 pars. 6-7,,,joshlaymon,,6/14/2025
"The King Shines Light on the Kingdom, experienced guide, right time, ","IMAGINE that an experienced guide is leading you on a tour of a wondrous and beautiful city. The city is new to you and to those with you, so you hang on to the guide’s every word. At times, you and your fellow tourists wonder excitedly about some of the city’s features that you have not yet seen. When you ask your guide about such things, however, he withholds his comments until key moments, often just when a certain sight is coming into view. In time, you grow ever more impressed with his wisdom, for he tells you what you need to know right when you need to know it.","True Christians are in a situation similar to that of the tourists. We are eagerly learning about the most wondrous of cities, “the city having real foundations,” the Kingdom of God. (Heb. 11:10) When Jesus was on earth, he personally guided his followers, leading them to a deeper knowledge of that Kingdom. Did he answer all their questions and tell them everything about that Kingdom at once? No. He said: “I still have many things to say to you, but you are not able to bear them now.” (John 16:12) As the wisest of guides, Jesus never burdened his disciples with knowledge that they were not prepared to handle. Jesus spoke the words recorded at John 16:12 on the final night of his earthly life. After his death, how would he continue to teach faithful people about God’s Kingdom? He assured his apostles: “The spirit of the truth . . . will guide you into all the truth.” (John 16:13) We may think of the holy spirit as a patient guide. The spirit is Jesus’ means of teaching his followers whatever they need to know about God’s Kingdom—right when they need to know it.","John 16:12,",kr chap. 5 p. 49 pars. 1-3 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/14/2025
"Who Are “the Living Creatures With Four Faces”? family with small children, visual aids, ","IMAGINE a family with small children sitting around their kitchen table studying the Bible. To help the children understand a Scriptural truth, the father shows them some simple drawings. The children’s smiles and animated comments indicate that the father is succeeding. By adding pictures to his words, he helps his children to grasp teachings about Jehovah that otherwise would be beyond their level of understanding.","Similarly, Jehovah has used visual aids to help his human children gain insight into unseen realities that they would not grasp otherwise. For example, to explain profound truths about himself, Jehovah showed Ezekiel a vision filled with striking images. In the preceding chapter of this publication, we considered one such image. Let us now focus on one specific part of that impressive vision and see how understanding its meaning can help us to draw closer to Jehovah. “I Saw . . . What Looked Like Four Living Creatures” Ezekiel 1:4, 5."," Ezekiel 1:4, 5.",rr chap. 4 pp. 42-43 pars. 1-3,,,joshlaymon,,6/14/2025
Did God Know That Adam and Eve Would Sin?,"Still, someone may object, ‘But how could an all-wise God not have known?’ Granted, a facet of Jehovah’s great wisdom is his capability to know “from the beginning the finale.” (Isaiah 46:9, 10) However, he does not have to use this capability, just as he does not always have to use his immense power to the full. Jehovah wisely uses his ability of foreknowledge selectively. He uses it when it makes sense to do so and fits the circumstances.","The ability to refrain from using foreknowledge can be illustrated with a feature of modern technology. Someone watching a prerecorded sports match has the option to watch the final minutes first in order to know the outcome. But he does not have to start that way. Who could criticize him if he chose to watch the entire match from the beginning? Similarly, the Creator evidently chose not to see how things would turn out. Rather, he chose to wait and, as events unfolded, see how his earthly children would conduct themselves.","Isaiah 46:9, 10, ",w11 1/1 p. 14,,,joshlaymon,,6/14/2025
" “O the Depth of God’s . . . Wisdom!” doctrine of predestination, ","Does this mean, though, that God has already foreseen the choices you will make in life? Some who preach the doctrine of predestination insist that the answer is yes. However, that notion actually undermines Jehovah’s wisdom, for it implies that he cannot control his ability to look into the future. ","To illustrate: If you had a singing voice of unparalleled beauty, would you then have no choice but to sing all the time? The notion is absurd! Likewise, Jehovah has the ability to foreknow the future, but he does not use it all the time. To do so might infringe upon our own free will, a precious gift that Jehovah will never revoke.—Deuteronomy 30:19, 20.","Deuteronomy 30:19, 20.",cl chap. 17 p. 178 par. 21,,,joshlaymon,,6/14/2025
Will You Benefit From Undeserved Kindness? works of art.,"Look at it this way. People who love works of art will go to great lengths to restore badly damaged paintings or other works of art. When, for example, in the National Gallery in London, England, someone with a shotgun damaged a Leonardo da Vinci cartoon worth £20 million (about $32 million, U.S.) no one suggested that since the drawing was now damaged, it should be discarded. Work to restore the 487-year-old masterpiece began immediately. Why? Because it was precious in the eyes of art lovers.","Are you not worth more than a chalk and charcoal drawing? In God’s eyes you certainly are—however damaged you may be by inherited sinfulness. (Psalm 72:12-14; Matthew 20:28) Jehovah God, the skilled original Creator of the human family, will do what is necessary to restore to perfection members of that family who are willing to respond to his loving care.—Compare Acts 3:21; Romans 8:20-22.",Acts 3:21; Romans 8:20-22.,w90 2/15 p. 22,,,joshlaymon,,6/14/2025
"Nothing Can “Separate Us From God’s Love” potential, works of art, ","Jehovah looks beyond our imperfections and sees our potential. To illustrate: People who love works of art will go to great lengths to restore badly damaged paintings or other works. When, for example, in the National Gallery in London, England, someone with a shotgun damaged a Leonardo da Vinci drawing worth some $30 million, no one suggested that since the drawing was now damaged, it should be discarded. Work to restore the nearly 500-year-old masterpiece began immediately. ","Why? Because it was precious in the eyes of art lovers. Are you not worth more than a chalk and charcoal drawing? In God’s eyes you certainly are—however damaged you may be by inherited imperfection. (Psalm 72:12-14) Jehovah God, the skilled Creator of the human family, will do what is necessary to restore to perfection all of those who respond to his loving care.—Acts 3:21; Romans 8:20-22.",Acts 3:21; Romans 8:20-22; ,cl chap. 24 p. 246 par. 14,,,joshlaymon,,6/14/2025
"obedience, children, become part of his own thinking. grows with child, ","A SMALL child receives a gift. His parents tell him, “Say thank you.” The child obeys, though somewhat mechanically. As he grows older, his appreciation for his parents’ thinking and for the kindness of others increases. Now he expresses thanks more readily, from the heart. Why? Because gratitude has become part of his own thinking.","Similarly, when we first came to a knowledge of the truth, we learned the importance of obedience to Jehovah’s basic requirements. But as we continue to grow spiritually, we learn more about Jehovah’s thinking—his likes, his dislikes, and his way of viewing various matters. By learning to reason similarly and by allowing such thinking to influence our actions and personal choices, we show that we are making Jehovah’s thoughts our own.",,,,,joshlaymon,,6/14/2025
"Serve Jehovah According to His High Standards, relationship between us and God, automobile, manufacturer, ","Hosea 14:9 also turns our attention to the positive aspects of observing an upright course. Blessings and benefits come from measuring up to God’s requirements. As the Creator, he knows our makeup. What he expects of us is for our good. To illustrate the relationship between us and God, we might think of an automobile and its manufacturer. ","The maker knows how the auto is designed and put together. He knows that the car requires an oil change every so often. What would happen if you ignored that standard, perhaps reasoning that the car is running well? Much sooner than might otherwise be so, the engine would deteriorate and fail. The same is true of humans. Our Creator has given us commandments. Keeping them is for our benefit. (Isaiah 48:17, 18) Appreciating that we do benefit gives us additional reason to live up to his standards, to keep his commandments.—Psalm 112:1. ROM. 12:2.",Hosea 14:9; Psalm 112:1. ROM. 12:2., jd chap. 7 pp. 87-88 par. 11,,,joshlaymon,,6/14/2025
"Why Wickedness Continues, Challenge, which is stronger, lifting rocks, which loves his children most, ","Otherwise, harm results, just as surely as injury will occur when a man jumps off the roof of a tall building without regard for the law of gravity. (Galatians 6:7, 8) All intelligent creatures could benefit from observing for themselves the bad fruitage of choosing a course of independence from God. This required time. The fact that it requires time to settle some issues can be illustrated this way: Suppose the father of one family challenges the father of another to a contest that will prove which man is stronger. That issue could be decided quickly. Strength could be measured by lifting rocks. The father who lifted the heaviest rock would be the stronger man. ","But suppose the challenge involved which father truly loves his sons and daughters and whether they love him in return. Or what if the challenge raises the question of which father manages his family in the best way? Neither a display of strength nor mere words would be adequate. Sufficient time would have to pass, careful observation would be required, and right conclusions would have to be drawn in order for the issue to be settled.","Galatians 6:7, 8, ",w07 9/15 p. 6,,,joshlaymon,,6/14/2025
"“He Learned Obedience” ball out of bounds, father pleased, safety  protection, ","A FATHER looks out the window, watching his young son at play with some friends. Their ball bounces out of the yard and into the street. The boy looks longingly after it. One of his friends urges him to run out into the street to get it, but the boy shakes his head. “I’m not allowed to do that,” he says. The father smiles to himself.","Why is the father so pleased? Because he has instructed his son not to go out into the street alone. When the boy obeys—even though he does not know that his father is watching—the father knows that his son is learning obedience and is much safer as a result. That father feels as does our heavenly Father, Jehovah. God knows that if we are to remain faithful and live to see the wonderful future he has in store for us, we must learn to trust in him and obey him. (Proverbs 3:5, 6) To that end, he sent us the best of all human teachers.","Proverbs 3:5, 6;",cf chap. 6 p. 56 pars. 1-2,,,joshlaymon,,6/14/2025
"Jehovah Will Help You During Difficult Times, The challenge. distress and trembling, enemies, opposition, ","The challenge. We may go through moments when we feel frightened. In the Bible, faithful servants of God speak of times when they were in distress and trembling because of their enemies or other pressures. (Ps. 18:4; 55:1, 5) Similarly, we could be facing opposition at school, at work, from our family, or from the government. We could even be facing death because of a medical problem. During such times, we may feel as helpless as a small child. How does Jehovah help us in moments like these?","What Jehovah does. He comforts and soothes us. (Read Psalm 94:19.) This psalm may make us think of a little girl who is scared and unable to sleep because of a bad thunderstorm. We can picture her father coming in, picking her up, and holding her in his arms until she falls asleep. Although the storm is still raging, her father’s comforting embrace makes her feel safe. When we face frightening trials, we may need our heavenly Father to hold us figuratively until the intense feelings pass. How can we receive such comfort from Jehovah?","Ps. 18:4; 55:1, 5",w24 January pp. 24-25 pars. 14-15,,,joshlaymon,,6/14/2025
"“I Love the Father” awed by any facet of creation, cooperation between Father and Son, ","In some respects, we might liken this cooperation between Father and Son to that of an architect working with a builder, or contractor, who specializes in bringing the architect’s ingenious designs to reality. ","When we are awed by any facet of creation, we are actually giving credit to the Great Architect. (Psalm 19:1) However, we may also call to mind the long and happy collaboration between the Creator and his “master worker.”","Psalm 19:1, ",cf chap. 13 p. 131 par. 8,,,joshlaymon,,6/14/2025
"God’s Judgments—Does He Always Give Enough Warning? Armageddon, The end, Last days, weather forecaster ","THE weather forecaster examines a developing radar image. He sees a dangerous storm bearing down on an area with a large population. Because he is concerned for the people’s safety, he tirelessly warns them before it is too late.","In a similar way, Jehovah is now alerting earth’s inhabitants to a “storm” that is more ominous than anything they might hear about in a weather report. How is he doing so? And why can we be sure that he is giving people enough time to respond? For the answers, let us first consider some warnings that Jehovah issued in the past. Revelation 16:16. ",Revelation 16:16. ,w19 October p. 6,,,joshlaymon,,6/14/2025
"Help Others Reach Their Full Potential, instructor watches an inexperienced rock climber","Jehovah notices the potential in each of his servants. He assured King David that he would always guide him, with ‘his eye upon him.’ (Read Psalm 32:8.) Do you see why that should be encouraging to us? Even though we may lack self-confidence, ","Jehovah can help us to go beyond our perceived limits and reach goals that we would not have imagined. Just as an instructor watches an inexperienced rock climber attentively in order to help him find the best handholds, Jehovah is willing to guide us as we make spiritual advancement.",Psalm 32:8.,w14 6/15 pp. 29-30 par. 8,,,joshlaymon,,6/14/2025
“Press On to Maturity” healthy baby.  remain an infant permanently.,"FEW events bring more joy to a married couple than the birth of a healthy baby. Yet, even though parents love their precious newborn, they do not want him to remain an infant permanently. In fact, they would be seriously concerned if he did not grow. ","Similarly, Jehovah is happy when we take our first steps as followers of Jesus, but He does not want us to remain spiritual toddlers. (1 Cor. 3:1) Instead, he asks us to “become full-grown” Christians.—1 Cor. 14:20.",1 Cor. 14:20.,w24 April p. 2 par. 1 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/14/2025
"“The Ways of Jehovah Are Upright” ropes of earthling man, Israel is compared to a small child. “the cords of love.”","We can have confidence that Jehovah always deals with his people in a loving way. Evidence of this is found at Hosea 11:1-4, where we read: “When Israel was a boy, then I loved him, and out of Egypt I called my son. . . . To the Baal images they took up sacrificing, and to the graven images they began making sacrificial smoke. But as for me, I taught Ephraim [the Israelites] to walk, taking them upon my arms; and they did not recognize that I had healed them. With the ropes of earthling man I kept drawing them, with the cords of love, so that I became to them as those lifting off a yoke on their jaws, and gently I brought food to each one.”","Here Israel is compared to a small child. Jehovah lovingly taught the Israelites to walk, taking them upon his arms. And he kept drawing them with “the cords of love.” What a touching picture! Imagine that you are a parent helping your child to take his first steps. Your arms are outstretched. You may be using cords for your little one to hold on to so that he does not fall. Well, Jehovah’s love for you is just as tender. He is delighted to lead you with “the cords of love.”","Hosea 11:1-4, ",w05 11/15 p. 28 pars. 9-10,,,joshlaymon,,6/14/2025
"Will You Walk With God? A BABY, standing on wobbly legs, first few steps. milestone, Ephraim ","A BABY, standing on wobbly legs, reaches toward a parent’s outstretched arms and takes its first few steps. It may seem a small thing, but to the mother and father, it is a milestone, a moment full of promise for the future. The parents eagerly look forward to walking with their child, hand in hand, in the months and years to come. In many ways, they hope to provide the child with guidance and support far into the future.","Jehovah God has similar feelings toward his earthly children. He once said regarding his people Israel, or Ephraim: “I taught Ephraim to walk, taking them upon my arms . . . With the ropes of earthling man I kept drawing them, with the cords of love.” (Hosea 11:3, 4) Jehovah here describes himself as a loving parent who is patiently teaching a child to walk, perhaps taking him into His arms when he falls. Jehovah, the ultimate Parent, is eager to teach us how to walk. He also delights in accompanying us as we continue to make progress.","Hosea 11:3, 4; ",w05 11/1 p. 21 pars. 1-2 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/14/2025
"Contribute to Family Life That Pleases God, discipline your children? family’s reputation, ","Why do you discipline your children? Some parents do it because they do not want the family’s reputation jeopardized. Jehovah showed the motive behind his discipline, declaring: “I taught Ephraim to walk, taking them upon my arms . . . With the ropes of earthling man I kept drawing them, with the cords of love.” (Hosea 11:3, 4) In this instance, Hosea likens the relationship between Jehovah and Israel to that of a father and a son. Can you picture a loving parent, leading the child with cords in hand, trying to help a wobbly infant to walk? The cords are a support if the baby stumbles, a guide when he wanders.—Jeremiah 31:1-3.","Will you imitate God’s love for the Israelites? Again and again they turned their back on him, but he did not quickly let go of those cords of love. Young ones may seem inclined to stray at times and to stumble over little things, but try to maintain the ties of love between you and them. Bear in mind that Jehovah was not blinded by favoritism to overlook the wrongdoing of his people. He faced the situation squarely, lovingly disciplined them, and took the time to make needed help available. If you note that your son or daughter seems to be drifting from the way of the truth, do not ignore that. Try to lead him or her back, as if with guiding cords, providing warm help during this problematic period. Spend time with your troubled children. This cannot be overemphasized—spend time with them!","Hosea 11:3, 4; ", jd chap. 10 pp. 133-134 pars. 17-18,,,joshlaymon,,6/14/2025
"A Testimony to Love, Faith, and Obedience ","The aspect of love was illustrated. A girl bakes a cake for her parents. Likely, the parents will be touched. Yes, however the cake turns out, what touches the parents is their child’s love, as shown by her generous act. ","Similarly, when Jehovah looks at this new printery, he sees beyond the building and the machinery. Primarily, he sees it as an expression of love for his name.—Hebrews 6:10.","Hebrews 6:10, ",w05 12/1 p. 12; ,,,joshlaymon,,6/14/2025
"Christian Separateness From the World​—Why Beneficial, Kingdom, government, morality, ","Visual aid. Paper, black and white, identifying mark. Jehovah’s law, versus Man’s Law. going from one government to another causes a split. Side with Christ. Immorality against Jehovah’s kingdom. ",Immorality against Jehovah’s kingdom. ,"John 17:16, John 18:36; 1 Corinthians 6:9, Matthew 28:19, 20; ","Micah Satterlee, Ritter Springs ","Christian Separateness From the World​—Why Beneficial,",119,bl,,6/15/2025
"“Choose for Yourselves . . . Whom You Will Serve” Jehovah's Name, reproach, ","We want to help clear Jehovah’s name of all reproach. Consider this scenario: You have a close friend who is kind, generous, and forgiving. One day, you hear someone accuse your friend of being cruel and dishonest. How do you react? You defend him. ","Similarly, when Satan and those under his influence try to ruin Jehovah’s reputation by spreading lies about Him, we respond by telling the truth about Jehovah, vigorously defending His name. (Ps. 34:1; Isa. 43:10) We show that we want to serve Jehovah whole-souled by our words and actions.",Ps. 34:1; Isa. 43:10,w25 April p. 5 par. 14,,,joshlaymon,,6/15/2025
"Who Molds Your Thinking? instill in their children good values. free will, most fulfilling life possible.","However, we cannot use our freedom without restraint. (Read 1 Peter 2:16.) When it comes to issues of right and wrong, Jehovah wants us to be guided by his thinking as revealed in his Word. Is this overly restrictive, or is it beneficial? Consider an illustration. Parents endeavor to instill in their children good values. They may teach them to be honest, industrious, and considerate of others. This is not overly restrictive. Rather, the parents are preparing them for a successful life as independent adults. When the children grow up and leave home, they will be free to make their own choices. If they choose to live within the values that they learned from their parents, they will be more likely to make decisions that they will not later regret. As a result, they will be free from many self-induced troubles and anxieties.","Like a good parent, Jehovah wants his children to have the most fulfilling life possible. (Isa. 48:17, 18) He therefore provides basic principles for moral conduct and for behavior toward others. In such matters he invites us to cultivate his very way of thinking and to share his values. Far from constraining us, this enhances, elevates, and expands our thinking ability. (Ps. 92:5; Prov. 2:1-5; Isa. 55:9) It helps us make choices that lead to happiness while still allowing us to blossom as individuals. (Ps. 1:2, 3)",Ps. 92:5; Prov. 2:1-5; Isa. 55:9; ,w18 November pp. 19-20 pars. 6-8,,,joshlaymon,,6/15/2025
"Should You Pray? humble, delay in prayer, ","Some answers must await God’s timetable. The Bible says that Almighty God shows favor to humble individuals “in due time.” (1 Peter 5:6) So if there seems to be a delay in his answering our sincere requests, we need not see this as a lack of interest on Jehovah’s part. Rather, with his vastly superior perspective, our caring Creator no doubt evaluates our petitions in the light of what he knows is best for us.","To illustrate: Imagine that you have a young son who asks you for a bicycle. Will you automatically grant his request? If you feel that he is not yet responsible enough to ride a bicycle, you might decide to postpone the purchase. In time, however, you may grant his request when you know that doing so would be in his best interests. In like manner, God may grant the proper “desires of [our] heart” in due time if we keep praying.—Psalm 37:4.",1 Peter 5:6; ,w14 4/1 p. 6 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/15/2025
Always Trust in Jehovah! passing whims. grant every request ,"Why does Jehovah not give us an immediate response to our every request? Recall that he likens our relationship with him to that of children with a father. (Ps. 103:13) A child cannot rightly expect a parent to grant every request or to do so right away. Some of a child’s requests may be mere passing whims. Others must wait till the time is right. Still others may not be in the child’s best interests or in the best interests of others involved. Furthermore, to concede immediately to a child’s every request would change the relationship to one of master and slave, the child being the master. ","Similarly, Jehovah may in our best interests allow time to pass before his response to our prayers becomes evident. That is his prerogative as our wise Creator, loving Master, and heavenly Father. Fulfilling all our requests right away would distort the proper relationship between us and him.—Compare Isaiah 29:16; 45:9.",Ps. 103:13; ,w15 4/15 p. 25 par. 7,,,joshlaymon,,6/15/2025
"Be Honest in All Things, Honest, honesty, holding a small toy, ","A MOTHER and her little boy leave a store together. Suddenly, the child stops, a look of shock on his face. In his hand he is holding a small toy that he picked up in the store. He forgot to put it back or to ask his mother if she would buy it. He cries out to her, distressed. She reassures him and takes him back into the store so that he can return the item and apologize. As he does so, the mother’s heart swells with joy and pride. Why?","Few things delight parents more than seeing that their children are learning the importance of honesty. And so it is with our heavenly Father, “the God of truth.” (Psalm 31:5) As he watches us grow to spiritual maturity, he is pleased to see us striving to be honest. Because we want to please him and remain in his love, we echo the sentiments expressed by the apostle Paul: “We wish to conduct ourselves honestly in all things.” (Hebrews 13:18)",Psalm 31:5, lv chap. 14 p. 160 pars. 1-2,,,joshlaymon,,6/15/2025
"Be Honest in All Things, honesty, truth, ","AS A boy walks home from school one day, he finds a wallet full of money on the ground. What will he do? He could keep it. But instead, he returns the wallet to its owner. When the boy’s mother hears about what he did, she is very proud of him.","Most parents are happy when their children are honest. Our heavenly Father, Jehovah, is “the God of truth,” and it makes him happy when we are honest. (Psalm 31:5) We want to please him and “conduct ourselves honestly in all things.” (Hebrews 13:18)",Hebrews 13:18; , lvs chap. 14 p. 187 pars. 1-2,,,joshlaymon,,6/15/2025
"Jehovah Is an Appreciative God, appreciative, thankful, poor woman, two small coins, ","Because of our imperfection, we may feel that our deeds of godly devotion are insignificant and unworthy of God’s blessing. Jehovah, though, fully understands our motives and circumstances, and he truly values our whole-souled service. (Matthew 22:37) To illustrate: A mother finds a gift—an inexpensive necklace—on her table. She could view the gift as of little value and toss it aside. However, the accompanying card reveals that the gift is from her little girl, who spent all her savings to buy it. The mother now sees the gift in a new light. Perhaps with tears in her eyes, she embraces her child and expresses her heartfelt appreciation.","Being fully aware of our motives and limitations, Jehovah appreciates it when we give him our best, whether that is a little or a lot. In this regard, Jesus was a perfect reflection of his Father. Recall the Bible account about the widow’s mite. “As [Jesus] looked up he saw the rich dropping their gifts into the treasury chests. Then he saw a certain needy widow drop two small coins of very little value there, and he said: ‘I tell you truthfully, This widow, although poor, dropped in more than they all did. For all these dropped in gifts out of their surplus, but this woman out of her want dropped in all the means of living she had.’”—Luke 21:1-4. Yes, knowing the woman’s circumstances—that she was widowed and poor—Jesus understood the true value of her gift, and he was moved with appreciation. The same can be said of Jehovah. (John 14:9) Is it not encouraging to know that whatever your circumstances, you can find favor in the eyes of our appreciative God and of his Son?",Matthew 22:37; Luke 21:1-4.,w07 2/1 pp. 17-18 pars. 3-5,,,joshlaymon,,6/15/2025
"We Belong to Jehovah, gift, present, little girl, flowers, ","To illustrate, imagine that a man has planted many beautiful flowers in his garden. One day his little girl picks one of those flowers and offers it to him as a gift. Did not the flower already belong to the man? How could she give him something that he already owned? ","A loving father would not even think of such questions. Rather, he would be delighted to accept the gift as a token of his daughter’s love for him. He would surely treasure that single flower from his daughter above all the other flowers in his garden. Jehovah is no less delighted when we willingly devote ourselves to him exclusively.—Ex. 34:14.",Ex. 34:14.,w18 July p. 23 par. 6 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/15/2025
"“Do Not Be Anxious, for I Am Your God” airplane that is being rocked by strong winds. worry, calm, ","Now more than ever, people around us are anxious about worsening world conditions. Of course, we too are affected by those same problems. But there is no need for us to become afraid. Jehovah tells us: “I am your God.” Why is that statement a powerful reason for remaining calm? Consider this illustration: Two passengers, Jim and Ben, are on an airplane that is being rocked by strong winds. As the plane lurches up and down, a voice comes over the loudspeaker: “Keep your seat belts fastened. We will be flying through turbulence for some time.” Jim becomes very worried. But then the pilot adds: “Do not be anxious. This is your pilot speaking.” At that point, Jim shakes his head, saying, “What kind of assurance is that?” He notices, though, that Ben does not look anxious at all. Jim asks him: “Why are you so calm?” Ben smiles and says: “Because I know this pilot very well. He is my father!” Then Ben says: “Let me tell you about my father. I’m sure that when you know him and his abilities, you too will be calm.”","What lessons can we learn from this illustration? Like Ben, we are calm because we know our heavenly Father, Jehovah, very well. We know that he will guide us safely through the storm like problems we face during the last days of this system. (Isa. 35:4) We trust in Jehovah, so we can remain calm while the rest of the world is gripped by fear. (Isa. 30:15) We also act like Ben when we share with our neighbors’ reasons for having confidence in God. Then they too can be sure that no matter what challenges they face, Jehovah will support them.",Isa. 35:4; Isa. 30:15; ,w19 January pp. 4-5 pars. 9-11,,,joshlaymon,,6/15/2025
"“Gaze Upon the Pleasantness of Jehovah” sins blotted out, forgiveness, death sentence, prisoner, ","Because we get our “sins blotted out,” we experience ‘seasons of refreshing from Jehovah.’ (Acts 3:19) Our situation is similar to that of a prisoner who regrets his past actions and makes drastic changes as he awaits his execution. ","Seeing this, a benevolent judge is moved to wipe the man’s record clean—lifting his death sentence. How relieved and elated such a prisoner feels! Like that judge, Jehovah turns toward repentant humans with favor and lifts the condemnation of death.",Acts 3:19; ,w14 2/15 p. 28,,,joshlaymon,,6/15/2025
"Make Jehovah Your Confidence, mankind to futility. think of a judge, Jehovah is never the source of wickedness.","Clearly, Jehovah had just reasons for subjecting mankind to futility. Does that mean, though, that Jehovah is the cause of the futility and suffering that afflict each one of us today? Well, think of a judge who pronounces a just sentence upon a criminal. The convict may suffer considerably while he serves out his sentence, but can he rightly blame the judge for being the cause of his suffering?","By no means! Furthermore, Jehovah is never the source of wickedness. James 1:13 says: “With evil things God cannot be tried nor does he himself try anyone.”","James 1:13, ",w03 9/1 p. 11 par. 16,,,joshlaymon,,6/15/2025
"“Written for Our Instruction” “Producer of heaven and earth,” Judge of all the earth.” “He Causes to Become.” ","The answer is that different aspects of God’s personality are revealed in different parts of the Bible. In the book of Genesis alone, he is described as feeling “hurt at his heart,” as the “Producer of heaven and earth,” and as “the Judge of all the earth.” (Genesis 6:6; 14:22; 18:25) Do these differing descriptions refer to the same God? They certainly do.","To illustrate: A local judge may be best known by those who have faced him in court as a firm enforcer of the law. His children, on the other hand, may view him as the loving, generous father that he is. His close friends may find that he is an approachable man with a good sense of humor. The judge, the father, and the friend are all the same person. It is just that various aspects of his personality become apparent under different circumstances. Similarly, the Hebrew Scriptures describe Jehovah as “a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abundant in loving-kindness and truth.” Yet, we also learn that “by no means will he give exemption from punishment.” (Exodus 34:6, 7) Those two aspects reflect the meaning of God’s name. “Jehovah” literally means “He Causes to Become.” That is, God becomes whatever is needed to fulfill his promises. (Exodus 3:13-15) But he remains the same God. Jesus stated: “Jehovah our God is one Jehovah.”—Mark 12:29.",Genesis 6:6; 14:22; 18:25,w07 9/1 pp. 4-5 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/15/2025
“Keep Yourselves in God’s Love”,To illustrate: Would you ask a dear friend to carry something that you know is too heavy for him to lift? Of course not! Jehovah is far kinder than we are and far more perceptive as to our limitations. ,The Bible assures us that Jehovah ‘remembers that we are dust.’ (Ps. 103:14) He would never ask more of us than we can handle. So we have no reason to recoil at the thought of obeying Jehovah’s commandments.,Ps. 103:14; ,w09 8/15 p. 19 par. 5,,,joshlaymon,,6/15/2025
"“This Is What the Love of God Means” many boxes, carry, ","We might illustrate it this way. A close friend asks you to help him move to another residence. There are many boxes to be transported. Some of them are light enough for one person to carry comfortably, but others are heavy and require two people to lift them. Your friend selects the boxes he wants you to move. ","Would he ask you to pick up boxes that he knows are too heavy for you? No. He would not want you to hurt yourself by trying to carry them alone. Similarly, our loving and kind God does not ask us to observe commandments that are too difficult to fulfill. (Deuteronomy 30:11-14) He would never ask us to carry such a heavy burden. Jehovah understands our limitations, for “he well knows how we are formed, remembering that we are dust.”—Psalm 103:14.",Deuteronomy 30:11-14; Psalm 103:14.,lv chap. 1 pp. 11-12 par. 14,,,joshlaymon,,6/15/2025
"God’s Love Lasts Forever, friend move, boxes, light, heavy, ","For example, imagine you are helping a friend move to a new home. He has packed all his things into boxes. Some are light and easy to carry, but others are so heavy that it takes two people to lift them. Would your friend ask you to pick up a very heavy box all by yourself? Of course not! Why? ","Because he doesn’t want you to get hurt. Like that friend, Jehovah would never ask us to do something that is too difficult. (Deuteronomy 30:11-14) Jehovah understands who we are. He “knows how we are formed, remembering that we are dust.”—Psalm 103:14.","Psalm 103:14. Deuteronomy 30:11-14, ", lvs chap. 1 p. 11 par. 14,,,joshlaymon,,6/15/2025
"Will You Hold Fast to Your Integrity? new house, design, marvel, actually built ","IMAGINE that you are looking over the plans for a house. You marvel at the practicality of the design. You delight in thinking of the ways in which the house could benefit you and your family. Would you not agree, though, that those plans and any thought you might give them would do little good unless you actually built the house, moved in, and then maintained it?","Similarly, integrity may impress us as a vital quality that will do us and those we love a great deal of good. But thinking approvingly about integrity benefits us little unless we build and maintain our Christian integrity. In today’s world, literal building projects often prove costly. (Luke 14:28, 29) Likewise, building integrity costs time and effort, yet it is well worth it.","Luke 14:28, 29, ",w08 12/15 p. 7 pars. 1-2,,,joshlaymon,,6/15/2025
"“He Learned Obedience” integrity, great mansion, fine bricks, bricks= act of obedience, ","Further, integrity is a reward in itself. Proverbs 10:9 says: “The one walking in integrity will walk in security.” If integrity could be likened to a great mansion made of fine bricks, each act of obedience might be compared to an individual brick. ","A brick may seem insignificant, but each one has its place, its value. And when many are joined together, something of far greater worth is built up. When obedient acts are brought together, one added to the other, day after day and year after year, we build up the beautiful house of our integrity. A course of obedience that stretches over time brings to mind another quality—endurance.",Proverbs 10:9; ,cf chap. 6 p. 65 pars. 24-25,,,joshlaymon,,6/15/2025
Peer Pressure—Is It Really All That Powerful? Why Peer Pressure Can Be Dangerous,"Imagine that you are swimming in the ocean. While you are busy swimming and riding the waves, other powerful forces may be silently at work. The waves push you toward shore, but there may be an undercurrent as well. Slowly it is moving you sideways. ","When you finally scan the shore, you can no longer see your family or friends. You never noticed how far sideways the current had pushed you! Likewise, as we go through our daily activities, our thoughts and feelings are under constant influence. Before we realize it, these influences can push us far from the standards to which we always thought we would hold fast.",,g02 11/22 p. 13 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/15/2025
"“The Lost One I Will Search For” lost sheep, separated, darkness, predators, drifts away, ","The sheep is bewildered. Somehow, while nibbling grass in the pasture, it got separated from the other sheep. Now, it can see neither the flock nor the shepherd. Darkness approaches. Lost in a valley where predators roam, the sheep is defenseless. Finally, it hears a familiar voice—that of the shepherd, who runs toward the sheep, picks it up, wraps it in the folds of his garment, and carries it home.","JEHOVAH repeatedly likens himself to just such a shepherd. In his Word, he assures us: “I myself will search for my sheep, and I will care for them.”—Ezekiel 34:11, 12. Who are Jehovah’s sheep? Simply put, Jehovah’s sheep are the people who love and worship him. The Bible says: “Let us worship and bow down; let us kneel before Jehovah our Maker. For he is our God, and we are the people of his pasture, the sheep in his care.” (Psalm 95:6, 7) Like literal sheep following a shepherd, Jehovah’s worshippers are eager to follow their Shepherd. Are they flawless? No. God’s servants have, at times, become “scattered sheep,” “lost sheep,” and “like sheep going astray.” (Ezekiel 34:12; Matthew 15:24; 1 Peter 2:25) Even so, when a person drifts away, Jehovah does not abandon him as being beyond hope.","Ezekiel 34:11, 12.",rj part 1 p. 4 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/15/2025
"Are You Fully Accomplishing Your Ministry? guitar, music, limited, time, improve, ability, ","(Mark 12:30, 31; Col. 3:23) Serving God whole-souled means giving of ourselves, using our strength and energies to the best of our ability in his service. When we appreciate the privilege of doing the preaching work, we try to share the good news with as many people as we can. Imagine a young man who enjoys playing the guitar. He is happy to play music whenever he can. ","Eventually, he obtains work playing the guitar in a local café on weekends. However, his income does not cover his expenses. So he works as a cashier in a grocery store Monday through Friday. Although he spends most of his time in the grocery store, his heart is in his music. He yearns to improve his skill and to be a full-time musician. Even so, he enjoys every available opportunity to play music, brief though it may be. In a similar way, you may be limited in the amount of time you can devote to the preaching work. Yet, that is what you love to do. You strive to improve your ability to reach people’s hearts with the good news.","Mark 12:30, 31; Col. 3:23; ",w19 April p. 3 pars. 4-6 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/15/2025
"Do You Trust in Jehovah’s Way of Doing Things? Imperfection Distorts Our View of Justice, glasses fogged up, ","Because we are imperfect, at times we may view matters more harshly or more leniently than Jehovah does. (1 Sam. 16:7) This could make us question Jehovah’s way of doing things. Our situation is like that of a person whose eyeglasses have fogged up. ","No matter how hard he strains to see things clearly, his view remains distorted. Similarly, if some aspect of Jehovah’s way of doing things is hard to understand, imperfection might be distorting our perception of justice. It is our view—not Jehovah’s view—that is incorrect.—Ezek. 18:29.",Sam. 16:7; Ezek. 18:29; ,w22 February p. 3,,,joshlaymon,,6/15/2025
"Do You View Others as Jehovah Does? house that is run-down, house can be restored.","To illustrate, think of a house that is run-down—the gutters are falling off, windows are broken, and ceiling panels are water damaged. Most people might look at that house and conclude that it should be torn down; it is an eyesore. But someone who has a completely different view might come along. He may be able to look beyond the surface problems and see that the structure is sound and that the house can be restored. He buys the house and with some work fixes the surface defects and improves its appearance. ","Thereafter, passersby comment on what a delightful home it is. Can we be like this person who worked to fix up or restore the house? Rather than focusing on our brothers’ surface defects, can we discern their good qualities and their potential for further spiritual growth? If we do so, we will come to love our brothers for their spiritual beauty, as Jehovah does.—Read Hebrews 6:10.",Hebrews 6:10.,w08 3/15 p. 27 par. 9,,,joshlaymon,,6/16/2025
"Why Avoid Extremes? Balance, “Perfect is his activity,” justice, mercy, ","To illustrate: Have you ever ridden in a car or on a bicycle that had a tire with a large bulge? The deformity no doubt made the ride rather bumpy as well as unsafe. Such a tire needs to be repaired before it gets worse or goes flat. Similarly, our imperfect personalities are prone to irregularities. If we allow those “bulges” to grow, our journey through life can be very bumpy, even dangerous.","JEHOVAH is the epitome of balance. “Perfect is his activity,” and his justice is never harsh, since it always incorporates mercy. (Deuteronomy 32:4) His love is never unprincipled, because he acts in line with perfect laws. (Psalm 89:14; 103:13, 14) Our first parents were created balanced in all respects. They were not inclined to any extremes. The introduction of sin, however, brought a “defect”—imperfection—resulting in the loss of that balance.—Deuteronomy 32:5.","Deuteronomy 32:4, 5; ",w07 2/15 p. 28,,,joshlaymon,,6/16/2025
"Learn From Jesus’ Younger Brother, Use effective illustrations. too much of a good thing, extreme.","Use effective illustrations. When you use appropriate illustrations, you turn ears into eyes. You paint pictures in the minds of people. These pictures help your audience to remember key Bible truths. Jesus was a master at using effective illustrations, and his brother James followed his example. Let us examine one of James’ illustrations and consider why it is so effective. James 1:22-25. James’ illustration of the mirror is effective for a number of reasons. He had a specific point in mind, namely, that to benefit from God’s Word, we must do more than read it; we must act on what we read. James chose an illustration that his audience could quickly relate to—a man looking in a mirror. His point? It would be foolish if a man were to look in a mirror, see a flaw he can correct, and do nothing about it. Similarly, it would be foolish if we were to read God’s Word, see something that we need to change about our personality, and do nothing about it.Sometimes our good qualities, our strengths, can be carried to an extreme. For instance, though the Mosaic Law required the Israelites to wear fringes on their skirts, the Pharisees in Jesus’ day, wanting to stand out from the crowd, ‘enlarged the fringes of their garments’ to an extreme degree. Their motive was to look holier than their fellow men.—Matthew 23:5; Numbers 15:38-40.","Sometimes our good qualities, our strengths, can be carried to an extreme. For instance, though the Mosaic Law required the Israelites to wear fringes on their skirts, the Pharisees in Jesus’ day, wanting to stand out from the crowd, ‘enlarged the fringes of their garments’ to an extreme degree. Their motive was to look holier than their fellow men.—Matthew 23:5; Numbers 15:38-40.",James 1:22-25.,w22 January pp. 12-13 pars. 16-17,,,joshlaymon,,6/16/2025
Learn From Jesus’ Younger Brother ,"Remember, though, that illustrations are like a microphone—they will amplify the point you are making. So be sure to illustrate only the key points that you want to teach. ","Of course, our ultimate reason for wanting to improve our teaching skills is, not to draw attention to ourselves, but to help as many as possible to be part of Jehovah’s happy family. James 1:22-25.",James 1:22-25.,w22 January p. 13 par. 18,,,joshlaymon,,6/16/2025
"Jehovah’s Forgiveness—How Can You Imitate It? DO NOT IGNORE YOUR FEELINGS, stabbed, leaving knife in, ","We may be deeply hurt because of what someone says or does to us, especially if that person is a close friend or family member. (Ps. 55:12-14) At times, the emotional pain we suffer can be likened to being stabbed. (Read Proverbs 12:18.) ","We may try to suppress or ignore our hurt feelings. But doing so might be like getting stabbed and then leaving the knife in the wound. Similarly, we cannot expect our hurt feelings to get better if we simply ignore them.",Ps. 55:12-14; Proverbs 12:18.,w25 February p. 15,,,joshlaymon,,6/16/2025
"The Way to “the Real Life”, Treasure the Real Life, small factory, machines are faulty, Adam, ","In order to make “the real life” possible, Jehovah God made an arrangement to rescue mankind. To help us understand this arrangement, let us imagine a small factory. All the machines in it are faulty and cause trouble for the operators because the first worker years ago ignored the operator’s manual and damaged all the machines. Present-day operators can only do their best to work with what they have. The factory owner wants to rebuild the machines to help his workers, and he is setting aside the funds necessary for that purpose.","The first ‘machine operator,’ Adam, did not treasure the life he had been given. Hence, he passed on to his offspring an imperfect life, similar to a malfunctioning machine. (Romans 5:12) Like the later operators in the factory, who could not remedy the situation, Adam’s offspring have been unable to attain the real life for themselves. (Psalm 49:7) To correct this seemingly hopeless situation, Jehovah sent his only-begotten Son to earth to buy back everlasting life for mankind. (Luke 1:35; 1 Peter 1:18, 19) By dying a sacrificial death for the sake of mankind, God’s only-begotten Son, Jesus Christ, provided the funds—the life that corresponds to the one Adam lost. (Matthew 20:28; 1 Peter 2:22) With this precious sacrifice, Jehovah now has the basis for providing the real life.","Luke 1:35; 1 Peter 1:18, 19; ",w95 1/15 p. 4 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/16/2025
"Look to Jehovah for Comfort, beautiful landscape, Hope, dirty window, powerful enemies. ","When we feel low, hope can comfort us and help us to regain power. We live in critical times and are facing some powerful enemies. Yet, we must not despair. Jehovah has given us a wonderful hope—everlasting life in true peace and security. We must keep that hope bright in our mind and heart. Otherwise, our hope could become dim like a view of a beautiful landscape that is blurred because we are looking through a dirty window. ","How can we “clean the window,” keeping our hope bright? We can regularly make time to imagine how wonderful our life will be in the new world. We can read articles, watch videos, and listen to songs that discuss our hope. And we can talk to Jehovah in prayer about the promises we eagerly wait to see fulfilled.",Psalm 37:29; ,w25 May p. 11 par. 10,,,joshlaymon,,6/16/2025
"Walk by Spirit and Live Up to Your Dedication, skipper, sailboat, Holy spirit, right wind, ",We need God’s spirit so that we can lead a life dedicated to him. Think of yourself as the skipper of a sailboat. Your goal is to serve Jehovah forever. Holy spirit is like the wind that you want to catch so as to arrive at your destination safe and sound. You do not want to be carried hither and thither by the spirit of Satan’s world. (1 Cor. 2:12) ,"You have to identify, as it were, the right wind and catch it. That is the holy spirit. Through God’s Word and his spirit-directed organization, holy spirit will move you in the right direction.",1 Cor. 2:12; ,w10 3/15 p. 18 par. 17 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/16/2025
"How Holy Spirit Helps Us, sailor, path of wind, ","Think of this comparison. To benefit from the wind, a sailor must do two things. First, he has to put his boat in the path of the wind. After all, his boat will not move forward if the sailor remains in a harbor far away from where the wind is blowing. Second, he needs to raise and unfurl his sails as fully as possible. Obviously, even with the wind blowing, his boat will move forward only if the sails catch the wind. ","Similarly, we will endure in Jehovah’s service only if we have the help of holy spirit. To benefit from that spirit, we must take two steps. First, we must put ourselves squarely in the path of God’s spirit by sharing in activities that bring us under its influence. Second, we need to “raise our sails” as fully as possible by being fully engaged in these activities to the best of our ability. (Ps. 119:32) When we take these steps, holy spirit will push us forward through waves of opposition and trials and will help us to endure faithfully on the course to God’s new world.",Ps. 119:32; ,w19 November pp. 10-11 par. 11 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/16/2025
"Take Your Stand for True Worship, Holidays, Origins, candy, gutter, unclean, seem sweet, ",Maybe you feel that the origins of holidays have little to do with how they are celebrated today. Do origins really matter? Yes! To illustrate: Suppose you saw a piece of candy lying in the gutter. Would you pick up that candy and eat it? ,"Of course not! That candy is unclean. Like that candy, holidays may seem sweet, but they have been picked up from unclean places. To take a stand for true worship, we need to have a viewpoint like that of the prophet Isaiah, who told true worshippers: “Touch nothing unclean!”—Isaiah 52:11. ",Isaiah 52:11,bh chap. 16 p. 159 par. 12,,,joshlaymon,,6/16/2025
"Whose Guidance Can You Trust? right hand, ‘Do not be afraid.","“IT’S time to go!” announces the father to his five-year-old son. The father extends a hand, and without hesitation the son reaches out and wraps his small hand around his father’s fingers. Wherever the journey may lead, the child trusts in the guidance of his parent and follows with confidence. Come what may, the child’s firm grip remains unbroken. Living in these days of economic, political, and personal uncertainty, would you not welcome a guiding hand from a source you could trust implicitly? Yet, we live in a time when unscrupulous people take advantage of inexperienced ones. Thus, there is good reason to be cautious as to whom we trust. Perhaps you have been sorely disappointed in the past when someone you relied on for guidance let you down.","Nonetheless, the Bible encourages us to put our trust in God. “For I, Jehovah your God, am grasping your right hand, the One saying to you, ‘Do not be afraid. I myself will help you,’” recorded the prophet Isaiah. (Isaiah 41:13) And the apostle Peter advised: “Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time; while you throw all your anxiety upon him, because he cares for you.”—1 Peter 5:6, 7.",Isaiah 41:13; ,g96 11/8 p. 26,,,joshlaymon,,6/16/2025
"What Leviticus Teaches Us About How to Treat Others, physical wounds. ","Consider an illustration. Hurt feelings can be likened to physical wounds. Some are minor; others are serious. For example, when we open an envelope, we might get a slight paper cut on our finger. That can really hurt, but it will likely not do us any lasting harm. After a day or two, perhaps we do not even recall where the cut was. ","Similarly, some offenses are minor. For example, a friend may say or do something thoughtless that hurts us, but we are able to forgive him easily. But if we have a deeper wound, a doctor may have to stitch the wound and bind it in bandages. If we were to keep poking or picking at the wound, we would only harm ourselves. Sadly, a person might be doing something similar when he is deeply offended. He may constantly think about the emotional injury he suffered and the hurt the other person caused him. But those who hold a grudge hurt only themselves. How much better it is to obey the counsel found at Leviticus 19:18!",Leviticus 19:18; ,w21 December p. 12 par. 15,,,joshlaymon,,6/16/2025
"Do You View Human Weakness as Jehovah Does? motorcyclist injured, who caused accident, ","Rather than being judgmental or suspicious, we should provide spiritual comfort to those facing undesirable circumstances. (Job 33:6, 7; Matt. 7:1) To illustrate: When a motorcyclist injured in a traffic mishap arrives at the emergency ward, do those on the medical team try to determine whether he caused the accident? ","No, they immediately provide the needed medical assistance. Similarly, if a fellow believer has been weakened by personal problems, our priority should be to provide spiritual assistance.—Read 1 Thessalonians 5:14.","Job 33:6, 7; Matt. 7:1; ",w14 6/15 p. 25 par. 9,,,joshlaymon,,6/16/2025
"What Does God Require of Us? lifeboat, rescue operation, need help, ","Is it a burden to serve Jehovah along with his organized people? No, indeed! On the contrary, it is a precious privilege to have the love and support of a worldwide family of Christian brothers and sisters. (1 Peter 2:17) Imagine surviving a shipwreck and finding yourself in the water, struggling to stay afloat. When you feel that you cannot make it any longer, a hand reaches out to you from a lifeboat. Yes, there are other survivors! In the lifeboat, you and the others take turns rowing to shore, picking up other survivors along the way.","Are we not in a similar situation? We have been pulled from the dangerous “waters” of this wicked world into the “lifeboat” of Jehovah’s earthly organization. Within it, we serve side by side as we head for the “shores” of a righteous new world. If the pressures of life should cause us to grow weary along the way, how thankful we are for the assistance and comfort of true Christian companions!—Proverbs 17:17. What about others—honesthearted people who are still in the “water”? We have an obligation to help them into Jehovah’s organization, do we not? (1 Timothy 2:3, 4) They need help to learn what God requires.",Proverbs 17:17; ,w97 1/15 p. 22 pars. 23-25,,,joshlaymon,,6/16/2025
"“Go On Acquiring Power in the Lord” Lions, antelope, elephants, Satan and his demons, stay together, ","When a nearby lion roars on the African savanna, antelope may react by running away at top speed until they are out of danger. Elephants, however, provide an example of mutual support. The book Elephants—Gentle Giants of Africa and Asia explains: “A means of defense that the typical herd of elephants commonly employs is to form a circle of their bodies, with the adults facing outward against the threat and the young animals protected inside the ring.” ","Faced with such a manifestation of strength and support, lions rarely attack even young elephants. When threatened by Satan and his demons, we similarly need to stay together, shoulder to shoulder with our brothers who are solid in the faith. (1 Peter 5:8, 9) Actually, the support of our spiritual brothers and sisters is crucial to our standing firm when the Devil attacks like a roaring lion.","1 Peter 5:8, 9; ", w04 9/15 p. 13 pars. 14-16,,,joshlaymon,,6/16/2025
"Does God Come First in Your Family? Alcohol, peace, ignore, help, wrath, threats, studying the Bible, ",We might illustrate the situation this way: Perhaps a family member has an excessive craving for alcohol. Would ignoring or condoning his drinking problem be of real benefit to him? Would it be better to keep the peace by giving in and not doing anything about his problem? ,"No, you probably agree that it would be best to try to help him overcome his drinking problem, even if it means standing up to his wrath and threats. (Proverbs 29:25) Similarly, if you truly love your family members, you will not give in to their efforts to stop you from studying the Bible. (Acts 5:29) Only by taking a firm stand may you help them appreciate that living by Christ’s teachings means our very life.","Proverbs 29:25; Acts 5:29, ",w95 10/1 p. 9 par. 7 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/16/2025
 How Can You Safeguard Your Heart? ,"To safeguard our heart, we must not only close it to wrong influences but also open it to positive influences. Think again about the illustration of a walled city. A gatekeeper closed the gates of the city to stop an enemy invasion, but at other times he opened the gates to allow food and other supplies to be brought in. ","If the gates were never open, the inhabitants of the city would starve. Similarly, we need to open our heart regularly to the influence of God’s thinking.",Proverbs 4:23; ,w19 January p. 18 par. 14,,,joshlaymon,,6/16/2025
"How Can You Safeguard Your Heart? gatekeepers, protect, Bible-trained conscience, ","In ancient times, watchmen worked closely with city gatekeepers. (2 Sam. 18:24-26) Together, they helped protect the city by making sure that the gates were closed whenever an enemy came near. (Neh. 7:1-3) Our Bible-trained conscience can act as our watchman and warn us when Satan tries to invade our heart—in other words, when he tries to influence our thoughts, feelings, motives, or desires. Whenever our conscience sounds the alarm, we need to listen and shut the gate, so to speak.","Consider an example of how we can protect ourselves from being influenced by Satan’s thinking. Jehovah has taught us that “sexual immorality and every sort of uncleanness [should] not even be mentioned among [us].” (Eph. 5:3) But what will we do if peers at work or at school start talking about sexually immoral topics? We know that we should “reject ungodliness and worldly desires.” (Titus 2:12) The watchman, our conscience, might sound an alarm. (Rom. 2:15) But will we listen to it? We might be tempted, instead, to listen to our peers or to look at pictures they might be sharing. But this is the time to close the city gates, so to speak, by changing the conversation or by walking away.",2 Sam. 18:24-26,w19 January pp. 17-18 pars. 11-12,,,joshlaymon,,6/16/2025
"Have You “Learned the Secret” of Contentment?, eyeglasses, see clearly, worry, perfection, ","Since hope is vital to our contentment, how can we strengthen it? Just as a person may need to put on eyeglasses to see distant objects more clearly, we might need to take appropriate steps to strengthen our hope so that we can see the future Paradise more clearly. When we are consumed by worry about our finances, we can picture what our life will be like when money, debt, and economic inequality are gone.","If we are anxious about privileges of service that we have not yet received, we can think about how insignificant such anxieties will be after we reach perfection and have served Jehovah for thousands of years. (1 Tim. 6:19) We may at first find it challenging to meditate on the future instead of worrying about the present. Over time, however, looking to the future that Jehovah has promised can become natural to us.",1 Tim. 6:19; ,w25 July pp. 24-25 par. 14,,,joshlaymon,,6/16/2025
"“Unify My Heart to Fear Your Name”, sports team, divided heart, united, ","A divided heart is of little value. Imagine that a sports team has members who do not get along with one another. Some want glory only for themselves, a few do not want to play by the rules, and a number treat the coach with contempt. ","A team like that is unlikely to win a match. In contrast, a team that is united is more likely to have success. Your heart can be like that successful team if your thoughts, desires, and emotions are united in serving Jehovah. Remember, Satan would love to divide your heart. He wants your thoughts, desires, and emotions to be at odds and in conflict with Jehovah’s standards. You, however, need your heart to be whole in order for you to serve Jehovah. (Matt. 22:36-38) Never let Satan divide your heart!",Matt. 22:36-38; ,w20 June p. 13 par. 17 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/16/2025
"Finding the Way, compare happiness with good health. intense joy in living, diet, exercise, and overall lifestyle.","To illustrate, compare happiness with good health. How do we enjoy that state of physical well-being? We follow a wise path in regard to diet, exercise, and overall lifestyle. Likewise, happiness results from following a good path in life, living in harmony with sound principles. Psalm 119:1; ","Happiness has been described as a state of well-being that is characterized by relative permanence, by emotions ranging from mere contentment to deep and intense joy in living, and by a natural desire for it to continue. Further, as an ongoing state of well-being, happiness has been described, not as a destination or goal, but as a journey. To say, “I’ll be happy when . . .” is, in effect, postponing happiness.",Psalm 119:1; ,g18 No. 1 p. 3,,,joshlaymon,,6/16/2025
"“Press On to Maturity” young girl, growing, avoid danger, ","As mentioned earlier, the Scriptures compare the process of growing to spiritual maturity to the process of growing to adulthood. A child lacks insight, so he needs the protection and supervision of an adult. To illustrate, a mother might ask her young daughter to hold her hand while crossing the street. As the girl grows older, the mother might allow her to cross the street on her own but will still remind her to look both ways for traffic. ","When the child becomes an adult, she avoids such hazards on her own. Just as young children need help from adults to avoid danger, immature Christians often need help from mature Christians to avoid spiritual dangers and to make wise decisions. By contrast, when mature Christians have to make a decision, they reason on Bible principles to get Jehovah’s thinking on the matter and then follow through accordingly.",Psalm 119:1; ,w24 April pp. 3-4 par. 6,,,joshlaymon,,6/16/2025
" “Press On to Maturity” growth, full-grown Christian, healthy baby, ","FEW events bring more joy to a married couple than the birth of a healthy baby. Yet, even though parents love their precious newborn, they do not want him to remain an infant permanently. In fact, they would be seriously concerned if he did not grow. ","Similarly, Jehovah is happy when we take our first steps as followers of Jesus, but He does not want us to remain spiritual toddlers. (1 Cor. 3:1) Instead, he asks us to “become full-grown” Christians.—1 Cor. 14:20. What does it mean to become a full-grown Christian? How do we grow to Christian maturity? What role does solid spiritual food play in our growth? And why should we avoid overconfidence? In this article, we will consider the answers to these questions.",1 Cor. 14:20.1 Cor. 3:1; ,w24 April p. 2 pars. 1-2,,,joshlaymon,,6/16/2025
"Why Don’t My Parents Trust Me? Growing Pains, ","The Bible acknowledges that “a man will leave his father and his mother.” (Genesis 2:24) Of course, the same can be said of a woman. Whether you’re a boy or a girl, a vital objective of adolescence is to prepare you for adulthood—the time when you’ll be equipped to leave home and perhaps raise a family of your own.","However, the transition to adulthood isn’t like a door that you simply walk through when you reach a certain age. It’s more like a stairway that you climb, step by step, throughout your adolescence. Granted, you and your parents may have conflicting opinions as to just how far you’ve progressed up that stairway.",Genesis 2:24,g 4/08 p. 27,,,joshlaymon,,6/16/2025
“I Will Walk in Your Truth”,"Others have left the truth gradually, perhaps without even noticing what was happening. A person who gradually leaves the truth is like a boat that slowly slips away from the riverbank. The Bible describes such a slow change as ‘drifting away.’ (Heb. 2:1)","Unlike one who intentionally draws away from the truth, one who drifts away does not do so deliberately. However, such a person strains his relationship with Jehovah and is in danger of losing it. How can we avoid such a tragic course?",Heb. 2:1; ,w18 November pp. 9-10 par. 6,,,joshlaymon,,6/16/2025
"Will You Heed Jehovah’s Clear Warnings? Scattering Feathers in the Wind, gossip,  impossible to undo hurt, ","An old Jewish tale well illustrates the consequences of spreading hurtful gossip. Told in various forms, the gist of the story is as follows. A man went about town slandering the town’s wise man. Later, the malicious gossiper realized his wrong and went to the wise man to ask for forgiveness, offering to do whatever was necessary to make amends. ","The wise man had one request: The gossiper was told to go and take a feather pillow and cut it open, scattering the feathers to the wind. Though puzzled by the request, the gossiper did as he was instructed and then returned to the wise man.   “Am I now forgiven?” he asked. “First, go and gather all the feathers,” the wise man responded. “But how can I? The wind has already scattered them.” “It is as difficult to repair the damage done by your words as it is to recover the feathers.” The lesson is clear. Once spoken, words cannot be retrieved, and it may be impossible to undo the hurt they cause. Before spreading a bit of gossip, we are wise to remember that we are, in effect, about to scatter feathers in the wind. Proverbs 20:19; ",Proverbs 20:19; ,w11 7/15 p. 19,,,joshlaymon,,6/16/2025
"How Should We “Answer Each Person”? trinity, relationship, ","Simple illustrations are often the best kind to use. For example, when explaining that God is superior to Jesus, perhaps we can try the following approach. We can mention that both God and Jesus used a family reference when describing their relationship. God referred to Jesus as his Son, and Jesus spoke of God as his Father. (Luke 3:21, John 14:28) Next, we might ask the householder: “If you wanted to teach me that two people are equal, what type of family relationship would you use to illustrate the point?” ","The person may mention siblings—even twins. If he does, we could point out how natural that comparison seems to be. Then we might ask: “If you and I could come up with this illustration so readily, would not Jesus—the Great Teacher—have thought of the same comparison? Instead, he spoke of God as being his Father. Jesus thus portrayed God as being older and having more authority than he had.”","Luke 3:21, 22; John 14:28; ",w14 5/15 p. 9 par. 13 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/16/2025
"How to Develop Genuine Love, Love—A Fruit of God’s Spirit, precious fruitage, keep praying, ","Just as timely rain on an orchard contributes to a good harvest, God’s spirit can produce in receptive individuals qualities that the Bible describes as “the fruitage of the spirit.” (Galatians 5:22, 23) Foremost in this fruitage is love. (1 Corinthians 13:13)"," But how do we obtain God’s spirit? A vital way is through prayer. If we pray for God’s spirit, he will give it to us. (Luke 11:9-13) Do you “keep on” praying for holy spirit? If you do, then its precious fruitage, including love, should become ever more manifest in your life.",Luke 11:9-13; ,w03 7/1 p. 6,,,joshlaymon,,6/16/2025
"Is the Holy Spirit a Person? not everywhere, ","Contrary to popular belief, God is not present everywhere at all times. Rather, he dwells in the spirit realm, in an “established place of dwelling,” or residence. (1 Kings 8:39; 2 Chronicles 6:39) The Scriptures also refer to a specific place where God lives and has his “throne.” (1 Kings 22:19; Isaiah 6:1; Daniel 7:9; Revelation 4:1-3) However, from his “established place of dwelling,” he can use his active force to reach out into every corner of both the spirit realm and the physical realm.—Psalm 139:7.","Back in 1879, Bible scholar Charles L. Ives aptly illustrated God’s ability to exercise his power from a fixed location. He wrote: “For example, we say, ‘Open the shutters, and let the sun come into the room.’ We mean, not the real, bodily sun, but the solar ray, that which proceeds from the sun.” Similarly, God has no need to travel to the locations where he intends to use his active force. He simply employs his holy spirit, which can reach to the extremities of creation. Seeing the holy spirit for what it is—God’s powerful active force—can give you confidence that Jehovah will fulfill his promises.",1 Kings 8:39; 2 Chronicles 6:39; ,g 7/06 p. 15,,,joshlaymon,,6/16/2025
"How Should We “Answer Each Person”?, Hellfire, disobedient child, ","Some believe that Satan is “in charge” of hellfire. An illustration may help a parent to see how illogical it would be for God to have the Devil torment people in hellfire. We could say something like this: “Imagine that your child has become very rebellious and is doing many bad things. How would you react?” Likely, the parent would say that he would correct his child. He might repeatedly try to help the child stop doing what is bad. (Prov. 22:15) ","At this point, we might ask the parent what he would do if the child rejected all efforts to help him. Most parents would say that eventually they would have no choice but to punish the child. We could then ask, “What if you found out that an evil person had influenced your child to become so rebellious?” No doubt, the parent would be angry with such a person. Driving home the point of the illustration, we might ask the parent, “Knowing that an evil individual had influenced your child, would you ask that person to punish your child for you?” The answer, of course, would be no. Clearly, then, God would not use Satan to punish the very same people who have been influenced by the Devil himself to do bad things!",Prov. 22:15; ,w14 5/15 pp. 9-10 par. 14,,,joshlaymon,,6/16/2025
" Goals *Goals are like blueprints, ","Goals are like blueprints; with effort, you can turn them into reality. Act. Do not wait until you have every detail worked out to get started. Ask yourself, ‘What is the very first thing I can do toward reaching my goal?’ Then do it. ",Track your progress as you complete each step. BIBLE PRINCIPLE: “The plans of the diligent surely lead to success.”—Proverbs 21:5.,Proverbs 21:5. ,g18 No. 2 p. 15 12,,,joshlaymon,,6/16/2025
" Let Nothing Hinder You From Taking Hold of Glory, comparing glory to light. wrong kind of glory","How human glory can obscure divine glory can be illustrated by comparing glory to light. Our brilliant universe is abundantly glorious. Do you remember when you last looked into the sky on a clear night and found yourself encompassed by thousands of stars? “The glory of the stars” is awe-inspiring. (1 Cor. 15:40, 41) When viewed from the street of a well-lit city, though, how does the same sky appear? ","Why, city lights make it almost impossible for us to see the light emanating from distant stars! Is this so because the lights from roads, stadiums, and buildings are stronger or more beautiful than starlight? No! This happens because city lights are closer to us and they interfere with what we can perceive of Jehovah’s creation. To witness the wonders of the night sky, we must somehow block out or avoid the interference from artificial light. Similarly, if the wrong kind of glory were too close to our hearts, it could prevent us from appreciating and seeking the enduring glory that Jehovah is willing to bestow.","1 Cor. 15:40, 41; ",w13 2/15 p. 26 pars. 8-9,,,joshlaymon,,6/16/2025
"How to Give Advice, prepare the ground, convenient time, calm voice, ","Giving unsolicited counsel can be like trying to grow plants in hardened soil. Before a farmer starts sowing, he tills the soil. This softens the ground and prepares it to receive the seed. He then plants the seed. Finally, he waters the seed to help it grow. Similarly, before an elder gives unsolicited counsel, he does well to prepare the ground, so to speak. For example, at a convenient time to talk, the elder assures the brother that he has his best interests at heart. If a counselor has the reputation of being loving and kind, it will be easier for others to accept his advice.","During the discussion, the elder can continue to soften the ground by acknowledging that everyone makes mistakes and needs counsel from time to time. (Rom. 3:23) In a calm voice and with deep respect, the elder clearly shows him from the Scriptures how he has taken a false step. Once the brother acknowledges that he has made a mistake, the elder “plants the seed” by explaining to him, in simple terms, what he needs to do to try to correct the situation. Finally, the elder “waters” the seed by sincerely commending the brother and by praying with him.—Jas. 5:15.",Rom. 3:23; Jas. 5:15. ,w25 July pp. 11-12 pars. 11-12 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/16/2025
"Speak What “Is Good for Building Up” gift, speech, misused, car, drove it recklessly, causing injury to others.","IF YOU were to give a loved one a gift, how would you feel if he deliberately misused it? Say that you gave him a car, and you later learned that he drove it recklessly, causing injury to others. Would you not be disappointed?","The ability to utter intelligible speech is a gift from Jehovah, the Giver of “every good gift and every perfect present.” (James 1:17) This gift, which sets the human family apart from the animal creation, enables us to convey not just our thoughts but also our feelings to others. Like a motor vehicle, however, the gift of speech can be misused. How it must disappoint Jehovah when speech is used recklessly, causing heartache and pain to others!",James 1:17; ,lv chap. 12 p. 133 pars. 1-2 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/16/2025
"Are These Really the Last Days?,This is the way. Walk in it, guide, danger, ","YOU are in the bow of a canoe as it enters a rough stretch of river. Huge boulders loom up through cascades of foam and spray. You try to fend them off. The person behind you is supposed to help steer the craft, but he has little experience. Worse yet, you have no map, so you have no idea whether these rapids will end in a calm pool or in a waterfall. Not a pleasant scenario, is it? So let us change it. Imagine that you have an experienced guide with you, one who knows this river’s every rock, every bend. He knew far ahead that this white water was approaching, he knows how it will end, and he knows how to negotiate his way through it. Would you not feel far more secure?","Really, all of us are in a similar predicament. We find ourselves, through no fault of our own, in a rough stretch of human history. Most people have no idea how long things will be this way, whether conditions will improve, or how best to survive in the meanwhile. But we do not have to feel lost or helpless. Our Creator has provided us with a guide—one that foretold this dark period of history, predicts how it will end, and offers us the guidance we need in order to survive. That guide is a book, the Bible. Its Author, Jehovah God, calls himself the Grand Instructor, and through Isaiah he says reassuringly: “Your own ears will hear a word behind you saying: ‘This is the way. Walk in it, you people,’ in case you people should go to the right or in case you should go to the left.” (Isaiah 30:20, 21) Would you welcome such guidance? Then let us consider if the Bible really foretold what our days would be like.","Isaiah 30:20, 21",w97 4/1 pp. 4-5 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/16/2025
"Why Am I Drawn to the Wrong People? The Power of Friendship, ","The fact is, you become like your friends. In this way those with whom we spend our time exert great power and influence over us. Proverbs 13:20 shows that this power can be for good or for bad: “He that is walking with wise persons will become wise, but he that is having dealings with the stupid ones will fare badly.” ","Close friends, like two people riding in the same car, inevitably head in the same direction and arrive at the same destination. So ask yourself: ‘Does the road my friend is on lead where I want to go? Will it take me closer to my spiritual goals and aspirations?’",Proverbs 13:20; ,g05 7/22 p. 21,,,joshlaymon,,6/16/2025
"What if I Don’t Want to Live Anymore? suicide, Life, “A true friend . . . is born for times of distress.”",Talk to someone. There are people who care about you and who want to help. These might include friends and family members who won’t know what you’re going through unless you tell them. ,"Some people need eyeglasses to help them see things clearly. A friend can fill a similar role, helping you to put your problems in perspective and to regain your desire to live. Bible principle: “A true friend . . . is born for times of distress.”—Proverbs 17:17.",Proverbs 17:17; ,ijwyp article 114 pars. 7-9,,,joshlaymon,,6/16/2025
"“Was Not That a Case of Knowing Me?” lingering rancor or feelings of annoyance, forgive, hate, painful words,  ","Imagine that you received an heirloom bowl or vase as a gift. If it became soiled or stained, would your immediate response be to throw it away? Not likely. You would probably put forth effort to clean it carefully, removing any spots or dirt and perhaps eliminating the stain. You want to behold its beauty, the way it gleams in the sunlight. ","In like fashion, you can work hard to get rid of any lingering rancor or feelings of annoyance toward a brother or a sister who offended you. Fight the tendency to dwell on the painful words or acts. As you succeed in putting them behind you, you purify the image and memories you have in your heart of the one whom you have forgiven. With your heart cleansed of negative thoughts toward that one, you are more open to enjoy again the close friendship that had seemed lost for good.",Matthew 24:28; ,jr chap. 12 pp. 152-153 par. 23 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/16/2025
"“Follow His Steps Closely”  leaves behind tracks, or footprints, panic, dangerous wilderness—this wicked world.","IMAGINE that you are part of a group hiking through a dangerous, snow-covered wilderness. An experienced guide is leading you. As he walks, he leaves behind tracks, or footprints, in the soft snow. At some point, you cannot see the guide! But you do not panic. Rather, you and your fellow hikers follow the guide’s footprints as closely as you can!","As true Christians, we are, in a sense, hiking through a dangerous wilderness—this wicked world. Fortunately, Jehovah has provided the perfect Guide—his Son, Jesus Christ, whose steps we can follow closely. (1 Pet. 2:21) According to one Bible reference work, Peter here uses the metaphor of a guide. Like a guide leaving behind tracks, Jesus has left behind footprints, or footsteps, that we can follow.",1 Pet. 2:21; ,w21 April p. 2 pars. 1-2,,,joshlaymon,,6/16/2025
" ‘Do Not Sorrow Just as the Rest Do’, surprising strength, persecution, ","HAVE you ever noticed the way a flower seems bowed down after weathering a storm? In a way it is a touching sight. After all, the cloudburst likely sent countless animals and people—far hardier creations than any flower—scurrying for shelter. Yet, the flower stood there, rooted, facing the weather’s full fury. Now, here it is intact, bowed but unbroken, showing a strength that belies its delicate appearance. You may wonder, as you admire it, if it will regain its vigor and lift its lovely head to the sky once more. It is much the same with people. In these troubled times, we face all manner of storms. Economic hardships, depression, failing health, the loss of a loved one in death—such tempests assail all of us at one time or another, and sometimes we can no more avoid them than the flower can uproot itself and run for cover. ","It is moving to see individuals who appear quite frail show surprising strength and endure such onslaughts. How do they do it? Often the key is faith. Jesus Christ’s half brother James wrote: “You know that when your faith succeeds in facing such trials, the result is the ability to endure.”—James 1:3, Today’s English Version. Another key is hope. When death strikes a loved one, for example, hope can make a world of difference to the survivors. The apostle Paul wrote to the Christians at Thessalonica: “We do not want you to be ignorant concerning those who are sleeping in death; that you may not sorrow just as the rest also do who have no hope.” (1 Thessalonians 4:13) While Christians certainly do grieve because of death, there is a difference. They have accurate knowledge about the condition of the dead and about the hope of the resurrection.—John 5:28, 29; Acts 24:15. This knowledge gives them hope. And that hope, in turn, gradually softens their grief. It helps them to endure, and more. In time, like the flower after the storm, they may lift their heads up from grief and find joy and fulfillment in life once again.",James 1:3; ,w94 10/15 p. 32,,,joshlaymon,,6/16/2025
"How Can We Respond Unselfishly to God’s Love? rowboat, swift river, water falls, exerting, ","It is as though we were in a small rowboat on a swiftly flowing river and were being pulled toward its falls. To avert disaster, we must strenuously row upstream against the strong current. We may not seem to be making much progress, but as long as we keep exerting ourselves vigorously, we will not go over the falls to our destruction. Surely, manifestations of Jehovah God’s love toward us should cause us to exert ourselves vigorously to be loyal to him by hating lawlessness and loving righteousness.","Consider the apostle Paul, who was blessed with supernatural visions and powers and with the gift of divine inspiration. To succeed in his struggle against sinful tendencies, he had to pummel—yes, severely beat—his body. Do we dare content ourselves with doing any less? (Romans 7:15-25; 1 Corinthians 9:27)",Romans 7:15-25; 1 Corinthians 9:27; ,w90 12/1 p. 17 par. 8 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/16/2025
"We Must Call Again and Again,  Rescue Work: disaster scene.","This Is a Rescue Work: Think of rescue workers at a disaster scene. Even though some may be searching in an area where few survivors are being found, they do not slack off and quit because their fellow workers are finding more survivors elsewhere. ","Our rescue operation has not been called off yet. Each year, hundreds of thousands who want to survive “the great tribulation” are being found.—Rev. 7:9, 14.","Rev. 7:9, 14; ",km 12/98 p. 1 par. 3 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/16/2025
Maintain a Positive Attitude Toward Your Ministry ,"Jehovah views all human life as precious. He gives us the privilege of working along with his Son in gathering people from all nations before the end of this system comes. (Hag. 2:7) Our preaching work could be likened to a rescue mission. And we are like members of a rescue team sent to free people trapped in a mine. Although only a few miners may be found alive, the work done by all the rescuers is valuable. The same is true of the work we do in our ministry. ",We do not know how many people will yet be rescued from Satan’s system. But Jehovah can use any one of us to help them.,Hag. 2:7; ,w21 May p. 19 par. 20,,,joshlaymon,,6/16/2025
"Are You a ‘Steward of God’s Undeserved Kindness’? Rescue work, construction, evangelizers,","We know that preaching the Kingdom message can save lives. At the same time, however, we also strive to imitate Paul by looking for opportunities to “impart some spiritual gift” to fellow believers.—Read Romans 1:11, 12; 10:13-15. Which of these two Christian activities is more important? Asking a question like that is somewhat similar to asking about a bird, Which of his two wings is more important? The answer is obvious. A bird needs to use both wings in order to fly properly. ","Similarly, we need to share in both aspects of our service to God in order to be complete as Christians. Thus, instead of regarding our assignments to preach the good news and to build up fellow believers as unrelated, we view them just as the apostles Peter and Paul did—as responsibilities that complement each other. In what way?As evangelizers, we employ whatever teaching skills we may have in trying to touch the hearts of our fellow men with the uplifting message of God’s Kingdom. In that way, we hope to help them to become Christ’s disciples. However, we also use whatever abilities and other gifts we may have in trying to warm the hearts of our fellow believers with uplifting words and helpful deeds—expressions of God’s undeserved kindness. (Prov. 3:27; 12:25) In that way, we hope to help them to remain Christ’s disciples. In both activities—preaching to the public and “ministering to one another”—we have the wonderful privilege of serving as an instrument in Jehovah’s hand.—Gal. 6:10.","Romans 1:11, 12; 10:13-15. ",w09 1/15 pp. 14-15 pars. 10-12 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/16/2025
How You Can Make Friends ,"Jesus once told Peter to be ready to forgive “up to seventy-seven times.” (Matthew 18:21, 22) A true friend is quick to overlook minor failings. To illustrate: Some do not like eating raspberries because of their little seeds. Those who enjoy this fruit, however, do not notice the seeds. ",True friends are loved for their fine qualities; their minor faults are overlooked. Paul exhorted us: “Continue putting up with one another and forgiving one another freely.” (Colossians 3:13) Those who learn to be forgiving keep their friends.,"Matthew 18:21, 22",w00 12/1 pp. 22-23,,,joshlaymon,,6/16/2025
"Imitate the Greatest Missionary, experience, ","Studying the Scriptures using the Bible Teach book can even change the heart of opposers. On one occasion Lula, a pioneer sister in Ethiopia, was conducting a Bible study when a relative of the student burst in and said that they need not have such a study.","Lula calmly reasoned with the relative, using the illustration about counterfeit money in chapter 15 of the Bible Teach book. The woman calmed down and allowed them to resume the study. In fact, she was there for the next study and requested her own Bible study, even offering to pay for it! She was soon studying three times a week and made fine spiritual progress.",Proverbs 17:27; ,w08 2/15 p. 19 par. 11,,,joshlaymon,,6/16/2025
"Worship That God Approves, counterfeit money. religion, ","How can you know the right way to worship Jehovah? You do not have to study and compare the teachings of all the many religions. You need only learn what the Bible really teaches about true worship. To illustrate: In many lands, there is a problem with counterfeit money. If you were given the job of picking out such false money, how would you go about it? By memorizing every kind of counterfeit? No. Your time would be better spent if you studied real money. After you knew what real money looked like, you could recognize a counterfeit. ","Similarly, when we learn how to identify the true religion, we can recognize those religions that are false. It is important that we worship Jehovah in the way that he approves. Many people believe that all religions are pleasing to God, but the Bible does not teach that. It is not even enough just to claim to be a Christian. Jesus said: “Not everyone saying to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter into the Kingdom of the heavens, but only the one doing the will of my Father who is in the heavens will.” To have God’s approval, therefore, we must learn what God requires of us and do it. Jesus called those who do not do God’s will “workers of lawlessness.” (Matthew 7:21-23) Like counterfeit money, false religion has no real value. Even worse, such religion is actually harmful.",Matthew 7:21-23; ,bh chap. 15 pp. 144-145 pars. 2-3,,,joshlaymon,,6/16/2025
"Take Your Stand for True Worship, neighborhood has been contaminated. religion, Babylon the great, ","SUPPOSE you found out that your whole neighborhood has been contaminated. Someone has secretly been dumping poisonous waste in the area, and now the situation is life threatening. What would you do? No doubt, you would move away if you could. But after doing that, you would still face this serious question, ‘Have I been poisoned?’","A similar situation arises with regard to false religion. The Bible teaches that such worship is contaminated with unclean teachings and practices. (2 Corinthians 6:17) That is why it is important for you to get out of “Babylon the Great,” the world empire of false religion. (Revelation 18:2, 4) Have you done this? If so, you are to be commended. But more is involved than just separating yourself or resigning from a false religion. Afterward, you must ask yourself, ‘Do any traces of false worship remain in me?’ Consider some examples.","2 Corinthians 6:17, ",bh chap. 16 p. 154 pars. 1-2 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/16/2025
"“Give Us More Faith”, ","Once our faith is established, we must continue to nourish it. Our faith might be compared to a wood fire. When the fire is started, it may come roaring to life in an intense blaze. However, if nothing more is done to the fire, it will eventually die down to hot coals that, in turn, will become cold ashes if left alone. But if you regularly feed the fire with more wood, it can be kept going indefinitely. ","So, too, our faith can be kept alive if we regularly feed on God’s Word. By progressively studying the Bible, we can develop a deep love for it and its Author, and that will become the basis for building more faith. James 2:26; ",James 2:26;,w15 10/15 p. 10 par. 7 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/16/2025
"Conclusion, traversing a vast desert. need of water.  genuine faith—like that water","Imagine that you are traversing a vast desert. You are in critical need of water. When you find some, you have to protect it from the sun. Then you need to be able to replenish your supply so that it will last you until you arrive at your destination. ","Today, we all live in a spiritual desert, a world where genuine faith—like that water—is rare and tends to evaporate quickly unless it is protected and replenished. Our need is pressing; just as we cannot live without water, we cannot survive spiritually without faith.—Rom. 1:17.",Rom. 1:17.,ia p. 206 par. 2,,,joshlaymon,,6/16/2025
"Exercise Your Faith in Jehovah’s Promises, artificial plant, lack of water, ","Clearly, our prospect of enjoying eternal life in God’s new world depends on our having faith and keeping it strong. The need to keep our faith healthy can be likened to a plant’s need for water. Unlike an artificial plant, a living plant keeps changing. A live plant either withers because of a lack of water or continues to thrive with a regular supply of moisture. ","If deprived of sufficient water, a once healthy plant will eventually die. So, too, our faith. It will wither and die if neglected. (Luke 22:32; Heb. 3:12) But if we give it due attention, our faith will stay alive and keep “growing,” and we will be “healthy in faith.”—2 Thess. 1:3; Titus 2:2.","Luke 22:32; Heb. 3:12, ",w16 October p. 27 par. 5,,,joshlaymon,,6/16/2025
"Building a Family That Honors God, opinions, husband, wife, ","This does not mean that a wife cannot express her opinions. If something disturbs her, she can respectfully give voice to it. (Genesis 21:9-12) ","Conveying an idea to her husband might be likened to throwing a ball to him. She can toss it gently so that he can easily catch it, or she can fling it with such force that it injures him. How much better it is when both mates avoid hurling accusations but, rather, speak in a kind and gentle manner!—Matthew 7:12; Colossians 4:6; 1 Peter 3:3, 4.","Matthew 7:12; Colossians 4:6; 1 Peter 3:3, 4.",kl chap. 15 p. 144 par. 13 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/16/2025
"Let Mildness Be Your Strength, debate, listen, talk, throwing a ball, ","Of course, sound reasoning alone may not be enough to persuade some listeners. But expressing ourselves with tact and mildness can help. (Read Colossians 4:6.) Sharing our convictions can be likened to throwing a ball. We can toss the ball gently or hurl it forcefully. When we throw it gently, the other player is more likely to catch it and to continue playing. ","Similarly, if we express ourselves with tact and mildness, people may be more willing to listen and to continue the conversation. Of course, if someone wants to win a debate or to ridicule our beliefs, we are not obligated to answer him further. (Prov. 26:4) But such a person may be the exception; some—perhaps many—will listen.",Colossians 4:6.,w23 September p. 19 par. 18 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/16/2025
"Who Is the Hearer of Prayer? nature, creation, hearing footsteps behind,","But there is a limit to what nature can teach us about God. Observing evidence of God in creation is like hearing the footsteps of someone approaching behind a closed door. You know that someone is there, but who is it? To find out, you need to open the door. We need to do something similar in order to identify the Someone behind creation.","The Bible is a door to knowledge about God. When you open that door and consider some of its detailed prophecies and their fulfillment, you will find evidence that God exists. But more than that, the record of God’s dealings with people shows the very personality of the Hearer of prayer. Hebrews 3:4; ",Hebrews 3:4; ,w12 7/1 p. 5 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/16/2025
"Youths Who Make Jehovah’s Heart Rejoice, clothing, faulty, ","IMAGINE that you are shopping for clothes. While browsing, you catch sight of a garment that immediately appeals to you. The color and style seem just right for you, and the price tag indicates that this is a real bargain. But then you take a closer look. Much to your surprise, you notice that the fabric is frayed at the edges, and the stitching is somewhat shoddy. The garment, while attractive, is cheaply made. Would you spend your money on such an inferior product? Compare this to a situation that could confront you as a Christian youth. At first glance, the things of this world—much like that garment—might seem highly appealing. ","For instance, your schoolmates may go to exciting parties, take drugs, drink, date casually, and engage in premarital sex. Are you, on occasion, attracted to such a life-style? Do you long for just a taste of their so-called freedom? If so, do not hastily conclude that you are bad at heart and just not cut out to be a Christian. After all, the Bible acknowledges that the world can be powerfully enticing—even to a person who wants to please God.—2 Timothy 4:10. Now please take a closer look, just as you would at an item of clothing that you were interested in buying. Ask yourself, ‘Of what quality is the fabric and stitching of this system of things?’ The Bible states that “the world is passing away.” (1 John 2:17) Any pleasure derived from it would be temporary at best. Furthermore, ungodly conduct has a high price tag. It is certainly no bargain. One Christian, who has had to endure what she calls “the pains resulting from a misspent youth,” says: “The world may appear to be glamorous and inviting. And it wants you to believe that you can have its form of fun without pain. But this simply isn’t possible. The world will use you, and when it is through, it will throw you away.” Why waste your youth on such an inferior way of life?",2 Timothy 4:10.,w03 4/15 pp. 12-13 pars. 1-3 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/16/2025
"Do You Want to Live Forever? Life—Transient and Precious, gold, ","Some feel that the shortness of life is what makes it so precious. They may compare life to gold, which exists only in limited amounts. If gold could be found everywhere, they point out, its value would be diminished. ","Nevertheless, gold would still be beautiful. Surely the same is true of life.",John 17:3;,w04 11/15 p. 5,,,joshlaymon,,6/16/2025
"Do You Want to Live Forever? abundance of air, Sailors in a malfunctioning submarine, ","We might compare enjoying eternal life to having an abundance of air. Sailors in a malfunctioning submarine would consider air to be especially valuable. After they were rescued, do you think they would unappreciatively complain about again enjoying air in abundance? Surely not!","Like such sailors, we can be rescued but with the even greater prospect of everlasting life. “The wages sin pays is death,” wrote the apostle Paul, “but the gift God gives is everlasting life by Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Romans 6:23) Through Jesus’ ransom sacrifice, God will remove human imperfection and death and will bestow upon obedient mankind the gift of everlasting life. How grateful we should be for such a loving arrangement!",Romans 6:23; ,w04 11/15 pp. 5-6,,,joshlaymon,,6/16/2025
 “Let Endurance Complete Its Work” ,"We must endure, not for a time, but to the end. To illustrate: Imagine a ship that capsizes. To survive, the passengers must swim to shore. The swimmer who gives up only a few yards from shore faces the same fate as the swimmer who gave up much earlier. ","Similarly, we are determined to endure until we reach the new world. Our life depends on our enduring. We have an attitude like that of the apostle Paul, who twice stated: “We do not give up.”—2 Cor. 4:1, 16.","2 Cor. 4:1, 16.",w16 April p. 17 par. 17,,,joshlaymon,,6/16/2025
“Consider Closely the One Who Has Endured” Two men are imprisoned ,"Consider an illustration: Two men are imprisoned in similar conditions but for very different reasons. One, a common criminal, begrudgingly serves his sentence with sad-faced compliance. The other, a true Christian imprisoned for his faithful course, stands his ground and keeps a positive attitude because he sees his situation as an opportunity to demonstrate his faith. ","The criminal can hardly be considered an example of endurance, whereas the loyal Christian exemplifies this sterling quality.—James 1:2-4.",James 1:2-4.,cf chap. 7 p. 67 par. 5,,,joshlaymon,,6/16/2025
"What Is “the End”? beautiful home, tenants, peaceable, others abused, damaged, ","Consider an illustration. Suppose you owned a beautiful home and allowed people to live in it for free. Some of the tenants lived peaceably with one another and took good care of your home. Others, however, made nothing but trouble, fought with one another, and abused the good tenants. They damaged your property and stubbornly refused to respond to your efforts to stop them.","What would you do to correct matters? Would you destroy your home? Not likely. You would probably evict the bad tenants and repair what damage had been done. Jehovah will act in a similar manner. He inspired the psalmist to write: “Evildoers themselves will be cut off, but those hoping in Jehovah are the ones that will possess the earth. And just a little while longer, and the wicked one will be no more; and you will certainly give attention to his place, and he will not be. But the meek ones themselves will possess the earth, and they will indeed find their exquisite delight in the abundance of peace.”—Psalm 37:9-11.",Psalm 37:9-11.,w11 3/1 pp. 8-9 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/16/2025
" Elders, How Do You Feel About Training Others? Samuel, Saul, training, prepared, teacher, teach, ","Be a friend, not just a teacher. The day Samuel met Saul, the prophet could have pulled out a flask of oil, hurriedly poured it on Saul’s head, and sent the new king on his way—fully anointed but totally unprepared. Instead, Samuel kindly took the time to prepare Saul’s heart step-by-step. Only after they had a fine meal, a pleasant stroll, a long talk, and a good rest did the prophet feel that the right moment had arrived to anoint Saul.","Likewise, a teacher today should start his training by taking time to develop a relaxed atmosphere and a bond of friendship with the learner. The specific steps an elder takes to create such a warm relationship will differ somewhat from land to land, depending on local circumstances and customs. Yet, no matter where you live, if you as a busy elder set aside time to spend with a learner, you are telling him, in effect, “You are important to me.” (Read Romans 12:10.) That unspoken message will be clearly understood and deeply valued by willing learners everywhere.Elders, remember: A successful teacher is someone who not only loves to train another person but also loves the person he is training. (Compare John 5:20.) That crucial aspect of a teacher’s disposition is quickly discerned by a learner and greatly affects the way he responds to the training he receives. Therefore, dear elders, as you give training, be more than a teacher—be a friend.—Prov. 17:17; John 15:15.",Romans 12:10.,w15 4/15 p. 7 pars. 18-20,,,joshlaymon,,6/16/2025
"Elders, How Do You Feel About Training Others?","Be willing, not reluctant. When Samuel first heard that the Israelites wanted a human king, he felt disappointed and rejected by his people. (1 Sam. 8:4-8) In fact, he was so reluctant to do what the people demanded that Jehovah three times saw the need to tell him to listen to them. (1 Sam. 8:7, 9, 22) Even so, Samuel did not allow bitterness or resentment against the man who would replace him to take root in his heart. When Jehovah told him to anoint Saul, the prophet obeyed, not reluctantly out of mere duty, but willingly out of love.","17 Like Samuel, experienced elders today show a kind disposition toward those whom they train. (1 Pet. 5:2) Such elders do not hold back from training others for fear of having to relinquish certain congregation privileges to the learners. Bighearted teachers view willing learners, not as competitors, but as “fellow workers”—as precious gifts to the congregation. (2 Cor. 1:24; Heb. 13:16) And what satisfaction such unselfish teachers experience as they observe how the learners use their abilities to benefit the congregation!—Acts 20:35.",2 Cor. 1:24; Heb. 13:16; ,w15 4/15 pp. 6-7 pars. 16-17,,,joshlaymon,,6/16/2025
"Elders, How Do You Feel About Training Others?  gardener needs to cultivate, ","A teacher needs to create the right conditions for training. Just as a gardener needs to cultivate, or loosen, the soil before sowing seeds, so a teacher needs to prepare, or encourage, the heart of a learner before teaching him new skills. So how do teachers create the right conditions for training others? By following an approach similar to that taken by one prophet of old. What approach is that?","One day over 3,000 years ago, Jehovah told the elderly prophet Samuel: “Tomorrow about this time, I will send to you a man from the land of Benjamin. You must anoint him as leader over my people Israel.” (1 Sam. 9:15, 16) Samuel realized that his role as leader had come to an end and that Jehovah had assigned him to anoint a successor. ‘How can I prepare that man for his task?,’ Samuel must have thought. He got an idea and worked out a plan.","1 Sam. 9:15, 16; ",w15 4/15 pp. 5-6 pars. 12-14,,,joshlaymon,,6/16/2025
"Let Your Brotherly Love Continue! elders, music, variety,","If an elder’s ministry before the congregation were likened to a piece of music, then rebuke and reprimand would be like a single note that fits into the whole. That note is fine in its place. (Luke 17:3; 2 Timothy 4:2) Imagine a song containing only that one note, repeated over and over again. It would quickly grate on our ears. In a similar vein, Christian elders try to round out their teaching and imbue it with variety. ","They do not limit it to the correcting of problems. Rather, its overall tone is positive. Like Jesus Christ, loving elders look first for the good to commend, not the fault to criticize. They appreciate the hard work their fellow Christians are doing. They are confident that by and large, each one is doing his best to serve Jehovah. And elders readily put that feeling into words.—Compare 2 Thessalonians 3:4.",Luke 17:3; 2 Timothy 4:2; ,w97 8/1 p. 18 par. 15,,,joshlaymon,,6/16/2025
"A soldier has an iron sword. Not tested, Jesus was tested, ","Consider an illustration. A soldier has an iron sword. Although it has never been tested in battle, it is perfectly formed and well crafted. However, he trades that sword for one made of a stronger metal, hardened steel. This new sword has already served well in battle. Is that not a wise trade? Similarly, the obedience Jesus demonstrated before he came to the earth was flawless. But after his sojourn here, his obedience was of an altogether different quality. It was now tested, hardened, as it were, and proved by trials that Jesus could never have encountered in heaven.","The Bible says something amazing about Jesus: “Although he was a son, he learned obedience from the things he suffered. And after he had been made perfect, he became responsible for everlasting salvation to all those obeying him.” (Hebrews 5:8, 9) This Son had existed for countless ages in heaven. He saw Satan and his fellow rebel angels disobey, but the firstborn Son never joined them. Inspired prophecy applied these words to him: “I was not rebellious.” (Isaiah 50:5) How, then, could the words “he learned obedience” apply to this perfectly obedient Son? How could such a perfect creature be “made perfect”?","Hebrews 5:8, 9",,,,joshlaymon,,6/16/2025
"Just follow your heart. Stupid, sounds sweet, innocent, trusting own heart, named their estates, Big plans, ","There's a common saying today that is popular in the world. Just follow your heart. It sounds so sweet, so agreeable, so innocent. It's not. It's stupid. To blindly follow your heart, which really means to follow your feelings, your emotions, and leave Jehovah out of the picture, is precisely what Proverbs 28:26 is referring to. It reads. He that is trusting in his own heart is stupid, but then it adds this interesting thought. It says, But he that is walking in wisdom is the one that will escape. Escape what? We escape from being guided by a treacherous heart. That's the point. Feelings are emotions. It says Jeremiah 17:9 says the heart is more treacherous than anything else and is desperate. ","We realize that the stupid in the Bible doesn't mean that a person is ignorant. It really applies to a person who doesn't listen to Jehovah and follow his ways. Well, the earth today is filled with people who meet that definition. They don't listen to Jehovah, they don't follow his ways, and So what the Bible says about them is true. But they can change. Some of us have. We walked in the past, perhaps according to our own heart. But we listened to the truth, and now Jehovah God is guiding us. Notice what Psalm 49:10-13 says about such people. Psalm 49:10 -13, those who walk according to their own heart. It reads He Jehovah sees that even wise people die. The stupid and the unreasonable perish together, and they must leave their wealth to others. Their inner wish is that their houses will last forever. They're tense to generation after generation. They have named their estates after themselves. But man, although honored, will not remain. He is no better than the beasts that perish. This is the way of the stupid ones and of those who follow them, who take pleasure in their empty words. Yes, how many people? Today, take pleasure in empty words and follow them everywhere. Men make all kinds of promises about the future and things they're going to accomplish. They're empty words because they don't take Jehovah God into account. ",Jeremiah 17:9; Proverbs 28:26; ,"William Malenfant, Bethel Brother, ",,,joshlaymon,,6/17/2025
" “Go On Acquiring Power in the Lord” Strangler fig, comfortable life-style, chokes out, ","One of Satan’s most successful ploys is that of getting us absorbed in this world and its materialistic pursuits. In his illustration of the sower, Jesus warned that in some cases “the anxiety of this system of things and the deceptive power of riches choke the word [of the Kingdom].” (Matthew 13:18, 22) The Greek word here rendered “choke” means “strangle completely.” In tropical forests, one may find the strangler fig. It grows slowly as it surrounds the trunk of a host tree. Little by little, the vine envelops its host with roots that get stronger and stronger. The strangler fig’s multiple roots eventually absorb most of the nutrients in the soil at the base of the tree, while its canopy deprives its host of light. Finally, the host dies.","In a similar way, the anxieties of this system and the quest for riches and a comfortable life-style can gradually absorb more and more of our time and energy. With our attention diverted to the things of the world, we might easily neglect personal Bible study and make it a custom to miss Christian meetings, thus being cut off from spiritual nourishment. Materialistic goals now replace spiritual pursuits, and we finally become easy prey for Satan.","Matthew 13:18, 22; ",w04 9/15 p. 12 pars. 10-12 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/17/2025
"Cultivate Spirituality as a Couple, Two gardeners jointly own a garden, husband and wife , ","Why, then, should marriage mates strive to cultivate spirituality as a couple? Consider this illustration: Two gardeners jointly own a garden plot and want to grow vegetables. One decides to plant seeds at a certain time of year, whereas the other thinks that the seeds should be planted later. One wants to use a particular type of fertilizer, but the other disagrees strongly and feels that the plants do not need any help. One wants to toil in the garden each day. The other is happy to sit back and watch, rather than work. In such a scenario, the garden may yield some results, but it will not produce as much as it would have if both gardeners had agreed on what to do and then worked together to achieve those goals.","A husband and wife are like those gardeners. If just one partner cultivates spirituality, the relationship might improve. (1 Peter 3:1, 2) Yet, how much better it is when both partners agree to live by God’s standards and work hard to support each other as they serve God! “Two are better than one,” wrote wise King Solomon. Why? “Because they have a good reward for their hard work. For if one of them should fall, the other one can raise his partner up.”—Ecclesiastes 4:9, 10.","1 Peter 3:1, 2; ",w11 11/1 p. 14 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/17/2025
"Divine Guidance for Selecting a Marriage Mate, swinging trapeze, doubles up, An ice-skating couple","“I shall make you have insight and instruct you in the way you should go. I will give advice with my eye upon you.”—pSALM 32:8. AN AERIALIST catapults from his swinging trapeze, doubles up, and deftly somersaults in the air. Snapping out of his spin, he extends his arms and is caught by an upside-down trapeze artist from the opposite side. An ice-skating couple glide smoothly together in a rink. Suddenly, the man lifts his partner and thrusts her into the air. She spins, lands gracefully on one skate, and continues circling with him on the ice. ","Both performances seem almost effortless. Yet, who would even attempt them without practice, a capable partner, and particularly the right kind of guidance or instruction. Similarly, a good marriage may seemingly just happen. However, it too depends on a good partner, on coordinated effort, and especially on wise counsel. Indeed, proper guidance is essential.",PSALM 32:8. ,w01 5/15 p. 16 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/17/2025
"Teamwork, marriage, a husband and wife are like a pilot and copilot, not team but roommates, ","When there is teamwork in a marriage, a husband and wife are like a pilot and copilot with the same flight plan. Even when challenges arise, each spouse thinks in terms of “we” rather than “me.” BIBLE PRINCIPLE: “They are no longer two, but one flesh.”—Matthew 19:6.","“Marriage is not a solo act. Husband and wife must work together to make it successful.”—Christopher.WHY IT MATTERS; When a conflict arises, a husband and wife who are not a team will tend to attack each other rather than the problem. Minor issues will turn into major obstacles. “Teamwork is the essence of marriage. If my husband and I weren’t a team, we would be roommates instead of marriage mates—two people who live together but who aren’t on the same page when it comes to important decisions.”—Alexandra.",Matthew 19:6.,g18 No. 2 p. 5 2,,,joshlaymon,,6/17/2025
"“Let Marriage Be Honorable” true love, godly fear, and firm faith. decorations, ","Besides avoiding conduct that dishonors marriage, what steps can you take to rekindle your respect for your marriage mate? To answer, think of the marriage arrangement as being a house. Next, think of the kind words, thoughtful deeds, and other expressions of honor that marriage partners extend to each other as the decorative items that add beauty to a house. If you feel close to each other, your marriage resembles a house adorned with decorations that give it color and warmth. If your affection diminishes, those decorations gradually disappear, leaving your marriage as bleak as a house without any decorations. Since you desire to obey God’s command to “let marriage be honorable,” you would be moved to improve the situation. After all, something precious and honorable is worth repairing, or restoring. How can you do so? God’s Word states: “By wisdom a house is built up, and by discernment it is made secure. By knowledge its rooms are filled with all sorts of precious and pleasant treasures.” (Proverbs 24:3, 4) Consider how these words can be applied to marriage. Among the precious treasures filling a happy household are such qualities as true love, godly fear, and firm faith. (Proverbs 15:16, 17; 1 Peter 1:7) ","They create a strong marriage. But did you note how the rooms in the above-quoted proverb are filled with precious treasures? “By knowledge.” Yes, when applied, Bible knowledge has the power to transform people’s thinking and to move them to rekindle their love for each other. (Romans 12:2; Philippians 1:9) Hence, whenever you and your spouse sit down together and calmly consider a Bible passage, such as the daily text, or a Bible-based article in The Watchtower or Awake! pertaining to marriage, it is as if you were examining a lovely decoration that can beautify your house. When love for Jehovah moves you to apply in your marriage the counsel that you just examined, you are, as it were, bringing that decoration into the rooms of your house. As a result, some of the color and warmth that you once enjoyed in your marriage may return. Granted, it may take considerable time and effort to put those decorations back in place one by one. Yet, if you strive to do your share, you will have the deep satisfaction of knowing that you are obeying the Bible’s command: “In showing honor to one another, take the lead.” (Romans 12:10; Psalm 147:11)","Proverbs 24:3, 4; Romans 12:10; Psalm 147:11; ",lv chap. 11 pp. 130-132 pars. 20-22 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/17/2025
"Why the Breakdown? Marriage, Two couples buy the same model car. ","Consider this illustration: Two couples buy the same model car. One couple maintain their vehicle well and drive it carefully. Their car does not break down. The other couple invest no time or energy in maintaining their vehicle, and they drive recklessly. That car breaks down and is abandoned. Where does the fault lie for the second outcome—with the car or with the owners? Obviously, the owners bear much of the responsibility.","Similarly, the fact that many marriages fail does not mean that the institution of marriage is somehow flawed. The millions of marriages that succeed prove otherwise. Those marriages bring happiness and stability to individuals, to families, and to communities. But marriage, like a car, needs good care and regular maintenance if it is to last. Matthew 19:6.",Matthew 19:6., w11 2/1 p. 3,,,joshlaymon,,6/17/2025
"There Are Benefits to Being Loyal, sticking burs onto his woolen pullover. ","IN SOME countries, children love to tease a playmate by sticking burs onto his woolen pullover. The burs attach themselves to the wool, and whatever the playmate does—whether he walks, runs, shakes, or jumps—the burs cling. The only way to get rid of them is to pull them off one by one. To youngsters, that is all great fun.","Of course, not everyone appreciates burs on his clothes, but everyone is amazed at their ability to stick. A person who is loyal has a similar quality. The loyal one stays close to someone in an enduring relationship. He sticks faithfully to the duties and obligations of that relationship even when circumstances make it difficult. The word “loyalty” brings to mind virtues like trueness, allegiance, and devotion. However, while you might appreciate it when people are loyal to you, do you have the strength of character to be loyal to others? If so, to whom should you be loyal?",Genesis 2:24; ,w05 9/1 p. 4 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/17/2025
"Can You Widen Out in Love? chain holding ship's anchor, secure, strong, Congregation, ","THE chain holding a ship’s anchor has to withstand immense strain to keep the vessel from drifting. This is possible, however, only if the links in the chain are secure and strong. Otherwise the chain will snap.Much the same can be said of the Christian congregation.","For a congregation to be vigorous and healthy, the individual members need to be bound together in unity. What is it that binds them? Love, which is the strongest force for unity. No wonder that Jesus Christ told his disciples: “I am giving you a new commandment, that you love one another; just as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love among yourselves.” Indeed, true Christians have the kind of love for one another that goes beyond casual friendship and mutual respect. They develop self-sacrificing love.—John 13:34, 35.","John 13:34, 35, ",w07 1/1 p. 9,,,joshlaymon,,6/17/2025
"What Kind of Love Brings True Happiness? love of self, hedgehog, Such self-centered people are not truly happy.","The love of self mentioned at 2 Timothy 3:2 is not a normal, healthy love. It is a distorted, selfish love. People who love themselves excessively think more of themselves than it is necessary for them to think. (Read Romans 12:3.) Their main interest in life is themselves. They care little about others. When things go wrong, they tend to blame others rather than accept responsibility. ","One Bible commentary likens those who are lovers of themselves to “the hedgehog which . . . rolls itself up in a ball, keeping the soft, warm wool for itself . . . and . . . presents the sharp spines to those without.” Such self-centered people are not truly happy.","2 Timothy 3:2, Romans 12:3, ",w18 January p. 23 par. 5,,,joshlaymon,,6/17/2025
"The Recipe for True Happiness, loves money, never enough, ","The Bible writer Solomon put it this way: “The man who loves money can never have enough, and the man who is in love with great wealth enjoys no return from it.” (Ecclesiastes 5:10, The New English Bible) ","The situation might be compared to the itch produced by a mosquito bite—the more you scratch it, the more it itches, until it becomes an open sore.","Ecclesiastes 5:10, ",g 4/06 p. 5,,,joshlaymon,,6/17/2025
"How to Keep Our Love for One Another Strong, pulse, heart, weak or strong, health, ","In what way is our love for God closely connected to the love we show for our brothers and sisters? To illustrate, consider the connection that exists between our heart and other parts of our body. When a physician checks our pulse on our wrist to see if it is weak or strong, he may be able to get some information about the condition of our heart. How could we apply this principle to the topic of love?","Just as a doctor is able to get some information about the health of our heart when checking our pulse, we can get some information about the strength of our love for God by checking our love for others. If we notice that our love for fellow believers has weakened somewhat, this may indicate that our love for God is also growing weak. But when we regularly show love for fellow believers, this signals that our love for God is strong.","Hebrews 4:12, ",w23 November p. 9 pars. 4-5 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/21/2025
"He Could Have Had God’s Favor, Love, stroke a fire, meetings, studying his Word, meditating, prayer, ","Just as we stoke a fire to keep it alive, we need to keep our love for God burning by regularly studying his Word, meditating on what we read, and persevering in prayer. (Ps. 1:2; Rom. 12:12) ","Our love for Jehovah will, in turn, ignite our desire to please him in all that we do.","Ps. 1:2; Rom. 12:12, ",w18 June p. 15 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/17/2025
"Remain in God’s Love, apple seed, love for God is much more than a feeling. ","As described in the Bible, love for God is much more than a feeling. In fact, although the feeling of love for Jehovah is essential, that feeling is just the beginning of real love for him. An apple seed is essential to the development of a fruit-bearing apple tree. If you wanted an apple, however, would you be content if someone merely handed you an apple seed? Hardly! ","Similarly, a feeling of love for Jehovah God is only a start. The Bible teaches: “This is what the love of God means, that we observe his commandments; and yet his commandments are not burdensome.” (1 John 5:3) To be genuine, love for God must bear fine fruit. It must be expressed in actions.—Read Matthew 7:16-20. We show our love for God when we observe his commandments and apply his principles. It is not too hard to do so. Far from being burdensome, Jehovah’s laws are designed to help us live a good, happy, satisfying life. (Isaiah 48:17, 18) By living in harmony with Jehovah’s guidance, we show our heavenly Father that we truly appreciate all that he has done for us. Sadly, too few in today’s world show such appreciation. We do not want to be unappreciative, like some people who lived when Jesus was on earth. Jesus healed ten lepers, but only one turned back to thank him. (Luke 17:12-17) Surely we would want to be like the grateful one, not the ungrateful nine!","1 John 5:3, Matthew 7:16-20.",bh chap. 19 pp. 186-187 pars. 7-8,,,joshlaymon,,6/17/2025
"Keep “the Flame of Jah” Alive, ","TREAT EACH OTHER RESPECTFULLY Respect is vital in a marriage. It is like the oxygen that allows a campfire to burn brightly. Without oxygen, a fire quickly goes out. ","Similarly, without respect, a couple will find that their love can quickly grow cold.",Ephesians 5:33;,w23 May p. 24,,,joshlaymon,,6/17/2025
"Listen, Learn, and Show Compassion, doctor, He must listen attentively, look beneath the surface, symptoms, Judge,","As imperfect humans, all of us have a tendency to judge others by their outward appearance. (Read John 7:24.) But we learn only a little about a person from what we see with our eyes. To illustrate, even a brilliant and experienced doctor can learn only so much by just looking at a patient. He must listen attentively if he is to learn about the patient’s medical history, his emotional makeup, or any symptoms he is having. The doctor may even order an X-ray to see the inside of the patient’s body. Otherwise, the doctor could misdiagnose the problem. ","Similarly, we cannot fully understand our brothers and sisters by simply looking at their outward appearance. We must try to look beneath the surface—at the inner person. Of course, we cannot read hearts, so we will never understand others as well as Jehovah does. But we can do our best to imitate Jehovah.",John 7:24. ,w20 April pp. 14-15 par. 2,,,joshlaymon,,6/17/2025
Take as a Pattern the Prophets of God ,"To ‘search out deserving ones,’ we need to persevere and to view matters positively. (Matthew 10:11) For example, if we were to misplace our keys, we might retrace our steps and search in the various places where we had been. We might find them only after doing this repeatedly. ",Let us similarly persevere in searching out sheeplike ones. What joy we have when they respond to the good news in often-worked territory! And how we rejoice that God is blessing our work in lands where restrictions formerly limited our public ministry!—Galatians 6:10.,"Galatians 6:10; Matthew 10:11, ",w94 9/15 p. 18 par. 11,,,joshlaymon,,6/19/2025
"Jehovah Is Our Sovereign Lord!, drama of utmost importance, wicked one, two organizations, ","Today, a drama of utmost importance is under way—and it involves you! Especially does it relate to the vindication of Jehovah God’s sovereignty. This drama can be illustrated by a situation that might exist in a certain land. On the one hand, there is the duly constituted government that maintains order. On the other hand, there is a criminal entity ruling by fraud, violence, and murder. The illegal organization is a challenge to the sovereign rulership and tests the loyalty of all citizens to their government.", A similar situation exists on a universal scale. There is the legally constituted government of the “Sovereign Lord Jehovah.” (Ps. 71:5) But mankind is now threatened by a criminal organization headed by “the wicked one.” (1 John 5:19) It presents a challenge to the duly constituted government of God and tests the loyalty of all people to his sovereign rulership.,"Ps. 71:5; 1 John 5:19, ",w10 11/15 p. 24 pars. 2-3,,,joshlaymon,,6/19/2025
Should We Fear Satan? ,"It is very hard to detect. Colorless and odorless, it may catch its victims unawares. Perhaps over half of all deaths by poisoning worldwide may be traced to this single culprit: carbon monoxide. However, there is no need to panic. There are ways to detect that gas and to protect yourself. Many people wisely install warning monitors and then carefully heed any alarms.","Like carbon monoxide, Satan is invisible, very hard for humans to detect, and extremely dangerous. But God has not left us without help. You need not fear Satan if you take advantage of the following gifts God offers.The power of choice. James 4:7",James 4:7,w14 11/1 p. 6 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/19/2025
"Questions From Readers, resurrection, life, foreigners, righteous, work visa, ","So at the end of the 1,000 years, some will receive everlasting life and others will be destroyed forever.—Rev. 20:15; 21:3, 4. Consider an illustration. The situation of the two groups resurrected could be compared to that of foreigners who want to live in another country. The righteous are like those who receive a work visa or a resident visa that gives them a measure of recognition and freedom. ","In contrast, the unrighteous are like foreigners who may receive a temporary visa or a visitor’s visa. Such foreigners will have to prove themselves before being allowed to continue living in the new country. Similarly, the unrighteous resurrected ones will need to obey Jehovah’s laws and prove themselves righteous in order to remain in Paradise. And no matter what visa foreigners initially receive upon entry into another country, some may eventually receive citizenship while others may be deported. The outcome will be based on their attitude and conduct in the new country. So, too, the final outcome for all those resurrected will depend on their faithfulness and conduct in the new world.","Rev. 20:15; 21:3, 4. ",w22 September p. 26 pars. 5-6,,,joshlaymon,,6/19/2025
"Do You Really Need to Apologize? long friendship. gossip, slander, ","To illustrate: Mari Carmen and Paqui are two Christian women who had a long friendship. Because Mari Carmen believed some harmful gossip, however, her friendship with Paqui cooled off. Without explanation, she shunned Paqui completely. ","Nearly a year later, Mari Carmen learned that the gossip was untrue. What was her reaction? Love moved her to go to Paqui and humbly express her deep regret for behaving so badly. Both of them gave way to floods of tears, and they have been firm friends ever since. Though we may not feel that we have done anything wrong, an apology may resolve a misunderstanding. Romans 13:8.",Romans 13:8. ,w96 9/15 p. 22,,,joshlaymon,,6/19/2025
Do You Really Need to Apologize?,"The one receiving an apology should accept it in a humble manner. By way of illustration, let us suppose that two men who need to communicate are standing on the tops of two different mountains. Conversation across the chasm that divides them proves impossible. ","When one of them descends to the valley below and the other follows his example, however, they can converse easily. Similarly, if two Christians need to resolve a difference between them, let each one humbly meet the other in the valley, so to speak, and make suitable apologies.—1 Peter 5:6.",1 Peter 5:6.,w96 9/15 p. 23 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/19/2025
"What Is God Doing? The Damaging Effects of Sin, Adam, house, shambles, ","Imagine a house that has been a shambles for many years. The roof has caved in, the doors have fallen off their hinges, and the exterior has been vandalized. At one time, this house was in good condition—but no longer. Considering the extent of the damage that has occurred, restoration will be no small task; it will not take place overnight.","Now consider the damage that occurred to mankind some 6,000 years ago when an unseen spirit, Satan, induced Adam and Eve to rebel against God. Prior to that event, the first human couple enjoyed perfect health with the prospect of living forever along with future generations of their offspring. (Genesis 1:28) When they sinned, however, it was as if Adam and Eve vandalized the human family yet to be born. Do not underestimate the damaging effects of that rebellion. The Bible says: “Through one man [Adam] sin entered into the world and death through sin.” (Romans 5:12)",Genesis 1:28; Romans 5:12; ,w10 5/1 pp. 4-6,,,joshlaymon,,6/19/2025
"What Is God Doing? The Damaging Effects of Sin, Adam, house, shambles, abandon, ","Besides bringing death, sin has impaired our relationship with our Creator and has affected us physically, mentally, and emotionally. As a result, our condition is similar to that of a run-down house. The righteous man Job realistically summed up our situation when he described man as being “short of days and full of trouble.”—Job 14:1, Holman Christian Standard Bible.","But did God abandon the human race after the downfall of Adam and Eve? Not at all! In fact, from then until now, our heavenly Father has been working in behalf of the human family. To appreciate better just what he is doing for us, consider three steps that are necessary for restoring a house and how each of these relates to what God has done to restore mankind.",Job 14:1; ,w10 5/1 pp. 4-6,,,joshlaymon,,6/19/2025
"What Is God Doing? The Damaging Effects of Sin, Adam, house, shambles, abandon, restore, ","After inspecting a damaged house, the owner must decide whether to restore it or to demolish it. Immediately after the rebellion in Eden, Jehovah God announced his purpose to restore mankind. He said to the unseen spirit who was behind the rebellion: “I shall put enmity between you and the woman and between your seed and her seed. He will bruise you in the head and you will bruise him in the heel.”—Genesis 3:15.","With those words, Jehovah promised to destroy the instigator of the rebellion in Eden. (Romans 16:20; Revelation 12:9) Furthermore, Jehovah foretold that a future “seed” would redeem mankind from sin. (1 John 3:8) Those promises put on record a vital truth: God was going to repair, not demolish, his creation. But the restoration of mankind would require time.","Genesis 3:15., Romans 16:20; Revelation 12:9, ","w10 5/1 pp. 4-6, ",,,joshlaymon,,6/19/2025
"What Is God Doing? The Damaging Effects of Sin, Adam, house, shambles, abandon, restore, architect, ","An architect prepares blueprints that clearly set forth what the restoration work will accomplish. Jehovah God gave the Israelites a code of laws and designed a temple at which they were to worship him. The Bible says: “Those things are a shadow of the things to come.” (Colossians 2:17) Like blueprints, they represented something greater.","For example, the Israelites offered animal sacrifices to obtain forgiveness of sins. (Leviticus 17:11) That practice foreshadowed a greater sacrifice that would be offered centuries later—a sacrifice that would provide mankind with true redemption. The very layout of the tabernacle and temple at which the Israelites worshipped prefigured the steps that the future Messiah would take, from his sacrificial death to his ascension to heaven.—See the chart on page 7.","Colossians 2:17, Leviticus 17:11, ","w10 5/1 pp. 4-6, ",,,joshlaymon,,6/19/2025
"What Is God Doing? The Damaging Effects of Sin, Adam, house, shambles, abandon, restore, architect, Jesus,","A builder is chosen who will follow the blueprints and perform the restoration. Jesus was the promised Messiah who would follow the pattern that was set by the Israelites’ sacrifices and would give his own life to redeem mankind. Indeed, John the Baptizer called Jesus “the Lamb of God that takes away the sin of the world.” (John 1:29) Jesus willingly accepted the assignment. He stated: “I have come down from heaven to do, not my will, but the will of him that sent me.”—John 6:38.","God’s will for Jesus included that he not only would “give his soul a ransom in exchange for many” but also would make a covenant with his followers for a Kingdom. (Matthew 20:28; Luke 22:29, 30) That Kingdom is the means by which God will accomplish his purpose for mankind. The message about God’s Kingdom is called “good news” because it explains that God has set up a government in heaven to take control of earth’s affairs!—Matthew 24:14; Daniel 2:44.","John 6:38, Daniel 2:44, ","w10 5/1 pp. 4-6, ",,,joshlaymon,,6/19/2025
"We Serve the God Who Is “Rich in Mercy”, Disfellowshipped, shepherd, sheep, isolate, social creatures, ","Consider an illustration. A shepherd notices that one of his sheep is ailing. He knows that treating this particular illness requires that he isolate the sick sheep from the rest of the flock. However, sheep are social creatures. They long to be with the flock, and they may become agitated when kept apart. Does this mean, though, that the shepherd is being harsh or cruel in choosing this treatment? Of course not. He knows that if he allows the sick sheep to mingle with the rest of the flock, the illness will spread. By isolating the sick one, he protects the whole flock.—Compare Leviticus 13:3, 4.","When a Christian is disfellowshipped, we might think of him as being like that ailing sheep. He is sick in a spiritual sense. (Jas. 5:14) Spiritual sickness, like some forms of physical illness, can be quite contagious. So it is necessary in some cases to isolate a spiritually sick individual from the congregation. This discipline is an expression of Jehovah’s love for faithful members of His flock, and it may reach the wrongdoer’s heart and lead him to repentance. While disfellowshipped, the individual may be able to attend meetings, where he can be fed and built up spiritually. He is also free to receive literature for his personal use and to watch JW Broadcasting®. And as the elders observe his progress, they may from time to time offer personal counsel and direction to help him regain his spiritual health so that he can be reinstated as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses.","Leviticus 13:3, 4. Jas. 5:14, ",w21 October pp. 10-11 pars. 10-11,,,joshlaymon,,6/19/2025
"“Who Is Wise and Understanding Among You?”, Qualities, reflex hammer, straightens with a kick, automatic, ",Read James 3:17. We can benefit by considering some of the qualities that come from displaying “the wisdom from above.” Being chaste involves being pure and undefiled in our actions and motives. We need to reject evil things immediately. Doing so should be an automatic reaction. Perhaps you have had a doctor use a reflex hammer to tap the tendon just below your kneecap. Your leg reflexively straightens with a kick. It is automatic; you do not have to think about it. It should be similar when we are tempted to do evil. ,"Our chasteness and Bible-trained conscience should reflexively move us to reject what is bad. (Rom. 12:9) The Bible provides examples of those who reacted in this way, such as Joseph and Jesus.—Gen. 39:7-9; Matt. 4:8-10.","James 3:17.Gen. 39:7-9; Matt. 4:8-10, ",w08 3/15 p. 24 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/19/2025
"Is the Bible Still Changing Your Life? benefits of the ransom, ",Should we hesitate to avail ourselves of the benefits of the ransom because we feel unclean or sinful? Of course not! ,"That would be like refusing to use water to wash our hands when they are dirty. After all, the ransom is provided for repentant sinners. Thanks to the ransom, then, we can enjoy a friendship with Jehovah even though we are in an imperfect state.—Read 1 Timothy 1:15.","1 Timothy 1:15, ",w16 May p. 19 par. 7,,,joshlaymon,,6/19/2025
"Ransom,  father sentenced to death. grandfather intervenes, reasonably require certain things, ","Illustration: A family head may become a criminal and be sentenced to death. His children may be left destitute, hopelessly in debt. Perhaps their kindly grandfather intervenes on their behalf, making provision through a son who is living with him to pay their debts and to open up for them the possibility of a new life. ","Of course, to benefit, the children must accept the arrangement, and the grandfather may reasonably require certain things as assurance that the children will not imitate the course of their father. Phil. 2:7, 8.","Phil. 2:7, 8.", rs p. 308,,,joshlaymon,,6/19/2025
"A Corresponding Ransom for All, ","To illustrate: Imagine a large factory with hundreds of employees. A dishonest factory manager bankrupts the business; the factory closes its doors. Hundreds are now out of work and unable to pay their bills. Their marriage mates, children, and, yes, creditors all suffer because of that one man’s corruption! Then along comes a wealthy benefactor who pays off the company’s debt and reopens the factory. ","The cancellation of that one debt, in turn, brings full relief to the many employees, their families, and the creditors. But does the original manager get to share in the new prosperity? No, he is in prison and thus permanently out of his job! Similarly, the cancellation of Adam’s one debt brings benefits to millions of his descendants—but not to Adam. Hebrews 2:9; 2 Corinthians 5:21; 1 Peter 2:24.",Hebrews 2:9; 2 Corinthians 5:21; 1 Peter 2:24.,w91 2/15 p. 13 pars. 13-14 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/19/2025
Jehovah Provides “a Ransom in Exchange for Many”,"To illustrate: Imagine that you live in a town where most of the residents are employed at a large factory. You and your neighbors are well paid for your labors and lead comfortable lives. That is, until the day the factory closes its doors. The reason? The factory manager turned corrupt, forcing the business into bankruptcy. Suddenly out of work, you and your neighbors are unable to pay the bills. Marriage mates, children, and creditors suffer because of that one man’s corruption. Is there a way out? Yes! ","A wealthy benefactor decides to intervene. He appreciates the value of the company. He also feels for its many employees and their families. So he arranges to pay off the company’s debt and reopen the factory. The cancellation of that one debt brings relief to the many employees and their families and to the creditors. Similarly, the cancellation of Adam’s debt benefits untold millions. Romans 5:16.",Romans 5:16.,cl chap. 14 p. 143 pars. 11-12,,,joshlaymon,,6/19/2025
"How the Ransom Saves Us, corrupt bank, debt, Lamb of God, ","How the ransom works can be illustrated by the situation of people who have been defrauded of all their savings by a corrupt bank and thus fell into debt. The owners of the bank are justly sentenced to years in prison. But what about the innocent victims? Reduced to poverty, they have no way out of their circumstances unless a kind and wealthy man takes over the bank and restores to the victims all their savings, relieving them of debt. ","In like manner, Jehovah God and his beloved Son have purchased Adam’s offspring and canceled their debt of sin on the basis of Jesus’ shed blood. That is why John the Baptizer could say of Jesus: “See, the Lamb of God that takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29) The world of mankind whose sins are taken away includes not only the living but also the dead.",John 1:29; ,w10 8/15 p. 14 par. 11 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/19/2025
"Jehovah’s Forgiveness—Why We Appreciate It, ","Is it possible for us to regain all that Adam and Eve lost? Not on our own merits. (Read Psalm 49:7-9.) Without help, we would have no hope for a future life or a resurrection. In fact, our death would be just like that of animals.—Eccl. 3:19; 2 Pet. 2:12. Thinking back to the young man mentioned at the outset, how would he feel if a wealthy man offered to pay off all his debts? No doubt, the young man would be moved by deep appreciation to accept that generous offer.","In a similar way, our loving Father, Jehovah, has given us a gift that pays for the debt of sin that we have inherited from Adam. Jesus explained it this way: “God loved the world so much that he gave his only-begotten Son, so that everyone exercising faith in him might not be destroyed but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16) Additionally, this same gift allows us the possibility of establishing a good relationship with Jehovah.","Psalm 49:7-9, Eccl. 3:19; 2 Pet. 2:12, ",w25 February p. 3 pars. 4-5 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/19/2025
"“Exercise Justice” in Walking With God, rescuer arrives, feel indebted, ","IMAGINE being trapped on a sinking ship. Just when you think that there is no hope, a rescuer arrives and pulls you to safety. How relieved you feel as your rescuer takes you away from the danger and says: “You are safe now”! Would you not feel indebted to that person? In a very real sense, you would owe him your life.","In some respects, this illustrates what Jehovah has done for us. Surely we are indebted to him. After all, he has provided the ransom, making it possible for us to be rescued from the clutches of sin and death. We feel safe knowing that as long as we exercise faith in that precious sacrifice, our sins are forgiven, and our eternal future is secure. (1 John 1:7; 4:9) As we saw in Chapter 14, the ransom is a supreme expression of Jehovah’s love and justice. How should we respond?",1 John 1:7; 4:9; ,cl chap. 16 p. 158 pars. 1-2 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/19/2025
"Rescue Needed!, GPS, capsulelike cage, ","A COAL MINE near Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, U.S.A., was suddenly flooded by millions of gallons of water. Nine miners were trapped in an air pocket 240 feet [73 m] underground. Three days later, they were back on the surface, safe and sound. How were they rescued? Aided by maps of the mine and by the Global Positioning System, rescuers drilled a 30-inch [65 cm]-wide hole and lowered a capsulelike cage down to where the men were huddled. One by one, the miners were brought to the surface in that cage, out of their would-be tomb. All were happy, relieved, and grateful for their rescue. ","Most of us will never be trapped underground like those nine coal miners or have to face death in a catastrophe. Still, we all need to be rescued, for we cannot escape the ravages of sickness and old age and finally death. “Man, born of woman, is short-lived and glutted with agitation,” observed the faithful patriarch Job. “Like a blossom he has come forth and is cut off, and he runs away like the shadow and does not keep existing.” (Job 14:1, 2) Today, some 3,500 years later, those words continue to prove true, for who of us can escape life’s fatal outcome—death? Regardless of where we live or how well we guard our health, we need to be rescued from the clutches of suffering, old age, and death.","Job 14:1, 2, ",w08 3/1 p. 3,,,joshlaymon,,6/19/2025
"Young Ones—How Can You Prepare for Baptism? ransom, ","Your response to the ransom might be illustrated this way: Imagine that someone rescued you from drowning. Would you simply go home, dry yourself off, and forget about what was done for you? Of course not! You would certainly feel indebted to the person who rescued you. The fact is, you would owe that person your life! ","We owe Jehovah God and Jesus Christ much more. Without the ransom, each of us would, in a sense, drown in sin and death. But because of this great act of love, we now have the incomparable prospect of living forever on a paradise earth! 2 Corinthians 5:14, 15; 1 John 4:9, 19.) Thinking about the ransom and what it means for you will motivate you to respond appreciatively.","2 Corinthians 5:14, 15; 1 John 4:9, 19. ",w16 March p. 11 pars. 16-17,,,joshlaymon,,6/19/2025
"“We All Belong to the Same Family” bougainvillea, a climbing vine, various colors, race, partiality, ","One Witness family—Eugène Ntabana, his wife, and two children—lived in the capital, Kigali. When explaining Christian neutrality to his neighbors, Eugène often spoke of the bougainvillea, a climbing vine that thrives in warm climates.—Matthew 22:21.","“Here in Kigali,” Eugène would explain, “the bougainvillea produces red, pink, and sometimes white flowers. Yet, they all belong to the same family. It is the same with humans. Although we may be of different races, skin color, or ethnic background, we all belong to the same family, the family of mankind.”",Matthew 22:21.,w96 11/1 p. 32 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/19/2025
"Let Mildness Be Your Strength, Insight, Challenge, Motive, belief, ","Insight can also help us. (Prov. 19:11) An insightful person shows restraint when challenged about his beliefs. Some questions or challenges are like icebergs, the greater part lying below the surface.","For example, a hidden motive or concern may prompt a person to ask a question. So before answering, we do well to realize that we may not know what has moved the person to raise the issue.—Prov. 16:23.",Prov. 19:11; Prov. 16:23. ,w23 September p. 16 par. 8 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/19/2025
"Our Teaching Toolbox, Bible, God's word, most important, ","Craftsmen use a variety of tools. While some tools are occasionally needed for specialized tasks, other basic tools are used frequently. Experienced craftsmen always have these basic tools in their toolbox, and these are the ones that they are the most skillful at using. The Bible encourages each Christian to apply himself in the ministry and to be “a workman with nothing to be ashamed of.” (2 Tim. 2:15) ","What is the most important tool in our toolbox? It is God’s Word—the principal tool we use to “make disciples.” (Matt. 28:19, 20) Therefore, we should endeavor to become skillful at “handling the word of the truth aright.” However, there are other frequently used tools in our teaching toolbox that all Christians should learn to use skillfully to teach people the truth.—Prov. 22:29.","2 Tim. 2:15; Matt. 28:19, 20, ",km 7/15 p. 3 par. 1 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/19/2025
"Hope in Jehovah, prison, x-ray, learn our weaknesses, correct them, ","We too can learn a lot about ourselves when we are under trial. A brother named Nikolay, who was put in prison despite suffering from severe health problems, says:."," “A prison is like an X-ray, showing the inner qualities of a Christian.” Once we identify our weaknesses, we can work on correcting them","Job 42:3, ",w22 June p. 23 par. 14 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/19/2025
" Learn From Jesus’ Younger Brother, Pride, harden heart, Pharisees, ","The lesson: Avoid pride, and remain teachable. Just as disease can harden the arteries of a literal heart and restrict its ability to beat, pride can harden our figurative heart and prevent us from responding to Jehovah’s direction. ","The Pharisees allowed their heart to become so hard that they refused to recognize the clear evidence being presented to them by God’s spirit. (John 12:37-40) That was a dangerous course because it affected their everlasting future. (Matt. 23:13, 33)","John 12:37-40, Matt. 23:13, 33, ",w22 January p. 10 par. 7 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/19/2025
"Parents and Children: Put God First! scared like being cold, ","One youth noted: “Being scared is like being cold. You can do something about it.” She explained: “When you’re cold, you put on a sweater. If you’re still cold, you put on another one. And you keep on putting something on until the coldness goes away and you’re no longer cold. ","So praying to Jehovah when you’re scared is like putting on a sweater when you’re cold. If after one prayer I’m still scared, I pray again, and again, and again, until I don’t feel scared anymore. And it works. It has kept me out of trouble!” If we really try to put God first in our lives, Jehovah will back us up. He will strengthen us, providing angelic help when it is needed, even as he did for his Son. (Matthew 18:10; Luke 22:43)","Matthew 18:10; Luke 22:43, ",w95 10/1 p. 18 pars. 20-21,,,joshlaymon,,6/19/2025
"Let Your Petitions Be Made Known to God”, make our petitions known in prayer, gift,  ","Some may ask, ‘Does not Jehovah already know all our needs?’ Yes, he does. (Matthew 6:8, 32) Why, then, does he still want us to approach him with our petitions? Consider this example: A store owner may offer a gift to some of his customers. However, to receive this gift, the customers must come to the owner and claim it. Those unwilling to make the effort to do so would show that they do not really appreciate the offer. ","Similarly, neglecting to make our petitions known in prayer would show a lack of appreciation for what Jehovah provides. Jesus said: “Ask and you will receive.” (John 16:24) In this way, we demonstrate our reliance on God.","Matthew 6:8, 32",w06 9/1 pp. 27-28 par. 4 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/19/2025
"Why Should I Pray? ocean, puddle, rope, wish list, Prayer, ","“The depth of our prayers should be like an ocean, not a puddle. Jehovah wants to help us, and although he knows what we need even before we reach out to him, we can show how much we trust in him by the depth of our prayers.”—Moises. “Prayer is like a rope with Jehovah holding one end and me holding the other. When I pray about what is deep within me, it feels as if I am tightening my hold on the rope and Jehovah is responding, making the bond between us tighter.”—Miranda.","“If we’re not careful, our prayers could become a wish list. But by thanking Jehovah, we come to appreciate the many things he has given us and we focus our prayers on something more than just ourselves.”—Jeremy.“The more we thank Jehovah, the more grateful we become. Thanking Jehovah in prayer helps us focus on the blessings we receive rather than on all the troubles we face.”—Shelby. Philippians 4:6,","Philippians 4:6, ",ijwyp article 69,,,joshlaymon,,6/19/2025
"How Can I Improve in My Prayers? Lock and Key, Unlocking the “Door”","Prayer is like a door that you can open at any time. However, many youths would say that they do not open the door as frequently or as freely as they should. If that’s so in your case, don’t give up! You’ve already identified the challenge and set a goal. Now you just need a key to unlock the door. Consider some obstacles that you might face, along with suggestions on how to overcome them.","◼ The Lock: NEGLECT. “Sometimes because of my hectic schedule, prayer gets pushed aside.”—Preeti, 20, Britain. The Key: “Keep strict watch that how you walk is not as unwise but as wise persons, buying out the opportune time for yourselves, because the days are wicked.”—Ephesians 5:15, 16. Suggestion: In advance, pick what might be a good time to pray each day. You could even write it down on paper, much as you would write down a reminder for an appointment. “If I don’t set a specific time to pray, I become preoccupied with other things,” says 18-year-old Yoshiko in Japan. ◼ The Lock: DISTRACTION. “I lose my concentration, and my mind seems to be on everything except what I’m saying.”—Pamela, 17, Mexico. The Key: “Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks.”—Matthew 12:34. Suggestion: If your mind still has a tendency to wander, try saying shorter prayers—at least until your concentration improves. Another idea: Pray about matters that are close to your heart. “As I got into my teens,” says 14-year-old Marina in Russia, “I began to meditate on the fact that prayer is actual communication with God. This motivated me to open my heart in prayer to him.” ◼ The Lock: ROUTINE. “When I pray, I find myself saying the same words over and over.”—Dupe, 17, Benin. The Key: “I shall certainly meditate on all your activity, and with your dealings I will concern myself.”—Psalm 77:12. Suggestion: If your prayers seem to be on automatic pilot, each day write down one specific blessing in your life. Then thank Jehovah for that blessing. Keep this up for a week, and you will have prayed about seven new topics without repeating yourself. Take the same approach to daily events. “When I pray, I try to focus on things that happened that day,” says 21-year-old Bruno in Brazil. Samantha, 18, in the United States, does the same. “I try to remember everything today that was different from other days, and then I pray about those things,” she says. “That helps me to keep from saying the same words over and over.” ◼ The Lock: DOUBT. “Once when I prayed about a problem at school, it didn’t go away. In fact, more problems arose. I thought, ‘Why pray anymore? Jehovah isn’t listening anyway!’”—Minori, 15, Japan. The Key: “Along with the temptation he [Jehovah God] will also make the way out in order for you to be able to endure it.”—1 Corinthians 10:13. Suggestion: One thing is certain: Jehovah is the “Hearer of prayer.” (Psalm 65:2) So after praying about a matter, try to see the bigger picture. Instead of waiting for the answer that you expect, look for one that may have already come. The fact that you’re still enduring as a Christian means that in all likelihood Jehovah did answer your prayer—not by removing the problem but by giving you the strength to bear it.—Philippians 4:13. ◼ The Lock: EMBARRASSMENT. “When I think of what my schoolmates will say if they see me praying before lunch, I get embarrassed.”—Hikaru, 17, Japan. The Key: “There is . . . a right time for everything we want to do.”—Ecclesiastes 3:1, Beck. Suggestion: While discreet silent prayer can attract favorable notice, you don’t have to make a public spectacle of your prayers. For example, the brief prayer that faithful Nehemiah offered before King Artaxerxes was evidently silent, and there is no record that the king was even aware that Nehemiah was praying. (Nehemiah 2:1-5) You too can offer a silent prayer to Jehovah without drawing attention to yourself.—Philippians 4:5.◼ The Lock: FEELINGS OF UNWORTHINESS. “Jehovah already knows about my problems. And if I’m fed up with them, I feel that he probably is too! I just don’t feel worthy to talk to him sometimes.”—Elizabeth, 20, Ireland.The Key: “Throw all your anxiety upon [God], because he cares for you.”—1 Peter 5:7. Suggestion: As a personal study project, do research and meditate on the following scriptures: Luke 12:6, 7; John 6:44; Hebrews 4:16; 6:10; 2 Peter 3:9. These verses will help you realize that Jehovah wants to hear from you and that you don’t have to be some type of spiritual giant to gain his listening ear. The psalmist David—who was no stranger to anxiety and distress—expressed the confidence that “Jehovah is near to those that are broken at heart; and those who are crushed in spirit he saves.” Psalm 34:18, ","1 Corinthians 10:13.Ephesians 5:15, 16, Matthew 12:34, Psalm 65:2, ",g 11/08 pp. 26-28 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/19/2025
"Young People, Praise Jehovah! slandered, defend Jehovah, ","There is yet another reason for praising Jehovah. Remember the illustration about your remarkable friend. If you heard others telling lies about him, slandering his good name, would you not be even more determined to praise him? ","Well, Jehovah is widely slandered in this world. (John 8:44; Revelation 12:9) Those who love him thus feel impelled to tell the truth about him, setting the record straight. Would you too like to express your love and appreciation to Jehovah and show that you want him as your Ruler instead of his chief enemy, Satan? You can do all of that by praising Jehovah.","John 8:44; Revelation 12:9, ",w05 6/15 p. 25 par. 10 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/19/2025
"Young People, Praise Jehovah! starry heavens cause “speech to bubble forth. ","Consider an illustration. If you had a close friend with an amazing skill—perhaps in sports, art, or music—would you talk about him to your family and other friends? No doubt. ","Well, learning about all that Jehovah has done can have a similar effect on us. For example, Psalm 19:1, 2 says that the starry heavens cause “speech to bubble forth.” As for us, when we think about the amazing things that Jehovah has accomplished, we can hardly hold back from talking to others about our God.","Psalm 19:1, 2",w05 6/15 p. 24 par. 7 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/19/2025
"Do Not Let Doubts Destroy Your Faith, Avoid Spiritual Starvation, doubts, ","When you are starved of food, your body begins to use up fuel reserves stored throughout the body. When these sources are exhausted, the body begins to consume protein that is essential for continued growth and repair of tissue. Vital organs begin to break down. Your health then quickly deteriorates. That is what happened in a spiritual sense to some in the early Christian congregation. They tried to live off their spiritual reserves. Likely, they neglected personal study, and they became spiritually weak. (Hebrews 5:12) The apostle Paul explained the danger in doing this when he wrote to Hebrew Christians: “It is necessary for us to pay more than the usual attention to the things heard by us, that we may never drift away.” He knew how easy it would be to drift into bad habits if we “neglected a salvation of such greatness.”—Hebrews 2:1, 3.","Interestingly, a person suffering from malnutrition does not necessarily look sickly or thin. Similarly, it may not be immediately obvious that someone is suffering from spiritual starvation. You can have an appearance of spiritual well-being even when you are not being nourished properly—but only for a short time! You will inevitably become weakened spiritually, susceptible to unfounded doubts, and unable to put up a hard fight for the faith. (Jude 3) You know—even if no one else does—the true extent of your personal spiritual feeding. Hence, keep up your personal study. Fight doubts vigorously. To ignore what appears to be a trivial infection, to do nothing about nagging doubts, may have disastrous consequences. (2 Corinthians 11:3) ‘Are we really living in the last days? Can you believe everything the Bible says? Is this truly Jehovah’s organization?’ Satan would love to plant doubts like these in your mind. Do not let a negligent attitude toward spiritual feeding leave you easy prey to his deceptive teachings. (Colossians 2:4-7) Follow the advice given to Timothy. Be a good student of “the holy writings” so that you can “continue in the things that you learned and were persuaded to believe.”—2 Timothy 3:13-15. You may need help to do this. The writer quoted earlier goes on to say: “With severe starvation the digestive organs may be so injured by lack of vitamins and other necessities that they can no longer take up ordinary foods if they are provided. People in this state may need food that requires little digestion for some time.” Special care is needed to remedy the effects of starvation on the body. Similarly, someone who has grossly neglected his personal study of the Bible may need much help and encouragement to regain his spiritual appetite. If that is your situation, seek help and gladly accept any assistance offered to rebuild your spiritual health and strength.—James 5:14, 15.","Hebrews 5:12, 1 Timothy 4:1; ",w01 7/1 pp. 19-21,,,joshlaymon,,6/19/2025
Should I Play Electronic Games? ,"Choosing to play violent or immoral electronic games is like choosing to play with radioactive waste—the damaging effects may not be immediately obvious, but they’re inevitable. In what way? Exposure to high doses of radiation can destroy the lining of the stomach and allow bacteria from the intestines to invade the bloodstream, resulting in sickness. ","Similarly, exposure to high doses of graphic sex and hideous violence can damage your “moral sense” and allow fleshly desires to invade and dominate your thinking and actions.—Ephesians 4:19; Galatians 6:7, 8.","Ephesians 4:19; Galatians 6:7, 8, ",yp2 chap. 30 pp. 249-250 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/19/2025
Improve Your Study Habits! buffet at a restaurant. ,"Of course, we want to prepare the material for the Watchtower Study and the Congregation Bible Study as well as other material for the midweek meeting. We should also keep up with each issue of The Watchtower and Awake!7 ‘Fine,’ you may say, ‘but what about all the features that appear on our website, jw.org, as well as the material that is presented on JW Broadcasting? There is so much!’ Consider an illustration: A great variety of delicious food is available on a buffet at a restaurant. ","The patrons of the restaurant could never sample everything that is offered. So they choose just a few dishes. Similarly, if you are unable to keep up with everything that is supplied electronically, do not be discouraged. Read or watch what you can.",Matthew 24:45-47; ,w19 May p. 27 pars. 6-7,,,joshlaymon,,6/19/2025
"Like Peter, You Can Persevere, practice, musician, wrong notes, will improve, Goal, ","Why is it necessary for us to persevere? There is a saying, Practice makes perfect. To illustrate: A musician may spend many years mastering his instrument. During that time, he may play thousands of wrong notes, but if he keeps practicing, he will improve. ","Even if he becomes a skilled musician, though, he may occasionally make a mistake. Still, he does not give up. He keeps working at his craft. In a similar way, even after we feel that we have overcome a certain weakness, we may suffer a setback. But we still keep working toward our goal. We all say or do things that we later regret; nonetheless, if we refuse to give up, Jehovah will help us to keep making progress. (1 Pet. 5:10)",1 Pet. 5:10,w23 September p. 21 par. 3,,,joshlaymon,,6/19/2025
"Forgive From Your Heart, ‘pass over’ transgressions, rude gesture, wisely pass over the offense. ","Yes, Jehovah was able to ‘pass over’ transgressions, even as David repeatedly asked him to do. (2 Samuel 12:13; 24:10) Can we imitate God in this, being willing to pass over the slights and offenses that our fellow servants commit as imperfect humans? Imagine yourself on a jet airplane speeding down a runway. Looking out, you see near the runway an acquaintance making the rude gesture of childishly sticking her tongue out. You know that she had been upset and might have you in mind. Or she might not be thinking of you at all. ","Anyway, as the plane circles to gain altitude, you pass high over the woman, who now seems to be just a speck. In an hour you are hundreds of miles away, and her offending gesture is long since behind you. Similarly, many times it will help us to forgive if we try to be like Jehovah and wisely pass over the offense. (Proverbs 19:11) Will not the slight seem tiny ten years from now or two hundred years into the Millennium? Why not just let it pass?",2 Samuel 12:13; 24:10; ,w99 10/15 pp. 15-16 par. 17,,,joshlaymon,,6/19/2025
"Teach Your Children to Love Jehovah, parents have only a relatively short period of time, arrows, ","AN ARCHER prepares to shoot an arrow at a target. He carefully places it against the bowstring, and with flexed muscles he bends his bow. Despite the strain, he takes time to aim the arrow. Then he lets it fly! Will the arrow hit the target? Several factors determine the answer, including the skill of the archer, the effect of the wind, and the condition of the arrow. “Like arrows in the hand of a mighty man, so are the sons of youth.”—PSALM 127:4.","King Solomon likened children to “arrows in the hand of a mighty man.” (Psalm 127:4) Consider how this illustration might be applied. An archer has the arrow in his bow for only a relatively short time. To hit the target, he must quickly let it go. Likewise, parents have only a relatively short period of time to develop in their children heartfelt love for Jehovah. After what seems to be just a few short years, the children grow up and leave home. (Matthew 19:5) Will they hit the target—that is, will the children continue to love and serve God after they leave home? Numerous factors influence the answer. Three of them are the skill of the parent, the environment in which the children are raised, and the way the ‘arrow,’ or child, responds to the training he or she receives.",Psalm 127:4; ,w07 9/1 p. 26 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/19/2025
"Parents—Train Your Children From Their Infancy,  ","Psalm 127:4 states: “Like arrows in the hand of a mighty man, so are the sons of youth.” Children are thus likened to arrows that should be accurately aimed at the target. An archer can never recall an arrow once it leaves his bow. ",Parents have “arrows”—their children—for only a comparatively brief period of time. That time should be used to instill godly principles in the mind and heart of their children.,"Psalm 127:4, ",w13 8/15 p. 17 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/19/2025
Youths—Let Your Parents Help You Guard Your Heart! ,"WHAT do you think is the most difficult challenge facing a ship’s captain? Is it crossing a vast ocean safely? Not usually. Most shipwrecks occur near the shore, not in the open sea. In fact, docking a ship can even be more hazardous than landing an airplane. Why? Before a captain can safely berth his ship, he has to avoid all the dangers that a particular port may pose. He needs to take into account underwater currents while steering clear of other ships. He must also skirt any sandbanks, rocks, or wrecks hidden underneath the water. And to make matters worse, this may be his first visit to the harbor.","To help overcome these problems, a wise captain may engage the services of a pilot who knows the local waters intimately. The pilot stands at the captain’s side on the bridge and gives expert direction. Together they consider the hazards and steer the ship through any narrow channels to the port. The invaluable expertise of the pilot illustrates the priceless help available to Christian youths who have to chart a course through the difficult waters of life. What is this help? Why do teenagers need it?","Jeremiah 17:9, Rotherham, ",w04 10/15 pp. 20-24 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/19/2025
"Youths—Let Your Parents Help You Guard Your Heart! guidance, ","Let us continue the illustration of the ship. If you are an adolescent, you are somewhat like the captain of a ship in that you must eventually take responsibility for your life. And your parents have a role similar to that of a ship’s pilot as they try to guide you through some of the most difficult situations you will ever have to face in life. During the teenage years, however, you may find it hard to accept the advice your parents give you. Why is that?","The problem often lies with the heart. Your figurative heart may impel you to desire what is forbidden or to protest at any apparent denial of freedom. “The inclination of the heart of man,” the Bible says, “is bad from his youth up.” (Genesis 8:21) Jehovah makes clear that you have a real challenge ahead of you. “Deceitful is the heart above all things, and dangerously wayward,” he warns. (Jeremiah 17:9, Rotherham) In addition to harboring wrong desires, the heart can deceive a youth into thinking that he knows better than his parents, even though they have much more experience. There are good reasons, however, for you to seek your parents’ help when navigating the difficult teenage years.","Genesis 8:21, ",w04 10/15 pp. 20-24 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/19/2025
"Why Obey Your Parents? Youths—Let Your Parents Help You Guard Your Heart! guidance, sex, ","With such experienced help at your side, you are aided in handling even the most difficult of situations successfully. Take, for example, your relationship with the opposite sex. How can Christian parents guide you in this sensitive matter? Attraction to the Opposite Sex. Pilots advise ship captains to give sandbanks that stretch beneath the waters a wide berth. Sandbanks are soft but also treacherous, since they constantly shift position. Your parents will likewise want you to keep your distance from situations that might ensnare you emotionally. Parents know, for example, that feelings toward the opposite sex go deep and can be difficult to define. But once aroused, these feelings can cause you to run aground.","The example of Dinah illustrates a risk of steering too close to danger. Perhaps curiosity and a desire to have a good time moved Dinah to seek companionship with Canaanite girls, whose morals were undoubtedly lax. What at first seemed to be innocent fun soon led to a tragic experience—she was raped by “the most honorable” young man in town.—Genesis 34:1, 2, 19. Such dangers are compounded by the sexually oriented times in which we live. (Hosea 5:4) Most youths may give the impression that having fun with the opposite sex is the most exciting thing possible. Your heart may race at the thought of being alone with someone whom you find physically attractive. But loving parents will try to protect you from association with youths who do not respect God’s standards.","Ephesians 3:15; Ephesians 6:1-3, Phillips; Psalm 78:5",w04 10/15 pp. 20-24 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/19/2025
"Why Obey Your Parents? Youths—Let Your Parents Help You Guard Your Heart! guidance, sex, slaughter.","Laura admits that curiosity can blind teenagers to danger. “When the girls in my class tell me that they have danced into the night with some great boys, they make it sound like a never-to-be-forgotten experience. I realize that they often exaggerate, but I still feel curious and think that perhaps I’m missing out on a lot of fun. Although I know that my parents are right not to let me go to such places, I still feel the temptation.”","A ship has no brakes, so it takes a long time to stop. Parents know that passion behaves similarly. The book of Proverbs likens a man moved by unrestrained passion to a bull being led to the slaughter. (Proverbs 7:21-23) You do not want to allow such a thing to happen to you, leading you to emotional and spiritual shipwreck. Your parents may recognize when your heart has begun to mislead you in this area, and they may give you counsel accordingly. Will you have the wisdom to listen to them and thus avert calamity?—Proverbs 1:8; 27:12. You also need your parents’ support when you have to cope with peer pressure. How can they help you? The Persuasive Power of Your Peers A strong tide or current can drive a ship off course. To counteract this force, the ship has to be steered in another direction. In a similar way, the persuasive influence of other youths can push you off course spiritually unless you take countermeasures.",Proverbs 1:8; 27:12. ,w04 10/15 pp. 20-24 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/19/2025
"How to Be a Successful Parent, ","Consider an illustration. A building contractor may have at his disposal the finest blueprints and building materials available. But what would result if the contractor refused to follow the blueprints, perhaps even permitting foolish shortcuts to be taken or allowing inferior materials to be substituted for the quality ones? Would not the completed building be faulty, even dangerous to use? Suppose, though, that the contractor was conscientious and did his best to follow the blueprints and to use quality materials. Would not the owner of the completed building now have a responsibility to maintain it in proper order? Would he not also have a responsibility not to tear out the quality materials and replace them with inferior ones?","In a figurative way, parents are involved in a construction work. They want to build into their children fine personalities. The Bible provides the best blueprint for this. The quality materials, “gold, silver, precious stones,” are likened in the Scriptures to qualities such as strong faith, godly wisdom, spiritual discernment, loyalty, and loving appreciation for almighty God and his laws.—1 Corinthians 3:10-13; compare Psalm 19:7-11; Proverbs 2:1-6; 1 Peter 1:6, 7. The child too, as he becomes older, takes on more and more responsibility to build within himself a true upright personality. He must be willing to follow the same blueprint, God’s Word, and use the same quality materials as did his parents. If the child on becoming a young adult refuses to do this or tears down such fine building work, then he is to blame for the resulting disaster.—Deuteronomy 32:5.","Psalm 19:7-11; Proverbs 2:1-6; 1 Peter 1:6, 7.",w88 5/1 pp. 3-4 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/19/2025
"Why Disfellowshipping Is a Loving Provision, hiker, cold day, hypothermia, ","Love and firmness are needed to produce the desired result. “Should the righteous one strike me, it would be an act of loyal love,” said the psalmist David, and “should he reprove me, it would be like oil on my head.” (Ps. 141:5) ","To illustrate: Imagine a hiker who succumbs to exhaustion on a cold winter day. He begins to suffer from hypothermia, and he feels drowsy. If he falls asleep in the snow, he will die. While waiting for a rescue party, his companion occasionally slaps him in the face to keep him awake. The slap may sting, but it could well save his life. Similarly, David recognized that a righteous person might need to give him painful correction for his own good.","Ps. 141:5, ",w15 4/15 p. 31 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/19/2025
"You Can Break Through These Barriers! Maintaining Momentum, airplane takes off, ","It is possible to break through barriers such as the three we have considered. When an airplane takes off, maximum engine power is normally required as well as the undivided attention of the flight crew. During takeoff, the engines gulp considerably more fuel than during any other part of the flight. Similarly, to break free from negative thoughts and feelings requires maximum effort and concentration. Getting started may be the most difficult phase, whereas progress becomes easier once momentum has been gained.—Compare 2 Peter 1:10. ","Forward momentum is maintained by promptly heeding Scriptural encouragement. (Psalm 119:60) We can be sure that the congregation will want to help. (Galatians 6:2) Most important of all, however, is the support of Jehovah God. As David said, “blessed be Jehovah, who daily carries the load for us.” (Psalm 68:19) When we unburden ourselves in prayer, our load becomes lighter. At times, an airplane leaves behind a rainy gray world, passes through a cloud layer, and flies into a sky full of bright sunshine. We too can leave behind negative thoughts. With divine help, we can break through the cloud layer, as it were, and bask in the bright, happy atmosphere of Jehovah’s worldwide family of worshipers.","2 Peter 1:10, ",w95 7/15 p. 24 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/19/2025
"You Can Break Through These Barriers, lift, anxieties of life. load too heavy, ","A JUMBO jet may take aboard hundreds of passengers and tons of cargo. How can such a heavy aircraft get off the ground? Simply, by means of lift. When the plane hurtles down the runway, the air rushes over and under the curved wings. This produces an upward force called lift. When sufficient lift is generated, the craft can break free of the ground and fly. Of course, an overloaded plane cannot generate sufficient lift to become airborne.","We also can become overloaded. Centuries ago, King David said that his ‘errors were like a load too heavy for him.’ (Psalm 38:4) Likewise, Jesus Christ warned against becoming weighed down with the anxieties of life. (Luke 21:34) Negative thoughts and feelings can weigh us down to the extent that it may seem difficult to get “airborne.” Are you weighed down in that way? Or have you experienced some barrier to your further spiritual development? If so, what may be helpful?","Psalm 38:4, ",w95 7/15 p. 21 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/19/2025
Can I Be Happy in a Single-Parent Family? ,"Why not picture your family as a team of oarsmen in a rowboat? Ideally, the boat would have a full crew. In a single-parent household, one of the crew is missing and the rest of the team has to work a bit harder. Does this mean that the family is a failure? ","No! As long as the rest of the team pull together, the boat will stay afloat and reach its destination.",1 Corinthians 15:58; ,yp2 chap. 25 p. 211 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/19/2025
"Treasure Our Faithful Older Ones, diamonds in plain view on the ground. Arkansas, elderly, ","VISITORS to a state park in Arkansas, U.S.A., might find diamonds in plain view on the ground. However, those diamonds are in their natural, uncut state. As a result, many who see the diamonds might not realize what they are looking at and just walk right past these treasures.","In some ways, our faithful older ones are like those diamonds; they are precious treasures. God’s Word likens the gray hair of such ones to a crown. (Read Proverbs 16:31; 20:29) These treasures, though, can easily be overlooked. Younger ones who recognize the value of older ones can gain something more beneficial than literal riches. In this article, we will answer three questions: Why does Jehovah view faithful older ones as treasures? What place does Jehovah have in his arrangement for such ones? What can we do to benefit fully from their example?",Proverbs 16:31; 20:29; ,w21 September p. 2 pars. 1-2 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/19/2025
"“Let Your Petitions Be Made Known to God” What if We Have Sinned?  sinned and is embarrassed, ","How can prayer help if someone has sinned? Because of shame, some who have sinned hold back from praying. That, however, is not a wise course to follow. To illustrate: Airplane pilots know that if they get lost, they can communicate with air traffic controllers to get help. What, though, if a lost pilot hesitates to contact the controllers because he is embarrassed that he got lost? That could lead to disaster! ","Similarly, the person who has sinned and is embarrassed to pray to God could suffer further harm. Shame over sin should not stop one from speaking with Jehovah. In fact, God invites those who have made serious errors to pray to him. The prophet Isaiah urged sinners in his day to call to Jehovah, “for he will forgive in a large way.” (Isaiah 55:6, 7) Of course, one may need to ‘soften the face of Jehovah’ by first softening one’s own heart, turning from the sinful course, and sincerely repenting.—Psalm 119:58; Daniel 9:13.",Psalm 119:58; Daniel 9:13,w06 9/1 p. 30,,,joshlaymon,,6/19/2025
How Do You Handle Differences? ,"Imagine two young children tugging at the same toy, each pulling harder and harder with a view to having it. Angry words may accompany the struggle until finally one relinquishes his hold or someone else intervenes.The Genesis account tells us that Abraham heard that an argument had taken place between his herders and those of his nephew Lot. Abraham took the initiative to approach Lot and say: “Please, do not let any quarreling continue between me and you and between my herdsmen and your herdsmen, for we men are brothers.” It was Abraham’s determination not to let any conflict damage their relationship. At what price? He was ready to sacrifice his privilege of choice as the older man; he was prepared to give something up. Abraham allowed Lot to select where he wished to take his household and flocks. Lot subsequently chose for himself the verdant area of Sodom and Gomorrah. Abraham and Lot parted company in peace.—Genesis 13:5-12.","To maintain peaceful relations with others, are we prepared to act in the spirit that Abraham did? This Bible episode sets for us a beautiful model to imitate when handling a difference. Abraham appealed: “Do not let any quarreling continue.” Abraham’s genuine desire was to arrive at an amicable solution. Surely such an invitation to keep peaceful relations would help to set aside any misunderstanding. Abraham then concluded with the expression “for we men are brothers.” Why sacrifice such a precious relationship for the sake of personal preference or pride? Abraham kept a clear focus on what was important. He did so with self-respect and honor, at the same time dignifying his nephew.",Genesis 13:5-12,w00 8/15 p. 24 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/19/2025
"Share in the Joy of Giving! Credit to Jehovah, disciple-making work is a group effort. ","Remember, too, that the disciple-making work is a group effort. No one individual makes a disciple, any more than one drop of rain nourishes a plant. True, one Witness may locate an interested person and conduct a Bible study. But once that new one comes to the Kingdom Hall, the whole congregation helps him or her to recognize the truth. The warmth of the brotherhood shows the influence of God’s spirit. (1 Corinthians 14:24, 25) ","Children and teenagers give stimulating comments, showing the new person that our young ones are different from the youth of the world. The sick, the infirm, and the elderly in the congregation teach new ones what endurance involves. Regardless of our age or limitations, all of us play an important part in helping new ones as their love of Bible truth deepens and they progress toward baptism. Every hour we spend in the ministry, each return visit, each conversation with an interested person at the Kingdom Hall, may seem insignificant on its own, but it is part of a mighty work that Jehovah is accomplishing.","1 Corinthians 14:24, 25",w01 7/1 p. 17 par. 16 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/19/2025
"You Can Reach Your Spiritual Goals, WHEN WE LACK MOTIVATION, ","Realistically, though, we all have days when we do not feel motivated. Does this mean that we cannot work on our goal? No. To illustrate: The wind can be a strong force that pushes a sailboat toward its destination. Yet, the wind varies in strength, and on some days, there may be no wind at all. Does this mean that the sailor cannot keep moving? Not necessarily. For example, some sailboats have a motor; others have oars. The sailor can use these means to keep moving toward his destination. ","Our motivation can be likened to the wind; how motivated we feel may vary. And on some days, we may feel no motivation to work on our goal. So if we were to work on our goal only when we felt motivated, we might never reach it. But just as the sailor finds other ways to reach his destination, we can still work toward our goal even when we are not motivated. Though this will require self-discipline, the results are worthwhile. Proverbs 13:20;","Proverbs 13:20, ",w23 May pp. 28-29,,,joshlaymon,,6/19/2025
How Can I Manage My Money? ,"But wouldn’t simply having more money solve all your spending problems? Not likely! To illustrate: If you were driving and did not have control of your car or if you were in the habit of steering with your eyes closed, would putting more fuel in your tank make it more likely that you would reach your destination safely? ","Likewise, if you don’t learn how to control your spending, earning more money won’t improve your situation.",Hebrews 13:5;,yp2 chap. 19 pp. 160-161,,,joshlaymon,,6/19/2025
"How Can I Make Some Money? Respect Money—Don’t Love It, stab themselves, many pains, ","In the hands of a skilled chef, a sharp knife is a useful tool. But the same knife in the hands of someone inexperienced or inattentive can cause serious harm. Money is like a sharp knife. If you handle it skillfully, it’s a useful tool. ","But if you’re not careful, you can get hurt! For example, the apostle Paul warned against developing a love of money. In their pursuit of wealth, some sacrifice friendships, family relationships, and even their relationship with God. As a result, they ‘stab themselves all over with many pains.’ (1 Timothy 6:9, 10) The lesson? Learn to use money skillfully. Respect it, but don’t love it!","1 Timothy 6:9, 10, ",yp2 chap. 18 p. 155,,,joshlaymon,,6/19/2025
"Young Ones—Be Guided by God’s Word, “Money is for a protection,”","“Money is for a protection,” states the Bible. But this same verse shows that wisdom is even more valuable than money. (Eccl. 7:12) God’s Word encourages us to respect money, not to love it. Why should you avoid developing love for money? Consider this illustration: In the hands of a skilled chef, a sharp knife is a useful tool."," But the same knife in the hands of someone inattentive or careless can cause serious harm. If handled skillfully, money too can be useful. However, those who are “determined to be rich” often sacrifice friendships, family relationships, and even their relationship with God. As a result, they stab themselves “all over with many pains.”—Read 1 Timothy 6:9, 10.","Eccl. 7:12, 1 Timothy 6:9, 10. ", w10 11/15 p. 5 par. 11 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/19/2025
"What Does Jehovah Expect of Us? limitations, modest, depend on God, ","The third requirement found at Micah 6:8 is “to be modest in walking with your God.” This means to recognize our limitations and to depend on God. To illustrate: Picture for a moment a little girl holding on tightly to the hand of her father while they walk through a storm. The girl well knows that her strength is limited, but she has confidence in her father. ","We too must know our limitations but have confidence in our heavenly Father. How can we maintain this confidence? For one thing, by keeping in mind why it is wise to stay close to God. Micah reminds us of three reasons: Jehovah is our Deliverer, our Guide, and our Protector.","Micah 6:8, ",w03 8/15 p. 22 par. 16 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/19/2025
"Let Mildness Be Your Strength, ","Mildness is a strength, not a weakness. It takes inner strength to keep calm when facing a trying situation. Mildness is one aspect of “the fruitage of the spirit.” (Gal. 5:22, 23) A form of the Greek word rendered “mildness” was at times used to describe a wild horse that had been tamed. Picture a wild horse that becomes gentle. That is, gentle, yet strong. ","As humans, how can we develop mildness and at the same time be strong? Not by sheer willpower. A key is praying for God’s spirit, asking him to help us cultivate this beautiful quality. Experience shows that this can be done. Many Witnesses have responded mildly when confronted by opposers, leaving a favorable impression on observers. (Read 2 Timothy 2:24, 25.) How can you make mildness one of your strengths","Gal. 5:22, 23, ",w23 September p. 15 par. 3 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/19/2025
"Go On Growing in Knowledge, permafrost, maturity, ","As an illustration, consider permafrost, the permanently frozen ground in the Arctic and in other regions where the average temperature is below freezing. The soil, rocks, and groundwater freeze into a solid mass, sometimes to a depth of 3,000 feet [900 m]. In the summer, thawing may occur in the surface soil (called the active layer). However, this thin layer of thawed soil is usually muddy because moisture cannot drain into the permafrost below. Plants that grow in the thin top layer are often small or stunted; their roots cannot penetrate the permafrost. ‘What,’ you may wonder, ‘does permafrost have to do with whether I am growing in knowledge of Bible truth?’","Permafrost well illustrates the situation of one whose mental powers are not actively involved with taking in, remembering, and using accurate knowledge. (Compare Matthew 13:5, 20, 21.) The person likely has the mental capacity to learn various subjects, including Bible truth. He studied “the elementary things of the sacred pronouncements of God” and may have qualified to be baptized, as did those Hebrew Christians. He might, though, not “press on to maturity,” to things beyond “the primary doctrine about the Christ.”—Hebrews 5:12; 6:1.","Matthew 13:5, 20, 21; ",w93 8/15 pp. 15-16 pars. 16-21 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/19/2025
"Go On Growing in Knowledge, permafrost, maturity, ","Visualize some of those Christians at meetings back then. They were present and awake, but were their minds involved in learning? Were they actively and earnestly growing in knowledge? Perhaps not. For the immature ones, any involvement in meetings took place in a thin active layer, as it were, while below was a frozen depth. The roots of more solid or complicated truths could not penetrate into this region of mental permafrost.—Compare Isaiah 40:24.","It could be similar with a Christian today. While present at meetings he may not use those occasions to grow in knowledge. What about actively sharing in them? For a new or young one to volunteer to read a scripture text or give a comment in the words of the paragraph may take considerable effort, reflecting a fine and commendable exercise of his capacity. But Paul showed that with others, in view of the time they had been Christians, they should advance beyond that initial stage of participation if they want to keep growing in knowledge.—Hebrews 5:14.", Isaiah 40:24.,w93 8/15 pp. 15-16 pars. 16-21 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/19/2025
"Go On Growing in Knowledge, permafrost, maturity, “active layer” of his mind. ","If an experienced Christian never progressed beyond simply reading a Bible verse or making a basic comment straight from the paragraph, likely his participation came from the top “active layer” of his mind. Meeting after meeting could pass with the depths of his mental potential remaining in a frozen state, to continue our illustration of permafrost. We should ask ourselves: ‘Is it that way with me? Have I let a kind of mental permafrost set in? How mentally alert and interested in learning am I?’ Even if we are uncomfortable with our honest answers, we can begin now taking steps to grow in knowledge.","With some that will mean preparing for meetings more diligently, perhaps reviving habits that were followed years ago but that slowly lapsed. As you prepare, try to determine what the key points are and to understand unfamiliar scriptures that are used to develop lines of reasoning. Look for any new angle or aspect in the study material. Similarly, during the meeting, try to apply within yourself suggestions mentioned in paragraphs 10 and 11. Strive to be alert mentally, as though keeping high the temperature of your mind. That will counteract any tendency for “permafrost” to set in; this conscious effort will also thaw any “frozen” condition that may previously have developed.—Proverbs 8:12, 32-34.","Proverbs 8:12, 32-34, ","w93 8/15 pp. 15-16 pars. 16-21, ",,,joshlaymon,,6/19/2025
"How to Keep Our Love for One Another Strong, group pictures, Memories, ","Focus on the positive traits of your brothers and sisters, not on the negative. Consider this comparison. Imagine that you are at a gathering with a group of brothers and sisters. You are having a pleasant time and at the end of the gathering, you take a group picture. In fact, you take two more pictures in case the first picture does not turn out well. Now you have three pictures. But in one of them, you notice that a brother is frowning. What do you do with that picture? You delete it because you have two other pictures in which everyone in the group, including that brother, is smiling.","Let us compare the pictures we save to the memories we keep. We usually have good memories of times spent with our brothers and sisters. But suppose that on one of those occasions, a brother or a sister says or does something that is unkind. What should we do with that memory? Why not try to delete it just as you would delete one of those pictures? (Prov. 19:11; Eph. 4:32) We can afford to delete that memory of our fellow believer’s minor sin because we have many good memories of pleasant association with that individual. Those are the kinds of memories we want to keep and treasure.",Prov. 19:11; Eph. 4:32; ,w23 November pp. 12-13 pars. 16-17,,,joshlaymon,,6/19/2025
"Meditation, just as a carpenter turns raw materials into an attractive building.","Meditation also helps us to improve our comprehension and memory. To illustrate, when we study an aspect of creation or a certain Bible topic, we learn many interesting facts. ","But when we meditate on those facts, we see how they relate to one another and to what we have learned in the past. Thus, just as a carpenter turns raw materials into an attractive building, meditation enables us to “assemble” facts into a coherent pattern or structure. Psalm 63:6; ",Psalm 63:6; ,g 5/14 p. 15 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/19/2025
"Hope in Jehovah, and Be Courageous, ","Our God-given hope is infinitely superior to anything that the world can offer. Says Psalm 37:34: “Hope in Jehovah and keep his way, and he will exalt you to take possession of the earth. When the wicked ones are cut off, you will see it.” Yes, we have every reason to “rejoice in the hope.” (Romans 12:12) In order to do so, however, we must keep our hope fresh in mind. Do you regularly reflect on your God-given hope? Can you see yourself in Paradise, glowing with good health, free from anxieties, surrounded by people you love, and sharing in truly fulfilling work? ","Do you meditate on the Paradise scenes depicted in our publications? Such regular reflection might be likened to cleaning a window that affords a magnificent view. If we neglect to clean the glass, soon dirt and grime will rob us of the scene’s clarity and appeal. Other things may then capture our attention. May we never allow that to happen!",Psalm 37:34: ,w06 10/1 p. 28 par. 9 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/19/2025
"Seeking Riches That Are True, [unrighteous riches], counterfeit, ","Jesus said: “When such [unrighteous riches] fail,” not ‘if they fail.’ (Luke 16:9) Bank and economic collapses that have occurred in these last days are insignificant when compared with what will happen on a world scale in the near future. Satan’s entire system—political, religious, and commercial—is destined to fail. The prophets Ezekiel and Zephaniah foretold that gold and silver, staples of the commercial world through the centuries, will become worthless. (Ezek. 7:19; Zeph. 1:18) ","How would we feel if we reached the end of our life in this world and realized that we had sacrificed true riches for a vast store of this world’s “unrighteous riches”? We could feel like a man who has worked all his life for a pile of money, only to learn that it is counterfeit. (Prov. 18:11) Yes, such riches will ultimately fail, so do not lose the opportunity to use them to “make friends” in heaven. Whatever we do to advance the interests of Jehovah’s Kingdom makes us spiritually rich",Ezek. 7:19; Zeph. 1:18; ,w17 July p. 11 par. 16,,,joshlaymon,,6/19/2025
"Make Decisions That Please Jehovah, ","Once you have prayed for Jehovah’s direction, pay careful attention to his answer. To illustrate: If you got lost while traveling, you might ask a local resident for help. But would you then walk away before he had a chance to reply? Of course not. You would listen carefully to his directions. Similarly, after you ask Jehovah for wisdom, try to discern his answer by finding out which Bible laws and principles apply to your situation..",Ask Jehovah to help you understand his thinking. Jehovah promises to give us the wisdom to discern whether a certain path will please him. He gives such wisdom “generously to all and without reproaching.”—Read James 1:5.,James 1:5; 3:17;,w25 January p. 16 pars. 6-7,,,joshlaymon,,6/19/2025
"Cherish God’s Gift of Life, Ransom, painting, masterpiece, ","IMAGINE that a friend gave you a very old but priceless painting—a masterpiece. It has some discoloration, stains, and cracks. Despite the imperfections, the painting is valued at millions of dollars. ","Surely you would appreciate and protect that piece of art. Similarly, Jehovah has given us a valuable gift, the gift of life. In fact, Jehovah shows how much he values our life by giving his Son as a ransom for us.—John 3:16.",John 3:16.,w23 February p. 20 par. 1 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/19/2025
"Right and Wrong: A Question We All Face, GPS, ","If you wanted to travel somewhere that you have never been before, what would you do? 1. Head in the direction you think you should go. 2. Follow others, hoping that they know the way. 3. Consult a reliable guide, such as a GPS, a map, or a trusted friend who knows the way.If we choose option one or two, we will get somewhere but not necessarily where we want to go. If we choose option three, however, we can confidently expect to reach our destination.Our life is like a journey—one that we hope will lead to a happy future. Whether we get there or not depends greatly on where we look for guidance when making decisions.","If we choose option one or two, we will get somewhere but not necessarily where we want to go. If we choose option three, however, we can confidently expect to reach our destination. Our life is like a journey—one that we hope will lead to a happy future. Whether we get there or not depends greatly on where we look for guidance when making decisions.",Nehemiah 2:6; ,wp24 No. 1 p. 3,,,joshlaymon,,6/19/2025
"Your Life—What Is Its Purpose? Purpose in View of Life’s Cycles, wisdom, squirrel, death, ","The divine wisdom reflected in Ecclesiastes can further help us in considering our purpose in life. How so? In that Solomon focused realistically on other truths that we may seldom think about. One involves similarities between humans and animals. Jesus likened his followers to sheep, yet people generally do not enjoy being compared to animals. (John 10:11-16) Still Solomon brought up certain undeniable facts: “The true God is going to select [the sons of mankind], that they may see that they themselves are beasts. For there is an eventuality as respects the sons of mankind and an eventuality as respects the beast, and they have the same eventuality. As the one dies, so the other dies; . . . so that there is no superiority of the man over the beast, for everything is vanity. . . . They have all come to be from the dust, and they are all returning to the dust.”—Ecclesiastes 3:18-20.","Think of an animal that you enjoy watching, maybe a rock badger or a rabbit. (Deuteronomy 14:7; Psalm 104:18; Proverbs 30:26) Or you may picture a squirrel; there are over 300 kinds around the world. What is its life cycle? After it is born, its mother nurses it for some weeks. Soon it has fur and can venture outside. You may see it scampering about learning to find food. But often it seems just to be playing, enjoying its youthfulness. After growing for a year or so, it locates a mate. Then it must build a nest or den and care for offspring. If it finds enough berries, nuts, and seeds, the squirrel family may grow plump and have time to enlarge their home. But in just a few years, the animal becomes old and more prone to accident and disease. About age ten it dies. With slight differences between squirrel types, that is its life cycle.",John 10:11-16; Ecclesiastes 3:18-20,w97 2/15 pp. 10-11,,,joshlaymon,,6/19/2025
"Your Life—What Is Its Purpose? Purpose in View of Life’s Cycles, wisdom, squirrel, Death, ","Most people would not object to that cycle for an animal, and they hardly expect a squirrel to have a thought-out purpose in life. However, the life of many humans does not differ very much from that, does it? They are born and cared for as babies. They eat, grow, and play as youths. Before long they are adults, find a mate, and seek a place to live and a means to provide food. If they succeed, they may grow plump and expand their home (nest) in which to raise offspring. But the decades quickly pass, and they grow older. If not before, they may die after 70 or 80 years filled with “trouble and hurtful things.” (Psalm 90:9, 10, 12) You might think about these sobering facts the next time you see a squirrel (or other animal you had in mind).","You can see why Solomon compared the lives of people to animals. He wrote: “For everything there is an appointed time, . . . a time for birth and a time to die.” That latter eventuality, death, is similar for man and beast, “as the one dies, so the other dies.” He added: “They have all come to be from the dust, and they are all returning to the dust.”—Ecclesiastes 3:1, 2, 19, 20. We need not find this realistic evaluation to be negative thinking. Granted, some try to change the situation, such as by working extra to improve their material situation beyond what their parents had. They may pursue more years of education to provide for a higher standard of living, while trying to broaden their understanding of life. Or they may concentrate on exercise or diet regimens to gain better health and a slightly longer life. And these efforts may bring certain benefits. But who can be sure that such efforts will prove successful? Even if they do, for how long?","Psalm 90:9, 10, 12; Ecclesiastes 3:1, 2, 19, 20.",w97 2/15 pp. 10-11,,,joshlaymon,,6/19/2025
"Your Life—What Is Its Purpose? Purpose in View of Life’s Cycles, wisdom, squirrel, good name, death, ","Solomon asked: “Because there exist many things that are causing much vanity, what advantage does a man have? For who is there knowing what good a man has in life for the number of the days of his vain life, when he spends them like a shadow? For who can tell man what will happen after him?” (Ecclesiastes 6:11, 12) Since death rather quickly ends a person’s efforts, is there really much advantage in struggling to gain more material things or in pursuing long years of schooling primarily to get more possessions? And since life is so brief, passing like a shadow, many grasp that there is no time to redirect efforts toward another human goal when they sense failure; nor can a man be certain what will happen to his children “after him.”","Unlike animals, we humans have the capacity to ponder, ‘What is the meaning of my existence? Is it just a fixed cycle, with a time to be born and a time to die?’ In that regard, recall the truth in Solomon’s words about man and beast: “They are all returning to the dust.” Does that mean that death absolutely ends one’s existence? Well, the Bible shows that humans do not possess an immortal soul that survives the body. Humans are souls, and the soul that sins dies. (Ezekiel 18:4, 20) Solomon elaborated: “The living are conscious that they will die; but as for the dead, they are conscious of nothing at all, neither do they anymore have wages, because the remembrance of them has been forgotten. All that your hand finds to do, do with your very power, for there is no work nor devising nor knowledge nor wisdom in Sheol, the place to which you are going.”—Ecclesiastes 9:5, 10.","Ecclesiastes 6:11, 12",w97 2/15 pp. 10-11,,,joshlaymon,,6/19/2025
"Imitate Jesus’ Courage and Discernment, journey, ","WHEN we become disciples of Christ, we embark on a journey. That journey can lead us to life, whether in heaven or on earth. Jesus said: “The one who has endured to the end [the end of his present life or the end of this wicked system of things] will be saved.” (Matt. 24:13) Yes, if we stick to a life course of faithfulness, we can come in line for salvation. Along the way, however, we must be careful not to get distracted or lost. (1 John 2:15-17) How can we stay on course on our journey?","Our Exemplar, Jesus, led the way. His journey was recorded in the Bible. By studying that record, we learn what Jesus is like. We can come to love him and exercise faith in him. (Read 1 Peter 1:8, 9.) Recall that the apostle Peter said that Jesus left us a model for us to follow his steps closely. (1 Pet. 2:21) If we carefully follow his steps, we will reach “the goal” of our faith—salvation",1 John 2:15-17; ,w15 2/15 pp. 10-11 pars. 1-2 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/19/2025
"The Way of Love Never Fails, ","Even as learning to express yourself in a new language eventually becomes easier, in time you will likely find that expressing love will become easier. Paul assures us that “love never fails.” (1 Corinthians 13:8) ","Unlike the miraculous gifts of the spirit, love will never cease to exist. So continue learning to express this divine quality. It is, as Paul calls it, “a surpassing way.”","1 Corinthians 13:8, ",w99 2/15 p. 23 par. 22 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/19/2025
"The Way of Love Never Fails, new language, challenging,  learning to express love takes extraordinary effort, ","HAVE you ever attempted to learn a new language? It is challenging, to say the least! Of course, a young child can learn a language just by being exposed to it. His brain fairly soaks up the sounds and meanings of words, so that before long the tot is expressing himself quite adeptly, perhaps incessantly. Not so with adults. We search a foreign-language dictionary repeatedly, just to master a few basic phrases in a foreign tongue. In time and with enough exposure, though, we start to think in the new language and speaking it becomes easier.","Learning to express love is much like learning a new language. True, a measure of this divine quality is inherent in humans. (Genesis 1:27; compare 1 John 4:8.) Still, learning to express love takes extraordinary effort—especially today, when natural affection is in such short supply. (2 Timothy 3:1-5) This is sometimes the case right in the family. Yes, many grow up in a harsh environment where loving words are hardly ever expressed—if at all. (Ephesians 4:29-31; 6:4) How, then, can we learn to express love—even if we have rarely experienced it?.",2 Timothy 3:1-5; ,w99 2/15 p. 18 pars. 1-2 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/19/2025
"“Sacred Service With Your Power of Reason”, warmth, understanding, and dignity. ","For example, take the matter of parenting. Proverbs 13:24 says that the father who loves his son “does look for him with discipline.” Taken by itself, this scripture could be misapplied to justify harsh, unrelenting punishment. Yet, Colossians 3:21 provides balancing admonition: “You fathers, do not be exasperating your children so that they do not become downhearted.” ","Parents who use their power of reason and harmonize these principles will not resort to discipline that could be termed “abusive.” They will treat their children with warmth, understanding, and dignity. (Ephesians 6:4) Thus, in parenting or in any other matter involving Bible principles, we can develop our power of reason by weighing all related factors. In this way, we can perceive the “grammar” of Bible principles, what God’s intent was and how to accomplish that.","Proverbs 13:24, Colossians 3:21; ",w95 6/15 pp. 19-20 par. 7 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/19/2025
“Sacred Service With Your Power of Reason” means “rational” or “intelligent.” ,"HAVE you ever attempted to learn a new language? If so, you will no doubt agree that it is hard work. After all, more is involved than simply learning new words. Proficient use of a language also requires mastering its grammar. You must perceive how words relate to one another and how they combine to form complete thoughts. It is similar with our taking in knowledge of God’s Word. More is involved than simply learning isolated Scripture texts. We must also learn the Bible’s grammar, as it were. We need to grasp how scriptures relate to one another and how they serve as principles that can be applied in daily life. We can thus become “fully competent, completely equipped for every good work.”—2 Timothy 3:17."," Under the arrangement of the Mosaic Law code, faithfulness could be demonstrated, to a great extent, by strict adherence to well-defined rules. In 33 C.E., however, Jehovah blotted out the Law, in effect “nailing it to the torture stake” on which his Son had been put to death. (Colossians 2:13, 14) Thereafter, God’s people were not given an extensive list of sacrifices to offer and rules to follow. Rather, they were told: “Present your bodies a sacrifice living, holy, acceptable to God, a sacred service with your power of reason.” (Romans 12:1) Yes, Christians were to give of themselves, with their whole heart, soul, mind, and strength in God’s service. (Mark 12:30; compare Psalm 110:3.) But what does it mean to offer “sacred service with your power of reason”? The phrase “power of reason” is translated from the Greek word lo·gi·kosʹ, which means “rational” or “intelligent.” Servants of God are called upon to use their Bible-trained conscience. Instead of hinging their decisions on numerous preset rules, Christians are to weigh Bible principles carefully. They need to understand the “grammar” of the Bible, or how its various principles relate to one another. Thus, they can make balanced decisions with their power of reason.","Colossians 2:13, 14; ",w95 6/15 pp. 18-19 pars. 1-4,,,joshlaymon,,6/19/2025
" “Sacred Service With Your Power of Reason” Jehovah blotted out the Law, bodies a sacrifice living,","HAVE you ever attempted to learn a new language? If so, you will no doubt agree that it is hard work. After all, more is involved than simply learning new words. Proficient use of a language also requires mastering its grammar. You must perceive how words relate to one another and how they combine to form complete thoughts. It is similar with our taking in knowledge of God’s Word. More is involved than simply learning isolated Scripture texts. We must also learn the Bible’s grammar, as it were. We need to grasp how scriptures relate to one another and how they serve as principles that can be applied in daily life. We can thus become “fully competent, completely equipped for every good work.”—2 Timothy 3:17.","Under the arrangement of the Mosaic Law code, faithfulness could be demonstrated, to a great extent, by strict adherence to well-defined rules. In 33 C.E., however, Jehovah blotted out the Law, in effect “nailing it to the torture stake” on which his Son had been put to death. (Colossians 2:13, 14) Thereafter, God’s people were not given an extensive list of sacrifices to offer and rules to follow. Rather, they were told: “Present your bodies a sacrifice living, holy, acceptable to God, a sacred service with your power of reason.” (Romans 12:1) Yes, Christians were to give of themselves, with their whole heart, soul, mind, and strength in God’s service. (Mark 12:30; compare Psalm 110:3.) But what does it mean to offer “sacred service with your power of reason”?4 The phrase “power of reason” is translated from the Greek word lo·gi·kosʹ, which means “rational” or “intelligent.” Servants of God are called upon to use their Bible-trained conscience. Instead of hinging their decisions on numerous preset rules, Christians are to weigh Bible principles carefully. They need to understand the “grammar” of the Bible, or how its various principles relate to one another. Thus, they can make balanced decisions with their power of reason.",2 Timothy 3:17, w95 6/15 pp. 18-19 pars. 1-4 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/19/2025
"Do All Religions Teach the Truth? religions, ","Think about this: Suppose you got a job with a big company. On the first day of work, you learn that the boss is away on leave. So you ask three workers what you should do. The first worker says that the boss wants you to sweep the floor. The second says that you should paint the building. The third tells you to distribute the mail. Next, you ask the workers about the boss. The first says that the boss is tall, young, and harsh. The second says that he is short, old, and kind. The third tells you that the boss is not a man at all—the boss is a woman. ","Likely, you conclude that the three workers are not all telling the truth. If you want to keep your new job, you will probably do some checking to find out who the boss really is and what he or she wants you to do. It is the same with religion. Because there are so many ideas about who God is and what he requires of us, we need to make sure that our way of worship is in harmony with the truth.",,ol part 1 p. 5 pars. 3-5 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/19/2025
"‘Listen and Understand the Meaning’ knowledge, understanding, and wisdom, road, bus, ","What is the difference between knowledge, understanding, and wisdom? It could be illustrated this way: Imagine you are standing in the middle of a road and a bus is coming toward you. First, you recognize that it is a bus—that is knowledge. Next, you realize that if you remain standing there, you will be hit by the bus—that is understanding! So you jump out of the way of the bus—that is wisdom! ","Little wonder the Bible emphasizes the need for us to “safeguard practical wisdom.” It means our very life!—Prov. 3:21, 22; 1 Tim. 4:16.","Prov. 3:21, 22; 1 Tim. 4:16.",w14 12/15 p. 7 par. 5 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/19/2025
"“Be Transformed by Making Your Mind Over”, our thinking and our personality.","HOW often do you clean your home? Perhaps before you first moved in, you scoured it thoroughly. But what if you neglected it afterward? As you know, dust and dirt can accumulate quickly. To keep your home presentable, you need to clean it regularly.","A similar ongoing effort is required when it comes to our thinking and our personality. Of course, before getting baptized we worked hard to make necessary changes in our life in order to “cleanse ourselves of every defilement of flesh and spirit.” (2 Cor. 7:1) Now, though, we need to follow the apostle Paul’s counsel to “continue to be made new.” (Eph. 4:23) Why is continual effort needed? Because the dust and dirt of this world can quickly accumulate in us. To avoid that outcome and to remain presentable to Jehovah, we must regularly examine our thinking, our personality, and our desires.",2 Cor. 7:1,w23 January p. 8 pars. 1-2 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/20/2025
"Helping Others to Learn God’s Requirements, preaching, evangelizing, burden, ","Is it a burden to preach this good news? Absolutely not! To illustrate: A father has an obligation to provide for his family materially. Failure to do so is tantamount to rejecting the Christian faith. The apostle Paul wrote: “Certainly if anyone does not provide for those who are his own, and especially for those who are members of his household, he has disowned the faith and is worse than a person without faith.” (1 Timothy 5:8) But is that obligation a burden for the Christian man? Not if he loves his family, for in that case he wants to provide for them.","But is that obligation a burden for the Christian man? Not if he loves his family, for in that case he wants to provide for them.",1 Timothy 5:8; ,w97 1/15 pp. 23-24 par. 4,,,joshlaymon,,6/20/2025
"How to Maintain Joy When Enduring Trials, flame, joy burns within a Christian’s heart.","A Christian gains joy, or a deep sense of happiness, from knowing that he is pleasing Jehovah and following Jesus’ example. (Read Luke 6:22, 23; Col. 1:10, 11) Like a flame burning inside the protection of a lantern, this type of joy burns within a Christian’s heart. It does not flicker when health fails or money is scarce. And it is not snuffed out by ridicule or opposition from family members or others. ","Rather than being put out, the flame burns brighter each time opposers try to extinguish it. The trials we face because of our faith confirm that we are true disciples of Christ. (Matt. 10:22; 24:9; John 15:20) For good reason, James could write: “Consider it all joy, my brothers, when you meet with various trials.”—Jas. 1:2.","Luke 6:22, 23; Col. 1:10, 11",w21 February p. 28 par. 6,,,joshlaymon,,6/20/2025
"Jesus—How He Lived, electric transformer, Jesus transmitted what he learned for lowly humans, ","Jesus could rightly say: “Who the Son is no one knows but the Father; and who the Father is, no one knows but the Son, and he to whom the Son is willing to reveal him.” (Luke 10:22) When on earth as a man, Jesus willingly—yes, eagerly—revealed what his Father is like. Jesus spoke and taught from a unique perspective; he drew on memories acquired firsthand in the spirit realm and in the lofty presence of the Most High God.—John 8:28.","What Jesus did in revealing his Father might be illustrated by what an electric transformer does. Such a device can take in electricity of high voltage and change it into lower voltage, thus making it suitable for use by the average consumer. When on earth, Jesus took what he had learned in the heavens about his Father and transmitted it in ways that lowly humans on earth could readily grasp and easily apply.","Luke 10:22, ",w11 4/1 p. 7 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/20/2025
"Maintain Your Spiritual Health While Serving in a Foreign Field, balance, Chef, feed yourself, ","To reach that goal, we should find a balance between keeping in mind the needs of others when studying and reflecting on our own spiritual needs. (Phil. 1:9, 10) We must recognize that when we prepare for the ministry, for the meetings, or for a talk, we may not necessarily apply what we read to ourselves. To illustrate: Although a chef has to taste dishes before serving them, he cannot live merely on the food he samples. If he wants to remain healthy, he has to prepare nutritious meals for himself. ","Similarly, we should strive to nourish our heart with spiritual food that fills our personal needs. Many among those serving in a foreign-language field find it beneficial to study the Bible regularly in the ‘language of their birth.’ (Acts 2:8, ftn.) Even missionaries recognize that to remain strong in their foreign assignment, they cannot rely merely on the basic understanding of the spiritual food they get at the meetings.",Acts 2:8; ,w16 October p. 15 pars. 11-12,,,joshlaymon,,6/20/2025
"How to Protect Your Children by Means of Godly Wisdom, microbes, parasites, and viruses. ","EVERY day our bodies are at war. They must fight off a host of microbes, parasites, and viruses. Thankfully, most of us have inherited an immune system that protects us against such attacks and saves us from falling prey to numerous infectious diseases. In a similar way, Christians must fight against unscriptural thinking and values and against the pressures that can destroy our spiritual health. (2 Corinthians 11:3) In order to resist this daily attack on our minds and hearts, we need to develop spiritual defenses. Such defenses are especially necessary for our children, since they are not born with spiritual defenses that can counter the spirit of the world. (Ephesians 2:2) ","As children grow up, it is vital for parents to help them develop their own defenses. On what do those defenses depend? The Bible explains: “Jehovah himself gives wisdom; . . . he will guard the very way of his loyal ones.” (Proverbs 2:6, 8) Divine wisdom can guard the way of young ones who might otherwise succumb to harmful association, peer pressure, or unwholesome entertainment. How can parents follow Jehovah’s guidance and instill godly wisdom?","2 Corinthians 11:3, ",w05 1/1 p. 23,,,joshlaymon,,6/20/2025
"Parents—Be a Fine Example for Your Children, weedlike infestations, spirit of the world, ","To surrender one’s child to the television or the street is, in effect, to let the spirit of the world influence the child’s upbringing. (Ephesians 2:1, 2) In direct opposition to God’s spirit, this worldly spirit, like a strong wind, carries the seeds of “earthly, animal, demonic” thinking and liberally deposits them in the mind and heart of the naive or foolish. (James 3:15) ","These weedlike infestations eventually corrupt the heart. Jesus illustrated the effect of what is sown in the heart, saying: “A good man brings forth good out of the good treasure of his heart, but a wicked man brings forth what is wicked out of his wicked treasure; for out of the heart’s abundance his mouth speaks.” (Luke 6:45) Hence, the Bible exhorts us: “More than all else that is to be guarded, safeguard your heart, for out of it are the sources of life.”—Proverbs 4:23.","Ephesians 2:1, 2; ",w06 4/1 p. 9 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/20/2025
"Working Together With God—A Cause for Rejoicing, ","We need to safeguard our spirituality. Because we live in a world that is dominated by Satan the Devil and because we are imperfect, it is easy for us to adopt the wrong thinking and conduct of the world. The world’s spirit might be compared to a river current that is pulling us in a direction we do not want to go. To avoid being swept downstream, we must vigorously swim in the other direction. ","Similarly, effort is required to keep from being swept away by the spirit of Satan’s world. When we are preaching to others, we focus on important and beneficial spiritual matters, not on thoughts that will erode our faith. (Phil. 4:8) Preaching strengthens our convictions, reminding us of God’s promises and loving standards. It also helps keep our spiritual armor intact.—Read Ephesians 6:14-17.",Ephesians 6:14-17,w16 January p. 31 par. 12 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/20/2025
"Is the Spirit of the World Poisoning You?, ","ON September 12, 1990, an explosion occurred in a Kazakhstan factory. Dangerous radioactivity was released into the atmosphere, threatening the health of the 120,000 local inhabitants, many of whom took to the streets in protest against the deadly poison. But as more information came to light, they discovered that they had been living in a poisonous environment for decades. Over the years, 100,000 tons of radioactive waste had been dumped in an unguarded, open-air site. Although the danger was on their doorstep, nobody had taken it seriously. ","Why not? Every day, in the local sports stadium, officials posted a radiation count, which gave the impression that there was no danger whatsoever. The figures were accurate, but they only indicated the gamma radiation. Alpha radiation, which was not measured, can be just as lethal. Many mothers began to comprehend why their children were so sickly. Spiritually speaking, we can also be poisoned by invisible contamination. And like those unfortunate people in Kazakstan, the majority are unaware of this life-threatening hazard. The Bible identifies this pollution as “the spirit of the world,” which is orchestrated by none other than Satan the Devil. (1 Corinthians 2:12) God’s Adversary maliciously uses this spirit—or prevailing attitude—of the world to undermine our godly devotion.","1 Corinthians 2:12, ",w97 10/1 pp. 25-26 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/20/2025
"Resist “the Spirit of the World”, Recognize Early Warning Signs, read Bible, prayer, ","The British coal miners mentioned earlier used canaries to provide an early warning of the presence of poisonous gas. If a miner saw a bird fall from its perch, he knew he needed to act fast to survive. In a spiritual sense, what are some early warning signs signaling that we are being influenced by the spirit of the world? When we first learned the truths contained in God’s Word and then dedicated our lives to Jehovah, we probably read the Bible eagerly. We likely prayed fervently and often. And we delighted to attend congregation meetings, viewing each one as a source of spiritual refreshment, like an oasis for a thirsty man. That course helped us to break free of and keep free of the world’s spirit.","Do we still try to read the Bible each day? (Ps. 1:2) Are our prayers frequent and heartfelt? Do we love congregation meetings, attending all of them each week? (Ps. 84:10) Or have we lost some of these good habits? Of course, we may have many demands upon our time and energy, and it can be challenging to maintain a healthy spiritual routine. But if some of our good habits have suffered over time, could it be that we are succumbing to the spirit of the world? Will we now make a strong effort to revive the good habits we once had?",Ps. 84:10; ,w08 9/15 p. 22,,,joshlaymon,,6/20/2025
"Resist “the Spirit of the World”, canaries, carbon monoxide, early warning, hazardous environment, Keep awake ","IN THE year 1911, British authorities passed a law designed to save the lives of coal miners. Each mine was required to keep two canaries. For what purpose? If a fire erupted in a mine, rescuers would carry the canaries underground with them. The tiny birds are sensitive to poisonous gases, such as carbon monoxide. If the air became contaminated, the birds would show signs of distress, even falling off their perch. This early warning was vital. Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that kills by stopping red blood cells from delivering oxygen in the body. Unless alerted to the danger, the rescuers could faint and then die without ever realizing that they were being poisoned.","In a spiritual sense, Christians face a situation similar to the mine workers. How? When Jesus gave his disciples the assignment to preach the good news worldwide, he knew that he was sending them into a hazardous environment, one dominated by Satan and the spirit of the world. (Matt. 10:16; 1 John 5:19) So concerned was Jesus about his disciples that on the night before he died, he prayed to his Father: “I request you, not to take them out of the world, but to watch over them because of the wicked one.”—John 17:15. Jesus warned his followers about the danger of what could amount to a death-dealing spiritual sleep. His words have special meaning for us, living as we do during the conclusion of the system of things. He urged his disciples: “Keep awake . . . that you may succeed in escaping all these things that are destined to occur, and in standing before the Son of man.” (Luke 21:34-36) Happily, though, Jesus also promised that his Father would provide holy spirit to refresh their memories and to help them stay awake and be strong.—John 14:26.",Matt. 10:16; 1 John 5:19; ,w08 9/15 pp. 20-21 pars. 1-3,,,joshlaymon,,6/20/2025
Do You Have an Immortal Spirit? ,"The spirit, or life-force, can be compared to the electric current that flows through a machine or an appliance. The invisible electricity may perform various functions, depending on the type of equipment it powers. For example, an electric stove can be made to generate heat, a computer to process information, and a television set to produce images and sound. Yet, the electric current never takes on the features of the equipment it activates. It remains simply a force.","Similarly, the life-force does not take on any of the characteristics of the creatures it animates. It has no personality and no thinking ability. Humans and animals “have but one spirit.” (Ecclesiastes 3:19) When a person dies, therefore, his spirit does not go on existing in another realm as a spirit creature.",Ecclesiastes 3:19; ,w01 7/15 p. 5,,,joshlaymon,,6/20/2025
“Soul” and “Spirit”—What Do These Terms Really Mean? ,"The soul and the spirit are not the same. The body needs the spirit in much the same way as a radio needs electricity—in order to function. To illustrate this further, think of a portable radio. When you put batteries in a portable radio and turn it on, the electricity stored in the batteries brings the radio to life, so to speak. Without batteries, however, the radio is dead. So is another kind of radio when it is unplugged from an electric outlet. ","Similarly, the spirit is the force that brings our body to life. Also, like electricity, the spirit has no feeling and cannot think. It is an impersonal force. But without that spirit, or life-force, our bodies “die and return to the dust” as the psalmist stated. Speaking about man’s death, Ecclesiastes 12:7 states: “The dust [of his body] returns to the earth, just as it was, and the spirit returns to the true God who gave it.” When the spirit, or life-force, leaves the body, the body dies and returns to where it came from—the earth. Comparably, the life-force returns to where it came from—God. (Job 34:14, 15; Psalm 36:9)","Ecclesiastes 12:7; Job 34:14, 15; Psalm 36:9, ", bh p. 210 par. 4-p. 211 par. 1 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/20/2025
What Is True Repentance?,"Jehovah God is “good and ready to forgive.” (Ps. 86:5) Forgiveness is possible—for those who are truly repentant.Manasseh did more than feel sorry about his sins. That teaches us a vital lesson about repentance. Consider an illustration: You go to a bakery shop and ask for a cake. But instead of a cake, the shop clerk hands you an egg. Would you be satisfied? Of course not! Would it help if the clerk explained that the egg is a key ingredient of the cake? Again, of course not! ","Similarly, Jehovah asks the sinner for repentance. If the sinner feels sorry about his sin, that is good. Such a feeling is an important ingredient of repentance, but it is not the whole thing. What else is needed? We learn a lot from a touching parable that Jesus related.",Ps. 86:5; ,w21 October p. 5 pars. 12-13 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/20/2025
"Avoid Stirring Up Competition—Promote Peace, competitive spirit, ",Each one of us has some God-given talent or ability. We can use that gift “in ministering to one another.” (1 Pet. 4:10) We may feel that the part we play is small. But the small acts that promote unity are like the small stitches that hold a garment together. ,May we work hard to remove from ourselves any trace of a competitive spirit. Let us be determined to do all we can to promote peace and unity in the congregation.—Eph. 4:3.,1 Pet. 4:10; ,w21 July p. 19 par. 19,,,joshlaymon,,6/20/2025
"Where Is This World Heading? copy, sin, Adam, stain, dark spot, ","If you were to photocopy a sheet of paper that had a dark spot on it, that spot would appear on all the copies. ","As Adam’s descendants—copies, so to speak—we have the stain of sin upon us. It is the same mark that appeared on Adam, the “original” Ecclesiastes 7:20, ","Ecclesiastes 7:20,",g 1/06 p. 8 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/20/2025
"A Satisfying Life—Why So Elusive? Adam, Eve, imperfect, original sin, ","Just as a cake pan with a dent in it can produce only a cake with a mark or impression, the now-imperfect man and woman could produce only imperfect offspring. The Bible explains this process: “Through one man sin entered into the world and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men because they had all sinned.” (Romans 5:12) ","Thus, we are all born in sin, subjected to futility. Life for Adam’s descendants became frustrating drudgery. But is there a way out?",Romans 5:12; ,la part 7 p. 24 par. 8,,,joshlaymon,,6/20/2025
"What Is God’s Purpose for Humans? sin, bread pan, dent, ","Adam and Eve disobeyed God and ate the fruit. (Genesis 2:17; 3:6) They sinned against Jehovah, and in time they died, just as Jehovah had said they would. (Genesis 3:17-19) Adam and Eve’s children were sinners, so they died. (Read Romans 5:12.) ","To help us understand why Adam and Eve’s children were also sinners, consider this example. Imagine baking a loaf of bread in a pan that has a dent. The bread will have the same dent as the pan. When Adam disobeyed God, Adam became a sinner. Because we are Adam’s children, all of us are sinners, or have the same “dent” as he did. And because we are all sinners, we grow old and die.—Romans 3:23;",Romans 3:23;, bhs chap. 3 pp. 30-31 par. 7,,,joshlaymon,,6/20/2025
"Do You Value What Jehovah Has Done to Deliver You? Why We Need Deliverance, flu, mortality, 100% death, ","According to a recent estimate, one of the worst pandemics in human history was the Spanish influenza of 1918, which killed tens of millions of people. Other diseases are more lethal in a sense. While they may infect fewer people, they kill a higher percentage of the people they do infect. However, what if we were to compare sin to such a pandemic? Recall the words of Romans 5:12: “Through one man sin entered into the world and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men because they had all sinned.” The infection rate of sin is 100 percent, since all imperfect humans sin. (Read Romans 3:23.) And what is the mortality rate? Paul wrote that sin brings death “to all men.”","Many today do not see sin and death in such dire terms. They worry about what they call premature death, but they dismiss as “natural” the death that creeps up on humans through the aging process. It is all too easy for humans to forget the Creator’s perspective. Our lifespan is infinitely shorter than he meant it to be. Actually, no human has lived for even “one day” from Jehovah’s point of view. (2 Pet. 3:8) God’s Word thus says that our lives are as transitory as a season’s growth of grass or as an exhaled breath. (Ps. 39:5; 1 Pet. 1:24) We need to keep that perspective in mind. Why? If we see the severity of the “disease” that afflicts us, we can better appreciate the value of the “cure”—our deliverance.",Ps. 39:5; 1 Pet. 1:24,w09 9/15 p. 26 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/20/2025
"The Bible—A Book of Accurate Prophecy, Part 4 death, grit in engine, ","As imperfect humans, we often do wrong. The Bible calls this sin. Sin might be likened to grit in an engine. Eventually, grit will cause that engine to wear out and stop. Similarly, sin causes us to grow old, get sick, and die. “The wages sin pays is death,” says Romans 6:23. ","Christ’s death, however, makes it possible for us to be set free from this tragic condition. How so? In another amazing prophecy, Isaiah wrote concerning the Christ that he would die “for our transgression,” or be “crushed for our errors,” and that “because of his wounds there has been a healing for us.”—Isaiah 53:5.",Romans 6:23., g 8/12 p. 20 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/20/2025
"Baptized in the Name of Whom and What? sin, Adam, sick man, unaware of illness, ","We have also learned that we inherited sin from Adam. (Rom. 5:12) This was something new that they had to accept as true. Such ones can be likened to a sick man who was unaware of his illness. He may have had some symptoms, such as an occasional pain. Yet, having no diagnosis of a specific disease, he might have imagined that he was basically in good health. The facts proved otherwise, however. (Compare 1 Corinthians 4:4.) ","What if he got an accurate diagnosis of his illness? Would he not be wise to seek and accept a known, proven, and effective treatment? Similarly, upon learning the truth about inherited sin, many have accepted the Bible’s “diagnosis” and have come to understand that God is offering the “cure.” Yes, all who are alienated from the Father need to turn to the One who can “cure” them.—Eph. 4:17-19.",Rom. 5:12; ,w10 3/15 pp. 11-12 par. 8 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/20/2025
"Christ’s Ransom—God’s Way of Salvation, disease, all have sinned, ","IMAGINE that you suffer from a disease that will surely claim your life unless you have surgery. How would you feel if the price of the operation was far beyond what you could afford? What if even the combined resources of your family and friends could not pay for it? To be confronted with such a life-threatening dilemma would be frustrating!This illustrates a situation that has developed with regard to the human race. Our first parents, Adam and Eve, were created perfect. (Deuteronomy 32:4) They had the prospect of living forever and of fulfilling God’s purpose: “Be fruitful and become many and fill the earth and subdue it.” (Genesis 1:28) ","However, Adam and Eve rebelled against their Creator. (Genesis 3:1-6) Their disobedience brought sin not only upon Adam and Eve themselves but also upon their unborn offspring. The faithful man Job later said: “Who can produce someone clean out of someone unclean? There is not one.”—Job 14:4. Sin is thus like a disease that has infected each one of us, for the Bible states that “all have sinned.” This condition has life-threatening consequences. Indeed, “the wages sin pays is death.” (Romans 3:23; 6:23) None of us can get around it. All humans sin, hence, all humans die. As descendants of Adam, we were born into this predicament. (Psalm 51:5) “Through one man,” Paul wrote, “sin entered into the world and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men because they had all sinned.” (Romans 5:12) But this does not mean that we are without hope for salvation.",Genesis 3:1-6; Romans 5:12; ,w99 2/15 p. 13 pars. 1-3 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/20/2025
"Having “Come to Know God”—What Now? coiled, snake, selfish pursuits, ","Our initially becoming a Christian depended on repentance and on turning around, or turning away from our sins. Repentance, however, is an ongoing process. As imperfect humans, we still have sin lurking within us like a coiled snake ready to strike. (Rom. 3:9, 10; 6:12-14) Let us remain sharp-eyed, not ignoring our faults. Happily, Jehovah is patient with us while we earnestly struggle to resist our weaknesses and make needed changes. (Phil. 2:12; 2 Pet. 3:9) A great help is to take control of our use of time and resources, turning away from selfish pursuits. ","One sister writes: “I was raised in the truth, yet I grew up with a different view of Jehovah than most. He was to be very much feared, and I felt that I surely would never be able to please him.” In time, the sister found herself “spiritually floundering” because of several personal setbacks. “It was not because I didn’t love Jehovah,” she continues, “but because I didn’t truly know him. However, after many intense prayers, I began a turnaround.” She added: “I found that Jehovah led me along like a child, helping me over one obstacle at a time, ever so gently, showing me what I needed to do.”","Rom. 3:9, 10; 6:12-14; ",w13 3/15 p. 16 par. 14,,,joshlaymon,,6/20/2025
"A Great Teacher Shows Us the Creator More Clearly, ransom, mankind has received a “virus,” sin, from Adam, ","What does the ransom involve? You might think of it this way: Suppose you had a computer but one of its electronic files was corrupted by an error (or virus) that someone had planted in an otherwise perfect program. That illustrates the effect of what Adam did when he deliberately disobeyed God, or sinned. ","Let us continue the illustration. Whatever copies you might make of the corrupted electronic file would be affected. However, all need not be lost. With a special program, you could detect and purge the corrupting error from your files and computer. Comparably, mankind has received a “virus,” sin, from Adam and Eve, and we need outside help to wipe it out. (Romans 5:12) According to the Bible, God provided for this cleansing through Jesus’ death. It is a loving provision from which we can benefit.—1 Corinthians 15:22.","1 Corinthians 15:22, ",ct chap. 9 pp. 156-157 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/20/2025
"Jehovah’s Forgiveness—Why We Appreciate It, situation is like that of this young man. sin, Adam, Eve, ","IMAGINE a young man who has been brought up in a wealthy family. One day tragedy strikes; his parents are killed in an accident. The news is devastating to him. However, another shock awaits this young man. He learns that his parents squandered the family fortune and that they acquired huge debts. Now imagine that instead of inheriting their wealth, he inherits their debts, and creditors are demanding payment. The debt is far beyond his ability ever to repay.","In some ways, our situation is like that of this young man. Our original parents, Adam and Eve, were perfect and lived in a beautiful paradise. (Gen. 1:27; 2:7-9) They had the prospect of enjoying a rich, endless life. But then everything changed. They lost their Paradise home as well as their prospect of everlasting life. What inheritance could they pass on to their future children? The Bible tells us: “Through one man [Adam] sin entered into the world and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because they had all sinned.” (Rom. 5:12) The inheritance Adam passed on to us is sin, resulting in death. This inherited sin is like a huge debt, one that none of us can pay off.—Ps. 49:8.",Gen. 1:27; 2:7-9; ,w25 February p. 2 pars. 1-2 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/20/2025
"Find Contentment by Applying Bible Principles, miss the mark, sin, hitting a target, arrow, ","The Greek word translated “sin” comes from a root that means “to miss the mark.” (Romans 3:9, footnote) To illustrate: Envision someone who is hoping to win a prize by hitting a target with an arrow. He has three arrows at his disposal. He shoots the first one and misses by a yard. He aims better with the second arrow but still misses by a foot [30 cm]. With full concentration he lets the last arrow go and misses by only an inch [2 cm]. It was so close, but a miss is a miss.","We are all like that disappointed archer. Sometimes we seem to “miss the mark” by much. Other times we come close but still miss the mark. We are frustrated because we tried so hard, but it was still not good enough. Now, let us go back to the archer. He is slowly turning away, dejected because he really wanted that prize. Suddenly, the man in charge calls him back and hands him a prize, saying: “I want to give you this because I like you, and I saw how hard you tried.” The archer is elated! Elated! Everyone who receives from God “the gift” of everlasting life in perfection will feel this way. (Romans 6:23) Thereafter, everything they do will be good—they will never miss the mark again. They will be perfectly content. In the meantime, if we keep this view in mind, we will feel better about ourselves and those around us.","Romans 3:9, ",w06 6/1 pp. 12-13,,,joshlaymon,,6/20/2025
"Meeting the Challenge of Adjusting to a New Congregation,  AN OPPORTUNITY TO GROW spreading your wings","As a locust matures, it sheds its skin several times before its wings are capable of flying. ","Similarly, when moving to a new congregation, you need to shed any apprehension that prevents you from spreading your wings in Jehovah’s service. Romans 15:7, ","Romans 15:7,",w24 July p. 28 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/20/2025
"Wise Counsel on Singleness and Marriage, remain within walls, ","Servants of Jehovah are resolved to remain morally chaste. Some decide to marry so as to avoid problems in this area. Marriage, though, does not furnish automatic protection against sexual uncleanness. In Bible times, a fortified city protected the people only if they remained inside its walls. If a person went outside the gate when bandits and marauders were roaming about, he could be robbed or killed. ","Likewise, married people find protection from immorality only if they stay within the sexual bounds that the Originator of marriage has established for them. Paul described those bounds at 1 Corinthians 7:2-5. Sexual relations with her husband become the exclusive privilege of the wife; he likewise has the same privilege with her alone.",1 Corinthians 7:2-5. ,w11 10/15 p. 17 pars. 19-20 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/20/2025
How Can I Become God’s Friend? “Make sure of the more important things.”,"Try this experiment: Take a bucket, and place several large rocks inside it. Now fill the bucket with sand—all the way to the top. You now have a bucket full of rocks and sand. Now empty the bucket, but keep the same sand and rocks. Try the process in reverse: Fill the bucket with sand, and then try to place the rocks inside the bucket. No room? That’s because this time you put the sand in the bucket first.  ","The point? The Bible says: “Make sure of the more important things.” (Philippians 1:10) If you put small things like recreation in first place, you’ll never seem to have enough room in your life for the big things—spiritual pursuits. But if you follow the Bible’s admonition, you’ll find that you have room for both Kingdom interests and a measure of recreation. It’s all a matter of what you put in your bucket first!","Philippians 1:10, ",yp2 chap. 35 p. 294,,,joshlaymon,,6/20/2025
"“Become Imitators of God” in Your Use of Power, soul, entire person, ","Consider an illustration. In Bible times, a person might sell himself (his soul) into slavery. Yet, the slave might not serve his master wholeheartedly; he might not use his full strength or his full mental abilities to advance his master’s interests. (Colossians 3:22) Hence, Jesus evidently mentioned these other faculties in order to emphasize that we must not hold anything back in our service to God. Serving God whole-souled means giving of ourselves, using our strength and energies to the fullest extent possible in his service.","“Whatever you are doing, work at it whole-souled as for Jehovah, and not for men.” (Colossians 3:23) In stating the greatest commandment, Jesus said: “You must love Jehovah your God with your whole heart and with your whole soul and with your whole mind and with your whole strength.” (Mark 12:30) Yes, Jehovah expects each one of us to love and serve him in a whole-souled way. What does it mean to serve God whole-souled? The soul refers to the entire person, with all his physical and mental abilities. Since the soul embraces the heart, the mind, and the strength, why are these other faculties mentioned at Mark 12:30? ",Colossians 3:23,cl chap. 10 p. 105 pars. 18-19,,,joshlaymon,,6/20/2025
"How to Maintain the Spirit of Self-Sacrifice, selfishness, rust, iron, ","In our day, Satan has successfully misled most people, moving them to manifest selfishness in many ways. This merits our attention because the prevailing selfish spirit could rub off on us.—Eph. 2:2. Selfishness may be compared to rust that develops on iron. If an iron object is exposed to the elements, it might begin to rust. The real danger lies in ignoring the rust, allowing it to develop to the point of causing structural damage or failure. ","Similarly, though we cannot presently eliminate our imperfection and selfish tendencies, we must be alert to the dangers involved and continue to fight such tendencies. (1 Cor. 9:26, 27) How can we recognize signs of selfishness in ourselves? And how can we to a greater degree cultivate our spirit of self-sacrifice?","Eph. 2:2. 1 Cor. 9:26, 27; ",w14 3/15 p. 8 pars. 3-4,,,joshlaymon,,6/20/2025
" Be Wise—Seek “Skillful Direction” experience, helmsman, learned about stars, winds, ","Life has been compared to a voyage. However, human wisdom has often proved to be of limited value in helping people to navigate through life successfully. Many have experienced shipwreck in the stormy waters of life. (Ps. 107:23, 27) Why is that metaphor fitting? In ancient times, traveling by sea was a challenge that required experience. It was an art usually learned at the feet of longtime sailors, perhaps a helmsman. (Acts 27:9-11) Many ancient paintings emphasize the importance of the helmsman’s role by portraying him as being larger than others. To venture out into the open sea, seafarers learned about stars, winds, and other points of reference. The Bible describes certain seamen as being “skilled,” using a term that can mean “wise.”—Ezek. 27:8; ftn.","Navigating life’s problems today can seem as arduous as going to sea in ancient times. What can help us?HOW CAN WE ATTAIN “SKILLFUL DIRECTION”? Having in mind the metaphor of life being like a voyage, consider this Biblical truth: “A wise person will listen and take in more instruction, and a man of understanding is the one who acquires skillful direction.” (Prov. 1:5, 6) The Hebrew term rendered “skillful direction” can describe the actions of the commander of an ancient ship. It implies the ability to guide and direct with skill. Though it calls for effort, we can acquire “skillful direction” and learn to “sail” successfully on the sea of life. As Proverbs indicates, we have to let “wisdom,” “understanding,” and “insight” work together. (Prov. 1:2-6; 2:1-9) And we cannot neglect seeking divine guidance, for even the wicked may know how to ‘steer’ for unjust ends.—Prov. 12:5. It is vital, then, that we be diligent students of God’s Word. By such study, we can take in precious information about Jehovah and the one who best reflects Him, Jesus Christ. (John 14:9) We receive much wise counsel at Christian meetings. In addition, we can draw on the experience of others, including our parents.—Prov. 23:22. ANTICIPATE AND PLAN“Skillful direction” is especially important when we find ourselves in troubled waters, figuratively speaking. Doubts regarding what action to take in a complex situation could paralyze us, with catastrophic results.—Jas. 1:5, 6.","Ps. 107:23, 27; Jas. 1:5, 6. ",w12 6/15 p. 30,,,joshlaymon,,6/20/2025
"Seek Something Much Better Than Gold, prospectors looking for gold, God’s name, Jehovah, in the Bible. ","Have you ever found a gold nugget? Very few people have. Yet, millions have discovered something much better. It is divine wisdom, which “cannot be bought with pure gold.”—Job 28:12, 15. IN SOME ways, sincere Bible students are like prospectors looking for gold. Such students need to work hard and keep on searching the Scriptures to find priceless wisdom. In this regard, what can we learn by considering three ways in which gold is found? Imagine that you are walking near a riverbank and see what seems to be a tiny pebble reflecting the sunlight. You stoop down and are delighted to find a gold nugget. It is smaller than a match head and rarer than a high-quality diamond. Of course, you look around to see if there are more nuggets to be found.","Similarly, on a memorable day some time ago, one of Jehovah’s servants may have called at your door to discuss the message of hope found in the Bible. Perhaps you vividly recall the moment when you discovered your first spiritual gold nugget, so to speak. That may have happened when you first saw God’s name, Jehovah, in the Bible. (Ps. 83:18) Or perhaps when you learned that you could become Jehovah’s friend. (Jas. 2:23) You knew immediately that you had found something better than gold! And you may have been eager to find more spiritual nuggets.","Job 28:12, 15.Ps. 83:18; ",w16 August pp. 18-19 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/20/2025
"Seek Something Much Better Than Gold, prospectors looking for alluvial gold, God’s name, Jehovah, in the Bible. ","YOU FIND MORE! Tiny specks or flakes of gold sometimes accumulate in creeks and rivers. This is called alluvial gold. In a single season, hardworking prospectors may find in such deposits several pounds of gold, worth tens of thousands of dollars. When you began to study the Bible with one of Jehovah’s Witnesses, you may have felt like a prospector who pans a rich deposit of gold. Meditating on one Bible verse after another likely added to your fund of knowledge, something that enriched you spiritually. As you eagerly scooped up those precious Bible truths, you learned how you could draw close to Jehovah and keep yourself in his love with everlasting life in view.—Jas. 4:8; Jude 20, 21.","Just as a prospector seeks to find precious deposits of alluvial gold, you may have been very diligent in searching for valuable spiritual riches. After learning the fundamental Bible truths, you were likely moved to take the steps that led to dedication and baptism.—Matt. 28:19, 20. A prospector may find tiny quantities of gold inside igneous rocks. Some patches of such rocks contain concentrations of gold high enough to mine the ore and crush it to extract the gold. At first glance, the gold may not be visible in the ore. Why not? Because high-quality ore may contain only about 0.3 troy ounce (10 g) of gold per ton of rock! Nevertheless, to the prospector it is worth the effort to mine it.Effort is also needed after a person has moved beyond “the primary doctrine about the Christ.” (Heb. 6:1, 2) You need to work hard to extract fresh points and practical lessons from your Bible study. So, what can you do to make sure that your personal Bible study remains productive, even though you may have been studying the Scriptures for years? Remain eager to learn. Pay close attention to details. Continue putting forth effort, and you will find valuable Scriptural nuggets of divine wisdom and guidance. (Rom. 11:33) To increase your knowledge of the Scriptures, make good use of the research tools available in your language. Patiently look for the direction you need and for answers to your Bible questions. Ask others what scriptures and articles they have found to be especially helpful and encouraging. Share interesting points that you have discovered during your study of God’s Word.Of course, your goal is not simply to increase factual knowledge. The apostle Paul warned that “knowledge puffs up.” (1 Cor. 8:1) Therefore, work hard to remain humble and strong in faith. Regular family worship and personal Bible study will help you to live in harmony with Jehovah’s standards and will motivate you to help others. Above all, you will rejoice because you have found something much better than gold.—Prov. 3:13, 14.","Jas. 4:8; Jude 20, 21. Matt. 28:19, 20.",w16 August pp. 18-19 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/20/2025
"Cultivate Qualities That Can Help You Make Disciples, search party, ","The Christian congregation is a disciple-making organization. When a new one becomes a disciple, the Witness of Jehovah who found him and helped him to learn what the Bible teaches is not the only one with reason for rejoicing. When people organize a search party to locate a lost child, only one member of the group may actually find the youngster. But when the child is reunited with his parents, everyone involved in the search rejoices. (Luke 15:6, 7) Similarly, disciple-making is a team effort. ","All Christians share in searching for those who may become Jesus’ disciples. And when a new one starts to attend meetings at the Kingdom Hall, every Christian present contributes to building his appreciation for true worship. (1 Corinthians 14:24, 25) Thus, all Christians can rejoice that hundreds of thousands of new disciples are made each year.","1 Corinthians 14:24, 25, ",w07 11/15 p. 25 par. 19 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/20/2025
"“Go . . . Make Disciples” lost, missing, credit, ","Every Christian minister is involved in helping to find honesthearted ones. We could liken this work to finding a lost child. In what way? Consider the real-life example of a three-year-old boy who wandered away from home. About 500 people were involved in searching for him. Finally, some 20 hours after the child went missing, a volunteer discovered the little boy in a cornfield. That volunteer refused to take credit for locating the boy. He said: “It took hundreds of people to find him.”","Many people are like that child. They feel lost. They have no hope, but they want help. (Eph. 2:12) Over eight million of us are involved in trying to find these deserving ones. You may not personally find someone who will study the Bible with you. However, other publishers working the same territory may find someone who wants to learn the truth found in God’s Word. When a brother or sister meets someone who becomes a disciple of Christ, everyone who shared in the search has good reason to rejoice.",Eph. 2:12; ,w19 July pp. 16-17 pars. 9-10,,,joshlaymon,,6/20/2025
Serve God Loyally Despite “Many Tribulations”,"As we have seen, Satan has a number of “crafty acts” at his disposal. (Eph. 6:11) Each of us needs to follow the admonition found at 1 Peter 5:9: “Take your stand against him, firm in the faith.” To do that, we need to prepare our mind and heart, to train ourselves now to do what is right. ","To illustrate: An army of soldiers will often go through a series of grueling drills long before there is even the threat of a battle. It is similar in Jehovah’s spiritual army. We do not know what our warfare may involve in the future. Therefore, would it not be wise to do some significant training during a time of relative peace? Paul wrote to the Corinthians: “Keep testing whether you are in the faith; keep proving what you yourselves are.”—2 Cor. 13:5.",2 Cor. 13:5. ,w14 9/15 pp. 15-16 par. 16 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/20/2025
"Raising Children in a Permissive World, training, guarantee of success? Your child has free will, ",There is an even better reward. Earlier we considered the first part of Proverbs 22:6: “Train up a boy according to the way for him.” The verse continues with these heartwarming words: “Even when he grows old he will not turn aside from it.” Does this inspired proverb offer a guarantee of success? Not necessarily. Your child has free will and will grow up to exercise it. But this verse offers parents a loving assurance. What is that?,"If you train your children according to the Bible’s counsel, you are creating the most favorable circumstances to bring about a marvelous result—seeing your children grow up to be happy, fulfilled, and responsible adults. (Proverbs 23:24) By all means, then, prepare those precious “arrows,” protect them, and expend yourself in directing them. You will never regret it.","Proverbs 22:6, ",w08 4/1 p. 16,,,joshlaymon,,6/20/2025
"Raising Children in a Permissive World, Directing the Arrow, mighty man, They let television, school, and peers teach","Note that Psalm 127:4, 5 likens the parent to “a mighty man.” Does this mean that only a father can be effective in the parental role? Not at all. In fact, the principle of this illustration applies to both fathers and mothers—and to single parents as well. (Proverbs 1:8) The phrase “mighty man” suggests that a considerable amount of strength was required to shoot an arrow from a bow. In Bible times, bows were sometimes mounted with copper, and a soldier was said to ‘tread the bow,’ perhaps bracing the bow with his foot so that he could string it. (Jeremiah 50:14, 29) Clearly, much energy and effort went into pulling that taut string back in order to shoot those arrows toward their mark!","Similarly, raising children requires considerable effort. They do not simply rear themselves, any more than an arrow launches itself toward its target. Sadly, many parents today seem unwilling to expend the kind of effort that is needed. They take the easy way out. They let television, school, and peers teach their children about right and wrong, about morals, about sex. They let their children have whatever they want. And when saying no seems like too much work, they simply say yes—often excusing their decision by saying that they do not want to hurt their children’s feelings. In reality, it is their permissiveness that will do their children real, lasting harm.","Psalm 127:4, 5",w08 4/1 p. 16,,,joshlaymon,,6/20/2025
"Raising Children in a Permissive World, Protecting the Arrow, ","Let us return to the illustration recorded at Psalm 127:4, 5. Recall that the archer “filled his quiver” with his arrows. Once prepared, arrows had to be protected. Thus, the archer carried them in a quiver, where they would not be easily damaged or broken. Interestingly, the Bible speaks prophetically of the Messiah as a polished arrow that his Father “concealed . . . in his own quiver.” (Isaiah 49:2) Jehovah God, the most loving Father imaginable, did indeed protect his beloved Son, Jesus, from all manner of harm until the appointed time came for the Messiah to be put to death as foretold. Even then, God protected his Son from being permanently harmed by death, bringing him safely back to heaven, to live eternally.","Likewise, good parents are concerned about protecting their children from the dangers of this degraded world. It may be that parents prohibit certain activities that would unnecessarily expose their children to dangerous influences. For example, wise parents take this principle seriously: “Bad associations spoil useful habits.” (1 Corinthians 15:33) Protecting children from association with those who do not respect the moral standards of the Bible will likely keep young ones from making a number of costly, even deadly, mistakes.",1 Corinthians 15:33; ,w08 4/1 p. 15,,,joshlaymon,,6/20/2025
"Raising Children in a Permissive World, The feathers, or fletching, “inculcate” God’s laws, ","The feathers, or fletching, that an archer attaches to his arrows help them to fly straight after they leave his bow. Likewise, Bible teachings from the Originator of the family arrangement can stay with children even after they leave home, benefiting them throughout life. (Ephesians 3:14, 15) How, though, can parents make sure that such teachings are really “attached” to their children?","Notice God’s counsel to Israelite parents in Moses’ time: “These words that I am commanding you today must prove to be on your heart; and you must inculcate them in your son.” (Deuteronomy 6:6, 7) So parents need to do two things. First, they need to learn and apply God’s Word themselves, actually coming to love God’s laws. (Psalm 119:97) Then they are in a position to apply the second part of the scripture—to “inculcate” God’s laws in their children. That means impressing the value of such laws on their children’s hearts through effective teaching and frequent repetition.","Ephesians 3:14, 15", w08 4/1 p. 14 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/20/2025
"Raising Children in a Permissive World, Thoroughly Preparing the Arrow","Thoroughly Preparing the Arrow. The arrows used by archers in Bible times were prepared very carefully. The shaft, perhaps made of a lightweight wood, had to be carved by hand and made as straight as possible. The tip had to be sharp. At the other end of the shaft, feathers were attached to stabilize the arrow in flight, keeping it on course.Parents want their children to be like those straight arrows—upright, free from deviation. Therefore, if they are wise, they do not turn a blind eye to serious faults but lovingly help their children to work on these and overcome them. There will be plenty of such work to do with any child, for “foolishness is tied up with the heart of a boy.” (Proverbs 22:15) The Bible thus exhorts parents to discipline their children. (Ephesians 6:4) Indeed, discipline plays a vital role in forming and straightening out a child’s mind and character.","No wonder, then, that Proverbs 13:24 says: “The one holding back his rod is hating his son, but the one loving him is he that does look for him with discipline.” In this context, the rod of discipline represents a means of correction, whatever form it may take. By administering loving discipline, a parent seeks to correct faults that if they were to become deeply rooted, would cause the child much misery in adult life. Truly, withholding such discipline amounts to hate; administering it is an act of love.","Ephesians 6:4, Proverbs 13:24, ",w08 4/1 p. 14,,,joshlaymon,,6/20/2025
"Raising Children in a Permissive World, “Like Arrows in the Hand”, ","“Like Arrows in the Hand” The Bible illustrates the parent-child relationship in a way that highlights a child’s need for parental guidance. Psalm 127:4, 5 says: “Like arrows in the hand of a mighty man, so are the sons of youth. Happy is the able-bodied man that has filled his quiver with them.” So children are likened to arrows, and the parent is likened to a mighty warrior. Just as an archer knows that his arrows will not hit the target by chance, loving parents realize that child rearing cannot be a haphazard business. ","They want their children to reach a “target”—a fulfilling life as happy, responsible adults. They want their children to make good choices, to be wise and avoid needless problems, and to achieve worthwhile goals. But wanting such things is not enough. If an arrow is to reach its target, what is needed? It must be thoroughly prepared, well protected, and powerfully directed toward its target. Likewise, children need to be prepared, protected, and directed if their journey toward adulthood is going to be successful. Let us consider these three aspects of child rearing one at a time.","Psalm 127:4, 5; ",w08 4/1 pp. 13-14,,,joshlaymon,,6/20/2025
"Parents—Train Your Children From Their Infancy, brief period of time.","Psalm 127:4 states: “Like arrows in the hand of a mighty man, so are the sons of youth.” Children are thus likened to arrows that should be accurately aimed at the target. An archer can never recall an arrow once it leaves his bow. ",Parents have “arrows”—their children—for only a comparatively brief period of time. That time should be used to instill godly principles in the mind and heart of their children.,Mark 12:28-30., w13 8/15 p. 17 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/20/2025
"Parents, Find Pleasure in Your Children, training stakes, diligence in teaching Timothy, ","Consider Timothy, who received support from, as it were, two firmly implanted training stakes—his mother and his grandmother. Since Timothy’s father was a Greek and evidently an unbeliever, it was his Jewish mother, Eunice, and her mother, Lois, who trained the boy ‘from infancy in the holy writings.’ (2 Timothy 1:5; 3:15; Acts 16:1) ","Their diligence in teaching Timothy—even when he was a baby—the “wonderful things that [Jehovah] has done” was richly rewarded. (Psalm 78:1, 3, 4) Timothy became a missionary in distant lands, perhaps while he was still a teenager, and he had a prominent role in strengthening early Christian congregations.—Acts 16:2-5; 1 Corinthians 4:17; Philippians 2:19-23.",2 Timothy 1:5; 3:15; Acts 16:1; ,w96 12/1 p. 12 par. 8 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/20/2025
"Parents, Find Pleasure in Your Children, Reproductive body parts, “testicles” and “genital organ.”","As saplings often need protection from dangerous pests, in this evil system of things, little ones need protection from “wicked men.” (2 Timothy 3:1-5, 13) How can parents give this protection? By helping them to acquire divine wisdom! (Ecclesiastes 7:12) Jehovah commanded the Israelites—including their “little ones”—to listen to the reading of his Law, which included identification of proper and improper sexual conduct. (Deuteronomy 31:12; Leviticus 18:6-24) Reproductive body parts are repeatedly mentioned, including “testicles” and “genital organ.” (Leviticus 15:1-3, 16; 21:20; 22:24; Numbers 25:8; Deuteronomy 23:10) ","Because of the extreme corruption of today’s world, little ones need to know the proper and improper use of such body parts that are included in the creation that God called “very good.”—Genesis 1:31; 1 Corinthians 12:21-24.Ideally both parents together, or each adult guardian, should identify for the child its private body parts. They should then explain that no other person should be allowed to touch these parts. Since child molesters often test how little ones respond to subtle sexual advances, a child should be taught to resist firmly and say, “I’m going to tell on you!” Teach your little ones that they should always tell on anyone who tries to touch them in a way that makes them feel uncomfortable, no matter what scary threats are made. ","2 Timothy 3:1-5, 13; Deuteronomy 31:12; Leviticus 18:6-24; ",w96 12/1 pp. 13-14,,,joshlaymon,,6/20/2025
"Parents, Find Pleasure in Your Children, ","HOW fine to see a sapling grow and become a stately tree that provides beauty and shade—especially if you planted and took care of it! Similarly, parents who care for children who grow up to be mature servants of God find great pleasure in them, as the Bible proverb says: “The father of a righteous one will without fail be joyful; the one becoming father to a wise one will also rejoice in him. Your father and your mother will rejoice, and she that gave birth to you will be joyful.”—Proverbs 23:24, 25.","Yet, a child does not automatically become “righteous” and “wise.” Great effort is needed to keep young ones from becoming a source of “grief” and “bitterness,” even as work can be involved in turning a sapling into a stately tree. (Proverbs 17:21, 25) For example, support stakes can train a young sapling to grow straight and strong. A regular water supply is vital, and a sapling may need to be protected from pests. Finally, pruning helps to produce a tree of beauty. God’s Word reveals that children need such things as godly training, saturation with the water of Bible truth, protection from moral abuses, and loving discipline to prune away undesirable traits. To supply these needs, fathers especially are urged to bring their children up “in the discipline and mental-regulating of Jehovah.” (Ephesians 6:4) What does this involve?","Proverbs 23:24, 25, Proverbs 17:21, 25; ",w96 12/1 pp. 10-11 pars. 1-3 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/20/2025
"“These Things Entrust to Faithful Men”, ","Older brothers should not be disheartened when it becomes necessary to hand their assignments over to younger men. Rather, it is in the best interests of the work when younger ones are trained to handle responsibilities. Appointed men should have great satisfaction when the younger ones whom they have trained become qualified to take on the work. To illustrate, think of a father who teaches his son to drive a car. When he is a child, the son simply observes his father. When the boy is older, the father explains what he is doing. Then, when the boy is of legal age, he begins to drive the car as his father gives him further instruction. Sometimes they may take turns driving, but eventually the son may do most, if not all, of the driving for his aging father. The wise father is pleased to have his son take over and does not feel that he has to be in control. ","Similarly, older men feel proud when they have trained younger ones to take on theocratic responsibilities.As older ones, we must guard against jealousy. Notice how Moses reacted when certain ones in the camp of Israel began behaving as prophets. (Read Numbers 11:24-29.)",Numbers 11:24-29; ,w17 January pp. 29-30 pars. 9-10,,,joshlaymon,,6/20/2025
"Elders, How Do You Feel About Training Others? may neglect the training of others. ","Think of this example: A driver may know that to maintain his car and keep the engine in running order, he must regularly change the oil. Still, he may feel that it is not as urgent as filling the tank with fuel. After all, if he does not put gas in the tank, his car will soon come to a complete stop. ‘If I don’t have time to change the oil,’ he may reason, ‘the engine will still keep running, at least for a while.’ But what is the danger? ","If the driver keeps postponing the maintenance of the engine, the day will come when the car will grind to a complete halt. If that happens, he will have to spend a lot of time and money on getting the car repaired and running again. What is the lesson? Elders care for many important tasks that have to be handled promptly; otherwise, the congregation would be adversely affected. So just as the driver in the example makes sure to keep refilling the fuel tank, elders must “make sure of the more important things.” (Phil. 1:10) However, some elders are so busy looking after pressing matters that they may neglect the training of others—the maintenance of the engine, so to speak. But if elders keep postponing necessary training, sooner or later the congregation will lack sufficient qualified brothers to care for all that needs to be done.",Phil. 1:10; ,w15 4/15 p. 4 pars. 5-6,,,joshlaymon,,6/20/2025
"A Drawer That Only Jehovah Can Open’ death, hope, father died, Tomb, ","In 2007, six-year-old Erika and four-year-old Mattia lost their father in death. The children’s pain has been eased, however, by the resurrection hope.—Acts 24:15. Erika likes to share her Bible-based hope with others, especially at her school in Sicily. ","For example, when her friend Beatrice said that Erika’s father was now in heaven, Erika kindly replied that the Bible indicates otherwise. “So where is he then?” asked Beatrice. “In the tomb,” replied Erika. At that point, Beatrice wanted to know what a tomb is. “It’s like a drawer that opens and closes,” explained Erika. “But once this drawer is closed, you can’t open it. Only Jehovah can open it when the new world comes.”",Acts 24:15.,g 8/09 p. 32 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/20/2025
"Young Ones—What Will You Do With Your Life?, map, compass, conscience, Bible is a map, ","IF YOU were going to travel on an unfamiliar trail, you might want to take along a map and a compass. The map would help you to identify your current position and aid in plotting out a course. The compass would allow you to orient yourself. However, both the map and the compass would be of little use if you did not know where you were headed. To avoid wandering aimlessly, you would need a clearly defined destination.","You face a similar situation as you grow toward adulthood. You have available both a reliable map and a compass. The Bible is a map that can help you to know which path to choose. (Prov. 3:5, 6) If properly trained, your conscience can be a great help in keeping you on the right course. (Rom. 2:15) It can serve as a compass. For your life to be successful, though, you also need to know where you are headed. You need clearly defined goals.","Prov. 3:5, 6; ",w10 11/15 p. 12 pars. 1-2 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/20/2025
"Young Ones—What Will You Do With Your Life? rocks, sand, “make sure of the more important things,”","Despite your best intentions, does it seem that you just never have enough time to do what you want and need to do? If so, you should examine your priorities. To illustrate: Take a plastic bucket and place several large rocks inside it. Then fill the bucket with sand. You have a bucket full of rocks and sand. Empty the bucket but keep the same sand and rocks. This time, fill the bucket with the sand first, and then try to place the rocks inside the bucket. No room? That is because you put the sand in the bucket first.","You face a similar challenge when managing your time. If you put things like recreation in first place, you will never seem to have enough room in your life for the big things—spiritual pursuits. But if you follow the Bible’s admonition to “make sure of the more important things,” you will find that you have room for both Kingdom interests and a measure of recreation.—Phil. 1:10.",Phil. 1:10.,w10 11/15 p. 16 pars. 18-19 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/20/2025
"Drawing Close to One Another Is Good for Us! Unity, speech, sample food, ","Another way we can promote unity is by means of our speech. Job 12:11 states: “Does not the ear test out words as the tongue tastes food?” Just as a good cook will always sample his food to make sure it is tasty before serving it to others, we do well to think carefully about what we will say before we say it. (Ps. 141:3) ","Our goal should always be to ensure that what we are about to say will be upbuilding, refreshing, and “beneficial to the hearers.”—Eph. 4:29.",Job 12:11,w25 April pp. 18-19 par. 15 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/20/2025
"Consider What Kind of Person You Ought to Be, Lure of a fisherman, attractive, hook, ","“The things in the world” are like the lures of a fisherman. They are attractive, but attached to each lure is a hook. Satan uses what people may regard as normal everyday needs to make them want to do what is contrary to the laws of God. Such subtle temptations, though, are designed to influence our desires and corrupt our heart. ","They are really an attempt to make us believe that taking care of our personal needs and comforts takes priority over doing the will of God. Will such enticements work on us? Psalm 1:1,2; ","Psalm 1:1,2;",w13 8/15 pp. 26-27 par. 14 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/20/2025
"“That You May Not Enter Into Temptation” Satan's snares, dark path, publications, Literature, traps, ","First, God helps us to recognize temptations. Satan’s temptations are like snares strewn across a dark path. If you do not see them, you may be entrapped. By means of the Bible and Bible-based publications, Jehovah throws light on Satan’s snares, thus enabling us to avoid giving into temptation. ","Over the years, printed literature and convention and assembly programs have repeatedly alerted us to such dangers as fear of man, sexual immorality, materialism, and other satanic temptations. (Proverbs 29:25; 1 Corinthians 10:8-11; 1 Timothy 6:9, 10) Are you not grateful to Jehovah for alerting us to Satan’s designs? (2 Corinthians 2:11) All such warnings are an answer to your prayers for help in resisting temptation.","Proverbs 29:25; 1 Corinthians 10:8-11; 1 Timothy 6:9, 10; ",kp p. 26 par. 11 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/21/2025
"‘Teach Them to Observe All the Things I Have Commanded You’, observing other drivers. ","“All the Things” We do not limit ourselves merely to teaching new disciples to make disciples. Jesus instructed us to teach others to “observe all the things” he commanded. That certainly includes the two greatest commands—to love God and to love neighbor. (Matthew 22:37-39) How might a new disciple be taught to observe those commandments? Think again of the illustration of the student driver. As the student moves through traffic with the instructor at his side, the student is learning not only by listening to his instructor but also by observing other drivers. For instance, the instructor may point out a driver who kindly allows another to merge in front of him into traffic; or a driver who courteously dims his car’s headlights so as not to blind oncoming traffic; or a driver who offers willing assistance to an acquaintance whose vehicle has broken down. ","Such examples teach the student valuable lessons that he can apply when he is driving. Similarly, a new disciple who travels on the road to life learns not only from his teacher but also from the fine examples that he sees in the congregation.—Matthew 7:13, 14. For instance, a Bible student may observe a single parent who puts forth great effort to come to the Kingdom Hall with her small children in tow. He may see a downhearted soul who faithfully comes to meetings despite her struggle with depression, an elderly widow who drives other older ones to each congregation meeting, or a teenager who shares in cleaning the Kingdom Hall. The Bible student may take note of a congregation elder who faithfully takes the lead in field service despite his many congregation responsibilities. He may meet a Witness who is disabled and housebound but who is a source of spiritual encouragement to all who visit him. The student may observe a couple who are making drastic adjustments in their life in order to serve as caregivers to their elderly parents. By observing such kind, helpful, and dependable Christians, the new disciple learns by example what it means to obey Christ’s command to love God and neighbor, especially fellow believers. (Proverbs 24:32; John 13:35; Galatians 6:10; 1 Timothy 5:4, 8; 1 Peter 5:2, 3) In this way, each member of the Christian congregation can—and should—be a teacher and a guide.—Matthew 5:16.","Matthew 22:37-39, Proverbs 24:32; John 13:35; Galatians 6:10; 1 Timothy 5:4, 8; 1 Peter 5:2, 3, ",w04 7/1 p. 16 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/20/2025
"How to Help Others to Observe Christ’s Commands, ","To “observe” a command means to obey it. To illustrate how we can teach someone to observe, or obey, the things that Christ commanded, think of this example. How does a driving instructor teach his students to observe the traffic laws? The instructor may first cover the rules of the road in a classroom setting. However, to teach his students how to obey those rules, he has to take another step. He has to accompany the students and guide them as they actually drive in traffic and try to put into practice what they have learned. What can we learn from that example?","When we study the Bible with others, we teach them what God requires of us. But we must do more. We must teach our Bible students to apply in their daily life what they learn. (Read John 14:15; 1 John 2:3.) By example, we can show our students how they can apply basic Scriptural principles at school, at work, or during recreation. We can relate an instance from our life to show them how applying the Bible’s direction protected us from harm or how it helped us to make a wise decision. In the presence of our students, we can pray to Jehovah that the holy spirit guide them.—John 16:13.",John 16:13; John 14:15; 1 John 2:3.,w20 November p. 3 pars. 4-5 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/20/2025
"Parents—Shepherd Your Children, balance, warnings, over emphasis, ","Even when talking about delicate subjects—dating, for example—be careful not to put so much emphasis on warnings that you neglect to teach your children the proper way to deal with the matter. To illustrate: Suppose you went to a restaurant and discovered that the menu contained only warnings about food poisoning. You would likely leave that place and look for another restaurant. ","Your children may react similarly if they come to you for advice but all you have on the “menu” is a list of stern warnings. (Read Colossians 3:21.) Instead, aim for a balanced approach. A young sister named Emily observes: “When my parents talk to me about dating, they don’t make the subject seem negative. They emphasize the joy of getting to know someone and finding a marriage mate. This has helped me to feel comfortable talking to them about it. In fact, I want to involve them in any relationship I have rather than hide it from them.”",Colossians 3:21.,w14 9/15 pp. 18-19 par. 7 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/20/2025
"Whose Authority Should You Recognize? Human government, stitches, ","Paul explained: “He who opposes the authority has taken a stand against the arrangement of God.” (Romans 13:2) The superior authorities are God’s “arrangement” in that they preserve a measure of order, without which chaos and anarchy would reign. Opposing them would be unscriptural and senseless. To illustrate: Imagine that you had undergone surgery and stitches were securing the wound. Though the stitches are foreign to the body, they serve a purpose for a limited time. Removing them prematurely could be harmful. ","Similarly, human governmental authorities were not part of God’s original purpose. Until his Kingdom is ruling the earth completely, however, human governments hold society together, performing a function that fits in with God’s will for the present time. We should thus remain in subjection to the superior authorities, while we give priority to God’s law and authority.","Romans 13:2, ",kl chap. 14 pp. 133-134 par. 10,,,joshlaymon,,6/21/2025
“Unify My Heart to Fear Your Name”,"For instance, if you see an image on TV or the Internet that could arouse sensual desires, how do you respond? It might be easy to rationalize that the picture or movie is not exactly pornographic. But might it represent an effort by Satan to divide your heart? (2 Cor. 2:11) That image can be like a little metal wedge that a man uses to split a big log. At first he drives the thin, sharp edge of the wedge into the log. Then as he drives the wedge deeper, the log splits apart. ",Could suggestive imagery in the media be like the thin part of that wedge? What may start off as small and seemingly harmless can quickly lead a person to commit sins that divide his heart and break his integrity. So refuse to give anything improper entry into your heart! Keep it unified to fear Jehovah’s name!,"2 Cor. 2:11, ",w20 June p. 12 par. 15 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/20/2025
"Serve God Loyally Despite “Many Tribulations, SUBTLE ATTACKS, SataN, ","Another kind of tribulation that we may face involves subtle attacks. How does this differ from the frontal attacks of physical persecution? Frontal attacks are like a tornado that blows into town and destroys your house instantly. Subtle attacks are more like a colony of termites that slowly creep in and nibble away at the wood of your house until it collapses. With the latter, a person may not even be aware of the danger until it is too late.","Satan would like to destroy your relationship with Jehovah, whether with frontal attacks of persecution or by slowly nibbling away at your faith through subtle attacks. One of the most effective subtle tactics Satan uses is discouragement. The apostle Paul admitted to feeling discouraged at times. (Read Romans 7:21-24.)",Romans 7:21-24; ,w14 9/15 p. 14 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/21/2025
" Does Your Faith Move You to Action? Accurate knowledge, vegetable, garden, ","Accurate knowledge must reach our hearts to affect our lives for the good. Would it make sense to study vegetable gardening but never plant any seeds? Granted, we might gain a certain amount of knowledge about how to cultivate a garden, but we would never harvest anything! ","Similarly, people who learn God’s requirements through a study of the Bible must allow seeds of truth to reach the heart in order for those seeds to sprout and move them to action.—Matthew 13:3-9, 19-23.","Matthew 13:3-9, 19-23; ",w05 4/15 p. 27 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/21/2025
"Explore Every Dimension of God’s Word, read and study the Bible. buying a house, ","IMAGINE that you are deciding whether to buy a house. What would you want to see before you make your decision? Just a photo of the front of the house? No doubt you would want to see the house in person so that you can walk around it, go inside to inspect all the rooms, and see it in all its dimensions. You might even like to examine the plans of the house to find out how it was built. Obviously, you would want to see your future home in all its aspects.","We can do something similar when we read and study the Bible. One commentary likens the Bible’s message to “a vastly spacious building, with its high towers and deep foundations.” So, then, how can we get familiar with all that is in the Bible? If you just read it quickly, you may learn only basic facts—“the elementary things of the sacred pronouncements of God.” (Heb. 5:12) Instead, as with the house, go “inside” to examine the rich details. An excellent way to study the Bible is to see how the various parts of its message connect together. Endeavor to understand not only what truths you believe but also why you believe them.","Heb. 5:12, ",w23 October p. 18 pars. 1-2 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/21/2025
"Is It Weak to Be Gentle? Hard Shell or Inner Strength? crab, tender affections. compassion, kindness, ","True Christians are encouraged to imitate Christ by putting on “the new personality which was created according to God’s will.” (Ephesians 4:20-24) We are told to “strip off the old personality with its practices,” just as a crab sheds its old shell so that it can grow. (Colossians 3:9) ","However, unlike a crab whose body soon hardens again after the old shell is discarded, we are commanded to clothe ourselves permanently with “the tender affections of compassion, kindness, . . . and long-suffering.” (Colossians 3:12) Gentleness, then, should characterize us.",Colossians 3:9,g05 1/8 p. 19,,,joshlaymon,,6/21/2025
"How We Strip Off and Keep Off the Old Personality, ","What would you do if your clothing became dirty, perhaps even having a foul odor? You would strip off the soiled garment as soon as possible. ","Similarly, we need to act with urgency in obeying the command to strip off habits that are contrary to God’s personality. We want to heed Paul’s clear instruction to Christians in his day: “You must put them all away from you.” Let us consider two of the sinful practices listed by Paul—sexual immorality and uncleanness.—Read Colossians 3:5-9.",Colossians 3:5-9.,w17 August p. 18 par. 5,,,joshlaymon,,6/21/2025
"Find Security Among God’s People, “I will laud you in the big congregation.” PS. 35:18. shark, ","WHILE on vacation, Joe and his wife were snorkeling on a tropical coral reef teeming with fish of all colors and sizes. They swam a little farther out to admire the reef below. When the seabed dropped away into a blue abyss, Joe’s wife said, “I think we’re going out too far.” “Relax,” Joe replied. “I know what I’m doing.” Joe recalls wondering soon thereafter, ‘Where have all the fish gone?’ With horror, he saw the reason. Out of the deep blue, a shark was heading straight for him. There he was, completely at its mercy. When the shark was just a few feet [a meter or so] away, it veered off and disappeared.","A Christian can become so enamored with the attractions of Satan’s system of things—entertainment, work, possessions—that he does not realize that he is getting deeper into dangerous waters. “My experience made me think about the company we keep,” says Joe, who is a Christian elder. “Swim where it’s safe and enjoyable—in the congregation!” Do not swim into deep water, where you may find yourself spiritually isolated and in peril. If ever you find yourself there, immediately head back to ‘safe water.’ Otherwise, you might run the risk of being devoured spiritually.",Psalm 35:18; ,w10 6/15 p. 6,,,joshlaymon,,6/21/2025
"Are You Focusing on the Reward? Glaucoma, blindness, spiritual vision, ","THE disease progresses slowly. Initially, it reduces a person’s peripheral vision. Left untreated, it can spread toward the center of vision. Ultimately, it can cause complete loss of sight. What is it? Glaucoma—a leading cause of blindness.","Just as we can lose literal eyesight slowly and insidiously, we can lose an even more precious form of sight—our spiritual vision. Therefore, it is vital to keep spiritual matters in sharp focus in the center of our field of vision. 2 Corinthians 4:18; ", 2 Corinthians 4:18; ,w04 4/1 p. 20 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/21/2025
"Live a Balanced, Simple Life, spiritual balance, God’s Kingdom and His righteousness, ","IT IS a challenge to sort out priorities, juggle responsibilities, and devote time and energy to the important aspects of life in a reasonable way. It is also a challenge to avoid extremes and maintain mental and emotional steadiness.—Ephesians 5:17; 1 Timothy 4:8; 1 Peter 1:13. This challenge might be compared to that faced by a performer who attempts to walk on a thin high wire. Loss of balance would be a disaster for him. ","Similarly, the loss of spiritual balance would be disastrous for us. A person walking a high wire surely does not burden himself with many things. He carries only the essentials. In order to maintain our spiritual balance, therefore, we need to live a simple, unburdened life.—Hebrews 12:1, 2. 3 If we are to live a simple life, we must involve ourselves only with the things needed to maintain a reasonable livelihood. In contrast with what his disciples should seek—God’s Kingdom and His righteousness—Jesus Christ spoke of “the things the nations are eagerly pursuing.” (Matthew 6:32, 33) So Jesus admonished us to avoid accumulating a lot of these things. Why? Because they can complicate our life and lead us astray. (Luke 12:16-21; 18:25) This is good counsel, regardless of whether we are wealthy or poor, well-educated or not.",Ephesians 5:17; 1 Timothy 4:8; 1 Peter 1:13.,w89 7/15 pp. 10-11 pars. 1-3 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/21/2025
"Live a Balanced, Simple Life, forward movement is a real protection, bicycle, spiritual activity,","Actually, your spiritual activity is a measure of whether you are living a balanced, simple life. Christians who are heeding Jesus’ admonition to seek first God’s Kingdom are moving ahead at a good pace in regular Bible study, meeting attendance, and the field ministry. Such forward movement is a real protection against falling. It might be compared to riding a bicycle. Those who have tried to balance a bicycle that has slowed down practically to a standstill appreciate the importance of forward momentum. Similarly, as long as you are moving ahead at a good pace in a routine of spiritual activity, you are protected from losing your balance and falling.—Philippians 3:16.","It might be compared to riding a bicycle. Those who have tried to balance a bicycle that has slowed down practically to a standstill appreciate the importance of forward momentum. Similarly, as long as you are moving ahead at a good pace in a routine of spiritual activity, you are protected from losing your balance and falling.—Philippians 3:16.",Philippians 3:16.,w89 7/15 p. 12 par. 8 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/21/2025
“Bring a Smile to Jehovah’s Face” ,"“Will Their Ship of Faith Be Anchored Solid in the Storms Ahead?” Sam Roberson, one of the instructors, discussed the apostle Paul’s warning that some had “experienced shipwreck concerning their faith.” (1 Timothy 1:19) He urged the students to build in others a faith that is solidly anchored in Jehovah God. “Your work,” he said, “could be likened to that of a blacksmith.” In what way? A blacksmith welds together the links of a chain that can safely anchor a ship. Likewise, missionaries help Bible students build spiritual qualities needed for salvation.","The speaker associated the links in a chain with the eight qualities recorded at 2 Peter 1:5-8. Brother Roberson said that if missionaries help their Bible students to see how Jehovah displays those qualities, those students are likely to develop an unbreakable attachment to Jehovah. They will weather any storm of adversity that might test their faith.",2 Peter 1:5-8.,w12 2/1 p. 30 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/21/2025
"Having “Come to Know God”—What Now? majestic cedars of Lebanon, ","We can compare our spiritual growth to the physical growth of a tree. A tree may grow to an amazing size, especially when its root system is deep or extensive. For example, some of the majestic cedars of Lebanon can reach the height of a 12-story building and have strong, penetrating roots and a trunk circumference of up to 40 feet (12 m). (Song of Sol. 5:15) After the initial growth spurt of such a tree stops, the tree still grows but not as noticeably. Year after year, the trunk widens and the roots go deeper and spread farther, producing a more stable tree. The same can be said of a Christian’s spiritual growth. ","During our initial period of Bible study, we may quickly grow spiritually and then get baptized. Those in the congregation happily notice our progress. We may even qualify as a pioneer or receive other privileges. In the following years, our continued spiritual growth may not be as noticeable. Nevertheless, we still need to grow in faith and knowledge “to a full-grown man, to the measure of stature that belongs to the fullness of the Christ.” (Eph. 4:13) Thus, we progress, as it were, from a tiny sprout to a mature Christian, a sturdy and well-developed tree.10 But our growth should not stop there. Our knowledge needs to broaden and our faith needs to deepen. Thus we become ever more anchored in the soil of God’s Word. (Prov. 12:3)","Prov. 12:3, Eph. 4:13, ",w13 3/15 pp. 14-15 pars. 9-10 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/21/2025
" Maintain a Complete Heart Toward Jehovah, body parts, ","GOD’S WORD often refers in a figurative way to parts of the human body. For instance, the patriarch Job stated: “There is no violence upon my palms.” King Solomon observed: “A report that is good makes the bones fat.” Jehovah assured Ezekiel: “Harder than flint, I have made your forehead.” And the apostle Paul was told: “You are introducing some things that are strange to our ears.”—Job 16:17; Prov. 15:30; Ezek. 3:9; Acts 17:20.","One part of the human body, though, is referred to figuratively in the Bible far more often than any other. It is the one mentioned in a prayer by faithful Hannah: “My heart does exult in Jehovah.” (1 Sam. 2:1) In fact, Bible writers mention the heart nearly a thousand times, almost always in a figurative sense. It is of utmost importance that we understand what the heart represents because the Bible states that we need to safeguard it.—Read Proverbs 4:23.",Job 16:17; Prov. 15:30; Ezek. 3:9; Acts 17:20.,w12 4/15 p. 13 pars. 1-2 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/21/2025
" Are You Learning From Our Grand Instructor? cedar, image, warm, ","Jehovah uses a powerful illustration to teach us that idols are useless. Isaiah 44:14-17 states: “There is one whose business is to cut down cedars; and he takes a certain species of tree, even a massive tree . . . He planted the laurel tree, and . . . it has become something for man to keep a fire burning. So he takes part of it that he may warm himself. In fact he builds a fire and actually bakes bread. He also works on a god to which he may bow down. ","He has made it into a carved image, and he prostrates himself to it. Half of it he actually burns up in a fire. Upon half of it he roasts well the flesh that he eats, and he becomes satisfied. . . . But the remainder of it he actually makes into a god itself, into his carved image. He prostrates himself to it and bows down and prays to it and says: ‘Deliver me, for you are my god.’”",Isaiah 44:14-17;,w94 9/15 p. 28,,,joshlaymon,,6/21/2025
" How Much Does the Kingdom Mean to You? treasure, ","LET us say that you knew that a priceless treasure was buried in a certain field. If you sold everything you owned, you would have just enough money to buy the field where the treasure was hidden. What would you do? Jesus Christ used such a situation to illustrate the importance of God’s Kingdom. He said: “The kingdom of the heavens is like a treasure hidden in the field, which a man found and hid; and for the joy he has he goes and sells what things he has and buys that field.”—Matthew 13:44.","Are you like the “man” in the illustration? Jesus was. When he learned of God’s purpose to have a heavenly government—here called “the kingdom of the heavens”—he, in effect, sold everything he had to buy that hidden treasure, which for him was the privilege of being the Ruler of that government. Jesus gave up his position as a mighty spirit person in heaven and became a member of a poor family on earth in the remote city of Nazareth. Later, he suffered painful persecution and, finally, death on a torture stake. Thus he proved that he was worthy of becoming the Ruler of God’s Kingdom. Will you, too, make sacrifices to obtain a similar treasure?",Matthew 13:44.,w84 9/15 p. 8,,,joshlaymon,,6/21/2025
Maintain a Complete Heart Toward Jehovah ,"GOD’S WORD often refers in a figurative way to parts of the human body. For instance, the patriarch Job stated: “There is no violence upon my palms.” King Solomon observed: “A report that is good makes the bones fat.” Jehovah assured Ezekiel: “Harder than flint, I have made your forehead.” And the apostle Paul was told: “You are introducing some things that are strange to our ears.”—Job 16:17; Prov. 15:30; Ezek. 3:9; Acts 17:20.","One part of the human body, though, is referred to figuratively in the Bible far more often than any other. It is the one mentioned in a prayer by faithful Hannah: “My heart does exult in Jehovah.” (1 Sam. 2:1) In fact, Bible writers mention the heart nearly a thousand times, almost always in a figurative sense. It is of utmost importance that we understand what the heart represents because the Bible states that we need to safeguard it.—Read Proverbs 4:23.",Job 16:17; Prov. 15:30; Ezek. 3:9; Acts 17:20.,w12 4/15 p. 13 pars. 1-2,,,joshlaymon,,6/21/2025
"Maintain a Complete Heart Toward Jehovah, REMAIN ALERT! light bulb, Dimmer, gradual change, ","Love for Jehovah moved us to dedicate ourselves to him. Since then, many of us have proved for years that we are determined to keep our heart complete toward Jehovah. However, Satan has not given up on us. Our heart is still his target. (Eph. 6:12) Of course, he may realize that we will not simply abandon Jehovah abruptly. Therefore, he slyly employs “this system of things” in an effort to weaken our heartfelt zeal for God gradually. (Read Mark 4:18, 19.) Why is that method of Satan so effective? To answer, imagine that you are reading a book by the light of a 100-watt bulb, but then the bulb fails. Since you are left in the dark, you immediately notice what happened and replace the burned-out bulb with a new one. Light fills the room again.","The next evening, you are reading with the help of the same lamp. However, unbeknownst to you, someone replaced the new 100-watt bulb with a 95-watt bulb. Would you notice the difference? Probably not. And what if the next day someone put a 90-watt bulb in your lamp? Likely, you would still not notice it. Why not? The lamp’s light is diminishing so gradually that you are not aware of it. Similarly, the influences of Satan’s world may cause our zeal to diminish little by little. If that happens, it is as if Satan succeeded in reducing 100-watt heartfelt zeal for Jehovah’s service to something less. If not alert, a Christian may not even notice the gradual change.—Matt. 24:42; 1 Pet. 5:8.","Mark 4:18, 19, ",w12 4/15 pp. 16-17,,,joshlaymon,,6/21/2025
"Young People, Are You Focused on Spiritual Goals? ","SUPPOSE you plan to travel to a distant town for an important event. Getting there requires a long journey by bus. At the bus station, you are overwhelmed by crowds of passengers and many buses. How good it is that you have your goal clearly in mind—finding the bus that is going to your chosen destination! Boarding a bus going anywhere else would mean that you would head in the wrong direction.","Young people today might be likened to those passengers. Adolescents face a long journey, not by bus, but in life. At times they may feel overwhelmed by the opportunities and decisions that confront them. Youths, you can make it easier for yourselves if you have a good idea where you want to go in life. Where should you be headed? Proverbs 16:3; ",Proverbs 16:3; ,w18 April p. 25 pars. 1-2 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/21/2025
"The Value of “a Weaker Vessel” “honor” means “price, value, . . . respect.” Tiffany lotus lamp.","The Greek noun rendered “honor” means “price, value, . . . respect.” Thus, a Christian husband is to treat his wife with tenderness, showing her due consideration as a delicate, precious vessel. This is not demeaning at all. As an example, consider the Tiffany lotus lamp. This exquisitely fine lamp can indeed be considered delicate. Does the lamp’s fragile nature diminish its value? Far from it! In 1997 the original Tiffany lotus lamp sold at an auction for 2.8 million dollars! Its delicate makeup served to enhance its value, not diminish it.","Likewise, assigning a woman honor as to a weaker vessel does not devalue or demean her. Dwelling with his wife “according to knowledge” means that a husband takes into account her strengths and limitations, likes and dislikes, outlook and feelings. A caring husband recognizes and respects personality differences between him and his wife. He shows due consideration for her “in order for [his] prayers not to be hindered.” (1 Peter 3:7) A husband who fails to respect his wife’s feminine virtues endangers his own relationship with God. Clearly, God’s Word does not belittle women. Rather, it dignifies and honors them.",,w06 5/15 p. 32 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/21/2025
Why Be Guided by God’s Spirit?,"HAVE you ever used a compass to find your way? A compass is a simple device with only one moving part—a magnetic needle pointing toward the north. Because of an invisible force known as magnetism, the needle of the compass aligns itself with the magnetic field surrounding the earth between its poles. For centuries, explorers and travelers have used the compass to guide their way over land and sea. There is another invisible force that is even more essential for our guidance. What is it? The one described in the opening verses of the Bible. Speaking of what Jehovah accomplished aeons ago, Genesis states: “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth.” As he did so, he sent forth a powerful force, for the creation account adds: “God’s active force was moving to and fro.” (Gen. 1:1, 2) ","What was at work? Holy spirit—the dynamic force behind creation. We owe our existence to Jehovah’s use of this spirit to produce all his works.—Job 33:4; Ps. 104:30. As living, breathing humans, should we expect God’s active force to have any further effect on our lives? God’s own Son knew that we should, for Jesus said to his disciples: “The spirit . . . will guide you into all the truth.” (John 16:13) How are we to understand what this spirit is, and why should we want to be guided by it?",Job 33:4; Ps. 104:30,w11 12/15 p. 13 pars. 1-3,,,joshlaymon,,6/21/2025
Why Be Guided by God’s Spirit? ,"Would it not be foolhardy for an inexperienced person to set off alone, without a skilled guide and not so much as a compass, hiking deep into an uncharted wilderness? Not knowing how to survive inhospitable conditions in the wild and not having the expertise to find his way safely to his destination, he would be putting his life in jeopardy. ","So, too, the person who thinks he can direct his course through this wicked world without allowing God to show him the right way is placing his life in grave danger. The only chance we have of traversing this system of things successfully is to make the same prayerful request to Jehovah that David did: “Let my steps take hold on your tracks, in which my footsteps will certainly not be made to totter.” (Ps. 17:5; 23:3) How is it possible to receive such guidance?","Ps. 17:5; 23:3, ",w11 12/15 p. 14 par. 8 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/21/2025
"What Will Go When God’s Kingdom Comes? “Dead MAN WALKING!” judgment, Justice, ","“Dead MAN WALKING!” That cry rings out as a dangerous criminal is led from his prison cell, metal doors clanging behind him. Why do the man’s guards say such a thing? The man seems relatively healthy; no physical problem is about to rob him of his life. However, the guards are leading him to a place of execution. That condemned criminal is as good as dead. In a sense, today’s system of things is like that man on death row. This wicked world has long since been condemned, and its execution is now close at hand. The Bible says: “The world is passing away.” (1 John 2:17) The system’s end is a certainty. ","And yet, there is a key difference between this world’s end and that of the prisoner. At the prisoner’s execution, some may protest the sentence, questioning its justice or perhaps hoping for a last-minute stay of execution. In the case of this world, though, the sentence has been determined by the perfectly just Sovereign of the universe. (Deut. 32:4) There will be no stay of execution, and there will be no lingering doubts about the justice of the sentence. After it is carried out, every thinking creature in the universe will heartily agree that justice was done. The relief will be immense!","Deut. 32:4, ",w17 April pp. 9-10 pars. 1-2,,,joshlaymon,,6/21/2025
"Keep on Guard Against Temptation, weak areas, attention, ","Once we have identified those areas in which we are most susceptible to temptation, what should we do? Strengthen our resistance! To illustrate, in Bible times the most vulnerable part of a city wall was its gates. ","Therefore, the gates were the most heavily guarded. Similarly, we need to give special attention to any areas in which we know that we are especially weak.—1 Cor. 9:27.",1 Cor. 9:27.,w24 July pp. 15-16 par. 7,,,joshlaymon,,6/21/2025
"Do You Share in Making Christian Meetings Upbuilding? Watchtower Study, bouquet of flowers, ","To answer, consider an illustration. A Watchtower Study that is well-conducted is like a bouquet of flowers that delights the eye. Just as a large bouquet is made up of many individual flowers, so a Watchtower Study is made up of many different comments. And just as the individual flowers in a bouquet differ in size and color, so the comments given during the meeting vary in length and manner of presentation. And where does the conductor fit in? His occasional comments are like the few pieces of greenery that are carefully added to a bouquet. These pieces do not dominate; rather, they serve to provide structure and to unify the whole. ","Similarly, the one who conducts needs to keep in mind that his role is, not to overwhelm, but to complement the expressions of praise that are offered by the congregation. Yes, when the many diverse comments given by the congregation and the few well-placed remarks made by the conductor are skillfully put together, they form a beautiful bouquet of words that will delight all in attendance.",Isaiah 21:8; Genesis 31:49;,w10 10/15 pp. 22-23 par. 9 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/21/2025
"Walking in Jehovah’s Paths Brings Rich Rewards, ","Hikers delight in the spectacular views that high country affords. They also learn to savor small things alongside the footpath, such as an unusual rock, a pretty flower, or a glimpse of a wild animal. Spiritually, we need to be alert to the rewards—large and small—that come from walking with God.","This awareness can put a spring in our step and transform a tiresome trudge into an invigorating walk. We will echo the words of David: “In the morning cause me to hear your loving-kindness, for in you I have put my trust. Make known to me the way in which I should walk.”—Psalm 143:8.","Psalm 143:8,",w02 7/1 p. 29,,,joshlaymon,,6/21/2025
"Walking in Jehovah’s Paths Brings Rich Rewards, roof of the world. ","HAVE you ever hiked in the mountains? If you have, you likely felt as if you were on the roof of the world. How delightful it was to breathe the fresh air, to see far into the distance, to absorb the natural beauty! Perhaps the cares of the world below seemed a little less important. For most people such excursions are few and far between, but if you are a dedicated Christian, you may have been walking in high country for some time—in a spiritual sense. Like the psalmist of old, you have no doubt prayed: “Make me know your own ways, O Jehovah; teach me your own paths.” (Psalm 25:4) ","Do you remember how you felt when you first went up to the mountain of the house of Jehovah and began to tread in high places? (Micah 4:2; Habakkuk 3:19) Doubtless, you soon realized that walking along these elevated paths of pure worship brought you protection and joy. You came to share the psalmist’s feelings: “Happy are the people knowing the joyful shouting. O Jehovah, in the light of your face they keep walking.”—Psalm 89:15.","Psalm 89:15.Micah 4:2; Habakkuk 3:19, ",w02 7/1 p. 28 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/21/2025
"How Can Thinking Ability Safeguard You? head sea, sailors, wind, world obsessed with sex. temptation ","When the wind drives powerful waves toward the bow of a boat, the condition is described as a head sea. Sailors risk having their boat capsize unless they maneuver to meet the waves head-on.","We face a similar situation, living as we do in a world obsessed with sex. Every day, waves of sensual ideas and images head our way. We cannot ignore the effect they can have on our normal sexual desires. We must use thinking ability and meet the temptation decisively rather than just drift into dangerous situations. Proverbs 3:21-23; ",Proverbs 3:21-23;,w02 8/15 p. 21 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/21/2025
"Read God’s Word and Serve Him in Truth, first issue of Watchtower, July 1879, modest little flower","JEHOVAH sends out light and truth. (Psalm 43:3) He also gives us the capacity to read his Word, the Bible, and learn the truth. This journal’s first issue—July 1879—said: “Truth, like a modest little flower in the wilderness of life, is surrounded and almost choked by the luxuriant growth of the weeds of error.","If you would find it you must be ever on the lookout. If you would see its beauty you must brush aside the weeds of error and the brambles of bigotry. If you would possess it you must stoop to get it. Be not content with one flower of truth. Had one been sufficient there would have been no more. Gather ever, seek for more.” Reading and studying God’s Word enables us to acquire accurate knowledge and walk in his truth.—Psalm 86:11.","Psalm 43:3, Psalm 86:11.",w96 5/15 p. 15 par. 1 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/21/2025
"“Buy Truth and Never Sell It” first issue of the Watch Tower, Watchtower,","How much time will it take for us to gain an accurate knowledge of basic Bible teachings? That depends on our circumstances. There is no limit to what we can learn about Jehovah’s wisdom, ways, and works. (Rom. 11:33) The first issue of the Watch Tower likened the truth to “a modest little flower” and stated: “Be not content with one flower of truth. Had one been sufficient there would have been no more. Gather ever, seek for more.” ","We might ask ourselves, ‘How big is my bouquet of truth?’ Even with an eternity of time, we can always learn more about Jehovah. Today, the important thing is that we use our time wisely so as to buy as much truth as our circumstances allow. Consider an example of someone who longed for truth.","Rom. 11:33, ",w18 November p. 5 par. 7 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/21/2025
"Conquer Fear by Trusting in Jehovah, ","We too can conquer fear by trusting in Jehovah. But how do we strengthen our trust in Jehovah, especially when we are afraid? Consider an illustration. If you learn that you have an illness, you may at first feel afraid. However, you can ease your fears if you trust your doctor. He may have an outstanding record of treating patients with that illness. He may listen attentively, convincing you that he really understands your feelings. And he may propose a treatment that has worked well for others. ","Similarly, we strengthen our trust in Jehovah by considering what he has already done, what he is doing now, and what he will yet do for us. That is what David did. As we consider some of his inspired words found in Psalm 56, think about how you too can strengthen your trust in Jehovah and conquer your fears.","Psalm 56,",w24 January p. 3 par. 4,,,joshlaymon,,6/21/2025
"Worship That God Approves, true religion false religion, ","How can you know the right way to worship Jehovah? You do not have to study and compare the teachings of all the many religions. You need only learn what the Bible really teaches about true worship. To illustrate: In many lands, there is a problem with counterfeit money. If you were given the job of picking out such false money, how would you go about it? By memorizing every kind of counterfeit? No. Your time would be better spent if you studied real money. After you knew what real money looked like, you could recognize a counterfeit. ","Similarly, when we learn how to identify the true religion, we can recognize those religions that are false. It is important that we worship Jehovah in the way that he approves. Many people believe that all religions are pleasing to God, but the Bible does not teach that. It is not even enough just to claim to be a Christian. Jesus said: “Not everyone saying to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter into the Kingdom of the heavens, but only the one doing the will of my Father who is in the heavens will.” To have God’s approval, therefore, we must learn what God requires of us and do it. Jesus called those who do not do God’s will “workers of lawlessness.” (Matthew 7:21-23) Like counterfeit money, false religion has no real value. Even worse, such religion is actually harmful.",Matthew 7:21-23; ,bh chap. 15 pp. 144-145 pars. 2-3,,,joshlaymon,,6/21/2025
"Reaching Hearts With the Art of Persuasion, identical twins. trinity, ","Sound reasoning presented in a tactful manner is often quite effective. Consider the example of a woman we will call Barbara. All her life, she had believed that Jesus was God and part of a trinity that included the holy spirit. But then one of Jehovah’s Witnesses told her that God and Jesus are two distinct individuals, and he showed her scriptures to support his statement. Barbara could not refute the Bible. At the same time, she was frustrated. After all, the Trinity doctrine was dear to her heart.","The Witness patiently reasoned with Barbara. “If you were trying to teach me that two persons are equal,” he asked, “what family relationship would you use to illustrate it?” She thought for a moment and then replied: “I might use two brothers.” “Exactly,” the Witness responded. “Perhaps even identical twins. But in teaching us to view God as the Father and himself as the Son, what message was Jesus conveying?” “I see,” Barbara replied, her eyes widening. “He is describing one as older and having more authority.” “Yes,” answered the Witness, “and Jesus’ Jewish audience, living in a patriarchal society, would especially have reached that conclusion.” Driving home his point, the Witness concluded: “If we came up with such a fitting illustration to teach equality—that of brothers or identical twins—surely Jesus, the Great Teacher, could have done so too. Instead, he used the terms ‘father’ and ‘son’ to describe the relationship between himself and God.”",Philippians 1:10; ,w98 5/15 pp. 22-23 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/21/2025
"How to Maintain Joy When Enduring Trials, God’s Word acts like a mirror, control our temper. ","God’s Word acts like a mirror, helping us to identify and address what we need to work on. (Jas. 1:23-25) For example, after studying God’s Word, we might realize that we need to control our temper. ","With Jehovah’s help, we learn how to be mild when dealing with people or problems that could provoke us. Because we are mild, we cope better with the pressures we face. We are able to think more clearly and make better decisions. (Jas. 3:13) How important it is that we know the Bible well!",Jas. 1:23-25,w21 February pp. 29-30 par. 12 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/21/2025
"How to Maintain Joy When Enduring Trials, endurance, firm, cool, strong, ","James identifies an additional reason why Christians are willing to face even severe trials. He says: “This tested quality of your faith produces endurance.” (Jas. 1:3) Trials can be likened to the fire that is used to forge a blade of steel. When the blade is heated and cooled, the steel becomes stronger. ","Similarly, when we endure trials, our faith is strengthened. That is why James wrote: “Let endurance complete its work, so that you may be complete and sound in all respects.” (Jas. 1:4) When we see that our trials make our faith stronger, we can endure them with joy.",Jas. 1:4; ,w21 February p. 28 par. 7 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/21/2025
"Serve God Loyally Despite “Many Tribulations” army of soldiers, drills, ","As we have seen, Satan has a number of “crafty acts” at his disposal. (Eph. 6:11) Each of us needs to follow the admonition found at 1 Peter 5:9: “Take your stand against him, firm in the faith.” To do that, we need to prepare our mind and heart, to train ourselves now to do what is right. To illustrate: An army of soldiers will often go through a series of grueling drills long before there is even the threat of a battle. ","It is similar in Jehovah’s spiritual army. We do not know what our warfare may involve in the future. Therefore, would it not be wise to do some significant training during a time of relative peace? Paul wrote to the Corinthians: “Keep testing whether you are in the faith; keep proving what you yourselves are.”—2 Cor. 13:5.",2 Cor. 13:5.1 Peter 5:9: ,w14 9/15 pp. 15-16 par. 16,,,joshlaymon,,6/21/2025
JEHOVAH -- THE GRAND CREATOR,"A little boy was eating a watermelon under an oak tree. Squirrels dropped acorn. Rather than a critical view of creation he began to look for the wisdom in creation. Could we do the same? No one else can compare to Jehovah.Psalm 97:9 For you, O Jehovah, are the Most High over all the earth; You are very high in your ascent over all [other] gods.","Jehovah is described as the ""Most High"" 50 times in Bible. The great First Cause, he alone is uncreated, without beginning. None of the angels, not even firstborn Son, can be compared to him. Psalm 89:6 For who in the skies can be compared to Jehovah? Who can resemble Jehovah among the sons of God? Jehovah holds a unique position as the only Creator of all created things. Word ""create"" from Hebrew verb bara' --used only as to Jehovah. Genesis 1:1 In [the] beginning God created the heavens and the earth.","Psalm 97:9, Genesis 1:1; ","Bobby Laymon, ",JEHOVAH -- THE GRAND CREATOR,101,joshlaymon,,6/21/2025
JEHOVAH -- THE GRAND CREATOR,"Ecclesiastes 12:1 Jehovah also described as ""your Grand Creator"" An artist paints a great picture. It brings him praise. It being there with his name on it is inanimate honor or praise. Someone may orally praise him for his work.However, you never see a tree with ""Jehovah"" on it. He does not use stickers and labels. The superb design speaks for itself. Only Jehovah could have created it. ","He does want to be known for his productions. They display his power and wisdom. The very name Jehovah means ""He Causes to Become,"" implying that Jehovah can become whatever he chooses in order to carry out his will. He has taken on various roles, including Father, Sovereign Lord, Shepherd, Jehovah of armies, Hearer of prayer, Judge, Grand Instructor and Repurchaser.",Ecclesiastes 12:1,"Bobby Laymon, ",JEHOVAH -- THE GRAND CREATOR,101,joshlaymon,,6/21/2025
JEHOVAH -- THE GRAND CREATOR,"To appreciate the full meaning of God's name, we must also come to know Jehovah in the role of ""Grand Creator."" Definition Word Grand: magnificent, imposing, stately, majestic grandiose. Grand adds to greatness of size, the implications of handsomeness, dignity. Mt. Everest in Asia: elevation of 29,028 ft. Man = 1/16 in. Like pencil mark on 8' wall. ""Isn’t that grand!"" ","No words to describe His grandness! No ancient myth has yet been found regarding the creation of the universe. And who would dare touch it? If you drove your car to the sun at 65 miles per hour it would take 163 years. Imagine the sun scaled down to the size of an orange. The earth a mere grain of sand circling 30 feet away.Milky Way Galaxy would still have a diameter of 20 million miles. Even scaled down, the figures still get out of hand. So many galaxies have now been detected that it has been said they ""are as common as blades of grass in a meadow."" About ten billion galaxies are in the observable universe! Estimate 100 billion. ",Ecclesiastes 12:1,"Bobby Laymon, ",JEHOVAH -- THE GRAND CREATOR,101,joshlaymon,,6/21/2025
"Jehovah - The Grand Creator, orderly, never chaotic or existing by chance.","Jehovah's ""spirit,"" his active force, behind creation. Genesis 1:2 Now the earth proved to be formless and waste and there was darkness upon the surface of [the] watery deep; and God’s active force was moving to and fro over the surface of the waters. The Holy Spirit might be likened to our breath, (we can breath hot or cold) ","All of God's creations orderly, never chaotic or existing by chance. 1 Corinthians 14:33 Everything Jehovah creates is perfect--simply grand! (Deuteronomy 32:4) The Rock, perfect is his activity, For all his ways are justice. A God of faithfulness, with whom there is no injustice. Righteous and upright is he. Last forever- ""The creation of a thousand forests is in one acorn."" Ralph W. Emerson.","Genesis 1:2, 1 Corinthians 14:33, ","Bobby Laymon, ",JEHOVAH -- THE GRAND CREATOR,101,joshlaymon,,6/21/2025
"“Drawing Near to God Is Good” for Us! meditating on the benefits,","No doubt you agree that drawing close to Jehovah is good. But meditating on exactly how good it is can motivate us to continue drawing closer to him. (Ps. 63:6-8) For example, we know that following a balanced diet, engaging in physical activity, getting sufficient rest, and drinking enough water are all good for us. Still, many do not give much thought to these things, and they neglect their health. Yet, the more often we think about how healthy habits benefit us, the more likely we will be to maintain them. ","Similarly, we may know that drawing near to Jehovah is good for us, but meditating on the benefits of doing so can motivate us to continue drawing closer to our Friend.—Ps. 119:27-30.","Ps. 63:6-8, Ps. 119:27-30.",w25 April pp. 8-9 par. 3,,,joshlaymon,,6/21/2025
"Creation is perfect, unlike what men do, Television programs. Rated, ""Plain Brown Wrappers"", “Adults only!”","Have you ever noticed that whenever people make something for other people to enjoy it seems like it always has to be rated - Movies, and Videos, Television programs. Even magazines come in ""Plain Brown Wrappers"" Is that true with the things Jehovah God created? Have you ever had to flash your ID to get into a zoo? If you look up at the heavens on a clear night do you see a sign that says, “Adults only!” ","""Everything is good when it leaves the hands of the Creator; everything degenerates in the hands of man."" Quote: Jean Jacques Rousseau. Do we so acknowledge and show him appreciation? (Ecclesiastes 3:14) I have come to know that everything that the [true] God makes, it will prove to be to time indefinite. To it there is nothing to add and from it there is nothing to subtract; but the [true] God himself has made it, that people may be afraid on account of him.",Ecclesiastes 3:14),"JK, Bobby Laymon, ",JEHOVAH -- THE GRAND CREATOR,101,joshlaymon,,6/21/2025
"THE MAGNIFICENCE OF JEHOVAH'S PRODUCTIONS, Not limited, ","Jehovah's creations not limited to just a few things. Rightly called ""Producer of heaven and earth."" (Genesis 4:19,22) Then he blessed him and said: “Blessed be Abram of the Most High God, Producer of heaven and earth.First and foremost, production was his ""master worker""--his ""only-begotten Son"" (Proverbs 8:22,23,30) “Jehovah himself produced me as the beginning of his way, the earliest of his achievements of long ago. 23 From time indefinite I was installed, from the start, from times earlier than  the earth. 30 then I came to be beside him as a master worker, and I came to be the one he was especially fond of day by day, I being glad before him all the time,As ""firstborn of all creation,"" Colossians 1:15-17 he was used by Jehovah in creating all other things.","Freeman Dyson, in the book, ""Disturbing the Universe” says, ""The more I examine the universe...Who could improve on a flower, tree? Apple? Imagine man making an apple tree! Explain. Could you add or subtract one feather on a mockingbird and improve it? Never! almost scary!","Genesis 14:19, 22, Proverbs 8:22,23,30, ","JK, Bobby Laymon, ",JEHOVAH -- THE GRAND CREATOR,101,joshlaymon,,6/21/2025
"Jehovah - The Grand Creator,, animals, birds, trees, ","Read John 1:3 All things came into existence through him, and apart from him not even one thing came into existence. What has come into existence? Multitudes of heavenly angels individually produced next. (Daniel 7:10) There was a stream of fire flowing and going out from before him. There were a thousand thousands that keptministering to him, and ten thousand times ten thousand that kept standing right before him. The Court took its seat, and there were books that were opened. Material heavens and earth and all elements then brought into existence.(Genesis 1:1) In [the] beginning God created the heavens and the earth. Planet Earth is a unique production of Jehovah.","Only the planet where life is found--supports five million or more different species of plants and animals. Earth filled with Jehovah's masterful productions. (Genesis 1:12) And the earth began to put forth grass, vegetation bearing seed according to its kind and trees yielding fruit, the seed of which is in it according to its kind. Then God saw that [it was] good. 20,000 different kinds of trees; 300,000 species of plants. (Genesis 1:20) And God went on to say: “Let the waters swarm forth a swarm of living souls and let flying creatures fly over the earth upon the face of the expanse of the heavens.”","Daniel 7:10, ","Bobby Laymon,",JEHOVAH -- THE GRAND CREATOR,101,joshlaymon,,6/21/2025
"Jehovah - The Grand Creator, animals, birds, trees, people, RNA, DNA, scary, 'cookie cutter'  ","We, as humans, are all products of RNA and DNA. We are so much alike, it is scary. We may think we are different, but when we are young people say, ""You're a chip off the old block."" As we get older, people say, ""You are just like your mother!"" Some perhaps think that Jehovah just took a 'cookie cutter' and made all the angels alike. All distinct! Different! Scope: inspect 1 angel a minute, take 192 years for that portion.","Some perhaps think that Jehovah just took a 'cookie cutter' and made all the angels alike. All distinct! Different! Scope: inspect 1 angel a minute, take 192 years for that portion.","Daniel 7:10, ","Bobby Laymon,",JEHOVAH -- THE GRAND CREATOR,101,joshlaymon,,6/21/2025
"Jehovah - The Grand Creator, animals, birds, trees, people, RNA, DNA, scary, 'cookie cutter'  ","Stand still at the edge of a flowering field of grain and listen to the whispering of the wind. Inhale and smell sweet scent of the meadow. Listen as tuneful crickets join in the soft song of the wind, one of the cows lows the bass and a meadowlark fills in the soprano, while a bumblebee plays the cello and a few bees the violin. Music delights the mind and heart. Year after a year this refrain is taken up, yet this music is always different and never boring. It never makes you nervous or sick; It is soothing balm for the soul, heart and nerves. The musicians are not playing for fame or honor or your money but to the honor of their Creator, Jehovah God, who made them for you to enjoy. Out of love. -- Have you heard it?","What about the 335,000 species of plants? You could have a different flower arrangement every day for 100 years, from Morning Glory to four-o'clocks, to the giant Rafflesia Arnoldi of Indonesia, its flower measuring up to three feet across and weighing up to fifteen pounds. 1. 30,000 varieties of fish; 9,000 species of birds; over 800,000 kinds of insects already classified. ""There are more than 112,000 known species of butterflies and moths."" Quote: Grzimek's Animal Life Encyclopedia Read Genesis 1:24 And God went on to say: “Let the earth put forth living souls according to them kinds, domestic animal and moving animal and wild beast of the earth according to its kind.” And it came to be so.","Genesis 1:24, ","Bobby Laymon,",JEHOVAH -- THE GRAND CREATOR,101,joshlaymon,,6/21/2025
"Jehovah - The Grand Creator, animals, birds, trees, people, RNA, DNA, scary, 'cookie cutter'  ","14,000 kinds of land creatures. (mammals, amphibians, and reptiles. Man is still learning, discovering more species.[Every year about 50 mammals, 100 fish, 15 birds & 5,000 insects are added to their list, with perhaps 10 million varieties still remaining to be discovered.] ","The more that creation is examined, the more that intelligent design is seen. 1. Grand Creator's works give evidence of his Godship and power. (Romans 1:20) For his invisible [qualities] are clearly seen from the world’s creation onward, because they are perceived by the things made, even his eternal power and Godship, so that they are inexcusable.",Romans 1:20,"Bobby Laymon,",JEHOVAH -- THE GRAND CREATOR,101,joshlaymon,,6/21/2025
"Jehovah - The Grand Creator, animals, birds, trees, people, RNA, DNA, scary, 'cookie cutter'  ","Man can make a peanut that looks and taste like a peanut. Won’t sprout. Thomas A. Edison said, ""Until man duplicates a single plant ; nature can laugh at his so-called scientific knowledge!"" How many of the 30,000 varieties of fish can you name? And what about the marvelous assortment of birds with their distinct plumage, design and songs? There are over 400 varieties of hummingbirds. Living jewels that flash with iridescent colors of flaming red, deep violet, glowing orange and emerald, green. How many different species of birds can you name? Jehovahproduced over 9,000. .","""I seem to have been only like a boy playing on the seashore, and diverting myself in now and then finding a smoother pebble or a prettier shell than ordinary, while the great ocean of truth lay all undiscovered before me."" Quote: Sir Isaac Newton. Little boy discovers: The squirrel makes a big nest of moss and twigs on the branches of trees. The birds also make ingenious nests. What industry, what skill, what patience, and little or none of this is done for themselves! They care for their little ones. A mother caring for her child. Can you imagine all this love, patience, stemming from a God who knows nothing about love",Romans 1:20,"Bobby Laymon,",JEHOVAH -- THE GRAND CREATOR,101,joshlaymon,,6/22/2025
"A Loyal Congregation Under Christ’s Leadership, Jesus Christ, volunteer, Memorial, Ransom, ","Needed: Someone who is willing to volunteer. This person must be willing to be dragged through streets, his nude body beaten with extreme cruelty, thorns pushed down onto head until blood flows freely. Being spit upon, slapped, and insulted. Forced to carry a heavy stake to the place of execution. Then nailed to the stake, stripped again of his garment, and tortured until death, between two known criminals.  Who would like to volunteer? ","Yet, this is what Jesus Christ volunteered to do to save mankind from sin and death. Would you be willing? It would be a tough decision. ","2 Samuel 22:6, ",Ryan Funderburg - Lebanon,"A Loyal Congregation Under Christ’s Leadership, ",144,bl,,6/22/2025
"Two organizations at war, Jesus, the seed of the woman, and Satan, a murderer and a liar, Congregation, ","Imagine, you are driving your car, on a warm afternoon. You roll your window down and stick out you hand to feel the warm breeze going around your hand. You even use your hand like a wing, making it lift and dive. You leave your hand open. Let's imagine the air belongs to Satan, and the car is like the Christian congregation, belonging to Jehovah. Well, it's just my hand that is in Satan's territory. Then Smack! What happened. A dirty Bug all over your hand. Your day is ruined.",That should be a warning that we want no part of our body in Satan's world. We need to stay where it is safe in the Christian Congregation.,Isaiah 52:11; ,Ryan Funderburg - Lebanon,"A Loyal Congregation Under Christ’s Leadership, ",144,bl,,6/22/2025
"Working, New Creation, 144,000, Anointed, ","Some think that 'creation sleeps.' Not so! God rested on seventh day only from earthly creative works in behalf of mankind. (Ge 2:1-3) Activity far removed from the realm of mankind continues. (John 5:17) But he answered them: “My Father has kept working until now, and I keep working.” God continues working out grand things in a spiritual way. ""New creation"" being formed. Read 2 Corinthians 5:17 Consequently if anyone is in union with Christ, he is a new creation; the old things passed away, look! new things have come into existence. Not collectively - individual sense.","Just as Jesus at his baptism became a 'new creature,' so at Pentecost, 33 C.E., the ""new creation"" was born.  Each person present was baptized with God's holy spirit as his spiritual son, became part of the ""new creation"" Other followers of Christ were added, to a total of 144,000. Revelation 14:1 ""New creation"" commissioned to declare ""magnificent things of God,"" including good news of Kingdom. (Ac 2:11) Future purpose of 144,000: to be associate rulers with Christ Jesus, dispensing Kingdom blessings for mankind. (Re 20:4-6) Privileged now to share with them in spreading Kingdom good news. ""The larger the island of knowledge, the longer the shoreline of wonder."" Quote: Ralph W. Sockman.",Ge 2:1-3; 2 Corinthians 5:17; ,"Bobby Laymon, ",JEHOVAH -- THE GRAND CREATOR,101,joshlaymon,,6/23/2025
Keep “the Flame of Jah” Alive ,"However, what if you and your spouse do not enjoy spending time together? Perhaps you have different interests, or maybe you irritate each other. What can you do? Consider the campfire mentioned earlier. It does not start blazing instantly. It needs to be fed slowly with progressively bigger pieces of wood. ","Similarly, why not start by spending just a few moments together each day? Make sure to do something that you both enjoy, not something that could create conflict. (Jas. 3:18) By starting small, you may begin to rekindle your love.",Jas. 3:18,w23 May p. 24 par. 14,,,joshlaymon,,6/23/2025
"TREAT EACH OTHER RESPECTFULLY, Keep “the Flame of Jah” Alive, respect, ","Respect is vital in a marriage. It is like the oxygen that allows a campfire to burn brightly. Without oxygen, a fire quickly goes out. Similarly, without respect, a couple will find that their love can quickly grow cold. On the other hand, a husband and wife who strive to show respect for each other are working to keep their love alive. Yet, bear in mind that it is, not a matter of whether you think that you show respect, but a matter of whether your spouse feels respected. ","Penny and Aret have been married for over 25 years. She says: “Our mutual respect creates a warm atmosphere in our home. We feel free to express ourselves because we know that we value each other’s opinions.” So, what can you do to help your spouse feel that you really respect him or her? Consider the examples of Abraham and Sarah.","Genesis 16:5, 6, ",w23 May p. 24,,,joshlaymon,,6/23/2025
"Keep “the Flame of Jah” Alive, campfire, Love, blazing fire, ","LOVE’S “flames are a blazing fire, the flame of Jah. Surging waters cannot extinguish love, nor can rivers wash it away.” (Song of Sol. 8:6, 7) What a beautiful description of true love! These words contain a reassuring truth for married couples: You can have unfailing love for each other.","Whether a married couple will have unfailing love as long as they live depends on them. To illustrate, a campfire has the potential to burn indefinitely—but only if it is fed. If left unattended, the fire will eventually go out. Likewise, the love between a husband and wife can remain strong indefinitely—but only if they nurture their relationship. At times, a couple could feel that their love is cooling off, especially when they are weighed down by financial hardship, health concerns, or the pressures of raising children. So if you are married, how can you keep “the flame of Jah” alive in your marriage? In this article, we will discuss three ways to keep your relationship strong and enjoy a happy marriage.","Song of Sol. 8:6, 7; ","w23 May p. 20 pars. 1-2, ",,,joshlaymon,,6/23/2025
"Jehovah's purpose, new creation, kings and priests, ","Suppose a new factory was coming into town, promising to create jobs for 1000 workers. That is good news? Think what it would do for the community, in the amount of cash flow. Jehovah is going to create positions for 144,000 kings and priests. Think of benefits flowing to billions of subjects. Jesus Christ was the first of a new creation. Jehovah's purpose is that all his ""works"" and ""loyal ones"" will praise him. (Psalm 145:10) All your works will laud you, O Jehovah, And your loyal ones will bless you. Inanimate creation gives silent credit to Jehovah as Creator and Designer. (ce 115-28) 1. Intelligent creation has privilege to give deliberate credit and praise to God.","Psalm 145:1-3 I will exalt you, O my God the King, And I will bless your name to time indefinite, even forever. All day long I will bless you, And I will praise your name to time indefinite, even forever. Jehovah is great and very much to be praised, And his greatness is unsearchable. Recognizing their Grand Creator, people of nations join in worshiping God and glorifying his name. (Read Revelation 15:4) Who will not really fear you, Jehovah, andglorify your name, because you alone are loyal? For all the nations will come and worship before you, because your righteous decrees have been made manifest.”",Psalm 145:1-3 I;  ,ce 115-28,JEHOVAH -- THE GRAND CREATOR,101,joshlaymon,,6/23/2025
"Artist, destroyed work, Jehovah is not a God of defeat, Right track, Jehovah to be a God of love and wisdom. ","In January of 1995 an artist in Southwest Missouri destroyed all his original paintings in a fire, along with the building. Man's Creator had no idea or purpose of destroying this masterfully designed garden of Eden. Why should he destroy his own work, when it was so good and expressive of his artistic creativity? Logically, he would not purpose to do so. He is not a God of defeat. ","The Earth: A Perpetual Show. ""It is always sunrise somewhere; the dew is never all dried at once; a shower is forever falling; vapor is ever rising; Eternal sunrise, eternal sunset, eternal dawn and gleaming, on sea and continents and islands, each in its turn, as the round earth rolls. Albert Einstein suddenly looked up at the sky and said: ""We know nothing about it at all. Our knowledge is but the knowledge of schoolchildren."" We too, are like a little boy. We see the acorns, watermelon, squirrel, and sometimes our knowledge is out of perspective. But we areon the right track! We know Jehovah to be a God of love and wisdom. We praise Him!",Psalm 145:1-3 I;  ,"Bobby Laymon,",JEHOVAH -- THE GRAND CREATOR,101,joshlaymon,,6/23/2025
"googolplex,  One followed by 100 zeros, Living forever, Never know his love and wisdom, our wits, ","Largest number known to man. A googolplex: a 1 followed by 100 zeros. Living forever - longer than a googolplex. Ecclesiastes 8:17 And I saw all the work of the [true] God, how mankind are not able to find out the work that has been done under the sun; however much mankind keep working hard to seek, yet they do not find out. And even if they should say they are wise enough to know, they would be unable to find out. Universe--full of many things--waiting for our wits to grow sharper. ","As Creator of all things, Jehovah is worthy of all worship and honor. (Revelation 4:10-11) 10 the twenty-four elders fall down before the One seated upon the throne and worship the One that lives forever and ever, and they cast their crowns before the throne, saying: 11 “You are worthy, Jehovah, even our God, to receive the glory and the honor and the power, because you created all things, and because of your will they existed and were created.” Will you be among those who join in acknowledging Jehovah as the Grand Creator?",Ecclesiastes 8:17; Revelation 4:10-11,"Bobby Laymon,",JEHOVAH -- THE GRAND CREATOR,101,joshlaymon,,6/23/2025
"Sunrise, sunsets, artists paint, originals, copies, Jehovah grand artist, ","""ARTISTS paint countless sunrises and sunsets, and their works sell for hundreds, even thousands, of dollars."" Yet these are only copies. Only Jehovah paints originals. If copies are so valuable, what are the originals worth? Men give praise to the man who invented the light bulb. How much more important to give praise to the one who created the sun!","Yes, Jehovah God, the Grand Artist and Originator of sunsets and sunrises, is to be praised! He gives us one each day-free. With all the other ""Grand creations"" that come with it. He has made it possible to enjoy this original sunrise, each day, year after year, forever and ever. Matthew 5:45; ",Matthew 5:45; ,"Bobby Laymon,",JEHOVAH -- THE GRAND CREATOR,101,joshlaymon,,6/23/2025
"Angels, voice of an angel, Hurry up, ","Since angels are so involved in our work I thought I would do some research. I learned a lot of things about angels.Sometimes we  hear the expression  ""she has the voice of an angel"" My research showed that angels sound not like a woman's voice. An angel's voice sounds much more like a man's voice saying,  ""Hurry Up!"" ","Examples of Angels speaking. Read Genesis  Genesis 19:15, 17. 	Other Examples.a.	An angel comes to Peter in jail and says, 'Rise quickly!'   (Acts 12:7, 8, 11) b.	 (Matthew 28:7) And go quickly and tell his disciples that he was raised up from the dead, c.	An angel says to Elijah, 'Arise and eat!'   d.	An angel appears to Joseph in a dream, when Herod is slaughtering the infants, and says, 'Go  quickly!'            He fled to Egypt.3.	Do we get the picture?","Acts 12:7, 8, 11; Genesis 19:15, 17; ","Bobby Laymon,","Working With Angels, ",,joshlaymon,,6/23/2025
"Angels, voice of an angel, Hurry up, runners, little monotonous! ","We might think the angels are a little monotonous! 	The words 'Get up' are not beautiful, especially so at 6 AM. Yet that is what the angels sounded like when they talked to men. A fire bell, too, is monotonous but it saves lives. If we are to be saved, it may by monotony ...a voice that ought to get us out of our comfortable chairs and away from our TV sets .......'Arise, go quickly!!!!!'		","How does this relate to our Kingdom Hall build. Have you noticed the speed some of the brothers move with. We are a working organization. Some of the brothers are runners.  They realize that brothers have taken time from homes and secular work.  a.	They need something quickly.  b.	The runners get it as quickly as possible.c,	The sisters in the kitchen?  They are expecting 40 workers and 80 show up. Do they let them go hungry?  NO!  They work quickly. A disasters strikes:  Brothers need homes.  R. B. C. moves Quickly!","Acts 12:7, 8, 11; Genesis 19:15, 17; ","Bobby Laymon,","Working With Angels, ",,joshlaymon,,6/23/2025
"Angels, voice of an angel, Hurry up, runners, little monotonous! experience, throws sign, No JW's, ","I also found out: The angels know what is going on.  g94 11/22 p. 21 No Longer a Rock or an Island. Quote: Larry Ruben. One morning my wife was leaving for work. It was 7:30, and I was already stoned. This made her angry. On her way out the front door she threw a sign at me and screamed: “I hope they pester you to death.” The sign was one that she had always kept in the window and that read, in large letters, “NO JW’S.” I put it in the trash. The next morning two women came to my door. They were Jehovah’s Witnesses. You know the rest of the story.  He learned the truth!  The angels knew.  They knew the barrier was down; his heart was right; 			","1.	I also learned: If we do not go out in service the angels cannot go.  They need us....A.	 They need us to knock on the door and give the message.		1.	They take note of the reactions of the householders we contact.  literature		2.	I learned: If you make a return visit on an interested person; someone else comes to the door.  		3.	By all means talk to them.		4.	Why?  Imagine the frustration of the angel that may have turned the earth upside down to get that   person to answer the door, if we walk away.","Acts 12:7, 8, 11; Genesis 19:15, 17; ",g94 11/22 p. 21 ,"Working With Angels, ",,joshlaymon,,7/21/2025
"How Jehovah helps us to endure, hope, paradise, ","After successfully enduring many trials, Job told Jehovah: “Now I know that you are able to do all things and that nothing you have in mind to do is impossible for you.” (Job 42:2) As Job learned, nothing can interfere with the fulfillment of Jehovah’s purpose. That fact can strengthen us as we endure. To illustrate, imagine a sick woman who is discouraged because numerous doctors have been unable to cure her. But when an experienced and trusted doctor identifies the problem and explains how he will treat her illness, she feels relief, even though it will take some time for her to be healed. ","She can now endure, knowing that she has a bright hope​—the hope that she will get better. In a similar way, our confidence in our hope of the Paradise to come helps us to endure.",Job 42:2,W25 August p. 8,,,joshlaymon,,6/23/2025
"Jehovah’s Forgiveness—What It Means for You,he blots them out. sins, ","Jehovah does not simply cancel our debts, or sins; he blots them out. (Read Acts 3:19.) When a debt is canceled, we might imagine a large X being drawn across the account. However, the numbers beneath that X may still be legible. But to blot something out is different. To understand this word picture, we need to remember that in ancient times the ink used was a mixture that included carbon, gum, and water. A person could take a wet sponge and wipe the writing away. ","So when a debt was “blotted out,” it vanished completely. Traces of what was written before were not visible to the naked eye. The record became nonexistent. How it warms our heart to know that Jehovah not only cancels our sins but also blots them out completely!—Ps. 51:9. 12 Jehovah uses a similar word picture to describe how he blots out sins. He declares: “I will blot out your transgressions as with a cloud and your sins as with a thick cloud.” (Isa. 44:22) When Jehovah forgives, it is as if he were using a thick cloud to hide our transgressions so that they disappear from sight altogether.","Ps. 51:9. Acts 3:19, ",w25 February p. 10 pars. 11-12 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/23/2025
"Jehovah’s Forgiveness—What It Means for You, “true forgiveness.”","“I FORGIVE YOU.” How refreshing those words can be, especially if you know that you said or did something that hurt someone! But what does the phrase “I forgive you” really mean? Is the person you hurt saying that your friendship has been fully restored? Or does he simply mean that he does not want to talk about the issue anymore? The forgiveness humans extend can be complicated.","The way Jehovah forgives us imperfect humans is very different from the way we forgive one another. The forgiveness Jehovah extends is unique. The psalmist said of Jehovah: “With you there is true forgiveness, so that you may be held in awe.” (Ps. 130:4) Yes, Jehovah’s forgiveness is “true forgiveness.” He sets the ultimate standard of what forgiveness really means. In some cases, Bible writers used a Hebrew word for forgiveness that is never used to describe human forgiveness. When Jehovah forgives someone, that person’s sin is wiped out. The damaged relationship is entirely restored. Jehovah’s forgiveness is amazingly complete and generous.—Read Isaiah 55:6, 7.","Ps. 130:4, Isaiah 55:6, 7.",w25 February p. 8 pars. 1-3,,,joshlaymon,,6/23/2025
"Jehovah’s Forgiveness—What It Means for You, sins, heavy burdens. lift up, carry, ","In the Bible, sins are often likened to heavy burdens. King David described his own sins this way: “My errors loom over my head; like a heavy burden, they are too much for me to bear.” (Ps. 38:4) But Jehovah pardons the sins of repentant wrongdoers. (Ps. 25:18; 32:5) ",The Hebrew expression translated “pardon” basically means to “lift up” or “carry.” We might think of Jehovah as a strong man who figuratively lifts the burden of sin off our shoulders and carries it away.,Ps. 25:18; 32:5; ,w25 February p. 9 par. 5,,,joshlaymon,,6/23/2025
"Jehovah’s Forgiveness—What It Means for You, throws, out of view, ","Another word picture shows just how far away Jehovah carries our sins. Psalm 103:12 tells us: “As far off as the sunrise is from the sunset, so far off from us he has put our transgressions.” East is the farthest point from west. The two points never meet. In other words, Jehovah takes our sins as far away from us as we can imagine. What a reassuring way to describe his forgiveness! Even though Jehovah figuratively takes our sins far away from us, does he keep holding on to them? No. King Hezekiah wrote of Jehovah: “You have thrown all my sins behind your back.” Or as the footnote puts it, “you have removed all my sins from your sight.” (Isa. 38:9, 17; ftn.) ","This word picture shows that Jehovah takes the sins of repentant ones and throws them out of view. This statement could also be rendered: “You have made [my sins] as if they had not happened.” The Bible further emphasizes this point in another word picture, recorded at Micah 7:18, 19. (Read.) There Jehovah is spoken of as throwing our sins into the depths of the sea. In ancient times, it would have been impossible for someone to retrieve an object that had been hurled into the depths of the sea.","Psalm 103:12, Micah 7:18, 19.",w25 February p. 9 pars. 6-7,,,joshlaymon,,6/23/2025
"Jehovah’s Forgiveness—What It Means for You, washing and rinsing away these sins. purifying, ","Jehovah uses other word pictures to help us appreciate how by means of the ransom sacrifice, he wipes out the sins of repentant ones. Figuratively, Jehovah is spoken of as washing and rinsing away these sins. This results in purifying the sinner. (Ps. 51:7; Isa. 4:4; Jer. 33:8) Jehovah himself describes the results of this process: “Though your sins are like scarlet, they will be made as white as snow; though they are as red as crimson cloth, they will become like wool.” (Isa. 1:18) ","It is extremely difficult to remove scarlet or crimson stains from a cloth. Yet, by means of this word picture, Jehovah assures us that our sins can be washed clean so thoroughly that they are no longer visible.","Ps. 51:7; Isa. 4:4; Jer. 33:8, ",w25 February pp. 9-10 par. 9 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/23/2025
"Jehovah’s Forgiveness—What It Means for You, debts, sins, blots them out. ink removed, ","As mentioned in the preceding article, sins are also likened to “debts.” (Matt. 6:12; Luke 11:4) So every time we sin against Jehovah, it is as if we are going further and further into debt. We owe him a huge amount! But when Jehovah forgives us, it is as if he cancels the debt that would otherwise be charged against our account. He does not demand repayment of sins that have been forgiven. What a refreshing illustration to describe the relief we feel when Jehovah forgives us!","Jehovah does not simply cancel our debts, or sins; he blots them out. (Read Acts 3:19.) When a debt is canceled, we might imagine a large X being drawn across the account. However, the numbers beneath that X may still be legible. But to blot something out is different. To understand this word picture, we need to remember that in ancient times the ink used was a mixture that included carbon, gum, and water. A person could take a wet sponge and wipe the writing away. So when a debt was “blotted out,” it vanished completely. Traces of what was written before were not visible to the naked eye. The record became nonexistent. How it warms our heart to know that Jehovah not only cancels our sins but also blots them out completely!—Ps. 51:9.",Matt. 6:12; Luke 11:4,w25 February p. 10 pars. 10-11,,,joshlaymon,,6/23/2025
"Jehovah’s Forgiveness—What It Means for You, debts are completely canceled, ","Jehovah uses a similar word picture to describe how he blots out sins. He declares: “I will blot out your transgressions as with a cloud and your sins as with a thick cloud.” (Isa. 44:22) When Jehovah forgives, it is as if he were using a thick cloud to hide our transgressions so that they disappear from sight altogether.","What does this mean for us? When Jehovah forgives our sins, we should not feel that we will bear the stain of such sins for the rest of our life. By means of the blood of Jesus Christ, our debts are completely canceled. Even the record of those debts is no longer discernible. This is what the true forgiveness that comes from Jehovah means for us when we repent of our sins.",Isa. 44:22,w25 February p. 10 pars. 12-13,,,joshlaymon,,6/23/2025
"Jehovah’s Forgiveness—What It Means for You, remember explained, criminal hanging on the stake, ","The true forgiveness that comes from Jehovah allows us to have a good relationship with him. It helps us to avoid being overcome by feelings of guilt. We do not need to be afraid that Jehovah is secretly harboring resentment and is looking for a way to punish us. There is no threat of that happening. Why can we trust Jehovah when he says that he forgives us? The prophet Jeremiah quotes Jehovah as saying: “I will forgive their error, and I will no longer remember their sin.” (Jer. 31:34) When referring to these words, the apostle Paul used a similar expression, saying: “I will no longer call their sins to mind.” (Heb. 8:12) But what does that really mean?","In the Bible, the expression “remember” does not always refer to someone recalling something or thinking about it. Rather, it can involve someone taking action. The criminal hanging on the stake next to Jesus requested: “Jesus, remember me when you get into your Kingdom.” (Luke 23:42, 43) He was not simply asking Jesus to think about him at that time. Jesus’ response indicated that he would take action to resurrect this criminal. So, then, when Jehovah says that he no longer remembers our sins, he means that he will not take action against us. He will not punish us sometime in the future for sins that he has forgiven.","Jer. 31:34, Luke 23:42, 43, ",w25 February pp. 10-11 pars. 14-15 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/23/2025
"Jehovah’s Forgiveness—What It Means for You, ","The Bible uses another word picture to help us understand the freedom that comes from true forgiveness. Because of our sinful nature and inclination, we are likened to “slaves of sin.” But thanks to Jehovah’s forgiveness, we are like slaves who have been “set free from sin.” (Rom. 6:17, 18; Rev. 1:5) ","Yes, Jehovah’s forgiveness gives us the exhilarating feeling of being set free from slavery.","Rom. 6:17, 18; Rev. 1:5",w25 February pp. 11-13 par. 16 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/23/2025
"Jehovah’s Forgiveness—What It Means for You, Ransom, healed, deadly disease, sins, ","Read Isaiah 53:5. The final word picture we will discuss likens us to people who have a deadly disease. Because of the ransom sacrifice that Jehovah provided through his Son, we are figuratively spoken of as being healed. (1 Pet. 2:24) ","The ransom makes possible the full repair of our relationship with Jehovah, which has been damaged by spiritual sickness. Just as a person who has been healed of a serious illness feels intense joy, we too rejoice when we are healed spiritually and regain Jehovah’s favor as a result of his forgiveness.","Isaiah 53:5.1 Pet. 2:24, ",w25 February p. 13 par. 17,,,joshlaymon,,6/23/2025
"Jehovah’s Forgiveness—What It Means for You, ","What have we learned by examining the word pictures found in the Bible regarding Jehovah’s forgiveness? When he forgives, he does so completely and permanently. This allows us to have a good relationship with our heavenly Father. At the same time, we remember that true forgiveness is a gift. It comes from Jehovah’s love and undeserved kindness, which he expresses to sinful mankind. It is not a right that humans can demand.—Rom. 3:24.","Read Romans 4:8. How grateful each one of us should be that Jehovah is the God of “true forgiveness”! (Ps. 130:4) However, our being forgiven is dependent on something important. Jesus explained: “If you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” (Matt. 6:14, 15) Obviously, then, it is vital for us to imitate Jehovah’s forgiveness. But how can we do that? Our next article will show us what this involves.",Rom. 3:24. Ps. 130:4,w25 February p. 13 pars. 18-19 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/23/2025
"Jehovah’s Forgiveness—What It Means for You' Word pictures on forgiveness, sin, ","[Box on page 12] How Jehovah Forgives Us In the Bible, Jehovah uses vivid word pictures to describe his forgiveness and to help us understand its true meaning He removes sin, “Pardoned” (Ps. 32:5)“As far off as the sunrise is from the sunset” (Ps. 103:12)“You have thrown all my sins behind your back” (Isa. 38:17)“You will throw all their sins into the depths of the sea” (Mic. 7:19)","He wipes out sin“Though your sins are like scarlet, they will be made as white as snow” (Isa. 1:18)“Forgive us our debts” (Matt. 6:12)“So as to get your sins blotted out” (Acts 3:19)“I will blot out your transgressions as with a cloud” (Isa. 44:22)He restores a good relationship“I will no longer remember their sin” (Jer. 31:34)“You were set free from sin” (Rom. 6:18)“Because of his wounds we were healed” (Isa. 53:5)","See above, ",w25 February p. 12,,,joshlaymon,,6/23/2025
"Angels, voice of an angel, Hurry up, runners, little monotonous! experience, throws sign, No JW's, ","Learned that angels are very patient.	1.	Angels faithfully guarded the entrance to the Garden of Eden 1600 years.	2.	The angels are humble.	3.	Someone said, 'Angels can fly because they take themselves lightly.'	","Angels are very strong, and faithful protectors.	1.	In one night one angel killed 185,000 trained soldiers.	2.	One hundred million could destroy the earth population in 7 1/2 seconds.	3.	I learned: Try to see what the angels are saying:","Acts 12:7, 8, 11; Genesis 19:15, 17; ",g94 11/22 p. 21 ,"Working With Angels, ",,joshlaymon,,6/23/2025
"Angels, voice of an angel, Hurry up, runners, little monotonous! experience, throws sign, No JW's, ","Many of you know that we looked for years for a suitable site for a KH.	1.	Affordable property could not be found.  We covered our territory and looked.	2.	All this time the angels were pointing to this property, but we could not see them.	3.	Do you know what the problem was?  			a.	We started at the wrong end of the territory. 		","4.	We started way over here, and the angel was pointing here. 	5.	Accomplished something else. We got the territory worked.  	6.	We talked to realtors, business men, landowners, interested persons.		7.	The city planners were involved and got a witness.	8.	We had others looking out for us.	9.	We found interest, but no KH property.      10.	Then we realized where the angel was pointing.  What they were saying.","Acts 12:7, 8, 11; Genesis 19:15, 17; ",g94 11/22 p. 21 ,"Working With Angels, ",,joshlaymon,,6/23/2025
"Angels, voice of an angel, Hurry up, runners, little monotonous! experience, throws sign, No JW's, ","Like us, angels take delight in a place that exalts Jehovah's name.	1.	It's not the Kingdom Hall that is beautiful. It's the NAME!	2.	The building makes a beautiful 'backdrop' for the beautiful name. 	3.	Jehovah's Name gives a witnesses 24 hours a day.  	4.	Hard to see name and not say 'Jehovah.'  	5.	Jehovah is the most beautiful name in the universe. 	6.	Same with witnesses in Territory, hard to see them and not say, 'There's Jehovah's Witnesses.'	7.	Look how organized they are!  Look how zealous they are.	8.	Next time, you hear about the voice of an angel, THINK!	","Remember how the angels sound.  Hurry!  Get up!  Get going!  Don't delay! Act 	quickly!	1.	When you get to the door to the new system.	2.	Don't be surprised if someone has put a sign on the door that says,  .....""PUSH HARD!"" AND ACT QUICKLY!!!","Acts 12:7, 8, 11; Genesis 19:15, 17; ",g94 11/22 p. 21 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/23/2025
"Balancing Work and Leisure, Solomon, balance, productive activity, ","“LEISURE is a beautiful garment, but it will not do for constant wear.” With these words an anonymous writer aptly illustrates the value of leisure. He shows, however, that it should be balanced with productive activity. This matter was also addressed by the inspired Bible writer Solomon. This wise king identified two extremes to be avoided. First, he noted: “The stupid one is folding his hands and is eating his own flesh.” (Ecclesiastes 4:5) Yes, sluggishness can bring one into poverty. As a consequence, it can endanger the lazy one’s health, even his life. On the other hand, there are some who sacrifice everything on the altar of hard work. Solomon described their ceaseless toiling as “vanity and a striving after the wind.”—Ecclesiastes 4:4.","With good reason, Solomon recommended a balance: “Better is a handful of rest than a double handful of hard work and striving after the wind.” (Ecclesiastes 4:6) A person should “see good because of his hard work”—that is, he should periodically take time to enjoy what he has earned. (Ecclesiastes 2:24) And there should be other things in life besides secular work. Our family deserves some of our time. Solomon stressed that our primary obligation is, not secular work, but service to God. (Ecclesiastes 12:13) Are you among those who enjoy a balanced view of work?","Ecclesiastes 4:5; Ecclesiastes 4:4, ",w99 11/1 p. 32,,,joshlaymon,,6/24/2025
"Benefits From Loving God’s Word, seed falls by the roadside, rock-mass. good soil, ","Jesus said that some seed falls by the roadside and is trodden down. This refers to people who are too preoccupied for the Kingdom seed to take root in their hearts. Before they can develop a love of God’s Word, “the Devil comes and takes the word away from their hearts in order that they may not believe and be saved.” (Luke 8:12) Some seed falls on a rock-mass. This refers to people who are attracted to the Bible’s message but do not let it affect their hearts. When opposition comes or when they find it hard to apply Bible counsel, “they fall away” because they have no root. (Luke 8:13) Then there are those who hear the word but are overwhelmed by the “anxieties and riches and pleasures of this life.” Eventually, like plants entangled by thorns, “they are completely choked.”","Finally, there is the seed that falls on good soil. This points to people who receive the message with “a fine and good heart.” Naturally, each of us would like to believe that he falls into this category. In the final analysis, though, it is God’s view that counts. (Proverbs 17:3; 1 Corinthians 4:4, 5) His Word says that our having “a fine and good heart” is something that we prove by our actions from now until our death or until God brings an end to this wicked system of things. If our initial response to the Kingdom message is positive, that is fine. However, those with a fine and good heart accept God’s Word and “retain it and bear fruit with endurance.”—Luke 8:15.","Luke 8:12, Luke 8:14.",w99 11/1 pp. 16-17 pars. 9-10,,,joshlaymon,,6/24/2025
"Benefits From Loving God’s Word, the seed is “the word of the kingdom.” seed is the message of the good news","Jesus told the crowds an illustration: “A sower went out to sow his seed. Well, as he was sowing, some of it fell alongside the road and was trampled down, and the birds of heaven ate it up. Some other landed upon the rock-mass, and, after sprouting, it dried up because of not having moisture. Some other fell among the thorns, and the thorns that grew up with it choked it off. Some other fell upon the good soil, and, after sprouting, it produced fruit a hundredfold.”—Luke 8:5-8. Jesus’ parable showed that there would be different responses to the preaching of the good news, depending on the heart condition of the hearer. The seed being sown is “the word of God.” (Luke 8:11) ","Or, as another record of the parable says, the seed is “the word of the kingdom.” (Matthew 13:19) Jesus could use either expression, since the theme of God’s Word is the heavenly Kingdom under Jesus Christ as King by means of which Jehovah will vindicate his sovereignty and sanctify his name. (Matthew 6:9, 10) In effect, then, the seed is the message of the good news in God’s Word, the Bible. Jehovah’s Witnesses highlight this Kingdom message as they sow seed in imitation of the original Sower, Jesus Christ. What response do they find?",Luke 8:5-8. Matthew 13:19,w99 11/1 p. 16 pars. 7-8,,,joshlaymon,,6/24/2025
"You May Gain Your Brother, Some would return, “came to his senses.","We can see that potential from Jesus’ parable of the prodigal son. As illustrated, after a period of living outside the loving fellowship of his father’s house, that sinner “came to his senses.” (Luke 15:11-18) Paul mentioned to Timothy that some wrongdoers would in time repent and “come back to their proper senses out from the snare of the Devil.” (2 Timothy 2:24-26) We would certainly hope that any who unrepentantly sin and must be excluded from the congregation will feel their loss—both of God’s approval and of the warm fellowship and social contact with loyal Christians—and then come to their senses.","Jesus did not consider people of the nations and tax collectors as being beyond redemption. One of the latter, Matthew Levi, repented, sincerely ‘followed Jesus,’ and was even chosen as an apostle. (Mark 2:15; Luke 15:1) Consequently, if a sinner today does “not listen even to the congregation” and is excluded from it, we can wait to see if he, in time, will repent and make straight paths for his feet. When he does and is again a member of the congregation, we will then be happy to have gained our brother back in the fold of true worship.","Luke 15:11-18, 2 Timothy 2:24-26",w99 10/15 p. 22 pars. 21-22,,,joshlaymon,,6/24/2025
"Divine Riddles and God’s Purpose, Many Biblical riddles, Solomon, Hiram, Tyre, involved with Jehovah’s purposes.","King Solomon was reportedly able to solve even the most perplexing questions, or riddles, brought to him. (1 Kings 10:1, footnote) This was certainly a result of God-given wisdom. If there is any truth in reports of ancient historians that Solomon once lost a riddling contest with King Hiram of Tyre, it likely happened after he lost Jehovah’s spirit as a result of his apostasy. Judge Samson similarly showed a fondness for riddling. On one occasion, empowered by holy spirit, a riddle provided him with the opportunity to strike fear into the hearts of God’s enemies.—Judges 14:12-19.","Many Biblical riddles, though, are directly involved with Jehovah’s purposes. Consider, for example, Genesis 3:15. This prophecy, which lays the basis for the theme of the Bible, is in itself something of an enigma, a “sacred secret.” (Romans 16:25, 26) Besides being given supernatural visions and revelations, the apostle Paul also saw certain aspects of God’s purpose in “hazy outline,” or literally, “obscure expression.” (1 Corinthians 13:12; 2 Corinthians 12:1-4) And what about the endless speculation that has surrounded the mysterious number of the wild beast—“six hundred and sixty-six”—introduced suddenly and without explanation at Revelation 13:18? Who is able to solve these divine riddles, and what purpose do they serve?",Judges 14:12-19.  1 Corinthians 13:12; 2 Corinthians 12:1-4. ,w99 10/1 p. 26 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/25/2025
"Divine Riddles and God’s Purpose, virtually blind. too proud and independent ","For many of us, sight is the most precious of our five senses. But without light, human vision would be almost useless. We would be virtually blind. So, too, the human mind. It has an amazing ability to match patterns, apply logic, and thus solve puzzles. Yet, something more is needed to unlock sacred secrets. While others may offer solutions to the riddles posed in the Bible, only their Author, Jehovah, the God of light, can reveal their intended meaning.—1 John 1:5.","Unfortunately, men are often too proud and independent to wait on Jehovah for answers. Intrigued by the mystery, there are those who, seeking intellectual stimulation but not necessarily truth, sought solutions outside of God’s Word. For example, Jewish mysticism with its Cabala pondered the magical significance of numbers and the letters of the Hebrew alphabet. The Gnostics of the second century, on the other hand, made use of the Hebrew and Greek Scriptures in an attempt to extricate secret meanings from them.",1 John 1:5. ,w99 10/1 pp. 26-27 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/24/2025
"Divine Riddles and God’s Purpose, puzzling riddles, Proverbs, ","Yet, why would a God of light speak “dark sayings” at all? The very nature of a riddle challenges one’s imagination and deductive powers. So, sprinkled throughout the Scriptures like tasty garnishes in a gourmet meal, they were sometimes used simply to arouse the interest of the audience or to make the message conveyed more vivid. In these instances, explanations are usually given immediately afterward.—Ezekiel 17:1-18; Matthew 18:23-35.Jehovah grants wisdom generously but never indiscriminately. (James 1:5-8) Consider the book of Proverbs, an inspired collection of many puzzling sayings that some might view as riddles. Understanding them takes time and meditation. But how many people are willing to make the effort? The wisdom they contain is accessible only to those who are willing to dig for it.—Proverbs 2:1-5.Jesus likewise used illustrations to expose his listeners’ heart attitude. Crowds thronged around him. They enjoyed his stories. They loved his miracles. Yet, how many were willing to change their life-style and follow him? What a contrast to Jesus’ disciples, who repeatedly sought to understand Jesus’ teachings and willingly disowned themselves to become his followers!—Matthew 13:10-23, 34, 35; 16:24; John 16:25, 29.","Consider the book of Proverbs, an inspired collection of many puzzling sayings that some might view as riddles. Understanding them takes time and meditation. But how many people are willing to make the effort? The wisdom they contain is accessible only to those who are willing to dig for it.—Proverbs 2:1-5. Jesus likewise used illustrations to expose his listeners’ heart attitude. Crowds thronged around him. They enjoyed his stories. They loved his miracles. Yet, how many were willing to change their life-style and follow him? What a contrast to Jesus’ disciples, who repeatedly sought to understand Jesus’ teachings and willingly disowned themselves to become his followers!—Matthew 13:10-23, 34, 35; 16:24; John 16:25, 29.",Ezekiel 17:1-18; Matthew 18:23-35. ,w99 10/1 p. 27,,,joshlaymon,,6/25/2025
"You Can Reach Your Spiritual Goals, Motivation, wind, sailboat, Pray, Prayer, ","Motivation plays a key role in reaching spiritual goals. A motivated person has a strong incentive or desire to work toward his goal. We could liken motivation to the wind that pushes a sailboat toward its destination. If the wind continues blowing, the sailor will likely reach his destination. And with a strong wind, he may even arrive sooner. Likewise, the more motivated we are, the more likely we are to reach our goals. “When you feel motivated, you try harder,” says David, a brother in El Salvador. “You try not to let anything prevent you from reaching your goal.” So, what can you do to feel more motivated?","Pray for more motivation. By means of his spirit, Jehovah can motivate you to reach your goal. (Read Philippians 2:13.) Sometimes we set a goal because we know we should, and that is a good thing. But we may not really have the desire to reach it. This was the case with a sister in Uganda named Norina. She had set the goal of conducting a Bible study, although she lacked motivation because she felt inadequate as a teacher. What helped her? She relates: “I began to ask Jehovah daily to help me increase my desire to conduct a Bible study. In harmony with my prayers, I worked on my teaching skills. After a few months, I noticed that my desire had grown. That same year, I started two Bible studies.","Philippians 2:13, ",w23 May p. 27 pars. 3-4 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/25/2025
"You Can Reach Your Spiritual Goals, Meditate, ","Meditate on what Jehovah has done for you. (Ps. 143:5) The apostle Paul meditated on Jehovah’s undeserved kindness toward him, and this motivated him to work hard for Jehovah. (1 Cor. 15:9, 10; 1 Tim. 1:12-14) ","Similarly, the more you meditate on what Jehovah has done for you, the more motivated you will feel to reach your goal. (Ps. 116:12) Consider what helped a sister in Honduras to reach her goal of becoming a regular pioneer. She says: “I reflected on how much Jehovah loves me. He brought me to his people. He cares for me and protects me. Such meditation strengthened my love for him and increased my motivation.”","1 Cor. 15:9, 10; 1 Tim. 1:12-14, ",w23 May p. 27 par. 5 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/25/2025
"Gehenna, a Place of Eternal Punishment,  The valley of Slaughter.”","What a fitting example and illustration Gehenna was for Jeremiah to use! When that prophet of God pointed to that defiled place as an example of what Jehovah purposed to do to that rebellious nation they got the point. They knew that Almighty God purposed to destroy them as completely as anything thrown into the literal Gehenna was annihilated. “Thus will I do unto this place, saith Jehovah, and to the inhabitants thereof, even making this city as Topheth: and the houses of Jerusalem, and the houses of the kings of Judah, which are defiled, shall be as the place of Topheth.” ","“Therefore, behold, the days come, saith Jehovah, that it shall no more be called Topheth, nor The valley of the son of Hinnom, but The valley of Slaughter.”—Jer. 19:12, 13; 7:32, 33, AS.And so it was when Jerusalem was finally destroyed A.D. 70. According to the Jewish historian, Josephus, between 2,000,000 and 3,000,000 inhabitants died of famine or disease or were killed by the Romans, and it appears that many of their dead bodies were thrown into Gehenna after that terrible struggle.","Jer. 19:12, 13; 7:32, 33,",w50 12/1 pp. 477-478 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/25/2025
"Gehenna, a Place of Eternal Punishment, Jesus, ","Now then, in view of what Gehenna was, literally and symbolically, what better illustration or symbol could the Great Prophet, Christ Jesus, use when telling Jews what was in store for the wilfully wicked? When he said certain ones were liable to wind up in Gehenna, his listeners two millenniums ago knew exactly what he was talking about. They knew that if the sulphurous fires did not consume their dead bodies, the ever-present maggots would. In either event, they knew full well that to be cast into Gehenna meant they were criminals unworthy of either a burial or a resurrection, only annihilation.","They knew that if the sulphurous fires did not consume their dead bodies, the ever-present maggots would. In either event, they knew full well that to be cast into Gehenna meant they were criminals unworthy of either a burial or a resurrection, only annihilation in the following texts: Matthew 5:22, 29, 30; 10:28; 18:9; 23:15, 33; Mark 9:43, 45, 47; Luke 12:5; James 3:6. ","Matthew 5:22, 29, 30; 10:28; 18:9; 23:15, 33; Mark 9:43, 45, 47; Luke 12:5; James 3:6. ",w50 12/1 p. 478 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/25/2025
"Fear Jehovah the Superior,Man inferior, like a machine, breaks down, Not Jehovah's creation, ","Even in the case of imperfect man the power of the superior over the inferior is well illustrated. When man designs and builds a machine to do work for him, as a miniature superior he makes the various parts and assembles them together. Later the parts are set in motion to operate according to established rules in performing the exact movements planned by the human designer. The entire running machine as an inferior operates according to the rules set out by its superior, man. After a time certain parts break down and are unable to conform to the rules of action assigned to them. The entire machine refuses to operate. Finally, after many repairs no longer keep the machine going, the instrument is discarded and a new one is built to do the necessary work. Rom. 9:20, 21, NW; Jer. 18:2-10.","After a time certain parts break down and are unable to conform to the rules of action assigned to them. The entire machine refuses to operate. Finally, after many repairs no longer keep the machine going, the instrument is discarded and a new one is built to do the necessary work. Rom. 9:20, 21, NW; Jer. 18:2-10.","Rom. 9:20, 21, NW; Jer. 18:2-10.",w52 6/15 p. 370 pars. 7-8 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/26/2025
" “Get Out of Her, My People” Babylon the great, world, lusts of the flesh, reap their share, ","“Get out of her, my people, if you do not want to share with her in her sins, and if you do not want to receive part of her plagues. For her sins have massed together clear up to heaven, and God has called her acts of injustice to mind.”—Rev. 18:4, 5, NW. THERE is a basic rottenness in these last days that has polluted every field of this world’s activity. Its politics is corrupt. Its commerce is oppressive. Its military is wasteful. Its religion is hypocritical. Its pleasures often lead to delinquency and immorality, and its sports to foul play and crookedness. ","The vast majority of the people go along with the world in its rottenness, seeing it, contributing to it, participating in it, indifferent to it, calloused to it, or cynically accepting it. For outward show many practicers of it make incensed speeches against it, but how many really rise up in wrath to stamp it out? The majority cling to this wicked old world, support it, fight for it, die for it, vote into power its corrupt rulers, and otherwise completely make themselves a part of it. They cast their lot in with this world. With it they sow to the lusts of the flesh. With it they will reap their share of its plagues. Not only is this logical and just; it is Scriptural as well.","Rev. 18:4, 5, ", w52 6/1 p. 333,,,joshlaymon,,6/26/2025
"The Field of Bible Prophecy, Holy spirit arrives, 1914 world changed, ","The prophets used to transmit prophecy were moved by an unerring means and in a wonderful manner. It is by inspiration that this was brought about. “All Scripture is inspired of God,” says Paul at 2 Timothy 3:16 (NW). The Greek word here translated “inspired of God” is theópneustos, which compound word literally means “God-breathed” or “breathed by God”. After his resurrection and shortly before his ascension into heaven and thus before his disciples received the power of the holy spirit at Pentecost A.D. 33, ","Jesus illustrated this means of inspiration. It is written: “Jesus . . . said to them again: ‘May you have peace. Just as the Father has sent me forth, I also am sending you.’ And after he said this he blew upon them and said to them: ‘Receive holy spirit.’” (John 20:21, 22, NW) So as Jesus had illustrated, a few days later the actual event occurred when 120 of Jesus’ disciples were inspired with holy spirit. The record reads: “And suddenly there occurred from heaven a noise just like that of a rushing stiff breeze, and it filled the whole house in which they were sitting. And tongues as if of fire became visible and were distributed to them, and one sat upon each one of them, and they all became filled with holy spirit and started to speak with different tongues, just as the spirit was granting them to make utterance.”—Acts 2:2-4, NW. In chapter 18 of Revelation the entire world organization or system of things controlled by Satan the Devil is spoken of as “Babylon the great”. Babylon began her fall when her invisible part was hurled earthward by Christ after his enthronement A.D. 1914.","Acts 2:2-4, Revelation 18:4; John 20:21, 22, ",w52 4/15 p. 244 par. 10,,,joshlaymon,,6/26/2025
"Fruitfulness a Manifestation of Holy Spirit,  two seeds sprouted and grew, Unless the die, they are one seed, ","LAST year when two seeds sprouted and grew in a Washington, D. C., greenhouse it created a sensation in botanical circles. Millions of seeds sprout yearly, but these were special. They were lotus seeds from a Manchurian peat bog, and said by some to be 50,000 years old. When they germinated the importance of their age grew, and so other seeds from the same place were tested by the radiocarbon clock. This atomic clock showed they were around 1,000 years old. For 1,000 years these seeds had lain idle, unproductive. Had they been properly planted shortly after their maturity by now the seeds descended from them would number many billions. But due to their idleness only the two original seeds existed last year."," It is as Jesus said: “Most truly I say to you, Unless a kernel of wheat falls into the ground and dies, it remains just one kernel; but if it dies, it then bears much fruit.”—John 12:24, NW. So it is with the truths of God’s Word, which truths are, in one of Jesus’ illustrations, likened to seeds spread by a sower. (Luke 8:11) God’s Word endures forever. (1 Pet. 1:25) But we cannot wait that long to sow the truths contained therein. We must not allow them to lie idle for 1,000 years, like the two lotus seeds. We are not sure of life tomorrow, much less 1,000 years hence. (Prov. 27:1) We must sow now, without delay, to produce Kingdom fruits. After sowing the seed of truth by such means as witnessing from door to door, we must return to water and cultivate by making calls back and conducting home Bible studies, and then rely upon God to give the increase. (1 Cor. 3:6) Thus we build on the foundation we laid in door-to-door sowing. Jesus did not build on another’s foundation. He is our model. Paul did not build on another’s foundation. We are told to imitate him. (Rom. 15:20; 1 Cor. 11:1; 1 Pet. 2:21) By engaging in all features of gospel-preaching we see the truth seeds we have sown sprout and grow and become rooted in the minds and hearts of others, who in turn become fruitful sowers of the seed elsewhere.","John 12:24, 1 Pet. 1:25, ",w52 4/15 p. 229,,,joshlaymon,,6/26/2025
"An International Assembly in Rome, progress, growth, ",One of the speakers pointed out the great need for the Bible in Italy and how those who had already come to the truth must keep up with present truth. They must appreciate what the Lord provides through his organization and study diligently. He said we must use the information we have by preaching from house to house and not merely here and there at scattered times as some do. ,"The brother illustrated this by the way we take in nourishment. We do most of our important eating at regular mealtimes, pasta asciutta (spaghetti) being the main dish. But if we wish and have the opportunity we sometimes have a snack of castagne (roasted chestnuts), which we can obtain along the streets. Do we eat chestnuts all the time? No! So we see it is necessary to do more house-to-house preaching to feed ourselves properly and feed the other sheep. We must be regular in our preaching and in our studying.",Matthew 24:14; ,w52 4/1 pp. 219-220,,,joshlaymon,,6/26/2025
"Choosing Now to Live Then, pride, stubbornness, ignorant, won't change direction, ","Consider this illustration. You may be traveling in your car, with a certain destination in mind. You have a road map, but you have not bothered to look at it. Someone has told you the road to take. You trust him implicitly, sincerely believing the way he has directed you is correct. But suppose it is not. If you follow this wrong road, sincerely believing it will take you to the place you wish to go, will your mere sincerity cause the road to end up at your desired destination? If you are on the wrong road and do not know it, would you appreciate having another person set you right? Or would you be angry? Would you think this person intolerant? Would you think he was showing hatred against the one who directed you wrong in the first place? Would you believe him if he could show you where you were wrong by referring you to your own road map? Or would pride or stubbornness prevent you from acknowledging your mistake, and push you doggedly on down the wrong road? You would hardly be so ridiculous.","Yet many persons traveling the wrong religious roads are just that ridiculous. They are not guided by the divine road map, the Bible. They follow their own ideas or the directions of some clergyman or religious organization, sincerely believing they will arrive in heaven by so doing. Tell them they are on the wrong road, and you are a bigot, a know-it-all, a sower of intolerance. Take their own Bible. Read to them, “The soul that sinneth, it shall die.” Yet they cling to the sectarian path that the soul is immortal. Read to them, “His breath goeth forth, he returneth to his earth; in that very day his thoughts perish. . . . The dead know not any thing.” Yet they clutch even tighter their cult’s direction that the dead are conscious. Read to them, “The wages sin pays is death.” Yet they march unwaveringly along the creedal trail that the wages of sin is eternal torment. Read to them, “The earth abideth for ever.” They still hold fast to their clergyman’s teaching that the earth is to be burned up. Patiently point out the trail of true worship from the Bible road map, show the inspired warning that this way would be obscured and voided by the traditions and doctrines of false religious leaders, yet they refuse to budge from the wrong road and their mounting anger and stubbornness, *** w52 3/15 p. 169 par. 1 Choosing Now to Live Then ***HOW do you choose that life in the new world? By raising your hand, by shouting ‘Aye’, by saying ‘Lord, I would like to live then’? No; you choose that life in the same way that you choose the present one. And how do you choose to live now? By breathing, drinking, eating, sleeping and working, yes; but stated more broadly, it is by the course of action that you take. And it is action, please note, that is not dictated or determined by you, but rather it is action according to the dictates of the body. The body sets its terms, forces you to meet its requirements. So it is in choosing life in the new world. It is not by merely saying you would like to live then, but the choice is made by the course of action you take. And here again the action is not determined by the individual. Jehovah God is the one who establishes that new world and gives persons life in it. He gives it on his own terms, and we must meet his requirements. Refusal to act in accord with his requirements now is choosing death instead of everlasting life, just as surely as refusal to breathe in response to the body’s demands would mean death to our physical organism now.and pride slam shut the door of their mind. Sincere? Perhaps; but their blind following of their blind guides will land them in the ditch of destruction instead of at their desired destination.—Ps. 146:4; Eccl. 1:4; 9:5; Ezek. 18:4; Matt. 15:1-9; Rom. 6:23, NW.","Ps. 146:4; Eccl. 1:4; 9:5; Ezek. 18:4; Matt. 15:1-9; Rom. 6:23, NW.",w52 3/15 pp. 173-174 pars. 14-15,,,joshlaymon,,6/26/2025
"Propriety of Disfellowshiping, God disfellowships, house abandoned, incompatable, fellowship, ","God disfellowships, too. We have seen that in the examples given above, but we remember that in Matthew 23:38 (NW) Jesus, speaking to Jerusalem, said: “Look! your house is abandoned to you.” He had been dealing with the Jews for a long period of time, and now the time had come to abandon them and their house or temple. Why? Because he had nursed them along and taken care of them like a hen with its little chicks, but they did not pay any attention to his Father in heaven, ","and now the time had come for God to abandon the whole business because they furnished only a faithful remnant and he was obliged to call out from the Gentile nations a people for his name. 2 Corinthians 6:14-18 (NW) the apostle Paul said: “What fellowship does light have with darkness? . . . And what agreement does God’s temple have with idols? For we are the temple of the living God; just as God said: ‘I shall reside among them and walk among them, and I shall be their God, and they will be my people.’ ‘“Therefore get out from among them, and separate yourselves,” says Jehovah, “and quit touching the unclean thing,”’ ‘“and I will take you in.”’ ‘“And I shall be a father to you, and you will be sons and daughters to me,” says Jehovah the Almighty.’” Yes, Jehovah will disfellowship those who become lawless, turn to darkness and set up idols. He will expel such persons from his organization.",Matthew 23:38,w52 3/1 p. 138 pars. 3-4,,,joshlaymon,,6/26/2025
"Publish Uplift and Comfort for the Poor, poverty, spiritual poverty, ","TODAY poverty is the lot of the great majority of mankind, nearly all of whom look upon material prosperity as the chief good in life. But why set your heart on something unlikely of realization? And even if realized, what have you? Burdens, anxieties and temptations that plunge men into destruction.—1 Tim. 6:9, NW.","Spiritual poverty is even more widespread than lack of material riches, but those who appreciate their spiritual poverty are truly wise. How so? Because God has made it possible for these to become spiritually rich. Jesus illustrated this change from spiritual poverty to spiritual felicity and prosperity in the parable or illustration of the rich man and Lazarus. A parable? Yes, for “without an illustration [Jesus] would not speak to them”, and to take it literally involves us in many inconsistencies and absurdities. For one thing, note that nothing is said about the rich man as being wicked or the poor man as being good. Certainly it is inconceivable that such all-important facts would have been overlooked if the account were to serve as a warning to evildoers.—Matt. 13:34; Luke 16:19-31, NW.Briefly, the illustration shows the following: When Jesus began his ministry he found a class of men who were like the rich man in that they were rich in honor, position and spiritual advantages, the scribes, Pharisees, lawyers and priests. They were proud, haughty, self-righteous, and considered themselves the custodians of the sacred pronouncements.—Matt. 23:2; John 8:39; Luke 16:15; Rom. 3:2, NW.","1 Tim. 6:9, Matt. 13:34; Luke 16:19-31, NW.",w52 3/1 p. 157,,,joshlaymon,,6/26/2025
"Should We Go to School or Quit? Education, ","Here is a simple formula by which the complex problem can be solved. List all the reasons for not attending high school in one column, and in another add up all the reasons why one should attend. Then by simple subtraction the correct answer is obtained. To illustrate: The educational systems are very faulty and the curriculum is of little practical value to a Christian. The short remaining time before Armageddon should be spent as profitably as possible. The pressure on one’s faith and integrity is great from every side of school life. On the one hand, evolution and infidelity are constantly forced upon the mind, and from another direction the forces of immorality attempt to undermine and destroy one’s foundation in Christianity. And if one takes an open stand for God’s kingdom of righteousness as man’s only hope, then he is oftentimes maliciously slandered, ridiculed and persecuted by student body and faculty. Here then is a partial list of the objections raised against attending high school. How do they add up?","All informed persons will freely admit there is a great deal wrong with the present systems of education. And they are fast going from bad to worse. To quote one AP dispatch: “A Chicago educator says the college freshman is growing increasingly illiterate, unable to read or think. But it isn’t the student’s fault. High schools, says the president of the University of Chicago, are serving a watered-down educational potion. In an attack on the American school system, Dr. Earnest Cadman Colwell remarked in an interview yesterday: ‘More go to school longer and learn less every year. . . . There are too many distractions in the curriculum.’” (St. Louis Post-Dispatch, Jan. 24, 1950) But refusing to go to school does not improve the system. Refusing to go in order to avoid evils makes one miss the good also. It is good to impress on your own and other people’s minds the nearness of Armageddon, but you do not need to quit school to do so. (2 Pet. 3:11, 12) Instead of running away to a distant pioneer territory why not accept your high school as an assignment, thus showing neighbor love toward these nearby ones? Get the basket off your light that others may see it and “give glory to your Father”.—Matt. 5:15, 16, NW.","Matt. 5:15, 16, ",w52 2/15 pp. 117-118 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/26/2025
The Memorial—Are You Entitled to Partake? ,"The one sacrifice of Christ Jesus holds enough value to be applied at all times for the sins of mankind until they are at last wiped out. The theory of the mass denies this Bible truth. Why it does so was illustrated by the Jewish sacrifices under Israel’s law covenant. Each year on the atonement day the sacrifice of the bull and of Jehovah’s goat had to be made anew and their blood had to be carried into the most holy and sprinkled before the sacred mercy seat. Why? Because those sacrifices were not human and could never take away human sins and leave the human conscience free of sin’s guilt. If they had actually cleansed man’s conscience of the sense of sinfulness, they would have stopped being offered. “For the law, having a shadow of the good things to come, not the very image of the things, by the self-same sacrifices which they offer continually every year, can never make the comers thereunto perfect. ","For then they would have ceased to be offered: because the worshippers once cleansed should have no conscience of sin any longer. But in them there is made a commemoration of sins every year: for it is impossible that with the blood of oxen and goats sin should be taken away.” (Heb. 10:1-4, Dy) The very fact that Catholics have a sense of sin requiring them to attend a repetition of the mass proves that the so-called “sacrifice of the mass” no more takes away their sins than those sacrifices of oxen and goats did.","Heb. 10:1-4,",w52 2/15 pp. 107-108 pars. 21-22 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/26/2025
"Getting to the Root of Our Problems, underlying cause, sickness, death, medication, feel good, ","To illustrate, a patient named Tom was sick and later died. Why did he die? “When his first symptoms appeared, no one thought to search for their underlying cause,” wrote the doctor whose hospital received Tom shortly before he died. It seems that Tom’s earlier caregivers had simply given him medication to make him feel better.Are humans taking a similar approach to the world’s ills? For example, in fighting crime, governments enact laws, install video surveillance, and strengthen police forces. But these measures, while effective to some extent, do not address underlying causes. After all, behavior usually reflects attitudes, beliefs, and desires.","It seems that Tom’s earlier caregivers had simply given him medication to make him feel better. Are humans taking a similar approach to the world’s ills? For example, in fighting crime, governments enact laws, install video surveillance, and strengthen police forces. But these measures, while effective to some extent, do not address underlying causes. After all, behavior usually reflects attitudes, beliefs, and desires.",Genesis 8:21;,g19 No. 1 p. 4,,,joshlaymon,,6/26/2025
"Finding the Way, Happiness, good health, ","Further, as an ongoing state of well-being, happiness has been described, not as a destination or goal, but as a journey. To say, “I’ll be happy when . . .” is, in effect, postponing happiness.To illustrate, compare happiness with good health. How do we enjoy that state of physical well-being? We follow a wise path in regard to diet, exercise, and overall lifestyle. Likewise, happiness results from following a good path in life, living in harmony with sound principles.","To illustrate, compare happiness with good health. How do we enjoy that state of physical well-being? We follow a wise path in regard to diet, exercise, and overall lifestyle. Likewise, happiness results from following a good path in life, living in harmony with sound principles.","Revelation 21:3, 4; ",g18 No. 1 p. 3 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/26/2025
"The Amazing Arctic Tern, birds, flight pattern, ","IT WAS long believed that arctic terns flew about 22,000 miles (35,200 km) on their journey from the Arctic region to Antarctica and back. Recent studies, however, revealed that the birds actually fly much farther. Tiny instruments called geolocators were attached to a number of birds. About the weight of a paper clip, these amazing devices revealed that some terns flew an average of 56,000 miles (90,000 km) on the round-trip—the longest animal migration known. One bird flew nearly 60,000 miles (96,000 km)! Why the revised estimates? ","No matter where they began their migration, the arctic terns flew an indirect route. As shown in the illustration, a common Atlantic Ocean route took an S shape. The reason? The birds simply take advantage of prevailing wind systems. During their lifetime of about 30 years, terns may travel well over 1.5 million miles (2.4 million km). That is equal to three or four round-trips to the moon! “This is a mind-boggling achievement for a bird of just over 100 grams [3.5 ounces],” said a researcher. What is more, because arctic terns experience the summers at both poles, they see “more daylight each year than any other creature,” states the book Life on Earth: A Natural History.",Job 12:7; ,g17 No. 4 p. 8 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/26/2025
"Temptation, envy, desire, ","Broken marriages, ill health, pangs of conscience—these are just some of the consequences of giving in to temptation. How can we avoid this snare? What is temptation? You are tempted when you are attracted to something—especially something wrong. ","To illustrate, while shopping you see a desirable item. The thought flashes into your mind that you could easily steal the item and not get caught. However, your conscience says no! So you dismiss the thought and move on. At that point, the temptation is over, and you are the victor. Being tempted does not make you a bad person. The Bible acknowledges that we all experience temptation. (1 Corinthians 10:13) What really matters is how we act when tempted. Some dwell on the improper desire and sooner or later give in to it. Others promptly dismiss it as wrong.“Each one is tried by being drawn out and enticed by his own desire.”—James 1:14.",1 Corinthians 10:13; James 1:14.,g17 No. 4 p. 14 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/26/2025
"Is the World out of Control or Not? Doomsday Clock, 2017; ","THE year 2017 began with a dismal proclamation by the scientific community. In January a group of scientists declared that the world just got closer to the worst catastrophe ever. Using the symbolic Doomsday Clock to illustrate mankind’s proximity to a global disaster, scientists moved the clock’s minute hand forward by 30 seconds. The Doomsday Clock is now set at merely two and a half minutes to midnight—nearer to a global catastrophe than at any time in over 60 years!","In 2018, scientists plan to evaluate again how close we are to the end of the world as we know it. Will the Doomsday Clock still signal an impending and unprecedented catastrophe? What do you think? Is the world out of control? You might find the question somewhat difficult to answer. After all, even experts are divided on this subject. Not everyone believes in an inevitable doomsday. In fact, millions of people believe in a bright future. They profess to have evidence showing that mankind and our planet will survive indefinitely and that our quality of life will improve. Is that evidence credible? Is the world out of control or not?",Psalm 37:29; ,g17 No. 6 p. 3,,,joshlaymon,,6/26/2025
"Is the Bible Just a Good Book? moral and spiritual education. experience, ","The Bible focuses on moral and spiritual education. It gives us insight into “what is righteous and just and fair, the entire course of what is good.” (Proverbs 2:9) To illustrate, a 23-year-old man, whom we will call Stephen, was in prison in Poland. While confined, he began to study the Bible and to appreciate its practical advice. “I now see what it means to ‘honor your father and your mother,’” he wrote. “I have also learned to control my emotions, especially excessive anger.”—Ephesians 4:31; 6:2.","A principle that Stephen took to heart is the one found at Proverbs 19:11: “The insight of a man certainly slows down his anger, and it is beauty on his part to overlook an offense.” Now, when Stephen is confronted with a challenging situation, he tries to analyze it calmly and to apply the relevant Bible principles. “I have found that the Bible is the best guidebook,” he said."," Proverbs 19:11:Proverbs 2:9, Ephesians 4:31; 6:2. ",g16 No. 2 p. 4 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/26/2025
"Is the Bible Just a Good Book?, publicly insulted by a prejudiced woman, calm, experience, ","Maria, who is one of Jehovah’s Witnesses, was publicly insulted by a prejudiced woman, who caused quite a commotion. But instead of retaliating, Maria calmly continued on her way. The other woman then felt bad about her behavior and sought out the Witnesses. ","About a month later, when she finally saw Maria again, she hugged Maria and apologized to her. Moreover, she correctly discerned that Maria’s mildness and self-control reflected her religious beliefs. The result? The once prejudiced woman and five members of her family decided to study the Bible with Jehovah’s Witnesses.Wisdom is vindicated by its results, said Jesus Christ. (Luke 7:35) Bible principles, therefore, stand vindicated! They bring out the best in us. They ‘make the inexperienced wise,’ they ‘cause the heart to rejoice,’ and they ‘make the eyes shine’ with moral and spiritual clarity.—Psalm 19:7, 8.","Psalm 19:7, 8. Luke 7:35, ",g16 No. 2 pp. 4-5,,,joshlaymon,,6/26/2025
"An Embryologist Explains His Faith, Bible, experience, ","What convinced you that God created life? A goal of scientific research is to find the truth, not to support preconceived ideas. My study of embryo development led me to change my view—that is, I concluded that life was created. ","To illustrate, engineers design assembly lines so that the right parts are fitted together in the right order and in the right way. Embryo development is somewhat similar but vastly more complex.Genesis 1:1;",Genesis 1:1;,g16 No. 2 pp. 10-11 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/26/2025
"Meditation, Think long and deeply about something, facts, how related, ","Wholesome meditation gives us inner depth, quiet reserve, and moral strength—all of which add insight and understanding to our speech and behavior. (Proverbs 16:23) Such meditation, therefore, also contributes to a happy and rewarding life. Concerning the person who regularly meditates on God, Psalm 1:3 states: “He will be like a tree planted by streams of water, a tree that produces fruit in its season, the foliage of which does not wither. And everything he does will succeed.”","Meditation also helps us to improve our comprehension and memory. To illustrate, when we study an aspect of creation or a certain Bible topic, we learn many interesting facts. But when we meditate on those facts, we see how they relate to one another and to what we have learned in the past. Thus, just as a carpenter turns raw materials into an attractive building, meditation enables us to “assemble” facts into a coherent pattern or structure.","Proverbs 16:23, Psalm 1:3, ",g 5/14 p. 15,,,joshlaymon,,6/26/2025
"Meditation, control, heart is more treacherous,  adultery, greed, acts of wickedness, deceit, brazen conduct, ","“The heart is more treacherous than anything else and is desperate. Who can know it?”—Jeremiah 17:9.WHAT THE BIBLE SAYS “From inside, out of the heart of men, come injurious reasonings, sexual immorality, thefts, murders, acts of adultery, greed, acts of wickedness, deceit, brazen conduct, an envious eye, . . . and unreasonableness.” (Mark 7:21, 22) ","Yes, like a fire, meditation must be controlled! Otherwise, improper thoughts could nurture hurtful desires that might race out of control and lead to evil deeds.—James 1:14, 15..Accordingly, the Bible encourages us to meditate on ‘things that are true, righteous, pure, lovable, well-spoken-of, virtuous, and praiseworthy.’ (Philippians 4:8, 9; footnote) When we take in such fine thoughts and “sow” them in our mind, we will reap in the form of beautiful qualities, gracious speech, and warm relationships with others.—Colossians 4:6.","Mark 7:21, 22, Jeremiah 17:9. James 1:14, 15.",g 5/14 p. 15,,,joshlaymon,,6/26/2025
"Religion, a fig tree, thistle; botanist, How to identify the true religion, ","“By this all will know that you are my disciples—if you have love among yourselves.”—John 13:35. Illustrating how to identify those who practice true religion, the Bible says: “By their fruits you will recognize them. Never do people gather grapes from thorns or figs from thistles, do they?” (Matthew 7:16) You need not be a botanist to distinguish a fig tree from a thistle; likewise, you need not be an expert on religion to tell the true from the false. ","What are some of the fruits, or identifying features, of true religion? • True religion teaches the truth from God’s Word, the Bible. (John 4:24; 17:17) It is not based on human philosophies. • True religion helps people get to know God, including knowing his name, Jehovah.—John 17:3, 6. • True religion focuses attention on God’s Kingdom, not man’s governments, as the only hope for mankind.—Matthew 10:7; 24:14. • True religion promotes unselfish love. (John 13:35) It teaches people to respect all ethnic groups, to use their time and resources to help others, and to avoid sharing in the wars of the nations.—Micah 4:1-4. • True religion is a way of life, not just ritual or formality. Its members practice what they preach.—Romans 2:21; 1 John 3:18. Jehovah’s Witnesses, the publishers of this magazine, strive to honor God in their speech and conduct. Why not attend a meeting at a Kingdom Hall and see for yourself?",Matthew 7:16; ,g 7/14 p. 15 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/27/2025
"“Observe Intently the Birds” turtledove, swallow, sparrow, ","King Solomon wrote of “the song of the turtledove,” which heralds the arrival of spring. (Song of Solomon 2:12) A psalmist mentioned the swallow when he was writing about his yearning to serve in God’s temple. With a touch of envy, he said: “Even the bird finds a home there and the swallow a nest for herself, where she cares for her young near your grand altar, O Jehovah.”—Psalm 84:1-3.","Some of the most beautiful references to birds were made by Jesus Christ. Consider these words found at Matthew 6:26: “Observe intently the birds of heaven; they do not sow seed or reap or gather into storehouses, yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth more than they are?” That touching illustration reassures Jesus’ followers that they are precious to God and need never be anxious about obtaining life’s necessities.—Matthew 6:31-33.",Psalm 84:1-3. Matthew 6:31-33. ,g 8/14 p. 11,,,joshlaymon,,6/27/2025
"Keys to a Happy Life, Envy, peers or equals, ","The Encyclopedia of Social Psychology observes that people tend to envy their equals, perhaps in age, experience, or social background. A salesman, for instance, might not envy a famous movie star. But he may envy a more successful fellow salesman. To illustrate: Certain high officials in ancient Persia envied, not the king, but a brilliant fellow official named Daniel. ","Indicating how unhappy those men must have been, they even schemed to kill Daniel! But the plot failed. (Daniel 6:1-24) “It is important to recognize the hostile nature of envy,” says the aforementioned encyclopedia. “This hostility explains why envy is associated with so many historical cases of aggression.”",Daniel 6:1-24; ,g 11/14 pp. 5-6,,,joshlaymon,,6/27/2025
"Keys to a Happy Life, Money, protection, never satisfied, hate life, wealth, ","“Money is a protection,” observed a wise student of human nature. But he also wrote: “A lover of silver will never be satisfied with silver, nor a lover of wealth with income. This too is futility.” (Ecclesiastes 5:10; 7:12) His point? While we may need money to survive, we should avoid greed, for it is insatiable! The writer, King Solomon of ancient Israel, actually experimented to see whether wealth and luxurious living fostered true happiness. “I did not deny myself anything that I desired,” he wrote. “I did not withhold from my heart any sort of pleasure.”—Ecclesiastes 1:13; 2:10.","Having amassed great wealth, Solomon built grand houses, made beautiful parks and pools, and acquired many servants. Whatever he wanted, he got. What did he learn? His experiment made him somewhat happy, but not for long. “I saw that everything was futile,” he observed. “There was nothing of real value.” He even came to hate life! (Ecclesiastes 2:11, 17, 18) Yes, Solomon learned that a life of self-indulgence ultimately leaves one feeling empty and unfulfilled.","Ecclesiastes 5:10; 7:12, ",g 11/14 p. 5,,,joshlaymon,,6/27/2025
"Keys to a Happy Life, Love, ","“If I . . . do not have love, I am nothing,” said a Bible writer.—1 Corinthians 13:2. It is never too late to cultivate love. For example, Vanessa had an abusive, alcoholic father. When she was 14 years old, she ran away from home and stayed in foster homes, as well as in one bad shelter where she remembers begging God for help. Then, perhaps as an answer to her prayers, she was placed with a family who lived by the Bible principle that “love is patient and kind.” (1 Corinthians 13:4) ","That environment, coupled with what she was learning from her own study of the Bible, helped Vanessa to heal emotionally and progress mentally. “At school, my grades went from D’s and F’s to A’s and B’s,” she said. Vanessa still bears emotional scars. Nevertheless, she is now a happily married mother of two girls. BIBLE PRINCIPLE: “Clothe yourselves with love, for it is a perfect bond of union.”—Colossians 3:14.",1 Corinthians 13:2. 1 Corinthians 13:4,g 11/14 p. 6,,,joshlaymon,,6/27/2025
"The Memorial—Are You Entitled to Partake? Atonement day, blood of bulls, goats, not human, ","The one sacrifice of Christ Jesus holds enough value to be applied at all times for the sins of mankind until they are at last wiped out. The theory of the mass denies this Bible truth. Why it does so was illustrated by the Jewish sacrifices under Israel’s law covenant. Each year on the atonement day the sacrifice of the bull and of Jehovah’s goat had to be made anew and their blood had to be carried into the most holy and sprinkled before the sacred mercy seat. Why? Because those sacrifices were not human and could never take away human sins and leave the human conscience free of sin’s guilt. If they had actually cleansed man’s conscience of the sense of sinfulness, they would have stopped being offered. ","“For the law, having a shadow of the good things to come, not the very image of the things, by the self-same sacrifices which they offer continually every year, can never make the comers thereunto perfect. For then they would have ceased to be offered: because the worshippers once cleansed should have no conscience of sin any longer. But in them there is made a commemoration of sins every year: for it is impossible that with the blood of oxen and goats sin should be taken away.” (Heb. 10:1-4, Dy) The very fact that Catholics have a sense of sin requiring them to attend a repetition of the mass proves that the so-called “sacrifice of the mass” no more takes away their sins than those sacrifices of oxen and goats did.","Heb. 10:1-4, ",w52 2/15 pp. 107-108 pars. 21-22,,,joshlaymon,,6/27/2025
"Harvest Time in Northern Europe, N. H. Knorr, M. G. Henschel, ","THE summer heat was on the wane in Europe when N. H. Knorr, president of the Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society, accompanied by his secretary, M. G. Henschel, visited the northern countries. But summer had done its work well and the farmers were busy in the fields gathering the rye and wheat so golden in the sunshine. Some used modern tractors and mowing machines to gather the harvest, but there were others who used the sickle as harvesting was done in Jesus’ day. Those who were traveling to the conventions of Jehovah’s witnesses at Copenhagen, Vaasa, Helsinki, Stockholm, and Lillehammer in that harvest time were reminded of the illustrations used by Jesus when he taught his disciples concerning the gospel-preaching and the period of time at the end of the wicked world under Satan:","“On seeing the crowds he felt tender affection for them, because they were skinned and knocked about like sheep without a shepherd. Then he said to his disciples: ‘Yes, the harvest is great, but the workers are few. Therefore, beg the Master of the harvest to send out workers into his harvest.’” (Matt. 9:36-38, NW) These conventioners were having this experience; there were so many people of good will to help to learn the truths of the Bible that they found themselves working day and night and still unable to serve everyone who wanted Bible studies. They were working in the spiritual harvest time and also begging the Most High to send more witnesses into the field of service.","Matt. 9:36-38, ",w52 2/1 p. 89,,,joshlaymon,,6/27/2025
"Jehovah’s Theocratic Organization Today, Korah, Miriam, Aaron, Punished, ","KORAH did not appreciate it. Miriam and Aaron did not always appreciate it. The Israelites in the wilderness often failed to appreciate it. The mixed multitude of non-Israelites accompanying them did not always appreciate it. Achan lost appreciation for it. So did King Saul. So did King Uzziah. Certainly the scribes and Pharisees of Jesus’ day did not appreciate it, no more than do the clergy of our day appreciate it. When Korah and his associates in the wilderness wanted to exalt themselves to the priesthood and charged Moses and Aaron with taking too much on themselves, they proved that they did not appreciate theocratic organization. The earth swallowed them up. (Num. 16:1-33) ","When Miriam and Aaron spoke against Jehovah’s servant Moses they momentarily failed to appreciate the theocratic organization, suffered severe rebuke from the Lord, but were reinstated in divine favor when they endured the correction. (Num. 12:1-15) When the Israelites from twenty years old and upward refused to enter the Promised Land because the spies reported the presence of giants, they rebelled against theocratic organization and showed a lack of faith in the great Theocrat Jehovah. They died in the wilderness as a result, never entering the Promised Land at all. (Num. 13:25-33; 14:1-38) When the mixed multitude that had accompanied the Israelites out of Egypt craved flesh to eat and complained against Jehovah’s provision of manna and sowed discord, they demonstrated a lack of appreciation for theocratic order, and brought a plague upon themselves and others.—Ex. 12:38; Num. 11:4-34.",Num. 16:1-33; ,w52 2/1 p. 76 pars. 1-2,,,joshlaymon,,6/27/2025
"Jehovah’s Theocratic Organization Today, Food at the proper time, be satisfied, not complaining, ","Just as is shown in the illustration of the talents where different amounts were committed to different individual slaves on the basis of their abilities, so the domestics are assigned service privileges on the basis of their abilities and devotion and readiness to submit and conform to the leadings of the holy spirit. Jehovah through Christ sets the domestics in their service positions in the discreet-slave body.—1 Cor. 12:18. We must show our understanding in these matters, appreciating our relationship to the visible theocratic organization, remembering the fate of those like Korah and Achan and Saul and Uzziah and others who forgot the theocratic order. Are we assigned as individuals to bring forth the food for the spiritual table? ","No? Then let us not try to take over the slave’s duties. We should eat and digest and assimilate what is set before us, without shying away from parts of the food because it may not suit the fancy of our mental taste. The truths we are to publish are the ones provided through the discreet-slave organization, not some personal opinions contrary to what the slave has provided as timely food. Jehovah and Christ direct and correct the slave as needed, not we as individuals. If we do not see a point at first we should keep trying to grasp it, rather than opposing and rejecting it and presumptuously taking the position that we are more likely to be right than the discreet slave. We should meekly go along with the Lord’s theocratic organization and wait for further clarification, rather than balk at the first mention of a thought unpalatable to us and proceed to quibble and mouth our criticisms and opinions as though they were worth more than the slave’s provision of spiritual food. Theocratic ones will appreciate the Lord’s visible organization and not be so foolish as to pit against Jehovah’s channel their own human reasoning and sentiment and personal feelings.",1 Cor. 12:18.,w52 2/1 pp. 79-80 pars. 10-11,,,joshlaymon,,6/27/2025
"Is Interfaith God’s Way? compromise, no panic, President Truman, asked for compromise, ","“A little yeast ferments the whole lump.”—Gal. 5:9, NW. JEHOVAH is a God of truth. He does not compromise with error. No crisis can panic him into abandoning his principles of truth for the sake of expediency. No peril can frighten him into uniting forces with error to present a more powerful front against a common enemy. No threat can make him view the difference between truth and error as petty and insignificant, thus making a merger of the two seem justifiable under such circumstances. His truth is recorded in his Word the Bible, and despite any crises or perils the future of that truth is assured:","“The word spoken by Jehovah endures forever.” (Deut. 32:4; John 17:17; 1 Pet. 1:25, NW) Hence the true religion will not merge with false religions to face with greater numbers the double peril of communism and world war, as President Truman strongly urged in a speech to churchmen on September 28, 1951: “In this crisis of human affairs, all men who profess a belief in God should unite in asking his help and his guidance. We should lay aside our differences and come together now—for never have our differences seemed so petty and insignificant as they do in the face of the peril we confront today.","Gal. 5:9, Deut. 32:4; John 17:17; 1 Pet. 1:25, ",w52 2/1 p. 69,,,joshlaymon,,6/27/2025
"The Spirit, the Organization, and the Word, Holy spirit, sacred mystery, reveals secrets in His Word, ","To illustrate: There is a sacred mystery contained in God’s Word, and which holds out the hope of heavenly glory for Christians. It takes the illuminating power of God’s spirit to probe into the depths of that secret and discover its meaning to us. Showing our need of the spirit’s help Paul writes: “We speak God’s wisdom in a sacred secret, the hidden wisdom, which God foreordained before the systems of things for our glory. This wisdom not one of the rulers of this system of things came to know, for if they [Jewish rulers with the written Hebrew Scriptures] had known it they would not have impaled the glorious Lord. ","But just as it is written: ‘Eye has not seen and ear has not heard, neither have there been conceived in the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love him.’ For it is to us God has revealed them through his spirit, for the spirit searches into all things, even the deep things of God. So, too, no one has come to know the things of God, except the spirit of God. Now we received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is from God, that we might know the things that have been kindly given us by God. . . . because they are examined spiritually.”—1 Cor. 2:7-10, 11-14, NW.","1 Cor. 2:7-10, 11-14; ",w51 6/15 p. 374 pars. 5-6,,,joshlaymon,,6/27/2025
"Why the Bible Is Specially Practical for Our Day, composite sign, presence, ","And here is a point not to be overlooked. All of these happenings combined constitute the sign. Each one is not a sign in itself. It is only a part of the composite sign. It is like the case of literal winters. The mere fact that days are getting shorter does not prove winter’s imminence. Days are growing shorter in July. Falling leaves alone prove nothing. Some trees shed leaves the year round, and others may drop theirs because of disease or drought. Even summer skies may turn gray for a time, and unseasonal storms blow up, or cold spells may come in early fall; but none of these taken alone proves the advent of winter. But when all of the previously mentioned conditions are present in combination, then together they indicate with certainty the approach of winter.","So it is with the events of the last days. When these events are told as indicating the last days, many persons say such things happened in times past, history repeats itself, our fathers said these things happened in their day and they were told that the last days were upon them. But we know now that they were not living in the last days. The point is, men misinterpreted the events. They failed to appreciate that not just one or two or a half dozen of these things must be seen, but that all of them must be seen. The sign is not wars, or famines, or pestilences, or earthquakes, or persecutions, or gospel-preaching, or conditions of fear and perplexity and delinquency. None of these events taken singly signify that we are in the last days. But when ALL of these happenings come to pass upon one generation, in the foretold series or sequence, with none missing, then ALL OF THESE THINGS TOGETHER CONSTITUTE THE SIGN.","Matthew 24:3, ",w51 6/1 pp. 335-336 pars. 11-12 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/27/2025
"The More Important Healing, illustrations, parables, signs, riddles, ","“Jehovah’s spirit is upon me, because he anointed me to declare good news to the poor, he sent me forth to preach a release to the captives and a recovery of sight to the blind, to send the crushed ones away with a release, to preach Jehovah’s acceptable year.” (Luke 4:16-19, NW) The need of spiritual cure as being foremost Jesus stressed again when he once more quoted from the prophecy of Isaiah, to explain why he was preaching to the people in parables: ","“This is why I speak to them by the use of illustrations, because, looking, they look in vain, and hearing, they hear in vain, neither do they get the sense of it; and toward them the prophecy of Isaiah is having fulfillment which says: ‘By hearing, you will hear but by no means get the sense of it; and, looking, you will look but by no means see. For the heart of this people has grown thick, and with their ears they have heard with annoyance, and they have shut their eyes; that they might never see with their eyes and hear with their ears and get the sense of it with their hearts and turn back, and I heal them.’”—Matt. 13:13-15, NW.","Luke 4:16-19, ",w51 5/15 p. 302 par. 7 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/27/2025
"The Prayer of Faith During Sickness, powerfulness of prayers, Fire test, drought, famine, spiritually sick, ","To illustrate the powerfulness of prayers by the righteous man, not a sin-sick man, James calls to mind Elijah’s prayer: “Elijah was a man with feelings like ours, and yet in prayer he prayed for it not to rain, and it did not rain upon the land for three years and six months. And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain and the land put forth its fruit.” (Jas. 5:17, 18, NW) The land of Israel was smitten with drought and famine because the nation was spiritually sick and out of harmony with Jehovah God. ","Elijah called for the fire test to demonstrate that Jehovah is God, and when the people at Mount Carmel acknowledged this and shouted, “Jehovah, he is God,” and then turned the demonized prophets of Baal over to be executed, Elijah prayed for rain upon their land. It came. In unshakable faith he prayed seven times for this miracle of rain. Prayer works.","Jas. 5:17, 18, ",w51 5/1 p. 270 par. 6,,,joshlaymon,,6/27/2025
"Divine Healing for Perfect Life, Jesus, Elijah, widows, women, ","Jesus did not follow the slogan, “Physician, cure yourself.” At his home town of Nazareth, when preaching to his old associates in their synagogue, he said: “No doubt you will apply this illustration to me, ‘Physician, cure yourself’; the things we heard as having happened in Capernaum do also here in your native territory.” By this his old townsmen were meaning he should practice his miraculous powers on his former neighbors, the people of his town where he had been brought up, as if to say, Curing begins at home, for the benefit of your own first. “But he said: ‘Certainly I tell you that no prophet is accepted in his native territory. For instance, I tell you in truth, There were many widows in Israel in the days of Elijah, when the heaven was shut up three years and six months, so that a great famine fell upon all the land, ","yet Elijah was sent to none of those women, but only to Zarephath in the land of Zidon to a widow. Also there were many lepers in Israel in the time of Elisha the prophet, yet none of them was cleansed, but only Naaman the man of Syria was.’” Jesus tried to appeal to his own townspeople by his preaching rather than by the miraculous relief of sickness. If he had followed their idea, “Physician, cure yourself,” he would not have been run out of town by them and threatened with stoning to death.—Luke 4:16-30, NW.","Luke 4:16-30,",w51 5/1 p. 266 par. 17,,,joshlaymon,,6/27/2025
"Commissioning of Witnesses in the Time of the End, How Long, ","Would you not wonder how long you should go on witnessing in the face of the hardheartedness of Christendom? Isaiah got the answer for us. “Then said I, Lord, how long? And he answered, Until cities be waste without inhabitant, and houses without man, and the land become utterly waste, and Jehovah have removed men far away, and the forsaken places be many in the midst of the land.” (Isa. 6:11, 12, AS) Thus without setting a date, Jehovah does set the practical limit for our work amid the people of unhealed Christendom. ","We must carry on until Christendom is reduced to the devastated state described here prophetically and which was illustrated in the devastation of Jerusalem and Judah in 607 B.C. Isaiah did not personally bear witness until that event. He died over a hundred years before then. But his fellow witnesses did testify till then, Jeremiah continuing to prophesy in prison in Jerusalem even while the city was under siege by the Babylonians. Released at the city’s fall, Jeremiah continued to preach after that until the remaining people fled in terror to Egypt, taking him forcibly along, so leaving the land forsaken of man and domesticated beast.","Isa. 6:11, 12",w51 4/1 p. 218 par. 14 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/27/2025
"Time Better than Money, wisdom, priceless, instruction, knowledge, gold, rubies, greed, selfish, ","“TIME is money,” says the popular slogan. But time is better than money. When it is traded for wisdom rather than wages its value becomes priceless. “Choose instruction rather than silver, and knowledge rather than rare gold; for wisdom is better than rubies, no treasure is equal to her.” Time spent in study to gain such wisdom is better than time used to make money, for while wealth may offer limited security now, the right knowledge can safeguard one’s very life at Armageddon: “Wisdom like wealth is a defence, but knowledge does more good than money, it safeguards a man’s life.”—Prov. 8:10, 11; Eccl. 7:12, Mo.","A lifetime spent accumulating wealth is a lifetime wasted. Money hoarded up, unused for good works, is a witness against its greedy possessor: “Come, now, you rich men, weep, howling over your calamities which are coming upon you. Your riches have rotted, and your outer garments have become moth-eaten. Your gold and silver are corroded, and their rust will be as a witness against you and will eat your fleshy parts. Something like fire is what you have stored up in the last days. Look! the wages due the workers who harvested your fields but which are held up by you, keep crying out, and the calls . . . have entered into the ears of Jehovah of hosts.”—Jas. 5:1-4, NW.","Prov. 8:10, 11; Eccl. 7:12, ",w51 3/15 p. 163,,,joshlaymon,,6/27/2025
" Progress Toward Taming the Tongue, James, fig tree, olives, vine, fire, inflame, beasts can be tamed,  ","THE disciple James took to task the human tongue. By striking illustrations he showed how tremendous the job of controlling this little body member. If a man could control the tongue he would be able to bridle the whole body. Bits in the mouths of horses can turn their entire bodies. Small rudders on great ships driven by fierce winds can swing whole ships around. So the tongue is a little member of the body, but it makes great brags. As a mere spark can set a forest aflame, so the little tongue can be a fire to inflame the whole body and defile it. Beasts, birds, serpents, creatures of the sea, all can be tamed by man. “But the tongue, not one of mankind can get it tamed.” Why, “if anyone does not stumble in word, this one is a perfect man.”","A fountain does not bubble out both the sweet and the bitter. A fig tree does not produce olives. Nor a vine figs. Neither does salt water produce sweet water. And yet the human tongue sends out of the same mouth both blessing and cursing. This should not be. Granted that as long as Christians are in the imperfect flesh the tongue will remain beyond taming to perfection, and admitted that this should stir us to mercy toward repentant offenders, yet it does not argue that wrong speech is to be lightly excused and indulged in loosely. We should be on guard to keep to a minimum the damage done by the unruly injurious tongue that is full of deadly poison. We should be able to show progress in our endeavors to tame the tongue, to curb its inflaming outbursts. As James declared, “It is not proper, my brothers, for these things to go on occurring this way.”—Jas. 3:2-12, NW.","Jas. 3:2-12, ",w51 2/15 p. 101,,,joshlaymon,,6/27/2025
"Consider the Evidence, assembly line. human cell, communication, Jehovah's wonderful works, ","A factory that makes cars uses machines to manufacture the parts. We can liken the parts to the proteins in a cell. The factory also needs devices and systems that assemble those parts step-by-step and others that serve as controls, or regulators, in the assembly line. The same is true of the activities inside the cell. And that, say researchers, is where “junk” DNA comes in. Much of it contains the recipe for a class of complex molecules called regulatory RNA (ribonucleic acid), which play a key role in how the cell develops, matures, and functions. “The sheer existence of these exotic regulators,” says mathematical biologist Joshua Plotkin in Nature magazine, “suggests that our understanding about the most basic things . . . is incredibly naive.”","An efficient factory additionally needs effective communication systems. The same is true of the cell. Tony Pawson, a cell biologist at the University of Toronto in Ontario, explains: “The signalling information in cells is organized through networks of information rather than simple discrete pathways,” making the whole process “infinitely more complex” than previously thought. Indeed, as a geneticist at Princeton University said, “many of the mechanisms and principles governing inter- and intracellular behaviour are still a mystery.” Each new discovery about the cell points to ever higher levels of order and sophistication. So why do so many people still cling to the notion that life and the most sophisticated information system known to man are products of a random evolutionary process?",Psalm 139:14; ,g 11/11 p. 6,,,joshlaymon,,6/29/2025
"Adolescence—Preparing for Adulthood,  icy distance, Silence, ","IMAGINE that you have just traveled from a tropical island to the Arctic Circle. As soon as you step off the plane, you realize that you are in an icy climate. Can you adapt? Yes, but you will need to make a few adjustments.A similar situation confronts you when your children become adolescents. Overnight, it seems, the climate has changed. The boy who once would not leave your side now prefers the company of his peers. The girl who once could not wait to tell you about her day now gives only clipped replies. “How was school?” you ask. “Fine,” she replies. Silence. “What’s on your mind?” you ask. “Nothing,” she replies. More silence. ","What has happened? Not long ago, “it was like you had a backstage pass to your children’s lives,” says the book Breaking the Code. “Now the best you can hope for is a seat out in the audience, and it probably won’t even be a very good seat.” Must you resign yourself to such an icy distance? No, not at all. You can stay close to your children as they go through adolescence. First, though, you need to understand just what is happening during this fascinating yet sometimes turbulent stage of growth.",Psalm 104:24; ,g 10/11 p. 16,,,joshlaymon,,6/29/2025
"The Most Important Question of All, tsunami. “evident demonstration” Faith, ","At Hebrews 11:1, the Bible says: “Faith is . . . the evident demonstration of realities though not beheld.” Another version says: “Faith . . . makes us certain of realities we do not see.” (The New English Bible) To illustrate: You are walking along a beach when, suddenly, you feel the ground quake. Then you see the water rush out to sea. You recognize the significance of these phenomena and that they warn of a tsunami. In this case, the quake and the vanishing water together form an “evident demonstration” of the yet unseen reality, the approaching waves. Your informed faith, in turn, moves you to flee to high ground and safety.","Faith in God too should be an informed faith, a response to convincing evidence. Only then can God become an ‘unseen reality’ to you. Must you be a scientist to examine and weigh such evidence? Nobel laureate Vladimir Prelog acknowledged that even “winners of the Nobel Prize are not more competent about God, religion, and life after death than other people.”","At Hebrews 11:1, ", g 11/11 p. 3 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/29/2025
"Adolescence—Preparing for Adulthood. Growth, maturity, examining values, ","Paolo, from Italy, noticed that change in his adolescent. “When I look at my teenage son,” he says, “I feel as if I have a little man in front of me, not a boy anymore. It’s not just the physical changes. What amazes me most is how he thinks. He’s not afraid to express his views and defend them!” Have you observed something similar in your adolescent? Perhaps as a child, he simply followed orders. “Because I said so” was all the explanation he needed. Now, as an adolescent, he wants reasons, and perhaps he even questions the values by which the family lives. Sometimes his assertiveness looks like rebellion.","But do not conclude that your adolescent is out to overturn your values. He may just be struggling to make your values his own, to find a place for them in his life. To illustrate, imagine that you are moving from one home to another and that you are taking your furniture with you. Will it be easy to find a place for each piece in the new home? Likely not. But one thing is certain, you will not throw away any item that you view as precious. Your adolescent faces a similar situation as he prepares for the time when he will “leave his father and his mother.” (Genesis 2:24) True, that day may be a long way off; your adolescent is not yet an adult. In a sense, though, he is already packing. Throughout the teen years, he is examining the values he has been raised with, and he is deciding which ones he will take with him into adulthood.",Genesis 2:24; ,g 10/11 pp. 16-17,,,joshlaymon,,6/29/2025
"Seven Wise Sayings, God's Word, Bible, imitate Jesus, purpose in life, serve the interest of others. ","THE sayings below are found in an ancient book filled with maxims that have proved to be practical and up-to-date. Consider how these may be helpful in managing your money.1. “A mere lover of silver will not be satisfied with silver, neither any lover of wealth with income.” (Ecclesiastes 5:10) Those are not the words of an envious man of little means. One of the richest men who ever lived, King Solomon of Israel, wrote them based on his personal experience and observation. Wealthy men of more recent times have made similar remarks.2. “If we have food and shelter, we will be satisfied with that. Those who long to be rich, however, stumble into temptation.” (1 Timothy 6:8, 9, NET Bible) Those words were written by the apostle Paul, who gave up a prominent career and became a follower of Jesus Christ. Unlike some religious leaders today, Paul firmly resisted any temptation to take material advantage of his students or associates. Instead, he could honestly say: “I have coveted no man’s silver or gold or apparel. You yourselves know that these hands have attended to the needs of me and of those with me.”—Acts 20:33, 34.","3. “Who of you that wants to build a tower does not first sit down and calculate the expense, to see if he has enough to complete it?” (Luke 14:28) Jesus’ illustration might be applied to a situation you may face: When making a purchase, especially with a credit card, will you buy impulsively or be patient and count the cost? Do you really need the item, and can you afford it?4. “Those who borrow are slaves of moneylenders.” (Proverbs 22:7, Contemporary English Version) The recent world financial crisis has exposed the folly of credit-card and other forms of debt. “It is common for a person today to have, on average, over $9,000 in credit card debt on four or more credit cards,” states Michael Wagner in his 2009 book Your Money, Day One.5. “The wicked one is borrowing and does not pay back, but the righteous one is showing favor and is making gifts.” (Psalm 37:21) Declaring bankruptcy is viewed by some as an easy way out of paying back what they owe. On the other hand, those who value a good relationship with God are not only conscientious about paying back what they owe, if they can possibly do so, but also generous with what they have.6. “A young man I used to be, I have also grown old, and yet I have not seen anyone righteous left entirely, nor his offspring looking for bread.” (Psalm 37:25) Those words were written by a man who suffered unjust treatment. For years he was a fugitive, sometimes living in caves and sometimes seeking refuge in a foreign land. Eventually, this fugitive, David, became ancient Israel’s king. During his life he experienced for himself the truthfulness of the above words.7. “There is more happiness in giving than there is in receiving.” (Acts 20:35) Those words were spoken by the greatest man who ever lived. “For the joy that was set before him,” Jesus spent his life on earth in the service of others. Now he enjoys immortal spirit life in heaven at the right hand of “the happy God,” Jehovah.—Hebrews 12:2; 1 Timothy 1:11.We can have no greater purpose in life than to imitate the example of Jesus by doing all within our power to be in a position to serve the interest of others. No doubt you will agree that it is better to be a cautious saver, so as to be able to be a generous giver, than to be a selfish spender.","Ecclesiastes 5:10; 1 Timothy 6:8, 9; ",g 9/11 pp. 8-9,,,joshlaymon,,6/29/2025
"What Should I Know About Social Networking?—Part 2, YOUR REPUTATION, pictures, behaving properly, ","Guarding your reputation means being careful not to give others valid reason to think badly of you. To illustrate, imagine that you own a brand-new car; it doesn’t have a single scratch or dent. Wouldn’t you like to keep it that way? How would you feel if because of your own carelessness, your car was wrecked in an accident?Something similar can happen to your reputation on a social network. “With one thoughtless picture or post,” says a girl named Cara, “your reputation can be ruined.” For example, consider how your reputation might be affected by . . .","● Your pictures. The apostle Peter wrote: “Always let others see you behaving properly.” (1 Peter 2:12, Contemporary English Version) What have you noticed if you have looked at photos on a social networking site?","1 Peter 2:12, ",g 8/11 p. 10,,,joshlaymon,,6/29/2025
"What Should I Know About Social Networking?—Part 1, Privacy, personal information, avoid such a pitfall, ","Privacy might be the last thing on your mind when it comes to a social network. After all, isn’t the whole idea to reach out to people? Nevertheless, not taking precautions can lead to disaster. To illustrate, suppose you had in your possession a large amount of cash. Would you display it for everyone to see as you walked down a public street with your friends? That would be foolish—you’d be asking to be robbed! If you’re smart, you’ll hide your cash where it can’t be seen.","Think of your personal information as your cash. With that in mind, look at the list below and check off the items that you would not feel comfortable advertising to a complete stranger.․․․․․ my home address․․․․․ my e-mail address․․․․․ where I attend school․․․․․ the times when I am at home ․․․․․ the times when nobody is at home ․․․․․ my photos  ․․․․․ my viewpoints ․․․․․ my likes and interests. Even if you’re the world’s greatest extrovert, likely you’d agree that there are at least some things on the above list that shouldn’t be revealed to just anyone. But many young people—and adults—have unwittingly shared such details with strangers! How can you avoid such a pitfall?","1 Peter 2:12, ",g 7/11 p. 26 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/29/2025
Can Self-Inflicted Pain Help You Get Closer to God? ,"Even before the Christian era, the Scriptures governing Jewish life and worship prevented the Jews from doing anything that harmed their flesh. For example, the Law explicitly forbade the Jews to cut themselves, a practice that was evidently common in ancient non-Jewish nations. (Leviticus 19:28; Deuteronomy 14:1) If God did not want the body cut, neither would he want it scarred by whips. The Bible standard is clear—intentionally harming one’s own flesh in any way is unacceptable to God.","Just as an artist wants his work to be respected, Jehovah God, the Creator, wants his creation the human body to be respected. (Psalm 139:14-16) Actually, self-mortification does not bolster one’s relationship with God. Rather, it cripples it and perverts the teachings of the Gospels. The apostle Paul, writing under inspiration, stated of such oppressive, man-made doctrines: “Those very things are, indeed, possessed of an appearance of wisdom in a self-imposed form of worship and mock humility, a severe treatment of the body; but they are of no value in combating the satisfying of the flesh.” (Colossians 2:20-23) The practice of inflicting oneself with pain is truly of no use at all in helping one get closer to God. Rather, the requirements of true worship of God are found to be refreshing, kindly, and light.—Matthew 11:28-30.",Leviticus 19:28; Deuteronomy 14:1; Psalm 139:14-16; ,g 3/11 p. 11 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/29/2025
"Can Self-Inflicted Pain Help You Get Closer to God? imitate the calm, peaceful way Jesus endured,","Still, some organizations mistakenly focus on the suffering endured by Jesus and his early followers to encourage self-torment today. But the suffering described by God’s servants in the Bible was never self-inflicted. When Christian Bible writers pointed to Christ’s suffering, they did so to encourage Christians to endure persecution, not to cause their own persecution. Thus, those who torment their body are not imitating Jesus Christ. To illustrate: Imagine you see an admired friend being reviled and struck by an enraged mob. You notice that your friend endures the attack with a calm, peaceful spirit, not striking back or returning insults. If you wanted to imitate your friend, would you start striking and insulting yourself? Of course not! That would be imitating the actions of the mob. You would simply try to avoid retaliating if you came under a similar attack.","Clearly, then, Christ’s followers are not expected to inflict pain on themselves as if they needed to mimic the enraged mobs that tormented and sought to kill Jesus. (John 5:18; 7:1, 25; 8:40; 11:53) Instead, when they suffer persecution, they are to imitate the calm, peaceful way Jesus endured hardship.—John 15:20.","John 5:18; 7:1, 25; 8:40; 11:53; ",g 3/11 p. 11,,,joshlaymon,,6/29/2025
"Are Science and the Bible Compatible? Chocolate cake, questions, ","Many truths about God are beyond the scope of science. To illustrate, a scientist may be able to describe every molecule in a chocolate cake, but will his analysis reveal why the cake was made or for whom? For answers to questions like that—which most people would regard as the more important ones—he needs to consult the person who baked the cake. Similarly, science “gives a lot of factual information,” wrote Austrian physicist and Nobel laureate Erwin Schrödinger, “but it is ghastly silent about all . . . that is really near to our heart, that really matters to us.” This includes, he says, “God and eternity.”"," For example, only God can answer such questions as the following: Why is there a universe? Why does our planet have an abundance of life, including intelligent life? If God truly is almighty, why does he permit evil and suffering? And is there hope beyond the grave? Has God answered those questions? Yes, in the pages of the Bible. (2 Timothy 3:16) ‘But how,’ you may ask, ‘can I be sure that the Bible really is from God?’ From a scientific point of view, what the Bible says about the world around us must harmonize with scientific fact, for God does not contradict himself. ",2 Timothy 3:16; ,g 2/11 p. 22,,,joshlaymon,,6/29/2025
"How to Be More Patient, delayed bus or train, walking, ","Instead of losing your patience over circumstances that are beyond your control, try to identify things that you can control. To illustrate, rather than getting angry over a delayed bus or train, try to find another way to get to your destination. Even walking might be better than giving in to impatience and anger. If waiting is the only option, use the time to do something productive, such as doing some meaningful reading or writing down your plans for future activities.","The reality of life is that it does little good to worry over things that you cannot control. The Bible aptly says: “None of you can add any time to your life by worrying about it.”—Luke 12:25, Holy Bible—Easy-to-Read Version.","Luke 12:25, ",g 12/12 p. 9 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/29/2025
"How to Be More Patient; movement of time, ","Have a realistic view of life. First of all, in real life, things do not always happen as fast as we wish. Accept the fact that time moves at the speed of time and not at the speed of your expectations. That is patience. Second, remember that you cannot always control your circumstances. ","Wise King Solomon wrote: “The fastest runner does not always win the race; the strongest army does not always win the battle; the wisest man does not always get the food he earns; the smartest man does not always get the wealth; and an educated person does not always get the praise he deserves. When the time comes, bad things happen to everyone! A person never knows what will happen to him next.”—Ecclesiastes 9:11, 12, Holy Bible—Easy-to-Read Version.","Ecclesiastes 9:11, 12,",g 12/12 p. 9,,,joshlaymon,,6/29/2025
"Medieval Masters of Mechanics. man’s ingenuity is truly amazing! inventions,  title “father of robotics.” Al-Jazari, ","The story of man’s ingenuity is truly amazing! Yet, that story is more than just interesting history. It also gives us a sense of perspective. At a time when many boast about modern technology, we are reminded of just how much we owe to the brilliant and fertile minds that preceded us. Al-Jazari’s book illustrates water-raising devices, water clocks, candle clocks, water dispensers, musical automatons, and a pump that converted the rotary motion of a waterwheel into the back-and-forth movement of a piston that pumped water with great force. Historians give al-Jazari the credit for designing hydraulic pumps three centuries before the same basic design appeared in the West.","Al-Jazari also produced whimsical, yet functional, clocks. The one illustrated here has been reconstructed in a Dubai shopping mall. The timing mechanism is a perforated bowl that sits in a water reservoir inside the elephant’s belly. The bowl becomes full in 30 minutes and then sinks, triggering a series of actions that utilize ropes and balls that are released from the “castle” on the elephant’s back. When the half-hour cycle ends, the water bowl is automatically refloated, and the process starts over. This device and other automatic machines attributed to al-Jazari have earned him the title “father of robotics.” (note: in 1206, where he described 50 mechanical devices, along with instructions on how to build.",Psalm 8:3; ,g 11/12 p. 27,,,joshlaymon,,6/29/2025
"Flaunting—Is It Worth the Price? Greed, wealth, money, show off, brag, wisdom, modest, ","Another problem associated with showing off wealth is well illustrated in the Bible account of King Hezekiah, who lived in ancient Jerusalem. On one occasion Hezekiah showed “all that was to be found in his treasures” to dignitaries from Babylon. Evidently, his great wealth impressed the visitors. However, it may also have excited their greed. After they left, God’s prophet Isaiah bravely told Hezekiah that one day all his treasure would “actually be carried to Babylon.” Nothing would be left. Those words came true! Years later the Babylonians returned and hauled off all the riches that belonged to Hezekiah’s family.—2 Kings 20:12-17; 24:12, 13.","Likewise today, people who flaunt their wealth may risk losing it, or at least some of it. A report on crime and safety in Mexico stated: “Ostentatious displays of wealth are magnets for thieves in Mexico City. Wearing expensive jewelry, watches, and displays of large amounts of cash draw unwanted attention.” How much better to heed the Bible’s advice not to “brag about” one’s riches. (Jeremiah 9:23) “Wisdom is with the modest ones,” says Proverbs 11:2.","2 Kings 20:12-17; 24:12, 13.",g 11/12 pp. 24-25 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/29/2025
"Gems; Inez Proctor, snow, white Christmas, Graveyard, cemetary, wise sayings, ","""A white Christmas means . . .","A Fat Graveyard.""",Proverbs 1:2; ,"Edna Laymon, Inez Proctor, ",,,joshlaymon,,6/29/2025
"Set Sound Priorities, wasteful impulse buying. Stuff equals Stress, clean, repair, and maintain. time with children, ","Stick to your priorities, and learn to manage your time and finances accordingly. To illustrate: Your children’s health is important, so use your hard-earned money to buy nutritious food. That’s better than spending your resources on medical bills. Before you shop, prepare a shopping list. This will protect you from wasteful impulse buying. “I like to cook,” says Roberto, who lives in the United States with his four children. He adds: “I learned to focus on needs—not wants—and not on needs in general, but on what we really needed each day.”","Dispose of things you never use—books, clothes, gadgets. As one single mom wrote: “Stuff equals stress. The more stuff you have, the more you have to clean, repair, and maintain. The key to simplifying your life is to simplify your stuff.” Train your children to tidy up every night. Don’t let your home get out of control. Such domestic discipline teaches your children to take responsibility for their room and even for the home. Of course, your good example will add weight to your words. Although you may be very busy, you must spend time with your children—not just brief periods of so-called quality time but as much time as you can give them. Your children need your time and attention.—Deuteronomy 6:7.",Deuteronomy 6:7. ,g 11/12 p. 7 3 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/29/2025
"Stay Healthy, spirit of commitment, “maintenance” expect the unexpected, Marriage, ","IT ONLY makes sense to take care of the body that God gave you. (Psalm 139:14) To illustrate: Imagine that you own a car, but you never take time to maintain it. The car will only go so far before it breaks down. The same can happen to your body. What kind of “maintenance” do you need? To cultivate a spirit of commitment, you’ll need to think about marriage rationally rather than idealistically. To illustrate the difference, try the following exercise.1. Imagine that you have a free airline ticket to travel anywhere in the world. Which destination would you choose, and why? ","Destination: ․․․․․Reason:․․․․․ scenery․․․․․ culture․․․․․ climate․․․․․ recreation․․․․․ other ․․․․․Imagine that your airline ticket is one-way and that your destination will be your permanent residence. Now which destination—if any—would you choose? Destination: ․․․․․or․․․․․ I would stay where I am. In the above exercise, your first and second destination choices probably differ. Even if they’re the same, likely you had to think differently about your second choice. Rather than imagine yourself as a vacationer who’s lounging on a beach or hiking in the mountains, you had to think of yourself as a resident who is facing both the benefits and the challenges of daily life. That’s how you need to think about marriage. After all, with the passing of time, circumstances may change. No doubt you and your spouse will too. Much of your success will depend on your ability to expect the unexpected and to deal with it when it arises.",Psalm 139:14; ,g 10/12 p. 6 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/29/2025
"Get Motivated, Thinking ability. “common sense and sound judgment.” tolerance, respect, and empathy,","WHAT is the practical value of school? It will help you acquire wisdom, and the Bible says that “wisdom is for a protection.” (Ecclesiastes 7:12) How so? To illustrate: Imagine that you are walking through a dangerous neighborhood. Which would you prefer—to be wandering alone or to be with a group of friends who could protect you if necessary? With a good education, you have several strong “friends” always at your side. These include:Thinking ability. Going to school can help you develop what the Bible calls “common sense and sound judgment.” (Proverbs 3:21, Contemporary English Version) Acquiring these skills will help you to solve your own problems instead of always having to rely on others to bail you out.","Social skills. The Bible admonishes Christians to cultivate such qualities as long-suffering and self-control. (Galatians 5:22, 23) Mixing with a variety of people at school gives you plenty of opportunity to master those qualities, along with tolerance, respect, and empathy—traits that will serve you well in adulthood. Practical training. School can teach you the value of having a strong work ethic, which will help you to get a job and keep it. Also, the more you learn about the world around you, the better equipped you will be to know who you are and what you believe. (Proverbs 14:15) Armed with such conviction, you will be able to stand up for your beliefs respectfully.—1 Peter 3:15.","Ecclesiastes 7:12; Proverbs 3:21, Galatians 5:22, 23; ",g 10/12 p. 3,,,joshlaymon,,6/29/2025
"The “Glory” of Stars, Hubble Space Telescope (HST), modern technology and software to compose the final images,","Thanks to the Hubble Space Telescope (HST), likely you have seen spectacular, colorful images of galaxies, nebulae, and stars. But are the colors real? The fact is, they are a re-creation, a blend of art and science. The images received from the HST are monochrome but are taken through color filters. Astronomers and imaging specialists use modern technology and software to compose the final images, at times to reproduce as closely as possible what they believe to be the natural colors of heavenly objects. At other times, astronomers deliberately produce false-color images to make certain things stand out, perhaps for scientific analysis.","[Footnote]When we use a telescope to observe faint objects in the night sky, our cone cells pass the task of seeing to our rod cells, which cannot perceive color.",Psalm 8:3; ,g 2/12 p. 17 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/29/2025
"The “Glory” of Stars, WHY DO STARS TWINKLE?","Stars twinkle, or appear to change slightly in brightness and location, because of disturbances in earth’s atmosphere. To illustrate, imagine tiny points of light on the bottom of a swimming pool. What happens to those lights as ripples pass over them? Yes, they twinkle, just as stars do. Larger lights, on the other hand, would be less disturbed.","Planets are like those larger lights, not because they are bigger than stars, but because they are much closer to the earth and thus seem bigger.",Psalm 8:3; ,g 2/12 p. 16 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/29/2025
"The “Glory” of Stars, prophet Isaiah, How did Isaiah know, inspired, ","The deeper that astronomers peer into space, the more stars and galaxies they find. How many are out there? We can only guess. But that is not so of our Creator, Jehovah God. “He is counting the number of the stars; all of them he calls by their names,” says Psalm 147:4. The prophet Isaiah made similar expressions. In fact, he went a step further, stating with remarkable scientific accuracy that the material universe is a product of God’s infinite energy. “Raise your eyes high up and see,” Isaiah wrote. “Who has created these things? It is the One who is bringing forth the army of them even by number, all of whom he calls even by name. Due to the abundance of dynamic energy, he also being vigorous in power, not one of them is missing.”—Isaiah 40:26.","How did Isaiah, who lived some 2,700 years ago, know that the universe is a product of God’s infinite energy? He certainly did not figure that out himself! Rather, he wrote what Jehovah inspired him to write. (2 Timothy 3:16) Thus, he, as well as the other Bible writers, did something no science textbook or telescope can do. They identified the One who gave the stars their beauty and glory",Psalm 147:4. Isaiah 40:26. 2 Timothy 3:16; ,g 2/12 p. 17 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/29/2025
"Parable of the Sower, You people are God’s field under cultivation, God’s building.” ","Jesus’ illustration of the four kinds of soils shows the four general kinds of persons who receive the seed of the Word or who come in touch with the Kingdom message. This seed is sown in their hearts or minds. Those who receive it and make faithful use of it in the proper way come under special cultivation by Jehovah God. No matter what man or men have to do with sowing the seed and watering it in the hearts of the receivers, these receivers do not become sectarians or followers of human religious leaders. No; they belong to God as his property, for he supplied the seed of the Word and it is his Word that they accepted. To such ones with whom the Word of the Kingdom was sown the apostle wrote: “You people are God’s field under cultivation, God’s building.” (1 Cor. 3:9, NW) But in the course of scattering the seed, all kinds of persons as represented by the four kinds of soils get a witness to the Kingdom. ","The natural Jews were first to get it through Jesus in their midst. Three and a half years after his death and resurrection and his ascent to heaven the people of all the non-Jewish nations were privileged to receive the witness, yes, people of all classes, high and low. This fits in with the purpose of God: “This is right and acceptable in the sight of our Savior, God, whose will is that all kinds of men should be saved and come to an accurate knowledge of truth. For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, a man Christ Jesus, who gave himself a corresponding ransom for all—this is what is to be witnessed to at its own particular times.”—1 Tim. 2:3-6, NW.","1 Cor. 3:9, 1 Tim. 2:3-6; ",w50 12/1 p. 483 par. 5 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/30/2025
"Does Jehovah Ask Too Much of Us? Abraham, Isaac, attempted to sacrifice, ","God asked Abraham to do something very difficult, telling him: “Take, please, your son, your only son whom you so love, Isaac, and make a trip to the land of Moriah and there offer him up as a burnt offering.” (Genesis 22:2) Since Jehovah had promised that the then childless Isaac would have offspring, Abraham’s faith in God’s ability to restore Isaac to life was tested. When Abraham attempted to sacrifice Isaac, God preserved the young man. This incident illustrated that God would offer his own Son for mankind and would later resurrect him.—Genesis 17:19; 22:9-18; John 3:16; Acts 2:23, 24, 29-32; Hebrews 11:17-19.","Some may think that Jehovah God was asking too much of Abraham. But was he? Is it really unloving for our Creator, who can resurrect the dead, to ask us to be obedient to him even if this should result in our sleeping temporarily in death? Jesus Christ and his early followers did not think so. They were willing to suffer physical abuse, even death itself, in order to do God’s will. (John 10:11, 17, 18; Acts 5:40-42; 21:13) If circumstances called for it, would you be willing to do the same? Consider some of the things that Jehovah required of those who agreed to be his people..","Genesis 17:19; 22:9-18; John 3:16; Acts 2:23, 24, 29-32; Hebrews 11:17-19.",w99 9/15 pp. 17-18 pars. 8-9,,,joshlaymon,,6/30/2025
"Someone Really Does Care, food, bread, good Samaritan, ","The chief executive of one aid agency said that those who make such “enlightened and determined efforts” to alleviate hunger and pain are like the compassionate Samaritan described in Jesus Christ’s illustration. (Luke 10:29-37) But whatever they do, he said, the number of victims just keeps on growing. So he asked: “What should the good Samaritan do if he travels the same route every day for several years and finds another victim of the muggers each week at the roadside?”","It would be easy to succumb to what has been described as ‘the deadly illness of donor fatigue’ and simply give up in frustration. To their credit, those who really care do not give up. (Galatians 6:9, 10) For example, a man who wrote to Britain’s Jewish Telegraph commended Jehovah’s Witnesses, who during the time of Nazi Germany “helped thousands of Jews to survive the miseries of Auschwitz.” “When food was scarce,” the writer said, “they shared their bread with our [Jewish] brothers and sisters!” The Witnesses kept doing what they could with the resources they had.","Luke 10:29-37; Galatians 6:9, 10; ",w99 9/15 pp. 4-5 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/30/2025
"Enjoy “the Real Life” “The Real Life” Is a Certainty—Grasp It! God cannot lie, promise, oath, anchor, ","For many, eternal life in a better world is just a dream or an illusion. However, for those who truly have faith in the Bible’s promise, this hope is a certainty. It is like an anchor for their lives. (Hebrews 6:19) Just as an anchor holds a ship steady and prevents it from floundering, the hope of eternal life makes people stable and confident and enables them to confront the serious difficulties in life and even overcome them.","We can be sure that God will fulfill his promises. He has even furnished a guarantee by uttering an oath, an irrevocable commitment. The apostle Paul wrote: “God, when he purposed to demonstrate more abundantly to the heirs of the promise the unchangeableness of his counsel, stepped in with an oath, in order that, through two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we . . . may have strong encouragement to lay hold on the hope set before us.” (Hebrews 6:17, 18) The “two unchangeable things” that God can never annul are his promise and his oath, on which we base our expectations.","Hebrews 6:19, ",w99 8/15 p. 6,,,joshlaymon,,6/30/2025
"“Gird Yourselves With Lowliness of Mind”, Pride, humility, very desirable, rivalry, “striving after the wind” ","AMONG the mental dispositions that God’s Word brings to our attention are two opposites. Both of them have a profound effect on human behavior. One is described as “lowliness of mind.” (1 Peter 5:5) A dictionary defines “lowly” as being “humble in manner or spirit: free from self-assertive pride.” Lowliness of mind is synonymous with humility, and from God’s viewpoint, it is a very desirable quality.","The opposite is pride. This is defined as “inordinate self-esteem,” being “disdainful.” It is self-centered, and it seeks material, egoistic, and other advantages regardless of the adverse effects upon others. The Bible notes one result: “Man has dominated man to his injury.” It speaks of the “rivalry of one toward another” as “striving after the wind” because at death “nothing at all can one carry away.” Such pride is very undesirable from God’s viewpoint.—Ecclesiastes 4:4; 5:15; 8:9.",1 Peter 5:5; ,w99 8/1 p. 11 pars. 1-2,,,joshlaymon,,6/30/2025
"“Gird Yourselves With Lowliness of Mind” humble, Jesus, loving, compassionate, merciful!, ","Jesus was the finest example of one who was lowly in mind. He was God’s only-begotten Son, the future King of God’s heavenly Kingdom. When he presented himself to the people as such, he did not do as the conquering generals of Roman times did. They were given huge parades—processions—and rode in chariots decorated with gold and ivory, drawn by white horses, or even by elephants, lions, or tigers. In the processions were musicians singing victory songs, along with carts loaded with booty and huge floats illustrating battle scenes. There were also captive kings, princes, and generals, with their families, often stripped naked to humiliate them. The events reeked of pride, haughtiness.","Contrast that with the way Jesus offered himself. He was willing to submit humbly to fulfilling the prophecy about him, which foretold: “Look! Your king himself comes to you. He is righteous, yes, saved; humble, and riding upon an ass.” He humbly rode on a beast of burden, not in a chariot pulled by magnificent parade animals. (Zechariah 9:9; Matthew 21:4, 5) How happy humble people are that Jesus will be Jehovah’s appointed King over the entire earth in the new world, one who is truly lowly in mind, humble, loving, compassionate, merciful!—Isaiah 9:6, 7; Philippians 2:5-8.","Zechariah 9:9; Matthew 21:4, 5; Isaiah 9:6, 7; Philippians 2:5-8; ",w99 8/1 pp. 14-15 pars. 19-20 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/30/2025
"Helping People to Draw Close to Jehovah, solid foundation, Hope, Paradise, building, growth, ","While rejoicing in the increase, we sincerely want to see people continue to love Jehovah, listen to his voice, and stick to him. We are sad when we see some cool off and fall away. Can we do anything to prevent this? In another illustration, Paul shows how we can help others to develop faith. He writes: “No man can lay any other foundation than what is laid, which is Jesus Christ. Now if anyone builds on the foundation gold, silver, precious stones, wood materials, hay, stubble, each one’s work will become manifest, for the day will show it up, because it will be revealed by means of fire; and the fire itself will prove what sort of work each one’s is.”—1 Corinthians 3:11-13.","In Paul’s illustration of the field, growth depends on conscientious planting, regular watering, and God’s blessing. The apostle’s other illustration highlights the Christian minister’s responsibility for what becomes of his building work. Has he built on a sure foundation with quality materials? Paul warns: “Let each one keep watching how he is building.” (1 Corinthians 3:10) Having aroused a person’s interest by telling him or her about the hope of everlasting life in Paradise, do we focus our teaching on just the basics of Scriptural knowledge and then lay emphasis principally on what the person must do to get eternal life? Could our teaching consist solely of this: ‘If you want to live forever in Paradise, you must study, go to meetings, and share in the preaching work’? If so, we are not building the person’s faith on a solid foundation, and what we build may not resist the fire of trials or stand the test of time. Trying to draw people to Jehovah just by the hope of life in Paradise in exchange for a few years spent serving him is like building with “wood materials, hay, stubble.”",1 Corinthians 3:11-13. 1 Corinthians 3:10; ,w99 7/15 pp. 12-13 pars. 15-16 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/30/2025
"Helping People to Draw Close to Jehovah, cultivating field, planting, watering, Apollos, Paul, God’s fellow workers,","Paul illustrated collaboration with God by referring to the cultivating of a field. He wrote: “What, then, is Apollos? Yes, what is Paul? Ministers through whom you became believers, even as the Lord granted each one. I planted, Apollos watered, but God kept making it grow; so that neither is he that plants anything nor is he that waters, but God who makes it grow. Now he that plants and he that waters are one, but each person will receive his own reward according to his own labor. For we are God’s fellow workers. You people are God’s field under cultivation.”—1 Corinthians 3:5-9.","As God’s fellow workers, we must faithfully plant “the word of the kingdom” in the hearts of people, then water any interest shown by well-thought-out return visits and Bible studies. If the soil, the heart, is good, Jehovah will do his part by making the seed of Bible truth grow into a productive plant. (Matthew 13:19, 23) He will draw the person to himself and to his Son. In the final analysis, then, any increase in the number of Kingdom proclaimers is due to Jehovah’s work on the hearts of people, making the seed of truth grow and drawing such ones to himself and to his Son.",1 Corinthians 3:5-9.,w99 7/15 p. 12 pars. 13-14 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/30/2025
"Why You Can Trust Bible Prophecy, Points of Contrast, Babylon, Cyrus, Medo-Persia, accuracy, clarity, ","The trademark of oracles was their ambiguity. At Delphi, for example, the answers provided were uttered in unintelligible sounds. This made it necessary for priests to interpret them and create verses capable of opposite interpretations. A classic example of this is the answer given to Croesus, king of Lydia. When he consulted the oracle, he was told: “If Croesus crosses the Halys, he will destroy a mighty empire.” Actually, the “mighty empire” destroyed was his own! When Croesus crossed the river Halys to invade Cappadocia, he met defeat at the hands of Cyrus the Persian.","In sharp contrast with pagan oracles, Bible prophecies are noted for their accuracy and clarity. A case in point is the prophecy regarding the fall of Babylon, which is recorded in the Bible book of Isaiah. Some 200 years before this event took place, the prophet Isaiah predicted in a detailed and accurate way the overthrow of Babylon by Medo-Persia. The prophecy disclosed that the conqueror would bear the name Cyrus, and it revealed the very strategy of drying up a moatlike river defense and entering a fortified city through open gates. All of this was accurately fulfilled. (Isaiah 44:27–45:2) It was also correctly prophesied that Babylon would eventually be totally uninhabited.—Isaiah 13:17-22.",Isaiah 44:27–45:2; Isaiah 13:17-22.,w99 7/15 p. 5 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/30/2025
"Why You Can Trust Bible Prophecy, Nathan, David, Hosea, Amos, house of Jeroboam, ","To illustrate: Jehovah’s prophet Nathan did not hold back from reproving erring King David. (2 Samuel 12:1-12) During the reign of Jeroboam II over the ten-tribe kingdom of Israel, the prophets Hosea and Amos delivered stern criticism to the rebellious king and his supporters because of their apostasy and God-dishonoring conduct. (Hosea 5:1-7; Amos 2:6-8) ",Especially caustic was Jehovah’s warning to the king by the mouth of the prophet Amos: “I will rise up against the house of Jeroboam with a sword.” (Amos 7:9) Jeroboam’s house was annihilated.—1 Kings 15:25-30; 2 Chronicles 13:20.,2 Samuel 12:1-12; ,w99 7/15 p. 5 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/30/2025
"Parents, What Does Your Example Teach? Jephthah, Ammon, ","The effect of parental example is well illustrated in the Bible. Jephthah, who was used by Jehovah to lead Israel to victory over the Ammonites, was also a father. The record of his reply to the king of Ammon indicates that Jephthah must frequently have read the history of Jehovah’s dealings with Israel. He could quote that history freely, and he showed strong faith in Jehovah. ","No doubt, his example helped his daughter to develop the faith and self-sacrificing spirit that she displayed in undertaking a lifetime of service as a single woman devoted to Jehovah.—Judges 11:14-27, 34-40; compare Joshua 1:8.","Judges 11:14-27, 34-40; ",w99 7/1 p. 9 par. 7 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/30/2025
"Your Creator—Learn What He Is Like, Jesus’ friend Lazarus died. not indifferent or aloof; he “gave way to tears.”","Let us consider another illustration of how we can learn about the Creator by familiarizing ourselves with Jesus’ actions and teachings. Reflect on the occasion when Jesus’ friend Lazarus died. Jesus had previously proved his power to bring the dead back to life. (Luke 7:11-17; 8:40-56) How, though, did he react to seeing Lazarus’ sister Mary mourning? ",Jesus “groaned in the spirit and became troubled.” He was not indifferent or aloof; he “gave way to tears.” (John 11:33-35) And this was not a mere display of emotion. Jesus was moved to positive action—he resurrected Lazarus. You can imagine how this helped the apostles to appreciate the Creator’s feelings and actions. It should also help us and others to understand the Creator’s personality and ways.,Luke 7:11-17; 8:40-56; ,w99 6/15 pp. 23-24 par. 17,,,joshlaymon,,6/30/2025
"The Creator Can Add Meaning to Your Life, Mystery, questions, large canvas, Job, ","To illustrate: In 1891, French artist Paul Gauguin went to find a fulfilling life in French Polynesia, in a virtual paradise. But his dissolute past soon brought disease to himself and others. As he felt death approaching, he painted a large canvas in which he seemed to ‘interpret life as a great mystery.’ Do you know what Gauguin named that painting? “Where Do We Come From? What Are We? Where Are We Going?” You may have heard others ask similar questions. Many do. But when they find no satisfying answers—no real meaning in life—where can they go? They may conclude that their life differs little from that of the animals.—2 Peter 2:12.","You can thus understand why someone like professor of physics Freeman Dyson could write: “I stand in good company when I ask again the questions Job asked. Why do we suffer? Why is the world so unjust? What is the purpose of pain and tragedy?” (Job 3:20, 21; 10:2, 18; 21:7) As mentioned, many people turn to science for answers instead of to God.","2 Peter 2:12. Job 3:20, 21; 10:2, 18; 21:7",w99 6/15 pp. 15-16 pars. 6-7 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/30/2025
"Appreciating the “Gifts in Men”, body, human body is made up of many different members, ","Jehovah has entrusted the “gifts in men” with a measure of authority in the congregation. Of course, elders do not want to misuse their authority, but they know that it is all too easy as imperfect humans to do so. How, then, should they view themselves in relation to the rest of the flock? Consider the illustration used by the apostle Paul. After discussing why the “gifts in men” are provided, Paul wrote: “Let us by love grow up in all things into him who is the head, Christ. From him all the body, by being harmoniously joined together and being made to cooperate through every joint that gives what is needed, according to the functioning of each respective member in due measure, makes for the growth of the body for the building up of itself in love.” (Ephesians 4:15, 16) So Paul likens the congregation, including elders and other members, to a human body. Why is this a fitting illustration?A human body is made up of many different members but has just one head. However, nothing in the body—not a muscle, not a nerve, not a vein—is useless. Each member is valuable and contributes something to the health and beauty of the whole.","Similarly, the congregation is made up of many different members, but each member—whether young or old, strong or frail—can contribute something to the overall spiritual health and beauty of the congregation. (1 Corinthians 12:14-26) No one need feel that he is too insignificant to matter. At the other extreme, none should feel superior, for we all—shepherds and sheep alike—are part of the body, and there is but one head, Christ. Paul thus paints a warm picture of the love, care, and respect that we should have for one another. Recognizing this helps elders to have a humble, balanced view of their role in the congregation.","Ephesians 4:15, 16; 1 Corinthians 12:14-26; ",w99 6/1 p. 15 pars. 4-5,,,joshlaymon,,6/30/2025
"“Bless Jehovah, O My Soul”, become tired or grow weary, eagles, ","While persisting in the work of proclaiming God’s Kingdom, who does not become tired or grow weary? But Jehovah keeps renewing the strength of his servants, making them ‘like eagles’ that have powerful wings and soar to great heights in the sky. How grateful we can be that our loving heavenly Father provides such “dynamic energy” so that we can faithfully carry out our ministry day after day!—Isaiah 40:29-31.","To illustrate: Clara holds a full-time secular job and also spends about 50 hours every month in the field ministry. She says: “Sometimes I am tired, and I force myself to go out in the field service only because I have made an arrangement to work with someone. But once I am out, I always feel invigorated.” You too may have experienced the vigor that results from divine support in the Christian ministry. May you be moved to say, as did David in the opening words of this psalm: “Bless Jehovah, O my soul, even everything within me, his holy name.”",Isaiah 40:29-31. ,w99 5/15 p. 23,,,joshlaymon,,6/30/2025
"Be Vigilant and Be Diligent! illustration of the talents. minas, “wicked and sluggish” more responsibility,","In his next parable, Jesus did more than urge his followers to be vigilant. After telling of the wise and the foolish virgins, he related the illustration of the talents. (Read Matthew 25:14-30.) In many respects this resembles his earlier parable of the minas, which Jesus gave because many “were imagining that the kingdom of God was going to display itself instantly.”—Luke 19:11-27. In the parable of the talents, Jesus told of a man who, prior to making a journey abroad, summoned three slaves. To one he committed five talents, to another two, and to the last just one—“to each one according to his own ability.” ","Likely, this meant a silver talent, a standard amount then worth what a laborer would earn in 14 years—a lot of money! When the man returned, he had the slaves account for what they did during the “long time” that he was away. The first two slaves had doubled the value of what was entrusted to them. He said “well done,” promised each one more responsibility, and concluded: “Enter into the joy of your master.” Claiming that the master was extremely demanding, the slave with one talent had not put the talent to any profitable use. He hid the money, not even depositing it with bankers to earn interest. The master termed him “wicked and sluggish” because he had worked against his master’s interests. Consequently, the talent was taken from him, and he was put outside “where his weeping and the gnashing of his teeth” would be.",Matthew 25:14-30. Luke 19:11-27,w99 5/1 p. 22 pars. 11-12 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/30/2025
"The Only Way to Everlasting Life, this way to life is not an easy one, narrow gate; road, ","IN HIS famous Sermon on the Mount, Jesus compares the way to everlasting life to a road that a person enters through a gate. Notice that Jesus emphasizes that this way to life is not an easy one, saying: “Go in through the narrow gate; because broad and spacious is the road leading off into destruction, and many are the ones going in through it; whereas narrow is the gate and cramped the road leading off into [everlasting] life, and few are the ones finding it.”—Matthew 7:13, 14.","Do you get the import of this illustration? Does it not reveal that there is but one road, or way, leading to life and that it will require careful attention on our part to avoid straying from that way to life? What, then, is this only way to everlasting life?","Matthew 7:13, 14. ",w99 4/15 p. 9 pars. 1-2 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/30/2025
"Who Molds Your Thinking? prophet Jeremiah, workshop of a potter. clay in Jehovah's hands, ","The need for a willing, obedient response on your part if you are to benefit from Jehovah’s molding influence was powerfully illustrated when Jehovah told the prophet Jeremiah to visit the workshop of a potter. Jeremiah saw the potter change his mind about what to do with one vessel when the product he was trying to make “was spoiled by the potter’s hand.” ","Jehovah then said: “Am I not able to do just like this potter to you people, O house of Israel? . . . Look! As the clay in the hand of the potter, so you are in my hand, O house of Israel.” (Jeremiah 18:1-6) Did that mean that people in Israel were just like lumps of lifeless clay in Jehovah’s hands for him to mold arbitrarily into one kind of vessel or another?","Jeremiah 18:1-6, ",w99 4/1 p. 22,,,joshlaymon,,6/30/2025
"Life After Death—What Does the Bible Say? “Soul” as the Life of a Creature, ","At times, the word “soul” refers to the life that a person or an animal enjoys. This does not alter the Bible’s definition of the soul as a person or an animal. To illustrate: We say that someone is alive, meaning that he is a living person. We might also say that he possesses life. In the same way, a living person is a soul. Yet, while he is alive, “soul” may be spoken of as something that he possesses.  ","For example, God told Moses: “All the men who were hunting for your soul are dead.” Clearly, Moses’ enemies were seeking to take his life. (Exodus 4:19; compare Joshua 9:24; Proverbs 12:10.) Jesus used the word in a similar way when he said: “The Son of man came . . . to give his soul a ransom in exchange for many.” (Matthew 20:28; compare 10:28.) In each case, the word “soul” means “life of a creature.”",Exodus 4:19; compare Joshua 9:24; Proverbs 12:10. Matthew 20:28; ,w99 4/1 p. 15,,,joshlaymon,,6/30/2025
"Teach With Insight and Persuasiveness, Illustrations, Nathan, lamb, ","Illustrations are most effective when they relate to the lives of people. Nathan’s illustration of the slaughtered lamb touched the heart of King David because he loved sheep, having served as a shepherd in his youth. (1 Samuel 16:11-13; 2 Samuel 12:1-7) If the illustration had involved a bull, it might not have been nearly as effective. In a similar way, illustrations based on scientific phenomena or obscure historical incidents may be of little significance to our listeners. Jesus drew his illustrations from everyday life. He spoke of such commonplace things as a lamp, the birds of heaven, and lilies of the field. (Matthew 5:15, 16; 6:26, 28)","Jesus’ hearers could easily relate to such things. In our ministry, we have many opportunities to use simple but effective illustrations. Be observant. (Acts 17:22, 23) Perhaps an illustration could be based on a listener’s children, home, job, or hobby. Or we may use our personal knowledge of a Bible student to enhance the illustrations already provided for us in our study material. Take, for example, the effective illustration used in paragraph 14 of chapter 8 in the book Knowledge That Leads to Everlasting Life. It involves a loving parent who is slandered by a neighbor. We can well give some thought to how we might adapt that illustration to the circumstances of a Bible student who himself is a parent.",1 Samuel 16:11-13; 2 Samuel 12:1-7; ,w99 3/15 pp. 19-20 pars. 16-17,,,joshlaymon,,6/30/2025
"Teach With Insight and Persuasiveness, Isaiah, Assyrians, ax, saw, ","God’s prophets used many powerful illustrations. When the Assyrians, who had served as God’s instrument in punishing the Israelites, resorted to wanton cruelty, Isaiah exposed their presumptuousness with this illustration: “Will the ax enhance itself over the one chopping with it, or the saw magnify itself over the one moving it back and forth?” (Isaiah 10:15) ","When teaching others, Jesus likewise used illustrations extensively. It is reported that “without an illustration he would not speak to them.” (Mark 4:34) Good illustrations are effective because they engage both the mind and the heart. They allow listeners to absorb new information readily by comparing it with something already familiar to them.","Mark 4:34, Isaiah 10:15",w99 3/15 p. 19 par. 14,,,joshlaymon,,6/30/2025
"Pay Constant Attention to Your Teaching, adapt to the abilities, illustration of the talents,","An effective teacher is willing to adapt to the abilities and limitations of his students. (Compare John 16:12.) In Jesus’ illustration of the talents, the master gave privileges “to each one according to his own ability.” (Matthew 25:15) We can follow a similar pattern when conducting Bible studies. Naturally, it is desirable to cover a Bible-based publication in a reasonably short period of time."," It must be acknowledged, though, that not all have good reading skills or the ability to assimilate new ideas quickly. Therefore, discernment is needed as to when to move from one point to another in the study if responsive individuals have difficulty keeping up a fast pace. More important than covering material at a fixed pace is helping students to get the sense of what they are learning.—Matthew 13:51.",John 16:12; Matthew 13:51.,w99 3/15 p. 14 par. 18,,,joshlaymon,,6/30/2025
"Jehovah’s Blessing on Our “Land” Water, spiritual provisions, Ezekiel's temple vision, ","WATER is a remarkable fluid. All physical life depends on it. Not one of us can survive long without it. We also depend on it for cleansing, since water can dissolve and wash away impurities. So we wash our bodies, our clothes, even our food in it. Doing so may save our lives.","The Bible uses water to picture Jehovah’s spiritual provisions for life. (Jeremiah 2:13; John 4:7-15) These provisions include the cleansing of his people through Christ’s ransom sacrifice and the knowledge of God found in his Word. (Ephesians 5:25-27) In Ezekiel’s temple vision, the miraculous river that flows from the temple symbolizes such life-giving blessings. But when does that river flow, and what does it mean for us today?",Jeremiah 2:13; John 4:7-15; ,w99 3/1 p. 18 pars. 1-2 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/30/2025
Jehovah’s Blessing on Our “Land” ,Spiritual vitality results in productivity. This is illustrated by the fishing industry that flourishes on the shores of the sea that was formerly dead. Jesus told his followers: “I will make you fishers of men.” (Matthew 4:19) ,"In the last days, the fishing work began with the gathering of the remaining ones of the anointed, but it has not stopped there. The life-giving water from Jehovah’s spiritual temple, including the blessing of accurate knowledge, affects people of all nations. Wherever that torrent has reached, spiritual life has resulted.",Matthew 4:19; ,w99 3/1 p. 21 par. 14 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/30/2025
"The Way of Love Never Fails, Delilah, Jezebel, Athaliah, Absalom, self-appointed king, ","Love “does not look for its own interests.” (1 Corinthians 13:5) A loving person does not manipulate others in order to get his way. The Bible contains warning examples in this matter. To illustrate: We read of Delilah, Jezebel, and Athaliah—women who manipulated others for their own selfish causes. (Judges 16:16; 1 Kings 21:25; 2 Chronicles 22:10-12) ","There also was King David’s son Absalom. He would approach those who came to Jerusalem for judgment and slyly insinuate that the king’s court lacked genuine interest in their problems. Then he would state outright that what the court really needed was a warmhearted man like him! (2 Samuel 15:2-4) Of course, Absalom was interested, not in the downtrodden, but only in himself. Acting as a self-appointed king, he swayed the hearts of many. But in time, Absalom met a crushing defeat. At his death, he was not even deemed worthy of a decent burial.—2 Samuel 18:6-17.",1 Corinthians 13:5; Judges 16:16; 1 Kings 21:25; 2 Chronicles 22:10-12; , w99 2/15 p. 20 par. 9 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/30/2025
"Christ’s Ransom—God’s Way of Salvation, Sin, “was subjected to futility”, ","Sin is thus like a disease that has infected each one of us, for the Bible states that “all have sinned.” This condition has life-threatening consequences. Indeed, “the wages sin pays is death.” (Romans 3:23; 6:23) None of us can get around it. All humans sin, hence, all humans die. As descendants of Adam, we were born into this predicament. (Psalm 51:5) “Through one man,” Paul wrote, “sin entered into the world and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men because they had all sinned.” (Romans 5:12) But this does not mean that we are without hope for salvation.","What would it take to eliminate sin and its consequence, death? Clearly, something more than any human can provide. The psalmist lamented: “The payment for a human life is too great. What he could pay would never be enough to keep him from the grave, to let him live forever.” (Psalm 49:8, 9, Today’s English Version) Granted, we may be able to extend our life for a few years by means of a healthful diet and medical care, yet none of us can cure our inherited sinful condition. None of us can reverse the crippling effects of the aging process and restore our body to the perfection that God originally intended for it. Paul was certainly not exaggerating when he wrote that because of Adam’s sin, human creation “was subjected to futility”—or as The Jerusalem Bible renders it, “was made unable to attain its purpose.” (Romans 8:20) Happily, though, the Creator has not abandoned us. He has made provision to remove sin and death once and for all. How?","Psalm 49:8, 9, Romans 3:23; 6:23; ",w99 2/15 pp. 13-14 pars. 3-4 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/30/2025
"Christ’s Ransom—God’s Way of Salvation, Adam and Eve rebelled, Disease, ",IMAGINE that you suffer from a disease that will surely claim your life unless you have surgery. How would you feel if the price of the operation was far beyond what you could afford? What if even the combined resources of your family and friends could not pay for it? To be confronted with such a life-threatening dilemma would be frustrating!,"This illustrates a situation that has developed with regard to the human race. Our first parents, Adam and Eve, were created perfect. (Deuteronomy 32:4) They had the prospect of living forever and of fulfilling God’s purpose: “Be fruitful and become many and fill the earth and subdue it.” (Genesis 1:28) However, Adam and Eve rebelled against their Creator. (Genesis 3:1-6) Their disobedience brought sin not only upon Adam and Eve themselves but also upon their unborn offspring. The faithful man Job later said: “Who can produce someone clean out of someone unclean? There is not one.”—Job 14:4.",Deuteronomy 32:4; Job 14:4.,w99 2/15 p. 13 pars. 1-2 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/30/2025
"What Is Needed for a Successful Marriage? needs commitment, cruise ship, seaworthiness, proved at sea","Problems give a husband and wife opportunity to show the genuineness of their love for each other. To illustrate: A cruise ship may seem majestic as it sits idle, moored at a pier. Its true seaworthiness, however, is proved at sea—perhaps even amid the crashing waves of a storm. ","Similarly, the strength of a marriage bond is not solely defined during peaceful moments of romantic calm. At times, it is proved under trialsome circumstances in which a couple weathers storms of adversity. To do so, a married couple needs commitment, for God purposed that a man would “stick to his wife” and that the two would “become one flesh.” (Genesis 2:24)",,w99 2/15 p. 4 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/30/2025
"“Train Up a Boy” garden, harvest, ","SUCCESSFUL gardening requires much more than scattering some seed on the ground and then returning a few months later for the harvest. Much hard work is involved in preparing the soil, sowing the seeds, and watering and nurturing the plants so that they can grow to maturity. This process could well illustrate the truthfulness of Proverbs 22:6, which says: “Train up a boy according to the way for him; even when he grows old he will not turn aside from it.” Indeed, parental training is a major factor in successful child rearing.","In today’s permissive world, however, many parents fail to heed this counsel. When they follow conventional wisdom that children must learn to handle problems on their own, their children are often left to fend for themselves. Such a course leaves young ones vulnerable to the harmful influence of unprincipled and unscrupulous individuals.—Proverbs 13:20.","Proverbs 22:6,Proverbs 13:20.",w99 2/1 p. 32,,,joshlaymon,,6/30/2025
"Our Treasure in Earthen Vessels, destruction, devastation. Jeremiah, earthenware flask, break, ","Every one of our desirable things has become a devastation.” (Isaiah 64:8-11) Israel had been molded into a vessel fit only for destruction. A century later, as the day of reckoning drew near, Jehovah told Jeremiah to take an earthenware flask and accompany some of the older men of Jerusalem to the Valley of Hinnom, instructing him: “You must break the flask before the eyes of the men who are going with you. And you must say to them, ‘This is what Jehovah of armies has said: “In the same way I shall break this people and this city as someone breaks the vessel of the potter so that it is no more able to be repaired.”’”—Jeremiah 19:10, 11.","In 607 B.C.E., Nebuchadnezzar devastated Jerusalem with its temple and carried off the surviving Jews into captivity in Babylon. But after 70 years in exile, repentant Jews were able to return to rebuild Jerusalem and its temple. (Jeremiah 25:11) Potter’s vessel, ","Isaiah 64:8-11; Jeremiah 19:10, 11.",w99 2/1 pp. 14-15 pars. 3-5 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/30/2025
"Do Others Accept Your Counsel? Counsel That Was Accepted, Nathan, King David, love, respect, ",The prophet Nathan showed lowliness of mind when he counseled King David. Love and respect for David was evident in what Nathan said and did. Nathan began with an illustration that took into account the possible difficulty that David might have had in listening to counsel. (2 Samuel 12:1-4) ,"The prophet appealed to David’s love of justice and righteousness, even though it had not been in evidence in his actions involving Bath-sheba. (2 Samuel 11:2-27) When the point of the illustration was pressed, David’s heartfelt reaction was: “I have sinned against Jehovah.” (2 Samuel 12:7-13) Unlike Cain, who did not listen to Jehovah, David humbly accepted correction.",2 Samuel 12:1-4; ,w99 1/15 p. 24,,,joshlaymon,,6/30/2025
"Are Your Prayers “Prepared as Incense”? Generic, Jehoshaphat, ","If we do not know how to deal with a certain crisis, we can be confident that Jehovah will hear our petitions for help. This was illustrated in the days of Judean King Jehoshaphat, whose 25-year reign began in 936 B.C.E. When Judah was threatened by the combined forces of Moab, Ammon, and the mountainous region of Seir, Jehoshaphat pleaded: “O our God, will you not execute judgment upon them? For in us there is no power before this large crowd that is coming against us; and we ourselves do not know what we ought to do, but our eyes are toward you.” ","Jehovah answered that humble prayer, fighting for Judah by striking the enemy ranks with confusion so that they slaughtered one another. As a result, the surrounding nations became fearful, and peace prevailed in Judah. (2 Chronicles 20:1-30) When we lack the wisdom needed to meet a crisis, like Jehoshaphat we can pray: ‘We do not know what we ought to do, but our eyes are toward you, Jehovah.’ The holy spirit may cause us to recall Scriptural points needed to solve the problem, or God may help us in a way that surpasses human reasoning.—Romans 8:26, 27.","Romans 8:26, 27; ",w99 1/15 pp. 12-13 par. 10 ,,,joshlaymon,,6/30/2025
"Physical Heavens Declare God’s Glory, Universe, endless variety among the stars, Creation, ","Like all of God’s creation, there is endless variety among the stars. Each has its own astral beauty. “One star differeth from another star in glory.” (1 Cor. 15:41) Some are white, some yellow, some blue, and others are red. Each travels at its own particular speed. The fastest-moving bright star is Arcturus, with a speed of 75 miles a second (about 270,000 miles per hour). Reason enough why God might use it to illustrate how small and powerless man is. ","“Canst thou guide Arcturus?” the Almighty asked Job. (Job 38:32) Some stars are cooler than our sun, others are twice, three times and even five times as hot. Some are brighter; others are extremely faint. A comet’s tail is practically a vacuum, weighing only one four-sextillionth (1/4000000000000000000000) as much as a similar volume of air, whereas a dwarf star is so unbelievably heavy that a cubic inch of it weighs as much as 1,000 tons! Wonders indeed! showing forth the glory and majesty of their Creator.",Job 38:32; 1 Cor. 15:41; ,w50 10/15 p. 376,,,joshlaymon,,6/30/2025
"A Victory Dedicated to Jehovah’s Honor, Credit, preachers, evangelizing, ","To illustrate, a farmer sows seed and waters and cultivates, but does he make the seed sprout and grow and eventually bear fruit? Is not credit for the growth due to the Creator? The apostle Paul deflated those looking to creatures as responsible for organizational increases by such an illustration, saying: “I have planted, Apollos watered; but God gave the increase. So then neither is he that planteth any thing, neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase.” (1 Cor. 3:6, 7) ","Ministers may plant the seed of truth and water it by back-calling and conducting home Bible studies, but it is God who gathers in new ones to give growth and increase to the visible organization of preachers.","1 Cor. 3:6, 7; ",w50 6/15 p. 186 par. 37,,,joshlaymon,,6/30/2025
"“The Wisdom from Above”, grasshoppers, instinctive wisdom, foolishness with God. ","“The wisdom of this world is foolishness with God.” (1 Cor. 3:19) Do not be dazzled by foolishness. True, some men are smarter than others, viewed in a worldly way. Isn’t it also true some grasshoppers may have more instinctive wisdom than others? Even so, to a man all grasshoppers are so low down mentally that it makes little difference. ","Similarly, to God all men are so far below him in wisdom that none are of consequence mentally. In fact, he generally favors those of less worldly wisdom. “For you behold his calling of you, brothers, that not many wise in a fleshly way were called, not many powerful, not many noble; but God chose the foolish things of the world, that he might put the wise men to shame, and God chose the weak things of the world, that he might put the strong things to shame; and God chose the ignoble things of the world and the things looked down upon, the things that are not, that he might bring to nothing the things that are, in order that no flesh might boast in the sight of God.”—1 Cor. 1:26-29, NW; Matt. 11:25; Acts 4:13.","1 Cor. 1:26-29, NW; Matt. 11:25; Acts 4:13.",w50 10/1 p. 340,,,joshlaymon,,6/30/2025
"When a Friendship Gets Too Close, courtship, Dating, Set boundaries. alarm system, Marriage, ","Set boundaries. People will install an alarm system in their vehicle or home to prevent theft. You can do something similar for your marriage. “Safeguard your heart,” says the Bible. (Proverbs 4:23) How can you do that? Try the following: • Send out clear signals that you are already committed—perhaps by keeping photographs of your spouse at work.—Bible principle: Genesis 2:24. • Decide what you will and will not tolerate when it comes to conduct with the opposite sex. For example, it would hardly be fitting to talk to such a friend about your marital problems or to go out for drinks with a coworker of the opposite sex.","• If you have become too close to a member of the opposite sex, end the relationship. If that seems too much to bear, ask yourself why. Instead of trying to defend your relationship with this person, stand up for your spouse and take steps to protect your marriage.—Bible principle: Proverbs 5:18, 19. For example, it would hardly be fitting to talk to such a friend about your marital problems or to go out for drinks with a coworker of the opposite sex. • If you have become too close to a member of the opposite sex, end the relationship. If that seems too much to bear, ask yourself why. Instead of trying to defend your relationship with this person, stand up for your spouse and take steps to protect your marriage.—Bible principle: Proverbs 5:18, 19.","Proverbs 4:23; Genesis 2:24; Proverbs 5:18, 19. ",g 10/13 p. 5,,,joshlaymon,,7/2/2025
"When a Friendship Gets Too Close, courtship, Dating, Set boundaries. alarm system, Marriage, unfair comparsion, ","Give up the illusion. A close friendship might make you wonder what life might have been like had you married this person. Likely, though, you are pitting your friend’s strengths against your spouse’s weaknesses—an unfair comparison, to say the least! ","Remember, too, that the euphoria you experience when you think about your friend is probably the same feeling you initially had for the person you married.—Bible principle: Jeremiah 17:9.",Jeremiah 17:9. ,g 10/13 p. 5 ,,,joshlaymon,,7/2/2025
"An Embryologist Explains His Faith, scientific research, cell division, Truth, different cell types, ","What convinced you that God created life? A goal of scientific research is to find the truth, not to support preconceived ideas. My study of embryo development led me to change my view—that is, I concluded that life was created. To illustrate, engineers design assembly lines so that the right parts are fitted together in the right order and in the right way. Embryo development is somewhat similar but vastly more complex. The process all starts with a single fertilized cell, doesn’t it? Yes. That microscopic cell then divides, starting the process of cell division. For a time, the number of cells doubles every 12 to 24 hours. Early in this process, cells called stem cells form. ","Stem cells can produce almost any of the 200 or so different cell types needed for a fully formed baby, such as blood cells, bone cells, nerve cells, and so on. The right cells must be produced in the right order and at the right places. First they assemble into tissues that will in turn assemble themselves into organs and limbs. What engineer even dreams of writing instructions for such a process? Yet, the instructions for embryo development are superbly written in DNA. When I consider the beauty of it all, I’m convinced that life was designed by God. ",Psalm 139:14; ,g16 No. 2 pp. 10-11,,,joshlaymon,,7/2/2025
"Temptation, THE REALITY,  lure, or bait, foolish, naive, or unwary person into danger. ","See temptation for what it really is—a lure, or bait, that can lead a foolish, naive, or unwary person into danger. (James 1:14, footnote) That is especially true of temptations involving sexual immorality, which can have disastrous consequences.—Proverbs 7:22, 23. HOW THE BIBLE CAN HELP, “If, now, your right eye is making you stumble,” said Jesus Christ, “tear it out and throw it away from you.” (Matthew 5:29) Of course, Jesus was not speaking literally! Rather, he meant that if we want to please God and gain everlasting life, we must deaden our body members, as it were, in regard to wrongdoing. (Colossians 3:5) ","That may mean resolutely turning our back on a temptation. “Turn my eyes away from looking at what is worthless,” prayed a faithful man of God.—Psalm 119:37. Of course, exercising self-control can be difficult. After all, “the flesh is weak.” (Matthew 26:41) So we will make mistakes. However, when we are truly sorry and try hard not to make a habit of doing wrong, our Creator, Jehovah God, “is merciful and compassionate” toward us. (Psalm 103:8) How reassuring that is! “If errors were what you watch, O Jah, then who, O Jehovah, could stand?”—Psalm 130:3.","Proverbs 7:22, 23; Psalm 119:37; ",g17 No. 4,,,joshlaymon,,7/2/2025
"Sheep Know the Voice of Their Shepherd, ","THE following report on shepherding in the Middle East casts interesting light on Jesus’ illustration at John 10:2-5, wherein he speaks of the sheep as knowing the voice of their shepherd and their being given names: “The modern shepherd . . . has a wonderful memory, which retains the name of every sheep. The flocks sometimes contain several hundred, and yet each one has a name and the shepherd knows it, and calls every sheep by its proper name. . . . [One observer] tells of watching shepherds with flocks upon the slopes of Mount Hermon: ","‘Each shepherd . . . trains his sheep to come at his call, to go in order, in twos or fours, in squares and circles; one from the outer circle in a flock of a thousand will come when its name is called.’ It is the voice of the shepherd that the sheep recognizes. “A stranger once declared to a Syrian shepherd that the sheep knew the dress and not the voice of their master. The shepherd said it was the voice they knew. To prove this, he exchanged dresses with the stranger, who went among the sheep in the shepherd’s dress, calling the sheep in imitation of the shepherd’s voice, and tried to lead them. They knew not his voice, but when the shepherd called them, though he was disguised, the sheep ran at once at his call.”—Orientalisms in Bible Lands, by E. W. Rice, pp. 159-161.",John 10:2-5; ,g70 1/22 p. 26 ,,,joshlaymon,,7/2/2025
"People Who Are Small in Size, Midget, Dwarf, handicaps, mail letter, ring doorbell, shoes, clothing, ","IF YOU were struggling with some physical handicap, such as lameness, would you want others to view your condition as a joke? You rather would appreciate their manifesting empathy. And so it is with those who are unusually small in physical stature. The Bible tells us of a tax collector named Zacchaeus who was “small in size.” Because of this he climbed a tree so as to be able to see Jesus Christ. This illustrates the handicaps facing persons who are small in size, especially those who are between three and four feet tall. They may have difficulty when wanting to mail a letter or ring a doorbell. Getting small enough clothing, especially shoes, also presents a problem to them.","Those who are unusually small in size mainly belong to one of two groups: midgets and dwarfs. In the case of true midgets, everything about them in a physical way is ‘mini’—their head, their body, their limbs, their physical strength—but not their mental and emotional powers. The smallest midget on record was an Arab who grew to a height of only one foot, one and a half inches. About one in a million births results in a midget, most of whom are of normal size at birth. So, when you meet one of these persons who is small in size, treat him like the fellow human that he is. He will appreciate it. And, after all, that is the right thing to do, for does not God’s Word say: “Just as you want men to do to you, do the same way to them”?—Luke 6:31.","Luke 6:31, ",g70 2/22 p. 16,,,joshlaymon,,7/2/2025
"Snakes in Worship—Past and Present, ","Jehovah prohibited his people from worshipping images of animals, such as snakes. Thus, should it not be clear that those desirous of his favor must avoid the worship of snakes? Why does God reject idolatry, including snake worship? The reason is simple: He gives life to humans, to snakes, and to all other living things. They are all the works of his hands, so worship is due him, not the things he has created. To illustrate: Suppose that an architect constructed houses and gave them to families to live in and enjoy. What if those families thanked and praised the houses rather than the architect? Would that not be foolish, as well as offensive to the generous architect? ","Similarly, worshipping animals rather than their Creator is offensive to God. Clearly, those who wish to have God’s approval should heed the warning of the apostle John: “Little children, guard yourselves from idols.”—1 John 5:21.","1 John 5:21. Exodus 20:4, 5; ",g 3/10 p. 23,,,joshlaymon,,7/2/2025
"How Can I Manage Money Wisely? build a tower, calculate the expense, ","Consider the cost before buying. Jesus said: “Who of you that wants to build a tower does not first sit down and calculate the expense, to see if he has enough to complete it?” (Luke 14:28) ","Although Jesus was illustrating the need to count the cost of becoming one of his followers, his words are obviously true in a literal sense. So prepare a budget, listing your real needs and the costs.",Luke 14:28; ,g 5/10 p. 19 ,,,joshlaymon,,7/2/2025
"Memories of Eden, Adam. Eve. serpent, “Temptation Seal.” man and a woman naked, brokenhearted and downcast.","The cylinder seal to which Mr. Elder refers is evidently the one housed in the British Museum, in London, England. It is sometimes referred to as the “Temptation Seal.” The impression or picture it leaves when it is rolled on soft clay reflects Edenic happenings. A tree is shown in the center with a man seated on the right and a woman seated on the left. Behind the woman a serpent is seen standing erect as if it is speaking to her. Though the full meaning behind the symbolisms of this Babylonian seal is not known, the resemblances in it justify mention. Assyrian memories of Eden were not unlike those of Babylon. This is because Assyria’s religious ideas were almost the same as those held by the Babylonians. In fact, generally speaking, the Assyrian gods and goddesses are identical with the Babylonian deities except for one named Asshur.","Prominent among the Assyrian memories of Eden is their sacred tree or “tree of life.” The motif of a sacred tree being guarded by two winged creatures appears often in the sculpture found in their palaces. In some cases the winged creatures are half animal and half human. These distorted mythical representations are perhaps recollections of the posting of cherubs “to guard the way to the tree of life.”—Gen. 3:24. In 1932 a stone seal was found twelve miles north of Nineveh. This seal, now located in the University Museum in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, appears to reflect another ancient memory of Eden. It shows a man and a woman naked and walking bent down as if brokenhearted and downcast. Also a serpent is shown following them. Dr. E. A. Speiser, who found the seal, said it was “strongly suggestive of the Adam and Eve story.”","Gen. 3:24, ",g70 3/22 p. 18 ,,,joshlaymon,,7/3/2025
"Nadab and Abihu—Warning Examples, firstborn sons, respect to elders, presumptuousness, Alcohol, ","More than one thing. First of all, there might be said to be implied a warning for all firstborn sons not to think too highly of themselves. It is quite likely that Nadab the firstborn took the lead in this matter. Among other firstborn sons who failed to turn out well were Cain, the firstborn of Adam; Esau, the firstborn of Isaac; Reuben, the firstborn of Jacob, and Amnon, the firstborn of King David. There is also in this record a lesson for all youths to show respect to their elders, to look to them for guidance, especially if such parents are God-fearing. Youths should take care not to let a “generation gap” develop between them and their parents and other elders, for this gap is conducive to their going wrong. ","Plainly God’s Word counsels: “Honor your father and your mother.” “Observe, O my son, the commandment of your father, and do not forsake the law of your mother.” Certainly if Nadab and Abihu had had this mental attitude regarding their father they would not have come to grief.—Ex. 20:12; Prov. 6:20. In this record there also is contained a warning against presumptuousness, for it illustrates the principle: “Has presumptuousness come? Then dishonor will come.” (Prov. 11:2) Should we be favored with special privileges or be given unusual prominence, we must not let this give us too high an opinion of ourselves. Often such persons want to tell their superiors what they should do instead of modestly appreciating the need for direction. And finally there is the warning of the danger of being unduly influenced by alcoholic beverages. True, the Bible tells us that one of God’s gifts is wine which “makes the heart of mortal man rejoice,” and that we are to give “wine to those who are bitter of soul.” We are also told that a little wine is good for stomach trouble and other ills.—Ps. 104:15; Prov. 31:6; 1 Tim. 5:23.",Ex. 20:12; Prov. 6:20; Prov. 11:2; ,g70 3/22 p. 28,,,joshlaymon,,7/3/2025
"The Value of Toys, imagination, Balls, ropes, dolls, jacks, building blocks, marbles, model cars and trucks, ","A LITTLE pail and shovel, some water and soil or sand—that combination works wonders for a small child! With these tools he creates a castle, a bridge, a spaceship, a cave—any number of things his mind can conceive and delight in. Indeed, a toy may be anything a child gets his hands on to play with. Toys come in all sizes and shapes, colors and designs. The majority are manufactured to amuse children, stimulate them into action and, hopefully, educate them as well. Although they are as varied as they are numerous, the simple ones have proved to be the most durable. Balls, ropes, dolls, jacks, building blocks, marbles, model cars and trucks have been used for decades and are still popular with each new generation. Others have been improved upon over the years. ","There are now dolls that do almost as many things as a live baby. A few toys even rival complicated computers, being especially geared to create problems for the child to solve and help him to reason and make decisions.Then, too, there is a vast supply of unconventional toys. For when a child wants to play, he can convert almost anything around him into a plaything, as parents well know. It may be a piece of string, a rock, a flowerpot, a frying pan, a key chain, an old shoe, an ordinary box or a paper bag. As long as it holds his interest, it can serve as an electric light to his imagination, a bridge to the adult world and a train to that wonderful world of make-believe.Additionally, some toys may be quite safe but still unwise for children to have. Just because toys are sold in a store or may be currently popular with the majority, this will not unduly influence those who follow godly principles. The toys that methodically train a child to be violent and pretend to “kill” are not in keeping with the Christian command to “have intense love for one another” and to “seek peace and pursue it.” (1 Pet. 3:11; 4:8) So principles besides safety and popularity govern Christian parents’ choice of toys.",1 Pet. 3:11; 4:8; ,g71 1/8 p. 9 ,,,joshlaymon,,7/3/2025
"There Are Only Two Sides, Devil, Satan, two roads, Jesus did not refer to a third road, a middle way.","A study of the Bible reveals that the Devil is not just some imaginary character, but a powerful rebellious angel bent on turning all creatures away from the true worship of Jehovah God and getting them to serve him. Right at the beginning of Jesus’ earthly ministry the Devil tried to tempt Jesus from the course of single-minded devotion to Jehovah. (Matt. 4:1-11; Luke 4:1-13) Thus, all Christians are warned: “Keep your senses, be watchful. Your adversary, the Devil, walks about like a roaring lion, seeking to devour someone. But take your stand against him, solid in the faith.”—1 Pet. 5:8, 9. From this a Christian discerns that to please God he must be solid in his faith. ","Any weakening of the true faith by deliberately compromising with error or by carrying on practices out of line with the high standards of Christian conduct would please the Devil. Such a course would put one on the Devil’s side. Thus, there are just two sides: God’s side and the Devil’s side. Jesus emphasized this principle in his illustration of the two roads, at Matthew 7:13, 14: “Go in through the narrow gate; because broad and spacious is the road leading off into destruction, and many are the ones going in through it; whereas narrow is the gate and cramped the road leading off into life, and few are the ones finding it.” Jesus did not refer to a third road, a middle way. A person is either walking the cramped way of God, living his whole life according to God’s principles and high moral standards, or else he is following the crowd along the broad and spacious way as a part of this system of things, a system controlled by Satan the Devil. (2 Cor. 4:4) There are just these two roads; there are just two sides, God’s side and the Devil’s side, and they are completely opposed to each other.As further evidence that there are just two sides, consider the words of Jesus at Matthew 12:30:","Matt. 4:1-11; Luke 4:1-13; 1 Pet. 5:8, 9; ",g70 8/22 p. 6 ,,,joshlaymon,,7/3/2025
"Why Envy Celebrities? great athletes, wishful thinking, illusion, Fame, famous, forgotten, ","Usually a famous person is soon forgotten when he dies. Although his name may be preserved in history books, it ceases to be on the lips of the people. This is particularly so as new generations come and the older ones that knew him pass away. For example, how many great athletes who won fame in ancient Greece do you know by name? How many are acclaimed today? Did you ever hear of Philonides? He gained fame by running 105 miles in one day, but the public today do not acclaim him. How about Alcibiades? He was famous because he was the only one to have seven chariots in the Olympic games at one time and to carry off the first, second and third prizes. Cities joined together to celebrate his victory; yet he is unknown today by the general public.","The fame of such persons was relatively short-lived. It was not eternal, as some may have thought it would be. The same is true of fame today. Recently a well-known member of a singing trio said: “There we are, fixed in time, forever and ever.” Is this not mere illusion, wishful thinking? The only way anyone can be “fixed in time, forever and ever” is to gain the gift of eternal life that our Creator has promised to those doing his will.—Rom. 6:23.",Rom. 6:23. Ecclesiastes 9:5; ,g70 8/8 p. 4 ,,,joshlaymon,,7/3/2025
"What Makes It Tick? Clocks, watches, “escapement,” pendulum. five times every second.  two ruby jewels","But how is the flow of power through the wheels regulated so that they turn at the right speed to register correctly the passing of time?  This is the job of the “escapement,” the heart and brain of the watch. The accuracy of the watch is dependent upon its precision, quality and condition. Perhaps you can visualize to some extent the operation of the escapement by considering again the illustration of the spool of thread attached to the wall. Suppose now that you carefully carve teeth in the outer rim of the spool. Then below the spool of thread, mount to the wall a specially designed fork having a pendulum. Mount it to the wall with a nail at the fork’s pivot point. Position the fork so that its two points enmesh in the teeth of the spool.","Now if you pull the thread, one tooth of the spool will push one point of the fork away from the spool, and this will move the pendulum to one side. This will cause the other point of the fork to enmesh with a tooth of the spool. As you continue pulling the thread, the pendulum will return and the first fork point will enmesh with the following spool tooth. As this action continues, the connecting and disconnecting of these parts will make a rapid tick. In your watch this tick normally occurs five times every second. A wristwatch generally employs a highly refined escapement, using a fifteen-tooth escape wheel and two ruby jewels at the tips of the fork. In a watch this is called a pallet fork. There is another wheel known as a balance wheel in a watch. This is connected about where the pendulum is located in our illustrated escapement. The speed at which the balance wheel moves back and forth is governed by a hairspring. The balance wheel and hairspring are coordinated to swing back and forth five times a second or 18,000 times an hour.",Ephesians 6:3; ,g70 7/8 pp. 17-18,,,joshlaymon,,7/3/2025
"What Makes It Tick? Clocks, watches, “escapement,” pendulum. five times every second.  two ruby jewels","But how does a mechanical timepiece work? How does it keep time? What makes it tick? To help visualize the function of a watch, you might mount a spool of thread on a nail on the wall. Then use a little glue to attach a toothpick to the end of the spool. This toothpick will serve as the minute hand. Now slowly pull the thread of the spool. This will turn the spool and the attached toothpick, the minute hand. If you pull the thread at just the proper rate, the minute hand will make one complete revolution in an hour. Thus, you will have an instrument for measuring time—although a very crude one. ","A mechanical timepiece does essentially the same thing. It moves pointers or hands around the face of a watch at precise rates of speed to mark off the day in time units of seconds, minutes and hours. However, the mechanism for maintaining the correct rate of movement of the hands, as well as their synchronization with each other, is indeed complex. First, a watch must have a power source to move the hands. In the above illustration the power was provided by pulling the thread. This turned the spool, which turned the toothpick, or minute hand. In an ordinary watch the power is supplied by a “mainspring.” This is a thin, narrow ribbonlike piece of highly tempered steel.The mainspring is inside a barrel that has gear teeth around its outer circumference. To store up power, there is a winding mechanism by means of which the mainspring can be wound. Thus when you wind your watch, you are storing power in the mainspring. The mainspring is attached to the inside of the barrel in such a way that it turns the barrel around as it fights to uncoil itself.",Ephesians 6:3; ,g70 7/8 p. 17 ,,,joshlaymon,,7/3/2025
"Your Liver Speaks Up, I do more than 500 jobs, digestion of your food, sharpness of your brain, ","YOU probably give me little thought. Oh, you may at times be concerned about your heart or lungs, but seldom about me—your liver. Many persons have little idea of what I do. Did you know that if I were to stop functioning you would be dead in less than a day? In the number and complexity of my functions I put to shame your better-known organs, the heart and lungs. I don’t mean to brag, but I perform tasks so complex that it would take a large chemical company with acres of plant to accomplish even some of my simpler jobs. And they just could not carry out some of my more complex assignments. Actually I do more than 500 jobs—at least that is how many have been catalogued. But men are constantly discovering new ones that I accomplish. ","I make over 1,000 different enzymes to manage my chemical conversions! Should I fall down on any of my major operations, you would get sick and die. Even my lesser duties are important to your well-being. I participate in practically everything that you and the other organs in your body do. I’m vital to the digestion of your food, the sharpness of your brain, the strength of your muscles, the makeup of your blood, the beat of your heart. I’m well acquainted with you. Now, don’t you think you should become more familiar with me? Only if you care for me can I do the same for you.",Proverbs 7:23; ,g70 7/8 pp. 12-13 ,,,joshlaymon,,7/3/2025
"Be Alert to Dangers of Spiritism, divination, a practicer of magic, omens or a sorcerer, inquires of the dead. ","WOULD you put your hand on a stove to see if it was hot enough to burn you? If you were thirsty and saw a dark-colored bottle containing some sort of liquid, would you drink some of it, hoping that it would do you good?“Why, that, would be unreasonable,” you may say. Well, it is the same with becoming involved in spiritism in its many forms and variations. Not only is such involvement unreasonable, it is also dangerous. In fact, it can be even more dangerous than touching a heated stove or drinking poisonous liquid. For this reason God long ago commanded his people:","“There should not be found in you anyone . . . who employs divination, a practicer of magic or anyone who looks for omens or a sorcerer, or one who binds others with a spell or anyone who consults a spirit medium or a professional foreteller of events or anyone who inquires of the dead. For everybody doing these things is something detestable to Jehovah.”—Deut. 18:10-12. Then why do so many people dabble in spiritism? One reason no doubt is that their religious organization has not taught them what God’s Word has to say on the matter. It has not pointed them to the Scriptures.",Deut. 18:10-12. ,g70 6/8 p. 5 ,,,joshlaymon,,7/3/2025
"The Better Conquest, slow to anger, capturing a city, Alexander the Great, uncontrollable anger.","“He that is slow to anger is better than a mighty man, and he that is controlling his spirit than the one capturing a city.” (Prov. 16:32) The truthfulness of this Bible proverb has been illustrated time and time again throughout history. There have been many rulers who conquered nations, but who were slaves to their own passions or temper. ","Alexander the Great was one such individual. Though he conquered empires, he was enslaved to an uncontrollable anger. Once in a fit of anger he killed his best friend, the one whom he professed to love above all others. The wisdom behind this proverb is so self-evident that many nations have formed similar ones. One of them reads, “He is more of a hero who has conquered himself, than he who has taken the best fortified city.”",Prov. 16:32; ,g70 5/22 p. 12 ,,,joshlaymon,,7/3/2025
"An African Wife Overcomes Reproach, superstitious, witchcraft, parasites, Miscarriages, stillbirths, malformed ","Thus I was thrown aside as worthless. I was like the dying embers of a fire. I needed to be stirred up again through close association with God’s people. Jehovah, not some genie, now truly became my helper, and under his care I made good spiritual progress. That was an unforgettable day when I accompanied that old Witness—the one I used to run away from—in the preaching ministry. People were surprised when I was able to tell them things about God, though I had never been inside a regular school. Later I even learned to read God’s grand promises to them out of the Bible.","Then, in due course, came baptism. My life now had definite meaning, for now I belonged to God. What a blessing I could be to others! How well I understood the fears and despairs of my superstitious country sisters! Particularly to those who could not have children I poured out my heart. Rather than the work of witchcraft, as they supposed, it was possibly the work of parasites that can affect the internal organs to the point of “spoiling the young belly.” Doctors later expressed the opinion that this had been the cause of my miscarriage. But the great Healer would soon correct our imperfect bodies. Miscarriages, stillbirths, malformed and sickly offspring will not mar the joy of those who share in repopulating the earth. No longer will mothers “bring to birth for disturbance.”—Isa. 65:23.Then, in due course, came baptism. My life now had definite meaning, for now I belonged to God. What a blessing I could be to others! How well I understood the fears and despairs of my superstitious country sisters! Particularly to those who could not have children I poured out my heart. Rather than the work of witchcraft, as they supposed, it was possibly the work of parasites that can affect the internal organs to the point of “spoiling the young belly.” Doctors later expressed the opinion that this had been the cause of my miscarriage. But the great Healer would soon correct our imperfect bodies. Miscarriages, stillbirths, malformed and sickly offspring will not mar the joy of those who share in repopulating the earth. No longer will mothers “bring to birth for disturbance.”—Isa. 65:23.",Isa. 65:23; ,g70 5/8 pp. 18-19 ,,,joshlaymon,,7/3/2025
"An African Wife Overcomes Reproach, superstitious, witchcraft, parasites, Miscarriages, stillbirths, malformed ","One day a suspicious-looking old man left with my lover a little book about God. He promised to return. As soon as the sound of his motorcycle reached me I fled into the cassava bush. Why should a strange man come and visit people like us, except to catch us for sacrifice? One day, arriving on foot, he did catch us, but his friendly greeting stopped me in my tracks. Through an interpreter he told about a great chief who handed over much good farmland to people he loved. They could keep the land as long as they respected the chief and his laws. Failing miserably, they defied the chief and filled the place with trouble. Now the kindly chief was coming quickly to throw out the troublemakers and give his possession to appreciative ones.","With this illustration I came to understand the Creator’s purpose for the first time. And I learned that his name is Jehovah. What a grand future was offered to those who would please this great Heavenly Chief!Deep within me something came alive, something that had died long before. All the sacrifices I had paid for had been unable to give me hope. Now there was something to live for after all. It was as though from the bottom of a dark hole I was being raised gradually into the light and warmth. I gladly consented to have this old man come and teach us the Bible regularly. Faith was built up as I learned all about the one having ‘the keys of death and the grave,’ Jesus Christ. (Rev. 1:18) There was hope that my little brother would live again!",Rev. 1:18; ,g70 5/8 pp. 17-18 ,,,joshlaymon,,7/3/2025
"Is a Change of Religion Too Difficult? Saul the Pharisee, Jesus, Abraham, worshipers of the moon god, Challenge, ","Consider this illustration: A bridled horse or a loaded donkey must perform the will of its master. It is useless for the animal to balk or kick against the spurs or goad, for it is inevitable that the will of the master shall be done. Thus, when Saul the Pharisee kept persecuting Christians, the Lord Jesus told him: “Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting me? To keep kicking against the goads makes it hard for you.” (Acts 26:14) Anyone who balks at taking the course clearly marked out for true worshipers of God only makes more difficulty for himself, and risks loss of life.","Much less difficult it is to make the change to right religion, even as did Abraham, who grew up among worshipers of the moon god, Rahab the harlot, Ruth the Moabitess, Mary the Jewish mother of Jesus and a host of others. Would you not rather follow the lead of such God-fearing men and women and be classified with them than with the cowardly ones who will never share the blessings of God’s kingdom? (Rev. 21:8) By seeking God’s help through prayer and then resolutely moving forward to carry out his will for you, you can prove for yourself and others that a change to the right religion is not too difficult.",Acts 26:14; Rev. 21:8; ,g71 1/8 p. 28,,,joshlaymon,,7/3/2025
"Getting God’s Viewpoint on Marriage, witch doctor, changed my whole pattern of thinking. ","After one of the weekly Bible studies I began to confide in my Witness friend about my circumstances, without mentioning my resort to spiritism. She kindly but firmly encouraged me to continue studying the Bible, and she held forth the hope that the seemingly insurmountable problems would vanish in due time. I ended by frankly confessing the truth about my marital situation. It was after this discussion that we came to a passage in the little Bible study aid, Living in Hope of a Righteous New World, that changed my whole pattern of thinking.Here is the quotation from that booklet that arrested my attention: “The Christian would never, therefore, resort to demonism or witchcraft for protection or for healing purposes. The dedicated Christian is commanded by God to put faith in Him.” At the same time the Bible text at Ephesians 6:14-18 was referred to. There was also an accompanying illustration showing a Christian woman with a child strapped to her back, putting out her hand in rejection of the help of a witch doctor with his paraphernalia. Later we also discussed an important section of the same publication dealing with “Honorable Conduct in Marriage.” During the discussion I learned that men today could not draw upon Abraham and other patriarchs as examples in the matter of having relations with more than one woman. With the coming of Christ the polygamy practiced by the Hebrews was to be tolerated no longer. Christian men were to be ‘husbands of one wife’ and ‘each woman was to have her own husband.’ (1 Tim. 3:2, 12; 1 Cor. 7:2) What a revelation this was!","“The Christian would never, therefore, resort to demonism or witchcraft for protection or for healing purposes. The dedicated Christian is commanded by God to put faith in Him.” At the same time the Bible text at Ephesians 6:14-18 was referred to. There was also an accompanying illustration showing a Christian woman with a child strapped to her back, putting out her hand in rejection of the help of a witch doctor with his paraphernalia. Later we also discussed an important section of the same publication dealing with “Honorable Conduct in Marriage.” During the discussion I learned that men today could not draw upon Abraham and other patriarchs as examples in the matter of having relations with more than one woman. With the coming of Christ the polygamy practiced by the Hebrews was to be tolerated no longer. Christian men were to be ‘husbands of one wife’ and ‘each woman was to have her own husband.’ (1 Tim. 3:2, 12; 1 Cor. 7:2) What a revelation this was!","Ephesians 6:14-18; 1 Tim. 3:2, 12; 1 Cor. 7:2; ",g71 2/8 p. 14 ,,,joshlaymon,,7/3/2025
"The Gift of Language, grunts and barks? gradually simplified it to the modern form.” evolution, ","Did language really start with simple grunts and barks? An article in Science Illustrated of July 1948 stated: “Older forms of the languages known today were far more difficult than their modern descendants . . . man appears not to have begun with a simple speech, and gradually made it more complex, but rather to have gotten hold of a tremendously knotty speech somewhere in the unrecorded past, and gradually simplified it to the modern form.”","Linguist Dr. Mason also points out that “the idea that ‘savages’ speak in a series of grunts, and are unable to express many ‘civilized’ concepts, is very wrong.” He adds that “many of the languages of non-literate peoples are far more complex than modern European ones.”—Science News Letter, September 3, 1955. The evidence is thus against any ‘evolutionary’ origin of speech or of ancient languages.","Genesis 11:1, 6, 7; ",g71 2/22 p. 7,,,joshlaymon,,7/3/2025
"Violins of Distinction, fiddle, Amati, a Stradivarius, or a Guarneri. skill, tones changing, f-holes,","We soon come to realize even more that, besides the matter of fidelity in building and fitting its component parts, each step in the construction of a violin is filled with acoustical meaning. The top piece certainly illustrates this. When the top has been finished inside and out and struck lightly, it should give a vibration tone of F#. But after the f-holes are cut out, its vibration tone is changed to C#. The addition of the bass-bar alters the tone again. The bass-bar is a piece of spruce that is glued just inside on the top piece of the violin at the upper edge of the left f-hole, and runs along under the G string. ","It serves to produce a stronger sound on the G string as well as support for the left foot of the bridge. When it has been installed on the top piece, the vibration tone is changed again, and this time to E. The f-holes, which allow sound to escape, must be made with the utmost of care and be exactly the right size. If they are too small, vibration tones are locked within the body and the sound is muffled. If cut too large, a tone too thin and shrill is produced.",2 Chronicles 5:13;,g71 2/22 pp. 21-22 ,,,joshlaymon,,7/3/2025
"A New Bible Translation—No Easy Matter, footnotes, research, layout, printing type, problems, ","Another question with which the translator must cope is, To what extent shall provision be made for clarifying footnotes or explanations of passages that are difficult to understand? The famous passage in Matthew 5:13 where Jesus speaks of the salt losing its strength is cited by the Committee as a case in point. Since ordinarily salt does not lose its strength, the Committee suggests the following footnote to that verse: “The illustration of salt losing its strength and being thrown outside to be trampled on by men, can be explained by the way bedouins still use slabs of salt in their primitive ovens, where the salt at first stimulates the burning of camel manure, but later, through a chemical change, has the opposite effect.","The now unusable slabs of salt would be used as road fill.” Many footnotes of this nature would require extensive research in addition to the labors of translation. And yet this does not exhaust the problems of turning out a new translation. Still remaining to be determined are such questions as, How should the text be set on the pages? How should chapters and verses be arranged? What printing type should be used?",Matthew 5:13; ,g71 3/8 p. 26,,,joshlaymon,,7/3/2025
The Holy Spirit—A Person? ,"On the night before he was executed Christ made an assuring promise to them, saying: “I will ask the Father, and he shall give you another Paraclete [Greek, pa·raʹkle·tos], that he may abide with you for ever. The spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, nor knoweth him.” (John 14:16, 17, Catholic Douay Version [Dy]) Persons who use the King James Version (AV) may be more familiar with the term “Comforter,” which that version uses instead of “Paraclete.” In either case, many persons conclude that Jesus was promising that a divine person would help his followers, that the holy spirit or “Holy Ghost” is a person.","But does what the Bible says about the “Paraclete” or “Comforter” really prove that the holy spirit is a living person?Both the Hebrew and Greek words for “spirit” are the same words that are translated “wind.” Like the wind, the holy spirit cannot be seen; still it is an active force that can produce effects. Its being referred to as the “Spirit of God” or the “Spirit of the LORD” is evidence that it is an instrumentality that belongs to God.—Gen. 1:2; Judg. 15:14; AV, Dy.something that is not a living person. This might be illustrated with how the word could be applied to the sun, the Greek word for “sun” being heʹli·os. Anyone will admit that the sun is not a person; it does not think or live. Like the wind, (aʹne·mos) the sun is inanimate.","John 14:16, 17, Gen. 1:2; Judg. 15:14;",g71 3/22 p. 27,,,joshlaymon,,7/3/2025
"Beware of Being Overreached, Satan, Devil, immorality, danger, ","That an entire congregation, and particularly those responsible for its oversight, must guard against being overreached by Satan is illustrated in the case of the early Christian congregation in Corinth. One of its members had fallen into gross immorality. Instead of clearing out this wickedness, the congregation was falling into Satan’s snare, being puffed up rather than feeling sad about the case. The apostle Paul instructed the congregation to expel the wicked man.—1 Cor. 5:1-5, 13.","Later, the man repented and changed his course, after a period of being disfellowshiped. Now Paul wrote the congregation, exhorting them to forgive the man and receive him back, in order that, as he said, “we may not be overreached by Satan, for we are not ignorant of his designs.” Yes, Christians must not forget what Satan’s designs are. In the first instance, the congregation had been lax, not careful to maintain cleanness in the congregation. But now there was danger of swinging to the other extreme—becoming hard, harsh and unforgiving to the truly repentant one. This would have suited the Devil’s purpose equally well and cost them God’s favor.—2 Cor. 2:5-11; Matt. 6:14, 15; Jas. 2:13.","1 Cor. 5:1-5, 13. 2 Cor. 2:5-11; Matt. 6:14, 15; Jas. 2:13.",g71 5/22 pp. 9-10,,,joshlaymon,,7/3/2025
"Why Try to Be an Exception? Picking pockets, Achan, gamblers. exception to the rule.","THE thief who makes picking pockets his career is a highly trained specialist. He has taken great pains to become skilled in the use of his fingers, in observing human nature and in not arousing suspicions. Invariably he likes to think that he is more adept than all others in his profession. Should he be apprehended, he is not only embarrassed but often struck by disbelief: “How could it be that I should have been detected?” He well illustrates the human weakness of thinking that one is an exception to the rule. Today picking pockets is being outstripped by crimes involving violence. But the conceit that marks the pickpocket is more prevalent than ever before. ","More and more persons engage in lawless, foolish, reckless or loose conduct, confident that they can get away with it, that they will not get caught or have to pay the price for their folly. Among ancient Biblical examples that might be mentioned of those who thought that they could get away with it is that of Achan. When God’s time came for the Israelites to capture the city of Jericho, and they were warned not to take any spoil, Achan secretly seized valuable spoil and hid it in his tent. He thought that he would be an exception, that he could get away with it. But did he? No; Jehovah God was watching and saw to it that Achan was exposed and suffered the penalty, death by stoning.—Josh. 7:1-26.",Josh. 7:1-26; ,g71 11/8 p. 3 ,,,joshlaymon,,7/4/2025
"How Do You View the Customs of Others? Left hand, toilet matters, ","IN A luxurious restaurant in London an Englishman and an African began to eat their dinner. As the African nimbly picked up his food with his fingers the manager’s eyes flashed in anger. “All right,” he said to the Englishman, “I must ask you to leave—and take your friend with you.” A lady snorted, “Why don’t they learn to eat properly?” The two got up and left, as all eyes followed them. What had gone wrong? Were they not well dressed and polite? Ah, but the fingers! It is not considered proper to eat with the fingers!","Often persons are unaware of how peculiar or offensive their customs can be to people of another background. This was also illustrated a few years ago when a visitor from Canada had an audience with an African chief in Ghana. The Canadian gestured freely with his left hand. He also presented a book to the chief with his left hand. This shocked the tribal elders. Speaking to the chief in their native language, they demanded that the man be set straight as to what are proper manners. You see, to Ghanaians the left hand is unclean. This is because it is associated with toilet matters. So it is never used to give or receive things, or to eat food. Even though one may wash both hands equally well, according to Ghanaian custom the left is still considered unclean.",Ruth 4:7; John 18:39;,g71 10/22 p. 5 ,,,joshlaymon,,7/4/2025
"The Basic Causes of Today’s Pressures, Sin, humans, cement, people, ","To illustrate, consider a construction company in a certain country that uses cement from the only cement plant in that country. Using that cement, the company puts up a large government building, then a factory, later an apartment house, a school, finally a bridge. But one by one each of these constructions develops structural weaknesses that lead to breakage or even collapse. The construction company tries again and again, rebuilding or putting up entirely new structures, using new plans, designs and methods. But the results are always the same.Should the company keep on trying still other plans and methods to solve the problem? The problem lies with the basic structural material: the cement. It is deficient in strength, working fairly well in smaller structures but manifesting more clearly its deficiency when subject to the stress and strain of a larger structure. ","A chemical analysis may reveal its hidden weakness. Only if the company finds a way to compensate for or counteract this weakness in the cement, perhaps by adding certain ingredients, can it attain a measure of success.So, too, with mankind. Men have tried to bring about a peaceful, prosperous, joyful world. They have formed political governments of all kinds and types, an unending succession that goes on till our day. Should we expect that by some new plans, designs or methods, by shifting or juggling their political, economic and social leadership around, men can change matters and convert failure into success? No, because something is wrong with the basic material that forms all these governments and systems. What is that material? Human creatures—people and sin.",, g71 10/8 pp. 18-19 ,,,joshlaymon,,7/4/2025
"Should Women Be Ministers? eyes, ears, order, run smoothly, ","Nowhere in the Bible, however, are women told to stand before the congregation to teach. Rather, the apostle Paul instructed them to “keep quiet in the meetings.” Why? One reason, he wrote, is so that things would be done “in a proper and orderly way.” (1 Corinthians 14:34, 40, Today’s English Version) For the congregation to run smoothly, God has assigned the role of teaching to one group. Note, though, that a person is not granted the privilege of oversight in the congregation simply because he is a male; it is granted only to those men who truly qualify.—1 Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9.","Is the role that God has assigned to women demeaning? No. Remember, Jehovah God ordains them to a high calling—that of publicly bearing witness about him. (Psalm 68:11) Among Jehovah’s Witnesses today, men and women who are public ministers have helped millions to attain to repentance and gain salvation. (Acts 2:21; 2 Peter 3:9) That is no small accomplishment! The arrangement for men and women promotes peace while showing honor to both genders. To illustrate: The eyes and ears perform complementary tasks to help a pedestrian cross a busy street. Similarly, when men and women accomplish God’s will according to the roles they have each been assigned, God blesses the congregation with peace.—1 Corinthians 14:33; Philippians 4:9.","1 Corinthians 14:34, 40, 1 Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:5-9.",g 7/10 p. 29 ,,,joshlaymon,,7/4/2025
"Why Doesn’t God Get Rid of the Devil? Satan, precedent, ","IF YOU could relieve the suffering of another person, would you? Relief workers often rush to a natural disaster to relieve suffering and to save the lives of total strangers. So one might ask, ‘Why wouldn’t God hurry to get rid of the Devil, the one who is responsible for untold human suffering?’ To help answer that question, you might visualize a prominent court case. The murderer, desperate to halt the proceedings, claims that the judge is dishonest in the way he presides over his own courtroom, and he even asserts that the jurors are being bribed by the judge. So countless witnesses are allowed to provide testimony. ","The judge knows that the extensive proceedings will cause much inconvenience, and he would like to have the case concluded without undue delay. Yet, he realizes that to arrive at a judgment that will set a precedent for possible future cases, both parties must be allowed sufficient time to present their side of the dispute. How does this illustration relate to a challenge the Devil—also called “dragon,” “serpent,” and “Satan”—hurled at Jehovah, “the Most High over all the earth”? (Revelation 12:9; Psalm 83:18) Who really is the Devil? And what accusations has he made against Jehovah God? Also, when will God get rid of him? The Setting of a Moral Precedent Originally the one who became the Devil was a perfect spirit person, one of God’s angels. (Job 1:6, 7) He made himself the Devil when he became obsessed with a selfish ambition to be worshipped by humans. So he challenged God’s right to rule, even insinuating that God does not deserve to be obeyed. He charged that humans serve God only when bribed with blessings. Satan claimed that under personal hardship all people would “curse” their Creator.—Job 1:8-11; 2:4, 5.",Revelation 12:9; Psalm 83:18; ,g 12/10 pp. 10-11,,,joshlaymon,,7/4/2025
"How Can the Remedies Be Found? infection, pain, symptom, root cause, ","To illustrate: If a certain part of your body hurt due to infection, you could take a drug to deaden the pain. But would that solve the problem? No, for it would treat only the symptom, not the cause. When the drug wore off, the pain would return, since the infection would still be there. Instead, if the root cause was determined as being the infection, and it was properly treated, the pain would be eliminated. ","Similarly, in looking for remedies for today’s pressures, we need to look beneath the surface. Superficial remedies clearly have not worked, because the pressures continue to grow. They will be relieved only when the basic causes are determined and the right remedies applied. What, then, are the underlying causes of today’s fantastic pressures? One of several causes has to do with the individual himself. To an extent, people bring pressures on themselves. They may do this in various ways. Revelation 21:4, 5; ","Revelation 21:4, 5;",g71 10/8 pp. 13-14,,,joshlaymon,,7/4/2025
"Genetics—Has It Uncovered the Secret of Life? DNA chain, Give Praise to Whom It Belongs, intelligence, ","Even in the simplest forms of life, the DNA chain is still extremely complex. For example, after twenty years of research, biologists have mapped out only about one third of the genes along the DNA spiral in the “elementary” intestinal bacterium known as Escherichia coli. If man with his intelligence takes twenty years just to map the composition of a few genes, how would blind forces ever gather the needed material, put it together and make it operate in this complex way? ","If its DNA chain was only, say, three-quarters or nine-tenths complete, not even a one-celled animal could come to life. No, the creature had to appear whole, all together, at once, or not at all. This requires creation and a Mastermind. All these things illustrate the point that we should not be too ready to give men praise beyond what they deserve. We should use good sense and balance. When observing the extremely intricate, even marvelous makeup and operation of living cells, do we see “blind forces” operating? Or do we see the intelligence of an invisible Super Architect, who gave man the brains to search into and understand some of the things of His creation and the laws governing them?—Rom. 1:20.",Rom. 1:20.,g71 9/8 p. 7 ,,,joshlaymon,,7/4/2025
"The Dollar in Trouble Overseas, ","There was a time when the American dollar was greatly prized. Individuals and governments in other lands were happy to have large holdings of them. That is no longer the case. Why has this situation come about? To illustrate: suppose you had a job that paid you $1,000 every week. Would you say that you were well off financially? Most people certainly would say so. However, what if you spent $1,100 every week during the year? What if you spent $1,200 every week next year? What if you continued spending more than your income year after year? Simple mathematics would tell you that, after you used up any savings you had, you would be going deep into debt.","After a while, banks and credit firms would realize that you were living too far beyond your means and that you were a poor risk. They would see that you were headed for bankruptcy and would stop lending you money. Thus, regardless of what income a person has, he certainly is not well off if he continues to spend more than he makes. That is not the way to prosperity. It is the way to go broke. To avoid bankruptcy, unless it is too late, he has to change his way of living. He must get his spending in line with his income. Nor does it matter if he makes $100 a week, $1,000 a week, or $1,000,000 a week. What is crucial is how much he spends. If he keeps spending more than he makes, he will eventually get into trouble.",2 Timothy 3:2; ,g71 8/22 p. 3 ,,,joshlaymon,,7/4/2025
Happy the Merciful—They Will Be Shown Mercy’ ,"THERE is a saying, “Virtue is its own reward.” That saying is well meant, for he who is virtuous with an eye to material reward is not really virtuous. However, God’s Word assures us that Jehovah God also rewards virtue, that is, goodness and right doing. In fact, the apostle Paul states that to please God we must believe not only that He exists but that He rewards those earnestly seeking Him. (Heb. 11:6) Jesus Christ, the Son of God, made the same point in his Sermon on the Mount when he said: “Happy are the merciful, since they will be shown mercy.”—Matt. 5:7.","To many persons the word “mercy” has only the legal sense of not exacting the full penalty that justice requires. Thus to commute a death sentence to one of life imprisonment is deemed an act of mercy. God’s Word often uses “mercy” with this connotation. But “mercy” has also another meaning, that of showing kindness or compassion, consideration to deserving or needy ones, and it is with this meaning that the word “mercy” is used most frequently in the Bible, in both the Hebrew and Greek Scriptures.",Heb. 11:6; Matt. 5:7.,g71 8/8 p. 27,,,joshlaymon,,7/4/2025
Happy the Merciful—They Will Be Shown Mercy’ ,"Jehovah God, in his great love, consideration and compassion, causes the sun to shine and the rain to fall upon the wicked and the righteous. And “by God’s undeserved kindness” not only did Jesus “taste death for every man” but God made provision that “all those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice and come out,” “both the righteous and the unrighteous.” (Heb. 2:9; John 5:28, 29; Acts 24:15) But to benefit fully from God’s undeserved kindnesses, to continue to enjoy them, to keep on being the recipients of his mercies, persons must also be merciful. They must make it a practice to show kindness or compassion to their fellowman.","Jesus’ illustration of the sheep and goats as found at Matthew 25:31-46, and which parable is having fulfillment in our day, makes a similar point regarding the importance of mercy. Therein Jesus tells of some, the sheeplike ones, who showed many kindnesses, mercies, who manifested compassion to him in that they did so to his “brothers.” How did they show such merciful compassion? By feeding Christ’s spiritual brothers when hungry, clothing them when in need of covering, visiting them when sick and when in prison. Because of having done all these things Jesus says they will be shown kindness, favor and consideration: “Come, you who have been blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the founding of the world.” And in particular will they be shown compassion in that God will protect them in the day of his anger.","Heb. 2:9; John 5:28, 29; Acts 24:15; Matthew 25:31-46; ",g71 8/8 pp. 27-28,,,joshlaymon,,7/4/2025
"Divisions Widen Within Church, Catholic fighting Catholic, ""West Side Story,"" ","One priest spoke of racial divisions among Catholics in the United States. He said the situation was well illustrated by the musical drama “West Side Story.” He remarked that the two gangs, one made up of European immigrant Americans and the other of Puerto Rican Americans, were both composed of Catholics wearing crosses around their necks. Yet this did not prevent them from hating and fighting each other. And a black Catholic priest in Baltimore noted the race distinction within the Catholic Church in America.",Yet this did not prevent them from hating and fighting each other. And a black Catholic priest in Baltimore noted the race distinction within the Catholic Church in America.,2 Kings 17:27; ,g71 7/22 p. 9 ,,,joshlaymon,,7/5/2025
"The Wondrous Clock of Living Things, Creation, Schedule, precise timetable. Light is reliable,","HAVE you noticed the marvelous sense of timing of living things? Each year plants germinate, grow and flower according to schedule. Not all are on the same schedule—some flower in the spring, others in the summer and still others in autumn and early winter. But each species knows the right time to carry out its various activities.It is similar with animals. They breed, reproduce, become dormant, migrate and perform other functions as if they were following a precise timetable. Consider the insects that spend winter in a dormant state called diapause. Toward the end of summer, while the weather is still warm, they interrupt their busy feeding and reproduction activities and begin to settle into their dormant state. How do they know that winter is near?","Also, there are the birds that migrate to the tropics to spend the winter. With the coming of spring in the north, they head for home. Since the temperature in the tropics is about the same as when the birds arrived, how do they know that it is warming up back home? Many people have asked questions like these. Have you? It is believed that the main timing device of living things is light. It used to be commonly thought that the changing temperatures of the season triggered the various responses in plants and animals. But temperature is variable; it is inconsistent from year to year. Light, on the other hand, is reliable. On any given day of the year the length of daylight will be the same. It never varies. Thus a living organism is provided with exact information on the advance of the seasons.",Jeremiah 8:7; ,g71 7/8 p. 13 ,,,joshlaymon,,7/5/2025
"Learning to Swim, information, ","Do you know how to swim? Do your children? The value of knowing how is illustrated by a boat trip that the Christian apostle Paul took. A storm drove the boat aground off the island of Malta, where it began to break apart. Those who knew how to swim jumped into the water and swam to land safely. Could you have done that? If you know how to swim, you will be able to meet similar emergencies today.—Acts 27:42-44.","SWIMMING is a skill that requires real effort to learn. But it opens the door to many pleasures, including water-skiing, surfing and diving. It also provides the best of exercise. And it frees one from helplessness in the water, which may even save one’s life.",Acts 27:42-44.,g71 7/8 p. 10,,,joshlaymon,,7/5/2025
"God’s Wisdom in Dealing with Mankind, fringes, whisper, mighty thunder, ","Jehovah’s servant Job recounted God’s exhibition of unmatched power and wisdom in the field of natural science, and then exclaimed: “Look! These are [only] the fringes of his ways, and what a whisper of a matter has been heard of him!” ","Yes, marvelous as God’s wisdom is seen to be in creation, it is only a very faint reflection of the boundless wisdom of the all-wise God. After making this exclamation, Job proceeded to recount God’s acts of wisdom in dealing with humankind.—Job 26:14.",Job 26:14.,g71 6/8 p. 12,,,joshlaymon,,7/5/2025
"God’s Wisdom in Dealing with Mankind, patience, advance warning, no reason to delay, Canaanites, purpose, ","However, God, though he has the power to do so, never acts arbitrarily. Before he acts he lays a solid foundation. For example, in executing judgment, he gives ample advance warning. (Ezek. 3:17-21; Amos 3:7) Furthermore, he lets conditions progress to the point where it is obvious that action is necessary, and that there is no legal or moral reason to delay longer. This was illustrated in the 1,656 years prior to the Flood and later in his patiently withholding the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, and of the Canaanites (among whom the Amorites were prominent).—Gen. 18:20, 21; 15:13-16.","From the earliest record, then, we see that God has had a definite purpose in everything he has done. At the outset he stated his purpose to deliver mankind when he promised the ‘seed of the woman,’ who would destroy God’s serpentlike adversary and those serving him.—Gen. 3:15.",Ezek. 3:17-21; Amos 3:7; ,g71 6/8 p. 13 ,,,joshlaymon,,7/5/2025
"The Happy Graduates of Gilead School, Experience, M. G. Henschel, evangelizing work, ","M. G. Henschel, a Watch Tower Society director, told the graduates: “The experiences you will have in the ministry will make you value the ministry as a great treasure. You will have many blessings.” To illustrate the kind of blessings awaiting them, he related an experience that one Gilead graduate had in South America: A man eighty-eight years of age, afflicted with asthma, prepared to die. He bought himself a coffin and also burial clothes. But one day a missionary of the good news of God’s kingdom called at his home. The elderly man accepted a Bible study. Within three weeks this man’s viewpoint had completely changed. He started going to the Christian meetings at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s witnesses, bringing his eight children. ","He progressed spiritually. When the time came for a Christian assembly, the man wanted to attend and to be baptized. But he needed money to go. So he sold his coffin. Now he had money. However, he needed something to wear while getting baptized, so he put on his burial clothes. Now all his family is studying the Bible, and he himself has started a Bible study with another man, one who is ninety-nine years of age!",Isaiah 60:22; ,g71 11/8 pp. 25-26 ,DO YOU HAVE THE EVENGELIZING SPIRIT?,063,joshlaymon,,7/5/2025
"Columbus the Contributor, Information, Potato, Corn, Kenya, livestock, ","“When Columbus crossed the Atlantic in 1492 and established the link between the Old World and the New, he set in motion an exchange of crops between the two worlds, some of which found a much better ecological niche in the world to which they were introduced than in the one from which they originally came. As this exchange of crops progressed, the earth’s population-sustaining capacity expanded greatly. ”This is illustrated with the potato, which Spanish explorers introduced into Europe from South America in the 1500’s. It became a staple food item in many parts of Europe. “The Irish population grew rapidly for several decades on the strength of the expanded food supply which the potato . . . made available.”","Corn, a cereal crop indigenous to the Americas, is now produced earth wide. It is the principal food staple in Kenya and is even exported from Thailand. On the other hand, wheat, oats, barley and rye were brought to the Americas and grew very well over much of the Great Plains where the moisture is generally insufficient for raising corn.As to livestock, the exchange has been mainly one way. We read: “The New World is indebted to the Old for all of its livestock, except the llama and the alpaca, and, with the exception of the turkey and Muscovy duck, for all of its poultry.” Thus some of the great advances in agriculture and the population-sustaining capacity of the earth stem from the exchanges set in motion by Columbus. “It is not customary to associate Columbus with a major technological advance in the earth’s population-sustaining capacity, but his contribution was profound.”",Genesis 9:3; , g71 11/22 p. 20 ,,,joshlaymon,,7/5/2025
"The Biblical View of Riches—Is It Contradictory? Queen of Sheba, Wealth, Money, ","The prosperity of the nation would have brought honor to Jehovah, constituting a powerful proof to surrounding nations that he was the Enricher of his people and that the Law he had given to them was beyond compare in securing the welfare of all concerned. That Israel’s prosperity did move other peoples to glorify Jehovah is illustrated in the case of King Solomon. ","Having heard about Solomon in connection with Jehovah, the queen of Sheba, for instance, came from a distant land to see whether the reports about his wisdom and prosperity were true. What she saw moved her to praise Jehovah. The queen of Sheba told Solomon: “You have surpassed in wisdom and prosperity the things heard to which I listened. . . . May Jehovah your God come to be blessed, who has taken delight in you by putting you upon the throne of Israel; because Jehovah loves Israel to time indefinite.”—1 Ki. 10:1, 2, 7-9.","1 Ki. 10:1, 2, 7-9.",g71 11/22 pp. 27-28 ,,,joshlaymon,,7/5/2025
"Transistors—Tiny Titans of Electronics, Information, ICs = integrated circuit, ","Says the World Book Science Annual Science Year (1968): “Today’s ICs are a tenth of an inch square and a few thousandths of an inch thick. Like transistors, they waste almost no electric power as heat, and thus need relatively little cooling. . . . A television set made entirely with ICs, except for the picture tube and the loudspeaker, would fit into a small matchbox.” To illustrate the difference between whole circuits and individual components of a circuit, let us think of a box as large as a half-gallon milk container. Now a circuit containing perhaps one hundred conventional parts could be put into that box. But with integrated circuits, how many parts could be put into that same space? About one billion (one thousand million).","So the new developments are truly amazing. Man’s progress in the art of miniaturization owes much indeed to transistors, those tiny titans of electronics. Yet the art of microminiaturization itself is not new. Man’s Creator microminiaturized the human brain. He designed it so that about one hundred billion (one hundred thousand million) parts can be utilized in that space.",Daniel 12:4; ,g71 12/8 p. 20 ,,,joshlaymon,,7/5/2025
"Should Calling at Homes Without an Invitation Be Forbidden? An Ancient Method, door to door, ","Calling without an invitation is an age-old custom. It has been permitted by nearly every civilized community throughout history. For thousands of years people have been calling to ask for help, to sell something, or to deliver a message—political, religious or otherwise. Jesus Christ used this method too, more than 1,900 years ago. He called on people without a prior invitation, encouraging them to listen to the grandest message suffering humans had ever heard. It is also the method he taught his followers to use. He instructed them to make a systematic coverage of towns and villages by going from house to house, visiting all the inhabitants of an area, and that without previous invitations.—Matt. 10:11-14.","In that way, from door to door, the knowledge of Christianity was spread throughout most of the Mediterranean area in the course of about one generation. Those who hospitably received those messengers of freedom and life were richly rewarded for their hospitality. So when Jehovah’s Christian witnesses call at your home, they are using the method that Jesus directed his followers to use.",Matt. 10:11-14; ,g71 12/22 pp. 9-10,,,joshlaymon,,7/5/2025
"Can Laughter Benefit Your Health? balance, vomiting. effects from laughter are relatively rare. inappropriate ","Though beneficial, laughter, as wise King Solomon stated, has its “time.” (Eccl. 3:1, 4) Even good things, when indulged in to excess, can be detrimental. Laughter is no exception. Observes the Illustrated Medical and Health Encyclopedia (page 1345): “Laughter is, then, like every other function of the body, a mechanism that should be used enough but never too much. Overexercise or overuse of any function of the human body is not conducive to its best development.”","Excessive laughter can at times lead to vomiting. Especially in the case of children, too much laughter can cause the sphincter muscles of the bladder and the rectum to relax suddenly, with embarrassing results. Some doctors even believe that laughing is dangerous for those suffering from heart or upper respiratory afflictions. Of course, such adverse physical effects from laughter are relatively rare. There is a more vital reason for controlling laughter. For one thing, laughter should be controlled when it is wholly inappropriate to the occasion. Thoughtless laughter can grate on the ears of others. Rather than proving to be a source of encouragement, such laughter tends to discourage others. The Bible compares it to the noisy crackling of thorns under a pot.—Eccl. 7:6.","Eccl. 3:1, 4; Eccl. 7:6.",g72 1/8 p. 4 ,,,joshlaymon,,7/5/2025
"Old Age Can Be Enjoyable, sense of humor, Youth is impetuous, impatient, overeager, romantic, patient, ","Old age does have its own blessings. “Gray-headedness is a crown of beauty when it is found in the way of righteousness.” (Prov. 16:31) Old age has a beauty of its own. One has had opportunity to learn, to experience a great deal and to reach a vantage point by reason of what one has both suffered and enjoyed. Youth is impetuous, impatient, overeager, romantic, has illusions, is often impractical. But with age one learns to be more patient, to be more realistic, to see things as they really are, to be practical. Old age can have a mellowing effect, enabling one to have more empathy. ","Appreciate such blessings as you have. Be grateful for life itself, for the measure of health and strength that you have. Mere freedom from pain is grounds for gratitude. And be content with having the needed material things to sustain life.—1 Tim. 6:6-8. Helpful also is having a sense of humor. Readiness to laugh is good for the body itself as well as for the mind and heart. In fact, one noted physician said that laughter “is the best exercise of all” because of what it does for the internal organs. In particular will having something useful to do help you to enjoy old age. Remember, “There is more happiness in giving than there is in receiving.” You can get happiness from being helpful to acquaintances, friends or relatives.—Acts 20:35.",Prov. 16:31; 1 Tim. 6:6-8; Acts 20:35.,g72 1/22 pp. 22-23 ,,,joshlaymon,,7/5/2025
"Can Computers Aid Bible Scholars? translate, translation, ","Illustrating the “stupidity” of the computer is its inability to translate. What happened when a computer was given the job of translating into Russian, “Time flies like an arrow”? It came out as “Time flies like to eat arrows.” Why? Because words often have more than one meaning or shade of meaning, and exact equivalents in other languages are not always easy to come by. Then, too, one word may have various meanings in different lands. Thus a “billion” in the United States and France is a thousand million. ","But in England and Germany a billion is a million million. A computer would not be able to distinguish between the two kinds of billions. Likewise, proverbial sayings lose much of their force if translated literally, which is the only way a computer can translate. Thus “a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush” would sound rather weak if translated literally into German. The Germans would say, “A sparrow in the hand is better than a pigeon on the roof.”",Daniel 12:4; ,g72 1/22 pp. 27-28 ,,,joshlaymon,,7/5/2025
"“Far More than a Prophet, Mr. Rahman!” Why “Son of Man”? corresponded to Adam when perfect, Moslem, Koran, ","“It’s hard for me to believe that Jesus was a man without sin. If he really came from heaven, then why does the Bible call him the ‘Son of man’?” “That title, Mr. Rahman, is used in the Bible to emphasize that he was not only the one foretold by the prophet Daniel (7:13, 14) but also the great Kinsman of mankind. Let me illustrate it this way. At one time angels in materialized fleshly bodies visited Abraham and talked with him. Now, would you say that those angels had become members of the human race?” “Well, no. They were really angels.” “Quite so. And an angel, being a superior type of creature with a spirit body, is just not the equivalent of man. To redeem us, the justice of God required a ‘corresponding ransom’ to counterbalance perfectly the human life that Adam lost. Also, only a perfect human would have in his loins offspring to counterbalance the perfect human race that Adam originally was capable of fathering.","“So to meet these requirements, Mr. Rahman, God provided a perfect man born of flesh and blood, and hence a true son of the human race. Jesus had existed in heaven as a powerful angel, but God transferred his life force to the womb of a virgin girl, and he was thus born completely human and yet free from sin. In this way he corresponded to Adam (when perfect) in the fullest sense of the word. As an actual member of the human race, Jesus alone was suitable to redeem us, and this is implied by the title ‘Son of man.’”","Daniel 7:13, 14; ",g72 2/8 pp. 6-7 ,,,joshlaymon,,7/5/2025
"Having the Right View of Praise, Self-praise, Stranger, self-elevation. Credit where due, Jehovah, ","WHO does not appreciate praise? If we are conscientious, we want to do well, we put forth the effort to do well. Commendation encourages us in this right course. Such expressions of commendation, however, should not come from our own mouth, from our own lips, but from those of others. The wise Bible writer at Proverbs 27:2 says: “May a stranger, and not your own mouth, praise you; may a foreigner, and not your own lips, do so.” Self-praise on the part of some is obvious. They use the pronoun “I” to excess. But it can also be more subtle. A person, for example, might mention his making some purchase, perhaps doing so in an offhand, matter-of-fact way. But if the purchase is one involving large sums of money, far more than the person’s listeners could be expected to handle, the very matter-of-factness with which he relates the purchase may cause his listeners to be very impressed with his act. ","So, too, with many other things in life. Of course, no self-praise may be intended. But if a person finds himself frequently doing this, he needs to realize that his heart may be leading him astray into a course of self-elevation.Note that the inspired writer of Proverbs 27:2 speaks of a “stranger” and a “foreigner” as being the ones to give the praise. This adds another facet to the principle being taught. It recalls the German saying, “Eigenlob stinkt, Freundes Lob hinkt, fremdes Lob klingt,” which means, “Self-praise stinks, a friend’s praise limps, a stranger’s praise rings [true].” True, this saying may not hold good in all cases. But the Bible proverb shows that when praise comes from one who is free of ties to you, who is very unlikely to feel under any constraint to speak well of you, who gives no evidence of hoping to gain something by so speaking, then you may usually feel satisfied that his praise is ‘unvarnished,’ based on the true merits of your work, speech or course. ",Proverbs 27:2; ,g72 2/22 p. 3 ,,,joshlaymon,,7/5/2025
"Having the Right View of Praise, Credit to Jehovah, acts of eye-service, ","So we want to be careful, first of all, not to sing forth our own praise. Then we should not go out of our way to elicit praise from others. The Bible urges Christians not to do things “with acts of eye-service, as men pleasers, but with sincerity of heart, with fear of Jehovah. Whatever you are doing, work at it whole-souled as to Jehovah, and not to men.”—Col. 3:22, 23. Then again, having the right view of praise would include a readiness to have others included in the praise; sharing it with those who may have contributed to the success of what you said or did. As an illustration, at a symphony concert the conductor may ask the entire orchestra to take a bow in response to the great and repeated applause. ","And such is no more than fitting, for as a noted conductor once told his men, ‘You know that without you I can do nothing.’ Honesty and modesty will cause us to give credit where credit is due. Christians should not be like many men of this world who strive to stay ‘in the limelight.’ Of course, a person may have given help that significantly contributed to the success of a project and yet his efforts may not have received any public recognition or acknowledgment. This should never concern him, for, where it is merited, in due time each one “will have his praise come to him from God.” (1 Cor. 4:5) Thus, the hardworking wife who may receive little public acknowledgment can have the inner satisfaction of knowing how much she has contributed to her husband’s well-being and success. And she can be happy that her course is pleasing to those who are higher than her husbandly head, Christ Jesus and Jehovah God.—Prov. 31:23, 28, 31; 1 Cor. 11:3.","Col. 3:22, 23. 1 Cor. 4:5; Prov. 31:23, 28, 31; 1 Cor. 11:3.",g72 2/22 p. 4 ,,,joshlaymon,,7/5/2025
"Show Respect in Your Marriage, Better than silver and gold, video, ","You really love your husband or wife. You would love to give them an expensive gift. Maybe Silver or Gold. You can’t afford it. Why not something better than gold or silver. Proverbs 22:1b “To be respected is better than silver and gold.” It’s something you vowed to never forget. Watch a video ""For a Happy Marriage: Show Respect."" 1. Why is it important to show respect to your mate?2. What changes may we need to make in order to be more respectful?","3. What are some Bible principles that will help us?4. What are some specific ways to show respect to our mate?5. What about our mate should we focus on, and why?Do you love your mate? Would you love to give them a valuable gift?Show them RESPECT! ""Respect is better than silver and gold.”",Proverbs 22:1b,mwb25 July p. 3 July 7-13 ,,,joshlaymon,,7/5/2025
"I Am an Australian Aborigine, No Product of Evolution, ","Are you wondering why I keep bringing to your attention our talents? Please do not misunderstand; I am not boasting. It is because there is a theory current, linked with godless evolution, that we aborigine Australians are a sort of hangover “missing link.” You have seen those highly imaginative pictures of cave-dwelling creatures, half man, half beast, with abilities scarcely removed from animal instincts. Such creatures never did exist outside the pages of pseudoscientific books. But because we aborigines build no houses, shelter in caves, use no machines, those men try to prove that we are closely related to such creatures. Upset? Of course we are!","The point I am making is this. The difference between the apparently most backward peoples and the most advanced is one of opportunity. Printing presses have enabled other nations to store vast knowledge in libraries, but we only in our dreaming. Those who argue that, because of their advanced technology, such nations are more highly evolved, are leaning on a fallacy. We cannot equal their accumulated knowledge, but can they equal ours? Which illustrates my point: various peoples’ abilities have been channeled into different fields, each according to their needs.",Genesis 1:27; ,g72 2/22 pp. 24-25,,,joshlaymon,,7/5/2025
"Will a Mild Answer Work? Experience, Drunken husband, rage, ","WHAT is the best course when someone is in a rage against you? What about a mild answer? A proverb that has stood the test of time is: “An answer, when mild, turns away rage.”—Prov. 15:1. One of Jehovah’s witnesses in the state of Washington had an experience some years ago that well illustrates the wisdom of that inspired proverb. She explains: “One Friday evening, I arrived home from the meeting at the Kingdom Hall to find my husband and eldest daughter in the living room. He was very drunk and had just finished cleaning his guns. He sent our daughter into her bedroom, loaded his pistol and, seizing me around the neck, placed the gun to my head. He threatened to kill me because I continued going to the Kingdom Hall, which I had a legal and Scriptural right to do.”","What could be done in such a situation? What would turn away the rage of a drunken, armed man? She gave a reasonable answer, but also a mild one. As she says: “I prayed to Jehovah for guidance and the right words. I asked my husband which one of our mothers he wanted to raise the children. He knew that his mother wouldn’t want them at all. And he knew that my mother would bring them up to be Christian witnesses of Jehovah. After quietly reasoning with him along this line for a while, I was able to talk him into giving up the gun and I convinced him to get some rest and think about the matter later.”Now, some years later, this Christian woman is still happily serving God and finding joy in seeing her children progress along this line too. She says: “My husband has gradually grown less opposed to my Christian activities.” Surely she experienced the wisdom of the divine guidance: “An answer, when mild, turns away rage.”","Prov. 15:1, ",g72 3/22 p. 15 ,,,joshlaymon,,7/5/2025
“This Is” or “This Means My Body . . . My Blood”—Which? ,"‘BUT you have changed the Word of God. According to my Bible, Jesus said regarding the loaf and the wine: “This is my body,” and “this is my blood.” He did not say: “This means my body,” and “this means my ‘blood,’” as does your Bible.’ Such might be the statement of a sincere Roman Catholic to one of Jehovah’s Christian witnesses on the subject of religious communion.—Matt. 26:26, 28, Douay. Many translations do use the word “is” in rendering Jesus’ words. ","But there are also others that translate them similarly to the way they are rendered in the New World Translation. For example, Moffatt’s translation uses the word “means” for “is,” and that of C. B. Williams uses “represents” instead of “is.”But what is the reason for the difference in the renderings of various translations? Translator Richard Weymouth in a footnote of his Third Edition states the following about the verb “is” in this text: “Or signifies,’ ‘represents,’ ‘symbolizes my body.’ In many places both in the O[ld] T[estament] and the N[ew] T[estament] the verb ‘is’ or ‘are,’ expressed or (as here) understood, may be thus rendered.” ","Matt. 26:26, 28, ",g72 3/22 p. 27 ,,,joshlaymon,,7/5/2025
What Was Eden’s Forbidden Fruit? believe that the sin of Adam and Eve involved sex relations.,"“IF Adam and Eve had not eaten the forbidden fruit, no babies would have been born. And so where would we be?” Persons who bring up this point believe that the sin of Adam and Eve involved sex relations. But is this belief reasonable? More importantly, is it Biblical? God’s command, as found at Genesis 2:16, 17, reads: “From every tree of the garden you may eat to satisfaction. But as for the tree of the knowledge of good and bad you must not eat from it, for in the day you eat from it you will positively die.”","At the time this command was given to Adam, he was alone in the garden, for the creation of the woman is not mentioned until later in the account. (Gen. 2:21, 22) The command itself likewise shows that Adam was by himself. In the original Hebrew text, the word “you” is in the singular. Therefore in languages that have both singular and plural forms for “you” (such as French, German and Spanish) the singular form appears in the prohibition, “You must not eat from it.”","Genesis 2:16, 17; Gen. 2:21, 22; ",g72 4/8 p. 27,,,joshlaymon,,7/5/2025
"What Was Eden’s Forbidden Fruit? Adam, Eve, sex relations, ","So, how could the forbidden fruit pertain to sex relations, when Adam was the only human on the earth? One’s interpreting the command about the forbidden fruit to signify sex relations also contradicts the positive command given to the first human pair to procreate. They were told: “Be fruitful and become many and fill the earth.” (Gen. 1:28) How unreasonable, unjust and unloving it would have been for Jehovah God to encourage the filling of the earth and then to prohibit, under pain of death, the having of sex relations! ","The narrative of Genesis chapter 3 provides still further evidence against the forbidden fruit’s involving sex relations. The Bible record states: “The woman saw that the tree was good for food and that it was something to be longed for to the eyes, yes, the tree was desirable to look upon.” Manifestly, not sex relations, but the fruit of a literal tree could be described as “good for food.” Noteworthy, too, is the fact that Eve did not present some of the fruit to Adam until she herself had partaken of it. Since Eve was not with Adam when she ate the forbidden fruit, how could her sin have been sex relations with her husband?—Gen. 3:6.",Gen. 1:28; Gen. 3:6.,g72 4/8 p. 27,,,joshlaymon,,7/5/2025
"We Are Never Alone, Guiding us, providing for us, protecting us, comforting us, never abandon us, ","WHEN we are confronted by serious trials, we may feel as if we were all alone on a small boat in a stormy sea. However, we do not face our trials alone. Our loving heavenly Father not only sees our struggles but also promises to help us get through them. Jehovah extends this warm assurance to his loyal servants: “I will help you.”—Isa. 41:10.","This article will discuss how Jehovah helps us (1) by guiding us, (2) by providing for us, (3) by protecting us, and (4) by comforting us. Jehovah assures us that no matter what challenges we face in life, he will never forget about us. He will never abandon us. So we are never alone.",Isa. 41:10.,w25 April p. 20 pars. 1-2 ,,,joshlaymon,,7/6/2025
"Reap what we sow. spiritual application, perennials. seasons, not tire out, reap everlasting life, ","I have a package of seeds. Cucumber seeds, and when I plant them I am confident I will get some nice ears of corn. We will always reap things that are pleasing to Jehovah if we plant things from Jehovah. We want to plant, water and cultivate spiritual things. Let’s take a look at some of those seeds. Let’s go to chapter 6:1. ""Brothers, even if a man takes a fall step before he is aware of it those who have spiritual qualifications try to readjust such a man and a spirit of mildness. Some flowers will only grow during a season, but when the things don’t go right the plant dies when it gets cold, frost, whatever it is, that’s the end of it. But you got to enjoy it for a short time. We want to be perennials. We want to come back and come back and come back.","Paul says if you do not tire out or give up no matter how people treat in the world may treat us in the days ahead, but if you keep serving Jehovah, if you keep sowing with a view to the spirit with spiritual things in your life, he says you will reap everlasting life. What a future we have to look forward to. We want to all be perennials we wanna come back every year day for eternity and be able to serve Jehovah and we will because when you have a friendship with Jehovah in your heart is the soil of fine soil or seeds of the spirit holy spirit can keep growing your relationship with Jehovah will never end you will gain the most precious relationship. ","Galatians 5:16; Gal 5:6; Galatians 6:7, 8; ","Jack Vincent Lebanon, MO",You Will Reap What You Sow ,059,bl,,7/6/2025
"Religion’s Role in Past Wars, Catholics and Protestants, Germany, ","The Thirty Years’ War (1618-1648) between Catholics and Protestants was especially terrible. During it Germany lost some three fourths of its population. Augsburg dropped from 80,000 to 18,000 inhabitants. And only about one quarter of the people of Bohemia remained. The fall of the Protestant city of Magdeburg illustrates the savagery of the fighting. German historian Frederick Schiller writes: “Here commenced a scene of horrors for which history has no language—poetry no pencil. ","Neither innocent childhood, nor helpless old age; neither youth, sex, rank, nor beauty, could disarm the fury of the conquerors. Wives were abused in the arms of their husbands, daughters at the feet of their parents; and the defenseless sex exposed to the double sacrifice of virtue and life.” It is indeed true that the history of mankind “is of nothing almost but fighting and killing.” But it is also true that religion has been ‘a powerful force in history’ mainly responsible for the terrible bloodshed. Is this still true?",,g72 4/22 p. 13,,,joshlaymon,,7/6/2025
"Accept Jehovah’s Forgiveness, sin removed, sunrise, sunset, 2 points never meet, trace, scent, memory, ","How far-reaching is Jehovah’s forgiveness? (Read Psalm 103:12.) David says that when Jehovah forgives, He puts our sins “as far off as the sunrise [east] is from the sunset [west].” In a sense, east is always at the utmost distance imaginable from west; the two points can never meet. What does this tell us about the sins that Jehovah forgives? One reference work illustrates it this way: “If sin be removed so far, then we may be sure that the scent, the trace, the very memory of it must be entirely gone.”","Just think—a scent can trigger a memory. But when Jehovah forgives, it is as if not even a trace of a scent remains that would call to mind the sin and cause him to hold it against us.—Ezek. 18:21, 22; Acts 3:19.","Psalm 103:12.; Ezek. 18:21, 22; Acts 3:19; ",w25 August p. 18 par. 14 ,,,joshlaymon,,7/7/2025
"Accept Jehovah’s Forgiveness, rearview mirror, focus on road ahead, past mistakes, new world, paradise, ","Consider an illustration. Holding on to guilt for past sins is like trying to drive a car forward while continuously looking in the rearview mirror. It is good to glance occasionally in the mirror; you can respond to potential dangers behind you. But to move forward safely, you must focus on the road ahead. ","Similarly, it can be helpful if we occasionally look back at our past mistakes; we can learn from them and strengthen our resolve not to repeat them. But if we keep focusing on past mistakes, the guilt we carry may limit what we can do now in serving God. Instead, may we keep focused on the road ahead of us. We are on the road that leads to life in God’s promised new world, where bad memories “will not be called to mind.”—Isa. 65:17; Prov. 4:25.",Isa. 65:17; Prov. 4:25; ,w25 August pp. 18-19 par. 16,,,joshlaymon,,7/7/2025
"Accept Jehovah’s Forgiveness, “pardon” can mean “lift up,” “take away,” or “carry.” Burden of sin, debt, ","Meditate on what Jehovah inspired Bible writers to say about his forgiveness. Consider, for example, how the Bible writer David described Jehovah’s forgiveness. (Read Psalm 32:5.) “You pardoned the error of my sins,” said David. The Hebrew word rendered “pardon” can mean “lift up,” “take away,” or “carry.” When forgiving David, Jehovah, in a sense, lifted up his sins and carried them away. David then found relief from the heavy guilt that he had been carrying. (Ps. 32:2-4) ","We can experience similar relief. When we sincerely repent of our transgressions, we need not continue to carry the burden of guilt for sins that Jehovah has lifted up and carried away from us.",Psalm 32:5; Ps. 32:2-4; ,w25 August p. 16 par. 9 ,,,joshlaymon,,7/7/2025
"Can Evolution Meet the Real Challenges of the Day? moral qualities, animals, presence, substitutes for “God”","What a baffling dilemma man’s moral nature presents to the evolutionist! He would say man has evolved from animals. Yet he would also say man has moral qualities animals do not have! Where did man get these “essential attributes”? They must come from somewhere. Confesses one noted evolutionist: “Man cannot be a moral Melchisedec ‘without descent.’” In attempting to cope with this problem, several years ago Sir John Arthur Thomson, an evolutionist, admitted: “Too often, in the things pertaining to man, the evolutionist relapses into creationism, trying to make faculties out of nothing.” Evolutionists will ‘bend over backwards’ to avoid bringing God into the picture as the explanation for man’s moral nature.","The author of African Genesis illustrates this when he speaks of “the keeper of the kinds”: “Who is he? We do not know. Nor shall we ever. He is a presence, and that is all . . . His presence is asserted in all things that ever were, and in all things that will ever be. And as his command is unanswerable, his identify is unknowable. But his most ancient concern is with order.” Have not “keeper of the kinds” and similar vague expressions simply become substitutes for “God”? In refusing to acknowledge the Almighty’s hand in man’s physical and moral makeup the evolutionist has deified his own theory. But this evolutionary god, as we have seen, is a disappointing one.",Genesis 1:1; ,g73 10/22 p. 25 ,,,joshlaymon,,7/7/2025
"Which Do You Believe: Evolution or the Bible? famous cathedral, asked to believe the unbelievable.","Actually, letting anyone make such a choice for you is childish. The New English Bible states an eternal verity when it says: “Grown men . . . discriminate between good and evil.” (Heb. 5:14) Yes, a mature person will face up to this decision and act. But how can you make such a decision? Carefully weigh the evidence that has been presented in this magazine. As you do so, draw on your own experience. Compare the statements by believers in the Bible and by believers in evolution with what you have actually experienced in life. You must not be asked to believe the unbelievable. As an illustration, if a famous cathedral was built several centuries ago, you were not around personally to witness its construction. But suppose someone told you it came into existence by itself—would you believe that?","Obviously not. Such a statement would run counter to everything you have personally observed in life. So, too, with the ‘construction’ of man. We were not around when man first appeared. If evolutionists ask you to believe that man came into existence without a Maker, does that seem consistent to you? We know that everything made has a maker; experience has taught all of us that. Further, we know that challenging problems face mankind today. Which will best assist persons to meet these problems—belief in evolution or belief in the Bible? Knowing that can aid us to know which one we should believe.",Heb. 5:14; ,g73 10/22 p. 23 ,,,joshlaymon,,7/7/2025
"The Testimony of Living Things, evolution, variations, kind, humankind, variety, sizes, colors, abilities, ","Why are there no transitional forms among living things? Simply because they are not in transition! They are not changing from one kind to another kind, but remain within their kinds. While there is much variety, or changing, going on within each kind, the various kinds are kept separate. And they are kept that way by a barrier that no scientist has ever been able to overcome. What is that? The barrier of sterility between basic kinds.To illustrate: among humans we see a vast variety of sizes, shapes, colors and abilities. Hardly any two persons look the same. Why, of the 3.8 billion people on earth now, few, if any, even have the same set of fingerprints! ","Yet, no matter how different they are, people everywhere are easily recognized as being of the human family.All people can intermarry and produce children regardless of the variations that exist. But humans cannot mate with any animal and produce offspring. They can only reproduce if they stay within their kind, humankind. If they try to step outside that boundary, outside their kind, they cannot reproduce with any other living thing. There is no exception to this rule.",Romans 14:3; ,g73 10/22 p. 16 ,,,joshlaymon,,7/7/2025
"How Does It Happen? mutation is called a “mistake.” “one in one hundred million.” improvement, or degeneration?","Thus, a mutation is called a “mistake.” The chance of one occurring is “one in one hundred million.” Of those that do occur, “for every successful or useful mutation, there are many thousands which are harmful.” Does all of this strike you as a process of improving living things, producing better, newer ones? Or does it sound much more like a process that tears down those that do exist? Is it improvement, or degeneration? In Chromosomes and Genes we read: “Muller estimates that about six per cent of all persons are born with some tangible loss of fitness due to gene mutations. ","It is therefore not surprising for some biologists to believe that while our cultural and technical evolution progresses, biologically mankind is degenerating rather than improving.” In the face of such evidence, what would you conclude? Is the very heart of the evolution theory, mutations, sound? Or, instead, does it seem far more likely that individuals within basic kinds of living things will be harmed by mutations? And do not the facts indicate that any good changes will merely produce variety within a basic kind?",Romans 14:4; ,g73 10/22 p. 14 ,,,joshlaymon,,7/7/2025
"How Does It Happen? mutations, evolution, builder, house, automobile driver, bad decisions, ","If mutations are so important to evolution, then we should welcome, indeed, encourage them. But note what Asimov says: “Exposure to increased radiation cannot help but increase the mutation rate. This is a bothersome fact, because most mutations are for the worse.” Yet, after admitting that, he concludes: “In the long run, to be sure, mutations make the course of evolution move onward and upward.” Does that sound sensible to you?Does it seem logical that all the amazingly complex cells, organs, limbs and processes in living things were built up from a procedure that tears down? Remember, as evolutionists admit, “for every successful or useful mutation, there are many thousands which are harmful.”","Illustration: If you wanted a house built, would you hire a builder who, for every correct piece of work, turned out thousands that were incorrect? If an automobile driver made thousands of bad decisions for every good one when driving, would you want to ride with him? If a surgeon made thousands of wrong moves for every right one when operating, would you want him to operate on you?",Romans 6:23; ,g73 10/22 p. 13 ,,,joshlaymon,,7/7/2025
"How Does It Happen? changes, mutations, new characteristics, ","But do these changes, mutations, really produce new characteristics? No, they do not. As Professor Moore points out: “Any gene mutation results in no more than alteration of already existing or known traits.” So every gene mutation is only a variation of a trait that is already there. It provides variety, but nothing brand new.For instance, gene mutations may change the color, texture or length of a person’s hair. But the hair will always be hair. It will never turn into feathers. A person’s hand may be changed by mutations, but it will always be a hand, not a bird’s wing. Furthermore, such changes only vary within a certain range, around a central average. ","To illustrate: people may grow 7 feet tall (Watusis) or 4 feet tall (Pygmies). A few will exceed 7 feet (the Bible refers to such a man—Goliath, who measured 9 feet 5.7 inches) and a few dwarfs are below 4 feet. But never will mutations make people grow 20 feet tall, or only 6 inches tall. Most will vary around the central average of between 5 and 6 feet. Also, the variations due to mutations are usually very small, and never result in totally different characteristics. That is why the author of Darwin Retried relates the following about the highly respected geneticist, the late Richard Goldschmidt: “After observing mutations in fruit flies for many years, Goldschmidt fell into despair. The changes, he lamented, were so hopelessly micro [small] that if a thousand mutations were combined in one specimen, there would still be no new species.”",Genesis 1:31; ,g73 10/22 pp. 12-13,,,joshlaymon,,7/7/2025
"“Like Apples of Gold” beautiful ornament, silver, good expressions, words, information, ","“LIKE apples of gold set in silver filigree is a word spoken in season.” So said wise King Solomon, and few people would dispute with him the accuracy of that statement. The well-chosen word, spoken at the right time, is a work of art in the same way that a beautiful ornament of silver and gold would be. Few people realize, however, just how much goes into good expression and how necessary it is to choose words that will make the maximum impact on one’s audience.","Words are, of course, used to convey information and ideas from one person to another and so anybody who has a message to convey or an idea to get across should be interested in improving his powers of expression. Whether people will listen to him or not is largely dependent on how he expresses his thoughts. Prov. 25:11",Prov. 25:11; ,g73 9/8 p. 17 ,,,joshlaymon,,7/7/2025
"“Like Apples of Gold” Shulammite, like the dawn, beautiful as the moon, bright as the sun. Solomon","Finally, having said all there is to say, the rest lies, as Terentianus Maurus once said, ‘in the hands of our reader.’ As a final illustration let us take the case of that famous king who appreciated the value of the right word spoken in season. He wrote one of the most beautiful love poems of all time in which he pleaded with a young country girl to be his. He told this Shulammite girl that she was like the dawn, beautiful as the moon, bright as the sun. But where did all his fine words get him? Nowhere!","The girl was in love with her shepherd and nothing Solomon could say could change that. As far as the Shulammite girl was concerned he was wasting his fine language and his time. So it is the right word, not only at the right time, but also to the right person, that counts! Prov. 25:11, ","Prov. 25:11, ",g73 9/8 ,,,joshlaymon,,7/7/2025
"Do You Find Satisfaction in Your Job? lazy ones, the sluggards, the indolent, the slothful ones, ant, become wise, ","The Bible says: “If anyone does not want to work, neither let him eat.” In fact, time and again the Bible censures the lazy ones, the sluggards, the indolent, the slothful ones, especially in the book of Proverbs. Typical is the well-known saying. “Go to the ant, you lazy one; see its ways and become wise.”—2 Thess. 3:10; Prov. 6:6. Illustrating this lack of will to work is the motto that appears on the wall of a bar near a Fort Dearborn auto-assembly plant. It reads: “I Spend 40 Hours a Week Here—Am I Supposed to Work Too?” Thus also one worker, when asked about the nature of his new job, replied: “Listen, man, I would not think of working at a job that caused me to be tired when I came home at night!” ","Older, energetic workers are often heard complaining about the work attitudes of younger ones. Yes, people are less and less inclined to work hard, especially if the work is uninteresting. The conditions that were foretold in the Bible—the increasing of lawlessness and the critical times hard to deal with—that are upon us, doubtless have something to do with it. (Matt. 24:12; 2 Tim. 3:1-5) Helping to bring about these conditions are two trends. On the one hand, there is less and less faith in God and so less and less feeling of being accountable to Him. And, on the other hand, economic conditions have greatly improved. Whether a person wants to work or not, he seems to be able to get unemployment insurance or welfare payments.",2 Thess. 3:10; Prov. 6:6. Matt. 24:12; 2 Tim. 3:1-5,g73 9/8 p. 10 ,,,joshlaymon,,7/7/2025
Where Do Words Come From? ,"AS WE master a language, our thinking becomes inseparably linked with words, so that it is impossible to formulate thoughts without using words. But where do words come from? How do they begin? Those who are acquainted with the Holy Scriptures know that the Great Architect of language is none other than Jehovah God himself. He gave the first man and woman the ability to speak, and later, at the time of the building of the Tower of Babel, he brought into existence a variety of languages, each with its own vocabulary and grammar. ",This was an effective means of bringing to an inglorious end a project undertaken by opposers of God against his purpose.—Gen. 11:1-9. The interplay among the various languages since that time and their effect upon one another make a fascinating study.,Gen. 11:1-9.,g73 8/22 p. 21 ,,,joshlaymon,,7/7/2025
"Is Home Sewing for You? follow the instructions carefully. Patience, ","Patience is a paramount requirement in learning to sew. Be prepared to follow the instructions carefully. Take one step at a time, and do it right. Each success will increase your confidence. Sometimes the person sewing for the first time does even a better job than an experienced sewer simply because she is more apt to follow the instructions given. That even a person without previous experience can sew is illustrated by a New York father who is a carpenter by trade.","One evening he decided to work on a robe that his wife had left unfinished before retiring. Following the pattern instructions, he completed the robe and in the morning presented it to his surprised wife. He noted that sewing is similar to carpentry—a sewer follows a pattern, while a carpenter follows a blueprint. And it is true, sewing is largely a matter of following instructions closely. The operation of the sewing machine itself is quite simple to master. Prov. 31:13, 19","Prov. 31:13, 19; ",g73 8/22 p. 11,,,joshlaymon,,7/7/2025
"Miraculous Survival of Life on Earth, Water, Ice, unique liquid, fire extinguishers, ","Without water, plant, animal and human life would not be possible. Happily there is an abundance of water available. And it is indeed an unusual liquid. Each molecule of water is made up of two atoms of hydrogen and one atom of oxygen. Hydrogen is the most flammable gas known and oxygen is needed for combustion. Yet when two atoms of hydrogen combine with one atom of oxygen, amazingly one of the best fire extinguishers is produced—water.The effect of cold on water also illustrates that it is a unique liquid. As the water in lakes and seas cools, it becomes heavier and forces the lighter, warmer water to rise to the top. ","When the water as a whole reaches about 39° Fahrenheit a marvelous thing happens—the process reverses! The water becomes lighter as it nears the freezing point of 32° F. and thus remains as a layer above the warmer water beneath. This upper layer then turns to ice, and being lighter than water, it floats; thus marine life is protected. Were it not for this phenomenon, all the lakes and even the oceans would eventually become solid ice, making this earth a “deep freeze” in which no plant, animal or human life could exist. ",Psalm 104:24; ,g73 7/8 p. 6 ,,,joshlaymon,,7/8/2025
"Everyone Is Serving a God, Creator of the universe, Jehovah God, Satan the Devil. slaves obey, ","WHETHER men want to recognize it or not, they are serving either the Creator of the universe, Jehovah God, or one who stands in opposition to him, Satan the Devil. How can this be? A principle found in the Bible makes this clear. We read: “Do you not know that if you keep presenting yourselves to anyone as slaves to obey him, you are slaves of him because you obey him, either of sin with death in view or of obedience with righteousness in view?” (Rom. 6:16; Matt. 6:24) ","Thus, when a person goes contrary to God’s will, he pleases God’s adversary. Whether the person believes in Satan or not, by conforming to the world and its unrighteous ways, he serves the interests of Satan.",Rom. 6:16; Matt. 6:24,g73 5/22 p. 27,,,joshlaymon,,7/8/2025
"Everyone Is Serving a God, misdirected zeal, not according to accurate knowledge; ","It is also unwise to accept the word of someone else without making a personal investigation. Though being zealous and believing that he is doing what is right, a person may unknowingly be serving Satan as god. Zeal and sincerity are not enough. This is illustrated in the case of many Jews back in the first century C.E. Respecting them, the apostle Paul wrote: “They have a zeal for God; but not according to accurate knowledge; for, because of not knowing the righteousness of God but seeking to establish their own, they did not subject themselves to the righteousness of God.” (Rom. 10:2, 3) ","Because of this misdirected zeal, they violently persecuted the true followers of Jesus Christ. As the apostle Paul told Christians at Thessalonica: “They are not pleasing God, but are against the interests of all men, as they try to hinder us from speaking to people of the nations that these might be saved, with the result that they always fill up the measure of their sins.”—1 Thess. 2:15, 16.","1 Thess. 2:15, 16; Rom. 10:2, 3",g73 5/22 p. 27 ,,,joshlaymon,,7/8/2025
"Beware of the Power of Evil Suggestions, wicked woman. sinners try to seduce you, pornagraphiy, ","At the same time the Bible warns us against following the bad suggestions of others: “My son, if sinners try to seduce you, do not consent. If they keep saying: ‘Do go with us. Do let us lie in ambush for blood,’” and so forth, “do not go in the way with them.” The same Bible writer, King Solomon, also warns against the blandishments of a wicked woman. (Prov. 1:10-19; 5:3-14) Not without good reason do Bible lovers who are interested in your highest welfare suggest that you ‘read God’s Word the Bible daily.’ Doing so will most likely have a good influence upon you by reason of its examples and suggestions, even apart from its specific commands.","Indeed, for us to read an interesting account of a noble deed well done is of itself a suggestion ‘to go our way and be doing the same ourselves.’ Doubtless the many fine examples or illustrations that Jesus gave, such as that of the neighborly Samaritan and the prodigal son, have served to influence countless Bible lovers to be more understanding and compassionate, more merciful and more helpful in dealing with others.—Luke 10:29-37; 15:11-32. If good can and does follow from fine suggestions, how can it be otherwise than that bad will result from evil suggestions? That is why ever so many Americans were scandalized with the report made by a presidential commission appointed to investigate pornography. After devoting three years and spending $2,000,000, the majority of the commission said that they did not consider pornography a threat to the well-being of the nation.",Prov. 1:10-19; 5:3-14; Luke 10:29-37; 15:11-32; ,g73 5/8 pp. 3-4,,,joshlaymon,,7/8/2025
"Is Doing “Good Works” Enough? Efforts to relieve suffering or to help the unfortunate, ","MANY people today are in poverty. Others are suffering from disease or are weakened by the effects of old age. To help these people, there are persons who contribute money for the advancement of research in the fight against disease and for the support of hospitals and care centers for orphans and the aged. Others even volunteer their time to work for such causes. Perhaps you or some of your friends or relatives do. Doubtless you know others who gain personal satisfaction from such work. Efforts to relieve suffering or to help the unfortunate might well be called “good works.” The Bible, in fact, commends caring for orphans and widows. We read: “The form of worship that is clean and undefiled from the standpoint of our God and Father is this: to look after orphans and widows in their tribulation, and to keep oneself without spot from the world.” (Jas. 1:27) ","But the performance of some “good works” does not in itself prove that a person has divine approval. God does not judge by the outward appearance of things. “Not the way man sees is the way God sees, because mere man sees what appears to the eyes; but as for Jehovah, he sees what the heart is.”—1 Sam. 16:7. So how do you think God would view someone who gave of his time and funds, basically to make a name for himself, to impress others? What about a person contributing to charity just to reduce his tax bill? And what about persons who volunteer to help others, primarily to salve their guilty conscience? Could God approve of their “good works”? The Bible emphasizes that Jehovah God does not approve a person just because he does some “good works.” One’s whole life course must give evidence of devotion to righteousness.",James 1:27; 1 Sam. 16:7. ,g73 4/8 p. 27,,,joshlaymon,,7/8/2025
"Is Doing “Good Works” Enough? Jehu, Started well, shrinks back, anointed, Ahab, Jezebel, blood guilty, ","A person may start off well in doing God’s will, but this will not spare him from adverse judgment if he does not continue in that course. “My righteous one will live by reason of faith,” says Jehovah, and, “if he shrinks back, my soul has no pleasure in him.”—Heb. 10:38. This rule of action is illustrated in the case of Jehu, a man anointed at divine direction to be king of the northern kingdom of ancient Israel. At the time of his anointing, Jehu was told: “This is what Jehovah the God of Israel has said, ‘I do anoint you as king over Jehovah’s people, that is, over Israel. And you must strike down the house of Ahab your lord, and I must avenge the blood of my servants the prophets and the blood of all the servants of Jehovah at the hand of Jezebel. And the whole house of Ahab must perish.’”—2 Ki. 9:6-8.","The house of Ahab was bloodguilty before Jehovah. It deserved to perish at the hands of divinely constituted authority. This was in harmony with God’s law to Israel: “For the land there may be no atonement respecting the blood that has been spilled upon it except by the blood of the one spilling it.”—Num. 35:33. Without delay Jehu followed through on his commission. For doing so he was rewarded, Jehovah saying to him: “For the reason that you have acted well in doing what is right in my eyes, and according to all that was in my heart you have done to the house of Ahab, sons themselves to the fourth generation will sit for you upon the throne of Israel.”—2 Ki. 10:30.",Heb. 10:38; 2 Ki. 9:6-8; Num. 35:33; 2 Ki. 10:30. ,g73 4/8 pp. 27-28,,,joshlaymon,,7/8/2025
How Strong Is Religion in the U.S.S.R. Today? house of Ahab. Jehu was both commended and repaid for this.,"The situation in Leningrad is similar. The Christian-Century states: “Take Leningrad, a city of 5 million people. Fourteen churches are open there.” However, this report shows that these churches are “packed more than full every Sunday morning.” The reader might thus conclude that this represents a surge of interest in the Orthodox Church. But such is not the case at all. To illustrate: If three churches had congregations of 1,000 each, but over the years membership had dwindled down to 500 each, and then two were closed, what would happen? Likely you would find about 1,500 people trying to get into the remaining church. A casual observer might conclude that there was a strong upsurge, indeed a “revival,” because that one church was “packed more than full.” ","But what actually happened? There were fewer persons supporting religion in the area. But because of the constant closing of churches, the one left was crowded. After Jehu’s day, however, Jehovah made a startling pronouncement of judgment through the prophet Hosea: “I must hold an accounting for the acts of bloodshed of Jezreel [the royal residence of the house of Ahab] against the house of Jehu, and I must cause the royal rule of the house of Israel to cease.” (Hos. 1:4) This bloodguilt on Jehu’s house could not have been for carrying out the commission to annihilate the house of Ahab. Jehu was both commended and repaid for this. Neither could the bloodguilt be attributed to Jehu’s killing Ahaziah of Judah and his brothers. Being related to Ahab through the marriage of his wicked daughter Athaliah to Jehoram, the royal line of Judah did not then have an approved standing before Jehovah. But what did make the house of Jehu bloodguilty?",Hos. 1:4; ,g73 4/8 p. 13 ,,,joshlaymon,,7/8/2025
"Flying a Kite Can Be Fun, represented gods.symbols of an external soul; kites, slogans, superstitions, ","Primitive peoples attached religious meanings to kites. They viewed them as symbols of an external soul; as things closely connected with gods and heroes. They also felt that they were a means of contacting the heavenly regions. This is illustrated by the kite beliefs of the Polynesians. To them, they represented gods. And one hero of theirs is said to have gone to heaven in the form of a kite, singing a kite song in his upward journey. Koreans marked their kites with such slogans as ‘bad luck away, good luck stay.’ Then they would let these fly away in the belief that the flier of the kite was now relieved of ill luck. No one who came across such a kite fallen to the ground would touch it, for fear that its former owner’s misfortunes would befall him.","The Chinese have a holiday that falls in September that is called Kites’ Day or The Festival of Ascending on High. Young and old scurry to breezy high places to fly their various-shaped kites. When they are done, they do not reel the kite in but let it go, string and all. They believe, like the Koreans, that sickness, evil and bad luck will be carried away with the kite. And there are those that employ musical kites in the belief that their plaintive sounds will frighten away evil spirits. They often keep such kites in flight all night long over their houses.",Matthew 12:24-27; ,g73 3/22 p. 25 ,,,joshlaymon,,7/8/2025
"Humility—an Aid to Patience, to be long-suffering, to keep calm, `","A BIBLE scholar known world wide had spent the early morning hours, together with some traveling companions, viewing the ruins of Jericho. After returning to their hotel they were served a late breakfast, the waiter placing the food at the foot of the table. By the time the platters reached the head of the table they were empty. The scholar waited patiently, unperturbed, until the waiter finally brought more food. What enabled this man to wait so patiently when it really would have been fitting for him to have been served first? His humility. To be patient, as this man was, means to be slow to anger, to be long-suffering, to keep calm, not to lose one’s temper because of trying circumstances. ","Patience makes for peace and harmony. An Arab proverb expresses it: “Patience is the key of joy; but haste is the key to sorrow.” Because we are all imperfect, wives need to be patient with their husbands, husbands with their wives, parents with their children, teachers with their students, overseers with those in their charge.  Jas. 5:7, 8; 1 Cor. 13:4, New English Bible; Gal. 5:22, NE.","Jas. 5:7, 8; 1 Cor. 13:4, New English Bible; Gal. 5:22, NE.",g73 3/8 p. 3 ,,,joshlaymon,,7/8/2025
"Humility—an Aid to Patience, Jesus, prophets, work at being humble. lowliness of mind, egotism,","Jesus Christ, the Son of God, beautifully illustrated this principle, that humility and patience go together, in his dealings with his apostles. They no doubt tried his patience time and again by their spiritual immaturity, by their petty rivalries, by their slowness to comprehend. But did Jesus ever lose his temper in dealing with them? Rather, he patiently illustrated the lessons he wanted them to learn. (Luke 9:46-48) And was he humble? He most assuredly was, even as he showed by washing the feet of his apostles. In fact, Zechariah’s prophecy foretold that he would be humble.—Zech. 9:9; John 13:4-15.","The Bible also tells us of the patience of God’s faithful servants of old. Concerning them, we read: “Take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord” as “a pattern of patience under ill-treatment.” And all of them were humble men, otherwise Jehovah God could not have used them, for “God opposes the haughty ones, but he gives undeserved kindness to the humble ones.”—Jas. 5:10, NE; 1 Pet. 5:5. So work at being humble. Really, no one should think more highly of himself than it is necessary to think. (Rom. 12:3) We all make mistakes, use poor judgment, sin. (1 Ki. 8:46) We may excel in some fields; others excel in other respects. The course of wisdom is to heed the counsel: “Doing nothing out of . . . egotism, but with lowliness of mind considering that the others are superior to you.” If we have that humble mental attitude we will have little difficulty in being patient with others.—Phil. 2:3.",Luke 9:46-48; Zech. 9:9; John 13:4-15; 1 Ki. 8:46; Phil. 2:3. ,g73 3/8 p. 4,,,joshlaymon,,7/8/2025
"Humility—an Aid to Patience, haughty or proud, irritations and annoyances, stupidity and selfishness. tolerant, ","God’s Word tells us that the haughty or proud person does not think soundly. (Rom. 12:3) He has little patience in dealing with others. His mental attitude is: “Why should I have to wait for others?” “Why should I have to put up with the irritations and annoyances caused by other people’s stupidity and selfishness.” “Who do they think that I am?” Far from being slow to anger and patient, the proud man is quick to express displeasure. In contrast to this, humility aids us to be patient because it makes us willing to be of service to others. If we are humble we will not take ourselves too seriously, we will not expect too much of others, nor will we expect special treatment or special consideration. ","We will appreciate that we all make mistakes, that we all differ as to abilities and that we often try the patience of others; so we will be tolerant. The Bible tells us that Jehovah God has shown patience over the centuries, yes, for millenniums. He has truly been patient with the human race, even as illustrated by his dealings with the nation of Israel: “Jehovah . . . kept sending against them by means of his messengers, sending again and again,” until, in righteous indignation, he had to act. Patient? Yes, he waited patiently for centuries before he punished that nation for their wicked unfaithfulness by letting them be taken into Babylonian captivity.—2 Chron. 36:15, 16.","2 Chron. 36:15, 16; Rom. 12:3; ",g73 3/8 pp. 3-4,,,joshlaymon,,7/8/2025
"Biblical Ignorance Brings Further Losses, “part of the world.” political voting, military service, interfaith activities,","Christian conduct should be guided by the Bible. So, would there not also be doubt about what is proper as regards Christian action, conduct? Yes. And the confusion that has resulted can be illustrated with a specific example. Two Southern Baptist ministers were asked by a Georgia public relations firm if political voting, military service, saluting national emblems, interfaith activities, patriotic ceremonies and supporting the UN made one a “part of the world.” One minister said “Yes” to every point in question. The other said “No” to each point. Yet one of the two pastors also noted on the questionnaire sent him that “God is not a god of confusion.”","True, God is not confused, nor is his Word, the Bible. But is there not obvious confusion among the clergy within the same Baptist denomination? The ordinary person will be no less confused. It is not surprising that many “almost totally ignorant” laymen are simply forsaking their churches.",John 17:16; ,g73 2/22 p. 7 ,,,joshlaymon,,7/8/2025
"Hebrew Poetry, she ass, foal, colt, Parallelisms, ","Since knowledge of Hebrew poetry is imperfect, a word of caution when reading seemingly poetic parallelisms is in order. We need not arbitrarily think that because two lines seem to be a parallelism they are always that and no more. The context or another part of the Bible may explain the terms differently. Thus a prophecy concerning Messiah (who proved to be Jesus) at Zechariah 9:9 (New English Bible) says: “Rejoice, rejoice, daughter of Zion,shout aloud, daughter of Jerusalem; for see, your king is coming to you, his cause won, his victory gained, humble and mounted on an ass, on a foal, the young of a she-ass.” On superficial reading, the words “an ass” and “a foal, the young of a she-ass,” may appear to be no more than parallel expressions referring, really, to only one animal. True, the “ass” and the “foal, the young,” are one animal. ","However, in the fulfillment, according to Matthew’s account (21:1-5), Jesus dispatched disciples to “find an ass tied, and a colt with her.” “Untie them and bring them to me,” he said. The Bible thus interprets Zechariah’s prophecy to mean two animals, namely, both the “ass” or “foal, the young,” and its mother, the “she-ass.” Jesus did not ride the “she-ass.” With a better understanding of the basic poetic style of God’s Word of truth we are led to appreciate its literary beauty. More importantly, we are aided to find its real meaning.",Zechariah 9:9; Matthew 21:1-5; ,g73 2/8 p. 28,,,joshlaymon,,7/8/2025
"Hebrew Poetry, antithetic parallelism, opposite thought. synthetic parallelism. same thought, new thought. ","The Bible also has antithetic parallelism, that is, where each line expresses an opposite thought. Psalm 37:9 illustrates this: “For evildoers themselves will be cut off, But those hoping in Jehovah are the ones that will possess the earth.” Then there is synthetic parallelism. In this the second portion neither echoes the same thought as the first nor gives a contrast. Rather, it adds a new thought. Psalm 19:7 is an example: “The law of Jehovah is perfect,    bringing back the soul. The reminder of Jehovah is trustworthy, making the inexperienced one wise.”Notice that the second part of each sentence completes the thought; the whole verse, therefore, is a synthesis, that is, the result of bringing elements together. ","Only with the second half-lines, such as “bringing back the soul” and “making the inexperienced one wise,” does the reader learn how the ‘law is perfect’ and how the “reminder of Jehovah is trustworthy.” In such a series of synthetic parallels, this division between the first and second part serves as a rhythmic break. There is thus, along with the progression of thought, the preservation of a certain verse structure, a parallel of form. It is for this reason sometimes called formal or constructive parallelism. Of course, this is not to say that Hebrew poetry is by any means now perfectly understood. It is not. Various attempts, for instance, have been made to discover its exact meter, the laws regulating the number of stanzas in a verse and syllables in each line. Some have gone so far as to alter the Hebrew text to try to make it fit their own preconceived notions of Hebrew poetic style. But all such efforts at trying to find a system of meter have been largely unsuccessful. Why?",Psalm 37:9; Psalm 19:7; ,g73 2/8 pp. 27-28,,,joshlaymon,,7/8/2025
"Hebrew Poetry, not literal, “socket pedestals” Lamech, synonymous parallelism, second line repeats, expanding it, ","Some expressions in the Bible are obviously to be taken, not literally, but as figures of speech. It is evident that the earth does not rest on literal “socket pedestals” nor do its rivers actually “clap their hands.” (Job 38:4-6; Ps. 98:8) Nevertheless, very clear truths are being stated when such expressions are used: the earth is immovably set by changeless laws, and rivers do produce handlike waves that noisily slap at their banks. While this variation in style from ordinary prose is usually obvious and therefore understood, other points about Hebrew poetry may not be.For instance, how are Lamech’s poetic words at Genesis 4:23 to be interpreted? “A man I have killed for wounding me, Yes, a young man for giving me a blow.” ","Did Lamech kill two persons, a ‘man’ and a ‘young man’? Up until about two centuries ago, commentators said so. However, since then a more accurate understanding of Hebrew poetry has been revived. It is different from certain classical and modern poetry in which rhyme is often an important element. Rather, Hebrew poetry is distinguished by what is called parallelism. What this means can best be understood by examples. Parallelism’s most common form is called synonymous parallelism in which the second line repeats the thought in a portion of the first line, but in different words. Psalm 24:1 is an example: “To Jehovah belong the earth and that which fills it, The productive land and those dwelling in it.” The phrase “To Jehovah belong” is essential to both lines. However, the terms “the earth” and “the productive land” are poetic synonyms, as are “that which fills it” and “those dwelling in it.” This same poetic form is used in the verse quoting Lamech. He apparently killed only one person; the second line of his poetic statement echoes the first, repeating and somewhat expanding it, yes, enlarging a single idea by using different words.",Job 38:4-6; Ps. 98:8; Genesis 4:23; Psalm 24:1; ,g73 2/8 p. 27,,,joshlaymon,,7/8/2025
"Marvelous Torchbearers of Land and Sea, lantern,  light organ at the tip of its rod. angler fish.","IS IT not a humbling thought that, long before intelligent man discovered how to make artificial light, multitudes of unthinking creatures on land and in the sea possessed their own tiny but efficient “lanterns”? Reflect a moment on a few of such creatures that dwell in the perpetual darkness found in ocean deeps. Imagine yourself down there at a depth of, say, 5,000 feet, peering out of the porthole of a bathysphere. What is this tiny light approaching? As it nears you, no doubt to investigate the light from your porthole, you perceive that it is an odd-looking fish. Doing what? Why—fishing! Its fishing rod is twice as long as it is, and dangles out of its mouth. ","That light? A light organ at the tip of its rod. This creature is known as the angler fish. Another angler fish at about the same depth has its “lure”—a light organ—inside its mouth immediately behind its teeth. Then there is the lantern fish, so called because—like a passenger ship showing its lighted portholes at night—it has rows of light along each side. Other hunters of the deep have headlights that enable them to cast a beam of light several feet in front of them.",Psalm 104:24; ,g73 2/8 p. 16 ,,,joshlaymon,,7/8/2025
"Thinking Aids for a Balky Brain, problems systematically, written checklist, memory, remember, ","This process of ordered thinking can be illustrated with a family who, having decided to move to another location, set down a list of requirements with regard to a new home they must find: For example: (1) Do we want a house or an apartment? (2) A new one or an older one? (3) One or two stories? (4) Price not over what fixed amount? (5) In city or suburb? (6) Maximum distance from employment? (7) From schools? (8) From shopping facilities and other conveniences, and so forth?","Until the habit of approaching all problems systematically becomes ingrained in you, do not be embarrassed about employing a written checklist similar to this. Of course, such thinking can be learned by using it in connection with all your daily tasks, not just the major moves in life. For instance, are you a thinking housewife? Instead of secretly envying so-called “talented” women, why not use the same thinking processes they must employ in order to do their work? Jas. 1:5-8.",Jas. 1:5-8; ,g73 1/8 p. 7 ,,,joshlaymon,,7/8/2025
"Thinking Aids for a Balky Brain, primary goal in life. foremost goal, subgoals.new language, ","As explained in the previous article, the basic aid to better thinking is to keep always in mind your overall purpose in life. When your main goal is lost from sight, thinking becomes uncertain. But also important to prodding your thinking processes are what might be called secondary goals. Some day-by-day problems never get solved because people think only of long-range, principal goals, ignoring smaller yet important goals. How secondary goals assist thinking can, again, be illustrated by a journey. The person traveling from Madrid, Spain, to Berlin, Germany, knows what is his main goal. However, he might wish to segment the trip into smaller sections, perhaps making stops at Toulouse and Paris, France. ","The overall trip then seems shorter and he has an immediate goal toward which to direct his thinking. Similarly, with our lives. A person may know his primary goal in life. Keeping that foremost, he should, after carefully weighing his own circumstances, decide on certain subgoals. Working toward these makes his main goal seem to come easier and more rapidly. Thus, while a Christian has the main goal of gaining God’s approval to life eternal, he wisely decides upon subgoals in life. A missionary conditions his thinking toward the goal of holding onto his privilege of teaching people in a foreign land. But, he might also set goals of learning his new language or the customs of the people better. Or, a Christian father, though he has the same primary goal as the missionary, may set a goal of building his family spiritually by a regular Bible study arrangement. On the other hand, his goal may be to balance their study program with family recreation.",Matthew 24:14; ,g73 1/8 p. 6 ,,,joshlaymon,,7/8/2025
"Are You Learning to Think Clearly? prefer to let others do their thinking, Winston Churchill, advertising, ","Many people simply passively prefer to let others do their thinking for them. For most, therefore, the basic pattern of thinking is largely fixed by the community and the world in which they live. They think and act in a way similar to those around them. Even in relatively minor matters of life this is discernible, as advertising and the mass media dictate their viewpoint. And in major areas of life, the way other people do much of their thinking for them may be illustrated by what occurs in wartime. When their home country publishes propaganda rallying the population to war, do most people carefully analyze all the issues involved in the conflict? Or, do they just accept what they are told to think? ","In writing about World War I, the late Winston Churchill observed: “Only a signal is needed to transform these multitudes of peaceful peasants and workmen into the mighty hosts which will tear each other to pieces.” He further observed that, told what to do, most people unthinkingly responded. (The World Crisis, Volume VI, page 93) Twenty-five years later another generation let the same kind of thinking lead them into a far greater conflict, World War II. 1 Tim. 6:3-11.",1 Tim. 6:3-11; ,g73 1/8 p. 3 ,,,joshlaymon,,7/8/2025
"Is There Really a Population Crisis? over 45 trillion dollars, ","What happens can be illustrated by the anecdote about a man who agreed to work for one cent the first week if his employer would double his income every week thereafter: 2c, 4c, 8c, and so on. At the end of three months he would have only about $80. But, due to the “doubling” effect, from this deceptively slow start the man would have made over $45,000,000,000,000 by the end of a year, if the world’s money supply were not exhausted!","Population grows in a similar fashion, though many other factors enter as well. It took thousands of years for earth to gain its first billion humans, in about the middle of the last century. Yet it took less than a hundred years to double that population! Just thirty more years brought another billion into the world, and fifteen years will have produced the fourth billion, in 1975! The fifth billion? Experts estimate little more than a decade—barring a “miracle”—or a disaster.",Genesis 9:19; ,g74 6/22 pp. 3-4 ,,,joshlaymon,,7/8/2025
"Ability at Seven Years, ","HOW able, do you think, a seven-year-old child can be in getting across important points about religion? Two recent Experiences in Canada well illustrate that, even at the age of seven, a well-trained Christian youth can have considerable ability along this line. At an assembly of Jehovah’s witnesses in British Columbia one seven-year-old girl related: “In my school the Grade One class came into the Grade Two class to sing Easter songs. When both classes were assembled and about to sing, I put up my hand asking permission to sing alone, since I had been taught from the Bible that Easter is not really a proper Christian celebration. With the teacher’s permission I sang ‘We Are Jehovah’s Witnesses,’ a song that I remembered from the songbook used at our meetings. ","When the song was completed, all the students clapped their hands. They never sang Easter songs after that.”Or, note the experience of a seven-year-old girl in Ontario, Canada: “Prior to Christmas last year there was a program at school where different nationalities told how they celebrated Christmas. The teacher noticed that we children of Jehovah’s witnesses were different and so asked us to write out something about our beliefs on the subject. “We [another seven-year-old and herself] went home and talked to our parents about it. We decided to present the information directly to the class rather than having the teacher read it, as she did with the other students. We arranged a short program of questions and answers, with one of us asking the questions and the other answering them. The teacher thought it was so good that she arranged for us to do it for two more classes. We covered questions such as, ‘How do we know that Jesus was not born in December?’ and, ‘How long have people been celebrating Christmas?’” Her final comments helped to explain how she gained the ability to present matters so convincingly and logically. She added: “It seemed just like giving a talk in the Theocratic Ministry School.” She was speaking about a free weekly school held at each congregation of Jehovah’s witnesses where old and young learn to study the Bible and to explain it to others.","Isaiah 54:13, ",g74 6/8 p. 24,,,joshlaymon,,7/8/2025
"Getting Marriage Off to a Good Start, Wedlock, permanent, one flesh, Adam felt incomplete. Eve, ","“Marriage was first established by the Creator of the human race, Jehovah God. After reviewing God’s animal creation in the garden of Eden, the first man Adam found that he had no companion like himself. Though perfect physically and mentally, Adam felt incomplete. Therefore God said: ‘It is not good for the man to continue by himself. I am going to make a helper for him, as a complement of him.’ (Gen. 2:18) God then created Eve and ‘proceeded . . . to bring her to the man,’ uniting them in wedlock. (Gen. 2:22) The Bible then says: ‘That is why a man will leave his father and his mother and he must stick to his wife and they must become one flesh.’—Gen. 2:24.","“Did you note that God’s Word states: ‘A man will . . . stick to his wife‘? Jehovah God views marriage as a permanent arrangement. It is not something that you can agree on today but change your mind on at a later date. Only where one partner commits adultery does the Bible allow for divorce.—Matt. 19:9. “A man’s place after marriage is with his wife, not with his fleshly father or his mother or with friends. Your wife will now become your closest partner in life. From now on you must consider her in everything you do. She is a part of you. You have become ‘one flesh’ in God’s eyes. “This unity may be illustrated by a healthy human body. The body never fights with itself. The hand does not hurt the foot, nor does the eye harm the ear. Rather, the body members complement one another, each supplying what another lacks. But to achieve this oneness you must submit to the influence of a most important third party in your marriage.",Matt. 19:9; Gen. 2:22; ,g74 5/22 p. 4 ,,,joshlaymon,,7/8/2025
"When Opposition Leads to Spreading Bible Truth, favorable decision, others only sing, assembly, ","These experiences illustrate that opposition cannot really do harm to the advancement of true worship.—Isa. 54:17. On a tropical island of the Pacific, Jehovah’s witnesses arranged to hold an assembly. But the sessions were delayed for a day because the Office of Religion, at the instigation of the Protestant clergy, did not grant permission for the assembly to be held. Jehovah’s witnesses brought the matter to the attention of the District Intelligence Office. The head of this department, a Moslem, listened with interest as the Witnesses explained why they did not accept the Trinity doctrine. He was surprised to learn that clergymen would oppose this Christian group.","The permit for holding the assembly was granted. The Protestants were required to cease their provocations, which had developed to the point where a mob threatened to smash up the hotel where the sessions were to be held. Several of the government’s intelligence personnel attended the assembly and taped the talks. After the assembly the head of the department stated: “The reports circulating that Jehovah’s witnesses pose a real danger are false. I have seen for myself that their education is practical and logical. They are not like the others who only sing. I do not understand why the other churches oppose them.”",Isa. 54:17; ,g74 5/8 p. 20 ,,,joshlaymon,,7/8/2025
"God’s Word Helped in Breaking the Drug Habit, ‘empty box,’ defilement, smoking, alcohol, hope, purpose, ","MORE and more people today are using drugs to escape reality. Many are in desperate need of a solid hope that would give purposeful direction to their lives. Accurate knowledge of the Bible could help them. This is illustrated by those who have successfully broken the drug habit after they began to study the Bible with Jehovah’s Christian witnesses. A man now living in the northeastern part of the United States relates: “I was taking ‘trips’ by means of mescaline, LSD and other drugs, thinking that these would ‘open me up.’ Instead, I only found myself in an ‘empty box,’ with the feeling that my head was sinking into my chest.","“Then, one day I came home, and two men were standing at my door. I thought that they were narcotics agents. How surprised I was when they told me about a real government of God and its solution to earth’s problems! A Bible study was started with me.” What was the result? This study aided him to break the drug habit, as it gave him a real hope and a purpose in living.",2 Corinthians 7:1; ,g74 5/8 p. 8,,,joshlaymon,,7/8/2025
"What Can a Wife Do? When Sex Is a Problem, whole world light up, own sexual enjoyment, not satisfied.","Sex is commonly cited as a major problem in marriage. This is often due to unrealistic views sponsored by the news media. Popular books, magazines and movies have couples ‘fall in love’ and live ‘happily ever after.’ Literature also highlights sexual pleasures, often raising expectations beyond what realization fulfills. To illustrate, one young wife explained: “I guess I wanted sex to be some psychedelic jackpot that made the whole world light up like a pinball machine. I mean, it was all right but I kept thinking, ‘Is that all there is? Is that all there really is?’” The wife’s overriding concern was her own sexual enjoyment. She was not satisfied. This is the complaint of many women—that their husbands do not satisfy them sexually. ","In such case, what can a wife do? Is it possible for her to realize greater satisfaction? Does the Bible say anything helpful? Note the straightforward encouragement it provides: “Let the husband render to his wife her due; but let the wife also do likewise to her husband. Do not be depriving each other of it, except by mutual consent.”—1 Cor. 7:3, 5.According to this Bible counsel, whom should a mate be concerned primarily with pleasing? One’s own self, as was the primary interest of the above-mentioned wife? No, but, rather, one’s mate. The underlying principle here in the Bible is of rendering, giving. The welfare and pleasure of the marriage mate, not oneself, is properly paramount. This is in harmony with the further Bible principles: “Let each one keep seeking, not his own advantage, but that of the other person.” “Love . . . does not look for its own interests.”—1 Cor. 10:24; 13:4, 5.","1 Cor. 7:3, 5; 1 Cor. 10:24; 13:4, 5; ",g74 4/22 p. 6 ,,,joshlaymon,,7/8/2025
"Benefiting from History, Red Sea, Egypt, four hundred and thirty years. ","This can be illustrated with the Bible’s historical account about the opening of the Red Sea to allow the nation of Israel to leave Egypt. Some persons find this account, written by an eyewitness, Moses, hard to accept. Often the persons who reject it have never actually read the account closely for themselves. But one who thoughtfully considers this material (found in Exodus chapters 12 through 15) for himself will observe that the names of persons and places are recorded.—Compare Numbers 33:1-8. The time when Israel’s stay in Egypt was drawing to a close is also stated: “The dwelling of the sons of Israel, who had dwelt in Egypt, was four hundred and thirty years. ","And it came about at the end of the four hundred and thirty years, it even came about on this very day that all the armies of Jehovah went out of the land of Egypt.”—Ex. 12:40, 41; compare 1 Kings 6:1. Thus, an entirely credible framework of time and place for the Red Sea incident is included in the Bible’s history. What else could any historian, living at any time, in any place, possibly have provided in his account to prove that he wrote down what he actually saw? Nothing. On what basis, then, can this Biblical account be set aside as nonhistorical? None!The Bible’s historical accounts are reliable.",Numbers 33:1-8; Exodus chapters 12 through 15; 1 Kings 6:1.,g74 4/8 p. 26 ,,,joshlaymon,,7/8/2025
"Benefiting from History, Israel bad characteristics, not partial, that time and place are stated.","But, some ask, how can the Bible’s history be said to be so outstanding? Does it not glorify one nation, Israel? Does it not ask us to believe the incredible, even the miraculous? It is true that much of the Bible concerns the history of Israel. But who can deny that the presentation of Israel in the Bible is an honest one? Israel’s bad characteristics, not just its good ones, are frankly acknowledged. The nation and her people are used to illustrate the penalties coming on anyone who refuses to live by God’s high standards. Bible history shows how God severely chastised Israel, eventually casting the nation off entirely as his special covenant people.","No, the Bible’s history does not glorify any one earthly nation or race. Rather, it plainly declares: “In every nation the man that fears [God] and works righteousness is acceptable to him.”—Acts 10:35. It is true, too, that there are miraculous elements in its history. But before one casts it off for that reason, it should be remembered that the framework in which these miracles are found is definitely historical and believable. In what way? In that time and place are stated.",Acts 10:35; ,g74 4/8 pp. 25-26,,,joshlaymon,,7/8/2025
"What God Has Promised, God's Kingdom, government, Jesus, ","The head of that government is the one who said to people of his day who yearned for better times: “Come to me, all you who are toiling and loaded down, and I will refresh you. Take my yoke upon you and become my disciples, for I am mild-tempered and lowly in heart, and you will find refreshment for your souls.”—Matt. 11:28, 29. But how can we be sure of such hope of relief by this Kingdom government? How can we know that these are not like the mere promises of today’s world leaders? Well, if a person promises something and we know that he has actually accomplished similar things in the past, we have faith that he will fulfill his promises for the present. And God, on his part, has given us a record of just such a thing. ","Centuries ago, he dealt with the nation of Israel in such a way as to give us a good idea of his ability to bring better times and what he means when he says he will give people peace and rest.—Isa. 32:17, 18.Moreover, God specifically tells us that he had an account of these things written to provide examples, illustrations, of what he will do on a worldwide scale and in a permanent way for all the earth. Let us look at some of those illustrations.—1 Cor. 10:11; Rom. 15:4.","Matt. 11:28, 29. 1 Cor. 10:11; Rom. 15:4. Isa. 32:17, 18. ",g74 4/8 p. 9 ,,,joshlaymon,,7/8/2025
"Should Your Baby Be Baptized? pagan idea that baptism washes away sins, infant baptism, ","The apostle Paul foretold that a general “apostasy” from Bible Christianity would occur after the death of the twelve apostles. (2 Thess. 2:3, 6-12) At 1 Timothy 4:1 Paul wrote: “The spirit says expressly that in after times some will desert from the faith and give their minds to subversive doctrines.”—NE. How did “subversive doctrines” appear with regard to baptism? It was due to the adoption of beliefs from pagan Greek religion (Hellenism). The Theological Dictionary of the New Testament says of the period following the death of the apostles: “Alien elements came in from the outside world. Hitherto these had been carefully held in check by the filter of prophetic and N[ew] T[estament] religion. But now, using external agreement as a channel, they came in full flood. Baptism became a syncretistic mystery.”","As a result, early in the second century C.E. the pagan idea that baptism washes away sins and brings about “regeneration” crept into the Christian congregation. Illustrating this are the comments of Justin Martyr, of the second century C.E., concerning candidates for baptism: “They are brought by us where there is water, and are regenerated.” “We may . . . obtain in the water the remission of sins formerly committed.” To what did this blending of pagan beliefs with the Bible’s teaching about baptism lead? Greek scholar A. T. Robertson explains: “Out of this perversion of the symbolism of baptism grew both pouring as an ordinance and infant baptism. If baptism is necessary to salvation or the means of regeneration, then the sick, the dying, infants, must be baptized.” By the third century C.E. infant baptism had become a general church practice.","2 Thess. 2:3, 6-12; 1 Timothy 4:1; ",g74 3/22 p. 28 ,,,joshlaymon,,7/8/2025
"The World’s Largest Living Things, Sequoia’s size, General Sherman tree, ","At first you do not realize the Sequoia’s size, because the surrounding trees are so large. It is only when you stand at the base of a Big Tree and look up, or when you walk around it and count your paces, that its awesome majesty begins to dawn upon you. To illustrate how big these trees are, imagine a tree as high as a twenty-five-story building. Think of a single limb more than six feet thick, and visualize that limb so high up the trunk of the tree that you could put a twelve-story building under it. Consider a tree whose trunk is thirty feet in diameter. Cut and laid on its side in a city street, it would reach the top of third-story windows! ","The largest of these trees contain more wood than is used in building forty five-room houses—though their wood generally is not put to use for construction. The General Sherman tree, in the Sequoia National Park, is considered the world’s largest living thing. It is 272.4 feet high, and 101.6 feet around. It is far from the tallest tree in the world, but its massive trunk tapers very little, and it contains an astounding quantity of wood. Recent studies suggest that it may also be the world’s fastest-growing thing—not in height, but in mass.",Isaiah 65:22; ,g74 3/22 pp. 24-25 ,,,joshlaymon,,7/8/2025
"Highway Hallucinations, huge office building. set the stage for a mirage. driver is really fatigued, need rest, ","HALLUCINATIONS brought about by driver fatigue are apparently causing many mysterious accidents at night, authorities report. Illustrating the possible effect of driver fatigue is the case of a San Francisco surgeon who was driving to his suburban home after performing an operation that lasted till 5 a.m. Suddenly the doctor saw before him a huge office building. The doctor brought his car to a screeching halt—at what he felt was a few inches from the lobby level of a skyscraper. But when he got out, there was no building at all, only a virtually deserted highway. “I was immediately aware, of course, that I had been deceived by highway hypnosis,” said the doctor afterward. ","“The long drive, the late hour and my weariness had set the stage for a mirage. My need for sleep had triggered the hallucination. I could have been killed, or killed the occupants of another car, trying to avoid a building that wasn’t there.” Because of the danger of such highway hallucinations, some authorities have proposed putting up signs on monotonous stretches of highway to warn drivers: “Danger: Hallucinations Occur Here When You Are Tired!” But why may a fatigued driver experience hallucinations? The Harvard School of Public Health has stated this possibility: “Subconsciously, an extremely tired driver wants to stop and rest, but his conscious mind makes him continue at the wheel for one reason or another. It is his imagination trying to get him to stop that creates such roadblocks as spectral houses, buildings, windmills, walls and animals. . . . If a driver is really fatigued, he is likely to experience a hallucination. It is his mind’s way of compelling him to stop driving now.”",Mark 6:31; ,g74 3/22 p. 11,,,joshlaymon,,7/8/2025
"“To the Most Distant Part of the Earth” concentration camp, Elsa, Jehovah's spirit causes a calm, ","Let us also remember that for the sake of his great name, Jehovah never deserts his people.—1 Sam. 12:22; Ps. 94:14. To illustrate: Because Brother Harald Abt kept on bearing witness, the Nazis sent him to Sachsenhausen concentration camp during World War II. In May 1942 the Gestapo went to the home of his wife, Elsa, took away their little girl, and arrested Elsa. She was sent to various camps. “My years in German concentration camps taught me an outstanding lesson,” said Sister Abt. “It is, how greatly Jehovah’s spirit can strengthen you when you are under extreme trial! ","Before I was arrested, I had read a sister’s letter that said that under severe trial Jehovah’s spirit causes a calmness to come over you. I thought that she must have been exaggerating a bit. But when I went through trials myself, I knew that what she had said was true. It really happens that way. It’s hard to imagine it, if you have not experienced it. Yet it really happened to me.”",1 Sam. 12:22; Ps. 94:14.,bt chap. 28 pp. 221-223 pars. 18-19 ,You Can Face the Future With Confidence!,108,joshlaymon,,7/10/2025
"Why You Can Look to the Future with Confidence, Brain, creation, most complex in universe, ","Finally, think a little about yourself. To think, of course, you have to use your brain—so why not start there? Naturally, you can’t see your brain, but what do you think it is like? When fully developed, the human brain looks like an oversized pinkish-gray walnut and weighs less than three pounds (1.3 kilos). But what tremendous ability is packed into that small area! A scientific report in the New York Times says:","“The constitution of the brain . . . is so complex that it makes the giant electronic computers mere child’s toys by comparison.” Yes, the brain you possess and can use has been described as “the most complex piece of matter in the universe.” Now, if someone gave you a fine watch or an expensive camera or a valuable electronic calculator, you would certainly care for it and try to get the best use out of it, right? You should feel far more appreciation for your brain.",Isaiah 11:9; ,yy chap. 2 p. 15 pars. 18-19 ,You Can Face the Future With Confidence!,108 ,joshlaymon,,7/10/2025
"Why You Can Look to the Future with Confidence, Body, Hands, accomplishments, elephants can’t fly, superior ","Think, too, of your body. Now, it’s true that a lion is stronger than you are, an elephant is certainly bigger, a dolphin can swim faster, a monkey can climb better, an eagle can soar in the heights with its own wings and you can’t. But none of these creatures combines in itself all the abilities that a man has. Lions and elephants can’t fly, dolphins can’t climb trees or mountains, nor can eagles swim. But humans can do all of these, either unaided or with their inventions. Yes, above all, humans are unique in their ability to make things, in endless variety.","One reason for this is your hands. No tool ever invented can do all the things you can with your hands—from heavy work in mechanics or carpentry, to activities that call for a delicate touch, as in playing an instrument, painting or drawing the design for a house. Really, your hands are just one of the things that make your body so marvelous. No wonder that Dr. W. W. Akers, an engineer working with surgeons, said of the human body: “The body is the ultimate in technological perfection. Almost any machine you can dream up—no matter how sophisticated—you can look into the body and find a better one.” Clearly a Master Designer wanted humans to be far superior to the animals and to be able to enjoy the earth in the greatest way possible. This gives us reason to be confident that He is concerned about our enjoying a rewarding future.",Psalm 37:29; ,yy chap. 2 pp. 15-16 pars. 20-23,,,joshlaymon,,7/10/2025
"Can You Succeed in Marriage? sex is at the root,  pleasure of your marriage mate,","You have probably heard it said that sex is at the root of many marriage problems, and this is true. This is often due to unrealistic views sponsored by the news media. Popular books, magazines and movies depict couples who “fall in love” and live “happily ever after.” Literature also highlights sexual pleasures, often raising expectations beyond what realization fulfills. To illustrate, one young wife explained: “I guess I wanted sex to be some psychedelic jackpot that made the whole world light up like a pinball machine. I mean, it was all right but I kept thinking, ‘Is that all there is? Is that all there really is?’” Though, as a youth, you likely are not married, do you see the problem of this young wife? Her overriding concern was her own sexual enjoyment, and she was not satisfied.","This is the complaint of many women—that their husbands don’t satisfy them sexually. In such case, what can a wife do? Does the Bible say anything helpful? Note the straightforward encouragement it provides: “Let the husband render to his wife her due; but let the wife also do likewise to her husband. Do not be depriving each other of it, except by mutual consent.”—1 Corinthians 7:3, 5. According to this Bible counsel, if you get married, you should be concerned primarily with pleasing whom? Should it be your own self, as was the primary interest of the above-mentioned wife? No, but, rather, your mate. The underlying principle here in the Bible is of giving. The welfare and pleasure of your marriage mate, not yourself, is properly paramount. This is in harmony with the further Bible principles: “Let each one keep seeking, not his own advantage, but that of the other person.” “Love . . . does not look for its own interests.”—1 Corinthians 10:24; 13:4, 5.","1 Corinthians 7:3, 5; 1 Corinthians 10:24; 13:4, 5.",yy chap. 20 pp. 158-159 pars. 5-7 ,,,joshlaymon,,7/10/2025
"Does Sexual Morality Make Sense? Amnon. half sister Tamar, Wife of Potiphar, ","Love based solely on passion is not an enduring love. It is a selfish, greedy love. That kind of love is well illustrated in the Bible by the case of one of David’s sons, named Amnon. He “fell in love” with his beautiful half sister Tamar. Then, through trickery, he forced her into having relations with him. After that, what? The record tells us: “And Amnon began hating her with a very great hatred, because the hatred with which he hated her was greater than the love with which he had loved her.” He sent her out into the street. (2 Samuel 13:1-19) Now, if you are a young woman, should you naïvely think that, because some boy expresses passionate love for you and wants you to have relations with him, this means he sincerely loves you? He may very well turn out to be just as Amnon was.","The Bible tells us that the wife of Egyptian officer Potiphar expressed the same kind of interest in young Joseph, who served in their house. When he resisted all her attempts to seduce him, she then showed her true colors. She viciously lied to her husband about Joseph, causing him to be unjustly imprisoned.—Genesis 39:7-20.Yes, so-called sexual “freedom” changes what should be pleasurable and clean into something cheap and detestable. So, which do you want—an occasional brief moment of illicit sexual excitement with all the risks and problems it involves, or the satisfaction of having a clean conscience before God and all persons, with self-respect, day in and day out?",2 Samuel 13:1-19; Genesis 39:7-20; ,yy chap. 18 pp. 140-141,,,joshlaymon,,7/10/2025
"Does Sexual Morality Make Sense? King Solomon, maiden of Shunem, like a “door”, firm as a “wall”","Actually, any weakling can give in to the sex urge. But it takes a real “man” (or a real “woman”) to control that urge until taking a mate in marriage. It takes even more strength now when the global trend is going the other way, because it means bucking the current. The Bible book of Proverbs presents an account illustrating this point. It relates the way a young man from among the “inexperienced ones,” lacking in good heart motive, wanders down into a street where he is approached by a prostitute. Under the pressure of her shrewd persuasiveness, he caves in and “all of a sudden he is going after her, like a bull that comes even to the slaughter, and just as if fettered [or shackled] for the discipline of a foolish man.” (Proverbs 7:6-23) He did not have the moral strength to resist.","But earlier in this publication we read about the attractive young maiden of Shunem who resisted all the enticements that wealthy King Solomon could offer, preferring to remain true to the young shepherd she hoped to marry. Yes, instead of being like a “door” that could easily be swung open, she proved to her older brothers that she was as firm as a “wall” in her determination to keep her virginity for the man she was waiting for.—Song of Solomon 8:8-10.",Song of Solomon 8:8-10.; Proverbs 7:6-23; ,yy chap. 18 pp. 135-136 pars. 9-11,,,joshlaymon,,7/10/2025
"The Music and Dancing You Choose, hearts, emotions and motivation, “catalyst.” trigger, ","In the Bible the heart is closely associated with emotions and motivation, so God’s Word counsels: “More than all else that is to be guarded, safeguard your heart, for out of it are the sources of life.” (Proverbs 4:23) Since music’s emotional power is a fact, our guarding our hearts requires being selective about the music we choose. True, music’s moving effect is only temporary. But it is often long enough to give a decided push in a certain direction, or to lower resistance to a certain attraction or temptation. If you studied chemistry in school you learned about “catalysts.” You learned that the combining of two or more chemicals can often be achieved only by using some other ingredient that, in effect, brings the chemicals together. ","That ingredient is a “catalyst.” Now, we all have certain weaknesses and wrong inclinations, and so we feel tempted at times to do certain things that are wrong. Suppose circumstances come up that encourage you to do a wrong act. Music can be the “catalyst” that will cause desire and circumstances to combine—resulting in something you may afterward seriously regret. On the basis of her studies, one researcher for a government commission studying pornography said: “Music, by playing on girls’ emotions to arouse love and affection, frequently serves as a catalyst for love and thereby a stimulus for sexual arousal in the adolescent female. . . . The music surfaces this feeling.”Yes, the impulse that music supplies, though temporary, may be all that is needed to trigger you into a course or way of life that is itself long lasting or that produces results that are. So, is it not worth your while to use discernment where music is involved?",Proverbs 4:23; ,yy chap. 17 pp. 128-129 pars. 13-16 ,,,joshlaymon,,7/10/2025
"The Music and Dancing You Choose,  throats of birds, but the gurgle of brooks, the whisper of the wind, ","MAN’S Creator built music into human surroundings. Not just the clear, flowing tones that spring from the throats of birds, but the gurgle of brooks, the whisper of the wind in the trees, the chirp of crickets, the croak of frogs and the calls of many others of earth’s creatures—all of these have a musical sound to them. Not surprisingly, then, the development of musical instruments dates all the way back to the dawn of human history. Dancing, too, has an ancient history. In Israel, Moses’ sister Miriam led the women “with tambourines and in dances.” Also, after God helped King David defeat depraved enemies “the women began coming out from all the cities of Israel with song and dances.”","It is evident, too, that Jesus Christ approved of dancing, since he mentioned it as a part of a proper celebration in his illustration about the prodigal son. Jesus spoke of “a music concert and dancing” being arranged when the prodigal returned. The Bible shows that some dancing was by individuals or by groups of men, or of women.—Exodus 15:20; 1 Samuel 18:6; Luke 15:25. Does that mean that all music and dancing are necessarily good? Or do you need to be selective in the music you listen to and the dances in which you might engage? What can help us to determine? How much does it really matter?",Exodus 15:20; 1 Samuel 18:6; Luke 15:25. ,yy chap. 17 pp. 124-125 pars. 1-3 ,,,joshlaymon,,7/10/2025
"Should You Drink Alcoholic Beverages? blessings for the enjoyment, Fire, steam, electricity. harmful,  ","The Bible shows that from ancient times wine was a common beverage with meals, being used by such persons as Abraham, Isaac and many others. Jesus provided wine for a wedding feast, and the apostle Paul counseled Timothy to “use a little wine for the sake of your stomach and your frequent cases of sickness.”—1 Timothy 5:23. Rightfully, the Bible lists wine as among God’s provisions and blessings for the enjoyment of humans. A Bible psalm says: “He is making green grass sprout for the beasts, and vegetation for the service of mankind, . . . and wine that makes the heart of mortal man rejoice.” (Psalm 104:14, 15) The Bible also shows that God’s people sometimes used other alcoholic beverages, including beer and liquor.","Does this mean there is no need for caution on your part as to drinking alcoholic beverages? By no means. For God’s Word shows the ‘other side of the coin’ as well. There are many things in life that are not wrong in themselves but that can bring serious consequences if misused or used too soon. God gave humans procreative powers, but these are to be used only in honorable marriage and their use can bring the heavy responsibility of caring for a family. Fire, steam, electricity and various tools can be very helpful to men and women in their work, but, used carelessly, they can also be very harmful. The drinking of alcoholic beverages, too, can have serious effects if caution is not exercised. ","1 Timothy 5:23; Psalm 104:14, 15; ",yy chap. 14 pp. 98-99 pars. 5-7 ,,,joshlaymon,,7/10/2025
"Are You Bored at Home? model airplane, ever made a dress, seems may not show, important, ","Often bored young persons simply fail to see the value of the things they are given to do. Whatever assignments you have, whether at school or at home or at work, try to see how they affect your life, also the lives of others, both now and in the days to come. If you can do that, you will be able to work at those assignments with a sense of purpose. This can make the difference between enjoying life and being bored. Really, the very jobs you find boring could build in you the very qualities and habits that will play the largest part in your future success in life. To illustrate: If you’re a young man, have you ever built a model airplane? First, you had to put the many pieces of the frame together and then cover that frame. ","The frame might not even show in the final product. But without the strength and design it gave, the airplane would be useless. Or, if you’re a young woman, have you ever made a dress? The seams you sewed may not have showed when the dress was done. But without those hidden stitches, there would have been no dress.Likewise with so much that you learn at school or learn by what you do at home. It’s part of an overall pattern that can help to lay the foundation for future success. By doing simple and often unexciting jobs or chores, even repeatedly, you can learn endurance and determination, and gain inner strength. (Galatians 6:9)",Galatians 6:9; ,yy chap. 9 pp. 69-70 pars. 7-9 ,,,joshlaymon,,7/10/2025
"Enlightenment for “the Conclusion of the System of Things” ten virgins, greatest marriage, Prince of Peace,","CONCERNING “the conclusion of the system of things,” the “Prince of Peace” said at Matthew 24:38 that there would be “men marrying and women being given in marriage.” But during the same period, there begins in heaven the greatest marriage of all. It is the marriage referred to in Jesus’ illustration of ten lamp bearers, ten virgins.—Matthew 24:3; 25:1-12. The scene of this marriage is in the Middle East. It takes place late at night, verging onto midnight. The wedding of the bride and her bridegroom is held first and is followed by a procession to the house of feasting. The way is not lighted up by street lamps. Illumination is provided by those sharing in the gala procession, and bystanders can watch the procession go by, wishing the newlyweds happiness.","True to their feminine inclination, virgins are interested in the wedding. So, along the line of march, ten virgins wait until the wedding procession reaches their location. They desire to brighten the occasion, and for this reason all of them bring along lighted hand lamps, but only five of them have an emergency supply of lighting oil. These five are discreet virgins. The fulfillment of this parable should interest us today, for according to Jesus Christ, it further confirms that we are in the conclusion of this old system.—Matthew 25:13. 4 We can be happy if we are discreet and discern the realization of this marriage of all marriages and its attendant features! Who today are the ones favored with admittance to the feast? Are any of us? Let us see!",Matthew 24:38; Matthew 24:3; 25:1-12; ,ws chap. 5 pp. 38-39 pars. 1-4,,,joshlaymon,,7/11/2025
"Enlightenment for “the Conclusion of the System of Things”, pitch-black night, Ten Virgins, bridegroom, ","The illustration that Jesus gave of the ten virgins has to do with “the kingdom of the heavens,” the world government for the blessing of all mankind. So Jesus Christ went on to say: “The kingdom of the heavens will become like ten virgins that took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish, and five were discreet. For the foolish took their lamps but took no oil with them, whereas the discreet took oil in their receptacles with their lamps. While the bridegroom was delaying, they all nodded and went to sleep.”—Matthew 25:1-5. Now whom did those ten virgins illustrate? They illustrated the prospective members of the bride of the spiritual Bridegroom, Jesus Christ. ","Doubtless for this reason a bride is not mentioned in Jesus’ illustration; merely the bridegroom appears. Thus, there is no confusion regarding the explanation, as if the virgins pictured still another class. The uniting of the prospective members of the bride class to their heavenly Bridegroom in marriage did not take place, as had been expected, at the close of “the appointed times of the nations” in 1914. (Luke 21:24) Logically, to them it appeared as if the Bridegroom had delayed his coming, although his presence in his heavenly Kingdom did take place in 1914. Those mournful years of World War I proved to be like a pitch-black night in the experience of the virgins class.",Matthew 25:1-5; ,ws chap. 5 pp. 39-40 pars. 5-7,,,joshlaymon,,7/11/2025
"On the Watch During “the Conclusion of the System of Things, virgins, Prince of Peace, ","WE ARE deep into “the conclusion of the system of things,” but we “know neither the day nor the hour” when time for life-saving enlightenment will end. That is why Jesus said: “Keep on the watch, therefore, because you know neither the day nor the hour.”—Matthew 24:3; 25:13. It would indeed be disappointing to a person if he belatedly arrived at the place for a marriage feast and found the door shut. ","Yet that is what is destined to befall the vast majority of professed Christians in the near future. The “Prince of Peace” illustrated this by these words: “Afterwards the rest of the virgins also came, saying, ‘Sir, sir, open to us!’ In answer he said, ‘I tell you the truth, I do not know you.’”—Matthew 25:11, 12.",Matthew 24:3; 25:13. ,ws chap. 6 p. 47 pars. 1-2,,,joshlaymon,,7/11/2025
"Settling Accounts Over the Use of Christ’s Funds, economic problems, one exception, government, heavy debt, ","WITH one exception, there is no government without economic problems. Most governments are in heavy debt. The one government that is an exception is the now widely proclaimed “kingdom of the heavens.” (Matthew 25:1) There are still on earth those prospective members of that heavenly Kingdom who are in the service of that government. During this most critical period of all human history, these servants of “the kingdom of the heavens” are being called to account. They have to settle with the government as to how they have used the valuable things entrusted to them.","To illustrate this matter, the foremost representative of that “kingdom of the heavens” long ago related a parable, or an illustration. This should interest us today, for the “Prince of Peace” included it in his long-range prophecy concerning “the sign” that would mark his “presence” in the Kingdom with full authority to rule. (Matthew 24:3) We today are inextricably involved with the consequences that follow the fulfillment of the prophetic parable, since our continued existence, our very life, is involved. So here now is the way that the “Prince of Peace” told the parable to his apostles a few days before his sacrificial death on Calvary.",Matthew 25:1; Matthew 24:3; ,ws chap. 7 pp. 56-57 pars. 1-2 ,,,joshlaymon,,7/11/2025
"Settling Accounts Over the Use of Christ’s Funds, Parable of the talents, darkness outside. ","“Finally the one that had received the one talent came forward and said, ‘Master, I knew you to be an exacting man, reaping where you did not sow and gathering where you did not winnow. So I grew afraid and went off and hid your talent in the ground. Here you have what is yours.’ In reply his master said to him, ‘Wicked and sluggish slave, you knew, did you, that I reaped where I did not sow and gathered where I did not winnow? Well, then, you ought to have deposited my silver monies with the bankers, and on my arrival I would be receiving what is mine with interest.“‘Therefore take away the talent from him and give it to him that has the ten talents. For to everyone that has, more will be given and he will have abundance; but as for him that does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him. ","And throw the good-for-nothing slave out into the darkness outside. There is where his weeping and the gnashing of his teeth will be.’”—Matthew 25:13-30. In this parable, what is represented by the talents? Something of high value, not monetarily but in a spiritual sense. The talents represent the commission to make disciples of Christ. Along with this commission goes the highly privileged opportunity of acting as ambassadors for Christ, the King, to represent the Kingdom to all the nations of the world.—Ephesians 6:19, 20; 2 Corinthians 5:20.","Matthew 25:13-30; Ephesians 6:19, 20; 2 Corinthians 5:20; ",ws chap. 7 pp. 58-60 pars. 5-7,,,joshlaymon,,7/11/2025
"God’s Covenant With His “Friend” Already Beneficial to Millions, Friendship with God, Abraham, first Hebrew. ","MORE than 1,950 years ago a true friend of all mankind said: “No one has love greater than this, that someone should surrender his soul in behalf of his friends.” (John 15:13) The speaker, Jesus, was a descendant of a man who was called the friend of the most outstanding One in all the universe, Jehovah God. This friendly relationship, lopsided though it might seem, has already begun working out for the benefit of millions. Who was the man of ancient times who won so much for us because of his friendship with God? He was Abraham, a descendant of the man Shem, who was one of the survivors of the global Flood of Noah’s day. Abraham entered into a relationship with God, displaying the qualities of a true friend. ","Moved by love and faith, Abraham acted in harmony with the will of God, and for this reason the Bible writer James states: “The scripture was fulfilled which says: ‘Abraham put faith in Jehovah, and it was counted to him as righteousness,’ and he came to be called ‘Jehovah’s friend.’”—James 2:23. That man of faith and action was from the city of Ur of the Chaldeans, and he was the first to be called a Hebrew. (Genesis 14:13) This designation came to be applied to his descendants of the nation of Israel. (Philippians 3:5) In view of his making Abraham his friend, Jehovah God also took him into some of His intimate matters. This is indicated by what is written in Genesis 18:17-19. That illustrates how highly Jehovah God evaluated the faith and confidence that Abraham put in him, resulting in unquestioning obedience on the part of Abraham. So without embarrassment or apology, Jehovah climaxed his statement to the nation of Israel by saying: “But you, O Israel, are my servant, you, O Jacob, whom I have chosen, the seed of Abraham my friend.”—Isaiah 41:8.",James 2:23;  Genesis 18:17-19; ,ws chap. 9 pp. 73-74 pars. 1-4 ,,,joshlaymon,,7/11/2025
"Predicted World Changes up till God’s Kingdom, King Nebuchadnezzar, Dream, Image, World powers, ","There is an old saying: “Man proposes, but God disposes.” This is true with regard to world affairs. The Creator of heaven and earth is really concerned about world affairs upon our earth. He has an interest in what goes on here, because the earth on which we live is His, not the rightful domain of world communism or of capital-owning democracy. That His interests in the earth come foremost and will finally be claimed and cared for, Jehovah illustrated in the dream his prophet Daniel re-revealed to King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon in the heyday of its power, when it was inclined to claim all the earth as subject to conquest by it. With the greatest of attention, the king listened to God’s Word and took it seriously, as Jehovah’s prophet Daniel went on to say:","“You, O king, happened to be beholding, and, look! a certain immense image. That image, which was large and the brightness of which was extraordinary, was standing in front of you, and its appearance was dreadful. As regards that image, its head was of good gold, its breasts and its arms were of silver, its belly and its thighs were of copper, its legs were of iron, its feet were partly of iron and partly of molded clay. You kept on looking until a stone was cut out not by hands, and it struck the image on its feet of iron and of molded clay and crushed them. At that time the iron, the molded clay, the copper, the silver and the gold were, all together, crushed and became like the chaff from the summer threshing floor, and the wind carried them away so that no trace at all was found of them. And as for the stone that struck the image, it became a large mountain and filled the whole earth.”—Daniel 2:31-35.","Daniel 2:31-35, ",go chap. 3 pp. 45-46 pars. 19-20,,,joshlaymon,,7/11/2025
"Foretelling the Time for World Rulership, Nebuchadnezzar, Daniel, astrologers and clairvoyants, occultists, ","Nebuchadnezzar’s experience shows how vain and futile it is for national rulers and politicians in general to resort to astrologers and clairvoyants and other occultists to try to find out accurately what the future holds. Rulers do not have with them today the prophet Daniel to whom to go, but we do have the prophetic book of Daniel. From it we can learn about things that have already marked our twentieth century and what the impending future holds for this generation. Nebuchadnezzar’s dream and Daniel’s interpretation of it and how it was fulfilled in an illustrative way as a seal or guarantee of its prophetic value, all of this holds an interest for us now. So let us now listen as Nebuchadnezzar tells Daniel his dream of world importance. He said: ","“Now the visions of my head upon my bed I happened to be beholding, and, look! a tree in the midst of the earth, the height of which was immense. The tree grew up and became strong, and its very height finally reached the heavens, and it was visible to the extremity of the whole earth. Its foliage was fair, and its fruit was abundant, and there was food for all on it. Under it the beast of the field would seek shade, and on its boughs the birds of the heavens would dwell, and from it all flesh would feed itself. Daniel 4:4-8.",Daniel 4:4-8; ,go chap. 5 pp. 74-75 pars. 8-10,,,joshlaymon,,7/11/2025
"The “Sign” of Imminence of the World Government, ","We are, or at least we all should be, interested in knowing whether the grand climax of developments will come in our time. How can we know the possibility of this and be guided accordingly? For the guidance of us living today, Jesus as the Prophet concerning the “conclusion of the system of things” went on to say to his twelve apostles: “Now learn from the fig tree as an illustration this point: Just as soon as its young branch grows tender and it puts forth leaves, you know that summer is near.","Likewise also you, when you see all these things, know that he is near at the doors. Truly I say to you that this generation will by no means pass away until all these things occur. Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will by no means pass away.”—Matthew 24:32-35; compare Luke 21:27-33.",Matthew 24:32-35; compare Luke 21:27-33., go chap. 9 p. 155 par. 16 ,,,joshlaymon,,7/11/2025
"Keep Close in Mind Jehovah’s Day, Wheat, weeds, ",There are also other significant events that Jesus prominently associated with the conclusion of the system of things. One of these is the separation of the “sons of the kingdom” from the “sons of the wicked one.” Jesus spoke of this in his parable about a wheat field that an enemy oversowed with weeds. The “wheat” in his illustration represents true anointed Christians. The “weeds” are imitation Christians. ,In the conclusion of the system of things the “weeds”—those who profess to be Christians but who prove themselves “sons of the wicked one” because they cling to the world of which the Devil is ruler—are separated from the “sons of [God’s] kingdom” and marked for destruction. (Matt. 13:36-43) Has this actually taken place?,Matt. 13:36-43; ,uw chap. 23 pp. 179-180 par. 7 ,,,joshlaymon,,7/11/2025
"Why We Grow Old and Die, Adam, Eve, lost perfection, fine machines, ","The effect of sin upon them might be illustrated by what happens to a piece of fine machinery when it is not used properly, according to the maker’s instructions. The machine will develop weaknesses and, in time, break down. ","Similarly, as a result of ignoring the instructions of their Maker, Adam and Eve lost their perfection. Their minds and bodies began to break down, and finally ceased to function, in death. That is what disobedience and removal from God’s favor meant for them. (Genesis 3:16-19) After Adam had used up the tremendous vitality of his once-perfect body, he died at the age of 930 years. This was within the symbolic “day” of one thousand years that God had set.—Genesis 5:5; 2 Peter 3:8.",Genesis 5:5; 2 Peter 3:8.,tr chap. 4 pp. 31-32 par. 10,,,joshlaymon,,7/11/2025
"Where Are the Dead? neither to a fiery hell nor to heavenly bliss, ","PERHAPS you have experienced the empty feeling that comes with losing a loved one in death. On such occasions most persons feel not only sad but also very helpless. It is only natural to wonder: What happens to a person when he dies? Is he still conscious somewhere? Is there a real hope that the dead will live again? The Bible conItains a comforting answer to these questions. Simply stated, death is the opposite of life. In sentencing the first man Adam for his willful disobedience, God said: “You [will] return to the ground, for out of it you were taken. For dust you are and to dust you will return.” (Genesis 3:19) Consider now: Where was Adam before God formed him from the dust and gave him life? Why, he simply did not exist. At his death Adam returned to the same lifeless, unconscious state. He went neither to a fiery hell nor to heavenly bliss, but died—as God said he would.—Genesis 2:17.","3 The Bible clearly teaches that the dead are unconscious and lifeless in the grave. Note what Ecclesiastes 9:5, 10 (AV) says regarding the condition of the dead: “For the living know that they shall die: but the dead know not any thing, neither have they any more a reward; for the memory of them is forgotten. Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest.” This means that the dead cannot do anything and cannot feel anything. Their thoughts have ceased, as the Bible states: “Put not your trust in princes, nor in the son of man, in whom there is no help. His breath goeth forth, he returneth to his earth; in that very day his thoughts perish.”—Psalm 146:3, 4, AV [145:2-4, Dy].","Psalm 146:3, 4, AV [145:2-4, Dy]. Genesis 3:19; Genesis 2:17. ",tr chap. 5 pp. 34-35 pars. 1-3 ,,,joshlaymon,,7/11/2025
"Where Are the Dead? physical torment. rich man and Lazarus,","There is one place where hádes occurs, however, that has caused some persons to believe that the Bible hell is a place of physical torment. That is where Jesus spoke of the rich man and Lazarus, and said that the rich man died, and in hádes experienced torment. (Luke 16:22-31) Why is the use of hádes here so different from its use in other places? Because Jesus was giving a parable or illustration and was not speaking of a literal place of torment. (Matthew 13:34) Consider: Is it reasonable or Scriptural to believe that a man suffers torment simply because he is rich, wears good clothing and has plenty to eat? Is it Scriptural to believe that one is blessed with heavenly life just because he is a beggar? Consider this too: Is hell literally within speaking distance of heaven so that an actual conversation could be carried on? Also, if the rich man were in a literal burning lake, how could Abraham send Lazarus to cool his tongue with just a drop of water on the tip of his finger? What, then, was Jesus illustrating?","In this illustration the rich man stood for the class of religious leaders who rejected and later killed Jesus. Lazarus pictured the common people who accepted God’s Son. The Bible shows that death can be used as a symbol, representing a great change in one’s life or course of action. (Compare Romans 6:2, 11-13; 7:4-6.) A death, or change from former conditions, happened when Jesus fed the Lazarus class spiritually, and they thus came into the favor of the greater Abraham, Jehovah God. At the same time, the false religious leaders “died” with respect to having God’s favor. Being cast off, they suffered torments when Christ’s followers after Pentecost forcefully exposed their evil works. (Acts 7:51-57) So this illustration does not teach that some dead persons are tormented in a literal fiery hell.","Luke 16:22-31; Matthew 13:34;  Romans 6:2, 11-13; 7:4-6; ",tr chap. 5 pp. 42-43 pars. 22-23,,,joshlaymon,,7/11/2025
"Where Are the Dead? Gehenna;  “lake of fire” “second death,” purgatory; fiery purging, unconscious, ","So when Jesus said that persons would be thrown into Gehenna for their bad deeds, what did he mean? Not that they would be tormented forever. Jesus used that valley (Gehenna) of fire and brimstone as a proper symbol of everlasting destruction. That is what his first-century listeners understood it to mean. The “lake of fire” mentioned in Revelation has a similar meaning, not conscious torment, but “second death,” everlasting death or destruction. It is evident that this “lake” is a symbol, because death and hell (hádes) are thrown into it. Such things cannot literally be burned, but they can be done away with, or destroyed.—Revelation 20:14; 21:8.","What, then, about purgatory? This is said to be a place where human souls are conscious and going through fiery purging after death. Since the Bible clearly shows that the dead are unconscious, how could God be tormenting anyone in such a place? (Psalm 146:4 [145:4, Dy]) Actually, neither the word “purgatory” nor the idea of a “purgatory” occurs in the Bible.",Revelation 20:14; 21:8; Psalm 146:4; ,tr chap. 5 p. 44 pars. 25-26 ,,,joshlaymon,,7/11/2025
Why Has God Permitted Wickedness Until Our Day? ,"Satan’s false charges against God may be illustrated, to a certain extent, in a human way. Suppose a man having a large family is accused by one of his neighbors of many false things about the way he manages his household. Suppose the neighbor also says that the family members have no real love for their father but only stay with him to obtain the food and material things he gives them. How might the father of the family answer such charges? If he simply used violence against the accuser, this would not answer the charges. Instead, it might suggest that they were true. ",But what a fine answer it would be if he permitted his own family to be his witnesses to show that their father was indeed a just and loving family head and that they were happy to live with him because they loved him! Thus he would be completely vindicated.—Proverbs 27:11; Isaiah 43:10.,Proverbs 27:11; Isaiah 43:10; ,tr chap. 8 pp. 67-68 par. 7,,,joshlaymon,,7/11/2025
"Why Has God Permitted Wickedness Until Our Day? allowed sufficient time, independently of their Creator, ","This illustrates in certain respects what God has done. Moreover, he has allowed sufficient time—now almost 6,000 years—for the issue to be settled beyond all doubt. He has allowed this time, not only to permit his faithful creatures to prove their devotion to him and his rule, but also to demonstrate that any other kind of rule results only in bad. (Proverbs 1:30-33; Isaiah 59:4, 8) By rebelling against Jehovah God, Satan set himself up as a rival ruler. And, by taking the course Satan recommended, the first human pair declared themselves independent of Jehovah’s rule and came under Satan’s control. (Genesis 3:6; Romans 6:16) ","By God’s letting both Satan and man go to the limit in their efforts to act and rule independently of their Creator, their total failure to produce good government, with real benefits for all mankind, would be made evident beyond all future denial. Meanwhile Jehovah would have those on earth who love him proclaim his name and purposes for the enlightenment of all who love and seek what is right.","Genesis 3:6; Romans 6:16; Proverbs 1:30-33; Isaiah 59:4, 8",tr chap. 8 p. 68 par. 8 ,,,joshlaymon,,7/11/2025
"Godly Respect for Life and Blood, blood transfusions, same as eating, abstain from alcohol, ","What about the use to which human blood is put today? Medical doctors, realizing the life-sustaining power of blood, use blood transfusions freely in their treatment of patients. Is this in harmony with God’s will? Some persons may reason that getting a blood transfusion is not actually “eating.” But is it not true that when a patient is unable to eat through his mouth, doctors often feed him by the same method in which a blood transfusion is administered? ","Examine the scriptures carefully and notice that they tell us to ‘keep free from blood’ and to ‘abstain from blood.’ (Acts 15:20, 29) What does this mean? If a doctor were to tell you to abstain from alcohol, would that mean simply that you should not take it through your mouth but that you could transfuse it directly into your veins? Of course not! So, too, ‘abstaining from blood’ means not taking it into our bodies at all.","Acts 15:20, 29; ",tr chap. 19 pp. 167-168 par. 10,,,joshlaymon,,7/11/2025
"Building a Happy Family Life, ","Careful thought also needs to be given to choice of companions. Associates deeply influence one’s life. Wholesome companions have a good effect, but “bad associations spoil useful habits.” (1 Corinthians 15:33) Time and again the Bible record illustrates this fact. (Genesis 34:1, 2; Numbers 25:1, 2) Children may not appreciate the seriousness of this, but parents should. So it is an evidence of wisdom on their part to keep a loving eye on their children’s choice of companions. These companions include, not only those with whom the children play, but also those about whom they read and those that they watch in motion pictures and on television.—Philippians 4:8.","Children may not appreciate the seriousness of this, but parents should. So it is an evidence of wisdom on their part to keep a loving eye on their children’s choice of companions. These companions include, not only those with whom the children play, but also those about whom they read and those that they watch in motion pictures and on television.—Philippians 4:8.","1 Corinthians 15:33; Genesis 34:1, 2; Numbers 25:1, 2, ",tr chap. 20 p. 177 par. 16,,,joshlaymon,,7/11/2025
"World Destruction First—Then World Peace, Security, house built bad foundation, defective materials. new wine, ","The entire system of things is thus like a house built on a bad foundation, according to poor plans, and constructed with defective materials. What good will it do to rearrange the furniture or to remodel the house? As long as it stands, the problems will continue, and the house will keep deteriorating. The only sensible thing to do is to tear down the house and build another, on a good foundation.","Jesus Christ used a somewhat similar illustration in saying that people do not “put new wine into old wineskins.” The old wineskin would burst from the new wine. (Matthew 9:17) He therefore did not try to reform the Jewish system of things under which he lived. Instead, he preached God’s Kingdom as the only hope for peace and security. (Luke 8:1; 11:2; 12:31) So, too, in our day Jehovah God will not simply adjust the present system of things, because that could bring no lasting benefit.",Matthew 9:17; Luke 8:1; 11:2; 12:31,tp chap. 4 pp. 38-39 pars. 12-13 ,,,joshlaymon,,7/11/2025
When Will the Foretold World Destruction Come? ,"But such things were not the only part of what Jesus stated to be “the sign.” Using an illustration, he said: “Note the fig tree and all the other trees: When they are already in the bud, by observing it you know for yourselves that now the summer is near. In this way you also, when you see these things occurring, know that the kingdom of God is near. Truly I say to you, This generation will by no means pass away until all things occur.” (Luke 21:29-32) ","If you were to see just one tree putting forth leaves out of season, you would not think that summer was at hand. But when you see all the trees budding at the right time, you know what it means. Likewise, Jesus foretold that his “presence” and “the conclusion of the system of things” would be marked not just by war but by a number of things all taking place in the lifetime of one generation.",Luke 21:29-32; ,tp chap. 7 p. 77 par. 18 ,,,joshlaymon,,7/11/2025
"Why Should We Fear Jehovah? Jehoash, tree with shallow roots, Jehoiada,  winds of apostasy, weak, ","What can we learn from the example of Jehoash? He was like a tree with shallow roots that depended on the support of a stake. When the stake—Jehoiada—was gone and the winds of apostasy blew, Jehoash toppled over. This powerfully illustrates that our fear of God must not depend solely on the good influence of fellow Christians, including family members. To remain spiritually strong, we must strengthen our own godly devotion and fear through regular study, meditation, and prayer.—Read Jeremiah 17:7, 8; Col. 2:6, 7.","Jehovah does not really ask much of us. What he requires is summed up at Ecclesiastes 12:13, which says: “Fear the true God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole obligation of man.” When we fear God, we will be able to face future tests and stand firm like Obadiah and Jehoiada. Nothing will be able to damage our friendship with Jehovah.","Jeremiah 17:7, 8; Col. 2:6, 7; Ecclesiastes 12:13,",w23 June p. 19 pars. 18-19,,,joshlaymon,,7/12/2025
"Peace and Security Earth Wide—A Reliable Hope, “Paradise of Pleasure.” boundaries, ","The word “paradise” comes from similar words used in ancient times (Hebrew, par·desʹ; Persian, pai·ri·daeʹza; Greek, pa·raʹdei·sos), words that were used to describe things then actually existing on earth. These words all have the basic idea of a beautiful park or parklike garden. As in ancient times, so today there are many such places, some of them parks of great size. And man has a natural yearning for their beauty. The Bible promises that the day will come when this whole planet will be such a parklike garden or paradise!","When God created the first human pair he gave them as a home the garden of Eden, a name meaning “Paradise of Pleasure.” But Paradise was not to be limited to that one location. God said to them: “Be fruitful and become many and fill the earth and subdue it.” (Genesis 1:28; 2:8, 9) This would involve spreading the boundaries of Paradise to the ends of the earth, a divinely stated purpose not ended by the disobedient course of Adam and Eve. Jesus Christ himself showed confidence in this purpose when he promised a man who died alongside him that he would have an opportunity to live in such an earthly Paradise. (Luke 23:39-43) How will this come about?","Genesis 1:28; 2:8, 9; ",tp chap. 9 p. 96 par. 9 ,,,joshlaymon,,7/12/2025
"Peace and Security Earth Wide—A Reliable Hope, Pleasure, Paradise, ","The whole earth will then blossom forth with beauty. Freshness and cleanness will then come to its air, water, and land. This restoration of Paradise is not something beyond believing, nor is it contrary to human experience. Many centuries ago, when the nation of Israel came out of exile in Babylon, Jehovah God restored them to their homeland, which was then a desolate waste. Yet, because of God’s blessing on them and their work, the land soon became so beautiful that neighboring peoples could exclaim: ‘It has become like the garden of Eden!’ It also became very productive, removing any threat of hunger and famine. (Ezekiel 36:29, 30, 35; Isaiah 35:1, 2; 55:13) ","What God did back then illustrated on a small scale what he will yet do on a global scale to fulfill his promises. All persons counted worthy to live then will enjoy the divinely provided pleasures of life in Paradise.—Psalm 67:6, 7; Isaiah 25:6.","Ezekiel 36:29, 30, 35; Isaiah 35:1, 2; 55:13; ",tp chap. 9 p. 97 par. 11,,,joshlaymon,,7/12/2025
"Peace and Security Earth Wide—A Reliable Hope, The Earth’s Ability to Contain Such Population","Can this planet provide comfortable living space for such a population as would result from the resurrection of the dead? It took over 5,000 years for the earth’s population to reach one billion in the early 1800’s. Today, it is about five billion. Therefore, those alive today represent a sizable portion of the total number of people who have ever lived. Some have estimated the total population throughout all human history at about 15,000,000,000 persons. The earth’s land area is more than 36,000,000,000 acres (15,000,000,000 ha). ","That would allow more than two acres (1 ha) per person. Not only would this provide space for food production but it would also allow for forests, mountains, and other scenic areas—with no undue crowding in Paradise. Then, too, the Bible shows that not all those now living will survive and live in that New Order. Indeed, Jesus said, “Broad and spacious is the road leading off into destruction, and many are the ones going in through it.” He also noted that when world destruction comes, those not doing Jehovah’s will are to “depart into everlasting cutting-off.”—Matthew 7:13; 25:46.",Matthew 7:13; 25:46; ,tp chap. 9 p. 105 ,,,joshlaymon,,7/12/2025
"Survivors Must Be “No Part of the World”, Noah “condemned the world.” Flood, Ark, ","Christians have contact with many people as they work to support themselves and their families and as they bring the good news of God’s Kingdom to mankind. So, as the apostle Paul shows, they are not expected to “get out of the world” in a physical way. They cannot entirely “quit mixing in company” with people of the world. But they can and must keep away from the wrong practices of the majority of mankind.—1 Corinthians 5:9-11.","The situation is similar to that of Noah’s day when Jehovah took note that “all men had lived corrupt lives on earth.” (Genesis 6:12, The New English Bible) But Noah and his family lived differently. By refusing to join in with the corruption around them and by preaching righteousness, Noah “condemned the world.” He showed it to be inexcusably out of harmony with God’s will. (Hebrews 11:7; 2 Peter 2:5) That is why, when the global Flood brought an end to ungodly mankind, he and his family survived. They were “in the world” yet at the same time were “no part of the world.”—Genesis 6:9-13; 7:1; Matthew 24:38, 39.","Genesis 6:12; Hebrews 11:7; 2 Peter 2:5; Genesis 6:9-13; 7:1; Matthew 24:38, 39.",tp chap. 11 p. 118 pars. 4-5,,,joshlaymon,,7/12/2025
"How Death Affects People’s Daily Lives, accidental deaths, time and unforeseen occurrence, ","With many accidental deaths, is it not a matter of a person’s just happening to come into a dangerous situation? To illustrate: A man leaves his home at a certain time each workday. One morning, as he passes a neighbor’s house, he hears screaming and shouting. He speeds up his walking and, just as he turns the corner, he is hit by a stray bullet. His death is due to his being at the corner at the wrong time; the circumstance was unforeseen.","Having observed what really happens in everyday life, the wise writer of the Bible book of Ecclesiastes said: “I returned to see under the sun that the swift do not have the race, nor the mighty ones the battle, nor do the wise also have the food, nor do the understanding ones also have the riches, nor do even those having knowledge have the favor; because time and unforeseen occurrence befall them all.”—Ecclesiastes 9:11.",Ecclesiastes 9:11; ,ts chap. 2 pp. 11-12 ,,,joshlaymon,,7/12/2025
"Man Was Made to Live, man’s death a terrible waste? developed skills, learn by experience, ","A tree may live for hundreds of years; some, such as sequoias and bristlecone pines, for thousands of years. It is not unusual for a giant tortoise to get to be more than 150 years old. Why should this be? Why should mindless trees and unreasoning tortoises outlive intelligent man? Then, too, is not man’s death a terrible waste? While a fraction of a man’s knowledge and experience may have been passed on to others, for the most part these things are lost to posterity. ","To illustrate, a man may be an outstanding scientist, a fine architect or an accomplished musician, painter or sculptor. He may have trained others. But at his death no one has the sum total of his talents and experience. He may even have been in the process of developing something new after having solved many problems. Those who could have benefited from the knowledge and experience he gained may now have to learn through trial and error—and then have their own work cut short by death. Since the field of knowledge is very great, why should man have to labor under the handicap of being deprived of experienced people as they fall victim to death? Ecclesiastes 1:11;",Ecclesiastes 1:11;,ts chap. 3 pp. 23-25,,,joshlaymon,,7/12/2025
"How Did Old Age and Death Come About? Pandora, box, vase, Sickness, Insanity, Spites, Pandora's box, legends,","THOUGH popularly accepted as normal, old age and death still puzzle man. This is evident from the fact that for centuries legends have been handed down attempting to explain why humans grow old and die. One version of an ancient Greek myth tells of the woman Pandora who opened a box or vase that she had been told to keep closed. This act, it is said, released “Old Age,” “Sickness,” “Insanity” and other “Spites” that have continued to plague mankind.","In Australia, various aboriginal tribes believe that humans originally were to live forever. But they were to keep away from a certain hollow tree. When wild bees made this tree their home, the women very much desired their honey. Disregarding the warning of the men, one woman used her tomahawk on the tree. At that, the legend says, a large bat flew out. The bat was “Death.” Released from the tree, it proceeded to claim all that it touched with its wings.It is significant that legends of other, widely scattered peoples similarly attribute death to disobedience, often with a woman initially involved.",Romans 6:23; ,ts chap. 4 pp. 26-27 ,,,joshlaymon,,7/12/2025
"What Is This Thing Called “Soul”? life, death, figure of speech, ‘departure’ of the nephesh [soul]","The text at Job 33:22, written in poetic style, provides a key to understanding these passages. There “soul” and “life” are placed in parallel, so that the two words could be interchanged without changing the sense of the passage. We read: “His soul draws near to the pit, and his life to those inflicting death.” From this parallel we can see that the word “soul” can mean life as a person and, therefore, the departure of the soul can be understood to refer to the end of life as a person. To illustrate: A man might say that his dog ‘lost its life’ when it was hit by a truck. Does he mean that this animal’s life left the body and continued existing? No, he is simply using a figure of speech indicating that the animal died. The same is true when we speak of a man as ‘losing his life.’ We do not mean that his life exists independently of the body. ","Similarly, ‘to lose one’s soul’ means to ‘lose one’s life as a soul’ and carries no meaning of continued existence after death. Recognizing this, The Interpreter’s Dictionary of the Bible states: “The ‘departure’ of the nephesh [soul] must be viewed as a figure of speech, for it does not continue to exist independently of the body, but dies with it (Num. 31:19; Judg. 16:30; Ezek. 13:19). No biblical text authorizes the statement that the ‘soul’ is separated from the body at the moment of death.”",Num. 31:19; Judg. 16:30; Ezek. 13:19; ,ts chap. 5 pp. 42-43 ,,,joshlaymon,,7/12/2025
"The Spirit That Returns to God. no actual movement, My life is in your hands.’ ","That the return of something does not require actual movement might be illustrated by what happens in a transferal of a business or a property from the control of one party to another. For example, in a certain country the control of the railroads might be shifted from the hands of private enterprise to those of the government. When such a transferal takes place, the railroad equipment and even all the records may remain where they are. It is the authority over them that changes hands. So it is in the case of the spirit or life-force. At death no actual movement from the earth to the heavenly realm need occur for it to ‘return to God.’ ","But the gift or grant of existence as an intelligent creature, as enjoyed once by the dead person, now reverts to God. That which is needed to animate the person, namely, the spirit or life-force, is in God’s hands.—Psalm 31:5; Luke 23:46. The situation might be compared to that of an accused man who says to a judge, ‘My life is in your hands.’ He means that what will become of his life rests with the judge. The accused has no choice in the matter. It is out of his hands. Similarly, in the case of a dead man, he does not have control over his spirit or life-force. It has returned to God in the sense that he controls the future life prospects of the individual. It is up to God to decide as to whether he will restore the spirit or life-force to the deceased.",Psalm 31:5; Luke 23:46. ,ts chap. 6 pp. 52-53,,,joshlaymon,,7/12/2025
"The Spirit That Returns to God, DOES THE BIBLE TEACH REBIRTH? ","Of course, some persons might point out that logical deductions do not necessarily rule out the possibility of rebirth. Their reply to the aforementioned arguments might be: ‘Even the Bible teaches rebirth. This is just one of many things that humans cannot fully explain.’ Since believers in rebirth do bring the Bible into the discussion, we should want to consider what it does say. Just what Biblical evidence is there for the belief in rebirth? The book What Is Buddhism? answers:","“For the Christian reader we would point out that [the doctrine of rebirth] is clearly present in such mutilated fragments of Christ’s teachings as are still extant. Consider, for example, the widely current rumours that he was John the Baptist, Jeremiah or Elijah come again (Matt. xvi, 13-16). Even Herod seemed to think that he was ‘John the Baptist risen from the dead.’”",Matthew 16:13-16; ,ts chap. 6 p. 56 ,,,joshlaymon,,7/12/2025
"The Spirit That Returns to God, believers in reincarnation, see the embryo, genetic makeup, ","Another passage of Scripture appealed to by believers in reincarnation is Romans 9:11-13: “When [Esau and Jacob] had not yet been born nor had practiced anything good or vile, in order that the purpose of God respecting the choosing might continue dependent, not upon works, but upon the One who calls, it was said to [Rebekah]: ‘The older will be the slave of the younger.’ Just as it is written [at Malachi 1:2, 3]: ‘I loved Jacob, but Esau I hated.’” Does this passage not show that God’s choosing was based on what Jacob and Esau had done during lives prior to their being born to Rebekah? Why not reread it? Note that it specifically says that God’s choosing was made before either one had practiced good or bad. So God’s choice did not depend upon a record of past works in some earlier life.","On what basis, then, could God make a choice before the birth of the boys? The Bible reveals that God is able to see the embryo and, therefore, knows the genetic makeup of humans before birth. (Psalm 139:16) Exercising his foreknowledge, God perceived how the two boys would be basically as to temperament and personality and thus he could make a choice of the one who might be more suitable for the superior blessing. The record made by the two boys in life confirms the wisdom of God’s choice. While Jacob demonstrated spiritual interests and faith in God’s promises, Esau manifested a materialistic bent and lack of appreciation for sacred things.—Hebrews 11:21; 12:16, 17.","Romans 9:11-13; Malachi 1:2, 3; Psalm 139:16; ",ts chap. 6 p. 58 ,,,joshlaymon,,7/12/2025
"Do the Dead Need Your Help? Money, bull, hungry, riches, wealth, ","If it were true that such material offerings did benefit the dead, this would mean that God is interested in money. But he does not need anyone’s money or material possessions. Speaking through the inspired psalmist, God declares: “I will not take out of your house a bull, out of your pens he-goats. For to me belongs every wild animal of the forest, the beasts upon a thousand mountains. I well know every winged creature of the mountains, and the animal throngs of the open field are with me. If I were hungry, I would not say it to you; for to me the productive land and its fullness belong.”—Psalm 50:9-12.","Really, all the riches in the world cannot help a dead man. Money and material possessions cannot even save him from dying. As the Bible says: “Those who are trusting in their means of maintenance, and who keep boasting about the abundance of their riches, not one of them can by any means redeem even a brother, nor give to God a ransom for him; (and the redemption price of their soul is so precious that it has ceased to time indefinite) that he should still live forever and not see the pit.”—Psalm 49:6-9. There can be no question that efforts to help the dead are unscriptural. The teaching that the dead can be aided by the living has only put a heavy burden on people. Knowledge of God’s Word, however, frees one from this false idea. This can provide for us real incentive to do our best while our family members are still alive to make them feel that they are needed, loved and appreciated. After their death it is too late for anyone to make up for neglected acts of kindness and consideration.",Psalm 50:9-12; Psalm 49:6-9; ,ts chap. 7 pp. 68-69 ,,,joshlaymon,,7/12/2025
"A Rich Man in Hades, Pharisees, loved money, Parable, rich man Lazarus, accursed people; tax collectors, Harlots,","Since Jesus spoke in the hearing of the Pharisees, was he relating an actual case or was he simply using an illustration? Concerning Jesus’ method of teaching the crowds, we read: “Indeed, without an illustration he would not speak to them.” (Matthew 13:34) Accordingly, the account about the rich man and Lazarus must be an illustration. This illustration was evidently directed to the Pharisees. As a class they were like the rich man. They loved money, as well as prominence and flattering titles. Jesus said of them: “All the works they do they do to be viewed by men; for they broaden the scripture-containing cases that they wear as safeguards, and enlarge the fringes of their garments. They like the most prominent place at evening meals and the front seats in the synagogues, and the greetings in the marketplaces and to be called Rabbi by men.”—Matthew 23:5-7.","The Pharisees looked down on others, especially on tax collectors, harlots and others having the reputation of being sinners. (Luke 18:11, 12) On one occasion when officers, sent to arrest Jesus, came back empty-handed because of having been impressed by his teaching, the Pharisees spoke up: “You have not been misled also, have you? Not one of the rulers or of the Pharisees has put faith in him, has he? But this crowd that does not know the Law are accursed people.”—John 7:47-49. Hence, in the parable the beggar Lazarus well represents those humble persons whom the Pharisees despised but who repented and became followers of Jesus Christ. Jesus showed that these despised sinners, upon repenting, would gain a position of divine favor, whereas the Pharisees and other prominent religious leaders as a class would lose out. He said: “Truly I say to you that the tax collectors and the harlots are going ahead of you into the kingdom of God. For John came to you in a way of righteousness, but you did not believe him. However, the tax collectors and the harlots believed him, and you, although you saw this, did not feel regret afterwards so as to believe him.”—Matthew 21:31, 32.",Matthew 13:34; Matthew 23:5-7; ,ts chap. 12 pp. 102-103 ,,,joshlaymon,,7/12/2025
"A Rich Man in Hades, symbolic, ","Since both the “rich man” and “Lazarus” of Jesus’ parable are clearly symbolic, logically their deaths are also symbolic. But in what sense do they die? The key to answering this question lies in what Jesus said just before introducing the illustration: “Everyone that divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery, and he that marries a woman divorced from a husband commits adultery.” (Luke 16:18) This statement may appear to be completely unrelated to the illustration. But this is not the case. By reason of the Mosaic law the nation of Israel was in a covenant relationship with God and therefore could be spoken of as being a wife to him. At Jeremiah 3:14, for example, ","God refers to the nation as an unfaithful wife: “‘Return, O you renegade sons,’ is the utterance of Jehovah. ‘For I myself have become the husbandly owner of you people.’” Then, with the coming of Jesus, an opportunity was extended to the Jews to become part of his “bride.” That is why John the Baptist said to his disciples: “You yourselves bear me witness that I said, I am not the Christ, but, I have been sent forth in advance of that one. He that has the bride is the bridegroom. However, the friend of the bridegroom, when he stands and hears him, has a great deal of joy on account of the voice of the bridegroom. Therefore this joy of mine has been made full. That one [Jesus] must go on increasing, but I must go on decreasing.”—John 3:28-30. In order to become part of Christ’s “bride,” the Jews had to be released from the Law that made them, figuratively speaking, a wife to God. Without such release, they could not come into a wifely relationship with Christ, as that would be an adulterous relationship. The words of Romans 7:1-6 confirm this:",Luke 16:18; Jeremiah 3:14; John 3:28-30; ,ts chap. 12 pp. 104-105 ,,,joshlaymon,,7/12/2025
"A Rich Man in Hades, tormented. How? fiery judgment messages, Stephen’s defense, ","The “rich man” class was also tormented. How? By the fiery judgment messages of God being proclaimed by Jesus’ disciples.—Compare Revelation 14:10. That the religious leaders were tormented by the message proclaimed by Jesus’ disciples there can be no question. They tried desperately to stop the proclamation. When the apostles of Jesus Christ made their defense before the Jewish supreme court composed of prominent religious men, the judges “felt deeply cut and were wanting to do away with them.” (Acts 5:33) Later, the disciple Stephen’s defense had a like tormenting effect upon the members of that court. “They felt cut to their hearts and began to gnash their teeth at him.”—Acts 7:54.","These religious leaders wanted the disciples of Jesus to come and ‘cool their tongue.’ They wanted the “Lazarus” class to leave the “bosom position” of God’s favor and present his message in such a way as not to cause them discomfort. Similarly, they wanted the “Lazarus” class to water down God’s message so as not to put their “five brothers,” their religious allies, in a “place of torment.” Yes, they did not want any of their associates to be tormented by judgment messages. But, as indicated by Jesus’ illustration, neither the “rich man” class nor his religious allies would be freed from the tormenting effects of the message proclaimed by the “Lazarus” class. The apostles of the Lord Jesus Christ refused to water down the message. They refused to stop teaching on the basis of Jesus’ name. Their reply to the Jewish supreme court was: “We must obey God as ruler rather than men.”—Acts 5:29.",Revelation 14:10; Acts 5:33; ,ts chap. 12 pp. 107-108,,,joshlaymon,,7/12/2025
"What ‘Torment in the Lake of Fire’ Means, “holy ones” proclaim the message, eternal destruction, ","The fact that the “holy ones” are brought into the picture indicates that they are the instrumentalities for bringing torment on the wicked. How could this be? Well, they proclaim the message that points to the eternal destruction awaiting the worshipers of the “wild beast” and its “image.” This message puts these false worshipers in torment, giving them no rest day or night. That is why they try everything within their power to silence God’s servants. The resulting persecution calls for endurance on the part of the “holy ones.” Finally, when the worshipers of the “wild beast” and its “image” are destroyed as by “fire and sulphur,” the evidence of that total destruction will, like smoke, ascend for all time to come.","The completeness of that destruction might be illustrated by what befell the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah. The disciple Jude wrote: “Sodom and Gomorrah and the cities about them . . . are placed before us as a warning example by undergoing the judicial punishment of everlasting fire.” (Jude 7) The fire that destroyed those cities had stopped burning long before Jude wrote his letter. But the permanent, “everlasting” evidence of that fire’s destructiveness remained, for those cities continued nonexistent.",Jude 7; ,ts chap. 14 pp. 122-123 ,,,joshlaymon,,7/12/2025
"What ‘Torment in the Lake of Fire’ Means, not muzzle a bull, Five sparrows, ","Consider for a moment God’s law about a working bull: “You must not muzzle a bull while it is threshing.” (Deuteronomy 25:4) This law reflected God’s compassionate concern and care for unreasoning animals. The bull was not to be tormented by being forcibly prevented from satisfying its desire to feed on some of the grain it was threshing. Far greater is God’s concern and love for humankind than for the unreasoning animals. As Jesus Christ reminded his disciples: “Five sparrows sell for two coins of small value, do they not? Yet not one of them goes forgotten before God. But even the hairs of your heads are all numbered. Have no fear; you are worth more than many sparrows.”—Luke 12:6, 7.","Would it not be totally inconsistent, then, for anyone to claim that a God with such tender feelings would literally torment some humans for all eternity? Who of us would want to see someone undergoing the most horrible torture for even an hour? Is it not true that only fiendish persons would delight in seeing others suffer? Does not our inward sense of love and justice go into a state of revolt when we hear that a father tortured his child nearly to the point of death for some act of disobedience? Regardless of how bad the child may have been, we find it impossible to have any tender feelings for such a father.","Deuteronomy 25:4; Luke 12:6, 7; ",ts chap. 14 pp. 123-124,,,joshlaymon,,7/12/2025
"Why Many Now Living Have Opportunity Never to Die, “seven times” amounted to 2,520 days; 1914 C.E. ","More than six centuries after Nebuchadnezzar’s dream, Jesus Christ appeared on the scene, declaring that “the kingdom of the heavens has drawn near.” (Matthew 4:17) He could say this because he, as King-Designate, was present. But he did not at that time receive kingship over the world of mankind. Thus, on one occasion when others wrongly concluded that “the kingdom of God was going to display itself instantly,” Jesus Christ gave an illustration showing that a long period of time would be involved before his gaining such kingly power. (Luke 19:11-27) It is, therefore, clear that in the larger fulfillment of Daniel’s prophecy the “seven times” cover a period, not of just seven years, but of many centuries. The evidence is that these “seven times” amounted to 2,520 days, that is, seven prophetic years of 360 days each. ","This is confirmed in other parts of the Bible that mention “times,” “months” and “days.” For example, Revelation 11:2 speaks of a period of “forty-two months,” or three and a half years. In the next verse the same period is mentioned as being “a thousand two hundred and sixty days.” Now, if you were to divide 1,260 days by 42 months, you would get 30 days for each month. A year of 12 months would therefore be 360 days long. On this basis, “seven times,” or seven years, would be 2,520 days long (7 x 360). The correctness of this computation is verified by Revelation 12:6, 14, where 1,260 days are spoken of as “a time and times and half a time,” or ‘three and a half times’ (“three years and a half,” The New English Bible). Seven being the double of three and a half, “seven times” would equal 2,520 days (2 x 1,260).",Matthew 4:17; Luke 19:11-27; Revelation 12:6; ,ts chap. 18 pp. 155-156,,,joshlaymon,,7/12/2025
"Should I Dedicate My Life to God and Be Baptized? Repent, turn around, Change, Be willing to “turn around”","There is something else that you must do before you can get baptized. The apostle Peter said: “Repent, therefore, and turn around so as to get your sins blotted out.” (Acts 3:19) What does it mean to repent? It means to feel very sorry for any wrong that we have done. For example, if you lived a sexually immoral life, then you would need to repent. And even if all your life you have tried your best to do what is right, you still need to repent, because we all sin and need to ask God for his forgiveness.—Romans 3:23; 5:12.","13 Is it enough just to feel sorry for what you have done? No. Peter said that you also need to “turn around.” This means that you need to reject any former wrong conduct and start doing what is right. To illustrate this, imagine that you are traveling to a certain place for the first time. After a while, you discover that you are going in the wrong direction. What would you do? No doubt you would slow down, stop, turn around, and then go in the right direction. Similarly, as you study the Bible, you might discover that there are some habits or things in your life that you need to change. Be willing to “turn around”—that is, to make the necessary changes—and begin to do what is right.",Romans 3:23; 5:12; ,bhs chap. 18 p. 189 pars. 12-13,,,joshlaymon,,7/12/2025
"A World That Was Destroyed, Noah, Flood, full of violence. ","ONCE before, world destruction was impending. People of all nations can be grateful that among their ancestors there was a man who did not scoff at God’s warning of a global flood. Because Noah listened and obeyed, he and his wife, his three sons and their wives survived. From them, all of us have descended.—Genesis 10:1, 32.","God destroyed that world because he saw that the earth was full of violence. “The badness of man was abundant in the earth.” (Genesis 6:3, 5, 13) Conditions were very much like those in our 20th century.","Genesis 10:1, 32; Genesis 6:3, 5, 13; ",su chap. 6 p. 46 pars. 1-2 ,,,joshlaymon,,7/12/2025
"A World That Was Destroyed, “THEY TOOK NO NOTE”, ","Jesus did not say that everyone apart from Noah’s household was criminally violent. Instead, he stated: “As they were in those days before the flood, eating and drinking, men marrying and women being given in marriage, until the day that Noah entered into the ark; and they took no note until the flood came and swept them all away, so the presence of the Son of man [Jesus Christ] will be.”—Matthew 24:37-39. It was not wrong for them to eat and drink in moderation or to marry honorably. But when warned of global disaster, their continuing to center their lives on such personal pursuits demonstrated that they did not really believe either Noah or Jehovah God, whose message of warning Noah proclaimed.","If they had believed, they would have earnestly inquired how survival was possible and then taken urgent action to meet the requirements. Perhaps some of the people agreed that something ought to be done to put a stop to the widespread violence of those days, but a global flood no doubt seemed very unlikely to them. So, as Jesus stated, “they took no note [of God’s message through Noah] until the flood came and swept them all away.” That was recorded as a warning example for us.",Matthew 24:37-39; ,su chap. 6 p. 50,,,joshlaymon,,7/12/2025
"A World That Was Destroyed, Noah obviously was a man of godly devotion.","The account of the Flood dramatically illustrates a point that we today need to take to heart. What is that? After referring to what God did in Noah’s day, the apostle Peter concludes: “Jehovah knows how to deliver people of godly devotion out of trial, but to reserve unrighteous people for the day of judgment to be cut off.” (2 Peter 2:9) The key to deliverance, then, is being a person of godly devotion.",What does that mean? Noah obviously was a man of godly devotion. “Noah walked with the true God.” (Genesis 6:9) He pursued a course of life that harmonized with Jehovah’s revealed will. He had a close personal relationship with God. ,Genesis 6:9; 2 Peter 2:9; ,su chap. 6 pp. 52-53 pars. 16-17,,,joshlaymon,,7/12/2025
"Survivors Out of All the Nations, attempt to offer up Isaac, Abraham, ","“‘By myself I do swear,’ is the utterance of Jehovah, ‘that by reason of the fact that you have done this thing and you have not withheld your son, your only one, I shall surely bless you and I shall surely multiply your seed like the stars of the heavens and like the grains of sand that are on the seashore; and your seed will take possession of the gate of his enemies. And by means of your seed all nations of the earth will certainly bless themselves due to the fact that you have listened to my voice.’”—Genesis 22:15-18. When we discern that the Greater Abraham is Jehovah and that Isaac foreshadowed Jesus Christ, we can begin to appreciate how these events are of importance to us personally. In reality, it is how we act toward Jehovah God that determines our future. ","The prospect of eternal life is possible for us because God actually gave his only-begotten Son as a sacrifice for our sins, as illustrated by Abraham’s attempting to offer up Isaac. (John 3:16) Any who persist in ‘calling down evil’ on Jehovah, despising him or making light of his loving purposes, come under a curse that will mean their eternal destruction. (Compare 1 Samuel 3:12-14; 2:12.) But if we are appreciative persons, we will “bless” the Greater Abraham. How? By freely acknowledging that from Jehovah come all good things, including the undeserved gift of life through his Son. Also, we will tell others about Jehovah’s goodness and the splendid qualities of his kingship. (James 1:17; Psalm 145:7-13) In this way we put ourselves in line to receive blessings from him forever.",Genesis 22:15-18; 1 Samuel 3:12-14; 2:12; ,su chap. 8 pp. 62-63 pars. 4-5,,,joshlaymon,,7/12/2025
"Who Leads the Way to Deliverance? vast mixed company, test, Moses, Red Sea, Egyptian army, Jesus, ","ONLY if we accept the leadership of Jesus Christ and give convincing evidence that we truly listen to him and walk in his footsteps can we be saved from this wicked world and be preserved alive through the coming “great tribulation.” (Acts 4:12) This was well illustrated in events surrounding the deliverance of the natural Israelites from Egypt in 1513 B.C.E. Miraculously Jehovah ushered Israel to safety through the Red Sea and destroyed the pursuing Egyptian army. In all of this, God used Moses to lead his people.—Joshua 24:5-7; Exodus 3:10.2 When the Israelites marched out of Egypt with the prospect of entering the Promised Land, others joined their ranks. As Moses later wrote:"," “A vast mixed company also went up with them.” (Exodus 12:38) Who were these? They were Egyptians or other foreigners who threw in their lot with Israel. They had seen the fear-inspiring plagues that Jehovah had brought upon the oppressive nation of Egypt to demonstrate that he was the only true God and that the gods of Egypt were false and could not deliver those who worshiped them. No doubt, too, what they heard from the Israelites about the prospect of life in “a land  flowing with milk and honey” sounded good to them. (Exodus 3:7, 8; 12:12) But did they also fully recognize Moses as the one raised up by God to be ruler and deliverer of His people? They were soon put to the test.—Acts 7:34, 35.",Joshua 24:5-7; Exodus 3:10; Exodus 12:38; ,su chap. 9 pp. 68-69 pars. 1-2,,,joshlaymon,,7/12/2025
"Dividing of People Over the Kingdom Issue, ","When telling his apostles about “the conclusion of the system of things,” Jesus used several parables, or illustrations. In the final one he said: “When the Son of man arrives in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit down on his glorious throne. And all the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate people one from another, just as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. And he will put the sheep on his right hand, but the goats on his left.”—Matthew 24:3; 25:31-33. Notice that Jesus here speaks of himself as “the Son of man,” as he had already done repeatedly earlier in this prophecy. (Matthew 24:27, 30, 37, 39, 44)","His use of this expression was a reminder of the prophetic vision given to Daniel nearly six centuries earlier, concerning which the prophet wrote: “I kept on beholding in the visions of the night, and, see there! with the clouds of the heavens someone like a son of man [Jesus Christ] happened to be coming; and to the Ancient of Days [Jehovah God] he gained access, and they brought him up close even before that One. And to him there were given rulership and dignity and kingdom, that the peoples, national groups and languages should all serve even him. His rulership is an indefinitely lasting rulership that will not pass away, and his kingdom one that will not be brought to ruin.” (Daniel 7:13, 14; Hebrews 2:5-8) That ruling authority has already been given to Jesus Christ. Since 1914 he rules from his heavenly throne. How have you personally responded to his rulership? Does your way of life give evidence of proper respect for this One whom God himself has made Ruler of all the earth?",Matthew 24:3; 25:31-33; ,su chap. 15 pp. 114-115 pars. 3-4,,,joshlaymon,,7/12/2025
"Young Brothers—Imitate Mark and Timothy, qualities—such as love, faith, and chasteness. ","“Become an example to the faithful ones.” (Read 1 Timothy 4:12, 13.) Paul urged Timothy to develop not only skills—such as reading and teaching—but also qualities—such as love, faith, and chasteness. Why? ",A good example speaks louder than words. Suppose you are assigned to present a talk about how to increase our zeal in the ministry. You will feel more confident talking about this subject if you are giving your best in the ministry. Your example will add weight to your words.—1 Tim. 3:13.,"1 Timothy 4:12, 13; 1 Tim. 3:13; ",w25 April p. 30 par. 15,,,joshlaymon,,7/12/2025
"A Warm Welcome for Those Who Return, Prodigal son, ‘Quick! bring out a robe, ring, sandals, fattened young bull, ","The answer is indicated in Jesus’ well-known parable of the prodigal son. As an illustration, Jesus told about a man who had two sons. The younger son asked his father for his share of the property. Having obtained this, he went to a distant country, where he recklessly squandered everything in a life of debauchery. He thus acted prodigally. When famine hit that country, the young man, in desperate need, was forced to herd swine, but he was not even permitted to eat their fodder. Shaken by the problems that overwhelmed him, he came to his senses. He called to mind how good life was for even hired men in his father’s house, and he determined to return. He would acknowledge his sinful course and ask to be received back, not as a son, but as a hired servant. (Luke 15:11-19) But after all the things he had done, would his father let him return? How would Jehovah, who was represented by the father in this parable, view the return of such a person?","Vividly portraying Jehovah’s feelings in the matter, Jesus continued: “While [the younger son] was yet a long way off, his father caught sight of him and was moved with pity, and he ran and fell upon his neck and tenderly kissed him. Then the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy of being called your son. Make me as one of your hired men.’ But the father said to his slaves, ‘Quick! bring out a robe, the best one, and clothe him with it, and put a ring on his hand and sandals on his feet. And bring the fattened young bull, slaughter it and let us eat and enjoy ourselves, because this my son was dead and came to life again; he was lost and was found.’ And they started to enjoy themselves.”—Luke 15:20-24.",Luke 15:11-19; ,su chap. 21 pp. 160-161 ,,,joshlaymon,,7/12/2025
Voice Improvement and Use of Microphones ,"Breath from your lungs makes these cords move. When they thus vibrate as air is forced past them, they make sound. To illustrate: If you blow up a balloon, pinch the neck and then let air out through the neck, the rubber vibrates, producing sound. So, when you speak, the folds or cords in your larynx come firmly together. ","The V-shaped gap between them is closed. The tighter these cords are stretched, the faster they vibrate and the higher the tones of the sounds produced. On the other hand, the more relaxed they are, the lower are the tones produced","Ex. 4:10, 11; ",*** sg study 13 pp. 64-65 par. 4 ,,,joshlaymon,,7/12/2025
"Effective Introductions, ","Arousing interest. The introduction of a talk should arouse interest in the subject. It ought to capture the attention of your audience and prepare them to give favorable consideration to what follows. To accomplish this, it is necessary to show the value of your subject to the audience.","One of the best ways to arouse interest in a talk is to get your audience involved. Let them realize that this information is vital to them, that it concerns their life. In doing so you must start from the level of the audience. That means that what you say should be within the general knowledge of those listening. It might be an illustration, or a problem, or a series of questions. But it should always be something that will be familiar to your audience so that they can understand it and apply it to themselves.",,sg study 22 p. 113 pars. 1-2,,,joshlaymon,,7/12/2025
"Volume and Pausing, ","Misplaced pauses can completely change the thought of a sentence. An illustration of this is the words of Jesus at Luke 23:43, “Truly I tell you today, You will be with me in Paradise.” If the comma or pause were put between the first “you” and “today” a completely different thought would result, as is evidenced by the common misinterpretation of this text. Correct pausing, therefore, is essential in order to convey the thought intended.","Learn to punctuate orally in extemporaneous speaking by observing all written punctuation when you read. The only written punctuation that can sometimes be ignored in reading is a comma. To pause or not to pause at a comma often is a matter of choice. But semicolons, periods, quotation marks, also paragraph divisions, all must be observed.",Luke 23:43; ,sg study 23 p. 120 pars. 18-19,,,joshlaymon,,7/12/2025
"Reading and Applying Scriptures, ","Right words stressed. The reason for which a text is being read should govern what is going to be stressed. If every thought expressed in the text is emphasized equally, nothing will stand out and your point of argument will be lost. So make certain that the words that are given primary stress are those that carry the thought for which the scripture is used.","For example, if you are using Ezekiel 18:4 to prove that sin leads, not to eternal torment, but to death, you would read it in this way: “The soul that is sinning—it itself will die,” with special emphasis on the italicized words. But if the point that you are making is that it is not merely the body but actually the soul that dies, you would shift the emphasis, reading: “The soul that is sinning—it itself will die.” Your placement of emphasis should be determined by the reason why you are reading the scripture.",Ezekiel 18:4; ,sg study 25 pp. 126-127 pars. 4-5 ,,,joshlaymon,,7/12/2025
Will You Be a ‘Lover of Pleasures’ or a ‘Lover of God’?,"You go camping with your friend and he offers to make coffee. As you take your first drink, you notice that the water came from a mud puddle. Would that kill your pleasure? You are offered Wine, Color is beautiful and the taste resembles chocolate, How could that be possible because it cane from grapes, pleasure diminishes, the more you drink. Pleasures diminish but nothing can be more pleasurable than serving Jehovah. ",These are some of the pleasures in life but we would never put them above pleasure os knowing and serving Jehovah. End up choosing pleasure over love for God. Just fulfilling pleasures will not fill our need. ,"2 Timothy 3:4; Ecclesiastes 2:10, 11; ",Mike Reading,Will You Be a ‘Lover of Pleasures’ or a ‘Lover of God’?,064,bl,,7/13/2025
"Use of Repetition and Gestures, concluding summary, progressive summaries, few brief statements. ","At the end of the talk, a concluding summary, whether used with progressive summaries or not, draws everything together and the whole talk can be reviewed in a few brief statements. Occasionally it will assist to mention the exact number of points that are going to be reviewed. This is a further memory aid.","A summary need not be a dry repetition or restatement of points or ideas. It can be accomplished in a variety of ways: by illustration, by the use of a scripture, by approaching the matter from a different viewpoint, by comparisons or contrasts, by drawing parallels, by using synonyms or questions. To demonstrate, a very practical summary of a public talk might be a short, five-minute portion, employing the basic Scripture texts and major arguments of the talk. Here is the entire talk in capsule form, something almost everyone can carry away and use.",,sg study 26 p. 131 pars. 6-7,,,joshlaymon,,7/13/2025
"Highlighting the Theme and Main Points, like shelf labels, ","After determining the theme of your talk, the next step in preparation is to select the main points that you plan to use in developing it. On your Speech Counsel slip this is listed as “Main points made to stand out.” What are the main points in a talk? They are not simply interesting ideas or points that are briefly stated in passing. They are the main sections of the talk, the ideas that are developed at some length. They are like shelf labels or signs in grocery stores that help one to identify what a section of shelves contains, and they govern what may be included in that section and what ought to be left out.","Under the label CEREALS, jams and jellies would be out of place and only confuse persons. Under the sign COFFEE AND TEA, rice would not belong. If the shelf labels are hidden because of overcrowding or overloading, then it is difficult to find anything. But if the signs remain clearly visible, a person can quickly recognize what is before him. So it is with the main points of your talk. As long as they can be perceived and kept in mind, your audience will need very few notes to follow you to your conclusion. Another factor. The selection and use of main points will vary according to the audience and purpose of the talk. For this reason, the school overseer should evaluate the student’s choice of main points on the basis of the student’s use of them, not on an arbitrary selection of points the counselor may have made in advance.",,sg study 27 pp. 135-136 pars. 9-11,,,joshlaymon,,7/13/2025
"Audience Contact and Use of Notes, Outline, ","Use of outline. Few beginning speakers start out by speaking from an outline. Usually they will write the talk out in advance and then either read it or deliver it from memory. Your counselor will overlook this at the beginning, but when you come to “Use of outline” on your Speech Counsel slip he is going to encourage you to speak from notes. When you master it, you will find that you have taken a great stride forward as a public speaker. Children and adults who cannot even read give talks, using illustrations to suggest ideas. You can prepare your talk with a simple outline too, the same as the Scripture presentations that are outlined in Kingdom Ministry. ","You speak regularly without a manuscript in the field ministry. You can do it just as easily in the school, once you make up your mind to it. Since working on this quality is to help you to get away from a manuscript, both in preparation and in delivery, do not memorize your talk. It will defeat the purpose of this Study. If you are using scriptures, you can ask yourself the adverbial questions, How? Who? When? Where? and so forth. Then, as they fit your material, use these questions as part of your notes. In giving the talk simply read a scripture, ask yourself or your householder these questions, as appropriate, and answer them. It can be as simple as that.",,sg study 28 pp. 140-141 pars. 10-13,,,joshlaymon,,7/13/2025
"Convince Your Audience, Reason with Them ","To do it effectively, take care not to cover too many points. The good of your material will be lost if presented hurriedly. Take time to explain points thoroughly, so your audience will not only hear them but understand them. When you state an important point, take time to develop it. Answer such questions as Why? Who? How? What? When? Where? In this way help your audience to grasp the idea more fully. At times you can present arguments for and against a point to emphasize the reasonableness of your position. ","Likewise, after stating a principle, you may find it advantageous to illustrate it so the audience will see its practical application. Of course, discretion must be used. The extent to which any point is developed will depend on the time available and the relative importance of the point to the subject under discussion.",,sg study 31 p. 157 par. 20 ,,,joshlaymon,,7/13/2025
"Sense Stress and Modulation, pace, ","Variety in pace. Few beginning speakers will vary their pace on the platform. We do it constantly in our everyday speech because our words flow out of us spontaneously just as we think of them or have need of them. But the new speaker on the platform will usually not allow himself to do this. He prepares his words and phrases too carefully, so all the words come out at the same rate of speed. Speaking from an outline will help to correct this weakness.","The main current of your talk should be a moderate pace. Minor points, narration, most illustrations, and so forth, will allow you to speed up. Weightier arguments, climaxes and main points usually call for a slower delivery. In some instances, for particularly strong emphasis, you could use slow, deliberate stress. You might even stop completely, in a pause, which is a total change of pace. A few words of caution. Never speak so rapidly that your diction suffers. An excellent exercise in private practice sessions is to try reading aloud as rapidly as you can without stumbling. ",, sg study 32 p. 161 pars. 15-17,,,joshlaymon,,7/13/2025
"Fitting Illustrations, Simple, not too many, ","Proper use of illustrations is an art. It requires skill and experience. But their effectiveness cannot be overstated. To learn to use illustrations you must learn to think in terms of illustrations. As you read, note illustrations that are used. As you look at things, think of them in terms of Christian living and the ministry. For instance, if you see a potted flower that looks dry and wilted, you might think, “Friendship is like a plant. To flourish it must be watered.” Some persons today look at the moon only in terms of space travel. The Christian looks at it as God’s handiwork, a satellite of His creation, an object that endures forever, something that affects our everyday lives, causing the tides to ebb and ","For instance, if you see a potted flower that looks dry and wilted, you might think, “Friendship is like a plant. To flourish it must be watered.” Some persons today look at the moon only in terms of space travel. The Christian looks at it as God’s handiwork, a satellite of His creation, an object that endures forever, something that affects our everyday lives, causing the tides to ebb and ",,sg study 34 pp. 168-169 par. 5 ,,,joshlaymon,,7/13/2025
"Unlocking a Sacred Secret, lampstands are the seven congregations, ","The seven lampstands are the seven congregations to whom John directs the book of Revelation: Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea. Why are congregations symbolized by lampstands? Because Christians, whether individually or collectively as congregations, have to ‘let their light shine before men’ in this bedarkened world. (Matthew 5:14-16) Additionally, lampstands were among the furnishings of Solomon’s temple. ","Calling the congregations lampstands would likely remind John that, in an illustrative sense, each local congregation of anointed ones is “God’s temple,” a dwelling place for God’s spirit. (1 Corinthians 3:16) Moreover, in the antitype of the Jewish temple arrangement, members of the congregation of anointed ones serve as “a royal priesthood” in Jehovah’s great spiritual temple arrangement, of which Jesus is the High Priest and where Jehovah dwells personally in the heavenly Most Holy.—1 Peter 2:4, 5, 9; Hebrews 3:1; 6:20; 9:9-14, 24.","Matthew 5:14-16; 1 Peter 2:4, 5, 9; Hebrews 3:1; 6:20; 9:9-14, 24; ", re chap. 6 p. 29 par. 9 ,,,joshlaymon,,7/14/2025
"Four Horsemen at the Gallop! The White Horse and Its Illustrious Rider, bow; and a crown, conquering, warfare, ","John, and with him the zealous John class and companions of today, is privileged to see a fast-moving drama! John says: “And I saw, and, look! a white horse; and the one seated upon it had a bow; and a crown was given him, and he went forth conquering and to complete his conquest.” (Revelation 6:2) Yes, in answer to that thunderous “Come!” a white horse charges forth. In the Bible, the horse often symbolizes warfare. (Psalm 20:7; Proverbs 21:31; Isaiah 31:1) ","This horse, likely a beautiful stallion, gleams with a whiteness that indicates unblemished holiness. (Compare Revelation 1:14; 4:4; 7:9; 20:11.) How appropriate this is, for it portrays warfare that is clean and righteous in Jehovah’s holy eyes!—See also Revelation 19:11, 14.","Revelation 6:2; Revelation 19:11, 14.",re chap. 16 p. 90,,,joshlaymon,,7/14/2025
"Four Horsemen at the Gallop! Behold, the Fiery-Colored Horse! hideous, death-dealing display, take away peace, ","“And when he opened the second seal, I heard the second living creature say: ‘Come!’” (Revelation 6:3) It is the second cherub, with the appearance of a bull, that issues the command. Power is the quality here symbolized, but power used righteously. In contrast, though, John is now to see a hideous, death-dealing display of power. How, then, is this second summons to “Come!” answered? In this way:"," “And another came forth, a fiery-colored horse; and to the one seated upon it there was granted to take peace away from the earth so that they should slaughter one another; and a great sword was given him.” (Revelation 6:4) A grim vision indeed! And there is no doubt as to what it pictures: war! Not the righteous, victorious warfare of Jehovah’s conquering King but cruel, man-made, international warfare with needless bloodshed and pain. How appropriate that this rider is mounted on a fire-red horse!",Revelation 6:3; ,re chap. 16 p. 93 pars. 13-14 ,,,joshlaymon,,7/14/2025
"Four Horsemen at the Gallop! A Black Horse Plunges Forth, Stark famine! rationed out by scales, ","Jesus now opens the third seal! John, what do you observe? “And when he opened the third seal, I heard the third living creature say: ‘Come!’” (Revelation 6:5a) Happily, this third cherub “has a face like a man’s,” depicting the quality of love. Principled love will abound in God’s new world, even as that fine quality permeates all of Jehovah’s organization today. (Revelation 4:7; 1 John 4:16) We can be sure that the Rider of the white horse, who “must rule as king until God has put all enemies under his feet,” will lovingly remove the calamitous situation that is next brought to John’s scrutiny.—1 Corinthians 15:25.","What does John see, then, as the third summons to “Come!” is answered? “And I saw, and, look! a black horse; and the one seated upon it had a pair of scales in his hand.” (Revelation 6:5b) Stark famine! That is the dire message of this prophetic scene. It points forward to situations early in the Lord’s day when food must be rationed out by scales. Since 1914 famine has been a continuing worldwide problem. Modern warfare brings famine in its wake, for resources normally used in feeding the hungry are often diverted to supplying war weapons. Farm workers are conscripted, and battle-scarred fields and scorched-earth policies curtail food production. How true this was during the first world war, when millions suffered from hunger and died! Moreover, the rider of the black horse of hunger did not relent with the end of the war. During the 1930’s, five million perished in just one famine in the Ukraine. The second world war brought in its wake more food shortages and famines. As the black horse continued its gallop, The World Food Council reported in mid-1987 that 512 million humans were starving and that 40,000 children die of hunger-related causes every day.",Revelation 6:5; ,re chap. 16 p. 95,,,joshlaymon,,7/14/2025
"Four Horsemen at the Gallop! The Pale Horse and Its Rider, disease, Death. And Hades, ","The story is not yet completely told. Jesus opens the fourth seal, and John tells us the result: “And when he opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth living creature say: ‘Come!’” (Revelation 6:7) This is the voice of the cherub that resembles a flying eagle. Farsighted wisdom is indicated, and truly John, the John class, and all other earthly servants of God have needed to observe and act with insight in view of what is here depicted. So doing, we may find a measure of protection from the scourges that plague the worldly-wise of today’s proud, immoral generation.—1 Corinthians 1:20, 21.","What new horrors are unleashed, then, as the fourth horseman responds to the call? John tells us: “And I saw, and, look! a pale horse; and the one seated upon it had the name Death. And Hades was closely following him.” (Revelation 6:8a) The rider of the last horse has a name: Death. He is the only one of the four horsemen of Apocalypse to reveal his identity so directly. Fittingly, Death rides a horse that is pale, since the word pale (Greek, khlo·rosʹ) is used in Greek literature to describe faces that are blanched, as if by disease. Also fittingly, Death is closely followed in some unexplained manner by Hades (gravedom), since Hades receives to itself the greater number of those who fall victim to the ravages of the fourth horseman. Happily, for these there will be a resurrection, when ‘death and Hades give up those dead in them.’ (Revelation 20:13) But how does Death claim those victims?","Revelation 6:7; 1 Corinthians 1:20, 21; Revelation 6:8a; ",re chap. 16 pp. 96-97,,,joshlaymon,,7/14/2025
"Earthquakes in the Lord’s Day, C. T. Russell, “The Gentile Times have ended; monarchies disappeared. 1914, ","Thus, when C. T. Russell appeared for morning worship with the Brooklyn, New York, Bethel family on the morning of October 2, 1914, he made the dramatic announcement: “The Gentile Times have ended; their kings have had their day.” Indeed, the worldwide upheaval that began in 1914 was so far-reaching that many long-standing monarchies disappeared. The overthrow of czardom in the Bolshevik revolution of 1917 led to a long confrontation between Marxism and capitalism. ","Tremors of political change continue to disturb human society earth wide. Today, many governments fail to survive more than a year or two. Lack of stability in the political world is illustrated in the case of Italy, which had 47 new governments in just 42 years following World War II. But such advance tremors are only preliminary to a climactic governmental upheaval. The result? God’s Kingdom will take over sole rulership of the earth.—Isaiah 9:6, 7.","Isaiah 9:6, 7. ",re chap. 18 pp. 105-106 par. 5 ,,,joshlaymon,,7/14/2025
"Earthquakes in the Lord’s Day, A Time of Darkness, ","As John goes on to show, the great earthquake is accompanied by terrifying events that involve even the heavens. He says: “And the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the entire moon became as blood, and the stars of heaven fell to the earth, as when a fig tree shaken by a high wind casts its unripe figs.” (Revelation 6:12b, 13) What a striking phenomenon! ","Can you imagine the frightening darkness that would result if the prophecy were fulfilled literally? No more warm, comforting sunlight by day! No more friendly, silvery moonlight by night! And the myriad stars would no longer twinkle against the velvety backdrop of the sky. Instead, there would be cold, relentless blackness.—Compare Matthew 24:29.","Revelation 6:12b, 13; Matthew 24:29, ",re chap. 18 p. 109,,,joshlaymon,,7/14/2025
"Marriage—A Gift From God, ","Here is an important Bible principle to remember when choosing a husband or a wife: “Do not become unevenly yoked with unbelievers.” (2 Corinthians 6:14) This illustration is based on a practice used in farming. If two animals are very different in size or strength, a farmer does not yoke them together to work in the fields. ","That would not be kind to either animal because both would suffer. In a similar way, a marriage between someone who worships Jehovah and someone who does not will likely result in many problems. So the Bible gives us the wise advice to marry “only in the Lord.”—1 Corinthians 7:39.",2 Corinthians 6:14; 1 Corinthians 7:39; ,lvs chap. 10 pp. 134-135 par. 9 ,,,joshlaymon,,7/14/2025
"Remain in God’s Love, personally convinced, Jehovah’s standards too restrictive? beautiful park, ","It is important for you to be personally convinced that Jehovah’s ways are best. Satan wants you to think that God’s standards are too difficult to live up to and that you will be happier if you decide for yourself what is right and what is wrong. Ever since the garden of Eden, Satan has tried to make people believe this. (Genesis 3:1-6) And he is still trying hard today. Is Satan right? Are Jehovah’s standards too restrictive? No. To illustrate, imagine you are walking in a beautiful park. You notice a high fence blocking off a certain area. Maybe you think, ‘Why is this fence in my way?’ But at that moment, you hear a lion roar on the other side of the fence. ","How do you feel about the fence now? You are grateful that it is protecting you from being the lion’s next meal! Jehovah’s principles are like that fence, and the Devil is like that lion. God’s Word warns us: “Keep your senses, be watchful! Your adversary, the Devil, walks about like a roaring lion, seeking to devour someone.”—1 Peter 5:8.5 Jehovah wants us to have the best life possible. He does not want us to be deceived by Satan. That is why he has given us laws and principles to protect us and make us happy. (Ephesians 6:11) James wrote: “The one who peers into the perfect law that belongs to freedom and continues in it . . . will be happy in what he does.”—James 1:25.",1 Peter 5:8; Ephesians 6:11; James 1:25.,lvs chap. 17 pp. 226-227 pars. 3-5,,,joshlaymon,,7/14/2025
"Remain in God’s Love, skilled athlete, baby, arms and legs, ","When we see a skilled athlete in action, we know that it took time and training for him to develop his skill. He was not born an athlete. When a baby is born, he does not know exactly how to use his arms and legs. But in time, he learns how to hold objects and how to walk. With training, he can become an athlete. In a similar way, it takes time and training for us to become mature Christians.","In this publication, we’ve examined how we can think the way Jehovah thinks and view things as he does. We have learned to appreciate and love Jehovah’s standards. When we make decisions, we ask ourselves: ‘What laws or principles from the Bible apply to this situation? How can I apply them? What would Jehovah like me to do?’—Read Proverbs 3:5, 6; James 1:5.","Proverbs 3:5, 6; James 1:5", lvs chap. 17 p. 230 pars. 12-13 ,,,joshlaymon,,7/14/2025
"Adam and Eve, serpent, ventriloquist,  Balaam’s she-ass, speak, voice, ","John 8:44: “[Jesus said:] The Devil . . . is a liar and the father of the lie.” (So the Devil was the source of the first lie, spoken in Eden. He used the serpent as a visible mouthpiece. The Genesis account is not using fictional creatures to teach a lesson. See also Revelation 12:9.) ","Illustration: It is not unusual for a ventriloquist to make it appear that his voice comes from another source. Compare Numbers 22:26-31, which tells that Jehovah caused Balaam’s she-ass to speak.",John 8:44; Revelation 12:9; 22:26-31; ,rs p. 28 pars. 2-3 ,,,joshlaymon,,7/14/2025
"Death, time and unforeseen occurrences, accident, ","Illustration: A piece of concrete may break off from a building and fall on a pedestrian. Did God cause it? If so, is it fair to charge the building owner with negligence? . . . As the Bible says, for the pedestrian, it was an unplanned and unforeseen occurrence that he was right there when the concrete fell.’ (2) ‘The Bible tells us that if we avoid bad conduct we safeguard our life. (Prov. 16:17) ","If you are a parent, I am sure that you apply that principle with your children. You warn them against things that could result in loss of life. Jehovah is doing the same thing for all mankind today.’ (3) ‘Jehovah knows what the future holds. By means of the Bible he tells us how we can enjoy a life much longer than that of people who ignore what he says. (John 17:3; Prov. 12:28)’ (See also the main heading “Fate.”)",Prov. 16:17; John 17:3; Prov. 12:28; ,rs p. 104 par. 1,,,joshlaymon,,7/14/2025
"Earth, Planet, film of dust, my ways are higher, ","“[The utterance of Jehovah is:] As the heavens are higher than the earth, so my ways are higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. . . . My word . . . will not return to me without results, but it will certainly do that in which I have delighted, and it will have certain success in that for which I have sent it.” Isa. 40:15, 26: “Look! [From the standpoint of Jehovah God] The nations are as a drop from a bucket; and as the film of dust on the scales they have been accounted. . . . ‘Raise your eyes high up and see [the sun, the moon, and the billions of stars]. Who has created these things? It is the One who is bringing forth the army of them even by number, all of whom he calls even by name. ","Due to the abundance of dynamic energy, he also being vigorous in power, not one of them is missing.’” (The nuclear power developed by the nations is fear inspiring to men. But billions of stars employ nuclear power on a scale that is beyond our ability to comprehend. Who created and controls all these heavenly bodies? Can He not prevent the nations from using their nuclear weapons in a way that would hinder his purpose? That God would do this is illustrated by his destroying the military power of Egypt when Pharaoh sought to stop the deliverance of Israel.—Ex. 14:5-31.)","Isa. 55:8-11: Isa. 40:15, 26: Ex. 14:5-31; ",rs p. 113 pars. 3-4 ,,,joshlaymon,,7/14/2025
"Earth, Will God himself destroy the earth by fire?, heavens shall pass away, ungodly men, ","Does 2 Peter 3:7, 10 (KJ) support that view? “The heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition [“destruction,” RS] of ungodly men. . . . The day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up [“burned (burnt) up,” RS, JB; “will vanish,” TEV; “will be made manifest,” NAB; “will be laid bare,” NE; “will be discovered,” NW].” ","(Note: The Codex Sinaiticus and Vatican MS 1209, both of the 4th century C.E., read “be discovered.” Later manuscripts, the 5th-century Codex Alexandrinus and the 16th-century Clementine recension of the Vulgate, read “be burned up.”) If these texts (2 Peter 3:7, 10 and Revelation 21:1) mean that the literal planet Earth is to be consumed by fire, then the literal heavens (the stars and other heavenly bodies) are also to be destroyed by fire. Such a literal view, however, conflicts with the assurance contained in such texts as Matthew 6:10, Psalm 37:29 and 104:5, also Proverbs 2:21, 22. Furthermore, what effect would fire have on the already intensely hot sun and stars? So the term “earth” in the above-quoted texts must be understood in a different sense.","2 Peter 3:7, 10, 2 Peter 3:7, 10 and Revelation 21:1; Matthew 6:10, Psalm 37:29 and 104:5, also Proverbs 2:21, 22.",rs p. 113-p. 114 ,,,joshlaymon,,7/14/2025
"Earth, Has God’s original purpose for the earth changed?","Gen. 1:27, 28: “God proceeded to create the man in his image, in God’s image he created him; male and female he created them. Further, God blessed them and God said to them: ‘Be fruitful and become many and fill the earth and subdue it, and have in subjection the fish of the sea and the flying creatures of the heavens and every living creature that is moving upon the earth.’” (Thus God indicated his purpose to have the earth filled with the offspring of Adam and Eve as caretakers of a global paradise. ","After God had magnificently designed this earth for human habitation, making it unique among all the planets that man has examined with his telescopes and spaceships, did the Creator simply abandon his purpose, leaving it forever unfulfilled because of Adam’s sin?) Isa. 45:18: “This is what Jehovah has said, the Creator of the heavens, He the true God, the Former of the earth and the Maker of it, He the One who firmly established it, who did not create it simply for nothing, who formed it even to be inhabited: ‘I am Jehovah, and there is no one else.’” (See also Isaiah 55:10, 11.)","Isa. 45:18: Isaiah 55:10, 11.",rs p. 116,,,joshlaymon,,7/14/2025
"Earth, fill, live forever, population, ","If no one is ever going to die in God’s New Order, how will all the people fit on earth? Keep in mind that when God expressed his purpose for the earth he said: “Be fruitful and become many and fill the earth.” (Gen. 1:28) ","God gave man the ability to procreate, and when His purpose in that regard is fulfilled He can cause procreation to cease on earth.",Gen. 1:28,rs p. 116 ,,,joshlaymon,,7/14/2025
"Evolution, result of mutations","Might it be that the evolutionary process took place as a result of mutations, that is, sudden drastic changes in genes? Science Digest states: “Evolutionary revisionists believe mutations in key regulatory genes may be just the genetic jackhammers their quantum-leap theory requires.” However, the magazine also quotes British zoologist Colin Patterson as stating: “Speculation is free. We know nothing about these regulatory master genes.” (February 1982, p. 92) In other words, there is no evidence to support the theory.","The Encyclopedia Americana acknowledges: “The fact that most mutations are damaging to the organism seems hard to reconcile with the view that mutation is the source of raw materials for evolution. Indeed, mutants illustrated in biology textbooks are a collection of freaks and monstrosities and mutation seems to be a destructive rather than a constructive process.”—(1977), Vol. 10, p. 742.",,rs p. 124-p. 125,,,joshlaymon,,7/14/2025
"Evolution, “ape-men”, resorting to the imagination. Skin color; the color, form, ","What about those “ape-men” depicted in schoolbooks, encyclopedias and museums? “The flesh and hair on such reconstructions have to be filled in by resorting to the imagination. . . . Skin color; the color, form, and distribution of the hair; the form of the features; and the aspect of the face—of these characters we know absolutely nothing for any prehistoric men.”—The Biology of Race (New York, 1971), James C. King, pp. 135, 151. “The vast majority of artists’ conceptions are based more on imagination than on evidence. . . . Artists must create something between an ape and a human being; the older the specimen is said to be, the more apelike they make it.”—Science Digest, April 1981, p. 41.","“Just as we are slowly learning that primitive men are not necessarily savages, so we must learn to realize that the early men of the Ice Age were neither brute beasts nor semi-apes nor cretins. Hence the ineffable stupidity of all attempts to reconstruct Neanderthal or even Peking man.”—Man, God and Magic (New York, 1961), Ivar Lissner, p. 304.",,rs p. 125,,,joshlaymon,,7/14/2025
"Evolution earth was created in six days, “grandfather’s day,” extended period of time.",But is it reasonable to believe that everything on this earth was created in six days? There are some religious groups that teach that God created everything in six 24-hour days. But that is not what the Bible says. Genesis 1:3-31 tells how God prepared the already existing earth for human habitation.,"It says that this was done during a period of six days, but it does not say that these were 24-hour days. It is not unusual for a person to refer to his “grandfather’s day,” meaning that one’s entire lifetime. So, too, the Bible often uses the term “day” to describe an extended period of time. (Compare 2 Peter 3:8.) Thus the ‘days’ of Genesis chapter 1 could reasonably be thousands of years long.",Genesis 1:3-31; 2 Peter 3:8.,rs p. 125-p. 126,,,joshlaymon,,7/14/2025
"Evolution, walk in countryside, wood, stones, house, flowers, intricate design, designer, ","‘Am I right in concluding that you are a person who likes to face life the way it really is? . . . I do too.’ Then perhaps add: ‘If I walk in the countryside and find that some wood and stones have been shaped into a house, it should be obvious to me that someone was there before me and built it; right? . . . ","But, now, would it be logical for me to conclude that flowers growing alongside the house resulted just from chance? If I feel that way I need to look closely and notice the intricate design, because I know that it is a basic truth that where there is design there must be a designer. This is what the Bible tells us at Hebrews 3:4.’",Hebrews 3:4.,rs p. 126 par. 6,,,joshlaymon,,7/14/2025
"Evolution, accounts for man’s progress, when you were a child?, as much crime, been a downhill trend.","Or you might answer (an older person): ‘One of the basic ideas in evolution is that it accounts for man’s progress, his development to what he is today, isn’t that right?’ Then perhaps add: (1) ‘You are an individual who has lived quite some time. Do you remember how things were when you were a child? Was there as much crime as there is now? . . . Did you always have to keep the door locked? . . . Would you say that people back then showed greater concern for their neighbors, and for older folks, than they do today? . . . ","So, while there has been great progress in technical fields, humans themselves seem to be losing some of the qualities that count most. Why is this?’ (2) ‘I find that these realities of life that we have both observed agree with what is written here in the Bible at Romans 5:12. . . . So, really there has been a downhill trend.’ (3) ‘But the Bible shows how that will change. (Dan. 2:44; Rev. 21:3, 4)’","Romans 5:12; Dan. 2:44; Rev. 21:3, 4; ",rs p. 127 par. 1,,,joshlaymon,,7/14/2025
"Evolution, ‘I believe that God created man by means of evolution’ strong faith in God? dust, Adam's rib, ","You might reply: ‘I’ve talked with others who share your view. Am I right in concluding that you are a person who has strong faith in God? . . . So your faith really holds first place in your life; with it as a guide, you endeavor to evaluate other things, is that right? . . . That’s the way I view matters too.’ Then perhaps add: (1) ‘I know that if what I believe is really truth, it is not going to conflict with proved scientific facts. ","At the same time I know that it would be foolish for me to ignore what God’s Word says, because God knows much more about his works than any of us do. I’m impressed with what the Bible, God’s inspired Word, says here at Genesis 1:21 (emphasize “according to their kinds”).’ (2) ‘Then in Genesis 2:7 we learn that God formed man, not from earlier animals, but from the dust.’ (3) ‘And in verses 21, 22 we find that Eve was formed, not from an animal, but with one of Adam’s ribs as starting material.’",Genesis 1:21; Genesis 2:7,rs p. 127-p. 128,,,joshlaymon,,7/14/2025
"Evolution, allegory. what conclusion, Adam all are dying, Christ all will be made alive.”","Or you could say: ‘(After establishing a common ground, as above . . . ) Some say that the Bible’s reference to Adam was just an allegory. But if that is true, to what conclusion does it lead?’ (1) ‘Well, notice what is stated here at Romans 5:19: “Just as through the disobedience of the one man [Adam] many were constituted sinners, likewise also through the obedience of the one person [Jesus Christ] many will be constituted righteous.” Similarly, 1 Corinthians 15:22 says: “Just as in Adam all are dying, so also in the Christ all will be made alive.” But if there really was no “one man” named Adam, then such a man never sinned. If he did not sin and pass an inheritance of sin on to his offspring, then there was no need for Christ to give his life on behalf of mankind. ","If Christ really did not give his life on our behalf, then there is no prospect for life beyond our present few years. That would mean that there actually is nothing left to Christianity.’ (2) ‘Yet, embodied in Christianity are the highest moral principles that can be found anywhere. Is it possible that the finest teachings as to truth and honesty could originate with something that is basically false?’ (See also pages 27-29, under the main heading “Adam and Eve.”)",Romans 5:19: 1 Corinthians 15:22; ,rs p. 128 par. 1,,,joshlaymon,,7/14/2025
Faith Why do many people not have faith?,"Faith is a fruit of God’s spirit, and God gladly gives his spirit to those who seek it. (Gal. 5:22; Luke 11:13) ","So persons without faith are not seeking that spirit, or they are doing so for a wrong purpose or are resisting its operation in their lives. Many things influence this:",Gal. 5:22; Luke 11:13; ,rs p. 129 ,,,joshlaymon,,7/14/2025
"Faith, trust, help, association, ","Faith is strengthened when a person acts on God’s promises and then sees the evidence of God’s blessing on what he has done.—See Psalm 106:9-12. Illustration: Perhaps you have a friend of whom you would say: ‘I trust that man. I can count on him to keep his word; and I know that if I have a problem, he will come to my help.’ It is not likely that you would be saying that about anyone you met for the first time yesterday, is it? ","He would have to be someone with whom you had long association, someone who had proved his dependability time and again. It is similar with religious faith. To have faith, you need to take time to get to know Jehovah and his way of doing things.",Psalm 106:9-12.,rs p. 131 pars. 2-3 ,,,joshlaymon,,7/15/2025
"Faith, courtship, marry, marriage, salvation, Eternal life, ","Illustration: A young man may court a young lady, telling her that he loves her. But if he never asks her to marry him, is he really demonstrating that his love is thorough? Likewise, works are a means of demonstrating the genuineness of our faith and our love. ","If we do not obey God we do not really love him or have faith in the rightness of his ways. (1 John 5:3, 4) But we cannot earn salvation no matter what works we do. Eternal life is a gift from God through Jesus Christ, not payment for our works.—Eph. 2:8, 9.","Eph. 2:8, 9. 1 John 5:3, 4; ",rs p. 132 par. 2 ,,,joshlaymon,,7/15/2025
"Fate, foreknow,  selective and discretionary, ability, foretell, Jehovah, predetermined, ",Illustration: The owner of a radio can listen to the world news. But the fact that he can listen to a certain station does not mean that he does. He must first turn on the radio and then select the station. ,"Likewise, Jehovah has the ability to foreknow events, but the Bible shows that he makes selective and discretionary use of that ability, with due regard for the free will with which he has endowed his human creation.—Compare Genesis 22:12; 18:20, 21.","Genesis 22:12; 18:20, 21.",rs p. 141 par. 4 ,,,joshlaymon,,7/15/2025
"Fate, Does everyone have a predetermined “time to die”? fixed in time, predestined, ","This belief was popular among the Greeks and Romans. According to pagan Greek mythology, the Fates were three goddesses that spun the thread of life, determined its length, and cut it. Ecclesiastes 3:1, 2 speaks of “a time to die.” But, showing that this is not a predetermined fixed moment for the individual, Ecclesiastes 7:17 counsels: “Do not be wicked overmuch, nor become foolish. Why should you die when it is not your time?” Proverbs 10:27 says: “The years themselves of the wicked ones will be cut short.” And Psalm 55:23 adds: “As for bloodguilty and deceitful men, they will not live out half their days.” What, then, does Ecclesiastes 3:1, 2 mean? It is simply discussing the continuous cycle of life and death in this imperfect system of things. Ps. 90:10; see also Ecclesiastes 9:11.","There is a time when people are born and a time when they die—usually at not more than 70 or 80 years of age, but sometimes sooner and sometimes later. If each one’s moment and manner of death were already fixed at the time of birth or earlier, there would be no need to avoid dangerous situations or to care for one’s health, and safety precautions would not alter mortality rates. But do you believe that a battlefield during war is as safe as one’s home far away from the war zone? Do you care for your health or take your children to the doctor? Why do smokers die three to four years younger, on an average, than nonsmokers? Why are there fewer fatal accidents when automobile passengers wear seat belts and when drivers obey traffic laws? Obviously, taking precautions is beneficial.","Ecclesiastes 3:1, 2; Proverbs 10:27; Ps. 90:10; see also Ecclesiastes 9:11.",rs p. 138,,,joshlaymon,,7/15/2025
"Fate, weather forecaster, predict, God may foresee, but doesn't cause, ","Deut. 31:20, 21: “I shall bring them [the nation of Israel] to the ground that I have sworn about to their forefathers, which flows with milk and honey, and they will certainly eat and be satisfied and grow fat and turn to other gods, and they will indeed serve them and treat me with disrespect and break my covenant. And it must occur that when many calamities and distresses will come upon them, this song [recounting how they acted because of failing to appreciate God’s favor] must also answer before them as a witness, . . . for I well know their inclination that they are developing today before I bring them into the land about which I have sworn.”","(Note that God’s ability to discern the outcome of their course did not mean that he was responsible for it or that it was what he wanted for them, but on the basis of what they were doing he could foresee the outcome. Similarly, on the basis of what is observed, a weather forecaster may predict the weather with a great degree of accuracy, but he does not cause it or necessarily like it.)","Deut. 31:20, 21: ",rs p. 140 par. 5,,,joshlaymon,,7/15/2025
"Fate, sin, Adam, foreknowledge, When God created Adam, did he know that Adam would sin? doomed, failure, ","Here is what God set before Adam and Eve: “Be fruitful and become many and fill the earth and subdue it, and have in subjection the fish of the sea and the flying creatures of the heavens and every living creature that is moving upon the earth.” “And Jehovah God also laid this command upon the man: ‘From every tree of the garden you may eat to satisfaction. But as for the tree of the knowledge of good and bad you must not eat from it, for in the day you eat from it you will positively die.’” (Gen. 1:28; 2:16, 17) ","To Illustrate: Would you encourage your children to undertake a project with a marvelous future, knowing from the start that it was doomed to failure? Would you warn them of harm, while knowing that you had planned everything so that they were sure to come to grief? Is it reasonable, then, to attribute such to God?","Gen. 1:28; 2:16, 17; ",rs p. 142 ,,,joshlaymon,,7/15/2025
"Fate, set in motion all wickedness, wars, crime, immorality, lying, disease, ","If God foreordained and foreknew Adam’s sin and all that would result from this, it would mean that by creating Adam, God deliberately set in motion all the wickedness committed in human history. He would be the Source of all the wars, the crime, the immorality, the oppression, the lying, the hypocrisy, the disease. But the Bible clearly says: “You are not a God taking delight in wickedness.” (Ps. 5:4) “Anyone loving violence His soul certainly hates.” (Ps. 11:5) “God . . . cannot lie.” (Titus 1:2) ","“From oppression and from violence he [the One designated by God as Messianic King] will redeem their soul, and their blood will be precious in his eyes.” (Ps. 72:14) “God is love.” (1 John 4:8) “He is a lover of righteousness and justice.”—Ps. 33:5.",Titus 1:2; ,rs p. 142 par. 3,,,joshlaymon,,7/15/2025
"Fate, Was Judas Iscariot predestined to betray Jesus? Devil, Ahithophel, pattern, ","Ps. 41:9: “The man at peace with me, in whom I trusted, who was eating my bread, has magnified his heel against me.” (Notice that the prophecy does not specify which close associate of Jesus it would be. Jehovah knew that the Devil had used David’s counselor Ahithophel to betray him, and He had that recorded because it demonstrated how the Devil operated and what he would do in the future.","It was not God but “the Devil . . . [who] put it into the heart of Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon, to betray him [Jesus].” [John 13:2] Instead of resisting, Judas yielded to that satanic influence.)",Ps. 41:9: John 13:2; ,"rs p. 142 par. 3,",,,joshlaymon,,7/15/2025
"God, Jehovah, creator, ","Illustration: When we see a camera, a radio, or a computer, we readily acknowledge that it must have been produced by an intelligent designer. ","Would it be reasonable, then, to say that far more complex things—the eye, the ear, and the human brain—did not originate with an intelligent Designer?",Romans 1:20; ,rs p. 146 par. 4 ,,,joshlaymon,,7/15/2025
"God, Jehovah, creator, knives, jet aircraft, bombs, war, no designer, ",Does the existence of wickedness and of suffering prove that there is no God? Consider examples: Does the fact that knives have been used to murder prove that no one designed them? Is the use of jet aircraft to drop bombs in time of war evidence that they had no designer? Or is it rather the use to which these are being put that is causing grief to mankind?,"Is it not true that much disease is a result of man’s own poor living habits and his spoiling of the environment for himself and others? Are not the wars fought by humans a major cause of human suffering? Is it not also true that, while millions suffer from lack of food, there is more than enough in other lands, so that one of the underlying problems is human greed? All these things give evidence, not that there is no God, but that humans are sadly misusing their God-given abilities and the earth itself.","Romans 1:20; Gen. 1:27, 31; Deut. 32:4, ",rs p. 146-p. 147,,,joshlaymon,,7/15/2025
"God, Jehovah, Is God a real person? feelings of the sort that we associate with living people? ","Is God a real person? Heb. 9:24: “Christ entered . . . into heaven itself, now to appear before the person of God for us.” John 4:24: “God is a Spirit.” John 7:28: “He that sent me is real,” said Jesus. 1 Cor. 15:44: “If there is a physical body, there is also a spiritual one.”","Does God have feelings of the sort that we associate with living people? John 16:27: “The Father himself has affection for you, because you have had affection for me and have believed that I came out as the Father’s representative.” Isa. 63:9: “During all their distress it was distressing to him. . . . In his love and in his compassion he himself repurchased them.” 1 Tim. 1:11: “The happy God.”",Heb. 9:24: John 7:28: ,rs p. 147-p. 148,,,joshlaymon,,7/15/2025
"God, Jehovah, Is God a real person? Did God have a beginning? time indefinite to time indefinite, time. space, ","Ps. 90:2: “Before the mountains themselves were born, or you proceeded to bring forth as with labor pains the earth and the productive land, even from time indefinite to time indefinite you are God.” Is that reasonable? Our minds cannot fully comprehend it. But that is not a sound reason for rejecting it. Consider examples: (1) Time. No one can point to a certain moment as the beginning of time. And it is a fact that, even though our lives end, time does not. We do not reject the idea of time because there are aspects of it that we do not fully comprehend. Rather, we regulate our lives by it."," (2) Space. Astronomers find no beginning or end to space. The farther they probe into the universe, the more there is. They do not reject what the evidence shows; many refer to space as being infinite. The same principle applies to the existence of God.",Ps. 90:2:,rs p. 148,,,joshlaymon,,7/15/2025
"God, Jehovah, Is God a real person? Did God have a beginning? Sun, Milky Way,  time. space, Astronomers,","Other examples: (1) Astronomers tell us that the heat of the sun at its core is 27,000,000 degrees Fahrenheit (15,000,000° C.). Do we reject that idea because we cannot fully comprehend such intense heat? (2) They tell us that the size of our Milky Way is so great that a beam of light traveling at over 186,000 miles per second (300,000 km/sec) would require 100,000 years to cross it. Do our minds really comprehend such a distance? Yet we accept it because scientific evidence supports it. Which is more reasonable—that the universe is the product of a living, intelligent Creator? or that it must have arisen simply by chance from a nonliving source without intelligent direction? ","Some persons adopt the latter viewpoint because to believe otherwise would mean that they would have to acknowledge the existence of a Creator whose qualities they cannot fully comprehend. But it is well known that scientists do not fully comprehend the functioning of the genes that are within living cells and that determine how these cells will grow. Nor do they fully understand the functioning of the human brain. Yet, who would deny that these exist? Should we really expect to understand everything about a Person who is so great that he could bring into existence the universe, with all its intricate design and stupendous size?",Ps. 90:2:, rs p. 148 pars. 6-7,,,joshlaymon,,7/15/2025
"God, Jehovah, Is God a real person? Is it important to use God’s name?",Is it important to use God’s name? Rom. 10:13: “Everyone who calls on the name of Jehovah will be saved.”Ezek. 39:6: “People will have to know that I am Jehovah.”,Jesus said to his Father: “I have made your name known to them [his true followers] and will make it known.”—John 17:26.,Rom. 10:13: Ezek. 39:6:, rs p. 149,,,joshlaymon,,7/15/2025
"God, Jehovah, Is God a real person? ‘I believe only what I can see, air, gravity, odors, sound waves, ","‘I believe only what I can see, and I have never seen God’ You might reply: ‘That view is quite common nowadays. And there is a reason for it. We live in a society that emphasizes material possessions. But you are a person who likes to be realistic, aren’t you?’ Then perhaps add: (1) ‘Are there some things that we cannot see with our eyes but that we believe exist because there are sound reasons to do so? ","What about the air we breathe? We may feel it when there is a breeze. We can tell that it fills our lungs, even though we do not see it. Because we see the effects, there is good reason to believe in it, isn’t that so?’ (2) ‘And we cannot see gravity. But when we drop something we see evidence that gravity is at work. Nor do we see odors, but our nose picks them up. We cannot see sound waves, but our ears detect them. So we believe in things we cannot see—provided there is good reason to do so, isn’t that right?’ (3) ‘Well, is there evidence that an invisible God really exists? (Use material on pages 145, 146, under the subheading “Are there sound reasons for believing in God?”)’",Ps. 83:18; ,rs p. 151,,,joshlaymon,,7/15/2025
"Hell, Is eternal torment of the wicked compatible with God’s personality? hellfire, Topheth, ","Is eternal torment of the wicked compatible with God’s personality? Jer. 7:31: “They [apostate Judeans] have built the high places of Topheth, which is in the valley of the son of Hinnom, in order to burn their sons and their daughters in the fire, a thing that I had not commanded and that had not come up into my heart.” (If it never came into God’s heart, surely he does not have and use such a thing on a larger scale.)",Illustration: What would you think of a parent who held his child’s hand over a fire to punish the child for wrongdoing? “God is love.” (1 John 4:8) Would he do what no right-minded human parent would do? Certainly not!,Jer. 7:31: 1 John 4:8,rs p. 174 ,,,joshlaymon,,7/15/2025
"Righteous, self-righteous, Pharisee, tax collector, fast twice a week; ","He also told this illustration to some who trusted in their own righteousness and who considered others as nothing:“Two men went up into the temple to pray, the one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood and began to pray these things to himself, ‘O God, I thank you that I am not like everyone else—extortioners, unrighteous, adulterers—or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week; I give the tenth of all things I acquire.’","But the tax collector, standing at a distance, was not willing even to raise his eyes heavenward but kept beating his chest, saying, ‘O God, be gracious to me, a sinner.’14I tell you, this man went down to his home and was proved more righteous than that Pharisee. Because everyone who exalts himself will be humiliated, but whoever humbles himself will be exalted.",Luke 18:9-14,"Jesus Christ, ",,,bl,,7/16/2025
"Hell, hellfire, What sort of people go to the Bible hell? grave, death, Sheol, pit, David, Job, Jesus, ","Does the Bible say that the wicked go to hell? Ps. 9:17, KJ: “The wicked shall be turned into hell,* and all the nations that forget God.” (*“Hell,” 9:18 in Dy; “death,” TEV; “the place of death,” Kx; “Sheol,” AS, RS, NE, JB, NW.)Does the Bible also say that upright people go to hell? Job 14:13, Dy: “[Job prayed:] Who will grant me this, that thou mayst protect me in hell,* and hide me till thy wrath pass, and appoint me a time when thou wilt remember me?” (God himself said that Job was “a man blameless and upright, fearing God and turning aside from bad.”—Job 1:8.) (*“The grave,” KJ; “the world of the dead,” TEV; “Sheol,” AS, RS, NE, JB, NW.)","Acts 2:25-27, KJ: “David speaketh concerning him [Jesus Christ], . . . Because thou wilt not leave my soul in hell,* neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.” (The fact that God did not “leave” Jesus in hell implies that Jesus was in hell, or Hades, at least for a time, does it not?) (*“Hell,” Dy; “death,” NE; “the place of death,” Kx; “the world of the dead,” TEV; “Hades,” AS, RS, JB, NW.)","Ps. 9:17, KJ: Job 14:13; Acts 2:25-27; ",rs p. 170 ,,,joshlaymon,,7/16/2025
"Hell, hellfire,  grave, death, Sheol, pit, Hades, Does anyone ever get out of the Bible hell?","Does anyone ever get out of the Bible hell? Rev. 20:13, 14, KJ: “The sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell* delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. ","And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire.” (So the dead will be delivered from hell. Notice also that hell is not the same as the lake of fire but will be cast into the lake of fire.) (*“Hell,” Dy, Kx; “the world of the dead,” TEV; “Hades,” NE, AS, RS, JB, NW.)","Rev. 20:13, 14, KJ: ",rs p. 170 ,,,joshlaymon,,7/16/2025
"Hell, hellfire,  grave, death, Sheol, pit, Hades, Is there eternal punishment for the wicked? Eternal fire, ","Jude 7, KJ: “Even as Sodom and Gomorrha, and the cities about them in like manner, giving themselves over to fornication, and going after strange flesh, are set forth for an example, suffering the vengeance of eternal fire.” ","(The fire that destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah ceased burning thousands of years ago. But the effect of that fire has been lasting; the cities have not been rebuilt. God’s judgment, however, was against not merely those cities but also their wicked inhabitants. What happened to them is a warning example. At Luke 17:29, Jesus says that they were “destroyed”; Jude 7 shows that the destruction was eternal.)","Jude 7, KJ: ",rs p. 172 par. 1 ,,,joshlaymon,,7/16/2025
"Hell, hellfire,  grave, death, Sheol, pit, Hades,  lake which burneth with fire and brimstone.” ","What is the meaning of the ‘eternal torment’ referred to in Revelation? What is the ‘torment’ to which these texts refer? It is noteworthy that at Revelation 11:10 (KJ) reference is made to ‘prophets that torment those dwelling on the earth.’ Such torment results from humiliating exposure by the messages that these prophets proclaim. At Revelation 14:9-11 (KJ) worshipers of the symbolic “beast and his image” are said to be “tormented with fire and brimstone.” This cannot refer to conscious torment after death because “the dead know not any thing.” (Eccl. 9:5, KJ) Then, what causes them to experience such torment while they are still alive? It is the proclamation by God’s servants that worshipers of the “beast and his image” will experience second death, which is represented by “the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone.” ","The smoke, associated with their fiery destruction, ascends forever because the destruction will be eternal and will never be forgotten. When Revelation 20:10 says that the Devil is to experience ‘torment forever and ever’ in “the lake of fire and brimstone,” what does that mean? Revelation 21:8 (KJ) says clearly that “the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone” means “the second death.” So the Devil’s being “tormented” there forever means that there will be no relief for him; he will be held under restraint forever, actually in eternal death. This use of the word “torment” (from the Greek baʹsa·nos) reminds one of its use at Matthew 18:34, where the same basic Greek word is applied to a ‘jailer.’—RS, AT, ED, NW.",Revelation 14:9-11; Revelation 11:10; ,rs p. 172 par. 3 ,,,joshlaymon,,7/16/2025
"Don't waste the truth, Jesus, Nazareth, signs, Carpenter's son, Mary, James, Joseph, Simon, Judas, Sisters, ","Jesus didn't witness much in his home town. Healed a few of the sick. (Matthew 13:55-58) . . .Is this not the carpenter’s son? Is not his mother called Mary, and his brothers James and Joseph and Simon and Judas? 56 And his sisters, are they not all with us? Where, then, did he get all of this?” 57 So they began to stumble because of him. But Jesus said to them: “A prophet is not without honor except in his home territory and in his own house.” 58 And he did not perform many powerful works there on account of their lack of faith.","Illustration: This reminds us of a child who will not listen to his parents. They don't see the value of his advise but will listen to friends at school, or others they have acquainted in the world. He was just a carpenters son. They knew Mary and other children. Jesus wisely didn't waste time with them on that occasion, but didn't ignore them.",Matthew 13:55-58,"Convention talk, ",,,bl,,7/17/2025
"Hell, hellfire, parable about the rich man and Lazarus, literal or parable or illustration, ","By what Jesus said about the rich man and Lazarus, did Jesus teach torment of the wicked after death?Is the account, at Luke 16:19-31, literal or merely an illustration of something else? The Jerusalem Bible, in a footnote, acknowledges that it is a “parable in story form without reference to any historical personage.” ","If taken literally, it would mean that those enjoying divine favor could all fit at the bosom of one man, Abraham; that the water on one’s fingertip would not be evaporated by the fire of Hades; that a mere drop of water would bring relief to one suffering there. Does that sound reasonable to you? If it were literal, it would conflict with other parts of the Bible. If the Bible were thus contradictory, would a lover of truth use it as a basis for his faith? But the Bible does not contradict itself.",Luke 16:19-31; ,rs p. 174-p. 175,,,joshlaymon,,7/17/2025
"Hell, hellfire, parable about the rich man and Lazarus, literal or parable or illustration, meaning, ","What does the parable mean? The “rich man” represented the Pharisees. (See verse 14.) The beggar Lazarus represented the common Jewish people who were despised by the Pharisees but who repented and became followers of Jesus. (See Luke 18:11; John 7:49; Matthew 21:31, 32.) Their deaths were also symbolic, representing a change in circumstances. Thus, the formerly despised ones came into a position of divine favor, and the formerly seemingly favored ones were rejected by God, while being tormented by the judgment messages delivered by the ones whom they had despised.—Acts 5:33; 7:54.","Their deaths were also symbolic, representing a change in circumstances. Thus, the formerly despised ones came into a position of divine favor, and the formerly seemingly favored ones were rejected by God, while being tormented by the judgment messages delivered by the ones whom they had despised.—Acts 5:33; 7:54.","Luke 18:11; John 7:49; Matthew 21:31, 32; Acts 5:33; 7:54; ",rs p. 175 par. 1,,,joshlaymon,,7/17/2025
"Hell, hellfire, When did God create hell? ","Artie Laymon was attacked by a believer of hellfire. She said, I have a question you might be able to help me with. When did God create hell? The Bible tells us about God creating the universe, light, fish, birds, animals. We know God created all things. So if there is a hell, when did God create it? Revelation 4:11 “You are worthy, Jehovah our God, to receive the glory and the honor and the power, because you created all things, and because of your will they came into existence and were created.”","The householder was unable to answer the question, but no doubt gave the person something to think about.",Genesis chapter 1-3; Revelation 4:11; ,"Artie Laymon, ",,,joshlaymon,,7/17/2025
"Holidays, birthdays, Egyptian religious practice, new name: “a festival to Jehovah.” punished, Christmas, ","Compare Exodus 32:4-10. Notice that the Israelites adopted an Egyptian religious practice but gave it a new name, “a festival to Jehovah.” But Jehovah severely punished them for this. Today we see only 20th-century practices associated with holidays. Some may appear harmless. But Jehovah observed firsthand the pagan religious practices from which these originated. Should not his view be what matters to us?","Illustration: Suppose a crowd come to a gentleman’s home saying they are there to celebrate his birthday. He does not favor the celebration of birthdays. He does not like to see people overeat or get drunk or engage in loose conduct. But some of them do all those things, and they bring presents for everyone there except him! On top of all that, they pick the birthday of one of the man’s enemies as the date for the celebration. How would the man feel? Would you want to be a party to it? This is exactly what is being done by Christmas celebrations.",Exodus 32:4-10; ,rs p. 179 pars. 1-2,,,joshlaymon,,7/17/2025
"Ant, elephant, bridge, credit to Jehovah, ","There was an ant was on top of the elephant and they were crossing the bridge. The ant said ain’t I strong. I crossed this bridge with an elephant, as if the elephant, did nothing. He gave no credit to the elephant.",That's how some act with Jehovah. They take the credit. We can’t do anything on our own. We owe everything to Jehovah and need to give Him credit. ,Isaiah 26:12,"Sam Herd by Lena Stewart, ",,,bl,,7/17/2025
Holy Spirit help us in two ways. ,1. It gives us power to overcome trials. ,2. It is the force that fills our sails and gives us happiness to move forward to serve Jehovah with life in God‘s new world in view. ,Luke 11:9,Lena Stewart,,,bl,,7/17/2025
"Faith, faithful, eruptions, dependability, moon, faithful witness, timing, creation, people, reliable, trustworthy, ","""Old Faithful"" Is the name of a geyser in Yellowstone National Park in the United States. The geyser was given this name because of the relative regularity of its eruptions. Today, it erupts thousands of liters or gallons of boiling water about every 90 minutes on average. After Old Faithful erupts, the timing of its next eruption can be predicted about 90% of the time within a 10 minute variation. And it's not even the most regular geyser in the park. Isn't that amazing?","It shouldn't surprise us that the word faithful is applied to inanimate things, since we see faithfulness and dependability in creation. For example, Psalm 89:37 describes the moon as a faithful witness in the skies because of its reliability. Its appearance in the sky follows a fixed pattern, and it faithfully completes its orbit around the Earth every 27.3 days. While we admire faithfulness in creation, we especially appreciate people who make faithfulness their way of life. Such individuals are reliable, dependable, and trustworthy.",Psalm 89:37;,"J.W. Broadcasting, July 2025; Leonard Myers, Make faithfulness your way of life. ",,,bl,,7/19/2025
"Make faithfulness your way of life. unpredictably. sun, moon, appropriate, trust, dependable, ","How can we prove ourselves faithful. Illustrate about the example of a geyser. This might be a fitting symbol of the faithfulness of humans because geysers continually erupt, but they do so unpredictably. So a geyser would be a poor representation of the unchanging faithfulness of our faithful Creator as Jehovah is described in 1 Peter 4:19. The ever present sun and moon are more appropriate symbols of the unchangeableness of his faithfulness. In his words to the nation of Israel, Moses stated as found in Deuteronomy 32:4 The Rock perfect is his activity, for all his ways are justice, a God of faithfulness who is never unjust. Did Jehovah prove faithful to that nation? Of course he did. ","When Moses spoke those words to the Israelites, they may have remembered the time when Jehovah had faithfully brought their forefathers out of Egypt and rescued them at their Red Sea. He had faithfully preserved millions of people alive during the Israelites 40 year journey in the wilderness, and He had led them to the border of the Promised Land. Moses successor Joshua also could testify to Jehovah's faithfulness. As a child growing up in Egypt, Joshua must have come to know of Jehovah's promise to give the Israelites a land of their own. When the time came to enter that land, Joshua was an eyewitness of how Jehovah fought in behalf of his people. Joshua saw the walls of Jericho fall down flat. He saw the sun stand still until the Amorites could be routed. In time, 1 nation after another was defeated because the faithful God was fighting for Israel. Once they defeated their enemies, Joshua could say to the nation what is recorded at Joshua 23:14. You well know with all your heart and with all your soul that not one word out of all the good promises that Jehovah your God has spoken to you has failed. They have all come true for you. Not one word of them has failed. Not one word. ",1 Peter 4:19; Deuteronomy 32:4; Joshua 23:14.,"J.W. Broadcasting, July 2025; Leonard Myers, Make faithfulness your way of life. ",,,joshlaymon,,7/18/2025
"Zeal, zealous, jealous, problems, setbacks, pioneer, challenge, disaster, fiery zeal, damp cloth, ",Illustration: Have you ever been hit with a damp cloth? You have been very zealous for the truth. Things were going fine and then it happens. You are hit with [name challenge] and it seems like your fiery zeal has been hit with a damp cloth.,Like salt col 3:4,Hebrews 3:12; Proverbs 21:2-4; ,Bobby Laymon ,,,bl,,7/19/2025
"Salt, seasoning, taste, Bible study, preparation, tailor made, talk, comments,",Even a good cook will sometimes leave something important out of a recipe. Have you bitten into a gorgeous cake and you realize immediately something is missing.  It is so bland. They forgot the salt. You make the best of it but you just cannot mix it as you like it. ,"We can do the same thing on a Bible study, a talk, even our comments. Ask yourself: What can I do to make this information absolutely delicious? Even our conversations can be tasty. ",Colossians 4:6; ,Bobby Laymon ,,,joshlaymon,,7/18/2025
"GPS, Jehovah’s Word, accurate, true, trustworthy,",🥰 GPS is not always accurate. Give example. Jehovah’s word is always accurate.,Ratio of witnesses in the World. One in a thousand. 😀,Titus 1:2;,Steve Heilig.,,,bl,,7/19/2025
"Acquire understanding and skillful direction, ","A person with understanding can see into a matter and figure out how individual components of a situation work to create the entire situation. To illustrate. A person who understands construction sees not just a building, but an infrastructure, a design. He comprehends engineering, power, water, and ventilation. He understands how all of these systems work together, and thus he can either, at the structure or elsewhere point out where more work is needed. And that's a valuable attribute to understanding. So why does a person with understanding need skillful direction? ",The person with understanding knows four things. Let's consider them together. 1. He understands his own responsibility to think. 2. He understands what he lacks. 3. He understands what Jehovah can impart. 4. He also understands what others can provide. ,Philippians 2:13; ,"David Schafer, Morning Worship, ","Acquire understanding and skillful direction, ",,joshlaymon,,7/19/2025
"Holidays, birthdays, Christmas, Gifts, ","Illustration: Suppose a crowd comes to a gentleman’s home saying they are there to celebrate his birthday. He does not favor the celebration of birthdays. He does not like to see people overeat or get drunk or engage in loose conduct. But some of them do all those things, and they bring presents for everyone there except him! ","On top of all that, they pick the birthday of one of the man’s enemies as the date for the celebration. How would the man feel? Would you want to be a party to it? This is exactly what is being done by Christmas celebrations.","Eph. 5:10, 11; 2 Cor. 6:14-18; 1 Cor. 13:6; Exodus. 32:4-10;",rs p. 179 par. 2 ,,,joshlaymon,,7/19/2025
"Holidays, Easter, origin, customs, egg, rabbit, fertility,  pagan symbol, ","What is the origin of Easter and the customs associated with it? The Encyclopedia Britannica comments: “There is no indication of the observance of the Easter festival in the New Testament, or in the writings of the apostolic Fathers. The sanctity of special times was an idea absent from the minds of the first Christians.”—(1910), Vol. VIII, p. 828. The Catholic Encyclopedia tells us: “A great many pagan customs, celebrating the return of spring, gravitated to Easter. The egg is the emblem of the germinating life of early spring. . . . The rabbit is a pagan symbol and has always been an emblem of fertility.”—(1913), Vol. V, p. 227.","In the book The Two Babylons, by Alexander Hislop, we read: “What means the term Easter itself? It is not a Christian name. It bears its Chaldean origin on its very forehead. Easter is nothing else than Astarte, one of the titles of Beltis, the queen of heaven, whose name, . . . as found by Layard on the Assyrian monuments, is Ishtar. . . . Such is the history of Easter. The popular observances that still attend the period of its celebration amply confirm the testimony of history as to its Babylonian character. The hot cross buns of Good Friday, and the dyed eggs of Pasch or Easter Sunday, figured in the Chaldean rites just as they do now.”—(New York, 1943), pp. 103, 107, 108; compare Jeremiah 7:18.",Jeremiah 7:18; ,rs p. 179-p. 180,,,joshlaymon,,7/19/2025
"Holidays, New Year's celebrations, Janus, the god of gates, doors, and beginnings. Origin, ","According to The World Book Encyclopedia, “The Romans dedicated this day [January 1] to Janus, the god of gates, doors, and beginnings. The month of January was named after Janus, who had two faces—one looking forward and the other looking backward.”—(1984), Vol. 14, p. 237. ","Both the date and the customs associated with New Year’s celebrations vary from one country to another. In many places revelry and drinking are part of the festivities. However, Romans 13:13 counsels: “As in the daytime let us walk decently, not in revelries and drunken bouts, not in illicit intercourse and loose conduct, not in strife and jealousy.” (See also 1 Peter 4:3, 4; Galatians 5:19-21.)","1 Peter 4:3, 4; Galatians 5:19-21; Romans 13:13; ",rs p. 180 ,,,joshlaymon,,7/19/2025
"Holidays, Worship of the Dead, holidays in memory of the “spirits of the dead, ","The book The Worship of the Dead points to this origin: “The mythologies of all the ancient nations are interwoven with the events of the Deluge . . . The force of this argument is illustrated by the fact of the observance of a great festival of the dead in commemoration of the event, not only by nations more or less in communication with each other, but by others widely separated, both by the ocean and by centuries of time. This festival is, moreover, held by all on or about the very day on which, according to the Mosaic account, the Deluge took place, viz., the seventeenth day of the second month—the month nearly corresponding with our November.” (London, 1904, Colonel J. Garnier, p. 4) ","Thus these celebrations actually began with an honoring of people whom God had destroyed because of their badness in Noah’s day.—Gen. 6:5-7; 7:11. Such holidays honoring “spirits of the dead” as if they were alive in another realm are contrary to the Bible’s description of death as a state of complete unconsciousness.—Eccl. 9:5, 10; Ps. 146:4.","Eccl. 9:5, 10; Ps. 146:4; Gen. 6:5-7; 7:11; ",rs p. 181 pars. 2-3,,,joshlaymon,,7/19/2025
"Holidays, What is the origin of Valentine’s Day? Christian martyrs named Valentine. feast day, Juno, Pan, ",What is the origin of Valentine’s Day? The World Book Encyclopedia informs us: “Valentine’s Day comes on the feast day of two different Christian martyrs named Valentine. ,"But the customs connected with the day . . . probably come from an ancient Roman festival called Lupercalia which took place every February 15. The festival honored Juno, the Roman goddess of women and marriage, and Pan, the god of nature.”—(1973), Vol. 20, p. 204.",1 John 5:19: ,rs p. 181 ,,,joshlaymon,,7/19/2025
"Holidays, What is the origin of the practice of setting aside a day to honor mothers? Cybele, or Rhea, Mother’s Day, ",What is the origin of the practice of setting aside a day to honor mothers?,"The Encyclopædia Britannica says: “A festival derived from the custom of mother worship in ancient Greece. Formal mother worship, with ceremonies to Cybele, or Rhea, the Great Mother of the Gods, were performed on the Ides of March throughout Asia Minor.”—(1959), Vol. 15, p. 849.",1 John 5:19: ,rs p. 182 ,,,joshlaymon,,7/19/2025
"Holidays, events in a nation’s political history? Bible principles, ",What Bible principles explain the viewpoint of Christians toward ceremonies commemorating events in a nation’s political history?,"John 18:36: “Jesus answered [the Roman governor]: ‘My kingdom is no part of this world.’”John 15:19: “If you [Jesus’ followers] were part of the world, the world would be fond of what is its own. Now because you are no part of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, on this account the world hates you.”1 John 5:19: “The whole world is lying in the power of the wicked one.” (Compare John 14:30; Revelation 13:1, 2; Daniel 2:44.)",John 18:36:John 15:19; 1 John 5:19; ,rs p. 182,,,joshlaymon,,7/19/2025
"Jehovah, love, fear, wholesome fear, displease, scuba diver, sea, ","How can a person love Jehovah if he is also to fear Him? The Bible tells us that we should both love Jehovah (Luke 10:27) and fear him. (1 Pet. 2:17; Prov. 1:7; 2:1-5; 16:6) Wholesome fear of God will make us very careful to avoid incurring his displeasure. Our love for Jehovah will move us to want to do the things that are pleasing to him, to express our appreciation for the countless expressions of his love and undeserved kindness.","Illustrations: A son properly fears to displease his father, but appreciation for all that his father does for him should also move the son to express genuine love for his father. A scuba diver may say that he loves the sea, but a wholesome fear of it causes him to realize that there are certain things that he should avoid doing. Similarly, our love for God should be coupled with a wholesome fear of doing anything that will incur his displeasure.",1 Pet. 2:17; Prov. 1:7; 2:1-5; 16:6; ,rs p. 198-p. 199,,,joshlaymon,,7/19/2025
"Jehovah, The personal name of the only true God. Creator, Sovereign Ruler of the universe.","Definition: The personal name of the only true God. His own self-designation. Jehovah is the Creator and, rightfully, the Sovereign Ruler of the universe."," “Jehovah” is translated from the Hebrew Tetragrammaton, יהוה, which means “He Causes to Become.” These four Hebrew letters are represented in many languages by the letters JHVH or YHWH.",Psalm 83:18; ,rs p. 191,,,joshlaymon,,7/19/2025
"Jehovah, The personal name of the only true God. Creator, Sovereign Ruler of the universe.","Why is it important to know and use God’s personal name? Illustrate: Do you have a close relationship with anyone whose personal name you do not know? For people to whom God is nameless he is often merely an impersonal force, not a real person, not someone that they know and love and to whom they can speak from the heart in prayer. If they do pray, their prayers are merely a ritual, a formalistic repetition of memorized expressions.True Christians have a commission from Jesus Christ to make disciples of people of all nations. When teaching these people, how would it be possible to identify the true God as different from the false gods of the nations? Only by using His personal name, as the Bible itself does.—Matt. 28:19, 20; 1 Cor. 8:5, 6.","Ex. 3:15: “God said . . . to Moses: ‘This is what you are to say to the sons of Israel, “Jehovah the God of your forefathers . . . has sent me to you.” This is my name to time indefinite, and this is the memorial of me to generation after generation.’” Isa. 12:4: “Give thanks to Jehovah, you people! Call upon his name. Make known among the peoples his dealings. Make mention that his name is put on high.” Ezek. 38:17, 23: “This is what the Sovereign Lord Jehovah has said, ‘ . . . And I shall certainly magnify myself and sanctify myself and make myself known before the eyes of many nations; and they will have to know that I am Jehovah.’”","Matt. 28:19, 20; 1 Cor. 8:5, 6.",rs p. 196-p. 197,,,joshlaymon,,7/19/2025
"Jesus Christ, Does Jesus have his fleshly body in heaven? take back payment, ","1 Cor. 15:42-50, RS: “So is it with the resurrection of the dead. What is sown is perishable, what is raised is imperishable. . . . It is sown a physical body, it is raised a spiritual body. . . . Thus it is written, ‘The first man Adam became a living being’; the last Adam [Jesus Christ, who was a perfect human as Adam had been at the start] Illustration: If a man pays a debt for a friend but then promptly takes back the payment, obviously the debt continues. Likewise, if, when he was resurrected, Jesus had taken back his human body of flesh and blood, which had been given in sacrifice to pay the ransom price, what effect would that have had on the provision he was making to relieve faithful persons of the debt of sin?","It is true that Jesus appeared in physical form to his disciples after his resurrection. But on certain occasions, why did they not at first recognize him? (Luke 24:15-32; John 20:14-16) On one occasion, for the benefit of Thomas, Jesus appeared with the physical evidence of nail prints in his hands and a spear wound in his side. But how was it possible on that occasion for him suddenly to appear in their midst even though the doors were locked? (John 20:26, 27) Jesus evidently materialized bodies on these occasions, as angels had done in the past when appearing to humans. Disposing of Jesus’ physical body at the time of his resurrection presented no problem for God. Interestingly, although the physical body was not left by God in the tomb (evidently to strengthen the conviction of the disciples that Jesus had actually been raised), the linen cloths in which it had been wrapped were left there; yet, the resurrected Jesus always appeared fully clothed.—John 20:6, 7.","1 Cor. 15:42-50, 1 Pet. 3:18; ",rs p. 217-p. 218,,,joshlaymon,,7/19/2025
"Jesus Christ, Michael the archangel, Names, ‘peace was taken away from the earth.’","Is Jesus Christ the same person as Michael the archangel? The name of this Michael appears only five times in the Bible. The glorious spirit person who bears the name is referred to as “one of the chief princes,” “the great prince who has charge of your [Daniel’s] people,” and as “the archangel.” (Dan. 10:13; 12:1; Jude 9, RS) Michael means “Who Is Like God?” The name evidently designates Michael as the one who takes the lead in upholding Jehovah’s sovereignty and destroying God’s enemies.","At 1 Thessalonians 4:16 (RS), the command of Jesus Christ for the resurrection to begin is described as “the archangel’s call,” and Jude 9 says that the archangel is Michael. Would it be appropriate to liken Jesus’ commanding call to that of someone lesser in authority? Reasonably, then, the archangel Michael is Jesus Christ. (Interestingly, the expression “archangel” is never found in the plural in the Scriptures, thus implying that there is only one.)","Dan. 10:13; 12:1; Jude 9; Revelation 6:4, ", rs p. 218 ,,,joshlaymon,,7/19/2025
"Last days, sign of last days, War, international wars, peace was taken away from the earth.’","By way of illustration, we will consider a few outstanding portions of the sign. “Nation will rise against nation and kingdom against kingdom” (Matt. 24:7) War has marred life on the earth for thousands of years. International wars and wars within nations have been fought. But beginning in 1914 the first world war was fought. ","This was not merely a conflict between two armies on the battlefield. For the first time, all the major powers were at war. Entire nations—including civilian populations—were mobilized to support the war effort. It is estimated that by the end of the war 93 percent of the population of the world was involved. (Regarding the historical significance of 1914, see pages 239, 240.)",Matt. 24:7; ,rs p. 234 pars. 2-3,,,joshlaymon,,7/19/2025
"Last Days, fingerprint, prophecy, future generation, sign, ",‘How do you know that some future generation won’t fit the prophecy even better than this one?’ Illustrate: You could say: ‘Matching world events to this prophecy is like matching a fingerprint to its owner. There will not be someone else with the identical print.," Likewise, the pattern of events that began in 1914 will not be repeated in some future generation.’ Then perhaps add: (1) ‘Everything that goes to make up the sign is clearly in evidence.’ (2) ‘Surely we do not want to be like the people in Noah’s day. (Matt. 24:37-39)’",Matt. 24:37-39; ,rs p. 242 par. 2 ,,,joshlaymon,,7/19/2025
"Last days, sign, optimistic, future, close there eyes, ","‘I don’t dwell on all these bad conditions; I like to be optimistic about the future’ You might reply: ‘Interestingly, Jesus said that there would be good reason for his followers to be optimistic in our day. (Luke 21:28, 31)’ Then perhaps add:",‘But notice that he is not telling them to close their eyes to what is happening in the world and be happy. He is saying that their optimism would be well founded; it would be because they understood the meaning of world events and knew what the outcome would be.’,"Luke 21:28, 31; ",rs p. 243,,,joshlaymon,,7/19/2025
"Ransom, Humankind could never meet those demands of absolute justice, Memorial, Christ' death, ","Adam’s offspring could be delivered. But there was no such perfect human. Humankind could never meet those demands of absolute justice. So, as an expression of marvelous love and at great personal cost, Jehovah himself made the provision. (1 Cor. 15:45; 1 Tim. 2:5, 6; John 3:16; Rom. 5:8) God’s only-begotten Son was willing to do his part. Humbly leaving behind his heavenly glory and becoming a perfect human, Jesus died on behalf of mankind.—Phil. 2:7, 8.","Illustration: A family head may become a criminal and be sentenced to death. His children may be left destitute, hopelessly in debt. Perhaps their kindly grandfather intervenes on their behalf, making provision through a son who is living with him to pay their debts and to open up for them the possibility of a new life. Of course, to benefit, the children must accept the arrangement, and the grandfather may reasonably require certain things as assurance that the children will not imitate the course of their father.","1 Cor. 15:45; 1 Tim. 2:5, 6; John 3:16; Rom. 5:8; ",rs p. 308,,,joshlaymon,,7/19/2025
"Ransom, Humankind could never meet those demands of absolute justice, Memorial, Christ' death,","Why did God not simply decree that, although Adam and Eve must die for their rebellion, all of their offspring who would obey God could live forever? Because Jehovah is “a lover of righteousness and justice.” (Ps. 33:5; Deut. 32:4; Jer. 9:24) So, the way he dealt with the situation upheld his righteousness, met the demands of absolute justice, and, at the same time, magnified his love and mercy. How is that so?","(1) Adam and Eve had produced no children before they sinned, so none were born perfect. All of Adam’s offspring were brought forth in sin, and sin leads to death. If Jehovah had simply ignored this, that would have been a denial of his own righteous standards. God could not do that and so become a party to unrighteousness. He did not sidestep the requirements of absolute justice; so no intelligent creature could ever legitimately find fault in this respect.—Rom. 3:21-26.",Ps. 33:5; Deut. 32:4; Jer. 9:24; Rom. 3:21-26; ,rs p. 307,,,joshlaymon,,7/19/2025
"Ransom, What future blessings will be enjoyed as a result of the ransom? provisions, ","Rev. 7:9, 10: “Look! a great crowd, which no man was able to number, out of all nations and tribes and peoples and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb [Jesus Christ, who died as if a sacrificial lamb], dressed in white robes; and there were palm branches in their hands. And they keep on crying with a loud voice, saying: ‘Salvation we owe to our God, who is seated on the throne, and to the Lamb.’” (Faith in Christ’s sacrifice is a key factor in the survival of this great crowd through the great tribulation.)","Rev. 22:1, 2: “And he showed me a river of water of life, clear as crystal, flowing out from the throne of God and of the Lamb down the middle of its broad way. And on this side of the river and on that side there were trees of life producing twelve crops of fruit, yielding their fruits each month. And the leaves of the trees were for the curing of the nations.” (Thus, application of the value of the sacrifice of the Lamb of God, Jesus Christ, is an important part of the provision made by God to cure mankind of all the effects of sin and to enable them to enjoy eternal life.)","Rev. 7:9, 10: Rev. 22:1, 2: ",rs p. 310 pars. 2-3,,,joshlaymon,,7/19/2025
"Sin, break the thermometer, ignore, deny, thief, law books, ","Is there really such a thing as “sin” nowadays? Illustrations: If a sick man was to break the thermometer, would that prove that he did not have a fever? If a thief said that he did not believe what is written in the lawbooks, would that make him innocent of crime? ","Similarly, the fact that many people do not believe it is necessary to live according to Bible standards does not put an end to sin.—See 1 John 1:8.",1 John 1:8; ,rs p. 373 ,,,joshlaymon,,7/20/2025
"Will Jehovah Answer My Prayers?, WHY MAY WE NEED TO ADJUST SOME OF OUR REQUESTS?","If we do not receive what we asked for in prayer, we might ask ourselves three questions. The first is, ‘Am I praying for the right thing?’ Often, we think that we know what is best for us. But the things we ask for may not benefit us in the long run. If we are praying about a problem, there may be a better solution to the problem than the one we are asking for. And some things we ask for may not be in harmony with Jehovah’s will. (1 John 5:14) ","To illustrate: Consider the example of the parents mentioned earlier. They had asked Jehovah to keep their child in the truth. That seems like an appropriate request. Yet, Jehovah will not force any of us to serve him. He wants all of us, including our children, to choose to worship him. (Deut. 10:12, 13; 30:19, 20) So the parents could instead ask Jehovah to help them reach their child’s heart so that he will be moved to love Jehovah and to become His friend.—Prov. 22:6; Eph. 6:4.",Prov. 22:6; Eph. 6:4; ,w23 November p. 23;,,,joshlaymon,,7/20/2025
"Sin, Definition: Literally, a missing of the mark,","Definition: Illustrate: Literally, a missing of the mark, according to the Hebrew and Greek Bible texts. God himself sets the “mark” that his intelligent creatures are to reach. Missing that mark is sin, which is also unrighteousness, or lawlessness. (Rom. 3:23; 1 John 5:17; 3:4) ","Sin is anything not in harmony with God’s personality, standards, ways, and will, all of which are holy. It may involve wrong conduct, failure to do what should be done, ungodly speech, unclean thoughts, or desires or motives that are selfish. The Bible differentiates between inherited sin and willful sin, between an act of sin over which a person is repentant and the practice of sin.",Rom. 3:23; 1 John 5:17; 3:4,rs p. 371,,,joshlaymon,,7/20/2025
"Sin, Robot, perfect standards, very good, Adam, Eve, ","As to Adam’s being perfect, read Genesis 1:27, 31 and Deuteronomy 32:4. When Jehovah God pronounced his earthly creation, including man and woman, to be “very good,” what did it mean? For One whose activity is perfect to have said that what he made was “very good,” it must have measured up to his perfect standards. Did perfection require that Adam and Eve be unable to do wrong? ","Illustrate: The maker of a robot expects it to do exactly what he has programmed it to do. But a perfect robot would not be a perfect human. The qualities viewed as essential are not the same. Adam and Eve were humans, not robots. To humankind, God gave the ability to choose between right and wrong, between obedience and disobedience, to make moral decisions. Since this is the way humans were designed, the inability to make such decisions (and not an unwise decision) is what would have indicated imperfection.—Compare Deuteronomy 30:19, 20; Joshua 24:15.","Genesis 1:27, 31 and Deuteronomy 32:4. Deuteronomy 30:19, 20; Joshua 24:15.",rs p. 371 par. 2-p. 372 par. 1,,,joshlaymon,,7/20/2025
"Sin, Robot, perfect standards, very good, Adam, Eve, ability to choose, free will, serpent, mouthpiece, ","For Adam and Eve to qualify as being created perfect, must all their decisions thereafter be right? That would be the same as saying that they had no choice. But God did not make them in such a way that their obedience would be automatic. God granted them the ability to choose, so that they could obey because they loved him. Or, if they allowed their hearts to become selfish, they would become disobedient. Which means more to you—when someone does something for you because he is forced to do it or because he wants to?—Compare Deuteronomy 11:1; 1 John 5:3.","How could such perfect humans become selfish, leading to acts of sin? Illustrate: Although created perfect, their physical bodies would not continue to function perfectly if not provided with proper food. So, too, if they let the mind feed on wrong thoughts, this would cause moral deterioration, unholiness. James 1:14, 15 explains: “Each one is tried by being drawn out and enticed by his own desire. Then the desire, when it has become fertile, gives birth to sin.” In the case of Eve, the wrong desires began to develop when she listened with interest to Satan, who used a serpent as his mouthpiece. Adam heeded the urging of his wife to join her in eating the forbidden fruit. Instead of rejecting the wrong thoughts, both nourished selfish desires. Acts of sin resulted.—Gen. 3:1-6.",Deuteronomy 11:1; 1 John 5:3. Gen. 3:1-6.,rs p. 372 pars. 2-3 ,,,joshlaymon,,7/20/2025
"Sin, Definition: Literally, a missing of the mark, view by God as criminals, we were enemies, ","How does sin affect a person’s relationship with God? 1 John 3:4, 8: “Everyone who practices sin is also practicing lawlessness, and so sin is lawlessness. He who carries on sin originates with the Devil.” (How forceful this is! Those who deliberately choose a course of sin, making a practice of it, are viewed by God as criminals. The course they have chosen is the one that Satan himself first took.) Rom. 5:8, 10: “While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. . . . When we were enemies, we became reconciled to God through the death of his Son.” (Notice that sinners are referred to as enemies of God. How wise, then, to avail ourselves of the provision that God has made for reconciliation to him!)","1 Tim. 1:13: “I was shown mercy [says the apostle Paul], because I was ignorant and acted with a lack of faith.” (But when he was shown the right way by the Lord, he did not hold back from following it.)","1 Tim. 1:13:1 John 3:4, 8: Rom. 5:8, 10:",rs p. 374-p. 375,,,joshlaymon,,7/20/2025
"Sufferring, hurt, suffer, relief, quick solutions, pain, painful operation, ","We personally are anxious to have relief. But when God takes action, it must be in behalf of all who love what is right, not just a few. God is not partial.—Acts 10:34.","Illustrations: Is it not true that a loving parent may allow a child to undergo a painful operation because of beneficial results that can come from it? Also, is it not true that “quick solutions” to painful ailments are often only superficial? More time is frequently needed in order to eliminate the cause.",Acts 10:34; ,rs p. 396 pars. 3-4,,,joshlaymon,,7/20/2025
"Sufferring, hurt, suffer, relief, quick solutions, pain, painful operation, influence of wicked spirits.","Why does God permit suffering? Who really is to blame for it? Humans are to blame for much of the suffering. To illustrate: They fight wars, commit crimes, pollute the environment, often carry on business in a manner motivated by greed rather than concern for their fellowman, and sometimes indulge in habits that they know can be harmful to their health. When they do these things, they hurt others and themselves. Should it be expected that humans would be immune to the consequences of what they do? (Gal. 6:7; Prov. 1:30-33) Is it reasonable to blame God for these things that humans themselves do?","Satan and his demons also share responsibility. The Bible discloses that much suffering is because of the influence of wicked spirits. The suffering for which so many people blame God does not come from him at all.—Rev. 12:12; Acts 10:38; see also pages 363, 364, under the heading “Satan the Devil.” ",Gal. 6:7; Prov. 1:30-33; ,rs p. 393-p. 394,,,joshlaymon,,7/20/2025
"Wickedness, abused your position, Issue, sovereignty, Jehovah, Satan, challenge, ","Illustration: If someone made a charge before the whole community that you abused your position as family head, that your children would be better off if they made their own decisions independent of you, and that all of them obeyed you, not because of love, but because of material benefits you provided, what would be the best way to settle the matter? Would shooting the false accuser put the charges to rest in the minds of the community? ","Instead, what a fine answer it would be if you gave your children opportunity to be your witnesses to show that you are a just and loving family head and that they live with you because they love you! If some of your children believed your adversary, left home, and ruined their lives by adopting other life-styles, it would only make honest observers realize that the children would have been better off if they had heeded your direction.",Job 1:6-11; 2:1-5; Luke 22:31; ,rs p. 429 par. 1 ,,,joshlaymon,,7/20/2025
"Wickedness, Suffering, abused your position, Issue, sovereignty, Jehovah, Satan, challenge, ","Why did God not forgive Adam and so prevent the terrible suffering experienced by mankind? Would that really have prevented suffering or would it, instead, have made God responsible for it? To illustrate: What happens when a father simply overlooks deliberate wrongdoing on the part of his children rather than take firm disciplinary measures? The children often get involved in first one form of wrongdoing and then another, and much of the responsibility lies with the father.","Similarly, if Jehovah had forgiven Adam’s deliberate sin, it would really have made God a party to the wrongdoing. That would not have improved conditions on earth at all. (Compare Ecclesiastes 8:11.) Furthermore, it would have resulted in disrespect for God on the part of his angelic sons, and it would mean that there was no real basis for hope of anything better. But such a situation could never have occurred, because righteousness is an unalterable foundation of Jehovah’s rulership.—Ps. 89:14.",Ecclesiastes 8:11; Ps. 89:14., rs p. 396-p. 397,,,joshlaymon,,7/20/2025
"Earthquakes, storms, disasters, How did Jesus know,","To illustrate: As a housewife bakes bread, she knows that at a certain time and temperature the bread will rise, turn brown and be ready to remove from the oven.","Jesus Christ, as a ""master worker"" with Jehovah knows how the earth is made. He knew that at a certain time the earth would undergo certain changes. This would cause floods, the ground moving (earthquakes) and other disasters. Because these are occurring along with all the other things foretold in the composite sign of the conclusion of this system of things, they are part of the evidence that the blessings of God’s Kingdom are near.—Luke 21:11, 31.","Matthew 24:1-4; Luke 21:11, 31; ","Bill Fulmer, ",,,joshlaymon,,7/20/2025
"Rules, laws, decisions, safe, danger, ","Let's discuss how we as Christians can make wise decisions using Bible principles rather than relying on a list of rules. Consider this simple illustration. As children, our parents gave us rules to keep us safe. They likely said always hold my hand when crossing the street. Our parents made that rule to protect us from real danger, but as we got older, we no longer needed to hold mom or Dad's hand. Did the danger go away? No! Instead, we learn to look at the traffic in front of us and cross the road safely. After all, it would seem odd if a healthy 30 year old man still needed to hold his mother's hand to cross the street. ","Likewise, mature Christians don't need a rule for every situation. Instead, we look at each situation and consider Bible principles. If no Bible law is directly involved, then we use our Bible trained conscience. To make a good decision, for example, consider the use of symbols or customs that may have roots in false religion. ",Psalm 133:1 ,"2025 Governing Body Update #4 M. Steven Lett, ",,,joshlaymon,,7/21/2025
"Suffering, suffer adversity, wickedness punished by God, Jesus, Job, ","Are people who suffer adversity being punished by God because of wickedness? Those who violate godly standards of living do experience bad effects. (Gal. 6:7) Sometimes they reap a bitter harvest quickly. In other instances, they may seem to prosper for a long time. Illustrate: In contrast, Jesus Christ, who never did wrong, was cruelly mistreated and put to death. So, in this system of things prosperity should not be viewed as proof of God’s blessing, nor should adversity be considered proof of his disapproval.","When Job lost his possessions and was afflicted with loathsome disease, that was not because of God’s disapproval. The Bible clearly says that Satan was responsible. (Job 2:3, 7, 8) But companions who came to visit Job argued that Job’s plight must prove that he had done something wicked. (Job 4:7-9; 15:6, 20-24) Jehovah reproved them, saying: “My anger has grown hot against you . . . for you men have not spoken concerning me what is truthful as has my servant Job.”—Job 42:7.","Gal. 6:7; Job 42:7. Job 4:7-9; 15:6, 20-24; ",rs p. 398-p. 399 ,,,joshlaymon,,7/21/2025
"Take these things away from here! Money changers, cattle, goats, pigeons, smell, garbage trucks, ","You've been invited to this special convention and the beautiful thing is a member of the governing body. Is going to address you personally as a group. They found a location big enough. They set up chairs. There's a microphone. But the place that it's located is right near a truck block. And then there are two garbage trucks. And as the various ones come in for this beautiful, encouraging talk by a body member, they smell this horrid smell. It's petrifying. ",A brother comes to the microphone. His eyes are watering because of the stench. He has a handkerchief at his nose. This is not going to be the encouraging visit you expected. The governing body member says as he looks over at the garbage trucks. Take these things away from here!!! Stop making the house of my Father a house of commerce!,John 2:14-16; ,Regional convention; 2025; ,,,joshlaymon,,7/21/2025
Who Are “the Living Creatures With Four Faces”,"Ezekiel also noted that each cherub had four faces—a face of a man, a lion, a bull, and an eagle. Seeing these four faces must have made a deep impression on Ezekiel about the surpassing greatness of Jehovah’s might and glory. Why so? Significantly, each face belonged to a creature that embodies majesty, strength, and mightiness. The lion is a majestic wild animal, the bull an impressive domestic animal, the eagle a mighty bird, and man the crowning achievement of God’s earthly creation, the ruler of all other creatures on earth. (Ps. 8:4-6) Nevertheless, in this vision,","Ezekiel saw that all four mighty representatives of creation, as depicted by the four faces of each cherub, were situated below the throne of Jehovah, who is the Supreme Sovereign over all. What a fitting way to illustrate that Jehovah can use his creation to accomplish his purpose! Indeed, as the psalmist declares about Jehovah, “His majesty is above earth and heaven.”—Ps. 148:13.","Ezekiel 1:6, 10; Ps. 148:13; ",rr chap. 4 p. 43 par. 5,,,joshlaymon,,7/21/2025
Who Are “the Living Creatures With Four Faces”?,"Ezekiel saw in vision that each of the cherubs had, not one, but four faces. What does that indicate? Recall that in God’s Word, the number four is often used to represent that which is fully rounded out, all embracing, or complete. (Isa. 11:12; Matt. 24:31; Rev. 7:1) Significantly, in this particular vision, Ezekiel mentions the number four no less than 11 times! (Ezek. 1:5-18) What, then, can we conclude? Just as the four cherubs represent all other loyal spirit creatures, so the four faces of the cherubs when viewed together stand for, or embrace, all the attributes that Jehovah possesses.","To illustrate how the meaning of the cherubs’ four faces may include more than just four qualities, consider as a comparison what takes place with the four wheels in this vision. Each wheel is impressive, but when the four wheels are viewed together, they form more than four impressive individual wheels—they are the foundation on which the chariot rests. In a similar way, when the four faces are viewed together, they form more than four impressive individual attributes—they are the foundation of Jehovah’s awe-inspiring personality.",Isa. 11:12; Matt. 24:31; Rev. 7:1; ,rr chap. 4 pp. 45-48 pars. 13-14,,,joshlaymon,,7/21/2025
"“The End Is Now Upon You”, Jehovah’s prophetic judgments against Jerusalem—how fulfilled, Ezekiel","THE news about the prophet Ezekiel’s strange behavior spreads rapidly among the exiled Jews living in the land of Babylon. For a week, he had been sitting dazed and speechless among the exiles, but then, he suddenly got up and shut himself in his house. Now, with his perplexed neighbors looking on, the prophet reappears, picks up a brick, puts it in front of him, and etches it with a drawing. Then, without uttering a word, Ezekiel begins to build a miniature wall.—Ezek. 3:10, 11, 15, 24-26; 4:1, 2.","The spectators, no doubt growing in number, must have wondered, ‘What does all of this mean?’ Only later would those Jewish exiles fully grasp that the prophet Ezekiel’s puzzling behavior foretold the coming of a dreadful event that would express Jehovah God’s righteous indignation. What was that event? How did it affect the ancient nation of Israel? What significance does it have for pure worshippers today?“Take a Brick . . . Take Wheat . . . Take a Sharp Sword”","Ezek. 3:10, 11, 15, 24-26; 4:1, 2; ", rr chap. 6 pp. 62-63 ,,,joshlaymon,,7/21/2025
"“The End Is Now Upon You”, hair into three portions, ",Why did Jehovah tell Ezekiel to divide his shaved-off hair into three portions and to treat each portion differently? (Read Ezekiel 5:7-12.) Ezekiel burned one portion of hair “inside the city” to demonstrate to onlookers that some inhabitants of Jerusalem would die in the city. Ezekiel struck a portion of hair with the sword “all around the city” to indicate that other inhabitants would be killed outside the city. ,"He scattered the last portion of hair to the wind to illustrate that still other inhabitants would be scattered among the nations, but “a sword” would “chase after them.” Thus, wherever those survivors might end up living, they would find no peace.",,rr chap. 6 p. 64 par. 7,,,joshlaymon,,7/21/2025
“The End Is Now Upon You” Ezekiel’s prophecy .“They will throw their silver into the streets.” ,"Ezekiel’s prophecy also reminds us that when the coming attack against religious organizations occurs, members of the churches will not be “going to the battle” to defend religion. Instead, as they begin to realize that their cry for help, “Lord, Lord,” is going unanswered, “their hands will hang limp” and they will be “shuddering.” (Ezek. 7:3, 14, 17, 18; Matt. 7:21-23) What else will they do? (Read Ezekiel 7:19-21.) ","Jehovah says: “They will throw their silver into the streets.” That statement regarding the inhabitants of ancient Jerusalem also vividly illustrates what will take place during the great tribulation. At that time, people will realize that money cannot save them from the coming calamity.","Ezek. 7:3, 14, 17, 18; Matt. 7:21-23, Ezekiel 7:19-21", rr chap. 6 pp. 69-70 par. 17,,,joshlaymon,,7/21/2025
"“I Will Raise Up One Shepherd” A Tender Shoot” Becomes “a Majestic Cedar” eagle, Jehoiachin, Zedekiah","About 612 B.C.E., “the word of Jehovah” came to Ezekiel, and he related a prophecy that shows the scope of Messiah’s rule and the need to trust in his Kingdom. Jehovah introduced the prophecy by directing Ezekiel to tell his fellow exiles a prophetic riddle that illustrated the faithlessness of Judah’s rulers and underscored the need for the righteous Messianic Ruler.—Ezek. 17:1, 2. Read Ezekiel 17:3-10. Here is the gist of the riddle: A “great eagle” plucks off the topmost shoot of a cedar tree and sets it down “in a city of traders.” The eagle then takes “some of the seed of the land” and plants it in a fertile field “by abundant waters.” The seed flourishes, growing into a “sprawling vine.”"," Next, a second “great eagle” appears. The roots of the vine reach “eagerly toward” the second eagle, seeking to be transplanted by it to another well-watered spot. Jehovah condemns the vine’s actions, indicating that its roots would be torn out and that it would “dry up completely.” What did the riddle mean? (Read Ezekiel 17:11-15.) In 617 B.C.E., King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon (the first “great eagle”) besieged Jerusalem. He plucked Judean King Jehoiachin (the “topmost shoot”) from his throne and brought him to Babylon (“a city of traders”). Nebuchadnezzar put Zedekiah (one of the royal “seed of the land”) on the throne in Jerusalem. The new Judean king was made to take an oath in God’s name, obligating him to be a loyal vassal king. (2 Chron. 36:13) But Zedekiah despised his oath; he rebelled against Babylon and turned to the Egyptian Pharaoh (the second “great eagle”) for military help, but to no avail. Jehovah condemned the disloyal actions of that oath-breaker, Zedekiah. (Ezek. 17:16-21) In the end, Zedekiah was dethroned, and he died in prison in Babylon.—Jer. 52:6-11.","Ezek. 17:1, 2. Ezek. 17:1, 2. Read Ezekiel 17:3-10.",rr chap. 8 p. 85,,,joshlaymon,,7/21/2025
 “I Will Give Them a Unified Heart” ,"One of Christ’s early actions as King was to join his Father in an inspection of the arrangement for pure worship on the earth. (Mal. 3:1-5) As Jesus had foretold in his illustration of the wheat and the weeds, it had long been impossible to distinguish wheat from weeds, genuine anointed Christians from impostors. Now, though, the harvest season arrived in 1914, and the distinction was clear. For decades leading up to 1914.","Faithful Bible Students had been exposing the gross errors of Christendom and were beginning to separate themselves from that corrupt organization. It was Jehovah’s time to restore them fully. So in early 1919, just a few years into “the harvest season,” God’s people were set completely free from captivity in Babylon the Great. (Matt. 13:30) The exile was over!",Mal. 3:1-5; ,rr chap. 9 pp. 104-105 par. 25,,,joshlaymon,,7/21/2025
"“You Will Come to Life” false hopes, city has been struck down, Ezekiel, ","HOW the mood among the Jews in Babylon has changed! For some five years, Ezekiel hammered at their armor of false hopes, but his efforts barely made a dent. No matter what signs he acted out, what illustrations he spoke, what messages he proclaimed, the exiles refused to believe that Jehovah would allow Jerusalem to be destroyed. Even when they learned that the city had come under siege by the Babylonian army, they were still confident that its inhabitants would be safe.","But now, two years after the start of the siege, a refugee from Jerusalem has just arrived in Babylon, bringing the report: “The city has been struck down!” That news devastates the exiles. They struggle to grasp its full significance: the beloved city, the holy temple, the cherished land—all gone! Their long-held hope gives way to despair.—Ezek. 21:7; 33:21. 3 However, at this moment of desperation, Ezekiel receives a powerful vision of hope. What message does the vision contain for the shattered exiles? How does this vision relate to God’s people today, and how can we personally benefit from it? To find out, let us examine what Jehovah reveals to Ezekiel.",Ezek. 21:7; 33:21.,rr chap. 10 pp. 112-113 pars. 1-3,,,joshlaymon,,7/21/2025
“I Will Make Them One Nation” “They Will Become One in My Hand”,"Jehovah instructed Ezekiel to take two sticks and to write on one “for Judah” and on the other “for Joseph, the stick of Ephraim.” (Read Ezekiel 37:15, 16.) What did these two sticks picture? The stick that was “for Judah” represented the two-tribe kingdom of Judah and Benjamin. Kings in the line of Judah had ruled the two tribes; also, the priesthood had been associated with them, for the priests served at the temple in Jerusalem. (2 Chron. 11:13, 14; 34:30) Hence, the kingdom of Judah held the Davidic line of kings as well as the Levitical priesthood. “The stick of Ephraim” represented the ten-tribe kingdom of Israel. In what way was that stick associated with Ephraim? The first king of the ten-tribe kingdom was Jeroboam, from the tribe of Ephraim. ","In time, Ephraim became the dominant tribe in Israel. (Deut. 33:17; 1 Ki. 11:26) Note that the ten-tribe kingdom of Israel did not include Davidic kings or Levitical priests. Ezekiel was further instructed to bring the two sticks together “so that they become just one stick.” As the exiles anxiously watched Ezekiel, they asked him: “Will you not tell us what these things mean?” He answered that the enactment illustrated what Jehovah himself would do. Regarding the two sticks, Jehovah stated: “I will make them one stick, and they will become one in my hand.”—Ezek. 37:17-19.",Ezek. 37:17-19. Deut. 33:17; 1 Ki. 11:26,rr chap. 12 p. 130 ,,,joshlaymon,,7/21/2025
“I Will Make Them One Nation” Jehovah Will Cause His Worshippers to “Become One”,"What significance does the prophecy of the unification of the two sticks have in our time? Keep in mind that the point of the prophecy was to illustrate how two groups would become united. Above all, the prophecy highlights that this unity is brought about by Jehovah. ","So, what important truth about pure worship does this prophetic illustration of the joining of the two sticks highlight? Put simply, this: Jehovah himself will cause his worshippers to “become one.”—Ezek. 37:19.",Ezek. 37:19. , rr chap. 12 pp. 133-134 ,,,joshlaymon,,7/21/2025
"“Describe the Temple” What Did the Vision Mean to the Jewish Exiles? Ezekiel. Pure worship restored, ","In order to find the Bible’s answer to that question, let us consider a series of related questions that will help us to see a full and complete picture. First, what was the overall prophetic message of the vision? Simply put, the overall message was that pure worship would be restored! This was surely clear to Ezekiel. He had already written what is now chapter 8 of Ezekiel, in which Jehovah graphically illustrated the deplorable condition of the temple in Jerusalem. ","And Ezekiel must have been delighted to write in detail about a stunning contrast, as now found in chapters 40 to 48. Here we see, not pure worship corrupted, but pure worship as it should have been—a glorious ideal of worshipping Jehovah according to the Mosaic Law.",Ezek. 40:2; ,rr chap. 13 pp. 141-142,,,joshlaymon,,7/21/2025
"“I Will Bring an End to Your Prostitution”, “The Mother of the Prostitutes” Ezekiel, Babylon the great, identity, ","The book of Ezekiel contains two remarkable passages in which prostitution illustrates the terrible unfaithfulness of God’s people in Israel and Judah. (Ezek., chaps. 16 and 23) Before we take a closer look at those passages, though, we do well to take note of another symbolic prostitute. Her form of prostitution appeared long before Ezekiel’s day—even before Israel existed—and is still thriving today. This prostitute is identified in the last book of the Bible, Revelation.","In the vision Jesus gave to the apostle John at the end of the first century C.E., a striking figure emerges. She is called “the great prostitute” and “Babylon the Great, the mother of the prostitutes.” (Rev. 17:1, 5) For centuries, her true identity has mystified religious leaders and Bible scholars. They have variously said that she represents Babylon, Rome, or the Roman Catholic Church. For many decades, however, Jehovah’s Witnesses have understood the true identity of this “great prostitute.” She is the world empire of false religion. How do we know that?","Ezek., chaps. 16 and 23; Rev. 17:1, 5; ", rr chap. 15 p. 163 pars. 3-4 ,,,joshlaymon,,7/22/2025
"Born Again, requirement, native, ","To illustrate that, imagine there's a large city and there's one school that's just for people of that country's native or indigenous population. And one day a young man who's not part of that native group goes and wants to join the school.  The principal tells him to enroll, you must be a native. Now is he commanding the young man? You must become a native. Well, of course not he is simply stating the requirement for entrance into the school. ","Similarly, when Jesus was saying you must be born again, he was simply stating the requirement for entrance into the Kingdom of the heavens. And that harmonizes with what Jesus taught later in his ministry, where he revealed that many of his followers would enjoy everlasting life on earth. In fact, the evil doer who was executed next to him, he had never been born again, but Jesus promised him you will be in paradise, that is on earth. ","John 3:3, 5; ","Pure Worship Regional Convention, Sunday Morning, ","Born From Water and Spirit, ",,joshlaymon,,7/22/2025
"Hope, anchor, sure, firm, curtain, stabilizes, face trials.","Hebrews 6:19; where the apostle Paul describes the importance and the power of the hope. We have  Verse 19 says we have this hope as an anchor for the soul, both sure and firm, and it enters in within the curtain. What does Paul tell us about our hope? ","Well, for one, it's an anchor. It stabilizes us when we face trials. Second, he says, it's both sure and firm. Then he says it enters in within the curtain into heaven itself. Think of that. Our hope is dependent on the most powerful, the most loving, and the most reliable person in the universe, Jehovah. What a secure hope we have. So the lesson we can learn from. What Jesus taught Nicodemus.",Hebrews 6:19;,"Pure Worship Regional Convention, Sunday Morning, ",,,joshlaymon,,7/22/2025
"Hope, paradise, clean the windows, artwork, just around the corner, ","First, keep your hope clear. And to illustrate that, I'd like to tell you about a cottage that my grandfather built on a lake, and I used to go up there and watch the sunrise over the lake. Just beautiful. But one day I looked out and it didn't seem as clear or beautiful as it once did. What was the problem? Time, the lake, dirty windows. Once I scrub those windows clean, the sunrise was as clear and beautiful as it ever was. What if we find that our hope, our in mental image of paradise, isn't as clear, isn't as beautiful as it used to be? Clean the windows. Think deeply about what life will be like in paradise. We might use the artwork in our publications to spur our imagination, or we can use some of our music videos. Like Imagine the time just around the corner, the new world to come. Maybe you have your own. ","The point is, take steps to make that hope as clear as possible in your mind's eye. The second way to strengthen our hope is to wait patiently for it to be fulfilled. Now in Hebrews 6:11; if we go back there, note in verse 11, Paul links our industriousness with being fully assured of our hope. Now how does that work? Well, isn't it true? When we're busy in Jehovah's service, we set goals, we strive to reach them. We rely on Jehovah, don't we? And then we experienced Jehovah's support. And when we experienced that support, our trust in Jehovah grows. Our faith in him grows our confidence in everything he's promised, including our hope. Is made more sure. ",Hebrews 6:11; ,"Pure Worship Regional Convention, Sunday Morning, ",,,joshlaymon,,7/22/2025
"No man has ascended into heaven. homosexuality or gender identity or politics. Jesus, Nicodemus, ","Imagine you're at work or school. It's lunchtime and you know this is a group talking about a controversial topic, maybe homosexuality or gender identity or politics. You hope they don't notice you, but suddenly they turn their. Ask and what do you think? If you're like me, maybe you freeze, Unsure what to say. Hope that we doubt what the Bible says. It's just that these are touchy subjects. Our work or schoolmates may struggle to understand our beliefs. They may think we're weird. They could even get offended. How can we handle situations like this? Let's see Jesus example. Let's go back to his conversation with Nicodemus in John chapter 3. As we learned in the previous talk, Jesus told Nicodemus about heavenly life in God's Kingdom, the fact that some will go to heaven after death. How did Nicodemus react? ","Well, verse 9 shows us that he said. How can these things be? Yes, Nicodemus was struggling to understand. He may have thought born again, life in heaven. What a weird belief. In fact, the topic of what happens after death was a controversial topic in those days. It separated and divided the Pharisees from the Sadducees. Here we have a potentially controversial topic Nicodemus is struggling to understand. What did Jesus do? Let's say something that he said in John 3:13. Moreover, no man has ascended into heaven but the one who descended from heaven, the Son of Man. What did Jesus mean? First, let's focus on the second-half. He said that there was one who descended from heaven, the Son of Man. In other words, Jesus himself is here. Jesus revealed to Nicodemus that he had already lived in heaven. That meant that Jesus. Was uniquely qualified to talk about heavenly life. Jesus was basically saying in a kind way, Nicodemus, I've been in heaven so you can trust what I've told you about heavenly life in God's Kingdom. ",John 3:13; ,"Pure Worship Regional Convention, Sunday Morning, Dennis Capparelli,","""No man has ascended into heaven.""",,joshlaymon,,7/22/2025
"No man has ascended into heaven. homosexuality or gender identity or politics. Jesus, Nicodemus, ","Now if you look at the first half, he also said that no one had ascended into heaven. He's at that point no one who had died had yet gone to heaven. The first one to do so would be the Son of Man, Jesus. Now do you see what Jesus was doing here? He didn't think, ohh, this is a controversial topic and Nicodemus doesn't understand. I'm going to keep quiet. I'm going to change the subject. And neither did Jesus begin to attack whatever Nicodemus may have believed about this. No, Jesus kept trying to help Nicodemus understand the truth. He tried a different line of reasoning. He used simple statements. Can we imitate Jesus when talking to others about sensitive subjects or about deeply entrenched false beliefs? ","In the following video, note how a young publisher imitated Jesus. I always had good relationship with everyone in my class and I always wanted to keep it that way. I wanted to be liked, I wanted to be accepted, I wanted to feel that people want to talk to me. All my classmates and teachers knew my stand on certain beliefs when it came to topics about neutrality or celebrations. But of course with age certain topics change that I wasn't prepared for and it made me a bit scared that I won't be liked anymore. And that I'm going against the grain. New Girl joined our class. I was praying to Jehovah for a long time that I want a Bible study and I thought that this could be my intense. One day we were talking and she had started to tell me that she's actually interested in a girl, someone that she's wanted to date, and I totally froze. I don't know what to say, I don't know if I should say something. ",John 3:13; Colossians 4:6; ,"Pure Worship Regional Convention, Sunday Morning, Dennis Capparelli,","""No man has ascended into heaven.""",,joshlaymon,,7/22/2025
"No man has ascended into heaven. homosexuality or gender identity or politics. Jesus, Nicodemus, smoking, ","But I knew that this topic would come up again. I felt so overwhelmed. How can I talk about something so sensitive, present it in a way that shows that Jehovah is loving and kind, but in the same way talk about how I don't support it because it goes against my beliefs? So, I'm praying to Jehovah for him to give me wisdom. I made it a goal in my personal setting, and I opened the Young People Ask because it has a topic about homosexuality and it had great examples about how to talk about it tactfully. And I wrote them down and thought how could I formulate it in a way that I would say. Naturally. So not too long after that a girl from my class comes up to me and she's talking about this new couple in the school, and she mentioned that it's 2 girls only. ","This time I wasn't too shocked, and I was prepared. She said you're one of Jehovah's Witnesses, right? So, you don't support homosexuality you hate? Am I right?  I calmly explained to her that she is right that we don't support homosexuality, but that does not mean that we hate the people. The Bible doesn't approve of smoking either, but most of my class smokes and I never ignored them or disrespected them and is the same in this situation. I saw that she didn't agree with me 100% but she wasn't upset, and she didn't listen to me and I saw that she was thinking it over. And we continue to talk after that. I felt really adapted our conversation and I felt that Jehovah was so proud of me that he was like right there with me. And it just reassured me that when other controversial topics come up again, Jehovah will help you prepare and season my words with salt so that I could be tactful with the people and share my beliefs. ",John 3:13; ,"Pure Worship Regional Convention, Sunday Morning, Dennis Capparelli,","""No man has ascended into heaven.""",,joshlaymon,,7/22/2025
"Seasoned with salt, Different meals require different amounts of salt. Tact, ","Have you ever eaten a meal that lacked salt? It's not very appetizing. Of course, a meal could have similar nutritional value with or without salt. But without salt, a person could take one bite and not want to keep eating. Similarly, if our words are not gracious, our listener may not want to keep listening. To the Bible message. Now, I'm sure that you don't salt a steak the same way you salt a salad. Different meals require different amounts of salt. Likewise, different topics require different amounts of graciousness, and sensitive subjects require a lot of salt, a lot of kindness and tact. So how can we add kindness and tact to our conversation? Here are some suggestions whenever possible. ","Trying to agree with the other person. Trying to commend him sincerely before sharing the Bible's message. Trying to find common ground. Find something that you both agree on and build off. That another way to be tactful is to avoid being argumentative. Arguing and attacking someones belief would be like burning down a neighbor's house just because it's badly built. That neighbor would likely fight like crazy trying to defend his house and just see us as the enemy. Likewise, if we attack someone's belief, he's only likely to want to defend it even more, and you'll see us as the enemy. Instead, it's often better to simply show the person the beautiful truth. ",John 3:13; Colossians 4:6; ,"Pure Worship Regional Convention, Sunday Morning,","""No man has ascended into heaven.""",,joshlaymon,,7/22/2025
"Arguing and attacking someone’s belief, burning down house, ","Arguing and attacking someone’s belief would be like burning down a neighbor's house just because it's badly built. That neighbor would likely fight like crazy trying to defend his house and just see us as the enemy. Likewise, if we attack someone's belief, he's only likely to want to defend it even more, and you'll see us as the enemy. Instead, it's often better to simply show the person the beautiful truth. That would be like building a beautiful house across the street from that neighbor. To the badly built house and inviting him to tour the new house. If he sees how nice it is, he may just want to move in. As an example, what did Nikola do? She didn't attack her classmates’ view of homosexuality. She didn't say God thinks that homosexual acts are not natural even though that's true. ","She simply said we don't support homosexuality but that does not mean that we hate the people and then she used it. Example of smoking, his kindness and tact can go a long way to reaching our listener’s heart. So that's how we should talk. But what can we actually say? Let's see the second thing that can help explain your beliefs using simple statements and clear reasoning. That's what we saw Jesus do with Nicodemus. But you may think I could never reason the way that Jesus did. That may be so, but what did we see Nicola do in the video? She researched and prepared what she could say. We can do that too. So, think about this. What controversial topics could come up at your work? That your school in your territory for personal study or family worship. Why not make a list of these topics and then research and prepare what we could say that way, if those topics come up instead of freezing, we'll be more than ready to share the bible's message in a tactful way in conclusion though, our goal is. Not just to share Bible truth. Our goal is to attract down listener to the truth. We can do so if like Jesus, we give thought not just to what we say but how we say it. ",John 3:13; Colossians 4:6; ,"Pure Worship Regional Convention, Sunday Morning,","""No man has ascended into heaven.""",,joshlaymon,,7/22/2025
"""Come to the Light. ""Nicodemus, Spiritual darkness worse than literal darkness, ","As a child. Are you afraid of the dark? Now, perhaps some of you still are, but now why is that the case? Isn't it true that things can happen in the dark that we are completely unaware of? And to be honest, that's why some prefer the darkness. They can do things unobserved by others for various reasons. Now Jewish Pharisee named Nicodemus, like many in the 1st century, were living in spiritual darkness. Spiritual darkness is far worse than literal darkness because it can affect an individual's everlasting future. However, this did not stop Nicodemus from recognizing Jesus as being sent by God and he wanted to learn more but he was afraid of the Jews. So, what did Nicodemus do according to John 3:1, 2;  ","While he went to Jesus under the cover of darkness, he did not want to be seen by others. So, what did Jesus say? If you would accompany with me to John 3:19. and let's read together verses 19-21 . It says now, and this is the basis for judgment, that the light has come into the world. But men have loved the darkness rather than the light, for their works were wicked. For whoever practices vowel things, hates the light, and does not come to the light, so that his works may not be reproved. But whoever does what is true comes to the light so that his works may be made manifest as having been done in harmony with God. Here, basically, Jesus was revealing to Nicodemus what an individual needed to do to receive everlasting life. But now, what did Jesus mean? Well, first of all, Jesus pointed out that he himself was the light, and this meant that his life and teachings was solidified light. It radiated and embodied his very being. In other words, everything Jesus said and did reflect an understanding. And enlightenment originating from the true source of light, that being his father Jehovah, now a person can come to the light that is gaining understanding and enlightenment by exercising faith in Jesus Christ as pointed out in verse 16.","John 3:1, 2;  ","Pure Worship Regional Convention, Sunday Morning, Terence Pettigrew, ","""Come to the Light.""",,joshlaymon,,7/22/2025
"Gratitude, gift, Ransom, perfect present, grateful, thankful, afraid of the dark, ","The second thing that you can do is cultivate gratitude for what Jehovah God and Jesus Christ have done, are doing and what they will do for you in the future and James 1:17 says that every good gift and perfect. The present is from above. Well, that's a good reminder that whatever Jehovah provides or gives to us. Is what we need. Now, have you ever received the gift from a well-intentioned person? But that gift is buried in your closet, somewhere in your drawer, not being observed or seeing or use. Now you appreciated the gift in a sense that, well, it was thought that counted, right? There's obviously something that you really didn't need. Well, that will never ever happen. When Jehovah provides for us, every gift is a perfect present. ","For example, have you ever? After watching a gorgeous sunset or after watching a beautiful rainbow after it rained. After receiving a a hug at the right time from a friend or family member, have you ever said at that time? That's something I, I really didn't need that. I could have done without that. Well, no, of course not. Reflecting and meditating on Jehovah's goodness and in many ways that he has blessed you can deepen your gratitude and appreciation for him. Really, there is no better gift than the ransom sacrifice of his Son Jesus Christ, therefore, when our love for Jehovah is stronger than anything else. Nothing will prevent us from serving him. No temptation. We will be able to face any challenge with success. So really. There's no need to be afraid of the dark or anyone else for that matter. Jehovah God and his Son Jesus Christ, they got our back. ",James 1:17,"Pure Worship Regional Convention, Sunday Morning, Terence Pettigrew, ",,,joshlaymon,,7/23/2025
Do You Worship What You Know?,"Imagine traveling through the desert. The sun is blazing. The heat is unbearable. And your body is weak. As you walk, you see in the distance what appears to be a shimmering Oasis. The site of cool, refreshing water gives you hope, renews your strength. You quicken your pace. You're eager to reach that Oasis. And as you draw closer, the Oasis fades and you realize it was nothing more. In a mirage. A deceptive illusion created by the intense heat and light. Now, a common mirage that we likely all have experience is viewing a hot highway pavement on a summer day. The road may appear to be wet or covered with puddles. And such a mirage has little consequence. However, there are mirages that cause disorientation. Making it difficult for people to navigate accurately. ","And this can be particularly dangerous if someone is already lost. And these mirages can be incredibly convincing, leading people to change their course in hopes of finding water. Only to be frustrated when they realize it was a trick of the light. Just as a mirage can deceive A weary traveler, false beliefs can deceive sincere individuals seeking spiritual truth. Waters of truth. And in our world today. The line between truth and falsehood is often blurred. Leading many to worship what they do not truly know. But this is nothing new. Let's open our Bibles to John 4:19-22; ","John 4:25, 26;","Pure Worship Regional Convention, Sunday Morning, Mark Noumair, ",Do You Worship What You Know?,,joshlaymon,,7/23/2025
Do You Worship What You Know?,"Let's pick it up there. John 4:19, 20. The woman said to him, Jesus, Sir, I see that you are a prophet. Our forefathers were worshipped on this mountain that you people say that in Jerusalem is the place where people must worship. Forward to Jesus do. What did he teach the Samaritan woman? Did he say, well, God accepts all worship? Keep worshipping in the mountain of your choice. What did he say? Something specific about what is required to please God. Now notice verse 22. Jesus said to her, You worship what you do not know. Now again, this discussion was dealing with everlasting life. Jesus was very frank. He was open, saying Look, you worship what you do not know? But her example shows us that even sincere, honest hearted people can be misled. ","So, the question we want to ask ourselves is, am I certain that my beliefs are based on accurate knowledge? How can I know? It's not just a mirage. Well, the Bible gives us clear, straightforward direction on this. So now let's open to our Bibles to Romans 12:1, 2; The Apostle Paul writing to this congregation in Rome, Italy. And notice what he says. Notice the direction that the apostle Paul gives us. Verse one. Therefore, I appeal to you, by the compassions of God brothers, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God. A Secret Service. And now take notices of this next expression. With your power of reason. With your power of reason. 1st century Rome became the recipient of every form of false worship. And devotion to these religions opened the door to total abandonment of moral virtue and righteousness. And that was just the opposite of Christianity. ","John 4:19, 20. Romans 12:1, 2; ","Pure Worship Regional Convention, Sunday Morning, Mark Noumair, ",Do You Worship What You Know?,,joshlaymon,,7/26/2025
Do You Worship What You Know?,"How should we worship God? By simply accepting what's been passed down to us through generations or through families or what's popular in our community. Is that what we want to do? Would that be using our power of reason? No, it wouldn't. In fact, history has shown us that true discoveries are made when first a person decides not to simply accept the current belief of his day but rather digs for the truth himself digs for the truth. For example, astronomer Nicholas Copernicus. Used his power of reason to prove that the earth revolves around the sun. And not the other way around. He came to that correct conclusion when it went against popular belief back then. Also, too, we need to use our power of reason to really think about how we serve God. ","But what if, in the process, we discover that some of the things we believe are not rooted in truth but are merely mirages. All these questions are going to be considered in the following video. Why do you believe what you believe? In many cases, it may be a matter of what your parents taught you. Or simply of where or when you were born. So, if you had grown up in another place. Or a different time, you may have developed a very different set of beliefs. But does the truth about God really depend on when or where we live? Does it seem logical that multiple conflicting beliefs about God could all be true? Is it possible that the truth is something different from what you were taught? ","John 4:19, 20. Romans 12:1, 2; ","Pure Worship Regional Convention, Sunday Morning, Mark Noumair, ",Do You Worship What You Know?,,joshlaymon,,7/23/2025
Do You Worship What You Know?,"To use that thinking ability and reason things out, Proverbs 2:11;  Thinking ability will keep watch over you. Thinking ability of what is it? It's carefully considering our options before we act. Is it worth it? It keeps watching over us. Then it goes on and discernment will safeguard you. What is discernment? The ability to tell right from wrong and then choose the wise course. So, thinking ability and discernment, they safeguard us from what? From making unwise decisions about important matters such as? Our search for truth. Now in our invitation, and you might have this invitation, or perhaps you came here because of this invitation. But I want to share with you what it says about Sunday's program and this talk.","It says at the top. Do you worship what you know? Learn why our beliefs matter. And then it says. We'll talk about how to search for truth. So, we promised you if you are here for the first time or our Bible study students, how to search for the truth. So that's what we want to do. We want to see how we can actually search for the truth. What are the steps? Well, let's begin the basic first step. Except that truth does exist. Why do we say that? So many people today question whether the truth exists. But we need to remember that there are fundamental truths that cannot be altered by personal opinion.","John 4:19, 20. Romans 12:1, 2; Proverbs 2:11;","Pure Worship Regional Convention, Sunday Morning, Mark Noumair, ",Do You Worship What You Know?,,joshlaymon,,7/24/2025
Do You Worship What You Know?,"Well, let's go back to our previous example about the Earth revolving around the sun. Regardless of what other people think or say, it doesn't matter what they say because the fundamental truth is it exists at the very core of reality, the earth moving around the sun. Well, in a similar way there are fundamental truths regarding God and worship too. God does exist. The star formation. The power of the sun. Diversity of life. Photosynthesis. A single celled DNA. Now if we take the time to contemplate the complexity and intricacy of design found in nature. A logical conclusion is that there must be an intelligent mind behind all of this. Our power of reason leads us to such a conclusion. ","For example, a professor of philosophy, Anthony Flu. Was at one time a leading advocate of atheism for some 50 years. However, after a study of DNA and the staggering complexity of life, Flu changed his opinion. Citing an ancient approach to reasoning, he wrote, we must follow the argument wherever it leads. For Professor Flu, the evidence pointed to the existence of a creator. Do we need to be an astronomer or a highly educated professor to know that God exists? No. Why do we say that? Let's open our Bibles to Psalm 8:3,4;  When I see your heavens and the works of your fingers, the moon, and the stars that you have prepared, what is mortal man that you keep him in mind? And a son of man, that you take care of him. As David gazed at the night sky, he thought deeply about God's creation. He meditated on what those stars taught him about God. He used his power of reason. King David could correctly conclude with the naked eye that there was a creator. He didn't need astronomical tools such as the giant web Space Telescope with his 21 feet in diameter mirror to draw that conclusion. He used the creation. ","John 4:19, 20. Romans 12:1, 2; Proverbs 2:11; Psalm 8:3,4;","Pure Worship Regional Convention, Sunday Morning, Mark Noumair, ",Do You Worship What You Know?,,joshlaymon,,7/23/2025
Do You Worship What You Know?,"Satan knows that he's the enemy of truth. He does not want you to be happy, he wants you to give up in your search for truth. He doesn't want you to find the truth and to be happy. He wants you to tie her out and abandon that search for truth. Don't do that. Don't give him that opportunity. He wants you to go on believing that the sun really does revolve around the earth, so to speak. He wants you to accept The Mirage. Don't give him that chance. Jehovah God wants you to find the truth. Notice what he says in Proverbs chapter 2. Let's open our Bibles now to Proverbs 2:3-5;  Look at the appeal that Jehovah God is giving to us right here,  An appeal from our loving Creator and those are and those who are searching for truth. Moreover, if you call out for understanding. ","Raise your voice for discernment if you keep seeking for it. As for silver seeking for the truth. You keep searching for it as for hidden treasures. Then you will understand the fear of Jehovah, and you will find the knowledge of God. That is what Jehovah God is asking us to do. Don't give up in your search for truth. Give it top priority in life. He will help you. He will bless your efforts. If you take the search for truth seriously, remember Jesus said this is about everlasting life. It's no light matter, and Jehovah wants you to have everlasting life. ","John 4:19, 20. Romans 12:1, 2; Proverbs 2:11; Psalm 8:3,4;","Pure Worship Regional Convention, Sunday Morning, Mark Noumair, ",Do You Worship What You Know?,,joshlaymon,,7/24/2025
Do You Worship What You Know?,"We want to give the Bible an unbiased examination. Illustrate: There's a game, it's called Telephone. Now in this game, the message was whispered from one person to the next. By the time it reaches the last person, the message is often completely different from the original. What happened? Well, each individual heard something just a little bit different? They interpreted the message slightly different, leading to a distorted final version. ","In a similar way, the refreshing truths found in the Bible had become distorted over time, largely due to false religion. Man made philosophies. Each one promotes their own version of truth. Based on what appeals to them. But it's all a mirage, it's Satan's mirage. That journey only ends up in frustration and in hopelessness. ","John 4:19, 20. Romans 12:1, 2; Proverbs 2:11; Psalm 8:3,4;","Pure Worship Regional Convention, Sunday Morning, Mark Noumair, ",Do You Worship What You Know?,,joshlaymon,,7/23/2025
Do You Worship What You Know?,"Now imagine you're back in that desert. And as you walk under the hot sun, you see what appears to be that shimmering Oasis. In the distance, you quicken your pace. You're eager to quench your thirst. You draw closer and closer to your wink. You hesitate. You're not sure. Can I really trust my eyes? But just then you recognize in the distance a friend. A friend. You see him or her and she's saying come this way, waving to you to come to the water. And now you realize it's not a mirage. It's real. Likewise. What you are experiencing here is not a mirage. It's real. We are real people wanting to help you. It's real. This convention is. It is pure worship. Pure worship at its best is right here with Jehovah's Witness. ","That you won't find it anywhere else on the planet, free from contamination, unadulterated, morally untainted is pure worship. And that's why we love you being here. Now don't look for perfection. We're not perfect. But we're trying. Don't look for perfection, look for pure worship. Look for individuals that are showing love, peace, kindness, and mildness. They're being directed by Jehovah's Holy Spirit. They have godly qualities. This is what we're talking about. Stay with us, keep studying with us. We'll explain Bible prophecy to you. We'll help you to see why we are living deep into the last days, what the future holds. You found the truth. This is it. Pure worship. What does the world have to offer? We're on the top of the mountain. Has built this massive organization with millions of people globally. You found it. What's at the bottom of the mountain? Nothing but tables of vomit. Up top, we are sucking in the beautiful, clean, fresh air of pure worship. That's why we love you being with us today. So finally, we have one last scripture. ","John 4:19, 20. Romans 12:1, 2; Proverbs 2:11; Psalm 8:3,4; Psalm 144:15;","Pure Worship Regional Convention, Sunday Morning, Mark Noumair, ",Do You Worship What You Know?,,joshlaymon,,7/23/2025
"Do You Worship What You Know? Worldwide poison, Counterfeit, medical products, aircraft parts,","What do you think about when you hear the word Counterfeit? Money, scams, rip-offs, stealing. Money is not the only counterfeit. Other types of counterfeiting are far more dangerous, such as Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices; Aircraft engine parts, ejection seats, digital equipment. China plays a central role, with over 50% of the global supply of counterfeit pharmaceuticals originating there, according to one expert. Others involved are India, Brazil, Indonesia, Nigeria, Sub-Saharan Africa: Western Asia, In Northern Mexico, a study found 27.5% of pharmacies dispensing counterfeit medications to tourists.  ","However the most dangerous and far-reaching counterfeit is religion. Babylon the great has spread to the entire surface to the earth, and means death to those taking her medication. (Revelation 14:8) . . .she who made all the nations drink of the wine of the passion of her sexual immorality!” ","John 4:19, 20. Revelation 14:8, ",Bobby Laymon,Do You Worship What You Know?,,joshlaymon,,7/25/2025
"Decision, action, fears, paper tigers, encourage, weapon, protection, evangelizing work, ","The most difficult thing is the decision to act, the rest is merely tenacity. The fears are paper tigers. You can do anything you decide to do. You can act to change and control your life, and the procedure, the process is its own reward. —Amelia Earhart","(Isaiah 54:17) No weapon formed against you will have any success, And you will condemn any tongue that rises up against you in the judgment. This is the heritage of the servants of Jehovah, And their righteousness is from me,” declares Jehovah.",Isaiah 54:17; ,"Bobby Laymon quote from Amelia Earhart, ",,,joshlaymon,,7/24/2025
"My Food, I have food to eat, will of Jehovah, finish his work, ","Can you relate to this familiar scene? It's a Saturday morning; you've just spent a few hours in the ministry and now it's past noon and your stomach starts to growl. So, you look at the car group and you say, is it time to stop for a bite to eat? All agree. Except for this one brother, he says to you. Eat!  I've been eating all morning. You know he hasn't. In fact, he didn't even pack a lunch. And what started off as a familiar scene suddenly just got a little peculiar, didn't it? Let's go to John 4:31; together, because what we just described is actually something very similar to what happened between Jesus and his disciples. Jesus had just finished speaking to the Samaritan woman at the well, and the account continues in verse 31. Let's read it together. ","John 4:31; It says meanwhile the disciples were urging him Rabbi eat. Why were they urging him? Because that's what they had stopped for in the 1st place. If you look at verse 6, Jesus was tired out at the well. They had just finished traveling through the hilly country morning and now it was passed. So, in verse 8, his disciples go off to buy some food, and in verse 31, now it's time to eat. But look at verse 32. That's what he said to them. I have food to eat that you do not know about. Just like the brother in our car group, something just didn't make sense to the disciples. But Jesus would use this opportunity to teach a deep spiritual truth. So, what did Jesus say? Verse 34. Jesus said to them “My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work.”  So that's what Jesus said. What did Jesus mean? Well, there were two things that Jesus needed at this time. First, he needed refreshment because he was tired. Second, he needed nourishment because he was hungry. Refreshment and nourishment, those are two things that a good meal can provide.",John 3:31-34; ,"Pure Worship Regional Convention, Sunday Morning, ","My Food, ",,joshlaymon,,7/24/2025
"My Food, I have food to eat, will of Jehovah, finish his work, balance, dedication, workaholic, addiction,","“That person would rather work than eat.” Has anyone ever said that about you? It might be a compliment of admiration, like praise. On the other hand It might be to belittle or condemn like a ""put-down."" The word ""workaholic"" is a hybrid of “work” and “alcoholic,” first coined in the late 1960s by psychologist Wayne Oates. He used it to describe individuals with an uncontrollable need or compulsion to work incessantly. An addiction to work. ","Was Jesus a “workaholic?” Some might have felt that way. Let's read: (John 4:34) . . Jesus said to them: “My food is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work."" Yes, on that occasion he would rather work than eat. After all he was tired out from the journey. He needed rest. Jesus was a man with perfect balance. He never lost sight of his purpose of being sent to the earth. What is the lesson we can learn from this? Jesus received refreshment and nourishment from telling the ""Good News"" to others. His dedication prevented him from being overbalanced. ","John 4:31; 6:27, ",Bobby Laymon ,"""My Food""",,joshlaymon,,7/24/2025
" “The Name of the City . . . Will Be Jehovah Is There” population, protection, approachable, available, gates, ","While ancient cities had walls for protection with as few gates as possible, this city has 12 gates! (Ezek. 48:30-34) This large number of gates (three on each side of the square city) illustrates that the administrators of this city are approachable and available to all of God’s servants. Further, the city’s having 12 gates emphasizes that it is open to everyone, “all the house of Israel.” (Ezek. 45:6) ",The open character of the city serves as an important reminder to Christian overseers. Jehovah wants them to be approachable and to be readily available to all those living in the spiritual paradise.,Ezek. 48:30-34. Ezek. 45:6,rr chap. 21 p. 222 par. 12,,,joshlaymon,,7/24/2025
"Proclaiming the Lord’s Return, bearded darnel, wheat, harvest, weeds, both grow together, ","What happened to true Christianity after the first century? In an illustration, Jesus had warned that the Devil would sow “weeds,” imitation Christians, in among “the wheat,” true Christians, “the sons of the kingdom.” Both would grow together until “the harvest,” the “conclusion of a system of things.” (Matt. 13:24-30, 36-43) During the great apostasy that developed after the death of the apostles, “the weeds” predominated for many centuries.  ","But what about “the wheat”? Who were among “the sons of the kingdom” during the centuries-long apostasy? We cannot say for a certainty. The literal weeds of Jesus’ illustration are generally considered to be bearded darnel, which very much resembles wheat until maturity, when it can readily be distinguished from wheat by its smaller black seeds. Similarly, only at “the harvest” would a clear distinction be made between imitation Christians and the true “sons of the kingdom.” Nevertheless, Jesus said: “Let both grow together until the harvest.” True Christianity, then, was never completely stamped out.","Matt. 13:24-30, 36-43", jv chap. 5 p. 44,,,joshlaymon,,7/24/2025
"Growing in Accurate Knowledge of the Truth, soul, Bible Students, ","But what about the soul? Did the Bible Students support the belief that it is a spirit part of man, something that lives on after the death of the body? On the contrary, in 1903 the Watch Tower stated: “We must notice carefully that the lesson is not that man has a soul, but that man is a soul, or being. Let us take an illustration from nature—the air we breathe: it is composed of oxygen and nitrogen, neither of which is atmosphere, or air; but when the two combine, as they do in proper chemical proportions, the resulting thing is atmosphere. ","Just so with soul. God speaks to us from this standpoint, of our being each a soul. He does not address our bodies nor our breath of lives, but he does address us as intelligent beings, or souls. In pronouncing the penalty of violating his law, he did not address Adam’s body specifically, but the man, the soul, the intelligent being: ‘Thou!’ ‘In the day that thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely die.’ ‘The soul that sinneth it shall die.’—Gen 2:17; Ezek. 18:20.” This was in harmony with what the Watch Tower had stated as early as April 1881.","Gen 2:17; Ezek. 18:20, ",jv chap. 10 p. 127 par. 1 ,,,joshlaymon,,7/24/2025
"How Chosen and Led by God, apostasy, ","After the first century, the foretold apostasy developed unrestrained. (Acts 20:29, 30; 2 Thess. 2:7-12) For many centuries the lamp of true Christianity burned very low. (Compare Matthew 5:14-16.) Yet, in an illustration Jesus indicated that at the ‘conclusion of the system of things,’ there would be a clear distinction between “the wheat” (true Christians) and “the weeds” (imitation Christians). The wheat, or “chosen ones,” would be gathered into one true Christian congregation, as in the first century. (Matt. 13:24-30, 36-43; 24:31) ","Jesus also described the anointed members of that congregation as “the faithful and discreet slave” and indicated that in the time of the end, they would be dispensing spiritual food. (Matt. 24:3, 45-47) That faithful slave would be joined by “a great crowd” of true worshipers out of all nations.—Rev. 7:9, 10; compare Micah 4:1-4.","Acts 20:29, 30; 2 Thess. 2:7-12; ",jv chap. 31 p. 705 par. 5,,,joshlaymon,,7/24/2025
"How Chosen and Led by God, understanding, guide, dark room, light, growth, gradually, progressively.","Jehovah has always led his people to clearer understanding of his will. (Ps. 43:3) Just how he has guided them may be illustrated this way: If a person has been in a dark room for a long period of time, is it not best if he is exposed to light gradually? Jehovah has exposed his people to the light of truth in a similar manner; he has enlightened them progressively. (Compare John 16:12, 13.) ",It has been as the proverb says: “The path of the righteous ones is like the bright light that is getting lighter and lighter until the day is firmly established.”—Prov. 4:18.,"Prov. 4:18. John 16:12, 13", jv chap. 31 p. 708 par. 4 ,,,joshlaymon,,7/24/2025
"World Destruction First—Then World Peace, house, bad foundation, human efforts, crooked, ","A wise ruler of ancient times discovered, by human efforts alone “that which is made crooked cannot be made straight.”—Ecclesiastes 1:14, 15. The world’s cities, for example, are plagued with problems, but men cannot dismantle them and start afresh. The same is true of the whole economic and industrial systems of the world. Self-interest and nationalism undermine and block any real change for the good of mankind as a whole.","To illustrate: The entire world system is thus like a house built on a bad foundation from poor plans and with defective materials. What good will it do to rearrange the furniture or to repair or remodel the house? As long as it stands, the problems will continue and the house will keep deteriorating. The only sensible thing to do is to tear it down and build another, on a good foundation.","Ecclesiastes 1:14, 15. ",tp73 chap. 4 pp. 40-41 pars. 10-12,,,joshlaymon,,7/24/2025
"World Destruction First—Then World Peace, reform, impossible to legislate righteousness ","Jesus Christ used a somewhat similar illustration in saying that people do not “put new wine into old wineskins.” The old wineskin would burst from the new wine. (Matthew 9:17) He therefore did not try to reform the Jewish system of things under which he lived, but preached God’s kingdom as the only hope for peace and security. (Luke 8:1; 11:2; 12:31) ","So, too, in our day Jehovah God will not simply dress up or adjust the present world’s system, because that could bring no lasting benefit. God’s Word emphasizes the truth that it is impossible to legislate righteousness into people’s hearts. If they have no love for what is right, no amount of legislation will ever put it there. At Isaiah 26:10 we read: “Though the wicked one should be shown favor, he simply will not learn righteousness. In the land of straightforwardness he will act unjustly and will not see the eminence of Jehovah.”—Compare Proverbs 29:1.","Matthew 9:17, Luke 8:1; 11:2; 12:31, ",tp73 chap. 4 p. 41 pars. 13-14,,,joshlaymon,,7/24/2025
"When Will the Foretold World Destruction Come? fig tree, Kingdom, ","it was not just ‘nation rising against nation and kingdom against kingdom’ that Jesus had stated to be “the sign.” Using an illustration, he said: “Note the fig tree and all the other trees: When they are already in the bud, by observing it you know for yourselves that now the summer is near. In this way you also, when you see these things occurring, know that the kingdom of God is near. Truly I say to you, This generation will by no means pass away until all things occur.” (Luke 21:29-32)"," If you were to see just one tree putting forth leaves out of season, you would not be fooled into thinking that summer was at hand. But when you see all the trees budding, you know what it means. Likewise, Jesus foretold that his “presence” and “the conclusion of the system of things” would be marked, not just by war, but by a number of things all taking place in one generation.","Luke 21:29-32, ",tp73 chap. 7 p. 81 par. 18,,,joshlaymon,,7/24/2025
"Our Basis for Hope in Its Restoration, paradise, garden, ","He uses as a sample illustration a small land not too distant from the original Paradise, a land that had lain desolate for seventy years during the exile of His disobedient people to Babylonia in the Mesopotamian valley. From that pagan land of false idolatrous worship he redeemed them, released them, to return to their long-desolate homeland and its holy Mount Zion. Telling them of the astonishing transformation that was to be brought about there under his blessing, the Great Theocrat said by his prophet Isaiah:","“The wilderness and the waterless region will exult, and the desert plain will be joyful and blossom as the saffron. Without fail it will blossom, and it will really be joyful with joyousness and with glad crying out. The glory of Lebanon itself must be given to it, the splendor of Carmel and of Sharon. There will be those who will see the glory of Jehovah, the splendor of our God. Strengthen the weak hands, you people, and make the knees that are wobbling firm. Say to those who are anxious at heart: ‘Be strong. Do not be afraid. Look! Your own God will come with vengeance itself, God even with a repayment. He himself will come and save you people.’",Isaiah 35:1-10,pm chap. 1 p. 19 pars. 31-32,,,joshlaymon,,7/24/2025
"Blessings and Good Rulership as the World Rocks, clean, unclean, infectious, holy, ","The prophet Haggai did not say that the priests had reasoned wrong. So now he proposed a question that called for an opposite answer. “And Haggai went on to say: ‘If someone unclean by a deceased soul touches any of these things, will it become unclean?’ In turn the priests answered and said: ‘It will become unclean.’”—Haggai 2:13.","This illustrates how infectious an uncleanness can be—not only physically, but also spiritually. A person who is bearing something holy may not be able to pass on holiness to another person automatically or easily, without effort. But an unclean, contaminated person can easily infect another person by mere association and contact with him. As the Christian apostle Paul said: “Do you not know that a little leaven ferments the whole lump?” (1 Corinthians 5:6; Galatians 5:8, 9) ","Haggai 2:13.1 Corinthians 5:6; Galatians 5:8, 9, ",pm chap. 7 p. 108 par. 6 ,,,joshlaymon,,7/24/2025
"Growth and Protection of God’s Capital Organization, touching my eyeball, sensitive, ","All this vividly illustrates that it is an outrageous thing for the nations of this world to touch Jehovah’s worshipers in a violent way. It pains Jehovah God. It is like touching his eyeball, a very sensitive part of a body. Long ago, as far back as the year 1473 B.C.E., the prophet Moses pointed out how sensitive Jehovah was over his chosen people, saying: “He began to encircle him, to take care of him, to safeguard him as the pupil of his eye.” (Deuteronomy 32:10) He is just as sensitive about his Christian witnesses of today."," But the nations of Christendom and of pagandom have chosen to ignore this fact in their handling of Jehovah’s Christian witnesses. Is it any wonder, then, that He has been doing as he foretold, “waving my hand against them, and they will have to become spoil to their slaves”? (Zechariah 2:9) How has He been doing this?","Deuteronomy 32:10, Zechariah 2:9, ",pm chap. 9 p. 166,,,joshlaymon,,7/25/2025
"Consequences of Rejecting God’s Shepherd Ruler, value of Jehovah’s appointed shepherd, thirty pieces of silver, ","Just how highly was Jehovah’s appointed shepherd valued by the peoples of Israel? The prophet Zechariah illustrates it in his own experience and thereby foreshadows something of greater significance. He tells us: “Then I said to them: ‘If it is good in your eyes, give me my wages; but if not, refrain.’ And they proceeded to pay my wages, thirty pieces of silver. ","At that, Jehovah said to me: ‘Throw it to the treasury—the majestic value with which I have been valued from their standpoint.’ Accordingly I took the thirty pieces of silver and threw it into the treasury at the house of Jehovah. Then I cut in pieces my second staff, the Union, in order to break the brotherhood between Judah and Israel.”—Zechariah 11:12-14. “Thirty pieces of silver”—thirty silver shekels—was the price of a slave according to the Mosaic Law covenant. (Exodus 21:32) ","Exodus 21:32, Zechariah 11:12-14, ",pm chap. 18 pp. 318-319 pars. 37-38 ,,,joshlaymon,,7/25/2025
"Consequences of Rejecting God’s Shepherd Ruler, useless shepherd, leaving the flock! League of Nations, ","In the year 1919 C.E. Christendom discounted the value of his pastoral care and rejected him and his kingdom. Instead, she chose a man-made international organization for world peace and security, the League of Nations, the successor to which, the United Nations, has 132 member nations in 1972. She has reaped the consequences of this. What consequences? A crop of ambitious, self-exalting governmental shepherds, together with their religious associates. Through the prophet Zechariah Jehovah God illustrated such consequences: worldly shepherds as prefigured by “a useless shepherd,” a foolish, incompetent, worthless class of leaders. ","After all these decades of experience with such leaders since 1919 C.E., we can see how they conform to the type of shepherd that Jehovah God prophetically described, as recorded by Zechariah, who writes: “And Jehovah went on to say to me: ‘Take yet for yourself the implements of a useless shepherd. For here I am letting a shepherd rise up in the land. To the sheep being effaced he will give no attention. The young one he will not seek, and the broken sheep he will not heal. The one stationing herself he will not supply with food, and the flesh of the fat one he will eat, and the hoofs of the sheep he will tear off. Woe to my valueless shepherd, who is leaving the flock! A sword will be upon his arm and upon his right eye. His own arm will without fail dry up, and his own right eye will without fail grow dim.’”—Zechariah 11:15-17.",Zechariah 11:15-17.,pm chap. 18 pp. 326-327 pars. 51-53 ,,,joshlaymon,,7/25/2025
"Consequences of Rejecting God’s Shepherd Ruler, trees, big trees of righteousness, planting of Jehovah, contrast, ","Jehovah likened outstanding rulers to trees, tall in stature. The royal Pharaoh of ancient Egypt is thus compared to a stately tree. (Ezekiel 31:1-18) Even the exiled remnant whom Jehovah uses his Messiah or Anointed One to liberate and lead out of symbolic Babylon back to their God-given native land he compares to trees. He does so when he speaks of the assignment of work that He gives to his Messiah, namely: “To comfort all the mourning ones; to assign to those mourning over Zion, to give them a headdress instead of ashes, the oil of exultation instead of mourning, the mantle of praise instead of the downhearted spirit; and they must be called big trees of righteousness, the planting of Jehovah, for him to be beautified.”—Isaiah 61:1-3.","Those symbolic “big trees of righteousness, the planting of Jehovah,” are referred to in the preceding tenth chapter of Zechariah’s prophecy, verses 3-12. How great a contrast is now drawn between them and the symbolic trees on elevated levels of our oppressive world! In Zechariah’s day the majestic mountains of Lebanon were clothed with forests of its world-famous “cedars of Lebanon” and other fragrant evergreen trees. How sad to think of such forests being ravaged by an inextinguishable conflagration! It is enough to make one howl. A suchlike howling by the world must yet come, for, almost like a sequel to chapter ten of Zechariah’s prophecy, chapter eleven opens up with the divine command to give vent to such howling. We read:","Ezekiel 31:1-18, Isaiah 61:1-3.",pm chap. 18 pp. 302-303 pars. 2-3,,,joshlaymon,,7/25/2025
"A “Third Part” Preserved in a Purged Land, purge out wickedness, remarkable thing, clean lives, ","WHAT decent, honest-hearted, righteously disposed people want today is a land in which the inhabitants live clean lives and there is no religious hypocrisy or fraud and deception. Christendom, after trying out her hundreds of varieties of so-called Christian religions, has failed to produce such a land. All hope has now been lost that she will ever be able to do so. Not one land can she set forth as her showpiece to prove that she can purge out wickedness and religious uncleanness. She has nowhere brought about a spiritual paradise among her hundreds of millions of church members. If the Creator of heaven and earth were to depend upon her to bring about a purged earth with pure, undefiled religion, it would never come about. ","But the Almighty God will yet bring this about, in his way, by means of his own theocratic organization. His promise to do so still stands sure, for all right-minded people to trust in today. It is most interesting to examine how God illustrates his purpose to do this remarkable thing. In his “pronouncement” he has just finished speaking about the wailing and bitter lamentation in his land over the piercing through of the Messiah to whom the inhabitants of the land had pinned their hopes. (Zechariah 12:1, 10-14) Immediately following upon this, he proceeds to say: “In that day there will come to be a well opened to the house of David and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem for sin and for an abhorrent thing.”—Zechariah 13:1.","Zechariah 12:1, 10-14, Zechariah 13:1. ",pm chap. 20 pp. 344-345 pars. 1-2,,,joshlaymon,,7/25/2025
"A “Third Part” Preserved in a Purged Land, Prophecy, Loyalty, punished, expelled, ","Any attempted interpretation of prophecy, if it proved to be incorrect in the light of historic events and the clearer understanding of the Bible, was corrected, regardless of who had offered the interpretation. Loyalty to God and to his inspired Word was the issue here to be met. So, as an illustration of the loyalty required, even if a fleshly son should offer a wrong interpretation of divine prophecy and should persist in it, like a false prophet, then his own fleshly parents in their loyalty to God would have nothing further to do with him on a religious basis. ","Christian parents could not do as under the Mosaic Law covenant, namely, have him put to death; but they could pronounce him spiritually dead to themselves in spite of their parenthood of him physically. In this way, figuratively speaking, they “must pierce him through because of his prophesying.” (Zechariah 13:3; compare Deuteronomy 13:1-5.) With their full consent, such a false prophet would be expelled, disfellowshiped, from the Christian congregation. By such loyalty on the part of all members of the restored remnant, the “prophet” of falsehood would be made to pass out of their “land.”",Zechariah 13:3; compare Deuteronomy 13:1-5.,pm chap. 20 pp. 352-353 par. 20,,,joshlaymon,,7/25/2025
"“Remember Those Who Are Taking the Lead Among You” faithful and discreet slave, group of men","“Who really is the faithful and discreet slave?” With that question, Jesus Christ introduced a parable, or illustration, as part of “the sign” he gave regarding “the conclusion of the system of things.” (Matt. 24:3, 42-47) Jesus indicated that this faithful slave would be busy providing God’s people with spiritual food “at the proper time.” ","Just as Jesus used a group of men—rather than an individual—to take the lead in the first century, the faithful slave that Jesus uses during the conclusion of the system of things is not one man.","Matt. 24:3, 42-47",od chap. 3 p. 18 par. 3 ,,,joshlaymon,,7/25/2025
"How the Congregation Is Organized and Governed, not disorder, peace, speak in agreement, ","IN HIS first letter to the Corinthians, the apostle Paul expressed an important truth about God. Paul wrote: “God is a God not of disorder but of peace.” Then commenting further with regard to congregation meetings, he said: “Let all things take place decently and by arrangement.”—1 Cor. 14:33, 40. At the very beginning of the same letter, the apostle gave admonition concerning dissensions that existed within the Corinthian congregation. Paul exhorted the brothers there to “speak in agreement” and to be “completely united in the same mind and in the same line of thought.” (1 Cor. 1:10, 11) ","He then gave them counsel with regard to various matters that were affecting the unity of the congregation. Using the illustration of a human body, he showed the need for unity and cooperation. He urged all in the Christian congregation, regardless of their role, to care for one another in a loving way. (1 Cor. 12:12-26) Such harmonious cooperation among those in the congregation implies that it would be organized.","1 Cor. 12:12-26, 1 Cor. 14:33, 40. ",od chap. 4 p. 24 pars. 1-2 ,,,joshlaymon,,7/25/2025
"Maintaining the Peace and Cleanness of the Congregation, fraud, slander, reputation, ","Jesus outlined a specific procedure for solving serious problems that may arise between fellow Christians. Note the steps that he set out: “If your brother commits a sin, [1] go and reveal his fault between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother. But if he does not listen, [2] take along with you one or two more, so that on the testimony of two or three witnesses every matter may be established. If he does not listen to them, [3] speak to the congregation. If he does not listen even to the congregation, let him be to you just as a man of the nations and as a tax collector.”—Matt. 18:15-17.","In view of the illustration that Jesus subsequently gave, recorded at Matthew 18:23-35, it appears that one of the sins considered at Matthew 18:15-17 involves financial or property matters, such as failing to repay a loan or committing fraud. Or the offense might be slander, which seriously affects someone’s reputation.","Matt. 18:15-17. Matthew 18:23-35, ",od chap. 14 pp. 145-146 pars. 14-15,,,joshlaymon,,7/25/2025
"A United Brotherhood, concern, persecution, disaster, war, civil strife, ","As the apostle Paul illustrated for us, the congregation is not divided but all in it have mutual concern for one another. (1 Cor. 12:14-26) We may be separated by great distances from some of those in our worldwide brotherhood, but we are not less concerned about their welfare. ","If some of our brothers are being persecuted, the rest of us are greatly distressed. If some are in need or have become victims of disaster or war or civil strife, the rest are eager to find ways to render spiritual as well as material assistance.—2 Cor. 1:8-11.","1 Cor. 12:14-26, 2 Cor. 1:8-11. ",od chap. 16 pp. 165-166 par. 9 ,,,joshlaymon,,7/25/2025
"“He Learned Obedience” Jesus, learned obedience, soldier, iron sword, ","The Bible says something amazing about Jesus: “Although he was a son, he learned obedience from the things he suffered. And after he had been made perfect, he became responsible for everlasting salvation to all those obeying him.” (Hebrews 5:8, 9) This Son had existed for countless ages in heaven. He saw Satan and his fellow rebel angels disobey, but the firstborn Son never joined them. Inspired prophecy applied these words to him: “I was not rebellious.” (Isaiah 50:5) How, then, could the words “he learned obedience” apply to this perfectly obedient Son? How could such a perfect creature be “made perfect”?","Consider an illustration. A soldier has an iron sword. Although it has never been tested in battle, it is perfectly formed and well crafted. However, he trades that sword for one made of a stronger metal, hardened steel. This new sword has already served well in battle. Is that not a wise trade? Similarly, the obedience Jesus demonstrated before he came to the earth was flawless. But after his sojourn here, his obedience was of an altogether different quality. It was now tested, hardened, as it were, and proved by trials that Jesus could never have encountered in heaven.","Hebrews 5:8, 9, Isaiah 50:5, ",cf chap. 6 pp. 56-57 pars. 3-4 ,,,joshlaymon,,7/25/2025
"“He Learned Obedience” Integrity, devotion, endurance. Jesus, great mansion, bricks, ","Integrity, or wholehearted devotion to Jehovah, is expressed by obedience. Because Jesus obeyed, he preserved his integrity and benefited all mankind. (Romans 5:19) Jehovah richly rewarded Jesus. If we obey our Master, Christ, Jehovah will reward us as well. Obedience to Christ leads to “everlasting salvation”!—Hebrews 5:9.24 Further, integrity is a reward in itself. Proverbs 10:9 says: “The one walking in integrity will walk in security.”","Illustration: If integrity could be likened to a great mansion made of fine bricks, each act of obedience might be compared to an individual brick. A brick may seem insignificant, but each one has its place, its value. And when many are joined together, something of far greater worth is built up. When obedient acts are brought together, one added to the other, day after day and year after year, we build up the beautiful house of our integrity. A course of obedience that stretches over time brings to mind another quality—endurance. That aspect of Jesus’ example is the subject of the next chapter.","Romans 5:19, Proverbs 10:9, ",cf chap. 6 p. 65 pars. 23-25,,,joshlaymon,,7/25/2025
"“He Learned Obedience” Father, young son, ball out of bounds, ","Illustration: A FATHER looks out the window, watching his young son at play with some friends. Their ball bounces out of the yard and into the street. The boy looks longingly after it. One of his friends urges him to run out into the street to get it, but the boy shakes his head. “I’m not allowed to do that,” he says. The father smiles to himself.","Why is the father so pleased? Because he has instructed his son not to go out into the street alone. When the boy obeys—even though he does not know that his father is watching—the father knows that his son is learning obedience and is much safer as a result. That father feels as does our heavenly Father, Jehovah. God knows that if we are to remain faithful and live to see the wonderful future he has in store for us, we must learn to trust in him and obey him. (Proverbs 3:5, 6) To that end, he sent us the best of all human teachers.","Proverbs 3:5, 6, ",cf chap. 6 p. 56 pars. 1-2,,,joshlaymon,,7/25/2025
"“Consider Closely the One Who Has Endured” steadfastness, imprisoned, criminal, Christian, attitude, ","To endure, then, is not simply a matter of experiencing inescapable hardship. In the Biblical sense, endurance involves steadfastness, keeping the right mental attitude and a hopeful outlook in the face of trials. Consider an illustration: Two men are imprisoned in similar conditions but for very different reasons. One, a common criminal, begrudgingly serves his sentence with sad-faced compliance. The other, a true Christian imprisoned for his faithful course, stands his ground and keeps a positive attitude because he sees his situation as an opportunity to demonstrate his faith. ","The criminal can hardly be considered an example of endurance, whereas the loyal Christian exemplifies this sterling quality.—James 1:2-4.",James 1:2-4. ,cf chap. 7 p. 67 par. 5,,,joshlaymon,,7/25/2025
"“Consider Closely the One Who Has Endured” Hope, joy, prospects, ","Regardless of the trials we may face—whether ill health, the death of a loved one, or persecution from opposers—Jehovah will answer our fervent prayers for wisdom, courage, and strength to endure.—2 Corinthians 4:7-11; James 1:5. The second factor that enabled Jesus to endure is that he looked ahead, beyond the suffering to what lay before him. Of Jesus, the Bible says: “For the joy that was set before him he endured a torture stake.” (Hebrews 12:2) ","Jesus’ example illustrates how hope, joy, and endurance work together. This might be summed up as follows: Hope leads to joy, and joy to endurance. (Romans 15:13; Colossians 1:11) Jesus had marvelous prospects. He knew that faithfulness on his part would help to sanctify his Father’s name and enable him to repurchase the human family from sin and death. Jesus also had the hope of ruling as King and serving as High Priest, to bring further blessings to obedient humans. (Matthew 20:28; Hebrews 7:23-26) By focusing on the prospects and hope before him, Jesus found immeasurable joy, and that joy, in turn, helped him to endure.","2 Corinthians 4:7-11; James 1:5. Romans 15:13; Colossians 1:11, ",cf chap. 7 pp. 73-74 pars. 17-18 ,,,joshlaymon,,7/25/2025
"“For This I Was Sent” small city named Sychar, woman at the well, Samaritan woman, ","Jesus opens with an illustration, one taken from the woman’s daily life—indeed, from this very moment. She is here to draw water; Jesus speaks of life-giving water that will quench her spiritual thirst. Several times, she raises points that are potentially controversial. Jesus tactfully sidesteps such issues and keeps the conversation on track. ","He focuses on spiritual matters—pure worship and Jehovah God. His words have far-reaching effects, for the woman relays them to the men of the city, and they too want to listen to Jesus.—John 4:3-42.",John 4:3-42. ,cf chap. 8 pp. 77-79 par. 3 ,,,joshlaymon,,7/25/2025
"“For This I Was Sent” Jesus, master of the house, treasure store, both new and old, Samaritan woman, ",Let us consider how Jesus felt about the truths he taught; then we will discuss his attitude toward the people he taught. Jesus used a vivid illustration to show how he felt about sharing with others the truths Jehovah had taught him.,"He said: “Every public instructor who is taught about the Kingdom of the heavens is like a man, the master of the house, who brings out of his treasure store things both new and old.” (Matthew 13:52) Why does the householder in this illustration bring things out of his treasure store?","Matthew 13:52, ",cf chap. 8 pp. 79-80 par. 6 ,,,joshlaymon,,7/25/2025
"“For This I Was Sent” Samaritan woman, teacher, desk drawer, letters, old and new, from his father, ","The householder is not simply showing off his possessions, the way King Hezekiah of old once did—with painful consequences. (2 Kings 20:13-20) What does motivate the householder? Consider an illustration: You visit a favorite teacher in his home. He opens a desk drawer and pulls out a couple of letters—one of them yellowed with age, the other newer. They are letters that he received from his father—one of them decades ago when the teacher was but a boy, the other in recent times. ","His eyes gleam with pleasure as he tells you how much he values these letters and how the advice they contain has changed his life and could help you. The letters are clearly treasured by the teacher, holding a cherished place in his heart. (Luke 6:45) He shares them with you, not to boast or to profit in some way, but to benefit you and to convey to you a sense of their worth. The Great Teacher, Jesus, had similar motives in sharing God’s truths with others. To him, those truths were treasures beyond price. He loved them, and he was eager to share them. He wanted all his followers, “every public instructor,” to feel that way. Do we?","2 Kings 20:13-20, ",cf chap. 8 p. 80 pars. 7-8,,,joshlaymon,,7/25/2025
" “For This I Was Sent” teaching, God's Word, birds, animals, fish, agriculture, weather, ","When teaching people, Jesus drew on his superior knowledge of God’s Word as well as of birds, animals, fish, agriculture, weather, current events, history, and social conditions. At the same time, Jesus never showed off his knowledge in order to impress others. He kept his message simple and clear. No wonder people delighted to hear him speak!—Mark 12:37; Luke 19:48.","Christians today try to follow Jesus’ lead. We do not have his immense wisdom and knowledge, but all of us do have a measure of knowledge and experience from which to draw when we share with others the truths of God’s Word. Parents, for instance, may draw from their experience in raising children to illustrate Jehovah’s love for His children. Others may draw examples or illustrations from secular work, school, or their knowledge of people and current events. At the same time, we are careful not to let anything divert attention from our message—the good news of God’s Kingdom.—1 Timothy 4:16.",Mark 12:37; Luke 19:48.,cf chap. 8 pp. 83-84 pars. 14-15 ,,,joshlaymon,,7/25/2025
"“For This I Was Sent” urgent need, urgency, white for harvesting. ","Jesus treated the ministry as something urgent. Remember his conversation with the Samaritan woman at the well outside of Sychar. Jesus’ apostles apparently did not see in that situation an urgent need to share the good news with others. Jesus said to them: “Do you not say that there are yet four months before the harvest comes? Look! I say to you: Lift up your eyes and view the fields, that they are white for harvesting.”—John 4:35. Jesus drew that illustration from the season at hand. It was evidently the month of Chislev (November/ December). The barley harvest would not come for another four months, about the time of Passover, on Nisan 14. ","So farmers did not feel any urgency about the harvest just then. It was still a long way off. But what about the harvest of people? Ah, many were ready to hear, to learn, to become Christ’s disciples and gain the marvelous hope that Jehovah held out to them. It was as if Jesus could look out over those figurative fields and see that they were white with all the ripe grain swaying gently in the breeze, signaling their readiness to be harvested. The time was at hand, and the work was urgent! Consequently, when people of one city tried to keep Jesus with them, he replied: “I must also declare the good news of the Kingdom of God to other cities, because for this I was sent.”—Luke 4:43.",John 4:35. Luke 4:43. ,cf chap. 8 pp. 85-86 pars. 19-20 ,,,joshlaymon,,7/25/2025
"“Without an Illustration He Would Not Speak to Them” revealed truth, concealed, ","Jesus explained that he used illustrations to sift out those whose hearts had “grown unreceptive.” (Matthew 13:10-15; Isaiah 6:9, 10) What was it about his illustrations that exposed the motives of people? In some cases, he wanted his listeners to ask for an explanation in order to get the full meaning of his words. Humble individuals were willing to ask, whereas haughty or indifferent ones were not. (Matthew 13:36; Mark 4:34) Jesus’ illustrations, then, revealed truth to those whose hearts hungered for it; at the same time, his illustrations concealed truth from those with proud hearts.","Jesus’ illustrations served a number of other beneficial purposes. They aroused interest, compelling people to listen. They painted mental images that were easy to grasp. As noted at the outset, Jesus’ illustrations helped his listeners to remember his words. The Sermon on the Mount, as recorded at Matthew 5:3–7:27, is an outstanding example of Jesus’ generous use of word pictures. According to one count, this sermon contains over 50 figures of speech. To put that in perspective, keep in mind that this sermon can be read aloud in about 20 minutes. At that rate, a figure of speech is uttered, on average, nearly every 20 seconds! Clearly, Jesus saw the value of painting a picture with words!","Matthew 13:10-15; Isaiah 6:9, 10, ",cf chap. 12 pp. 119-120 pars. 5-6,,,joshlaymon,,7/25/2025
“Without an Illustration He Would Not Speak to Them” ,"As followers of Christ, we want to imitate his way of teaching, including his use of illustrations. Like the seasonings that make a meal more appetizing, effective illustrations can make our teaching more appealing to others. ",Well-thought-out word pictures can also make important truths easier to grasp. Let us now take a closer look at some of the factors that made Jesus’ illustrations so effective. Then we will be able to see how we can put this valuable teaching method to good use.,"Matthew 13:10-15; Isaiah 6:9, 10, ",cf chap. 12 p. 120 par. 7,,,joshlaymon,,7/25/2025
"“Without an Illustration He Would Not Speak to Them” simple, mental images, spiritual truths, ","In his teaching, Jesus often used comparisons that were uncomplicated, requiring just a few words. Yet, the simple words painted vivid mental images and clearly taught important spiritual truths. For example, when urging his disciples not to be anxious over daily needs, he pointed to “the birds of heaven” and “the lilies of the field.” ","The birds do not sow and reap, nor do the lilies spin and weave. Still, God cares for them. The point is easy to see—namely, that if God takes care of birds and flowers, surely he will look after humans who “keep . . . seeking first the Kingdom.”—Matthew 6:26, 28-33.","Matthew 6:26, 28-33.",cf chap. 12 p. 120 par. 8 ,,,joshlaymon,,7/25/2025
"metaphors,“ Without an Illustration He Would Not Speak to Them” ","Jesus also made generous use of metaphors, which are even more forceful comparisons. A metaphor refers to one thing as if it were another. Here, again, he kept the comparisons simple. On one occasion, he told his disciples: “You are the light of the world.” The disciples could hardly miss the point of the metaphor, namely, that through their words and deeds, they could let the light of spiritual truth shine and help others to give glory to God. (Matthew 5:14-16) ",Note some other metaphors used by Jesus: “You are the salt of the earth” and “I am the vine; you are the branches.” (Matthew 5:13; John 15:5) Such figures of speech are powerful in their simplicity.,"Matthew 5:14-16, Matthew 5:13; John 15:5, ",cf chap. 12 p. 120 par. 9 ,,,joshlaymon,,7/25/2025
“Without an Illustration He Would Not Speak to Them” ,"How can you use illustrations in your teaching? You do not have to come up with long, elaborate stories. Just try to think of simple comparisons. Imagine that you are discussing the subject of the resurrection and that you want to illustrate that raising the dead poses no problem for Jehovah. What comparison comes to mind? The Bible uses sleep as a metaphor for death. You might say, “God can resurrect the dead as easily as we can awaken someone from sleep.” (John 11:11-14) Suppose that you want to illustrate that children need love and affection if they are to thrive. What example could you use? ","The Bible uses this comparison: Children are “like shoots of an olive tree.” (Psalm 128:3) You could say, “Love and affection are to a child what sunshine and water are to a tree.” The simpler the comparison, the easier it will be for your listeners to get the point.","Psalm 128:3, John 11:11-14, ",cf chap. 12 p. 121 par. 10 ,,,joshlaymon,,7/25/2025
"“Large Crowds Approached Him” Reasonable, woman, daughter demon possessed, felt safe, help, ","Jesus was reasonable. When Jesus was in Tyre, a woman came to him because her daughter was “cruelly demon possessed.” In three different ways, Jesus indicated that he was not inclined to do what she wanted. First, he responded with silence; second, he gave her a reason why he should not do as she asked; third, he gave an illustration that made the point even clearer. Yet, was his manner cold, unyielding? Did he imply that she was on dangerous ground in daring to counter the words of so great a man? ","No, this woman clearly felt safe. She not only asked for help but persisted even in the face of his apparent unwillingness to help her. Jesus saw the remarkable faith that moved her to persist, and he healed her daughter. (Matthew 15:22-28) Surely Jesus’ reasonableness, his willingness to listen and to yield when appropriate, made people eager to approach him!",Matthew 15:22-28),cf chap. 14 p. 147 par. 18 ,,,joshlaymon,,7/26/2025
"Pure Worship, Jesus Christ blood, Animals, credit card maxed out, minimum payment, sin, debt, easy,","For example, Why did Jehovah ask them to offer animals as those animals really couldn't cover the sins. Well, perhaps we could use a modern day illustration. Most of us here have credit cards. That's one way that causes a problem if you feel pain. Just imagine that you have maxed out all your credit cards. Well, it's a very difficult situation to be in, isn't it? That's what mankind generally is like. We've had it explained in a program that sin was inherited and that as far as debt goes, it's very similar to sin. So, our debt before Jehovah is huge. It's just as if our credit card is maxed out.  What does the bank expect? They want that minimum payment, don't they? That way they know you're still alive. Are you still active now that minimum payments will never pay off the whole debt. ","It is just is a matter of you showing that you're still there active and trying to do something as in ancient Israel. Why then were sheep and goats and bulls satisfactory with regard to paying off this huge debt of sin? It was like a minimum payment, something they needed to do first of all to show their willingness and their acknowledgement of the sin. There was no way out of it because they couldn't under that arrangement pay off this huge debt. And that makes it a little easier for us to understand. Write that down. So, thinking about that, we see that Jehovah's arrangement is an arrangement where he makes it easy for us to worship him. Now, as we said, this arrangement is not based on the animals. This blood of Jesus Christ, the ransom that was paid for us, is just as if that huge debt, the balance of our credit card, has been paid off. So, what a beautiful arrangement for mankind, even though we're all sinful, to be able to offer pure worship to Jehovah. ",John 3:16; Genesis 22:2; John 6:40; ,"Jeffrey Jackson - GB Pure Worship Regional Convention, ",Remain in Jehovah's Great Spiritual Temple,,joshlaymon,,7/27/2025
"Associations, maturity, ",If you saw your friend starting down the wrong path. Would you sort of draw back from him? In the same way Jehovah draws away from those being disobedient. ,"Sometimes even with friends in the truth we must be on guard. One of my best friends loved being together but we were young and we always got in trouble. We were okay while associating with others, but not good with each other. We are both in the truth, with mature thinking and both are doing fine. ",Proverbs 13:20; ,Deano Brushi ,Chose Your Associates Wisely ,116,bl,,7/27/2025
"Pure Worship, Jesus Christ blood, Animals, credit card maxed out, minimum payment, sin, debt, easy,","Jesus has offered the sacrifice, yes, but let's go back to the illustration about your credit card that's maxed out. How would you feel if a wealthy brother came along and he paid off all your debt? That would be great. What a wonderful feeling. But not only that. He says I know you're going to keep on using that credit card, so, every month I'm going to pay the balance. Ohh. Life is great. But then he might say. But do what you can. Paying what's left of them, so each month you try and pay what you can. That would be an opportunity for you to show you appreciate what he's doing for you, wouldn't it? And isn't that really what Jehovah's saying? Because, you see, if we pay the minimum payment just like the Israelites did, we'll never be able to get rid of that burden of sin. ","And then Jesus is doing that for us, and we can't do anything that's going to take away our sins, but we can show appreciation by at least doing something. And that's why the Bible says we still have an opportunity to give up some things or to offer up things to Jehovah. And we're offering the sacrifice that means it costs us something. We have to go out of our comfort zone and spend some energy or material assets or full go doing things that aren't necessarily wrong in themselves. So what can we offer up? Well, let's turn back to the book of Hebrews 10:21-25;",Hebrews 10:21-25; ,"Jeffrey Jackson - GB Pure Worship Regional Convention, ",Remain in Jehovah's Great Spiritual Temple,,joshlaymon,,7/27/2025
"Pure Worship, Jesus Christ blood, Holy, Standards, 24 Karat gold, silver, clean clothes, reasonable, ","The standards of the world are plummeting, aren't they? Sometimes you wonder if there's any standards in the world today because it seems everything is accepted. But what does the Bible tell us about the God we worship? Well, let's look at 1 Peter 1:14-16; It tells us as obedient children stopped being molded by the desires you formally had in your ignorance. But be like the Holy One who calls you. Become holy to yourselves in all your conduct. For it is written, you must be holy because. I am holy. Jehovah expects us to be wholly or clean or pure in his sight. No, that's the most discouraging thing I've learned today. Because we're all imperfect. But let's use a couple of illustrations. ","First of all, just imagine. And probably we can't imagine this, but you buy some pure gold 24 karats. Then you find out it's only 99.999% pure gold. It's not really 100% pure gold. So, if you take that back and say, I want my money back. I wanna assume this is false advertising. Person would say instead of impossible these days to make 100% pure gold. Be reasonable. This is what's accepted. 100%, but we still call it, call it pure gold. The same is true with regard to silver, another illustration perhaps that's more relatable. We send your clothes to the dry cleaning, and they come back and you see they look clean. But now you get out that magnifying glass and you are looking into the molecular structure. Then you go back to the dry cleaners, and you say I want my money back. There was just some dirt still left there. What would they say?  Is that reasonable?  That's not reasonable. Does Jehovah expect you to be less reasonable than what he expects. Of course not. So, Jehovah expects us to do what we can do,",1 Peter 1:14-16;,"Jeffrey Jackson - GB Pure Worship Regional Convention, ",Remain in Jehovah's Great Spiritual Temple,,joshlaymon,,7/27/2025
"Sexual immorality, focus on good things, Holy, Standards, garbage dump, sexual immorality, disease, ","From sexual immorality you see around the world today, it's like a disease rampant spreading everywhere, sexual immorality. So, what do we need to God, God have eyes so that our eyes are not looking at things that stimulate wrong design. Online, we have to make sure that our mind is focused on good things, positive things, not on things that would lead to sexual immorality. As one brother said once, you don't go to the garbage dump looking for food because you think there's bigger variety there than in the shop. You don't do that. So likewise, we have to be careful what we're looking at because that can stimulate wrong thinking, wrong desires, and end up in the wrong action. ","And of course, we also have to guard against something else. If you turn with me, please, to the book of Proverbs. Proverbs 13:20. It tells us the one walking with the wise will become wise, but the one who has dealings with the stupid in fear badly. Yes. Our social relations can affect us kind of thing. As it was said once, if you're in the same car or vehicle with a whole bunch of other people and you're going in the same direction, hello, you gonna end up at the same location. One Brother said once? You know the old saying one rotten apple can spoil the whole barrel. What about how long it takes for one good apple that's thrown into a barrel of rotten apples? So love faster? That's the first thing that we have to be determined to do so that we remain in the great spiritual temple to do our best to uphold Jehovah's standards.",Proverbs 13:20. Ephesians 4:29; ,"Jeffrey Jackson - GB Pure Worship Regional Convention, ","Remain in Jehovah's Great Spiritual Temple,",,joshlaymon,,7/27/2025
"“Continue Following Me” babysitter. Christendom, She has left people spiritually starved, confused by falsehoods","A father and mother need to go on a trip. They cannot take their children along, so they hire a babysitter. Their instructions to her are simple: “Take care of our children. Feed them, make sure they are clean, and keep them from harm.” When the parents return, though, they are shocked to see that their children are famished. They are dirty, sickly, and miserable. They are crying for the babysitter’s attention, but their cries go unheeded. Why? She is up on a ladder, washing the windows. Furious, the parents demand an explanation. The sitter replies: “Look at all that I did! Aren’t the windows clean? I made repairs to the house too, all for you!” Would the parents feel better? Hardly! They never asked her to do those jobs; they just wanted their children cared for. Her refusal to heed their instructions would infuriate them.","Christendom has acted like that babysitter. Jesus left instructions with his representatives to feed people spiritually by teaching them the truth of God’s Word and helping them to be spiritually clean. (John 21:15-17) Yet, Christendom has dismally failed to obey his direction. She has left people spiritually starved, confused by falsehoods and ignorant of basic Bible truths. (Isaiah 65:13; Amos 8:11) Even her attempts to better this world can hardly excuse her willful disobedience. After all, this world system is like a house that is slated for demolition! God’s Word makes it clear that Satan’s world system is soon to be destroyed.—1 John 2:15-17.","Isaiah 65:13; Amos 8:11, John 21:15-17, ",cf chap. 18 pp. 186-187 pars. 12-13,,,joshlaymon,,7/27/2025
Preparing Discourses for the Public ,"Illustration. The purpose of illustrations is to take your audience to a deeper level of understanding or to help them remember a point or principle you have discussed. Illustrations help people take what you have told them and relate it to something they already know. This is what Jesus did when he gave his famous Sermon on the Mount. “Birds of heaven,” “lilies of the field,” a “narrow gate,” a “house upon the rock-mass,” and many such expressions made his teaching emphatic, clear, and unforgettable.—Matt., chaps. 5–7.","Application. Explaining and illustrating a scripture will impart knowledge, but applying that knowledge is what brings results. True, it is the responsibility of those in your audience to act on the Bible’s message, but you can help them discern what needs to be done. Once you are confident that your audience understands the verse under discussion and sees its relevance to the point being made, take time to show them its impact on belief and conduct. Highlight the benefits of relinquishing wrong ideas or conduct that is inconsistent with the truth under discussion.","Matt., chaps. 5–7.",be p. 53 pars. 4-5 ,,,joshlaymon,,7/27/2025
"Modulation, presentation is dragging. ","Suppose that in the middle of your talk, you feel the need for greater variety because your presentation is dragging. What then? Change the nature of your material. How? One way is to open the Bible, invite the audience to open theirs, and read a scripture instead of simply talking. Or convert some statement into a question, adding a pause for emphasis. Insert a simple illustration. These are techniques used by experienced speakers. But regardless of the extent of your experience, you can use the same ideas when preparing your material.","It can be said that modulation is the spice in a talk. If the right kind is used and in the right amount, it will draw out the full flavor of your material and make it a delight to your audience.",,be study 9 p. 114 pars. 2-3,,,joshlaymon,,7/27/2025
"Modulation, pitch, pace, power, musical instrument, ","Vary Your Pitch. Imagine someone playing a musical instrument for an hour or so. During all that time, he sounds just one note—first loudly, then softly, at times quickly, then slowly. There is variation in volume and in pace, but with no variation of pitch, the “music” is not very appealing. Similarly, without variety in pitch, our voice will not be pleasant to the ears.","It must be noted that changes in pitch do not have the same effect in all languages. In a tonal language, such as Chinese, changing the pitch may change the meaning of a word. Nevertheless, even in such a language, there are things that a person can do to add greater variety to his vocal expressions. He can work at improving the range of his voice while retaining the same relative values for the various tones. Thus he can make the high tones higher and the low tones lower.",,be study 9 p. 113 pars. 1-4,,,joshlaymon,,7/27/2025
"Conquer Fear by Trusting in Jehovah, future, paradise, 2 Timothy 3:1-5 modified, afraid, meditate on our hope, ","When you feel afraid, meditate on what Jehovah will do in the future. Think about how you will feel when Satan is gone, when wicked people are replaced by righteous people, and when imperfection fades away a little more each day. A demonstration on the 2014 regional convention program depicted how we might meditate on our hope. A father discussed with his family how 2 Timothy 3:1-5 might be worded differently if those verses foretold what it would be like in Paradise: ","“In the new world the happiest of times will be here. For men will be lovers of others, lovers of spiritual treasures, modest, humble, praisers of God, obedient to parents, thankful, loyal, having great affection for their families, open to agreement, always speaking well of others, self-controlled, mild, lovers of goodness, trustworthy, yielding, lowly in mind, lovers of God rather than lovers of pleasures, motivated by genuine godly devotion; and to these people stick closely.” Do you discuss with your family or fellow believers what life will be like in the new world?","2 Timothy 3:1-5, ",w24 January p. 6 par. 14,,,joshlaymon,,7/29/2025
"Illustrations From Familiar Situations, mending clothes, carrying on business, losing something precious,","IT IS important, of course, that whatever illustrations you use fit the material you are discussing. For them to be most effective, however, it is equally important that they fit your audience. How might the type of audience influence your selection of illustrations for speaking to a group? What did Jesus Christ do? Whether he was speaking to the crowds or to his disciples, Jesus did not take his examples from ways of life unique to lands outside of Israel. Such examples would have been unfamiliar to his audience. For instance, Jesus made no mention of the court life of Egypt or the religious practices of India. Still, his illustrations did draw on activities common to people in all lands. He spoke of mending clothes, carrying on business, losing something precious, and attending marriage feasts. ","He understood how people react under various circumstances, and he made use of this. (Mark 2:21; Luke 14:7-11; 15:8, 9; 19:15-23) Since his public preaching was directed particularly to the people of Israel, Jesus’ illustrations most frequently alluded to objects and activities that were part of their daily lives. Thus, he referred to such things as farming, the way sheep respond to their shepherd, and the use of animal skins to store wine. (Mark 2:22; 4:2-9; John 10:1-5) He also pointed to familiar historical examples—the creation of the first human couple, the Flood of Noah’s day, the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, the death of Lot’s wife, to mention a few. (Matt. 10:15; 19:4-6; 24:37-39; Luke 17:32) Do you similarly consider carefully the activities common to your audience and their cultural background when selecting illustrations?","Mark 2:21; Luke 14:7-11; 15:8, 9; 19:15-23, ",be study 46 p. 244 pars. 1-2,,,joshlaymon,,7/29/2025
"Illustrations From Familiar Situations,","Whereas Jesus directed attention to “the lost sheep of the house of Israel,” the apostle Paul was sent not only to Israel but also to the Gentile nations. (Matt. 15:24; Acts 9:15) Did this make a difference in the way Paul spoke? Yes. When writing to Christians in Corinth, he referred to foot races, mentioned the practice of eating meals in idol temples, and alluded to the triumphal processions, things with which those Gentiles would be acquainted.—1 Cor. 8:1-10; 9:24, 25; 2 Cor. 2:14-16.","Are you as careful as Jesus and Paul were in selecting illustrations and examples to use in your teaching? Do you consider the background and the daily activity of your listeners? Of course, there have been changes in the world since the first century. Many people have access to world news by means of television. Situations in foreign lands are often familiar to them. Where that is the case, it certainly is not amiss to draw on such news items for illustrations. Nevertheless, the things that touch people most deeply usually involve their personal lives—their home, their family, their work, the food they eat, the weather in their area.","Matt. 15:24; Acts 9:15, ",be study 46 p. 245 pars. 1-2,,,joshlaymon,,7/29/2025
"Reasoning Manner, Ask Questions. ","Ask Questions. Jesus set an outstanding example in reasoning with people. He took into account their background and used illustrations that they would readily accept. He also made effective use of questions. This gave others opportunity to express themselves and revealed what was in their hearts. It also encouraged them to reason on the matter being considered. A man versed in the Law asked Jesus: “Teacher, by doing what shall I inherit everlasting life?” Jesus could easily have given him the answer. But he invited the man to express himself. “What is written in the Law? How do you read?” The man answered correctly. Did his giving a correct answer end that discussion? Not at all. Jesus let the man continue, and a question that the man himself asked indicated that he was trying to prove himself righteous. ","He asked: “Who really is my neighbor?” Rather than give a definition, which the man might have disputed because of the prevailing Jewish attitude toward Gentiles and Samaritans, Jesus invited him to reason on an illustration. It was about a neighborly Samaritan who came to the aid of a traveler that had been robbed and beaten, whereas a priest and a Levite did not. With a simple question, Jesus made sure that the man got the point. Jesus’ manner of reasoning made the expression “neighbor” take on a meaning that this man had never before discerned. (Luke 10:25-37) What a fine example to imitate! Instead of doing all the talking yourself, in effect, thinking for your householder, learn how to use tactful questions and illustrations to encourage your listener to think.","Luke 10:25-37, ",be study 48 p. 253 pars. 3-4,,,joshlaymon,,7/29/2025
"Reasoning Manner, Give Reasons. ","Give Reasons. When the apostle Paul spoke in the synagogue in Thessalonica, he did more than read from an authority that his audience accepted. Luke reports that Paul explained, proved, and made application of what he read. As a result, “some of them became believers and associated themselves with Paul and Silas.”—Acts 17:1-4.Regardless of who may be in your audience, such a reasoning approach can be beneficial. That is true when you witness to relatives, speak to workmates or schoolmates, talk to strangers in your public witnessing, conduct a Bible study, or give a talk in the congregation. ","When you read a scripture, the meaning may be plain to you but perhaps not so to someone else. Your explanation or your application may sound like dogmatic assertion. Would isolating and explaining certain key expressions in the scripture help? Could you present supporting evidence, possibly from the context or from another scripture that deals with the subject? Might an illustration demonstrate the reasonableness of what you have said? Would questions help your audience to reason on the matter? Such a reasoning approach leaves a favorable impression and gives others much to think about.",Acts 17:1-4. ,be study 48 p. 254 pars. 1-2 ,,,joshlaymon,,7/29/2025
"The Message We Must Proclaim, ","Making Known God’s Name. Do not fail to identify the true God by name. Jehovah loves his name. (Ex. 3:15; Isa. 42:8) He wants people to know that name. He caused his illustrious name to be included in the Bible more than 7,000 times. It is our responsibility to acquaint people with it.—Deut. 4:35.The future life prospects of all humankind depend on their knowing Jehovah and calling on him in faith. (Joel 2:32; Mal. 3:16; 2 Thess. 1:8) Yet, most people do not know Jehovah. That includes large numbers who profess to worship the God of the Bible. ","Even if they have a Bible and read it, they still may not know God’s personal name because it has been removed from many modern translations. The only acquaintance that some people have with the name Jehovah is that their religious leaders have told them not to use it.","Ex. 3:15; Isa. 42:8, Deut. 4:35, ",be p. 273 pars. 2-3 ,,,joshlaymon,,7/29/2025
"A Transformed Messiah with Whom Politicians Must Cope, 144,000, ","That the “ideal Israel” is, in fact, the spiritual Israel is illustrated further in Revelation 21:2, 9-14. There the twelve tribes of Israel, composed of the 144,000 sealed “slaves of our God,” are likened to the New Jerusalem, “the bride, the Lamb’s wife.” Concerning this heavenly, spiritual New Jerusalem, it is written: “He showed me the holy city Jerusalem coming down out of heaven from God and having the glory of God. Its radiance was like a most precious stone, as a jasper stone shining crystal-clear. ","It had a great and lofty wall and had twelve gates, and at the gates twelve angels, and names were inscribed which are those of the twelve tribes of the sons of Israel. On the east were three gates, and on the north three gates, and on the south three gates, and on the west three gates. The wall of the city also had twelve foundation stones, and on them the twelve names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.”","Revelation 21:2, 9-14.",sl chap. 3 pp. 34-35 par. 12,,,joshlaymon,,7/29/2025
"The Tested Integrity of the “Servant” Rewarded, Jesus, Job, reward greater, ","We rejoice that the tested integrity of the faithful “Servant,” Jesus Christ, has been so worthily rewarded, with higher rank and greater responsibility in Jehovah’s universal organization. As an illustration of this in advance, for unbreakably maintaining his integrity the patient Job of ancient times was rewarded with double the amount he had had before his severe test. (Job 42:10) ","Vastly more was involved in the testing of Jesus Christ on earth and in the keeping of his integrity, and properly his reward was far greater. Just as certainly as he was faithful under so severe a test of his integrity when on earth, he will be fully faithful in the discharge of his grander responsibilities now at this critical time and in all the future.—Luke 16:10.","Job 42:10, Luke 16:10, ",sl chap. 5 p. 89 par. 60 ,,,joshlaymon,,7/29/2025
"The Tested Integrity of the “Servant” Rewarded, Scapegoat, innocent person, blame for others, ‘the goat for Azazel. ","IT IS not an easy thing to suffer as a scapegoat and at the same time maintain one’s integrity toward the God of Justice. An individual who serves as a scapegoat is an innocent person and yet he is made to bear the blame for others or to suffer in the place of them. The test of one’s integrity in such a position is not made any lighter when one has to bear the blame and suffer even to the death for the whole world of mankind. As one inspired writer presented the case: “For hardly will anyone die for a righteous man; indeed, for the good man, perhaps, someone even dares to die.”—Romans 5:7.","And yet, as early as the sixteenth century before our Common Era, it was revealed for the first time that someone would serve as a scapegoat for the entire race of mankind. In the code of laws that was given to the nation of Israel through Moses at Mount Sinai in 1513 B.C.E., Jehovah God made provision for the Israelites to hold a solemn Day of Atonement on the tenth day of the seventh lunar month (Tishri) each year. In connection with the atonement for sins that was made through the blood of a bull and a goat, which was taken into the Most Holy of the tabernacle and sprinkled before the golden ark of God’s covenant, there was a goat that was made a scapegoat. How this goat was determined upon and what was done with it is described for us in chapter sixteen of the third book of Moses, in the following way:","Romans 5:7. Leviticus 16:5-10, 20-22, Isaiah 53:4, 5. ",sl chap. 5 p. 64 pars. 1-2 ,,,joshlaymon,,7/29/2025
"The Tested Integrity of the “Servant” Rewarded, seeking to touch him, power was going out, outflow of vitality, body, ","""‘He himself took our sicknesses and carried our diseases.’”—Isaiah 53:4. Just how much this performance of miraculous cures drew upon Jesus’ vitality, we cannot say. But it is written, at Luke 6:18, 19: “Even those troubled with unclean spirits were cured. And all the crowd were seeking to touch him, because power was going out of him and healing them all.” That Jesus was sensitive to this outflow of vitality from his body, in the case of even one cure, is evident from this instance recorded in Luke 8:42-48: “As he was going the crowds thronged him. And a woman, subject to a flow of blood for twelve years, who had not been able to get a cure from anyone, approached from behind and touched the fringe of his outer garment, and instantly her flow of blood stopped.","So Jesus said: ‘Who was it that touched me?’ When they were all denying it, Peter said: ‘Instructor, the crowds are hemming you in and closely pressing you.’ Yet Jesus said: ‘Someone touched me, for I perceived that power went out of me.’ Seeing that she had not escaped notice, the woman came trembling and fell down before him and disclosed before all the people the cause for which she touched him and how she was healed instantly. But he said to her: ‘Daughter, your faith has made you well; go your way in peace.’”—Compare Mark 5:25-34.",Isaiah 53:4. Mark 5:25-34. , sl chap. 5 pp. 66-67 pars. 6-7,,,joshlaymon,,7/29/2025
"No Harming nor Ruining in the Spiritual Paradise, wolf, leopard, the lion, cobra, no harm, innocent children, ","This educational work along with its transforming effects is referred to in the further part of Isaiah’s prophecy, in these words: “They will not do any harm or cause any ruin in all my holy mountain; because the earth will certainly be filled with the knowledge of Jehovah as the waters are covering the very sea.” (Isaiah 11:9) The pronoun “they” in this verse may refer to the wild animals that were just referred to in the preceding three verses. Those verses described the wolf, the leopard, the lion, the bear, the cobra, the poisonous snake as doing no harm either to domesticated animals or to innocent children.","However, here these potentially harmful animals must be used as illustrations in the prophecy, for such animals could not be mentally affected by the filling of the earth with the knowledge of Jehovah. So the real application of the pronoun “they” is to the residents of God’s spiritual paradise for his restored remnant of spiritual Israel on earth. These intelligent God-fearing persons are the ones that would be transformed in their dispositions and pursuits by receiving the “knowledge of Jehovah.”","Isaiah 11:9, ",sl chap. 11 pp. 191-192 pars. 21-22 ,,,joshlaymon,,7/29/2025
"An Enemy of Everlasting Life, Devil, Satan, thief, desire, ","The time came, however, when one of these spirit sons of God made himself the Devil, that is, a hateful liar who speaks bad things about another. He also made himself Satan, that is, an opposer of God. He was not created that way, but later became that kind of person. To illustrate: A thief is not born a thief. He may have come from a good family, having honest parents and law-abiding brothers and sisters. But his own desire for what money can buy is what may have caused him to become a thief. How, then, did one of God’s spirit sons make himself Satan the Devil?","The angel that became the Devil was present when God created the earth and later the first human couple, Adam and Eve. (Job 38:4, 7) So he would have heard God tell them to have children. (Genesis 1:27, 28) He knew that after a while the whole earth would be filled with righteous people worshiping God. That was God’s purpose. However, this angel thought a great deal of his own beauty and intelligence and wanted to receive for himself the worship that would be given to God. (Ezekiel 28:13-15; Matthew 4:10) Instead of putting this wrong desire out of his mind, he kept thinking about it. This led to his taking action to obtain the honor and importance he desired. What did he do?—James 1:14, 15.","Job 38:4, 7, Genesis 1:27, 28, Ezekiel 28:13-15; Matthew 4:10",pe chap. 2 pp. 18-20 pars. 10-11,,,joshlaymon,,7/29/2025
"God—The Generous Householder, paradise, vacation, welcome, well stocked pantry, light, power source, ","SUPPOSE that you are traveling, looking for a suitable place to spend a vacation. After going a considerable distance in an isolated region, you come across a beautiful garden. You see a house and approach it to ask about accommodations. To your surprise a sign on the door reads: ‘Welcome. Make yourself at home’! On entering the house, you find that it has everything desirable for comfortable living—water, heating, lights, plus a well-stocked pantry with a sign, ‘Help yourself.’ What would your reaction be? Would you say, ‘This is unbelievable! What a kind, generous person the owner of this house must be!’?","Really, this illustration fits man’s position in relationship to the Maker of the earth, God. Consider how the Creator, like a generous householder, has provided for those who have come to inhabit this planetary “home,” the earth: A fine home has a light, usually in the ceiling, and a soft night-light so that its inhabitants are not in utter darkness all night. The earth has the sun for its primary light source, and the soft light of the moon to ‘dominate the night.’—Genesis 1:14-18. A house has a power source for heating, operating appliances, and so forth. Earth has the sun. Not only does the sun bathe earth with energy that can be harnessed by man and by plant life, but its action over the centuries has provided an enormous supply of fuel, particularly fossil fuels such as coal and oil. These are stored, just as in a well-provisioned home, in earth’s “cellar” for use when needed.",Genesis 1:14-18. , lp chap. 2 pp. 17-18 pars. 1-4,,,joshlaymon,,7/29/2025
"Why Has God Allowed Suffering on Earth? population, human race, Noah, three sons, God's family, ","SCIENTIFIC evidence and the Bible testify that all humans sprang from one original pair. Then, after the Flood, three main branches of the human family were formed from the offspring of the three sons of Noah.—Genesis 3:20; 9:18, 19. The apostle Paul said: “[God] made out of one man every nation of men, to dwell upon the entire surface of the earth.” (Acts 17:26) This man Adam and his wife, Eve, were created perfect, as are all God’s works.—Deuteronomy 32:4; Genesis 2:18, 21-23.","Adam was a son of God, a full-fledged member of God’s family, made only a little lower than angels. (Luke 3:38) Angels are spirit creatures greater in power and ability than humans. (2 Peter 2:11) But nowhere does the Bible state that the angels have greater moral capacity. When Jesus Christ was on earth as a man, born of a woman, his moral integrity was equal to that of anyone in God’s universal family in heaven and on earth.—Psalm 8:4, 5; Hebrews 2:6-9; 7:26.","Genesis 3:20; 9:18, 19. Deuteronomy 32:4; Genesis 2:18, 21-23.",lp chap. 5 p. 48 pars. 1-3,,,joshlaymon,,7/29/2025
God Comes to Mankind’s Rescue ,"We could illustrate, from everyday life, the reasonableness and legality of God’s dealings. Say that a man, a householder, has an upright, clean, obedient family. He knows of a young man in jail, with a large fine against him, for some wrong that he has done. This young man has been in bad company and has learned bad ways. However, the man believes that he can help the prisoner and eventually rehabilitate him. In justice to himself and his clean, respectable family, he cannot bring him immediately into his home and make his family associate with the young man in this condition. What, then, can he do to help?","The man could get a friend to pay the fine that would release the court’s judgment against the prisoner and get the court to give him custody. After proper training and discipline of the young man the friend could turn him over to the householder in a condition of rehabilitation, so that he could be accepted as a clean, respectable member of the household. Thus all legal requirements would be fully met. The householder would have been completely just and righteous in his dealings, and mercy would have been shown to the young man. Romans 3:23-26. ",Romans 3:23-26. , lp chap. 6 pp. 69-70 pars. 11-13 ,,,joshlaymon,,7/29/2025
"God Comes to Mankind’s Rescue, no other way, co-worker, universe, challenger, Jesus, limelight, ","JEHOVAH GOD, in harmony with the dignity of his universal rulership, works out seemingly impossible problems in a marvelous way. And after seeing the outcome, we say, ‘It just couldn’t have been done in any other way and have been so thorough, righteous and altogether good.’ (See Isaiah 55:9.) So, as the Bible shows, at the very time that the challenge to the rightness of his rule was made, God revealed that he would come to the rescue of the human race when he announced: “He [the seed] will bruise you [Satan] in the head.” (Genesis 3:15) As time went on, God would let men see the outworking of his purpose.Who particularly would be designated by God to be the “seed,” eventually to crush Satan’s head? ","Jehovah’s only-begotten Son! He was chosen as the one to serve for the primary settlement of the issue regarding the worthiness and righteousness of Jehovah’s rulership or sovereignty. Why this great one who was so close to Jehovah’s heart? Well, when Satan made his challenge it called into question the loyalty of all persons in the universe, right up to this Son of God. More than that, the question of loyalty would focus more on him than on any other one of God’s creatures, because he was the chief Son of Jehovah, next to Him in the universe. He had been coworker with God in making the universe. (Colossians 1:15-17) A challenger of God could say, ‘Of all the creatures who would be faithful in serving God, he should be.’ So Satan’s challenge brought this mighty Son of God into the limelight.","Colossians 1:15-17)Isaiah 55:9, ",lp chap. 6 pp. 65-66 pars. 1-2 ,,,joshlaymon,,7/29/2025
"The Source and Sustainer of Life, body parts wear out, cell replacement, full efficiency, healthy repair, cells, ","While cells and tissues in living bodies suffer wear, and some cells die, life tends to reverse the “running-down” process. Living things make highly organized, complex compounds out of more simple ones. If the life-force could be kept operating at full efficiency, worn tissues would continually be replaced or repaired. Old age would not set in, and the person would never die. Only the Creator can accomplish this in humans. He promises everlasting life to obedient men and women. All the earth’s cycles—among them the birth and death of plant and animal life—are actually arranged primarily for mankind’s ultimate benefit.","The Bible record reveals that humans were made to live much longer than animals. The early offspring of Adam, being near to perfection, lived as long as 969 years. This illustrates the fact that cell-replacement continued for all those years, and the cells of the central nervous system (which scientists say can be repaired but not replaced) were maintained in healthy repair during centuries of living. (Genesis 5:27; see also verses 5-31; 9:29.) The short-lived generations of today are, of course, far removed from that time, with sin and imperfection multiplying during the thousands of years since. The human race has deteriorated, but God can infuse power into those who look to him, so that they may live to time indefinite.—Isaiah 40:29-31.",Isaiah 40:29-31. Genesis 5:27,lp chap. 7 pp. 84-85 pars. 20-21,,,joshlaymon,,7/29/2025
"The Source and Sustainer of Life, keep them alive, endless, health, happiness, earth, forever, ","HAVING arranged the way for men and women to get free from sin and imperfection, can Jehovah God thereafter keep them alive? Is there real assurance that a person who makes Jehovah his God can live an endless life in health and happiness? Because of God’s ability to create he would certainly have the ability to sustain the earth itself. If necessary, he could constantly renew the power of the sun. As for the earth, he has made it a self-sustaining “spaceship,” “recycling” its wastes and ever renewing its face. Forests and streams, if left to themselves, in a short time refresh themselves and erase any damage caused by ruinous works of man.","What about humans on earth? King Solomon, a great observer of life, said: “A generation is going, and a generation is coming; but the earth is standing even to time indefinite.” (Ecclesiastes 1:4; 1 Corinthians 7:31) Solomon was not saying that it would always be this way with human generations. He was talking about the vanity of life as it is in the present system of things, with “king” death ruling. If you read the book of Ecclesiastes, you will note that Solomon was giving wise counsel as to living during this time. He was basically saying that we should not put our hope in the present world system, its material things and its ways.","Ecclesiastes 1:4; 1 Corinthians 7:31, ",lp chap. 7 pp. 77-78 pars. 1-3 ,,,joshlaymon,,7/29/2025
"Universal Law Reveals Purpose in Life, works of the flesh, reap corruption, view to the spirit, everlasting life, ","The moral laws are as stable and as certain in their outworking as are the laws governing inanimate or unintelligent things. One who breaks the moral laws cannot ‘get away with it.’ These regulations are just as sure of being carried out as is the law of gravity, though the retribution for breaking them is not always so sudden. The Bible expresses the principle with regard to moral laws in this way: “God is not one to be mocked. For whatever a man is sowing, this he will also reap; because he who is sowing with a view to his flesh will reap corruption from his flesh, but he who is sowing with a view to the spirit will reap everlasting life from the spirit.”—Galatians 6:7, 8.","By “flesh” the apostle meant the desires of the imperfect fleshly body. (Ephesians 2:3) By “spirit” he meant the spirit or active force of God that serves to guide His servants in a wholesome way. Paul illustrates the operation of these forces at Galatians 5:19-23: “Now the works of the flesh are manifest, and they are fornication, uncleanness, loose conduct, idolatry, practice of spiritism, enmities, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, contentions, divisions, sects, envies, drunken bouts, revelries, and things like these. . . . On the other hand, the fruitage of the spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering, kindness, goodness, faith, mildness, self-control. Against such things there is no law.”","Galatians 6:7, 8. Ephesians 2:3, ", lp chap. 9 pp. 102-103 pars. 11-14 ,,,joshlaymon,,7/29/2025
"Universal Law Reveals Purpose in Life, physical laws are also constant, stable. ","PEOPLE, both young and old, often incline to look upon any control of their lives as undesirable. But does resentment or resistance to any regulation of our actions really lead to happiness? Or, instead, can our enjoyment of personal freedom actually be enhanced by our submitting to certain regulations, and working in willing harmony with them—particularly those established by our Creator? The benefits of laws to our enjoyment of life can be seen in certain guiding or binding forces in the universe, often called “laws.” One of these is the law of gravity. Such laws governing physical things are inescapable. We cannot ignore them or cancel them out. We cannot violate them with impunity. ","The penalty for violating such laws is usually executed immediately, as when, for example, someone jumps from a tall building. The physical laws are also constant, stable. If we could not predict how they would act from day to day, we could get very little work done. If we could not count on the sun’s rising every day or rely on the seasons following one another in a certain order, we could tend to lose our sanity. Without constancy in the natural laws, living would be extremely difficult.",Acts 17:27. , lp chap. 9 pp. 98-99 pars. 1-3 ,,,joshlaymon,,7/29/2025
"You Can Know God’s Purpose, events, recorded, guidance, real people, hardships, joys, courage, faith, truth, ","We must keep in mind that the Bible contains, not only God’s counsel, but also history and accounts of individual lives of those serving God and those not serving him. We see the outcome of their lives. The Bible gives us an account of God’s dealings with humankind, so that we know how he feels about certain matters. (Romans 15:4) Out of the thousands of events of history, God chose certain events to be recorded, to illustrate principles. Some events were prophetic. (Galatians 4:24) Some were examples taken from real life that serve for our guidance today.—1 Corinthians 10:11.","Since we have and need these accounts for proper guidance, is it not good that they were written by real people, about real people, often themselves? And they were very honest and candid, not hiding their mistakes and sins. Does it not reach the heart to read about the experiences, hardships, joys, courage and faith of real people? Such things appeal to the heart and to the conscience far better than would a book of rules. You can picture in your mind the events recorded in the Bible as occurring; in fact, you can even identify yourself personally with them. When we read the real-life experiences of Moses, David, Jeremiah and Paul, do we not have a warm feeling? And these accounts have the ring of truth. Are you not moved because of the reality and forcefulness of these written accounts?—Compare Jeremiah 20:8-11; Acts 23:12-24.","Romans 15:4, Galatians 4:24",lp chap. 11 pp. 121-122 pars. 9-10 ,,,joshlaymon,,7/29/2025
"You Can Know God’s Purpose. Bible, Truth, purpose, set you free, prophecies, inspiration, ","WE OFTEN hear the question, ‘What is truth?’ or, ‘How can a person know that he has the truth?’ Is it possible to know with certainty the purpose of God toward humankind?—John 18:38. Jesus answered these questions when he said: “If you remain in my word, you are really my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”—John 8:31, 32. Jesus knew without any doubt that he had the truth, because he had been with Jehovah God before coming to the earth. (John 3:13; 17:5) The apostles, in turn, knew that they had the truth, because they learned it from Jesus, and from the Hebrew Scriptures, which Jesus acknowledged as the truth from God. ","Furthermore, what Jesus said and did fulfilled many of the Hebrew Scripture prophecies. These Scriptures, commonly called the “Old Testament,” had been given to the nation of Israel by God through inspiration of his servants. We now have the entire Bible. It contains both the Hebrew Scriptures (often called the “Old Testament”) and the Greek Scriptures (the so-called “New Testament”)—the writings of the apostles and their close associates.","John 18:38. John 8:31, 32. ",lp chap. 11 pp. 119-120 pars. 1-4 ,,,joshlaymon,,7/29/2025
"How Far Has Preparation Progressed? Jerusalem, armies, get out of city, General Cestius Gallus, wisdom, ","An illustration of the deceptive surface appearance of things, as compared with the way that faith sees the true situation, is found in the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 C.E. About thirty-three years before it happened, Jesus foretold that a time would come when Jerusalem would be surrounded by armies. When that occurred, he said, Christians should immediately get out of the city, for Jerusalem’s destruction would be near. (Luke 21:20-24) According to the first-century Jewish historian Josephus, the Romans under General Cestius Gallus, in 66 C.E., surrounded Jerusalem, intending to take the city. Then, for some unexplained reason, Gallus withdrew. ","Those Jews and others who had become Christians immediately fled, because they recognized that this was exactly what Jesus had prophesied. Other Jews, however, pursued Gallus’ troops and inflicted heavy casualties upon them. The majority of Jerusalem’s Jews were elated at their victory. The danger appeared past. But the Christians did not try to return to Jerusalem. This may have looked foolish to the Jews who had remained behind. However, less than four years later the Romans returned under General Titus and completely destroyed the city and more than nine tenths of its inhabitants. Yes, those having faith saw that which did not appear on the surface and saved their lives. They saw something that the Jews in general, though they had the opportunity to do so, did not see. As a people, the Jews had rejected Jesus Christ, and so had rejected the wisdom that would have saved them.—Compare Jeremiah 8:9.",Luke 21:20-24; Jeremiah 8:9.,lp chap. 12 pp. 131-132 pars. 5-6,,,joshlaymon,,7/29/2025
"The Elimination of Crime and Injustice, path of righteous, uprightness, smooth out, course, learn righteousness, ","“The princely rule will come to be upon his shoulder. And his name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. To the abundance of the princely rule and to peace there will be no end, upon the throne of David and upon his kingdom in order to establish it firmly and to sustain it by means of justice and by means of righteousness, from now on and to time indefinite. The very zeal of Jehovah of armies will do this.”—Isaiah 9:6, 7.","Illustrating the helpful environment that the new system of things will bring, Isaiah says: “The path of the righteous one is uprightness. You being upright, you will smooth out the very course of a righteous one. Yes, for the path of your judgments, O Jehovah, we have hoped in you . . . When there are judgments from you for the earth, righteousness is what the inhabitants of the productive land will certainly learn.”—Isaiah 26:7-9.","Isaiah 9:6, 7.Isaiah 26:7-9.",lp chap. 14 pp. 158-159 pars. 10-12 ,,,joshlaymon,,7/29/2025
"The Elimination of Crime and Injustice, THOSE WHO WILL FAIL TO GET LIFE, blasphemy against the holy spirit’","One must have a strong desire to change, for God wants willingly obedient subjects. (Psalm 81:11-13) Under the administration of Christ and his associate kings and priests the person making the changes will be helped in every way possible, not hindered in his efforts.—Revelation 7:17. Only persons who commit ‘blasphemy against the holy spirit’ will die in that new system of things. (Matthew 12:31, 32) This sin is a deliberate, willful, rebellious, blasphemous action against God. How, then, is it ‘against the holy spirit’? To illustrate, consider the Pharisees. They brought themselves into great danger of committing this sin, and some of them evidently did. ","They might have disbelieved in Jesus’ Messiahship simply through lack of faith, as was the case with Saul, who later became the apostle Paul. (1 Timothy 1:12, 13) But when Jesus spoke about unforgivable sin, the Pharisees had just witnessed the powerful words and works of Jesus as the result of God’s spirit upon him. When they saw and knew that God’s spirit was working through Jesus, they were actually guilty of blasphemy against the holy spirit. How? They deliberately attributed Jesus’ works to the power of the demons. The Pharisees had a wholly selfish purpose in mind. They wanted to mislead the people so they could hold their position of dominance.—Matthew 12:22-30.",Psalm 81:11-13; Revelation 7:17. Matthew 12:22-30., lp chap. 14 pp. 162-163 pars. 15-17 ,,,joshlaymon,,7/29/2025
"Why Does God Permit Suffering? parent, children, lying neighbor, ","For the sake of illustration, let us say that you are a loving parent with several children in a happy family. Suppose one of your neighbors spreads lies, accusing you of being a bad parent. What if the neighbor says that your children do not love you, that they stay with you only because they do not know any better, and that they would leave if someone showed them the way. ‘Preposterous!’ you might say. Yes, but how would you prove it? Some parents might react in rage. Besides creating more problems, such a violent response would lend support to the lies. A satisfying way to deal with such a problem would be to allow opportunity for your accuser to prove his claim and for your children to testify that they sincerely love you.","Jehovah is like the loving parent. Adam and Eve may be compared to the children, and Satan fits the role of the lying neighbor. God wisely did not destroy Satan, Adam, and Eve immediately but permitted these wrongdoers to continue living for a while. This allowed our first parents time to start the human family, and it has given the Devil a chance to prove whether his claim was true so that the issues could be settled. From the start, however, God knew that some humans would be loyal to him and would thus prove Satan a liar. How thankful we are that Jehovah has continued to bless and help those who love him!—2 Chronicles 16:9; Proverbs 15:3.",2 Chronicles 16:9; Proverbs 15:3., kl chap. 8 pp. 75-76 pars. 14-15 ,,,joshlaymon,,7/29/2025
"God’s Kingdom Rules, fire, destroys home, friend, promise, ","Imagine that a fire has destroyed your home. Now a friend who has the means to do so promises to help rebuild your house and provide food for your family. If that friend has always told you the truth, would you not believe him? Suppose you came home from work the next day and found that workers were already starting to clean up the debris from the fire and that food had been brought for your family. No doubt you would be completely confident that with the passing of time, things would not only be restored but would even be better than before.","Similarly, Jehovah gives us assurance of the Kingdom’s reality. As shown in the Bible book of Hebrews, many facets of the Law foreshadowed the Kingdom arrangement. (Hebrews 10:1) Foregleams of God’s Kingdom were also evident in the earthly kingdom of Israel. That was no ordinary government, for the rulers sat upon “Jehovah’s throne.” (1 Chronicles 29:23) Moreover, it had been foretold: “The scepter will not turn aside from Judah, neither the commander’s staff from between his feet, until Shiloh comes; and to him the obedience of the peoples will belong.” (Genesis 49:10) Yes, it was into this Judean line of kings that Jesus, the permanent King of God’s government, was to be born.—Luke 1:32, 33.","Hebrews 10:1, 1 Chronicles 29:23, ",kl chap. 10 pp. 92-93 pars. 8-9 ,,,joshlaymon,,7/29/2025
"God’s Kingdom Rules, stable world government is not just a dream. repeat the Lord’s Prayer, ","PERHAPS you have had the experience of buying a piece of equipment, only to find that it did not work. Let us say that you called a repairman. Shortly after he “fixed” the device, however, it broke down. How disappointing that was! It is similar with human governments. Mankind has always desired a government that would ensure peace and happiness. Yet, strenuous efforts to repair the breakdowns in society have not been truly successful. A great many peace treaties have been made—and then broken. Moreover, what government has been able to eradicate poverty, prejudice, crime, disease, and ecological ruin? Man’s rule is beyond repair. Even Israel’s wise King Solomon asked: “As regards earthling man, how can he discern his way?”—Proverbs 20:24.","Do not despair! A stable world government is not just a dream. It was the theme of Jesus’ preaching. He called it “the kingdom of God,” and he taught his followers to pray for it. (Luke 11:2; 21:31) Of course, God’s Kingdom is sometimes mentioned in religious circles. In fact, millions pray for it daily when they repeat the Lord’s Prayer (also called the Our Father or model prayer). But people answer in various ways when asked, “What is God’s Kingdom?” Some say, “It is in your heart.” Others call it heaven. The Bible gives a clear answer, as we shall see.","Proverbs 20:24. Luke 11:2; 21:31, ",kl chap. 10 p. 90 pars. 1-3 ,,,joshlaymon,,7/29/2025
These Are the Last Days! ,"“The great tribulation” will reach its climax in Armageddon, “the war of the great day of God the Almighty.” It will clean out every last vestige of Satan’s earthly organization, opening the way for endless blessings to flow to surviving mankind.—Revelation 7:9, 14; 11:15; 16:14, 16; 21:3, 4. By themselves, some features of the prophecies describing the last days might seem to apply to other periods of history. But when combined, the prophesied evidences pinpoint our day. To illustrate: The lines making up a person’s fingerprint form a pattern that cannot belong to any other individual. ","Similarly, the last days have their own pattern of marks, or happenings. These form a “fingerprint” that cannot belong to any other time period. When considered along with Bible indications that God’s heavenly Kingdom is now ruling, the evidence provides a solid basis for concluding that these are indeed the last days. Moreover, there is clear Scriptural proof that the present wicked system will soon be destroyed.","Revelation 7:9, 14; 11:15; 16:14, 16; 21:3, 4.", kl chap. 11 pp. 106-107 pars. 15-16 ,,,joshlaymon,,7/29/2025
These Are the Last Days! ,"How will you respond to the evidence that these are the last days? Consider this: If a fiercely destructive storm is impending, we take precautionary measures without delay. Well, what the Bible foretells for this present system should move us to action. (Matthew 16:1-3) We can clearly see that we are living in the last days of this world system. This should motivate us to make any adjustments necessary to gain God’s favor. (2 Peter 3:3, 10-12) Referring to himself as the agent for salvation, Jesus sounds the urgent call:","“Pay attention to yourselves that your hearts never become weighed down with overeating and heavy drinking and anxieties of life, and suddenly that day be instantly upon you as a snare. For it will come in upon all those dwelling upon the face of all the earth. Keep awake, then, all the time making supplication that you may succeed in escaping all these things that are destined to occur, and in standing before the Son of man.”—Luke 21:34-36.","Matthew 16:1-3, 2 Peter 3:3, 10-12, Luke 21:34-36. ",kl chap. 11 p. 107 par. 17 ,,,joshlaymon,,7/29/2025
"Resist Wicked Spirit Forces, positive steps. burned books, objects, complete suit of God-given spiritual armor.","What is one way that you can resist wicked spirits and protect yourself and your family from their snares? First-century Christians in Ephesus who had practiced spiritism before becoming believers took positive steps. We read that “quite a number of those who practiced magical arts brought their books together and burned them up before everybody.” (Acts 19:19) Even if you have not practiced spiritism, get rid of anything having spiritistic uses or overtones. This includes books, magazines, videos, posters, musical recordings, and objects used for spiritistic purposes. Also included are idols, amulets and other items worn for protection, and gifts received from practicers of spiritism. (Deuteronomy 7:25, 26; 1 Corinthians 10:21) ","To illustrate: A married couple in Thailand had long been harassed by demons. Then they got rid of objects associated with spiritism. What was the result? They were relieved of the demonic attacks and thereafter made real spiritual progress. In order to resist wicked spirits, another necessary step is to apply the apostle Paul’s counsel to put on the complete suit of God-given spiritual armor. (Ephesians 6:11-17) Christians must fortify their defenses against wicked spirits. What does this step include? “Above all things,” said Paul, “take up the large shield of faith, with which you will be able to quench all the wicked one’s burning missiles.” Indeed, the stronger your faith, the greater will be your ability to resist wicked spirit forces.—Matthew 17:14-20.","Matthew 17:14-20. Deuteronomy 7:25, 26; 1 Corinthians 10:21, ",kl chap. 12 pp. 114-115 pars. 14-15 ,,,joshlaymon,,7/29/2025
Whose Authority Should You Recognize? ,"Paul explained: “He who opposes the authority has taken a stand against the arrangement of God.” (Romans 13:2) The superior authorities are God’s “arrangement” in that they preserve a measure of order, without which chaos and anarchy would reign. Opposing them would be unscriptural and senseless. ","To illustrate: Imagine that you had undergone surgery and stitches were securing the wound. Though the stitches are foreign to the body, they serve a purpose for a limited time. Removing them prematurely could be harmful. Similarly, human governmental authorities were not part of God’s original purpose. Until his Kingdom is ruling the earth completely, however, human governments hold society together, performing a function that fits in with God’s will for the present time. We should thus remain in subjection to the superior authorities, while we give priority to God’s law and authority.","Romans 13:2, ",kl chap. 14 pp. 133-134 par. 10 ,,,joshlaymon,,7/29/2025
"Whose Authority Should You Recognize? submission, body orders us, breathe, eat, sleep, drink, we obey, ","“AUTHORITY” is a distasteful word to many people. This is understandable, for authority is often abused—on the job, in the family, and by governments. The Bible realistically says: “Man has dominated man to his injury.” (Ecclesiastes 8:9) Yes, many have dominated others by acting in a tyrannical and self-serving manner.","But not all authority is injurious. For example, it might be said that our body exercises authority over us. It “orders” us to breathe, eat, drink, and sleep. Is this oppressive? No. Compliance with these demands is for our good. While submission to our bodily needs may be involuntary, there are other forms of authority that require our willing subjection. Consider some examples.","Ecclesiastes 8:9, ",kl chap. 14 p. 130 pars. 1-2 ,,,joshlaymon,,7/29/2025
"How You Can Draw Close to God, humble, tax collector, lowly heart, arrogant Pharisee, proud is detestable, ","Is money needed in order to approach God? Many people pay the clergy to pray for them. Some even believe that their prayers will be heard in proportion to the size of the donation they make. However, God’s Word does not say that a monetary offering is required for us to approach Jehovah in prayer. His spiritual provisions and the blessings of a relationship with him in prayer are available without price.—Isaiah 55:1, 2.","What, then, is required? A right heart attitude is one essential. (2 Chronicles 6:29, 30; Proverbs 15:11) In our heart we must exercise faith in Jehovah God as the “Hearer of prayer” and “the rewarder of those earnestly seeking him.” (Psalm 65:2; Hebrews 11:6) We must also have a humble heart. (2 Kings 22:19; Psalm 51:17) In one of his illustrations, Jesus Christ showed that when approaching God a humble tax collector with a lowly heart attitude proved more righteous than an arrogant Pharisee. (Luke 18:10-14) As we approach God in prayer, let us remember that “everyone that is proud in heart is something detestable to Jehovah.”—Proverbs 16:5.","Isaiah 55:1, 2. Luke 18:10-14, ",kl chap. 16 p. 152 pars. 6-7,,,joshlaymon,,7/29/2025
"How You Can Draw Close to God, prayer, respectful, love, pour out your heart, warm relationship, ","Jehovah is glad to hear our meaningful expressions of appreciation and praise, just as a father rejoices at hearing his young child speak sincere words of gratitude. (Psalm 119:108) Where there is a good father-child relationship, there is warm communication. A child who is loved wants to talk to his father. The same is true when it comes to our relationship with God. If we really appreciate what we are learning about Jehovah and the love he has shown for us, we will have a strong desire to express ourselves to him in prayer.—1 John 4:16-18.","When approaching the Most High God, we should be respectful, though there is no need to worry excessively about the exact words that we use. (Hebrews 4:16) We always have access to Jehovah. And what a privilege it is that we can ‘pour out our heart’ to God in prayer! (Psalm 62:8) Appreciation for Jehovah leads to a warm relationship with him, like the one that the faithful man Abraham enjoyed as God’s friend. (James 2:23) But when praying to the Sovereign Lord of the universe, we must comply with his requirements for approaching him.","1 John 4:16-18, James 2:23, ",kl chap. 16 pp. 151-152 pars. 4-5 ,,,joshlaymon,,7/29/2025
"Find Security Among God’s People, diversity of personalities, cars on same road, vehicles, different speeds, ","The diversity of personalities in the congregation need not disturb you. To illustrate, imagine that numerous vehicles are traveling alongside you on a road. Not all are moving at the same speed, nor are all in the same condition. Some have traveled many miles, but like you, others have just started out. Regardless of these differences, however, all are traveling down the road. It is similar with the individuals making up a congregation. Not all develop Christian qualities at the same speed. Furthermore, not all are in the same physical or emotional condition. ","Some have been worshiping Jehovah for many years; others have just begun. Yet, all are traveling along the road to everlasting life, “fitly united in the same mind and in the same line of thought.” (1 Corinthians 1:10) Therefore, look for the strengths rather than the weaknesses of those in the congregation. Doing that will warm your heart, for you will realize that God is really among these people. And surely this is where you want to be.—1 Corinthians 14:25.","1 Corinthians 14:25. 1 Corinthians 1:10, ",kl chap. 17 p. 164 par. 11 ,,,joshlaymon,,7/29/2025
"Find Security Among God’s People, forgive, Clothe yourselves, compassion, kindness, mildness, patience, ","Never forget that we must forgive others if we ourselves are to receive Jehovah’s forgiveness. (Matthew 6:9, 12, 14, 15) If we are practicing the truth, we will treat others in a loving way. (1 John 1:6, 7; 3:14-16; 4:20, 21) Therefore, if you encounter a problem with an individual in the congregation, fight against harboring resentment. If you are clothed with love, you will strive to resolve the problem, and you will not hesitate to apologize if you have caused offense.—Matthew 5:23, 24; 18:15-17.","Our spiritual clothing should include other qualities closely related to love. Paul wrote: “Clothe yourselves with the tender affections of compassion, kindness, lowliness of mind, mildness, and long-suffering.” These traits, encompassed by love, are part of the godly “new personality.” (Colossians 3:10, 12) Will you make the effort to clothe yourself in this way? Especially if you clothe yourself with brotherly love will you bear an identifying mark of Jesus’ disciples, for he said: “By this all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love among yourselves.”—John 13:35.","Matthew 6:9, 12, 14, 15, 1 John 1:6, 7; 3:14-16; 4:20, 21, ",kl chap. 17 pp. 166-167 pars. 13-14 ,,,joshlaymon,,7/29/2025
"Find Security Among God’s People, storms, disaster, relief, home destroyed, food is scarce, grateful, ","IMAGINE that a violent storm has ravaged the area where you live. Your home is destroyed, and all your possessions are lost. Food is scarce. The situation seems hopeless. Then, unexpected relief supplies arrive. Food and clothing are provided in abundance. A new house is built for you. Surely you would be grateful to the person who made these provisions available.","Something comparable is occurring today. Like that storm, the rebellion of Adam and Eve caused great damage to the human race. Mankind’s Paradise home was lost. Since then, human governments have failed to shelter people from war, crime, and injustice. Religion has left multitudes starving for wholesome spiritual food. Spiritually speaking, however, Jehovah God is now furnishing food, clothing, and shelter. How is he doing that?","1 Chronicles 28:8; 2 Chronicles 17:7-9, ",kl chap. 17 p. 160 pars. 1-2,,,joshlaymon,,7/29/2025
"“Thy Kingdom Come”! health program, based on ransom, Jesus, sick, blind, lame, dead, clean moral, ","Does the Kingdom have a health program? It has the most practical of all health programs—that based on the ransom sacrifice of the Lord Jesus Christ. This program will rid humans of their ailments and physical weaknesses, so that they may attain to everlasting life in the fullness of good health. (Isaiah 25:8; John 10:10) While he was on earth, Jesus performed many miracles, illustrating that he would have the authority and power to cure the sick, restore sight to the blind, heal the lame, and even bring dead persons back to life. (Luke 7:20-23) ","While this Kingdom program lies yet in the future, those who are learning about it today are learning also to lead clean, moral lives and are being restored right now to radiant spiritual health. Their hope is a real one.—Isaiah 65:14; Romans 10:11.",Isaiah 65:14; Romans 10:11.,kc chap. 1 pp. 10-11 par. 13,,,joshlaymon,,7/30/2025
"Identifying Messiah, the King, [Chart on page 67] Prophecies fulfilled Messiah the leader, ","PROPHECY            SUBSTANCE THEREOF              FULFILLMENTIsaiah 40:3      John the Baptizer prepares way  Matthew 3:1-3Micah 5:2        Jesus born in Bethlehem         Matthew 2:1-6Genesis 49:10    Out of tribe of Judah           Luke 3:23-33Isaiah 7:14      Of a virgin                     Matthew 1:23-25Isaiah 9:7       Descendant, heir of David       Matthew 1:1, 6-17","Jeremiah 31:15   Babes killed after birth        Matthew 2:16-18Hosea 11:1       Called out of Egypt (refuge)    Matthew 2:14, 15Daniel 9:25      Appears at end of 69 “weeks”    Luke 3:1, 21, 22Psalm 40:7, 8    Presents self to do God’s will  Matthew 3:13-15Isaiah 61:1, 2   Spirit anointed to preach       Luke 4:16-21Psalm 2:7        Jehovah declares Jesus “Son”    Matthew 3:17Isaiah 9:1, 2    Light in region of Galilee      Matthew 4:13-16Psalm 40:9       Boldly preaches “good news”     Matthew 4:17, 23Psalm 69:9       Zealous for Jehovah’s house     John 2:13-17Isaiah 53:1, 2   Jews do not put faith in him    John 12:37, 38Psalm 78:2       Speaks in illustrations         Matthew 13:34, 35Zechariah 9:9    Enters city on colt of ass      Matthew 21:1-9Psalm 69:4       Hated without a cause           John 15:24, 25Isaiah 42:1-4    Hope of nations; no wrangling   Matthew 12:14-21Psalm 41:9       Unfaithful apostle betrays      John 13:18, 21-30Zechariah 11:12  For 30 pieces of silver         Matthew 26:14-16Psalm 2:1, 2     Rulers act against anointed     Matthew 27:1, 2Psalm 118:22     Rejected, but sure foundation   Matthew 21:42, 43Isaiah 8:14, 15  Becomes stone of stumbling      Luke 20:18Psalm 27:12      False witnesses against him     Matthew 26:59-61Isaiah 53:7      Silent before his accusers      Matthew 27:11-14Psalm 22:16      Impaled by hands and feet       John 20:25Isaiah 53:12     Counted with transgressors      Luke 22:36, 37Psalm 22:7, 8    Is reviled while on stake       Matthew 27:39-43Psalm 69:21      Given wine drugged with myrrh   Mark 15:23, 36Zechariah 12:10  Pierced while on stake          John 19:34Psalm 22:18      Lots cast for his garments      Matthew 27:35Psalm 34:20      None of his bones broken        John 19:33, 36Psalm 22:1       Forsaken to enemies by God      Matthew 27:46Daniel 9:26, 27  Cut off after 3 1/2 years      John 19:14-16Zechariah 13:7  Shepherd struck, flock scattered Matthew 26:31,56Jeremiah 31:31   New covenant, sins removed      Luke 22:20Isaiah 53:11     Bears the errors of many        Matthew 20:28Isaiah 53:4      Carries sicknesses of mankind   Matthew 8:16, 17Isaiah 53:9      Burial place with the rich      Matthew 27:57-60Psalm 16:10      Raised before corruption        Acts 2:24, 27Jonah 1:17       Resurrected on third day        Matthew 12:40Psalm 110:1      Exalted to God’s right hand     Acts 7:56",,kc chap. 7 p. 67,,,joshlaymon,,7/30/2025
"Kingdom Heirs Keep Integrity, unbelieving Jews, lopped off olive tree, people of the nations, wild olive tree, ","Later, when the apostle Paul and his companions met with violent opposition from the Jews in Antioch of Pisidia, Paul told those Jews: “It was necessary for the word of God to be spoken first to you. Since you are thrusting it away from you and do not judge yourselves worthy of everlasting life, look! we turn to the nations. In fact, Jehovah has laid commandment upon us in these words, ‘I have appointed you as a light of nations, for you to be a salvation to the extremity of the earth.’” (Acts 13:46, 47) ","As Paul stated later in an illustration, those unbelieving Jews were like natural branches lopped off an olive tree. The Jews could have provided the full number of Kingdom heirs. However, in their place, “people of the nations,” like branches of a wild olive tree, were being grafted in, and thus “all [spiritual] Israel,” up to its full Kingdom membership, would be “saved.”—Romans 11:13-26; Galatians 6:16.",Romans 11:13-26; Galatians 6:16.,kc chap. 9 p. 84 par. 14 ,,,joshlaymon,,7/30/2025
"Kingdom Illustrations, roadside soil, rocky soil, thorns, right kind of soil, Jesus is sower of seed, ","In his parable introduced at Matthew chapter 13:3-8, Jesus describes himself as “a sower” of seed. He sows “the word of the kingdom” in different kinds of hearts. Some persons’ hearts are like roadside soil. Before the seed can take root, the Devil sends his henchmen like “birds” to pluck “the word away from their hearts in order that they may not believe and be saved.” Other hearts are like rocky soil. At first, they accept the word with joy, but then the tender plant withers under trial or persecution. Some seed falls among “thorns,” where it is choked out by “anxieties and riches and pleasures of this life.” ","Ah, but there is also the “seed” sown upon the right kind of soil! “This is the one hearing the word and getting the sense of it, who really does bear fruit and produces, this one a hundredfold, that one sixty, the other thirty.” (Matthew 13:18-23; Mark 4:3-9, 14-20; Luke 8:4-8, 11-15)","Matthew 13:18-23; Mark 4:3-9, 14-20; Luke 8:4-8, 11-15, ", kc chap. 11 pp. 97-98 par. 4 ,,,joshlaymon,,7/30/2025
"The “Last Days” and the Kingdom, man of noble birth, Jesus, distant land, kingly power, ","On his last night with his intimate disciples, Jesus had told them: “I am going my way to prepare a place for you. Also, if I go my way and prepare a place for you, I am coming again and will receive you home to myself.” (John 14:2, 3) In line with this, Jesus’ illustration at Luke 19:11-27 describes him as “a certain man of noble birth [who] traveled to a distant land to secure kingly power for himself and to return.” This would take considerable time. But “his citizens hated him and sent out a body of ambassadors after him, to say, ‘We do not want this man to become king over us.’” ","Similarly, there are persons today who claim to be Christian, but who reject “the King of kings” in favor of perpetuating their own imperfect human rulerships. (Revelation 19:16) Like the “citizens” of Jesus’ illustration, these will be severely punished.","Luke 19:11-27, ",kc chap. 12 pp. 110-111 par. 13 ,,,joshlaymon,,7/30/2025
"The King Reigns! tree, food for all, Nebuchadnezzar,  stump banded with iron and copper, strongest metals,","Chapter 4 of the Bible book of Daniel describes a remarkable prophetic dream. It illustrates that “the Most High is Ruler in the kingdom of mankind, and that to the one whom he wants to he gives it.” (Daniel 4:25) Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon, had the dream and related it to the prophet Daniel for interpretation. Nebuchadnezzar saw in vision an immense tree that was visible to the extremity of the earth. It provided food for all, and shelter. But a “holy one” from heaven decreed that the tree be chopped down and its stump banded with iron and copper, the two strongest metals of the time. “Seven times” were to pass by while the tree was in this restrained state.","Interpreting this prophetic vision, Daniel explained that the tree in its grandeur pictured Nebuchadnezzar. He was to be ‘chopped down’ or brought low. “Seven times” would pass by during which Nebuchadnezzar would be like the beasts of the field. But just as the “tree” was not destroyed completely, so after the “seven times” the king would be restored.—Daniel 4:19-27.","Daniel 4:25, Daniel 4:19-27.",kc chap. 14 p. 128 pars. 3-5 ,,,joshlaymon,,7/30/2025
"“A Great Crowd” Hails the King, little flock, other sheep, Knows his sheep, listen to his voice, ","In Bible times, and even down to our day, an Oriental shepherd enjoyed a most intimate relationship with his sheep. He called each one by name, and they knew his voice and responded readily as he led them in and out of the sheepfold. In John chapter 10 Jesus drew on this in illustrating, first, the loving relationship between himself and his “little flock” of 144,000 anointed followers, saying: “I am the fine shepherd, and I know my sheep and my sheep know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I surrender my soul in behalf of the sheep.” These become part of “Abraham’s seed,” through which “all the families” of the earth are to bless themselves.—John 10:14, 15; Genesis 12:3; Galatians 3:28, 29.","What, then, is the relation of “the fine shepherd” to the families of mankind that are to live forever on earth? A most blessed one! For Jesus says of these: “And I have other sheep, which are not of this fold [of the “little flock”]; those also I must bring, and they will listen to my voice, and they will become one flock, one shepherd.”","John 10:16; Matthew 24:14, ",kc chap. 16 pp. 152-153 pars. 4-5 ,,,joshlaymon,,7/30/2025
"The Way, the Truth, the Life, famous teacher, tax office, physician, fisherman, observer, young, honest, ","You may have wondered why God inspired four accounts of Jesus’ life and teachings. There are benefits to having these separate accounts of what Jesus said and did. To illustrate, imagine that four men are standing near a famous teacher. The man standing in front of the teacher has a tax office. The one on the right is a physician. The man listening from the left side is a fisherman and is the teacher’s very close friend. And the fourth man, located at the back, is an observer who is younger than the others. Mark 10:17, 30; 13:13.","All four are honest men, and each has a distinct interest or focus. If each writes an account of the teacher’s sayings and activities, the four records would likely feature different details or events. By considering all four accounts, bearing in mind the varying perspectives or objectives, we could get a complete picture of what the teacher said and did. This illustrates how we can benefit from having four separate accounts of the life of the Great Teacher, Jesus.","Mark 10:17, 30; 13:13. ", jy p. 6 pars. 4-5 ,,,joshlaymon,,7/30/2025
"Jesus Increases as John Decreases, John’s disciples are jealous, bridegroom, friend of bridegroom, joy, ","But John’s disciples are jealous, complaining to him about Jesus: “The man [Jesus] who was with you . . . is baptizing, and all are going to him.” (John 3:26) Yet, John is not jealous. He rejoices in Jesus’ success and wants his disciples to rejoice too. John reminds them: “You yourselves bear me witness that I said, ‘I am not the Christ, but I have been sent ahead of that one.’” He illustrates this point in a way that all can understand: “Whoever has the bride is the bridegroom. But the friend of the bridegroom, when he stands and hears him, has a great deal of joy on account of the voice of the bridegroom. So my joy has been made complete.”—John 3:28, 29.","John, like the friend of the bridegroom, rejoiced months earlier upon introducing his disciples to Jesus. Some of them followed Jesus and would in time be anointed with holy spirit. John also wants his present disciples to follow Jesus. In fact, John’s purpose is to prepare the way for Christ’s ministry. John explains: “That one must keep on increasing, but I must keep on decreasing.”—John 3:30.","John 3:26, John 3:30. ", jy chap. 18 p. 46 pars. 3-4 ,,,joshlaymon,,7/31/2025
"Why Do Jesus’ Disciples Not Fast? mourn, John's imprisonment, friend of the bridegroom, ","Now, as the Passover of 31 C.E. approaches, some of John’s disciples come to Jesus and ask: “Why do we and the Pharisees practice fasting but your disciples do not fast?” (Matthew 9:14) The Pharisees practice fasting as a religious ritual. Later, Jesus even uses an illustration in which one Pharisee self-righteously prays: “O God, I thank you that I am not like everyone else . . . I fast twice a week.” (Luke 18:11, 12) John’s disciples may similarly have been fasting as a custom. Or they may have been fasting to mourn John’s imprisonment. Observers also wonder why Jesus’ disciples do not fast, perhaps joining in an expression of grief over what has been done to John.","Jesus answers using an example: “The friends of the bridegroom have no reason to mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them, do they? But days will come when the bridegroom will be taken away from them, and then they will fast.”—Matthew 9:15. John himself spoke of Jesus as a bridegroom. (John 3:28, 29) Accordingly, while Jesus is present, Jesus’ disciples do not fast. Later, when Jesus dies, his disciples will mourn and have no desire to eat. What a change, though, when he is resurrected! Then they will have no further cause for mournful fasting.","Luke 18:11, 12, Matthew 9:15, ",jy chap. 28 p. 70 pars. 2-4,,,joshlaymon,,7/31/2025
"Why Do Jesus’ Disciples Not Fast? patch, unshrunk cloth, new wineskins, not expect followers to conform, ","Next, Jesus gives these two illustrations: “Nobody sews a patch of unshrunk cloth on an old outer garment, for the new piece pulls away from the garment and the tear becomes worse. Nor do people put new wine into old wineskins. If they do, then the wineskins burst and the wine spills out and the wineskins are ruined. But people put new wine into new wineskins.” (Matthew 9:16, 17) What is Jesus’ point?","Jesus is helping the disciples of John the Baptist to appreciate that no one should expect Jesus’ followers to conform to the old practices of Judaism, such as ritual fasting. He did not come to patch up and prolong an old, worn-out way of worship, a whole system of worship that was ready to be discarded. The worship that Jesus is encouraging is not one that conforms to the Judaism of the day with its traditions of men. No, he is not trying to put a new patch on an old garment or new wine into a stiff, old wineskin.","Matthew 9:16, 17, ",jy chap. 28 p. 70 pars. 5-6 ,,,joshlaymon,,7/31/2025
"Why Do Jesus’ Disciples Not Fast? ILLUSTRATIONS ABOUT FASTING, new wineskins, not expect followers to conform,","Jesus used an illustration that many listeners could easily picture—sewing. If someone sewed a piece of new, unshrunk cloth onto a used garment or old cloth, what would happen? When the garment is washed, the new patch would shrink some and pull away from the old cloth, ripping it.","Similarly, wine was sometimes stored in bottles made from animal skins. Over time, the skin would harden and lose its elasticity. To put new wine into such a bottle was risky. New wine might continue to ferment, creating pressure. That could burst the old, hardened skin.","Matthew 9:16, 17, ", jy chap. 28 p. 70 ,,,joshlaymon,,7/31/2025
"The Famous Sermon on the Mount, possessions, treasures, moth, rust, thieves, steal, heart will be also, ","How important should our possessions be to us? Jesus urges the crowd: “Stop storing up for yourselves treasures on the earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal.” How reasonable! Material treasures can and do perish, and our having them builds up no merit with God. ","Accordingly, Jesus next says: “Store up for yourselves treasures in heaven.” We can do this by putting God’s service first in life. Nobody can take away our good standing with God or its reward of everlasting life. So true are Jesus’ words: “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”—Matthew 6:19-21.",Matthew 6:19-21. ,jy chap. 35 p. 89 par. 1,,,joshlaymon,,7/31/2025
"The Famous Sermon on the Mount, ","Emphasizing this point, Jesus gives an illustration: “The lamp of the body is the eye. If, then, your eye is focused, your whole body will be bright. But if your eye is envious, your whole body will be dark.” (Matthew 6:22, 23) ","When our eye functions properly, it is like a lighted lamp to our body. But to be such, our eye must be focused on one thing; otherwise, we could develop a mistaken estimate of life. Focusing on material possessions instead of on serving God would mean that our “whole body will be dark,” perhaps drawn to what is shady or dark.","Matthew 6:22, 23, ",jy chap. 35 p. 89 par. 2 ,,,joshlaymon,,7/31/2025
"The Famous Sermon on the Mount, slave for two masters, hate, love, God, riches, birds of heaven, sow, reap, ","Jesus then gives a powerful example: “No one can slave for two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will stick to the one and despise the other. You cannot slave for God and for Riches.”—Matthew 6:24.","Some hearing Jesus might be concerned about how they should view their material needs. So he assures them that they do not need to be anxious if they put God’s service first. “Observe intently the birds of heaven; they do not sow seed or reap or gather into storehouses, yet your heavenly Father feeds them.”—Matthew 6:26.",Matthew 6:24. ,jy chap. 35 p. 89 pars. 3-4 ,,,joshlaymon,,7/31/2025
"The Famous Sermon on the Mount, lilies of the field, “not even Solomon, anxious, eat, drink, wear, Kingdom, ","And what about the lilies of the field there on the mountain? Jesus notes that “not even Solomon in all his glory was arrayed as one of these.” What does this show? “If this is how God clothes the vegetation of the field that is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much rather clothe you?” (Matthew 6:29, 30) ","Jesus wisely urges: “Never be anxious and say, ‘What are we to eat?’ or, ‘What are we to drink?’ or, ‘What are we to wear?’ . . . Your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. Keep on, then, seeking first the Kingdom and his righteousness, and all these other things will be added to you.”—Matthew 6:31-33.","Matthew 6:29, 30, Matthew 6:31-33.", jy chap. 35 p. 90 par. 1,,,joshlaymon,,7/31/2025
"The Famous Sermon on the Mount, stop judging, blind man, pit, rafter in your own eye, straw in brother's eye, ","The apostles and other sincere ones want to live in a way that pleases God, but that is not easy in their circumstances. Many Pharisees, for example, are critical, harshly judging others. So Jesus admonishes his listeners: “Stop judging that you may not be judged; for with the judgment you are judging, you will be judged.”—Matthew 7:1, 2.","It is dangerous to follow the lead of the overly critical Pharisees, as Jesus illustrates: “A blind man cannot guide a blind man, can he? Both will fall into a pit, will they not?” Then how should Jesus’ listeners view others? Not with a critical eye, because that would be a serious offense. He asks: “How can you say to your brother, ‘Brother, allow me to remove the straw that is in your eye,’ while you yourself do not see the rafter in your own eye? Hypocrite! First remove the rafter from your own eye, and then you will see clearly how to remove the straw that is in your brother’s eye.”—Luke 6:39-42.","Matthew 7:1, 2. Luke 6:39-42. ",jy chap. 35 p. 90 pars. 2-3 ,,,joshlaymon,,7/31/2025
"The Famous Sermon on the Mount, Not give what is holy to dogs, pearls, swine, animals, no appreciation, ","This does not mean that the disciples are not to make any judgments at all. “Do not give what is holy to dogs nor throw your pearls before swine,” Jesus urges them. (Matthew 7:6) ","Truths from God’s Word are precious, like figurative pearls. If some people act like animals, showing no appreciation for these precious truths, the disciples should leave them and seek ones who are receptive. study note: According to the Mosaic Law, pigs and dogs were unclean. (Le 11:7, 27) It was permissible to throw to dogs the flesh of an animal killed by a wild beast. (Ex 22:31) But Jewish tradition forbade giving to dogs “holy flesh,” that is, meat of animal sacrifices.","Matthew 7:6, ", jy chap. 35 p. 90 par. 4 ,,,joshlaymon,,7/31/2025
"The Famous Sermon on the Mount, prayer, pray, son asks for bread, stone, wicked, give good things, ","Returning to the subject of prayer, Jesus stresses the need to persist in it. “Keep on asking, and it will be given you.” God is ready to answer prayers, as Jesus emphasizes by asking: “Which one of you, if his son asks for bread, will hand him a stone? . . . Therefore, if you, although being wicked, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more so will your Father who is in the heavens give good things to those asking him!”—Matthew 7:7-11.",Study note: bread . . . stone: Jesus may have contrasted bread with stones because bread was a staple in the diet of the Jews and surrounding peoples and the size and shape of loaves could have reminded people of stones. The answer to Jesus’ rhetorical question is: “It would be unthinkable for a father to do such a thing.”​—See study note on Mt 7:10.,Matthew 7:7-11., jy chap. 35 p. 90 par. 5 ,,,joshlaymon,,7/31/2025
"The Famous Sermon on the Mount, ""golden rule"" challenging, broad spacious, road, narrow gate, cramped road, ","Jesus then sets out what has become a famous rule of conduct: “All things, therefore, that you want men to do to you, you also must do to them.” Should not all of us take to heart and apply that positive exhortation in our dealings with others? Doing so, however, may be challenging, as revealed by Jesus’ instruction: “Go in through the narrow gate, because broad is the gate and spacious is the road leading off into destruction, and many are going in through it; whereas narrow is the gate and cramped the road leading off into life, and few are finding it.”—Matthew 7:12-14.","Study note: Go in through the narrow gate: In ancient times, roadways with gates were the means of entry into walled cities. The Bible uses such expressions as road or “path” or “way” to describe people’s life course and conduct. The image of two contrasting roads pictures life courses that are either approved or disapproved by God, determining whether an individual gains entry into God’s Kingdom.​—Ps 1:1, 6; Jer 21:8; Mt 7:21.","Matthew 7:12-14. Ps 1:1, 6; Jer 21:8; Mt 7:21.", jy chap. 35 p. 90 par. 6 ,,,joshlaymon,,7/31/2025
"The Famous Sermon on the Mount,  false prophets sheep’s covering, ravenous wolves.”","There are those who would try to divert the disciples from the way leading to life, so Jesus warns: “Be on the watch for the false prophets who come to you in sheep’s covering, but inside they are ravenous wolves.” (Matthew 7:15) ","Study note: in sheep’s covering: Or “in sheep’s clothing,” that is, disguised in figurative garments and exhibiting sheeplike qualities in order to give the impression of being a harmless member of God’s “flock” of worshippers.ravenous wolves: A metaphor describing those who are extremely covetous and who exploit others for personal gain.","Matthew 7:15, ", jy chap. 35 p. 91 par. 1,,,joshlaymon,,7/31/2025
"The Famous Sermon on the Mount, fruit trees, good trees, bad trees, traits, teaching, actions, ","Good trees and bad trees can be recognized by their fruits, Jesus notes. It is similar with people. Thus, we can recognize false prophets by their teachings and actions. ","Yes, Jesus explains, it is not simply what a person says that makes him his disciple but also what he does. Some people claim that Jesus is their Lord, but what if they are not doing God’s will? Jesus says: “I will declare to them: ‘I never knew you! Get away from me, you workers of lawlessness!’”—Matthew 7:23.Study note: fruits: Here used figuratively of people’s works, their words, or the results of what they do and say.",Matthew 7:23.," jy chap. 35 p. 91 par. 1, ",,,joshlaymon,,7/31/2025
"Famous Sermon on the Mount, discrete, built his house on the rock, foolish man, sand, rain, floods, winds, collapse, ","Concluding his sermon, Jesus declares: “Everyone who hears these sayings of mine and does them will be like a discreet man who built his house on the rock. And the rain poured down and the floods came and the winds blew and lashed against that house, but it did not cave in, for it had been founded on the rock.” (Matthew 7:24, 25) Why did the house stand? Because the man “dug and went down deep and laid a foundation on the rock.” (Luke 6:48) So more is involved than just hearing Jesus’ words. We must exert ourselves to ‘do them.’","What, though, about the one “hearing these sayings” but “not doing them”? He is “like a foolish man who built his house on the sand.” (Matthew 7:26) Rain, floods, and winds would cause such a house to collapse.The crowds are astounded at Jesus’ way of teaching in this sermon. He does so as a person having authority and not as the religious leaders. Probably many of those who listened to him become his disciples.Study note: discreet: The Greek word used here conveys the idea of understanding associated with insight, forethought, discernment, prudence, and wisdom in a practical sense. The same Greek word is used at Mt 7:24 and 25:2, 4, 8, 9. The Septuagint uses this word at Ge 41:33, 39 regarding Joseph.","Matthew 7:24, 25, Luke 6:48, Matthew 7:26, ",jy chap. 35 p. 91 pars. 2-4 ,,,joshlaymon,,7/31/2025
"The Famous Sermon on the Mount, TEACHING BY REPETITION, How to pray, repeat, ","On occasion, Jesus repeated key teachings. For example, in the Sermon on the Mount, he taught his listeners how to pray and helped them to have a proper view of material things.—Matthew 6:9-13, 25-34.","About a year and a half later, Jesus restated those teachings. (Luke 11:1-4; 12:22-31) This repetition, in addition to benefiting those who were not present on the first occasion, helped his disciples to fix in mind the main points.","Matthew 6:9-13, 25-34. Luke 11:1-4; 12:22-31, ", jy chap. 35 p. 89 ,,,joshlaymon,,7/31/2025
"A Lesson in Forgiveness, customary act of hospitality, wash feet, no welcoming kiss, oil on hair, bad hospitality, ","• A SINFUL WOMAN POURS OIL ON JESUS’ FEET • FORGIVENESS ILLUSTRATED WITH A DEBTOR. Depending on their heart condition, people respond differently to what Jesus says and does. That becomes clear at a house in Galilee. A Pharisee named Simon invites Jesus to a meal, perhaps to get a closer look at the one performing such remarkable works. Likely viewing this as an opportunity to minister to those present, Jesus accepts, even as he has on other occasions accepted invitations to eat with tax collectors and sinners.","However, Jesus does not receive the cordial attention usually given to guests. On dusty roads in Palestine, sandal-clad feet become hot and dirty, so it is a customary act of hospitality to wash a guest’s feet with cool water. That is not done for Jesus. Neither does he receive a welcoming kiss, as is common. Another custom is to pour some oil on a guest’s hair out of kindness and hospitality. This too is not done for Jesus. So how welcome is he really?Study Note: Only Luke records this account about the sinful woman, perhaps a prostitute, pouring oil on Jesus’ feet. The Greek expression rendered “who was known . . . to be” is literally “who was,” but as used in this context, it likely refers to a characteristic quality or character of a person or to a class to which an individual belongs.","LUKE 7:36-50, ", jy chap. 40 p. 100 ,,,joshlaymon,,7/31/2025
"A Lesson in Forgiveness, immoral life, perhaps as a prostitute. criminal, ","The meal begins, with the guests reclining at the table. As they eat, a woman quietly enters the room uninvited. She is “known in the city to be a sinner.” (Luke 7:37) All imperfect humans are sinners, yet this woman seems to be living an immoral life, perhaps as a prostitute. She may have heard Jesus’ teachings, including his invitation for ‘all those who are loaded down to come to him for refreshment.’ (Matthew 11:28, 29) Apparently moved by Jesus’ words and deeds, she has now sought him out.","She comes up behind Jesus at the table and kneels at his feet. Tears fall from her eyes onto his feet, and she wipes them with her hair. She tenderly kisses his feet and pours on them some fragrant oil that she has brought. Simon watches with disapproval, saying to himself: “If this man were really a prophet, he would know who and what kind of woman it is who is touching him, that she is a sinner.”—Luke 7:39.Study Note: a woman who was known . . . to be a sinner: The Bible shows that all humans are sinners. (2Ch 6:36; Ro 3:23; 5:12) Therefore, the term “sinner” is here used in a more specific way, evidently referring to those who had a reputation for practicing sin, perhaps of a moral or a criminal nature. (Lu 19:7, 8)","Luke 7:37, Matthew 11:28, 29, Luke 7:39.", jy chap. 40 p. 100 pars. 3-4,,,joshlaymon,,7/31/2025
"A Lesson in Forgiveness, two men, debtors, certain lender, forgave them both, who loved him more, ","Perceiving Simon’s thinking, Jesus says: “Simon, I have something to say to you.” He replies: “Teacher, say it!” Jesus continues: “Two men were debtors to a certain lender; the one was in debt for 500 denarii, but the other for 50. When they did not have anything to pay him back with, he freely forgave them both. Therefore, which one of them will love him more?” Perhaps with an air of indifference, Simon answers: “I suppose it is the one whom he forgave more.”—Luke 7:40-43. Jesus agrees. Then looking at the woman, he says to Simon: “Do you see this woman? I entered your house; you gave me no water for my feet. But this woman wet my feet with her tears and wiped them off with her hair. ","You gave me no kiss, but this woman, from the hour that I came in, did not stop tenderly kissing my feet. You did not pour oil on my head, but this woman poured perfumed oil on my feet.” Jesus could see that this woman was giving evidence of heartfelt repentance for her immoral life. So he concludes: “I tell you, her sins, many though they are, are forgiven, because she loved much. But the one who is forgiven little, loves little.”—Luke 7:44-47.Jesus is not excusing immorality. Rather, he is manifesting compassionate understanding of people who commit serious sins but who then show that they are sorry and turn to Christ for relief. And what relief this woman feels when Jesus says: “Your sins are forgiven. . . . Your faith has saved you; go in peace.”—Luke 7:48, 50.","Luke 7:40-43. Luke 7:44-47. Luke 7:48, 50.", jy chap. 40 p. 100 pars. 5-7,,,joshlaymon,,7/31/2025
"Miracles—By Whose Power? blasphemes against the holy spirit, no forgiveness, ","To illustrate that his expelling demons is evidence of his power over Satan, Jesus says: “How can anyone invade the house of a strong man and seize his possessions unless he first ties up the strong man? Only then can he plunder his house. Whoever is not on my side is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters.” (Matthew 12:29, 30) The scribes and Pharisees surely are against Jesus, thus giving evidence that they are Satan’s agents. They are scattering people away from the Son of God, who is acting with Jehovah’s backing.","Jesus warns these satanic opposers: “All things will be forgiven the sons of men, no matter what sins they commit and what blasphemies they speak. But whoever blasphemes against the holy spirit has no forgiveness forever but is guilty of everlasting sin.” (Mark 3:28, 29) Think of the implications of that for those who are attributing to Satan what is plainly being done by God’s spirit!","Matthew 12:29, 30, Mark 3:28, 29, ", jy chap. 41 p. 103 pars. 4-5 ,,,joshlaymon,,7/31/2025
"Miracles—By Whose Power? demon-possessed, Jesus' brothers, gone out of his mind, mental evidence, ","As more people learn of Jesus, the controversy over his activity intensifies. That is clear when a demon-possessed man, who is blind and unable to speak, is brought to Jesus and is cured. Now the man is free of demon control and can both see and speak. The people are simply carried away, saying: “May this not perhaps be the Son of David?”—Matthew 12:23. The crowds gathered around the house where Jesus is staying are so large that he and his disciples cannot even eat a meal. Not all, though, think that Jesus is the promised “Son of David.” Some scribes and Pharisees have come all the way from Jerusalem—but not to learn from Jesus or to support him. ","They are telling people: “He has Beelzebub” and thus is in league with “the ruler of the demons.” (Mark 3:22) When Jesus’ relatives hear about the commotion, they come to lay hold of Jesus. For what reason? Well, at this point, Jesus’ own brothers do not believe that he is God’s Son. (John 7:5) The Jesus who seems to be creating this public uproar is not like the Jesus they knew while they were growing up together in Nazareth. Concluding that something must be mentally wrong with him, they say: “He has gone out of his mind.”—Mark 3:21.",Matthew 12:23. Mark 3:21. ,jy chap. 41 p. 102 pars. 2-4 ,,,joshlaymon,,7/31/2025
"Miracles—By Whose Power? What does the evidence prove, demonized man, ","What does the evidence prove, though? Jesus just healed a demonized man, who can now see and speak. No one can deny this. So the scribes and Pharisees try to discredit Jesus with a false charge. They say: “This fellow does not expel the demons except by means of Beelzebub, the ruler of the demons.”—Matthew 12:24. Jesus knows what the scribes and Pharisees are thinking, so he points out: “Every kingdom divided against itself comes to ruin, and every city or house divided against itself will not stand. In the same way, if Satan expels Satan, he has become divided against himself; how, then, will his kingdom stand?”—Matthew 12:25, 26.","What impressive logic! The Pharisees know that some Jews practice the casting out of demons. (Acts 19:13) So Jesus asks: “If I expel the demons by means of Beelzebub, by whom do your sons expel them?” In other words, their charge should just as well be applied to them. Jesus then extends the reasoning: “But if it is by means of God’s spirit that I expel the demons, the Kingdom of God has really overtaken you.”—Matthew 12:27, 28.","Matthew 12:24. Matthew 12:25, 26. Matthew 12:27, 28, ",jy chap. 41 p. 103 pars. 1-3 ,,,joshlaymon,,7/31/2025
"Miracles—By Whose Power? ties up strong man, no forgiveness forever, blasphemes against the holy spirit, ","To illustrate that his expelling demons is evidence of his power over Satan, Jesus says: “How can anyone invade the house of a strong man and seize his possessions unless he first ties up the strong man? Only then can he plunder his house. Whoever is not on my side is against me, and whoever does not gather with me scatters.” (Matthew 12:29, 30) The scribes and Pharisees surely are against Jesus, thus giving evidence that they are Satan’s agents. They are scattering people away from the Son of God, who is acting with Jehovah’s backing.","Jesus warns these satanic opposers: “All things will be forgiven the sons of men, no matter what sins they commit and what blasphemies they speak. But whoever blasphemes against the holy spirit has no forgiveness forever but is guilty of everlasting sin.” (Mark 3:28, 29) Think of the implications of that for those who are attributing to Satan what is plainly being done by God’s spirit!","Matthew 12:29, 30, ", jy chap. 41 p. 103 pars. 4-5,,,joshlaymon,,7/31/2025
"Illustrations About the Kingdom, familiar, sower who is sowing seed. eaten by birds. rocky ground, scorched sun, ","Jesus is apparently in Capernaum when he rebukes the Pharisees. Later that day, he leaves the house and walks to the nearby Sea of Galilee, where crowds gather. Jesus boards a boat, pulls out from the shore, and begins teaching the people about the Kingdom of the heavens. He does so by means of a number of illustrations, or parables. His listeners are familiar with many of the settings or features that Jesus mentions, making it easier for them to grasp various aspects of the Kingdom.","First, Jesus tells of a sower who is sowing seed. Some seeds fall alongside the road and are eaten by birds. Other seeds fall on rocky ground where there is not much soil. The roots that develop cannot reach down far, and the new plants are scorched by the sun and wither. Still other seeds fall among thorns, which choke the young plants when they come up. Finally, some seeds fall on fine soil. These seeds produce fruit, “this one 100 times more, that one 60, the other 30.”—Matthew 13:8.",Matthew 13:8.,jy chap. 43 p. 106 pars. 1-2 ,,,joshlaymon,,7/31/2025
"Illustrations About the Kingdom, seeds grow, sleep or awake, how he does not know, ","In another illustration, Jesus likens the Kingdom to when a man sows seeds. In this case, whether the man sleeps or is awake, the seeds grow. Just how, “he does not know.” (Mark 4:27) They grow by themselves and produce grain, which he can harvest.","Just how, “he does not know.” (Mark 4:27) They grow by themselves and produce grain, which he can harvest.Note: What point was Jesus making? He was explaining that just as a plant grows little by little, so a person who accepts the Kingdom message grows spiritually little by little. For example, as our sincere Bible students draw closer to Jehovah, we begin to see the many fine changes that they have made. (Eph. 4:22-24) But we must remember that it is Jehovah who makes that tiny seed grow.​—1 Cor. 3:7.","Mark 4:27, ",jy chap. 43 p. 106 par. 3 ,,,joshlaymon,,7/31/2025
"Illustrations About the Kingdom,  right kind of seed, enemy sows weeds, grow together, harvest, weeds, burn, ","Jesus then tells a third illustration about sowing. A man sows the right kind of seed, but “while men were sleeping,” an enemy sows weeds in among the wheat. The man’s slaves ask if they should pull out the weeds. He replies: “No, for fear that while collecting the weeds, you uproot the wheat with them. ","Let both grow together until the harvest, and in the harvest season, I will tell the reapers: First collect the weeds and bind them in bundles to burn them up; then gather the wheat into my storehouse.”—Matthew 13:24-30.",Matthew 13:24-30., jy chap. 43 p. 106 par. 4 ,,,joshlaymon,,7/31/2025
"Illustrations About the Kingdom, mustard grain, planted, spectacular growth, ","Many who are listening to Jesus know about farming. He also mentions something else commonly known, the tiny mustard seed. It grows into a tree so large that birds can lodge in its branches. About this seed, he says: “The Kingdom of the heavens is like a mustard grain that a man took and planted in his field.” (Matthew 13:31) ","Jesus, however, is not giving a botany lesson. He is illustrating spectacular growth, how something very small can grow or expand into something very large. Study Note: mustard grain: Several kinds of mustard plants are found growing wild in Israel. Black mustard (Brassica nigra) is the variety commonly cultivated. The relatively small seed, 1-1.6 mm (0.039 to 0.063 in.) in diameter and weighing 1 mg (0.000035 oz) produces a treelike plant. Some varieties of the mustard plant attain a height of up to 4.5 m (15 ft).","Matthew 13:31, ", jy chap. 43 p. 108 par. 1 ,,,joshlaymon,,7/31/2025
"Illustrations About the Kingdom, leaven, three large measures of flour, growth, something good, ","Then Jesus draws on a process that is familiar to many of his listeners. He likens the Kingdom of the heavens to “leaven that a woman took and mixed with three large measures of flour.” (Matthew 13:33) Although such leaven is hidden from view, it permeates every part of the dough and makes it rise. It produces considerable growth and changes that are not readily discernible.","After giving these illustrations, Jesus dismisses the crowds and returns to the house where he is staying. Soon his disciples come to him, wanting to understand what he meant. Study notes: leaven: That is, a small piece of fermented dough held over from a previous kneading and mixed into a new batch of dough to make it rise. Jesus here refers to the normal process of baking bread. Although the Bible often uses leaven to represent sin and corruption (see study note on Mt 16:6), it does not always have a negative connotation (Le 7:11-15). Here the fermenting process evidently pictures the spread of something good.","Matthew 13:33, ", jy chap. 43 p. 108 pars. 2-3,,,joshlaymon,,7/31/2025
"Illustrations About the Kingdom, BENEFITING FROM JESUS’ ILLUSTRATIONS, fulfill Bible prophecy. open my mouth, ","The disciples have heard Jesus use illustrations before, but never to this extent. They put to him the question: “Why do you speak to them by the use of illustrations?”—Matthew 13:10.","One reason he does so is to fulfill Bible prophecy. Matthew’s account states: “Without an illustration he would not speak to them, in order to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet who said: ‘I will open my mouth with illustrations; I will proclaim things hidden since the founding.’”—Matthew 13:34, 35; Psalm 78:2.","Matthew 13:34, 35; Psalm 78:2.", jy chap. 43 p. 108,,,joshlaymon,,7/31/2025
"Illustrations About the Kingdom, reveal attitude, Jesus, storyteller, miracle worker, surface knowledge, ","But there is more to Jesus’ use of illustrations. It serves to reveal the attitude of people. Many of them are interested in Jesus simply as a masterful storyteller and miracle worker. They do not see him as someone to be obeyed as Lord and to be unselfishly followed. (Luke 6:46, 47) They do not want to be disturbed in their view of things or their way of life. No, they do not want the message to penetrate that deeply. In answer to the disciples’ question, Jesus says: “That is why I speak to them by the use of illustrations; for looking, they look in vain, and hearing, they hear in vain, nor do they get the sense of it. And the prophecy of Isaiah is being fulfilled in their case. It says: ‘. . .The heart of this people has grown unreceptive.’”—Matthew 13:13-15; Isaiah 6:9, 10.","That does not, though, apply to all who are hearing Jesus. He explains: “Happy are your eyes because they see and your ears because they hear. For truly I say to you, many prophets and righteous men desired to see the things you are observing but did not see them, and to hear the things you are hearing but did not hear them.”—Matthew 13:16, 17.","Luke 6:46, 47, Matthew 13:13-15; Isaiah 6:9, 10.",jy chap. 43 p. 108 pars. 6-8,,,joshlaymon,,7/31/2025
"Illustrations About the Kingdom, stumbled, testing, anxiety, deceptive power of riches, choked, unfruitful, ","Because of their sincere desire to understand, Jesus provides his disciples with an explanation of the illustration of the sower. “The seed is the word of God,” Jesus says. (Luke 8:11) And the soil is the heart. That is a key to getting the sense of his illustration. Of the seed sown on the trampled-down soil alongside the road, he explains: “The Devil comes and takes the word away from their hearts so that they may not believe and be saved.” (Luke 8:12) In speaking of the seed sown on rocky ground, Jesus means the hearts of people who receive the word with joy but the word does not take root deep in their hearts.","“After tribulation or persecution has arisen on account of the word,” they are stumbled. Yes, when “a season of testing” comes, perhaps opposition from family members or others, they fall away.—Matthew 13:21; Luke 8:13.What of the seed that falls among the thorns? Jesus tells his disciples that this refers to people who have heard the word. These, however, are overcome by “the anxiety of this system of things and the deceptive power of riches.” (Matthew 13:22) They had the word in their heart, but now it is choked and becomes unfruitful.","Luke 8:11, Luke 8:12, ",jy chap. 43 p. 108 par. 9-p. 109 par. 3,,,joshlaymon,,7/31/2025
"Illustrations About the Kingdom, fine soil. 100 times more, another 60 times more, and another 30 times more. lamp, ","The last type of soil that Jesus comments on is the fine soil. This refers to those who hear the word and accept it into their heart, getting the real sense of it. With what result? They “bear fruit.” Because of their circumstances, such as age or health, not all can do the same; one produces 100 times more, another 60 times more, and another 30 times more. Yes, blessings in serving God come to “ones who, after hearing the word with a fine and good heart, retain it and bear fruit with endurance.”—Luke 8:15.","These words must be particularly impressive to the disciples who have sought out Jesus to get an explanation of his teachings! They now have more than a surface grasp of the illustrations. Jesus wants them to understand his illustrations so that they, in turn, can impart truth to others. “A lamp is not brought out to be put under a basket or under a bed, is it?” he asks. “Is it not brought out to be put on a lampstand?” Thus, Jesus advises: “Whoever has ears to listen, let him listen.”—Mark 4:21-23.",Luke 8:15. Mark 4:21-23. ,jy chap. 43 p. 109 par. 4-p. 110 par. 1,,,joshlaymon,,7/31/2025
"Illustrations About the Kingdom, BLESSED WITH MORE INSTRUCTION, different attitude, Jesus contrasts, wheat, weeds, ","After receiving Jesus’ explanation of the illustration of the sower, the disciples want to learn more. “Explain to us,” they request, “the illustration of the weeds in the field.”—Matthew 13:36. In asking that, they display quite a different attitude from that of the rest of the crowd on the beach. Evidently, those people hear but lack the desire to learn the meaning behind the illustrations and their application. They are satisfied with merely the outline of things set out in the illustrations. Jesus contrasts that seaside audience with his inquisitive disciples who have come to him for more instruction, saying:","“Pay attention to what you are hearing. With the measure that you are measuring out, you will have it measured out to you, yes, you will have more added to you.” (Mark 4:24) The disciples are paying attention to what they are hearing from him. They are measuring out to Jesus earnest interest and attention, and they are blessed with more instruction, more enlightenment. Thus, in answer to his disciples’ inquiry about the illustration of the wheat and the weeds, Jesus explains:","Matthew 13:36. Mark 4:24, ",jy chap. 43 p. 110 ,,,joshlaymon,,7/31/2025
" Illustrations About the Kingdom, sower, fine seed, field, sons of Kingdom, enemy, Devil, ","“The sower of the fine seed is the Son of man; the field is the world. As for the fine seed, these are the sons of the Kingdom, but the weeds are the sons of the wicked one, and the enemy who sowed them is the Devil. The harvest is a conclusion of a system of things, and the reapers are angels.”—Matthew 13:37-39.","After identifying each feature of his illustration, Jesus describes the outcome. He says that at the conclusion of the system of things, the reapers, or angels, will separate weedlike imitation Christians from the true “sons of the Kingdom.” “The righteous ones” will be gathered and will eventually shine brightly “in the Kingdom of their Father.” And what about “the sons of the wicked one”? The outcome for them will be destruction, a just cause for “their weeping and the gnashing of their teeth.”—Matthew 13:41-43. Note: harvest is a conclusion. Fulfillment From the late 1800’s onward, true Christians begin to be distinguished from false Christians. During the time of the end, true Christians are gathered and separated from false Christians.",Matthew 13:37-39. ,jy chap. 43 p. 110 pars. 5-6,,,joshlaymon,,7/31/2025
"Illustrations About the Kingdom, treasure, hidden, field, sells everything, buys,","Jesus next blesses his disciples with three more illustrations. First, he says: “The Kingdom of the heavens is like a treasure, hidden in the field, that a man found and hid; and because of his joy, he goes and sells everything he has and buys that field.”—Matthew 13:44.","Note: The hidden treasure (Mt 13:44). Spoken by Jesus, not to the crowds, but to his own disciples. (Mt 13:36) As stated in the text, the subject is “the kingdom of the heavens,” which brings joy to the one finding it; it requires that he make changes and adjustments in his life and seek the Kingdom first, giving up everything for it.",Matthew 13:44. Mt 13:36, jy chap. 43 p. 110 par. 7,,,joshlaymon,,7/31/2025
"Illustrations About the Kingdom, traveling merchant seeking fine pearls. one pearl, sold all, bought it. ","Jesus continues: “The Kingdom of the heavens is like a traveling merchant seeking fine pearls. Upon finding one pearl of high value, he went away and promptly sold all the things he had and bought it.”—Matthew 13:45, 46.",Note: The merchant promptly sells “all the things he had” to obtain the one pearl of high value. Jesus’ disciples can understand that example regarding a precious pearl.,"Matthew 13:45, 46.",jy chap. 43 p. 111 par. 1,,,joshlaymon,,7/31/2025
" Illustrations About the Kingdom, dragnet, fish of every kind, separate, treasure store things both new and old, ","Finally, Jesus likens the Kingdom of the heavens to a dragnet that gathers up fish of every kind. (Matthew 13:47) When the fish are separated, the good ones are kept in containers but the unsuitable ones are thrown away. Jesus says that it will be the same in the conclusion of the system of things—the angels will separate the wicked from the righteous. Jesus himself was doing a type of spiritual fishing when he called his first disciples to be “fishers of men.” (Mark 1:17) However, he says that his illustration about the dragnet applies in the future, “in the conclusion of the system of things.” (Matthew 13:49) So the apostles and other disciples hearing Jesus can sense that very interesting things are yet to develop.","Those who heard the illustrations given from the boat are further enriched. Jesus is showing his willingness to “explain all things privately to his disciples.” (Mark 4:34) He is “like a man, the master of the house, who brings out of his treasure store things both new and old.” (Matthew 13:52) In giving these illustrations, Jesus is not showing off his teaching ability. Rather, he is sharing with his disciples truths that are like a priceless treasure. He truly is a “public instructor” beyond compare.","Matthew 13:47, Mark 4:34, ",jy chap. 43 p. 111 pars. 3-5,,,joshlaymon,,8/1/2025
"Prepared to Preach Despite Persecution, ill-treatment, Do not become fearful, kill body, not the soul, ","While carrying out the preaching work, the apostles should not be surprised to face opposition, for Jesus says: “A disciple is not above his teacher, nor a slave above his master.” Jesus’ point is clear. He faces ill-treatment and persecution for preaching God’s Kingdom, and so will they. Yet Jesus urges: “Do not become fearful of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul; rather, fear him who can destroy both soul and body in Gehenna.”—Matthew 10:24, 28.","In this, Jesus set the example. He fearlessly endured death rather than compromise his loyalty to the one with all power, Jehovah. It is Almighty God who can destroy a person’s “soul” (his future prospects for life) or who can resurrect him to enjoy everlasting life. How reassuring this must be to the apostles!","Matthew 10:24, 28. ", jy chap. 50 p. 124 par. 6-p. 125 par. 1,,,joshlaymon,,8/1/2025
"Prepared to Preach Despite Persecution, Two sparrows sell, worth more, divide households, courage, ","Jesus illustrates God’s loving care for his followers in this way: “Two sparrows sell for a coin of small value, do they not? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground without your Father’s knowledge. . . . So have no fear; you are worth more than many sparrows.”—Matthew 10:29, 31.","The message Jesus’ disciples preach will divide households, some family members accepting it and others not. “Do not think I came to bring peace to the earth,” Jesus explains. Yes, it takes courage for a family member to embrace Bible truth. “Whoever has greater affection for father or mother than for me is not worthy of me,” Jesus observes, “and whoever has greater affection for son or daughter than for me is not worthy of me.”—Matthew 10:34, 37.Study Note: for a coin of small value: Lit., “for an assarion,” which was the wage a man earned for 45 minutes’ work.","Matthew 10:29, 31. ",jy chap. 50 p. 125 pars. 2-3 ,,,joshlaymon,,8/1/2025
"Prepared to Preach Despite Persecution, receive his disciples favorably. cup of cold water. reward, ","Yet, some will receive his disciples favorably. He says: “Whoever gives one of these little ones only a cup of cold water to drink because he is a disciple, I tell you truly, he will by no means lose his reward.”—Matthew 10:42.","Well-equipped with Jesus’ instructions, warnings, and encouragement, the apostles head out “through the territory from village to village, declaring the good news and performing cures everywhere.”—Luke 9:6.Study note: a prophet’s reward: Those who accept and support true prophets from God will be richly rewarded. The account of the widow in 1Ki 17 is an example of this.","Matthew 10:42, Luke 9:6.", jy chap. 50 p. 125 pars. 4-5 ,,,joshlaymon,,8/1/2025
"Jesus Offers Counsel About Stumbling and Sin, arguing who is greatest, a reproof, expelling demons, Jesus name, ","Jesus has just illustrated the attitude that his followers should have. They should view themselves as children, lowly and without status. The disciples should ‘receive such young children on the basis of his name and thus receive Jesus also.’—Matthew 18:5.","The apostles had recently been arguing over who is the greatest, so they may take Jesus’ words as a reproof. Now the apostle John brings up something else that has just happened: “We saw someone expelling demons by using your name, and we tried to prevent him, because he is not following with us.”—Luke 9:49.",Matthew 18:5. Luke 9:49. ,jy chap. 63 p. 150 pars. 1-2 ,,,joshlaymon,,8/1/2025
"Jesus Offers Counsel About Stumbling and Sin, expelling demons, Christian Congregation yet to be formed, ","Now the apostle John brings up something else that has just happened: “We saw someone expelling demons by using your name, and we tried to prevent him, because he is not following with us.”—Luke 9:49. Does John view the apostles as the only ones who are authorized to heal others or to expel demons? If so, how is it that this Jewish man is successful in casting out wicked spirits? John seems to feel that the man should not be performing powerful works because he is not accompanying Jesus and the apostles. To John’s surprise, Jesus says: “Do not try to prevent him, for there is no one who will do a powerful work on the basis of my name who will quickly be able to say anything bad about me. ","For whoever is not against us is for us. And whoever gives you a cup of water to drink because you belong to Christ, I tell you truly, he will by no means lose his reward.”—Mark 9:39-41. No, at this time the man does not need to accompany Christ in order to be on Jesus’ side. The Christian congregation is yet to be formed, so the fact that the man is not traveling with Jesus does not mean that he is an opposer or promoting a false religion. The man obviously has faith in Jesus’ name, and what Jesus says indicates that the man will not lose his reward.",Luke 9:49. Mark 9:39-41.,jy chap. 63 p. 150 pars. 2-5 ,,,joshlaymon,,8/1/2025
"Jesus Offers Counsel About Stumbling and Sin, stumbled, millstone, pitched into sea, remove hand, foot, eye,","On the other hand, it would be serious if the man was stumbled by the words and actions of the apostles. Jesus observes: “Whoever stumbles one of these little ones who have faith, it would be better for him if a millstone that is turned by a donkey were put around his neck and he were pitched into the sea.” (Mark 9:42) ","Jesus then says that his followers should remove even something as precious as a hand, a foot, or an eye if that causes them to stumble. It is better to be without such a cherished thing and enter into God’s Kingdom than to hold on to it and end up in Gehenna (Valley of Hinnom). The apostles have likely seen this valley near Jerusalem where refuse is burned, so they can understand it as representing permanent destruction.","Mark 9:42, ",jy chap. 63 p. 150 par. 6,,,joshlaymon,,8/1/2025
"Jesus Offers Counsel About Stumbling and Sin, their angels in heaven, lost sheep, preserve peace, arguing, ","Jesus also warns: “See that you do not despise one of these little ones, for I tell you that their angels in heaven always look upon the face of my Father.” How precious are such “little ones” to his Father? Jesus tells of a man who has 100 sheep but loses one. The man leaves the 99 to search for that lost one, and on finding it he rejoices more over it than over the 99. Jesus adds: “It is not a desirable thing to my Father who is in heaven for even one of these little ones to perish.”—Matthew 18:10, 14.","Perhaps thinking of his apostles’ arguing about who would be greatest, Jesus urges them: “Have salt in yourselves, and keep peace with one another.” (Mark 9:50) Salt makes foods more palatable. Figurative salt makes what one says easier to accept and thus can help to preserve peace, which arguing does not do.—Colossians 4:6.","Matthew 18:10, 14. Mark 9:50, Colossians 4:6.",jy chap. 63 p. 150 par. 7-p. 151 par. 1,,,joshlaymon,,8/1/2025
"Jesus Offers Counsel About Stumbling and Sin, serious issues will arise, you and him alone. two or three witnesses, ","At times, serious issues will arise, and Jesus tells how to handle them. “If your brother commits a sin,” Jesus says, “go and reveal his fault between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother.” What if he does not listen? “Take along with you one or two more,” Jesus advises, “so that on the testimony of two or three witnesses every matter may be established.” If that does not resolve the matter, they are to speak to “the congregation,” that is, to responsible elders who can render a decision. What if the sinner still does not listen? “Let him be to you just as a man of the nations and as a tax collector,” people with whom Jews would not fellowship.—Matthew 18:15-17.","Congregation overseers need to adhere to God’s Word. If they find a sinner guilty and needing discipline, their judgment ‘will already be bound in heaven.’ But when they find one innocent, it will have been “loosened in heaven.” These guidelines will prove helpful once the Christian congregation is formed. In such serious deliberations, Jesus says: “Where there are two or three gathered together in my name, there I am in their midst.”—Matthew 18:18-20.",Matthew 18:15-17. Matthew 18:18-20. ,jy chap. 63 p. 151 pars. 2-3,,,joshlaymon,,8/1/2025
"The Need to Forgive, Up to seven times? up to 77 times. record of wrongs, no limit, Peter forgives his brother, ","Peter has heard Jesus’ advice on how to handle a difficulty between brothers by trying to settle it one-on-one. Yet, Peter seems to want to quantify the number of times one should make such an effort. Peter asks: “Lord, how many times is my brother to sin against me and am I to forgive him? Up to seven times?” Some religious leaders teach that one should grant forgiveness up to three times. So Peter may feel that he would be very generous if he forgave a brother “up to seven times.”—Matthew 18:21.","However, the idea of keeping such a record of wrongs is not in the spirit of Jesus’ teaching. So he corrects Peter: “I say to you, not up to seven times, but up to 77 times.” (Matthew 18:22) That, in other words, means indefinitely. There should be no limit to the number of times Peter forgives his brother.","Matthew 18:21, Matthew 18:22, ",jy chap. 64 p. 152 pars. 1-3,,,joshlaymon,,8/1/2025
"The Need to Forgive, slave, 60,000,000 denarii, cancels the slave’s huge debt. unwilling to forgive fellow slave, ","Jesus then tells Peter and the others an illustration to impress on them their obligation to be forgiving. It is about a slave who fails to imitate his merciful master. The king wants to settle accounts with his slaves. One slave who owes the enormous debt of 10,000 talents [60,000,000 denarii] is brought to him. There is no possible way he can pay that debt. So the king orders that the slave, his wife, and his children be sold and payment be made. At that, the slave falls down at his master’s feet and begs: “Be patient with me, and I will pay back everything to you.”—Matthew 18:26.","The king is moved with pity and mercifully cancels the slave’s huge debt. Once the king has done so, this slave goes and finds a fellow slave who owes him 100 denarii. He grabs the other slave and begins choking him, saying: “Pay back whatever you owe.” But that fellow slave falls at the feet of the slave to whom he is in debt, begging: “Be patient with me, and I will pay you back.” (Matthew 18:28, 29) However, the slave whose debt the king forgave does not imitate his master. He has his fellow slave, who owes much less, thrown into prison until he can pay what he owes. Study note: 10,000 talents: Just one talent would have been the equivalent of about 20 years’ wages for a common laborer, so it would have taken the average worker thousands of lifetimes of work to repay such a debt. Clearly, Jesus was using hyperbole to illustrate that the debt was impossible to repay. The 10,000 talents of silver equaled 60,000,000 denarii.​ ",Matthew 18:26. ,jy chap. 64 p. 152 pars. 4-5 ,,,joshlaymon,,8/1/2025
"The Need to Forgive, unmerciful slave, ","Jesus then relates that other slaves who see this unmerciful treatment go and tell the master, who angrily summons the slave and says: “Wicked slave, I canceled all that debt for you when you pleaded with me. Should you not also have shown mercy to your fellow slave as I showed mercy to you?” The angry king delivers the unmerciful slave over to the jailers until he repays all that he owes. Jesus concludes: “My heavenly Father will also deal with you in the same way if each of you does not forgive your brother from your heart.”—Matthew 18:32-35.","What a lesson that should teach us about forgiveness! God has forgiven us a large debt of sin. Whatever transgression a Christian brother commits against us is small in comparison. And Jehovah forgives us not once but thousands of times. Can we not forgive our brother a number of times, even if we have a cause for complaint? As Jesus taught in the Sermon on the Mount, God will “forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.”—Matthew 6:12.",Matthew 18:32-35. Matthew 6:12., jy chap. 64 p. 153 pars. 1-2 ,,,joshlaymon,,8/1/2025
"Lessons About Hospitality and Prayer, Martha, Mary, material things, simple meal, missing valuable instructions, ","On the eastern slope of the Mount of Olives, about two miles (3 km) from Jerusalem, lies the village of Bethany. (John 11:18) Jesus goes there and enters the house of two sisters, Martha and Mary. They and their brother, Lazarus, are Jesus’ friends, and they warmly welcome him. It is an honor to have the Messiah as a visitor. Martha is eager to provide well for Jesus, so she sets to work preparing an elaborate meal. While Martha works, her sister, Mary, sits at Jesus’ feet and listens to him. In time, Martha says to Jesus: “Lord, does it not matter to you that my sister has left me alone to attend to things? Tell her to come and help me.”—Luke 10:40.","Rather than criticizing Mary, Jesus counsels Martha for being overly concerned with material provisions: “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and disturbed about many things. A few things, though, are needed, or just one. For her part, Mary chose the good portion, and it will not be taken away from her.” (Luke 10:41, 42) Yes, Jesus points out that it is not necessary to spend a lot of time preparing many dishes. Just a simple meal will suffice.Martha’s intentions are good. She wants to be hospitable. But her anxious attention to the meal means that she is missing out on valuable instruction from God’s own Son! Jesus emphasizes that Mary made a wise choice, one that will be of lasting benefit to her as well as a lesson for all of us to remember.","John 11:18, Luke 10:40.",jy chap. 74 p. 174 pars. 1-4,,,joshlaymon,,8/1/2025
"Lessons About Hospitality and Prayer, friend, midnight, three loaves, excuses, bold persistence, keep on asking, ","On another occasion, Jesus provides a different but equally important lesson. A disciple asks him: “Lord, teach us how to pray, just as John also taught his disciples.” (Luke 11:1) Jesus had already done so about a year and a half earlier in his Sermon on the Mount. (Matthew 6:9-13) However, this disciple may not have been present then, so Jesus repeats the key points. Then he gives an illustration to emphasize the need to be persistent in prayer.“Suppose one of you has a friend and you go to him at midnight and say to him, ‘Friend, lend me three loaves, because one of my friends has just come to me on a journey and I have nothing to offer him.’ But that one replies from inside: ‘Stop bothering me. The door is already locked, and my young children are with me in bed."," I cannot get up and give you anything.’ I tell you, even if he will not get up and give him anything because of being his friend, certainly because of his bold persistence he will get up and give him whatever he needs.”—Luke 11:5-8.Jesus is not implying that Jehovah is unwilling to respond to petitions, as was the friend. Rather, he is showing that if an unwilling friend will respond to persistent requests, certainly our loving heavenly Father will respond to the sincere petitions of his faithful servants! Jesus continues: “I say to you, keep on asking, and it will be given you; keep on seeking, and you will find; keep on knocking, and it will be opened to you. For everyone asking receives, and everyone seeking finds, and to everyone knocking, it will be opened.”—Luke 11:9, 10.","Luke 11:1, Matthew 6:9-13", jy chap. 74 p. 174 pars. 5-7,,,joshlaymon,,8/1/2025
"Lessons About Hospitality and Prayer, human fathers, fish, serpent, egg, scorpion, resemblance, ","Jesus then underscores his point by making a comparison to human fathers: “Which father among you, if his son asks for a fish, will hand him a serpent instead of a fish? Or if he also asks for an egg, will hand him a scorpion? ","Therefore, if you, although being wicked, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more so will the Father in heaven give holy spirit to those asking him!” (Luke 11:11-13) What a fine assurance that our Father is willing to hear us and respond to our needs! Note: The force of Jesus’ words is increased if we realize that the bread of ancient Bible lands was of a size and shape like that of a flat, round stone. Some kinds of serpents resemble certain types of fish, and there is a small white scorpion that somewhat resembles an egg. But if asked for bread, a fish, or an egg, what kind of father would give his child a stone, a serpent, or a scorpion?","Luke 11:11-13, ",jy chap. 74 p. 174 par. 8 ,,,joshlaymon,,8/1/2025
"Jesus Reveals the Source of Happiness, God's finger, his holy spirit, active force, ","When Jesus casts out of a man a demon that prevents him from speaking, the crowds are amazed. Not his critics, though. They bring up the same false accusation: “He expels the demons by means of Beelzebub, the ruler of the demons.” (Luke 11:15) Others, seeking more evidence as to Jesus’ identity, ask him for a sign from heaven.Realizing that they are trying to test him, Jesus answers them as he did similar critics encountered in Galilee. He says that every kingdom divided against itself will fall, reasoning: “If Satan is also divided against himself, how will his kingdom stand?” Then Jesus tells them directly: “If it is by means of God’s finger that I expel the demons, the Kingdom of God has really overtaken you.”—Luke 11:18-20.","Jesus’ mention of “God’s finger” should call to his listeners’ minds what happened earlier in Israel’s history. Those in Pharaoh’s court who saw Moses perform a miracle exclaimed: “It is the finger of God!” It was also “God’s finger” that wrote the Ten Commandments on two stone tablets. (Exodus 8:19; 31:18) Similarly, “God’s finger”—his holy spirit, or active force—is what is now enabling Jesus to expel demons and cure sick people. Hence, the Kingdom of God has indeed overtaken these opposers, because the designated King of the Kingdom, Jesus, is right there performing these works.","Luke 11:15, Luke 11:18-20, Exodus 8:19; 31:18, ",jy chap. 75 p. 176 pars. 2-4 ,,,joshlaymon,,8/1/2025
"Jesus Reveals the Source of Happiness, unclean spirit, fill the void with good,","Jesus’ ability to expel demons is evidence of his power over Satan, just as when a stronger man approaches and overpowers a well-armed man guarding a palace. Jesus also repeats his illustration about an unclean spirit that leaves a man. If the man does not fill the void with good things, that spirit will return with seven others, making the man’s final condition worse than at the first. (Matthew 12:22, 25-29, 43-45) So it is proving to be with the nation of Israel.","If the man does not fill the void with good things, that spirit will return with seven others, making the man’s final condition worse than at the first. (Matthew 12:22, 25-29, 43-45) So it is proving to be with the nation of Israel.","Matthew 12:22, 25-29, 43-45, ",jy chap. 75 p. 176 par. 5 ,,,joshlaymon,,8/1/2025
"Jesus Reveals the Source of Happiness, happy, womb, breasts, “the sign of Jonah.” mother of Messiah, ","A woman listening to Jesus is moved to exclaim: “Happy is the womb that carried you and the breasts that nursed you!” Jewish women hoped to be the mother of a prophet, particularly of the Messiah. So this woman might think that Mary can be especially happy as the mother of such a teacher. Yet Jesus corrects the woman as to the true source of happiness: “No, rather, happy are those hearing the word of God and keeping it!” (Luke 11:27, 28) Jesus has never suggested that Mary should be given special honor. Rather, true happiness for any man or woman is found in being a faithful servant of God, not in any physical ties or accomplishments.","As Jesus did in Galilee, he rebukes the people for demanding a sign from heaven. He says that no sign will be given them except “the sign of Jonah.” Jonah served as a sign both by his three days in the fish and by his bold preaching, which moved the Ninevites to repent. Jesus says: “But look! something more than Jonah is here.” (Luke 11:29-32) Jesus also is more than Solomon, whose wisdom the queen of Sheba came to hear.","Luke 11:27, 28, Luke 11:29-32, ", jy chap. 75 p. 176 pars. 6-7,,,joshlaymon,,8/2/2025
"Jesus Reveals the Source of Happiness, lamp, lampstand, miss the purpose of his works. light, darkness, ","“After lighting a lamp,” Jesus adds, “a person puts it, not in a hidden place nor under a basket, but on the lampstand.” (Luke 11:33) He may mean that teaching and performing miracles before these people is like hiding the light of a lamp. Because their eyes are not focused, they miss the purpose of his works. Jesus has just expelled a demon and has caused a man who was speechless to speak. ","That should motivate people to glorify God and tell others what Jehovah is accomplishing. So Jesus has words of warning for his critics: “Be alert, therefore, that the light that is in you is not darkness. Therefore, if your whole body is bright with no part of it dark, it will all be as bright as when a lamp gives you light by its rays.”—Luke 11:35, 36.","Luke 11:33, Luke 11:35, 36.",jy chap. 75 p. 176 par. 8-p. 177 par. 1,,,joshlaymon,,8/2/2025
"Trust in Jehovah’s Saving Power, protecting, Right hand, ","Time to go. Young boy, holding to his Father’s hand. He would go anywhere with him. Trust in father.",So it is with Jehovah and Christ Jesus as King. Never lose trust. ,"Romans 8:22, Isaiah 41:13, 2 Peter 3:11, 12, ",Charles Graham ,Trust in Jehovah’s Saving Power,147,bl,,8/3/2025
"Use publications wisely, ","The blade if you don’t have a handle, you just wanna cut yourself up he said so it’s important that you both meditate on them and learn how to use the scripture. Scriptures are like the blade so you can’t do anything with the handle with just a handle and you can’t do anything with just a blade cut yourself up so you need both.","Need to use publications,",,Steven Lett GB,,,bl,,8/3/2025
"Jesus Gives Counsel About Riches, leaven, Pharisees, hypocrisy, show of piety, ","As Jesus dines at the Pharisee’s house, thousands gather outside awaiting him. He has had similar experiences with the crowds in Galilee. (Mark 1:33; 2:2; 3:9) Here in Judea, many want to see and hear him, showing an attitude quite different from that of the Pharisees at the meal. What Jesus says first has special meaning for his disciples: “Watch out for the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy.” Jesus has given this warning before, but what he saw at the meal shows how urgent this counsel is. (Luke 12:1; Mark 8:15) ","The Pharisees may try to conceal their wickedness with a show of piety, but they are a danger that needs to be exposed. Jesus explains: “There is nothing carefully concealed that will not be revealed, and nothing secret that will not become known.”—Luke 12:2.","Mark 1:33; 2:2; 3:9, Luke 12:1; Mark 8:15", jy chap. 77 p. 180 pars. 1-2,,,joshlaymon,,8/3/2025
"Jesus Gives Counsel About Riches, divide the inheritance, Jesus wisely refuses, ","Then a man in the crowd brings up his immediate concern: “Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me.” (Luke 12:13) The Law says that the firstborn son receives two parts of the inheritance, so there should be no dispute. (Deuteronomy 21:17)"," It seems, though, that this man wants more than his legal share. Jesus wisely refuses to take sides. “Man, who appointed me judge or arbitrator between you two?” he asks.—Luke 12:14.","Luke 12:13, Deuteronomy 21:17, Luke 12:14, ","jy chap. 77 p. 180 par. 4,",,,joshlaymon,,8/3/2025
"Jesus Gives Counsel About Riches, tear down storehouses, build bigger, eat, drink, enjoy yourself, unreasonable, ","Jesus then gives this admonition to all: “Keep your eyes open and guard against every sort of greed, because even when a person has an abundance, his life does not result from the things he possesses.” (Luke 12:15) No matter how much wealth a man may have, will he not at some point die and leave everything behind? Jesus emphasizes that point with a memorable illustration that also shows the value of having a good name with God:","“The land of a rich man produced well. So he began reasoning within himself, ‘What should I do now that I have nowhere to gather my crops?’ Then he said, ‘I will do this: I will tear down my storehouses and build bigger ones, and there I will gather all my grain and all my goods, and I will say to myself: “You have many good things stored up for many years; take it easy, eat, drink, enjoy yourself.”’ But God said to him, ‘Unreasonable one, this night they are demanding your life from you. Who, then, is to have the things you stored up?’ So it goes with the man who stores up treasure for himself but is not rich toward God.”—Luke 12:16-21.","Luke 12:15, Luke 12:16-21. ",jy chap. 77 p. 180 pars. 5-6,,,joshlaymon,,8/3/2025
"Jesus Gives Counsel About Riches, wealth, riches, money, ravens, neither sow, reap, no barn, storehouse, God feeds","“Stop being anxious about your lives as to what you will eat or about your bodies as to what you will wear. . . . Consider the ravens: They neither sow seed nor reap; they have neither barn nor storehouse; yet God feeds them. Are you not worth much more than birds? . . . Consider how the lilies grow: They neither toil nor spin; but I tell you that not even Solomon in all his glory was arrayed as one of these. . . . So stop seeking what you will eat and what you will drink, and stop being in anxious suspense . . . Your Father knows you need these things. . . . Keep seeking his Kingdom, and these things will be added to you.”—Luke 12:22-31; Matthew 6:25-33.","Consider how the lilies grow: They neither toil nor spin; but I tell you that not even Solomon in all his glory was arrayed as one of these. . . . So stop seeking what you will eat and what you will drink, and stop being in anxious suspense . . . Your Father knows you need these things. . . . Keep seeking his Kingdom, and these things will be added to you.”—Luke 12:22-31; Matthew 6:25-33.",Luke 12:22-31; Matthew 6:25-33. , jy chap. 77 p. 180 par. 8 ,,,joshlaymon,,8/3/2025
"Keep Ready, Faithful Steward! return, attitude, second watch, third watch, happy, hour you do not think, ","The disciples can easily grasp the attitude that Jesus is illustrating. The servants he mentions are ready, awaiting their master’s return. Jesus explains: “If [the master] comes in the second watch [from about nine in the evening to midnight], even if in the third [from midnight to about three in the morning], and finds them ready, happy are they!”—Luke 12:38.","This is much more than counsel about being diligent house servants, or workers. That is clear from the way Jesus, the Son of man, brings himself into the illustration. He tells his disciples: “You also, keep ready, because at an hour that you do not think likely, the Son of man is coming.” (Luke 12:40) So at some future point, Jesus will come. He wants his followers—particularly those of the “little flock”—to be ready.","Luke 12:38. Luke 12:40, ",jy chap. 78 p. 182 pars. 3-4,,,joshlaymon,,8/3/2025
"Keep Ready, Faithful Steward! Peter, Who? Happy, appoint him over all belongings, ","Peter wants to understand Jesus’ meaning clearly, so he asks: “Lord, are you telling this illustration just to us or also to everyone?” Rather than answer Peter directly, Jesus sets out a related illustration: “Who really is the faithful steward, the discreet one, whom his master will appoint over his body of attendants to keep giving them their measure of food supplies at the proper time? Happy is that slave if his master on coming finds him doing so! I tell you truthfully, he will appoint him over all his belongings.”—Luke 12:41-44.","In the earlier illustration, “the master” obviously refers to Jesus, the Son of man. Logically, “the faithful steward” involves men who are part of the “little flock” and who will be given the Kingdom. (Luke 12:32) Here Jesus is saying that certain members of this group will be giving “his body of attendants” their sustenance, “their measure of food supplies at the proper time.” So Peter and the other disciples whom Jesus is teaching and feeding spiritually can conclude that there will be a future period during which the Son of man will come. And in that period, there will be a functioning arrangement for the spiritual feeding of Jesus’ followers, the Master’s “body of attendants.”",Luke 12:41-44. Luke 12:32,jy chap. 78 p. 182 pars. 5-6 ,,,joshlaymon,,8/3/2025
"Power, strength, Holy Spirit, water powered equipment.","Have you noticed that people with power, sell it. The Electric companies, Oil refineries, gasoline, have amassed great wealth from selling their power. ","Jehovah has a wealth of power and he doesn’t sell it, but given it free to us when we ask him. Philippians 4: 13 For all things I have the strength through the one who gives me power.",Philippians 4:13,Bobby Laymon ,Trust in Jehovah’s Saving Power,147,bl,,8/4/2025
"Keep Ready, Faithful Steward! start a fire on the earth. father against son, storm is coming,’ ","Jesus says that he has come “to start a fire on the earth.” And he has, raising issues that cause great heat of controversy and result in the consuming of false teachings and traditions. This even separates individuals who might be expected to be united, dividing “father against son and son against father, mother against daughter and daughter against mother, mother-in-law against daughter-in-law and daughter-in-law against mother-in-law.”—Luke 12:49, 53.","These comments have been especially for his disciples. Then Jesus turns to the crowds. Most of the people have stubbornly refused to accept the evidence that he is the Messiah, so he tells them: “When you see a cloud rising in the west, at once you say, ‘A storm is coming,’ and it happens. And when you see that a south wind is blowing, you say, ‘There will be a heat wave,’ and it occurs. Hypocrites, you know how to examine the appearance of earth and sky, but why do you not know how to examine this particular time?” (Luke 12:54-56) They clearly are not ready.","Luke 12:49, 53. Luke 12:54-56, ",jy chap. 78 p. 182 par. 8-p. 183 par. 1,,,joshlaymon,,8/4/2025
"Why Destruction Is Ahead, 18 on whom the tower in Siloam fell, greater guilt, time, unexpected events, ","“Those 18 on whom the tower in Siloam fell, killing them—do you think that they had greater guilt than all other men who live in Jerusalem?” (Luke 13:4) The crowd may feel that those individuals died because of some personal badness. Again Jesus disagrees. He knows that “time and unexpected events” happen and are likely responsible for this tragedy too. (Ecclesiastes 9:11) ","The people, though, should take a lesson from the event. “Unless you repent, you will all be destroyed, as they were,” Jesus says. (Luke 13:5) But why is he stressing this lesson now?","Luke 13:4, Ecclesiastes 9:11, ",jy chap. 79 p. 184 par. 5 ,,,joshlaymon,,8/4/2025
"Why Destruction Is Ahead, fig tree. digging, fertilizer, looking for fruit, found none, Judea and Perea.","It has to do with where he is in the course of his ministry, and he illustrates the matter this way: “A man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard, and he came looking for fruit on it but found none. Then he said to the vinedresser, ‘Here it is three years that I have come looking for fruit on this fig tree, but have found none. Cut it down! Why should it keep the ground useless?’ In reply he said to him, ‘Master, leave it alone for one more year until I dig around it and put on manure. If it produces fruit in the future, well and good; but if not, then cut it down.’”—Luke 13:6-9.","For more than three years, Jesus has been trying to cultivate faith among the Jews. Yet, relatively few have become disciples and can be considered fruitage of his labors. Now, in the fourth year of his ministry, he is intensifying his efforts. It is as if he were digging and putting fertilizer around the Jewish fig tree by preaching and teaching in Judea and Perea. With what results? Only a small number of Jews respond. As a whole, the nation refuses to repent and is now in line for destruction.",Luke 13:6-9.,jy chap. 79 p. 184 pars. 6-7 ,,,joshlaymon,,8/4/2025
"Why Destruction Is Ahead, compassion, Sabbath, bull, untie, anger, opposers feel shame, healed after 18 years, ","That lack of response on the part of most once again comes to the fore shortly afterward on a Sabbath. Jesus is teaching in a synagogue. He sees a woman who, because a demon is afflicting her, has been bent double for 18 years. Showing compassion, Jesus tells her: “Woman, you are released from your weakness.” (Luke 13:12) Jesus lays his hands on her, and instantly she straightens up and starts to glorify God.That angers the presiding officer of the synagogue, who says: “There are six days on which work ought to be done; so come and be cured on those days, and not on the Sabbath day.” (Luke 13:14) That officer is not denying that Jesus has the power to heal; rather, he is condemning the people for coming to be healed on the Sabbath! ","Jesus responds with clear logic: “Hypocrites, does not each one of you on the Sabbath untie his bull or his donkey from the stall and lead it away to give it something to drink? Should not this woman, who is a daughter of Abraham and whom Satan held bound for 18 years, be released from this bondage on the Sabbath day?”—Luke 13:15, 16. The opposers feel shame, but the crowds rejoice over the glorious things they are seeing Jesus do. Then Jesus repeats here in Judea two prophetic illustrations regarding the Kingdom, which he had related earlier from a boat on the Sea of Galilee.—Matthew 13:31-33; Luke 13:18-21.",Luke 13:12. Matthew 13:31-33; Luke 13:18-21.,jy chap. 79 p. 184 par. 8-p. 185 par. 2,,,joshlaymon,,8/4/2025
"The Fine Shepherd and the Sheepfolds, flock, sheep, David,  thief and a plunderer. impostors.","As Jesus continues teaching in Judea, he now draws on something that his listeners can easily picture—sheep and sheepfolds. But he is speaking illustratively. The Jews may recall David’s words: “Jehovah is my Shepherd. I will lack nothing. In grassy pastures he makes me lie down.” (Psalm 23:1, 2) In another psalm, David invited the nation: “Let us kneel before Jehovah our Maker. For he is our God, and we are the people of his pasture.” (Psalm 95:6, 7) Yes, the Israelites under the Law were long likened to a flock of sheep. These “sheep” have been in a “sheepfold” in that they were born under the Mosaic Law covenant. The Law served as a fence, separating them from the corrupting practices of people not under this arrangement. ","Some Israelites, however, mistreated God’s flock. Jesus states: “Most truly I say to you, the one who does not enter into the sheepfold through the door but climbs in by another way, that one is a thief and a plunderer. But the one who enters through the door is the shepherd of the sheep.”—John 10:1, 2. The people may think of men who have claimed to be the Messiah, or Christ. These are like thieves and plunderers. The people should not follow such impostors. Rather, they should follow “the shepherd of the sheep,” about whom Jesus says:","Psalm 23:1, 2, John 10:1, 2.", jy chap. 80 p. 186 pars. 1-3 ,,,joshlaymon,,8/4/2025
"The Fine Shepherd and the Sheepfolds, doorkeeper opens, voice, name, door, ","“The doorkeeper opens to this one, and the sheep listen to his voice. He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out. When he has brought all his own out, he goes ahead of them, and the sheep follow him, because they know his voice. They will by no means follow a stranger but will flee from him, because they do not know the voice of strangers.”—John 10:3-5. Earlier, John the Baptist, like a doorkeeper, identified Jesus as the one whom those symbolic sheep under the Law should follow. And some sheep, in Galilee and right here in Judea, have recognized Jesus’ voice. To where would he ‘lead them out’? And what would result from following him? ","Some hearing this illustration may wonder, because ‘they do not understand what he is saying to them.’—John 10:6. Jesus explains: “Most truly I say to you, I am the door for the sheep. All those who have come in place of me are thieves and plunderers; but the sheep have not listened to them. I am the door; whoever enters through me will be saved, and that one will go in and out and find pasturage.”—John 10:7-9.",John 10:3-5. John 10:7-9. ,jy chap. 80 p. 186 pars. 4-6,,,joshlaymon,,8/4/2025
"The Fine Shepherd and the Sheepfolds life in abundance, little flock, other sheep, demon, out of his mind, ","Clearly, Jesus is introducing something new. His listeners know that he is not the door to the Law covenant, which has existed for centuries. So he must be saying that the sheep he ‘leads out’ are to enter another sheepfold. With what result? Further explaining his role, Jesus says: “I have come that they may have life and have it in abundance. I am the fine shepherd; the fine shepherd surrenders his life in behalf of the sheep.” (John 10:10, 11) Jesus had earlier comforted his disciples by saying: “Have no fear, little flock, for your Father has approved of giving you the Kingdom.” (Luke 12:32) Indeed, those who make up the “little flock” are ones Jesus will lead into a new sheepfold, so that they may “have life and have it in abundance.” What a blessing to be part of that flock! ","Jesus does not end the matter there, though. He observes: “I have other sheep, which are not of this fold; those too I must bring in, and they will listen to my voice, and they will become one flock, one shepherd.” (John 10:16) These “other sheep” are “not of this fold.” Hence, they must be of yet another fold, different from the “little flock” who will inherit the Kingdom. These two folds, or pens of sheep, have different destinies. Still, the sheep in both folds will benefit from Jesus’ role. He says: “This is why the Father loves me, because I surrender my life.”—John 10:17.Many of the crowd respond: “He has a demon and is out of his mind.” Yet others show that they are listening with interest and are inclined to follow the Fine Shepherd. They say: “These are not the sayings of a demonized man. A demon cannot open blind people’s eyes, can it?” (John 10:20, 21) They evidently are referring to Jesus’ earlier curing of the man born blind.","John 10:10, 11, Luke 12:32, John 10:17. John 10:20, 21",jy chap. 80 p. 186 pars. 7-9,,,joshlaymon,,8/4/2025
"Jesus’ Ministry in Perea, exert, vigorously, narrow door, struggle, ","Jesus has been teaching and curing people in Judea and Jerusalem. Then he crosses the Jordan River to teach from city to city in the district of Perea. Soon, though, he will be back in Jerusalem. While Jesus is in Perea, a man asks: “Lord, are those being saved few?” The man may know of debates among the religious leaders over whether many will be saved or only a few. ","Jesus shifts the issue from how many will be saved to what must be done in order to be saved. “Exert yourselves vigorously to get in through the narrow door,” he says. Yes, effort, a struggle, is required. Why so? Jesus explains: “Many, I tell you, will seek to get in but will not be able.”—Luke 13:23, 24.","Luke 13:23, 24. ",jy chap. 82 p. 192 pars. 1-2,,,joshlaymon,,8/4/2025
"Jesus’ Ministry in Perea, ‘weep and gnash their teeth, door shut, locked, all nations recline at table, ","To illustrate the need for vigorous effort, Jesus says: “When the householder gets up and locks the door, you will stand outside knocking at the door, saying, ‘Lord, open to us.’ . . . But he will say to you, ‘I do not know where you are from. Get away from me, all you workers of unrighteousness!’”—Luke 13:25-27. This illustrates the plight of a person who comes late—apparently when it is convenient for him—and finds that the door is shut and locked. He should have come earlier, even if that was inconvenient. It is like that with many who could have benefited from Jesus’ being there teaching them. ","They failed to seize the opportunity to make true worship their chief purpose in life. Those to whom Jesus has been sent have not, for the most part, accepted God’s provision for salvation. Jesus says that they will ‘weep and gnash their teeth’ when they are thrown outside. Yet people “from east and west and from north and south,” yes, from all nations, “will recline at the table in the Kingdom of God.”—Luke 13:28, 29.","Luke 13:25-27. Luke 13:28, 29. ",jy chap. 82 p. 192 pars. 3-4 ,,,joshlaymon,,8/4/2025
"Jesus’ Ministry in Perea, last will be first, last first, ","Jesus explains: “There are those last [such as non-Jews and downtrodden Jews] who will be first, and there are those first [religiously favored Jews who take pride in being descendants of Abraham] who will be last.” (Luke 13:30) ",Their being “last” means that such ungrateful ones will not be in the Kingdom of God at all.,Luke 13:30,jy chap. 82 p. 192 par. 5 ,,,joshlaymon,,8/4/2025
"Jesus’ Ministry in Perea, fox, Herod, killing of John the Baptist, God’s schedule, not man’s, timetable, ","Some Pharisees now come to Jesus and advise him: “Get out and go away from here, because Herod [Antipas] wants to kill you.” Perhaps King Herod himself started this rumor to cause Jesus to flee the territory. Herod may be afraid that somehow he will become involved in the death of another prophet, even as he was in the killing of John the Baptist. But Jesus tells the Pharisees: “Go and tell that fox, ‘Look! I am casting out demons and healing people today and tomorrow, and on the third day I will be finished.’” (Luke 13:31, 32) ","In calling Herod a “fox,” Jesus may be alluding to how crafty foxes can be. However, Jesus will not be manipulated or rushed by Herod or anyone else. He is going to carry out the assignment his Father gave him, doing so according to God’s schedule, not man’s. ","Luke 13:31, 32, ",jy chap. 82 p. 192 par. 6,,,joshlaymon,,8/4/2025
"Jesus’ Ministry in Perea, should be put to death outside of Jerusalem.” hen, chicks, Jerusalem, killer of prophets, ","Jesus moves on in his journey toward Jerusalem because, as he says, “it cannot be that a prophet should be put to death outside of Jerusalem.” (Luke 13:33) No Bible prophecy said that the Messiah must die in that city, so why does Jesus speak of being killed there? Because Jerusalem is the capital, where the 71-member Sanhedrin high court is located and where those accused of being false prophets would be tried. Furthermore, that is where animal sacrifices are offered. Thus, Jesus realizes that it would be inadmissible for him to be killed elsewhere.","“Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the killer of the prophets and stoner of those sent to her,” Jesus laments, “how often I wanted to gather your children together the way a hen gathers her brood of chicks under her wings! But you did not want it. Look! Your house is abandoned to you.” (Luke 13:34, 35) The nation is rejecting the Son of God and must face the consequences!","Luke 13:33, Luke 13:34, 35, ", jy chap. 82 p. 193 pars. 1-2,,,joshlaymon,,8/4/2025
"Jesus’ Ministry in Perea, Pharisees invites, dropsy, son or bull falls into a well, pull him out, ","Before Jesus gets to Jerusalem, a leader of the Pharisees invites him to his house for a meal on the Sabbath. Those invited watch closely to see what Jesus might do about a man present who is suffering from dropsy (a severe accumulation of fluid, often in the legs and feet). Jesus asks the Pharisees and the experts in the Law: “Is it lawful to cure on the Sabbath or not?”—Luke 14:3.","Nobody answers. Jesus heals the man and then asks them: “Who of you, if his son or bull falls into a well, will not immediately pull him out on the Sabbath day?” (Luke 14:5) Again, they have no response to his sound reasoning.","Luke 14:3. Luke 14:5, ",jy chap. 82 p. 193 pars. 3-4,,,joshlaymon,,8/4/2025
"Invitations to a Meal—Whom Does God Invite? prominent place, lowest place, shame, humility, honor, manners, ","“When you are invited by someone to a marriage feast,” Jesus says, “do not recline in the most prominent place. Perhaps someone more distinguished than you may also have been invited. Then the one who invited you both will come and say to you, ‘Let this man have your place.’ Then you will proceed with shame to take the lowest place.”—Luke 14:8, 9.","Jesus next says: “When you are invited, go and recline in the lowest place, so that when the man who invited you comes, he will say to you, ‘Friend, go on up higher.’ Then you will have honor in front of all your fellow guests.” This is much more than simply displaying good manners. Jesus explains: “For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted.” (Luke 14:10, 11) Yes, he is encouraging his listeners to cultivate humility.","Luke 14:8, 9. Luke 14:10, 11, ",jy chap. 83 p. 194 pars. 2-3,,,joshlaymon,,8/4/2025
Invitations to a Meal—Whom Does God Invite? ,"Then Jesus states another lesson for the Pharisee who invited him—how to provide a dinner that has real merit with God. “When you spread a dinner or an evening meal, do not call your friends or your brothers or your relatives or your rich neighbors. Otherwise, they might also invite you in return, and it would become a repayment to you. But when you spread a feast, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind; and you will be happy, because they have nothing with which to repay you.”—Luke 14:12-14.","It is natural to invite friends, relatives, or neighbors to a meal, and Jesus is not saying that this is wrong. He stresses, however, that providing a meal for the needy, such as the poor, crippled, or blind, can bring a rich blessing. Jesus explains to his host: “You will be repaid in the resurrection of the righteous ones.” A fellow guest concurs, saying: “Happy is the one who dines in the Kingdom of God.” (Luke 14:15) ","Luke 14:12-14. Luke 14:15, ",jy chap. 83 p. 194 pars. 4-5 ,,,joshlaymon,,8/4/2025
"Invitations to a Meal—Whom Does God Invite? excuses, beg off, bought field, yoke of cattle, got married, ","“A man was spreading a grand evening meal, and he invited many. He sent his slave out . . . to say to the invited ones, ‘Come, because everything is now ready.’ But they all alike began to make excuses. The first said to him, ‘I bought a field and need to go out and see it; I ask you, have me excused.’ And another said, ‘I bought five yoke of cattle and am going to examine them; I ask you, have me excused.’ Still another said, ‘I just got married, and for this reason I cannot come.’”—Luke 14:16-20.","Those are weak excuses! A man normally examines a field or livestock before the purchase, so it is not urgent to look at them afterward. The third man is not preparing to marry. He is already married, so that should not prevent him from accepting an important invitation. On hearing these excuses, the master angrily tells his slave: “Go out quickly to the main streets and the alleys of the city, and bring in here the poor and crippled and blind and lame.” After the slave does so, there is still room. The master then tells his slave: “Go out to the roads and the lanes and compel them to come in, so that my house may be filled. For I say to you, none of those men who were invited will taste my evening meal.”—Luke 14:21-24.",Luke 14:16-20. Luke 14:21-24.,jy chap. 83 p. 194 pars. 6-8,,,joshlaymon,,8/4/2025
"Invitations to a Meal—Whom Does God Invite? Jews, religious leaders, rejected the invitation, future invite, ","What Jesus has just related well illustrates how Jehovah God had Jesus Christ extend an invitation to individuals to be in line for the Kingdom of the heavens. The Jews, especially the religious leaders, were the first to be invited. In the main, they rejected the invitation throughout Jesus’ ministry. But the invitation would not stop with them. Jesus clearly is suggesting that in the future a second invitation would be extended to lowly ones of the Jewish nation and to proselytes. Thereafter, there would be a third and final invitation to people whom the Jews viewed as unsuitable before God.—Acts 10:28-48.","Yes, what Jesus is saying truly confirms the words of one of his fellow guests, who said: “Happy is the one who dines in the Kingdom of God.”",Acts 10:28-48. ,jy chap. 83 p. 195 pars. 1-2 ,,,joshlaymon,,8/4/2025
"Discipleship—How Serious? hate, love, love less, disciple, torture stake, burden, ","As they travel along the way, Jesus says something to them that may shock some: “If anyone comes to me and does not hate his father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be my disciple.” (Luke 14:26) But what does he mean in saying this? Jesus is not saying that all who become his followers must literally hate their relatives. Rather, he means that they must hate them in the sense of loving them less than they love Jesus, not being like the man in his illustration of the evening meal who turned down an important invitation because he just got married. (Luke 14:20) The Jews’ ancestor Jacob is said to have “hated” Leah and loved Rachel, meaning that he loved Leah less than her sister Rachel.—Genesis 29:31;","Note that Jesus says that a disciple should hate “even his own life,” or soul. This means that a true disciple must love Jesus more than he loves his own life, even being willing to lose his life if necessary. Clearly, becoming a disciple of Christ is a serious responsibility. It is not to be undertaken casually, without careful thought.Discipleship may involve hardship and persecution, for Jesus says: “Whoever does not carry his torture stake and come after me cannot be my disciple.” (Luke 14:27) Yes, a true disciple of Jesus must be willing to undergo a burden of reproach such as Jesus faced. Jesus has even said that he will die at the hands of his enemies.","Luke 14:26, Genesis 29:31; ",jy chap. 84 p. 196 pars. 2-5,,,joshlaymon,,8/4/2025
"Discipleship—How Serious? tower, king marching against another king, counsel, ","So the crowds traveling with Jesus need to analyze very carefully what it means to be a disciple of Christ. Jesus emphasizes this with an illustration. “For example,” he says, “who of you wanting to build a tower does not first sit down and calculate the expense to see if he has enough to complete it? Otherwise, he might lay its foundation but not be able to finish it.” (Luke 14:28, 29) Thus, before becoming Jesus’ disciples, those traveling with him toward Jerusalem should have firmly decided to carry out the responsibility fully. He underscores that thought with another illustration:","“What king marching out against another king in war does not first sit down and take counsel whether he is able with 10,000 troops to stand up to the one who comes against him with 20,000? If, in fact, he cannot do so, then while that one is yet far away, he sends out a body of ambassadors and sues for peace.” To emphasize his point, Jesus says: “In the same way, you may be sure that not one of you who does not say good-bye to all his belongings can be my disciple.”—Luke 14:31-33.","Luke 14:28, 29, Luke 14:31-33. ",jy chap. 84 p. 196 pars. 6-7,,,joshlaymon,,8/4/2025
"Discipleship—How Serious? salt, preservative, protection, moral decay, grow weak, ","Now Jesus brings up a matter that he touched on in his Sermon on the Mount when he said that his disciples are “the salt of the earth.” (Matthew 5:13) He likely meant that even as literal salt is a preservative, his disciples have a preserving effect on people, protecting them from spiritual and moral decay. Now, as his ministry draws to a close, he says: “Salt, to be sure, is fine. But if the salt loses its strength, with what will it be seasoned?” (Luke 14:34) His listeners know that some salt available then was impure, mixed with earthy matter and thus of little use.","So Jesus is showing that even those who have long been his disciples must not let their determination grow weak. If that were to happen, they would become useless, like salt that has lost its strength. The world might then ridicule them. More than that, they would be unfit before God, even bringing reproach upon his name. Jesus stresses the importance of avoiding that outcome, saying: “Let the one who has ears to listen, listen.”—Luke 14:35.","Matthew 5:13, Luke 14:34, ",jy chap. 84 p. 197 pars. 2-3,,,joshlaymon,,8/4/2025
"Rejoicing Over the Sinner Who Repents, Pharisees, welcomes sinners, ‛am ha·’aʹrets, lost sheep, more joy, ","The Pharisees and scribes notice that such individuals—people whom they consider unworthy—are drawn to Jesus and his message. They complain: “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.” (Luke 15:2) The Pharisees and scribes feel superior and treat the common people like dirt under their feet. Reflecting the contempt they have for such ones, the leaders use the Hebrew expression ‛am ha·’aʹrets, “people of the land [earth]” to refer to them.In contrast, Jesus treats all with dignity, kindness, and compassion. Many of the lowly ones, including some who are known to be practicing sin, are thus eager to listen to Jesus. How, though, does Jesus feel about and respond to the criticism that he is receiving for helping such lowly ones?","The answer becomes clear as he presents a touching illustration, similar to one he earlier gave in Capernaum. (Matthew 18:12-14) Jesus presents things as if the Pharisees are righteous and safe in the fold of God. In contrast, the lowly people are presented as ones who have gone astray and who are in a lost state. Jesus says: “What man among you with 100 sheep, on losing one of them, will not leave the 99 behind in the wilderness and go after the lost one until he finds it? And when he has found it, he puts it on his shoulders and rejoices. And when he gets home, he calls his friends and his neighbors together, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep that was lost.’”—Luke 15:4-6. What application does Jesus make? He explains: “I tell you that in the same way, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over 99 righteous ones who have no need of repentance.”—Luke 15:7.","Luke 15:2, Matthew 18:12-14, Luke 15:4-6, ", jy chap. 85 p. 198 pars. 2-6 ,,,joshlaymon,,8/4/2025
"Rejoicing Over the Sinner Who Repents, Pharisees. consider themselves to be righteous, no need to repent, ","Jesus’ mention of repentance must strike the Pharisees. They consider themselves to be righteous and feel they have no need of repentance. When some of them criticized Jesus a couple of years earlier because he was eating with tax collectors and sinners, he replied: “I came to call, not righteous people, but sinners.” (Mark 2:15-17) The self-righteous Pharisees fail to see their need to repent, and thus they bring no joy in heaven. It is just the opposite when sinners truly repent. Reinforcing his point that the restoration of lost sinners is a cause for great rejoicing in heaven, Jesus presents another illustration, one set in a family home: “What woman who has ten drachma coins, if she loses one of the drachmas, does not light a lamp and sweep her house and search carefully until she finds it?as "," And when she has found it, she calls her friends and neighbors together, saying, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found the drachma coin that I had lost.’”—Luke 15:8, 9. The application Jesus makes is similar to the one he made after giving the illustration of the lost sheep. He now says: “In the same way, I tell you, joy arises among the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”—Luke 15:10. Imagine, God’s angels show deep interest in the restoration of lost sinners! That is particularly significant because the sinners who repent and gain a place in God’s heavenly Kingdom will have a position higher than that of the angels themselves! (1 Corinthians 6:2, 3) Yet the angels do not feel jealous. How, then, should we feel when a sinner turns to God in full repentance?","Mark 2:15-17, Luke 15:8, 9.", jy chap. 85 p. 198 par. 7-p. 199 par. 3,,,joshlaymon,,8/11/2025
"The Son Who Was Lost Returns, Perea, father who has two sons, attitude, independent , Prodigal Son, ","Jesus has given the illustrations of the lost sheep and the lost drachma coin while likely still in Perea east of the Jordan River. The message that both teach is that we should rejoice when a sinner repents and returns to God. The Pharisees and the scribes have been critical of Jesus because he welcomes people of that sort. But do such critics learn something from Jesus’ two illustrations? Do they grasp how our Father in heaven feels toward repentant sinners? Jesus now gives a touching illustration that emphasizes this same important lesson. The illustration involves a father who has two sons, the younger son being the principal character of this illustration. ","Pharisees and the scribes, as well as others hearing what Jesus relates, should be able to learn from what is said about this younger son. However, not to be overlooked is what Jesus relates about the father and the older son, for the attitudes they display are instructive too. So think about all three of these men as Jesus tells the illustration: “A man had two sons,” Jesus begins. “The younger one said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of the property that should come to me.’ So he divided his belongings between them.” (Luke 15:11, 12) Note that this younger son is not seeking his inheritance because his father has died. The father is still alive. Yet the son wants his portion now so that he can be independent and do with it as he chooses. And what is that?","Luke 15:11, 12, ",jy chap. 86 p. 200 pars. 1-3,,,joshlaymon,,8/4/2025
"Jehovah, Love, generous, gift of life, Father, Creator, Son, Jesus, Word, angels, ","Think about this: Jehovah God was all alone, and even though it's impossible for us to comprehend, it wasn't that he was lacking anything but because of love, He generously chose to share the gift of life with others. He decided to become a father, a creator. Logically, he began by creating a son with whom he could directly enjoy fellowship. As we know, this son became known as the Word, as Jehovah's spokesman. But then at some point in time again not because of loneliness, or lacking anything but because of the love He chose to further expand his family by creating millions of angelic sons. "," And amazingly, further down the stream of time, because of love, he again chose to expand his family. These children were a lower form of life. Made in this image. Of course, we're talking about Adam and Eve. The original parents of all of us. If they were not created, none of us would ever have been born. Yes, life itself is a wonderful, miraculous and generous gift. Without this gift, we wouldn't be able to enjoy any of Jehovah's other marvelous blessings. I'll talk about Jehovah's generosity when it comes to physical fitness. ","Genesis 1:1, 26, 27, ","Steven Lett, GB",,,joshlaymon,,8/12/2025
"Good gift, perfect present, planet, oxygen water cycles, Goldilocks zone, skin, grapes, generous, Jehovah, ","Every good gift and every perfect present is from above. Think for a moment about the planet we live on. Jehovah created the earth as a beautiful and unique home for us. It has all the right conditions to sustain life, including the oxygen and water cycles that continually recycle essential resources. In the earth were closer to the sun, all the water would boil off and the planet would be a barren rock. Conversely, if it were farther from the sun, the water would freeze. Jehovah places near perfect location, often called the Goldilocks zone. Think about the marvelous gift of our human bodies even in our imperfect state. As mentioned, Psalm 139:14 we are wonderfully made. Brilliant how our skin is designed to heal a cut and we can reuse it.  ","When we scratch our car it stays that way until we repair it.  What would look like if every time we damaged our skin, it just stayed that way. Began to look pretty rough in just a short period of time. And isn't it amazing how the skin allows water to exit the body in the form of perspiration but at the same time it doesn't allow water to enter the body? Take a bath. We would  become waterlogged. For a moment about how food is not only nutritious, but it's also delicious. This makes fueling our bodies very enjoyable. Otherwise it would be like putting gas in our car. A necessary function, but void of enjoyment. Think of all the tasty varieties of food. That's just one example. How many varieties of grapes are there? According to the Food and Agriculture Organization, there are about 10,000 different great varieties worldwide. Jehovah could have given us just two varieties, red and green.","Psalm 139:14, ","Steven Lett, GB",,,joshlaymon,,8/12/2025
"Imitate Jehovah's generosity, practical, beneficial, puppy, donations, worldwide, work, dedicated funds, disasters, ","How can we imitate Jehovah's generosity in giving physical gifts? It's obvious that we always put a lot of thought into his gift giving so that his guests are practical and beneficial. Likewise, we should prayerfully meditate so that our gifts are useful. Some gifts are practical. One brother gave this example. A puppy might make a fine gift to a young woman living in a rural setting. But it would be a terrible gift to a Bethelite.  If someone lacks food, clothing or shelter will just say go in peace, keep warm and well fed. OH, we apply Proverbs 3:27 which says do not withhold good from those to whom you should give it if it is within your power to help. In addition to helping brothers in need directly, we can indirectly help them by making donations to the worldwide work. ","The Governing Body prayerfully strives to use wisely these precious dedicated funds to help our dear brothers who've been afflicted by natural or man-made disasters and who urgently need suitable Kingdom Halls and assistance in many other ways. Example from the Philippines. Here are 6 before and after photographs of Kingdom Halls. What do you think was the individual average cost of these six new simplified but dignified Kingdom Halls? 21,000 U.S. dollars?  What's one way to imitate this aspect of Jehovah's giving? Well, 1 Corinthians 16:2 says on the first day of every week, each of you should set something aside according to his own means. In harmony with this scriptural principle, many have chosen to set something aside. By scheduling recurring online donations. ","Proverbs 3:27, 1 Corinthians 16:2, ","Steven Lett GB, ",,,joshlaymon,,8/12/2025
"Spiritual gift, generosity, ransom, memorial, accommodation. Power in words, Please stand, ","What was Jehovah's greatest spiritual gift of generosity? That his Son took purchases us from sin and death. And it wasn't just any Angel who Jehovah said it was his first born, his only begotten Son. What if you were tied to a chair and forced to watch the torture and execution of your most beloved child? Would be horrible of course Jehovah was not tied, but because of his great love for us, he restrained himself and allowed the torture and execution of his most precious son that is the ultimate example of. Generosity. But now we ask, how can we imitate Jehovah's generosity and giving spiritual gifts one way? By being generous and giving sincere accommodation? “If you see something good, say something good.” ","Proverbs 15:23 says a word spoken at the right time. How good it is. Words have great power. To illustrate, think of how 2 words from a convention chairman can live thousands of pounds. What are they? Please stand. Proverbs 18:21 says death and life are in the power of the tongue. Just a few words at the right time can make a tremendous difference in a person's life.  they can cause a depressed. To stand with a positive hope for the future. Another way to freely give is forgiveness. Colossians 3:13 reminds us that Jehovah freely forgives us and that we must also do the same. ","Proverbs 15:23. Proverbs 18:21, Colossians 3:13, ","Steven Lett GB, ",,,joshlaymon,,8/12/2025
"Jehovah's spiritual gifts, school of Hard Knocks, resurrection, good idea, Holy spirit, most powerful force, ","But now let's briefly contemplate Jehovah's spiritual gifts, which are even more impressive. Think about the Bible. We can’t pray without it. We would be lost, hopeless, floundering. We would have to learn life by experience from the school of Hard Knocks. We would need at least 2 lives to live. One to practice and the second to perform. Let's think about the Holy Spirit. John 14:26 describes it as a teacher and a remembrance. Sure, It is the most powerful force in the universe, and Jehovah gives it to us generously. Consider for a moment the resurrection of it strengthens us in time of great distress, when death takes a loved one or when we face death ourselves. I'm reminded of the six year old girl who said Thank you Jehovah, for the resurrection hope. It is a very good idea. Final example ","Consider for a moment the resurrection of it strengthens us in time of great distress, when death takes a loved one or when we face death ourselves. I'm reminded of the six year old girl who said Thank you Jehovah, for the resurrection hope. It is a very good idea. ","John 14:26, ","Steven Lett GB, ",,,joshlaymon,,8/12/2025
"Right Associations Lead to Life, people are like clay, ","“He that is walking with wise persons will become wise.”—Prov. 13:20. WILL not a piece of soft clay when pressed against a patterned surface carry away with it an impression of that surface? Will not the pattern cause the clay to be molded to present a somewhat similar appearance? People are like clay. Their thinking, speech and actions can be influenced either for good or for bad by their associations. As clay, they become like those with whom they associate.","If your companions have high moral principles and a love for what is right, their wholesome influence will have a good effect upon you and will be reflected in your daily life. On the other hand, if your companions have minds that are continually in the gutter, will not your thinking be dragged down to their level? If they are foul with their speech and unprincipled in their actions, will you not be influenced to be the same? Will you not be molded by your close contact with them to be like them?",Prov. 13:20. ,w61 7/1 p. 393,,,joshlaymon,,8/12/2025
"Born to Believe in God, Thomas Edison, Creator, ","Scientist-inventor Thomas Edison, when asked his view about whether there is a God, replied: “After years of watching the processes of nature, I cannot doubt the existence of a Supreme Intelligence. The existence of such a God can, to my mind, almost be proved from chemistry.”","Theologian Thomas Aquinas gave reason for belief in the existence of God with a premise common both to the theist and to the atheist, the fact that “some things are in motion.” ‘Motion implies an unmoved Mover; similarly, there must be an uncaused First Cause that possesses in itself the reason for its existence; the existence of creatures whose nonexistence is possible implies the existence of a necessary Creator; the scale of perfections evident in the universe implies the existence of an absolute standard, a perfect Being.’","Ex. 20:2-5, ",w61 7/1 p. 390,,,joshlaymon,,8/12/2025
"How Jehovah Helps Us to Endure, sick woman, bright hope, hope in paradise, prayers, carry us through, ","After successfully enduring many trials, Job told Jehovah: “Now I know that you are able to do all things and that nothing you have in mind to do is impossible for you.” (Job 42:2) As Job learned, nothing can interfere with the fulfillment of Jehovah’s purpose. That fact can strengthen us as we endure. To illustrate, imagine a sick woman who is discouraged because numerous doctors have been unable to cure her. But when an experienced and trusted doctor identifies the problem and explains how he will treat her illness, she feels relief, even though it will take some time for her to be healed. ","She can now endure, knowing that she has a bright hope—the hope that she will get better. In a similar way, our confidence in our hope of the Paradise to come helps us to endure. As we have seen, Jehovah helps us to endure our trials by means of prayer, his Word, our fellow believers, and our hope. If we make full use of these provisions, Jehovah will carry us through every difficulty we may face until the day when the hardships of Satan’s world are gone.—Phil. 4:13.","Job 42:2, Phil. 4:13. ",w25 August p. 7 pars. 18-19,,,joshlaymon,,8/12/2025
"Divine Riddles and God’s Purpose, puzzles, wisdom, ","WHEN one does not know what it is, then it is something; but when one knows what it is, then it is nothing. What is it? A riddle. In today’s highly pragmatic society, people tend to view riddling as child’s play, but in ancient times the riddle “was a test of wisdom,” notes The Interpreter’s Dictionary of the Bible.—Compare Proverbs 1:5, 6.","Rather than stating his will or purpose plainly, at times Jehovah has intentionally obscured his prophetic sayings, using analogies, mystifying “dark sayings,” or riddles that perplex. (Psalm 78:2, King James Version; Numbers 12:8, The Emphasized Bible) In fact, while the Hebrew word for riddle is used only 17 times in the Bible, the Scriptures are literally full of riddles and proverbs.","Proverbs 1:5, 6. Psalm 78:2, Numbers 12:8, ",w99 10/1 p. 26,,,joshlaymon,,8/12/2025
"Divine Riddles and God’s Purpose, “Revealer of secrets.” wisdom, puzzles, light of truth, ","“Interest in riddles,” observes one source, “seems to coincide with seasons of intellectual awakening.” Today we are highly privileged to be living in a time when spiritual “light itself has flashed up” for God’s people. (Psalm 97:11; Daniel 12:4, 9) Can we patiently wait on Jehovah to reveal his purposes according to his timetable? More important, do we act promptly to change our lives when we become aware of how to conform more fully to God’s revealed will? (Psalm 1:1-3; James 1:22-25) If we do, Jehovah will bless our efforts, so that, just as eyeglasses correct blurred vision, holy spirit will bring the beautiful mosaic of the divine purpose clearly into focus in our mind’s eye, sharpening our spiritual vision.—1 Corinthians 2:7, 9, 10.","Indeed, Scriptural riddles magnify Jehovah as the “Revealer of secrets.” (Daniel 2:28, 29) Moreover, he is also a Searcher of hearts. (1 Chronicles 28:9) It should not surprise us to learn that the unveiling of the light of divine truth has always been progressive. (Proverbs 4:18; Romans 16:25, 26) Rather than seek knowledge of the deep things of God through mysticism or shallow human wisdom, which can only lead to futility, let us confidently look to Jehovah God to turn the light of truth on his “dark sayings,” making known his wonderful purposes to faithful servants at his appointed time.—Amos 3:7; Matthew 24:25-27.","Psalm 97:11; Daniel 12:4, 9, ",w99 10/1 p. 27,,,joshlaymon,,8/12/2025
"Never Become “Enraged Against Jehovah”, blame, our own mistakes, woes, problems, ","LET us say that you have been a happily married man for many years. But one day when you return home, you find that everything in your house has been turned upside down. The furniture has been smashed, the crockery shattered, the carpet ruined beyond repair. Your treasured home has become a disaster zone. Would you blurt out, “Why did my wife do this?” Or would you be more likely to ask, “Who did this?” No doubt the second question would immediately come to your mind. Why? Because you know that your cherished mate would not be the cause of such a wanton act of vandalism.","Today, we see mankind’s home marred by pollution, violence, and immorality. As Bible students, we know that Jehovah cannot possibly be the cause of all these problems. He created this planet to be a delightful paradise. (Gen. 2:8, 15) Jehovah is a God of love. (1 John 4:8) Our study of the Scriptures has helped us to identify the real cause of many of the world’s difficulties. It is none other than Satan the Devil, “the ruler of the world.”—John 14:30; 2 Cor. 4:4.However, we cannot blame Satan for all our woes. Why not? Because some of our problems are the result of our own mistakes. (Read Deuteronomy 32:4-6.","1 John 4:8, John 14:30; 2 Cor. 4:4.",w13 8/15 p. 10 pars. 1-3,,,joshlaymon,,8/12/2025
"Never Become “Enraged Against Jehovah” facts, trusted friend, blame, ","Never doubt Jehovah. God is perfect, and his thoughts are higher than ours. (Isa. 55:8, 9) So humility and modesty should help us to admit that we are limited in our understanding. (Rom. 9:20) Rarely do we have all the facts about a certain situation. No doubt, you have experienced the truthfulness of this proverb: “The first to present his case seems right, till another comes forward and questions him.”—Prov. 18:17, New International Version.","If we have a trusted friend who does something that we might not at first understand or that we feel is unusual, will we be quick to accuse him of some wrongdoing? Or will we be inclined to give our friend the benefit of the doubt, especially if we have known that person for many years? If we deal with our imperfect friends in such a loving manner, how much more should we be inclined to trust our heavenly Father, whose ways and thoughts are much higher than ours!","Isa. 55:8, 9, ",w13 8/15 pp. 13-14 pars. 18-19,,,joshlaymon,,8/12/2025
"Accept Jehovah’s Love, Satan, crafty, lion, ","By accepting Jehovah’s love, we can fight against one of Satan’s “crafty acts.” (Eph. 6:11) Satan will do anything he can to keep us from serving Jehovah. One of Satan’s craftiest acts is to promote the lie that Jehovah does not love us. Never forget that Satan is an opportunist. He often attacks when we are vulnerable—perhaps weighed down emotionally by past experiences, by present challenges, or by uncertainties about the future. (Prov. 24:10) ","Satan is like a lion seeking to take advantage of his defenseless prey. So he tries to take advantage of our low emotional state to get us to give up. But if we keep strengthening our conviction that Jehovah loves us, we will be better equipped to take our “stand against” Satan and his cunning tricks and tactics.—1 Pet. 5:8, 9; Jas. ","Eph. 6:11, 1 Pet. 5:8, 9; ",w25 August p. 9 par. 4,,,joshlaymon,,8/12/2025
"Accept Jehovah’s Love, skin bottle, collects tears, struggle, precious water, ","Take Jehovah at his word. He inspired Bible writers to describe him as he truly is. Consider the tender way in which the psalmist David described Jehovah. “Jehovah is close to the brokenhearted; he saves those who are discouraged.” (Ps. 34:18, ftn.) When you are downhearted, you may feel that you are all alone. But Jehovah promises that at such times, he is close to you because he sees that you need him more than ever. In another psalm, David wrote: “Do collect my tears in your skin bottle.” (Ps. 56:8) Jehovah sees when you struggle. He cares deeply about you and what you are going through. ","He, in a sense, collects your tears and treasures them, as though they were the precious water in a traveler’s skin bottle. At Psalm 139:3, we read: “You [Jehovah] are familiar with all my ways.” Jehovah sees all your ways, but he focuses on the good you do. (Heb. 6:10) Why? Because he cherishes every effort you make to please him.","Ps. 34:18, ftn, ",w25 August p. 10 par. 7,,,joshlaymon,,8/12/2025
"Eyewitness, traffic accident, Judge, Jehovah saw the whole thing, pretense, ","You know, to kind of illustrate the power of an eyewitness, I want you to imagine a traffic accident. You're just sitting at a stop sign and another car comes around the corner and runs right into you. Now, when the police come, shockingly, the person who ran into you says you ran into them and the police believe them.  You take the matter to court. The judge listens as the other person testifies in detail how you ran into them. But before you can say anything, the judge says no, that is not what happened. I was walking on the sidewalk that day. And I saw the whole thing. ","Now, who would imagine that the judge in your case actually was an eyewitness? You say to yourself, well, if I had known that I wouldn't have been so worried about what was going to happen in court today. Now, while it's extremely unlikely that you're going to go to court and the judge is going to be an eyewitness for you, this does illustrate the Peace of Mind that we can have in knowing that Jehovah is an eyewitness to all that happens. So the lesson for us, when we're falsely accused, is of great comfort for us to know that Jehovah was there that day and saw the whole thing. Now, knowing that Jehovah sees all the good that we do can also help us avoid putting on a pretense. ","Luke 18:9 -14, Isaiah 11:3, ",,,,joshlaymon,,8/12/2025
